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#also - while I really enjoy talking about tarlos and my thoughts on them as a couple
herefortarlos · 6 months
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Hello!
I love seeing your excitement around the fandom and a special thanks for all the support you give me in the tags! I was what made you start watching lone star? What made you keep watching lone star? What’s your favorite part of fandom?
Awwww, hello, Jen!! Haha, I am very happy to know that you enjoy my fangirling and hopefully don't find it annoying 😆.
So what clued me into 911 Lone Star, was seeing random clips from the show when I would be bored and scroll through FB and Instragram's videos section. The scenes that I remember the best are of course the racist neighbor and "Sure ma'am but I am a homosexual." And Paul's, "but I am trans, though." And then the corn silo scene and Marjan popping up and having lost her hijab, and everyone gathering around to protect her modesty. I loved knowing there was a show out there that had, from the brief bits I saw, canon gay, trans and Muslim characters!! Then I bought Hulu in late 2022, specifically to watch the movie Julie and Julia, then I watched all of Modern Family. And then I was like, well, I still have this service for the end of the month, and I saw Lone Star was on it and I have not looked back 😂 I wish Hulu kept track of it, because I don't know how I consumed 3 seasons of Lone Star so quickly while also working.
Tarlos and TK, then later Carlos, when we finally got more of him in season 2, were big reasons I kept watching. I also genuinely like all of the characters! I did not think I would love Judd as much as I did, big, stereotypical Texas man, but is not like you thought at all! Owen and TK's relationship is one of my favorite things too, such a loving father-son relationship, without the toxic masculinity is so refreshing! Getting Tommy in season 2 was such a big improvement too!!
I could go on and on about the characters, but another huge reason I fell in love with the show was because it actually had a trans black man, played by a trans male actor, a gay Latino man, played by a gay actor, and of course the fandom didn't find out about Ronen until 2021, but I learned watching in 2022, was a gay man, played by a bisexual actor!! Representation matters and as a queer person, I was so happy to see a show actually put in the effort to try and cast accordingly!! Even now, when I try to get friends to watch the show, I always start by gushing about tarlos, of course, and then secondly talk about the casting!
Finally, my FAVORITE part of the fandom has to be all of our amazingly talented writers and the stories they provide to keep Tarlos alive, interesting and relevant, especially during longer than expected hiatuses. I have been reading fanfic for various fandoms since 2012? And I appreciate all the work and effort writers put in to provide us fans with more content, without expecting anything in return, so the least I can do is comment on fics and reblog works here with my unhinged tags 😂
Also, I really appreciate how active the fandom is on Tumblr and I loveee saving and liking posts, specifically based on different people's tags 😆 As my name suggests, I made a new Tumblr for Tarlos in January 2023 I believe, so very recent. The last time I was on Tumblr was 2019, after it quickly declined in popularity, and all the previous artists and writers I followed left for Twitter. The fact that I fell in love with a show and couple enough to seek out a community for it definitely says a lot about it! When I fall in love with characters or a couple, I will hyper fixate on them for a minimum of 2 years, and hopefully this obsession lasts longer because of this active fandom and the fact that Lone Star is still ongoing and providing new material, as soon as these dumb companies decide to actually pay their workers a decent living wage anyway.
Phew, time to go find some lunch 😂 Thank you for the ask, Jen, and if you ever need a beta I'm your girl ❤️ But regardless, you can definitely expect me to reblog and express my love for the next fic you tease! I am not going to survive when Meet you After Dark drops!
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shes-an-oddbird · 2 years
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Went to Las Vegas on a work trip and have now plotted out two thirds of a massive 911 Lone Star/Cirque Du Soleil-Vegas Performer AU - this is one of the few bits I’ve written that isn’t just a dialog dump - its also TK and Nancy’s first meeting and the intro to tarlos’s first meeting 
I haven’t written anything longer than a one-shot in a while so this should be interesting
“Just water please.” The bartender nods in his direction and TK takes a seat next to a woman about his age. She’s dressed in a faded blue sweatshirt, her hair neatly twisted into a bun on the top of her head and appears entirely uninterested in the show going on as she reads from a magazine in front of her. She would be completely inconspicuous, at a bookstore or coffeeshop maybe, but as they were currently amongst a sea of tourists, dressed in outfits they’d been planning for weeks, to attend what was likely their first and last burlesque show, she stands out in the crowd.
“Not enjoying the show.” He asks.
She glances up at him, a slight smile on her face. “I’ve seen it.”
This takes him by surprise. It didn’t exactly make since to buy a ticket to a show you weren’t going to watch.
“So you’re here for the drinks?”
She closes the magazine, turning to look him in the eye. “Maybe I just like the atmosphere.”
“Yeah, seems like a great place to catch up on your reading.”
TK’s relieved when he notices the mischievous look in her eyes. She’s teasing him, why he doesn’t know but at least he wasn’t annoying her. “I work here, I’m a trainer with the show.” She finally admits.
“Oh cool, I’m sorry I didn’t realize.”
“It’s okay, it was kind of fun messing with you,” she offers her hand, “I’m Nancy.”
“TK.” He brushes off the curious look she gives. He had to know a person a lot longer than five minutes to give them his full name. “Hey, maybe you could tell me, you must know Michelle right?”
“I do.”
“Is she around?”
“She’s not here tonight,” Nancy pauses, her curiosity over her bar companion visibly doubles, “she’s visiting with her sister.”
TK shoulders sink. He’s really wanted to check in with the woman. To thank her. He never did get the chance to in person. If she hadn’t recognized him and contacted his mom. TK didn’t know where he would be right now.
“How do you know Michelle?”
“Oh, she, she’s an old friend of my parents.” TK excuses and it’s not untrue. “They worked together on a show, well, with my dad, my mom used to take me to see the different shows when I was a kid.”
“So, you’re a fan?”
“Exclusively for the last few years, I injured my shoulder awhile back and was thinking about getting back into performing.”
“What do you do?”
“Mostly aerial work, some tumbling.”
“Were you here to see if Michelle had an opening?”
“Oh, no, just to say hello.” He turns his attention back to the stage. He watches as the aerialist spiral from twenty some feet in the air, stopping just before they hit the stage. Their synchronization is flawless as arms loop through the fabric, twisting and flipping around in a beautiful manner that he can see is setting up another awe inducing stunt. “They’re really good, do you help with the choreography?”
She shakes her head. “Just technique and training, rehabilitation if they’re injured.”
“You’re a physical therapist?”
She nods. “Officially.”
A round of applause erupts through the room. TK’s attention turns back on the stage. He’s missed the big stunt but the crowd loved it. Cheering rumbles the glasses and bottles, the loudest it would seem, coming from a table near the front.
He’s gorgeous.
TK can barely put together another thought beyond that. Dark hair, dark eyes that are bright with joy as he smiles up at the stage. The performers take a quick bow and then he’s pushing himself up from his seat.
“I guess we’re done talking about me than.” Nancy says, following his gaze. “He’s cute, right.”
“What?”
“He’s off the clock tonight too, if you wanted to talk to him.”
TK pulls his eyes away and back to her. “He’s one of the performers?”
“He works security.”
“You know him?” He asks as he glances back to see that the man is making his way towards them. TK hopes his tone is cool and disinterested. His whole body is itching to betray him. He can feel the fidgeting as he attempts to take on a casual stance.
“Not well, his name is Carlos, he trains with the cast sometimes but he’s got great technique, so he doesn’t need my help.” She shrugs. “I know he’s good friends with Michelle, maybe you could ask her to introduce you.”
“She’s not here.”
“What a shame.”
“Maybe you could introduce us then?” TK swears that when Carlos notices the pair of them at the bar, his walk shifts, becoming more of a saunter as their eyes lock.
“Oh no, I couldn’t do that.”
“Why not?” He whispers because he’s too close now.
“Because it’ll be much more fun this way.” She grins. “Hey Carlos.”
“Hey Nance.” Carlos’s eyes drift back to his again, watching him even as he leans across the bar and orders a couple of beers and a glass of wine for his table. “Hey.”
“Hey.”
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gilsgirl · 1 year
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911 Lone Star Season 4 - My Thoughts
[Long Post Warning]
🚒
Oh hey tumblr, it's me! I've had this idea in my head for a while and thought that since most of my tumblr following is Spam-bots and inactive/deleted accounts (There's a few of you who are still active, so heyyy thanks for still following me!) that I would do my first one on Tumblr. I would love to start Youtube channel, but I still feel a bit shy.
I used to write a lot! If you have been following my blog since, geez, 2012 you know that. Unfortunately, I have been in a very long period of writers block. I'm hoping getting creative ideas on the page will help me start to write again.
The idea I have is to explain what I would want to see happen, or what I would do if I was one of the story writers of some of my favorite shows upcoming seasons. Or even what I think will be happening in these upcoming seasons. I hope this makes sense lol!
The first show I want to deep dive into has been my hyper-fixation show for the past several months (thanks @iboatedhere 🤣). I mean, I have watched the first three seasons of this show maybe 15 times at this point! I just found out a couple weeks ago that they have started production for season 4, and I am so excited to see what is in store! Of course the show I am talking about is 911 Lone Star!
Let's begin:
What I think will happen/What I want to happen
Sectioned by character:
Owen
This man annoys me 10/10 so I hope we see him continue to go to therapy.
I really enjoyed the storyline they gave us at the end of season 3 with Owen returning to California to say goodbye to his father.
I could see the half-brother doing the same thing, coming to Austin trying to connect to his father's past. I also love that irl the actor playing Owen's half-brother is Rob Lowe's brother. That is cool!
Owen telling TK about his past. Does TK know he's named after Owen's brother?
I want Owen and Catherine back together - I know they're toxic af, but I love two type-A characters bouncing off each other!
TK/Carlos (they're together because their relationship is a main storyline)
Jesus....
If they injure this man again...*clenches fist*
Role reverse with Carlos? Carlos gets injured, and TK is at the bedside.
Here's how I would do it: Carlos takes his detective test, passes. Gets put on this high profile case. While investigating, gets kidnapped. Not just for several hours like TK/Tommy/Nancy is that one episode, but for weeks. Then the TK sobriety storyline could tie into this as well. Obviously, when he is found he's relatively okay. They could also tie this into the Judd PTSD storyline too.
Tarlos wedding
less fade to black scenes...this is why I wish that this show wasn't on cable TV. They do fade to black for all the romance aspects. Nancy and Mateo, TK and Carlos, Owen and Catherine.
Paul
I just want this man to be HAPPY! Please 🙏
I would love to see the sister come back in some way, that would be a cool idea
Judd
I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Wyatt storyline! I think it saved his character tbh
I would love to see more from this storyline, but from the season 3 finale it made it seem like Wyatt is going off to college and won't be around.
More about the accident at the beginning of the show. PTSD doesn't just go away like they portrayed.
Maybe during a BBQ the grill does that thing that grills do where the flame
Marjan
Much like Paul, I want Marjan to be on a call and click with someone they are saving.
Maybe she gets hurt on a call. Nothing big, but needs to be out for a couple weeks.
She bumps into this person during that time and starts to secretly date them.
OF COURSE Paul is the first to sniff that shit out! He is her BFF, obviously!
Nancy
GIVE ME A NANCY BACKSTORY!
I want to know why she decided to become an EMT. In the O.G. 911 they did this for Hen and it was a really cool concept.
Similar, there is an episode where she talks about her sister, show me the family!!!
More scenes between her and Mateo. I STG is the writers make them break up I will do something detrimental...
Mateo
(similar to Nancy) GIVE ME A BACKSTORY!!
They hinted at a backstory several times: Dad being in Guadalajara, and being a DREAMER. That is great bones for a backstory! Just saying.
You can tell that Mateo and Nancy's characters were never meant to be apart of the ensemble, but the audience loved their characters so much that they now have storylines. I am excited to see where the writers take them.
Tommy
One of the twins starts getting in trouble at school
Maybe series finale, or series middle finale the twin sets a fire in the school? Or does that seem too much?
Tommy embracing the single Mom life, finally feeling steady in her routine.
It also would be a good idea for Tommy to think that she see's her late husband at one of their scenes. Starts seeing him everywhere. It's not him though, just a man that looks like him.
🚒
What I would write
🚑 Judd goes to surprise visit Wyatt, only to find out that he dropped out of college. He can't get a hold of him, and goes to work. On a call, a new firehouse shows up with fancy gear, tech, truck and their new tech guy...Wyatt.
🚒 Add a single season character, who's exit at the end of the season makes for good drama! AKA this character gets k!lled off. My initial thoughts would be a untamable, young firefighter with survivors guilt, like Judd, gets sent to Owens team
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reyescarlos · 2 years
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17, 26, 27, 28, and 35? For the ask game?
Hello, hello!
17. Talk to me about the minutiae of your current WIP. Tell me about the lore, the history, the detail, the things that won’t make it in the text.
My current WIP is this exes to lovers fic. I came across a song one day that just broke my heart and could just a Tarlos story forming as I was listening to it. I've always wanted to try those trope for them, but didn't know how to go about it until now. I'm already enjoying seeing their past and present. I'm writing them in college for the first part, happily dating until they find themselves breaking up abruptly. And then flashing to present day years later where they're brought back into each other's orbit unexpectedly. There's a lot I need to think about logistically and for those years in between. But it's nice brainstorming and thinking about what this time apart has changed for them but also what has stayed the same. It's touching on heavy themes which I want to be sure are handled with care. I'm not sure which random ideas I have that will be in the final version of this since it's very early stages. I only have 4k towards it so far so...yeah, it'll be a while.
26. How do you get into your character’s head? How do you get out? Do you ever regret going in there in the first place?
Most of my inspiration for fics come from music, so I'll play a song on repeat like crazy and drive it into the ground while I pull a story from the lyrics or the tone. It helps me get into the mindset for sure and to see how the character moves in that setting. I don't really get out of it until either I get a random block or until the story is done and posted. Nope, I never regret it. Even if I have to put a story on ice for a bit, I like having that little seed of thought in place.
