#txemrn

[txemrn]

King Liam Appreciation Day 5 👑

This has been such a fun week! I have enjoyed seeing everyone's creations, HCs, and general excitement over discussing all things Liam! Special thanks again to our amazing hosts @lizzybeth1986 and @sazanes. Thank y'all for working so hard to make everything so special for @kingliamappreciationweek!

In honor of KLAW #5, I thought I would share 2 different creations (2 different posts, you'll understand why!) about one of my AUs called Stay (Masterlist).

This is a short reel edit of the Prologue: A Shadow in the Dark, where we meet "Will the Thrill" (and if you are new, hi! Here is a little bit of background info if you just want to watch the video: Connie isn't too terrible; Eleanor is still alive; Leo didn't abdicate; Liam still found Riley; if you choose to read, this whole scenario is a very loose nod to an incident talked about in canon). Enjoy!

TW: gun violence

*I do not own the rights to the music; no copyright infringement intended. Characters and some plots belong to Pixelberry.

[choicesfandomappreciation]

I wanted to take the time to give a huge thank you to some wonderful friends I’ve met and I’m so grateful to have in my life 💙 Because let’s be honest when life isn’t so great it’s great to have people you can call your friends and to laugh and just have a great time with 💙💙💙💙

@doriopenheart You’re a constant light for me when it’s too dark for me to see. Our chats brighten up my day like nothing else. Love that we became friends and share so many things and have so much in common 🧡🧡🧡🧡

@aallotarenunelma Little Moon 🌙 They’ve become so important and such a great friend to me. They’re an amazing writer and I’m so so happy we became friends and got to write together and can’t wait for more writing sessions to come 💛

@ofmischiefandmedicine Linds I don’t know how to say or express how much you mean to me as a person and as a friend. I will always cherish our friendship and hope you have a wonderful, no a fantastic day 💚

@cariantha Cari 💙 Where to even start? There’s so much love and joy I have when we interact. Your presence is felt so much on tumblr here. I love that you joined our little fandom family 💙

@txemrn Em 💎 You‘re one of the first people I’ve made friends with here on tumblr and we’ve laughed so much. Talked a lot about TNA and have so much fun all the time. I cherish you and I’m so happy we became friends 💗

@inlocusmads Mads 💚 because you’re freaking amazing. You always come up with amazing ideas. Your stories are amazing. Your comments literally give me life and make my day a bit brighter 💚

@openheartforeverinmyheart

I’m so so glad we met and can interact so much. I can’t wait to get to know you more and share more laughs and of course let’s not forget your beautiful personality and support you share with us. Also for creating Adelina? Hell yeah 😍

And not to forget these amazing, wondertastic friends I’ve met and can’t wait to interact with more 💙 Your beautiful presence makes my day brighter and so much shinier 🥰

@jerzwriter @mysticalgalaxysstuff

@quixoticdreamer16 @princess-geek

@songsaboutgirls @planet-alicorn

@annfg8 @maurine07

@mydemonsdrivealimo @mvalentine

@starrystarrytrouble @the-pale-goddess

@trappedinfanfiction

@potionsprefect @the-mrsreigns

@lilyoffandoms @lorircreates

@karahalloway @secretaryunpaid

@josiesopenheart @ladylamrian

@jamespotterthefirst

@socalwriterbee @angelasscribbles

@harleybeaumont @dr-colossal-pita

@openheartfanfiction

Also a huge shoutout to these amazing blogs

@choicesficwriterscreations @moodmusicmonday @choicesfandomappreciation @choicesmonthlychallenge @choicesflashfics

@doriopenheart @aallotarenunelma @ofmischiefandmedicine @cariantha @txemrn @inlocusmads @openheartforeverinmyheart @jerzwriter @mysticalgalaxysstuff @quixoticdreamer16 @princess-geek @songsaboutgirls @planet-alicorn @annfg8 @maurine07 @mydemonsdrivealimo @mvalentine @starrystarrytrouble @the-pale-goddess @trappedinfanfiction @potionsprefect @the-mrsreigns @lilyoffandoms @lorircreates @karahalloway @secretaryunpaid @josiesopenheart @ladylamrian @jamespotterthefirst @socalwriterbee @angelasscribbles @harleybeaumont @dr-colossal-pita @openheartfanfiction@choicesficwriterscreations @moodmusicmonday @choicesfandomappreciation @choicesmonthlychallenge @choicesflashfics

[cariantha]

Countdown to 2023

1 series or ongoing project from the fandom you are looking forward to in 2023

@txemrn and @socalwriterbee,

I'm most looking forward to seeing what crazy turns our OH/Ethan Ramsey "tag, you're it" fic will take. It was scary and intimidating to pick up where you both left off, but it was a lot of fun.

