#NEED TK TAKE A SEAT

[alchemiclee]

I really hate when people say this. if I dont record, I cant "enjoy it in the moment" because I dissociate out of my damn mind and then have no memory of it! recording helps ground me and keep me focused in the moment! let me do what I need to in order to enjoy things you soggy potato 😭

plus, as a photographer/aspiring videographer who hasn't had the luck to become friends with bands and work with them, IM DOING A THING I ENJOY AS WELL, SO SHUT UP LMAO. I enjoy doing video and photos MORE than standing in a crowded, overwhelming room watching people do stuff on a stage. THATS LIYERALLY ME LIVING IN THE MOMENT DOING A THING I ENJOY!!!!! WHY IS THAT WRONG?!

[merakiui]

MERA!!! A THOUGHT FORMED IN MY HEAD AND I THOUGHT J MUST SHARE IT WITH YOU!!! >_< Imagine a Fem Jade and her twin brother Floyd bickering and fighting over the reader! They would have their sibling rivalry in an underhanded manner, and you would just sit there sandwiched in between them, looking so innocent and confused. Oh how they love that of you. Looking so cute and sweet like that, how they both want to just gobble you up and squish you with their maws! To break you down as they have their own fantasies of trying to build you up and devour you whole >0< But both are pretty possessive, and so they want to try and win your affections. I can't help but think of Fem Jade cus she's so pretty, and the thought of the twins fighting over you is just so juicy and tantalizing!!! I hope you do well with this idea Mera hehehe

Also! It's been awhile!!! Hope you've been doing well♡♡♡

Honey anon 🍯

omg, hi, it's me again. But i just can't stop thinking about Fem Jade!!! I also had another thought, imagine like admist their time trying to fight for your affection one day Floyd walks into the kitchen at Monsteo Lounge and there you are laid out against the counter top throwing your head back as your arching yourself Into Jades touch while she slowly savors the taste of you. Oh no, it seems that Floyd wasn't fast enough to make his move T-T you're just there covering your mouth trying to stifle moans, not even noticing Floyd walking in on this sight. Jade definitely knows what she's doing, and she can only give him a cocky look. No need tk worry though, Floyd will surely be able to have his luck with you!!!

Honey Anon />○<\

- - -

AAA HONEY ANON!!! This is so yummy scrumptious omg,,,

Thinking about fem!Jade who can just tell you’re attracted to her brother. She sees the way you look at him, how much you fluster whenever he hangs off of you or teases you in that syrupy tone of his, and you’re not very skilled at concealing these feelings. Even just hearing Floyd’s name is enough to have you perking up. She’ll tease you ruthlessly and use your crush on Floyd as a means of getting intimate with you. She’s willing to practice kissing and everything else with you to improve your technique. That way you won’t look silly when you try to flirt with Floyd.

She’s so !!!!! She knows exactly what she wants and how to get it. Always teasing and embarrassing you in front of Floyd. “Accidentally” spilling a drink on you just to make your shirt see-through and watch Floyd squirm and try to play the role of gentleman by lending you his jacket, all while she takes in the sight of you like the pervert she is. >_< she bullies you out of love. <3

And then there’s Floyd,,, it’s impossible to have any alone time with you because Jade’s annoying self is always keen on interrupting. >:( when he has you alone in his room and the two of you are about to watch a movie, in walks Jade with an armful of terrarium supplies. “Oh, don’t let me disturb you,” she’ll say, all sweet and coy, and seat herself at the desk, making no intention to leave. T_T

She’s just always cockblocking him. Showing up to basketball club practices to hang out with you when you were there for Floyd in the first place. And you, bless Shrimpy’s soul, always entertain her. Maybe you’re just too nice or you love the attention she lavishes you with. Floyd knows his sister isn’t stupid. A lot of what she does is curated for you: the way she does her makeup, the way she looks at you, how her sharp fingertips dance along your shoulder, etc. He hates to think about it, but it looks like she’s charming you when he sees the effect she has on you.

He’s trying so hard to be patient and gentle, to let this unfold at a natural pace. It’s not like he has the courage to confess completely. Maybe you just let Jade mess with you because she’s a girl. :/ he wonders if he was a girl if you’d be more willing to drop anything and everything to do stuff with him. The rivalry really starts up that day he stumbles upon you and her in the lounge, and Jade’s making Floyd’s Shrimpy cry out so sweetly. He’s just about ready to tackle her to the ground when she looks over at him, licking her lips clean of you, and smiles. They’re both too possessive right now to even think about sharing you, and if this is how Jade’s willing to play then Floyd can be just as dirty and unfair.

[forever-rogue]

Hi, love! So i’m not sure if your taking requests but i have a prompt for joel and you’re currently my favorite joel writer so 🥰 i can’t get this idea out of my head of reader being joel’s neighbor and being extremely nice and kind to everyone (especially to him and ellie cause she has feelings for him duh) and he’s kinda in love with her too but won’t admit it (ellie knows and nags him about it) but he also kinda judges her and thinks she’s “weak” cause she’s “too soft”, and then one day for whatever reason he ends up snapping at her and saying that “you have no idea what it is to lose a child” only to later find out from tommy that reader actually lost a baby under pretty awful circumstances and then he’s mortified but she’s super mad at him? I have no idea where this came from i guess i just like pain 🤷‍♀️ totally understand if you don’t feel like it though! Tks babe

AN | Please, this is so cute but sad, but there’s also a happy ending 💕

Pairing | Joel Miller x Fem!Reader

Warnings | Language, Mentions of child death

Word Count | 2.6k

Masterlist | Joel, Main

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

The pie in your hands smelled delicious, still warm and fresh, as you waited on Joel's porch. You rocked back and forth on your heels as you listened for his familiar footsteps to come to the door. Just when you were about to give up and save it for later, the door slowly opened.

"Hey," there was Joel, leaning against the doorway with a lazy little smile on his face, "what a pleasant surprise."

"Me or the pie?" You always managed to fall into an easy rapport with him. Your back and forth always seemed to turn from teasing to flirting, honestly? You loved it.

"Oh, you brought pie? I didn't even notice," your cheeks warmed up at his response. You shook your head and sighed playfully at him. He stepped aside and motioned for you to follow him, "do you want to come in?"

"I suppose I can spare you a few minutes of my precious time," you flashed him a pretty smile as you flounced past him. Making your way into the kitchen, you set the pie down before uncovering it to show him, "I even made your favorite."

"You spoil me," he practically groaned at the sight of the delicious treat. He immediately turned to the cabinets to grab some plates, "what's the occasion?"

"There's none," you grabbed some forks and knives, "the trees produced so many apples we couldn't use them fast enough. I figured pie was a good solution and I know you love it. So here we are."

"Here we are," he agreed softly, "thank you, darlin'."

"No need to thank me," you sat down and cut into the pie, "you just owe me now."

"I am forever in your debt," he down across from you, a knowing little look in his pretty brown eyes. You made a small sound of agreement as you passed him a slice, "whatever you want, just name it."

"I'll take you up on that offer."

"Good."

"Good."

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

“You should tell her you know,” Ellie broke the silence over dinner as she looked over at Joel from across the table. He froze with his fork about halfway to his mouth. He stuffed the bite into his mouth and took his sweet time swallowing it before sighing and raising an eyebrow at her, “don’t act like you don’t know what I’m talking about.”

“I do,” he admitted, figuring it was better to admit to the truth rather than lie to her. She looked so pleased with herself as she leaned back in her seat, “but I ain’t doing anything about anything. Get that into your head, kiddo.”

“Why not?” she huffed, waving her hand dismissively at him, “you’re so lame. Ugh.”

“Maybe I am,” he agreed with a nod of his head, “but your opinion isn’t going to change anything. I am okay with how things are right now. There’s no need to go and change things up.”

“But she feels the same way!” and it really was obvious; everyone knew. You also knew that everyone knew. It was like the worst kept secret in Jackson, “one of you has to make a move eventually.”

“Ellie-”

“Joel,” she looked at him seriously, her small face taking on a dire expression, “you’re being stupid.”

“Ellie.”

“You’re denying yourself potential happiness,” Joel had to admit that she had a point, regardless of whether or not he would act on it. He was so happy around you, you made him feel so alive and carefree and loved. You were like his very own ray of sunshine. He could only imagine what it would be like if the two of you added romance to the equation. It wasn’t hard to imagine what it would be like to kiss you and touch you and make love to you. It really would have been like a dream, “and her. Plus you’d be so cute together!”

“With that logic, she’s also denying herself happiness,” he wondered if you thought about him the way he thought about you. He’d be lucky if you even spared him more than a passing thought, “so, have you given her this speech?”

“Not yet,” she admitted with a shrug of her shoulders, “I was going to try you first. She’s usually the more logical one…so.”

“So,” Joel mirrored Ellie’s position and crossed his arms over his broad chest, “you’ll leave her alone and drop this.”

“Not a chance!”

“I didn’t think so,” the girl shoved the last mouthful of food into her mouth, “I’m going to her.”

“I know,” Joel drummed his fingers along the table and let out a resigned sigh, “I know.”

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Despite Ellie's insistence that he tell you how he feels, he didn't do anything about it. Namely, he couldn't manage to work up the courage to do so. To him, admitting that he had feelings for you was akin to admitting he was weak. Feelings made people soft and made things harder when, inevitably, the relationship would end one way or another. Why would he willing put himself through that again? It had almost killed him when he'd lost Sarah and later when the same happened with Tess. If it hadn't been for Ellie, he wasn't sure he'd have made it. But Ellie was going to be around forever either.

It was a complicated tangle of emotions, and the best solution for him had to been to keep a few people, currently Tommy and Ellie, close while others remained behind a wall. 

You, meanwhile, loved and cared for people so openly. It was easy to see that in everything you said and did. You had a giant heart, but you were just setting yourself for failure. One day something bad would happen and you'd fall apart. Joel wasn't sure he could handle that. 

He didn't want to lose you; he loved you, he really did, but he also didn't want his heart to break.

Ellie had come to you as well and pushed you to profess your feelings. While not as in denial about everything as Joel, you weren't about to make that first leap. What if you overstepped and pushed him away? You didn't want that; you'd rather keep him as a friend than lose him entirely.

