#liaromancewriter

[choicesficwriterscreations]

February MC of the Month: Cassie Valentine

Please welcome February 2024's MC of the Month! Each month, we highlight one MC or OC on our Meet My MC / OC List. They are selected randomly on the Wheel of Names, and eligibility requirements can be found here. We accept MC / OC profiles on an ongoing basis. Please feel free to send yours in!

This month’s MC of the month is…

@liaromancewriter's Cassie Valentine!

More below...

In your own words, tell us what you like most about your MC.

I love Cassie’s carefree approach to life. She loves her job and is dedicated to it, but that doesn’t mean she lets work take over her life. She doesn’t take herself too seriously, going with the flow when things go sideways. She also values her relationships and her “me” time. 

Do you feel your MC is like you at all? How are you alike or different?

I created Cassie to be everything I’m not and wish I could be. Over time, I incorporated some of Amanda Schull’s (her face claim) traits into her personality, such as her laugh and ballet background. 

There are two things we have in common: we both love what we do and cannot imagine doing anything else. We’re also both urbanites. I’m more introverted than Cassie (closer to Ethan’s personality, really), but my career forces me to work with people, and I’ve learned to adapt. It takes me time to open up to people, whereas Cassie makes friends easily.

What is most important to your MC? What is their motivation in life?

Cassie has always wanted to help people, and that’s her biggest motivation in life. It’s one of the reasons why she couldn’t see herself working in the family business. That motivation is what makes her a caring doctor (and why she and Ethan are the perfect match).

What are their biggest pet peeves/dislikes?

Cassie cannot stand inconsiderate people, especially when they’re rude to those less fortunate. She’s absolutely judging how her LI treats servers, janitors, and the like. She also doesn’t like the attention she receives from gossip websites and tries to stay under the radar with Max’s help. Being reduced to the “Valentine Heir” instead of an accomplished doctor is guaranteed to make her see red.

If your MC could change one thing - anything - what would it be?

Nothing. She believes in accepting oneself, whether it’s looks or personality. With the latter, she’s happy to continue to work on herself and adapt to feedback. But at some point, she is who she is, and she’s good with that as long as it’s not hurting anyone.

What is your MC’s favorite quote or song?

Her favorite song is “Dream a Little Dream” by The Beautiful South. Her favorite quote is: 

“And I’d choose you; in a hundred lifetimes, in a hundred worlds, in any version of reality, I’d find you and I’d choose you.” ― Kiersten White, The Chaos of Stars

Is there anything else you’d like to share about your MC? 

Cassie’s personality is hugely influenced (and defined) by her being a twin. She and Max are incredibly close, and she cannot imagine who she’d be if he weren’t her literal other half. That is why it’s important to her that whoever she’s involved with romantically gets along with Max and vice versa. I’ve developed Cassie’s personality and background extensively, and it’s part of my Cassie Valentine collection.

[genevievemd]

I should have sent this yesterday, but my mind was on Taylor's Eras Tour Movie. 😄

Happy (belated) Birthday to the incredible Dr. Geneviève McClure-Ramsey. Hope she had an amazing time being spoiled by her honey.

MAL! Thank you for the edit!!!

Also same 😭 the movie melted my brain, I cried 5 times I’m going again this weekend lol

And our girl had a great day yesterday! Ethan took her to see the eras movie (again, she went opening night with Natalie), then to a nice lunch, followed by a trip to the spa and then a nice dinner with presents and snuggling on the couch. Where G forced Ethan to continue her annual Gilmore Girls binge. (And of course, ended the night trying to make a baby😏)

Was a perfect day for her 🥰 much better than last years— spent at a conference then a gala where Ethan decided (with her approval of course) to go to the Amazon again.

[jerzwriter]

Casey learns to become a fan of the Washington Nationals and convinces Tobias to buy a season’s pass.

