#choicesdecemberchallenge20

[lem-20]

Kisses at midnight

Summary: There's only one person Cecilia wants to be kissing at midnight, but will Ethan show up in time? Set during the 2.18 time jump.

Book/Pairing: Open heart, Ethan Ramsey x f!MC (Cecilia Gibson)

Category/Rating: Fluff/ Teen

Warnings: None

Word Count: 1800

Disclaimer: Characters owned by Pixelberry

Prompts: @choicesficwriterscreations ​Winter Season Prompt #15 ❄

@choicesdecemberchallenge Day 31: New

@wackydrabbles Prompt Come over here and make me (will appear in bold)

A/N: I have really struggled to get this fic finished. I had the ideas, but not enough time to write without there being a million distractions. I was determined to get it finished before New Years Eve though, so it's a little rushed. I hope it's not too much of a mess!

Cecilia stood outside Donahue's, looking up and down the street. Tiny snowflakes fell from the sky as the bitterly cold wind rushed past her, causing goosebumps to appear on every exposed bit of skin. The silver knee length sequin dress she had chosen to wear that night did very little to protect her from the cold, but she barely noticed - she was far too distracted.

Her friends were inside, along with a large group of staff from the hospital. After working long shifts for weeks, with no days off, one night of fun and normality was the least they all deserved.

The sound of people talking and laughing was not enough to entice her back inside, as the person she wanted to see the new year in with wasn't among them.

She looked at her phone, still no missed calls or texts. It was 11:20 pm, maybe he wouldn't be coming after all.

The door creaked open and Cecilia turned to see Sienna making her way over to her.

"You okay out here?" she asked wrapping her arms around herself, trying to block out the cold.

"Yeah, I was just getting some fresh air."

"Have you heard from Ethan yet?" Sienna asked, seeing through her lie.

"No."

"I'm sure he'll be here soon. He said he was coming didn't he?"

"Well, he said he'd try to be here. I know things have been a bit weird between us recently, but tonight didn't even have to be about that. I wasn't expecting us to talk about it, I just wanted to spend some time with him...I miss him."

"I know you do sweetie," she said, pulling her into a comforting embrace. "Why don't we just get out of here. If we hurry, we should make it home in time to pop open a bottle of champagne and watch the fireworks out the window?"

"Thanks Sienna, but I dont want to ruin your night. Like you said, he might still come," she replied with a weak smile.

"Okay, if you're certain. But if he doesn't come, you make sure you find me before midnight. Okay? And please don't stay out here for too long, it's freezing," she said, giving Cecilia's arm a squeeze.

She watched as Sienna walked back into the building, before returning her gaze to the increasingly snow covered street.

She didn't know why she was torturing herself like this. Their kiss in front of everyone at the gala was supposed to be the start of something amazing, but the workload at the hospital that came immediately after had caused them to put the breaks on their relationship. She had barely spent any time with him since, not in the way she would have liked anyway. They had both been completely tied up with work, so neither was to blame, or they both were, however you wanted to look at it.

The not knowing if they would end up working in the same hospital or even the same state, played on her mind a lot. But, truth be told, she had been avoiding having that conversation with Ethan and she presumed the same went for him.

After a couple more minutes standing on the sidewalk, Cecilia took a deep breath in and coughed as the cold wintery air stung her lungs - it was definitely time to head back inside.

She made her way to stand at the bar and waited to be served, after a few moments she saw someone stand next to her from the corner of her eye. She stopped herself from turning to look to see if it was him - she'd whipped her head around so many times already that night, she was surprised she hadn't suffered a neck injury.

A few seconds passed before she felt a hand press gently against the small of her back. It was him. Well either that or someone else was getting a bit too handsy. She turned slowly to face the person next to her, it was Ethan.

"I'm so sorry I'm late."

She shrugged, trying to act nonchalant, but her facial expression betrayed her.

"You're annoyed at me, aren't you?"

She really wanted to be, but one glance at his chiseled jawline and piercing blue eyes had her stomach doing somersaults. How did he still have that affect on her after all this time?

"I'm not annoyed, I'm just disappointed that we won't be getting much time together now," she said sadly.

"I know, I'm so sorry. I got stuck dealing with a patient and it took much longer than I expected."

"You could have at least sent me a text."

"I did, a couple of hours ago." His face scrunched up with confusion as he got his phone out to check. "Oh damn, I must not have pressed the send button properly. This is why I don't like texting, too many things can go wrong."

She tried hard to stifle a laugh.

"You wouldn't be thinking of making an old man joke now would you?" he asked, eyebrows raised.

"Well, you make it so easy sometimes," she giggled, before wrapping her arms around him. "I was worried that you'd decided not to come."

"You don't really believe that do you? I've been thinking about seeing you all day," he said, rubbing his hand up and down her back. "You look beautiful tonight by the way."

"Thank you. You're looking pretty damn hot yourself," she replied, moving her hands up to rest on the back of his neck.

Ethan leaned in to kiss her, but she pressed her hand to his lips. "Not until midnight."

"You're really going to make me wait?"

"Umm, I've waited hours for you tonight, I think I can keep you waiting..." she glanced up at the clock "...20 minutes."

"I suppose that's only fair," he smirked.

He turned to the bar, putting his hand up to get Reggie's attention. "Could we have a bottle of your best champagne and two glasses please Reggie?"

"Ooh, you're going all out tonight."

"Well, apparently I've got some making up to do."

"True," she smiled, "is there anything else you are going to do to make it up to me?" She bit her lip as she thought of exactly what she would like him to do.

"Maybe." After paying Reggie and grabbing their champagne, he leaned in close to her. "Stay at mine tonight?"

Her heart hammered in her chest as she gave a nod in response. She threaded her fingers through his as they set off in search of her friends.

As they approached the group, Sienna looked up and spotted them. "Dr. Ramsey, you made it," she said with a smile, before turning to Cecilia and giving her a descreet thumbs up.

They all talked together for a while, as midnight started to approach.

"Hey guys, it's nearly midnight. I say we head out back, see if we can see some fireworks. Or make some of our own." Bryce said with a wink, seemingly aimed at no one in particular.

The group headed out into the garden area of Donahue's. The snow had stopped and the patio heaters dotted around made the temperature much more bearable than it had been out on the street a little while earlier.

"Only one minute to go," Elijah announced.

Cecilia took a sip of her champagne before placing her glass on a nearby table, Ethan followed suit.

"I'm so glad you're here Ethan," she said, moving in close to him. "I couldn't bare it if I wasn't kissing you at midnight."

He rubbed his thumb gently across her cheek as the crowd started to count down.

"10, 9..."

Ethan pulled her face to his and kissed her deeply. Everything seemed to go quiet, as all her worries and concerns slipped away. All that existed in that moment was the two of them and she savoured every second until they eventually broke apart.

"Couldn't wait until midnight then?" she teased.

"I've missed kissing you so much, I literally couldn't wait another second."

She leaned in to him, resting her head on his chest.

"Oh..."

Pulling back from him, she looked up at his face and followed his gaze to see what had caused his reaction. A few feet away she saw Sienna and Bryce passionately making out with each other. She turned back to Ethan, mouth open in shock.

"I didn't know they were together," he stated.

"They're not, well not that I know of anyway...no, Sienna would have told me." She looked back towards them just in time to see Sienna slip her hand under Bryce's shirt. "Oh wow, they are really getting into that," she giggled.

She grabbed their drinks and passed Ethan his before wrapping one of her arms around his waist. They stood side by side watching their friends and colleagues.

"It looks like Jackie has found someone to kiss over there, in the corner. I can't see who it is though."

Ethan craned his neck to get a better view, before letting out a small gasp, followed by a chuckle.

"What, who is it?" Cecilia asked, trying to see for herself.

"It's Dr. Garrison."

"What?! No! Oh my God, she must be wasted to be kissing him," she laughed.

"Or maybe she's always had a secret crush on him?" he suggested.

"Maybe, but I seriously doubt it," she responded with a smile. "I'm sure she would literally kill anyone who ever mentions what is happening right now."

