Summary: Mornings are different now for Ethan & Casey, and he couldn’t be happier. In fact, he’s so happy, he becomes a bit impatient.
Warnings: None
Words: 1453
A/N: This is all fluff. Fluffy, fluffy, fluff. Enjoy!
A/N 2: I’m participating in this week’s @wackydrabbles . The prompt can be found below in bold.
A/N 3: Also participating in @choicesfebruary2022challenge – Day 26 - Romance
SERIES MASTERLIST
CHARACTERS BELONG TO PIXELBERRY STUDIOS
Nine-thirty in the morning on their day off. Casey was sprawled out on Ethan’s living room floor, still in her pajamas with her laptop open and papers scattered all around her. Ethan sat on the sofa in his robe, medical journal in one hand and a highlighter in the other.
Casey had not yet “officially” moved in, but with her friends already using her room as storage, it was fair to say that she was not living at home anymore either. If she was, she would still be fast asleep. Living together required compromise, and one of the few things she could not stand about her betrothed was his need to be out of bed by six-thirty in the morning on days they were off. Conversely, her wake-up time of ten did not work for him either. They agreed he could continue to get up at his ungodly hour, but she would sleep until eight-thirty. Unfortunately, she did not always comply, so Ethan would become creative.
This morning, he relied on his second favorite way of waking her: opening the bedroom door then heading to the kitchen to prepare one of her favorite breakfasts. The aromatic scents wafting in and surrounding her never failed to lure her to join him in the kitchen. She had yet to catch on, and he planned on keeping it that way. But now, with their Nutella French toast consumed, and dishes put away, they were working on a tough case, just until noon, when the day was officially theirs.
It was not easy for them to stick to that part of their routine either. Their proximity to one another outside of their work environment often led them to cut their research time short, but neither complained about that. On this particular morning, it appeared to be Ethan who would be breaking the rules.
Closing the journal, he rested his eyes for just a moment before focusing them on his precious fiancé. She lay on her stomach, knees bent and her feet in the air, crossed at her ankles. Twirling her blonde locks with the pen in her hand, she was so focused on the article on her laptop that she never felt him gazing at her. The pleasant smile on Ethan’s lips just showed how much he had changed. Throughout his adult life, the thought of sharing an apartment with anyone was the content of his nightmares. Even as a struggling intern, he happily lived in a small studio in a rough neighborhood of Boston rather than take on a roommate. And he was happy that way. But now, she was here, and it was so comfortable, so natural that he could never imagine living without her again.
He didn’t want to interrupt her, but on this day, he was feeling selfish, and he couldn’t stop himself.
“Rookie,” he said, with the deep timbre of his morning voice, something new she had discovered about him.
Her head immediately turned, her head tilting up to meet his crystal blue eyes.
“Mmmm.”
“Are you aware that we’re engaged?”
Casey nonchalantly lifted her hand and stared at the exquisite three diamond ring he had placed on her finger just a week ago. The one she never took off.
“Yes, I’m quite aware. Why? Are you having second thoughts?”
“Oh, God no!” He insisted as he moved to sit next to her on the floor, taking in the gentle jasmine scent of her hair as he kissed the top of her head.
“I was just thinking, we should probably set a date. Maybe discuss what type of wedding we’d like to have. You know, the things engaged people to do.”
“I didn’t know you were such an authority on engaged people,” she laughed.
“Well, it’s what I’ve been told.”
Casey sat up, crossing her legs beneath her to look at him more comfortably.
“Well, we can. But we also have a closing date on our new place and moving to worry about. We certainly went from zero to a hundred at record speed.”
“Mmm, that’s only because some idiot should have been moving at quicker than a snail's pace before.”
“Aww, that’s OK. You’re my idiot,” she said, mussing his hair.
“Thank you, I love you too.”
Casey squeezed him into a tight hug.
“I guess we are capable of doing both at the same time. So, when would you like to make an honest woman out of me?” She joked.
“I was thinking the fall. I know it’s your favorite time of year, and it is mine too. What do you think?”
“I like that idea. So, that would give us about fifteen months or so to put it all together, and….”
“Woah, woah, woah! It wouldn’t give us fifteen months? I was thinking it would give us two to four months.”
“Wait. You want to get married this fall?”
“I see no reason to put it off, do you?”
“My God, Ramsey! You really do go from zero to a hundred in 60-seconds, don’t you?”
“When you know, you know. And I want you to be my wife as quickly as possible.”
“My!” She grinned, now running her fingers through his hair, straightening the mess she made just moments before. “You really have changed.”
“OK. OK. Joking aside, Rookie. Do you really see any need to put it off that long?”
“Well, no. I don’t.”
“Would it give us the time we need to plan the wedding of our dreams?”
“Sure, because the only thing I really need for the wedding of my dreams is to have you there as my groom. And, well also some of the people that are closest to us. I’d like them there too, but I don’t really want a huge elaborate event anyway. I just want you.”
“Well,” he pulled his phone from the pocket of his robe and opening the calendar app. “Let’s pick a day.”
“Just like that?”
“Is there any more to it?” He asked.
“Well, I guess not. So… let’s pick a date!”
“Is September good?”
“That’s a little soon, I mean, it’s all a little soon, but maybe just a little later would give us more time to plan.”
“November then?”
“No. I’d like something at least partially outdoors, and it will be too cold by then. So, October? That sounds like it would be just right.”
“OK, Goldilocks,” he teased. “October it is. I’d prefer a Saturday.”
“Me too.”
“So, that gives us the 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, or 29th. What’ll it be, MacTavish?”
“This seems soo surreal. I mean, we just pick a date?”
“I think that’s how it’s done, yes.”
“Shut up,” she said, gently shoving him. “Uhm, the 8th. The 8th sounds good. What do you think?”
“October 8th. I like it.”
“Now, it’s a little tentative, of course. We have to make sure we can find a venue available on that date.”
“In all of the Boston area, I’m sure we can find someplacethat can accommodate us.”
“Oh, about that. I was thinking Newport. I love it there so much, and I know we both vacationed there as kids, so it just seems fitting.”
Ethan smiled warmly, “I do have some wonderful memories there, and I wouldn’t mind making some more.”
“So, October 8th in Newport?” She asked excitedly.
“October 8th in Newport!”
Ethan chuckled at the adorable squeal Casey let out. He pulled her close for a tender, lingering kiss.
“You’re really going to be my wife.”
“Yeah, that’s what I agreed to! Oh my God! I’m sooo excited!”
“So, what’s our next step?”
“Well, I say we call our parents to tell them. My Mom’s going to have a stroke when I tell her it’s so soon, but she’ll survive.”
“My Dad will be the opposite. He’ll suggest we do it sooner. He’s still convinced I’ll get cold feet or that you’ll come to your senses.”
“Mmm, yeah, well, neither one of those things are happening.”
“Hey!” he protested, giving her a hug.
“Well, putting a whole ass wedding together in two-and-a-half months! Why did I let you talk me into this, Ramsey?”
“Because you love me that much?”
“I do.”
“Hmm,” he kissed her, “I think you’re supposed to save that for the wedding day.”
“Well, we need the practice.”
Ethan laughed, “Well, before we call the parents….”
“….and Sienna,” Casey interrupted.
“Yes, and Sienna… before we unleash the craziness that will ensue, what do you say we go and practice for the wedding night first?”
“Oh, you read my mind!”
Casey squealed once more when Ethan scooped her up from the floor with ease, carrying her into the bedroom. They wouldn’t call their loved ones for hours.
Book: Open Heart
Pairing: Dr. Ethan Ramsey x Dr. Marchia Bisognin (F!MC)
Premise: After weeks of busy schedules, Ethan and Marchia finally had time for themselves.
Rating / Category: Mature / NSFW - 18+ only
Warning(s): Strong language and sexual content. Minors DNI.
Word Count: ± 1520 words
A/N: I saw this video on TikTok and got inspired to write. It started out as a relatively fluffy fic... but then it took a hard left. A filthy, hard left. So, this is it, my first ever full smutty fic. Best of luck, I guess? 😬
It had been four weeks.
