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jerzwriter · 9 months

Note

im thinking a mix of 4 and 8 from the protective prompts for jensen and casey (platonic ofc). depending on how you go w it, i could also see it as a bonding moment for jensen and tobias if jensen was the one helping casey, but please take it any way you want!!

Thanks for your patience, MJ. I've been a little slow. lol I hope you like the results! From these prompts.

Book: Open Heart Characters: Jensen (M!MC), Casey (F!MC), Bryce Lahela Rating: Teen Category: Hurt/Comfort; Friendship Words: 865 Summary: Casey attempts to help Jensen after a rough day. A/N: No one else will understand, but we do - lol - this is from the Roomies AU, MJ. Hope you like it! Participating in @choicesmonthlychallenge March Prompt - Friends.

She had to decide what to do soon. After all, Casey never spent much time in the kitchen. Hitting 5.0 minutes on the microwave was the extent of her culinary skills, and as the designated cook in the apartment, Jensen knew that. She had another three, four minutes tops before he realized she was keeping tabs on him. A minute or two more before he would find it irritating. Unfortunately, it was the only room in their tiny apartment where she could keep an eye on him, and as she had come to know him better, he had come to know her, too. And he should know she wouldn't leave him alone when he was like this.

A quick glance at her phone on the counter confirmed that Bryce still hadn’t replied. He was in surgery most of the day, but perhaps he could offer some clue of what happened, then maybe... just maybe she’d know what to do. She startled a bit when she heard him shift on their worn, leather sofa... his first movement since arriving home. But that’s all he did, not a word nor a single gesture as he sat in the dark, arms crossed protectively in front of his chest.

Finally, her phone vibrated, and she grabbed it before he heard. Two words, followed by three dots. Bryce had more to say, but she already had all the information she needed.

His mom...

Casey felt her temper rising. She didn’t know much about the woman, but anything she had heard, she didn’t like. Still, Jensen was protective of her, so like Bryce, Casey often bit her tongue when the topic was broached. A second text came in.

... he sent her a present for her birthday, and she returned it unopened. It arrived at work just before he left today. I’ll be out in a few hours, but if you could...

...I’ve got it.

She replied. She let out a silent sigh. Did she have it? She knew how she’d want to be comforted if something this awful happened to her. She would know how to comfort Bryce or her other friends, but Jensen was different, and while they had been growing closer, she wished she had a manual at times like this.

Her head turned toward his bedroom, the door wide open and his bed still unmade. In the center of a tangle of sheets and blankets sat the stuffed raccoon that Bryce – his definitely not boyfriend Bryce – had won for him after a recent trip to the fair. Casey named him Rocky Raccoon, and Jensen never fought her, so Rocky it remained. Working on instinct alone, she retrieved the plush animal and silently marched back to the living room. Coming to a stop right behind Jensen on the couch.

“Hey,” she spoke softly.

Jensen let out a long breath, taking his time before replying.

“Hey.”

“I know you’re having a rough day...” she started.

“What gave it away?” he said without intonation.

“You came home while I was finishing my workout, and you never once made fun of my ‘Flashdance’ attire.”

“Hmmm,” he mumbled. “Dead giveaway.”

Without a word, she stepped closer and placed her hand lovingly on his shoulder as her other hand reached around and placed Rocky Raccoon gently on his lap.

“If you want me to go away, I will. But if you want me to stay, I’ll just sit here. You don’t have to say a thing... not to Rocky or me.”

The darkness surrounding him didn’t lift; they both knew that would take some time. But Jensen felt about an ounce lighter, and right now, that was a good start.

“Sure, you can sit here."

Casey was quickly at his side. Not too close, and no touching. She fought every fiber in her being that longed to hold him, tell him how wonderful he was, and that he'd be OK. But this wasn’t about her... it was about him. So she just sat to let him know she was there.

About twenty minutes had passed before Jensen spoke, a text from Bryce breaking him from his spell.

“Bryce will be here in about an hour,” he spoke.

“OK.”

“Do you know what I'd like before he arrives?”

The corner of Casey’s lip raised ever so slightly. “The rocky road ice cream in the fridge? Two spoons?”

Jensen didn’t smile in response, but she could see the tension in his jaw loosen.

“Two spoons,” he replied.

When Bryce arrived, an empty container was on the table with two spoons resting inside. Rocky was nestled under Jensen’s arm, and any benefit Casey received from the workout before was shot to hell.... but she didn't mind. Bryce leaned over and whispered in her ear.

“I’ve got this from here.”

She silently stepped up and headed to her room. Bryce had slid into the space she held for him, but just before she closed her bedroom door, Jensen called out.

“Case.”

“Yeah?”

“Thanks.”

With a soft smile, she closed the door, knowing her friend was in good hands. It would take some time, but he would be all right.

@mydemonsdrivealimo

@choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics Additional tags in reblog.

#open heart #open heart choices #choices open heart #open heart fanfics #friendship #bryce lahela #bryce lahela x m!mc #m!mc & f!mc / oc #playchoices #choices the stories you play #choices fanfic #fic requests

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txemrn · 1 year

Text

Ricochet

Part IV: "... This Isn't What I Wanted (or Is It Everything?)"

Need to Catch up?

A New Boss (a prequel of sorts)

Part I: “Like Moths to the Flame”

Part II: “So Far Away, but Still So Near”

Part IIIa: “And I Know It Gets Dark…”

Part IIIb: "...But I Know the Way."

Pairings: Ethan Ramsey x F!OC (Tatum Erikson); Tobias Carrick x F!OC (Tatum)

Series Music Inspo: Ricochet by Starset (more of an acoustic fan? Check it here.)

Chapter Music Inspo: "Shapeshifting" by Taylor Acorn

Series Summary: Almost two decades ago, he gave love a chance–and she betrayed him. Now after all of this time, Dr. Ethan Ramsey and Dr. Tatum Erikson realize that their past feelings might not exactly be ancient history–especially now that they are forced to work together.

Chapter Summary: Tatum has called for assistance from the main OR, but will they be any help when several emergencies emerge at the same time? Tatum takes courage and finds her voice when she remembers an awful experience; she meets a new, young surgical resident

Warning: 🔞mature audiences only 🔞 TW: dub-con/non-con 🍋; strong depiction of a medical procedure; strong depiction of a medical emergency involving newborn infant and mother; language (including a slur against woman); angst; discussion of infidelity

Word Count: 4300 (+/-)

A/N: Characters and some plot belong to Pixelberry! Not beta'd, so please excuse my errors. Fair warning: this is not my strongest chapter (I mean, it took my FOREVER to actually finish it and post), but I hope you enjoy the journey regardless.

A/N 2: It really has been forever and day, so here's a recap: *clear throat* Previously in Ricochet... Unable to sleep after his encounter with Casey at Raf and Sienna's wedding, Ethan's heads in to the hospital despite it being his day off; after a challenging talk with Tobias about unspoken intentions with Tatum, the chief heads over to the L&D ORs, where he finds a terrified Tatum in the midst of a rare, very lethal surgery, and her hesitation doesn't go unnoticed by the staff in the observation deck as they ridicule the new chief of OB, Tobias being the ringleader of the hate; Ethan sternly bans them from witnessing the once-in-a-lifetime surgery before turning to encourage Tatum in the most Ethan-way possible: with just a look...

~🖤~

Remaining in her sterile surgical gear, Tatum carefully takes a seat on a metal stool, saving her back for the arduous surgery staring at her on the operating table. She anxiously chews on her lip, her eyes darting across her patient's open abdomen before fixating on her fresh set of steel tools.

The procedure she knows like the back of her hand: clamp, cut, control bleeding. But, with the placenta growing outside of the uterus and into other organs, into the delicate vasculature of the pelvis, it's like going into this surgery blindfolded.

The uterus has to come out–and the patient is well aware of this and prepared. But, this isn't like any other hysterectomy. Will it cost the patient her ovaries? Her bowels and bladder? Her life?

Tatum urgently stands back up, staring at the clock on the wall. It had been over twenty minutes, and her STAT page was yet to be answered by surgery. Too slow for L&D standards; way too slow for her own standards. And at this rate, the patient’s spinal anesthesia is going to dissipate before they even start.

Damnit… think, Tatum, think…

She could always page Ramsey.

No.

Tatum refuses to resort to that. Well, not that calling on him for assistance would be the worst thing in the world.

She had a brief moment of weakness–more like a moment of uncertainty, actually–when she discovered her patient’s unknown lethal condition, and Ethan clearly recognized the fear etched on her face from the gallery; truth be told, the accreta scared him, too.

However, Tatum is a highly skilled physician; her reputation for excellence precedes her. If she needs help, she will ask for it–and she has.

She's embarrassed that she even needed Ethan's reassurance earlier, even if it was just for that moment, that simple nod of 'I believe in you.' Sure, it was supportive, and it gave her that extra push she needed to power forward.

But that look, that damn crystal gaze…

Damnit, why did she have to freeze? It was only for an instant, a very brief second. Tatum Erikson doesn't need a vote of confidence. Not from anyone, not even from the famous Dr. Ethan Ramsey. She is independently strong, independently capable.

But now, Tatum feels as if she's accidentally exposed a secret side to herself, like her own Achilles' heel; it's quite possible now he knows he still has an effect on her.

Worse, now she knows he still has an effect on her.

She turns to Wanda the charge nurse, who shrugs her shoulders to the physician's unspoken question.

Tatum takes a deep cleansing breath, trying her best to stay calm. "Can someone please tell me where the hell is my backup ?"

"Right here, Doctor…"

Hearing the monotoned boredom of an unfamiliar male voice, Tatum spins around to find two gentlemen moseying into her operating room, drying off their hands with blue sterile towels. The tension raking her nerves is instantly relieved, seeing her help arrive.

The older of the men continues. "I'm Dr. Aaron Tanaka, chief of surgery," he nods his head towards the taller gentleman. "And this is one of my fourth-years–"

"Sup?" The young surgical resident smoothly winks at Tatum, popping gum under his mask.

Oh great, a kindergartner… Tatum rolls her eyes as the healthcare team assists the men into their protective gowns. As the physicians roll their gloves over the cuffs of their sleeves, Tatum escorts them over to her patient, catching them up to speed on what has happened so far. Together, Dr. Tanaka and Dr. Erikson develop several plans of how to overcome the patient's lethal risk of hemorrhaging.

"Whoa…" the younger surgeon exclaims, "I have never seen anything like that–"

Tatum clears her throat, glaring at the amateur physician.

"Should I start charging admission?" The patient jokes on the other side of the blue drape, causing the room to snicker loudly.

Tatum leans toward the young doctor, her tone low and syrupy. And quite sarcastic. “Try not to say everything that pops into that feeble little brain of yours–” He pops his chewing gum, winking with a finger gun. Fucking residents…

As the room quiets down, the patient softly whistles to get her surgeon's attention. "Dr. Erikson?" Tatum tucks in her hands, carefully wiggling her body closer to the head of the table to hear the patient clearer.

"Yes ma'am? You ready?"

