Appetite (Chapter 11)
Title: Appetite
Main pairing: Rafael Nadal/Novak Djokovic
Other characters: Ferrer, A.Murray, Moya, Ferrero
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters and this is a fiction.
Summary: Novak checks Andy's reaction to his practice with David while an angry Carlos goes to see Juan Carlos. Novak gets cranky over the "No sex" rule while David makes up his mind about whom he is going to cheer for.
From the previous chapter:
David had boasted that his practice with Andy had gone well but Novak had yet to check the Scot’s reaction. Juan Carlos had made Carlos walk into Tommy’s room and the two had had an argument while Tommy felt sick. Novak and Rafael had won their second doubles match and Rafael had lost his shoe to Dmitry.
Chapter 11: Over the limit
While Rafael was out to get his shoe back from Dmitry, Novak was lying on his stomach on the bed, talking to Andy on the phone.
“Thanks for covering for me yesterday, biggy. I owe you one.”
“It’s fine. It was fun.”
“It was?”
“Yeah.” Andy answered casually.
“Ferru can be pretty funny, right?” Novak was glad to hear that his friends seemed to have the same opinion on their practice.
“Well, he’s crazy.”
Novak held his breath before asking back, “He’s crazy?”
“Yeah, and I like it.” Andy answered even more casually.
“So, you think he’s crazy but you still like it.”
“Yeah, Tim was never crazy. He was always so composed. Not much fun.”
“And, it was fun to be around Ferru?” It wasn’t really a question. Things were going perfect. He just wanted to make sure that he had heard it right.
“Well, it became even more fun when I fell and he ran to me and acted all dramatic. I was fine but he didn’t believe me. He insisted that he had to see my back and I had to take my shirt off.”
“Really.” Novak had never expected the shy Spaniard to make such a move.
‘Maybe he just wanted to check if Andy’s back was all right, but still, great move, Ferru!’
“And, things didn’t get weird?” The Serb was curious.
“Well, since you ask, I gotta say that it did feel a little strange when he started poking me on the back. I said I was fine but I guess he wanted to check if my muscles were okay.”
Novak had almost burst into laughter. The mental image in his head was more than enough to make him laugh for a good five minutes.
“So it felt strange, huh? Exactly what kind of “strange” are we talking about here?”
“Hey, do I detect a hint of tease in there?” Andy accused.
Novak finally laughed a little.
“Well, if you want to know if I like him back, just ask.”
Novak stopped laughing. “So you know that he likes you.”
“He’s so readable. Of course I know that he likes me. He tries so hard to hide it but I’m sure anyone can read what’s going on in his mind.”
“Yeah, I guess you’re right. He can be too obvious.” Novak agreed.
“But I like that. Tim was never readable. I had to guess every time.”
“Right. So that’s why you told him that you’d like to practice with him again next week.”
“Yeah. I thought I could give it a try. He’s everything Tim is not.”
“Great! Even if it doesn’t work out, you’ve got nothing to lose, right?” Novak pushed his friend.
“Exactly. And everyone on tour knows he’s one of the good guys.”
“Sure, sure. He’s a great guy.”
Andy nodded and changed the subject, “Enough about me. How are you holding up?”
“Me?”
“Yeah, you and Rafa. Your eating got any better?” Andy was worried.
“Not really. Can you believe that I bought a Nutella behind his back and hid it under the hotel bed?” Novak felt horrible.
“Ouch. And I assume he forgave you. What a great boyfriend.”
“Tell me about it. So I can’t let him walk away from me. I have to get better. And, if I don’t do that fast, he’ll want to move to another country.”
“Whoa, how do you know that?”
“I can read his mind better every day. And, it’s good for him to live in Mallorca and enjoy some privacy. It’s not that I can do the same in Serbia, so I wish at least one of us could keep living in his own country.”
“And, you think he’ll want to move abroad because of you?”
“Yeah, something like that.” Novak sighed. “But you know what? As soon as the off-season starts, I’m going to learn Spanish. Let’s face it. When it comes to learning new languages, I’m up a set and a double break against him.”
“Haha, I agree. But I think Rafa’s English is, at least, better than David’s.” Andy laughed. “It’s great that I talked to him in Spanish yesterday.”
“Good for you.” Novak smiled, happy to hear that the Scot was determined to move on. “Give him a chance, Andy. He might surprise you. You deserve to be with someone who knows what he has in his arms.”
