#dr. casey valentine

[txemrn]

Until You Love Me

Chapter 1: We Are the Crowd...

Pairings: Ethan Ramsey x f!MC (Casey Valentine); f!MC (Casey Valentine) x f!OC (Tatum Erikson)

Series Summary: Constantly worried about Ethan's faithfulness, Casey Valentine's paranoia reaches an all-time high when she meets a blast from his past.

Chapter Summary: A celebratory night at Donahue's takes a turn when Casey meets a girl that has caught Ethan's eye

Music Inspo: "Paparazzi" - Kim Dracula

Word Count: ~2500

Rating/Warnings: 🔞 Mature Audiences Only🔞 This miniseries will contain NSFW material (🍋), infidelity, language, discussion and/or depiction of medical situations, gaslighting, mental abuse & illness, suicide, violence, criminal activity; alcohol use

A/N: I am SUPER pumped to be participating in week 1 of @choicesflashfics prompt challenge! I chose prompt #1: “You getting so flustered is one of the cutest things I’ve ever seen.” The prompt will be in bold.

A/N2: This is very much an AU; our main characters will be written OOC; most of these characters and some plot points belong to our friends at Pixelberry. Special thanks to my sweet friends that helped me brainstorm and pre-read various parts of this. This is not beta'd, so please forgive my errors.

~🖤~

Donahue's. The vibrant, neon sign to the well-known dive bar illuminates the otherwise quiet street. The establishment itself rests comfortably in a residential neighborhood a few blocks north of the medical district. A small parking lot was added years ago--not that anyone abides by the yellow fluorescent lines. But even with Donahue's attempting to appear more official, more business-like, everyone reveres it like a second home. A place to relax. A place where people know your name.

He lowkey loves it here; that's the only reason he dared to venture out tonight. If Ethan Ramsey had it his way, he would much rather stay in on a Sunday evening, enjoying a finger of scotch with the Patriots on mute and his nose in a historical prose.

But lucky for me, not tonight. 

Tonight is Midnight Madness, a rite of passage among med school graduates and residents where we celebrate a turning of the page, so-to-speak, as we all take the next big step in our medical careers. For my Edenbrook friends and I, gone are the days of being the scut of the hospital, the runts, the bottom of the healthcare food chain. Residency is over, and Monday morning brings private practice, fellowships, and new research. It’s one last time for celebration.

So, of course, I naturally want Ethan here with me. 

As I step out of the car, he walks ahead of me. He's due for a haircut, but I secretly love watching his dark waves gently bounce on the collar of his shirt. He's wearing one of my favorites: a pinstripe Hilfiger button-down with the sleeves rolled to his elbows, the musculature of his defined forearms on display. His pressed khaki chinos accentuate his well-rounded, well-toned backside, and I must admit: my eyes fail to look away from the beautiful spectacle.

Well, that is until I nearly collided with the front door to the sports bar. 

He didn't hold it open for me. 

And my heart sinks.

As I slip inside, Reggie, the bar owner, nods my direction, giving me a kind, sympathetic smile. 

Did he see that, too? 

He fixes my favorite drink – a cherry vodka sour – and slides the glass tumbler in front of my usual stool at the bar. I slink into my seat. Sipping through a straw, I casually glance around the large, open-concept room, looking for my Ethan. 

Where did he go?

The room is dark with warm ambient lighting from stage lights, disco balls and multicolored lamps. There's a subtle haze of smoke as bar patrons sway to the heavy pulse of the music.

The bass is hypnotic, and I feel the energy thrumming in my veins as I sip on my cocktail, surveying the room.

There he is; there's my handsome man. 

But I feel the joy drain out of my face instantly. 

He's talking to a tall, curvy blonde at a bar-top table near the jukebox. Who is she? She's wearing a silk, black camisole that lays perfectly across her full assets along with a snug pair of perfectly-tailored skinny jeans that show off her long legs and obviously plump rear.

She's beautiful. Actually… she's stunning. 

Does Ethan even know her? 

Oh God. He just made her laugh. She tosses back her head, her platinum tresses bouncing over her shoulders as she coyly covers her nose and mouth. 

It couldn't have been that funny.

Ethan takes a sip of his own amber drink, no doubt a top shelf. But his eyes remain trained on her.

What the hell is going on right now?

"Would you like another?" Reggie pulls me from the scene unfolding in front of me–and it's a good thing, too. I feel my jealousy building in the pit of my stomach. 

I always worried about other women making moves on my man. But… I never thought I'd have to worry about him reciprocating flirtation.

He wouldn't. I know he wouldn't do that to me. To us.

No. I'm sure there is a logical explanation to Ethan's exchange with this woman. More than likely, this is purely innocent, and I'm just perceiving this all completely wrong.

Although reality is perception…

Shit.

I cordially smile at the bartender, nodding my head. "Better make it a double."

—---

It's been over an hour, and Ethan has barely spoken to me. I already sense the odd looks in my direction as if everyone can sense the awkwardness between us. Damnit, I hate people giving me that look, as if they pity me. What they don’t know is that Ethan and I have a mutual understanding; he’s not into public displays of affection.

Does he have to act like such a prick?

Okay, that’s not fair. I know that’s how I’m perceiving him. He’s not a prick, but I would think he’d at least talk with me. If I had known he was going to be this cold, I would've stayed home.

Being with this man is maddening.

I finish another drink, raising up my finger in Reggie’s direction to order another one. I nonchalantly glance around the room. I can see Ethan lounging outside on a brick patio next to a firepit, sharing cigars with Tobias and Victor, two of his longtime friends and colleagues. He’s smiling, which always makes for a good night for us.

Suddenly I remember the blonde, and my eyes naturally shift to where she was sitting. But, she’s gone.

Did she leave already?

I shrug, turning back to my freshly served beverage.  Keeping my hands in my lap, I lean over the polished bar, capturing the wayward straw first with my tongue, then my mouth.

“So that’s the kind of night you’re aiming for.”

I abruptly twirl around on my stool, following the seductive giggle, and I am met face-to-face with the blonde bombshell Ethan was talking to earlier.

Only now, I am up close and personal, and I swear I am staring at a goddess.  Her skin is like a blanket of sun-kissed velvet. Her golden hair sits like a crown on her head, and her rosy, heart-shaped lips frame her pearly white teeth.

Damnit, she's gorgeous. No wonder Ethan was staring at her…

“Is this seat taken, doll?” She gracefully gestures to the stool next to me, the simple movement seductively mesmerizing. I lock my attention on her, swimming deep in the ocean of her blue eyes. 

I pretend to sip my drink as I motion for her to sit. As she makes herself comfortable, I look around the bar, noticing at least eight other open seats she could've taken.

But she chose to sit next to me…

I bite my lip as she continues talking. "God," she sets her clutch on the bar, crossing her legs. "Espadrilles are supposed to be comfortable, right?" She chuckles. "My toes keep going numb, and I swear my arches are bleeding." As she bends over to adjust her shoe, I'm given the perfect view straight down her slinky shirt.

No bra… Damnit! She saw me looking…

She snickers deviously, a mischievous Cheshire grin stretching across her face as if to pretend she didn't just catch me staring at her tits. "I'm Tatum," she holds out her hand to shake mine. "What's your name, doll?"

"Casey," I say softly.

"Wait," she grabs my arm as a look of surprise etches across her face. "Casey? As in Ethan Ramsey's Casey?"

I curiously look at Tatum, taken aback by her words, and I can feel a smile curling on my lips. "Yeah… yeah, that's me. How… how did you–?"

"I met him earlier! Girl…" she grows conspiratorially quiet, "he's quite the looker." She titters, "you need to keep him on a tighter leash!"

I let out a cordial laugh. Reggie passes by us, raising his eyebrows at me. I grin, nodding that everything is fine.

"But listen," Tatum grabs my hand endearingly. "Before I could even try hitting on him, he told me he was here with the most beautiful woman in the world–"

"Pssh," I hiss. I look down at our hands, lowering my voice. "He did not."

"Did too!" She begins to trace circles across my skin with her thumb. "He said you were waiting up here at the bar for him, and your name was Casey." 

I can feel my cheeks warm. He might be cold towards me tonight, but Ethan Ramsey truly does love me.

"Oh, Tatum," I throw my arms around her shoulders, "I know we just met, but you have managed to make my night a million times better."

She pats my back. "Were you having a bad night?"

I pull back and give her a guilty-look. "No?" I sigh heavily. "Yes? I don't know" I lay my head in my hands.

"What's wrong, doll?" She combs my strawberry-blonde hair behind my ears as her voice turns into a whisper. "Is this about Ethan?"

I timidly nod my head.

"Oh gosh, Casey!" She puts a finger under my chin, lifting my gaze back to hers. "I don't know what has happened with you two in the past, but that gorgeous man loves you." She pauses, watching me. "Is he having trouble showing that to you?"

Is it that obvious?  I nod.

She exhales dramatically as her long eyelashes flutter across her high cheekbones. "Men," she mumbles, shaking her head which causes me to giggle. She catches my gaze… and it feels like–I don't know… she continues. "How's the sex?"

I begin to choke on my drink, covering my shocked expression with my fingers. "Wh–what?"

"The sex?" She wiggles her eyebrows. "Oh c'mon," she snickers, "I bet he's hot in the sack."

I feel a swirl of heat invade my neck and face as I take a long pull from my vodka drink. 

Why would she ask that?

“I see,” she exhales. “Well,” she tilts her head to meet my gaze before taking my hand and settling it into her lap. "Maybe you need to… spice things up." 

She begins to gently caress my hand in hers.  I feel goosebumps ignite across my body, a sudden ache forming deep in my belly as I stare at her full lips.

Wait… no. 

I shake my head as I stand up.

What's happening here?

"I–I'm sorry, Tatum, but I think I gave you the wrong impression. I'm not like that," I grab my purse.

“Casey,” Tatum slips out of her chair, “don’t go. I’ll leave.”  She leans over her barstool, collecting her clutch. As she stands up straight, she brushes her body against mine, her lips a breath away from the shell of my ear. “But if you do want to spice things up,” she whispers, “come find me.”

The rush of my own air escapes my lungs. My toes contort as electricity ignites through my nerves. 

God, she’s so sexy…

This is insane; I just met her! And yet, she... and my body...

What the fuck? 

If I wanted to 'spice things up'… What does that even mean? Does she mean my sex life with Ethan? Or specifically my own personal life?

What has me more curious: how would she spice things up?

I pay my tab, wishing Reggie a good evening.  Ethan is still outside, and I see a table with my old friends, deep in jubilant celebration of Midnight Madness.  I don’t want to interrupt, so sneak past the crowd, quickly retreating to the bathroom.

There she is. 

She’s casually bent over the sink, finger-combing her hair.  As the door shuts behind me, she turns to look at me before raising an eyebrow.

I can feel beads of sweat collecting on my back  My pulse turns into a gallop as I watch Tatum take a step towards me.

And then another.

She slinks past me, reaching for the door to lock the deadbolt.

The silence is driving me crazy; the unspoken anticipation feeds into my arousal. Should it be?  I mean, that’s what this is, right?  Something sexual? I clear my throat.

“So, um… about spicing things up?”  With the clacking of her heels, Tatum slowly approaches me, towering over my petite frame.

God, she–she's just so…

I swallow thickly when she doesn’t respond. “How does this… I mean, how will, um–?”

Tatum begins to laugh, gently cupping my cheek in her hand. “You getting so flustered is one of the cutest things I’ve ever seen.” With her other hand, she rakes her nails through my hair.  

My eyes flutter close, relishing her intimate touch. 

God, it’s been so long.

“Just relax, doll,” she purrs.  

And without warning, she captures my hungry lips, but in a way my body isn’t used to.  It feels soft, sweet… even somewhat innocent, caring, as if she doesn’t want to hurt me.  But the pull of her mouth teases me, coaxing my lips apart as the flick of her tongue sweeps inside to tickle my own.

Oh, this. This is so…

A quiet moan escapes from me as Tatum grabs my hips.  She giggles against my supple pout, continuing to kiss me with fervor. Harder. Faster.

She walks me backwards, pushing my body against the cool brick.  Pulling out of our kiss, she stares into my eyes. There’s an intensity there I’ve never seen, never experienced before in my life. And I’m terrified. And thrilled. And…

Just touch me again…

She gently strokes my flushed cheek with the back of her fingers before caressing my neck.

Then my breasts.

“Are you sure you want to spice things up, doll?” She pants.

I feel my chest rising and falling in pace with her breathing. I’ve never felt so intune with someone in all my life–let alone, a woman. 

My eyes flicker to her beautiful, feral mouth. God, I need it on me…

And with the nod of my head, she unbuttons my jeans before dropping to her knees.

—-----

It's just past 9AM Monday morning, and I'm already on my third cup of coffee. No doubt I'll have jitters later, but after being exhausted in the most heavenly way possible, it's so worth it.

Ethan didn't say anything last night. Or this morning. 

Oh God, was that cheating? 

Shit. I didn't think this through…

But it was with a woman. And I'm not… well, at least I don't think I am…

It doesn't count, right?

But, damn, it was good.

I round through the department, checking on my fresh batch of interns, mulling around, glued to their pocket diagnostics guides.

Oh, to be young again…

As I turn the corner to enter the charting station, I suddenly freeze, recognizing a familiar tall blonde. 

In a white coat.

What the…? Tatum? 

Even under the fluorescent lights, her platinum highlights perfectly shine, her waves bouncing effortless on her shoulders. Her scarlet wrap dress hugs her curves beautifully, and her patent-leather nude pumps show off her toned calves, those thick thighs, and–

Tatum clears her throat.

Shit.

As Tatum goes back to looking at her charts, I slowly saunter up bedside her.

What do I even say? Just be cool…

“Morning, Tatum,” I smile.

She squints her eyes, giving me a cordial smile.

“Uh, hi,” she stutters, her face contorting. “Do I know you?”

