#choices oph fanfic

[txemrn]

I feel like Tatum would have the best comeback for asshole partners asking for 'the husband stitch'

Oh, anon... the evil laugh I just did when I read this! You know she probably has a book of comebacks. This might not be her absolute best, but I hope this one will give you a smile. Thank you so, so much for the inspiration! 💜

Summary: Tatum is called into Ethan's office to discuss her colorful interaction with a patient's husband.

Word count: ~1120

Warning: Mature audience; language; medical discussion

A/N: Some characters and plot points belong to our friends at Pixelberry; this is not beta'd, so please excuse my errors.

~🖤~

A deafening silence plagues Ethan’s glass-enclosed office. Anxiously tapping his fingers on his wooden desk, the chief of medicine glares first at his watch before staring at the door.  Growing impatient for his next meeting, he rests his elbow on his chair, his fingertips massaging his closed eyes.

Where is she?

The door angrily swings open, the abrupt clatter demanding Ethan's attention. In waddles one of his providers, donned in fuchsia scrubs and a pink and yellow Power Rangers scrub cap. She storms up to Ethan's desk, placing her hands on her hips.

"You wanted to see me?" She huffs.  

Ethan motions to a chair behind her, inviting her to sit down. Raising an eyebrow, she looks at her watch. Letting out an irritating scoff, she flops into the seat and crosses her arms, her eyes locked on the crystal gaze of her boss.

"Dr. Erikson, I–"

"'Dr. Erikson'? Really, Ethan Jonah?" Tatum growls at her husband.

"Dr. Erikson," he enunciates louder, his eyebrows furrowing. "I assume you know why you're here."

Tatum lours. "Oh, please enlighten me, Dr. Ramsey."

"I got a call about a Mr. Flanagan being upset with his wife’s care–"

Tatum blows a raspberry with her lips, rolling her eyes in disbelief.

Ethan takes a moment, staring at his defiant wife before continuing. "Apparently you–" he picks up a notepad with a handwritten list, "--went against the patient’s wishes and you made an inappropriate comment about the husband's–"

Tatum interrupts with a sardonic chuckle. "'Against the patient’s wishes'? Are you fucking kidding me?"

Ethan closes his eyes, exhaling heavily. Hormones, it's just hormones. He sits back in his chair, crossing a leg over his knee before folding his hands together. "Okay… how about you tell me what happened?"

"Gladly," she smirks, her face turning crimson with rage. She stands up, readjusting her snug scrub top before pacing. "That man is an asshole." Ethan stifles his smile, but gestures for her to keep going. "I had mentioned in the clinic that this baby was measuring large for gestational age. I believed–and I was fucking right–her pelvimetry could handle a vaginal delivery, which is exactly what she wanted–and she got. But I told her that I would strongly recommend pain management in the form of an epidural."

Ethan casually shrugs his shoulders. "Okay. So?"

"Well, Mr. Macho's–" Tatum deepens her voice, rolling her shoulders forward to pretend like she has big muscles, "--mother and grandmothers and aunts never needed an epidural, and they were--" Tatum air quotes, "--'weaker than his wife, so that's not an option'."

Ethan bows his head, holding a finger over his mouth to hide his grin. Oh, that poor fucker…

"So, guess who came in 6 cm dilated, crying for an epidural?" Tatum stares at Ethan, giving a told-ya-so grin, nodding sarcastically. "Yeah," she slaps her palm on the desk in anger. "This asshole finally agrees to let her have pain medicine in her IV." 

"Well, what did Mrs. Flanagan want?"

"Oh," Tatum flings her arms in the air, "whatever her douche-y husband wanted." Tatum grows quiet, watching the everyday hospital scramble through Ethan’s office window. "So, of course, the IV pain medicine barely gets her to relax because her labor is progressing rapidly, and it's time to push." She sighs dramatically.

"Out of control?"

"Reagan from The Exorcist had more control," she shakes her head as Ethan purses his lips, trying his best not to laugh. "I did everything in my power to support her perineum; I tried my best to get her to gain control of herself and just," she exhales quickly, her body deflating. "Luckily, she didn't blow out her bottom; that kid was almost 10 pounds with a 15-and-a-half inch head. And virtually no molding."

"Damn."

"Pssh, yeah," she walks back towards the desk. "But still, it wouldn't have been so bad if that dick hadn't prevented her from getting an epidural."  Tatum gingerly lowers herself back into the chair, calming herself down as she cradles her head in her hand.

"Speaking of dicks," Ethan starts, standing from his desk and sauntering to his personal coffee machine. "Mr. Flanagan said you made a comment about his?"

Tatum tosses her head back, roaring with evil laughter. "So, get this," she wiggles herself forward to sit up straight. "While I'm repairing his poor wife's fileted vagina, that asshole dared to ask me to put in a husband stitch." Tatum rolls her eyes, her voice becoming sardonically whiney. "Oh, you're so funny and original, you fucking asswipe!"

Ethan mixes in some hazelnut creamer in with the cup of coffee as he glances back to his frustrated wife. "A what? 'Husband stitch'?"

"You know," she raises an eyebrow, "to supposedly tighten things up." She growls to herself, shaking her head in disgust. 

Ethan nods, remembering the uncouth term. "So, he asks for it, to which you said?"

"I explained to him that his wife's vagina is a perfect and normal postpartum size."

"Tate?"

"And," Tatum guiltily grins, "I simply observed the crotch area of his pants."

"And?"

"And I may have mentioned that... he would need way more than a stitch to accommodate for his small size."

"Tatum Ramsey!" Ethan busts out laughing as she innocently shrugs. He saunters to stand in front of her, leaning up against his desk. "Jesus fucking Christ, woman," he mutters.

"I'm not sorry," she states matter-of-factly.

"Oh, I know you aren't," Ethan chuckles, raising his eyebrows.

"So, what now?" She stands up, placing her hands on her hips. "Am I in trouble? Getting written up? What?"

"Nope, none of that." Tatum gives a curious look to her husband. He stands up, inching closer to her. "I just wanted to hear the story from you," he chuckles, smiling broadly. He slinks an arm endearingly around her shoulders. "Here," he hands her the coffee, "you need this."

She sighs, frowning, "But I've already had my one cup for the day this morning–"

Ethan tenderly places his large hand on her blossoming belly before rubbing it tenderly. "I think this little one is going to be just fine if you have an extra cup today."

"Rams, I–"

"Plus, I'd really like for my child to be born to a mother not locked behind bars." Ethan smirks. "Drink the damn coffee. Doctor's orders."

"You're lucky you're cute," Tatum attempts to scowl, but a thankful grin creeps across her face. She takes a sip of the piping hot cup of Joe and lets out a euphoric moan. "Oh my God, how do women go without a drop of this for nine months?"

Ethan chuckles, pressing his lips to her temple. "Probably the same ones with partners that request a husband stitch."

~🖤~

Tags (new tag list as of 9/26; please let me know if you'd like to be added/removed):

PERMA

@21-wishes @alj4890 @angelasscribbles @ao719 @charlotteg234 @harleybeaumont @issabees @kingliam2019 @mainstreetreader @mom2000aggie @neotericthemis @nikirennie87 @peonierose @tessa-liam

ALL OPH

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

#husband stitch #can you say malpractice #open heart #choices oph #open heart fanfic #open heart fanfiction #choices oph fanfic #ethan ramsey #dr. ethan ramsey #tatum erikson #dr. tatum erikson #ethan x tatum #ethan ramsey x tatum erikson #ethan ramsey x f!oc #ethan ramsey x oc #tathan

[mydemonsdrivealimo]

Your Death, Your Dog, Your Declaration

Chapter 1/?

Book: Open Heart

Pairing: Bryce Lahela x Jensen Valentine (M!MC) (Not official/eventual)

Characters: Jensen Valentine, Bryce Lahela, Keiki Lahela, Sienna Trinh, Rafael Aveiro (mentioned)

Rating: Mature

Words: <2k

Series Summary: The chemical attack, as told in the world of Jensen Valentine and those close to him.

Chapter Summary: The night of the chemical attack hit Bryce hard. Harder than the victims on death's door. He's guilty, and it's killing him.

A/N: this piece will be dual/multi POV, so while this starts with Bryce, look forward to the others!!

~~~

1:04 AM

Out. 

In. 

Out. 

In. 

Out. 

In. 

Out…

In. 

Still 1:04.

Out. 

In. 

Out. 

In. 

Out. 

In. 

Out. 

In. 

Out. 

In… 

Out. 

In. 

Out. 

In. 

1:05 AM

1...2...3...4...5...6...7...8...9—shit. 1...2...3...4...5...6...7...8...9...10...11...12...13...14. 56.

1:06 AM

“Stop doing that, I’m not dead yet,” Jensen grumbled sleepily, yanking his hand back into his lap.

“Sorry,” Bryce replied. His tone was more lifeless than Jensen looked, tired and dejected.

Jensen rolled over, facing him. “You know it’s right there for a reason, right?” He said it with hardly a glance at the heart rate monitor, too exhausted to manage more. 

“Just keeping myself busy,” Bryce answered. “You should go to sleep.”

“Really?” he quipped, fast and sharp as always, “I hadn’t thought of it.”

It earned him a grin—a real one, as difficult as it was—but it faded just as fast. Bryce took Jensen’s hand again, playing with his fingers and holding extra tight, the gloves making it impossible to feel the dryness of his hands. They were always scratchy and rough from washing and sanitizing tens of times in a day, fingers calloused on the ends. His nails, painted a dark blue, were starting to chip. Would the embalmers take it off or repaint them?

Jensen shook him off, reminding him again that he wasn’t gone yet, and fidgeted with the blanket over himself. He ran the texture between his fingers. 

“Do you want to be cremated or embalmed?” Bryce asked. He still watched his hands, distracted.

“Oh, cremated, for sure—unless I can haunt Ethan, that is.”

There was a lightness to Jensen’s tone, seeming as monotone and factual as usual, but the ludicrous theory giving away to Bryce that he was joking. 

“I’m being serious.”

As he looked back up, Jensen’s eyes were a flat, solid shade of unforgiving, boring brown. No depth to the green hues Bryce could catch in the afternoon sunlight—just as sterile as the fluorescents illuminating them.

“If you keep acting like I’m dead, I’m going to kick you out. You’re supposed to be the optimist here, this is completely backwards.”

Bryce took a breath, looking down at the large, clunky suit he donned. “...I know. I’m trying.”

“Try harder. We could be talking about anything and you’re worried about my not-guaranteed funeral.” He said the next part in a mocking tone—a phrase Bryce had said plenty of times. “Not very ‘go with the flow’ of you.”

“How are you being more chill about this than I am?”

“Because I’m fine.” And the undeniable way he said it made it feel like the truth. Even with the dark circles under his eyes, and the exhaustion he couldn’t shake, it felt true. “If I die, oh well. Life moves on—it’s not like I’ll know it.”

As much as Bryce wanted to argue, wanted to correct the flaws in his thinking, he didn’t want to strain him with an unnecessary effort to defend himself. He was there to comfort him and that’s what he would try to do. “You seem more comfortable talking about death than you do small talk.”

Jensen's laugh turned into a cough, far into his chest with an agonizing sound that had Bryce reaching for the emesis basin. He waved him off, taking a sip of his water before settling back in the bed.

“It’s not the first time I’ve thought about it,” Jensen replied, a little more serious, a little more real.

Bryce gave him an inquisitive look, but Jensen just responded with a tired head tilt that meant he could interpret it however he wanted. He didn’t. 

Maybe he should. Maybe it was naive to have hope, but he would wait as long as he had to for Jensen to tell him what that meant. What any of it meant. All the vague references and to-himself jokes that Bryce didn’t understand—he wanted to. He wanted to know every detail of him: what built him and what broke him.

Once again playing with Jensen’s hands, a gentle encouragement to lull him to sleep, he recalled a night at Donahue’s like the others. The group shared stories from undergrad, their drunkest and most embarrassing moments, but Jensen had been utterly silent. Not that it was far out of character, but when multiple opportunities were presented to make fun of Landry and he took none of them, Bryce was going to notice.

It was also easy to recognize when he had been perfecting it himself for years. He remembered trying to stay quiet in an effort to go unnoticed, but that method never worked well given how often he was the one talking. For Jensen, it was believable; it was a perfectly practiced way to hide something.

But Bryce’s eyes had always been drawn to him. From the first day he walked into the locker room, all piercing glances and analytical expressions, Bryce noticed him. Noticed the light inflections in his tone, a small but important indicator most didn’t pick up on, but was obvious to anyone who bothered to learn him. 

Bryce didn’t learn enough of him. No, it didn’t help that Jensen was the opposite of chatty, but he couldn’t help feeling some ounce of guilt for that. “I don’t think you’ve stopped talking since I met you.” Did he take up every conversation? Were there times Jensen was going to share something about himself—something worth something—that Bryce covered with his own insignificant blabber? 

Everything was worth something when usually he got nothing at all. Jensen’s silence was not odd, after you got used to it, that is, and neither was the lack of substance. Bryce wanted more than that.

What were his hobbies? He could take a guess from the keyboard and bass in his room, but was it ever more serious than a display on the wall? 

All he knew was a shell of a person, only the details you could see on the outside, and he just never bothered to ask for anything more. He settled for the least amount of worth you could get from a person and never batted an eye, just kept talking and talking and fucking talking.

What was his favorite restaurant in the city? One of the places they went together? Or somewhere Bryce never bothered to ask about?

Boston was Jensen’s home for just over a year, yet he had 26 before that elsewhere. 

Where did he grow up?

When was his birthday?

What was his middle name?

Did he want to be cremated or embalmed?

A tap on the window caught his attention. Sienna was standing there with his phone in her hand, shaking it in a way that said he needed to check it. He glanced over Jensen again, well asleep this time, and carefully set his hand down.

A long slew of profanities left his mouth as he wrestled with the suit, grabbing his phone as fast as possible to see the tens of missed calls from Keiki. He barely had it in his hands before pressing the call back button. Waiting for a long few rings, she finally answered. 

“Hey, sorry, I—”

“No, it’s fine, are you okay? I saw the news.” The breathiness in her voice showed her concern no matter how hard she fought to keep her tone even. 

“Yes, I’m okay. I wasn’t there when it happened.” He checked over Jensen one more time through the window, still asleep, before gathering his things to leave. “I’ll be home in twenty minutes; did you eat anything?”

It took her a second to answer. “Uh, no. I…wasn’t really hungry.”

“I’ll get you something.”

He opened the locker room door to collect his coat and keys, tossing the latter on as she replied, “It’s like two in the morning, nothings going to be open.”

“I’ll get you something,” he repeated before ending the call, shoving his phone into his pocket and starting towards his car.

Twenty minutes later he arrived home, gas station food in a plastic bag he tossed on the counter. 

“I’m sorry,” he said as she stood from the couch, in pajamas and yawning but set up with a movie and her phone to keep her awake.

“It’s fine, I’m just glad you’re okay, I guess,” she said, taking a bag of chips out and opening them up. He declined when she offered them, standing aimlessly in the middle of the kitchen. 

He couldn’t sit down knowing the uncertainty of what was happening at the hospital, but he couldn’t pace around agitated the whole night. He would wait until Keiki was asleep then return to the hospital for an update. Maybe text Sienna while he waited. 

“You look like you’re going to be sick,” Keiki commented, shoving a handful into her mouth. The thought of eating did make him sick, but he just shrugged it off.

“It was just stressful,” he replied, trying to have some semblance of normalcy. He set his phone and keys down, almost robotic, on the dining table. She was watching his every move, even as he took a breath, reminding himself that normally he’d go change. So, he did.

His bed was a mess, blankets crumpled from where Keiki had taken it over, her stack of books on the nightstand along with her clothes in a heap on the floor. Grabbing his change of clothes, he took them to the bathroom, sensing that it was no longer his space.

She was still in the kitchen when he returned, watching him again.

“I forgot to ask, but were your friends okay?”

That was all it took for his lip to tremble, unable to get an answer out. He distracted himself with grabbing the remote from the couch, setting it on the coffee table and sitting down with a deep breath. He waited for the ache in the back of his throat to subside with every following breath, blinking back the wetness around his eyes.

“No.”

But he could barely choke back the sob escaping from his throat, sending the tears well over the floodgates.

He never even got a moment to check on Raf, and even in the half an hour he was gone, Jensen’s condition could have significantly worsened. It was too easy to imagine when he was out of his sight, no tangible proof in front of him: no dry comments and no tired grins, the same ones he’d probably never see again.

Wiping the tears was a useless effort, a constant flow wetting his face and soaking his sleeves.

The couch dipped next to him. Keiki tucked a few tissues into his hand before wrapping her arms around him.

And he remembered it from a thousand times before. The nights he’d come home late and have it out with his dad in the middle of the foyer, giving everything just as vicious as he got it, but only ending with him in tears. Keiki would sneak in, probably woken up by the shouting, to ask what was going on, but the minute she saw his face she’d climb up his bed to wrap him in a huge that couldn’t quite reach around him. It didn’t matter if she didn’t know the details—it was better she didn’t—but she was the only one there who had enough compassion to try.

Here she was again, picking up the pieces of a mess that wasn’t hers. He didn’t have the strength to fight her on it, though, and didn’t have the strength to send her to bed like he should’ve on those nights. He just turned, letting his arms fall over her shoulders and holding on with everything he had.

