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Carlos had remained silent during the discussion with the curandera. As insane as the whole situation was and as crazy as the explanation sounded, it still made sense. In the past, TK obviously had used less than ideal coping mechanisms. And now he’d rather bleed to death than acknowledge a need for help. He didn’t like asking for assistance. And any problem he encountered, be it small or big, could result in TK shutting himself off. Or, even worse, he’d reach the point of panic and run. So maybe there was a lesson for TK to learn.
Owen kept pacing and ranting while the rest of the team hovered around, clearly unsure of what to do. And TK? TK stayed completely silent, though Carlos knew TK was anything but okay. The little body currently nestled in his pouch trembled almost violently.
Carefully, Carlos pushed a hand into the pouch and rubbed behind TK’s ears. It took a while until the shivers ceased and a soft purr became audible.
“Is he okay?” Mateo whispered. “He hasn’t come out in a long time.”
“He’s upset but he will be okay, I promise,” Carlos replied.
How can you promise that? TK asked, kneading Carlos’ stomach.
“Can you come out there? It’s weird to talk to some piece of fabric.”
But it’s comfy in here and… this way I can’t see anyone looking at me like I’m a weirdo. TK stopped kneading and purring and instead tucked his paws under his belly.
“TK,” Owen sighed.
“Sir.” Carlos corrected himself. “Owen, let me talk to him in private. Please.”
Owen held up his hands in surrender. “Fine. You want to use my office?”
The office with glass walls? Very private, Dad.
“Did I ever mention that you sometimes do turn into a brat? Especially when you’re peevish,” Owen added. “My office is the most private space next to the bathroom, and I can’t imagine you wanting to have a heart-to-heart there.”
I’m not a brat or peevish. You, however, sound extremely pissed.
“I am pissed!” Owen roared.
TK flinched and pressed his little body closer to Carlos’ belly. I’m sorry! I’m sorry!
“Oh no, sweetheart…” Owen hunkered down in front of Carlos and lifted the pouch’s edge a fraction to peer inside. “I’m not pissed at you. I’m pissed at this whole situation.”
TK belly-crawled toward his dad and rubbed his head against the offered fingers. You sounded really furious. And you sweethearted me again.
Owen chuckled. “Yeah, I did.”
Do you want me to call you Daddy? TK teased.
This time Carlos joined Owen in his laughter. With a quick move, he pulled TK out of the pouch and dropped him into Owen’s open hands.
Hey, Daddy, TK quipped.
Owen rose with TK in his arms. He turned TK onto his back to tickle his belly. TK squirmed and snagged Owen’s shirt sleeve. When Owen brought the tiny kitten up to his face, he whispered into his son’s ear, “I’ll always be your Daddy and I’ll always help you if you let me.”
I know, TK replied softly. After a swift lick of his dad’s nose, he jumped into Carlos open arms.
Carlos inclined his head towards Owen, then walked out of the kitchen area. As he climbed the stairs with TK securely cradled against his chest, he said, “You’re such a daddy’s boy.”
Says the momma’s boy, TK replied without heat.
“Touché.”
How uncomfortable is this conversation we’re going to have going to be? TK glanced up at Carlos, all mischief gone from his voice.
Carlos entered the captain’s office and made himself comfortable in a corner of the sofa. “Why does it have to be uncomfortable at all?”
TK slid down from Carlos’ chest, then climbed up the armrest. Why else would you need to talk to me in private?
“TK.”
Hmm? TK murmured as he inspected a loose thread on the hoodie.
“You can’t even look at me if I even hint at wanting an earnest conversation about feelings.” Carlos snatched TK from the armrest and held him in front of his face. “What are you so afraid of?”
I’m not afraid!
“Really? Because you’re shivering. Really badly.” Carlos settled the kitten onto his right shoulder and made sure to keep a hand underneath TK’s butt to steady him. “What do you think is going to happen if you tell me, or anyone else for that matter, that you need help? Or that you need to be cuddled?”
I’m shivering because it’s cold.
Carlos sighed and closed his eyes. “It’s like this, huh? Fine.”
Are you going to sleep? TK asked, bewilderment evident in his tone.
“I’m waiting for you to talk.”
What about? TK yelled. That I’m afraid you’ll realize how needy I am? That you have all the power in this relationship and I wouldn’t survive if you ever left me? That what you want to hear, Carlos? You want me to make myself that vulnerable?
Carlos’ eyes flew open but before he could say a word TK cried out. A loud thump followed, causing Carlos to jump off the sofa. “TK! TK, where are you? Are you hurt?”
“No, just my pride,” TK said as he struggled to heave himself up from the floor where he’d landed behind the sofa.
“You’re… you,” Carlos breathed.
TK blinked at Carlos, then looked himself over. “Oh, my God! You’re right!”
The door burst open and Owen, followed by the rest of the team and Buttercup, filed into the office.
Buttercup danced around TK, barking and wagging his tail in obvious delight.
“Not that I don’t appreciate the view but maybe put on some clothes, dude,” Marjan said through her laughter.
“Oh, shit!” TK’s cheeks reddened. “And here I thought things couldn’t get any more embarrassing.”
“Only if Marjan would be taking a picture right now,” Paul chimed in.
“No!” TK, Carlos, and Owen shouted at the same time. Carlos rounded the sofa and placed himself in front of TK, who locked his arms around Carlos’ neck.
Mateo ran up to them and all but threw TK’s clothes at him. TK made quick work of putting them on, then breathed out a sigh of relief. After a quick hug from his dad, he snuggled back into Carlos’ arms and leaned into the offered strength.
“Marta was right, wasn’t she?” Michelle asked softly. “You needed to be honest with yourself in order to be able to change back.”
TK squashed the impulse to deny everything and simply nodded. “Yeah, I guess she was.”
“So next time you feel like needing help or a cuddle you’re coming straight to one of us,” Judd commandeered.
Giving a mock-salute, TK grinned. “Yes, sir!”
“Your Daddy is right, you are a brat.” Judd broke into laughter at TK’s groan.
“But he’s Daddy’s sweetheart,” Marjan crowed.
Owen shook his head when TK tried hiding behind Carlos, who simply smiled.
“Group hug!” Mateo shouted, causing everyone to laugh. He pulled Marjan and Paul with him and soon all of them were huddled together, amusement and affection coursing through each of them.
END