The patient lowers her voice. "He's not, eh, doing the surgery, is he?" referring to the surgical resident who was shocked by the scene.

The blonde guffaws. "No, ma'am," she glances back to the young doctor who is now talking cooly with her staff, the nurses dow-eyed and eagerly laughing at everything he says. But suddenly, he fixes his flirty, soft copper eyes on Tatum. His intense gaze fools her into inadvertently staring too long as she begins to take note of his tall, trim physique. He begins to smolder, causing her to turn her attention back to her patient. "H–He's here for… my entertainment."

“Is he hot? He sounds hot.” Tatum gives a dramatic wink while her patient shoots a knowing look in return, clicking her tongue and giggling.

“Erikson?” The anesthesthetist breaks her from her reverie, confirming the case status. “We’re ready.”

"Perfect.” Tatum takes her place on a metal step stool, matching her height with her assists. She’s above average height for a woman at five-foot-nine-inches, but still, the men tower over her. She looks around the room with a commanding stance. “Are we set then?"

"Ready when you are, Doc," Dr. Tanaka affirms, others nodding in agreement.

Tatum cracks her neck, taking a big deep breath. "Okay, then," she exhales, surveying her staff, "now who's ready to have a birthday party?"

After a few shared chuckles, the patient was safely intubated and given the proper amount of anesthesia. Seeing that she was safely asleep under the appropriate gasses, Dr. Erikson quickly proceeds with her cesarean surgery, and in record time, she delivers a beautiful six-pound, thirteen-ounce baby girl.

The OB takes the tiny infant in her arms, making cooing noises to welcome the tiny one into the world as she suctions out the mouth and nose with a green bulb syringe.

But as the birthday cheers begin to quiet down around the room, the situation abruptly becomes dire: the baby is limp, her skin becoming dusky gray at the cut of her cord. Tatum continues to stimulate the baby to breathe with no avail.

"C'mon, baby girl," Tatum's words become gruffly matter-of-fact. She wrestles with her legs, flicking her feet vigorously with her fingers, but her tiny frame lays flaccid in the physician's hands like a limp fish.

Lifeless.

No cry.

"Nurse?" Tatum urgently calls out, quickly handing off the stunned baby to the waiting NICU staff. "Keep me updated–" she orders as the team hooks the baby up to specialized monitors, performing the necessary interventions to resuscitate.

Tatum briefly closes her eyes, taking a deep breath before she focuses on the surgery. Opening her eyes, she nods assuredly to Tanaka before continuing. “Pickups.” The surgical tech hands the obstetrician a pair of tissue forceps and a cauterizing tool to continue with her surgery. "I need an update, ladies," Tatum shouts. Her tone is assertive and controlled, commanding and clear. Inwardly she is panicked, but she remains calm, a testament to her leadership skills and her quick thinking.

"We're just past a minute of life. Pulse is 52. Starting compressions… draw up epi… let's get an umbilical line…"

Fuck. Tatum's nerves tangle as she listens to the baby's team of professionals administer medications and physical maneuvers to make her spontaneously breathe on her own. Still, the OB continues steadily and carefully with her surgery, glancing over at the baby every few seconds.

C'mon, baby girl. Cmon. Mama needs you–

Suddenly, a trill of alarms begin to blare rapidly, stealing everyone's attention. Before realizing what had happened, warm, crimson fluid spatters across the surgical field, saturating Tatum's arms, gloves and gown; her mask and shield are covered with blood.

"Erikson!" Shouts the anesthetist, "BP 67/23… heart rate now in the 150s…"

"That vessel on the lateral portion of the accreta blew. She's bleeding out, Erikson–" Tanaka quickly suctions the field of the pooling blood. "She's getting shocky… and fast. How should we proceed?"

Fuck. Tatum grabs a stack of lap pads and tosses them to the young resident. "We need to find the source of this bleeding." He nods and instantly begins soaking up the copious amounts of fluid with the large, thick pieces of gauze as Tatum explores the body cavity with Tanaka.

"BPs dropping," anesthesia hollers.

"Give me a second–"

"Erikson! She doesn't have a second–"

"Bolus her and mass transfuse four units–" Feeling their stares, Tatum looks up at her concerned anesthesia team. "Now!" She growls, her eyebrows furrowing as she returns to the carnage. "Then cross and match four more units… and buy me a goddamn second!"

Taking a deep breath, Tatum flickers her attention to her assistants, both of them giving her an approving nod.

"Damnit! Dr. Erikson! I can't get this intubation on the baby. We need you–"

"Dr. Erikson! Vitals not improving–"

“Dr. Erikson–!”

Tatum glances around the room, her paralyzing fear slowing down time. All she can hear is the thunder of her own heart racing, the rasp of her breathing echoing in her head. She sees the concerned faces; she hears the whispers of doubt and concern from her colleagues

She’s losing them. The possibility of losing either of them never crossed her mind, but both? A mother and child? This wasn’t the plan; this was never part of the fucking plan.

The sting of tears pricks at Tatum’s reddening eyes.

What do I do?... what have I done?

------

The torrential downpour hushes to a dull tapping of raindrops as hollow roars of thunder rumble in the distance; but, the storm was just beginning for Tatum as she lays frozen in her bed, her sanctuary that she shared only with the love of her life.

And now, his best friend.

The room suddenly feels so different, so strange and unknown. It seems so ordinary, no longer special. The warmth of home has melted away, leaving a peculiar chill of unfamiliarity.

There's a handsome smell, a spicy musk that hangs in the air. But, it’s not Ethan.

There’s a pair of distressed jeans tossed carelessly on the carpet, but the body heat that lingers isn’t from him either.

There’s a set of arms possessively wrapped around her naked body. The skin feels … different. The hair? Different. The actual grip and weight on top of her: it’s different.

It’s not Ethan.

What have I done? Tatum’s eyes pain with the threat of tears, her chest beginning to rise and fall in search of fresh air, in search of clarity. But with each gasp of a new breath, she quietly whimpers in agony for the ache in her heart.

She had broken the most precious thing she owned. That she will ever own.

"You awake?" Tobias croons in her ear as his large hand massages the soft, flat planes of her belly. He tenderly works his way down, his fingers intimately petting her sore, swollen lips between her thighs.

She winces, her toes curling as her body grows rigid from his unwanted touch. She consciously holds her breath, hoping he won't notice her terrified nerves.

"What’s wrong, baby girl?" he whispers, pressing his full lips against her neck, biting at the sensitive area. “Are you needing more already?”

Tatum can feel his heavy erection against her hip, his intentions painfully aware. He slowly rocks himself against her body as if to charm her like a serpent, hypnotizing her to give him exactly what he wants. Another rendezvous; another fuck; another sin.

Desperate for a gentle hand, she foolishly lost herself in Tobias’s caress earlier that evening. She was vulnerable, inebriated, and lonely. In her altered mind, even for just a small moment, being in his arms made sense–well, being in someone's arms made sense. She needed Ethan. She was broken and hurt, and she despairingly needed her boyfriend’s love and comfort.

But, Tobias was there. His words, the look on his face, the heat in his touch: it was exactly what she needed to sooth her wounds. For the moment.

And now, he wants to claim her once more.

Shit, can a woman deny a man if she’s already given in once? Does he have a claim over her, a right, an expectation? The conversation played out in her head: 'You said, ‘yes’ earlier, you tease. You whore…'

Oh God, would he turn on her? Shame her publicly? Worse, would he tell Ethan before she could… that is if she decided to actually tell her boyfriend–no, she had to, right? But if Tobias told Ethan before her, would he be honest about what happened? Or would she become another victim of slut-shaming? 'She couldn't be faithful; what else is she lying about?'

It was one time; it was one mistake. Does that unravel three years of trust? Three years of commitment? Three years of love?

Tatum already knew the answer, and the taste of bile grazes the back of her throat.

She needed to stop this from happening again. But how can she while still protecting herself?

This was a grave mistake…

Tobias gently rolls her over, kissing hungrily against her pout. His tongue swipes across her plump lips, his large hand roaming down the outside of her thigh. But then he stops, sensing her awkwardness. “You okay?” His voice is haunting, dark, his gray eyes piercing her vacant stare.

No. “Uh-huh,” she lies with a nod. The corners of her mouth begin to curl as his hand grips behind her knee, hitching her leg around his waist. Goosebumps ignite across her skin in betrayal as he pushes himself against her throbbing clit.

Stop, her brain screams.

“Relax, Tate,” he growls before reclaiming her lips, nipping and bruising them. "Let me make you feel good."

Tell him to stop.

“Is this okay?”

No. She reluctantly shakes her head 'yes' in agreement.

He aligns his girth with her entrance, fisting the sheets next to her head as he hovers above her docile form.

Say something! Do anything! she screams to herself, but she is paralyzed by fear. It's more than just the fear of the consequences of what's happening. Tatum is terrified of herself.

Then again, maybe she believes she deserves this. It wasn't going to be pleasurable for her, rather an act of attrition. Maybe that's why her body allowed his advances. Maybe she needed to feel the discomfort as a form of punishment for what she had done against Ethan. Maybe this was a last ditch effort to settle the score, to make things even.

Feeling Tobias's weight begin to push into her, she turns her head to her phone laying on the bedside table, praying for Ethan to call her, text her, anything to interrupt this.

But nothing comes through.

And suddenly, she sobs out a painful moan.

------

“Dr. Erikson—!”

Say something… Do anything…

Tatum subtly shakes her head, the horrid memory fleeing her thoughts. The frantic voices of the NICU team pull her attention to the struggling infant.

“Please, doc, we need this intubation. We don’t have time to wait for our back-up–”

Tatum watches the mother’s abdomen pool with blood before turning a pleading stare to her colleague. “Tanaka–?”

“I’m on it.” He elbows his wide-eyed resident, “Suction.”

Say something… Do anything…

Seeing the men take over, Tatum instantly rips off her dirty gown and gloves and positions herself at the head of the baby’s bed.

“Would you like for us to call our back-up?” The neonatal practitioner urgently interrupts.

Tatum remains silent, seemingly ignoring her. She slides a metal apparatus into the infant’s mouth before guiding a clear plastic tube inside the throat and past the vocal cords. Attaching an ambu bag to the special tube to assist with the baby’s breathing, she watches the tiny chest rise and fall in coordination with the squeezing of the ventilation. Tatum steals a stethoscope from a nearby nurse’s neck and listens closely to the lungs.

“Breath sounds…” she moves the flat, round bell to the other side of the tiny torso, “equal and bilateral.” Tatum smirks as on-lookers silently praise her with sighs of relief. “Now,” she continues, “get this kid some epi. Oh! And ma’am?” She turns to the practitioner while handing the stethoscope back to the nurse. “I don’t need back-up.”

Slipping back into her sterile apparel, Tatum rejoins Tanaka and his resident, but quickly notices that he still hasn’t been able to find the source of the bleeding. She looks to anesthesia, “Where are we on our blood?”

“The first unit is pouring into her, but–”

“--she’s bleeding it back out–shit!” Tatum stares at the flood of viscous crimson.

