tennis slash - The International Diner (4)
Title: The International Diner (4)
Author: Kris S.
Fandom: Tennis RPS
Pairing: Lleyton Hewitt/Andy Murray
Other Players: Andy Roddick, Novak Djokovic, Marat Safin
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: This did not happen.
Summary: AU. ATP at a diner. From the previous chapter: Everyone wanted to know what happened in the closet the previous evening. They surmise that it involves Lleyton, The Cheesecake, wine and Andy M.’s birthday plans getting ruined.
Author’s Note: The story will return to its regular pairings in the next chapter.
Chapter 4 - What Happened in the Closet
Everything in the kitchen went dead silent. Andy was the first to speak. “I wouldn’t think you were that desperate.”
“Step backwards,” Marat adds.
Lleyton rolls his eyes. Count on these two to believe the most sordid possibility. He mutters, “I knew there was a reason I wasn’t telling. Constantly jumping to conclusions.”
Novak walks toward the door, not so sure he wants to hear the truth. Andy is too much of a gossip lover to have that reservation. “You know everyone will believe it was not so innocent.”
“Must everyone know everything around here?”
Novak snidely replies, “Well then clearly you have something to hide.”
The one person he really didn’t want to hear speak. Lleyton glares at the Serb, snapping back, “Maybe I thought I’d be kind enough for you to ask your friend what happened instead of hearing it from me. Leave the drama out of this damn kitchen for a change.”
Andy waits for Novak to storm off before asking softly, “Is that your way of saying you didn’t hook up with him?”
“Correct. But I’d rather have Novak stew unless Andy sets him straight.”
“I approve.”
Lleyton is thankful that Andy decides it isn't worth asking more questions.
The thing is, Lleyton isn't even sure how to describe last night. It feels so surreal and the fact that the events took place in that damn closet with someone that nobody around here, possibly not even Novak, knows... Frankly, he's not sure anyone here would believe it if he did explain.
It isn't until later, when he's on his break and going for a walk, that he really relives it...
* * * * *
Lleyton returned to the diner later that previous night. There was a problem with a delivery and he lived nearby so no big deal for him to swing by and check the inventory.
The place was closed. Tommy, the new greeter, and Nicolas, an evening waiter, were goofing around as they were leaving. Lleyton asks, “Are the other waiters out?” He knows the cooks are long gone so not even worth asking about them.
Tommy was about to tell him that the place was closed but Nicolas recognized him and answered, “Andy is supposed to lock up so he’s gotta be around. Need any help with the inventory?”
Lleyton shook his head, letting them go. He headed to the kitchen, going through boxes as he waited for Andy to interrupt but nothing.
When he finished a half-hour later, Lleyton wandered around the diner out the back door. No luck. He called out, “Andy. Where you hiding, man?”
The closet door opened slightly and he heard a slight, “Who is that? Lleyton?"
Lleyton pushed the door the rest of the way. Andy was sitting on the floor, black sweater in his lap and an unopened bottle of wine next to him.
“What are you doing?”
“Nothing.”
Lleyton leaned against the doorway, head tilted as he tried to figure out the situation. Strange things have happened in this closet but this was unfamiliar territory. “Where’d you get the wine?”
“I bought it.”
“Fake ID?”
“No, for the first day of my life. Turned 21 today.”
“Oh, wow. Congrat... I wasn’t supposed to know that, right? I swear I don’t remember ever finding out. I know Marat would have mentioned it since he suggested to Novak to head to a bar for his twenty-first next week…”
“Don’t apologize. It wasn’t common knowledge. Novak was the only one here who knew. Except he forgot why we were hanging out tonight. I had told my family I wouldn't be home but... yeah. So stupid to count on him.”
“I’m sure… wait, he went out with Rafael.”
“Yup. He wanted me to join them. I know what that means. Tag a long. No thank you. I was just waiting for whoever was in the kitchen to leave. I assumed I was ruining Tommy’s plans. That would have been sweet.”
“You never did touch my cake.”
Andy shrugged. Lleyton grabbed two plates and glasses, got cheesecake from the fridge, and returned to sit down next to him. “It will go well with the wine. Happy birthday.”
