goldentarlos

[goldentarlos]

read on ao3

chapter one chapter two: share your food with them

trigger warning: mentions of dieting. it doesn’t go too into detail but i don’t want to make anyone uncomfortable 💓

“Can you please tell your fiancé his body is perfect and that he can eat a carb?” Nancy groans as she hands Carlos his and TK’s takeout boxes. Carlos says a quiet “thank you” as he sets the boxes down onto the island of the 126 kitchen.

“I tell him all of the time.” He settles down on the stool, folding his arms as he waits for TK. “What did he order?”

“Chicken Fajitas.” They both look up when TK enters the kitchen, Nancy giving him an unamused look. “Without the tortillas. With very special instructions of no oil or grease and for the vegetables to be steamed, not fried. They probably spat in there, too.”

TK crinkles his nose in disgust. “Ew. Why would they do that?”

“Because you’re a brat.”

TK sticks his tongue out at her, walking over to Carlos and placing a hand on his back. “Hi, baby.” He sits down next to him, smiling when Carlos places a hand on his leg and squeezes. He takes note of his slightly red eyes and how tense his body is, brown eyes looking at him worriedly.

Judd and Mateo enter the kitchen next, and Carlos waits until they’re conversing amongst themselves before asking quietly, “You okay?”

TK blows out a shaky breath, shoulders deflating slightly. “Yeah.” He reaches for his box and opens it, the strong smell of the fajitas hitting their noses. Carlos leans closer so that TK meets his eyes, causing him to roll his own and laugh. “Not the cow eyes.”

“C’mon. Talk to me.”

“Just my dad.” He smiles reassuringly at Carlos. “I’m okay. Promise. Just a little stressed.”

Carlos hums sympathetically at that. He knows TK is downplaying it. He knows it’s been a lot of stress lately. His fiancé, who has been shouldering so much lately, has been so wonderful dealing with it all. Carlos is always in awe of his strength and resilience; but he knows adding whatever his dad is hiding from him into the mix has started to take a toll on him. Judd says Owen does it to protect TK and prevent him from “worrying about his old man”, but Carlos knows it hurts him more in the end.

Judd stands across from them with his plate of food and Carlos chooses not to push any further. He shoots TK a look — we’ll talk later — and opens his takeout box.

The strong aroma of his Carne Asada tacos fills the air. From the corner of his eye he can see TK pause mid-bite to sniff noisily. “What is that smell?” He groans and closes his eyes.

Carlos stifles a laugh. “I think it’s mine.”

TK looks over at his plate of food longingly. “Tacos?” He pouts when Carlos nods. His favorite.

“Carne Asada.” He confirms. He hesitates before asking, “You want?” 

He loves TK and wants to be there to support him through everything, even through this (unnecessary) diet; and he doesn’t want to be the one to set him back. When TK had first brought up the idea to him a few weeks ago he was confused, not able to understand why his fiancé would need to be on a diet eighteen months before their wedding, but he was supportive and understanding, even if it was difficult for him at first. 

Carlos has always loved to feed people, something that he knows he gets from his abuela, so that same night he searched and saved paleo recipes he found online that they could try out together. 

TK always says he’s a few pounds heavier than he’s ever been in his life ever since they moved in together. Carlos has seen old pictures of TK when he was in New York, and he remembers when he first met him. He compares them to the beautiful man that stands before him now and his heart swells with pride. He likes that his cheeks are rounder. He loves that he’s softer, loves to kiss the soft pouch of skin under his belly button that TK tries so hard to get rid of. 

He’s happy. He’s healthy, both physically and mentally, and it’s been the most beautiful thing Carlos has ever witnessed.

“I shouldn’t.”

“TK, a few tacos won’t hurt you.” Judd pipes up, looking at TK in amusement.

Carlos smiles gently at TK, careful not to pressure him. He sees the moment he gives in to the temptations, his shoulders sagging in defeat. He grabs the takeout box Carlos slides towards him, completely pushing away his own plate of chicken fajitas to the side, forgotten. 

He moans in delight at the taste of the tacos, causing Mateo to laugh, Judd to watch in amusement and Carlos to smile at him fondly. “I needed this.”

After he eats one he pushes the box back towards Carlos, who shakes his head. “You can have them, babe.” Carlos combs his fingers through the hair at the nape of his neck.

“Are you sure?” He asks but is already taking a bite out of the second taco.

Carlos laughs and nods his head, sliding TK’s box towards himself so he can finish his tortilla-less, very bland fajitas.

