#the way he presses his lips against TK's ear

[liminalmemories21]

WIP Wednesday

tagged by @strandnreyes, @paperstorm, @im-overstimulated-and-im-sad, @heartstringsduet, @redshirt2, @bonheur-cafe, @orchidscript, @lemonlyman-dotcom, @three-drink-amy, and @kiwichaeng. Thank you.

I've enjoyed this Valentine's Day spiciness we've had going on today, so let me add some more. Random note in the margin of my draft is . . . anyway I can make this about Valentine's Day (answer - tbd, have to look at my timeline).

He's been craving Thai food all day, and wondering if he can talk TK into ordering tonight instead of cooking, marshaling his arguments in the elevator, and proactively caving on asking for them to make it spicy.  He can always add chili oil if he wants.  He’s halfway through, “Hey baby, wanna order in tonight,” when he sees TK.  Empirically TK isn’t doing anything particularly seductive.  He’s got his head bent while he fastens his watch.  But, he's wearing black jeans.  The ones that cling to his thighs and ass.  The ones that hug everything.  The ones that he wears when he wants to derail Carlos's entire train of thought. 

He stops, hand on the door, staring.  TK looks up at the sound.  "Hey baby."

He manages to focus long enough to close the door, stepping in to TK for a kiss.  "Hey."  The fabric of TK's shirt under his hands is soft and a little clingy, the kind of fabric that makes him want to pet at it, pet TK.  "You look nice."  He looks like sex.  "Did I forget something?  An anniversary?"

TK shakes his head, leaning up to bite lightly at the corner of Carlo's jaw.  "I thought maybe we could go out tonight."

He pulls away far enough to look down at TK, and wonders if he's been broadcasting something he hadn't intended for TK to pick up.  TK bites harder at the edge of his jaw and then soothes it with a kiss, and presses something into Carlos's hand.  "Been a while since we had fun."

He frowns at TK, playing catch up.  "You've been busy."

TK nods.  "I know.  And this weekend I cleared my calendar."  He leans in to nip at Carlos's ear, and he sucks in a sharp breath.  "I've missed you."  TK slides a hand down to where Carlos is still holding whatever TK handed him and opens his palm out flat and Carlos obediently looks down to see what he's holding.

He looks up at TK sharply.  It's the remote to a vibrating plug.  The one that TK is holding in his hand.  The one they haven't had time to play with in a while.  TK kisses his way up Carlos's neck, a kiss punctuating each word.  "Every.  Good.  Boy.  Deserves.  Fun."

He smirks, turning the remote over in his hand.  "And you've been good?"

TK looks up at him from under his lashes.  "So good."  He steps in closer, nudging a thigh between Carlos's.  "I thought you could put this in me, and then we could go out.  We could make out on the dance floor, make everyone jealous.  Then," he flexes his thigh into where Carlos is already half hard, "you can take me home and fuck me."

He dips his head, curving a hand around the back of TK's neck, licking along his collar bone where it's exposed by the loose collar of the shirt. "What if I can't wait that long?  What if I want to fuck you in the club?"  TK's breath hitches sharply.  "Push you up against a wall."  He runs a hand down TK's back to his ass, and then down, following the seam and pressing hard, just to hear TK moan.  "You'll be slick and open for me, a little desperate."  He pulls back enough to see where TK's biting his lips red.  "You're already a little desperate for me."

TK breathes out.  "Officer Reyes, I'm shocked.  Are you suggesting we commit acts of public indecency?"

He tightens his grip.  "Maybe you're enough to make a good man break his leash."

TK sways into him, and makes a discontented noise when Carlos's phone buzzes loudly.   He doesn't take his eyes off TK as he digs it out of his pocket and glances at the screen.  "It's Matt.  He's parking.  He has something he needs us to look at."

tagging @jesuisici33, @carlos-in-glasses, @guardian-angle22, @herefortarlos, and @lightningboltreader

[wintrwinchestr]

wip... thursday

i know i had said i would try to post chapter 2 of tk&ts this month, i'm still trying to make that happen but i can't promise anything :( but it is very close to being done!! i promise i've been working on it, but my real life job has been pretty busy and high stress recently and i've found it hard to use my brain each night.

