#bryce lahela x mc fanfic

[jerzwriter]

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

[alj4890]

Mixed Signals

(Dr. Tobias Carrick x F!MC *Chris Valentine) (Dr. Ethan Ramsey x F!MC*Chris Valentine) (Dr. Bryce Lahela x F!MC*Chris Valentine) in an Open Heart Fan fiction.

Masterlist

A/N Sorry for taking so long to post. My health decided to do some wild things since the last post on top of the writer's block just having a field day with this storyline 😑 Anyway, we'll pick up where the last chapter left off.

Chapter 2

Chris slowly came awake. Though she knew in an instant that she wasn't in her own bedroom, the massive hangover she was currently under caused her to not really care where she was. Pulling what had to be some of the softest sheets she'd ever felt up over her face, she began to try and remember what happened the night before.

Flashes of her celebration at Donahue's flickered through her mind. Groaning over not only her actions with drinking way too much, she remembered what happened with Ethan.

Her eyes shot open.

Oh no. Did I go home with Ethan?

Peeking out from under the covers, she tried to discern the furniture around her.

Unless Ethan had done a major renovation since the last time she'd been in his apartment and had moved to a lower floor, she knew she wasn't in his place.

Chris clutched her head.

I know I'm not at Bryce's either. He wouldn't have brought me to his place with Kikei there.

She softly gasped.

Don't tell me I went home with a stranger!

Chris kicked the covers back and breathed easier to see she was still fully dressed. There was no indication that anyone had slept beside her. She did a quick examination of her body and knew she hadn't had sex.

Where am I?

She yanked the covers up when the bedroom door opened.

Tobias grinned at her.

"You're awake."

Chris gaped at him. "I went home with you!?"

He chuckled as he walked into the room.

"You demanded that I bring you to my place."

"Oh lord." Chris buried her head in her hands. Smoothing back her tousled hair, she looked up at him. "I'm so sorry."

He shrugged it off as not a big deal and sat down at the foot of the bed.

"I didn't..." Chris took a deep breath. "I didn't push myself on you, did I?"

Before he could respond, she shook her head.

"Of course I bloody well did. Why else would I be in your home?" She rubbed her hands over her face in an attempt to clear the cobwebs. "You should have given me back to my roommates. Then you wouldn't--"

"Hey!" He chuckled once more. "Easy there, Valentine. Normally, a woman in your condition would not be in my home." He patted her leg. "But, um, you were adamant that your doctor take you to his home."

"My doctor?" Her brow furrowed as she tried to remember the events of the previous night.

He laughed at her confused expression.

"Yeah, Ethan was not too thrilled when you declared I was not only your doctor but also the only doctor you trusted."

Her eyes widened.

What else did I do last night?

"You also told your roommates that you needed me to take you home since you had some medical concerns."

She vaguely remembered talking to Sienna.

"Anyway, I was going to actually take you back to your apartment after your friends left." He explained. "When I checked your wallet for a driver's license--"

"You saw that I still had my I.D. from Inverness." She finished with a groan.

"As much as I wanted to get you safely home, I wasn't quite up for the journey to Scotland." He teased.

Chris flopped back on the pillows with her arm draped over her eyes. This was quite possibly the most embarrassing moment of her life.

She then remembered she should be at work.

"What time is it?!" She sat up too quickly and immediately regretted such a rash action.

"Half past two." Tobias told her.

"Half past--" She scrambled out of bed.

"Whoa!" Tobias stopped her. "Where are you going?"

"I'm late!" She searched in vain for her shoes. "My shift at the hospital started hours ago!"

"Chris." He placed his hands on her shoulders. "I called Ethan this morning and told him you weren't coming in."

"You did what?" Chris gaped at him. "Why?"

"As your physician," he winked at her, "I realized that I never gave you the all clear to return to work. Plus given how many drinks you had last night, I knew you wouldn't be in any condition to help your patients."

"Oh." She sank back down on the bed.

Tobias sat down next to her. He studied her worried profile in silence for a few seconds.

"Hey?" He nudged her with his shoulder. "Why don't you take a shower while I see about lunch?" He nudged her again. "Or breakfast for you?"

Chris snorted back a laugh. "Yes, please feed me after I forced my drunk self into your home."

Tobias grinned at her. "You can force yourself on me anytime."

She burst out laughing then gave him a playful shove.

He got to his feet to open a nearby closet.

"My sisters-in law leave clothes here so they don't have to pack so much when they come for a visit." He explained. "See if there's something of theirs that might do for now."

"I appreciate it," Chris began "but I shouldn't impose on you any--"

"You're not." He went into the guest bathroom to start the shower. "Plus, I insist you stay until I know you're okay."

With a smile that made her heart flip, he left her alone.

Twenty minutes later, Chris found herself clean, dressed in leggings that were too short and in what was supposed to be an oversized sweater, yet just barely went past her waist. She'd finally found a pair of wooly socks to keep her always cold feet warm and began to make her way downstairs, admiring Tobias's townhome along the way.

She paused in the hallway to discern just where her host was.

Tobias called out from a room farther to her left.

"I'm in here, Chris!"

She followed the sound of his voice, pausing at how inviting his kitchen was. Though modern, the warm colors he'd chosen for the walls, decor, and cushions somehow worked. It should have clashed, yet she found herself thinking of her grandparents' home. They had been given all new appliances a couple of years ago. The silver, sleek look met the older bread box, flower towels, and ruffled cushions and soon settled into a hodgepodge that they all ended up loving.

It made her homesick to sit down at Tobias's table.

"Coffee?" He asked from behind the counter.

"Please." Chris rubbed her forehead in an effort to clear the fog she was still slightly under.

"How do you take it?" He poured her a cup.

"Lots of cream and lots of sugar." She mumbled.

"How much is a lot?"

"More than true coffee aficionados can tolerate." She responded.

"This I have to see." Tobias teased.

He brought over the pot of coffee along with cream and sugar.

Chris blushed under his attention as she prepared her cup. Once she was finished, the rich black was replaced with a light beige color.

Tobias chuckled. "I bet you've gotten more speeches on your coffee from Ethan than you have medicine."

"You'd win that bet." Chris took a long sip, sighing in pleasure. "Don't tell me you're a coffee snob too?"

"I'm a to each their own coffee drinker." He teased. "Who am I to judge when I'll drink it any way someone prepares it? Though I will admit, I like mine with a little less cream than you do."

Chris rolled her eyes. "What about the sugar?"

Tobias leaned closer to her. "Who doesn't love something sweet?"

Having him close enough where she could see the flecks of gold in those amazing hazel eyes of his caused Chris to become momentarily tongue-tied.

His cocky smile creeped up at seeing her like this.

His attention next drifted over her face, taking in the strawberries and cream complexion he found rather cute. Her nose had a slight tilt that more than hinted at a stubbornness he'd been witnessed to on previous occasions. Her eyes held such emotion. Those gray eyes of hers could make a man hesitate for fear of wounding her.

How does Ethan keep it professional, he wondered. I don't know what I would do if the positions were reversed and she worked closely with me.

"So?" He cleared his throat and settled back in his chair. "Want to talk about last night?"

Chris's nose wrinkled at the very mention of it.

Tobias eyed her over the rim of his coffee cup. "You don't strike me as the kind of person who regularly gets drunk."

"Because I don't." She took another sip of coffee. "It was stupid of me to drink that much."

"What happened?" He prodded. "One minute, you seemed happy then the next you were downing drinks like you'd seen a ghost or something."

She snorted. If he only knew how right he was. There was nothing worse than a visit from the Ghost of Relationships Past.

Chris tried to avoid his question by focusing on her fork picking at the scrambled eggs on her plate.

Tobias wasn't going to let this go. If Chris really did consider him her doctor then he was going to make sure she was not only physically well after the attack but also emotionally. They were becoming friends after all. Weren't friends supposed to share problems?

He placed his hand on hers, causing the fork to slip from her grasp and clatter onto the plate.

Chris swallowed a tad hard before lifting her eyes back to his.

Tobias searched her steady, vulnerable gaze and gentled his tone.

"What's wrong, Chris?"

Unshed tears began to fill her eyes.

"I--I don't..." she sucked in a deep breath before burying her face in her hands.

Tobias got up and knelt by her chair. He gently brushed back her damp hair. As much as he wanted to demand she talk to him, he knew he could only wait and let it be her decision.

"I'm sorry." She lowered her hands.

"No need to apologize." He tucked her hair behind her ear. "If you don't want to talk about it, we--"

"I don't but I know I should." She took another deep breath. "It's a long story."

"Good thing it's my day off of work." He teased in the hopes of seeing her smile again.

Her lips curved briefly before falling once more. "I guess I should start at the beginning."

Tobias returned to his chair. He remained silent as Chris poured out everything that occurred since she first arrived at Edenbrook. There were many times he wanted to question her and express shock as she told him about her odd relationships with Ethan and Bryce.

Ethan hadn't been able to resist her after all, he thought to himself.

"And then Ethan pulled me away last night and it all began again." She explained. "After he kissed me and wouldn't say what we were, I just needed an escape. Not from him, but I needed to get away from myself."

Tears slipped down her cheeks.

"How can I go on in life in the same, exact, frustrating manner after being given a second chance?" She looked up at Tobias. "I should be making sure that nothing is wasted with this time I've been given, right?"

Tobias slowly nodded. "I think you shouldn't waste your time on anyone who doesn't give you what you deserve."

"Exactly!" Her breath hitched. "If I'm willing to give everything to someone, I should expect he give the same to me."

She wiped her tears away with the back of her hand.

"I know some say you should love without expecting anything in return." Her eyes searched his for understanding. "But I tried that and ended up miserable. I can't be that person again. I won't! It takes so much out of me and gives me nothing but mere crumbs to live on."

Tobias opened his mouth to reassure her again, only to fall silent when she continued.

"But what if I miss out? What if Ethan or Bryce is the one? What if I ruin what could be the relationship that will eventually give me what my heart needs? Am I suppose to fall back into what they want in case--"

"Whoa." He took her hands in his. "Easy there, Valentine. You're going down a rabbit hole of what if's."

"I know." She admitted. "That's all I do. I start off saying I won't put myself through this over and over and yet turn around and doubt my decision. I always end up here, questioning whether or not I should change anything."

Chris propped her chin on her fist while staring out of the kitchen's bay window.

"I am drowning in doubt." She admitted. "I am certain in everything I do in life except for love." She refocused on Tobias. "I don't know how to fix this."

Tobias didn't either. If she was suffering from the attack either physically or mentally, he'd have known exactly what to do. When it came to matters of the heart, he knew he was the last person who should give advice.

"The only thing I can recommend," he began a bit hesitantly, "is to only accept what makes you happy."

He took her hand once more. "As a friend of yours, I don't believe you should settle for anything less than what you want."

"That's what Sienna's been telling me for a while now." Chris mumbled.

"See? How can you ignore the advice coming from two different people?" He prodded.

Chris's lips quirked into a brief smile. "You and Sienna couldn't be any more different."

"It's a sign that it's the right thing to do." He argued. "You should tell Ethan and Bryce."

"Tell them?" Chris murmured. "You mean--"

"Tell them exactly what you want, what you expect, and see if they can step up and be that for you." Tobias told her. "Keeping it to yourself is only making you miserable. Plus, if they honestly don't know what you're wanting, how can they give it to you?"

Chris slowly nodded. She had tried to hint and kinda explain what she wanted each time with Ethan, but she'd never talked to him seriously about it. With Bryce, she kept things light and fun. Perhaps she was more responsible for her unhappiness than she originally thought.

"You know what you need?" He relaxed back in his chair. "You need a night out."

Chris blinked. "Isn't that what I did last night?"

"No, that was a celebration. You need a night out with no expectations, no questionable relationships, and no drunken escapes."

Tobias grinned at her. "You took me to your hangout. It's only fair you visit mine."

She began to laugh. "You sure you trust me to see where you love to go?"

"I guess I do." He murmured, grinning even more. "How bout it, Chris?"

"I really should get some sleep." She argued halfheartedly. "I have work in the morning."

"No, you don't." He reminded her. "Remember, I haven't given you the all clear yet."

Chris rolled her eyes over that.

"We both know I'm fine to go back to work."

"I don't." He laced his fingers behind his head to stretch. "You'll have to schedule an appointment with me for a final checkup." He winked at her. "Nice try, but there's no getting out of tonight."

Chris motioned to herself. "I don't have anything to wear."

"I'll take you by your place to change on the way." Tobias got up to clear their plates. "What do you say?"

Seeing no way out of this and was a little curious over where he went to unwind, she decided to give in. Chris admitted to herself that having a drink somewhere without Ethan or Bryce to distract her might be just the change she needed.

Plus, it might help her get the courage up to talk to them.

"If my doctor insists, -" Chris mumbled.

"I do." Tobias interrupted

"Then, I'd love to."

#choices open heart #mixed signals #tobias carrick #choices ethan ramsey #bryce lahela #choices oh #tobias x chris #ethan x mc #bryce x mc #tobias carrick x mc #choices fic writers creations #open heart fanfic

[hannabanana-6]

Jealous

Bryce flirts with a surgical intern at Donahues.

Gosh, Bryce was pretty. Casey gazed at him across the bar, chatting to the surgical interns. He looked great, in his loose fit dark wash jeans and forest green sweatshirt, which was just tight enough to highlight the taught curves of his arm muscles. He was laughing easily with a pretty surgical intern, which bothered Casey more than she cared to admit. She knew this girl had a crush on Bryce - to be honest, most of the women and probably half of the men in the hospital had a crush on Bryce. She couldn’t blame this girl; after all, she was definitely gazing at Bryce with the same starry-eyed look that this girl was right now. Bryce could sleep with this girl if he wanted.

It was nothing to do with her, really. They weren’t official. But at this point, Casey had stopped sleeping with other people as her feelings for Bryce were growing. To be honest, she hadn’t really wanted to sleep with anyone else at all after Bryce stayed at hers after the housewarming party she had with her housemates. She’d been half-heartedly joking when she said he had ruined sex with anyone else for her, but actually it was true. Sex with anyone else couldn’t even compare to Bryce. It just wasn’t the same with anyone else. Casey frowned. She should go over and interrupt them, she decided. Her head was fuzzy, and several tequila shots had given her courage. Yes, she should go over and make Bryce forget that pretty surgical intern.

“Earth to Casey?” Sienna giggled.

“Huh?” Casey questioned, slurring slightly.

“Sorry, wouldn’t want to interrupt you thirsting after Scalpel Jockey over there.” Jackie joked, her nose curling in slight distaste, while the rest of the group fell about laughing.

“We’re just—” Casey started.

“Friends!” the rest of the group chorused back, further dissolving into giggles.

Casey gave them the finger.

“I’m going to get another drink.” She stated, swaying slightly as she rose to her feet.

“Maybe get some water babes.” Sienna laughed.

“Wimps. All of you. Casey, get more tequila.” Jackie commanded.

