Title: Rainy Weekend
Prompt: rain
Character: Casey Connor, Zeke Tyler
Words: 409
Finished: November 2017

:::

Casey stared out of the window; rain was pouring down, the sky was gray and dreary. Like his mood. This was not fair. The first weekend for months he was free to do what he wanted. The tests at school were finally over, and his parents were on their way to Idaho to visit an old friend of his dad.

Zeke had suggested a trip to the Moshannon State Forest; he knew Casey well enough to guess what his photographer heart would love. But now, this excellent plan was rained off, literally.

The GTO stopped in front of the Connor's house; quickly, Zeke stepped in and closed the door behind him.
„Puh, that's a foul weather today.“
He bent forward for a kiss.
„Hey, what's wrong? You've a face as long as a fiddle.“

Casey sighed, trying hard to fight his disappointment.
„It's nothing, sorry. But I couldn't wait to finally go to the Moshannon Forest. A nice photo trip, spending some alone time together with you.“

Zeke chuckled slightly.
„I'm here. And a whole weekend is lying ahead of us. Where is the problem?“

„It's raining cats and dogs.“

„Well, sometimes even the best-laid plans can go wrong,“ Zeke agreed.
„And it can never hurt to have an emergency plan.“

„I guess you are right; I'm a drama queen again. Do you want to go over into your garage? We could watch a movie. Maybe order a pizza.“

„Hm.“
Zeke scratched his nose.
„What do you think about the Glenlaurel Scottish Inn?“

Casey smirked.
„Insider tip. Pretty romantic shit. Stan has thought about it to invite Stokes for a long weekend, but she preferred to go to Akron, to the Bloody Con.“

Zeke laughed.
„Why this doesn't surprise me? What's with you? You like romance.“

„Hm. You think Stan is interested in spending a romantic weekend with me? Very unlikely.“

„Good for him.“
Zeke grinned wide and pulled a key out of his pocket.
„A cottage just for the two of us. A fireplace in the bedroom, a whirlpool in the bathroom, a roofed porch. Room service around the clock. We don't even have to leave the bed if we don't want to.“

For a moment, Casey felt out of words.
„You are fooling me; the inn is booked up months in advance.“

„Aawww. Never underestimate your brilliant boyfriend.

So, ready to leave this hellhole of town behind for the best rainy weekend ever?“

Title: Teamwork
Characters: Zeke Tyler
Word Count: 148
prompt: school
Finished: November 2017

:::

Zeke dropped his book onto the table. His mood was low. Teamwork. He hated teamwork. Especially he hated teamwork with Casey Connor.

Any other would agree to do the homework alone and to share the result with Zeke; everyone knew he wouldn't be niggard with a thank you. Casey, though, was different, not interested in cigarettes, faked ID cards or porn magazines. He was a good boy, insisting that they would meet at the school's library in the afternoon to do all the work together.

When Casey entered the room, Zeke cringed inwardly. Not because of the too wide jeans or the stupid checkered shirt, not even because of the camera around his neck, which outright cried: I'm the world's greatest geek. It was because of a pair of striking blue eyes that always made Zeke's heart beat faster and aroused dreams he didn't like in the slightest.

Title: The Old Orchard
Characters: Zeke Tyler, Casey Connor
Word Count: 702
prompt: apples
Finished: October 2018

:::

Zeke stopped the GTO near the clearing. „So, what do you think? It's a great place, isn't it?“

Casey let his eyes wander. An abandoned orchard; old trees, peas, apples, and cherries, which seemed to live in harmony with the nature around. Wildflowers on the ground, ivy covered the trunks of the trees. Birds in the branches, squirrels and a little duck family on its way to the small pond at the end of the clearing. Yes, it was a beautiful place in the dawning sun; he could probably take some interesting photos. Still a riddle, though, why Zeke insisted on driving about 100 miles to bring him here. There were other places similar to this much nearer to Herrington.

„The apples are ripe now; they are juicy and sweet. You need to try them.“

„Okay.“ Casey turned around to his boyfriend, slightly frowning. „Since when do you care about apples?“

„Healthy food.“

„Sure. Says the junk food lover.“

Zeke's grin turned into a soft smile. „I was here often when I was a child. The place was part of a farm back then and not so magic. But I loved it to come here; I was free and happy.“ He paused shortly before continuing. „It was my grandmother's farm. She was great and did her best to keep the farm running. Went to the farmers market twice a week to sell her homemade stuff. Marmalade. Apple wine. I remember, once I sneaked one of the jars.“ He laughed slightly. „Luckily, it was a new one with only a little alcohol, but I got a nice hangover anyway. All she did was to bring me to bed and to tell me: 'That's a lesson only the life can teach you.'“

Casey had listened in silence. It didn't often happen that Zeke talked about his childhood, and when he did, it was mostly depressing memories. He had never told anything about his grandmother before and about his obvious love to her.

