Kiss the Chef :Almir:

[Connor Micheal Collins]

Tliting his head at Almir, he wasn't sure what he was supposed to see that Almir wasn't seeing himself. Giving the boy a sad smile, he shrugged, "It it makes you uncomfortable, I won't call you it." The blonde stepped back, looking down the hallway, he hummed thinking about what they were going to do. If they were going down to the kitchens still or if they were going to stand here and talk, "I..I am looking at you, I like the way you look..." Connor didn't normally see people dress like Almir did, but it didn't really matter, it was different, but not a lot of guys dressed like Connor did though either. He had gotten made fun for it a few times from people, but the taller boy just ignored them.


Cheeks turning red, dating wasn't really in Connor's books really. He didn't really know how to talk to anyone, and no one really wanted to talk to him. The boy didn't really even get crushes, not ones Connor had ever talked to in the least. When Almir touched his hair, Connor bit his lip, not pulling away from Almir but not encouraging it either. It was nice to have a friendly touch like that, but Connor didn't want to say anything about it. Shaking his head, "I'm not, I meant, wouldn't say no if someone wanted to try..I mean, you just asked me to uhm, go down to the kitchens with you and..I, don't, mind doing that. Not that you're interested in me, I just.." Connor let a breath through his nose, looking at Almir, not really sure what he was supposed to say, his shoulders slummed a little. "Oh, yeah, you and your group seem to like that type of freedom." Connor didn't date because he didn't know how, and it was honestly pretty intimidating to him to try and talk to a person to get with them. He didn't want to offend them, because he wasn't really the best guy around to be with. Connor knew that. Who wanted to date the shy loner kid?


Thinking about how the conversation with Almir was, it was like an up and down for Connor, Almir had him smiling and blushing, then he had him embarrassed and confused. Maybe he shouldn't have said the guy part, the blonde boy knew that wasn't normally a conversation guys wanted to be apart of. Connor was just sure that Almir had been flirting with him a minute ago, but that obviously was wrong with Almir's comment. Skipping over the comment nonetheless, "I'm sorry, that must be hard to look forward to.. Uhm, but why? I mean...your in my year, you'll have to be 17 soon. You can, just say no." Connor wouldn't do it himself, with his family, if his parents wanted to him to marry someone, the taller boy was sure he'd do it in all honesty. He hadn't had a girlfriend...or a boyfriend before, he didn't see himself making a move to get one by himself anyway. So if his parents thought they found him someone, he'd trust them for it. Smiling at Almir once again, he couldn't believe that the other boy was getting bashful, it was nice to see the differences. "I, uhm, I.. It's, it's okay. I'm used to it." The blonde boy tried to reassure about Almir's teasing.


"I think we should head down to the kitchens then." Connor said not commenting back really to what Almir was saying, not wanting to deny or encourage that no, he didn't get curious about doing new things. He'd settled for reading about them or watching, but doing them himself was not really something Connor thought of doing. Cooking though, couldn't be that hard. He didn't really at home, but he knew basics when he needed too. Almir kept touching him, Connor wasn't sure if he was allowed to return that or not though, because sometimes when coming to certain groups, they were allowed to do things, that others shouldn't. The last thing Connor wanted was to upset the brunette. "I, uhm, come on." Connor risked grabbed Almir's hand lightly, and pulled him to walk down the hallway, but he didn't keep it for long. Having already spoken about his interest in guys, and Almir's lack of, the taller boy didn't want to risk embarrassment in case Almir went back to be the cockier version of himself that he was a few minutes ago. Not sure if he was allowed to ask or not, because he wasn't really sure if it was normal or not, but, "Are...are we friends now?" Connor asked quietly.

[Deleted]

“No worries, I don’t mind it if it is you who says it. It just feels strange; I guess it is something I have to get used to, just like you have to get used to my way of doing things. Sorry for my reaction before.” He was sure that if the two could understand each other a little bit more, they could become friends. The other words confused him a little bit so he simply nodded.

The whole presence of the Ravenclaw boy made him feel weird. Yet he could not tell if it was something good or something awkward. Perhaps a little bit of both. Connor was so different from the people who he usually hung out with, yet he didn’t dislike the way the taller boy was. People should just be who they are, Almir always said, even when he always was hiding his true self from his family. The only thing that made him wonder was why Connor was this shy and all. He saw no reason for this. For as far as he knew, Connor was good with school and well no one could deny that he was quite cute and good looking.