~🖤~

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#until you love me #open heart #open heart fanfiction #open heart fanfic #choices open heart #choices oph #choices oph fanfic #choices oph fanfiction #ethan ramsey #dr. ethan ramsey #ethan ramsey fanfic #choices ethan ramsey #ethan ramsey x mc #ethan x mc #ethan x casey #tatum erikson #dr. tatum erikson #casey valentine #dr. casey valentine #tatum x casey #casey valentine x tatum erikson

[hopelessromantic1352]

(Un)Professionalism

This one shot shows Casey is learning to deal with the history between Ethan and Harper. But, it’s not as easy as she thought it would be.

This came to my mind when I was replaying OH 3. I couldn’t believe how Harper and Ethan were acting around MC. I also couldn’t believe how they don’t really expand on that storyline unless you do the extra scene with Harper at the MRI machine. Then again, book three was just a little crazy overall 😂

Warnings: slight sexual actions

Ethan Tags: @perriewinklenerdie @shelivesinthewoods @silversparrow1112 @miss-indecisive-says @alj4890 @naffeesaa @hija-del-universo @usuallyamazinglyaverage @heyabby102 @lilyoffandoms @cordoniaqueensworld @carreraleigh @ethanplaysfavorites @amillionmoonsred @drcaseyvalentineramsey @claudevonstrukesblog @princess-geek @lapisreviewsstuff @aworldoffandoms @paisleylovergirl @llamasgrl @blainehellyes @flyawayboo @timmagicktoad-blog @sparklinglilac @whenyourheartskipsabeat @desmaranj @triple-shadow0 @tessa-liam please let me know if you’d like to be added or removed from the tags!

“Remember when Dr. Collins bet you wouldn’t chug that bottle of champagne?”

Casey watches as Ethan cringes at the thought, but Harper laughs and rests a hand on his forearm. Feeling her gut churn in jealousy, the redhead looks back to the file of their patient, wishing Baz was still a part of the team. At least he would acknowledge that she still exists.

“He swore I had the liquid escaping through my ears, which is anatomically impossible.”

Both of them laugh, Ethan looking as carefree as he has been for awhile.

“Look, if you two want to walk down memory lane, why don’t I go do my job.” She slaps the file down onto the table and forcefully pushes her chair back.

Without another look at either doctor, Casey strides out the doors. Before they shut behind her, she can just barely hear Ethan excuse himself and his footsteps hurrying behind her.

“Casey!” The loud whisper isn’t enough for her to even look back, but she picks up her pace, knowing his long strides will catch her easily. “Rookie, please.”

Confused anger clouds his raised tone, causing her to stop. Even though she doesn’t turn back around, she can hear his steps slow down and he takes in a deep breath before he steps in front of her. Her brown eyes focus on the tile spreading down the hall, her body tense with shame and her gut still filled with jealousy.

“Casey, what on earth is the matter?” Ethan’s large hand gently slips under her chin and lifts her face up.

He notices the guilt swimming in her eyes and everything clicks into place. “I apologize. Harper and I were being quite unprofessional.”

Silently, she closes her eyes and nuzzles into his hand before she shakes her head. “That’s not what bothered me.”

Not saying anything, he leads them into an empty patient room, shutting the door behind them. He watches her closely, analyzing her movements before she leans against the bed in the middle of the room. She crosses her arms and doesn’t look at him as her finger taps against her bicep.

“It’s your whole relationship, Ethan. We don’t have that and honestly, I don’t know if we ever will.”

Still utterly confused, he walks to her and lifts her chin again, trying to read her thoughts. “I don’t understand. What you and I have is nothing like the friendship I have with Harper. No offense intended, but I rather like it that way.”

Her eyes bore into his, the ice blue eyes hold their normal warmth she’s become accustomed to. His gentle touch is comforting her, not someone else. Right?

“But you two have history and that spark is still there, I can tell and I think Harper still feels it.” Rambling, she pushes off the bed and steps away from him, needing space to think and calm her racing thoughts.

Understanding dawns on him once again, this time he realizes exactly what is bothering her. He felt the same way during her intern year, seeing her with all those young, bright eyed men surrounding her at various times. The surgeon. The paramedic. Hell, he had even seen other attendings eye her. It was torture on him due to his own selfishness of not allowing them to become an item publicly.

“Casey, you and I are figuring this relationship out, but I can assure you, there is nothing between Harper and I.”

She settles in front of the window overlooking the parking lot, her eyes bouncing from the people to the cars peppering the asphalt.

When she doesn’t say anything, he continues, “She and I may have history, but that is all it is. I think of her as a colleague and a friend, nothing more. I know for a fact she feels the same way but I understand what you are feeling.” Slowly, he approaches her from behind, gently laying his hands on her shoulders. “If you remember correctly, I had a bout of jealousy that earned you a punishment in one of the vacant halls.”

Below his hands, the tense muscles loosen as she laughs quietly. “How did you take care of yourself after that anyway?”

Chuckling, Ethan turns her around and picks her up, allowing her legs to wrap around his waist. Stepping towards the wall, he presses her back against it, pinning her between it and his firm body. She can feel his hardness begin to grow as he presses his groin against hers. Both of them experience deja vu.

“You didn’t give me an opportunity to, so I suppose I had to imagine you as I took care of it myself.” His lips travel across her neck, his stubble tickling her soft skin deliciously. “Perhaps this time, we can take care of each other.”

Casey playfully grinds against the hard member straining against his slacks, tossing her head back against the wall at the sensation pooling in her core.

“Mmm, I think I’d like that.”

He breaks away from her neck and cups her cheek, brushing his thumb across her cheekbone. “Know that I have not been with anyone besides you since Miami.”

“Then why did it take so long for you to give in?” Her big eyes burn with curiosity.

Sighing, he looks down, “Because I could not bring myself to risk your career. At least that is what I told myself. Now, I know I told you and myself that so I could realize that taking a risk on you was not a risk at all.”

Ethan raises his eyes to meet hers again, cupping her face with both hands. “You are it for me, Casey.”

Their lips meet in an electric kiss, her hands delve into his thick curls and her legs tighten around his fit waist. A moan escapes her as his lips reach any skin he can find and as his hands reach under her scrubs, caressing her breasts through the sports bra.

“Ethan, mmm, I love you.”

He pulls away to meet her eyes and gives her a blinding smile, his hands holding her face. “I love you too, Dr. Valentine.”

This kiss they share is soft and gentle, exuding the love coursing between them. But the gasp at the door breaks the trance. The couple breaks apart, Ethan sets Casey down gently as she blushes furiously.

“Do you need something, Harper?” Ethan’s voice is steady, but his lips tremble with suppressed laughter at the shock on their colleague’s face.

Casey steps behind Ethan, hiding the silent laughter at her own embarrassment and Harper’s.

“I—uh—“ Without a coherent sentence, she turns and slams the door behind her, leaving the couple to dissolve into a mess of laughter.

As Ethan turns, he gathers the giggling redhead into his arms, holding in a tight hug. He allows himself to relax, resting his chin atop her head. “I suppose I should do some damage control.”

“Probably. At least this time you don’t have to do your own damage control.”

He releases her at that and smirks, “I would have suggested you take care of that.”

Casey leans forwards and kisses him softly, “Maybe we can arrange for some of that damage control tonight.”

#choices #playchoices #choices ethan ramsey #dr ethan ramseyxmc #dr ethan ramsey #ethan ramsey x casey valentine #open heart #ethan ramsey #choices open heart #play choices #ethan ramsey x mc #choices fic writers creations #dr. ethan ramsey #cfwc fics of the week

[coffeeheartaddict2]

Change of heart pt 2

Book: Open Heart (book 2)

Pairing: Tobias Carrick x June Hirata

Word Count: 4141

Rating: Mature

Warnings: Language,mentions of sexual activity, mentions of bio weapon attack, physical altercations

Category: Angst

Summary: Attack,post dagger mountain and the ending of June and Tobias leading upto Tobias starting at Edenbrook.

Disclaimer: Characters belong to Pixelberry

Authors note: this chapter will be a ride. All events take part in Tashland. There is also a scene that may seem out of character and I will discuss further with anyone wishes to via dm or ask box. There are parts of my book 2ch14 to 20 rewrite I want to amend, given that I have developed the story so much more from when I first wrote it. I was very early in my writing journey when I wrote it and the mentions of it is what I will be changing it too. So feel free after reading to reach out via DM or ask box and I will happily elaborate.

💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞

Tobias and his team make their way to the room where the attack happened. He relieved to see Casey was alive and appeared to be holding up ok, all things considered. I call out, “You also have the best that Kenmore has to offer also.” I was greeted with looks of shock and relief and skepticism. We were filled in on the current state of play and I feel that we came at the right time, knowing what we were fighting was definitely an advantage. Casey says no funny business and I assure there will be none. I am feeling bad enough that I missed so many red flags that lead to this attack and I was determined to find a cure.

We head to the labs. Baz, June, Aurora, some of Casey’s friends join us. I am surprised that Ethan is not with us but I assume he will join in due course. June whispers in my ear “Ethan is on tenterhooks, I never seen him this beside himself.” I nod in agreement. We get to work. We work at a steady rate. Each idea brings us closer and closer. I have no idea how long we have been working. I feel we are getting somewhere but I need a break. I go for a walk. I stop by a vending machine and grab a snack and walk to clear my head. I find myself at the room. I do a double take. Ethan in his hazmat suit, sitting beside Casey, watching over her, holding her hand and stroking her head.

“I’ll be” I mutter to myself. I had known Ethan a long time, he was never an overly physically affectionate person, not publicly, but here he was, full view of anyone walking past, being loving. In that moment I knew that the feelings were genuine, the actions at the softball game making perfect sense. I become more determined to find a cure. I head back to the lab, determined. I am caught up and get back in, completely focussed. June notices and quietly asks, why so focused?

“You have your theories but what I just saw, there is no fucking way his feelings are not genuine. I feel bad enough that I am apart of the cause of this attack but I am certainly not going to let Casey die on my watch.”

“Are you serious right now?” Questions June.

“Yes June now we have a cure to find!”

Finally we get the cure. A serum that attaches to the toxin and clears it. We all agree that this would be great to research and see if it can be of use in other toxins but we all agree, given the circumstances of the cure being found, we would only do so with the blessings of Casey and Rafael. The antidote is given to Raf first as he is in a coma then to Casey.

I have never seen Ethan more relieved when we said we found a cure. He administers the dose and let’s her rest. We are all exhausted.

“Thanks for coming, Tobias, today has been a very emotional day as you can imagine.”

“It was the least we could do, I know if the shoe was on the other foot.”

Ethan nods, “Head home Tobias, get some rest, you deserve it.”

“You get some rest to, Ethan.”

I head home, thoughts spinning around. The one that kept coming back was could we maybe reconcile. The main reason we had not was because he could not trust me after that night. We had always been competitive before and after our falling out but time had marched on and we were not the same people. I put the thought to the back of my head.

I hear from June that Casey and Raf have recovered. Raf was needing physio to get strength back but Casey was physically fine. He was happy to hear this. They met up on the night of the funeral. An invite was extended to the team from Kenmore but he declined, he felt bad enough that he courted the person responsible for their deaths. June was still not convinced of the genuineness of Ethan’s feelings. I ask her why she is so disbelieving. She says because there are work arounds if the him being her boss thing was the main issue. Also you said he does not do relationships.

“Yeah normally he does not. Hell the relationship he had at medical school took him long enough to enter. I was shocked then but also happy. May I also remind you were not at the softball game, there were expressions and actions that I have never seen before and you did not see what I saw that night. If it was an arrangement, as you do wholeheartedly believe, then why was Ethan with her the whole night, huh? Tell me June?”

June had no answer. June hated being proved wrong so she was determined to get information to prove one way or another. One thing June did know is that her arrangement with Tobias was not going to get her the information.

June goes to work the next day and she is furious. Ethan is taking two weeks leave and instead of her being team leader, Naveen was stepping in. June has had leadership ambitions since being on the team, she was annoyed that the team was still Ethan’s when he got his job back but this was infuriating. She was desperate for the truth and she knew that if she could find out when things started exactly, there was going to be a field day.

She had to bide her time and that was making her anxious. Tobias was becoming concerned. Then he thought back on some of their interactions and he was starting to question if he was just being used for information. He enjoyed the benefits, he could not deny that but he was starting to feel that the benefits were not worth it.

Ethan comes back and it is business as usual, but down a team member. June could tell he is distracted but could not put a finger on what it was that was causing it. Casey comes back a little unexpectedly and June did not know what to think. She wanted proof either way. She knew she needed to bide her time. Little did she know that her proof would be handed to her.

The team were seconded to a ski resort out of state. The patient had a ski-ing accident and appeared to have altitude sickness but the altitude was quite low. The team watches over her taking turns and Ethan is first. Ethan’s turn ended and then it was Baz’s. What piqued my interest was Ethan leaving the resort common area with Casey. I follow, keeping out of sight. I slip into the empty room and listen in. The conversation at first is droll, playing a game of make believe then some words I do not believe. He is wanting to spend the night with her and always wants to spend the night. Then there is kissing and other noises. June is shocked, what she heard definitely did not seem like an arrangement at all. She messaged Tobias telling him she had her proof. She did her shift. Morning came, back to Edenbrook they went. June was full of nervous energy. There was proof that it was more than an arrangement. Despite being dismayed that Tobias was right, she was full of thoughts. There were still rumours about Casey and Ethan but how does she deploy this bombshell? She hoped that maybe it would help with her leadership aspirations but she knew with Naveen as chief that it would be an uphill battle, especially if he got away with treating him in secret. Despite this though, she hoped that it would help. She was walking around when her phone rang. It was Tobias.

“What is your proof?” He asked

“Well I followed them to his penthouse suite. They did not see me. There was some droll conversation then the kicker. He asks her to say why would he want to be alone when he is with the woman he wants to be with.”

“Well you certainly would not be saying that, or doing anything like that if it were an arrangement.” Said Tobias.

“Now to get the information out…”

“To what end June? You said yourself that he got no punishment for treating Naveen in secret. Yes this is a relationship with a subordinate but if it was all consensual then not much will happen.”

June did not like that Tobias was making sense but she said "well if it tarnishes him and gets me some favour then it would be worth it.”