“True. People often forget how cute I can be.” Andy joked good-heartedly.
“Ahahaha, I’ll pretend that I did not hear that.”
“Well, I have to hit the gym now. Have a nice day and good luck with your match tomorrow.”
“You too.”
“Bye, spiky.”
“Bye, biggy.”
Bang-bang.
Carlos didn’t bother to make less noise. He was beyond furious.
“Open up!!”
As soon as he raised his voice, the door opened and Juan Carlos jumped back.
“I’m sorry! I love you and just wanted to help you! But I had no right to mess with your personal life and you can yell at me all you want but it won’t make you feel any better.” The Spaniard spoke in one breath and Carlos was now more worried that his friend would run out of breath and collapse.
“Carlos, I’m sorry.”
The angry Spaniard sat down on the couch while his best friend closed the door and joined him.
“You’re really sorry?”
“Yes, I’m really sorry. Ah, how sorry I am, you have no idea.” Juan Carlos exaggerated, sensing that Carlos missed his timing to yell.
“”Promise me you won’t do such a thing again.”
“But, Carlos…”
“Promise me, Juanqui.” His voice was stern.
But Juan Carlos couldn’t give up that easily. “I can always ask Rafa to bug you, you know? We both know that you’ve got a soft spot for him.”
“Oh please, he’s got his hands full already with Novak. Let the boy live in peace.” Carlos clearly didn’t want his fellow Mallorcan to worry about his personal life.
“So if you don’t want Rafa involved, why can’t you just let your best friend help you?”
“Because there’s nothing to help.”
“Oh, come on, don’t be a baby and fight for what you want.” Juan Carlos crossed his arms and Carlos sent him death glares.
“When I said that I wanted a new boyfriend, I didn’t mean him.”
“Look, we can pretend that it’s true and talk about this forever, but at the end of the day, you’ll end up all miserable in your bed alone.”
“Jesus, how nice of you to say that.”
“My point is, just admit that you miss him and give it one last shot. Just once.”
“There’s no point. I’ll be wasting my time.”
“Wow, so God is fair, after all. You look great, you play great and you’re kind but you’re so damnably stupid.”
“What?” Carlos’ eyebrows shot up.
“Hey, if you can’t admit after god damn six years that you still love someone, all you’re going to hear is words like stupid, moron, brainless, foolish, idi… ouch! Why did you pinch me? You’re not a girl!” He rubbed a spot on his right arm and pouted.
A little pleased that his friend became quiet, Carlos stood up and walked towards the door.
“Remember, Carlos, you’re acting like the most foolish loser alive!” Juan Carlos made sure his best friend heard him before the door closed.
‘Oh, well, he’ll behave. He’s smarter than he thinks he is.’ The younger Spaniard rubbed his arm one last time, hoping that it would be worth getting pinched.
The next few days were a disaster for most of the players concerned. As the first week of the Open passed, only Rafael, Novak and Andy were left in the singles and Rafael and Novak had lost their third doubles match.
“It sucks!” Novak pouted, joining his boyfriend on the couch after coming back from his match.
“It’s okay. We can do better next time, no?” Rafael didn’t bother taking his eyes off the TV screen. The Serb had been edgy for a couple of days already.
“I’m not talking about our doubles, Rafa, I’m talking about our crappy No sex rule.” Novak sat next to the Spaniard as loudly as possible. He couldn’t believe that they had lasted over a week.
“I’m sure it helped us to be in the semi-finals, no? It will be over in a few days, Nole.” Rafael let out a tired sigh and hooked an arm around Novak’s shoulder but the boy unhooked it immediately.
“What? You’re mad at me?” Rafael raised his eyebrows while Novak crossed his arms.
“At this point, I’m mad at the whole world! I’m horny, hungry, tired and sad!!”
“Hey, come here.” Just like the first time they had hugged in the locker room, Rafael pulled his boy into a somewhat forceful hug.
“I don’t want a hug from you, you tennis-genius saint!” The angry boy wanted to pull away but he was exhausted from his quarterfinal match and it was quite warm to be in the elder boy’s arms.
“Shh, relax, Nole. Just relax. We’ll order food and sleep early, ok?” Rafael started to make soothing circles on his boyfriend’s back.
“What about my horniness and sadness?” Novak asked, his chin safely resting on the strong shoulder.