You'd noticed over the last couple of weeks that something had been nagging at Joel. You didn't push the issue, but hoped he'd trust you enough to confide in you at some point.

It turned out that some point didn't come as you expected.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Joel had come over to your house, and the two of you were making dinner together. It was a routine you'd often fall into and it felt so blissfully domestic. You'd never really made a comment about it before, but something caused you to feel a certain amount of bravado and led you to actually pointing it out.

"You know, this is so much like playing house," you teased softly as you nudged his side with your elbow.

"It does," he agreed with a small smile. He liked the idea of living with you permanently. If he was being honest, the thought of sleeping with you and waking up to you in his arms, of spending lazy evenings in a tangle of limbs was something that crossed his mind more than he cared to admit. In another life, he'd have made those moves already and might have even called you this wife, "kinda nice."

"Mhmm," you continued chopping away at the fresh vegetables that you'd picked for dinner, "all that's missing now is a couple of kids running around."

He stiffened for a moment, his mind first going to the image of you round and pregnant with his child and then to sheer terror. Kids were all well and good, but something just told him they would be a bad idea. He remained silent and kept his gaze on the stove.

"You ever think about having kids in  the future?" you had hesitated for a moment before asking but, how did that old saying go? Curiosity killed the cat?

"No," he said without a second thought. It was a lie, of course it was. He'd thought about it a lot, especially since he'd met you. 

"Oh," your breath hitched in your throat at the sudden shift in emotion. You focused on what was in front of you rather than anything else. Something was off and you could immediately sense that you might have said the wrong thing. It was still hard for you too sometimes, "I'm sure that it's still…hard. Losing your daughter….I'm sure it was the hardest thing ever. I l-"

“Don’t,” there was a furious look on his face and you couldn’t help the way you recoiled away from him. He’d gone through such a shift in emotions that it was a little scary - you’d never seen him like this before, “don’t fucking talk about my daughter.”

“Joel, I didn’t mean anything by it,” you felt a few hot, salty tears run down your cheeks. You took a step back to create a distance between yourself, wiping the tears away with the sleeve of your sweater, “I was just saying-”

“You don’t know shit,” he stormed towards the door and threw it open harshly. You were surprised that it didn’t fall off the hinges, “you have no clue what it’s like to lose a child.”

With that, he stormed off, leaving you there staring in shock. Your mind was still trying to process what was going on as you closed the door. Your whole body felt like it was trembling as you leaned against the counter and took a few deep breaths. 

That wasn’t him, is what you tried to keep telling yourself. That wasn’t your Joel…he would never have talked to you like that. A sensitive topic had been brought up and he was hurting…anyone could have responded in such a manner. 

But, you decided, you’d give him some space. Maybe seeing you wasn’t the best thing for him right now….you were sure he’d come to you when he was ready to. Until then you would just love and support him from a distance; but that was the thing and you hoped he knew it too - you’d always love him. Not matter what happened, Joel Miller had your heart.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

“Hey big brother,” Tommy caught Joel’s attention as he walked into the tavern, flashing him a meek smile. Joel looked up and offered a wave in a sign of acknowledgment. Before he could say anything else, Tommy’s fist collided with his face, causing him to stumble off his stool. He clutched at his face, surprised by the sudden attack, “heard you were being an asshole.”

“What the fuck!?” Joel clutched at his face in shock as he took in Tommy's angry expression. And here he thought that they were getting along well these days. But then he said - your name, "listen-"

"No, you listen," Tommy grabbed by the collar of his shirt and pulled him closer so only he could hear his next words, "I can't believe you yelled at her. And you told her she doesn't know what it's like to lose a child? What the fuck is wrong with you?"

"What do you mean?" Joel's brows furrowed in confusion. Yes, he hated himself for yelling at you, but it had all been in the moment. He agreed with that part anyway, "what are you talking about?"

"You're an idiot and an asshole," Tommy shook his head, "you're not the only one who's lost everything. You're not the only one who's lost their child."

"W-what?"

"She lost her son," Joel's face fell as realization crashed over him like an icy wave, "to one of those clicker bastards. It almost got her too. You ever notice that scar on her face? Now you know where it comes from."

"Tommy-"

"Next time don't assume you know everything," he shoved him and put a bit of distance between themselves, "don't ever be a dick to her again. It won't end well."

With that, Tommy left Joel sitting there with a sore face and aching heart. Not that it was undeserved, but still. Joel knew what he had to do, but he wasn't sure you'd give him the time of day. But you were so good and kind that he realistically knew that you'd let him explain. 

All those things that he thought had made you weak actually made you so stronger. Much stronger than he was apparently.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

It was late in the evening a couple of days later when he knocked at your door. You were both surprised but in a way had been expecting him. It was Joel after all, and the two of you shared a special bond; it wouldn’t be so easily broken. 

“H-hi,” his cheeks immediately pinked when he saw your pretty face and he felt like either running away and never looking back or throwing up then and there. You offered him a small smile in return but otherwise remained silent, “I, uh, I wanted to…I came to…apologize. I’m sorry for the other day. It doesn’t excuse it, but I was just wanted to let you know. So…yeah.”

“Do you want to come in?” you asked softly, causing him to look at you in pure awe. 

"I-what?"

"I just made some tea," you stepped aside and beckoned for him to follow, "I couldn't sleep so I thought it might help."

He was incredulous as he stepped into your kitchen and watched you make him a cup. In the warm yellow light of the kitchen, he studied you intently. He noticed the scar running from your cheek and disappearing into your temple. It wasn't the first time he spotted the scar but it was the first time he made the connection.

"Why?" He asked as he sat down across from you, pulling the cup of tea closer, "why aren't you telling me to go fuck myself and leave?"

"There's no reason to," you shrugged before taking a long, thoughtful sip of your tea, "I assume Tommy told you by now."

"How'd you know?"

"I can see the bruising on your face," you reached over and gently ghosted your finger along his skin, "and no one would dare to hit you besides him. Or maybe Ellie."

"I'm sorry," he repeated, wrapping his fingers around your wrist and giving it a squeeze, "I had no clue."

"It's not something I usually go and advertise," you sat back in your seat and exhaled slowly, "losing a child isn't easy. It doesn't really get easier but time lessens the sting. I can tell you more about…him and everything that happened sometime. If you want to hear it, but not tonight. Tonight we can just…just be."

"Yes," he reached for your hand and put his hand on top of yours, "I know it doesn't seem like it but I…care for you. Very deeply."

"I know you do, Joel," your assurance made him feel so much lighter; it felt like the weight of the world was off his shoulders, "I care for you too. There's a lot we still have to learn about each other Joel, but I'm not going anywhere. I'll be here."

"Me too," there was a hopeful smile on his face as you squeezed his hand, "I'm not going anywhere."

[emsprovisions]

❄️ Day 1 - The Wingman ❄️

🎁 Today's drabble is dedicated to @eclectic-sassycoweyes!

Summary: While TK is babysitting Jonah, he meets a really sweet barista!

Word count: 765

Jonah screams from his stroller as TK pushes him and TK only feels more and more embarrassed as he backs them into Starbucks. Especially considering everyone sitting in the coffee shop looks cozy in their festive sweaters, with their holiday shopping in bags at their feet. 

“Shh,” he coos, “You’re okay, Jo-Jo, you’re okay.”

Jonah only continues to cry and TK is officially getting looks from the other patrons. He really needs his caffeine fix because toddlers are exhausting and TK is certain he looks as frazzled as he feels.

“Hi,” he says when he finally gets to the counter, after waiting in line and trying to console Jonah the entire time. He rolls the stroller back and forth in a rocking motion even as Jonah keeps wailing. “I’m so sorry about him...We passed a park on the way here, I said no, it was a whole thing.”

The barista leans forward across the counter and smiles down at Jonah in his stroller—which actually manages to get the toddler to stop crying out of his curiosity at the new face smiling down at him—before looking back up at TK. TK’s breath catches as warm, brown eyes turn on him. “Your son’s really cute,” the man–Carlos, judging by his name tag–says.

“He’s actually my baby brother,” TK laughs awkwardly. He’s not sure why he’s quick to clarify as he stares at the handsome barista. Usually he just accepts it when people assume Jonah’s his kid because it’s not worth explaining otherwise to strangers he’ll never cross paths with again. 

“You have nothing to be embarrassed about,” Carlos smiles at TK. “It’s way too cold for the park today and he’s just being a kid. You’re doing a good job looking out for him.”

“Thanks,” TK laughs. “I’m just babysitting but I really did need to hear that today.”

“What can I get you? I’ll make it a venti at no extra charge,” Carlos’s smile is warm and TK sort of wants to melt in it as he grabs a plastic cup and holds up a sharpie, poised and ready to take TK’s order. 

“That is incredibly sweet of you, thank you. I’ll have an iced gingerbread latte with a double shot of espresso and gingerbread cold foam please,” TK says with a grateful smile. “And a tall hot chocolate at kid’s temp for this little guy.”

“And your name?” Carlos raises an eyebrow as he glances back at TK, his bottom lip drawn up between his teeth.

“TK.”

“TK,” Carlos repeats like he’s swirling TK’s name in his mouth like a flavorful wine. “That’s nice.”

“Thank you,” TK breathes, so completely lost in the barista’s eyes. 

He pays for their drinks and rolls Jonah forward to the end of the bar and finds a free table where he can sit and face Jonah. 

“I got you a hot chocolate, buddy, are you excited about that?” 

Jonah begins to bounce excitedly in his seat with a happy clap.

A few minutes later, the handsome barista personally delivers their drinks to them. 

“Oh my god, this is so sweet of you,” TK gushes. “Seriously, you didn’t have to do that.”

“It’s my pleasure,” Carlos shakes his head with a tiny smile. “How old is he?”

“He’s two,” TK says, “probably explains a bit of the tantrum.”

“Oh, who doesn’t wish they could still throw tantrums and get away with it?” Carlos chuckles. “Seriously, he’s fine. He’s very cute…not unlike his big brother.”

TK practically chokes on his coffee as Carlos winks at him and slinks off, back towards the counter. Suddenly, something on TK’s cup catches his eye. 

