Choices December Challenge

The next day

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

Holiday Cheer 🎄 ❤️ 💚

Prompts: Christmas: @choicesdecember2023, @choicesficwriterscreations, @choicesholidays, @choicesflashfics (holiday prompt, in bold)

Pairing: Bryce x Olivia , Ethan x Merida (@lilyoffandoms), Tobias x Casey (@jerzwriter)

Book: Open Heart

Word Count: >700

Rating/Warnings: general

Synopsis: Olivia, Merida, and Casey decide to decorate the Diagnostic Office.

The Diagnostic Office buzzed with festive energy as Olivia, Casey, and Merida decorated Ethan's office with holiday cheer. The trio, wearing holiday sweaters and festive headbands, worked diligently, preparing a surprise for their significant others. Boxes of decorations lay scattered across the room. In the center of the space lay a jumbled mess of tangled lights. 

Casey grappled with the relentless knots in the string lights, muttering under her breath. The more of the knots she freed, the more the lights seemed to conspire, weaving her into their tangled web.

Merida offered her assistance, teasing her friend playfully. "Making friends with the lights, Casey? Or are they plotting a holiday takeover?"

"They seem a formidable foe," Olivia chimed in, giggling as she watched Casey try to unravel a particularly tangled section.

"Ugh! I feel like neurosurgery would be easier than this," Casey joked, tediously separating the stubbornly intertwined wires.

Olivia added miniature ornaments to the long strands of garlands strewn around the rooms, her eyes sparkling with joy. "I can't wait to see their faces when they walk in." She clapped her hands enthusiastically, unable to contain her excitement. 

"Finally!" Casey jumped up, pumping her hands in the air in victory. She quickly gathered the lights, placing them in Olivia's arms. "They're all yours!" 

"My pleasure!" Olivia took the lights, holding them up in front of her, deciding on their perfect placement. 

A mischievous spark flickered in Casey's eyes as she caught Merida's attention. "Let's add a little extra surprise." She produced a small sprig of mistletoe from her bag.

Merida's brow arched. "Do you and Tobias really need another reason to be all over each other?"

"Oh, it's not for me," Casey teased, winking toward Merida. "I think we can all agree that a certain diagnostician would benefit from letting loose a little bit." 

"I'm not sure he'll share your sentiment, but I'm willing to risk it. Who knows, maybe we'll see our own Christmas miracle," Merida retorted. 

With stealthy precision, they positioned the mistletoe above the office doorway, chuckling at the playful addition to the festive decor.

The two stood beneath it, making sure it was safely secured, and somewhat out of sight. 

Merida's gaze shifted between the decor and Casey. "If this doesn't get Ethan's attention, I'm sure I could find someone else to take advantage of it with?" 

Casey shrugged coyly, curious by the prospect, "And, perhaps also even if he does!"

As the three friends finished up, the room transformed into a cozy haven adorned with twinkling lights and festive cheer.

Just then, the door swung open, and Bryce, Ethan, and Tobias entered, greeted by the sight of the dazzlingly decorated office. Their eyes widened in surprise and appreciation, well, at least for two of them.

“It looks like Santa threw up in here," Ethan grumbled. 

"It's festive," Tobias quickly defended, admiring the decorations. "You gotta lighten up, Scrooge."

"I wish someone would decorate the O.R. like this," Bryce added gleefully.

"You do realize that none of this is sterile," Ethan interrupted. “So unless you plan to risk your patients lives, you do not wish someone to decorate the O.R.”

"Ignore him," Bryce wrapped his arms around Olivia, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. "It's beautiful." 

Ethan sighed, rubbing the space between his brows. He was truly outnumbered. He always was, but sometimes he had Olivia on his side. Not this time. “...It can stay," he mumbled reluctantly.

"It really wasn't an option," Casey smirked. 

Ethan stepped further into his office, but his movements were halted.

"Not so fast—" Merida sauntered forward, pressing Ethan back under the doorway once more. "I believe you owe me a kiss." 

"That's a juvenile tradition," he protested.

"Are you refusing? You know that's bad luck."

"You know I don't believe in luck."

Merida shook her head; she wanted to scold him but this was who he was, and she loved him for it. Her fingers flirted with his tie a moment, before she pulled him down to her, her lips crashing against his.

Their embrace was met by whistles and howls from their friends. The pair ignored them, their lingering kiss enduring.

Casey turned to Tobias, her voice soft, "Merry Christmas." Her lips met his tenderly. 

Olivia leaned further into Bryce, letting the warmth and comfort of his embrace engulf her as she marveled at the beautiful lights and displays surrounding them. 

Tagging: Christmas: @choicesdecember2023, @choicesficwriterscreations, @choicesholidays, @choicesflashfics (Holiday Prompt in bold)

Daenarya stood perched on a milk crate, trying to secure a sprig of mistletoe above the archway to the living room. She glanced around, hoping someone would notice. 

Maiele, catching her subtle attempt, stepped forward, offering his assistance. His touch was gentle as he held her hips, his thumbs caressing her softly.

Standing on her tiptoes with Maiele's hands guiding her, she successfully hung the floral ornamentation. 

"Thank you," Daenarya offered softly, remaining close to him. She chewed her lower lip, her gaze glancing back up at the mistletoe. "Look, there’s mistletoe. We have to kiss, it’s the law."

"Is that so?" Maiele teased, a playful glint in his eyes. "A human law, I presume? I'm not familiar with it."

"Oh, well, it is a very well-known and important rule," she insisted, feigning a coy grin. 

"In that case—" Maiele's hand cradled the back of her neck, drawing her in for a gentle, tender kiss beneath the mistletoe. Their lips met softly as he savored the notes of cinnamon and vanilla, reminiscent of the cookies she'd been baking earlier.

Daenarya leaned into the kiss, wrapping her arms around Maiele's neck, pressing deeper, the heat between them rising. Her footing slipped as she forgot her surroundings; the milkcrate teetered beneath her shifting weight, but Maiele was there to guide her safely back to the ground in his careful embrace.

The pair parted for a moment, catching their breath. Shared laughter slipped between them.

"We appear to still be beneath the mistletoe," Maiele noted, not ready to let her go so quickly. 

Daenarya nodded, a mischievous smile spreading on her face. "So we are." 

Their lips met again as they stayed in the moment, enjoying the comfort they found in one another. 

❤️ 💚 ❤️ 💚 ❤️ 💚

Mal turned the corner, his mouth falling, catching sight of Daenarya and Maiele locked in an intimate embrace. The surprise etched across his face swiftly gave way to a subtle downturn of his lips. He knew they shared a connection, but still, he felt a pang of jealousy... or was it envy?

Tyril watched the rogue in amusement, arms folded, leaning against the wall. "Is this not what you wanted for them?"

"Yes, but they could be a little less... I don't know... passionate about it," Mal complained. "Look at them!"

A moan slipped from Daenarya's lips. 

"Did you hear that?" His eyes widened.

"Jealousy doesn't suit you—" His tone held a teasing edge as he continued, "—although I do understand the sentiment."

Mal huffed through pouty lips, folding his arms across his chest. "It's not jealousy, it’s just... an observation."

Tyril raised a brow, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips. "Of course, just keen observation, I'm certain that's all." He pushed himself off the wall. In three quick strides, he stood before Mal. "However, if you find their display disconcerting, perhaps a diversion is in order." His long fingers danced lightly up Mal's arm. 

"What did you have in mind?" The rogue questioned, his tone faltering. His gaze traced the elf's lips without hesitation, enjoying the sudden closeness between them. His thoughts of Daenarya and Maiele faded away. He stifled a chuckle, it was envy after all, but not for much longer, at least he hoped.

"I simply mean—" Tyril leaned closer, his voice a whisper in Mal's ear. "—sometimes, distractions can be quite beneficial." 

Without another word, the elf's lips crashed against Mal's, swallowing whatever witty retort the rogue had hoped to express. He relished how easily the man melted beneath his touch. Maiele and Daenarya could have their mistletoe, Tyril didn't need it. He could get Mal exactly where he wanted with nothing more than a look, and that's exactly how he liked it. 

"Looks like we still have one to go." 

Surveying the chaotic scene, Olivia took in the scattered array of wrapped gifts, crumpled paper, and an assortment of ribbons, bows, and boxes strewn across the room. Despite the mess, one thing became apparent—there were no more gifts left to wrap as far as her eyes could reach. The new mother questioned with concern, "What am I missing?"

Bryce chuckled mischievously as he dashed towards an empty box. With a wink, he hopped inside, fixing a large bow he had grabbed on his head. "Oh, just the best present of all."

Olivia couldn't help but roll her eyes, fighting back a smile at his playful antics. After a marathon last-minute wrapping session, she felt exhausted, knowing that Malia would soon wake from her nap. "What are you doing in there?"

He pressed one hand to his hips, the other framing his face handsomely. "Don't you want to know what the last present is?" His lips pulled up in a devilish smirk.

"I think I can guess..." she frowned. "We agreed..." It had been just over four weeks since her delivery, but they had agreed to wait closer to six. 

