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The night TK meets Carlos Reyes, a massive storm rolls into Austin. It's a cold and miserable night that leaves TK chilled right to his bones. But the moment he had laid eyes on Carlos, there was a warmth that hit him. It was then the world he knew as dark, grey, and rainy only moments prior exploded into colour.
He doesn’t get to formally meet him during the time that they are tending to the signal vehicle accident, just simply catches his name through the rain as the officer introduces himself to TK’s father. It’s only when the scene is secure and everyone is safe that TK finally finds himself standing next to Carlos, both wearing matching smiles of relief for a successful rescue. By that time, the rain had settled into a light drizzle.
It’s very much a contrast of the way he is feeling now.
TK steps out of Carlos’ condo, his breathing heavy and tears threatening to spill over. He leans back against the door and there’s a hurt in his chest that he can’t quite place. For a moment, he considers turning back but ultimately decides to step into the rain and begin to walk but he’s not really sure where.
He’s not sure how long he’s been walking for before a familiar blue Camaro pulls up alongside him. TK tries his hardest to keep looking straight and trying to not acknowledge it. But he finds that he’s going to be unsuccessful as soon as the car comes to a halt and the driver gets out.
“TK, please stop.” Carlos says and there’s a hint of something in his voice that TK can only assume is some sort of worry. TK does, freezing in his footsteps and staring down at his feet, feeling as the rain soaks into the material of his hoodie. “You can’t just walk home in the rain, alright? Let me drive you.”
“I’m fine.” TK mumbles but he is quickly betrayed by a sniffle.
“It doesn’t have to be anything.” Carlos says and TK desperately wants it to be something. “Please, TK. Let me drive you home.”
TK figures there’s no use in arguing any longer. He turns and nods before silently walking over to the passenger side of the car, sliding into the seat. He wouldn’t admit it but the warmth of the car is severely welcomed and he sinks further into the seat as Carlos gets in.
Things are silent as Carlos puts the car into gear and begins driving. Only after they’ve been driving for a few minutes does Carlos finally move to break it.
“I’m sorry if I upset you.” He whispers, barely audible. “That was not my intention at all.”
“It wasn’t you.” TK says back and he stares out the window because it’s easier than looking at Carlos. “It was - it’s more complicated than that and I’m sorry that it is. I’m sorry that I am - you can turn right here.”
“It’s not your fault.” Carlos says as he turns the car around the corner. “Whatever it is, I’m sorry that it’s troubling you. If you need to talk about it, whenever you’re ready, I’m here.”
TK nods. “I appreciate that, especially after everything I put you through tonight. Making you come out into the rain.”
“I actually happen to like the rain. Good things tend to come from the rain, my mama always used to tell me it meant new growth would be coming along.”
TK smiles faintly. “I like that. So, is there anything good coming from this rainfall?"
Eventually, the car comes to a halt in front of TK’s home and he’s forced to now look at Carlos.
Carlos shrugs a shoulder, turning his body so he’s facing TK. “How about just a new beginning? We can start over. We don’t have to define what it is tonight, but I don’t want to stop getting to know you, TK."
TK’s heart pounds hard against his chest, the sound loud in his ears. “I don’t want to stop getting to know you either, Carlos.”
Carlos nods. “I’m glad, and I meant what I said, I’m here if you need me.”
“I’ll keep that in mind. I hope you have a good night, Carlos. Drive safe.”
“Goodnight, TK.”
TK pushes himself to move from the car and back out into the world around him. He can feel Carlos’ eyes on him as he walks up the path and to the front door. The moment he steps under the porch awning, he hears the Camaro pull away from the curb and begin to drive away. Only then does TK turn and look, watching as the tailights disappear down the street.
***
It’s well past one in the morning when his phone vibrates on his end table. Carlos looks up from the book he’s reading at the sound, the screen lighting up with a text message. A few moments pass before another vibration comes. He bookmarks his page before reaching over to grab the device and swiping open the text messages. He’s not sure what to expect as he does, but it’s certainly not a message from TK Strand.
It had been a few days since he had last seen TK, the last memory being of the man disappearing from his car upset after Carlos had driven home from their dinner fiasco. Carlos had known something was up in TK’s mind but the man had put up walls unable to allow himself to open up. Carlos knew something must have happened to him prior to moving to Austin. But he had no idea what.