Roughly four agonizing weeks since they had a proper date night. Four tormenting weeks of endless paperwork, piling up in their desks, plotting to separate them behind their backs. Four torturing weeks of coming home around 1 AM; too tired to do anything other than crashing into their bed, instantly drifting off to dreamland.
But enough is enough, they decided.
After clearing up their schedules, the soon-to-be newlyweds booked a whole evening today for themselves. An evening filled with exquisite foods, fine scotch, and each other’s company.
A lovely evening to indulge in one another, like they always love.
As their dinner reservation time came close, Ethan walked into their bathroom—eyes fixated on his golden Rolex watch, observing the seconds tick by. Frankly, he was completely unaware of the magnificent view that lies ahead.
“We’re almost running late, lo—”
His feet stopped moving as soon as he saw her.
“I’ll be out in a minute,” she answered while grabbing her earrings.
He took in the sight of this glorious Goddess—graciously standing right in front of him—as she flipped her long, soft, honey blonde hair; eyes meeting his through the mirror reflection. She titled her head slightly to the left, fingers skillfully inserting one earring into her pierced ear.
His black suit is in contrast to hers; subtle, yet somehow theatrical. Like night and day. Darkness and light. Moon and sun. How appropriate and fitting, he thought, because Marchia is the sun—his sun—with everything rotating and drawn into her.
“What’s going on?” she asked, her entire face glowing under the bright lights. “Are you okay?”
Words seem to have escaped his intelligent mind.
There was nothing okay about the fitted satin white dress that wrapped her body, defining her waistline with a sinful slit that ran up until the middle of her thigh. Its plunging V-neckline allowed him to see the top part of her chest, complemented by a diamond necklace, adorning her beautifully. Ethan continued to drag his gaze along her body, ultimately stopping at the black high heels that elongated her legs.
He could hold back no longer.
Slowly, but surely, he made his way to Marchia. He was focused, determinedly so, with the dark, libidinous eyes of someone who knew exactly what he wanted. When he was close enough, his arms swiftly bracketed her, earning a faint blush on her cheeks.
“If you keep staring me like that,” she murmured, almost breathless, raising one eyebrow to taunt him. “We won’t make it to our reservation.”
“Maybe we won’t.”
“And waste tonight’s looks? I don’t think so—”
Without any warning, a low growl made its way out of his throat, interrupting her train of thoughts. Before she knew what was happening, he swirled her around, leaning into her.
“Who said it’s going to waste?” he whispered roughly against her ear, making her knees quiver under him.
His greedy mouth pressed soft open-mouthed kisses on her neck. He hid his face in her hair for a minute, breathing in the floral and sweet scent of her shampoo. Mouth nipping at the bare skin of her shoulder, one of his hands left her hips, trailing down to her thigh.
“Eager, aren’t we?” she breathed, her hands pulling his jaw from her shoulders.
Ethan looked at her once more, his blue eyes filled with desire, a small smirk playing at his lips. “You could say that.”
In an instant, their lips finally met. Fiercely, passionately, without any restraints. His mouth on hers made the connection between them sang; celebrating at the marvelous feeling of them coming together as one. Nothing but pleasure and desperation enveloped around them—like it was the only thing that made sense.
His tongue danced across her mouth, sliding against her luscious bottom lip and demanding more access to her mouth. When their kisses grew insistent, his hands started wandering again; this time deeper, palms leaving behind burning trails.
“Ethan—” she gasped, her breath hitched as he brushed over her sex.
It does not take much before he merely pushes his long, dexterous middle finger into her soaked entrance—testing her wetness like he did not already knew that she was practically dripping on to the floor.
He groans approvingly, fingers thrusting in and out of her, pressing one hand down on her back to push her forward and meet her eager mouth in a harsh kiss. Her hips flew forward, a silent plea for him to continue, while she continued to bite down on her bottom lip.
“Already so wet for me, Doctor Bisognin?” their lips parted with a wet smack.
She whimpered, rather poorly, in response.
“Then, let’s get going.”
As if she was swept up in a tide, he effortlessly picked her up and carried her into their bedroom—lips locked on one another with such intensity. Settling her in their king-sized bed, he sat up on his knees, pulling off any fabric that latched on to him.
Reaching for the opening of her dress, he took his sweet time to drag down the zipper and unravel each part of her body; fingers hovering over her skin as if he could not decide where to touch first. He slipped his hand beneath her bra, pushing it off until all the fabrics pooled on the floor.
His tongue immediately sucked one of her nipples, while the other palmed her breast; thumb and index finger flicking over her pebbled nubs, tweaking and rolling at it.
Marchia, on the other hand, still have a trick up her sleeve.
Feeling his cock against her stomach—grinding and craving for her attention—she firmly grabbed the base of it. She stroked her fingers painfully slow up and down, grazing over the silky skin, as Ethan hissed at the contact.
“Fu-ck,” he huffed, dangerously close to a beg. His body shivered, causing him to realize that he was entirely at her mercy.
“Take me now,” she moaned loudly, delirious from the waves of pleasure that overtook her body.
After what felt like an eternity, he positioned himself and spreads her thigh—pushing his length inside her with a deep, precise stroke. Ethan’s hands traveled lower to grip her ass, securing her place, and inch by inch, the head of his cock entered her.
Both of them groan at the heavenly sensation; all so familiar yet also offered something new. She threw her hands to his shoulders, nails digging into his skin, leaving tiny scratches and indents on him—marking her territory.
“Does that,” she tightened her inner muscles, voice dripping with her passion for him. “Feel good, baby?”
His cock twitched inside of her, as if it was trying to answer the question for him. There were no words that could describe this; this feeling, this experience, this beautiful woman in his arms. The universe was kind enough to unite them, to set her on his path—how could he ever repay it?
They continued to move in tandem, panting heavily as the sensations continue to overflow both of them. Their connection made it easy to get lost; caught up by the prickle on their skin, burned with passion and desire for each another.
Controlling the movement of his hips, he rubbed his length against her clit; her body singing for his touch.
“Ethan,” she cried, legs threatening to give out at any moment.
“Yes,” he groaned, repeating the motion, giving him advantage to hit that delightful spot that makes her see the stars. “Say my name again.”
“Ethan.”
“Again,” he punctuated the word with a sharp thrust.
“Ethan!”
Every thrust sends tiny sparks of pleasure to her entire body, causing her to crave more and more. He was all over her, but it still was not enough. Arguably, she can never get enough of him, of this, of them—making love like there was no tomorrow.
He tangled his hand in her hair, pulling her head back towards him roughly. Marchia cried out, either at the pain or pleasure, while her chest heaved raggedly. Drawing closer and closer to the finish line, his lips moved over to the back of her neck; biting, sucking on the skin there, deliberately creating a purple mark.
“Come,” she purred into his ears, dragging him over the edge with her. “Come with me, inside me.”
Those words alone was enough to make Ethan lose his shit. Within seconds, she lets out her final orgasm—hard and fast, overwhelming and gratifying—while he came inside her. He stifles the utterly wrecked moan of her name into her hair, warmth filling within her core as he finished.
Falling back into the bed, he gathered Marchia into his arms, bodies pressed closely together. After a few minutes of regulating their breaths, he spoiled her with kisses across her face, neck and clavicle; eliciting a bright smile on her face.
“Still think we can make it to that reservation?” she said teasingly, running her fingers down his chest.
“I don’t think so, love.”
Marchia scrunched her nose before asking, “Why not?”
“Because now,” he growled, hands tugging her close, his eyes darken mischievously. “I’ve only got an appetite for you.”
Additional A/N: I’m gonna go now and hide in a cave alskjalksjlakjs
Open heart fic - Ethan Ramsey x MC (Casey Valentine)
Set during book 2, chapter 19 - One last case
It’s Ethan and Casey’s final moments in Edenbrook. A few nights previous, they danced the night away in the hospital atrium at the Hopeful hearts gala, believing they had a fighting chance at saving the hospital. When those efforts weren’t enough, and they’re forced to part ways, they have one last moment of intimacy alone in the hospital, reminiscing on the magic of the gala.
*Characters belong to pixelberry*
Side note: if you want, listen to Perfect by Ed Sheeran whilst reading for all the extra feels, I’ve explained before how it fits this moment perfectly. Particularly “Baby I’m dancing in the dark, with you between my arms.” :)
———————————————————————
Edenbrook’s final days were in sight.