27. Who is the most stressful character you’ve ever written? Why?
Not stressful because of the character but more so because of me having difficulty getting the tone right, but Mateo. He's like the goofy little brother, but there is so much more to him. I need to practice more with him. I really like Mateo a lot, but for some reason I'm like gah, am I making him sound right?? I don't want to make him one-dimensional
28. Who is the most delightful character you’ve ever written? Why?
Andrea is my surprise delight! I just love her so much and I feel like I'm getting more comfortable taking a chance in finding her voice so I've been incorporating her more into fics. Overall though, I think (going back to my early fic days) I'd have to go with Adam Torres from Degrassi. He was just so lovable and had so much heart.
35. What’s your favorite writing rule to smash into smithereens?
The whole concept of killing your darlings. I don't kill mine; I move them to a blank doc and repurpose. Sometimes I'll think of some exposition or something and if I find it doesn't work for whatever I'm writing at the moment, I just move it elsewhere and wait until the right fic comes along to give it a second life!
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howtosingit · 3 years
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I have a question, solely out of curiosity, you’d mentioned a while ago that it takes you a while to fill hc requests, and then you just said your inbox was empty ; I was wondering if you were still intending to fill those hcs? If not it’s all your decision! I’m just curious ;)
Ah, Anon, you caught me 😬 I’m just going to be real with you: my relationship with my ask box has been very difficult for the past few months. It kind of overwhelms me no matter what state it’s in, and for about 4 weeks I just didn’t look at it at all. 
I’m a bit of a people-pleaser and also a procrastinator and also a near-perfectionist and all of that just kind of means that I give way too much mental energy to things like the messages in my ask box. And there have been a few moments in the past few months where I’ve just kind of... lost it, we’ll say. And during those moments I either 1) deleted everything out of my inbox or 2) closed my inbox so that it couldn’t get any worse.
Basically, my ask box is now empty. If I had asks about headcanons in there, they’re gone. It was truly nothing about the headcanon request itself (from what I can remember) and all to do with the fact that I can’t mentally handle having unanswered messages in my ask box when I’m also not in the mood to answer asks. 
So, I’m truly sorry if I didn’t actually answer your ask, but it’s definitely gone now.
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morganaspendragonss · 3 years
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Tarlos prompt.
Carlos just had a break down about life. And his mum sorts him out. Which ends in his Mum having a convo with TK about how much Carlos and her were close until the weird coming out thing
thank you so much for your prompt! i hope you enjoy what i came up with!
also written for day 1 of @911lonestarangstweek: Emotional whump + “How do we fix this?”
ao3 | 2.1k
Of all the people TK might have expected to show up at the house when Carlos is on shift, Andrea Reyes is not one of them.
Unfortunately, however, she has, and TK is now painfully aware that he’s barefoot, wearing a stained t-shirt and sweats in front of his boyfriend’s mother, who he has only officially met once. She raises a solitary eyebrow, looking him up and down, and TK flushes deeply.
“Um, Mrs Reyes, hi,” he stammers. “Carlos is at work.”
“I know.” She smirks at his clear surprise, then gestures inside. “Can I come in?”
“Oh, uh, sure.” TK steps aside, wringing his hands together nervously as Mrs Reyes walks in. She looks around the space as though seeing it for the first time, which he vaguely registers as strange, given Carlos has lived here for years. Most of his mind, however, is taken up with freaking out over the fact that Carlos’s mother is here; she had seemed nice enough when Carlos had taken him over for Sunday dinner last week, but TK is in no way prepared for one-on-one interactions yet.
Especially now, when he’s barely been awake for an hour. “I-If you want to take a seat,” he says, trying to tame his anxiety, “I’ll just go and get changed into something a little more, um, presentable.”
He’s about to make a break for the stairs when Mrs Reyes catches his arm, her grip gentle but firm. “Don’t be silly,” she admonishes. “I may be Carlos’s mother, but this is your home too, no?”
“Well… It’s not... We don’t exactly… Can I get you something to drink?”
“You can sit down.”
Mrs Reyes smiles in clear amusement, and TK’s pretty sure he couldn’t be redder if he tried. He studiously avoids eye contact as he shuffles to the opposite end of the couch, sinking down into it with his gaze firmly fixed on his lap. He wishes Carlos were here, but he’s still got hours left on his shift. 
Which reminds him. “Mrs, Reyes, I don’t mean to be rude, but…” He trails off, unsure how to phrase the question without sounding horrifically insulting. 
Thankfully, she seems to understand. “You’re wondering what I’m doing here.”
TK nods. “Not that you’re not welcome!” he hurries to say. “But I figured you’d be here to see Carlos, only he’s not here, so… So.”
He winces at his own awkwardness, knowing he’s cutting a stark contrast to his behaviour at dinner. Sure, he can turn on the charm when he’s prepared and awake and with Carlos, but alone, half-asleep, and totally not expecting a visit? 
He’s doomed.
Mrs Reyes sighs deeply. When TK looks back up at her, her expression has turned sad, a weariness in her face.
“Carlos came by our house before his shift this morning.”
TK raises a surprised eyebrow at the news; Carlos had left at six this morning, and he hadn’t said anything about going to see his parents. Not that he was supposed to, but TK can’t help but worry, especially with the way Mrs Reyes is looking at him.
“You know that two days ago was his first shift back after the suspension, yes?” she continues, nodding at TK’s confirmation. “He… When he arrived this morning, he was distressed, panicking over everything - mostly work, but he hinted at other things that I don’t… I’m not really sure what he was talking about. I was hoping you might have a little more insight?”
TK’s heart clenches at her words, but he forces a smile for Mrs Reyes’s sake. “What did he say?”
“What I understood was that he was anxious about going back to work. He thinks that no-one trusts him anymore, and he said that maybe they were right not to. I told him he was being crazy, but I don’t know if he listened to me.”
“Carlos never told me any of this,” TK whispers, horrified. He’d had no idea Carlos had been struggling so much, and he could kick himself for not pushing when he’d said that he was fine.
Mrs Reyes smiles thinly. “Of course he didn’t,” she says, almost fondly. “My Carlitos is a worrier; he’ll fuss over everyone else and never give a thought to himself, even if it runs him into the ground. I’m sure you know this.” She gestures to the scar on his forehead, and TK reaches up to touch it, running his fingers lightly over the ridged tissue.
He nods, sighing. “I’m sorry,” he says, barely able to look at her now. “I should have made sure he was okay. I asked, of course I did, but -”
Mrs Reyes cuts him off by reaching over to grab his hand. She smiles at him when TK looks up in shock, then squeezes gently. “You are not to blame. Carlitos can be very stubborn, especially when it comes to himself. He gets that from his father.”
She chuckles, then her face takes on that heavy look again and she lets go of TK, sitting back in her seat. “We talked for a while about his worries over work, but there was a point when I don’t think we were just talking about his job anymore. He said something about Gabriel and never being enough for him, but he wouldn’t explain when I asked. He left soon after that.”
TK swallows nervously. He has a pretty good idea what Carlos might have been referring to, but he doesn’t have a clue how to go about talking to Mrs Reyes about it. It feels wrong to do it without Carlos’s knowledge, anyway.
“It was your husband leading the investigation, wasn’t it?” he hedges, trying to steer her in that direction.
“It was, but this was more than that, I’m sure of it.” She sighs, sudden tears glinting in her eyes and - oh, TK is so not prepared for this. “We used to be so close, you know? All of us. But, one day, something changed. I don’t know what, or why, but suddenly he started keeping his distance more, and he stopped talking to us. I love my son, I only want the best for him, but it’s been years and now I don’t know how to help him.”
She meets his eyes, her gaze almost pleading with him. “You clearly care for him, TK, and I’ve never seen my son so happy as when he’s with you. Please, if you know anything… I just want to understand.”
TK bites his lip. Talking about this with Mrs Reyes feels like a betrayal of Carlos, but he’s not seeing a way out of this anymore. If she’s half as stubborn as her son, she won’t leave until she has at least some answers, and there’s no way she’ll believe he knows nothing.
“Did things change when he was around seventeen, by any chance?” he asks eventually, guilt twisting in his gut. “Maybe just after he, um, came out?”
Her lips part in surprise, a small crease forming between her brows. “Yes. But, I don’t understand, are you implying this is because of that? All we care about is that he’s happy, not who he loves; Gabriel and I have always done our best to support Carlos.”
TK winces. “All due respect, Mrs Reyes, but I’m not so sure that’s true.”
“I’m sorry?”
“Look, this is really a conversation you should be having with Carlos, I’ve already said too much -”
“If you have something to say, TK, please, just say it.” The warmth has dropped from Mrs Reyes’s face and she seems to be holding herself tighter. TK’s heart sinks; he’s just ruined things with his boyfriend’s mother. Perfect.
He swallows, staring hard at the floor. “It’s just something that came up after we met you at the market,” he explains quietly. “Carlos...he wasn’t sure how you would react to - to us, so he did what he does best, and chose to protect us both.”
“Protect?” Mrs Reyes’s voice is horrified, and TK looks up to find her staring at him in open confusion. “From what?”
TK doesn’t respond, but his grimace must be enough to tell her all she needs to know. She gasps and lifts a hand to her mouth, eyes shining.
“We thought…” She breaks off, shaking her head. “How do we fix this?”
He sighs. “Mrs Reyes… I can’t speak for Carlos, nor can I claim to fully understand what he’s been through. I came out to my parents when I was fourteen, and they were vocal about their support, to say the least.” TK chuckles, rubbing the back of his neck, his teenage embarrassment returning for a brief moment. “I’m not saying that’s the way to go, god knows it was awkward and overwhelming for all of us, but maybe talking to him would be a start? Carlos knows you love him, ma’am, but it wouldn’t hurt to let him know that you love all of him, if you understand what I mean?”
Mrs Reyes nods, sniffing and wiping at her eyes. “Thank you, TK,” she says, sending him a barely-there smile. “You’ve given me a lot to think about.” She stands and TK hurries to follow, grabbing the door for her.
He’s equal part relieved and worried over her abrupt exit; much longer, and TK thinks he might have lost it, but he can’t shake the feeling that he’s fucked up beyond repair. So, he’s surprised when she turns in the doorway and pulls him into a gentle hug.
“I’m glad Carlitos has you,” she smiled, patting his cheek. “And, it’s Andrea.”
With that, Mrs Reyes walks out, leaving TK staring after her, more than a little confused.
*
That night, TK watches Carlos move about their bedroom, his conversation with Andrea weighing on him as he twists the bedsheets in his hands. He knows he needs to talk to Carlos about it, but he has no idea where to start.
Carlos slides into bed beside him and TK instinctively leans his head on his shoulder. He’s just about worked up enough courage to say something, when Carlos interrupts, playing with TK’s fingers.
“My mom said she stopped by today.”
TK freezes, Carlos’s careful tone sending fear down his spine. He looks up slowly, biting his lip. “I was going to tell you, I swear. I just…couldn’t figure out how.” He pauses, waiting for some sort of reaction, but none is forthcoming. “Did she… Did she tell you what we talked about?”
Carlos hums. “Some of it. She wants me to go over tomorrow to talk about the rest of it.”
TK closes his eyes, slumping back against the headboard. “Shit, Carlos, I’m so sorry. I know I overstepped. I - I shouldn’t have said half of that stuff, I was way out of line -”
“TK.” Carlos’s voice is firm but gentle, cutting through TK’s panicked rambling. He looks over at him, some of his anxiety melting at the small smile on his boyfriend’s face. “You don’t have to apologise.”
“Don’t I?”
Carlos sighs. “Would I have preferred to have been there? Sure. But I’m not mad about anything you said. I know you didn’t really want to; my mom said she practically forced it out of you.”
TK huffs a laugh, but doesn’t try to deny it. “Still,” he says. “Is everything okay between you guys now?”
“We’re fine.” Carlos pulls him close, kissing his cheek. “Don’t worry.”
“Like I could ever stop,” he mutters, resting his head on Carlos’s chest and drawing his arms around him. Carlos moves as if to lie down, but TK stops him, another question burning in his mind. “Why didn’t you say anything about how worried you were to go back to work?”
Carlos tenses, silence dragging out for a brief moment. “I didn’t want to worry you,” he confesses eventually. “You had enough on your plate with the kidnapping and recovering, and I couldn’t add onto all of that. I was dealing with it.”
TK’s heart breaks at the words, tears pricking at his eyes. “Oh, Carlos,” he breathes. He twists to meet Carlos’s gaze, gripping his hands tight. “You know I love you, right?”
Carlos nods, frowning a little. “Of course. I love you, too.”
“Exactly,” TK continues. “This relationship is a two-way street, babe. I know you like caring for people, but you’ve got to let me care for you as well. You can come to me about anything, and I promise I’ll do my best to help you, just like you do for me. Please, let me in, Carlos.”
Carlos blinks, clearing his throat. “I… I’ll try,” he says eventually, ducking his head.
TK smiles. “That’s all I ask.”
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edge0fmydesiree · 3 years
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FIC WRITER INTERVIEW
Thank you so much for the tag @ash-mcj and @falling-for-boys ! I adore ya's the bunches of bunches.
How many works do you have on AO3?
25
What’s your total AO3 word count?
124378
How many fandoms have you written for and what are they?
One, teen wolf 😌 BUT… I’m eyeing 9-1-1 Lone Star. Tarlos is calling my name. I CAN HEAR IT!
What are your top 5 fics by kudos?
The Truth Is, I… Theo gets hit with a truth spell.
Maybe You’ve Had Skin Next To Your Skin, But When Was The Last Time You Let Your Self Be Touched? Touched starved Theo, and Liam being a king and comforting him.
We Have Your Boyfriend Theo gets kidnapped. Kidnappers call Liam and assume Theo is Liam's boyfriend. HE REALLY WANTS FRENCH FRIES.
