Hunger Pains: Kian, tags Connor, open

[Kian O'Connor]

Getting dressed Monday morning was really difficult for Kian. He believed in immersing himself in a part that he was trying out for, but that was a little difficult when you had to do it during school hours.

It might not have been so hard if it weren't that the character he was trying out for was flamboyantly gay and a definite flirt. He believed he would have no problem with it on set, but under the observation of his classmates and the the kids from Silver who would be visiting again, he wasn't sure he could pull it off.

Kian sighed and showered, trying to think what in his closet would make him feel like a borderline drag queen who waited tables at a gay bar and tried to pick up men. The sad thing was that he already was gay so it seemed it should be easier to do the rest, but the truth was he was mostly still in the closet and he was a fairly reclusive virgin.

Really short cut offs and a tight tee with a rainbow from his sister's closet came close, but he found a pair of lace long gloves in his mother's drawers that made the outfit. He had a pair of thick sandals in light purple rubber that worked for footwear.

Looking in the full length mirror, his eyes widened and he shrieked, "Oh my God!" and was glad to here the proper amount of lisp and hysteria coming from his mouth. He sat down at his mother's dressing table and began to put on a judicious amount of makeup.

"Well I suppose if I get killed by a gaybasher I will know I have gotten the part down," he murmured and headed downstairs only to have his younger sister fall off her stool and thrash around in laughter on the linoleum. "Wonderful," he groused and left without eating.

Halfway to school, his stomach made its emptiness known by loudly growling, so Kian pulled into a spot near Starbucks and climbed out. He found it really was much easier to walk with the needed sway in the right clothes, but it was still rather humiliating. He got into line at the counter and forced himself to stare back at the people who looked at him for more than a second or two. "What's the matter, sweetie? Never seen anything that looks this good?" he managed to taunt a guy that looked like he was picking up coffee for his construction crew. The guy blushed and looked down which made Kian grin in triumph.

[Connor Pearce]

It wasn’t like Connor to sleep in, particular after a not so cool night spent on his couch watching The Wizard Of Oz, followed by an early bedtime, but he found himself Monday morning rushing around to get ready. Which primarily consisted of a quick shower, and pulling on the first pair of jeans and t-shirt he came across. Which luckily, were clean dark blue jeans and a light grey t-shirt. Old sneakers completed the look. He didn’t feel like he needed to put a great deal of effort in how he looked, he never cared much for appearances, and he was sorely lacking someone to impress.

He remembered on the way to school that Julie would be there, as well as every other Silver student, including some new friends, and decided to make a detour to Starbucks, pick up him and his best friend the unhealthiest snack food there he could find. He figured he earned it, seeing how he was starved. Well, as closed to starved as the Irish teen got.

Still rubbing sleep out of his eyes, Connor wasn’t paying much attention when a very flamboyant voice caught his attention. He glanced around, noticing a very sheepish looking guy and laughed openly, guessing that was the ‘victim’ the speaker was talking to. It only took another second to locate the owner of the voice, and when he did, Connor did the same thing the construction worker was guilty of. He stared.

The guy wasn’t quite what he expected to see on a Monday morning in Starbucks. He seemed rather...colourful. The gloves were a nice touch, he thought, actually quite amused. It seemed to him that the guy was trying to look gay, what he thought gay guys looked like, and he wondered if the guy actually was. Or if it was some sort of prank.

Connor noticed more stares, and it annoyed him on principle. No one was staring at him, but still, he found the stare at the other guy were grating on him. And so, not opposed to having fun himself, and being outspoken, he moved out of line to approach the rainbow t-shirt wearing guy.

And when he saw his face, cue more staring before Connor quickly recovered. The guy was gorgeous, his age and he found himself hoping the gay act wasn’t an act at all. He was gorgeous, and though the flamboyant thing wasn’t Connor’s type, gorgeous was. “Hey.” he spoke softly in his faint accent. “Mind if I cut in and wait with you? People like that bug me.” he grinned, before clearing his throat and staring at another who was staring at the stranger. “Do you mind not staring at my boyfriend?” he couldn’t help but grin.