Andy finally turned his way, watching as Lleyton filled the glasses while trying not to react to the gesture. “I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that Novak ended up with him. Whenever someone tries to fix me up, it ends up being a mistake.”
“How so?”
“I found out about the job here because Novak and I have a mutual friend Ana. Ana and I met in high school, which is when she got the idea to fix me up with someone from her group of Serbian friends. So they come to my house and my brother answers the door. Now, he’s being a bit of a jerk, as any older brother would in that situation. Problem was, she thought he was her date - we look a bit alike - and they're sniping at each other before Ana can clear up the confusion or I can get in the living room. Long story short, I’ll be an usher at their wedding next month.” He held the glass as if about to give a toast, then took a sip.
Lleyton didn’t want to laugh but it’s difficult not. “That may be the worst blind date story I’ve ever heard. Didn’t think I’d hear one to top the time I was fixed up with someone about to get married.” He drank a healthy amount of the wine after he said that.
Andy did a double take. “Are you kidding?”
“I wish. They didn’t marry but not because of that. Her fiancé was a cheater and everyone knew it so I think our date was payback.”
Andy finally took a bite. “Eh, it’s okay.” He tried to keep a straight face, to no avail. “I had to say that, given your ego has to be so big after the day The Cheesecake has had in its revival.”
“Actually, it's refreshing to hear the wry remark. Very strange to hear the praise again. Reminds me why I was reluctant to bring it back.”
“Really? Why did you finally decide to make it today?”
Lleyton closed his eyes. “That cheesecake caused so many problems. I was getting money together to open a bakery when my ex hit me with the lawsuit. Such a damn fight over a stupid cake. If I’d let it go, I probably would have gotten out of this place by now. But we had a bitter breakup and I figured The Cheesecake would be the centerpiece of the business. She finally gave up because she found someone new and she could start her business, a breakfast and lunch diner. I offered her the Belgian waffle recipe, maybe a bit of a joke,” he laughed bitterly, which Andy didn’t understand, “since they weren’t exactly a draw here. Now, if it had been the pancake recipe, Mr. Federer would have had a fit because that’s a major item here."
Andy nodded along. Now that it was mentioned, the waffles did seem different lately but hadn't thought much about it.
“Marat has been bugging me since the resolution. Roddick too. They were here before all of this started. Mr. Federer, though, told me to ignore them and I’d bring it back when I was ready.” Lleyton opened his eyes and broke out into a grin. “Then I saw Mardy two days ago. Fucking Guillermo messed with his head and that kid hasn’t been able to return because his regular ride is such a jerk. Mardy won’t admit it but it’s there, clouding everything up. So seeing his eyes light up when he saw the cake was worth it. You too, once it turned into a birthday cake. The lonely hearts needed it.”
Neither guy was used to being heard, as their louder friends tended to dominate, so they enjoyed the wine and cheesecake and laughed along with the tales. It took a bit of time before Lleyton broached the bigger subject. “Can you honestly tell me there’s never been anyone who appreciated the gifts of Andrew Murray? That amazes me.”
“Friends, yeah. More than, not really. I blame the hair. I keep threatening to get a crew cut but..." Andy shrugged. "Then again, Jamie got lucky with the same hair so it's probably my sparkling personality."
"Sparkling?" Lleyton blurted out, then they both were cracking up. He watched as the corners of the Scot's mouth turn up and his face lit up. Lleyton realized he'd never actually seen Andy genuinely smile before this night. Yet now... "It's not... really, I don't know. I've had enough failures in relationships yet still clueless."
Their eyes met and the mood has seemed to shift. Before Lleyton can tell what has happened, Andy whispered, "Thank you for... just thank you."
Andy leaned in to give Lleyton a hug, his chin resting on Lleyton's shoulder. Lleyton had his palm on the back of Andy's neck, his fingers tangling in the curls.
Lleyton wasn't even sure how long it took before Andy had raised his head and kissed him. Lleyton said quickly, "I'm not so sure about this." He didn't push Andy away and sounded a bit breathless even though he didn't even reciprocate.
Andy closed his eyes, fearing Lleyton’s reaction. He pleaded, “Just don’t…” as his kisses got more urgent.
Lleyton gently pressed against Andy’s arm. “I can’t take advantage of you.”