TK Strand: Hey
Are you awake?
Carlos frowns, but ultimately types back a quick reply before hitting send.
Yes, is everything okay?
He’s only known TK for mere days but he feels such a pull towards the other man, like an invisible string is between them, pulling them together. He’s not ready to give up, he’s not sure he’ll ever be ready. He may have been a little hurt following the dinner disaster, but he’s not about to turn his back on someone that could potentially need help. That just wasn’t who he is.
TK Strand: I’m outside.
Carlos reads the message twice before he is able to process it, then he’s moving to climb out of bed. He goes across the room to grab a shirt, throwing it on before he walks out of his bedroom and towards the door. He flicks on the porch light, unlocks the door and moves to open it.
He can immediately tell something is off with TK just by the way he is holding himself. His shoulders are slumping forwards and he’s staring down at the ground. It’s a very different TK from the one that he had originally met, so sure of himself and full of confidence.
“TK, what are you doing? It’s pouring outside.” Carlos says, taking notice that TK is in fact drenched with rain water and shivering. When TK looks up at him, Carlos can see his face riddled with small cuts and bruises and instantly, he softens. “Jesus, TK. Are you okay?”
“Can I come in?” TK asks, his voice low.
Carlos nods and steps back, opening the door wider. TK takes a few seconds before he steps in. Carlos closes the door back, locking it again. He turns to face TK who, now illuminated by the lights of the home, Carlos can see is more disheveled than he previously thought. His lip is split with dried blood in the corner, there’s a deep cut on his cheekbone and underneath that, a bruise is forming.
“Here, sit down.” Carlos says softly and as TK does, he walks to retrieve the first aid kit from underneath the sink in the bathroom. When he returns, TK is shrugging off the jacket he’s wearing. With the article of clothing gone, Carlos can now see that TK’s white shirt is stained with blood. He takes a deep breath and walks over, sitting down next to TK. Things are silent and he can feel TK’s gaze on him as he grabs the necessary things, a cloth and some antiseptic.
“Hold on, what are you doing?” TK asks, his voice low.
“That cut on your cheek is pretty deep, it’s probably best to clean it.” Carlos whispers as he focuses on putting the antiseptic on the cloth. “So, what happened?”
“Nothing.” TK mumbles.
“Oh, so bruises just end up on faces now?” Carlos asks sarcastically. He can’t believe how natural it feels to be in TK’s presence.
“It was just some stupid bar fight.” TK admits and Carlos gives him a reassuring look, hoping that it’ll help him find the nerve to keep speaking. “I got into a fight with Judd today after a bad call. He felt I did the wrong thing -”
“And did you?” Carlos asks.
“I can’t say it was the safest thing, no.”
Carlos shakes his head and brings the cloth up and begins dabbing the wound. TK flinches, moving his head away from Carlos’ touch. When Carlos moves to try again, TK dodges.
“Hold still.” Carlos mumbles in an exasperated tone, bringing his free hand up to cup TK’s non-injured cheek and gently bringing his face towards him.
“Anyways, after work I went to the bar and picked a fight with some random dude being an asshole to the bartender. It wasn’t necessarily my best decision, he had three friends that did not take the harsh words lightly. Once the police showed up, everyone scattered and before I knew it, I was here.”
Carlos snorts. “Hopefully the alcohol numbed the pain.”
He can feel TK tense under his touch and he knows that he’s misspoke in some way. Carlos is quick to open his mouth, an apology on the tip of his tongue before TK beats him to it.
“I was completely sober.”
“I’m sorry, it was a stupid joke.”
TK shakes his head. “It’s okay, Carlos. Really.”
Carlos nods before he moves to continue dabbing at TK’s and he can once again feel the weight of the other man’s stare. The silence stretches out between them as Carlos finishes cleaning the cut before moving onto the one that is on the corner of his mouth. When Carlos is done, he finally looks up into TK’s eyes.
“Thanks.” TK whispers, his breath hot against Carlos’ face.
Carlos gives him a soft smile, nodding but he finds he can’t move, that he doesn’t want to move. They’re so close to each other. God, TK’s eyes look even more amazing up close. Outside, thunder rumbles and startles the both of them. Carlos clears his throat, shakes his head and forces his body to move away. He opts to start putting the first aid kit back together in order to distract himself. He still doesn’t know what his relationship even is with the other man.