A grin returned on his face at the embarrassment of the other boy. The blonde simply looked adorable with his cheeks all red. As the Connor spoke again, Almir made sure they got their own space again and listened. The words came over to him a little bit like rambling and he felt a little bit guilty for putting the other male at a spot. Just as soon as he realized what exactly was said, he felt a small blush coming up. “Naah it is okay.” He said, turning his head away to hide the blush. “Uhm.. yeah, we will just see okay?” Playing with his long hair, he turned himself back.

Connor went on about their type of ‘freedom’ and Almir softly smiled to himself. “Well I would not say that I’ve ever… well.. uhm.. done more than kissing. Like I know I’ve dated several girls but that is what makes a difference between Ace and me.” Biting his lip, he felt himself turn completely red as he now realized that he kind of admitted being a virgin. Not that it was strange; he was just 16 but still. It wasn’t the thing you’d say to someone you barely knew. Mentally slapping himself, he hoped that the other guy would not notice it or ignore it.
His head was still hanging when Connor apologized about what he was about to face. “Naah it is all right I guess. I should not complain, my parents want the best for me after all. They do right? Right?” Swallowing a little bit, he slowly shook his head, his hair moving around it as he did. “I can’t just say no, I would disrespect my family if I did. Then I’d be even more of an outcast. Like I am the only one who didn’t end up in Ravenclaw or Slytherin… and well… it’s my duty to make sure the Rochester line doesn’t run out.” Sighing he looked up and smiled, even when it was a forced one. He just didn’t really want to talk about this, or well complain about this. It made him sound like a spoiled brat. “Used about what?” He raised an eyebrow as he questioned the boy.

His smile turned real when Connor suggested going to the kitchens. He was looking forward to have some fun and try something new. He let himself being guided and ignored the fact that his ears might have turned red when his hand was grabbed. Thank Merlin for his long fabulous hair. Only the touch was for a brief moment and he might have been a little bit disappointed by the fact that it was over this quickly. As they walked down the stairs, Almir tried as subtle as possible to walk close to the other boy. Close enough that their arms sometimes touched. It was a little bit strange and he had no idea why he was trying this but he could not really fight himself now. At some point Connor quietly asked him if they were friends, Almir stopped walking. Imediatelly after stopping he pulled the sleeve of the other boy and pulled him into a friendly embrace. “Of course we are, you’d just have to get used to these kinds of things.” He warned his new friend as he let go of him. “Come we are almost there.” He said as they entered the dungeons, holding the door open.

[Connor Micheal Collins]

Unable to stop the feeling of pride when the other boy started to blush, Connor grinned. It was rare that he got someone to feel like he did and he couldn't but think it was adorable on the other boy. Almir was much more confident than Connor was, so when he saw that on the shorter boy, Connor got a little excited. He couldn't help the words that came out, "You're blushing.." The surprise was obvious in Connor's tone as well. Taken back by the 'we'll see', Connor didn't even respond, the way of the Hogwarts food chain, Almir was way above Connor, so Connor really didn't think he'd have a chance.

"Ace?" Connor asked confused, trying to think of who Almir was talking about, before he caught on. "Oh, Shafiq...Uhm, I don't know. I think it's more impressive that you haven't than if you had." Connor said not really sure if he believed the other boy. He knew people weren't always what they seemed to be, but at the same time, most of the time people ran in crowds that they were similar to. Then again, Almir didn't even know Connor, why tell him he was a virgin if he was lying? It wasn't like Connor was any different, he hadn't even dated let alone done anything with anyone. Shaking his head, with a blush rising as he spoke, "Uhm...Well, you've done more than me." Connor said trying to make the other boy feel better, but it was a still an embarrassing topic. Normally he wouldn't have said anything, normally..there was nothing normal about this. Connor was an outcast nerd while Almir was the popular captain of the Gryffindor.