A sight that Casey, Ethan, nor anyone in the hospital ever saw coming. Only in nightmares.
And now, Casey and Ethan stood side by side in the atrium - bidding their final farewells to colleagues they may never see again. Sarah had just discharged her final patient, Ethan shook hands with her and wished her well. As she left, the atriums main light switched off. And then there were two. Alone. In the pitch black.
Casey and Ethan stood idly, taking it all in and relishing whatever bittersweet final moments they have left in what has become their second home. Casey took Ethan’s hand and sighed.
“I know it’s time to go.. but I’m not ready. There’s just so much about this place I’ll miss.” Pain, frustration and heartbreak were all etched in her face as she spoke.
Ethan turns to look at her thoughtfully.
“What in particular?”
Casey pauses briefly, weighing out her options. “The thing I’ll miss the most is…”
She sighs heavily.
“You.”
Ethan snorts, a smile cracking at the edges of his lips. “You might be the only person who’s ever felt that way.”
Casey rolls her eyes, mind wandering back to her first day at Edenbrook, when all the nurses were gushing over the man she initially considered an asshole, who turned out to be the world renown Ethan Ramsey, who also turned out to be the man that she fell hopelessly in love with along the way.
“How did it come to this Ethan? I can’t believe that after everything that’s happened.. it still wasn’t enough to save the place we love.” It was a challenge to hold back the tears that fought to form in her enervated eyes. Even though it was dark, Casey knew that Ethan would still be able to see straight through her with his superior diagnostic intuition.
Ethan put a muscular arm around her, pulling her debiliated body closer to his. Casey rested her head on the crook in his shoulder, it fitted perfectly, as if it was always meant to be there.
“We were in this same spot just days ago, smiling and dancing, hopeful that we still had a fighting chance. But now…” She cuts herself off, afraid to get choked up by the tears that were begging to fall.
Ethan cups her face in his hand and strokes her tender cheek gently. “I know,” he whispers softly. Regardless of any situation, his low, husky voice always manages to soothe her and somehow give her the hope that everything will be okay.
“And in that case..” Ethan’s body shifts, taking Casey’s hands in his and stands in front of her, eyes locking.
“May I have this dance, one last time?”
Heat rose to Casey’s cheeks and her heart welled up at this sweet gesture. Dancing with Ethan at the Hopeful Hearts gala was predominately a highlight of her time at Edenbrook, now an obvious dissimilarity to their current situation. But nonetheless, this was a special moment for both of them. Because the future is uncertain, and tomorrow is never promised, so one last dance before they are exacted to part ways seems like the perfect idea.
Casey grins and gets into position. “You may, Dr. Ramsey.”
Ethan smiles back and takes his hand in hers, the other comes to rest on her waist. Casey puts her hand on Ethan’s shoulder, the other interlocked with his, as they begin to gently sway. Their eyes remain fervently on each other. Every day she would get lost in those ocean blue eyes of his, they shone as bright as the day they met. As for Ethan, he too would never tire of her emerald eyes full of wonder that were still illuminated in the stark lighting of the deserted atrium.
The room was inaudible, and as Casey laid her head on Ethan’s chest the only music that guided their steps was the sound of each others synchronised heartbeat. As long as she could hear his heart beat and feel his chest rise and fall with every gentle breath, it was all she ever needed. That comfort, and that reassurance, that the love of her life was right here, she was in his arms, and when she had him she would never need anything else.
Ethan looks down at Casey, her head resting against his chest. Her wavy blonde locks swaying gently with their movements. Much to his previous dismay, in this moment, there was nothing else that was important. Not Edenbrook, not the uncertainty of the future, not his career. Just her. The woman he was head over heels in love with. The woman that taught him how to love, and be loved. The woman that set his heart aflame, and was the only one he would ever need.
Casey lifts her head again to meet his gaze. Their eyes meet, and she smiles softly. Just one look at her and Ethan’s heart is set aflutter by tiny butterflies, a sensation he wasn’t used to, but also one he would never tire of. Ethan stops the dance briefly, then cups her ravishing face in both hands. He pulls her close and interlocks his lips with hers.
The rush of sensation was priceless, every kiss still as precious as the first. Neither of them could ever get enough. Casey wraps her arms around him securey and runs a hand through his thick, tousled brunette hair, down to the rough stubble along his flawless jawline.
A few seconds later, they briefly pull apart and embrace tightly. Ethan’s arms enclose her in a secure hug, Casey buries her head in his toned chest, just like she had many, many times. Particularly after any inconvenience. One last time, she relishes in his embrace, his touch, his grey sweater that she adores so dearly, the scent of his expensive cologne that could be distinguished from a mile away, and the soft pumping of his heart from his chest.
Ethan plants a kiss on her head, inhaling the intoxicating scent of her rose perfume and summer fruit shampoo. He strokes her luscious blonde hair and whispers softly in her ear,
“No matter what happens Casey, I’ll always be there for you. Even when I’m not there physically. You know that I’ll be cheering you on, today and every day after. For as long as you’ll know me.”
A single bittersweet tear escapes down her cheek at his heartfelt words, overcome with emotion. But most of all, deep down, when he said “for as long as you’ll know me”, she hopes that is forever. More than that, she hopes there will never have to be a distance between them.
Because she wants him. And only him. Forever. There could never be someone she could adore more than Ethan Ramsey.
And Ethan Ramsey’s feelings are reciprocated the exact same way about Casey Valentine.
Premise: Casey finds comfort in a handsome stranger when Ethan leaves for the Amazon.
Warnings: Smut city I honestly hate writing smut but it was worth it for this lol
Pairings: Tobias x MC ft. Ethan x MC
Word count: 5k
Shoutout to @burnsoslow for pre-reading this for me. She is da bomb and may have convinced me to continue this, we shall see!
As Dr. Ramsey will be working with the W.H.O in the Amazon for the next several months, I will be the attending supervising the interns until he returns.
Casey felt like she’d been punched in the stomach as she stared at Naveen in the atrium. Ethan had left the country, left the continent, for god knows how long, without so much as a goodbye?
She felt a small hand lacing their fingers through hers, and she looked to her side to see Sienna glancing at her worriedly. She mustered up all the strength she had to attempt a grateful smile at her friend.
Sienna and Elijah were the only two that knew about Ethan and Casey. They’d both been in the apartment the morning Casey had attempted to sneak him out at 5am, clear that he wasn’t over for an early morning consult.
Elijah hadn’t said much about it since, clearly assuming it had been a one-night stand as he had never seen their attending in the apartment before or since that morning.
Sienna, on the other hand, had been noticing things between the pair for months, and as soon as she had Casey on her own that night, all she had to do was ask one question before it all came pouring out.
Casey told her all about the moments where it was just the two of them working on Naveen together, what really happened in Miami, their stolen kisses and touches until she finally slept with him whilst they were both technically unemployed from the hospital.
For the last week, Casey had confided in Sienna with anything and everything to do with Ethan, telling her how much she was struggling to be in his company everyday after they had crossed that line. She had strong feelings for him, that only grew with each passing day they tried to deny them. Ethan had barely managed to look at her since their return to Edenbrook, never uttering a word that didn't involve a case.
Because of this, Sienna knew before she even looked at her friend that she hadn’t been made aware of Ethan’s time away, and with the way she’d been scrambling to stay afloat, she knew very well that this may be the thing to send her overboard.
That evening, Sienna had assembled all of the roommates, plus Raf, Bryce and Kyra at Donahue’s to look after Casey as she drowned her sorrows. She hadn’t told them anything about what was going on, only that their friend was going through a hard time and they had to help her through it without prying.
They were staggered across the place as Casey stumbled towards the bar from a booth. She made it to a stool and dropped into it unceremoniously, lifting her hand to signal Reggie without lifting her head up. If she did, she was afraid she might be sick.
She felt the presence of someone at her side as another patron slid into the chair next to her.
She smelt him before she heard him, cedar and sandalwood filling her senses as a deep baritone called out to Reggie. “How about a pint of water for the lady?”