Just then, Ines and Zaid walked past, arms linked together. Ines gave them a little wave, while Zaid gave a nod.

"Are Ines and Zaid a couple?" she questioned, once they had passed. "I've often wondered, but then forget to ask."

"I don't know," he replied.

"How could you not know? You've known them longer than I have."

"The same reason you don't know. I've never asked."

"But you work with his twin, surely Baz has said something?"

"I don't tend to talk to my colleagues about their personal lives or their family members...But it certainly seems like there is something between them."

She let out a chuckle.

"What's so funny?"

"You're gossiping, Naveen would be so proud," she said with a smirk.

"I am not gossiping. I'm merely stating some observations," he said sternly.

"I'm sure Naveen would love to know that Ethan Ramsey, of all people, is gunning for his position as gossip king." He raised his eyebrows at her. "In fact, I may call him right now," she said, as she got out her phone and scrolled to Naveen's number.

"Since when did you have Naveen's number?" he asked with genuine surprise.

"Wouldn't you like to know," she teased, as she stepped away from him, her finger hovering over the call button.

"Cecilia stop," he pleaded, trying hard to contain his amusement.

"Come over here and make me," she said, with a playful smile.

He stepped forward and pulled her in for another kiss that made her giddy.

Part 2

☆☆

Thank you so much for reading. Happy new year to you all! 🎆🍾🥂 Let's hope next year is a better one than this year! 🤞

☆☆

Tags: @pixie88 @lifeaskim @queencarb @udishaman @lucy-268 @starrystarrytrouble @txemrn @ethanramseylover @schnitzelbutterfingers @drariellevalentine @irisofpurple @alina-yol-ramsey @maurine07 @openheartfanfics @aarisa-frost

Please let me know if you would like to be added to my tag list 🙂

#choicesdecemberchallenge20 #cfwc winter season #wacky drabbles #choices fic writers creations #open heart fanfiction #ethan ramsey x mc #ethan x mc #ethan ramsey #open heart choices

[monsoonblooms12]

Christmas with the Waverleys ❄️: Part I

A/N: Hi, how is everyone doing💫💛? So I really wanted to do something for the Holidays and this is what I came up with. Writing this was a really joyful process, so I really hope that this brings a smile on your face💛 

If you enjoyed the story, please like, leave a comment or reblog. Your feedback keeps me going 💕

Thank you so very much @caseyvalentineramsey for prereading and @jamespotterthefirst for prereading and helping me up with the editing. You guys are life-savers and I love you💛💛

Characters: For this part, the characters are my OH MC(Dr. Pooja Sharma) and OH F!OC (Dr. Alexandra Walton)

Word Count: 1467

Rating: General

Prompts :-

CFWC(@choicesficwriterscreations) Winter Season Prompt #6: Character A doesn’t like the holidays. B loves it. Will B try to find out why or convince A to celebrate it?

@wackydrabbles #74 (Will appear in bold): What do you want me to say?

@choicesdecemberchallenge​ Day 23: Friendship

December 23rd

The riffling of sheets, concomitant typing on the keyboard and the gentle tapping of a blue ballpoint pen.

Aha! Here it is!

The dainty curling up of her lips purported that her quest had been prosperous.

The young girl let down her brunette hair as the muffled voices of Boston's December traffic infiltrating the quiet beige Living room subserved as a token of the celebratory season.

With balmy footfalls, she went to the bay windows of her residence, moving the white satin draperies and looked down to the provocative streets.

Festivals. Gaieties. They were not her thing.

For her, they were needless gatherings, wastage of capital and time.

Christmas, New Year, never held much of a significance in her life.

No matter how much she relished seeing all the people fortified with holiday disposition, she never aspired to be one of them.

Engrossed in thoughts, she nearly plummeted at the unforeseen chime of the doorbell.

A deep breath.

Another one.

And another.

And the abrupt adrenaline rush faded past as she reacquired her equanimity.

An agile glance at the wooden digital timekeeper on the davenport told her that it was 10:30 in the morning.

Mmm-hmm.

An unlikely time for someone to visit.

Must be some parcel posts.

Moving to the door, she clemently swivelled the knob and-

"LEX!"

"Poo?"

Alex was comprehensively purblind as to why Pooja would have come here at 10:30 am, groomed as if she was the anthropomorphism of celebratory spirit.

Not acknowledging her interrogating glimpses, Pooja went inside. Alex accompanied.

And then, Pooja's eyes fell on the vademecum and jotter sitting on the settee.

Hmmm, so they are my rivals.

"Poo? What's the matter? Has something goofed?"

Alex still had no ounce of idea about all that was transpiring.

"IS SOMETHING WRONG? Lex, EVERYTHING IS WRONG!"

Pooja roared as she denoted towards the current occupants of the couch.

"What is wrong with my manual?"

"Lex, ITS CHRISTMASTIDE! You, sitting here and swotting is Inequity!"

"Poo-"

Pooja held up a hand to prevent her from proceeding further. She knew unequivocally what Lex was going to utter. That she shunned celebrations. All this was a waste and the record of criticisms moving on & on.

She had endured her overtures the prevenient time.

But this time? This time, circumstances would change. Alexandra Walton would be carousing Christmas, no matter how absurd it appeared.

"Lex. I understand, okay. I know you loathe fiestas. But-"

"Now don't begin convincing me and convert to a walking, talking book of 101 reasons to savour festivities."

Nah.

This wasn't going to work. Even if she convinced her, she knew better that she would not heed in.

So, what to do now? Hmmm…

Pooja's mind went back to the discussion she had the previous night.

"Are you kidding me?"

"Of course not! Look!"

The Portrayal of Numerous ocular evidence of the case were placed in front of her.

"So, you're stating that she is here, in Boston and that all this is gonna work?"

"Exactly! Believe me, Poo, you will not regret it. Just give it a try!"

This was the only alternative. She ought to do it. It seems implausible, but the stuff she saw with her optics, felt versus her skin, couldn't be a deceit, could it?

"I need a promise."

"Promise? Wow! What a marvellous way of pressuring me into all this."

Alex substantially scoffed. Pooja lightly smacked her forehead.

"Why did you do it?"

Alex produced a perfect faux crybaby face as she tended to her point of the hit.

"You killed my Lil Lil forehead cells!"

Pooja scarcely restrained her chuckle as she set up the stern big-sister facade,

"Just shut up and listen first. I demand you to promise me that you will go with me somewhere on Christmas Eve."

"On a voyage?"

"No, bimbo! To meet someone."

A pouty face followed. But Pooja's glare was enough to make her regress and concede.

"Fine, Promise. But don't you dare pull me to a holiday funfair. Remember, I can bite."

Alex responded as she unveiled her teeth.

"You won't have to stoop that low" Pooja affirmed while stifling a hearty guffaw.

December 24th

"Are you going to tell me where you are taking me?" Vexation grazed Alex's features.

But her irritation was Pooja's gold. It was one of her reactions which made her laugh hysterically.

"If I die, I will spook you until I am served with 12 boxes of extravagant Walter's White and Pink Chocolate because you are making me do THIS." Alex pointed at the two of them.

"Which, I should make it clear, you won't get. 'Cause you won't die. Also, If means?"

"No, like I mean, subsequently we all will die, but before that, we will become top tier doctors, make millions, eat chocolates."

"We will get husbands" Pooja added to the list.

"They will die"

This earned Alex a scowl from her best friend.

"Then we would be sitting in our opulent houses and would be promoting golden dentures on our Pictogram."

"Yes! Yes! Yes!"

"And then we will die. We will be in heaven and do the Hippity-Hop dance with our already-in-heaven husbands", And the two of them laughed like crazy. Passers-by gave them side glances, most of them presuming they both had gone mad, but the two couldn't bother less.

After a little while, they reached in front of a modest house. Entering through the small copper-coloured gate, they peered around.

It posed an explicit opposition to the modern peculiarities of Boston. The place was serene. The garden surrounding the humble stone-exterior dwelling was immaculate and well-kept. The two of them went towards the white gate and pressed the doorbell.

Seconds later, an elderly lady opened the door.

