Tarlos

Tarlos is the slash ship between T.K. Strand and Carlos Reyes from the 9-1-1: Lone Star fandom.

Season 1
 Pilot 

Carlos and TK first meet at a car accident where both the Austin PD and Austin FD are needed. Later, Carlos asks TK to dance whilst they are all at the bar at the end of their shift, to which TK agrees.

Yee-Haw

We see that TK and Carlos' relationship has progressed further as they meet up and head back to Carlos' place, where they have sex. After TK starts to get dressed, Carlos asks him if he's going to catch his breath. TK says that he's got work, however Carlos suggests going for a round two and driving him there. TK says that he's sweet, and hot, but likes to zone out before work. Carlos understands and yells to TK to text him.

Carlos texts TK to come over after their shifts, which TK does. Once inside Carlos' house, TK starts making out with him, but Carlos tells him to slow down. TK says that Carlos was the one to invite him over, and Carlos says that he did. TK then notices that the table is set for a nice dinner, much to his annoyance. He offers some champagne, but TK rejects. TK says that this is starting to feel like a "whole thing," which confuses Carlos. TK says that he thought they were clear on what was going on, and that he's not looking for a relationship. Carlos apologises. He says that he doesn't really do hooks-ups, but doesn't think it's too much to have a conversation first. TK gets up and starts to leave, but Carlos tries to get him to stay. TK says that he was the one who invited him over after midnight, to which Carlos retaliates saying that it was after both of their shifts. TK is about to say something, but just says that he's sorry for the misunderstanding and leaves.

Texas Proud

After TK is arrested after a bar fight, he's upset to find that Carlos is the one processing him. Carlos says it's a small town, and that because of this the one thing he learned about TK is his full name, Tyler Kennedy. TK asks if processing him would be a conflict of interest, but Carlos ignores it and lets TK know that no one is pressing charges. Carlos says that he's not trying to be his boyfriend, or even his friend, but TK should probably talk to someone about why he did something so suicidal. TK doesn't say anything and Carlos points out that he's got blood still on his lip and Carlos wipes it for him. TK thanks him, and apologises for being crazy with him the previous night. Carlos says that he's used to crazy, but TK admits that he just went through a bad breakup and ended up relapsing. Carlos assumes he meant with him, but TK clarifies that he meant with drugs. Carlos realizes that's why TK reacted so badly to alcohol and apologises. TK says that it's fine, but that everything has been numb since he got here. He just wanted to feel something. Carlos says that his busted lip means he probably accomplished that.

Later in the episode, when Michelle and Carlos are having a discussion, Michelle asks Carlos if he is seeing anybody. Carlos responds by saying that he doesn’t think he’s seeing anybody, which confuses Michelle. Carlos then elaborates, saying that he met someone, hooked up but then it got ‘weird.’ Michelle then asks who it is to which he responds that it is TK. He states, “He’s a 10, and now I kind of can’t get him out of my head.”

When TK and Carlos are at a bar later that night, TK starts complaining about Judd to Carlos as they're playing darts. Carlos says that if he was a less secure guy, he'd be bothered by the fact that after working up the nerve to ask TK out before he spends the entire night talking about another man. TK says that it just pisses him off, and Carlos can tell. He assumes Judd hit a nerve, and TK asks what that means. Carlos says that it's nothing, just that it sounds like no one ever spoke to TK like that before. TK asks if he thinks Judd's right, and Carlos asks if he thinks that Judd is. TK points out that he's holding a dart, and Carlos reminds him that he's packing a piece. TK pauses for a moment and says that that's hot.

Monster Inside

The 126 team responded to a call of a possible cardiac arrest after a home intrusion, TK uses the battering ram to gain access into a locked bedroom where the patient is. Once the door opens a scared little kid shoots TK in the chest assuming he was an intruder. Later it is revealed that TK is in a level two coma and should be waking up soon. Carlos comes to the hospital with tears in his eyes wanting to see TK. Owen asks Carlos if he would like some time with him, Carlos responds that he doesn't want to impose but Owen says nonsense and leaves the room. A camera shot later Carlos is seen stroking TK's hair and rubbing his arm. TK wakes up to find Owen by his bedside. TK asks Owen what the deal with the his date - Zoe, who Owen had been seeing. Owen said he would say but only if TK says how long he had been seeing the cop (Carlos).

