Secondary Blog Of Coffeeheartaddict

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[coffeeheartaddict2]

Masterlist

This is updated and a little more organised than my previous one.

Crimes of Passion Masterlist

All fics for Crimes of Passion will be found here.

Meet my MC- Casey Valentine

One shots- canon divergent / Au’s

All of these are somewhat based in canon. Some of the events that occurred happened and some did not.

Last Case or is it?

I think this one was my first ever fic- written because I had an idea in my head and well I wrote it. Set late book 2.

Of all the OR’s you check this one

An imagining of Esme not getting out of her lawsuit and few other things. Again I had an idea and ran with it.

Road trip home

Set in the period of time after Leland buys the hospital and the hospital reopening.

Here with me

My attempt at a Christmas fluff piece

Darkest hour

***trigger warning- mentions of non violent abuse, unplanned pregnancy, abortion****

Ethan rounds out about A previous relationship that Casey was involved in and a pregnancy in which she gave the baby up for adoption

Sunshine on a rainy day

Part 2 to darkest hour. Ethan and Casey deal with the fallout from Casey’s confession.

When life gets in the way

Prompt event based on the Greys anatomy scene where Derek and Meredith do a post ir wedding

Every body Hurts Sometimes

An open heart AU based on an ask. Blanket trigger warning applies for the whole series as it will deal with issues of abandonment and addiction.

One shots/ prompts (non divergent*)

All fics here are prompts or one shots that are within canon or in Tashland up until the end of book 2

Burden or expectation

Tobias visits his mother and has a rather heated confrontation with his dad

Reset be Damned

Ethan wakes up from a vivid dream, set after the softball game

Crescendo

Post opera from Ethan’s POV

Can’t help falling in love

Set in book one, different points leading upto Miami from the pov of Ethan about his developing feelings

Why her?

Prompt set post Miami. Inner musings of Ethan Ramsey

Bittersweet

It is Valentine’s Day in Casey’s intern year.

Sweet relief

Ethan’s POV after telling Casey about Naveen

Finally

POV Ethan from when he quits to the beginning of the Ethics Hearing

Mornings After

Ethan pov of key points in their relationship

Desire

Post country club Casey POV

A guarantee

Casey stumbles on a letter that Ethan wrote in the Amazon. Set post attack while she is staying at Ethan’s

Real Talk

Casey and Ethan discuss further his regrets around the time of his Amazon sojourn and further clear the air.

Honestly I love you

Post softball game kiss from Casey perspective

At Last

A brief ficlet set between my rewrite of book 2 and part 1 of when egos collide. Ethan and Casey are fully in the open

Safe Harbour

Casey receives a text from someone in her past which leads to a discussion about her past

Times like These

Ethan seeks some comfort with Casey after a confronting session with his mother.

A rock and a hard place

Ethan deals with making a decision about how much of a relationship he wants to have with Louise.

Short series’s

Change of Heart

A short series focussing on Tobias Carrick and June Hirata

Part 1. Part 2: Ⓜ️

These three start off in Miami and end during the first DT interaction in book. A prequel of sorts to for the fortune favours the brave series.

Winter of his discontent

Coda. Crescendo

Bridge over troubled waters

This is a four part series that is set in book two, ch7 through to Dagger mountain, the beginning of. I was inspired to write these whilst writing When Egos Collide.

Fortune favours the brave

Some things are worth the risk

Controlling what we can control

Begin Again

This life

Starting from when Louise left to end of book 2 in Tashland. A from Ethan perspective of how Louise leaving him shaped his attitude and how certain people helped him change.

**** Trigger Warning - this series deals with issues of abandonment and and addiction. Reader discretion advised****

Book 2 ch14-20 rewrite 2023

An update of my original rewrite of book 2, chapters 14-20. This rewrite is what happened in Tashland and is the updated version of what O wrote in 2020.

This rewrite has Mature content, this is denoted with Ⓜ️

When Egos Collide

My rewrite of book 3, started off as being an alternate reality but turned into a rewrite of book 3.

When Egos collide and post series

All fictions in this section will occur within the When Egos collide timeline and after the end of When Egos Collide series.

A night at the opera

Casey and Ethan attend the opera

A new friendship

Beginning of Casey and Tobias’s friendship

Clearing the Air

An expansion of the scene in WEC part 11 at the bar in Hawaii. Tobias and Ethan have a long overdue chat about their past.

Friends Again

Short Drabble leading to the end of when egos collide. Artwork by @bayleedrawsx

Trick or Treat

Casey seduces Ethan in his home office for Halloween

Requiem to a dream

Sexual content Ethan has a dream which leads to an intense sexual encounter.

Just Deserts

Started off as an inbox ask and decided to turn it into a fix. NSFW content

To Casey and Ethan

Multiple perspective on the engagement celebration of Ethan and Casey

Good Interruption

Ethan returns home from a business trip early to surprise Casey. NSFW CONTENT

Awkward

Tobias walks in on Ethan and Casey having sex

Persuasion

Casey persuades Ethan to have a combined Bachelor/bachelorette trip NSFW content

Afternoon delight

Casey has had a busy day and she receives a surprise from Ethan

Sin City

Dr “Caveman” Ramsey comes out to play during the combined Bachelor/bachelorette party

Adventures with Dwight Theodore Lewis III

Prompt request. Ethan and Tobias reminiscing about medical school

The Miami Redux

Ethan and Casey celebrate their first wedding anniversary in Miami. NSFW content

Better days

**trigger warning** this fic contains mention of pregnancy loss and mental health. If this is triggering for you then please do not read this fic.

Cruel summer

Casey’s mum comes to visit after her missed miscarriage

Rediscovering Joy

First time Ethan and Casey are intimate after their missed miscarriage.

Wicked Game

A person from Tobias and Ethan’s past makes an appearance

Green with Envy

Casey stakes her claim on Ethan quite publicly to send a message to a former lover.

Beautiful

It is Casey and Ethan’s wedding day.

When In Rome

Ethan and Casey’s first night of their honeymoon NSFW a content

Simple things

A Drabble for world coffee day

Night at the Museum

Casey and Ethan attend an opening of an exhibit at the Boston Museum NSFW Content

Mothers Day

A fic spanning two mothers days, when Casey is pregnant with Hudson and first Mother’s Day with Hudson.

Hello Little one

Prompt request with Ethan having a chat with Hudson whilst he is in utero.

Weekend at Hopkins

Tobias and Ethan attend their 20year reunion at John Hopkins

Then there were three

Ethan and Casey find out they are expecting a child

A place to call home

Ethan and a pregnant Casey move into their new apartment

Precious

Birth of Hudson Jonah Ramsey

Happy

Ethan’s first Father’s Day.

Are you sure?

Prompt request where Casey finds out that she is expecting their second child.

Complete

The Birth of Alexis Ramsey

Opportunity

Casey is offered a position of a new clinic but suggests that Aurora runs it instead

Power to overcome

Casey and Aurora write a book telling how they overcame misogyny and racism in their careers

Love in all forms

Casey brings back a Valentine’s Day family celebration to help remind their daughter that she is loved, no matter what

Realisations

Alexis’s first pride after coming out and she comes to some realisations

Medical School series

A four part series set in medical school focussing on Ethan and Tobias. Starts at the beginning of medical school and ends with a time jump to the end of residency.

What could ever go wrong

Halloween before Estelle and Ethan get together

I gave you my heart

When Ethan and Estelle get together.

At Last

Prompt request. Tobias’s reaction to Ethan and Estelle getting together

Instant regret

The beginning of the end of Tobias and Ethan

Shattered

The fallout from that night, more from the perspective of Tobias

When life has other plans

An open heart AU

Head canons

Tobias Carrick and June Hirata

Louise Ramsey

Ramsey Children

Tobias Carrick and Ethan Ramsey

Edenbrook under Caroline Bloom

[jamespotterthefirst]

Sweet Creature (Ethan x f!MC)

Book: Open Heart, beyond

Pairing: Dr. Ethan Ramsey x Dr. Lilac Allende

Word Count: 900

Rating/Warning: E/None

Summary: Ethan asks her to move in with him.

Morning light spilled lazily through the curtains, soft and golden, settling over rumpled sheets and warm skin. Ethan had been awake for a while, though he hadn’t moved. How could he dare when Lilac was half draped over him, her leg tangled with his, her head resting just beneath his collarbone.

She stirred slightly, breath evening out as she began to wake.

“You’re awake,” he murmured, fingers tracing idle patterns along her back.

“Mmm,” she hummed, not bothering to open her eyes. “Unfortunately.”

A faint smile ghosted across his lips. “It’s a day off.”

“All the more reason not to move,” she countered, tightening her hold on him just a fraction.

“I was planning on going for a run.”

Her response was immediate—a groan, dramatic and deeply offended, as she buried her face further into his chest. “Absolutely not.”

“I didn’t say you had to—”

“You were about to,” she cut in, lifting her head just enough to fix him with a sleepy glare. “And then you were going to give me puppy eyes to convince me.”

