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Disclaimer: I don't own Tarlos unfortunately or it would never be ending. Also I apologise for any medical errors.
Notes: I knew there were three missing scenes I wanted to write for this episode, and how they each started…but ending? That was a different matter….
Anyway: MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! Here's a late day present!
Tommy’s P.O.V:
The hospital's ambulance entrance was unnervingly quiet, considering the gravity of their call. Tommy quickly jumped down from the side door, leaving TK to handle bringing the patient out from the back. Only a lone security guard stood watch at the entrance, while another paramedic team disappeared into the shadows of the hospital’s interior.
“Where’s the trauma team?”
“The radio nurse just told me to stand by,” Nancy replied, approaching from the driver’s side of the ambulance. “They’re still waiting for the transplant nephrologist to finish lunch.”
Tommy's jaw tightened. “To hell with that,” she said, annoyed, pointing toward the building. “Nancy, go into the commissary and get that doctor yourself if you have to.”
Nancy gave a sharp nod. “Copy, Cap. On my way to ruin lunch.” Without wasting another second, she turned and quickly jogged through the doors.
A faint thump followed by a startled yelp drew her attention back to the rig, the vehicle shaking unnaturally. A cold wave of unease swept over her as she stepped closer, catching sight of the saline bags and tangled tubes spilled across the concrete, just as the sharp clink of a silver oxygen tank rolling aimlessly echoed through the newfound, eerie stillness. The air felt charged, heated with an unspoken realization. Tommy's heart pounded as she moved faster, rounding the back of the bus with growing concern.
“TK, hey!” Tommy called; her voice sharp. He was sprawled awkwardly in the narrow gap between the bench and the gurney—now noticeably empty—one arm draped behind his head, unmoving. Her hands instinctively went to support his head, gently shaking his forearm. “TK, hey.”
A low groan escaped as he shifted, slow and pained but Tommy let out a breath of relief. “TK, can you hear me?”
“Oh, he got me good, Cap.” TK winced, his voice strained as he reached up to clutch his eye.
“Yeah.” Tommy frowned, tilting her head to study the bruise already forming. “Yeah. Yeah, I can see that.”
TK didn’t seem to take notice. “Where is he?” he groaned, struggling to pull himself up in the tight space.
Tommy turned around, her gaze scanning the area with a new mix of frustration. “Gone.”
“Sorry, Cap…” TK murmured, his voice seemingly distant behind her. “I don’t know what happened.”
Tommy turned back around, her expression softening as she took in the sight of her paramedic and friend slumped against the gurney. Her concern deepened. “No, not your fault. Are you okay?”
TK gave a shaky nod, but the movement caused him to wince. “Yeah, I’m fine. Not the first time I’ve been clocked. Just—just give me a minute.”
Tommy raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. “Let me see.”
She stepped up into the ambulance, gently supporting TK as he slowly rose from the floor and eased himself onto the abandoned gurney. With a careful touch, she tilted his head again, her fingers brushing his jaw to guide his face into the light. The soft glow highlighted the swelling around his eye, making the damage painfully clear.
“This is swelling pretty intensely for a punch. Did—” Her voice trailed off as her gaze swept back to the oxygen tank discarded behind them, suspicion filling her. Their patient hadn’t been on oxygen, so there was no reason for it to be out… unless. Tommy’s heart dropped, and her tone shifted to one of seriousness. “Except it wasn’t a fist, was it? You were hit with that tank, weren’t you?”
TK winced again, his body tensing as he tried to sit up straighter, his fingers instinctively finding the spot on his face as soon as her hands left it. “Yeah… yeah, now that you mention it, it feels like I did.”
“Come on,” she urged, her tone firm but laced with a hint of warmth, “Let’s get inside. You’re getting checked out.”
“No, I’m good, Cap,” TK protested, pushing himself to his feet, clearly determined to carry on like nothing had happened. “He was barely awake. Just caught me off guard. It’s nothing.”
“TK, you’re not fine,” she disputed, her tone firm with authority, and his resistance crumbled with a defeated sigh.
“Alright... but I’m walking myself.”
He hopped down from the ambulance a little too quickly, his legs unsteady beneath him. Tommy braced his shoulder, keeping him steady as she stepped down beside him. The security guard, who had seemingly moved closer at the sound of the commotion, shifted his expression to one of seriousness as they rounded the bus. His hand hovered near the radio on his shoulder.