Casey’s eyebrows knitted together in annoyance, the need to tell this man where to go stronger than her fear of vomiting as she raised her head abruptly. “How about you back the fu- Jesus.” Her words caught in her throat as her breath hitched, her eyes trailing over the gorgeous specimen sitting beside her. His dreamy hazel eyes burned into her, her gaze failing to break away. Somehow his smile was both kind yet smug, his eyes shining as he tilted his head, eyebrow quirking as he wondered when she would break out of her daze and end their silent stare-off.
“Are you alright?”
“S-sorry. I- uh, I,” her drunken mind spat the words out before she even knew what she was saying. “Fuck me, you are beautiful.”
His eyes crinkled delightedly as he morphed his pride into a smirk. “You’re one to talk, green eyes. What’s a woman like you doing drinking herself into oblivion?”
“Apart from embarrassing myself? Trying to forget about an asshole.” Casey scoffed as she looked back to the bar, her head resting against her fists.
“That’s hard to believe. Who would be stupid enough to let you go?”
She raised her head again, smirking at the handsome stranger before she lifted a brow suspiciously. “Did my friends send you over here?”
"What?"
"My friends dragged me out here tonight so I didn't go home and wallow in self-pity. Sienna kept saying that in order to get over someone, I had to get under someone else, so I wondered if that someone was you because you’re hitting out with corny pick up lines and I realise now that I am rambling and I should shut up." She blushed as he chuckled.
"No, your friends didn't send me over here. I noticed you as soon as I walked in. You looked a little lost. I came over here because you intrigued me. However, feel free to utilise me for any needs you may have," he shot her a wink as her blush deepened, but he didn't miss the way her eyes looked him over before turning back to the bar with a small smile, gratefully accepting the water he had ordered now that she had something she wanted to remember about the night. “As for the pick up line slander, I am hurt.”
"I’ll make it up to you.” She winked as he smirked. “Well, you know my sob story, what brings you here? I come in a lot and I've never seen you before."
"I'm a doctor. I work over at Mass Kenmore but I’m consulting on a case at Edenbrook so I just headed here when I finished up."
She smiled at him, even more engrossed in the conversation now that she knew he clearly shared similar interests to her. "I'm a doctor, too. I work at Edenbrook, actually."
"Let me guess, intern?"
"What gave me away?"
"Apart from the look of fear permanently etched on your face?" He chuckled as she let out a bark of laughter. “Or the tiny frame I can tell carries you even sitting in a high stool?”
“Watch it! I may be small but I’m feisty.”
“Of that I’m sure.” He grinned. "I have a feeling I'd have heard about you if you'd been in my field any longer. And I would definitely remember if I'd met you."
She bit her lip through a smile as she shot him a sultry gaze, quickly turning to a wince as she grumbled into her glass. "You probably have heard of me."
His eyebrows shot up to his hairline, his eyes widening as he worked out who she was. "You're that intern?" Casey reluctantly nodded as a wide grin spread across his face. "You are bad-ass."
"What?"
"You're the exact kind of doctor I'd love to have under me at Kenmore." She cocked her brow at him and he chuckled. "Not like that," he stopped as he shot her a sly smile, "well, also, like that."
She giggled as she took a drink of her water. "I thought my name would have been dragged through the mud after that. I'm honestly still a little shocked I was let off with it. I was prepared to kiss my residency goodbye."
"It was pretty 50/50, but don't worry. All the doctors who's opinions you should care about are firmly in your corner.” They shared a smile as she hoped he was telling the truth. “So, do I get the name of the young and daring doctor?”
“You can’t have been very impressed if you didn’t remember my name through all of that, doc.”
He knew exactly the name of the person he was talking to, but he wanted to earn the knowledge rather than it coming from the gossip swarming the surrounding hospitals. He wanted her to want to tell him.
“Believe me, I’m not only impressed, I’m fascinated. How about this? You tell me your name at the end of the night if you feel the same way.”
“Alright, give me your worst.”
“You know, I was almost disappointed Edenbrook kept you on, I was ready to pounce. I'd love to take a young doctor like you under my wing, any chance the cards still on the table?"
"Unfortunately not," she smiled. "I won the spot on the Edenbrook Diagnostics team and it's too good an opportunity to pass by."
"Damn, fearless and clearly the best doctor in your year to snag that spot. Once upon a time, I was up for a place in the team, too."
"Really?" Her eyebrows raised and he nodded. "Wow, I have a feeling the team would be ran very differently with you at the helm compared to Ethan."
"Ethan, eh? You've worked with him closely, then?"
She stared at the wall behind the bar, doing her best to keep her emotions hidden as he spoke about him. "Yeah, you could say that."
Tobias didn't miss the cold tone her voice took on. "Not a fan?"
Casey scoffed, "piece of advice? Never meet your heroes."
"Sounds like he hasn't changed a bit."
"You know him?"
"You could say that."
"He's... challenging, to say the least."
Tobias sensed this was a sore subject, and frankly, Ethan Ramsey was the last person he wanted to be the topic of discussion with the vision in front of him.
"Enough about Ramsey, I wanna know about you."
"Oh? And what is it you'd like to know?" She leaned into him, quirking a brow as her perfume filled his senses.
He smiled, wrapping one arm around the back of her bar stool as the other grabbed onto the chair, pulling her closer into him. "Everything."
The two of them sat at the bar for hours, the conversation beginning with Casey's hopes and dreams for her medical career until the topic of medicine was long forgotten as they talked long into the night.
Sienna had come over to check on Casey multiple times, reluctantly leaving when Casey assured her she was fine and basically sober now anyway. Being the friend that she was, she only relented when she left her number behind the bar with Reggie and said she'd be waiting up for Casey, gazing intensely at her companion until he nodded, rightfully frightened.
Reggie's booming voice broke them out of their trance. "Alright, people, last call. You ain't gotta go home, but you can't stay here."
Casey looked back with a smile. "We better get going. You don't wanna see what happens at midnight."
"Midnight?" He laughed as he showed her the time on her phone. "We passed that mark a long time ago."
Her mouth dropped open. "Shit. Thank fuck I'm on a late tomorrow."
"Do you always speak so graciously, little one?"
He chuckled as he dodged the punch to his shoulder. "Hey, I don't claim to be a lady. I'm one of a kind."
"Damn straight," he smiled as she blushed, biting her lip as she nervously reached for her jacket. "Can I take you home?" She giggled as he reddened slightly, laughing as his hands ran down his face. “What I meant to ask was if I could walk you home, but I don’t know if you live within walking distance.”
"Sure."
They stood from their chairs, Casey grinning shyly as he took her jacket from her, pulling it over her arms and then turning her around, zipping it up as she gazed at him intently.
He held out his arm with a warm smile, Casey looping hers around it as he led her outside. “So, which way will it be, boss?”
He turned to look at her, eyes sweeping over her face before they drifted towards her full, pink lips. Casey twisted in his embrace, holding onto two muscular arms as she stared up at him, eyes twinkling in the moonlight. She leaned up, standing on her toes as her lips slightly parted. He leaned down at the same time, their lips meeting in a soft and lingering kiss that brought a warmth to her chest. It was new and different, a tenderness neither had felt in a long time.
She pulled back, smiling as she stroked her hands up his arms before they wrapped around his neck. “Whichever way leads to yours.” His eyes were alight as his lip quirked upward, pulling her back into another kiss, this one vastly different. It was demanding and passionate, her desire growing by the second as their lips moved against each other hungrily.
His arms felt to her waist as he pulled her in tightly, effortlessly lifting her petite body slightly off the ground as she opened her mouth to him, welcoming his tongue as it curled around hers. One hand slid up her back, tangling in her long blonde hair as the other kept her upright against him. Slowly and regrettably, he pulled back as he lowered her to the ground, resting his forehead against hers as he caught his breath.
“Are you still drunk? I don’t want to take advantage of you.” One hand stayed curled around her waist as the other raised to cup the side her neck, his thumb grazing her cheekbone softly.
She bit her lip as she shook her head. She did feel drunk, but it had nothing to do with alcohol. Her head was spinning from the intensity of his kisses. “I promise you, I’m fine.”
“And the guy you're here trying to forget?” He watched as her gaze flickered away, returning to his as she pushed the sadness away. "Was it serious? Is it serious?”