That earned a quiet laugh, low and warm against her hair.  “I don’t believe I’ve ever given you those.”

“Fine,” she allowed. “More like ‘disappointed physician slash stern physical trainer’ eyes.”

Another laugh from him before kissing her forehead. “Stay here and sleep, love. I’ll be back in an hour.”

“I should go back to my apartment,” she said, voice softer now. “I need more clothes.”

Ethan stilled.

There was nothing out of the ordinary about the statement. Yet, he disliked it. 

Lilac shifted, pressing a distracted kiss to his chest as she started to push herself up. “I’ll be quick. I can grab coffee on the way back. Oh, and breakfast from that cafe—”

His arm tightened around her waist before she could get far.

“Don’t go.”

She blinked, caught off guard, then smiled faintly. “Ethan…”

“I mean it.”

Something quiet and heavy coated his tone. 

She searched his face. “I’ll be back in like an hour.”

“That’s not the point.”

Her brows knit. “Then what is?”

Ethan remained very still, careful not to rush his words. 

“I don’t want you going back and forth like this,” he said finally. “Like you’re… visiting.”

It was Lilac’s turn to go very still. 

“You’re not visiting, Lilac. In fact, you’re the only thing that makes this place feel like home.”

She said nothing, breath held as she hinged on every word. 

Ethan held her gaze, steady now.

“Move in with me.”

She blinked at him, processing. “That’s—”

“Big,” he finished for her. “Yes.”

She let out a soft, incredulous laugh. “You just… drop that casually?”

“I don’t do anything casually.”

“Clearly.”

She studied him, really studied him, like she needed to be certain this wasn’t just a fleeting thought.

“You’re serious,” she said.

“I am.”

Another beat. Then—

“Okay.”

Ethan blinked once. “Okay?”

She smiled, softer now. “Okay. I’ll move in with you.”

Something like utter relief settled in his chest. He leaned in, kissing her slowly, like he needed to anchor the moment.

When he pulled back, her eyes were still on him, warm but thoughtful.

“You know I might be difficult to live with,” she said.

“I doubt that.”

“No, really,” she insisted, shifting slightly so she could face him fully. “I have odd habits.”

“So do I.”

“I hate the dishwasher.”

“I know.”

She blinked. “You know?”

“I’ve watched you avoid it like it personally offended you.”

“It’s a Mexican thing,” she said with a small laugh. “Growing up, we used ours as storage. We washed everything by hand.”

Ethan’s mouth twitched. “Yes, your sister told me all about how often you had to do that job because of all the bets you’d lose.”

“That’s because she was a filthy cheater.”

Ethan chuckled. 

“Back to my weird habits. I also leave drinks everywhere,” she continued. “Half-finished coffee, water, and juice. Sometimes all at once.”

“I’m aware.”

“You’re being suspiciously calm about this.”

“I’ve been living with it already,” he pointed out.

“That’s different. That’s temporary chaos.”

“And this would be permanent chaos?”

“Yes.”

“I’ll survive.”

She huffed a small laugh. “You say that now.”

“I mean it.”

Lilac paused. Then, with a suspiciously casual tone, she said, “I also want a cat.”

Ethan didn’t even hesitate. “Absolutely not.”

She gasped, offended. “You didn’t even think about it.”

“I did. The answer is no.”

“Ethan—”

“No.”

“It could be a nice cat.”

“They all start that way.”

She shoved at his shoulder lightly. “You’re impossible.”

“And yet,” he said smoothly, pulling her back against him, “you agreed to move in with me.”

The truth of the statement seemed to finally hit her. A smile that was pure sunshine broke across her face, followed by a giddy laugh. Unable to help herself, she flung her arms around him and kissed him. Ethan, without hesitation, kissed her back. 

“We’re really doing this,” she said breathlessly when they pulled apart.

“We are,” he assured her with a final kiss. 

After a moment, her voice softened again. “I’m going to miss them.”

Ethan didn’t have to ask to know she meant her roommates. 

“I know.”

“I don’t know how to tell them.”

Ethan took her hand and kissed it reassuringly. 

“They’ll be happy for you.”

“They’ll also never leave us alone.”

“That, I fully expect.”

She laughed quietly, settling back into him. Their bodies conformed to the warm tangle of sheets. Ethan, his heart a hundred times lighter, kissed the top of her head and pulled her closer. 

The run could wait. 

Note: Thank you so much for reading! I already wrote the next part where Lilac tells her roommates she's moving out. Can't wait to share it soon!

[coffeeheartaddict2]

I randomly found this and this was too wholesome

Yeah Dr Cavrmsn you are getting that cat lol

[jerzwriter]

Day 7's prompt is to write a microstory about an unusual love. I immediately knew what I wanted to do!

