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choicesjunechallenge · 10 months

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That's the tea, T.

Book: Open Heart (Late Book 2 Timeline)

Characters: Tobias Carrick x F!MC, Ethan Ramsey, Bryce Lahela

Rating: Teen

Warnings: Implied sensuality- nothing explicit

Words: 1,800

Summary: Tobias, Casey, Ethan, and Bryce take a walk to the new coffee place... and it turns out to be an educational experience for all as Tobias's tea order causes some commotion.

A/N: Hey all! This story takes place in the early days of Casey & Tobias's relationship, not long after he begins working at Edenbrook. This was inspired by @inlocusmads, who sent a "Is this your HC" ask that she believed Tobias had a coffee order that drove Ethan crazy. I loved it... but made it tea instead.

For most Bostonians, five AM represented an ungodly that should only be spent one of two ways: in bed or on an early flight out of Logan to the tropical destination of your dreams. But that luxury wasn’t afforded to doctors. Duty called at all hours of the day, and while it wasn’t always easy, most adjusted… some better than others.

On this morning, Edenbrook’s Diagnostic Team’s office was in full swing at the ungodly hour. Ethan, who had dealt with this for years, sat at the head of the conference table wearing a crisp lab coat and a freshly pressed shirt. Chipper as he could be, for Ethan Ramsey, you wouldn’t have known that it wasn’t five in the evening by the looks of him. However, Casey offered a contrasting picture. Her hair was pulled into a messy ponytail, and her scrubs and lab coat could be best described as “slept in,” which was odd considering she hadn’t slept a wink. She’d never be a fan of mornings, but she was doing better. She only yawned every ten minutes now, a marked improvement from before.

As the two read over charts, a cheerful whistle began to permeate the air, to Ethan’s annoyance. While he may have been used to being up this early, perhaps he was even OK with it. However, this enthusiasm was overkill, and there was no doubt who the culprits would be. He smiled when they walked into the room as if on cue.

“Tobias… Bryce,” he groaned. “Why the hell are you two so happy?”

“Why not?” Bryce flashed his megawatt smile. “It’s a new day, and there is always a reason to smile!”

“Hey, go easy on him,” Tobias snickered. “After all, some of us have more reason to smile than others.”

Casey giggled as Tobias winked flirtatiously in her direction, and suddenly Ethan was the most glum in the room.

“Tobias & I were going to run to the coffee shop. Would you guys like anything?”

“You mean the cafeteria?” Ethan groused.

“God, no!” Bryce replied. “The new coffee place on Cambridge opens at 5:00. It’s worth the walk.”

Ethan’s face changed at once, happy and duly impressed. “Really? You know what? I’ll join you!”

“Uh, it’s probably best if you just give us your order. We’ll have it back to you in no time.”

“That’s a lovely offer, Lahela, but I’d like to go along.”

“OK,” Bryce hummed. “I just hope you can… handle it.”

“Handle it?” Ethan asked with annoyance. “It’s a three-block walk. I run marathons. I can handle it.”

“Yeah,” Bryce chuckled. “That’s not what I meant.”

“Bryce,” Casey yawned. “Leave him be. If the man wants to live dangerously, so be it.”

Ethan looked between the two friends, thoroughly confused.

“Does that mean you’re joining us too, princess?” Tobias asked.

“Princess?” Ethan mocked. “You do remember that you’re at work, right?”

“I’m not officially on the clock until 6:00, so she’s princess to me for another hour.” Tobias tapped Casey on the shoulder and grinned. “So, you ready… princess?”

“Can I just stay here and sleep?” she whined.

“What? And miss the social experiment about to take place?” her boyfriend laughed. “Come on, baby. If you’re too tired, I’ll carry you back.”

Ethan pinched the bridge of his nose. “Oh, for the love of Jesus.”

“You know what,” Casey laughed. “You convinced me. I need to witness this.”

The walk over was pleasant. The three men chatted amicably as Casey did her best to stay awake. But entering the coffee shop helped her immeasurably. The robust aromas, uplifting music, and happy chatter seemed to bring her back to life.

“This place is pretty nice,” Ethan observed. “How long has it been open?”

“Quite a while now,” Tobias responded. “I used to stop here on my way to Kenmore all the time.”

“Ah,” Ethan sighed. “The good ol’ days.”

“You know that seeing me daily has brought unbridled joy to your life, Ramsey! Stop pretending otherwise! But seriously, I’m shocked you didn’t know about it.”

“He’s just very loyal to Derry’s,” Casey injected. “But trust me, Ethan, this place is just as good.”

“Hmm. I’ll be the judge of that.”

Casey was the first to order.

“Good morning, ma’am,” the pretty young barista grinned. “What can I get for you?”

“I’ll have a medium spice chai tea with just a splash of milk.”

“Very well, and you, sir?” She nodded at Ethan.

“Double espresso, black. No sugar.”

The barista grinned wickedly when she saw Tobias, but underneath was a look of dread.

“Hello, sir,” she beamed. “The usual?”

Bryce looked at Ethan, then turned to Casey with a shit-eating grin. “It’s showtime.”

“You didn’t get ‘the usual’ right last time, did you,” Tobias looked at the barista’s nametag, “Courtney?”

“I’m sorry about that. It was just….”

“Hey, no worries,” Tobias said with a beguiling smile. “You’re new, and I’m sure you’ll have it down pat as well as Alexa over there in no time at all.”

“For Christ’s sake,” Ethan muttered. “How complicated can your order be?”

“Complicated,” Bryce, Casey & the new barista said in unison as Tobias sighed.

“OK, a grande green tea latte,” he started.

“That’s not so bad….” Ethan interrupted.

But one look from Tobias stopped him in his tracks. “I wasn’t finished.” He turned back to Courtney with his ever-enchanting grin. “Let’s start back at the top. A grande green latte with one pump of unsweetened soy milk, six level scoops of matcha, and serve it at 195 degrees.”

Ethan turned to Tobias with a raised brow. “Are you serious?”

Casey tugged on Tobias’s sleeve. “You forgot no foam, babe,” she yawned.

“Thank you, sweetheart,” he said with a kiss to the top of her head.

“OK,” Courtney started, “So, grande green tea latte, flat, with soy milk….”

“UNSWEETENED soy milk,” Tobias jumped in.

“And one pump!” Bryce added. “Please, do not make the dreaded two-pump error.”

“The two-pump error,” Casey giggled. “That reminds me of when….”

“ENOUGH!” Ethan yelled, only making Tobias hold Casey tighter.

“Uh, OK… grande green tea latte, flat, one pump of UNSWEETENED soy milk with matcha… uh, how many scoops again?” She asked nervously.

“You know what,” Tobias said. “Why don’t you give me the cup? I’ll write it out – and it will be a good reference for you in the future.”

Ethan shook his head. “And I thought I was a pain in the ass.”

“You are,” Tobias, Casey, and Bryce said in unison.

“But in this scenario,” Bryce continued. “Tobias is the diva.”

“I am not a diva!” Tobias insisted. “It’s not that complicated!”

Casey rolled her eyes from under his arm, eliciting laughter from Ethan and Bryce.

“You’re not going to back me up?” Tobias asked.

“It’s not too complex,” she winked.

“Ugh,” Bryce moaned, “You’ve been such a kiss ass ever since the two of you started sleeping together.”

“Hey,” Tobias playfully smacked Bryce’s shoulder. “She’s my girlfriend… we’re not just sleeping together.”

“He finds the incessant need to say girlfriend repeatedly since he never had the emotional maturity to have one throughout his entire adult life,” Ethan moaned.

“Guys,” Casey interrupted. “I think you’re making this more difficult on the barista.”

Tobias finished writing his order on the cup and returned it to Courtney with a smile. “So, do you think you’ve got this?”

“I… I do,” she sputtered.

Tobias hovered over the counter, watching as his beverage was being made. Casey was sure she saw beads of sweat forming on poor Courtney’s brow.

“I’m really sorry,” Casey apologized. “He’s usually not like this. He’s a really laid-back guy… but something about the green tea and matcha here, and the man loses his mind.”

“And don’t forget no foam,” Bryce chuckled. “I don’t know why, but the foam offends him.”

“You’d think he was freaking Gen Z,” Ethan muttered.

Tobias was so busy instructing the barista that he heard none of his companion's chatter.

“No!” he said. “No…no… you have to put the matcha in after the soymilk….”

Alexa, another barista, approached Courtney. “Here,” she smiled. “Let me walk you through it.”

Alexa proceeded to make a perfect cup and handed it to a beaming Tobias. He took a sip and replied with a satisfied smack of his lips.

“See! That’s perfect. That’s how it’s done.”

Alexa put her arm around the new employee. “Don’t worry. You’ll get it soon enough. Usually, by the fourth time, you’re golden!”

“That’s if you’re allowed to make it at all,” a young man behind the counter complained.

Casey scrunched her nose. “Wait… why wouldn’t you be allowed to make it?”

Alexa looked at Casey, then at Tobias, and sighed. “Prior to dating you… he only let women baristas make his tea. He said the nuances were too complicated for men to get right.”

“What?” Courtney was astounded. “That’s reverse sexism!”

“There is no such thing as reverse sexism,” Casey informed. “Sexism is like racism. It’s a systemic bias based on social inequity; therefore, there is no ‘reverse.’”

“Thank you, baby,” Tobias jumped in.

“I wasn’t finished,” Casey glared. “Because what you did was still absolutely idiotic! Did you really think that?”

“No, it’s just… look, the women got it right, and the guys… they struggled, so….”

Bryce lost his struggle to keep a straight face. “Right,” he laughed. “That was your reason, T!”

Ethan rubbed his furrowed brow. “You know, Casey… as much as I pity you, thank God you are dating this Neanderthal. Clearly, he needs rescuing.”

Alexa bit back a laugh. “And the city of Boston is forever in your debt.”

“Alexa,” Tobias said, grasping his chest. “I’m hurt!”

Realizing Bryce was empty-handed, Ethan asked if he had put in his order.

“Me? Nah. I’m just here for the entertainment.”

Casey looped her arm in Tobias’s. “So, is your tea, right… T?”

“It’s perfect!” He winked. “After all, it had a woman’s touch.”

“I’d really like to smack you right now,” she replied as they exited the door.

“Baby, stop! I told you, save that kinky talk for when we’re alone. But, if you insist, I can see if I find a quiet corner someplace….”

“I need to get the hell out of here,” Ethan moaned.

“I tried to spare you,” Bryce smiled. “Race you back to Edenbrook?”

“You know what,” Ethan nodded. “You’re on!”

Tobias watched as the two men took off on foot, then he turned to Casey with a smile.

“Alone at last, princess.”

“You know, I love you,” she laughed. “But right about now, I want to bop you. Ethan’s right; you need reforming!”

“Hey, look! I am not and was never being discriminatory. I was just an insatiable flirt.”

“Oh, and now that I’m your girlfriend, that makes me feel so much better!”

“All right,” Tobias smiled. “You know I’m crazy about you. Do you really think you have anything to worry about?

“No,” Casey surrendered with a smile. “Not unless I have to make your stupid tea!”

“You know what,” he chuckled. “I want our relationship to work… just leave the tea-making to me.”