“How would you like to proceed?” Dr. Tanaka questions. “Maybe order some more blood?”

Tatum thinks in silence, racking her brain for a solution.

“Should we call someone? Maybe someone who knows?” Anesthesia sardonically suggests, earning him a hateful side-eye.

“Maybe you should just plug the hole up with your finger,” the resident chuckles, his attending suddenly glaring in disapproval. Tatum glances at him, her eyes squinting into a glower as her eyebrows furrow.

These idiots–

But then she stops. She slowly cocks her head with curiosity as she suddenly considers his words.

Actually…

"My apologies, Dr. Erikson,” Tanaka interjects. “Perhaps we should–"

“--plug the hole up,” Tatum interrupts the seasoned surgeon, echoing the resident's poor joke, only this time, there is a certainty in her voice. "I’m going in." She instantly sticks her gloved hand into the open abdominal cavity, gently feeling her way around the thick, warm fluid.

“Dr. Erikson,” Dr. Tanaka chides, “this… is… highly unusual–”

“Just keep suctioning,” she orders, her hands tenderly brushing against the fragile uterus and the delicate vessels.

Tanaka scoffs, giving a knowing look to a worried anesthesia provider. The tall, young resident looks to his mentor, unsure of what to do… or if there was anything to do. He nervously looks back to Dr. Erikson, but suddenly his jaw falls open.

Her eyes are closed.

"Erikson–?" the anesthesiologist attempts to get her attention.

"Give me a sec," she carefully feels her way through the body.

His voice grows frantic. "Her vitals are–"

"Got it!" She instantly peers up at her staff with relief before turning to her tech. Her hand remains deep inside the patient, her arm twisted at an odd angle. "Get me a 3-O vicryl suture on an SH. Now please."

Tatum works quickly in silence as she temporarily fixes the weak, broken vessel. It wasn't a long-term answer, but this would buy them time to thoroughly clear the area of the accreta while cauterizing the necessary vessels before they performed the hysterectomy.

"Okay, so–" She flashes an innocent gaze to anesthesia, batting her eyelashes. "What were you saying about those vitals, doctor?" She's grateful she's wearing a mask to hide her smirk, but she knows her eyes are giving her away.

"Stabilizing, ma'am, uh. Doctor."

Shaking his head in disbelief, Dr. Tanaka suctions to clear the field–and it stays that way.

"How did you know that would work?" The resident questions, his warm gaze fixating on the blonde OB.

Tatum stops, thoughts racing through her mind as she considers her words. She then subtly shakes her head, returning to the operation. "I didn't… but sometimes even when you don't know what the answer is, you just have to do something. It’s way better than nothing."

------

Impressive. That's the word men use when a lady doctor kicks ass. The anesthesia team along with Dr. Tanaka couldn't stop talking about Tatum's heroic move of plugging up the ruptured vessel with her finger–and doing so only by her sense of touch, completely blind. If she were a man, they would've given her a cigar; but to be described as impressive? She knows her battles; she'll take it.

As they transfer the patient to recovery, Tatum takes a moment to herself to bask in the relief of saving a life. Of saving two. She slips back into the sink area to be alone in silence.

Taking in a deep cleansing breath, she allows her nerves to relax for the first time in several hours. She tightly clenches her watering eyes shut, taking pleasure in the subtle sting of warmth after being in the frigid sterile air.

She grips firmly to the edge of the sink as she wiggles and contorts her body, feeling the sudden release of tension as her joints crack and pop.

She's grateful; she knows the success of the surgery was not by her doing alone. She would never be foolish enough to be that cocky, to truly think that something like this was completely in her control. There's only so much in her power, so much that science and her skills can fix. But when lives are left to chance, she’s grateful that the gamble fell into her favor.

"Am I interrupting anything?"

Instantly recognizing the familiar lax vocal timbre, Tatum looks up from the large steel sinks to find the tall, surgical resident, leaning against the doorway outside the operating room. She smiles appreciatively at him as he takes off his blue mask.

He's young– maybe in his late twenties–and handsome with a natural caramel glow to his skin. The lines of his face are cut sharp, chiseled into perfect angles. He’s slender, but well-toned; his green scrub top pulls snug around the musculature of his biceps. Although his hibiscus-laden scrub cap covers his head, his sun-kissed brunette tresses are pulled back into a tiny ponytail. Most of the hairs, however, have already worked their way out of the elastic, resting on the nape of his neck.

"No," Tatum shakes her head, "not at all."

He steps into the room, casually sliding his hands into his pockets. “Can I just say… that was incredible.”

Tatum stifles a bright smile, feigning nonchalance as she picks at her nails. "I mean–" She glances back up at him, but seeing the glint of excitement reciprocated, she instantly forgets whatever smart-ass comment she was about to make and squeals. “God, that was fucking cool, wasn’t it?”

"The fucking coolest! One of the most interesting cases I've seen in a while," he sucks in his bottom lip, his dimpled grin plastered wide across his face. "You just…” he snickers under his breath, “wow, I don't see myself forgetting this anytime soon."

Their playfulness quickly vanishes as Tatum catches a hint of something in his tone. Is he flirting? Becoming hyper-aware of his proximity, an err of awkwardness falls between them. Feeling heat bloom on her cheeks, Tatum quickly attempts to rectify the situation by clearing her throat, rolling back her shoulders to straighten out her back. “By the way, thank you," she starts, "for your help in there with the, uh… with the, um–" Unable to find the right words, she begins holding up her pointer finger, spinning it around in the air. "Um… You know? The whole fingering thing–I mean–"

He chuckles, coyly looking down at the ground before meeting her gaze again, flashing his pearly whites. "Dr. Erikson, are you accusing me of 'fingering' in your OR?"

Tatum's eyes widen. She purses her lips together to stifle her laughter. Oh, so you're a bad kindergartner… "That… that's not what I meant, uh… doctor… um–"

"Bryce," he holds out his hand to take hers. "Bryce Lahela."

Speechless, Tatum mindlessly places her hand in his palm. She clears her throat again as she shakes his hand sternly in a poor attempt of being professional. "Nice to officially meet you--" she states matter-of-factly, "--Bryce. I'm–"

"--going to Donahue's," he interrupts.

"What?"

He snickers. "You're going to Donahue's for a drink."

"Oh, am I now?"

"You are," he takes a step closer, the front of his Crocs kissing the toes of her tennis shoes. "With me. Those are the rules."

"Rules?"

"Mhmm," he hums as he lifts up her hand. Tatum didn't realize that he was still holding on even after their professional handshake. He points to the small tattoo on her wrist that she normally covers with her watch. "See this right here?"

"My tattoo?" She giggles sardonically to herself, curious as to what line he's about to feed her.

"You're a Virgo," he flashes a smirk, "which means we need to satisfy that impulsive side of yours by grabbing drinks together. In celebration of your badassery today, of course."

"Oh, of course," Tatum jests, pulling her hand away from him. "Too bad I'm not a Virgo," she turns to walk away, but stops herself, glancing back to him. "Also… you suck at astrology," she giggles before walking away from the sink area.

Bryce chuckles under his breath before jogging to catch up with her. "What’s with the Virgo ink then?"

Tatum rolls her eyes, glancing briefly at the collection of connected stars. "Long story–"

"--which… you can tell me… over drinks at Donahue's!" They both fall into laughter as Tatum comes to a stop in the hallway.

"You're not going to let this go, are you?"

"Hey, I wasn't lying about the rules. We have to celebrate."

Tatum looks up and down the empty corridor before crossing her arms, considering his proposition. God, is this what she is resorting to these days? Last night, Tobias and tonight, a resident? Who really is this guy anyway?

Tatum wasn't sure if he was messy or complicated; but he was gorgeous, and he was available. Maybe. And he wasn't Ethan Ramsey.

"One drink. As colleagues. That's it."

~🖤~

Tags (please let me know if you'd like to be added/removed):

PERMA

@alj4890 @ao719 @charlotteg234 @issabees @kat-tia801 @kingliam2019 @mainstreetreader @mom2000aggie @neotericthemis @nikirennie87 @peonierose @socalwriterbee @tessa-liam

ALL OPH

@alyshak92 @annfg8 @bisexualdisasteracd @cariantha @coffeeheartaddict2 @lsvdw-blog @mvalentine @ofmischiefandmedicine @rookiemartin @starrystarrytrouble @youlookappropriate

------

Thank you so much for your support! Every like, comment and reblog means the world to me! 🖤

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peonierose · 2 years

Note

#14 :)

Thank you so so much. And sorry for the late reply 😁

Here's a little something I hope you like it 🥰 Since Luna hasn’t given birth yet. I sort of played with the idea if she already had ☺️ Hope that’s okay

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

Book: Open Heart

Pairing: Bryce Lahela x Luna Auclair

Rating: Fluff

Words: 900+

A/N: I got the wonderful prompt (#14 - the baby being visibly excited when one of the parents is entering the room) from @jerzwriter ❤️ from this prompt list

My mom stands next to me as I change Kehlani and she does the same with Alaia. Changing twins? Team effort.

”They’re so cute,“ my mom comments and blows a raspberry on Lanis tummy.

She giggles and it’s my favorite sound in the whole world.

I grin softly at my mom

”Totally. Except when we have to change them. I think B almost fainted last night,“ I say

Bryce walks up the stairs

He kisses my shoulder

”That’s not true babe. Don’t listen to them Lani,“ he says and I move to the side so that he can have time with one of his girls.

She looks up at him with her big brown eyes. And starts giggling.

He smiles. His eyes so proud. He tickles her and earns an excited laugh.

”See? She loves me,“ he picks her up and bounces her on his hip.

I cross my arms

”She loves me more,“ I say and don’t even notice my mom filming this whole thing.

Bryce keeps talking to Lani

”Don’t listen to her. I know I’m your favorite,“ he kisses her soft cheeks.

Lani keeps looking at him and laughs.

”Beat that,“ Bryce grins triumphantly.

”This is not a contest,“ I retort

”Says the loser. Give me five,“ he says to Lani and he high fives Lanis little hand.

Grace laughs so hard she has to lean on the wall for support.

”You guys I almost peed my pants from laughing,“ she says and I give her Rosie to hold who smiles adorably at her grandma.

My mom is still laughing to herself, and wiping tears from the corner of her eyes.

Bryce is still holding Lani.

When Rosie starts to fuss. She’s making her I‘m-hungry-and-you-better-feed-me-face

I smile and get settled in the rocking chair.

I peel away my bra and gently put Rosie in place.

Not gonna lie. The first time nursing hurt a little, but it’s better now.

Bryce dances around with Lani as my mom makes silly faces at her, to keep her from crying.

Nursing twins? Is a balancing act. Usually when one of them sees me nursing? The other wants in too. And I’m not able to nurse both of them at the same time.

”Looks like someone is hungry,“ Bryce comments and kisses me on my forehead.

”Yeah,“ I say and when Rosie is done I give her to Bryce and take Lani who’s smiling excitedly. I let her take the other side to nurse her.