In addition to TK’s name and order, a number has been written on the cup with a smiley face and a, “text me! -Carlos.”

TK’s eyes shoot straight up, back to the barista, looking smug as he steams milk behind the counter. He quickly types the number into his phone and texts: do you always give your number out to guys you meet at work?

TK watches Carlos grin as he discreetly checks his watch and reads the message from TK flashing across it. A few minutes later, TK gets a text back: Only when they’re really cute.

TK’s head whips up and Carlos smirks as he catches his gaze, winking at TK. TK just bites his lip. He thinks this barista might just hopefully be the death of him.

“Hey little brother, thank you for being the best wingman ever,” TK chuckles quietly, shaking his head. Jonah just stares curiously at TK while he drinks his hot chocolate.

[paperstorm]

Thank you @bonheur-cafe @strandnreyes @lemonlyman-dotcom @nisbanisba @carlos-in-glasses @orchidscript @carlossreaders @henrygrass and @heartstringsduet :)

Musician AU is really starting to take shape. I love this part of writing, where you've agonized enough over the outline that you know what actually needs to happen and the writing is flowing.

-

Carlos catches his eye and steps around his bandmates to make his way to TK across the room. He holds his hand out, a truly maddening amount of sincerity in his humble expression as he says, “Hi, I’m Carlos. This is amazing, man, thank you so much for this opportunity.”

“TK.” He reaches out and shakes, but keeps it brief and lets it fall away quickly. “And yeah, it – wasn’t exactly my idea.”

“Oh.” The line of Carlos’s mouth flattens almost imperceptibly, but TK catches it.

“No, I just mean, I’m not really who you have to thank,” TK clarifies quickly. He wants to sulk about it. He wants to stomp his feet and raise a stink and demand they be allowed to tour with no opening act at all, just to shove it in everyone’s doubting faces when he can still put asses in the seats and money in the bank accounts of their financial backers. But it isn’t fair to make his resentment this man’s problem; none of this was his doing, either. TK reminds himself of that as if he’s a schoolteacher wagging a disapproving finger in his own head.

“Right.” Carlos nods. “Well … I mean, you could’ve said no. So thanks for giving us a chance.”

“Sure.” TK nods back at him, trying to arrange his facial features into a smile that probably ends up more of a grimace. It isn’t the truth. Billy made it very clear that TK couldn’t say no, that Carlos and his band opening was a condition of the tour existing in the first place. TK gets the sense Carlos doesn’t know that, and there is a small, bitter part of him that wants to tell him just to watch the sincerity slip off his face.

Tagging @theghostofashton @birdclowns @reyesstrand @strandnreyes @cold-blooded-jelly-doughnut

@carlos-in-glasses @actual-sleeping-beauty @thisbuildinghasfeelings @herefortarlos @heartstringduet

@goodways @alrightbuckaroo @lightningboltreader @freneticfloetry

@liminalmemories21 @nancys-braids @whatsintheboxmh @bonheur-cafe

@reasonandfaithinharmony @thebumblecee @never-blooms @lemonlyman-dotcom

@sanjuwrites @orchidscript @jesuisici33 @kiwichaeng @honeybee-taskforce

@fifthrideroftheapocalypse @butchreyes @just-inside-her @firstprince-history-huh @captain-gillian

@tellmegoodbye @anactualcaseofthetruth @ironheartwriter @eclectic-sassycoweyes @ditheringmind

@emsprovisions @irispurpurea @nisbanisba @corsage @chicgeekgirl89

@carlossreaders @ladytessa74

Want to be added or removed from the list? Lmk

[beaunoor]

In your masterlist for Tokyo Revengers do you write for something like reader being a boyfriend or girlfriend of Kisaki Theta (Kisaki may or may not have rule 63 applied to him) and becoming friends with Hanma ?

Hi anon! sure I could write for him. if this isn’t what you had in mine I can revise later,,,got a bit carried away writing out a backstory sorry

kisaki tetta x gn reader; last timeline au

Notes: one curse, not proofread

You knew Kisaki from when you were teens. You observed from afar—how he associated himself with the ruffians around school, how odd it was for him to change his style to match those who he surrounded himself with, you wanted to avoid any bad karma he would bring…

It wasn’t until years later into your adult life when you had seen him again. You don’t ever pay attention to anything sport related, but when you were asked to deliver files from your boss to the founders of TK&KO company at the infamous race track you couldn’t help but grimace at the task. 

You tried to keep a neutral face when you had handed him the folder. Keeping busy by looking around the box they sat in and casually watching the cars zoom around the track, sneakily glancing at him and how well he’s grown up

“These numbers look well done. Who’s the one overseeing the transactions?”

You cleared your throat.

“That would be me, sir.”

He finally peered up at you from where he sat through the lens of his glasses.

“Oh, L/n right?”

You raised your eyebrows in surprise.

“Ah–yes that’s right sir.”

“There’s no need for formality, we're about the same age. We go way back anyway.” He stood up from his seat, fixing his suit. “I want to have a meeting with your boss, L/n.”

And that is how you ended up being close to the calculating man. He quite literally bought shares of the company you worked at and now you more or less work as an accountant for him

Late nights spent at the office turned into nightly talks about the past with each other if he was ever in office. Instead of going home like a good homebody would do, you would knock on his door, offering a cup of coffee or tea and you would keep him company until he was done for the day. When you both were out of the building, you would part ways and be on your merry way home.

It wasn’t until one night before you would all be dismissed for holiday when he stopped you from going home and asked to take you out for dinner, hand scratching the back of his head as he struggled to focus on your reaction.

From then on he would do right by you and treated you as a good man should, properly asking to be your partner

You were aware that the gang he used to be a part of still had ties to him so you weren’t surprised to see a friend on occasion

But this—this was a bit different

You awkwardly stood up against the wall of the elevator, trying your best not to turn your head to see the piercing eyes on you as the lanky man who has also gotten onto the elevator up to the office saddled up to you. You were literally sweating bullets at the fact that he was standing so close and was just staring at you, as you had no idea what his intentions were.

When the elevator dinged, you both walked out and you realized he was indeed following you all the way. He had to be important to come to this floor in the first place but this was way too odd.

You knocked on the office door, opening the door ajar to pop your head in to hand Kisaki a document for his meeting, ready to whisper about the creepy man. But another presence opened the door all the way and there the creep stood and you could do nothing but stare in shock.

“Oh, Hanma there you are.” Kisaki said. “I see you’ve already scared Y/n.”

“Ah so they’re that one—” Hanma started

“Y/n you can go now.” Kisaki interrupted

Hanma would wait after that meeting to formally introduce himself. Afterwards, you became an odd pair of friends. 

He teased and bothered Kisaki quite often just for the kick of it, though you would often join in to rile up your man.

Hanma has an odd sense of humor that you try to understand, but sometimes it’s better not to

Yes, hanma has suggested you become a throuple and will continue to do so just to piss off Kisaki

When he would come over to your guys’ place to have a drink the both of them were a lot to handle, but you couldn’t help but smile and giggle at the obvious display of friendship

One night Hanma had drunkenly told you a little secret about kisaki you would never have guessed

“I remember Kisaki when he was a little shy idiot who wanted everything. Even though he was too much of a wuss to confess to this one girl one time and even more of a pussy to talk to you back when you guys were in grade school.”

You egged him on to tell you more before Kisaki shouted at him to shut the fuck up. You still ask Kisaki about the rest of the story but he refuses to tell you.

Hanma was a good confidant when he needed to be and being a photographer he had a good amount of free time he would hang around the racing track or the office when you were in to work

It was a nice connection to have that made you smile

ahh so excited to have my first anon! thank you for requesting!

[featherlight-touches]

Hello! I love your fics, and there is like no tk content of Baizhu, mayhaps I request ler Baizhu pls? Lee can be anyone you like. I love Baizhu sm.

Thank youuu :>

aaah thank you so much!! I'm super happy you love them. 💚 ler Baizhu you say? coming right up! you're right, I've not seen much tk content for him. LET'S CHANGE THAT! here you go! I've put lee Aether with him. This is my first time writing for this character, so I apologise if it's slightly ooc djekjhf! I hope you enjoy!

★・・・★・・・★・・・★

Aether sat patiently upon the examination bed within the Bubu Pharmacy back room, his eyes wandering around the room as he took in all the details of his surroundings.

There stood a tall cabinet that had many shelves with a myriad of medical herbs and elixirs within each drawer which filled the room with a pungent scent.

It reminded him of his visits to Tighnari for similar check-ups in Gandharva Ville, though the interior designs were very different.

Aether shifted slightly, letting his legs kick idly as he waited. He appreciated moments to just sit down and take a breather from his travels, though admittedly, he did miss having Paimon to talk to. The silence could be very loud sometimes, and it reminded him just how much he appreciated the gluttonous fairy.

She had elected to wait with Xiangling and get some food while Aether went for his check-up, which he didn’t think would take long, but he had been waiting for almost twenty minutes.

Aether sighed, letting himself fall back onto the bed to stare up at the ceiling but decided that there was nothing of interest to be found up there either, so to cure his boredom, he hoisted himself up and walked over to the cabinet.

He opened one of the drawers and found some small bottles inside, each containing a different type of medicine or herb. A bottle containing a red liquid caught his eye and it was curiously lifted into his hand.

The small bottle had text written on it and he kind of wished that Paimon was present to translate for him. He hadn’t quite grasped of all the languages in Teyvat yet, but he was slowly progressing.

“Curious, aren’t you?” Baizhu’s sudden voice startled a squeak from Aether, who comically began juggling the bottle to ensure he didn’t drop it and its contents to the ground.

“Ah, Baizhu! You scared me,” he gave a nervous chuckle, clutching the bottle to his chest. “Sorry for snooping around…” he then placed the bottle back where he had found it.

“Not at all,” Baizhu chuckled, heading over to the bed. “I’m sorry for keeping you waiting. Qiqi needed some assistance with someone’s prescription at the front desk, which took a little longer than I had anticipated.”

“It’s fine,” Aether assured with a smile as he walked back over to the bed and took a seat. “I hope you and Changsheng are well.”

“Ah yes, we’re both quite fine. Wouldn’t you agree?” Baizhu asked the snake who sat comfortably in her usual spot around his shoulders.