Andy backed away and sharply glared at Lleyton. “I’m not drunk! You’ve witnessed all I drank tonight!”
Lleyton had to admit he wasn’t paying close attention to how much wine was consumed but he didn’t really think Andy was drunk either. Not that it mattered. “That’s not what… It’s just…you want somebody right now and I’m the one that’s here, instead of Novak.”
Andy returned to his position against the wall. “It’s not about Novak! I want nothing to do with him. Tonight felt right…” He shook his head then raised his knees against his chest and rested his forehead so he couldn’t see anything. “But I was wrong, of course.”
“No, actually you may not be. I enjoyed your company tonight. This can wait, instead of becoming a mistake.”
Andy ran a hand through his reddish hair, then let his hand rest on the back of his neck. Lleyton hoped Andy would agree with what he said. Instead, he asked, “I know it’s tough to keep a secret around here but can you not tell anyone what happened? It sounds pathetic.”
“Can I make Novak feel guilty for forgetting your birthday? He is working tomorrow so I’ll likely face him before you do.”
That did get a laugh, even though it sounded hollow. “Yeah, that’s okay.”
* * * * *
When Lleyton returns from his break, Marat is standing in the kitchen and watching him carefully. He wishes Marat didn’t know him so well but he really doesn't want to know what he's thinking this time.
Marat refuses to say anything while he's getting ready to return to work so when he ties the apron back on, Lleyton finally snaps, "Leave it alone."
“Why are you pretending to be so put-upon?”
“Pretending? I think everyone prying for details is good reason to be anxious.”
Marat chuckles, shaking his head. “Stop bothering with the act. Here are the facts, free of twisted interpretations. You were here last night. He was here last night. You got mad at Novak for ruining Murray’s birthday, which wouldn’t have mattered in the slightest just twenty-four hours ago.” He stops talking, waiting for Lleyton to add something, but it doesn’t work. “I think you no longer find him annoying but you don’t want to admit it.”
“If I admit to that, will you stop being annoying?”
Marat laughs, then kisses Lleyton on the forehead and ruffles his hair before heading back toward the dining area, grumbling, “You prefer making everything so damn difficult.”
Chapter 5 - He's Perfect and Ruining My Life
Author: Kris S.
Fandom: Tennis RPS
Pairing: Lleyton Hewitt/Andy Murray
Other Players: Andy Roddick, Novak Djokovic, Marat Safin
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: This did not happen.
Summary: AU. ATP at a diner. From the previous chapter: Everyone wanted to know what happened in the closet the previous evening. They surmise that it involves Lleyton, The Cheesecake, wine and Andy M.’s birthday plans getting ruined.
Author’s Note: The story will return to its regular pairings in the next chapter.
Chapter 4 - What Happened in the Closet
Everything in the kitchen went dead silent. Andy was the first to speak. “I wouldn’t think you were that desperate.”
“Step backwards,” Marat adds.
Lleyton rolls his eyes. Count on these two to believe the most sordid possibility. He mutters, “I knew there was a reason I wasn’t telling. Constantly jumping to conclusions.”
Novak walks toward the door, not so sure he wants to hear the truth. Andy is too much of a gossip lover to have that reservation. “You know everyone will believe it was not so innocent.”
“Must everyone know everything around here?”
Novak snidely replies, “Well then clearly you have something to hide.”
The one person he really didn’t want to hear speak. Lleyton glares at the Serb, snapping back, “Maybe I thought I’d be kind enough for you to ask your friend what happened instead of hearing it from me. Leave the drama out of this damn kitchen for a change.”
Andy waits for Novak to storm off before asking softly, “Is that your way of saying you didn’t hook up with him?”
“Correct. But I’d rather have Novak stew unless Andy sets him straight.”
“I approve.”
Lleyton is thankful that Andy decides it isn't worth asking more questions.
The thing is, Lleyton isn't even sure how to describe last night. It feels so surreal and the fact that the events took place in that damn closet with someone that nobody around here, possibly not even Novak, knows... Frankly, he's not sure anyone here would believe it if he did explain.
It isn't until later, when he's on his break and going for a walk, that he really relives it...
* * * * *
Lleyton returned to the diner later that previous night. There was a problem with a delivery and he lived nearby so no big deal for him to swing by and check the inventory.
