Butterflies
26k, E. Now complete and on Ao3.
As TK and Carlos embrace parenthood together, moving into a new house coincides with the second anniversary of Gabriel’s death, and both Carlos and Jonah are struggling with their sleep. But there’s another second anniversary coming up – and one sleepless night, Carlos finds inspiration through Jonah for how to celebrate two years married to TK.
Chapter 1 - Lullaby: While Carlos, TK and Jonah settle into their new house, an unresolved issue involving his dad begins to surface for Carlos - and Chief Bridges is on his mind too.
Chapter 2 - Dreamers: A sleepy Carlos reflects on the times TK has given him butterflies, the decision to adopt Jonah, and the downfall of Chief Bridges – and how everything is linked.
Chapter 3 - Lamplight: When Carlos wakes from a nightmare involving Bridges and Gabriel, both TK and Jonah help him in their different ways – and Carlos recalls telling his mom the truth about Bridges.
Chapter 4 - Porchlight: TK and Carlos' second wedding anniversary arrives, and Carlos finds peace with his family in an imperfect but beautiful world.
Carlos stands still, shakes his head. “Carlos?” “I get it,” Carlos says, smiling as his eyes well with tears, silvery in the low winter sunlight. “I’m the one who needed to get it. It was me.” “Get what?” TK looks at him quizzically. “Baby?” Carlos lets out a breathy laugh, gazes back at him with wonder as a tear slips down his cheek. “Baby–” TK brushes the tear away with his thumb and keeps his hand on Carlos’ cheek. “What did you need to get?” Carlos takes a deep breath, leans into TK’s hand. “Where all this love comes from,” he says. TK chuckles. “What do you mean?” “Baby. I want us to adopt Jonah. I’m ready.”
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