#open heart au

[coffeeheartaddict2]

When Life has other plans (5/16)

Surprises

Book: Open Heart (AU)

Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x F!MC Casey Valentine

Warnings: language, sexual references

Word count: 3405

Category: angst

Rating: Mature

Summary: A cure is found, a confrontation, a surprise result which leads to a serious discussion of where to from here.

Disclaimer: Characters belong to Pixelberry

Authors note: I can smell Brazil from here so enjoy a less dramatic chapter.

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

Landry got the testing kit and the address for Naveen from the hospital and took Casey to Naveen’s residence. They left the city and found themselves at a lake house. Landry was surprised that he lived so far away from the hospital. Casey had also assumed that Naveen lived close by too. They made their way up the driveway and Casey spotted a figure on the small jetty.

“Dr Banerji” Casey calls out several times. Naveeen is startled but was pleasantly surprised to see her. Landry, with the testing equipment in tow, struggled to keep up.

“Lovely to see you, Casey and we are out of the hospital, please call me Naveen.”

Casey was relieved to see Naveen alive and she told him that she thinks she has figured out what is wrong with him. Naveen listens to the reasoning and is impressed with Casey, even more than what he already was. He agreed to the testing and they found that the infection was A Baunamii and they found out which bacteria phage was causing the other issues. The issue was that the A Baunamii is a superbug which Naveen chuckled at. “It seems fitting that the hospital would kill me.”

Casey thought but what if we tip the scales in favour of the bacteriophage?

Landry was beside himself.

“W-w-what? That would kill him!” Exclaims Landry,

“Phage therapy…” began Casey

“We do not know about that and if we get the math wrong?”

Naveen coughed to gain both Casey’s and Landry’s attention. “We all know someone who is an expert..”

Casey could not grab the keys quick enough. I will return, says Casey.

She makes her way to Ethan’s building. Luck was on her side, getting a car park right out front. She lets herself into the building. She makes her way to his apartment. Ethan is still in bed which is surprising to her but then she remembers the night before. She straddles him and he wakes up. He is dazed, then confused, especially when Casey tells him she figured it out. She explains how she got to her conclusions. He feels like an idiot for not thinking about that possibility and then he is proud of her, for doing what he failed to do in not giving up. He then tries to get up but the alcohol consumption from the day before has caught up with him. Casey said she will make him her hangover cure. She goes to the kitchen, gets the juice, the paprika and the ghost pepper and blends it up. It smells interesting as ever and she gives it to Ethan. He pours a small glass for Casey and she drinks it. Ethan is cured and then he goes to get dressed. Casey kisses him.

“What was that for?”

“Luck”

“Well I am going to need more luck” says Ethan before he kisses her again. She makes him a coffee and then they head to Harvard to make the phage therapy. They do this successfully. They make their way to Naveen’s lake house. Ethan remembers Casey mentioned a Dr Olsen helping her so he asks who he is.

“He was in our group, but not anymore.”

“What happened?”

“Since Miami I have had charts go missing, had medications changed on patients, thankfully no harm was done but there were a few instances where it could have been very different. There was also a period where the nursing staff were rude to me. The final straw was the anonymous tip off to the Martinez Family about Teresa.” Casey took a breath. “ I had no idea who was working against me so much and working a case with Aurora Emery helped me realize that the enemy had to come from within and I confronted him and he did not even deny it.”

Ethan’s hands gripped the steering wheel as Casey told him all that had been happening.

“And you are trusting this son of a bitch?” He said through gritted teeth.

“We had little choice, Jackie, Elijah and Sienna have been watched like hawks since the investigation. We needed testing equipment and we needed to get Naveen’s address. Believe me I wish it was different.”

“Is Naveen in danger?”

“No, Naveen was adamant about wanting to receive the phage therapy.”

Ethan nods and starts to prepare to see Naveen again. He had seen him at a distance since he walked out of the hospital that day but had not spoken to him since. He now felt extra horrible about having given up on Naveen, especially when Casey clearly had not.

“He will understand Ethan, hell if it was not for me helping Landry pack his stuff I would not have had the thought that led to a treatment.”

She quickly squeezed his hand before letting go. They arrived at the lake house. They make their way into the house. Both are relieved to find Naveen still alive, telling Landry about his career.

Ethan apologizes to Naveen for giving up on him.

“Nonsense my dear boy, I know you gave your all.”

Naveen’s eyes go to the cooler that Ethan is carrying.

“Is that the therapy.”

“Yes.” Said Ethan, “It was done in a hurry…”

“I am sure you got everything right my boy.”

Ethan nods and he administers the phage therapy. Naveen slowly drifts into unconsciousness. Landry and Casey looked concerned but Ethan assures them that what is happening is normal. They go to pack up the equipment.

“Dr Olsen, Can I have a word with you alone?” Says Ethan as he stands up. Landry does not know what to think, alone with his medical hero.

Ethan cut right to the chase.

“The sabotage, stealing of Dr Valentine’s files, the smear campaign with the nursing staff, why did you do it?”

Landry is flabbergasted.

“What? How did you know about that?”

“That is none of your concern but what should be of concern is how those actions could have harmed the people that trust us with their care.”

“Casey did not deserve top spot, she had lackluster cases and was lucky, that and she was sleeping with you to gain favour.”

Ethan sees red.

“Dr Valentine had plenty of difficult cases. Some were allocated by me and others from other residents and attendings who saw that she had it in her to work those cases.”

“What so you are going to flat out deny that you were fucking her?”

“The work that Casey did with me in the treatment of the very man in the bedroom was kept separate and out of the rankings.”

“You did not answer my question.”

“My private life is none of your goddamn concern. If I was you I would be more concerned about where you will work next year. The acts of sabotage alone would make anyone question if you would be a good fit, not to mention the feedback I have on you, well let’s just say you will be lucky to get a position.”

Landry stood there stunned.

“What someone who potentially kills a woman could potentially get away with it and me, who told the family and also who works so god damn hard and not recognised fairly for it is exiled?”

“That sense of entitlement right there. That arrogance, the disregard for people’s well being, that is why you have received the feedback you have received. I know all about Mrs Martinez, she resented being in the hospital, she loved the staff who looked after her but she resented her existence. Many of us wished we could have done more…”

Landry interjected, “so you are ok with the fact she stole a drug and killed a woman?”

“Teresa knew the risk, she still said yes of her own volition. Yes she stole the drug but she was denied it through proper channels. If corporate greed was not a factor in the cure being disregarded then this would not have happened”

Landry was stunned. To him, medicine was black and white but he could not believe that the very man he idolized and tried to be like worked in the grey areas.

“B-b-but what Casey did was wrong…” stuttered Landry.

“Welcome to the real world, there is doing wrong for the right reason and what you did, doing right for the wrong reason. Our patients expect us to do what is best for them, for some it is simple but others not so much. What you have failed to grasp is that medical care is not always black and white. Casey understands this and that is why she is on top and that is why you keep progressively slipping. You are not a good fit for Edenbrook. What you did, if it got out it was you would make you difficult to trust and our staff and patients do not deserve that. To be honest I think you have no place in medicine and the only reason I am not physically harming you for what you did to Dr Valentine right now is because you helped her research a case that I could not solve. I want you gone from Edenbrook but your reference will not be the best because the overwhelming feedback about you is bad.” Said Ethan. He takes his leave to the bedroom while Landry is left standing there in stunned silence.

Ethan makes it to the room and Casey is still there. She squeezes Ethan’s hand.

“Do you want me there tomorrow, for the hearing?” He asks quietly, still frustrated that he would be unable to stand up there and testify for her.

“Only if you want too, it would be nice knowing I had someone else in my corner in the audience.”

Ethan smiles ruefully. “Well you better head off and prepare rookie.”

Casey squeezes his hand again, “I hope he pulls through.”

The silence on the car ride back is deafening. Landry contemplating where to from here and Casey hoping they were not too late and also about her career.

As a consequence she was wound tight. A part of her wishes she stayed a bit longer with Ethan, even though he would have been keeping an eagle eye on Naveen, she was certain that Ethan would have found a way to relieve some of her stress. Instead she had to resort to other methods to take the edge off, it helped but it was not the real thing and if she was being honest, nothing would come close.

Meanwhile, back at the lakehouse, Ethan received an email. It was from Dr Santiago, the head of the WHO team working in Brazil. He was accepted and was due to fly out in 10 days. Ethan was excited but there was a pit in his stomach. Two months away from Casey. He knew that he was deluding himself into thinking there were no feelings, just an arrangement but he was wrong, there were feelings, he was not sure what they meant but he was eager to explore them. He took some heart in that she was already aware that this was a possibility though, it still did not make it easier however.

Naveen made it through the night and Ethan was startled that there was a knock at the door. He was even more surprised to see Dr Olsen.

“I know you said that I have no place but I presume you need a break from watching over Dr Banerji. I would like to take over.”

Ethan gestures for him to enter. Ethan goes through what has been happening with Naveen. Ethan took Naveen’s car and drove back to Boston. He had a quick shower and got dressed and made his way to Edenbrook to witness what he hoped would not be a sham of an ethics hearing. He saw Casey and marveled at the cut of her shirt.

“Even though I can not testify for you, all the best of luck” he said, he then stood closer and whispered “I wish I could kiss you right now.”

Casey nodded and headed in. She sat down at the podium and Declan Nash sat behind her, trying to

throw her off. Casey kept her composure and answered all the questions with ease. Ethan felt she chose her patients well also. Then he received a message. He ducked out and was greeted by Louis Martinez.

“Am I too late?”

“No,” says Ethan, “the hearing is still going.”

Louis nods and makes his way into the auditorium. He makes his way down to where Casey is.

“Are you the doctor who gave my mother the drug?”

“Yes it was me…” Casey wanted to continue but Luis hugged her tightly.

“Thank you. We were angry at first, we were apprehensive about her traveling but I received a photo of her standing outside Sacre Du Couer and the smile… I had not seen that smile since I was a boy and I realized that Teresa would not want this. As much as she resented being here, she saw you as her adoptive family. Thank you for making her dreams a reality and the law suit is dropped.”