“Look, I’m sorry again.” TK says. “That I went crazy on you the other night.”
“I thought we were starting over.” Carlos points out.
“I know. But I think this rainfall calls for a little bit of healing. But I just, I want to tell you because I want you to know. When I left New York, I had just gone through a really bad breakup, like nuclear bad and then,” He hears TK sigh. “And then I relapsed.”
“You mean with me?” Carlos asks.
“No,” TK’s voice is getting lower and lower, it’s amazing Carlos can still hear him. “I mean with substances.”
Carlos looks up from the kit, turning to look at TK. The man’s eyes are gazing down at his bruised knuckles. The pieces of all it fall together in his head and he shakes it. “Right. Which would explain your reaction to the champagne. I’m such an idiot. I’m sorry -”
“No, it’s fine, okay? Ever since I’ve gotten here everything has been grey and I just feel numb all the time. I guess I just wanted to feel something.”
Carlos takes a deep breath. “Well, judging by your face I’d say mission accomplished.”
TK snaps his head up, his gaze finding Carlos’. Carlos watches his lips slowly curl upwards and his eyebrow raises. “Are you really busting my balls right now?”
Carlos returns to the smile, shrugging a shoulder. “I suppose I am.”
TK shakes his head. “It’s been hard and I just need time to think. I’m sorry.”
“You don’t have to apologise, TK. It’s okay. I’m not going anywhere, this doesn’t change anything. I’ll still be here for you, okay? Whether it be your friend or boyfriend or whatever. We don’t need to label it.”
TK nods, taking a deep breath. “It’s Tyler Kennedy.”
“What?”
“TK. It stands for Tyler Kennedy. Consider yourself the only person in the state of Texas other than my dad to know that.” TK says.
“Well, that’s two new things I’ve learnt about you today,” Carlos whispers, nudging TK with his elbow. “That’s pretty good.”
TK smiles. “Thanks Carlos.”
“No need to thank me, seriously.” He says before he stands, picking up the first aid kit. “Can I give you a ride back home?”
“Actually, can I - do you think it would be okay for me to stay over? I really don’t want to have to deal with my dad seeing me like this right now.” TK whispers.
“Yeah, of course, I’ll find you some sheets, a blanket and some warmer clothes. Would you like some tea?”
TK nods, giving a soft smile. “Thanks, I’d like that.”
***
It’s when they decide to make things official that TK feels a single drop of rain against his cheek. The Aurora Borealis are gone from the sky and clouds have rolled in. Carlos turns to look at TK, the smile on his face almost as bright as the lights that had just disappeared from the sky.
“Do you think we should move to the car?” Carlos asks as more drops begin to fall around them. The smell of the fresh rain is a blessed change from the smoke and fire that they had been smelling all day. It’s an incredibly peaceful thing.
TK returns his own smile, nodding his head. “Yeah, sure.”
Carlos moves to get down from the hood before extending his hand out to TK who grabs it, allowing himself to be pulled down to the ground as well. TK manages to stumble slightly as his feet hit the ground and Carlos manages to steady him with hands on his hips. He chuckles at his clumsiness, feeling his cheeks warm under a blush but Carlos seems unfazed by it. TK takes the opportunity to look up and into Carlos’ gaze. He notes just how much love and admiration there is in those brown eyes, even when things were uncertain, that look of love never seemed to falter.
TK smiles softly before he leans in, capturing Carlos’ lips in a gentle kiss just as the rain around them grows relentless. TK can feel the drops of water seeping through his clothes and into his hair, but there is no expected shiver, only warmth where Carlos’ hands are on his back. Eventually the two of them must break away for air, each taking deep breaths of the fresh air around them.
“Do you want to go back to my place?” Carlos asks, almost shyly and TK thinks it’s the cutest thing ever. “You can stay.”
“Yeah, I do. I’m pretty exhausted.” TK whispers and it’s the truth. He doesn’t even want to do anything major with Carlos tonight, he just wants to simply lie in his arms as they fall asleep.
Carlos nods, pressing a kiss to his forehead. “Let’s go. It’s been quite the day and you need some rest.”
TK turns towards the Camaro and opens the door, sliding into the passenger seat as Carlos settles into the driver’s side. TK turns to look at him, the sight of him causing a smile to appear on TK’s face. He feels it may be the first of many smiles that Carlos will cause. Carlos’ curls are wet and sticking up in various places.