"Give me a chance‚" He extended his arm toward her. "I promise, you won't be disappointed." 

Reluctantly, she inched closer until she laced her hand with his.

"The last thing to wrap—" He whispered, drawing her closer. "—Is my arms around you."

Olivia found her smile impossible to contain as he drew her into his warm embrace. A playful giggle escaped her lips as she nuzzled her face into the curve of his neck. She looped her arms around him, savoring the comfort and stillness of the moment. 

"Sometimes, being with you feels so much like a dream—" Bryce murmured softly, his fingers dancing delicately through her hair "—and I don’t ever want to wake up." 

"Bryce—" his name slipped quietly from her lips. She turned her head up to meet his eyes. The warmth of the lights glistened in his adoring gaze. Her voice was tender, "This, right here, with you and Malia—it's the most beautiful dream come true. I couldn't think of anyone better to share my life with."

His lips rested against her forehead, pressing a lingering kiss. "You're the greatest gift I didn't know I needed."

The twinkling Christmas tree bathed the room in a warm, comforting glow as Olivia and Bryce swayed gently to the soft Christmas melodies playing in the background. Each sway brought them closer to one another, their hearts beating together. 

Amidst the busyness of the season, small moments like this reminded them that despite the lights, the decorations, and the presents, the only thing they truly needed was this: the love between them and their daughter sleeping soundly, knowing that when she woke she'd be showered in adoration. 

There was something about this time of year... even the mundane seemed to morph into magic, and tonight's gathering of friends was no exception. While the robust aroma of lasagna competed with the sweet scent of sugar cookies baking in the second oven, neither managed to diffuse the fragrant pine from the Christmas tree. Music served only as a background to the laughter and lively chatter, but while Bryce and Olivia were too engaged in the conversation.. and each other... to notice the music shift from soulful renditions of holiday standards back to melodic strings and woodwinds, Merida didn’t miss a beat. Resplendent in her holiday attire, she halted slicing provolone for the charcuterie board long enough to shoot Ethan a menacing glare. 

“Ethan Jonah Ramsey, so help me God! If you turn Stevie off to put The Nutcracker back on one more time, I will not be responsible for my actions!”

“I’d be careful,” Bryce advised. “She is holding an exceptionally large knife.”

Ethan started to open his mouth, then thought better of it. With a quick flick of the wrist, “That’s What Christmas Means to Me My Love” blared through the air once more.

“What did it?” Olivia teased. “Knowing you were outnumbered, or the large knife?”

Ethan leaned against the counter, popped a piece of chorizo in his mouth, and shrugged. “It’s the season of goodwill. Let's go with that.” His half-smile quickly retreated when Merida slapped his hand.

“There will be no goodwill in this house if you keep sneaking food! You have to wait until all of our guests arrive.”

A sigh tinged with frustration escaped him. “I fail to see why we all need to starve because Carrick is late... again.”

“Technically, he’s not late,” Olivia advised.

“She’s right,” Merida agreed. “It’s only seven-fifty, and dinner starts at eight. They have ten minutes before we can declare them late.”  

Ethan turned to her with astonishment. “But I was there when you told him to be here at seven!”

“Yes,” Merida said matter-of-factly. “I told him that to ensure they’d be here by eight.”

“But since it's Tobias and Casey we're talking about,” Bryce interjected. “You probably should have told them six."

"True," Olivia nodded, biting into a fluffy cheese puff. “Knowing Casey, she’ll want to redo her hair and makeup.”

Ethan raised his eyebrows in disbelief as Merida smiled. “What?” she asked.

“Olivia is eating a cheese puff and not an ounce of chastisement from you... but I sneak a sliver of sausage, and you considered dismemberment!”

“Ethan...Olivia is a guest! Besides, she’s too cute to dismember.”

The doorbell rang, and the friends looked at their phones at 7:58 PM.

“Wow! They’re early!” Bryce exclaimed. “And they say Christmas miracles are a thing of the past!”

“Great,” Merida laughed as she wiped her hands with a dish towel. “That means they probably didn’t get it all out of their systems, and they’ll be horny on main all night.”  

“And that would be different from every other time... how?” Bryce laughed. 

Merida scurried down the hallway, high heels clicking, but her irritated boyfriend beat her to the door, swinging it open to find Tobias planting kisses on a giggling Casey’s neck.

“Do you two ever stop?”

“What?” Tobias protested with a sheepish grin. “We weren’t doing anything. We were just stuck in....”

“TRAFFIC!” The four friends shouted.

“That is what they call it these days,” Olivia winked, all too proud of herself.  "Aren't they?"

“Hey! You can’t blame us,” Casey said, tossing her fuzzy coat over Ethan’s unextended arm. “Boston is just filled with traffic!”

“Mmmhmmm,” Merida greeted her friend with a warm embrace. “And you two are always without GPS.”

“That’s right,” Casey smiled. “We prefer to go by... feel.”

“Can we send them home now?” Ethan groaned.

But Merida and Casey were already halfway down the hall, linked arm-in-arm and giggling like schoolgirls. Ethan jumped when Tobias’s hand landed on his shoulder with a thud.

“You were saying, buddy?”

Running a hand down his face, Ethan surrendered. “Olivia is right. I’m outnumbered.”

Moments later, the couples were assembled around the kitchen table, with wine generously poured. Ethan happily partook in cured meats as he endured one too many jokes about salami from his best-freinemy.

“Tobias, I swear, you never escaped adolescence.”

“Was that something we were supposed to escape?”

Bryce raised his glass with a smile. “Only during working hours!”

“And these are not working hours,” Merida gleefully stated. “A toast... to friends, who have become family.”

“And by family, she means you’re inescapable!” Ethan grinned.

“Just like adolescence,” Casey beamed, clinking her glass with the others.

Merida set her eyes on Ethan’s, a radiant smile on her lips. “And would you have it any other way?”

Wrapping his arm around her waist he pulled her close. "No," he beamed. "Despite each of you, save Olivia, causing me more grey hairs by the moment... I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Several drinks in, you know they started teasing Tobias about his "Ho-Ho-Ho" sweater. Everyone except Olivia, who wasn't sure what they meant until Bryce whispered it in her ear. Merida and Casey quickly agreed to corrupt the poor dear much more before their New Year's Eve gathering!

Happy Holidays! :)

@choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanart @openheartfanfics

@choicesholidays "I'm Thankful for You"

@choicesdecember2023 Christmas

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

Many years later, Ethan still loved to skate but didn’t have as much time for it. As head of diagnostics at Boston’s Edenbrook Hospital, his duties kept him much too busy. But something about the holidays made him nostalgic for simpler times.

“Earth to Ethan. Anyone there?” Cassie Valentine snapped her fingers in front of his face.

Ethan shook his head to clear the memories clouding his thoughts. “Sorry, I was miles away. What were we talking about?”

“Okay, that was some trip,” Cassie commented, giving him a strange look above the rim of her wine glass. “Holiday traditions from our childhood. You were telling me about skating with your parents, remember?”

“Oh, right,” Ethan said, feeling his face flush.

For a moment, he’d forgotten where he was. He glanced around his apartment and the holiday decorations they’d put up a few days ago, scratching the back of his head as he tried to collect his composure.

A Christmas tree stood in the corner against the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the bay — the first one they bought and decorated together — tinsel and fairy lights winking against the dark. Presents had found their way underneath the tree at regular intervals in the last couple of weeks.

This was their first holiday together, technically second as a couple, but he’d been in Providence last year, and she’d been working. Somehow, without realizing it, he found himself in a relationship that was more serious than anything he’d ever had before.

What else would you call meeting each other’s families and planning together what presents to buy for their respective relatives?

“Do you still skate, or is that in the past?” Cassie mused, her legs curled up beneath her on the couch.

“Not as much as I’d like,” Ethan confessed, picking up the near-empty wine bottle to top up their glasses. “A few years ago, a bunch of us started getting together in the community center rink for ice hockey. Nothing formal, just pick up games to blow off steam.”

“Why am I only finding out about this now?” she said, somewhat disgruntled. “We’ve known each other for almost three years!”

Ethan rolled his eyes at her dramatic response. “Because I have other, more pleasurable things to say and do when you’re around. Besides, I had Naveen’s condition to occupy my mind that first year, and then my mother’s return and addiction last year. This is the first normal holiday season for both of us.”

“You have a point,” Cassie conceded with a regal nod before twisting in her seat to regard him thoughtfully. “I bet you’re a goalie. You’ve got the build for it.”

“You’d lose that bet.” Ethan raised an eyebrow in amusement. “I play center.”

She harrumphed and then tapped her index finger against her lips. “Remember how we talked about making our own holiday traditions when we decorated the tree last week? Let’s add skating to the list. The Boston Common Frog Pond rink is open for the season, and it always looks fun when I go running past it.”

“I’ve been, and it is fun,” Ethan said. “How about Friday? You’re working a double before that, so should be post-call, right?”

“It’s a date,” Cassie smiled, intertwining her fingers with his and nestling against him. “This is going to be the best Christmas season ever!”