June notes that the nurses she walked pass while telling Tobias about what he witnessed and she smiled. The gossip will be all over this place in no time, she thought.

The day went on and and the rumour mill was awash with what occurred on Dagger Mountain. June made her way to the office and Casey makes her way in.

“So I have heard a few interesting rumours about you and our esteemed leader. I am wanting to know if they are true.” Said June

June can tell that Casey is pissed. She goes on a rant about how the only people who were on the mountain were out patient, her son and the team and how she stated they none of them would not spread gossip.

I asked if she truly believes I did it. This pissed her off more. She tells me that I would be more than willing to manipulate the team to how I want it and she had the audacity to state that I was threatened by her. She reminds me that her and Ethan’s history have no bearing on the work they do. I do not believe her. I call her out for going to the boss’s penthouse suite late at night. She tells me they were having a private conversation. I imply that I heard noises that were definitely not conversational.

This really angers Casey. I can tell she wants to slap me but instead she grabs a book and throws it at me. I dodge it and she walks out.

Over the coming days and weeks I could tell there was a change in dynamics between Ethan and Casey. I could not find out what was going on. All I knew is that Casey avoided me and Ethan was either despondent, angry or transfixed. It all came to ahead a few weeks later when she came into the office and used his precious coffee machine. He asks, rather angrily, what I was doing. I tell him I thought the machine was for all of us but I say I won’t use it again. He then asks what has gotten into me. The question confuses me. He goes on about my mind games hurting people. I question the validity of his feelings. He says he more than likes her, which shocked me. I then state that Casey is only on the team because of him. He looks angrier than I've ever seen him. I wonder if this is the Ethan that Tobias witnessed at the game.I then state that he was always sleeping with Casey and that because he can not do wrong in the eyes of Naveen, she was rewarded.

He slaps me. I am shocked. He states that they did not have any relations whilst the competition was on. I tell him that is bullshit.

“Believe what you want June, but if you cause any more upheaval or trouble for any one on this team, consider your days here more numbered than Edenbrook’s.”

Ethan grabs his coat and briefcase and leaves. June is left reeling. She knew that Ethan had a temper but lashing out physically? She messages Tobias and he comes to the team office. He sees June and she tells him what happened. Tobias was also surprised. He had been on the receiving end of angry punch at the end of medical school but he never thought he would hit a woman, no matter how pissed. He asked if she was going to take it to HR. She said that was the logical step but what would come of it. “If he can secretly treat Naveen with no consequence and have a sexual relationship with a subordinate then what is the use?" Ethan would also have his own dirt, I am sure he knows I have stolen Casey’s file.

Tobias was shocked that June would ever have access to an employee file, despite the shock he was mad at Ethan. Tobias took his leave. He makes his way to the parking lot and sees Ethan.

“You have a lot of nerve Ramsey” he yells

Ethan looks annoyed.

“What the fuck do you want Carrick?”

“Care to tell me why you slapped June then?”

“Not particularly”

“Never known you to hit on a woman Ethan. What, is Valentine not satisfying enough for you?”

Tobias has now reached Ethan and Ethan shirt fronts Tobias and shoved him up against the car.

“I have suspected that there was something between the two of you since the softball game, I also knew June had her suspicions and we were correct…”

Ethan maintains his grip but is shocked.

“You what…”

“You heard me Ethan”

Ethan let’s go, Tobias is relieved until Ethan punches him.

“That was for using Casey in your mind games with June. I suppose it was you that told June that he was in your care?”

“Yeah it was me and I have been feeling bad about it since. It could have happened at Kenmore and it was my fault. Do I feel bad that Casey got caught up? Yes. But since when do you enter a relationship? Especially with your resident?”

“Me and Casey, Carrick is none of your business.”

Both men are simmering with emotion by now.

“Yeah well what you do in your spare time became my business when you slapped June.” Retorted Tobias.

“Well you should have thought about that when your games started hurting others.” Ethan refrains from hitting him again and moves to make his way to the car.

“What, you are telling me that you did not fuck your intern to advance her career? I have known you too long Ramsey, you do not do relationships.”

Ethan’s blood was boiling with rage. He shirt fronted him again.

“Would you like to repeat that?” Said Ethan through gritted teeth. “You knew me in medical school but you do not know me now.” He shoves Tobias and enters his car and drives off.

Tobias sat there bemused. He had hoped that since the attack they may enter into dialogue to reconcile. They had both changed from medical school and were older and wiser but Tobias can not help but feel he blew any chances with the confrontation he just had. The altercation did solidify what he had witnessed. Any feelings were genuine, he still had doubts about whether or not the relationship played a part in her being on team, however he resigned himself to not knowing for sure. All he knew was that if the merger went through, it was going to be interesting.

Despite the work to get a merger happening, there was some unexpected news. Mass Kenmore had been bought out by Solomon Health. Tobias was surprised by this but was thankful for the security. He knew that he could have obtained a job anywhere he wanted, but it was one less thing to worry about. He had not seen June since the night of the altercation with Ethan and if he was being honest, he was not really missing her. Yes, stealing Stephanie was participating in June’s games but he had learnt that they had several offers and the only reason they picked us was because we were allowing Stephanie to be an outpatient from the get go. The more he got to know June, the more toxic she seemed. The takeover had little effect on the day to day running but news of Edenbrook’s imminent closure was coming. He knew that they would not only get more patients but also staff. He was surprised to see June in Kenmore. She said that she had just attended an interview for a position. Tobias smiled and nodded and then continued on his way. He was not excited to have her work her if she was successful.

A few days later June got the news that she was successful in obtaining a position at Solomon Kenmore. Edenbrook was awash with excitement about the upcoming gala but she was not going. She sees Casey and tell her my news. I suggest she should come with me, despite our differences we do work well together. Needless to say I am shocked when she tells me to go to hell. I tell her loyalty will not save her and that she needs to think about herself. Things get downright vindictive. She tells me how staying is looking after herself is putting herself first, she calls me a snake, then says the only time she would willingly go to Kenmore was to see me fired when my sex and power games with Carrick are exposed. I take my leave. It has been awhile since me and Carrick had partaken in our arrangement and it was something I was looking forward to recommencing.

June enjoys working at Kenmore but to her annoyance Tobias stays away. She is starting to get a feel for the politics of the hospital but she wanted more information and if she was being honest, she was missing the sexual benefits too. She makes her way to his office. She knocks on the door and he invited her to enter.

“Long time no see,Tobias” says June.

“What do you want Hirata?” Says Tobias rather curtly.

“What, can’t I come and see you, we do work in the same hospital now you know.”

“That maybe true but what is your reason really, giving Casey the info that lead to two deaths, nearly caused a third if the cure was not found when it was found not enough for you?”

“I needed information and it was the best way to get it…”

“Wasn’t Dagger Mountain enough proof? And what were you going to do with it huh June? If him slapping you was not enough for you to go to HR…”

“No it was not, well of the relationship yes but surely the relationship was why she is there…”

“No she is there because she solved a case that the combined brain power of Ethan and Naveen could not figure out.”

“Since when do you believe the propaganda that comes out of Edenbrook?”

“Looks like you I have no proof of timelines but our collective actions have caused death and enough is enough.”

“What do you don’t want to know how all your friends and enemies tick?”

“I know enough to get by, yeah a dick move for taking Stephanie but they had other offers too, yeah I took a gamble of telling you about Farrugia but you could have chose not to do anything. All it showed me is how much of a manipulative and toxic human you are.”

June was taken aback, “I was doing what was best for Edenbrook..”

“No, you were doing what was best for June Hirata. Do you even care that your ploy to get information killed two people huh? Well do you?”

“Well since when have you cared, especially with Ethan involved?” Questioned June.

“I have always given a shit June. Me and Ethan may have not been friends for a long time but I still respect him as a doctor. Are we competitive, yes always was even when we were friends. I was the one who fucked up. I accept that but this was too much.”

June wanted to say something but she was not sure what.

“Before everything happened June, I was starting to see your true colours and now that I have I want nothing to do with you and your games. Our arrangement is over. No please leave me alone.”

June was shocked and she leaves.

Tobias sits down and breathes a sigh of relief. He feels lighter for having confronted June but a part of him is sad. He knows his involvement and the altercation he had with Ethan and the accusations he leveled at him had killed any chance of reconciliation. The Ethan he had seen, the in love Ethan was an Ethan he had hoped to see and he had always missed their friendship. He was dirty that he had once again managed to screw things up. He sighed again and went about his day.

He had been at Kenmore for twelve years, he had a good career but the visible toxicity from June and just the changes from being brought out by a drug company, well Tobias felt like he needed a change. A part of him, despite what happened with Ethan had hoped that the merger went through but it was not to be. He loved Boston but he wanted a change. One day he was in the attendings lounge when he came across Terrance Mendoza. He had an offer from Leland Bloom to join the Diagnostics Team at Edenbrook and he was not too keen on the offer. He had heard that Edenbrook had been saved at the eleventh hour but he had apprehensions about working there. Tobias and Terrance discussed his reluctance at wanting to be on the team.To ias suggests using some leverage. He stated he has been wanting out and even though him and Ethan was an unlikely alliance, he thought it was worth a shot and this way Tobias was out of Kenmore and Terrance got what he wanted if Leland accepted the counter.

A few days later he gets the call from Leland telling him he has a job at Edenbrook. The next call he makes is to Ethan to tell him. Ethan is shocked. He was surprised that Tobias was wanting out of Kenmore but Ethan was relieved he did not have to worry about Dr Mendoza. Was he nervous, yes but he knew Tobias is a good doctor, despite everything that has happened, especially recently. All he knew is that Tobias came through when he could have easily said No and that was going to take a lot to diminish.

A few days later Ethan and Casey had a chat with Caroline. She was concerned about Dr Mendoza and the gray areas he was willing to work within, Caroline felt uneasy about him. She hoped to be proved wrong but she was not confident. After their chat, Ethan calls Tobias and tells him of the concern Caroline has. Tobias was not surprised and he stared he would keep an ear out but he did state he may be cunning with any of his plans. Tobias wonders if after this call that maybe any chance of reconciliation is not gone. He decides then and there not to force it, but he is hopeful. Meanwhile back at Edenbrook Ethan is deep in thought, hoping the genuine side of Tobias was not a figment of his imagination. He had missed their friendship, sure Tobias sleeping with Estelle hurt but the prolonged competition and failing to address the issue was their downfall. He had been in therapy only a short time but it had given him some clarity on the breakdowns of relationships he has had and he did hope with this newfound wisdom they could bury the hatchet.

Tobias’s first day came at long last. He arrived early hoping to catch Ethan alone. He got his wish. Ethan greeted him.

“Listen Ethan, I know things have not been right between us since that night, even though it took a year for all the nails to be hammered into the coffin that was our friendship and I know our last meeting was adversarial at best but I just want you to know I am here to work, not against you, but with you.”

Ethan looks on, thoughtfully.

“It gives me pleasure to hear that Tobias, truly. I must admit I was apprehensive but relieved when I heard you were coming aboard. All I knew is that I did not want him.”

“Fair call, he is not my favourite person either…”

“We’ll I look forward to working with you Tobias.”

“Me too Ethan, me too.”

Both were looking forward to it and little did they know that both of them were hoping that they could be friends again.

———-

Authors note: second part of submission for Tobias Carrick appreciation week day 3 with a bit of day 4. Further thoughts will come later today or tomorrow.

As per first authors note there are some ooc moments. I will be exploring them in my rewrite of a rewrite of book 2.14-20. I hope it will give more context but I am happy to discuss further via ask box or DM.

Tagging: @jerzwriter @jamespotterthefirst @genevievemd @potionsprefect @liaromancewriter @cariantha @bex-la-get @crazy-loca-blog @a-crepusculo @tessa-liam @peonierose @trappedinfanfiction @binny1985 @schnitzelbutterfingers @lucy-268 @socalwriterbee

@tobias-carrick-appreciation-week @choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics

#open heart #ethan ramsey #choices fanfic writers creations #casey valentine #tobias carick #dr june hirata #tobias carrick appreciation week #fic of the week #part 2 #book 2

[moonsbijoutoo]

bryce lahela x casey valentine

“For the first time in your career, your scalpel hand shakes.”

#good lord trying to scramble and find a somewhat decent face claim for Bryce #playchoices #choices #choices open heart #choices stories you play #bryce lahela #dr. bryce lahela #edenbrook hospital #bryce x mc #black op mc #casey valentine

[jerzwriter]

Let's have a little fun...

What songs are your OTPs listening to this Valentine's Day, and why? It can be any song... for any reason. It does NOT have to be all romantic and goey - just what they're listening to, and why. Here are mine, reblog with yours - or create a new post, but be sure to tag me so I can see! 😊

Tobias / Casey:

Casey is listening to this and dancing (really badly) all around their townhome. She's bopping around thinking she looks soooo sexy, and it's kind of not... but it's so damn adorable, she gets the desired reaction from Tobias anyway. Like when doesn't she get that reaction from him anyway? lol

Tobias is a huge Frank Ocean fan, and this is one of his go-to songs for when he's feeling a little 😏😏😏. I mean, it's Valentine's Day every day in the Carrick household, so they're gonna go big or go home on the actual day. (And yes, of course it works! lol)

Trystan / Carolina:

Carolina has been trying to introduce Trystan to Latin music, and since Luis Miguel was one of her father's favorites, he's one of hers, as well. This song isn't a typical Valentine's Day song because it's about longing and heartache, but that's kind of Carolina's vibe, even when she is madly in love.

Trystan is a Wham! stan. Sorry, it's canon. lol I think he's got a whole dance routine planned out... tight jeans, leather jacket, unbuttoned shirt, sunglasses... the works. And he ROCKS it. Carolina can't stop laughing, but this is why she loves him.

Ethan / Kaycee:

Kaycee is never leaving her Taylor era, and she really doesn't care that this song was written for Joe (Joe who???), and this little song reminds exemplifies her relationship with Ethan, so it's definitely on replay this Valentine's Day.

So, this ties into the Valentine's Day fic I'm finishing off for these two. But Ethan found her really likes this album, and this song in particular has a special place in his heart. I think it will become a Valentine's Day standard in their home.

