Open Heart (Choices) Obsessed

I have an unhealthy infatuation with Ethan Ramsey and a penchant for writing canon OH/OH2 fan fics. Open Heart Masterlist

[choicesaddict5]

Me waiting for the valentine fics from my favourite writers in this fandom

@estellaelysian @justanotherrookie @jamespotterthefirst @starrystarrytrouble @genevievemd @terrm9 @the-pale-goddess @tsrookie @alwaysmychoices @utterlyinevitable @schnitzelbutterfingers @takemyopenheart @perriewinklenerdie @usuallyamazinglyaverage @caseyvalentineramsey @potionsprefect @poudredevie @rookie-ramsey @lucy-268 @takeharryandgo @anntoldstories @trappedinfanfiction @aworldoffandoms @drethanramslay @fanficnewbie and all those wonderful writers out their whose names I forgot and I am so very sorry for tagging and disturbing u guys and I know u guys are very busy with ur lives and once again I am sorry!!! But I just want to ask do u have any fics coming up??? bcoz I am single af and valentine's day kinda sucks for people who are single😅😂😂 and I just want to be excited for something😂🤣 I love and admire u guys and ur writing alot❤😘 and I couldn't help myself from asking!!!!! sooo sorry....but hope u understand!!!!! I love and respect u all alot!!!😘🥰❤

[fanficnewbie]

Thx so much for mentioning me! I’ve been MIA working on another writing project but hope to get some OH inspiration during B3! ❤️

[feministtalks]

[fanficnewbie]

I try to keep my blog strictly Choices/Open Heart but my goodness does this warrant an exception!!!

[fanficnewbie]

💖💞This is the Love SLAP Raid Chain, send this to all of your favorite blogs that you think deserve to hear these encouraging words. In return we ask that those blogs send it to their favorite blogs as well. It's December, everybody deserves to hear a few words of encouragement no matter if you're a small or big account. So let's all fill your dash with positivity these last few weeks of 2020. You are amazing. You matter. You are loved. You deserve to have an amazing month💞💖passing this on💛

❤️❤️

[fanficnewbie]

💖💞This is the Love SLAP Raid Chain, send this to all of your favorite blogs that you think deserve to hear these encouraging words. In return we ask that those blogs send it to their favorite blogs as well. It's December, everybody deserves to hear a few words of encouragement no matter if you're a small or big account. So let's all fill your dash with positivity these last few weeks of 2020. You are amazing. You matter. You are loved. You deserve to have an amazing month💞💖passing this on💛

❤️❤️

[fanficnewbie]

SIENNA WEIGHS IN P20

OPEN HEART: SECOND YEAR - CHAPTER TWENTY

(ETHAN x FEMALE MC)

MC is Dr. Francesca Houseman

Sienna pushes Francesca to confront Ethan.

*Takes place after MC confronts Leland about his billion dollar check. 

PREVIOUS CHAPTERS Chapter 1:  MC tells Sienna about her Ethan convo at Donahue’s. Chapter 2:  MC and Sienna discuss Ethan’s gym routine. Chapter 3:  MC questions how well she really knows Ethan. Chapter 4:  MC takes Elijah and Sienna to see Evelyn’s exhibit. Chapter 5:  Sienna talks MC through a panic attack over Ethan. Chapter 6:  Sienna cheers on MC for standing up to Ethan. Chapter 7:  MC confides in Sienna how she met Ethan’s mother. Chapter 8:  MC has to the consequences after the baseball game. Chapter 9: Baz starts to question MC and Ethan’s relationship. Chapter 10: Sienna confronts MC over Ethan’s “Not Single” status. Chapter 11: Sienna visits MC in her hospital room. Chapter 12: MC texts Sienna after her hookup with Ethan. Chapter 13: Skipped Chapter 14: MC and Sienna examine past mistakes. Chapter 15: MC and Sienna have a heart to heart on their Vegas return. Chapter 16: MC and Sienna are not okay. Chapter 17: MC opens up to her friends about Ethan. Chapter 18: Sienna and Ethan weigh in. Chapter 19: Skipped

Word Count: 2494 Rated: Teen

Hello all. I actually had this idea immediately after finished OHB2CH20 but I just had too many other things to deal with in my life to actually get this onto “paper”. It has literally taken the past month for me to finally sit down and write this out. For my own peace, this is an attempt to explain Ethan’s inconsistent behavior through the last few chapters of the series. Honestly, this still didn’t turn out as well as I was hoping, but it’s all I have in me at the moment. I hope you enjoy.

*** Francesca walked into the apartment and flopped down on the couch next to Sienna. She exhaled a long breath before turning towards her friend, “Well, for better or worse I did it.”

Sienna felt a wave of dread flow through her but she couldn’t pinpoint which outcome she dreaded the most. “You did what, exactly?”

Francesca turned her head back and took another deep breath before responding, “Either the smartest or dumbest thing in my entire life. I gave Leland Bloom his check back. Turns out it was never in my hands anyway. He was buying Edenbrook with or without me. That check was simply a test of my loyalty.”

Sienna gaped, “How did you ever figure that out?”

Francesca shrugged, “Something Ethan said kinda made it click in my brain. I didn’t discourage Leland from acquiring the hospital, but I’m not going to be his lackey either. A man that powerful though…”

Sienna nodded with understanding, “Well, I’ve been thinking about it too and here’s the thing...as much as we love it,  we aren’t in some lifetime contract with Edenbrook. I suppose now we’ll all stay together and see if this works. And I want it to succeed as much as anyone, but if it doesn’t, we just end up right back here. We won’t exactly lose anything that we weren’t going to lose anyway.”

Francesca pondered the idea for a moment, “Huh, I guess that’s a very logical way of looking at it, but I think I may have lost one of the things that mattered to me most already.”

Sienna frowned, “What?”

“More like ‘who’...”

Sienna thought for a moment, “Wait, you mean Dr. Ramsey? I know things got away from you guys during the craziness of Edenbrook’s last months but I thought you had found your footing. Didn’t you just see him today?”

“I did, and it was like the past six months never even happened. I thought, hoped, that after the Edenbrook dust settled we would get back on track... but it’s the same chasm between us. There was no hug or kiss or anything. It’s like we’re colleagues again and I...I just don’t understand it Sienna. Six months ago he was a breath away from saying he loved me, then...it all just seemed to slowly slip away.”

Sienna grabbed her hand, “He does love you. I won’t pretend to know what else is going on but I do know that. I also know that you absolutely deserve to have answers, so go get them!”

Francesca furrowed her brow as Sienna’s words sunk in, “You mean go approach him about all of this?”

“Yes. That’s exactly what I mean. If I had done that with Wayne from the beginning it would have saved me so much wasted time. If I had done it with Danny, we would have been able to spend our limited time differently. I won’t let you make my same mistakes. You’ve given Ramsey two years of leverage, it’s time to take some back.”

Sienna’s words were so earnest, so powerful that they fueled Francesca to Ethan’s threshold, but now that she was there, all of the doubts started creeping back in. Her biggest fear was that Ethan had simply changed his mind about them and that she felt that she should take a graceful exit from his cues. But deep down she agreed with Sienna, after everything that had transpired between her and Ethan, she had a right to the real reasons for his change in demeanor and attitude. Grabbing onto another wave of courage, she pressed the call button and held her breath until his muffled voice came through, “Hello?”

“Uh, it’s me, Francesca. Can I come up?”

She heard the door click and as she walked through it, she realized there was no turning back.

***

Ethan poured two glasses of wine and walked over to sit across from Francesca, handing her one. “Twice in one day. Not sure if I should feel fortunate or fearful.”

Francesca gave a fleeting smile as she took a sip, trying to calm her nerves.

“So, did you decide regarding Leland?”

Placing her glass down she assented, “Yes, I gave him the check back. Turns out he was buying Edenbrook regardless. That check was about me, not the hospital.”

Ethan swirled the burgundy liquid in his glass and then set it down next to hers. “Well, I said I’d support whatever decision you made and I meant it. But I am proud of you, I think you did the right thing by not tying yourself to his ambitions.”

Francesca met his eyes, “So, I guess we’ll all get our old jobs back if we want them.”

Ethan nodded thoughtfully, “I’d say that’s a definite silver lining.”

Francesca’s line of sight went past Ethan and she noticed a suitcase by his bedroom door. 

“Wait, are you leaving?”

Ethan turned his head and realizing what she saw and turned back to quickly reassure her, “No, I mean yes, but not like that. I’m actually going down to Providence tonight, just for a bit. You know my dad was watching Jenner while we worked all those crazy hours and it’s time to bring him home. But he also wants me to stay with him for a few days and I couldn’t very well use the ‘I’m busy with work excuse’ so,” Ethan shrugged.

Francesca took a calming breath, “That’s good. Is your mom settling in okay?”

“She is. We put her in a studio about a mile from my dad so I’m sure I’ll be seeing her too. I don’t know how that’ll be but I’m not exactly dreading it.”

Francesca smiled, “‘Not exactly dreading it’ is pretty a big deal for you.”

Ethan chuckled. “So, you just came to tell me about Edenbrook, huh? Is this my cue to give Naveen a call?”

“Yes, I mean, no. I mean, yes, give Naveen a call but no, that’s not why I’m actually here.”

“Okay.” He waited for her to elaborate further but was met with silence, “Is something wrong?”

“That’s the thing is, I don’t really know.”

Ethan cocked his head, “You’re talking in riddles, Francesca.”

She remained silent trying to find the right words but without warning, the hurt and anxiety she’d been holding in so long, poured out all at once, “Well, maybe that’s because I feel like I’ve been living in one. Less than six months ago you were saying you couldn’t imagine your life without me, and kissing me in front of the entire hospital. But lately, you keep me at arms length and you barely touch me. I thought it was because we were all so overworked at the hospital but even when I went to Providence with you and Alan, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was intruding. And then when we were leaving Edenbrook for what supposed to be forever, you were just so...distant. I feel like somewhere along the way you changed your mind about us and I have no idea what I did or said,” she wiped the tears that ran down her cheeks, “and even if it doesn’t change anything, I need to know why.”

Chagrined, Ethan moved over to the couch and placed his arm around her, gently pulling her into his embrace. “I promise you that my feelings for you have not changed and I’m extremely sorry that I ever made you feel that they did. This has nothing to do with you and everything to do with our situation.”

Francesca looked up, meeting his eyes, “What ‘this’? What ‘situation’?”

Ethan gave a weary sigh, “What have I always said that I would not compromise when it came to you?”

She sniffled before answering, “My career.”

“Exactly. So a couple of months back when UCSF called me for your recommendation, I gave you a glowing one. But then I started to realize that once again that what we wanted with each other was not meshing well with reality. Edenbrook was slipping away and we were already being pulled in different directions. I couldn’t have us keep moving forward knowing there was only going to be a dead end. I thought you understood that too, I mean since you applied there.”

Francesca shook her head emphatically as she pulled away, “I had no idea they called you. I had no idea they were going to. I didn’t even put you down on my references because I don’t want to go there. I had already told you that I was looking for somewhere local.”

“For me?!” Ethan stood up, his frustration at their seemingly impossible circumstances boiling over as he paced the room. “Don’t you see? That’s the problem. There are so many prestigious institutions in this country, in the world, and our relationship would limit you to a handful of them. It’s not right. I do not want to be responsible for holding you back.”

“But you’re not! Why can’t you ever understand that? You make me better, YOU! You’re constantly boiling it down to my career or our relationship but why does it always have to be one or the other? Why can’t it be both? Why is both so unthinkable?!”

Ethan stilled and ran his hand through his hair before pinching the bridge of his nose. His voice was even, but defeated. “Because I was offered an excellent job at the University of Tokyo Hospital, and you were offered an excellent job in San Francisco, and both of those places are very far from Boston.”

Francesca stood up to face him, “Tokyo?!? You were going to Tokyo and you weren’t going to tell me?”

Ethan looked away, “I still haven’t given them an answer, and of course I would have told you. Maybe now it doesn’t even matter.”

“Maybe now it doesn’t, but please understand that I was never going to San Francisco. I applied there because I promised my parents that I would, but I was always prepared to turn them down. Unlike you, I see possibilities where you see roadblocks.”

“What does that even mean?”

She took his hands and waited until he met her anxious gaze, “You promise that you still care about me as much as you ever did.”

“Of course I do.”

“And you’re as concerned for my professional development as you ever were?”

“You already know these answers, what’s the point of this?”

“Just humor me and explain why you would take the position in Tokyo?”

Ethan rolled his eyes before he answered her question. “Their medical system, their culture, it’s all centered in the well-being of the patients. It’s the same focused goal that doctors like you and I have here but with twice the support there. Plus, it’s one of the top hospitals in Japan, let alone Asia. It’s an incredible opportunity.”

“And they recruited you, right?”

“I got a call out of the blue. Apparently someone on their board was familiar with my work and when they heard about Edenbrook closing, they gave my name.”

“Wow, the famous Dr. Ramsey being recruited at a top institution that’s been waiting how long for your answer?”

Ethan sighed, “Several weeks now. Francesca, what are we doing here?”

“We’re proving my point. You think that maybe someplace like that might be willing to bend over backwards to get you on their staff? If it’s such an amazing facility, maybe it would be good for my career too. So, did it ever occur to you to accept the job on the condition that they also hire your protégé? You really think they’d say ‘no’? Do you think that I would?”

Ethan’s eyes widened as Francesca’s point landed, “You mean you’d move to Japan, finish out your Residency there?“

“You said yourself it’s an excellent opportunity at a top-notch facility.”

“But, it’s Japan. You’d move to another country for me?”

