Carlos had been telling Cecil about his nieces Quinceanera for months. Not so much reminding as offering, saying things like "Really Cecil, if you don't want to go you don't have to" and "we can leave early if you want, these things can go for hours and hours."
And Cecil said he'd be fine and they didn't speak about it until a week or so later.
What Carlos didn't know was that Cecil had been preparing for quite a while. Ever since he first learned about the Quince he started practicing dances and practicing his Spanish, which he had began dabbling in before the party announcement but he had only just started getting serious about it.
He told Carlos he had a new intern that couldn't keep up and he needed to finish the copies she didn't have time to make, or he needed to record some pre recorded sponser messages, or he needed to run by Old Woman Josie's house to speak to the definitely-not-angels.
But in reality, for an hour a day, he stayed in his recording booth, watching YouTube tutorial videos and having a couple of his interns help teach him how to dance and speak Spanish.
He would be damned if he couldn't dance with his boyfriend or talk to his family.
This would be the first time he would meet Carlos's parents and he needed to make a good impression.
And finally, after three months of Chona, Tao Tao, Propablemente, and Cumbia, the date came.
Cecil put on his black shirt and slacks, his white tie and purple vest, and waited for Carlos to get back from the dry cleaners.
Cecil was nervous. What would Carlos say when he saw what Cecil had been practicing? Had he even been practicing the right things? What if he messed something up?
His thoughts were interrupted by his beautiful Carlos opening the door with his plastic wrapped suit thrown over one shoulder, a few plastic grocery bags in the crook of his elbow, and phone in the other hand on speakerphone.
"Sì…..sì mama, Solo necesito vestirme."
The other voice on the line piped in.
"¿Conseguiste la comida, mijito?"
"Sí, compré las cosas que pediste." He replied. "estaremos allí en 45 minutos."
"Ok, te amo mi amor"
"Te amo, adiós." He hung up the call and sighed loudly, dropping the bags on the counter and rushing back to the bedroom.
Shockingly, Cecil understood almost every word Carlos said. He didn't think he'd become this skilled in a language in three months. Well, he'd tried to learn before, but didn't have time and stopped. So he did know some basics, I suppose.
Carlos emerged from the bedroom, still tying his tie, hair slicked and combed through and poofing out a bit at the bottom where gel failed to be applied. His eyes met Cecil's and he smiled, causing the poor radio hosts heart to skip about five beats.
"Honey could you grab the bags on the table? We gotta get going."
"Of course!" Cecil took the grocery bags and peeked inside, finding chips, tomatoes, avocados, and a single onion.
They both slipped on their respective pairs of black, shiny shoes and headed out the door, jumping into Carlos's little hybrid car.
The car ride was full of Carlos briefing Cecil on the itinerary for the party, telling him how things work outside of Night Vale, and reminding him that he had no obligations to participate.
Cecil kept his mouth shut about his lessons. Eventually they got to the venue, a lovely little house with a canopied backyard, streamers and little crepe paper flags decorated the walls and were strung through the supports of the the tarps.
There were people dancing by some big speakers on a nice wooden platform, but Carlos was walking towards the little house's sliding glass door. Cecil followed, and made their little signal that he wanted to hold Carlos's hand by giving the edge of his sleeve a little tug. Usually, Carlos would smile and surrender his hand to Cecil, twining their fingers together. He turned around and reached out his hand, but instead of taking the other man's slender fingers, he took the plastic bag. Cecil's heart broke a little bit, but he was sure there was a reason.
They entered the house and were in a kitchen, and there was a woman at the stove, cooking up a storm.
"Hola mama." Carlos said with a smile.
"Ay! Hola mi gordito" she said with a smile, turning from the stove to kiss the scientist on the cheek.
"Como estas, Carlos?" She said, turning back to her cooking.
"Bien, gracias. Ah, mama? Esta es Cecil. Vive en el mismo bloque de apartamentos que yo, y es un buen amigo."
Cecil's heart dropped. Friend? They've been dating for over a year. Lives in the same apartment block? THEY LIVED IN THE SAME DAMN APARTMENT!
Cecil wanted to surprise his boyfriend by learning Spanish. So surprise him he did.
He spoke up.
"Ah, disculpe, pero creo que es hora de que me vaya. Me disculpo por la intrusión. fue muy agradable conocerte."
[Oh, excuse me, but I think it's time for me to leave. I apologize for the intrusion. It was very nice to meet you]
Cecil turned to look at his boyfriend, who was getting more and more fidgety and nervous by the second, and took a minute to go through all the things he wanted to say. But none of those were appropriate for a public setting, so he settled for a simple, stony faced "Adios, Carlos".
"Cecil.." Carlos attempted to speak to the man, but he was already gone.
Cecil made it out of the driveway and down to the main road before he gave up on Carlos coming after him.
'Rightfully so.' He thought. 'Let him enjoy his party. I'm just a neighbor after all, why should he worry about me?'
He began angrily loosening his tie.