~~~

tagging: @jerzwriter @cariantha @kyra75 @gutsfics @inlocusmads @lilyoffandoms @choicesficwriterscreations

#jensen valentine #bryce lahela × jensen valentine #bryce lahela #open heart #open heart mc #open heart choices #choices open heart #choices oph #sienna trinh #rafael aveiro #open heart fanfic

[jerzwriter]

A Bit Dark

Thank you for this ask @inlocusmads. Of course, that 100 words or less part is just comical to use with me! But I clocked in at just over 1000, which isn't bad! I love that you asked for Casey and Jess! I love these two so much, and every time I finish a fic featuring them, I feel like I've been wrapped up in a warm, cozy blanket! I know it's not a popular pairing, but I love them. So thank you! I hope you enjoy this!

Book: Open Heart (Pre-Series/Casey's Med School Years) Pairing: F!MC (Casey MacTavish) x F!OC (Jessica Philips) Words: 1,099 Rating: Teen Warnings: Discussion of mental health issues, nothing too deep. Category: Angsty fluff/ hurt/comfort Summary: Jess has noticed a bit of a change in Casey, and offers her support when she learns the reason why. A/N: For @choicesnovchallenge - I think World Kindness Day would fit. :) A/N 2: SAD = Seasonal Acquired Depression

Sometimes, a room can be so silent that the gentle sounds of breathing permeate the air like a siren. As if to prove it, Jessica closed her eyes, inhaled deeply, and released at an achingly slow pace. The gentle noise would have gone unnoticed any other time, especially in a bustling city like Philadephia. But today, in her tiny living room, it may as well have been a gust of wind during the fiercest of winter storms. Still, the sound went unnoticed by Casey, whose gaze was fixed out the window on the other side of the room.

Shifting her weight on the lumpy but cozy sofa, Jess placed her textbook on the coffee table at her side. That was enough studying for now. If anything else was to be committed to memory this evening,  it would be the way the street lights shining through the window gently lit the contours of her girlfriend’s face. Another deep breath, this one involuntary, escaped her as she wondered if she had any idea how simply exquisite she was.

“It must be some view out there,” Jessica stated, pulling Casey from her thoughts.

“I’m sorry, what?”

“The view... outside... it must be special. You seem lost in it.”

Casey dropped the curtain, a gentle blush on her cheeks, and turned to Jessica, adorably wrapped up in a chenille throw, the loose tendrils that had escaped her messy bun framing her lovely face.

“It’s nothing compared to the view in here,” Casey corrected, happily accepting Jessica’s arms embracing her from behind.

“We’ve been studying all day,” Jess whispered. “Do you need a break? I can make us a snack.”

“No. I think I’m good for another hour or so.”

Jess placed her chin on Casey’s shoulder, fixing her gaze in the same direction.

“Wow, I see why you’re entranced. The lights look so pretty.”

“They do,” Casey agreed.

“I can’t believe it’s so dark already. It’s not even five o’clock.”

“Yep,” Casey sighed, gently pulling herself away from her lover and crossing the room. “Daylight standard time strikes again! Between studying, work, and volunteering... we’re lucky if we see the sun again before April.”

“Well, that’s a bit of an exaggeration,” Jess smiled as she returned to Casey’s side. “But all right.”

But Casey didn’t meet Jess’s playful energy. With a swallow, she sullenly turned away.

“Case... what’s going on? Are you OK?”

“Yeah,” Casey sighed.

She had only recently begun to explore the demons that had haunted her throughout her life. The anxiety that creeped out of nowhere, the sadness that could envelop her typically sunny personality without warning. She was coming to understand why and recognize her triggers, and winter’s darkness was undoubtedly one. Jessica was aware of her journey; what’s more, she was supportive, but it was still difficult to articulate. But, looking at her girlfriend’s furrowed brow, she felt she owed her the truth.

“It’s just... winter is hard for me. It’s not the cause of my depression, but all the darkness... it doesn’t help at all.”

“Oh,” Jess pulled up a chair, quickly going into doctor mode; she fought to remain a supportive partner as well. “Have you been diagnosed with SAD?”

“Not officially.”

“It wouldn’t hurt to mention it to your therapist or psychiatrist,” Jess started, a knowing look on her face. “It sort of makes sense now.”

“What does?”

“You’ve been a little sadder recently, sleeping more. You haven’t been interested in doing things you.. or we... normally enjoy. It’s been worse since the time change.”

“Well,” she shrugged dismissively. “That’s just depression...”

“Of course, but if you notice it worsens this time of year... will you talk to your doctors?”

“I will,” Casey nodded.

“Good. There are ways to combat this. They may increase your antidepressant, some vitamins have proven helpful, and we can do things to make it better.”

“Such as?”

“Well, I’m going to get you outside during the daylight more often. We can bundle up and take a walk before heading out in the morning.”

Casey let out a laugh, then took Jess’s hand.

“Do you really think getting me up early is a solution?”

“Hmmm... maybe not,” Jess winked. “I’ll just kidnap you and drag you out on our lunch breaks. I can also get light boxes for our apartments...”

“You don’t need to do that,” Casey protested.

“I don’t need to do anything, but I want to. Honestly, I’ve always wondered if it would help me, too. The winter is awfully dreary. Besides, why wouldn’t I do all I can to help you?”

Casey brushed a loose curl from Jessica’s face, then met her lips with a sweet, tender kiss.

“I’m lucky to have you.”

“Well, I’m lucky to have you, too,” Jess assured, the smile on Casey’s face growing wider.

“You know, if you really want to do anything to help me... you know what helps SAD a lot?”

“What?” Jess smiled with a roll of her eyes. 

“You’re freaking snickerdoodles! Oh my God, they’re delicious!”

“That’s it,” Jess said, her laughter filling the room. “I was expecting something far more salacious from you.”

“Mmm, maybe later,” Casey winked. “But really, I think you should make me snickerdoodles at least two times a week this winter. As an experiment... you know... to see if it helps.”

“An experiment?” Jess asked with a cocked brow.

“Yes. We’ll do it for science.”

“Come here,” she smirked, pulling Casey in for a kiss.

They rested their foreheads together after breaking away, Jess lovingly caressing the back of Casey’s head. 

“You know I’ll do whatever I can to help. You know that, right?”

“I do,” Casey grinned. “I hope you know how much it means to me.”

“I do,” Jess smiled, abruptly pulling away to grab her purse.

“Hey, where are you going?”

“Not me... we,” Jess said as she tossed Casey her coat. “I’m completely out of brown sugar and flour. How am I supposed to make you snickerdoodles tonight without them?”

“Well, then, to the market we go!” Casey said, her spirits lifted. She tugged at Jess’s hand just before they reached the door. “Jess, wait!”

Her head flung in Casey’s direction. “Yes?”

“I have a feeling... this winter will be a lot better than the ones before. It really helps when you have support.”

After gently bopping Casey’s nose with her finger, Jess placed a tender kiss on her forehead.

“You’ll be sick of me fretting by the end of it.”

“I assure you, I won’t,” Casey said as they walked down the hall. “Especially if your therapy includes snickerdoodles.”

A/N 3: If you (like me) have SAD, you can find some resources here. There is help out there! :)

@choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics

Tagging others separately

#choices fanfic #open heart #open heart choices #choices open heart #open heart fanfic #open heart prequel #oph f!mc #oph f!mc x f!oc #playchoices #playchoices fanfic

[zealouscanonindeer]

Together.

Synopsis: The aftermath of the attack comes with a waterfall of feelings.But is it enough to stop pretending?

Ethan's POV

Category: Angsty fluff. I can never resist a happy ending

Sunlight peeked through the blinds at the blissful couple nestled in sleeps abode. I was the first to stir, stretching as consciousness returned, slowly opening one eye, then another before opening both to stare at the back of the woman who occupied every inch of my soul.

Her body moved rhythmically, even breaths for which I was grateful, ever since the attack seeing her felt like mercy on my heart. I would have died inside had she not made it. I loved her, with every fiber of my being, I did. And I would show her just how much I did, every single moment that we spent together.

I smiled, closing my eyes and sleep lulled me back into its abode.

**********

"Ethan? Hey. " A gentle nudge against my shoulder followed by a kiss on my forehead roused me. I pulled her hand in mine.

"Penny."

"Wake up, sleepyhead. It's almost noon. "

" Perfect time to come back to bed. " I turned to my side, pulling her hand with me, her body following.

"Who are you and what have you done to my Ethan? "

"It's you Rookie, what are you doing to me? "

She giggled, sitting by my side, bending over me. Suddenly water slapped against my face, making me jerk back, my eyes flying open.

"Oh, sorry. "

Aspen moved her wet hair back over her right shoulder. I looked up to see her smile sheepishly at me, leaning down to peck my lips lightly. I held her against me, her bathrobe soft against my skin, not allowing the kiss to end. Her lips moved in a perfectly synchronized manner, tasting of honey. Needing air, we broke away.

I laid back, staring at her as she brushed my hair back, her fingers running through them, instantly relaxing me.

"Why are you looking at me like that? "

"Like what? "

"With that wierd look in your eyes. " I couldn't in that moment fathom how I had ended up finding her, how I would treasure her forever.

"I was just thinking"

"About? "

I wasn't gonna tell her just yet but she meant everything to me, how I would never hurt her again. I flipped us over so that she was under me. I hovered over her, kissing her once more.

She smirked at me.

"As much as I would like to, you have a shift. At a hospital you work at, as a doctor. " She teased.

**********

Reluctantly, I picked up my belongings and car keys, giving Penny a lingering kiss, hugging her tightly.

"Someone's all lovey dovey today. " She pecked my clothed shoulder. Ignoring her astute observation, I quickly steered the conversation in a different direction

"When are you coming in again? "

"At around 7. I have a night shift today."

Noticing my slightly deflated look, she chuckled. I bade her goodbye, walking out to another day at Edenbrook.

The day continued like always, annoying interns, diagnostic cases and a couple of hours at the clinic. It was time for my shift to end, packing up my stuff I headed out, popping into the resident quaters to greet Aspen where I was informed she wasn't in yet.

I called her but she didn't answer, which was usual, and utterly annoying. I walked out to get into my car, winding through Boston traffic when the car bluetooth pinged with Penny's name.

"Hey. Where..." Her hoarse gasp shut me up.

"Ethan. Where are you? " Her laboured breath hitched as she gasped into the receiver.

My heart clenched with fear, breaking into a cold sweat I calmed my rising anxiety.

"Darling? What's wrong? "

"I need you to come quick. "

"Hold on, I'm almost there. Just hold on. " I prayed and begged her.

********

"Rookie "

"ROOKIE" Jenner barked frantically, running towards me.

"Here." A whisper called out to me from the kitchen floor.

I knelt down by Aspen's weak form, helping her into a sitting position, supporting her weight. She had a pretty bad bruise on the side of her shoulder, already turning black and blue. Jenner stood by my side, worried at the scene before him. She looked up at me and smiled weakly, trying to put on a brave face so I wouldn't worry.

" Don't worry, I just felt dizzy and blacked out. I hit the counter on my fall." She moved her arm, wincing.