[Kian O'Connor]

Kian looked over at the young man that accompanied the request to stand with him and almost fell over. The voice was gorgeous by itself, low and melodic, but attached to that face and body... Well he felt his breath catch. He wasn't sure how he did it, but a moment later he was back in character and clinging to the young god's arm. "Why Honey, I am always glad meet someone willing to stand in line to be with me," he said archly and gave him as flirtatious a smile as he possibly could.

Connor was more than a little surprised when the guy latched onto his arm, but he didn’t show it, instead grinning at him. He wasn’t the shy type after all, even if he felt a little uncomfortable to be at the centre of attention like this. For the moment he stepped up to the other guy, he joined in being a staring target. It felt odd being called honey, especially by someone he didn’t know. “I’m Connor. Happy to stand in line.” he smiled, trying to get used to how obviously...open the other male was.

Kian stepped forward as a place at the counter emptied. "Can I have a Orange Mango Smoothie and a Apple Cinnamon Crumb Muffin, please?" he asked with a charming smile. Turning back to Connor, he said quietly. "I am Kian and I am just getting into a role for a tryout I have on Thursday, sometimes I get carried away. I'm gay, but not so blatantly on most days." The barrista looked at Connor assuming they were together.

That made sense, and Connor couldn’t help but feel a little bit relieved. And he had to admit, he liked the change in Kian’s voice. And he really liked the bit about him being gay. Before his mind could get carried away, and his feet get too tempted to do a happy jig, he realised the man in front was waiting for him. “Uh, can I get a tall cappuccino, and two of those chocolate muffins, the ones right down the front. In separate bags, please. Picking one up for a friend.” he explained, turning back to Kian. And then he realised how he might take it. “A female friend. Uh, not that kind of friend. I mean, not that she’s not pretty or anything, she’s is, and great, and I’m sounding like an idiot.” he chuckled softly. “I’m with you. Females aren’t my type.” He figured he might as well run with it.

Kian's smile grew wider with every explanation about the female friend. "I'm glad," he said not being very clear about which part of it pleased him, possibly all of it, including the fact that he wasn't the only one feeling awkward. He handed the guy behind the counter some money and grinned at Connor. Since you came to my rescue before, I will get breakfast. If you don't regret it later you can take me out some other time."

It could have been wishful thinking, but Connor thought he was just asked out. In a roundabout way of course. And, it was surprisingly easy. Actually, it was great. “Thanks. Well, I will have to take you out now, seems only fair.” he grinned, his eyes sparkling. He grabbed both drinks, and attempted to juggle the food too, looking around for a spare table. Being late for school didn’t seem so bad now. “So, you’re an actor?” he asked, wondering if he had guessed Kian’s age wrong, and if he should come clean about his own.

"Yeah, I just finished a play. I took off from school and was tutored during it so that I could do the rehearsals and stuff," Kian said as they wound between tables and other customers. They were lucky enough to get to a table as a businessman got up and left never even pausing in cell phone conversation. Kian slipped into a seat and smiled up at Connor. "I go to Gould when I am not working, are you still in high school?"

Connor quickly took his own seat, putting everything quickly on the table, but his eyes never left Kian, surprise once more on his face. “Really? I mean, I’m still in school. My ‘career’ as a photographer isn’t enough to convince my parents I don’t need to go anymore. Something about how I don’t make money from it.” he laughed. “It’s just, I go to Gould too. So you’re new?” He had to be, because Connor would have remembered him. Seemed like today was his lucky day.

"Sort of new. I used to go for a month or so back in the fall. And I went to Elementary school around here, but most of junior high and Freshman year and Sophmore in NewYork going to the New York School of the Performing Arts so that's probably why you missed me," Kian said as if that were not such an unusual thing.

