The struggles we face

Part 9-Relapse Alternate Ending

A/N - Part 8's ending rewritten with lots more comfort. Continues from when Carlos carries TK to the ambulance

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Leaving TK on the gurney was hard. He didn't want to. Luckily he didn't need to. He stayed by his side the entire time. Stroking his hair, holding his hand, kissing his forehead.

'I'm so sorry Carlos' TK said through tears

'It's okay baby, everything's going to be okay' Carlos said, softly kissing the back of his hand

'We're here for you brother' Judd told him

'If you need anything, call us and we'll be there straight away' Paul said

Carlos nodded and looked at TK. He was still crying but only slightly, trying to take in everything that happened that day. The gears were turning in his head, but if Carlos had to guess they were only operating at about 25% speed. He scratched lightly at TK's scalp. He knew it made the man relax. He wanted him relaxed. He was already going to have a hard time sleeping tonight, why not make it a bit easier for him.

'He's good to go' Nancy told them, patting TK on the back

'You're taking a break from work TK. At least a week. If you need more, I'm not opposed. You take as much time as you need to get through this and when you come back your spot will be here' Tommy told him firmly, but lovingly

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At the loft, they went straight to bed. Carlos held TK's hand the entire time. He needed that physical contact to keep him grounded, both of them did. He could see TK struggling to stay awake, but also him actively fighting the urge to sleep.

'You can sleep baby, I'll be here the whole time'

'I can't sleep'

'You need sleep TK'

'I will get some...just not now'

'You are half-asleep already. You're slurring your words a bit which shows that you are already halfway there. Closing your eyes will finish that'

'Don't wanna'

'You kinda have to babe' Carlos said chuckling slightly. He knew TK was bound to fall asleep that night, even if TK himself didn't realise it

'Not s'eepy' TK said yawning, eyes half-closed

'Sure you aren't' Carlos started scratching TK's scalp again

'You no playing fair' TK said, realising what Carlos was trying to do 

'Sorry babe but you need sleep, even if you don't know it yet'

'Noooo'

'Uh, yessssssss' Carlos said trying to hold back his laughter. TK was gone

'Imma be wake fo'ever'

'Sure baby' Carlos told him. Not even a minute later, TK's eyes were closed and he was sleeping, breathing evenly and getting some rest after the crazy day they had.