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bahrtofane · 2 months

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jude helping you in the kitchen because you’re hosting his family for dinner and youre running around at 100 miles an hour trying to find that damn stick of butter, it was just in your hand come onn

all while jude is having the time of his life taking his time gingerly cutting potatoes into neat little squares (roasted potatoes are a must)

"am i doing good?" he pipes up, already done with 3 Potatoes, youre so proud of him

you scramble over to him with a pound of meat in your hand, "yes love youre doing great."

he beams, wiggling his shoulders happily, "what do i do with them?"

you set down the meat on the counter while grabbing what you can from the spice cabinet, "the potatoes? just put them into a big bowl and ill worry about them."

he hums, going to get said big bowl while you run back to the fridge. you need asparagus how could you forget!

he manages to get the squares off the cutting board and into the bowl without much hassle, and you’ve started getting your pans out for the meat and asparagus. the squash is in the oven all ready, you need to make room for your lamb when its time though, desert also needs to get started, oh your mini quiches you completely forgot.

you slide back over to the fridge, the dough you made this morning, grabbing it and some flour. the lamb can wait while you get the crusts in the oven.

by the time jude looks back over at you, your covered in flour.

he snorts, "looks like you lost a fight to a baker."

"very funny jude, get the asparagus in the pan please and keep an eye on the squash for me while i finish getting the dough ready."

he puts the cutting board to the side, wiping his hands on a paper towel "yes ma'am."

you feel like gordan ramsey, barking our orders and running around with enough stress to last a life time. and you tell people you love cooking. pfft. sure. poor jude only follows you, doing what you ask. hes even worm a silly apron with big red words "kiss the chef" plastered on them. he thought it was the funniest thing ever. it was pretty funny you admit.

you spend too much time balling up little wads of aluminum foil for the crusts but jude keeps everything else in order, and before you know it in they go, out the squash comes, and you get started on the meat.

you love lamb, you hate the amount of pans and pots it takes though. first you sear, then you transfer to the oven while you sear off vegetables in the same pot, in they go with the lamb, pull them out, blend them with left of lamb juice at the bottom of the pan, boom you have a little gravy.

jude gasps and for a moment you think he'd burned himself, but he turns around with a stick of butter in his hand.

you light up, pressing a kiss to his cheek, "i love you," taking the butter and adding it to the asparagus.

somehow, someway, all your courses get done just on time, the deserts in the fridge, jude cleaning up the last of the kitchen while you get changed.

you come back down to greet the family, plating their food and basking in the praises they sing after every bite.

you love cooking !

#jude x you #jude fluff #jude bellingham blurb #jude bellingham #jude x reader #jude bellingham x reader #jude bellingham x you #jude bellingham one shot #jude bellingham imagine #bellingham #jude bellingham fanfic #jude bellingham fluff #football fanfic #footy fic #bahr footy #bahr blurbs #this totally isnt based on when i cooked thanksgiving pfftt whaaa #jb5 blurb

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axelsagewrites · 10 months

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it'd be cool to see some theon fluff :) maybe from the era after he escapes from ramsey bc that boy deserves some comfort omg (also if you could use he/him pronouns that would be cool too!)

Theon*Dream of Sweet Memories

Pairing: Theon x m!reader

Platonic: Jon, Robb, Sansa, x reader

Summary: Reader helps Theon recover from a nightmare and reflects on their past

Tw: Theon having ptsd

Word count: 1474

Masterlist Here

Winterfell felt colder than before. The hollow halls of your childhood had been through so much the past few years. Now you were back, the war was over, Sansa was queen in the North, Bran in the south. Robb was dead, Jon was gone, Arya too. Sansa was kind but you had never been close. Your family was all but gone as well. There was one thing left though one thing that made all the pain, all the suffering, the war worth it.

Theon lay asleep on your bed, his face relaxed as he slumbered. The last candle that was burner illuminated a small portion of the room but enough for you to admire his features in the candlelight. His hair was soft under your touch as you stroked it gently.

Moments like this were rare. Theon was skittish, paranoid, quiet. He’d never been this quiet before. Robb was the loud one who knocked into everything and everyone, who’s barking laugh rang across the hall. Theon was the funny one, always a joke up his sleeve that he would loudly proclaim to anyone who would hear. Jon was quiet in public but when the four of you would hang out in the stables he was just as loud as Theon, and they would banter long into the night.

Theon had always joked you were practically a mute. You liked to listen and laugh along, adding in your own comments occasionally. Theon tried to drag the conversation out of you. He’d ask a million questions just to get you to speak. Tell jokes just to make you laugh. It was usual for you to be left out of discussions, but Theon had always made sure to drag you into them even when you didn’t want him too.

You opened up more in your chambers, laughing and cheering with him especially after a drink. You’d both gossip like it was nobodies’ business. Theon was shocked when he found out you were actually funny. He spent months, years, growing your confidence but even still you were always the quiet one.

Till now at least. Theon could barely look you in the eyes when you were reunited. He was ashamed. Ashamed of everything he had done, everything he had caused. Jon wanted to hate him, wanted you to hate him, but he couldn’t after he saved Sansa. You wanted to hate him too, but you couldn’t. you had thought for months if you ever saw him again the first thing you would do was punch him. Then he walked through those gates.

He was meek, quiet, skittish. He looked like even walking was a battle for him. And gods were he skinny now. When he walked through the gates you weren’t angry. A warmth poured through your heart. Theon looked up and instantly away again when he saw you. he couldn’t face you.

You didn’t even realise you were walking, running even, till you had pulled him into your arms. Theon froze at first, stiff as ice but it soon melted. His head fell into your shoulder, his arms wrapping weakly around your waist. Your hand clamped against his head, holding it tight against you, “If you ever leave me again, I’ll fucking kill you Greyjoy, understand?”

He hadn’t left your side since. You had been so distracted by your thoughts you hadn’t noticed him stirring. You looked down at his face which was contorted with worry, his lips mouthing something you couldn’t fully hear. Leaning down, you tried to listen, “Please,” you managed to make out, “not please,” he mumbled, “no, no, no,” he began to rush out, you sat up about to shake him awake when a shrill shriek rang across the room.

Theon’s cried echoed around the cold chamber, his body stiff as a bored as his body flung himself up, backing away up the bed. “Theon!” you yelled, trying to grab his flailing arms, “It’s me! Its (Y/N)! You’re safe,” you said as you grabbed his shoulders.

Theon’s eyes danced crazily across the room till they settled on you, his hands grasping onto your shoulders, “(Y/N)?” he asked.