That was a bit for Connor to follow, but he managed to in the end. All the while discretely perving on Kian. He couldn’t wait to tell Julia about this. It felt pretty good, to be sitting here like this, with a potential date at least. “I say that’ll be it. Don’t think I would have missed you otherwise.” he grinned, attempting to flirt. “So, are you going to be in Gould’s musical? I’m probably going to end up taking photos for the school paper. So an inside source would be good. I’ll even bribe you somehow if I have to.” he laughed.

Kian took a long sip of his smoothie and blinked when he got a swift case of brain freeze. He shook his head and held it between his hands a moment. "Argh.... Well they are holding over tryouts, if I don't get this part I am auditioning for then I will try out. It seems they need some guys in it. It would be very different from this one," he said with a laugh though there was still a hint of pain in his eyes. "I don't think you would have a hard time bribing me... not at all." He thought that kisses from those beautiful lips would be enough payment.

Connor couldn’t wipe the grin off his face. Finally, a hot guy who was not only gay, but actually seemed interested. He could only hope that Kian was single. That would be quite a disappointment otherwise. The brain freeze thing was kind of cute. Bugger, he was already getting it bad. Julia was so going to tease him for this. “Really? What are you auditioning for? That requires a rainbow t-shirt?” he smirked. “And what kind of bribes are we talking here? So I can be prepared.”
aranel_ilsa: Kian grinned and raised an eyebrow. "Its for a cable show called 'It's a gay life. Its about three gay guys. The part I would play is a recurring extra as a waiter at a gay bar they hang out at, who is free with his affections, shall we say? As for bribes, it depends on the services you would need rendered. They could go anywhere from kisses to dinner out." He reached over touched Connor's hand briefly. "Unless of course there is a boyfriend as well as the girlfriend you don't find pretty."

Not for the first time that morning, Connor found himself staring almost vacantly, before he found his voice again. He really was desperate, if a simple touch from Kian was making him feel all giddy. Was far from normal. He guessed it had been a while since he dated. “No boyfriend. So, dinner out sounds fair. How about I get in early, how does tonight sound?”
aranel_ilsa: "Tonight sounds great, I have dance class right after school, but after that I am free. Do you want to meet someplace or do you want to pick me up?" Kian asked hoping his sister could act somewhat normal in front of Connor if that was the route they went with.

So Kian was a dancer too. In typical red-blooded male fashion, Connor wondered just how he looked when he moved, the very tight t-shirt happily leaving little to the imagination. “I can pick you up.” he offered, taking another sip of his drink. He would have to brainstorm with Julia now, exactly where to take a date. Hopefully she had more of an idea than him. “After your class, and I can drive you home to change if you like, or I can just pick you up at your place.”

Kian liked the idea of someone waiting for him to finish dancing. A lot of the others in his class had people sitting on the sides watching as they waited, he had always thought it must be a nice feeling to know there was someone eager to be with them. "Come to my dance class. You can see our new routine which has been a bitch to learn, we can't seem to get the last part right."

[Connor Pearce]

It was sounding like it would turn out to be a long date. Which, for someone who hadn’t been on a date longer than he cared to recall, seemed like a really welcome change. Especially as otherwise Connor would have spent his Monday night on homework, junk food, tv and a phone call to Julia. He would still have to have the phone call after the date. Knowing Julia as she did, she would want to gossip.

And he had to set Julia up, he reminded himself. He didn’t have to, but, he considered it a sort of a personal mission. And the thought of a double date seemed as fun as it seemed lame. They would make it fun. Eddie would be at the school, all week as luck would have it, Connor realised. He would have to get to know the guy better, and try to sneakily put the idea to ask Julia out into the guy’s mind. Which wouldn’t be an easy feet. He wasn’t so great with discrete.

Realising his mind was running away from him, Connor quickly brought himself back to Earth, it not being a difficult task since he had something really, really good looking to pay attention to. A pretty face and he was lost. At least his father would be pleased by that. Just not so thrilled about the pretty face being a male face.