”Looks like she knows where her favorite place is. I sure know the feeling,“ Bryce comments winking at me and burps Rosie.

”B….“ I blush down to my neck.

My mom chortles and says taking Rosie from Bryce to kiss her soft cheeks.

”Oh don’t worry I‘ve heard worse. Isn’t that right my little angel,“ my mom says and Rosie puts her chubby hand on my moms face giggling.

They both smile and I wish I’d had a camera to capture the moment. Luckily B is way ahead of me and snaps a pic.

———————————————————

Lying in bed the baby monitor on full. Should the twins wake up, needing anything.

I sigh into my pillow as sleep won’t come.

My whole body feels weird. A few weeks after giving birth, it still feels weird.

I don’t think I’ve adjusted to not being pregnant anymore.

Bryce rolls to his side, leaning in closer so his lips are right next to my ear.

”Can’t sleep?“ his voice raspy from sleep.

I turn around be he holds me in place and puts a hand over my stomach.

”I feel weird not being pregnant,“ I admit

He leans closer and lazily traces soft kisses along my neck.

”Why?“ he mumbles against my skin

”I don’t know. It’s as if I hadn’t really gotten the memo that I gave birth,“ I say and feel weird for saying that.

It was a painful experience giving birth, but I miss tracing fingers along my stomach feeling the twins kick. Talking to them through my stomach.

Now that they’re here. It’s just so different.

I tell B my thoughts.

”It feels weird not being pregnant, because I don’t feel them kick anymore. I miss my baby bump,“ I say sadly.

I feel his smile against my shoulder.

”Oh we can definitely work on making you feel that way again,“ he says his tone gone lower.

I laugh and tune my head to look at him.

”I gave birth a few weeks ago. I don’t feel like doing that again so soon,“ I say turning fully around.

Bryce looks at me. As if I’m his most priced possession.

He licks his lips and leans down to kiss me and I just sigh at the contact. Feeling like a horny teenager. Craving this contact with him all the damn time.

”Is it weird that I can’t get enough off of you?“ I ask into the dark, the pale moonlight drifting into the room. Making B look like a fallen angel.

He smiles wickedly

”Not at all,“ he says and before we can move further ahead the baby monitor lets us know that the twins woke up.

He puts his face on my stomach, frustration clear on his face.

”I was really hoping to get some time alone with these,“ he says looking sadly at my breasts.

I kiss him

”Later. I think we’ve really got to manage our alone time better. Maybe be a bit quicker about it,“ I say and adjust my white sleeping shirt. And I feel my boobs leaking.

He smiles getting up and hands me a new shirt from the drawer

”Thanks B,“ I say thankfully

”Oh I can be real quick,“ he says smiling at me and I smile back

He pulls me into his arms

”Anything for you my darling angel,“ he says kissing me and together we go look after our little miracles.

Please let me know if you’d like to be added or removed

Perma tags:

@annieruok94

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@the-mrsreigns

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@inlocusmads

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Other tags:

@openheartfanfics

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#Open Heart #prompt #14 #Twinkle twinkle little star #pregnancy #twinning #Bryce Lahela x Luna Auclair (F!OC)

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peonyblossom · 1 year

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I’m working on a Bryce x f!OC fic and I’m wondering if y’all would prefer it to take place in the Sadie x Ethan AU or the Syd x Ethan AU. The ship is gonna take place in both universes, so it’s just like would you rather see Sadie or Sydney as a side character in this one shot?

#The Gang is going to a halloween party #bryce x f!oc #bryce x oc #bryce lahela

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storyofmychoices · 5 months

Text

Thanksgiving's Little Miracle: Happy Birthday, Malia!

[Bryce Lahela x Olivia Hadley Masterlist]

Pairing: Bryce Lahela x Olivia Hadley (F!OC) with Malia Lahela Book: Open Heart Word Count: ~500 Rating/Warnings: general, no warnings, all the fluff

Tagging: Thanksgiving: @choicesnovchallenge ; @choicesholidays "I'm thankful for you" ; @choicesficwriterscreations ;

Synopsis: Olivia and Bryce welcome their baby girl, Malia.

This absolutely precious and heartwarming art is by the lovely, ArtbyAinna. Not me setting every alarm and notification possible to make sure I got a November slot just for this moment! 😌💛

The open curtains invited the November sunlight into the room, its golden rays casting a gentle warmth despite the cool Boston temperature outside. Soft, hushed whispers of nurses' footsteps and distant murmurs from the hallway occasionally drifted in, creating a familiar symphony for the parents.

Bryce and Olivia rested nestled in her hospital bed, enraptured by their newborn daughter, Malia.

"Look," Olivia whispered, her voice infused with wonder, "she's opening her eyes."

Bryce leaned closer, his heart swelling with affection as her eyes fluttered shut once more. "She's got your eyes," he remarked softly.

"And your nose," Olivia added, a gentle chuckle dancing in her voice. Her eyes welled as she marveled at their beautiful daughter, unable to take her gaze off of her. She had spent months patiently waiting for this moment, wondering what she would look like, what she would sound like, and what her personality would be. Now, she was here. All those long months of waiting were worth every second because they brought her to this moment.

Malia lay nestled, her chest rising and falling in a gentle rhythm, soothed by the comforting murmur of her parents' voices.

"She's so small," Bryce admired, his voice tinged with awe. His fingers brushed over her tiny hands that wrapped around him in response

"But she's ours."

Malia let out a soft whimper, prompting Olivia to soothe her with a gentle sway. Bryce readjusted her blankets, tucking her safely back into its embrace.

"I'm thankful for our little miracle," she murmured, planting a soft kiss on Malia's forehead. "For her health, her warmth, and the love we will share with her."

Bryce's hand found Olivia's, intertwining their fingers. "I'm thankful for you. For your strength, your love, and for bringing our beautiful girl into this world."

His arm wrapped around his wife, his lips pressing a lingering kiss on the top of her head. He shook his head slightly to the sides in disbelief, not sure how he could have ever gotten so lucky. He stole a glance at his little girl, his eyes filled with tears. There was so much he'd share with her, a world of possibilities to give her. But for now, she had everything she could need, and so did he.

As they savored this intimate moment with Malia, their phones buzzed softly with messages on the table by the window.

"I can't wait for her to meet everyone," Olivia whispered, cradling their daughter as she leaned into his embrace.

Bryce nodded, pride gleaming in his eyes as he held the two halves of his world in his arms. "Me too," he whispered and pressed another kiss on the crown of her head. "But not yet. Let's just stay here a while longer."

Her lips curved into a serene smile. "That sounds perfect," she murmured softly, content to let the moment linger for as long as they could.

Thank you so much for reading and supporting! I hope you enjoyed both the art and the drabble. I absolutely adore this couple and Malia is going to be the most amazing (fictional) person some day. I can't wait to learn more about her! 💖💖💖💖 [Learn more about Malia]

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choicesficwriterscreations · 4 months

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It's that time of year again! Thank you to the creators who have shared their Top 5 creations of 2023 according to Tumblr note count. The Creator's Pick Top 5 will be posted this weekend! Links to all fics can be found below the break.

@aallotarenunelma ✒️

So This is Love (BOLAS) - Aerin Valleros x M!elf!MC

Distant Light (BOLAS) - Tyril Starfury x F!elf!MC

Indigo Night (ID) - Cassius Harlow x NB!MC, NB!OC

Répondez, s'il vous plaît! 3 (ILS/ID) - Various Pairings

Sophomore Secret (ILITW) - Dan Pierce x F!MC, M!OC

@angelasscribbles ✒️

A Fervid Fixation (TRR) Ⓜ️ - Drake Walker x MC

In Your Room (TRR) Ⓜ️- Drake Walker x Leo Rys

The Dark Kingdom (TRR) Ⓜ️ - Various Pairings

Dark Elf (TRR) Ⓜ️- Various Pairings

Heir Apparent (TRR) Ⓜ️- Drake Walker x MC, Liam Rys

@baldwinboy5ive 🎨

Blades Coffee Shop AU (BOLAS) - Aerin Valleros x MC

I Will Drag Him Back (BOLAS) - Tyril Starfury & Aerin Valleros

The Spray Bottle (BOLAS) - Imtura, Mal, Aerin

Aerin Instagram (BOLAS) - Aerin Valleros

The Prison Visit (BOLAS) - Aerin Valleros x MC

@cariantha ✒️

Accidental Valentine (OH) - Ethan Ramsey x F!MC

If Only I Could (OH) - Ethan Ramsey x F!MC

Code Yellow (OH) - Ethan Ramsey x F!MC

A Kiss on the Hand (OH) - Ethan Ramsey x F!MC

Daddy Distress (OH) - Ethan Ramsey x F!MC

@inlocusmads ✒️

Intro To Negotiation Science (COP) - Trystan Thorne x F!MC

A Strange & Sudden Companionship (COP) - Trystan Thorne x F!MC

Cross Your Hearts & Set it Ablaze (COP) - Trystan Thorn x F!MC

Partner (Disambiguation) (COP) - Trystan Thorne x F!MC

New York, June 2014 (COP) - Trystan Thorne x F!MC

@jerzwriter ✒️

A Different Fate, Part 1 (OH) - Ethan Ramsey x F!MC

What Happened in Vegas, Part 4 (OH) - Ethan Ramsey x F!MC

Abundance (OH) - Ethan Ramsey x F!MC

The Perfect Gift (OH) - Tobias Carrick x F!MC

Take Me Out (COP) - Trystan Thorne x F!MC

@ladylamrian ✒️

Welcome to the World of Night (NB) - Nightbound MC

Bound by Fate (NB) - Nik Ryder x F!MC

A Meeting in Wyoming (NB) - Nik Ryder x F!MC

Wedding Proposal (NB) - Nik Ryder x F!MC

OC Headcanons (NB)

