tennis slash - Smart People (2)
Title: Smart People (2)
Author: Kris S.
Fandom: Tennis RPS
Players: Rafael Nadal, Richard Gasquet, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Ernests Gulbis, Marin Cilic, Feliciano Lopez, Evgeny Korolev, Andy Roddick
Rating: PG13
Disclaimer: This did not happen.
Summary: College AU. Richard and Rafael are geniuses who are roommates in a suite, though they’re different as could be. Inspired by the movie Real Genius. This chapter: start to see some pairings!
Chapter 2 - First Day of Classes
"Morning, Richie," Feliciano says as a greeting before Richard has a chance to take his seat. "How was your summer?"
"Fine." Feliciano is cool to have as a study partner but Richard doesn't like being in the middle when it comes to his roommate's relationship. A new semester, same garbage. "You seen Rafa yet?"
"Tonight, actually."
Now is the time for Richard to tell Feliciano exactly where he stands regarding this. "You should break up with him."
Feliciano blinks at the unsolicited opinion, then chuckles uneasily. "It is all in good fun. He totally understands about Fernando."
"No, he's saying that because he'll do anything to please you. He is naïve and probably believes he's in love with you."
"He's old enough to understand. It's only a two year age difference."
Richard rolls his eyes. "Right." Instead of five in reality.
"I mean, you get it. You have casual relationships..."
"All parties are clear on the conditions. Rafa, I'm not so sure." Richard does not like the annoyed look Feliciano is giving him and retracts. Feliciano is okay with Richard’s opinion to a point but they occasionally need each other as they’re both in the same program. "I'm just telling you this because I am concerned about him. You can do whatever you want."
“I will speak to him on the subject of Fernando tonight. Anything else is up to him, si?”
Richard nods, satisfied with that answer for now.
* * * * *
Ernie returns after classes to find Novak in the main area, lounging on the couch with a slice of cake while a workout video plays on the television. The Latvian cannot help but laugh. "You seem to take your fitness very seriously."
Novak tilts his head back and seems disappointed. "Oh it's you. I was hoping to irritate Rafa."
"Anyone else home yet?"
"Marin is on the phone with his mother."
"Oh so I should avoid my room?"
Novak shrugs. "He'll be okay. Though at this point, Andy is the only one who has gotten anything out of him."
Ernie wrinkles his nose. "I keep missing Andy! He was gone by the time I woke up this morning."
"You'll be happy to know he didn't cut his hair." Novak laughs at Ernie's relieved reaction. "Though he appears to have taken his workouts a little more seriously over the summer. Not that anyone would really notice with the baggy clothes he still favors but Rafa said he was impressed Andy could finally keep up with him at the weights."
Ernie sits on the floor, looking up at Novak. "It's just... I can't relate to Marin. I've been away from my parents for months at a time. My dad's business affairs, boarding school, camp... He's very smart - I gathered when I asked about his schedule. Calc 2, Psych... crazy."
"Everyone takes Psych first year so that's not a big deal. It'll probably help when dealing with Richard anyway, even though he can out-psychobabble anybody. Calc 2, yeah that's pretty impressive. Math is not my subject."
"What is your major?"
"Poli sci. International relations."
"In this particular suite, that does make sense."
Novak nods. "I was doing the same thing as Marin my first semester. My younger brothers look up to me so being away from them was especially tough. I got into extracurriculars but Marin will find an activity that makes him feel like he belongs."
* * * * *
Marin has to admit it feels a little better being on the campus heading to classes. The classes themselves he is not worried about. He had taken a computer class at the local college so the curriculum didn’t bother him. Sure he expected challenges there but that’s what college is supposed to be about.
He steps into Chemistry, taking this class on the off chance he actually becomes the doctor his parents want him to be. There appears to be about five hundred seats and most of them are full. Marin finds a seat in the second row and continues to look around. Many are in groups chatting away as if they all have known each other their entire lives.
A guy slides into the seat next to him. “Hi. You moved in on the fourth floor with Ernie, right?”
“Yes.” Marin knows he’s dealt with a lot of new faces these last few days but he doesn’t know this one. Russian accent, his age, charming smile. “Marin.”
“Evgeny.” Oh yes, the guy who invited Ernie to the party. “I barely made it through high school so I was hoping you’d be able to help.”
Marin tries to determine if Evgeny seriously wants assistance or just someone to do his homework. He needs to at least be alert in this situation. “Oh well, let’s see how the semester goes. We can try to form a study group with some of the other students.”
Evgeny smiles brightly. Marin turns away because he doesn’t want to be captivated by that smile. “That would work.”
