tennis slash - Smart People (1)
Title: Smart People (1)
Author: Kris S.
Fandom: Tennis RPS
Players: Rafael Nadal, Richard Gasquet, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Ernests Gulbis, Marin Cilic
Rating: PG-13
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.
Author’s Note: I have left the pairings out right now since this chapter is more general, though Rafa/Feliciano Lopez is mentioned. That will change shortly.
Chapter 1 - Marin's First Day
“Do you think we could convince the Croatian kid to wear a dress?” Richard muses as he and Rafael watch from the couch as their newest suitemate moves in.
Rafael shouldn’t really be surprised by anything his roommate says anymore. Even though this would mark the start of their third year together, he still isn’t sure how exactly Richard’s mind works - and he is definitely better off not thinking too much about it.
Rafael says, “Just because Mario accepted that bet doesn’t mean every Croatian will.”
Richard shrugs but does concede that Rafael has a point. “Probably. Besides, I think this one is wound tighter than Andy.”
Rafael rolls his eyes. “That would probably benefit his roommate. I don’t think this Ernie guy will make it through the year otherwise.”
Novak brings over a large bag of potato chips and spinach dip, and squeezes in on the couch next to Richard. “Of course he’ll make it through the year. His father paid for a wing.”
“Come on,” Richard says. “It could do you some good to enjoy the lovely eye candy Ernie brings to this suite. Rafa and I cannot do it all on our own.”
Novak digs behind his back for a pillow, then whacks Richard in the face with it. “You are seriously delusional.”
“Back me up here, Rafa. Last semester, this suite was able to carry your spiky head and Andy’s clown look. We had Janko and Mario in that room. Mario, well, that’s self-explanatory, but he’s good to stay friends with, if you ever need a lawyer. Janko spouts gibberish…”
“Hey!” Novak exclaims. “Do not insult my brother that way.”
Richard says in a bored voice, “He’s the only Serbian in this country so he’s like your brother. We get it. You know I think he’s awesome, great at picking up women, especially the one he moved in with…” Rafael coughs loudly, just noticing that the Croatian kid is now standing there watching them. Richard catches on and smiles brightly. “Hello there. Glad we finally got your attention.”
“I can hear you,” the kid says. “No, you will not get me to wear a dress.”
“Care to bet on that?” Novak supplies. “Five bucks says that will happen by the end of this semester.”
The poor thing appears horrified at the mere suggestion. “Are all of you insane?”
“No, just Rafa,” Richard says quickly. “He’s probably your age but he’s a senior. That’s insane," then scoffs, "Prodigies.”
Rafael corrects, “You started college at age 16 as well, Richie, so I’d hardly talk about who is the crazy one.”
“No, I made sure to stay sane by taking a year off and enjoying the rest of Europe. Now, this isn’t about you, Rafa. We all know you attract all the attention. This moment is about our new suitemate. Marin, si?”
He is a little thrown off by the French guy using the Spanish word, but quickly recovers. “Yes.” Marin pulls a sheet from his pocket and reads the names. “I see. Rafael Nadal, er Rafa, that makes you 19?”
“18,” Richard interjects. “Extra credits officially give him the senior designation. About all that means is that he can register early because those computer science field’s requirements are rather complex.”
Rafael replies, “What is with you giving my resume like that?” To Marin, he says, “Richard is technically a grad student. He’s in that bachelor’s/master’s program in the chemistry department. Yet he still hangs around us lowly underclassmen.”
“I like being able to boss you around. Plus I can get you alcohol so be careful what you say.”
“I really don’t need you for that,” Rafael insists.
“Yeah but your boyfriend doesn’t yet realize that he was technically committing statutory last year.”
Marin realizes at this point it is better just to talk over them than to wait for an opening. Since Novak has tuned them out, that's who he speaks with. “Then the blond guy is Richard and rooms with Rafael and you’re Novak, since that’s the only Serbian name on the list.” Novak nods and holds his hand out to shake, making sure to balance the dip at the same time. “Okay then. Then, er Ernests, that would be my roommate.”
Novak tilts his head, watching Richard and Rafael’s lighthearted banter, then decides to get up and leads Marin toward the main door. “Yeah. Ernie is down the hall, talking to the floor’s RA. Roddick is a cool guy but I think Ernie is going to screw up a good thing for us. Let me…”
He doesn’t get the chance to finish that sentence as the main door opens and Ernie bursts in, chatting away with someone else on the floor. Ernie shouts down the hall, “See you at Harris Hall tonight,” then spins around and collides right into Marin. “Oh, sorry about that. You must be Andy." Then shakes his head and mutters, "No, that can't be. So disappointing.”
