Ann

Proud former Hufflepuff || 18 years old || Cook || Fabian Prewett's girl

[annabelletooker]

ceneweardtooker​:

“I hope so,” Cene agreed, glad Ann was on board with inviting Bertie. He may not know most of Cene and Josh’s mates, but he was family and hopefully being among friendly folks and having some good food would cheer him up a bit what with the Order stuff and that gang bloke he’d apparently been sort of dating. Cene couldn’t help wonder if maybe he should just introduce Bertie to Connor, help them both out. If Oliver didn’t clearly like Connor so much he just might have considered it. But Oliver deserved a chance to try to let himself go after what he wanted, to let himself be happy. Ann was probably right about Tommy; he nodded his agreement. He’d just invite Tommy and hope for the best. “Hopefully he won’t even realize we’re trying to get Oliver and Connor together.” And if he did, well, Cene might just have to tell Tommy the truth. Tommy was trustworthy, Cene just felt bad sharing Oli’s secret with anyone more than necessary; it wasn’t his to tell. Maybe he could just tell Tommy the fake dating part and that the reason was personal; Tommy might have his suspicions, but he probably wouldn’t press. “That’s a good point, and it might be nice to have some of the team there too.” Just in general, but also for Oliver’s sake it would be nice. “Plus Sturgis and Freddie have been through a lot lately, and I’ve felt bad them missing out on Tooker quidditch.” Maybe if the party wasn’t weird Freddie and Sturgis might feel better about coming back to Tooker quidditch. There were always so many Tookers it would probably be easy for Sturgis and Charlie to avoid each other, and given Charlie wasn’t that upset about the breakup Cene didn’t think anyone would give him a hard time. Sometimes these things just didn’t work out, it wasn’t like Sturgis had screwed his cousin over or something. Thankfully, or quidditch would have been awkward. He grinned when Ann said he and Josh were good hosts; that meant a lot from her, and Cene, like most of his family, enjoyed getting his friends and family together for a good time. He especially liked doing so with Josh, but then he liked everything better with Josh. Maybe they could have another small get-together with Alex and Liam and Bertie. As long as that weird ghost didn’t come, they’d have to warn Bertie about him. But that was for later. He grinned when Ann offered to help with food, not at all surprised by the offer. “Thanks, Ann. You know I love your cooking and if you wanna make something I’m not gonna stop you, but I don’t mind just asking Connor to make some sweet and savory treat and letting you just be a guest. Might make him less suspicious too.” It seemed like a good reason to be asking Connor instead of Ann. 

“If we do it right, hopefully no one will,” Ann added. Because if Tommy figured it out Connor could too. She wasn’t sure how he’d feel about that one. But with any luck it would all work out great, they’d talk, maybe even finally get together. That’d be ideal. Ann was hopeful. She smiled when Cene talked about having the team there. Everything that happened with Sturgis and Charlie made Ann happy she’d never done anything with any of Cene’s friends or teammates. No matter how hot some of them were. “You shouldn’t feel bad. It’s not your fault. But maybe the party will be a good neutral ground for Charlie and him to see each other again and they can start coming back.” Ann doubted any of their family would say anything to Sturgis. As long as Charlie was ok she didn’t see why they’d have a problem with her ex. Sturgis wasn’t the first bloke to not work out for a Tooker bird. Sure none came to quidditch after but this was a different situation. Ann hoped it would work out the way Cene wanted. The party would be fun. That she was sure of at least. “Oh, good point! I hadn’t thought of that. Connor is a great cook so I don’t mind being just a guest at this one.” It’d be a little weird not to bring anything, Ann usually did. But she wanted this to be successful for Connor’s sake. And like she’d told Cene, Connor was more than capable of turning out great food on his own. “Did you want to ask him or do you want me to for you? You’ll need to invite him to stay for the party but I can ask him to make the food if you’d rather.” She didn’t see anything ironic in offering to do something so Cene wouldn’t have to do something he didn’t want while planning something so that Connor would have to. It was for Connor’s own good.

[annabelletooker]

ceneweardtooker​:

Maybe Ann had a good point. Two good points, actually. Oliver and Charlie wouldn’t be actual exes, so having both of them at the party wouldn’t be awkward for any reasons other than the other point Ann made, which was that it was probably going to be a bit awkward no matter what. Oliver did take a while to warm up. Except as far as Cene could tell he’d warmed up pretty quickly to Connor–which was all the more reason to give them a chance to spend more time together! But if they were going to throw a little housewarming to make that happen, Cene also wanted to actually throw a nice housewarming get together for his and Josh’s friends. The first one had been fun, but small, and Cene liked the idea of sharing their flat with more of their family and friends. Especially Charlie–and Dora–after Charlie was doing him this huge favor. Which meant not inviting Sturgis and Freddie, because Ann was right, that would probably be weird at such a small party. That whole thing had been weird. Frankly Cene was glad they’d broken up. Unfortunately Ann was right about Tommy being out too, but at least he’d already seen their flat. Cene laughed at Ann’s comment about hot single blokes for Charlie. He wasn’t sure how many of those Josh knew anymore; most of his close friends were in relationships now. “ He also hadn’t considered that Charlie might not want to come. That was a fair point, maybe. Cene just hoped it hadn’t been so bad that Charlie wouldn’t want to be in the same room as Oliver even if she didn’t have to pretend to date him anymore. “I hope you’re right, I’d really like to invite her and Dora. If we’re doing this, I want to actually have a nice get together with people we want there.” Plus that would make Oliver less suspicious, hopefully. And it was the only way Cene would feel right about doing it at all. For the sake of Oliver and Connor and for the sake of the other friends they’d invite; Cene would feel weird about just inviting them as a means to some ulterior motive. But a nice get-together that also facilitate time for Oliver and Connor to chat, well…that sounded like a win-win. The question was who else to invite. “If we don’t invite Sturgis and Freddie, I think it’d be weird to invite anyone else on the team.” Just Oliver and it wasn’t odd, but if Cene started picking and choosing from his teammates that wouldn’t be great. “But Oliver knows Ed. And Melia should come too, and Gid. And I’ll invite some of our older sisters. Only then is it weird to not invite Tommy?” Cene frowned. This was tricky business. “Might see if Josh wants to invite his cousin Bertie, too. He was just a year below you, I think? Been going through a bit of a rough time.” It was a shame they couldn’t also include Josh’s other cousin, but a party full of wizards was probably the worse invite they could offer Alex. 

Ann smiled, a nice get together sounded good. Anything else would be weird, she agreed. She listened as he debated the guest list further. It was a surprise to hear that Josh had a cousin a year younger than her. Ann hadn’t yet met any of his family. Or maybe she had and just didn’t know it. Though someone that close to her age, it seemed a given that Fabian and Gid would know him. Because Ann assumed he’d be Gryffindor like Josh. “Oh that’s a shame. Maybe the party will help a little.” A nice little cheer up. “I think if you invite his younger sisters and some of our sisters Tommy might feel left out. Maybe it won’t be too weird to invite him At least you know he won’t make a scene.” Despite being a large family they tended to be low on drama, thankfully. Or maybe because they were a large family. Either way Ann was happy for it. “As far as Sturgis, you could always check with Charlie to see if that would be weird. It might not. She certainly wasn’t upset over it. That way if you wanted to invite any teammates you wouldn’t need to worry about it.” Because Ann really wanted Cene to have a party he liked since he was going to be hosting it. That was as important as trying to get their friends together. “I think a nice mix of family and friends sounds really good. And you and Josh are great hosts. I know the first one was small but it was so fun.” Having people over felt like it was in their genes and Cene finding someone he could host things with was wonderful. Especially if it could result in another love connection. It was a shame, really, that Josh’s cousin was so young. Too young for Charlie. Of course once she was done fake dating Oliver, Charlie might find her own hot bloke. She, unlike Connor, was perfectly capable of finding her own. Thankfully. Because this matchmaking was a lot. “The food doesn't have to be all sweets either. Connor makes some savory things. Or I can help out with the food too. You know how much I like cooking for a party.” All this talk about party planning was making Ann want to host one of her own. But her flat felt too small for a good party. Especially when the McKinnons would be on the guest list, which only seemed right if she had a party that was anything but a small dinner one.

