#open heart book 2

[macapacaalpaca]

I was scrolling through Pinterest and stumbled across this! I’d recognise that bedroom anywhere 😌

#pixelberry #open heart #choices open heart #ethan ramsey #ethan x mc #ethan freaking ramsey #open heart book 2 #playchoices

[jerzwriter]

Just Passing By

From Here to There Series: Because you can't expect my neurodivergent brain to do anything in logical order... I still haven't explained how Tobias & Casey got together. It's time to rectify that. I'll be working on my masterlist to make this all a little less chaotic, I swear! :) I'll also be tidying up some former parts of my HC to tie things together. In the last segment, A New Chapter, we learn how they went from exes after a whirlwind romance to making peace after the chemical attack. It's roughly three weeks after the attack, and Casey is just back home from the hospital. She's struggling with the aftermath, and her friends can't seem to help. Tobias passes by on a whim, and the roommates are not happy to see him. But how will Casey feel?

Book: Open Heart (Book 2 - post Chemical Attack) Pairing: Tobias x Casey (F!MC) (Eventual) Featuring: Roomies - esp Jackie Varma Words: 2,100 Rating: Teen+ A/N: This is part of my HC for the couple.

Full Masterlsit | Tobias & Casey Masterlsit

This wasn't a planned visit. He was just driving home from work. There just so happened to be a parking spot on Casey's block... a parking spot on the streets of Boston? It had to be a sign. Right? It made sense that he'd stop in to see her. At least, that's what Tobias told himself as he made his way down the pavement toward Casey's front door. Her neighborhood didn't lie between Mass Kenmore and his townhome, but that, to him, was irrelevant.

Raised voices could be heard behind the door as he approached, but Casey wasn't among them. He may not talk to her much anymore, but he could still pick her voice out anywhere. He almost turned around; perhaps dropping by unannounced wasn't wise, but it would be foolish to turn back now. So, with a bit of trepidation he raised his hand and knocked.

"I'm coming," a woman shouted. Her voice was marked with annoyance, but when she opened the door, her expression went straight to disgust. "Oh. It's you."

Tobias looked over his shoulder, then turned around with a grin. "Sure is. Were you expecting someone better?"

"I wasn't expecting anyone," Jackie sneered. "But better isn’t really a high bar in your case."

"You’re doing wonders for my ego... Varma? Is it?"

Jackie crossed her arms and eyed him. "Trust. I wasn't put on this earth to coddle men's egos. Why are you here?"

He was about to respond when a more pleasant face appeared. "Jackie, who is it..." Sienna smiled politely when she caught sight of Tobias. "Dr. Carrick, good to see you!"

"Is it?" Jackie smirked as Sienna promptly shushed her. 

"Why don't you come in? Is Casey expecting you?"

"No, uh...I was just in the neighborhood and..." he was quickly drowned out by bickering from an adjoining room.

"Just give her time," Bryce insisted.

"I know," Elijah acquiesced. "But she can’t stay locked in her room. How will that improve her mental health?”  

"She does have to get past that," Aurora agreed, “but she needs to do it in her own time.”

“He’s right!” Sienna scolded upon entering the room. “The last two weeks have been hell on all of us, and she’s been home three days. Don't expect miracles.”  

When they turned to Sienna, several eyes widened when they saw the handsome doctor standing behind her.  

“Dr. Carrick,” Aurora acknowledged her boss.

“We’re not at work. It’s Tobias,” he insisted.

Jackie rolled her eyes. “He’s here to see Casey.”

Bryce raised a brow and mumbled to Jackie, but it came out far louder than he planned. “So she won’t talk to us, but she’ll see him?”

Tobias shifted uncomfortably, an unusual sight for the typically confident man. "For what it’s worth, she didn’t know I was coming.”

“Good!” Jackie enthused. “Then this is where I tell you it’s not a good time, and you should leave. If she’s not seeing friends, she’s definitely not seeing you.”

“Jackie!” Sienna reprimanded.

“What? Friends vs. dickhead exes that screwed her over... I think friends would have the edge, don’t you?”

“Jackie!” Sienna said again. “If not for Tobias, Casey and Raf probably wouldn't be here right now. Try to be a little nice."  

“Yes. Casey and Raf... yet he’s only checking in on Casey,” Jackie stated. “Funny how that works.”

“Look, Casey’s my friend, too," Tobias defended.

“Since when?” Elijah asked.

“Since after the...” Tobias stopped himself and sighed in frustration. “Look, can you tell her I’m here? If she doesn’t want to see me, I’m out. No questions. But I think it’s her choice to make... not yours.”

Just then, Casey’s bedroom door burst open, and she spun into the hallway with all the grace of a tornado. Her matted hair was tied into a bun that had been slept on for days, and her ratty NYU sweatshirt and pajama bottoms hadn't been changed for just as long. The dark circles under her eyes marked her exhaustion, but she found a burst of energy and was using it to set a few things straight.  

“For the record!” She blurted to no one in particular. “I never said I wasn’t going to therapy! I said I’m not going to the therapist’s office! There’s a difference! And I didn’t say I wouldn’t shower... stop acting like I am suddenly allergic to shampoo and body wash! But I’m not showering today! I know you want to help, but you guys need to let me breathe!”

“Let you breathe?” Elijah corrected softly. “Casey, you’ve been alone in your room for three days.”

“And as far as breathing, we’re the ones who won’t be able to if you don’t shower soon,” Jackie countered.

Aurora shot Jackie a look and attempted to be the voice of reason. “Casey. We’re just worried about you. You’re not talking to anyone.”

“Who said I’m not talking to anyone? I just don't want to be smothered. If I wanted that, I would have asked my parents to stay. I just...” her voice trailed when she saw Tobias. “What... what are you doing here?”

“He's leaving,” Jackie jumped in, but Tobias paid her no mind.

“I was in the neighborhood and thought I’d stop in to see you, but I can see it’s not a good time. I’ll text you in a few days, and...”

“No, it’s fine,” Casey interrupted, taking a bit of pleasure from the shocked faces of her friends. “You can stay. Why don’t you... why don’t you come to my room.”

“Are you sure?” He asked nervously.

“Yeah... follow me,” she replied with an unceremonious turn on her heel.