“Hey, no complaints from me.”

@choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics @choicesjunechallenge Long Nights/Long Days

#choices june challenge #open heart #fanfic #week 4 submission

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choicesjunechallenge · 10 months

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As Planned

Back in December, I posted This Christmas, when Ethan spontaneously (and ringlessly) proposed to Kaycee while shopping for a Christmas tree. Now, I HC that the ring isn't terribly important to either of them... and with their busy lives, it's not at the top of their to-do list. But after an engagement photo shoot without the "real" ring (Picture This), and Kaycee's mom expressing her concern (Patience), it begins to bother Ethan.

This fic begins as Ethan and Kaycee are in NY, preparing to attend his med school buddy Reynaldo's wedding. As they're getting ready, they learn Kaycee's first boyfriend, Tomas, and his girlfriend, Alessandra, have gotten married. Then Ethan's plan goes into motion. I hope you enjoy this!

Book: Open Heart (Post Series)

Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Kaycee MacClennan)

Rating: Teen

Words: 2,170

Summary: Above

A/N: Participating in @choicesjunechallenge Proposal

Kaycee put her phone down, a silly, delightful grin spreading on her cheeks. A glance at the clock confirmed she was running ahead of schedule, so she could allow herself time to appreciate this moment. Moving to the hotel suite’s window, she drew back the ornate drapes and peered down at the busy city below. The irony was just delicious.

Tomas, her dear friend and first true love, was married, and she found herself in the city where their love story had taken place. No more than ten blocks from the campus, where they met, fell in love, and spent three years dreaming of the beautiful future they hoped to create until the day they painfully accepted that it wasn’t going to be. She was within walking distance of his old apartment, where they shared their last goodbye as lovers, not knowing what the future would hold. If she thought about it long enough, she was sure she could still recall the pain. The hollow ache in her chest that never seemed to heal. How it crept up each time she tried to fall in love again, a reminder of the pain that was just waiting on the other side of this new, beautiful thing. It sabotaged her more than once, of that she was sure… until, one day, it didn’t.

Ethan was different from the start, and for the longest time, she didn’t understand why. With all the obstacles they faced and all the mountains they had to climb, she never hesitated. Even knowing the hole in her heart could widen enough to engulf her if she lost him, she persevered. And now, as her fiance dressed in the next room, she knew why. In Ethan, she found her home, the place she was always meant to be. As dusk began to fall, the city Kaycee loved so well became illuminated by a million glistening lights, and she smiled. Tomas had found his forever love, Kaycee found hers, and their friendship was as strong as ever. Perhaps this is what it feels like when the puzzle pieces fall in place, and everything works according to plan.

She was making her way back to the vanity; after all, she had a wedding to get to when Ethan entered the room, looking more serious than she would have expected, given the occasion.

“I’m almost done,” she smiled, running a brush through her long, blonde hair. “I promised you I won’t make us late this time.”

“It’s fine,” Ethan smiled softly. “To be honest, I thought you were already done. You look… you’re breathtaking.”

Kaycee blushed and tilted her head in his direction. “So you approve of the retro hair?” she grinned. “I wanted to try something different, and since I’m wearing a vintage dress….”

“It’s beautiful. Timeless… just like you.”

Her skin all but tingled when he leaned over and placed a tender kiss on the crook of her neck.

“Now, Ethan, I’m not done with my makeup, and if you keep that up….”

“No,” he said, walking to a nearby settee. “Come, sit with me.”

Her brow furrowed, concern growing. “Is everything OK?”

“Yes,” he assured as she sat on his lap. “Have you seen Instagram?”

“You mean Tomas? I have! Isn’t that wonderful news? I’m so happy for them!”

“Are you?” Ethan asked. “I know you’re good friends, but he carried a torch for you for a long time.”

She brushed off the notion with a shake of her head.

“Held. Past tense. From the day he met Alessandra, I knew she was the one for him, and so did he! Eloping in Greece? That is the most Tomas thing I have ever heard! I’m delighted for them. And now, we get to attend your friend Reynaldo’s wedding! This is such a romantic day!”

“Yes, that it is,” Ethan smiled, but Kaycee knew him well, and she saw that smile never reached his eyes.

“I know you’re not exactly a Hallmark movie kind of guy, but you’ve acknowledged it’s a romantic day… so why do you look so… glum?”

Ethan visibly swallowed before taking her face in his hands. “You’re not disappointed… are you? I know I didn’t always make things easy for us. I mean… Tomas met and married Alessandra in half the time we’ve been together. I just hope you’re not disappointed.”

“Ethan Ramsey! Stop it!” She playfully smacked his chest. “Every couple is different. We all have our own rhythm and face unique obstacles. Alessandra and Tomas didn’t have some of the complexities we faced in our relationship… and… well, we all bring our own histories. This is how it worked for them… and this is how it works for us. All I know is that I couldn’t be happier with my fiance.”

“Yeah,” he chuckled sadly. “Your fiance. Your fiance who asked you to marry him seven months ago, yet we haven’t even set a date. You still don’t have a ring on your finger.”

Kaycee reached over and pulled Ethan’s gold signet ring off of her end table. “Oh, really? I beg to differ!”

“That was supposed to be temporary,” he sighed. “It isn’t your engagement ring.”

Kaycee held the ring close to her heart, appearing almost hurt by his words.

“Ethan Ramsey, I don’t think you’ll ever understand just how precious this ring is to me. No other ring… no ridiculously overpriced bauble you could ever purchase will mean as much to me as this ring does.”

“I know that,” he smiled tenderly, and something about him changed.

“I’ve been trying to decide on a ring for you…,” he started. “In fairness, your lack of input on what you’d like hasn’t made it particularly easy.”

“I’m not here to make your life easy,” she teased. “But seriously, the ring just isn’t that important to me….”

“I’ve talked to Sienna about it at length.”

A broad smile came to Kaycee’s face. He was smart; Sienna was the way to go! She probably knew what Kaycee would want in a ring more than Kaycee knew herself.

“And?”

“And all we’ve ascertained so far is that if I purchase anything ostentatious, you’re likely to kill me.”

Kaycee burst into laughter, see, Sienna was the right move!

“That’s my bestie! She’s not wrong. Not only would it be an obscene waste of money, but it would also be impractical. I’m a doctor. And I’dwant to wear my ring every day. I can’t exactly do that if you buy me some boulder.”

“I understand all of that. But can you understand why that’s difficult for me? When you attain a certain amount of… success… there are expectations. If I don’t go all out,” he said, pouring a glass of bourbon for himself and offering one to Kaycee. “… I feel like if I do less than, I’ll be judged. We’ll be judged.”

“By whom?” she shot back, taking the seat at his side. “And do we suddenly care about what anyone else thinks? Ethan, eloping to Greece was the right thing for Tomas and Alessa. That makes me happy. I want us to do what’s right for Ethan and Kaycee. I don’t care what others think.”

“I know,” he said, taking her hand. “But it got me thinking….”

“Always dangerous,” Kaycee smirked.

“May I continue?”

“Of course,” she smiled, then coquettishly sipped her drink.

“I started to think about the couples I’ve known throughout my lifetime. Now, you know I’ve always been a pessimist about love, and I’ve blamed my family history. Terrible examples and all… but I realized… the pessimism was my own doing. Sure, my parent’s marriage wasn’t happy or healthy. But they weren’t the only example I had. My father’s parents, my Nana Emma and Pop-Pop John, they had a beautiful marriage. They always loved each other above all else. They came from simple means but built a beautiful life together; they had two beautiful children and adored each other until their final days. So, I always had an example of what a marriage should be. I just… I just chose to focus on the bad. It was just my own fear blinding me.”

Kaycee put her drink to the side and pulled Ethan close in her arms. Kissing the side of his head as she held him closer.

“Well, you’re not there anymore… and I’m so proud of you. You finally see that you deserve that love, that happiness, too. I’m so honored that I’m the one you’ve decided to share it with. I wish I could have known your grandparents. I would love it if you and Alan could tell me more about their story.”

“I’d like that too,” he smiled, tears in his eyes. “And if it’s all right with you, I’d like it to begin right now…

Kaycee’s eyes widened as Ethan slipped off the settee and rested on one knee on the floor.

“Ethan, what are you….”

He removed a pink velvet ring box from his pocket, opening it to expose a simple, beautiful art deco ring inside.

“Ethan?” Kaycee gasped.

“Like I said, they didn’t have much money, and according to my father, Pop-Pop began saving for this ring on their second date. He knew she was the one, so he put away everything he could for two years to purchase this. They never had much money, but they were the richest people I’ve ever known, rich in all the ways that mattered. Before you came into my life, I was the epitome of success, but at the same time, I was impoverished. I was walking through this life alone, and outside of work, it was devoid of meaning. I had more wealth than my grandparents could have ever dreamed of, but they were far, far richer than I ever thought I could be. You helped me change that, Kaycee, and if I lost every penny I had tomorrow, I’d still be the richest man alive as long as you are by my side. So, I realized there was no ring I could buy you. The only ring worthy of sitting on your finger was at my father’s house, and when I asked him if I could have it… for you… he honestly cried. So, Kaycee MacClennan, I’m asking you once again, with my grandmother’s ring… will you be my wife? Am I lucky enough to have you say yes… twice?”

Kaycee bit her trembling lip as she fought to stay in the moment, for she knew it was one she’d treasure all her life. But as she looked down at Ethan, gazing at her with all the love in the world, the precious, precious ring in hand, it was hard for her to believe this wasn’t a dream.

“You know!” She finally sobbed, wiping away the tears on her face. “My makeup was almost done… and now… now… I’m breaking my promise, and I am going to make us late.”

“I think I’ll give you a pass,” Ethan winked. “As long as you answer the question right. What do you say?”

“Of course!” She beamed. “Yes! Of course, I’ll marry you. Just try to stop me!”

Ethan’s chest was filled with pride as he slipped the beautiful ring onto his bride-to-be’s finger, then the two collapsed into each other’s arms. After a moment, Kaycee lifted her hand to admire her new treasure and kissed Ethan’s cheek.

“I hope you don’t mind, but I lied to you before.”

“About?” He asked, a hint of astonishment in his voice.

“I said there wasn’t another ring that could mean more to me than the one you gave me, but… this… look at you proving me wrong.”

Ethan pulled back, keeping Kaycee firmly under one arm; he lifted her hand.

“It looks perfect on you… just like it did on Nana. It was meant to be.”

“Just like you and me,” she sighed. “I love you, Ethan Ramsey.”

“And I love you. I love you so, so much.”

“We have Nana and Pop-Pop love,” she giggled.

“Yes, we do!”

Their lips met in a passionate kiss, any remainders of Kaycee’s makeup now firmly a thing of the past.

“So we’re engaged!” He grinned.

“We’ve been engaged!”

“Yes, but now your mother will accept that it’s official.”

“I can’t wait to show her!” Kaycee squealed. “I can’t wait to show everyone!!”

“Oh, that reminds me,” Ethan grabbed his phone and snapped a picture of Kaycee’s hand.

“What are you doing?” she laughed.

“What? Do you think Tomas is the only one allowed to post today? I’m letting the world know you said yes… a second time.”