[annabelletooker]

ceneweardtooker​:

Cene grinned when Ann responded to his suggestion of a housewarming party with obvious enthusiasm. Okay, maybe he wasn’t so terrible at all this business. But best not to get ahead of himself. Still, it was nice to have a good idea after the whole fake-dating-Charlie fiasco. He nodded his agreement when Ann decided they should just do a party, no dinner. “Good point!” He added when she pointed out they’d have more chances to get the pair of them alone. Cene didn’t know how Connor was at parties, but Oliver would be keeping to himself anyways, most likely. Which meant it would be easy enough to steer Connor his direction. Hopefully. And there was the tricky fact that Connor didn’t know Cene or Josh well enough to make the usual list for a housewarming party. Or any kind of party, really. Connor was more than welcome, of course, as a friend of Ann’s and hopefully Oliver’s future boyfriend, but it would definitely be weird if Cene just invited him. And maybe even if Ann invited him seeing as it was going to be a small housewarming and not some big party. Which Cene definitely was not going to host anywhere, let alone in his or Josh’s flat. He’d leave those to the McKinnons. Which meant they needed a not-weird, not-Oliver-related way to get Connor to the party. And fortunately Ann was on top of that part. Cene grinned at her suggestion. “Yeah, we can ask him to make treats! And then invite him to stay. I think if the right people come he’ll want to, right? We can have you and Fabian, and we’ll have Ed and El again, Oliver knows them a little better, and Dora and Char–hm.” Cene frowned as he stopped himself suggesting they invite Dora and Charlie. “Maybe not Charlie? I don’t wanna not invite her to a party, though. Especially when it’s my fault she and Oliver were dating…” So much for this being easier. “If she breaks up with Oliver before hand that wouldn’t be weird, right? I mean it wasn’t real so it’s not like they’ll be bitter. Or more awkward around each other than they already are.” 

Ann listened to Cene start the planning for the party. It was a shame they didn’t have more room, they could invite more people and it wouldn’t be weird to invite Connor. But Cene liked the treat idea which both took care of the food and his invite. She thought about what Cene was saying about Charlie and the party. “It’s not like you’re inviting his actual ex to the party. I’m sure inviting his fake ex won’t be any more awkward than otherwise.”  Because there was no use pretending that Oliver wasn’t going to be awkward. “Awkward would be inviting Charlie’s actual ex Sturgis. So if you were going to invite any of your other teammates, maybe not him.” Charlie hadn’t seemed broken up about Sturgis but Ann wouldn’t want to push it, especially with a party this small. “And maybe Tommy might be awkward too. If he caught on to the fact that we were trying to set Charlie’s ex up with someone he might feel weird about that. Since he doesn’t know it’s fake.” It wasn’t like Tommy would make a scene but he might have objections and its just seemed better to avoid it. Speaking of setting up. “Though if Josh has any hot, single friends they could be invited.” Charlie deserved a little fun after all this Oliver mess. “Straight guys that is. Not that he couldn’t invite whoever, it is your party, I was just thinking of Charlie and Dora too,” she explained with a smile. “Though who knows, Charlie might not want to come.” Ann spoke as soon as the thought came to her. This whole thing with Oliver sounded like a lot. She couldn’t blame Charlie if she wanted to take a break from Oliver in every way instead of just ending their fake dating arrangement. “Still I don’t think it’ll be too awkward if she does come.” Because there were no feelings and because Connor clearly didn’t give much thought to Charlie while he was snuggling her boyfriend right beside her. Being at a party with her when they were exes shouldn’t be an obstacle to getting Connor and Oliver together. Ann didn’t say that because she didn’t want to bring up the whole cheating thing. That was just better not thought about.

[annabelletooker]

ceneweardtooker​:

Cene nodded, not surprised that Ann was on the same page about not wanting to help push together either of their friends with someone who wasn’t just as into them. Clearly Connor was just as into Oliver, and they were both even more into each other than Cene had realized. Which was why he was having this conversation with Ann to begin with. For all Oliver’s determination to just marry a bird and be miserable, didn’t he owe it to himself to see how much better things could be first? Maybe Cene was just overly sappy, but it felt like fate that he was crushing on a nice bloke who was also crushing on him, and somehow between the pub and quidditch and what had to be something else Cene didn’t know about they’d both gotten it bad for each other, and all that was happening at the same time Oliver had been ready to resign himself to a life of misery with a woman. If just giving Oliver a reason to spend more time with Connor was all it took, that didn’t feel like stepping too far over the line to give Oliver a shot. The question was how to get them that opportunity. Cene considered Ann’s suggestion. A dinner party. Definitely low key. But… “I’m afraid it might be pretty awkward. I guess it would depend who else was there, but I wouldn’t feel right not telling Oliver that Connor would be there, and I dunno if I can get him to come if Connor’s there. Then again after the movie…” Cene frowned. “I’m not sure if he’ll want to avoid Connor or want more excuses to see him.” Probably both, but knowing Oliver he’d pick avoiding. “But maybe if it wasn’t a couples sort of thing I could get him to go and it might not be too awkward?” The question then was how to get them alone together. Cene wondered if Josh would be home soon; he’d be a good person to ask about this sort of thing. And it still hadn’t worn off knowing that this was the place Josh came home to. Their home. Which actually…Cene’s face lit up and he sat up a bit. “Oh! I know! It could be a housewarming! Josh didn’t move in that long ago, and I know we did that small get-together with you and Fabian and Ed and El and Tommy and Matt and Mike, but if we invited different people this time I don’t see why we couldn’t do that. Oliver hasn’t seen the place since Josh moved in. It could be a housewarming dinner party or just a sort of get-together if we think dinner would be awkward.” Cene still wasn’t sure about that one.

Ann wrinkled her nose when Cene confirmed that it would be awkward. If only Cene had less awkward friends. Even Ed had always seem a little awkward, especially compared to his older brother. But Oliver really took it to another level. Which made this very hard because Connor was proving to be surprisingly awkward around Oliver especially. Matchmaking was difficult. Ann wasn’t sure she’d want to do this again. Other then just finding cute blokes to invite to quidditch so Charlie had some options. But that felt tons easier then this. Especially because she knew her cousin would have no trouble going for one she liked. No need for elaborate plans to get them alone, thank Helga. In Ann’s mind Oliver should want an excuse to see Connor after movie night. But she was certain Oliver, and probably Connor too, would go thee opposite way. Not a couples thing could still work, probably be less awkward, she hoped. Ann was surprised when Cene spoke again and saw that he was clearly excited. “Oh Cene that’s perfect!” Ann had wanted a party for Cene and Josh. This wasn’t an engagement party but still it sounded great. “I think maybe just a get-together. Less chance of awkward and more possibilities of getting them alone.” Which was key here. But this was perfect! Oliver would be sure to come to a party for his mate. Oh…. “Connor doesn’t know you or Josh that well, does he?” Maybe they knew each other and she just didn’t know. She doubted it. “Too bad I can’t just tell him he’s invited for Oliver.” That might make everything much easier. “Oh wait, what if we ask him to make some little snacks for the party? And then you or Josh could invite him to stay for the party? He probably wouldn’t suspect a thing. Plus that would give him something easy to talk to Oliver about, food.” It seemed to Ann that Connor had, at least partially, gotten Oliver through food. After all Oliver never failed to order dessert when Connor was there. He clearly liked Connor’s treats. Of all kinds it seemed but at least the desserts he’d admit to liking.