“I can't believe she'll see that jackass and not,” Jackie protested, but her voice was stifled when Sienna’s tiny hand covered her mouth. “Jackie, hush!”

~~~~~

If Casey was happy to see Tobias, you wouldn't have known it by her slouched shoulders and down expression when entered her room. Company of any sort wasn't on her agenda today, particularly not from a guy she once dated when she looked like... this. But feeling it would be rude to backtrack, she gestured toward a chair next to the window as she sat on her bed and pulled a blanket around her. Tobias took a seat in the chair.

“I’m sorry for not calling first...” he apologized.

“It’s OK,” she waved. “I’m sorry for using you.”

“Using me?”

“Yeah,” she sighed. “I think I just used you to get back at my friends. I know they’ve been through a lot these past two weeks, too, and they just want to help, but since I got out of the hospital, they aren’t giving me air.”

“... so you agreed to see me just to piss them off.”

Her cheeks flushed, and a chunk of hair fell out of her discombobulated bun when she lowered her head in embarrassment. “When you say it like that, I sound like a complete bitch. I didn’t do it on purpose... Honestly, I was shocked to see you.”

“You’re not a bitch,” Tobias started. “I don’t think you are, and I don’t think any of your friends do, either. You’re coping with the aftermath of a very traumatic event. No one is going to be upset with you.”

“Still, it wasn’t nice of me to use you.”

“Hey,” he snickered, seeming to come to life. “I’ve been used for worse things and haven't complained. In fact, sometimes I even enjoyed it.”

His heart warmed when he saw a trace of a smile on her face. “Yeah, well... I don’t think you’ll enjoy my company right now... and that's all I'm using you for."

“That’s for me to decide. Besides, I didn’t come to be entertained. I came to see how my friend is doing.”

Casey laughed bitterly as she gestured at her disheveled appearance. “As you can see, I’m living my best life. These clothes may walk off my body if I don’t change them soon. I speak to...no... I bark at my friends in five-minute intervals. I won’t leave my room, much less the apartment. I’m fucking awesome. The spitting image of the woman you met at that diner last year.”

Tobias allowed the silence to hang, and both found themselves surprised by how comfortable it was. Then he sat up, leaning forward on his knees with an earnest expression.

“You’re not the woman I met at the diner last year... no more than I’m the man you met. Things happen... life happens, and people... change. You have to be gentler with yourself. When I lost my father... it was a hellish time for me. There was so much going on, and... well, I was in a bad place. When my Ma came to check on me a week after the funeral, I was wearing the same pajamas I had slipped into that night. Probably hadn’t brushed my teeth more than twice during that time. I’m confident she smelled me from outside in the hall.”

“Perhaps that’s TMI,” Casey half-smiled.

“It’s definitely TMI,” he chuckled. “I’m telling you this because you need to know it’s OK. We all go through hard times when we can’t be expected to be ourselves. We’re entitled to that. You just don’t stay there too long.”

“How long did you stay in it?”

“Me. Oh, it ended the day my Mom showed up. You don’t know her, but she’s a force to be reckoned with. She took one look at me, grabbed me by the ear, and tossed me in the shower with a bar of soap. By the time I got out, the apartment was tidied up, and lunch was being served with a side of one of her best lectures to date.”

“Can you spare me that treatment? I'm really not up for it yet.”

“Nah,” he grinned. “It’s not my place. I’m not your Mom, after all.”

“Yeah, well, my Mom only returned to Philly because I swore I’d be all right, and... I’m not all right, Tobias. I’m not all right at all."

"All right will come... then even better will follow. I promise you, one day, you’ll feel like yourself again.”

Casey turned her head toward the window, her skin appearing ashen in the late afternoon light.

“Forgive me if I don’t believe you,” she whispered so softly it almost went unheard.

“You don’t have to believe me. Not yet.   But you will one day, I promise. Now, what were you saying about therapy? You’re seeing Dr. Stevens, right?”

“I am. Well, I mean... I was... I haven’t since I left the hospital and I’m supposed to see her on Friday, but...”

“It’s important to go, Case.”

“I know,” she snapped but softened quickly. “I just... I can’t go see her.”

Tobias nodded in acknowledgment. “Because her office is right next to Edenbrook.”

Casey turned to him, surprised to see he understood. “I am not ready to go back there. I can’t go back there yet.”

“Understood. Dr. Stevens does have privileges at Mass Kenmore.”

“Privileges? Yes," Casey confirmed. But an office? No.”

“Understood. But if she’s willing to, I can arrange for space to meet you there. It’s not a big deal.”

“We could do that?” Casey asked.

“Why don’t you call her in the morning? If she’s willing to see you there, I’ll make it happen.”

Casey nodded her head with a yawn. “I’ll call her. I promise, after I get some sleep.”  

“That’s my queue to leave,” Tobias smiled. “You need your rest. But look, if you want the pleasure of my company again, promise me you’ll try to shower when you get up.”

Casey rolled her eyes dramatically as her head hit the pillow. “Fine! But if you think I’m sending you pictures of me in there to prove it or something...”

“Stop,” Tobias chuckled. “I’d never ask a friend to do that... and... we’re friends. Right, Case?”

“Yeah, we’re friends,” she said, her eyes already shutting. “Can you tell my friends I’m going to sleep?”

“Sure,” he smiled, thinking about how delighted they'd be getting that information from him. “Sleep tight, Princess,” he whispered, closing the door behind him. 

He could hear a pin drop as he walked down the hallway. He knew his past was working against him, and he had his work cut out for him to prove himself to those who loved Casey most. But he didn't mind. The biggest challenge would be proving it to himself. But he knew his intentions were good, and for once, that was all that mattered.

“She’s taking a rest,” Tobias announced as he passed the living room. “And I’m going to leave.”

He turned around briefly when Sienna called out his name. “Thanks for stopping by.”

“Yes, thanks,” Aurora concurred. "I'll see you at work."

The sun was beginning to set when he stepped out the front door. See, that spot had been there for a reason... because, against all odds, he was able to help, and for Tobias Carrick on this day, that was more than he could have asked for.

~~~~~

Next, we'll see how Tobias & Casey begin spending time together... and how each one of her friends and loved ones issues their own unique warnings. :)

@choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics

@choicesnovchallenge / National Princess Day - because that's the first time she was called that, and she's on her way. lol

Tagging others separately.

#choices fanfic #open heart #tobias carrick #tobias carrick x f!mc #open heart book 2 #open heart choices #choices open heart #open heart fanfic #from here to there #playchoices fanfic

[randombook4idk]

MC to Rafael in B1 diamond scene: What about my family? Well, I have a brother

MC's brother's existance when in B2 his sibling got poisoned with a toxin that had no cure and could've died:

#open heart #choices open heart #choices oh #oh mc #open heart mc #open heart book 2 #open heart 2 #open heart critical #open heart criticism #playchoices #choices stories you play #choices stories we play

[headoverheelsforramsey]

Love Again

Book : Open Heart (Book 2)

Pairing : Dr. Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Dr. Meera Bose) || Feat. Tobias Carrick

Category : Angsty Fluff

Summary : He is watching his best friend fall in love for the second time and desperately praying that it doesn't lead to disastrous consequences like the first time. (Aka Open Heart Book 2 told from Tobias Carrick's point of view)

Warnings : Mentions of the maitotoxin attack

Rating : General

Word Count : 1569

Trope : Third person POV, People find out about them, Traumatic Event

A/N : This is my submission for @tobias-carrick-appreciation-week Day 3 : OH 2 and @aprilchallenge : Love is in the air. Some of the quotes have been taken directly from Pixelberry's Open Heart Book 2. Hope you guys enjoy it, happy reading! ❤️

Chapter 6

Tobias Carrick didn’t expect to meet his long lost friend turned foe today, certainly not under the humongous roof of the third richest man in America, competing against him for the sake of saving his hospital. Yet, here he was, staring at Ethan Ramsey in flesh and blood. He looks like he hasn’t aged a day, though the beard and glasses make him look more matured than he acts to be.

Hirata and Mirani following Ramsey like puppies as usual. He recognises the other doctor, from their encounter at the deli a few days back. He did not learn her name, but was shocked to see her as a part of one of the most prestigious diagnostic team in the country. A resident in her second year missing out trivial diagnosis like cyanosis, did Edenbrook and Ethan Ramsey forget how to teach?

He was enjoying this little arrangement that Bloom came up with, never missing out on a chance to one-up Ethan Ramsey. But when his “friend” stormed out the heavy wooden doors he was not surprised but disappointed. He was rather shocked when his protege followed him without thinking twice.