“Sure, would love to watch you dance.” Connor agreed enthusiastically. Wouldn’t be hard, he would just race home after school, try to change quickly, and race back. “Would you mind, and do you think anyone else would, if I take some photos? Hobby of mine. You’ll quickly get sick of it.” he laughed. “I’ll try not to be too distracting. I’ll keep the cheering on the sidelines to myself during your class. I suppose it’s not a usual thing for people to cheer while you’re trying to practice.” he smirked at Kian.

[Connor Pearce]

Kian chuckled at the mental image of Connor cheering on the side of course the cheerleader costume he envisioned him in helped greatly in the amusement factor. He had nothing against cross dressing but it wasn't truly one of his things and was more likely to make him giggle than turn him on. "I don't mind having my picture taken, I have done modeling when money was low before. It was really easy to exceed my allowance in New York and I tend to be too stubborn to ask for help when things are my own fault. I am not very inhibited as you may have noticed," he said as he stretched out his arm langorously and smoothed his lace glove with a mischievous glance at his companion. He then slowly removed it so that he could pick at his muffin without staining the lace with fabric.

“Yeah, picked up on that.” Connor grinned, wondering what Kian would look like when he wasn’t dressed up so colourfully. He supposed he would see that tonight. Well, he hoped he did. Not that he had anything against it, but he wasn’t sure how he would go on a date with Kian dressed similarly to how he dressed now. “Great! Usually always have a camera with me.” Seeing the other male pick at his food reminded him that he had his own, and he took a large chuck from his muffin, swallowing it before speaking again. “So where and when is this class?”

"Park Dance Studio... surprisingly on Park near Venice Beach, do you know that area at all? Where do you think we will go tonight? So I can let my mom know if there is anything I should have her wash. Unless you want me to go in this or my dance things," Kian asked knowing his mom would be doing a load of laundry anyway and wouldn't mind him calling in a request especially if he said he was going on a date. She was much more supportive than his sister was on his sexual preference, but then she wasn't thirteen either with friends that giggled about everything.

“I know the area a bit, shouldn’t be hard for me to find.” Connor said, stalling just a little as he tried to figure out just where he could take Kian. “It’ll be a surprise.” he settled on, to give himself more time. “But, seeing how dinner will be involved, maybe your dance clothes, or your current outfit, won’t cut it.” the Irishman smiled. He tore off another chunk and held it out to Kian. “Wanna bite?”

Kian's grin widened and he leaned forward and opened his mouth and closed his eyes. For some reason he trusted Connor not to put something nasty tasting in his mouth. Sure he could have just taking the chunk, but the thought of being fed by him was much more appealing on many levels.

Connor was glad that Kian had his eyes closed, for his grin was just as wide as the other guy’s. He expected him to grab the piece of muffin instead, but this was much better. Slowly, he pressed the food inside the waiting mouth, pulling his hand away. “How’s that Kian? Chocolate’s always been my favourite.”

Kian's expression became blissful. He adored chocolate as well, but he didn't indulge himself often because of his complexion and his waistline. He wasn't chubby, but he easily could be if he ate the way he liked to and didn't work his body daily. "That's wonderful, but so addicting," he said regretfully. "Would you like to try mine?" he asked. He loved the apple cinnamon, but Connor was right Chocolate was the best. Already he wanted more.

“Sure it’s addictive, but that just makes it even better.” Connor laughed lightly, licking his lips. He didn’t mind eating junk food, or pigging out on it, would be the better term. And an apple cinnamon muffin wouldn’t be his first, or even second or third choice, but coming from Kian, it was an offer hard to refuse. Nodding, he opened his mouth obediently, keeping his eyes open.

Kian tore off a chunk of his muffin that wouldn't choke Connor and put it in his mouth, wishing he dared to kiss him instead. That thought surprised him both because he wasn't used to actually having a real person to associate those longings with and also how intense the feelings associated with it was. There was actually a hollow pain in his core that seemed to swirl within him at each touch. "How's that?"