She reached up and brushed a piece of his hair back, “You’d be surprised at what I’d do for you Ethan, if you’d only think to ask.”

Ethan’s mind churned, “But it may all be a moot point if Edenbrook is coming back.”

“The point is us Ethan, it’s always been us. I’m willing to fight for that, I’m willing to change my life, and make compromises, and break down barriers if it means that we can be together. You are just as important to me as my career, but I need to know that you’re willing to fight for us too.”

He opened his mouth to say something, then closed it. Finally giving in, he leaned his forehead against hers, “I’m so sorry Francesca. This is all very new to me and I feel like I keep messing it up. You’re right about everything, of course you are. You are the only person I want to be with and I don’t know why I keep thinking it’s too good to be true. I guess I need to stop acting like we’re some doomed characters in one of my operas.”

“Yes, you really do.” She tilted her head so that their lips met in a soft kiss. One that quickly deepened as he pulled her to him, and one that was interrupted by his cell phone ringing. Pulling it out of his pocket he groaned as he answered, “Hey dad. Yeah, I’m running a bit late but I’ll be there by 7:30pm. I know. Yes, I’ll see you soon.”

He gave her an apologetic smile as he ended the call. “He’s making dinner, wants to be sure I’ll be there. “

“It’s okay, I did just drop by unannounced.”

Ethan cupped her cheek, “Maybe you can come down and visit us. Whatever is happening with Edenbrook won’t be resolved in the next week. I’m quite sure all four of us would love to see you.”

She smiled softly, “I’d love that too. Actually, I may take this reprieve to go home myself. Stay there a week or so, try to convince my parents that I’m not going to move back. I wouldn’t make you meet them or anything but if you wanted to fly out for a couple of days, have me show you the sites, I mean, it might be fun.”

Ethan thought for a moment, “And if I wanted to meet your parents?”

Francesca’s expression momentarily betrayed her surprise, “I’m sure that could be arranged.”

He kissed her nose. “Okay, I’ll call you tomorrow and we’ll figure it all out.”

Francesca smiled, “I’ll have to thank Sienna for making me come here and talk to you.”

This time it was Ethan who tried to hide his surprise, “She did? Well, in that case I’ll have to thank her as well.”

Francesca laughed as she opened the front door, “You many want to let me take the hit for this one. I swear for the next few days all I’m going to hear is, ‘Sienna is always right!’”

***

Thank you so much to all who supported this series (and my other OHB2 fanfics) throughout most of 2020. I appreciate you more than you know. Until Open Heart Book 3!!!

***

TAG LIST:

@i-bloody-love-drake-walker @senseofduties @octobereighth  @jooous @fenekko @msjpuddleduck @perriewinklenerdie @polishchoicesfan @alwaysmychoices @binny1985 @heauxplesslydevoted @a-i-n-a-a-s-h @xxdangerouscapri15xx @paisleylovergirl @humaumount @stanathanxoox@padfoot0415 @oofchoices @crazy-loca-blog @hopelessly-shipper @lovebubblechoices  @mfackenthal @loveellamae-blog @sharrybh20 @choices-lurker @princess-geek @flyawayboo @riverrune @ethandaddyramseyx @queencarb @vika-rafa @ramseyandrys @togetherwearerapture @bellcat2010 @imescullen @teenytinytanya08 @ethanramseyyy @kinkypot @openheart12 @elwetritsche75 @htgawparksandrec @schnitzelbutterfingers @lilyvalentine @aworldoffandoms @paulfwesley @colourmeshy @dulceghernandez @utterlyinevitable @caseyvalentineramsey @ohchoices @maurine07 @skylarklyon @mvalentine @eramsey28 @starrystarrytrouble @stateofgracious @me-and-my-choices @adrex04 @thanialis @kimiko-12 @lifeaskim @iemcpbchoices @pixie88 @toadfrog26 @openheartfanfics

[writinghereandthere]

thanks for the tag @adamsdumortain💕 this was fun!

1. relationship status: been together 4 2 long

2. favourite colours: any and all greens, i love painting with yellows.

3. three favourite foods: soup in all forms, mom’s asada, anything involving black beans

4. last song i listened to: la mar (the ocean) - the beautiful girls

5. last thing i googled: what is an alderman? (loool)

6. song stuck in my head: edge of seventeen - stevie nicks

7. time: 2:57pm

8. dream trip: australia - outback, great barrier reef, coastal trip etc. 

9. anything you want? to be able to finish one wip.

10. tag 10 people to get to know better: @raleiighcarrera, @pixelsandkink, @nazarihoe, @heauxplesslydevoted, @zigtheeortega, @queenbirbs, @perriewinklenerdie, @beckaroo , @alwaysmychoices, @justanotherrookie, @kalogh

sorry if you’ve already been tagged, no pressure to take part, and genuinely drawing blanks - if you see this, take part and tag me always happy to learn about all you lovely folk. 

[perriewinklenerdie]

Thanks for tagging me ❤️

1. Relationship status: single

2. Favorite colors: dark ones in general, but like, with a rich undertone? Emerald green, navy blue, ruby red (not opposed to pastels either, I guess anything goes 😂)

3. Three favorite foods: anything with pasta (Italian or Chinese, we love both), pierogi (best Polish food, right me 😌) and sirloin steak

4. Last song I listened to: A Mess (Happy 4 U) - Little Mix

5. Last thing I googled: COVID-19 antigen test RT-PCR test comparison NCBI (can you tell I study science yet 😂)

6. Song stuck in my head: Time - Mikky Ekko

7. Time: 4:12 PM

8. Dream trip: USA bby (get me to Broadway, pls)

9. Anything you want?: for my thesis (and the defense of it while we’re at it) to go smoothly and to get into the anatomy department for my masters. And maybe some luck in general. And sleep.

10. Tag 10 people you want to get to know better: @usuallyamazinglyaverage @kittykatchoices @awhmilkywey @justanotherrookie @mvalentine @starrystarrytrouble @jamespotterthefirst @openheartthot @utterlyinevitable @alwaysmychoices ❤️

[utterlyinevitable]

Thank you for the tag @perriewinklenerdie @terrm9 

1. Relationship status: married 💕

2. Favorite colors: mint and teal and black 

3. Three favorite foods: Chicken Parmesan. Cannoli. Pastina. (basically anything with parmesan and ricotta… i’m drooling just thinking about them. obviously the new york versions 😅)

4. Last song I listened to: Almost (Sweet Music) by Hozier 

5. Last thing I googled: thesaurus  

6. Song stuck in my head: Schuyler Sisters from Hamilton 

7. Time: 5:36 PM

8. Dream trip: Well, we were supposed to be moving to Australia (3 months) and Singapore (2 months) for a short while next year but COVID kinda killed that :/ So imma dream and manifest it into existence. 

9. Anything you want?: to lose the quarantine weight? for customs to tell me if my things actually came into port last week? Some motivation to do anything but write would be nice..

10. Tag 10 people you want to get to know better: @eleanorbloom, @mysticaurathings @rookie-ramsey @openheartthot @mercury84choices @queencarb @casey-v @lucy-268 @alwaysmychoices @kalogh @takemyopenheart @jamespotterthefirst 

[casey-v]

Thanks for the tag💕

1. Relationship status: married, two kids

2. Favorite colors: dark red, blue

3. Three favorite foods: pizza, lasagne, burgers+fries

4. Last song I listened to: creep (lucifer cover version)

5. Last thing I googled: no. of pizza delivery

6. Song stuck in my head: Keane - somewhere only we know

7. Time 7.15 pm

8. Dream trip: LA - west coast of the US; we actually wanted to go there this summer😥

9. Anything you want: wake up tomorrow, the pandemic is over and everything is back to normal

10. @eramsey28 @schnitzelbutterfingers @maurine07 @mvalentine @fanficnewbie

And everybody else who wants to answer

[fanficnewbie]

Thanks for the tag @casey-v

1. Relationship status: married 7.5 yrs

2. Favorite colors: certain shades of blue and yellow

3. Three favorite foods: chicken piccata, tacos, pasta

4. Last song I listened to: Mariah Carey “All I want for Christmas”

5. Last thing I Googled: “Dr. Fata” after listening to the Dr. Death S2 podcast

6. Song stuck in my head: Mariah Carey “All I want for Christmas”

7. Time: 12:03am

8. Dream Trip: Luxury European Private Tour w/ a select group of friends

9. Anything you want: For the 3 ppl I’ve lost this year to still be with us, for my grandfather to not have dementia

10. Tag: @ethanramseyyy @paulfwesley @bonaofsavoy @polishchoicesfan @binny1985 @a-i-n-a-a-s-h @itslaniquelove @imescullen @lovebubblechoices @oofchoices

[fanficnewbie]

SIENNA WEIGHS IN P18

OPEN HEART: SECOND YEAR - CHAPTER EIGHTTEEN

(ETHAN x FEMALE MC)

MC is Dr. Francesca Houseman *Takes place throughout chapter 18.

Sienna and Ethan weigh in.

PREVIOUS CHAPTERS Chapter 1:  MC tells Sienna about her Ethan convo at Donahue’s. Chapter 2:  MC and Sienna discuss Ethan’s gym routine. Chapter 3:  MC questions how well she really knows Ethan. Chapter 4:  MC takes Elijah and Sienna to see Evelyn’s exhibit. Chapter 5:  Sienna talks MC through a panic attack over Ethan. Chapter 6:  Sienna cheers on MC for standing up to Ethan. Chapter 7:  MC confides in Sienna how she met Ethan’s mother. Chapter 8:  MC has to the consequences after the baseball game. Chapter 9: Baz starts to question MC and Ethan’s relationship. Chapter 10: Sienna confronts MC over Ethan’s “Not Single” status. Chapter 11: Sienna visits MC in her hospital room. Chapter 12: MC texts Sienna after her hookup with Ethan. Chapter 13: Skipped Chapter 14: MC and Sienna examine past mistakes. Chapter 15: MC and Sienna have a heart to heart on their Vegas return. Chapter 16: MC and Sienna are not okay. Chapter 17: MC opens up to her friends about Ethan.

Word Count: 3049 Rated: Teen

Guys, this was a hard one! First off, I’m extremely busy at work which eats into my time. Secondly, I had all of these disconnected storylines floating around in my head. Third, I have a family to tend to, so lately finding time for writing has been hard. (Even now, I’m sooooo sleepy.) And fourth, this USA election has my anxiety through the roof which makes it hard to concentrate on other projects.

Anyway, this is a bit of a departure from other writings. Basically, I had all of these random plotlines but I was running out of time to get them sorted. So, instead of throwing in the towel, I just made my thoughts the story. They are sort of headcannons, and sort of not. I almost think it’s more like a stream of consciousness... but whatever it is, enjoy!

***

POST-GALA

Sienna A week after the gala, Francesca marvels to Sienna that everyone at the hospital is too busy and/or too tired to care much about her and Ethan being an official couple. Francesca is relieved that they’ve managed to clear that obstacle but saddened at the cause. Sienna muses that only the fall of Edenbrook could eclipse the news of Dr. Ramsey falling in love. Francesca rolls her eyes and playfully punches her arm in response. Sienna then admits that she has decided to keep in contact with Mitch. Despite everything, she feels like she failed him. She thinks that she should have taken a page from Elijah or even Jackie on how to handle interns, so if she can help get Mitch get back on his feet and into another program, she’ll feel some sort of redemption. Sienna eventually confesses that she just really needs a win. Francesca lets her know that she understands but also reminds her that Mitch still won out over Esme, and that somehow, Jackie and Gary Garrison bested them all.

Ethan Two weeks after the gala, Francesca is pleasantly surprised to see the change in Ethan hasn’t worn off. He seems to have a newfound purpose by becoming the defacto leader of the much expanded Free Clinic. Getting back to basic patient care has reinvigorated him, and not having to hide his feelings for Francesca is the added incentive. He also enjoys the ongoing friendly competition he has with Francesca and her friends regarding how many patients they can diagnose in a day - especially since he consistently beats them all rather handily. On the flip side, they are all extremely busy, and by default, extremely tired. After everything, Ethan and Francesca still barely spend any time together away from the hospital. When they do finally take a night off to spend together, they end up choosing sleep over sex (but they make up for it the next morning in the shower).

THANKSGIVING

Sienna As the holidays approach, the gang plan to celebrate with a dinner at their apartment, as they did the year before. Raphael, Aurora and Kyra have local family, but the others do not. Sienna is getting their menu together when she asks Francesca if she wants to invite Ethan. Francesca shrugs and mentions that he’s gonna spend it with his dad. Ethan invited her to go but she felt bad ditching her friends. Sienna is sad that Francesca has to choose between the two of them until she has an idea. The next day she finds Ethan and proposes that they combine Thanksgiving dinner. She knows that he cooks and she lets him know that she’d be willing to be his sous chef so that together, they could host everyone. Ethan says he’ll think about it, but agrees by the end of the shift. Sienna is super excited to tell the others.

Ethan Francesca gives him a knowing smile as the last guest (his father) leaves the penthouse. “That was your best Thanksgiving in years, wasn’t it?” Ethan only shrugs, trying to hide his smile as he goes into the kitchen to finish cleaning up. They both know she’s right though. He wasn’t crazy about the idea but knowing it was the only way he’d get to spend the holiday with Francesca, he had agreed. Turns out, Sienna was an excellent sous chef and her pies were incredible. In addition to Jackie, Elijah, and Bryce - they had invited Harper, Aurora, and Naveen. It was the first time that Alan had met any of his co-workers and he was pleasantly surprised to see his dad hold his own. Francesca had repeated her “cable connection” theory about how what Alan did wasn’t too different from what they did as doctors, and it was as if everyone immediately found common ground. Even better, now that they had all left, she was his for the rest of the night.