“Oh yes,” Changsheng responded, the usual hiss in her voice. “Although we had a small incident involving the Director of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor recently.”

“Oh, that’s right.”

“Hu Tao at it again, huh?” Aether asked, sounding almost amused. Despite his absence, the antics from all his friends in Liyue always seemed to carry on, which was a calming thought.

“She is the persistent one, that’s for sure.” Baizhu sounded almost tired, but before Aether could comment further, the doctor took a step closer. “But let’s not waste any more of your precious time. I’m sure you have other places to be, being as busy as you are.”

Aether nodded and answered all the questions that Baizhu asked him, regarding his eating, his exercise and any sicknesses had in other nations. It all went down on the medical records that Baizhu kept for Aether.

“It certainly sounds like you’ve been very busy on your travels. I’m impressed you’ve made it out of some of those scrapes in one piece,” Baizhu commented, writing down the last of the information provided.  “Now all that’s left for us to do here is to give you a quick physical exam and make sure everything is as it should be. If you would, please remove your top.”

“Sounds good,” Aether nodded, removing his top piece of clothing and then watched as Baizhu reached for his stethoscope that he kept in his desk not far from the bed.

The doctor then approached with his stethoscope, a gentle smile on his face as he began to listen to the blonde’s heartbeat. But as soon as the cool metal touched Aether’s chest, he couldn’t help but let out a small giggle, his body squirming at the ticklish sensation.

“Oh?” Baizhu raised an eyebrow, amused by the reaction. “Sorry, I should have given a little more warning.”

“I-It’s fine,” Aether bit his lip to try and stop his giggles, his cheek warming up in embarrassment. But try as he might, he couldn’t seem to stop the giggles that bubbled up each time the stethoscope moved to a new spot.

“Now, Aether,” Baizhu chided gently, though there was a playful glint in his eye. “Please try to hold still.”

“Sensitive, isn’t he?” Changsheng commented watching the squirming traveller try and keep his composure.

“Sohohorry” Aether tried, he really did.

“I would like to check your ribs,” Baizhu put down his stethoscope. “You mentioned a recent battle that you injured them in. Am I fine to proceed?”

“Sure…” Aether felt nervous; his body was already sensitive but now that he was in a giggly mood this was sure to be a challenge. He took in a deep breath and kept himself composed and dignified. At least, that was until Baizhu placed his fingers gently to Aether’s ribs and he immediately flinched. “Sorry, sorry!”

“I had no idea you were this ticklish, Aether,” Baizhu definitely sounded amused, which only flustered the blonde traveller more.

“I can’t help it,” Aether pouted.

“It’s alright. Just try your best to remain still and this will all be over soon,” his fingers resumed lightly pressing and prodding, checking that all of Aether’s ribs were as they should be. This only served to tickle Aether even more, his laughter growing louder and more uncontrollable.

“Wahahait, plehehease stohohop!”

Baizhu’s fingers paused, watching Aether settle down.

“I don’t think we’re going to get this done at this rate, you know.”

“I thihink my ribs are fine,” Aether giggled, shyly trying to move away from the doctor’s fingers. The look in Baizhu’s eyes changed, gone was the usual professional doctor and was now replaced with a playful Baizhu.

His fingers began to deliberately wiggle up and down Aether’s ribs, reducing the smaller male into a mess of giggles and squirms.

“Nohoho! Bahahaizhu!” Aether howled, his legs kicking and stomping the ground. “I cahahan’t!”

“You refused to stay still, and our check-up is not yet complete,” Baizhu allowed his fingers to dance up to his highest ribs, which Aether squealed at and used his arms to trap and block the fingers from going any further. “Now, now, this won’t do. How will I ever be able to check your ribs if you block me out like this?”

“NoHOho moHOhore!” Aether had tears of mirth forming in his eyes, his hair braid swishing left and right from all the squirming. “PLEHEHEASE! AHAHAHA!”

Baizhu couldn’t help but chuckle at the desperate pleas once his trapped fingers began to tap at the blonde’s underarms. Aether released Baizhu’s hands but hastily moved away from the cruel doctor.

“Alright, alright,” Baizhu smiled. “I think that concludes our check-up for today.”

“That was rather eventful than our usual check-ups,” Changsheng hissed a small laugh, both doctors looking at the exhausted traveller who gasped greedily for air.

“Noho kidding…” Aether wiped at his eyes to rid himself from the tears that were recently shed from laughter.

“Well, the good news is, is that you’re completely fine. Nothing worrying or troublesome to report here today,” The green-haired male walked over to his desk with the rest of the paperwork, writing down the rest of his information. “Though, that being said, I would like to issue caution in your future adventures.”

“Of course,” Aether nodded, smiling with reassurance. He reached over to his top and began to dress himself accordingly.

“That’s it for now, then. We hope to see you again soon, Aether.”

“Thank you, Baizhu. Changsheng. Until next time!” Aether waved goodbye to the doctor and his snake, leaving the Bubu Pharmacy and had to think about how in Teyvat was he going to explain to Paimon what kind of check-up he just went through.

[kboo1999]

9-1-1: Lone Star “Homecoming”

✧ The way that Carlos said “hi baby” ✧ The no goodbyes awww. They are so in love with each other… ✧ Awww, TK…we knowwww exactly what he wants and needs to — it makes sense too though, ✧ That kid was smart about that though — good choice ✧ Oh no. Wyatt ✧ Aww shucks, of course Carlos was there to help and make sure Wyatt was protected, covered, and safe. I can’t help but love him ✧ Okay, well Tommy is there again…I’m so confused bruh ✧ Oh very interesting ✧ Ugh Nancy…don’t do that ✧ Way to advertise for Verizon bruh lol ✧ You will be unless another meteorite hit ✧ Oh lol. Well shit. Uh oh. ✧ Yes Wyatt, yessss!!! ✧ What?!?! Shoot somebody. Lord. No. ✧ Nice recognition of the sound there Wyatt. Knowing it’s nuclear. ✧ Oh lol. TK. Wow. ✧ Not you are hired lol. ✧ That hi, not that hi lol. ✧ Oh wow. Tommy. Wtf. ✧ I’m sooooo goneee ✧ More Verizon advertising? Yep. Ugh. Ridiculous. ✧ Lord Marjan. Not end of days vibes ✧ Excuse me?!?! Less than 10 minutes? ✧ Oh lord. Not Carlos being the one on the other end of the call. His father-in-law ✧ Ugh Tommy. ✧ Judd lol. That god Lee ✧ I’m still shocked that Owen even asked if they would go in with them…that’s not protocol ✧ And it’s not like any of them know about Tommy’s new updated condition ✧ Nice spot Mateo ✧ This is precisely why I think TK should have decided to leave voluntarily this season….it’s always “TK take the vitals,” and “TK hand me this,” or “TK grab that”…like wtf. He’s good for more than just that ✧ Yes. Judd. Way to be there. He knows something is different, but wrong with Tommy ✧ lol Wyatt and then the look on Carlos’ face ✧ Well ugh. Um. That I do not like… ✧ Not 126 sound off. ✧ SOooo, they are all just a hot damn fucking mess of “hit” — hate this. ✧ Mateo. Noooo. My poor fucking Mateo. ✧ Of course “somebody” does. ✧ Oh lord. They are hurt. They are. ✧ That’s a lotttttt of blood Owen ✧ Ugh Marjan. Ugh Paul. Ugh Mateo. All my fucking babies. I can’t. ✧ TK & Nancy (and well Tommy), are the only ones not directly hit currently. This sucks. ✧ Not 126 dig deep. ✧ Aww. Ughhh. Judd ✧ Not more than I love my own brothers ✧ Ugh. That 126 forever outcry ✧ lol, telling Mateo to shut up, cause he’s being so him ✧ That come on Owen. ✧ Oh god. ✧ Is Owen dead??? ✧ Like fr fr. ✧ Not that son of a bitch did it ✧ Yes, all cheers. Buttttt — they all need help…like asap soooo ✧ Okay Tommy is out ✧ Mateo. Aw. That desperate plea to “help cap” ✧ Oh god. Did they really finally do that???? ✧ 5-month time jump. Ohhh yessss ✧ That’s hot Carlos ✧ lol that’s cute ✧ Ahhhh!!!!! Yesss Jonah!!!!! ✧ They are soooo fucking cute ✧ “Papa Bro” ughhh. Love that. ✧ TK is suchhhhh a great dad ✧ Oh. Mateo. Such an awkward cutie pie ✧ Yes objection. Hunny yes. ✧ lol that awkward cough. ✧ Yesssss. Earned his seat at the table ✧ Quoting Owen, that was a great one ✧ Really Tommy…really. Soooo…Tommy survived the impossible. ✧ Not first brush ✧ Ugh ✧ Wait. What??? Charles is there again. I’m soooooo lost on this. Like is she crazy?!?! ✧ Judd’s deep sigh of relief ugh. ✧ So who’s going to replace Owen? ✧ Yes!!! Finally!! Judd did deserve this. Wholly and surely. ✧ Awww. TK is such a dad back there lol. ✧ Not her framing is trash lol. ✧ lol. ✧ He did ✧ Marj!!! She’s pregnant!! Yesssss!!!! That’s adorable. Never thought ✧ Wait. Hold up. Owen is alive!! Back in NY? Good. He should be there.

[1heartfanfics]

Okay this is super self-indulgent and loosely based on a video I saw of a girl with her sick boyfriend. Not NSFW but more kink than I usually write for fandom stuff.

This is the longest thing I've written in a while so there's that.

TW: depictions of vomit

"Hey Dad, can I have a sec before we head back?" T.K. asked as the crew all headed toward the truck now that the scene had been wrapped up.

Owen followed his sons gaze and saw Carlos standing off by himself, one hand braced on his patrol car.

"Yeah, just try to make it quick okay?" Owen agreed, understanding that TK needed to go check on his boyfriend.

TK nodded and jogged away from the truck toward Carlos. He had known something was up with Carlos since the moment they arrived on scene. Carlos had been on crowd control, making sure the gathering of people stayed back. But he was moving sluggishly, slightly hunched over himself unlike his usual tall and confident posture.