As Casey waited in line at the bar, a strong pair of arms wrapped around her from behind. Casey leaned back into Bryce, inhaling his musky, piney scent.

“Saw you practically eye-fucking me, Valentine. It was a little distracting.” Bryce smirked.

“You and that ego.” Casey groaned, “And here I thought you were thinking of taking that surgical intern home.”

Bryce twisted her around to face him, and put a finger underneath her chin, tilting her face up.

“Jealous, Valentine?” He murmured.

“Take me home and I’ll show you.”

“Don’t have to tell me twice.” Bryce grinned, grabbing her hand and pulling her towards the exit.

On their way out, Casey stopped to tell her friends goodbye.

They all smiled knowingly, while Jackie feigned a look of outrage and asked who was getting her shots.

After, they lay tangled together in Bryce’s bed, sweaty and satisfied. Bryce stroked her hair tenderly, a soft smile on his face that Casey knew was reserved just for her.

“That was incredible, Case.”

“Best sex ever.” Casey mumbled drunkenly, before gasping and clapping a hand over her mouth.

Bryce laughed and pulled her on top of him.

“Yeah? Say that again.”

Casey rolled her eyes at him and attempted to roll off him, but his arms circled around her, keeping her trapped.

“No chance, Lahela. Your ego barely fits through the door anyway.” Casey mumbles.

“It shouldn’t, if I’m the best you’ve ever had. I should have a sign. I should win a medal. You’ve had lots of sex.” He teased, grinning widely.

“You’re one to talk.” Casey laughed.

Bryce looked at her, seeming serious for a moment.

“Do you still have lots of sex?” He questioned.

“Bryce, we have sex nearly every day, so I’d say yes.” Casey rolled her eyes again.

“You know what I mean.” Bryce whispered, a smile tugging the corners of his mouth.

“Who else would I possibly have time to sleep with?” Casey laughed.

Bryce’s eyes were still looking at her searchingly so she sighed.

“I’m only sleeping with you Bryce.” She admitted shakily, “I’ve only wanted to sleep with you since the housewarming party.”

Her heart sped up as she awaited a response. Was that too much? It was Bryce who’d asked, although she had been desperately wanting to ask him herself for a while. Maybe he was asking because he was sleeping with other people though, maybe her jealousy was too much. Casey realised Bryce hadn’t answered. Her still slightly inebriated brain scrambled for a way that she could take this back, sort out this situation.

“I don’t want to sleep with anyone else either, Case.” Bryce breathed, his voice sounding slightly awed.

“Really?” Casey was practically beaming, her eyes sparkling as she finally looked him in the eye.

“I haven’t wanted to sleep with anyone else since we made out in the supply closet. I think you’ve ruined sex with anyone else for me anyway as well.” Bryce admitted bashfully.

“What about that pretty surgical intern?” Casey asked, pouting as she remembered her earlier jealousy.

Bryce gave her his trademark dazzling smirk.

“I just wanted to see you all jealous, Valentine. I guess it worked.” He winked.

“I wasn’t jealous. I don’t get jealous.” Casey grumbled stubbornly.

She expected Bryce to keep teasing her, giving her their usual flirty banter and sarcastic jokes.

“I won’t flirt if you don’t want me to, Case. I like what we have.” Bryce said softly, his voice laced with genuine emotion.

“Yeah?”

“Yeah.”

Casey burrowed her head into the crook of his neck and wrapped her body around him.

“Me too.” She sighed happily.

#bryce x mc #bryce lahela #open heart #choices #choices fanfic

[openheartfanfics]

Newly Added Fics

Mar 30 - April 5, 2024  

🎭 Angst  |  🦚 Angsty Fluff  |  🛸 AU  |  ☁ Fluff  |  ♥ NSFW  |  📚 Series  |  📷 Edit  |  📱 TextFic  |  Ⓜ Mature

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

[mydemonsdrivealimo]

CHAPTER 1

Fandom: Open Heart

Rating: Teen

Warnings: none apply to this chapter

Relationships: Bryce Lahela x M!MC (Jensen Valentine)

Word Count: 2426

Characters: Jensen Valentine (MC), Jackie Varma, Bryce Lahela, Sienna Trinh, Elijah Greene, Ethan Ramsey, Naveen Banerji, Harper Emery (Full Open Heart Cast) 

Summary: Follow Jensen on his first pirating voyage aboard Eden's Fury, one of the most feared and highly-regarded pirate ships on the seas.

A/N: ik ik its The pirate au !! im so excited to finally have this posted. let me tell you, ive had to do a lot more thinking now that im posting this, but i just have to hope that its worth it. i never really planned for this to leave the dark cavern that is my wips folder, but here it is, in the light of day! how exciting :’) anyway please give this as much love as you have, it means more to me than words can describe, and the amount of time ive put into this by now is honestly ungodly (also woo my first fic header!!)

The bright morning sun shot glittering rays over the water. He waited on the dock with a few others, fiddling with the sword on his hip and revolver on his thigh. The summer heat filled the air and the shade from the overhanging trees did little to relieve it.

In the distance anchored the very boat he’d soon be boarding. The crew of Eden’s Fury had been in town for a number of days now, interviewing and rounding up a few new members as they often did every few years. For a pirate crew, they were surprisingly meticulous and organized, which was one of Jensen’s primary interests in joining.

The dinghy had circled back for its final time, collecting only the group of newcomers out of this port. They had stopped along two other coasts before this one and taken a number of interested parties aboard. Jensen didn’t have the chance to interact with any of them before this, most of them drunk beyond their wits anyway. The group was relatively separated throughout the city, too, impatiently waiting for their quartermaster and first mate to make it through the interview process, which was less pleasant than he originally presumed. 

Their aforementioned quartermaster, Mr. Ramsey, was more skeptical of his linguistic abilities than his skills on the water, little of which he had but thankfully had been overlooked in favor of making sure he could follow commands. He was honestly surprised he made the cut, after a little slip of his temper at the incessant interrogation. His education was practically overqualified for the position, and his English had been plenty understandable throughout the process, but for some goddamn reason Ramsey needed to make sure his mother tongue wouldn’t “hinder” his “direction-following” skills—

“Mr. Valentine,” called the Chief Officer, Ms. Emery, from where she stood at the end of the dock. Jensen’s gaze snapped upward, his frustration subsiding for the moment as he hurried to board along with a few others he crossed paths once or twice.

The ride there was near silent other than the lapping waves crashing against the side of the boat. He wasn’t as nervous as before, just waiting—wishing—to get aboard and gauge the environment. Their captain hadn’t shown face the entirety of their stop, probably off doing much more important things, but Jensen wanted to see it for himself.

Captain Naveen Banerji had a reputation beyond other captains, some myths and some truths, but none of which able to be proved unless you met the man yourself. His pirating was almost the opposite of most, stealthy and quiet until he had racked up some of the most impressive treasures across the seas. His crew was held to a higher standard, too. Not noble, by any means, but civil on deck, at least. 

He helped to tie and knot the dinghy on, wracking through the hundreds of lessons and books he had been through in the past year. He gave it a gentle nudge, secured tightly enough for his liking and seemingly the Chief Officer’s, too. He followed up another on the side netting, seamlessly sliding over the edge and onto the deck.

Instead of stares or even a look like he expected, no one spared him or the others a glance. Movement was in full swing, the expected yelling and shouts over the flapping of sails and thud of boots. 

Chief Emery wasted no time in directing them to their stations, hurriedly waving them off without a second to spare, her bandana trailing in the wind behind her as she ran up the helm. 

Jensen quickly found his bearings, taking post at a cluster of rigging lines and getting to work with the sails. He contributed little but enough to make it look like he was helping, mostly following the lead of others before the anchor was raised and they were ready for voyage. 

Commotion seemed to fizzle out in seconds, the plethora of crew members performing the routine clean-up while chatting amongst themselves. Jensen checked over his shoulder to see the helm, little movement between the few higher-ranks there. He was about to turn back when a considerable amount of shuffling caught his attention, Captain Banerji emerging next to the rail.

Ramsey appeared right behind him as they both started down the stairs, making a beeline straight for one of the other new recruits. Jensen opted to mind his business for the few moments they were there, making a few more stops before they started on their way to him. 

Jensen could see Ramsey’s arm make a less-than-subtle movement into Captain Banerji’s side, a look passed between them as they continued toward him. Clearly they had some discussion beforehand and Jensen wasn’t dense enough to think it was a flattering one.

“Mr. Valentine?” he asked, and Jensen nodded in confirmation. “What’s your specialty?”

Jensen wasn’t quite prepared for that, nor did he have a good answer. He was a pirate who had never left land, only knew the ins and outs from books and diagrams. The only reputation he had was from a man he couldn’t remember. 

There was one skill he had practice in—it was hardly the most important, but at least it was one at all. “Blades and combat.”

He seemed to consider that for a moment before giving him a curt sort of nod and continuing onto the rest of the newcomers. Jensen watched them leave before turning back to the heavy length of loose rope across the deck, winding it up in clean swirls before hanging it up on one of the protruding posts.

He took a quick turn to his left and, instead of continuing towards the stern, he shouldered right into another crew member. No habitual apology fell from his lips as they did hers, barely a look between them as he stepped away to move around her.

“Jackie,” she greeted, not a formality he expected but one he quickly recovered from and returned. 

“Jensen,” he offered with a nod. He looked down to see the rope she was working on, caught in a splinter on the mast. She watched him look at it, giving a small nod of her head. He grabbed it for her, tossing it her way then turning away again.

At least this time he missed the next crew member he almost plowed into, barely clipping his shoulder. Instead of a smooth recovery, though, the swords on their hips managed to tangle, both of them pulling the other back as they tried to press forward.

He was ready for a fight or argument but only heard a light laugh. Jensen looked up to him from the swords, gaze finding a smile of all things. 

“You know, if you wanted to introduce yourself, you could’ve just said it,” he offered with the hint of a smirk.

Jensen gave him an up-and-down, finding nothing special or rank-indicating. “I really didn’t,” he answered. As his gaze came back up, he could help but note the few strands of dark hair curling over his face and ears, the rest tied back in a short ponytail.

“Damn, I see how it is,” he said before raising his hand between them. “Bryce Lahela.”

“Jensen,” he replied with half a hand-shake, pulling back quickly and continuing away.

Jensen was quick to get to work after, cleaning up the deck and extra ropes, following Chief Emery’s instructions when she gave them out. He scanned the more experienced crowd and the relaxed way they went about their duties, most of them already settled in their roles. Jensen noted the lacking staff in gunners, along with a few others, Captain Banerji probably hoping to replace them with the new deckhands.

He questioned how plausible that would be as another new recruit shouldered right into the mast in attempts to avoid another group, instead nearly face-planting into the deck. The dagger stuck into his poorly-made holster easily fell out and skidded towards Jensen’s feet. Jensen watched him stumble for another second, picking up the dagger with a silent sigh and examining it on his way to hand it back. The blade was worn—couldn’t even cut through cotton, probably—and the handle was perfectly shiny, barely used.

“Thanks,” he said, plucking it from Jensen’s grasp and clunkily trying to re-sheath it.

“Mhm.”

“I’m Landry, by the way,” he offered as Jensen was about to turn around. Jensen didn’t hear it in his first few words, but his English accent was undeniably clear. “I was on my way to talk to Master Ramsey.”

The excitement in his tone was the last thing Jensen expected. Jensen had never been good at separating his thoughts and expression, automatic disgust falling over his face at the thought of being excited about Ramsey.

“And that’s a good thing?” he asked, a small smile starting over Landry’s face.

“Of course,” he answered easily, starting to walk and encouraging Jensen to follow as he continued. Not before a stall in his step, Jensen started next to him. “Haven’t you read his published journals?”

Oh, Jensen had seen them. He browsed a few in his searches for ship manuals and any other bits of information he could soak up. Ramsey’s journals were practically a memoir of someone with no fame, talking about his “pirate-conversion” and practically begging for his name on a wanted poster in every country. The writing was good, yes—great, even—but Jensen vividly remembered barely getting past the first page. “No,” he lied.

“Well, they’re amazing. It brings a whole new perspective to sailing and why he decided to turn to pirate life,” he said animatedly, “I’ve been reading since I was young.” He couldn’t be more than nineteen. “Anyway, I was hoping to talk to him about some of his experiences while activity is down.”

They reached the bottom of the helm, Jensen sending him on his way with a, “Have fun,” before he could invite him to tag along.

After a few more hours under the sun, Jensen had made his way below the main deck. His conversation with the master gunner—Bobby—went more pleasantly than he had expected, probably an hour-deep into the ins-and-outs of his position before Jensen excused himself.

The second he got above deck, boots clapping against the wood, a familiar, angry tone called his name from behind. Ramsey was annoyed about God knows what, headed right for him.

“Valentine, where have you been?” he asked, stopping a short distance away. Not expecting an answer, he continued, “Captain Banerji and Harper just gave an entire speech to your cohort with our next plans and you missed all of it.”

“Okay,” Jensen replied. 

It was the easiest response to gauge someone's temperament; he had plenty of practice with it. Either they’d take that as enough, more calm and collected, or blow up and lose their dignity in the process, usually people he tended to avoid. He didn’t expect Ramsey to be the latter.

“If I were you, I’d start caring a little more. Your lack of skills leave you easily replaceable–”

“Master Ramsey?” a cheery voice chimed from behind him, both of them glancing that way to meet the gaze of another new recruit, the cleanliness of her clothes clearly marking her rank. “Captain Banerji requested you at the helm.”

Ramsey gave him half a glance before scurrying off to Naveen’s side. Before he was gone, she happily introduced herself. “I’m Sienna, by the way.”

“Jensen,” he replied, her friendly demeanor more welcoming than he had seen from others. He continued with, “Thanks for interrupting.”

“No problem! I could see him chewing you out from a mile away. Hopefully he doesn’t catch on, though.” She smiled with a breathy sort of laugh, Jensen offering a tilt of his head so she’d catch him up. She leaned toward him in a conspiratorial whisper to which he practically had to crouch to get into earshot. “Banerji didn’t really ask for him, I just figured you needed it.”

Jensen’s expression mixed everywhere from confusion to surprise. “I wouldn’t take you for a liar,” he said with a hint of a grin.

“Ah, see? That’s where I get ‘em.” She smiled, and Jensen let a sighed chuckle fall through his lips, upturned at the corners. “But trust me, if you ever need a save from Ramsey, I’m there. He was…” she considered her words carefully, “less than pleasant, I suppose.”

Before either of them could say something else, Chief Emery called out as she descended the stairs of the helm. As the new group convened, she started them down to the lower deck.

Jensen’s eyes had to adjust from the bright, gleaming sunset to the dimly-lit berth deck, hammocks lazily swinging against the posts. After a few short sentences of an explanation, Harper let them pick amongst themselves where they’d be sleeping before sending them off for dinner.

Despite some of the silent-judgment at the quality of the meals, Jensen was happy just to have a consistent source of food; it wasn’t always something he had the pleasure of with his mother. 

