Reading Time: 109 Minutes
Title: Write Your Own Story
Author: BytheBry
Fandom: 9-1-1: Lone Star
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Slash
Relationship(s): TK Strand/Carlos Reyes
Content Rating: R
Warnings: None
Beta: Lostariel, Harley, and Nick
Word Count: 49,760
Summary: What if TK and Carlos followed a different path in life? Boundaries are established. Actions have consequences.
TK huffed at the guilt trip his mother had left on his phone about not going back to New York for Christmas, never mind that she was going away for a week right after Christmas.
He sat tapping the side of his phone as he stared at the screen, his lower lip caught between his teeth.
“You’re going to make yourself bleed.”
TK immediately let go of his lip and winced at how tender it felt.
“What’s up?” Andrew asked as he sat down opposite TK.
TK hesitated, unsure how comfortable Andrew would be about this, “I got asked out.”
“Ok,” Andrew said slowly, “and you don’t want to accept?”
“I do want to.” He paused for a moment, “Are you sure you’re ok talking about this?”
“Am I ok discussing your potential date? Yes.”
TK nodded, this team’s easy acceptance and close brotherhood constantly surprising him. They’d folded him into their team and friendships so neatly, it was the most comfortable and at ease he’d been in a long time. “It feels too soon to move on?”
Andrew blinked in confusion, “It’s been months.”
“Hardly months, more like weeks,” TK said.
“TK, it’s been months. The guy cheated on you so what time limit are you working on to move on with?” Andrew asked.
He blinked, realizing it had been months. “I don’t know. Guess I’m just overthinking it. It’s a thing I tend to do.”
“You anxiously overthink things in your personal life while being cool as ice on the job. I hadn’t noticed,” Andrew said blandly.
TK laughed and relaxed, “I’m worried I’ll make him a rebound guy, and he’s too hot and nice to do that to.”
Andrew chuckled, “Isn’t the point of the rebound to be a hot one?”
TK shrugged, “I’d rather keep the total hottie as a potential boyfriend.”
Andrew smiled, “If you’re seeing him as potential boyfriend material then you have your answer. Say yes. Go be young and date.”
TK looked at his phone and smiled. He unlocked it and took Andrew’s advice to heart by texting Carlos back.
—-
“Strand, we’re heading to the diner for lunch!” Jackson called out as he walked into the locker room.
“You guys go ahead, I’ve got someplace to be,” TK called back.
“Plans? You made new friends?” Mason popped his head around his locker and gasped in exaggerated surprise.
TK rolled his eyes with a laugh and spoke softly, “Less friend more a date I think.”
“Date!” Mason hissed while TK waved his hand wanting him to keep his voice down. “You have a date and are just casually mentioning it now?”
“Who has a date?” Jackson asked as he came around to the lockers.
“TK!” Mason said excitedly.
“What? You have a date? Finally! I wondered if the gays of Austin were all useless what with you walking around all single,” Jackson said.
“Guys, let’s go,” Coop called out.
“TK can’t, he has a date!” Mason called back.
TK groaned and covered his face.
“What’s taking y’all so long? Bacon waits for no man,” Andrew asked as he wandered into the locker room.
“TK has a date, Mason’s excited,” Jackson filled him in.
“What, like you’re not? You’ve been muttering on about the gays of Austin for weeks now and nearly downloaded Grindr to see if there were any single gay men left in Austin!” Mason huffed.
“Do you blame me? Look at the kid,” he said, jerking his thumb in TK’s direction, “he’s had seventeen women ask him out but not a single man.”
“You’ve kept count,” Andrew stated. At Jackson’s nod, he sighed, “Of course you have.”
“What are you lot doing?” Coop and Brent appeared.
“TK has a date, we’re excited,” Mason filled them in.
TK groaned then laughed helplessly.
“Wait, who is it with? Do we know them?” Mason asked.
“Yeah, let’s make sure he’s worth your time,” Jackson added.
Brent was just staring at TK, “What possessed you to tell these two busybodies about your date?”
“Hey, we just care!” Mason said.
Even Coop was laughing at them now, “Ok, let’s give TK some space you band of gossips. TK, you don’t have to tell us anything.”
“But Coop,” Mason nearly whined.
“No,” Coop said firmly.
Mason turned his big blue eyes on TK making everyone groan. Those eyes helped him get his way often.
TK widened his own eyes, “I promise if it reaches,” he paused and thought, “third date I’ll tell you.”
“Third! So there’s potential there,” Mason cheered. “I’m all for it. What are you waiting for? Go on your date!”
TK just laughed and finished getting dressed, “Is this part of being a team? This sheer nosiness?” He asked.
“Yes,” Brent, Mason, and Jackson answered together right as Coop and Andrew said, “No.”
TK shut his locker and turned to lean against it, eyeing them, “That cleared things up.”
“These two are nosy, this one,” Andrew said pointing to Brent, “is harmless, “this one,” he pointed to Jackson, “is protective and this one,” he pointed to Mason, “thrives on gossip and loves love.”
“But it’s never malicious gossip,” Mason hurried to clarify.
Andrew nodded, “He’s sweet with his gossip. You don’t have to tell us unless you want to, lad, but I’m glad to see you living your young life and not letting that experience close you off.”
TK smiled shyly and nodded, constantly overwhelmed at how this close-knit team of friends had created a work family and drawn him right into it. “I’d prefer to tell you so I feel safe going into it cause one of you would know if he’s an asshole but that’s not really a way to live, judging everyone one against one asshole and working off other’s opinions,” he shrugged. “And I just realized he may not be out as such so I’d rather hold onto his name for a bit until I know where things stand.”
Coop nodded, “That’s mature and considerate of you, TK. If you do want to ask one of us about him you can, we’ll keep your confidence.”
TK smiled, “Thanks, Coop, maybe after this first official date. It may not go anywhere.”
“Then he’s a strange, boring person, all things you’re not,” Jackson said seriously.
“Your number one fan has spoken,” Mason said.
The six of them shared a laugh as TK picked up his bag and waved to them. He squeezed Brent’s arm as he passed him in reply to the thumbs up Brent flashed him.
—-
TK stood at the door of the restaurant and smiled when he saw Carlos already seated at a table. He was five minutes early which meant Carlos had arrived even earlier.
“Hey,” he said sweetly as he reached the table.
Carlos stood up with a smile, “Hey, TK.”
They stood staring at each other for a moment before Carlos leaned over and hugged TK, tucking his head briefly into TK’s neck and kissing the soft skin. They smiled at each other as they sat down.
“Good shift?” Carlos asked as he offered TK the menu.
“Good shift,” TK confirmed. “How was yours? Have you been waiting long?”
“It was uneventful which is always welcome. I may have been excited and shown up twenty minutes early. I’m glad we decided to do this today.”
TK smiled and nodded, flipping open the menu and browsing, “Me too.” He pressed his foot against Carlos’ under the table.
“I think you’ll like this place,” Carlos said as he flipped through the menu.
“The menu looks good. I’m glad you asked me out, Carlos,” TK smiled at Carlos.
“I’m thrilled you said yes,” Carlos smiled back.
“Hey Carlos.”
Once upon a time Carlos would have welcomed hearing that lilting voice while on a date. He would have proudly introduced his date to her. He’d closed that chapter of his life quite firmly when he’d ended his friendship with her. His eyes flicked to TK whose hands had tightened on the menu.
He looked up at her, “Michelle,” he said blandly even as his mind whirred and wondered why he had overlooked that TK was part of the 126, had stayed with Wyatt who had never shied away from calling Michelle out. He had to know all about Michelle and have met her in some capacity already.
“Hello, TK Strand,” Michelle smiled.
Carlos’ fist clenched on his knee as he observed TK slowly put the menu down. “Captain Blake,” he nodded.
“You know you can call me Michelle. Any friend of Carlos’ is a friend of mine.”
TK sat back in his chair and stared at her, no hint of a smile on his face, “I’d rather not.”
Michelle’s face fell briefly before she laughed, “No matter.”
“Excuse us Michelle, we’ve just come off shifts and would like to order,” Carlos said firmly.
“I need to talk to you, Carlos, can you spare five minutes?” Michelle asked beseechingly.
Carlos who was only too familiar with how her five minute requests went, shook his head, “No.”
“But,” she began.
“No. Unless someone is in danger right this minute who you want to direct me to, I can’t do anything for you. I won’t. I don’t appreciate being made to keep repeating myself,” Carlos said firmly.
TK took the hint faster than Michelle and picked his menu back up. “Do you want to get fries for the table?” He asked casually, ignoring Michelle completely.
“That sounds like a great idea,” Carlos smiled at him and sighed in relief when Michelle walked away.
They looked at each other, indecision on both their faces.
“I don’t like her. I don’t want to know her. I don’t care to change my opinions,” TK said softly.
Carlos nodded, “Valid. I did know her but I don’t anymore. And I don’t want to talk about it today.” He smiled softly, “Our first official date. I want to enjoy it and remember it being all about you.”
TK smiled and slid his hand over Carlos’, “All about us.”
—-
“This was a delicious meal, TK,” Wyatt sat back with a sigh of pleasure. “I don’t ever want you talking down your skills again.”
TK grinned, pleased that his first dinner at his new apartment had been a success. “To be fair, I just followed a recipe.”
Brent shook his head, “None of that, TK. Not everyone can successfully follow a recipe. You should have seen Wy and I when we first began cooking,” he said with a laugh.
Wyatt groaned, “A pinch of cayenne! What is a pinch?”
TK watched them share a soft smile over the memory. He shook his head when Brent raised a brow at him. “Nothing, you two are just so damn cute together.”
Brent laughed and slid his hand onto Wyatt’s thigh, “Thanks, and thanks for having us over. Wy won’t admit it but he was worried about you on your own.”
Wyatt placed his hand over Brent’s and shrugged, “You said you barely cooked in NY. Of course, I worry. It’s what my family does best, we worry.”
TK laughed, charmed by the honesty. “Thank you for caring. I’m doing ok, there have been a few mishaps but so far so good.” He paused and bit his lip, “I feel confident enough in this sauce now that I invited my date over for a home-cooked meal tomorrow.”
Brent whooped, “That’s great! Do we get to find out who it is? This’ll be an official date right?”
TK hesitated then nodded. “I can tell you if you’re ok keeping it from the others.”
Brent nodded, “Of course. It may seem at times like we live out of each other’s pockets but we really don’t.”
TK nodded, he trusted Wyatt and Brent to keep his confidence. “I’ve been seeing…,” he shrugged, “spending time with a cop.” He looked at Wyatt, “Carlos Reyes.”
TK noticed Brent glancing at Wyatt who nodded. “I know him. We were partnered up on patrols for nearly eight months when I moved to Austin. Now we work at the same precinct,” Wyatt smiled, “He’s a good guy, TK.”
“Wy,” Brent said.
Wyatt interrupted him with a look and head-shake, “He is a good guy, babe.” He looked at TK, “How much do you know of the whole Paramedic Captain Michelle Blake situation?”
TK glanced uncertainly at Brent before focusing back on Wyatt. “Just that she’s unprofessional, stalking and harassing her sister’s ex-boyfriend and doesn’t seem to care much about the way the law and justice work.” He made a face, “If all that can be classified as just what I know about it cause it sure seems enough.” He blinked and rubbed the back of his neck, “And I guess I don’t like her due to it all.”
Brent smiled and Wyatt laughed. “All valid, TK.” He sighed, “Blake received leeway cause of the circumstances and her being a fellow first responder going through this. And I have to admit here, APD leaned hard on her sister’s boyfriend, Dustin.” He ran a hand down his face, “But he was soon cleared of any wrongdoing in his girlfriend’s disappearance. If I’m being honest he would have been cleared earlier if not for Michelle’s confidence that her sister wouldn’t just leave. But that’s what all the signs pointed to.”
He shrugged, “Iris Blake walked away from her life. Maybe there was someone else in her life, maybe she just wanted a fresh start with a blank slate, maybe she did that and then had an accident somewhere.” He sighed heavily, “Maybe there were some mental health issues at play. Point is that an adult walked away from her life with no signs of foul play. The case was moved to a cold case and that should have been that but Michelle wouldn’t let it go.” He shrugged, “I get that too. If it were my loved one I’d never stop looking, hoping that I’d find them, that they’d come back to me. But what she did, is doing by continually harassing Dustin…” he trailed off and shook his head. “The man lost his job, he finally got another one as a teacher, he’s settled back into a life and Michelle has upped her harassment.”
A long moment of silence reigned. TK sat back absorbing the story Wyatt had weaved. He looked at Wyatt when he began speaking again.
“How this involves Carlos is that Carlos and Iris were friends, they went to college together. Michelle took Carlos under her wing as such when Carlos moved to Austin, out on his own.” He looked at TK, “Carlos is a good man, TK. Dispatch caught onto the relationship between them and began sending him out to reign her in each time she went off the rails regarding Dustin or her crusade to help those who legally can’t receive aid.”
He paused for a moment before continuing, “It was Carlos who suggested Dustin seek out a protective order against her. When I joined our new captain cracked down on violence and abuse against men. Cases that had been shoved aside got opened back up, one of those being the repeated calls Dustin and his neighbors made when Michelle showed up to harass him. We began taking her in and making her cool her jets in a cell each time she showed up at Dustin’s. It was a big deal at the time.” He took a small sip of water before continuing, “There was a confrontation between Michelle and Carlos, bitter words were exchanged. I don’t think they’ve ever recovered from it.”
Wyatt sat back in the chair, “Most people if they remember them would remember Carlos going against Michelle’s behavior though she does like to remind those of us who have to show up to deal with her shenanigans that Carlos was her friend and betrayed her. I doubt many would remember how hard Carlos worked, helping search and interview people while off duty to help the investigation along.”
TK nodded, “Which is why you say he’s a good man.” At Wyatt’s nod, he smiled, “Thanks for filling me in. There’s just no way I’d have wanted to date someone who is complicit in Michelle Blake’s cavalier attitude about hurting others. What that woman is doing is callous. How does she even keep getting away with harassing Dustin at his place of work? She’s stalking him and breaking a restraining order on a man who works with minor children.”
“Someone high up the chain of power is obviously helping by shielding her. You’ve seen her attitude at work,” Brent said.
“Smug. She was just irritated and rude when Dustin refused to let her or her team check him out on that scene,” TK said.
“I honestly don’t get how Nancy and Tim hold her in high regard as their captain. But I’ve also stopped caring. They have all made a choice. Michelle has chosen to be an abusive person, and Nancy and Tim have chosen to keep following her professionally. That’s their choice.”
TK nodded in agreement. He’d kept a distance from the paramedic team led by Michelle that worked most often with the A shift and instead focused on his team, which is what he would continue to do for the foreseeable future.
—-
TK took in the houses as he drove down Carlos’ street. He stopped in front of Carlos’ and admired the plants all along the sidewall before walking up to the front door and knocking.
Carlos opened the door in seconds with a smile, “Hey, TK.”
“Hey, Carlos,” TK smiled back and walked in when Carlos stood aside. “I love all the plants,” he waved his hand at the wall, “I’m a bit embarrassed to have not noticed when I’ve come over before.”
“We had other things on our mind those times. My mom and aunts bought and planted those for me,” Carlos smiled fondly and shut the door.
“They have a good eye, it’s a welcoming look.”
Carlos nodded, “Thank you, I’ll let them know their plants have another admirer.”
“Yes, please.” He held out a box. “I made coconut peanut butter cacao balls. They taste better refrigerated according to me but you can leave them out as well. Consume within ten days.”
Carlos accepted the box and opened it, closing his eyes as he took a deep breath. He sighed as the smell of chocolate teased his senses. “I don’t think these will last ten days in my house,” he said with a smile. “Thank you, truly. You are very thoughtful.”
TK smiled and shook his head, “You’re welcome.”
“And thanks for being so cool about the change in plans,” Carlos said as he led the way to the open plan kitchen.
“No problem. How’re you feeling?” TK asked as he followed. When Carlos had texted asking if they could have their next date at his house because he’d had an injury at work, TK had immediately agreed. He thought he’d surprised the man by agreeing easily which just made TK wonder what kind of shitty people Carlos had dated before.
“I’m ok. The bruises look bad but I’m not really in much pain, just a great deal of discomfort that would make eating out uncomfortable,” Carlos said hesitantly.
“May I take a look?” TK asked gently.
Carlos hesitated before pulling his loose sweatshirt up. TK winced at the dark bruising across Carlos’ left side. He took three steps forward and leaned down to take a closer look.
“I hate to be the bearer of bad news but this is going to be quite uncomfortable to painful for you tomorrow, Carlos. You’re definitely going to feel stiff and sore.”
Carlos shivered as TK’s breath kissed his skin. “Probably not the kind of stiff and sore one hopes for after a date with a man they like,” Carlos murmured.
TK looked up and met his eyes before they cracked up laughing. “Hey, easy,” TK slid his hands onto Carlos’ hips to support him when he winced and gently touched his ribs over his sweatshirt. “Have you iced it? And if you have something with buttons or a zipper, you should change into it. It’s going to be painful to tug this off later,” he gently tugged on the hem of Carlos’ sweatshirt.