I'm tagging some who I think may want to play along below, but please, anyone can play! Just jump in!

ANYONE can play!

@alj4890; @annoyingmillenialnewbie; @genevievemd; @inlocusmads @jamespotterthefirst @liaromancewriter @potionsprefect @secretaryunpaid @stars-are-within-me @tessa-liam @thosehallowedhalls @dutifullynuttywitch @trappedinfanfiction @tveitertotwrites @coffeeheartaddict2 @peonierose @cariantha @icecoffee90 @dr-colossal-pita @storyofmychoices @aallotarenunelma @lilyoffandoms @moominofthevalley @aces-and-angels @oh-so-youre-a-nerd @mydemonsdrivealimo @choices-ceri @cadybear420 @missameliep @noesapphic @princess-geek @lorircreates @korgbelmont @ezekielbhandarivalleros @gaiuskamilah @rafasgirl23415 @angelasscribbles @petiteboheme @kingliam2019

#playchoices #choices stories you play #reblog game #valentine's day #anit-valentine's day #<- your pick #Spotify

[sheetsonfire]

This list will be continuously updated, happy reading!

Soccer Practice |  Halstead!Sibling | Jay picks up his sister after soccer practice, but things don’t go as planned.

You Called The Police Before You Called Me? | Halstead!Sibling | The Halsteads are victims of a robbery.

When The Fever Breaks Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4 | Halstead!Sibling | Y/N, sibling of Jay and Will has been struggling with their mental health, and it’s all coming to a pressure point.

Firefight | Jay Halstead x Reader | Jay and Y/N are in a firefight.

Hostage Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4 | Kelly Severide x Reader | Y/N is a Firefighter at Firehouse 51, they get taken hostage inside the Firehouse with Casey’s niece, Violet.

Pony | 18+ | Jay Halstead x Reader | Jay is put in an unusual undercover position, Y/N is on the front lines of it, and the rest of Intelligence gets to watch it.

The Academy | Kelly Severide x Platonic!Reader | Y/N and Firehouse 51 respond to a call at the CFD’s Fire Academy. It’s a bad day, with good friends to see you through.

Valentine | Will Halstead x Reader | You’re a chef and Will drops in at the end of your shift on Valentine’s Day.

The Waiting Room | Kevin Atwater x Reader (Platonic or pre-romance) | As the team wait for news on Kim, the reader experiences some troubles of their own.

She'd Have Liked You | Kelly Severide x Platonic!Reader | Y/N finds herself caught in the moment of Ritter and Eric being harassed at Molly’s. [Lesbian!Reader]

Gossip | 18+ | Will Halstead x Reader | Some trouble with Dr Archer and crossed wires gets Will into trouble with the reader. How will it be resolved?

A Minute To Win It | Severide!Sibling | The Severide siblings are arguing again, Herrmann wants to know why.

Ears and Tears | Severide!Sibling | Time-rewind. A moment in the past where Kelly takes care of his little sister, Y/N, when she’s feeling unwell.

Jealousy, Jealousy | Jay Halstead x Reader | Reader’s ex is Kelly Severide and Jay is jealous but the reader kind of laughs it off/teases him for it.

The Bullpen | Matt Casey x Reader | Reader works admin at the firehouse and Matt keeps interrupting her because he’s in a playful mood.

Heartbreaker | Jay Halstead x Reader | Reader joins Intelligence and has a reputation for breaking hearts. The reader tries to warn Jay that she may not be the best relationship person.

Fooling | Kelly Severide x Reader | People think that you and Kelly have something going on when in reality you only hooked up once, and now you’re just super close friends.

Call It Love | 18+ | Jay Halstead x Reader | Reader and Jay have to share a hotel room for a case but she forgets to bring pyjamas, so Jay offers his shirt.

2-Minute-Fiancé | Will Halstead x Reader | Reader is a doctor at Med and is hit on by one of the patients, Will gets her out of an uncomfortable situation.

Dead and Waiting | 18+ | Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8, Part 9 (FINAL PART), EPILOGUE | Jay Halstead x Reader | Reader gets caught up in an undercover case, and she's forced into faking her death.

We'll Always Need Each Other Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4 | Halstead!Sibling | Jay and the reader have a big fight, and then the reader gets kidnapped.

Hard Day's Night | 18+ | Connor Rhodes x Reader | Connor and Reader are trying to spend more time together.

The Third Halstead Part 1 | Part 2 Part 3| Rhodes/Halstead!Sibling | The new doctor at Med is Connor Rhodes' sister, or is she?

I'll Take You Home Part 1 | Part 2 | Hank Voight x Reader | Intelligence goes out for drinks, Hank helps a drunk reader get home safely.

Home To You | Jay Halstead x Reader | Reader returns home from service, she finally has the courage to face the one person she's been avoiding. (TBC)

The Thunder Rolls | Jay Halstead x Reader | Jay and Reader get caught in a thunderstorm.

Second Chances Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6 | Connor Rhodes x Reader | Reader is in a car accident.

Moonlight Flit | 18+ | Connor Rhodes x Reader | Reader has a new job, she meets a stranger the night before her first day.

Best Friends | Jay Halstead x Platonic!Reader | The reader is having an anxious day, and Jay is there to comfort them.

Fri-yay | Jay Halstead x Reader | Reader has a bad day, but luckily Jay Halstead is the remedy.

Intruder | Will Halstead x Reader | Y/N gets caught up in a home invasion.

Rose | Will Halstead x Reader | Y/N and Will with their newborn daughter.

Team Severide | Severide!Sibling | Y/N is trapped in an elevator.

Lucky | Atwater!Sister | Kevin gets hurt on the job.

Believe Me | Severide!Sister | Kelly has a new girlfriend, it doesn't go well for the reader.

In Pursuit | Will Halstead x Reader / Jay Halstead x Platonic!Reader | Jay and Reader are partners, the Reader gets hurt on a case, and Will and Reader confess their feelings.

I'm With You | Antonio Dawson x Reader | Reader gets a cancer scare, and Antonio is by their side.

First Date | Hank Voight x Reader | Reader invites Hank on a first date, to a wedding.

Wrapped In Lace | 18+ | Will Halstead x Reader | Reader has new underwear to show Will, she gets creative with it.

Old Flames Can Still Burn You | Part 1, Part 2 , Part 3 | 18+ | Jay Halstead x Reader | Ava Bekker is from Reader's past, now together with Jay, they must face the return of everything Reader wanted to escape from.

The Escape King | Jay gets into some trouble fighting an offender, Reader is there to help. Jay!Whump - Chicago PD S1 E11

In The Morning | Brian Zvonecek x Reader | Brian comes home from a shift, fluffy one-shot.

Your Hand In Mine | Jay Halstead x Fem Reader | Jay and Reader get some life-changing news. Pregnancy!Fic.

Counting Breaths | Halstead!Sibling | Reader has an asthma attack in the middle of the night, Jay's there to help.

Restless | Jay Halstead x Reader | Sometimes it's hard to sleep.

Dead On Your Feet | Jay Halstead x Platonic!Reader | The reader tries to save Hank Voight, but there are misunderstandings and regrets for all involved. Can things be healed?

Interstate Intimacy | 18+ | Jay Halstead x Reader | Sequel to Call It Love, The Reader and Jay make the trip back to Chicago, with a detour.

The Wrong Door | Jay Halstead x Reader | The reader opens the wrong door after a night out, but it turns out it actually might be exactly the one they should have opened.

Thinning Of The Veil | Jay Halstead x Reader | The Reader has a gift and it's not a welcome one.

Five Times and A Date | Matt Casey x Reader | Five times Matt Casey and the reader meet, and one time they go on a date.

I Only Want To Be With You | Jay Halstead x Reader | The reader is turning 30, and nobody seems to have remembered.

The Red Strokes | Jay Halstead x Reader | Wires are crossed and assumptions are made, can the reader and Jay resolve what has been left unsaid?

In Sickness and In Health | Kelly Severide x Reader | The reader is having an asthma flare, and their husband Kelly Severide is there for them.

Suspects and Surprises | Jay Halstead x Reader | Jay chooses a unique moment to propose.

Free Will | Will Halstead x Reader | Will makes a decision that throws everything the reader thought they knew into question. Where will the road take them?

Chasing Shadows Away | Jay Halstead x Reader | The reader dreams of their worst fears, and Jay is there to chase them away.

Figures | Halstead!Sister | The reader has a rough day of seizures, they are reluctant to go to Med until they have no choice. - but things are always easier with two big brothers by your side.

Beware Your Elders | Adam Ruzek x Reader | When Adam gets assigned to patrol for the day, he is reunited with an academy classmate and friend.

Thank you so much to everyone who has followed, supported, liked, reblogged and commented, it's so very appreciated!

#sheetsonfire masterlist #one chicago #chicago fire #chicago pd #chicago med

[openheartfanfics]

Newly Added Fics

Feb 17 - 23, 2024  

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

Bryce x F!MC

A Dinomite Find - @storyofmychoices 📱

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

From the Nest to Flying Free - @dalishessence 📚🛸

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

CH 1: Hatchling in the Nest

Untitled Fic - @sunshine-gumdrop ☁

Bryce shows he earned the Golden Retriever nickname.

Ethan x F!MC

Beach Cleanup Date - @liaromancewriter 📷

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

Birthday As A Mom - @potionsprefect 📷

Victoria celebrates her first birthday as a mother.

When life has other plans - @coffeeheartaddict2 📚🛸

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

CH 11: Let’s Play Ball

Open Heart MC

Green-Eyed Girl - @liaromancewriter 📱

Random convo between Cassie and Max about family traits.

Rafael x F!MC

Moving In - @rafasgirl23415 📚​

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

CH 20: Daddy's Special Girl

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

Tobias x F!MC

Happy 40th Tobias! - @jerzwriter 📷

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

Part 1

Part 2

Love in the Afternoon - @storyofmychoices ☁

Tobias and Casey enjoy an afternoon dance.

Not So Fast - @jerzwriter ☁💘

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

_

SUBMIT OPEN HEART FICS & WRITERS HERE

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

[worst-t4t-couple]

ALL Pairings are out! Long post, so look under the cut!

Round 1 1/4

Sweep, cap’n, k_k VS Jay Walker, Nya

Vee, Marsha VS Bruce Wayne, Selina Kyle

Cherry Blossom Joe VS Doofinsmerch, His Ex-Wife

Percy jackson, Annabeth Chase VS Jack O Valentine, Sol Badguy

Josuke Higashikata, Yasuho Hirose VS Lug, Anode

leorio, kurapika VS Nepeta Leijon, Equius Zahhak

Luz Noceda, Marcy Wu VS Varian, Hugo

Swap, Neo VS Queen Roger and Fly Minetti

Daffy, Bugs VS Vash, Wolfwood

Ren Amamiya and Goro Akechi VS Peter Parker and Mary Jane Watson

Sam, Max VS Hunter, Willow

Stepan trofimovich, Varvara Petrovnad VS Rex Salazar, Noah Nixon

nellie lovett, sweeney todd VS Tim Drake, Bernard Dowd

bubby, dr coomer VS Neku, Beat

Dave Miller, Jack Kennedy VS Kermit, Mrs. Piggy

Cleo, Etho VS Zelda, Link (Rip)

Chip, Gillion VS X, Zero

kagayama shigeo, hanazawa teruki VS Kris, Berdly 

Caranthir, Haleth VS Jonathan Sims, Martin Blackwood

Marc Anciel, Nathaniel Kurtzberg VS Miyamoto Uran, Sapphire

Texas, Church VS Solid Snake, Otacon

Gundham Tanaka, Sonia Nevermind VS Phillip Carlyle,Anne Wheeler

Soos, Melody VS Red, Blue

Jungleberry Cookie, Royal Berry Cookie VS Blaze, Sonic

LDshadowlady, Smallishbeans VS Mr. Neighbor, Wegg

clark kent, lois lane VS Popeye, Olive Oyl

Round 1 2/4

Brandon Quark,  Doctor Robotnik VS Elrond, Celebrian

Yoo Joonghyuk, Kim Dokja VS stanford pines, fiddleford mcgucket

Pepa & Félix Madrigal VS Duskie & Hibiscus

Emu Otori, Rui Kamishiro VS momoe and kaoru

C!fundy and c!hbomb VS Anne Boonchuy, Sasha Waybright and Marcy Wu

Agent 3 and Agent 8 VS c!schlatt & c!connor

Zoro Roronoa and Sanji Vinsmoke (Black leg Sanji) VS Miles Morales and Gwen Stacy

Herbert West & Daniel Cain VS Snorkmaiden & Mymble Jr 

charles "trip" tucker and t'pol VS Mytho & Princess Tutu (NOT duck; just her princess form)

Gregory House and James Wilson VS luz and amity

Paintbrush and Lightbulb VS Vriska Serket & June Egbert

geordi and data VS peter sqloint and rumi sqloint

Q!ElMariana and Q!Slimecicle VS Poor Boy and Love Interest

Scar and Grian VS Jolyne/Anasui

Kian Stone, Rolan Deep and Timothy Rand VS Dr. Boris Habit and Kamal Bora

red guy and duck VS MK & Red Son

jonathan harker and mina murray harker VS Zagreus/Thanatos/Megaera

Crowley and Aziraphale VS Denki Kaminari and Kyoka Jiro

Tuor and Idril Celebrindal VS Snorpy and Chadlo

jack harkness x the tardis VS Mizuki akiyama and mafuyu

Jackieboyman and Marvin the Magnificent VS Arashi Narukami and Mika Kagehara

Barbie, Ken VS ron and desiree delite

Steven Universe & Connie Maheswaran VS Magnus Burnsides and Julia Burnsides

Kanan Jarrus and Hera Syndulla VS castiel and dean winchester 

Eda and Luz’s mom VS Jadzia Dax & Kira Nerys

c!Tubbo and c!Ranboo VS Rex Salazar & Circe 

Round 1 3/4

Pixal + Zane VS Apollo Justice + Klavier Gavin 

The Monarch and Dr. Ms Monarch VS Juno Steel and Peter Nureyev

Kaito and Meiko VS Kamille Bidan & Fa Yuiry

Sun Wukong and Six-Eared Macaque VS Skwydd & Cricket

Sasha Nein and Milla Vodello VS Wade Ripple & Ember

Byakuren Hiijri and Toyosatomimi no Miko VS Cosmo, Wanda

Roboky and Venom VS Cellbit and Roier

Numerous BFDI ships VS Hiccup, Astrid

Beatrix and Casey VS anakin skywalker and captain rex

Raven and Beast Boy VS Neo and Trinity

Mario, Princess Peach VS Rashmi Jamil and Amelie Maçon

Denji, Asa Mitaka VS Vivi Yukino and Lewis Pepper

Benrey and Gordon VS Lace and Hornet

Beren and Luthien VS neku sakuraba, joshua kiryu

Shin and Noi VS Morticia and Gomez Addams

Paul Matthews and Emma Perkins VS Moomin, Snufkin

james t kirk + s'chnn t'gai spock VS  Nico Robin and Franky

Dave Strider and John/June Egbert VS Moominmamma & Moominpappa

Edward Nygma and Oswald Cobblepot VS shaun riley and liz

louis and lestat VS Spamton, Jevil

fox mulder and dana scully VS will t riker + deanna troi [+ worf rozhenko]