"It was... complicated. But, we weren't even together, nor are we nor will we ever be."
“Well then,” he stepped back, lifting his arm with an open palm as he smiled at her. “Your carriage awaits.”
She smirked as she took his hand, letting him lead her to a nearby cab. Before he could open the door, she put a hand on his arm, stopping him softly. "I just," she sighed, trying to find the right words. "I don't want you to think that I do this all the time or that I'm using you. I don't and I'm not."
He pulled her into his arms, his warm embrace enveloping her. "This can mean whatever you want it to. Stop worrying for a second and just do whatever you want."
She smiled at him, her heart fluttering at his adoring gaze. "I want you to take me home."
They stumbled into his townhouse with their lips joined in a fervent embrace. The ten minute cab ride may have been the longest of their lives, the air inside crackling with electricity and possibility.
Casey let out a breathy moan as his hands gripped her thighs, lifting her in his arms as her legs wrapped around his waist and he walked them towards his bedroom. Her arms slid up to his broad shoulders before falling to the buttons of his shirt, her dainty fingers fumbling as his lips latched onto the weak spot of her neck.
As soon as they made it to his room, he set her down as their hands pulled and tugged at each other's clothing. As they were left in their underwear, he stood back to admire the work of art standing before him.
"On second thought, I don't think I could work alongside you at Kenmore. I'd never get any work done when I know that's what's hiding under your scrubs." He licked his lips as she smirked, taking the opportunity to reach behind herself, unclasping her lacy bra and dropping it onto his hardwood floor.
Her pale skin glistened against the soft moonlight shining in through the large window. His length strained painfully against the confines of his boxers, Adam's apple bobbing as he swallowed heavily. "Fuck, you are unbelievable."
He stepped towards her, both of his hands smoothing over her body before cupping her round breasts, thumbs circling her nipples as her head fell back with a gasp. He looked at her in amazement as his gaze stayed on one particular spot. "Do you have any idea how sexy that is?"
He flicked the metal adorning her left nipple, a movement that brought Casey's thighs together, clenching involuntarily. His head dropped to her chest, lips leaving a hot trail of wet kisses over her chest before latching onto her jewelled peak, sucking and biting softly as his hand continued to lavish the other with attention, squeezing roughly before switching over.
Suddenly, his hands were on her waist as he lifted her, gently tossing her onto his large bed as he walked to the edge. He kneeled before her, dark eyes looking into hers as he sought permission and she nodded. His thumbs dipped into the waistband of her tiny thong before slowing peeling them down her shapely legs.
He fell to her side on the bed, capturing her lips again before she moaned into his open mouth, his fingers gliding through her dripping folds.
"Fuck, you're soaked for me."
Casey eyes shut tightly as he plunged a finger inside her, instantly curling it to press against her sweet spot. "Oh, god."
"Jesus, you’re tight. I can’t wait to feel you wrapped around me.” Casey let out a whimper as his words, shamelessly trying to grind against his hand as her breathing grew heavy. “Does that feel good, princess?" Casey nodded her head as she bit into her lower lip, biting back the loud moan brewing in her throat. "What about this?" He suddenly slid a second in, joining his ministrations as she began to pant. His thumb moved upwards, beginning to circle her clit as her mouth fell open in a loud moan. "That's it. Make those beautiful noises for me."
Without changing the rhythm of his hand, he moved over her, his mouth biting and sucking the soft skin of her neck as his free hand explored her curves.
He felt her body begin to shudder, his fingers immediately pulling away from her as her eyes shot open. "Relax, princess. I'm going to take care of you." He leaned down to give her a quick kiss before slipping his fingers into his mouth, groaning as he relished in her sweet taste. “Damn, you taste good. But I need more than that little preview.”
He stood from the bed and kneeled on the floor, his hands gripping behind her knees as he pulled her to the edge of the bed. He laid his large palms on the inside of her thighs, pushing them further apart as his gaze fell on her glistening centre. His tongue darted out to lick his lips at the sight before him, waiting to be devoured, asking to be worshipped.
He lifted one ankle, placing it on his shoulder as he pressed a soft kiss to the silky skin. He held it in place as his lips began their descent, his other hand massaging her thigh.
Casey was squirming as she rolled her hips against the bed, so worked up that his gentle kisses had her whining. Suddenly, her hips jumped off the bed as his fingers dove into her again, a whimper falling from her lips before his face buried itself between her thighs. She moaned as his mouth latched onto her swollen clit, alternating between sucking and flicking his expert tongue in short strokes.
She felt her release building instantaneously, her hips gently pulsating up and down with the movement of his tongue and fingers. “Oh, fuck, I’m so close.”
He lifted his head, Casey getting even closer at the sight of her wetness glistening against his lips and chin as his fingers continued to work her. “Good. Come for me, princess. I want to feel you all over my tongue.”
He dropped down again, his eyes staying locked on her face as her thighs began to tremble around his face. He doubled down on her as Casey managed to lift her head, her eyes meeting his as he moaned against her. The sight of him pleasuring her was enough to push her over the edge, brows furrowed and mouth hanging open as her coil snapped and her back arched off the bed, a silent cry falling from her lips.
He slowly removed his fingers as he continued to lap at her, greedily taken everything she gave him and bringing her down from her high as her oversensitive body trembled. Once she had caught her breath, she looked down again, grabbing onto his face with her hands and he caught the gist. He rose up from his knees, moving to kneel over Casey as he cradled her in his arms, and he captured her in a searing kiss. Casey moaned against his lips, darting her tongue out to lick the border as she tasted herself.
She pulled back breathlessly, pulling him into her shoulder as her breath warmed his ear.
“Casey.”
He smirked, taking her lobe into his mouth and giving it a quick tug as his ego took a boost. “Giving it up that easy, doc?”
“Colour me impressed.”
“I'm flattered.” He winked as she giggled. “Tobias, by the way."
“Well, Tobias,” she wrapped her legs around his hips, rolling to flip them over so she was straddling him. “I believe the ball’s back in my court now.”
She snapped the waistband of his boxers against his abs, earning a crooked grin as he quickly lowered them and threw them across the room.
She dug her knees into the mattress, body trembling as she raised her hips before sinking down on his rock hard length. They both let out cries of pleasure as Tobias' head dropped back to the bed. "Shit, you feel incredible," he grunted, "so fucking tight."
Casey exhaled a shaky breath, moaning as she felt herself stretching to accommodate the size of him. She leaned down, capturing his lips in a fierce kiss as she began to roll her hips. Tobias' hands gripped her ass, guiding her over his thick cock as she sat up, hands splaying across his muscular chest as she bounced and grinded.
His eyes were focused on her swaying breasts, revelling in the way she moved against him and resisting the urge to thrust into her as he gave her time to adjust to the feeling of him inside her.
Once he was sure she could take it, he grabbed onto her waist and snapped his hips up, instantly being met with a loud moan as her fingers gripped tightly into his shoulders. He followed it with another, and another, Casey's hip movements halting as she writhed on top of him, each thrust hitting the spot that so few men had managed to conquer. He watched her begin to come apart as he worked up a steady rhythm that she knew was soon going to send her off the edge, the most beautiful and erotic sight he'd ever seen.
He decided there and then that he'd do anything to see it again.
"Come on, princess, don't give up on me now. You were doing so well, taking me so prettily."
She moaned, his praise doing more to her than she cared to admit. She lifted her hips, slamming down onto his cock as the same moment he thrusted up, her head dropping back with a scream as her nerve endings were set alight. "You're so-" she whimpered at another slap of their hips, her hands falling behind her to hold onto his thighs as she tried to hold steady. "So big."
Tobias couldn't hold back the shuddering of longing that coursed through his body, Casey feeling him throb at her words.
All of a sudden, she was on her back and Tobias's body was covering hers, slamming into her as his movements got faster and deeper and her hands balled in the sheets. "Tobias, I- fuck, please don't stop."
He bit back a curse as his eyes fluttered shut. "Say it again. Moan my name. Tell me what I'm doing to you."
She eagerly complied, wrapping her legs around his waist, her heels digging into his back as she pulled him in tightly and whispered how good he was making her feel in his ear, her whimpers and moans like music to his ears.
