Connor

[brownjacob]

Connor was clearly out of sorts. Jacob felt bad. There wasn't really anything to do about it though. Not unless Connor wanted to leave and he'd already offered that. He smiled at Connor's answer. "These are probably family and friends tickets. Makes sense she'd have those." Jacob was mostly talking to distract Connor. Or try to. Thankfully the players came out for warm ups before Jacob had to scrape together moer small talk to distract him. Seeing that the action on the pitch had distracted Connor he turned his attention too it. He watched as the opposing team came out on their side of the pitch. Puddlemere were flying around doing their warm ups and stretches closest to them so he turned his attention back to the home team. He laughed at Connor's words and turned his head back to him. "Yeah, you'll have to thank Ann for me. We should have a really good view of all the action," he added. They had a nice line of sight too the hoops. They really were ideal tickets. "Maybe we'll even get to see the quaffle chase, that ones always iffy no matter where you seat. But it'd be cool."

[connorbrownbakes]

"Right. That does make sense," Connor agreed, relieved because it was true. Thank Merlin he'd said Ann got him the tickets. And thank Merlin Cene was her brother so her having seats this good was plausible. As much as Connor hated how high up he was, once the players came out and started warming up and stretching close to them--okay, once Oli came out and started warming up close to them--Connor couldn't deny the seats were good. Or at least that they gave him a really great view of Oliver on his broom. Which was a very nice distraction from how high up they were. Except maybe also a little too distracting while his brother was here. "Yeah, uh, I'll tell her you said thanks," he answered Jacob with a smile, ignoring the pang of guilt he felt over lying to his brother yet again. But this was more about Oli's secret than Connor's. Not that Connor really wanted Jacob knowing he was secretly dating a quidditch player. At least not yet. Connor wanted to see where this went for a bit before he started to think about talking to Jacob about it. "Yeah, that would be cool," he said a little absently, not even sure what the quaffle chase was, as his gaze moved back to where Oliver was warming up. Not a good idea. Connor forced himself to look away, his eyes landing on the box that was a little above and to the side of theirs. His eyes widening as they met a familiar face. Was that...Josh? Fuck. It was Josh. It was Josh, and there was Dora a ways behind him, and fuck, Connor hoped Ann wasn't in there somewhere. And then Josh was waving at him, too far away from Connor to make out his expression, and Connor had no choice but to wave back even as he shrank down into his seat a little further. "Looks like we're close to the Tooker box," he told Jacob, trying to sound normal about it. It was fine. Josh seeing him here was fine.

[brownjacob]

"Sorry," Jacob told him, meaning it. He raised an eyebrow when Connor said no to his offer to leave but he dropped it. Maybe this would be good for him, even if he didn't look it right now. Jacob lead the way to their seats, and letting Connor take the one closest to the aisle. He smiled a little when Connor spoke up about the seats after they'd sat. "Not required. People do, when there's a goal or something exciting happening but are allowed to not stand." Hopefully Connor wouldn't be too uncomfortable. "Guess having a brother on the team really pays off. These really are amazing seats. Thanks again for inviting me," Jacob told him. While he was concerned about Connor he was looking forward to the match. Hopefully Connor would be able to sti through some of it at least.

[connorbrownbakes]

Connor just ignored Jacob's raised eyebrow, because he was determined to at least try to do this and Jacob's skepticism was not helpful. But thank Merlin he felt a little better once he sat down. Connor was still on edge, keenly aware of how high up he was. But he felt a little more secure in his seat. So long as he didn't lean forward at all. It was a relief to hear standing wasn't required. Though everyone else would probably be standing, which meant he would look like a prat sitting right up front and not doing it. He frowned a little at the thought, but Jacob spoke up before he could get too in his head about it. Confusion flickered across his face when Jacob talked about a brother on the team. Who had a brother on the--oh. Right. Ann. Who gave him the tickets. "Oh, uh--yeah, of course. I'm glad you could come. Wasn't expecting such good seats. But I guess, uh, being close to a player has its perks." Connor wasn't sure he'd call these seats a perk, if he was being honest, though he felt bad for thinking that since they really were amazing seats. Oliver had said it wasn't a big deal to get him tickets, but it still felt like kind of a big deal. Connor also wasn't sure he qualified as close to Oliver. But he'd had Oliver's dick in his mouth, and surely that counted for something. Speaking of Oliver--Connor's eyes went to the pitch as the players for both teams flew out, the stands erupting in applause as Puddlemere emerged from the tunnels at the bottom of the pitch. He'd been expecting some kind of announcement or fanfare, but Connor realized a moment later they were coming out to warm up before the match actually started. It didn't take him long to spot Oli, his eyes tracking him as he flew out next to someone who was probably Cene but Connor wasn't looking because holy Merlin Oli looked hot in his quidditch robes, the wind blowing in his hair, a look of focus on his face that wasn't dissimilar to how he'd looked when he'd been blowing Connor. Which--was not what Connor needed to be thinking. Especially not with Jacob sitting right next to him. Who Connor totally hadn't forgotten about. He glanced over at his brother. "These really are good seats." They were good for seeing Oliver at least.