please accept another snippet in the meantime <3

“Good girl… So beautiful, baby, you know that?” he praises softly, tucking a stray lock of hair behind your ear before lightly rubbing his thumb across your pouty bottom lip. He presses it downward against the pillowy skin, and pushes the digit inside with ease when your mouth parts so eagerly. You close your lips around him and swirl your tongue along the calloused skin a few times, and he looks like he wants to eat you alive as he watches you fall apart for him so easily. Joel pulls his thumb from your mouth, dragging it down your spit-slick lip so that it bounces back into place when his finger leaves your skin. He wears a satisfied grin at the way he has you completely at his mercy now, looking up at him with your glazed-over doll eyes. They scan back and forth between his glowing amber ones, awaiting your next instruction. “Gave you a compliment. What do you say, babygirl, hm?” “Thank you, Da– unh…” The word starts to come out before you can catch it in time, shove it back into his cage. Your face runs hot, embarrassed at your slip-up. “‘S okay, sweetheart. You can call me that, if you wanna, say it real pretty for me. Don’t got it tattooed on me for nothin’,” Joel soothes, still-wet thumb rubbing across your cheekbone in placating strokes. “C’mon, finish your sentence, baby.” “Th– thank you, Daddy,” you repeat, so lost in this saccharine headspace he’s coaxed out of you that you don’t even feel ashamed anymore. “There we go… c’mere, baby. Lemme feel you.” He uncrosses his legs, returning them to their trademark spread so that he can pull you into his lap and situate you into straddling his hips. The position makes your dress ride up so far that your panties are exposed to him, soaked-through gusset and all. His fingers make to tease the wet spot there, but change course to pay attention to something else first instead. Something scrawled in uneven black linework, peeking out from underneath white silk. He pushes the hemline of your dress further up your bare thigh to fully unveil the shoddy little illustration, tracing around it with a roughened finger.

[rmd-writes]

Tarlos and #28 for the kiss ask! 👀

I’ve assigned each kiss prompt I received a number and am using a random number generator to choose which prompt to write because I got quite a few from you all! As a reminder, I’m trying to keep these to around 200 words and I’m going to try and do at least one per day til they’re all done. If you’ve sent me a prompt, I promise I’ll get to it!

Thanks for the prompt Dalawa! I had some fun with an unspecified AU for this one 💖

a kiss as a lie

Carlos makes his way around the room, drink in hand, greeting people with a smile and nod as he quietly observes the room. Out of his peripherals, he spots someone bursting into the room with alarming speed, considering they’re at a formal event. Carlos isn’t the only one to turn to see who’s making an entrance.

TK Strand.

Carlos rolls his eyes. He’d known TK was on this assignment too, of course, but the way he’s entered the room is concerning. Carlos isn’t surprised though. He hadn’t wanted TK on this assignment at all but he’d been overruled.

He watches as TK takes a breath and resets, that brilliant smile spreading across his face, transforming from harried agent into handsome guest. He slows his stride and makes his way around the room, leaving a trail of charmed guests in his wake. It’s abundantly clear to Carlos that TK is making a beeline for him.

TK continually glances at the doors he came through and Carlos begins to worry that his cover has been blown. Still, no one else enters. Yet.

He moves towards TK, handing his glass to a passing waiter and placing himself near a door he knows opens to a patio. They’re on a mezzanine level. It’s a short jump down to the ground if they really need to escape.

When TK is two paces away from Carlos, several things happen at once.

Two men come sprinting out of the hallway Carlos knows leads to the kitchen, looking around the room frantically.

TK curses.

Another man bursts through the door TK had come through.

Then, TK is closer to Carlos than he’s ever been, so close that Carlos can see the dark rings around his clear green eyes, one hand on the wall beside Carlos’ head.

He murmurs, “just go with it.”

And then TK’s lips are on his.

It takes Carlos by surprise – both the fact that TK is kissing him, but also the kiss itself.

TK’s lips are warm and soft. He parts them slightly and Carlos follows suit, kissing him back and sliding an arm around TK’s waist. When TK traces the tip of his tongue along Carlos’ lower lip, he brings his other hand up to cup TK’s jaw, tilting his head and kissing TK deeply as the blood thunders in his ears. TK moves closer until their chests are pressed together and for a moment, Carlos forgets everything except the feeling of TK pressed against him, the slide of their lips together and the slightly minty taste of TK’s tongue.

TK pulls away and looks around. “Think we’re in the clear?”

Carlos remembers that the kiss was only a ruse and shoves the disappointment that washes over him down. He drops his hand from TK’s face and waist and straightens up.

“Yeah,” he clears his throat. “I think we’re good.”

(Find all of my kiss prompts here or read them on ao3)

[theghostofashton]

wip wednesday

thank you @sanjuwrites for the tag!

back to the au for a bit so i don’t give my other fic entirely away in these snippets lol

Carlos checks his watch. 1:42. He’s still got a few minutes until Paul’s office hours start, but it’s kind of a walk from where he parked near the student center.

He cuts through a courtyard, which looks new. He doesn’t remember this being here when he toured the campus, now over a decade ago. It’s really nice; there are a lot of flowers blooming and picnic tables set up on the grass for people to sit and study. Days like today are perfect for that.

A few feet ahead, there are two guys sitting next to each other on one side of a picnic table, books spread out in front of them. One is dark-haired and the other is blond. There isn’t an inch of space between their bodies, Blond’s right arm pressed against Dark-Hair’s left.

As Carlos passes by, Dark-Hair lifts his arm and wraps it around Blond’s shoulders, tugging him toward him and pressing a kiss against his head. Blond grins at him and pecks his lips, then slides his arm around Dark-Hair’s waist and tugs him even closer.