“Haha, if you want, I can blow you.” He saw no other way out.
“And my sadness?”
“If I blow you, you won’t be sad, no?”
“Ah, that’s right. But what about you? I can always return the favor, you know…” Lust was dripping from the Serb’s voice so Rafael knew that it was a good time to finish their hug.
“I played so many matches this year. If I want to step a foot on court on Saturday, I have to save my energy.”
“So it sucks to be number one, huh?” Novak felt bad for him.
“Yes, I wish Roger would’ve told me that I had to sacrifice more sex.”
“Wahahaha.” Novak laughed, realizing that he was already less sad thanks to his boyfriend.
“How can I ever return all the favor…” He sent a genuine smile to his love and got a funny yet realistic response.
“You can blow me twice each day when this tournament is over.” Rafael placed a kiss on top of the spiky head before he stood up to get the menu.
“God bless whoever made room service.” Novak crossed himself.
“Amen.” Rafael did the same and came back to the couch.
“Let’s see. What should we try tonight?” He opened the menu and hooked an arm around Novak’s shoulder again. This time, he didn’t resist.
It was actually these little things that Novak enjoyed the most; the silly jokes that made him laugh, the sexy promises that made him dream and the warm touch that made him breathe. He was loved.
“I’ll have this club sandwich.” Novak announced and pressed his lips against Rafael’s cheek.
“That sounds like my face is a club sandwich.”
“Ahahaha. I hope the club sandwich tastes as good as you.”
“Then, I think I’ll have that one too. I should know more about my rival.”
“Aww, aren’t we a true couple.”
Novak picked up the phone and ordered two club sandwiches, a huge plate of French fries, an extra large orangeade and a sundae.
“Ah, that’s why you jumped to pick up the phone.” Rafael chuckled at the amount of extra food the Serb had ordered.
“Hey, no need to get all suspicious. We can share.”
“We can?” Rafael could already see him get less than ten fries while Novak had the whole plate on his own lap.
“Of course, we can. And, I think I eat less than before, don’t you think?”
“Maybe.”
The Spaniard turned his attention back to the TV so he wouldn’t jump his cute boyfriend but Novak had other ideas.
“So, while we wait for dinner, do you think I can get your lips on me?”
Even though Rafael wasn’t facing him, he could perfectly see the Serb’s eyes twinkling.
“After dinner, no? It’s better that way.”
“Really? Ah, then I’ll have to eat quickly.”
While Novak absent-mindedly dreamt of the upcoming pleasure, Rafael noticed that he had received a text message from his best friend, David.
If you forgive me, Rafa, I’ll be your ball boy during the whole off-season. - Ferru
“Urgh, I still can’t believe he’s sitting in Murray’s box, no?” The Spaniard threw the phone on the bed and Novak chuckled.
“Hey, he’s in love. He’ll do anything to impress Andy. Besides, your match is after mine so I’ll still be in your box.” Novak patted his boyfriend on the arm.
“Well, he told me that he managed to wear matching socks yesterday. What a relief. I don’t want Murray to think that he’s retarded or something.”
“Hahaha, tell him that you forgive him. You know he’ll have nightmares tonight, if you don’t.”
“You’re right.” Rafael kissed the tip of Novak’s nose and got up to pick up his phone.
‘I can’t wait to see his reaction to that match, no?’
Unfortunately, Rafael had to wait a little longer to see his best friend’s reaction. Heavy rain had pushed the semi-final match to be finished on Sunday.
‘Ah, he’s so close…’
David couldn’t stop biting his fingernails while he was cheering for Andy. He still felt horribly guilty for not supporting his best friend but it was a relief to see that Novak was in his box.
‘Just two more games.’
Then, there was something other than guilt that was bothering him at the moment. Andy’s mother, Judy, was sitting right next to him.
“He’s improved a lot, hasn’t he?” Judy asked and David almost jumped out of his skin.
“Yes, yes, he’s improved a lot, no?” He didn’t mean to ask back but it just happened.
“He surely has. I even think he can win this match.”
“Yes, yes, I think so too.” David swallowed hard, hoping that he wouldn’t get on her bad side.
“He talked about you yesterday, you know.” Judy spoke, her eyes never leaving her son’s action.
“He did?” The Spaniard prayed to God, hoping that Andy hadn’t mentioned any of his foolish acts.