“You do that,” she grinned. “I’m calling room service, this bourbon is lovely, but this calls for champagne!”

As Kaycee turned to look at Ethan, glowing as he typed away on his phone, she no longer questioned it. This was precisely how it felt when the puzzle pieces fell into place, and everything had worked out better than she… better than anyone… could have predicted.

@choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics

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#choices june challenge #open heart #fanfic #week 4 submission

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choicesjunechallenge · 10 months

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Passing Time

Premise: It’s a long drive to Naveen’s cabin, giving Cassie to reflect on recent events. Set during 1.16.

Book: Open Heart Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Cassie Valentine) Rating/Category: Teen. Fluff. Words: 1,130

A/N: Submission to @choicesjunechallenge prompt "fantasy". I'm using @choicesflashfics week 39, prompt 2 (in bold). Also using #3 Grumpy Affectionate dialogue prompts from @creativepromptsforwriting. Tagging for reblog to @creativepromptfills

Cassie Valentine watched the scenery gradually change once they left the Boston area. Low-rise office and apartment buildings competed with strip malls and box stores built near interstate exits to attract suburban shoppers.

Eventually, the vista gave way to evergreen trees and those beginning to bloom again after a harsh New England winter planted along either side of the highway.

The view was monotonous, but thankfully, she thought the drive wasn’t excessively long and checked her wristwatch. The stop at Harvard Medical School’s research building to collect the phage therapy had taken longer than expected, and the sun already hung low in the sky.

Her phone remained silent, and she took that as a sign that Dr. Banerji was still holding on. Landry would have texted or called if his status had changed. At least, Cassie hoped so.

Two months ago, she’d have said she knew Landry Olsen very well. But now she wondered if she saw the person she wanted to see, not who he really was.

They had bonded on the first day of residency over their mutual admiration for Dr. Ethan Ramsey. But the man was also the source of their fallout. Landry’s jealousy of her bond with their medical hero had caused him to sabotage her career.

She rationalized that Landry could’ve tried to get to know Dr. Ramsey. Even before she knew about Naveen’s condition, she had tried to get Ethan to notice her. But her former friend had been content to pine from the sidelines, never once introducing himself properly to the other doctor.

She’d had to ask for Ethan’s autograph on Landry’s behalf, for crying out loud!

“Are you okay? Is it Naveen?”

Cassie turned her head at the alarm in Ethan’s voice beside her. His brows furrowed in concern as he glanced at the phone in her hand.

“Yes…I mean…no,” she stammered. “Sorry! I was lost in thought.”

“Must have been something bad,” he drawled, accelerating to overtake the car before them. “You looked ready to go into battle.”

“Nothing quite so dramatic. Although,” Cassie mused. “I suppose fighting for my medical license would fall in that category.”

“An apt analogy,” he said quietly.

Cassie twisted in her seat to face Ethan. “Have you ever been subject to an ethics trial?”

She wondered if she had gone too far, but he answered anyway.

“No, but I’ve skirted close to the line. All good doctors do,” he added. “Our work isn’t black or white; the answers aren’t always obvious. So, we have to take chances even if, and especially when, the outcome is uncertain. Naveen taught me that.”

His voice hitched on the last, and she found his vulnerability incredibly appealing. The companionable silence stretched as the car ate up the miles.

Cassie glanced at Ethan out of the corner of her eye, surreptitiously studying the scruffy jaw, the corded muscles of his neck and how his Adam’s apple moved when he swallowed.

She felt her cheeks turn red as she recalled standing in his bedroom, her naked butt plastered against the floor-to-ceiling glass walls. Her hands locked behind his head, pulling him close while his tongue repeatedly brought her to the edge of completion.

His hands gripped the steering wheel, and she remembered how tightly he’d clasped her hands in his last night just before their hips connected. Her mind wandered into a fantasy that was just as good as reality.

He was clothed now, but she’d run her hands across the taut muscles of his chest and strong shoulders last night. Her nails had raked down his naked back before her palms cupped his ass, her hips rising to meet his hard thrusts, her moans matching his grunts.

Oh god. She’d had sex with the Ethan Ramsey!

“Now what?”

She must have made a sound, for he briefly took his eyes off the road to stare at her, an eyebrow quirked in question.

“We had sex, Ethan,” Cassie blurted, losing her composure at the sight of impatient blue eyes, so much like how she remembered them from the first time they met.

He smirked. “Yes, we did. Multiple times if I recall correctly.”

Amused, Ethan winked at her before switching lanes and exiting the interstate. The car slowed to a stop at a red light at the top of the off-ramp, and he grinned at her.

“Are you blushing? Didn't have you pegged for a prude, Cassie.” His fingers traced her hot cheeks, and he stared intently at her lips. “Especially not after you mooned all of Boston last night.”

“Oh, just shut up, I’m not blushing!” she protested, wondering if there was any way she could check her reflection in the overhead visor mirror without Ethan noticing.

He chuckled, the deep rumble reminiscent of round two last night when she’d begged him to let her climax after he’d teased her over and over with his hands and tongue. Just like then, the sound sent a spike of lust and arousal through her body.

“For the record,” he drawled, leaning in, his lips hovering above hers. “You’re cute when you’re embarrassed.”

Cassie waited for the kiss with bated breath, but the light turned green, and the driver behind them honked.

Ethan lifted his hand in a wave and took his foot off the brake, turning left to join the country road toward Naveen’s place. Cassie remembered the turn-off from the drive earlier today and knew they had maybe fifteen-twenty minutes left.

Time to get serious, she lectured herself. Naveen and Landry were highly observant, and she needed to keep her emotions for Ethan under wraps.

A short while later, they were on a dirt road and could see the top of Naveen’s cabin ahead. Ethan parked the car beside a wood shed, switched off the engine and just sat there, staring unseeingly at the cabin walls outside.

“There’s still hope, Ethan,” she said gently, remembering his self-incriminating words earlier about letting his mentor down. “For you and Naveen, too. Your relationship isn’t broken.”

“I don’t know what we are, but I miss what we were,” he said. His earlier lightheartedness was replaced by profound sadness.

“And what is that?” she asked.

“Naveen believes in you, and I do too,” she insisted when Ethan didn’t respond.

Ethan twisted his lips wryly. He covered her hand resting on the console between them and squeezed it in silent gratitude.

Cassie longed to wrap her arms around him and pull him close in comfort. But someone might be watching from inside, and their alone time was at an end.

“We should go in, Dr. Ramsey,” Cassie said, pushing the car door open.

Ethan shook himself out of his reverie and turned to give her a small smile. “Yes, our patient awaits, Dr. Valentine.”

-------------

All Fics & Edits: @annfg8 @bluebelle08 @coffeeheartaddict2 @crazy-loca-blog @doriopenheart @genevievemd @headoverheelsforramsey @lucy-268 @jamespotterthefirst @jerzwriter @lady-calypso @mainstreetreader @peonierose @potionsprefect @queencarb @quixoticdreamer16 @rookiemartin @socalwriterbee @takemyopenheart @tessa-liam @trappedinfanfiction

Submissions: @choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics

Ethan & Cassie only: @cariantha @custaroonie @hopelessromantic1352 @mrs-ramsey

#choices june challenge #open heart #fanfic #week 4 submission

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choicesjunechallenge · 10 months

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It's June 30 but late submissions will be accepted until Sunday, July 2nd.

Choices June Challenge Prompts

Nature

Vacation | Staycation

Hike | Walk (or run)

Ski | Skate (ice or roller)

Boating | Fishing

Cycle | Surf

Garden | Forest

Beach | Mountain

Sunshine | Rain

Honeysuckle | Rose (any flower)

Long days | Long nights

Summer | Winter

Food

Berries | Lemon

Watermelon | Tomato

Pineapple | Peach

Cook | Bake

Picnic | Gala

Cupcake | Donut

Ice cream | Chocolate

Salad | Cake

Cocktails | Mocktails

Folklore

Midsummer night's dream | Fairies

Zodiac signs | Birthstones

Romance | Fantasy

Myths | Superstitions

Stories | Poems

Love | Loathing

Happenings

Proposals | Weddings

Global Day of Parents | Children's Day

World Environment Day | Solstice (summer or winter)

Father's Day | Juneteenth

International Yoga Day | National OOTD Day

World Music Day | Social Media Day

National Selfie Day | National Kissing Day

Pride Month | Pet Appreciation Week

For national or world days, the fanwork doesn't have to focus on the day itself; the theme of that day or celebration will be enough.

Check out the submission guidelines here.

#signal boost #playchoices

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choicesjunechallenge · 10 months

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ANNOUNCEMENT

The Pride Bingo Masterlist will be posted just after midnight (NYC time) tonight.

If you have submitted a fic for the event and you do NOT see it posted on the list, please contact @jerzwriter via DM no later than 6:00 PM on Saturday, July 1st.

The drawing for the two commissions by the brilliant, beautiful and all around amazing @rosefuckinggenius will be held no later than 8:00 PM.

Thank you to all who have participated and, I hope you have all had a wonderful PRIDE month. Stay strong! 🌈🌈🌈

@choicesmonthlychallenge @choicesjunechallenge @choicesjuly2023challenge @choicespride @choicesprompts @choicesholidays @choicesflashfics @choicesmcmadness @choicesbookclub - signal boosts greatly appreciated!

#signal boost

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choicesjunechallenge · 10 months

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A Celebration

Book: Crimes of Passion (Just after Book 1)

Pairing: Trystan Thorne x F!MC (Carolina Rose)

Rating: Teen+

Category: Fluff

Summary: They've solved a murder mystery, and they're the talk of the town. That's reason to celebrate, right? Trystan thinks so, but when Carolina doesn't seem to be on board, Luke & Ruby have some suggestions for their royal friend. But what will Carolina think?

Words: 2,190

A/N: Are you all as excited about CoP being back as I am? This fic is in response to @choicesbookclub's ask, what did Trystan x MC do during the "weeks" between CoP 1 and Cop2. I could just see Trystan wanting to celebrate and Carolina (Caro-LEE-na) being all, "yeah, work to do!" That inspired this. I hope you enjoy it! Participating in @choicesflashfics Week 39 (prompt in bold) and @choicesjunechallenge - sunshine, rain, cocktails, and romance. A few Spanish words - sobrina = niece, tio = uncle, cariña = term of endarment - "honey" "dear" - nothing exact.

CoP is new to me - I'm tagging my perma list. But if you'd like to be removed or added for future CoP, just let me know!

CoP Masterlist My Complete Masterlist

The early morning sun peeked through the curtains, creating waves of golden light and shadows in the tiny office space. The room was silent, Luke fixating on his laptop and Carolina immersed in paperwork, but Trystan refused to let this day pass as if it were just any other. He had purchased every newspaper on the stand and smiled broadly as he poured over each one. Sure, the good press was welcomed, even if he knew it would be met with skepticism on the other side of the Atlantic. But, the elation he was experiencing had nothing to do with the accolades being laid at his feet and everything to do with those being awarded to her.

If Carolina was impacted by the coverage and their newfound fame, she wasn’t letting it show. Her interest was far more piqued by the celebratory pastries Trystan brought in from Leske’s. The sugary treats were her favorite, and knowing he made a special trip to Bay Ridge to pick them up before work… that made her heart sing more than she was willing to let show. Now, bathed in the warm sunlight, she let out a tantalizing groan as her teeth sunk into a glazed cruller. When she opened her eyes, she wasn’t surprised to find Trystan transfixed on her.