'I mean, it's been over a year. Am I something to be ashamed of? Is it because I'm from Night Vale? I kept my hair covering my extra eye… is this some sort of elaborate break up? Maybe him loving me is just a facade he puts up for my sake so he doesn't have to break my heart. Well too late.'
Cecil felt tears begin to stream down his face. He yelled in frustration, grabbing at his hair. He tried taking deep breaths to calm himself down, and eventually, it sort of worked and he stopped crying.
He held out his thumb as he walked, someone could at least get him to the outskirts of Night Vale even though it was probably a bad idea to have them take him into the city, as most outsiders get vaporized.
The exception being...
'No. We're not going to think of him.' Cecil told himself.
But he wanted to so damn bad. He could practically still hear Carlos's voice calling his name. It got louder and louder the more he thought about it.
He turned around and saw a little red hybrid car coming down the road, Carlos leaning out the window trying to get Cecil's attention.
He rolled his eyes and kept walking.
Carlos pulled up beside him.
"Cecil, honey, please let me explain."
"What is there to explain?"
"At least let me drive you home. You can't walk the whole way, Cece." Carlos unlocked the passenger door and Cecil reluctantly climbed into the car.
Carlos didn't start the car back up.
"Before we leave, we need to talk about this." He said, turning to his boyfriend.
Cecil said nothing, but nodded for him to continue. If he tried to speak he would cry.
He took a deep breath and sighed.
"They don't know yet. They don't know I'm gay."
"Then why did you want me to go with you?" Cecil said quietly, eyes welling up again.
"I thought if I invited you it would push me to come out before the party. I kept chickening out. Which brings me to my offer. Would you like to go home, or come with me back to the party and help me get out of the damn closet already?" Carlos said, taking Cecil's hand and squeezing gently.
He thought for a moment. These things were never a problem in Night Vale. Most everyone was some sort of LGBTQ subdivision, and those who weren't were allies. But this was a clear problem for Carlos, and he always wanted him to be happy and comfortable, and he had promised to stand by him and support him.
Cecil turned to his boyfriends worry filled face. He planted a kiss above his knitted together eyebrows.
"Turn the car around. Let's do this."
Carlos smiled wide, his worry melting away.
"Te amo, Cecil."
"I love you too."
People were eating by the time they got back to the party.
They found their seats and Carlos stood, tapping the edge of the glass of water.
"¡Hola a todos! muchas gracias por venir hoy para apoyar a mi dulce sobrina. Supongo que realmente ya no puedo llamarla bebé. 15 es un número grande y sigue creciendo. Felicidades, feliz cumpleaños Minerva. Sé que envié su regalo de cumpleaños por correo la semana pasada, pero después de mucha consideración, tengo otro para usted."
[hello everyone! thank you so much for coming today in support of my sweet baby niece. I suppose I can't really call her a baby anymore. 15 is a big number and it keeps getting bigger. Congratulations, happy birthday Minerva. I know I sent your birthday gift in the mail last week, but after much consideration, I have another one for you.]
He tugged Cecil's arm and wrapped their fingers together like they had done so many times before, getting the other man to stand with him.
"Te doy a ti, otro tío, como si ya no fuera suficiente." He said with a chuckle. "Técnicamente, has tenido otro tío durante un año y me disculpo por no decírtelo antes. De todos modos, feliz cumpleaños, querida."
[I give to you, another uncle, as if I weren't enough already. You've technically had another uncle for a year, and I apologize for not telling you sooner. Anyway, happy birthday, dear.]
There was a quick round of applause. They both sat down and Cecil gave his boyfriend a little hug.
His mom, who was sitting at the table next to them, got up and embraced Carlos.
"Tu padre estaría muy orgulloso." She said, her face buried into his shoulder.
[your father would be so proud]
He smiled and hugged her back, almost looking like he was about to cry. "Gracias mama."
They finished eating and began to walk around talking to people.
Eventually they got around to Carlos's niece. They hugged and exchanged a few words, then she turned to Cecil.
"So this is the white meat that's been fucking my uncle?"
Cecil's face turned red and he began stuttering.
"Minerva! ¡Por favor!"
"Sorry Tio, just interested is all. Glad you finally figured yourself out."
Carlos sighed, aggravated, but smiled and thanked her.
"Now what are you doing over here talking to us? Go be with your friends."
"They're kinda being jerks right now." She said, frowning softly.
"How so?" Cecil asked.
"Well I'm kinda talking to a couple people right now, and I think I'm into both of them, but they said that I can't have them both. But I can't choose, I like them both equally."
"Well who says you can't love multiple people? If they both like you too, and are okay with you being with multiple people, then what's the problem?" Cecil said, confused.
"They say I'm stealing possible dates for single people." She said laughing a bit.
Cecil and Carlos laughed too.
"Hey, don't let them get to you, cariño. You're strong and smart, and you can date whoever you want. You don't need their approval." Carlos said, placing a hand on her shoulder.
She smiled and nodded. "Gracias, Tìo…..s" she turned to Cecil, adding the s.