Ethan starts to feel quietly confident. The doctors that Casey had recruited spoke on her behalf. Harper went to call for a vote but there was one more surprise that Ethan had not even seen coming. The door opens and in with a walking stick enters Naveen.

Everyone in the auditorium is shocked to see him.

“Glad to see that my spot is there. And be quiet Dr Cyrus, it is not filled so therefore I will take the spot as it is still technically mine. Now, yes I quit but in reality I was quite literally dying. This young lady here, knew of my predicament but had a thought which lead to a diagnosis and treatment. Thanks to Dr Valentine and Dr Ramsey, I am still here. This young lady did not give up, from what I understand and know of her has always thought for what is right and for getting the best outcomes for our patients so since I vote is called for, I vote that we retain Dr Valentine with full privileges. One by one the panel votes. Unanimous in keeping Casey on. Casey was gracious in thanking the panel. Ethan was in shock but then was proud. He saw the fruits of what he had taught her about making a path and never giving up. He finally saw Naveen talking to Harper.

“Don’t worry Ethan, there will be no consequences for you treating Naveen in secret, at his request.”

Ethan nodded before saying, “About my exit paperwork Harper?”

“Since it has not been started it will be very easy to reinstate you, if that is what you would like.”

“I would but I fly out in 10 days to Brazil for two months to work with the pandemic efforts in the Amazon.” Said Ethan.

“We can sort that out,” said Harper. “Now let’s get the ball rolling.”

Finally Ethan makes his way to Donahue’s. He is greeted by Casey and they suggest going back to her place for a private celebration. They catch a cab to her place. Ethan says he can not stay but after several rounds he can not bring himself to leave. They had discussed that he would be working at Edenbrook but with no word on the competition he could not even begin that discussion. After a few hours sleep Casey stirs in his arms.

“I thought you could not stay?” She says groggily.

“I could not bring myself to leave.”

Casey kisses him softly. He runs a hand down the curve of her waist, hoping for another round before he leaves.

“I want too, and my housemates know but you do need to get home.”

Ethan lets out a small groan of frustration. He begrudgingly gets dressed and Casey and Ethan walk out. Elijah and Sienna are in the kitchen. Both of them greet Dr Ramsey. He greeted them back and took his leave.

A few hours later Ethan and Casey’s paths cross. She welcomed him back and they made their way to the atrium for morning announcements. Harper stood with Naveen. Harper announced that she was stepping down as chief of medicine and she instilled Naveen as the new chief. Naveen then spoke.

“It is a great honour to be named Chief. My first act as Chief is to end the competition and award the Junior Fellow on the Diagnostics Team to Dr Casey Valentine. If not for her I would not be alive today.”

Ethan was proud of Casey, saving Naveen aside he knew she worked hard, cared, asked the questions that needed asking and as such deserved to be number one but then he was furious. Her being on the team meant that she was his subordinate and he knew a relationship of any type would tarnish the work she did to get there. He could see that Casey was just as shocked as he was.

“What do we do now?”

“I do not know.” He said, not wanting to start a conversation he did not want to have.

Casey went about her work in a daze. She had never anticipated Naveen coming back as chief and awarding the position. She certainly did not want to take for granted that she would have won the ethics trial. She knew that they had been an arrangement but she got the the distinct impression that Ethan wanted more and if Casey was being honest, so did she. She was shaken from her daze by an alert on her phone. It was a message from Ethan asking her to come over after her shift. She said yes.

End of shift came and she made the familiar journey to Ethan’s apartment. She made her way up to the apartment and they had dinner together.

“So this morning was unexpected,” said Casey hesitantly, “I knew you had your job back but I had not anticipated the rest.”

“I knew there was a chance the competition would end, I think that Naveen would be chief. To be honest I thought he would come back as team leader and be an attending…”

“There is going to be no us, is there?”

Ethan nods. He then takes a deep breath,

“With the rumours of you and me, it would tarnish you. I know you earnt that spot fair and square, and saving Naveen would have been hard to top, Ethics hearing aside and I understand Naveen wanting to reward you…”

“An out in the open relationship would give them plenty to target me with…”

“I hate how misogynistic the medical profession can be, I would have some blow back but nowhere near the amount you would.”

“How are we going to go back to a pre Miami footing?”

“Whilst keeping an eye on Naveen after the phage therapy I received an email stating that I was accepted to go down to Brazil. I did state this to Harper when I was offered my job back and I will still be going down. The time apart will hurt but I feel that will help us.”

“I know deep down we should not but do we want to keep the arrangement going until you leave?”

Ethan walks towards her and kisses her hungrily.

“Thank God you want to as well” he whispers in her ear as she picks her up and takes her on the kitchen bench. It was quick and intense. They cleaned up their dishes and continued their evening in the bath and eventually the bed. A majority of those nights Casey spent at Ethan’s, soaking up the last of an arrangement that both wished could be more. The day came for Ethan to leave. It was bittersweet. It was the end of the arrangement but the work Ethan would be doing is something he loved doing and Casey was eager to start her fellowship. She knew it would be hard being apart but she knew they needed it to get back onto a professional mentor/mentee footing. Ethan had already warned her that keeping in touch would be difficult so she knew any contact would be difficult. They said goodbye at the departure lounge and Casey left. She made her way to the hospital and commenced her shift while Ethan boarded a plane, a tumult of emotion.

——-

Authors note: I can smell the drama from here. Have your Christmas leftovers handy for the next two chapters-

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

@choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics

#open heart #ethan ramsey #choices fanfic writers creations #casey valentine #choices #Landry Olsen #open heart au #naveen banerji #fic of the week #choices the stories you play #Brazil #reset #cue the drama

[storyofmychoices]

I hope you enjoy your treat @tveitertotwrites! I am your secret pal for @choicesfandomappreciation's Trick or Treat Event! I had every intention of making you a fall themed treat but when I saw you had an AU with Claire as an actress, I decided to make you an edit and write a little something to go with it! I hope you enjoy 💖💖💖💖

Ethan and Claire stood hand in hand on the red carpet, bathed in the soft glow of camera flashes and the chatter of the press. It was their second red carpet event as a couple, and this time, they were more prepared for the spotlight.

Claire wore an elegant, floor-length black gown that glimmered with every step. Ethan couldn't help but admire her grace and beauty. His eyes rarely left her with each step they took. The brilliant doctor beside her wore a dapper, well-tailored white tux.

A reporter greeted them warmly, "Good evening, Claire and Ethan! You both look fantastic. How has life been since your relationship became public?"

Claire smiled brightly, her eyes shining with happiness. "Life's been wonderful. We've been navigating the ups and downs of our different schedules and locations, but we have an amazing support system, and we cherish the moments we have together."

Ethan nodded in agreement, his hand steady and sure on her lower back. "Claire has been a source of inspiration and immeasurable joy in my life." 

The reporter continued, "It's wonderful to see your relationship is going strong despite your differences. Any future plans for your relationship you're willing to share?"

Claire and Ethan shared a knowing smile, their gaze, lingering a moment together before Claire turned back to the reporter. "We're taking things one step at a time, and hoping to continue to keep our privacy as much as possible. But, I'll say we're looking forward to creating more memories together for a long time to come."

Ethan guided her a little closer as he pressed a kiss to her forehead. "Our focus right now is enjoying the present and building a strong foundation for an incredible future."

The reporter wished them well as they moved further down the red carpet. Their genuine love was on display for all that captured them on their cameras or in their words. Claire and Ethan had won the hearts of the people and their growing fans couldn't wait to see what the future held for their new OTP. 

Ethan and Claire stood hand in hand on the red carpet, bathed in the soft glow of camera flashes and the chatter of the press. It was their second red carpet event as a couple, and this time, they were more prepared for the spotlight.

Claire wore an elegant, floor-length black gown that glimmered with every step. Ethan couldn't help but admire her grace and beauty. His eyes rarely left her with each step they took. The brilliant doctor beside her wore a dapper, well-tailored white tux.

A reporter greeted them warmly, "Good evening, Claire and Ethan! You both look fantastic. How has life been since your relationship became public?"

Claire smiled brightly, her eyes shining with happiness. "Life's been wonderful. We've been navigating the ups and downs of our different schedules and locations, but we have an amazing support system, and we cherish the moments we have together."

Ethan nodded in agreement, his hand steady and sure on her lower back. "Claire has been a source of inspiration and immeasurable joy in my life." 

The reporter continued, "It's wonderful to see your relationship is going strong despite your differences. Any future plans for your relationship you're willing to share?"

Claire and Ethan shared a knowing smile, their gaze, lingering a moment together before Claire turned back to the reporter. "We're taking things one step at a time, and hoping to continue to keep our privacy as much as possible. But, I'll say we're looking forward to creating more memories together for a long time to come."

Ethan guided her a little closer as he pressed a kiss to her forehead. "Our focus right now is enjoying the present and building a strong foundation for an incredible future."

The reporter wished them well as they moved further down the red carpet. Their genuine love was on display for all that captured them on their cameras or in their words. Claire and Ethan were the talk of the town. They had won the hearts of the people and their growing fans couldn't wait to see what the future held for their OTP. 

#choices trick or treat #choicestrickortreat #ethan ramsey #ethan ramsey x mc #open heart #open heart au #choices fandom appreciation #fan fiction #gift for #tveitertotwrites #lovealexhunt #ethan x claire

[socalwriterbee]

Us

want to know how it all started check out the first two parts...

In the End (part 1) Almost (part 2)

Book: Open Heart

Characters: Tessa Martinez (f!mc) x Ethan Ramsey (appearance by Sienna Trinh)

Word Count: 2526

Rating/Warning: General with a touch of Angst

Song Inspiration: Dive by Ed Sheeran

Prompts: “Maybe there’s another universe where we have the happy ending we always wanted."

"If you think I'd ever love someone after you, then I have failed in showing you how much you mean to me."

