The wicked world above your head (Chapter 9)
Title: The wicked world above your head
Pairings: Novak Djokovic/Ernests Gulbis, Andy Murray/Tim Henman
Rating: PG
Word count: 3,406
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters and this is a fiction.
Summary: Ernests and Tim watch Novak’s match at Wimbledon while Andy tries to take a brave step forward in his relationship with Tim.
Author’s note: This chapter is unbetaed and the next part should be the last chapter, Hallelujah.
From the previous chapter:
Novak had successfully passed his flying license test while Tim had kissed Andy as the Scot got dangerously close to having a nervous breakdown. Andy had discovered with Tim’s help that Maggie was pregnant and Novak had spent the night at Ernests’ place.
Chapter 9
Ernests was in front of the mirror, skillfully applying nutritional hair products on his curly hair. He was getting ready to go support his boyfriend on his fourth round match of Wimbledon and every second of the process was simply joyful. He had read in tennis magazines and on websites that grass was the Serb’s weakest surface but so far, he had been playing quite well. It had been a delightful week for the elf, watching his favorite human being play solid matches and getting jealous stares from people for going out with such a fun, hot athlete.
“Don’t I look just gorgeous? I look nice enough to sit in his box.”
Satisfied with the way he looked, Ernests checked the time on his cell phone. He didn’t want to be late when he was supposed to meet Novak before his match and cheer him up.
“I’m coming, Nole!”
He gave a huge peck on one of Novak’s pictures that were hanging on the sides of the mirror and left the house. He would have to fly faster than usual.
Meanwhile, Novak had just finished warming up and was sitting in the locker room, making sure he had everything in his bag that he might need on court. Ernests was running a little late. He was glad that the elf had left him a text message about the tardiness because otherwise, he would have been worried to death, wondering what could have prevented his boyfriend from arriving on time when there was no such thing as traffic in the skies.
‘He can’t have any sorts of accidents. I didn’t even get to tell him that I love him.’
Novak thought to himself as he zipped up his tennis bag. He now had everything that he could wish for to play a good match except for his lovely boyfriend.
‘Why can’t I just say the words? It’s not even a long sentence. It only takes one breath and three short words.’
The Serb scratched his head, annoyed with himself. He didn’t have a single ounce of doubt in his mind that he loved the elf wholeheartedly but for some reason, the words won’t come out of his mouth.
“So sorry I’m late!”
Novak looked up as he saw Ernests rush into the locker room. The pointy right ear moved in glee when their eyes met, making the human being incredibly happy.
“It’s okay. I hope you didn’t fly too fast. I could’ve just seen you after the match.”
Novak dragged his boyfriend into an unoccupied corner. It was the second week of the tournament so there weren’t many people around which gave the two some privacy.
“No way. I’m honored to inspire a world-class athlete with a kiss before he steps on court. And, I know how much you appreciate it. I’m a world-class kisser.”
“Ahaha. I can only agree to that.”
Ernests hung his arms around the tanned neck and Novak kissed the elf with joy. He was always delighted and grateful for such opportunities.
“Remember. It’s just another day at the office. Nobody’s going to kill you even if you lose.”
“Geez. Thanks for the encouragement.” The tennis player playfully pinched one of Ernests’ cheeks and moved his hand to the shiny hair.
“You like it? I think it looks quite decent today.” Ernests beamed as he saw the expression on his boyfriend’s face. He looked mesmerized.
“Do all elves have such pretty hair?”
“Nah, you’re lucky to have me.” The elf answered while thinking that it had totally been worth paying a fortune at the downtown hair salon.
“I bet I am.”
Novak kissed Ernests once more. He never really had his mouth closed, unless he was mad, which only looked inviting in Novak’s eyes.
“Ah, time to go now.” The Serb reluctantly pulled away and placed one last kiss on the elf’s forehead before getting up from the bench. He had a job to do.
“Okay. Go out and swing your racquet. I’ll see you after the match.” Ernests patted the Serb on the butt with his best innocent face.
“Yeah, I’m looking forward to show you around the shower room.”