„Seems as if she is great,“ he murmured.

Zeke smiled and grabbed for his hand. „She was,“ he agreed. „The rare times together with her were the best of my life. Despite my parents, she was always there for me; she believed in me. My life would have taken a different route if I had grown up with her.

But I wasn't allowed to see her often. My father never was close to her; not a surprise, you can't picture two people more different than these two. When I was eight years old, he said that she had too much bad influence on me, and he decided to send me to a boarding school.“

The grip around Casey's hand tightened; it hurt, but Casey didn't pull back. He had noticed the tears sparkling in Zeke's eyes.

„I have never seen her again,“ Zeke whispered. „She died two years later, and I wasn't even allowed to go and see her for a last time.“

Casey swallowed hard. „I'm sorry.“ This was lame, but what else could he do then offering some comfort? It didn't happen often that he felt so helpless.

But Zeke shook his head. „No need to, Case. Yes, I was broken back then. Full of hate and loneliness, I was sure I would never meet someone like her again. Someone who does believe in me no matter what I do. Who can love me like I am. But then... I met you.“

Not able to hold back any longer, Casey started to sniff.

„Hey, stop that, you dumb shit!“ Zeke pulled his face. „I didn't tell you to make you feel miserable.“

„ I know. It's just...“ Casey breathed in deeply while fighting his tears back. „I'm so happy that you are finally letting me deeper into your life.“ He paused, then he put his arms around Zeke. „Hey, I just got an idea. Why don't we pick up some of the apples for my Mom? I'm not sure if she can't make apple vine, but her German apple cake is delicious.“

„Sounds like a plan.“ Zeke grabbed Casey's hand and pulled him over to the old orchard.

Title: Much too sexy
Prompt: hoodie
Character: Casey Connor
Words: 100
Finished: October 2017

:::

Casey swallowed when Zeke entered the classroom and dropped down onto his chair. He was late, as ever, and he didn't care a fig for it, that Mr. Furlong looked at him slightly frowning. Put the backpack on the table, smiled at Marie, who was sitting a row behind him as if they were all alone. And ignored Casey, as ever.

Probably, this was the best that could happen to him. Casey knew well enough that this time, he wouldn't be able to hide his feelings. Zeke looked just too hot in his new tight denim and the dark red hoodie.

Title: Sick
Prompt: tea
Character: Casey Connor, Zeke Tyler
Words: 117
Finished: October 2017

:::

„What's that?“

„Herbal tea with honey.“ When Zeke pulled his face, Casey added: “Small sips, as long as the tea is hot.“

„Hurts.“

„I know. You have a severe angina.“ Casey put his hand on Zeke's hot forehead. „But you need to drink as much as you can. Later, you should rest for a while.“

Groaning, Zeke closed his eyes. „I'm sorry.“

„What?“

„Ruining...“ Zeke licked his dry lips. „Ruining our weekend.“

„Shut up, shithead.“ Casey smirked. „And don't think that you can escape the photo exhibition. We will go as soon as you are fit again.“ He grabbed for the mug and held it to Zeke's lips. „Tea. Small sips.“

Title: First New Year's Eve together
Characters: Zeke Tyler, Casey Connor, Mr. and Mrs. Connor
Word Count: 1280
Rating: PG13
Prompts: champagne, sparkling, challenge, midnight
Finished: December 2017

:::

Casey never minded spending his holidays with his parents. He had never had many friends, and he loved his family. Wasn't it a part of any holiday to spend them together with people you loved?

Maybe this was why he wished this New Year's Eve would be over before it started. Lentil soup with his parents, though no one actually liked it, but his mother insisted that this was a tradition in her family since she could remember, and it was never a good idea to break with traditions. Then they would play Monopoly and watch 'Some Like it Hot', like every year. Again, tradition. Some moments before midnight, his father would open the champagne, only for himself and Casey's mom, of course. For Casey, it would be a mix of soda and apple juice. It had been like this since he had been a little boy, and sometimes he was afraid that his parents would never realize it, that he was grown up.

He was almost eighteen, and they still treated him like a toddler sometimes. So, how could he tell them that he would have preferred to spend New Year's Eve with his best friend this year? Zeke Tyler. The guy he had learned to love during the last months.

:::

Mrs. Connor eyed her son thoughtfully. He was a good boy, not as wild as many other boys his age. Spend a lot of time learning for school; the following year, he would graduate and move to college. Art school in New York or San Fransisco; only the best for him because he was very talented.

