tarlos-valentine

[tarlos-valentine]

💕 Tarlos Secret Cupid Exchange 💕

We are very happy to welcome you all to our first Tarlos Secret Cupid Exchange, 2024 edition!

We know this is very short notice but after realizing there's no other Tarlos Valentine's event happening this year, we decided to act quickly - and we hope you will all join us 💕

How does this work?

It's quite easy: sign up using our form so we can match you with someone to create for (your giftee) and with someone who will create something for you (your Cupid). You choose what you want to create and what you want to receive, and it doesn’t have to be the same sort of creation. Once you receive the information for your giftee, you begin creating until posting dates come, so you can share your gift with your recipient. And, in the meantime, you can always share thoughts and spread the love with your giftee — but remember to keep it anon because this is a Secret Cupid Exchange!

Schedule

JANUARY 14th - JANUARY 21st — The sign-up form will be available for joining the exchange. JANUARY 24th — You will receive an email with all the information regarding your recipient. Please let us know if you don’t receive it, so we can resend it. FEBRUARY 2nd — First check-in through email, to keep in touch and see your progress. This is the moment to let us know if you need more time or if you need to drop out. This is also the moment to claim your preferred posting date. FEBRUARY 5th — You will be notified about your posting date. FEBRUARY 14th - FEBRUARY 18th — Tarlos Secret Cupid Big Reveal! All the creations will be posted by the Cupids and reblogged to the event Tumblr.

Sign-up Form

Now, don't hesitate — come and join the fun! Since this is all about creating for someone and receiving a creation in return, any kind of creation is welcome: fics, gifsets, art, fanvids, playlists, podfics… If you can create it, it belongs here!

-> Sign up here <-

Any more questions? Please read our rules and our faqs, or drop us an ask in case you need further assistance!

Header, icon, and title picture are creations from @911icons and are used with their specific permission. Many, many thanks for that!

[tarlos-valentine]

Announcement

Events take place because you guys make them to. And you have spoken, loud and clear, this time. You have expressed your feelings about this event, and we have listened, even though it is not something comfortable or nice.

Since there have been no entries for this year's Tarlos Valentine's Event — Road To The Wedding — we are sad to announce that there will be no more editions of the Tarlos Corazonados Weekend.

Thank you so much to everyone who has helped us throughout past editions, and to those who have participated in any capacity.

[tarlos-valentine]

We're back for the third annual Tarlos Corazonados! This year we're celebrating a Tarlos wedding. There's no better holiday than Valentine's to breathe in this love we all live for.

So, with that in mind, please allow us to announce our Valentine's Event — Road To The Wedding.

We're well aware that this fandom is full of people with different talents and likes, so we have provided three different options for each day! We have a general theme, a dialogue prompt, and a visual prompt.

You’re free to use one, two or a mix of all three in each day in whatever way you want and please. Also, combining our prompts with prompts from other events and challenges is allowed and encouraged!

Again, it doesn’t matter what kind of creation is your forte — fic, gifs, art, mood boards, playlists, fanvids… If you create it, we want to see it!

Without further ado, here are the dates and the prompts for this year’s event.

Day #1 — Sunday February 12th

“I cannot stop smiling when I look at you”

Engagement bliss

Favorite Tarlos S1 moment(s)

Day #2 — Monday February 13th

“I want to wake up next to you. Every day”

Wedding planning

Favorite Tarlos S2 moment(s)

Day #3 — Tuesday February 14th

“I want to spend the rest of my life with you”

Wedding vows

Favorite Tarlos S3 moment(s)

With that comes a simple set of rules!

All creations must be posted on Tumblr.

If you notice that your post hasn’t been reblogged within 12 hours from posting, please send us a message with the link.

Since we all know how Tumblr works, please tag your post with #tarlosvalentine23 within the first 5 tags.

Please tag the event blog @tarlos-valentine ​ for reblogging purposes.

If you are crossposting to AO3, please feel free to add it to the Tarlos Valentine 2023 Collection. 

Lastly but most importantly, have fun! This is an event to come together and celebrate the love that we see expressed through Tarlos.

Have a question? Need clarification? Want to suggest something? Come to our inbox, we are only an ask away!  

[tarlos-valentine]

We're back for the third annual Tarlos Corazonados! This year we're celebrating a Tarlos wedding. There's no better holiday than Valentine's to breathe in this love we all live for.

So, with that in mind, please allow us to announce our Valentine's Event — Road To The Wedding.

We're well aware that this fandom is full of people with different talents and likes, so we have provided three different options for each day! We have a general theme, a dialogue prompt, and a visual prompt.

You’re free to use one, two or a mix of all three in each day in whatever way you want and please. Also, combining our prompts with prompts from other events and challenges is allowed and encouraged!

Again, it doesn’t matter what kind of creation is your forte — fic, gifs, art, mood boards, playlists, fanvids… If you create it, we want to see it!

Without further ado, here are the dates and the prompts for this year’s event.

Day #1 — Sunday February 12th

“I cannot stop smiling when I look at you”

Engagement bliss

Favorite Tarlos S1 moment(s)

Day #2 — Monday February 13th

“I want to wake up next to you. Every day”

Wedding planning

Favorite Tarlos S2 moment(s)

Day #3 — Tuesday February 14th

“I want to spend the rest of my life with you”

Wedding vows

Favorite Tarlos S3 moment(s)

With that comes a simple set of rules!

All creations must be posted on Tumblr.

If you notice that your post hasn’t been reblogged within 12 hours from posting, please send us a message with the link.

Since we all know how Tumblr works, please tag your post with #tarlosvalentine23 within the first 5 tags.