“Yes, it’s me my love,” you said as you held his face softly in your hands, “It’s just us you’re safe Theon,”

“No, Im not Theon im- “

“Reeks dead Theon,” you said, moving to kneel on either sides of his legs so you could face him straight on, “Ramsay’s dead Theon. Its okay. you’re safe I promise,”

Theon stopped for a moment, his eyes dazed as he stared into space before finally turning back to you, “I was so scared,” he whimpered, “it was like he was back,”

“He’s not coming back Theon,” you said, stroking his cheek, “I’m here sweetheart. I’ve got you,”

“You’ve got me,” he whispered, and you just nodded, smiling lightly at the terrified boy.

You moved to be laying on the bed again, bringing Theon into your arms as you cradled his shaking body, “Nothings gonna happen to you. I promise,” you said, kissing the back of his head.

Heavy sobs fell from his lips, shaking his body. The feeling brought tears to your own eyes but all you could do was hold him. “I wish I could be normal again,” Theon whispered.

“You will be,” you said as you began to stroke his hair, “but it’ll take time,”

Silence fell over the room for a moment, “Sometimes,” Theon began to croak out, “I wonder if I deserved it all, for what I did to Robb, to you,”

A heavy sigh fell from your lips, “No one deserves what Ramsay did to you. no one. It’s a fate worse than death but you survived it because you’re strong, because it’s your fate to go on. If things had went differently Robb would’ve forgiven, you. you know that”

“That just makes it worse,” he whispered, his voice horse from his whimpering, “I wish I had stayed with him. At least he treated me like family, he was my family,”

“We cannot change the past,” you said as you moved Theon to face you, stroking his cheek lightly, “But we can live for the future. You saved Sansa, you helped save Bran. Robb would be grateful for that. Now you must live for him, protect Winterfell for him,” you said, and Theon just nodded.

You pressed a kiss to his forehead and fell into a comfortable silence. Before the war Theon had just been a friend to you though you couldn’t help your stares after him. The way his laugh light up a room, his jokes never failing to cheer you up, how his smile curved. He fascinated you. he didn’t admit it, but he had always felt the same.

You grew even closer when you both rode off with Robb, sharing a tent to save on supplies. There had been a moment, one night after a particularly hard battle. The cold was settling in, and it was bitter.

******

“Your chattering so loud Tywin can hear,” Theon whispered from across the tent as he sat up beneath his thin furs. “Get over here,”

“I um but what if someone- “

“Get under these furs before we freeze to death,” he said rolling his eyes. You did as you had been told as slipped under the furs beside the boy. “See already better,” he whispered.

You rolled over to face the other side of the tent to try concealing the blush coating your cheeks. However, you were confused when you heard Theon shuffling then blushed even harder when you felt his arms reach around your body, “What are you doing?” you whispered back.

“I can’t have my best friend freezing to death,” he replied. At one point that night Theon had obviously figured you had fallen asleep, but you were still awake enough to feel the kiss he placed to your cheek, laying still as he settled back down until his soft snores filled the tent.

******

“We should visit the crypt tomorrow,” Theon said breaking the silence, “I want to see him again,”

“Okay,” you said, kissing his lips gently. He had visited Robbs statue many times since it had been placed in the crypts. Neither Robb nor Neds’ bodies had made it to the crypt, but Sansa had still ordered for their statues to be placed there. The last lord of Winterfell and its first king in this new dynasty. A statue of Catelyn and Rickon at either side. “We’ll go at first light but for now we must rest,”

“Okay,” Theon whispered as he placed his head on your chest. You had almost dozed off when he spoke again, “(Y/N)?” he asked, and you yawned a what. “I love you,”

“I love you too,” you murmured back as your eyelids grew heavy, “Sleep my love. Dream of sweet memories,”

General Taglist: @clairacassidy @nyotamalfoy @fan-goddess @valeskafics

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ivrxquack · 10 months

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Cod hcs you can’t drive

Ghost

Dowul douw!!

As soon as you hit a curb or animal you’re never driving again if it’s a cyclist he’ll think about taking your driving privileges

Lord help him if you press on the breaks to hard and tear his car up

He’ll be the one driving for now on so don’t even worry about it (can he really be talking tho We all remember how he drove that helicopter)

Soap

Silly millie In the car

He’s gets a wittle hype when you almost run into a brick wall

If it comes down to it he’ll intervene….maybe he likes to watch the chaos unfold

Will have a mini heart attack if you hydroplane and that’s when he’ll probably jump out the car rather than tell you to slow down

Price

Stop turning so hard you cream(cum)filled donut( Gordon Ramsey taught me that)

Is ready to pull over and spank you with his boot or something

Is like a mom when she takes you for your first drive holding onto the seatbelt and the thing above your head for dear life

Honestly kitten he’s fine driving you everywhere so sit back and be a cute passenger

Gaz

Go ahead and switch seats with me

Counts how much longer he has to live whenever you drive

apologizes to anyone who has to be a victim of your driving

He will drive you anywhere and everywhere so there’s no need for this madness

Konig

Just stays silent

He starts shaking like he’s a girl when she has a orgasm whenever you want to drive

He’s like your second pair of eyes like he looks everywhere and anywhere in case you wreck

He’s to scared to tell you cause he doesn’t wanna hurt your feelings

Krueger

He’s here for it

He barks at people out the window who even dare to flip you off or try to run you off the road

will most likely encourage you to be more reckless

It’s even worst if you let him drive cause let’s be real he would be a crazy driver

Keegan

Have fun cause Hes out

He has jumped out the car on multiple occasions especially when you’re driving on a road full of deer

might stay in if you buy him a McDonald’s happy meal

He’d much rather take the bus or walk cause he cares for environment and would like to live #savetheplanet

Nikto

Kicks your head in

will straight up take the wheel pull you over grab you out the seat put you in the passenger or backseat and start drive without saying a word

He’s survived full on wars you better believe he’s not gonna go out cause of your crazy driving!

Rodolfo

His blood pressure is in another dimension

Just like konig he’s shaking like crazy and might start hyperventilating(tbh he gives off major anxiety vibes)

He just doesn’t understand how you even got a license

aprender a conducir cabron

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cariantha · 7 months

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A Solid Strategy

Book: Open Heart, Book 2 Pairing: Dr. Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Dr. Sawyer Brooks) Rating: General Warning: None Category: Rewrite; Angsty Fluff Word count: 1.1K Summary: Ethan loses his temper after Sawyer makes an impulsive decision.

“Sawyer!”

Ethan’s deep booming cry reverberated off the walls of the expansive atrium.

She grabbed Lamar’s wrist just before he jumped off the narrow ledge. The confused man dangled precariously over the atrium as patients and staff watched in horror below.

Just as Sawyer’s feet lifted from the floor, Ethan slammed his body against hers, pinning her against the railing.

A strong arm wrapped around her waist, holding on for dear life, while another reached over the railing to grab Lamar’s flailing free hand.

“I’m okay,” she promised with her feet once again planted firmly to the ground. “I’ve got this side. Let’s pull him up.”