Before following Mr. Bloom inside he could see Ramsey and Bose in a heated argument through the glass panels. He was surprised further because in all the years he had known Ethan Ramsey he had never seen an attending talk to him that way, much less a resident, had his “friend” changed that much? His surprise continued when Ramsey came back for a chance to crack this case, but he didn’t let his face show. Does this mere resident have special persuasion powers? He decided to put his head in the game instead, because he was playing to see his “friend” lose.

Chapter 8

The sun shone brightly, the smell of hot dogs and beers engulfing the atmosphere this was one day in a year, Tobias pretends he followed his childhood dream of playing softball professionally. The doctors from both the hospitals mingled about, he had so many people to greet but in the sea of known and unknown people he certainly didn’t expect Ethan Ramsey to be there.

He has been going against Edenbrook for almost half a decade and never in all those years had he ever seen or ever expected the infamous Dr. Ramsey to grace them with his presence. What changed? He thought and almost immediately saw Meera Bose beside Ethan.

She was a decent player he thought, throwing the first pitch and being responsible for Tobias Carrick’s out was enough proof of that. But he couldn’t ignore the small smile at the corner of his “friend’s” lips whenever Bose threw a perfect pitch.

Old habit’s die hard and Tobias thought rubbing the case of Stephanie Hill while grabbing a water was the perfect plan. He raised an eyebrow when the young resident said “paitent care isn’t a game.” Good to know Ramsey passed down his virtues to his residents. But the fire he saw in Bose’s eyes on mentioning her friend’s betrayal mirrored the fire he had witnessed in his own “friend’s” eyes more than ten years ago due to a different betrayal.

The fight had grown heated but when Ethan took a protective stance in front of Meera giving Terrance a death threat Tobias was astounded. He had known this man for a very long time, was Ramsey falling for her? Because he hadn’t seen him this defensive since… before he could finish that thought, chaos broke free.

The final innings could have gone better, but one thing that always set Carrick apart from Ramsey was the ability to accept defeat. He watched as Bose ran towards the Edenbrook clan, her friends and colleague wrapping her up. As he turned to leave he watched Ethan join the crowd his eyes soft on Meera’s browns a playful smile on his lips, hands brushing lightly. Tobias’s earlier suspicion returned and as a diagnostician he thought he had an answer, but as one of Ethan Ramsey’s oldest “friend” he could do with some more evidence.

Chapter 9

Logging into his tablet, Tobias looked suspiciously at the recent activity. Ethan Ramsey, at Kenmore? He didn’t have any ongoing research projects and Ethan is not the type of man who likes to take an afternoon walk around the neighborhood.

“Doctor, the patient is ready for you,” the nurse called. Tobias nodded, opening his new patient chart and getting to work, making a mental note of catching up with Ramsey before he leaves the premises.

Tobias stopped Dr. Simpson in the middle of his presentation, was that Meera Bose? He rushed out of the patient room following her still not believing his eyes. But when he saw Mirani with her he knew something was up. Three members of the Edenbrook diagnostic team cannot be behind enemy lines at the same time co-inccidently. Calling security Tobias makes a run for it.

The two doctors make a narrow escape and he comes out just in time to see his “friend” zoom away from under his nose.

“Well played Ramsey, we’ll get you next time.”

Chapter 11

The news of Senator Ed and and his aide had spread like wildfire. Transfer patients from Edenbrook kept Tobias fairly busy, but he didn’t know why his thoughts drifted back to Meera.

“How was she doing?”

“Did they have any answers at all?”

“Is she not going to make it?”

“How was… how was Ethan doing?”

Tobias found himself choking on his own breath. In need of fresh air, he put down his tablet and took shelter in a supply closet. He doesn’t remember when was the last time he was here. More unpleasant thoughts circled his brain, Tobias punched the door out of frustration and helplessness. The door opened, and Aurora came in, the frustration and helplessness reflected on her face made Tobias decide that it was time to set aside all the age-old differences between him and Ethan and their respective hospitals.

Nothing less than a crowd was formed in front of the patient room. All of Meera’s friends, family and well-wishers stood by her side. All of them dejected and crestfallen. Ethan Ramsey stood at the forefront his heart burdened with melancholy, but too stubborn to show it in his face. Tobias had known his “friend” long enough to see right through the facade.

Tobias straightened his face, “and you won’t be alone.”

Ramsey’s face shifts from shock to thankful in a mili second and Tobias stops him right there. Everyone says their goodbye one by one and follows Baz and June into the lab. Tobias notices his “friend” not making a move.

“Shouldn’t we call Dr. Ramsey?” one of the doctors suggest.

“No. He should be there with her,” Tobias smiled. “This is where he will do the most good. Besides, I know what I am doing.” He flashes his signature smile only to receive an eye roll from Hirata.

Tobias monitored the sodium-potassium level, no this won’t work, he shaked his head. Facing another dead end, he decided its better to take a small break before getting back to work. He exited the lab and walked towards Meera’s room. The corridor lights had been dimmed, he felt like a ghost wandering the halls. He stopped in front of the window, only to see Ethan all suited up, holding Meera as close as he humanly could with the plastic barrier in between them.

He needed no more confirmations. He was sure his “friend” had fallen head over heels for Meera. It had been a long time since he had been this candid with someone, it had been so long since someone had broken all of his walls and reached for his heart and it had been so long since Ethan’s heart had shattered. Tobias was immature back then and partly responsible for what had happened but today he was not going to let that happen a second time. With renewed determination Tobias walked back towards the lab.

Just like Tobias had guessed, Ethan was still there in his hazmat suit helping Meera vomit into a basin when they returned the next morning. The child-like grin on his face on hearing about the antidote was unlike him. Tobias explained the chemistry behind their discovery, expecting atleast a couple questions from Ethan but the absence of that made him realize that he was a changed man. The sheer delight on Ethan Ramsey’s face as he administered the serum was one of a kind. He and Meera locked eyes, a silent understanding between them.

The waiting part was the worst, but once the latest lab results showed no trace of toxin in Bose’s bloodstream the entire team gathered around the patient room. Ethan sprinted through the doors, and Meera flew into his arms, tears breaking free. Ethan looked outside holding Tobias’ gaze for a little longer than necessary, while Tobias returned his signature smirk.

Chapter 17

The rumor mill had a field day with the news that the great Ethan Ramsey had kissed a resident, Meera Bose in an atrium full of people. While the betting pool regarding how long they were dating and whether Meera slept her way to the top were the hottest topic in and around the hospital, Tobias Carrick was just content that his diagnostic skills remained undefeated and he still knew his "friend" through and through.

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

Perma : @starrystarrytrouble @quixoticdreamer16 @coffeeheartaddict2 @liaromancewriter @tessa-liam @gryffindordaughterofathena @crazy-loca-blog @zahrachoices @bex-la-get @potionsprefect @schnitzelbutterfingers @a-crepusculo @custaroonie @aishwarya26 @jamespotterthefirst

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

+ @choicesficwriterscreations , @openheartfanfics , @tobias-carrick-appreciation-week & @aprilchallenge

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

#pixelberry choices #pixelberry #choices : stories you play #choices the stories you play #choices stories you play #playchoices #choices stories we play #open heart fanfic #open heart fanfiction #open heart #open heart fanfics #open heart fandom #open heart 2 #open heart second year #open heart book 2 #ethan jonah ramsey x mc #dr. ethan ramsey #ethan freaking ramsey #ethan x mc #ethan ramsey #ethan ramsey x mc #choices ethan ramsey #ethan ramsey fanfiction #dr. ethan jonah ramsey #ethan jonah ramsey #dr. meera bose #ethan x meera #meera bose #tobias carrick #dr. tobias carrick

[tveitertotwrites]

Outfit Replacements (Open Heart: Book 2)

Ok, I'm not going to lie. The outfits for OH Book 2 are worse than Book 1 in my opinion, at least for the female MC. I think there's only three, maybe four, outfits for the whole book that I would see Claire wearing.