Novak picked up his tennis bag and sent a meaningful glance towards his boyfriend. He had played the role of a tour guide for the elf since last week and had showed him around many intimate corners of the prestigious Grand Slam venue.
“Stop drooling and get out already. I’ll go join Tim in your box.”
Ernests waved his hand and left the locker room. It was nice to spend some time during the afternoon outside the carpet store.
“Finally done with all the kissing and god knows what more?” Tim asked as he spotted Ernests walking towards him.
“We only kissed briefly twice. That’s all. We’re very decent before matches.” Ernests sat next to his boss and crossed his legs.
“Haha… No need to give me the details, Ernie. So did he say the magic words yet?”
Tim wondered what was stopping the Serb from spelling out his love. It was obvious that he was crazy about the elf but something must be bothering him.
“Nah. Perhaps he’ll say it when he loses or when he leaves the country. It’s okay. I can wait.”
Ernests didn’t mind it much, to be honest. He did look forward to hearing it someday but he wasn’t going to put pressure on Novak. He himself had trouble telling the human being that he loved him so how could he? He knew that Novak wasn’t the type of guy to feel burdened by such words and run away, but he was still overwhelmed at how fast they had gotten into a serious relationship, and he didn’t want things to get awkward just because of a love confession.
“Don’t worry. He’ll come around. He’s a brave boy. I wish Andy and I had that kind of a cute problem.”
Tim mumbled as he thought about his own boyfriend. After Andy had melted in his arms ten days ago, demanding a kiss, Tim had considered it safe to assume that they were seeing each other as boyfriends. Every time Andy won, he had kissed the shy lips but hadn’t tried anything more. The Scot was still under a lot of pressure and he didn’t want him to worry about something else other than tennis until the tournament was over.
The other day, he had told Andy about his past; about how he had spent his childhood in an old witch village in the southern parts of England and how his wife had passed away from a broom accident. Andy in return had told him about his harsh junior days in Spain and how he used to play pranks on his fellow players with Novak. The more they talked, the more Tim found the conversation extremely pleasant. There was something other than Andy’s brilliant tennis game and his cute birthmark that made Tim daydream about him each and every day. Soon, he realized that he wanted more than a conversation or a kiss from the boy. He needed more.
“Ooh, he looks so adorable in white.”
The half-witch smiled at his employee’s words. Ernests had said the same thing every time Novak had stepped on court.
“Yeah. And, I bet you like it when he pours water on his hair. You think it’s such a manly gesture, don’t you?”
“How do you know?” Ernests looked at Tim, wondering if the half-witch was using some sort of mind-reading skills.
“Because you told me that three times last week.”
“Huh. Don’t act like you’re all innocent in that department, Tim. You’ve constantly repeated how Andy looks cute when he drinks from that big water bottle of his or when he looks up at the big screen with curious eyes. Plus, you’ve also mentioned that his abs have gotten…”
“Okay. Okay! You proved your point.” Tim hushed the elf with a flushed face. There were ears around them and Ernests’ voice wasn’t known to be the quietest.
“Mwahaha… Fine. Let’s focus on cheering now. It’s about to start.”
Ernests smoothed his hair in case the camera caught him and let his eyes wander over the creature that he was in love with.
‘There’s no point waiting for him to say it first. Perhaps I should practice in front of the mirror and tell him after his last match.’
The elf crossed his fingers as he saw Novak toss the ball in the air. It was show time.
Winning his match in comfortable straight sets and having dinner on Ernests’ carpet on top of a hill that had a mesmerizing view, Novak walked into the flat and came face to face with Pierre crawled up near the door.
“Hey, buddie. What are you doing here? Maggie’s giving you the cold shoulder?”
“No. I am.”
Novak picked up his dog and left his tennis bag on the floor instead. Andy was still not over the whole ‘Maggie got pregnant’ incident.
“For god’s sake, Andy, let it go. I’m sure Pierre got consent and they’re madly in love with each other.”
Andy hugged his own dog tighter on the couch and refused to look up at his friend.