Together, they hauled their patient to safety and gently restrained him until additional help arrived.

The scene was under control not long after. Lamar had been escorted back to his room by a couple of interns and hospital security.

“Are you hurt?” Ethan asked, scanning Sawyer up and down.

She rubbed her abdomen where she had been crushed between him and the railing. “I’ll probably have some bruises tomorrow, but otherwise, I’m fine.”

“Are you sure?”

She nodded.

“Then arrange the test and check in with Mrs. Stevenson to see if she has any questions about the procedure.”

He had already spun on his heel and started walking away before she could even say "Okay."

<><><><><><><><><><>

A while later, Sawyer tracked her boss down to his private office. With the door ajar, she peered inside.

Ethan sat at his desk, seemingly in deep thought as he stared at a picture of his late friend Dolores. The framed photograph that Sawyer gifted him last Christmas.

“There you are,” she greeted. “Anesthesiology is short-staffed today, so we won’t be able to do Lamar’s spinal tap until tomorr-”

Sawyer jumped in surprise when Ethan stood and slammed his hands on the desk, cutting her off.

“Don’t you ever pull a stunt like that again. Do I make myself clear, Dr. Brooks?” he admonished.

The adrenaline rush had worn off. His neck turned crimson with fury as the feelings that had been suppressed by his body’s natural fight-or-flight response now bubbled to the surface.

“W-What? I…,” she stammered, caught off guard by his severe tone and the use of her last name. “I-I’m sorry. I…I didn’t think. I just reacted.”

“No, you didn’t. You didn’t think at all. A man that size could have easily pulled you over that railing with him. He nearly did!”

“Ethan, I-”

He motioned for her to stop talking. “I don’t want to hear your excuses. You’re lucky I don’t write you up for demonstrating reckless behavior and poor judgment.”

“He would have died! I had to do something,” she argued, cheeks burning hot with indignation.

“Your job is to save lives with medicine. You were not hired to be a goddamn superhero.”

“He wasn’t in his right mind, Ethan. I wasn’t going to let him hurt himself. And I wasn’t going to let that poor woman watch the man she loves fall to his death.”

Her words only enraged him further. “But you would let me watch you,” he thought to himself.

Ethan hung his head low and took a couple deep breaths to control his temper before speaking again.

“It would have been a terrible and unfortunate circumstance if Mr. Stevenson had hurt himself, but it would have been much worse if I…,” he cleared his throat, correcting his course, “...if we had unnecessarily lost two lives.”

Sawyer silently processed his words, having caught his slip.

The way she looked at him, it felt as though she was daring him to say what he really meant. And it infuriated him.

Too proud to admit his feelings and determined to keep their relationship professional, he hid behind his condemnation.

“You’re done for the day. Go home. I’ll find someone to take over your cases,” he barked.

Fighting back tears of frustration, Sawyer nodded and walked away.

She was only halfway down the hall when she stopped in her tracks. Looking back toward the now closed office door, she replayed their interaction in her mind. Though his words were cutting, and his temperament harsh, Sawyer suddenly felt bad for him. She had seen this side of Ethan before. This was the lashing out of a man who was afraid of losing someone he cared about.

A moment later, the door to his office opened and closed.

Ethan stood with his back to the door, staring out the window.

“I thought I told you to go home,” he growled, seeing her reflection in the glass.

Sawyer approached him cautiously but confidently, refusing to be cowed by his anger.

He turned to face her, prepared for the impending clash. An accusation of insubordination readied on the tip of his tongue.

She stopped within arms reach. With soft eyes she met his scrutinizing ones, and she waited until he discerned there was no fight to be had. Then lunging forward, Sawyer wrapped her arms around his torso.

He remained rigid, arms hanging at his sides.

Resting her chin on his shoulder, she apologized softly in his ear. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you. If the roles were reversed, I’d feel the same way about you.”

After a few seconds, she swatted him between the shoulder blades. “Stop being a jerk and hug me back.”

Ethan finally surrendered. He folded his arms around her and rested his head against the side of hers.

Exhaling a deep, shaky breath, he released his remaining tension.

“I owe you an apology,” he began, still holding her tight. “Though I stand by the sentiment, I am sorry for losing my temper.”

Sawyer placed a tender kiss on his jacketed shoulder. “Thank you.”

After a long, indulgent embrace, he pulled back and sighed.

“Christ, Rookie. How do you always seem to find trouble? How can I ever let you out of my sight?”

“Uh-oh. You’re on to me,” she winked.

“I am somewhat serious. Have you forgotten when I found you turning blue behind the nurses’ station? Or your ethics trial?”

“Pft,” she waved him off.

“Have you already forgotten when you nearly broke your neck at the Stevenson’s yesterday? And now we get to add being dragged over the balcony to that heart-stopping list.”

“Well…,” she shrugged her shoulders, “I did end up in your arms each of those times. So my evil plan must be working.”

With an endearing smile, she squeezed his hand and turned for the door.

“Where are you going?”

“You ordered me to go home. If I leave now I might still catch the 3:30 train. And don’t worry, I’ll try not to get mugged or pushed onto the tracks,” she teased.

“Don’t even joke about that,” he warned with a shake of his head. “Give me a minute,” he instructed, pocketing his wallet and keys. “I’ll drive you home.”

“See? It's a solid strategy.”

Tag List: @choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics @potionsprefect @jamespotterthefirst @annfg8 @peonierose @socalwriterbee @tessa-liam @jerzwriter @quixoticdreamer16 @mysticalgalaxysstuff @inlocusmads @txemrn @trappedinfanfiction @mvalentine @takemyopenheart @openheartforeverinmyheart @coffeeheartaddict2 @genevievemd @starrystarrytrouble @hopelessromantic1352 @kyra75 @lsvdw-blog @rookiemartin @headoverheelsforramsey @zealouscanonindeer

#open heart #open heart choices #open heart fanfic #ethan ramsey #ethan ramsey x mc #ethan x mc #ethan x sawyer #choices stories you play #choices open heart #playchoices #choices fic writers creations #cfwc fics of the week

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bellaramseysgf · 1 year

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Want you (B.R)

Warning(s) age regression,ddlg relationship,caregiver bells <3,lots of fluff,use of a paci,use of a bottle,daddy kink,Pedro being sweet.

Pairing(s); Bella Ramsey x little!fem! Reader.

Summary; you want your partner but they’re a little busy.

A/n; I use mainly he/they pronouns for them so please just know that. Also,Bella is only 19 so I won’t be writing a lot of smut abt them. Especially until I know how they feel abt RPF <3

You wanted your boyfriend. You missed them. You were locked up in their trailer. ‘15 minutes’ they said ‘I will be back soon, bug’ they said that’s what they said a hour ago. You were getting lonely to the max degree there is.

You knew that they would be busy, they’re a actor they have a job which means they have to be busy.