She knew letting him go would almost break her heart, but she was smart enough to know not to tell him. He had worked so hard for it, and it hadn't been easy for him during Highschool; he had never complained but had tried to hide the bruises from her. A good son. He deserved it to be happy.

„Can I help you with the lentil soup? “ Casey asked, dropping down on a chair beside her.

„No, thanks, it's almost ready.“ She turned to her son. „May I ask you something, Casey?“

His blue eyes sparkled, surprised. „Of course you can. What can I do for you?“

„Most of your friends are going to a party tonight. Wouldn't you like to go, too?“

„Ähm … no, not interested.“ Quickly, Casey turned his head away to avoid her questioning look. „I'm not a party boy, Mom, you know this, and to be honest, there are not many close friends I would like to spend New Year's Eve with. I prefer...“ He chuckled slightly. „... traditions.“

„It's nice to say that.“ Mrs. Connor smiled. „But it seems as if there is at least one guy who means a lot to you. You hang around often with Zeke lately.“

Casey couldn't hide his blushed cheeks. „Well, yeah. It's because ... we learn for school together. Zeke owns a high-tech computer, so much better than these lame PCs at the school's library.“

As always, Mrs. Connor noticed the sparkles in his eyes when he talked about this boy. Her motherly instinct told her there was more between these two than just learning for school. She wasn't sure if she liked this idea; she had always dreamed about a nice girl Casey would marry one day, maybe grandchildren. But, like Casey moving far away to college, she knew that she had to accept it when Casey had other dreams.

„Maybe you could invite him to spend New Year's Eve with us,“ she suggested.

Casey stared at her with wide-open eyes, his thoughts racing. Zeke in the comfy but old-fashioned living room of the Connor's, having lentil soup, playing Monopoly? Tradition or not, this was just too ridiculous. Or maybe not?

:::

„Are you sure that you want to do this?“ Casey looked nervous, and Zeke nodded. „You will hate it.“

„I don't know,“ Zeke admitted. „I hope not. You know about my family background. I've never had a family. Not like you. My parents think that you can buy all with money. As a child, I had everything I wanted; I spent my holidays at the most expensive resorts.

Every Christmas, I went to Disney Land with my nanny. I've never had family holidays, but I didn't miss anything. This life was quite normal for me. Until I met you. You show me a different world where love is more important than money.

It felt pretty scary at first; I wasn't sure if I could deal with so many feelings. But when I'm lying in your arms, I know that this is the only place where I want to be.“

When he noticed tears sparkling in Casey's eyes, he pulled him into his arms to kiss him gently. „I love you, Casey Daniel Connor, and it's about time to accept the challenge and to meet your parents. They are a part of your life, always will be, and if I want to spend my life with you, I will need to learn to love them, too.“

:::

Mr. Connor stepped to the window where his wife looked at the porch. The two boys were sitting on the stairs, chatting and laughing. It didn't happen often that Casey was so relaxed with others around.

As if she could read his mind, Mrs. Connor looked up. „He's a good boy.“

„Yeah, it seems as if he cares for Casey. I admit I was slightly worried when he started to hang around with him so often. His rep in town is not the best.“

Mrs. Connor smiled. „Well, we always tell Casey not to give much about gossip talk but to have a mind of his own, don't we?

I trust his instincts. Zeke might be a bit rebellious, but that's not a big surprise. I've heard about his childhood. Can you believe his parents went on a three-month cruise when he was barely three years old? Leaving him behind with an au pair, who was barely older than Casey is now?

It wasn't always easy for him, but he's grown up as a decent young guy. He will make his way."

„Hm. I just hope that he will never hurt Casey. Otherwise...“

„Oh, I'm sure there is no need to worry. He treats us with a lot of respect. And the way he looks at Casey when he thinks no one notices it talks volumes.“

„Hm. You think there is more between them than just learning for school?“

Mrs. Connor laughed slightly, watching Zeke putting his arm around Casey's shoulder; after a short hesitation, the boy leaned closer, whispering in the bigger boy's ear. „Well, I'm sure Casey will tell us when he thinks there is something we should know. Up to then, we can only wait and trust him.“

The old grandfather's clock, which Mrs. Conner had taken over from her grand-grandfather, suddenly started to strike. One, two, three... Mrs. Connor grabbed her husband's hand, pulling him away from the window. She did remember well enough their first New Year's Eve together: midnight, the end of the old year, and the beginning of a new one—a moment so full of hope, love, and dreams. The boys deserved some privacy.

„Happy New Year, Frank,“ she said and kissed him. Even after twenty years, she still felt the magic of this moment.