Please tag the event blog @tarlos-valentine ​ for reblogging purposes.

If you are crossposting to AO3, please feel free to add it to the Tarlos Valentine 2023 Collection. 

Lastly but most importantly, have fun! This is an event to come together and celebrate the love that we see expressed through Tarlos.

Have a question? Need clarification? Want to suggest something? Come to our inbox, we are only an ask away!  

[tarlos-valentine]

We're back for the third annual Tarlos Corazonados! This year we're celebrating a Tarlos wedding. There's no better holiday than Valentine's to breathe in this love we all live for.

So, with that in mind, please allow us to announce our Valentine's Event — Road To The Wedding.

We're well aware that this fandom is full of people with different talents and likes, so we have provided three different options for each day! We have a general theme, a dialogue prompt, and a visual prompt.

You’re free to use one, two or a mix of all three in each day in whatever way you want and please. Also, combining our prompts with prompts from other events and challenges is allowed and encouraged!

Again, it doesn’t matter what kind of creation is your forte — fic, gifs, art, mood boards, playlists, fanvids… If you create it, we want to see it!

Without further ado, here are the dates and the prompts for this year’s event.

Day #1 — Sunday February 12th

“I cannot stop smiling when I look at you”

Engagement bliss

Favorite Tarlos S1 moment(s)

Day #2 — Monday February 13th

“I want to wake up next to you. Every day”

Wedding planning

Favorite Tarlos S2 moment(s)

Day #3 — Tuesday February 14th

“I want to spend the rest of my life with you”

Wedding vows

Favorite Tarlos S3 moment(s)

With that comes a simple set of rules!

All creations must be posted on Tumblr.

If you notice that your post hasn’t been reblogged within 12 hours from posting, please send us a message with the link.

Since we all know how Tumblr works, please tag your post with #tarlosvalentine23 within the first 5 tags.

Please tag the event blog @tarlos-valentine ​ for reblogging purposes.

If you are crossposting to AO3, please feel free to add it to the Tarlos Valentine 2023 Collection. 

Lastly but most importantly, have fun! This is an event to come together and celebrate the love that we see expressed through Tarlos.

Have a question? Need clarification? Want to suggest something? Come to our inbox, we are only an ask away!  

[tarlos-valentine]

We're back for the third annual Tarlos Corazonados! This year we're celebrating a Tarlos wedding. There's no better holiday than Valentine's to breathe in this love we all live for.

So, with that in mind, please allow us to announce our Valentine's Event — Road To The Wedding.

We're well aware that this fandom is full of people with different talents and likes, so we have provided three different options for each day! We have a general theme, a dialogue prompt, and a visual prompt.

You’re free to use one, two or a mix of all three in each day in whatever way you want and please. Also, combining our prompts with prompts from other events and challenges is allowed and encouraged!

Again, it doesn’t matter what kind of creation is your forte — fic, gifs, art, mood boards, playlists, fanvids… If you create it, we want to see it!

Without further ado, here are the dates and the prompts for this year’s event.

Day #1 — Sunday February 12th

“I cannot stop smiling when I look at you”

Engagement bliss

Favorite Tarlos S1 moment(s)

Day #2 — Monday February 13th

“I want to wake up next to you. Every day”

Wedding planning

Favorite Tarlos S2 moment(s)

Day #3 — Tuesday February 14th

“I want to spend the rest of my life with you”

Wedding vows

Favorite Tarlos S3 moment(s)

With that comes a simple set of rules!

All creations must be posted on Tumblr.

If you notice that your post hasn’t been reblogged within 12 hours from posting, please send us a message with the link.

Since we all know how Tumblr works, please tag your post with #tarlosvalentine23 within the first 5 tags.

Please tag the event blog @tarlos-valentine ​ for reblogging purposes.

If you are crossposting to AO3, please feel free to add it to the Tarlos Valentine 2023 Collection. 

Lastly but most importantly, have fun! This is an event to come together and celebrate the love that we see expressed through Tarlos.

Have a question? Need clarification? Want to suggest something? Come to our inbox, we are only an ask away!  

[tarlos-valentine]

We're back for the third annual Tarlos Corazonados! This year we're celebrating a Tarlos wedding. There's no better holiday than Valentine's to breathe in this love we all live for.

So, with that in mind, please allow us to announce our Valentine's Event — Road To The Wedding.

We're well aware that this fandom is full of people with different talents and likes, so we have provided three different options for each day! We have a general theme, a dialogue prompt, and a visual prompt.

You’re free to use one, two or a mix of all three in each day in whatever way you want and please. Also, combining our prompts with prompts from other events and challenges is allowed and encouraged!

Again, it doesn’t matter what kind of creation is your forte — fic, gifs, art, mood boards, playlists, fanvids… If you create it, we want to see it!

Without further ado, here are the dates and the prompts for this year’s event.

Day #1 — Sunday February 12th

“I cannot stop smiling when I look at you”

Engagement bliss

Favorite Tarlos S1 moment(s)

Day #2 — Monday February 13th

“I want to wake up next to you. Every day”

Wedding planning

Favorite Tarlos S2 moment(s)

Day #3 — Tuesday February 14th

“I want to spend the rest of my life with you”

Wedding vows

Favorite Tarlos S3 moment(s)

With that comes a simple set of rules!

All creations must be posted on Tumblr.

If you notice that your post hasn’t been reblogged within 12 hours from posting, please send us a message with the link.

Since we all know how Tumblr works, please tag your post with #tarlosvalentine23 within the first 5 tags.

Please tag the event blog @tarlos-valentine ​ for reblogging purposes.