Their conversation and all others are interrupted by the slam of a briefcase hitting the floor. The professor is standing by the whiteboard, stare appearing to bear down on everyone as he says, “Good afternoon. You are in Chemistry 151 with Professor Federer. I am passing out the syllabus right now so you are aware of the amount of work you are required to do. If you are not prepared to do the work, please leave now.”
* * * * *
While the Chemistry 151 class is going on, two people with baseball caps are talking outside the lecture hall. Richard says, “We will find a way to top what we did to that prick last semester. I did like the work you did on his office but we need to do better. It’s your last semester.”
“Fair enough. We have time to plan. We will leave our mark.”
Richard smiles brightly. “I am so thankful to find someone who enjoys pulling tricks on that man. Professor Federer does not understand students are not meant as props for his studies. We have to make sure he sees us so he’ll be on alert, even when it comes to a lowly intro Chem class.”
“I must say that I do enjoy working with you. However, I also enjoy watching your mouth work its magic in ways which are not verbal.”
Richard glances at the bathroom, then his watch. “We have time before King Fed lets class out.”
“We can make it back in ten. Have missed this all summer.”
* * * * *
Rafael is working late shift in the computer lab when Andy enters, sliding in the seat next to Rafael’s work station. “There’s something I need to tell you because I fear I’m going to go off on someone otherwise.”
Rafael raises an eyebrow. Andy has been known to stake out if he wants to tell Rafael something. This means he can’t give this news in the suite. “Okay. Spill.”
“You know how Richard would go on and on about his go-to guy, making us all think that it’s anyone from a student to a professor to a millionaire? I have solved the mystery and it makes me sick to my stomach. I don’t think I can sleep ever again.”
Rafael shakes his head. “It is bad enough I had to hear him start on that nonsense last night. Now apparently it’s the guy who teaches golf as a phys ed requirement, although I don’t think Richard could identify that guy if he was standing right here. I took that class and, believe me, it isn’t him.”
“So I was standing outside the lecture hall, reading while waiting for my history class. I head to the restroom and I hear Richie’s voice. I sneak into the stall and figure this is worth a good laugh. There’s another voice and it seemed familiar. I couldn’t quite place it but I just knew three things: they were trying for a quickie, this isn’t their first time and it would be good to record the session to throw it back at him later. Until they hit the time,” Andy looks around then says in a low voice, “of letting go and I realize… the other person is our RA Roddick.”
“That… that explains a lot, actually. He gets away with so much in the dorms. But that is actually rather amazing. I mean, I guess it’s bad to hear Richie having sex but that wouldn’t be the first time…”
“Do you have any idea how fucking horrible it is to hear someone you don’t like calling out your name?”
Rafael cannot help but laugh at the seriousness of Andy’s tone, struggling just to say, “I’m sorry.”
“Thank you for your support,” Andy says sourly, not seeing the humor of the situation. “It was supposed to be worth the effort finding out who the guy is but now? Horrible.”
“Are you afraid of hearing that voice in your dreams?” Rafael teases but stops joking around when he catches a slight nod that Andy clearly didn’t mean to show. “Oh. You have heard someone call out your name and mean it for you, right?”
“You know my pathetic history.”
Rafael glances at the bored faces still sitting at the terminals then gestures for Andy to follow him to the hallway. Andy leans against the wall while Rafael paces. “You mean the only one you’ve been with is the post-prom fiasco?” Andy doesn’t answer but his look down to floor gives the answer. “You are now a junior. The dork stayed in high school. Believe me, I was like you in high school but I was determined not to stay that kid.”
“No, but when we met, you were already 16 going on 25.”
“Better than you, who was 18 going on 40 year old virgin?”
“I am not…”
“I know that but there’s a reason Richie and Nole think you’re a liar.”
“If I told them about the guy who called out his girlfriend’s name, it would be the end of me and the beginning of Andrea in their heads so no. I prefer being called a liar.”
Novak may be Andy’s roommate but Rafael is the one Andy can relate with best. Andy may not be a genius but that’s because he is the hardest worker Rafael has ever met. The others tease him about his work ethic and being perpetually uncool. Andy is normally okay with that but, as Rafael is seeing now, there is a limit. “New goal. You will get laid this semester. No deception, no lies, no money or other bribery involved.”
“No lies? But you can’t get anyone without lying about your age so…” Andy bites his lip to keep from laughing as Rafael has stopped pacing and is staring him down.
Rafael takes two strides, getting up in Andy’s space as he says, “Shut up or else I will tell Richie about this mission.”
“Okay,” but can’t resist adding, “The kid will be helping me” and is rewarded with a light shove into the wall.