“Hey,” he called out, his voice low but urgent. “Do you need me to organize a search?”
Tommy gave him a thankful nod. “Male, blue shirt, covered in blood. He couldn’t have gotten far; he needs immediate medical attention.”
The guard quickly acknowledged her, speaking swiftly into his radio as Tommy guided TK inside. He squinted at the harsh glow of the hospital’s fluorescent lights and the loud, steady hum of the ER that enveloped them. As they approached the intake desk, the nurse behind the counter looked up, his sharp gaze immediately locking onto TK’s condition, an unusual contrast to their paramedic uniforms.
“What happened?” he asked, his voice brisk with professional concern.
“Our patient absconded,” she explained, “He got hit with an oxygen tank.”
The nurse didn’t waste a moment, immediately signalling for a team to assist as they guided a mildly protesting TK into an empty cubicle.
“Why is it always me?” TK groaned, throwing his head back dramatically as he settled onto the bed, frustration clear in his voice.
“I don’t have an answer to that one, bud,” Tommy replied apologetically from the doorway, stepping back to let a nurse through with an ice pack for him.
At that moment, Nancy appeared from one of the side corridors, stopping short when she saw Tommy. “Cap?” she called, confusion evident in her voice. Her eyes then widened as she took in the sight of TK, gingerly holding the cold compress to his eye. “Whoa, man! I’ve been gone for two minutes.”
TK scowled at the tease, despite the pain clearly giving him away. “Please don’t. I didn’t ask to take an oxygen tank to the face, you know.”
“An oxygen tank?” Nancy’s eyes narrowed, her concern deepening. “What the hell happened?”
“Nancy,” Tommy intervened before they could start any playful bickering. “Why don’t you check with security and radio dispatch if our patient is still on the loose?”
Nancy nodded, her expression shifting between understanding and focus. Without another word, she disappeared back out of the ER.
As the nurses slowly filed out of the room, Tommy moved back to TK's side, a silent promise between them. The quiet didn’t last long before the door slid open again, and a doctor entered with a purposeful air.
“Hey there, I'm Dr. Carter,” he said, his voice warmer than expected. “How’re you feeling, Paramedic Strand?" he added, reading TK's uniform.
“Just TK,” He returned, offering a tight smile, knowing what the doctor was really asking. “I’m alright. A little dizzy at first, but no sickness.”
The doctor nodded and stepped closer; his hands steady as he gently removed the ice pack from TK's face. He began examining the area around TK’s eye and cheek, his touch light but thorough. As the doctor pressed lightly, TK winced slightly, his face tightening in discomfort.
“How’s the pain on a scale of one to ten? Any light sensitivity?” the doctor asked, his tone calm and steady.
TK blinked before answering. “No, just a normal headache. It's not throbbing or anything,” he disclosed with a shrug. “Maybe a five, but I don’t need anything for it.”
The doctor gave a small, understanding nod before glancing between Tommy and TK, his expression thoughtful. “I’d say you were lucky. No facial fractures—just a mild concussion, at worst.” He paused for a beat before continuing. “We’ll keep an eye on you for a little while, but if everything stays stable, you should be able to go home and rest. You know what to look out for if anything changes, right?”
“If the headache gets worse, I start vomiting, or I get any confusion, double vision, or coordination issues, I should come back,” TK listed, automatically.
“Don’t worry, someone will keep an eye on him," Tommy added, though she had to contain a smile at TK's eagerness.
The doctor smiled reassuringly. “Okay. I’ll check in again in half an hour. Let the nurse know if you change your mind about wanting anything for the pain, alright?”
“Thanks, doc.” TK nodded, but his face clearly showed he was not planning to take up that offer.
As the doctor stepped out, Nancy reappeared in the doorway, clearly having been waiting outside to give them some privacy.
“No sign of him,” she reported with a frustrated sigh. “I contacted dispatch. They’re passing it up the chain to APD. A detective should be at the station later today.”
“Great. Just what we need,” TK groaned, his voice thick with exasperation, shoulders slumping. “Why did it have to be today? My dad’s gonna lose it. He’s been stressing about this dinner for weeks.”
“Sounds like you’re in for an interesting night ahead.”
