#and then the reyes fam being strong in their faith too how it comes up in their actions and mannerisms

[insecuregodcomplex]

im excited to see how tk being raised jewish and carlos being raised christian could come into play for the wedding (and their future family!) especially because they each have different connections and foundations to their faith approaches

[stydiaeverafter]

The Promise of Tomorrow

Pairing: Carlos Reyes/TK Strand

Characters: TK Strand, Carlos Reyes

Tags: Developing Relationship, Hopeful Ending, Start of Something New, Gunshot Wounds, mentions of overdose, overcoming pain from the past, Taking Chances, Falling In Love, mentions of trauma

Words: 2.5 K | Rating: T | On AO3

Summary: “Out of chaos comes such beauty.” Carlos re-lives the magical night he met TK as he lives in the horror of his reality. 

A/N: This fic was inspired by the finale and was my attempt to fill in some of the missing moments and thoughts by the characters involved. Thank you Junkyard Fam for inspiring me not to give up on this fic.The Promise of Tomorrow

The Promise of Tomorrow

I had all and then most of you Some and now none of you Take me back to the night we met I don't know what I'm supposed to do Haunted by the ghost of you Oh, take me back to the night we met

Carlos often wished he could go back to the night he met TK. That night in the bar with his bashful grin as he caught that twinkle in his eye. The moment they had danced together for what seemed like hours, then kissed for what felt like a lifetime, yet not long enough.

His mind kept going to TK’s husky breath up against his lips as they caressed each other’s skin; fingers exploring over new territories. The way TK’s talented hands had found his belt. A risk of pleasure. Carlos had wanted him right then and there in the bar bathroom. He’d never felt hunger like that before. It only magnified as the moments went on; a fire burning so hot that it was almost too hot for Texas. They had continued that exploration, but then TK’s mouth had popped open and he had whispered as he looked up, “Let’s get out of here.”

Those had been the moments Carlos thought of as TK had been rushed by him after he was shot. As a cop, Carlos had seen it all and then some. But seeing the man he was falling in love with, pass by him covered in blood and not moving, was something he wasn’t prepared for. Carlos had heard the bang from inside but didn’t understand why. Then as if he had been shocked, he understood the horror of it all. Carlos felt as if he had been drowning in a deep abyss.

How things could change in the blink of an eye.

The thoughts of what could’ve been kept replaying in his mind as he had hurried to the hospital. He had tried to push them aside as he waited. Waited too damn long for TK to open those beautiful eyes and stare back at him once again.

But he was living in a true nightmare, one he couldn’t wake up from. Because TK hadn’t opened those eyes. What if he never would again? The thought that they would possibly never be something, was something he simply couldn’t accept. That was the reality he wouldn’t face as he sat by TK’s side in the hospital. Without knowing what else to do, he softly said a prayer from his childhood and whispered, “Come back to me, mi amor. To us.”

He waited for days and days. Time lost meaning, but he never missed a day by his side. TK's Fire Fam stopped by daily as well. Carlos was grateful to start building relationships with them all. They were wonderful people.

Owen Strand had told him what the doctors had said. It was now up to TK to wake up. The Captain never lost faith. It gave Carlos hope.

However, Carlos was scared to hope just as he had been scared to let this man from NYC come into his heart and make it his own. He was falling deeper and deeper, and he just couldn’t get out.

Carlos wanted to close the door on the memories of the night they had met. He wanted to forget that sweet smile with that beautiful gleam in those green eyes. He wanted to forget the vision of that tan skin moving over those strong muscles. He wanted to forget those talented fingers and that delicious mouth with that tongue that made his eyes roll back into his head. But most of all he wanted to forget the moment TK had fallen asleep by accident in his arms and he had watched him sleep, which had been a gift and a curse...for that had been the moment he knew he had fallen in too deep.

He was about to walk away for good. He just couldn’t do this anymore. TK hadn’t wanted it. He was repairing his heart. Carlos knew if he continued on this path, he’d be picking up the pieces of his own broken heart soon.

No, he had to be done. This time he’d walk away.

But then he got the call. TK Strand had woken up.

***

TK hadn’t remembered much. It was all a bit of a blur; something that caused his head to spin in circles. He had been here once before, hadn’t he? He really did know how to flirt with death.

They had gotten the call, and he knocked on the door. That was the last thing he remembered. Perplexingly annoying if he said so himself. Weeks later, his eyes had opened up. His father was the first person he saw. The comforting feeling was soon changed by reality. Because that was when his father told him the truth, the truth that it was a child who had shot him.

He didn’t know what to do with that.

TK felt like a lost child himself sometimes and especially now, but he wanted to help the kid out. And then he did. In doing that, a piece of him was healed as well.

