I fell in love instantly

The stars and moon collide

Artist on picture
———————
I hit my radio, trying to clear up the static. I can't miss Cecil's broadcast. I finally get it to clear up but... that's not Cecil.
~"Good morning desert bluffs! This is your host, Kevin, and today we have a special guest. Lauren, from strexcorp! Say hi Lauren!"
I shake my head and it it again. Cecil's melodious voice comes on at last.
".. to night vale"
I sag with relief. My coworkers are probably going to tease me about it. I don't love him!

The little voice in my head is asking if I'm sure about that. I am. I am straight. I am.
—
I run out to big Rico's for lunch, and run into a friend of Cecil's. I think her name is Old woman Josie? I know that Cecil thinks the world of her. I smile at her, and she glares at me in response. I drop my gaze to the floor, and get food for my team.
—
I rush back to the lab, since most people at the pizza place are glaring at me. Friends of Cecil I assume. He's invading my whole life. I can't stop thinking about him. I can't stop imagining... his hands. Over me. I rub my temples. I don't know why I'm letting my mind wander that far. Maybe work will distract.

~"listeners, I apologize for not broadcasting for a bit. I was... hurt recently. It affected me more than I thought it would. But now... I'm fine. Great! Better than ever!"

I hear Cecil over the radio, and feel sick to my stomach. I can tell how forced his happiness was. I push my slice towards Jane, my coworker, and mutter an excuse about not feeling good. It's not like I was lying.

I just feel so terrible I can't eat. I hope Cecil's fine. I don't know what I would do if he got hurt. I care about him so much... as a friend. I'm sure.

I wander off to my work and try to distract myself. It doesn't work. Jane goes over my work and notices a lot of simple errors. She tells me to go home. I nod dumbly and wander slowly out.
—
I'm at home, and I barely remember getting here. I mostly remember turning on the radio as soon as I get home.

What if I'm not straight? I... think... I love him.

I do. I love Cecil Palmer. I want him to press against me and kiss me. I want to feel something. And I want that something to be Cecil.

I sit in front of the phone, practice what I'm going to say.

Cecil... I'm calling...
Cecil I'm calling... for personal
Cecil I'm... calling for

I sit like that for at least 20 minuets before I work up the courage to pick up the phone.

"Cecil"

"Hello carlos." The way he says my name breaks my heart. Cold. Emotionless. Like I'm a stranger.

"Cecil... I'm calling for personal reasons."

I hear silence on the other end.
"Maybe your personal reasons should have called earlier. We're closed."