The image feels like being transported in time. Central Park benches, a book open across his thighs, TK’s arm firm and heavy around his waist, his snores soft in Carlos’s ears. The kisses he placed in TK’s hair, the way his hand would slip underneath the fabric of TK’s hoodie and feel his skin warm against Carlos’s own. Some days, TK would bring a book too – usually only the days he needed to cram for class, honestly – but most of the time he’d just nap. Carlos grew used to it, after a while. He had to re-learn how to read in silence after the breakup.

He swallows hard and keeps his head down as he makes his way through the courtyard and toward Burdine Hall. When he climbs the stairs to the 3rd floor, the first door on his right is wide open, with a doorstop jammed in at the bottom. Inside, Paul is sitting behind a desk and scribbling on a notepad.

Carlos knocks a couple times on the door as he steps inside. Paul looks up, and his face breaks into a wide smile.

“Hey, man.”

Carlos accepts his hug, exhaling at the way Paul’s arms tighten around him.

Carlos is in the chair in front of his desk, and feels strangely like a kid called down to the principal’s office from this vantage point. Paul being dressed in a fitted blazer and wearing a tie doesn’t really help.

Paul asks how he’s been, and Carlos answers honestly, because things have been good. Until yesterday, things felt like the best they had been in a long time. Spring break has been good to him, and he’s excited to finish out the rest of the year with his students. The last big assignment of the year is one where they finally get to chose their own books to speak to the class about, and he can’t wait to hear what they come up with. Cooking on Sundays with his mom and eating dinner with his family makes his heart warm in a unique way that feels reserved for them. Everything is – was – good.

“What’s up?” Paul asks, after he’s caught Carlos up on his research. Sometimes Carlos wishes he’d gone for the PhD instead of just leaving grad school with his masters. The stuff Paul is working on is so fascinating. Carlos spent weeks reading his dissertation when that was published, highlighting and annotating different parts, and called Paul and talked his ear off about all of them. He wishes that were what he was here to talk about today.

tagging: @carlos-in-glasses @reyesstrand @bonheur-cafe @paperstorm @lightningboltreader 

[mushiewrites]

I just thought of this as I was falling asleep. Sapnap wrecking Dream on his bed, taking his time, dragging it out. Dream says things like "You're being mean" and "you said you'd be nice this time" which earns him either a "you wanna see mean?" Or a "this is nice, would you rather I wreck you the same way you do me and George?" And next thing you know the only thing coming out of Dream’s mouth after that is frantic apologise

oh dweamie dweamie dweam. when will he learn? i guess it doesn't matter since sap will teach him anyway (:

sap has one of dreams out to the side, his own hand pressing against dreams wrist to keep it down on the bed as sap traces his free hand gently over his tummy. he would pay attention to the spots that make him jump and squeal, and do the same with the spots that make him giggle and melt. he's using a fair amount of both, switching between wanting to make dream cackle and wanting him to make little chirpy giggles ):

surprisingly dream blurts it out while sap is being gentle - his pointer finger grazes a little too close to the middle of his tummy, right on the edge of the lil dip, and dream can't help himself. "s-sahahpnap! y-you sahaid you'd behehe nice thihis tihime! y-you're being mehehean!"

and from the look on saps face dream knows he fucked up. in fact he knew it the moment the words passed his lips, already being knowledgable on how cruel sapnap can actually be when he tries. but for whatever reason he says it anyway and now sapnap is just smirking down at him, his hand frozen on the warm skin of his tummy while the hand gripping his wrist slowly tightens, pressing it more into the bed

"this is mean?" sap would swipe his finger again closer to the side of his tummy and it makes dream squeak, slightly squirming to the side but not enough to truly get away. he'd squeeze his eyes shut as sap moved his hand off of his tummy, scared to see where it's going to touch down next. he doesn't feel anything though, and after a minute he hears sapnap mumble "I'll show you mean."

and that is just a tactic to get dream to open his eyes, which he does. they actually snap open, the fear in them causing sapnap to burst into giggles because "holy shit dude, your face!" which only makes dream blush harder than he had all night. it takes him a second to register but sapnap is hovering his hand over his vulnerable armpit, and it's only when he pulls at his wrist and finds it doesn't budge that dream truly realizes how much worse it could be

just as he starts to relax though, sapnap quickly kneads his pointer and middle fingers under his arm, wiggling them quickly with pressure to make dream scream. he nearly bucks sap off, which then prompts sapnap to make an offhand comment about how it feels like he's "back in texas riding the bulls!", but dream can't help it. he tries to turn his body onto the side to block his poor lil sensitive armpit but thankfully the fingers are gone as quickly as they appeared

"so we understand now that this isn't mean, right?" sapnap would go back to running his nails over dreams jumpy tummy which would send dream back into lil squeaky giggles again. he'd nod his head at sapnap and look up at him through his squinty eyes, giggling a little louder when sap starts giggling with him as well. sap would roll his eyes, bc of course he'd be giggling at dream, how could he not when he's that adorable? but he'd really wanna drive the point home, so he'd lean down close to dream's ear, letting his stubble tk the shell of it before he spoke

"good. because if you're still having trouble understanding, I could always call george (:"

[detective-giggles]

Key to Your Heart

Another box checked off my TMP custom bingo! Only two to go.