Pieces also had healed and glued together tightly when he had saved the woman from the bus. As he had been under the water alongside the scared woman, he felt a calm rush through his body. He knew this was his calling in life. His purpose.

He was here to save and help people.

His duty was far from over. Now he wanted to let everyone know it.

There was work to be done. He had been given a few second chances. He wasn’t going to waste any more time… in all areas of his life.

***

Carlos cursed long and hard as he sat on his couch rubbing his face. Why did TK repeatedly flirt with death right in front of him? That’s his job. Your job, too. “Screw that,” he said aloud to no one, rubbing his hair that was getting longer between his fingers.

It had been a long few days since TK had woken up. Carlos had been by his side when he had, well, out in the hall. But he had that moment of relief as he had smiled down at TK. However, that was shortlived when the face that looked back up at him looked like a ghost. Trauma would do that to a person, but he was scared he couldn't see TK in there anymore. Then they had briefly decided to meet for coffee, which soon had turned into a nightmare for a number of reasons. TK not only ended whatever they were but all but told him he was leaving. It was too much. But Carlos knew it was coming. It was only a matter of time. Then TK had raced inside that broken-down bus to be the hero, even though it killed Carlos to see that.

All he wanted to do was go to the 126 to see TK, but TK clearly had wanted space...he had said as much. That look of escaping had been sketched all over his expression when they had talked yet not talked at all. That was that.

But then TK had faced death once more and Carlos' world had again turned upside down in a spiral.

The truth behind the spiral was this: He couldn’t let TK go. He didn’t know how to.

If he was going to be honest with himself for just a moment, then he’d admit and recognize that he was very much in love with that firefighter. No matter what he had done, he couldn’t stop the falling. Part of him didn’t want to stop it.

Yes, they were casual with no labels. But that had clearly not stopped the process of falling so hard. He was such a fool. He was about to get his heart broken even further and all he wanted to do was to go check on him.

“¡Maldita sea!” Carlos swore again as he stood up, grabbing his keys, and leaving the last shred of his dignity on the kitchen counter.

***

TK had known what being vulnerable truly had meant as he exposed himself raw in front of his 126 Family. But it had been worth it. They had helped in his healing journey and it was like waking up from a dream.

He couldn’t leave this all behind. He wouldn’t.

His father might have helped to make this decision for him in moving to Austin and to start over, but staying was ultimately his choice. His destiny. Helping others was a path he decided to take years and years ago. And this group of people would help him achieve that path.

TK’s Fire Fam huddled around him squeezing tightly, too tightly, but TK embraced the pain. Welcomed it even. It had felt like breathing for the first time in what felt like forever. Even before he had his heart broken in what now seemed like another lifetime ago.

Heart.

Carlos….

His heart pounded as he thought of that cop; he was always on his mind. The cop that forced himself into his heart and mind only months prior. Carlos had been nothing but kind, loving and a decent human being. Something you didn’t see often; the whole package. And in return, he had done everything in his path to push the man away. Far away.

Now all he could do was think about how it might be too late. He was finally ready to let this perfect man into his life, let all his walls down. But yet he had to face the painful truth that the damage might’ve already been done.

People, good people like Carlos, could only handle so much of a mess. And he had been nothing but a mess since he had arrived in Austin.

But he wanted to be different. Better. For himself, for his brothers and sister, for the future victims he would encounter, and for Carlos.

Which was why at that moment he thanked his lucky stars as he saw that cop walking into the 126. TK’s heart skipped a few beats as he flirted once more with death itself.

***

Carlos had just acted on a whim. He didn’t think. It was like he was being pulled here by an unseen force. What he did was follow his heart.

His heart led him straight to the 126 Firehouse.

And as he strolled in slowly, he saw TK there with his father. He was so relieved to see that TK was okay. The man was putting himself and others through the wringer lately. It was just too much.

But it was moments like this that made it all worthwhile. Carlos planted his feet right there, not wanting to interfere with a father-son moment. He felt as though he had come here to make sure TK was healthy and okay. Carlos didn’t expect more from the guy. He had constantly put himself out there but he knew now that TK was a man that had been broken a bit by the world and needed the time to repair. Carlos was just going to nod and send him a final smile. He was going to try his hardest to accept this was it for their love story. A final chapter in what could’ve been.

However, fate was funny that way. A door wasn’t being shut at all. It was being opened. This much was clear as TK walked right up to him.

Carlos didn’t move, he was nonplussed but felt his breath quicken and his heart pound in his chest. He didn’t want to get overly excited, but then TK’s face broke his final reserve to pieces as he gave a charming smile towards Carlos.

“Well, hey there Officer Reyes,” TK said with that beautiful smile still on that face, imitating a southern drawl. “I’m glad you stopped by.” What he did next was something Carlos didn’t see coming. TK moved closer to him and wrapped his arms around his body, tightly, too. Right there. In front of everyone.

