The Faculty - Written for FFFC and Ficlet Zone

[prisca]

Title: SOS
Character: Zeke Tyler, Casey Connor
Prompt: SOS
Word Count: 389
Finished: 24.11.2020

:::

"Hey, what's going on here?“

The voice, coming out of the dark, made Casey jump. „God, Zeke, you've scared me to death.“

„Sorry. Why are you not inside, enjoying your party? Del is already looking for you.“

„I don't care.“

„Oh.“ Zeke stepped closer, noticing tears on Casey's face. „You had a fight? Get over it, I always knew she's not worth it.“

„It's not that.“ Casey sighed. „Never fooled myself, I know, she is only interested in the fame I get. But I can't stand it any longer. Everyone treats me like a hero, as if I have saved the world. This is so wrong.“

„Well. You did stand up against this fucking alien bitch, when no one else was there to do it. Guess this makes you a hero.“

Casey's face darkened. „I couldn't save everyone. Miss Drake and Sister Harper are dead. The coach has lost his mind, and he will probably never leave the psychiatric clinic again. And Mr. Furlong, he has only lost two fingers, but he's not the same anymore.“

„Case, you know, this is bullshit, don't you? No one blames you for that.“

„I do.“ Tears started to fall again. „Every night, they visit me in my dreams, and I know they hate me. How can they not? I knew that something strange was going on at school already the day before, but I did nothing to stop it. Until it was too late.“ Slightly sniffing, he shook his head. „How can I be a hero when I failed that much? I can't stand it any longer when people call me one. All the media circus, the parties, Delilah, and my parents... all this is driving me crazy.“

When he started shaking all over, Zeke stepped forward, putting an arm around his shoulder, to hold him. „Get it,“ he said, his voice surprisingly gentle. „Seems as if it is time for a break. Maybe you should leave Herrington behind, at least for a while. To find back to yourself.“

Casey looked at him with big, blue eyes. „But whereto could I go? Did you see the last cover of the Times Magazine? Guess the whole world knows my face now.“

Zeke smiled. „I know the perfect place where no one would ever find you. Do you trust me?“

The Faculty - Written for Advent drabble

[prisca]

Title: Cold and hot
Character: Zeke Tyler, Casey Connor
Prompt: drinking hot tea
Word Count: 200
Finished: 02.12.2020

:::

After the, at least for his liking, much too long photo trip into the wintery woods, Zeke's mood was low. Chilled through, fingers and feet so cold that he could barely move them. Huffing slightly, he dropped down onto the couch, watching his cheery boyfriend.

„What a wonderful afternoon,“ Casey couldn't stop gushing. „The snow on the trees, the frozen lake, and, of course, the fox family we met. I hope I was able to take some good shots for the Winter challenge of my photo course. Did I tell you that the top three will get a place at the Academy of Art's yearly exhibition? This would be a great chance for me; maybe...“ He paused, eying Zeke frowning. „What's wrong?“

„Cold,“ Zeke snarled, rubbing his fingers together.

„I could make us hot cacao.“

Zeke rolled his eyes. „Cacao? Am I a toddler?“

„Then maybe tea.“ Casey giggled slightly. „With a lacing of rum to cheer you up. Or we could go upstairs, have a shower at first. I already have some ideas about how to warm you up.“

Impossible to be grumpy with this little geek around; Zeke couldn't hide his grin any longer.