Austin, We have a Problem

The episode opens with Tk and Carlos sitting outside a Juice bar. Carlos bring up the fact that TK is "avoiding the elephant in the juice bar" when it comes to TK being shot. Carlos revealed that he felt strong emotions when he saw TK lying in the hospital bed. Carlos askes if they are even together and TK responds with "Honestly Carlos, I have no idea." He also mentions that he doesn't know who he is or if he is in the right state. Once he figures that out he can focus on figuring out the relationship between him and Carlos. Then the electronic devices around them such as cars and scooters start going off. The lights are flickering and then a Trash truck and Passenger bus, both with a green light collide. TK jumps right into the bus to help everyone and Carlos hold the crowd back on the sidewalk. TK try's to help Ellen, The bus driver get unstuck and exit the bus but she is pinned under a seat. In his attempt to free her, he rips over some of his stitches and Ellen points out he is bleeding. Before long the water from the fire hydrant rises to the point TK has to perform mouth to mouth to keep Ellen breathing. Then the 126 show up and Owen pulls TK to safety and makes him ride in the ambulance to the hospital. Owen watches TK go and Carlos walks up and mentions that "he is an impressive guy" to which Owen replies with "he's my son".

Once TK arrives back to the station he reveals to his team that he is a drug addict and chooses the firehouse as his family. He states that he wants to be a firefighter for now at least. Once they rest of the team leaves to "hit the showers", Owen asks if he was sure its what he wants. TK replies that its the only thing he has been sure of his whole life. Owen is about to ask TK to go get food when he notices Carlos coming up the driveway. TK walks to Carlos and falls into his embrace. Then we see Carlos and TK lounging on the hood of Carlos car watching the northern lights. Carlos questions what TK is think and he mentions that he thinks they make a pretty good team. Carlos agrees and TK reaches over and laces their fingers together.

Season 2
2100°

Carlos is seen at the firehouse with the 126 and their loved ones to celebrate Owen's remission. Later on, he and TK talk about Gwyn staying permanently at the Strand's house and TK says that Owen and Gwyn are in their "honeymoon period", Carlos answering that "those can last a while.". Then, TK asks Carlos when is he going to meet Carlos' parents but Carlos dodges the question and asks TK if he wants more punch. Later in the episode, after Tim's death, TK goes to Carlos' house and Carlos is waiting for him on his stairs, TK walks up to him and falls in Carlos' arms for comfort.

Hold the Line

Carlos doesn't appear during the crossover episode with 9-1-1 but TK mentions him to Buck when he tells him that he already has a boyfriend and that their relationship is pretty serious.

 Friends with Benefits 

We see TK and Carlos observing Marjan during a roller derby game. When TK goes to get drinks, the bartender begins to flirt with TK. Carlos interrupts him by saying that he is TK’s boyfriend. TK tells Carlos that it was harsh and Carlos responds that “likes people to know that he’s his.” Later in the episode, while being at the farmer market, they run into Carlos' parents and Carlos introduces TK as his ‘friend from work’. The couple go back to Carlos' house and fight about what just happened, TK angry that even though Carlos is out to his parents, he still didn't introduce him as his boyfriend. Carlos tells him that it's more complicated than that, and that his parents are more traditional than TK's and that he doesn't like to "rub their noses in it". TK is pissed that Carlos wouldn't want to "rub their noses in the fact that he has someone who loves him and who he supposedly loves back" and he storms out of the house. After a discussion with his parents in the morning, TK goes back to Carlos' house and sit down to talk about what happened the previous night. Then Carlos tells him that he came out to his parents when he was 17 but that while they took it well and said that they loved him, they never talked about it ever since. TK tells him then that he'll happily be Carlos' "friend, colleague or personal shopper" for as long as Carlos needs.

 Displaced 

Following TK’s decision to become a paramedic, he is seen at Carlos’ house, laying in Carlos’ arms. TK seems to be regretting his decision to become a paramedic. He says that if he were still a firefighter no one would “hate his guts” to which Carlos comforts TK by saying that no one hates his guts. TK then continues on talking about the other paramedics, saying that fellow paramedic - Nancy thought that firefighters were the “cool kids.” Carlos then responds to TK and helps him to realise his mistake of not including the paramedics on many occasions. Carlos then comforts TK and kisses him before they snuggle together on the couch.