“Actually Ernie, this is Marin. Your roommate.”
“Oh." Ernie seems to have perked up at that information. "Did Andy show up yet?”
Novak explains, “His flight got delayed. Should arrive tonight. Why are you so interested in meeting Andy?”
Ernie says matter-of-factly, “Richard claimed that Andy’s hair was wilder than mine. Need proof of that.”
“Well, he could have gotten a haircut since May. Moms bug about that kind of stuff, you know.” Novak turns to Marin, who is inching away from this conversation. “Okay, so now is a time to get to know your roommate, while you await my roommate’s arrival.”
Unfortunately, Richard had interrupted the argument with Rafael to say, “We should have a sleepover tonight. Get drunk, exchange stories, figure out how we should mess up Professor Federer’s office. The usual opening night.”
“I’m not so sure about that,” Marin tries to interject. “We don’t want to get in trouble with the RA on the first night.”
Ernie adds, “I’m heading to a party but I can squeeze in a little bonding session."
Richard says, "Whose party is this?"
"Um, it's being held by this guy Marat. Evgeny told me it will be awesome..."
That captures Richard and Rafael's attention. "He's back?" Rafael says in wonder. "I thought he was kicked out for the end of winter party."
"Oh you know how he is," Richard says. "Able to talk his way out of absolutely everything. This is definitely a party worth crashing."
Novak laughs. "You are sometimes so predictable."
"Classes haven't started yet so don't pretend you have better things to do tonight."
Marin mutters, "I am going to stay in and unpack."
Ernie gives him a puzzled look, then says, "Please tell me you are kidding." Marin stares at him, making his position clear. Ernie decides it isn't worth fighting and plops down on the bean bag sitting next to the couch. "This is going to be an interesting year."
* * * * *
It is nearly midnight and Marin is sitting in his room, trying not to panic. Ernie probably won't be home for a long time and definitely will make his presence known, whether he means to do so at such a late hour or not.
Marin is rather intrigued by the dynamic between Rafael and Richard. Without the Frenchman around, he imagines that there is probably little difference between himself and Rafael. Marin never skipped grade levels in school (though the offer had been available) but he was valedictorian of his class and being the same age might help. Rafael had been away from home a few years so that might help this feeling of homesickness that's currently taking over.
The thud that landed on the floor of the main area is doing little to ease the panic. He's not hearing any voices that go along with that sound, as if someone is creeping around.
Marin looks around the room for a suitable means of protection, his eyes settling on a binder. He shrugs, realizing it's the best item available and gets ready... what he was actually going to do with it, he didn't know.
He slowly opens the door, peeking out to see the lamp still on and someone fumbling with unlocking the door to one of the other rooms. Marin sneaks over to the main light and flips the switch, binder in front of his face though ready to swing if needed.
The figure turns around and tries not to laugh. "What are you doing?" Marin doesn't recognize the voice, isn't even sure about the accent, and scrunches up smaller. "You do realize that you're taller than almost any invader that would enter, right? Hmm, seem to be about Mario's height."
The invader is right about the height thing and Marin wishes he'd thought of that sooner. Then he remembers hearing the name Mario before, having been a former suitemate here, and feels stupid. "Sorry. First night away."
"Quite alright. Missing home sneaks up on you at strange times. Marin, right? You even sound a little like him. Same country, er Croatia?"
"Yes." Marin finally lowers the binder and gives the other person a good look. There were five names on the sheet from administration. One was on a delayed flight. Oh yeah and Ernie was waiting for the hair to arrive. Marin can see reddish curls popping out from the bottom of the cap. "Andy, right?"
Andy nods. "They went to a party?"
"Yeah. Marat is apparently around."
"Of course he is," but Andy doesn't seem to know or care what that means. "I guess we'll all catch up tomorrow." He is about to leave for his room when he asks, "You want to watch television? Maybe it'll help you relax a little." Glancing at the television, he says, "I could join you, though I'll likely fall asleep midsentence. Give me five minutes."
"Sure. Thanks."
Soon enough, the two are sitting on the couch watching a South Park rerun. Andy is just about to fall asleep when Marin suddenly asks, "Is Richard okay?"
"What do you mean?"
"I mean is he a little off-kilter normally..."
Andy chuckles. "I'd say he's always been a little off. But, you know, Rafa thinks he's cool." Rolling his eyes, he says bitterly, "They are the special ones. Why, did he do something worth worrying about? I last spoke to him on the phone about a week ago."
"I don't know. I guess I was just thrown off by someone different."
"That's okay. I've never understood him though I hadn't met him until after he did the yearlong trek around Europe. That is kind of a murky topic, according to Janko, who is the only friend of his I've met who knew him before that trip."
