"Are you sure you're ready for this? You know Tommy won't mind if you take a few more days off," Carlos said as he pulled up outside of the police station.

"I've told you a million times that I am," TK replied, reaching over to squeeze Carlos' hand that had a death grip around the steering wheel.

"I know, but that was before Detective York called and asked to meet with you this morning," Carlos sighed. He really thought everything was taken care of, but the call earlier had surprised them both.

It had been a few weeks since TK's meeting with Lorna and there had been some hard days afterward. TK woke up from nightmares constantly, dreaming of being held hostage again and even buried alive. Carlos felt completely helpless through it all, not able to do more than hold TK and assure him that he was safe and sound.

What finally solidified TK's next step into healing was the news that the case wouldn't be going to trial. There was so much overwhelming evidence in multiple states that a life sentence for both of them would be an act of charity. Burt had finally been released from the hospital and had sense enough to take a plea deal, choosing to live the rest of his days in prison instead of risking the death penalty. Lorna hadn't gone down quietly, screaming incoherently at the judge and even lunging at a man who bore a slight resemblance to her son. The judge had no choice but to send her to a psychiatric hospital until she could be deemed healthy enough to stand trial. It didn't seem like it would be happening any time soon. The idea of her son being out there was too much for her to get past.

TK broke down again and Carlos did too, finally feeling like they wouldn't have to look over their shoulders anymore. There was no chance that they would ever cross paths with either of them again, since they had been sent off to different states. It was finally over.

Carlos had reluctantly gone back to work, even though he hated leaving TK. He'd healed enough that he wasn't in danger physically, but Carlos knew he was struggling with being in their house. It was supposed to be their fresh start, after the fire destroyed their last home. But now the new one had been sullied as well. Carlos had been browsing some listings online, willing to do whatever it took to get them a new place if that's what TK needed, but his strong, resilient boyfriend shot down the idea. He wasn't going to let someone drive them from their home again.

Their family at the fire station took turns staying with TK while Carlos was on shift, even though he insisted he would be fine. Carlos knew he appreciated the gesture, even though he'd never ask for it himself. He would power through, no matter how hard it was. But Carlos admitted that he was still struggling as well and the peace of mind would help him through the day. It got easier as time went on and now TK was sleeping through the night like he always had before.

This was the first day that TK would be going back to work, after getting a clean bill of health from the doctors. There was going to be a surprise welcome back thing at the firehouse, so Carlos was going to drive him in. He still was, after this hopefully short detour to speak with Detective York.

"I'm sure it's just me having to sign something," TK waved off, hiding his nerves. Carlos could see the anxiety loud and clear though. Even if they hadn't just spent every spare second together during the last few weeks, he knew his boyfriend.

"Well, let's get this over with," Carlos sighed, plastering a fake smile on his face. This was his workplace and somewhere he'd loved for years, but now he was dreading going inside. TK should only be there to visit for a quick lunch, not anything like what it had been.

They walked in hand in hand, greeting everyone they passed politely. Most people recognized TK by this point, from his recent trips there. At least his early arrest was long forgotten. He wanted everyone to see TK for the amazing man he was, not through a lens of past mistakes or trauma.

"Thanks for coming in on such short notice," Detective York said, walking up to them with a friendly smile. It didn't look like he had bad news, but Carlos wasn't going to relax until he knew for sure. "This felt like something that needed to be done in person."

"Is everything okay with the case?" TK asked, squeezing Carlos' hand for support. Carlos squeezed right back.

"Yes, everything is fine with that. This doesn't have anything to do with the Russells," Detective York insisted, before tilting his head to the side. "Well, it does, but not directly. I should probably just explain." He slipped his hand into his jacket pocket, pulling out an envelope and holding it out for TK to take.

"What's this?" TK asked, hesitantly accepting the offered paper.

"As you know, the different jurisdictions in multiple states have been working on recovering and identifying the remains of the previous victims. Decomp is making a few of them trickier than others." Carlos cleared his throat, looking pointedly at Detective York. TK didn't need to hear about stuff like that. "Sorry."