"It's probably due to the anemia. You'd warned me it was a common after effect of the toxins I was exposed to. "

" You're right. I'll drive you to the hospital and get you set up. " She nodded as I picked her up.

*********

I pulled the car into the parking space, getting my seatbelt off and ready to open the door when she stopped me.

"Wait! "

"What? " I scanned her, noticing the alarmed look in her eyes.

"You can't take me inside and somebody might see me get off from your car. Drop me at the back entrance and then go home. Your shift's done, it will be suspicious if you return five minutes after I'm here. "

"Have you lost it! I'm going nowhere. "

"But, Ethan everyone will know.. about Us. " My insides fluttered at her words.. Or one word in particular. Us. I didn't care anymore.

"Then let them. " I looked at her earnestly. The way her eyes lit up at my decision had me wishing I had done it long ago.

"Let's go in, together. " I offered.

"Okay." She pushed the seatbelt off as I opened the door for her and helped her out. I steadied her, walking her in through the hospital doors.

**********

"Dr Ramsey! Um.. You're gonna..? " Marlene startled seeing me walk into Penny's room.

"Yes Marlene, I'm gonna sit by my sick girlfriend for the entire night. "

"Of course. " Marlene smiled a genuinely happy smile, leaving as she completed her last call, ready to hand over the floor to the next nurse on duty and head home.

The hospital was in quite a stir now. Hushed whispers and shocked indiscreet looks, everyone trying their best to hide their surprise and failing. I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose, we weren't exactly parading being together, we just weren't hiding it anymore. I was tired of it.

Knowing how precious time was, knowing how much of it was already gone, not knowing how much was left, a chill ran down my spine just thinking about having regrets. This... Us it wasn't something to be kept like dirty secret. I wanted people to know I loved this woman and she deserved nothing less than that.

I sat lost in my thoughts when a small voice called out to me.

"Ethan."

"Rookie, hey, what's wrong? "

"Nothing.Could you just get the bed into a sitting position. " I turned the lever, pushing her slightly up.

"Thank you. For tonight. "

"What do you mean? "

Her eyes turned warm and glazed, she had beautiful eyes, the chocolate orbs stared at me with so much understanding, I couldn't help but fall in love all over again. Man, I had it bad.

"For showing how much this means to you. Us"

I simply kissed her forehead, words leaving me. I was done living safe. This was definitely a risk but when it came to her...She was worth every risk in the world.

**********

@liaromancewriter @potionsprefect @jerzwriter @cariantha @peonierose @rookiemartin @kyra75 @queencarb @genevievemd @tessa-liam @coffeeheartaddict2 @openheartfanfics @choicesficwriterscreations

#open heart mc #open heart fan fiction #open heart choices #open heart fanfic #open heart #oph fics #aspen milla kallie #ehan x aspen #ethan ramsey #ethan ramsey fanfic #ethan ramsey x mc #dr ethan ramsey #ethan x mc #oh fandom

[coffeeheartaddict2]

When life has other plans (7/16)

Seeing Red

Book: Open Heart (AU)

Characters: Ethan Ramsey, F!MC Casey Valentine

Warnings: Mentions of pregnancy loss, language

Word count: 1901

Catergory: angst

Rating: Mature

Summary: The fallout from Casey’s decision.

Disclaimer: Characters belong to Pixelberry

Authors note: Cue the drama. To mirror the previous chapter, if this chapter has been triggering for you please contact support services in your country or state.

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

The first day of the second year had arrived. Casey awoke. She was equal parts excited and anxious. She got dressed and joined the rest of her housemates for breakfast. She enjoyed the company but she was not feeling the best. She outwardly put it down to nerves about starting the fellowship today but inwardly she was doubting that the medication she had taken the day before was not working.

To Edenbrook she went and the first stop was the Atrium for morning announcements. There was a new class of interns. She had to do a double take when she saw Ethan with his beard. She liked the look immensely and her mind started to stray. She was then annoyed at herself, they were to be colleagues only now and thinking about how his beard would feel against certain parts of her body was certainly thoughts she should not be having.

Meanwhile Ethan’s heart skipped a beat when he saw her. She was still as beautiful as ever. He knew right then and there a relationship with her is what he wanted and he hoped she felt the same way.

Casey’s first meeting as part of the Diagnostics team started. She met Baz and June. They had a patient that was incoming from another hospital and they were all going through the possibilities. Casey felt lost and when she asked a question that had the rest of the team raising their eye brows, well she felt stupid. Ethan stated they had already covered that and that there was non family history. Baz and June came to the conclusion that it was Cutaneous Kutchi disease. Tasks were allocated and the meeting dismissed. Casey stayed back.

“Is everything alright Dr Valentine?” Asked Ethan.

“I thought my days of feeling like a clueless intern were over…”

“Did you notice what June and Baz did?”

“Yeah, they asked questions.”

“That is right, a question, no matter how insignificant could lead to the right question that gets us to a diagnosis.”

Casey nodded.

“Do we diagnose without seeing the patient often?”

“Sometimes yes so it is a good skill to have, in this instance we will see the patient but at least we will have a starting point.”

“Thank you Ethan.”

He took his glasses off, and looked at her, he could tell something else seemed to be troubling her but he did not ask, if it was personal, the office was not the place.

“The beard looks good, I like it.” Says Casey. “Thank you for the pep talk.” She says before leaving. She walks down the hall to a stairwell and leans against the wall. She is annoyed at herself, she knew he knew something was up and she was questioning not telling him about the pregnancy and abortion. She then receives a message from Dr Stone that she is available later that day.

Casey goes about her day, she runs the test for the team’s patient, they had the diagnosis but then he states he was looking forward to eating with out being in pain. Which led to a secondary diagnosis of an ulcer which was also fixed. Casey was congratulated for her work and the diagnosis they missed but personal matters were making her worried.

Two hours before her appointment she started to get really bad stomach cramps. There was still no bleeding and what was happening was definitely signs that the medication had not worked. She powered through but thirty minutes before her appointment she had a really sharp pain. It was so sharp that she felt faint and she slid down the wall. Ethan saw her fall and he rushed over. He was concerned. He called for a gurney and he was about to send her down to emergency when Casey muttered, between shots of pain, “Please page Dr Stone.”

Ethan does as she asks and then it dawns on him. Casey was losing a baby. He thinks that the main reason he does not know is that he was in the Amazon and she was waiting for an appropriate time to meet and discuss. He could not be mad at her for that. Dr Stone arrives. Ethan hops out of the way and lets Dr Stone take charge. Casey tells her her symptoms for the last day and tells her that she did take the medication she was prescribed as stated.

Ethan went from sad to angry. He would have supported a decision to terminate, children was not something he had discussed with her and it was certainly something he had not seen for him but the fact that he was left out intentionally. Yes he was on sabbatical but surely he had a right to know. Did he mean so little to her? Now was not the time though. Dr Stone was looking at an ultrasound screen. There was a fetus still there, but no heartbeat. Dr Stone pages surgery. Dr Stone tells Casey what is happening. She is about to have a D&C. Ethan is angry but he knows that Casey will need rest and to be discharged into the care of someone else and he knew that with her housemates schedules that may be difficult. He tells Dr Stone to page him when she is ready for discharge. She nods and thanks Dr Ramsey for stepping in. He makes his way to the DT office. He sits down seething. He starts second guessing what he meant to Casey. Was she secretly deep down happy that the arrangement was ending, despite her being the one wanting to keep it going until he left. He tried to convince himself that she did not tell him because he was away but he was hurt, hurt that the woman whom he had feelings for did not see fit for him to know. The only thing stopping from the thought of that he knew he was the only one she had been with before he went away.

Several hours later he received a page stating that Casey was ready for discharge. He had already given her some time off for the next day. He made his way to where Casey was. She was shocked to see Ethan. He is given the post surgical speech. He tells Dr Stone and Casey that she is off the next day at least. Casey nods and Dr Stone is appreciative. He wheels Casey to his car. Casey expects to be driven to her house but is surprised when he drives to his house.

They are quiet on the drive. Casey is awaiting a lecture, surely he would have figured out what was happening but it did not come and it terrified her. They arrived back at his apartment.

Ethan asked her if she wanted a drink or something to eat. Casey asks for some water. She takes a sip.

“What do you want to know Ethan?” She asks.

What do I want…” he lets out a groan of frustration.

“I do not know Casey? Were you ever going to tell me? Why did you not tell me?”

“What so you were fine finding out via text or voice mail that you got me pregnant? Well guess what, I was not ok with that.”

“What so not telling me at all was so much better? Don’t you think I deserved to know?”

“What and you decide you want to stick around, try to make us work with a baby?”

“If after discussing it and termination was the best option then that would have happened.”

“I did want to tell you but I wanted t do it face to face ok, but given I would have been roughly 8, nearly 9 weeks along now, if it took time to reach a decision and with my schedule, well surgery would have been very quickly my only option.”

“But we could have worked it out together,” says Ethan, trying to not cry.

“Did I not mean anything to you?”

Casey is shocked.

“Of course you do. The time away was hell. There was a rabid faction who thought you influenced Naveen. I was trying to get over my feelings for you and then I find out I am pregnant to you.”

“Casey, it was not easy for me either…”

“Yeah well life likes to deal a crappy hand. Good night Ethan” says Casey as she walks to the guest room.

Ethan lets his emotions out and cries. He does not go to sleep. He stays sitting in the kitchen stewing in his emotions.

He meant something to her. He was not moving pass that comment any time soon. If he meant something to her then why was he kept in the dark about something so important? Casey then emerges.

“Did you sleep?” She asked

“No, I couldn’t.” Said Ethan, “the fact you did not tell me you were pregnant is still eating at me.”

“Why is it bothering you, it is not like you were wanting kids in the first place.” Stated Casey.

“I may have never seen myself as a parent. As I said if we came to the conclusion I would have been fine about that but what is hurting is you did not tell me.”

“I did not want you sticking around out of obligation Ethan, it would be no way to start a relationship and again you deserved to hear it in person, not via a voicemail or text.”

“I get that but I feel so angry…angry and betrayed.”

“It was not my intent to hurt you, believe me…”

“Believe you! Seriously Casey. I am hurt and I am angry, intended or not you have hurt me.”

“Thank you for letting me stay. Thank you for today off. I am going to go back home now. I would hate to think that I am an obligation.”

“You are not an obligation…”

“Then if I hurt you so fucking badly, why am I here? Huh?”

“You fainted at the hospital Casey, clearly something was amiss.”

“Well I can take care of myself.” She states angrily as she heads back to the guest room and gathers her things and leaves the apartment.

Ethan stands there shocked and angry. Anger at the situation and shocked that Casey only sees herself as an obligation. He lets out a guttural scream and cries again. He could not deny how hurt he felt. He had seen first hand how painful the end of something can be and he can not help but wonder if things were now irreparable between him and Casey.

“Why did I get feelings?” he mutters to himself as he continues to get ready for the day. At least he knew he would not be seeing Casey today and he was equal parts relieved and saddened.

Meanwhile Casey was sad, angry and confused. Confused at why Ethan felt so betrayed by her actions. She knows maybe she should have told him, hindsight is always 20/20 but the hurt he felt really caught her off guard. But she also hated that she now felt like he was obligated to look after her and that was the last thing she wanted.

“Well you have your wish Ethan Ramsey” she muttered to herself. After this they were definitely only going to be colleagues, just the way he said they wanted them to be and already Casey was hating it.

———

Authors note: another short but not so sweet, I really wanted to give Ethan’s reaction a chapter to itself. I had a different plan initially but decided this would be more dramatic.

The decision has had an impact already and it does come back in different forms later on. Thus a 16 part series.

For those who read this far thank you and I look forward to providing you more content in 2024.

Tagging: @jerzwriter @jamespotterthefirst @genevievemd @liaromancewriter @cariantha @alj4890 @zealouscanonindeer @tessa-liam @youlookappropriate @bex-la-get @crazy-loca-blog @a-crepusculo @socalwriterbee @lucy-268 @binny1985 @schnitzelbutterfingers @choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics

If anyone wishes to be added or removed please let me know.

#open heart #ethan ramsey #choices fanfic writers creations #casey valentine #choices #oph au #post Amazon drama #love writing au’s #sorry not sorry for all the angst #more to come #fic of the week #open heart choices

[deb-1106]

Serendipity

Part 3

Written for @choicesflashfics - Week 33

Prompt 3  — “Say that again … I don’t think I heard you right the first time.”

Book: TRR/OPH

Pairings: Drake Walker x Ava Matheson, Bryce Lahela x Charlie Hawkins

Word count: 2500

Rating: M

TW: Profanity, Suggestive language

A/N: This is a collaboration between myself and @walkerismychoice using the weekly prompts provided by @choicesflashfics As always if you want on or off the tag list, just let me know.

“So you’re laying out clothes for me now?”  Drake eyed the crisp, white button down shirt and freshly pressed tan pants that had magically appeared on the bed while he was in the shower.

Ava gave him a dazzling smile.  “Just a suggestion.  But if you’d rather wear a pair of your ratty old jeans and one of those sad, threadbare flannel shirts you love so much…I can’t stop you.”

“My clothes have been good enough for dinner with the fucking King and Queen…” He muttered under his breath, “but I guess they don’t quite cut it for dinner with Ken and Barbie.” 

He picked up the shirt and inspected the tag. 

Fucking Armani. She wasn’t messing around tonight.

Ava poked her head out of the bathroom, eyeliner pencil still in hand, “Did you say something?” 

“Just wondering why we have to get so dressed up for a casual dinner date with your new bestie and her boy toy.” 

Ava rolled her eyes.  “First…he’s not some boy toy.  He’s a very accomplished surgeon who just saved your life.” She chided gently, “So maybe keep that in mind before mocking him. Second, it’s just a new shirt and a pair of pants for goodness sake.” She flashed him a cheeky smile, “I’m saving the tuxedo I bought you for our second dinner date with them.

“Assuming there IS one, you better be kidding.”

Ava shrugged before ducking back into the bathroom.

“I still think this is fucking weird.”  He shouted to her retreating back, “Who the hell makes friends with their doctor for fuck sake?  Isn’t that some kind of HIPAA violation?”

Silence from the bathroom.  Ava either didn’t hear him, or she was pretending she didn’t.