@choicesfandomappreciation

[openheartfanfics]

OHFFs Advent Calendar: Day 21

A Merry Little Christmas

Submitted by @txemrn​

Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x f!OC (Tatum Erikson)

Rating: Mature audiences (18+)

Summary: It’s Ethan and Tatum’s first Christmas back together, and she’s the on-call attending. He surprises her with some holiday cheer, but after a difficult delivery, he surprises her with much more.

Category: Fluff, Angst, One-Shot

Warnings/Trope: language; pregnancy, labor and delivery discussion; brief medical discussion; mention of drug use; innuendos, brief implications of sexting

“Order 538. Order 538." 

The salutations of the shopkeeper’s doorbell chimes a brief stillness into the indistinguishable chatter amongst the patrons at the Bostonian delicatessen. The popular ‘Ma and Pop’ shop mirrors the hustle of the rest of the city as everyone anxiously completes their last-minute holiday shopping. 

Ethan Ramsey sends off a quick text message before adjusting his gloves and herringbone flat cap. He steps forward in the long line with his ticket.

“Cmon, people. 538– oh! Hey, Doc!” The restaurant owner’s tone quickly changes as he greets his long-time customer. “Merry Christmas Eve to you!”

“And to you as well, Clyde,” Ethan curtly nods with a kind half-smile. “Is Ruth-Anne home with the children?”

Clyde leans in conspiratorially. “And my mother-in-law.” He rolls his eyes. “But, hey, what about you?” At that moment, a deli worker places Ethan’s order on the counter: two giant brown paper bags with three trays of sandwiches and cookies. “You got enough food here to feed an army, an army that might include–” he clears his throat, “–a certain beautiful blonde doctor–?”

A warming pink swirls across Ethan’s cheeks as he avoids divulging his private life. “Feeding an army of labor and delivery workers. Yes–”

“Ah-ha–” clicks the old man’s tongue, “so part of this order is for a certain beautiful blonde doctor.”

Stifling his wide grin, Ethan shifts his gaze to the door, fumbling with his wallet. “She’s working a thirty-six, and I’m heading up to Providence in the morning, and, well, um–” Ethan turns back to a cheeky-smiling shop owner. “Yes,” he sighs, chuckling to himself as Clyde pounds his fist victoriously on his wooden workstation. “I will be seeing Dr. Erikson this evening–”

“Aww hey, that’s great, Doc!” He tinkers a few buttons on his register as Ethan hands him his credit card. “She’s quite gal, ain’t she?”

Ethan looks down, fidgeting with a button to his winter coat, searching for a response. Finally turning his attention back to the owner, he nods his head, a soft, doting gleam pours over his countenance. “She’s–” he tries to hide his smile, “–she’s pretty great.”

“Ahhh, I know that damn love-fool smile,” jokes Clyde, handing Ethan his card. “Well, I think she’s an absolute doll. I know she makes all our days brighter when she stops in for lunch.” He staples several pieces of paperwork and receipts to the paper bags. “It’s funny. When you placed this order the other day, I thought I recognized part of her usual–”

"Half pimento cheese, half turkey pastrami on marble rye–” both men said in unison, exchanging a knowing expression.

“But here,” continues Clyde as he packs a cup of baked potato soup, adding it to one of the bags. Ethan tries to refuse the kind gesture, but the generous owner insists. “Trust me, Doc. We’ve been out of this soup for two weeks now.” He puts the bowl in the bag. “Bring this to her,” he leans in, lowering his voice. “Sleigh bells will be jingling.” He winks as he stumbles into a gut-busting laugh.

Ethan shakes head, the redness returning to his cheeks as he rolls his eyes. He grabs his order before heading towards the door.

“Merry Christmas, Clyde,” he smirks.

As a light dusting of snow begins to fall, Ethan makes it back to Edenbrook with the delectable food trays in tow. Overall, the hospital is fairly quiet; many workers have already left town for the holiday. Not having to wait for an elevator, he pushes the button for the Birthing Center, the lift quickly climbing to the fifth floor.

As he rounds the corner to the nurse’s station, the silent hallway quickly fills with squeals as he sets down their Christmas Eve platters of treats.

“Dr. Ramsey! Is this for us?” Chimes in Wanda, an older charge nurse who has known the Chief since he was an intern. She slips an arm around his back, hugging him in appreciation. Other nurses crowd around Ethan, making small remarks of thankfulness as they start to dig into the sandwiches.