Summary: After Ethan walks out, Tessa tries to find him to begin their long awaited talk.

A/N: This 'failed' relationship storyline is sort of an AU that takes pieces of happier times between Tessa and Ethan and making them turn into what if's. Parts One and Two came from Luck of the Draw Songs and part three from a request, a song inspiration and prompts to see if I could give them a HEA... I tried!

A/N 2: I've used two prompts from @choicesflashfics those will be in bold.

A/N 3: As always this has not been fully edited (that comes after it's posted, as we all know) so please forgive any misspellings and errors. I tried to keep this at 2500 but I went a touch over, trust me it was going to be longer so I do apologize for the rushed flow of it.

Characters and some storylines mentioned belong to Pixelberry

Enjoy and Thank you!

*****

…hours later

Reminders of the door slamming still making me jump, even hours after Ethan walked out. Everything in this room made me feel numb and cold with nothing in this room giving me the chance of warming up. Not even the memories of his touch and how he loved me could break the chill that settled deep within my bones.

I should have known.

I had seen it in his eyes like a selfish fool I ignored it.

…four days later

No word from Ethan, he was not answering my calls or responding to any of the messages I sent.

What was I doing now? What did I think was a good idea? Corner him at his place of work, force him to talk to me.

“Dr. Martinez! Fancy seeing you here.” Marlene's bright smile greets me from behind the nurse’s station.

Wrapping my arms around her and giving her a warm hug. “It’s good to see you.”

Marlene chuckles as we pull apart, “I suspect it’s not me you’re here to see.”

“Have you—.”

“Tessa.”

I freeze at the sound of that voice, that voiced that came out as sweet as honey only to trap those in a condescending ‘chat’, taking a deep breath in before turning around to confront her.

Wishing the smile I plastered on before facing her comes off as sincere. “Dr. Emery.”

“Dr. Martinez is here to see Dr. Ramsey.” Marlene cuts in.

“Aah…yes.” Harper says as she crosses her arms over her chest. “Figured as much. Sorry to be the one to inform you Tessa but he’s not in today.”

Ethan was avoiding me. “I see—I don’t want to take more of your time, when you do see him can you…”

“I’ll let him know.” Harpers cuts me off. “It was nice seeing you.” She adds before turning on her heels and walks away.

Marlene whispers behind me. “She’s still jealous you know.”

…three weeks later

“Herbal Tea for the Momma to be.” Smiling weakly at Sienna, placing the hot drink in front of her before rubbing her swollen belly, hoping for my godson to show some enthusiasm, so far no such luck.

“Thank You.”

“Can I get you anything else Si?

“I’m fine Tess.” Sienna answers. “No word from him yet?”

Not knowing what to say, I shake my head. 

Sienna was still here, married and pregnant with her third child. Could that have been Ethan and I? Expecting another or welcoming our first? 

Don’t go there. It had taken years to move on from that thinking.

Sienna had been the one I confided everything to, from the moment my marriage with Ethan was over to every stage of denial, acceptance, and loneliness after. I wasn’t going to put her through all of that again.

She had been our biggest cheerleader and for what? For me to ruin any possibility of having Ethan in my life.

We were enjoying a day off once I settled into my new home and new job at Mass Kenmore. I was happy to have company over, it made this place feel a bit more homey.

“Have you seen him around?” I asked her, my voice laced with hope.

“I saw him coming out of Dr. Emery’s office the other day.”

I could feel her holding back something else, having an idea. “I don’t think that would be smart Si.” Because if I knew my friend, like I know I did she wanted me to do more then showing up at his place of work.

Rubbing her belly, Sienna ignores me. “What do you have to lose Tess? Stop by. He wouldn’t kick you out.”

“Wouldn’t that be worse than me showing up at the hospital in hopes of finding him. Harper had been quick to dismiss me, probably knowing why I was there and all. What if she’s there and is the one who answers the door.”

“Harper and Ethan are not a thing. They haven’t been since you walked into his life. You need to hear this because I believe it to be true, no matter how much time and space is put between you two. Ethan and you belong together.”

“Maybe there’s another universe where we have the happy ending we always wanted.” I blurt out. “But not in this one, our timing always seems to be off. I’m not saying we are getting back together, I need–.” Ethan in my life, that I can admit to myself. “I don’t know, apologize for what happened.”

Sienna reaches over and gives my resting hand a supportive squeeze. “Are you sorry that it happened? Maybe, maybe not, Ethan needs time. You know how he can be.”

“You didn’t see how he left. I knew that look in his eyes.” I begin, blinking away the mist of tears that threaten to blur my vision. “I knew that look before we… I knew that look because it was the same one I had all those years ago when I would look in the mirror.”

“What look?” Sienna asks.

“That there’s still a chance.”

…one month later

Sienna understood when I told her. I had gone through the same thing three or so years ago when we signed on the dotted line to finalize our divorce. The failure, I hated that word but that’s what it was, the failure of our marriage was coming to a head for Ethan.

I ignored the signs that were there for selfish reasons. Causing more damage to what was left of our relationship, so I found myself here at his doorstep, praying he would speak to me. Expecting he won’t, prepared for the door to close in my face. Ready for the feeling that would rip me more apart, the one I felt from causing him pain.

My knuckles tap softly against the white door of his townhome.

I wait.

After a few minutes, the door swings open and the air leaves my lungs. A beautiful blonde woman stands on the other side of the door. “Hi.”

Not Harper… another woman.

“Hello.” I manage out. “I thought—Sorry…I … I think I have the wrong house.” Taking a step back beginning my exit to avoid the humiliation when Ethan would show up behind her.

“Oh.” Her welcoming smile not faltering. “Who are you looking for? Maybe my partner and I can help.”

Hesitating I answer. “Ethan Ramsey.” Her partner.

The blonde lets out a hearty laugh. “You do have the right place, well had.” She begins. “He’s not live here anymore. My girlfriend and I are renting from him. I wish I could tell you when he’d be coming back but we signed a lease for a few years. but if you give me your name I can let him know you came by if gets in contact…”

Ethan left. I didn’t prepare for that.

…three years later

A knock on my office door interrupts my final charting for the day.

“Ready?” A familiar face pops in.

“Almost.”

“Great. Because these kids are killing me, I need all the help I can get and pronto.”

I shake my head and laugh. “You wanted them, can’t get rid of them now.”

“Don’t remind me.”

Calling out before the door closes. “I’ll be right there.”

Today was Silas’s birthday, Sienna’s youngest and my godson, he wanted to spend his day at the park. Sienna and her husband were making a quick stop to pick me up. I could already picture Silas running around outside, jumping up and down waiting for me so we could begin the festivities.

Hoping everything remained stable for the rest of the day…

*****

“Happy Birthday to you…” Every guest sang in unison as the cutest little birthday boy stared in awe at the flickering flame of the candles on top of his cake. 

The party was winding down as the cake was being cut, all that was left would be the opening of his presents.

An excited little body runs right into me, his little arms wrapping around my leg. “Presents!” 

Kneeling down to bring him in for a hug, he wraps his arms around my neck this time. “Yes, Silas it is time for presents.” Tickling him, I am awarded with the sweetest giggle that has me joining him.

“Room for one more —gift that is?”

The laugh dying in my throat as my attention snaps to the newcomer, unable to believe who was standing in front of us. 

“Ethan! You made it.” Sienna gasps excitingly, making her way towards him and giving him a big hug.

Ethan’s eyes meet mine as he hugs Sienna. “Yeah, sorry I am late. First of many to make up for.”

Watching on as Sienna’s family welcomes Ethan as if he hadn’t been gone for the last three years, only just a couple hours late for their child’s birthday party. 

Sienna never gave me any indication that Ethan was back from wherever he went, much less tell me he would be here for Silas’s birthday.

He still looked the same, a touch more white running through his brown hair since the last time we were in the same vicinity. Standing tall, no beard this time just those dark rimmed glasses he kept. Right now felt like that time all those years ago when he returned from Latin America but this time with more history between us.

His gaze moving from me down to Sienna who whispers something to him, earning her a simple nod in response.

“Come on little Si, let’s open your presents.” I say to the birthday boy, the only Trinh-Young not to greet the newest guest.

*****

Ethan had kept his distance for the remainder of the party, that hadn’t changed. I didn’t bother to see where he went off to, with a big black trash bag in hand, we began to clean up throwing out plates and everything else that came along with a child’s birthday party.

“You should go talk to him.”

“Jesus Si! Give me a heart attack why don’t you.” My heart beating hard against my chest at the sneak up from Sienna. “It’s not the time or place.” I tell her as I continue to throw things into the trash bag.

“It isn’t but you may not get another chance. Why do you think I didn’t tell you once I knew what Ethan did, or that he would be back in time for Silas’s birthday.”

“Because your an evil friend Sienna and probably have been for the last three years.”

Sienna threw her head back with a laugh. “Maybe. I know you Tessa, you need a little push, he needs a bigger one. This is the first step to rekindle something, anything and this time it feels right. Trust me, yeah?”

Reluctantly handing over to Sienna, I go in search of Ethan. Finding him sitting on top of table far enough from the straggling group of guest, giving us some privacy. My steps loud enough to make Ethan look over his shoulder to see me coming.

“Mind if I join you?”

Ethan scoots a touch to his left, giving me more space than necessary to sit next to him. “Not at all.”

Taking a seat on top the table, inches away from each other, silence settling in. How does one start a conversation that is long over due? 

“Did you ever think  this could be us?” I ask Ethan, feeling the intensity of his stare on me without having to face him. “You know kids, birthday parties and everything else that went with marriage.”

I know, not the smartest way to start the long overdue chat but it’s what came to mind first. Those damn what if’s.

“Yes.”

That would have been our future, first marriage then kids. “If we stuck with what the norm is, with how things were going down, yes. You and I never really fit the norms of society, not matter how hard we tried.” Ethan adds.

“Maybe that was our mistake.”

In an instant Ethan’s off the table and standing in front of me, anger radiating off him.