He had lost Sienna in the galley but quickly spotted her across the mess hall, her hand shooting up in a wave to bring him over. She was sitting with a number of others he recognized, as well as a few that he didn’t. He took a seat next to her and listened to the conversation.

The group chatted contently with one another between introducing themselves (though clearly Sienna had made her way around). Elijah was across from him, Jackie on Sienna’s other side, And Landry at the other corner. For that moment, he was happy to sit in with them, enjoying the easy agreements and back and forth banter. His body was far too tired after the day to be of any use in a conversation, though he offered up his name when prompted.

After dinner, he was happy to collapse into slumber, as were a number of others. Only a night ago he was in a bed much less comfortable than this, attempting to wish a goodbye and goodnight to his mother, who was much too busy down the road at the nearby tavern.

Somewhere deep down, he wanted to miss her. Wanted to miss their makeshift little home, too. But this, here, was always going to be easier than that. She didn’t have to worry about what he was up to, didn’t have to rely on theft for half their resources. It was easier this way for her and, soon, it would be for him, too.

~~~

Tags (for my tag list and those of you who have been interested): @choicesficwriterscreations @cariantha @inlocusmads @jerzwriter​ @dr-colossal-pita​ @peonyblossom​ @kyra75

#open heart choice #open heart fanfic #open heart fic #choices open heart #bryce lahela #bryce lahela x mc #bryce lahela x jensen valentine #jensen valentine #jackie varma #sienna trinh #landry olsen #ethan ramsey #naveen banerji #harper emery #pirate au

[dalishessence]

From the Nest to Flying Free

Book: Open Heart

Main Pairing: Bryce Lahela x F!MC (Dr. Samantha Shepard)

Summary:

"Would you have asked me to the mall if we'd met when we were her age?" "In a heartbeat. Would you have said yes?" "Of course! I would have had a major crush on you." "It would have been mutual." In another life, Bryce Lahela met Samantha Shepard when he was nothing more than a "surfer who got good grades without trying", and Samantha was nothing more than the Lahela's live-in staff's daughter.

Rating: Teen (might change later in the story).

Tags: Alternate Universe, Childhood Friends to Lovers, First Love, First Relationship, Alternate Timelines, Flashbacks included, Dual POV.

Also available on AO3 here.

Chapter 1: Hatchling in the Nest

“Clear blue water

High tide came and brought you in

And I could go on and on, on and on, and I will…” ~ Taylor Swift

Bryce

2019 ~  26 years old

Bryce hit the gas, his car speeding up despite the 20 mph speed limit sign. He was itching to get to one of the last, if not the last parking spot of Edenbrook Hospital, and he noticed another driver eyeing the spot. He blew past the car, nearly hitting another car, a luxury sedan, in the process – whose driver looked mildly annoyed – before sliding into the parking space and shutting off the engine. 

The driver of the first car looked at him furiously, before driving deeper into the parking lot in  search of another empty space. Meanwhile, the luxury sedan pulled up into a reserved parking spot that read Dr. Ethan Ramsey.

Shit, Bryce thought, but couldn’t help but chuckle. I almost hit an attending… Almost. He grinned, raising a hand in apology to the attending.

Dr. Ramsey narrowed his eyes, rolled them and shook his head slightly, before locking his car and going inside.

Bryce chuckled, and pulled his phone from its car holder. It was 5:45 a.m. and in the span of the last half hour, his phone had blown up with messages. There was a message from Alex, his best friend, wishing him good luck today. He smiled a genuine smile before texting Alex back.

There were also almost fifty messages in the “Edenbrook Surgical Interns” group that he’d joined a few days ago. Of course, none of them had actually ever met before – they’d all meet today – but he’d found the link to the whatsapp group on the Facebook group that someone had created for the 2019 generation of surgical interns in Edenbrook Hospital. So far, he’d talked to several people, and most seemed pretty nice. Bryce still knew they were his competition, but hey, it couldn’t hurt to be friendly. Anyhow, right now, several people were asking for directions, a couple others were already at the hospital and asking if anyone wanted to meet up so as to not go in alone… Bryce grinned and shook his head, wondering if anyone who was scared to go in alone was actually cut out to be a surgeon… before reminding himself not to judge and keep it friendly. Those who’d make the cut will make the cut, and those who won’t… It wasn’t his business. He’d make the cut and he knew it. 

Bryce grinned and answered a couple of texts, before going to meet up with a couple of the interns who were by the basketball court. He got out of his car, shooting a grin at a couple nurses who were outside having a smoke and looking at him curiously – or at least, he thought they were nurses by the color of their scrubs. One of them rolled her eyes good naturedly, and the other grinned at him back.

He chuckled before making his way to the basketball court, and found a small group of seven or eight surgical interns chatting. He stepped up, introduced himself and shook hands with a couple of them. He immediately memorized a couple of names and faces. There was Rosa, who looked pretty serious and professional in her white blouse and blue-green blazer, and was one the few that shook his hand hard. As far as first impressions go, he thought she would probably be his biggest competition. There was also Thomas, who looked pretty friendly, clapping Bryce’s before adjusting his glasses that had slipped down his nose.  The others didn’t make much of an impression.

They talked for a while, before someone suggested a friendly game of ball to get rid of the first day jitters. Bryce looked at his phone and since they still had time before orientation he agreed to a game. Thomas also joined, and two other interns whose names Bryce had already forgotten. Oh well, I’ll learn them during the year anyway, he guessed. Anyhow, between the four of them, they had enough players for a friendly game of two on two.  

Bryce paired up with Thomas and the other two interns paired up, and the game began. One of the other interns had the ball and passed it to his teammate, but Bryce swooped in and took it. He feinted a pass to Thomas, and the other rushed at Thomas in an attempt to block him. In that moment, Bryce seamlessly turned, ran closer to the hoop and scored. 

“Whoo!” He raised his arms, and Thomas ran to clap him high five.

A few of the other surgical interns watching cheered or clapped.

“1-0!” Thomas yelled.

The other interns laughed good naturedly, and the friendly game continued until Rosa yelled from the sidelines, “Guys! It’s 6:30! We’re going inside to register, get out I.D.’s and change!”

“Cool! Cool, cool, cool!” Thomas yelled.

“Raincheck?” One of the other interns asked.

They all nodded. 

“Yeah, let’s go with them. Don’t wanna be late.” Bryce yelled. 

Once inside, they were greeted by a tall, blond and blue eyed senior resident. “Fresh meat!” She chuckled. “I mean, interns! Welcome to the party. I won’t ask your names, or bother to learn them, because most of you probably won’t be here by the end of the year. My name’s Dr. Constance Davenport and I’m in charge of babysitting you this year. Now, come on, this way. I’ll take you to get your I.D.’s then show you to the locker room.” 

Bryce grinned, not at all offended by her attitude. Some of his fellow interns were already grumbling or rolling their eyes at her, but Bryce knew that in this field, in this hospital, in this program, that level of confidence had to be backed up by talent. So the fact that she was that cocky meant she was probably that good, and she’d fricking earned it.

Anyhow, he followed his resident, got his picture taken and told her his name.

“Lahela… Hawaiian?” Dr. Davenport asked.

“Yep. Born and raised.”

Davenport nodded. “Huh… Let’s hope you make it, Lahela.” She tossed him his I.D. with a challenging grin. Then she looked back and saw that the line of interns had somehow gotten longer and sighed. Then she looked back to the group of interns who’d already had their I.D.’s and were waiting off to the side, and sighed. “Okay, I’m not going to have time to get you all your I.D.’s and show you around and stuff, so you…” She pointed to Bryce, Rosa, Thomas and their group. “The locker rooms are from this hall, through that waiting room, then you take a left, a right, another left and you’ll see it. Go.”

The surgical interns looked at each other and went on their way. Thomas, who claimed he had a good sense of direction, led the way. He actually did and soon they were in the locker room. Bryce pulled out his phone to check his Notes app, where he had written his locker number. He also took a clean towel from a towel rack nearby and went to his locker, which was right next to a cute Indian girl’s locker, mercilessly shoving a vintage leather jacket into her locker. As she saw him approaching, she looked him up and down critically.

He gestured to his locker and shot her a charming grin. “Hey. Looks like we’re neighbors. Bryce Lahela. Surgical intern.”

She merely looked at his hand. “A scalpel jockey, huh?” The corners of her lips twitched, and Bryce knew this was friendly banter. “Jackie Varma. Internal medicine.”

“You’re one of those, huh?” Bryce smiled teasingly.

“One of the actual intelligent doctors? Damn right.” She grinned right back.

Bryce immediately liked her.

Jackie sniffed the air. “You should shower before orientation, scalpel jockey.”

“Do you want me to take my shirt off? I mean, since we’re locker neighbors, you’ll have plenty of time to admire all this.” He gestured to himself.

Jackie did not seem amused as she rolled her eyes. “Oh, joy, all of my dreams have come true.” She said in a bored, monotone voice.

Bryce laughed, before grabbing his towel and heading in for a quick shower. He’d worked up a sweat during their brief basketball game. 

After a quick scrub, he wrapped a towel around his waist and headed back to his locker, where he saw Jackie was already terrorizing someone else: a tall woman, clearly another intern, with long black hair that was dyed red at the ends.

“... How’d you make it through med school without ever seeing a bra before?”

“I’m sorry!” Bryce heard this other intern say as he approached them. “I just wasn’t expecting–”

The woman turned, bumping into his chest. Bryce chuckled, steading her by placing his hands on her shoulders. “Go easy on her, Jackie. It’s the first day for all of us.”

For some reason, Bryce felt the woman tense immediately, and he briefly thought that maybe she didn’t like to be touched. But then she looked up, and he saw a very, very familiar face staring back at him, sending his heart into overdrive.

“Sam?!”

************************************************************************

1999 ~ 6 years old

"Bryce! Get down here, please!" His mother, Anita, yelled from downstairs. "Come meet Luna!"

Bryce looked up from his pull-back car -- or rather, his pull-back car parts. He hadn’t broken it. Not exactly. It’d just stopped working, and Bryce had wanted to figure out why. And what better way to do that than take it apart? But so far, he’d been on it for most of the morning, and he still couldn’t really figure out why. When he’d taken it apart, he was excited to find all these little gears inside, all different colors and connected to each other, and this metallic spring inside that he still wasn't sure what it did exactly…

“Bryce!”

The little boy got up with a sigh, and stood up. He’d come back and fix his toy car later. Better go see what Mom wanted now. She got annoyed when she had to repeat herself. And so he made his way down the stairs, only to find his mother sitting down on the couch next to a woman he’d never seen before. The woman was small, with long blond hair tied back in a braid, but what Bryce liked most were her eyes. She had pretty green eyes...

“Bryce! There you are! Didn’t you hear me calling?” His mom stood, the lady following her lead.

“Sorry.” Bryce mumbled.

“It’s okay, hon. Come meet Luna.” Anita smiled and gestured to the woman… Luna.

Luna smiled at him and knelt down to his eye level. “Hello, Bryce. I’m Luna.”

Bryce smiled back at her, his “megawatt smile” as Mom would say, before stepping up. “Hi, Luna. Who are you?”

Luna looked up to his mom, chuckling.

“Luna is our new housekeeper,” Anita told him. “She’s going to be helping me with the house, the cooking, the cleaning…”

“But Mom, you don’t do any of those things.” Bryce said.

Both women laughed for some reason he didn’t really understand -- he’d said nothing but the truth -- but he smiled, anyway. Maybe he was just funny.

“Well… he’s got a point there.” Anita smiled at him and ran a hand through his hair.

“Children. Mine also just blurt out whatever goes through their heads.” Luna agreed, laughing brightly, before turning back to Bryce. “How old are you, Bryce?”

He raised his whole hand with his five fingers outstretched, like the big boy he was. “Five.” He said proudly.

Luna’s eyes widened excitedly. “Five?! No!”

“Yep!” He nodded eagerly.

“Guess what?! I have two kids and my kids are five, too!” Luna told him, dropping her jaw.

“Hear that, Bryce? You’ll have two new friends!” Anita told him, and he nodded eagerly. She lowered her voice, but Bryce heard her anyway. “I’m so happy we found you and your husband. Not just because of the jobs, but when you told us you had twins the same age as him… He gets so lonely here in this big house. He doesn’t really have many chances to socialize with other children his age, other than the occasional playdate.”

Luna laughed, and gently patted Anita’s arm. “Oh, well. My twins are a handful but I’m sure they’re going to get along just fine.” She turned back to Bryce. “Bryce, would you like to meet Sam and Alex?”

“Okay!” Bryce nodded, reaching for Luna's outstretched hand. 

He took Luna’s hand with one of his and his mother’s hand in the other, and let both women lead him to the smaller house that was behind his. This house wasn’t really that small, it was just that his house was so big. It had a big backyard for him to play in, and a pool, and farther away it even had stables where the horses slept in. 

Sometimes Bryce got lonely in his house, though. It was really big and had a lot of fun places inside and outside, but he always had to play alone because his mom and dad were always working, and Lucy had… Returned? Retried? Bryce couldn’t remember what his mother had said. Anyway, she had gotten older and she had to stop working in his house. That had made Bryce a bit sad, since Lucy always played with him when she wasn’t busy.

But now, his mom had found Luna, and Luna had two kids he would be able to play with! Bryce was really excited. He always wanted a brother, but his mom always said no. Maybe he could ask Luna’s kids to be his brothers. And instead of only one, he would have two now!

“Bryce,” Luna told him, squeezing his hand slightly when they came upon the small house. 

There was a car and a truck parked outside, and a big man with black hair was carrying a giant box down from the truck like it weighed nothing. He set it down when he saw them, and walked towards them, nodding at his mom. "Mrs. Lahela."

"Jack." His mom nodded back.

Up close, he looked even bigger! He was bigger than his dad! Bryce was pretty sure this was the biggest man he'd ever seen. He hoped he would grow up to be as big when he got older. 

The man, Jack, caught him staring and smiled. Like Luna, he knelt down to Bryce's eye level. "And who is this?"

"I'm Bryce!" 

"It's nice to meet you, Bryce." 

The man offered Bryce his giant hand, but Bryce wasn't scared and he shook it like he'd seen his dad do. The man's palm engulfed his hand, but he still shook it as hard as he could.

"I'm Jack."

"Jack is my husband, and the twins' father. He’s going to be your family’s driver too." Luna added.