"It's okay. Go on," TK urged, patting Carlos on the arm. TK was so strong, but Carlos was sick thinking how close TK came to being a set of discarded remains.

"They've had success with a few so far and they are confident that in time they will identify them all," Detective York continued, choosing his words carefully. "Thanks to you, six families have gotten the closure they've been waiting years for."

"Six?" TK whispered, running his fingers along the edge of the envelope. Carlos squeezed his shoulder, looking at TK with pride. He'd sacrificed so much to help so many people. His boyfriend was incredible.

"Your name has been kept out of things for privacy purposes, but the families do know that the couple was arrested here, and some of the circumstances around how that came to be. One of them sent a letter to our department, in the hope that it would get to you. That's what this is," Detective York explained, nodding down at the envelope.

"Oh," TK breathed out, blinking rapidly as Carlos saw his eyes get a bit more shiny. "I- thank you."

"No need to thank me. I was just doing my job, which you made a lot easier," Detective York replied. "Now, hopefully I won't be seeing you again, unless it's for a department barbeque or something." He shook their hands and walked away, leaving behind a shell-shocked TK.

"Are you okay?" Carlos asked, rubbing his hand up and down TK's back.

"Yeah, of course," TK murmured, staring down at the envelope. "We don't want to be late for my surprise party."

"Who spilled the beans?"

"Mateo."

"Of course."

"He didn't mean to, he's just-"

"Mateo."

"Right."

"I can tell them you're not up for it. I know they'll understand," Carlos offered. He knew TK was eager to go back, but there was no shame in needing more time.

"No, I'm ready," TK said firmly, striding back out the doors with a reluctant Carlos in tow. Carlos never ceased to be impressed by the strength of his boyfriend. TK could be a bit hard on himself, especially when he got emotional, but he still powered through whatever life dealt him.

They climbed back into the car and Carlos waited, wanting to see what TK was going to do. If he needed comfort, Carlos would provide it. TK was staring down at the envelope again, spinning it over and over in his hands. Carlos had received little trinkets of appreciation over his career, but this was a different level. He hadn't almost died to earn his gifts.

TK suddenly opened the glove box, shoving the envelope in and snapping it shut. Carlos kept waiting, knowing that TK would start talking when he was ready. He was very interested to know what the letter said, but it wasn't about what he wanted.

"I don't- I think I should wait. I'm not going to read that right now," TK said, sounding a bit unsure.

"Okay."

"It's just- too many things to deal with at once. Today is getting back to work and I think that's enough, right? One thing at a time," TK continued, wringing his hands in his lap. "Does that make me a coward?"

"No, it doesn't," Carlos insisted, reaching over and rubbing TK's anxious hands. "That's you knowing your limits and not pushing yourself unnecessarily."

"I will read it, I just need to wait for the right time," TK sighed, biting his lip. "Can you not mention it to anyone? I don't really want to hear whether or not they think I should read it."

"Unlike Mateo, I know how to keep my mouth shut," Carlos smirked, easing a chuckle out of TK. "It's up to you what you decide to do. And I'll be right here for whatever you need."

"I think I need a kiss," TK said, poking his bottom lip out slightly.

"Oh really? That's what you need?" Carlos scoffed, leaning forward.

"Couldn't hurt."

"Coming right up," Carlos murmured, pressing their lips together for a delicate kiss. He knew he was still treating TK like he was made of glass, but that was something he was going to have to work through himself. The idea of any discomfort for TK was unacceptable, even if he enjoyed it. They broke apart, resting their foreheads against each other.

"I don't know how I would've done this without you," TK whispered, brushing their noses together.

"You would've been able to, but you're not going to get a chance to prove that. I'm not going anywhere," Carlos promised, running his fingers through the hair above TK's neck. TK closed his eyes and leaned into the touch, purring deep in his chest.

"I love you."

"Not as much as I love you."

"How about we call it even?" TK suggested, grazing his lips across the corner of Carlos' mouth. He could live with that. As long as TK was safe in his arms, he could agree to anything.

"Deal."