#Tarlos Fanfiction One-shots

Strength in the Struggle

We didn't get this scene. When Tommy told TK about her cancer diagnosis.

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TK was sorting through supplies in the back of the ambulance when he heard Tommy call his name. Something in her tone made him pause. It wasn't her usual commanding voice; it was softer, almost hesitant. He turned to see her standing a few feet away, her arms crossed tightly over her chest, her expression unreadable.

"Got a minute?" she asked.

"Of course," TK replied, setting down the bag he was holding. "What's up?"

Tommy glanced around, ensuring no one else was within earshot. "Let's go somewhere quiet."

The alarm bells in TK's head started ringing, but he followed her without question. They ended up in her office, the door closing softly behind them. TK took a seat, his eyes fixed on Tommy as she sat across from him. Her hands fidgeted in her lap—a rare sight for someone as composed as her.

"TK," she began, her voice steady but laced with something heavy. "I need to tell you something, and I want you to hear it from me first."

"Okay..." TK said slowly, his stomach tightening.

She took a deep breath. "I've been diagnosed with breast cancer."

The words hit TK like a freight train. His heart dropped, and for a moment, he couldn't find his voice. "What?" he finally managed to whisper, his throat dry.

Tommy reached across the desk, placing a comforting hand on his. "It's early-stage," she said quickly, her tone firm but kind. "The doctors are optimistic. With chemotherapy, I have a very good chance of beating this."

Nancy appeared in the doorway, as if on cue, her face soft with reassurance. "She's going to be okay, TK," she said, stepping inside. "We've caught it early, and the prognosis is good."

TK nodded, but the weight of the news settled heavily on his chest. He swallowed hard, forcing himself to stay composed. "You're strong, Tommy. You'll get through this."

Tommy smiled, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "I plan to. But I need to focus on my treatment, which means I'll have to step back from work for a while."

TK paused, the words sinking in. The firehouse without Tommy felt unimaginable. But he pushed those thoughts aside, nodding firmly. "You take all the time you need. We'll manage. Your health comes first."

"Thank you," Tommy said, her voice breaking slightly. She stood, pulling TK into a hug. He held on tightly, feeling her strength but also her vulnerability.

"Carlos and I are here for you," TK said, his voice steady despite the turmoil inside him. "If you need someone to look after the girls during your chemo sessions, or if you need someone to go with you... anything, Tommy. We'll be there."

Tommy pulled back, her eyes glistening. "I know. And it means the world to me."

Nancy joined the hug, wrapping her arms around both of them. "We're a team," she said. "We've got you, Tommy."

When TK got home that evening, the smell of garlic and herbs greeted him, along with the sound of soft music playing in the kitchen. Carlos was at the stove, stirring a pot of pasta sauce. He turned and smiled when he saw TK.

"Hey, cariño," Carlos said, walking over to press a kiss to TK's temple. "You're home just in time. Dinner's almost ready."

TK managed a small smile, but the weight of the day was catching up to him. Carlos noticed immediately. "What's wrong?" he asked, his brow furrowing with concern.

TK shook his head, trying to hold it together, but the dam broke. Tears welled in his eyes, and his shoulders started to shake. "It's Tommy," he choked out.

Carlos guided him to the couch, sitting him down gently. "Talk to me," he said, his hand resting firmly on TK's knee.

TK took a deep breath, his words tumbling out in a rush. "She has breast cancer. She told me today. She's starting chemo and taking time off work. She's trying to stay strong, but Carlos... she's like a mom to me. I can't lose her. I can't lose another mom."

Carlos's heart clenched at the raw pain in TK's voice. He pulled him close, wrapping his arms around him. "You're not going to lose her," he said firmly. "Tommy is one of the strongest people I've ever met. She's going to go through chemo, fight this with everything she has, and come out the other side stronger. Just like your dad did."

TK buried his face in Carlos's chest, his tears soaking into his shirt. "What if something goes wrong?"

Carlos tightened his hold, his hand running soothingly up and down TK's back. "It won't. You've seen her, TK. She's a fighter. And she has you, Nancy, the whole team, and us to support her. She's not alone."

TK's sobs began to quiet, the steady rhythm of Carlos's heartbeat grounding him. "Thank you," TK whispered after a long moment. "For always being there."

Carlos pressed a kiss to the top of his head. "Always," he said softly. "Ever since we started therapy, I promised myself I'd do better. Be here for you more."

"And you have," TK said, pulling back to look at him, his eyes red but filled with gratitude. "I love you. And I'm so thankful for you."

"I love you too," Carlos said, brushing a tear from TK's cheek. "And I'll always be here. For you, for Tommy, for anything you need."

TK leaned in, their foreheads touching, the weight of the day easing slightly. He let out a shaky breath, his lips curving into a faint smile. "What did I ever do to deserve you?"

Carlos chuckled softly. "You're TK Strand. You deserve the world."

Dinner was forgotten as they stayed there, wrapped in each other's arms, finding comfort in the love they shared. And for the first time that day, TK felt like everything might just be okay.

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