“He said that you were very honest with him.”
“He did?”
“Yes, he did. And, I appreciate that.” Judy’s smile was pleasant so David knew that she meant what she was saying.
“Well, honesty is the best, no?”
“Sure, it is. So please tell me that you won’t play any games with him. He’s had enough of that for his age.”
David blinked his eyes in silence. It sounded like Andy had been badly hurt by someone.
“David?” Judy pressed for an answer.
“Of course, Mrs. Murray. I won’t play any games. I don’t like games anyway. I just like Andy.”
Then, he realized what he had just said. “I mean, I… um, Andy is just… well, I…”
“So when are you going to ask him out for a dinner?” Judy finally looked at the Spaniard as the long game ended and the players were having a break.
“When will I ask him out for dinner?” He knew that it was probably rude to keep asking back but he couldn’t help it.
“You are going to ask him out, right? If you aren’t going to play games with him.”
“Oh, sure, I will ask him out.”
Although he had answered in a hurry, David had no idea how he was going to do that. He could clearly picture himself riding in an ambulance for a heart attack, no matter what Andy’s answer was going to be.
“If he wins, you could ask him tonight.” Judy suggested. She liked it that every single emotion showed on the guy’s face. He was completely different from a certain Henman.
“But if he wins, it should be a family night, I think.” David carefully expressed his opinion.
“It’s not like he has won the title so I think he’ll rather like to eat with a friend.”
“Oh, then, maybe I should ask him.”
“Yes, you should.”
Now that he even had his mother’s permission, David had to pinch his own thigh to see if he was dreaming.
‘Ouch! So I’m not dreaming. Andy’s winning against Rafa in a Slam and I just got permission to ask him out but it’s not a dream. Wow, what an exciting day!’
As the Scot only needed two more points to secure his place in the final, David did his best to cheer for him.
“Vamos Andy!! Go Andy!”
And, when Andy hit an overhead winner to close out the match, he jumped to his feet with joy.
“Yay!! Good Andy!! Good!”
Now David was standing in the hallway of the stadium, waiting for Andy to come out of the press room.
‘Do you want to go for dinner with me?’ He practiced.
‘Ah, no, I should call his name first. Pretty Andy, do you want to… Ah, no, no pretty. Just Andy. Andy, do you…’
The door opened, all of a sudden, and David froze.
“Hi, David.” Andy waved a hand.
“Hi, Andy.”
“What are you doing here?”
David knew that the time had come. ‘Okay, I can do it. I have to ask him now. It’s now or never. I can do it.’
“David?”
“Andy...”
“Yes. You have something to say?” It was clear that the Spaniard was struggling to say something.
“Yes. Will you go out to dinner for me? I mean, with me. Ah, how stupid I am.” David slapped himself on the head and Andy chuckled.
“Sure, I’d like that.”
“Really?” David was so surprised yet so happy at the same time.
“Yes, but I think you should probably go talk to him first.” Andy pointed at Rafael who was getting a hug from Novak.
“Oh, I’ll be right back.”
David ran towards his best friend and literally jumped on him. “Rafa!”
“Hey, you’re heavy, no?” Rafael chuckled and let his friend stand on his own feet.
“I’m sorry, Rafa.” He apologized sincerely.
“It’s okay. Do you want to join us for dinner?” He asked and saw David go all white.
“Uh, I am very sorry but I can’t have dinner with you tonight.”
He ducked his head and Novak’s eyes grew wide. “Oh my God, you’re eating with Andy!”
“Uh, yes, I asked him out.”
“Oh my god.” The couple exclaimed in unison and David ran back to Andy, face flushed to the limit.
“He asked him out.” Rafael was shocked.
“I know.” Novak waved back at Andy.
“Ferru has all grown up.”
“I know.” Novak giggled at the tone of his boyfriend.
“Well, we don’t need him to enjoy a pleasant evening, do we? As neither of us is going to play in the final, I guess we can finally enjoy what we’ve been missing.” The Serb winked and Rafael tried his best not to kiss his boyfriend. They were still in a rather public place.
“Let’s go somewhere where we can be alone.” The Spaniard’s voice was low and thrill ran through Novak’s body.
“I don’t need dinner. You. Bed. Now.”
The twenty-one year old’s purr was enough for Rafael to grab him by the wrist and run to get a cab. He was going to make up for their long, lost nights.