Carlos slid his hands to TK’s hips and sighed. “It was a struggle to get into it. I take it you’ve been through something like this?” He stroked his thumbs over TK’s jeans.
TK grinned, “Several times.” He laughed at Carlo’s look. “I liked to skateboard as a kid and I run into burning buildings as an adult.” He wet his lips, “I’m happy to help you get changed before I leave.”
Carlos smiled at the offer, “Thank you, I’d like that.”
They spent a moment just standing together in silence, content for the moment before Carlos gently tugged TK closer and, at his nod, pressed their lips together. “I promise this is not what I planned when I asked if you’d come over,” Carlos murmured between soft kisses.
They were actively trying to maintain their easy friendship, enjoy the healthy sex life that they had together, and build a relationship.
TK ran his fingers gently through Carlos’ curls. He’d enjoyed getting his hands on them ever since the first time Carlos wore them loose. “I don’t mind,” he kissed Carlos again, lazily dragging his lips from his top to bottom lip, sucking them in turns into his mouth. He pulled back when Carlos tried to press closer and uttered a muffled gasp of pain.
“Sorry,” he muttered, face flushed, hand protectively held against his ribs.
TK pressed a quick and light kiss against his jaw. “I’m sorry, you’re injured and we got carried away. Let’s sit you down with an ice pack, ok?”
“Dinner,” Carlos protested, “I was going to cook for you.”
“How about a rain check on that? We’ll couch, ice pack, and order in tonight. You can cook on our next date.”
“Next date,” Carlos smiled happily. He sat down and watched TK root through his freezer and come back with an ice pack.
“This should stay in your fridge most of the time and go into your freezer ideally twenty to thirty minutes before you want to use it. It should mold to your body not be rock hard,” TK demonstrated by squeezing the hard bag. “You want to hold this under your sweatshirt or take it off?”
“Oh, I’ll get cold without it on,” Carlos admitted.
TK was so charmed by this man he didn’t know what to do with that feeling at times. But Carlos just came across as such a genuine and honest person. After Alex, he found it refreshing and lovely.
Carlos hissed as the cold pack touched his skin and settled back against the couch with a sigh. “How are you not cold?” He eyed TK’s full-sleeved t-shirt.
TK blinked in confusion, “It’s 60 degrees,” he said sweetly.
“Exactly,” Carlos agreed.
TK laughed and picked up his phone, “This is barely fall weather with the temps I’m used to. I haven’t even bothered unpacking my winter clothes.” He relaxed back on the couch and looked at Carlos. “What should we order?”
“Will you be disappointed if we get pizza?”
“Not at all. Pizza’s easy and comforting. Where from?”
TK took care of ordering the food, all the while aware of Carlos’ eyes on him. He seemed to have confused the man and wondered why just a bit of basic consideration had put that awed expression on his face. He promised himself he’d be extra careful with Carlos. The man was a total sweetheart from what he’d seen so far and he wanted to treat him with the care he deserved.
“How much time off have you been given?” TK indicated Carlos’ ribs.
Carlos shifted the ice pack with a wince, “Off tomorrow and on desk duty thereafter.”
TK nodded, “Well, make sure you take frequent breaks to move around at work. I’m not kidding about the stiffness.”
Carlos nodded and rested his free hand on TK’s knee, “Thanks for looking out for me.”
TK smiled and rested his hand on Carlos’, “Anytime.”
“How was your day?” Carlos asked as they tucked into the pizzas.
Pizza to TK was couch food. He had made Carlos put his feet up on the coffee table, put a pillow on his lap, and set him up with a plate. He felt good about coddling Carlos. He insisted Carlos stay put and brought the pizza box to him to grab a slice.
“Shockingly quiet,” TK admitted. “My first completely quiet shift here. We played board games and cards,” he said with a laugh. “I enjoyed it,” he confessed softly.
“A quiet shift spent together with people you like and get along with sounds good to me,” Carlos agreed.
TK nodded, thinking of the mostly quiet hike Carlos and he had been on the week before. There was comfort in their silence. He met Carlos’ eyes and smiled. He’d nearly felt it was too soon after Alex to try for this but he had to admit he had not felt anywhere close to this level of quiet comfort with Alex. Deciding not to compare, he asked Carlos a cooking question and enjoyed their time together.
—-
Brent sat down beside TK who was fidgeting on his phone during the slow hours of a 24-hour shift. “Thanks again for the cherry tomatoes. Wyatt just used them with pasta and is thrilled.”
TK smiled and put his phone down, “I’m glad. I think I’ll be going back weekly so I’m happy to pick up what you need.”
“That impressed, huh?” Brent asked.
TK nodded, “That impressed. I’ve been cooking daily and the fresh ingredients are a big part of that. I’ve been toying with the idea of eating less meat so having access to fresh vegetables will help with that.”
Brent nodded, “That’s a good plan. And Travers from C shift is gluten-free and vegetarian so he’ll have a host of ideas for you if you’re interested.”
TK perked up, “I’d love that. Do you know C shift well?”
“Travers transferred into the 126 after,” Brent waved his hand not wanting to bring up the incident, “same as me. We’d worked together at the 144 for a year.”
“Are you going to transfer out once the 126 B shift forms?” TK asked softly.
Brent nudged TK’s arm, “Whatever happens we’ll stay friends.” He sighed and rubbed his face, “According to regs, I shouldn’t be on Coop’s team. But they had to make a few exceptions in order to round the house back up. I don’t know what’s going to happen once B shift is operational.”
“Well, I heard that they’re bringing in out-of-towners,” Mason said as he caught a bit of their conversation and joined them. “A big need to diversify apparently that only someone coming in from out will be able to do.”
“And where’d you hear that?” Brent asked. Mason always had the best gossip.
He leaned in and spoke softly, “I overheard Captain Blake talking to her team.”
“How would she know something like this?” TK asked surprised. “She’s a paramedic captain. If gossip was floating, shouldn’t a fire captain have heard it?” He looked at Mason, “Not that I’m doubting you.”
Mason waved his hand, “No worries. Blake gets called to meet the bigwigs so often she hears things sitting around there.”
TK made a face. The woman got called to be reprimanded, heard information, and then casually spoke about it within the station. Just when he thought he couldn’t dislike Michelle Blake any further she surprised him yet again.
“Onto a happier topic. What’re you guys doing for the holidays?” Mason asked.
Brent shrugged, “Wyatt is on shift so I’ll keep my name in to work.”
“I’ve put my name in too,” TK said.
“Don’t want to go home?” Mason asked.
“Nope. My mom’s going to be in the Hamptons for a family thing, my dad’s in the city and will spend Christmas day with his crew. He always works on Christmas Eve and day, and I don’t feel up to doing a day here and a day there to make them both happy.” He shrugged, “I lied and said I had to work.”
“I hear you man, divorced parents are more exhausting than usual over the holidays,” Mason said. “I’ve put my name down as available too.”
“Depending on when we get scheduled, let’s have a holiday meal at mine?” TK suggested.
They agreed, grabbed a pad of paper from the drawer, and made a tentative menu for their celebration. TK smiled as he wrote down the suggestions, completely certain he’d made the best decision for himself by moving.
—-
TK glanced at his phone when it lit up with an incoming call and smiled when he saw Enzo’s name. He waved his phone at Coop as he walked to the bunks for privacy.
“Hey Zo, how are you?”
“I’m good, Ty. How are you doing?”
TK settled down on the bed and leaned back against the pillow. “I’m good. The weather here is pleasant for mid-December,” he said with a laugh.
“Enjoy it, I’m in two layers indoors here,” Enzo sighed. “Before I forget, expect a care package from mom for Christmas. She’s upset you won’t make it and wanted to make sure you didn’t miss out on any festive cheer.”
TK smiled, delighted, “Grandma Rose is the best!” He cheered. “I sent her a little care package too. Christmas the Austin way. But I already told Auntie Helen to look out for that.”
“I’m sorry I can’t come out for Christmas,” Enzo said softly.
TK sighed, “Zo, you’ve apologized several times already. I don’t even know what for at this point. I would never want you to miss Christmas at home or with mom. You’re coming after and that’s that for me.”
“I just don’t like the idea of my kid not with me and alone on Christmas.”
TK smiled, “I’m working anyway. So it’s not like I’m spending the day alone, not that that’s a bad or sad thing. I enjoy my own company.” He looked at the screen, a fond expression on his face, “You see, my Zo taught me when I was quite young to be happy with who I am cause my happiness begins with me.” Enzo made a happy sound of agreement. “But I am sorry your kid won’t be with you on Christmas Day,” he added softly. “I won’t be alone. Jackson invited Brent, Mason and me over for dinner on Christmas Eve eve, we’re doing team and family dinner at the station while on shift, and Coop’s family insisted we all show up for Christmas dinner. They do an open house for all first responders who are alone for the holidays.” He hesitated, “Carlos asked me to spend new year’s day with him.”
“I am so pleased for you. You sound like you have a good bunch of people around you. They enjoyed a moment of content silence before Enzo cleared his throat, “Have you spoken to your parents?”
“I spoke to mom a couple of days ago. She realized she had to return the winter boots she bought me and wanted to know what to get me. Thanks for nudging that along.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“Sure, Zo,” TK grinned. His parents bought him excellent gifts but could be a bit oblivious at times. He was sure Enzo had made her think about whether he’d be able to use her gift in the city he lived in now. “She decided to get me an air fryer instead. I just have to go pick one out.”
“An air fryer? Look at my boy, ready to experiment with new gadgets!” Enzo praised.
TK laughed, “I’m so excited! Being able to have multiple appliances going simultaneously and not blowing a fuse has been amazing!”
“You sound happy, Ty,” Enzo said softly.
“I am happy,” TK agreed. “I don’t like what led to the move but I’m happy to be here. This new team, I belong with them and I can say that confidently after such a short time. Oh, which reminds me, has Alex gotten in touch with you? He’s called my entire group.”
“He did. I’d say his entitled attitude pissed me off but I was still angry with how he treated you so I told him a few things about himself.”
The situation wasn’t funny with the way Alex had been nearly stalking and harassing his friends, but TK started laughing at the thought of Enzo telling Alex off. “You went Professor Enzo slash dad, ‘I’m not angry I’m disappointed’ on him didn’t you?”
Enzo huffed, “I am disappointed! He chose to be a disappointment and has continued being so with his attitude. He demanded to know where you are, that you can’t just dump him and ghost him the way you have. I told him I hope he tripped and fell flat on his face on all the beautiful boundaries you’d set around yourself.”
TK started laughing again. “Zo.” He sighed and looked up at the ceiling, “The guy he was cheating on me with, his spin instructor got fired for fraternization. Alex wasn’t happy that the video of them making out went somewhat viral and someone slipped into the comments he was cheating. So they got dragged through the mud and trolled, which I can’t say I didn’t enjoy.”
“Lean into the petty, Ty. Nothing wrong with that,” Enzo said sagely.
TK cleared his throat of laughter, “Alex is accusing the Chaotics of having released those videos but hasn’t dared suggested that I did it. Which I didn’t. Additionally it came out that his spin guy had a favorite student in every one of his classes. Something none of them knew.”
Enzo whistled, “So Alex’s side piece used him as a side piece. I had wished I could order karma and have it delivered. Maybe I should have wished for something else too.”
That set TK off laughing again, “Side piece?”
“My students use it, so I picked it up.”
TK shook his head, a fond smile on his face. Enzo was well-liked by all his students and they constantly updated his pop culture and slang knowledge which Enzo happily used. It cemented him as one of the cooler professors at his university.
“Have you spoken to your dad?”
TK blinked and refocused on the conversation. “Not really? I don’t know. He was silent for a while and lately, he’s been strangely giddy and excited the two times we talked but I couldn’t even tell you what we talked about. It was that random. I mentioned to him maybe visiting me in the new year and he said he’d see about that and how he had a lot going on.”
“I did mention to him that I’d be visiting early in the new year, so if he wanted to send something for you for Christmas, I could bring it to you. But he hasn’t said anything yet.”
TK tried not to feel hurt about it and for the most part he didn’t. His dad was his dad and marched to his own tune with his priorities. TK had made peace with that as much as he could. “Oh well, it doesn’t matter. I know how he is. I’m excited that you’re coming no matter what. We haven’t had an adventure in a while,” TK said sweetly.
“I miss you, kid. Does my soul good to know you’re thriving there. I’ll see you soon. Expect a video call on the eve and day so the family can say hello.”
They said their goodbyes when Enzo needed to head out. TK disconnected the call, and said a tiny prayer to whichever pair of his guardian angels were listening to keep Enzo happy, healthy, and safe.
—-
“TK,” Cooper walked into the gym, “do you mind covering B shift for a few hours tomorrow? Frost’s wife and kids are all down with the stomach flu.”
TK nodded, “Sure, Cap, I don’t mind doing the entire shift if need be.” He grabbed his phone and shifted his alarms for the day to accommodate his changed schedule.
“Thank you, I’ll let Trent know,” Coop clapped TK’s shoulder and left the gym.
TK decided against hitting the weights any harder today and switched his workout to a series of stretches. He hoped they would have him be man behind with C shift but if they didn’t he hoped not to have any lingering soreness thanks to working out. He cast his mind over the people he’d interacted with from C shift and figured it wouldn’t be a problem to pull a shift with them.
“Too late to think about that now, Strand, you already said yes,” he murmured to himself.
A couple of hours later, he waved at Brent and walked back into the station. He’d been told not to bother doing any cleaning or checks so he made his way to the kitchen to find Captain Trent Harper sitting at the table drinking a cup of coffee.
“Hey, Captain Harper, want me to get something going for lunch and dinner?” TK asked as he brewed himself a cup of tea.
“That would be welcome, TK, thank you. Michael doesn’t eat meat, no allergies on shift. And call me Trent.”
TK nodded and took a look at what they had in the fridge. “Not a problem, I’ll make a pasta salad for lunch and get a soup started for dinner if sandwiches with it are ok?” He turned to find the captain looking at him.
“That sounds perfect. Call Francis and Vick in to help you if you need it. Both are safe to be left loose in the kitchen with knives and instructions.”
TK laughed, “Will do, sir.” At Trent’s look, he nodded, “Trent.”
“The Chief may be visiting at some point today so try and keep this place neat. Wouldn’t want him to find his shiny new station and kitchen all lived in,” Trent said.
Vick laughed as he walked in, “Should we polish ourselves up, T?”
Trent took a look at him, “Excellent suggestion, go shine your shoes.”
Vick groaned, “I was kidding!”
Trent grinned, “I missed that memo. Go,” he winked at TK and picked up his coffee cup. “I’ll be in the office with the never-ending pile of paperwork.”
TK gathered what he needed for the pasta salad and began chopping the ingredients up. He hoped for an easy shift but planned for a busy one. And a vegetable-filled meal would help get him through a busy shift but not leave him sleepy if it ended up being an easy one.
Four hours later he was glad for the forethought as he quickly and carefully went up the ladder and broke a small window in a two-story house on fire. He had to twist and scrunch down just to get in through the window and knew it would be a tight fit if anyone else came in behind him.
“Strand, the babysitter says the little girl, Emma, should be in her bedroom which is just to your left in the hallway. Check under the bed, it’s one of the places where she likes to hide.”
“Got it, Cap,” TK confirmed as he moved through what looked like a craft room with plenty of flammable material and headed out. “This exit may be closed to me if the fire reaches it, it’s a craft room.” TK updated the team before focusing on finding Emma.
Trent cursed, “We’re going to find you another exit, but try staying close in case we need to yank you out.”
TK ignored the chatter in his ear, pushing it to the back of his mind as he walked into a lavender bedroom. “Emma? I’m Firefighter Strand, can you hear me?” He called out loudly. He looked under the bed and found it clear. A thorough check of the closets didn’t turn up who he was looking for. “Emma?” He called louder.
“Cap, she’s not in her room,” TK communicated as he left the room and checked the bathroom beside it. He looked down, the fire was licking up the stairs.
“Master bedroom clear,” Francis checked in.
TK met up with him in the hallway, “I got nothing, man.” He clicked his radio, “Cap, could she have gotten out the front door?”
“The babysitter said she stayed by watching the house after she called 9-1-1,” Trent conveyed. “Stand by.” TK and Francis breathed and waited. “Guys, there’s an attic. Door is just outside the master bedroom, Emma is known to use the shelves of the linen closet opposite to climb up.”
TK and Francis exchanged a look and hurried over to the attic door. Pulling it down, they shouted up to her. “Emma! Are you up there?”
“Strand, Smith, stairs are compromised, the fire has spread. Be prepared to get out.”
“Boost me up, I’ll check it out.” TK jumped, his hands grabbing hold of the edges. He felt Francis grab his legs and lift him as he hauled himself in. “Emma!” He moved around the piles of books and clothes hung up. “Emma, I’m Firefighter Strand, are you up here?”
He squinted and moved forward, the small window barely providing any light. “Emma!” He saw a flash of blue before a little face peered out at him from behind a rack of clothes.
“Are you really a firefighter?”
TK smiled in relief, “I sure am, Emma. My name is TK. Let’s get you out of here, ok? Your mom and dad are very worried about you.”