[annabelletooker]

ceneweardtooker​:

Cene appreciated Ann saying she hadn’t known how into Oliver Connor was either. It felt like the sort of thing he should have been able to catch onto from one of his best mates, but Oliver could be hard to read, and especially regarding something like this. Plus the only times he’d seen them talking was awkwardly at the pub and awkwardly at Tooker quidditch, and that had been the time Oliver had let him know he thought Connor was dealing drugs to his sister. Which he was, but the drugs were just weed. Only it was weird to realize how into Connor that Oliver was in spite of that. Definitely not what Cene would have thought would be Oliver’s thing. “Sounds like they’ve both got it bad. Which is good, I guess.” Better than just one of them having it bad and the other being uninterested. But how to get them past the crushing on each other and awkwardly almost snuggling with each other? It sounded like Tooker quidditch was out, though Cene grinned when Ann confirmed his suspicion that her non-flying mate only came to quidditch for Oliver. That was awfully cute, though. But still a complicated place to get them alone together. A party did sound more promising, though Cene was thrown off by the celebrating love part. “Like a Valentine’s day party? I don’t think there’s enough gold or broomsticks in the world to convince Oliver to go to a Valentine’s day party. Even a normal party would be tricky,” he added when she asked about that. “But I could try, maybe. If it was something small, low key…”

“After movie night I’d say it was clear they did. And it is good. I’d feel terrible encouraging Connor only for Oliver not to be into him. He deserves someone who is as into him as he is into them. Oliver too,” she added because it wouldn’t be fair to either. Even if she was more worried about Connor being hurt because he was her friend. Maybe she should have been a little more worried about not being so vague. Instead of being upset that Cene hadn’t gotten her hint she smiled. He wasn’t wrong, Valentine’s day parties did celebrate love. But so did engagement parties. She guessed shed just have to be a little more patient for that one. Sadly. But it sounded like a party wasn’t off the table. Something low key could still be fun. “I’m certain Connor wouldn’t come to a Valentine’s party either, sadly,” she told Cene instead of explaining herself. “But what about a dinner party? That’s small and low key.” Ann had never thrown a dinner party before. The closest was when her and Melia invited their boyfriends for dinner but that was more of a double date. “It could be fun. I’m certain I can get Connor to come. And Oliver likes his food so much so I can get Connor to bring something too.” That might help with the getting them together. “Do you think having dinner together would be too awkward this soon?” Mostly Ann was worried about Oliver being awkward. He certainly wouldn’t be top of her list for dinner guests. Which maybe was unfair. But also most of Connor and Oliver’s interactions had seemed so awkward so it felt like a fair worry.

[annabelletooker]

ceneweardtooker​:

Cene considered Ann’s words for a moment. Truthfully he was glad she knew Connor well enough to apparently feel strongly that he wasn’t the sort who would go after a bloke who was taken, because it would have been a shame to see Oliver clearly fancying someone – and actually enjoying talking to that someone – only for that person to be someone who was bad news. But Cene trusted his sister’s judgment, and what she was saying made sense, sort of. As much sense as Connor really still thinking Oliver was gay could make, but Cene was almost certain if he dared to bring up what happened to Oliver–which he had no plans on doing–Oliver would equally insist that Connor was straight. None of what Cene and Josh had seen was straight, though. But it also hadn’t been so overtly in the realm of cheating, he supposed. He didn’t love it, but it also seemed like they’d created a very messy situation, and maybe Connor deserved the benefit of the doubt here, especially given that Ann knew him well enough to vouch for his character. And it wasn’t like Oliver was being a great fake boyfriend, either. He nodded. “Okay. I trust your judgment. Connor does seem like a good bloke. But it’s definitely time for the fake dating thing to end. I didn’t realize how into Connor he was, or how into Oliver Connor was, when I suggested that,” he added, slightly sheepish. Clearly it had not been the best plan, but Cene was still glad Oliver was in a fake relationship with his cousin and not some awful model. At least this was an easier problem to fix. More tricky was how to get Connor and Oliver alone together. He couldn’t help but share Ann’s hope that if they could just get Oliver to see how much happier he could be with Connor, maybe that would be something he’d decide for himself that he wanted. And Oliver had certainly looked happy talking with Connor and sitting close to him at the film. His brows furrowed together as he considered Ann’s suggestion of Tooker quidditch again. “I dunno…if we could come up with some reason for him to land…and then go somewhere that we also find a reason for Connor to go to…maybe? I think if we get them in the same place they’ll talk to each other. Do you think Connor would come to quidditch again?” Connor didn’t fly, which made it seem very clear to Cene that he was probably coming to Tooker quidditch for Oliver-related reasons. He sighed. “It’s too bad we can’t just lock them in a room together.” This meddling business was hard.

Ann was relieved to hear that Cene wasn’t going to hold the almost cheating thing against Connor. It was so out of character for him. Ann couldn’t help but think it was thanks to the depth of his feelings for Oliver and not a character flaw. She could see how that could happen. After all something sort of similar had happened with Fabian. Granted she wasn’t dating, fake or otherwise, the bloke she’d been snogging in that dark corner Fabian found them in. But when Fabian started blatantly flirting with her, well she had forgotten about the bloke who’d just had his tongue in her mouth. It wasn’t her fault that Fabian had far more charm than Peter. Or any bloke at Hogwarts in her opinion. Besides she’d only been snogging Peter because she felt bad he’d never been snogged before. So definitely not cheating but probably something that Cene would have frowned over if he knew. She just couldn’t blame Connor for getting caught up and not remembering Oliver had a girlfriend, especially since Oliver apparently hadn’t remembered either. “How could you? I knew Connor had it bad for Oliver but it sounds like I didn’t realize how bad he really had it.” Clearly it was very bad. She was excited! Except now they had to figure out how to get the pair of them together again. Ann hadn’t done a lot of matchmaking, not even at Hogwarts when she’d been at her peak boy craziness. And this wasn’t Hogwarts. It felt easier at Hogwarts to subtly push too people to be around each other. As big as the castle was there was only so many places and running into people was to be expected. Connor and Oliver didn’t seem to have much overlap in friends, that she knew of. Which lowered the amount of options, unfortunately. Listening to Cene talk about how they might make it work at quidditch made her realize how complicated that scheme would be. She was worried Conner would see through it. Especially after the movie night plan. Before she could speak up about Connor coming and how she couldn’t help thinking it had more to do with seeing Oliver and less to do with the reasons she came up with for him to come Cene was talking again. “That would be perfect,” she couldn’t help agree. They could just lock them in and not let them out till they snogged. Sadly probably not an option. “I feel like Connor comes to quidditch just to see Oliver so chances are I can. But hearing you say it all out loud makes it sound really complicated. So maybe not quidditch. And clearly not movie night again. Shame we don’t have some reason to throw a party celebrating love that they could both come to and be inspired to snog.” Ann couldn’t help being excited for the possible, or more likely probable, engagement of her brother. She knew she should just be happy he was so happy with Josh. And she was. It was just she’d never seen Cene so happy and confident as he was with Josh. Surprisingly even more than he was playing quidditch. That was huge! Marriage was certainly in their future. But maybe just a party in their immediate future. “Do you think Oliver would come to just a party?” Setting up two people who clearly were into each other was a good excuse for a party.