You and Bella had only been dating for a few months not even half a year. You spent all of the time you could attached to their side. When they filmed they wouldn’t let you come with because they said it was scary and you trust them.

But today you didn’t care about scary you wanted them.

You opened the trailer door and found your way, it wasn’t too hard to do so with signs and arrows up. When you walked onto set you were met with a large man blocking your way. “And you are?” He asked and you just stared blankly at him.

Daddy said never talk to strangers.

“Excuse me? Are you deaf?” He asked switching to doing sign language instead of talking, you still just stared at him. “Alright, little lady let’s go” he put his hand on your back moving to usher you out of of the set. “No.” You finally said dragging your feet.

“Don’t make this hard. Come on” he said tugging on your arm. You shook your head “no! Daddy!” You screamed and the man dropped a hold of you to cover your ears.

You took off running towards the set the man was running behind you and you whined running as fast as you could. “Whoa! Whoa! Baby!” Bella stuck her arm out to stop you. You whined and hid behind her frame “he’s chasing me!” You said tears already pricking your eyes. “Dude!” Bella yelled holding her hand up to stop security.

“She wouldn’t answer me” he defended “you’re a stranger!” You argued “and?!” He yelled “I DONT TALK TO STRANGERS” you yelled back “enough!” Bella raised their voice the sound making you both hush. “What’s going on?” Pedro asked as he came over, you turned to him reaching for him “I’m scared Ped” he lifted you up automatically.

“She’s my girlfriend the fucks wrong with you?” Bella barked out and Pedro covered your ears as you held onto him. “Let’s let him take care of that.” He said walked you away from the scene.

It took a minute but eventually Bella came to meet you and Pedro. You were enjoying watching videos on his iPad when they walked in. “Little one.” Bellas tone was immediately a give away that they weren’t happy.

You shrunk back into Pedro’s chest “baby I just wanna talk” Bella explained making you peak out. “Promise?” You asked and he nodded. “I’ll let you two talk” Pedro said before taking his things and walking out of the room.

Bella crouched down in front of you where you were sitting “love, why’d you leave me trailer?” He asked tucking hair behind your ears. “Missed you” you explained and Bella smiled “I missed you too. However, you know better then to not call or text me before coming onto set” you nodded. “Gonna go time out?” You asked.

“No bug, no time out.” The assured and stood up to kiss your forehead. “Daddy asked you to do that so you wouldn’t see anything that could scare you honey.” They explained and you nodded. Bella glanced at his watch seeing the time “alright well let’s get you back to the trailer and daddy will stay with you for awhile, okay?” You nodded.

Bella took you back to their trailer snuggling you up in a blanket and slipping the tip to your bottle of juice in your mouth. They turned on your favorite show and snuggled extra close while holding the bottle up for you. After awhile they swapped the bottle for your paci making sure you were good and asleep before they left back to work.

#bella ramsey #bella ramsey x reader #bella ramsey x you #the last of us #ellie williams #bella ramsey x little!reader

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godsprettiestprincess · 6 months

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We’ve all made this post a thousand times but literally Michael coming to Dean as his fathercommander and telling him to fall in line vs Lucifer coming to Sam as his lover and laying out the stakes with no demands

#they were in love here etc etc #ramsey barks #samifer

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tedthetalk · 1 year

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Whenever someone prev tags me I have to fight the urge to go delete my tags from that post so they look like an asshole

#I DONT but it does occur to me #Ramsey barks

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jerzwriter · 8 months

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Predictable

In the just in the nick of time category! For week 4 of @lilyoffandoms Writer Appreciation Week, here is a little AU for my paired writer, @trappedinfanfiction, featuring her OTP Ethan x Celia and my OTP Tobias x Casey. I hope you enjoy it, Tif!

Book: Open Heart (Book 3 Timeline)

Pairings: Ethan Ramsey x Celia Moore Tobias Carrick x Casey MacTavish

Rating: Teen

Words: 2250

Summary: Celia and Casey have become good friends and believe a double date is in order! Unfortunately, their boyfriends are ex-best friends and rivals. Watch as the night unfold. Will it go better than expected, or be a disaster?

A/N: Participating in @choicesseptemberchallenge2023 Day 9 Date Night.

The condo was quiet. Entirely too quiet for them getting ready for a Saturday night out, but it wasn’t just any night, and Celia knew Ethan was miffed. Putting the final touches on her makeup, she bit her cheek to stop herself from laughing at his pouting. She knew he wasn’t happy, but the huffing and grumbling under his breath as he changed his tie for the fifth time was a bit... dramatic... to say the least.

Clearing her throat to get his attention, she was disappointed when the scowl remained on his face. Even the incredibly low-cut black silk dress she picked for the evening wasn’t cheering him up.

“Do you need some help picking out a tie? I can help.”

“I am capable of picking out a tie,” he stated flatly. “But... thank you.”

“You do seem to be struggling,” she teased as he collapsed into an easy chair with a sigh.

“Is it too late to say we have a fatal condition that will miraculously disappear in the next 24 hours.”

“Interesting...” Celia sang as she playfully sat on his lap. “Because it wasn’t all that long ago when I did have a mystery illness, and we weren’t sure I had another 24 hours left. But, thanks to Tobias, I’m here... sitting on your lap... in this incredibly hot dress that you have not had the decency to acknowledge!”

His stony façade crumbled as his eyes traced her body, happily landing on her decolletage, just inches from the pleasant grin tugging at his lips.

“You make an excellent point,” he surrendered, his hands roaming over her curves. “But it was a team effort. We can hardly credit Tobias with saving you.”

“Oh? Would you like to redo the night and exclude him... just to see how things turn out?”

Ethan’s silence was all the answer she needed, and she rose to her feet with a triumphant grin.

“That’s all the more reason for us to stay in... I’m sure Tobias, of all people, would understand that I’d rather do... other things...”

“Nice try,” she laughed. “But we’re meeting Casey and Tobias at Menton in thirty minutes, like it or not.”

“Well, you know my answer to that.”

“Ethan. Casey is a good friend, and it’s ridiculous to think we can’t have dinner with our boyfriends, especially when they were once best friends themselves.”

“Were being the operative word.”

“Is asking you to be polite for one evening too much?”

“It’s not,” he sighed. “You’re right.”

“I know I am,” she simpered. “You know when most people say ‘my better half,’ it’s just a term of endearment, but in our case, I very much am your better half. The sooner you accept that, the better.”

Ethan barked out a laugh. “Then we’re in luck. Because I’ve already accepted it. Now let’s go, but we’re not staying a minute past 9:30... agreed?”

“Agreed. Just be a good boy, Ethan, and I’ll reward you later.”

“In that case, we don’t stay a minute past 9:00.”

In a townhome across town...

