tennis slash - Free Coffee (8)
Title: Free Coffee (8)
Author: Kris S.
Fandom: Tennis RPS
Pairings: Richard Gasquet/Andy Murray; Marat Safin/Juan Carlos Ferrero
Other Character: Mario Ancic
Rating: R (this chapter edges toward NC17)
Disclaimer: This did not happen.
Summary: Richie is in hiding during the suspension so ends up at Andy’s London home. During Wimbledon. Yeah, that’s not asking for trouble.
Author’s Note: Why yes, your eyes aren't deceiving you. This is the second update in less than a week. Part of this was supposed to be in the previous chapter but I thought it fit better this way. For the studious slyreflection - I tried to keep quiet when you said that, though the reasons won't be explained yet. It probably helps to find the song mentioned when reading this chapter: “If You Want Me” from the Once soundtrack (there’s also a spoiler regarding that movie) .
Chapter 8 - Are You Really Here?
A few hours after his conversation with Jamie, Richie decides to return to Andy’s bedroom. The bed is easier to sleep on plus there’s the television. He’s flipping through stations but there’s little on, not even the romantic comedies he’s been favoring lately.
That leads him to check out Andy’s movie collection. One action flick after another pass through his fingers. The Transporter does not really capture his attention but at least it’s one he hasn’t seen on airplane flights. As he’s about to settle for that, a blank case sticking out from under a pile of papers catches his eye. Richie looks at the case carefully before finally opening it to find a movie called Once.
Richie cannot help but laugh. Of course Andy would hide the one movie that didn’t fit with the others. Richie had never seen the movie but remembers Roger and Mirka talking about it. Having nothing better to do, Richie pops the film into the DVD player and lies back on the bed.
About a half hour into the movie, Richie is sitting on the edge of the bed and doesn’t even hear the door open. Andy stands at the door, hearing the song “If You Want Me” and having no idea what to say.
Richie pauses the film, watching Andy standing there fidgeting with a button. Andy was definitely not expecting anyone to be in his room this time, as he has his dress shirt half unbuttoned and tie undone. Between the film and the clothes, it’s as if Richie is seeing a different person.
Then Richie remembers whom he’s dealing with and breaks out into a sly smile. “It figures you’d have this one buried,” pointing to the movie.
Not missing a beat, Andy counters, “Yeah, you’re attracted to that kind of dreck. Where did you find that?”
“Under junk mail. Join me?”
Andy is wavering about giving in, glancing from Richie to the television. Richie stands up, deciding to make the decision for him. It takes two long strides to reach Andy, then a quick move to grab onto the loose ends of Andy’s tie and lead him over to the bed. Although Richie would rather pull Andy close and surprise him with a hot and heavy makeout session, he only has them sitting next to each other.
When Andy realizes Richie is truly only interested in the movie, he says, “I’m laying down then. Can you go back one chapter?” Andy stretches out behind Richie, who’s still positioned at the edge of the bed, and kicks off his shoes before settling in.
Richie does as told, uncertain as to why. He assumes Andy is going to watch along, but Andy’s eyes are closed and he’s actually singing along. Richie isn’t sure which show he should watch.
Eventually, he settles on Andy. Although Richie had never known the song, he can tell Andy has memorized every word. Of all songs, though, this one is a definite tease - if you want me, satisfy me? - Richie wonders if this is a sick joke. The longer he watches, however, the less likely that seems to be the case.
When the song trails off, Andy has his eyes shut tighter as he says, “I thought you’d be gone.”
“Changed my mind.” Richie leans over to whisper, “Good thing. I would have missed this.”
Andy opens his eyes, glancing warily at him. “What? Finding out I own one movie that doesn’t involve an explosion?”
Richie bites his lip to keep from giving the real answer: that he wants nothing more than to rid Andy of the rest of his suit. Instead he says, “Well, that there’s a bit of a romantic side to you. What drew you to this movie?”
“Not sure. But it’s not the picture perfect happily ever after. Much like real life.”
“What?” Richie glances at the screen. “But it’s… they’re so sweet together!”
Andy chuckles, bitterness in his voice when he says, “Keep watching, Romeo. Move,” then yanks hard on Richie’s arm so they’re lying down together. Richie stays perfectly still, not sure what’s going on. He just knows that Andy is too close and the sudden mood change is startling.