“I was playing hide and seek with Melissa. She didn’t find me,” Emma said.
“I’ve got Emma,” he relayed to the team. “You hid very well, Emma,” TK told her.
He coaxed Emma to him and looked down at Francis. “That’s my friend, Francis. I’m going to hand you down to him, ok?” At Emma’s nod, he began to lower her.
“Fire is licking up to you, get out now!”
“Copy,” Francis and TK echoed each other.
As soon as TK dropped to the ground Emma reached for him. He took her from Francis and followed him back to the craft room. Emma’s weight wasn’t much to hamper him but her fright upon seeing the fire this close up had her tightening her arms around his neck. He patted her back to reassure her as he stood by the window and watched Francis haul himself through the small window out onto the ladder and stepped up to hand Emma over except she refused to let go, panic having set in. His quick words of assurance did nothing to calm her down.
“Strand, get out of there!”
“TK, haul out, I’ll help anchor your weight,” Francis urged.
TK took a quick breath, Emma’s arms had tightened even more around his neck. He shifted her onto his right hip and got his left hip onto the windowsill wondering why on earth the window was at such an awkward height. He let Francis support his weight and carefully swung his right leg over. Francis grabbed his arms and helped him gain his feet on the ladder.
“Go, go, go,” TK choked out as he felt the heat at his back.
Francis quickly moved ahead of him, looking over his shoulder every few seconds to ensure TK was following. TK moved carefully and as quickly as he could, spots dancing in front of his eyes as Emma continued to choke him. Hands grabbed them as soon as they were within range adding to Emma’s panic.
“Back off, back off, she’s choking him,” Captain Harper ordered. “Emma, sweetheart, I’m Captain Harper, I’m going to need you to loosen your arms ok? You’re hurting Firefighter Strand and I’m sure you don’t want that,” he spoke urgently yet gently over Emma’s loud sobs.
When she finally let go TK collapsed down to his knees gulping in air even as he choked and coughed. He felt someone patting his back and nodded to let them know he was ok. “Strong little arms,” he gasped.
“That’s for sure, son,” Captain Harper helped him stand. “Over to the paramedics with you,” he told TK before looking at a paramedic TK hadn’t met yet, “Ally, he’s all yours.”
TK sat down at the back of the ambulance, shed his turnout gear, and tried to relax as Ally took his stats and checked him over. He shifted uncomfortably as the adrenaline was still rushing through him.
“Pulse is high but that’s normal,” Ally nodded. “Did you take any hits under the uniform that I should know about?”
TK shook his head, “I’m fine, just my throat.” He stopped and cleared his throat, “Yeah, my throat hurts.”
“I’ll just check you over anyway, shall I?” She smiled.
He nodded with a smile, “Do what you gotta do, Paramedic Smith.” He winced when she examined his neck.
“Sorry, I’m sure it hurts. That’s gonna bruise. Ice it, sip a lot of liquids, don’t eat anything too hard to swallow today. And if you have any problems swallowing, go to the ER or come see us, ok?”
TK nodded, “Yes, ma’am.” He accepted a bottle of water from her and carefully stood up. He nodded when he was steady on his feet and rejoined the crew seeing that someone had already collected his turnout gear.
“That was good work, TK,” Captain Harper said as he approached him. “You get cleared?”
“Thank you, Cap. All clear, just have to stick to soft foods for the day.”
“Good thing you already made soup then, isn’t it?” Captain Harper said with a smile. “Finish that,” he indicated the bottle of water in TK’s hand, “and sit tight. We’ll wrap things up.”
TK nodded and climbed into the rig, sitting back with a sigh. He was relieved to have worked well with C shift. They were easygoing and had easily welcomed him in for the shift. It gave him hope that he’d have no trouble when the new B shift was formed and he would work well with them too.
The atmosphere was light and easy as the truck pulled into the 126. His throat hurt, he was looking forward to grabbing a shower and a cool smoothie after. As he walked around the truck to head towards the locker room, all thoughts flew out of his head and he blinked to shake the image in front of him. That couldn’t be his father. Here in Austin. In his firehouse. With Chief Alonzo. He stood frozen as familiar blue eyes locked with his own.
“TK,” Owen Strand hurried forward and enveloped his son in a hug.
“Dad,” he croaked out, “What are you doing here?”
Owen pulled back and peered at TK, “What’s wrong with your voice? Have you been chewing on ice again? I’ve told you that’s bad for you.”
“A fine boy you have here, Strand,” Trent Harper said as he joined them. “I’m Captain Trent Harper, I run the C shift. Come meet my team. I suppose you’ll want to interview the floaters who don’t mind staying on.” Trent gave TK a look before leading Owen away.
TK stared after them, shocked at his dad being here, unable to process what he’d heard and embarrassed at his dad treating him like a kid who has been told not to eat ice.
“Could’ve told us your daddy was coming in to take over, Strand. That was low, man.”
TK stared at Elijah, unsure what to say. How to say he’d had no goddamn clue that his dad was moving to Austin without sounding completely pathetic. He swallowed uncomfortably and shrugged weakly, heading toward the locker room to get cleaned up. He hurried through his shower, unsure if he wanted to face the team thinking he’d been sitting on this secret but unable to linger and not know what his dad was saying out there.
New York was Owen’s life, why did he suddenly want to move. Except it couldn’t be sudden, TK thought as he sat heavily on the bench, this had to have been in the process for weeks if there was an entire B shift that had to be formed. He wasn’t even surprised that Owen had kept him in the dark. He wondered how this change was going to impact his own career here. He took a deep breath, promptly had a coughing fit before getting his breath back and going out.
“I will be looking over every file I receive. I’m building B shift up from scratch to bring in more diversity and modernize things a bit,” Owen said with a winning smile as TK walked into the lounge. He glanced at TK and continued, “Austin doesn’t have a dual function medic/firefighter role but I’ll take TK on my team just the same. Bit of an inside edge for us on some days,” he said with an easy smile.
TK’s mouth dropped open in shock. He snapped it shut and took a quick breath, “Austin FD doesn’t allow family members to serve together,” he blurted out the first thing that came into his head.
“Ah, yes, Chief Alonzo informed me of that but he’s made an exception for Captain Cooper before and is happy to do it again, son,” Owen said happily.
TK pinched his arm, he wanted to wake up from this bizarre dream already. “Let’s talk about it later. Tomorrow. My shift ends at noon,” he said calmly.
“Can’t do that, I’m just here for the day. Going to have dinner with Chief Alonzo and fly out. The chief informed me you were pulling a double so I knew I’d see you here.”
Owen’s easy smile was grating on TK’s nerves. He’d been asked to cover for Frost two hours before his shift was meant to end. When his father had to have already been in Austin.
TK refused to even attempt to plaster on a fake smile on his face and just nodded stiffly. “In that case, have a safe trip back.” He took a few steps to the side and stood with the rest of B shift, ignoring the few confused and sympathetic glances thrown his way.
Once the Chief and Owen left for dinner, Trent clasped TK’s shoulder and squeezed gently. “Get hydrated.” He turned to Vick, “Warm up the soup TK made and lay out fixings for sandwiches. Get dinner started without me, I have a few calls to make.”
As soon as the shift ended, TK left the station and headed to Cooper’s house. He’d been surprised to find a text message from Cooper waiting for him after his shift inviting him over if he needed to talk. He found himself welcomed into the kitchen and settled in with a cup of coffee and cookies.
After a few minutes, he gently let go of the cup he was using to warm his hands and carefully pushed it back. “Did you know?” He asked softly, his throat screaming at him. “Did you know Owen Strand was being brought in to form B shift?”
Cooper sighed, “I knew they were looking to bring in someone from outside the state to create some diversity. I didn’t think for even a moment that Owen Strand would give up New York and want to move to Texas. I assumed his name went off the list since they didn’t need to rebuild an entire house anymore.”
“It makes no sense to me that he’d give up New York. That house. That he’d come to Austin and want to build a house,” TK thought out loud.
“He only has to build a shift this time, not a whole house,” Cooper reminded TK. “Maybe he’s coming to Austin because it has something he needs,” Cooper said gently.
“What?” TK asked, curiously.
Cooper smiled at TK’s genuine curiosity, “You. Maybe he’s coming here for you, TK.”
TK immediately shook his head in refusal, unable to accept that. “He’s acting strange.” He met Cooper’s eyes, “He assumed I’ll join his shift. When I said family members don’t serve together, he said the chief had agreed to do him a favor since he’d already bent the rules once for you.” He rubbed his eyes, “Do you think I could transfer out to another station?” TK winced at the thought. “I don’t want to leave you. But I don’t want to work under my dad. I can’t,” TK said firmly.
“You won’t,” Cooper met TK’s eyes and smiled gently. “He still has to interview and staff his shift. We’re a good fit already. It makes no sense to move you. Secondly you’re the perfect size to help close our team. You noticed that yourself.”
“Coop, he said the chief has made an exception before and is happy to do it again. He made it sound like it was a done deal,” TK hated how dull and defeated he sounded. This was his father, his childhood hero, shouldn’t he want to work with him, be pleased that he was finally worthy of being on the same team as him, that his father wanted TK on his team now when he didn’t back in New York?
“TK, the chief can’t just decide to bend the rules and move you off a team you want to stay on. This is not an emergency situation where he had to allow Brent and me to work together. And that wasn’t ever my idea. There’s every chance that Brent will be moved off our team eventually because there is no good reason for family to work together in the kind of situations we face.” He reached across the table and patted TK’s arm, “If the chief pushes it to make your father happy, I’ll fight for you. You’re not going anywhere when there’s no rational need for it.”
TK finally smiled and nodded, “Thanks, Coop.”
When TK reached for his cup of coffee, Coop pulled it away, “Go home and go to bed. Or on a date. But I am not caffeinating you now.”
TK grinned and stood up, “Fair enough. I’ll see you on shift tomorrow.”
TK groaned at the knock on his door and lazily hauled himself up off the couch. He looked at the door camera and was surprised to see Carlos there. They had never dropped by each other’s place unannounced before.
“Hey Carlos,” he rasped as he opened the door.
“Oh my god, TK,” Carlos’ hands reached out for him and hovered by his neck before settling on his shoulders.
TK’s face softened at Carlos’ obvious distress. “I’m ok.” He smiled tiredly and allowed Carlos to gather him into his arms.
“Are you hurt anywhere else? All I heard was you got choked,” Carlos gently stroked his back.
TK pulled back and shut the door, leading Carlos to the living room couch. “I’m ok. A little girl panicked and held on too tight. I’m fine, got checked out by the paramedics at the scene.” He sat down and tugged Carlos down beside him. “How did you even find out?”
“I wish you’d have told me.” Carlos squeezed his eyes shut and sighed before opening his eyes. “TK, I appreciate and respect your hesitation and your boundaries. You know that. We move entirely at your pace. We’re friends, we’re dating, and I’m feeling like an asshole for making this about me when you’re the one hurt. I wish you’d have told me but I understand why you didn’t.”
“Hey, I care about you, Carlos. You know that. We’re not hooking up. Well, not just hooking up anymore. You’re my friend. You’re more. An undefined more.” He ran his fingers through his hair.
“That’s what I thought, TK, but this,” he shook his head, “I freaked out.”
“Can I very honestly say that I didn’t expect you to find out before we saw each other tonight? I know you had family lunch at your aunt’s today, I didn’t want to distract you while you were there.” He frowned, “To be more honest I don’t know if I’d have said anything until I saw you tonight. I guess I didn’t think it was too important. My last boyfriend didn’t overly care when anything happened to me on the job beyond it interfering in our plans,” he said softly.
Carlos rubbed TK’s thigh, “Your honesty is all I need. Next time you have an injury feel free to let me know if you want to, even if I’m going to see you in an hour. Your ex was a dick.” He leaned in and brushed his lips against TK’s. “Now maybe you stop talking. Does it hurt to talk?”
“Noted,” TK smiled. “Doesn’t hurt to talk, not really. Just sounds bad.” He rested his head back and admired Carlos’ trousers and shirt, “You look very handsome. Is this how you go to family lunch? Like a good boy in a shirt that stretches across your chiseled chest, while driving that Camaro of yours? It’s unfair that you’ve shown up wearing this when I’m not in the mood to do anything about it.” He trailed a gentle hand down the buttons of Carlos’ shirt, “These buttons were made to be ripped off.”
Carlos shook his head, the mood easing with TK’s teasing. “I was frantic five minutes ago and now you have me smiling.”
“That’s the power of open communication I guess.” He remembered his earlier question and tilted his head, “So how did you find out anyway?”
Carlos looked up from where he was gently examining TK’s throat, “My colleague Gary knows we hang out and texted to let me know my ‘pretty boy’ the newest Austinite had been injured on scene. ‘Choked to near-death,’ were his precise words.”
TK rolled his eyes, “Gary likes to exaggerate, doesn’t he?”
Carlos laughed and shook his head, “Just a tad.”
—-
The next day TK swiped a contact in his phone and paced impatiently as the phone rang. “Did you know?” TK demanded as soon as the call picked up.
“Hello to you too, son,” Gwyneth Morgan said calmly.
TK stopped pacing and sighed heavily, “Hi mom, how are you?” He asked slowly.
“I am as all right as a mother can be when her only child can’t be bothered to come spend the holidays with her. How are you, my dear?”
TK rolled his eyes and ignored the teasing barb as he resumed pacing. “I’m in shock and having trouble processing the fact that my father was here in Austin and announced to me publicly that he’s moving to Austin. So, did you know?”
“Honey, in my defense I thought he’d tell you privately.”
TK stopped pacing, moved to the couch, and sat down heavily, squeezing his eyes shut. “How is this acceptable, mom? Is it some sort of payback for daring to move away and find my own place in life?”
“Tyler-Kennedy, that is not fair! Your father loves you and wanted to surprise you. We thought you’d be happy to have him closer. You’ll get to work in the same house! I thought working with your hero would be a dream come true for you,” she finished softly.
“Mom,” TK said gently, “I love dad, but he’s not my hero.”
“TK,” Gwyn said softly.
“No, mom, you don’t want me to say it, maybe because you don’t want his ring on your finger, but Enzo is my hero. He’s dependable, has always been there, always. He welcomed us into his family, his family treats me like one of their own. Whatever your present and future with him may be, he’ll always be my Zo since you weren’t ever in favor of me calling him dad. So don’t make this disrespect dad has handed me out to be something that you both thought would be great for me and something I’d welcome with open arms.”
There was a long moment of silence and TK almost regretted being honest with his mother but shook the thought away. He should be able to be completely honest with at least one parent and needed his mother to know what a horrible situation he’d been shoved into.
“Honey, I’m sorry,” Gwyn’s voice was soft. “We-I didn’t think. If he told you at work and embarrassed you, put you in a tough spot then that’s just uncalled for and you’re right, it is disrespectful. I shouldn’t have gone along with him when I didn’t know his entire plan. Are things not going well at work with the announcement?”
“Mom, he came in during a shift, a shift I was doing with another team, and announced he was taking over. He didn’t call and just assumed he’d see me at the station.” TK swallowed hard, his throat screaming at him, “I wasn’t even meant to be on that shift. I was covering for someone. I’d taken a minor injury to the throat and my voice was hoarse. He scolded me for eating ice in front of everyone.” He groaned, “Mom. When I suggested we meet after my shift, he informed me he was only there for the day and was flying back. People went from snarking at me for daddy coming to take over to feeling sorry for me that my father didn’t have the time of day for me.”
Gwyn clenched her mouth and sucked air between her teeth. “Oh Owen,” she groaned. “I’ll talk to him. I’m sorry he did this.”
“No mom, you don’t get to apologize for him anymore. That Owen-ship sailed, and the apology train stopped when I was thirteen.” He sighed, “I’m just tired of being disappointed, mom.”
“I know, honey, I know. And,” she sighed, “I’m sorry about Enzo. I didn’t realize, or maybe I did, that us being happy with the way our relationship was didn’t mean you and Enzo were happy with yours. He-TK, Enzo has raised you, I’d never deny that. His family loves us, but they adore you as Enzo’s own. There’s no legal piece of paper that could change that or make it any truer. And I’m sorry I never let you acknowledge that relationship by calling him dad. I’m sorry I stopped you from making him a Father’s Day card because I was afraid Owen would feel left out or replaced.”
TK blew out a breath, not having expected to have this conversation today, but as she often did, his mom had no problem diving into the heart of the matter when she was ready and available to talk. “I’ll never give up my Zo,” he said simply.
“My sweet boy, I’d never ask you to and expect you to ignore me if I ever do,” Gwyn assured him.
“As long as we’re clear on that,” TK said softly.
“We are. And I’ll talk to Owen and set him straight.”
“No, mom,” TK began, ready to play peacemaker between his parents, then stopped when he remembered his therapist’s words. “You know what, that’s between you and your ex, I’ll just stay out of it. All I ask is that you respect our conversation and not repeat my words or air my grievances to him.”
“Deal. I really do wish you were coming for Christmas.”
“I wish you were coming to see me after.”
“I promise I’ll see you in February or March, as soon as I’m back from my China trip.”
“Yeah, ok. Get me a present from China.”