He wanted her to finish again, and he needed it to be in the next thirty seconds if he had any chance of it happening before he erupted inside of her.
Arching up into him as she brought their hips together, Tobias slipped one hand behind her lower back, the other holding him upright as his hips suddenly changed angle and hit a brand new spot deep within her.
Her fingernails raked down his back, anchoring herself to him as his movements grew wild. He lifted his head to kiss her, swallowing her load moans as her back shot off the bed, her orgasm ripping through her as she bucked uncontrollably beneath him, clenching around him as she screamed his name.
"Fuck, yes. Fucking squeeze me, baby." He continued pounding into her, their bodies hot and sticky with sweat as he pushed off his own release to fuck her through hers. His eyebrows furrowed as a bead of sweat dripped down his temple, holding her tightly as she trembled. Suddenly Casey's arms were looped around his neck, her breath tickling his ear as she leaned in to whisper to him.
"Let go, Tobias. I want you to come for me." He shivered as he let out an animalistic groan, managing a few more thrusts before pushing into her deeply with one final drive of his hips, throbbing with his release and her name on his lips.
He collapsed against her, panting as he buried his face in the crook her neck before slowly pulling out and dropping back onto the bed beside her.
Their chests were heaving as they turned to one another, satisfied smiles gracing their flushed faces.
"Wow, that was..." Casey trailed off, at a loss for words as she struggled to catch her breath.
"Mind blowing," Tobias grinned and Casey giggled. He rolled over as his hand reached up to tangle in her hair, moving to pull her back in.
Just as their lips were about to meet, Casey heard her phone ringing from her bag that had been thrown somewhere in the room.
She sighed, smiling apologetically as she sat up. "That'll be Sienna. I better text her back before there's a search party out for me and a warrant for your arrest." She went to swing her legs off the bed when Tobias stopped her, gripping her thigh softly as he shook his head.
"I'll get it." He stood, looking around the room for her bag, chuckling as he found it underneath her bra. He picked it up, deciding to give her the bag rather than fish through the contents, and lay back down in bed as he handed it to her.
"Whilst you're at it, how do you fancy giving me your phone number?”
Two months later
Casey was finally at home, feet aching after a double shift as she sat down at the dining table. Before she could take her first bite of the take-out she’d picked up on her way home, she was startled by a pounding on her front door.
Her brows furrowed as she stood up, walking quickly through the apartment to look through her peephole. As she took a glance, her complexion paled and her heart rate accelerated, hand stalling over the door handle as she panicked.
She took a deep breath, pulling it open and their eyes met for the first time in months.
“Ethan, I- what are you doing here?”
"Rookie, I-” he took a shaky breath as his hand ran nervously through his hair, the other still holding a duffel bag. “I came straight from the airport. Well, I went straight to the hospital but Dr. Varma said you’d not long left and well, here I am.”
“You still haven’t answered my question, Ethan. I haven’t spoken to you in over two months. What are you doing here?”
“I love you.”
Casey’s eyes shot wide open, gasping quietly at the absolute certainty with which he made the statement. “Wh-what?”
“I’m in love with you, Casey. I was a fool to run away. I’ve spent every waking minute of the last two months missing you, longing to be with you, to touch you, to hear your voice, to see your smile. I thought giving our hearts a break would let us move past this, but now I realise what a monumental error that was. In fact, it’s only achieved the opposite. I’ve never been more sure of anything. If my feelings for you can withstand the time and distance I put between us, I know we can weather any storm thrown at us. Whatever you want to do, I’ll do it. If you want to keep it out of the hospital until the end of your residency, we’ll do it. If you want me to shout it from the rooftops, consider it done. I never want to spend another night with you. I love you, Casey. With everything I am.”
He stepped up to her, taking her shaking hands in his as she stared at him in disbelief. “What do you want, Casey?”
“I- I want,” her voice trembled as her mind raced. She was in a state of utter shock. “I want-”
"Case? Who is it?"
As Ethan heard an unfamiliar male voice shouting from inside the apartment, he suddenly realised that Casey had opened the door in nothing but a white shirt, the way it hung off her telling him everything he needed to know as he recognised it wasn’t his. He swallowed heavily as he dropped her hands, taking a hesitant step back as footsteps approached them.
When a man rounded the corner to the entryway, his jaw clenched as his blood ran cold.
“Hey, buddy.”
••••••••••
GUYS THAT ENDING PHYSICALLY PAINED ME.
Not me leaving Tobias’ name out for 75% of the fic as if he’s not in the moodboard and description LMAO. It was just fun for me neither of them to know lol
Summary: An attack scene rewrite when Ethan spends the night with MC.
A/N: Characters and some dialogue owned by Pizelberry.
I finally decided how I was going to write this rewrite. Initially I was trying to do a full chapter rewrite but half way through, I was already at 3k+ words so it would be waaaay to long. Thankfully, I managed to summarize it but also give it a ton of angst. (This was my first time writing angst btw.) I hope you enjoy!
8:30 pm
It's been exactly five hours since the attack. Five excruciatingly long hours since Evelyn’s world was turned upside down.
Travis, Senator Ed’s assistant, had slowly been poisoning him with lead. When they went to confront him, he pulled out a can and sprayed everyone in the room with a deadly unknown substance.
The Senator managed to escape and Travis was dead. But so was Bobby, with Danny fighting for his life.
Evelyn begins to cry again as she thinks about Bobby’s wife and two kids that he left behind. They would now have to grow up without their dad. He would miss so many big milestones in their lives all because of two selfish people.
“E-Evelyn…?” a weak voice calls from across the room.
She walks over to the bed where Raf is lying down, a light sheen of sweat covering his pale face.
The team had come a little while ago with a shot that they had hoped would slow the progression of their symptoms, but Raf’s still seemed to be getting worse.
“What’s wrong?” he asks quietly, gently wiping the tears from her face.
“I was just… thinking about Bobby’s family and… everything that he… would miss. He was… just telling me… this morning that… his oldest daughter is turning sixteen this year…”
“I know… life isn’t fair. They didn’t deserve any of this.”
“You didn’t either, Raf.”
“But I saved you from having to suffer so much… and that’s what matters.”
“Raf…”
“Shh… listen, I feel… like I’m… getting worse. Will you… do me a favour?”
“Of course. Anything you need.”
“Please help me call my vovo.”
Evelyn hands Raf his phone to unlock, then scrolls through his contacts until she sees his grandmother’s name, tapping it, she places the phone to his ear.
“Olá, vovo.”
“No… I’m not well. There was an attack at the hospital today and the Senator’s assistant tried to kill him. A few people were in the room when it happened. The Senator escaped, but his assistant and one person that works here died and the other is in critical condition. Evelyn and I are in quarantine right now.”
“I just wanted to let you know… that if I… don’t make it… I love you with all my heart.”
“Alright, take care. I love you too.”
“Thank you, Evelyn.” he takes a shaky breath, his heart rate slowing and growing more shallow.
“Evelyn… I think you should… call the team… I'm sorry I couldn't save you… that this… might be the way it ends…” he murmurs, eyes meeting hers, as warm and kind as the day they met.
Taking his hand, she can barely see him through her tears.
“You'll make it through this Raf… I know you will…”
He smiles up at her before his eyes flutter closed and his hand falls away.
Moments later Ethan and June rush into the room.
“I’d hoped that the treatment would buy us more time,” Ethan says sadly.
“We don’t know that it didn’t.” Evelyn tries reassuring him.
He nods as June’s eyes fill with sympathy.
“We’ll get him to the support suite. There’s still a chance that we could fix this Evelyn.” June tells her, as she prepares Rafael for transport.
Evelyn’s almost too scared to ask, but she needs to know. “How’s Danny?”
“We… we lost him.” Ethan’s voice comes out in a whisper.
“No…”
“Before he died he… he asked to be autopsied. To help the two of you.”
As Ethan turns to help June, Evelyn reports Raf’s most recent symptom of hot cold reversal.
“Stay strong, Evelyn. We’ll know more soon.” June tells her reassuringly as she and Ethan slowly push Raf out of the room.