“Of course, this is for you ladies,” he smiles cordially. “But first, I need your help with something.” As the nurses and technicians give him a questioning look, a mischievous grin crawls across his face as he pulls out his cell phone, turning his attention to the doctor’s lounge.

Chewing on the side of her mouth, Tatum takes a deep, cleansing breath as she hovers her computer mouse over the email ‘send’ button. This was it: her very last electronic correspondence before Christmas. Monday morning would inevitably clutter her inbox, demanding for her attention. But for now, she is ready to enjoy the holiday–even though she would be spending it at the hospital.

As she watches a pixelated envelope fly across the screen into her outbox, she lets out a satisfactory sigh. She closes her computer, quickly flopping onto the twin size mattress in the on-call room. She toggles through her phone, and instantly starts blasting the screaming lyrics of Asking Alexandria. Her eyes fluttering shut, she feels the tension leaving her body as her joints begin to pop and relax.

Her music is suddenly interrupted with the chime of a text message. Sitting up on one of her elbows, a playful smirk creeps across her face as she turns to continue the conversation. 

Ethan: Are you with a patient?

Tatum: Nope, just resting in bed. What are you doing?

Ethan: in bed, huh?

Tatum: so luxurious, let me tell ya

Ethan: …

Tatum: ??

Ethan: So, tell me.

Tatum: Tell you what?

Ethan: Tell me about you in this bed.

Tatum: Ethan…

Ethan: Or you could just show me.

Tatum pauses; she raises an eyebrow before tenderly sucking her bottom lip between her teeth. Was he asking for a naughty picture?

She jumps up from the bed; after inspecting the empty lounge area outside of her room, she locks herself into the on-call room. She anxiously skips back to the bed where her phone is dinging again.

Ethan: Tate?

Tatum: I’m here

Ethan: What are you wearing?

Tatum: lol, really?

Ethan: …

Tatum wiggles nervously as her eyes shift around the room. She decides to play along, rolling up her scrub pants to expose her Charlie Brown Christmas compression stockings. She lays back on the bed, propping her legs against the painted brick wall, nonchalantly crossing her ankles. She quickly snaps a photo, sending it to her boyfriend.

Ethan: More skin please.

Tatum: ETHAN

Ethan: I want to see you. 

Tatum hangs her head in her hands, scoffing at herself. “What am I? Seventeen again?” It wasn’t a question of if she trusted Ethan; that was very much established when they decided to date again. And even though their intimacy met no boundaries, Tatum is painfully aware her body has changed since their days in medical school. But, he didn’t seem to even notice.

Ethan: I want to see you so badly.

Blushing, she shimmies down her scrub pants, exposing her ruby red, lace thong with a tiny jingle bell on the front. She lays back, coyly posing with one knee bent and snaps another photo. Tatum giggles to herself, laying the phone on her chest waiting for his response. After about three minutes, her phone chimes. 

Ethan: Wow.

Tatum furrows her eyebrows. Wow? That’s it? She sets down her phone, relaxing back on her pillow. After a couple of minutes, she receives a text notification.

Ethan: …

Ethan: Are you there?

Tatum: Yeah…

Ethan: I didn’t say to stop.

Tatum: lol

Tatum: Wait, what do I get out of this?

Ethan: You’ll see.

Tatum: …

Ethan: Trust me.

Tatum: Ha, that’s reassuring 

Tatum: … did I lose you?

Ethan: No, I’m here. Just waiting on you.

Tatum: on what exactly?

Ethan: I already told you.

Tatum: Tell me again. :)

Tatum: …I heard that sigh. Sir.

Ethan: I want to see you. All of you.

Tatum: Are you asking me or telling me?

Tatum: Sir?

Tatum giggles mischievously to herself, kicking her legs jovially in the air. She stands up, tossing her phone on the bed as she pulls off her jacket, scrub top and undershirt. Undoing her messy bun, she tosses her head sultrily back and forth, her untamed blonde tresses falling over her shoulders. Biting her lip, she returns to her phone.

Ethan: Show me.

Tatum looks in the full length mirror on the back other door, and begins to laugh at her sweat-stained sports bra. This isn’t sexy. She removes the undergarment before returning to her bed. She grabs her phone, crawling onto her knees.  She snaps a few random angles of herself in various vulnerable positions. She decides to test the waters and removes her underwear, taking a few clever shots with her hands positioned just right.

First, Tatum sends the pictures in her red panties.

Tatum: Were you looking for this?

Then, she sends her completely nude photos.