Fandom: Open Heart (Playchoices) Featuring: Ethan Ramsey Title: Old Friend Rating: General Words: ~300 Summary: Ethan is happy today - but that doesn't mean he'd forget a small friend who had helped him all along the way.

~~~~~

Ethan would never admit to being sentimental. That was not the reason he kept his childhood teddy bear. No. If asked, he’d insist it was still in his possession because he admired the bear's resilience. After all, it had survived things that most never could.

Its fur had faded; what had once been a deep chestnut had paled to a washed-out taupe. There were patches missing, especially around its ears. The seam along its side remained uneven from where his father, Alan, had valiantly attempted repair by hand years ago after an unfortunate run-in with the family dog.

He kept it on a shelf in his closet, absurd for a man his age, he'd admit - even more absurd because he was a physician who trusted science over superstition, facts over feelings.

Still, on certain nights throughout the years - after losing a patient he tried desperately to save, or back when the silence of his apartment had reminded him of all the things he thought he could never have, on that night he almost lost Kaycee for good – he knew exactly where to turn for comfort. Sometimes he took it down and set it beside him, a reminder of a time when he had felt all the love and security in the world, and with this little bear by his side, he had held hope that perhaps one day, he’d feel it again.  

And now that he had, he still couldn’t bring himself to put it away for good, because a part of him understood that being loved in the present would never erase the things that had carried him through and brought him to the bright place where he was today.  In fact, the love he was surrounded by now only made him more appreciative of his plush little friend.  

Yeah - there was no way he'd ever toss him away.

@choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics

[jerzwriter-reblogs-asks]

Still using the old list for now - will update this weekend. :)

Perma: @alj4890 @brycesgirl @crazy-loca-blog @kingliam2019 @kyra75

@onikalover @potionsprefect @quixoticdreamer16 @secretaryunpaid @snoopdogcone

@storyofmychoices @tessa-liam @loreofyore

Open Heart: @coffeeheartaddict2 @differenttyphoonwerewolf @liaromancewriter @rafasgirl23415 @tveitertotwrites

Ethan Ramsey: @custaroonie @cryomyst @mrs-ramsey @peonierose @youlookappropriate @jerzwriter

[coffeeheartaddict2]

CPR bear!!!!!

So glad that Ethan kept it all these years.

[jerzwriter]

It's taking me a little longer to do this than I had intended, but that's all right. :) I chose to write about Tobias & Casey today. One of her pet peeves is the dishwasher not being loaded correctly, and when she and Tobias had just started dating, she was in for a very rude surprise. Fortunately, it had a good outcome. 😏

Fandom: Open Heart (Playchoices) Pairing: Tobias Carrick x Casey MacTavish (F!MC) Rating: Teen Words: ~900 Summary: Tobias & Casey have not been dating long. One night, when she's visiting his townhome, she makes a ghastly discovery - how can he recover?

31-Day Writing Challenge Masterlist

Casey only wanted to put her wineglass in the dishwasher and return to Tobias, who was waiting – rather impatiently – on the couch. That was all.

But when she opened the dishwasher, her plans for the evening changed in an instant. She leaned in, as if closer inspection might change the horror she believed she had seen. Unfortunately, it did not.

Casey was aghast. Is this who she had gone and fallen in love with?

A large serving bowl was splayed across the bottom rack like it had been tossed there in defeat. She lifted it gently and shook her head. Yep, it was blocking the spray path in its entirety. Stoneware plates were wedged in varying angles, two of them spooning each other more perfectly than she and Tobias managed to do themselves.

There was a charcuterie board standing at attention and three mugs occupied the front row...right side up. Silverware was dropped into the basket in a chaotic cluster that left several forks nested together like they were there to be intimate, not cleaned.

Well, she laughed to herself, they are Tobias’s forks.

She attempted to pull out the top tray, but couldn’t as a large saucepan that had no business being there jammed it in place. That was her last straw.

“Tobias,” she hollered, pinching the bridge of her nose. “Can you come here. Please?”

He all but raced into the kitchen, his signature smirk on his lips.

“What’s the matter, princess?” He asked. “I thought you were coming right back.”

He took a step toward her, but thought better of it when he saw the way she stood over the mangled array of dinnerware shoved into his overpriced Miele. Somehow, he knew he might be in trouble.

“What,” she said with a strained voice, “is this?”

“The dishwasher,” he deadpanned. “It’s a Miele – top of the line, actually – it has a....”

“Tobias – this is not a dishwasher,” she snapped. “This is a cry for help!”

He stepped closer, playfully glancing her way. “It’s fine,” he shrugged.

“Fine?” Casey asked, her eyes narrowed. “This is not...fine.”

He wanted to take this whole thing seriously, but a chuckle escaped him nonetheless.

He reached for her, pulling her close against him. “You’re being dramatic,” he said, hoping his amorous advances would steer the conversation.

They did not.

“Please tell me that you gave your... staff... off today. Was this the first time my poor little rich boy had to load a dishwasher by himself?” She looked down at the abomination, her judgment beginning to morph into pity. “If that’s the case, thank God you have me here to help you today.”

He glanced at her, his mouth twitching.

“For the record. I do not have staff.”

“You have a housekeeper,” she countered.

“Twice a week, on Tuesdays and Fridays. So does half of Boston,” he defended. “That’s not... staff.”

Casey’s lips twisted into a teasing grin. “Debatable.”

He laughed under his breath. “I know how to load a dishwasher.”

“Do you?”

He opened his mouth to answer, but she grabbed his hand and led him toward the defiled appliance.

“I need you to see this.” She crouched and pulled out the lower rack. “Bowls are not supposed to be placed like this. And plates - plates should face inward. Like this.” She shifted two into proper alignment. “You’re creating dead zones.”

He raised a brow. “Dead zones?”

“Yes. You’re blocking the water stream! It can’t reach anything. You’ve created a ceramic fortress.”

He folded his arms, watching her with delighted amusement.

“And this,” she lifted the charcuterie board. “What on earth were you thinking?”

“It fit,” he shrugged. “You seem to feel very strongly about this.”

She ignored him, continuing to arrange things properly, then pushed the racks in and stood.

“There,” she said, clapping her hands with approval. “All better!”

Tobias looked at the dishwasher, then turned to Casey with a look that was equal parts amused and... aroused.

“That,” he simpered, “was incredibly hot.”

She turned to him, faintly suspicious now.  

“Hot?”

He took a slow step toward her.  “Incredibly.”

He took another step, leaving almost no space between them. His hands found her hips, and he leaned in behind her, his mouth hovering by her ear.

“Hot,” he repeated, his fingers sliding along her waist.”

“I just reorganized a dishwasher,” she said, with a soft giggle.

“Exactly,” he hissed. “I may have to keep you around.”

Casey grinned. “Because I know how to properly load a dishwasher?”

“For many reasons,” he murmured teasingly as his hands moved lower.

The look on her face shifted. She leaned back into him, letting out a small gasp when his mouth brushed just below her ear.

“Well, if you think that’s impressive,” she replied. “Wait until you see what I do with your linen closet.”

That earned a low groan.

“You know,” he said, already smiling against her skin, “the linen closet happens to be upstairs. Right beside my bedroom.”

She turned in his arms then, looping hers around his neck, her eyes bright with mischief.

“Well,” she replied, “then we’d better get to it.”

He let out a laugh before lifting her easily.

Casey’s laughter echoed through the townhome as he carried her toward the stairs, and as they headed toward the bedroom, Tobias knew one thing with complete certainty: He would never... ever... load his dishwasher properly again.

[jerzwriter-reblogs-asks]

Reblog for tags:

Perma: @alj4890 @brycesgirl @crazy-loca-blog @kingliam2019 @kyra75

@onikalover @potionsprefect @quixoticdreamer16 @secretaryunpaid @snoopdogcone

@storyofmychoices @tessa-liam @loreofyore

Open Heart: @coffeeheartaddict2 @differenttyphoonwerewolf @liaromancewriter @rafasgirl23415 @tveitertotwrites

Tobias Carrick: @icecoffee90

@choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics

[coffeeheartaddict2]

And how many visits before Casey saw the linen cupboard????

I am sure Vivian would have appreciated the reorganising…. lol.

[jamespotterthefirst]

Forged Steel (Ethan x MC)

Book: Open Heart

Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Dr. Lilac Allende)

Character: Ethan Ramsey

Word Count: 2K

Rating/Warning: T

Summary: Years later, Lilac Allende stands at the podium with work strong enough to withstand even Ethan’s scrutiny. Behind closed doors, the sharpest minds in the room soften into husband and wife. Part 2 of Trial by Fire.

Fifteen years did very little to change much about the conference hall. Anyone else would have pointed out the hotel went through great lengths to modernize the decor, but Ethan neither noticed nor cared. They opted to keep the same blinding, headache-inducing lighting and that alone was a point against their favor.

“In many past studies,” the speaker said carefully, “minority patients were underrepresented. That makes it hard to know whether treatments work the same way for everyone.” 

The biggest difference for Ethan was not the modern stage design or the updated technology. 

It was the person at the podium. 

“My study followed patients for eighteen months. We wanted to see if the treatment would be successful, but more importantly, if the results would stand over time.”

Dr. Lilac Allende stood at the podium in a tailored black suit, her posture graceful and composed as she retained the crowd’s apt attention. The bright lighting caught in her dark hair, traced the line of her cheekbones, and made her green eyes luminous as she spoke. As Ethan watched her, he dropped all semblance of professionalism for a few minutes and admired his beautiful wife. 

“My team and I are happy to report that the data held strongly. At eighteen months, efficacy remained statistically significant. Complication rates did not increase over time.” 

The crowd erupted into deserved applause. Before he could help it, Ethan remembered a younger version of her standing beside him in Edenbrook crowded corridors, asking him questions and hanging from his every word. He remembered challenging her during rounds, and pushing her harder than he had ever pushed anyone. This moment was proof of the raw potential he saw in her then. 