LOUISE

Sienna “How do you think this is going to play out?” Francesca shrugged at Sienna’s question. She was buttoning up her coat, getting ready to meet Ethan as he pulled up outside. “I don’t know, he’s been up there twice without me, but this is the first time with the four of us. Louise requested it though, they gave her a day pass for her birthday and she wanted to go out to brunch. So, we’re going. Then Ethan and I will come back and catch the night shift at Edenbrook.” Sienna remarked that they’d be exhausted. Francesca laughed, “When are we not exhausted?”

Ethan Francesca had convinced him to stop at this boutique before they left the city to get a birthday present. A gift for Louise, his stomach clenched at the thought of all the birthdays she had missed. He was trying, God knows he was, but it was moments like this that were the hardest, moments where he had to give her something he knew she didn’t deserve. With Louise, he always had to be the bigger person and it was … trying. Picking up a silk scarf he turned to Francesca, “What about this?” However, she had wandered to another section in the store and was staring lovingly at a beautiful gold, sequined dress. He walked up behind her, “This?” She jumped and dropped the material from her hand. Noticing the scarf in his hand, she held it up and examined the pattern approvingly, “It’s pretty”. Ethan gave her a curt nod as he glanced at the label of the gold dress.

CHRISTMAS

Sienna Sienna is already at home with her family, Francesca talks on the phone while she throws clothing into a suitcase. “It seemed like the perfect plan six weeks ago, now I’ve completely run out of time. What am I gonna do?” It was Christmas Eve. Francesca was meant to spend it with Ethan, then the next morning he’d drop her off at the airport and she’d fly to California. With her early flight time and the difference in time zones, she’d be at her childhood home by 11am. It was the perfect plan except, she had no gifts. Working double and triple shifts at the hospital had kept her from shopping. She thought she could do it online but even Amazon had failed her, nothing would deliver until a day or two after the holiday. “Calm down sweetie. First of all, he’s not the type to be interested in gifts. Second, just tell him that you wanted to buy him something in California, something he couldn’t get in Boston.” Francesca grabbed her toiletries, “What in the world would that be?” Sienna gave an exasperated sigh, “I don’t know! I can’t think of everything.” Francesca plopped down on the bed, in near tears when Jackie walked in, scaring her to death. “Holy shit! I thought you left this morning.” Jackie waved her hand nonchalantly, “I decided to put one more shift in before heading out. I’m about to leave but I wanted to give you my Christmas gift first.” Francesca shook her head, “Fuck me Jackie, I don’t have anything for you. Not for anyone.” Jackie rolled her eyes, “This is a gift, not a quid pro quo”. She handed Francesca a gift bag and then walked out the room, “Merry Christmas, see you next week.” Sienna waited a few seconds before speaking up from the phone, “Well, what is it?” Francesca opened the bag to find a very sexy lingerie set and a note that read, “This may solve your problem.” She smiled with relief as she took a picture and texted it to Sienna. Several seconds later Sienna exclaimed, “Holy smokes! And this, this is why, despite everything, we love Jackie.” 

Ethan He and his dad had stopped celebrating Christmas the traditional way after Louise left. Alan had rewired the cable at the Mountain Lodge and become friends with the owners in the process. Knowing their situation, they’d give them a discounted room every holiday so Ethan and his dad would spend the day skiing in the mountains, avoiding the ritual pomp and circumstance of the Christmas holiday. However, this time he was excited to spend the evening with Francesca celebrating the right way. He’d even gotten a small tree and made eggnog. He knew their time together was limited, but it was more Christmas spirit than he’d had in as long as he could remember. Jenner walked up to him wearing his antler ears that Sienna had purchased and Ethan couldn’t help but laugh. Shortly thereafter Francesca arrived, when he opened the door she was standing there holding some mistletoe over her head, “Merry Christmas”. He rolled his eyes as he pulled her into his embrace, “As if I ever needed an excuse to kiss you.” 

After dinner they are cuddled up on the couch watching the first of her selected double feature movie marathon, “Home Alone” (to be followed by “Die Hard”), which Ethan made difficult because he kept pointing out how the injuries sustained by the villains would make it impossible for them to keep harassing this kid, they’d both be in the ER. When it ends she is super annoyed and he felt bad as he looked at her sheepishly, “You know sometimes I just can’t help myself.” 

Francesca went to pour another glass of the (spiked) egg nog while Ethan left the room and returned with a large box wrapped in a rich red shiny paper and decorated with an ornate silver ribbon. He handed it to her, “Maybe this will make it up to you. Santa came a little early.” Taken aback at the beauty of just the box, she sat down and carefully unwrapped the packaging. The box is labeled with a name that sounds familiar but she can’t quite place. Finally opening it, she audibly gasped at the gold sequined gown folded neatly inside. Running her fingers over it delicately, she looked up in wonderment, “How did you…?” Ethan sat next to her, “I saw how you were looking at it when we went to pick up a gift for my mom. I got your dress size from Sienna and ordered it a few days later.” Tears slid down her cheeks as she turned to him, “This is amazing Ethan, thank you”. She leaned in to kiss him but after a few moments, pulled back. “I have a gift or you but if I give it to you now, we won’t be watching the next movie.” Ethan’s blue eyes darkened with desire, “I think I could live with that.” Carefully placing the box on the countertop, she moved to her things and pulled out the gift bag with the lingerie. “I’ll be right back.”

VALENTINE’S DAY

Sienna So, what are you going to do? Francesca shrugged as she pushed the food around on her plate, “I dunno, he’s been getting more and more tense as the week pass by. I’m not even sure where I stand with him anymore.” Sienna looked at her, flummoxed, “What? The man is in love with you! What are you even talking about?” Francesca remained quiet as she thought about the past few weeks. They were all still working themselves to the bone but Ethan’s reinvigoration had given way to something else. Something she was still trying to place her finger on. Whatever it was, she felt like he wasn’t seeing her in the same light. He always seemed to be distracted, always had something else to deal with. “I just think, I think the closer we get to Edenbrook closing, the further he pulls away.” Francesca couldn’t admit the full truth of what she feared, which was that only Edenbrook held them together and if it crumbled, so would her relationship.

Ethan They were driving to Alan’s for their monthly visit. It was Valentine’s Day weekend, a date he would normally pay no mind to but now, now he had her. Still he was filled with unease. With the closure of the hospital looming, he worried that their situation was on a tight leash. Francesca watched him, the tension in the car was thick enough to cut with a knife but she had no idea where it was coming from. “Okay. Ethan we cannot show up at your dad’s house like this, he will know something is up.” Ethan wasn’t ready to have this conversation, he wanted to be in control of the narrative. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Francesca sighed with annoyance, muttering under her breath, “Bullshit.” Ethan’s eyes left the road for a brief moment to meet hers, seeing the flecks of gold in her eyes, he immediately knew he wouldn’t win this stand-off. “Look Francesca, I just want the best for you, it’s what I’ve always wanted.” She nodded, slightly confused, “Okay.” Ethan sighed, “So, if that means a residency in another State, if that means that you have to leave… I mean obviously, I won’t be happy with it but, I understand. You need to look out for you career.” 

To his chagrin Francesca began to laugh, nothing ostentatious, but she’s laughing at him nonetheless.  “Oh my God, seriously?!” She turned to him and placed a comforting hand on his arm, “I’m not going anywhere. Aurora and I have already discussed getting a place together until we figure out our next moves. Ethan I’m not leaving you, I couldn’t, I …. I … just wouldn’t do it.” The air hangs thick with words unsaid until Ethan finally breaks the silence, “I would never want to hold you back from an amazing opportunity somewhere else.” Francesca shakes her head, “You’re an amazing opportunity, and I’m fine. We’ll be fine...together.” She takes Ethan’s hand in his and he clutches it. After a long moment, he motions to the glove compartment and asks her to open it. She does, pulling out a small black box. She looks up to him, questioning but all he does is nod for her to open it. When she does she discovers a key on a chain. Ethan explained, “To my penthouse. If you’re going to stay, you should always have a safe haven. Happy Valentine’s Day.”

SPRING 

Sienna The snow is still melting as Winter slowly gives way to Spring. Francesca cannot believe that Edenbrook has managed to eek out another five months of existence but everywhere she turns, signs of the end loom. Noticing Sienna walking up the corridor holding a stack of files, she cornered her, “What are those for?” Sienna shrugged, “I’m getting them ready for the courier, they need to be sent to Mass Kenmore, I mean, Solomon Mass Kenmore -- or whatever, who cares anymore?” She dropped the files on the counter at the deserted nurses station and sits down. “Do you know that I always wanted to be a doctor? Francesca sat down next to her, “No, tell me.” 

Sienna stared down the empty hallway and then turned to her friend, “I was in grade school when I first learned of Florence Nightingale. It was so inspiring that I wanted to be a nurse. Then a few months later I mentioned it to my mom and she questioned why I wouldn’t just become a doctor. The seed was planted and since then, I’ve always had this goal. I’m not that competitive with others but with myself…” Sienna trails off. The two sit in a comfortable silence until Sienna starts speaking again, “I learned that Edenbrook was one of the best programs and I promised myself that I would get in. And I did. But look at how much I’ve lost in the process...and for what? Edenbrook is closing. I’m losing everything and everyone...it just seems so pointless now.” Francesca took Sienna’s hand and squeezed it. “I understand, I truly do, I’ve had similar thoughts myself. But you know how I get out of it?” Sienna shook her head as Francesca continued, “I think of all the patients I’ve helped, all of those who have returned to their families. I look at those wins and tell myself that’s why I had my time at Edenbrook. Even though it was short-lived, and at times traumatic, I still saved lives. And so did you.”

Ethan It’s late, he doesn’t know how late though. From his best guess he came out to the roof around 11pm and so now, it has to be close to 1am. He’s annoyed with himself for leaving his phone in the office. Francesca leans back against him, breathing so peacefully that for a moment he thinks she’s asleep. Then she turns her head and gives him a sleepy smile, “Well hey there doc.” Ethan shakes his head as he manages to get them both to their feet, “Okay all, party over. I know each one of you has to be back here within 6 hours so go home, clean up and get some sleep.” Jackie shuts down her music while Bryce collects beer cans, “Well, it was fun while it lasted.” Soon enough, Ethan has Francesca back in the diagnostic team office, she’s asleep on the couch while he tidies up. He’s mulling over dropping her back at her apartment or taking her home with him when, almost as she had the ability to read his mind, Francesca’s eyes open, “Yes, just take me with you and if you don’t let me in, I’ll use my key.” Ethan chuckled, “You are drunk.” Hoisting her up into his arms he gives her a once over, “You look incredible in that dress. I’m not sure what irritates me most, that you didn’t wear it for me, or that you’re too far gone for me to enjoy taking it off of you.”

In a moment of drunken clarity, Francesca’s eyes meet his, “I love you Ethan.” Their eyes lock, her sincerity meeting his surprise. He wasn’t exactly shocked to hear those words, he’d been battling his own thoughts on the subject, but her impromptu confession caught him completely off guard. However, before he could respond, she grabbed his arm, her face a mask of seriousness, “I also love this dress, and a shot we had earlier called a “Gummy Bear”, O-M-G Ethan it was so good. But wait, it wasn’t whiskey, bourbon, or scotch. Crap, you’d hate it.”

Ethan laughed quietly to himself as he gathered their things. Choosing to address this subject at a later date when they were both sober, he opted for the most rational course of action, “Okay, you win. Let’s get you home.”

***

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR READING. YOUR LIKES AND COMMENTS MEAN THE WORLD!

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[ethanramseyyy]

OPEN HEART SECOND YEAR: CHAPTER 18

Edenbrook!!! I was skeptical in the last chapter as to if Edenbrook would actually close but now it seems so real. Like in the last scene we were literally preparing for our last day and everyone was discussing their options for new jobs. Like what is even happening. Something better happen because I can’t handle leaving this hospital behind, unless me and Ethan move out together. But still I don’t want to say goodbye to our friends.

Ethan’s advice was so good. ‘It means you fight until your last breath.’ I honestly think a lot of people should take that advice. Look at my husband being all inspirational, you’re doing amazing sweetie ;)

 Having the meeting with the lawyers about Levi’s death was so upsetting. I hated that they were talking about him like he was property. And then Esme’s response broke me when she said he was priceless. I honestly believe that she had feelings for Levi and it pains me to think that she believes she killed him. I hope that we get to see Esme grow and try to move past this without blaming herself, but in I miss Levi too. He was so kind-hearted.

AURORA REALLY IS THAT BITCH!!! She quit Kenmore to come back to Edenbrook even though the hospital is falling apart. That is what having respect is June. Not that I am bitter about her leaving or anything 😒. The way she gave up a permanent job just to do right by Edenbrook just shows her true character. I am so glad that we have gotten to see her character development because I believe she has had one of the biggest developments between the books. The way she is finally doing something for herself and not doing it because of her Aunt is so inspiring, especially since she spent all that time living her Aunts shadow. We love you Aurora!

The part with MC treating all the patients was so nice. I feel like recently the book has been very storyline based so I thought it was good to see some actual work. And Gary Garrison making an appearance. God this man is so adorable and his relationship with Jackie is so funny to me. She acts like she hates him when realistically we all know she loves his company. How can you not, it’s Gary Garrison for goodness sake. Raf making an appearance is always nice, especially because of the trauma Rafael stans have been through in this book. I’m still undecided on Mitch, but I think him coming back in todays chapter showed that he was truly sorry for how he treated the angel that is Sienna Trinh. I mean no one can be as bad as her ex.