Again, the photos are from the Choices Wiki Site.

"Top Spot":

Like I said for the Book 1 outfits, Claire doesn't really wear skirts to work as pants are way easier to move in. Below are some examples.

Like I said in Book 1, you can change scrub much, if at all so it is being skipped.

"Feel The Burn":

I do like this outfit and feel that Claire would have this in multiple colors. She would also have some "basic" sports bras and leggings (also in multiple colors).

"Good Vibes Only":

I don't really like this one. Something about where the sleeves cinch or the deep neckline looks off to me. Below are what Claire would wear.

"Sophistication"

Something about this is giving me the idea of MC running for President or some spot within the government. Below is what she would actually wear.

"Treat Yourself":

This outfit is fine. Not the worst, but not great. Below is something that Claire is more likely to wear.

I wouldn't really change the softball uniform, maybe get a rid of the undershirt but otherwise it is fine so I am not including it.

I also can't really change the MK outfit so I'm not including that one either.

"Made for TV":

Again, I think it is fine. It's a lot better than most of the other outfits. i would probably get a rid of the necklace and find a smaller one. Below is another option that she could wear.

Again, can't change the hospital gown so it is not included.

"Remembrance"

I think I would like this dress if it didn't have the sleeves/the sleeves were changed to something else. Below is what she would wear.

"Basic Black"

It's simple and nice. I also just realized that is the same outfit in RCD. I wouldn't change it though.

"Bundled Up"

While it is not bad, it's not great either. Below is what Claire would actually wear.

"All In":

I do really like the outfit. The only thing I would get rid of is the necklace/choker.

"A Good Cause":

Something about this dress is really throwing me off. Idk if it is the sleeves or the cut but something isn't right at least in this photo. Below is what she would actually wear.

"Basic Black"

It's good and simple so there's nothing to change here. She might want a different skirt to the dress but overall it's fine.

"Hit The Town":

Again not my favorite. The pattern isn't great and neither is the design. Below is what she would wear instead.

#open heart #outfit replacement #open heart book 2 #oh female mc outfits #claire evans

[thebigbookfanboy]

#aurora emery #baz mirani #Danny Cardinal #elijah greene #esme ortega #harper emery #Ines delarosa #June Hirata #kyra santana #landry olsen #sienna trinh #zaid mirani #open heart #open heart book 2 #open heart book 3 #choices #pixelberry #pixelberry choices

[choicesfanaf]

Let's Make Dinner

Late submission for Day 19 of Choices January Challenge 2023: Kitchen

A moodboard based on Open Heart Book 2, Chapter 9 when MC accompanies Ethan to their place to cook dinner.

Tagging: @choicesjanuarychallenge for Day 19

Perma: @jamespotterthefirst, @quixoticdreamer16

Moodboards: @burnsoslow

#choices stories we play #choices stories you play #ethan ramsey #open heart #open heart choices #choices open heart #open heart 2 #open heart book 2 #playchoices #choicesjanuary2023 #pinky makes moodboards #dr ethan ramsey x mc #dr ethan ramsey #ethan x mc #ethan jonah ramsey #dr. ethan ramsey #ethan x aru #arundhati kulkarni #ethan x arundhati

[tobias-carrick-appreciation-week]

TCAW Day 3: Open Heart Book 2

(Adult Content & NSFW notated in Red and with 18+)

Edits with Fanfic

Tobias x MC NSFW by @beyondsimsreality 18+

Fanart with Fanfic

Enchanted | Tobias Carrick x F!MC (future), Aurora Emery - art by @/artbyainna fic by @jerzwriter

The Late Shift | Tobias Carrick x F!MC - art by @/artbyainna, fic by @jerzwriter 18+

Fics

Betwixt, Bothered & Bewildered | Tobias Carrick x F!MC by @jerzwriter

Change of Heart | Tobias Carrick x June Hirata 18+ by @coffeeheartaddict2

Change of Heart Part 2 | Tobias Carrick x June Hirata 18+ by @coffeeheartaddict2

Crash Part 1 | Tobias Carrick x F!MC - @jerzwriter

Love Again | Ethan Ramsey x F!MC, feat. Tobias Carrick - @headoverheelsforramsey

Mine | Tobias Carrick x June Hirata, Tobias Carrick x F!MC - @alj4890 18+

The Reason | Tobias Carrick x F!MC - @alj4890

Striking Out | Tobias Carrick x F!MC - @jerzwriter

The Triangle of Choice | Ethan Ramsey x F!MC x Tobias Carrick - @hopelessromantic1352 18 +

Remember... Fics for Day 3 can be submitted through Sat., April 8th! New entries will be added to the list! 😊

#open heart #open heart choices #choices open heart #tobias carrick #tobias carrick appreciation week #day 3 #open heart book 2 #day 3 masterlist

[leek-lark]

Here are Frank, Charley, and Mary from Merrily We Roll Along as my little ponies! :D I really loved drawing them and I am pretty happy with their designs.

This may be the most niche fan art I’ve ever posted (and it’s a high bar) but if there are any merrily/mlp fans out there other than me then this is for you. I mean, they are both shows about friendship.

#merrily we roll along #my little pony #my art #I’ve haven’t come up with pony names for them but I’ve been calling them Flank and Marey and I can’t think of one for charley #let me know if you come up with a horse pun for the name charley #also letting everyone know that I’ve watched that London production on youtube 1-3 times a day for the past 2 weeks #the emotions I experiencing watching that video are unnatural #also if you are wondering what the cutie marks are: #frank - stylised musical stave with a version of the ‘good thing going’ refrain that is repeated throughout the show (CBGA) #charley - quill writing in the shape of a heart #mary - book opening into a sunrise (because she’s a ‘dreamer’ and an author and because she never got over that morning on the roof in 1957 #franklin shepard #charley kringas #mary flynn

[bladesoflightandshadow]

is it an unpopular oppie (cute way of saying opinion) to think that stories with only 1 or 2 gender customisable LIs is kind of the way to go moving forward for choices 🧍

like the main issue ppl have been having seems to be the quality of the books n their subject matter, n the quantity of LIs won't fix that? back when it WAS the norm to have 3+ LIs per book every non-whiteman LI would get sidelined and treated like shit by the plot. at least now when the plot railroads you into spending more time w one LI u can choose their gender/appearance, and it's easier to split screentime equally between 2 LIs compared to for example 4

plus limiting it to less LIs allows the story more time to flesh out characters n ur relationships w them. it's easier to incoprorate LIs into the plot n make them important + impactful when there's less of them

OBVIOUSLY none of this is ideal and their whole business model is a bit garbáge, these are simply my thoughts !

