[Welcome to Night Vale] Quarantine

[ Implied! Cecil x Reader
Warning: Sadness ahead!]

"And finally, some good news."

I perked up, sitting up on the plain white mattress. The radio on my bedside table crackled a bit, but I still heard that voice, that comforting voice, that I had heard so many times before, speak to me.

"All wheat and wheat by-products have mysteriously vanished from Night Vale, and the City Council promises that they will be gone forever. This scourge, this siege upon us, this salvo of food-based warfare is finally over. Nevermore will be we threatened in our homes by this enemy or its by-products."

I sighed. At first it was relief, then just plain sadness. I looked up at the door, one that would be locked for years to come, and would never open again in my lifetime. Quarantine wasn't as terrible as I thought, but it wasn't by any stretch of imagination good. No matter what city council told everyone, it would SUCK.

"We also will never eat bread again, and that's a pretty big bummer."

I giggled a little. Oh, Cecil. Can you ever not be entertaining?

It was safe to say I knew a little more about Cecil than most Night Vale citizens. He lived in my apartment building, I saw him every day on his way to work. What a charming man. His hair was blonde, his eyes were purple, and I could probably list any other detail I knew about him if you gave me 3 months to write and a mile's worth of paper.

He was the closest thing to a celebrity we had around the town, but this was more than just a celebrity crush. It was kind of odd, but at least people blew it off as puppy love instead of stalking. Well, some people say I'm planning to sacrifice him, but thankfully that rumor hasn't spread too far.

But I wouldn't see him again, would I?

"But this is the balance that must be made between what we desire and what we fear, between pain and pleasure, between wheat, dear listeners, and its by-products."

Hell, after what happened, I wouldn't eat bread if you paid me too. Not that I was allowed to anyway, but still. This was a balance I could definitely live with.

"Many of you are huddled now and forever in the quarantine behind the playground in Mission Grove Park. For this community-minded sacrifice, we thank you."

Ah, well at least he was thinking of us. If I had a picture of him, I'd be hugging it to my chest right now. What a big-hearted man, I just wished I had tried to spend more time with him. Or maybe done something admirable to get an interview on the show. Just a chance to interact with him now, one final time, would put a smile on my face until I died. Which would be a long, long time away.

"I know you were forced there by martial law, but still, you should be commended for your brave action. Terminal quarantine might seem scary now, but I understand they have a well-stocked supply of canned lentils and the Silver Screen Edition of Trivial Pursuit."

I rolled my eyes. Like that would entertain us for two hours, let alone the rest of our lives. Besides, we couldn't see each other, at all, ever. So, we'd probably have to play by shouting answers through the air vents.

"And of course, you have the radio."

That put a smile on my face. It was true, I could sit here and tune into the Night Vale community radio station whenever I liked. Sure, i couldn't see it's blinking red light on the way to work, or meet up with the interns at the diner, but I could listen.

"I hope you will let my dulcet voice and our humble community station into your ears and hearts until your final wheat-loving breath."

I laid down and closed my eyes, never taking that smile off of my face. It was true, he had wormed his way into my heart the second I laid eyes on him. I loved him, it was confirmed. If I was still allowed in Night Vale, I might move on and find someone I actually had a chance with. But now that I was stuck here, the only one I would have is him. And that would be enough.

"Dear listeners, stay tuned next for a live broadcast of a man, locked in a recording booth, silently staring at the microphone with intense suspicion."

I settled closer into my stiff bed, trying to find a comfortable position. It was no surprise his soothing voice was making me drowsy.

"And as always, since always, and for always, good night, Night Vale."

I breathed in deep, letting the breath course through me before I let it out again.

"Good Night."