I didn’t pick the option to go on the roadtrip with Bryce and her sister but I have seen some screenshots on Tumblr and it looked so cute. I am glad that people romancing Bryce have had the chance to get to know his family and actually form a bond with his sister. 

‘You’re up late’. If you have been around since I started my blog, you will know that Ethan’s quote ‘you kept me up very late last night’ was my bio for so long. And this was a reminder of that which made me smile. Ugh, the development in his character has to be up there with Aurora. He is truly a completely different person compared to book 1 Ethan. This man started MASSAGING OUR SHOULDERS. When I tell you I cried (like usual). This is some of the cutest sh*t ever. And then the way they looked into each other eyes and then kissed. Literally so magical. We all say we are ready for the wedding but we really aren’t are we?! 

Everyone explaining what hospitals they’ve applied for made my heart ache. Listen, I’m still holding out hope that Edenbrook will survive but it is looking less and less likely each chapter. MC’s outfit was so freaking beautiful. I thought that we would get Ethan in a matching suit but that didn’t happen unfortunately. I’m praying that we get to see their first proper date before this book ends. 

Did I order 21 shots? Yes. Do I regret it? No. I couldn’t not. If this was their last outing as Edenbrook doctors they have to go out with a bang. Seeing everyone drunk was so funny. Aurora was a very affectionate drunk which I found funny because she doesn’t really open much. Elijah was quite emotional which I expected because that man is the sweetest thing. And then Jackie was also quite emotional which is funny because she seems quite cold hearted, even though we all know she isn’t deep down. 

The toast to Danny and Bobby was heartbreaking. I miss them!! I think that someone in this chapter said that Bobby used to bring them a coffee during the week. Like can that guy get any cuter. I love that everyone has so much respect for them and I’m glad that @playchoices hasn’t just forgotten about them.

Ethan finding us on the roof and then joining us just goes to show how much he loves MC. Okay maybe I am being dramatic but I have never seen him turn so soft and I can’t deal.

Leland Bloom returning was not what I expected to end the chapter. I am excited to see MC and Ethan work on one last case before the hospital closes. I am dreading it but I can’t help but be excited for more chapters. 

I know I always say this but I am like 3 followers away from 600 followers which is insane to me!!!! Thank you for all my new and old followers who continue to show me love. If anyone ever wants to talk, my DMs are always open, I love making new friends. Let me know what you thought of this chapter and what you think will happen to Edenbrook!

@fanficnewbie @openheartconfessions @choicescommunity @openheartincorrect @zeniamiii @lovebubblechoices @drethanramslay @ethanramseyposts @ethanplaysfavorites

[fanficnewbie]

I always LOVE the post-mortem analysis. Happy to reblog and I hope others do too! I think Leland Bloom will save Edenbrook and then the next book will be Ethan and MC running shite like the power couple that they are! LOL

[ethanramseyyy]

OPEN HEART: SECOND YEAR CHAPTER 17

So that just happened!!!! I can’t believe it, a 30 diamond scene with Ethan in his goddamn office. Our prayers have finally been answered. Ugh, just everything about this chapter gave me life.

Firstly, Kyras idea to throw a gala to try and save Edenbrook was brilliant. It reminded me of Greys Anatomy’s Gala episode if any of you have ever seen that. It was epic!! And I loved Bryces response to the idea ‘some of us do everything in style’. Typical Bryce. Also Kyras little afro is the cutest, she’s such an angel 🥺

June is leaving!!! The lack of loyalty towards Edenbrook is so disrespectful. I’ve said this before but I’m not sure about June. One minute I think we are friends and the next I hate her. Just me? Honestly, I don’t know what she was thinking when she asked MC to go to kenmore with her, like we were going to leave Edenbrook. I could never. I understand that Edenbrook isn’t looking too good at the moment but surely being on the diagnostics team you would feel a sense of loyalty towards the hospital.

Ethan and MCs first date. I mean even though Ethan wouldn’t admit it, we all know it was. The way he got all flustered and was trying to convince us it isn’t a date. This man has my whole entire heart. According to him, it was the only logical idea for him to go with MC, when realistically we could have gone with anyone. I like that he was trying to play it cool when we all know he is deeply in love with MC. I’m hoping we get an actually first date just the two of us because that would be perfect.

When I tell you I legit SCREAMED when Ethan walked into the apartment in his tux. How can this man be so god damn fine without even trying. Did I spend like 25 diamonds to wear the red dress to the ball? Yes. Yes I did, it was too pretty to not ok. And Ethans reaction made me think of book 1 when we went to the conference and we told him we had nothing to wear and then stepped out in the ball gown. Some things never change.

Also Ethan saying that it was nice to see our friends in their element, just goes to show how much he enjoys our company. They are literally a match made in heaven. I hope we get to see more moments with Ethan and our friends because I think it would be really sweet to see them interacting.

I did choose to take a picture with Ethan because hello when would I ever have the chance again. I wish we actually got to see the picture but hopefully when we move in together (which will be happening) that it will be framed in our bedroom. Tell me that him wrapping his arms around MCs waist isn’t the most beautiful little interaction ever. They are precious 🥰

NAVEEN. My angel. I miss him. I hope we get to see Naveen with MC and Ethan more because I miss their interactions. I feel like they had such a sweet relationship in book one and it hasn’t really been investigated in book two. Him saying his proud of Ethan melted my heart, their relationship is so cute.

Ethan kissed us in front of everyone. Naveen. Ines. Zaid. Everyone! He just gave up with our act of not being together and finally admitted to everyone. Not like they didn’t already know. Ahhh, IM READY FOR AN ENGAGEMENT. And then the dance. Like they actually danced with each other. I can’t deal. We better have a flashback to that very moment during our first dance at our wedding.

IN THE OFFICE. You don’t know how long i’ve waited for this. Well how long we’ve all waited for this. Now I can’t lie, it’s not the best 30 diamond scene we have had with Ethan but it was worth the wait. It was still perfection. And the fact it was in his office on the desk. Wow. We really were served with the Ethan goodies today and I couldn’t be happier.

Kyras reaction to Ethan and MC coming back from their little rendezvous was amazing 😅. She knew. And she wasn’t mad. To be honest I think everyone in the whole hospital knows we are together. We were just kidding ourselves into thinking that we were successfully hiding our relationship from them. But honestly Kyra is my favourite person.

June leaving felt quite rushed and out of the blue. One minute she’s trying to save Edenbrook and the next she’s leaving. I don’t really understand but maybe it’s because of Tobias. I hope we do get to see her though because I think she is an interesting character. I did not know what to do about Esme. When it said our decision could affect our relationship with Esme and the hospital, it was so much pressure. I chose to stay faithful to Esme and say that she did it by accident. Hopefully we get to save Edenbrook though because I love the hospital and the people in it.

I want to apologise that I didn’t get a summary out last week i’ve been really busy lately but i’m going to try and stay on top of it. I’m so close to 600 followers which is insane!!! Thank you all so much. Also let me know what options you picked and how they differed from mine. Especially the one with Esme. Thanks for all the support ❤️

[fanficnewbie]

Ack! I’m so late on this but @heauxplesslydevoted​, @starrystarrytrouble​, and @perriewinklenerdie​ please help reblog and get this author the credit she deserves for her incredible weekly analysis!

[fanficnewbie]

SIENNA WEIGHS IN P17

OPEN HEART: SECOND YEAR - CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

(ETHAN x FEMALE MC)

MC is Dr. Francesca Houseman *This entry takes place after the Hopeful Hearts Gala.

Francesca opens up to her friends about Ethan.

PREVIOUS CHAPTERS Chapter 1:  MC tells Sienna about her Ethan convo at Donahue’s. Chapter 2:  MC and Sienna discuss Ethan’s gym routine. Chapter 3:  MC questions how well she really knows Ethan. Chapter 4:  MC takes Elijah and Sienna to see Evelyn’s exhibit. Chapter 5:  Sienna talks MC through a panic attack over Ethan. Chapter 6:  Sienna cheers on MC for standing up to Ethan. Chapter 7:  MC confides in Sienna how she met Ethan’s mother. Chapter 8:  MC has to the consequences after the baseball game. Chapter 9: Baz starts to question MC and Ethan’s relationship. Chapter 10: Sienna confronts MC over Ethan’s “Not Single” status. Chapter 11: Sienna visits MC in her hospital room. Chapter 12: MC texts Sienna after her hookup with Ethan. Chapter 13: Skipped Chapter 14: MC and Sienna examine past mistakes. Chapter 15: MC and Sienna have a heart to heart on their Vegas return. Chapter 16: MC and Sienna are not okay.

Word Count: 2609 Rated: Teen

Hello all! This started out as one thing and then became something else. I’m honestly still not sure how I feel about it, but as always, I hope you enjoy.

*** The group stumbled into the diner and made their way to the large booth in the back. Grabbing their menus, Bryce let out a low groan, “Man, I am starving! Kyra did an amazing job but the food options were, ehhh.”

“Don’t let her hear you say that!” Francesca laughed as she opened her menu. She had reluctantly parted from Ethan after the end of the gala, holding to her promise that she’d join the group for a midnight meal. And even though that promise was made before Ethan’s very public display of affection, she knew better than to break it. 

“Francesca, you are absolutely glowing.”

Looking up she met Rafael’s gaze, a humorous twinkle in his eye, “I’m guessing you had fun tonight?”

Jackie snickered, “I mean, we’d all have to guess since she missed a good chunk of the event. You and Dr. Ramsey disappeared for what…,” she turned to Bryce, “an hour?”

Bryce grinned widely, “An hour and a half, at least.”

Francesca shook her head as she felt the blush creeping up her neck, “We had some things to...discuss.”

Jackie almost choked on the water she had just taken a sip of, “Is that what they’re calling it these days?

Elijah laughed, “So that’s what you guys were doing last year in our apartment, ‘having an overnight discussion’?

Francesca gave Elijah a stern look as Jackie’s eyes lit up in surprise, “Last year?! Wait, what?”

“Oh my God guys, can we not do this?” Groaning, Francesca put her elbows on the table and covered her eyes. She felt Sienna’s hand rub down her back, “Leave her alone you guys. I already told you on the night of the funeral that she and Dr. Ramsey were getting closer as he helped her deal with her trauma.”

Francesca kept her face buried as Aurora spoke up, “I don’t know Sienna, helping someone through trauma and making out with them in front of the entire hospital feels like two distinctly separate things.”

Francesca lifted her head, incredulous, “Making out?! It was just a kiss.”

Sienna giggled, “Sweetie, I love you but that was not just a kiss. That was...a statement of intent.”

The others laughed as Francesca turned to her friend, “Et tu Brutus?”

Sienna shrugged, her eyes still bright as the waitress arrived to take everyone’s order. After the group made their requests, Francesca was more ready to move onto another topic of conversation when Jackie asked, “And exactly how long have you been kissing Dr. Ramsey?” 

Francesca noticed everyone looking at her expectantly, it was unnerving. She had prepared herself for some good-natured teasing but not a direct line of questioning. Before she could decide how she wanted to respond, a familiar face ducked into the diner.

“Kyra!”

Everyone turned towards the entrance and then started scooting over to make room for Kyra to join them. Francesca took advantage of the commotion to whisper to Sienna, “I thought you already told them about me and Ethan.”

Sienna shook her head, “I told them enough to explain your absences, but intentionally kept it vague. It really wasn’t my business to go into detail.”

Francesca sighed, “But now I feel like I’m about to be ambushed.”

Sienna smiled, “Blame your boyfriend for that. But if you thought they already knew, why not just tell them now?”

Francesca bit her lip, “He’s not my…”

Sienna put up her hand, “Just stop.”

“Ahem”, the two women looked up at Bryce, “no private conversations in the group. Kyra, we were just digging into the details of Francesca and Dr. Ramsey’s, er, situation.”

Kyra clasped her hands together, “Ooooo, I’m just in time then.”

Rolling her eyes, Francesca looked back at Bryce as he wagged his finger at her, “And that interruption did not let you off the hook. Have you and Ramsey been a thing this entire time?”

Taking a deep breath, Francesca came to a decision. “Okay, this is how this will work. You each get to ask me one question, and I will answer it to the best of my ability. So, that’s seven questions, and then we completely change the subject. And I get the option to pass if it’s too personal, “ she scanned the group for understanding and then turned back to Bryce, “So, is that your question?”

Bryce hesitated slightly before coming to a decision, “Yes.”

“Fine. The answer is ‘no’. We have not been together this whole time. We started developing feelings for each other last year but he refused to act on them because I was an intern and part of the diagnostic team competition. This year he was my boss, so again, he kept his distance. But after the poisoning we both realized that there are things far more important than protocol, so things have been progressing since then.”

“So, what was Elijah referring to?”

Francesca turned to Jackie, “Is that your question?”

Jackie looked conflicted but gave in, “Argh, yes. You say you didn’t act on any feelings last year but you had obviously had Dr. Ramsey as a guest at our place one night last year...explain.”

“I said that he refused to act on them because I was an intern and part of the competition. But that night of the ethics hearing, neither of us technically worked for Edenbrook and the competition was pretty much dead in the water, so we… took advantage of the opportunity.”

There was silence as the group took that in until Elijah spoke up, “So uh, was that the first time?”

Francesca grimaced as she considered using her pass option to keep at least some of the details of her sex life under wraps. But then she worried that it might make the situation look worse than it actually was. The last thing she wanted was to give rise to the type of rumors that Ethan dreaded the most. So, steeling herself, she pressed on. 