Today’s fill is Carlos bringing TK lunch. Pieces of TK and Carlos’ relationship told through the meals they share. In a convenient 3 + 1 format! 

@chaotictarlos thank you for the encouragement (and the prompt!)

@noxsoulmate thank you for the beta and letting me talk your ear off about this! 

💜💜💜💜

1.

Carlos shifts the thermal bag in his hands and presses the doorbell. Buttercup barks and Carlos winces. He should have called first. What if TK’s sleeping? He just got out of the hospital and is probably resting. He should be resting.

Carlos has just convinced himself this was a terrible idea when the door swings open and he’s met by TK and Buttercup. The dog charges through the door and sits in front of Carlos, expecting good boy pats. TK’s eyes light up as he bites his lip and leans against the door.

“Hey!”

“Hi,” Carlos says shyly. “I hope it’s okay I stopped by. I brought lunch.”

“For me?” TK scrunches up his face – like he can’t quite believe someone would go through this kind of trouble for him. Even though they’re not actually together, Carlos kind of wants to punch TK’s ex for whatever he did that always makes TK feel like he’s not worthy of a simple act of kindness.

“Well, Buttercup might want some too. It does smell really good,” Carlos says. 

TK laughs and opens the door fully. “Sorry, you can come in.”

Carlos follows Buttercup inside the house and TK shuts the door behind them. 

As soon as he’s inside, TK pounces and pulls Carlos in for a kiss. Carlos kisses back, gently, until it becomes clear TK has more in mind than just a little hello kiss. Carlos slips his hand behind TK’s head and then squeezes gently at the nape of his neck.

TK pulls back with a little pout. “So bringing food wasn’t just a ruse so you could come over and have your way with me?” 

“What? No! Of course not,” Carlos says, horrified. “You’re still healing from a gunshot wound and I don’t want to hurt you.” 

TK makes a face (that Carlos can’t decipher) and then makes a beeline for the kitchen. Carlos follows and watches as TK pulls plates from the cupboard and sets them on the island. Carlos starts rummaging through the bags and pulls out more food than the two of them can eat.

“But,” Carlos starts. “When you’re cleared for duty, we’ll celebrate any way you want.”

“Promise?” 

“I promise,” Carlos says softly. “Now, let’s eat?”

💜💜💜💜

read the rest on AO3

Taglist(and if anyone wants to be added please let me know!): @plaidbooks @tailoredshirt @chaotictarlos @meditating-honey-badger​

[cantsaythetword]

Hey so this is my first time sending anything in - let alone a prompt so I’m sorry if this is wrong 😅🥹

But how about Nick and Charlie having a sleep over with a pillow fight which then turns into a tk fight? ❤️🫶🏻

Just an idea that I thought was cute but you don’t have to!!!

🫧 anon

(the emoji is bubbles for those on laptop tumblr <3)

OMG OMG OMG I LOVE IT! Don't apologise for anything I love getting asks so even if it was 'wrong' (it's not, you're perfect well done) I would not be upset whatsoever!!

I hope you like it! And I'm sorry it took so long and is kinda short!

Masterpost Link

All's Fair in Love and War

Sleepovers truly have the most inaccurate name.

I mean, who actually sleeps at a sleepover?

Tonight was one such night. After a dinner date, movie marathons, and plenty of snacks, it was past 2am and Nick and Charlie were far from sleepy. They were also far from making a damn decision.

Nick was throwing out suggestions, flicking through Netflix for their next movie.

He was one of those weird people who just had to be standing when using the TV remote (and Charlie found it adorable).

Nick turned his head over his shoulder. "How about Call Me By Your Name?"

"Aww you cute little gay nerd." Charlie teased from the couch behind him.

"Says you mathlete!" Nick taunted back.

"Hey!" Charlie laughed, grabbing the nearest (soft) object and throwing it haphazardly at his boyfriend.

Nick scoffed playfully. "You did not just do that."

"Oh I did. In fact, I'll do it again."

A second pillow met Nick Nelson's perfect face.

"Right!" Nick boomed as he got to his feet, shooting sparks of giggly fear through Charlie's very soul. "That's it."

Charlie squeaked as he quickly blocked an oncoming pillow attack, grabbing the case and flinging it back at his assailant.

The fluffy weaponry fired from either side of the warzone-turned-livingroom. Each soldier giving their all in battle. Blocks, parries, dodges and ducks all working in tandem to (mostly) keep the fighters out of harms way.

But it didn't always work out.

After a solid whack to the face, Nick (obviously giving up on the pillow technique) sprinted towards the guilty party and tackled him to the ground.