“Why are you looking at me like that?” Carlos wonders when he catches TK staring at him.
“I’m just happy that we’re doing this, you know, giving us a chance.”
Carlos grins at that. “Me too.” He whispers, before turning on the car. Before he can move it though, however, he turns back to TK. “I guess I have an important question to ask you.”
“Sure, what is it?”
“Will you go on a date with me, TK Strand?” He asks. “Like a real official date.”
“Yes, Carlos Reyes, I will go on a real and official date with you.”
Carlos leans across the center console to bring their lips together once again. It only lasts a few seconds before the two of them are smiling into it and Carlos backs away, putting the car into drive. It’s not long before their hands find one another and TK turns to look out the window watching as the drops of rain race each other down the window. He finds that it’s true when people say that rain signals new beginnings, a refreshing start because his own new beginning is sitting right next to him, offering him an opportunity to open himself up again. And TK is ready to jump at the chance.
***
TK is suddenly regretting the fact that he had not thought to bring a jacket. In his defense, it had been warmer earlier in the day when he and Carlos were eating at the food trucks. But the moment they had decided to take a walk in the park, the sky had opened up with rain and the wind had picked up. Carlos was smart however, having grabbed his own jacket from the car before they had left it in the parking lot. TK doesn’t know what had overcome him, being a native New Yorker, he knows to never trust the weather. But the knowledge that he was going to get to spend time with Carlos for the first time in days had made him forget about everything.
He crosses his arms over his chest in order to try and protect his bare arms from the cold air. A few steps away, Carlos is leaning against the railing of the gazebo that they were forced to take cover under when the storm had first hit. TK can’t help but to smile as he stares at him for a moment before forcing himself to look away when Carlos turns to look at him.
“Sorry about this.” He says, just as thunder rolls in the distance.
TK shakes his head, a fond smile on his face. He has discovered that Carlos is prone to apologising for things that aren’t even close to being his fault. “You don’t control the weather, Carlos. Anyways, I thought you loved the rain.”
“You remember me telling you that, huh?” Carlos asks.
“Yeah of course, I remember everything you tell me.” TK says. “You don’t like pickles, you broke your ankle when you were ten, your favourite colour is blue and you look damn good in it in my personal opinion, you have a horse named Sammy and had a dog named Maxwell but you just called him puppy for your entire childhood, you -”
“I love you.”
TK freezes, his words coming to a grinding halt, the world around them going silent as they stare at one another. TK listens to the rain beating down around them as Carlos stares at him, a shy look on his face.
When TK speaks again, his voice cracks. “What did you just say?”
Carlos’ soft features contort into a look of horror and he swallows hard, his brows knitting together. “Nothing, forget it.”
“No, Carlos, I need you to tell me what you said. Please.”
“I said I love you.” Carlos says, his voice low.
The words cause TK’s heart to skip a beat and butterflies in his stomach. “Yeah, that’s what I thought.”
“I’m sorry, it just slipped out and you don’t have to say it back if you aren’t ready but I -”
Carlos’ words are cut off as TK pushes himself forwards, crashing their lips together. Carlos stumbles backwards, grabbing hold of TK to steady himself and begins to return the kiss. It’s a lovely few moments of them getting lost in one another, tangled together, only warmth and comfort between them before they finally have to break apart. But TK makes sure to stay as close to Carlos as he possibly can, setting his forehead against Carlos’.
“I love you too, Carlos.” TK whispers into the space between them, his voice breathless.
“Are you sure? I don’t want to force you to say it too soon, if you aren’t sure about it.”
“I’m sure about it. I’ve never felt more sure about anything in my entire life. But this? What we have? It’s something I feel so confident in. I love you, Carlos Reyes.”
“I’m so glad you do.” Carlos says, kissing the tip of TK’s nose before he steps back and TK watches as he strips from his jacket, leaving himself in his signature polo. Carlos holds out the jacket to him.
TK just stares at the jacket before turning his gaze to Carlos. “What’s that for?”
“Because it’s cold out here and you’ve been freezing since it started raining but tried and failed to hide it from me.” Carlos says, shaking the jacket. “Take it.”
“I’m fine, I’m not cold.” TK tries.
Carlos throws him a look that TK knows for sure means he’s not buying it. “Are you kidding me? I just told you that I love you and you think I don’t know when you’re cold?”