When Friday came, Ethan was run off his feet. Herb, one of his oldest patients, had been admitted with an unknown infection. He spent the entire day running tests, frustrated when the results didn’t reveal anything useful.

Deciding to return to the beginning, he sat behind his desk, switched on the monitor and pulled up Herb’s medical history. He wasn’t leaving here until he figured this out.

“You’re still working?”

Ethan looked up at the intrusion, eyes unfocused, the screen’s glare reflecting off his reading glasses. Cassie stood inside the sliding glass doors, wearing a pink long-sleeved sweater beneath a puffy white vest and black jeans. A knitted cap with white and pink stripes sat atop her long blonde hair.

He wondered whether she coordinated her outfits or if it was an innate style. Maybe even both.

He noted the small duffel bag in her hand and cursed internally. He’d utterly forgotten their skating date, and judging by Cassie’s amused expression, she knew it, too.

“You’re important to me. And I want you to know that,” Ethan said, coming around from behind the desk to stand before her. He took her hand in his.

“I do know that, but thank you for telling me,” Cassie chuckled, lightly swinging their clasped hands before letting go. “What’s going on?”

Ethan quickly explained the situation, running frustrated fingers through his hair, his inability to solve the case coming through in the irritated tone of his voice. Before he knew it, he started brainstorming Herb’s condition with her, pulling up test results and walking her through his thought process.

Herb wasn’t the diagnostic team’s patient, but it helped to have someone he trusted from the team working with him.

“Could be GI. Have you considered….”

“…barium follow through?” he said, reading her thoughts as perfectly as she could his. He frowned as he tried to connect the dots to the other symptoms.

“I thought I saw something in his chart,” she said, nudging him out of the chair to take control of his keyboard, her eyes scanning the electronic medical records. “Aha, there it is. Small bowel obstruction, managed through a steroid protocol, so no biopsy was done to rule out Crohn’s or colitis.”

“Good catch,” Ethan said, reading over her shoulder. “I’ll put in orders for a barium test tomorrow. Nothing more we can do today.”

Her light floral scent drifted into his nostrils, and he sighed in disappointment. Date nights were already hard to organize with their erratic schedules. He couldn’t help but feel he’d wasted this one.

He turned the office chair around, placed his hands on either side of her and leaned in. “I’m sorry, Cassie. I not only messed up our plans tonight, but I pulled you into this after you’d already worked a double shift. I heard about the clusterfuck that was last night.”

“That would be an apt word to describe it,” she murmured. “Not sure how I got home this morning, but at least it was quiet in the apartment with everyone else on shift.”

“Still, tonight was supposed to be the start of another holiday tradition for us,” he insisted.

For the first time in forever, he resented work coming in the way of his personal life.

Cassie framed his face between her hands. “I’m here with you. I’m right where I belong. Doing what I’m good at with the man I love and one who taught me that patients come first.”

Ethan closed the distance between them, his lips capturing hers in a slow, sweet kiss, thanking her for understanding with the promise of more to come. Cassie locked her hands behind his neck, and he tugged her out of the chair, reversing their positions without breaking the kiss.

They slowly drifted apart, foreheads touching. Cassie smiled softly, her fingers trailing down the side of his face. “Raincheck on our date?

Ethan checked his wristwatch and noted it was almost half past eight. Where had the last few hours gone?

“We could try to get to the Commons before the rink closes at nine,” he offered, mentally calculating the distance, traffic and parking situation.

“It’s okay,” Cassie said, getting off his lap and stretching her arms upward. “Another night. Besides, we’re doctors. Disrupted plans are par the course.”

“There are other rinks in Boston,” Ethan said, standing beside her. “Let me google what’s open. Tonight doesn’t have to be a total loss.”

“Actually,” Cassie said, taking her phone out and unlocking it. “Rafael’s old neighborhood has a small rink that’s open all night. He invited the Roomies there last year. It’s no Frog Pond, but it was nice. Let me text him.”

While she did that, Ethan tidied up his desk, closed out files and powered down his computer.

“Yes!” Cassie pumped one fist in the air. “It’s still around, and Raf is sending directions.”

An hour or so later, after stopping by his place to change and pick up skates, Ethan parked in the lot on the other side of the community park from where the rink was located. They walked hand in hand down the walkway, the soft glow of street lamps a welcome relief against the shadows around them.

The rink was small, as advertised, and empty, given the lateness of the hour. And yet Ethan liked it all the more for its relative privacy versus other public rinks.

“I like it out here. It’s peaceful,” Ethan commented as they sat on a bench and strapped on their skates.

“It’s popular with local families, so it can get busy early in the day,” Cassie explained, her voice muffled as she bent down to tighten her laces.

Ethan flicked the light switch, the red and green lights bright against the darkness. He stepped onto the rink, gliding effortlessly on the ice, feeling the familiar rush of wind rushing against his face.

“Whoops,” Cassie giggled behind him.

“Are you okay?” he asked, looking back to see her arms flailing before she caught her balance.

“I’m good,” she said, carefully holding herself still.

He laughed as recognition hit. For all Cassie’s bravado, she was not as comfortable on skates as she pretended to be.

“You think it’s funny?” She lifted her chin mulishly, spreading her legs wide and turning her skated feet inward.

“Yeah, I do,” Ethan smirked, skating in a loop around her.

He took her hand as she continued to struggle and wrapped his arms around her, holding her close. “Because I finally found something that Cassie Valentine isn’t good at.”

He grinned as Cassie pretended to be offended. She started to push against his arms, but her skates slipped, and she clung to him like a barnacle. Within seconds, they were both laughing at the absurdity of the situation.

“You figured me out,” she confessed, tears leaking from the corner of her eyes as she swallowed back her laughter.

She placed her gloved hands on his upper arms, her green eyes sparkling as they gazed into his. “I suck at skating. No matter how much I try, I will never be more than passable.”

Ethan brushed his hands down her arms and folded her hands in his. “Then it’s a good thing you have me to hold on to.”

He lowered his face as Cassie stretched on her toes, and their lips met in a kiss that chased the cold away. They looked up as snowflakes started to fall from the sky, sprinkling over them like stardust.

And under a starry, magical night with snow falling around them, Ethan looped Cassie’s arm through his and skated them expertly around the rink, making another holiday tradition just for them.

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

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

Submissions: @choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics @debbiechanclub

Home is Where the Heart Is – 8 

Chapter Summary: Madeleine reveals her threat to the Royal council, while Liam makes initial preparations to bring Riley and William home to Cordonia. William, with Riley’s help, decorates a gingerbread house for his father. Liam arrives in New York on Christmas Eve. 

Music Inspiration:

Bless the Broken Road, Selah, Melodie Crittenden 

All I Want for Christmas is You, Mariah Carey 

A/N1: In this alternate universe, after King Constantine orchestrates two individual scandals to humiliate and entrap Riley Brooks and Olivia Nevrakis in shame, Madeleine Amaranth secures her position as the Queen of Cordonia. Riley, as the King’s mistress and Olivia, in self-imposed exile. Tariq is never found.  

A/N2: My submission for @choicesflashfics, Week#64, prompt #2 - “I’m not in the mood for a lecture.” 

A/N3: My submission for @choicesflashfics, Holiday Prompt #82 - “The only thing I want for Christmas is you.” 

A/N4: My submission for @choicesdecember2023, prompt, Food and Feasts - ‘Gingerbread House.’ #choices monthly challenge 

A/N5: My submission for @choicesholidays, Winter Holidays 2023 prompt event, Week5 – This is the best Christmas ever! @angelascribbles  

Brooklyn Heights, New York City 

As Riley carefully placed the gumdrops on the roof of the gingerbread house, William stood nearby, watching her intently. “Mama, put red one there,” pointing to the chimney top. William was serious about the details of the house. For him, everything had to be ‘just right’. 

Riley softly smiled. William wanted everything perfect for his Christmas gift to his father. 

"Mama, can I help?" 

"Of course, honey." Riley handed him the bag of candy, and William began to place them on the house, giggling as he did so. 

"You're doing a great job, LiLi. Your Daddy will be so proud of you.”  

"Look, Mama! It's finished." 

"Yes, it is ... almost. We just need a few more pieces of candy and we should put more ‘snow’ on the roof." 

William squealed with delight as Riley handed him the piping tube of frosting to hold, as they began to finish the roof together. 

Just as they were finishing up, Riley heard the front door open, and she turned to see Matteo coming into the brownstone, a large bag of Chinese take-out food in his arms. 

"Surprise! We thought we'd bring dinner." Daniel announced while Matteo nodded his head to the royal guard standing next to the entrance. Daniel followed, stomping the snow from his boots. 

"Thanks, guys. You're the best." Riley carefully moved the house to the counter to set, to make room for dinner.

"Unca Dan Dan! Unca Matty! Look what Mama and I made." William tugged at Daniel’s coat. 

"Wow, that looks so cool, LiLi." Daniel squatted down for a mini fist bump. 

William beamed, "It's a gingerbread house for Daddy. He's going to be surprised." 

"He will. I'm sure he'll love it." Matteo placed the bag of food on the table and pulled out his phone. "We should take a picture." 

Riley nodded, "Good idea. Come on, everyone." 