[brownjacob]

Jacob had been to professional quidditch games before. Not many, and not for a while. He knew what to expect which was why he was surprised that Connor had wanted to come. A little worried for him too. It was probably a nightmare scenario for someone afraid of heights. Jacob also felt a little like maybe this was his fault in a way. Sure Connor's reasoning sounded legit but he also got the feeling that maybe this was because Connor wanted to hang out, they didn't get the opportunity much. Jacob really needed to make more of an effort in that department. And maybe it was obvious that working so much and raising a child on his own was really running him down. Especially now that he was also trying to see someone too. Perhaps that was why, when offered free tickets, Connor had not only taken them but invited him along. He just hoped it wouldn't be too bad for Connor. Except that they had really good tickets which would probably be a bad thing for Connor. "A few hours, sometimes longer," Jacob told him. "We don't have to do this. We can do something else, like get some food. I mean you made it to the seats, which is impressive. It's ok if that's all you got today."

[connorbrownbakes]

"A few hours?" Connor balked at the thought of having to sit all the way up here--in the front row of this very high box--for hours. But of course it would be hours. It was a quidditch game. A quidditch game that Connor wanted to come to. It had been his idea, even. And Oli had gotten him the tickets, because Oli wanted him here too. Connor had even worn a yellow sweater after double-checking that yellow was, in fact, a Puddlemere color. So Connor couldn't bail this soon, even though Jacob's offer was extremely tempting. "No, uh. I mean, we came all the way up here. Maybe it'll be better once we sit down." Merlin, Connor hoped it was better once they sat down. "Uh. I'll follow you," he added, because there was no way he was leading the way down the steps toward the front row of this box. He followed Jacob carefully, trying to remember how to breath, keeping his eyes on his brother as he filed carefully into the front row, determinedly not looking out over the side until he saw down. Thank Merlin the rail came up to about chest height once he was sitting down, preventing a direct line of sight down if he didn't lean forward, which he absolutely did not plan on doing. Connor let out a shaky breath, relieved to at least be securely in a seat. "Okay. This is....maybe okay. As long as I just....don't have to stand up or lean forward at all."

[connorbrownbakes]

Connor was doing his best to keep it together, but his nerves had been building since he and Jacob left their parents house, where they'd met so Jacob could drop Kit off before they disapparated outside the stadium. The stadium was massive; Oliver hadn't been kidding when he said the stands were way bigger than Hogwarts. And he also hadn't been wrong when he'd said Connor's tickets would be up high. Connor had been his best to be cool and normal about it all as he and Jacob had looked at the tickets and realized they were going up. Like, all the way up. It was fine. Connor was fine. He couldn't not be fine, because then Jacob would start going on about Connor not having to do this, and Connor didn't want to have to explain why he did, in fact, have to do this. There was also the new added concern that a bake off fan would see him and take a photo of him looking terrified. Which would also probably cause Jacob to drag him out of the stadium before he got a chance to see Oliver in his element doing the thing he so clearly loved. But Connor felt unsteady the higher they got, his palms increasingly sweaty, and he came to a stop as they followed the directions into the section of the stands where Connor's seats were and stepped out into the stands. They were high up. Almost at the very top of the stands, just a couple of private boxes above the section they were in. And, as Connor looked down at the tickets, he realized with growing dread that their seats were in the front row of this section. Vaguely he was aware that these were, like, really good seats. Like, insanely good. The kind of seats he imagined were usually reserved for celebrities, probably. But all Connor could think about was how high up they were and how close to the edge of the stands they were going to have to sit. For a whole quidditch match. "Fuck," he breathed, rooted to the spot in the stands. "How long do quidditch matches usually last?" He asked Jacob, doing his best to keep the fear out of his voice.

[brownjacob]

Of course not, you're far more responsible then that. Ha! Listen even frozen nuggets are better if you're not the one having to do the cooking some nights.

[connorbrownbakes]

Of course I am. Ha! What, you need me to come put the frozen nuggets in the oven?

[brownjacob]

I will. Ha! I'm always in the mood for leftover sweets, especially as they make good bribes, don't tell mum! But my true ulterior motive was hoping you'd make dinner

[connorbrownbakes]

Ha! I won't tell mum. Though I've also definitely never used sweets as bribes while babysitting so I have no idea what you're talking about. Ha! You know I'm not nearly as good at dinner as I am dessert.

[brownjacob]

Every time. Thanks! I'll keep that in mind. You're also welcome to come over and use the kitchen any time if you need more space. Kit might bee a little disappointed if it's when she's not here but I'm sure some treats left behind would ease it.

[connorbrownbakes]

Tell her I say thanks. And thanks for offering your kitchen, even though now I'm wondering if you're not just trying to score some leftover sweets. You know you can just ask :P

[brownjacob]

Ok. If you change your mind, you're welcome over even if it's past dinner. You're number one fan will still think you won, she's still clapping after every episode and saying 'yay he won.'

