#Tarlos Fanfiction One-shots

Under Your Protection IV

Epilogue

Saturday finally arrived, and Carlos found himself standing outside the boba shop, wearing an exaggerated grimace that had both TK and Jonah giggling uncontrollably. Jonah excitedly tugged Carlos' hand, pointing eagerly at the colorful menu plastered across the windows. "Papa! Can we get the mango one with the little squishy balls inside? Papa-Bro says those are the best!"

Carlos dramatically shook his head, sighing deeply, "You mean those chewy, gooey gummy things floating around in tea? Like fish eggs you drink and chew at the same time? I'll never understand how that's supposed to be fun."

TK burst into laughter, gently nudging Carlos' shoulder. "Such a drama queen! Just admit you're a boba-hater, babe."

Jonah placed his hands on his hips, mimicking TK perfectly. "Yeah, Papa! Just say you don't like nice things!"

Carlos laughed warmly, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright. I'll suffer quietly because I love my two favorite boba-lovers in the world. Order whatever weird squishy drink you want."

Inside the shop, TK and Jonah happily sipped their drinks while Carlos nursed his plain iced coffee, feeling a deep sense of peace settle into his chest. After everything they'd endured, small moments like these became even more precious. Jonah moved to sit on Carlos' lap,  his little hand clutching his mango boba tightly. He gazed sweetly up at Carlos and offered, "Papa, are you sure you don't want just one little sip? It's super yummy."

Carlos softened immediately, smiling affectionately as he bravely took a tiny sip, immediately pulling a face that sent Jonah and TK into another fit of laughter. "Still weird," Carlos declared playfully, kissing Jonah's forehead tenderly. "But anything for you, mijo."

After their boba adventure, the little family headed to their favorite grocery store. The domestic comfort of walking down familiar aisles eased away the lingering tension from the past weeks. Jonah behaved perfectly, carefully helping TK pick vegetables and excitedly pointing out fruits. But the moment they reached the snack aisle, Jonah's eyes widened dramatically.

"Papa! Papa-Bro! Can we get chips? And those cookies! Oh, and gummies too!" Jonah bounced on his toes, hands reaching enthusiastically for every colorful package within reach.

TK raised an amused eyebrow, gently taking Jonah's hand. "Remember, Jojo, only three snacks for two weeks. We talked about this, buddy."

Jonah's lower lip trembled dramatically as he turned to Carlos with his own perfected version of puppy-dog eyes—those famous Reyes cow eyes. Carlos melted instantly, looking pleadingly at TK with matching puppy eyes. "Come on, babe, maybe just one more? He's been so good lately."

TK affectionately rolled his eyes, giving in with a soft sigh. "You two and those cow eyes are going to be the death of me. Fine, one more snack."

Carlos and Jonah immediately high-fived triumphantly, turning back to the shelves with a comically serious discussion about which four snacks would last for the next two weeks. TK stood back, watching his boys with affectionate amusement. Jonah eventually chose carefully, then proudly held onto both of their hands, clinging closely as they finished shopping.

But despite these joyful moments, it soon became clear Jonah was still struggling beneath the surface. It started subtly, with Jonah clinging tighter to Carlos' hand when they walked outside, anxiously scanning the faces of passing strangers. His laughter faded quickly in public, replaced by small, nervous whispers: "Papa, is the bad man gonna come back?"