No Thing Theo and Liam have a thing. According to everyone else, at least, they have a thing. To Theo, they have no thing. Okay, so maybe they have a thing.
Holding Onto The Memories Of Us. (I really need to work on the next chapter). Theo had to leave. He couldn't stay. It was too painful. So, he leaves. He starts over, finds friends. He's happy, kind of. But, one by one, people from his past show up. Except for the one person he wants to show up.
Do you respond to comments, why or why not?
Yes. Of course, I do. I appreciate and adore each and every comment, and kudos. I don’t ever expect it, but it’s the best kind of surprise to wake up to. They always make me smile. I appreciate the comments more than I can say, and in return, I want them to know how much I appreciate them. Plus, I love talking to people and fangirling over our shared love.
What’s the fic you’ve written with the angstiest ending?
Not gonna lie. I always try to have the ending hopeful. Not to say the fic itself isn’t angsty. (Again, blaming @falling-for-boys @attempted--eloquence @frustrateddumbbar and @inabottlelikelightning for my long-ass angsty faze).
But I think it would have to be a multi-chapter fic for @thecenturiestrickle : Holding Onto The Memories Of Us. The ending of the last chapter is kind of an angsty cliffhanger, I guess.
Do you write crossovers? If so, what is the craziest one you’ve written?
No, and I don’t see myself doing any crossovers anytime soon.
Have you ever received hate on a fic?
Thankfully, no. I guess that comes with having only a small group of people who read my fics. I know a lot of more popular authors get hate, and I don't envy them. Getting hate on something you're proud of and worked so hard on sucks.
Do you write smut? If so what kind?
Listen… I am an INNOCENT bean, okay. I enjoy reading it. But writing smut is an area that I am NOT skilled in. So I will leave that to the professionals; thank you very much. (Writers who write smut, put into their fic’s, I applaud you).
Have you ever had a fic stolen?
No, I don't think so
Have you ever had a fic translated?
Lol, no. I’m not at the level that gets your work translated.
Have you ever co-written a fic before?
No. But I have plans too, with one of my favourite people. I’m excited about it. I have collaborated with an author I really admire @jmeelee. I was her artist for her amazing fic: Like Rain In Spring.
What’s your all-time favourite ship?
Thiam. AND I STAND BY IT.
What’s a WIP that you want to finish but don’t think you ever will?
LISTEEEEN. Okay, so there’s this puppy pack fic I was writing for @falling-for-boys Which I have every intention of finishing. Eventually. Maybe. Probably.
But while I was trying to write this fic, I read all her WIPs that were never published—WHICH SHOULD BE A CRIME! THEY’RE SO GOOD. But I’ve read them, so I’m cool with it. They were very angst heavy. It was also around the time a lot of my favourite authors were bring out Angsty fics. I HAD A LOT OF EMOTIONS. None of them the right tone for my crack, humorous, puppy pack fic. I literally couldn’t write it. Maybe now I’m in a lighter, happier mindset, I can finish it. Maybe. Possibly.
What are your writing strengths?
That I finish the fic.
What are your writing weaknesses?
That I finish the fic.
What are your thoughts on writing dialogue in other languages in a fic?
Love it! I’m a sucker for character’s who are multilingual. I will probably incorporate that into my Tarlos fics. If I ever finish it. Writings hard you guys!
What was the first fandom you wrote for?
Teen Wolf
What’s your favourite fic you’ve written?
At this moment, probably: Let's Say All Of The Things That We Couldn’t Before.
It deals with themes that I feel very passionate about, and the content is an area I work closely in. I’m no expert, have never experienced it myself, and I hope I did it justice.
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rafael-silva · 3 years
Text
hold me close, closer: a tarlos fic
After working the same rough and hectic shift, Carlos and TK share a calming bath to wash away the day’s tension and stress. Being in each other’s arms eases their worries and uplifts their spirits.
@larrytothemoonandback prompted: tk and carlos + sharing a bath
emotional hurt/comfort, light angst, comfort, fluff, cuddles, kisses, carlos reyes needs a hug, softness, really there are so many kisses 
2.3k | on ao3
*****
It had been a long, hectic shift for Carlos and TK.
A never-ending shift of one call after another, as TK dubbed it in one of the few texts he had managed to send Carlos in between blaring bells.
And it appeared from Carlos’s reply of tell me about it that he was going through the same thing.
They had met on a few calls scattered over the hours, and every time, the other man looked slightly more tired and drained. Still, though, they’d give each other small smiles that held the promise of going home to each other when their frantic shifts would finally come to an end.
After returning to the firehouse from their final call, TK robotically made his way to the showers, while chanting hallelujah over and over in his head as he stepped under the warm spray of water.
TK absolutely loved his job, his found family, but some days it would get so exhausting to the point where TK’s knees shake, threatening to give out on him. He holds on, proceeding to also robotically change into his civvies and throw his backpack over his shoulder.
He tells everyone good night as he makes his way towards the Uber, sighing as he drops against the backseat. He then unlocks his phone to send Carlos a message.
TK: Hi, babe. Just moved from the station heading home. Can’t wait to see you.
TK slips the phone back into his pocket and sits in silence until the car pulls up to the condo.
TK whispers something along the lines of thank you to the driver, stumbling up the porch stairs and to the front door, pushing his key into the keyhole. The condo is dark, the missing Camaro from the driveway was TK’s first clue that his boyfriend wasn’t home yet.
He flicks on a light, toeing his shoes off near the door and drops his keys into the bowl sitting on a table near the door. His phone pings in his pocket as he’s walking into the kitchen to grab a bottle of water.
He fishes out his phone to see a new text from Carlos.
Carlos: Hey, baby. Can’t wait to see you, too. I just need to finish some paperwork before I get out of here. I’ll be home as soon as I can.
TK: Just arrived home. Take your time, baby. I’ll be waiting for you.
TK sighs again, walking—or more like dragging his feet—up the stairs and into their bedroom. He falls backwards against the bed, closing his eyes as his body collides with the soft mattress, a much-needed sensation after the day he’s had.
He feels bad that he’s finally home and can relax while Carlos is still at the station, working. In hindsight, TK had wished he had gone to the station to meet Carlos there and then they’d go home together.
TK nods to himself, making up his mind. He grabs his phone to text Carlos again.
TK: Let me know when you’re on the way.
He lies back on the bed, scrolling mindlessly through his Instagram and loses track of time. He’s liking a post here and then when a notification from Carlos pops up at the top of his screen.
Carlos: Heading out now.
TK gets to his feet then and steps into the bathroom, turning on the tap in the bathtub and pushes the drain-stopper down. He quickly retrieves Carlos’s favorite candles, some vanilla scented, others lavender, from the bedroom and sets them carefully around the space, lighting each one as the tub fills with hot water. He also grabs the organic mint-scented body wash he and Carlos share and drizzles a good amount in the water, watching it foam up.
TK is looking forward to taking care of Carlos, after the long day they’ve endured. He’s also doing it for himself if he’s also being honest, because he can feel the aches already setting in his muscles and the warm water definitely helps there. But taking care of Carlos is his priority. Besides, that always help him feel better, too.
And TK knows Carlos always appreciates a good bath.
Looking around the bathroom, the paramedic nods, satisfied with the setup.
He hears keys rattling, followed by his name being called a few minutes later.
Downstairs, Carlos discards his keys into the bowl with TK’s and places his wallet next to it. He stretches his neck, moving his head backwards and then side to side until some of the tension there eases.
“Up here!”
Carlos looks in the direction of TK’s voice, and notices the hallway and bedroom lights are switched on. He wills his tired legs to ascend the stairs, and then steps into the bedroom, eyes immediately searching for TK. When they don’t find his boyfriend, he realizes the other man must be in the bathroom.
Before joining him, Carlos unpins his badge from his uniform shirt and removes his belt, unclipping his service weapon as he goes. He crouches in front of the bottom section of his closet, sliding the door over to reveal his safe. He punches in the code, the lock clicking and Carlos places the items inside before locking the safe.
He groans when his knee cracks as he gets to his feet, kicking off his shoes and wasting no time in heading to the bathroom. He just really wants—and needs—to see TK, to hold him, to kiss him.
The sight he’s met with makes his tired face light up and tugs the corner of his lips upwards.
“Welcome home, babe,” TK smiles from his place, now lying in the tub with his arms resting on either side of the marble.
“What’s the occasion?” Carlos asks with an amused lifted eyebrow.
TK shrugs. “Do I need a reason to pamper my boyfriend?”
A blush colors Carlos’s cheeks as his smile widens.
“Care to join me?” TK extends a hand towards Carlos.
“Wouldn’t miss this for the world,” Carlos expresses, hands already working to unbutton and remove his shirt, followed by his undershirt and pants.
As soon as he kicks his boxer-briefs away, he takes TK’s offered hand, holding on to it as he lowers himself into the warm water, sitting between TK’s legs. Moments like these and sharing a bath with TK, always reminds Carlos how grateful he is that he picked a condo with a bathtub big enough to comfortably fit two adults.
Carlos lets out a satisfied sigh as soon as his body is immersed, closing his eyes as he falls back against TK’s chest.
He hears TK chuckle from behind and feels the younger man’s arms go around his waist, effectively pulling him even closer into his hold.
“Besides, we’ve both had incredibly long shifts, I think we deserve this,” TK adds.
“Hm,” Carlos agrees.
“You deserve this, babe. You’ve been working so hard lately.”
Carlos blindly finds TK’s arms with a hand and gives him a squeeze where it lands on an arm.
“I got you, baby,” TK promises.
“You always do,” Carlos responds, dropping his head against TK’s shoulder.
TK moves his head and brushes a soft kiss to Carlos’s temple, feeling the officer gravitate towards his touch.
Comfortable silence settles between them for a while, both of them enjoying finally being in each other’s arms and letting the water wash the day’s troubles away.
“Thank you for this, Ty,” Carlos whispers. “I really needed it.”
TK nods, nuzzling his face against the back of Carlos’s head. “Of course, baby. Anything I can do to help. Do you wanna talk about it?”
Carlos shakes his head after a moment of thought. “Maybe later. Right now, this is all I need.”
“Okay,” TK replies.
“Couldn’t wait to get home to you,” Carlos speaks after a moment.
“Couldn’t wait to have you right here,” TK responds, pressing a sweet kiss to Carlos’s shoulder.
To Carlos’s very tense shoulder.
TK pulls his arms from around Carlos, and the slightly bigger man lets out a disappointed sound at the loss of TK’s touch.
“Just for a minute,” TK reassures his boyfriend. “You’re gonna like this, trust me.”
Carlos trusts TK with his life, but he also already misses TK’s warmth.
However, TK’s assessment of Carlos liking whatever he planned is proven right soon enough, as TK gently uses his thumbs to massage and rub at the heavy knots sitting in Carlos’s muscles.
TK smiles at the heavy groan Carlos breathes out, knowing it’s helping his boyfriend.
“That’s it,” TK whispers. “Let me take care of you.”
Carlos wishes he could turn around and kiss TK in this moment, but between the warm water and TK’s tender ministration, he feels his bones and muscles turning into jelly.
TK pushes down slightly harder, loosening up the worst of the tension he finds, feeling satisfied himself when Carlos sags back against him, clearly feeling a little better.
“That…God, Ty, I needed that, so much.”
“Yeah, I could tell,” TK chuckles. “Are you feeling better?”
“Much,” Carlos nods.
Before returning to their previous position, TK cups some water into his palms and places them over Carlos’s head, letting the water run through the officer’s hair and down his neck. Carlos seems to be onboard with this, as well, because he’s tilting his head backwards a little in TK’s direction.
TK takes the hint and repeats the action a few more times, until Carlos’s hair is damp. TK then slowly cards his fingers through Carlos’s soft curls, the product he applied that morning long gone now.
With a kiss to Carlos’s neck, TK’s arms return to Carlos’s middle, wrapping around him and holding him close once again.
“We both have a day off coming up soon, we can do whatever you want,” TK says.
“Just wanna spend it with you.”
“We can most definitely do that. We can sleep in, have late breakfast in bed, lots of cuddles and oh! We can bake,” TK plans, almost giggling at the idea of baking. It’s one of his favorite things to do with Carlos in their downtime. He mostly sits on the counter while Carlos does most of the baking, but TK also sometimes helps with the batter.
“Sounds perfect, baby,” Carlos smiles, closing his eyes and resting his head back against TK’s shoulder. “Brownies or cookies?”
“Hmm,” TK contemplates for a few seconds. “Cookies, chocolate chip cookies.”
“My specialty,” Carlos replies.
They really are Carlos’s specialty. TK remembers taking a batch of chocolate chip cookies into work one day for everyone, and the crew had gone absolutely mad over them. The huge tupperware container was empty in a matter of minutes.
TK smiles at the memory, remembering not only his team’s joy for the delicious cookies, but also Carlos’s delight and pride when TK told him what had gone down.
The water starts cooling a few minutes later, both men feeling it and a shiver runs through Carlos’s body.
“I think it’s time to get out,” TK’s the first to say. “We can order in and watch a feel-good movie.”
“As tempting and comforting as that sounds, I don’t think I can really rely on my legs to carry me right now,” Carlos chuckles.
TK giggles along and helps Carlos into a sitting position.
“Come on, I’ll help,” the paramedic says, making sure Carlos’s grip on both sides of the marble is secure before stepping out of tub and grabbing a towel, wrapping it around his waist. He prepares a towel for Carlos before moving back towards him, holding out a hand to the officer.
Carlos takes TK’s hand but instead of using it to pull himself up, he pulls TK closer to him. And this time he does kiss TK, closing the distance between them by capturing TK’s lips with his own.
TK, albeit a little surprised, immediately opens up to Carlos, deepening their passionate kiss. His other hand instantly travels to the nape of Carlos’s neck, settling there and he gives Carlos an encouraging squeeze. They pour everything into the kiss, their worry for each other, their concern, their relief for the other’s safety. The kiss has infinite layers to it, and Carlos and TK visit each and every one of them.