"Baby?" he called as he got close to Carlos, "You feeling okay?" he asked.

"No." Carlos answered shortly, taking TK by surprise. He had fully expected to have a pointless back and forth where Carlos insisted he was fine even though there was obviously something wrong. His voice sounded weird, choked up almost.

"Hey, what's going on?" TK asked, moving closer to rest a hand on Carlos's hip.

Instead of answering Carlos leaned forward with a wet belch that morphed into a heave, bringing up a wave of vomit onto the pavement.

"Woah, okay," TK muttered, taken by surprise again. That was definitely not what he was expecting. "Alright, easy babe, I've got you," TK said, moving to stand slightly behind Carlos, rubbing a hand gently up and down his back over the uniform.

Carlos coughed and spit into the pile of sick on the ground, then slowly straightened up. His face was pale and there were dark circles under his eyes, forehead damp with sweat now. Carlos's eyes were wide, glancing around nervously. TK knew he was worried about all of the prying eyes of both their teams and the bystanders.

"Hey, come here, it's okay," TK said quickly, turning Carlos to face him by the hand on his hip and wrapping an arm around his back. Carlos leaned into him, pressing his face into TK's shoulder.

"Baby what happened?" TK asked quietly.

Carlos shrugged, "Woke up with an upset stomach but got super nauseous when we got to this call," he mumbled, voice muffled against TK's uniform.

Carlos's partner, Grace, walked around the other side of their patrol car to face TK. "Go home Reyes, I'll take care of the reports," she said, reaching out to give him a pat on the shoulder.

"Thank you," Carlos responded weakly.

"I don't think he's felt well all day," Grace added, to TK this time. Then she nodded her head towards the firetruck, giving TK a questioning look. TK nodded, confirming. She gave them a sympathetic smile then headed around to the drivers side of the patrol car and got in.

"Come on babe, let's get you home," TK said, keeping his arm around Carlos's waist as he pulled slightly away from the hug.

"Where-? What are-?" Carlos asked, confused as TK began to lead him away from his patrol car and toward the firetruck.

"You're gonna come back to the station with me and lay down in the bunks until I can take you home," TK answered.

Owen, who'd been watching them from the passenger seat of the truck, had understood TK's plan and let the crew know. They silently rearranged themselves to leave two open seats right next to each other as TK helped Carlos climb into the truck.

"Right here man," Paul said, patting the open seat across from him. Carlos gave him a strained smile as TK climbed in behind him and shut the door, taking the seat next to Carlos. He was thankful that the crew had given them the foreward facing seats. Riding backwards can be a little nauseating when you aren't used to it and probably wouldn't have done any favors for Carlos's stomach.

"Everybody set?" Judd asked over the headset from the front seat.

"All set," Paul answered.

As the engine lurched forward, turning sharply to head back to the station, TK felt Carlos stiffen next to him. Carlos brought a hand up to rest on his stomach and his face went a shade paler.

"Hey, you gonna be okay?" TK asked, leaning close to Carlos so he could hear him over the engine. Carlos nodded slightly, but fumbled for TK's hand. "I'm right here," TK said, taking Carlos's hand and resting their joined hands on Carlos's thigh.

"Is he gonna make it?" Paul asked over the headset.

"He looks like he's about to hurl again," Mateo added.

"Both of you shut up, you're not helping," Marjan scolded them.

TK gave Marjan a grateful look, thankful for her stopping the commentary. Although Carlos probably couldn't hear them, since it was loud and he didn't have a headset on, TK could, and he needed to focus on taking care of Carlos.

"TK, we'll be there in a few," Judd said.

"Hey, just breath through it babe. In through your nose, out through your mouth," TK instructed, squeezing Carlos's hand. "Judd says we're almost there," he added.

"TK I don't-" Carlos pressed a hand to his lips, cutting himself off.

"Dude he's totally about to puke," Mateo laughed.

"Shut up!" Marjan hissed, elbowing Mateo in the ribs.

"Try to hold on just a little bit longer baby. But if you need to be sick it's alright, I'm right here," TK said, cringing as he remembered he was on headset and his whole crew could hear him.

"Ay TK he wouldn't be the first person to throw up in here," Paul said, giving them a sympathetic look.

This was true. The rig wasn't exactly a smooth ride, which had a tendency to cause motion sickness until you got used to it. Especially if you were hungover or something to begin with. And especially if you were riding backward. While TK had never been sick in this rig, he had thrown up in the rig back in New York once when he was riding backward with an impending migraine.

"TK? I'm assuming Carlos is off duty for the day?" Owen asked over the headset.

"Yeah, his partner told him to go home and that she'd take care of everything," TK answered, draping his arm around Carlos's shoulders and rubbing up and down his arm.

"Just get out of here and get him home then okay? You're dismissed for the day," Owen said over the headset, turning to give TK a nod.

"Thanks Dad," TK said, giving Owen a grateful smile.

Thankfully Carlos managed to make it back to the station. The rig parked in the bay with a lurch, making Carlos draw in a breath. Carlos pressed his face into TK's shoulder.

"We're at the station baby, you're alright," TK soothed, pressing a kiss into Carlos's hair. At this point he didn't care that his team was watching and listening to him, he just needed to make sure Carlos was taken care of.

"All clear," Judd said over the headset, indicating that the rig was in park and they were safe to get out.

Paul jumped up and opened the door, "Y'all go ahead," he said, nodding to TK.

TK nodded, hanging his headset up above his seat and undoing his lap belt, before reaching over Carlos to undo his as well. He stood up and held his hands out. Carlos took his hands, letting TK pull him toward the door. TK stepped down backward then helped Carlos down out of the rig.

"How's your stomach? Better on solid ground or do we need to head to the bathroom?" TK asked, pulling Carlos a few steps away from the rig to allow his team to get out and start getting cleaned up.

"Better, I think," Carlos said. He no longer looked quite as green. Plus, Carlos did have a tendency to get carsick when he wasn't driving. But he was also in no shape to drive himself.

"Alright, let's get you laying down in my bunk while I get changed okay?" TK said, wrapping an arm around Carlos's waist. He led Carlos through the bay and up the stairs to the bunkroom.

"You're still on shift?" Carlos said, although it came out as a question.

"Dad said I could go home for the day," TK said, leading Carlos over to his bunk.

"Here, sit for a second, I'll be right back" TK said. Carlos sat at the edge of the bed while TK walked to the far end of the room to grab the trash can and bring it over, setting it next to Carlos. "Just in case," he said, giving Carlos a sad smile.

Carlos nodded, he no longer felt like he was in immediate danger of throwing up, but his stomach still felt pretty sour and queasy.

"Let's get you a little more comfy so you can lay down for a sec," TK said, crouching down in front of him. He unbuckled Carlos's utility belt, setting it on the end table next to the bunk. Then he undid Carlos's regular belt and pulled it out before setting it down on the table as well. TK unbuttoned his uniform top, pulling it down off Carlos's arms to leave him in just an undershirt and his uniform pants. Lastly, he pulled Carlos's shoes off his feet, leaving them on the floor at the edge of the bed.

"Better?" TK asked.

Carlos nodded, it did feel better not to have his gear and full uniform on. He realized though that TK was still in his full turnouts, which couldn't be comfortable. He must be burning up.

"M'okay, you can go change," Carlos said.

"I will. Why don't you lay down," TK nodded, patting the bed.

Carlos laid down on his side as TK moved the trash can to set it on the floor next to the bunk, just in case. TK pulled the blanket he kept on his bunk up over Carlos then leaned down to kiss his cheek.

"Alright, I'm gonna go change and get cleaned up real quick and then we'll go home. The crew might be in and out of here but no one will bother you, I promise," TK said. Carlos nodded in acknowledgement, so TK squeezed his shoulder then stood, heading out toward the locker room.

"Hey, how's he doing?" Paul asked as TK walked over to his locker, stepping out of his turnouts.

"He's doing alright, laying down in my bunk while I get ready to go," TK answered.

"Well tell him we hope he feels better," Marjan called from across the room.

"Thanks guys," TK said, stripping down to his undershirt and boxers before heading into the showers. He quickly hosed off and got dressed in the t-shirt and joggers he'd brought in his duffle today. Then he headed back to the bunkroom.

Carlos was laying exactly as TK had left him, scrolling on his phone. The trash can, thankfully, was unused.

"Hey," TK said, crouching down in front of Carlos. "You ready to go?" he asked.

Carlos nodded, pushing himself up slowly. TK put Carlos's shoes back on, then grabbed his uniform and gear from off of the end table and shoved them into his bag with his own stuff.

TK stood up, tossing the duffle bag over his shoulder before holding a hand out to Carlos, pulling him to his feet. With a hand on the small of his back, TK led Carlos back down the stairs and through the station. They left through the bay doors, a shortcut to the parking lot, and walked to TK's car. TK helped Carlos into the passenger seat and headed toward home.

"Doing okay?" TK asked as he drove, glancing over at Carlos, who was slumped against the door, head leaned against the window.

Carlos hummed noncommittally in response, which told TK that maybe he was feeling nauseous again. Although the ride was a lot smoother than the back of the rig, the motion might be bothering his already sick stomach.

"We'll be home in a few minutes baby, just keep breathing," TK said, reaching over to gently squeeze Carlos's knee.

TK parked in front of their townhouse and got out, moving around to the passenger side to open Carlos's door and help him out of the car. He quickly grabbed his duffle bag from the backseat and then took Carlos's hand, leading him toward their home.

They were only a few feet away from the door when Carlos suddenly stopped.

"TK-" Carlos said, his voice breaking. When TK turned, Carlos was frozen mid-step, one hand pressed to his stomach and the other hovering over his mouth.

"It's okay," TK said, moving to stand slightly behind Carlos to rub his back. That was all the permission Carlos's body needed, pitching forward with a retch to vomit into the grass in front of their house.

"Easy love, you're alright," TK soothed, rubbing up and down Carlos's back over his white tee, which was now damp with sweat.

Once Carlos was finished, he straightened up slowly, leaning against TK's side. He was exhausted.

"Come on, let's get you inside. Just a few more steps," TK said softly, ushering Carlos the last few feet and letting them inside. He helped Carlos lay down on the couch, covering him with a blanket before sitting down on the coffee table across from him.