Tatum: Or were you hungry for this?

Tatum smiles cheekily to herself as she lays back on the bed. Her thoughts become consumed with Ethan, her body becoming thirsty for a taste of him. She’s eager to hear what he has to say, but she refrains from sounding too desperate; she knows he’ll take control in a moment like this.

Suddenly, Tatum’s pager begins to chime a high-pitched buzzing sound. She jumps up, grabbing the device and instantly recognizes the heart-stopping message: obstetrical code 9-1-1. As the on-call in-house physician, she is expected to be there within a few short minutes. 

Fuck. Tatum searches for her underwear as her phone begins to ring.

“This is Erikson!” She grabs her scrub bottoms, and begins sliding them on by hopping on one leg. “I got the page–”

“We need you in triage bed two STAT!”

“Start two lines, and I’ll be right there Hello? Hello? Fuck!” 

Tatum is pulling apart her undershirt from the scrubs, but they continue to tangle together. She finally turns to a shelf in the room that holds spare department scrubs with the hospital’s emblem stamped on them. The only problem is there were only two sizes left: extra-small and extra-extra-large.

She slips on the oversized shirt as she wiggles her feet into her clogs. As she dashes out of the room, she combs her hair into a messy bun, twirling a scrunchy haphazardly in her hair. 

She jerks open the lounge door that leads her immediately into the labor and delivery hallway, when suddenly she is met with a familiar set of crystal blue eyes. Ethan.  Her sprint turns into a stumble when a toothy grin spreads across his mouth as he waggles his eyebrows.  Wanda and several of the other nurses have their mouths covered with their hands as they hold back their laughter. Tatum quickly crosses her arms, ensuring no one can see she is braless–and underwear-less– in her scrubs.  

“What’s wrong, Dr. Erikson?” Ethan titters, extending his arm to hug her. “You look like you were busy–”

Tatum slaps his arm away. “You asshole!” she yells, holding back a smile. “All of you are assholes!” She screams once more out of breath, but is quickly overcome by her own snickers and tears as she hunches over in disbelief of what just happened. “Were you out here the entire time we–?”

Ethan loosely crosses his arms, rocking on his feet.  His smile remains bright–and guilty as he slowly nods his head. “Come here.” He steps forward, wrapping his strong, comforting arms around Tatum.

Tatum stands up straight in his embrace, naturally wrapping her arms around his waist. “I hate you,” she mumbles into his chest.

“I know,” he chuckles, resting his nose in her tousled hair. He begins to whisper sweet sentiments into her ear that only she can hear. A smile appears on her face as she begins to blush.  She quietly takes Ethan’s hand, lacing her fingers with his, and excuses them to the  physician’s lounge.

“Call me,” Tatum calls out over her shoulder, “ya’know? If any real emergencies come in,” she jokes, winking at Wanda.

The couple escapes to the on-call room inside the doctor’s lounge.  As Tatum locks the door, Ethan paws at the hem of the large scrub shirt, gathering the excess fabric and exposing the skin on her back. The blonde physician spins around in his arms, meeting his lips passionately in a tender kiss. 

“Mmmm,” she purrs as his lips wander down her jaw, pressing her body against the door. Tatum’s fingers gently rake through Ethan’s hair, twirling his waves as he nibbles on her earlobe.

“Surprise,” he jokingly whispers.

Tatum titters, wrapping her arms snuggly around his broad shoulders. “This–” she softly moans, “– is, um, a perfect surprise,” her eyes weigh heavily, words becoming more difficult as he strokes his tongue intimately on her pulse point. “I thought for sure I wouldn’t see you until the day after–OH MY GOD!” Tatum abruptly squeals.

Ethan quickly let’s go, looking around in a panic. “Wh-what? Are you okay–?”

“Did you seriously bring me Clyde’s?” She interrupts, pushing past Ethan as she zeroes in on the paper bag resting on the bed. “And-and you brought some for the girls, too, didn’t you?" 

He innocently shrugs his shoulders as Tatum snuggles back into his chest. "My handsome Grinch,” she chuckles as he rubs circles into her back. “You and your big heart–”

“Speaking of cardiomegaly,” Ethan guffaws, “I need to show you something." 

He turns to the brown paper bag, and begins to unpack it. He hands her the half pimento cheese, half turkey pastrami sandwich on marble rye.

"God, it smells heavenly!” She quickly unwraps the butcher paper to take a bite. “Mmmm,” she covers her mouth with a napkin, “Absolutely perfect.”