"Hi, I am Pooja. And this is Alexandra" She introduced the two of them.

"Of course, please get in sweetheart. I have been expecting you." The lady gave a friendly smile and motioned the two of them to come in.

While entering, Alex tugged at Pooja's sleeve, dragging her back.

Keeping her voice as faint as plausible, she spoke, "Why did you bring me here? To discover how to make gingerbread?"

Pooja almost let out a tee-hee and gave her a warning look.

"What do you want me to say? You dragged me out of my cozy blanket and summery dreams to learn how to make gingerbread!"

Lightly hitting Alex's forehead, she jokingly admonished "Shut up Lex! Just wait and watch."

And then they followed the lady to a dim room.

In the core of the room, stood a circle table, encompassing which, three obsolescent chairs were orderly arranged.

Several aromatic candles blazed the shadowy nooks. Various shelves positioned on the walls with articles they couldn't recognize due to the gloom.

They were motioned to take a seat on the chairs.

"So, Miss Pooja! I am so overwhelmed to have you and your friend with me! I am very certain, that the forthcoming journey will be a once in a lifetime venture." The lady's grin revealed two blank spaces in her teeth.

"You have planned everything for us?" Even though they had talked beforehand, Pooja still felt a bit dubious. What is something went awry?

No. 

She halted the train of thought. What ifs are endless. Trust yourself, everything that happens will be for the best.

"Yes, dear. Your request was the loveliest. And I have planned to make everything accurate, just the way you want."

At her words, the tension heaving down on Pooja dissipated.

"Now, both of you lay your hands on the table and relax. Don't ask any questions, Don't have any concerns. Just follow my statements and repeat the words I chant after me."

They both followed. Relaxing, for Alex, was hard, but for her twisted sister, she tried her best and finally calmed down.

The lady began. "Relax. All the arrangements are made. I am sending both of you to the Braidwood Manor, where the Waverleys live. You both are getting a chance to experience Christmas as it was celebrated nearly a century and a half ago. You both will reach London in the 1880s. Take a deep breath"

It felt like someone had cast a spell on them. They both followed all the words, all the instructions wordlessly. As said, they took a deep breath.

"Very Good! Now repeat the words after me. Try to remember them. I am sending you both in the past for a day but in case you wanna come back earlier, you will need them"

Then the lady tapped her purple-painted fingernail four times on the table and began, "Zahiri Washiki Ra, Zahiri Washiki Ma, MaRa LaYa Ma."

Both of them repeated. The gloomy room echoed with the words.

ZAHIRI WASHIKI RA, ZAHIRI WASHIKI MA, MARA LAYA MA!

PS: That's all for Christmas with the Waverleys Part 1🧡! Part 2 will be up tomorrow.

If you reached till here, please know that I am truly grateful for you🌟 I wish you nothing but happiness and smiles for the Holidays and the coming year❤

Thank you so much for reading and I hope you have a great day ahead🧡🧡

#choices fanfiction #choices fic writers creations #cfwc winter season #fics of the week #choices oh #playchoices #choices stories you play #choices the stories you play #choices stories we play #open heart #open heart fanfiction #open heart mc #alexandra walton #Pooja Sharma #Christmas feels🎄🌟 #choicesdecemberchallenge20 #wacky drabbles #My fanfics🖋 #Christmas with the Waverleys!

[storyofmychoices]

Day 180 of spreading positivity with quotes and Choices characters. Quote by Scott Lynch

Prompts:@choicesdecemberchallenge (snow)

#noah harris #my two first loves #mtfl #noah mtfl #spreadjoy #quote #Scott Lynch #choicesdecemberchallenge20

[luxurylives]

@choicesdecemberchallenge - Day Sixteen: Touch

Thank you @iskelan for drawing MC and Nick Peralta from Home for the Holidays!

#home for the holidays #choices fanart #choices stories you play #choicesdecemberchallenge20 #hfth

[inacrowdofchoices]

a lifelong love letter {Open Heart}

for the day 7 prompt, “old”, of the @choicesdecemberchallenge

pairing: Rafael Aveiro/ MC (Grace Sullivan)

word count: 636

synopsis: Grace had not prepared for this kind of deeply emotional conversation, but if there was something they had learned together, it was how to be honest.

Grace and Rafael collapsed together on their brand new couch with a deep sigh. Grace curled up against Rafael’s side and he instinctively wrapped an arm around her shoulders. The Boston night sky was clear through their living room window, stars visible as to acknowledge this perfect evening. Moving in had not been easy but with the help of their friends, for which they would be forever grateful, Grace and Rafael were finally settled in their new apartment. And neither of them could regret the hard work if it meant they were, at long last,  living together.

They had dinner with Bryce, Jackie, Sienna and Elijah after their long day of hard work, in celebration of this new chapter in their lives; until finally, the last of the evening’s take out boxes were put away, friends were on their way home and the apartment was quiet except for the sound of their tired breathing.

“I’m so exhausted I feel like an old person right now.” Rafael said, wordlessly playing with Grace’s hair.

She couldn't agree more. She closed her eyes, enjoying their first moment of rest of the day.

“It’s simply confirmation we’ll be growing old together, because I'm right there with you. I'm aching all over. You'd think we'd be used to standing all day ...” She trailed off, interrupted in her train of thought.

It was as if the moment stood still. Grace was certain she heard Rafael skip a breath in surprise. 

“Is that … Is that something you imagine? For us?” He whispered.

“What? Growing old together?" She opened her eyes again. 

"Yeah." His eyes met hers. 

She turned to face him, sitting cross legged on the couch. Grace had not prepared for this kind of deeply emotional conversation, but if there was something they had learned together, it was how to be honest. No more secrets. They may have had ups and downs at the start of their relationship, but they had promised to be open with one another. And Grace wasn’t afraid to share how she felt.

"Raf, I love you. As far as I’m concerned, you’re it for me. I'm not saying we have to figure it all out now, but when I imagine how my life might go, you're always there with me."

A smile instantly rose on Rafael’s face. He rested his hand on her cheek and Grace could see him trying to find his words; she knew him too well.

“I love you so much.” He kissed her softly. “You’re it for me too.”

“Did you doubt that this-” She pointed at the still unopened cardboard boxes and then more generally to the whole apartment, “meant something serious to me?” She asked him.

“No, of course not. I’m just always taken aback by it. How did I get so lucky?” 

Grace chuckled and rose slightly to kiss his cheek. 

“I could say the same thing about you, you know.” She argued.

He wordlessly guided her until she was straddling his lap, properly facing him. Grace wrapped her arms around his neck.

“So I guess we’re stuck with each other forever then?” Rafael asked her.

She kissed him, and Rafael’s arms settled around her waist. After a while, Grace nuzzled into his neck, and Rafael dropped a soft kiss on her head. 

“I would not have it any other way.” She whispered against him. “I love you Rafael Aveiro. It’s the truth today, and it’ll be the truth tomorrow and in 50 years when we’re both old.”

“And I love you Grace Sullivan, and that will always be true, no matter what.”

Grace’s hand rested on his chest, where she could feel his heartbeat. Rafael’s hand joined hers, and in that moment, they were both happy; they knew with absolute certainty that they would always have each other.

tags: @jaxsmutsuo (you told me you wanted me to let you know when I wrote for Rafael again, so I hope that’s okay!), @choicesficwriterscreations

#open heart #play choices #rafael aveiro #rafael x mc #mc: grace sullivan #playchoices #pixelberry #choicesdecemberchallenge20

[mysticaurathings]

Wedding Aesthetic

Pairing : Ethan Ramsey x F! Mc (Allison Wilshere)

Challenge tag : @choicesdecemberchallenge (Day 5 : Wedding)

Aesthetics & Moodboard Taglist : @iemcpbchoices @starrystarrytrouble

{Let me know if you want to be added or removed}

#choicesdecemberchallenge20 #ethanxmc #ethan ramsey #ethan x mc #open heart #ethanramseyedits

[raleighcarrera]

bright

rising tides | robin tora x mc (josie thompson)

josie and robin have one last day together in cedarport before robin heads back to northbridge for the holidays. for @choicesdecemberchallenge day 2 (snow)

~4.2k words | T

her mom sighs at her when she bounds down the stairs, made-up and wide-eyed before nine o’clock. “is that all it takes to get you out of bed this early?” she asks, hardly bothering to hide the disapproval from her voice, “a cute boy?”

josie fixes her hair in the mirror in the hallway by the door, mostly ignoring her. “we have plans to meet for breakfast,” she explains, voice even, “that’s usually an early-morning activity.”