[annabelletooker]

ceneweardtooker​:

Cene didn’t comment when Ann said it had been hard to see without being obvious. There was probably some truth to that, but they both knew the real reason she hadn’t been paying attention. Which was all well and good, but really they’d had a plan! And while snogging Josh was one of Cene’s favorite things to do–maybe his very favorite–it had also been fun snuggling with Josh and watching the Connor-and-Oliver show. Then going home to spend the rest of the night making up for not snogging during the film. A win-win, really. But–right, not the thing to be thinking about right now; he’d be saving those thoughts for when Josh came home, though. “I–” he started to answer when Ann asked if they’d really been holding hands, but she cut him off. Though he frowned at Ann’s comment about Connor helping Oliver cheat. There was that wrinkle, and Cene wasn’t really sure what to make of it. Oliver and Charlier weren’t actually dating. But Connor didn’t know that. Ann seemed to think he was a stand up bloke–and clearly Oliver was way more into him than Cene had realized–but it was a bit troubling. He hoped Ann was right that that wasn’t like Connor. A few times Cene tried to answer his sister’s questions, opening his mouth only to close it again when she followed up with a new train of thought. A fond smile pulled at his lips; he should have known better than to not let Ann get everything out first. Once she did he waited a second to make sure she was really done, he started with the last question she asked. Which was also the first question she’d asked. “I dunno–like I said, we couldn’t see exactly, but it really looked like they were. And they were touching for sure, even if they weren’t holding hands.” Their shoulders had been touching, at least, and they were too close for their legs not to also be touching. Which was huge, given how much space Oliver had to scoot over. “And they were talking the whole time leading up to the movie. And it wasn’t just Connor talking either, Oliver was clearly enjoying it. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him look that happy to be talking to someone who wasn’t a quidditch player.” His brows furrowed together. “Does Connor really not think he’s gay? And you’re sure we shouldn’t be worried about the fact he was basically helping Oliver cheat on our cousin? I mean at least as far as he could tell. Not that they actually did anything, I guess…” Cene frowned. This all felt complicated. “I dunno if we’d be able to get them to sit together for another movie night. Oliver seemed pretty spooked once he finally stopped talking to Connor.” Which had taken a shockingly long time for Oliver. “Plus I dunno how much else they’d do in the middle of a field of Tookers. Then again I definitely didn’t expect them to actually cuddle tonight…” He added. “So maybe it’s just a matter of giving them a reason to spend more time together.”

They were touching! That was huge. Ann was so excited. She hoped they’d also been holding hands because that sounded too cute. But the touching was enough. More than she’d expected. She was almost sorry she’d missed it. After all it wasn’t like Ann lived with Fabian. Never mind how many nights she spent at Fabian’s or him at her’s. Another thing not to mention to her brother. Instead she listened to what else Cene had to say. Smiling more at how long they were talking. Her smile growing at what Cene had to say about that. “I knew Connor was talking but I couldn’t see Oliver. I’m so glad he enjoyed it too,” she couldn’t help interjecting. This was great. Perfect in fact! Or it would be if she hadn’t said something about the cheating aspect. She maybe should be more worried about that. But it wasn’t real. And Connor would never actually cheat. Never mind that the movie stuff felt like a grey area. “Connor absolutely it not the type to go for someone with a girlfriend. I mean he looked appalled when I said he shouldn’t give up hope because not all relationships last. Connor’s probably feeling guilty but also knowing him he probably thinks it’s all one-sided. He was so sure before the fake dating that Oliver was straight. Him having a girlfriend sort of confirmed that. I dunno how he’s gonna decide what they did was somehow something a straight bloke with a girlfriend would do but I’m guessing he’s trying to squeeze it all into that box.” Ann didn’t know how to get Connor to see Oliver wasn’t straight and what happened had been very gay of him without exposing a secret that wasn’t hers to expose. But Charlie dumping Oliver might help that. It would definitely keep Cene from deciding Connor was some cheater. Ann was disappointed to know that Cene didn’t think they could pull this off again. Though the use of finally did make her smile a little because they’d talked so much clearly. So exciting. Her smile grew when it seemed like Cene was still on board with things despite the snag almost cheating brought up. “I can’t believe they cuddled in a field of Tookers,” she said with a laugh. That was way more than she thought would happen. But partially what she hoped would happen. It was exciting. “Spending more time together is clearly a great idea. I mean from what you said Oliver really enjoyed it. If we can just get him to see how much happier he could be with Connor it would be perfect.” Oliver felt like the real problem here. Connor was clearly in deep to cuddle with a bloke he thought had a girlfriend. “We have to try to get them alone. Or at least in a situation where they don’t feel watched like movie night. Connor is too awkward at the diner. Plus it’s work.” As much as Ann wished Connor could just flirt with Oliver over baked goods at work he couldn’t. But there had to be something they could do. “Oliver always seems so focused at quidditch. Do you think he’d talk to Connor there or that we’d be able to get them sort of alone?” Assuming she could convince Connor to come again but surely she could. He didn’t seem to be able to stay away from Oliver. Or so she hoped.

[annabelletooker]

ceneweardtooker​:

Despite the many concerns he still had about trying to get Oliver and Connor together – even if it was the right choice, meddling still felt far outside Cene’s comfort zone – he couldn’t help let out a laugh at Ann’s delighted surprise. Though he quirked an eyebrow at her comment about hoping Oliver and Connor would cuddle and snog. Hoping they’d snog in the middle of a bunch of Tookers seemed like a lot, but there had, in fact, been some cuddling that Ann had apparently missed for reasons Cene was just going to not think about. He had no problems with Fabian, or with his little sister snogging whomever she decided was worth snogging, but it  also was not a mental image he needed. Cene didn’t like to think about any of his family member snogging anyone, really. He raised an eyebrow again when Ann reiterated there hadn’t been any cuddling, but he nodded at her conclusion that Charlie needed to break up with Oliver. That needed to happen for multiple reasons, only one of which being Connor. The point of setting Oliver up with Charlie had been so he could go out to dinner and be less miserable than pretending with some random bird, but now it just seemed like both Oliver and Charlie were miserable. So that one hadn’t gone as planned. Which maybe should be an indication Cene should just stick with his usual and stay out of things that weren’t his business. He sighed. “Yeah, you’re right about that. Oliver dating Charlie was supposed to give him a break, but he’s just as terrified as Charlie as he is of any other bird so – well, it’s obviously not working for either of them.” Which was a shame, really, except maybe it wasn’t if there was a way they could actually make Oliver think it was worth it go give things a go with Connor. “But – not cuddling?” He said, circling back to that one. “I don’t need to know why you weren’t paying as close of attention as I was, but from where Josh and I were sitting they seemed pretty darn cozy. I couldn’t tell for sure but it looked like they were holding hands, and they were sitting right up next to each other, and at one point Connor was practically hiding in Oliver’s shoulder and Oliver didn’t even push him away!” Which was something Oliver would absolutely not have hesitated to do if he did not want Connor hiding in his shoulder, Cene knew that much. “And they just kept whispering to each other the whole movie! Even after, Oliver talked to Connor twice before he left!” Cene was still surprised by all of that, and it showed in his voice. It all would have been very cute, too, if not for the fact Oliver was supposed to be fake dating Charlie and he was convinced his best plan was just to marry a bird and be miserable forever instead of trying to date the baker he very clearly fancied who just as clearly fancied him back. 