Ethan nods, his mouth full with his toasted pastrami sandwich. “But you can’t just eat a sandwich.” He reaches back in the bag, pulling out the soup Clyde generously gave to Ethan for Tatum. 

“Are you kidding me?” Tatum squeals. “But,” she quietly scoffs in disbelief, “how did you–?”

Ethan winks, a crooked smile forming on his lips as he opens the bowl. “I know the owner,” he jests. Dipping the spoon in the thick soup, he carefully feeds a taste to Tatum, barely making it in her mouth. Putting the food down on a nearby chair, Ethan pulls Tatum close, carefully kissing the sides of her mouth from erroneous drips of her meal.

Suddenly, Tatum’s pager chimes. She raises an eyebrow to Ethan, but he innocently holds his hands up. With a giggle, she leans in for one last kiss.

“I’m sorry–”

“Hey, I’m just happy I got to see you–” his voice grows darker, more gravelly, “–all of you.”

Tatum snickers, pulling on his collar for another kiss. “Thank you,” she sneaks another peck on lips, “this was the perfect Christmas.”

Tatum is met in the hallway with her staff running into a labor room. 

“What do we got?”

“Antonia Davidson, 22 year old, G6P6–all preterm–”

“Did the patient tell you she’s been pregnant six times and has had six preterm babies?”

“Yes, ma'am.” Tatum motions for the nurse to continue with her report. “No prenatal care, LMP early June–”

“So, last menstrual period was in early June–” Tatum blankly stares at a wall, counting on her fingers, “–so we’re dealing with a 26 to 28-weeker here.” Tatum turns to another nurse in the room. “Call NICU STAT–”

“Already done, ma'am.”

“Excellent. Do we have access yet?” Tatum looks to see if the healthcare team has started an intravenous line, but instead of seeing a simple mapping of veins, her face falls at the sight of her multiple track lines, signs of drug use.

As the labor team prepares the room for delivery, Tatum weasels her way into the chaos to talk with the patient. 

“Ms. Davidson?” Tatum gently strokes the woman’s clammy arm to get her attention. “Ms. Davidson?” She calls out louder. “Can you hear me?” Tatum grabs Wanda, “someone grab the Narcan; let’s go ahead and give 0.4 milligrams.” The charge nurse nods to the OB as Tatum grips onto the patient’s hand. “Antonia? Can you hear me?”

The patient slowly starts wagging her head back and forth, her eyelids heavy. “M-m-make it stop!” She demands with the dry clicking of her tongue.

“Antonia? My name is Dr. Erikson, and I’m here to help you. What did you take–?”

“You think I do drugs, hrmm?” The patient suddenly screams. “Is that what you think, blondie?” She suddenly spits at Tatum as she begins to sit up in the bed. “Get this shit off of me!” She starts pulling at the monitors and her IV line. “All you doctors are the same, all privileged, thinking you can judge me!” She continues to snarl at the staff. “I’m going home if you’re not going to help me!” Several nurses descend on the patient, attempting to keep the machines working. “You fucking bitches, get the fuck off me–”

“Ms. Davidson!” Roars Tatum. “No, ma'am! We are here to help you, but you will not disrespect me or my staff–”

“You’re trying to kill me! Every one of you–” The disgruntled woman’s face drops as she grabs her abdomen. She begins to grimace in pain, bearing down as her breathing quickens. “For fuck’s sakes, make it stop!”

Tatum quickly takes place between the patient’s legs, but luckily nothing has delivered yet. She slips on her gown and gloves. As the patient visibly falls asleep, Tatum checks, noting that the baby’s tiny head is close to crowning.

“I betcha she can do this without a contraction,” Tatum whispers to the staff before focusing on the patient. “Antonia,” Tatum calmly addresses the patient. “Can you hear me?”

The patient moans in response without opening her eyes.

“I want you to bear down in your bottom like you need to poop–”

Without moving, the patient follows suit and bears down, birthing the tiny two-pound baby into Tatum’s arms. Hastily cutting the umbilical cord, she passes the infant to the nearby neonatal healthcare team.

Tatum as well as the other nurses help straighten out the patient in bed. She remains asleep as they cover her with warm blankets. As soon as the patient was situated, the NICU was prepared to transfer the infant to their quarters.

“Does Mom want to–?”

Tatum quietly shakes her head as she watches the nurse practitioner lay the baby in a plastic isolette. “Wait,” calls out Tatum. She slips on a glove while sneaking her hand into an arm hole of the crib.

“Hey, little one,” Tatum smiles as his hand grips her fingertip. Tears collect in her eyes as she watches her colleagues assist with his breathing. She analyzes his tiny features, his dainty nose and rosy lips.

