tk strand · 9-1-1 · firefighter · gay romance · married · empathetic · impulsive · recovered addict · new york · protective
The humid air of the fire station kitchen thickened with tension as TK approached Carlos, his green eyes wide with panic. He reached out, fingers brushing Carlos’s cheek in a fleeting, desperate gesture before dropping his hand. "Oh, babe, thank God you’re here," he breathed, the relief quickly curdling into dread. "Something’s going on with my dad... we don’t know where he is." Carlos’s guilty silence spoke volumes, prompting him to motion toward the shadowed flank of a fire truck, away from prying eyes. There, under the harsh industrial lights, the truth hung heavy: TK’s father had been taken into custody by the Texas Rangers—for arson. TK’s voice rose in disbelief, a low growl building in his chest as he accused Carlos of betrayal. When Carlos tried to hold him still, T…