“Swear to God…” Drake grumbled, “if he mentions how good-looking he is even once tonight, I’ll show him my surgical skills…with a fucking butter knife.”  

Drake grabbed a pair of boxer briefs out of his top drawer and slid them on before getting dressed.

He glanced into the mirror and nodded. He hated to admit it, but he looked pretty damn good in designer duds, if he did say so himself.  

Leaning in closer, he raked his damp hair back and fleetingly wished he’d gotten it cut this afternoon.

Just then, Ava emerged through the bathroom door.

Their eyes met in the mirror and she smiled.  Drake felt his stomach do a little flip as he watched her cross the room toward him, her pale yellow sundress floating around her legs, her ponytail brushing the tops of her tanned shoulders and the alluring scent of fresh Gardenia perfuming the air with every step she took.

She’s a goddamn Goddess.  How did I get so lucky? 

Ava sidled up behind him, sliding her arms around his waist.

“See.” She cooed, as her admiring gaze traveled over him from head to toe. She pressed into him, the heat of her breath on his ear making the hairs on the back of Drake’s neck stand to attention as the sensation of her breasts rubbing against his back made other parts of his body do the same. 

“You look hot.” She whispered in his ear.

“You think so?” He turned around and pulled her into his arms, making sure she could feel what she’d just done to him.  “Am I as hot as pretty boy?”

Ava bit back a smile as she reached out to smooth the fabric of Drake's shirt over his broad shoulders, and down his tightly muscled arms, being mindful not to jostle his injured arm too much.

“Not gonna lie… Bryce is reeaaally attractive.”

Drake’s brow furrowed. “Say that again … I don’t think I heard you right the first time.”

Ava smirked. “Oh, I think you heard me…I mean, did you see that smile…” 

“Yeah.  I’m pretty sure NASA classified it as a new constellation.” Drake unwrapped her arms from his waist. “Actually, if this whole surgeon thing doesn’t work out, he could always get a job as a lighthouse.”

Ava laughed and grabbed his wrists, pulling him back to her.  She leaned into his chest, savoring the heat of his skin through the light fabric. She let out a soft sigh as she tilted her head up to meet his eyes. 

“You’re no pretty boy, Drake Walker. ” She murmured, as she ran her hands over his chest, biting her lip seductively. “You're my rugged, sexy, gorgeous, hunk of a man that I love with every fiber of my being.” She looped one arm around his neck, pulling him down for a lingering kiss laced with promise. “And if you behave yourself … when we get home tonight, I’ll show you just how irresistible I find you.”

“Yeah?” One corner of Drake’s mouth curled upward.  “Out of curiosity, just how well-behaved are we talking here? Like, for instance…if I were to casually mention you’re in the market for a stripper for your bachelorette party and ask if he’d consider dusting off his banana hammock for one last grind against the pole…would you consider that bad behavior, or simply a friendly exchange of lighthearted banter between friends?”

“You wouldn’t DARE.”

 Drake gave her a slow, panty-dropping grin. “New plan.  How about you ensure my good behavior at dinner, by skipping straight to the ‘not being able to resist me’ portion of the night?”

Ava smiled up at him, momentarily losing herself in the burning intensity of his gaze before getting a hold of herself and gently pushing him away.

“No can do, Loverboy. We’re running late as it is.  They’re probably already at the restaurant waiting for us.”

Drake sighed and grabbed his keys off the dresser. “Come on, then.   The sooner we get there, the sooner we can get home and finish what you started.”

—

Bryce rushed through his and Charlie’s apartment door, unsurprisingly late after a complicated surgery. The best thing about being with another hospital physician was that they just got it. He knew Charlie wouldn't be upset that he didn’t get home when expected, although he did get five text requests for a status update in the last hour or so. 

Bryce could hear the shower running in the master bath as he approached. As tempting as it was to hop in and join Charlie, he'd already taken a shower after changing out of his surgical scrubs. He slowly and quietly pushed open the bathroom door, leaning against the frame to watch and thinking he should be thankful the landlords chose glass shower doors over a curtain. Bryce knew Charlie could be self-conscious about her body, what with growing up surrounded by people who could afford to buy the body they desired if they couldn’t attain it naturally, but to him, she was perfection. Her well-proportioned curves were in all the right places, and what Charlie described as an average body was anything but. He tried to keep his arousal at bay as her soapy hands skimmed over her ample breasts and then down and around to her flawless backside. Soft and round, yet firm at the same time, Charlie’s ass was Bryce’s favorite part, but before he could dwell on it, she turned to grab her conditioner.

“Ahhh!” Charlie screamed as the bottle slipped and crashed to the shower floor. “You scared me! Why didn’t you say you were here instead of just gawking at me like an idiot?”

Bryce shrugged. “It’s a better show when you don’t know I’m watching.”

“Well, show’s over, pal. If you want a chance to see any more of this…” Charlie waved a hand over her body, “you better get ready so we’re not late for dinner.”

Bryce chuckled as he headed to his walk-in closet. Charlie was by no means high-maintenance, but she also wasn’t the jump out of the shower and go type either. He’d be dressed and ready to go long before she had her hair and makeup done. He threw on a nicer pair of dark jeans and a lightweight gray pullover he thought would be fitting for the venue. Although Ava and Drake associated with royals, they, or more specifically Drake, didn't seem like the type to be impressed by fancy dinners and material things. Not that he cared much about impressing Drake anyway with as unpleasant as he'd been in the hospital. However, Charlie really liked Ava, and judging someone solely based on their disposition after a traumatic gunshot wound wasn't completely fair. Plus Bryce had been somewhat of a cocky asshole in defense, so he probably owed Drake another chance.

Inspecting his defined jawline in the mirror, Bryce determined his five o’clock stubble to be more sexy-casual than unkempt mess and didn’t bother shaving. He ran a little pomade through his hair with his fingers and it magically fell into place like it always seemed to do. In the span of no more than five minutes, he was ready, and Charlie was just barely out of the shower.

The hum of the hair dryer told Bryce he still had plenty of time, so he powered-up his playstation to relax for a bit. Engrossed in his game, he had no idea how much time had passed when Charlie emerged from the bedroom.

“Hurry up!” She snapped. “We need to leave now!”

“Just let me save this.” Bryce powered down the machine and glanced up at Charlie which rendered him momentarily speechless. Yes, they’d been dating close to two years, but it seemed most of that time was in hospital scrubs. Seeing her dressed up always felt like the first time, and today, with her loose curls, flowy white floral mini dress, and strappy heels, was no exception.

"Come here." Bryce stood and pulled Charlie in by the waist. "Are you sure you don't want to cancel on them and order in?" He lightly trailed a finger up her inner thigh.

She pushed him away and laughed. "Stop trying to seduce me. You're too damn good at it. You're even wearing that cologne that reminds me of…you know. You really aren't playing fair, but I shall resist. She plucked the keys off the hook by the door and tossed them to Bryce. "Let's go!"

___

Thanks to Drake’s lead foot and aptitude for navigating the serpentine back roads of Cordonia, they arrived at the restaurant right on time.  Drake was surprised - pleasantly surprised by the choice.  Rather than a pretentious fine-dining establishment, which Drake presumed would appeal to the young successful doctors, they had instead chosen a quaint, unassuming tavern.  

As Ava predicted, Charlie and Bryce were seated at a table, waiting for them.  Ava squeezed Drake’s hand.  “Remember. Play nice.” 

“I know the stakes.” He gave her his most disarming smile. “Now let's go break bread with our new best friends.”  

As they approached the table, Bryce rose from his seat.  As Charlie and Ava embraced and began gushing over each other's outfits, Bryce turned to Drake with that big, goofy grin of his and offered his hand.

His handshake was surprisingly firm, Drake noted with satisfaction. Nothing he hated more than a limp handshake.  

So at least there was that.

Once the girls broke apart, Charlie smiled warmly at Drake and he smiled back. “Nice to see you again, Charlie.” 

He extended his hand toward her, with every intention of giving her a friendly handshake, but as he watched  Dr. Touchy McFeely pull Ava into a tight hug,  his and Charlie’s handshake somehow morphed into a half shake, half hug that was fully awkward as fuck.

Drake sighed and sat down, only to feel like even more of an ass as Bryce pulled out Ava’s chair for her.

Shit.  I guess bailing on those stupid ‘comportment’ lessons all those years ago is finally biting me in the ass.

He met Ava’s eyes across the table and she gave him a sweet smile before turning her full attention to Charlie.

Shit.  

Drake scanned the room, trying to catch the eye of a server.  He needed a drink STAT.

 “So Drake.” Bryce’s cheerful voice momentarily pulled Drake's attention from his search.  “How’s the shoulder?”

“Huh?” Drake just caught sight of a waiter passing by with a tray full of drinks.

“The shoulder.” Bryce repeated, tapping a long slender finger against his own scapula, “How’s it feeling?  Any residual pain?”

“No.” Drake shook his head slowly, “Nope. No pain.  All good.” 

“Good.” Bryce nodded. “Yeah, well … glad to hear it.”

“Yup.”

The two men sat in an awkward silence as the girls chatted away, oblivious to the tension on the other side of the table.

“So …uh…” Drake cleared his throat, “You like being a doctor?”

Even as the question left his lips, he recognized how idiotic it was.  Thankfully their server chose that moment to materialize, saving Bryce from having to answer.

“Good Evening, I’m Brian and I'll be your server tonight.”

Drake opened his mouth, but before he could utter a word, Brian placed a tumbler of amber liquid in front of him, and another in front of Bryce.

“Now ladies, can I get you started with a beverage?”

“Charlie said you were a whiskey man.” Bryce explained, “So I took the liberty…I hope you don’t mind.”

Mind? Drake thought to himself, Hell, right now I want to kiss you right on that pretty little mouth of yours.

But what he actually said was… “Thanks man.  Appreciate it.”

Drake took a deep swallow, savoring the deep oaky flavor and subtle heat as it hit the back of his throat.

Suddenly, his brow shot up in surprise. “Wait.  Is this…” “Macallan 15." Bryce supplied helpfully, “I wasn’t sure what you drank, but this has always been one of my favorites.” He paused, “Actually, I prefer the 18 year, but this was what they had so…”

“No. This is great.” Drake said quickly, giving Bryce his first true smile of the evening, “You can’t ever go wrong with Macallan.”

Bryce grinned back at him.  “Cheers to that!”

They both raised their glasses.

“So Bryce.” Drake leaned back in his chair, having decided that this night might not be a total bust afterall, “Ava tells me you play a bit of Basketball."

Bryce took a sip of whiskey and nodded, “Yeah, I played some in college, but now I play just for fun.  Do you play?”

“Yeah, I mean, not in college.  Soccer was my game back then.  But we have an indoor court at the palace and that's what we do to unwind between shifts.” 

“Between shifts?  You work at the palace?  I thought you just lived there.”

“Yeah. I uh…” Drake hesitated, not sure how much he really wanted to divulge.  Talking about his job didn’t usually make for light-hearted dinner conversation.

But Bryce asked…

“I’m not actually living there at the moment.” Drake confessed, “Things with Liam are a little…uh…strained right now.” without thinking, he sent a cautious look in Ava’s direction, “But I do still work there.  I’m Kingsguard.”

“Kingsguard.” Bryce repeated before letting out a low whistle and leaning back in his chair.  “So throwing yourself in front of bullets is all in a day's work for you.” 

“Hardly.” Drake chuckled as he finished off his glass.  Bryce immediately signaled for two more. “But if it meant saving her…” Drake glanced over at Ava, and as if sensing his eyes on her, she looked up and smiled. “There’s nothing I wouldn’t do to protect her.”

"Aww!" Charlie interjected, although Drake wondered how she managed to overhear when neither woman even paused to take a breath in their own conversation. "I think this one's a keeper, Ava."

Ava reached her left hand across the table to squeeze Drake’s. "He is." 

Charlie's eyes went wide. "Ava!" She grasped Ava's hand and pulled it closer to inspect. "Is this ring what I think it is?"

Ava beamed and glanced at Drake before turning back to Charlie. "We wanted to tell you and Bryce together in person, but yes it is. We're engaged!"

#choices trr #choices open heart #drake walker #bryce lahela #drake x ava #choices oph #choices the royal romance #Bryce x Charlie #walkerismychoice writes #choices fanfic #choices fan fiction

[walkerismychoice]

Serendipity - Part 4

Written for @choicesflashfics - Week 34

Prompt 3  — “ I think I need to be drunk to understand this story ”

Book: TRR/OPH

Pairings: Drake Walker x Ava Matheson, Bryce Lahela x Charlie Hawkins

Word count: 1814

Rating: M

TW: Profanity, Suggestive language

A/N: This is a collaboration between @deb-1106​ and @walkerismychoice using the weekly prompts provided by @choicesflashfics As always if you want on or off the tag list, just let me/us know. Deb usually posts to keep it consistent, but we were both kind of scrambling this week, so I’m getting this in under the wire for us. Charlie gasped. "Oh my God! Congratulations! She tilted Ava’s ring from side to side, watching the facets twinkle from the glow of the pendant lights.I'm so happy for you!" But was she? Well of course she was, but why, on some level did she feel a twinge of Jealousy.

"Yeah, Congrats! You're smart to be locking this one down already." Bryce directed his words at Drake and then winked at Ava. "How long have you two known each other again?

Drake glowered at Bryce momentarily but then lightened up. "You know, in absence of all the Whiskey we've had, I might take your comment as an insult, but you're right. I gotta make this thing legal before she realizes she's too good for me, heh."

"Oh stop!" Ava swatted Drake playfully. "You know that would never happen because it's not true." Turning back to Bryce and Charlie she said, "To answer your question, we've known each other about 6 months."

"Wow, 6 months…that's kind of fast," Charlie mused out loud before she could think to censor her thoughts.

Ava laughed. "If you asked me 6 months ago if I'd be anywhere near an engagement right now, I would have told you to get the fuck out of here."

"That's for sure," Drake interjected, and everyone laughed.

“Anyway,” Ava continued, “When you know, you know. There’s no need to wait for some arbitrary, socially acceptable length of time, right?”

“Cheers to that!” Bryce raised his glass towards the center of the table.

