#Tarlos Fanfiction One-shots

Under Your Protection II

Chapter 2: Holding the Line

Carlos stirred awake slowly, consciousness returning to him in soft waves. His eyes blinked open to the gentle morning light filtering through the blinds of their loft. He immediately felt the absence of TK's familiar warmth beside him. Rolling over, he noticed his husband already awake, eyes fixed on the ceiling, lost in thought. Carlos recognized that look instantly—the quiet storm of anxiety swirling behind TK's gentle expression, still haunted by yesterday's frightening events.

Without hesitation, Carlos shifted across the bed, gently wrapping TK up in a secure, comforting embrace. TK immediately melted into him, letting out a soft, shuddering sigh as he pressed his face into Carlos' chest, seeking shelter from the troubling memories. Carlos gently stroked TK's back, silently promising his husband that nothing would ever hurt him or Jonah—not while Carlos had breath left in his body.

After several quiet minutes, TK finally lifted his head, meeting Carlos' gaze, their eyes communicating everything words couldn't. Carlos softly cupped TK's cheek, leaning in and kissing him tenderly, letting his touch reassure TK that he was safe and loved. They lingered together for just another moment, drawing strength from each other's presence before pulling themselves up to face the day.

Carlos slipped out of bed first, padding quietly toward the shower, while TK headed to the kitchen. The comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee soon filled their small loft, accompanied by the gentle sound of TK slicing Jonah's favorite fruits. By the time Carlos emerged from the bathroom—dressed neatly for the long, taxing day ahead—he could already smell the familiar warmth of home, anchoring him in this moment.

He moved quietly to the kitchen, pressing a gentle kiss to TK's shoulder as he stepped beside him to prepare breakfast. Carlos cracked eggs into a pan and carefully laid bacon onto the skillet, humming softly to himself. The familiar routine grounded him amid lingering anxieties. As breakfast cooked, Carlos prepared Jonah's current favorite meal: sliced bananas, strawberries, and blueberries generously covered in yogurt. He glanced at the calendar magnetized to their fridge, noting Jonah's and TK's schedules for the day.

Soon after, TK gently guided a still-sleepy Jonah toward the dining table, their son rubbing his eyes and yawning dramatically as he climbed into his chair. Carlos smiled tenderly, setting Jonah's bowl in front of him before joining his family at the table.

"So, mijo, what's on your agenda today?" Carlos asked cheerfully, eager to see Jonah smiling and carefree again. He watched Jonah with soft eyes, heart warmed by the sight of his son energetically scooping yogurt-covered fruit into his mouth.

Jonah immediately brightened, bouncing in his chair, all previous traces of sleep completely forgotten as he launched into an excited ramble. "Papa-Bro said we're gonna visit the 126 today! I'll see Charlie and play with Uncle Mateo and Aunt Nancy! Will you come later at the firehouse, Papa? Did you know Uncle Mateo promised to show us the fire truck again? And Aunt Nancy said we can wear helmets! Papa, helmets!"

Carlos chuckled warmly, leaning forward slightly and feigning surprise. "Helmets? Really? Wow, that sounds important. Think they'll let you drive the truck too?"

Jonah giggled, eyes wide in playful disbelief. "Papa! I'm too small for that. You have to be really big—like you and Papa-Bro!" Jonah paused thoughtfully, yogurt spoon halfway to his mouth. "Maybe Charlie can drive though. Uncle Judd bought her a mini car."

TK laughed softly from across the table, shaking his head at Jonah's innocent reasoning. "I don't think Charlie can drive a fire truck yet, buddy. But maybe you two can practice driving your pretend ones instead?"