Eventually the need for air to wins and they separate. They don’t pull back completely, their foreheads still touching, each of them breathing a little heavily with identical kiss-swollen lips. They breathe each other in, taking it all in.
“Lets get into something comfortable and continue this on the couch,” Carlos whispers into the small space between them.
TK nods and with another light kiss to Carlos’s mouth, he pulls back. He hands Carlos the towel when he’s out of the tub, and they make their way back into their bedroom.
They find themselves nestled against each other on the couch once they’re dressed in comfortable t-shirts and sweats (TK had also grabbed Carlos’s old police academy hoodie on their way down, knowing he’ll be wanting to slip into it later during the night) with Carlos flipping through Netflix.
TK is lying between the officer’s legs, an arm draped over Carlos’s thigh with his back against his chest, his other arm is placed over the one Carlos has wrapped around TK.
“Here,” Carlos says as he hands TK the remote control. “Pick a movie.”
They sit in silence as TK scrolls through the list, Carlos watching him with a fond smile decorating his face.
“Hey,” Carlos whispers.
TK turns to face him, his features filled to the brim with love and affection.
“I love you, Ty.”
A big smile spreads on TK’s face, his green eyes turning soft. “I love you too, ‘Los.”
He leans in, claiming Carlos’s lips in a tender kiss.
They settle back when they pull apart, Carlos planting a kiss to TK’s head.
He inhales the scent that is all TK, and he feels comfort brewing in his gut, he feels safe, he feels whole. He feels lighter as the worries of the day seep away.
Lying on the couch, with TK in his arms, Carlos is home.
And when TK nuzzles his body backwards and moves closer into Carlos’s hold, Carlos knows in his heart that TK is home, too.
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marjansmarwani · 2 years
Note
hi it’s the anon who asked for your take on next week’s episode! as always, i loved it and i can’t wait to read your fic (i always check them btw. you’re an amazing writer so thank you for sharing them <3)! it did make perfect sense and , again as usual, i was hoping for some of the same things!! i am very curious about the phone as well, because it looks like owen is on the phone as well at one point?? which i’m confused about but oh well, anyways thank you for your answer!! also YES please give us firefam content, i’m so mad that they ruined the 126 hangout comeback agdhsg, like i get it but also, couldn’t they have given us pure hangout content, and THEN drop the bomb?? also i feel you about the tarlos reunion being needed!! if they don’t give it to us i’ll support you and we’ll find the person we have to talk to agdjsg
Actual footage of us all carpooling to fox studios to have words if we don’t get a tarlos reunion scene:
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In regards to ruining the 126 hang with the news I agree, they deserve to have a nice non-traumatic night. Maybe someday they’ll get it. Until then, we have fanfic.
It does look like Owen is in the phone at one point which is interesting but I don’t think he is on the phone with Carlos. I have two thoughts on who Carlos is talking to and I’m personally going with his parents because I think it makes sense and I would like to see it, but I have my doubts that they’ll bring in either of those actors for a short scene in an otherwise packed episode, so likely that’ll just be something that happens in my fic.
I’m so happy to hear you say that you always enjoy my fics, too! I spend a lot of time on them and while I do really enjoy writing them it is always so good to hear that other people enjoy them as well! Here’s hoping the episode gives us a lot of what we are hoping for, and feel free to drop by after to share your thoughts!
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starcats1219 · 2 years
Text
So. That new episode, huh?
(This will be talking about past episodes, tonight's episode, 3.08, and other stuff)
(Long post)
1. At the beginning of the season, Tim said that we would see more of characters recovering from injuries, not them just being fine the very next episode. Yeah question, where was that? TK went from being comatose and nearly dying to being totally fine. Yes, of course there was a huge time skip between him in the hospitality to the 126 reopening (there's no snow outside, plus it would take a while to completely rebuild a firehouse). But, that doesn't mean we don't want to see that recovery process take place. I want to see TK and Carlos rebuild their relationship while TK recovers, and all the angst and fluff that comes with it. (One of the many times I've said it: thank god for fanfic!)
2. A lot of people have been annoyed that the writers killed Gwyn off, especially since we've barely seen her interact with her son except for a few moments and the dream sequence for 3.04. And I get it, I really do, I really enjoyed Gwyn's character, and had hoped to see more of her. I'm not sure why the writers decide to go with this storyline and not some other emergency for Gwyn. Maybe Lisa Edelstein was unable to continue the show on a regular basis, so they thought killing her off was the best course of action? (Not that she was a huge role in the show in the first place, since she lived in NY). I'm not sure, and I'm not sure where I stand on the writers choice, it depends on how they play it out when 3.08 airs.
3. I've also seen people pretty pissed, saying that they killed Gwyn to give Owen more development and angst, and that TK will really only get his one line from tonight's episode and won't really get to grieve. I'm not entirely sure thats true? From the summary, promos, and Ronens tweets, it seems like a very TK-centric storyline/episode, which I'm super excited for (what can I say, he's my favourite). It seems like 3.08 is really going to focus on TK's relationship with his mom, hopefully giving us some content people have been wanting (look at point 2). For people worried about the whole episode (or rest of the season) being Owen-centric, it's been a pattern that episode 8 of each season has featured TK angst/whump, so I don't think Owen will play a huge part. As for the rest of the season, who can say? We'll just have to wait and see.
4. Final point, super quick. I've seen a couple posts asking if this is the writers way of giving tarlos a kid (Jonah) and like...Jonah does have a father? That is known information, correct? I'm assuming Enzo was the one who called TK, and as Jonah's father he'll be the caretaker and parent. What I do think would be interesting though, is if Enzo and Jonah moved to Austin, to be closer to TK and the whole 126 as a support system. Do I think it will happen? Probably not, but it's a cool thought.
Sorry this is so long, just wanted to get some thoughts out there and out of my brain. Before anyone says anything, I'm not trying to defend the writers, there are definitely some things I'd like to see change, I was mostly trying to think of why the choices that were made happened.
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Text
Now!! A couple final thoughts.
YES Grace deserves to be boss at video games. YES Judd bond with your son. YES FINALLY OWEN DIDN'T COMPLETELY SAVE THE DAY HE WA JUST NEEDED!!!
Like thank GOODNESS gosh
Anyway! Time for the episode. . .
REVIEW
Now I'll be honest: I did actually really like this episode! It's definitely not my favorite of the season so far (especially due to the conspicuous lack of Tarlos -.- /lh), but I still thought it was a pretty solid episode. Definitely very unique, although the plot to me kinda dragged a little bit. We had the barbed wire, and then alllllll of that intertwined, with some sprinkles of Tommy in there, then randomly smack in the middle the medical rescue (at least we got to see TK! And Nancy :))) - though he seemed rather quiet this episode, but he's probably just chilling :)); glad he was concerned for Owen though, but, well, eh, we'll talk about that in a moment :)) ) which sorta fed into Tommy's episode arc, and then back to the rest of it, before finally, the gift tracking-down. Don't get me wrong, I still enjoyed it, but ¯\_(ツ)_/¯. Just felt a little bit funky to me.
Now things I DID like!
Gonna get TK out of the way real quick because there wasn't much of him because it's not about him (not always/right now I mean) but he's my baby so I have to talk about him (and Carlos, though there's obviously not much to say there lol) for a minute and just get it out of the way xDD. As usual, loved my boy, that hasn't changed, even the brief glimpse of Carlos we saw in the promo (not like a literal split second, but, yk lol xdd). Still manifesting/excited for Carlos to take the detective test, especially if it means stressed, studying Carlos (TK helps? 👀👀👀👀 Studying or with stress whichever one lol, or both, goodness knows he's taken plenty of tests with all his firefighter-ness and paramedic-ness). Anyway, I thought the little bit of TK checking on Owen was cute :)). For radiation poisoning, I mean. Also, the "And my nightmares", about the roundworm - yeah, probably mood XD. Lol, anyway!! That's enough about TK, and Carlos.
Now! I accidentally took a while talking about him/them/that and I really do need to hurry right now, so I hope I do the others, yk, the main parts of the episode xdd, justice, lol. Now first, the Ryders!
As usual, I LOOOOOOOOOOVE them 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍. Like, they're babey. Okay?? They're just babey. Now, with Charlie (and I guess, kinda in a way, Wyatt??) especially lol. I really loved the bonding between Judd and Wyatt, even if it was a rocky road/slope (I don't even know right now lol who knows what I want I just do), and had some really awkward moments that I had to hide from. It was scary 😭😭😭😭😭 /lh /hi. Anyway, lol, I'm glad they're starting to work it out :'))) ❤️❤️. Literally, my babeys <33333. All of them, lol xd. Parent and kid alike, any four of 'em - 5, I guess, if you want to count Wyatt's mom. Whatever the heck when face/name is lol xdd. I should probably know- well, not "know by now", since we've known her for like, an episode (as she wasn't in this one I guess I mean, idrk lol), but eh, still, I should probably know lol. Anyway!!
Owen. Nice job not being the ENTIRETY of the solution or episode. Not the ENTIRE focus. Nice, lol. Also, we find out you're a weirdo /j. But seriously though, just imagine the team coming up like "Uhhh???? Cap believes in aliens????" and TK's just like "Just don't question it, y'all. Just move on and don't question." XDDD. Anyway, nice job my dude, lol. And pretty funny, again too, you just weren't the complete (well last time it was more just 'physical' I guess because ~Carlos~ and thought about saying Tarlos so also ~Tarlos~ but to a lesser degree lol) hero :))). Nice, lol :D xD!
And, finally, Tommy. Hunny. Darling. Huh. Honey. Babe. Babey. Love. Babes. Baby. HOOOONNNNNNNNEEEYYYYYYYYY 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭. You don't deserve this darling :'((((. All of these terms are platonic XD. Anyway, I love her so much, but bestie, neither of us deserve this :'''((((( 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭. You deserve so much better, honey - not that it's better than him, but I mean like, than this sadness.
So sad 😢😢😢, but I'm glad the candles kit back up :'). He was here. Charles was here watching and is ready to protect who he loves <3333 😭😭😭. And I love that the candles re-/lit 😍😍😍. Heartbreaking, and magnificent.
Now, the plot! I did actually like it :)). Kinda depressing and sad, what happened to them (like, those people, the artists <3 <33), but nonetheless, VERY interesting. And yeah, like I said earlier, certainly very unique. Lol, anyway, yeah! Quick notes:
Wyatt is babey :))) He is mine your honor <3333
Nah but his mom gets it, and then Judd after her, and then probably everyone else, in the firefam and outwards, before me lol, but still XDDD. Anyway, lol, last quick note:
IS THAT TIM'S CAT????
THAT'S PROBABLY TIM'S CAT
Dying thank you <3333 😭😭😭😭
Two deaths (noy literally - in the ~ p a a A a A A a s t ~) in this episode today, dang.
Lol, anyway, yeah!
Overall: I very much likes the episode. It wasn't my favorite, but, in fact, I haven't found an episode (specifically this season, but, really, at all, to be honest) that I DIDN'T like yet. And, well, while I don't want to jinx myself, I don't think I well! I'll have ones I enjoy more and/or ones I'll enjoy less, but I just love this show :DDD!! I don't think it's possible for me to actually fully dislike or even hate an episode :)).
So yeah! I'm scared of the promo, having feelings, and while this wasn't my absolute favorite episode of the series in general or the season so far, I still really enjoyed it and had a fun time :)).
So!!! This has been my episode review of. . .
9-1-1: Lone Star, Season 3, Episode 6: The ATX Files
I'm super excited for the next one 😁😁😁 :)))!!! And that will be my review of. . .
9-1-1: Lone Star, Season 3, Episode 7: Red vs. Blue
See you next week :)))))!!!!
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tngrace · 3 years
Text
Finding My Happy
My dearest Max, happy birthday dude! I hope you have the best day ever and I hope you enjoy this! Thanks for letting me add the missing Judd/TK and missing Tarlos moments from the last episode. I truly hope you enjoy this.
Read on A03.
As always thanks @moviegeek03 for helping me iron out the finer details and the support. It means the world 💙
After their little talk that morning about the news TK received the night before, Judd knows something major is up when TK leaves his father's office with a simultaneously pissed off and kicked puppy look on his face. "TK," he calls out, but TK just brushes past all of them.
Judd sees the questioning looks from the others and just shakes his head at them. "I'll take him," he says heading in the direction TK went.
He finds TK outside pacing the front of the firehouse. "Hey. Take a breath," Judd says, laying a hand on TK's shoulder. TK tries to shrug him off, but Judd just gives his shoulder a squeeze and holds him still. "You wanna go out again? Talk?" He questions when TK won't say anything.
TK looks at him with those sad eyes and a nod, and Judd squeezes his shoulder in response knowing he'd do anything with TK giving him that look. "Gimme five and we'll go," Judd tells him as TK nods again wringing his hands. Just as they're loading up in the truck, questioning looks from the others still firmly in place, the alarm sounds and TK groans.
Judd gives him an apologetic look as TK jumps out to gear up and climb in the back. Once everyone is in, Judd takes off leading them to their call. Owen is giving out the information from dispatch, but TK is a little zoned out. The call is easy, routine, and TK was rather impressed that Pearce was able to save someone. He knows Owen can feel the attitude he's giving off, but he can't help it. His dad's comment hurt more than he wants to admit.
Once back at the station, he grabs a bite to eat before he and Judd try once more to have their conversation. "You gonna tell me what's up? Or am I gonna have to pull it out of ya?" Judd eventually asks as they sit in the firetruck and TK doesn't even attempt to start it. 
"It's just something dad said earlier. It just…." TK trails off, biting at his lip as he hangs his head. 
"TK you can tell me anything," Judd reminds him squeezing his shoulder. Judd hates the kicked puppy look TK seems to have perfected. It makes him hurt for his brother. 