“We better get moving, Dr. Erikson.”

Tatum nods. “Well, little one, let’s see what kind of fight you got.” She hopefully grins, pulling her hand out of the isolette. The obstetrician turns to Wanda. “Call me when Antonia wakes up. No pain meds for now.”

Before they could respond, Tatum leaves the room, scurrying quickly down the hall to the locker room in the physician’s lounge.

Turning on the shower, Tatum crumbles to pieces, unable to control her sobs. She has delivered unfit mothers with tiny, premature babies just like Ms. Davidson hundreds–if not, thousands of times before tonight. But for some reason while it’s supposed to be the most joyful time of the year, celebrating the birth of a baby under these kind of conditions seems more tragic than usual.

Her thoughts are interrupted with a soft knock on the door. “Tate? It’s me.”

He waited. “Just a minute, Ethan,” she calls out to her boyfriend in a shaky voice. She quickly washes off her skin before wiping away her tears. Turning off the hot water, she wraps herself into a plush towel from home. She walks into the locker room where Ethan is patiently waiting.

“Hey,” he softly calls to her, reaching his hand out to grab hers, gripping lovingly as he pulls her to his side. Tatum sat down next to him, resting her head on his chest as he wrapped a comforting arm around her body. “Wanda told me." 

"Yeah?” She turns her attention to Ethan’s empathic gaze, a tear streaming down her cheek. “Did she–” she clears her throat, dabbing her face with the back of her hand. “–did she say anything about the baby?”

Ethan sighs, squeezing Tatum tighter. “I’m sorry, Tate. So, sorry–”

“Tell me.”

Ethan rests his chin on Tatum’s head. “He’s severely hypoglycemic, and he’s started to have seizures. They’re waiting on a CT scan, but Tate,” he stops himself, reaching for her hand with his, but she pulls away.

“He’s not going to make it through the night, is he?” A single tear strolls down Tatum’s nose followed by another one. And then another one. She stands up, pacing the room as she rubs her forehead and temples. “It’s just not fair,” she whispers. “And of all days– fuck.”

“Dr. Erikson?” Wanda gently taps on the door, “we have a situation." 

"C'mon in, Wanda,” Tatum opens the door as she fetches a new pair of scrubs for herself. “What’s going on?” She shouts out from the on-call room. 

“Ms. Davidson just left AMA.”

“She left AMA?” Tatum quickly pops her head back into the locker room, snapping her bra into place. “Are you fucking kidding me?” Even though she knows she can’t keep people in the hospital against their will, it irritates Tatum when patients disregard their own health and medical care.

“I’m sorry, ma'am, but she just pulled everything and left. Wouldn’t listen to anyone–”

Tatum slips on a ribbed undershirt,  before throwing her arms around the older nurse. “You have no reason to be sorry.” She tenderly strokes her back. “I’m sorry you and your staff had to deal with that tonight. Can you make sure you document well–?”

“Already on it.” She smiles kindly as she leaves the room.

Tatum slips on a scrub top before reaching out for Ethan’s hand. “Want to meet him?”

Tatum and Ethan slip in quietly to the NICU to check on the premature baby boy. They watched as the team carefully inserted another IV line. High-pitched bells and whistles sounded as his vital signs fluctuated. His tiny body is trying its best; but unfortunately, he wasn’t reacting to the various medications.

“It’s just not fair,” Tatum softly whispers to Ethan as she watches the baby’s abdomen rise and fall with the respiratory machine. “He’s alone, and in the fight of his life.” Tatum stifles a sob as her breath hitches in her chest. Her voice becomes even more quiet.  “He’s never even been loved before.” After a few silent moments, Tatum clears her throat. “I better head back to the unit,” Tatum whispers, “and you have a long, early morning drive.” Ethan runs his fingers through his hair, but finally nods.

Hand-in-hand, they quietly return to the on-call room to pack up Ethan’s things. Tatum crawls into bed, adjusting the blankets around her.

“I can stay–”

“No, no,” she smirks. “I’m just being more sensitive today about this because of the holiday. I’m fine–”

“How about–” Ethan conspiratorially shakes a knowing finger, “–you open your Christmas gift? You know, for some cheering up.” He hands her a flat, skinny square-shaped present, wrapped poorly with Ethan’s questionable creative-ability.

“Ethan,” she smiles, “I wish I would’ve known we were going to do our exchange tonight–”

He waves away her concerns as he sits on the side of her bed. “Go ahead. Open it.”