“What? We were never a mistake Rookie.” He snaps, running his hand through his hair. “I told you that!”

“Don’t call me that.” I lash out at him.

Ethan stops in front of me. “Don’t call you what?”

“For god’s sake Ethan, Rookie! No…not unless you mean it.”

He knew what I meant when I said that, the nickname of endearment, the nickname when I was a pain in the ass, the nickname that started I love you.

“Of course I mean it Tessa, you’re a pain in my ass.” 

We both let out a chuckled grunt, the outburst showing us a glimpse of what has been pent up for years. 

“Let me explain, please. I spent the last three years trying to figure out what I was going to say to you. And I still don’t know what do say.” I pause before whispering out. “You left me.”

“You left me too, Tessa it took you three years to learn to move on from us…it's taking me six and I still can’t figure out how to rip you from my soul.”

Without warning, tears streak down my face. “You want to rip me from your soul?”

Ethan throws his arms up in frustration.“No, but you seem to think we’re a mistake. So how could I not try when you’re thinking like that.”

“We weren’t a mistake, what I mean is what if we were happy as we were you, know without becoming man and wife, without putting the pressure of what society wanted. Just being us, not what everyone thought we should be, you know like Goldie and Kurt.”

A confused look spreads across Ethan’s features, knowing he didn’t understand the reference.

“You’re right I did leave and I’m realizing that just like you I needed to. I’d lie awake everyday realizing that I need you in my life Ethan Ramsey, no matter what way that is, my life is empty without you.”

Taking my hand in his, Ethan laces his fingers through mine as he remains silent. “But what if there is a chance of you loving someone else and I could be ruining that.”

His free hand reaching across to cup the side of my face, turning to face him, his eyes searching mine. “Don’t have the audacity to tell me I need a chance to love someone else, when your telling me you need me. Don’t tell me you need me when your not believing your own words.” Ethan sighs. “If you think I’d ever love someone after you, then I have failed in showing you how much you mean to me.”

I let his words sink in, knowing this is just the start of a long road for us. Knowing we can’t stay away for too long before someone, Sienna, comes looking for us. We needed truth before we dive into a possibility, whatever that possibility was going to look like.

Staring back at him with our hands still intertwined, I ask. “In the end, what are we?”

“Us.”

#choices open heart #ethan x tessa #Us Fic #ethan ramsey x tessa martinez #open heart au #open heart fanfic #open heart fanfiction #choices stories you play

[liaromancewriter]

What If? (part 3 of 3)

Premise: If Ethan and Cassie had met in college, would they still be inevitable?

Book: Open Heart (College AU) Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Cassie Valentine) Rating/Category: Teen. Angst. Words: 3.7 K

Part 1 | Part 2 | Epilogue

A/N: Submission for @choicesmonthlychallengejune2022 Day 10 prompt “Lose my number”

Cassie Valentine knew she should slow down on the icy pavement this late January afternoon, but there was too much excitement inside her. Ethan hadn’t answered his phone or her texts, so what was she to do but brave the elements and hunt him down. He hadn’t been at work or the library or the lab he was interning that, so that left his apartment.

Things were so much easier when they still had class together. Now it was a new semester, and they were both so busy with their own course load and work. She had hoped that he’d suggest they coordinate their schedules after returning from Thanksgiving break. But they had finished out the semester without him saying anything about the future, and a part of her wondered if he would end things once finals were over.

But they were still together, even if not quite as in-sync as they had been before. Something had changed during winter break, maybe even before, but she was hard pressed to guess what. At first, they’d texted back and forth daily, but by the end of the three weeks he was barely responding.

Cassie told herself not to take it personally that he didn’t want her visiting him in Providence during Christmas when she was so close by in Newport. She thought about surprising him anyway, but she didn’t know where he lived or his father’s name. It made her realize how much he knew about her and how little she did about him.  

He still wouldn’t give her back those three words that meant everything to her. And yet, the way he looked at her, his touch, so gentle and fiery at the same time made her believe he cared for her deeply. She consoled herself that he needed time, but she felt her heart crack just a little every time he pretended not to hear when she said, ‘I love you’.

By the time Cassie entered his apartment building the weather had turned into a nasty mix of sleet and snow. Glad to be out of that, she unwound the scarf from around her neck as she took the stairs up to his floor. She started to knock for the third time when she heard the locks click and then he was there.

“Hi! I have the most amazing news.” She pushed past Ethan into the apartment, taking her thick parka off and throwing it on the couch. “Oh wow. It’s really dark in here. Did your building lose power?”

Instead of responding, he flipped the light switch near the door.

“Much better. Guess what?” said Cassie, practically vibrating in her boots. “Ugh. I’m too excited so I’ll just tell you. Remember my audition for American Ballet Company? Well, I I’ve been accepted into their summer program. Six weeks of training from the best of the best in the ballet world!”

Giddy with excitement, she jumped into his arms, locking her hands around his back. He stiffened at first and then his arms wrapped around her, hugging her back.

“Congratulations, Cassie,” he said softly. “I’m so happy for you.”

Cassie leaned back in his arms, tipping her head back to smile up at him. She traced his jaw with her fingers, confusion clouding her eyes at how cold his skin was.

“Did you just get home?” she asked, feeling a chill in the air when he dropped his arms and stepped back from her. “I went to Derry’s and your manager said you weren’t working today, but I could have sworn you told me you were.”

When he refused to meet her eyes, she felt an odd, vague disquiet settle over her. “Ethan, what’s wrong? Where were you today?”

He shoved his hands into the front pocket of his jeans and stared over her shoulder to the view outside the window. She could see the indecision on his face, his internal struggle and then his face harden with resolve as his eyes snapped back into hers.

“I went to see my mother,” he said.

“You’ve never mentioned her before,” said Cassie slowly. “I thought she might have died when you were young and that’s why.”

“That would have been better than the truth,” he said angrily. “My mother walked out on us almost ten years ago. She suddenly showed up the afternoon after Christmas, full of remorse and cocaine and god knows what else. She was so high I was surprised she still remembered where we lived. The next day, she was gone along with what few valuables my father kept in the house.”

Cassie wanted to hold him, comfort him, but he was so closed off and defiant right now that he would only push her away. Instead, she remained quiet, getting the sense there was more to come.

He exhaled, but fury still simmered beneath the surface. “She OD’d last night, and the hospital called my father as he’s still her next of kin. “Don’t worry. She’s still alive,” he added when Cassie made a distressed sound. “I’m not that lucky.”

He wearily pressed the heel of his palms against his eyes. “My dad asked me to come and that’s where I was today. I almost didn’t go because she’s the last person I want to see, ever. But my dad needed me, and I couldn’t let him deal with that—with her—alone.”

Cassie took a step toward him and then another, gingerly placing one hand on his back and rubbing it up and down in solace.

“It’ll be okay, Ethan,” she said soothingly. “We’ll get through this.”

When he pushed her hand away it felt worse than a slap in the face.

“You don’t get it, do you? How could you with your perfect family and your perfect life?” he said, disdain coating each word as he turned to face her. “My mother is a drug addict, Cassie. She walked out on us like her family was an inconvenience she couldn’t wait to shed. She only came back because she wanted money for her next score. Those genes are inside me. It’s as far from perfect as it gets.”

“Ethan…” she began, eyes soft from sympathy and love.

“I can’t do this,” he said, putting a hand up to stop her, blue eyes devoid of emotion. “You, me, it’s over. I have nothing to give you and never will. I need to get into the best med school there is so I can match at Edenbrook, and finally leave my past behind. You’re not part of that and I can’t afford to waste my time on distractions.”

Every word he uttered was like a shard of glass piercing her heart. The emptiness in his gaze so different from the warmth she remembered from when he’d first kissed her. She could feel tears falling unheeded down her cheeks and thought how he didn’t deserve them, but she couldn’t make them stop.

She wrapped her arms around her waist as the chill from earlier became a deep freeze. She wished she could wake up, have him hold her and tell her it was all a bad dream. That he wasn’t breaking her heart so carelessly as if the last five months had meant nothing. As if her love had meant nothing. Like she was nothing.

Anger temporarily replaced the grief threatening to drown her and the tears suddenly stopped as if someone had turned off the tap. She used her hands to wipe away the wetness from her cheeks and reached for her coat and scarf.

“You’re a fucking coward, Ethan Ramsey,” she hissed. “You’re so stuck in the past you say you want to escape that you’re blind to the fact that love doesn’t make you weak, it makes you strong. If you feel nothing for me, then how I can be a distraction? You stand there so casually cruel and distant and I wish I could hate you, but I can’t. Because even while you rip my heart to shreds, I know that I’ll never love anyone the way I love you.”

She marched towards the door, twisting the knob and then stood in the open doorway, turning to face him one last time. “Everything you wanted, I did too, for you, just as much if not more because I know how passionate you are about medicine. I wish you could have seen me as your partner and not some inconvenient fuck.”

He winced at that and she was glad to have finally gotten a reaction. “Good-bye, Ethan. Do me a favor and lose my number.”

She slammed the door behind her and he heard her boots fade into the distance. Alone, in the empty silence, Ethan finally dropped the façade. Sinking down on the couch, he hunched forward, bowed his head and let the tears fall.

It was for the best, he told himself. She might never forgive him, but one day she would look back on this and thank him. He had to believe that.

Three weeks and five days later, he found himself nervously standing in front of her door, hoping it wasn’t too late to beg her to take him back. His palms were sweaty and he rubbed them on the side of his jeans.

It had taken him only a day to realize how much he missed her; a week to wonder how he could have been so stupid; two for him know he’d made the biggest mistake of his life; and until today to work up the courage to approach her. He’d tried texting first only to find that she’d blocked his number.

He hadn’t realized how quickly she’d woven herself into the pattern of his life. A trip to the grocery store reminded him of how she would always head to the snack aisle first. 

Every time he worked his shift at Derry’s he’d remember the first time he’d kissed her and how she’d started studying at what she called ‘their table’ just so that they could hang out together during his breaks.