It was no wonder he fell hopelessly in love with her somewhere along the way. 

“Any questions for Doctor Allende?” the moderator asked. 

Ethan was at the microphone before she finished asking the question. Lilac watched him from the stage, her expression neutral. She did not look surprised in the least that he had questions for her. 

“Yes, Dr. Ramsey?”

“Your follow-up compliance rates are unusually high,” he said. “Patients from lower-income brackets completed the protocol at nearly the same rate as higher-income participants. How?” 

A lesser presenter would have flinched at his direct tone but Lilac remained confident, even offering him a smile. 

“It's very simple, Dr. Ramsey. We paid participants for their time,” she said. “If they had to miss work, we covered lost wages. We provided transportation vouchers. Childcare stipends. We didn't want only patients who could afford time off to be represented. ”

The crowd voiced their approval. 

“We also felt strongly about building trust with potential participants. So we partnered with community physicians for recruitment instead of relying on tertiary referrals. We employed diverse coordinators and held informational sessions in local churches and community centers before enrollment began.” 

“Building trust was part of the protocol?”

“Absolutely.”

Her voice softened, but her posture remained firm.

“As a first generation Mexican-American physician, I’ve seen how distrust affects participation. Many families in my community hesitate to engage with healthcare systems because of prior experiences such as discrimination, language barriers, and feeling dismissed.”

The room was silent now.

“We addressed that directly. We held information sessions in Spanish and English. We explained everything clearly. We answered questions before anyone signed anything.”

Ethan nodded once, offering no other reply. His eyes then slid to the data panel displayed on the screen. 

“Your Hispanic cohort demonstrates slightly different side effect patterns at month twelve. Interpretation?”

The crowd’s attention moved from one physician to the other, holding their breath as though watching a contentious tennis match. The fact that they were husband and wife only added to the intrigue. Many were curious to see whether the infamously critical Dr. Ethan Ramsey would go easy on his own wife.

It became clear almost at once, however, that he questioned her with the same surgical precision for which he was famed. And it became equally obvious that Dr. Lilac Allende did not need him to treat her any differently than he would any other presenter. 

“Certain genetic variations can affect how patients process medication. Because we enrolled enough Hispanic participants, we were able to detect that variation early. We adjusted the dosing and those differences were resolved.”

“And was that a reactive change or planned monitoring?” 

Lilac's smile broadened. 

“Planned.”

“Explain.”

“It would have been irresponsible to conduct these trials without any prior testing. As such, we built pharmacogenomic studies into the protocol from the beginning. We expected differences with CYP450 expression patterns. We were ready for them.”

There was a long silence. Finally, there was a small shift in Ethan's expression. 

The moderator glanced at him. “Any follow-up questions, Doctor Ramsey?” 

 Ethan shook his head. 

“No.” 

—-

Backstage, the applause still pulsed faintly through the walls like distant thunder. Lilac slipped into the greenroom first, the last of her adrenaline humming beneath her skin. There was a lightness to her step now and she was positively glowing. 

Ethan followed a moment later and shut the door behind them with quiet finality. The public mask remained in place for exactly two seconds.

Then she smiled at him.

And it melted.

“Well?” she asked, arms crossed as she leaned against the makeup table. “Did I pass the infamous Ramsey Trial by Fire?” 

Ethan chuckled. “You did,” he said evenly. “Though I’m disappointed.”

Her eyes widened. “Disappointed?”

“You anticipated most of my questions.”

A slow grin spread across her face. “You forget I learned from you. And I am also your wife so I know you better than anyone.” 

The smile that earned made her heart quiver. Before they continued further, Lilac reached into her pocket for her phone. “Hold on. I need to text Sienna.”

“I already did,” Ethan replied. “Jonah’s asleep. Refused to settle until she showed him a picture of you at the podium.”

Lilac’s expression melted instantly. “He did not.”

“He did,” Ethan said dryly. “He has your dramatics.”

She laughed and typed anyway.

Is my favorite boy snoring yet?

The response was instant and came with a photo. Jonah’s tiny body was sprawled across Sienna’s shoulder, impossibly small and impossibly perfect.

Lilac exhaled softly and set her phone down.

“Okay,” she said, turning back to Ethan. “Now we can discuss your behavior.”

His eyebrow lifted. “My behavior.”

“Yes, Dr. Ramsey. Highly unprofessional.”

“I was the picture of professionalism. My questions were relevant and valid.”

“Not your questions. The way you were watching me.” She pushed off the table and took a few slow, measured steps toward him. “Sure, you were very composed and stoic.” She stopped directly in front of him. “But your eyes?”

He didn’t move. “My eyes did nothing.”

She held his gaze. “Your eyes did everything.”

 “I was evaluating the data.”

“No,” she corrected gently, reaching up to straighten his tie though it didn’t need straightening. “You were evaluating me.”

His gaze darkened slightly as her hands moved up to his collar. 

“I was impressed with your methodology.”

It was her turn to look affected. Her green eyes were dark and glimmering as she pressed her body closer. 

“Mmm. Say that again.”

“Impressed.”

Lilac pushed herself up on her tiptoes, closing the already imperceptible gap between them. Her lips pressed ever-so-slightly against his, a mere whisper. Before Ethan could pull her close and give in to the mounting tension, she pulled back, leaving him crazed. 

“Not just impressed, though. You looked…” she trailed off deliberately, "...possessive."

“And did you enjoy that, Dr. Allende-Ramsey?” he said, his voice hoarse. All pretense of restraint long gone. 

“Very much, Dr. Ramsey,” she returned, her fingers sliding down his shoulders. “I was counting down the minutes until I could get you alone.” 

“You have me alone now.”

His thumb traced the swell of her hip, driving her a little more insane with each pass. As if that wasn't enough, Ethan leaned down to whisper in her ear, “What do you propose we do now, Doctor?” 

Before Lilac could tear his clothes off, there was a knock at the door. “Doctor Allende, the luncheon will start in five minutes.” 

The assistant did not wait for a response before continuing down the hall. 

“I guess that means we should behave,” Lilac said with a resigned sigh. She pulled away from her husband, ready to collect her things. Before she could get far, he gently took her wrist. When she glanced at him, his expression was so sincere, all words fled her. 

“You really were incredible out there. I am so proud of you,” he said quietly.

Her expression softened instantly.

“That means everything, mi amor,” she answered.

He raised her hand to his lips, pressing a loving kiss to her skin.

“You’re brilliant. And fearless. And you’ve built something that will outlast both of us.”

Throat tight, Lilac had no words that could properly express how much that meant to her. Instead, she squeezed his hand, lifted herself to kiss her cheek, and murmured, “I love you.”

“I love you,” he returned without missing a beat. 

The smile they exchanged rivaled the sun. 

“Now, please don't make me go to that luncheon,” he begged, eliciting a laugh from her. 

“We're in one of the most beautiful cities in the country with an upgraded luxury suite. Not to mention, we have a babysitter until tomorrow evening. If you think I'm going to waste a minute of that at some boring old luncheon, you're crazier than I thought, Ethan Ramsey.”

Hope you liked this! Thank you all for reading :)

[coffeeheartaddict2]

And did they have to pay for any damaged furniture once they go back to the hotel room????

Well done Bree!!!!!

[josiesopenheart]

So I’m rereading the toxin chapter again because I love pain while writing The Way I Loved You Series and… I am physically unwell

No one talk to me.

[jamespotterthefirst]

I still cannot believe it took us almost dying for Ethan to WAKE UP

[coffeeheartaddict2]

And they still played with us after us. We needed the I love you at the attack

[jamespotterthefirst]

In my head, it happened right after mc survived 😜

[coffeeheartaddict2]

In my rewrite of ch14-20 I had the I love you at the end of the second chapter

[josiesopenheart]

Literally! Why they didn’t let us be with our LIs after this is just beyond me!

I get with Ethan they had this whole “complicated & unethical” stupid giraffe boy words relationship going on but his girl nearly died ???? That should have been enough to WAKE HIM TF UP LMAOOOO

And in this rewrite series Imma break that man to his core, gotta snap him to his senses lol

[coffeeheartaddict2]

@josiesopenheart I’ll link you my one-off AU of gone away via dm

[josiesopenheart]

So I’m rereading the toxin chapter again because I love pain while writing The Way I Loved You Series and… I am physically unwell

No one talk to me.

[jamespotterthefirst]

I still cannot believe it took us almost dying for Ethan to WAKE UP

[coffeeheartaddict2]

And they still played with us after us. We needed the I love you at the attack

[jamespotterthefirst]

In my head, it happened right after mc survived 😜

[coffeeheartaddict2]

In my rewrite of ch14-20 I had the I love you at the end of the second chapter

[jamespotterthefirst]

I'm from the future and MC actually takes Ethan's job.

Landry is in jail.

[coffeeheartaddict2]

In my world Landry cheats on the boards and loses his license.

[josiesopenheart]

So I’m rereading the toxin chapter again because I love pain while writing The Way I Loved You Series and… I am physically unwell

No one talk to me.

[jamespotterthefirst]

I still cannot believe it took us almost dying for Ethan to WAKE UP

[coffeeheartaddict2]

And they still played with us after us. We needed the I love you at the attack

[jamespotterthefirst]

Trial By Fire (Open Heart)

Book: Open Heart

Pairing: None

Character: Ethan Ramsey

Word Count: 1K

Rating/Warning: E/None

Summary: A young Ethan Ramsey earns his reputation by publicly dismantling research at the AMA convention.

The conference hall’s incandescent white lights did little to help Ethan's headache as the presenter droned on. Closing his eyes, he slid down his seat and pinched the bridge of his nose. A small chuckle from his left reassured Ethan his irritation rolled off him in waves. 