“Well, it’s no chocolate.” Connor admitted with a grin. “But, it’s pretty good. Maybe being healthy is not so bad.” He stretched out his legs underneath the table, trying not to pay any attention when his foot accidentally brushed against Kian’s. “Want some more? Got a spare muffin.” he offered, pushing the bag over.

Kian gave the bag a longing look and sighed. "No I don't think I should, besides your friend should have a muffin to compensate for you not finding her pretty and me stealing your company," he said, feeling a bit guilty about that. Well not really if he was honest with himself. He thought his need was greater. He took a sip of his smoothie and decided the sweet tanginess of the mango and orange was almost enough to take his mind from the muffin.

“Don’t even think about telling Julia that!” Connor laughed, relaxing back in his chair, munching on another piece of chocolate goodness. “She’s pretty, just not my kind of pretty.” If he wanted something to eat, he got it, he didn’t worry about how good it was for him, or fattening. And so it didn’t occur to him in the slightest that those could be Kian’s thoughts. He broke of half of what was left of his breakfast to put it with his new friend’s, before polishing off his coffee. He wasn’t normal crazy about coffee, but he was really, really glad he had slept in now. “When do you have to audition for the show? Do you have to...well, stay dressed up like that?”

[Kian O'Connor]

Kian chuckled. “As much as it appeals to have something to blackmail you with, I would never reveal that. I don’t know Julia, but I am sure she is not the kind of person whom I would want to hurt her feelings and I don’t like to come between friends like that,” he reassured Connor.

“My audition is on Thursday afternoon which is why I am dressing and acting nuts. I don’t have to dress like this but it helps me step outside of myself and feel the character. I won’t dress up for our date, I want a chance for us to get to know each other, not scare you away,” Kian said in a lower voice. He really hadn’t been acting since they sat down, but Connor seemed a little worried he would be going out with a drag queen and he wanted him to relax.

Kian gave Connor half of his muffin though he knew he was going to have to do sit ups or something to counteract the damage from a chocolate muffin. He wasn’t blessed with a hyper metabolism like Patch was. He had to work off everything he ate it seemed like. “So… do you want to be a photojournalist or do scenic or fashion photography?” he asked, naming the three main types of photographer he could think of. He personally couldn’t see anyone wanting to work in a studio shooting little brats for Christmas cards. “My dad was a camera man for MGM. I know some people that do still shots for films.”

[Connor Pearce]

“Thursday, well, that’s not too long to wait. And I can’t see you being able to scare me off. Unless you’re planning on dressing up like a clown or a mime. But, I think we’re safe there.” Connor joked. He was generally easy going, so even if Kian stayed dressed like this for their date, it wouldn’t have fazed him. His father was another story entirely. It didn’t bother Connor though, he was just glad he was going out on a date. An actual date. With someone cute and who seemed interested in him. He usually forgot about such things, seeing how he spend far too much time in his little dark room. It would be nice for a change, different.

He ate some of Kian’s muffin. For something that seemed healthyish, well, for a muffin anyway, it was actually pretty good. It was no chocolate muffin though. “Photojournalist? Uh, that involves writing? Because that would be a no then. I don’t write.” he grinned, licking his lips clean of any excess crumbs. “Scenic would be okay, not fashion though. Think that would bore me.” he admitted. “To be honest, I haven’t thought much about it. I just like taking photos, of anything and everything. My parents want me to go to college straight after school, do, you know, a proper course.” he grinned. He could understand where they were coming from, they just wanted him to get a proper education. But, he wasn’t one to let himself be pushed into something he didn’t want to do either. “But we’ll see. I’ve got my own plans.” he laughed.

“What about you? Is acting what you want to do? Have you been in anything else that I would know?” he asked, before popping in a large chuck of healthy muffin, trying his best to chew it.

[Kian O'Connor]

Kian watched Connor eat the muffin and tried not to daydream about the other things that gorgeous mouth might do, like a lovely kiss for starters. “You don’t like mimes? I used to do mime shows on weekends in Central Park for tips… I suppose I will have to give that up then,” he said with a sigh that was only slightly exaggerated. “I think sometimes photojournalists work in pairs, so you wouldn’t necessarily have to write other than take notes about what you took pictures of.