Bryce nodded. "Hi, Jack. Are you going to drive me to school?"

Jack laughed. “Yes, Bryce, I am.”

"Honey, where are the kids? I wanted them to meet Bryce." Luna told him.

Jack smiled one last time at Bryce, before standing back up. "They're upstairs. Want me to go get them?"

"Please. Thanks, love." Luna nodded with a gentle smile.

Jack nodded and winked at Bryce, before going inside. Bryce watched him walk away -- he looked so cool! -- and tried to wink, too. He closed both eyes, scrunching them up a couple of times, before finally getting the wink right. He hoped he looked as cool as Jack did.

A few moments later, Jack finally came out, holding out a boy's hand… and a girl's. The boy had blond hair just like Luna, while the little girl had long black hair like Jack.

Bryce raised his eyebrows, confused. Sam and Alex were boys' names… 

"Bryce… this is Sam," Jack raised his hand, dangling the little girl's arms as she looked shyly at Bryce. "And this is Alex." Jack repeated the motion with his son.

Alex waved excitedly with his other hand.

"But Sam's a boy's name." Bryce blurted out.

"No, it's not!" The girl, Sam, glared at him, her shyness forgotten at the insult. "It's short for Samantha! Samantha Keilani Shepard!"

All the grown ups laughed, while Samantha glared at him, pouting.

Samantha. 

Bryce had never heard of that name. It was a big name. It was too big for such a little girl. No wonder they'd shortened it to Sam.

"Heh. Easy, Sammy. Bryce probably didn't know that." Jack squeezed her hand softly, smiling down at him.

"Sorry, Samantha." Bryce mumbled. His mom squeezed his hand reassuringly.

Sam let out a sigh, before her gaze softened. "It's okay… You can call me Sam, if you want.”

Bryce smiled at that. He liked Sam. Samantha was too long for her. “Okay, Sam.”

“What’s your name?” She asked.

“Bryce.”

“Bryce…” Sam repeated. 

“I like it. Sounds cool.” The boy, Alex, said. 

“Do you want to be friends, Bryce?” Sam asked softly, looking a bit shy again.

Bryce brightened up instantly. "Sure!"

"Cool! Wanna see my room?! It’s upstairs." Alex asked.

"Okay!"

"You can see mine next!" Sam added.

"Mom, can I invite them to our house so they can see my room too?" Bryce asked, looking up at his mother hopefully.

She chuckled, before nodding. "Of course, baby."

"Thanks, mom! Do you guys wanna come to my house after? You can see my room, and then the pool…"

"You have a pool?!" Alex asked, his jaw dropping.

"Yeah! A big pool!"

"Come on, let's go!" Sam took Bryce's hand. Alex took her other hand, and she began leading them both inside.

Bryce followed them, very happy with his new friends. Even if one of them had turned out to be a girl instead of a boy, Bryce still had a feeling they'd all get along just fine.

#open heart fanfiction #open heart fanfic #bryce lahela x mc #bryce lahela x f!mc #bryce lahela

[eadanga]

Chris

Liam

Arthur

Gabe

Sam

Sawyer

Cole

Mal

Bryce

Adam

#choices fanfiction #choices fan fiction #choices fandom #chris fanfic #chris fanfiction #tf/ts/tj/ts #choices tf/ts #the freshmen series #the sophomore #laws of attraction #open heart #bryce x mc #bryce lahela #chris x mc #chris powell #the royal romance #king liam #king arthur #cole stone #cole x mc #mal valori #nanny affair #sam dalton #adam america's most eligible #americas most eligible #adam x mc

[choicesficwriterscreations]

Among Presents

Book: Open Heart Pairing: Bryce Lahela x F!OC Words: 410 Rating: General Author: @ladylamrian

#choices fanfic #open heart #bryce lahela #bryce lahela x f!mc #choices fic writers creations #cfwc fics of the week #playchoices #playchoices fanfic #cfwc holidays 2023

[lucy-268]

Pancakes

Series/Pairing: Open Heart - Ethan Ramsey x f!MC (Charley Valentine)

Other Characters: Tobias Carrick; Bryce Lahela

Disclaimer: Most characters belong to PB, Charley is sort of mine

Rating / Warnings: T

Summary: Ethan decides that he is going to learn to make pancakes. Bryce and Tobias are going to help him.

Comments/Notes: Written for the For the Boys event at @choicesficwriterscreations​.

Word count: ~1,510

Ethan looked around as Charley bounced into the kitchen. “Good morning,” she wrapped her arms around his waist, hugging him.

He shifted his coffee cup to the other hand and turned in her embrace, leaning down to kiss her. “Good morning to you. This is unusual. You, awake and dressed at this time on your day off.”

“I hope you can drive just a few miles out of your way to drop me off at Sienna’s this morning. She’s giving Bryce a cooking lesson and I was invited for breakfast.” She smirked at him. “Sienna is hoping that her pancake lesson goes better for Bryce than her last student.”

He shook his head. “Don’t remind me.” He poured her coffee into her to-go mug. “Let’s get you to Sienna.”

Ethan walked out of his meeting with Leland and decided he needed to shift his focus. He checked his watch and headed for the nurses station on the third floor. “Dr. Varma, when do the interns have rounds?”

Jackie’s head snapped up from Tobias’ phone that the two of them were laughing over. Tobias grinned at Ethan. “Still haven’t learned how to make pancakes yet, buddy?”

Ethan took the proffered phone and looked at Charley’s post.

“Interns, Varma?”

“Right.” She pushed herself up from where she had be leaning against the counter. “They should be here in about five minutes. Dr. Carrick is leading rounds today.”

“I’ll be joining you on rounds today, so if Dr. Carrick wants to find something else to do, he may.”

“You will?”

“Bad meeting with Bloom?” Tobias asked. When Ethan glared at him, Tobias added, “I’ll go along on rounds, too. You may scare them off.”

The next Sunday after Charley left for her shift at work, Ethan poured himself his second cup of coffee while he waited for Bryce and Tobias to show up.

Bryce arrived first and handed Ethan a recipe card. He recognized the neat hand writing of Sienna. “She swears by this recipe,” Bryce stated, “and I was able to master it on my first try.”

As Bryce followed Ethan into his kitchen for coffee, he looked around and let out a low whistle. “This is some kitchen. My apartment in Palo Alto could fit in here with room left over.”

Ethan smiled. “It was actually one of the selling points when I bought it. Cooking is relaxing for me after a difficult day.”

Tobias had arrived and walked through the apartment. “As long as it isn’t pancakes.”

“Don’t you ever knock?”

“Not when I’m expected and you leave your door unlocked.” Tobias set a bag on the counter. “I have in here the ingredients for the best pancakes ever.”

Bryce picked up Sienna’s recipe card. “Sienna’s are the best.”

Ethan handed them a printout of a recipe he had. “I have my own recipe here.

Tobias pulled the page out of his hand. “What is this? Grams? Milliliters?” He laughed. “Nigella’s recipe, right?”

Before Ethan could answer, Tobias set the paper down and pulled a container of ricotta cheese, a quart of buttermilk, and a couple of lemons out of his bag, setting them on the counter. “We are going to make lemon ricotta pancakes.”

Bryce objected. “No. Those sound too difficult for Ethan. He needs to start with something easy.”

“I will have you know, I am a fantastic cook.”

Tobias waved his hand to silence Ethan. “Bryce, first of all, Ethan has proven time and time an time again that he cannot make a simple pancake recipe. Second, except for his pancake game, he is a wonderful cook, so a more difficult recipe should be right up his alley.” Tobias pulled his printed recipe out of his pocket and dropped it down with the other two.

“Charley loves Sienna’s pancakes.”

Ethan sighed. “Let’s go with Sienna’s.”

Thirty minutes later, Bryce frowned as they looked at the pancakes. They were flat. Ethan sighed. “This always happens.”

“I told you Sienna said not to mix the batter until it was smooth. It’s best to have a slightly lumpy batter.”

Tobias picked up the plate and moved it to the counter by the sink. “Next recipe?”

“Nigella’s.” Ethan said as he carried a blender over to the counter they were working.

Bryce and Tobias looked at each other. “A blender?”

Ethan picked up the paper and read. “The easiest way to make these is to put all the ingredients into a blender and blitz. But if you do mix up the batter by hand in a bowl, make a well in the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar, beat in the eggs, melted butter and milk, and transfer to a jug: it's much easier to pour the batter into the pan than to spoon it.”

Tobias shrugged. “If Nigella says blender, I guess we use a blender.”

Bryce set down the electric griddle they had used. “Let’s do this.”

Soon the batter was ready and Ethan poured some of the batter onto the griddle. “Should it spread like that?”

“It should not.”

While Ethan and Bryce gathered the second batch of pancakes and set them on the counter next to the first while Tobias assembled the ingredients and mixing bowls for the lemon ricotta pancakes. “Saved the best for last.”

Tobias stepped back to allow Ethan to mix the batter. “Careful you don’t overmix. Make sure it’s just combined.”

“I can read, Tobias.”

Soon Ethan was dropping the batter onto the griddle. Even Bryce looked impressed. “We may have a winner.”

Tobias smiled. “I knew it. Regular pancake were just too easy and not for you.” Within ten minutes the men sat at Ethan’s kitchen island to dig into the stacks of pancakes.

Tobias took the first bite and his eyes widened in horror. He used his fork to dig into the pancake pulling out a clump of ricotta cheese. “I warned you not to overmix. I should have also said don’t undermix.”

Bryce and Ethan both pushed their plates away. “At least these ones looked edible.”

Tobais looked at his watch. “It’s now past noon. Let’s go grab lunch. My treat.” Ethan looked at the mess spread over his kitchen. Tobias grabbed Ethan by the shoulders and turned him towards the door. “We’ll come back and help you clean your kitchen before Charley gets home.”

Four hours later Tobias pulled up in front of Ethan’s building. “Just drop me off.”

“No, Bryce and I will be happy to help you clean up, won’t we Bryce?”

“Yeah.”

“I got it. Thanks for trying to help me this morning.”

Ethan was soon unlocking his door. He stopped short as he saw Charley leaning against the island in the kitchen. “What happened here?”

“Bryce and Tobias decided to teach me how to make pancakes. It didn’t work, so we went out for lunch. I intended to have this mess cleaned up before you got home.”

She smiled as she glanced at him over her shoulder. ”I’ll help you clean the kitchen, then you can fix me Georgian stuffed chicken.”

Two weeks later Charley woke up alone in bed. She tipped her head as she heard voices from the kitchen. She headed down the hall and stopped out of sight of the kitchen.

Tobias’ voice floated back to her. “Man, the least you can do is let me have breakfast with you.”

“You’ve already eaten three!”

“I didn’t get to wish Charley a happy Sunday.” Tobias protested. “Are you going to tell her you didn’t make the pancakes?”

Charley heard plates clattering before Ethan said, “Here are plates for you and Bryce. Enjoy work and you should head to the hospital now.”

Charley smiled at the exchange between the two men, thinking back to the meeting with Tobias in Bloom’s sitting room. At that time, she would have never thought she would see them together, not that she would consider Tobias a treasured friend. She headed back to the bedroom as the front door closed behind Tobias.

Ethan returned to the bedroom, carrying a tray loaded with pancakes, bacon, and coffee. “Good morning!”

Charley yawn and stretched, sitting up in bed. “Breakfast in bed? What’s the occasion?”

“We’re both off today. It’s special enough for lemon ricotta pancakes.”

Charley dug her fork into the fluffy stack of pancakes. “Mmm. These are wonderful! I’ll have to thank Tobias next time I see him.”

“Tobias?”

“He helped with the recipe, right?”

“Oh, um. Yes, yes, he helped.”

As they enjoyed breakfast together, Ethan finally broke down. “Tobias made the pancakes!”

Charley threw back her head and laughed.

“You knew! He told you.”

She shook her head. “If you want to surprise me, you need to be quieter in the kitchen.”

Ethan grabbed the tray off the bed and carried it over to the dresser. He returned to bed and pulled Charley against him as she was still laughing.

“You need to stop laughing and I can think of one way to make you stop.”

Charley wrapped her arms around his neck, “Your methods are very effective.”

Tagging List (since Bryce and Tobias were featured as well as Ethan, I’m tagging all of my Open Heart lists): @choicesficwriterscreations​ @openheartfanfics​

Perma - @a-crepusculo @bex-la-get @danijimenezv @genevievemd @jamespotterthefirst @jerzwriter​ @liaromancewriter​ @potionsprefect​ @writer-ish​ @crazy-loca-blog​ @quixoticdreamer16​ @starrystarrytrouble​ @zahrachoices​ 

All Open Heart - @annfg8 @coffeeheartaddict2 @utterlyinevitable @differenttyphoonwerewolf​

Open Heart - Ethan & Charley only - @ohchoices @queencarb @headoverheelsforramsey @rookiemartin @youlookappropriate 

Open Heart - Bryce & Maggie only - @burnsoslow​

Open Heart - Tobias & Samantha only - @burnsoslow @kat-tia801 

#open heart #ethan ramsey x f!mc #ethan ramsey #tobias carrick #bryce lahela #cfwc fics of the week #cfwc for the boys #choices fanfiction #playchoices fanfiction #playchoices fanfic #choices fic writers creations

[utterlyinevitable]

the very first night (let’s go back in time)

Pairing: Bryce Lahela x F!OC (Hannah Weill) Rating: Explicit  Warning: it’s sensual?? little bit of nipple play Tropes: Pining; NSFW; Friends with Benefits; Drunk; Meet Again; 

Summary: Following An Evening in December, Bryce & Hannah are alone in his hotel room making up for the insecurities of their past. 

a/n: another smutty lil snippet from this fic i’ve been trying to write a la rebranded for my oph babes 💖 i like this one so much better than the last e&b piece. i hope you do too xx

_________________

There’s something meaningful swirling between them neither cares to acknowledge but can’t help but feel. Han elongates her body up towards him at the same time Bryce moves closer. 

It’s glorious. 

To feel him. To have his hands trailing her body, tracing more defined curves that were only shadows before. To trace the slope of his shoulders with her fingertips and feel the taut muscle there. To be pulled closer and closer, and twirled to a dance he’s leading. 

Fireworks exploded in her gut, every nerve ending on fire. It was too slow and moved too fast at the same time. One of his hands holding her head in place as he slipped his tongue between her awaiting lips. Hannah moaned softly as his tongue moved with hers. As he kissed her slow and purposefully. As she let herself get lost in the way he tasted like hops and home - earthy and reassuring, like the the gentle folds of waves as they sat on the sand in a dream she’s always coveted. She’s lost to the feeling, putty in his hands as she lets him take control. 

She’s pulled forward, tugged by the lips as Bryce backs himself up to sit on the bed. Hands fisting in her waist as he draws her towards him once more, missing the press of their bodies. Han’s helpless but to do anything but lift her legs to straddle him - precariously kneeling at the edge of the mattress trying to keep her full weight off him. But he pulls her down harder. Kisses her into delirium until she can’t keep herself up. Wanting every bit of their bodies touching.  Leaning in, her arms wrapped around his neck and fingers fisted in his sun-kissed locks, heads tilting together deepening the kiss. His fingers running delicately across her body, careful and purposeful and feather-light that made her skin tingle, arching asking for more of everything. 

And he’s handling her with care. God, she doesn’t want to think. Doesn’t want her brain to ruin this and compare it to her fantasies, or worse - think about how she compares to all his past others. So she kisses him, harder. Gives a guttural beg of ‘please’ as her hips roll into his. Bryce is all too eager to oblige - to obliterate everything else but here and now. 