The place was closed. Tommy, the new greeter, and Nicolas, an evening waiter, were goofing around as they were leaving. Lleyton asks, “Are the other waiters out?” He knows the cooks are long gone so not even worth asking about them.
Tommy was about to tell him that the place was closed but Nicolas recognized him and answered, “Andy is supposed to lock up so he’s gotta be around. Need any help with the inventory?”
Lleyton shook his head, letting them go. He headed to the kitchen, going through boxes as he waited for Andy to interrupt but nothing.
When he finished a half-hour later, Lleyton wandered around the diner out the back door. No luck. He called out, “Andy. Where you hiding, man?”
The closet door opened slightly and he heard a slight, “Who is that? Lleyton?"
Lleyton pushed the door the rest of the way. Andy was sitting on the floor, black sweater in his lap and an unopened bottle of wine next to him.
“What are you doing?”
“Nothing.”
Lleyton leaned against the doorway, head tilted as he tried to figure out the situation. Strange things have happened in this closet but this was unfamiliar territory. “Where’d you get the wine?”
“I bought it.”
“Fake ID?”
“No, for the first day of my life. Turned 21 today.”
“Oh, wow. Congrat... I wasn’t supposed to know that, right? I swear I don’t remember ever finding out. I know Marat would have mentioned it since he suggested to Novak to head to a bar for his twenty-first next week…”
“Don’t apologize. It wasn’t common knowledge. Novak was the only one here who knew. Except he forgot why we were hanging out tonight. I had told my family I wouldn't be home but... yeah. So stupid to count on him.”
“I’m sure… wait, he went out with Rafael.”
“Yup. He wanted me to join them. I know what that means. Tag a long. No thank you. I was just waiting for whoever was in the kitchen to leave. I assumed I was ruining Tommy’s plans. That would have been sweet.”
“You never did touch my cake.”
Andy shrugged. Lleyton grabbed two plates and glasses, got cheesecake from the fridge, and returned to sit down next to him. “It will go well with the wine. Happy birthday.”
Andy finally turned his way, watching as Lleyton filled the glasses while trying not to react to the gesture. “I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that Novak ended up with him. Whenever someone tries to fix me up, it ends up being a mistake.”
“How so?”
“I found out about the job here because Novak and I have a mutual friend Ana. Ana and I met in high school, which is when she got the idea to fix me up with someone from her group of Serbian friends. So they come to my house and my brother answers the door. Now, he’s being a bit of a jerk, as any older brother would in that situation. Problem was, she thought he was her date - we look a bit alike - and they're sniping at each other before Ana can clear up the confusion or I can get in the living room. Long story short, I’ll be an usher at their wedding next month.” He held the glass as if about to give a toast, then took a sip.
Lleyton didn’t want to laugh but it’s difficult not. “That may be the worst blind date story I’ve ever heard. Didn’t think I’d hear one to top the time I was fixed up with someone about to get married.” He drank a healthy amount of the wine after he said that.
Andy did a double take. “Are you kidding?”
“I wish. They didn’t marry but not because of that. Her fiancé was a cheater and everyone knew it so I think our date was payback.”
Andy finally took a bite. “Eh, it’s okay.” He tried to keep a straight face, to no avail. “I had to say that, given your ego has to be so big after the day The Cheesecake has had in its revival.”
“Actually, it's refreshing to hear the wry remark. Very strange to hear the praise again. Reminds me why I was reluctant to bring it back.”
“Really? Why did you finally decide to make it today?”
Lleyton closed his eyes. “That cheesecake caused so many problems. I was getting money together to open a bakery when my ex hit me with the lawsuit. Such a damn fight over a stupid cake. If I’d let it go, I probably would have gotten out of this place by now. But we had a bitter breakup and I figured The Cheesecake would be the centerpiece of the business. She finally gave up because she found someone new and she could start her business, a breakfast and lunch diner. I offered her the Belgian waffle recipe, maybe a bit of a joke,” he laughed bitterly, which Andy didn’t understand, “since they weren’t exactly a draw here. Now, if it had been the pancake recipe, Mr. Federer would have had a fit because that’s a major item here."
Andy nodded along. Now that it was mentioned, the waffles did seem different lately but hadn't thought much about it.