The others accepted the invitation and clinked their glasses, even Charlie who wasn’t feeling particularly celebratory. Cheers to that?! Did his agreement with the sentiment mean he wasn’t sure about his future with Charlie yet? Was Charlie just being dramatic? Just yesterday she had no doubts about the pace of her relationship with Bryce, so why did this suddenly feel like a competition she was losing? She felt tears start to prick the corners of her eyes.

“I’m going to use the restroom real quick,” Charlie excused herself without waiting for anyone’s reply. She locked herself in a stall and waited a few minutes until she felt more composed. 

Just as Charlie exited the stall, Ava walked through the restroom door. “Hey, you were gone awhile. Is everything okay?”

Charlie, washing her hands, stared straight ahead and hoped Ava couldn’t tell she’d been crying.  “Yep, just finishing up.”

“Charlie, I know we haven’t known each other that long, but I could tell something was up back at the table. Do you want to talk about it?”

Charlie was mortified. “No, I’m so sorry. This was a big moment for you, and the last thing I wanted to do was make it about me. I’m really not that girl. I don’t know what came over me. Just give me a minute, and I’ll be back out.”

Ava took a towel from the dispenser and handed it to Charlie. “I’m not the type of friend who needs things to be all about me either, so spill it.”

Ava’s tone eased Charlie’s mood just enough to make her feel comfortable opening up. “I’m happy for you and Drake, I really am. It’s just that your engagement announcement suddenly made me doubt what Bryce and I have. We’ve been together two years and marriage hasn’t even come up.”

“Girl, I’ve seen the way Bryce looks at you. He’s not going anywhere. We aren’t all on the same timeline, and there’s nothing wrong with that.”

“I suppose that’s true.” The logical side of Charlie’s brain knew Ava’s was right, and she hoped the emotional side would soon follow. It was at least appeased enought to put this to rest for now.  She looked in the mirror and cringed. “I just need to fix my face, and then I’ll be out.”

Ava fished a makeup wipe from her purse. “Let me help.” She wiped the black streaks from Charlie’s face and then pulled out a small cosmetic bag. “Just a little eye liner and fresh mascara and you’ll be good to go.”

Once Ava finished, Charlie inspected her work. “Wow, can you do my make-up every day? I don’t even know how to properly apply eyeliner.”

Ava laughed. “Better yet, I’ll teach you. We’ll plan a spa night soon.” 

Charlie hugged Ava. “Thank you. And again, I’m sorry.”

“No worries.” Ava pulled away with a smile. “Now let’s get back out there before the guys think we’re attempting a dine and dash.”

Despite a moment of awkward conversation when the woman got back to the table, the rest of dinner went off without a hitch. Charlie’s face hurt from laughing so much.

“Wait,” Drake furrowed his eyebrows, “So you work at the same hospital, but you met in a strip club?”

“It’s a long story,” Bryce began, “but basically I worked as a stripper to pay my way through med school. Charlie saw me and thought I was so hot, she asked for a private lap dance. My moves were incredible and she just had to have me. She asked me to be her plus one at her cousin’s wedding in Jamaica, and the rest is history.”

“Oh God, Bryce” Charlie rolled her eyes. “That’s not exactly what happened. My friends secretly bought me the lap dance, and I begrudgingly went. I was desperate not to show up to my cousin’s wedding alone and drunk enough to come up with a ridiculous plan, so we made a business deal for him to be my fake boyfriend. However, we failed at the fake part, and he turned into my real boyfriend.”    

“Woah… I think I need to be drunk to understand this story.” Drake raised his glass in jest. “Waiter?!.. Brian?! I need a refill!”

—

Charlie kicked off her shoes and flopped on one end of the couch, while Bryce sat on the other. “I don’t know why I always torture myself with heels. Can you give me a foot rub?” She placed her feet in Bryce’s lap.

“Babe, I’m a surgeon, not a podiatrist.”

“Ha ha, very funny.” She flicked him lightly on the chin with her big toe.

“Ah! Fine, as long as you keep your feet out of my face.” Bryce took her right foot in his hands and started rubbing rhythmic circles with his thumbs on her sole.

“Mmmm,” Charlie hummed in relief. “You sure you don’t have a foot fetish?”

“Negative, but getting my hands on you anywhere is a good place to start.” Bryce had that gleam in his eyes that said he had a plan, and Charlie would be powerless to stop it - not that she would want to.

“Start what?” She played coy.

“Well…” He walked his fingers upward. “Your calves are probably a little tight too, so those clearly need to be massaged."

"Clearly." Charlie echoed.

"And then, since I'm already this far…" Bryce began to slide his hand under the skirt of her dress.

"Hold up." She slapped her hand on top of his. "Don't you think you're moving a little too fast? You haven't even done the other foot yet." She smugly placed his hand on her left foot. Of course she wanted him as much as he seemed to want her, but it was even more satisfying when she made him wait.

"Speaking of moving too fast," Bryce said as he kneaded the bottom of her foot, "I'm kind of surprised Drake and Ava got engaged after only knowing each other for six months."

"Oh really? Back at the restaurant it seemed you were all for it."

"Well, I don't know them well enough to really judge," Bryce backpedaled. "They do seem like one of those 'opposites attract' type couples that just works, so maybe it is like Ava said, 'When you know, you know.' I just couldn't imagine being ready to marry someone so soon."

Charlie sat upright, pulling her knees in toward her chest and hugging them tight as all the hurt and uncertainty she felt at the restaurant flooded back.  "Apparently so. We've been together two years and you're not even sure if you want to commit to me after all this time. I guess in my case you still don't know if I'm the one. Maybe that means I'm not."

"Charlie…" Bryce's near perma-smile transformed to a frown. "I never said that. Would I have moved in with you if I had any doubts?"

"I don’t know, Bryce. Maybe you just want to test everything out before you commit because you aren't sure. If you don't know by now, when will you know? Five years? Ten?"

"Babe, he inched closer and placed a hand on her knee, "where is all this coming from? Okay, wrong question since I'm pretty sure where, but not exactly why. I don't think you've ever brought up marriage before."

"I guess seeing Drake and Ava just made me think, what are we waiting for? Yes six months is pretty quick, but lots of people get engaged after a year and we're at double that. We live together, we're both becoming established in our careers, we love each other…Making it official just makes sense."

Bryce looked her in the eyes intently. "I love you, and as far as I can see, my future includes you. I don't need a piece of paper to prove that."

"Does that mean you'll never want to get married?" Charlie was still reeling. 

"I'm not saying that, but you know how things turned out with my parents. I just… I'm afraid of repeating the same mistakes. That may sound like a cop out, but I just need time, and I'll know…we'll know when it's right. Things are going so well right now, why rush to change that?"

Bryce had a point, and Charlie recognized her perception of the situation was colored by her past as much as Bryce’s was by his. The way her ex Andrew left her just as they were planning a future together made her a little more anxious to make things official this time. But would rushing to marry Andrew have really changed anything? He'd probably still have left her for another woman, and then they'd have a messy divorce to contend with. She had to remind herself that Bryce was nothing like Andrew. Even without a formal commitment, her relationship with him was progressing at a perfect pace. 

"You're right." Charlie inched closer to Bryce and laid her head on his shoulder. "I'm sorry for getting all in my head again. You know how I can spiral sometimes."

"And that's why I'm here to keep reminding you what a wonderful, loveable, and strong woman you are. But in case you need more than words to convince you," Bryce hopped off the couch and then pulled her up with him, "follow me to the bedroom and I’ll show you too."

#choices fanfic #choices fanfiction #the royal romance #open heart #drake walker #bryce lahela #drake x ava #bryce x charlie #choices trr #choices oph

[amortentiaopenheart]

Meet my MC

Meet: Dr. Catherine Valentine

Full name: Catherine Annabelle Valentine

Nicknames: Cat (Parents), Yvonne (Friends), Rookie (Ethan), C (Siblings, Ethan, friends)

Age: 27

Birthday: 19/01/1996

Ethnicity: Irish

Birthplace: Douglas, Cork, Ireland

Hometown: Cork (born and raised till age 15) | London (till age 20) | Baltimore (till age 24) | Boston (current)

Height: 5'9"

Weight: 48 kg

Appearance: Slim, athletic build

Education: Francis Holland School, Sloane Square | University College Dublin School of Medicine | John Hopkins Medical School

Profession: Diagnostician, Internal medicine | Junior Fellow on Diagnostics Team (resident year) | Head of the Diagnostics Team at Edenbrook Hospital (present)

Personality type: INFJ

Love interest: Ethan Ramsey (engaged) | Edward Gomez (JHU)

Marital status: Engaged

Face claim: Anushka Sen

Family: Alexandra Daphne Valentine (Mother- scientist) | Lucas Adam Valentine (Father- biomedical engineer) | David Nicholas Valentine (Brother- ethical hacker) | Isabella Ines Valentine (Sister- lawyer)

___________

Facts:

Youngest child

Can't cook to save her life. It's take-out, or instant noodles. Sienna was her lifesaver lliterally).

Did an internship at the UN

Favourite word: gobsmack

Favourite colour: Red

Aesthetic: Light academia, glam, red

Harry Potter, Sherlock Holmes, Hercule Poirot clutter her bookshelves.

Total bookworm- give her anything with a good storyline and she's obsessed.

Favourite movie- Little Women (2019)

Avid Disney fan- Mulan, Beauty and The Beast are her favourites.

Favourite music genre: Classic, pop

Multilingual- English, Irish, French, Hindi

Plays the guitar and the piano

Arachnophobic

Loves sunsets

Night owl

Loves mountains

_______

@choicesficwriterscreations

#ethan x mc #ethan ramsey #open heart #ethan ramsey x mc #choices #jamespotterthefirst #open heart choices #choices fic writers creations #ethan ramsey x catherine #dr ethan ramsey #dr catherine valentine #meet my mc #choices open heart #open heart fanfic #open heart fanfiction #choices oh #choices oph

[openheartfanfics]

Newly Added Fics

Dec 30, 2023 - Jan 5, 2024  

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

Bryce x F!MC

Best Friends - @hannabanana-6 ☁

Bryce and Casey, through Sienna’s POV. Feat. Sienna Trinh

Bryce x M!MC

Halloween- @mydemonsdrivealimo 📚

[extended: wip] A collection of moments throughout Jensen’s life, focused on his struggles and accomplishments.

Part 4

Part 5

Ethan x F!MC

A Place To Call Home - @potionsprefect ☁

Victoria and Ethan make a house a home. [Domestic; Family]

Cheers to the New Year - @genevievemd 📸🌟

New Year celebration edits.

His - @stanathanxoox ☁

They didn't like to be touched by just anyone. But that didn't mean they didn't also crave it sometimes.

Miles - @tveitertotwrites ☁🎄

The Story of Miles Ramsey and how he was introduced to the family during Christmas. [Pet]

Never Been Kissed - @cariantha ☁🌟

Ethan helps Sawyer with one of her New Year’s resolutions.

New Year Wishes - @liaromancewriter ☁🌟

New Year’s Day is a special time for making wishes that come true. [Domestic; Family]

The secret gift. - @zealouscanonindeer ☁🎄

The truth behind Ethan's first Christmas with Aspen's family.

Vices & Virtues - @the-pale-goddess 🦚

Dr. Ramsey's weaknesses don’t disturb his everyday life often, but when they do, a certain intern happens to always be involved. [Pining]

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 7: Seeing Red

Rafael x F!MC

Moving In - @rafasgirl23415 📚​

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

CH 4 a: Two And A Half Heartbeats

CH 4 b: Two And A Half Heartbeats

CH 5: Flashbacks

CH 6: Saying Goodbye

Tobias x F!MC

Falling for You - @jerzwriter ☁

Ice skating has always been a big part of Casey's life, and for the eight months they had been together, she kept saying how much she was looking forward to doing it with Tobias.

New Perspective - @jerzwriter 🦚

It's New Year's Eve, and the friends stop by Tobias & Casey's before heading out for the night. Feat. OH Gang

_

SUBMIT OPEN HEART FICS & WRITERS HERE

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

[liaromancewriter]

The Unexpected Valentine

Premise: The interns celebrate their first Valentine’s Day in Boston, and it’s full of surprises.

Book: Open Heart Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x Cassie Valentine (F!MC); feat. Sienna Trinh, Bryce Lahela, Jackie Varma, Elijah Greene Rating/Category: General. Fluff. Words: 1,790

A/N: Submission for @choicesficwriterscreations Valentine's Day event; for @choicesmonthlychallenge Valentine's Day platonic prompt - candy hearts; @choices-february2023 Day 14 "Valentine's Day".

The nurses’ stations on almost every floor were festooned in pink and white paper hearts. Some diehard romantics wore red heart pins on their scrubs, while others smiled more than usual, humming jaunty tunes as they did their work.

Valentine’s Day wasn’t until the end of the week, but that didn’t stop people from getting into the spirit early. Nurse Sarah was responsible for this year’s resident Secret Valentine Exchange and was determined to make it the best one yet.

All she needed was to track down one stubborn intern that had managed to avoid detection. But Sarah was on a mission, and nothing and no one would get in her way.

Cassie Valentine wasn’t thinking of anything but her latest patient. She was working with a new attending, one who seemed to disappear whenever she needed guidance. She was a February intern and could fly solo easily for less complicated cases. This case was anything but usual.

She missed working with Dr. Ramsey, even if the man was more likely to ask questions than provide answers. But at least his questions pushed her to think out of the box. Not go round and round in circles.

Lost in thought, she didn’t notice someone chasing her or calling her name until a hand fell on her shoulder. Startled, she turned her head to see Nurse Sarah breathing heavily and clutching her waist as if she had a stitch on the side.

“Wow, you’re a really fast walker,” Sarah huffed. “I chased you down two hallways, and you’re not even winded.”

Cassie knew she’d been practically running, as she often did when thinking, and felt sorry for the other woman.

“I’m sorry, Sarah. I was lost in thought,” Cassie said sincerely. “How can I help?”

Sarah held out a post-it note and pen. “You haven’t entered your name in the Secret Valentine Exchange. Today is the last day. We’ll pick names at the end of shift.”

“Yeah, I don’t do V-Day,” Cassie said, not even bothering to hide her disdain for the holiday, which wasn’t really a holiday but a marketing gimmick.