"New tactic!" He grinned as he took the boy in a backwards bear hug, letting his fingers dig into Charlie's sides.

The poor boy yelped before bubbly giggles poured out of his mouth. He half-wrestled half-squirmed against Nick's strong arms, unable to reach out to grab a pillow and beat his boyfriend off of him for fear of Nick's hands climbing higher.

"NIHIHIHICK!" Charlie squealed, opting to try and wrap his arms around himself in protection.

"You started this you dork!" Nick grinned, knowing his words were unbearably tickly this close to Charlie's ears.

"PLEHEHEASE I SUHUHUREHEHENDER!"

"Nuh uh!" Nick nuzzled his chin into Charlie's neck. "You don't get to escape that easily!"

As Charlie reached his breaking point, he desperately spun around and somehow ended up with his chest against Nick's. The move took his boyfriend completely by surprise.

Seizing the opportunity, he pressed a giggly kiss to Nick's unsuspecting lips. Oddly enough, Nick stopped his ticklish onslaught and pressed further into the exchange.

All violence was forgotten, and the two turned from aggressive opponents to addicted lovers. As their lips continued to dance, Nick's hands crept up into Charlie's hair and around the back of his neck (something Nick knew made Charlie weak at the knees). Charlie followed suit, one hand wrapping around Nick's hip and the other...

Well...

*WHACK!*

Charlie burst into laughter at his stunned boyfriend, completely caught unawares by the violent pillow assault.

"Really Char, you wanna go round 2?" Nick smirked.

He didn't wait for an answer. Cause, after all...

All's fair in love and war.

[strandnreyes]

Ten Random Lines

thanks for the tag @rmd-writes @welcometololaland and @liminalmemories21 !!

Rules: pick any ten of your fics, scroll to the midpoint, pick a line (or three) and share it. Then tag ten some people.

ONE: sweet nothing

“What?” Carlos hums against his ear, unable to resist the urge to nip at his jaw.

TK presses back instinctively and says, “If they can hear me laugh then they would definitely hear me when you make me scre—”

Carlos clamps a hand down over TK’s mouth. “Say that a little louder, why don’t you?”

TWO: as if you were a mythical thing

“I didn’t know you wore glasses,” he says quietly and then closes his mouth, like he didn’t mean to say that out loud.

Carlos takes them off, it feels too personal to have TK see him like that when he doesn’t know where they stand anymore. “They’re just for reading.”

TK nods, his hand clenching and unclenching at his side as he lingers at the edge of the blanket. “I saw you come down here. Can I sit?”

THREE: secret moments in a crowded room

TK barely pays attention as the presenter goes through the nominees for the only reason he’s even here, but the polite claps and pasted grins from those around him as a different group makes their way to the stage makes it pretty obvious that the film announced wasn’t theirs.

He can’t say he’s all that disappointed if he’s being honest. He might not be going home as an Oscar winner, but he’s going home with an Oscar winner and there’s an allure to that that’s unbeatable.

FOUR: to live for the hope of it all

“We still have the other flare. There’s still…” he turns around. “I’ll go—”

“TK, don’t.” Carlos’ hollow voice stops TK in his tracks. “It’s gone. It’s over.”

“Carlos.”

FIVE: one single thread

“Is it bad that I don’t want to go back tomorrow?” He asks, tipping his head against the side of the couch as he watches Carlos also put away his things.

“You like teaching,” he reminds him.

“I like spending time with you more,” TK counteracts, poking his thigh with his toe and basking in the way he shakes his head and flushes. “C’mere.”

SIX: yours for the weekend

“I sound like an asshole for being upset that everyone inside is happy,” he laughs humorlessly.

“No you don’t.” Calros bumps their shoulders together but the contact is gone way too soon. “You sound like someone who misses his friends.”

TK bounces his leg and stares at the crack in the concrete under his feet before whispering, “They’re not the only ones I miss.”

SEVEN: pushing deadlines

“Are you sure this is okay?”

Carlos nods. “They think I’m about to have a one night stand with you, so yes. It’s okay.”

TK smiles, stepping in closer now that he knows he’s allowed. “Does that mean I get to kiss you?”

EIGHT: haunted by the ghost of you

“Look, TK hasn’t told me what happened between you two-”

“Oh,” Carlos laments. “We don’t have to—”

“But,” Owen barrels on, ignoring his protests. “I know my son, and sometimes he does things and says things that he doesn’t really mean.”

NINE: pushing boundaries

“You drive me crazy,” Carlos says breathlessly. “Sitting there, chewing on the end of your pen while I’m trying to work.”

TK’s smirk says he knows exactly what he was doing. “Oh, sorry.” His eyes twinkle. “Am I distracting you? Because I can let you get back to it,” he suggests, making a move to stand up.

Carlos’ hands force him back down, kissing the words ‘shut up’ into the skin of his neck.