If you are crossposting to AO3, please feel free to add it to the Tarlos Valentine 2023 Collection. 

Lastly but most importantly, have fun! This is an event to come together and celebrate the love that we see expressed through Tarlos.

Have a question? Need clarification? Want to suggest something? Come to our inbox, we are only an ask away!  

[tarlos-valentine]

We're back for the third annual Tarlos Corazonados! This year we're celebrating a Tarlos wedding. There's no better holiday than Valentine's to breathe in this love we all live for.

So, with that in mind, please allow us to announce our Valentine's Event — Road To The Wedding.

We're well aware that this fandom is full of people with different talents and likes, so we have provided three different options for each day! We have a general theme, a dialogue prompt, and a visual prompt.

You’re free to use one, two or a mix of all three in each day in whatever way you want and please. Also, combining our prompts with prompts from other events and challenges is allowed and encouraged!

Again, it doesn’t matter what kind of creation is your forte — fic, gifs, art, mood boards, playlists, fanvids… If you create it, we want to see it!

Without further ado, here are the dates and the prompts for this year’s event.

Day #1 — Sunday February 12th

“I cannot stop smiling when I look at you”

Engagement bliss

Favorite Tarlos S1 moment(s)

Day #2 — Monday February 13th

“I want to wake up next to you. Every day”

Wedding planning

Favorite Tarlos S2 moment(s)

Day #3 — Tuesday February 14th

“I want to spend the rest of my life with you”

Wedding vows

Favorite Tarlos S3 moment(s)

With that comes a simple set of rules!

All creations must be posted on Tumblr.

If you notice that your post hasn’t been reblogged within 12 hours from posting, please send us a message with the link.

Since we all know how Tumblr works, please tag your post with #tarlosvalentine23 within the first 5 tags.

Please tag the event blog @tarlos-valentine ​ for reblogging purposes.

If you are crossposting to AO3, please feel free to add it to the Tarlos Valentine 2023 Collection. 

Lastly but most importantly, have fun! This is an event to come together and celebrate the love that we see expressed through Tarlos.

Have a question? Need clarification? Want to suggest something? Come to our inbox, we are only an ask away!  

[tarlos-valentine]

Tarlos Corazonados Masterlist 2022

Here it is, finally! We're sorry it's taken so long to put this up together, but here we present you...

Our 2022 master post!

Day 1 — Saturday, February 12th

Awkward Valentine + “This isn’t the gift I had in mind, but I hope you still like it” + Sexiest moment.

Creations:

First Valentine's Day... again by @tarlos-spain

Primer San Valentín... otra vez by @tarlos-spain

Blind Date by @mtnofgrace

Day 2 — Saturday, February 13th

Lonely Valentine’s Day Turned Lovely + “Is that a ring box in your pocket or are you just happy to see me?” + Fondest/Warmest look.

Creations:

It's not what you think by @tarlos-spain

No es lo que parece by @tarlos-spain

Day 3 — Sunday, February 14th — Valentine’s Day

When Your Boyfriend is Cupid’s Son + “I know it’s not technically Valentine’s Day anymore” + Tarlos Through Time.

Creations:

Valentine's Day Is Over by @tarlos-spain

El día de San Valentín se ha acabado by @tarlos-spain

Please let us know if you've created something for the exchange and haven't seen it reblogged. Our inbox is always open.

We hope to be seeing you all next year for a new round of Tarlos love around Valentine’s Day!

[tarlos-valentine]

Tarlos San Valentin 2022 Día 3

Titulo: El de San Valentín se ha acabado

Fandom: 9-1-1 Lone Star

Personajes: Carlos Reyes, TK Strand

Pairing: Carlos Reyes/TK Strand

Resumen: La noche de San Valentin suele ser una de las más atareadas para un policía, pero TK quería pasarla con su novio.

TK miró la hora en el móvil. 23.59. San Valentín acababa en menos de un minuto y Carlos todavía no había llegado a casa. Un poco antes de las nueve le había dicho que se le había líado el día, que todo el mundo se volvía loco de remate.

“Estaré en casa antes de que termine el día, te lo prometo.”

No estaba enfadado con él ni nada parecido. Carlos era policía y no era la primera vez que ocurrían imprevistos. Cuando no le ocurría a Carlos le pasaba a él, así que no podía decir nada.

Pero se sentía mal. Era el primer San Valentín de su nueva vida con Carlos, como a ellos les gustaba denominar su nueva relación desde la ruptura, desde el hielo y desde que Carlos tuviera pesadillas casi todas las noches pensando que algo pudiera volver a sucederle a él.

Lo había comentado con Tommy, Judd y los demás, y todos estaban de acuerdo en que Carlos sufría algo parecido a un síndrome postraumático, como los militares que regresaban de la guerra. Pero cada vez que había intentado hablarlo con Carlos, algo había ocurrido y el momento desaparecía.

Estaba decidido a hacerlo esa noche.

Tal vez San Valentin no era el mejor momento para tratar un tema tan complicado y que tan mal debía de hacer sentir a Carlos, pero si algo había aprendido de los últimos meses, era no dejar pasar el momento para hacer algo.

Pero San Valentin se había terminado; en pocos segundos volvería a ser un día normal y corriente, un jueves más, un día de trabajo más.

TK quería encontrar el momento adecuado para tener la conversación. Pero ni él era el más indicado para hablar sobre traumas, ni Carlos era la persona más abierta para hablar de sus sentimientos.