[goldentarlos]

I was a project.

[goldentarlos]

TK STRAND & IRIS BLAKE 9-1-1: LONE STAR | S04E02, New Hot Mess

[goldentarlos]

TK STRAND and CARLOS REYES

9-1-1: Lone Star (4.02) → The New Hot Mess

[goldentarlos]

But I was trying to fix something that wasn’t actually broken. And when did you figure that out? Probably…the day I met you.

[goldentarlos]

TK Strand & Carlos Reyes 

911: LONE STAR | S4 E2 SNEAK PEEK

[goldentarlos]

TK STRAND 911 Lone Star 4.01 | The New Hotness

[goldentarlos]

wip wednesday

“TK.” Someone has a firm hand on his shoulder, trying to get his attention. He has to blink his eyes a couple of times before he’s able to focus on them. “You with me, brother?” Judd asks, Gabriel standing behind him and watching, concerned.

“I—“ He takes a deep breath in to calm his rapidly beating heart, “I need to call Carlos.”

He shakily takes his phone out of his pocket and tries not to cry at the background he has of Carlos smiling sweetly into the camera, staring back at him. He presses the “call” button and waits as it rings, putting his hand up distractedly when Gabriel tries to say something to him. He curses when he’s met with his voicemail and tries again. His foot taps anxiously on the floor as the phone rings, this time letting the voicemail beep. “Baby, call me back. Your dad is here looking for you and we’re all worried. They think you’re in trouble? Please just let us know you’re okay.”

Gabriel watches him with sorrow in his eyes and steps closer to him. “Son, we’ve tried calling him. He’s not answering anyone, not even his mother.”

TK blows out an anxious breath and feels a shiver wrack his body as he’s forced to face reality and his biggest fear.

Something bad has happened to Carlos.

“Can you tell me when was the last time you’ve seen him?” 

“Yesterday. Around 8PM.”

“Did he tell you where he was going?”

“He was going to see Iris.” TK answers. “She said she needed him. Do you think something happened to her too?”

“We don’t know.” Gabriel gives him a long look before continuing. “It’s not like Carlos to just disappear.”

TK nods, because of course. He knows Carlos isn’t like him and Carlos isn’t like Iris. Carlos wouldn’t disappear off the face of the earth for hours and worry everyone. If he needed space he would communicate, say where he was going and for how long. He always comes back.

This is different.

“I have someone tracking the last location of his phone.” Gabriel keeps his voice professional and TK wonders how he can keep his composure knowing his son could be in danger. “Do you remember what he was wearing when he left?”

He feels like he’s about to be sick. 

He swallows the bile rising in his throat and lists each article of clothing to Gabriel, watching as he writes it down quickly. When he’s finished he reaches a hand up to the nape of his neck and squeezes firmly. “This is very helpful, TK. Thank you. I’ll keep you in the loop and call you once we find him.”

TK shakes his head quickly. “I’m going with you.”

“TK—“

“No, he’s my—“ he pauses to control the tremor in his voice before continuing, “it’s Carlos, Mr. Reyes. I can’t just wait around while he could possibly be in danger. I won’t.” He makes sure his voice is firm and leaves no room for arguments.

Gabriel just stares at him for a long moment before visibly deflating, eyes fond. “Carlos told me you were stubborn.”

a/n: I scrapped my last hurt!carlos fic and started new. tbh last nights episode gave me a lot to write about and I’m so happy I did. I’m actually proud of where this fic is going ☺️ let me know how it sounds so far

[goldentarlos]

TK/Carlos + Touch

↳ 3.08 In the Unlikely Event of an Emergency

[goldentarlos]

TOMMY & CHARLES VEGA 9-1-1: Lone Star S02E13 | “One Day”

[goldentarlos]

you know, you know i love you so

series summary — love language: acts of service

chapter one — make their coffee in the morning

Carlos groans when the shrill sound of his alarm breaks the peaceful morning air. He blindly reaches an arm out and feels for his phone to silence the sound. TK is grumbling something unintelligible next to him, body turning over so that he’s facing Carlos. 

Carlos leans in to press a soft kiss where his brows are furrowed in annoyance. “Sorry, babe.”

“What time is it?” 

“Too early for you to be awake on your day off,” he gently coaxes TK to turn around so that he can hold him from behind. “Go back to sleep.” 