Amy Rose, Metal Sonic VS Quackity and Slimecicle

Diego Brando & Hot Pants VS Elrond and Celebrian and Gil-Galad

mia fey & diego armando/godot VS Luigi and Prince Peasly

C!Quackity, C!Karl, and C!Sapnap VS Sonic, Shadow

Drey Ferin and Finn Tidestrider VS Edward Elric and Winry Rockbell

Round 1 4/4

Shaggy and velma VS Surge the Tenrec and Amy Rose

Yamato/Portgas D. Ace VS audrey & seymour

Randy Jade and Oliver Swift VS Tsukishima Kei and Yamaguchi Tadashi

Lup and Barry Bluejeans VS Reimu and Marissa

Mizuki Akiyama & Rui Kamishiro VS Jimmy The Robot and Mc Bat Commander

C!Quackity and C!wilbur VS Espresso cookie and Eclair cookie

Junpei, Akane Kurashiki VS Obi-Wan Kenobi & Satine Kryze

Raine Whispers and Eda Clawthorne VS Danny Zuko and Sandy Olsen

Maxwell 'William' Carter and Charlie W. VS Mothwing and Leafpool

Naruto Uzumaki & Sasuke VS Baxter Stockman and The Alien Computer 

Keith Kogane and Lance McClain VS Wood Man and Robbie Rotten

Scott and Barda Free (Mister Miracle and Big Barda) VS John Notwoodman + Nick Lushwood

Caranthir and Haleth VS Susie and Noelle

orpheus and eurydice VS The doctor, Rose

luke skywalker and mara jade VS Princess Daisy and Luigi 

time and malon VS Simon (Scissor) and Spoon

Dave strider, Karkat Vantas VS Miles “moles,” Edgar, and Madeline

Mary Anta and Reginald Tetra VS Koichi Haimawari and Kazuho Haneyama

Yoshi and Birdo VS lazlo & nadia

Celebrimbor and Annatar VS Rendog and DocM77

Jesse + Jane VS Adira Tal and Gray Tal

Matt Murdock, Foggy Nelson VS Dazai Osamu and Nakahara

Jessie and James VS jeff and britta

Anji Mito and Baiken VS Shiver and Frye

ALL of MLP* VS ALL of TF2*

*Minus any familial relationships

#Pairings

[furiousjellifish]

✨❤️VALENTINE'S DAY SPECIAL❤️✨

🐢💙Leosagi💙🐰 (rise)

I'm gonna be honest to you: this ship has been my favourite since pretty much my first immersion in the rise fandom.

It's like the most random and funny thing that I never expected finding scrolling through here; the interactions are perfect and funny, their relationship makes total sense (somehow) and overall I personally haven't seen many fusion between series as reasonable as in this case.

Like: the trope that Usagi works at run the mill and Leo one evening just fells in love with this cute waiter? Love it. 10/10 absolutely. Or even an enemies to lovers kinda thing, it just feels right. Leo finds himself in Usagi's dimension? (Yes "A world of samurais and ninjas" by @annonniiiiieeeee I'm looking at you) Count me in.

But the thing that really makes me wheeze, are Leo's family reactions right after the "WHAT?!?!" moment that they all have at the revelation that Leo is in love/in a relationship. With April and Mikey so happy that their brother founded someone and the other just being like:

Donnie: Who is he? Is he yokai or human? Where does he live?

Leo: After 16 years of being your twin you really expect me to give you my first boyfriend's address?

Raph: Don't worry Leo we just wanna have a talk with him

Splinter: Yea we need to make sure he is good for you

Donnie: And if he's not we're killing him

Or Casey Jones junior butting in like: Oh you finally met Usagi?

Donnie: You know him?

CJJ: Yea, him and Leonardo were legendary warriors back in the future

Mikey: So Leo was together with this Usagi during the apocalypse too?

CJJ: Actually they were married.

Everyone: MARRIED?!?!?!?!?!

Raph: Oh shell no!

Donnie: Yep he is definitely going down now.

Splinter: I will not let anyone take my baby blue away!

April: Hope you enjoyed your moments with Usagi because I don't think he is gonna live longer

Leo: Ugh please don't remind me that...

Mikey: Don't worry Leo I think Dr. Delicate touch is gonna change their opinions

Stay tuned for

[Leosagi 2003]

[shell shocked]

[maybe more ¯⁠\⁠_⁠(⁠ツ⁠)⁠_⁠/⁠¯]

I'm here to remind that these post are made out of pure boredom and excessive amount of time by the person in hold of the phone

#rise mikey #rise of the tmnt #rise of the turtles #rottmnt #save rottmnt #rise of the teenage mutant ninja turtles #leosagi #rottmnt raph #rottmnt donnie #rise leo #leo is gay

[alj4890]

Hello!

It is canon that Naveen is an unabashed gossip. We also know Ethan is practically his son, and he adores MC. But let's face it, we know those two had to be the source of a lot of gossip.

How do you think Naveen dealt with that?

Sorry this took so long. After the week with Tobias, it took me a little while to get back into "Ethan is going to end up with the MC" mode 🤣 So here's my take on how Naveen would enjoy the gossip going on about two people he cared about.

Rating: G for pure fluff

@hopelessromantic1352 @twinkleallnight @tessa-liam

Masterlist

Tea Time

"Dr. Banerji." Marlene greeted as she sat down across from him.

"Ah, just the nurse I was hoping to see." Naveen set his crossword puzzle book to the side of his tray. "How's your day been?"

"Busy but good." She chuckled. "You should see the new batch of interns in action."

"And how are our second year's holding up?" He prodded.

Marlene rolled her eyes. "I know you really only want to hear about one in particular."

Naveen snorted in amusement. "You caught me. How is Casey doing?"

"She definitely got the toughest intern I've seen in years." Marlene glanced about the nearly empty cafeteria. "I think she's a harder nut to crack than Dr. Mirani."

"Zaid?" Naveen winced. "Poor Casey. But if anyone can get someone to open up, it's definitely her. I've seen her work wonders on the ones you'd least expect."

Marlene nodded while picking through her salad.

"Any other news?" He asked.

"She seems to be holding her own on the diagnostics team." Marlene pointed out. "So far, I've seen each member impressed with her ability to figure out what is wrong with the patients they treat."

"Interesting." Naveen stroked his chin. "I might have to pay a visit and see how things are going myself."

He checked the time. "Looks like my reprieve from paperwork is nearly over."

"There's one more bit of news." Marlene whispered.

The smile on her face let him know she was finally getting to the good stuff.

"Trish was walking past the office when she saw Dr. Valentine in there alone with Dr. Ramsey."

"And?" Naveen leaned forward.

"And she believes they were holding hands under the table while reading through medical files." She explained.

Naveen sat back with a grin. "Holding hands, hmm? Interesting."

He got to his feet and placed his unopened pudding cup on her tray.

"Keep me posted." He said on his way out.

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

A few weeks later...

"Baz!" Naveen called out. "Good to see you this evening."

The younger doctor turned around with a warm smile. "Naveen. It's good to see you too. How are you feeling?"

"Almost like new." Naveen teased, draping his arm around the man's shoulders. "Tell me how things are going on the team with Ethan in charge."

"They're great!" Baz exclaimed. "We are working like the well oiled machine you created."

"Umhmm." He hummed in approval.

Naveen could care less about that. He knew that Ethan would continue to succeed, never doubted it.

"And how is the newest member settling in?"

"Casey?" Baz's smile grew. "Like she's always been there."

"Really?" Naveen paused with him outside the locker room. "No awkwardness?"

"Not really." Baz stroked his chin in thought. "I mean, her first few days with us she was more quiet than she is now. She started contributing more after she talked to Ethan alone one day."

"Alone, hmm?" Naveen wondered what happened there. "Good. Very good."

He patted the young man on the back. "Glad to hear everything's going as it should."

Baz wished him a good night on his way to get changed.

Humming to himself, Naveen returned to his office. He made sure to take the long way there, pausing outside the glass doors of the diagnostics office.

He stayed somewhat in the shadows as he peered into the dimly lit room. He could see Ethan sitting there on a sofa. A rare smile was upon his face as Casey talked. With the way her hands were gesturing, she was relating a humorous story.

Naveen narrowed his eyes as he studied the man he considered a son. He hadn't seen Ethan that relaxed in quite some time, nor willing to sit there after hours to listen to someone else's story.

And then he saw Ethan reach for Casey's hand. His thumb brushed over her knuckles as the pair directed their attention to their clasped hands.

Casey's expressive face sobered. Ethan said something that made her grimace. Whatever she replied with had him hesitating before shaking his head and releasing her hand.

Naveen could almost feel the longing from here. With a slight frown of his own, he decided to maybe drop a hint or two to Ethan that one shouldn't miss out on life.

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

A few nights later...

"Ethan, my boy." Naveen rose from the table to shake his hand. "I was just about to order us some appetizers."

"Sorry I'm late. We had a last minute development on that influencer who insists on filming everything."

"Ah. And what is her diagnosis?"

"A tapeworm." Ethan pointed at the menu. "Stay away from the steak tartare."

Naveen chuckled. "Did she film that announcement?"

"She did." Ethan smirked. "And it has been the best part of my day."

Naveen laughed once more.

After they placed their orders, the two began to discuss Edenbrook's financial crisis.

"We have to keep it going." Ethan told him. "After all the work you've done over the years to make the hospital mean something more than--"

Naveen waved his hand in a dismissal fashion.

"Whatever happens, the diagnostic team will have served its purpose."

Ethan sat stunned over his cavalier attitude over what had been a huge milestone of Naveen's entire career.

"When I was dying," Naveen began, "I had a lot of time to reflect on my life."

Ethan quirked an eyebrow in silent question.

"Believe it or not, the creation of Edenbrook's revered diagnostic team didn't even factor into my thoughts."

"What?" Ethan blinked. "What did you think about?"

"All that I'd missed out on." Naveen took a sip of his wine. "Did you know, that when I was a young man that I'd planned on doing a tour of Europe?"

"No."

"I did." Naveen smiled sadly at his wine glass. "I was going to walk through the vineyards, sample the finest wines the world has created, see landmarks I'd only viewed in travel books, and simply soak in the culture."

He sighed, setting his glass down. "I never went."

"That doesn't mean you can't still go." Ethan pointed out.

"It's not the same." Naveen argued. "I'm not the same man I was forty years ago. I can't trek all over the countryside with knees aching from arthritis. I can't look at the world with those wide, young optimistic eyes I once had. I'll see everything through my years of witnessing people be ravaged by disease and self harm."

He eyed Ethan.

"And, I'll be alone. There was a young woman I was dating at the time of my big dreams. She was more than ready to drop everything in her life, like one easily does in their twenties, to spend months with me in Europe."

Naveen turned toward the window their table was near. His eyes grew distant as he tried to capture the image of his lost love's smile. "Carmen was ready to start a life with me. I kept keeping her at a distance. I put off asking her to marry me, believing I needed first to become some great all knowing doctor."

He ran his hand down his face with a slight sigh. "I didn't give her the attention she needed. So, someone else came along who did."

Ethan's brow was furrowed in thought as he listened quietly.

"Don't let my goals become yours." Naveen stressed. "You owe me nothing."

"I disagree." Ethan muttered. "I owe you everything with my career."

"You accomplished it all on your own. I didn't give it to you. You earned every bit of recognition and respect you have from me and your colleagues."

Naveen leaned forward to drive his point home.

"As someone who cares about you like you were my own son, I don't want to see you waste your life on one single endeavor. Find other things, people, places that make you happy. Let them give you warm memories when you are old. Don't end up like me with nothing but regret when you are on your death bed."

Naveen motioned for the waiter to bring him the check. "I want you to have a full life, Ethan."

"I do." Ethan argued.

"I hope you will soon see the truth." Naveen paid the waiter and pushed away from the table. "I better be-"

"What truth?" Ethan got to his feet. "What are you trying to get me to understand?"

"I can't tell you that." Naveen placed a comforting hand on Ethan's shoulder. "That's something every man has to discover for himself."

He gave him an affectionate squeeze then left Ethan alone with his thoughts.

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

A few weeks later, Naveen cornered the one doctor he suspected knew more about Ethan and Casey than anyone else.

"Dr. Trinh!" He smiled at her. "How are you doing?"

"I'm good, Dr. Banerji." She slowed her pace to match his. "How are you?"

"Still going which is always a plus at my age." He replied with a wink.

She giggled. "It is at any age."

"True." He glanced at the clock. "Have you had lunch yet?"

"No sir." She grimaced somewhat. "I've been going nonstop since I got here this morning."

"Then as Chief, I insist you take a needed break." He took the folders out of her hands and set them at the nurses station. "Danny, take care of these for Dr. Trinh please."

He then took Sienna's arm and led her towards the elevator.