“just breakfast?” her mom asks, in a way that makes josie avert her eyes from her reflection in the mirror, where she’s seated on the couch behind her. 

“well -- breakfast is the start,” she murmurs, winding a scarf around her neck. she’s pretty sure there’s snow in the forecast today.

“i just want you to be careful, josie.” it’s far from the first time she’s said as much. since she got off the bus from college, her mom has expressed plenty of concerns about robin, especially as things around town elevated. no amount of arguments could deter her from being wary. “you do still barely know this man.”

“that’s not true,” josie argues, voice light. the last thing she wants is to get into this again now. they’re burning daylight. she’s going to be late. “and i’m not fighting with you about this anymore.” 

she slips her hands into her mittens, grabbing the wrapped present on the coffee table and heading towards the door before the conversation can continue. “be back later,” she calls over her shoulder, skipping out the door and almost immediately sliding on a patch of ice. “shit!”

“language,” chides her mother, before she pulls the door shut, regaining her balance with a huff.

thank god she’s meeting robin at the diner.

snow crunches under her shoes on the walk across town, just a dusting left over from while she was sleeping. cedarport is quiet and peaceful around her as she makes her way to main street, her eyes lighting up when she sees the person waiting for her outside the diner, pink-cheeked from the cold.

she only has a split-second to study robin and his scarf and peacoat before he turns and notices her, grinning brightly as his eyes rake up and down her body. he pulls her into a tight hug as soon as she gets close enough to reach on the sidewalk.

“hey,” he murmurs into her ear, lips warm where they brush the side of her face. “good morning. you look like something out of a christmas catalog.”

“is that a compliment?” josie laughs, resisting the urge to dig her fingers into the soft wool covering his broad shoulders. 

“sure is.” robin pulls back enough to look her over again, then abruptly lifts her hand into the air to spin her around. “and if you were in a catalog, i’d rip your pages out and hang them up in my room.”

“that’s some pretty smooth talk for someone cute enough to make my heart stop.” her hand lifts, then, to tug on the lapel of his coat playfully. “this is quite the look.”

robin’s chest puffs out under her mitten. “you like it? only the finest, for my last day in cedarport in 2020.”

silence settles around them heavily. it’s not like he’s never coming back, she reminds herself, not for the first time. it’s barely even two weeks that he’ll be gone, and even then, robin’s only going to northbridge. without traffic, he’s just thirty minutes away.

but he won’t be here.

josie clears her throat, dropping her hand down into his. robin’s not wearing gloves, and his fingers are so cold she can feel them through the fabric of her own knit mittens. “we should get a table,” she prompts, “you promised me pancakes.”

robin’s frigid hand squeezes hers. “and all the coffee you can drink,” he agrees, reminding her of what he’d had to say to get her to agree to breakfast plans in the first place. so -- she’s not what some (anyone) would call an ‘early riser.’ sue her.

there’s an open booth in the corner of the diner that’s perfectly secluded from the rest of the room behind a potted plant, dousing her with an instant relief that feels so good she’s almost guilty. is it so wrong if she doesn’t want to see or speak to anyone on robin’s last day in town? 

evidently not, judging by the way robin smiles fondly at her from across the table as he shrugs out of his coat, cupping his hands in front of his mouth to blow feeling back into his fingers. “private back here, eh? don’t feel like sharing much today?”

“shut up,” she returns, kicking him gently under the table. instead of wincing, robin just bumps her foot back with his, curling his ankle over hers and tugging her leg to his side of the booth. she rolls her eyes, ducking her face behind the giant menu in front of her.

not that it matters. when the waitress arrives, robin orders pancakes and hash browns and coffee and hot chocolate for both of them, snatching the menu out of her hands before she can protest. after the briefest moment of trying not to be charmed by it, she gives in and lets herself smile stupidly at him again.

“it’s going to be so weird, not seeing you every day.” it’s true. since she came home in the summer they’ve practically lived in each other’s back pockets, in one way or another.

the expression on robin’s face softens. “i know.” though he only looks sad for a second, and then he brightens, drumming his fingers on the tabletop. “tell me about what you guys are doing, though. any thompson family traditions?”

“well, we already did the tree,” she hums, tilting her cheek into her hand. “but on christmas eve we usually stay up late watching cheesy old movies. and my mom makes a big breakfast in the morning. normal stuff.”

“you mean you actually get up before noon?” he teases, eyebrows arched high on his smug, handsome face. “you must really love christmas.”

“okay, i’m not that bad,” josie laughs, forcefully wiggling her foot free from where it’s trapped between robin’s shins to kick him again. “just because some people are, like, up with the sun --”

“the early bird gets the worm, josie.”

“-- doesn’t mean that there’s anything wrong with sleeping in.”

robin holds up his hands placatingly, grinning wide. “okay, okay. forget i said anything.” amusement flickers in his gaze as his eyes dip to the present in the booth beside her. “were you planning on carrying that thing around with you all day?”

“well, we can’t start with presents,” she murmurs, uncharacteristic embarrassment making her avert her eyes back to the formica tabletop between them. “the whole day would seem less special compared to that.”

“a day with you could never not be special,” he declares. then, his voice quiets, and he allows, “but, fair enough. i’ll hold off, for now.”

she blinks. “you didn’t have to get me anything.”

there’s a loud laugh from the other side of the booth. “you got me something.”

“yeah, but -- you didn’t know that.”

the way he’s looking at her makes her feel too warm, given how cold it is outside. her toes are still frozen in her boots, but her face feels like it’s on fire. “call it a hunch,” robin smiles. “reporter’s intuition.”

“your nose just knows, huh?”

“exactly.” 

he doesn’t take his eyes off of her even as their plates start to arrive at the table, one after another with two mugs for each of them. it’s only when robin has a whipped cream mustache from drinking his hot chocolate that he shifts to grab a napkin, so he’s not looking at her when he says, “it’s too bad you couldn’t have come back to northbridge with me. my mom would’ve loved to meet you.”

oh, no. she was already too warm -- now she’s positively sweating. “really?”

robin’s eyes glitter affectionately when he nods. “sure. i mean -- you’re in so many of my stories, whenever i call. of course she already knows all about you.”

that makes her groan. josie drops her face into her hands, covering her flush. “so she thinks i’m a troublemaker.”

without lifting her head, she hears the bark of robin’s sharp laugh and can picture his wide grin perfectly. “she knows that i’m the troublemaker. she thinks you’re my perfect match.”

oh, god. she’s going to die of embarrassment, here, in the hometown diner she used to close out after high school football games. “you’re kidding.”

josie parts her fingers to peer at robin from between them. predictably, he is grinning as hugely as she’d imagined he would be. his pancakes are already cut chaotically, haphazardly divided into unequal shapes and sizes. she swallows, dropping her hands to work on her own -- slicing them into methodical, even triangles. 

“no way,” robin answers sincerely, voice so eager it makes her stomach flip. it’s weird, how he just -- does that. no one she’s ever dated has been so forthcoming before, but robin says what he’s thinking and compliments her without prompting pretty much all the time. she never has to guess what’s on his mind or fish for praise, and he acts like it costs him nothing to be so open and honest -- so vulnerable, even after only knowing her for six months. “i think she’s glad i finally found someone to balance me out. if it weren’t for you i probably would have been arrested by now.”

her face still feels too hot, even as she arches an eyebrow at him from over her pancakes and jokes, “probably? try ‘definitely.’”

he shrugs good-naturedly at her while he tucks into his own food, like he hasn’t even noticed how utterly mortified she is, or that if he has, he’s chosen to find it cute and charming. 

the pool of syrup on his plate is at least an inch thick over his jagged pancake rhombuses and trapezoids.

and, god, she is fond of him. for his chaos and so many other things. if robin’s mom thinks she’s the one balancing him, she should’ve known josie when she felt hopeless -- when it seemed like the stricklers of the world were everywhere and there was no point in fighting them because she was just one person who everyone thought was a nuisance with little more to offer apart from a big mouth. 

there’s no denying just how good he’s been for her. and while she certainly sees how her temperament could be beneficial to someone as wild as robin, it seems inaccurate not to make note of how much she’s changed for the better since graduation in may, largely because of him.

he dimples at her as he shovels hash browns onto his pancake plate, right into the syrup. “you’re staring.”