@liaromancewriter ✒️

Every Day (OH) - Ethan Ramsey x F!MC

Summer Romance (OH) - Ethan Ramsey x F!MC

Beautiful Stranger (OH) - Ethan Ramsey x F!MC

Sleeping Beauty (OH) - Ethan Ramsey x F!MC

Something to Talk About (OH) - Ethan Ramsey x F!MC

@noesapphic ✒️

The Other Woman (D&D) - Roselyn Sinclaire, Ernest Sinclaire, Duke Richards

A Glimpse of Us (TRR/TRM) - Liam Rys & MC, Fabian Rys & MC

Barcelona | Prince Hamid (D&D) - Prince Hamid x MC

Worthy (TRR) Hana Lee x MC

The Cursed Heiress, Ch. 17 (D&D) - Mr. Sinclaire x F!OC

@peonierose ✒️

Losing Game - Part 1 (OH) - Bryce Lahela x F!OC

Nightbound AU vs. Hänsel & Gretel, Part 3 (NB) - OCs

Nightbound AU vs. Hänsel & Gretel, Part 2 (NB) - Nik Rider, F!MC, OCs

Once, Part 2 (TNA/OH) - Sam Dalton x F!MC

Hau’oli la Heleui (OH) - Bryce Lahela, F!OC, Keiki Lahela

@storyofmychoices ✒️

Go On, Feel It! (BOLAS) - Mal Volari x F!MC

Our Future Doctor (OH) - Bryce Lahela x F!OC

No Kissing! (COP) - Trystan Thorne x F!MC

Dance With Me (OH) - Bryce Lahela x F!MC

A Theif in the Gardens (BOLAS) - Mal Volari x F!MC

@tessa-liam ✒️

Memories (TRR) - Liam Rys x F!OC

The Sacrifice (TRR) - Liam Rys x F!OC

Regrets (TRR) - Liam Rys x F!OC

Old Habits Die Hard (TRR) - Liam Rys x F!OC

Turning the Page, Prologue (TRR) - Liam Rys x F!OC

@trappedinfanfiction ✒️

Brunette (OH) - Ethan Ramsey x F!MC

Crossroads (OH) Ⓜ️ - Ethan Ramsey x F!MC

A New Neighbor (COP) - Trystan Thorne x F!MC

Midnight Talks (OH) - F!MC, Sienna Trinh

What's in a Name? (COP) - Trystan Thorne

@zealouscanonindeer ✒️

Together (OH) - Ethan Ramsey x F!MC

Company (OH) - Ethan Ramsey x F!MC

Locked In (OH) - Ethan Ramsey x F!MC

20 Questions (OH) - Ethan Ramsey x F!MC

Long Overdue (OH) Ⓜ️- Ethan Ramsey x F!MC

#choices fic writers creations #tumblr top 5 #playchoices #choices stories you play #blades of light and shadow #immortal desires #it lives anthology #the royal romance #open heart #crimes of passion #nightbound #desire and decorum #the nanny affair #choices fanfic #choices fanart #playchoices fanfic #playchoices fanart #long post

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choicespride · 2 months

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Aromantic Spectrum Awareness Week 2024 Masterlist

Blades of Light and Shadow

aeruilir - f!elf!mc (Killian Clawthorne) - @inlocusmads

Crossroads - nb!OC (Nyx Selenastra) - @storyofmychoices

New Nyx Edit - nb!OC (Nyx Selenastra) - @storyofmychoices

Nyx Ask - nb!OC (Nyx Selenastra) - @storyofmychoices

Nyx & Nessa - nb!OC (Nyx Selenastra) & f!OC (Nessa Tidalheart) - @storyofmychoices

Crimes of Passion

Questionnaire - nb!MC (Kiira Rose) - @aallotarenunelma

The Elementalists

Atlas in Blue - Atlas Ernhardt - @storyofmychoices

SpreadJoy #858 - Zeph Hernandez - @storyofmychoices

SpreadJoy #861 - Atlas Ernhardt - @storyofmychoices

The Freshman

Maddison & Rin - MC (Rin Day) - @choicesmc

Somehow, I Never Got The Rose-Tinted Glasses - MC (Rin Day) - @choicesmc

Getaway Girls

SpreadJoy #859 - Maia Thompson - @storyofmychoices

The Haunting of Braidwood Manor

Questionnaire - f!MC (Hanna Watkins) - @aallotarenunelma

High School Story

Myra Khandaar but if she had a full body sprite for her casual outfit ft. an alt version - Myra Khandaar - @cadybear420

Questionnaire - nb!MC (Ilo Jordan Lee) - @aallotarenunelma

It Lives Anthology

Lottie Hamilton ASAW24 Edits - nb!MC (Lottie Hamilton) - @peonyblossom

SpreadJoy #860 - Amalia de León - @storyofmychoices

Murder at Homecoming

Questionnaire - nb!MC (Valentine Edelmina Stone) - @aallotarenunelma

Open Heart

Asks - f!OC (Aliyah), Bryce Lahela - @mydemonsdrivealimo

So I'll Just Paint It Chrome - Bryce Lahela x m!MC (Jensen Valentine) - @mydemonsdrivealimo

Perfect Match

Questionnaire - f!MC (Pirjo Park) - @aallotarenunelma

Untameable

Questionnaire - nb!MC (Virta "River" Ariel Aaltonen) - @aallotarenunelma

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openheartfanfics · 20 days

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Newly Added Fics

Mar 30 - April 5, 2024

Bryce x F!MC

Las hijas de Luna - @peonierose ☁

It’s time for Luna and Bryce to welcome their twins into the world. Will there be any complications? Or will the birth go without a hitch? [Pregnancy]

Yellow Hibiscus in Bloom - @aallotarenunelma ☁

This is Doctor's Day. How will Bryce and Kaisa will celebrate it?

Ethan x F!MC

A Chance Encounter - @cariantha 📚

[mini: wip] Ten years prior to meeting at Edenbrook, Ethan and Sawyer have a chance encounter during spring break. [Young Ethan]

Part 2: The Hook-up

Baby(moon) Planning - @genevievemd 📱

Gen and Ethan plan a trip before the baby arrives.

Stand By Me - @liaromancewriter 🦚

Cassie experiences the downside of having Ethan Ramsey as a mentor.

When life has other plans - @coffeeheartaddict2 📚🛸

[extended: wip] A competition has commenced for the interns at Edenbrook hospital. A horrid first day leads to an unexpected test of a new machine but what is Dr. Ethan Ramsey hiding?

CH 15: DéJà Vu

Ethan x Reader

Picnic - @stanathanxoox ☁

Planning a picnic and making them food even if you’re an amateur cook, in hopes you’ll impress them more.

Sienna x M!OC

Unlikely Adventures - @liaromancewriter 📱

There's only one person who can convince Sienna to take a chance on a life of adventure.

Rafael x F!MC

Moving In - @rafasgirl23415 📚

[extended: wip] Follow up to We Belong Together. Set a few years into the future. Feat. Sienna Trinh x M!OC

CH 29: What Could Have Been - Part 1 [TW: PTSD]

CH 29: What Could Have Been - Part 2 [TW: PTSD]

CH 30: The Back To Work Blues

Tobias x F!MC

Whenever… whatever ✋🏽 - @jerzwriter 📱

After Shakira's freaking ridiculous comments about Barbie, Tobias was not going to be having it, and steps would have to be taken.

With Warning - @jerzwriter 📚

[mini:wip] As the friendship and bond between Casey and Tobias developed, each of her friends had a few things to say to Dr. Carrick.

Part 5: Captain Lahela & a Serving of Common Sense

SUBMIT OPEN HEART FICS & WRITERS HERE

#open heart #open heart fanfics #open heart choices #playchoices #open heart fanfiction #choices fanfics #choices fanfiction #bryce lahela #bryce lahela x mc #ethan ramsey #ethan ramsey x mc #tobias carrick #rafael aveiro #sienna trinh #sienna trinh x oc #rafael aveiro x mc #tobias carrick x mc #newly added fics

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choicesflashfics · 4 months

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Here is the masterlist of the holiday fics from the Flashifcs Holiday Prompt event. Thank you to everyone who participated and/or shared for others to see!

A Meeting in Wyoming - @ladylamrian (Nightbound; Nik Ryder x F!MC)

Holiday Shopping - @rosepetals1 (Perfect Match; Hayden Young x F!MC)

Christmas Tree Dilemma - @rosepetals1 (Perfect Match; Hayden Young x F!MC)

Turning the Page Chapter 7: Because I Love You - @tessa-liam (The Royal Romance; Liam x F!MC)

Under the Mistletoe - @liaromancewriter (Open Heart; Ethan Ramsey x F!MC)

Dashing Through the Snow - @kristinamae093 (The Royal Romance; Liam x F!OC)

Turning the Page Chapter 8: Home is Where the Heart Is - @tessa-liam (The Royal Romance; Liam x F!MC)

Favors - @cariantha (Open Heart; Ethan Ramsey x F!MC)

Blame It On The Mistletoe - @kristinamae093 (The Royal Romance; Liam x F!OC)

Beneath the Mistletoe - @storyofmychoices (Blades of Light and Shadow; F!MC x OC / Mal Volari x Tyril Starfury / Mal Volari x F!MC / Tyril Starfury x OC)

Holiday Cheer - @storyofmychoices (Open Heart; Bryce Lahela x F!OC / Ethan Ramsey x F!MC / Tobias Carrick x F!MC)

Jouluyö - Christmas Night - @aalltarenunelma (Immortal Desires, ILITW, ILB Crossover; Multiple Pairings)

Impossibly Perfect - @storyofmychoices (Open Heart; Bryce Lahela x F!OC)

You’re All I Need - @liaromancewriter (Open Heart; Ethan Ramsey x F!MC)

Marabelle Chapter 8: A Princess for a Prince - @tessa-liam (The Royal Romance; Liam x F!OC)

Traditions - @bebepac (The Royal Romance; Liam x F!MC)

Peppermint Kisses - @peonierose (Crimes of Passion; Trystan Thorne x F!MC)

Snowed in at the Cabin - @aallotarenunelma (It Lives; Lincoln McQuoid x NB!MC)

Making It Work - @liaromancewriter (Open Heart; Ethan Ramsey x F!MC)

#choicesflashfics #choices fanfiction #choices fanfic #choices prompt challenge #flashfics holiday prompts #masterlist #choices #playchoices

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choices-february2023 · 1 year

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Masterlist Week 1

Guinevere

Guinevere and Lancelot | Lancelot du Lac x MC (Guinevere) - @walkerswhiskeygirl

Open Heart

Dance with Me | Bryce Lahela x F!OC - @storyofmychoices

Feeling Wicked | Sienna Trinh x M!OC - @liaromancewriter

La Vie Avec Toi | Ethan Ramsey x F!MC; Sienna Trinh x M!OC - @liaromancewriter

A Mixed-Up Valentine | Tobias Carrick x F!OC; F!MC - @jerzwriter

Sadie's Self Care Sunday #21 | F!MC - @peonyblossom

Red Carpet Diaries

A White Wedding | Thomas Hunt x F!OC - @theartoflovingthomashunt

#guinevere #open heart #red carpet diaries #lancelot x mc (guinevere)#bryce lahela x f!oc #sienna trinh x m!oc #ethan ramsey x f!mc #tobias carrick x f!oc #oh f!mc #thomas hunt x f!oc #choicesfebruary2023 #choices monthly challenge #choices #playchoices

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jerzwriter · 4 months

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The way I screamed when I saw this commission! The artwork is by the simply lovely, delightful & talented @rosefuckinggenius. If you have never commissioned her, you should! Rose, you're the absolute best, my dear! Thank you for bringing my babies to life this holiday season!

All is Merry & Bright

Book: Open Heart (Post Series) Pairing: Tobias Carrick x F!MC (Casey Carrick) Other Characters: Bryce Lahela, @mydemonsdrivealimo's Jensen Valentine, Vivian Carrick (F!OC), Jordan Carrick (M!OC) Words/Rating: 1,200 / Teen Summary: It's their second Christmas with little Samantha, and the Carricks are getting ready to take their Christmas card photo. As Uncle Jordan sets up the perfect shot, Grandma Vivian, Bryce, and Jensen provide the commentary. A/N: In my timeline, this would be taking place in Christmas of 2024.