"Think you could drink a little bit of water?" TK asked, brushing Carlos's hair off of his forehead. Carlos shook his head quickly, face paling visibly at the thought of putting anything into his stomach.

"Okay, we'll try later then. You want to watch something?" TK said, reaching over to grab the remote.

"Moana?" Carlos asked quietly. TK smiled, chuckling softly as he went to disney plus and started playing Moana. Disney movies were Carlos's guilty pleasure, and were always his go-to when he was sick or after a rough day.

"Alright, there we go. You need anything else?" TK asked.

"Just stay?" Carlos said, looking up at TK with sad eyes.

"Of course baby, I'm not going anywhere," TK said. He crawled over Carlos to lay behind him, draping an arm over Carlos's waist. "I'll always stay."

[my-beloved-lakes]

wip wednesday

thanks for tagging me! @nisbanisba @thisbuildinghasfeelings

here's a little sneak peek at chapter two of Long Haul. (Hopefully I can post it this Saturday or Sunday.🤞)

“Hey Marj!” TK says as she walks through the door of Tyler’s Diner. “I'll be with you in a sec.” 

He doesn’t seem to be his usual cheerful self however.

Marjan looks around at the almost empty diner before taking a seat at the counter.

“Slow day?” she asks as TK comes over to take her order.

“Peaceful.” he corrects. “What can I get you?”

“I’ll get a plate of pancakes and a green tea.”  she doesn’t even need to look at a menu. She’s stopped at this restaurant so many times she practically has the thing memorized.

“How was the trip?” he asks as he slides her a steaming cup of tea.

“Oh ya know.” Marjan shrugs. 

It was exhausting, but she can’t complain. There are very few things she loves more than driving her rig down miles and miles of highway with nothing but the radio for company. She sips her tea slowly.

 “I’ll tell you more about it when you bring me those pancakes.” She cracks a smile, but he doesn’t smile back. Something is definitely bothering him. She can see into the kitchen and watch him make the pancakes from where she’s sitting and she can see that he’s not moving with the usual upbeat bounce in his step.

“Everything okay?” Marjan asks when he comes back with the pancakes. “You seem a little down.”

“Yeah, everything's fine.” TK says, but Marjan can tell he’s not telling the truth.

“Come on, tell me what’s bothering you.” Marjan urges. “You know I'm a great listener.”

“Alex came by last night.” TK admits and suddenly it all clicks for Marjan.

“I take it he didn’t stay long?” she asks.

“He spent the night.” TK shrugs.

“And by spent the night you mean…?”

“I mean in my bed, yes. And then left without hardly saying goodbye.”

Pressure free tags: @firstprince-history-huh @unfinishedroadtolove @lemonlyman-dotcom @the-126-family @rangersoup @neversleepuntilfive + whoever else wants to. (Let me know if you want to be added/removed from this list)

[inoreuct]

I have a hc that Zoro gets really bad migraines, sanji is usually the one who notices and takes care of him- any thoughts/headcanons on what that looks like? (If you feel like it ☺️❤)

couldn’t resist writing a small drabble,,, more hcs below! 

Zoro yanked the galley door open, vision blotting out in spots of white, banging his shoulder into the doorframe when he misjudged the distance. “Cook—”

“Shit,” Sanji hissed, quickly switching off the stove and grabbing him under the arms as the swordsman stumbled.  

He felt hot and cold at the same time, sweat beading along his forehead and lip and lower back, the throbbing of his head sending neon spikes of colour blooming through his field of sight. A chair clattered as he was set into it heavily, legs scraping along the floor as Zoro immediately folded his arms on the dining table and buried his face into them. 

The fridge door was opened and closed, cold fingers sweeping up the back of his neck as Sanji pressed a bag of frozen peas into his hand. “Idiot. Why’d you let it get so bad?”

“Didn’t notice,” Zoro groaned, trying to breathe deeply as he jammed the plastic package against his right temple, over his eye. The temperature shock was a blessed relief. 

Sanji sighed, long-suffering as he went to rummage through a cabinet. “Here,” he murmured, voice toned low, nudging something at Zoro’s lips. “Aah.” 

The swordsman took it between his teeth and tucked it under his tongue with a long exhale, humming a question as it began to dissolve spicy-sweet, the zing of it prickly on the roof of his mouth. 

“Ginger drops. Should help with the pain.” Sanji carded a gentle hand through his sweaty hair and swiped a bead of condensation from the bag before it could drip. “Wait here, I’ll make you some broth.”

Zoro made a vague noise of assent, content to sit there with his peas and his candy and the pounding in the side of his head that was, thankfully, a smidge duller than it had been when he’d come in. He could hear Sanji puttering about behind him, dimming the electric lamps, pulling things from the fridge again, the soft tk-tk-tk-tk of the gas stove igniter. 

The aura had hit him out of left field this time. By the time he’d realised it was going to be a bad migraine his face had already started going numb, a hot flush growing in the back of his head and something humming in his ears. If he’d stayed in his quarters like he sometimes chose to, he wouldn’t have been able to yell loud enough for Sanji to hear and—

“You should tell the crew,” the cook breathed, and Zoro winced. Listening to anything at all at the moment felt like an ice pick being driven through his temple, but at least the bubbling he heard was slightly soothing. He shook his head. He knew Sanji would see. 

They’d had this conversation a dozen times over by now. Sanji wanted the crew to be aware, at least, just in case for whatever reason Zoro needed help and he wasn’t there; Zoro just… didn’t see a need. He’d handle it. He always had. 

He heard the soft sound of a wooden spoon on ceramic, heard the flame turn off and a cork placemat being put down in front of him. Shoving his face further into the crook of his arm, he smelled the light, savoury fragrance of chicken soup as Sanji brought the pot over. 

“Up,” Sanji whispered, poking at his elbow with a spoon, and Zoro sighed. 

The galley was dim, washed in warm yellow light. He tucked the remnants of the ginger drop to the side of his cheek as Sanji blew on a spoonful of broth and lifted it to his mouth. It was less rich than Sanji would have preferred— Zoro appreciated the consideration. “S’good.”

“Of course it is.” Sanji carefully fed him another spoonful, brows furrowing. “How’s the head?”

“…Better.” Zoro had long since gotten over his qualms at getting spoonfed like a child; after that one time he’d lost his balance and nearly cracked his skull open on a cabinet corner insisting “he could handle it”, he’d given up and let Sanji take care of him. 

The cook took a seat, lifting the chair so that the legs didn’t drag. “This isn’t a weakness, you know.”

“Th’ fuck are you going on about,” Zoro mumbled. He was too tired to even make it a question. His brain felt three sizes too big for his skull and the backs of his eyeballs hurt.

“Your migraines,” Sanji clarified, insistent but still keeping his voice hushed. “None of us would think any less of you, or—”

“It’s not that.” He cut that train of thought off before it could go anywhere. He knew better than to think that, even though it did rub him the wrong way sometimes; but his migraines were more of a liability than a weakness—

Oh. Put that way, those two were kind of the same thing, weren’t they. 

Sanji scoffed at the back of his throat. “Then what is it?”

“Maybe I just like you taking care of me,” Zoro said, and immediately winced. There was more honesty in that than he was willing to deal with at the moment. 

“You—” Sanji started, before huffing in frustration a moment later. “If what you're worried about is getting migraines in the middle of a fight—”

Damn this cook, seeing through him every time.

“—you need to tell them so that we can cover for you if it happens.” 

And that made Zoro pause. Not so we can pick up your slack, but so we can cover for you. So we can protect you. 

He was so tired.

“…Fine,” he allowed, and the gentle smile Sanji beamed at him was so bright that he nearly put his head back down again. 

“Thank you.” 

“For?”

Sanji pushed the pot towards him and got up, going behind his chair to thread his fingers through green hair, rubbing firm circles into his temples and coaxing Zoro upwards. “Trusting us enough to take care of you,” he murmured, grinning, pressing the words into Zoro’s hairline. The cook dragged neatly-trimmed fingernails across Zoro’s scalp and turned away, and the swordsman heard the tap start running. “I want that soup gone, we need to keep you hydrated. Finish the noodles if you can stomach it too, hm?”

“Hm.” Zoro sat. He drank his soup. He ate his noodles. By the time Sanji came around to steal a bite he’d nearly emptied the pot. 

“Oh, this is good,” Sanji mumbled around the last mouthful as he took it to the stove, and Zoro stood up to wrap his arms around his boyfriend’s waist and rest his forehead on Sanji’s shoulder. The bag of peas was left on the table, half-thawed and forgotten.

The cook took his weight easily, his warm chuckle reveberating through Zoro’s chest as he heard what Zoro didn’t say. “You’re welcome, marimo.”

Zoro hummed quietly, giving him a squeeze and brushing a kiss to his cheekbone, feeling the cook’s heart thump beneath his palm. Sanji had always been the best at reading him.

He pressed his temple to Sanji’s jaw, and realised his migraine was gone. 

fin.

they’re stress migraines, i think. started when zoro was younger, and they played a part in his drinking problem; he’d try to use alcohol to dull the pain and then wake up with a head-splitting hangover. needless to say he was looking for alternative solutions pretty quick.

he can kind of tell before the real migraine hits. he starts getting numb and feeling out-of-body, then his ears start buzzing and his vision whites out if he moves around and then the pain starts. cold sweat too, definitely, and painkillers help but only if he takes them early. the problem is that it starts getting bad real quick once the aura hits.

sanji found out after they got together, when zoro had a migraine so bad he was curled up in his bunk with his head buried under the pillow. the cook kinda freaked out because?? zoro doesn’t just hide like this wtf?? but zoro gets the gist of it across and sanji spends the rest of the night with him, trying to help as much as he can. it’s not much— but it’s something.

pressure helps. they’ve definitely tried goofy things like zoro lying down between sanji’s thighs like sanji’s sitting on his shoulders and asking the cook to essentially crush his head; nami walked in on them, and that’s how they were forced to explain that they weren’t doing anything funny BUT they also accidentally got so flustered that they came out to the crew by accident.

they still do it sometimes when the migraine isn’t too bad; other days zoro drags himself to the galley and sanji gets some liquids in him, puts an ice pack on his head and lets him shrivel up and die on the cold floor in the corner a little

zoro mentions not wanting to take laudanum, because he’s afraid of getting addicted— so sanji makes the ginger drops. they’re made of concentrated ginger, turmeric, cloves and willow bark, all natural painkillers that help with inflammation and headaches, with a pinch of lavender because after the actual migraine passes zoro likes to sleep it off and a little bit of extra help can’t hurt. AND they’re hard candies and not pastilles because sanji knows that chewing makes the migraines worse.

on that note, he mainly gives zoro some sort of soup or broth, or porridge; something bland and easy to get down and keep down. the swordsman hurling his guts up in his sink and worsening his migraine to the point where he’d nearly cried (he’d insisted that his eyes were just watering) is something that sanji never wants to experience again.

after zoro tells the crew, they’re all a little pissed off that he’d been dealing with it for so long on his own (“what am i, chopped liver?” sanji had scoffed) but they all reassure him enthusiastically that yes, he’s still the big strong swordsman and yes, they won’t baby him and yes, it isn’t an inconvenience at all.