“just wondering who’s going to keep you in line next week. you know, since i’ll be here and all.”

“believe me,” robin sighs, “i do know. but -- my brothers are actually worse than me. so i think my mom is going to have her hands pretty full.”

“hmm.” her lips twitch into a smile as she pushes her perfect pancake triangles around in her modest river of syrup. “when was the last time you were all together?”

“probably... god, it must’ve been last christmas,” robin answers, sounding surprised as he mentally tallies the time. “but julian lives abroad now, so. it happens.”

“that seems like the perfect excuse to travel, to me.”

“you’d think.” robin’s lips twist sardonically. “but when i was working at the times i barely had a few hours to sleep, let alone vacation days. that’s one of the reasons it’s so much better being on my own.” his eyes lift from his breakfast and settle on her face again. “i finally have time to pursue the things i want.”

“corny,” says her mouth, but she can feel the way her eyes are practically bugging out with over-exaggerated cartoon hearts. 

“i know.” the words are said like they’re a heavy burden to bear, though the glance he sneaks up at her before he smiles gently and scrapes up the last of his syrupy hash browns makes her feel like she’s had twenty cups of coffee instead of just one.

it’s snowing again when they step outside after the check’s been paid (by robin, despite her insistence that just because she’s still unemployed doesn’t mean she’s broke), full and ready to face the cold. her teeth worry her bottom lip as she wonders if the new weather will push up his departure time, in an effort to get back to northbridge before he’ll have to drive in the snow.

as if he’s reading her mind, robin’s hand swings out and clasps hers. “so, what’s next on the agenda?”

“well -- i finally wanted to show you the ice skating rink,” she starts, “if you still have time?”

he turns his head and looks at her like she’s speaking a language he doesn’t understand. “we’ve got the whole day, josie.”

“you should really leave before it gets bad, though. i wouldn’t want you to get stuck --”

robin stops her on the sidewalk, lifting his free hand to her shoulder. “okay, so we’ve got most of the day. the point is, i’m going to spend as much time with you as humanly possible, even if i have to drive up to northbridge in the dark in a blizzard afterwards.”

bewildered by the intensity of his insistence, she simply answers, “okay,” changing their course to head towards the lake. 

robin is just as hilariously bad at ice skating as she’d assumed he’d be, though his clumsiness is just another hopelessly endearing facet of his personality. she about dies ten thousand or so times from how sweet he looks tripping over himself trying to impress her, or wobbling across the ice with both of his freezing cold hands held tightly in hers. 

they take slow turns around the lake until the afternoon crowd of teenagers rolls in and they have to rush across the park to find someplace private to walk together. despite his unbelievably slow go at something passable, robin still beams, “that was fun,” when they’re alone again.

she can’t help her laughter. “you were awful.”

robin’s mouth drops open in exaggerated shock. “it was my first time!”

“you were like a baby deer,” she teases, “just -- wow. it’s a good thing you’re pretty.”

he sniffs, faux-offended. “like you’re one to talk.” his head swivels to squint up at the cloudy, dim sky, and she watches, completely fascinated, as slowly drifting snowflakes settle on his eyelashes and the tip of his nose. her heart slows to a stop that resumes in a frantic double-time when robin blinks and turns his gaze on her, pleading, “tell me it’s finally time for presents.”

it is, but only because they can’t delay the inevitable forever. he will have to leave soon, and -- that’s just reality. it could be worse, she reminds herself, for the fourth or fifth time. it’s only northbridge. 

so why does it feel so terrible, even as they settle on a freezing cold park bench together with their shoulders pressed close? 

she sets robin’s gift aside to take his hands in hers, lifting them up to eye-level for inspection. “you’re turning blue. i can’t believe you came out here today without gloves.”

“well, i don’t know if you’ve noticed, but i’m very reckless,” robin deadpans, squeezing her hands. he looks unbelievably pleased with himself as she starts to laugh. “so -- that present.”

“oh my god, you’re horrible,” josie tsks, shaking her head. “it’s so obvious you’re the youngest sibling. here, mr. impatient.”

the wrapped box is thrust into his lap unceremoniously. robin doesn’t waste a moment before tearing into the snowman-adorned paper excitedly, his eyes wide when the lid lifts and the tissue paper falls away, revealing the leather journal embossed with his initials.

he’s silent as he lifts it reverently into his hands, turning it over. “do you like it?” she asks, unnerved by how quiet he’s being. robin’s never quiet. “i did the leather stamp myself, so --”

josie’s rambling is cut off abruptly as robin leans forward to kiss her, dropping the journal back into the box to slide his freezing cold hands into her hair. the ends of her curls are starting to get wet from the snow but she hardly notices how badly they’re both dressed for the escalating weather with the way he seems intent on pulling every last breath out of her lungs.

“i love it,” he declares hoarsely, when he pulls back just enough for her to see the cloud of his breath through the cold, “it’s perfect. you’re perfect. fuck.”

“fuck?” she questions breathlessly, eyes dead set on the wet line of his mouth. 

“uh huh.” his confirmation is nonsensical, and yet she understands him perfectly. robin darts back in for what she assumes is meant to be a quick kiss that swiftly captures her full attention, leaving her sighing against his lips as his icy hands press against the back of her head to keep her in place. this time, when he dips away, he says, “i want you to be my girlfriend.”

she blinks, stunned. there’s snowflakes all over his beautifully genuine face. “okay.”

robin looks just as stunned as she feels. her head swims deliriously as she considers the possibility that he might’ve thought she could have said anything else. “okay?”

“yeah.” she swallows, then wets her suddenly chapped lips. “i’d really like that.”

his face splits into a grin, though she only catches the briefest flash of it before he’s kissing her again, enthusiastically sliding his mouth against hers in time with the way his hands greedily pull her closer. robin looks utterly dazed when they break apart for the third time, shaking his head in wonder. “you have to stop distracting me. i was going to give you your gift first.”

she laughs, brushing snow off his cheek with one hand. god, but he’s irresistible with a cold-flushed face. she must be in deep if she even thinks the way his nose is running is cute. “i’m not doing anything.”

robin’s eyes drop back to the journal in his lap. he nods at it when he says, “this is something. to me. it was -- thoughtful.”

well, it should be. pretty much all she does lately is think about him. “i mean, you are in my thoughts.”

he huffs, looking torn. she realizes he’s trying to stop himself from kissing her again when he pulls back with great restraint, hand fumbling in his jacket pocket for what must be her present. “just wait until after i’ve given you this to say stuff like that, okay? i can barely concentrate as it is.”

“sorry,” she murmurs, slipping her mittens off and turning the small box over in her hands. it’s impossible to tell what it is from its size alone, so she works on the paper, delicately lifting the sloppily-taped-down corners up and running her nail along the seam to slowly pull the plain red wrapping off.

it’s a jewelry box, soft crushed velvet turning damp from the still-falling snow. she pops it open and is surprised to see a dainty four-leaf clover necklace winking back at her, one tiny stone glittering from the pendant.

