The Rat and the Ruby Slippers, by indigostohelit (PG)

[laughingacademy.livejournal.com]

Fandom: WELCOME TO NIGHT VALE
Pairing: Cecil/Carlos, Kevin/Carlos
Length: 7,119 words
Author on LJ: indigostohelit (friends only)
Author Website: swanjolras on Tumblr; works on AO3
Warnings: Amnesia, mind control, implied dubcon; Desert Bluffs is just awful
Notes: Spoilers for “The Sandstorm” (eps 19A & B)
Why this must be read:

Carlos wakes up to fingers trailing down his back, gentle and smooth; he turns his head without opening his eyes, lets himself be pulled into a kiss.

“Good morning,” he says.

“Good morning,” says Kevin.

Carlos blinks open his eyes at last, rolls out of bed and heads to the dresser. The sun’s pouring into their little bedroom; it’s going to be a beautiful day.

This story was written after “The Sandstorm” gave WtNV’s audience a first look at Desert Bluffs. It has had a big influence on fanon, and judging from recent episodes it may prove somewhat prescient, thematically, but it’s also well worth reading on its own merits. Indigostohelit, riffing on The Wizard of Oz and the story of Tam Lin, has crafted a dark fairy tale in which Carlos must not only save himself, but all of Night Vale.

“The Rat and the Ruby Slippers” on AO3