In Every Breath, I'm Yours

596 15 4
                                    

Even tho EP 9 was sooo good, I felt like we were robbed. Carlos in a hospital gown but no appearance of TK in the hospital? No reaction from TK? This is to fill in the scenes. Thank you, Rafael Silva for being our Carlos Reyes. Started watching 911 LS just last month coz I kept on seeing clips of the rescues in FB reels and it has been a wonderful ride watching Carlos grow into the man that you are. I didn't plan to fall in love with #Tarlos, but here we are. ❤

***

The air was tense as the EMS crews stood by, listening to the updates over the Rangers' radio. TK could hardly focus on anything else, his mind racing as he tried to process what was happening. Carlos was out there, chasing Campbell, a man who had been his partner during his first year as a Ranger and someone who had worked closely with his father. TK couldn't imagine the emotions Carlos must be feeling. Betrayal? Anger? Sadness? All of the above? The thought of Carlos having to hunt someone he once trusted made TK's chest tighten.

TK's train of thought was interrupted by a chilling call over the radio. "Three Rangers down! We need paramedics!" The words felt like a punch to the gut, and before TK even had time to react, Nancy was already moving toward their rig.

"Let's go!" she shouted, snapping TK into action.

They arrived at the scene in record time, but as TK stepped out of the rig, his heart stopped. A few meters ahead, lying unconscious on the rocks, was Carlos. His side was stained with blood, and TK froze, unable to process what he was seeing. His feet wouldn't move, his mind spiraling into a thousand worst-case scenarios. Nancy's voice cut through his panic.

"TK!" she yelled, grabbing his arm. "I know, bud, but we have to work quick to save him."

Her words grounded him just enough to force his body into motion. With shaking hands, TK knelt beside Carlos, his vision blurring with unshed tears as he took in the sight of his husband, pale and unmoving. Nancy crouched beside him, and together they worked to stop the bleeding. TK's hands trembled as he applied pressure to the wound, his breath hitching as he fought to stay focused.

"TK, stay with me," Nancy said firmly, her voice a steady anchor. "We've got this."

TK nodded, swallowing hard as he concentrated on his training. They stabilized Carlos as quickly as they could, securing him onto a stretcher and loading him into the ambulance. When it was time to drive, Nancy looked at TK carefully. "Are you good to drive the rig, or should we get someone else?"

TK shook his head, his voice barely above a whisper. "Can I stay with him? I can't leave him. I need to be with him."

Garcia, Carlos's former partner from his APD days, had been nearby and overheard. She stepped forward without hesitation. "I'll drive," she offered. "You stay with him."

TK nodded, his gratitude unspoken but clear. As the rig sped toward the hospital, TK sat at Carlos's side, holding his hand tightly. A lone tear slipped down his cheek as he whispered, "Please be okay, baby. Please." Nancy placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, her voice soft but sure. "He'll be okay, TK. He's strong."

TK nodded absently, clutching Carlos's hand like it was his lifeline. When they reached the hospital, Carlos was rushed into surgery. TK stayed behind in the waiting room, his hands shaking as he sank into a chair. Nancy sat beside him, her hand holding his tightly. They hadn't spoken much, but her presence was comforting, a reminder that he wasn't alone.

About half an hour later, the sound of hurried footsteps filled the room. TK looked up to see Owen and the rest of the 126 rushing in. Owen went straight to his son, pulling him into a tight hug. "Any news?" he asked softly.

TK shook his head, unable to find his voice as tears spilled down his cheeks. Owen held him closer, feeling the tremors in TK's body as he tried to keep himself together. The rest of the 126 surrounded them, their presence a protective barrier as they reassured TK that Carlos would pull through. TK's tears came harder, but the support of his firehouse family made it just a little easier to breathe.

Minutes later, the door to the waiting room opened, and a doctor stepped in. "Family of Carlos Reyes?" she called out.

TK stood immediately, his voice shaky. "I'm his husband. How is he?"

The doctor smiled warmly. "We were able to remove the bullet. Fortunately, it didn't hit any major organs, and there were no complications. He's stable and recovering."

A collective breath of relief swept through the room. TK's knees nearly buckled as he buried his face in Owen's shoulder, sobbing with relief. "Thank you," he whispered repeatedly. "Thank you."

The doctor continued, "He's being transferred to a recovery room. A nurse will come to get you in about ten minutes."

TK nodded, his gratitude spilling out in waves. "Thank you so much."

As the doctor left, the 126 took turns hugging TK. Nancy patted his shoulder with a knowing smile. "Told you he'd be fine," she said gently.

TK let out a weak laugh, wiping his tears. "You did. Thank you for everything."

When the nurse came to guide TK to Carlos's room, he hesitated at the doorway. Seeing Carlos lying in the hospital bed, pale but alive, overwhelmed him with emotion. He stepped inside quietly, his breath catching as he approached the bed. He took Carlos's hand—the one without the IV—and held it tightly, needing to feel the warmth of his husband's skin to convince himself this wasn't a dream.

As he sat there, memories of their first year as a married couple flooded his mind. It hadn't been easy—Gabriel's death, the chaos of their jobs, their ongoing debate over Jonah's adoption—but TK wouldn't trade a second of it. Carlos had a way of making him feel loved in the most unexpected moments, from surprise dinners to bringing donuts to the firehouse, to organizing an unforgettable 30th birthday party for him. TK realized that even in the darkest moments, Carlos always found a way to make him feel cherished.

Leaning forward, TK pressed a soft kiss to Carlos's forehead. "I love you, baby," he whispered.

Carlos stirred at the touch, his eyes fluttering open. He winced slightly, his hand instinctively going to his side. TK rubbed his forearm soothingly. "You're okay. Just take it slow. Breathe."

Carlos's gaze softened as it settled on TK. His voice was a hoarse whisper. "I love you, TK. Thank you for being more than understanding. You're my world."

TK's tears returned, but this time they were tears of relief and love. He leaned down, resting his forehead against Carlos's. "I love you too. You're my everything."

As Carlos drifted back to sleep, TK stayed by his side, holding his hand and silently vowing to never let go.

Copyright © 2024 by AetherWoven

#Tarlos Fanfiction One-shotsWhere stories live. Discover now