(zoro refuses to admit that he’s touched.)

he only ever actually gets a migraine once on the battlefield, the one time he has to pull his punches so hard because they need to capture, not kill. his head hurts so bad but he still tries to fight until luffy slingshots him back to the boat with strict orders to stay.

he’s smoking mad, but he does stay. he sulks and rages as much as his headache allows but he stays, and everything’s fine in the end. sanji gives him a kiss for being a good marimo (the cook’s words, not his) so he supposes it’s alright.

that’s all for now! as someone who occasionally gets migraines this was nice to write HAHA THANK YOU FOR THE ASK ANON 🫶🏼🫶🏼

[fluffyfeatherfun]

Fluffy's TK Discussion Cafe

Treat this blog like a cafe place to hang out and talk. Treat this blog like a safespace. Even if they don't know about your interests, you can still talk about it here. Who knows? Maybe you'll find some fans of the same interest.

Just open a table by posting a comment not under reply or join one.

By joining this, you agree to....

Be sfw about it

Not hate on anyone for their interest

Not be a weirdo

Have some common sense

Breaking these rules means that wr serve the right to block you from furture participation

(While you are here, feel free to order drinks and snacks. You'll probably need it since you'll be here for a while. We serve nearly everything. Just ask if can serve it and we'll get it for you. Don't worry, they are on us!)

Ready? Take a seat

[emsprovisions]

I know I am being greedy here but,

3. I can't seem to take neither my eyes, nor my mind off of you, TK

8. being ur partner's mum's favorite.

from romance prompt please.

From this list of writing prompts that I am no longer accepting. Hello anon! Someone else has also asked for no. 3 so I will answer theirs :)

being ur partner's mum's favorite.

Carlos sits on the couch, his ankle crossed over his opposite knee and a beer in his hand as he watches his husband playing firefighter with action figures and a toy fire engine with their young sobrinos on the floor. They keep pausing because they want to hear TK’s stories from his firefighter days, since apparently–according to Six-and-eight-year-old Diego and Juliana–paramedics aren’t as cool. They giggle as TK keeps playfully correcting their terminology of the ladder truck and exactly how many inches of line they should start and Carlos’s heart just swells. 

“Ay, TK?” Carlos’s mom pops her head in from the backdoor, “Are you in here, mijo?”

“What do you need, Ma?” Carlos sits up, uncrossing his legs and making to get up.

“Oh, no, you stay right there, Carlitos. I need TK’s expertise.”

“It’s fine, babe, I could do with stretching my legs anyway,” TK smiles up at Carlos. He gets up, much to Diego and Juliana’s dismay, and promises he’ll be back. He purposely walks around the couch so he can pass Carlos, stooping to kiss the top of his head as he does so. 

After TK disappears, Carlos is left alone with his sobrinos, and they coax him into playing firefighter with him instead. But Tío TK does it better than Tío Carlos, evidently. 

When TK’s been gone for too long, and Carlos’s brother-in-law wanders in to check on his kids, Carlos stands up. 

“Have you seen TK?” He asks Ricardo as he approaches. 

“He’s out on the back porch,” Ricardo says, almost bitterly. “With your mom, and Tía Lucy, and my wife.”

“Uh, thanks,” Carlos says, looking at Ricky apprehensively before excusing himself in search of his husband. 

TK’s got a glass of sweet tea in his hand, slapping his knee, while Ana clings to his arm, gasping for breath. 

“No way!” She laughs. “Tonterías! That did not happen.”

“It did,” TK nods. “I swear it on my mother’s grave.”

TK looks up as the screen door swings shut and sees Carlos step out before anyone else. 

“Hey, baby!” TK calls. “Come join us.”

Carlos lingers by the door, watching TK fit in with his family so seamlessly. They’ve been married for nearly a year now, but sometimes it still surprises him that he has this. He not only gets to be himself, he gets to be himself around his family, and they are all enamored with TK, too. 

TK’s smiling at him, patting the empty seat beside him and Carlos smiles and slides onto the long bench beside his husband, an arm going around his shoulder and TK’s hand falling into place on top of his knee. 

“What did I interrupt?” Carlos asks. 

“Oh, I was just telling everyone about that call we got the other day, where the neighbors were having a domestic dispute and one of them threw pickle juice all over my patient and it turned out she’s allergic to pickles,” TK grins, catching Carlos up on the story. “Ana here doesn’t believe that we get calls as ridiculous as that all the time.”

“That’s because that’s impossible!” Ana scoffs. “Who’s allergic to pickles??”

“My patient, evidently,” TK smirks at her. 

Carlos laughs, “There’s a lot of stupid people in this world, Ana. You would not believe the absurdity of some of the calls I used to get under APD.”

“Babe, you get ridiculous cases now too,” TK reminds him. 

“Cuéntanos más de tus historias, TK.”

TK smiles warmly at Tía Lucy over in her blue adirondack chair in the deck before looking up to Carlos for help. 

“Tía wants to hear more of your stories,” Carlos tells him, looking up at his great aunt and the delight on her face. She can’t speak English, but she can mostly understand it, and joy and humor are universal languages anyways. 

TK launches into more funny stories from different calls before Ricardo comes outside with a screaming Diego, and it’s time for Ana to go home. 

Andrea takes TK inside and Carlos is tasked with helping Tía Lucy inside and to her chair in her room. 

“You have a sweet young man, Carlitos,” she tells him in Spanish. “Muy guapo y divertido.”

It’s not the first time she’s commented on TK. Honestly, Tía Lucy always fawns over Carlos’s husband to the point Carlos wonders if she doesn’t have some schoolgirl type crush on him. Carlos has no idea how TK charms everyone that comes into his orbit, he’s just happy he’s the lucky guy TK vowed forever with. 

“I think so too, Tía,” Carlos responds in Spanish, winking at her. 

They chat for a while longer before Tía Lucy says she’s tired. Carlos kisses her cheek and wishes her a goodnight. He wanders back out into the main room to find TK and his mom chatting in hushed voices on the couch. TK has his hand on Andrea’s arm, rubbing his thumb back and forth over her skin. She pulls him into a tight hug, then kisses his cheek and whispers something into his ear.

Carlos watches the scene unfold, feeling a little bad for interrupting. But before he can duck into the kitchen unnoticed, his mom catches sight of him. 

“Oh, Carlitos!” She pulls away from TK and wipes delicately at the skin beneath her eyes. 

“Hi, Mamá. Everything okay?” Carlos asks, coming nearer to them.

“We’re okay,” TK reassures. His eyes are a bit shiny too. He reaches out for Carlos’s hand and Carlos comes close enough to give it to him.

Neither of them offer up any hint of what their conversation was about, but Andrea stands up and gives Carlos a warm and tight hug. And even though he’s almost twice her size, he still folds easily into his mother’s arms. 

It’s not until they’re in the car, driving down the 35, the darkness of the night stretching all around them and Carlos’s hand extended over the console on TK’s thigh, does Carlos find the bravery to ask what that was about.

TK plays with Carlos’s fingers with both hands and says in a quiet voice, “She was talking to me about being a Ranger’s spouse…”

Carlos glances over at TK. It’s hard to get a read on him as they pass through swathes of light from oncoming headlights and the rare street light. 

“Oh?”

TK shakes his head, “You’ve been in law enforcement the entire time we’ve been together, baby, it’s not like her advice was anything I haven’t already worried about before.”

“What did she say?” Carlos asks, his anxiety spiking and suddenly wishing he’d saved this conversation for home so he could see TK better. 

TK’s fingers keep brushing over his knuckles. “She just wanted me to know you could be in danger sometimes, which again, isn’t really new. But she also wanted me to know if I ever need to talk to someone about what I’ll go through as your husband, I could talk to her.”

Carlos glances over again, softening a bit at his mom offering that to TK. “What do you think about that?”

“I think it’s nice.” Carlos can hear the smile in TK’s voice. “I love your mom, and I love that she would want to be there to help me support you.”

“Buuut…?”

“No but’s,” TK says, shaking his head. “She says we’re a strong couple, and sees how much we love each other. She thinks we can handle anything.”

“She’s not the only one,” Carlos smiles, squeezing TK’s thigh. 

“No,” TK smiles. “She’s not the only one. She told me the best thing I can do for you is love you, and remind you you’re never alone in life, and remind you to take care of yourself and put work away when you’re home.” 

Carlos turns his palm up and TK gives him his hand, lacing their fingers together. He takes it a step further by cradling Carlos’s arm and tilting sideways to lean against Carlos’s bicep. 

“You do a good job of making sure I’m taken care of, baby,” Carlos says softly as he takes their exit for home. 

“You’re worth it,” TK says simply, turning his face to kiss Carlos’s shoulder. 

“You know my family’s enamored with you, right?” Carlos smiles.

TK laughs and teases, “Are you jealous Tía Lucy dotes on me now more than you?”

“No,” Carlos says, his voice light. “I love seeing you with our family. It makes me happy.”

TK snuggles up against Carlos’s arm even more in the passenger seat and Carlos tells him he better not fall asleep when they’re five minutes from home. He feels TK’s smile against his arm, and fondness for his husband impossibly grows. 