After a few minutes of watching, Andy asks, “You believe those movies? That everything can be wrapped up in a neat bow?”
“It’s better than reality.” Richie turns his body completely away from Andy. “Reality is wasting years of your life on a guy who never takes you seriously.” Richie closes his eyes and raises his knees to his chest, realizing too late that Andy could take that as another slight. “That didn’t come out right. I know…”
He is interrupted by a hand pushing him on his back then a kiss on the forehead. After the kiss, Andy hovers over Richie and softly says, “I am sorry. I wish I didn’t know either. I prefer to assume there were no feelings involved when it came to you with Roger.”
Richie opens his eyes, wanting to say it hurts more what Andy thinks of what he’s done as opposed to what Roger really did. But seeing those eyes, sadness in them that he mostly caused, Richie wants nothing more than to bring Andy down into his arms and profusely apologize. The thing is he can’t tell where Andy stands at this point; he opts for levity to get out of this situation. “Marat is going to be so disappointed to find out he couldn’t get you laid.”
Andy rolls his eyes and playfully hits Richie in the arm, then gets serious. “I do need to talk to you about that. After tomorrow’s match, win or lose.” Although it seems that Andy doesn’t want to get into this right now, he does settle back down to focus on the movie.
The tranquility is soon interrupted by Richie’s cell phone. Richie forgets to check the caller ID and barely has time to say a greeting when the person starts talking. “Hi Richie. I want to beat Marat at his own game and I realized I haven’t used all my resources.”
Richie laughs. He had known that Marat would have fun teasing his boyfriend about Mario but that it’s still going on was quite remarkable. “One moment.” He covers over the phone to whisper to Andy, “Juan Carlos is still looking for Mario.”
Andy smiles, enjoying the mischievous side. “Well, Mario’s doing a very good job. Marat told me his guy is still in the tournament.”
Richie nods. He actually does know the location, mainly because Marat let it slip when convincing him to stay at Andy’s in the first place. So he decides to have some fun. “What do you need me for?”
“Well, I was going to ask you for someone’s phone number but maybe I should determine what you know first. Do you have Mario’s location?”
Richie settles in on the bed, wanting to give this his complete attention. “It sounds so official when you say it.”
“Yeah, you talk like someone who’s been influenced by Safin. Fucking tease.”
“How far have you gotten?” Richie suddenly says in a giggly voice, “Cut it out, Andy.”
Andy holds his hands up in the air and throws Richie a confused look, whispering, “What are you doing?”
Richie covers the phone. “Please? Let’s have fun with the Juanqui.”
Andy mutters, “Yeah, spoken like a person who really did hook up with Safin. What do you want from me?”
“Play along.” He returns to the phone call. “I’m sorry about that, Juan Carlos. I’ve been so busy over here.”
Juan Carlos lets out a loud sigh. “Anyway, so I’ve got it in my head that Marat is screwing around here. He had a visitor this morning and has been acting strange.”
“Just because he had a visitor does not mean he’s not cheating on you,” Richie assures, but he’s watching Andy’s hand creep up his thigh and is more interested in their game.
“Then why be so secretive?”
“Um, he’s secretive about his visitor because…” Richie starts, trying to think of a good lie.
Andy calls out a reply, not sure how well he can be heard on Juan Carlos’ end. “I was the one there. He was giving me advice which I was trying to carry out before you called. Now, I think he said the best way to tie someone to the bed is…”
“Wow, you gave Murray a sense of humor. Nice one, Gasquet. No, I didn’t think he had sex. I think Mario is in Gilles Simon’s hotel room. He’s my opponent tomorrow so that would be a conflict of interest.”
“Gillou?” Richie raises an eyebrow at Andy, who gives him a deadly stare. “I suppose but he’s committed to Tsonga. Now, if Mario is participating in a two-for-one deal, it’s possible. But Gilles is a fiery guy, very hyperactive like a lost puppy. More likely to be the one giving than receiving, so it would have to be Jo’s idea. Ow! Hold on,” setting the phone down.
Andy pretends to be innocent, even though he just slapped Richie’s thigh quite hard before resuming the teasing touches. Richie startles Andy by turning the tables, tackling and then pinning him down. Richie’s weight is pressed hard against Andy before backing up and straddling him.
“Bad boy,” Richie growls, grabbing hold of both ends of the tie in one hand, then reaches for the phone. “This one is being disobedient. I don’t think Gilles is in need of Marat’s services.” Andy shakes his head in agreement.