With their coffee orders securely in hand, Tobias stepped into the vestibule of his townhome, careful to make sure ‘Hurricane Samantha’ wasn’t underfoot. A year ago, he and Casey wondered what it would be like when she began to walk and talk; now they knew, it only added to the joyful chaos they had come to know and love. It was as familiar as the warm vanilla cinnamon scent that had filled the air ever since Casey moved in and as welcoming as his wife’s loving embrace or his daughter’s smile at the end of the day.

He smiled as he placed the snowflake bedecked cups on their dining room table. The last four years of his life bore no resemblance to the thirty-six that had preceded it, and he wouldn’t have it any other way.

He was broken from his thoughts when he heard his brother's desperate pleas from the adjacent room. He was doing his best to keep Samantha occupied, but she was quicker than he thought, and the bowl of red, silver, and green-wrapped Hershey kisses was too tempting. As the toddler's tiny hand reached up and attempted to grab the bowl, Jordan was beginning to unravel.

“No, Sammy! No! I know Mommy and Daddy don't want you on a sugar high while before taking your Christmas pictures!”

But Samantha was undeterred. “Yum-YUMS!” She yelled, the bowl about to topple when her eyes lit up as Tobias lifted her from behind, placing her high atop his shoulders in one swoop.

“Uncle Jordan’s right, pumpkin. Let’s save the sugaring up for after, OK?”

“Wow!” Jordan was astonished. “You said I was right!”

Tobias shot his brother a wiseass smirk. “Yeah, well, even a broken clock is right twice a day! Where is Casey, anyway.”

“Upstairs, finishing her makeup.”

“Still?”

“She was all done,” Jordan shrugged. “But then Ma and Jensen had... opinions... so they’re upstairs giving her a makeover.”

“Oh, shit!” Tobias laughed. “Then we’re safer down here with this little firecracker.”

“My thoughts exactly.”

The three were descending the stairs at that very moment, and Vivian was happy to interrupt her sons.

“Hate to disappoint you, boys. But we smelled that delicious coffee the moment you came in. There’s no keeping us away.”

“Gam-mah!” Samanta squirmed excitedly, throwing her arms her grandmother's way, and Vivian instantly forgot about her coffee.

“Oh, come here, my little angel!" She cooed, retrieving her from Tobias's arms. "That’s right! Tell Daddy that Grandma’s here. His services are no longer needed!”

“Really?” Tobias sneered. “Because with all your complaints of wanting another grandchild, I think my services are most certainly needed.”

Jensen dropped his coffee cup to the table with a thud. His eyes rose to the ceiling as he let out a disgusted sigh. “Jesus...putting up with this shit is not worth the free coffee.”

“Maybe not,” Tobias said, pointing to a few bags on the table. “But there are also cookies from Parziale’s, and I’m ordering in Chinese after the photo... free crab Rangoon, Jen...would that make it worthwhile?”

Jensen would have answered if he weren't too busy shoving cookies in his mouth. He tensed up for a second when Casey's arms encircled his waist. “That’s the only reason he puts up with us,” she grinned. “Free food.”

Tobias let out a slow whistle as he walked to his wife, making a show of looking overhead as he did.

“You don’t need mistletoe... you can just kiss me,” Casey teased, making Jordan snicker.

“And suddenly Jensen is thinking he can just buy his own crab Rangoon.”

“Nah, we just tune them out,” a buoyant voice blurted. Bryce stepped into the room, his smile brighter than the lights on the Christmas tree. He stood next to Jensen and placed a quick peck on his cheek. “Besides, food just tastes better on Tobias’s dime.”

“I’ll drink to that," Jordan smiled with a raised coffee cup.

Tobias studied Casey's face, then kissed her forehead. “Not bad! Not bad at all! Who won the makeup battle.”

“Clearly, it wasn't Jensen,” Casey smiled. “He thought a little punk edge to our family Christmas portrait would go a long way.”

“And I made it clear that my foot would go a long way...” Vivian interjected. “A long way up his ass if he thought I would allow that to happen.”

“ASS!” Samantha hollered, and everyone but Vivian broke into a fit of laughter.

“See what you make me do!” Vivian scolded as she whisked Sammy into the living room. “Making me say bad words in front of my grandbaby.”

“There is a swear jar in the kitchen," Jensen noted.

“Yeah," Bryce added. "Between us and her parents, her college education will be funded before she turns two.”

“Amen to that,” Tobias laughed.

“All right, guys, as fun as this is, do you think we can start taking the pictures?” Jordan requested. “I do have a date tonight.”

“Oh, do you?” Casey teased.

“Yep,” Jordan grinned, playfully smacking his brother. “Someone’s gotta keep the Carrick rep going since this one decided to settle down.”

“That’s not our rep!” Vivian shouted. “You’re not getting any younger either, Jordan! Who is this person? Do we know them?"

"I think I know him," Casey winked. "Make it quick; Vivian is itching to plan another wedding!"

“Oh, pleeeease do!” Bryce groaned. “Please get engaged so she’ll get off our backs.”

“Little Lahela, by now, I thought you understood that I am quite capable of nagging all of you at the same time!”

“Oh! Trust!” Tobias laughed heartily. “Trust! She is!”

“All fun aside," Casey segued. " We should start the photos before it gets too close to Sammy’s naptime.”

“Yeah, we want to do it before my naptime, too,” Bryce added.

“You’re not in the photo,” Tobias reminded. “You can go nap now if you want."

“You know, I’m still insulted by that," Bryce complained. "Why aren’t we in the family photo?”

“Because you’re not their stepsons, no matter how much you may act like it," Vivian advised. "Now, if you want a family portrait, I suggest you two get mar...”

“Annnnd on that note, I’m going to our bedroom to nap,” Jensen announced before exiting the room.

Jordan was adjusting his camera when he teased. “I still don’t understand how those two have a key to your place, have a designated bedroom, and I don’t.”

"Uhm, we even have a little plaque with our names on the door," Bryce added gleefully. "It's bedazzled!"

“Contrary to what Ma says, they are the step-kids that came along with Casey when we got married.”

“Damn right!” Bryce nodded. “But now I'm going to join Jensen in our room. Let me know before you order Chinese, Dad. I may want to add a few things.”

“I would be shocked if you didn’t,” Tobias smiled.

“Sammy, come here, baby,” Casey beamed as her giggling little toddler wobbled over to her. “Let Mommy fix your sweater so we are all pretty for our picture!”

“I’ll admit,” Vivian observed. “Those sweaters wouldn't have been my pick, but they're definitely you two! Plus, they'll make for an adorable family Christmas card.”

Casey stopped what she was doing, exhaling as she snuggled under her husband’s arm. “Family Christmas card... our second. Can you even believe this?”

“Oh, do I hear disappointment there?” he asked sarcastically.

“Not even a little. But sometimes, I’m still astonished. How did we end up here?”

“Do I really have to explain how this came to be, Mrs. Carrick,” Tobias winked. "See, when a man and a woman fall in love...."

“OK, No!" Jordan insisted. “I don’t need to hear about how Sammy came to be.”

“No, we don’t,” Vivian agreed. “But I do need you to keep at it - in private! Because I sure would love a second grandbaby on next year’s card.”

“I think that’s her way of offering to babysit for us tonight,” Casey connived.

Tobias pulled his wife and Sammy closer. “Then, that's our queue! Come on, let's get this picture over with."

@choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics

@choicesholidays It fits a few, but let's go with ... it's a tradition. .

Tagging the rest separately.

#choices fanfic #open heart #open heart choices #choices open heart #open heart fanfic #tobias carrick #bryce lahela #tobias carrick x f!mc #bryce lahela x m!mc #choices fanart #playchoices #playchoices fanfic #rosefuckinggenius #christmas #christmas fics #holiday fics

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txemrn · 1 year

Note

Is there a trait Baby Ramsey share with their parents, that makes people say “yeap, that’s you right there”?

Hey, Anon! This was such a cute Ask. Thank you so much for sending it my direction! I'm sure my answer is very similar to what others have shared, but ever since I pictured this baby, he/she has this trait (and you might be able to guess it just from knowing his/her parents. Here's a small little fic. I hope you enjoy! 💜

Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x f!OC (Tatum Erikson)

Synopsis: While celebrating his/her first birthday, a few colleagues make note that Baby Ramsey looks and acts just like Tatum. Well, for the most part.

Word Count: ~1180

Warning/Rating: mature; language; brief mention of possible sexual misconduct

A/N: Some of these characters belong to our friends at Pixelberry; Julian Santiago is an ENT that went to med school with Ethan and Tobias; Bryce is married to Erin Winters (a beautiful OC of @kat-tia801); also, if you are new, I have not released the name or gender of baby Ramsey on purpose--I want it to be revealed in his or her own story. Also, this is not preread! Please forgive my errors!

~🖤~

"Dr. Santiago!"

The tall, broad-shouldered man turns towards the lax voice, chirping his name. And he smiles.

"Ah, Bryce Lahela," he chuckles, giving the young surgeon a firm handshake. "Good to see you, and please, just Julian." The men raise their cups of punch in salutations before they survey the brightly decorated room. “Where’s your wife?”

“Probably with your wife,” Bryce suggests as he continues to nod hello to other people in the room. As if on a cue, a group of women squeal exuberantly from across the room. Bryce winces before offering a crooked smile at the sudden, ear-piercing screams. “Oh yeah–”

“Yep," Julian jovially gives an approving nod, "there they are.” He takes a sip of his drink, but is accidentally bumped into by another party-goer. "God,” he scoots out of their way, “can you believe this place?"

Bryce raises his eyebrows, observing the overly crowded room of joyful smiles. "Who's watching the patients?" He snickers. "I swear at least half of Edenbrook is here."

"No doubt," Julian grins. "The guest list was clearly Tate's doing. If it were up to Ethan, there probably wouldn't even be a party. Hell, he doesn't even tolerate this many people." They fall into knowing titters, taking another pull of their drinks. Suddenly, another man sneaks up between them, slapping their backs, causing each man to nearly spill their beverages.

"Fuck,” Julian mutters, instantly recognizing the obnoxious intruder. "They really did invite everyone– more like anyone..."

Bryce hides his curling lips. "Hi, Dr. Carrick–"

Tobias throws his arms around his colleagues' necks, pulling them conspiratorially close. "Please tell me there are booze at this thing."

"Dude, it’s 11:30 AM… on a Sunday… at a one-year-old's birthday party," Bryce enunciates as he raises an eyebrow.

"Clearly you've never been in the same room as two women you've slept with–"

“Pssh, because you’re the only man in the world that has game? Please,” Julian rolls his eyes.

Tobias clears his throat. “To clarify: two women… Same night." He shifts his guilty gray eyes to both men. "Last night.”

“Ha!" Julian snorts, "Oh yeah, there he is. There’s our angel Tobias,” Julian snickers, shaking his head. "You're fucked, bruh–"

"--in more ways than one," Bryce interjects, causing him and Julian to fall into belly laughs.

