The Faculty - Written for FFFC and Newyear Countdown

[prisca]

Title: Plum Blossoms
Character: Casey Connor, Zeke Tyler
Word Count: 261
Prompt: plum blossom
Finished: 06.12.2021

:::

The moment Casey entered Zeke's garage, his eyes fell onto some branches in a glass of water. „What's that,“ he asked, curious. „A new experiment?“

To his surprise, Zeke looked slightly embarrassed while he shrugged. „It's nothing.“

„Doesn't look like nothing.“ Casey stepped closer to the lab table. „Hmmm, cherries?“

„Plums.“ Zeke rolled his eyes. „You are the most snoopy guy I have ever met.“

Casey giggled, and Zeke couldn't help it but grin, too. „It's an old tradition. My grandma put some branches of her plum tree into water every year at the beginning of December. When they are blooming at Christmas Eve, the following year will be a good one for you.“

„Really," Casey asked, feeling slightly surprised at so much information. „You have a grandma?“

„Geez, Case, of course, I have some kind of a family. Everyone does.“

„Sorry. It's just... you never talk about them.“

„Because there is not much to talk about. I am the black sheep of the Tylers.“ Zeke's eyes wandered to the branches. „My grandma was the only one who was ever honestly interested in me. She died last year. Fucking cancer.“

„Oh, that's harsh.“ Casey felt the urge to pull Zeke into his arms to comfort him. But probably this would be too much. „But it's great that you keep up her wonderful tradition. So a part of her will always stay with you.“

Zeke turned back to him, smirking. „Okay, 'nough sentimental shit. Let's start with our homework, I have plans for the evening.“

Chesapeake Shore - written for FFFC and 100 ships

[prisca]

Title: Cinnamon cookies
Character: Jess O'Brien, David Peck
Word Count: 253
Prompt: cinnamon and nutmeg
Finished: 06.12.2021

:::

„Mmmhhh, this smells delicious.“ Jess entered her Bed and Breakfast guestroom, where David was already busy in the open kitchen area.

Smiling, he turned around, pointing at the baking tray on the corner. „I wanted to try something new. Cookies with cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg. A recipe from an old Christmas cooking book I found at Bree's bookshop.“

Jess stepped closer to steel one of the delicacy, still warm and soft. „Oh, it's perfect. Our guests will love them. Maybe we could make some giveaway bags for Christmas Eve.“

David pulled her into his arms, placing a kiss on her head. „Sounds good; I still have more of them in the oven.“

„You don't regret it, do you?“ She had to know, even if maybe his answer could ruin this wonderful morning. „That you didn't go home this weekend?“

„Not for a second,“ he reassured her. „The Christmas parties of my parents are famous, exclusive, expensive. But you won't find the true meaning of Christmas anywhere.“

He looked around in the homely decorated room. „I never realized how much I did miss all this. Old traditions, handmade gifts for the family, cutting down the Christmas tree in the woods. Baking cookies with cinnamon and nutmeg.“ He let his finger wander over her face. „Jess O'Brien, I am thankful that I am allowed to be here, with you and your family, to celebrate Christmas like I never did before.“

She smiled relieved. „Okay. I just wanted to be sure.“