TK shot her a sharp look, then softened, his expression pleading. “Actually, can one of you explain to my dad why my uncle’s first impression of me is going to be my black eye instead?”
~*~TARLOS~*~
TK’s P.O.V
No, but seriously, though, how does a guy who looked like a vegetable at the accident scene just get up and hit you with a right cross? – Mateo
The laughter and chatter in the firehouse kitchen had become too much for TK. He wasn’t in the mood to deal with it, especially after having to explain—again—how it wasn’t just a fist that had struck him. He’d seized the first opportunity to escape he could, his feet moving on autopilot as he sought the quiet solitude of the bunkroom to collect himself. But as he reached the top of the stairs, a voice called out behind him.
“TK.”
He stopped mid-step, the sound of Tommy’s familiar tone cutting through the haze of his thoughts. He turned around to see her standing in the doorway to her office, one hand resting on the doorframe, the other beckoning him forward. As he neared, he saw the detective from the APD still sitting in her office, and he understood why his presence was required. Instead of inviting him in, however, Tommy shut the door completely.
“How are you holding up?” she asked, her voice gentle.
“Good. Just tired,” he answered. It was mostly truthful.
“Well, Detective McGregor just needs to have a quick word with you, but then you’re free to head home and get some rest.”
TK blinked, immediately ready to protest. It wasn’t even midday yet, and their shift didn’t end until five.
“Cap, we’re only three hours into shift. I can rest here,” he said, gesturing toward the bunk room as if that should settle the matter. But Tommy merely raised an eyebrow.
“And you’ve already had enough excitement for twice that.” She returned, unyielding. “You heard the doctor.”
Going home didn’t sound so bad, if he was honest with himself. Carlos was at the loft—he had the day off—and while he wasn’t eager to explain what had happened, he knew he’d have to face it eventually, especially with dinner that night. It wasn’t exactly something he could hide. Better to rip the Band-Aid off, so to speak.
He shot off a quick message, trying to keep it light-hearted and without too much detail, but he knew whatever he wrote would cause his fiancé to worry. The unpredictability of a first responder’s shift was a reality they had both grown accustomed to, but it never stopped the underlying fear.
A reply buzzed back within seconds, and he slipped the phone back into his pocket. “There - Carlos is on his way, since I presume driving is definitely on the doctor’s no-go list,” he quipped lightly.
“Good. I’m sure he’ll be more than happy to keep an eye on you,” Tommy teased in return, her hand back on the office door. “Come on, this shouldn’t take long.”
TK followed her into the office, stepping into the open space. Detective McGregor stood inside, tall with nearly white, thinning hair, his stern expression giving him an air of authority. He gave TK a curt nod that seemed more businesslike than friendly. Tommy shut the door behind them but stayed out of the way by the entrance.
“Strand,” McGregor acknowledged, offering his hand. He shook it, his grip firm, though McGregor’s own barely made contact before he pulled away and sat back down. TK settled into one of the chairs opposite, feeling a bit uncomfortable at how easily the detective had taken over Tommy’s desk. He didn’t comment on it, but the space felt uneasy compared to how it usually did—more impersonal, somehow.
“I just need to take an official statement from you about the incident this morning,” McGregor began, flipping through some notes. “It’s important we find this guy as quickly as possible.”
“No problem,” TK tried to relax, though the tension in his shoulders was most certainly giving him away—at least to Tommy behind him. McGregor still hadn’t looked at him since the handshake. “I mean, he needs medical help, certainly. But he likely just woke up confused or and in pain. He didn’t intend to hurt me.”
“Yes, your captain has already explained how renal failure can affect behaviour.” There was something off in the way he said it—almost dismissive, like it didn’t matter. “But I’m afraid the case has become more complicated than you think.”
TK frowned, confusion creeping in. “What do you mean?”
Tommy spoke up from behind. “The transplant he had… It doesn’t seem to have been performed at any nearby hospital.”
TK’s stomach twisted, spinning in his seat, to look between them. “Are you saying he could have gotten a kidney on the black market?”
McGregor nodded. “Possibly. And that's not just about finding him. We need to track down where that kidney came from.”
TK’s mind raced. The information was jarring, but he nodded, trying to process it. Then, he grimaced apologetically. “Oh, I don’t think I can be much help, in that case. I was just opening the rear doors of the rig and unlocking the gurney’s wheels when I got hit.”