“Um, yeah?”
“Take the jacket, Tyler.”
TK rolls his eyes but takes the jacket and throws it on. He’s instantly met with an overwhelming warmth along with the smell of Carlos around him. “Thank you.”
“Mhm, I’ll always sacrifice my jacket for you.” Carlos jokes before he wraps his arms around TK pulling him close to his chest. TK goes easily, setting his head on Carlos’ chest where he can hear his heart beating. That, along with the sound of the rain falling is something that he could listen to for the rest of his life.
***
Minutes. That’s all it takes for Carlos and TK’s home to burn to the ground. One moment they are in each other’s warm embrace and the next they are fighting for their lives. TK tries to hold back tears as he stares down at the steam rising from the mugs in front of him. He takes a deep breath as he picks them up and walks from the kitchen and into the living room where Carlos sits. His boyfriend has his own tears threatening to spill and the sight manages to break TK’s heart all the more. He may have lost his new home, but Carlos has lost something that he had spent years building. Nothing TK could say would ever make that hurt go away and it kills him.
TK sets the mugs down onto the table before sitting down onto the couch next to Carlos. The other man barely seems to register that he’s there, just simply continues to stare down at his lap.
“How are you feeling?” TK asks, his voice low. It’s a beyond stupid question because TK knows how he is feeling. Something inside Carlos has broken and TK isn’t sure that it was a thing that could ever be fixed.
Carlos just simply shrugs. “Tired.”
“We can try getting some sleep.” TK suggests.
Instead of an answer, Carlos lets out a small sound that is undeniably a sob. TK quickly looks at him and sure enough sees tears slipping down Carlos’ cheeks. He wraps an arm around the man’s shoulders, pulling him in close and that’s all Carlos needs to break down. They sit there for a long while, until Carlos is sniffling and all his tears are gone.
When TK is sure that Carlos has seized his tears, he moves his arm from Carlos’ shoulders and puts out his hand. “Come with me.”
Carlos doesn’t argue, just grabs TK’s hand and allows himself to be taken from the couch. TK leads them through the house and to the backyard where TK can see the rain falling relentlessly from the sky. TK steps out, bringing Carlos along with him and he moves until they are standing in the middle of the lawn. It doesn’t take long for the rain to begin sending shivers down TK’s spine but he keeps all his focus on Carlos as his boyfriend takes a few deep breaths.
After a moment, Carlos speaks. “What are we doing, sweetheart?”
TK pushes a small smile, leaning forwards to grab Carlos’ hands in his. “We’re healing. You once told me that the rain always provides something good. Right now, it’s providing us time to mourn and heal.”
“It doesn’t feel like it’ll ever heal.” Carlos whispers.
“Sometimes things don't feel like they'll heal. But they always do. It isn’t something that will happen right away, but we will get through this. You will get through this.”
“How can you be so sure?”
“Because you are the strongest person I know, Carlos Reyes.”
That pulls the slightest of smiles from Carlos. “Thank you, Ty.”
TK leans up and presses a gentle kiss to Carlos’ lips as a way to say ‘you’re welcome’ before he steps away and squeezes Carlos’ hands. It’s unknown exactly how long the two of them stand out in the middle of the lawn, allowing the rain to wash away their sadness but as they step back inside the house, they both feel lighter, if only a little bit.
***
“I told you it was going to rain.”
TK shakes his head, a fond smile on his face as he steps into the barn on the Reyes property. He turns and is met with the sight of Carlos following in behind him, his suit drenched. His smile grows as Carlos shakes his head, his wet curls flattening down against his forehead. It was true, Carlos had very much told him the night before that the universe would not allow them to go through their wedding unscathed. TK almost wants to tell him at least they had made it through the ceremony and most of their pictures before the sky opened up and the rain began to fall. Unfortunately for them, they had been separated from the rest of their guests. But TK couldn’t even be angry for it, he was with Carlos, that’s all that truly mattered to him.
“When hasn’t it rained with us?” TK asks. “Think the universe is trying to tell us something?”
Carlos’ smile reaches his eyes. “I think it’s telling us that no matter what happens, we’ve got each other and that we’ll love each other through it all, rain or shine.”
TK narrows his eyes. “We’ve been married for three whole hours and you’re already repeating your vows?”