Miró a la mesa donde había colocado las velas que había apagado hacía ya un rato. La comida se había quedado fría y ya no sería lo mismo. Aunque no estaba seguro de que, habiendo cocinado él, fuera a haber mucha diferencia. Había visto un par de películas en Netflix y ahora tenía preparada la que quería ver con Carlos, la habían reservado para esa noche.

Habían reservado tantas cosas para esa noche, que no estaba enfadado con Carlos, pero se sentía decepcionado con el universo.

Sonrió, su padre se había pasado semanas hablando de cómo el destino se había empeñado en enseñarle una lección. No entendía si era él quien debía aprender una lección ahora.

Solo quería tener una noche tranquila de San Valentin con su novio.

Sigue leyendo en AO3

[tarlos-valentine]

Tarlos Valentine 2022 Day 3

Title: Valentine's day is over

Fandom: 9-1-1 Lone Star

Characters: Carlos Reyes, TK Strand

Pairing: Carlos Reyes/TK Strand

Summary: Valentine's night is one of the busiest for a cop but TK hoped to spend the evening with this boyfriend.

TK looked at the time on the cell phone. 23.59. Valentine's Day would be over in less than a minute and Carlos still hadn't arrived home. A little before nine o'clock he had told him that his day was messed up, that everyone was going crazy as hell.

"I'll be home before the end of the day, I promise."

I wasn't mad at him or anything. Carlos was a cop and it wasn't the first time unforeseen events had happened. When it wasn't happening to Carlos it was happening to him, so he couldn't say anything.

But he felt bad. It was the first Valentine's Day of his new life with Carlos, as they liked to call their new relationship since the breakup, since the ice and since Carlos had nightmares almost every night thinking something might happen to him again.

He had discussed it with Tommy, Judd and the others, and they all agreed that Carlos was suffering from something akin to post-traumatic syndrome, like the military returning from war. But every time he had tried to talk it over with Carlos, something had happened and the moment disappeared.

He was determined to do it that night.

Maybe Valentine's Day wasn't the best time to deal with such a complicated issue that must have made Carlos feel so bad, but if there was one thing he had learned from the last few months, it was not to let the moment pass to do something.

But Valentine's Day was over; in a few seconds it would be just another ordinary day, just another Thursday, just another work day.

TK wanted to find the right time to have the conversation. But neither he was the best person to talk about trauma, nor was Carlos the most open person to talk about his feelings.

He looked at the table where he had placed the candles he had blown out a while ago. The food had gone cold and would no longer be the same. Although he wasn't sure that, having cooked it himself, it would make much difference. He had watched a couple of movies on Netflix and now he had the one he wanted to watch with Carlos ready, they had booked it for that night.

They had booked so many things for that night, he wasn't mad at Carlos, but he was disappointed with the universe.

He smiled, his father had spent weeks talking about how fate had been bent on teaching him a lesson. He didn't understand if he was the one who needed to learn a lesson now.

He just wanted to have a quiet Valentine's night with his boyfriend.

Keep reading on AO3

[tarlos-valentine]

Tarlos Valentine Día 2

Título: No es lo que parece

Fandom: 9-1-1 Lone Star

Personajes: Carlos Reyes, TK Strand

Pairing: Carlos Reyes/TK Strand

Resumen: TK no debería haber visto el anillo y Carlos no estaba preparado para pedirme matrimonio

TK tenía la boca abierta, los ojos igual, abiertos de par en par y se había quedado paralizado, sin respirar.

“¿Hay un anillo en tu bolsillo o estás feliz de verme?”

“No es lo que parece. Te prometo que no es lo que parece,” dijo Carlos, más nervioso que él, si es que eso era posible.

“Dime que si abro esa cajita no me voy a encontrar un anillo.”

Carlos tenía ganas de hacer desaparecer la cajita negra que no había podido dejar en el coche. ¿En qué mal momento había decidido echarle un vistazo?

Podía haber esperado a que TK estuviera fuera, en la revisión médica o visitando el cuartel, hablando con su padre. Llevaba meses con ella en su vida, desde que había comprado el anillo antes incluso de que encontraran la casa, y no había vuelto a sacarla del cajón desde que lo suyo con TK había explotado en mil pedazos.

Cuando dieron el alta a TK, después de abrazarlo, besarlo, sentirlo cerca y saber que si hablaban un poco podían volver a estar juntos, se aseguró de que seguía metida en el mismo cajón, pero la dejó estar. Todavía faltaba mucho para que tuviera la más mínima oportunidad de pensar de nuevo en ese anillo.

Pero San Valentín estaba cerca y ya fuera porque TK se empeñó el año anterior en ver Historias de San Valentín, porque todas las tiendas tenían corazones, cosas relaciones con el amor o simplemente porque no podía dejar de pensar en que estaba terminado de acondicionar la nueva casa para llevarse a vivir a TK con él; pero al final volvió a coger la caja.

Decidió que antes del verano, si las cosas iban bien entre ellos, encontraría el momento de sacar el tema y si poner el anillo en el dedo de TK era demasiado apresurado y podía hacer que su recién recuperado novio saliera corriendo otra vez, por lo menos averiguaría si TK quería saber algo sobre matrimonio.

TK estaba fuera, había salido pronto, y le había dejado una nota.

“Vuelvo en un rato, no te pongas nervioso y no llames a mi padre. Estaré bien, puedo estar en el centro media hora.”

Carlos se puso nervioso.

Era el primer día que TK salía solo, era el día de San Valentín y sabía que su novio tenía intención de ir a comprarle algo para ese día. Habría preferido ir con él, comprar algo juntos pasar el día juntos y luego hacer algo especial por la noche.

Eso le habría dejado mucho más tranquilo.