Taking a hand to Almir's shoulder, he attempted to comfort him in the lightest way he could. "I don't know...I mean..I'm not a pureblood, I don't have those rules. I don't understand them very well, but you shouldn't be forced to do that..I mean..don't your parents want you to be happy?" Connor was sure that was all his parents wanted for him. Was to be happy with his life. Why wouldn't Almir's parents want that for him? Maybe if Almir found someone first, then there wouldn't be any issues. Or maybe they had a misunderstanding. Connor couldn't wrap his head around a parent not wanting their child to have a happy life. Biting his bottom lip, Connor attempted to joke, "Well..You look better in red than you ever would in green." He grinned up at Almir, pushing on his shoulder a little, trying to cheer him up.

Used to people making fun of him. "People talking about me." Connor said as distance as he could, he didn't want to make Almir feel bad after making him feel better. So he sugar coated it a little for his new friend. When Almir did smile at him, Connor felt better, it wasn't any good when the other boy looked upset. Walking with him to the kitchens was slightly awkward for Connor, because when their hands brushed against each other, Connor was tempted to grab it again. He knew that Almir wouldn't welcome the touch though, it wasn't really normal for boys to do that. Especially since Almir was a pureblood, how would he even react if Connor even thought of flirting let alone making a move to touch Almir more than just a friend? No, the blonde boy wouldn't even try. Of all the crushes to have start, of all the people, Connor's heart choose the boy who wouldn't want him. When Almir stopped walking, Connor was ready to kick himself for asking to be Almir's friend. He didn't even look at the Gryffindor when he was pulled toward him, because he already knew the rejection before it was even voiced.

So Connor's shock came to play when Almir hugged him, he froze for only a second, before he moved his arms to hug Almir's waist. The other boy's head came up to Connor's nose, he couldn't help relax into the hug. It wasn't common for Connor to get these kinds of things, unless it was family. And those hugs felt so much different than the one Almir was giving him now. It was in that second that the Ravenclaw knew he was crushing on the other boy. He couldn't help but grin anyway, he was happy, he made a friend and even though Almir wasn't going to like him like that, Connor still made a friend. He moved to catch up to Almir, and soon, they were at the kitchens. Going up to the painting, he tickled the pear just like he had learned in the years before, he moved aside to let Almir walk in first. It was only polite.

[Deleted]

Connor exclaimed that he Almir the cool was blushing, he was somewhat taken back because of it. Blinking as his colour even deepened he shook his head. “I’m most certainly not.” He almost squeaked in defense. Such a bad liar he was. “It’s not because of you or anything." This time he turned his head away to avoid having to face the other boy. He bit his lip as he noticed what he just said, he could only imagine how stupid he may have looked. How could things get so embarrassing. He was totally losing his cool act. He just hoped that Acer or anyone else would never find out. Almir always kept his emotions straight and he never even had felt like this. It was because of Connor but why he didn’t know.

Once he had calmed down he still kept his face locked forward, as if one more look could make him blush all over again. “Yep Ace as in Acer Shafiq. He’s in your house a year higher.” His voice didn’t contain much emotion and it seemed that he just spoke to fade away what happened before. Deciding to ignore the comment about well sexual things, he continued to walk. Until Connor said that he hadn’t kissed yet. For a moment he halted and looked at the boy. “How come? I’d imagine someone as adorable, kind and good looking as you would fall in taste with the girls. Or are you saving yourself for someone special?” It was just guessing but it actually has surprised him.

“It’s not like they are rules. It’s just something natural. My parents only want the best for me and I want them to be proud of me. It’s just I’m nothing who they wished I was so I’ve given up on trying to please them.” Grinning when he was told that red looked better on him than green, he licked his dry lips and smiled again. “Don’t try to bring me down, I look fabulous in every color.” He joked and winked to tease the other boy a little. The kindness of a stranger sometimes was surprising, while he didn’t feel like Connor was that much of a stranger. While sometimes he had found himself in a new situation, he liked being around this boy. His hand moved to the one of the other boy which was on his shoulder, he took it and squeezed it. “It’s complicated, don’t try to understand you’ll be left with a headache. Thanks for listening to my complaining even when we just met. You probably think I’m a spoiled pureblood kid now, don’t you? I should be thankful for all my parents gave me and yet I want more.” Letting go of the other boy, he slightly cursed himself because he knew it was true.

His expression turned to somewhat of a frown as Connor suddenly sounded very distance as he spoke. Talking about him? What was it with those teenagers and always trying to push others into the ground to make themselves feel better? “It’s okay if you don’t want to talk to me about it. After all it’s none of my business. But if you want a listening ear, I want you to know that you can always come to me.” His hand reached out for Connor but instead he let his arm hang down limp against his body again. People weren’t as touchy as he was and he sometimes had trouble with containing himself. Even when he just wanted to comfort the elder boy.