She picked up the hem of her dress and left.
Cecil and Carlos then took to the dance floor, where plenty of others were already there,
The song that was playing was a bit slower, so Cecil took Carlos's hands in his own and began the simple three step patterns he had learned just a few days prior, spinning Carlos in elegant circles.
"Cecil, when did you learn all of this?" Carlos muttered, awestruck.
"One hour a day after work. Sorry for the late arrivals home my dear, but I wanted to surprise you."
They danced and danced, song after song, as the party began picking up speed.
A woman came over and tapped Carlos on the shoulder.
He turned around and smiled wide.
"Hermanaaaaa!!" He enthusiastically said, wrapping her up in a big hug.
"Hi, brother. So, what's his name?" She said in a smooth, medium voice, looking at the taller man.
""Cecil. Cecil Palmer." He said, extending his hand.
She took it and shook. "I'm Alejandra. Cecil, can you drive?"
"Uh, yes?" He said, their hands separating.
"Good. I'll be back."
She left for a moment, and Cecil glances at Carlos with confusion.
And when she returned, Carlos laughed at what she was holding- two shots of tequila.
"Ale, I haven't had a drink in months. You know I'm a lightweight."
"Coño." She said with a smirk.
"Perra." He shot back, taking the little glass from her hand and downing it in defiance.
"There we go, loosen up a bit, Carlos!" She said with a smirk, throwing back her own shot.
Carlos shuddered and coughed, but smiled and laughed.
At that moment, Carlos's mom came over to the trio.
"Ven aquí yerno" She said, taking Cecil's arm and pulling him back towards the dance floor.
"C..Carlos?" Cecil said with concern.
"Good luck, mi amor. I'll be at the bar, I have a bet to settle." Carlos called after him.
An hour later, Cecil had learned three new dances and Carlos was bombed out of his mind. The radio host went back to check on his boyfriend, and discovered him voicing his appreciation for his sister.
"Yo solo ... te amo tanto ... eres una persona tan hermosa …" he slurred. Then he noticed Cecil approaching. "Cecilllll! Mi amor, corazon, mi flor, mi angel, my favorite person."
"I love you, but maybe it's time to get going home? It's already almost 11."
"Un baile mas?" He said with soft brown pleading eyes.
"Sure, love." Cecil said with a smile, helping his boyfriend stumble to the dance floor.
The DJ put on a nice slow song and Carlos rested his head on Cecil's chest, playing gently with his tie. They swayed softly and Cecil was sure his heart would pound out of his chest.
Carlos sang along with the song, his gentle voice flowing between the two and wrapping them up in song. It was pure bliss, until Carlos made a sharp gagging noise and ran to vomit in a bush.
Cecil grabbed a plastic bag that was lying on a table nearby and went over to rub his significant other's back as he spilled his stomach into the bush.
"Come on sweetheart, let's get you home." Cecil gently lead Carlos to the car.
"Ok...te amo…" he mumbled softly.
"Can I have the keys?" Cecil asked, holding out his hand.
"Mhm.." Carlos fumbled around in his pockets, pulling out the ring of keys, trading them for the plastic bag.
He set the smaller man up in the passenger side of the car, and went to inform his mom that they were leaving.
She proceeded to hand him a large grocery bag full of food.
"No los voy a dejar pasar hambre. Cuidar a mi hijo, por favor"
[I'm not letting you two go hungry. take care of my son, please.]
Cecil nodded and gave her a small hug.
She pecked him on the cheek and patted his back to send him off.
He carried the bag back to the car and put it in the backseat, then got into the driver's seat and adjusted its placement, as Carlos was a tad bit shorter.
Speaking of, he was asleep with his head leaning against the window.
Cecil started the car and backed down the driveway, then started back to Night Vale.
The half hour drive went fairly quickly, and Carlos never had to use his plastic bag.
Cecil helped his boyfriend up the stairs and into the apartment, putting the keys on the table. He helped Carlos out of his suit, which got abandoned on the floor as he crawled into bed with just his boxers remaining.
"We'll get you a shower tomorrow, ok? For now, sleep love. I'll be right back to join you in a moment."
"Ceecill…" Carlos groaned. "Please stay...No quiero que te vayas"
"I have to get the food out of the car honey...I'm sorry. I'll be back soon I promise." Cecil gave him a little kiss on the forehead and went to put the food away. While he was up he got Carlos's favorite mug, filled it with water, and got an ibuprofen from the bathroom. He went back to the bedroom, taking off his suit and discarding his clothing next to Carlos's. He set the mug and pill on the side table, and heard a little choked noise. He looked down and saw Carlos crying softly.
"Oh, my sweet beautiful Carlos, what's wrong?" He asked, settling into bed next to him.
Carlos hugger him and cried into his chest.
"I…*hic* made you...sad…I'm *hic* sorry"
"Oh no, it's alright my love. You had your reason, I knew you did. I love you." Cecil planted a kiss on Carlos's head through his silky black hair.
"I love you too…" he said, drifting off to sleep.