Sigue leyendo en AO3

[tarlos-valentine]

Tarlos Valentin Day 2

Title: Is not what you think

Fandom: 9-1-1 Lone Star

Characters: Carlos Reyes, TK Strand

Pairing: Carlos Reyes/TK Strand

Summary: TK shouldn't have found the ring, Carlos wsn't prepared to propose

TK's mouth was wide open, his eyes too, and he had frozen, not breathing.

"Is that a ring in your pocket or are you happy to see me?"

"It's not what it looks like. I promise it's not what it looks like," Carlos said, more nervous than TK, if that was even possible.

"Tell me that if I open that little box I'm not going to find a ring."

Carlos was itching to make the little black box he hadn't been able to leave in the car disappear. In what fit of insanity had he decided to take a look at it?

He could have waited until TK was out, at a medical checkup, or visiting the station, talking to his father. He'd had it in his life for months, ever since he'd bought the ring before they'd even found the house, and he hadn't taken it out of the drawer again since his relationship with TK had blown up into a thousand pieces.

When TK was discharged, after hugging him, kissing him, feeling him close, and knowing that if they talked a little they could get back together, Carlos made sure it was still tucked in the same drawer, but he let it be. It would still be a long time before he had the slightest chance to think about that ring again.

But Valentine's Day was near, and whether it was because TK had insisted the year before on watching Valentine's Stories, because all the stores had hearts and love-related things, or just because he couldn't stop thinking about finishing the new house to take TK to live with him—in the end, he picked up the box again.

He decided that before the summer, if things were going well between them, he would find the time to bring up the subject. Then, if putting the ring on TK's finger was too hasty and might send his newly recovered boyfriend running off again, he would at least find out if TK wanted anything to do with marriage.

TK was out, he had left early, and had left him a note.

"I'll be back in a bit, don't worry and don't call my dad. I'll be fine, I can be downtown for half an hour."

Carlos worried.

It was the first day TK was going out alone; it was Valentine's Day and he knew his boyfriend intended to go and buy him something. He would have preferred to go with him, buy something together, spend the day together, and then do something special in the evening.

That would have put his mind at ease.

Keep reading in AO3

[tarlos-valentine]

Hi again! For your GTHB, could I request the “Blind Date” square for TK + Carlos? I really enjoy reading your stories! 🙂

Sonia! It's finally here! Again, I'm so very sorry how long it took. But I hope you enjoy it.

This is also for @tarlos-valentine day 1 event. And it wouldn't have been possible without help from @moviegeek03 Cant thank you enough girl!

Read on A03

My Masterlist

Good Things Happen Bingo Masterlist

Blind Date

TK had been with the 126 for a little over a year now. Starting out, it had been a little rocky, but he had finally settled into life in Austin. He had gotten exceptionally close with Judd in the year he’d been there, which had surprised not only himself, but Judd as well. The brother dynamic they had was unparalleled. Judd was the only one to fully know TK’s story. It wasn’t that he didn’t trust the rest of his team, he just trusted Judd the most. Plus Judd was easy to talk to, and he helped him the most when he was struggling.

TK had steered clear of dating, wanting to just focus on himself and getting himself into a good place. He felt he was finally getting there, but he wasn’t much for venturing out just yet. The team had tried to set him up on multiple occasions with different people, but he always found an excuse not to go. So when Judd approached him with a date suggestion, TK did his best to balk.

“Would ya just listen dang it,” Judd grumbles as TK throws excuses his way before he’s even finished telling TK the idea.

TK gives him the perfect eye roll as he crosses his arms. Judd lets out a sigh as he runs his hands down his face. “Grace has someone she wants ya to meet. And I agree with her,” he finishes.

“No. You know I’m not dating.”

“Only cuz you’re stubborn,” Judd volleys back.

“Judd, -”

"TK please just go for us. It'll be fun. Gracie has never steered you wrong. I promise. Just one meeting is all we’re asking. I know you’re scared, but I think you’re ready. I wouldn’t have brought it up if I didn’t." TK was chewing his lip to pieces and Judd was ready to strangle him, but he knew Grace was right and TK needed to get out.

"Ok fine. I'll go. But if it turns out to be a stalker or serial killer, I'll never forgive you."

"Grace would never do that to you and you know it," Judd huffs as TK just shrugs.

Across town Grace seemed to be having a similar conversation with Carlos.

“Grace, no. I’m not doing it. You know I don’t do casual, and no one is ever in it for the long haul.”

“Carlos… honey, you have to start somewhere. A casual night out could lead to that forever. You never know unless you try, and sitting in your house binging Netflix is not trying,” she says with a very pointed look.

“I’m not saying look for a soulmate. I know you want forever, but you have to put yourself out there to find it. And this is me helping you put yourself out there.”

Carlos sighs, but he knows he’s going to give in because he can never tell Grace no. But he still tries to balk. “Carlos, I'm serious. Don’t give me that look,” Grace says. “You’re young, you’re handsome, you should be out living it up. Instead you work and go home. You see your family on the weekends and me, when we have nights like this. I want more for you than this. You deserve it.”

“Not all of us are lucky enough to find our soulmates as young as you did,” Carlos reminds her.

Carlos lets out another sigh because he knows Grace is right. But dating is scary especially with the luck he’s had. “Alright, fine. Give me the details,” he says as Grace practically beams.

Judd and Grace work on the details and tell the boys they have a date Friday at six. They name off a local restaurant downtown, and receive equally exhausting eye rolls from them both when they realize it’s on Valentine’s Day.

Judd and Grace have done all they can to make this night go well for two of their favorite people, so when Friday rolls around, they remove themselves from the equation, and stop accepting phone calls or texts.

