Just a little Tarlos fic I’ve had in my drafts for a while. And look, I project my feelings onto my faves okay, and I am feeling very much like Carlos at the moment, so I thought this would be a good time to post. WC: 500 even
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“You’re late!”
TK shuts the door and freezes, his hand still on the lock. “I told you I would be.” He turns slowly and spies Carlos sitting on the couch, his knees up to his chest and TK’s throw blanket draped over his lap.
“I know, but…” Carlos holds up an envelope, unopened, and gives TK a look. “It came.”
“It? Wait, they don’t email those things to you?” TK toes off his shoes and hurries over, choosing to do a little hop over the arm of the couch instead of walking around.
“Nah. APD likes their paper trail.”
“You didn’t open it yet?”
Carlos shrugs. “I couldn’t… If I passed-”
“You did!” TK insists.
“If I passed,” Carlos starts again, “it would have been because of you. I want to share that with you.”
TK’s face softens, “you did all the work, babe.”
Carlos gives a bashful smile. He turns the envelope over in his hands but doesn’t attempt to tear into it.
“And you’re gonna open it now?” TK prompts.
“I… can’t. I’m too nervous.”
“Carlos…”
Carlos looks at the envelope in his hands and sighs. “I didn’t tell my dad. In case I blew it. I didn’t want him to be disappointed in me.”
“Carlos, you’re an amazing police officer. You have nothing to prove to your father. Or anyone else.”
“No, I know. It’s just… I’ve spent my entire life feeling like I wasn’t enough. What if this letter is telling me I’m not?”