Carlos melted at that moment. His arms naturally made their way around the guy and he couldn’t help it as he kissed his neck softly. It was that unseen force to blame, “I’m so glad you’re okay.”

TK kept holding on tight as they breathed each other in. Finally, TK pulled away and said with certainty, “Let’s go somewhere.”

“Anywhere,” Carlos replied back, wholeheartedly in love.

***

“Tell me something I don’t know about you,” TK asked Carlos quietly, the only sound echoing was the chirping of the crickets in the background.

They sat on the Camaro and looked at the aurora borealis. It was remarkable and so beautiful. After everything they had been through, being here and now looking up at the sky… well, TK had never felt so at peace as he did next to Carlos at this moment.

“Let’s see, I cry easily at a good rom-com,” Carlos smirked as he rubbed his chin lightly, eyebrows full of expression. “Oh, and chocolate mint ice-cream is my favorite.”

TK shot a big grin Carlos’ way. It felt so natural always smiling around him, “It’s my favorite, too. And do you really cry in rom-com movies?”

“Let’s just say that While You Were Sleeping, gets me every single time.”

“Okay, we have to watch it together then!” TK added with a pleading puppy dog look.

Carlos laughed and shook his head, “Will you be there to pick up the mess that’s left of me during the ending credits then?”

“It’s a promise,” TK smiled softly. He stopped talking for a long moment and just stared at Carlos. He looked so stunning under that green-lit sky. TK felt the butterflies fluttering around his stomach as the smile was returned, with love. He was so grateful that Carlos hadn’t accepted his rejection. It had only been a mask. TK was so happy that Carlos saw through that disguise. What had he done to deserve someone like him in his life?

It was as if Carlos had been sent to him for a reason. Maybe to find the way to heal again and the gentle reminder he wasn’t broken. That he could give out his heart again and have it cherished by someone in return.

He had meant it when he had said they made a pretty good team. When they were together, there weren’t just sparks, they were able to fulfill their own personal destinies it felt like. Two sides of the same coin. They were in this together.

TK believed in that magic moment of them holding hands, that Carlos felt that, too. He brought his lover’s strong hand closer to his heart. TK squeezed tighter, wanting all the love he was feeling for Carlos to wash away any uncertainty there might still be between them.

It was confirmed when Carlos leaned over and grazed his soft full lips up against TK’s. His whole body shivered but not from the night air, but from the promise of tomorrow.

[acuppellarp]

Welcome to A Cup-pella, Jeanne! We’re excited to have you and Maddy Reyes in the game! Please go through the checklist to make sure you’re ready to go and send in your account within the next 24 hours. 

OOC INFO

Name + pronouns: Jeanne, She/Her Age: 24 Timezone: EST Ships: /Chemistry Anti-Ships: /No Chemistry

IC INFO

Full Name: Madeline Louise Reyes Face Claim: Cierra Ramirez Age/Birthday: 23, April 29th, 1994 Occupation: Music composition and theory master’s student at NYU, waitress, warblette Personality: Confident, supportive, short-tempered, passionate, impulsive Hometown: Milwaukee, WI

Bio:

Madelein Reyes’ childhood can be summed up in four words: God and good company. She was pretty much raised in the pews of a Catholic church where she sat every Sunday alongside her parents and two older brothers, listening to her uncle’s services and hanging on to his every word. To say that faith and family have been instilled as her greatest assets throughout her life would be an understatement.. Her earliest memories all revolve around being either in church or at some gathering for it, in whatever dress her mom had picked out for her that morning and her little black Mary Jane shoes. When she tells people nowadays that she came from such a strong faith-filled background, they most often comment about how strict and controlling an environment that must’ve been, at which point Maddy is quick to set them straight. She understands why they think that way, of course, but she happens to think it’s a total crock. She grew up with a large extended family made up of the church’s patrons, and had parents and brothers who have never made her doubt their love. To be quite frank, Maddy considers herself to be a damn lucky gal growing up, and the lessons of faith and support that she learned are ones she’s carried with her throughout her life.

Her parents had worked hard to reach their place in life, and wanted to make sure their children never had to experience what it was like to go without. As a result, Madeline was given the opportunity for as many lessons and classes as she could ever want as a child. She sucked at most of them though, if we’re being completely honest. Her posture was never right for ballet, and she dropped way too many batons on her head for her to ever be good at that. Gymnastic was a literal flop when it should’ve been a somersault, and she went to all of three swimming lessons before realizing other kids peed in the pool and she refused to attend any more. The one thing that Maddy stuck to, however, was piano. It was a complete whim that her parents set her up with a member of the church who offered lessons, but from the moment her four year old self touched the keys, it was like Maddy found what she was meant to do. Before her hands were even big enough to play a full octave, Maddy had fallen in love with music .