Hands move to places unseen. Places friends don’t explore with friends. 

There’s never been anything friendly between them. 

It’s more. More gasps and moans as lips find hidden treasure. More please. More off. More hands everywhere. More clothes on the floor. Hearts beating erratically. 

“You’re beautiful,” he all but whispered in earnest. Soft amber eyes on hers, boring and imploring her to believe him. 

The look of reverence on his face as he uncovered more bits of her body she always kept covered up... - it was so much. 

For the first time Hannah Weill felt herself bloom under the attention. 

Instead of closing her eyes and letting it happen, she took control. Her hands trailed down his chest to the hem of his top. 

“I want to see you,” she muttered against his lips and her fingers worked to expose the hot skin underneath.  

He raised his arms and she slid off his top. 

A second passed. Then another with only shallow breaths passing between them. Her silver stare stuck on the dips of his chest, the curves of this man’s body.    

“Touch me.” 

So she does. Her filed nails trailing, exploring his pecs and down to the outline of abs that surely weren’t there when they’d known one another. He’s muscular and manly, not soft and boyish. Far from the fantasy she used to have of him - of them together over years and years. And he has tufts of chest hair now too. Her finger cards through the wiry strands that curl around her fingertip. 

He watches her, hands on her hips still rooting her there. 

He wants to say something, so does she. But what can you really say at a moment like this. Idle conversation couldn’t withstand the moment. 

When words fail mouths move.

Bryce took one of her breasts in his mouth. Shifted her higher up his body to eagerly plop his lips around her. Her hand found the back of his head and she held him in place while he flicked his tongue across her nipple before grazing his teeth and nipping her just enough to elicit a whimper. 

Without complaint he moved to the other, lavishing her body in the only way he’d know how. It’s too much. The circles he was swirling against her sensitive skin mimicked the patterns she was grinding against him, driving them both wild - seeking pressure that wasn’t close enough. His hand slid between them to thumb at her center through her jeans, trying to match her place and give her some release. But it wasn’t enough. 

An annoyed whine passed her lips, a huff as she pushed his shoulders away. “Off,” she declares as soon as his concerned gaze met hers, and Bryce drops his hold completely. Lets her get off him, disappointment beginning to creep into his brow. 

She steps back, just enough to fully use all her limbs without any impediments. His eyes are still on her and she watches him, too. Stares with a sinister smirk as her thumbs work the buttons of her jeans. Bryce catches her eye, as much as the sight of watching her strip could be his undoing, he quirks a brow in askance. 

She nods and no sooner does he rid himself of his trousers. The speed and fumbling by which he obliges endearing as ever. This isn’t weird, or awkward as most first times would go. No, this is a long time coming. They’ve played this scene out many times in the back of her mind. 

Hannah moves towards him, but Bryce keeps her at arms length. His eyes rove her body - curvy and alabaster and every flaw on display with the din of the foyer light spilling in on her like a spotlight. And for a brief moment she recedes into herself - steels herself from the rejection that’s about to come. This was nice, but it’s over now. This isn’t supposed to happen for them. Unrequited love is meant to be just that - fruitless and never real. 

Bryce breathes, wanton and wanting. “You’re beautiful.” 

“Thank you,” what else is she meant to say. 

His hands caress her sides, up and down the swell of her hips, her waist, the sides of her chest. Pads of fingers ghosting her breasts, circling her areolas as he considers her attentively. She waits. And waits for the rejection she knows is coming. 

“B-” there it is, on the tip of his tongue, the but we should stop. 

She knows it’s coming and the strings of her chest are dangling by a frayed thread, waiting to drop. Her lips part, ready to finish the sentence for him, her eyes darting to the side to find the quickest path to her clothes. But

“Before we continue…” he strides over to his rucksack, riddles around for two heartbeats too long, and finds what he’s looking for. The look on his face as he saunters over holding the ream of two condoms is contagious enough to have her smiling back. “Safety first.”

________________

a/n: i’m getting better at this??? 

> complete masterlist <

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Perma:

@jerzwriter​​   @quixoticdreamer16​​   @terrm9​​ @crazy-loca-blog​​   @the-pale-goddess​​   @schnitzelbutterfingers​​   @gryffindordaughterofathena​​   @lucy-268​​   @reputaytion-xiii @peonierose​​   @withbeautyandrage​ @little-flowers-on-heaven​​ @parisa-kh​​   @forallthatitsworth​​   @maurine07​​ @cariantha​​  @starrystarrytrouble​​

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#bryce x mc #bryce lahela #open heart #choices open heart #open heart fanfic

[jerzwriter]

With Warning Part 5: Captain Lahela & a Serving of Common Sense

Book: Open Heart (Book 2 Timeline) Characters: Tobias Carrick & Casey, Bryce Lahela Rating: Teen Words: 1,800 Series Summary: Found here it changes a little here - both the warnings, and in this part, who it's being delivered to. Chapter Summary: Casey's just returned from her holiday getaway with Tobias, and she's happy to have the apartment to herself... so of course Bryce shows up! An animated conversation with her friend, gives her food for thought. A/N: I'm going in a little different direction... this was supposed to be all about the friends warning Tobias to stay away from Casey - and it started that way - but now, the warnings are changing.

The timing of this story is just after parts two, three, and four of Christmas Through Your Eyes and the Epilogue of that series takes place after this fic. (The chronological list of fics in the "From Here to There" part of their journey. 😊)

With Warning Masterlist Tobias x Casey Masterlist || My Full Masterlist

The alarm on Casey’s phone blared for the ninth, or maybe it was the tenth time... but it had done the trick. After rubbing the sleep from her eyes, she stumbled to the bathroom with a delirious smile... she hadn’t been dreaming after all. The Christmas trip with Tobias really happened, and as she splashed cold water onto her face, she realized that for the first time since the attack, she had gone for days simply being... happy.

Her friends were already at work, and she relished being home alone. She adored her roommates, but she knew what awaited her. They would have questions. They’d want to see the photos still tucked away in her phone. And she wasn’t naïve; she knew she’d have to face them when they returned home later, but right now, she needed time to process it all herself.

Returning to her room with a piping hot cup of tea, she stared at the unpacked suitcase lying at the foot of her bed and decided reality could wait a bit longer. Hopping back in bed and looking at the photos from her trip sounded far more enjoyable.

She startled when the phone rang, and a photo of her mother appeared. Maybe it was because she wouldn’t be speaking to her face to face, or maybe because her mother hadn’t had a front-row seat to her budding friendship with Tobias, but Casey decided this might just be the test run she needed.

“Hey, Mom!” She gushed. “Yeah, got back late last night.” “Oh, it was wonderful! We ended up going to New York, too... can you believe I lived there for four years and never saw the Rockefeller Center Tree? Finally crossed that off the bucket list!” “No, neither of us were on social media. We wanted to live in the moment... but I’ll get some pictures up soon.” “I am happy, Ma... I haven’t been this happy in some time!”

Her neck twisted toward her bedroom door as she heard a noise in the hall; that’s where she found Bryce standing with a bowl of cereal already in hand. He went to walk off when he saw she was on the phone, but Casey waved him in.

“Mom, I have to go, Bryce is here. But I’ll call you later and fill you in on all the details.... Of course I'll tell Bryce you said hello, Ma. I love you, too!”

He had already settled into the beanbag chair in the corner of her room, a goofy grin on his face as he enjoyed his... well, Elijah’s Captain Crunch. “You didn’t have to hang up on my account,” he said between spoonfuls. “I would have waited.”

“No... just as well,” Casey insisted. “My mom was five minutes away from asking why we didn’t see her when we were in Philly, and I could do without answering that for now.”

“Mmhhm. So, why didn’t you see her?”

“Same reason we didn’t visit Tobias’s family – that’s not what the trip was about. It was just for fun.”

“And was it?” he asked sincerely. “Fun, that is?”

“It was, Bryce!” She answered more quickly and enthusiastically than she had planned. “I can’t believe it, but it truly put me in the holiday spirit. I didn’t see that coming!”

“I think that might have been Tobias’s plan all along,��� Bryce winked. “I should thank him because I love seeing you this happy again... it’s legit, right? You know you don’t have to put on an act for me.”

“I know that,” Casey smiled, taking a seat next to her friend on the rug. “I’m not pretending... I honestly am starting to feel alive again.”

Bryce put the nearly empty cereal bowl aside and gave Casey’s hand a squeeze.

“That’s great because I’ve missed you! It was nice of T to take you on this trip.”

“It was,” she grinned, not comprehending why her cheeks became so flushed.

Bryce lifted the bowl again, gathering the tiny bit of milk that remained on his spoon. “You two have gotten really close, huh?”

“Well, it’s not like that,” Casey replied in a defensive tone. “We’re just friends.”

“OK... I didn’t insinuate you were anything more.”

“I know,” she sighed. “I didn’t mean to snap at you. But, most of the time, when I’m good friends with a guy, everyone assumes it’s something more. And it’s kind of stupid, honestly, because I’m bi... so do people assume I'm fucking anyone I’m good friends with?”

Bryce offered an understanding nod. “As someone who identifies as pan, I can say with full authority... yes. Yes, they do. But fuck them.”

“Fuck who?” Casey asked. “All my friends?”

“No!” he laughed, tossing a pillow her way. “Fuck the idiots who think that. Well, don’t fuck them... screw them. No, don’t screw them either... you... you know what I mean!”

“I do,” Casey giggled. “And you’re right, screw them! Tobias and I love spending time together. We make each other laugh; he’s really helped me these past few months.”

“All good things!” Bryce agreed.

“Exactly! But that doesn’t mean we’re more than friends. I mean, sure, we kissed a couple of times...”

Bryce’s eyes opened wide. “Wait... you what?”

“We kissed. But it’s wasn't a big deal! I mean, you know that. We’ve kissed, and we’re just friends, right?”

“I mean... it was a long time ago...”

“I know, but when we kissed... what were we?”

“Friends.”

“Right!” she snapped her fingers. “And you didn’t think any more of it, did you?”

“Uh...no... I didn’t. Did you?”

“Of course not! Because it was no big deal... Just like me and Tobias. It’s no big deal because we’re just friends.”

“Uh-huh,” Bryce nodded, noting this was her second declaration in seconds. “If you say so.”

“I do!”

“Good!" Assuming they were moving on, he changed the topic. "So, what city was best? Did DC win, or did Philly?”

“Best city, easy,” she winked. “Philly. But the best Christmas tree... that went to New York. Honestly, New York is so magical at Christmas. We even took a carriage ride through Central Park!”

“That’s so cool! I’ve always wanted to do that!”

“Yeah, I made sure the horse was well cared for first...”

“Of course you did,” he chuckled. “I’d expect nothing less.”  

“I'm so glad I got to share that with T. It was... perfect! It started snowing, and I swear, it felt like we were in a movie! That's when I saw the mistletoe, so... you know... the kiss.”

“So, your first kiss was on the carriage ride?”

“No, that was our second kiss. But it wasn’t a big deal.”

“Uh, huh,” Bryce muttered. “Uhm, Casey have you ever thought...”

“I mean, we only kissed once before that! Last month... outside of the bookstore in Cambridge. And that’s only because I asked him to!”

“You...asked him... to... kiss you?”

“Yes! Because it had been such a long time since I had been kissed... or anything, really...  and I just wanted to know if I could feel something again, you know? But...”

“I know... I know..." Bryce injected. "It didn’t mean anything.”

“EXACTLY! I'm glad we're on the same page!"

Bryce studied Casey carefully, scratching his head.

“So. Why Tobias?”

“Huh?”

“If it was just a kiss between friends... meaning nothing... why did you ask him? You could have asked me? Elijah? Jackie... any of the roomies. But you asked... Tobias.”

“Well, he and I kissed before. You know, back when we were dating... but those were very, very different. Totally different kinds of kissing! So, it made sense.”

“But we’ve kissed before, too,” Bryce smirked. “So, why didn’t you ask me?”

Casey returned his smirk with one of her own. “Do you want me to kiss you, Bryce?”

“No,” he snickered. “I’m just trying to understand your thought process in choosing Carrick.”

“I don't know... it just felt right...”

“Two times. It felt right... two times.”

“Yes! But we agreed not to do it again because we don’t want it screwing us up. We’re just friends... it didn’t mean anything!"

“So you've mentioned,” Bryce rubbed his chin. “But, Casey?”

“Yeah?”

“What if it does?”

Casey turned to him with as much panic if she had been a deer in the wild and Bryce's car was careening toward her on a dark night. “What... what do you mean?”

“I’m just saying... would it be so awful if the kisses meant something?”

“Bryce,” she gasped, lowering her voice even though they were alone. “No... I’m... I’m not ready for anything like that. And, besides... he’s just my friend... there’s nothing more to it.”

“Yes, for the dozenth time. He's just your friend,” he smiled. “Whatever he means to you, that’s for you to figure out... if you want to figure it out at all. I’m just saying, it’s your choice... and if you decide he does mean more, that’s all right, too.”

A slight crinkle appeared on her brow when she turned to Bryce, words she hadn't intended to speak falling from her lips.

“Do you... do you like him?”

“I’m just getting to know the guy... he’s more of your friend than mine. But I have to admit, he’s impressed me. He’s been really good to you, and you appear to make each other happy. Isn’t that what they say it’s all supposed to be about?”

“I... I guess... but we are just friends.”

“And you’re my friend, Casey. So if that’s what you say, I believe you.”

“Thank you,” she smiled in relief.

 “Shit!” Bryce cursed, noticing the time on the clock. “I didn't realize it had gotten so late. I've got to get going; I have a date."

"Oh," Casey grinned. "Care to share the details?"

"Nope."

"Do I know them?"

"No comment."

“Uh-huh,” Casey teased. "I have my ways of finding out, you know! Just like Elijah can find out about his Captain Crunch."

"Are you seriously blackmailing me?"

"No," she shrugged. "I mean, I'm blackmailing you, but just for fun. Your secret is safe with me."

Delighted to see his friend bantering and laughing again, he pulled her into a hug.

“It is great having you back, Case. Promise me you won't go away again.”

“I’ll try not to," she said squeezing him tighter. "I promise.”

“And Case... about Carrick.”

“Bryce!”

“I know, I know, but listen! Sometimes, you overthink things way too much.  Try not to do that... just... just go where you're happy. That's what it's all supposed to be about.”

“I’ll take that into consideration.”

“That’s all I ask,” Bryce said before heading to the door. “Well, that, and don’t tell Elijah about the Captain Crunch....”

Casey crossed her heart with a grin. “It’s our little secret."