"Dad had me sign papers earlier. Signed his power of attorney over to me. Said he's gonna have that cancer surgery in two weeks, the one I've been bugging him to do." 
"That's great bud. I know you've been on him about it," Judd says knowing that would be a relief for TK. 
"Yea…. Well," TK sighs running his hands through his hair tugging at it. "I asked him why he was finally going to do it. And you know what he said?" 
TK's eyes drop to his lap, his hands twitching and wringing with nervous energy. Before they can go any further, their radios crackle to life with a call. Luckily they're right near the firehouse, and after a quick switch of drivers they're back at the station. Judd so wants to know what Owen said to devastate TK like this, but it's gonna have to wait. TK grabs his gear from Paul, and jumps in the back with the others. He can see TK in the mirror zoning out again as Owen talks. He is determined to get to the bottom of this after this call. 
Upon arrival, the two captains converse with the Travis Co Sheriff's Officer on site as the team hangs back waiting for a game plan. TK can already feel the adrenaline starting to course through his body as Owen details out what they need. "You good?" Judd asks him and TK nods reassuringly even though he can tell Judd doesn't buy it. 
He can't help but overhear the conversation with the new guy as everyone else gathers what Owen requested and Judd keeps tabs on the bomb squad. TK hates that his dad is always putting himself in the most dangerous situations, but he knows he can't do anything about it either because Owen wouldn't listen to him. When he hears the new guy declining to go, he knows he needs to speak up and save two captains from being in danger. 
"I'll go," he says getting looks not only from his team, but also both captains. He can almost see the objections on his dad's tongue, so he continues before Owen can object. "I was a dual-function FD medic in New York. All my certifications are up to date. I can do this," he says almost daring his dad to contradict him. 
Owen just nods and tells him to suit up. Captain Vega prepares the bag he will need while Judd pulls TK to the side to help him suit up. "What the hell are you thinking?" He practically growls at TK. 
"That kid needs saving and it was better than both captains risking their lives," he says, stripping down to his undershirt. Judd straps his chest harness around him as TK puts on his helmet. "I'm fine. You're not gonna lose anyone else," TK says quietly to which Judd just grunts. TK knows he's worried, but TK honestly feels steady. 
Jumping through a minefield had his blood pumping and his adrenaline flowing. He almost forgot what Owen had said earlier as he zoned in on work. The call goes faster than TK expects even though his dad almost got blown up. TK felt steady, felt sure of what he was doing and keeping Wes alive. It felt good to get back to the medic side of calls. Once the bomb squad cleared a path for them, TK helped load the boys into the ambulance. 
Before TK could volunteer to ride along with them, Judd pushed him towards the firetruck. TK knew their conversation was far from over, but having a good call helped refocus him. Once back at the station, Judd pulls TK out to the side yard. "That was fool-headed and stupid," Judd starts, but he pulls TK into a tight hug. "And also badass as hell. You did good," he says, making TK shake him off with a nervous laugh. He's still not good at taking praise for just doing his job. 
"Thanks. It felt… it felt good," he says with a shoulder shrug and bashful smile. 
"We'll get back to this," Judd says as they sink into some chairs. "Wanna tell me what your dad said now?" 
TK sighs as he bites his lip, his eyes dropping. He knew Judd wouldn't forget, and he knew he needed to talk about it. He just wanted to ride the adrenaline high a little longer. "I asked him why he was finally doing the surgery. He said…." TK sighs and Judd can see he's fighting tears. "He said because he's going to be a father," TK gets out quietly not looking at Judd. 
Judd is stunned. He didn't think Owen could be so callous to TK. He has to bite back a growl of anger on TK's behalf. "I mean…. I know he's happy about a new baby, and it's their…. Their second chance to get it right and not screw this one up.... but I just… " 
"TK stop!" Judd says forcefully interrupting TK's self-degradation, reaching for TK's shoulder giving it a squeeze. "You are not a screw up, you hear me?" Judd searches his eyes trying to make sure TK hears him and believes him. "You're not. And I don't give a damn how happy he is about another kid. That doesn't give him the right to ignore and hurt the one he's already got. Just because you're an adult, doesn't make you any less his kid." 
"Thanks Judd," TK says quietly. "Dad's… dad's always just been dad," he shrugs. "He wasn't around much as a kid, and then mom worked, and I just... I figured things out on my own, made some bad decisions, some not so bad…. And I became a firefighter so I could be a part of his family finally." TK hates painting his dad in this bad light, but he's just trying to be honest with someone who's always honest with him. "He's always had a hero complex and when I need saving he's there. And then he finds someone or something else that needs saving, and that's that. I'm used to it, but I dunno. It just…. It hurt this morning ya know?" TK finishes, his eyes dropping back to his folded hands. 
"Of course it did. And you have every right to feel that way, and express how you feel TK." 
TK scoffs as he finally looks at Judd. "He wouldn't listen if I said something. He'd tell me I misheard him or something. Hell he didn't even notice anything after he said it, and I know I don't have that good of a poker face," TK says with a shrug. "But that last call, it felt good. It felt right. It made me forget what he’d said for minute.  I haven't done medical since New York for obvious reasons, but it just…. I don't know it felt really good." 
"TK you were a total badass out there today. If this is something you want you should go for it. I doubt Pearce is gonna last with Tommy. I'd say he's already out the door," Judd says looking back at the firehouse. 
"Yea but…" he trails off with a deep sigh. 
"But what? You've got the qualifications and the experience. You proved yourself today for sure. Tommy would be lucky to have you." 
"But what about us? The team? Dad?" He trails off quietly.
"TK we're still a team, a family. That's not gonna change just because you move over to medical. We're gonna support whatever you want to do because that's what family does. If this is something you want you should go for it." Judd’s quiet for a moment contemplating his next words. He reaches over, squeezing TK's shoulder, making him look at him. "You don't have to do everything exactly like your dad did. You have a family that loves you and supports you, and if he's too stupid to see that, that's on him. You have to do what makes you happy, bud. And if medical is what's gonna do it, then I say go for it." 
TK nods, taking in Judd's words. "Think you could sneak me an application just in case?" TK asks him with a sly grin. 
"Yea… yea of course. Think it over, but you've always got our support," Judd says squeezing TK's shoulder one more time before heading inside. And if he decides to detour by Owen's office to give him a piece of his mind, then TK doesn't have to know. TK sits there for another minute before going to find the rest of the team to see what their thoughts are on this development.
He finds the rest of them in the kitchen. He jumps up on the counter, grabbing some chips to snack on as they hear footsteps coming down the stairs. Pearce has his bag over his shoulder, and says his goodbyes. "And another one bites the dust. Man Vega's got them dropping like flies over there," Paul chuckles. 
"Must be tough," Mateo chimes in. 
Before TK thinks it through he opens his mouth, "She's tough. So is the job. It was… um.. it was pretty exciting though," he says with a grin and a shrug jumping off the counter. 
"You should get his paycheck for this week and yours," Marjan says as Mateo chimes in, "Yea you were a badass out there." 
TK chuckles as he shakes his head at Mateo's enthusiasm. "Thanks guy," he says bashfully. "I uh… I wanted to ask you all something." He notices three sets of eyes fall on him immediately, and he can't help but nervously chew on his bottom lip. "I uh… Judd and I were talking just a bit ago…. And I just… I wanted to see…" 
"Yes," Paul says before TK can even finish, making the other two look at him strange. He gives them a shrug and a smirk having already figured out where TK was going with this. "That's not fair," comes from Marjan, and "Let him finish," from Mateo making Paul and TK both chuckle. 
Paul's unwavering support gave TK the boost he needed to spit it out. "I wanted to see how you all would feel or what you all would think if I applied for Vega's open position. Judd seemed to think it was a good idea, but I don't want to… I don't want to mess this up," he says gesturing between the four of them. 
"Yes," Paul says again as the other two appear to be in shock. TK turns to them biting at his lip as Paul clears his throat and shoots them a look. 
"TK I think you would be amazing at it," Marjan says squeezing his arm. Mateo is the only one not to say anything until Marjan nudges him. "Yea.. You'd be great at it TK. I wasn't kidding when I said you were badass today." 
"Are you sure?" TK asks, getting three nods in return. "Aren't you worried about this changing things?" He asks them gesturing between them once more. 
"No," Paul and Marjan say at the same time. "We're all still a part of the same house. We're all still gonna hang out at Carlos's. We're still family TK. That will never change," Paul finishes getting agreement from the other two. 
"Thanks guys," he says with that bashful grin again. "I wanna talk to Carlos first, but I think I really want this." 
"Vega will be lucky to have you," Marjan says. They all three converge on him for a hug before Paul gets called away and shift ends. When TK grabs his bag, he sees the application Judd must have slipped in there and smiles. He tells his team bye, barely gets goodbye out to his dad, before he's heading towards home, to Carlos's. 
Carlos was just finishing up dinner when he hears the key in the door and his boyfriend walks in. "Hey babe," TK calls, dropping his duffle at the door and kicking his shoes off.
"Don't think you're out of the doghouse," Carlos says trying to be gruff, but he opens his arms to TK for a hug and a kiss. 
"You heard?" TK says cocking his head to the side and scrunching his nose adorably. 
"Did I hear that my boyfriend went jumping through a minefield?" Carlos asks with a contemplative look. "Yes… yes of course I did because the bomb squad couldn't quit talking about it." 
TK pouts and Carlos just finds it too adorable. He gives TK a soft kiss as he squeezes him gently. "Did I also hear that said boyfriend saved two kids' lives and was a total badass about it? Yea I heard that too," he smiles kissing TK's scrunched nose. 
"Who told you that part?" TK asks, adorably confused. 
"Judd sent me a text while they were watching y'all jump through the field. Then he let me know you were fine and had done a stellar job." 
TK gives him a bashful smile finally letting Carlos get back to plating their dinner. "Yea it was pretty cool," TK says, getting two glasses of tea as Carlos brings their food to the table. "I uh… I haven't felt that good on a call in a long time," TK says barely meeting Carlos's eyes. He has the support of his team, but he's still nervous about telling Carlos what he wants. 
"Yea? That had to make for a good day then right?" Carlos asks, picking up on TK's nerves but not pushing him. 
"Mmmm yea," TK says with a nod as he digs into the delicious as always food. "That part of the day was good. The rest…." He trails off with a shrug. 
"Wanna talk about it?" 
"Eh… dad just made some comment that hurt," TK says shrugging it off. 
"TK your feelings are valid no matter what he says, you know that right?" Carlos asks, laying his hand over TK's. He knows TK and Owen have their spells where Owen won't listen and makes TK feel unheard and insignificant. But he wants TK to know it's ok to feel what he feels and to voice those feelings. 
"Judd said the same thing," TK says, finally meeting his eyes. 
"Then maybe you should start believing it," Carlos smiles. 
"Yea… and then the call today. It just…. It got me thinking," TK says pushing his plate away and climbing into Carlos's lap straddling him. He wants the comfort of being close to his boyfriend. 
"Yea? Thinking about what?" Carlos asks, wrapping his arms around TK’s waist. 
"What I really wanna do. Today was so invigorating and I felt really good about it. I felt confident and sure of myself. Something I haven't felt on the job since New York. And I talked it over with Judd and the rest of the crew, and I think…" he trails off biting his lip. Carlos rubs his back and softly kisses his lips to get him to stop biting it. "I think I want to apply to Captain Vega's open paramedic position." 
Carlos gives him a soft smile and softly kisses his forehead. "I think with that big caring amazing heart of yours that you will make an amazing paramedic," Carlos murmurs.
"Yea?" 
"Yes baby. I think you would rock at it." 
TK lets out a breath he didn't realize he was holding as he lights up. "Would you maybe wanna help me type up this resume then?" TK grins toying with the buttons on Carlos's polo. "I mean I can do it, but I'd…" 
Carlos kisses him to interrupt him. "Yes. I will," he grins. 
They finish dinner, and Carlos clears the plates as TK gets his laptop. They type out TK's resume for the paramedic application, and Carlos is honestly impressed. He already knew TK had been on the job straight from high school, but he didn't realize what great scores TK had on his tests or how many commendations of Valor he had already racked up. "Baby this is impressive," Carlos says in awe. 
TK blushes and shrugs him off.  "Captain Vega is going to be lucky to have you," Carlos says kissing TK's forehead. "You said you talked to the team, so what did your dad say?" Carlos asks. He knows TK said Owen had made a hurtful comment and he's trying not to push TK, but he is curious. 
"I haven't told him," TK says with a shrug. Carlos wrinkles his forehead at that, setting the laptop on the coffee table and pulling TK into his lap. 
"I see. Do you wanna tell me what happened?" Carlos asks him softly. TK bites his lip before recounting the conversation with Owen earlier and what Judd told him. TK can feel Carlos's anger, and he runs his hands through Carlos's curls to try and calm him. Carlos takes a couple deep breaths knowing this is about TK, not him. 
"TK, I'm going to agree with Judd on this one. I know sometimes your dad speaks before he thinks, and I don't like how he makes you feel insignificant and unimportant. Because you are the most important person and you deserve to feel how you feel. I get why you don't want to tell him, but he's going to find out and you're gonna have to talk at some point." 
Carlos runs his hand up and down TK's back, "But no matter what, I'm going to support you, and I'm going to love you, and I'm always going to be here no matter what. This is your home too, and you’re my life. I never want you questioning where you belong ever again." 
He reaches up and wipes TK's tears. "I think you're going to make an amazing paramedic, and if you need help coming up with what to say to your dad, then I'm here. Whatever you need," Carlos says as TK dives in for a hard passion filled kiss. 
"I love you too Carlos, so much," TK murmurs as he snuggles his face into Carlos's neck. They eventually make it to bed with TK feeling confident in his choice to apply. He hopes Vega will accept it because now that he's set his mind to it, he really wants it. He knows he's going to have to talk to his dad at some point, but for now he falls asleep in his boyfriend's arms, happy and secure in his choice. 