“Remember that afternoon at the country club when you guys all encouraged me to text him for additional support?” She continued after four of them nodded, “Well, he invited me to his place to talk things over but instead we got into a fight regarding his behavior. A lot was said before we finally realized that our employment concerns at that time were a non-issue, so that’s when things initially crossed a line.” Waving the waitress down, Kyra exclaimed, “Mmmm, hot make-up sex right out the gate. I approve.”

Francesca's expression relayed her discomfort as her friends chuckled. “Okay, four more questions, let’s continue and get this over with.”

“Okay my turn,” She turned to Rafael, his eyes never betraying his sincerity, “Are you happy?”

Pleasantly surprised by the question, she couldn’t help the silly grin that spread across her face, “Yes, I am. Thank you for asking.”

“Lame,” Jackie buried the word as she fake coughed.

“Hey, so, this is kind of awkward,” the group turned to Aurora, “but you know he used to date my aunt right?”

“Get out of town! Is everyone at the hospital getting laid except me?”

Francesca chose to ignore Kyra as she addressed Aurora, “Yes, I’ve known since like my first month at Edenbrook. We both have a past, nothing to do to change that. I also know they are still good friends which is fine by me. I respect your aunt and I trust him, it’s all good.”

Aurora nodded in approval as the food arrived.

Everyone took a moment to dig into their meals, passing the condiments, and taking bites from each other’s plates. Then Sienna piped up, “So, what changed tonight? Why did he kiss you like that in front of us?”

“That was two questions but I’ll allow it.” Francesca went over the evening again in her head, trying to see if she could find an answer to the question she’d been asking herself for the past few hours, “I honestly have no idea. He spoke to Naveen for a few minutes who encouraged him to focus on the mission and not the diagnostics team. After that conversation he looked noticeably...relieved. Then he kissed me. I truly never saw it coming.”

“But you’re okay with it?”

Francesca chortled, “Three questions. And yes, I am. I never really shared the same concerns that he did. I mean, I understood them but, overall, we had entirely different perspectives.”

Bryce put his hand on her arm, “I’m happy for you Francesca, Ramsey is a good dude. You could definitely have done a whole lot worse.”

“Yeah, you could have ended up with Bryce.” The table laughed while Bryce shook his head in annoyance. Then Kyra cleared her throat, “Ahem, I still have my question.”

Francesca cocked her head as Kyra leaned in conspiratorially, “Where did you and Dr. Ramsey disappear to during the gala tonight?”

Francesca opened her mouth to pass before she realized it was an easy question. “The diagnostic office.”

Kyra smirked, “But why?”

Francesca gave her a sweet smile, “Sorry, only one question per person.”

“Wait, no fair, Sienna got three questions!”

Francesca shrugged, “My game, my rules.”

As the group grumbled about the fairness of the situation, Francesca sighed in relief that she had survived the inquisition. The table eventually grew quiet as everyone finished up their meals. Then Elijah broke the silence, “I have another question.”

Francesca looked up, ready to protest but Elijah cut her off, “Why didn’t you tell us what was going on with Dr. Ramsey? I feel like you’re always keeping secrets from us.”

“I’m not---”

“He has a point. You didn’t tell us about Dr. Banjeri…”

“But that was---”

“Or about the hospital cuts…”

“I didn’t want to---”

“I mean you know you can trust us. We have stood by your side through everything. Even now, you’re acting like it’s so painful to clue us in on this part of your life. Why do you keep shutting us out?”

Taken aback, Francesca found herself suddenly speechless at the accusation. Her initial reaction to push back against the claims dissipated as she realized that they were right. This was her group, her safe space, and yet she had been far from forthcoming with most of them. Or only relied on their advice when it was convenient. In finally telling them the truth, she was forced to confront her own.

“I’m sorry, I wasn’t trying to shut anyone out. I just, I had no idea what was going on. It’s easy to look back on everything and put the pieces together now, but when it’s actually happening.” She pushed her plate away and took a sip of water. “At first I thought that I was crazy. I could tell that I was starting to fall for him and it irritated me, how cliché right? The intern falling for the handsome attending,” She rolled her eyes, “But then, it seemed like maybe he felt the same way. However, every time I felt there was some reciprocation, his walls would go right back up. So, once again I’d believe that I was just imagining it. Then we went to Miami and I was finally able to establish that I was not crazy.”

“Hold up, what happened in Miami? We were still in competition when you went there.”

Francesca held Jackie’s stunned gaze, “We kissed for the first time. But he wouldn’t let it go any further. He was upset at himself for even letting that much happen. To be honest, the whole thing was extremely awkward, yet at the same time I sorta felt...vindicated.” She gestured, “But how could I say anything? We were knee deep in the competition and you guys were already acting funny because I was in first place. Imagine if I told you what had happened? That’s why I kept it to myself.”

Rafael nodded, “I remember that time, it was pretty tense.”

“Exactly. So we just continued to work on Dr. Banjeri’s case, then when that seemed hopeless, Ethan left Edenbrook. You guys know the rest.”

Aurora shook her head, “No, cuz after your Ethics hearing and Dr. Banjeri named you to the team, you still kept things to yourself and at that point, there was nothing to lose. You had solved Banjeri’s case. Everyone knew that was the cred that gave you the top spot.”

Francesca scoffed, “He left me. Three weeks later Ethan was in the Amazon. I felt like shit. I confided everything to Sienna at that point since she’d seen him leave the apartment that one morning, but being dumped wasn’t exactly something I wanted to broadcast. Then, once he came back, it was business as usual. I mean, our friendship was somehow still intact, but it never went beyond that point for months. So once again, there was nothing to tell.”

“Wait!” Everyone turned to Bryce, “The TV show, the one about that asshole Senator Ed, Ramsey said he wasn’t single. He was talking about you?!”

She felt seven pairs of eyes trained on her, “Technically, yes. But, all we’d done at that point was exchange a few kisses. There was no declaration of anything. I was just as caught off guard by that answer as anyone.”

Kyra was about to speak up when Sienna cut her off, “Okay guys, that's enough. They're finally together and happy - that’s all that matters right? I mean, think about how much we’ve all gotten through this year... Bryce, you reunited with your sister and repaired a broken relationship. Rafael, you survived the impossible and are set on a new path in life. Elijah, you learned how to take charge and turn a helpless intern into a competent doctor. Jackie, you got revenge on a multinational pharmaceutical company. Aurora, you finally determined that your worth is not determined by your aunt’s career. Kyra, you kicked terminal cancer’s butt. Francesca, in the midst of so much turmoil, illness, and controversy, you managed to steal Dr. Ramsey’s heart. And…” Sienna suddenly faltered as she came to the abrupt conclusion that she was the only one without a happy ending. She had misjudged Wayne, she had lost Danny, and she still blamed herself for Mitch’s resignation. The tears came to her eyes before she could stop them, her hand flying to her mouth along with a wave of despair. Then she felt two arms wrap around her.

“And you my dear Sienna, have managed to gain an entire family. Look around this table at all the people who love you. Seven dolphins who will always be there for you as you have been for us. Even better, your story is still waiting to be written.”

Sienna felt the tears slide down her cheeks as everyone leaned in to acknowledge Francesca’s words with a touch or a hug. Wiping them away, she addressed them, “I’m not okay yet. I honestly don’t think any of us are. So much has happened and it’s turning out okay but there’s still so much baggage to deal with, and so much that is still yet to come. But, I think I might understand what Dr. Ramsey may have come to realize, Edenbrook doesn’t define us. The relationships that we built do. This right here, this bond that the eight of us have is what will continue to carry us through whatever life throws at us.”

Francesca kissed the side of Sienna’s head as Elijah held out his cup, “The great eight!”

Nobody moved as Jackie put her hand on his arm and pushed it down, “Yeah, we’re not doing that.”

There was a moment of silence before everyone burst out laughing, all secure in the knowledge that no matter what happened, they had each other to get through it.

***

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[fanficnewbie]

SIENNA WEIGHS IN P16

OPEN HEART: SECOND YEAR - CHAPTER SIXTEEN

(ETHAN x FEMALE MC)

MC is Dr. Francesca Houseman *This entry takes place the morning after Donahue’s, before MC finds out if the drugs cured Marisa’s infection.

Francesca and Sienna are not okay.

PREVIOUS CHAPTERS Chapter 1:  MC tells Sienna about her Ethan convo at Donahue’s. Chapter 2:  MC and Sienna discuss Ethan’s gym routine. Chapter 3:  MC questions how well she really knows Ethan. Chapter 4:  MC takes Elijah and Sienna to see Evelyn’s exhibit. Chapter 5:  Sienna talks MC through a panic attack over Ethan. Chapter 6:  Sienna cheers on MC for standing up to Ethan. Chapter 7:  MC confides in Sienna how she met Ethan’s mother. Chapter 8:  MC has to the consequences after the baseball game. Chapter 9: Baz starts to question MC and Ethan’s relationship. Chapter 10: Sienna confronts MC over Ethan’s “Not Single” status. Chapter 11: Sienna visits MC in her hospital room. Chapter 12: MC texts Sienna after her hookup with Ethan. Chapter 13: Skipped Chapter 14: MC and Sienna examine past mistakes. Chapter 15: MC and Sienna have a heart to heart on their Vegas return.

Word Count: 1127 Rated: Teen

Hello all! I do realize that I’m posting this the same day that Ch17 is released (*face palm*). My job continues to be insane and I took what little time I had to write my other fics, so sorry and thx for your patience!!

***

Francesca was exhausted as she stood on the subway platform. Looking up at the sign again, she blew out her breath and watched how the cold air instantly transformed it into a small white cloud. Hugging herself tighter for warmth, she closed her eyes for a brief moment and wondered how seven minutes could seem to stretch on for an eternity. Then she thought about the long day looming in front of her and wondered how she was going to make it through.

“Someone needs a cup of coffee.”

Francesca shook her head, “Someone needs a gallon of coffee.”

Sienna smiled, “Well that’s what happens when you don’t get a lot of sleep. At least you have the good brew from Dr. Ramsey. How is he doing anyway, with his mom and stuff?”

Francesca was caught off guard by the question. While everyone knew that Louise Ramsey, heroine addict, was Ethan Ramsey’s mother, nobody had spoken a word of it. Not to him, not to her. With that wide berth and her focus on how Ethan was dealing with everything, she hadn’t given much thought to what conversations were happening outside of their bubble. “Sienna, be honest with me, how big was this news on the Edenbrook ‘gossip circuit’?”

Sienna shrugged, “It was shocking, to say the least. Nobody would have guessed in a million years that his mom was sick like that. But otherwise, I think people just felt sympathetic. Some have said it explains a lot about him. Others have made it clear it’s nobody’s business. I never heard anyone being rude about the situation. Esme’s lawsuit and the fate of Edenbrook is what most people are talking about these days.”

Francesca stepped back from the edge of the platform as the subway train roared into the station and came to a stop in front of them. Jostled by the crowds of people as they exited and entered, she struggled to stay close to Sienna as they boarded and found a place to stand. Grabbing a railing with her gloved hand, she looped her other arm into Sienna’s, for stability and to keep her close. “Yeah, I heard some doctors talking shit the other day about Esme and had to put them in their place. I’m so glad I never heard anyone say something about Ethan, I’m not sure I could be held responsible for my actions.”

“Which brings me back to my original question - how are they doing? I heard she’s in a rehab facility now?”

“Yeah, we took her up yesterday. It was…,” Francesca searched to the right word, “uncomfortable. Louise was trying to make small talk and Ethan was barely allowing it. I didn’t want to say much for fear of saying the wrong thing. He was just really frustrated it all.”

“I mean, wouldn’t you be? My mom is awesome, well, both of my parents are actually. But I wouldn’t trade my mother for anything in the world. I just can’t imagine having one who left me, became addicted, then returned and now I’m responsible for helping get her clean again - I mean, all the conflicting emotions he must be going through.”

“Yes to all of that, but there may have finally been a breakthrough. A ray of promise maybe. I’m hopeful anyway.”

“How so?”

“Louise finally apologized to him. To be honest, it was kind of a shitty apology. I mean, I believe that she was sincere, but her reasoning left a lot to be desired. However, he was able to understand what she was saying on some level and promised to return and see her again. Mind you, the man barely spoke 5 words to her the whole drive up there so I’d call it progress. We’ll see. I dunno, I encouraged him to forgive her so that he could find some peace, you know? I just really hope that she meant what she said.”

The train came to a lurch as it stopped at the next station. This time the women held onto each other as they made their way through the crowds to the exit. Stepping onto the street, Francesca released her arm and buried her hands into the pockets of her coat. “I seriously don’t think I’ll ever get used to these East Coast winters.”

Sienna pulled her knit cap down around her ears, “They are pretty brutal.”

As they walked down the street Edenbrook loomed in the distance. Francesca thought about Marisa, waking up this morning to learn her fate. She fought back the pin pricks of tears that sprang to her eyes as she recalled being in the exact same position. “Sienna,” he voice was suddenly small, “I really need a miracle today with my patient. I cannot lose her.”

Sienna looked up, concerned. She knew that Francesca had an unrivaled bedside manner and usually got more acquainted with patients than other doctors, but she still remained understanding of the fact that she couldn’t save everyone. It was a tightrope that Sienna had admired Francesca’s ability to navigate. However, this sounded different.

“What do you mean you cannot lose her? You know that’s not always in our control.” Reaching out she touched her arm, “You can only do your best, which we all know that you will.”