A manicured hand crept out from the billowy covers and blindly reached at the nightstand in search of her blaring phone. Casey’s attention was very much on other things, but they had ignored the first three alarms; they couldn’t do it again.

Undeterred, Tobias remained in place, placing a trail of hot kisses from her belly up toward her chin, stopping to linger on some of his favorite spotsalong the way.

“Tobias,” she giggled, attempting to wiggle out from under him. “Tobias! We have to go. Our reservation is in 30 minutes, and we’re still naked.”

With a heaving breath, he collapsed on her in defeat. “I happen to like us naked. Can we please just cancel? I’m telling you, Ramsey won’t give a damn if we do.”

“Agreed,” she said, turning on the light. “In fact, you’d probably make his night. But I’d be disappointed, and so would Celia. So I ask you, do you want to disappoint two beautiful women but make Ethan’s dreams come true?”

He rolled over with a grumble. “When you put it that way...”

“Tobias, Celia is one of my best friends. It’s not like we’ll ask for it often, but once in a while, you and Ethan will need to put up with each other.”

“Why?”

Casey flipped around, her coquettish gaze saying more than words could express.

“Because I’m asking you to.”

“Fine,” he smirked. “But outside of this apartment, no one is to know how goddamned whipped you have me. OK?”

“Yeah,” she cackled. “Too late for that, Carrick. Why don’t you go pick out what heels I’ll wear tonight? This way, you have something nice to focus on during the meal?”

“Yeah,” his eyes lit up. “Can I pick out the undies, too?”

“Undies?” she winked. “You were expecting me to wear undies?”

“Never mind,” he replied gleefully. “But stop talking like that, or we will be staying home!”

“Go get dressed, Dr. Carrick. I’ve given you your appetizer, and if you behave at dinner, I assure you desert will be spectacular.”

Tobias shook his head as he reached the bedroom door, turning back to Casey with a smile.

“You know, sometimes I still can’t believe I’ve met you.”

“Yeah, yeah...” she teased. “You can thank your lucky stars when the sunsets. Now go get dressed!”

Forty Five minutes later...

Ethan was tapping his foot in annoyance as Celia perused the menu. Tobias and Casey were already fifteen minutes late, and Ethan was inquiring how long they had to give them before they left when the guilty parties appeared. Holding hands as they moved through the crowd, the smiles on their faces left little question about what Tobias was whispering in her ear. Ethan rolled his eyes just as Celia glanced in his direction.

“Ethan!” she scolded.

“I don’t know what she sees in him. Maybe we should introduce her to my friend Arutur. We’d be saving her a lifetime of grief.”

“Arthur?” Celia grimaced. “The guy in the opera box next to yours?”

“Yes.”

“The one who forages and organizes his cupboards for fun?”

“Yes. He’s a grown-up.”

“He’s a bore! And even if Casey wasn’t happy with Tobias, you need to stick with your day job because you do not have a future in matchmaking.”

Tobias stuck close to Casey as they neared the table.

“God, he looks as miserable as ever,” he groaned.

“Tobias, Ethan’s not that bad.”

“Yeah, he is. Look at him. I think his face would crack if he attempted a sincere smile.”

“Tobias, weren’t you besties at one point? How bad can he be?”

“That was a long time ago. He was a lot more fun back then.”

“Maybe he just needs you to help bring that fun side out again.”

“I’m sure that’s the last thing he wants.”

“I didn’t say want; I said need. Now, just be your jovial self. And if dinner becomes difficult, just focus on dessert, OK?”

“I’ve been focusing on nothing but. Remember, we’re out of here by 9:00.”

After quick greetings, Ethan summonsed the waiter over to place their drink orders.

“How difficult was it to get him here,” Celia whispered to Casey.

“On a scale of 1-10. I’d say a 9. What about you?”

“At least a 15. But, we’re here,” Celia smiled.

Tobias and the women agreed on a bottle of wine to share, and then Ethan placed an order for Macallan 18, Sherry Cask.

“Damn,” Tobias chuckled. “Still drinking that?

“Never stopped.”

“Wait, you drank that during med school?” Celia marveled. “That’s an awfully hefty price tag for a struggling med school student.”

“Some things are worth sacrificing for, dear.”

“So I’ve heard,” Celia winked. “Did you share that bill with him back then, Tobias?”

“Me? Oh, hell no! I drank nothing but cheap stuff back then.”

“Really?” Casey gasped. “But you had a champagne budget.”

“He didn’t want everyone to know that,” Ethan stepped in.

“Nope,” Tobias agreed. “So I just took the risk of drinking nothing but Boone’s Berry Creek.”

“Did that protect your secret?” Celia asked.

“Unfortunately not. The Carrick name was just too known at Hopkins, so... I gave up.”

“I’m sure your liver was thankful,” Casey smiled as a look of almost sympathy crossed Ethan’s face.

“Back then, we were both trying to pretend we were something we weren’t. We both had something to prove, even if they were different things.”

“Yeah, and we both failed miserably,” Tobias half smiled.

“But at least you became friends,” Casey said. “That’s something.”

“It was,” Ethan replied, taking a sip of his newly arrived drink. “Until we weren’t.”

“It was a... complicated time,” Tobias offered, as an uncomfortable atmosphere settled on their table.

Celia and Casey kept chatting to keep the mood light, but even they began to wonder if 9:00 might be pushing it. Relief washed over them as the first course arrived, but Tobias’s eyes went wide.

“Ethan, don’t look up, but is that Richard Barder?”

“Richard Barder?” Ethan blurted as his head circled the room. “Where?”

“I said don’t look up!” Tobias admonished.

“Now, how the hell am I supposed to know if it’s him if I don’t look up!”

Suppressing smiles, Celia and Casey’s eyes met across the table.

“I think it’s him,” Ethan stated.

“Oh, that’s him,” Tobias agreed. “Goddamn, I haven’t seen him since his wedding.”

Ethan snorted in amusement. “Which one?” he scoffed.

“The second, I believe. How many is he up to now?”

“To the best of my knowledge, he’s on spouse number four.”

“Jesus,” Tobias laughed. “I guess if, at first, you don’t succeed....”

“Amazing,” Celia declared. “Someone in your Hopkins class getting married? I thought that was forbidden?”

“Apparently, Richard is making up for all of those from their class who refuse,” Casey laughed.

“Trust me. You two wouldn’t want to marry either of us if we were Richard,” Tobias insisted.

“Well, it seems like four other people would disagree with that,” Celia teased.

“In fairness, three of those four probably no longer agree with that statement,” Casey surmised.

“There’s a lid for every pot out there,” Ethan shrugged. “But as bright as you two are, you’d never agree to marry the likes of Richard.”

“Aww, Ethan,” Casey grinned. “Are you saying I’m smart for picking Tobias?”

“I said no such thing!” He snapped. “I would deny it in a court of law.”

