#Tarlos Fanfiction One-shots

Tummy Bug

It was close to four in the afternoon, the Texas summer sun beating down on the open fields just north of San Marcos. Carlos crouched behind the hood of the SUV, scanning the cluster of picnic tables in the distant city park where they'd been tipped off about the arms exchange. His earpiece buzzed with radio traffic—Campbell's terse updates, the distant hum of local PD on the perimeter, the soft rustle of leaves as a breeze pushed through the grass. Carlos's mind should've been razor-sharp, but he found himself distracted, his phone buzzing insistently in the inside pocket of his jacket.

He slipped the phone out quickly, thumb swiping across the lock screen as he caught TK's name. The first message was simple:

TK:

Jonah's got a tummy ache. Pretty sure
he ate something he shouldn't have.
Keeping him hydrated, watching him close.

Carlos felt a cold rush of worry, glancing up to make sure Campbell hadn't noticed. He typed back, his fingers stiff.

Shit. Is he okay? How bad is it?

The reply was almost immediate, a photo attached—Jonah bundled in a blanket, eyes puffy and cheeks flushed.

He's been on the couch all afternoon.
Vomited once, been to the bathroom a bunch.
No fever. I called Dr. Bhatt, just keeping an eye for now.
He keeps asking when you'll be home.

Carlos's chest tightened. He pressed his knuckles into his thigh, staring at the photo, guilt gnawing at his gut. He typed, erasing and retyping, wanting to sound calm for TK's sake.

I'm so sorry, baby. I wish I could be there.

We're close to wrapping up here, but it mightbe another hour or two. Give Jojo akiss from me. Tell him Papa loves him.

He stared at the screen, hoping for reassurance, but only got another message a minute later.

Don't worry about us. I've got him.
Just come home safe, okay?

Promise. Keep me posted?

I'll call if I can step away.

Just then, Campbell strode over, clipboard in hand, his face pinched with concentration. He stopped, catching the worried look on Carlos's face. "Everything all right, Reyes?"

Carlos hesitated, trying to tuck his phone away, but Campbell just raised an eyebrow, the kind of look only a seasoned partner could give. "Family stuff?" he asked, voice dropping to something quieter.

Carlos sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah. Jonah's not feeling well. Tummy bug or something. TK says he's okay, but I feel like an ass being out here when my kid's asking for me."

Campbell's features softened with understanding, something a little wry tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Welcome to the club, Reyes. Joys of being a Texas Ranger—saving the world, missing dinner, and watching your kid get sick through a text message."

Carlos managed a shaky laugh. "Yeah. I just...he's still so little, you know? And after everything we went through to finally have him home with us, I hate not being there when he needs me."

Campbell nudged his shoulder, voice warm. "You're a good dad, Carlos. Being out here, doing your job, doesn't make you any less of one. Jojo's got two people who love him more than anything. That's more than most kids can say."