#playchoices #im of the belief that this app is a bit of a sinking ship and i am not super hopeful that things will improve in the way a lot of ppl want #but the 1-2 LI model has worked best for their recent books considering their propensity of hurling all their resources toward developing #ONE li and their romance w mc and centering the entire plot around them #like open heart wouldve been so much more bearable if ethan was customisable id enjoy being scolded by a hot woman doctor a lot more #same w beckett #they have an issue w making lis very generic in later books too n this kinda solves that #easier to write 1 or 2 unique romances for a book than 4 #im working within the confines of what i think r realistic for this game obvsly but ya. idk i don't mind it so much as long as the book #itself is interesting enuf to catch my attention #which unfortunately it is not. and that is the main issue 4 me #plus vip boooo me and my homies hate the vip model booo #stfu nisa

[macapacaalpaca]

The way Ethan dropped Harper off first after the dinner with the governor just so he could be with MC for longer (and alone) will forever melt my heart

#reason 50000 why I love him #Ethan Ramsey #pixelberry #open heart #choices open heart #Ethan x mc #ethan freaking ramsey #open heart book 2 #playchoices

[jerzwriter]

No Cure...

Book: Open Heart (Book 2 "Reset" timeline)

Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Kaycee)

Rating: Teen

Words: 1037

Summary: Ethan leaves work early one day and runs into Kaycee at an unexpected place. He's impressed with a project she's undertaken, but when he walks away he realizes, there is no cure.

A/N: Thank you to @kyra75 and ananon for these two prompt requests (one two). I combined them and was SO happy to get out of my Ethan/Kaycee slump! So appreciated guys!

Yeah, I sort of mixed in my TLOU obsession lol it doesn't fit the timeline, but I only mention the fungus outbreak, not the show, so I'm going with it. lol I hope you enjoy it! I did not have a chance to edit extensively - so be kind :)

@choicesmonthlychallenge Prompt: Slow Burn, Holding Hands

Stepping out onto the busy Boston street, Ethan Ramsey took a deep breath. A self-professed workaholic, he would never admit how refreshing it felt to leave work a little early today. Not that he was truly leaving. Heading home to pack for an early flight, he knew his evening would be spent preparing for a keynote address he’d be making tomorrow at Perelman. Still, seeing the sunshine without the benefit of the thick glass windows between them was a pleasure he knew he didn’t enjoy frequently enough.

It was a lovely day, and he was delighted to live close enough that his commute home relied solely on his two feet. The crowds didn’t seem to bother him today. In fact, he may have nodded and smiled at a passer-by or two. Catching himself, he decided to reel that in. It could be a co-worker or, heaven forbid, an intern with whom he wasn’t well acquainted. He couldn’t have news of him being pleasant getting back to the hospital. He did have a reputation to uphold.

He turned down a familiar street and opened a rackety old door, the sound of the bells on the hinge announcing his arrival didn’t turn a single head inside Donahue’s, but it all but said welcome home to Ethan. His eyes blinked to adjust to the dark bar; mid-day stops here while the sun still shone brightly in the sky weren’t all that common, but this was the time he was leaving today. There was no way he was skilling his ritual that divided his work and personal lives.

Sitting on his regular stool at the nearly empty bar, he lamented that he couldn’t get here at this time more frequently. The familiar scent of stale beer was almost enjoyable when partnered with the low hum of soft jazz emitting from the speakers in the nearly empty room. A pleasant departure from the raucous crowds and their heinous jukebox selections that were present on a typical night. Maybe he should make leaving work a bit early a more common event?

“Hey, hey, hey!” A familiar baritone sang as Ethan’s regular drink was placed before him. “Not used to seeing you here so early. Don’t tell me you got fired?”

Ethan chuckled at his old friend, an only partially facetious smirk on his lips. “As if they could survive without me, Reggie.”

“You never know,” his friend snickered as he wiped down the mahogany bar. His neck stretched toward the back of the room, where a lone figure sat hunched over a pile of books in a corner booth. “I think some of these young ones may just be able to replace you one day, Dr. Ramsey.”

Ethan’s eyes followed Reggie’s motions, and his face went pale when he saw a tuft of blonde hair buried in books, her hands feverishly taking notes as the glass of ginger-ale at her side sat woefully neglected. 

“It’s her day off….” Ethan said, not realizing he was talking out loud. “What is she doing here alone at this hour?”

“Got me,” Reggie shrugged with a shit-eating grin. “You know her much better than I do, after all.”

Uncomfortably clearing his throat, Ethan returned to his drink, ignoring the bartender’s comment. He already knew he was lying when he told himself he wouldn’t interrupt or acknowledge her at all. She was clearly busy, and he was there for one drink before he went home to prepare. He wouldn’t so much as make eye contact, he swore. Which only made him feel more like a fool five minutes later when he appeared at her table, fresh ginger ale in his hand.

“I don’t mean to interrupt,” he smiled sheepishly, “but the ice in your drink looks like it melted an hour ago, and it’s barely touched. So, I thought you could use a fresh one.”

Kayce knew his voice at the first syllable he spoke, but she still couldn't contain her delight when she looked up from her book, and her eyes confirmed what she already knew. Her eyes were bright, cheeks rosy… she looked like a child who was just offered their favorite treat before dinner. As lovely a sight as she was, Ethan diverted his eyes. Partly because seeing her this way warmed his heart more than he cared to admit, partly because he didn’t feel he warranted that reaction… not from Kaycee… not after all that had transpired between them. 

But where Ethan felt troubled, Kaycee felt none of that at all. She happily accepted the fresh drink, pushing the now stale earlier version to the side.

“Thank you, Dr. Ramsey. What a pleasant surprise! I wouldn’t expect to see you here at this hour of the day.”

She gestured for him to sit on the bench across from her, and even though he swore to himself he wouldn’t, one motion of her hand had him succumbing to her will without thought.

“I’m leaving a bit early today… I have the speech at Perelman tomorrow….”

“Ah! My alma mater!” Kaycee beamed. “I almost wish I could go.”

“That’s right, you graduated from there,” he pretended that was news to him as if he didn’t have every bit of her history he was blessed to know committed to his mind. For all the engagements he had turned down this year, deep down, he wondered if Kaycee’s connection to Perelman hadn’t subconsciously led him to accept this invitation. “Perhaps if I go again….”

He started, but Kaycee smiled and cut him off.  “Perhaps.”

She knew it wasn’t true. He wouldn’t be extending an offer for her to join him, not after the last time he had and how disastrously that had gone. Miami alone might not have precluded it, but everything that followed did. This whole reset was his idea and his alone. He knew how she felt about him… at least, she assumed he did. He was the best diagnostician in the world, after all, he had to be able to read her like a book. She was nowhere near as astute as he, and she could tell how much he was fighting his feelings anytime he looked her way. What Kaycee didn’t know is Ethan still had the edge on her for all things medical, though she’d catch up to him in time. But regarding matters of the heart, Dr. MacClennan was light years ahead of her medical idol.

“Why are you here? Buried in books, no less.  It’s your day off, and I would have expected you to be doing something more pleasant.”

“What’s not pleasant about this?”  She asked.  “I wanted to continue a project I’m working on, but the apartment is a little noisy, and I didn’t want to be in the hospital.  Donahues… it almost feels like home… and when it’s quiet like this, and I have Reggie here to watch over me, it’s a delightful place to spend my afternoon off.”

Ethan tried to contain a slight, approving grin.  He understood exactly what she had meant, and Reggie had looked over him many a day when he was a resident.  Sometimes it amazed him how much they…. No…. he pushed the thought from his head. 

“Ehrm, so what is it you’re working on? Something for the team?”

“Not exactly,” she corrected.  “Remember that group of kids that came in from the McKinley School the other day?”

“Yes, the ones who left gum wrappers all over my desk?”

Kaycee rolled her eyes.  “It was one gum wrapper Ethan, left by one child.  And tell me you wouldn’t have done that in third grade.”

The sheepish grin on his face was all the confirmation she needed, and now she diverted her eyes, uncomfortable with the warmth rising in her chest.  