Celia rolled her eyes. “With three witnesses? Good luck with that!”

Tobias hadn’t been paying attention to the conversation at the table, instead focusing on Richard holding court at the bar. “You know, enough avoiding him. Let’s go say hello. Can’t hurt to get the scoop on what happened with marriage three and four.”

“I’m not interested in idle gossip.”

“You’re so full of shit,” Tobias shot back. “I’m going to go say hi, and when I come back, don’t you dare ask me what he said because I won’t tell you.”

Ethan sat perfectly still, but it was clear to see an internal battle waging inside. As Tobias stood up, he couldn’t hold back any longer.

“Fine! I’ll go.”

“I knew you would,” Tobias smirked.

“Will you two be OK?” Ethan asked.

“Yes,” Celia mocked. “Somehow, we’ll manage to survive without the two of yo. Go ahead and get your gossip, my dear.”

The two women sipped their wine as they watched the men walk to the bar, animatedly chatting as if they hadn’t spent the last decade avoiding each other.

“So,” Celia simpered. “What time did Tobias tell you that you had to be out of here?”

“Nine. And you?”

“Nine,” Celia laughed. “God, they are two sides of the same coin, aren’t they?”

“Twenty dollars says we’ll be heading home much later than nine. In fact, we’ll probably be the ones begging to go.”

“Didn’t you hear Ethan?” Celia joked. “We’re smart. Why would I take that bet?”

“They’re too predictable,” Casey laughed.

“Yeah, but they’re cute.”

“Hey!” Casey said, playfully shoving her friend’s shoulder. “Eyes off of my boyfriend.”

“Pfft!” Celia waved. “Feel free to look at mine. Just look, of course.”

Hours later...

Casey’s head was nuzzled on Tobias’s shoulder. “Tobias,” she yawned. “I really think we should head home.”

“I agree,” Celia nodded. “It’s way past my bedtime.

“It’s not even midnight,” Ethan scowled.

“I know, but we have that... thing... to do in the morning.”

“In the morning?” Ethan questioned.

“Ethan,” Casey rolled her eyes. “Morning is in like fifteen minutes. She wants to do you in the morning. Can’t you take the hint?”

“I’m sure you have things to do, too,” Celia winked.

“Yes,” Tobias grinned. “Me. I’m things. She has to do me.”

Ethan ran a hand down the front of hi face. “You two are a match made in heaven.”

“I don’t know If heaven will take credit for this,” Celia laughed.

“I suppose we should get going,” Tobias agreed.

“Yes,” Ethan nodded. “But we should do this again sometime soon.”

“You know, Casey & I have tickets for the Sox game next Tuesday. Luxury box! You’re both welcome to join us.”

“Count us in!” Ethan insisted.

The two men gabbed non-stop as they waited for their taxis.

“We knew this would happen,” Casey whispered.

“Sure did. You know what this means, don’t you?”

“That eventually we’re going to be telling them we’d rather spend the night alone with them?”

“Absolutely,” Casey grinned. “They’re just too predictable.”

Thanks for reading!

@choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics

Other tags in reblog

#choices fanfic #playchoices fanfic #ethan ramsey #tobias carrick #ethan ramsey x mc #tobias carrick x mc #ethan x celia #tobias x casey #playchoices #choices the stories you play #open heart #open heart choices #choices open heart

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x-aefx · 3 months

Text

Puppy Love - Bella Ramsey

Summary: whilst you have been busy with college, your brother has been looking after your dog for you. Finally you return home and get to meet his new best friend, and owner.

(the puppy in question is a Cavalier King Charles spaniel because they are the cutest!)

💌

Returning to your family home you were eagerly awaiting to reunite with Milo, and of course your family.

Exams were finally over and you now had more time for yourself. Usually you would spend your days cramming extra study and locked in your apartment. Sometimes going days without any real social interactions.

That was part of the reason you left Milo in the care of your family.

Milo was just a puppy, only a year old, and required a lot of attention. With studying, you couldn't provide that.

Knowing your younger brother, Steven, desperately wanted a dog and had plenty of free time, you knew Milo was in good hands.

Parking your car in the driveway, hastily you made your way to the front door. As you opened the front door you followed the sound of chatter and laughter, leading towards the garden.

Like you had expected your family sat around together on garden chairs spending quality time together. Glasses of white wine were left on the outside tables beside their chairs along with opened packets of crisps.

Your mother and father sat with their backs towards the living room, your father's arm laying on the back of the joined seat as he told tales from work. Your eldest sister, Lily, sat on her own individual chair rolling her eyes but listening intently to her dad's exaggerated stories.

The twins, Steven and Emma sat on a joint seat opposite Lily, drinking cans of soda as they made witty comments every now and then. Milo lay curled up on Steven's lap as he rested.

Walking through the living room the french double doors were open allowing you to quietly sneak up on your family.

Lily was the first to notice you. Her eyes widened briefly, she stood immediately from her seat approaching you with open arms.

"OH MY GOSH! Y/n! It's been ages!" She squealed, hugging you tightly.

You reciprocated the hug. You had always been closest to Lily ever since you were kids.

"I know! I've missed you all."

By now your entire family was standing around you, greeting you and pulling you into hugs.

"we missed you"

"how have you been!"

"have you met anyone?"

"come sit down!"

As everyone crowded around you, you tried answering all their questions, getting confused about who asked you what. A small, high pitched park silenced everyone, one by one everyone's eyes landed on Milo who stared up at you. Your mother and Emma stood a part allowing Milo to walk past them towards you.

Milo did so ecstatically. Running up to you he circled your feet a few times, barking happily with his tail swinging back and forth.

Your heart melted as you looked down at him. Crouching down you picked the small pup up and hugged him, kissing his head and scratching behind his ear as he liked.

"hi baby" you cooed.

Everyone settled down in the living room, sitting cozy on the couches as they watched tv. You were able to catch up with everyone, answer all their questions and ask your own. Milo was happily sitting on your lap, playing with his toy until he began getting restless. You looked down at him confused.

Steven noticed, "I usually take him for a walk around the park at this time. He loves it. His friend Skipper is usually there too"

You frowned but Milo's attention was caught at the sound of skipper's name.

"Whose dog is Skipper?"

Steven shrugged, "i don't know them very well. Their names Bella. We just make small talk as the dogs play."

You looked back down at Milo.

"wanna go see Skipper then Milo?" You smiled.

Milo leaped off your lap as he ran to the front door.

"No! You have jobs to apply to mister!" Your mother warned once she saw Steven standing up.

"but mum-"

"no. You've put it off long enough."

Steven sighed but didn't argue further.

Getting Milo on his lead, you two walked peacefully down the quiet street. Small Worlds by Mac Miller was playing in your earpods. The sky was a lovely pink and orange colour.

Since the park wasn't far from your family's home you made it there quickly.