“Ha ha, laugh it up, fuckers–”

"It sounds like some of our favorite uncles are having a good time," Tatum giggles, twirling around with three chilled bottles of beer in her hand with a chunky blond twelve-month-old on her hip. She hands the three men a beverage as she switches the baby to her other side. “Tobe–” she lowers her voice, “--we don’t say words like that here,” she snickers, the other men laughing along with her.

"Hey, sweetheart," Julian places a friendly peck on Tatum's forehead. "Shit, I can't believe Ramsey 2.0 is already a year old," Julian gently cups his hand around the baby's soft head.

Tatum playfully stares deadpan at her good friend. "You're telling me," she turns to look at her first born who is holding out their hand to an expressive Bryce.

“Time for another one,” Bryce sing-songs.

“And turn out like you and Erin? Three for the price of two pregnancies?” She covers her child’s ears again as she whispers, “Hell. No.”

"My God, Tate," Bryce starts, all three men clearly thinking the same thing as they admire the toddler. "This little one is like your mini-me. Same eyes, hair, nose," Bryce kindly smiles as tiny fingers grip tightly around his finger. Tatum beams with joy as she takes in the moment.

“This is Ethan’s baby, right?” Tobias jokes as Tatum slaps his shoulder.

“Asshole,” Tatum sardonically grimaces. Tobias’s face grows serious as he quietly holds up a finger to his lips and points to the baby, causing the group of doctors to fall into quiet laughter. “Anyway, we really appreciate you guys coming,” she kindly grins. “And seriously, help yourselves to anything.” As the men give chaste kisses to Tatum’s cheek, they each wave goodbye to the little one who eagerly returns the sentiments by blowing slobbery kisses.

“Such a social butterfly,” Bryce mentions.

“Just like Tate,” Julian appreciatively nods his head before taking a sip of his beer. “Thank fuck, can you imagine a baby like Ramsey?” He shudders. Tobias titters, clinking the neck of his beer with his old colleague before taking a swig.

“Ethan’s not that bad,” Bryce defends.

Tobias nearly chokes on his beer as Julian wipes away his smile. “Look, Lahela. You know… Tatum’ed Ethan. We?” He motions his hand in between his body and Tobias. “We know the prick that is Ethan Ramsey–”

“Hey, I dealt with his wrath when I was an intern–”

“No, no. He was worse before he ever met Tatum.”

“Ah hell, really?” Bryce takes a sip of his beer. “He was that much worse?”

“Shit, this one time–”

“If I can have everyone’s attention please!” Tatum calls out in a booming, cheerful voice. The three men along with the other guests turn towards her to listen. She takes a moment to graciously and tearfully thank everyone for celebrating the special day with them, baby Ramsey cheesing in her arms the entire time.

“I think someone is ready for some cake,” she chuckles. “Rams?”

As if on cue, Ethan walks out with a small, single tier cake with a candle that matches the larger cake next to the snacks on the refreshment table. Tatum gently tucks her little one into the decorated high chair while Ethan lights the wick. The little one’s blue eyes grow wide at the flame, eliciting a few awes and giggles from the gathered crowd.

“Are we ready?” Tatum smiles as Ethan snakes an arm around her waist. “On the count of the three, we’ll all start singing ‘Happy Birthday’.” Her watery eyes find her husband’s icy blues as he gives her a reassuring squeeze. She takes a deep breath as she looks back to her one-year-old baby. “One, two… three!”

All at once, everyone starts proudly singing ‘Happy Birthday’.

Except for Julian and Tobias.

Both men have their hands over their mouths, stifling their obnoxious laughs. Bryce continues to sing, but glares at his colleagues.

“I can’t,” Tobias finishes his beer, walking away into the kitchen as Julian dabs the tears from his watering eyes.

“What is so funny?” Bryce whispers, grateful that the singing is much louder than their snickers.

“Look," Julian chuckles, "look at that kid right now.”

Bryce cranes his neck between party guests, finally catching a good view of Baby Ramsey. And his face falls while the corners of his mouth turn up.

Damn, if looks could kill…

There, slumped in a high chair, was the angriest-looking baby anyone had ever seen, complete with deep furrowed brows, a frown, and a deep glare.

“Holy geeze, that kid is mean-muggin’ everyone–and during ‘Happy Birthday’!” Bryce chokes out before falling into quiet titters.

Julian finally is able to control himself as he finishes his beer. “Oh yeah, there he is. There’s our Ethan.”

~🖤~

Tags (updated 9/26; please contact me if you wish to be added/removed)

PERMA

@21-wishes @alj4890 @ao719 @charlotteg234 @issabees @kat-tia801 @kingliam2019 @mainstreetreader @mom2000aggie @neotericthemis @nikirennie87 @peonierose @socalwriterbee @tessa-liam

ALL OPH

@alyshak92 @annfg8 @bisexualdisasteracd @cariantha @coffeeheartaddict2 @lsvdw-blog @mvalentine @ofmischiefandmedicine @rookiemartin @starrystarrytrouble @youlookappropriate

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peonierose · 1 month

Text

Losing Game (3/4)

Book: Open Heart

Pairing: Luna Auclair (F!OC) x Bryce Lahela (M!MC)

Rating: Mature / Angst

TW: Mental Health

Words: 3,000+

Summary: Bryce visited his dad in prison and now he and Luna are oceans apart, but after a scare during his surgery he can only think of one person to call.

A/N: In case you missed the parts before here they are: Part 1, Part 2

2nd A/N: I went a bit off canon with Bryce and what happened with his parents, just as an fyi. Also thank you for everyone for reading this story and giving it a chance 🩷

Side note: I also made a playlist for Part 3, the previous two parts include a playlist as well.

Maui, Hawaii

A few years ago…

Bryce

I sang along to some song playing on the radio, still pumped from a round of basketball with my friends. I kicked Kainalu‘s ass and ran laps around him. I still can’t believe I beat him this time around, he cursed throughout the game. But it was just a game between friends.

When I turned the corner to our house I saw blue flashing lights, alerting me that something was wrong. I put the car in park and slammed the door as I got out.

Did something happen? This is a pretty safe neighborhood. My parents made sure we had the best-equipped security system around. The best money could buy.

Several cop cars have pulled up in front of our driveway. I saw two police officers escorting my dad into a police car. My eyebrows rose high. Not able to make sense of this whole situation and what is unraveling right in front of my eyes.

I ran towards the entrance of our house where officers were carrying out some of our things. Such as computers, laptops, phones, everything, and putting them into evidence bags. I kept staring as if this was a nightmare I couldn’t wake up from.

When I wanted to enter our house an officer stopped me.

”You can’t get inside.“

”What do you mean I can’t get inside? I live here.“ I replied, with a sharpness I reserved for people who get on my nerves.

”Please Officer, that’s my son.“ My mom‘s voice came from the entrance. The officer looked me up and down and finally, after what felt like hours passed, he nodded and let me enter.

”Alright. He can enter. But don’t touch anything.“ He called out after me.

I got inside and my mom pulled me to the side.

”Let’s go to the kitchen.“ I followed my mom as if I were in a trance. My body moved, but my mind was somewhere else.

The questions kept circling in my head like hungry vultures ”What the fuck is going on here? Why are there cops in our home? Why did Dad get arrested? What did my parents get themselves into?“

I whirled on my mom, but she put her forefinger on her lips telling me with her eyes not to ask any questions that were burning on my tongue. Then she hugged me and whispered into my ear.

”Listen carefully, we don’t have much time. There’s a small bag in your sister's closet. Take it and get her out of here. There’s enough money that should last you for a while. Since I’m sure they froze all of our accounts.“

I wanted to break off the hug and look at my mom. But she held on tight.

”But…“

”Do as I say ku’uipo. Know that your father and I love you. Take care of your little sister until we figure things out. You hear me?“ My mom hissed. I nodded slightly. ”Good.“

We broke off the embrace and it’s as if I’m seeing a different mom. Not one who kissed my bruised knee when I fell from my bike as a seven-year-old, or who sang me Hawaiian songs when I had the flu.

She put her hand on my cheek as if she sought comfort from me. She kissed my cheek and a feeling of dread settled in my stomach. I let out a breath I’ve been holding in.

After a few seconds, I went upstairs. Before heading up, I took another look at my mom, tired lines had etched themselves into her bronze skin. I turned around, taking one last close look at her before I climbed the stairs leading to our bedrooms.

As I went up I looked for the bag my mom mentioned. Though Keiki is nowhere in sight. I sprinted to the closet and when I opened it I whistled when I saw all the cash, fake IDs, and passports inside the bag. Whatever they did, they must’ve had a backup plan.

I recognized a fake ID when I saw one. I used one to get into clubs and bars while still underage. This isn’t a simple bag, this is a run-for-the-hills, get-out-of-town for a while kind of bag.

I replaced the bag my mom prepared with my gym bag that was slung over my shoulder a few minutes ago. Making sure no one saw me swap the bags I went outside and looked for my sister.

”Kei-Kei?“ I went to my room, and there she was. Hugging her green sea turtle to her chest. I gave it to her last Christmas.

She was sitting on my bed. Scared to death if her tear-streaked face was any indication. Her dark brown hair was held in a ponytail by a pink elastic. I kneeled next to her.

”Keiks? Come on, let's go.“

She looked at me and I took her little hand into mine. Her hands were shaking and I covered them with mine to lend her some strength.

”Go where? I’m so scared.“ Her big brown eyes, so much like my own, were full of more unshed tears.

”I know you are scared. But I’ve got you Kei-Kei.“ When she hesitated I smiled and squeezed her hand.

”I’m scared too, Keiks. But why don’t we go to a safer place? Hmm?“

”Today is my birthday, Bry. Are we going to celebrate with mom and dad?“ She asked, looking up at me.

I closed my eyes. Shit. It’s her birthday. How do you explain this shit show to your six-year-old sister?

”We‘ll go to some friend's house for a few days. You and I will celebrate with some cake and ice cream. Mom and Dad will join us when they can, okay?“

”Okay. But I want a big cake. With mango flavor.“ She said excitedly.

”You got it Kei-Kei.“ I said and smiled at her. When she saw me smiling at her she smiled back, nodded, and wiped her tears away.

I put the bag over my shoulder and hoisted Keiki up, carrying her downstairs. She clung to me and I winked at her which made her smile. Officers were still taking everything and bagging it as evidence.

Damn what the hell happened? I’ll have to ask my parents another time. First I needed to make sure Keiki was alright.

Though from the looks of it, our lives would inevitably change forever.

Honolulu, Hawaii’

Present Day…

Bryce

With a start my eyes snapped wide open, looking left and right, seeing familiar surroundings, making me relax in bed. I reached for my glass of water on the white nightstand next to me, since my throat was all dried up.

I haven’t had memories resurface like this in a long time. Moments from when my parents were arrested. I’ve always wanted the memories gone and I’ve suppressed them. Guess they’re coming back in full force now.