Author: Kris S.
Fandom: Tennis RPS
Players: Rafael Nadal, Richard Gasquet, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Ernests Gulbis, Marin Cilic, Feliciano Lopez, Evgeny Korolev, Andy Roddick
Rating: PG13
Disclaimer: This did not happen.
Summary: College AU. Richard and Rafael are geniuses who are roommates in a suite, though they’re different as could be. Inspired by the movie Real Genius. This chapter: start to see some pairings!
Chapter 2 - First Day of Classes
"Morning, Richie," Feliciano says as a greeting before Richard has a chance to take his seat. "How was your summer?"
"Fine." Feliciano is cool to have as a study partner but Richard doesn't like being in the middle when it comes to his roommate's relationship. A new semester, same garbage. "You seen Rafa yet?"
"Tonight, actually."
Now is the time for Richard to tell Feliciano exactly where he stands regarding this. "You should break up with him."
Feliciano blinks at the unsolicited opinion, then chuckles uneasily. "It is all in good fun. He totally understands about Fernando."
"No, he's saying that because he'll do anything to please you. He is naïve and probably believes he's in love with you."
"He's old enough to understand. It's only a two year age difference."
Richard rolls his eyes. "Right." Instead of five in reality.
"I mean, you get it. You have casual relationships..."
"All parties are clear on the conditions. Rafa, I'm not so sure." Richard does not like the annoyed look Feliciano is giving him and retracts. Feliciano is okay with Richard’s opinion to a point but they occasionally need each other as they’re both in the same program. "I'm just telling you this because I am concerned about him. You can do whatever you want."
“I will speak to him on the subject of Fernando tonight. Anything else is up to him, si?”
Richard nods, satisfied with that answer for now.
* * * * *
Ernie returns after classes to find Novak in the main area, lounging on the couch with a slice of cake while a workout video plays on the television. The Latvian cannot help but laugh. "You seem to take your fitness very seriously."
Novak tilts his head back and seems disappointed. "Oh it's you. I was hoping to irritate Rafa."
"Anyone else home yet?"
"Marin is on the phone with his mother."
"Oh so I should avoid my room?"
Novak shrugs. "He'll be okay. Though at this point, Andy is the only one who has gotten anything out of him."
Ernie wrinkles his nose. "I keep missing Andy! He was gone by the time I woke up this morning."
"You'll be happy to know he didn't cut his hair." Novak laughs at Ernie's relieved reaction. "Though he appears to have taken his workouts a little more seriously over the summer. Not that anyone would really notice with the baggy clothes he still favors but Rafa said he was impressed Andy could finally keep up with him at the weights."
Ernie sits on the floor, looking up at Novak. "It's just... I can't relate to Marin. I've been away from my parents for months at a time. My dad's business affairs, boarding school, camp... He's very smart - I gathered when I asked about his schedule. Calc 2, Psych... crazy."
"Everyone takes Psych first year so that's not a big deal. It'll probably help when dealing with Richard anyway, even though he can out-psychobabble anybody. Calc 2, yeah that's pretty impressive. Math is not my subject."
"What is your major?"
"Poli sci. International relations."
"In this particular suite, that does make sense."
Novak nods. "I was doing the same thing as Marin my first semester. My younger brothers look up to me so being away from them was especially tough. I got into extracurriculars but Marin will find an activity that makes him feel like he belongs."
* * * * *
Marin has to admit it feels a little better being on the campus heading to classes. The classes themselves he is not worried about. He had taken a computer class at the local college so the curriculum didn’t bother him. Sure he expected challenges there but that’s what college is supposed to be about.
He steps into Chemistry, taking this class on the off chance he actually becomes the doctor his parents want him to be. There appears to be about five hundred seats and most of them are full. Marin finds a seat in the second row and continues to look around. Many are in groups chatting away as if they all have known each other their entire lives.
A guy slides into the seat next to him. “Hi. You moved in on the fourth floor with Ernie, right?”
“Yes.” Marin knows he’s dealt with a lot of new faces these last few days but he doesn’t know this one. Russian accent, his age, charming smile. “Marin.”
“Evgeny.” Oh yes, the guy who invited Ernie to the party. “I barely made it through high school so I was hoping you’d be able to help.”
Marin tries to determine if Evgeny seriously wants assistance or just someone to do his homework. He needs to at least be alert in this situation. “Oh well, let’s see how the semester goes. We can try to form a study group with some of the other students.”
Evgeny smiles brightly. Marin turns away because he doesn’t want to be captivated by that smile. “That would work.”