“But your last name is Valentine,” Sarah sputtered.

Cassie just knew this would come up. She loved romance, but all her life, she had to contend with people making fun as soon as February started because of the peculiarity of her last name.

She lifted her chin mulishly. “Your point is…?”

“It’s practically your day,” Sarah said in a tone that implied it should be obvious. And then she waved her hand dismissively. “Anyway, everyone else is signed up, and the numbers will be uneven if you don’t. So, it’s required.”

Cassie wanted to argue and stick to her principles, but Sarah’s determined expression told her there was no point. That didn’t mean she would take it lying down. She took the post-it and pen, scribbled a name, and handed Sarah the folded paper.

Smugly satisfied, Sarah thanked her and returned to her station.

“What was that about?”

Thinking she was alone, Cassie practically jumped at the masculine voice behind her. She glanced over her shoulder to see Ethan standing in the patient room doorway.

Her heart skipped a beat as it often did in his presence, and her green eyes filled with longing before she schooled her features into a neutral expression.

“Stupid Valentine’s Day,” she muttered under her breath.

He must have had bat ears because he heard her clearly. The quick, amused grin that flashed across his face was disarming, as was the warmth in his blue eyes. Despite her best intentions to keep things professional, she was charmed and wished he would smile more.

“Not a fan?” he drawled, leaning against the wall and folding his arms across his chest. “I have to say, I’m surprised.”

“Join the club.” She rolled her eyes.

The shrill sound of a pager—his—cut the moment short. She thought he looked grim as he read the message and wondered if it was about Naveen.

Before she could ask him about it, he dropped the pager in his coat pocket, gave her a brief nod, and walked away without another word.

A few days later, Cassie walked into Edenbrook for her shift with Sienna bubbling in excitement beside her, a baker’s box full of heart-shaped cookies clutched in her hands. Her friend had been like this for several days, eager for Valentine’s Day and a romantic dinner with her idiot of a boyfriend.

Of course, Sienna didn’t think Wayne was an idiot despite evidence to the contrary. It took all of Cassie’s self-control not to shake her and make her see Wayne for the supercilious loser he was. But that’s not what friends did.

If Sienna was happy with Wayne, Cassie had no right to interfere or make her feel bad about it. Not like Jackie often did, which inevitably led to Sienna retreating to her room on the pretense of studying.

She would be supportive and pleasant, even if it killed her. Besides, Wayne would show his true colors eventually. Cassie had met enough people like that to know it was only a matter of time.

“He still hasn’t told me where we’re going,” Sienna said as they swiped in and walked into the near-empty locker room. “But I dropped enough hints about this French bistro I want to try. So, fingers crossed!”

Cassie flushed when she realized Sienna was looking expectantly at her, and she hadn’t heard a word Sienna said until now. “I’m sure it will be lovely.”

Wanting to make amends for her inattentiveness, she gave Sienna a one-armed hug. “I’ll make sure you get out of here on time. Tell you what. If you want to leave early to get ready, just page me, and I’ll cover your patients.”

“Thanks, Cassie,” Sienna said, smiling widely. “I might take you up on that.”

They both turned away to change into scrubs. Cassie unfastened her bag and saw the square-shaped red jewelry box for the Secret Valentine Exchange. She’d been ecstatic to get Sienna’s name in the draw and had known exactly what to buy her bestie.

Now it was just a matter of getting Sienna out of the way so she could hide it in her locker for later.

“I’m going to find Danny and Raf before shift starts, give them their cookies,” Sienna told her, slamming the locker door shut. “See you at morning sign-out?”

“You bet.”

Cassie waited for a beat in case Sienna came back. Judging the coast to be clear, she took out the jewelry box, tucked a Secret Valentine note into the seam, and placed it on the shelf next to Sienna’s tote so she wouldn’t miss it.

“I thought I got Sienna in the Secret Valentine Exchange,” a male voice said behind her.

Caught unawares for the second time in so many days, Cassie jumped and spun on her heels to face Bryce. He was leaning against one of the lockers, a small bouquet of pink roses in his hands, brows furrowed in confusion.

Before Cassie could respond, Jackie walked into view with Elijah following, each holding a present.

“What’s up, meathead?” Jackie asked, brushing past Bryce to set the gift bag on the bench.

She cocked her head when she saw Cassie standing in front of Sienna’s open locker and the red jewelry box.

“Wait a minute,” she started, looking first at Cassie, then Bryce and the flowers he was holding. “Are those Sienna’s Secret Valentine presents? Because I got her name in the draw.”

“That’s interesting,” Elijah said, joining the three of them in front of Sienna’s locker. “I got her name too.”

The four friends stared at each other perplexed, and then Cassie burst into laughter as she put two and two together.

“You all know I don’t believe in V-Day,” she said, swallowing back giggles. “So when Nurse Sarah cornered me, I put Sienna’s name in the draw instead of mine.”

Bryce chuckled. “I did the same but for different reasons. Sienna really gets into all the holiday stuff. I didn’t want to take the chance she’d get a dud.”

Cassie threw Jackie a challenging look. “How much of a coincidence is it you entered Sienna’s name too?”

Jackie rolled her eyes, but her grin gave her away. “I felt bad riding her about Wayne last week. Figured if she got two presents, it might make up for him canceling on her tonight.”

She twisted her lips in derision. “Let’s face it. The jerk has a track record of canceling on her at the last minute. At least now she can drown her sorrows in Belgian chocolate.” She lightly shook the bag.

Elijah slowly raised his hand. “So, I might have entered Sienna’s name too. She does so much to cheer everyone up. Like Bryce, I didn’t want to chance it she’d get dissed by someone with crappy tastes. By the way, I asked Landry to write her name too. I calculated the odds based on the number of entries and figured one of us had a strong shot of drawing her name.”

Elijah finished confessing and lifted the gift bag off his lap. “I got her candy hearts and a funny card.”

Bryce whistled softly. “Sienna definitely hit the Valentine’s Day jackpot today.”

And then they all laughed as they gathered around her locker, trying to stuff their presents inside. Their friend was about to get the surprise of her life.

They were arguing about how to organize everything when Sienna rushed into the locker room, muttering under her breath.

She stopped abruptly at seeing her friends assembled around her open locker. Her eyes widened in surprise at the gift bags and flowers, their distinct floral scent filling the air.

Before she could ask what was going on, Cassie, Bryce, Elijah and Jackie descended upon her and dumped their presents in her hands.

“Happy Valentine’s Day, Si!”

It was the end of shift, and the hospital was buzzing as it often did during the changeover. Nurse Sarah rubbed the back of her neck and rolled her shoulders to get the kinks out. She absently wondered what the residents had gotten each other for the Secret Valentine Exchange.

She’d meant to follow up, but her day had been busier than usual. Now she was tired and looking forward to celebratory drinks with her friends. It was too bad she didn’t have a man this Valentine’s Day to shower her with presents.

She was almost at the exit when she spied Dr. Trinh walking ahead, laughing with her usual group of friends. Sarah took in the brightly wrapped presents and bouquet of roses in the young doctor’s arms and thought, Lucky Lady.

-------------------

All Fics & Edits: @a-crepusculo @annfg8 @bluebelle08 @coffeeheartaddict2 @crazy-loca-blog @doriopenheart @genevievemd @headoverheelsforramsey @lucy-268 @jamespotterthefirst @jerzwriter @lady-calypso @mainstreetreader @takemyopenheart @potionsprefect @queencarb @quixoticdreamer16 @rookiemartin @socalwriterbee @tessa-liam @trappedinfanfiction

#open heart #ethan ramsey #choices open heart #open heart fanfics #playchoices #choices fanfics #open heart fanfiction #sienna trinh #bryce lahela #oph gang #writers on tumblr #choices fic writers creations #choicesfebruary2023 #cfwc valentine 2023 #ethan ramsey x cassie valentine

[a-crepusculo]

Stunning (Ethan x MC)

Book: Open Heart Pairing: Dr. Ethan Ramsey x Dr. Marchia Bisognin (F!MC) Premise: The dazzling couple spent their night at the Opera House.  Rating / Category: Mature / Semi-NSFW; Fluff Warning(s): Suggestive adult theme, strong language Word Count: 236 words Artist: @/artbyainna on Instagram

“You look stunning.”

A thrill ran up her spine. Marchia had heard him whisper those exact words a million times, yet somehow, her heart leaped into the sky—just like the first time he uttered them for her. His arms ardently came around the warmth of her waist, pining her tightly against the wall.

Precisely where he wanted her to be.

“Maybe it’s time for you to wear some glasses, sayang,” she teased, her fingers hooked on his grey tie, pulling him closer.

“Or maybe it’s time for me to rip off that dress.”

His head leaned down, pressing a hot trail of kisses up her neck, biting on her delicate skin softly. In mere seconds, he finally reached her jaws—uncontrollably consumed by the sensation of her exposed skin. Feeling utterly greedy, he turned to meet her lips, but was greeted with some resistance from her finger.

“Ah-ah-ah,” she playfully chastised. “Not so fast, Doctor Ramsey. The show’s about to start.”

He slightly lifted a brow, countering the young blonde with his own taunting smile. Dark, hooded eyes gazed right into hers, harboring a quiet yet passionate intensity. She knew exactly what he was planning—entirely too filthy to be declared to the public.

Ethan could not quite temper the grin that spread across his striking face as he murmured,  “Then we’ll continue our show when we get home.”

A/N: To celebrate my birthday tomorrow, I wanted to post this early b-day gift I got from my loveliest @jerzwriter​ 🤍 Elsa, my sweetest friend, thank you for this wonderful gift. I literally giggled and SCREAMED when I saw the finalized piece from Ainna. Wherever you are, please know I love you and I cherish you so so much! 😭🤍

I’ll be tagging in a separate post!

#open heart #ethan ramsey #open heart choices #choices open heart #ethan jonah ramsey #dr. ethan ramsey #open heart fanfiction #oph fanfiction #open heart fanart #oph fanart #open heart fanfic #oph fanfic #Ethan x MC #Ethan Ramsey x MC #choices fic writers creations #cfwc fics of the week #fics of the week #Ethan x Marchia #playchoices

[txemrn]

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

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

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

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

Word Count: ~1180

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

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

~🖤~

"Dr. Santiago!"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Ha ha, laugh it up, fuckers–”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Such a social butterfly,” Bryce mentions.

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Shit, this one time–”

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

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

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

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

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

Except for Julian and Tobias.

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

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

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

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

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

Damn, if looks could kill…

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

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

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

~🖤~

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

PERMA

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

ALL OPH

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

#open heart #choices open heart #choices oph #play choices #choices stories you play #ethan ramsey #dr. ethan ramsey #ethan ramsey x oc #ethan ramsey x f!oc #ethan ramsey x tatum erikson #ethan x tatum #tatum erikson #baby ramsey #tobias carrick #bryce lahela #julian santiago #choices fanfic #choices fanfiction #oph fanfic #choices oph fanfic

[headoverheelsforramsey]

The Ring Fiasco

Book : Open Heart (post series)

Pairing : Dr. Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Dr. Meera Bose)

Summary : When Ethan misplaces his engagement ring, Meera and her girls come up with a plan to teach him a lesson.

Category : Fluff

Warnings : None

Rating : General

Word Count : 2041

Trope : Friends Intervene, Jealous

A/N : This fic was originally written in August of last year, but I was waiting for CFWC's you go girls event to post it and then accidentally deleted it while making space for notes during finals week. 🤡 So I wrote this very quickly and on very less amount of sleep, so please be kind. Participating in @choicesficwriterscreations You Go Girls Event, @choicesflashfics Week #31 prompt, which will appear in bold and @choiceschallenge-may2023 : Engagement. Happy Reading. ❤️

Meera stood near the nurse's station, not so secretly watching her fiancé talk to an overly friendly woman. She forcefully tore her eyes away or she might just blow up from jealousy.

“Damn Bose, if you wanna stalk someone atleast don’t make it that obvious,” Jackie handed over her tablet and stood beside her.

“Ooh! Stalking? Sounds fun! Who is the target though?” Sienna followed shortly, smiling at the nurse at the station and picking up a patient report.

“It's nothing guys,” Meera sneakily looked up at Ethan and the mystery woman, but it was enough to draw the attention of the two other doctors.

“Yikes!” Sienna remarked, as the woman in question laughed at something Ethan had said, playfully hitting his arm.

“Jeez, go easy on the PDA, the man has a ring on him,” Jackie followed.

“I know!” Meera sighed.

"But who is she?" Sienna asked, quickly stealing a glance.

"That question has been burning in my mind since morning!" Meera replied. "Who is she and why the hell is she flirting with my fiancé?"

"Should I reverse image search her?" Jackie suggested, "because it looks like the identity of this mystery woman is eating your soul."

"Who, she?" a third voice made Meera look up, she was greeted with Tobias' smug face. "That's Dr. Emily Chester," he informed.

"Who?" the girls said, collectively.

"Professionally or personally?" Tobias asked, but Meera's glare didn't make him wait for an answer.

"Both. Got it. Professionally, she is one of the biggest names in endocrinology. Personally?" Tobias deliberately stopped enjoying Meera's agony a little too much. "She was at Hopkins, a couple years junior to us, and she had a huge thing for Ethan."

“And?” Meera pressed for more information. “What about Ethan?”

“In true Ethan manner, he didn’t reciprocate her feelings, too heartbroken over she-who-shall-not-be-named and walls too high and thick to let anyone else in.”

“But what is she doing here?”

“I hit up Kyra, apparently, she will be joining as an attending, as Dr. Stanley is stepping back to go into research after receiving a grant from NIH,” Sienna informed. “She was supposed to join from Monday but decided to come in today to settle in before starting work, Ethan is showing her around.”

“Nice! She hasn’t changed at all,” Tobias smirked and was immediately met with three angry glares, “I… I think I’m being paged… be right back,” Tobias exited.

“The settling in excuse is utter bullshit!” Meera said.

“Agreed! She just wants to get into his pants,” Jackie stated.

“Jackie! Don’t say stuff like that!” Sienna reprimanded.

“What? It’s the truth!”

“Don’t listen to her! Kyra texted she can cut their tour short and get Ethan back in the office under the ruse of a meeting,” Sienna showed Meera her phone. “What do you say?”