Gwyn laughed, “I always do.”
“Tea. And maybe a fancy teapot. Or mugs with the infusers,” TK said.
“I’ll send you pictures so you can pick the mugs and teapot. It can be my housewarming gift to you.”
They said their goodbyes then TK disconnected the call and tossed his phone down beside him on the couch. He rested his head back and spent a few minutes focusing on his breath, just inhaling and exhaling to relax, and let the stress of his father’s surprise slide away. He couldn’t control it so there was no point in obsessing over it. He’d handle whatever came his way, he always did.
Next shift he had an uncomfortable conversation with his crew, his friends to look forward to. He needed them to know he’d had no idea Owen Strand was the man being brought in to get B shift up and running.
—-
TK’s first Christmas in Austin as a member of the AFD was a busy one but a wonderful one as far as his personal life was concerned. He enjoyed a pre holiday dinner at Jackson’s apartment with Mason, Jackson and Brent. They’d had a fun Christmas Eve dinner at the firehouse on shift, and had gone to Cooper’s house the following day for Christmas dinner.
He’d rung in the new year working and spent the first day of it with Carlos. They had enjoyed a lazy day together binging old movies like Die Hard and Independence Day. It was the most relaxed and peaceful holiday season he’d had in years.
—-
TK woke up warm and comfortable. He pressed back into the warmth behind him, making a soft sound of pleasure when an arm slipped around his waist.
“Morning,” Carlos said softly and kissed his shoulder.
“Morning,” TK replied and gently squeezed Carlos’ wrist.
“Did you sleep well?”
“Very well. You?”
“Same.” Carlos pressed his face against TK’s shoulder. “Breakfast? We could hit up Bartons Creek after?
TK felt regret flood him to have to turn that down. He did enjoy it when his Saturday off lined up with Carlos’. “I’m afraid I can’t,” he squeezed Carlos’ wrist again. “I promised to meet my dad for brunch.”
“Next time,” Carlos said easily. “Do you think you’ll make it to the market? If not, I’m happy to pick up anything you need.”
TK considered Carlos’ kind offer. “That would be great actually. I’ll text you my list.”
They enjoyed the peaceful silence between them with TK a little weirded out by how not weird it felt to sit in silence with Carlos. “What are your plans for the day?” He asked.
“Just the market and home. Catch up on laundry, prep, and cook for the week. Thrilling stuff,” Carlos said with a smile.
TK carefully turned over, smiling when Carlos lifted his arm away and brought it right back down over TK when he’d turned to face Carlos. “One of these days, I’ll gather enough will to prep for the week,” TK groaned and rested his hand on Carlos’ arm.
“You’ve spent your entire time here working on certifications, adjusting to a new city, new crew, finding and settling into a place to live, and then the busy holiday season at work. Give yourself a break, TK,” Carlos said gently.
TK smiled and pressed his forehead against Carlos’, “I love that you remind me to be kind to myself.”
“Always,” Carlos said softly.
They smiled at each other, content to be sharing the same space together. TK leaned down and brushed his lips against Carlos’ jaw, taking a moment to breathe him in. “Want to come over to mine for dinner tonight? I’m attempting risotto.”
Carlos watched TK slide off the bed and nodded, “Sounds good. I’ll bring dessert.”
TK looked over his shoulder, “Babe, you are dessert,” he winked and shut the bathroom door behind him.
He walked down the stairs a short while later and headed for the kitchen. “Is there parking around Bouldin Creek Cafe?”
Carlos took a moment to think and nodded, “It gets pretty packed on weekends for brunch but they have parking available. You shouldn’t have a problem, just preferably reverse into your spot if you can, so you can get out easier if it’s busy.”
“Thanks.” TK wrapped his arm around Carlos’ waist, smiling when Carlos leaned in and pressed their lips together in a series of long, slow kisses.
“I’ll see you tonight,” TK whispered after he pulled back.
“See you tonight. Text me your shopping list. I’ll leave in an hour,” Carlos leaned back against the counter sipping his coffee.
TK agreed and reluctantly left to go swing by his apartment and then go spend a few hours with his father.
TK carefully parked his car and stroked the wheel with a smile, grateful all over again for Enzo’s insistence that he learn to drive. Back then he’d not seen the point of learning when he lived in a city with fantastic public transport, but now it was essential to his independence. Making sure he had engaged the parking brake he got out and locked the car. He took a few slow steady breaths to ground himself and let himself smile before walking to the restaurant and going in.
“Hi, my name is Cath, do you have a reservation?”
TK smiled at the hostess, “Hi, Cath, my father made a reservation under Strand.”
“Oh, yes, right this way.”
TK followed her to a large corner table and stopped short. “Cath, there must be some mistake. Ours should be a table for two.”
“No, sir, the reservation is for six. Mr. Strand and another from your party are already here,” Cath said confidently.
TK felt himself freeze, tried to smile, and was glad he succeeded when he saw the woman relaxing. “Change of plans,” he said easily, years of practice at adapting to his parents’ curveballs coming right back into play. “Thank you,” he accepted the menu she offered him after leading him to the table, where a beautiful woman whose hair was covered in a hijab was reading the menu.
“Hi,” he said smoothly, “I’m TK Strand.”
“Oh hi,” the woman said brightly, her smile setting TK at ease, “I’m Marjan Marwani.”
TK shook her hand and sat down opposite her. “Marjan,” he pronounced carefully as he held her gaze to ensure he’d gotten it right. Her nod and bright smile indicated he’d gotten it right. “Is that a hijab? I like the way you’ve styled it.”
“It is,” she said delightedly, “thank you. Tradition with my personality.
TK nodded, taking in her outfit, oversized floral pants with a white shirt. “You’re not from Austin.”
“Miami,” she supplied.
TK snapped his fingers and pointed at her, “You’re Firefox!” He grinned at her smile, “I follow you on Insta.”
She laughed, “I would follow you, TK Strand but your account is private. Chrysler building, very nice. I saw it on the FDNY socials.”
“TK!”
TK stood up and hugged his father, “Hey dad,” he said simply.
Owen Strand wasn’t dumb and TK knew he could see that TK was not impressed with this situation. But as usual, Owen just carried on and hoped for the best with his better to ask forgiveness than permission attitude. Except, in TK’s case, it was usually better to just pretend it never happened than speak of it ever again, unless it was something his parents could blame on each other at some point.
“You look good, son. I see you’ve met Marjan. Meet the rest of our team from out of state, Mateo and Paul. Well, there’s also Judd Ryder but he couldn’t make it today. You’ll meet him soon.”
TK merely blinked at the information dumped on him and nodded. He looked at the two men standing with Owen. “Hey guys, I’m TK.”
“Paul,” a fit man dressed similarly to TK in just a t-shirt, shook his hand.
TK eyed his dad’s jacket and shirt, and wondered when he began feeling the chill at 65 degrees, before turning his attention to the other man.
“Mateo. I’ve been hearing good things about you, man. Your cat rescue went viral,” Mateo said.
TK laughed and shook his hand. TK went ahead and sat furthest away from his dad, glad when Mateo sat beside him and not his dad.
“Cat rescue?” Owen laughed, “Don’t you worry, son, we’ll have you back on your A-game soon enough. I can see why you went viral though with those Strand good looks.”
TK just smiled and didn’t say anything. He picked up the menu to take a look and froze on the coffee list at Owen’s next words.
“Much better than going viral over a jerk openly cheating on you.”
“Oh, shit, that was you?” Mateo blurted out. “Dude, I’m so sorry, that was wild! I can’t believe anyone could be so stupid in this social media age!”
TK lifted his head and looked at Mateo.
“You calling TK stupid for being cheated on?” Paul asked before he could.
“Oh, naw man, I’m calling the cheater stupid. How did he not expect to get caught macking on like that in public?” Mateo leaned forward, “Did you know the guy he was cheating on you with got fired from that gym for conduct unbecoming in the workplace? They put up a quote for it and everything. Served him right,” he said back, his arms crossed over his chest.
TK wasn’t sure what to make of Mateo’s words, but wished the ground would open up and swallow him, or Dr. Strange would open a portal into his apartment and let him head in to lick reopened wounds of humiliation in private.
“Moving on,” Paul said authoritatively, “let’s order some food, I’m starving.” He flashed TK a sympathetic look.
TK blew out a breath and tried to smile back, before quickly turning his attention to his menu.
“I think I’ll get a Neal taco again, that was good stuff,” Paul said.
“Hmm, I think I’ll try the Predictable Breakfast plate since we’re here before noon for once,” Marjan said.
TK began chewing on his lower lip to ease the anxiety that the need to rush away had sent coursing through him. “I take it this is not your first visit here,” not clarifying if he meant Austin or the cafe.
“Captain Strand conducted our interviews here,” Marjan said with a smile. “Then invited us here for our first official 126 meet-up last week when Paul and I moved here. Sorry, you were on shift that day and couldn’t join us.”
TK just nodded, unwilling to ruin the mood by telling her he had no idea what she was talking about. He was grateful when a waitress arrived to take their order. The sooner they ate the sooner he could get out of there. He deeply regretted giving up a relaxed day shopping and hanging out with Carlos for this.
“I’d like a Smokin’ Joe’s egg omelet with a side of Sourdough, spring greens, and a Benny, hot with dairy milk please.” He deliberately ordered non-vegan, gluten options to poke at Owen with a silent fuck you and refrained from rolling his eyes when all of them ordered the Golden Cloud – Curcuma golden paste with micro foamed milk. Owen’s was with oat milk, Marjan’s coconut milk, and Mateo and Paul opted for dairy milk.
“I think you’d like the golden cloud son,” Owen suggested.
“I need caffeine, dad,” TK said in a mild tone. TK drank caffeine for comfort but didn’t feel like he needed to justify why he’d ordered the drink he had.
“Golden cloud now then coffee after our meal?” Owen suggested, “That’s how we do it,” he smiled and waved his hand to encompass himself, Mateo, Marjan, and Paul.
“Maybe next time,” TK said, his heart hurt to be told his dad had been in the city and met up with his team enough to form food habits with them, but the first meal he’d managed with his own son had been planned with his team. And TK had no doubt there’d be a next time. That he’d be invited to meals with his dad’s new firefam.
“So,” he asked brightly, “how are you guys enjoying Austin so far?”
“I’m from here,” Mateo was quick to pipe up, “so I’ve been showing Marjan, Paul and Cap around. I’m happy to play tour guide for you too,” he offered eagerly.
“That’s kind of you to offer, Mateo, thank you. I have been living here for several months already so I’m fairly familiar with my surroundings around work and home. It’s been fun discovering new places and having some of them become my regular spots,” TK said. “I even did the thing and stood in line for hours for Franklin’s BBQ.”
“You got Franklin’s!” Mateo rested his arms on the table and leaned in, “I’ve been trying to get these guys over there but it hasn’t happened yet.”
“That’s way too meaty and processed for me, and all…” Owen began.
“…sauces and marinades have hidden sugars,” TK finished with a smile at his dad. He looked at Paul, “What about you, Paul?”
“I do want to go there, it seems like the thing to try here. But Mateo and I haven’t been able to coordinate yet,” Paul said.
“Well if you’d like I’ll let you know the next time I’m planning a visit. It’s an experience to stand in line, talk to the regulars waiting there, laugh with the fellow newbies,” TK offered.
“That sounds great man, I’ll hold you to that,” Paul said with a smile.
TK nodded and looked at Marjan, “What about you, Marjan? Do you eat non-halal meat?”
Marjan smiled and shrugged, “I prefer not to. The honest answer is I choose not to, but at times it does happen through no fault of my own.”
“Then I definitely won’t invite you to Franklin’s until I check because I didn’t see the meat marked. If a place is serving halal meat it usually is clearly marked, right?”
Marjan’s smile widened at TK’s genuine interest, “Yes if they serve halal meat it is prominently marked to help those of us who require that to eat peacefully.”
“There is a Turkish Kitchen I tried which was marked halal. I actually have been keeping a list of places I’ve tried and noted down things like allergen-friendly, diet-friendly like paleo, vegan friendly, etc along with cuisines. I can pass that on to you if you’d like. It may help you to have a ready shortlist you can work off as you explore around,” TK offered.
“That would be wonderful and much appreciated. Thank you, TK,” Marjan said happily.
“Mateo showed me this great farmer’s market out on the highway behind a mall,” Owen said after TK, Marjan, Mateo, and Paul exchanged contact information. “We’re all going after brunch, you should join us, TK.”
“Barton Creek Farmers Market?” At Mateo’s nod, TK smiled, “I’ve been going there for a few weeks now.” He tilted his head, “A few months actually.” He shook his head and laughed, “I’d say I’m treated as a local there now. The tacos at TacoDeli are delicious and they have a restaurant in the city if y’all want to try that out.”
“Y’all,” Paul drawled making TK laugh, “man how long did it take them to infiltrate your New York accent with that?”
TK shook his head with a smile, “Not long!”
The conversation stalled for a bit as their food was delivered and everyone enjoyed satiating their hunger for a few minutes. He noticed everyone ate a lot faster than he did but tried his best to not speed up and eat at his own pace.
“You’re going to love the house, TK. The prices here are ridiculous. I got a three-bedroom house with a backyard for the price of my Manhattan loft,” Owen said enthusiastically.
“I know, the pricing amazed me,” TK agreed. “Looking forward to seeing the place. And having you over at my apartment.”
“Our place,” Owen said with a smile, “I’d love for you to move in with me, TK. We’re in a new city and finally working together. I’ll get to live with my son again.”
TK felt his meal turn to ash in his mouth and had to make a concentrated effort to swallow. He glanced at Marjan and Paul opposite him, then Mateo, and finally at his father, “I’ve already got a place dad, I’m all moved in.”
“We’ll discuss it later,” Owen said airily. “Moving you out will be no trouble.”
Owen immediately began talking to Marjan while TK uncomfortably pushed the rest of his breakfast around his plate. He looked up to find Paul’s eyes on him, that speculative gaze making him even more uncomfortable. He didn’t attempt to smile, deciding it was not on him to reassure Paul. Owen was a good captain, and TK knew he’d do his best for his chosen team, but right now he couldn’t help but wonder if something else was going on. Owen had never been clingy. Whatever was going on TK needed to have a conversation with Owen and had no intention of involving near-strangers in it.
Cups of coffee were ordered next with TK declining a refill. He began tapping his foot on the floor, ready to get out of there. Mateo, Marjan, and Paul seemed cool enough but putting on a front that everything was ok was grating on him. He sat there just listening to Owen, Mateo, and Marjan chatter about the market, what they wanted to buy and how excited they were to get to work at the 126. Paul contributed a few words while TK just smiled as much as he could and listened.
Owen insisted on paying for the ‘team’ brunch, TK just thanked him and didn’t argue.
“Between Paul and my car, we’ll all be a comfortable fit getting to Bartons Creek,” Owen said expectantly to TK.
Mateo called shotgun on riding with Owen while Marjan decided to go with Paul.
TK smiled, enjoying Mateo’s genuine enthusiasm. “Have a good time. It was lovely meeting y’all,” he said with an exaggerated drawl that made Paul laugh. “I’m sure we’ll see each other when you guys get on B shift’s rotation.”
He was greeted with confusion from Mateo, Paul, and Marjan and a laugh from his dad.
“You’re such a prankster, TK. Have you received your new shift schedule? If not, you will have it by day’s end. Our first shift together is on Tuesday,” Owen said.
TK had lost count of how often he’d frozen that morning with all the information that had been sprung on him. Deciding against arguing with Owen there and risking undermining his authority in front of his new team, especially Paul who seemed quite perceptive, he said his goodbyes and strode off to his car.
Once he was in his car he took a few minutes to relax then tugged his phone out and tapped his favorites. He nearly called Brent before lifting his thumb away and taking a moment to rethink his plan. He could panic and vent to Brent, but this was something he needed to bring to his captain’s attention as soon as possible before deciding how to proceed. If Captain Cooper was ok to lose him to Owen’s shift, he’d seek a transfer to another firehouse or choose to leave Austin altogether.
He felt his heart clench at the idea of losing the new connections he’d made with his team, with Carlos. He bit his lip and thought about sweet, kind Carlos who was freely offering him space to heal, was a good friend, and fucked him like he was practicing for an Olympic medal. He laughed at his thoughts and took a deep breath, then called Cooper.
In short order, TK arrived at Cooper’s house and knocked on the door.
“TK, come on in,” Cooper said when he opened the door.
“Coop, hey, sorry about disturbing you at home on a day off,” TK said quickly.
“Think nothing of it, my door is always open for you. What can I get you to drink?”
“Oh, nothing, thank you. I just came from brunch.”
“Then come out, let’s sit and you can tell me what’s on your mind.” He led the way to the back porch, then hesitated, “Is this confidential? Do you want to sit in my office?”
TK shook his head, “It’ll be public news soon enough if not already.” He smiled, “And I’d like to sit on the swing again.”
Cooper smiled and led TK outside. He took a seat on a comfortable chair, leaving the swing for TK who sat down and sighed as it began swaying gently.