Novak decided to work on a different angle. “Don’t you think Maggie will be happier if she could cuddle up with her boyfriend rather than with an angry you? Hey, we can get them married if that will make you feel better. I saw that there were businesses that specifically dealt with doggy marriages. Maggie could wear a big, white dress and eat the doggy bouquet or something.”
The Scot looked up, seemingly considering the suggestion.
‘You’ve got to be kidding me. I was joking!’ Novak thought but he didn’t say it out loud in case his strategy worked and he could get his best friend back. It wasn’t like he had told Pierre to sleep with Maggie but just because Pierre was his dog, Andy had been pouting around him all week.
“Does she get to choose the food and the minister? She’ll only get married once in her life, you know.”
Novak’s jaw dropped as he checked Andy’s face to see if he was serious. Thankfully, Andy couldn’t keep up with his game face and burst into laughter.
“Bwahaha, a doggy marriage? That was a good one, Nole.”
Letting out a sigh of relief at his giggling friend, Novak put down Pierre who hid behind his legs, probably still afraid of the Scot.
“Aww, poor boy. It’s okay now. You can go kiss your girlfriend.”
The Serb patted his dog several times before Pierre was convinced that he could safely approach the love of his life.
“I need tea.”
Andy announced as he released Maggie from his arms. He didn’t want to see the dogs sniff at each other as if he had been a horrible obstacle in their relationship that had torn them apart like Romeo and Juliet.
“Am I going to get some tea too? Or do I have to boil my own tea like the other night?” Novak could guess the answer but he wanted to hear the words of peace.
“You’re obliged to drink my awesome tea, Nole. Don’t go anywhere. And, no calling Ernie during tea time.”
“Bah…”
Novak followed his friend into the kitchen and sat down at the table. Now that the Maggie issue was solved, he wanted to ask about how things were going between Andy and Tim.
“So when do you plan to sleep with him? If you’re holding back just because you’re in a middle of a Slam, I strongly advise you to reconsider it. It might help you to get some pressure off your shoulders, you know. That’s why Ernie and I try to…”
“Don’t! I get it!” Andy stopped his friend before he went into details. If he had learned anything around Novak, it was to know when to shut him up.
“Hey, I was just giving you insight about how things could work out better for you. What’s stopping you anyway? I’m sure his bed is full of magical stuff that would be hard to forget.”
Andy thought about the question as he prepared tea. Was he really reluctant to take the next step because he was playing a Grand Slam? He didn’t think so. He couldn’t exactly explain the reason but at least, he knew that there was something else going on in his mind.
“What’s stopping you from telling Ernie that you love him?”
Now it was time for Novak to think hard.
“Meh, I guess we’re best friends for a reason. We can be dumb like a piece of wood sometimes.”
Novak assessed their current level of intelligence and pictured his boyfriend in his mind. As soon as the tournament was over, he was going to say it out loud and clear for the elf’s beautiful, pointy ears. Once he got over his ridiculous fear of his soul getting sucked out of his body while saying it, he was certain that he and Ernests would reach another level of intimacy.
A few days later…
Andy was hanging out with Tim after dinner on a cloud that had a shape of a dinosaur, thanks to the help of magic. He was making small balls out of the extremely large cloud and throwing one by one as far as he could. Wimbledon was over and he had done his best until he lost at the stages of semi-final. With all the journalists off his back, he felt amazingly calm and relaxed, just to sit with his boyfriend in a comfortable silence.
“If someone saw you right now, he’d say that you were going to switch sports.”
As impressive as Tim thought about Andy’s pitching, he was slightly worried that the human being might injure himself or fall off the cloud.
“I find you attractive.” Andy confessed all of a sudden, hands busy rolling bits of cloud.
Tim wasn’t sure what he should say. He had never heard someone say it in such a direct way. “Um… Thanks, Andy. I feel the same way about you.”
“Good. I like the sound of it.”
Tim noticed that the Scot was trying to avoid looking at him but he had enough patience to wait and see what the twenty-two year old was up to.
“Do you think it’ll be too chilly if I take off my shirt? We’re pretty high up here and the sun has gone down.”
The half-witch swallowed hard, surprised to hear such a question. “I can heat up the cloud if you want.”