“Yeah, it doesn’t really add up. Even thinking about it, the facts don’t fit. It’s not a threesome. I’m just being paranoid. Thanks Richie,” then hangs up.
Richie throws the phone aside. Andy says, “Jo wouldn’t allow that.”
“That’s why I said he was wrong. The last thing anyone needs to make him jealous. But you probably like the idea.” Richie jerks his hand with the tie back, forcing Andy to sit up, then grabs the ends more securely so their mouths are tantalizingly close. He finishes in low sultry voice, “In fact, I think you love the idea of watching Gilles get someone off.”
His reward for that is a fierce glare. If Richie had known about Andy hooking up with Gilles, he’d have utilized that information much sooner. Andy takes his time before replying, “He fit the requirements. He’s cute, speaks French, happened to catch me jacking off in the shower and offered to blow me.”
“Is that all it takes? Well, if that’s the case…”
“You’re not cute,” Andy mumbles, but there’s sweat forming on his brow and he’s tensing up.
Richie keeps his stare on him as he pushes Andy back down on the bed, then works on the remaining buttons of Andy’s dress shirt. “I would say it wouldn’t require much to finish you off today.” After the last button, Richie has his thumb on the buttonhole of Andy’s pants while his other fingers are stretched out, the heel of his hand against Andy’s hard cock. “Now I could solve your problem right here or you can run off to the bathroom.” The button slips out easily, Richie resting his thumb on the tab of the zipper.
Andy shakes his head. “Don’t you fucking dare.”
“Unless of course it’s the idea of Gilles sucking you that’s gotten you in this state. In which case, I will get out of your way. I’ve done that enough times.”
“You know damn well that’s…”
“Actually, I don’t. Kim told me. Not you, not Gilles, not even Jo. For all I know, maybe you are truly in love with him and have been fucking with my head for the last week.” Richie’s voice cracks at the end of that sentence as he’s struggling to hold everything together. It’s not that Richie is jealous of Gilles so much as he can’t seem to get out of the way of his own mouth.
Andy tilts his head, then moves Richie’s hand as he shyly asks, “Richie, you seriously need me to spell it out for you?”
Richie continues, “I should expect it, given everything that’s happened. I would deserve that kind of mindfuck.”
“Move back,” Andy sharply orders. Richie does so, allowing Andy to sit up. Andy rests a hand on Richie’s shoulder, then leans in to brush his lips softly over Richie’s and stays in place after. “I’m not imagining him now. I probably picked him because of the similarity, that’s true, but you have always been the one. Don’t think you have to do anything, though, just because that was the original idea.” Richie furrows his brow as Andy stands up, grabbing a t-shirt and shorts thrown on the chair and purposely holding them in front of his crotch. “I would rather not do anything tonight. I want to make sure I survive tomorrow so you don’t have to deal with them,” pointing outside his window. “Please stay around until then.”
Richie nods automatically then watches Andy leave the room. He is honestly not sure whether Andy has rejected him or has hope for a future.
* * * * *
Marat knows it’s wrong but the more frustrated he makes Juan Carlos, the happier he is. While he knows that Andy would benefit from releasing pent up sexual energy, Juan Carlos’ game benefits from being suppressed.
Richie had texted Marat about how Juan Carlos had called and was trying to figure out if Mario was in the middle of a French sandwich. That made his day, especially since he knew the days were numbered.
Juan Carlos is in the locker room by now so Marat knows it’s safe to make a pilgrimage to the hotel room. He knocks three times then a loud bang.
Mario answers the door, wearing a bathrobe. “Good day, sir.”
Marat notices the law books on the bed. “Does anyone know?”
“Marin called. I think he believes you’re fixing me up with him. Please don’t. He’s a little brother to me. Plus, he’s going to hate that I’m helping the guy who beat him.”
“It’s funny. Juan Carlos was convinced you were with him when I was watching that match. It never entered his mind that I was helping Tommy.”
“Are you going to tell him the truth?”
“He’s talking ménage a trois - with two French guys! No way. He’s so far away from the truth. I want to see if he tracks down Karlovic next.”
Mario raises his eyebrows, horrified at the thought. “Just because we’re both Croatian does not make that even remotely okay. I would rather stick with this one…”
“I don’t want details. Just keep doing whatever you’re doing.”
Chapter 9 - Determination