Francesca shook her head angrily, “No, you don’t understand. She shouldn’t even be there, she was trying to help someone, trying to do good and now she might die. It’s not fair! She’s, she’s…”

“You.”

Francesca came to a dead halt at Sienna’s comment, her breathing suddenly labored as the emotional intensity of the comparison hit her. Sienna put her hands on either side of her head and forced her to look at her, her expression brimming with compassion and understanding.

“What is the thing that Dr. Ramsey always says?”

Annoyed, Francesca rolled her eyes, “Control what you can control.”

“Yes, that’s all you have. If you make it more than that, you’re in dangerous territory. You already know that.”

Francesca shook free of Sienna’s grasp, too wrapped up in her own trauma to accept what she already knew to be the truth.

“You don’t understand. She doesn’t deserve to die.”

Sienna scoffed, “Who deserves to die?! Other than people like Travis?” Sienna’s voice suddenly turned bitter. “Danny didn’t deserve to die either.”

The two women stared at each other for a heartbeat, “Well I couldn’t save him, and I couldn’t save myself, but I will save her. I will.” Before Sienna could respond, Francesca turned towards the hospital and quickly walked away. 

Unable to follow, Sienna stared after her and for the first time, truly started to question if any of them were really okay. 

***

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[fanficnewbie]

Another Option, P2

OPEN HEART: SECOND YEAR (ETHAN x FEMALE MC) MC is Dr. Francesca Houseman *Takes place after MC decides not to hang with any of her friends as they get ready to leave Donahue’s. 

Open Heart, Book 2, Chapter 16 This is a continuation of my Drabble, “Another Option P1”. It explores the idea that Francesca had a fifth option when she left Donahue’s, to go see Ethan. On another level, this fic also finds Ethan exploring the fact that there is another option for his life. (Some quotes belong to Pixelberry.)

Rated: M for Fluff & Smut (Kinktober) Word Count: 2548

*** Ethan stroked Francesca’s back as she slept, her head rested on his chest, her body prone against his. Somehow he’d found a comfortable position on his couch, it was as far as they made it after her arrival. Their need for each other was too great to waste precious seconds getting to the bedroom. He knew they couldn’t stay there all night, but for now, it was enough. His eyes fell on her cell phone, discarded on a nearby chair along with some of her clothes.

Hey, are you up for some company?

He was planning on making it an early night and was already in bed reading when her text came through. He’d had a physical reaction to it. Ever since their kiss in his car earlier that day, he craved more of her. But when he overheard her tell Baz that she was hanging out with friends after work, Ethan accepted that it would be another night alone for him. Longing for her from afar was something he’d reluctantly grown accustomed to. However, her text changed everything, and he hadn’t been able to respond fast enough.

For you, always.

When he received her rideshare details, he followed the dot as it made its way to his building. He was standing at his intercom, ready to press the button before she even rang up. His eagerness to see her manifested itself as soon as he opened his door. Pulling her into his embrace, his mouth hotly covered hers as the door shut behind them. She immediately wrapped her arms around him and moaned into the kiss, making his blood run even hotter.

~~~

Her hands slowly slid up his back, reveling in the planes of his taut muscles. Her coat was already forgotten on the floor as he tugged at her grey Henley, anxious to expose her skin beneath. She raised her arms so he could pull it off, which forced them to break the kiss. Her voice was breathless as he undressed her, “I don’t care how professional I pretend to be at work, this is what I always want.”

“Come here,” his voice was gruff as he pulled her back into his arms. His mouth found hers again as they stumbled into the living room and landed on the couch in a heap. She straddled him as she leaned back and undid her bra, his gaze fixed on her chest as her breasts were revealed to him.

~~~

As much as he had wanted her, he wished he could have stopped himself just long enough to express how much he appreciated her accompanying him to the rehab center. He had replayed the trip in his mind more than once since their return to Edenbrook. On the drive there she was careful, she didn’t reveal any more to his mom than he did. He was grateful for that, he needed to be in control of what Louise knew about him. He had made that clear with his dad but never said anything to Francesca, somehow she just knew. Ethan was also well aware that he was overreacting at check-in, his frustration at the entire predicament boiling over. Yet even then, Francesca had his back. Maybe it’s what caused him to ask her what he should do next regarding Louise. Deep down he knew it was an unfair question but he trusted that, while she might not have the answer, she would do her level best to steer him in the right direction. 

Still, as he walked to Louise’s room to hear her out, he had his doubts. And when he stood there before her, finally ready to hear the truth of her betrayal after 25 years, Ethan thought he might vomit. Then he felt Francesca’s hand in his and it steadied him. That simple touch had become their private form of communication. When they had nothing else, a simple grasp of the hand had become their everything. Over the past year, it expressed whatever it needed to in the moment, and in that moment, she was offering him a life raft. Taking her hand in his, he knew that he could face the woman who had abandoned him, simply because he was holding on to the woman who had proven that she never would. 

~~~

Francesca gasped as Ethan took her nipple into his mouth, lightly grazing it with his teeth before suckling on it. Her hands threaded themselves into his hair and she pressed herself against his tongue as she started to grind against the bulge in his lap. He groaned as he switched his attention to her other breast, his hands impatiently moving to undo her pants. Feeling the button and zipper give way, Francesca pushed up onto her feet and shimmied out of them while Ethan pulled his sweats off. Standing before him in just her thong, he watched as her gaze dropped to his erection and she unconsciously licked her lips. He sucked in his breath as she met his eyes for a brief second before dropping to her knees.

“Francesca...” He made a very feeble effort to stop her, he was already so sensitive he didn’t know how much he could handle. At the same time, he couldn’t deny the pure eroticism of watching her tongue sliding along his length before taking him completely into her mouth, stroking him fully as her head bobbed from base to tip. Ethan collapsed against the back of the couch, consumed with the pleasure she was providing.

~~~

If his body wasn’t so exhausted, the memory of her deep-throating his cock would have gotten him worked up all over again. Instead, his thoughts drifted to the comment she made shortly before falling asleep, “I think this is our first booty call.” He knew she was kidding, but he didn’t like the association. Not only did he find the term distasteful, he saw that type of interaction as something casual. It was an agreement between two people who were just passing time, and that wasn’t how he thought of her, not even jokingly. It had taken them so long to get here, they were both risking so much, it was too complicated to be casual.   

Harper suddenly came to mind. That was what he considered a casual affair. He may not have thought so at the time, but looking back, he now saw that one of the greatest advantages to that relationship was just how uncomplicated it was. Harper was a brilliant surgeon that he admired, and while their mutual attraction was almost immediate, their friendship blossomed first. The physical part, while welcomed, developed out of convenience more than anything. They were just two people blowing off steam in a safe and respected space. Whenever things started to get difficult, they would reset. It became a well orchestrated dance until she became Chief, and Francesca walked into his life.

~~~

Ethan was struggling. He didn’t want to come in her mouth, but he couldn’t bring himself to stop her. It felt too damn good. He was gasping for air, his control rapidly slipping, when she released him with a pop. Taking the reprieve to catch his breath, he could only hold her gaze as she slid her panties off and straddled him again, this time reaching her hand down to hold him in place as she slowly sank down. Biting her lip she closed her eyes and threw her head back, “Mmmmmm.” 

His hands grasped her waist, “My God, Francesca.” Leaning forward she met him in a deep kiss as she started to move her hips. Ethan groaned, his hands cupping her ass as he met her with his own thrusts. Their bodies desperately rocking against each other. 

~~~

“So, you finally admitted your true feelings? I’m proud of you.”

Ethan regarded his father. They sat comfortably in Alan’s living room, each in a recliner with a glass of coffee milk in hand. It was the first time he’d visited him since the tragedy at Edenbrook, and he’d just confided in him all that had happened. Alan had seen the news reports and knew that Francesca had been compromised, but he never realized the full extent of the situation.

Ethan mulled his father’s words. He didn’t usually open up to him about such things but he found himself wanting to talk about the horrific events of that night with someone he could trust. It was the first time in many years that a small part of him felt that he needed his dad.

“You’re proud?”

Alan chuckled, “I recognize what a milestone this is that you broke your own rule. But you saw that the ends justified the means, and you acted accordingly. Now, you’re willing to open yourself up to someone who you know will continue to challenge you professionally and personally. That all shows tremendous growth, so yes, I’m proud.”

Ethan scoffed, “Well, I’m glad you’re proud, because I’m absolutely terrified.”

Alan looked up, surprised. He wasn’t used to this kind of candor from his son. “It’s okay to be scared. You should be, I might be more worried if you weren’t. There are no guarantees in something like this, and we both know it isn’t easy. But if it works out, it has the potential to be the best decision you could make in your entire life.” 

Ethan put his drink down and studied the flames that danced in Alan’s fireplace. Just a few weeks ago he would have rolled his eyes at such a statement. But now, he understood the sentiment in a way he wouldn’t have previously allowed. Still, he was lacking examples of a positive relationship from the two older men in his life: his father and his mentor. Alan had lived with decades of heartbreak, while Naveen was a confirmed bachelor. Between the two, it had been a very easy decision to follow in Naveen’s footsteps, but now, he felt himself starting to break free into another direction. 

He found himself vexed that he had no precedent to turn to. “I just wish I had someone to show me what that looked like. What to expect when it is the best decision.”

Alan nodded solemnly, “I get that, and I’m sorry that I couldn’t provide a template. But I find myself looking forward to you showing me what it looks like. She’s a good woman Ethan, you’re lucky to have her.” Alan leaned forward and put his hand on his son’s shoulder, “But she’s just as lucky to have you.”

~~~

Francesca’s lips were slightly parted and she was giving him that look, he loved that look, he dreamed about that look - it was the one that she gave him right before she was about to come. Her hands gripped his shoulder and her head lolled back, her breathing became labored as her eyes caught his, they were unfocused, as if she was about to fall into oblivion and he was the only thing anchoring her to reality. His thrusts became more frantic, needing to push her over the edge, knowing he’d have no choice but to follow. 

“Yes, yes, oh god, Ethan, yes!” 

He held her while the tremors rocked through her body, burying his face against her neck to muffle his own screams of ecstasy. He didn’t realize how tight they were holding onto each other until she relaxed her grip and sagged against him. Eventually, he shifted positions so they could lay down, both quiet as their pulse rates steadied. Then she looked up, a smile played on her lips, “For the record, that position is so much easier outside of your car.”

Ethan chuckled, unable to disagree with her assessment.

~~~

As a chill ran across their bodies, Ethan knew he it was time to get them up and into the bedroom. Repositioning her against his chest, he managed to sit up and then cradle her sleeping form in his arms. With slight effort, he got them off the couch and carried her to his bed, settling her among the sheets. He set his alarm, knowing she’d need to get up early and go to her apartment to change before heading to the hospital. They’d both be eager to see Marisa’s test results, although he was much more reserved about what he expected to find.

~~~

“I just know what that feels like. To be in a hospital room all alone, not understanding what’s wrong with you, not knowing if you’ll survive it.”

Francesca’s words had struck him, he didn’t realize how closely she was relating to Marisa’s predicament, and he worried about how personal it had become. 

He maneuvered the car into his assigned parking space, “Have you looked into therapy yet?”

She shook her head, irritated, “Finding a way for Marisa to survive will be my therapy.” She opened the door, clipping her badge back onto her coat as she prepared to head back into the hospital. 

Ethan dropped it, but he didn’t like it. He knew she still hadn’t fully dealt with the events of that night, even if she thought that she had. It occurred to him, with a full measure of annoyance, that he was forced to watch Francesca try to figure things out on her own while he could get Louise some of the best treatment in Massachusetts.

~~~

“I would want to want this. If that makes sense. But at the same time, I don’t think I’ll ever be rid of a certain… restlessness.”

As he climbed into bed next to her, the words he’d spoken at Lamar Stevenson’s home haunted him. Earlier that day, listening to Louise echo the same sentiment forced him to confront that fact that they had something potentially detrimental in common. Even worse, he recognized that he had already followed in her footsteps by running away from Francesca, twice. Shamed by his past actions, he needed to believe that after all they’d been through, he would never be capable of doing it again. 

“Just because you share some personality traits doesn’t mean you're doomed to repeat her mistakes.”

Francesca sleepily rolled over to his side, snuggling up against him as she drifted back into her deep slumber. Embracing her, Ethan knew that her words carried more truth than he had initially realized. He had left but each time, he knew his departures were not permanent. He knew that he would see her again. In fact, it was after he was forced to face the idea of losing her forever that he had changed everything to pull her closer, rather than continue to push her away. 

He further acknowledged that now when he thought of the future, she had become a steady fixture in it. He considered the benefits to the idea of her not having to rush back to her apartment at first light, the notion of not having to sleep alone anymore slowly gaining appeal. He also contemplated the past answers he’d given her regarding marriage and children - both responses had sabotaged the very possibility. But now, neither concept seemed quite as unfathomable. He understood that he was still a long way from walking down that path, but for the first time in his life he found himself trying to figure out what it might look like. And as sleep started to cast its spell, Ethan felt a growing sense of satisfaction that while he didn’t have all of the answers, he was finally starting to move in the right direction.

***

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[fanficnewbie]

Another Option, P1

OPEN HEART: SECOND YEAR (ETHAN x FEMALE MC) MC is Dr. Francesca Houseman *Takes place after MC decides not to hang with any of her friends as they get ready to leave Donahue’s.

Open Heart, Book 2, Chapter 16 I know why PB didn’t do it, but wish they had given us the option to go see Ethan during the “Donahue Scene” in Chapter 16. So, I wrote the below. It’s super short but there is a part two!