I rubbed my tired eyes. When I turned my head I saw that Luna's side of the bed was rumpled. Though her side was empty.

I didn’t have to be at work until later in the afternoon. As I turned my head I looked at the clock at my bedside. The green numbers said 7.35 am and I just wanted to stay in bed all day, but I knew I’ve got to get my shit together and get out of bed. No matter how hard it is.

I rubbed my eyes again and got out of bed. I went into the bathroom to take a cold shower. Maybe that’ll wake me up.

15 minutes later I was dressed and ready to face the day. The first thing I noticed as I got downstairs was that the kitchen was empty except for Keiki and Evie sitting at the kitchen table talking in hushed tones.

After the flashback I just had, it feels weird to see Keiki all grown up now. As if you fast-forwarded turning Keiki 23, instead of 6.

When I entered they stopped talking.

”Good morning,“ I walked towards the coffee machine to get some coffee. Starting the day without coffee? Impossible.

”Morning Bryce,“ Evie said while Keiki kept herself busy with Cheerios and some mango slices.

Looking at me, her eyes full of questions I don’t have the answer to. I put it aside to answer later. Because as of right now? I don’t know what to say. Honestly.

”You know an apple would be good for you. Instead of all that sugar, you eat all the time,“ I said pointing to the bowl in front of her.

”How about no? Also, I have some mango smartass.“ She said and stuck out her tongue at me.

I grinned.

”Real mature Keiks,“ I replied and sat down at the kitchen table, across from Evie. Keiki's phone chimed and she went upstairs to take the call.

Evie scooted closer.

”Is everything okay Bryce? Luna is usually up before you. She’s usually in the kitchen preparing breakfast or ordering in and singing around. You know, since you and making breakfast usually almost turns into having to call the fire department,“ she grinned but her green eyes turned serious within seconds.

I chuckled but the sound was more hollow than rich with joy.

”It’s complicated. Let’s leave it at that Eves,“ I said, not really in the mood to hash out what happened last week. Too restless to sit, I get up and just lean against the fridge.

Evie got up too and she squeezed my arm.

”I get it, this is between you and Luna. And you want to solve this on your own. I won’t pressure you for details. But Bryce? You’re one of my favorite guy friends, well make that the only one. So if you ever need to talk, or just get wasted? I’m your girl. You went through a lot. I can tell. So if there’s something you’d like to get off your chest I’m here. Don’t bottle it up. When you’re ready we’re all here. For you and Luna. You’re family okay? You’re not alone,“ she aimed a watery smile at me.

I nodded and hugged her, not able to say more than that. She gave me another hug and grabbed an apple from the fruit basket.

”At least one person in this house eats healthy,“ I said teasingly.

”I heard that,“ came Keiki's shout from upstairs.

”Good,“ I shouted back.

I do what I always do when everything gets too much. I go to Manoa Falls when I feel upset. It’s my and Luna’s favorite place in the world.

Sitting there on the moss-covered stones and hearing the rush of the waterfalls? It’s like you’re one with nature. That peacefulness? Food for the soul. When I get there I let the silence and chirping of birds envelop me and ground me. My phone chimes with a text, my heart sped up and I think it might be Luna, but it’s just a Spotify alert. Suggesting a new song to one of my playlists. I unlock my phone to see which song it is. It’s , which must be for Luna she loves Maddie & Tae. I sigh when I lock my phone again.

Only too soon do I have to get back because my shift is about to start.

I got dressed for work and before I was out the door I heard Keiki calling my name and I turned around keys in hand.

”Hey are you guys okay? I could tell Luna was upset about something,“ she asked gently.

I nodded.

”We’ll be okay again. We’re just going through a rough patch. It’s all going to work out,“ I said and kissed my sister on the forehead.

She nodded.

I walked out the door to get to work. Hopefully, work will distract me from my problems for now.

Later that day…

Aubrey got out of the OR. Her brown eyes blazing.

”What the fuck is wrong with you Lahela?“ She asked me.

I leaned on the wall. Trying to get a breath out. But all that came out was a wheezing sound rather than an actual breath.

She noticed I was not saying anything and must’ve seen my face. Pale as a ghost.

”Deep breaths Lahela. Come on. You got this. Deep breaths. In and out,“ she instructed me and I did as she said.

My hands started to tremble earlier during surgery. Again. What the fuck is going on?

I tore the surgical cap away and threw it onto the floor. Tearing at my longer hair. Not seeing where the cap landed and not really caring at this moment.

”Okay talk to me. What’s wrong?“

When my breathing was under control again I looked at Aubrey.

I was breathing slowly, still not able to talk to anyone.

”I had a fucking panic attack. That’s what’s wrong.“ I said a heartbeat later.

”Okay. Just breathe and relax. Just stay here, okay?“ She said and left to give me some space.

This happened before but I didn’t see it as a panic attack.

I thought I just had some anxiety left from the day before when I talked to a family who were seeking answers for a surgery I couldn’t perform because it was too risky.

What if complications occur? They will blame me for it.

It’s a pretty complicated surgery and I didn’t know how well they would handle any complications or repercussions I told them about.

I sighed again. I didn’t even realize that I pulled out my phone and dialed Luna’s number.

”Hey B, what’s wrong?“ She said and I could hear other people mutter in the background. She must be at the store or something.

”Can you come to the hospital? I know we’ve fought, but I really need you.“ I said quietly.

”Of course, I’ll be right there.“ She said. It‘s as if our fight was forgotten.

I don’t even know how I got to the locker room as I’m sitting on the cold, hard linoleum floor. My head is resting between my knees.

As I’m trying to get my breathing and my heart rate under control.

Breathing exercises didn’t cut it. But slowly my heartbeat normalized and I could breathe freely again.

I didn’t know if she’d even come if I called her. After our fight, everything seemed out of balance.

But Luna is the only person I wanted to see. I just wanted to feel her soft touch and smell her guava shampoo. Knowing she’s close and I can hug her when my anxiety is high? Deeply comforted me.

I was still sitting like that on the floor when I felt soft hands caressing the hair at the nape of my neck.

I shivered and when I turned around I saw Luna’s concerned face.

”What happened?“ She asked and opened her arms for me.

I hugged her because I needed her. For the first time in a week after our fight, I felt good again.

It’s as if I‘m a functioning human being, who’s been deprived of human touch for so long. However weird that sounded, it helped to hug her. That physical contact from the person I love is exactly what I needed.

We barely talked, just exchanged a few words here and there. But it’s not like it’s usually with us. Jabs and teasing here and there. Laughter and kisses.

I missed her. I didn’t know you could be in the same room with the person you love, yet feel so lonely. As if you’re miles apart.

She stroked my hair and just whispered some lyrics of a song to me. I think it was ”I Have a Dream by ABBA“.

”My hands started shaking and I panicked during surgery.“

”Oh B I‘m sorry that happened, but I think ever since you visited your dad you came back differently.“ She pointed out carefully as if she wasn’t sure what my reaction would be.

”Of course I did. There are way too many emotions eating me up right now. I just needed to sort them all out.“ I remarked.

”B please tell me what’s going on. Please, I don't know how to help you if you don’t tell me,“ Luna whispered.

”I feel lost. Lost and sad and I don’t know.“ I admitted. I broke down. I wrapped my arms around her as I cried silently and she held me close, showing me she was right here with me.

”I’ll give you anything you want Bryce. I love you so damn much. I’d even eat some oatmeal.“ She shivered involuntarily. The disgust of having to eat oatmeal was evident on her face. She hates it. I laughed through my tears. She pushed some strands of my hair that had gotten longer out of my face and I squeezed her hand.

”Would you be willing to go to therapy? We could go together if you want. Or you could go alone. Whatever makes you feel more comfortable.“

To be honest I’ve been thinking of going to therapy for a while. I’ve been a wuss to go though.

”I’d like that. Know any good ones?“

Luna nodded.

”I do. We can make an appointment. And we can go whenever you feel like you want to go.“

I nodded and just kept leaning into her. I turned my head and looked into her blue-green eyes.

”I never meant to hurt you when I didn’t tell you I visited my dad. I…just don’t know…“

Luna took my face into her hands.

”It’s okay B. We’ll figure it out together. And if you want to spend some time figuring things out with your parents I support you.“ She said and after a heartbeat, she continued.

”I suffer from anxiety and depression. I know what it’s like when it’s getting too much and when I don’t know what to do with my emotions. When I want to scream and cry and just get out of my skin for a while. I get it. That’s what painting is for me. Maybe we can find something you can find comfort in.“ I smiled. Even now when we’re still not sure where we stand exactly, she tries to help and support me. I couldn’t love her more if I tried.

”I always liked working with my hands. Building things. I was always good at it. I once built a princess castle for Keiki.“

”That is so sweet. I bet it was pink.“ Luna smiled softly and I smiled back at her. If there’s one person who loves pink? It’s Luna. But it’s endearing and I love that about her.

”Maybe you can work something out with Adam?“ She suggested.

”You think he’d let me?“ I asked not sure if Adam would let me help with any of his projects.

”Of course. Adam loves you like a brother. He’d help you. Especially if he knows it helps you to feel calm.“

I admit feeling ashamed and mortified that my hands would start to shake again. Is something wrong with me?

”There’s nothing wrong with you B. Sometimes emotions boil over. It’s when you’ve bottled things up too many times. I know that. That’s why I’ve turned to art. When I create art it lets me get out some emotions I‘ve been feeling. We can do some painting together if you want.“

I didn’t realize I'd spoken out loud. I nodded, not able to look at her, afraid she’d see how emotionally exhausted I was.

First visiting my dad, our fight, and now this panic attack during the surgery. Maybe some vacation would do me some good. I‘m sure I can work something out with the chief of medicine. Alana is amazing and she‘s very understanding.

”I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about my dad. I just didn’t want to share it because I was scared that if you saw and knew everything you’d…“

”What? Run away? B there’s nothing that could make me run away from you. No matter what happens. Sure I was hurt that you didn’t say anything, but I understand that sometimes certain conversations aren’t that easy. Especially when it’s with a family member you haven’t talked to in a while. But whether we fight or if we have a make-out session all day, a relationship is never easy. But we work on it. We compromise, and most importantly we love each other. Come hell or high water.“

I looked up at her and I could tell from the expression in her eyes that she meant every word.

She hugged me again and I simply leaned into her, borrowing some of the strength that she was offering. We sat like that for another 10 minutes, until Luna had a pained look on her face and I could’ve slapped myself by letting her sit on the ground.

”B not to be rude, but can we maybe go somewhere else? I feel a bit uncomfortable sitting like this.“

”Oh my god I’m sorry of course. Here let me help you up.“ I got to my feet and helped her up.

”Thank you. For being there for me.“ I kissed her soft lips, giving you that warm, cozy feeling as if you were coming home.

”Always.“ She smiled tenderly.

I knew we’d fought, but things will get better again. I believe that.

#Losing Game (3/4)#Luna Auclair #Bryce Lahela #Keiki Lahela #Evangeline Auclair #Aubrey O'Neil #open heart #CFWC

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