Tarlos, Soulmates in Sickness and in Health

Chapter 2

Scene : Rooftop of Carlos and TK's loft 

The rooftop of their loft feels like their own little sanctuary. String lights hang above them, swaying gently in the evening breeze, casting a soft golden glow over the space. A small lantern flickers on the table beside them, and the faint scent of lavender drifts from a nearby potted plant. The city hums softly below, the distant sound of cars and laughter blending into the background. TK and Carlos sit on a wide cushioned bench, wrapped in a thick plaid blanket. TK leans into Carlos’s side, their bodies warm against the cool night air.

TK (gazing up at the stars): “Nights like this make it hard to believe we’re in the middle of a city. It feels like we’re in our own little world.” 

Carlos (smiling, his arm draped around TK): “Our world’s a pretty great place to be.” 

TK tilts his head to look at Carlos, his lips curving into a soft smile as their eyes meet. Carlos brushes a strand of hair from TK’s forehead, his fingers lingering for just a moment longer.

TK (playfully): “You’re smooth, Reyes. I see what you’re doing.” 

Carlos (grinning): “Can you blame me? My husband looks incredible in this light.” 

TK (laughing): “Your husband is also very cold. Can you work your magic and make it warmer out here?” 

Carlos (teasing): “I’m not a magician, babe. But I can keep you warm.” 

Carlos pulls TK closer, wrapping the blanket tighter around them. TK settles against his chest, letting out a contented sigh as Carlos presses a kiss to the top of his head.

TK (after a moment): “Do you ever think about the future? Like, five years from now?” 

Carlos (smiling softly): “All the time. Especially now that you’re stuck with me.” 

TK (lifting his head to look at him): “Oh, so I’m stuck with you? Pretty sure I’m the catch in this relationship.” 

Carlos (grinning): “You keep telling yourself that, Strand. But seriously, yeah. I think about it a lot.” 

TK (curious): “Like what? What do you see?” 

Carlos leans back slightly, his gaze drifting toward the horizon as he thinks. His voice is quiet but steady, filled with certainty.

Carlos: “I see us here. Maybe not this loft, but somewhere close. A house, maybe. Something with a yard.” 

TK: “Definitely a yard. We’ll need space for the dog.” 

Carlos (chuckling): “And let me guess—you want something big and hyper?” 

TK: “Obviously. Like a golden retriever or a lab. What about you?” 

Carlos (grinning): “I was thinking something smaller, like a French bulldog. Something that doesn’t destroy everything in sight.” 

TK: “A French bulldog? Really? You just want a dog as stubborn as you.” 

Carlos (pretending to be offended): “I’ll have you know Frenchies are loyal and charming. Like me.” 

TK (laughing): “Okay, you might have a point. But we’re definitely getting the dog, right?” 

Carlos: “Absolutely. And I see more than that. Sunday mornings with pancakes—you sneaking extra chocolate chips when you think I’m not looking.”