“What?” she asked, wiping icing from her lip.

“Nothing,” he smirked. “I’m just wondering… what does one do in the States after they experience a huge win like this?”

“I dunno,” she mumbled, shoving the last of her cruller in her mouth. “What does one do in Drakovia?”

“There are various approaches. A national holiday… a military parade, if warranted. A festive ball… that goes without saying! Then there are the various forms of debauchery that would require us to pay off the press to prevent them from making it public. But we’re not in Drakovia, so what should we be going here?”

“I’m not sure,” she shrugged. “I guess we could go to Disneyland.”

“Disneyland?” he chuckled. “The amusement park?”

“It’s just a stupid commercial,” Luke injected. “Capitalism at its best. Anytime a sports team wins a championship, one of its star players is asked, “What are you going to do next?” and they answer, “I’m going to Disneyland.”

“All right, then,” Trystan grinned. “If it’s Disneyland is what’s expected, I can have a plane chartered for us by this evening.”

Ruby walked in the front door, her face alight at the thought of the gang traipsing through the park in mouse ears, when Carolina unwittingly quashed her hopes.

“Mmm, I’m not really interested in Disneyland. Plus, we’re not all the idle rich, dear prince. I already have new cases that need my attention.”

“Bummer,” Ruby grimaced.

“I tried,” Trystian shrugged, holding the box of doughnuts in her direction. “But here, a consolation cruller, if you will.”

“Well, that’s something,” Ruby smiled. “But I agree with Trystan. We should celebrate! What do you guys think we should do?”

“I don’t know,” Carolina sighed. “We’ll think of something, but if you’ll excuse me, I have paperwork to review with Mafalda.”

Luke was bemused, watching Trystan’s puppy-dog eyes trail Carolina as she exited the room. His lips curled into a barely-there smile. If brownie points were desired, he could offer his regal friend an assist.

“I know something Carolina would love,” Luke announced, letting the suggestion hang in the air to gauge how quickly Trystan would inquire. It took but a second.

“Name it!”

“The Yankees,” Luke stated as he slammed his laptop closed. “Carolina bleeds pinstripes, and you’re in luck. Boston is coming to town next week.”

“Oooh! Boston!” Ruby delighted. “That’s the biggest rivalry there is! She’d love it! I’d love it!”

“Say no more!” Trystan announced phone already in hand. “I’ll arrange for a suite….”

“A suite?” Luke laughed. “Carolina would kill you! Look, I’m not about to suggest dragging royalty into the bleachers, but Carolina will not want to see her beloved Bronx Bombers in an air-conditioned suite!”

“Oh, heaven forbid!” Trystan said with a roll of his eyes.

“It’s just part of the experience,” Ruby attempted to explain. “The overpriced hot dogs, the stale beer… the drunken fans cursing and making complete asses out of themselves….”

“It sounds… delightful,” Trystan offered. “But I could have all that arranged in the suite if required.”

“It wouldn’t be the same aesthetic,” Luke sighed. “Uptown Boy… if you want to make the Bronx girl happy… trust me on this.”

“I do trust you. And if you say it will make Carolina happy… I’ll make it happen.”

“Not so fast,” Ruby chimed in. “It’s a great idea, but Red Sox and Yankee games sell out way in advance, and resale tickets are usually pretty pricey.”

Trystan looked at Ruby with a raised brown.

“You forget,” Luke grumbled. “We’re hanging with the bourgeoisie now….”

“Yes!” Trystan beamed. “And I hope you’ve learned that some of us aren’t all bad. I mean, look at me? I’m kind, generous, charming, sexy as hell, and I have quite the flair for fashion if I must say so myself. I’m also….”

“Humble,” Luke finished. “Please, don’t forget, humble.”