They all gathered around the gingerbread house, smiling as Matteo snapped a few photos. 

"Perfect. Thanks, guys.” 

"We got your favorites, Ri. Orange chicken, vegetable lo mein, and fried rice." 

"You know me so well." Riley smiled appreciatively. 

“Ummmm ... Ri?” 

Riley looked at Daniel, noticing he was moving his head toward the Royal guard. “Do we need to feed ‘Lurch’ over there?” he whispered. 

Smirking, Riley shook her head ‘no’ and asked, "What's the special occasion?" 

"Just a quiet night in. It's been a long week of travelling." Matteo sighed. “I am beat.” 

"Well, we have three days here before we leave for Greece," Daniel shimmied over to kiss Matt on the lips as William climbed into his toddler seat. 

"What's happening in Greece?" Riley asked, puzzled. 

"Matty’s corporate New Year's Eve party is being held at a private estate this year in Athens," Daniel answered. 

"Wow. Sounds fancy." Riley grinned, setting plates on the table. 

"It will be.” Matteo winked at Daniel. 

“Speaking of fancy ... and what about you, Riley?  What has Liam planned for you and William this Christmas?” 

Riley glanced at the royal guards standing near the entrance. She knew Liam would be returning in a few days, knowing that the guards received the King’s itinerary this morning. "Actually, I'm not entirely sure, yet." 

"Maybe a romantic dinner up in the Hampton’s," Daniel suggested, waggling his brows at Matteo. "The man owns a private jet, Dan. The sky’s the limit." Matteo added. 

Riley giggled, "Who knows? I am just thrilled he will be here with us," mussing William’s hair as he returned her smile. 

"So, how are things with you two?" Riley asked, changing the subject. 

"Good. Great, actually" Daniel replied with twinkling eyes. 

"Couldn't be better, Daniel is right. The change of scenery has been fantastic," Matteo agreed, giving Riley a wink. 

"Uh, ha," Riley chuckled, suspiciously. "Okay ... what is it?” Riley laughed, knowing her best friend all too well. 

"We might have some news." 

"Daniel ..." Matteo shook his head, "Not until after we formally announce it." 

"Spill. You can't just say something like that and not give details." Riley demanded., chuckling.

"Okay, okay. I cannot keep it a secret any longer. We're getting married!" 

Riley gasped, "Oh my god, Daniel! Oh! You guys! Congratulations!” 

"Thank you, Ri.” Riley stood up and gave Daniel a huge hug. Matteo smirked, knowing all too well that Daniel could not wait to tell his best friend the good news. 

"I can't believe you're getting married. That is amazing.” Riley gushed hugging Matteo.

"We're really, really happy, Ri. And we could not have done this without you. If you hadn't encouraged us to take a chance, we would have never realized how perfect we are together." Matteo gazed lovingly at Daniel. 

"It was all you two,” Riley countered. “You both just needed a push in the right direction.” 

"We're so glad you were the one to push us. This is the best Christmas ever!”, Matteo grinned. 

"So, when's the big day?" 

"We haven't decided yet. But we're thinking sometime in the spring," Daniel squeezed Matt's hand.

"That sounds lovely. I can't wait." Riley paused ... “Oh, I mean ...” 

"Neither can we. Riley, would you do me the honor of being my maid of Honor?” 

"Oh, yes! I'm really, really happy for you guys. You deserve all the happiness in the world. Yes! I would be honored.” 

"Thanks, Ri. That means so much to me." 

As they sat down and began to eat, Riley could not help but feel a tinge of sadness. She knew that the wedding would be beautiful in Greece, and she was happy for her friends, but ... she could not help but wish that she and Liam were engaged, too, and planning a future. 

"Mama, can I have some chicken?" William asked, snapping her out of her thoughts. 

"Of course, honey." Riley placed a piece of chicken on his plate, cutting the piece into bite size portions. William dug in, grinning. 

Standing up from the table, Riley's eyes were filling with unshed tears as she excused herself from the table, turning towards her bedroom. Needing a chance to breathe and have some space, she walked into her room and clicked the door closed behind her. Riley bowed her head, wiping the tears now flowing freely down her cheeks, and slid down to the floor. 

It was hard not to think about all the ‘what-ifs’.

What would have happened if they could have found Tariq in time to stop the wedding?

What if Liam had chosen her the night of his coronation instead of Madeleine?

What if Liam had chosen her, scandal be damned? As she sat on the floor, more memories surfaced.  

A memory of her and Liam together in the blue grotto in Italy, when Liam mentioned abdicating the throne as a way of moving forward. 

'There's this thought I can't shake off ... what our life could look like together. You and I. Without the court and the Crown.' 

'What does it look like?' 

'The parts I know? We elope and get married in a small, private ceremony...' 

Riley wiped her tears. knowing that this was in the future for Daniel and Matteo, but not for her. 

‘But you can't abdicate, Liam. You wouldn't be happy if you gave up the throne and... you wouldnt be you. In your heart, you know that.’ 

’If I do marry Madeleine, can you go on like this? Stealing moments, meeting in secret?’ 

"Mama?" William’s little voice sounded outside her door, interrupting her thoughts. 

"Yes, LiLi?" Riley softly spoke, standing up and wiping her tears away. She opened her door to see William looking up at her. 

"Are you sad, mama?" William pointed to her eyes. 

"No, honey. I'm just happy for Uncle Dan and Uncle Matty." 

"They marry?"  

"Yes, they are. Isn't that exciting?" 

"Mama, are you and Daddy marry, too?" 

Riley took a deep breath and put her arm around William, "someday, maybe." 

“We can be a real family." 

"We're already a real family, William. No matter what happens, you and I will always be together." 

"Promise?" 

"...and Daddy too?" 

Riley closed her eyes, her hands trembling as she tried not to break down. She was unable to speak and was trying to catch her breath. 

"Mama? Why crying?" 

"I-I'm sorry, William. I'm just feeling a little sad. It has been a long day.” 

Overhearing William, Daniel pushed open the bedroom door.  

"Hey buddy, go see Uncle Matt and finish your dinner." 

“Okay, Dan Dan.” As William went back into the kitchen, Daniel sat down beside Riley and hugged her tightly. 

“Riley?" Daniel questioned his friend. 

"Y-Yes. Everything's fine." 

"Doesn't look like it." 

"I'm just...it's hard, you know? To watch my best friend, get married when..." 

"I know, Riley. It is difficult. But remember, you and Liam are in a good place, now. And who knows? Maybe someday, you will be the ones getting married." 

Riley’s breath shuddered as she looked at Daniel, searching his eyes, staying silent. 

"I understand this is hard, but you can't let the past hold you back. You and Liam have come so far. You just have to take things one step at a time." 

Riley's cell pinged with a message. Picking up her phone, ‘Liam’ appeared on the screen.  

Cordonian Royal Palace 

Olivia, standing in for Liam, and standing for the Royal council, sat at the King's desk. Rashad and his father, the Crown’s personal legal counsel, sat on the sofa next to Liam’s large ornate desk. Madeleine's heels could be heard clicking down the hallway, stopping outside of the study door. Madeleine cleared her throat before Bastien opened the door and allowed her to enter. 

Entering the King’s study, her face was impassive. 

"Where is Liam?" 

"The King is occupied with important matters. He's asked me to represent him in this meeting." Olivia coldly, but politely answered the ex-queen of Cordonia. 

Madeleine’s glare turned nasty as she looked at Olivia in disdain. 

"Keep it up Madeleine. As the King’s representative, you will deal with me and answer all the questions I am looking for. Is that understood, Madeleine? I am not your subject.” Olivia sat back confidently. 

"I am not in the mood for a lecture," Madeleine scoffed.

"Very well. I am here to discuss the matter of the succession of the Crown. I trust the council has brought you up to speed?" 

"Indeed, they have." Olivia responded. 

"Good. Then there is no need to waste time. Let's get down to business." Madeleine said with a smirk. "As you know, the King has yet to select a queen, and secure an heir to his throne. Given his indecisiveness, I propose that the council appoint an heir, should Liam not produce an heir by his thirtieth birthday." 

"We're well aware of the succession laws, and I assure you, the council will make the necessary decisions, should the time come." Olivia rebutted. 

"The King's appointment must meet the established criteria. Should the King choose an heir that does not meet the qualifications, the council is authorized to remove the heir from the line of succession." 

"Your point being, Madeleine? I am sure that you understand that you no longer have any sovereignty in Cordonia." Olivia confidently countered. 

"My point is, is that if he fails to produce an heir, then the council has the authority to choose an alternate. I propose that the council select my unborn child to be named as the heir, since the child was conceived while our marriage was valid. My child meets the requirements, and should the King fail to produce an heir, the council would have no choice but to appoint my child." 

Rashad's eyes narrowed. "I'm afraid you're mistaken, Madeleine. The law is quite clear. A child cannot be appointed as an heir, unless said child is adopted by the monarch first." 

"...and Liam could adopt my child,” Madeleine seethed. 

Rashad continued, “that would require the child to live under the guardianship of the monarch, which is not possible, given the circumstances. Your residence is in Morocco, not Cordonia. as per the marriage dissolution filed legally." 