"But, I should really--"

"Are any of your patients in danger?" He asked.

"No." She replied. "They are all stable."

"Then we aren't arguing about it." He told her. "I'm starving and would like some company this afternoon while I eat. Would you join me for lunch?"

Sienna blinked in surprise. "Of course. Thank you."

"I should be thanking you. You're saving me from people staring at me with curious pity as to why I'm eating alone at a restaurant."

Sienna laughed. "I doubt that's why they are staring. They are probably curious what type of physician you are once they see your white coat."

"Or how that old man ended up alone." He teased. "Allow me my dramatics, Dr. Trinh. It's one of my few enjoyments in life."

"Then I guess I'll have to humor you." She said with another laugh.

"I hoped you would."

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

"Sienna, so you do see what I'm talking about?" Naveen exclaimed. "Why don't they see it?!"

"I don't know!" Sienna dropped her head back in frustration. "They are in love! But Casey won't force Ethan to make a definite decision about them and he keeps saying he can't because of their job."

"I thought I was helping them when I put Casey on the team." Naveen grumbled. "I wanted to reward her brilliant mind with more challenges after discovering what I once thought was my unsolvable illness. I wanted to give Ethan a chance to grow closer to her. I never dreamed that the man I once considered highly intelligent could end up--"

"An idiot?" Sienna slapped a hand over her mouth for insulting Dr. Ramsey in front of the one man she knew adored him.

"Precisely. The biggest idiot, save for my former self, that I've ever seen." Naveen grumbled.

"Can't you talk to him?" Sienna asked. "I know Ethan respects you."

"He does, but Ethan is very stubborn. If he has it in his mind something has to be handled a certain way, there is no swaying him differently."

Sienna placed her fingers at her temples and began to rub in slow circles. Her eyes narrowed at the table top while she tried to find a way around getting her best friend with the man she loved.

"Could you talk to Casey?" Naveen asked.

"I have." Sienna sighed. "A lot. She wants him and is holding out hope he'll finally say they can be together. At this point, I think she'd be willing to keep their relationship a secret. But from what I can tell, Ethan won't do that to her."

"Hmm." Naveen scratched at his chin. "There has to be a way forward for them."

"I know. I want there to be one." Sienna slumped back in her chair. "It can't just stay like this. Something's bound to give and I'm worried it will be nothing but heartache for both of them."

"Me too." Naveen checked the time. "We should probably head back."

Sienna began to dig around in her purse for her wallet.

"Put that away!" He scolded. "This lunch is my treat for you humoring an old man."

"That isn't necessary." Sienna smiled at him. "It was nice eating with you."

"I'm glad you think so." He eyed her for a moment. "Shall we make this a weekly meeting?"

Sienna's eyes lit up. "So we can plan a way forward for a certain pair of doctors?"

Naveen beamed at her. "Sienna, I am very happy I approved of your internship at Edenbrook."

She giggled. "Me too, sir."

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

As the weeks went by, Naveen heard more and more snippets of gossip about Ethan and Casey. With Sienna, Marlene, and an unknowing Baz keeping him updated on a weekly basis, he knew that most of what was whispered about by others was true. It seemed the two doctors were becoming a bit more daring in the affectionate touches.

Then the attack happened. Naveen was only able to briefly observe how Ethan was taking the news that Casey had been affected by the maitotoxin. He was forced, as Chief, to handle the panicked staff and removing patients from the floor.

Once he finished, he made his way up there to get an update. After speaking briefly to the group of doctors, he was hopeful to see that Tobias believed he had figured out a way to fight the poison that was doing its best to kill Casey and Rafael. Naveen didn't want to have to make two more phone calls to families to let them know they had lost their loved ones. It had been hard enough with Danny's parents and Bobby's wife.

He glanced around at the physicians working with a speed only the young and desperate possess and noticed one missing. Curious but not wanting to interrupt them anymore than he already had, he slipped quietly out of the room and made his way to the observation window.

He ducked into the shadows when he saw Ethan sitting by Casey's bedside. Ethan's face was nothing but pure torment as he held her hand, watching her as she struggled through tears to say what she regretted in her short life.

Then Ethan admitted how much he regretted all the times he'd pushed her away. Naveen watched as Casey's pale face lit up briefly with happiness as Ethan continued to say he wanted to be with her and that he was done fighting against his feelings.

When Casey said she'd always thought they would be good together, Ethan's surprise was soon replaced with a smile as she pointed out that was the reason she kept bringing up that they should try and make it work.

Naveen felt his heart nearly break when Ethan climbed into bed with Casey, taking her in his arms to hold her while she slept. From this distance one could easily see Ethan's face contorted in a sad sort of anger. Naveen wondered if it was because he finally knew the truth about what he needed in life and yet believed he was about to lose her.

Naveen silently crept away with anxiousness for the coming dawn. He hoped that the next news he heard was that Ethan and Casey had a future.

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

On the evening of the gala to help raise the needed funds for Edenbrook, Naveen was pleasantly surprised to see Ethan arrive with Casey. He tried to keep his attention on what one of the donors was saying to him, but he found his attention was more focused on keeping tabs on the couple.

Sienna slipped over beside him.

"Mrs. Parker," Naveen said to the donor who was oblivious to his lack of attention, "will you excuse me? I need to speak to Dr. Trinh about two patients of ours."

"Yes, of course." Mrs. Parker smiled at him. "I hope they are doing well."

"They are!" Sienna couldn't contain her excitement. "They've improved more and more these last few weeks."

The elegant lady left them with a congratulations.

Naveen led Sienna off to a less crowded area of the party.

"Well?" He prodded, his own excitement growing with hers. "What happened?"

"So much! I think they have been secretly meeting! Ethan asked her to the gala!' She whispered. "He said it was to represent the diagnostic team, but Casey knew the real reason."

Naveen chuckled. "Of course she did."

"But," Sienna continued, "when he arrived at the apartment to pick her up, Casey introduced him as her date."

"She did? And how did Ethan take that?"

Sienna was practically beaming. "He didn't correct her."

Naveen noticed the couple talking to a possible donor together. They then drifted over to the bar for a drink.

"Sienna, look!" He gestured toward the ones they were gossiping about.

Sienna turned to see Ethan take Casey into his arms, kissing her passionately in front of everyone.

She squealed softly, throwing her arms around Naveen in an excited hug.

He couldn't stop smiling as he returned her hug.

After all, he saw that he would have many, many more delightful gossip sessions about the two people who held special places in his heart.

#choices open heart #dr ethan ramsey x mc #choices ethan ramsey #prompt asks

[txemrn]

Until You Love Me

Chapter 3: I'm-a Make You Fall...

🖤 Catch up here!

Pairings: Ethan Ramsey x f!MC (Casey Valentine); f!MC (Casey Valentine) x f!OC (Tatum Erikson)

Series Summary: Constantly worried about Ethan’s faithfulness, Casey Valentine’s paranoia reaches an all-time high when she meets a blast from his past.

Chapter Summary: A grave mistake happens under Tatum's care during her first day at Edenbrook, but was it an accident? Casey overhears a heartbreaking conversation which makes her seek advice from Tatum.

Music Inspo: “Paparazzi” - Kim Dracula

Word Count: 2499 (I am so proud of this number)

Rating/Warnings: 🔞 Mature Audiences Only🔞 This miniseries will contain NSFW material (🍋), infidelity, language, discussion and/or depiction of medical situations (this chapter: depiction of stressful labor), gaslighting, mental abuse & illness, suicide, violence, criminal activity; alcohol use

A/N: I am participating in week 6 of @choicesflashfics prompt challenge! I chose prompt #2: “Look at me and tell me I'm wrong.” The prompt will be in bold.

A/N2: This is very much an AU; our main characters will be written OOC; most of these characters and some plot points belong to our friends at Pixelberry. Special thanks to @ao719 and @neotericthemis for helping me work through some kinks and graciously pre-read various parts of this. This is not beta’d, so please forgive my errors.

~🖤~

Tucking the last blonde strand into her surgical cap, Tatum takes a step back from the mirror, soaking in her overall appearance.  She inhales slowly before exhaling a large, cleansing breath.

This was it; she was finally hitting the labor and delivery floor at Edenbrook for the first time. Despite her impressive resumé, her twelve years of experience in maternal medicine and nearly three-thousand deliveries to date, she’s nervous. New hospital, new staff, new clientele–not to mention, it’s already been a peculiar introduction to Boston.

She was hired as the Chief of Obstetrics by Dr. Naveen Banerji, the former Chief of Medicine. His vision for the future of the hospital beckoned to her heart to join the team–that and the competitive salary and pension plan.

There was, however, a small snag in this wonderful plan: Ethan Ramsey, her former colleague from Johns Hopkins. And her first love.

But, the end of Ethan and Tatum was close to fifteen years ago; the wounds were old, most of them have even healed. Accidentally running into him wouldn’t be a problem; besides, his department of diagnostics and her unit approach medicine differently. L&D uses its own doctors in specialized maternal-fetal medicine rather than calling for outside help. So although they worked at the same hospital, there really wouldn’t be much reason for Tatum to interact with Ethan.

Imagine her surprise when she attended new employee orientation last week, and Ethan was introduced as the newly appointed Chief of Medicine. Her boss. Tatum tried avoiding him, but the next morning, he brought her coffee. The following day, he insisted on giving her a private tour of her unit. Tatum isn’t exactly looking for a relationship right now, but it is flattering to receive special attention from Ethan.

On her way to the parking lot, she ran into another old colleague from medical school, Dr. Tobias Carrick. After exchanging pleasantries, the tall, smooth-talking diagnostician became serious, lowering his voice. 

“Is there something going on between you and Ramsey?”

“No,” she chuckles, slightly taken aback, "I mean,” she sighs looking around the row of cars before focusing back on her old friend. “We’ve been catching up. That's it.”

“Uh-huh.” He rubs his fingers over his mouth before continuing. “Just… please be careful, Erikson, okay?”

He proceeded to inform Tatum about Ethan’s three-year relationship with Casey Valentine. 

"She's quite protective of him. Sometimes… she takes things too far–"

"'Too far'?" Tatum interrupts, an eyebrow arching with worry.

"Yeah," Tobias looks over his shoulder before stepping closer to Tatum. "The law has even had to get involved–" he holds a finger over his mouth as Tatum's eyes grow wide in shock. "Ethan has had to intervene a few times, but there's only so much he can do, especially when she perceives other women as a threat."

Little did Tatum know, she would not only meet her, but she would also experience more of Casey Valentine than she ever expected. Based on first impressions alone, Casey was friendly and kind; she easily gravitated and opened herself to Tatum.

But, remembering Tobias's warning, Tatum decided to swing by Ethan's office, informing him of her interaction with Casey. He was caught off guard and even slightly disturbed that the women had become so acquainted, but he was appreciative of the information.

A roar of laughter breaks Tatum of her thoughts as a group of nurses break from the early morning huddle. 

Let’s roll.

After being introduced to the staff and receiving patient reports, Tatum makes her own game plan as the attending-on-duty. She carefully watches an over-sized screen that displays every fetal monitor in use, finally zeroing on one.

"Who's the nurse for 501?"

A timid, young woman with ebony hair steps forward.

"Kendra?" Tatum reads her name badge. "I'm Dr. Erikson," she grins, extending her arm for a gentle handshake from the nurse. "So tell me about our patient, Kendra."

Tatum could tell right off the bat Kendra was nervous to be working with a new attending. She's a younger nurse, possibly in her mid-twenties who provides quick answers in the form of a question; but just in their short interaction, the new chief can tell this nurse is intelligent. She just needs an opportunity to learn confidence.

"So," Tatum crosses her arms, "if the patient's induction started yesterday morning, why is she still pregnant today?"

Kendra stumbles as she pulls out her report cheat sheet.  "Um… I think… well, I–"

"Kendra," Tatum smiles. "Take a breath. Start from the beginning." The nurse nods as she wipes her palms against her scrubs. "How are we inducing her?"

"Oxytocin. Using the low-dose protocol."

Tatum nods. "When was the last time that was adjusted?”

The nurse sighs. “Early yesterday evening.”

The attending raises an inquisitive eyebrow. “And she’s dilated to…?”

“Two.”

“Two centimeters,” Tatum repeats dryly. "Is she in labor?"

"Uh… I mean," Kendra looks to her report sheet, "I know she’s uncomfortable–"

Tatum waves her hand to dismiss the answer. "That's not what I asked. I want to know … is she in labor?"

The nurse hangs her head as a blush crawls across her face. "I–I don't think so, Dr. Erikson."

Tatum pushes her tongue into her cheek as she stares at the nurse. "So,  we have wasted a day, making a woman hurt, but have failed to put her into labor"

The nurse stares at the floor, picking at her nails.  "I–I'm sorry," an audible lump forms in her throat, robbing her of her next words.

"Kendra," Tatum whispers kindly, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "This is far from your fault, and even so, I’m not looking to blame someone.  You and I? We just re-evaluated this patient’s care. And we’ve discovered… it didn’t work.  What we’ve been doing for the past day is not going to deliver her. So… I’ll ask again: why is she still pregnant?”

With more assuredness in her stance, Kendra speaks up. “Because we never even got her into labor.”

Tatum nods her head, pleased to hear the nurse putting the puzzle pieces together. “And now, you and I need to figure out the next step. Normally at this point, I would recommend a cesarean. Do you think she needs surgery?”

“No, ma’am. I think she needs to be given an actual opportunity to labor.”

“Okay, then. What should we do next?”

Kendra thinks for a moment. “Check dilation, consider breaking her water… maybe even place internal monitors?” She shrugs. “Oh! And change her position.”

Nodding her head, Tatum offers Kendra a mischievous grin.  She steals the nurse’s original report sheet and rips it up. “C’mon,” she snickers, “let’s go deliver your patient.” 

------

A few hours and a couple of deliveries later, Tatum went to check on her laboring patient that was assigned to Kendra.  Before going into the room, she notices that the fetus was starting to show signs of distress. 

Tatum enters the room, relieved to see the nurse was already at the bedside. "We just got an epidural," Kendra reports, "and she's six centimeters."