“Continue,” Ethan encouraged.

“Well, a couple of the kids were talking about that zombie movie that’s all the rage right now.  They were terrified, thinking it could happen.  I told them science fiction is always more fiction than science, but they weren’t convinced, and a few were genuinely scared.  So, I’m putting something together that their teacher could incorporate into a science lesson showing cordyceps cannot transfer to humans.”

Ethan was impressed; he stared at her in awe of her innovation, her desire to keep children grounded in science, and mostly, her compassion at wanting to put their minds at ease.  But when words escaped him, Kacyee assumed he thought it was a foolish idea.  Swirling her pen nervously in her hair, she returned to her work.

“Anyway, I guess you could say it’s silly, but….”

“It’s not silly at all,” he insisted. “Honestly, I’m impressed.”

“You are?”

“Yes! You’re increasing your understanding of the topic. It’s helping improve our woefully underperforming science educational programs… you’re showing how science can be applied and maybe inspiring some bright young minds to pursue a future in the field in the process.  That’s not even considering how kind it is of you to want to alleviate their fears.  Kids today have enough to worry about and don’t need silly stuff to add to the plate.”

“Aww, Dr. Ramsey! You do care!” She teased.

“About you? Always… er, eh.. your medical career and innovation… that is.. of course.”

“Of course,” Kaycee said, hiding a smile.

“We have a budget to assist with local school programs.  Perhaps you could work with Baz and create a lab project  – something the kids could do hands-on.  I’d happily approve time off for the two of you to oversee that.”

“We could! That would be incredible! I’d love that!”

He nodded, smiling brightly at her enthusiastic response.  “Then consider it done. We’ll make it happen.”

“That’s such a great idea! I’m really impressed,” Kaycee joked. “You know, you’re smarter than you look, Ramsey!”

“Oh, really,” he laughed. “This is what’s convinced you of that?”

She raised her eyes to his bashfully with a little shrug. 

“Now, was that a compliment for my intelligence, or an insult for my looks?”

Kaycee lifted the ginger ale Ethan had brought to her lips, taking a long gulp.  You would have thought it was much more potent as it gave her the confidence to answer his question.

“Honestly, I think it’s abundantly clear that I’m highly impressed by both.”

Ethan’s eyes flickered over to hers, the air charged between him, and he felt his inhibitions slipping.

“Careful, MacClennan, it sounds like you’re flirting with me.”

Kaycee bit her lip, then smiled… what’s the worst that could happen?

“Well… I have been trying to do that for a while now,” she said, reaching over the table and placing her hand on his.  “I’m happy to see you’re noticing.”

Ethan opened his mouth, but words failed him as Kaycee's eyes refused to look away from his.  She smiled softly. He may have been silent, but he didn’t retrieve his hand, allowing them both to sit and basque in the overwhelming pleasure that simple gesture brought them both.

“I… I just think that….” Ethan fumbled, but Kaycee did not.

“What I wouldn’t do to have you on that FMRI now,” she purred, satisfied with the bashful grin he offered.  “In fact, maybe that can be our next lesson… for the kids?”

“Uh, I don’t know,” he cleared his throat loudly.  He looked around the bar, and when he was confident Reggie was the only other person there, he consciously decided to let his hand remain. Emboldened, Kaycee squeezed his hand tighter, hoping that small gesture would convey all the emotion she carried for him in her heart.

“It’s OK, and I wouldn’t want to subject the children to… us. Med school students, perhaps, elementary school, nah.  Let them keep their innocence.”  

The look of longing on Ethan’s face was palpable, and Kaycee knew precisely what would come next if he just would say the word… then, he pulled his hand away.

“Anyway… I should head home and begin to pack.”

 “Of course,” she sighed, finding it impossible to hide the disappointment on her face.  “But when you’re back… maybe you can help me with the project… for the kids… it could be… fun?”

“I’m sure it will be,” he said, standing up from the booth.  “But you should work on it with Baz.  Why don’t you reach out to him about it tomorrow?”

“I will,” she swallowed, lifting her glass once again.  “Safe travels tomorrow, Ethan, and thank you for… for everything.”

She watched Ethan until he walked out the front door, never once catching Reggie shaking his head with disappointment.  It took some time before she could gather her thoughts and return to her work, only one thought on her mind as she did.

No, fungus won’t take over your brain, kids.  You don’t have to worry about that. Fungus won’t take over your heart or your mind, but love… I make no promises about what love might do to you… and it seems once you’re infected, there is no cure.

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

Additional Tags in reblog

#choices fanfic #open heart choices #ethan ramsey #ethan ramsey x mc #ethan x mc #open heart fanfic #ethan x kaycee #open heart book 2 #reset era #choices fic writers creations #cfwc fics of the week #chocies monthly challenge

[love-has-a-way-ofgrowingbackward]

thinking about hamilton and burr together but not in a kissing way but in a you are so different on surface but are made of the same core way. they have the same sort of wants and hurt but they project it in such different ways.

#two people put together like that would either love each other with their entire hearts or would kill each other. #maybe both #alex and henry from rwrb are kind of examples from this. #look cmq made alex too similar to hamilton and henry too similar to burr for me to not connect the dots. #but while their character traits put them lethally against each other in the play in the book its.. different. #i can talk about alex more since both in the book and play we see alexander more (both such fucking main characters) #i think alex from rwrb had a comparatively better foundation in childhood than hamilton. he's less scrappy than hamilton #he still does things like be lonely and drown himself in his work etc etc you all saw the parallels #but but but he sort of has room for love in his heart in a way hamilton doesnt. maybe he did with laurens because its said that he #never really opened up the same after he died. makes me think that was pretty serious. but its not in the play so im not going too much #into it. alex isn't as suspicious and survivalistic as hamilton. if hamilton saw henry he would've never put him before his work #but alex does. from his side i think that's what makes the difference. #like how he says to henry in the fight scene that they're not really very different people?? remember that #there's waaay too many coincidences i am ready to believe cmq wrote rwrb as a very very sneaky adaptation of hamiltons life #the slightest hint from them and i would believe it. this is a conspiracy theory i can get behind #rwrb #red white and royal blue #hamilton #hmm i been having thoughts about this for the past 2 hours #maybe this stem thing was a mistake maybe i should've taken literature. i like what i do though

[lovealexhunt]

2023: ☆ January ☆ February-April ☆ May-June ☆ July ☆ August ☆ September ☆ October ☆ November ☆ December ☆

Bryce Lahela x Olivia Hadley [Open Heart]

Our Little Girl: Bryce and Olivia head to their latest ultra sound appointment to find out the gender of their little one

Obvious Secrets: Olivia and Bryce are at the beer garden with friends and she has a (not so secret) secret to share with him.

Mal Volari x Daenarya [Blades of Light and Shadow]

Shadows of Hope: She was there, and then she was gone. Mal would move heaven and earth to bring her back, but what happens when he can't? [Blades 2, Chapter 1]

Her Legacy:She may be gone, but she could never be forgotten. She lives on in the stories he tells and the hope he inspires. [Blades 2, Chapter 2]

A Quest for Daenarya: After hearing her stories, Thalassa, Ovisa, and Lysander decide it is their quest to bring Daenarya back to Mal, they just never imagined it would be so easy. [Blades 2, Chapter 3]

Sculpting Desires: (Mal x Daeny, Mal x Tyril, Tyril x Maiele): Daenarya considers a possible future as a sculptor with a very willing model. [Blades 2, Chapter 5]

Go On, Feel It: Mal makes an offer Daenarya can’t refuse.