“You're not as subtle as you think you are,” Naveen murmured. 

“Good. Subtly implies tolerance,” Ethan returned without missing a beat. He sent his mentor an accusatory glare. “Why are you so calm? Are you listening to this garbage?”

“I am listening, unfortunately,” Naveen replied with a small shake of his head. “There are many troubling flaws in his data.”

Before Naveen could offer his thoughts on said flaws, Dr. Matthew Pierce basked on stage.

“…and with these results,” Dr. Pierce concluded smoothly, “we can confidently recommend nationwide implementation. The data speaks for itself.”

That last proclamation was more than Ethan could bear. As applause resounded around the hall, he rose to his feet for a completely different reason. On the outside, he looked stoic and controlled. Anyone who knew him well, however, would see the tension in his jaw, the steel in his closed fists, the fire in his steps as he promptly approached the aisle microphone. 

Clearly still reveling in the high of the applause, Dr. Pierce blinked down at Ethan. The older doctor paused, startled that there were any questions at all. Ethan almost scoffed at the arrogant presumption. 

“You have a question, Doctor…” 

“Ramsey. Ethan Ramsey,” Ethan finished. “I have several. Starting with your sample size.”

The shift in the room was immediate. The applause died down as all eyes landed on Ethan. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Naveen watching him.

Ethan continued calmly, “Your study was conducted in three private urban hospitals. Correct?”

Pierce nodded. “Yes.”

“Hospitals with strong funding, full staffing, and patients who have reliable access to follow-up care.”

Collective murmurs rippled through the crowd. 

“That’s standard for controlled research.”

“Perhaps,” Ethan agreed. “Still, your research remains far from being representative.”

Pierce’s smile tightened. “The disease behaves the same way regardless of zip code, Dr. Ramsey.”

“The disease might. Access to care does not.” 

The whispers around them grew. 

Ethan continued. 

“Your treatment requires weekly monitoring, specialized imaging, and strict medication schedules. That system  works in well funded hospitals. It does not work in rural clinics with two physicians and outdated equipment.” 

There was impassioned applause from a small group in the back. Ethan guessed they were doctors from small communities. 

Pierce’s face reddened, instantly understanding where Ethan was going with his reasoning. 

“Dr. Ramsey, you must know that eventually resources catch up.”

“Eventually,” Ethan said smoothly, “but how many patients are you prepared to lose while we wait to find out if your optimism ages well?”

From his peripheral, Ethan could see Naveen nodding slowly. 

On stage, Pierce’s face grew impossibly redder. Ethan was sure the very last row could see it as clearly as the first. For his part, Ethan remained calm in his delivery. As precise and sharp as a razor. 

“Are you suggesting we delay innovation because some facilities lag behind?” 

“Lag behind?” Ethan repeated, unable to keep the derision from his tone. “You mean operate within a fraction of your budget?”

Murmurs of agreement swelled from some parts of the crowd. In the front row, a reporter scribbled furiously on her notebook. Her photographer moved around the aisle to get a good shot. 

Growing desperate, Pierce grasped at a different tactic. “My sample size reflects who presented and consented.”

“Presented and consented,” Ethan repeated slowly. “You think loss of income, access to childcare, and lack of transportation had nothing to do with who showed up?” 

“We—” 

“You're asking for weeks of people's lives to participate to the full extent.”

“The—”

“Think carefully about who can afford to lose weeks of income without consequence.” 

Pierce only spluttered, but Ethan continued undeterred. 

“And then think about which groups are excluded by that structure.”

His gaze moved up to the data still projected on the screen. 

“Your cohort was eighty two percent white. Black patients represented nine percent. Hispanic patients, six. Other groups were completely ignored. The disease prevalence in those communities is significantly higher than that.”

The crowd held on to every word, its silence only broken by the flash of a camera. 

“Low representation blinds you from properly analyzing side effects in subgroups—”

“I'm aware of that, Dr. Ramsey—” 

“Then why,” Ethan cut in smoothly, “am I explaining it to you months after you declared the trial a success?” 

There was a small chuckle to his left and even without looking, Ethan knew it was Naveen. Pierce, meanwhile, looked like a man fighting for his life armed with nothing but a paper napkin. 

“In a perfect world,” Pierce started, “recruitment would have reached many more communities. However, my funding was limited.”

“Your priorities were,” Ethan corrected. 

The silence stifled the room. 

“So what solution do you propose, Dr. Ramsey?” 

“My solution,” Ethan returned, voice even, “is simple. You want nationwide implementation? Then design a study that reflects the nation.”

There were some cheers at that. 

“Run the research longer and don't stop at the curve. Partner with community hospitals and clinics in rural areas. Commit to enrolling diverse patients in numbers that truly power the research.” 

The reporter’s hand was a blur as she tried to capture Ethan's every word. 

“That means compensating people appropriately. If your proposed protocol requires follow-ups and imaging, then cover transportation and lost wages. Respect the fact that participation costs time and income.”

The community hospital staff who cheered earlier were on their feet and others joined slowly. 

“And for the love of God, Pierce, don’t just take advice from me — a white physician from the Northeast,” Ethan said, his tone cool but cutting, every word deliberate. “If you’re studying a disease that disproportionately affects communities of color, then the people shaping that research should include physicians and scientists from those communities.”

All Pierce could do was blink from the stage, speechless at last. 

The crowd, meanwhile, erupted into applause. Droves of medical staff, new and experienced alike, moved forward to get a better look at the daring young doctor who dismantled Dr. Pierce’s research so boldly. Ethan paid zero mind to any of it. His strides were confident as he walked back to Naveen, who looked on with nothing short of pride in his gaze. 

“You enjoyed that a little too much,” his mentor commented with amusement. 

“I enjoy accuracy,” Ethan said. 

“That's not all you're passionate about,” Naveen correctly assessed. “And that's what makes you a magnificent doctor. I'm proud of you.”

And that was what finally earned a faint, reluctant smile from him. 

A few notes:

I imagine this moment is one for the books. Landry mentions it to MC on their first day. I can picture Lilac thinking this is the hottest thing to ever happen. Which is great because he does it to her several years later. I have the fic all written out and ready to post soon. On another note: Hi. Hello. It's been a while. I don't even know where to begin... I could be here all day explaining why I was gone for so long. All I will say so that I don't bore you with details and excuses is: it was all mental health related. It got to a point where even the thought of logging in gave me a sinking feeling in my stomach and so much anxiety. If I were to psychoanalyze it, I'd say it was all the guilt of leaving so much writing unfinished. In my weakest moments, I made the last few fics I wrote private (sorry). I also locked this blog. Not proud of it.

Anyway, I can't promise I will be back in the same capacity as before, but as I try to heal my relationship with writing and creating, I hope a little bit more active here.

Thank you for always putting up with me. Love you.

[coffeeheartaddict2]

Firstly welcome back. I have missed you (as well as Ethan and Lilac).

Secondly- well done Dr Ethan Ramsey. I do recall there being a punch thrown from the book but I could be wrong.

[jamespotterthefirst]

Trial By Fire (Open Heart)

Book: Open Heart

Pairing: None

Character: Ethan Ramsey

Word Count: 1K

Rating/Warning: E/None

Summary: A young Ethan Ramsey earns his reputation by publicly dismantling research at the AMA convention.

The conference hall’s incandescent white lights did little to help Ethan's headache as the presenter droned on. Closing his eyes, he slid down his seat and pinched the bridge of his nose. A small chuckle from his left reassured Ethan his irritation rolled off him in waves. 

“You're not as subtle as you think you are,” Naveen murmured. 

“Good. Subtly implies tolerance,” Ethan returned without missing a beat. He sent his mentor an accusatory glare. “Why are you so calm? Are you listening to this garbage?”

“I am listening, unfortunately,” Naveen replied with a small shake of his head. “There are many troubling flaws in his data.”

Before Naveen could offer his thoughts on said flaws, Dr. Matthew Pierce basked on stage.

“…and with these results,” Dr. Pierce concluded smoothly, “we can confidently recommend nationwide implementation. The data speaks for itself.”

That last proclamation was more than Ethan could bear. As applause resounded around the hall, he rose to his feet for a completely different reason. On the outside, he looked stoic and controlled. Anyone who knew him well, however, would see the tension in his jaw, the steel in his closed fists, the fire in his steps as he promptly approached the aisle microphone. 

Clearly still reveling in the high of the applause, Dr. Pierce blinked down at Ethan. The older doctor paused, startled that there were any questions at all. Ethan almost scoffed at the arrogant presumption. 

“You have a question, Doctor…” 

“Ramsey. Ethan Ramsey,” Ethan finished. “I have several. Starting with your sample size.”

The shift in the room was immediate. The applause died down as all eyes landed on Ethan. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Naveen watching him.

Ethan continued calmly, “Your study was conducted in three private urban hospitals. Correct?”

Pierce nodded. “Yes.”

“Hospitals with strong funding, full staffing, and patients who have reliable access to follow-up care.”

Collective murmurs rippled through the crowd. 

“That’s standard for controlled research.”

“Perhaps,” Ethan agreed. “Still, your research remains far from being representative.”

Pierce’s smile tightened. “The disease behaves the same way regardless of zip code, Dr. Ramsey.”

“The disease might. Access to care does not.” 

The whispers around them grew. 

Ethan continued. 

“Your treatment requires weekly monitoring, specialized imaging, and strict medication schedules. That system  works in well funded hospitals. It does not work in rural clinics with two physicians and outdated equipment.” 

There was impassioned applause from a small group in the back. Ethan guessed they were doctors from small communities. 