Rated: T for Teen Word Count: 378

***

Francesca felt bad turning down all three of her friends, but there was only one person she wanted to be with that night. Walking out of the relative comfort of Donahue’s, she immediately sucked in her breath as the late night winter chill hit her. She quickly surveyed the block, trying to assess the best pickup location for her rideshare. She didn’t want anyone she knew to see her get into a car when they all knew her apartment was only one subway stop away. 

“I’d love to, but it’s getting late. I should really get some sleep.”

She thought about the white lie she told her friends shortly before leaving. It wasn’t entirely untrue, she was going to get some sleep - just not where they all assumed, and not for a couple of more hours. 

***

Making her way down the block, she braced against the chill as her shoes crunched along the icy snow. There weren’t many people out and she hoped that meant she’d get a car sooner than later. Stopping in front of a bank she pulled out her phone to order the ride, and then she sent a quick text. Shivering against the cold, she smiled at the reply and before sending over her ride details.

Twenty minutes later, she hopped out of the vehicle and ran up to the doors of the high rise building. Hitting the buzzer, she barely had to wait 10 seconds before the front doors clicked open. Her anticipation rose as she took the elevator up to his floor. She noticed that she always got butterflies when she visited him at home. Besides Harper and Naveen, she was rather sure she was the only other person from Edenbrook who had ever stepped foot into his personal space.

The elevator doors dinged as they parted. Suddenly feeling very warm, she shrugged off her coat as she walked down the hallway. His door opened mere moments after she knocked, and there Ethan stood, in drawstring sweatpants and nothing else. 

“Hey.” Her eyes scanned his muscular form before meeting his eyes.

“Hey.” He took her hand and pulled her across the threshold into his arms, firmly closing the door shut behind him.

Part Two

***

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[fanficnewbie]

Sienna Weighs In P15

OPEN HEART: SECOND YEAR - CHAPTER FIFTEEN

(ETHAN x FEMALE MC)

MC is Dr. Francesca Houseman *This entry takes place on the flight home between Vegas and Boston. The companion piece to this is “Safe In His Arms” which you should/can read first.

Francesca and Sienna have a heart to heart on their flight home from Vegas.

PREVIOUS CHAPTERS Chapter 1:  MC tells Sienna about her Ethan convo at Donahue’s. Chapter 2:  MC and Sienna discuss Ethan’s gym routine. Chapter 3:  MC questions how well she really knows Ethan. Chapter 4:  MC takes Elijah and Sienna to see Evelyn’s exhibit. Chapter 5:  Sienna talks MC through a panic attack over Ethan. Chapter 6:  Sienna cheers on MC for standing up to Ethan. Chapter 7:  MC confides in Sienna how she met Ethan’s mother. Chapter 8:  MC has to the consequences after the baseball game. Chapter 9: Baz starts to question MC and Ethan’s relationship. Chapter 10: Sienna confronts MC over Ethan’s “Not Single” status. Chapter 11: Sienna visits MC in her hospital room. Chapter 12: MC texts Sienna after her hookup with Ethan. Chapter 13: Skipped Chapter 14: MC and Sienna examine past mistakes.

Word Count: 1855 Rated: Teen

Hello all! Sorry this one is so late. CRAZY work week in addition to writing other fanfics that popped into my head. Anyhoo, enjoy!

***

Francesca laughed to herself as she heard Sienna squeal from the adjoining room. Zipping up her suitcase, she looked up at Bryce, who looked like he was about to puke again. 

She grabbed the half bottle of Pedialyte from the table and handed it to him. “I told you to get the IV last night. I know you’re a surgeon but alcohol equaling dehydration is a rather basic formula.”

Bryce groaned and took a swig, “I told you, I don’t like needles. Plus, this stuff always gets me through, but I truly haven’t had a hangover this bad since med school.”

“Well it could be worse. We could be getting ready to board a six hour flight…oh, wait.”