“He didn’t say anything before he struck you?” The detective pressed, voice clinical.
“Not really,” TK rubbed his head as fragments of the attack returned. “There was some mumbling, but nothing I could make out. I mean, he'd been unconscious, so I figured he was just waking up.” He shrugged faintly. “It’s what made me look up - and that just meant I took it to the face, not the head.”
McGregor’s brow puckered, frustration evident. “No warning?”
“No warning,” TK confirmed, regretfully. “I didn’t have time to react. After that, everything was kind of a blur until Captain Vega was there.”
“Alright,” he sighed, his voice tinged with impatience. “Let’s move on, then. What can you tell me about the initial incident site?”
~*~TARLOS~*~
Carlos’ P.O.V
Carlos was already on his phone, scrolling through Spotify to find his workout playlist when the text came through, blinking at him from the top of the screen.
TK: Can you pick me up pls? T called my shift ❤️
He was already moving, abandoning the exercise bike he’d been about to use, before the text had fully registered. The message seemed casual enough on the surface, but he’d learned how to read between the lines with his fiancé. For Tommy to release him so early from his shift, something must have occurred. There had been no alerts or notifications of any major incident in Austin that morning, but he hadn’t been keeping up with the news either. Years of being in a relationship with a first responder had taught him to avoid it. On the other hand, years of being one himself had also taught him that even the simplest call could escalate in an instant.
He also knew TK had driven to work that morning, so the fact that he was asking for a lift only deepened the pit in Carlos’ stomach. His feet carried him to the bedroom, his hands already reaching to switch his vest shirt for something more appropriate, even as he typed a quick reply.
Carlos: On my way ❤️
The fifteen minutes to the fire station had never felt so long, the silence heavy.
Stepping through the large bay doors, the low murmur of voices immediately drew him toward the kitchen in the back. Most of the team were gathered around the table, their usual casual nature standing in sharp contrast to the knot of anxiety in his stomach. His eyes swept over the group, the pressure twisting tighter as they settled on Nancy, with still no sign of TK.
“Hey, there he is!” Paul called out, raising his coffee cup in a mock salute. “Was thinkin’ you might show up soon.”
“Did Cap call TK’s shift?” Nancy queried, before shrugging with her own understanding. “I thought she might.”
“Yeah. She did,” Carlos replied, offering a half-smile to mask his discomfort, though the tension in his voice betrayed him. “Do you know where he is? He texted me to pick him up, but... is he okay?”
A few of the team exchanged quick glances, their eyes flicking between each other, as if trying to gauge how much he already knew—or, more accurately, how little.
“He didn’t say why?” Mateo face shifted from confusion to a playful grin. “Oh, just wait until you—” He was frozen mid-sentence by a sharp elbow from Marjan, her glare cutting through him like a blade. Though the playful banter had briefly settled some of Carlos' nerves, the exchanged looks and sudden silence now only deepened the weight of the situation.
“Alright, let 'em be,” Judd interjected firmly, breaking the tension. With a wave, he gestured upstairs “He’s finishing up with Tommy upstairs. You can head up.”
Nodding, grateful for Judd's direction, his attention wandered to the glass-fronted offices overlooking the bay. His gaze locked on Tommy’s office, where he saw TK standing with an unfamiliar man, their handshake a clear sign the meeting had just concluded. Over his shoulder, Tommy’s eyes met his eyes through the large window, offering an expectant, welcoming nod.
Backtracking through the firehouse, the man passed him at the foot of the staircase, barely sparing him a glance as Carlos stepped aside to let him through. In that fleeting moment, he caught sight of the badge clipped to the man’s belt. Law enforcement.
That couldn’t be good. The sight dredged up memories of past incidents—when Nancy had been questioned and later served for missing a DNR bracelet last year, or when he’d been suspended after the bank robbery call the year before. He didn’t want TK to go through the same doubt he’d felt, with every action scrutinized.
Tommy was waiting for him at the top of the stairs. “Hey, Carlos. TK’s just grabbing his stuff.” She added before he could even ask.
“Was there a detective here?” He asked, his voice tense.
“Just routine, but yes. I’ll let TK explain.” Tommy, sensing his concern, added, “He’s not in trouble.”
A sense of doubt remained, despite the assurance. She may have answered one question, but it had only brought other worrying possibilities back to the table. “Then, why..?”