Walking down the path you reach an empty circular field that seemed to go on forever, with only you and Milo along with another stranger and their dog.

Crouching down you took Milo's lead of him once he started getting excited and eager to run off. The minute the lead was off Milo began sprinting faster than you have ever seen him before, towards the stranger.

You presumed this was the stranger your brother was telling you about, Bella and Skipper.

You walked over to them. Bella didn't notice you approaching. They crouched down and happily gave Milo a few pats, though Skipper demanded attention too.

"so this is who Milo was so excited to see?" You made yourself known. Bella quickly looked up at the sound of your voice. They blinked a few times registering your words before smiling up at you. They stood up to face you.

"you are correct." They smiled sheepishly, "I hope you don't mind. Skipper really loves Milo."

You shook your head, "of course not. I'm y/n." You introduced yourself.

"Bella."

Skipper and Milo began running off, though still in view of Bella and you. It was quiet for awhile as the two of you watched them play.

"Are you looking after Milo for Steven?" Bella began small talk.

"oh no, Milo is mine. I left him with my family to look after for a while whilst I was busy with college." You explained. You assumed that Steven had claimed Milo as his own, something you expected since he often claimed that he loved him more than you.

"Ah." Bella nodded along. "What are you studying."

"fashion design." You answered proudly.

Bella smiled in thought, "maybe you could design me an outfit sometime." They teased.

"I would absolutely love that."

Bella was wearing knee length red shorts, a yellow, blue and red flannel with a white shirt underneath and sunglasses pushed up on their head. You liked their style.

The two of you walked over to one of the park benches, sitting side by side as Milo and Skipper fought over a stick twice their size.

"What about you? Are you in college?" You began a conversation.

"I'm currently doing a course in environmental science."

You pretended to know what that entailed.

As you studied their face a spark of familiarity hit you. You tried and tried to search your mind as to where you might recognise them from. You failed.

"where do you study?" You asked thinking maybe you've seen them around college.

"it's an open University module. So I don't go to college, I do it online." They explained. By now Bella and you had turned your bodies so that you were facing each other.

"oh." You frowned.

"what? Is that not good enough?" They joked, raising their brows in challenge.

You realised your mistake and shook your head and scrambled out an apology, hoping you didn't offend their feelings.

"No-no that wasn't what I meant, I promise! I would never-"

Bella's laugh cut you off.

"relax, I was kidding." They had a gleam in their eyes as they laughed at your distressed state.

You sucked in a breath of relief.

"I just thought I recognised you and thought maybe I've seen you around college." You mumbled in embarrassment. You diverted your eyes to Milo and Skipper. Both dogs now had sticks of their own in their mouths, still twice their size.

Bella's face went blank for a moment, they continued staring at you, whilst you watched the dogs.

"Do you recognise me from somewhere?" They spoke up hesitantly.

You glanced back at Bella, looking at them suspiciously.

"Am I supposed to recognise you from somewhere?" You shot back.

"Do you think you're supposed to recognise me from somewhere?" Bella said again.

"Do you think I'm supposed to recognise you from somewhere?"

Your lips cracked into a smile as you continued speaking in riddles.

"I'm an actor." They said, watching your face for any reaction.

You thought back to every show and movie you had ever watched. Then you imagined Bella in those shows until you figured out what you had seen them in. You were sure you had seen them before.

You gasped, turned to Bella and recognised them immediately.

"I HAVE SEEN YOU BEFORE!" you cheered after finally figuring it out.

"the last of us?" They assumed confidently.

"The Worst Witch!"

How could you have been so blind? That show was your childhood.

"the worst Witch seriously?" Bella laughed in disbelief.

"obviously I've seen game of thrones and Catherine called Birdy, but your hair was way way longer." You shrugged.

"i can't believe the worst Witch is the first thing to come to mind." They say back on the bench, looking over at the pups. You knew they were only joking from the smile on their face.

You gave Bella a nudge of your shoulder.

"it was a pretty great show from what I remember."

Bella's head turned to face you, "oh was it?" They teased.

The sound of small paws running up towards you caught your attention. Skipper and Milo were racing up the field, occasionally their sticks hitting off each other as they ran with them in their mouths.

You covered your mouth with one hand to hide your laugh.

As Milo approached you he dropped his stick at your feet. Skipper doing the same for Bella.

"where did you even find that big of a stick?" You questioned examining the stick from the ground.

Milo wagged his tail proudly. You scratched behind his ear as Bella lifted Skipper up into their arms.

"I think that's enough fun for one day." Bella looked between Milo and their own dog.

You nodded your head in agreement.

"I'll see you around?" You asked hopefully.

"definitely." Bella said without missing a beat.

It was silent as you two stared at each other.

Aware of the time you reluctantly got ready to leave.

You knew your face was beginning to turn red, biting your lip you hoped it wasn't obvious.

"bye Bella" you waved shyly.

Bella giggled, "bye y/n, by Milo."

Mentally you thanked Steven for bringing Milo to the park and Milo for making friends with Skipper. You would definitely be going to the park more often.

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liaromancewriter · 9 months

Text

What Could Have Been (5/?)

Series Premise: When Ethan breaks his promise, Cassie is forced to accept they’re not inevitable after all.

Book: Open Heart Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Cassie Valentine) Rating/Category: Teen. Angst Words: 1,560

Series Masterlist

Chapter 5: Risky Moves. Romance Rekindled. One is filled with remorse, but jealousy soon rears its ugly head.

A/N: I'm using @choicesflashfics week 44, prompt 3. Also, using prompts "dating" & "break-up" from the @choicesmonthlychallenge January 2023 editing. Set during 2x03.

Ethan Ramsey marched down the street. His long legs eating up the pavement, uncaring of other pedestrians, his scowl a deterrent to anyone bold enough to get in his way.

In his head, he replayed the conversation with his father, the look on Cassie Valentine’s face when he dismissed his mother and the complicated emotions swirling inside him for a woman that had abandoned him twenty-five years ago.

He should hate Louise. God knows he wanted to. But a part of him clung to a memory of a sunflower yellow dress and a tinkling laugh that had once made his world bright.

Who knew better than him that love didn’t last? That the world was too often a dark, lonely place. That people didn’t stay. It was better to leave them before they left you.

Like he’d done to Cassie.

Ethan cursed loudly and detoured into the alley behind Donahue’s. He kicked his foot against the brick wall, angry and frustrated with himself, his life and the world in general.

He thought he’d figured his shit out last spring. And yet, here he was again, spiraling out of control.

He closed his eyes and took deep breaths. He needed to rein in his emotions and focus on the facts to do his job well. And the truth was he had a patient waiting for him, which had to be his priority now.

Feeling calmer, Ethan exited the alley near Edenbrook’s back entrance and parking structure. His mask was firmly in place as he got off the elevator on the second floor, only to bump into Cassie, who rushed in through the stairwell door.