"That's excellent!" Tatum celebrates, "this baby was just waiting for his Aunt Kendra and Aunt Tatum." Everyone falls into titters as the nurse and provider reposition the somewhat-comfortable patient onto her side.

Glancing around the room, Tatum notices a near-empty IV bag, and with the fetus still having occasional issues, she is concerned with a very common side effect of anesthesia: low blood pressure. "Kendra?" She inquires, "when did you hang this bag?"

Concern etches across Kendra's face. "Before the epidural placement."

"Grab another bag, and let's give her a bolus. I think we might be hypotensive."  

"Yes, ma'am," Kendra steps outside to grab the extra bag of hydration fluid, and returns in record timing.

"Wow," Tatum snickers. "You are on it today. That was fast!"

"Oh, I ran into someone that saw I was in a hurry, so they gave me their bag," she smiles. "You wanted a bolus, right?"

"Yes, let it flow as fast as it can for 500," Tatum agrees, but her eyebrows furrow curiously. Someone gave her that bag? "Wait… and that's Lactated Ringers, right?"

Kendra nods, holding the fluid up for the physician to read the name clearly on the plastic.

"Perfect."

The nurse programs everything into the pumps before pressing 'start infusion'. The attending reviews the game plan with the family and encourages the moms to nap. Shutting off the lights, Tatum escorts Kendra out of the room. 

But before she pulls the door closed, Tatum notices the patient suddenly stir in bed which quickly leads to a couple of abrupt moans.  The seasoned OB glances at the fetal monitor just in time to watch the heart rate plummet into the 50s.

And stay there.

"Talk to me, Mama, what are you feeling?" Tatum flips on the lights, and together with Kendra, they begin performing resuscitation measures, including giving the mom oxygen and repositioning her body in the bed.

Despite having an epidural, she is paralyzed by agonizing pain, clenching tightly to her abdomen. Tatum snakes her hands to rest on the woman's gravid belly. And it's just what she expected: hard as a rock. Her uterus was completely clamped down, in a continuous contraction, squeezing on the baby and the cord continuously without rest.

Damnit…

"Turn off that IV fluid now!" Tatum commands over the commotion as more staff join the room to help. "I need Brethine and a new bag of LR. Let's move, people!"

The nurses continue to reposition the patient while others administer the drug that will hopefully relax the uterus. A new IV fluid bag is hung. 

But unfortunately after seven minutes, the baby's heartbeat remains slow.

And the brand new chief's own heart drops. She glances around the room, matching the worried stares of everyone working with her. She looks back to the monitor, shaking her head.

Damnit…

"STAT C-Section!"

------

[Casey's POV]

This morning was absolutely incredible.  Tatum had to hurry to her floor for rounds, but damn… I can still feel her tender touch on my body, her languid tongue stroking deep inside me. I can feel her nails digging into my hips as she demands to drink my desire. Each slurp and swallow echoes in my memory, my swollen lips fluttering for more.

I reapply my lipgloss before I step out of the telemetry supply closet. After I check on my interns in the pit, I mosey through the hallways until I decide to check on my hard-working boyfriend. I never got to see him earlier because he was…

The anger hits me again, my jaw clenching. I can feel my blood start to boil when I picture him… and her…

…laughing at each other’s jokes…

… touching each other…

Slow down, Casey.  

She's a new hire, so it only makes sense that he would take a moment to welcome her. Sure, that’s all he was doing. Afterall, Ethan is the new Chief.

God, Chief of Medicine… 

I am so proud of him.

We agreed that I wouldn't bother him at work although I know he secretly loves it when I stop by with lunch or coffee. But, I can see where it can be distracting. He has a lot more responsibilities with his new position, and a simple interruption can break his concentration.

Approaching his ajar, office door, I quickly discover Ethan isn't alone.  In fact, I recognize the other melodic soulful voice in the room: Tobias Carrick.

I inch closer to listen.

"...just like old times, eh?" .

"Jesus, Carrick…it’s not like that,” Ethan scoffs into a snicker.  “It’s…well… she's new, and my job as her boss is to help her smoothly transition."

"It looks like you're about to make a smooth transition into her, if ya know what I'm sayin'." Tobias laughs, sticking his tongue out as he claps his old friend's back.

Are they talking about Tatum?

"C'mon, Ramsey," Tobias grows stern. "The moment Tatum walked through those doors, your tail has been wagging like a damn puppy. You're actually smiling again."

With a deep ruddy blush swirling up his neck, Ethan lets out a hefty sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose.

"Just admit it," Tobias steps closer.  "Look at me and tell me I'm wrong."

Go ahead and tell him, baby. Tell him you’re happy with me…

The corners of Ethan's lips curl as he glances back to his colleague.  "Tatum and I, we just… we’ve always clicked."

"You click!" He playfully smacks Ethan's chest with the back of his hand.

'We've always had this… spark–"

"You spark!" Tobias hits him again causing Ethan to grimace. 

"But…" Ethan stutters, "what about Casey–?"

"Seriously?" Tobias raises his eyebrows, chuckling in disbelief.  "Things with Valentine… I’m gonna be honest with you. You need to think what’s best for you…"

What?

Ethan sighs. "Our history… it complicates things…" 

What the hell? I see red, stepping back from Ethan's office.  A sudden heaviness infiltrates my lungs as I struggle for air.

No. none of that is true… right?

A familiar sting prods at my eyes. The anxiety creeps up the back of my throat as I clench tightly to my uneasy stomach. 

I need answers. 

But not now.

Nothing is accomplished when I'm angry.  When I approach Ethan with my concerns, he gives me a look. That look. Not of empathy or kindness, but of sympathy, like he feels sorry for me. It’s patronizing.

I can't do this. Not right now. Not today.

I just need reassurance. I need to be held, and reminded that everything is okay, that we’re okay.

And then it hits me.

Tatum.

The mention of her name alone brings a tingle to my lips, making my heart skip a beat. I know we've known each other for less than 24 hours. But I feel like she would understand my emotions right now, that could help me calm down.

I should find her. Surely she can clear this up for me.

Yeah. That's what I'll do.

As I reach her floor, I am quickly reminded that it's a locked-down unit with privacy badge access.  I stare at the door for a moment, wondering how I can sneak in to see Tatum. I was hoping to sort of… surprise her.

"Excuse me."  A woman in scrubs pushes past me, holding several clear bags of IV fluid. “Do you mind?” She chuckles. “I can’t reach my badge to swipe.”.

Perfect timing.

“Sure,” I smile as I swipe her tethered ID card. The door softly buzzes, granting access as it slowly opens.

She gives me an appreciative smile. “Thank you,” she blows away a long exhale. “We’ve been so busy in the pharmacy, running out of supplies. Shoot, we actually ran out of ‘Pitocin’ stickers for these premixed bags of LR with oxytocin. So, I have to label them up here.”

Suddenly, she drops an IV bag. 

Poor thing…  She seems frazzled.

“Here,” I grab the fluid before holding the door open, “let me help you.”

~🖤~

Tags (updated 9/26; please let me know if you'd like to be added, removed):

PERMA

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

ALL OPH

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#until you love me #open heart #choices open heart #open heart fanfic #open heart fanfiction #choices oph #choices fanfic #ethan ramsey #dr. ethan ramsey #ethan ramsey x f!mc #ethan ramsey x casey valentine #tatum erikson #dr. tatum erikson #ethan ramsey x tatum erikson #ethan x tatum #tathan #casey valentine #dr. casey valentine #tatum erikson x casey valentine #tatum x casey #choices flashfics #prompt challenge

[hopelessromantic1352]

Hi! So since the year is almost over, I decided to make you a quick and small edit of Ethan and Casey! I hope you've had a good year and I hope that you'll have a great year next year!

You are so sweet!!!! And…

I LOVE THIS!!!!! You’re helping me get inspired to write more 🤣

I appreciate this and I hope you have an amazing New Year!!! ❤️😍

#choices #playchoices #dr ethan ramsey x mc #ethan ramsey x casey valentine edit #ask answered #this fandom is amazing #thank youuuu

[choicespride]

Bisexual Awareness Week 2023 Masterlist

Blades of Light and Shadow

Ask Answered - f!human!MC (Daenarya of Riverbend) - @storyofmychoices

Ask Answered - Mal Volari x Tyril Starfury - @storyofmychoices & @lilyoffandoms

Love is love is love! - Mal Volari x f!human!MC (Daenarya of Riverbend) x Nia Ellarious - submitted by @storyofmychoices; art by coffeesforchloe (IG)

Picrew Mal & Daenarya - Mal Volari, f!human!MC (Daenarya of Riverbend) - @storyofmychoices

Sculpting Desires - Mal Volari x f!human!MC (Daenarya of Riverbend), Tyril Starfury x m!elf!MC (Maiele), Mal Volari x Tyril Starfury - @storyofmychoices

Crimes of Passion

bisexual awareness week '23 q's & a's - f!MC (Nora Rose) - @inlocusmads

Cover Redesign - m!Trystan Thorne x nb!MC (Gabriel Rose) - submitted by @lilyoffandoms; art by artbyainna (IG)

High School Story

Questionnaire - f!MC (Evie) - @cadybear420

Open Heart

A Quick Study - f!MC (Casey MacTavish) x f!OC (Jessica Phillips) - @jerzwriter

Ask Answered - Bryce Lahela - @storyofmychoices

Dr. Casey MacTavish Carrick - @jerzwriter

Sydney Serving Absolute Cunt - m!MC (Sydney Valentine) - submitted by @peonyblossom; art by @somewillwin

Perfect Match

Saffron Sugar, Turmeric Spice - f!Hayden Young x poly m!MC (Basil Park), f!Hayden Young x f!OC (Nilkushi Sierra), implied Sloane Washington x MC - @lizzybeth1986

#bisexual awareness week 2023 #choices pride bi week 2023 #masterlist #high school story #blades of light and shadow #crimes of passion #open heart #perfect match #cadybear420 #storyofmychoices #lilyoffandoms #artbyainna #peonyblossom #somewillwin #jerzwriter #lizzybeth1986

[jerzwriter]

No One Else... Part 1 of 2

Book:                   Open Heart (Book 3 Timeline)

Pairing:                Tobias Carrick x F!MC (Casey)

Featuring: Ethan Ramsey, Sienna Trinh, etc.

Rating:                 Teen +

Category:            Fluffish

Warnings: Maybe some cursing

Summary:   Misunderstandings, changes in plans, a blast from the past, and secret admirers threaten to turn Tobias & Caseye's first second Valentine's Day upside down.

Part One: An unexpected message disrupts Tobias & Casey's blissful morning together. But just when Tobias assumes all is well, there's another surprise... and then another.

Words: 2,092

A/N: I'm not sure where this came from - but it did. It seems angsty at first, but it really won't be, it's going to erupt into chaos - but that can be comical. lol Part one centers mostly around Tobias & Casey, but others (namely Ethan and Sienna) will be getting pulled in toward the end and will show up more in Part 2. I hope you enjoy this! @choices-february2023 - Day 14 - Valentine's Day / @choicesficwriterscreations Valentine Event / @choicesmonthlychallenge To Be... Trust Me" "I'm Yrs Or... Call me Not to Be... Not Happening - @choicesholidays Prompt #1 This isn't what I imagined a relationship would be...

Tobias & Casey Masterlist My Full Masterlist

Tobias hurried into his office, quickly shutting the door behind him. Alone at last, he wasn’t giving anyone the opportunity to sneak in. Collapsing into his soft leather chair, he took a deep breath and let it out slowly. This had not been the morning he ordered.

He and his beautiful in every way girlfriend had been official for nearly a year now, and, to the amazement of everyone who knew him before, the man had never been happier. But this morning, their normally unflappable relationship was… well… not “flapped”… but experiencing more tension than they were accustomed to.

The day started well, nothing out of the ordinary. Tobias groggily hit snooze when his alarm went off. But instead of cursing it like he used to, he rolled over with a satisfied smile. Waking up to Casey was something he never took for granted. So even when the alarm went off the second time, he didn't fret. After kissing her on the forehead he shuffled into the bathroom.

A stretch and a long yawn got his system stirring, then his morning routine began. Ever the multitasker, he hit play on his voicemail before brushing his teeth in the bathroom mirror. Message number one:

….Hello, Dr. Tanaka here. I was hoping we could move our 2 PM consult on Alex Porter up a bit in light of his test results. Let me know when you arrive at the hospital, and we’ll take it from there…

That’s when he caught a glimpse of Casey creeping toward him in the mirror. Her eyes still half-shut, she lovingly wrapped her arms around his waist and nuzzled her sleepy head on his shoulder. He rinsed quickly, eager to properly kiss her good morning. Their lips were just inches away when the next message began to play.

…Tobias Carrick?....

Just two words were all it took. Casey felt the hair on the back of her neck stand up, and Tobias wasn't far behind.

 …It is so good to hear your voice! Even if it’s just your message. It’s Beverly, love, it’s been so long you have probably forgotten what I sound like….

The voice had a playful, seductive quality that was impossible to miss.  Casey, who typically required at least two hours and twice that amount of coffee to be fully conscious, woke up in a flash.

… It was so hard to track you down! When I think of you and hard in the same sentence, it's not usually about finding your phone number...

As Beverly giggled, Casey reached over to shut off the phone, but Tobias grabbed her wrist to stop her.

“No,” he insisted. “I am not hiding anything from you; so let's listen together.”

… I’m offended that you didn’t give your new number to me! Luckily, I can think of a dozen things you can do to make it up to me. I’m going to the convention at the Cleveland Clinic, and I'm hoping you'll be there this year, too. If so, I have a luxury suite… hot tub, an enormous bed, and a beautiful view… you can certainly bunk up with me and help me put them to good use. I miss you, Tobias. Call me!...

Casey stared quietly at the floor when the message ended, and Tobias reached over to shut off his phone.

“Casey, I didn’t reach out to her," he started, his voice both calming and filled with concern. "I’m only going to contact her to let her know I’m happily off the market…”

“I know,” she mumbled, still looking away. Tobias gently lifted her chin to face him again.

“I don’t know how she got my new number….”