~~~~~~

Just one more "warning" left. Thanks to those who are reading!

@choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics

Tagging others separately.

#open heart fanfic #choices fanfic #open heart #open heart choices #choices open heart #choices stories you play #playchoices #playchoices fanfic #bryce lahela #tobias carrick #tobias carrick & mc #tobias x casey #from here to there #with warning series

[liaromancewriter]

Underneath the Tree

Premise: Cassie is in the mood to spread some Christmas cheer and her loved ones are happy to help.

Book: Open Heart Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Cassie Valentine). Feat. Sienna Trinh, OH Gang, Max Valentine (OC) Rating/Category: Teen. Fluff. Warnings: Brief references to minor character deaths and grief Words: 2.8K

A/N: This is for the Nonny who requested a Christmas in July fic. It’s a story that I originally wanted to write last December, but couldn’t find the inspiration to start. Now I did. It’s set during the Book 2 timeline and events referenced in this pic fic.

Cassie Valentine could feel frustration rising as she scanned the selection of trees in the farm outside of Boston proper. They had been here for almost an hour now and she had rejected most of the offerings. Too skinny, too tall, too short, too je ne sais quoi.

This was the Roomies’ first Christmas tree and nothing short of perfection would do. Aurora had borrowed decorations from her aunt; Kyra had sent a box of candy canes; Elijah’s parents had couriered over customized Christmas ornaments, one for each of them.

Now all they needed was a tree to match the vision in her head. She didn’t remember it being this hard before when she and Jack would buy one for their apartment.

“I swear to god, scout,” Max grumbled after she completed another circle of the section that they were in. “If you don’t pick a tree in the next five minutes, I’m leaving you here to make your own way back.”

Cassie shot her twin brother an arched look and then sniffed before turning her back on him and hunching her shoulders.

“Nice try,” he scoffed. “That didn’t work when we were kids, and it doesn’t work now. Just ‘cause you can’t see me doesn’t mean I’m not here.”

Giving him the cold shoulder, she continued to ignore him and walked over to check out a group of six-feet tall Douglas firs in the far corner.

“You know there’s no such thing as a perfect Christmas tree, right?” he continued talking in a whiny tone, determined to annoy her as only a brother could. “They all look the same and are just going to end up in a wood recycling shed at the end of the season, blown to smithereens.”

Cassie’s shocked gasp was as loud as it was dramatic. She swiveled to face him with accusation in her eyes and placed her hands on either side of the nearest tree as if covering a child’s ears.

“Don’t listen to the mean man,” she crooned to the tree. “You’re going to tree heaven where you can play with your friends and eat all the mulch you want.”

Recognizing how ridiculous she looked and sounded, Cassie burst out laughing, hugging the tree. Grinning, Max shook his ahead before he too was bent over with laughter.

“You’re such a jerk,” she said, swallowing her laughter when they started to attract weird looks from the other tree shoppers.

He just smiled, unoffended. “It’s frigging cold, sis. Can you please, pretty please with a cherry on top, pick a tree already so we can get out of here?”

Cassie made a face but didn’t argue. She stared at the tree she’d been hugging, tapping her gloved index finger against her lips, green eyes narrowing in consideration. The longer she looked at it the more she could visualize it in the corner of the living room in their apartment.

“This one,” she said definitively. “Final answer.”

Max went to get the owner and twenty minutes later they had the tree covered in burlap and tied to the top of the SUV. By the time they got back on the highway, Cassie had the volume cranked up and was belting out Christmas songs at the top of her lungs, much to her brother’s dismay.

They got lucky with parking as another vehicle pulled out right in front of her building. They climbed out of the car and Max stepped on to the running board to untie the tree.

“Here, let me help.” Farley walked down the steps, leaving the building entrance propped open. “I’ve been keeping an eye out for you ever since Sienna texted to say you were on your way back.”

With Farley’s help, they managed to get the tree down in no time at all and up the steps of the building. When the elevator doors slid open on their floor, Cassie walked ahead to unlock the apartment door, stepping aside as the men carried the tree inside and set it against the kitchen wall.

“It’s lovely,” said Sienna excitedly, clapping her hands together.

“It’s covered in burlap, Si,” Max snorted, rolling his eyes. “You can’t even tell what it looks like yet.”

Sienna’s brown eyes snapped in annoyance and she very studiously ignored him. Instead, she turned to hand Farley a paper bag and a to-go cup. “Thank you, Farley! You’re the best. If you run out of cookies, I’ll have plenty more later today.”

Farley stammered out a thanks and blushed as he often did when Sienna turned on the charm. Soon, it was just the three of them and Max took the scissors Sienna handed him to cut away the burlap.

“It’s beautiful!” cried Sienna, throwing a defiant, steely-eyed gaze at Max as the full tree came into view.

Cassie agreed and shared a look with Sienna. “And I know just the place for it.”

They directed Max this way and that, changing their minds several times just for the heck of it, both still smarting over his wisecracks earlier. He must have guessed this was their way of getting back at him and wisely kept his mouth shut, doing whatever they asked without complaint until they felt that he’d been punished enough.

“What’d you do to piss off the dolphins, Valentine?” called out Jackie with a smirk. She was leaning against the kitchen counter, a coffee mug in her hand, watching him work.

Before Max could fire back a retort, Elijah wheeled himself into the living room. “Cool tree.”

The doorbell rang then and soon the apartment was full of people and Christmas music was blasting from the Bluetooth speakers on the coffee table. Of the Roomies, Aurora was still missing, but she’d texted to say she was on her way back.

Rafael handed Sienna a tin full of his grandmother’s brigadeiros while Bryce and Keiki set their contribution down on the dining table, a Chocolate Haupia Cream Pie from a Hawaiian bakery they’d discovered in Charlestown. 

Cassie lined a platter with the macarons she’d baked yesterday, grabbed two bottles of red wine from the kitchen counter and carried both items to the table.

Max had parked himself on the couch and was scrolling through his phone when Sienna sat down next to him. He looked over as she put a plate of his favorite cookies on the coffee table in front of him and handed him a mug of hot cocoa with extra whipped cream and marshmallows by way of apology. 

She felt bad about how she had given him a hard time about the tree when he’d been so generous about getting it for them in the first place.

Cassie knew she hadn’t been fair either and wrapped her arms around his shoulders from behind, leaning down to kiss his cheek. “Thank you!”

“You’re welcome,” he smiled at both of them before biting into a cookie and closing his eyes as the flavors exploded on his tongue. “Hmm. Consider yourselves paid in full.”

Soon after, everyone gathered around the tree and planned how they would approach the tree trimming. Bryce and Jackie bickered over whether the tinsel went first or last, each convinced the other was wrong, while Cassie negotiated a compromise.

Raf and Elijah riffled through the motley collection of decorations, putting aside what they could use. Aurora walked in a few minutes later, holding a nondescript box in her hands which turned out to be a mish mash of ornaments and tangled fairy lights.

Sienna was back in the kitchen, showing Keiki how to decorate the sugar cookies she’d baked earlier. Max leaned over the kitchen island to steal cookies, laughing when Sienna slapped his hand away with a severe look. He retaliated by dipping his finger in a bowl of whipped cream and smearing it on the tip of her nose and then her cheeks.

Cassie glanced over when she heard Sienna yelp, a vague disquiet spreading as she observed the quiet intimacy between her brother and her bestie; how they leaned towards each other, teasing and laughing, and the ease with which Sienna smashed a hand full of whipped cream all over his face.

She knew they were friends but for the first time she wondered if that was all.

When Aurora called her over to help with untangling the lights, she put the thought away to revisit later.

The mood in the apartment was loud and cheerful as everyone got into decorating the tree with gusto while munching on cookies and snacks, crumbs falling on the floor to be swept away later along with the debris from the tree trimming.

The tree was almost fully decorated with only the tinsel and lights left when they decided to take a break. They descended on the dining table like conquering heroes, helping themselves to thick sandwiches, pasta salad, chocolate-covered fruits and marshmallows, Santa and reindeer shaped cookies, and other tasty offerings.

Cassie speared the last of the chocolate-covered strawberries off Max’s plate, smirking when he protested, and tried to hide her reaction when Sienna gave him one from her plate. But her twin knew her too well and he glanced over, quirking one eyebrow to ask if she was okay. She nodded and turned away when Keiki asked her if she could try the wine, just to see what it tasted like.

Cassie didn’t see the harm, telling a horrified Bryce it was perfectly acceptable in Europe and should be fine here too. Enthusiastic at first about being treated like a grown-up, Keiki quickly turned her nose in disgust at the smell and almost spit out the sip she’d taken before bravely swallowing it down with a shudder.

“So, I guess I don’t have to worry you’re going to raid the liquor cabinet,” teased Bryce as Keiki chugged down water to get rid of the taste.

“You don’t have a liquor cabinet,” the teenager retorted in that snarky way Cassie found endearing and she gave her a one-armed hug.

Half an hour later, they assembled in front of the tree again. Max reached for his messenger bag and took out a small flat box.

“I brought something for all of you,” he said, flipping the box open to reveal two small red bells with golden stamps, each with a trailing, red ribbon. “To hang on the tree, if you’re open to it.”

Sienna and the others look confused, but Cassie met Max’s gaze, tears gathering in her eyes as she recognized the meaning behind the bells.

“Bells, like the ones in It’s a Wonderful Life? According to the movie, every time a bell rings, an angel gets their wings,” Raf said, taking one out of the box with a wide smile. “That was…” he stopped, sadness shading his face before he swallowed and continued. “Danny loved that movie. I remember he would watch it every holiday season with his family.”

Max nodded. “A friend of mine lost his father a couple of years ago and he told me about a tradition his family started at Christmas,” he said, taking the second bell out of the box and handing it to Sienna. “The idea is to close your eyes and listen to the ringing of the bells; their melody will remind you of all the good memories you have about the person you lost. I thought that you could hang them as ornaments on the tree, and ring them in remembrance of Danny and Bobby whenever you pass by the tree.”

Sienna continued to stare down at the bell in her hand, tears streaming unheeded down her cheeks. Cassie wrapped one arm around her and hugged her close. Eventually, Sienna pulled out of her embrace and resolutely stepped towards the tree. She looped the ribbon at the top of the bell around a branch and shook it lightly so that the twinkling melody of the bells rang out.

She turned towards Max and gave him a watery smile. “Thank you, Max. This was a very thoughtful gesture.”

He nodded solemnly, placing his hand atop hers and giving it a comforting squeeze.

One by one, the friends moved in, locking arms together and bowing their heads in memory of the friends and patients they had lost this year.

Determined to not let the evening end on a sad note, Cassie hip checked Jackie. “Are those tears in your eyes, Varma? Wow. Who knew Fuck It Varma was so sentimental over Christmas?”

Offended at the implication that she was soft, Jackie’s eyes snapped together as she shoved Cassie away. “Bite me, Valentine.”

“Girl on Girl action. Cool!” quipped Bryce making Aurora laugh and Keiki groan in embarrassment.

Suddenly the chirpy melody of “Rocking Around the Christmas Tree” rang out from the speakers and Max sighed dramatically when Cassie jumped in excitement and glanced his way.

“No way, sis.” He crossed his arms over his chest. “You’re on your own.”

She pouted and reached for Sienna’s hand instead, both of them getting into the bouncy rhythm, giggling and laughing the whole time as they crashed into Aurora before pulling her into their impromptu dance routine.

Once again the mood was jovial and merry and they finished decorating the tree with lights and tinsel until all that remained was the star.

They were debating, quite heatedly at times, which of them was tall enough to take on that feat or barring that strong enough to lift one of them when the doorbell rang. Leaving the friends to figure it out, Max went to check who was at door.

“Ethan!” Max stepped aside to let the other man in. “Cassie said you were going to be in Providence today with your dad.”

“I was,” said Ethan, unwrapping the scarf from around his neck before pulling off the thick winter coat as they stood facing each other in the hallway. “I told your sister I’d try to drop by if I could get away early.”

Ethan heard the raised voices and lifted an eyebrow. “Are they having fun or fighting?”

“Honestly, with this lot it seems to be a bit of both,” confessed Max with a grin.

Cassie stopped mid-sentence as soon as Ethan walked into view and then she was rushing towards him to launch herself into his arms, inhaling his unique scent. “Hi, you made it!”

He nodded and leaned down to brush his lips across hers. “You said it was important to you, right?”

“Yes, it was,” she smiled. “Your timing is impeccable as always, Dr. Ramsey. We need a really tall man.” She leaned back in his embrace, running her eyes over his body. “And I would say you qualify.”

Taking his hand, she led him back to the group who, well used to him being in Cassie’s life by now, nodded and called out greetings. Cassie handed him a red and gold star and when he looked at the glittery object in confusion, Sienna took pity on him.

“It goes at the top of the tree,” she pointed to where the ornament went.

Following her direction, Ethan stepped forward, trying not to upset the various ornaments hanging off branches, and raised his arm to place the star at the top of the tree.

“Amazing. He didn’t even have to stretch on his toes,” Bryce mused, clapping Ethan on the back, a bit too hard so that he almost fell into tree. Luckily Max pulled him back in time, otherwise Ethan would have likely faced some very angry residents.

“Let’s light this baby up,” exclaimed Cassie, clapping her hands together when Elijah flipped the switch for the fairy lights.

Everyone gazed up at the beautifully, and whimsically, decorated tree brightening up the apartment with holiday cheer. Phones came out to capture this memory, but otherwise they basked in the glow of the lights and each other’s company. 

Bryce hugged Keiki to his side while Rafael placed one hand on his shoulder in solidarity. Aurora, Elijah and Jackie held hands, connected as one unit.

Cassie leaned back against Ethan and he wrapped his arms around her waist from behind, kissing the side of her head before resting his chin on top of her sunny, blonde hair.

Sienna looped her arm through Max’s and they exchanged soft smiles. She mouthed ‘thank you’ and he nodded in acknowledgment. She leaned her head against his upper arm and watched the flickering lights as the bells twinkled lightly in the distance.

Cassie looked around the room at everyone she loved contentment such as she hadn’t felt in weeks rose to the surface. Despite everything that had happened this year, they were going to be okay. She was going to be okay. She had friends, she had family. She was blessed.

All Fics & Edits: @potionsprefect @trappedinfanfiction @bex-la-get @mysticalgalaxysstuff @genevievemd @choicesaddict5 @jerzwriter @rookiemartin @schnitzelbutterfingers @vi-writes-stuff @coffeeheartaddict2 @quixoticdreamer16 @dorisz @zahrachoices @lucy-268 @a-crepusculo @jamespotterthefirst @ofmischiefandmedicine @headoverheelsforramsey @takemyopenheart @gryffindordaughterofathena @queencarb @crazy-loca-blog @natureblooms24​

Ethan & Cassie only: @custaroonie @lady-calypso

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[hannabanana-6]

Best Friends

Bryce and Casey, through Sienna’s POV.

“Bryce! You’re here!” Casey squealed, her face lighting up as she catapulted herself out of the Donahue’s booth their group was crowded into, and launched herself into his arms.