Now she’s all alone, curled up on her bed, the pressure in her head becoming almost too much to bear.
Her mind drifts to Danny. She remembers her first day when he was the one that told her that she had just performed a thoracotomy with Ethan Ramsey. The night of the party her roommates had when he and Sienna talked all night until they fell asleep together on the couch.
Sienna. All Evelyn wanted to do was rush to her side and hold her. She and Danny were supposed to be together. They were meant for each other. But how he was gone, and Sienna would have to live with that loss. She probably never even got to say goodbye.
Goodbye. Evelyn had to be prepared.
Picking up her phone, she sees that she has several missed calls and messages.
Calling her mom, she picks up immediately.
“Evelyn sweetie! Are you okay?! Oh my goodness, we saw what happened on the news and I thought we lost you!”
Hearing her mom’s voice, her tears start falling again.
“I’m hanging in there right now mom. It’s just me in the room now. Rafael just got taken to the support suite.”
“Oh, sweetie…”
“Mom… is everyone there?”
“Yes, honey. We’re all here.”
“Can you put me on speaker please?”
“Hey Evey.” she hears her dad’s voice say.
“Hi, Dad.”
“Hi Evelyn, do they know what it is yet?
“Hi Ben, no they don’t. We got a shot earlier that was supposed to slow the progression of the symptoms, but we don’t have a cure yet.”
“Oh.”
“Listen, guys… if I don’t make it…”
“No Evelyn! You can’t say that!” her heart breaks as she hears Ben crying through the phone.
“Wait… just listen to me. I’m preparing for the worst. I want you guys to know… that I love you all so much. And I want to thank you for everything that you’ve done to help me fulfill my dreams.”
Aside from the sound of soft cries, the line is silent.
Finally, her dad speaks up.
“We love you too sweetie. Stay strong and hang in there. You’ll be fine.”
“I’ll try… take care.”
“Bye.”
Later, her friends and the diagnostics team are gathered outside her window. Bryce looks at her with haunted eyes while a crying Sienna buries her face in Jackie’s shoulder.
“How’s Kyra? The surgery must be over by now…”
“She’s fine and resting. We haven’t told her what happened yet.”
“Good idea.”
“So, do you know what it is yet?”
Ethan explains to her that it’s a maitotoxin that he had never seen before. It was still present in Danny’s bony postmortem and on the surface of his skin.
Processing the information, the realization hits Evelyn like a ton of bricks.
“Maitotoxin… that’s derived from parasites in fish, isn’t it? But… there’s no antidote so… I’m going to die here…” her voice now barely a whisper. “I can’t believe this. Today was supposed to be happy. Kyra was supposed to have a successful surgery and everything was supposed to be fine… but now Danny’s dead, Raf is in a coma, and I’m… I’m…” Evelyn buries her face in her hands as she begins to cry.
“Now isn’t the time to give up hope Evelyn. Because of Raf’s actions, you didn’t get much in your system so your symptoms aren’t as advanced. There may not be an antidote as yet, but I promise you that we’ll be working round-the-clock to synthesize one.” Ethan tries to sound as confident as he can, his heart breaking to see Evelyn hurting.
“You won’t be alone.”
Everyone turns around to see that the statement had come from Tobias, as he, and several Mass Kenmore doctors approached them, all prepared to do whatever it takes.
As everyone heads down to the lab, Ethan lingers behind at the window.
“Are you okay, Ethan?”
“No, Evelyn, I’m not okay. But you don’t need to hear about that. You should try and get some rest. Have you slept at all?”
“No. I can’t stop thinking about Rafael. How long he can last… whether… whether it’s already…”
“…Do you want me to stay for a while?”
“Yes, please. If this is my last night alive, I want to spend it with you.”
“If I was in your position, I’d feel the same way about you.”
“Really?”
“Really, Evelyn.”
Suiting up and entering the room, he gently guides her to the bed.
“Now lie down. I know it sounds impossible, but I need you to relax and try to think about something happy.”
As she lies down, Ethan gently pulls up the covers around her.
“Something happy like what it would be like if we went on a date?”
“If that’s what makes you happy then sure.”
Her happiness leaves as quickly as it came.
“What’s wrong?”
“I just feel like there are so many things that I should have done.”
“Like what?”
“I should have loved more.”
“What do you mean?”
“I’ve spent the last decade focusing on college, med school, work, always guarding my heart because I might be in another city the next year. It makes me wonder… what could have been,” she confesses sadly.
Ethan is quiet for a long moment.
“Since we’re sharing regrets, do you mind if I share one of mine?”
“Go ahead.”
Reaching across, Ethan’s gloved hand finds hers.
“I wish I hadn’t asked you to stay away.”
“You do?” she asks surprised.
“We’ve wasted so much time. I’ve wasted so much time. I should have held you in my arms every day and told you how much I… how much I love you.”
“Ethan?”
“Shh… I just needed you to know… that no matter what happens… I love and care about you more than I can ever tell you.”
“I love you too, Ethan.”
“You do?”
“Of course! I thought you knew that already.”
“I did. It’s just so wonderful to hear you say it.”
“I wish I could kiss you.”
“Soon. You will soon.”
Joining her on the bed, he wraps his bulky arms around her as eyes begin to flutter closed.
“Evelyn? Can you please look at me?”
“Hmm?”
Forcing her eyes open, she looks at him through his helmet.
“Promise me that you’ll keep fighting. That you won’t give up. Oh, Evelyn… our story’s only just begun and it can’t end here. Please… please promise me.”
“…I… promise,” she whispers before falling asleep.
The next morning she wakes up to excruciating pain in her stomach. Doubling over, Ethan reaches across from the chair for her.
“It’s okay Evelyn, you’ll be alright!”
Feeling weaker than ever, she can barely make out the blurry figures running to her window.
“Evelyn! We did it!” Aurora shouts.
“Huh?”
Baz and June enter the room with the antidote as Tobias explains how they did it.
“What about Raf? He’s much sicker than I am…”
“We administered it to him, but too far there’s been no chance. It’s possible we’re already too late.” Sienna gloomily reveals.
“But he hasn’t gotten any worse, that has to mean something!” Elijah adds.
As Ethan gently injects the serum into her vein, he whispers into her ear.
“Hang in there, Evelyn.”
Over the next several anxious hours, June comes regularly to take her blood.
Slowly, her blood pressure stabilizes and the nausea begins to fade.
As Evelyn looks around, she realizes that the room no longer looks blurry.
“Get up.”
She turns around to see a hazmat suit free Ethan stroll into the room with a big smile on his face.
“You mean…”
“It worked. There’s no trace of toxin left in your bloodstream. Even if there are still traces in the room, we know now that we can-”
“Oh!”
Evelyn flies into Ethan's arms pulling him into a tight hug.
“…What you’re saying is I’m finally free to do this?”
“Yes. This too.”
He leans down capturing her lips in a passionate kiss as tears fall down both of their faces.
“Ethan, aren’t you worried that someone will see?”
“No. After almost losing you, I’ve decided that there are more important things to worry about than what people will think. I love you with all my heart, Evelyn Long.”
Summary: With the unsatisfying and disappointing outcome with Declan Nash, Anastasia has an idea to brighten up Ethan's mood... Even for a little.
Word Count: 1082
…
"So sorry about your patient!"
Anastasia watch as Ethan's face hardens from the corner of her eye as the two of them walk away, as for her, with heavy guilt. A heavy sigh leaves her lips, they eventually went outside and the sun's rays pierce her face. Anastasia thought to herself, she screwed up, big time, she had one job and for some unusual reason, it managed to go wrong. She stares down on the ground.
"Dr. Ramsey... I-I'm so sorry." She said with a dishearted tone of voice. The older doctor stopped his tracks and closed his eyes. She gulps anxiously as she feels her heartbeat quicken in nervousness.
"Don't be. It's not your fault."
Ethan's statement was the complete opposite of what she expected. Anastasia's body didn't know how to react but inside of her, there was this heavy feeling that left upon the attending's words. She smiles softly before finding the courage to glance back at him.
"So, what now...?"
For the first time, Anastasia saw Ethan's features turn uncertain. There was this curve over his forehead and his brows were drawn tight with tension. He keeps his gaze secure to the sight ahead.