It was odd that Oliver would be just as terrified of Charlie but Oliver was an odd bloke. Poor Charlie though. Ann really needed to try to introduce her to some hot blokes. Even if none were boyfriend material maybe there’d be some nice snogging. Ann tried to look suitably sheepish when Cene called her on missing something very important. She would’t tell him that she had been distracted by Fabian’s very skillful tongue or anything even tamer. While Ann had no qualms about any of her relations snogging, she was over the moon that Cene had found himself someone he clearly enjoyed snogging, she knew her big brother wasn’t the same. Her eyes light up when Cene said it looked like they were holding hands. And there was more! Wow, Fabian had been distracting, she thought not at all sorry. “It was hard to see without being obvious,” she told Cene, which was true. The few times she had tried to look it was difficult not to be obvious about it. It was just those times were much less than she’d meant them to be. “Do you really think they were holding hands? Was he really hiding in his shoulder? I can’t believe they were cuddling,” she practically squealed in delight. “No wonder Connor was in such a hurry to get away from Charlie. He practically helped her boyfriend cheat.” Something that Ann wouldn’t have been smiling about if it had been real. But it wasn’t. You couldn’t cheat a fake relationship, she didn’t think. “This is huge, Cene! I knew Connor liked him but he must really like him to act like that knowing Oliver has a girlfriend. That’s just not him at all.” Ann hadn’t realize just how big of a crush Connor had. Not just Connor it seemed. “Did Oliver really talk to him that much?” Aside from Cene and other Puddlemere players, Ann barely saw Oliver talk. And clearly from Cene’s voice even he was surprised so that was a big deal. “We have got to get them together Cene, we just have to,” she told her brother. “If Connor had his way he’d just bake things for Oliver and stare all moony over at him as he eats, and that’s it.” Ann did not understand not going for someone you wanted, at least some kind of attempt to find out if there was interest. “He just doesn’t think Oliver could be gay.” Something they couldn’t just tell him, unfortunately. “What do we do? Another movie night? That one sounded like a smashing success, maybe Charlie can dump him and then Connor won’t hold back.” Only Ann had a hard time calling what Connor had done holding back. She still couldn’t get over that one. “Where they really holding hands?” Helga’s knickers that was huge! It felt like Connor’s equivalent of snogging in the broom closet. Especially considering he thought Oliver had a girl friend. Surely he couldn’t still think Oliver was straight after all that cuddling? Ann hoped not.

[ceneweardtooker]

Setting Oliver up with Charlie had seemed like a good idea at the time. Maybe not a good idea, but a better idea than Oliver’s, which had been to commit himself to dating some awful bird who couldn’t even have a conversation about quidditch with him and would definitely expect him to snog her at some point. At least with Charlie, Oliver could have a bit of breathing room, someone he could at least talk with about quidditch without stress about any other expectation, something to take away some of the attention and questioning from his father and the media. Only breathing room did not seem to be what was happening, because instead of relaxing him, Oliver seemed more stressed whenever Charlie was around. Which clearly was getting on Charlie’s nerves, because Cene had told her that while Oliver wasn’t the most talkative bloke, they’d definitely be able to just hang out and talk quidditch the few times they needed to be spotted having dinner in public. Cene hadn’t anticipated just how much Oliver did not enjoy being out with a bird, even one he wasn’t expected to kiss at all. What he also hadn’t anticipated, despite watching that sort of cute exchange at the pub, was just how talkative Oliver apparently was with Connor Brown. And affectionate, too, which had been equally shocking. Cene had never seen Oliver like that. It wasn’t just how snuggled up they’d been during the movie – though that had been something for sure – but it was how Oliver had actually chatted with Connor the whole time leading up to the movie, when Cene knew for a fact Oliver could have ended their conversation plenty of times. Oliver was very skilled at ending conversations he didn’t want to have, and it had been clear from where he was sitting with Josh that Oliver hadn’t just been sitting there while Connor talked at him. Oliver had been enjoying talking to Connor. And then there’d been the sitting close and Cene was almost positive there was hand holding and Connor had been hiding in Oliver’s shoulder at some point and Oliver hadn’t moved away. Even when they’d both seemed to realized they were cuddling they didn’t scoot away that far. Kept whispering to each other during the film. And to top it all off, Oliver had talked to Connor on the way out. Twice! And he’d totally forgotten about Charlie, which would be awkward to explain to Tommy. Maybe Tommy hadn’t noticed.

Regardless, two things were clear. First, Oliver and Charlie fake dating was not working. Second, Oliver’s crush on Connor was not just some fleeting, shallow thing. It was real. And Oliver had looked happy talking with Connor in a way that made Cene feel like maybe backing off and letting Oliver choose to be miserable with a bird to please his parents without trying to push him a little harder was the wrong choice. That was a tough one. There was nothing Cene could do to change how Oliver’s parents might react if they found out. But maybe if Oliver could just see how much better things could be for him if he let himself pursue someone he actually wanted to be with, he’d know better if it was worth giving up.  

It had been tempting to pull Ann aside right after Tooker quidditch, but there were so many people around he waited, instead inviting her to his and Josh’s flat–the fact that it was his and Josh’s flat still something that made Cene feel warm and excited–for tea so they could have a candid conversation without worrying about anyone else overhearing them. He chatted with his sister about quidditch and the pub, waiting until they were both settled in with a cup of tea in the living room before he leaned forward and brought up the thing he knew they were both waiting for after last night. “You were right, Ann. We’ve gotta do something about Oliver and Connor.”

[annabelletooker]

Ann had thought it was a brilliant idea to get Oliver and Connor together for movie night. Ever since Charlie had introduced horror movies to the rest of the family Ann had realized how great they were for dates. Being ‘scared’ was such a good excuse for cuddling up which everyone knows leads to snogging. It had been so simple too. Cene had gotten Oliver in place beside Charlie, but that couldn’t be helped sadly. Putting Connor beside Oliver had been simple. Especially once she started snogging Fabian to keep Connor from trying to talk to her or running away. Truthfully snogging Fabian had been a little distracting. But then Fabian had always been a little distracting, it was something she quite liked about him. Ann had tried to spy on what was happening with Connor and Oliver but there was Fabian with his hand on her leg and his lips near her ear and neck. What bird could resist that? Not at Ann that was for sure. Instead of spying she spent much of the time snogging Fabian silly, despite the fact that it was something she regularly did. The little she did see made her think that maybe her plan had gone off well. They’d talked. Ann thought they looked like they were sitting close but it was hard to tell for sure without being obvious. Even the way Connor left without even saying goodbye made her certain something had happened. After all if nothing had he wouldn’t have been in such a hurry to get away from Charlie, would he? Felt doubtful to Ann.