Ripping into the paper, Tatum’s breath suddenly catches in her chest as tears gather in her eyes. “Oh, Ethan, I–” her words are lost into her sobs. In her arms, she held her own copy of The Poky Little Puppy’s First Christmas.

“You said you always wanted it,” he chuckles. “I think even Trevor told me once how badly you wanted it.”

Biting her lip, she gingerly traces the outline of the dog on the front cover. “I used to check it out at the library right before Christmas break so I could have it for an extra few days,” she snickers at her innocent antics. Hugging the Little Golden Book tightly to her chest, Tatum mouths the words 'thank you’ to Ethan.

He tenderly cups her face, drying her tears with his thumbs. He leans in, kissing her forehead before kissing her supple lips. “Get some rest,” he combs her hair behind her ear before kissing her once more.

“I will,” she kisses his hand before he stands up. “Hey, I don’t want anything to happen to this,” she hands him the children’s book. “Can you take it home?”

He nods as he puts it away in a bag. “Night, Tate,” he turns off the light.

It was a quiet Christmas Eve. In a sheer panic that she had missed a page, Tatum woke up from a deep four-hour nap. Stepping out onto the floor, she visited with the floor nurses, all of which ensured her that the night had been rather calm after Ms. Davidson had left.

“Oh, good news, Dr. Erikson,” calls out Wanda. “Our 28-weeker stopped seizing.”

“What?” A joyous grin blossoms across the physician’s mouth. “Seriously?”

“Yes, ma'am. Vital signs are stabilizing. He just might make it after all." 

Tatum can barely hide her excitement, bouncing on her heels. "Thanks for the update, Wanda. I’m going to go check on him.” Biting her lip, Tatum begins to jog down the hallway to the NICU, eager to witness her very own Christmas miracle.

As Tatum drew closer to the infant’s room, she could hear something–rather someone familiar. And to the swelling of her heart, his gravelly, baritone voice is reciting lines from a book she knew like the back of her hand. Taking in the moment, Tatum rests her forehead against the doorframe, cherishing not only her Christmas miracle of a baby, but treasuring the big heart that is Ethan Ramsey.

“…Poky tore open his package. 'My boot!’ He cried happily. 'And it’s all shiny and clean!’…”

Tatum softly raps on the door before tip-toeing inside the room. As she looks up, her gaze is met with the most endearing sight: Ethan has his shirt unbutton, holding the premature infant securely on his chest, his skin completely exposed to the baby’s skin.

Ethan stops reading, and nervously tries to explain himself. “I’ve read more than enough of your articles about kangaroo care and the importance of skin-to-skin contact. So, I asked if we could give it a shot.” He offers Tatum a crooked smile. “He might be in the fight of his life–”

“–but at least he won’t be alone,” Tatum finishes the thought, her eyes glistening. She pulls a chair to Ethan, leaning in close to kiss his shoulder. 

“They said that he’s starting to improve,” he smirks, staring deeply into her blue eyes. “CT came in about an hour ago, and this little guy has not one brain bleed.”

“What?” Tatum gasps. “You’re kidding me.”

There’s a sudden twinkle in Ethan’s eye as he looks down at the cradled baby.

She runs her hand behind Ethan’s ear and down his neck. “Thanks to you.”

He reaches over, stealing a sweet kiss from Tatum. 

“Thanks to us.”

[chemist-ana]

Where is @txemrn? I need to cry about Robin Flores to someone.

My main squeeze @txemrn

Where oh where are you my love?

I mean I know where she is.

The people are looking for you.

[txemrn]

King Liam Appreciation Day 5 👑 (part deux)

In honor of KLAW #5, I'm sharing 2 different creations about one of my AUs called Stay (Masterlist). I hope y'all don't mind, but I felt like this one deserved a post all to itself to give props to the artist! Check out this GORGEOUS piece, created by @/artbyainna (on insta!)! It still takes my breath away.

*This is a paid commission; do not alter it or repost.

"... let's at least give them something to talk about." 🖤

---

Missed my previous post? Check it out here! Happy @kingliamappreciationweek!

[txemrn]

It's that time again!

Hey, sweet friends!

Firstly, if you are being tagged, that means that at some point, you enjoyed something that I've written and asked for a tag. And for that, I want to thank you so much for the support! 💜

Second, I'd like to take this moment to update my tag list. But, I'm going to need your help! Here's how it's going to work:

If you want to remain on my tag list, please comment on this post or DM me exactly where you would like to be tagged.

If you wish to be removed, keep scrolling. NO comment is necessary. There are NO hard feelings, NO questions asked (people and tastes change).