TEN: the one he’s walking to

Carlos turns his head just slightly to the left to press his lips against his temple. “Are you ready to get out of here?” he murmurs into his ear.

“Ditching our own party?” TK teases in a way that indicates he isn’t all that opposed to the idea.

“I can’t help it. My husband looks damn good in his tux.”

If you want to be tagged, this is me tagging you!

[morganaspendragonss]

lost at sea, swimming back to shore (3/?)

i never said this was going to only be three chapters what are you talking about tk parts by me, carlos parts by @tarlos-spain! ao3 | 1.1k | self-done first aid, (incorrectly) presumed character death

His eyelids are so heavy.

All of his muscles ache fiercely and the open wounds that must be littering his skin scream as sand mixes with salty water to create a burning agony. His body wants nothing more than to sleep, and his brain is struggling to come up with reasons to resist.

There’s nothing to fight against anymore, no waves throwing him around like a rag doll, no fear or panic to keep him awake. He can just lie here, feeling the ocean lap at his legs, weighted down by exhaustion and his soaked clothes, and let the darkness carry him away. It would be so easy, so simple…

But—

“Good morning, husband.”

Carlos’s face, lit up with a smile as they stand at the chuppah on their wedding day.

The taste of salty tears on his lips as they kiss as husbands for the first time.

The squeezing of a hand, the warm weight of their bodies pressing together, the whisper of his voice in his ear.

“I do.”

TK’s eyes snap open.

He has to survive.

*

TK is alive, Carlos is sure of it; he can’t let himself be carried away by fear and that little voice in his head. TK is somewhere, alive. He’d fallen from the boat, but he’d been able to find…something, anything to hold onto. The sea has to be full of stuff, and TK had found something and now he’s safe, or at least back on land, and he’s trying to get in touch with him.

He looks at his phone again; he checks it every minute, every few seconds, waiting for a message or a missed call — even a post on Instagram. Anything that would give him the hope he needs to believe that TK is okay.

But there’s nothing, just like the other hundreds of times he’d checked.

“Mr Reyes.”

Carlos looks up, his untouched coffee and plate of food still lying in front of him. “It’s Strand-Reyes now.”

“Pardon me, sir. The captain has decided that we need to keep going. We’ve been searching the area for a long time and there’s been no sign of your husband.”

“You mean TK is dead?”

Carlos looks at the man in front of him. He must be a couple of years younger than he himself is and he isn’t to blame for anything, but Carlos needs to take his emotions out on something, or, in this case, someone.

“No. It’s possible that the current took him in any direction, and there are lots of small islands around here. It’s possible that—”

“Can’t we go to those islands?”

“Mr Strand-Reyes…”

Carlos nods. “I know. We don’t know where TK could be and the cruise can’t waste more time on a wild goose chase.”

He stands up and walks out of the cafeteria. He’s tired of this corner of the boat, tired of people treating him as though he’s made of glass, and, what’s more, he just wants to go back to his cabin. If Carlos could have his way, he would lock himself inside.

He showers but, though he’s exhausted — and looks it — he doesn’t want to get into bed. He doesn’t want to sleep or dream; he doesn’t want nightmares. So, after what feels like an eternity, he puts on jeans and a hoodie, not realising at first that it’s one of TK’s. The smell of his husband makes him cry, and so Carlos hugs his legs and lets himself go for a while.

After, more tired than before — if that’s even possible — he picks up his phone again. No news is good news, right? Or, at least, it’s not bad news.

He thinks about calling Owen, but immediately thinks better of it. What could he tell his father-in-law? How could he tell him that TK might be dead somewhere in the middle of the ocean?

Then he thinks about calling his mother, but that’s not a good idea either. Calling his mother would mean more crying; crying until he falls asleep, until he accepts that he won’t see TK again.

Instead, he does something even more stupid. His phone is full of photos and videos of TK, so Carlos lies down on the bed and starts to scroll.

“You’re alive, TK, I know it, I can feel it. I’ve always known that the day you…the day you don’t come back to me, I’ll feel it. Something will change inside me and I’ll know. Today is not that day.”

*

In theory, TK knows how to make a splint. Improvising is half of his job; he wouldn’t be where he is now if he didn’t know how to work with what he had.

But there’s a difference between tourniqueting someone else’s wound in mid-air with a coffee pot, a seatbelt and a prayer, and splinting his own broken leg, alone, with whatever else washed up on the beach with him.

It’s a gruesome wound, and TK also knows how to deal with those — but not when it’s his bone sticking through the skin of his leg, and his blood turning the sand red underneath him.

His hands shake as he gathers everything he can reach from around him, the thought of moving more than necessary sending a rush of bile up his throat. He spits up on the sand and takes a moment to close his eyes and breath deeply, trying to mentally prepare himself for what comes next.

But no amount of preparation in the world would be enough, as TK quickly finds out when he tries to put his leg back in place. He can’t keep himself from screaming, though he supposes it’s one thing that can’t hurt — maybe it’ll attract someone’s attention, though, given his luck so far, TK doubts it. He fights through the pain to start wrapping the water-logged remnants of his clothes around his leg. 