The hug was somewhat more pleasant than a hug was supposed to be. Without noticing it himself, he had embraced Connor tighter than he’d ever done with his usual friends. The arms around his waist made him blush heavily and he was happy that Connor could not see his face right now. Because he would look like a fool when he now was red while claiming to be usually touchy among friends.

Entering the kitchens, all elves looked slightly up and greeted ‘Master Rochester’ to which Almir shook his head. He came here very often and was very friendly with the elves. Sometimes he came down here and play guitar for them as they listened and relaxed for a while. “I told you guys to just call me Almir, please try to practice it.” A few elves looked with curiosity to Connor and Almir smiled at them. “This is Connor a dear friend of me. We were wondering if we could borrow a part of the kitchen for a while and a book. We’re going to make blue berry muffins. Or at least we are going to try. ”

[Connor Micheal Collins]

Grinning widely, Connor loved that he could make he other boy blush too. He wasn't the only one, at that was a good feeling. He didn't even get a offended when the other boy said it wasn't because of him, as he would have a few minutes ago. Watching Almir, Connor couldn't help but be a little proud of himself for causing a reaction like that. "Well...if I didn't do it, why are you blushing?" Because who else could? And Connor knew from experience, talking about the blushing, only causes the blushing to continue. "Do your friends get too see you like this? I mean...It might be just me, but I like this version of you better than the other part I met..." He hoped that he didn't offend the other boy, really, he just liked it when Almir was nice to him.

Nodding, he knew who Acer Shafiq was, he was the guy who was bouncing around with the 6th and 7th years. "I know of him..." Connor didn't really know the older boy to actually judge him, but what he didn't understand was why go from person to person? Why not just pick one? Connor hadn't even gotten one girl's attention, let alone enough to have a selection to pick from. Feeling self conscious, Connor shrugged. He didn't really approach anyone, so how could a girl like him? "Girls..they like the..uhm, macho type..and I'm really not the type." Feeling awkward about himself, it got him thinking again, why would someone want to date him? How could Connor just assume that Almir had been flirting with him? He was 17, and hadn't had his first kiss yet. No girl before had been interested enough, Almir was a raised pureblood and popular among Hogwarts, Connor was just the kid in the background who liked to study.

Shaking his head, "No, I just...I don't know. I haven't yet. Girls don't really like me and I haven't really tried. No one special I guess, just not yet. I mean...I don't know. It's just a kiss." Even as he said that, Connor didn't believe it. Guys were talking about getting laid, and Connor was still wondering what that first kiss would be like. He was such a girl sometimes, which is why no girl looks his way. "I think, you're pretty good the way you are. I don't know you're...parents, but I think you shouldn't change yourself...because if you do, everyone will like you, but you." Connor had attempted to be more than just a bookworm, he tired to make friends, but all he felt was awkward and out of place. He stopped trying to follow the crowd, and just did what he liked to do instead. While he wasn't social, he was comfortable. He was shy, but he did want someone to talk to sometimes.

"Don't worry about it..I mean, everyone needs someone to talk to right?" Connor said only to be nice, while he didn't mind Almir talking to him, he was just as sure that Almir had many other people to talk to. When Almir let go of him, Connor just watched it for a moment, before he spoke again, "I think you're just dealing... You might be spoild, I wouldn't know I guess..But even if you are, everyone wants their parents to be happy. It's not bad thing to want from them." Connor didn't know anything about Almir's home life, but no matter how many objects Almir had been given, wanting to be acknowledged positively by his parents was only a good thing in Connor's eyes. "I think..I think it's good you want that."

Opening his mouth, but closing it unsure of what to say back to Almir's offer. Sure it had been on the table before with other people, but who really means it? Connor didn't want to use anyone like that, so when Almir offered, it through Connor off a little bit. He smiled anyway, because even though Connor might not take the offer, it was a nice one either way. "I'll remember that..thank you. It's nothing really, just, it's okay was all I was saying.." He didn't know what to do, when the hug was over, Connor didn't even attempt to loose his smile. It was small and lingering, it only grew when he heard Almir say his name to the elves. He stated it aloud, "Someone remembered my name."