“I had brunch plans with my dad. It’s been hard to pin down a day, he was busy settling in and training with his team, I was busy with work and the last of my certifications,” TK began. He bit his lip, trying to frame things better, and sighed in defeat. “I’m just going to say it, Coop, I don’t know how to make this sound,” he waved his hand. At Cooper’s nod, he continued, “My dad said I should have my new shift schedule by day’s end and our first shift as B shift would begin on Tuesday.” He met Cooper’s eyes, “I thought I’d made it clear I didn’t want to leave A Shift or work under him.”
Cooper frowned, “You had, and I’d conveyed your choice to Chief Alonzo’s office. Moreover, Owen Strand’s new team will be with C shift for four shifts as they adjust to the schedule and the city, then they move to B shift. Depending on how it goes, they’ll be shadowing us to assist or have a blended shift, where some of A and C shift will join them on B shift to assist. It’s a new city and new calls for them.”
“Judd Ryder,” TK said, “Dad told me Judd Ryder is joining them.”
“Well,” Cooper said and sat back in his chair, his hand rubbing his jaw, “that’s something.”
TK blinked, “Is something wrong?”
“Not wrong as such but it’s no secret the man took the loss hard. He was devastated and when I saw him last he’d found and stayed at the bottom of a bottle.” Cooper shrugged, “I’m glad to hear he found his way out of that. I’d offered him a spot with us but he wasn’t ready at the time.”
TK nodded. “The shadowing by the other shifts makes sense. The kind of calls they will receive will be different than what dad’s gone through in the urban jungle that New York is. Why was he so confident I’d received or would be receiving a new schedule?” TK gathered his nerves, “Coop, I’ll leave if I’m forced to change shifts. I’ll ask for a transfer to another house and if I can’t get one, I’ll leave Austin.” He took a quick breath, “I’ll risk fucking up my career but I will not work with him. I wouldn’t be able to handle the stress. I’m happy in your team, and forcing me to move for politics to keep a new captain coming in happy seems very strange to me.”
“It’s ridiculous to me too, TK. The policy of family not working together exists for a reason.” He rubbed his jaw, “I’ll get on a call with Chief Alonzo. May not happen today with it being a Saturday, but I’ll get this cleared up. They can’t move you without me signing off on it. Nor have they mentioned someone filling in for you if you’re being moved to another shift. I suspect wires have been crossed somewhere. I’ll get to working on this miscommunication. It’s not our problem but I’ll work on it since Strand expects you on shift with him, which means he’ll be one person short since there’s no way I’ll authorize you for a double when it’s not absolutely necessary.”
Cooper leaned forward, “I can’t assure you that this will be kept quiet, TK. If your father has gone around telling others you’re joining them, then that information is out there. The fact that you don’t want to will also be out there. I’ll do my best to spin it as it being per the AFD policy that family doesn’t work together unless in an emergency. But I need you to be prepared for this to be public knowledge among the first responders. Gossip flies fast. It will get out that you don’t want to work with your father.”
TK nodded and blew out a breath, “I wish gossip had flown to me about everything that he’d planned all these weeks. I’m ok with this getting out. This is my career and my life. I don’t appreciate people messing around with it and making decisions for me without any input whatsoever from me.” He used his toes to make the swing move. “I’m sorry about dumping this on you, Coop.”
Cooper waved his hand, “Think nothing of it, TK. I’m your Captain, it’s my job to go out and bat for you,” he leaned forward and patted TK’s knee then sat back and smiled, “Why don’t you try and put this out of your mind and enjoy the beautiful day? Leave this with me, I’ll get it sorted,” Coop suggested.
TK smiled in relief and stood up. “Thanks, Coop. I’m attempting risotto today and will go give that all my attention.”
Cooper whistled, “Risotto! I’ve been curious to try it but keep changing my mind before I buy the ingredients. You’ll have to tell me how you went about it. I’ve never made it.”
TK laughed, “I just have to impress one person,” he said and pointed to himself. “It’s rice, stock, cheese, and mushrooms. How hard could it be and how wrong could it go? Did I just jinx myself? Possibly so!”
They chatted about food as Coop walked him out, relief coursing through TK’s veins at having backup in this situation. And not just backup, a person of authority in his corner to equal the playing field.
—-
TK was in the midst of cooking the risotto when there was a knock on his door. He looked at the time and smiled, 5:58 p.m. “So punctual,” he murmured. Putting the spoon down he hurried to the door.
“Hi babe.”
TK took in Carlos dressed in a black jacket, amber-colored sweater, and fitted jeans, reusable bags in his arms. “So hot,” he murmured and grinned. “Hi, come on in,” he pressed a kiss to Carlos’ lips and hurried back to the kitchen. “Sorry, I’m worried the risotto will burn.”
“Risotto burns?” Carlos asked as he shut the door and followed TK in.
TK stirred the risotto through once more and turned to lean against the counter, “It doesn’t?” He asked uncertainly.
“It shouldn’t if you’ve used enough stock, have it on medium heat and stir it often,” Carlos said as he set the bags on the kitchen table and placed his hands on TK’s waist. “Thank you for inviting me over for a home-cooked meal, it smells and looks great.”
TK melted under those gorgeous brown eyes and wrapped his arms around Carlos’ neck. “Thank you for buying my groceries and being part of my food experimentations.”
Carlos nuzzled his neck and breathed him in, “You smell so damn good, baby. Is that ok?”
“Is it ok that I smell great?” TK teased gently. He turned in Carlos’ arms and checked the risotto before adding more stock and stirring. “I don’t know. This is our space, we make the rules. I am 100 percent on board with you appreciating the way I smell. By the way, what you’re smelling is an Oud based perfume. I love it.”
Carlos rested his chin on TK’s shoulder, standing pressed up behind him. “Did you just quote Taylor Swift to me?”
“As a proud Swiftie, I’m thrilled you recognized it.” TK rubbed his cheek against Carlos’.
“I can’t promise I’ll recognize many, but I’ll enjoy being introduced to your favorites.”
“Deal.” TK poured the last of the broth in and stirred it. “Do you think I should add the grated parmesan now while it’s still liquid enough and cooking?” He dragged the spoon through and watched the rice quickly settle back in the broth.
“What did your recipe say?” Carlos asked as he watched TK drag the spoon through the risotto again only for it to settle right back into place.
“It’ll be done when the rice has some bite left to it. Drag the spoon through and if it just slowly oozes back to place then it’s done. Then add the parmesan and stir to combine,” TK recited.
“Let it cook for a few more minutes. Once the risotto is in the slowly oozing back state, you add the parmesan and stir to combine and it’s ready to serve. You can turn the heat off when you add the cheese to prevent the risotto from drying out,” Carlos instructed.
“Thanks, babe. Hopefully, this tastes good. I followed the recipe and made the suggested change to substitute lemon juice to deglaze since I didn’t want a bottle of wine left open. Now I’m thinking you could have enjoyed a glass with the meal.”
“Don’t worry about it, I’m ok not drinking,” Carlos said.
TK gently nudged his head against Carlos’, a soft smile on his face at Carlos’ easy acceptance of TK’s choices without trying to convince him otherwise. He turned off the heat and added the parmesan before carefully stirring it through, watching and feeling the risotto texture change as the parmesan melted into it.
“This looks amazing,” TK whispered. “Damn, cooking magic may be my favorite kind of magic.”
Carlos laughed, utterly charmed by this man, and kissed his cheek. “You’ve created delicious magic, TK.”
TK half-turned and grinned at Carlos before grabbing the back of his neck and tugging him into a deep kiss. Carlos moaned and slid his hands firmly around TK, his lips parting to welcome TK’s tongue sliding against his own. It was a dirty, hungry kiss and they finally pulled back gasping for breath.
“Damn, baby, you drive me crazy,” Carlos whispered.
“Good, ’cause you do the same to me,” TK whispered as they stood with their foreheads pressed together, panting. “Just,” he hesitated, “give me a little time to be where you need me to be.”
“You have all the time you need, TK,” Carlos promised again and kissed TK’s brow. “And for the record, I don’t need you to be in any state but the one you are in. We aren’t in any rush or working by anyone else’s relationship time table here.”
TK smiled and brushed their lips together in a soft kiss. “You’re the best,” he whispered.
They worked together to bring the meal to the dining table. Carlos took in the mushroom risotto, ciabatta bread, fresh spinach, and arugula salad with a lemon garlic vinaigrette, and picked up his phone. Thumbing the camera open he aimed it at TK, making sure the food was in the frame too. “Smile.”
TK smiled and took a moment to just look at the food and then at Carlos. “What was that for?”
“You’re proud of your effort. I’m proud and honored you asked me to join you. Seemed like a moment we should save to look back on as a happy memory in the future,” Carlos said easily.
“Send me that later? It has to go on Insta so I can shock my friends,” TK laughed and poured them glasses of the lemon mint-infused water he’d made.
TK slowly tasted the risotto, his eyes widening before closing in surprise at how delicious it was. The rice was creamy, the mushrooms still had some texture to them, and it tasted deliciously rich. His eyes opened quickly when he heard Carlos moan.
“TK, this is delicious,” Carlos sighed in pleasure and opened his eyes to look at TK.
TK smiled and nodded, “I am quite impressed with myself. I honestly made the salad and bought the bread in case I messed up. Bread always saves the day,” he laughed.
“Well you didn’t mess up and I’m glad you’re sharing this experience with me,” Carlos said warmly.
“Me too,” TK said happily.
They dug into their meals, TK thanking Carlos again for picking up ingredients from the market for him and Carlos assuring him it was no problem.
“How was brunch with your dad?” Carlos asked.
TK took a small bite of bread to take a moment and think about what he wanted to tell Carlos. He came to a decision, swallowed, and nodded, “It was good. I didn’t realize part of his team was joining us so I got to meet them as well.”
“Oh, I thought it was just going to be the two of you. You’d said catching up in person had been difficult with both your schedules, him settling in with his new team, and your certifications.”
TK shrugged, “Bit of a miscommunication there from his end. It was nice to meet some of the people who will be having his back. A Judd Ryder couldn’t make it but I’m sure I’ll meet him soon enough.”
“Judd Ryder,” Carlos said slowly. “Do you know who that is? He asked carefully.
TK nodded, “He was the sole survivor of the accident.” He licked his lips and sighed, “My dad knows what that’s like. I’m not surprised he asked Judd to be on the team.”
Carlos nodded, “He and his wife are big in the first responder community. Always offering a helping hand, a meal, just a whole lot of support you know? Grace Ryder, Judd’s wife, works as a 9-1-1 dispatcher so I’m familiar with her.”
“A couple who work first response and are involved in the community sounds pretty perfect. And familiar.” TK smiled, “Brent and Wyatt.”
“The Cooper’s are all heavily involved in the community. No one was surprised that their new son in law is equally as community minded.”
They talked through the rest of their meal, a little part of TK’s mind liking the idea of couples who were part of the community and first responder family. And if he made a little wish for him and Carlos to join that family down the line, no one but him and his guardian angel had to know.
—-
“You guys get cleaned up and then we can debrief. I know it’s late but we’ll get it done quick,” Cooper said as they got out of the truck.
There were various calls of agreement as they began heading to the locker room.
“How’d it go?” Paul asked as he eyed how mussed up TK looked and the scratches on his face and arms.
TK grinned sheepishly, “ I got siloed, man. One wrong move leaning too far, and we got sucked under. There’s definitely a learning curve moving to a new state with its own brand of calls.”
“Bro, you ok?” Paul walked with TK.
TK nodded, “Yeah, Brent had my back. He was telling me what to do and guided me through.”
Andrew clapped TK’s shoulder, “We’ll make a Texan out of you yet, city boy.”
TK laughed and waved at Paul as he walked off into the locker room with Andrew. Blue eyes watched them closely until they were out of sight.
Twenty minutes later A shift gathered in the lounge. Owen’s B shift were all present as well. Cooper looked from the newbies to Owen Strand and raised a brow. “You want us to move elsewhere, Strand? We just need to debrief a scene.”
Owen sat down with a glass of green juice in hand and smiled what C shift had nicknamed his Hollywood smile. “Judd had a good suggestion that those of us new to the area and unfamiliar to these calls sit through it too so we can learn. So instead of a debrief, could we walk through the scene? I know it’s past shift for your boys, but it would help to do it while it’s still fresh in mind.”
Andrew mouthed the words ‘your boys’ to Brent who shrugged. Cooper didn’t even refer to Brent that way so the wording seemed strange to the others.
Cooper looked at Judd who was sitting there too and nodded, “Sure.” He opened a folder, “We got called out for a walking the grain incident. Judd can explain what that is later.” He looked at Andrew.
“Coop and I decided that TK, Brent, and Mason would go in,” Andrew began.
“Why’d you send mini Strand in?” Judd asked.
Andrew’s eyes narrowed and he spoke clearly, “We decided TK needed hands-on experience with it sooner rather than later. As the newbie on shift, he’s been volunteering to cover extra shifts when required and we want him to be familiar with as many Austin-centric calls as we can while he’s under our eye with one of us backing him up.” He looked at Brent.
“We created a seal around Kevin, the guy stuck and began sucking the corn out when the guy began panicking. TK reached his hand in to hold him steady and he yanked him off balance. TK’s line snapped and he fell forward which caused everything to shift. He began getting sucked in too so we called it and moved to plan B which was to cut it open from outside,” Brent said calmly.
“We’d been ready outside and cut it open, spilling them out.” Cooper concluded.
Judd looked at TK, “You got anything to say for yourself, mini Strand?”
TK held Judd’s gaze, “Nope.” He exaggerated the ‘p’. “Do I write my report now, Cap?”
“Yes,” Owen said.
Cooper looked at Owen then at TK, “No. Let’s head out. Get your reports done next shift as soon as your usual chores and checks are done. Good work today everyone.”
TK headed back to the locker room to get his bag nodding at Brent who said he’d see him outside.
“Dude, you wanna grab lunch?” Mason asked as he slung his own bag onto his shoulder, “We can celebrate your first silo.”
TK laughed as they walked down, “Don’t you mean siloed?” He touched his cheek, “That stings.”
“Yup,” Mason said cheerfully, “Shaving’s gonna be a pain until it heals.”
“Yeah, my beautiful face,” TK jokes.
A sudden hard shove had TK slamming back against the rig. Furious blue eyes met his. “You think this is funny, mini Strand?”
“What the fuck, Judd?” Mason yelled as Judd grabbed TK’s shoulders and held him pinned against the truck.
“Get your hands off me, Ryder,” TK said as calmly as he could. He pushed off but Judd was holding him back pretty hard. He’d need to use force to get him off and TK did not want to do that.
“Where the hell do you get off?” Judd growled.
“Judd,” Owen Strand said gently as he arrived, “Let him go.”
Mason’s eyes met TK’s, both of them mystified by Owen’s gentle tone. Mason held up his phone to show TK he’d called Cooper. TK swallowed and focused back on Owen and Judd.
“Nah, Cap, your kid is strutting around here like the coach’s son, laughing and getting to move to the front of the line while everybody who deserves a shot at being here goes about it the right way. He ain’t nothing but a privileged little boy,” Judd’s tone was scathing. “That’s how good men and women are lost to a call gone wrong, cause they have inexperienced people around them. He must have been killing it in New York to get to come set up here for daddy.”
“Judson Ryder,” A loud voice boomed as Andrew joined them, “you let go of him right now or we’re going to be brawling in a second so help me God.”
Judd squeezed TK’s shoulders hard and stepped back, holding up his hands and laughing. “Ain’t nothing but a friendly talk so mini Strand knows his place. A little raggin.” He laughed again as Mason quickly checked TK over while Andrew stood between TK and Judd.
“TK,” Cooper asked as he joined them, “talk to me.”
“I’m ok, Coop,” TK said as he eyed Owen whose entire focus seemed to be on Judd.
“This will go on your file, Ryder,” Cooper informed as he nodded his head at Andrew.
“Now hold on a minute,” Owen said to Cooper and looked at TK, “Son, let’s treat this as a boys will be boys situation and let it go.”
“No,” Cooper said clearly, “Dunno how it works in New York, Owen Strand but here you don’t tell my men anything. You don’t get to tell them to be like Elsa and let it go when someone puts their hands on them in anger.” He shifted his attention to Judd, “Take my advice Judd and haul ass to your therapist to deal with that anger and your PTSD. You aren’t fit to be wearing the uniform if you think what you did can be laughed off as ragging. I don’t allow that shit on my team or with my people.”
He looked at Andrew, “Get TK checked out, then out of here, all of you.”
TK gave Owen one last look and left.
—-
Later that night, TK shivered as Carlos gently stroked his thumb along his throat. The evening had begun in a most pleasurable fashion with them kissing by the door. Which had led to a makeout session on the couch. It had ended with TK on Carlos’ lap, his hands gentle as they checked TK over, a worried furor between his brows.
“It doesn’t hurt, just looks colorful,” TK assured him, referring to the scratches on his face, neck and arms.
“Like art,” Carlos said and made a face at his own words.
“Carlos, if anyone here is a piece of art, it’s you,” TK gave Carlos a pointed look before slowing trailing his eyes and a hand down Carlos’ impressive shoulders and chest.
Carlos blushed, “TK.”