TK sure does know how to steal a Reyes’s heart.

[paperstorm]

For today have a work-is-published look back at a fic I wrote where TK takes Carlos to Manhattan for the first time after they get engaged

Thanks for the tags @nisbanisba @strandnreyes @tommy-kinard-buckley @lemonlyman-dotcom @whatsintheboxmh @corsage @carlos-in-glasses and @butchreyes!

TK removes his coat, hanging it on a coatrack that’s attached to the frame of the booths. He slides into his side of theirs and shakes his head as Carlos tries to sit on the other. Carlos frowns at him, not understanding. TK beckons him over, and without first demanding an explanation, Carlos sits next to him instead, the two of them crowding in their boots and winter sweaters onto the bench seat.

“That was her side,” TK does explain, once Carlos is beside him.

Carlos frowns a little deeper and then his forehead softens. He exhales slowly, lifting his arm so that TK can lean against him. His head tips sideways, temple resting against TK’s hair. Under the table, TK curls his fingers around Carlos’s thigh, anchored to him and inhaling his familiar scent, drowned out just a little bit by the smell of frying oil and savoury meat.

TK feels clenching in his chest but then it dissipates, and he finds it easy to smile. He looks at the empty space she used to occupy, suddenly seeing her face so clearly in his mind it’s as if she were sitting there across from them. Softly, he says, “Hey, Mom.”

Carlos turns his head a little, his nose touching TK’s skin. It’s still cold from the chilly outside air.

“I should have come back sooner.”

“I’m sure she understands, TK.” Carlos rubs his arm.

“I miss you. But I’m okay. You don’t have to be worried about me.”

Carlos kisses TK’s forehead, asking, “Do you wanna tell her, or should I?”

TK’s smile widens and warmth blooms all throughout his body despite the spotty heat and drafty air in the restaurant. He doesn’t need to ask what Carlos means. To thin air that crackles with the shadows of something that used to be, and can never quite be erased entirely, TK says, “I asked him to marry me.”

“I said yes,” Carlos adds, “obviously. I love him so much.”

TK’s fingers bend, the tips of them pressing against the inseam of Carlos’s dark jeans. “He loves me,” TK agrees, finding that more important to say than telling her he loves Carlos back. His mom knows that. He told her so many times while she was alive, how crazy he was about Carlos. And she’s always known TK was filled to the brim with the capacity to be madly, head-over-heels in love – desperate for it in a way that led him to a whole lot of bad choices. What she’s much less familiar with, is TK being loved.

Read the rest on AO3

Tagging @theghostofashton @birdclowns @reyesstrand @strandnreyes @cold-blooded-jelly-doughnut

@carlos-in-glasses @actual-sleeping-beauty @thisbuildinghasfeelings @herefortarlos @heartstringduet

@tailoredshirt @goodways @alrightbuckaroo @lightningboltreader @freneticfloetry

@liminalmemories21 @nancys-braids @chaotictarlos @lemonlyman-dotcom @whatsintheboxmh

@inkweedandlizards @bonheur-cafe @reasonandfaithinharmony @thebumblecee @never-blooms

@sanjuwrites @orchidscript @jesuisici33 @kiwichaeng @honeybee-taskforce

@fifthrideroftheapocalypse @fitzherbertssmolder @butchreyes @just-inside-her @firstprince-history-huh

@captain-gillian @tellmegoodbye @anactualcaseofthetruth @ironheartwriter @eclectic-sassycoweyes

@ditheringmind

Want to be added or removed from the list? Lmk

[nisbanisba]

Feveruary Day 14 - The Sleepiest Ranger

G / 745 words. The prompt was “falling asleep in inappropriate places”

Read below or on ao3

“Reyes.” Carlos groans and doesn’t open his eyes. Maybe whoever it is will go away. “Reyes. Yo, sleeping beauty. Carlos!”

Carlos jerks awake, his chin slipping off the hand it was propped on. “What.” He looks around. He’s at his desk at work. Which is not ideal. At least it’s  just Sam in here. “God, sorry, I’m up. I’m good.” He scrubs a hand over his face, as though he could wipe away the exhaustion and sinus pressure. Jonah’s had a cold for the last few days, and TK had finally succumbed the night before. Carlos was up for a good part of the night with Jonah, who was cranky and clingy and who has not yet learned to adequately cover his coughs and sneezes. It was a long night. 

Carlos has always thought of himself as having a pretty strong constitution, recovering in a day or two from viruses that knock TK down for a week. But having a child in preschool is challenging those assumptions. They can’t seem to go a month these days without the whole household getting sick.

Carlos had hoped maybe he’d avoided this bug, but of course he isn’t that lucky. Earlier today he went to dig his notebook out of his pocket and dropped crumpled used tissues on the floor of the interrogation room in front of the witness. Not his most intimidating move, but somehow he managed to get the information they were looking for anyway. 

After that interrogation, Sam had made some calls to verify what the witness had said, while Carlos stared blankly at the case file on his desk. Apparently he drifted off. Very professional, Reyes. 

Sam looks at him skeptically now. “Sounds like Hall was telling the truth. We need to go over to that garage and see if Streeter’s there. You good?”

Carlos clears his throat and coughs into his sleeve, his sinuses screaming. Goddamn little kid plague germs. “I’m good.”

“Sure you are. I’m driving. Your window stays down. Try to breathe away from me.”

***

Somehow, they manage to get what they need at the garage; it’s not enough for an arrest yet, but it’s a great start. Sitting in the passenger seat, Carlos hunches into his jacket. Usually he strips down to shirt sleeves as fast as possible; it’s hot enough with a dress shirt and tie. Today he’s clammy with sweat, but chilled if he removes the jacket. He stares blankly out the window, trying to honor his promise not to breathe in Campbell’s direction. Beside him, Sam is talking about his theories, but it’s a drone that combines with the fuzzy buzzing in Carlos’s head. It’s way too much work to try to pay attention, and Carlos thinks he might as well close his eyes for a few minutes before they arrive at the office. 

***

There’s a tapping on Carlos’s right shoulder, and then the door to the SUV opens and Carlos thinks he would fall out if he weren’t buckled in. “Guh?” he says. HIs ears are stopped up now, his throat raw from post-nasal drip. 

“Hey, baby,” says TK. His voice is hoarse, his hair messy, and he’s got a grumpy-looking Jonah on his hip.

“What are you doing here?” Carlos asks. 

“This is our house, baby.” 

Huh. So it is.

“Yeah, you’re not going back to the office to infect everyone else,” says Sam from the driver’s seat. “And if you got drool and snot on my upholstery just now, you’re going to be cleaning it up once you’re healthy again.”

Carlos groans. “I can work.”

“You can’t stay awake,” Sam points out. 

“Baby, we’re exhausted and so are you. Your mom dropped off soup. Come inside so we can sit down.”

“I wanna watch Encanto,” puts in Jonah.

“Oh, that’s a good one, Reyes, you should get out of my car and go watch that.”

Carlos tries to laugh and starts coughing again. “All right. I’m coming, I’m coming.” He unbuckles his seatbelt and takes the hand TK offers to carefully step out of the car. 

TK puts an arm around him and they lean into each other. “Thanks for bringing him home, Sam,” he says reluctantly. He’s never quite gotten over his dislike for the man, despite Carlos now having a good working relationship with him. It’s sweet how protective he is.

“Hey. Thanks for taking him off my hands.”

“Animal room,” says Jonah firmly. 

“Okay, okay, mijo. We’ll watch the animal room part.”

~fin~

tagging a few who might be interested, zero pressure to share: @chicgeekgirl89 @bonheur-cafe @sapphic--kiwi @eclectic-sassycoweyes @henrygrass @lemonlyman-dotcom @rangersoup @thisbuildinghasfeelings @eveningstar477 @literateowl @henrygrass @ladytessa74 @firstprince-history-huh @mrs-corrections-78

[morganaspendragonss]

someone to know you too well

title from being alive by stephen sondheim ao3 | 475 words | trevor/tommy, tommy & tk

“Okay. See you soon. Love you too.”

Tommy sneaks a glance at TK as she drives them home. His smile is wide, lovesick, and she wonders if he even knows how his entire being lights up whenever Carlos is so much as mentioned in conversation. Not that she’s judging; she was the same way with Charles, and now with Trevor…who may not even want to be with her anymore after the way she’s treated him lately. 

She will never forgive herself if this is it for them, and not only for driving away the best man she knows. The girls will be devastated to lose Trevor and Melody; they would try, of course, but divorces – not that they’re married, which is really what started all this – have a funny way of impacting the kids, no matter what they do.

Her heart aches preemptively, and god today has been hard enough. She can’t think about this right now.

“So,” she says. “I take it Carlos survived my girls unscathed.”

In her periphery, TK grins at her. He’s practically bouncing in his seat, still on the adrenaline high of escaping that classroom. “Yep. Even his fingernails.”

Now, that is a surprise. “Wow. How does your husband feel about another career change?” she jokes. “If he can get my girls to hold off on the make-up, clearly he’d make an excellent babysitter.”

TK snorts but very quickly goes very quiet, and when Tommy glances back at him, he looks pensive in a way that the situation two seconds ago didn’t warrant. “About that.”

They slow to a stoplight and she blinks at him. “Carlos is switching jobs again?”

He looks at her, startled, as if he can’t possibly fathom how she came to that conclusion. “No. I meant the other thing. The nail thing.”

Tommy swears she has never been more confused in her life. “The nail thing.”

“Yeah,” TK says, then frowns. “I mean, kind of? Carlos”—he waves his phone at her—“wanted me to tell you – or, warn you, I guess – that, uh. Trevor is there. And…he has been all day.”

He bites his lip guiltily, looking for all the world like the messenger about to be shot, but there’s no part of Tommy that’s even a little bit angry at the news. She feels half in a dream as the light turns green and they pull away again, her head spinning to care about anything that’s not Trevor, at her house, watching over her girls without even needing to be asked. She could have died today, and it gives her comfort to know that Izzy and Evie have a man in their lives who, even knowing that Tommy would never ask for pride, showed up anyway.

Because he cares about her girls.

Because he cares about her.

Yeah. She thinks they’re gonna be okay.