One day he’d been working in the stockroom when he heard a familiar laugh. He’d rushed out thinking she was back, only to be disappointed when it was someone else. 

The worst was when there was a snowstorm last week and he’d felt a literal ache at the memory of how they’d played in the snow before winter break.

Cold and wet, they’d come back to his apartment, laughing the whole time. He’d lit a whole bunch of candles because he didn’t have a fireplace and had made love to her in the candlelight.

They would have that again, he thought as he raised his hand to knock on her door. He had to believe it was still possible, that he wasn’t too late.

When he heard the lock slide and the door started to swing open, he felt his heartbeat race only to fall when it wasn’t Cassie but her brother Max who stood in the opening. Judging by the hostile expression on his face, Ethan knew it was going to be even more difficult than he’d assumed.

“Hi, Max,” said Ethan, keeping his tone neutral. “Is Cassie home?”

Max stared at him, a considering look entering his eyes before he said. “No.”

When he started to close the door, Ethan shoved one foot forward to block him. “Where is she? When will she be back?”

“It’s none of your damn business, Ramsey,” said Max unsympathetically. “But if you must know, she’s out on a date. She’s moved on. I suggest you do the same.”

Still in shock at the thought of Cassie with someone else, Ethan stumbled back and that was all it took for Max to shut the door on his face.

He was wrong, thought Ethan. It was too late for take backs, and this time he had no one to blame but himself.

Inside the apartment, Max turned away from the closed door just as Cassie emerged from the bathroom, steam from her hot shower wafting into the hallway.

“Was someone at the door?” she asked.

He debated lying, but the one thing he never did was lie to his sister. The Twin Code demanded honesty and trust.

“It was Ethan,” he said warily, watching for any signs of the depression that had plagued her these last couple of weeks.

Her lower lip quivered but she controlled it; tears pooled in her eyes before she blinked them away. She sniffed, but that could have been from the head cold she’d caught earlier in the week.

“I told him you were on a date,” continued Max, folding her into his arms when it looked like she might not have the strength to stand upright. “I’m sorry, Cassie. I shouldn’t have done that without asking you.”

“I miss him,” she cried out, the tears she’d tried to stop falling now as she buried her face into his shirt. “He shattered me, with his cruel words, his cold indifference. Despite that, I can’t kill this love inside me. Why wasn’t I enough?”

“You were more than enough,” assured Max. “He wasn’t worthy of you. Someday you’ll meet someone who will lay his entire world at your feet. You’ll see.”

He wiped the tears from her face and took her hand. “Now, let’s get you into bed. I made herbal tea which should help and there’s a pharmacy worth of cold and flu meds on your bedside table.”

“Scientists can find a cure for smallpox and polio,” complained Cassie as she lay down in bed and pulled up the covers. “Yet the common cold eludes them.”

“Maybe you should go to medical school instead and get started on that,” joked Max, handing her a cup of tea.

He tidied up around the room, discarding used tissues and gathering dirty dishes to stack them in the dishwasher on his way out.

“I wish I could stay,” he said checking his wristwatch, “but I’m already on Eva’s shit list for canceling our last two dates.”

“You should go,” said Cassie, sinking into the mattress as sleep beckoned. “I’ll be fine. And not just tonight. I promise.”

“I know you will,” said Max, leaning down to kiss her forehead. “You’re one of the strongest people I know. ”

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

As winter gave way to spring, there was a buzz in the year with the academic year winding down. Ethan had thrown himself into his studies and work, lining up a summer internship in a community clinic near home to start one week after the semester ended. 

He might have lost Cassie, but he couldn’t sabotage his dream. He was determined to prove genetics wrong.

He’d faltered only once when he spied Cassie in the distance. She was with another man, his arm flung over her shoulder as they laughed together, her face animated. He’d been surprised he hadn’t run into her sooner, but it was a big campus and lots of ways to avoid an ex.

Since the breakup, he’d gone on one disastrous date before deciding one-night stands were good enough to take the edge of. Of course, it helped that in the dark he could pretend the women were someone else.

There were only two weeks left in the semester now. He was on his way back from class and crossing the quad when someone handing out flyers shoved one into his hands. He started to throw it away but then he glanced down to see Cassie staring up at him, caught in an elegant pose mid-dance.

He scanned the details on the flyer and saw they were selling tickets for the ballet company’s year-end showcase performance. Soon she’d be leaving for her summer program and this would likely be his last chance to see her.

The night of the performance, Ethan handed his ticket to the usher and then quickly ducked behind someone when he spotted Max in the crowd. He took his seat as the lights gradually went dark, sliding down slightly when the woman behind him complained about the blocked view. Soon the curtain lifted and a line of dancers pranced on to the stage.

When Cassie joined them, Ethan leaned forward, eyes locked on her every move until she exited the stage. Later in the evening, he glanced at the program in his hand and noticed that the next performance was her last dance of the night. The lights, the atmosphere, her in that sparkling costume, everything was magic and he was mesmerized.

So, when he heard someone scream and the audience’s shocked gasps, he knew he had just missed something major. People started standing, craning their heads; the din of the crowd rising as the music abruptly stopped. Unable to see anything, he pushed through the crowd gathering in the aisle only to break free near the stage.

And then his heart stopped.

Cassie was sprawled on the stage, her leg stretched at the awkward angle and her face scrunched in pain. She was shaking her head at whatever someone was saying to her while tears and mascara streaked down her face. He saw Max rush on to the stage, wrapping an arm around her shoulder and she broke down sobbing.

Ethan switched his gaze to her injured leg and the way her hand was protectively hovering over the left knee. He connected the visual symptoms to possible diagnoses and got a sinking feeling in his stomach when he realized all of them could potentially signal the end of her ballet dreams.

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

It was the middle of the night when Ethan sneaked inside Cassie’s hospital room and pulled up a chair beside her bed. As gently as he could and mindful of the lines and tubes, he reached for her hand, lacing their fingers together and, for the first time that night, felt the tension wash away.

Knowing her family wouldn’t let him anywhere near her and neither would the medical staff, he’d applied his detective skills to solving the problem of logistics. He’d lurked in the Emergency Department first, keeping his ears open for any news of her, and then stealthily followed when they transferred her to the floors.

He stayed out of sight by ducking into dark patient rooms and stairwells while her family came in and out of her room and the nursing staff checked her vitals. He soon came to learn they did that several times during the night and quickly hid in the adjoining bath whenever he heard footsteps approaching.

He never felt himself drift off to sleep, but he did get a rude awakening when rough hands shook him awake the next morning. He opened his eyes to see a middle-aged nurse glaring down at him while Cassie watched him from her bed, an amused smile hovering on her lips at his predicament.

“If this young woman hadn’t vouched for you, young man,” the nurse was carping, “I would be calling security and then the police. Visiting hours are from 10 to 8. Come back then.”

From the way she folded her arms across her chest, Ethan knew she wouldn’t leave until he did. He glanced furtively at Cassie, but her neutral expression didn’t give anything away.

“Mary-Ellen, can you give me ten minutes with Ethan?” Cassie said, looking over his shoulder at the nurse. “I promise he will leave as soon as we’re done.”

Ethan didn’t think it would work, but the nurse relented with a ‘hrmm’ and threw him narrow-eyed stare as she departed, calling out, “I’ll be back in exactly ten minutes. Not a second more."

The door closed behind her and Ethan reached for Cassie’s hand again only for her to pull it away.

“What are you doing here, Ethan?” she asked suspiciously.

“I was there yesterday, at the showcase,” he explained. “I’m so sorry, Cassie. I know how much ballet means to you. Do they know…”

“Torn ACL,” she said, reading his thoughts. “You didn’t answer my question.”

Ethan wished she would smile at him, that quirky grin he would say was annoying but secretly loved. Time was running out though before he was kicked out, and he needed to make the most of it.

“I miss you,” he declared, deciding to lay it all on the line. “I regret every day how I ended things between us. I know I don’t deserve this—I don’t deserve you—but if you could find it in your heart to give me a second chance, I promise that I will spend every waking moment making sure I am worthy of you.”

Cassie could see he was sincere, and remorseful, but she wasn’t ready to forgive him. Not yet.

“You broke me, Ethan,” she said plainly, being as honest with him as he had been with her. “You made me ashamed of the love I had for you, like it was something dirty and inconvenient. It took me a long time to stop feeling like I did something wrong.”

She raised her hand when he opened his mouth to interrupt. “I’m not sure I’m strong enough to survive a second time if I let you in only for you to push me away when your insecurities take over.”

Ethan heard what she was saying and knew forgiveness wasn’t enough. He wanted her to love him again, the way she had before. And he knew even that wouldn’t be enough.

“I love you, Cassie,” he said, placing his hand on top of hers, letting her feel the nerves coursing through him. “I’m sorry that I could never say the words until now. I’m sorry I made you feel as if your love wasn’t welcome. The only person…well, the last person I said those words to left me when I was eleven. And I still don’t know if the lack was in me or in them. Loving you terrifies me, but I’m willing to try if you’ll have me.”

They both heard the stomping sound of the nurse returning and knew they had seconds left.

“I need more time,” said Cassie, sighing with regret as she continued. “I’m not saying no, but I have to deal with this first,” she waved a hand at her injured leg, “and while it’s impossible to say what the future will bring, I can see as far as tomorrow. So can we take this one day at a time and start tomorrow?”

“I’d like that,” he said, that slow and soft smile she loved so much spreading across his lips. “I will see you tomorrow, Cassie.”

“See you tomorrow, Ethan.”

A/N 2: And there will be an epilogue, so the story’s not fully done. Just this part of their journey.

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

Ethan & Cassie Fics & Edits only: @custaroonie @lady-calypso​

@choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics

#ethan ramsey #ethan ramsey x mc #open heart #open heart choices #playchoices #ethan x mc #open heart fanfics #open heart fanfiction #choices fic writers creations #cfwc fics of the week #ethan ramsey x cassie valentine #open heart au

[lilyoffandoms]

Open Heart AU - Ethan x Merida

Warnings & A/N: Blood mention, knife mention, injury, kidnapping. It’s a mob AU y’all.