When Cene had invited her for tea on the very next day Ann thought she was right and Cene had seen something more than she had. Or at the very least the same that she had. But then he’d talked about quidditch and the pub which made Ann think he’d probably been snogging Josh silly and missed it too. She couldn’t fault him for that. Already she was trying to think of a way they could try a repeat without being too obvious and hopefully more successful. But no, she was wrong, he had seen something. Ann was so excited she nearly spilled her tea. “I knew it! I was hoping they’d cuddle and snog but they were talking so that’s something. And I couldn’t tell for sure but it did look like they were sitting rather close. Charlie is going to have to dump him, I’m sorry Cene. I know you had your reasons but Connor’s a stand up bloke. That’s probably why there wasn’t any cuddling and snogging, because really a horror film is just made for that. But he found out that they’re dating and it’s been really uncomfortable trying to figure out how to encourage him without sounding like I’m telling him to steal my cousin’s boyfriend.” Which sort of was what she was telling him. Even going so far as to say that not all relationships last and people break up all the time. Ann didn’t go further and say how Charlie didn’t have luck dating quidditch players so it wouldn’t last. That was mean, though true because clearly this relationship wasn’t going to last much longer than the last. Charlie hadn’t been upset over Sturgis but Ann wasn’t going to take shots at her dating life. She’d snogged a few duds herself. And really who could resist a hot bloke in a quidditch uniform, as weird as he was Sturgis Podmore was hot. Ann couldn’t blame Charlie for going for him at all. Not to mention she thought it was very sweet of Charlie to agree to fake date Oliver. It was a shame there weren’t any Prewetts or even McKinnons she could try to set Charlie up with. Prewetts were clearly winners as boyfriends. Josh counted as Prewett adjacent so clearly winners all around. For now though she needed to focus on the problem at hand, getting Connor his hot quidditch bloke.

[annabelletooker]

connorbrownbakes​:

“But then all I’ve done is embarrassed myself in front of two people instead of just one person,” Connor couldn’t help pointing out. It was even worse because the one person was his crush, which just made it even more embarrassing. All the more reason he didn’t need Ann as a witness as well. He laughed at Ann’s comment about flirting; Connor didn’t doubt that one. He just wasn’t so sure that was a skill that could be taught. At least not to someone as hopeless as Connor figured he had to be. It was practically genetic for him to be terrible at flirting, and having to navigate the whole ‘is-he-gay-and-does-he-know-i’m-gay’ thing sure didn’t help with that. Connor still wasn’t sure about the answer to either of those questions when it came to Oliver, even if Ann was convinced it was a yes to at least one of them. Then there was the question of if he wanted Oliver to know he was gay. Because if Oliver knew Connor was gay then he’d definitely know about Connor’s crush. If he didn’t already after the whole asking him to owl again thing. He managed a weak smile at Ann’s encouragement. At least she didn’t think he was a loser, of course she was too good of a friend to think that. “Maybe, but for all I know he’ll just owl me to ask me to leave him alone or something.” Connor didn’t really think Oliver would do that, if only because he was far too nice. But an owl didn’t necessarily mean a good one either. “Oh, I – I dunno…” Connor flushed slightly at the thought of Ann reading one of the letters Oliver sent him. Only if it wasn’t flirting there wasn’t anything to be embarrassed about. Except the fact that Connor was trying to see flirting where there was no flirting. “Maybe I could show you one letter…” Ann’s opinion would be a lot more helpful than Jacob’s. “But I don’t think even you could help me get better at flirting. Pretty sure it’s a genetic deficiency.” 

“I’m your friend, embarrassment in front of mates doesn’t count,” she told him firmly. That was something she believed. If you couldn’t be yourself regardless of embarrassment in front of your mates when could you? Ann wasn’t sure what she’d have done without Melia’s support during all her crushes, and there’d been a lot. That felt like Connor’s main problem, he didn’t have a sounding board for all his conflicting feelings that fancying someone always popped up. Probably understandable given the whole hiding he was gay thing, Ann wouldn’t ever understand how that felt. But she did understand crushes and she felt certain that it didn’t matter if the person you were crushing on was male or female it was similar enough. Plus she had lots of experience crushing on guys so that was even better. There probably wasn’t too many difference aside from hiding the whole gay thing between fancying a gay bloke and a straight bloke. While she didn’t know for certain that Oliver was gay, signs seemed to point that way even before Nova all but outed him to Connor tonight. “Why would he go through the trouble of owling you that?” That didn’t seem likely in her opinion. Ann tried not to smile wider when Conner flushed. There must be some good flirting in those letters. Yes!!!! “Great! I can give you my expert opinion on if there’s flirting going on in it.” She laughed at his comment about genetic deficiency. “I still say you’re not as terrible at flirting as you think. I mean you asked the bloke you fancy to give you flying lessons and told him you’d like to continue to owl. Feels pretty flirty to me.”

[annabelletooker]

connorbrownbakes​:

“I just don’t see how that all matters if it just ends with him thinking I’m a loser,” Connor said answered her. Because that was what had happened. And given that, Connor really didn’t see what was so exciting about him being a complete idiot and mentioning Oliver giving him flying lessons. “I uh –” Connor attempted to protest the second Ann called him bold – he was definitely not that – but she kept going and he frowned slightly. Maybe he was surprised. He’d definitely been surprised. Only he’d also very quickly taken the out Connor offered him. “I wasn’t trying to flirt,” Connor felt compelled. “I don’t think I know how to flirt,” he added, because that was very much the truth. “It just slipped out. Just like me telling him I’d like it if he wrote to me again just slipped out. And he definitely wasn’t into that either,” Connor added, before Ann could get all excited again. He sighed and ran a hand over his face. “It just seemed like – I mean we wrote a lot. And – I dunno, at first I thought he was just being nice, but – we wrote a lot. And Jacob said he thought he might be flirting but Jacob doesn’t know any more about flirting than I do so it was probably just nothing and now he thinks I’m a weirdo because I am a weirdo,” the words left Connor’s lips in a rush, followed by another sigh. He was a mess.  And he’d probably be more of a mess on a broom. But maybe slightly less of one on one of those training brooms. “Anything that makes it less likely I’ll fall off sounds like a good plan to me.” 

“But just because you think he does, doesn’t make it true. That’s why you need someone who is impartial, like me, to tell you if it was as catastrophic as you feel it was.” Okay maybe impartial was a little much since she very much wanted them to work out but Ann felt like she was way more than he was. “And see, I can help with that too, I’m a very good flirt,” she told him without a hint of modesty. Ann knew her strengths. Asking for a flying lesson from the quidditch player you fancied sounded like flirting to her. Ann looked excited once again when Connor continued. “Did you really? Oh Connor that’s great! Okay maybe not the part where he didn’t seem into it but I’m so happy you put that out there. Besides Nova said he’d owl so he’ll owl.” Ann clapped her hands excitedly again, this was coming along much better than she’d hoped. She listened with interest at what Connor had to say about the letters. Surprised to find out that his brother had seen them and thought they were flirting. And at the fact that Connor repeated that they wrote a lot. “Well again I’m something of a flirting expert if you want a second opinion on those letters,” she told him with a grin. She really wanted to know what was in them now that had Jacob thinking they were flirting. It was better to just ignore the weirdo comment because that was just Connor being nervous. Clearly he must think there was a chance or else why bother with the flying. “Training broom it is then.”