“Marat has been bugging me since the resolution. Roddick too. They were here before all of this started. Mr. Federer, though, told me to ignore them and I’d bring it back when I was ready.” Lleyton opened his eyes and broke out into a grin. “Then I saw Mardy two days ago. Fucking Guillermo messed with his head and that kid hasn’t been able to return because his regular ride is such a jerk. Mardy won’t admit it but it’s there, clouding everything up. So seeing his eyes light up when he saw the cake was worth it. You too, once it turned into a birthday cake. The lonely hearts needed it.”
Neither guy was used to being heard, as their louder friends tended to dominate, so they enjoyed the wine and cheesecake and laughed along with the tales. It took a bit of time before Lleyton broached the bigger subject. “Can you honestly tell me there’s never been anyone who appreciated the gifts of Andrew Murray? That amazes me.”
“Friends, yeah. More than, not really. I blame the hair. I keep threatening to get a crew cut but..." Andy shrugged. "Then again, Jamie got lucky with the same hair so it's probably my sparkling personality."
"Sparkling?" Lleyton blurted out, then they both were cracking up. He watched as the corners of the Scot's mouth turn up and his face lit up. Lleyton realized he'd never actually seen Andy genuinely smile before this night. Yet now... "It's not... really, I don't know. I've had enough failures in relationships yet still clueless."
Their eyes met and the mood has seemed to shift. Before Lleyton can tell what has happened, Andy whispered, "Thank you for... just thank you."
Andy leaned in to give Lleyton a hug, his chin resting on Lleyton's shoulder. Lleyton had his palm on the back of Andy's neck, his fingers tangling in the curls.
Lleyton wasn't even sure how long it took before Andy had raised his head and kissed him. Lleyton said quickly, "I'm not so sure about this." He didn't push Andy away and sounded a bit breathless even though he didn't even reciprocate.
Andy closed his eyes, fearing Lleyton’s reaction. He pleaded, “Just don’t…” as his kisses got more urgent.
Lleyton gently pressed against Andy’s arm. “I can’t take advantage of you.”
Andy backed away and sharply glared at Lleyton. “I’m not drunk! You’ve witnessed all I drank tonight!”
Lleyton had to admit he wasn’t paying close attention to how much wine was consumed but he didn’t really think Andy was drunk either. Not that it mattered. “That’s not what… It’s just…you want somebody right now and I’m the one that’s here, instead of Novak.”
Andy returned to his position against the wall. “It’s not about Novak! I want nothing to do with him. Tonight felt right…” He shook his head then raised his knees against his chest and rested his forehead so he couldn’t see anything. “But I was wrong, of course.”
“No, actually you may not be. I enjoyed your company tonight. This can wait, instead of becoming a mistake.”
Andy ran a hand through his reddish hair, then let his hand rest on the back of his neck. Lleyton hoped Andy would agree with what he said. Instead, he asked, “I know it’s tough to keep a secret around here but can you not tell anyone what happened? It sounds pathetic.”
“Can I make Novak feel guilty for forgetting your birthday? He is working tomorrow so I’ll likely face him before you do.”
That did get a laugh, even though it sounded hollow. “Yeah, that’s okay.”
* * * * *
When Lleyton returns from his break, Marat is standing in the kitchen and watching him carefully. He wishes Marat didn’t know him so well but he really doesn't want to know what he's thinking this time.
Marat refuses to say anything while he's getting ready to return to work so when he ties the apron back on, Lleyton finally snaps, "Leave it alone."
“Why are you pretending to be so put-upon?”
“Pretending? I think everyone prying for details is good reason to be anxious.”
Marat chuckles, shaking his head. “Stop bothering with the act. Here are the facts, free of twisted interpretations. You were here last night. He was here last night. You got mad at Novak for ruining Murray’s birthday, which wouldn’t have mattered in the slightest just twenty-four hours ago.” He stops talking, waiting for Lleyton to add something, but it doesn’t work. “I think you no longer find him annoying but you don’t want to admit it.”
“If I admit to that, will you stop being annoying?”
Marat laughs, then kisses Lleyton on the forehead and ruffles his hair before heading back toward the dining area, grumbling, “You prefer making everything so damn difficult.”
Chapter 5 - He's Perfect and Ruining My Life