Pierce’s face reddened, instantly understanding where Ethan was going with his reasoning. 

“Dr. Ramsey, you must know that eventually resources catch up.”

“Eventually,” Ethan said smoothly, “but how many patients are you prepared to lose while we wait to find out if your optimism ages well?”

From his peripheral, Ethan could see Naveen nodding slowly. 

On stage, Pierce’s face grew impossibly redder. Ethan was sure the very last row could see it as clearly as the first. For his part, Ethan remained calm in his delivery. As precise and sharp as a razor. 

“Are you suggesting we delay innovation because some facilities lag behind?” 

“Lag behind?” Ethan repeated, unable to keep the derision from his tone. “You mean operate within a fraction of your budget?”

Murmurs of agreement swelled from some parts of the crowd. In the front row, a reporter scribbled furiously on her notebook. Her photographer moved around the aisle to get a good shot. 

Growing desperate, Pierce grasped at a different tactic. “My sample size reflects who presented and consented.”

“Presented and consented,” Ethan repeated slowly. “You think loss of income, access to childcare, and lack of transportation had nothing to do with who showed up?” 

“We—” 

“You're asking for weeks of people's lives to participate to the full extent.”

“The—”

“Think carefully about who can afford to lose weeks of income without consequence.” 

Pierce only spluttered, but Ethan continued undeterred. 

“And then think about which groups are excluded by that structure.”

His gaze moved up to the data still projected on the screen. 

“Your cohort was eighty two percent white. Black patients represented nine percent. Hispanic patients, six. Other groups were completely ignored. The disease prevalence in those communities is significantly higher than that.”

The crowd held on to every word, its silence only broken by the flash of a camera. 

“Low representation blinds you from properly analyzing side effects in subgroups—”

“I'm aware of that, Dr. Ramsey—” 

“Then why,” Ethan cut in smoothly, “am I explaining it to you months after you declared the trial a success?” 

There was a small chuckle to his left and even without looking, Ethan knew it was Naveen. Pierce, meanwhile, looked like a man fighting for his life armed with nothing but a paper napkin. 

“In a perfect world,” Pierce started, “recruitment would have reached many more communities. However, my funding was limited.”

“Your priorities were,” Ethan corrected. 

The silence stifled the room. 

“So what solution do you propose, Dr. Ramsey?” 

“My solution,” Ethan returned, voice even, “is simple. You want nationwide implementation? Then design a study that reflects the nation.”

There were some cheers at that. 

“Run the research longer and don't stop at the curve. Partner with community hospitals and clinics in rural areas. Commit to enrolling diverse patients in numbers that truly power the research.” 

The reporter’s hand was a blur as she tried to capture Ethan's every word. 

“That means compensating people appropriately. If your proposed protocol requires follow-ups and imaging, then cover transportation and lost wages. Respect the fact that participation costs time and income.”

The community hospital staff who cheered earlier were on their feet and others joined slowly. 

“And for the love of God, Pierce, don’t just take advice from me — a white physician from the Northeast,” Ethan said, his tone cool but cutting, every word deliberate. “If you’re studying a disease that disproportionately affects communities of color, then the people shaping that research should include physicians and scientists from those communities.”

All Pierce could do was blink from the stage, speechless at last. 

The crowd, meanwhile, erupted into applause. Droves of medical staff, new and experienced alike, moved forward to get a better look at the daring young doctor who dismantled Dr. Pierce’s research so boldly. Ethan paid zero mind to any of it. His strides were confident as he walked back to Naveen, who looked on with nothing short of pride in his gaze. 

“You enjoyed that a little too much,” his mentor commented with amusement. 

“I enjoy accuracy,” Ethan said. 

“That's not all you're passionate about,” Naveen correctly assessed. “And that's what makes you a magnificent doctor. I'm proud of you.”

And that was what finally earned a faint, reluctant smile from him. 

A few notes:

I imagine this moment is one for the books. Landry mentions it to MC on their first day. I can picture Lilac thinking this is the hottest thing to ever happen. Which is great because he does it to her several years later. I have the fic all written out and ready to post soon. On another note: Hi. Hello. It's been a while. I don't even know where to begin... I could be here all day explaining why I was gone for so long. All I will say so that I don't bore you with details and excuses is: it was all mental health related. It got to a point where even the thought of logging in gave me a sinking feeling in my stomach and so much anxiety. If I were to psychoanalyze it, I'd say it was all the guilt of leaving so much writing unfinished. In my weakest moments, I made the last few fics I wrote private (sorry). I also locked this blog. Not proud of it.

Anyway, I can't promise I will be back in the same capacity as before, but as I try to heal my relationship with writing and creating, I hope a little bit more active here.

Thank you for always putting up with me. Love you.

[jerzwriter]

I'm a day late - but surprised I was able to finish at all. Life's been busy. I miss Tobias and Casey so much. I still write for them all the time, but not to "post it" level. But on Valentine's Day, I wanted to make sure I did.

I'm participating in @choicesholidays Valentine's event - this prompt is reconnection, but in a unique way. If anyone is still here to read this - hope you enjoy it! :)

Fandom: Open Heart (Playchoices) Pairing: Tobias Carrick x Casey MacTavish (F!MC) Rating: Teen Words: ~1,700 Summary: Tobias is happily planning for his "first" Valentine's Day with Casey, when someone from his past appears and casts doubt in his mind.

A/N: I'm not sure if anyone is around to remember the artwork in the header, but it's from the "Delaying the Inevitable" Days and it was created by the incredible @/artbyainna (IG). I didn't have time for any commissions this year, so I'm borrowing it from myself! :)

My Terribly Outdated and I Must Work On It - Tobias x Casey Masterlist.

Tobias had never spent this long choosing a card in his life.

In fact, it wasn’t all that long ago when he wouldn’t have stepped foot into the little gift shop he found himself in, much less spend an inordinate amount of time inside it trying to find the perfect card.

He’d already been through rows of pink and red cards, but none of them were right. Some tried too hard – coming off like a Hallmark movie. Others were too glittery or downright corny. None of them felt like Casey.

Casey. He smiled softly just thinking of her. She wasn’t a woman defined by roses and clichés. No, to him, she was the warmth that brought him through the cold Boston winter. The laugh that could make him smile on his darkest days. She was the light who changed his life, and he loved her. God, he loved her. This Hallmark holiday paled compared to what they shared.

Still, she deserved to feel special on Cupid’s holiday, and Tobias was going all out. He had already ordered the roses – two dozen to be delivered to her at the hospital where they both worked, and another two to their home – well, his home, but she really spent all her time there. He already secured chocolate-covered strawberries in a heart-shaped box – her absolute favorite. And, for good measure, he bought her favorite perfume.

There were still three days until the holiday, but he had it choreographed better than a Tony award-winning play. They’d start with a couple’s spa day at a spot they both loved. That would be followed by a candlelit dinner at Yvonne’s, and afterward, let’s just say what he had planned for her back home made even him blush as he meandered through the rows of red teddy bears and overpriced sweets.

His fingers finally closed around a simple card - ivory paper with a delicate gold script. Its inscription was simple: With you, everything feels like home.

He smiled to himself. “Yeah, this is it,” he said – when a voice pulled him from his thoughts.

“Tobias?”

He turned and came face to face with someone from another lifetime. It had been years since he had seen Rachel Graham, but now she stood just a few feet away. She wasn’t hard to recognize – she looked mostly the same, polished and composed - her delicate features framed by wavy brunette hair that was a few inches shorter than he recalled. And her perfectly arched brows lifted in mild surprise.

“It is you,” she smirked.

“Rachel,” he said carefully. “Hi. It’s been...”

“A very long time,” she replied.

They exchanged the brief, polite pleasantries expected from people who once knew each other in ways that now felt distant. It was an awkward exchange, but not unkind. Then her gaze dropped to the card in his hand, and a soft chuckle escaped her.

“So, who’s this year’s victim?”

The words hit Tobias harder than they should have, his own eyes widening in response.

“Victim?” He said quickly. “There’s no... victim. This is for Casey, my girlfriend, I love her, and...”

He paused because something in her expression caught him off guard. Leaving him feeling cold and defensive in a way he didn’t quite understand.

Rachel folded her arms. “Oh, come on, T. Valentine’s Day? It was always your favorite holiday. Wine, dine, impress… and then some poor woman wakes up in your very expensive sheets, honestly believing you might call again. I’m sure there was a local support group or two back in the day.”  

Tobias’s jaw tightened. “That’s not fair, Rachel.”

“Isn’t it?”

“I was always honest back then,” he said, more firmly. “I never promised anything serious. The women I dated - they knew what I could and could not give. I never gave anyone false illusions.”

She tilted her head, not quite believing. “Maybe. But you also knew when they cared about you a lot more than you did in return – and you were more than happy to let them hope anyway – as long as you got what you wanted.”

The silence fell thick between them. He could hear the words she didn’t say, “including me.” His defences fell. He knew he had never meant to harm her, but he also knew that we don’t get to tell others if we hurt them, so he softened.

“I’m...I’m really sorry if I hurt you,” he said quietly. “That was never my intention.”

Rachel shook her head, raising a hand protectively. “It’s ancient history, now,” she replied, sternly, but not unkind. “Trust me, I’m fine, Tobias. You did no permanent damage here.”

Her eyes flicked back to the card in his hands.

“But, I’ve hoped you’ve changed – for this Casey’s sake. Otherwise – best of luck to her - she’s going to need it.”

And with that, she was gone.