“you’re my lucky charm, you know?” the sound of robin’s voice tears her eyes away from the necklace and sets her gaze back on him. there’s a quiet intensity on his expression that’s impossible to look away from, his tone pitched to match it. “my life’s done a completely one-eighty since i met you, josie. you’re just... god, you’re one-of-a-kind.” 

his look turns sheepish. he rubs the back of his neck shyly. “this was the part where i was going to say the girlfriend thing.”

she doesn’t even know where to start. it’s impossibly overwhelming, thinking that robin likes her as much as she likes him. there’s so many things about herself she assumes should be detractors, to someone like him. 

but he’s the only person she’s ever met that she hasn’t had to hide a single flaw from. and he never saw any of her personality quirks that way, anyway.

her fingers fiddle with the silver chain in her lap. “did you -- you practiced that?”

“a potentially embarrassing amount of times,” he confirms, though his grin conveys anything but embarrassment. she understands the sentiment exactly; it’s hard to care about anything, just then.

she hands him the necklace and twists wordlessly so robin can help her get it on. he does, sliding the clasp into place on the first try -- impressive, given he must have little to no feeling in his fingertips, this late in the day -- and smiles at her when she spins back around. “perfect fit.”

god help her, but they are. somehow, despite the fact that it makes no sense and how life isn’t actually supposed to work in the strange and mysterious ways that always happen in romantic comedies, where your literal perfect match who compliments you in every way possible randomly falls into your lap -- they are.

“i love it,” she murmurs, more than mildly overwhelmed. none of her past relationships had ever felt like this. “thank you.”

“thank you.” his eyes search her face, making her hold perfectly still, lest she disturb whatever it is he’s looking for. “you’re remarkable.”

“and you’re a flatterer,” she teases, pressing one last, lingering kiss to his lips before sighing, “who’s going to worry his mom sick driving through a storm. you should really get going.”

robin’s arms tighten around her. “i don’t want to,” he answers petulantly. “you can’t make me.”

one eyebrow arches skeptically. she digs her fingers into the ticklish spot at his side, and he practically leaps off the bench, pouting at her all the way. “unfair,” robin laughs, “you know that’s a dirty trick.”

“dirty, but effective.” it’s really coming down, now -- thick, fluffy white flakes that are starting to accumulate on the grass up to their ankles. soon there’ll be too much snow for her to walk the rest of the way home.

“i want so badly to make a joke,” robin sighs wistfully, hugging the journal to his chest. the gold stamped r stares back at her from behind his forearms. “just know i’m restraining myself for you.”

“how noble,” she snorts, pushing carefully to her feet, too. no matter how much they both dawdle, today has to end sometime. “can i walk you to your car?”

“i feel like i should be the one asking you that,” he muses, “but, yeah. that’d be cool.”

they trudge through the snow slowly, the weight of their impending goodbye almost stifling. cedarport is pointedly quiet around them, deserted and hushed with the heavy snow that’s starting to come down hard. if they weren’t in such a miserable situation, it’d be beautiful.

robin’s car is covered enough that it’ll need to be brushed off before he can drive when they finally stop at the side of it, but he makes no move to get going, turning to stare at her again. 

“want me to drive you home?”

she shakes her head. it’s a short walk from this part of town, and, anyway, “you really should go before it gets worse. the visibility’s going to be bad as-is.”

“well, maybe that’s a sign i should stay one more night, then.” robin’s grin turns cheesy, too-wide and suggestive. “would you stay the night with me? so i don’t get lonely?”

josie laughs, reaching out to smack his shoulder. “your mom is expecting you, you dork. and i don’t want to fall out of her good graces.”

“fair enough,” he sighs, “because you definitely are.” there’s a beat, and then he grows more serious, lifting his hand to her cheek again. “i will miss you, though.”

“i’ll miss you, too,” she returns, suddenly shy under the full force of his attention. robin’s smile widens as his cold hand cups her jaw. “but -- i’ll text you nonstop, so. it won’t be so bad.”

“i guess there’s a silver lining to this after all,” he says, before closing the distance between them to kiss her one last time, so throughly she’s left shivering for reasons that have nothing to do with the cold.

it’s an hour before robin finally texts her, but she’d expected that, given the weather and the evening traffic. they’re in the middle of dinner, at her house, but she pulls her phone out under the table to sneak a glance at it and is so lost in her thoughts she almost falls out of her chair when charlie asks, “okay, why do you look like that? it’s making me sick.”

stuffing her phone away hastily, she rushes to say, “it’s nothing,” even though the words just got home. i already can’t wait to get out of here and see you again run through her mind on a loop for the rest of the evening. 

#rising tides #robin tora #robin tora x mc #choicesdecemberchallenge20 #myfic #long post #listen i understand that this is not the default name but #i don't like the default name so let me live please #thank you and enjoy ❤️ #robin fan club party of 1

[phoenixfox56]

No More

Rating - General

Note - I like my MC feisty and direct. This is random beyond random. But I still hope it was enjoyable.

Prompt - Day 4 @choicesdecemberchallenge ‘Disgust'

Summary - MC gives TRR gang a peice of her mind.

Pairing - Maxwell x MC

Word Count - 620

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

"SHUT UP!!"

She couldn't take it anymore. The things they said to her. To HIM. They had no right. It was rude, it was selfish, she wasn't going to stand for it.

Her heels were the only thing sounding through the room as everyone hushed their tone and looked her way. She strode confidently past all the eyes, ignoring the shaking happening within herself. Shaking from what? Anger? ... No not exactly, she can't quite pinpoint it.

She didn't look at any pair of eyes directly but as she passed each, she heard their voice in her head. Things they told her privately.

Brown eyes, "You have to tread carefully. He is impulsive and never thinks about what could happen."

Green eyes, "That is the worst decision in all of decision making history."

Dark Brown eyes, "We are just worried. No one wants to see either of you hurt."

Grey eyes, "He is irresponsible and unfit for such things."

Blue eyes, "He makes very questionable decisions. I am worried they may affect you negatively."

She didn't know how it happened. They all got together to have some fun and unwind. Somehow the topic ended on her and Maxwell. She was floored, she didn't know what to say as they all divulged these thoughts they had. She felt frozen in place until she peered over and looked into his eyes. She watched the beautiful bright blue eyes slowly dull in color as his his face dropped. She knew his thoughts must have been in a frenzy in that moment. Then she heard his words.

"Maybe they are right." It was barely above a whisper, like he was speaking to himself. That is when she snapped.

She stood facing them. Her own eyes now piercing theirs so intently even Olivia has to peer away every few seconds.

"I've had enough of this. I don't know where any of this comes from; hatred, jealousy, disapproval, I don't care. I'm ending it now!"

Never has she felt such a fire within her. A need to tear them all down as they have been doing to them.

"I can't believe the things you would say to someone who is your friend ... your family."

Most of them are not looking at her anymore. Staring intently at the floor, the wall, their drink.

Maxwell's eyes, the only ones she cares for, are glued to her. Her heart soars with every glance she gives him.

"Maxwell is a lot of things. He's loyal, caring, and fun. You like calling him the court jester like an insult, but without him you all would be miserable."

She pulled her eyes from his to see everyone looking back at her again.

"There have been many things I have thought about all of you. They changed over time. Why is it so hard for you to do that for him?"

The effect her words had was evident on their faces. The guilt and realization of what they had been causing smacking them in the face the longer they stared.

"No one deserves to be treated and ganged up on like that. It is truly ..." she had to pause to think of the right word. She only needed a few seconds when it hit her and fell from her lips.

"... disgusting!"

That was exactly it. They way she felt. Not angry, not sad, but disgusted. The whole situation, every word spoken. It made her sick.

With that final word she strode past them, eyes intently back to Maxwell's. When she reached him she slid her hand into his. It fit perfectly. He instinctively turned and they made their way out of the room. Not looking at any other set of eyes but each others.

#choicesdecemberchallenge20 #the royal romance #playchoices #maxwell x mc #maxwell beaumont #trr maxwell #pixelberry #liam rys #trr liam rys #bertrand beaumont #trr bertrand #olivia nevrakis #trr olivia #drake walker #trr drake #hana lee #trr hana #trr fanfic #choices trr

[choicesdecemberchallenge]

Hi, all! Sorry this came out later than usual!