“I’m serious, you’re the most beautiful man I have ever laid eyes on,” he shifted and trailed his hand down Carlos’ firm abs, over his tight t-shirt that he had the privilege to touch.
Carlos slid his hand up to cup TK’s jaw, mindful of the scratches on his face and gently tugged him into a kiss, their lips exploring together in a slow, lazy series of licks and gentle nips. By the time they pulled back both were breathing hard, lips wet and slick.
“I had such plans for tonight,” TK said softly.
“Oh?” Carlos asked just as softly, unwilling to break the quiet intimacy around them.
TK hummed as Carlos’ hands slid under his t-shirt to rest on his bareback. “I wanted to suck you,” he shifted so that their cocks were pressed together.
Carlos swallowed hard and wet his lips, “I’ll give you a raincheck.”
TK grinned and shifted his hips, “I’d like a ‘I feel absolutely back to normal, all the scratches cleared up, I’m dropping by for a quickie, can I please get down on my knees for you?’ then.”
Carlos groaned and closed his eyes for a moment, imagining opening his door to TK coming in and pressing him back right against the door to suck him off.
“Maybe you could imagine that so you’re prepared for it when you open your door for me the next time I’m over.”
Carlos narrowed his eyes, “You look like an angel but…” he trailed off with a fond smile.
TK leaned in and rested his head against Carlos’, “I’m not that innocent,” he whispered.
Carlos felt himself harden completely in his pants and cursed his fitted jeans, instinctively beginning a slow grind against TK. “We should stop, you’re hurt.”
TK immediately stopped moving his hips and cupped Carlos’ jaw, “Not hurt,” he smiled, “just colorful. My shoulders will hurt less when I’m all flushed and happy, Oxytocin flooding me.”
Carlos growled and shifted to lay TK back against the couch. He slid over him and gently held TK’s hands above his head, “Such a menace. It shouldn’t be this hot when you get technical on me.”
TK just smirked and lifted his hips.
Carlos nuzzled TK’s cheek, “Want my mouth?”
TK arched up against Carlos’ hold, his cock hardening completely at how good it felt to be held down by his strong lover. “Uh, just like that?” He shifted his hips and ground his hard cock against Carlos’.
“Whatever you want, baby,” Carlos murmured. He let go of TK’s wrists briefly to unbutton and shove their jeans down and tug his shirt off. He smiled when he saw TK tug his own t-shirt off and bring his arms right back above his head. He closed his hands around TK’s wrists and settled down over him.
TK moaned as Carlos’ cock pressed against his. “You are entirely too gorgeous, Carlos. And hot. You’re ridiculously hot.”
Carlos laughed and moved his hips in a lazy grind, “You’re one to talk about gorgeous and ridiculously hot, TK.” He pressed his lips against TK’s ear, “I haven’t been able to get you out of my mind since the first time I saw you.” He flicked his tongue against the lobe, sucking it into his mouth, mindful of TK’s earring. “You were dancing like you knew all eyes were on you.” He brushed his lips against TK’s, “You knew didn’t you? How hungry all those guys were for you.”
TK flicked his tongue against his lower lip, “I knew. I felt it in each tug to get me to dance with someone, at the press of a hard cock against my ass.” He swallowed hard, squeezing his eyes shut for a moment when Carlos rolled his hips just right, their cocks slick with shared precum. “Then I felt your eyes on me,” he gasped, “and I knew I could lose myself in you.”
“You can, baby, I got you. Let go,” Carlos whispered before kissing him, hot and hungry, moaning as TK’s lips immediately parted to let him in. He flicked his tongue against TK’s, clenching his core in. He tightened his hold on his wrists when he tried to pull his arms away, smirking against that lush mouth when TK moaned.
“Want to touch you,” TK begged.
“Can you come like this? Just my body against yours?” Carlos asked curiously, his eyes raking over TK’s gorgeous flushed cheeks, his bright eyes, and swollen lips.
“Yes,” TK gasped.
“Then this is how you’re going to cum. You can touch me after,” Carlos said.
TK groaned and wrapped his legs around Carlos’ waist, tugging him in tighter. “Close.”
Carlos licked his lips, his eyes locked on TK’s, their hips moving together in a perfect rhythm, bodies slick with sweat. TK suddenly cried out and threw his head back, his body shuddering. Carlos felt a warm wetness between them and pressed his mouth against TK’s throat as he came. He let go of TK’s wrists, shivering when TK immediately slid his hands around Carlos to stroke his back.
“That was,” he breathed.
“Good,” TK finished for him. He groaned and straightened his legs, shifting and nuzzling Carlos’ hair.
“Too heavy for you?” Carlos asked.
“No, you’re fine. Stay, babe, I got you,” TK murmured, pressing his lips against Carlos’ brow.
Carlos marveled at how he’d been the one in charge mere moments ago and now they were back on equal footing. He grimaced at the cum on them. “Why didn’t we just do this in bed? Or strip off.” He slowly pushed himself up and straddled TK.
TK stretched and eyed Carlos as he grabbed his Henley and used it to wipe them both down. “I was following your commands,” he said with a smirk. He sucked his lower lip into his mouth as he watched Carlos carefully tuck his cock back into his jeans, zipping up but leaving them unbuttoned.
“Stay the night?” Carlos asked.
“Yeah,” TK smiled and accepted the hand Carlos held out to him, groaning as his shoulders protested the movement. He sank into Carlos’ arms when pulled forward, resting his head on Carlos’ shoulder.
“Sore?” When TK just hummed, he kissed his hair. “Why don’t you go up and get into a hot shower? I’ll grab an ice pack, your bag, and follow.”
“Thanks,” TK pulled back slowly and tugged his jeans into place.
—-
TK winced when his alarm went off the following morning and patted his hand along his bed. He opened his eyes and squinted when his hand didn’t touch his phone. He took in the room and remembered he’d slept over at Carlos’. Rolling to the other side he grabbed his phone off the bedside table and silenced the alarm. His eyes widened as his upper back and shoulders felt sore and tight.
“Fucking Ryder,” he muttered as he slowly got out of bed. He made his way into the ensuite, examined the scratches on his face, decided he would live with stubble for the day, and attempt shaving tomorrow before his shift. He ran his hand over the soft blue towel hung up neatly on the shower door and smiled fondly. Carlos had tenderly dried him off after a joint shower the night before then cuddled TK against his chest while icing his back. TK had fallen asleep with a cold sensation at his back, heat against his front, and a gentle hand stroking his back.
He descended the stairs a short while later. A hot shower had done the trick and had left him feeling a lot better. It had been a moment’s work to neaten Carlos’ bed and grab his bag. TK felt a wave of affection for the man who so freely opened his home and heart to him.
He unlocked his phone when a chime indicated a new message and smiled when he saw Carlos’ name. His smile quickly slid off his face as he read the contents of the message.
Carlos: Good morning babe. I hope you slept well. I know I slept better for you being in my arms. Ok, I’ll stop being a sap now 🙂 There’s an apple oatmeal smoothie for you in the fridge. I left Tylenol and ibuprofen by the toaster. I don’t think I have anything stronger but you’re welcome to check the downstairs bathroom drawer.
His eyes immediately flicked to the toaster and took in the two bottles sitting innocently on the counter. He refused to look in the direction of the downstairs bathroom, and though the urge to flee was strong, he instead went to the fridge to grab the breakfast Carlos had so generously made for him.
His eyes kept returning to the bottles on the counter while trying to ignore the thought of potential pills in the bathroom. He resisted the urge to pace around and instead stood still, pressing his feet firmly on the floor to ground himself.
“I’m a tree, just a tree, with strong roots that go deep, a sturdy trunk and branches. Gorgeous leaves and flowers and fruit all around. I’m a tree, just a tree,” he recited out loud as he spread his arms and went through the grounding exercise his therapist had taught him.
As he stood there he envisioned roots shooting down the soles of his feet, reaching deep into the earth, grounding him tight as they hit the center. He took a steady breath and focused on his body as the trunk, standing steady and solid, the roots he’d established supporting the trunk. He took another breath and held out his arms, envisioning branches, solid and dependable. TK sighed in relief when the exercise was moving at a quick pace. “Leaves and flowers,” he murmured, beginning the process of winding down the exercise as he envisioned beautiful green leaves and white and yellow flowers thriving on his tree. He turned his head toward the window to feel the bright sunlight behind his closed lids.
“My past has no power over me. I am in charge of my own life story,” TK spoke clearly and nodded once. He took a deep breath and slowly released it before lowering his arms and opening his eyes.
He calmly gathered the smoothie bottle and his belongings before leaving the house. He’d have to have a conversation with Carlos, but it would have to be in person and it would have to be soon.
TK: Good morning, ‘Los. Thank you for everything last night and breakfast this morning. You’re the sweetest 🙂 I do need to talk to you about something the next time we plan a moment together. Just texting it to you now so that I don’t get cold feet about it later.
Carlos frowned as he read TK’s message. They’d had a good date last night. TK had readily agreed to a sleepover and fallen asleep in his arms while he’d been icing his back. He had slept so deeply that Carlos had managed to leave the bed and get ready this morning without disturbing TK’s sleep. What could they possibly have to talk about?
He huffed at himself for overthinking TK’s simple message. “Communicate, it’s not that hard,” he muttered to himself and replied to TK’s message.
Carlos: Is everything ok? Should I be worried?
He hesitated and sent another message.
Carlos: Can I sound more like an overthinker who at times spirals? 😛
He sighed in relief at the immediate reply.
TK: Omg, Carlos no! Everything is fine between us. Good. Great even.
TK: It’s not an us thing, it’s just a me thing and this is NOT an it’s not you it’s me convo. I promise! You aren’t getting rid of me that easily 😉
TK: Ok that last bit sounded kinda creepy lol.
TK: You can overthink and spiral with me if you need to babe. I got you 🙂
TK: I hope this settles you?
Carlos smiled and quickly texted back.
Carlos: It does, thank you. I’m on nights from tomorrow for a week. Schedule glitch thanks to a few people being out sick.
TK: Early dinner at mine day after? I want to try out that roasted red pepper and grilled cheese recipe we were looking at.
Carlos: Sounds good to me. I bookmarked the roasted red pepper soup and the sauce recipes. If you want to use it as a soup you’ll just have to add more water to thin it down unless you want it to be a thicker consistency. Adjust the spices at the end. The more you thin it down the more you’ll work on adjusting the spices.
TK: Thank you! *fingers crossed* Have a good shift, ‘Los. Thank you for just being you.
Carlos: Thank you for liking me as I am.
Carlos looked down to hide the wide smile on his face. His colleagues had teased him enough for the perpetual good mood he’d been in ever since TK and he had agreed to give a relationship between them a go. He didn’t need to provide more fodder.
—-
TK stood in front of the red peppers and examined the offering. He had his heart set on making roasted red pepper soup with buttery grilled cheese toasties on garlic bread or sourdough bread. He hoped it would be the ultimate comfort food for the conversation he was due to have with Carlos that evening.
“But which of you will be good for me? What do I even google? What do good peppers look like? Considering people have a talent for turning everything into porn, I can’t chance that in the middle of the store,” TK muttered softly to himself.
“The one you’re holding looks good. If it’s firm, it’s good to eat.”
TK turned, startled to see Judd Ryder standing a respectful distance away so as not to be looming over him but still able to hear him. He nodded once, “Thanks.” Turning back to the peppers, very aware of Judd at his back, he squeezed the one in his hand before adding it to his cart, then went ahead and selected five more.
Judd cleared his throat, “TK, can we talk?”
TK glanced at Judd, “I have to finish shopping.”
“I could, ah, walk with ya?” Judd asked.
TK sighed at how uncomfortable the man seemed and nodded, “Sure, come along. I have to pick out fruit next.” He grabbed his cart and began pushing it along.
Almost immediately Judd fell in line walking beside him. “I’m-I’m sorry, TK. For what I did, putting my hands on you like that. I heard you laughing off what I now realize was a tense situation to lighten the mood. That you were poking fun at yourself. But no matter what it was, I had no right to stand there judging you.”
TK stopped in front of the bananas and examined them to decide which bunch to buy. “You’re right about that, Judd, you never should have felt that grabbing me that way was acceptable. I appreciate you owning your mistake,” TK said softly. The last thing he wanted was someone overhearing them. He picked up a greenish bunch and examined it.
“Ah, if you want to start eating those right away, get the yellow ones. If you squeeze the yellow one and it’s firm but has some give then it’s ready to eat,” Judd explained carefully.
TK nodded and picked up a yellow bunch, squeezing one gently before adding it to his cart. “Thanks. Cheese next.”
“Are you buying for a specific dish?” Judd asked curiously as they walked together.
“Yes, roasted red pepper soup with grilled cheese. I just need to decide if I want to make the grilled cheese on garlic bread or on sourdough,” TK said easily, not worried anymore about the big man wandering along beside him and giving him shopping tips. He refused to let on that he knew how to shop and allowed Judd to help him.
“You could make it on sourdough and brush it with garlic butter? The sourdough would make for a good bite. That’s how I make it for my wife,” Judd said.
TK tilted his head and considered it for a moment before nodding, “That sounds good. I’ll do that.”
TK stood peering at the available cheese before selecting cheddar cheese, mozzarella and gruyere. He nodded his thanks to the woman who weighed the cheese out for him and accepted the wrapped cheese. He frowned when he saw Judd hovering close by.
“Are you planning on following me around the entire store, Judd?” He asked politely. “Because you’re off the hook. I already told Coop I didn’t want to file a complaint.”
“What? No! I swear on my daddy I am not following you. I’m here with my wife.” He looked around and smiled sheepishly, “She’s… somewhere. I lost track when I saw you.” He sighed in relief, “Thank you, for not filing the complaint. Lord knows I gave you every reason to.”
TK smiled slightly and nodded, “You’re welcome. I know it won’t happen again. I’d suggest therapy to deal with your PTSD.” His smile gentled when Judd’s demeanor changed, “It would have been none of my business, except you made it mine when you put your hands on me in anger, Ryder. So suck it up, hear me out for a moment, and then we can put this behind us and get on with ignoring each other.” He moved his cart to the side and turned to face Judd when the man followed him.
“You went through a life-altering tragedy. You lived through it and that kind of loss stays with you. It leaves a mark that will never go away. It will lessen with time, the pain and anger will dull. And then something will happen that brings it sharply in focus again. Therapy isn’t to make you forget them. It’s to help you with the guilt that floods you going on with life without them.” He took a deep breath, “And it’s not about living for them. You live for you, Ryder. You can honor them by experiencing all that this amazing adventure called life has to offer, by leading a good.” He shrugged, holding back a wince when his shoulders twinged, “That’s all I wanted to tell you.”
“You don’t understand,” Judd said quietly.
“I do,” TK nodded. “I understand how tragedy changes you as a person, as a husband, as a son, as a brother, as a family, as a friend. There’s no shame in asking for help. A therapist,” he suggested firmly. “When we’re unwell or in pain, we go to a doctor. Our mental health is no different.”
“I am in therapy,” Judd admitted. “Your daddy made me go again if I hoped to join the 126 back. And I’m trying,” he said haltingly. “I want to get better for Gracie, my wife. She’s my everything.”
TK’s voice was soft and gentle, “You should want to get better for you. Your wife doesn’t deserve that pressure. And it’s a disservice to her that you’ll work on getting better for her but not for yourself.”
Judd took a deep breath and sighed deeply.
TK turned and began pushing his cart ahead when a strong hand gently touched his shoulder. He stopped and turned back around.
Judd quickly pulled his arm back. “I, ah, need you to know I didn’t mean nothing by calling you mini Strand. Nothing bad.” At TK’s raised eyebrow he spoke as quickly as his drawl would allow him to. “Coop has a brother in the APD. Since he joined, he’s been called mini Coop. I thought we were doing the same with you. I didn’t mean nothing nasty by it.”
TK eyed Judd for a long moment then smiled, “Cool. For the record, I don’t like mini Strand for myself. Strand or TK. Tyler if you absolutely must.”
“You got it, TK.”
TK held out his hand, “Let’s try this again. Hi, I’m TK Strand.”
Judd smiled and sighed in relief, “Hi TK, I’m Judson Ryder, you can call me Judd. It’s nice to meet you, brother.” He closed his big hand gently around TK’s and shook it.
—-
TK smiled as he opened the door to Carlos standing there. “Hi.” He tilted his head at the small potted plant in Carlos’ hand, “Another one?” He stepped to the side to allow him to enter, his smile widening when Carlos gently pressed him up against the closed door and kissed him.
“Hi,” Carlos said softly. “You like them,” he said, referring to the small pots of herbs Carlos had been gifting TK each time he came over.
“You spoil me,” TK whispered as Carlos kissed down his neck.
“And I plan to do so some more,” Carlos said tenderly. He pulled back and pressed his lips against TK’s brow. “This is mint. Should I set it down out on the balcony or indoors?”
“Indoors I think, by the balcony doors.” TK tugged on Carlos’ henley as he began moving back, brushing a light kiss across his lips. “Thank you.”
Carlos smiled and moved further into the apartment. “You’re welcome,” he called over his shoulder.