OMG NO! 😂😂😂 OK as a baseball aficionado, I must report… the joke in our house is NO ONE is a Nationals fan. Lol As you know, DC is a pretty big part of our lives, and when we are there we will see games (esp if we like the opposing team), because seats are CHEAP because no one wants to go! Lmao. My daughter’s friend works for the organization, and he isn’t even a fan. lol

Also, Casey already had an existential crisis when she moved to Boston and became a Red Sox fan. She still lives her Phillies. (As a Yankee devotee, you have NO IDEA how much this pains me! 😂😂😂)

I do think they will visit Nationals Park a bit… but to see opposing teams. At least one of their girls will be a Nats fan, and that will bring shame to T/C. He will blame her.

I also think the Sox will be one reason T really hates leavings Boston. Giving up his season tickets will be painful. They prob go up often and catch games.

Thanks for this, Mal. I am tagging my baseball sister @quixoticdreamer16 lol

[choicesfandomappreciation]

Grateful to these kind souls for being in the fandom and spreading love. It hasn't been an easy year but thank you for making it better ❤️❤️

@peonierose @ofmischiefandmedicine @liaromancewriter @storyofmychoices @the-pale-goddess @lem-20 @mvalentine @dr-colossal-pita @mydemonsdrivealimo @mysticalgalaxysstuff @headoverheelsforramsey

And to everyone still creating and sharing your art and fics thank you from the bottom of my heart 💓

@peonierose @ofmischiefandmedicine @liaromancewriter @storyofmychoices @the-pale-goddess @lem-20 @mvalentine @dr-colossal-pita @mydemonsdrivealimo @mysticalgalaxysstuff @headoverheelsforramsey

[openheartfanfics]

OHFFs Advent Calendar: Day 8

Project Christmas Wish

Submitted by: @liaromancewriter​

Premise: Cassie Valentine celebrates her first Christmas in a new city and finds that even a grinch has his weakness. Set in Book 1.

Book: Open Heart Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Cassie Valentine) Rating/Category: Teen. Fluff. Event: OHFFs Advent Calendar Words: 1,900

There was something about snow, thought Cassie Valentine, as she looked out the window of her apartment.

White particles swirled in the wind before they fell, coating the pavement outside, covering cars parked on the side of the road, and blanketing the streets.

In a little while, the city would awaken, the plows trundling along to clear the slush and ice. But for now, she was alone in that quiet period just after dawn.

She could hear Sienna moving about next door, her ears tracking her friend’s movements as she moved from the bedroom to the kitchen.

Her friends were coming together before shift for a quick Christmas snack of hot cocoa and treats; their only chance to make merry on an otherwise long day.

She felt a pang of homesickness as she imagined her family gathered at the beautiful estate in Newport. The fireplace in the family room would give off a cozy warmth with the fresh scent of pine wafting from the large tree tucked away in the corner, presents tucked underneath.

This was the first year that she wouldn’t be with them, but likely not the last given the career she had chosen. She looked down when her phone pinged, a huge smile breaking across her face when she saw who it was from.

By the time, Cassie clocked in at work and finished reviewing all the charts of patients assigned to her, the impromptu friend get together was a distant memory.

She felt ready as she joined her cohort for morning rounds. She was glad she had done the extra work when she saw it was Doctor Ramsey leading.

She wanted to make herself small and hide, but knew it was pointless when those blue eyes lasered in on her standing beside Sienna.

Ever since the PITA incident, there had been something unspoken between them; neither ready to let the words out for fear of what they’d say.

Aside from the occasional terse instructions related to Naveen’s care, he had limited their contact to rounds or competition related updates in the atrium. No more coffee breaks at Derry to discuss Patient X or anything else for that matter.

She straightened as she met his dismissive gaze, her own expression turning determined so that he was the first to look away.

Victory, she thought with satisfaction. She was here to be the best, learn from the best, and she wasn’t going to let him stand in her way. She was finally in the top five and the crown was in sight.

That’s what she wanted, not him and not this…whatever was between them.