“Unbelievable,” TK mutters, as Judd refuses to answer anymore of his text while he’s sitting at the table waiting. His date is five minutes late already, and TK is fixing to just leave. Just as he’s standing up, a very handsome man appears at his table. TK looks up into the most soulful brown eyes he’s ever seen until recognition sinks in. “Officer Reyes?”

“Strand?” Carlos can’t seem to recall his first name, but he knows he’s the captain’s son.

They’ve seen each other on calls over the course of the year the 126 has been reopened. Carlos has heard nothing but good things about the crew, but he’s never really hung out with any of them despite the Ryder’s trying to get him to come to some of the hang outs. “Carlos please,” he says, pulling out the chair across from TK.

“It’s TK,” TK says a little awkwardly, sitting back down.

“My apologies for being late. My shift ran over, and I didn’t exactly have your number,” he says, rubbing the back of his neck.

“Of course. I know how it goes. Besides it’s not like Judd and Grace were much help.”

“No,” Carlos says around a laugh. “Grace has been ignoring my text since lunch.”

“Judd’s been the same to me.”

The waiter comes and takes their drink orders, and Carlos asks TK if he wants to share any wine since it’s on special for the holiday.

“No thanks,” TK says, sitting back into his chair. Carlos can see his walls going up even more, and he’s not sure why. He wished he had more info to make this night go smoother, but alas Grace sent him in blind.

He tries to ask TK some basic get to know you questions and some past dating experience questions, but TK just doesn’t seem into it. They do order food, and when the waiter asks if they want the Couples Valentine Special - appetizer, meals and dessert - they both awkwardly decline. “I’m sorry if you didn’t want to come tonight,” Carlos eventually says when it doesn’t seem like the conversation is going anywhere. “I know it’s probably awkward being on Valentine’s, but I’ve never been able to tell Gracie no,” he says with a shrug.

“You’re right this is not my ideal night,” TK shrugs nonchalantly. “But I also seem to not be able to say no. And Judd would kill me for how I was acting right now,” he sighs. He seems to inhale really deep before slowly letting it out. He slowly meets Carlos’s eyes. “I’m really sorry. This isn’t fair to you.”

“Don’t worry,” Carlos tells him as if it’s no big deal. “I told Grace it was a bad idea, but she keeps insisting I need to get out or I’m going to be alone forever. We can just enjoy the meal and forget this ever happened if that’s what you want.”

“Is it what you want?” TK asks, a little unconvinced that any guy could be this nice.

Carlos gives him a long look, as if he is assessing how he needs to answer. TK holds his gaze hoping he conveys that he just wants honesty. “I’m not going to lie TK. My hopes for this were extremely low to begin with. Not many people are looking for the same thing I am. But I promised Gracie I would try.”

“And what are you looking for?” TK holds his breath as he waits for the answer.

“A relationship. A relationship I never thought I’d have. I’m sure dating has been much different for you, but it’s not always been easy for me. I won’t bore you with the details, but in my experience guys are looking for a hookup, or more than one hookup but that’s it. I guess I’m just one of the unlucky ones who believes in romance and ever after.”

“I don’t think that’s unlucky. Honestly had you met me a year and a half ago I’d agree with you. But having your heart destroyed makes it hard to believe in it again.”

Carlos gives him a nod of acknowledgment as their food is delivered right as TK finishes speaking. He should’ve known it would be his luck that Grace would set him up with someone that obviously hasn’t moved on from an ex. He was going to have some words with her later he thinks.

Over dinner they switch the conversation to work, Austin, and how TK is settling in after a year. The conversation flows easily between them, and Carlos could honestly see himself with TK for the long haul. It’s a shame that TK doesn’t feel the same. Dinner ends up going smoothly, and before either knows it, they are finished. Carlos insists on paying when they bring the check, but TK is stubborn and persistent and ends up paying half.

They end up exchanging numbers once they are done, just in case one of them changes their mind. They both attempt to call and text Grace and Judd once they’re separated to let them know that while it wasn’t a total disaster, it didn’t go like they hoped. But the Ryder’s continue to ignore calls, so it’s not until they see them in person again do they relay the details of the date.

They saw each other on calls over the next few weeks, and while professional, they also couldn’t keep their eyes off each other. The chemistry between them was undeniable, but they both wanted different things. The Ryders had tried talking some sense into them, but eventually had given up. Carlos and TK could be the most stubborn people they knew, but they weren’t giving up hope.

Two weeks after the failed date, TK ends up hurt on a call. Carlos hears about it through Grace, but he refrains from reaching out to check on the injured firefighter. TK had made it clear he wasn’t looking for a relationship. However, he ends up surprised when TK is the one that reaches out one afternoon. Everyone TK knows in town is on shift, and he’s really bored stuck at home. Carlos gets the idea that TK isn’t one to sit around and do nothing, so he is sure TK is climbing the walls. They text off and on all afternoon and night as Carlos is off shift. This continues even when Carlos is on shift, and it makes TK’s recovery seem to go faster. Before he knows it he’s back on shift and it’s back to normal, with the addition of constantly talking to Carlos.

They’d been talking for around four months. It was going better than TK had expected, but Carlos had been nothing but nice and amazing on their blind date, so he really shouldn’t be surprised. They’d gone on a few dates, and Carlos had cooked a few times. They weren’t exactly taking things slow, but they weren’t rushing it either. Things were good, they were both happy, and their friends loved teasing them on calls.

TK was just finishing up with a shower after shift and was getting dressed in sweats. He was checking his phone to see if Carlos was off shift yet, when Judd stepped into his line of sight. “What’s up?” TK asked when it seemed like Judd had something to say.

