#Tarlos Fanfiction One-shots

Anchored in Love

Hawaii part 2

Requested by @DarrianMarks | thank you for your support! 

*****

On their fifth day in Hawaii, the morning started with a sense of calm and serenity. TK and Carlos arrived at the spa for a Couples' Spa Treatment, a first for both of them. The room was filled with the soft scent of tropical flowers, and the sound of gentle waves played in the background. As they lay side by side on massage tables, their hands found each other, fingers intertwining. The therapists worked volcanic clay into their skin, using smooth, practiced strokes to ease every knot of tension. TK sighed contentedly, turning his head slightly to look at Carlos, whose eyes were closed, a soft smile playing on his lips.

"This is amazing," TK murmured, giving Carlos's hand a gentle squeeze.

Carlos opened one eye, smirking. "See? I told you I could plan a good honeymoon."

TK laughed softly, the sound blending perfectly with the serene atmosphere. They didn't need to say much; the connection between them, the quiet intimacy of holding hands while being pampered, spoke louder than words.

After the spa treatment, they wandered through the resort, enjoying the leisurely pace of the day. That was, until TK spotted a sign advertising diving excursions to Hanauma Bay. His eyes lit up with excitement, and he turned to Carlos, practically bouncing on his toes.

"Carlos, look! Diving at Hanauma Bay. We have to do it!"

Carlos's stomach twisted with apprehension. He loved TK's enthusiasm, but he couldn't ignore the little voice in his head reminding him of how accident-prone his husband was. "TK, are you sure? It's diving. Underwater. With, you know, risks."

TK rolled his eyes playfully and grabbed Carlos's hand. "Come on. It's safe, and we'll have guides. Besides, when else are we going to get a chance to see turtles and coral reefs up close? Please?"

Carlos sighed, his resolve crumbling under TK's puppy-dog eyes. "Fine. But again if anything happens, I'm wrapping you in bubble wrap for the rest of the trip."

TK laughed, pulling him toward the excursion desk. "Deal."

Carlos aged at least five years in the span of an hour. Watching TK gear up and dive into the clear blue waters, he couldn't stop imagining every possible scenario that could go wrong. But then he saw the look on TK's face when they swam past a massive coral reef, and all his fears faded. TK's eyes were wide with wonder as he floated near a sea turtle, his movements careful and deliberate. The awe in his expression made Carlos's heart swell. They survived the diving experience without a hitch, and by the time they were back on the boat, Carlos had to admit it was worth it.

That evening, they ended their day with a romantic beachfront dinner at their hotel. The sun was setting, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink, and the ocean waves provided a soothing soundtrack. TK couldn't stop talking about the diving, his hands animated as he described the corals and the turtles in vivid detail.

Carlos smiled, nodding along, but his attention was entirely on TK. The sun had deepened TK's tan over the past few days, and the way his eyes sparkled with excitement made Carlos fall in love all over again. He reached across the table, taking TK's hand in his, and leaned forward to press a soft kiss to his lips.

TK blinked, momentarily startled, before a blush spread across his cheeks. "What was that for?"

Carlos smirked, his thumb brushing against TK's hand. "What? I can't kiss my husband without a reason?"

TK ducked his head, his blush deepening, and Carlos chuckled. "You're adorable."

They spent the rest of the evening lost in each other, their laughter mingling with the sound of the waves. When they returned to their room, the night unfolded in soft whispers and slow movements, their love for each other evident in every touch and kiss. Afterward, they fell asleep tangled together, just as they had every night since their wedding.

Carlos fell asleep first, his breath warm against TK's shoulder. TK stayed awake a little longer, running his fingers through Carlos's hair as he thought about how perfect the past few days had been. Ever since Gabriel's murder, Carlos had struggled with sleep, often staying up late or not sleeping at all. But now, here he was, peaceful and relaxed in TK's arms. TK pressed a gentle kiss to Carlos's jaw and rested his head on his chest, letting the steady rhythm of his heartbeat lull him to sleep.

Sometime in the night, TK was woken by movement. He blinked groggily and realized Carlos had sat up, his breathing labored and his body trembling. Sweat glistened on his skin, and TK immediately recognized the signs of an impending panic attack. He sat up quickly, placing a calming hand on Carlos's back.

"Carlos, hey, it's okay," TK said softly, his voice steady but filled with concern. "I'm here. What's going on?"

Carlos turned to him, his eyes wide and filled with fear. "I... I had a dream," he stammered, his voice shaking. "It was about my dad's killer. He... he was coming after you, TK. He said you were next. I was so scared. I can't lose you too, baby. I can't."

TK's heart broke at the raw fear in Carlos's voice. He cupped Carlos's face, forcing him to look into his eyes. "It was a nightmare, Carlos. I'm right here, and I'm not going anywhere. I promise you, you're not going to lose me."

It took time, but TK's soothing words and gentle touch eventually calmed Carlos down. When his breathing evened out, Carlos wrapped his arms around TK tightly, holding him as if he were a lifeline. "Thank you," he whispered, his voice barely audible.

"I've got you," TK replied, his own voice thick with emotion. He stayed perfectly still, not wanting to disturb Carlos's fragile peace. They fell asleep like that, Carlos clutching TK as though letting go would shatter him.

The next morning, when they woke, they were still wrapped around each other. TK rubbed slow, comforting circles on Carlos's back, whispering, "I love you," over and over. Carlos let out a deep sigh, his arms tightening around TK.

"I'm so lucky to have you," Carlos murmured, his voice soft and filled with gratitude.

TK smiled against his shoulder, pressing a kiss to his neck. "I think I'm the lucky one."

They stayed like that for a while longer, basking in the warmth of each other's presence. In that moment, everything else faded away, leaving only the love they shared.

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