“I don’t know Si, it seems a little far fetched, and besides I trust Ethan,” Meera looks at him once again, enthusiastically speaking about the latest testing technology, completely oblivious to the flirtatious looks he receives from his audience.

“You are a better person than I am,” Sienna squeezed her hand.

The familiar sound of a pager made Meera look down, “I gotta go, my intern’s paging 911.”

The remaining two doctors get to work, and shortly after Ethan walks up to them, Emily Chester following him like a puppy.

“Good morning Dr. Varma, Dr. Trinh,” he greeted.

As Jackie fixed him with a stone cold glare Sienna put on a fake smile and greeted him back.

“I was meaning to introduce you to Dr. Emily Chester, the newest addition to our Edenbrook family. Dr. Chester, this is Dr. Varma one of our finest young attendings and Dr. Trinh who is already board certified in internal medicine and is now pursuing a fellowship in pediatrics,” as Ethan made introductions, pointing to each of them, both Sienna and Jackie noticed something unusual. They looked at each other making sure that they weren't imagining things.

“I thought I saw Meera here?” Ethan asked.

“She is busy, you know saving lives, managing a team being freaking awesome,” Sienna blurted out.

“What she means to say is Meera has a consult,” Jackie tries to avert, “and so do we. So if you’ll excuse us.”

With a small smile and a curt nod the two of them disappear around the corner. Ethan stares at their retreating figures, confused about what just happened and amused at the very weird conversation he had.

“Did you see it? Please tell me I’m wrong,” Sienna said.

“Nope. You are correct, it's missing,” Jackie replied.

“We need to find Meera ASAP.”

The two of them didn’t have to wander the halls of Edenbrook much longer as Meera’s angry Ramsey-like voice blared through the hospital floor.

“The incompetence is unacceptable! You work with literal life and death, so you can’t afford to make mistakes,” Meera shouted at an intern who seemed like she was about to cry.

“I’m… I am… sorry Dr. Bose,” she mumbled timidly.

“Sorry? What am I supposed to do with your sorry? Apologize to that man’s wife and kids…” “Okay, that's enough,” Sienna stopped Meera before she could continue with her rage fest.

“I think Dr. …,” Jackie glanced at the intern’s ID badge, “Baker has learned her lesson, and we can continue with our day.” With that she dispels the crowd that had formed.

“That was very unlike you,” Sienna said, worried.

“And very like Ramsey,” Jackie added.

“I don’t know guys, Emily Chester just doesn't feel right to me, and I might be taking it out on the wrong people,” Meera sighed.

“Yeah about that…” Jackie shared a look with Sienna, “we found out something.”

“Ethan doesn't have his engagement ring on him.”

“Wait a second. Pause and rewind … what did you just say?”

Jackie and Sienna quickly update Meera about all the incidents and their findings.

“But why?” Meera asks, hopeless.

“Told you men are no good,” Jackie says and quickly receives a nudge from Sienna.

“Look we don’t know, but I believe there is an explanation,” Sienna consoles her fellow dolphin.

“I… I can help,” the intern from before said shyly.

“Not now Baker!”

“I mean I… might know why Dr. Ramsey didn’t have his ring on.”

The three older doctors stare at her.

“Sorry, I couldn’t help but overhear.”

“Spill. Now,” Meera said.

“Okay,” the intern takes a deep breath before steading herself, “I had to call a code blue on the third floor today, and I panicked. There weren’t any attendings or senior residents nearby, so Dr. Ramsey came in. I saw him removing his ring before slipping on gloves and taking over CPR.”

Meera visibly relaxed, as if a weight had been lifted off her shoulders.

“See! I told you there was an explanation,” Sienna chimed joyfully.

“But why hasn’t he put it back on?” Jackie retorted.

“He might have just forgotten. He is the chief, cut him some slack, Jackie.”

“It might be a mistake,” Meera said thoughtfully, “but he needs to learn a lesson. Baker, did you see where he put the ring after removing it?”

“In his pocket!” Dr. Baker replies without wasting a second.

“Good! Get me your intern friends, I have a plan,” Meera smiled mischievously, the wheels of her brain already turning.

Later that day Meera crossed the atrium, she looked at her watch, according to the intel she had collected from Kyra Ethan was supposed to be here any minute. Five minutes later she spotted him descending the stairs, undoubtedly followed by none other than Dr. Emily Chester. They make eye contact and Ethan smiles at her, taking long strides to reach her. Meera looks over to Baker from the corner of her eye, who was hiding in plain sight. It was time to set her plan in motion.

“Hey! I have been trying to catch you all day, where have you been?” Ethan said, holding Meera’s hand.

“Hi, I know, it’s just been one of those days,” Meera replied, smiling.

“Anyways, I wanted to introduce you to Dr. Emily Chester, world renowned endocrinologist and a fantastic diagnostician as well.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you!”

“Likewise, Dr.?” Emily looked at Ethan to complete introductions.

“Dr. Bose. Our best diagnostician, head of the DT, my favorite mentee, and my fia…”

Right on Meera’s signal, a horde of interns led by Baker swarm Dr. Chester.

“OH MY GOD! Aren’t you Emily Chester?!” one said.

“You are literally my medical hero,” another one added.

“I am so fascinated by your latest paper,” a third joined.

As the crowd separated Dr. Chester from the couple Meera takes advantage of the chaos and stealthily picks up the ring from Ethan’s pocket.

“What is wrong with them?” As Ethan is about to reprimand the interns, Meera brings his attention back to her.

“Babe don’t you think you are missing something?”

Ethan’s brows furrow, he thinks about all the important birthdays and anniversaries, date nights and meetings, when unable to come to a conclusion he follows Meera’s gaze to his fingers and notices the missing ring.

“Christ!” he curses under his breath. “Listen rookie, trust me this was an honest mistake…” he searches for the ring in all his pockets.

“Looking for this?” Meera holds up the ring in front of him.

“Look, Meera I am deeply sorry, I meant to put it back on after running a code and one thing happened after another and it slipped my mind. I am extremely sorry, it won’t happen again.”

“I know babe,” Meera smiled. “But I’m not about to hand it over to you that easily.”

“Don’t do something stupid rookie,” Ethan pinched the bridge of his nose very familiar with the mischievous gleam in his fiancée’s eyes.

Meera went down on one knee, holding the ring in hand. The entire hospital had been gushing about Meera’s reverse proposal to Ethan by the dreamy Lake Louise a couple months back, so when given the chance to witness it in person and with the power of the Edenbrook rumor mill, quite a crowd had gathered around, clicking pictures, cheering and hooting.

Ethan shaked his head, a smile lining the corner of his mouth.

Meera looked at Emily, enjoying the look of pure disbelief and surprise on her face.

“Dr. Ethan Jonah Ramsey, will you let me be a colossal pain in your ass for this lifetime?”

Ethan joined Meera on the ground, “a hundred times over.”

They kiss with the Edenbrook crowd going feral. Everyone comes up to them to congratulate the happy couple.

As the crowd thins out Dr. Chester speaks, “well I guess congratulations are in order, “ she smiles politely. “But I’ll have to say, I had never imagined Dr. Ethan Ramsey would tie the knot.”

“I agree with you Chester, I had never imagined myself as well, but what can I say she brings out the best in me,” Ethan replied grinning ear to ear at Meera.

“So when's the wedding?”

“In a month,” Meera informs.

“In a month!” Emily shouts, surprised, “don’t you think it’s too soon?” She looks at Ethan, convinced that he has been wrongfully roped into a marriage.

The couple chuckle, a knowing look between the two, “we have been engaged a long time now,” Ethan said.

“This is the third proposal between the two of us. I just meant to include our Edenbrook family and that also means you, now that you are supposed to join us as well,” Meera fixes Emily with the most innocent smile and earnest look.

Dr. Chester matches her smile, “well, then I won’t keep you two from your celebrations. I’ll sign the papers on Monday, Eth…,” she stops, quickly rectifying herself, “I mean Dr. Ramsey.”

As Dr. Emily Chester moves away, their friends surround them.

“That was one hell of a way to prove a point,” Sienna declared.

“Yes you might have just peed all over him to mark your territory,” Jackie joked.

“Great idea!” Meera exclaimed. “Let’s save that for when he misplaces the wedding ring!”

As the entire group breaks into laughter, Tobias says, “you are in for a rollercoaster ride, my man!”

“I know, but she is so worth it,” Ethan says, kissing Meera, deeply.

Thank you so much if you have read till here, it means the world to me. Hope to see you go on other different adventures with me, Ethan and Meera, till then sending love and hugs your way! ❤️

Perma : @starrystarrytrouble @quixoticdreamer16 @coffeeheartaddict2 @liaromancewriter @tessa-liam @gryffindordaughterofathena @crazy-loca-blog @zahrachoices @bex-la-get @potionsprefect @schnitzelbutterfingers @a-crepusculo @custaroonie @aishwarya2 @jamespotterthefirst

Ethan x Meera : @jerzwriter @wanderingamongthewildflowers @takemyopenheart @mvalentine

+ @openheartfanfics , @choicesficwriterscreations , @choiceschallenge-may2023 , @choicesflashfics

Please let me know if you want to be added or removed. 💜

#pixelberry choices #pixelberry #choices stories you play #choices the stories you play #choices stories we play #playchoices #choices : stories you play #choices fanfiction #choices #open heart fic #choices oph #open heart fanfic #open heart #open heart fanfics #open heart fanfiction #open heart fandom #ethan jonah ramsey x mc #dr. ethan ramsey #ethan x mc #ethan ramsey #ethan ramsey x mc #choices ethan ramsey #ethan ramsey fanfiction #dr. ethan jonah ramsey #ethan jonah ramsey #dr. meera bose #ethan x meera #meera bose

[moodmusicmonday]

Our creators have been hard at work! Check out this playlist, and then don't forget to watch for these upcoming fics! (Psst... One of the fics has already been released, and it's linked down below! I'm not saying you have to check it out... but you should totally check it out! 😋)

Thank you again for another awesome MMM! Remember to tag us in your fics! We'd love to feature you and your music inspo in our next playlist!

~🎵~

@cariantha

“More Than Friends” - Isabel LaRosa; The Itch (OPH; Ethan Ramsey x f!MC)

@karahalloway

📖 “Blue Moon Rising” - Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds; Sleepless in New York, Chapter 9: Edge of the Night [TRR; Drake Walker x f!OC (Harper Gale)]

@sfb123

“Hands Down” - Dashboard Confessional; Hands Down, Prologue (TRR AU; Liam x Riley)

@txemrn

“Paper Crown” - Alec Benjamin; Pour Two Glasses, Chapter 7:  “...She’ll Make it Out, But She’s Never the Same” (TRR AU; Liam Rys x Riley; Drake Walker x Riley)

“Unloving You” - Anson Seabra; Like Ships in the Night, Unloving You (OPH; Ethan Ramsey x f!OC; Tobias Carrick x f!OC)

~🎵~

Tags are in the comments; if you'd like to be added/removed, please let us know!

#mood music monday #moodmusicmonday #choices fanfiction #choices mmm #spotify #fanfic music inspo #pixelberry choices #trr fanfic #oph fanfic #Spotify

[zealouscanonindeer]

Company

Synopsis: Comfort goes both ways, even in the most unlikely times.

Category: Fluff.

Ethan sat at his office desk, eyes trained on the desktop screen but tonight his attention was not on paperwork or administration details. That had long since disappeared, ever since he stepped down from his role as Chief. Now, he was back to doing what he loved, being a doctor.

With Aspen at the helm of the diagnostic team and leading it beautifully, he was content in sitting back and letting her continue. So he spent most of his time in the clinic and wards, scanning through as many patients as possible. He had also begun writing his second book, the object currently holding his attention. Though not for long..

"Dada! " The tiny voice was followed by a splatter of footsteps and laughter as someone zoomed past his office towards the living room.

He got up, slightly exasperated, he had finally achieved putting Tatum down only 10 minutes back. He had waited until her eyelids had pressed shut, her breathing even and her tiny hand slowly let go of his.

"Tate" He saw her on the sofa, standing against the backrest, her dark hair plopping up and down as she jumped. Her honey orbs started at him, challenging him to make her stop. Suddenly he was stunned by her uncanny resemblance to his wife.

"How in the world did you get out of the crib? " He mostly asked himself.

"I hold the bars and then get on the dresser and from there.. I do this. " She had by now climbed onto the backrest and flung herself off it. Ethan scrambled to catch her, his heart dropping when he realised he was too far away.

She landed on her feet and he sighed in relief, he himself wasn't so lucky. His fall was only half aided by the carpet. His hip hit the floor, causing a light groan to leave him.

His daughter stared at him from above as he lay on his back. Her lips let out giggles before she grabbed his arm.

"Silly dada. "

"Silly indeed. " Ethan muttered, smiling.

She pulled him, indicating she wanted to go somewhere. Ethan found his footing, the pain subsiding as she walked towards the master bedroom. She waited for Ethan by the door,her little legs dancing about, impatient to enter but the dark too scary to tread.

The moment Ethan switched on the light, she rushed in, grabbing handfuls of the duvet to launch herself onto the bed. Making herself comfortable under the covers, she patted the space next to her, looking at Ethan who stood leaning against the door, his features perked up watching his younger daughter's antics.

He sat down next to her and she immediately snuggled into him, his large arm wrapping around her entire body as she blissfully rested her weight against him.

"Why aren't you in bed, my gorgeous tater tot? " Her eyes brightened at the mention of tater tots.

"It's scary dada. "

"What is? "

"The storm. "

The weather had been terrible the past weekend, causing half of his family to remain in Florida, where they were visiting Aspen's family. He had stayed behind as Tatum had just recovered from quite a severe bout of flu and it was unadvisable that she be subjected to plane travel so soon.

"Did that wake you up? " She nodded vehemently.

"You know, it was really scary for me as well. I still find it very difficult to sleep during storms. "

"Does Mommy hold you too, when you're scared and read you your favorite bedtime story? "

"Something like that. " Ethan smirked.

"I miss Mommy. " Tatum sighed dramatically, throwing herself on the pillows and pouting.

"Me too." Ethan admitted.

"You don't need to worry, I gotcha. " She assured, her earnest promise evident in the seriousness of her eyes.