Olivia nodded, "The council will consider your proposal. In the meantime, Liam's position is still unchanged. He is free to choose his own heir, should the need arise.” 

Madeleine stood up from her armchair and turned toward the bay window overlooking the gardens, contemplating her retort her arms crossed.

"Madeleine, you cannot expect the King to simply appoint your child, when he has another option." Olivia rebutted, knowing that Madeleine was aware of William. 

Rashad added, “again the law is quite clear. A child who is conceived by the monarch while married or not, has the right to a place in the line of succession, even if the parents are not together." 

"Even if the child is a bastard? He was conceived outside our marriage.” Madeleine spat, frothed with resentment. 

"Yes. As was your child," Rashad reminded her. 

"This is absurd. We are done here....guards!” Olivia summoned, as Madeleine was escorted out of the study by the Royal guard. 

*** 

Liam, Leo, Drake and Bastien watched the entire exchange virtually from Liam’s personal quarters. 

"Do you think she's capable of harming Riley?” Drake wondered aloud. 

"Yes, I am sure of that. If not herself ... her father. Liam sat back in his chair, his hands steepled in front of his mouth, annoyance etched on his face.

"I think that she is desperate and will do whatever she can to get what she wants.” Leo added supporting his brother. 

“Bastien, begin the surveillance protocol on the countess and her father, Liam commanded. 

“Consider it done, your Majesty.” Bastien confirmed, standing to leave the room. 

"Do you think it’s wise to bring Riley and your son back to Cordonia?” Drake questioned. 

"It's the only way, Drake.” 

"What if Riley doesn't want to come back to Cordonia?" 

"Then I will support her decision, but I have to at least try.” 

Liam stood, walking to his private chambers, with phone in hand.

‘Hello Riley!’ 

‘Liam, hi! How are you?'

‘I'm well. How are you and William keeping?’ 

‘We're doing great. We miss you, though.’ 

‘I miss you both, too.’ 

‘I have a proposition for you...’ 

‘Oh?’ 

‘How would you and William like to come to Cordonia and stay with me at the palace after Christmas?’ 

Riley blinked, not sure how to respond.

‘When I go home after spending Christmas week with you...come back to Cordonia with me.'

'Liam, you can't be serious.'

'I'm quite serious, love.'

'You want me and William to come to Cordonia and stay with you in the palace?'

'Yes, I want you both here with me.'

'Li, I don't know. That seems like a big step.'

'I understand your hesitation. But please, just consider it.'

'I will see you in a couple of days, love. We can talk more then.'

'OK, I am looking forward to seeing you, Li. William made something special just for you.'

Liam smiled, 'I look forward to seeing it, but love, the only thing I want for Christmas is you.'

Thanks for reading!

📌All fics & edits: @ao719 @txemrn @queenmiarys @sfb123 @twinkleallnight @alj4890 @differenttyphoonwerewolf @harleybeaumont @busywoman @karahalloway @kingliam2019 @imjusthereforliam @lovingchoices14 @kyra75 @tinkie1973 @emkay512 @malblk21 @kristinamae093 @charlotteg234

📌Liam x Riley, MC/ OTP: @jared2612 @irisk12 @thesvnsins @walkerdrakewalker

📌Liam x Riley, OC: @emersyn-in-cordonia @mainstreetreader @belencha77 @walkerdrakewalker @iluaaa @mysticalfangirl @queenwalton @bascmve01 @umccall71 @choicesfrog @amandablink

📌Liam x Sophie: @charlotteg234

“Oh my, God!”

Casey’s frantic words were followed by a scream loud enough to have neighbors three doors away wondering if they should dial 911. Bryce did nothing to prevent the authorities from showing up at the door.

“AAAAGH!” He hollered. “It went behind the cabinet! BEHIND...THE... CABINET! Casey! MOVE!”  

With a screech that could shatter glass, Casey scurried to the other side of the room, attempting to hide behind her broom-wielding friend, but Bryce wouldn’t have it.

“Oh, no! No, no, no! I love you, Casey... but these are desperate times! It’s every man for themselves.”

“Really, Bryce! You should be braver than me just by virtue of the fact that you’re from Hawaii!”

Momentarily forgetting about the imminent danger surrounding them, he turned to his friend, perplexed.

“What the hell does me being from Hawaii have to do with this?”

“I don’t know! Didn’t you have big spiders there?”

“Sure did,” he confirmed. “And I did everything in my power to avoid them...only for me to come to Boston to be accosted here!”

“Oh, no!” Casey cried. “Where did it go?”

“Shit! I don’t know... we lost track of him.”

“Now, what do we do?”

Looking around to ensure their safety, Bryce gingerly stepped into the living room, waving for Casey to join him.

“I hate to say it, Case, but there is only one thing to do. Pack your shit, break your lease, and move the fuck out of here.”

“But I like it here,” she whined.

“All right. So you’ll sleep well tonight, knowing the hairy beast could crawl onto your pillow anytime?”

Casey grabbed her phone. “I’m calling for a U-Haul.”

The jittery friends jumped in their skin when they heard the clattering sound of keys in a decades-old lock. Sure, logically, they knew spiders didn’t have keys, and if they did, they wouldn’t know how to use them, but logic had long since escaped this duo. Bryce raised the broom as the two cowered into a defensive stance.

Jensen was greeted with that sight when he stepped through the door, the blank look on his face saying more than the words he was about to speak.

“Do I even want to know?”

Casey furiously tapped Bryce’s shoulder. “Tell him!”

“Jensen, you’ll find out sooner or later. It may as well be sooner. Go pack. You have to move.”

“Move?”

“Yes,” Bryce insisted. “Tonight.”

“I’d be packing already,” Casey nervously added. “But I’m afraid to go into my room alone.”

“Yeah, and I sure as hell am not going with her,” Bryce insisted. “The last we saw it... he was headed in that direction.”

Jensen shook his head and proceeded to his room, mumbling something about it being his fault for asking under his breath.

Fifteen minutes passed, and with no sighting of the indomitable creature, Bryce and Casey began to regain confidence. They sat on the couch, Bryce’s handy weapon just an arm’s length away.

“Maybe he left the apartment?” Casey entertained as they began to eat the snacks they had set out before the fiasco ensued. “Maybe he’s trying to make his way to Logan so he can go back to Hawaii.”

“You know,” Bryce jested between popping Doritos in his mouth. “I feel like you’re disparaging my people.”

“Uh, are spiders your people?”

“Absolutely not!”

“Then we’re good.”

Soon, the sound of their gossiping and peals of laughter filled the apartment again. Everything was back to normal until...

“Hey guys,” Jensen beamed upon his return. “Look what I found!”

Casey screamed, and Bryce gasped as he grabbed the broom. Jumping several feet away from the offending creature Jensen held playfully in his hands.

“What the hell are you doing with that?” Casey asked.

“And don’t think you’re touching me with those hands ever again!” Bryce asserted.

Jensen raised a brow, looking at them as if they were crazy. “Why are you freaking out? He’s just a little guy?”

The little guy quickly moved up Jensen’s arm, and Casey and Bryce screamed in horror.

“You’re going to give him a heart attack!” Jensen scolded.

 “Well, that’s one way to be rid of him!” Casey said on the verge of tears.

“Sure, worry the spider having a heart attack!” Bryce admonished. “No worry about the two of us going into cardiac arrest!”  

With a deep sigh, Jensen gently tossed a tissue on top of the spider. With the utmost care, he opened the living room window and let it outside, watching as it scurried away at record speed.

“There,” Jensen groused. “Are you satisfied?”

Bryce and Casey looked at him with unbridled admiration; Bryce spoke first.

“You are my hero!”

“Mine too,” Casey nodded. She pointed to her untouched cupcake sitting on the coffee table. “You can have my cupcake as a reward.”

Not about to pass that offer up, Jensen collapsed onto the couch with a tiny smirk, grabbing the iced chocolate treat as he did. Bryce sat by his side and put his head on his boyfriend’s shoulder. “You really are my hero!”

“Mine too,” Casey agreed, taking the space on Jensen’s opposite side. He tensed ever so slightly as her head fell to his other shoulder. “You can pick the show tonight,” she announced.  

“I’m in full agreement,” Bryce concurred. “He’s earned it!”

With a little chuckle, Jensen took the remote, and old Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle cartoons came onto the screen.

“I don’t know why I hang out with either of you,” he sighed.

“We’re better company than the spider,” Casey shot back, but Jensen remained silent.

“We are, right?” Bryce asked. “Right...”

Jensen shot a pointed look. “Can part of my reward be the two of you shutting up for the rest of the night?”

Bryce shook his head regretfully. “Doubtful.”

“That’s what I thought.”

“I’ll tell you what,” Casey announced, standing from the couch. “I’ll go make more snacks... this way, we’ll be too busy eating to talk.”

“I love how she thinks,” Bryce said, snuggling closer to Jensen, and the apartment was at peace again... for at least a few minutes.

A blood-curdling scream filled the air.