Their conversation and all others are interrupted by the slam of a briefcase hitting the floor. The professor is standing by the whiteboard, stare appearing to bear down on everyone as he says, “Good afternoon. You are in Chemistry 151 with Professor Federer. I am passing out the syllabus right now so you are aware of the amount of work you are required to do. If you are not prepared to do the work, please leave now.”
* * * * *
While the Chemistry 151 class is going on, two people with baseball caps are talking outside the lecture hall. Richard says, “We will find a way to top what we did to that prick last semester. I did like the work you did on his office but we need to do better. It’s your last semester.”
“Fair enough. We have time to plan. We will leave our mark.”
Richard smiles brightly. “I am so thankful to find someone who enjoys pulling tricks on that man. Professor Federer does not understand students are not meant as props for his studies. We have to make sure he sees us so he’ll be on alert, even when it comes to a lowly intro Chem class.”
“I must say that I do enjoy working with you. However, I also enjoy watching your mouth work its magic in ways which are not verbal.”
Richard glances at the bathroom, then his watch. “We have time before King Fed lets class out.”
“We can make it back in ten. Have missed this all summer.”
* * * * *
Rafael is working late shift in the computer lab when Andy enters, sliding in the seat next to Rafael’s work station. “There’s something I need to tell you because I fear I’m going to go off on someone otherwise.”
Rafael raises an eyebrow. Andy has been known to stake out if he wants to tell Rafael something. This means he can’t give this news in the suite. “Okay. Spill.”
“You know how Richard would go on and on about his go-to guy, making us all think that it’s anyone from a student to a professor to a millionaire? I have solved the mystery and it makes me sick to my stomach. I don’t think I can sleep ever again.”
Rafael shakes his head. “It is bad enough I had to hear him start on that nonsense last night. Now apparently it’s the guy who teaches golf as a phys ed requirement, although I don’t think Richard could identify that guy if he was standing right here. I took that class and, believe me, it isn’t him.”
“So I was standing outside the lecture hall, reading while waiting for my history class. I head to the restroom and I hear Richie’s voice. I sneak into the stall and figure this is worth a good laugh. There’s another voice and it seemed familiar. I couldn’t quite place it but I just knew three things: they were trying for a quickie, this isn’t their first time and it would be good to record the session to throw it back at him later. Until they hit the time,” Andy looks around then says in a low voice, “of letting go and I realize… the other person is our RA Roddick.”
“That… that explains a lot, actually. He gets away with so much in the dorms. But that is actually rather amazing. I mean, I guess it’s bad to hear Richie having sex but that wouldn’t be the first time…”
“Do you have any idea how fucking horrible it is to hear someone you don’t like calling out your name?”
Rafael cannot help but laugh at the seriousness of Andy’s tone, struggling just to say, “I’m sorry.”
“Thank you for your support,” Andy says sourly, not seeing the humor of the situation. “It was supposed to be worth the effort finding out who the guy is but now? Horrible.”
“Are you afraid of hearing that voice in your dreams?” Rafael teases but stops joking around when he catches a slight nod that Andy clearly didn’t mean to show. “Oh. You have heard someone call out your name and mean it for you, right?”
“You know my pathetic history.”
Rafael glances at the bored faces still sitting at the terminals then gestures for Andy to follow him to the hallway. Andy leans against the wall while Rafael paces. “You mean the only one you’ve been with is the post-prom fiasco?” Andy doesn’t answer but his look down to floor gives the answer. “You are now a junior. The dork stayed in high school. Believe me, I was like you in high school but I was determined not to stay that kid.”
“No, but when we met, you were already 16 going on 25.”
“Better than you, who was 18 going on 40 year old virgin?”
“I am not…”
“I know that but there’s a reason Richie and Nole think you’re a liar.”
“If I told them about the guy who called out his girlfriend’s name, it would be the end of me and the beginning of Andrea in their heads so no. I prefer being called a liar.”
Novak may be Andy’s roommate but Rafael is the one Andy can relate with best. Andy may not be a genius but that’s because he is the hardest worker Rafael has ever met. The others tease him about his work ethic and being perpetually uncool. Andy is normally okay with that but, as Rafael is seeing now, there is a limit. “New goal. You will get laid this semester. No deception, no lies, no money or other bribery involved.”
“No lies? But you can’t get anyone without lying about your age so…” Andy bites his lip to keep from laughing as Rafael has stopped pacing and is staring him down.
Rafael takes two strides, getting up in Andy’s space as he says, “Shut up or else I will tell Richie about this mission.”
“Okay,” but can’t resist adding, “The kid will be helping me” and is rewarded with a light shove into the wall.