“Oh, that’s cool.” Andy took off his jacket, followed by his T-shirt.
Tim felt very thirsty as his eyes laid on the tennis player’s abs.
“What are you doing, Andy?” He had to ask.
“I’m waiting for you to heat up the cloud, duh.”
Andy finally looked at Tim and the half-witch saw nervousness on his face in the middle of the heavy blushing. Tim picked up his wand and made the cloud heat up as if it was an electric blanket.
“Do you want me to throw in some colors?”
“Oh, you can do that? What about dark pink?” Andy suggested, hoping that the particular color would help him hide his blush.
“I’d like that.” Tim turned the cloud into dark pink as requested and added some light pink here and there for the sake of their viewing pleasure.
“Nice. I didn’t know that I’d be sitting on a pink striped cloud when I woke up this morning.”
“Well, if you ask me, I didn’t know that I’d be sitting next to a shirtless you this morning.”
“Haha, well, I’m trying to be really brave here. So perhaps you could appreciate my effort and join me.”
Andy hooked a suggestive finger on the collar of Tim’s shirt. He liked the white shirt with thin black and silver strips on his boyfriend but it was time to enjoy what was underneath it.
“If you say so…”
The soft fabric fell off Tim’s torso in mere seconds and Andy tried to stay strong, not wanting to run away like a scared boy. He had been with guys before. It wasn’t his first time in the gay world. It was just the fact that Tim was special and probably more experienced than him that made him extra nervous.
While Andy was torturing himself with several possible scenarios, Tim lay down on the cloud and patted the empty spot next to him.
“Come here. We should be able to see the stars soon enough. It’s a rare opportunity for humans to see stars at this height, right?”
“Yeah, um… sure.”
Andy hesitated. Things weren’t supposed to be heading this way. They were now supposed to wrap themselves up in the fire of a madly passionate kiss and remove whatever was left of their clothes and let one thing lead to another.
“The cloud is warm, Andy. You won’t feel cold. I promise.”
Tim kept his gaze on the sky and waited. He knew what Andy was trying to do. He was grateful and extremely happy for the decision and effort, but the Scot didn’t seem comfortable enough. The last thing that Tim wanted was to give Andy another headache and a flood of regret for rushing into things with him.
“It is really warm.” Andy commented as he finally lay down next to Tim.
“You won’t get any burns either so don’t worry and just relax. Looking up at the sky with a blank mind can do wonders at times.”
Tim moved a little and carefully wrapped an arm around his boyfriend, hoping that it would help Andy to feel how much he cared about him.
“Thanks, Tim.”
Andy’s words were closer to a whisper but Tim had sharper ears than human beings.
“You’re welcome.”
“But you don’t even know what I’m thanking you for.” Andy rolled on to his sides and looked at his boyfriend.
Tim chuckled and added, “You tend to forget that I’ve been a fan of yours for quite some time now.”
“So you mean you can tell what I’m thinking without some magical mind-reading?” Andy was so intrigued that he didn’t even mind the close distance between their faces and bodies.
“Well, not all the time but I’ve learned how to read your expressions. You must know that I’m a very observant fan.”
The twenty-two year old had a playful smile on his lips. “Then guess what I’m thinking now.”
Tim pretended to think hard. He made funny faces as he tried to come up with an interesting idea.
“You want me to kiss you.” He ventured.
“I do?” Andy felt blood rush to his face again.
“Yes. Don’t try to deny it. You know that I’m right.” Tim beamed, hoping that the Scot would play along.
Andy searched for a sign of nervousness in Tim’s eyes. Surprisingly, there were none. Tim was confident about what he had just said.
“I suppose you’re right then.”
He closed his eyes and waited for the kiss. As the pair of lips that were slowly growing on him landed on his own, Andy felt as if he could see the stars through his closed eyelids and smell the moonlight on the tip of his nose.
‘I guess it’s all Tim.’
Andy thought as he felt Tim’s heartbeat on his chest. Despite the lack of clothes between their hearts, he wasn’t shy or embarrassed any more. It felt right to share a heart-to-heart moment with the creature that he got to care more and more each day, and he thanked the stars above him for this magical moment.