“Hmm,” Trystan rubbed the stubble on his chin. “I’ll work on getting our tickets. But humble… I don’t know if I can manage to swing that.”

~~~~~

One week later, at the Drunk Tank Bar

“… and then I told the guy… listen… you can’t drive! So call a buddy to come get you, or we’re getting you a cab.”

“And what did he do?” Trystan asked.

“He called a friend. The next thing I know, a guy is sitting outside on a horse! The customer stumbles out, somehow mounts the thing, and they take off….”

“On the streets of New York City?” Luke asked.

Tommy crossed his heart. “I swear on my life!”

“Are you sure you weren’t the one who had a little too much that night?” Trystan winked.

“Oh, I’m sure. Tend bar long enough in this city, and you’ll see everything!”

Trystan laughed heartily. He wasn’t sure if he’d ever see everything New York had to offer, but as Carolina made her way down the stairs, he knew one thing… he loved what it offered right now. His eyes went dark as they drank her in, trailing from head to toes, then back again. Up her curvaceous legs that never seemed to end, over her tanned thighs leading to the cut-off denim shorts that hugged her like a second skin, along her Yankee jersey… number 23… honoring her late father’s favorite player. It hung wide, allowing him a peek at the fitted white crop top underneath. His mouth went dry. Then her hair… the long, luscious waves cascading down her neck, over her shoulder, twining down until they reached her…

“Hello?” she waved her hands in front of his face. “Trystan? Hello?”

“Oh, uh… hello,” he faltered; this wasn’t a look the usually unflappable man was accustomed to wearing.

“What’s the matter?” she teased. “Distracted? Cat got your tongue?”

“Something like that,” he settled, trying desperately to regain his footing. “So, is that what you’re wearing?”

“What’s wrong with what I’m wearing?” she asked defensively.

“Oh, nothing! Nothing at all,” he stumbled again, but this time he grinned with delight seeing the amusement on her face. She loved the control she had over him, and frankly, he loved allowing her to have it. “I’m just unfamiliar with what one wears to a baseball game.”

“Yeah,” she snickered, giving his designer suit the once over. “Trust me… it shows.”

“I take it Brunello Cucinelli silk suits aren’t the standard attire?”

“Not unless you want to get beaten up!” She giggled. She slapped Luke on the back as a loud thunderclap shook the bar. “You suggested a Yankee game but didn’t give him a heads up on what he should wear?”

“What,” Luke replied sarcastically. “And miss this fun?”

“Sobrina,” Uncle Tommy shouted over the bar. “There to save him. The game was just rain delayed.”

“Aw, man!” Ruby frowned.

“It’s OK,” Carolina grinned. “Tio, keep serving them drinks while I take this one to rummage through your closet. I should be able to find something to help him there.”

She turned to Trystan with a wink and a coy smile. “Come with me,” she cooed as he did his best to maintain a poker face.

They hadn’t reached the top of the staircase before Trystan was already back to his usual ways. “You just couldn’t wait to get me alone, could you?”

Carolina shook her head as she led him into Tommy’s room, rummaging through her uncle’s assortment of baseball shirts.

“I want to make sure you look presentable,” she started. “I can’t be seen with…” a small whimper escaped her as Trystan’s hands landed on her waist, slowly working their way over the curve of her hips.

“You were saying,” he smirked. Before she had a second to think, he pushed her long hair to the side, his lips quickly claiming the delicate skin on her he had just bared on her neck.

“I uh…” she gasped, unable to concentrate on anything other than his proximity, his warmth, and how perfect it all felt. “This is good… this is nice… to…”

“Good? Nice?” he smiled, turning her to face him. “Is that the best you can offer?”

“Well, this is a lovely appetizer?” she mocked. “But I’ve had the main course, and well… now everything else pales in comparison.”

Trystan bit into his lower lip, twitching with delight. “Well, we can do something about that.”

Her breath hitched when he lifted her against the wall, his chest flush against hers as his fingers tangled in her lengthy, golden-brown hair. He grinned when the slightest groan escaped her, and his lips captured hers in a soft, sensual kiss that ignited the smoldering passion they had attempted to tamper all day.

“Lovely little sound, cariña,” he breathed into her ear. “Did you make that just for me?”

“I… I… uh…”

Before she could reply, his lips were on hers again, tender but growing rougher as she deepened the kiss. Her hands slid up his chest, running over his skin as she slowly unbuttoned his shirt. They could feel the combustion overtaking them when startled by a loud knock. Carolina’s eyes went wide.

“Come in!” She hollered, forcefully pushing Trystan away.

A stunned Ruby stood at the door, curiously looking between the two.

“Oh, uh… I just wanted to tell you… uhm… we’re going to order pizza since it looks like a long delay… do uhm... you want some?”

“Yes! We definitely want some,” Trystan answered far too quickly, eliciting giggles from their friend.

“Pizza, that is!” Carolina quickly corrected. “Please, yes. Order extra for us.”

“Will do,” Ruby replied with a gleam in her eye. “Apparently, you two are working up an appetite.”

“I’m just helping him get dressed!” Carolina insisted as she hurled a Derek Jeter jersey at Trystan’s chest. “That’s all!”

“Mmm hmm. I’ll just pretend that my job doesn’t require paying attention to detail, and I’ll fill you two in on this detail… Julio is taking over for Tommy in five minutes, and he mentioned taking a quick nap on his break; you may want to vacate his room.”

“Oh! Yes! Of course!” Carolina insisted. “Trystan just has to change his shirt and….”

“I’ll wait downstairs,” Ruby winked as she slowly shut the door behind her. She wasn’t more than a few feet away when Trystan broke into laughter.

“YOU!” Carolina yelled, trying her best to appear annoyed, though it was clear she was anything but. “You made me forget we were in my uncle’s bedroom!”

“Yes,” Trystan grinned., more than pleased with himself. He moved toward her, cupping her cheek gently in his hand. “Forgive me, but I enjoy knowing I make you forget the world around you as much as you do the same to me.”

“Yeah, well, why don’t we get you changed before my uncle finds us here. Raincheck?”

“Do you mean me or the game?”

“Both, apparently.”

Desperate for anything to take her attention off of him, Carolina quickly grabbed a baseball cap and mirrored glasses on her uncle’s dresser. “And here!” she said, tossing the items his way. “You should wear these, too!”

“Are you kidding me?”

“Hey, it’s that, or I find Uncle Tommy’s beer-guzzler helmet. Which will it be?”

“These will do just fine,” Trystan surrendered as he changed. “I hope the rain delay isn’t long. I simply cannot wait to see you in your element.”

“Really?” Carolina snickered as they stepped out of the bedroom. “I should warn you… it is a lot. You’re about to see a side of me you haven’t seen before.”

“Good!” He enthused. “Because you’re the most ridiculous person I know, and, God, do I love it.”

“I’ll remind you that you said that after the game,” she said, catching him from the corner of her eye. “It may be a bit too much.”

“Never,” he said, clasping her hand. “Haven’t you figured it out yet? I want all the Carolina that I can get.”

@choicesficwriterscreations

Tagging others in reblog.

#choices june challenge #crimes of passion #fanfic #week 4 submission

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choicesjunechallenge · 10 months

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Choices June Challenge Prompts

Nature

Vacation | Staycation

Hike | Walk (or run)

Ski | Skate (ice or roller)

Boating | Fishing

Cycle | Surf

Garden | Forest

Beach | Mountain

Sunshine | Rain

Honeysuckle | Rose (any flower)

Long days | Long nights

Summer | Winter

Food

Berries | Lemon

Watermelon | Tomato

Pineapple | Peach

Cook | Bake

Picnic | Gala

Cupcake | Donut

Ice cream | Chocolate

Salad | Cake

Cocktails | Mocktails

Folklore

Midsummer night's dream | Fairies

Zodiac signs | Birthstones

Romance | Fantasy

Myths | Superstitions

Stories | Poems

Love | Loathing

Happenings

Proposals | Weddings

Global Day of Parents | Children's Day

World Environment Day | Solstice (summer or winter)

Father's Day | Juneteenth

International Yoga Day | National OOTD Day

World Music Day | Social Media Day

National Selfie Day | National Kissing Day

Pride Month | Pet Appreciation Week

For national or world days, the fanwork doesn't have to focus on the day itself; the theme of that day or celebration will be enough.

Check out the submission guidelines here.

#last few days to enter

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choicesjunechallenge · 10 months

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Twins Outing

Luke and Lily have a special day out with their parents

For @choicesjunechallenge “summer”

When I saw these pictures on Lily’s insta story, I knew I had to use them for Victoria with Luke and Lily 🥹

Tagging in reblog

#choices june challenge #open heart #social media edit #week 4 submission

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choicesjunechallenge · 10 months

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High Score

Book: Open Heart (Prequel - Casey's Medical School Years)

Pairing: F!MC (Casey MacTavish) x F!OC (Jessica Phillips)

Rating: Teen

Warnings: Mentions of homophobia

Words: 1,545

Summary: Casey and her girlfriend Jessica are both busy med school students with conflicting schedules, and they're both eagerly looking forward to sharing lunch at "their" diner. One idiot nearly derails their plans, but the women won't let him win.

A/N: This is based on a real event from my past, and the game really was called "King Kong." The picture in the header, however, is Donkey Kong because there are no pictures of the cheap knockoff out there! lol Participating in @choicesjunechallenge - romance, love, Pride Month, @choicespride and @choicesficwriterscreations pride bingo

“Fuck!” Jessica groaned.

She swore she’d pay attention. There was no way she was missing her stop this time. With competing hectic schedules, Jessica hadn’t seen Casey in nearly a week, and, except for this lunch date, they wouldn’t see each other again until the weekend. So she was not wasting five precious minutes of their time because she missed her bus stop. But in the end, she did.

Pressing the buzzer frantically, she grabbed the books that caused this whole mess and darted to the front of the bus, barely waiting for it to come to a full stop before jumping off. She walked frantically down the street and shook her head when she saw her reflection in the diner’s window. Quickly slicking back the errant red locks that had slipped out of her ponytail in the mele and applying lip gloss before entering. But it was for naught. Casey was already smirking in her direction as she walked in. She nudged a vanilla shake toward Jessica’s seat just before she leaned over the table for a quick kiss.

“Glad to see you’re right on time,” Casey teased.

“Hey, it’s just five minutes!” Jessica protested; looking at her watch, she corrected herself. “No, it’s four minutes. If I hadn’t put on lip gloss for you, I could have shaved off 30 seconds! But I wanted to be pretty for you.”

Casey’s eyes crinkled as she giggled. “Oh please, you’re beautiful without a stitch of makeup. And I’m not naïve – you just tidied up out there in an attempt to conceal that you missed the bus stop… again.”

Jessica’s shoulders dropped in defeat, and she reached across the table, lacing her fingers with Casey’s.

“I was studying for my biostats exam. I’m sorry.”

“You don’t have to apologize,” Casey grinned a smile so warm Jessica was instantly at ease. “I get that more than anyone. But far be it for me not to tease you.”

The waitress arrived and placed two cheeseburgers with sweet potato fries before the two women.

“You ordered for me?” Jess asked.

“I didn’t mean to be presumptuous, but you order the same thing every time we come here. And, if you wanted something else, I figured I’d just wrap your food and take it home for dinner.”

“Oh,” Jess winked as she stuck a fry in her mouth. “What are you, rich now?”

“Yes, I’m loaded in cheeseburger and fry money,” Casey laughed. “I just figured I’d get the ball rolling. I know you – you’ll need to play that damn Donkey Kong knockoff in the back before we leave, and forgive me for wanting maybe 10 minutes of makeout time with my girlfriend before we have to go our separate ways.”

“It’s called King Kong, and yes. I do have to play. Need to ensure I still occupy all top ten spots!”

“Afraid you don’t,” the waitress said while refilling their water glasses. “I noticed someone bumped you out of first this morning.”

“OUT OF FIRST!” Jess gasped. “Not even fifth or eighth, but first!”

“Wow, with how you’re grasping numbers, that biostat exam should be a cakewalk for you,” Casey snickered.

Jessica shot Casey a look and squeezed her hand tighter. “Well, you better finish that burger quickly if you want a makeout session! I have to knock that fucker down to at least third place.”

Casey couldn’t help but laugh; she already knew the makeout session wasn’t happening. Her girlfriend was obsessed with old arcade games from the 80s. That’s one of the reasons this was their favorite diner. But King Kong was where she excelled, and she proudly boasted that she always claimed at least eight of the top ten scores, and always the top three. She knew Jess well enough to know someone else being in first was unacceptable, and vengeance must be had.

“Who was it?” Jess demanded of the waitress. “Do you know who beat me?”

The waitress looked uneasily between Casey and Jessica before she let the name out. “Dirk. You know, that tall guy who….”

Jessica threw her napkin to the table. “Oh, I know Dirk.” She spat, jumping to her feet. “I’ll be right back.”

Casey asked the waitress to wrap their food, then quickly followed after her girlfriend. One thing Jessica loved about King Kong was having twelve characters next to each of her high scores. Each spot proudly proclaimed JESSLUVSCASE. But at the mention of Dirk’s name, both women knew this was about more than a high score.