“I know,” Casey muttered. “I know… and I’m not… I’m not mad at you.”

Tobias knew her too well; she may not be mad… but she was something, and he hated being part of anything that brought her even the smallest bit of worry.

“Talk to me, baby. What are you feeling?"

“It’s just…” she let out a deep sigh. “It’s been a while since we’ve had something like this happen. Your Boston following knows you're with me now, so it's leveled off. But your national… or is it international?”

“Casey….” he trailed.

“Who was she? You’ve told me about a lot of your former dalliances, but  I don’t recall a Beverly….”

“Because she wasn’t significant. We met at a conference… a long time ago, and… on occasion,” he stumbled. “If we found ourselves in the same place, at the same time….”

Casey held up her hand, signaling for him to stop. “I get it… and you don’t owe me an explanation. Look,” She said, taking his face in her hands, “No one enjoys hearing a partner's former lover attempting to seduce them. But, T… we’re both adults, and we have histories."

“You’re not upset?” he asked. “I know in the past, things like this bothered you...."

“Mmm-hmm,” she interrupted. “In the past. I know what we are, and I trust you. Just take care of letting her know you'll be in Boston... and you're all mine!"

“And then I’m blocking her number,” he smiled.

“Good…” Casey half-smiled. “I’m not going to let this ruin our first Valentine’s Day.”

“It’s our second!” He insisted.

“No, it’s not,” she grinned. “It'll be fine, but baby... I hope there are no more calls!”

“If there are, I’ll toss my phone into the fireplace.”

“That might be a bit extreme,” she chuckeled, placing a peck on his cheek. Then she was off to get ready for work.

~~~~~

Everything was fine. That's what Tobias told himself as they drove to work. At least it seemed fine. He didn’t let go of her hand the entire trip, which wasn’t uncommon, but the lingering silence was. His mind raced back to the early days of their relationship. Back then, Casey was coping with a lot. Her insecurities and dealing with his … rep… weren't the easiest things for her to deal with. But they moved beyond that, and now,  they were titanium. Right? That wouldn’t happen again. So why was his heart racing a little faster?

It didn’t matter, he convinced himself. Tomorrow was Valentine’s Day, their second… though she insisted it was their first. Whatever the number, he already planned on making his girl feel extra special, but now? Now he was really going to go all out.

He parked in his spot and proceeded to stare out the windshield.  

“Tobias?” Casey asked waving her hand in front of his face “We’re here.”

He startled a bit, breaking out of the fog he was lost in. 

“Sorry, I was a little….”

“You were driving me to work in this condition?” She laughed.

“I knew exactly what I was doing. Come on,” he said, taking her hand, “Let’s get to our meeting before Ramsey has our heads.”

~~~~~

Like the morning, the meeting started off well. Harper brought coffee… good coffee, even better than that stuff Ethan liked to brag about so much. And Ethan was in a good mood, much better than usual. Tobias made a mental note to get an answer about why out of him after when they were alone. Cases were discussed, and they were about to leave when…

“Just one more item before we adjourn,” Ethan stated. “Tobias, I’m going to need you to fill in for me at the conference in Cleveland.”

“OK, boss,” he started, then a realization struck him, and he furrowed his brow. “Wait.. the Cleveland conference? Aren't you presenting on the Alton research?”

“Yes,” Ethan smiled, almost smugly. “But no need to tailspin, Carrick. You’re up to the task or I wouldn’t have asked you.”

Tobias sneered in his friend's direction. “I can handle it with my eyes closed, wiseass! But it's tomorrow!”

“I know it’s last minute, but it can’t be avoided. The Board is holding an emergency meeting, and I’ve been told my presence is not optional. It’s only three days, Tobias, you can manage….”

“But it’s Valentine’s Day,” Tobias blurted, earning a little snort from Harper.

“I’m sorry,” she said, clearing her throat. “It’s just Tobias Carrick caring about Valentine’s Day? I never thought I’d live to see the day!”

“He has had a personal growth metamorphosis within the past few years,” Ethan teased.

Tobias looked across the way at Casey. She smiled supportively, but once again, her eyes didn’t mirror that smile. Then he heard Beverly’s voice in his head:

I’m going to the convention at the Cleveland Clinic, and I was wondering if you’d be there this year?

Aw, fuck! He thought, in fact, he may have said it out loud; he wasn’t sure. What he was sure of was he was on Ethan the second Harper and Casey left the room. He spent the next fifteen minutes unsuccessfully attempting to convince Ethan to send Harper in his stead.

“Harper wasn’t involved in the Alton case!” Ethan reiterated, his voice now bordering on shouting. “What’s with you? In the past, you would have been salivating at the chance to take this opportunity away from me. Now, you’re letting a Hallmark holiday do this to you?”

“I know,” Tobias rolled his eyes, “It’s just that it’s our first, and….”

Ethan raised an eyebrow, “According to Casey, it’s your first. According to you, it’s your second.”

Tobias didn’t appreciate the cocky look on his friend's face, even though he knew he was right. 

“Come on, Tobias. Casey is a grown woman and a professional. I’m sure she’ll be fine pushing your celebration off a few days.”

“You’re right,” Tobias sighed, walking toward the door. “Oh, and Ethan?”

“Yes?”

“I’m going to kick ass in that presentation. You’ll never be invited to speak there again!”

“Keep dreaming, Carrick," Ethan yelled as Tobias made his way down the hall.

~~~~~

Feeling a bit better, the familiar smile on his face and spring in his step were back. They were present as he greeted every passerby as he made his way to his office. But they weren't there for long. Passing a patient's room, he heard Casey and Sienna’s voices.

“I’m sure it doesn’t mean anything,” Sienna fretted. “Don’t let your mind wander.”

“I know that, Sienna,” Casey replied. “It’s just… after all the progress, I don’t want to go back to….”

“And, chances are you won’t,” Sienna assured. “You just need to be patient… let this play out.”

“I know….” Casey bemoaned. “But if it happens again, I just don’t think could take it. I'd have to move on from this."

“Look!” Sienna ordered. “You’re putting the cart before the horse. I know how much this means to you, but… so far, there is no indication that you have anything to worry about. Don’t break your heart if you don’t have to, Case. OK?”

Tobias’s blood went cold. Heartbreak? Can’t do this anymore? Was she this upset? And if so, why was she withholding this from him?

“Damn it!” He muttered, making haste to get to his office. What could he do to convince Casey that she had nothing to worry about? She was the love of his life and his heart sank at the thought of her going through this again. He thought they were past this. He thought she was secure in their love, and if she wasn’t… after all this time…. where did this leave them?

He slammed the door behind him, then sunk into his chair. It had been a hell of a morning, and he was taking a moment to relish the solitude and calm.

He would have to talk to her… to make her understand. But his mind was also on the holiday that he'd now be missing. He thought of ways to shower her with gifts, even if he wasn't there. He'd leave her notes… everywhere… text her all day… FaceTime at night… he'd make sure it was still special… as long as no more bullshit occurred.

That’s when it caught his eye. It looked benign enough, a little red envelope with a heart on his desk. A smile tugged at his lips. She must have dropped it off after their meeting; they had been together until then. Maybe he was blowing this out of proportion; perhaps this was all in his mind. If she was dropping off an early Valentine, things couldn't be that bad. He slid his fingers under the envelope flap and removed the note inside.

 “Roses are red, violets are blue, and on Valentine’s Day, the only thing I’m going to do … is you.”

A puff of air escaped his nose, and his hands fell to his side. Adorable. Cute. Sexy. At least it would have been… if it was Casey’s handwriting, but it wasn't.

A loud knock on the door startled him.

“Hey, Tobias, open up. I need to talk to you.”

His eyes screwed shut. The day had to get better.

Perma tags: @a-crepusculo @animesuck3r @annoyingmillenialnewbie @crazy-loca-blog @differenttyphoonwerewolf @doriopenheart @fayeswiftie @genevievemd @gryffindordaughterofathena @inlocusmads @jamespotterthefirst @jennieausten @kingliam2019 @liaromancewriter @lucy-268 @onikalover @openheartforeverinmyheart @potionsprefect @quixoticdreamer16 @rookiemartin @secretaryunpaid @socalwriterbee @tessa-liam @trappedinfanfiction @choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics

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#open heart choices #choices open heart #playchoices fanfic #tobias carrick #tobias carrick x mc #choices fic writers creations #cfwc fics of the week

[fyeahcompetentwomen]

Round 1 Roundup!

or, one post to find them all...

All four groups of Round 1 are now live! Find each group's masterpost with all respective links here:

Group 1

Group 2

Group 3

Group 4

Plus, all 64 individual polls are linked below the readmore.

Group 1

Sarah Jane Smith vs. Leia Organa

Deanna Troi vs. Florence (Gunpowder Milkshake)

Jody Mills vs. Andromache the Scythian

Kim Wexler vs. Villanelle

Paris Geller vs. Dr. Maura Isles

Delenn of the Religious Cast and Chosen of Dukat vs. Sister Beatrice

Lisa Cuddy vs. Seven of Nine

Ziva David vs. Michael Burnham

Una Chin-Riley (Number One) vs. Evelyn Wang

Nyota Uhura vs. Moana

Alex Danvers vs. Olivier Armstrong

Barbara Howard vs. Joan Watson

Barbara Gordon vs. Dr. Helen Magnus

B'Elanna Torres vs. Esmeralda "Granny" Weatherwax

Raelle Collar vs. Parker

Lwaxana Troi vs. Sidney Fox

Group 2

Xena vs. Bad Wolf

Lindsey Boxer vs. Anna May

Siuan Sanche vs. Jules Callaghan

Ally McBeal vs. Eve Baird

Sidney Prescott vs. Kira Nerys

Jill Valentine vs. Susan Ivanova

Chrisjen Avasarala vs. Cameron Howe

Hermione Granger vs. Henrietta Wilson

Diana Prince aka Wonder Woman vs. Susan Sto Helit

Fujiko Mine vs. Naomi Nagata

Yu Shu Lien vs. Melinda May

Jane Rizzoli vs. Dr. Bernie Wolfe

Dana Scully vs. Death of the Endless

Erza Scarlet vs. Rhaenys Targaryen

Root vs. Anissa Pierce aka Thunder

Kara Thrace vs. Dr. Addison Montgomery

Group 3

Buffy Summers vs. Jocelyn "Joss" Carter

Scarlet (Gunpowder Milkshake) vs. Modesty Blaise

Moiraine Damodred vs. Margaret Houlihan

Elizabeth Swann vs. Laris (Star Trek)

Aeryn Sun vs. River Song

Dr. Beverly Crusher vs. Kathryn Janeway

Gabrielle of Poteidaea vs. Breanna Casey

Phryne Fisher vs. Shauna Sadecki

Ava Silva vs. Miranda Priestly

Galadriel vs. Yalena "Dutch" Yardeen

Regina Mills vs. Abigail Carmichael

Sara Lance vs. Nomi Marks

Mulan vs. Hera Syndulla

Myka Bering vs. Donna Noble

Philippa Georgiou (Mirror) vs. Éowyn

Cosima Niehaus vs. Violet Baudelaire

Group 4

Jenny Calendar vs. 13th Doctor

Madeleine (Gunpowder Milkshake) vs. Helena "H.G." Wells

Camina Drummer vs. Philippa Georgiou (Prime)

Raffaela "Raffi" Musiker vs. Jane Doe

Eda Clawthorne vs. Olivia Dunham

Daisy Johnson vs. Anne Lister

Anna Mill vs. Sophie Devereaux

Dr. Temperance Brennan vs. Ahsoka Tano

Catherine Willows vs. Lara Croft

Holga Kilgore vs. Sameen Shaw

Inej Ghafa vs. Evie Frye

Jadzia Dax vs. Lena Luthor

Annabeth Chase vs. Mildred Ratched

Laura Roslin vs. Shuri

Jo Lupo vs. Samantha "Sam" Carter

Claudia Donovan vs. Willow Rosenberg

#fyeahcompetentwomen #fuck yeah competent women #round 1 #masterpost #not a bracket

[openheartfanfics]

Newly Added Fics

Dec 16 - 22, 2023  

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

Bryce x M!MC

Halloween - @mydemonsdrivealimo 📚

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

Part 3

Moving - @jerzwriter ☁

Casey & Bryce settle down for a relaxing evening of good food and gossip... but that doesn't go as planned. Feat. Bryce x M!MC

Ethan x F!MC

Favors - @cariantha 🦚🎄

Sawyer is worried that her crush is getting the wrong impression and is later hurt when she thinks he has taken advantage of a situation.

Stardust - @liaromancewriter ☁🎄

Ethan and Cassie’s skating date plans go awry, but all hope is not lost. [Date]

Talk is Cheap - @cariantha 🎭

What would have been the outcome if Sawyer had discovered that she was pregnant whilst Ethan was in the Amazon?

Part 2

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 5: Surprises

Open Heart MC

Twinsies - @liaromancewriter 📱

Cassie and Max celebrate National Twin Day.

Not a Valentine - @jerzwriter ☁

It's lunchtime for Casey & Jensen... and some annoying interns, too. Feat. F!MC, M!MC

Rafael x F!MC

We Belong Together - @rafasgirl23415 📚

[extended: complete] It’s the end of intern year. Casey and Rafael are ready to start the next phase of their relationship.

CH 27: You Are All That I Want

CH 28: Baby's First Christmas

Tobias x F!MC

All is Merry & Bright - @jerzwriter ☁🎄

It's their second Christmas with little Samantha, and the Carricks are getting ready to take their Christmas card photo.

Moving - @jerzwriter ☁

Casey & Bryce settle down for a relaxing evening of good food and gossip... but that doesn't go as planned. Feat. Bryce x M!MC [BFF Bryce]

Open Heart Adjacent Fics

Kintsugi - @peonierose

Maxine deals with a difficult time. Thankfully Luna and Adam are there to help her face her difficulties. In the end ”Family don’t end with blood.“ TW: Deals with anxiety and depression.

_

SUBMIT OPEN HEART FICS & WRITERS HERE

#open heart #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 #tobias carrick #tobias carrick x mc #newly added fics