“Parents just want to make sure we have secure futures. I was lucky enough to have parents that are both in show business so they were supportive. After my dad died some of his work friends made a fund for me and my sisters so we wouldn’t have to give up our dreams. That’s why I can still keep taking lessons and stuff.” Kian said, a hint of emotion that made it a bit hard for him to talk about it. He took a deep breath and switched topics. “Mostly it was school stuff in New York, but I did do a Levi’s ad you might have seen though the magazine still ads lasted longer than the television version did. Recently I did God’s Favorite on stage. I got pretty good reviews actually.” It had been great experience for him and it looked really good on his brand new resume with his reviews attached.

Kian nodded. “I have always wanted to be an actor. Even as a kid I loved going on set with my dad. But my parents didn’t want me to be a child actor so I had to wait until I was 16 to audition for anything professional. So what are your plans?” he asked thinking it would be nice to be involved in them.

[Connor Pearce]

“Sounds good. I really, really, don’t like writing.” Connor emphasised with a grin. “I’m more than happy to take the pictures. So if I can find a sucker, I mean, partner, to do the writing bit, that sounds good to me. Notes can’t be too hard to do.” he shrugged. “And I really would hate for you to stop doing mime, if it’s your passion and all. Just, tell me when and where you’re going to do it. So I can avoid it. I mean, wouldn’t want that image of mimes popping up in my dreams of you.” Sometimes Connor could be a little too honest. And he realised what he said might make himself sound a bit weird. Well, more than a bit. “I mean, I...uh, not that I’m going to dream about you. I mean, not that I wouldn’t, I....sounding crazy again. I’ll just be quiet now.” he laughed, the Irish lilt in his voice.

He could tell that his father’s death still hurt Kian, and he felt bad for his future date, though not sure how react. He’d never been that close to death in his own death, he knew how devastated he would be if anything happened to his parents. “I’m sorry, about your father.” he spoke softly, taking Kian’s hand to squeeze it softly, before moving his hand away just as quick. “Can’t say I remember seeing the Levi’s ad, don’t really pay attention to ads, to be honest.”

“That’s probably really a smart decision your parents made. I mean, looking at how most child actors turn out.” Not to mention, most child actors were more than a little annoying, at least to Connor. “My plans? Well, more like thoughts, to be honest.” he smiled, a bit taken aback. No one had asked him about his plans before. Not like it was a common question though. “After school, would really like to travel, for a year or so. I could still do the whole college thing after.” he reasoned. “It’s just I’ve never been anywhere besides America and Ireland, so I really would like to see more of the world. Take a lot of pics, meet new people. Backpacking sounds fun. Couldn’t do it by myself though. But, it would be nice. Always wanted to see Rome and Tokyo.”

[Kian O'Connor]

Kian laughed out loud at the thought of having a passion for mime. He had enjoyed it and enjoyed the tips but it wasn’t something he would pine for if he gave it up. “I think I could probably make you long for dreams of mimes,” he said in a low husky voice. He actually had no experience in making any one long for anything unless it was Levi jeans. He hoped though if they ever got beyond holding hands that instinct would kick in and he wouldn’t be a complete flop.

Kian frowned slightly. “He died seven months ago. He had been shooting late and a drunk driver pushed him off the road. The cop that arrested him screwed up and the guy is still loose to ruin lives,” he said and then shook his head. “Sorry… It’s hard not to be bitter about it all. I only hope that God has some plan and that man will do some good because he is free,” he said expressing his one comfort in the whole situation.

“I have always wanted to travel too. It’s one of the reasons I want to act, since they film all over the world. Maybe if I make it, I can take you along as my personal photographer. You could document my travels and work, I could refuse all other photographers so the magazines and such would have to pay you for your work. It would be great… of course that is dependent on me making it and you wanting to do that.” He thought it would be great, but he could see how tagging around after him might not be as exciting for someone else.