Bryce grimaced, “I hate you.”

~~~

A few hours later, the group was at their gate waiting to board. Aurora read a medical journal, while Elijah played on a nearby slot machine. Jackie was looking at Francesca and Sienna with a quizzical expression.

“So, you two just randomly got upgraded to First Class… from Basic Economy?”

Sienna shrugged, “Stranger things have happened.”

Jackie shook her head, “No, they haven’t.” She wagged her finger at Francesca, “This has Ramsey written all over it. I’m just trying to figure out how she got included.”

Francesca gave her an innocent look and shrugged. Then all of their attention was turned to Bryce as he made a heaving noise before suddenly getting up and running towards the bathroom.

Jackie shook her head, “Dumbass.”

***

“Now boarding First Class Passengers for Flight 1784 to Boston Logan Airport.”

Sienna jumped up excitedly, “Oh my God, that’s us! What do we do?!”

Francesca smiled as she reached for her luggage, “We try to act like we belong, and that this isn’t your first time.”

Sienna’s expression immediately became serious, “Oh, of course. Come on Dr. Houseman, our flight is boarding.”

Jackie rolled her eyes as they gave small waves to their friends and walked towards the boarding ramp. She turned to Aurora who peeked up from behind the pages, “Total frauds.”

***

Sienna sank into the plush leather seat with a satisfied sigh. “This could be a problem.”

Francesca gave her an amused look, “Why?”

“I may never be able to fly Coach again!”

Francesca laughed as the Flight Attendant walked up to them. “Can I offer you a mimosa?”

Sienna nodded enthusiastically as they were handed their flutes, she turned to Francesca, “Cheers!”

They took sips as passengers continued to board and then heard Bryce’s pained voice, “You guys are actually drinking again? How?”

Francesca gave him a wink as Sienna pointed to her arm and mouthed “needle”. He groaned as the women laughed. Elijah shook his head at both of them as he went past, “I’m really trying hard not to be jealous but you two aren’t making it easy.”

Jackie scowled in their general direction as Aurora gave them a knowing smile, “Enjoy the VIP treatment ladies.”

Francesca smiled and whispered to Sienna, “I almost feel guilty.”

Sienna concurred, “Almost.”

***

A couple of hours later, the friends reclined comfortably. Well fed and buzzed on champagne, Sienna looked over at Francesca who had stopped watching the movie they had chosen and was instead staring out of the window, her mind clearly elsewhere. She patted her arm, “Hey, you okay?”

Francesca jumped slightly, startled from her reverie. “Sorry, yeah. I was just...thinking.”

“You wanna talk about it?”

She turned to her friend. “Do you think it was smart for Jackie to send that video to the newspaper? I mean, last night it felt like a real victory, but now I’m not so sure.”

“Wait, you think Panacea should get away with their fraud?”

“No, of course not. It’s just that, well Declan said Jackie could have had anything. What if that anything was Panacea writing Edenbrook a huge check and then vacating the premises? I’m just wondering if we underplayed our hand.”

Sienna mulled over that thought. “Crap, maybe you’re right. I mean, I don’t know that they would have done it, or that we could have trusted them, but yeah, I see your point.”

“Maybe it doesn't matter. We still have Mass Kenmore right?”

“It looks like it. So far they haven’t backed out over Esme so, that’s a good thing.”

Sienna noticed as Francesca’s face darkened at the mention of Esme, and immediately regretted bringing up her name. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have mentioned…”

“No, it’s fine. I just don’t get how a mistake could threaten an entire institution. I know a patient died and that definitely shouldn’t be overlooked. I understand the need for some recompense, but, to potentially close a hospital and deny healthcare to thousands of patients over one death? That just doesn’t add up in my head.”

“Well, very little in the world makes sense right now, so this is just more of the same.”

Francesca gave Sienna a sad smile and covered her hand with her own. They sat in a peaceful silence for a short while until Sienna realized, “Hey, you haven’t told me about your visit home yet.”

Francesca flashed back to finally seeing her parents and brother after so long apart. She hadn’t expected the emotional impact, but she broke down as soon as she spotted them in baggage claim. They immediately engulfed her, almost having to hold her upright as she sobbed in their arms. However, throughout the rest of her stay, there was a steady stream of visits by friends and loved ones who wanted to see her and make sure that was indeed, okay. Her mother would constantly reach out and touch her, almost as if she was checking to make sure she was really there. Her brother, who had taken time off of work, asked her how she was feeling almost every hour; while her father spent hours trying to convince her to transfer her residency to UCSF so she could be closer to home. He no longer trusted Edenbrook and couldn’t understand how she was so attached to a “failing medical center that endangered her life”. Despite their emotive reunion, by the time Friday rolled around, Francesca couldn’t wait for her flight to Vegas. 

“It was really great to see them and hug them, but it was also totally overwhelming at times. It’s like they only know the person who left them almost two years ago. They don’t quite understand who I am now. And that’s partially my fault, I know. But I felt like I was equally part family and stranger when I was around them. It was disconcerting.”

“Do they know about Dr. Ramsey?”

“Oh God no. I had no time or inclination to get into that. I mean they know they knew how I felt about his work before I got matched to Edenbrook, how he’s been my mentor this whole time, and how he stayed with me that night - but I didn’t feel the need to share these latest developments with them. I don’t think it would be an issue or anything, it would just lead to conversations and questions I wasn’t ready to get into on such a short trip.”

“I understand.”

“I’ve missed him so much though. Is that crazy? We’ve been in constant communication since I left. For once, he’s actually responded to all of my texts. But I can’t wait to actually see him, to touch him.”

Sienna smirked, “I bet.”

Francesca playfully swatted her, “Get your mind out of the gutter. It’s more than that. When I’m with him I feel safe. Like nothing bad can happen. I know that’s ridiculous, but it’s true. Sometimes I wonder about that night of the poisoning, if like the fact that I knew he was there to protect me, somehow got me through.”

“It’s very possible.”

Francesca squeezed her hand, “How are you doing? You seemed to have fun this weekend. It was good to see you laughing again.”

Sienna sighed, “It was fun, and it was satisfying to see the bad guys actually lose for once. But honestly Francesca, most of the time I just oscillate between guilt, rage, self-pity, and nothingness.”

“Oh, sweetie.”

Sienna averted Francesca’s gaze as she continued, “I almost left with a guy from the bar last night. He was cute enough, and he’d been hitting on me for hours. For a short while I had convinced myself to do it. I thought, ‘why not’? What has waiting for the ‘right’ guy gotten me but double heartache? What would really be the harm in just having a little fun? But then I saw you laughing with the others and I thought about how you just kept pushing through, waiting for the man you knew you wanted, and then finally getting him. And I know it’s not the same. I don’t even know who that man is for me, but I knew it wasn’t that guy at the bar. And as hard as it can be sometimes, I do still believe that if I just keep pushing through that I will find him, and it’ll happen for me too.”

When she finally turned her head, she had tears in her eyes and Francesca awkwardly hugged her from the confines of the airplane seat as they spilled down her cheeks. 

“Sweetie, yes! I told you that you are way too good of a person to not find someone and I mean it. He’s out there, and I really think he’s closer than you think.”

Sienna wiped her eyes as she pulled away, “Sorry about that, I’m not sure where that came from.”

“Never apologize for sharing your feelings with me. This is what friendship is all about, how many times have you held me up? And while I’m glad that you didn’t sneak off with a strange, drunk guy from the bar, after all you’ve gone through, no judgement if you had.”

Sienna chuckled, “Thanks for that.”

“As for the rest of it, have you considered therapy? I’m certainly not the poster child, Ethan suggested it to me while back and obviously I haven’t done it yet. But it’s still solid advice.”

“Yeah, it is. Maybe I’ll look into it.”

“We’re gonna get through all of it. Together.”

Sienna was quiet, then her voice was small, barely audible over the sound of the engines, “You don’t think we’ll lose this as you get closer to Dr. Ramsey, do you? I don’t know if I could bear it.”

Francesca looked at her in astonishment, “What? No! In fact, I’ve already told him that we’re a package deal. Look around, I mean I love all of you but exactly who is sitting next to me in First Class right now? Plus, he likes you. I still don’t exactly know what happened that day with Travis, but whatever you said or did definitely left a good impression.”

Sienna smiled, “Good. And thank you for this. I mean, you’ve completely ruined flying for me but still, thank you.”

Francesca laughed, “Of course! You know I’ve got you. Always.”

Sienna settled back into the comfort of the seat, content as she repeated, “Always”.

***

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[fanficnewbie]

Good Morning

This is just a short, smutty piece because I was in a mood. I guess it qualifies as a Drabble, maybe even works for “Kinktober”. *shrug*

OPEN HEART: SECOND YEAR (ETHAN x FEMALE MC) MC is Dr. Francesca Houseman

Word Count: 584 Rated: S for Smut

***

Ethan woke up, looking at his alarm clock he realized it was still rather early. Rolling over on his side to try and go back to sleep, he caught sight of Francesca lying beside him. Her back was turned and the blanket had been pushed off, but the sheet clung to her body, outlining her curves in a perfect silhouette. Taking in her form, he was instantly hard. The sensation somewhat surprised him. As a man, he was extremely familiar with morning erections, but this was something different. No woman had ever had quite this type of effect on him. After a long and trying day at the hospital, they had still managed to go two full rounds the night prior, before giving into their exhaustion. Now, just a handful of hours later, he still wanted her as much as he ever had. 

Understanding that they both had another busy day ahead of them, he knew that he should continue to let her sleep. However, the heaviness between his legs spurred him in a different direction. Moving over to her side, he positioned himself directly behind her and slowly eased the sheet away to reveal her bare skin. His fingertips lightly skimmed up the outside of her thigh, and up her side until they reached her exposed breast. He cupped it and teasingly rubbed his thumb over her nipple. With his other hand he pulled her hair back and pressed his lips to the spot on her neck where he knew she was most sensitive.

Francesca let out a small exhale as her physical responses to Ethan’s manipulations started to pull her out of her slumber. Still in somewhat of a haze, she felt as his hand left her breast and trailed down her back to the cleft of her ass. Using his thigh to nudge hers apart, his fingers dipped between her legs and started to slowly stroke her slick folds. He noticed as her breathing changed and knew she was awake. Encouraged by the fact that she hadn’t stopped him, he repositioned himself and lightly gripped her thigh.

Her eyes flew open as she felt his rock hard cock start to press against her entrance. Francesca heard Ethan hiss against her ear as he sank deeper, and a moan escaped her own lips. There was a brief moment of stillness once he was completely buried within her before he slowly moved, pulling out and sinking back in, and then again. Francesca’s breath caught at the motion and she started to move her hips in rhythm with his. Ethan’s grip on her thigh tightened as he picked up the pace and Francesca hands twisted into the sheets as the pleasure within her body mounted. Her moans mixed in with his grunts and groans as they both raced towards their mutual ecstasy until, on the very edge, Francesca cried out one word.

“Please!”

It was enough to make Ethan come undone as his orgasm exploded from his body and into hers. His bellow reverberated around the room and Francesca screamed into her pillow at her own release, tears welling in her eyes from the force. Spent, Ethan rolled onto his back, still trying to catch his breath. Francesca stayed on her side, face still shielded by the pillow as the early morning light started to cast it’s glow.

Several minutes passed before she flipped over to face him, “Good morning.”

He turned his head and meeting her eyes, his face betrayed a slight smile, “Good morning. Did I wake you?”

***

Want more? Check out The Seduction of Ethan Ramsey

***

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[fanficnewbie]

Safe In His Arms

I wanted to write the story of MC telling Ethan she was going to Vegas, so I started that story and it just turned into this piece of work (y’all know I love writing conversations - probably because I’m a “talker” in real life - LOL). In the process, I also found myself setting this up as my companion piece to “Sienna Weighs In P15″ which I’ll have ready in the next few days.  

OPEN HEART: SECOND YEAR (ETHAN x FEMALE MC) MC is Dr. Francesca Houseman

Word Count: 2474 Rated: Teen

***

Ethan gently brushed the errant curl off of her forehead, his hand lightly caressed her cheek, and his thumb softly glided across her bottom lip. He loved this view of her, her skin still slightly flushed from their recent sexual activity, the light freckles across her nose that were only visible when she wasn’t wearing make-up, and her lips, still slightly swollen from his emphatic kisses. Francesca looked at him with eyes that expressed uninhibited affection, curiosity, and something else. Something that he wasn’t willing to define just yet, but that he knew his own eyes mirrored.

She gave him a contented smile, “I love being here with you.” 

“I love having you here.” And it was true. He had found that her presence made his time at home infinitely better. He enjoyed cooking for her, trying out various recipes as she teased him about having a celebrity crush on Nigella Lawson. He looked forward to their discussions on patient care, policy and various rare diseases, her passion on the subject sometimes surpassing his own. He also found that he just loved sitting on the couch with her, “vegging out” as she called it, which usually meant she watched some horrid reality show on TV while he did his best to concentrate on one of his latest novels. Even taking Jenner for his daily walks had become more enjoyable when she was by his side. 

All these thoughts ran through his mind before he noticed that she was staring at him intently while she chewed on her bottom lip. He knew that look and his mood instantly sobered, but before he could say anything, she reached out and touched his arm. 

“So, I need to ask you something.” 

Ethan sighed as he turned onto his back and pinched the bridge of his nose, “That phrase is inherently terrifying when it comes from you.”

Francesca had been waiting to tell him about Vegas. She knew he wouldn’t be happy about it, and wasn’t sure he would fully understand her motives for going. But she also knew that she couldn’t abandon her friends, and that her side trip was long overdue. Still, she tried to remain nonchalant.

“It’s not that bad.” Francesca sat up, lifting the tangled sheets to wrap around her body as she turned to face him. “I just need to request some vacation days. I’m going to Vegas this weekend. Well, we all are. I mean Bryce, Jackie, Sienna, Aurora, and Elijah. That’s the ‘we’.”

He crinkled his brow as he processed her words. “Vegas? This weekend? Why on earth would you be going to that third dimension of hell?”

Francesca rolled her eyes at his disdain, “Long story short, Declan Nash is going there for a conference and Jackie has some plan to take him down, and we’re going as her backup.”

Ethan closed his eyes, “Dear God. Please tell me you just made all of that up and you guys are really going to bet everything Lahela owns on ‘Black’. Because that would be an infinitely better plan than what you’ve just told me.” He opened them, hoping that she would confirm it was a joke, yet knowing that she was absolutely serious.

“We’re going to try to take down Declan. I thought you’d be happy!”

Ethan sat up and leaned back against his headboard, “No, you didn’t.”

Francesca sighed in defeat, “No, I didn’t. But look, it’ll be fine. Declan knows me too well, so I won’t be able to get close to the action. And this isn’t even my plan, I’m just going to support. I’ll stay out of trouble.”

“Somehow, I’m still not convinced. Why, pray tell, is Dr. Varma so hell bent on getting something on Declan?”

Francesca hesitated, knowing how poorly Ethan thought of physicians who succumbed to Panacea’s wiles, she didn’t want to out her friend. However, not wanting to lie to him either, she played the middle. “Jackie saw firsthand how Panacea’s greed can destroy the financial lives of patients, and she feels it’s her personal mission to fight back.”

“That’s awfully noble of her but I don’t see what it has to do with you. You’ve already fought your own battle with them and won.” He reached for one of her hands, “And you’ve been fighting too many battles lately. With the poisoning, Esme’s situation, the fate of Edenbrook, Kyra and Rafael’s recovery... I’m not sure this is something else you should be taking on. And I sure don’t feel comfortable with you being so far away. I won’t be able to keep an eye on you and be confident that you’re okay.”

Francesca lifted his hand to her lips and kissed the inside of his palm. “I’ll check in with you all the time. You’ll be more annoyed by my constant texts than you already are.” 

Her small joke fell on his deaf ears and she faltered a bit, “Look, I hear everything that you’re saying but I have to do this. And I have to fight all of these battles. Esme is weighing on me but I will be there for her like you guys were for me last year. And I’ll keep fighting for Edenbrook because it’s our home, although, I’m really hoping this Mass Kenmore merger settles that issue. Kyra and Rafael are both doing really well so I’m actually a bit less worried about them now. But Jackie, she’s been there for me through everything. I can’t abandon her. And Panacea is hurting patients, that’s a problem for all of us. I know you’d love to kill their partnership with the team.”

“I would. Of course I would, but not by endangering the careers of our Residents. Not by endangering you.”

“We won’t be in danger, we’re not doing anything illegal!”

“What exactly are you doing then?”

Francesca chewed on her lip again as she went back over the conversations she’d had with her friends, “We’re not completely sure yet. I think the loose plan is to get Declan drunk and record him spilling incriminating evidence.”

Ethan gave an exasperated sigh, “That’s all then?” As far-fetched as this all sounded, searching her expression, he knew it was already a done deal. He could see the flecks of gold in the brown hues of her eyes. Flecks that only showed up when she was seriously passionate about something. He wanted to tell her that he was denying her vacation time and she couldn’t go. That their plan was ridiculous and Declan was liable to see straight through it. But he knew it would be a futile conversation, that she’d call in sick or find some way to go despite his refusals. And in that moment he realized that this would come with the territory of being in a relationship with Francesca - watching her do impetuous things in the name of her own moral code - and being unable to deny her. He momentarily closed his eyes with the weight of it. Opening them, his voice reflected his resignation, “There’s nothing I can say or do to stop you from this.”

Hearing his tone, she was desperate to offer reassurance. Francesca scooted over to him so her side was against his chest, then she rested herself against him, tucking her head beneath his chin. “No, but it will be fine. There will be five of us there, we’ll stay together, we’ll look out for each other. We’ll do what we need to do and then---.”

“You’ll come home.”

“Exactly, right back here, with you.”

Ethan gave a small sound of acquiescence as he wrapped his arms around her. “So, when do you leave?”

“Well, Vegas is this weekend, Friday-Sunday. But, I’m actually going to need to fly out on Wednesday.”

Startled Ethan looked down as she slightly pulled away and lifted to her head, his gaze met her apologetic expression. “What do you mean? Why would you go early?”

“I’m going to San Francisco first for a couple of days, to see my family. You know I haven’t seen them since the attack, and I’ll be so close, it’s only an hour flight away from Vegas. I need to go...it’s time. I’ll fly straight there, then meet up with the group at McCarren airport on Friday. Our flights are scheduled to land within 30 minutes of each other. I know I’m giving you basically no notice but I was hoping...”

“No, that’s actually good. I’m glad you’re doing that - going to see them.” 

She smiled at his approval and then settled back against him as he asked, “Are they still upset at you for not calling that night?”

“Not as much as before. I think once emotions settled down some they started to understand why I couldn’t call them to say goodbye - how it would have broken me. They’ve also acknowledged that knowing I was so sick and there was absolutely nothing they could have down about it would have been a whole type of hell for them. And if I had died,” she felt him stiffen and his arms tighten around her, “I had recorded messages for each of them on my phone so they would have had that. They would have known I was thinking of them until the very end.”

He hated revisiting that night but was slightly stunned by her revelation, “You recorded messages?”

“Yeah. After I found out that Danny was gone and you guys took Rafael. I was alone and I knew my chances weren’t good, so I started recording messages on my phone to all the people I cared about. My family, my close friends from here, and childhood/med school. I just wanted them to all know that I loved them, how amazingly lucky I was to have them in my life, and that I was okay. If I didn’t make it… that it would be okay.”

Ethan’s chest constricted and a lump formed in his throat as he thought about her in that room alone, frightened for her life, leaving messages of encouragement for her loved ones. “I had no idea.” He hesitated before voicing his next question, “Did you leave one for me?

She smiled softly against his skin, “Of course I did. But, as it turned out, we ended up having a discussion that night which pretty much encapsulated the message I left you, so I deleted it. But to be fair, I deleted all of the messages that next night. Once I knew I’d be okay, I didn’t want to revisit what they meant.”

Ethan took a deep breath, emotions he’d been battling since that night returned, twisting in gut and partially stealing his breath. When he spoke again, his voice was almost hoarse. “Francesca, I am so sorry.”

Recognizing the stark change, she twisted away from his grasp so that she could sit back and face him. She saw his face was contorted with pain and guilt, “What are you talking about? Sorry for what? You helped to save me. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you and the others.”

He shook his head, “No. I’m the one who took us to Mass Kenmore. I’m the one who authorized transferring the Senator to the hospital. I put your life in danger.”

She looked at him with pure incredulity, “Wait...you’re blaming yourself for Travis? No, you can’t do that.”

“Why?”

“Because I’ve been blaming myself for the same thing! I can’t tell you how much I’ve apologized to Sienna for it. All the guilt for starting the chain reaction.”

Ethan shook his head, “But I was in charge.”

She cupped his cheek, “And you couldn’t have known what was going to happen. None of us could. Sienna has given me that grace to forgive myself, and I’m now passing it onto you and asking you to do the same. In reality, we’re both victims here. We have nothing to be guilty about. We can only be thankful that we got through it, and that it taught us that life is too short to not go after what you want.”

Leaning forward she kissed him softly. He pulled her back onto his lap and deepened the kiss, leaving her slightly breathless. “I will always want you.” he murmured. “After everything, this is the only time I feel that you’re truly safe, when you’re in my arms like this.”

“It’s the only time I feel truly safe and protected,” she gave him a small, tender kiss, “but neither of us can be afraid of the world beyond our bubble.”

“I’m not afraid of the world. I’m afraid of you in the world, doing foolish things like trying to take down a global Pharmaceutical company over drinks at some crappy Vegas bar.”

“Hey, I’ve heard that the bars in Vegas can be quite nice. And remember, I told you one of my biggest regrets was not traveling more. One stone, two birds.”

He shook his head, exasperated, “You want to travel? I’ll buy two First Class tickets tomorrow and we can be in Paris by Friday evening.”

She gave him a teasing smile, “Sorry, I have plans.”

Ethan groaned and fell back against the headboard as she cocked her head.

“Although…”

“What?”

Francesca ignored the annoyance in his question as her epiphany took shape. “That’s something else I’ve never done, flown across the Country in First Class. How about we keep with the Vegas theme and make a small wager?”

He looked at her dubiously, “What kind of wager?”

“If I stay out of trouble and we manage to take down Declan, you upgrade my flight back to Boston. Actually, no, you upgrade two seats so I don’t have to sit in first class alone.”

He considered her proposal, “You said Dr. Trinh is going?”

“Of course.”

“Good, that makes me rest a bit easier - I feel like she’ll be some voice of reason, sanity, or both. I’ll upgrade your ticket and hers. But if you fail miserably, or God forbid, do get into trouble...what do I get, beyond pain and frustration?”

“Well first, you get to bail us out of jail.” She laughed as Ethan narrowed his eyes. “Okay, okay. You get,” she thought for a few moments, “How about I promise.... to text you in full sentences, not to send you photos of every meal to ask you how Nigella could make it better, and to stop sending you TikTok videos. For one month.”

“Hmmm, that is rather enticing. I’ve seriously considered changing my number.”

Francesca laughed, and when she noticed met his serious gaze, she laughed even harder. 

“So deal?”

He put out his hand and they shook on it. 

“If you’re going to do this against my best advice, I guess I should hope to get something out of it. Deal.”

**

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