Bryce & Olivia at the beer garden

Mal & Daenarya: Go on feel it

Mal x Daenarya x Nia Kiss

Mal & Daenarya orphanage edit

Blades 2 AU Masterlist

Ask: When did Bryce relize he was bi?

Ask: Bryce bf follow up

Ask: Mal x Daenarya nonsexual activities

Ask: When did Daenarya realize she was bisexual

#bryce lahela #mal volari #lovealexhunt #storyofmychoices #open heart #blades of light and shadow #blades of light and shadow 2 #choices blades #choices bolas #september2023 #mal volari x mc #mal volari x oc #choices book club #Mal Volari

[imseriousirius]

#playchoices #choices #open heart #choices open heart #replaying book 2 atm #it was so good and they just went completely off the rails 😭😭 #pb let me rewrite open heart I am on my knees BEGGING

[coffeeheartaddict2]

Undefined

Book: Open Heart (book 2 rewrite)

Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x f!mc Casey Valentine

Category: angst

Rating: PG

Warnings: language

Summary: A trip to take Louise to rehab enables Ethan and Casey to have an honest discussion about their feelings. The kindness of strangers gives Kyra an idea.

Word count: 3171

Disclaimer: Characters belong to Pixelberry

🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼

It is very Wednesday morning and Casey is one again office alone but instead of working she is reading. The medical journal she is reading is starting to not makes sense and she looks at the clock- 6:00am and two hours sleep no wonder. Casey, along with her friends could not help but feel responsible for the merger falling through. It had been a week since the news and feelings eoUlf not go away, as well as everything with Esme. Despite the physical exhaustion, she had been unable to sleep much, even the thought of Ethan and the use of her toys or hands was not taking the edge off. Casey hops up from the couch and goes to the coffee machine to make a coffee. As she is filling up the water tank the door opens, it is Ethan.

“Stupid question Dr Ramsey but would you like coffee?”

Ethan looks towards Casey in shock,

“What are you doing in so early? And yes I will have a coffee.”

Ethan walks towards the couch and sees journals everywhere. “What is up Casey?” With a very concerned expression.

Casey is making their coffee and is not sure how to answer Ethan. She came in because she could not sleep and she could not sleep with all that was happening. She knows he is her boss and mentor first but but her feelings were still strong and she knew that confiding in him would very easily end up with her in his bed and as much as she wanted that to happen, it would not be wise to do so.

“I couldn’t sleep” she finally replies. Casey makes her way to the couch with both coffees. Ethan takes his cup and sits down beside Casey.

Ethan asks her again what is up. “Nothing” replies Casey.

Casey changes the subject. “How is Louise going?”

Ethan sighs. “Louise is getting discharged today and she will be going to rehab.”

“That is good isn’t it?”

“I honestly do not know. Her body has taken a serious toll from the addiction, she may be beyond help but how could I in good conscience not send her?”

Casey grabs his hand and squeezes it. “If you need to talk you know I am here for you despite our circumstances.”

Ethan squeezes Casey’s hand in return and massages the side of her hand with his thumb.

“Thank you Casey.”

They sit there in comfortable silence. Casey has missed this among other things and Ethan has done so too, they fight the urge to kiss but Ethan is relieved that he has someone else to talk too.

They finish their coffee. Casey gets up. “I best go and get organised for my shift. See you later.”

Ethan cleans up the medical journals and puts them away. How to approach Casey with his feelings for her and how he wishes to tray again run through his mind but work was not the place.

Later on that day Casey is paged. The Diagnostics team have a new case. Marisa, the young patient has Cirrhosis, advanced hepC and has Sepsis due to an unknown infection. The team has to figure it out and the clock is ticking as the liver she was donated. After our consult with Marisa we have a chat. We run a myriad of tests and head back to the office to try and formulate a plan of attack as time is of the essence. Whilst we are in the office, Garry, one of the interns is trying to find the door handle to the diagnostics room. Myself and Ethan try to direct him too it but to no avail. He ends up shouting his message. “She won’t go without seeing you.” Garry then leaves.

Ethan takes off his glasses and pinches the bridge of his nose. Ethan admits that he had promised to take Louise to rehab. Casey and Ethan then go to see Louise to take her to rehab. On the drive to Willow Hill Recovery Centre. The tension is palpable as Ethan does not answer Louise’s questions. Casey can sense the nerves on both sides. Louise starts to apologise and then they arrive. Louise is then taken to her room whilst Ethan berates the receptionist and sorts out paperwork. When Ethan is finished Casey has a chat.

“She really wants to speak to you Ethan.”

“I know that, but what happens if I let her in. I have told you how much of a whirlwind I remember her being, not to mention her being an addict. You know I need to remain rational.”

“Even with me Ethan?”

“We all know that I don’t always act rationally around you.”

Casey smiles.

“You don’t have to let her in but can you at least hear out. It did seem like she wanted to at least apologise. Whatever you decide to do in relation to any relationship is upto you but you need closure on what happened that dayI know you have a lot of deep seated anger and it is time to let it go.”

They make their way to Louise’s room. Before he knocks he asks me to come in with him. I agree. We enter the room and see Louise unpacking. She looks up. “I thought you had left already.”

Ethan sits on the bed. Louise looks nervous.

“You would think this would be easier to say with 10 years of practice.”

I grab Ethan’s hand and hold it. He does not respond but does not pull away either. Louise continues. She tells Ethan why she left, how she later regretted it and apologised for the pain she caused. She knew it was not going to erase the pain but she wanted to at least apologise for walking out but now wants to to be better, for you. You could have sent me off after three days but you did not.”

Ethan was overcome with emotion.

“I was a changed person after that day. I had a lot of anger in me from that. I did not let many people in because of what you did. You are right, an apology is not going to erase 25 years of anger but it is a start.”

Louise looks relieved. We have to head back to Edenbrook. Ethan and Casey head to the car.

“How are you really Ethan.”

“Remember at the Stevenson’s how I said I had a certain restlessness that I could not pin down.

I nod in reply.

“Well it is very disquieting to share personality traits with an addict but at the same time there is an element of relief. I still do not know what to do next but that is a question for another day.”

“I am hear for you Ethan.” I then grab his hand again.

“Thank you for coming with me.”

He looks at me. All notion of of self control goes. I lean across and kiss him gently. He returns the kiss and we pull apart.

“Remind me thank you more often.”

I smile as we return to Edenbrook. We drive back in silence. A million thoughts are running through my brain. All pertaining to why the hell did I kiss Ethan and what does it all mean. It is not like it was a quick peck on the cheek, it was a full kiss. Will we get back together, will he just think I was caught in the moment even though I was not. At least I can take comfort in the fact that he was not angry.

Meanwhile Ethan’s brain is running a million miles an hour too. He wanted nothing more in the last few weeks than to kiss Casey again. It took all his self control not to take the kiss further. He was not expecting it but was glad it happened but what to do next was the thoughts that were plaguing him now. They return to Edenbrook and make their way to the Diagnostics team room. June is there and asks where we have been as we have test results. What is causing the sepsis is Intestinal Cryptosporidiosis. They go to the treatment room and advise Marissa. She is happy to know what the cause is and we start her on a treatment plan of Nitazoxanide but time is running out. We discuss moving her up the transplant list and other medications to speed up recovery but we decide no on the extra medication but look into transplant list options.