“HE HAS A BROTHER! HE HAS A FUCKING BROTHER OUT HERE!” Casey announced as Bryce jumped onto the coffee table.

“That’s it! I’m calling the movers!!!”

@choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics

With the workday behind her, Carolina sat back on her couch with a cup of coquito in hand and numerous cardboard boxes surrounding her. Her sweater was covered with bits of silver tinsel, and her smile radiated just as brightly with each ornament she removed. Christmastime. She had a love/hate relationship with the season ever since her father was killed. But she promised that she’d focus on the positive long ago. Not only would he have wanted that, but despite her sometimes hardened exterior, there was light inside of Carolina Rose that fought to shine no matter what life threw her way. If asked, she’d deny its existence, but those who knew her best saw it as clear as day... and one of those people just entered the room.

Having Trystan in her life made finding the magic in the holiday season much easier. A year ago, she would have chastised herself for the stupid grin she wore as she watched him placing his box of decorations beside her. They decided to let the pros decorate his big, fancy apartment, but Carolina’s place was another story.   They'd decorate it together, with items from each of their pasts and a few new things they had chosen.

“What have you got there?” Trystan smiled as he sat next to her.

“It’s a Teddy bear that doubles as a Christmas tree ornament. I bought it for my father at the school bazaar when I was in third grade.”

Trystan took the weathered pale blue bear with a loose button eye from her hands and looked it over carefully.

“I know he’s seen better days,” Carolina apologized. “But he means so much to me.”

Trystan tugged at the string on the button, pulling the eye back into place.

“If you can get me a needle, I’d be happy to fix it. Not that he needs fixing. He's perfect as is.”

“He is?” she queried skeptically.

“Of course! Things that are loved are always beautiful. Take you, for example; you’re simply exquisite... because you’re so loved.”

She threw her arms around his neck with a boisterous laugh. “Trystan Thorne! Are you saying I’m beautiful because you love me?”

“Was my name mentioned anywhere in that sentence? While I love you immensely, you were already well-loved when I came into your life. I can’t take full credit.”

She ran her hand through his hair, mindlessly twirling a long lock around her finger. “And what about you? Are you this gorgeous due to how much I love you?”

“Of course,” he teased. “I was a hideous beast until you came into my life.”

“Not quite,” she grinned. Leaning forward, she took his lips into a soft, lingering kiss, and when she broke free, she decided she must have another. Trystan was too happy to oblige, but she pulled away with a smile when he went in for a third.

“That’s enough, your highness! If we keep this up, there won’t be any decorating this evening... and I, for one, am quite anxious to see what you’ve brought.”

“Well, nothing will compare to this adorable little bear....”

“That goes without saying,” she teased, “but what do you have in your box of Drakovian Christmas magic? Barbed wire? A venomous snake or two?”

“You peeked!” He clutched his chest in mock horror.

“Nope. It’s just a given!”

If Carolina had any thoughts she could be wrong, they were dismissed when Trystan opened his macabre assortment. She was speechless but gasped at one item in particular.

“Is that...please tell me that’s not a skull!”

“It’s not a skull,” he deadpaned. “At least not a real one, just a quality replica. Using the real thing was banned in the early 20th Century.”

“What? Why do you have a skull amongst your Christmas decorations?”

“Because it is a decoration. Every home in Drakovia has one.”

The look of horror in her eyes told him further explanation was necessary.

“It’s a replica of one of my ancestor’s skulls. King Yorick.”

“Please tell me that’s a joke... you did not have a King Yorkick!”

“Nah,” Trystan laughed. “It was King Vyacheslav. I just nicknamed him Yorick because... you know... Hamlet.”

“Yes. I may not have had the best education, but we did cover Hamlet. But why does his skull adorn every Christmas tree in Drakovia?”

“Because unlike most of our monarchs, he was known for his kindness and good deeds. At the holidays, he ensured every child in the kingdom had a gift under their tree.”

“And to commemorate his kindhearted nature... you put a replica of his skull on your trees each year.”

“Precisely.”

She shook her head with a sigh. “Trystan, I will never understand your people.”

“That’s all right,” he agreed. “Neither will I.”

They sifted through the box, through the black feathers, miniature swords, and a few items Carolina was afraid to ask about, and then Trysten suddenly shut the lid.

“What are you doing?” She asked.

“Putting this away. We can start a new tradition... using my childhood Christmas decorations for Halloween. I much prefer the items we purchased this year.”

He pulled two ornaments out of a paper shopping bag. “See! Barbie and Ken, in all their pink majesty. This is more fitting for our tree!”

“I have to agree with you there,” she nodded. “And they’ll make great playmates for my little bear!”

They removed all the new ornaments one by one... each more sparkly and glittery than the last... then they took out one last thing... their bright, golden star purchased on a walk through the Union Square Holiday Market.

“Do you want to put it on, or shall I?” Trystan asked.

“New tradition. I say we always do it together."

"I can agree to that," he said, holding her hand as she rose on her tiptoes to place the star on the tallest branch of the tree.

Carolina stood before the tree, her face aglow with childlike wonder.

"It's beautiful," she cooed.