~~~~~

Tobias didn’t want to admit it as he walked home on the cold city streets, but Rachel had gotten to him. No matter how hard he pushed the thoughts away, they kept returning.

Was I that bad? He thought. But the question that haunted him the most was -  and have I honestly changed?

The thought terrified him. His past reputation was colorful, for sure. Even those who loved him most had him painted as an eternal bachelor – his mother and aunties had long given up on expecting more from him. But that wasn’t him anymore, he thought. He loved Casey with all his heart. What they shared was real, deeper than anything he’d ever known in his life. He was confident of that, but Rachel’s voice lingered in his mind, chipping away at that confidence bit by bit - which upset him more than he wanted to admit.

~~~~~

Casey was in the kitchen when he stepped inside. The sleeves of her blue sweatshirt pushed up, long blonde hair pulled into a ponytail atop her head as she stirred something that made his former bachelor pad smell like something he had only recently come to know. Her face lit up the second she saw him.

“Hey, you!” She beamed. “You’re early! I tried a new recipe, and I’m not sure if it’s going to work, it’s...”

She stopped mid-sentence when she saw his face. Because she could read him better than anyone in the world, and one glance told her that all was not right. She placed the spoon on its rest and wiped her hands with a towel, stepping toward him.

“What’s wrong?” she asked softly.

He hesitated, choked on his own words when he started to speak. Then the truth tumbled out without a second thought.

“Are you happy with me? Because I’m… I’m not sure I deserve you.”

Her brow knitted together. “Tobias, don’t be ridiculous,” she replied. “You know how happy I am, and we both deserve each other. Where is this coming from?”

So he told her – about Rachel, about his past, of which Casey was already well aware. But Rachel’s words wouldn’t release him, nor the fear they ignited in his heart – fear that maybe, deep down, he was still the cad people once believed him to be – and Casey deserved so much better than that.  

Casey listened without interruption, and when he finished, she took his hands in hers.

“T,” she said gently, “we’ve all made mistakes. We all look back at things and wish we had made different choices. That’s part of being human. The fact that you’re even reflecting on this says something. People grow, we change – if we do it right – and I think you are.”

She gave him a small, crooked smile. “And if I remember correctly, Boston’s former Casanova did the impossible. He spent months at my side as I walked through the worst time of my life -  celibate as a monk – even though neither of us knew if I’d ever be more than your friend. That doesn’t sound like a shallow, careless man to me.”

She watched him swallow.

“And, besides,” she added softly, “We’re already time-tested. I mean, our relationship is relatively new… but new-new. It may be our first Valentine’s Day...”

He huffed a quiet laugh at their ongoing argument, recalling last year’s freezing Valentine’s trip to an alpaca farm. They were two idiots hopelessly in love, but pretending they weren’t.

“That was our first Valentine’s Day,” he insisted.

“It absolutely was not,” she said, with a smile that melted his heart.

“You were never a bad person, Tobias. Sure - you liked your freedom and weren’t ready to settle down. Maybe you misjudged some situations, but at least you were honest. And... you’re not that man anymore.”

Her eyes were shining brightly as she gazed up at him.“You’re the most loving partner I could have asked for. I think I’m the lucky one in this scenario.”

He felt something inside him break loose. Warmth and love rushed in to fill the crevices where guilt and doubt had started to settle.

“So,” he smiled faintly. “You don’t mind being stuck with me?”

Her smile answered him before a word was spoken.

“I plan on being stuck with you as long as you’ll have me.”

“Then we’ll have to keep loving each other when we’re old and gray,” he murmured, brushing a lock of hair from her face. “Because I never plan on letting you go.”

“Good,” she said, jumping into his arms.  

This kiss that followed was soft and slow – filled with the comfortable familiarity between them, but never devoid of the fire that burned underneath. When they parted, she reached into a small bag on the counter and handed him a tiny chocolate heart.

“Happy Valentine’s Day, baby.”

He let out a little laugh. “But it’s three days away.”

She shrugged, playfulness in her eyes. “When do we play by the rules? We can start celebrating early.”

He stepped toward her, letting out a little groan when his hands found her hips. Dinner sat forgotten on the stove.

“Then I say we start right now...”

And they did – right there and then. And for the remainder of their lives together, Valentine’s Day would always be a multi-day event filled with the playfulness and love that defined who they were. And one thing was for sure: the two of them? They were forever. ❤️

Happy Valentine's Day!

@choicesholidays @choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics

[jerzwriter-reblogs-asks]

I'm reblogging with tags - but definatley redoing this list soon :)

Perma: @alj4890 @brycesgirl @crazy-loca-blog @kingliam2019 @kyra75

@onikalover @potionsprefect @quixoticdreamer16 @secretaryunpaid @snoopdogcone

@storyofmychoices @tessa-liam @loreofyore @jerzwriter

Open Heart: @coffeeheartaddict2 @differenttyphoonwerewolf @liaromancewriter @rafasgirl23415 @tveitertotwrites

Tobias: @icecoffee90

[coffeeheartaddict2]

I am sure they enjoyed the multi day Valentine celebration and ai am sure Vivian was by now counting down the days until she had grand babies

[jerzwriter]

If you’re a follower, leave no more than three word describing why you followed me. Then, copy this and post to your blog asking tour followers the same.

[coffeeheartaddict2]

Common interests

Great stories

[jerzwriter]

Confession: I have polar bear plunged! Twice, to be exact. I came across the photos last night, and I was inspired to write a little fic. 😊🐻‍❄️🧊

Fandom: Open Heart (Playchoices) Pairing: Tobias Carrick x F!MC (Casey MacTavish) Rating: Teen Words: ~930 Summary: Tobias and Casey are participating in Boston's Polar Bear Plunge - and one of them is just not feeling it!

Participating in @fluff-cember - Prompts day 7 - polar bear, day 9 - frigid, and day 10 - mistletoe.

It was absolutely freezing. It was so cold that not only could Tobias see his breath – he swore he spotted little icicles hanging off of it, too. He glanced over at Boston Harbor, which was no more than a sheet of ice, and took a long swig of coffee from his Yeti tumbler. He shook his head. How did he agree to this?

Casey was standing a few feet away – although standing probably wasn’t the right choice of words. Already stripped down to her bright red sweatshirt and oversized Edenbrook hoodie, she was simply vibrating with excitement. She couldn’t stay still, and Tobias wasn’t sure if that was due to excitement or to prevent frostbite. Either way, he couldn't deny - she was glowing.

“I just want to say,” she announced, though absolutely no one asked, “that this was the best idea ever! Iconic! I can't wait to jump in -  I feel so – alive!”

Tobias just stood there, hands shoved deep into the pockets of his North Face parka, his expression neutral. He looked… fine. Totally fine. Not at all like a man accustomed to the “balmy” winter climates of Washington D.C. and Boston, a man who had spent the better part of his life perfecting the art of avoiding hypothermia. Yet... here he was.

“Mmmh. Alive,” he hummed. “You say that now.”

Casey grinned, her eyes filled with delight. “Hey - you’re the one who signed us up for this,” she reminded.

“That was under the influence of far too much wine and absurd amounts of peer pressure,” he insisted. “Ethan called me a chicken. What was I supposed to do?” He sipped his coffee again. “Meanwhile, I'm sure his pale ass is at home, currently buried under an overpriced goose down duvet... and I’m... here.”

The sound of Casey's giggles filled the air and – just for a moment – he thought the sound alone might warm him to his core. “You’re going to love it!" She reassured. "Sure – it’ll be frigid for a moment or two, but then – you’ll feel amazing.”

He lifted a brow. “Have you done this before?”

“No,” she shrugged. “But my cousin Peter did, and he told me all about it.”

He exhaled through his nose, glancing toward the water where a small crowd of fellow “polar bears” were swaying to the sounds of the Beach Boys and Jimmy Buffett. But no amount of summer songs would make this fool’s errand easier – it was thirty-six degrees, and he was officially questioning every life choice that had brought him to this moment.

In the distance, a volunteer blew a whistle far too enthusiastically, and Casey began tugging off his clothes – an activity he usually enjoyed much more than this.

“Come on, Dr. Carrick,” she beamed. “You’ll love it - mind over matter! Besides, it’s for charity!”

“Fine,” he sighed. Stripping down to a black swimsuit that hadn’t seen the light of day since August on the Cape. The cold bit him immediately, and Casey saw his shoulders tense.

“Are you OK?” she asked with genuine concern.

“Yeah,” he smiled, good-naturedly. “But I’m a bit terrified.”

“Come on,” she said, taking his hand. “I’ll be with you the whole time.”

They counted down with the group: three... two... one... then they were off – running toward the ice-encrusted water.

The first hit stole the air from Tobias’s lungs. It wasn’t cold; it was pure torture. He felt the frost climbing his legs, seizing his muscles, and he swore his brain would short-circuit.  

Beside him, Casey gasped, then laughed. Actually laughed. As much as he adored her, he found himself wondering if they were as well-matched as he had believed up until now.

“What is wrong with you, woman?” he said sharply, though his eyes were lit up with amusement.

“Oh my god,” she panted. “This is—this is incredible!”

“Incredible is not the word I’d use,” he managed through chattering teeth. He was very aware of his heart rate. He was also very aware of Casey splashing water at him like it was a summer day at the lake.

“I feel like my entire body is coming alive,” she beamed.

“And I feel like my soul is trying to escape mine,” he replied.

They stayed in the water longer than he had anticipated – longer than he thought was medically advisable.

“OK,” he finally said, voice tight. “OK, I am officially done.”

“Yeah," she said - a little sad. “We probably should get out.”

They stepped onto the shore together, skin burning as the frigid air assaulted them. Event volunteers were already draping towels over their shoulders as Tobias reached into the pocket of his parka.

Casey, shivering but still smiling, tapped his arm. “You hated it - didn't you?”

“I did,” he agreed quickly. Then he pulled out a small sprig of green, lifting it over her head. “Now – make it up to me.”

“Is that...”