"I don't know Rookie... I don't know." Ethan's fingers then balled into a fist as he desperately tried to control his frustration. There was a knot of anger and disappointment in him, the mere fact that he had to ask Anastasia to do the favor for him just made him realize how pathetic he was.
Anastasia could see the emotions rising behind his eyes. Just from a simple glance, she could tell how scattered his thoughts and feeling are right now, mixed emotions come sweeping over him. It was supposed to be a great day, well, Anastasia wished for it to be, but then this Declan Nash had to ruin everything. Ethan just walking straight along, and she was starting to get confused about where he was going.
An abrupt idea popped out of her head, maybe it doesn't have to end like this. A playful grin crawls to her face before staring up at him.
"If you don't mind. We're in Miami and I don't think you'll want to go back in there so," The attending's brows furrowed as he peers back at her.
"We can tour around! It can help lessen your stress right now, trust me."
Ethan then stops his tracks as he faces his body towards her, crossing his arms over his chest. "You're asking me to trust an intern?"
Anastasia chuckles before nodding. "Well if you say it that way, yes."
The older doctor just stayed there amused, his pupils dilated slightly but the young female couldn't notice. The more he spent time with her, the more he began to understand her character, she wasn't only persistent at him in Edenbrook, even here she still is, but maybe there's some good in that stubbornness too. He eventually sighs before looking back again, and with a stern voice, he muttered.
"Fine."
Anastasia's mischievous smile only intensifies as they change their direction back towards the car. inside Ethan's mind, he just couldn't believe why he agreed with such a ridiculous idea, but he didn't want to ruin her enjoyment right now, plus, he owed her enough already.
The dark-haired took out the keys from his pockets and suddenly Anastasia lifted her hand above his. He quietly groans while looking at her.
"Nope. You're not driving, I am."
"Why's that?" He argued. Anastasia gaped back at him with a rigid gaze.
"You're feeling a lot of emotions right now that can affect your ability to drive."
His jaw hung slightly down, he didn't know how to respond. Maybe she was talking too many steps ahead of him? But then again the intern made a decent point. Ethan just attempted his best to shove away his feelings and lower his superiority.
"Alright."
Another giggle fled her lips as the man tossed his keys to her. Anastasia swiftly caught these and eventually unlocked the car doors. Ethan went to the passenger seat as she starts the engine, and soon after a few minutes, they began drifting off.
The sun appeared over the clouds, the bright rays descended down so Ethan took his shades off from the small holder in the car before wearing them. The breeze played with Anastasia's long red hair, it felt refreshing, almost an escape. Ethan himself couldn't lie that he felt a lot better now. He takes a quick glimpse to the side before asking.
"So, what's your plan?" She kept her gaze firmly fixed on the road, but a small smirk form from her lips.
"I didn't know, but that's the fun in that."
...
No one would believe it if someone started telling another medical staff that Dr. Ramsey had a wonderful time with another doctor, particularly an intern, but that's precisely what he's feeling at the moment. He respected Anastasia's efforts and had a pleasant time with her while they were exploring in Miami. It may not have been planned, but it was a real treat for the two of them.
"Sienna and Elijah are going to love these!" She looked down at the bunch of things she bought for her friends. The older doctor was right beside her, but his we're brows knitted into a frown.
It's been pretty great for the previous few hours. But something was bothering him right now, like if he could have forgotten something important. No, it had nothing to do with Naveen. The dark-haired man was lost in thoughts, staring blankly into space. His piercing blue eyes suddenly settled on a boutique shop, where a long beautiful dress was displayed in front of the glass. That's when the realization struck him.
Anastasia was sharp enough to discern the slightly troubled expression on Ethan's face. With a confused look, she parts her lips to speak. "What's wrong Dr. Ramsey?"
He whirled his head behind and they looked into each other's eyes. Anastasia's face got more puzzled than ever. She was about to talk once again but the older man shortly cuts her off.
"Do you have any, uhm, dresses or maybe a gown along with you?" She barely coughs in disbelief before halting her tracks.
"No, why on earth would I bring that?"
Ethan lowers his gaze to avoid her stare before answering the young female. "I'm sorry, I forgot to tell you there's a reception later on, casino-themed."
Pairing : Open Heart - Bryce Lahela x Casey Valentine (F!MC)
Rating : T
Word count : 534
Summary : Bryce and Casey walk home after the Boards’ party, and suddenly decide to voice their love for each other... aloud.
Note : I never thought i’d write another fic after Sweet Love but here we are. I kept thinking of that line where Bryce said he was so happy he wanted to yell for all Boston to hear, just after MC and him exchanged ILYs so I suddenly got a kick of inspiration and this is the result. I was supposed to post it much earlier but... i slacked off lol
Oh and this is dedicated to my bestie Lisa, HAPPY BIRTHDAY 💖
The Boards’ party celebrations came to an end. Friends and colleagues parted ways with gleeful smiles and warm embraces.
Casey and Bryce, wanting to make the most of their time together and enjoy the perfect weather as well as the clear star-incrusted sky, decided to take a walk to Bryce’s apartment. Hands clasped, smiles on their faces and hearts full of love, the amorous pair were chatting about everything and nothing on the way, letting at times a comfortable silence fill the gaps between conversations.
Once they got to the Charles River, they wordlessly decided to stop by its banks to admire the view for some minutes. The water was twinkling, reflecting the luminous sky above their heads. The gentle breeze, carrying all sorts of summer scents, brushed delightfully against their skin. Boston’s nightly sounds added to the perfect atmosphere, serving as a soundtrack to them. They stood there relishing each other’s presence in companionable silence when Bryce suddenly interrupted:
“Remember what I said earlier about wanting to yell for all Boston to hear?”
Of course she remembered! How could she not? She remembered very clearly every line of his confession, the happiness and joy etched on his face mixed with a tinge of nervousness, the swirl of emotions she felt at that moment... All of it would forever be engraved in her memory.
“Yeah I remember,” she replied, a fond smile on her face. “What about it?”
“Well...” He said, turning to the river. “I LOVE YOU CASEY!” He screamed with all his might, his free hand cupping his mouth, the other still firmly holding hers.
Taken aback, Casey turned to him, eyes wide: “Oh my god Bryce! What are you doing?”
“What? Can’t a man tell the whole city he’s in love with his amazing girlfriend?”
Casey couldn’t help but let out a hearty laugh. That’s her Bryce alright: bold, energetic and spontaneous, always keeping her on her toes... She thought.
“Alright, but it’s only fair the amazing girlfriend announces her love for her incredible boyfriend to the whole city as well.”
“BRYCE I LOVE YOU!” She yelled at the top of her lungs, mimicking his earlier gestures and stance.
They both looked into each other’s eyes then burst out laughing, joy and love lacing every note of their laughter, making it ring into the starry night.
Putting his arms around her, Bryce brought Casey’s body closer to his, enveloping it in his warmth. He then leaned in to give her a sweet kiss, enjoying the way her soft lips felt against his - a feeling neither of them will ever tire of. The kiss grew passionate, consuming but retaining its sweetness, leaving them both breathless yet wanting more.
After few moments, the pair reluctantly pulled away, still staying in each other’s arms and gazing into the other’s eyes once again.
“I love you, Casey,” Bryce said, this time much quieter than the previous but with just as much passion behind it.
“I love you too Bryce,” she replied with a similarly hushed but loving voice.
With lovesick smiles, intertwined fingers and hearts fluttering in unison, the happy couple resumed their walk, minds full of thoughts of the blissful night awaiting them.
Premise: Follow up to part 1 where Cassie reminds Ethan of their long overdue first date. This is their date night as seen through Cassie’s Pictagram posts. Everyone wants to know who Mystery Man is because in this AU they’re still keeping their relationship private...for now.
Book: Open Heart
Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Cassie Valentine)
Rating/Category: General. Pure self indulgent fluff (because my week was hectic AF and I really needed this)
A/N: I originally planned to write a fic about Cassie and Ethan getting to know each other over dinner since they didn’t get to do that earlier in their relationship as everything was so rushed and electric. I might still write that story, but whenever I’d think of Date Night, all I could picture was these quiet romantic moments. Enjoy!