For day 7 (Mob/Mafia AU) of the @choicesaugustchallenge. For the brilliant anon that I love with all my heart!! I’m posting this now because I wrote it immediately, tried to save it to my drafts, failed like the pitiful soul I am, posted it, and I’m telling myself that I will write a follow up to it like the silly fool I am.

I’ll take more requests and maybe actually save them until August (I lie) 😂

He was dragged down the alley, feet scrambling to find their balance as arms supported him on either side. His shoes surely scuffed beyond recognition with how often he had tripped and stumbled on the uneven ground littered with potholes.

It was dark, and even the dim light that filtered through the fabric hood over his head from the cars head lamps, probably did very little to illuminate the path before them.

He heard what had to be a door open in front of them, hinges squeaking hard against rusted metal. The alley plunged into darkness when the car’s lights were turned off and only the dim light from the doorway illuminated the alleyway.

“Took you long enough,” a deep voice hissed from that doorway.

“He didn’t come willingly. You know how it goes,” a voice said from beside him as they ushered him into a room.

He fought a bit more only to be met with a punch to the gut that caused him to double over and hit, knees, hard to the floor.

“That’s quite enough of that,” a softer voice called out from across the room.

Her voice sounded weak. Sick? No, injured. It was the voice of one that is in a lot of pain. Blood loss maybe, he reasoned.

“Be a good doc or you won’t like what happens,” a voice hissed into his ear, fingernails digging into his arm and causing him to whimper slightly from the pain.

And then the world was bright again as his hood was pulled off. His eyes squinted from the sudden light, bright against his eyes but not enough to cast much light around the vast room which remained rather dim.

As his eyes adjusted, he took in the well appointed room. A pool table and leather couches littered one corner of the room beside an old prohibition era bar. A number of people loitered there, tense and uneasy. A large, ornately carved desk filled the other side of the room. It was littered with papers. Everything about the room and his abduction screamed old Boston mob.

“I see you approve of the decor,” the same soft voice said and drew his attention. She sat on a leather chair in the far corner behind him where a small library sat.

“I do not approve of any of this,” Ethan scowled.

“Yet your eyes lighting up at the sight of my place and my library,” she waved a hand at the bookshelves and bit back a pained groan, “and the tension in your body easing ever so slightly at what you consider comforting decor does tell me you do approve, doctor.”

He scowled and she smirked.

“Despite what your words me say.”

“Why am I here?” he asked.

“Where are my manners,” she shook her head, the same smirk still on her face. “I’m Merida Rys. I see you’ve heard of me,” she chuckled at his expression, her hand clutching more firmly to her side, her face pinched in pain.

“All of Boston has,” he said and earned chuckles from those around the room. “Still doesn’t explain why I’m here.”

She pouted with a tsk. “Now I am disappointed. The great, world-renowned Dr. Ethan Ramsey can’t piece together why he’s here. How very ordinary of you.”

He scowled deeper at her smirk.

“Stab wound, upper abdominal cavity,” a small woman said now standing closer beside them.

“I won’t help you,” Ethan said, eyes still on Merida.

“My disappointment grows. Here I thought you doctors took an oath. My, my, what shall we do, Lahela?” she asked looking to the tall blonde Adonis standing beside the still kneeling doctor, who only gave Ethan a wicked grin.

“See that he is taken care of, Lahela,” Merida said and gave a dismissive wave of her hand. “Trinh,” she turned to the small woman, “find me a doctor that will-“ she broke off in pain. Pale, weak, and when she removed her hand, Ethan saw it covered in blood, her dark shirt soaked through. She glanced at him and smiled bravely, yet weakly, at him before passing out.

“You going to help,” the man named Lahela snapped at Ethan while dragging him to his feet, “or do I get to practice my knife skills on you?”

Ethan didn’t even listen to the last part, as he was already beside the woman alongside Trinh who handed him a stethoscope.

“She needs blood. And a hospital,” he demanded.

“Blood we got. Hospital? No way in hell. But we got the next best thing. Varma, Aveiro, get the boss to the operating room. Greene, show the good doctor here where he can wash up. Trinh, scrub in.”

The room was a sudden flurry of activity as a man named Greene came up beside Ethan. “This way,” he said and wheeled down a hallway to a wash room. “Clean scrubs are there,” he nodded to a pile of folded scrubs beside the sink. “Then go through that door. And oh yeah, let her die and Bryce will have a lot of fun with you on that same table.” With a salute and laugh he closed the door behind him.

Ethan glanced around the room as he changed into clean scrubs and washed his hands. This was not how his evening was supposed to go. He had returned home expecting to have a quiet dinner, some wine, read a bit and the crawl into bed before suffering through his forced vacation.

“You have to take those days, my boy,” his mentor had chuckled. “It’s mandatory.”

He would regret making him take that vacation now, Ethan thought.

Instead of a vacation, he had been ambushed outside his apartment. A hood thrown over his head as he was shoved roughly into a sleek, black town car. And now he was about to operate on one of Boston’s most notorious crime lords.

He dried his hands and entered the operating room where Trinh waited to help him into a gown and gloves.

“You got this,” she smiled brightly, so out of place with everything and everyone else tonight.

“And if I don’t?” Ethan asked.

“You can be a dolphin or feed the dolphins, I guess.”

“I don’t know what that means.”

“Only one way to find out. You ready?”

He nodded and turned to see Merida under anesthesia on an operating table in a pristine operating room that rivaled Edenbrook’s own.

“Let’s get to it.”

* * *

Hours later, he sat monitoring her vitals. Everyone else had left the room except for the guard half sleeping in the corner and the guard outside the door.

He sighed, stretching out his body in the chair, hands running through his hair.

“You look tired, doctor.”

He bolted upright to find her watching him with a curious look.

“How are you feeling?” he asked as he stood up.

“I’m touched,” she brushed her hand to her chest, “you do care.”

“Hardly,” he dismissed her words and took her vitals again.

“When will you stop lying to me? I can read you better than that. If you didn’t care you wouldn’t have saved me.”

“I value my life.”

“You value the lives of others more, I think. And you value your integrity and the oath you took far more than that. So you see, my good doctor, you do care.”

He stopped and looked at her. Deep brown eyes stared back at him. Searching his face. Reading him. He had never met someone who could so easily read him.

“Have a seat. You don’t look well, doctor.”

He took his seat. Truth was he felt unsteady. Confused beneath the scrutiny of her piercing gaze.

“You can go. Grab something to eat,” Merida said the the woman in the corner. “Have Varma run to Bistro du Midi for Dr. Ramsey. The usual and,” she looked the him again before deciding, “and a bottle of whatever Bordeaux they recommended.”

“You got to boss.”

“Bistro du Midi?” Ethan asked, eyebrows raised.

“You are hungry, are you not?” she asked through gritted teeth as she shifted the bed to sit up a bit more.

“They wouldn’t let me give you anything for the pain,” Ethan said, stood up in concern, dispute himself.

“Ha, yeah. That would have been on my orders,” she said as he helped her get in a comfortable position. “Thanks,” she said and it sounded so honest and sincere, no sarcasm or bravado for a moment before she spoke again. “Told you, you cared.

He shook his head, a smile tugging at his lips as he sat. They sat in silence as she dozed on and off until Varma returned with his meal and sat it down in front of him on a carved table she wheeled in. A bottle of the finest Bordeaux he had ever seen. A glass set beside it and the food arranged on beautiful plate.

“Doctor,” Varma nodded as she left.

The smell enticed him far too much to refuse the meal like he wanted to and he tucked into. A small moan escaping him at the first bite and sip he took. It had been far too long since he had a meal from one of his favorite places.

“So tell me, doctor, how is your vacation going so far?” she interrupted his thoughts as she woke again.

“I’ve had better.”

“You’ve had none,” she chuckled and winced.

“I prefer my work over needless free time.”

“But free time is when you can do the most good for yourself. And doing good for yourself is as important as doing good for others.”

“And what do you know about good?” he met her eyes with a cold, hard stare. “What good have you done?”

“Are you judging me, doctor? Go ahead. I don’t blame you. But might I suggest you take your own advice and not dismiss the impossible.”

“When did I ever offer that advice?” he scoffed. “What pointless drivel.” He took another bite as her smirked grew.

“In you diagnostic book. I believe in the first few pages of chapter one. ‘It is vital for a diagnostician to put aside ego - believing they have all the answers - no doctor has all the answers. One can never dismiss the impossible,’ she quoted. “Tell me I’m wrong.”

He nearly choked on his food. “You’ve read my book? Why?”

“Why not,” she answered with a shrug of her shoulders.

They watched each other for a long time before he said, “Drivel. My publisher said it would sound good.”

“If you say so.”

“I know what is in front of me.”

“And what is that, doctor? A monster? A villain? A mob boss? A murderer? I go by so many names, which are you going to pick?”

“No one good.”

“It’s a shame there is no room for the impossible in your world. Your life is the poorer for it.”

* * *

A few days later he was as brought to her desk wheee she sat rather stiffly. Her warm brown eyes meeting his with a soft smile.

“I owe you my life, doctor. A debt I can never repay. But know that I’ll try. My associates here will see you safely home.”

And with that she stood, offered her hand, which Ethan took, before she leaned in a dplanted a soft kiss to his cheek.

“If you ever want a side hustle or even a full time job, you’ll know how to find me.” And with that she from the room.

Lahela saw him home, head covered until he was safely deposited inside his apartment in the early morning hours.

He left out a weary sigh as he sat down on the couch. His eyes catching on a bottle and check on the mantle, alongside a note.

“A token of my generosity. The wine for you. The check for the diagnostic team to use as they see fit. Should you ever need me, be sure to visit my favorite bistro. I hear their 2015 Château Batailley is divine. Maybe in time you will learn to trust your own words. -M”

He smiled. She was right. She had been right. The impossible is not to be dismissed. And maybe there was room for the impossible in his life.