Desire and Decorum

Cold Flakes, Warm Hearts by @princess-geek

Distant Shores

White Beauty (Edward x MC) by @ethanramseysrookiexox

My Two First Loves

Snow by @storyofmychoices

Open Heart

Snow (Bryce x MC) by @brycesgirl

Red Carpet Diaries

A Flurry (Hunt x MC) by @theartoflovingthomashunt

Rising Tides

Snow by @inacrowdofchoices

Bright (Robin x MC) by @raleiighcarrera

The Royal Romance

Frosted Memories by @phoenixfox56

#playchoices #desire and decorum #distant shores #edward x mc #my two first loves #open heart #bryce x mc #red carpet diaries #hunt x mc #rising tides #robin x mc #the royal romance #choicesdecemberchallenge20

[lem-20]

A Perfect Christmas

Summary: Cecilia asks Ethan to spend Christmas day with her

Book/Pairing: Open heart, Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Cecilia Gibson)

Category/Rating: Fluff, Teen (some mild sexual references)

Word Count: 2800

Prompts: @choicesficwriterscreations Winter Season prompt #6

@choicesdecemberchallenge Day 25: Christmas

A/N: This is set during the 3rd year at the hospital and contains a very loved up, soft Ethan Ramsey. It is super fluffy, but I couldn't write anything but fluff at Christmas time, especially after the year we have had. I hope you enjoy it! 🥰

The rain lashed down across the gloomy Boston skyline as Cecilia looked out from the warmth of Ethan's bed.

"The weather has really taken a turn. It looks so cold out there," she said as she rolled over to face Ethan. "I can't believe it's Christmas next month. Exactly one month today in fact." She gave him a wide grin. Christmas had always been her favourite time of year.

"Mmm." Was all that Ethan replied.

"Come on, you could look at least a little excited." She said with a pout.

"Well, I'm usually at work, so it's just a normal day to me." He pulled her close, so her head was resting on his chest.

"Do you actually have to work or do you choose to?" She asked as she absent mindedly ran her fingers up and down his bare chest.

"I choose to. We usually have enough staff signed up to work, but I don't normally have anything going on, so I may as well spend my day there."

"Oh right." She replied with a hint of disappointment.

"You've got a couple of days off this year haven't you? I thought you'd be spending Christmas with your family?" He enquired, clearly sensing her tone.

"No. I was thinking about it, but my brother is spending Christmas with his girlfriend, so we're all going to meet up for a few days in the new year. I'd rather stay in Boston anyway." She stated, hoping he'd take the hint.

"So will you be spending the day with your friends then?"

She rolled over, propping herself up on her elbows. It looked as though she would have to spell it out for him. "Well, I was actually hoping to spend the day with you. It's the first Christmas we've been an official couple and there's no one else I'd rather spend it with."

"You want to spend it with me?" He asked quirking an eyebrow.

"Yes. Look, I know you hate Christmas—"

"I don't hate Christmas." He interrupted. "I just don't really celebrate it."

"Why though? Was it because of what happened with your Mom?" Since becoming a couple Ethan had been a lot more willing to open up to her, but she still felt a little nervous when she asked him questions about his past.

For a moment Ethan looked as though he didn't want to answer the question, but then he reached up and gently stroked he cheek.

"Yes, partly. When I was young we had some great Christmases, just the three of us. But then when my Mom left, it just wasn't the same. My Dad tried to keep the same traditions going, in case she came back one year. But, it just constantly reminded me that she wasn't there. After a couple of years, my Dad realised he was wasting his time. I was a teenager and I'd lost interest I guess. We still exchanged a couple of gifts every year, but we didn't do much else. Then when I moved out, it didn't seem worth doing anything when it was just me, so I worked instead."

"That's so sad." Cecilia responded, placing a gentle kiss on his lips.

"You don't have to feel bad for me." He chuckled. "I really don't feel like I've missed out."

She contemplated him for a few moments. "Hmm. You didn't give me an answer though. Would you like to spend Christmas with me? We don't have to do anything fancy, I just really want to spend the day with you."

He smiled warmly at her. "If you're sure that's definitely what you want, then of course."

"Really?" She couldn't hide her excitement as she wrapped her arms around him. "All I ask is that we at least get a Christmas tree in the apartment, I can't have Christmas without one". She looked at him, eyes pleading.

"We can get a tree." He replied as he tucked a stray hair behind her ear. "If we are spending Christmas together, I want you to enjoy it. I'll cook us dinner."

"Thank you Ethan, I promise it'll be the perfect day. For both of us."

Two weeks later

Cecilia lie across the couch, her feet rested on Ethan's lap. He had his nose in a book, while she watched TV. The Christmas commercials were in full swing, filling her with excitement for the fast approaching celebrations.

She glanced across at the Christmas tree they had bought and decorated the previous day. The dim lighting bounced off the shiny gold baubles. She had thought it may look a bit plain when Ethan suggested they decorate the tree all in gold. But he had made a good call, it looked beautiful. She smiled to herself as she caught sight of two of the decorations she had picked out. A gold glittery letter "E" for Ethan and a "C" for Cecilia. She had been half joking when she held them up to him in the shop, but to her surprise, he had said yes to them instantly. Actually celebrating the holiday season was bringing out a softer side of Ethan that even Cecilia wasn't used to seeing. She was loving every minute of it though.

Her gaze wandered to Ethan, where she found him looking back at her, a smile on his face.

"How long have you been looking at me?" She chuckled.

"Not long, but I was enjoying seeing you look so happy. What were you thinking about?" He asked, while gently rubbing her leg.

"I'm just really looking forward to spending Christmas with you. I love that you seem to be getting into the Christmas spirit as well." She beamed at him. "I know you said that when your Dad tried to carry on your family traditions, it was painful...but I was wondering whether there was anything you enjoyed doing, that we could do together and turn it back into a happy memory?"

He was quiet for a few moments as he thought it over.

"I'd really like that." He replied, threading his fingers through hers. "There was one thing I loved doing on Christmas Eve. We used to walk around our neighbourhood, looking at everyone's Christmas decorations. I had this one neighbour who had a huge tree in their garden and they'd always cover it in lights. I'd stand there for ages, just looking at it and it would make me so excited for Christmas."

"Aww, that's so sweet. You were like a little Kevin McCallister." She giggled.

"Who?"

"What?! No. There is no way you don't know who Kevin McCallister is. Seriously Ethan?" She stared at him in shock.

He gave her a smirk. "Of course I know who he is, I've watched the first two Home Alone films. The look on your face though." He shook his head, smiling to himself. "But, I'm sure there are plenty of people out there who haven't seen them."

"Maybe so. But if you hadn't, I would be making you watch them, like right now." She laughed. "Anyway. If it's a big tree you're after, maybe we could head to Boston Common? I haven't had the chance to see for myself yet, but I hear they have a huge tree set up there every Christmas."

"I like the sound of that. In all the years I've lived in Boston, I've never gone and seen it up close."

"Okay. It's a plan then." She said, placing a kiss on his lips.

Christmas Eve

Cecilia and Ethan walked hand in hand across the damp grass, towards the Boston Christmas Tree. A lot of people must have had the same idea, as there was quite the crowd gathered as they arrived.

As they approached Cecilia spotted a gap in the crowd, so pulled Ethan towards it. As they found their spot, Ethan wrapped his arms around her from behind.

"Wow, this is a big tree." He said, resting his chin on her head.

They stood in silence for a moment taking in the sight.

"It's so pretty." She turned to face him and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Does it give you the same feeling as that tree did as a child?"

He looked into her eyes. "It's not exactly the same. Somehow, it's better. But I think a big part of that is the company I'm sharing it with."

She slid her fingers up into Ethan's hair, before pulling him down into a brief, but passionate kiss.

Later that evening

Ethan stood in his kitchen, prepping some food for the following day's Christmas dinner. Cecilia took the opportunity to go to the bedroom to retrieve something she'd hidden for him.

"I've got a little Christmas eve surprise for you." She said, as she returned to the living room.

She passed him a gift bag, stifling a laugh.

"Well, your face right now is making me feel nervous about opening this." He smirked.

"Just open it, the anticipation is killing me." She giggled.

He reached into the bag. "What is this monstrosity?" He asked, holding up a sweater with a big reindeer face on it and a fluffy red pompom for a nose.

