Title: Lost dreams
Fandom: The Faculty
Characters: Casey Connor, Zeke Tyler
Rating: PG13
Length: 695 words
Author's note: takes place some years after the movie
Written for Challenge 198 = glass
Summary: Casey is not happy at all



Zeke's eyes wandered back to the young guy sitting at the bar counter. He hadn't seen him in about three years, but he hadn't changed much. A plain t-shirt instead of a checkered shirt, the jeans not so wide anymore. The same slightly messy haircut.

What had changed, though, was his behavior. He didn't talk to anyone, looked somehow lost, as if was afraid to go home; stared into his empty glass, the fourth already, since minutes already. As the owner of a bar Zeke had learned to read the signs right, and apparently, Casey was not happy. When he ordered another whiskey with only a fleetingly wave of his fingers, Zeke decided to step in.

„Hey, Casey.“

The guy turned his head and stared at him as if he was a ghost. Zeke smirked.
„So, you are back in good, old Herrington?“

„No, I'm not. At least not forever. Why do you care?“

„Understood. Still the same cocky guy.

I was just wondering. When you've left this hellhole behind to go to New York, I was sure you would turn into a famous photographer and never come back.“

„One more drink,“ the barkeeper interrupted him and put a new glass of whiskey in front of Casey.

„Yeah, thanks.“

Thoughtfully Zeke looked from the glass back to Casey, remembering the boy he had known once.
„Maybe a glass of water would be better.“

„Why don't you mind your own business? You never was interested in others.“

„Things change.“
Zeke shrugged and pointed at the glass.
„Obviously. I remember the time at Highschool, when you spent every lunch break at the bleachers, together with a healthy lunch packet by your mom. With apples and orange juice. You always was the good boy.

What's happened?“

„Geez, Zeke!“
Casey rolled his eyes.
„This is ages ago. I finally did grow up. Realized that dreaming alone is not enough.

My life is a mess. I'm working for a small photo studio, do family photo sessions and wedding events, the most annoying stuff. My boyfriend has suddenly discovered that he probably never was gay and calls me a mistake. And my parents plan to divorce.“

He huffed. Blinked some tears away and raised his glass.

„I guess, no one will care when I drink myself into oblivion.“

Zeke slipped onto the barstool beside him and waved the barkeeper.
„Give me a drink, Jen. American Bourbon.“

She looked surprised; Zeke knew the reason for it. Never drink as long as the bar is still open, was his device and he expected all his staff following it.

„Okay. One Bourbon with ice, no water,“ she finally said and smirked slightly.

„Perfect,“ Zeke agreed smiling. Then he turned back to Casey.

„I care,“ he said.
„Guys who drink themselves into oblivion are always a nuisance for every bar.“

„Fine. I can leave.“

„You could,“ Zeke agreed.
„But this won't solve your problems.

Where is the geek who came to school every day, ignoring all the teasing and bullying, not willing to give in? Back then I've secretly envied you, you know.“

„You? Me? For what? For being the punching ball of the jocks?“

„For holding on onto your dreams. For always standing up again. Every setback has made you even stronger. You always knew what you wanted.

I can't believe that this boy is gone forever.“

Jenny, the barkeeper, stepped closer and while putting a filled glass in front of Zeke, she risked a curious glance at Casey. Inwardly Zeke chuckled; the second time tonight that he ignored one of his rules. Be nice to every guest but never get too close to them.

„Thanks, Jen,“ he said and lifted the glass while turning back to Casey.
„C'mon, geek boy, let's raise the glasses and drink to the future. I know, deep inside your dreams are still existing and you will find a way to let them come true.“

It was so good to see at least a hint of a smile on Casey's lips while he grabbed for his own glass. He had always enjoyed it to see him smiling.


THE END