——————————

Choices Tag: @storyofmychoices @peonierose

#open heart au #choices open heart #open heart #ethan ramsey x mc #ethan x merida #choicesaugustchallenge #choices monthly challenge #my drabble #i like to live dangerously and so do not edit please forgive any mistakes #please read warnings #my oc: merida rys

[txemrn]

I can't work out what T&E are up to with Casey. Are they easing her into the idea of a threesome? Are they doing a loyalty test? Are Tobias and Tatum working as a team to fuck everyone up? What is going on??!

Hey, Anon!

Thank you so much for the Ask! And thank you for taking the time to read the newest chapter of my mini-series Until You Love Me!

Me:

⬆️ (Actually... this is probably the most accurate representation of what I look like... 🤣)

But oh my goodness, I LOVE where your brain is going, trying to figure out this bizarre behavior from ... essentially everybody!

One of the tricky things with writing this fic has been my own knowledge of what's going on with everyone because, well, I'm trying to hide it from y'all. 🤣 for now! So, there is a part of me that's slightly excited that you're guessing! Thanks for humoring my musings! 😁

I will tell you that Tobias is not working with Tatum... although he did have his eyes lingering on her a little too long.

A loyalty test? Casey is overly concerned with Ethan's loyalty, yet she's now hooked up with Tatum. Twice.

A threesome? Hrmmm... Tatum seems to be able to get what she wants, especially when it comes to Casey. But would Ethan be okay with that?

Love your thoughts...

Here's the good news: this is a mini-series. And the truth will be revealed in just a couple of chapters!

Thanks again so much for your support! 🖤

#you asked #until you love me #open heart au

[tanuki-pyon]

Kingdom Hearts AU commission :)!!

#my art #fanart #digital art #drawings #doodles #wednesday #wednesday addams #enid sinclair #wenclair #kingdom hearts au #kingdom hearts #commission #art commissions #open commissions

[baskeigh-ball]

Hello!! Hello!! I have no question, I'm so sorry! I want to wish you a happy day/night!!! Also please drink water for any aches and pains you may have!!!

YOUR ART IS GORGEOUS!!!! So wonderful and you are so very amazing and talented and!!!- Ahh you invoke so much joy!!! I hope you know I am complimenting you, i am singing your praises yes!!! I am wishing you all of the happiness!! You deserve and should have all of it mhm!!!

You deserve to be proud of yourself and your creations!! (Forgive my English, I'm not the best haha)

I'm super late responding to this but omg thank u you're such a sweet person and you know what! I actually needed to drink water so this was a much needed reminder, lol

have a danny and raph doodle in return :]

#everyone on this site is so nice dude i cant handle it #i get so giddy every time i get an ask like this #gah my heart #rottmnt raph #mutant manhunt au #rottmnt dastardly danny #asks open #my art

[crismakesstuff]

RESIST VILTRUM! JOIN THE RESISTANCE TODAY!

#yes I know debbie wasn’t in the opening scene of s2 ep1 #but idc in my heart she was bc I love her #also what happened to eve… horrifying #idc what happened everyone is alive and ok #invincible #invincible show #invincible spoilers #invincible season 2 #invincible fanart #debbie grayson #samatha eve wilkins #rudy conners #angstrom levy #invincible robot #atom eve #crismakesstuff #what are we calling that universe in the opening besties? #bad end au invincible #apocalypse au #digital art

[wormzandgutz]

Bigfatbreak makes a new au and I have to draw I have to draw I have to draw I have to draw

#I know that in the little animation they posted #nekydallons mask opens in a flash #but in my heart it opens all creepily #SLIME INCLUDED #my posts #bigfatbreak #villains au #dad villain au #mlb #miraculous ladybug #fanart #mlb fanart #miraculous fanart #Nekydallon #au fanart #butterfly miraculous #traditional art

[wzardjellies]

Just got done w/ revenge on my rewatch and I have an au going on in my head where Jo gets a more developed character arc and dawn gets further in the competition bc they form an alliance lesbianism ensues (they make each other worse/better)

#freak x freak dynamic but theyre both on separate sides of the freak scale #this is like my first independently thought of crack ship and technically it doesn’t make sense but it makes sense in my heart #only reason it came to be is bc I placed them next to eachother on a redesign line up and went hmmmmmmmmmm #they initially make an alliance in this au bc dawn is on the toxic maggots #augh I meant mutant #this also would kinda open up to dawn being on all stars #total drama #td #total drama revenge of the island #roti #tdroti #td jo #total drama jo #total drama dawn #what would their ship name be ummm #jawn #jodawn #jelly art

[coffeeheartaddict2]

When life has other plans (2/16)

Deal with the devil

Characters: Ethan Ramsey, Casey Valentine.

Word count: 2575

Category: Smut

Rating: Explicit 18+

Warnings: sexual content, language

Summary: The competition continues and Casey keeps Ethan’s secret. Casey takes over the top spot and earns a trip to Miami but all is not as it seems.

Disclaimer: Characters belong to Pixelberry.

Authors note: How I love writing Miami and how I love adding into an AU where things can be different. Enjoy another smutty Miami fic.

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

The competition was still running and Casey was on the improve. So much so that she found herself with some more difficult cases and just as difficult patients. She wanted to confront Ethan about one but she had not spoken to him outside of assisting him secretly with Naveen and if Casey was being honest, she felt that a showdown would be more to do with the kiss they had shared and she did not want that to be hospital gossip. So she persisted, copped the patient's criticisms. She was exhausted that even Kyra, her patient now friend, had become concerned. She was taken to a local ice cream parlour. She had the death by chocolate and it was delicious. Casey appreciated the break. Kyra then stated there must be twelve things wrong with you if you turn down ice cream. That switched a lightbulb and Casey’s brain. There was multiple things wrong with the patient. He was not happy as he was told he would be having surgery then to Casey’s surprise the patient got a dressing down from Ethan. When he was gone Ethan came upto her.

“Congratulations on solving the case, there is plenty to learn from all patients, not just the pleasant and easy ones. That is why I assigned him to you.”

Ethan did not want to tell her because he had been accused by Harper, no less that he was showing favouritism towards Casey. He did not appreciate the insinuation and there was no telling her otherwise. Casey thanked Ethan for the feedback and continued on with her day.

The Medical Symposium was fast approaching. With how bad Naveen was, he was reluctant to go but he was frustrated with the lack of progress from dealing with the research and development department of Panacea. They had been doing some research into treatments for Sepsis and he wanted more than anything for more information so he could try the treatments on Naveen. He had no response and this now meant drastic measures, and that was to deal with an individual he would rather not deal with in Declan Nash but now it appeared that his hand was to be forced. Casey was certainly the most improved intern but her well earnt rise to top position thankfully coincided with the Symposium. He needed Casey there, he knew that taking her would raise several eye brows, some of the lower ranked interns had speculated if she is getting special treatment among other things, they were wrong of course, it was senior resident and other attending feedback that influenced the rankings, he only collated the data and posted the final results. Ranking release day came, and all the interns were abuzz with the news that Aurora Emery was not in top spot. He announced at morning announcements that he would be taking her to the symposium. Harper was stunned, he stated that it would be a good opportunity for Casey to get valuable insight to the industry. Harper did agree but she was skeptical. She had seen Dr Valentine and Dr Ramsey together often in conversation. She had seen an arm squeeze which looked more than congratulatory but Ethan had said to her that he was not playing favourites and she chose to believe him.

Meanwhile, Landry was fuming. He presumed that Aurora was on top spot as there would be people wanting to be on Harper’s good side but he could not believe Casey was on top. Sure she had a good solve rate but to him, the cases seemed lackluster. He had also seen Dr Ramsey conversing with Casey numerous times, especially late at night. He was convinced that her being top of the rankings was because she was sleeping with him. He knew that some of the lowly ranked interns suspected something was afoot but rumour was clearly not enough, he needed to sabotage her but how to do so and to get away with it, well that was going to provide extra planning.

The next day came and Casey made her way to Logan Airport. She just made it in time. They board, and settle down into first class. It was a pleasant flight, they mainly discuss Casey’s career ambitions. They arrive at the hotel and Casey is sent to check them in. Needless to say Casey was mortified that they were to be sharing a room, with it being a conference she knew there was no chance that it would be able to be changed. Casey advises Ethan and he is annoyed. They make their way up to the room, discussing who will be taking the couch.

They make their way down to the floor and Casey is blown away by all the innovation at first then realized that it will be swallowed up by the profit driven agenda of the very broken system that they work within. They wander the floor then they find themselves at the Panacea booth. Casey could sense Ethan’s apprehension and annoyance.

“That is Declan Nash.” He said “Panacea have been doing research into sepsis treatments and he had contacted the research department but was getting nowhere but I do not want to deal with Declan. He has had it out for me since I punched him at another conference.”

Casey is stunned.

“Am I truly on top this week Ethan or did you doctor the rankings so I was on top?”

Ethan was annoyed at the insinuation but could see how it looked.

“You being on top is genuine, even if you were not you certainly have been the most improved so I would have found a way to bring you regardless,” stated Ethan, “ This research could really help Naveen, I need to know more.”

“Ok,” says Casey as she places a hand on his arm. “I will try to get the information, for Naveen’s sake.”

Ethan nodded. Casey made her way to where Declan was gloating and waited to make her self known. He started talking about the research into immune responses. Casey segued her way into the spiel, by lying about her position and wanting to know what the laboratory that she worked for needed to be kept abreast of. Declan however, saw through her ruse, yes there has been an interest in some of our research by a doctor of some repute, Hello Ethan, since when do you let your latest follower do your dirty work?”

Ethan was furious, this was his only hope to get the information and it was being held hostage by this man’s ego. He wanted to punch him again but left, Casey followed, apologizing for not being able to get the information.

“It is not your fault rookie, he has been humiliated by me before and holds a grudge. There is not much I can do except drown my sorrows at the conference gala.” They arrived back at the room to get ready. Ethan went to shower while Casey got changed. She was thankful that she had brought this gown. It was midnight blue, strapless and hugged all the right curves. Perfect for a gala. Casey was admiring herself in the mirror when Ethan came out of the shower.