71 notes · View notes
reyesstrand · 3 years
Text
let your heart be light
tarlos & firefam dynamics / teen+ / 2.6k
To be fair, TK wasn’t sure what to expect for his first holiday season in Austin. But he has his dad, he has his team, he has Carlos—and it’s enough.
@911giftexchange for @teaamfreewill — i hope you enjoy this AJ, and have a happy holiday season!!! 💗
ALSO AVAILABLE ON AO3!!
“It just doesn’t feel right without snow.”
Paul looks at him with that ever-present, all-knowing look in his eyes, before letting out a sigh and nodding. “You’re telling me, New York.”
“Like,” TK starts, fully aware that he’s gravitating into rambling status at this point, but he can never stop himself. He rests a foot on the bottom rung of the shopping cart, leaning his weight against the handle as Paul analyzes the nutritional facts on two different brands of steel-cut oats. “It doesn’t feel like the holidays without at least one storm that makes you question your existence.”
Humming in agreement, Paul puts one package back on the shelf and tosses the other in the cart, before hesitating and grabbing a few more of the pale-blue bags before they're good to move on to produce. When there's a comfortable lull in conversation, both of them crossing items off the list his dad's very carefully crafted for the bi-weekly shopping trips, TK lets his mind drift to holidays past.
His parents wanted him to grow up with both the tradition of celebrating Hanukkah and Christmas, but as he grew older, Decembers tended to blur into every other month. He'd always call his mom if he was working late, smiling down at photos she'd send him of her attempts to perfect her grandmother's recipe for sufganiyot, always making his stomach rumble. And, even if she was out of the city at the time, she'd always send him a box of homemade pastries and a card with a lengthy message inscribed inside that'd make him feel warmed from the inside out. And his dad would always make him at least come for a dinner on the twenty-fifth, even if dinner was just takeout eaten straight out of the cartons while they watched the Christmas parade he always recorded.
They were simple traditions, but they were theirs.
In Austin, TK's slowly getting used to calling it home. The snow thing had been the first to strike him, because while he's seen his fair share of strange Texan weather, not waking up to white covering every surface and bitter cold nipping at his skin has been throwing him for a loop. 
"Earth to TK," Paul says, tossing him a bell pepper. TK catches it, rolling his eyes playfully at his friend. "We should start figuring out a place and time for the Not-Christmas dinner."
"Carlos offered his place," TK says, without thinking. Paul just grins at him. 
"That seems to be going well, huh?" Paul asks, hip-checking TK as they walk side-by-side to the checkout. TK feels his face go warm, though he busies himself with adjusting the rolled sleeves of his black t-shirt, printed with the 126 crest over his heart. Paul just musses up his hair before ducking out of grasp for retaliation, sidling up to the cashier and offering his big smile at her while she begins to ring them up. "I'm happy for you, kid. We all are." 
TK does smile at that, because it's the one shining light in all of this. He hadn't been sure what a holiday season with a new boyfriend would be like, especially when every single one of his friends were also friends with said boyfriend, but they've all been relatively tame. No shoving them under the mistletoe yet, which TK guesses is only a matter of time. 
"Anyway," Paul says, and TK sticks his hands into his pockets, suddenly glad Marjan isn't here to poke at his pink cheeks. 
"Anyway," TK agrees. "Carlos did offer to let us use his place, though. He suggested the twenty-second, so that way people could still go see their families." 
"The twenty-second it is," Paul smiles, already typing the date into their group chat, followed by five question marks. Because Carlos thought ahead for these things, TK knows they're all already going to be on one of their twenty-four-hour off periods; Carlos works that morning but will be home by noon, and as long as TK has detailed instructions, he won't have a problem starting the food early. 
A small knot forms deep in TK's chest, even though he knows there's still two weeks before the proposed group dinner. He just thanks the cashier after paying with the credit card his dad gave him before they left the station an hour ago, and they head back out into the sunny, barely-cool, snowless, December afternoon. 
***
TK's just hanging up with his mom, absently kicking at a rock in the lot just outside the bay doors, when he feels someone creep up behind him. 
He doesn't even blink, though, because he smells sandalwood and tangy citrus and is smiling before he feels familiar arms settle around him. He tells his mom I love you, too, and stuffs his phone in his pocket and leans back into Carlos' touch, for half a moment, before turning in his arms and pressing their foreheads together. 
"Did you know you're impossible to shop for?" 
TK grins, and presses a quick kiss to the corner of Carlos' mouth before pulling back enough to look him in the eye. "What a welcoming statement after not seeing each other for twenty-seven hours." 
Carlos rolls his eyes affectionately, and tightens his hold around TK's middle. "I missed you, Ty." 
"I missed you too," TK grins, cupping Carlos' face between his palms and finally closing the distance between them properly. "But I do take offence to that. I'm perfect in every way." 
Carlos huffs a laugh against his mouth and presses in for one more kiss, before scraping his blunt nails against the fine hairs at TK's nape. "Believe me, I know, sweetheart." 
He feels a pleasant ripple shoot through him, and TK's struck again by the fact that he gets to have this. He's close enough to see the flecks of gold in Carlos' warm brown eyes, and he wonders how it's only been three months because he feels like he's known him forever. He thinks of decorating with Marjan today and the sudden pang of homesickness that he couldn't quite explain. 
"You okay?" Carlos asks, because he can read even the most microscopic of his expressions like the back of his own hand. TK covers it up with a smile. 
"Yeah, of course," TK brushes his thumb along Carlos' jaw, before standing back, dragging his hand down the length of Carlos' arm so he could grab his hand and tangle their fingers together. "Come on, I'll buy you dinner." 
"My prince," Carlos plays along, hand over his heart, but there's still a look in his eyes. He runs his thumb over the backs of TK's knuckles, and when TK squeezes his hand tighter, he gets a small smile in return. 
***
They'd realized sometime between Thanksgiving and the first of December that they'd have to celebrate as a team, this year. 
The non-denominational, coined-by-Mateo "Not-Christmas Dinner" idea was agreed upon pretty quickly, and TK is beyond excited to start creating new traditions with his family. But he's struggling, is the thing. He wouldn't ever mention it to anyone because he hates stressing them out, and though he has no urge to do anything stupid because for the first time in a while he's happy—like, really fucking happy—he can't help but to feel like everything has to be perfect. 
It boils down to this: he misses his mom like crazy, even though she stayed with him and his dad for a couple weeks back in September when he was still healing. He's finally getting back on track with his dad, after long nights of hashing things out about his childhood. And he and Alex never did much for the holidays save for giving each other a couple gifts because they could never work out how to spend an equal amount of time with both of their families—which, in hindsight, is yet another element of the two and a half years TK lost to the man he thought was his soulmate—but now with Carlos he just wants things to be special. They already have plans to visit Carlos' mom and sisters on Christmas Eve, and Owen had lovingly coerced Carlos into a Strand family dinner on Christmas Day. 
It just feels like a lot. 
"Hey, are you okay?" Marjan asks, bumping his shoulder with hers as she strolls into Carlos' kitchen. The twenty-second kind of crept up on TK, and now he's here, attempting to hold down the fort while Carlos makes a last-minute trip to the store. His kitchen's a homey space, and, like the rest of his boyfriend's place, it's tastefully decorated with garland and candles and little angel statues that have been passed down through his family. There's a photo of the two of them on Carlos' fridge, pressed together at a pumpkin patch they'd spent a date night at back in October, and TK gets a little lost in the memory. Marjan has to nudge him a little harder to get him to snap back into it. "TK?" 
"Oh, hey," TK smiles at her, and goes back to making sure that the green beans don't stick to the bottom of the pan. She claims a burner of her own to keep her tagine warm, leaning back against the counter with her arms folded over her chest. 
"You're spacing out a bit," Marjan says, and when TK keeps his eyes trained on the vegetables he swore he could handle, she just makes a small noise and places a hand on his shoulder. "You've been a little quiet lately."
There's a pause, where neither of them say anything, before Marjan drops her voice a little and adds:
"Hey, you know you can talk to me, right?" 
"I'm just—" TK shakes his head and bites at the inside of his cheek, turning down the heat to try and kill more time.
He doesn't know how to tell her—and the rest of them—that he's both so thankful for this family he's found and so, so terrified of messing it all up. Thankfully, he doesn't have to; there's a knock at the door and Marjan offers to get it, leaving TK alone with a soft smile. He sighs, and closes his eyes for a long moment. 
***
After food has been served, and gifts have been exchanged, they all sit around Carlos' living room. The conversations overlap like they always do, and TK sits comfortably under the glow of the light from the tree and the warmth of Carlos' arm thrown over his shoulder. He's slowly picking at a piece of Grace's pecan pie, and he knows he should just let himself get lost in the moment, but he can't. He taps his foot at a staccato beat against the floor, and even when Carlos throws him a questioning look and settles his hand on TK's knee, he doesn't stop. 
He finally excuses himself ten minutes later. 
Carlos' place has a nice little backyard area, where they've all gathered for parties and after-work hangouts countless times. It's a little chilly as the sun's gone down, and TK sighs out loud and sees his breath puff out in front of him. He smiles just a little, and kicks his foot against the porch, dropping down onto the steps. 
He's expecting Carlos to come after him; or maybe Marjan, or his dad. Instead it's Grace who settles down next to him, a hand splayed over her four-month pregnant belly. 
"Honey," she starts, and TK ducks his head. His eyes burn, and he roughly sniffs. "TK. You don't have to hide whatever you're thinking from us." 
He takes a deep breath, and scrubs a hand down his face. And then he says: "I don't want to bring down your mood." 
Grace gives him one of her warm smiles. "TK, every day I'm reminded why you and my husband get along so well." 
TK rolls his eyes and gently nudges her arm with his shoulder. 
"Now tell me what's wrong," Grace says, and TK rubs the back of his neck before he starts talking. 
He tells her everything. About how the holidays usually meant bickering with Alex. How it meant celebrating with both of his parents, sure, but also dealing with awkward dinners with their new significant others. About how he hasn't felt this good since he was a kid and he doesn't want to fuck it up. 
"You could never fuck it up," Grace tells him, squeezing his hand that she's been holding between both of hers. TK meets her eyes and finds nothing but sincerity, nothing but the warmth and reassurance that always seems to be there. "Never. And know that all of us in there don't care about perfect as long as we have you, as long as we're all together. Now, I'm going to send that beautiful man of yours out here so you can talk to him, because he's been worried." 
At that exact moment, they hear the telltale creak of the door opening; both of them glance over their shoulders and spot Carlos. 
He moves to leave, lifting a hand in apology. "Sorry to interrupt—" 
"I was just leaving," Grace says, getting to her feet and squeezing TK's shoulder for a brief moment. When she disappears back into the house, Carlos takes her spot, and wordlessly presses a lingering kiss to TK's temple. 
"Ty," Carlos starts, and TK stops him in his tracks with a kiss. 
"I'm sorry for being distant, lately," TK murmurs half against his lips, because even though he knows that Carlos has seen him pretty close to his worst he hates the thought of pulling him down; of making him unhappy. "I'm just—it's been so long since I've had this. And I've never had someone like you. I was so worried about not messing things up that I got in my head." 
"Hey," Carlos whispers, getting TK to look him in the eye. "Please don't apologize, okay? We're all healthy, and here together—that's what matters, right? That I get to have you by my side through it all?"
Could you blame TK for surging forward to kiss him again? 
When they part, TK whispers: "Thank you." 
"What for?" Carlos asks, eyes glinting with confusion. 
"For being you," TK says, knowing how it sounds. 
Carlos shakes his head, moving to lace their fingers together. 
They move in unison to press their foreheads together, and TK whispers, "I love you so much. I just needed you to know that." 
"Of course I do," Carlos says, smiling into it when he kisses TK before speaking again. "I love you too. And I don't want you to feel like you have to—to hide what you're feeling." 
TK just lets himself have what he wants, what he needs in the moment, and it's this: Carlos' mouth against his, again and again. 
***
They re-enter the party ten minutes later, and all eyes are on them when they slip into the living room. 
TK opens his mouth to make some big declaration, but Marjan catches his eye, and then Paul. Then it's his dad who dramatically clears his throat and points above the two of them. 
Because, of course, there's mistletoe fastened to the doorway above them. 
"I hate you all," TK mutters, to which Judd yells lies! and Paul yells something about getting on with it. So, TK does; he presses his palms to either side of Carlos' face and grins at him before closing the distance between them. There's a whoop from someone for effect, and then when they pull apart Marjan pulls him down next to her on the loveseat so he can be thrown into a conversation about fighting mall elves they'd had to deal with during a call yesterday. 
Looking around the room, he realizes he had nothing to worry about at all. And, to be fair, TK wasn't sure what to expect for his first holiday season in Austin. But he has his dad, he has his team, he has Carlos—and it's enough. 
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alwaysablossom · 3 years
Text
Fic: 365 Days of Knowing You
Summary: Everyone has learned to tune out Probie for the most part, because they are all used to him not shutting up. So that’s what TK is also doing, until he hears Mateo mention, “Can you imagine it’s almost a year since we all started here.”Or: The 126 celebrates their 1st anniversary and TK tries to show Carlos how much he means to him.
Notes: So two days ago, I posted my first Tarlos FF on AO3. I thought I might share it here as well. Hope you all like it. Please do let me know if you do. 
Here goes..  
TK has been mindlessly scrubbing the firetruck clean, half listening to Mateo and Marjan’s usual banter. Everyone has learned to tune out Probie for the most part, because they are all used to him not going on and on. So that’s what TK is doing, until he hears Mateo mention, “Can you imagine it’s almost a year since we all started here.”
He shouldn’t really be surprised really. He has been carrying his one-year sobriety chip for a few weeks now. But the realization that he has been with the 126 for almost a year brings another realization, that he has known Carlos just as long. And although they didn’t officially start dating till a few months later, he can still remember the first time he laid his eyes on Carlos, that rainy night of their first shift, the dancing at bar and the sexy times which followed.