The small dark room that housed the three games was empty this time of day, which was for the best; Casey’s heart sank at the sight of Jess hunched over the game when she entered. Jess’s face was red as she valiantly tried to hold back angry tears, though one or two had won their battle as they trailed down her cheeks. Casey peered over her girlfriend’s shoulder and let out a sigh, her suspicions confirmed. She looped her arms around Jessica’s waist.

“Don’t let it upset you. He wants it to upset you… to upset us… don’t let him win.”

“If he said me,” Jess’s voice trembled. “If he used my name and not yours, then I…”

Casey looked at the screen again… nine rows of JESSLUVSCASE topped by one CASEYISADYKE.

“Jess,” Casey whispered. “He’s a fucking moron. I mean, come on… he didn’t even get it right. I’m as femme as they come.”

That got a little laugh, but Jess was still crestfallen. “Do you think that asshole even knows the difference?”

“Nope. I don’t. But he’s an ignorant piece of shit, Jess, and I’m not letting him ruin the little time I have with you this week.”

Jess let out a breath and wiped away a tear. “I was planning on playing. So… you don’t mind if I play now… do you?”

Casey raised a brow at her girlfriend. “You’re going to play until you knock that off. Aren’t you?”

“You better fucking believe I am. I’m sorry, Casey, but if you want to make out, it will have to be right here, between games, because I’m not leaving until that shit’s gone.”

“As much as I appreciate you defending my honor, Jess, you don’t have to….”

“Can you run and get me quarters?” Jess interrupted.

“Jess, I said….”

“Casey! Quarters!”

“All right, then,” Casey saluted.

For the next hour, Casey made jokes about the dexterity of Jess’s wrists, quizzed her on carpel tunnel syndrome, teased it was a good thing she didn’t want to be a surgeon and more as Jessica focused on bumping Dirk and his bigotry off the board. A bright grin crossed her face as she entered JESSLUVSCASE one last time, then she fell back into a nearby stool. Casey moved toward her and took her hand.

“My hero,” she smiled. “You know, I appreciate it, but he could just come back and do it again tomorrow.”

“It took the fucker a year to get on the board. I doubt he’ll do it again easily… besides….” She stopped.

“Besides, what?”

“He’s in a lab across the hall from me today. And when I’m through threatening his ass, he won’t be so quick to do it again.”

Casey lifted her hand and caressed Jess’s tear-stained cheek. Offering a tender kiss before nuzzling her head on her shoulder.

“I’m a little amazed at you,” Jess said. “You’re taking this too well.”

Casey shrugged. “It’s not that I’m not upset… but I know Neanderthals like Dirk that will never change. Besides…” Casey grinned.

“Besides what?”

“I’m already fantasizing about the things I’m going to do to that sweet little car he’s always bragging about.”

“Casey MacTavish!” Jessica laughed. “As enticing as that is… I don’t want you to be charged with vandalism. That would be terrible for you when looking for a residency placement.”

“You’re assuming I’d be caught,” Casey winked. “You forget, I grew up in Philly. I know a thing or two.”

“Promise me you won’t do anything stupid….”

“Like ever? That’s a tall order, Jess.”

Jess pulled Casey close in her arms. “I’m sorry we don’t have time for that makeout session. I know how much that means to you.”

“Means to me?” Casey gasped. “Geeze, I like to think it means something to you, too!”

“It does,” Jess laughed. “Come stay over with me tonight. Let me make it up to you.”

“But your roommate hates me,” Casey sighed.

“She doesn’t hate you… she dislikes… everyone. Besides, fuck her.”

“Well, I’d rather fuck you, but….”

The two women laughed, and it warmed Casey’s heart to see Jess genuinely smile.

“Fine, I’ll endure Bertha the horrible, just for you….”

“You won’t even see her! But you’ll see me,” Jess smiled. “Casey, I’m so glad you’re part of my life.”

“And I’m glad you’re part of mine. Not everyone is willing to risk carpel tunnel syndrome a week before exams to defend my honor.”

“Well, if they’re unwilling to do that, they don’t deserve you!”

“Here,” Casey said, holding up the take-out bag. “It’s your lunch. Now, get your bus before you’re late for class.”

“Thank you. But I promise you, I won’t be late tonight. My place at 8:00?”

“Nothing could keep me away.”

Tagging in reblog.

#choices june challenge #open heart #fanfic #week 4 submission

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choicesjunechallenge · 10 months

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Character Summer Challenge- DAY 5

We're back! Sorry for the impromptu break. Life got a little crazy! Today's themes are:

BBQ

Summer Song

OOTD (Outfit of the Day)

✨ Think of your most beloved characters (MC, OC, LI, etc.) and REBLOG with anything relating to the prompts.

✨Remember you can answer one, two, or all three of the prompts.

✨You can answer using pictures, edits, text—anything you like

✨You are free to answer this for any characters from any books. No limits!

✨Please: Always stay respectful of others

#choices june challenge #open heart #social media edit #week 4 submission

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choicesjunechallenge · 10 months

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Reverse uno-ing you! I have to know for your pairings.

This Is Survival

[Bryce Lahela x Olivia Hadley Masterlist]

Pairing: Bryce Lahela x Olivia Hadley (F!OC) Book: Open Heart (Zombie AU) Word Count: <700 Rating/Warning: Teen, to be safe (mentions of Zombies, violence ) Prompt: @choicesjunechallenge: long nights

Synopsis: Olivia and Bryce have two very different approaches for dealing with Zombies.

Muted by the grey clouds that hung in the air, the moon cast a haunting pale glow over the once promising city now overrun by zombies.

Bryce and Olivia huddled together in their makeshift shelter in the desolate landscape outside the city's border. The howls and groans of creatures from the city echoed around them. It would be another long night.

"Did you hear that?" Bryce questioned, his posture alert as his gaze raked across the horizon.

"It's coming from the city," Olivia mumbled, her eyes heavy with sleep.

"No, I think I hear something closer." Bryce's calloused hand tightened around the handle of the machete that never left his side.

Heavy, low moans grew louder, sending a shiver down her spine. "Okay, I hear that too," her voice trembled.

"It sounds like two or three, four at most," Bryce calculated. His gaze narrowed, attempting to locate the source of the sound despite the darkness. He jumped up, "Stay here."

"Absolutely not!" Her fear subsided as she pressed her hands to her hips. "Bryce Lahela, you will not leave me alone right now!"

"Liv, we've been over this—" He turned toward her, the low light highlighting his weathered features. "It's better if you stay here. I need you safe."

"I'll be safer with you."

A low growl slipped from his lips. He knew she was right, and yet, he also knew taking her was always a liability. "You can't save them."

"What if we could?" Her fingers traced tenderly down his jaw, cradling his face.

For a moment, he let his eyes close, let himself remember what things were like before all of this. A pained expression filled his features as his eyes opened again. He pulled away. "They're not human, Liv. They're mindless monsters."

"But, what if—" Her eyes shimmered as she pleaded for a different approach. "What if there's still a spark of humanity left in them. Maybe if we show them kindness and compassion, maybe it will reach them. Maybe there's a cure."

"They don't understand kindness, Liv. I'm sorry." Bryce turned away. He fitted his belt with a dagger and grenade he had managed to find in their travels. He handed her a crossbow as he readied his machete in hand.

"I won't use it."

"I know." His hardened face softened as he pressed a kiss to her forehead. "But, just in case."

She could see the fear in his eyes, the pain of what would come next. She nodded as she took the weapon from him.

"Thank you." He pulled her close, relishing one last moment together. "I just need you safe."

"I know."

"I promise you I will find a better life for us, a place where kindness exists, a place where you can be the caring and beautiful person you are, but it's not here."

"I know," she repeated reluctantly. He had saved her more than enough times to know that her kindness approach had yet to work, but she held out hope that maybe one day, one time, one zombie, she could break through their inhumanity.

"I love you, Liv. Always."

"I love you, too." She leaned closer, but as quick as the moment began, it ended, and Bryce stepped out of their shelter, ready to defend them.

In another life, he took an oath to do no harm, to save every life, to better humanity— now he was no better than them, killing without a second thought. He glanced back to her once more, wishing for the world she still believed a possibility. Zombie or not, he never enjoyed taking a life.

She placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder, the crossbow in her other hand, just in case he wasn't enough to protect them.

The blood-curdling sound of the zombie scurrying toward them pulled their focus. Bryce rushed forward, his machete swinging, cutting the creature in half. This isn’t killing, he reminded himself, as he caught a glimpse of her red hair in the moonlight as he spun toward the next zombie. This is survival.

So I didn't really plan to write this at all. It was kind of spur of the moment in response to this ask.

I see Bryce as someone who could survive a zombie apocalypse, Olivia not so much. While they're both rays of sunshine, Bryce is adaptable. Olivia is too much of a gem. She will always look for a kinder way and that would get her killed if it were not for Bryce.

Thank you for reading. I hope you enjoyed what life might look like in a post-apocalyptic world for these two.

#choices june challenge #open heart #fanfic #week 4 submission

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choicesjunechallenge · 10 months

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Last week to enter...

The Choices June Challenge is now in its final week.

Looking for creative inspiration? Check out our prompt list.

The prompts cover nature, folklore, food and happenings in June. Summer or winter, we've got you covered.

Fanworks of all types from all Choices/Pixelberry books are welcome. Full guidelines found here.

Late submissions will be accepted until July 2nd.

#choices june challenge #playchoices #choices monthly challenge #choices fanfics #choices fanfiction #choices fanart #kindred choices

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choicesjunechallenge · 10 months

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The Doctor Is Almost In

Premise: It's the week before intern year and Cassie explores her new home.

Book: Open Heart Character: Cassie Valentine (F!MC) Format: Edits

Submission to @choicesjunechallenge prompt "summer"

A/N2: Thank you to @jamespotterthefirst for the last edit of Cassie in her white coat.

Submissions: @choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics

#choices june challenge #open heart #social media edit #week 4 submission

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choicesjunechallenge · 11 months

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Uncharted: Tales from the Gypsea - Surf's Up!

Fandom: TRR

Series: Uncharted: Tales from the Gypsea

Pairing: Drake Walker x Harper Gale (F!OC)

Synopsis: While on their honeymoon, Harper takes Drake out of his comfort zone with an unexpected birthday surprise...

Word Count: 5,000 (which is about 3,000 words longer than anticipated, but H&D always run away from me, so here we are 😅)

Rating/Warnings: E (swearing in multiple languages, a few lemon-scented moments, extreme sports)

Fic theme song:

A/N1: So… this was not what I was supposed to be working on… 😅 But when @petiteboheme sent me a video of Bruno Santos (my FC for Drake) trying hydroboarding (also known as jetblading) for the first time, and demanding that I write a version featuring Drake and Harper, I couldn’t say ‘no’. And since (a) it's the summer, and (b) I haven't written a birthday fic for Drake this year yet, I instantly got a brainwave and dove right in! Hope you enjoy!

A/N2: As mentioned in the Author’s Notes for this series, this fic takes place during Harper and Drake's honeymoon. I HC that Drake’s birthday falls on June 6th, so this mini-adventure would take place approx. midway through the trip.

A/N3: This fic ended up featuring quite a lot of Italian, so as per usual, translations below. I also have a few other general notes at then end.

A/N4: This is also my submission for @choicesjunechallenge, prompts Summer, Vacation, Surf, Beach, Love.

"Rise and shine, sleepy-head," I murmur softly, feathering kisses along the side of Drake's neck.

He groans under his breath, pulling himself out of the depths of slumber with some difficulty. "That's my line, Gale."

"Well, I'm stealing it," I reply impishly, leaning over him to catch his lips with mine. "Especially since I'm up before you for once."

"Obviously, I didn't do a good enough job last night," he grumbles against my mouth, even as he snakes his hand onto my backside to pull my naked body on top of his.

"Oh, don't worry — you did," I assure him, dropping tiny kisses down his chest. "Just like the night before..." My teeth graze his abs. "And the night before that..."

A low sound rattles his throat as I move lower. "The circumstantial evidence indicates otherwise..."

"I needed a way to grab your attention," I tell him sweetly, pausing just above the much more pronounced tan line that circled his hips.

"Oh, you most certainly got it," he confirms, all vestiges of sleep now banished from his countenance as he looks down at me hungrily.

"Good," I declare, drawing myself back up to his eye-level. "Because I have something for you."

"Oh, yeah?" he smirks with a cocked brow, running his palms up my bare thighs in anticipation.

"Yup," I affirm, leaning over him to reach into the recess on the wall behind the bed.

His eyes widen as I pull out the rectangular-shaped item wrapped in Marvel superhero logo emblazoned wrapping paper. "Wait. You didn't—"

