#Tarlos Fanfiction One-shots

A Season of Love

What Forever Means Part 2

After their dinner date, Carlos and TK returned home, a quiet anticipation thick in the air. The door had barely clicked shut when Carlos pulled TK into his arms, his lips finding TK's in a kiss that spoke of longing and devotion. It wasn't rushed; it was deliberate, filled with the unspoken promise that they were finally back to each other. As the night unfolded, Carlos couldn't keep his hands or his words to himself, murmuring sweet nothings into TK's ear as they moved together. "You're everything to me, mi amor," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. TK blushed, the heat of Carlos' touch and the weight of his words overwhelming him in the best way. They made love like it was the first time and the last, rediscovering every inch of each other. For both of them, it felt like forever since they had shared this level of intimacy, and it healed parts of them they didn't realize had been broken.

In the following days, the focus shifted to their future. The adoption process loomed ahead, but this time, Carlos was fully present. He took the lead in researching the best attorneys and setting up meetings, ensuring TK never felt alone. Their first meeting with a prestigious adoption expert attorney was nerve-wracking but necessary.

The attorney leaned back in his chair, his expression professional but warm. "Adoption is a life-changing process, but it does come with its challenges," he began, folding his hands on his desk. "There will be a home study, interviews, and court proceedings where everything about your lives will be examined. It's designed to ensure the best interests of the child are met. That said, there are a few things that may come up in your case that I think it's important to address now."

Carlos straightened in his seat, his hand tightening slightly on TK's. "What kind of things?" he asked, his tone firm but calm.

The attorney nodded, as if expecting the question. "First, Mr. Strand, your history with addiction will likely be brought up during the evaluation. It's standard practice for the court to look into any factors that could potentially impact the child's wellbeing. They'll want to see evidence that you've maintained your sobriety and that you have a strong support system in place."

TK froze, his grip on Carlos' hand tightening as the words sank in. His mind raced, fear and doubt creeping in as he imagined his past being laid bare in a courtroom. The attorney must have noticed, because he quickly added, "Let me be clear—your history doesn't automatically disqualify you. In fact, the fact that you've been sober for years and have a stable life will work in your favor. But it's something that will be discussed, and I want you to be prepared for that."

TK's voice was shaky when he finally spoke. "And... and us being a same-sex couple? Will that be an issue?"

The attorney hesitated for a moment before answering carefully. "Legally, no. There are no laws that prohibit same-sex couples from adopting in Texas. However, biases can sometimes surface, especially depending on the judge assigned to your case. That's something we'll navigate together, and I'll make sure you're fully prepared for any potential questions or challenges."

TK's stomach twisted, his thoughts spiraling into worst-case scenarios. What if the judge didn't see them as fit parents? What if his past overshadowed everything else? Carlos noticed immediately, his free hand reaching up to cup TK's cheek. "TK, look at me," he said softly, his voice steady. When TK's wide, fearful eyes met his, Carlos continued. "You have nothing to be afraid of. You've worked so hard to get to where you are, and no one—no one—can take that away from you. You're strong, you're sober, and you're the most incredible person I've ever met."

TK's voice trembled as he whispered, "But what if it's not enough? What if they see me as the person I was, not the person I am now?"

Carlos shook his head, his thumb brushing gently over TK's cheek. "Then I'll make them see you for who you are now. We'll make them see it. You're not in this alone, TK. We're a team, and we'll face this together." He turned to the attorney, his tone resolute. "You've seen cases like this before, right? Couples with challenges in their past who still succeeded?"