I head down to the ward to check on my intern. I can see that the stress of Levi Coates is getting to her especially with all the speculation. I tell her that she needs to put it behind her much as possible but Esme states that she feels that she is the reason behind the failed merger between Edenbrook and Mass Kenmore. I want to try and get a straight answer out of her as to what happened but I am unable to do so. We go through our patients. I head up to the Diagnostics room to get an update. Ethan states that the treatment is working but not fast enough. He advises that he has authorised the liver to go to someone else. We go to break the news to Marissa. She is understandably upset but understands.

Later on, I head to Donahue’s and catch up with my friends. We are all understandably anxious about the future with the hospital not having much time left. I try to have fun but all I can think about is Ethan. The kiss today, the hand holding this morning and how I wish I was with him right now. The evening wears on, after several drinks I feel brave and send a text

CV: are you free, would like to talk

ER: I am at home.

I feign tiredness and tell everyone I am going to head home. I walk out of Donahue’s and order a ride share to Ethan’s. I let him know I am on my way.

I arrive at his building and press the buzzer. He lets me in. I make my way up to his apartment. He is standing in the doorway waiting for me. He hugs me tight. I inhale his scent. He then kisses me on the forehead.

“This is one of the things we need to talk about.”

We pull apart and head inside.

“Would you like some choc cherry tart?”

“What, no chicken?” I say with a giggle.

Ethan just glares and breaks into a smile.

“I would love some.” I say.” I sit at the island bench while he is serving.

I take a bite.”oh my gosh this is amazing! Have you been watching Nigella again?”

Ethan smiles at me ruefully.

“Seeing you genuinely smile for the first time in several weeks is all the justification I need to watch more Nigella.”

We eat our dessert and I move to sit on the couch. He pours himself a scotch and asks if I want one. I accept.

“I have missed you.” I say as he sits facing me on his couch.

“We see each other daily”

“Not what I meant Ethan and you know it.”

We sit in silence drinking our scotch

“The last few weeks have been torture Ethan.” I say rather more spitefully than I intended.

“All I have wanted to do since we broke up was see you, hug you, kiss you, hell I even wished you were in Vegas with us so you could fuck me up against the penthouse room window but no. We both had to decide that we could not handle the bullshit from everyone else at work and I regret that most of all. I have wanted to come to you so much. I have an intern who will not tell me what the hell really happened and I presume anyone else the truth of what happened which is making baby sitting her even more awkward as I can not even bring myself to tell her that I think she did. Yes we took down Panacea and Declan but the next day Kenmore is bought out and we can not help but feel responsible. And again all I have wanted to do was come to you but could not...”

By this time I am tears, hot streaming possibly some of them angry streaming down my face. Ethan moves to give me a hug and I bury face in his chest. He rubs his hands up and down my back. Eventually I settle and I pour myself another scotch. I offer the bottle to Ethan and he pours himself another.

“You are not alone rookie.” Ethan takes a sip of his drink and takes a deep breath.

“Every time I have seen you visibly upset all I have wanted to do was hug you and kiss you, hell even take you on the desk if we were alone but I haven’t and that is all because I know I have caused much of the pain. I talk myself out then berate myself later for being such a selfish coward because despite deciding to end the romantic part of our relationship I have wanted to be there for you, as your mentor and friend but what I feel for you is simmering close to the surface.”

Casey grabs Ethan’s hand and interlocks her fingers with his and squeezes.

“What are we going to do? I can see us imploding if we try to keep this charade up but I care for you too much to only want to keep things casual and keeping it professional at work is not going to work either.”

Ethan rests his spare hand on Casey’s cheek. “Do you remember what I said the first time we succumbed to our wants?”

“ I knew that if I crossed the line again there would be no coming back from it. Well you were right about it in more ways than one.”

Casey moves so that he legs are across Ethan’s lap and she positions her forehead on his. Ethan moves closer, gently kissing Casey on the lips. He pulls back slightly.

“We don’t need to decide right now rookie. I certainly do not want us to be a clandestine affair, you deserve so much more than that. Can't we just enjoy this moment. Casey nods and kisses Ethan gently. They stay in that position kissing and just holding each other for quite awhile and then they change position so that Ethan is on top. They continue to kiss, it started off as tender but it was getting more and more intense as time went on. Casey was getting an all to familiar sensation stirring in her loins. She so badly wanted to succumb but did not want to, not tonight anyway. As Ethan moved slightly she could feel his hard on and boy was it hard. She tried to put those thoughts out of her mind. He started to kiss down her neck, which solicited a moan from her mouth. The next thing Casey knew is that Ethan’s hand was moving up the inside of her thigh. She knew that if she was not going to go further she had to stop now as she knew how wet for him she was.

“Ethan, please stop!” She says. Ethan stops with his hand literally millimetres from her centre. He removes his hand and sits up.

“Are you alright?” He asks perplexed “have I done something wrong?”

“Not at all Ethan. As much as I more than want too, I also don’t want too- its weird I know but I just don’t know how I am going to feel afterwards- especially since we have not defined what this is. I’m sorry Ethan.”

“No need to apologise Rookie.” He says “you know I would never force you into anything you were not a 100% sure on.”

We look at the clock and it is 1:00am. “Did you want to stay in the guest bedroom?” Ethan asks.

“That will be nice, thank you.”

He gives me a hug and walks me to the door. “Sweet dreams rookie.”

“Goodnight Ethan.” I make my way to the bed and fall into an exhausted sleep.

Meanwhile Ethan goes to his room. A part of him wishes he had resolved what they were exactly but he also knew there were too many unknowns which made such a decision difficult. Deep down he was relieved that his feelings were reciprocated but with what happened a few weeks ago still very raw for both of them- it was hard. Ethan was exhausted but he still had a raging hard on. He so badly wanted to relieve himself inside Casey but knew that No meant no and he was not going to pressure her into a yes. He went to bed and started rub himself. Despite the exhaustion he took his time and called out Casey’s name as he released. Ethan than falls asleep. His alarm wakes him up. He gets up and goes to the kitchen and makes a cup of coffee. Casey then emerges from the guest room.

“Coffee?”

“Yes please- can you drop me home? I have no spare clothes.”

“Of course I can.” He says. They finish their coffee and Ethan drops her home.

He pulls up at the front of their building.

“Sorry for earlier” says Casey.

Ethan grabs her hand and squeezes it. “There is nothing to be sorry about Casey. You were not sure if you wanted to continue and you listened to that. I would never force you into anything that you don’t want to do.”

“Thanks Ethan.” Casey gives him a hug. “See you at work.”

Casey arrives at work to find Marissa upset. The liver she was promised has moved to another as she is too unwell to have it. She is convinced that this was her last chance.

Casey leaves her be and heads to the ward. She spots Bryce talking to two people. The lady is going to be receiving the liver. After Bryce leaves Casey walks over to have a chat. Apparently the male was going to donate a lobe of his liver to his sister Janice. Casey states she is happy that Janice was able to get the liver and asks her brother if he would still consider donating a lobe in a few days time when Marissa is better. Casey explains the situation and Janice urges her brother to do this.

Casey takes Janice’s brother to meet Marissa and they have a chat about everything. Kyra then spots her.

“You’re looking happy”

“Yeah I am, glad to see that there is still kindness in this world, even if it is towards strangers.

Kyra looks inspired. “Kindness of Strangers. I have an idea” and she walks off.

Despite still so much being up in the air with Ethan and the future, Casey is cautiously optimistic that things are slowly looking up.

————

Authors note: well that is my take on chapter 16. Next up the gala.

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