He stays in bed for a few more minutes, until he hears TKs’ breathing even out. He presses a kiss against the back of his skull before untangling himself from their embrace and reluctantly getting out of their (very warm) bed.

He fights to keep his eyes open as he gets ready for his shift. Having just gotten off of a twelve hour shift the day before, he barely slept last night, unable to stop thinking about a case they are working on. It was three in the morning when TK realized he wasn’t in bed and came out of their room looking for him. How could Carlos deny his fiancé cuddles when he was wearing his worn out APD t-shirt, the neckline so worn out it dipped low on his collarbone and voice so soft and sweet, one he reserves for the people closest to him and patients he’s treating out in the field.

He’d only gotten three hours of sleep and he could reallyuse a cup of coffee — or a few.

Once he’s dressed and his hair is gelled and somewhat tamed he makes his way out of the bathroom and into their bedroom. He looks towards the bed when he hears rustling in the kitchen, finding the spot where he left TK sleeping soundly, empty.

“Babe?” He calls out as he walks out of the bedroom and towards the kitchen, the delicious smell of fresh coffee filling the air. He finds TK leaning against the counter with a steaming cup of coffee in his hands, a tired smile lighting up his features.

“I made you coffee.”

Carlos gives him a soft smile as he makes his way over to him. Once he’s standing in front of him he wraps his arms tightly around him in a hug. “Thank you, mi cielito.”

He presses a kiss to the side of his cheek, light stubble scratching his lips. TK pulls away and gives him a look, lips pursed and waiting. Carlos laughs and presses a searing kiss onto his lips. “Good morning, baby.” TK mumbles against his lips.

“Good morning.” He keeps their foreheads pressed together and sways their bodies gently. “You didn’t have to.” He reaches a hand up to run his fingers through his wild bedhead. 

“I wanted to.” Carlos presses another kiss onto his lips before letting go so he can take a sip from the coffee mug. He hums in delight. “How is it? Did I do it the way you like it?”

“It’s perfect.”

[goldentarlos]

TK STRAND in 9-1-1: Lone Star → (3.08) In The Unlikely Event of an Emergency

[goldentarlos]

RAFAEL SILVA via FOXTV’s Instagram - January 20, 2023

[goldentarlos]

to you, i’ll give the world

summary — TK can feel the goosebumps forming on his skin from where Carlos’ hand is lightly scratching the bare skin of his back. “Keep doing that and I’ll fall asleep in no time.”

“Is it helping?”

“Mmhmm.” Carlos huffs out a quiet laugh at his sleepy response.

or

TK has trouble sleeping and learns something new about Carlos.

“TK.” 

“I know. I’m sorry.”

“Go to sleep.”

“I’m trying.”

“Just close your eyes, babe.”

“They are closed.” TK huffs, the bed shaking as he moves around again to find a comfortable spot. “I just feel… restless.” He finally settles on his stomach with his arms hugging the pillow his head is resting on.

Carlos’ eyes snap open, all traces of sleep gone. He turns his body over so that he’s facing TK. “Do you need to call Cooper?” He rests his hand on his upper back and begins to scratch softly at the fabric of his t-shirt. 

“No.”

“Okay,” his hand moves down and slips beneath his shirt. “What can I do to help?” 

TK can feel the goosebumps forming on his skin from where Carlos’ hand is lightly scratching the bare skin of his back. “Keep doing that and I’ll fall asleep in no time.”

“Is it helping?”

“Mmhmm.” Carlos huffs out a quiet laugh at his sleepy response.

“My abuela used to scratch my back when I had trouble sleeping.” He keeps his voice low as he gazes at TKs’ relaxed face. “Or when I was feeling anxious or sad.” He pulls his hand away to tug at his shirt. “Take your shirt off.”

Green eyes shoot open, a flirtatious smile tugging at his lips. “Are you thinking of other ways to tire me out?”

Carlos snorts and raises a big hand to lightly push at his face. “Shut up.” He leans closer to press a soft kiss against his lips. “Take your shirt off so it’s easier for me to get your whole back.”

When he pulls away TK follows his lips to steal one more peck — or two — before sitting up to pull his shirt over his head. When he throws himself back down onto his stomach Carlos resumes running his nails gently across his back, watching the goosebumps rise on his skin. TK closes his eyes and Carlos can see the tension slowly leave his body.

It’s quiet for a few minutes. Carlos can feel his own eyes begin to get heavy and his hand is beginning to slow on TKs’ back. “Does it still help with your anxiety?”

