#Tarlos Fanfiction One-shots

Days Like This

Carlos opened his eyes just before dawn, instantly noticing the peaceful quiet that blanketed their home. He lay still for a moment, savoring the rare silence of a weekday morning. Today was Friday—the beginning of three full days without any work interruptions. It was rare, precious, and Carlos intended to enjoy every second.

He carefully turned his head, gazing softly at TK, who was sleeping peacefully beside him. Carlos smiled, his heart swelling with affection. TK worked tirelessly every day, keeping their family running smoothly, making sure Jonah felt loved and secure. After giving up his paramedic career to stay home with Jonah, TK had fully embraced his role, and Carlos admired him more deeply every day for his sacrifice.

Gently slipping out of bed, Carlos leaned over to brush a soft kiss against TK's forehead. He then quietly padded out of their bedroom, sliding the door gently shut behind him. The loft was perfectly still, but Carlos knew it wouldn't last long once Jonah was awake.

Carlos moved around the kitchen comfortably, pulling out ingredients for pancakes and loaded the coffee maker. He loved mornings like this, filled with quiet moments where he could surprise his family. Soon, the scent of fresh pancakes and coffee drifted warmly through the air. Carlos set aside plates for all of them, quickly adding crisp bacon and fluffy scrambled eggs for himself and TK. For Jonah, he carefully prepared a bowl of strawberry yogurt topped generously with fresh berries and sliced bananas.

With breakfast set, Carlos then pulled out Jonah's favorite lunch box. Carefully, he packed chicken sandwich which he cut into half, cucumber slices shaped into stars, baby carrots, grapes, and a small container of Jonah's favorite apple slices drizzled lightly with honey. Satisfied, he smiled at the lunch box, proud of the healthy, balanced meal he'd put together.

He then quietly entered Jonah's corner, smiling tenderly at his sleeping son. Gently shaking Jonah awake, Carlos chuckled when Jonah blinked open sleepy eyes and immediately threw himself into Carlos' arms.

"Good morning, Papa," Jonah murmured sleepily, snuggling closer.

"Morning, mijo. Let's get you showered and dressed, yeah?" Carlos said softly, kissing Jonah's head.

After a quick shower and a playful battle over picking clothes.

"Can I please wear my dinosaur shirt again, Papa?", Jonah happily skipped toward the dining table, eyes lighting up seeing his breakfast favorites.

Carlos left Jonah at the table momentarily, slipping quietly back into their bedroom. He found TK still deeply asleep, curled tightly under the blankets. Gently shaking his shoulder, Carlos smiled lovingly. "Hey, sleepyhead. Breakfast's ready."

TK groaned lightly, eyes fluttering open as he smiled at Carlos. "Is it morning already?"

"Afraid so," Carlos laughed softly, pressing a kiss to TK's lips. "Jonah's already chatting away out there."

TK sat up, stretching lazily, and finally followed Carlos into the dining room, joining Jonah at the table. Jonah was already animatedly describing everything he'd learned at school lately.

"Did you know I wrote my whole name yesterday, Papa?" Jonah announced proudly, practically bouncing in his chair. "J-O-N-A-H M-O-R-G-A-N D-E L-A C-O-S-T-A! Miss Katie said I did perfect! Charlie said it was really long. Is it, Papa Bro?"

"It's very impressive, Jojo. We're so proud of you," TK laughed, squeezing Jonah's shoulder. Carlos smiled across the table, heart filled with warmth at the scene before him.

Jonah continued eagerly, "Charlie said I can sleep at his house today. Right, Papa? And Uncle Judd said we can make pizza, and Aunt Grace promised we'll watch movies and everything!"