“Woah, Case. Good to see you too.” Bryce laughed as he easily lifted her up and spun her around, gently placing a soft kiss on her forehead as he set her back down, and subtly playing a steadying arm on Casey’s lower back, which made Sienna smirk; Casey notoriously had awful balance after a few drinks, yet completely refused to admit it.

“Hey, guys. I’m gonna go and grab a drink. Anyone want anything?” Bryce asked the table, his eyes barely flickering away from Casey to give them a nod in greeting.

“Shots!” Jackie cheered.

“Excellent idea. I’ll get a round.” Bryce laughed.

He picked Casey up and plopped her back into the booth, giving her a soft smile that was different from the signature smirk he usually gave everyone else, before he turned to head to the crowded bar.

Sienna, Jackie and Elijah smirked at Casey, but she was oblivious, tipsily humming to herself and nursing her drink, the bright smile that had appeared the moment she caught sight of Bryce still lingering on her lips.

“You are so down bad for Scalpel Jokey.” Jackie said, somehow seeming simultaneously disgusted and gleeful.

Sienna knew that although Jackie pretended to be disgusted by Casey and Bryce’s (admittedly way too common, and often irritating) public displays of affection, Jackie actually didn’t mind - as long as she could tease Casey mercilessly about it.

“We’re friends.” Casey replied as she always did, earning an eye roll from Jackie.

“Me and you don’t make out.” Jackie scoffed.

“Only in your dreams, Varma.” Casey batted her eyelashes flirtatiously towards Jackie, who threw a napkin at her in response.

“Jackie’s right, Case. You like him, like him.” Sienna giggled, imitating her best friend’s lovesick face.

“We’re just- I don’t know. He’s my best friend. I don’t want to screw that up. If things aren’t serious, it’s easier.” Casey admitted, anxiously starting to ball up the napkin Jackie had flung at her.

Sienna threw an arm around Casey and gave Elijah a look, trying to convey that it was time to change the subject.

As Elijah started to ramble about the latest video game he was playing, Sienna let her mind wander to Danny. She got where Casey was coming from, after all, wasn’t that what she was doing with Danny? He liked all the same things as her, he was so kind and sweet, they were such great friends. Sienna knew she wanted more with him, she thought maybe she could be really happy with him. Wayne had hurt her though. He’d seemed sweet and perfect for her once too, but it turned out she’d just been seeing what she wanted to see because she didn’t want to be alone. Maybe some things weren’t worth the risk, maybe she shouldn’t lose the good thing she already had going with Danny.

As Bryce swaggered over, confidently balancing a tray full of tequila shots - way more than one each, Sienna noted - Sienna looked at the way his eyes instantly locked on Casey’s, and they way Casey’s eyes practically seemed to glimmer with joy as she looked at Bryce. She thought of the easy way they joked together, the way they challenged and pushed each other but also the way they unconditionally supported each other and sought comfort in each other, they way they seemed entirely, truly comfortable around each other in a way Sienna thought was really rare. They were each other’s best friend, in the best way possible. A smile tugging at her lips, Sienna pulled out her phone to text Danny.

#open heart #bryce lahela #bryce x mc #choices #choices fanfic #open heart fanfic #sienna trinh #jackie varma #elijah greene

[openheartfanfics]

Newly Added Fics

Feb 17 - 23, 2024  

🎭 Angst  |  🦚 Angsty Fluff  |  🛸 AU  |  ☁ Fluff  |  ♥ NSFW  |  📚 Series  |  📷 Edit  |  📱 TextFic  |  Ⓜ Mature

Bryce x F!MC

A Dinomite Find - @storyofmychoices 📱

Bryce discovers dinosaur chicken nugget pillows and they are a must!

From the Nest to Flying Free - @dalishessence 📚🛸

[extended: wip] In another life, Bryce Lahela met Samantha Shepard and their relationship went from friends to lovers.

CH 1: Hatchling in the Nest

Untitled Fic - @sunshine-gumdrop ☁

Bryce shows he earned the Golden Retriever nickname.

Ethan x F!MC

Beach Cleanup Date - @liaromancewriter 📷

Cassie brings Ethan along for her annual beach cleanup volunteer gig.

Birthday As A Mom - @potionsprefect 📷

Victoria celebrates her first birthday as a mother.

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 11: Let’s Play Ball

Open Heart MC

Green-Eyed Girl - @liaromancewriter 📱

Random convo between Cassie and Max about family traits.

Rafael x F!MC

Moving In - @rafasgirl23415 📚​

[extended: wip] Follow up to We Belong Together. Set a few years into the future.

CH 20: Daddy's Special Girl

CH 21: Sienna’s Dream Wedding  Feat. Sienna x M!OC

Tobias x F!MC

Happy 40th Tobias! - @jerzwriter 📷

Tobias turns 40 today, and his wife and bestie are there to make it Insta-official.

Part 1

Part 2

Love in the Afternoon - @storyofmychoices ☁

Tobias and Casey enjoy an afternoon dance.

Not So Fast - @jerzwriter ☁💘

It's their fourth third Valentine's Day together, and it looks a little different than the rest. Still, all is going well until Tobias drops a little bombshell.

_

SUBMIT OPEN HEART FICS & WRITERS HERE

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[justcallmefox89]

Irresistible Force Paradox - An Open Heart Fic

Rory O’Shea begins his first day at Edenbrook and learns that whoever coined the term ‘never meet your heroes’ was absolutely right.  Dr. Ethan Ramsey butts heads with the strong-willed intern, and battle lines are drawn as both men ready themselves to work together for the next three years.

September 13th.  11:30 a.m.

I hate him.  What a smug, condescending, arrogant, handsome… ugh!  How is someone with a personality that repulsive so attractive? He’s definitive proof that God really does have favorites -

“What are we staring at?” someone whispers in my ear, their warm breath tickling the side of my neck.

I let out a startled yelp and drop my charts, drawing the attention of the object of my ire.  Bryce chuckles and bends down to retrieve them while Jackie tries to hide her smile behind her own charts.  Dr. Ramsey glances over at us impassively, meeting my eyes for the briefest moment before turning away.  I continue glaring at him even as I swipe my charts out of Bryce’s hand, trying to telepathically implode his brain with my eyeballs.

“Why are we staring at Dr. Ramsey?” Bryce stage whispers again.

“We are not staring at him. I am trying to explode his big, stupid head with the power of my mind,” I mutter.

“Wow… he really got to you, didn’t he?” Jackie snickers.

I bristle, remembering the emergency thoracotomy in the waiting room earlier that morning and Dr. Ramsey’s subsequent condemnation.  “He did not get to me!  He’s a pompous asshole and I hate him.  I despise him.  I loathe him and his perfect jawline with every molecule of every fiber of my being.”

Jackie arches one eyebrow and smirks, clearly unconvinced.  “You sound like a supervillain right now, Rory.”

Bryce’s eyes light up.  “Dr. Ramsey could be your very first nemesis!”

“And Aurora my second,” I grumble, mentioning the prickly intern I’m partnered with.  

They both make a face.

“How’s that going?” Bryce asks.

I shrug half-heartedly.  “She went to her aunt’s office right after the initial consult with our patient and I haven’t seen her since.”

“Nice to know Princess Nepotism is already living up to her name,” Jackie says snidely, looking down as her pager beeps.  “My test results are in.  See you guys later.”

“So how long are we going to stand here and stare at Ramsey?”

I snort and fight back a laugh.  “You’re ridiculous, Bryce.”

“I’m not the one trying to set my boss on fire with my brain.”  The surgeon smirks at me, brown eyes glittering with laughter.

“Explode, Lahela.  I’m trying to explode him.”

We stare at each other silently for a few beats before we break into a fit of the giggles.

****************************************************************************************

11:30 a.m.

Ethan stands at the nurses station, pretending to look over his charts as he covertly watches the young man who is staring daggers at him from a little further down the hall.  Ever since their encounter that morning as they’d worked together to save the patient who collapsed in the waiting room, Dr. Rory O’Shea had been a distraction.  An insidious little wisp of smoke that continues to invade Ethan’s thoughts in his downtime.  

O’Shea is one of those people cursed with a face that perfectly expresses whatever they’re feeling, and right now he’s looking at Ethan like he wishes the older doctor would be hit by a bus.  Ethan remembers how the intern had look after saving that woman, his cheeks flushed and eyes bright with excitement, and how his expression had fallen after Ethan’s harsh criticism.  Hurt, then disappointment, and finally anger flickered over the young man’s face, before he was able to get control over his emotions.

“Maybe you can give me private lessons…”

Ethan’s lips twitch up as he fights to repress a smile at the memory of O’Shea’s words.  He’d flipped the switch from angry to flirty so quickly he’d nearly given Ethan whiplash, and the sultry look in his eyes that was clearly meant to catch Ethan off-balance had nearly drawn him in instead.

Such unusual eyes.

They stand out from behind the round wire-rimmed glasses O’Shea wears, those large, pale green eyes, the same color as the sea glass Ethan used to collect with his father when they would go to the beach.  

A crashing sound draws Ethan’s attention, and he turns his head slightly to watch as one of the surgical interns bends down on one knee and hands O’Shea a pile of charts with a charming smile.  An uncomfortable feeling begins to form low in Ethan’s stomach, but he quickly writes it off as hunger and hurries back to his office for a quick lunch before continuing his rounds.

******************************************************************************************

2:45 p.m.

“Argh!  Stupid, stupid, stupid!”  I aim a kick at a low shelf in the supply closest, nearly breaking a toe when it connects.  “Gah! Motherfucker!”  I swipe angry tears away from my face, still mentally berating myself as I remember Ramsey’s words.  

You need to have a long, hard think about whether or not your ready to be here…  Whether this girl lives or dies is on you…  Nearly killed her…

A sudden wash of fluorescent light interrupts my brooding.

“I feel like I’m interrupting something.”  Bryce says, gazing at me in curiosity and concern.

“In or out, Lahela!  I’m trying to have an existential crisis in peace and you’re distracting me,” I snap.

He steps into the supply closest and pulls the door shut behind him. “Hey, hey, hey.  What’s going on?”

I tip my head back and try to stem the flow of tears, internally cursing myself for being an angry crier.  And a stress crier.  And a sad crier.

Not the time for this.

“Nothing.  I just got reamed out by the man who used to be my medical hero and inspiration for the second time today and I almost killed my first patient.”  The words come out in a rush.  “Maybe he’s right.  Maybe I’m not cut out for this.  Maybe everything that I’ve been working for since I was twelve was all for nothing and I’m going to be the biggest failure Edenbrook has ever seen.”

Bryce blinks.  “Wow. You managed four years of med school, but four hours here and you’re surrendering?  Didn’t take you for a quitter.”

“You just met me.”

“True.  But if every hospital employee who ever hid in a supply closet quit, there’d be nobody here but the patients.”

I narrow my eyes.  “No offense, but what do you know about it?”

“Let’s just say this isn’t the first supply closet I’ve found a stressed out doctor in today.”

“Alright then, scalpel jockey.  What am I supposed to do?”

Bryce grins.  “You’ve got two options.  One, breeze through life with an unshakeable self-assurance like me.”

“I don’t think this hospital would survive two Bryce Lahelas. What’s option two?” I dryly reply.

“Ride it out,” he says, shrugging.

I stare at him blankly.  “That’s not quite the pearl of wisdom you think it is.”

Bryce places his hands on my shoulders and shakes me a bit.  “Of course you’re overwhelmed.  You’re a doctor.  It’s one of the toughest jobs there is, and you’re on your first day.  If you don’t give yourself a chance to make mistakes, to get better… nobody else will.”

I let out an enormous sigh and use the hem of my scrubs to wipe my cheeks dry.  “Fine.  I’ll try.”

“Good.  Because I’d hate to lose you so quick.  Is there anything I can get you?”

“A hug?” I ask tentatively.

“Alright, get over here.”  Bryce smirks and holds out his arms.  He has to stoop a little bit to match my much shorter height, but I manage to lace my arms around his neck and squeeze him gently, resting my head against his chest.  He wraps his arms around my waist and holds me tightly, the slow thumping of his heartbeat and the warm, comforting scent of his amber and sandalwood cologne soothes my frazzled nerves.

“This is nice,” I murmur.  “You’re a pretty good hugger.”

“One of my many talents.”  Even though I can’t see his face I can tell he’s smiling.  “Hey, wait a second.  Was this just a ploy of yours to get me in here alone?”

I tip my head back to look at him, taking in the cocky smirk on his face and the genuine kindness radiating from his warm, brown eyes. Before I can second guess myself, I pop up on my toes and quickly press my lips to his.  His eyes momentarily widen in surprise, but then he’s kissing me back hard, his hands gripping my hips as he pushes me against the shelves, knocking a few boxes to the ground.

“God you’re incredible,” he whispers against my mouth.  Suddenly he lifts me up, urging me to wrap my legs around his waist as he uses his body to pin me to the shelves.  I nip lightly at his lower lip and grind against him, earning a low groan. Bryce’s hands cup my ass, pulling me tight to him as we writhe together, our erections rubbing against each other through the thin fabric of our scrubs.  His tongue slides against mine and one of his hands creeps under my scrub top, warm against the skin of my stomach.  

The door suddenly swings open, light from the hallway spilling into the closet.

“Could we get some privacy, man?” Bryce snaps, turning his body to keep me shielded from whoever has interrupted us.  

“Oh, by all means.  I’m so sorry to intrude.  I’ll just wait out here ‘til you’re done,” an equally irritated male voice retorts. “Or, if I may be so bold… might you hand me a suture kit?”

Still holding me up with one hand, Bryce reaches out and snags a kit from the shelf and tosses it over his shoulder to the other man.

“Much obliged.”  The door slams and we’re alone once again.

Bryce slowly slides me down his body until my feet are back on the floor.

“Maybe we should get back to work,” I say, nervously adjusting my glasses.

“That guy did kinda kill the mood, huh?”

Feeling awkward, I repeatedly tug on a piece of hair at the back of my head as Bryce straightens his scrubs and runs a hand through his hair.

“Hope I cheered you up a little,” he says as he prepares to leave.

“Just a little,” I whisper, praying that the dim light in the supply closet hides my blush.

Bryce gives me wink as he exits the closet, leaving me alone to ponder my future at Edenbrook.

*****************************************************************************************

 9:15 p.m.

I didn’t let him beat me.

I follow Dr. Ramsey out of Annie’s room, grinning to myself.   “So, I’ll fill out a prescription for some extra-strength antihistamines -”

“Don’t bother.  I already have.”

I skid to a stop, my sneakers squeaking against the linoleum. “Beg pardon?”

He hands me a printed out prescription order for the exact medicine I was about to request.  My grin fades and I tilt my head back to stare up at the taller doctor.  

I swear to everything that is holy, his brain will be goo by the time I finish this internship.

“How long have you known?” I manage to grit out between clenched teeth.  “And when were you planning on telling me?”

Dr. Ramsey checks his watch.  “I’d planned to give you another forty-five minutes.  I pulled up Annie’s chart to diagnose it myself, in the likely event you blew it.  But I wanted to give you the chance to right the ship first.”