"I'm okay, babe"
Carlos whirled around at the sound of TK's voice off to his side. He hadn’t changed out of his uniform; the duffel bag slung over his shoulder was hastily packed with his civilian clothes, but it was the dark, swollen bruise beneath his eye—stark against his pale skin—that immediately caught his attention. His fiancé’s posture was confident, his attempt at normalcy evident—but it only made him feel worse, no longer needing to ask why he’d been called early.
“I’ll give you two some space,” Tommy offered. “I’ll see you next shift, TK, but if you need extra time, just let me know.”
TK’s face, however, was set in mild resolve, his voice certain. “I’ll be good for it, Cap.”
Carlos met Tommy’s gaze, sharing a mix of reassurance and gratitude, before she headed downstairs—away from her office—giving them the privacy he desired.
“TK...” He murmured, his voice soft as he bridged the gap between them. TK melted into his embrace, his posture softening as he allowed the comfort to break through his defences. After a moment, Carlos pulled away, reaching up to gently touch the edge of the bruise, his fingers barely grazing the swollen skin, careful not to cause any discomfort.
“I’m okay. Looks worse than it is,” TK repeated, but he hadn’t quite managed to hide a wince despite his carefulness. He sighed heavily before there was even a chance to pry for a second, truthful answer. “Alright, mild concussion and a headache—but the doctor cleared me to go home.”
“What happened?” His voice was tight.
“It was just a freak thing,” TK began, leaning back into him. “A hit-and-run on Alvarado. The driver bailed, but it turned out the passenger was still under anaesthesia from a kidney transplant. I was about to unload at the hospital when the guy woke up and started swinging the oxygen tank at me.”
Carlos tensed. “He attacked you?” His voice broke with disbelief, his mind racing to imagine the impact, the weight of a metal oxygen tank hitting his fiancé and the damage it could have caused. The thought alone made his chest tighten, anger bubbling beneath the surface.
“Baby, baby. Relax.” TK gripped him tighter as if hoping his presence would calm him. “He wasn’t at full strength. Just clocked me good before bolting.”
Exhaling slowly, his heart still pounded, his voice was barely controlled. “Did they catch him?”
“Not yet.” He shrugged. “We thought he was just scared, confused—stuff like that can happen. The detective was just here to take my statement, but it turns out this is far from simple. Add the effects of a botched transplant to the fear of getting caught, and well—you can see the result.”
Carlos absorbed the weight of TK's words, piecing together the missing details. “Does he believe there’s an illegal organ trade in Austin?”
“Probably. Could be a one-off, but I doubt it. These kinds of operations take a lot of planning. Either way, they need to find him. He won't survive without treatment.”
“They will,” He assured, more for himself than anything. The tension Carlos had felt since the text first arrived was beginning to ease, but a trace lingered. His eyes scanned TK’s face, taking in the subtle signs of strain. “You sure you’re okay?”
“Yeah. Just worst timing.” TK sighed, his voice low, as he rubbed the back of his head. “I just want to get home and figure out how to explain this to Uncle Robert tonight.”
He frowned slightly. “You sure you’re still up for dinner? We can raincheck if you’re not feeling it.”
“I’ll be fine,” TK promised softly, though there was an edge of frustration in his voice. “Anyway, I don’t even know how long he’s in town for. It’s just crap we have to meet like this.”
A smirk tugged at his lips as he opened his mouth to reply, but a light jab hit his shoulder before he could. “And don’t make a joke about Strands and shiners. Judd already beat you to it.”
Carlos chuckled. His thoughts had actually been drifting to the memory of TK sitting across from him at the station, sporting a red eye and a matching busted lip—their third encounter. Judd’s addition of Owen to the mix was solid, but he wasn’t about to press his luck. “I wouldn’t. I wouldn’t.”
“Sure” TK countered, shooting him a sceptical look, non–injured eyebrow arched. After a pause, he added, “But seriously, do you think we can get through dinner without anyone making a big deal out of my face?”
Amusement sparked as he shook his head, his tone teasing. “We’ll see. You have met your dad, right?”
“I know…” TK groaned, but then, with mock optimism, added, “What’s the chance he’ll be on his best behaviour for Uncle Robert?”
Notes: I hope everyone enjoyed Christmas (if you celebrate). Thank you so much for reading!