Trystan reached out, brushed his hand along her chin, and turned her face toward him. "It is," he smiled. "Absolutely beautiful."

~~~~

That got much more schmaltzy and gooey than I anticipated, but they deserve it! (And I deserve the coquito! lol)

Thank you for reading!

Zoe was just running up to her bedroom to get a sweater. That’s all she wanted to do... but leave it to him to stop her in her tracks. Pinching the bridge of her nose, she turned to her best friend.

“Troy, what are you doing?”

“Making magic! Here,” he yanked a piece of wood from under the fireplace and handed it to Zoe with a grin so joyful it softened Zoe’s heart and probably prevented her from hitting him with the two-by-four. “Hold this, and you can be part of it, too.”

“Troy, No. No... put this back, you’re not taking this...”

She stopped when she heard Eli’s footsteps coming up the stairs.

“Oh, this should be fun,” she said sarcastically when she spotted her boyfriend's scowl.

“Hassan! What the HELL are you doing?”

“I just asked the same thing," Zoe shrugged.

“And he said?”  

“Making... magic,” she sassed.

“Yes! Magic... you’re both familiar with it, no?”

Zoe let out a tiny snicker. “Well, I mean only when we....”

“ZOE!” A mortified Eli interrupted, sending her into a fit of giggles.

“No!” Troy grinned. “Please, continue... I have a feeling this is quite a story.”

“You also think it will distract us from the issue at hand,” Eli stated. “But it won’t. So, I repeat... what are you doing?”

“Didn’t you hear the kids before? They were reading that old book and said there was no way Santa would show up if the chimney was blocked. So, I’m unblocking it.”

“You understand there is no Santa, right Troy?” Eli deadpanned. “The only thing that will crawl down that chimney will be a zombie.”

“It’s the middle of winter,” Troy scoffed. “There is hardly any zombie activity.”

“Hardly doesn’t mean none,” Zoe reminded. “We had two just outside the grounds last week. We can’t risk it.”

“She’s right. The main fireplace stays in use; the others have to stay blocked for our safety.”

“But the kids...” Troy whined.

“Really?” Zoe asked with a raised brow. “Why do I feel like we’re not talking about the kids anymore.”

Eli nodded in agreement. “So, I reiterate. You realize there is no such thing as Santa, right, Hassan?”

Disappointed, Troy sat down in front of the fireplace and sulked.

“I’m aware, but I wish there was.”

The sad tone of his voice was impossible to miss, and a concerned Zoe was quickly at his side. “What’s going on, Troy?” She asked, placing a comforting arm around his shoulder. “You can talk to me.”

“I just... I wish the world was better for them, that’s all. I hardly remember my life before the outbreak anymore, but I have flickers of memories from Christmas. My parents took me to the mall to have my picture taken with Santa... all the presents when I woke up on Christmas morning. These kids... they’ll never know that.”

“That’s true,” Eli acknowledged, his voice much more supportive. “But on an up note, unlike us, they have no memory of it. You can’t miss what you never had.”

“He’s right,” Zoe agreed. “And we do all we can to bring some joy to their lives. Look at the beautiful tree we decorated together. When we sit around it at night and Eli plays the guitar and all of us sing together, I can see the wonder on their faces. And you help to bring that to them, Troy. You're their big, goofy uncle."

“They do look happy, don't they?" He smiled. " And it beats anything we had growing up at The Tower."

“We're baking cookies tomorrow night, and Zoe and Shannon were able to make little gifts for each child. It may not be the way we see in old books and movies, but the kids of Olympus probably have it better than any other kids living post-outbreak.”

“You’re right,” Troy smiled sadly. “Sometimes I just wish....”

“We all wish,” Zoe replied shakily. “I wish Anna was here to see what we created every day of my life.”

Troy clasped his friend’s hand as she fought back tears. 

“And I wish my family would have met all of you. They would have loved this place. My dad would have dressed up as Santa, no question. And Ma would have been so happy. She would have been blubbering half the month of December. And David,” Eli's voice cracked. “David would have loved this... and he would have loved you... they all would have.”

Zoe waved Eli over, and he sat on her other side. Then, the three huddled together in silence for a brief moment.

“We’ve all lost so much, but we have to focus on how blessed we are,” Zoe stated. “Because we really are so fortunate.”

“We are,” Troy agreed. “And we’re all family now.”

“Damn straight we are,” Eli said with a half-smile.

“OK,” Zoe said, wiping tears from her cheeks. “As lovely as this is... let’s repair this damage here, Troy... before a drone gets in and really steals our magic.”

“Let them fucking try,” Troy smirked. He lifted a hammer and turned to his friends. “Why don’t you two go. I’m the one who did the damage. I’ll fix it up. I’m sure you have better things to do.”

“Nope,” Eli said, placing the wood back in place. “This is what family does, Hassan. We help each other out, and when we’re done, we’ll all go do something fun together.”

“I still can’t get over it,” Troy laughed. “Eli Sipes has a heart and he likes fun! I will never get over this softer side of you, pal.”

“Troy,” Eli grumbled. “I have a hammer in my hand, too... don’t push your luck.”

“OK, boys!” Zoe clapped. “If you can’t finish your chores without fighting, there will be no cookies for you tomorrow.”

“And there goes the magic,” Troy smiled.

“Yeah,” Eli agreed. “We better get to work because I'm not missing out on this."

Tagging separately.

A/N 2: For those of you who are familiar with HBO's The Last of US, I really imagine Olympus to be similar to Jackson. They've built a little community that is far from perfect, and they still face plenty of challenges, but it's a little slice of normalcy in a world filled with horror.

“Ouch!” Jackie yelled out as her head slammed into the roof of the car for the umpteenth time. “Lahela! Jesus Christ!”  

“He is the reason for the season,” Bryce smirked.

Bryce wouldn’t have tried to conceal his amusement, normally, but because it was the holidays, he tried... and failed.

Kaycee turned to him from the passenger seat. “I thought you were agnostic?”

“I am, but I’m a recent convert to sarcasm-ism. Try to keep up, MacClennan!”

“Well, Mr. Sarcastic-ism, can you try to avoid potholes? If my head hits this damn roof one more time, you’ll be responsible for the bills for my brain injury.”

“Brain injury?” he sassed, stopping what he was going to say when Kaycee clenched his hand with a stern glare.  

“Bryce... be nice.”

“But... but... Ah! You’re no fun since you started dating Ethan,” he protested. “I liked you better when you were all pent up and feisty.”

“Yeah, well, she sure ain’t pent up anymore,” Elijah laughed as Jackie gagged.

“Must we?”

“We mustn’t,” Bryce replied, “but apparently, Ethan and Kaycee must.”

“I knew I should have taken the bus!” Jackie groused.

Kaycee turned to her friend with a conciliatory grin. “Jackie, it’s an 18-minute walk to the mall from the bus stop... and it’s 24 degrees outside.”

“Right about now, enduring frostbite seems like a small price to avoid this ride.”

“That’s it,” Sienna smiled. “I know who will be the Grinch in our roomies holiday card.”

“Was that ever in doubt?” Bryce asked.

“LOOK! A SPOT!” Jackie hollered. “Please park so I can get out of this tin can.”

“I’m so excited to start shopping!” Sienna beamed. “I just love this time of year! The decorations, the music, Santa!”

“Be honest, Si,” Bryce asked with a twinkle in his eye. “You didn’t come to shop... you just want your picture taken with the big guy in the red suit, don’t you?”

“I plead the fifth!”

“Speaking of shopping, we’re splitting up inside, right?” Kaycee inquired. “I can’t buy gifts for any of you if you’re with me.”

“That’s so sweet,” Elijah declared. “But you could have just had my new Maserati delivered to me at the apartment.”

“On a resident’s budget? You’re lucky you get a Matchbox replica of a Maserati.”

“Kaycee, I don’t know why you subject yourself to this,” Jackie griped. “You have a rich boyfriend with a nice, expensive car. Why didn’t you just go shopping with him? You could have avoided these clowns and wouldn’t have to worry about run-in factor.”

“I’d have to worry about a different run-in factor,” Kaycee reminded. “Remember, we’re trying to keep the fact that we’re dating lowkey until I finish my residency. Something about us strolling through the mall together for Christmas shopping might tip some people off.”

“Yeah, especially since you get that doe-eyed look whenever he’s around,” Sienna teased.

“And Ethan gets that slightly less disgusted with the world look,” Elijah added. “I see Kaycee’s point. It would be a dead giveaway.”

“Really?” Kaycee laughed. “If we’re done mocking me... what do you say? Meet up at the food court in two hours?”

“Sounds good!” Sienna said, pulling the others away.

~~~~~  

Kaycee had to admit that Sienna was right. It was impossible not to catch the holiday spirit as the scent of the pine tree decorations and the sounds of the season filled the air. Even the bustling crowds couldn't get her down. Being a resident unable to return home for the holidays was tough. Still, it was made much easier with her found family surrounding her, and this year, she also had Ethan. It was amazing how far they had come. Last year at this time, she was secretly pining for him. Overanalyzing every word, every glance in a desperate attempt to determine if he felt the same way about her or if she was losing her mind. This year was a different story. Sure, only their closest friends knew they were together, but they were together. That's what mattered.

“And all it took was me nearly dying,” she chuckled out loud.

“I’m sorry?” An elf handing out discount flyers inquired.