“Hey TK, coming?” he hears Marjan says, breaking him out of his thought. Paul and Judd are setting the table for the lunch that Paul has been making for the previous hour. TK nods, jogging up to catch up to her. “Dreaming of Lover boy?” Marjan teases. TK huffs as his ears tinge pink, and Marjan laughs reaching up to ruffle his hair.
Once they are sitting at the table, they all start talking about how to celebrate the one year anniversary of all of the new 126 and decide to do a party the day before at the firehouse because all of them are not working the day of.
The one-year celebrations at the firehouse starts at the end of a 24-hour shift, but there is laughter, food and family. His mother, Grace, and Tommy’s family as well as Carlos join in on the celebration. His dad gives a speech, and they all have cake which is shaped like a firetruck this time.
He moves next to Carlos, wrapping his arms around Carlos’s waist. Carlos automatically wraps his arms around TK’s shoulders, pulling him in closer, pressing a kiss to the crown of TK’s forehead.
“It’s been a year huh?” Carlos asks him softly. “Yeah”, he answers softly, tilting his head, to press a kiss to Carlos’ chin. “Thanks for coming, even if you have a shift in an hour”.
“I wouldn’t have missed it, we kept missing each other this past week, I wanted to be here.” TK moves to stand in front of Carlos, wrapping his arms around his neck. Carlos adjust himself, his arms coming to rest on TK’s hips. “I have missed you” he says. “Well, I get done with my shift at 10 and nothing unexpected happens, I should be back before midnight. Then we have two days free.” TK nods, they have discussed this before. “Will you be there, tonight?” Carlos asks him, worrying his bottom lip. And before TK can answer he adds, “You need not be, I mean you have to rest, you are just finishing a 24 hour shift and- .”
“Hey, Carlos,” TK interrupts. “I will be there, I have all of your shift to rest. Maybe even bring some pancakes for a midnight snack from the diner, for a midnight snack.” He moves his hand, his fingers, caressing at the edge of Carlos’ lip, where he has been biting it. “I would love that” Carlos answers. “We could have a slow morning, I could make breakfast” “Hmm..” TK replies, his lips finding Carlos’ and although the thought of what they are going to do tonight or in the morning tomorrow make him want to deepen the kiss, he is reminded he is still at his work place, even though they are having a party, so he keeps it light.
“I know you are having brunch with your parents tomorrow, but do you think we could spend the afternoon together?” TK asks him as they part from the kiss. “I would like nothing more.” Carlos replies, going once more for a kiss when they are interrupted by Marjan.
“Lover-Boys, come on. I know you haven’t seen each other for more than a few minutes this past week, but you can suck faces later. Right now, I want photos.” She says loudly. Paul and Judd snicker in the background and Carlos hides his face in TK’s shoulder as he feels the blush rising, TK pulling him forward towards the group. “How did you know we haven’t seen each other?” He asks Marjan, but it’s Paul who answers. “Your boy never shuts up, and it’s worse when your shifts don’t line up.” TK pinks up at the comment, and Carlos feels all warm. He knows both of them rarely hide how they feel for each other, but it fills him up with some sort of undeniable comfort, when someone else points it out. “Now come on, the celebration demands pictures before you have to leave.” Carlos has known them for a year now, and knows not to protest, that he is not a part of the fire-family or he is going to get an earful from all of them. So, he joins in.
“I’ll see you tonight” Carlos tells TK as he gets ready to leave. “You bet, I love you. Stay safe.” TK tells him. Giving him a small kiss. “I love you too.” Carlos whispers back, squeezing TK’s hands before getting into his car to drive to work.
-------------------------------------------
After leaving the firehouse, TK decides to take a nap at his own house, and prep a few things that he needs for tomorrow. The rest he will do when Carlos is with his parents. He packs a duffel for the weekend at Carlos’ although he has enough of his stuff there. He is back at Carlos’ before dark. Changing out of his jeans, he slips on a some sweats and Carlos’ APD hoodie, he relaxes on the couch, switching on some mindless TV waiting for Carlos to get back.
TK is waiting for Carlos when he gets home from his shift. Carlos had texted him when he was almost done with his work and was wrapping up. And in the meantime, TK had gone out and grabbed them the pancakes that he had promised. Once Carlos gets home, he got changed and joins TK on the couch.
“I can’t believe you have pulled me into the dark side” Carlos says, taking a bite of the pancake. “Pancakes at midnight is the best comfort food there is Carlos.” TK argues. Carlos, smiles at him, moving forwards, kissing the pout on his lips. TK tastes like the syrup and the blueberries from their mid-night snack. “I have to admit, I am enjoying them. I was a bit skeptical when you suggested it the first time.”
“My dad and I used to have pancakes at night. Sometimes after his late shift and I just couldn’t fall asleep, because that was the only time, I could spend with him. There was this diner, near his apartment in New York, we would go there and eat pancakes.” He admits softly.
Carlos’ heart breaks for TK, when he listens to him speak about times like that. He knows TK isn’t complaining, but he just wishes he could go back and hold the teenage TK in his arms all the time telling him he is not alone. Instead, he puts his plate down on the coffee table and gathers him up into his arms. “Thanks for telling me.” He murmurs to the crown of his head. “I didn’t mean to make this depressing.”
“Not depressing, okay?” he tells TK, pressing a kiss to his lips. TK hums in reply, moving his plate out of the way, to deepen the kiss. Carlos, lets out a soft laugh when they part for air, “Not in the mood for pancakes anymore?” He asks, smirking knowing where this is going. “Later,” is the only reply he gets, before TK is kissing him once again. They don’t think about the pancakes for a while.
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TK putters around the house once Carlos leave to meet his parents. He washes the dishes from the night before and this morning from the breakfast that Carlos cooked them both. He puts in the laundry as well. They have both been busy this past week, with nigh shifts and overtimes. Once that is done, he moves on to preparing for the date he plans for Carlos.
He decides to stick with his strengths, not attempting to cook anything big, but he does make something of an evening snack for them and puts everything into the basket he finds in the kitchen, along with all the other stuff. He puts everything in the back seat of his car.
TK opens the door when he hears the Camaro pull in with a bouquet of bright orange gerberas in his hand, before Carlos can use his keys to come in. “Hey” he greats him softly. “Hey, that for me? What’s the occasion?” Carlos asks, taking the flowers into one hand, and the other wrapping around TK’s waist, titling a bit to give him a kiss. “Baby, you are always the occasion” he says, with a smirk. “Smartass” Carlos replies with a chuckle, rubbing their noses together.
“Go on a date with me?” TK asks instead. “Flowers and a date, Ty?” Carlos smiles in question. “Will you?” TK has his lower lip between his lips, brows furrowed. “Of course. I’ll go on a date.” Carlos replies and TK. “Okay then” He replies, pulling them both towards his car in the driveway.
“You meant right now?” Carlos asks, “Of course.” He replies. “You didn’t have any afternoon plans, did you?” Carlos shakes his head no but stops TK from pulling him “Then at least let me put these in water, I don’t want them to get spoilt.”
-------------------------------------------
They drive for a little while, a bit outside the city and TK pulls up to the side of the road in the middle of nowhere. “Why are we here in the middle of nowhere, Ty?” He asks, puzzled. “This is where we met, a year ago today…” TK starts slowly, “The car accident and the baby in the tree” Carlos remembers them meeting as vividly as if it happened yesterday, but he hadn’t remembered that this was the exact spot he had laid his eyes on the person who has now become the most important person in his life.
“Happy one year, ‘Los” TK whispers, bending over the console to give Carlos a lingering kiss. “I know we didn’t start dating till a few months after but meeting you that day is the best thing that happened to me in a long time.” He explains. “Happy one year Ty!” Carlos replies softly, as if speaking a bit louder will break the spell. “You are the best think that happened to me too.” He holds TK’s face in both his hand, pressing their lips together once again.
“So our date is here?” Carlos asks, although it is sentimental, it feels kind of weird to have a date at the edge of the road where they first met. “No” TK laughs. “I just wanted to bring you here, to tell you how much you mean to me, I guess. Now it kind of feels silly.” TK feels his cheeks tinge pink in embarrassment. This all seemed better in his head. “Hey, babe, not silly okay. It means a lot to me too. So, what was your plans?” he ask, gently running his fingers on TK’s neck.
Instead of answering, TK tilts his head a bit, kissing the inside of Carlos’ wrist, before taking the car out of park. They drive a bit more, before they reached the field where they spent the night of the solar flare. This time because Carlos is more aware, he catches up faster.
“The night of the Solar flare, when I decided to give us a real go.” TK says, although he knows that Carlos understands the significance of the place. “I know the sky is not all blue and green, but I thought we could have a picnic and watch the sunset?” he asks. “Yeah” Carlos breathes out.
In all his relationships, Carlos has been the one who has planned dates, made the grand gestures, he did that with TK as well. He never expected anything in return. “Come on” TK says getting out of the car and grabbing a basket and a rug from the back. He should have seen that he is a police officer, he is supposed to notice things, but he was paying attention to his gorgeous boyfriends. Carlos shakes his head, following TK out of the car.
They find a tree; below which TK spreads the rug out and puts the basket down. “Come here” he tells TK once he is sitting with his back to the trunk and looking at the horizon. TK goes willingly, settling between the V of Carlos’ legs, leaning into the chest. They are quiet for a few moments, just enjoying being with each other soaking in the calm and the quiet. Carlos occasionally tilting his head to press a kiss to TK’s head or TK pressing some kisses to Carlos’ jaw and neck, wherever he can reach, without moving too much.
After a while, when TK starts feeling a bit hungry, he shifts out from Carlos’ arms, but Carlos tightens his arms, whining a bit and nuzzles his nose into TK’s neck. “I thought we could eat something” TK tells him with a chuckle, indicating to the basket. With another kiss to the base of his head, Carlos lets him go. TK does not go far, pulling the basket closer and settling right next to Carlos, their shoulders and thighs touching this time. “Please tell me you didn’t cook?” Carlos asks teasingly. “I didn’t want to kill us both and burn your kitchen, but I made some sandwiches and I have some drinks.” TK says defensively. “So it’s a school picnic, then?” He asks, a teasing tone still in his voice. “Carlos” TK pouts. “Sorry sorry. I was just teasing” Carlos raises his arms up in surrender. They finish food TK has brought in comfortable silence.
It’s almost time for sunset, the colors in the sky are changing slightly when TK brings out a box from inside the basket. “Happy one year Carlos” he says handing it over. “What’s this?” He asks opening it, inside it is filled with scraps of paper.
“The first anniversary is the Paper Anniversary, these are our memories from last year” TK tells him softly. Indeed, inside all types of paper, which some people would have thrown out thinking they are scraps. The tab from their date at the bar, tickets stubs from their time at the drive through, post it notes that Carlos has left TK when he had to leave early, a card from the flowers he sent over among others.
“Ty…” He starts, not knowing what to say. He looks up from the box in his lap to TK’s face, beyond him the sky is a pretty shade of pinks and purples and oranges, but he can only see the pink on TK’s cheeks and his green eyes.
“Carlos, last year when I came here to Austin, it was because my dad dragged me here. My life was all grey and cold. Each day this past year, you have added color and warmth into my life. Last year all I wanted was to get through each day, but now I look forward to not just the next day but the years to come, with you, if you will have me.” TK holds both of Carlos’s hand in his. Carlos’ eyes fill with tears.
“Move in with me?” he says instead. “What?” TK asks, surprised by the question. “My life may not have been grey before you got here Tyler, but it is only in this past year that I knew there were so many colors. You changed my life. I know you stay over like most of the time, but move in with me officially, lets make memories at home?
“Yeah…” TK breaths, moving forwards, capturing Carlos’ lips in a bruising kiss. “Yes, yes, yes” he breathes out, punctuated by kisses. Carlos, returns the kisses just as enthusiastically, both of them smiling through the kisses.
Carlos has filled his life with so much joy and warmth, TK can’t wait to show him how much Carlos mean to him. And he is going to do just that, everyday until Carlos lets him.
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reyescarlos · 3 years
Note
94. “I could think of worse ways to die.” Or 97.“How do you always manage to look so perfect?” For tarlos if that works for you my love 🥰
it’s definitely 3 in the morning for you so lmao i hope you enjoy this when you wake up!
#94 “I could think of worse ways to die.”
Two and a half months of uncertainty, of TK debating whether or not his banter with Carlos is merely cordial or flirtatious. Having a crush—especially at this magnitude— is the last thing TK had been expecting but he failed to imagine how anyone could be immune to Carlos Reyes.
More than just his looks, of which that man certainly wasn’t lacking, TK had been instantly drawn to Carlos’ personality, his dry sense of humor that never failed to bring out a laugh from TK any time they were together. Out on calls Carlos’ assuredness was captivating. Having a front row seat to the man in action, confident and brilliant, has made TK fall that much harder.
He’s spent weeks taking notice of all these little facets about Carlos, storing it all away. It’s been a privilege getting to know him, to extend their working relationship to a personal one. But TK wishes to take it one step further and make it romantic.
Carlos seems to be in his thoughts constantly, to the point that TK feels as if he’s always mere moments away from losing his mind with the weight of his thoughts continuously pressing on him. What he wants is to know where Carlos stands definitively, to not have to guess and go in circles wondering if his wishful thinking is making him more optimistic than he should be that this could work.
At a local coffee shop together now, Carlos sits across from him, head angled toward the window as he watches people pass by. It’s such a mundane thing but with Carlos, it feels more like entertainment for TK. There’s so much to take in from the tendons in Carlos’ neck to the small smile that comes across his face when two little kids skip by excitedly.
As Carlos watches the world, TK watches him and he can admit, as he always does to himself, that he likes all that he sees. There’s such kindness and warmth in Carlos’ slightly distracted gaze. TK wants, desperately so, for Carlos to look at him like that.