"Happy birthday!" I pronounce, holding the present out to him triumphantly.

He greets my offering with a seriously unimpressed glare. "Gale, I told you that—"

"—you don't want any presents, I shouldn't make a big deal out of it, we're on our honeymoon, blah-blah-blah." I fix him with a deadpan look. "Well, guess what, bud? You don't have a choice. Because I want to celebrate the day you were born."

He scoffs. "Oh, so my birthday's all about you, huh?"

"No," I counter. "It's all about you. And I think I did a pretty good job last year. So, how 'bout you trust me for a change?"

He heaves a beleaguered breath. "Can't we just—?"

"Nope!" I interject, thrusting the parcel into his face.

He rolls his eyes as he finally takes the present. "The things I do for you, girl..."

"Don't you mean the things I do for you?" I counter meaningfully.

He hits me with level look as he scoots himself into a sitting position. "We could both be doing each other right now if—"

"Oh, my God, you're impossible!" I cry exasperatedly, even as I fail to suppress a snort of amusement. "Just open it already!"

"Maybe I like the anticipation..."

I smack him on the chest.

"Christ, I married a bullbat!" he huffs.

"Who you love unconditionally," I remind him. "So, I know you'll love this."

He quirks a sceptical brow as he finds the edge of the folded paper and starts to peel it open. "You sound damn sure of yourself..."

"I have reason to be confident," I say, folding my arms with a wink.

He shakes his head at me as he finishes opening his present. But I can see the smile pulling at the corner of his mouth.

The last of the wrapping paper falls away, and he frowns. "You got me... a photo frame?"

"Turn it over," I prompt, trying to contain the butterflies flapping around in my stomach.

He was gonna like it — I was sure of it. But... there's always a tiny part of you that insists on throwing all the worst-case scenarios at you, making you doubt yourself.

He flips the frame over...

...and silence falls on the cabin as his expression goes blank.

I bite my bottom lip, waiting for him to say something, to react in some kind of way, but he is as immobile as a statue, giving no indication of his state of mind.

Finally, I can't take it any more. "Do you—?"

"When did you do this?" he demands hoarsely.

"When we were last in port," I tell him. "I went to that pharmacy t—"

"But we don't have the pictures from the wedding yet," he cuts in, voice still tight.

"You mean, you don't have the pictures from the wedding yet," I grin. "I asked Max to put a rush on that one so it would be ready for your birthday."

"Christ, Harper," he breathes, eyes brimming with sudden emotion as he pulls me into him. "Remind me never to play poker with you..."

"I'll take that as a compliment," I say, wrapping my arms around him. "So, does that mean I managed to surprise you?"

"Every goddamn day," he says into my hair, squeezing me tight. "'Cause the fact that you're here with me at all is still pretty un-fuckin'-believeable..."

"Well, you did put a ring on it, so..." I waggle the fingers of my left hand at him.

He smacks me on the ass. "You know what I mean..."

I snort into his neck.

"But seriously," he says, pushing me back up so we were face-to-face again. "I love it. I honestly didn't even realise we had any pictures of us... let alone so many."

"Sometimes you gotta capture that moment in between," I tell him with a coy shrug.

His expression cracks. "God, I love you..."

Yanking me to down, his lips claim mine in a passionate, searing kiss that is dizzying in its intensity.

I sigh happily, melting against him.

And even though I would've loved nothing more than to lose myself in him, out here, in the middle of the ocean, for the umpteenth time since the start of this trip, our love-making was going to have to wait.

Because today called for a very different kind of celebration.

So, before Drake has a chance to pull us both into what was — very clearly! — his preferred form of revelment, I break off the kiss.

His eyes snap open to meet mine. "Gale, what are you—?"

"No rest for the wicked, cowboy," I declare, jumping off him. "It's your 28th birthday and we have things to do, and places to be!"

His face drains of colour. "Sweet fuckin' Jesus... You didn't organise a party, did you?"

I choke back a laugh at the sight of the sheer horror in his eyes. "You really think I'd do that to you, Walker?"

"Well, you clearly have no compunction 'bout leaving a man high and dry on his birthday," he objects sourly, gesturing at his arousal that was now flying very much at full mast. "So, apparently anything goes now."

"Don't worry," I assure him, pausing in the doorway to the bathroom. "There's no party. But we are running behind schedule, so you need to get your butt out of bed and move the boat, Cap'n."

"She's a 37-foot sailing yacht..." he grumbles, running his hand down his face, "not a—"

"Chop-chop, Walker!" I prompt, disappearing into the bathroom with a clap of my hands. "Nobody's gettin' any younger here!"

He flops back onto the pillows with a pained groan. "Christ alive..."

"So?" I ask an hour or so later around a mouthful of Eggs Benedict, sitting on the patio of an unassuming little bistro in St. Julian's, on the island of Malta. "Did I pick well?"

Drake spears the last of his own breakfast. "See or hear any complaints?"

"Worth getting out of bed for?"

He quirks a brow at me as he settles back into his chair. "Now that might be a stretch..."

I punt him under the table.

"Hey," he objects, dodging out of the way. "I said it was good. But would I trade the chicken and waffles for an extra hour in bed with you? Every time."

"Hmm..." I say, stirring the remainder of my freshly squeezed orange juice with my straw. "Sounds like I need to try harder next time."

He meets my eye over the rim of his coffee cup. "You can try... But you've set a damn high bar for yourself, girl."

I click my tongue as I set the glass back onto the table. "Well, the day isn't over yet, cowboy. I may still be able to surpass myself."

"Tough odds, Gale," he assures me with a smirk. "Tough odds."

"How was everything?" asks the sever, appearing to clear our plates away.

"Really good!" I say. "I'm stuffed!"

"And you, sir?"

"It hit the spot," Drake acknowledges, flicking a contented look my way.

"Glad to hear!" the server replies as she stacks the empty crockery together. "Can I get you another refill, or—?"

"Just the bill, please," I interject, reaching for my purse. "We're running a bit late."

"No problem," she replies. "I'll print it off right away. Cash or card?"

"Car—"

"Cash," interjects Drake, holding some Euros out. "And you can keep the change."

I whirl on him in bewilderment. "But—"

"Th-thanks," stammers the server, clearly surprised by the size of the tip Drake has just given her. "Did you still want the receipt?"

"Nah, we're good," advises Drake, pushing his chair back. "The wife says we're running late, so that means we're running late."

"Okay, I won't keep you then! Have a good rest of your day!"

"But—" I try again, but the server has already stuffed the cash into her apron and turned away.

"Up-and-at-'em, Gale," prompts Drake, holding his hand out. "You said we gotta get moving so—"

"But, I was going to pay for breakfast!" I object, grabbing my bag and taking his proffered assistance to help me stand.

"Well, I beat you to it," he shrugs, looping his fingers through mine as he navigates us through the labyrinth of tables that dotted the bistro's patio. "Plus, you'd've been shafted on the bank charges and the exchange rate, so—"

"But it's your birthday!" I press. "I wanted to treat you for a change!"

"Trust me, you did," he assures me with a smile, giving my hand a squeeze. "You found a place in the Med that does chicken and waffles for breakfast. If that's not a treat, I dunno what is."

I feel myself blush under the sincerity of his gaze. "So, you did like it."

"'Course I did," he affirms, twirling me to a stop in front of him. "Even if I had to eat dirt for breakfast, I'd enjoy it if I got to do it with you. You're the silver lining around everything, mon coeur."

I feel my throat tighten as I gaze up at him. "Drake..."

"And the money?" He reaches up to stroke my face with a nonchalant shrug. "That's all relative. We're married now, so what's mine is yours and vice-versa. There's no need to keep tabs on who pays for what and when."

I'm suddenly powerless in the face of his caress. "If you say so, Mr. Walker."

"It's my birthday," he confirms, cupping my face in his hands. "So, I do say so... Mrs. Gale-Walker."

Leaning in, he tilts my chin up. My eyes shudder closed as his lips meet mine softly, tenderly, like a lapping wave kissing the shoreline. But with each surge, that wave crests in size and strength until it becomes a riptide of passion that threatens to swallow us completely.

"Christ, I'll never get tired of saying that," he breathes between one inrush and the next.

"It was... definitely a hard... fought accomplishment," I agree haltingly, gripping his hair in an effort to keep myself from being swept away by his sudden fervour.

He swallows a groan as my body arcs into his. "All the more reason...to celebrate the crap out of it."

My eyes snap open. "Celebrate...! Shit! We're late for your—"

"Screw that," he growls, tightening his hold on me. "I'm takin' you back to the boat."

"Thought it was... a sailing yacht," I gasp as he underscores his intent by pulling me flush against the hardness of his body.

"Not the point," he replies dismissively, scrunching the material of my romper between his fingers as his stubble brushes the shell of my ear. "'Cause I'm still gonna fuck you up and down the deck."

"After!" I tell him, distracting him with a kiss on his cheek as I spin out of his grasp.

His head drops back to stare up at the sky. "Putain de bordel de—"

"Come on!" I shout over my shoulder at him, already pegging it down towards the marina.

He grumbles something testily under his breath before reluctantly obliging.

Dodging around locals and tourists, we manage to make it down to the bottom of the hill where the island gave way to Spinola Bay just as the various clock-towers around the city begin to toll the hour.

"Crap!" I exclaim, throwing my head around as I try to speed-read the various signs suspended over the promenade. "Which one is it?"

Drake comes to a stop next to me. "Gale, what are y—?"

"There it is!" I cry, grabbing his hand to haul him after me.

"Sweet Jesus, girl!" he huffs. "Will you just—?"

He cusses again as he very nearly avoids running me over as I suddenly pull us up in front of a squat building.

"Ta-da!" I exclaim, throwing my arm dramatically out at the black-and-red façade of the water sports rental place that we'd just arrived at.

"Okay...?" he says hesitantly, eyeing the store front dubiously. "And we're here because...?"

"You'll see!" I proclaim, pulling him into the minuscule space inside the door.

"Oh, for fuck's s—!"

The two guys manning the counter look up at the sound of our whirlwind arrival.

Laying eyes on me, both of their faces break into that trademark Mediterranean smile I've found myself on the receiving end of more times than I could count since the start of this trip.

"Ciao, bella!" cries one by way of greeting, stepping out from behind the counter. "Can we help you?"

"Ciao, yes. I'm Harper," I say, holding my hand out. "I spoke to one of you on the phone yesterday?"

The guy's eyes light up as he grabs my hand eagerly. "Ah, sì! Harper! I remember!" Bending down, he lays an enthusiastic kiss on my knuckles. "You spoke to me! I'm Mario."

I nod in affirmation. "Yes, I—"

"And this is my brother, Luca!" continues Mario with typical Italian excitement, throwing a hand on the other guy's shoulder to yank him into my eye-line.

"Come stai?" he asks, grabbing my hand out of his brothers grasp to drop a loud smooch on it as well.

"Sto bene, grazie," I reply graciously.

Mario and Luca stare at me in bewilderment before simultaneously lighting up in wonder. "Ah! Sorprendente! Parla italiano? Hai un così bell'accento! Tu che sembri—"

"And, this is Drake," I add in English, somewhat apologetically, having exhausted my limited Italian. "My husband."

The brothers' faces fall. "Ah. Piacere."

Drake nods passively in reply.

"So... you, ah, wanted to have Full Flight experience?" asks Mario, clearing his throat as he resumes his place behind the counter.

"Yes," I respond, digging into my bag for my phone. "The 30 minute package. I have the confirmation email, if—"

"No, no!" interjects Mario with a wave of his hand as he clicks the Apple desktop screen to life. "I have you in system already. And you paid full amount yesterday, so you only need to sign waiver before start of your lesson."

"Great!" I say, dropping my phone back into the bag's pocket as Luca hands me a double sided piece of paper. "You have a pen?"

Two sets of biros are thrust instant in my direction.

"Thanks," I say bemusedly.

Turning back to Drake, I see him looking at me with a raised brow.

"Full flight experience, Gale?" he asks dryly. "We signing our life away to go parasailing or something?"

"Nope," I reply, passing him the waiver and the pen with a grin. "Just you. Because you're about to go hydroboarding."

His eyes snap up to mine. "Hydro-what-now?"

"Hydroboarding," I repeat. "Also known as jet-blading. Think Iron Man thrusters on your feet, but powered by water instead of... whatever it is that powers Iron Man's thrusters."

"Repulsors," he supplies dryly as he scans the waiver. "And you thought this was a good idea because...?"

"Because it's your birthday and I wanted to surprise you with something that you haven't tried before and therefore wouldn't be expecting!"

"Well, you certainly managed to score on both of those fronts," he mutters, scribbling his details on the form.

I lean into him seductively. "I told you I'd be able to surpass myself."

He glances up from the page. "Don't jump the gun, baby. I'm not out on the water yet."

"Like I said this morning," I purr against his ear. "I have reason to feel confident."

A low growl rumbles in his throat as he dashes his signature on the form.

"Bene!" cries Mario, snatching the waiver away. "If you follow Luca to the back, he will give you helmet and wetsuit in your size."

"Wetsuit?" queries Drake, dropping the pen on the counter. "Seriously?"