⭐ Remember ⭐

The tag list is a tool for YOU. It's not about making me feel good or special; it's all about making it easier for YOU to know when I've posted something that you are interested in reading. Please consider this before you comment. I don't want to annoy anyone with unwanted tags.

I will start using my new tag list ...

Monday, September 26th

... but please know that you can send me a tag change request at any time.

Thank y'all so much for your time! I appreciate y'all! 💜

~🖤~

PERMA

@alexabeta @ao719 @charlotteg234 @chemist-ana @differenttyphoonwerewolf @foreverethereal123 @harleybeaumont @issabees @kat-tia801 @khoicesbyk @kingliam2019 @lovelyladyk88 @mainstreetreader @mom2000aggie @neotericthemis @nikirennie87 @peonierose @schnitzelbutterfingers @sfb123 @shannonwrote @shewillreadyou @socalwriterbee @tessa-liam  

ALL TRR/TRH

@21-wishes @angelasscribbles @gkittylove99 @iaminlovewithtrr @lovingchoices14 @motorcitymademadame @princessleac1 @rubiwalker @twinkleallnight

ANYTHING LIAM

STAY

@amandablink @bbrandy2002

@belencha @busywoman @debramcg1106 @walkerdrakewalker

ALL TNA

@bisexualdisasteracd @choices-addict @rookiemartin

BOUGHS & MOCKINGBIRDS

@caroldxnvxrs @lem-20 @queenrileyrose @walkerdrakewalker

POUR TWO GLASSES

@3pawandme @alyshak92 @alyssalauren  @debramcg1106 @ladyangel70 @walkerdrakewalker @veebug8                                         

ALL OPEN HEART

@annfg8 @cariantha @lsvdw-blog @ohchoices @thegreentwin

RICOCHET

@youlookappropriate

[choicesfandomappreciation]

For the writer’s appreciation day ❣️

@dcbbw ~ You write incredible stories that are outside of the box and, dare I say, brave in a sense because they may not be considered the norm or something you would typically see but you take them on and add your flair and you do it beautifully. You put to question everything we think we know about these characters and make us love ones we maybe would not. And you always leave wanting more. It’s the reason I keep coming back to your work time and time again. 

@ao719 ~ I find myself in awe of how you put together such compelling storylines. The effort that you put into telling a story and being sure of connecting the dots truly shines in your works. Your love and admiration for Liam and your understanding of who he is as a character is unmatched. And your angst. They do not call you the queen of angst for nothing. You can shatter readers hearts but you always put them back together. 

@queenrileyrose ~ I never would have thought about Leo and Riley together but you write them so wonderfully and make them work together so incredibly well. Sometimes it’s hard after reading one of your stories to envision either of them with anyone else. It’s a pairing that I can’t get enough of and I always look forward to seeing what scenarios you’ll come up with next for them. Your otp has become one of my otps now because of your wonderful works. 

@kat-tia801 ~ You have this wonderful ability to write each character with the admiration they all deserve and it’s one of my favorite things about your writing. You are like a Jack of all trades, able to write one pairing and turn around and write another pairing from the same book with the same love and respect. I love the scenarios and au’s you put them in also. I’m so hoping for your return and looking forward to more of your beautiful stories. 

@txemrn ~ I love that you push the boundaries of your characters and take them places some people would not. And you do it wonderfully. You have them face true struggles and the imagery you put into your words make the readers feel that they are there watching it all play out.

@charlotteg234 ~ I was thrilled to start reading your first story and you surely did not disappoint. You took care into building it and I feel connected to your story and characters because of it. I so look forward to reading more of your wonderful work. 

@sfb123 ~ I love the realness that you give your characters. Whether it be in friendship or the relationship between Liam and Riley, you make them feel relatable and that makes your already wonderful stories that much more enjoyable to read. 

@bebepac ~ You truly have the unexpected with like you say “the dramatic flair” in your stories. I usually find myself on alert when reading, waiting for a twist to pop in, but you do it well, always able to surprise me. 

Thank you to you all for continuing to write such wonderful works.

As well to the newer writers (new to me), I am looking forward to more from you and thank you for your creations for the fandom. @emkay512 @tessa-liam @kingliam2019 @harleybeaumont @phoenixrising0308 @klanddwlover and to others I may be forgetting. Thank you.

@dcbbw, @ao719, @queenrileyrose, @kat-tia801, @txemrn, @charlotteg234, @sfb123, @bebepac, @emkay512 @tessa-liam @kingliam2019 @harleybeaumont @phoenixrising0308 @klanddwlover