“Uh.. well I just got off the phone with Gracie. Seems like Reyes had a little accident on shift today and is at the hospital. She thought you might like to know.”

“Accident? What kind of accident?” TK asks, throwing things in his bag so he could go quickly. He was in the middle of trying to order an Uber when Judd put a hand on his shoulder to stop him. TK threw him an annoyed look, making Judd chuckle softly. “Man you’ve got it bad and don’t even know it. Gracie is going to love this,” he laughs as TK throws him a severely unimpressed scowl. “He’s ok. I’ll drive you over so you don’t have to order one of them cars. Grace said they were chasing a suspect on foot, and Carlos didn’t see the knife when he tackled the guy. He got a pretty deep cut under his vest along his hip. Said they’ve stitched him up, and just waiting on some tests to make sure he’s good to go.”

TK nods as he takes in all the info Judd throws at him while trying to remind himself to breathe. The panic taking over his body is a little surprising, but also not. He knows Carlos has become one of the most important people to him, but Judd was right in saying he didn’t realize just how hard he’d fallen for the officer.

“That… that look and that reaction tells me all I need to know. You’ve fallen in love with him, TK. Hang on to that. Grow that. Let him love you back,” Judd tells him as they get in his truck and head to the hospital. Carlos ends up fine, just like Judd had said; he ended up with ten stitches and some antibiotics just to be safe. He also ended up with a houseguest who insisted on taking care of him.

TK listened to Judd’s advice that day, and Carlos’s houseguest became permanent. Their relationship grew and evolved and became one of the best things of either of their lives. When Valentine’s five years later rolled around, Carlos couldn’t help but chuckle at how awkward TK was being once he got home. Their son was with The Reyes’ at their ranch for the night since the couple had the next day off and were planning to fully enjoy their Valentines.

“What’s wrong?” Carlos asks him after they’ve shared a welcome home kiss.

“Well this isn’t the gift I had in mind, but I hope you still like it,” TK murmurs, pulling a bag from behind his back.

“Babe. You know I’m going to like anything because it’s from you. No need to feel this way,” Carlos says motioning to the nerves TK is clearly displaying.

Carlos pulls the tissue paper out of the bag to find a piece of paper with restaurant information. “I figured it was about time we tried that Valentine’s Couples Special since we didn’t get to the first time,” TK says as Carlos reads it over.

He drops the stuff onto the couch and pulls TK into his arms. He softly kisses his husband before pulling back to stare into the green eyes he loves so much. “I think that is an excellent idea,” he smiles. “But,” TK starts biting his lip.

“But what, Ty?” Carlos asks softly as he pulls TK’s lip from his teeth.

“But I didn’t get reservations in time because we were out on a call,” he sighs.

Carlos softly kisses his forehead and then his lips. “It’s fine. I still get to spend a kid free night with you. I have no complaints. How about we order from your favorite sushi place and just enjoy our night on the couch?”

“You’re amazing,” TK murmurs before he agrees with Carlos’s plan. He promises next year he’ll make sure they get to try and recreate their mostly failed first date. “As long as I’m with you, I don’t care what we do,” Carlos grins as he places their order and gets comfy on the couch with TK. They’ve come a long way in five years, and they’ve still got a long way to go. But as long as they’re together anything is possible.

[tarlos-valentine]

Título: Primer San Valentín... otra vez

Fandom: 9-1-1 Lone Star

Characters: Carlos Reyes, TK Strand

Pairing: Carlos Reyes/TK Strand

Resumen: Carlos y TK están juntos otra vez después de que TK despertara de un coma terrible. Es otra vez San Valentin, pero todo es diferente, tienen una casa juntos, TK está en rehabilitación y Carlos no tiene intención de dejar solo al amor de su vida solo.

“Agarra con fuerza. ¿Puedes hacerlo?” dijo Carlos y sostuvo la mano derecha de TK con fuerza sin dejar de mirarle a los ojos. “Solo es un vaso, puedes hacerlo.”

TK se echó a reír, nervioso, y apoyó un momento la cabeza sobre el hombro de su novio.

Miró el vaso… solo era un vaso… había cogido muchos vasos en su vida. El temblor de una mano no le iba a detener. Esta vez no.

Asintió y movió la mano izquierda hasta el objeto de cristal.

“Eres mi Master Jedi, nene. Puedes hacerlo, solo necesitas usar la Fuerza.”

Semejante frikada hizo que TK rompiera a reír y por un momento se olvidó del vaso que tenía que sostener.

“¿De dónde ha salido eso? No eres fan de Star Wars.”

“Yo no, pero tu sí y cuando me has hecho ver las precuelas cinco veces por mucho que dices que son malas… y son muy malas, tengo todas las referencias en mi cabeza.”

De pronto todo era más fácil, todo era más fácil cuando estaba con Carlos a su lado. ¿Cómo se podía haber olvidado durante aquellos meses separados? Tenía que encontrar la forma de demostrarle lo mucho que le quería.

Pero lo primero era el vaso, terminar el día y poder celebrar por fin San Valentín juntos.

Así que TK volvió a mirar el vaso y pensando en las palabras que acababa de pronunciar Carlos, cerró los ojos y se vio a sí mismo como un Jedi capaz de mover el vaso con su mente. Aunque su mente sería su mano y la Fuerza… sería la fuerza que le daba la mano de Carlos sosteniendo la suya.

Los médicos decían que las secuelas pasarían pronto, los temblores se irían, pero para eso tenía que hacer unas semanas de rehabilitación. Odiaba la rehabilitación, la sola palabra le recordaba a malos momentos del pasado.

