#Tarlos Fanfiction One-shots

The Great Lizard Debacle

Sunlight streamed through the tall windows of the Reyes-Strand household, casting gentle warmth over the cozy loft. It was a rare lazy Saturday, the kind of day Carlos Reyes longed for after a week of chasing criminals as a Texas Ranger. He stretched his arms over his head with a deep sigh, his gaze falling affectionately to where TK was sprawled across the couch, staring intently at the terrarium sitting proudly on the coffee table.

The glass enclosure housed the object of Carlos's mild disdain—Lou II, their adopted son of the reptilian variety. Carlos shuddered slightly. He'd never been a fan of scaly creatures, no matter how much TK adored them. But the fond look on TK's face whenever he watched the tiny creature was enough to make him tolerate the reptile's presence...barely.

Carlos smiled softly, warmth filling his chest as he watched TK. It still felt surreal sometimes—the pure luck of having TK in his life. He remembered clearly how he'd felt the day after coming out to his parents; the silence had been deafening. It was never discussed again, as if it were something shameful to be hidden away. Carlos had felt himself shrink, eventually even marrying Iris in an attempt to please his parents, giving up the dream of ever truly settling down with a man he genuinely loved.

But meeting TK had changed everything. Carlos still remembered the fluttering in his chest when he'd gathered the courage to ask TK to dance for the first time at the honky-tonk. It had felt like stepping into a new life—a life where he didn't have to hide anymore, where every day was filled with genuine affection and quiet, steady support. He couldn't believe how lucky he was to wake up each morning beside TK, the man who had given him the gift of fatherhood, and who made every challenge easier simply by existing.

He walked over, gently rubbing TK's shoulders.

"Babe, you do realize you spend more time staring at Lou II than at me these days," Carlos teased lightly, leaning down to place a gentle kiss on TK's temple. He chuckled softly when TK glanced up, pretending to look offended.

"Well, Lou II doesn't complain when I shower him with affection," TK shot back, a playful smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. Carlos couldn't help but roll his eyes, pretending to clutch at his chest dramatically.

"Wow, so that's how it is? I see how easily replaceable I am," Carlos teased, shaking his head in mock disbelief. "Maybe I should just go cuddle Bunny next door. At least she appreciates me." Referring to their neighbor's golden retriever.

TK laughed out loud, reaching out to gently pinch Carlos's side, making him squirm.

"You're jealous of our child, Carlos. That's just sad."

"That 'child' of ours is a tiny dinosaur, and I think he's plotting my demise," Carlos whispered conspiratorially, glancing suspiciously toward Lou II's cage. "He gives me that look."

TK shook his head with an affectionate smile, nudging Carlos lightly with his shoulder. "You're ridiculous, babe."

Carlos grinned softly, warmth blossoming in his chest as he watched TK laugh. It was moments like these that reminded him how grateful he was to have TK in his life. Carlos couldn't imagine his life any other way.

"Papa-bro, are you talking to Lou again?" Jonah's innocent voice broke through Carlos's thoughts. Both men turned toward the small corner of the loft, where Jonah sat cross-legged, crayons spread around him and his coloring book open in front of him. He stared curiously, his wide eyes filled with gentle curiosity.

Carlos smiled tenderly. It always amazed him how naturally Jonah fit into their lives. Jonah and TK shared such an instinctive bond, especially in their love for animals. Carlos often marveled at how similarly the two reacted whenever they saw a dog on the street or squirrels scampering across the park. Their matching grins and squeals of delight always warmed his heart.