Sometimes he can convince himself that Carlos senses a spark between them too, that he isn’t the only one between the pair of them that feels this pull.
“You’re staring,” Carlos says suddenly, turning to look at TK. “You do that from time to time and I always wonder what you’re thinking.”
TK’s brows bunch together, his heartbeat picking up.
“I’m sorry, what?”
Carlos sighs softly and sits with his back firmly against the chair. His gaze is searching as if he’s trying to find something, maybe the right words or something in his expression, TK’s not entirely sure. Either way, his stomach is already churning with this surprising turn in conversation.
“Do you like me?” Carlos asks outright.
Everything inside TK seizes. Carlos’ eyes betray nothing of what he’s thinking, of what TK’s response one way or another would mean to him personally.
TK laughs awkwardly, so caught off guard by the bluntness of the question. This is the last thing he’d been expecting Carlos to say and coming up with a coherent thought, let alone a coherent reply is impossible.
“I...I mean, I,” he stammers, face burning.
Carlos remains unmoving and somehow it makes this whole ordeal all the more mortifying.
“I’ll take that as a yes then.”
“What is happening right now? Oh God.”
“It’s okay, TK,” Carlos says but TK has a very hard time believing that. There is nothing okay or normal about his crush finding him out and looking for answers.
He fiddles with his neglected mug, the remnants of his coffee long since cold thanks to his recreational viewing. He taps a finger against the rim of the cup, shaking his head.
His heart won’t stop racing. Even without saying the words, the truth is out there and it’s enough to make him feel sick to his stomach.
“Cause of death: complete and total embarrassment,” TK groans, burying his face on his hand.
Across from him, Carlos laughs. “I could think of worse ways to die so I’m pretty sure you’ll survive this. And besides, you may be embarrassed but I’m flattered.”
TK spreads his fingers, peeking out between them to look at the man before dropping his hand.
“Okay, I can work with that. Flattered is promising.”
“Flattered is also another way of saying that I’m definitely interested. While you’ve been attempting to stealthily check me out these last few weeks,” the man teases, “I’ve been doing the same with you.”
TK’s eyes widen as he finds himself incapable of hiding his shock. Carlos eyes him quizzically.
“That surprises you? I thought it’s been obvious this whole time.”
“It only would’ve been clear if you hung a neon sign above your head. You’re a little too good at disguising your feelings.”
Carlos shifts in his seat, his hands clasping on the tabletop before him as he stares directly into TK’s eyes. The look is intense and piercing, leaving no other alternative than for TK to hold his breath and stare back.
“Allow me to state it plainly then: TK, I’ve liked you since the day I met you. The only reason I didn’t say anything is because I wanted to be sure you were serious about this, that this isn’t a fleeting crush. I don’t want something casual with you, TK. That’s not really my speed and I like you too much to pretend otherwise.”
TK blinks twice slowly as if coming out of a haze. Across from him, Carlos’ face is pensive, a tinge of uncertainty in his eyes.
“And...I’m coming on too strong?” the man wonders aloud.
TK is quick to shake his head.
“No. God, no. I’m just having a hard time believing we’re actually having a conversation and you’re saying all the words I’ve been dying to hear.”
TK can feel his face flush but his candidness is rewarded with a relieved smile from Carlos. It’s all the encouragement he needs to keep talking, to drive the point home even further.
“I don’t want to be casual with you either. All I want is you.”
It’s such a heavy statement to make on a Saturday morning in a public space but TK couldn’t care less about the people around them and what they may be listening in on. His sole focus is the man across from him and the smile that breaks across his face like a sunrise.
Carlos unfurls his hand, stretching one across the table and latching on to TK’s. It’s a gentle touch but it sets every nerve ending in his body aflame.
TK takes it a step further, turning his hand palm up and lacing their fingers. He stares down at their hands for a moment, admiring the way they fit perfectly with one another. Carlos’ thumb brushes against his skin gently, pulling TK’s gaze upward and to the man’s face once more. The sunlight pouring through the shop’s window makes Carlos glow, making this already warm man all the more welcoming.
“Are you free tomorrow night?” Carlos asks.
TK’s breath catches in his throat, surprised yet delighted that Carlos is keen on making plans so soon.
“Yeah, I am. What did you have in mind?”
Carlos chuckles and shakes his head. “It’s a surprise. Do you trust me to make it a good one?”
“I’d trust you with my life, Carlos. I’m sure you can handle planning a date just fine.”
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bellakitse · 4 years
Note
You had to know this was coming — “Can you keep holding my hand, please?” 🥰
of chicken flautas and intimidating mothers
“I know we saw each other just last night, but I already missed you.”
Carlos' heart flutters at TK’s words and touch, but he can’t forget the tiny force to be reckoned with, not forty feet away. “That’s really sweet, and I feel exactly the same way,” he continues. “But my mom is here, and she’s watching us – no, don’t look around!”
*
It’s the annual first responders’ cookout and Carlos is about to introduce his boyfriend to his mother.
30 days of Tarlos - Day 7
It’s the annual first responders’ cookout. Every year at the start of summer, every available Austin Police, Fire and EMS gathers at Zilker Park for a barbecue as a way to bond with the community, and every year since he joined the force – whether he’s free to attend or not – his mother Carlota has been there with enough food to feed an army.
Carlos can’t deny the pride he feels from having his mother always participate; everyone loves to comment on her incredible cooking. There truly isn’t anything more adorable than his tiny mother smiling happily as people eat and enjoy her food. This year he’s lucky enough not to have a shift while the cookout is happening and gets to attend much to his mother’s delight. She’s happy to have an extra pair of hands to help serve.
He’s in the middle of doing just that, handing a sweet little girl and her mother a plate when he spots the 126 firehouse making their way across the grassy field towards him and the tables of food. He starts to smile, remembering how sad TK had been the night before because he had a shift, and wouldn’t have the chance to stop by and check out the cookout after he, Judd, and Mateo had talked the event up so much.
“Hey!” he shouts out happily as the crew gets closer. “I thought you guys couldn’t come today?” he asks, taking in the fact that they’re in their uniforms.
TK comes around to his side and wraps an arm around his waist, hugging him close. Carlos returns the embrace, shivering slightly when TK uses the moment to brush his lips softly right under his ear.
“Hi,” TK whispers, giving him an extra squeeze. It’s been four weeks since the solar flares, and Carlos is still basking in the change in his and TK’s relationship – in actually being in a relationship with the young firefighter. He’d known TK was sweet since their first kiss, it’s what had driven him crazy from the start, how underneath all that passion was a gentleness to TK that not only made him crave more, it also made him want to protect TK at all costs.
“Hi, cariño,” he whispers back, enjoying the way it makes TK turn a little pink. He stares at TK, quickly getting lost in his green eyes and gentle smile. He reaches out and takes TK’s hand; the same thrill he feels at being this public with him makes his stomach flutter.
“Are you two just going to keep staring at each other like lovesick teenagers?” Judd interrupts their staring, and when Carlos turns towards him, he finds the other man giving them an unimpressed look, while the rest of TK’s crew members smirk in their direction. “Cause we’re hungry,” Judd continues. “And cap said we could only stay until our next call. That can be any second, and you two have proven that you can stare into each other’s eyes for eternity.”
“Judd,” TK hisses at his friend, his face turning red, it’s probably almost as red as his feels.
“Yeah – ah – sorry,” he mutters, still hot behind his ears. “Please, grab a plate, there’s so much food. Everyone really outdid themselves this year,” he continues, waving at the four picnic tables they pushed together to put all the food on. There’s a little of everything, barbecue, more sides than they knew what to do with, fruit and a whole table just for desserts.
“Carlos, man,” Mateo starts, his plate is already half-full as he grabs some potato salad. Marjan and Paul each are grabbing some roasted veggies. “Please tell me we didn’t miss your mom’s chicken flautas.”
Carlos lets out a laugh at the younger guy’s pleading face and the way Judd perks up at the mention of his mom’s flautas. They’re legendary at the cookout. He doesn’t say anything for a moment, letting them sweat it out before he uncovers a platter full of them.
“Yes!” Mateo shouts excitedly, while Judd is already leaning over to grab one. “Marjan, Paul, you guys have to try these. Carlos’ mom is a cooking goddess.”
Carlos rolls his eyes at the comment, it’s true, but it’s comments like this that make his mother so smug. He’s not done thinking that, when he feels eyes on him. Doing a quick scan of the park, he’s not surprised at all to find his mother, a few feet away sitting under a tree watching him. When their eyes meet, she raises an eyebrow at him, her gaze going down to his and TK’s linked hands and then back up to his face. His stomach drops, and he feels like a teenager again, getting caught with his first boyfriend, when she crooks her index finger motioning him over.
“Shit,” he swears softly.
“What’s wrong?” TK questions, he’s half-way through a flauta. The rest of his team has walked away to find somewhere to sit and eat. “These are really good by the way.”
“Okay, so I’m really happy you’re here,” he begins, earning another smile from TK.
“Me too,” TK says softly, he leans in and brushes his lips across Carlos’ cheek. “I know we saw each other just last night, but I already missed you.”
Carlos’ heart flutters at TK’s words and touch, but he can’t forget the tiny force to be reckoned with, not forty feet away. “That’s really sweet, and I feel exactly the same way,” he continues. “But my mom is here, and she’s watching us – no, don’t look around!”
TK stops from turning his head, keeping his eyes on him, waiting for him to continue.
“She saw you greeting me and just now signaled for us to join her,” he says quickly, and he can’t deny, nervously.
“Okay,” TK says slowly, and Carlos can hear the hint of nervousness in his own voice. “Okay, well – I mean, I don’t have a problem with meeting your mom; it was bound to happen sooner or later now that we’re dating, right? And besides, you know my dad, and that went fine.”
"Yeah, but – and this isn’t to crap on Captain Strand,” he rushes to say. “He's an impressive guy, but he's not intimidating like a 5' foot no-nonsense Latina mom.”
TK chuckles at his comment, the amusement clear in his eyes. “It’s going to be okay, I promise,” he says as he gives his hand a squeeze. “What do you need from me?”
“Can you keep holding my hand, please?” he asks, getting a soft smile from TK in return.
“Easy,” he says, bringing their linked hands up to his mouth, pressing a kiss over his knuckles. “One of my favorite things to do. Now be a big boy and introduce me to your mother.”
Carlos rolls his eyes at his boyfriend’s teasing, but it loosens the ball of anxiety in the pit of his stomach. It’s not that he doesn’t think that TK and his mother aren’t going to get along. The opposite actually, he’s sure that his mother is going to spend five minutes with TK and then mentally start planning their wedding. It’s just that his mother is one of the most important people in his life, and TK is quickly climbing up that list.
Hand in hand, he and TK cross the distance between them and Carlota Reyes, who is now standing up from her seat, waiting for them with a glint in her eyes that spells trouble for him.
“Mami,” he starts, swallowing hard when she just raises an eyebrow at him. “This is TK Strand, my boyfriend.”
“Nice to meet you, ma’am,” TK says, holding out a hand. His mom stares at TK for a moment before one of the corners of her mouth lifts.
“Carlota Reyes,” she says, finally taking his hand. “Strange, this is the first time I’m hearing about a boyfriend,” she looks over at him, her other brow going up too. “Carlitos?”
“Mami – “ he says again, not being able to hide his wince.
“We only just made it official a couple of weeks ago, Mrs. Reyes,” TK jumps in to save him.
“Hmm,” Carlota makes a sound in the back of her throat that only moms can make as she looks at him up and down. “You’re too skinny, TK,” she says with that glint in her eyes again. “Maybe stop walking out on my son’s dinners, that should help.”
TK snaps his gaze to him, his eyes wide as his face starts to turn pink again, and he wants to reassure him, but he’s too busy staring at his mother in disbelief.
“How did you know about that?” he asks, rearing back when his mother rolls her eyes at him.
“You and your sisters like to think I’m deaf,” she says, pursing her lips. “You told them about the failed dinner when you came home and asked me to sew the buttons on your nice blue shirt.”
Carlota looks at TK again. “Your doing, I presume.”
“I – ah,” TK stammers, and Carlos can’t help the whine that escapes his throat.
“Mami, por favor, para de asustarlo,” he says, begging his mother to stop scaring TK.
Carlota narrows her eyes for a moment, making TK squeeze his hand tight before she finally lets out a chuckle.
“You never let me have any fun, mijo,” she scowls playfully at him. She turns towards TK, now more welcoming.
“It’s very nice to meet you, TK,” she says with a grin. “I would apologize for teasing you and my son, but I would be lying, it was a lot of fun, and I’m not sorry.”
TK looks over at him helplessly in the face of his mother’s amusement, but all he can do is shake his head.
“But I wasn’t lying about you being skinny,” she continues easily. “Come on, I’ll fix you a nice big plate of food,” she says before walking away back towards the tables, expecting them to follow.
They watch her go in silence for a moment before TK lets out a deep breath.
“Okay, you were right,” he says, still looking in his mom’s direction. “She is definitely more intimidating than my dad.”
Carlos lets out a laugh, and with the hand holding TK’s, he pulls him closer until he’s pressed at his side. “You did well against her.”
“Nope, not yet,” TK shakes his head. “But I will. Before this cookout is over, I’m going to make sure she loves me, you’ll see.”
Carlos grins against TK’s temple after pressing a kiss against it. They start to make their way toward his mother, who is watching them with a smile on her face. “She won’t be the first Reyes to fall head over heels for you.”
TK stops in his tracks, looking at him shyly. “Yeah?” he asks, hopeful.
“Yeah, baby,” he answers, the smile he gets in return fills every inch of him with warmth.
“Well then,” TK starts, smile firmly in place. “I still want to win her over, she’s your mom after all, but knowing that I already won over the most important Reyes,” he says, tapping a finger over Carlos’ heart. “That’s already good enough for me.”
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