 Bad Call 

The 126 paramedic team responds to a call of a pregnant woman in a parking garage. The pregnancy call was just as guise however, and she pulls a gun out on the team. They end up kidnapping TK, Tommy and Nancy to save the life on their team member who was responsible for local area bombings. Tommy takes them to her husband, Charles’ restaurant which was closed due to COVID to perform the surgery. On the way TK drops his sobriety chip in the parking garage for someone to find. Once inside, TK tries to make a brave move of pulling the fire alarm but the lead bomber smashes TK's head with the end of his gun. Once the surgery has been performed Tommy rushes to TK's side to patch him up from his wound on his forehead. Meanwhile, Carlos become worried because TK hasn't shown up for dinner, and goes to Owen’s house. Carlos then discovers that TK’s mum, Gwyn was packing to return to New York, and thinking it was another relapse, Owen calls the Night shift paramedic lead who mentions that they haven't returned from their last call. Carlos and Owen rush to the parking garage when the call for 911 came and Carlos finds TK's sobriety chip. Carlos notices the Brown Panel Van that is linked to a case that the Texas Rangers are working on. Back at the restaurant, TK, Tommy and Nancy, are held at the front of the restaurant where TK is in and out of consciousness. The kidnappers decide to take Nancy with them so they can escape but Tommy refuses because she is the one who performed the surgery and the only one qualified to assist if there is a difficulty with the tube. Tommy agrees to go with the kidnappers under the condition that TK and Nancy get locked away in the pantry, unharmed. However, Tommy and Nancy fight back and TK kicks away then one of the guns. One of the kidnappers rushes to grab the gun to shoot Tommy when a bullet is fired. The trigger was pulled by Owen and once safe Carlos rushes to TK's side where he exclaims "Hi baby" to Carlos as they embrace tightly. As TK is getting loaded into the ambulance, Major Reyes (Carlos’ father) mentions that Carlos disobeyed a direct order but he is proud. He then askes if Carlos is going to ride with his boyfriend. Carlos is shocked after discovering that his father knew that TK was his boyfriend. Carlos states that he thinks his father will really like TK, to which his father responds that he already does. He then says that he expects Carlos to give TK and proper introduction next time.

A Little Help From My Friends

TK and Carlos then take their relationship to the next level when TK moves in with Carlos.

 The Big Heat 

After dinner in the previous episode between Carlos, His parents, TK, and Owen (who shows up two hours late), Carlos shows up at the firehouse and asks to speak with TK in private. TK is worried because his dad isn't answering his phone and Carlos reveals that the Texas Rangers arrested Owen as a prime suspect in a series of arsons. TK gets angry with Carlos and pushes him. TK gets upset and Carlos grabs onto TK and restrains him so he will calm down. Judd swoops into save TK and kicks Carlos out of the firehouse, leaving TK with tears in his eyes. Later, TK shows up after his shift and the firehouse being the next victim in the next arson case. TK apologises for his blow up at Carlos. Carlos says there is no reason to be sorry that their dads did what they had to do and the couple was just collateral damage.

At night, TK is trying to set the alarm that doesn't seem to be working, and Carlos tells that TK that it has been acting up all day and that they should go to bed, asking TK if he is going to make Carlos twist his arm so they can go upstairs. TK replies with “Please do,” and Carlos leads him upstairs. As things are getting heated between the couple, their house is catching on fire from Raymond who was behind the arsons. Owen and Billy are rushing to save TK and Carlos. The couple is still oblivious until TK interrupts Carlos as he smells smoke. They both discover the fire and soon, the fire starts in the bedroom to and the only way out is by jumping out of the window. TK pushes Carlos to the window but he panics and turns to TK "If we don't- If we-" TK pulls his out of his panic and says "Hey I love you too." Before Carlos can jump, Owen busts through the door with Billy and get them out just in time before the house explodes in flames. TK and Carlos stand wrapped in blankets outside the burn to a crisp house where they just left. TK asks Carlos how he's doing and Carlos says that he's good. Carlos then says that he didn't think they were going to make it out of the house, he starts apologising for not having a fire extinguisher in the room before starting to cry. TK hugs him and tells him repeatedly that it's okay and that they're okay while kissing his faces multiple times.

Season 3
The Big Chill

It is revealed by TK (to the audience) in a conversation with Nancy that he and Carlos broke up sometime between Season 2 and Season 3. He refuses to elaborate as to why, which frustrates Nancy. Carlos also tells Marjan about the same thing, "It's best to know when something is over." Later, TK and Carlos have a run in at a furniture store when TK’s team arrives to treat patients after an explosion. They both look at each other constantly but do not speak to each other before Carlos runs out of the shop after discovering that someone is missing.

 Thin Ice 

After TK jumps into a frozen lake to save a boy who was stuck under the ice, he is admitted at the hospital for severe hypothermia. Nancy calls Carlos, telling him that TK wants to speak to him. Once he's there, Carlos says that it's "typical of TK" to not talk to him for months but to call him the minute is in the ICU. Nancy tells him that it isn't exactly what happened and Carlos learns that TK is unconscious and on a ventilator.

 Shock and Thaw 

In the hospital, Carlos is on a chair next to TK’s bed when TK starts crashing as his heat is too slow. Doctors and nurses rush into the room as Carlos stands in shock. He asks if TK is going to be okay before he is rushed out of the room by nurses. Carlos watches worriedly from outside the room, staring through the door.