“Let’s see which of you will falter today,” he sneered, his gaze covering the group before it came back to her. “Valentine, you’re up first.”

For the next little while, she batted every question he or anyone else threw at her with aplomb. She deserved that number one spot; she was going to get it and keep it, no matter what.

By the time she watched Ramsey’s retreating back at the end of rounds, she felt like a batter coming out of a game that had gone on to nine innings and overtime. If that was even possible in baseball. She hated the sport so she couldn’t be bothered to find out.

“Did you hear?” said Sienna excitedly, turning towards her. “They have puppies on the seventh-floor conference room!”

“I heard they’re part of Holiday Pups for Patients where patients can adopt a puppy for the day to keep them company,” said Elijah, grinning when he saw the way Cassie’s eyes lit up and she silently mouthed “puppies”.

“I have to see them!” exclaimed Cassie, turning to grab Sienna’s arm in delight. “Let’s go before Zaid or Ines find us. We have fifteen minutes and I want Puppy Time.”

That was the last break Cassie got all morning. She missed lunch on account of a Code Blue and found herself scarfing down a chocolate bar from the vending machine. Sienna gave her a sympathetic look as they met up outside the pediatric ward.

“Busy morning?” she asked as they quickly scanned the tablet for patient notes.

“Just a long one,” said Cassie. “I have patients on three different floors today and it’s been a whole lot of running around.”

“Plus, you detoured for puppy time,” laughed Sienna and Cassie flushed at being caught. “Don’t worry, I won’t tell. Dolphin Honor.”

They walked inside the patient room, a ten-year-old girl who was suffering from seizures. She was under observation while they ran a battery of tests; it was just her bad luck that lab closures for the holiday meant she had to spend Christmas at the hospital.

“Hi Cassidee,” said Sienna, her voice bright as she caught the despondent look on the patient’s face. “This is my friend, Cassie. You both almost have the same name. Is it okay if we hang out with you a bit?”

“I guess,” the little girl shrugged, not looking up from the toy dog in her arms.

“Did you know there are real puppies in the hospital?” said Cassie, smiling when that caught the girl’s interest and she looked up.

Cassie nodded her head in confirmation. “Want to go meet them? Maybe your furry buddy could use some company?”

“Can we go now?” asked Cassidy with hope in her voice. “Is that allowed?”

“Of course,” said Sienna. “We’re just waiting on your test results. You don’t have to stay in the room all day, just every now and then.”

“What if I have another episode?” she said, despondency returning.

“Don’t you know?” said Cassie gently. “Today’s Christmas and nothing bad can happen when there are puppies around.”

When Cassidee nodded, tucking her toy dog under her arm, Sienna left to grab a wheelchair. And then they were off, breezing past cheerfully decorated hallways towards the elevator bank.

And, thought Cassie, if she got in some time with a furry little friend too…well, that was their little secret.

“Back again, Valentine?”

Cassie tucked away the phone as she watched Ethan Ramsey walk over. She wondered what it said about her that she found the man attractive especially when he had that smirk on his face. 

She looked away guiltily, wondering what story he was most likely to buy, but her mind came up blank. It was not an unusual occurrence whenever he was around.

“Dr. Ramsey, I…” she stopped when he put up his hand.

“Save it,” he said.

Whatever he’d been about to say next got lost when Cassie felt herself falling forward as one of the puppies made a run for the hallway, brushing past her legs and tripping her in its haste.

She prepared for her face to meet the floor but found herself hanging mid air as strong arms held her up. She felt the butterflies in her stomach when her eyes meet his.

The stark desire on his face visible for just a second before he blinked it away so fast that she wondered if she had imagined it.

“Thank you,” she said, her voice hoarse as she straightened.

He nodded, his arms falling away. He stepped back, the distance both mental and physical.

She wondered if it would always be this way between them. This need that never went away. A want that ached at the most uncomfortable of times.

The spell around them shattered when they heard shouts coming from the end of the hallway, followed by sharp barks.