I am calm, I am a peaceful breeze, I am calm, I am a peaceful breeze… 

“You should have treated her right away.”

He scowls down at me.  “I was giving you an opportunity - ”

“I don’t give a shit about your opportunities,” I hiss, stepping closer to him until we’re toe to toe.  “And I definitely don’t want your charity.  I want my patients to get better.  So next time, take care of the patient first, doctor.”

We’re both breathing quickly, our eyes locked together, neither one of us wanting to be the one to look away first.  I’m intensely away of how much larger he is, and I can feel the heat of his body even through his lab coat and button-down shirt.  Something in his gaze softens and the tension in his body fades a little.

“Rookie…” he says, his voice soft.  “I respect how much you care about you patients’ wellbeing.  But if I don’t push you to grow, then how many lives will be lost down the line because you’re not ready?”

I hate to admit it, but I can understand his reasoning.

I’ll choke and die before I tell him that though.

“Believe me when I say this was not for your sake.  I need good doctors by my side.  There’s only one of me, after all,” he continues.  “But you showed potential.  Not to mention maybe the most important trait a doctor can have.”

I raise my eyebrows, silently prompting him to finish his thought.

“You listened.  You took the time to get to know your patient.  Their story, their hopes, their fears… Sometimes those are the key to saving their life.”

I nod along as he speaks, captivated by the intensity in his blue eyes and the deep timbre of his voice, unknowingly leaning even closer to him.  Aurora suddenly rushes up to us, looking flustered.  Realizing how close we’ve gotten I spring away from Dr. Ramsey, nervously shoving my glasses further up onto the bridge of my nose.  He, on the other hand, seems to be completely unaffected, which sends an irrational spike of annoyance through me.

She looks into the room and sees Annie sitting up and smiling, then turns and glares at me.  “What the hell?  You went ahead and presented without me?”

I widen my eyes and stare at her.  “Excuse me?  In case you - ”

“Annie was your patient as well, Dr. Emery,” Dr. Ramey interrupts me, his voice frosty.  He eyes Aurora with disdain.  What the hell have you been doing while Dr. O’Shea was making a diagnosis?”

Aurora hesitates, glancing over at me.

Oh, I know she doesn’t think I’m going to cover for her.

I clamp my mouth shut and stare her down as she squirms under Ramsey’s glower.  

“That was not a rhetorical question,” Ramsey barks.  “One of you needs to answer me.”

I smirk and continuing silently staring at her, refusing to be the one who breaks first.

Finally Aurora cracks.  “I was in Chief Emery’s office,” she admits sullenly.  “She paged me this morning after we examined Annie.”

“And you’ve been there all day?”  He looks deeply unimpressed.

Aurora gives him a short, stiff nod.

“Dr. Emery, patient assignments are not optional.”  Ramsey scowls at her one final time before stalking off, leaving Aurora and I standing in awkward silence.

“That’s really what you were doing all day?  Just sitting in your aunt’s office?”  I eye her curiously.

Aurora’s expression hardens.  “What do you care?  You clearly didn’t need my help.”

I allow myself a small, pleased smile.  “No I didn’t, did I?”

She whirls around, huffing in annoyance, and stomps away from me.

****************************************************************************************

10:00 p.m.

 After my shift ends I hurry to the locker room, taking just enough time to quickly shower and slip into a clean sweater and pair of jeans, before rushing to meet Sienna in the atrium.  

“You survived!” she exclaims with a big smile.  “Ready to hit the bar?”

“You have no idea,” I sigh, dropping my head onto her shoulder.   An easy feat since we’re roughly the same height.  

She pats my back soothingly.  “Let’s go then.”

Just a few blocks from the hospital, Donahue’s is dingy, dim, and completely packed with Edenbrook staff members.  Sienna confidently leads me through the throngs of people to a booth where Landry, Jackie, and Elijah are waiting for us.  

“Come on!” Landry urges.  “There’s still sixty-seven seconds left in happy hour!”

Elijah rolls his eyes good-naturedly.  “Who cares?  We’re all a hundred-k in debt anyway.”

“Relax, Landry.  I put in quite a few orders before the buzzers.”  Jackie grins as a barback arrives bearing a huge trays of shots.

“You are a goddess.  We lowly beings are not worthy of you,” I praise her as I reach for a shot.  I toss it back and sigh as it burns its way down, erasing some of the stress of my day.

I grab a second glass and the others join me.  We all raise them in the air.

“To the end of our first shift!  And ten hours off the clock!” Elijah proclaims.

We clink our glasses together and throw back our shots.  

Landry gags as his goes down.  “Don’t we have any salt?  Or limes?”

“Doctor up, Landry.  Lime and salt are for wimps,” Jackie retorts, pushing another shot glass into his hand.

We all raise another toast.

“How about… To new friends!” Sienna ventures.

Once again we clink and drink.

Jackie points at me.  “Your turn Rory!”

I grab another shot and raise it above my head.  “To the start of an amazing career, despite Ethan Ramsey’s best efforts!  And in a few years, we’ll take the jobs of every attending who ever treated us like dirt!”

My new friends and I whoop and tipsily giggle as we down another tequila shot.

******************************************************************************************

10:20 p.m.

Ethan quietly nurses his drink at the bar and unobtrusively observes O’Shea pound shots with a booth full of other interns.  Whatever they’re drinking has caused O’Shea’s normally pale cheeks to flush, and he’s taken his hair out of its neat bun, allowing the inky waves to flow over his shoulders and around his face.  The sweater he’s wearing may have been black at one point, but has been washed so many times it’s a faded grey and looks incredibly soft to the touch.  

“See something you like, Ethan?” Reggie asks, leaning over the bar and following the doctor’s gaze.

“Don’t you have other customers to bother?” Ethan responds, downing the last of his scotch.

Reggie just chuckles as he looks at something over Ethan’s left shoulder. O’Shea bounces up to the bar and takes a seat on the stool next to him, legs dangling and feet swinging aimlessly as he waits for Reggie to finish up another customer’s order.

Ethan takes the time to study Rory out of the corner of his eye, noting the way his jeans show off the litheness of his body and the faint smattering of freckles running over the bridge of his nose, making him look even younger than his 28 years.  Then those green eyes flit over to rest on him.

“Can I help you with something, Dr. Ramsey?” Rory asks, blinking at him owlishly through the thick lenses of his glasses.

“Just noticing how… different you look out in the real world.”

Rory leans a little closer, nearly tipping over into the older man’s lap.  “Do you like it?” he whispers playfully.

Ethan’s eyes widen in shock.  If he’d had any doubts before, now he’s absolutely certain the intern is at least mildly intoxicated.  But he can’t deny that the warm weight of Rory leaning against his arm and the smell of his grapefruit and vanilla shampoo is intoxicating.

“What’ll it be?” Reggie asks, tossing his bar rag over his shoulder.

Rory glances over at Ethan’s empty liquor glass, then beckons Reggie closer with a mischievous smile.  He balances precariously on the bar stool, stretching so he can whisper into the bartender’s ear.  In a rare moment of weakness Ethan glances at Rory’s back, admiring the flow of his dark hair over his shoulders, the smooth curve of his spine, and the way the denim of his jeans perfectly frame his high, tight…

Ethan is startled out of his thoughts as Rory’s thumps back down onto his barstool with a self-satisfied smile.  Just a few moments later he learns the reason for Rory’s smirk as Reggie sets down two colorful cocktails in front of them, each garnished with a paper umbrella, an orange slice, and a maraschino cherry.

Ethan physically recoils from the drink as Rory tries to hide his snickering behind his hands.  “What is that abomination?”

“A Sex on the Beach.”  Rory pulls his own drink closer and tastes it with a contented sigh.

The air around Ethan ratchets up a few degrees as he watches Rory’s full lips close around the tip of the straw.  “That’s not what I was drinking.”

“I know,” Rory replies, coming up for air, half of his drink already gone.  “You were drinking scotch, but scotch is gross.  So I ordered you something delicious instead.  You’re welcome.”

“You know I can’t be bribed into favoring you,” Ethan says, eyeing the cocktail with distaste.

Rory’s expression darkens and he visibly struggles to control his delicate features.  He eventually gives Ethan’s a crooked smirk.  “Don’t worry, Dr. Ramsey.  I already know exactly what you think of me.  Enjoy the rest of your night.”

By the time Ethan recovers from his shock Rory has already slipped off of his barstool and rejoined his fellow interns.

“Busy making friends, Ramsey?” Reggie asks, eyeing him curiously.

Ethan is momentarily lost for words.  “I don’t… I… I’m not sure what just happened.”

“I don’t believe that young man likes you very much.”

“I’m his boss.  He doesn’t need to like me.”  Despite his words Ethan feels a pinprick of something… disappointment? at the thought of Rory not enjoying his company.  Belatedly he also realizes that at some point during the evening he had start to think of the younger man as Rory, not just O’Shea.  

Reggie hums non-committally, clearing not believing his words.  Exasperated, Ethan signals for another scotch, hoping to chase away the lingering sense of uneasiness Rory has left him with.  Reggie sets the drink down in front of him and silently moves away, leaving the doctor to his own thoughts.

“Traitor!”

“Get it Lahela!”

Ethan looks towards the far side of the bar, back by the dartboards, just in time to see the handsome surgical intern from this morning dip Rory backwards and kiss him.  The kiss becomes more passionate as Rory threads his fingers through the other man’s hair, and the surgeon, Lahela, presses even closer, until there is no space left between the two.

The same stomach unsettling feeling from this morning comes roaring back, and Ethan turns away, grabbing the drink Rory had bought him. He takes a sip, the fruity drink leaving a bitter taste on his tongue, much like the sight of Rory wrapped up in Lahela’s arms does.

#open heart #open heart 2 #choices fanfic #choices open heart #choices oph #open heart fanfiction #open heart fanfic #ethan ramsey #ethan ramsey x mc #ethan ramsey x male mc #bryce lahela #bryce lahela x mc #bryce lahela x male mc #open heart ethan #open heart bryce #ethan ramsey fanfiction #jackie varma #landry olsen #sienna trinh #pixelberry #pixelberry choices #enemies to lovers

[ambraambrose]

Donahue's

Book: Open Heart , book 1, chapter 2

Pairing: Ethan x F!MC

Rate: fluff

Summary: extended version of the bar scene.

Ethan sits at his usual spot. He is annoyed, all the new interns are gathered here, of course, almost everyone at Edenbrook goes to Donahue's, but there was still a little hope that the new ones would find another bar.

A surgical intern, Ethan already saw this morning, appears at the bar and orders a round of Tequila. Ethan doesn’t know why, but his gaze follows the young man. He stops at a table with new interns. There is the one who helped the Rookie to save her first patient and the little one, who send him to Dr. Toussaint, without a reason. He doesn’t recognize the others, but when the surgical intern steps aside, a familiar face appears: the Rookie.

She laughs with the others while they clink their shot glasses together. "Do you know them?" Ethan turns his head to Reggie who looks to the table and then to Ethan. "New interns." He mumbles grumpy. Reggie nods knowingly. After a few more glasses, he hears a familiar voice. "Rain check, Jackie! I'm gonna go show those surgical interns who's the boss!" "Yes! Make one cry for me!" The surgical intern from before lays his hand on the small of Casey's back, leading her to his colleagues. The scalpel jockey hands her the darts with a coquettish smile and raised eyebrow, while his fellow interns wolf whistle. Casey manages to hit a high score even if the surgeon tries to distract her. Now it's his turn and Casey leans close to him, whispering something in his ear and he misses big time. Casey jump triumphantly into the air, when Jackie joins her to high five her. The surgeon still smiles and approaches Casey, laying his arm around her waist and presses a kiss to her temple before ordering a new round of shots for Casey and her friends.

Jackie takes Casey's hand over her shoulder, guiding her away from the scalpel jockey, who definitely checks Casey up, to the dancefloor. The two young women gracefully move to the music and laughing with each other. They soon have fans, who watch them, trying to flirt with them, but are rejected immediately. Ethan can’t help but feel relieved to not witness Valentine smooching with some frat boy. Bryce joins them on the dancefloor.

After a few more songs Casey recognizes Ethan at the bar, their eyes meeting. While her friends go back to their table, she stays behind, making her way to the bar. Ethan watches her approaching from the side of his eye, fully seeing her outfit for the first time. Her brown hair fall down her back, reflecting every light with a sparkle. A emerald green shirt that highlights her green eyes seems almost illegal by how it compliments every curve of her, a black lace bra is showing but not in a primitive way, her flat stomach leads to her hips, where denim shorts clutch tight to her hips. Her skin looks so soft, Ethan gulps, when he catches himself wondering if it feels as soft as it looks.

She slides on a bar stool next to him, her perfume reaching his senses. "Hey, Dr. Ramsey. Something's wrong?" Damn, she caught him. "Just noticing how... different you look in the real world." Luckily Reggie approaches. "What'll it be?" She eyes Ethan’s empty glass, considering what he was drinking. "We'll have two Scotches, neat." Ethan shows no expression. When Reggie hands her the drinks, she slides one to Ethan.

He takes it, smiling with approval as he sniffs at it. "Why neat instead of on the rocks?" She smiles relieved. "The ice changes the flavor." "Right answer... You know i can’t be bribed into favoring you, right?" A bright smile creeps up her face . "I think you already favor me." He laughs: "You keep believing that." After downing his drink, he signals Reggie. "Two specials. Thanks, Reggie." "Only for you, Ethan." Damn, why are you buying another round? This doesn’t help your statement to not favor her. But her voice brings him back into reality.

"You're on first-name terms with the bartender?" "He's an old friend. I come here most nights." "You don’t have anyone waiting at home?" Why does she have to ask this, this seems so not innocent. He hesitates, thinking of a way to turn the conversation into a teacher to student like conversation. "I come here even when I do. I need some buffer between the hospital and the world. An airlock. Don’t take the job home with you, Casey." Her name slips so fluent and naturally from his tongue. "I'll keep that in mind... but you didn’t answer my question." 'God, Rookie, why do you have to be persistant?' "No. Nobody waiting at home tonight."

Right on cue, Reggie set the drinks in front of them. "Here, try this." She takes a cautious sip and his eyes land at her lucious lips as they close at the glass. "Well, how's it compare?" "It's amazing." "Either you're sucking up to me or you've got a surprisingly refined taste for an intern." He scoffs. "I'm surprising in a lot of ways." She says charmingly. 'I bet you are.' "You'll have to prove that." There is a little pause before Ethan lifts his glass to hers. "To your intern year. In the hopes you don’t completely blow everything you've worked your whole life for." 'That sounds polite but strict, right?' But she smiles. "Morbid. I like it." They clink their glasses together and down them. "So Dr. Ramsey, i'll leave you alone. I think you had enough of me today, i don’t want to push my luck." He dryly laughs at that. "Thank you for the drink and goodnight, Dr. Ramsey." He looks at her. "Goodnight, Rookie."

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