[annabelletooker]

connorbrownbakes​:

“I knew you were watching me!” Connor said with a groan, choosing to ignore what Ann was saying. It didn’t matter what Oliver looked like, he definitely thought Connor was a loser. Connor felt like a loser. Especially because even despite being certain Oliver thought he was a loser, Connor was still going forward with the flying lessons thing. He was a loser and an idiot. And he really wished Ann would let go of the whole idea of Oliver giving him the flying lessons. Connor rolled his eyes at her teasing. “I doubt it. He didn’t seem into the idea when I mentioned it,” Connor said with a sigh. If Ann wasn’t going to let up he might as well let her know just how unlikely anything was to happen. Connor really shouldn’t even be bothering with the flying lessons at all. Only the flying lessons weren’t because of Oliver in any sense except that it had seemed like an objectively good idea. Right. Definitely not because of the hunky quidditch player. “He does not!” Connor protested, very aware that he sounded way too defensive. He tried to focus on the flying part again. “Training brooms?” He asked, skeptical. On the one hand, anything that made flying less scary was welcome. On the other hand, Connor was picturing some small kiddie broom. Which he would probably fit on just fine, and that did not help make it a less pathetic mental image. “If you think that would help,” he settled for, because he trusted whatever Ann thought would be best. He’d rather look like an idiot than fall off a broom again. And it wasn’t like Oliver would be there to witness it. 

“What do you expect when you won’t tell me anything but how much of a loser you think he thinks you are?” Felt justified to her. Not to mention he was talking to Oliver in a public space. Ann clapped her hands together absolutely excited. “Eeeeeeee! Did you really ask him? I like your boldness, Connor.” Shame he hadn’t managed to hold on to any. “He was probably just surprised. And it’s not like you’re exactly out so how’s he supposed to know you were trying to flirt with him? Just because he wasn’t into the idea at first doesn’t mean he might not come around.” Ann was just happy Connor had tried, that felt like progress. Especially since Connor hadn’t let what he was taking as rejection stop him from going forward with the idea of flying lessons. Ann laughed at Connor’s defensive protest before trying to hide her amusement. “Yeah, you know those brooms that are between a toy broom and a real one? They don’t go as high up or as fast. You’ll fit though,” she added just in case he was worried it was  toy broom size. “Fabian and Gid tried racing on them one day, it was so funny.” Maybe not the right story to tell to reassure him. “Anyway they might make you less scared before you move on to a regular broom. We can see how you feel when you get out there.

[annabelletooker]

connorbrownbakes​:

Shit! Why did Connor keep saying things that just gave Ann more questions? “I – it doesn’t matter,” Connor mumbled, very much not wanting to have to walk Ann through the whole disastrous turn that conversation had taken. At least he hadn’t almost given Oliver weed brownies this time. “He’s got loads of reasons to think I’m a loser, though.” Today aside there were the brownies and all the reasons Connor had given him their letters. 

Talking about the letters was only slightly better. Connor really didn’t want to be excited about the letters. Especially after today. Clearly Oliver hadn’t been as excited about them as Connor was. Which Connor knew the whole time. Only Jacob had thought that maybe…but that was what Connor got for listening to Jacob’s opinion on anything to do with dating. Or not dating, because dating was not even close to being an option. And bringing up flying lessons had not turned out to be distractor he was hoping for. Shit! “Wha – I’m sure Oliver doesn’t want to give me flying lessons. He’s got way better things to do with his time.” That point had been made pretty clear today when Connor brought it up like an idiot. Oliver probably thought Connor was just some jerk fishing for free lessons from a pro now. No wonder he didn’t want to write Connor again. “I just, uh, thought it would be worth trying again. Since, you know, I haven’t really tried it since first year. That’s all.” If Oliver had been the inspiration for that, well, it was irrelevant.

“Well he didn’t look like he thought you were a loser so I think you’re wrong about that,” she told him matter-of-factly. Even if in doing so she let on that she’d been watching. But really if he wasn’t going to give her details he couldn’t expect her to just agree to something as silly as Oliver thinking he was a loser. Connor was just getting cold feet. Ann didn’t know why he couldn’t let himself be excited. Especially since they were writing! That was such a revelation. She couldn’t wait to find out what Cene knew about the letters. Especially now that he seemed even more on board with the idea that something was going on between their two mates.

Something that involved letters and now a desire to fly in Connor who was scared of heights. Ha! She loved it. Now he just needed to start teaching Oliver to bake. “I’m sure he doesn’t. Sure he probably doesn’t have lots of free time but I’m sure he could squeeze you in.” Before giving Connor a squeeze. She was getting far too ahead of herself but flying lessons would be so perfect to get them talking again. Ann tried not to grin too knowingly at Connor’s flimsy cover up. “Right. I’m sure the hunky quidditch player has nothing to do with your desire to get on a broom,” she teased. “I’m happy to help you out with that. It’ll be fun. As you know there’s loads of space out at my family’s. We’ve even got training brooms for the littles if that’d make you feel more comfortable to start out.” He really couldn’t have asked a better person for a flying lesson in Ann’s opinion, except maybe a flying coach. Or Oliver. Oliver would have been much better.

[annabelletooker]

connorbrownbakes​:

Maybe Ann had a point about Nova. Connor hadn’t ever known her to be wrong either, and he’d also heard her deliver bad never very matter-of-factly. But just because she hadn’t been wrong before didn’t mean she was correct this time. And maybe Connor was just so pathetic she’d decided she needed to protect his feelings. Before he could voice that to Ann, though, she was making another half-decent point. Oliver hadn’t actually said he was a loser. But that hardly counted for much. “He was just being nice, Ann. Maybe he didn’t think I was a loser at first but I definitely made that clear by the end of the conversation,” he added, because the beginning of the conversation really had been nice. But it had been a stupid idea because of course he’d mucked it up. 

Only that was forgotten as Connor realized he’d made an even worse mistake. Fuck! Why did he mention the owls! “I – no, we didn’t – it was just –” Connor stammered, wanting very much to deny the writing but finding it impossible to actually lie to Ann about it. Instead his cheeks just flushed again as he looked down at his messy work station. “I owled him by mistake a few nights ago, but – it was nothing, he was just being nice. We just, er, talked about baking. And flying. Speaking of which,” he added, inspired suddenly by a change in subject that just might work. “I was hoping you might be willing to give me a flying lesson?” 

Ann’s smile fell a little, mostly out of concern for Connor. She doubted Oliver thought he was a loser. “What happened that makes you so certain he thinks you’re a loser? I’m sure it’s not as bad as you think” she added reassuringly. Though she probably shouldn’t have been so quick to reassure him of that. The whole nearly giving Oliver a pot brownie had been kind of bad. But she doubted anything would be worse than that.

It was hard to worry about what might have happened when she found out what had happened. Owls. There was something romantic about owls. She’d flirted with Fabian over owls. Maybe Connor and Oliver had flirted too. Ann was excited to hear what they’d been owling about. Baking was Connor’s thing just as much as flying was Oliver’s. There was no way they hadn’t gotten to know each other better if those were the subjects. Before she could press for details he was basically admitting that they had. Why else would he be interested in a flying lesson if it wasn’t about the quidditch payer he fancied. “Of course I will! I’d be happy to. You could ask Oliver for one but I’m very happy to give you your first one so you feel more comfortable. And then you can get Oliver to give you one.” That would be super cute. Ann almost wished she could have gotten flying lessons from a crush. But maybe she’d do a cute flying date with Fabian, which would be much better. Crushing on someone was fun but it was nothing to actually being with the person you loved. She was hopeful Connor would get that experience too. Despite Connor’s continued disbelief Ann felt like he was getting closer to an actual dating experience.