Above and beyond that, she found herself falling even more in love with the idea of creating music. In her early days of piano lessons, she would constantly flip through her teacher’s own music, pointing to the different symbols and markings and asking what they meant. She always was an inquisitive child, but it was like the dial was turned up tenfold when it came to the idea of making music. She penned her first piece when she was 8, though it was really just a basic harmony to accompany Row Row Row Your Boat. Still, to her, it was a masterpiece that she forced her brothers to listen to at least five times a day thanks to her own pride. Her love for music only grew, with her begging the church’s organist to teach her around the age of 7 and later joining in her middle school’s marching band where she picked up flute. Over the years, she’s earned a fair few instruments with varying degrees of expertise under her belt, but her heart has still always been in actually composing the music they make. She even began helping her high school music teachers with arrangements from time to time, learning more in the process and deciding that she was meant to be a musician.

It came as no surprise to anyone that she wanted to pursue music as a career, but once high school graduation approached, the thought of actually admitting that to her parents seemed more and more daunting. In fact, coming out to her family seemed to be the easiest part, though Maddy can’t begin to describe how overwhelmed she was by her god-fearing, traditional parents’ acceptance. No, the scary part was in their doubts about her making it into a full-time career. By that time, her oldest brother was working on a master’s degree in engineering and her other brother already had plans to attend law school. It wasn’t that her parents didn’t think she was talented; they simply worried about their youngest child and only daughter falling into the starving artist archetype. So, they struck up a deal with her: if she worked towards a bachelor’s degree in a field they deemed “reliable”, then they would help fund a second degree to pursue her music. Maddy knew that it was the best she would be able to get, and gladly took it.

Getting accepted into NYU was as close to a dream come true as anything Maddy can imagine. True to the deal she’d made with her parents, Maddy pooled the college fund her grandparents had set aside for her, paired with scholarships and a hefty helping of financial aid, and dedicated the next four years of her life to getting a degree in business. It was far from her dream career, but the first chance she could, she was submitting her application and portfolio to the university’s music composition and theory graduate program. Her parents kept their word as well and, assured with knowing that Maddy had something to fall back on if needed, have helped her with get through the first year of her master’s program. The only things Maddy had to worry about is maintaining her own household, and has gotten a job waitressing to help make that happen. It’s not glamorous, but it keeps her landlord happy and her fridge full, so Maddy has no complaints for now. If it means she can devote the rest of her time to penning the next American classic while in school, she’ll take it.

Work and school are her biggest priorities, but Maddy does make sure to etch in a portion of her free time to song and perform along with the Warblettes. Instrumentals and composing may be her purpose in life, but she practically grew up singing with the church’s choir and she can’t imagine a world where she doesn’t create music using her own god-given instrument.  Nowadays, Maddy spends most of her remaining time in A Cup-pella, scribbling away in her composition books with one headphone in her ear and the other dangling down the side of her face so that she can properly enjoy the atmosphere that can only be found when one discovers their own little home away from home.

Pets: N/a

Relationships:

Warblettes: Maddy will admit, she was a bit nervous to join the Warblette’s at first, because she wasn’t sure what exactly she was getting herself into, but she settled in pretty comfortable into the group, at least she thinks so. The weekly Warblette rehearsals are a time where she can focus on something besides school and work and she loves it, and even more than that, she totally digs the group of girls she gets to do it with.

Marley Rose: Imagine Maddy’s surprise when, after walking into A-Cup for some caffeine to cure a post college party hangover, she saw the girl she’d hooked up with the night before standing behind the register. That may or may not be the reason that the cafe has become Maddy’s go-to coffee place, and she often sets up her laptop to work on assignments or her own projects while eyeballing Marley from across the room. Part of it is to see if she can get herself a free cup of coffee one of these days, and part of it’s simply because Marley is too much of a sweetheart for Maddy to not want to get to know better.

EXTRA INFO

MadRey / Madisms / one time i ran into cher at starbucks. that’s the story of how i died:

Five latest tweets:

@madisms: the next kid who throws his milkshake on the ground is getting my hand upside his head #tryme #toddlerrumble

@madisms: my eternal struggle: not knowing if the cute girl in my seminar class is into ladies or not

@madisms: it’s almost that time of year where lay’s picks the dumbest flavor ideas and forces us to pick the least nasty #exceptbiscuitsandgravy #youcanstay

@madisms: UPDATE - cute girl in class just laughed when her friend asked if she’s ever had acrylic nails. i’m going for it, fam

@madisms: guess who just got herself a free happy meal coupon for looking like a literal child #itsays12andunder #shortgirlproblems