“Hmm?” 

“You said your abuela scratched your back when you felt anxious or sad.” TK says. “Does it still help?”

“I’m not sure.” He answers honestly — sleepily. “I haven’t had anyone do it to me in a long time.”

“Next time you’re feeling anxious will you let me know?” Carlos blinks his eyes open and is met with big, green eyes staring back at him. “I want to help.”

He feels warmth spread through his entire body and more love, which he didn’t know was possible, for the beautiful man laying next to him. 

“You help. More than you know, babe.”

“I want to try,” he says seriously. “If it helped you when you were younger then maybe it still does.”

“You just want me shirtless.”

“I mean, that is a bonus,” he says playfully, “but I’m serious, baby. Let me take care of you.”

Carlos presses a kiss against his forehead. “Have I told you lately how much I love you and your big heart?”

“Yes,” he smiles cutely, “but I wouldn’t be opposed to hearing it again.”

“I love you.”

“I love you too.” They share a long kiss, foreheads resting against each other when they pull apart.

“Now go to sleep.”

[goldentarlos]

Tarlos in the new 911: Lone Star Season 4 promo.

[goldentarlos]

You’re a hot mess. 9-1-1: Lone Star — season 4 promo

[goldentarlos]

wip wednesday

“You really need to stop doing this to me, TK.”

“Of course out of all of the planes that could have engine trouble right now, it’s the one you’re on.” He pauses to take a shaky breath. “It’s the one I put you on.”

“I’m so sorry, TK. I’m so sorry I couldn’t be there to hold your hand during this. I—,” his breath hitches, “I would do anything to be on that plane right now with you. I don’t want this to be goodbye. I’d rather die with you than live in a world without you. I can’t do it, TK. So please, please somehow get through this the way you always do.”

“I love you so much.”

He’s sick of hospitals.

Usually he’s the one lying in the hospital bed and not the one doing the waiting, so he’s not used to this.

His leg won’t stop shaking and he feels restless. He keeps unconsciously looking for the one person who can put him at ease and calm his nerves,

but that person is the one he’s here for. His person.

He finds himself praying, something he hasn’t done in years.

He’ll do anything for Carlos to be okay.

“Hey, bud.” Nancys’ voice says lowly in his ear. He feels her arm wrap around him and squeeze tightly. “We’re here.”

Marjan sits in the chair on the other side of him and gently intertwines their fingers, giving his hand a reassuring squeeze. Judd leans down to press a comforting kiss into his hair before grabbing a chair and scooting it forward until it’s in front of his own. Paul sits beside Marjan and stretches an arm to rest a warm hand against the back of his head.

“Thank you guys for being here.” He looks up and sees Tommy hovering behind Judd, her eyes looking at him with love and concern.

“There’s nowhere else we’d rather be.” Marjan says.

Paul nods his head, “Yeah, we’ll always be here for you guys.”

“He’s going to be okay, TK.” Tommys’ comforting voice reassures him.

TK bites back a sob. “It was so bad.” He leans towards Nancy and tucks his face into her neck. “There was so much blood.”

Just then, he looks down at his hands and notices the red staining them. Carlos’ blood.

His breath hitches and suddenly he can’t breathe or hear. He whimpers as he tries to roughly wipe it away, nails scraping harshly against his skin. “TK, relax.” But he can’t.

He’s so close to losing his lifeline.

“Mijo.” He instantly relaxes at the sound of her voice. His eyes follow the sound and land on where she’s standing next to Tommy.

“Andrea,” he cries, “I’m so sorry.”

He stands quickly to throw himself into her arms. She wraps them around him tightly. “You have nothing to be sorry for.” Her voice is gentle but stern. “You saved my babys’ life.”

“This shouldn’t have happened at all. I should have done more.”

She pulls away to hold him at arm's length, her smile sad. “You give him a reason to keep fighting.” Her hands reach up to cradle his face, thumbs softly brushing away his tears. She looks down at him and takes in the dried blood covering his hands, her face paling. He can see the tears in her eyes as she says, “Let’s get you cleaned up, mi amor.”

this is a mess but i’m still working very hard on it. sometimes i get discouraged and am not sure if i’m going to post it but if you like it pls let me know. i want to include the voicemail and am still writing it and figuring it out so it’s a little rough right now and cringy. i haven’t written in so long so pls be kind 💓

come say hi on twitter @squishytarlos ☺️ i’m horrible at posting but would love to tweet with people when season 4 premieres.