“Hey, I worked hard on those vows.” Carlos says as he walks over to where TK stands, wrapping his arms around his waist and TK’s arms instantly go around Carlos’ neck. “But it’s the truth, I know we’ve had rain on almost all our big moments. But that doesn’t bother me, as long as you’re by my side, I don’t care what happens.”
TK grins. “I feel the exact same way.”
“I love you, TK Strand-Reyes.”
The name sends a jolt of warmth through TK and he can’t help but think about how this is going to be something that’s going to be with him for the rest of his life.
“I love you too, Carlos Strand-Reyes.”
Carlos leans further into TK’s space, placing his lips to TK’s in a soft and gentle way. TK smiles into it, pulling Carlos closer to him. It only lasts a few moments, the two of them having to break away for air. They stay close however and Carlos rests his forehead against TK’s.
“We should be having our first dance right now.” TK whispers into the space between them.
“I think I could probably help with that.” Carlos says, pulling away from TK and grabbing his phone from his pocket. “I have our song on here so I could practise, don’t ask .”
TK snaps his mouth shut and tries his hardest to hide his smile as Carlos scrolls through his phone before he finally finds it and he plays it, turning it up as high as it can go. He sets it on the ledge by the door, putting his hand out to TK.
TK lets out a joyful laugh as he takes Carlos’ hand and is instantly pulled close to his husband. They gently sway in time to the music before beginning to move their feet in a clumsy two step. Then in a sudden next movement, Carlos backs away, grabbing TK’s hand and pulling him towards the outside of the barn and into the rain. TK lets out a gasp as the cold rain hits him again before there’s warmth surrounding him when he’s once again pulled into Carlos’ chest.
“Are we really dancing in the rain?” TK asks as they once again begin to sway to the music that they can barely hear anymore over the sound of the rain.
Carlos smiles, shrugging a shoulder. “It’s only fitting with everything that the rain has been through with us.”
TK simply can’t argue with that logic. “I can’t believe this gets to be my life, that you get to be my life. I think I knew we would always be together, ever since that first night when we were dancing. I just felt a connection to you. But still, sometimes it surprises me how lucky I am to have you. Especially with how I acted around that time.”
“I know you were hurt during that time. But you continue to surprise me with your strength.” Carlos says. “You really knew we were going to be together?”
“Of course, I don’t know if you’ve looked in a mirror lately, but someone would have to be stupid to walk away from you.”
Carlos rolls his eyes. “Stop it.”
“No but seriously, you are so good, Carlos. Your heart and your kindness, I knew that I wanted that in my life and you were so patient with me. You’ve always been so patient with me. I knew we’d get there eventually, just needed a little bit of time.”
“And here we are.” Carlos whispers. “Married and ready to spend the rest of our lives together.”
“I love the sound of that.”
“You better, you kind of agreed to it.”
“I would agree to it a million times.”
Carlos leans forwards, pressing his lips to TK’s forehead. “I think our song ended.”
TK looks back towards the barn and realises that the music has in fact stopped. He turns back to Carlos and smiles. “I didn’t even notice.”
“Me either. We’re always in our own little world.” Carlos says as he moves to step back from TK but keeps hold of his hand. “Speaking of which, I think we should probably head in now that we are officially soaking wet.”
“Yeah, I guess so.” TK allows Carlos to lead him back towards the house where their guests are surely waiting for them and they take a brief moment to themselves once more on the porch. “If I get a cold, I am totally blaming you.”
“I’m okay with that.”
TK rolls his eyes before following Carlos into the house. They are instantly met with the loud hollers of their friends and family before they are given cups of Andrea’s hot chocolate. Carlos eventually disappears to get changed into warmer and drier clothing while TK has floating conversations with the guests around him. It’s not long before Carlos appears once again and takes over for TK while he goes to change. TK ascends the stairs and walks down the hallway, stepping into the bathroom and gently closing the door. There’s clothes left for him on the sink and he smiles at Carlos’ sentiment. He quickly gets changed before running some warm water onto a cloth and putting it onto his face.
As he makes his way back down the hallway, he can hear the loud laughter of each one of his family members as they chat away but he can hear Carlos’ through it all. A laugh he gets to hear for the rest of his life. And he figures in that moment that Carlos is truly right, the two of them can make it through anything as long as they are by each other’s side. In sickness or health. Come rain or shine.