“Oops,” she said with a half-laugh. “Sorry, Dr. Ramsey. I didn’t see you.”

“Maybe if you didn’t run around the hospital like a child, you’d pay better attention,” he muttered, annoyed all over again when her scent hit his nostrils.

He felt Cassie stop and stare at him, but he dismissed her as he stomped down the hallway to Lamar’s room. She followed quietly, practically running to keep pace with his long strides.

The day went from bad to worse when they found an empty room, and their patient was nowhere in sight.

“Where the hell is my patient?” Ethan barked at the nurse on duty at the station across from the hospital room.

“Ethan…” Cassie nudged his arm urgently. “In his condition, Lamar’s a danger to himself. We’ve gotta find him.”

“We didn’t see him back there,” he pointed at the hallway from where they’d come, “so he must have headed toward the atrium stairs.”

Knowing there was no time to waste, he quickly called security and issued a Code Green.

They sprinted through the halls, scanning patient rooms and corridors for signs of Lamar or his wife. They were almost at the balcony overlooking the soaring glass-domed atrium when they heard a scream.

Ethan’s heart dropped to his stomach at the sight of Lamar climbing over the railing on the fourth floor. The fifty-sixty-foot drop to the atrium below would likely maim him for life if not kill him outright.

“That fall will kill him. Dammit, come on!”

Before he could finish issuing the command, he glimpsed a trail of blonde hair flying past him like a sprinter coming off the block. Cassie pounded up the stairs, her white coat flapping behind her.

That shook him out of his inertia, and he raced up behind her, taking the steps two at a time. She was faster, though and reached Lamar first. The other man grinned broadly as if it was all a game, and Ethan knew he would be too late to stop him from jumping.

Just a few more seconds, Ethan prayed, pushing himself faster and ignoring the shocked faces that had stopped to watch the spectacle.

He saw Lamar let go of the railing and lean forward as if in slow motion. Cassie lunged at him, her hand grabbing Lamar’s just in time as he dangled in the air. She almost toppled over the edge of the railing as the other man’s weight pulled her forward.

“Cassie!” Ethan shouted hoarsely, fear for her life made his mouth turn dry.

Her shoes dug into the tight space between the floor and the bottom of the railing. Balancing herself, she leaned forward and locked one hand around Lamar’s wrist. Ethan saw her wince as her shoulders and arms strained from the pressure.

“Ethan…” she pleaded, her terrified green eyes meeting his as he rushed to her aid.

“I’m coming, Cassie,” he called out, letting his mask drop.

Ethan reached them before the security guard. Leaning around her, he hauled Lamar back over to safety and pinned him to the floor.

The weight suddenly gone, Cassie lost her balance and toppled backward, her elbow hitting the concrete floor with a loud crack.

“Goddammit,” Ethan cursed.

He left the security guard to restrain Lamar. His wife, Liz, watched with worry and confusion at the words her husband was saying.

Ethan started to check on Cassie when Naveen called out his name.

Still crouched on the floor, Ethan glanced up to see Naveen, some of the senior staff and the hospital’s board watching from one story above with a mix of horror and morbid curiosity.

He’d forgotten the board was meeting today, and Naveen had promised them a tour.

A man in a dark suit broke off from the group and dashed down the stairs. Ethan’s brows knitted in annoyance. He didn’t recognize the stranger and opened his mouth to tell him to get the hell away from his patient.

But the man rushed past him to where Cassie sat on the floor, protectively hunched over her, clutching her elbow. Her face was scrunched in pain, and tears tracked down her cheeks.

“Cassie, look at me,” the other man said, tenderly placing two fingers under her chin to lift her face. “Dislocation?”

Cassie shook her head and paused, taking stock. “I felt something tear when his weight pulled at me. Could be a sprain or torn ligament. Pain is six. Limited mobility. Nate, please help me up.”

He slid one arm around her back, supporting her weight. Cassie pushed her knees off the floor and started to rise.

“Can I just say?” Nate commented in awe. “You, Cassie Valentine, are more awesome than Wonder Woman and Captain Marvel combined.”

“Oh wow. Must have really impressed you if I get compared to DC and Marvel heavyweights?” Cassie chuckled, sniffing back the tears, and leaned against him briefly before straightening.

“I want to be a gentleman, tell you it’s okay to raincheck on our date tonight,” Nate said pleasantly. “But the woman that just saved a man’s life is much too strong-willed to retire with her smelling salts. And I really want to celebrate her in style.”

He smirked. “Maybe even challenge her to a mini-golf rematch since my chances of winning have suddenly improved.”

Cassie burst into laughter. The sound was like a stiletto piercing Ethan’s heart because the laugh wasn’t for him.

Ethan’s initial concern changed to bewilderment at the friendly ease between Cassie and Nate, and he wondered how they knew each other. The confusion quickly turned to red-hot jealousy when he heard about their date.

Uncertainty about wanting to care for Cassie and the rumors that would fly if he shoved the other man aside to do just that had Ethan rooted to the spot.

He was positive Nate wasn’t on the hospital board. He presented to that group often enough to know all its members. He looked vaguely familiar, but Ethan was hard-pressed to place him.

He shook off this new mystery to focus on the existing one. Lamar’s incomprehensible actions. Cassie was talking to Liz now, and Ethan needed to be part of that conversation.

But first, he had to reassure Naveen and clear the hall of spectators.

“Naveen, it’s okay. The situation is under control,” Ethan said when the older man stood before him, eyes narrowed in consternation.

“How am I supposed to be calm at a time like this?” Naveen said quietly, but Ethan could hear the subtle anger in his mentor’s voice.

“Ethan, a patient almost died in front of a hospital full of board members, staff and visitors. Why wasn’t security protocol followed if the patient was a danger to himself?”

“He wasn’t—” Ethan bit off when Cassie approached them cautiously, Lamar’s wife trailing behind her.

“Ethan. Dr. Ramsey,” Cassie amended. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but we need to question Lamar. We’re running out of time.”

With a quick nod at Naveen, Ethan followed Cassie and Liz to the other side of the hall. Lamar was still pushing against the security guard, talking about people no one knew.

He absently glanced over his shoulder to see Nate and Naveen talking seriously, heads close together.

How long had Nate and Cassie been dating, he speculated as ugly thoughts clouded his brain. The intimacy he had just witnessed between her and Nate didn’t happen overnight.

So, had she really waited for him while he was in the Amazon? Or was that one more lie he wanted to believe, just like the one about his mother returning out of love for her forgotten son?

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

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 @youlookappropriate

#open heart #open heart choices #open heart fanfics #ethan ramsey #ethan ramsey x mc #open heart fanfiction #choices fanfics #choices fanfiction #choices fic writers creations #cfwc fics of the week #ethan ramsey x cassie valentine

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