Then the hard part, though it’s not like it’s been a cakewalk up to this point. TK doesn’t even know if he’s going to be able to do this, but he has to if he wants to see Carlos again.

That thought is the only thing keeping him going, the only thing that gets him through sandwiching his leg between two soggy pieces of driftwood and securing it with some fishing net he’d almost torn his fingernails off trying to untangle.

The effort leaves him dizzy, black spots dancing in his vision, and TK has to fight hard to keep from passing out. His entire leg feels like it’s made of liquid fire, the pain across the rest of his body a mere bruise in comparison. There’s no doubt about it though; he’s in bad shape everywhere, and he needs to get help soon if he wants to get out of this.

So, despite the agony, despite his leg, despite the blackness threatening to consume him, TK grabs a stick and levers himself upright.

He wobbles slightly, vertigo almost overpowering him, but he manages to stay on his feet.

TK takes a deep, shaky breath. 

And then a step.

[noxsoulmate]

Commiseration Tuesday

@cold-blooded-jelly-doughnut, what a wonderful idea:

With AO3 temporarily down, lots of us are sad at not being able to read when we wanted to! With that in mind, I’m taking the opportunity to invite you guys to share a little something from a WIP to keep us going through the downtime! Preferably something we haven’t shared before, but whatever works for you!

Thanks for tagging me, @detective-giggles, @heartstringsduet, @wtfuckevenknows, and @bonheur-cafe 🥰

Seeing how ao3 is still down, I'll just continue with this game, and since I can't share the Rev Bang fics I've been working on lately, you'll get some more from the "hand over mouth"-smut fic 😏 this time with the truly smutty part - I'll put it under the cut since it's explicit.

Sliding back into TK was another kind of coming home. One that had him press his lips against TK’s neck so he wouldn’t scream out loud; one that had him snake his hand around and cover TK’s mouth to keep him from waking the entire station as well. He gave them both a moment to adjust before he fully let loose on all his desire that had built up over three months, four days, thirteen hours – give or take a few minutes. During all that time, Carlos had often wondered how their reunion would be. Given the way they had been with each other for a long while now, he often envisioned gentle love-making, gazing into each other’s eyes, their harmonic silence interrupted only by their moans and sweet nothings whispered between them. Except for the silence, it was anything but. It was fast and dirty and hard, the way they had been in their early days; the way they still often liked it now, true, but it still surprised Carlos how greedy they both were for it now. He had to keep his hand over TK’s mouth the entire time, able to hear his husband moan and groan and even whimper into it. There was never a chance that TK would’ve been able to stay quiet, not without Carlos’ help. Carlos fared only slightly better, pressing his face back into TK’s neck whenever it became too much. The rest of the time he peppered TK’s shoulders, neck, and back with gentle bites and kisses; he murmured into his ear the most filthiest things he’d thought of whenever he’d been lonely in that motel room and had needed a way to find release; nibbled on his earlobe and sucked hickeys into his neck, claiming his husband back, letting him whine with pleasure all he wanted – his hand caught every sound.

Tagging:

@catanisspicy, @chaotictarlos, @ravens-words, @sgirl18, @firstprince-history-huh, @rangergurlgleek1211, @shadesofdeviant, @actuallysara, @paperstorm, @meditating-honey-badger, @just-inside-her, @alidravana, @morganaspendragonss, @lire-casander, @otter-love-asl, @ramblingdisaster73, @first-kanaphan, @xtltokio, @buckybarnesalways, @mangacat201, @carlos-in-glasses, @lightningboltreader

[scattered-winter]

🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

TK’s departure was a solemn affair.

Gwyneth was waiting for him at the train station, packed lunch in hand; she’d kissed her son’s cheek and pressed the paper bag into his hands, fussing over his folded shirt collar and the strands of hair that kept escaping his infantry cap.

Carlos stood a few feet away, hesitating, wanting to move closer but unsure if he should do so. It was so much easier when they were sitting on that roof, when want and desire and whispered vows came as easily as breathing. But here, on the ground, surrounded by the bustle of a train station, with TK’s mother patting his cheek and packing and repacking his bag, that rooftop felt as distant as a dream.

But then TK was standing in front of him, a small, sad smile ticking at the corners of his lips. Carlos didn’t need any urging to fold himself into TK’s embrace, and it was the hardest thing he’d ever done to not bury his face into TK’s shoulder and breathe in every part of him.

“I’ll write,” he murmured into TK’s shoulder, and tried to ignore the way TK’s breath hitched around him. Almost like he was holding in a sob.

TK pulled back, sooner than Carlos wanted, but they had already been hugging for too long and Carlos could feel the suspicious gazes of passerby as they finally pulled apart. TK’s jaw worked, like he was trying to find the words, but after a moment he just clapped a hand onto Carlos’ shoulder and tried to smile.