“Oh, nothing,” Kaycee blushed as she rushed away. Enough daydreaming; she had shopping to do!

~~~~~  

An hour later, she was loaded down with bags overflowing with gifts for family and friends. But she had one gift left to buy. But what do you get the man who has everything he wants – which now even included her? His taste in Scotch exceeded the limits of her budget, and he refused to give her a gift list. “I know what a resident makes, and I don’t want you wasting your money on me.” As if she wasn’t going to buy him something. A sweater? Boring. A tie? He had dozens of those. Frustrated, she put the quest for Ethan’s gift off for another day and headed to Macy’s to buy some things she needed for herself.

She checked her watch after waiting in a long line to purchase a few pairs of sensible briefs for work. She had just enough time to get back to the food court to meet her friends. She was almost out of the intimate apparel department when something stopped her in her tracks.

“This is perfect!” she whispered as her fingers caressed the butter-soft red silk hanging before her. It wasn’t your standard, tacky holiday teddy... this was exquisite! Silk trimmed with scalloped red lace and a decadent velvet sash... “It’s perfect!” she muttered again. It didn’t matter what gift she was giving him, as long as she gave it to him wearing this he'd be elated!

Her hopes were momentarily dashed when she saw the price tag, but they were lifted again when she saw the 50% off sticker! SOLD! Sure, she’d have to wait in that long line again, but she imagined herself wearing this... and imagined Ethan’s reaction to her in it. Well, some things were simply worth being late for!

She rushed to get in the queue again, humming Santa Baby softly when a voice calling out made her blood go cold.

“Kaycee! Is that you?”

Please don’t let it be him! Please don’t let it be him! Please don’t let it be him! She said, turning slowly... it’s him!

“Naveen! Fancy meeting you here!”

“At the mall at Christmastime?” Naveen chuckled. “I find that I run into half of Boston here! At least half of Edenbrook.”

“Yes...” Kaycee squirmed “Bu... bu... but...”

“But?” He asked when she couldn’t get the words out.

“I just didn’t expect to see you in the women’s intimate apparel section of Macy’s?”

“Oh,” Naveen laughed, lifting up a bag. “I got Sarah in the hospital grab bag! She asked for fuzzy slippers, and they have the best ones here!”

“Oh, I... I see,” Kaycee stated, attempting to hide her sexy little garment when Naveen’s eyes fell upon it.

“Oh,” Naveen choked, turning as red as the teddy.

“It’s uhm... it’s a gift!” Kaycee sputtered, not telling a lie. After all, it was about to be Ethan’s favorite gift this year.

“It’s OK,” Naveen answered nervously. “I don’t need to know...”

“For my mother!” She blurted as Naveen’s brows shot to his hairline.

“Your... your mother?”

“Yes! No! I mean....Yes! She is going to a Christmas-themed... uh, Christmas-themed bridal shower! Yes! That’s it! She’s going to a Christmas-themed bridal shower .... for my cousin... Caroline! But she’s too shy to buy something like this herself, so, uh... I told her I’d get it.”

Naveen gave Kaycee the side eye.  He had spent a good deal of time with Rose MacClennan while Kaycee was hospitalized after the attack, and he didn’t have her pegged as the type of person who would be too embarrassed to buy a teddy, but then again, those were strange days. In any case, he wanted nothing more than to put Kaycee... and himself... out of their shared misery. So he politely ended the conversation and took his leave.

With the red teddy safely concealed in tissue paper and tucked in a pretty bag, Kaycee relayed her encounter to her friends.

“Oh my God, YOUR MOTHER!” Bryce laughed. “The best you could come up with was your MOTHER!?”

“Thanks for the support, Bryce!”

“Take it easy, MacClennan,” Jackie tried to reassure. “It’s a teddy, for fucks sake. It’s not like you were purchasing his and her sex toys!”

“JACKIE!”

“What!? Am I wrong?”

“No... I know it’s not the end of the world,” Kaycee started. “But Naveen is like Ethan’s second father... and would you want to run into your boyfriend's father while you’re buying a sexy red teddy?”

“OK, we see your point!” Elijah laughed.

“We see your point, but we haven’t seen the teddy!” Sienna winked. “Let’s see it!”

“Here? In the middle of the food court?”

“I think we should weigh in on your decision,” Bryce teased.

“Fine,” Kaycee blushed, pulling the item from the bag to her friend’s wolf-whistles.

“It’s beautiful! I approve!” Sienna grinned.

Bryce nodded. “And I’m confident Ethan will approve as well. Just ask Naveen!"

"Bryce!" Kaycee squealed, smacking her friend's arm. "Let me put this away before....”

“Kaycee? Is that you?”

“No.... this isn’t happening....” Kaycee groaned.

“Quick, give it to me!” Sienna whispered as Kaycee turned around.

“Alan! What are you doing in Boston?”

Hope you enjoyed this silliness. Poor Kaycee. lol

@choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics

Ethan opened his mouth to, no doubt, make a cutting remark about the childishness of interns. But before he could say a word, someone bumped into him from behind, causing him to curse as coffee splashed on his coat from the to-go cup in his hand.

“Oh, Dr. Ramsey. Hi!” The woman beamed flirtatiously before her gaze trailed upward. “What a lovely coincidence.”

Cassie didn’t know the other doctor’s name, but she’d seen her around. She was a senior fellow in the Hem/Onc department and, Cassie thought, had a kind smile.

Ethan stared at the other woman waiting expectantly and then up at the mistletoe that an enterprising soul had hung from the light fixture just inside the entrance.

“Dr. Johnson.” He practically sputtered the name as realization hit, and his face flushed.

Cassie guffawed at Ethan’s sudden discomfort, swallowing her laughter with a loud cough when he shot her an annoyed look. She could practically see the gears in his brain working overtime to avoid kissing under the mistletoe.

Leaving him to handle his admirer, she rushed off before he could berate her for not showing a modicum of decorum. As she changed in the locker room, she wondered if he’d given in to tradition just to save face or made his escape.

Definitely the latter, she decided as she began her shift. Ethan was still a closed book at times, but she was absolutely positive about this. Doctor ‘Attraction is just a neurochemical response to close proximity’ Ramsey wasn’t the kind to kiss anyone under the mistletoe.

II. Second Year

Ethan didn’t know what it was about the holidays that made capable adults turn into horny teenagers. He’d already been accosted by nurses, interns and even patients under the guise of holiday traditions.

His brows snapped in annoyance. This would be so much easier if people didn’t automatically assume he was single. He’d already declared his relationship status to a few million people a couple of months ago. Did no one watch national television anymore?

As he headed to the elevator bank, he glanced warily at the ceiling for any signs of the offending plant and breathed easily when he found none.

Naveen had ordered all mistletoe removed from the hospital after someone filed a sexual harassment complaint. And yet, sprigs of mistletoe kept appearing with a message from someone calling themselves the Elf of Edenbrook.

The custodial staff had their work cut out for them, he thought, getting off the elevator at his floor.

Out of the corner of his eye, Ethan spied the new nurse from the fifth floor strolling toward him. She flipped back her red hair in a practiced move and thrust out her impressive chest. He pretended not to notice and increased his stride.

He sighed in relief when the glass walls of the diagnostic team office came into view, along with a familiar blonde head chatting intensely with Baz Mirani and June Hirata around the meeting table.

That was another problem with secret relationships. Couldn’t just kick people out of the office for alone time with his girlfriend.

Mirani saw him first and lifted a hand in greeting as Ethan swiped himself into the office.

“Good, you’re here,” Hirata commented unnecessarily to Ethan’s mind.

“Did something happen, Dr. Ramsey?” Cassie asked, accurately reading his body language.

“Nothing for you to worry about, Valentine,” Ethan kept his tone neutral as he joined the team, standing at the front of the table. “Just annoyed that people won’t stop trying to get me to walk under the mistletoe.”

Mirani laughed good-naturedly, having heard Ethan complain about this before. “Did the Elf of Edenbrook attack again?”

Ethan grimaced and then shrugged. “Anyway, what’s the latest here?”

“The drug protocol isn’t working,” June stated. “Valentine thinks we’re missing something, and I agree.”

Ethan picked up the marker and turned to face the whiteboard. “Let’s brainstorm this blind then.”

For the next half hour, Ethan forgot about everything but the case. By the time he dismissed the team, they had a clear action plan. He took his place behind the desk and switched on the monitor.

“Valentine, can you stay back, please?” Ethan called out as Baz and June filed out, now discussing their plans for the hospital’s holiday party.

“What’s up?” Cassie asked, dropping into the visitor’s chair.

He cast a furtive glance at the retreating backs of their colleagues, waiting until they disappeared from view. “Come home with me tonight.”

“Afraid to spend the longest night alone?” Cassie teased. When he stared at her in confusion, she added. “It’s the Winter Solstice, Ethan. Only three more days until Christmas!”

“Good,” he said with gusto. “Then this mistletoe madness can finally end.”

Cassie burst into laughter, slapping her hands together. “You have such a way with words, babe. One would think you hate kissing, but we both know you love it.”

“I admit nothing,” he said just to be contrary. “So, about tonight…? As you know, I’m heading to Providence on Christmas Eve. But it’s our first Christmas together as a couple, and I——”

Ethan cut himself off before the sappy, sentimental words could escape his lips. He wanted holiday memories with Cassie, something when they weren’t both working. They’d agreed to one present each but might have broken that rule already.

“It’s movie night at Casa Roomies,” Cassie began slowly, and he tried to hide his disappointment. “But I’d rather spend the night with you. On one condition.”

He almost sighed in relief, but her last words made him pause. He watched suspiciously as Cassie reached inside her white coat and took out a sprig of mistletoe.

“I want a kiss under the mistletoe,” she smirked, her green eyes swimming with mischief.

“Not you, too,” Ethan griped and sprawled in his chair.

“One kiss for one night.” Cassie shook the mistletoe invitingly. “What do you say?”

Ethan stared at the empty hallway outside and decided to take a calculated risk. “Come here.”

Pushing the chair back, he moved toward the corner of the office, out of sight from the glass. He yanked Cassie into his arms and pressed her against the wall. Lifting her arms, he cuffed her wrists with one hand so that the mistletoe hung above them.

Cassie angled her face toward him, her eyes glittering in anticipation, a triumphant smile hovering on her lips. “Just play along.”

“Just this once,” he said, leaning down to nibble her throat, tracing a line of kisses along her jaw to the sensitive spot just below her earlobe.

He placed two fingers on her chin, pressing firmly until her lips parted. He covered her mouth with his, holding her still as he devoured her. His tongue swirled deep and withdrew. She followed, capturing his bottom lip between her teeth and sucking it into her mouth.

Her arms went slack as he released them, and she wrapped them around his neck. His hands roamed her body, pushing away the white coat to find the hem of her top, lifting that and the undershirt until he touched her silky skin.

Cassie shuddered when he cupped her bra-filled breasts, his thumbs flicking across her taut nipples. He swallowed her moans, his hands now on her thighs, spreading them wide until they cradled him.

Ethan knew this had gone too far, but he was loathe to end it. Despite the risk they were taking, he deepened the kiss.

“Stop,” Cassie cried, pushing against him.

Ethan groaned in frustration but forced himself off her and stepped back. His chest rose and fell as he tried to catch his breath.

“Dammit, Ethan,” Cassie cursed, brushing her fingers through her hair. “How am I supposed to go back to work looking like this?”

Her cheeks were flushed, her lips red, and her eyes had the look of a woman who had just left her lover’s bed. She reached beneath her top to adjust her bra and then straightened her clothes, smoothing down the lapels of the white coat.

“You told me to kiss you!” he protested weakly.

“One kiss,” Cassie scoffed, giving him an incredulous look.

“Well, now you owe me two nights, minimum,” Ethan said, feeling the euphoria of earlier start to fade.

“Put it on my tab,” Cassie shot back.

They stared at each other in annoyance, and then Cassie chuckled, much to Ethan’s chagrin. He wondered if he would ever understand her moods.

“I’m sorry, Ethan,” she wheezed, her laughter turning into a coughing fit. “I got carried away, too. Let’s just chalk this off to a serious error in judgment on my part.”

“Damn mistletoe,” Ethan grumbled, rolling his eyes when she giggled.

“Mistletoe really does put you in a bad mood, huh?” she teased, framing his face between her hands. “Now, if you’ll excuse me. I’m going to head up to the roof and let the frigid air take care of the rest.”

Cassie stretched on her toes and kissed the corner of his lips. “See you tonight, handsome.”

Ethan kept his eyes locked on Cassie as she ducked into the stairwell. He started to turn away when he saw the forgotten mistletoe on the floor. He bent down to pick it up and stared at the innocuous-looking plant.

Without another thought, he slipped it inside his pant pockets and grinned wickedly. It might just come in handy again tonight.

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

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