Pero, de nuevo, con Carlos a su lado, no se trataba de rehabilitación, se trataba de unas horas juntos, hablando, trabajando juntos. Además, era la mañana de San Valentín. No la forma más romántica de pasarlo juntos; pero para TK, después de haber despertado de un coma que casi lo había matado, después del hielo, después de haber hecho el idiota durante tanto tiempo que casi había perdido a Carlos para siempre… después de todo aquello, cualquier forma de estar juntos en San Valentín era perfecta.

“¡TK, tigre!”

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[tarlos-valentine]

Title: First Valentine's day... again

Fandom: 9-1-1 Lone Star

Characters: Carlos Reyes, TK Strand

Pairing: Carlos Reyes/TK Strand

Summary: Carlos and TK are back together again and it's Valentine's day again. Everything is different now afer TK's ice accident. He is in rehab but Carlos is there for him. Carlos will always be with him again.

"Hold on tight. Can you do it?" said Carlos as he held TK's right hand tightly without taking his eyes off him. "It's just a glass, you can do it."

TK laughed nervously, and rested his head on his boyfriend's shoulder for a moment.

He looked at the glass...it was just a glass...he had picked up many glasses in his life. The trembling of a hand wasn't going to stop him. Not this time.

He nodded and moved his left hand to the glass object.

"You're my Jedi Master, baby. You can do it, you just need to use the Force."

Such geekery made TK burst out laughing, and for a moment he forgot about the glass he had to hold.

"Where did that come from? You're not a Star Wars fan."

"I'm not, but you are, and when you've made me watch the prequels five times no matter how much you say they're bad—and they are really bad—I have all the references in my head."

Suddenly everything was easier, everything was easier when he had Carlos by his side. How could he have forgotten during those months apart? He had to find a way to show him how much s#he loved him.

But the first thing was the glass, to finish the day, and finally be able to celebrate Valentine's Day together.

So TK looked at the glass again and, thinking about the words Carlos had just spoken, he closed his eyes and saw himself as a Jedi capable of moving the glass with his mind. Although his mind would be his hand and the Force...would be the strength that he was given from Carlos's hand holding his.

The doctors said the after-effects would pass soon, the tremors would go away, but for that he had to do a few weeks of rehab. He hated rehab, the very word reminding her of bad times in the past.

But then again, with Carlos by his side, it wasn't about rehab, it was about a few hours together, talking and working together. Besides, it was Valentine's morning. Not the most romantic way to spend it together, but for TK, after waking up from a coma that had nearly killed him, after the ice, after playing the idiot for so long that he'd almost lost Carlos forever… After all that, any way to be together on Valentine's Day was perfect.

"TK, tiger!"

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[tarlos-valentine]

Título: Primer San Valentín... otra vez

Fandom: 9-1-1 Lone Star

Characters: Carlos Reyes, TK Strand

Pairing: Carlos Reyes/TK Strand

Resumen: Carlos y TK están juntos otra vez después de que TK despertara de un coma terrible. Es otra vez San Valentin, pero todo es diferente, tienen una casa juntos, TK está en rehabilitación y Carlos no tiene intención de dejar solo al amor de su vida solo.

“Agarra con fuerza. ¿Puedes hacerlo?” dijo Carlos y sostuvo la mano derecha de TK con fuerza sin dejar de mirarle a los ojos. “Solo es un vaso, puedes hacerlo.”

TK se echó a reír, nervioso, y apoyó un momento la cabeza sobre el hombro de su novio.

Miró el vaso… solo era un vaso… había cogido muchos vasos en su vida. El temblor de una mano no le iba a detener. Esta vez no.

Asintió y movió la mano izquierda hasta el objeto de cristal.

“Eres mi Master Jedi, nene. Puedes hacerlo, solo necesitas usar la Fuerza.”

Semejante frikada hizo que TK rompiera a reír y por un momento se olvidó del vaso que tenía que sostener.

“¿De dónde ha salido eso? No eres fan de Star Wars.”

“Yo no, pero tu sí y cuando me has hecho ver las precuelas cinco veces por mucho que dices que son malas… y son muy malas, tengo todas las referencias en mi cabeza.”

De pronto todo era más fácil, todo era más fácil cuando estaba con Carlos a su lado. ¿Cómo se podía haber olvidado durante aquellos meses separados? Tenía que encontrar la forma de demostrarle lo mucho que le quería.

Pero lo primero era el vaso, terminar el día y poder celebrar por fin San Valentín juntos.

Así que TK volvió a mirar el vaso y pensando en las palabras que acababa de pronunciar Carlos, cerró los ojos y se vio a sí mismo como un Jedi capaz de mover el vaso con su mente. Aunque su mente sería su mano y la Fuerza… sería la fuerza que le daba la mano de Carlos sosteniendo la suya.

Los médicos decían que las secuelas pasarían pronto, los temblores se irían, pero para eso tenía que hacer unas semanas de rehabilitación. Odiaba la rehabilitación, la sola palabra le recordaba a malos momentos del pasado.

Pero, de nuevo, con Carlos a su lado, no se trataba de rehabilitación, se trataba de unas horas juntos, hablando, trabajando juntos. Además, era la mañana de San Valentín. No la forma más romántica de pasarlo juntos; pero para TK, después de haber despertado de un coma que casi lo había matado, después del hielo, después de haber hecho el idiota durante tanto tiempo que casi había perdido a Carlos para siempre… después de todo aquello, cualquier forma de estar juntos en San Valentín era perfecta.

“¡TK, tigre!”

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