[annabelletooker]

connorbrownbakes​:

The rest of Connor’s shift had passed painfully slow. Connor was all too aware of the eyes that had darted away from him when he’d made his way back to the kitchen. As if he hadn’t felt like enough of a loser after actually suggesting Oliver owl him, it turned out the waitresses had been witness to his idiocy, too. Just fantastic. At least no one had said anything to him. Connor had spent the rest of the evening very focused on his desserts and doing his best not to think about how he’d blown what had started out as an actually decent conversation with Oliver. Not that it mattered anyways because Oliver was straight and not interested in Connor at all. Right. 

But apparently it was too much to hope he would get out of the pub without the conversation coming up at all. At least Ann waited until they were closed. Still, Connor was very tempted to leave his station a mess and just come in early to clean tomorrow when Ann cornered him with a not-so-subtle question. And then Nova was chiming in before Connor could even think about how to answer Ann’s question, her words making a flush spread over Connor’s cheeks. Fucking hell, Nova was cool but that thing she did was annoying when she was using it on Connor! “I–” Connor stammered, but Nova was gone just as quickly, leaving him with Ann who was even more excited now. Just brilliant. 

“Wha – no, Ann. She’s probably wrong. Or just making things up to make me feel better.” Never mind that Connor hadn’t mentioned owls or that Oliver was French to Nova. It felt weird to even realize that he knew Oliver was French now; he really had learned a lot about him that night. It was nice, except it also wasn’t because he was a loser with a crush on a bloke who was definitely not attracted to him, no matter what Nova seemed to think. “Anyways, no one is owling anyone, it was just a one time mistake. He thinks I’m a loser. Which is fine.” Because Connor had no business fancying a quidditch player in the first place, only he kept that to himself. As much as he knew that Ann already knew about his crush, it was easier somehow not to say it outright. 

Connor flushing was cute. He was crushing on Oliver so much. Ann couldn’t wait till they got together. They’d make a super cute couple. Ann rolled her eyes at Connor’s words. “Nova is never wrong and I’ve never seen her make things up to make anyone feel better.” If anything Nova could be startlingly direct even when it wasn’t good news. Connor was just too deep into denial that Oliver might like him to admit it. A shame. It just made getting the pair of them together harder. But Ann was a Tooker and something being hard didn’t stop them. And she had Cene’s help. Two Tookers were always more effective than one.

“Did he say he thought you were a loser because he certainly didn’t seem to be acting like someone who was talking to someone they thought was a loser. It looked like the pair of you were having a very nice conversation.” Full of laughter and cute smiles at each other. What else Connor said caught Ann’s attention. “What do you mean a one time mistake, are you talking the conversation tonight or owls. Did you two owl each other?” Ann’s face lit up with that realization. “What did you owl about? Was it what you were talking about tonight?” She was trying not to be excited but it was hard not to be. The biggest hurdle aside from Connor’s insistence that Oliver couldn’t possibly like him was their lack of communication. If they were talking, owling even, that felt like one less hurdle to get past. Brilliant.

[annabelletooker]

Ann was dying to ask Connor about what had happened. Especially since he’d gone from laughing with his crush to looking all sad. But she waited till after they’d closed so Connor would have less of a chance to run away and avoid her question. “So, you and Oliver seemed to be getting along well,” she told him, failing at being subtle. But it was just so much of a difference from the last time she’d seen them talking. They’d actually laughed and looked lovely together. Ann wasn’t sure what had changed or if the sudden bread making Connor had been doing lately was related, the loaf he gave Oliver might have just been an excuse to talk to the other. Before Connor responded, or attempted to run away from the conversation Nova was interjecting.

“He’ll owl, Connor. We French don’t resist attraction,” she told him with a wink before heading back into the dining area of the pub with clean silverware.

She gave Connor an even bigger smile as Nova walked away. Ann had no idea Oliver was French but the important thing was the attraction part. Of course she knew that they were attracted to each other. But she decided to focus on the owl part because that seemed safer. “An owl is in your future, how fun!”

[annabelletooker]

ceneweardtooker​:

Cene nodded. He didn’t have much experience with pining himself, but he could think back to those first few days after he met Josh, how much he’d thought about him before that first date, and he could only imagine how much harder it would have been if Josh hadn’t made it explicitly clear he was into Cene right from the start. It wasn’t a feeling he wanted for Oliver, but he wasn’t sure how to help him if Oliver too afraid to confront his feelings. Apparently quidditch invitations wouldn’t quite do the trick. Cene nodded again. “Oliver definitely doesn’t think that. He was just worried I didn’t know you were doing drugs,” he added with a chuckle. Though based on what had happened with the brownies, Cene couldn’t really blame Connor for being nervous about talking to Oliver again. His brows pulled together as he considered Ann’s suggestion for a party. He laughed at her addition about locking them in a room. “Absolutely not,” he said despite his laughter, just in case she was serious about that one. “I dunno…I’d feel sort of weird about throwing a party just to try to get Oliver and Connor to talk to each other.” That sounded like it could get awkward quick. Especially because he and Josh hadn’t even thrown a party before. “And our flat’s not that big.” Though Cene did quite like the idea of hosting a party with Josh once they had more space. Just maybe a get together with no ulterior motives, as much as he did think it would be good for Oliver to spend some time getting to know Connor. “Every time I’ve even talked around the subject to Oliver he just gets so panicked I can’t help but back off. I’m not sure if it’d help if he had the chance to get to know Connor better. Maybe if it actually seemed like a possibility he’d be more inclined to go for it. …Or it could just freak him out even more.” Cene added with a frown. And there was still the problem of getting the two blokes to talk to each other. “What if you and Connor just happened to be hanging out at the same place as me and Oliver at some point? Or would that be way too obvious.”

Drugs? Ann was not doing drugs. Just a few brownies, not the same thing. But it was sweet of Oliver to be concerned so Ann didn’t point that out. “I’m really glad you know about the brownies. Maybe if I told Connor that was what was worrying Oliver he’d calm down about thinking the whole thing was a disaster.” You’d think he’d actually accidentally drugged the bloke. She really didn’t know how to get him past it. Apparently not by locking them into a room together. Good thing that was plan H. What was disappointing wsa that Cene wasn’t sold on the idea of throwing a party. Shame. “All right, if you’re sure a party is out of the question.” So sad. As was the fact that Oliver seemed like a lost cause. Except Connor was stuck on him so she couldn’t give up that easily. “That’s so weird. You’re out and you’re so happy with Josh. I don’t understand why someone wouldn’t want what you two have.” Did Oliver just like being miserable? He was a weird bloke but surely not that weird. Maybe Ann would have had an easier time just finding someone else for Connor to fancy. But Cene’s suggestion was promising. “We could invite more people, you could bring Josh too and I’ll bring some of the girls. That way there’s really no choice but for them to talk to each other. Shame that you two are quidditch players or we could try for a quidditch match in the box.” After all, quidditch was the only thing she ever heard Oliver talk about. Ann might have lost hope at that but Cene was the same way and he got Josh. Why wouldn’t it work out for Connor and Oliver too? They just had to get over themselves enough to get there. “I think us hanging out at the same place is our best bet here, however we do it,” Ann admitted.