TK watched Carlos go over to the table by the doors, and rearrange the plants already there, then gently add the mint pot to the mix. He smiled and turned into the kitchen, giving the soup a final stir and putting the lid on the pot to keep it warm.
He sagged back against the warm body behind him as strong arms enveloped him in a hug and tilted his head to welcome the kiss he knew Carlos would place against his neck, then stilled when he did just that.
“TK?” Carlos murmured.
TK licked his lips and slid his hands along Carlos’ arms, resting his hands over Carlos’. “Just realized we have a routine. You always hug me from behind and kiss my neck.” He squeezed Carlos’ hands, “I like it.”
Carlos kissed TK’s neck again and tightened his hold on him, “I like it too.”
They stood together for a moment, content in the silence around them.
TK cleared his throat, “Sit, I’ll get the grilled cheese going.”
“Can I help with anything?” Carlos asked as he slowly released TK.
TK turned and kissed Carlos’ cheek, “No, thank you. I just have to get them in the pan. Help yourself to something to drink. I have that lemon mint water that you like in the fridge.”
When they sat down to eat a short while later, Carlos generously complimented TK’s cooking. TK grinned and enjoyed watching Carlos eat.
He had gotten more sure of himself in the kitchen and enjoyed cooking for Carlos who seemed to truly appreciate everything TK chose to share with him.
It was only when they’d settled down on the couch after eating that TK felt nerves flood him. He gave himself a mental pep talk, this wasn’t a big deal anymore. He could just give Carlos an excuse, tell him he was allergic to certain medication, and Carlos would respect that and take care not to offer it to TK. TK was sure enough of Carlos to know this. But a part of him didn’t want to tell Carlos an excuse, to hide a part of his journey that had framed who he had decided he wanted to be as an adult.
“TK, whatever it is, you can tell me.” TK looked up and met Carlos’ warm brown eyes, “I know you said you didn’t want to get cold feet over it but if you aren’t ready, won’t it keep?”
TK bit his lip and briefly considered taking the out Carlos was offering him before shaking his head. “It can maybe keep. I can give you the reason I give most of the world.” He took a steady breath, “Or I can just tell you the truth and we see where we’re at.”
“Ok,” Carlos nodded, “Well take your time here. I’ll just sit watching you be your gorgeous self.”
TK laughed and shifted on the couch, folding his left leg onto the couch so he could face Carlos. He swallowed, “I’m just going to lay it out as facts.” Carlos’ encouraging nod helped clear the last of his nerves away. “The reason I even thought you should know this is the pills the other day. Please, don’t ever offer me pills again. I,” he trailed off and ran a hand through his hair, “The summer after I turned 16 was…rough. My mother was busier than usual and going through a rough patch with her longtime boyfriend which upset me greatly. I was afraid he’d leave my life too if my mother and he broke up. My father was absent as he had been for years.” He shook his head and waved his hand, “Long story short, I got hooked on Oxy,” he met Carlos’ eye, “Oxycodone.”
“Oh, Ty,” Carlos rested his hand on TK’s calf, his heart aching for the hurt he must have suffered as a teenager.
TK rested his hand on Carlos’, “It could have been a lot worse than what it was. Enzo, my mother’s boyfriend, the man I consider my second father, found out about two months in and hauled my ass straight to rehab. They detoxed me out and I went years without reaching for those pills. But I never forgot that feeling. How utterly blissful it was to mute my mind, to float away on a feeling of love, the beautiful pastel light all around me.”
He paused when Carlos picked up his glass of water off the coffee table and held it in front of TK. He took a few sips and nodded his thanks.
“I’m listening,” Carlos said simply.
TK placed his hand on Carlos’ thigh when he mirrored TK’s pose and folded one leg onto the couch to sit facing him.
“I entered a program and have kept up with it. I have never relapsed in action, and when I feel overwhelmed or anxious, I know to seek out a meeting or get in touch with my therapist.” He paused, “I’m rambling,” he said with a little laugh.
“No, you’re introducing me to a part of you. Take your time, TK, for we have all the time in the world,” Carlos said gently.
TK smiled and nodded. “I told you about my ex, Alex, and how he cheated on me for months. The evening I found out who he truly was, my closest friends discovered videos and photos of Alex making out with someone else. This happened minutes before I was due to enter a restaurant we both loved. We’d been talking about moving in together. I was hurt, embarrassed, and upset as I walked away. I didn’t seek out a way to lose myself that night but I happened upon a man who had just bought some.” He paused and swallowed hard. “I didn’t buy any and instead called Enzo who immediately came over to sit with me.”
“And I offered you pills,” Carlos said softly, stricken with regret.
TK squeezed Carlos’ thigh, “You thought you were taking care of me. You were taking care of me by offering me normal pills that most people take when in pain. And I appreciate it. The incident did serve to remind me that I hadn’t found a local therapist yet, so I did that, and it made me realize that I had to tell you.”
Carlos nodded, “Ok, tell me what I should do in the future when you do get hurt. What about if you’re ever taken to the hospital injured in the line of duty? And tell me if I’m overstepping as your…” he trailed off, “Your friend?” He smiled tentatively, “Your boyfriend?”
TK froze before his face brightened with the sweetest smile, “As my boyfriend,” he said softly. “I know I said I need time, but hearing you say it feels right. It is what you are to me. I,” he paused and licked his lips, “I don’t want to pretend that I don’t behave as your boyfriend, that I don’t worry about you or want to be held by you.”
“Baby,” Carlos cupped TK’s face, “I don’t want to pretend I don’t want to ask you to sleep in the same bed as you when we can manage it. I don’t want to pretend I don’t worry. I want to be able to buy your favorites at the market without worrying you’ll think I’m overstepping. And I want to be able to stop in during a shift when I know you’re having a bad day to give you a hug and a piece of cake.”
TK laughed and leaned in to press his forehead against Carlos’, “I want all of that. And you’re never off the hook for cake again.”
“So TK, will you be my boyfriend?” Carlos whispered.
“You are such a sap,” TK grinned. “Yes, Carlos, I’d love to be your boyfriend if you’ll be mine.”
“Deal,” Carlos tugged TK into his arms, smiling against his neck.
When they pulled back and settled against the couch TK squeezed Carlos’ hand. “If I’m injured, in pain, or sick, I do take Tylenol and simple OTC stuff. I don’t touch anything stronger without a doctor ordering me to and no opioids ever. I’m listed as allergic to opioids and NSAIDs. If I’m ever absolutely in need of them and unconscious, then my medical POA will make that call. My medical POA is my Enzo,” TK quirked his lips in a smile describing Enzo this way, “he’s my mom’s longtime partner.”
“Your second father,” Carlos nodded.
“Yes, I trust him to make that call for me.” He winced, “That’s not meant to imply anything about you,” he said hurriedly.
“I get it, sweetheart, I get how serious this is,” Carlos said gently. “For the record, I think you are an incredible, strong, amazing, and wonderful human being. I lucked out in the boyfriend department.”
TK blushed and gently pushed against Carlos’ chest, “Sap. I lucked out too. I didn’t even know what I was looking for but finding you makes me glad I didn’t look for anything specific beyond ‘not a cheating dick’.”
Carlos laughed and brought his thumb up to rub against TK’s lower lip. “Thank you for trusting me with this.”
“Thank you for just being you. You made it easy to trust you. And it’s too soon to say love, so I’ll say like you,” TK said shyly.
“I like you too,” Carlos said with a sweet smile.
—-
TK dropped tiredly out of the firetruck. He groaned at the state of it.
“It’s raining, shouldn’t it stay magically clean?” He muttered.
“The back roads always do a number on the truck. Let’s go get cleaned up, and grab a bite. We can wipe the truck down later,” Andrew said.
TK followed behind after taking another look at the muck stuck to the beautiful red truck.
“What the hell?”
TK looked up from his phone a short while later as he walked into the kitchen to see Mason standing in the kitchen, all the snack cupboards and pantry doors open.
“What’s up? Did Keith misplace your Pop-tarts again?” TK asked with a smile. Keith from C Shift had developed a fondness for helping himself to the s’mores Pop-tarts Mason bought for himself and always put the box back in the wrong cupboard.
“Keith has lost his damn mind unless someone else has been here,” Mason muttered. “Whose idea of a joke is this?”
TK frowned and walked past all the open cabinets looking in at what was in them. He stopped at the last one and pulled out a box. “These gluten-free crackers are hella expensive. Who bought them?” He turned it over to check for a name. “It should be labeled with a name so no one eats it by mistake.” He looked at Mason, “Maybe the new people?” he asked, referring to his father’s team who had had their first full shift on their own that week.
“Other than you and Travers from C, no one eats gluten-free crackers, so why has the entire kitchen been switched to gluten-free, whole grain, no sugar food?” Mason asked, thrusting a box out at TK.
TK accepted the box and looked at the gluten-free pasta. “Um, this brand has a low shelf life, it can’t be kept around for emergencies and it’s going to be expensive to feed everyone this.”
TK had a sudden thought and moved on to checking where they stored the sugar, then checked the fridge. “It looks to me like the kitchen has been cleared of most processed foods and replaced with healthier alternatives, snack, and food-wise. There’s no white or brown sugar, but my coconut sugar is still there, there’s a bigger jar of it. We have one jug of 2% in the fridge, my oat milk is still there and now we have coconut, almond, and soy milk.”
“We just restocked the pantry last week. I just stocked up on my Pop-tarts! Where the heck are my Pop-tarts?!” Mason demanded.
“I have a hunch but I think we should talk to Coop first,” TK said carefully. These shenanigans had Owen Strand written all over them. He’d heard that Owen ran a paleo kitchen back in NYC but he’d always figured people were exaggerating to tease him but this was absurd. Three shifts shared the kitchen and they pooled in to stock the kitchen with extras they liked. TK himself was partial to the Doritos and wanted to know where the packets he’d paid for had gone.
“Man, how did you grow up with that control freak?” Jackson muttered as they stood together watching Cooper and Owen talk.
“Jacks,” Mason hinted.
TK winced, “I’ve never known him to take his opinions this far.”
“So he never threw your food away for being too normal?” Jackson asked.
“I haven’t spent an entire day with him in over a decade,” TK said. He shrugged when everyone turned to look at him. “Parents went through a bitter divorce and he was just,” he hesitated, “he was busy and preoccupied for a long time after 9/11. We aren’t overly close.”
“But he keeps inviting you out. Has been doing so all last week,” Mason said.
“Inviting me out to join him and his team. Which he never did back in New York. So you can see why I’ve been confused,” TK said lightly. A part of him that hated confrontation and being the center of attention cringed at sharing even a glimpse of how absent Owen Strand had been from his life. But the part that had formed bonds with these men didn’t want to lie.
They watched Owen waving his arms around while Coop just looked livid.
“Well, that’s something you don’t see everyday.”
They turned to see Wyatt walking toward them, a bag in hand.
“Mini Coop, good to see you,” Andrew waved.
“Hey guys,” Wyatt held out the bag, “picked up sandwiches for you lot.” His eyes flicked up to the Captain’s office and back.
“You’re a life saver,” Mason moaned and eagerly accepted the bag.
“What are you doing here?” Brent sagged against Wyatt when he wrapped an arm around him.
“Wasn’t going to let you starve, sweetheart,” Wyatt kissed Brent’s brow. “Austin’s finest at your service.”
Jackson groaned, “Let’s go, TK, before these two fully lay on the flirt sap.”
TK laughed and waved at Wyatt, “I lived with them, remember? I think it’s rather cute,” he winked at Brent and began moving away.
“TK,” Wyatt shot out a hand and tugged TK’s arm, “This is for you,” he offered TK a small bag.
“What’s this?” TK accepted it and looked inside curiously.
“It’s roasted eggplant, mozzarella, provolone, cheddar, onions, tomatoes, lettuce, marinated artichoke hearts, tapenade, no avocado at all, on a kaiser roll,” Wyatt recited carefully. “Someone chose that specifically for you, wrote it down for me to ensure I get it right and insisted on paying for it.”
TK pressed his lips together to hold back the giant smile threatening to take over his entire face. He cleared his throat and nodded, ‘“Thanks, Wy.”
“Would you like me to convey a message?”
TK looked up in time to see Brent gently smack Wyatt’s shoulder. He grinned, “No, thank you, I’ll take care of that myself. Are you staying for lunch?”
“Unfortunately not, I have to get back on patrol. Just swung by to do Coop a favor and feed you guys.”
TK waved as Brent walked out with Wyatt and sighed as he looked at Coop and Owen still talking. Though now it looked like Coop was laying down the law while Owen listened, a put out expression on his face. TK shrugged and headed to the kitchen to eat. If luck was in his favor, no one would ask why he had a different sandwich bag in hand.
—-
The next shift TK was baffled when Mason grabbed him as he came out the locker room on Wednesday and tugged him over to the tv. “Did you see?”
“The birds? That random curl to your hair? The hickey that Jackson has been covering with makeup that’s two shades too light for him? Yes, I saw.” He grinned when Brent started laughing. He shrugged at Mason’s unimpressed look, “Can you be more specific?”
Brent, who was sitting with Vick and Elijah of C shift tilted his head toward the TV. A news clip was running showing a rescue. TK blinked as Owen came down a ladder, a baby in his arms. He bit his lip when the camera panned to a shot of Carlos on scene. He sighed at how attractive Carlos looked. Mason patted his back, mistaking his sigh for one over Owen, while Brent caught his eye and smothered a laugh.
“Why did he go up to do the rescue? Rainy night, I’d have thought the Captain would have stayed on the ground?” TK asked Mason softly.
Mason shrugged and made a face. “Something to prove, maybe?” he replied softly.
“We’re going to go start wrapping up,” Vick said with a groan as he stood up and stretched. He glanced at the TV and laughed, “The Owen Strand show.” He looked at TK as he passed him, “No offense, TK.”
“None taken,” TK said simply.
“The Strand we have is not like that,” Elijah said and squeezed TK’s shoulder as he moved past him.
TK ducked his head and smiled. Elijah saying that, after he’d been the first one to take offense at Owen showing up and announcing he’d be taking over, it settled something inside him to know he was being seen as his own person.
—-
“All available units in the vicinity of 1940 Birchwood Avenue please respond to secure a scene until backup arrives.”
“This is Officer Reyes, 3-6-3-H-20, responding.” Carlos sped up.
“Officer Reyes, please be advised, firefighter down, the unit is leaving the scene.”
Carlos stiffened and forced himself to relax, “10-4,” he acknowledged.
What he drove into two minutes later was controlled chaos. He parked and got out of the car, looking around for someone to report to. He sighed in relief when he spotted Wyatt and made his way over.
“Wyatt, what’s going on?” He blinked at his friend’s pallor.
“We gotta go, Carlos,” Wyatt said. He grabbed Carlos’ arm and tugged him toward the car.
“Wy, what’s going on?” He asked, his eyes looking over the scene for some clue that would make Wyatt’s terror make sense.
“Cooper, wait!”
Wyatt sighed in frustration and squeezed Carlos’ arm. “Wait here, don’t let anyone assign you. And think about how out you’re ready to be,” Wyatt instructed him quickly and walked away.
Carlos leaned against the car and puzzled over Wyatt’s words, his eyes taking in the lack of EMT’s and the abundance of flashing red and blues that lit up this otherwise dark and quiet street. He straightened up when Wyatt returned.
“Is it someone we know? Has something happened?” Carlos asked carefully.
Wyatt took a deep breath and nodded, “We don’t know who, just that there was a gunshot and a firefighter went down.” He met Carlos’ eyes, “Ladder 126 had been on scene.” He held up his hand, “I don’t know who. I’m heading to the hospital. You need to go speak to Officer Grant and tell him your boyfriend is part of the 126 if you want to come with me.”
Carlos felt terror seize him. When he’d responded to dispatch he hadn’t considered even for one moment that TK could be the firefighter down. Or that down would be thanks to a gunshot. “Whose Officer Grant?”
Wyatt turned and pointed to an officer standing a bit away, “Officer Grant. I’ve already briefed him that your friend is part of the 126. He’ll release you if it’s your boyfriend.”
Carlos shoved away the terror threatening to bring him to his knees and quickly made his way over to the man Wyatt had pointed at.
“Officer Reyes,” the man said flatly, “Are you accompanying Officer Cooper?”
Carlos nodded, “Yes sir, my boyfriend is part of the 126.”
Officer Grant nodded, “Then you’re off my scene, Reyes. Dismissed for the rest of your shift. I hope everything works out.”
Carlos sighed in relief, “Thank you.” He turned and jogged back to where Wyatt was waiting in the car. “Did you call Coop? Anyone from the 126?” Carlos asked as he backed up the car and sped toward the hospital.
“I tried. It just rings. They could have left their phones at the firehouse or in the truck,” Wyatt said, frustrated.
They drove in silence the rest of the way, Wyatt repeatedly trying to get through to anyone from the 126. The calls rang or went straight to voicemail.
They parked, flashed their badges at reception and were informed that the 126 were all in the surgical floor waiting room and hurriedly made their way over. As soon as they got off the elevator and turned a corner they saw the familiar figures of their friends around the room.
