It was a quarter before seven by the time Carlos reached Cecil's door. He found it unlocked, so he entered, calling, "Cecil? I'm sorry. I won't blame you for feeling angry. Cecil?" He looked around the living area, wondering if his boyfriend was even here.
A black pulsating light from the kitchen, accompanied by the clinking of glass and silverware, answered his question. He followed it.
Lounging in a chair, legs stretched out under the table, was Cecil, holding a half-consumed bottle of red wine and looking a fair mix of satisfied and regretful, which was only possible in Night Vale.
"Cecil?" Carlos repeated, venturing forward.
"Oh, look who finally decided to sho- *hic*- show up," Cecil drolled sarcastically, bringing the bottle to his lips and throwing back a sizeable amount of wine down his throat.
Carlos bit his lip, stopping at the edge of the table. "I know, I deserve it. I'm sorry, I just got so caught up that I-" He stopped himself from continuing the futile apology; he had used it already.
Cecil pursed his lips. "Maybe you do deserve it. What do I know? I'm not important enough for you."
The words stung Carlos in his chest, gripping his heart in a sharp squeeze. He knelt by Cecil's chair, speaking softly, "Cecil, you know that's not true."
"Do I?" Cecil asked bitterly, far too drunk for his own good.
"Please don't say that, Cecil. I'm sorry. I know I messed up big time, but I don't want to do it again. From now on, I'm going to…I'm going to set an alarm."
Cecil jerked his head to look at his boyfriend with wide, struck eyes. As he struggled to find the words, Carlos shrugged with a smile and continued, "I know it's dangerous, but it seems like it's the only way I can keep track of time."
Cecil spluttered, almost tipping the wine bottle as he placed it on the table to throw his arms around his lover's shoulders. "Carlos, no, no, don't do that, please, that's not…"
"I'll be fine. My coworkers won't say anything, and the alarm will be on vibrate." Carlos hugged his boyfriend in return, closing his eyes. "I just hate missing my time with you, Cecil. I'm sorry."
Cecil clung to him like a wet cat to a dry human being, only much more affectionate and much less survival-oriented. "Carlos…"
Carlos' eyes sprung open as he felt the man in his arms lurch, and he quickly helped him to his feet and guided him hastily to the toilet before he hurled.
As Cecil wretched, Carlos placed a gentle hand on his back, rubbing his shoulders and traveling up and down his quaking spine. When he was finished, Cecil sat back and wiped his face with toilet paper, gazing up at his boyfriend with heavy-lidded eyes. Carlos stared back, expectant.
"I love you, Carlos…" Cecil whispered.
Carlos smiled with relief and adoration, leaning over Cecil to kiss his head softly and whisper, "I love you, too, Cecil."