#Tarlos Fanfiction One-shots

Marked by Love

TK Strand loved many things about being a firefighter—the adrenaline, the camaraderie, and the satisfaction of helping people. But what he loved most, lately, was seeing the look on Carlos Reyes' face every time he showed up at a scene. Whether it was a rare joint operation or Carlos simply being nearby on duty, there was a spark in his boyfriend's eyes that sent warmth coursing through TK's veins. It was a mix of pride and something deeper—something TK could only describe as pure, unfiltered love.

"You know you're ridiculously hot in that uniform, right?" Carlos had told him once, leaning casually against TK's truck after a call. The comment was playful, but TK could see the subtle possessiveness underneath it, the way Carlos' gaze lingered, taking in every inch of him like he was staking a claim. It sent a shiver down TK's spine every time.

It wasn't just that one time either. Carlos loved to tease TK about the attention he attracted on calls—the lingering looks from strangers, the way people's gazes trailed after him when he strode confidently toward a fire or rescue.

"Did you see that guy from earlier?" Carlos had said one evening after dinner, his tone light but his eyes betraying a flicker of something vulnerable. "The one who practically drooled when you pulled off your helmet? Should I be worried?"

TK smirked, leaning across the table to take Carlos' hand. "You? Never. You're the only one I'm coming home to, Carlos. Always."

The reassurance usually worked, but TK wasn't blind to the flicker of insecurity in Carlos' teasing. It wasn't loud or overt, just a subtle undercurrent—a fear TK recognized all too well. TK had been there too, once, grappling with the scars left by a past relationship. He understood how difficult it was to let someone in after being hurt. But Carlos, with his quiet strength and unwavering loyalty, had been the one to break through TK's walls. He'd been the one to prove love didn't have to be conditional or fleeting.

Still, Carlos had his ways of coping, some of which were beginning to drive TK up the wall. Like the hickeys.

The first time it happened, TK hadn't thought much of it. It was a passionate night, and TK figured Carlos just got carried away. He even found it a little endearing, the way Carlos kissed him so fervently it left traces of him behind. But then it happened again. And again. And again. Always in plain sight. His neck, his jawline, even just below his ear where they were impossible to miss.

"Carlos!" TK groaned one morning as he stared at his reflection in the mirror. The marks weren't subtle. They were bold, as if Carlos had signed his name across TK's skin. It would've been amusing if it weren't for the inevitable teasing he knew he'd face.

Carlos had appeared in the doorway, unapologetic and smirking. "What? You look good. They suit you."

"They do not suit me! I have to go to work like this!" TK gestured wildly at his neck. "The guys are going to tease me all day."

"Tell them your boyfriend's crazy about you," Carlos said, shrugging. He pressed a kiss to TK's temple, and while TK tried to stay annoyed, Carlos' soft lips and the affectionate glint in his eyes made it hard to stay mad.

But as much as TK tried to laugh it off, the teasing from the 126 was relentless. 

Judd was the worst, shaking his head with a knowing grin every time they were in the locker room. "Reyes got you good again, huh?" he'd chuckle, and Paul wasn't far behind with his quips about "battle scars." Even Marjan joined in, taking bets on how long the marks would last.

By the time TK got home that evening, he'd had enough. He found Carlos lounging on the couch, scrolling through his phone.

"We need to talk," TK said firmly, standing in front of him with his arms crossed.

Carlos immediately straightened, concern flickering across his face. "What's wrong?"

TK sighed and sat down beside him. "It's about the hickeys."

Carlos looked down, rubbing the back of his neck. "I know. I'm sorry, babe. I just... I get caught up in the moment. I don't mean to embarrass you."

"But you keep doing it," TK pointed out, his tone gentle but insistent. "Carlos, it's not just about the teasing at work. It's the why you're doing it that bothers me."

Carlos hesitated, his eyes dropping to his hands. TK waited, giving him the space to find the words. Finally, Carlos spoke, his voice quiet but raw. "I guess... it's my way of holding on. I know it's silly, but seeing you out there, with everyone looking at you like they do... it's hard not to feel a little insecure. It's like, if I leave a mark, people will know you're taken. That you're mine."

TK's heart clenched. He reached out, taking Carlos' hand in his. "Carlos," he said softly, "you don't have to do that. I'm already yours. I've been yours since the moment you asked me to dance that night."

Carlos looked up, his eyes glistening with emotion. TK continued, squeezing his hand. "I know how hard it is to trust after what you've been through. But you broke through every wall I had after Alex. You've shown me what it means to be loved unconditionally. You're the best thing that's ever happened to me, and I'd never risk losing that for anyone else."

Carlos exhaled shakily, his lips curving into a small, tentative smile. "You mean that?"

"Every word," TK said, leaning in to press a kiss to Carlos' forehead. "You're enough for me. More than enough."

Carlos pulled TK into a tight embrace, burying his face in his neck. "I'm sorry," he murmured. "I'll stop. I promise."

TK chuckled, threading his fingers through Carlos' hair. "Thank you. But, for the record, if you absolutely have to mark me, at least put them somewhere less visible."

Carlos laughed, pulling back to meet TK's eyes. "Deal. But no promises if you keep wearing that uniform around me."

TK rolled his eyes, but his grin was unstoppable. As Carlos leaned in to kiss him again, all the tension melted away, leaving only the unshakable bond they had built together.

Carlos pulled TK closer once more. "I'll work on it."

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