“Come on, Rookie,” he said, turning away. “Let’s get your furry little friend before he creates an even bigger ruckus.”

Cassie followed closely behind, willing her heart to settle down. She watched as he put two fingers to his mouth and loudly whistled.

The sound stopped the puppy in its track, its body vibrating as if it wanted to jump on the human but knew it couldn’t.

Ethan’s expression was neutral, but his eyes were locked with the puppy as his hand signalled a command. The young pup had no choice but to follow, whimpering as it parked its butt on the floor.

“Wow,” said Cassie not bothering to hide her amazement. “How did you do that?”

“It’s a simple command to sit,” he said, amused. “Dogs aren’t that different from unruly interns.”

“Hey!” protested Cassie as the insult sunk in.

And then she watched in shock as he laughed out loud at the expression on her face. The laughter transformed his normally austere face, making him appear more open and approachable.

The puppy thought it meant play time again and, recognizing an ally, leaped towards Cassie. She staggered back slightly at the weight of the animal in her arms, but then she was giggling as the puppy enthusiastically licked her face.

“Oh, you’re such a cutie,” crooned Cassie, laughing as the puppy burrowed into her. “I wish you were going home with me, but you can’t.”

She sniffed at the latter.

“Why can’t he?”

Cassie was so surprised at the question that her arms loosened, and the puppy dropped to the floor on all fours.

“Oh…um…well,” she stammered before falling silent as she wondered if he really wanted to know.

“Well?” he asked, arms folding across his chest. “You appear to be a dog person.”

“I am,” she confirmed. “But I’m not sure my roommates or our landlord will allow dogs in the apartment.”

“Besides,” she glanced down, eyes softening as the pup gazed adoringly up at her, “we work so many long hours that it wouldn’t be fair to keep him locked up all day in my room.”

“Plus, I have a lousy track record with pets,” she continued when Ethan remained silent. “My family has banned me from ever adopting one.”

“Hrm,” was all he said. “Let’s get him back inside. These animals aren’t supposed to be running around willy-nilly.”

It was finally end of shift and all Cassie wanted was a hot shower and then sleep. She checked her wristwatch and was disappointed that she hadn’t managed to get away to see the puppies again before they went back to the shelter.

She changed into her street clothes and grabbed her stuff before heading down to join her friends in the atrium.

“Excuse me, Doctor Valentine?”

“Yes?” said Cassie, turning at the sound of her name.

“We have Juno waiting for you in the lounge,” said the woman.

She looked familiar but Cassie couldn’t place her.

“The puppy you visited earlier,” she clarified. “Doctor Ramsey asked that you get one hour to play with him before we head back to the shelter.”

Cassie knew she was grinning like a fool, but she didn’t care. She texted Sienna and followed the woman down the hallway to where Juno waited. Her mind told her not to read too much into the gesture, but her stupid heart didn’t want to listen.

The next hour flew by as Cassie, Sienna and their new furry friend engaged in all manner of antics. Their joyful laughter echoed down the near empty hallway, reaching the ears of a certain attending that watched from the shadows.

Taking a deep breath, Ethan Ramsey turned around and forced himself to walk away. 

She was the only thing he had ever wanted more than he wanted to solve the mysteries of medicine. And the one person he knew he could never have.

[bex-la-get]

Pretty in White 😍

MY BABY 😭😭😭

I LOVE HER 💙

[mysticalgalaxysstuff]

Pretty in White 😍

OH MY GOD 😩

It's the bedroom eyes she is giving Ethan with his shirt on 👀💖

Thank you for sending this and making my morning brighter, Lia 🥰✨

[a-crepusculo]

Pretty in White 😍

She is indeed a STUNNER.

@jamespotterthefirst also sent me this image prompt so so long ago but fret not, I have a silly little idea in my head that I wanna do soon. After all, seeing all of that exposed skin... My, my. Ethan must've ran straight home after that 😏