#Tarlos Fanfiction One-shots

Shadows of the Past

TK sat on the couch, scrolling mindlessly through his phone, when a familiar name caught his eye. It was a message from his ex, Alex—an unexpected and unwelcome reminder of a time he thought he'd left behind.

TK's heart raced. The memories flooded back: the anger, the fear, the helplessness. He quickly locked his phone, trying to push the thoughts away. Just then, Carlos entered the room, his presence a comforting anchor.

"Hey, babe. You okay?" Carlos asked, noticing TK's tense posture.

"Yeah, just... a message from an old friend," TK replied, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.

Carlos raised an eyebrow, unconvinced. "You sure? You seem a bit off."

TK nodded, but the knot in his stomach tightened. He didn't want to burden Carlos with the shadows of his past, especially when everything felt so good between them.

That night, as they settled into bed, TK's mind raced with worry. He tried to push it away, but sleep eluded him. The memories of Alex resurfaced—moments of manipulation, fear, and heartbreak. It was suffocating.

In the early hours, the nightmares began. He found himself back in that dark apartment, the sound of shouting echoing in his ears. Panic surged through him, and he woke with a start, gasping for breath.

Carlos stirred beside him, immediately sensing something was wrong. "TK? What happened?"

TK's heart raced as he fought to steady his breathing. "It's nothing. Just a bad dream."

Carlos propped himself up on one elbow, concern etched on his face. "It's not nothing if it's affecting you like this. Talk to me."

TK's throat tightened. "I just... I don't want to relive it. I thought I was past all of this."

Carlos's expression softened, and he reached out to brush TK's hair back. "You don't have to face it alone. Whatever it is, I'm here."

TK looked into Carlos's eyes, the warmth and love grounding him. "It's Alex. He's reached out again. I thought I was done with him, but..."

Carlos's expression darkened. "I don't like the sound of that. You're safe now, TK. You're with me."

The mention of safety brought tears to TK's eyes. "I know, but it just... it brings everything back. The panic, the anxiety."

Carlos shifted closer, wrapping his arms around TK. "You're not that person anymore. And I won't let anyone hurt you."

Over the next few days, Carlos became increasingly protective. He'd accompany TK to work, keeping a watchful eye on him, and he started checking TK's phone for any messages from Alex, even though TK insisted he could handle it.

One evening, as they sat together on the couch, TK received another message from Alex. The dread settled deep in his chest, and he hesitated before opening it.

Carlos noticed the change in TK's demeanor immediately. "What is it?"

"It's just... he wants to meet up. He says he's changed," TK said, his voice trembling.

"No," Carlos replied firmly. "You don't need to see him. He doesn't deserve your time."

"I just want to know why he's suddenly back," TK pleaded, feeling the old trauma surge within him.

"TK, you don't owe him anything. You've worked so hard to get to where you are. Don't let him pull you back," Carlos said, his voice steady and protective.

TK felt the panic rising again, memories swirling in his mind. "What if he tries to hurt me again?"

Carlos took TK's hands, his grip firm and reassuring. "I won't let that happen. We'll face this together. I'll be right by your side."

As they talked, Carlos suggested they take action. Together, they reached out to a counselor who specialized in trauma and abuse. It was a step TK had hesitated to take but felt increasingly necessary.

Days turned into weeks, and with each session, TK began to confront his past. Carlos remained his rock, always there with encouragement and love. But one night, the anxiety came crashing back, triggered by a sudden noise outside.

TK bolted upright in bed, breathing heavily. "Carlos!" he gasped, panic seizing him.

"TK, I'm right here," Carlos said, his voice steady as he moved closer. He wrapped his arms around TK, anchoring him.

TK's heart raced as he buried his face in Carlos's chest. "I can't do this. I feel so weak."

Carlos held him tighter. "You're not weak. You're fighting through this, and that takes incredible strength. You've got me. Always."

As the panic slowly subsided, TK realized he wasn't alone anymore. The shadows of his past might still linger, but with Carlos by his side, he felt a glimmer of hope. Together, they would face whatever came next, one step at a time.

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