"Why, your Christmas sweater of course. I always wear one on Christmas day, so I thought I'd get you one as well." She chuckled.

"I appreciate the thought, but I don't think I'll be wearing that." He says dropping it back onto the bag with a look of disgust.

"Boo you Ethan." She laughed. "To be honest the main reason I got it was to see your reaction when you saw it." She grinned at him. "Anyway, I've just got one more thing to do and then I'm heading to bed. Unless you need any help that is?"

"No, it's okay. You go to bed, I won't be long."

She made her way to the bedroom, but not before placing her neatly wrapped gifts for Ethan under the Christmas tree.

Christmas Day

Cecilia awoke to the smell of Turkey filling the apartment. She didn't need to roll over to know that Ethan was already up and readying for the day. She hopped out of bed with a spring in her step. She grabbed her glittery snowman sweater and popped it on along with some smart, but stretchy pants.

She made her way to the kitchen, where she found Ethan prepping vegetables. "Merry Christmas." She said as she walked towards him.

"Merry Christmas." He replied, turning to face her.

Her jaw dropped as soon as she saw what he was wearing. "Oh my God, you're wearing the sweater! You look so cute." She rushed up to him and wrapped her arms around him.

"Did you really think I wouldn't?" He asked.

"Well, yeah. Because I like, know you and I know it's not your kind of thing." She smirked.

"If you know me that well, you should have known that if it involves making you happy, then I'm very likely to do it."

"That's true." She said as they pressed their lips together. "Can we open our presents now?"

"Sure, I can finish this after."

They made their way over to the Christmas tree and sat down on the floor.

"I'd like you to open yours first." She said passing him the first of his gifts. "Did you notice that I stuck with your gold theme for the wrapping paper?"

"I did." He smiled, as he started to tear the paper open, revealing a fancy bottle of Scotch and a glass embossed with the initials EJR. "Cecilia, I love them, thank you. This is a good bottle of scotch."

"You're welcome. I may have paid Reggie a visit at Donahue's to ask his opinion on the scotch." She smiled, before passing him his other present.

"I hope this one is okay. I did have to Google gifts for opera lovers and I thought it looked good." She watched on nervously as he tore the paper off.

He held up a book titled Guide to the most beautiful opera houses in the world and flicked through a few pages before speaking. "Cecilia this is wonderful. I'd love to visit some of these places one day, for both of us to visit them." He leaned over placing a kiss on her cheek.

It made her giddy hearing him talk about the future like that, knowing he pictured them both there together.

"It's your turn now." He declared, passing her the delicately wrapped gift.

She carefully opened it to find a membership to Franklin Park Zoo. "I love it Ethan."

"I know how much you love animals, so I thought it would be something nice to do occasionally on your days off. It's a duel pass, so I could come with you."

"Thank you, that's really sweet."

He passed the next present to her. She lifted the lid of the flat square box carefully to reveal a diamond heart pendant necklace.

"Wow, it's gorgeous. Thank you so much. Help me put it on?" She asked as she turned around, pulling her hair to the side.

"I thought with a surname like Valentine, it was perfect." He stated.

"Oh really, is that the reason you got it?" She replied as she turned back to face him.

"Well that and I'm madly in love you." He said as he pulled her in close.

"Aww, I'm making you soft." She teased.

He smirked.

"What's so funny? You wouldn't be trying to refrain from making a dirty joke now would you?"

"As if." He scoffed.

"Go on, say it." She giggled.

He chuckled before saying "You make me anything but soft."

She burst out laughing. "Ethan Ramsey, you naughty boy...I'm such a bad influence aren't I?"

"Yes, you really are." He replied as he pulled her in for a kiss.

A few hours later

Ethan had just finished putting the last few bits of dinner into the oven, when he decided to pour himself a glass of his new scotch.

"Hey, what about me?" Cecilia asked.

"You want some of this?"

"Yes please. Since I met you, I've become much more sophisticated, don't you know." She replied in a mock posh British accent.

"Have you?" He teased.

She screwed up her face before playfully poking her tongue out at him.

"See what I mean?" He said, trying to hold in a laugh.

"And, you wouldn't have me any other way." She stated.

"Well, that's true."

After filling themselves with a delicious Christmas dinner and spending the rest of the afternoon watching Christmas movies, the day finally began to draw to an end.

"Ethan, you head to bed, I'll finish tidying the apartment."

"Are you sure?" He asked.

"Yes, after you put in all that effort to cook that amazing dinner, it's the least I can do."

"Okay, I'll see you soon."

After finishing the last bits of washing up and vacuuming the living room, Cecilia headed towards the bedroom.

She peered around the bedroom door and found Ethan sitting up in bed with his reading glasses on, working his way through the book she had bought him. She smiled to herself at seeing him look so content.

After a few moments, he looked up at her. "Are you coming to bed?"

"Yes, I'll just go and get ready. There's actually one more present I have for you."

"Oh really?" He replied with a look of intrigue.

She went to bathroom and changed into a set of red lingerie with white fluffy trimming. She popped her dressing gown over the top before making her way back towards the bedroom.

Once outside the door, she giggled to herself as she cued up Santa Baby by Eartha Kitt.

She opened the door and leaned seductively against the doorframe as the music started to play.

"What are you doing?" Ethan asked, followed by a hard swallow.

"Being sexy." She replied as she swayed her hips from side to side, trying not to laugh.

"You don't need to do that to be sexy." He stated.

"Okay, maybe I should just do this." She said as she let her dressing gown drop to the floor.

Ethan lowered his glasses to end of his nose. "Oh wow. You're unlike any santa I've ever seen."

"I should hope so." She giggled, as she walked towards the edge of the bed.

"Just when I thought this day couldn't get any more perfect." He said, as he ran his hand up the back of her thigh.

"I'm so happy you've enjoyed yourself."

"I really have, but the day isn't over yet." He replied with a glint in his eye, before pulling her down onto the bed.

♡♡♡

Thank you so much for reading! I hope you all have an amazing Christmas 🎄🎅🎁

♡♡♡

Tags: @pixie88 @lifeaskim @queencarb @udishaman @lucy-268 @starrystarrytrouble @txemrn @ethanramseylover @schnitzelbutterfingers @drariellevalentine @irisofpurple @aarisa-frost @openheartfanfics

Let me know if you would like to be added to my tag list 🙂

#cfwc winter season #choicesdecemberchallenge20 #open heart fanfiction #ethan ramsey x mc #ethan ramsey #choices fic writers creations #fics of the week #choices open heart

[ramseyandrys]

Did you mean to use secret for both the 15 and 16 for December?

Oh my gosh. Thank you for letting me know! I’ll change it right now!

#choicesdecemberchallenge20

[inacrowdofchoices]

Today is day 2 of the Choices December Challenge and the prompt is “snow”; since we also got a new Rising Tides chapter today, here are some snowy icons of the lovely Robin Tora ♥

#choicesdecemberchallenge20 #playchoices #rising tides #robin tora #play choices #pixelberry

[inacrowdofchoices]

♥ Photos taken at Edenbrook Hospital throughout Grace & Rafael’s relationship over the years:

Grace and Rafael were slowly discovering these new feelings they had for each other. She wanted a selfie of them and she took it when Rafael came to pick her up from work; he simply wanted to walk her home and spend time together, which she appreciated so much.

After the ethics hearing, Grace was so happy and relieved that she jumped in Rafael’s arms and Sienna took a photo of them hugging; she later sent it to both Grace and Rafael which made them smile.

Rafael wanted a reminder of this moment of pure happiness after he had a particularly good day with physical therapy and Grace had a very successful work day, so they took this photo before they went home together.

A few years later, it’s Grace’s last appointment for her pregnancy before the birth of their child, and Sienna is so excited to become Auntie Sienna that she took this photo of them.

For Day 18 of the @choicesdecemberchallenge with the prompt “hospital”.

#open heart #rafael aveiro #rafael x mc #playchoices #mc: grace sullivan #play choices #pixelberry #choicesdecemberchallenge20