"All part of the package, darling," I tell him with a pat on his back as we file after Luca.

Drake groans audibly. "You're walking a fine line, girl..."

"You know me, Walker..." I smirk. "I'm all about the high-octane thrills!"

"Good," he says, throwing me a heated look over his shoulder. "Because when we get back to the yacht, I'm still plannin' to take you all the way to cloud nine."

I meet his eye. "That a promise?"

His mouth pulls into a cocky grin. "It's a gold-plated guarantee."

"So, this is equipment room," declares Luca, coming to a stop in the middle of a tightly packed space that was filled to the brim with various pieces of water-sporting gear. "We have helmets, wetsuits, life jackets in all sizes. You look like you're a pretty fit guy so—"

"La mia taglia la so," interjects Drake, striding over to a rack of wetsuits.

Luca's eyes widen.

"He's been diving before," I say by way of explanation.

"Noto," comes the po-faced acknowledgment as Drake rifles critically through the options. "And I see now where you learn to speak Italian."

"Learning," I correct. "It's a bit of a slow process."

"Salvagente?" asks Drake, turning back to the room with his selection.

Luca indicates towards the far wall.

Crossing the floor, Drake quickly picks out a life jacket, and a helmet as well.

"Lo spogliatoio è laggiù," advises Luca, pointing to a haphazardly hung curtain in the corner.

"Grazie," nods Drake, carrying his armload of stuff over.

"Do you... need me to hold onto anything?" I ask.

"Nah, I'm good," he replies, stepping behind the curtain. "Be out in a minute."

"Okay."

"So, you come to Malta for holiday?" asks Luca inquisitively, clearly uncomfortable with the idea of having to wait in silence.

"Honeymoon," I reply, tucking my hair behind my ear.

"Ahh!" he exclaims, throwing his hands up into the air. "Congratulazioni! Your husband is very lucky guy!"

"Thanks," I say with a simile. "I feel the same way about him."

"How you two meet?"

"Erm... it's a bit of a long story, but we met in New York."

"Ah, sì! New York!" he nods enthusiastically. "The Big Melon!"

I frown. "Normally it's called the Big Apple, but—"

The sound of metal rings jingling on the curtain pole draw my attention.

Turning my head, I see Drake step out from the changing area and I can't help but snort.

He quirks a brow as he adjusts the chin strap on his helmet. "Somethin' funny, Gale?"

"No," I say, trying to recollect my composure. "I... I've just never seen you with so much gear on."

"Well, it's a bit overkill, if you ask me," he declares, grabbing his clothes and shoes from the floor.

"You do look ready for some serious spelunking..."

"Let me guess?" he drawls, handing me his stuff. "That's my birthday present for next year?"

I swallow down another snort as I drop his things in my tote. "Do you want it to be?"

His mocha eyes meet mine. "Only if you're coming with me."

"You got yourself a deal, cowboy," I say with a grin, pushing myself up on my toes to give him a kiss. "Now go live it up as Iron Man."

"Whatever you say, Miss Potts," he smirks with a wink, giving my backside a clandestine squeeze before turning to Luca. "Quindi cosa dopo?"

"Suegitemi," he prompts, heading back to the front of the store.

"Y'know," whispers Drake into my ear as we follow after Luca, "it's not too late for you to ditch that romper and get gussied up too."

"Nice try, Walker," I laugh. "But like I said — this day is all about you, so I'm more than happy to sit this one out so I can capture your escapades on film."

"Fine," he grumbles. "But I'm gettin' my own back for your birthday."

"I expect nothing less," I grin as Luca leads us out onto the jetty, where Mario is already waiting for us.

"Ah! Bellissimo!" he enthuses upon our approach. But his face suddenly falls as his eyes land on me. "Harper! You change your mind? You don't want to go flying?"

"Oh, no," I say with a chuckle. "This was a surprise for Drake."

"Ahh!" nods Mario in understanding. "You want to use husband as hamster first. Smart lady!"

"Actually—"

But Mario has already turned his attention onto his student. "So. Mr Drake. Like English pirate, yes?"

"Era un corsaro, non un pirata," replies Drake.

"Ah-ha!" exclaims Mario, clapping Drake on the shoulder. "So, it is you who are the secret Italian! But why English name?"

"Perché sono mezzo americano," explains Drake. "Ma mia madre è di Cordonia e anche io sono cresciuto lì."

"Ah, sì... Cordonia," muses Mario. "Bel paese. Belle donne."

As Drake continues conversing with the brothers in their native language, I take the opportunity to slip my phone out of my bag and take some pictures of the three of them, as well as the sparkling bay behind us.

Malta had not been on the list of destinations for this trip, but it had been the only place that offered hydroboarding. So, when it had popped up as an option during my online hunt for birthday surprises for Drake, I knew I had to convince him to make the detour south.

And honestly? It had been worth it. The little island was a true jewel of the Mediterranean with craggy limestone cliffs plunging into azure-blue bays so clear you could see to the bottom, while the small towns that dotted the coast literally made you feel like you'd stepped back in time as you wandered the meandering cobblestone streets lined with imposing baroque buildings.

Stowing my phone away, I turn back to the men and see that they were now in the process of showing Drake how to use the hydroboard, which really did look like the wayward parts of Tony Stark's suit. And while I couldn't understand any of the fast-paced Italian, I was able to pick up the general gist from the non-verbal parts of the demo: dip your toes down to go forwards, straighten back up to stop or rise higher, and lean to the side to turn.

Drake is nodding along intently, dropping a few questions here and there, but before long, Luca is strapping the device to his feet, and latching on the tube that would supply the water to the thrusters via the jet ski's propulsion system.

"All set?" I ask as he prepares to drop into the water.

"We're about to find out," he replies as Luca helps lower him off the pier.

"Have fun!" I call down to him.

"Harper!"

I snap my head up at the sound of my name.

Mario beckoning to me from atop his jet ski. "Jump on! Capitano Drake said you wanted to take pictures — best spot is from the water."

"But I'm not dressed for swimming," I say, gesturing at my romper.

"Don't worry!" he laughs. "I promised your husband I will take good care of you. You won't fall in."

"Okay, sure!" I nod with a grin, slipping out of my sandals. Opening up my tote, I drop my shoes in and extract my phone before stowing the bag behind a large metal mooring post. Since it was just us out here, I figured our stuff would be safe for the 30 or so minutes while we were out on the water, especially since it looks like Luca would be staying on the jetty.

Quickly throwing my hair into a ponytail, I make my way over to Mario. Sitting down on the edge of the pier, Luca provides some assistance with manoeuvring me onto the back of the jet ski, given that I only really had one free hand.

Once I'm seated securely, Mario relays some instructions into the headset he was wearing before slowly guiding the little vessel away from the jetty.

Glancing behind me, I see Drake's head bobbing above the water, but he quickly starts to ascend skywards.

"Get ready," advises Mario, revving the throttle higher as he spins the jet ski around so we were facing back towards the shore.

Pulling up the camera app, I switch it to video mode and hit record just as Drake rises somewhat haphazardly out of the water.

"Oh, my God! That's so cool!" I exclaim, watching as the powerful jets under his feet propel him upwards until he's hovering about a foot above the water, arms thrown out as he tries to maintain his balance.

"Like magic, no?" grins Mario, watching Drake's efforts and making adjustments to the throttle speed accordingly.

"Definitely!" I enthuse, zooming in on Drake as he begins to move forwards.

"Balance is most important thing," calls Mario above the roar of the jets. "If you have strong balance you can—"

"Oh, no!" I cry as Drake suddenly loses the tentative hold in his equilibrium and tips in slow-motion back into the water.

"Everybody falls," Mario assures me as he helps Drake level out again before powering upwards once more with some further instructions into his headset. "But for first time, he is doing great job!"

"He's an amazing snowboarder," I say. "And he used to ski before that. I'm guessing both of those help."

"Sì, sì," nods Mario, keeping his gaze on his charge. "Skating, rollerblading, surfing — all these sports are good practice. Should we make him go higher?"

"Obviously!" I laugh, giving Drake a wave as he looks in our direction.

He gives a quick wave in response before focusing his attention back on the mechanics of his flight. Mario relays a few more instructions down the line and Drake throws us a thumbs up in response. A few false starts and a couple of jagged movements later, he's managed to draw a figure of eight out in front of us.

"Wow!" I gasp as he repeats the exercise again, this time with increased speed. "He's gotten the hang of that that quick!"

"He is natural," agrees Mario. "Before you know it, he will be competing in X-Games."

"Don't tell him that, because he definitely—!" I gasp as I catch sight of Drake again. "Holy crap!"

"Like I said — he is natural," replies Mario, watching Drake execute a tight 360 bent low over his board.

"Oh, God, I've created a monster..." I mutter sardonically under my breath as Drake flies out of the spin into a wide circle around us.

The rest of the session zooms by in a blur, and before I know it my phone battery is about to die and it's time to head back to shore.

"That was so amazing!" I exclaim as Luca helps me dismount the jet ski. "And I wasn't even the one flying!"

"You are welcome back anytime, Harper," says Mario with a grin as Luca takes my place on the back of the craft. "It was our pleasure!"

Grabbing my bag, I watch as the brothers head back to Drake and help him detach the hydroboard from his feet before shuttling it back to the jetty.

Drake makes the short swim back to the pier, and I'm there waiting for him as he climbs back onto dry land.

"So, what did you think?" I ask as he pulls himself up next to me, dripping water.

"Fuckin' awesome!" he declares, unclipping his helmet with a beaming smile. "The time went by so fast that I swear I was only out there for 5 minutes, tops."

"Well, my phone can attest to the fact that it was the full half hour," I assure him. "I got some good pics though!"

"Great! Can't wait to see! And you're definitely coming with me next time. You'd love it! It really is like flying!"

"Glad you had a good time, cowboy," I say, dropping a kiss in his salt-infused lips.

He wraps his arm around me, drenching me in the process. "I really did. And I really appreciate you pulling this together for me behind my back. You really didn't have to."

I smack him on the chest. "Of course I did! What kind of person would I be if I didn't surprise you with some kind of surprise on your birthday?"

"Well, you got me the other present already, so—"

"Nope!" I declare with a cheeky grin. "One present isn't enough. I gotta keep you in your toes, bud, remember?"

"You do, baby," he says with a warm look, pulling me to him. "Every single day. And I wouldn't trade it for the world."

"Me neither," I assure him, fusing my lips with his. "Now, let's get back to the boat."

So, as promised, a few notes and translations below:

1. Food — I appreciate that chicken and waffles is very much an American dish, with strong ties to the Southern states. However, in the course of my research, I did actually find a bistro in St. Julian’s, in Malta, where they serve this for brunch, so I did not — in any way! — take any creative licenses with that part of the story 😇

2. Language — Malta is an interesting place from a language point of view. While the official language is Maltese (which is a Semitic language that developed from a dialect of Arabic in combination with Sicilian — no, I didn’t know this either!), Malta was a British colony for about 150 years, which means that most people are conversant in both languages. In addition, due to Malta’s proximity to Italy, along with the influence of the Sicilian dialect on the local language, many Maltese people can speak/understand Italian as well. That said, Mario and Luca are actually Italian transplants (rather than Maltese), which is why they speak Italian.

3. Translations — As mentioned in my other fics, I HC that Drake is fluent in both French and Italian. Here are the translations:

- Mon coeur: lit. ‘my heart’ but connotatively means ‘my love’

- Putain de bordel de— : For fuck's—

- Ciao, bella!: Hello, beautiful!

- Sì: Yes

- Come stai?: How are you (doing)?

- Sto bene, grazie: I’m doing well, thanks.

- Sorprendente! Parla italiano? Hai un così bell'accento! Tu che sembri— : Amazing! You speak Italian! You have such a beautiful accent! You sound like—

- Piacere: Pleasure (as in ‘pleasure to meet you’)

- Bene: Good/great

- La mia taglia la so: I know what size I am

- Noto: Noted / I see

- Salvagente: Life jacket

- Lo spogliatoio è laggiù: The changing room is over there

- Grazie: Thanks

- Congratulazioni: Congratulations

- Quindi cosa dopo?: What now?

- Suegitemi: Follow me

- Bellissimo: Beautiful

- Era un corsaro, non un pirata: He was a privateer, not a pirate

- Perché sono mezzo americano. Ma mia madre è di Cordonia e anche io sono cresciuto lì: Because I am half-American. My mother is from Cordonia and I also grew up there.

- Ah, sì... Cordonia. Bel paese. Belle donne: Ah, yes… Cordonia. Beautiful country. Beautiful women.

*Big Melon: So, while looking for a translation of Big Apple, I learnt that in Italian, apple = mela, which I thought looked and sounded surprisingly similar to melon (melone), hence the small linguistic in-joke. Similar case of lost in translation with Guinea pig vs hamster. I know, I’m sad… ignore me 😆

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Picture credits:

Hydroboarding - Harper - Drake - Malta

#choices june challenge #the royal romance #fanfic #week 4 submission

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