***
Carlos didn’t think this was how he and TK’s night was going to go. They were meant to be having a small dinner after TK had gotten home from shift before turning in for the night. However, their plans had quickly changed when they had gotten a phone call from their social worker Cynthia informing them that they needed an emergency placement. Now the food is left abandoned on the counter while the two of them sit on the couch, nervous energy coursing through them as they await the arrival of the little boy.
“I can’t believe this is happening.” TK whispers, finally breaking the silence that had blanketed the room around them ever since Carlos had hung up the phone. “After all this time, it’s finally happening.”
Carlos takes that moment to look over at his husband. TK is his usual self when he’s nervous, shoulders tensed, knee bouncing up and down, fingers tangled together. For a moment, Carlos allows it to happen before he reaches over and places a hand onto TK’s knee which halts the movement. Carlos understands TK’s nervousness, feeling the exact same way himself. The two of them have been trying to adopt for a year and a half but every time it had fallen through and they had eventually slowly started giving up. But if giving Leo a home while he is in need of a home until they are able to find family; then Carlos and TK are willing to do it.
“I can’t believe it’s happening either. But you know what? We’re ready, despite what we’re feeling right now, we’ve been prepared for this for a while.” Carlos assures, but he’s not sure if he’s trying to assure TK or himself.
TK nods quickly. “Oh yeah, definitely. We’ve got this.”
The two of them look at one another and before they know it, they’re laughing, both fully aware that there is no way to possibly be ready for something like this. Their amusement is cut short by a knock at the door and they both sit frozen for a moment, before Carlos reaches over and grabs TK’s hand, squeezing it gently.
“Hey, we’ve got each other, remember? We can get through anything.” Carlos whispers.
TK smiles softly, squeezing his hand back. “Yeah. Rain or shine.”
Carlos returns the smile, finding irony in the fact that most of their moments have mostly come with rain and rarely any shine. But he doesn’t mind it because he has TK and that’s all he’ll ever need. The both of them rise from the couch and walk over to the door. Carlos pushes himself to move forwards and pull the door open revealing Cynthia along with a little boy in her arms. He can’t be more than two years old and looks more tired than ever. Carlos quickly opens the door further, allowing the two to step out of the rain.
“Hello Carlos,” Cynthia greets before nodding her head towards TK. “Hi TK.”
“Hello Ms. Johnson.” TK says, stepping up beside Carlos.
“Well, this is little baby Leo.” Cynthia says, turning to look at the boy. “Leo, this is Carlos and TK. You’ll be staying with them for a little while.”
Leo just simply nods, his eyes fluttering closed for a moment before reopening. Cynthia just chuckles and shakes her head. “He’s had a hard night, must be tuckered right out.”
“That’s totally understandable.” Carlos says before holding out his arms. “Would you mind if I held you, Leo?”
Leo shakes his head, holding out his arms to Carlos and it nearly melts his heart. Once Leo is in his arms, he leans his head against Carlos’ chest. “Well, it looks like he’ll be just fine with you two.”
TK smiles and when Carlos looks, he sees tears brimming his husband’s eyes. TK moves forwards and bends down, waving a finger at Leo. “Hey Leo.”
Leo waves his little hand haphazardly before his eyes go back closed again.
“Well, I’ll give you two a moment to settle him in and then we can get some paperwork done. It unfortunately has to be done tonight.”
“That’s okay. We can get it done. Please sit down, I’ll get you some water.”
Carlos walks and sits down carefully, Leo already fast asleep in his arms and Cynthia sets out the first set of papers that Carlos and TK have to look over.
***
“He’s perfect.” TK whispers, staring at Leo as he sleeps in Carlos’ arms. It’s just the three of them now, Cynthia having left a little over an hour ago and both Carlos and TK are unable to sleep.
“Yeah, he really is.” Carlos agrees in a low voice, his head on TK’s shoulder.
“Here, you’re tired, let me take over so you can close your eyes for a little bit.” TK says, holding out his arms. Carlos looks up at him for a moment before he nods and carefully hands Leo over to TK.
“You know, we’re eventually going to have to put him in his bed.” Carlos says through a yawn.
“Yeah, we will but not yet.”
Carlos shakes his head, a fond smile on his face as he watches TK. It may not be permament but it’s a small glimpse into what his life will eventually be like with him. A simple but picture perfect life that Carlos has dreamt of all his life and right here in front of him, all those dreams are coming true.