#Tarlos Fanfiction One-shots

Everything That Matters

This storyline was requested by Avni79smile ❤

*****

TK never really minded mornings before Jonah, but now every sunrise brought delightful chaos to the Strand-Reyes household. Their days usually started with the same ritual—Jonah's endless, pleading chant of "Five more minutes, Papa!" echoing down the hallway as TK tried to rescue Carlos from their son's adorable, relentless grip before he ended up late again.

This morning was no different. Carlos was trapped beneath blankets with Jonah perched comfortably on his chest, smiling widely as he repeated his usual plea. Carlos gave TK a helpless but amused look, silently mouthing, "Help?" TK laughed quietly, stepping forward and scooping Jonah into his arms.

Jonah giggled, squirming as he bounced against his Papa Bro. Carlos shot TK a grateful, affectionate smile, quickly rising from the bed before Jonah could pull him back down. It was a simple routine, something they both secretly cherished, even as Carlos jokingly complained that their son was determined to get him fired from the Texas Rangers one of these days.

Carlos eventually rushed out the door after hurried kisses goodbye, leaving TK with Jonah clinging to his leg, happily narrating his plans for the day. After Carlos was gone, TK spent his days organizing play dates, menu planning, and simply being there for Jonah. Leaving his paramedic career hadn't been easy—he'd loved the work, thrived in it—but he had no regrets. Jonah needed stability, especially after losing both Gwyn and Enzo so abruptly. TK knew all too well what it meant to live with uncertainty, especially given Carlos' risky job in law enforcement.

Despite being genuinely content, TK sometimes worried that Carlos might regret the responsibilities now solely on his shoulders. It wasn't easy letting go of his career and becoming fully dependent on Carlos' income. Those quiet moments alone in the kitchen after Jonah was tucked into bed often brought a quiet anxiety to the surface, whispering doubts about whether Carlos felt burdened by the immense responsibility.

Carlos, however, always seemed to sense TK's hidden worries instinctively. One particular evening, as the golden rays of sunset spilled softly through their kitchen windows, Carlos found TK leaning quietly against the counter, lost in thought while Jonah happily colored nearby. Carlos approached slowly, sliding his arms gently around TK's waist, pressing a soft kiss to the back of his neck. The gesture startled TK out of his worries, instantly calming the storm brewing inside him.

"You're doing it again," Carlos whispered tenderly, resting his chin lightly on TK's shoulder.

TK smiled weakly, leaning back into Carlos' solid warmth. "Doing what?"

Carlos tightened his arms gently, his voice soft but firm. "Worrying yourself over nothing. You think I don't notice, but I see it every day, TK."

TK sighed softly, turning in Carlos' embrace, eyes searching his husband's reassuring gaze. "I just worry sometimes. You have so much on your shoulders now, and Jonah and I—"

"—are everything I never knew I ever wanted," Carlos interrupted gently, his voice full of warmth. "Listen to me, babe. Being able to provide for you and Jonah makes me happy. It's not a burden, it's not something I regret—it's something I'm deeply proud of. Coming home every day to see you two safe and happy is all the reward I could ever need."

TK smiled softly, eyes shimmering with unshed tears. Carlos always knew exactly what to say. In moments like this, TK's heart swelled with love and gratitude, the doubts and anxieties fading away.

As if sensing the tender moment between his parents, Jonah bounded toward them, holding a messy drawing triumphantly above his head. "Papa Bro! Papa! Look!" he called proudly, his tiny face beaming with pride.