"I know you do. Thank you. " Ethan answered, the reassurance more profound than he expected.

"Let's continue our bedtime story, yeah. "

"Yeah! " Tatum ran across the hall before returning back silently. She stood by the door, fingers in her mouth and mumbled.

"It's dark. "

"Let's go together. " Ethan picked her up, gently removing her fingers out of her mouth and giving her a stern look. She rested her head in the crook of his neck, her tiny hand resting on his jaw absentmindedly.

Having gotten her book, Danny the Champion of the World, they settled in bed. Two chapters later, she was fast asleep. Ethan smiled, looking at his little girl, suddenly finding himself glad that he wasn't alone at home tonight. She gave him more courage than he could fathom possible.

His phone buzzed, vibrating against the bedside table. He picked it up to see his wife's image pop up. He quickly swiped up to see her smiling into the camera.

"Hey. How's it going there. I miss you."

"The storm's still crazy. God, I wish your plane left yesterday, I miss you too. "

"Hmm. You holding up fine? I know bad weather makes you restless. Try to get some sleep, okay? "

It was true, the storms always unnerved Ethan. He remembered Louise leaving before a particularly bad one. With Alan still adjusting to the new life and responsibility, Ethan had braved through one such night all on his own. Ever since then, nights like these brought back those memories with them. But tonight he felt strangely calm even in the midst of one.

" Don't worry one bit about me. " He said turning the camera towards their sleeping daughter.

"I have company. "

*********

@liaromancewriter @potionsprefect @jerzwriter @cariantha @peonierose @rookiemartin @kyra75 @queencarb @genevievemd @tessa-liam @coffeeheartaddict2 @tveitertotwrites @openheartfanfics @choicesficwriterscreations

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[coffeeheartaddict2]

When life has other plans (4/16)

Crime and punishment

Book: Open Heart (AU)

Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x F!MC Casey Valentine

Word count: 2724

Warnings: sexual references, language

Category: angst

Rating: Mature

Summary: the fallout continues from the death of Mrs Martinez. Casey makes a decision that will put her in the fight of her career. There is also fallout from the confrontation with Landry and inspiration from an unexpected source leads to a cure for Naveen.

Disclaimer: Characters belong to Pixelberry.

Authors note: well a lot happened last chapter and it sets up a bit for coming chapters.

👩‍⚕️👩‍⚕️👩‍⚕️👩‍⚕️👩‍⚕️👩‍⚕️👩‍⚕️👩‍⚕️

Casey and the gang had been in emergency when it was busy before but this had not prepared them for what they were greeted with. There had been a train derailment on the underground T network. Triage had not been done on site as they were getting people out as they were able. Zaid went through the triage tags and away they went. The first patient that Casey came across she had to assign a black tag and that was upsetting. She kept on, trying to be quick but when she was speaking to the patients, finding out more to reach the diagnosis accurately was a hard habit to drop. Casey had never seen the emergency department that hectic, even Dr Harper Emery was down there assisting. A doctor suggested calling Dr Ramsey but Harper said he was out of state. It was a large-scale emergency, not just in numbers but with how long it was taking to get passengers out. Then news came through of a collapse in the tunnel. Just then an ambulance arrives. A little girl with some scratches arrived and was asking about the paramedic that saved her. Casey found out that the girl was the daughter of a man whom she had not long seen too. Then she was startled. The ambulance doors swung open and in on a gurney came Raf. He was badly injured and required surgery. Casey was seconded to assist with the surgery with Harper and Bryce. Raf thankfully pulled through but at the end Casey was alone with Harper. She stated that she knew she was involved. Casey stayed quiet. Not wanting to do or say anything stupid on fatigue’s doorstep. She is dismissed and makes her way to the locker room. She is met there by Sienna and Jackie and they go to a local diner for some much needed sustenance and caffeine.

“Ok so big elephant in the room, Dr Ramsey…”

“Dr Ramsey has been secretly treating Dr Banerji since before Dr Banerji quit. I stumbled upon this fact and since then we had been treating him in secret. The day Dr Ramsey quit is when he had to tell Naveen that he only had a month at most to live…”

“What Jackie is meaning is the other allegation…” said Sienna

“Yeah I had heard rumours but the people who said them were quite lowly ranked…” said Elijah as he wheeled up to the table.”

“After Miami they were actually stating fact. Ethan was keeping my work with Naveen out of the rankings. Nor did our extra curriculars affect the ratings either.” Said Casey adamantly.

The gang sat quietly to process what they had heard.

“Given the steady rise that does track, but what will happen if you win?”

“Can we not take for granted I will win.” Says Casey. “There is the Mrs M investigation cloud hanging over me. With Ethan having quit, who knows what is happening with the competition.”

“Yeah but with Ethan gone and if you maintain top position then there would be no room for accusations.” Said Jackie, “And besides keep your head down and bum up, they will find it difficult to pin this on you.”

“Yeah and what if the family organise a full autopsy? What then Jackie? Huh? The tip that the family received detailed a lot and that son of a bitch knew what was going down and when.” Said Casey, trying to hold back the tears.

“I just wanted to help her.”

“You did,” reassured Sienna, “You saw how happy she was to finally leave the hospital and do all the things she wished to do.”

In that moment Casey knew what she had to do.

“I am going to request an Ethics hearing. You all know I went through proper channels, yes I did what I had to do but it was for the right reasons at the end of the day.”

Her friends were shocked but they, like Casey, knew that an investigation led to very little scope to defend her actions. Casey knew she was in for a fight of her career but a wise mentor had always told her to never give up and that is what she was going to do, Never give up.

The next day came. She was nervous. She had never expected to be up for an ethics committee this early in her career but she knew she did what she did for the right reasons. She made her way to the executive floor to Harper Emery’s office. She asked her assistant if she was in. Casey then waited to be seen. She was then seen. Harper was surprised to see her and was even more surprised.

“It was me that gave Teresa the medication. She was aware of the risks but she still wished to have the treatment. I am aware that what I did was wrong but I would like to request an Ethics hearing to defend my actions.”

Harper thought on Casey’s words for a moment.

“Yes, many of us knew how much she resented being stuck in the hospital. But yes, what you did was wrong.”

“Which is why I am requesting an Ethics hearing.”

“I will grant you the request, it will not be easy though.”

“I know,” says Casey.

“You will continue to work until your preliminary hearing. I will notify you when that will be.”

“Thank you, Chief Emery.” Says Casey as she leaves.

She makes her way down to the main hospital and continues with her work.

A few hours later, Harper receives a call from Ethan, wanting to sort out exit paperwork. Harper stated she would do so but things were busy, stating that there was a rather large emergency and that Dr Valentine had requested an Ethics hearing.

“I can testify for Case… I mean Dr Valentine.” Stated Ethan.

“Absolutely not Ethan.” Said Harper. “Firstly you do not work here anymore. Secondly, I heard some of the rumours, I do not know for sure if they are true but I have seen you two interact and it certainly was not your usual interactions with staff, let alone interns. It is clear that you favoured her in some way. I can not let you do it.”

Ethan groans and pinches the bridge of his nose.

“Fine Harper, I just hope she can get a fair trial.” He hangs up and lets out a frustrated scream. Alan walks out with a cup of coffee.

“Is everything alright Ethan?” He asks.

“No, it’s not. Casey has requested an ethics hearing and I know she will be hard pushed for a fair trial.” Said Ethan, frustrated.

“Furthermore, I am not allowed to testify for her!”

“Why not?” Asks Alan, confused. “You worked with her, you know how capable she is…”

“I was accused of favouring her and deep down I know Harper is right.” Said Ethan.

“I know you kept your relationship…”

“It was not a relationship dad, it was two consenting adults who chose to partake in activities.”

Alan took Ethan at his word but he knew his son was lying to himself. He had not seen Ethan this enamored with anyone in a long time. They sat and they had their coffee. Alan knew that there was a lot on his son's plate and he was saddened to hear about Naveen. He had met Naveen several times over the years and they had become quite good friends. He also knew that his son would have thrown everything into trying to cure him. He knew that losing Naveen would be a shock and he was not looking forward to that. He left Ethan alone to think.

Ethan knew he could not testify and it frustrated him. He knew Naveen’s spot on the committee had not being filled but he knew that some of the members were close to Declan Nash. He was again rueing letting Panacea into the hospital. Then he had a thought. He had the details for Louis, as well as the photo of Teresa standing out the front of Sacre Du Couer. He decided to email him. He also contacted Alma. He knew she was appreciative for what Casey tried to do for Delores and he knew she would testify for her. He did not know which other staff members would testify for her but he hoped what he could do in the background will give her a chance.

Casey had hear preliminary hearing. It was short, basically telling her that she was suspended. Declan was in the room. Looking smug. How she wanted to give him a piece of her mind but she refrained. She knew she had a fight on her hands. She was already buoyed that Alana Hudson had been touch already and mentioned she had been made aware of proceedings and would happily testify for her. She had already contacted Annie, her first patient as well as Shonda. She went home and went to start research for her trial.

Next day came and Casey needed a break. However she was struggling with what to do. It had been so long since she had so much free time. Then the door to her apartment opened with the gang including Bryce and Raf. They had brought food and drinks. She was surprised and Sienna said we are here to help and support you. After a few minutes there was a knock at the door. It was Zaid and Ines popping in to see how Casey was. They asked about who she had to testify for her. They then told her that a few doctors have a regular tee time at the country club and they should go and impress them. They go and get dressed for the part and make their way. They found their targets easy enough. Dr Calais, Dr Yannick and Dr Lazoya. They caught up with them and discussed their work and then Casey admitted that she was the one who administered the medication to Mrs Martinez. They were shocked and of course wanted to know why. Casey had the information that her and Bryce had found and she forwarded it to Dr Yannick. He was impressed with how thorough she had been. She also stated that Teresa was aware of the chances of it working or failing and that she still chose to try the treatment. Dr Lazoya stated that the hospital was at war over this situation. There was people who wanted Casey made an example of and then there were others of she did the wrong thing but it was for the right reasons. The trio agreed to testify for Casey at the hearing. They finish the round and head back home. Casey was asked by Sienna if she should ask Dr Ramsey to testify, given how fractious the hospital was over it. Casey said she would ask but she had not heard from Ethan for a few days. She was pleasantly surprised to receive a message from him when she reached out. She went to his house, somewhat apprehensive. Ethan greeted her at the door, looking disheveled. He asked if she had joined a cult. Casey said no, a country club to which Ethan said same thing. He offered her a scotch which she took. Casey came right out and asked if he would testify for her.

“I would if I could. I asked Harper and she forbade it stating I was biased and she was right. I am too biased.”

He so badly wanted to tell her that he was responsible for Alma testifying and how he had reached out to Luis Martinez but he was not sure if the plans would work. Casey however was frustrated.

“So what, are you giving up? Is what you told me about never giving up bullshit?”

“No it is not, it has been so fucking hard not being able to save another person that I give. Damn about.”

Then he kisses her hard and hungrily. He lifts Casey and she wraps her legs around his waist and he walks to his bedroom. Only breaking the kiss to remove Casey’s dress. He walks her over to the window and puts her against the glass. The coolness makes her shudder. He kisses down the column of her neck and lays waste to her bra. He whispers huskily in her ear

“The view is so much better when you are here.”

He kisses his way down to her core. He worships her at the altar of her sex and she succumbs to her climax screaming. They make their way to his bed, and he enters her and they have an emotionally intense session. They reach another high together. After awhile they lie intertwined in his sheets.

“What happens if I lose the ethics trial?”

“I do not know, we will figure it out, there is the question of if you can still practice.”

“That is true, what about you?”

“I have put in an expression of interest to work as part of a team with WHO. There is that pandemic down in Brazil.”

“That would be challenging.” Says Casey.

“It would but it is the mission and how Naveen found the team. Giving those who had nowhere to go access to medical care.”

Casey nods. So if you get selected you will go, so should we wait until you come back and decide then?”

“Well if we are not working together it does take that out of the equation.”

“True, we can not stay in an arrangement forever..”

“No but if you do make it through the hearing I will stay and find work in Boston.”

“Really?”

“Really, as I said before, there is not that major impediment of you working under me. What we get upto will not have any impediment on your career..”

He kisses her, sweetly and full of promise of what is to hopefully come. They go another two rounds before falling asleep.

Casey awakens first the next morning. She lets Ethan sleep and makes her way out of the apartment and back to her own. She stops off and grabs a coffee and makes her way to her apartment, only to receive a shock of seeing Landry there. He was also surprised to see her. I thought no one would be here.

“Yeah well, in case you were not aware I am suspended pending an ethics committee hearing.”

Landry deflates.

“Can’t you accept that you did the wrong thing?”

What is wrong about alerting a patient to an alternative treatment that had a chance of working? She knew the risks and chances of it working or not and chose to take her chances.”

“You needlessly took a mother from her family.”

“She resented what her existence had become. Are you telling me that you only want your patients to merely exist and not live fully?”

Landry looked affronted. Casey makes her way to the bedroom to get changed. She comes out and gets to building her case. She is interrupted by Landry unable to get his books into a box. She decided to help him. She packs the books in such a way that the weight is distributed evenly. Landry marvels at how he had packed them differently and still fit. Then Casey has a lightbulb moment.

“I think I know what is wrong with Dr Banerji.”

She messages the gang to meet her at the library. Landry looks confused.

“Dr Banerji has had an illness but what if it is two illnesses fighting and using his body as a battlefield.

The gang finally meet her at the library and are shocked and annoyed that Landry was there.

“It was his packing that gave me the thought.”

Everyone knuckles down and they realise that there must be a phage fighting an infection but they needed to find out what.

Landry stated that no one would suspect him and he went to get a testing kit as well as Naveen’s address. The gang was not happy with the turn of events, especially since he could just blab what has been happening but Casey said sadly he is our only choice.

He came back with the equipment and the address and they headed out. Casey hoping against hope that there was still a Naveen Banerji to save.

—-

Authors note: Not at all sorry for ending it there. Chapter 3 was a marathon and if I added the whole saving of Naveen it would have been another one and well I did not want to do that to you.

I will take a mini break, I have a Christmas fic that I want to get done before Christmas and then I will come back to this AU. It is also summer here in Australia which means summer holidays so I do lose some writing time so please be patient.

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