“Wy,” Charlie Cooper sighed and snagged his brother in a quick hug. He held Carlos’ shoulder and squeezed gently.
“What the hell happened?” Wyatt squeezed Carlos’ arm.
“A man suffering from dementia broke into his old house and frightened the current owners, a man, woman and a child, who locked themselves in a bedroom. The older gentleman armed himself with a gun but suffered a heart attack. Once we cleared the man out, APD let us in to break down the door for medical attention. TK had the battering ram and broke open the door just as a shot rang out. The kid picked up the gun and shot.” Cooper sighed and squeezed his eyes shut, “For a long moment none of us realized it was a gunshot until TK fell back, bleeding.” He glanced at Carlos and squeezed his shoulder again, “He coded on scene and again in the ambulance. They have him in surgery now.”
Carlos wanted to rage at the world for daring to hurt TK, he wanted to march out until he found the parents who had left a gun lying unsecured for a child to pick up. He shook his head and forced his mind to deal with what he could do. “Coop,” he swallowed hard, “TK’s dad, have they called his dad?”
“Owen has been informed, he’s on his way,” Cooper nodded.
Carlos shook his head, “Not him, not Owen Strand. Enzo Rossi, he’s TK’s medical POA. We need him here in case there are any decisions to be made. TK’s allergic, the meds,” he stopped and swallowed, shoving the panic encroaching back into his mind.
Firm hands rested on his shoulders, “I have already informed Enzo Rossi. He’ll be here as soon as he can. Until then I will serve as TK’s POA. Come and sit down, we’re in for a wait. Are you cleared to be here?” Cooper asked calmly.
“Yes,” Wyatt answered for him, “We weren’t sure which of you it was, I was dismissed as soon as I came on scene and Carlos spoke to the officer in charge.”
Cooper nodded, “Ok, sit.”
Wyatt’s eyes roamed the room and returned to Coopers, “I’m trying not to freak out here cause I can’t see my man. Where’s Brent?”
Cooper wet his lips, “Mason took him to wash up. He,” he swallowed, “he was the one who began working on TK in the hallway and rode with him in the ambulance. His hands were covered in,” he trailed off and shook his head.
Wyatt squeezed Carlos’ arm and headed out to find his fiancé. Carlos sank down into a chair and buried his face in his hands. This can’t be happening. Not to TK. Not when everything was going so right for him. His hand went to the cross around his neck. He squeezed it tight in his hand and prayed. He prayed and begged the universe to keep his love safe.
—-
“…reaction to anesthesia…”
“…no way… predict such… reaction…”
“What…we do?”
“…waiting game.”
TK floated, feeling light and free other than these random words that kept interrupting his sleep. He was so very tired and just wanted to be left to float away.
“Knock, knock.”
“…is that?”
“Friend…Zoe…ex-wife Gwyn…Enzo.”
TK turned his head toward the voices. He knew those voices. His parents. He forced past the fog he’d been submerged in and followed the voices wondering why his mother’s voice sounded as if she were further away. He didn’t want to get to them but he wanted out of this strange place.
“You brought a date, of course, you brought a date.”
“He’s my kid too, I’m allowed to be here, Gwyn.”
“Don’t Gwyn me, Owen. Why haven’t you answered any of my calls?”
He knew that tone his mother got, the accusing one.
“I’ve been here! The nurses frown upon talking around TK.”
He knew that defensive tone his father took. He squeezed his eyes, his stomach rolling in protest.
“That didn’t stop you from inviting a date over to my vulnerable son’s hospital room, Owen Strand!”
“The nurses don’t want you two speaking around TK with good reason. You either get along like you never ended or snip at each other. Either way, you upset our son with this immature behavior and I wish you’d both grow the hell up.”
TK began to relax, he knew that tone the best. Enzo. He frowned, wondering why Enzo wasn’t coming to him. Zo. His stomach began rolling in protest again. He wanted his dad. Zo!
“TK?” Gentle hands slid through his hair and cupped his face. “Ty, can you hear me?”
TK followed the voice and tried hard to force his eyes open, growing agitated when he couldn’t see any light. Gasping with the effort when he finally managed to pry his heavy lids open. “Zo,” he mouthed, frowning when nothing came out. He reached heavy arms up to grasp Enzo’s arms.
“What’s going on? Enzo? TK!”
“I’m here, Ty, hush child it’s ok, everything is ok. I need you to relax, Tyler.”
“TK! Son, how are you feeling?”
TK frowned in confusion at the woman standing behind Owen and focused back on Enzo. He gasped as hot white pain penetrated the fog that had begun rapidly dissipating. He raised fearful eyes to Enzo.
“What did I take?” He croaked. “What did I do?” He swallowed hard, his throat hurting, and harsh pain in seemingly every part of his body.
“Nothing, you didn’t do anything, Ty, but be the amazing man that you are,” Enzo said fiercely.
TK shook his head, Enzo forever biased and his greatest cheerleader. If he didn’t take anything then why was he here? Why did his stomach feel queasy? Why did his throat hurt? What was he in pain? Questions rolled around his head with no answers. He raised eyes brimming with tears to Enzo.
Gentle hands cupped his face, “Listen to me, kid, you were shot in the line of duty. You coded on the scene before the paramedics stabilized you on the way to the hospital where you had surgery on your shoulder. The pain you’re in is because of that.”
TK blinked, confused. Tears ran down his cheeks that Enzo gently wiped away with his thumbs.
“Your stomach may be queasy, your throat hurts because you had a tube down it to help you breathe. Your ribs may hurt from where the paramedics worked on you,” Enzo explained slowly.
TK slowly nodded to show he understood even as he tried to recall why he would have been shot on a call. He was a firefighter, he should not have been around a gun on the scene. It got difficult to keep his eyes open.
“It’s ok, Ty, rest. That’s all you need to do right now. Rest. I’ll be here when you wake up.” Enzo carefully tucked TK in and leaned down, pressing the softest kiss against his brow.
TK smiled tiredly and allowed the weight to pull his eyelids shut and his mind to float.
“Why didn’t you let me talk to him?”
“When did I stop you, Owen?” TK was amused at Enzo’s patient professor voice.
“You took up all his attention!”
“My son was panicking. I did what I could to calm him down,” Enzo said simply. “In no way did I stop you from talking to him.”
“He’s my son too, Enzo. And yet he wasn’t going to focus on me with you around.”
“Owen!”
Gwyn’s voice came as if from far away again. A part of TK recognized that as Gwyn speaking through the phone.
“I’m not going to leave him. I’ve been there for every hurt, be it emotional or physical for sixteen years, I know what TK needs when he’s panicking. This isn’t a competition.”
TK admired Enzo’s calm patience. Handling squabbling and upset Gwyn and Owen was a feat in itself.
“Don’t Owen me, Gwyn cause if this was a competition you’d lose too.”
“I’m cutting this call now, Gwyn. I don’t want this conversation disturbing TK’s rest. I wish you’d reconsider taking the next flight out instead of waiting until the weekend.”
“I have to, Enzo. With news of this virus spreading, I have to finish as much of the work as I can before I leave. It’ll be fine. I’ve rebooked to fly into Austin.”
Emotional hurt added to the physical pain TK was in to hear that his mother had once again prioritized her work over him.
—-
Carlos checked his phone as he walked out of the precinct. It had been three days since TK had been shot and Carlos’ first shit back to work. Between TK’s mother’s hourly calls to get updates and want to speak to TK’s doctors despite being told she could only get what information Enzo allowed her to have as TK’s POA, to Owen Strand shifting between horrified at his son being hurt to asking everyone to leave so he could sit alone with TK, to snagging a doctor to ask why TK wasn’t on morphine, it had all been a lot. Carlos had needed to get out of there. Meeting Enzo had been the only good thing to come out of it. He’d promised Carlos he could come and go as his shift hours allowed it, that he had complete access to TK.
He opened the door and stood aside to let Gary enter.
“Just the man I was looking for,” Gary exclaimed. “I need to talk to you.”
“Not today, Gary, I want to get to the hospital and see TK,” Carlos said with a tired smile.
Gary caught his arm before he could leave, “You’re going to want to hear this, Carlos. Mini Coop found Iris. Iris Blake. She’s alive and has been living right here in Austin!”
Carlos’ mouth dropped open in shock.
—-
The next time TK opened his eyes, the room was dark. He cleared his throat and gasped as pain rushed through him, his throat hurt and his shoulder feeling like it was on fire. He brought his hand up to touch the spot and frowned as he tugged on something.
Dim lights replaced the darkness, then gentle hands were on him. TK met warm brown eyes and sighed in relief.
“Carlos,” he whispered.
“TK,” the man whispered back, relief stark on his face. “Baby, put this hand down,” he squeezed the hand he was holding, “you have an IV port connected to it. The nurses have had enough problems with it getting blocked. Let’s try not to need to have it flushed again.”
“Again?” TK asked, confused.
Carlos’ face softened. He stroked TK’s cheek with his free hand, “The line kept getting blocked so they had to flush it for every drip they were hanging. Finally they switched the port to another spot,” he explained softly.
“I don’t remember,” TK said.
“You wouldn’t, baby, you were asleep through it. Now, first things first, I’m going to call the nurse.” Carlos leaned forward and pressed a button before focusing back on TK. “The nurse will give you something for the pain. Then maybe we can get some food into you if you’re hungry.”
“Not really hungry,” TK whispered.
“They won’t release you until you’re eating and moving around some, babe. This is not me pushing you. I just want you to have all the facts.” Carlos stroked TK’s hair, “Let’s start with some water?”
“That is an excellent idea, Officer.”
TK blinked as a man came into focus.
“Hi TK, I’m TJ,” the man grinned.
Carlos helped support TK the way Nurse Tanner asked him to. Together they had TK settled back in bed after a few sips of water.
“Is everyone else ok?” TK asked.
Carlos gently stroked TK’s hair, “Everyone’s ok, they’ll visit once they come off shift. Enzo went to your place to get some rest on the condition that I stay with you until he’s back.”
TK smiled tiredly, “Thank you for making him rest. You should go rest too.”
Carlos smiled and leaned down to, “I’m not a liar, I’m going anywhere.” He leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss against TK’s forehead, “Sleep, baby, I’ll be here when you wake up.”
—-
A few days later, Carlos was sitting on TK’s bed facing him as they waited for his discharge paperwork to get processed.
TK stretched carefully, “I’m going crazy,” he huffed. “Give me some news?”
“News about?” Carlos asked in amusement.
TK made a face, “Anyone. Entertain me, do your boyfriendly duty.”
Carlos laughed, “Boyfriendly duty.” He cocked his head to the side thinking over what he could tell TK, then straightened up. “There is something I meant to tell you and then promptly forgot myself. Iris Blake is no longer a missing person.” He nodded as TK’s mouth dropped open, “That was my reaction as well. She was found living under an overpass right here in Austin. She left of her own free will, though there were probably some mental health issues at play.”
“What does this mean for Michelle?” TK asked curiously. “She’s spent years stalking and verbally abusing Dustin, accusing him of murdering Iris. She ruined his life, Carlos, and he had to keep picking up the pieces. It just doesn’t seem fair that she now gets to enjoy being with her sister and all is forgiven.”
“All is not forgiven,” Carlos said solemnly. “She’s been relieved of duty. Dustin’s students filmed the conversation at the school on the day of the fire and put it together with various footage caught by his neighbors of her creating the ruckus she frequently did outside his house. Some caught her harassing him at other times. They put it on Instagram and tagged APD, media outlets, AFD, EMS. It can’t be ignored now. But that’s for another day when you’re stronger. I promise I’ll tell you everything I know. I’m sure Mason will have his own gossip for you.”
TK smiled tiredly, “And Gary will have more for you.” He sighed and squeezed Carlos’ arm, “I’m glad her sister is ok. But I’m happy justice was served. Dustin deserved it a long time ago.”
“Yes, he did.” Carlos rubbed his thumb over TK’s hand. “I’m glad Iris is ok. And I’m so damn relieved that you’re ok. I felt like I stopped breathing until you woke up, TK.” He swallowed hard and blinked back tears, “I know it’s too soon. For the words,” he began haltingly. He made a face, “Well, too soon for you to say it but hopefully not to hear it? Because I’m already there so please let me say it? Just this once and I promise I won’t do it again until you’re ready,” Carlos pleaded.
“Oh babe,” TK wrapped his arm around Carlos’ neck, his left arm cradled protectively to his chest, “I’m, you’re right, I’m there but I’m not ready. But I’d never stop you. I’m just sorry I can’t say it just yet.” He smiled nervously, “Tell me.”
Carlos cupped TK’s face and gently pressed their heads together, “I love you, so so damn much, TK. Thank you for giving me a chance,” he whispered.
“Thank you for loving me, Carlos. I promise I’ll get there,” TK whispered back.
“Easiest thing I’ve ever done. You’ll get there in due time. When you’re ready, you’re ready. There’s no rush. We have all the time in the world. And until then, I’ll say it enough for the both of us.”
TK smiled, “All the time in the world.”
This is amazing! I love the relationship between TK and Enzo. The differences seem to not be so huge, but they all build into a wonderful alternate story that I can see rereading many times. Thank you!
Loved it Bry. Thanks for sharing.
It’s 3:19 am and I am absolutely happy I decided that the loss of sleep hardly mattered in the face of one of your stories. I loved the way both TK and Carlos policed their boundaries, how they worked hard to stay true to themselves and how their relationship grew into what it was in the end. You really managed to make me smile with this amazing story and I am grateful you deigned to share it. Thank you. <3
I *loved* this. It’s beautiful, and soft, and I never thought about Enzo before and now you’ve given me an OC that’s going to take up room in my head. I love it. Thank you for sharing.
I haven’t ever seen Lone Star (or the original 9-1-1) so I only know these characters via the few 9-1-1 fics (mostly Jilly & Keira’s) that I have read. So I wasn’t entirely sure what might have been altered, apart from TK not being on Owen’s team. All that said, I still loved this! I more or less inferred various changes from where I could see boundaries being drawn so hope I got them right. Though if I did, I can only boggle at things the canon writers may have been letting go unaddressed!
I have a particular loathing for Owen’s behaviour toward TK, but also his uncalled-for swapping of the firehouse food. I hope they made him pay to replace it all! I’d have been incandescent if he did that to me.
Anyway, I very much enjoyed this; thank you!
Oh my GOD. I love that the big difference that started everything is Enzo being there for TK. I looooooove the hints in canon we got about Enzo being a good dad. This, dude. This story/universe I could live in for a long time. This feels like such a beginning, like you’ve created such awesome OCs to explore alongside TK’s new life in Austin.
You portrayed TK’s personality so well, his and Carlos’ burgeoning relationship… everything was just beautiful! Thank you so much for an amazing reading experience, I only wish it could go on forever! xxx
I loved reading this. Very sweet and soft but also taking people/events seriously. Thank you for sharing!
This was amazing. Thank you for writing this. I adore that TK had a parent he could rely on, even as it made me furious that his bio parents demanded a place in his life without actually making room for him in theirs.
Well done! I really enjoyed this! (And Congratulations, too!)
This was amazing. 💜
This is an amazing fic! Thank you so much for sharing with us!
I love TK’s relationship with Enzo, and how much strength that gives TK despite his strained relationship to his other parental units. Owen is so infuriating on the show, and I think you hit that spot on in your story.
I’m glad that Michelle got to see consequences here, in the end, and that Carlos got a partner for a while who helped him separate his friendship and his job.
I love, love, love how you chose to develop the relationship between TK and Carlos. It’s so soft and honest without all the struggle the show runners are putten them through but still with the exact same ‘they are meant to be’ vibe (and the urge to rip off the buttons on their shirts! I laughed so much over that line!)
I loved this just as much as the first time I read it. Maybe even more because of the scenes you added that just flesh out things even better.
The way you wrote a story where boundaries (I may have a crush on Cooper and his way of being always supportive for his team without crossing any professional lines. Why can’t we have captains like that on the show?), communication, love and consequences are the main focus is just beautiful.
Things develop naturally and everything gels together easily be it between the main characters or your OCs.
Thank you for writing and sharing with us ❤️
This was a beautiful story. I may have cried a bit.
This was such a lovely view of what a few little changes can do. The relationship with TK and Enzo was fantastic! I love seeing how supportive he is for the things that TK’s parents were too oblivious to notice. Owen annoyed me so badly, but he normally did in canon as well. I loved seeing the slow building relationship with Carlos. These two are beautiful together and TK seems a lot more open to communication and that makes things go smoother than they did. Thanks so much for sharing this awesome fic. It’s going directly to my re-read list.
I enjoyed this story, I haven’t seen this particular fandom, but I grew to love TK and Carlos together. Thank you.
This was beyond amazing! Loved your original characters and the way you gave Enzo a special place in TK’s life.
Of corse, I cannot forget the hotness you showed us between Carlos and TK.
Thank you so much for sharing this masterpiece with us!
I love TK having a father in Enzo and both of them having better boundries.
Tanks for sharing!
This is a totally awesome… Incredibly well crafted… Painfully loving story… I love the relationship between TK and Carlos I love the coping mechanisms created for TK….. Thank you so very much for your incredible world building and your willingness to share it with all of us.
❤️