All the thoughts of impropriety went through his head, how he did not act right then and there he does not know.

“You look… hmm… appropriate.” Said Ethan, struggling to find words that described how Casey looked but would not show how lustful his thoughts were.

Casey chuckled. “You should have been a poet, Dr Ramsey.”

Ethan blushes and gets ready in the dressing room.

They head down together, Casey wishing that he did not look so god damn handsome and absolutely fuckable in a tuxedo. They separate after the first glass of champagne. They both wander and Casey finds herself at the poker tables. Declan Nash is there. Casey decides then and there to make a play for the information. She joins the game. Declan is surprised she is playing, he makes a quip about not being able to afford it. Casey ignores him and they play. Casey wins the first hand. This gives her some confidence so she starts to lay down some terms to get the information that she was unable to get earlier.

“And what if I win?” Asked Declan, eyeing the curves of her dress. “You are an intern, what possible thing could you have to offer, although, I am sure you would be willing to do whatever it takes…”

Just then Ethan walks by. He is pleased to see Casey using her initiative but then he hears the intention laced way he was speaking. His blood began to boil. He knew that Casey was a grown woman and was more than able to make her own decisions about her body, he certainly did not own her but the thought of Declan Nash wanting to touch her in that way was infuriating to put mildly. He wanted to punch him again but managed to contain that urge. In that moment he knew that drastic times called for drastic measures.

“How about I give you what you always wanted, using the team as a vehicle to identify people for drug trials.” Said Ethan.

Declan was very interested all of a sudden. He had been trying for ages to get into Edenbrook but had been blocked many times, mainly by Naveen and Ethan.

“You are on, Dr Ramsey.”

Ethan sits where Casey is. The game is close and finally it was time to reveal his cards. Casey could see that Ethan was torn for a split second before he said that he folds. Declan looked so smug because he won. Declan came over to thank him for the game and gave him the information he so desperately wanted. Ethan was astounded at how easily he gave it then Declan said, “Consider it a sign of good faith going forward.” As he walked away.

“Thanks for the save Ethan but why do the deal with Panacea, I know how hard you have worked to keep them out.”

“If there is a way to keep them out there will be one.” Said Ethan as he stands up to go to the bar. Casey comes with him. They both get a drink. Ethan takes a sip, and looks at Casey and how stunning she looks. “In all honesty, the thought of him with you was infuriating. I know you are capable of making your own decisions, as am I.”

He leans in and kisses her hungrily.

“Ethan” says Casey breathlessly before returning the kiss. They decide to then go to their room. Once they are in the lift he kissed her again, running her hands along her curves. “Fuck you are gorgeous” he whispers in her ear as he kisses down her neck. They make their way to the hotel room. They enter and he guides Casey to the door. He kisses her again and hoists her around her waist. He runs his hands up her thighs to her centre and she is drenched. Casey moans as she undoes his belt and let’s his penis free. Ethan is impatient and he enters her.

“Fuck Ethan” moans Casey as he sets an arduous pace from the get to.

“You’re so fucking tight” says Ethan. He goes harder and Casey moans. It does not take him long to get close but Casey is close also. He hungrily kisses her again and thrusts in hard. He comes hard and it triggers Casey’s climax. He gently eases Casey down and they make their way to the bed. He unzips her dress and she disrobes him fully.

“Gosh you are beautiful” he says huskily, “let me enjoy all of you.” He kisses her again. Casey lays down on the bed and Ethan lays down on top of her. He kisses her gently on the mouth then he kissed her neck and starts to massage her left breast. He can feel how fast her heart is beating. He squeezes her breast before starting to kiss her breasts. He continued down her body to her glistening centre. He runs his tongue around her clit, causing Casey to shudder and moan. He teases her clit before running his tongue through her folds and entering her, causing Casey to arch her hips up off the bed. Ethan can not believe how sweet she tastes. He then goes back to pay attention to her clit. He grasps her waist, holding her to the mattress and his tongue enters her again. Casey wants to arch again but she can not and it arouses her more. She feels close again and Ethan knows it to. He goes harder and Casey again comes, he laps her up as she comes down from her high. He comes up and kisses her, she can taste herself on him and it is intoxicating. She rolls Ethan over so that she is on top. She runs her centre along his throbbing length. He hisses in anticipation. Casey then slowly eases her way down. When Ethan is fully sheathed in her once again she starts to rock her hips. Ethan groans and Casey speeds up. He hits the spot with even more vigour from when he had her against the door. He starts to massage both her breasts, gently pinching the nipples, causing Casey to moan. They go faster and faster and Casey is close, she clenches him, harder and harder until at last she succumbs to her climax screaming. Ethan grunts as he empties himself inside her. She eases herself off and lays down in his arms.

“WOW….just wow” says Casey.

“Indeed,” said Ethan, “definitely a good way of celebrating of getting the information to treat Naveen.”

Casey nods. “It will be great if the treatment works but is a celebration all this is?”

“No, I never could use you for a one night stand but a relationship will have its own complications.”

“I know but if I drop out of the competition now, it will only fuel the rumours, some of the lower ranked participants already think I am sleeping with you.”

“Well the mill would be now correct but it will not affect the rankings.”

“So what do we do?”

“I do not want to treat you like a dirty little secret, but being open and your standing…”

“How about an arrangement? Not a relationship in a strict sense but you are not having to keep it secret.”

“It would take pressure off and I see you outside of work enough already.”

“Precisely, so an arrangement then?” Asks Casey.

Ethan kisses her deeply. “Shall we partake in the arrangement?” He asks before kissing her again.

“Most definitely” whispers Casey before being kissed again.

They enjoy the rest of the conference. Hopeful of an improvement and maybe a breakthrough with Naveen and more importantly a clear sense of where they stood with each other.

Meanwhile, in the halls of Edenbrook, Landry was looking at the pager system. He found Casey’s and noted that she had hers currently switched off but was due to be switched back on automatically at 6.00am on the Monday, two hours before her shift started. Landry turned the auto switch off, leaving Casey off in the system.

“Let’s see you keep top spot with no one able to page you” he said under his breath with a slight chuckle. He then continued with his rounds

————-

Authors note: some of my changes also involve Landry and the locker scene where he is confronted. He always felt that Casey benefitted from some type of favouritism however I do not put it past him to have assumed that MC was sleeping with Ethan.

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

@choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics

If there is anyone I missed or you wish to be added please let me know, this goes for removal also

#open heart #ethan ramsey #choices fanfic writers creations #casey valentine #choices #fic of the week #open heart au #Miami #choices the stories you play

[empyrealen]

Kingdom Ponies!! Sea Salt trio edition!! 🩵

Last post, I got requests for design notes so first off, all Organization members are branded with the Recusant's sigil. For ponies, this replaces their cutie mark.

Axel being a griffon layers with his insecurities, he doesn’t have a mark like ponies do so he worries he will be forgettable, especially after leaving the organization. His name reflects this; an old memory that’s fading at the edges. Vignette also means to recount evocatively with nostalgia.

Roxas’ design is a fusion of Sora (Easy Breezy) and Ven’s (Windfall) most notably he gets Sora’s crown shaped fur tuffs. His cutie mark is supposed to emulate his X shaped symbol and he’s the only character with mismatched hoof tones. His name is very literal but as an idiom, it reflects Roxas’ role in the organization!

Pareidolia is the act of seeing faces in things that do not. She’s also a changeling! Changelings feed off of energy and affection so just like in Days, she’s accidentally absorbing Roxas throughout. Reformed changelings are very colorful so I based the tones on Thalassa shells. She also gets a pony form-just like white lies, she resembles pinky promise. Together they both make up Kairi’s alicorn status (Xion pegasus Namine unicorn) Xions main seashell on her mark is shaped like the organization symbol. In the story, her cutie mark would change depending on who sees her, before she establishes her identity

#noeart #kh #kingdom hearts #mlp #my little pony #khmlp au #Axel #Lea #Roxas #Xion #Sorry this was late I was struggling with Roxas name and xions color scheme #but I’m happy with them I think! #Xion gets Riku colored hooves and icy blue for sea salt and her crystallization effect in the end of days #Roxas gets little ear piercings for his finger sleeves #also asks are now open!

[socalwriterbee]

Happy Monday @moodmusicmonday!

Title: TBD (part 3)

Song: Dive By Ed Sheeran

Prompt: "Maybe there's another universe where we have the happy ending we always wanted."

"If you think I'd ever love someone after you, then I have failed in showing you how much you mean to me."

(will be tagging blog when the fic is posted)

Pairing: Tessa Martinez (f!mc) x Ethan Ramsey

*this will be the final part to In the End and Almost

#dive #mood music monday #choices open heart #ethan ramsey x tessa #ethan x tessa #open heart au #choices stories you play

[liaromancewriter]

What If? College AU

Series Premise: If Ethan and Cassie had met in college, would they still be inevitable?

Book: Open Heart AU: College  Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Cassie Valentine) Rating/Category: Teen Plus. Fluff and Angst

Part 1 

Part 2 (light NSFW)

Part 3 

Epilogue 

#what if series #ethan ramsey #ethan ramsey x mc #ethan x mc #open heart #open heart fanfics #playchoices fanfics #open heart au #romantic fiction #soulmates #ethan ramsey x cassie valentine

[naffeclipse]

I had a dream (I don't usually dream but if I do they're usually nightmares—anyways) about Cassie running around a Spirit Halloween store being chased by the Mimic and also getting jump scared by other props/animatronics

#okay hear me out... spirit halloween au #the dca is repackaged as a spooky Halloween prop/animatronic that you buy because you love Halloween decor #also this grinning jester robot is so creepy and would look so cool in your front yard #but when you take the dca home and open it up... the animatronic starts acting funny #funny as in strange #and a little scary #and might not be what you thought at all #oops #i know its august but halloween lives forever in my heart #naff nuh huh