“I’ll be back before you know it,” he said, but the cheer in his voice was strained.

“I’ll write,” Carlos said again, or thought he did. The blood was rushing in his ears, so loudly he couldn’t hear his own voice.

TK’s hand was lingering on Carlos’ shoulder, the tips of his fingers brushing against the nape of his neck, feather-light like a breath of air.

Then the train whistle was blowing, shrill and piercing, and Gwyneth was calling for TK to hurry before he missed his train, and TK was gone, jogging to the train and clambering aboard seconds before it began to pull away from the station.

Carlos wasn’t sure if TK could even see him in the mix of people seeing their soldiers off. But he waved until the train disappeared around the bend anyway.

[tkstrrand]

TARLOS FIC (SAFEHOUSE AU) - CHAPTER 10 🖤

5K • READ ON AO3 • CHAPTER 10/12

Chapter title:  You find a way to survive, the world doesn't stop turning for anyone.

Chapter summary: TK and Carlos work out how; and if, they're able to move forward

—— preview ——

One week left.  

TK tried to concentrate on the trees swaying above him, and how the light peaked through the leaves. He tried to listen to the wind scattering across the land and the water lapping at the edge of the lake.

TK’s hands rested on his chest, TK opting to try and focus on the music playing from the one earbud he had in.

TK had spent most of the day outside, opting not to come in for lunch.

He heard soft steps coming up from behind, TK knowing who they belonged to in an instance, “Time to go inside?” He asked as the steps stopped beside him.

Carlos hovered close, “It’s starting to get dark,” The man said.

It was hours from darkness and despite the circumstances, TK couldn’t help but smile at the man’s concern. The way that despite everything, TK’s comfort and safety were always at the forefront of his mind, “Hey,” Carlos gently said, “What you thinking about?” He asked, the anxiety clear in his voice, his words eerily similar to what had started their argument a few days ago.

“I’m going to miss being by the water,” He said, “I think this is the longest I’ve been in the wilderness for,” It wasn’t rambling per say, but TK was just speaking, letting the words tumble out of his lips without thinking, just needing to fill the void, “Me and my dad tried to go camping when I was a kid but we only made it a few days,” He sighed, reaching up to pull the earbud from his ear. TK pulled himself up, his knees drawn up and his arms resting on them.

Carlos lowered himself to the ground, sitting next to him, his shoulder pressed against TK’s, “What’s going on?” he asked.

A lot, TK thought.

“The trial,” he said.

Carlos sighed, “It's normal to be nervous, what you’re doing is-“

“It’s not that,” TK said, shaking his head slightly...

[Read the rest on ao3]

[meditating-honey-badger]

Pretty Penny

Chapter 2

“Is everything ok, TK?” Carlos asked as they climbed into bed. “You’ve been quiet since we dropped Penny off.” He rolled onto his side and opened his arms to TK, who crawled into them, letting Carlos be the big spoon.

“I can’t stop thinking of Penny and how shitty her situation is. She hasn’t had anyone on her side, not since the two of us grew apart. I’ve had so many people in my life who have pulled me out of the gutter more times than I can count, people who never gave up on me. She needs someone on her side.”

“And you feel like you should be that person?” Carlos asked without judgment.

“Yeah, I do. It can’t be a coincidence that our paths crossed again. She needs somebody, and I’m finally at a place in my life where I can actually help her. Do you think I’m crazy?”

“Yes,” Carlos said, kissing TK behind the ear. “But that’s why I love you so much. Your heart is so big, TK, and you want to help everybody, no matter the risk. You make my life very stressful, but I wouldn’t want you any other way.”

“So you won’t be upset with me if I help Penny out?”

“No, baby.” Carlos took TK’s hand in his and held it against TK’s chest. “I’m gonna worry like hell about you getting your heart broken, but that’s my job, isn’t it? Protecting your heart?”

A tear threatened to escape TK’s eye, and he sniffled. How in the hell did he get so lucky with this man, this wonderful, stubborn man who had refused to let him walk away and had pulled him in closer every time TK tried to push him away? He picked up Carlos’s hand and kissed him on the wrist, where his heart beat strong and steady against TK’s lips.

“Come here,” Carlos said in a hoarse whisper. TK rolled over and pressed his pelvis against Carlos, sliding one leg in between his so that they tangled together. Carlos kissed TK tenderly, one hand cupping his cheek while he ran the fingers of the other through TK’s hair. "I’ve got you,” he said in TK’s ear.

Finish Reading on AO3

[howtosingit]

That Tarlos scene has my mind beyond in the gutter it’s like on ground zero rn but the finger motions Carlos made when he was walking backwards towards the stairs... pause📸 MY MIND IS SUCH A MESS GOODNIGHT

The tone of that whole scene though 😶😶😶 he is in, like, prime seduction mode and my brain definitely falls out of my ears every time I watch it. God damn, to have a boyfriend like Carlos Reyes... *activate endless gay yearning*