[connorbrownbakes]

Thanks. Ha! Is she? That's sweet. Speaking of my number one fan, If you need any daytime babysitting I guess you can bring her 'round here for the time being.

[brownjacob]

I'm sorry, I know that's not what yuo wanted. If yuo fancy some company yuo're welcome to come over for dinner.

[connorbrownbakes]

Thanks. I'll probably just try to get some baking practice in. Be pretty shitty to lose my job and get kicked off bake off all in one week.

[brownjacob]

Welcome. Stay safe. Or can I not say that without you being bratty about it

Love you

[connorbrownbakes]

Love you too.

[A few hours later]

We worked it out. I'm on leave until people forget about me, I guess.

[brownjacob]

While fighting and arguing about it the whole time. I gave Kingsley your address he'll meet you there before you have to leave. That way if there are any problems on the way or at the pub he can help. Owl me if he leaves and people start showing up after.

[connorbrownbakes]

Okay. Thanks I guess

[brownjacob]

I'm gonna need you to stop being so damn defensive. No where did I say you weren't taking it seriously. This is not a problem you can deal with alone. I've seen how fast fan things can go from minor to major. Most people don't have bodyguards because they're too lazy to deal with the problem on their own but because the problem is too big to deal with it on your own. Stop acting like this is any indication of you personally or that you have to prove how grownup you are or whatever it is you think you've got to prove. You don't want your big brother there, fine, I'm lining up someone else. Fans crossing the line is literally what my job is about, uncooperative talent always makes that job a hundred percent harder.

[connorbrownbakes]

I literally agreed to what you wanted??I’m not one of your shitty clients so quit treating me like one.

[brownjacob]

I've owled him about it. Yes, I know you're an adult Connor and clearly I'm not trying to risk assess your life. This is about this very specific time you are going through right now that has brought attention none of us anticipated into your life. Quit being a brat! You should start with her.

I'm sorry but also glad that you're taking it seriously. At least somewhat.

[connorbrownbakes]

Okay. That's exactly what I'm saying, though! None of us anticipated it and it wasn't your job to, so you shouldn't feel bad about it. And now that I know its a problem, I'm gonna deal with it.

I am taking it seriously!

[brownjacob]

Look I get it, but if you don't have me I'd at least like you to have someone with you in case you need help. I can see if Kingsley could do it. That way you're not showing up to work with your big brother and if there are no fans that's fine. No, you're my brother which is more important. That might help. Are any of them younger like you?

Yeah, I can understand that. Still don't get too comfortable around fans that are seeking you out.

[connorbrownbakes]

Well I don't want Kingsley rearranging his day for this either, but if he's free and wants to I guess that'd be okay. I'm your 19 year old adult brother, its not your job to run a risk assessment on my life. And I dunno, I don't think any of them were as young as me when I did the show but there was one girl who was in her 20s I think.

Oh don't worry, there was nothing comfortable about it.

[ethanbarrowman]

Ha! You're welcome. Exactly, you see the vision, a circle. Ha!

[connorbrownbakes]

Ha! Good one. See you around 8ish?

[brownjacob]

Good, but let me come with you, just to make sure there aren't throngs of fans waiting. Part of my job is risk assessment, I should have looked into it. Yeah, I'm sure, fan behavior always is to me. I can't really say. I never paid attention to the bake show outside of your mentions of it. It's just better to be prepared for the worst instead of surprised by a fan following you home.

I'm glad you're okay by the way. I'm sure that had to be really scary. Especially these days.

[connorbrownbakes]

There aren't gonna be throngs of fans. And I'd prefer not to show up to have an important conversation with my boss with my big brother. But I guess if you just wanna make sure I get into the pub okay, and you're not rearranging anything else to be there, that'd be okay. Yeah, but I'm not your job, Jacob. Well, I've been following bake off for years and I guess I've seen one or two people really blow up, but I sure wasn't expecting that to happen to me. I'm not sure how long they stayed blown up for. Maybe I could try instaowling them to ask.

Thanks. As freaky as it was being followed home by some fan, I was kind of relieved when I realized that's all that was happening. Which is pretty fucked up I guess, but the world's fucked up right now.

[brownjacob]

Let me help. Or let someone else help. This isn't something you have to do alone to prove yourself. With my line of work I should have at least considered it. Please do! I've seen what crazy fans can do. the last thing I need is for my little brother to turn into a brat like Boardman. I get that but you've clearly made a bigger impression then we considered. It's better not to keep underestimating what your popularity means in terms of disruptions to your normal life. It's hard to tell, mostly depends on how big it gets while you're still in the public eye. Also what else is happening, in terms of your fans interests. I mean look at the Hobgoblins. The ones left in the band are fighting for relevance because there are other, complete and still performing bands who are taking the spotlight. It's hard to anticipate. They say fame is fickle.

[connorbrownbakes]

I will, like I said, I'll talk to my manager and see what she thinks about setting up security or something. If we need to pull you in, I will, okay? But I don't really think you should blame yourself for not considering this. Ugh, it's so weird. Fickle is what I was counting on, I just didn't realize there was a chance it could be fickle in the direction of lasting longer than I think it will.