After this, Carlos, Tommy and Nancy are sitting in the waiting room, waiting to hear about TK’s condition. The doctor comes out to tell them that they have got TK’s heart back to a normal rhythm which Carlos thinks is good news. However, the doctor then informs them that TK’s body is not compensating, meaning his vital signs have not returned to normal yet. The doctor informs them that they unfortunately cannot do anything for TK except letting his body rest. Carlos asks if it usually works for someone in his condition, to which the doctor says that it can, but realistically, if his labs continue to trend down, then he might not survive.

 Push 

While at the hospital, Carlos walks in on two disrespectful nurses who are looking after TK. They say that it would have been better if TK were not brought back from cardiac arrest when he was found in the snow as all he is doing now is torturing his friends and family who have hope that he will wake up. They then realise that Carlos is standing at the door before walking out of the room.

Carlos and Nancy are then seen talking in the waiting room. Carlos then says that he is a schmuck for holding vigil for someone who doesn’t even want him in his life. Nancy retaliates saying that TK loves. Carlos asks Nancy why she would say that to which she replies that it’s true. Carlos asks Nancy if TK ever talks about him. Nancy says that TK doesn’t really talk about Carlos but “bites off her head” whenever she brings up his name. Carlos sarcastically says that hearing that made him feel so much better. Nancy says that it should because TK doesn’t want to hear about Carlos because it’s too painful for him, meaning that he still loves Carlos. Carlos, with tears in his eyes, asks Nancy, “If he loves me so much, then why did he break my heart?”

Carlos’ mother visits Carlos and TK and the hospital, where Carlos tells his mother that he and TK broke up. Carlos’ mother is shocked but tells Carlos that he needs to be honest with TK and tell him how he feels. His mother then leaves the room. Carlos pulls his chair closer to TK’s bed and starts talking to him. Carlos tells him that he’s been there for a while but isn’t sure if that’s even what TK wants. He then says that he’s mad at TK, and the worst part about it is that if this is really ‘goodbye’, he is unable to hold TK’s hand, run his fingers through his hair, or kiss his forehead without it feeling like its a violation. While Carlos is talking to TK, TK is dreaming about his mother and Carlos in his coma. TK’s mother asks TK what he did to hurt Carlos to which TK asks why she automatically assumes it’s his doing. TK says that there was fault on both sides and explains to his mother that he and Carlos broke up over an argument over the new house they were buying. Carlos had found a house which they both loved, however TK didn’t have the money for it. They continued looking but Carlos said he had found a place. Carlos then brought TK back to the same place and told him that he had bought it and put TK as the half owner, despite TK not having the money for it. TK then said that he panicked because things were going too well, and he blew it up. TK then tells his mother that he hurt Carlos so much, and asks her what if she doesn’t want to take him back. TK’s mother then tells TK that the only way to find out is for him to wake up.

TK suddenly wakes up and Carlos calls for a nurse to come. Nurses run into the room and rush Carlos out. TK struggles to take his ventilator out of his mouth. TK is taken off life support and Carlos is allowed back in the room. Carlos is clearly shaken up by the situation. He doesn’t breathe, presumably from the fact that he doesn’t know if it’s real or not. TK sees Carlos. TK says “Hi baby.” and tells Carlos to breathe. Carlos inhales and exhales deeply before holding TK’s hand and kissing his face. He then tightly embraces TK as TK hold on to Carlos’ shirt.

Season 4
THE NEW HOTNESS

Carlos reveals to TK that he is married to his best friend, Iris Blake. Iris went messing before the start of the series and was found at the end of the first season. He says they were married in name only, and he never divorced her so she could benefit from his health insurance. He also reveals to TK that their favorite wedding venue has an opening in eight weeks. Later, he goes to see Iris, and when telling her about TK, says that "he's the one".

Season 1
Pilot
 * Carlos calls Owen impressive, and TK tells him that Owen's his dad.
 * Carlos asks TK to dance.
 * TK and Carlos dance together.

Texas Proud
 * Carlos tells Michelle about his issues with TK.

Season 2
Hold the Line
 * TK tells Buck that he already has a boyfriend, and it's pretty serious.

Fanon
Fans were quick to ship the two even before the series came out, the marketing team even coming up with the ship name first.

Many fans of the two were disappointed by the pairs lack of screen time together, and thought that too much of their relationship happened off screen. When it was revealed that most of their relationship did happen on screen, it disappointed them as well. The lack of screen time and development for the pair, as well as the other representative characters, made it feel like the writers did not care, and had only added the relationship in for brownie points. Their relationship was more prevalent in later seasons.

On AO3, Tarlos is the most written ship for T.K. and Carlos. It is also the most written ship in the 9-1-1: Lone Star (2020) tag.

Fandom
FAN FICTION
 * TK/Carlos tag on FanFiction.Net
 * TK/Carlos tag on FanFiction.Net

TUMBLR

WIKIS
 * on
 * on
 * on