“Mistletoe,” he said solemnly. “I brought it for warmth.”

“For warmth?” She laughed. “I don’t think that’s how it works!”

Before he could respond, she wrapped a giant, fluffy blanket around them, cocooning them together. Her cold hands found his chest; his chin rested against her temple. He dipped his head and kissed her, slow and deliberate, relishing the warmth of her lips against his ice-cold skin. She melted into it, laughter humming between them, the harbor, the cold, and thoughts of impending frostbite nearly faded away.

When they finally pulled back, she looked up at him with bright eyes. “So,” she says. “Are we going to do this again next year?”

“Absolutely,” he grinned, pulling her closer. “As long as we do it in July.”

@choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics @fluff-cember

[coffeeheartaddict2]

I think doing it in July defeats the purpose unless they holidayed in Tasmania- hang on they had a white Christmas 🎄 oh well but July would be cold enough.

Not something I have done but I have heard it is invigorating.

[coffeeheartaddict2]

Gone Away

Book: Open Heart (AU one off)

Pairing: F!MC Casey Valentine x Ethan Ramsey

Category: Angst

Rating: Mature audiences

Warnings: Bio weapon attack, character death, alcohol consumption

Word count: 1192

Summary: Try as they might, the Edenbrook and Mass Kenmore teams are unable to find a cure for the maitotoxin in time to save Casey.

Authors note: inspiration for this fic is from a song called Gone Away by the Offspring. Lyrics will appear in amongst the story. I apologise in advance.

🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀

The hospital was chaotic. Locking down in a code black situation always is, however all he could think about was her. The stolen looks that later turned into nights full of passion. Even though it had been ripped away from them both by circumstance he was done hiding. He was optimistic this morning. A break through on the case with the Senator which had lead to a quick solve and the hopes that a private celebration would be the beginning of what he knew wanted since Miami.

But now, he was standing in the hallway. Seeing a distressed Casey holding the door shut to not let out whatever toxin had been released in the room. The logical side in him stepped up. He got the floor evacuated, CDC contacted as well as other authorities but his heart was in that room and was hoping against all hope that she would pull through.

Ethan is going through the motions. He had gone to the field office where they took the senator’s aide, they were able to rule a whole heap of toxins out but that in away but then more behind.

He rejoined the rest of the team in the lab. They were able to get a medication to Rafael and Casey but he did not know how much time that would buy them.

As time went on the harder it was for him to compartmentalise. He was struggling so much that he did not see Tobias’s own anguish at what he saw when he came to Edenbrook. They all went to the labs and got stuck in but as time went on he was feeling more and more useless. He went for a walk and soon found himself at the room. He could see Casey struggling. He put on the hazmat suit and entered.

Casey was shocked to see Ethan. She knew that his cool exterior was slowly cracking as the day went on but she had to be honest with herself. There was as of this moment no cure for a maitotoxin and she was starting to resign herself to the fact that she may not make it. She was exhausted. Physically and mentally trying to fight the inevitable.

Ethan urged her to lie down. He could see the toll it was taking on her. They talked about life and regrets.

“I love you” he said, tears rolling down his face.

“I am done hiding Casey. When you pull through from this we are a couple.”

Casey did not know what to think.

“And if I do not pull through?” She whispered.

“Then I won’t regret not telling you how I feel.”

Casey then fell asleep in his arms.

“Pulled away before your time. I can’t deal it’s so unfair"

The teams were getting closer. They had just received word that Rafael had passed and that news frustrated Tobias. He and Ethan had always been competitive, even before they had stopped being friends but now that competition had caused not one but so far three fatalities. He had to admit he could have done with his expertise right now, despite it being a chemistry problem. They were close but he was hoping they would not be too late.

Meanwhile back at the room Ethan awoke with a start. Casey’s monitor was flat lining.

“No no no” he muttered as he launched into commencing CPR. Try as he might he could not revive her. He reached for the defibrillator. He attached the pads.

“Come on Casey” he said between tears. “Pull through baby.”

He charged the machine. The line was still flat. Again. And again. He called out in more frustration. So engrossed he did not see Baz enter the room. He was excited but when he entered the room he was saddened. The cure had come too late.

“I reach to the sky, and call out your name”

The team arrived to see Baz trying to get Ethan to stop resuscitating Casey. Tobias smacked a wall in frustration. Ethan was inconsolable. The woman he loved had been taken away from him.

The mood for the rest of the day was somber. Ethan was sent home. Tobias was wracked with guilt. And all the team members and staff from both hospitals were in shock at what had happened.

“And it feels yeah it feels like the world has grown cold now that you’ve gone away”

Sleep work, alcohol and sleep. That was the shape Ethan’s life took. He attended the funeral. He was a mess emotionally. He had lost patients before but this hit him where it hurt. More than Delores and possibly more than if Naveen had not made it. Tobias had tried to reach out but he ignored him. Naveen had told him that Tobias wanted to reach out to apologise and to reconcile. But Ethan wanted no part of it. Casey was gone and she could not come back and nothing could change that.

“Leavin’ flowers on your grave, show that I still care, black roses and hail Mary’s can’t bring back what’s taken from me”

Ethan had become a shell. He worked hard to try and dull the pain and drank heavily when he could work no more. He went to her grave weekly. It was the only time he allowed himself to feel. He cried, screamed, talked as if she was still there. He even questioned why he was not taken. He wished he told her sooner. Hell he even admitted he wished he had not stopped in Miami but there was a Casey shaped hole in his life now and it was not going to be filled.

“Maybe in another life, I could find you there”

A year went by. One one level it had gone quick and on another it dragged. The grief that Ethan was enduring was taking a toll on him now. He still drank more than he should have but the endless nights of disturbed sleep mixed with excessive consumption were catching up. He was working hard, a complex case and he all of a sudden collapsed unconscious. He was admitted. His heart weak, liver showing signs of shutting down. Ironically that night was the best sleep he had had since Casey died. He dreamt of her, this was nothing new of course but this was different. He normally dreamt of the night she died but this time he had no idea where he was but he was walking towards her. She was happy and so was he. During that moment in his dream he was at peace. He felt himself slipping away.

Naveen was in the room with him and so was Alan and Tobias. They witnessed a flicker of a smile on his face as he slipped away peacefully.

“He is with Casey now” said Tobias, tears starting roll down his face.

Alan patted his son’s former friend on the shoulder. “You did all you could” said Alan.

“It was not in time though, he would still be here.”

“It is a loss” said Naveen, “He is at peace now though.” And all three men nodded their head in agreement.

Authors note: Again I am sorry. It came into my head and I needed to get it out I have attacked the song to the fic

Tagging: @jerzwriter @genevievemd @cariantha @tessa-liam @liaromancewriter @youlookappropriate @lilacfieldsforever @potionsprefect @alwaysmychoices @alj4890 @schnitzelbutterfingers @binny1985 @choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics

[jerzwriter]

Well, it took two months, but here I am. lol

This was incredibly emotional - you really went for the angst. You captured the grief well - ouch! I'm glad canon didn't do this to us! lol

Great job Tash.

[coffeeheartaddict2]

I know right- it would have been butchered I am sure (looking at you post attack and book 3 writers at PB).

I think also the only universe I have had where Tobias and Ethan did not reconcile the past either. Which is also sad in its own way.

I will forgive you, I know life has been busy for you

[jerzwriter]

@thedrabblecollective's prompt for day 27 of the November Drabble Challenge is "Rustling," and some people would go with leaves - but I'll go with Casey's dress... 😉 I really loved this one!

Fandom: Open Heart (Playchoices) Pairing: Tobias x Casey Carrick (F!MC) Rating: Teen Words: 100

My Drabble Challenge Masterlist

The limo door had barely shut behind them, and Casey was already lurching toward Tobias, her dress rustling as she settled into his lap. Satin and lace spilled over his legs, her veil brushing his face; he could feel his heart pounding in his chest.

“Hello, husband,” she hissed, fingers tugging his tie.

“Hello, wife,” he exhaled shakily.

She smiled, hips pressing against him with unmistakable intent. Tobias groaned, but a chuckle quickly followed.

“You know, we’re due at a reception in twenty minutes, right?”

“Twenty minutes?” She winked, her hands reaching for his buckle. “Then we’d better work fast.”

@choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics

[jerzwriter]

Today's drabble is a follow-up to Day 9's entry, Coffee Queen, which told of Harper and Ethan sharing a nostalgic moment. Days later, Ethan's still stewing over Harper's assessment, and he's eager to see if his current love, Kaycee, agrees. (@thedrabblecollective day 13 prompt is COFFEE!)

My Drabble Challenge Masterlist

Fandom: Open Heart (Playchoices) Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x Kaycee MacClennan (F!MC) Rating: Teen Words: 100

“Harper says you should be canonized,” Ethan said, as Kaycee raised a brow.

“Why? For putting up with you?”

“Mmmm.” He grumbled. “Apparently, I’m a drama queen when it comes to coffee.”

“Only when it comes to coffee?” she laughed.

Ethan seemed offended. “What are you suggesting?”

“I’m suggesting that your flair for the dramatic extends well beyond caffeine.”

“Really?” he scoffed. “Name one example.”

“Oh, I don’t know...Traffic. Music. Interns.” She smirked. “Shall I continue?”

He crossed his arms. “You’re exaggerating.”

But Kaycee was already typing.

“Who are you texting?” he frowned.

“Harper,” she said sweetly. “For supporting evidence.”

@choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics

[coffeeheartaddict2]

You need a laughing emotion because the evidence Harper would have- thankfully she has not signed a NDA