"Interesting." Marin doesn't really want to pry further but at least it's assuring to know there's a different side.
"Richie has told Rafa the story since I think they were both pegged for greatness at such a young age. I don't know. Then again, Rafa is overly obsessed with being older. Don't know what's wrong with being a college kid but be careful about revealing Rafa's age outside of this suite. Just saying. Geniuses can be so weird sometimes."
"Rafa has an older boyfriend?"
"Yeah. Feliciano is a grad student in the Chemistry department. Richie fixed them up, so you can imagine that the whole age secret issue is difficult for him to avoid. The thing is that Feliciano is so obviously cheating on him with this guy on the track team. It isn't even worth lying about his age! Rafa and I work out together so this is when I hear way too much about that guy, especially the more intimate details."
"Does it get easier in college? I mean, relationships. I haven't been... with anyone." Marin buries his head under his hand.
"I'm definitely not the right one to ask that particular question. But it's easier to hook up... I'm told."
Marin is glad that Andy has been helpful but he gets the feeling he just landed on an uncomfortable subject. He settles back on the couch to watch the rest of the show.
Author: Kris S.
Fandom: Tennis RPS
Players: Rafael Nadal, Richard Gasquet, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Ernests Gulbis, Marin Cilic
Rating: PG-13
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.
Author’s Note: I have left the pairings out right now since this chapter is more general, though Rafa/Feliciano Lopez is mentioned. That will change shortly.
Chapter 1 - Marin's First Day
“Do you think we could convince the Croatian kid to wear a dress?” Richard muses as he and Rafael watch from the couch as their newest suitemate moves in.
Rafael shouldn’t really be surprised by anything his roommate says anymore. Even though this would mark the start of their third year together, he still isn’t sure how exactly Richard’s mind works - and he is definitely better off not thinking too much about it.
Rafael says, “Just because Mario accepted that bet doesn’t mean every Croatian will.”
Richard shrugs but does concede that Rafael has a point. “Probably. Besides, I think this one is wound tighter than Andy.”
Rafael rolls his eyes. “That would probably benefit his roommate. I don’t think this Ernie guy will make it through the year otherwise.”
Novak brings over a large bag of potato chips and spinach dip, and squeezes in on the couch next to Richard. “Of course he’ll make it through the year. His father paid for a wing.”
“Come on,” Richard says. “It could do you some good to enjoy the lovely eye candy Ernie brings to this suite. Rafa and I cannot do it all on our own.”
Novak digs behind his back for a pillow, then whacks Richard in the face with it. “You are seriously delusional.”
“Back me up here, Rafa. Last semester, this suite was able to carry your spiky head and Andy’s clown look. We had Janko and Mario in that room. Mario, well, that’s self-explanatory, but he’s good to stay friends with, if you ever need a lawyer. Janko spouts gibberish…”
“Hey!” Novak exclaims. “Do not insult my brother that way.”
Richard says in a bored voice, “He’s the only Serbian in this country so he’s like your brother. We get it. You know I think he’s awesome, great at picking up women, especially the one he moved in with…” Rafael coughs loudly, just noticing that the Croatian kid is now standing there watching them. Richard catches on and smiles brightly. “Hello there. Glad we finally got your attention.”
“I can hear you,” the kid says. “No, you will not get me to wear a dress.”
“Care to bet on that?” Novak supplies. “Five bucks says that will happen by the end of this semester.”
The poor thing appears horrified at the mere suggestion. “Are all of you insane?”
“No, just Rafa,” Richard says quickly. “He’s probably your age but he’s a senior. That’s insane," then scoffs, "Prodigies.”
Rafael corrects, “You started college at age 16 as well, Richie, so I’d hardly talk about who is the crazy one.”
“No, I made sure to stay sane by taking a year off and enjoying the rest of Europe. Now, this isn’t about you, Rafa. We all know you attract all the attention. This moment is about our new suitemate. Marin, si?”
He is a little thrown off by the French guy using the Spanish word, but quickly recovers. “Yes.” Marin pulls a sheet from his pocket and reads the names. “I see. Rafael Nadal, er Rafa, that makes you 19?”
“18,” Richard interjects. “Extra credits officially give him the senior designation. About all that means is that he can register early because those computer science field’s requirements are rather complex.”
Rafael replies, “What is with you giving my resume like that?” To Marin, he says, “Richard is technically a grad student. He’s in that bachelor’s/master’s program in the chemistry department. Yet he still hangs around us lowly underclassmen.”
“I like being able to boss you around. Plus I can get you alcohol so be careful what you say.”
“I really don’t need you for that,” Rafael insists.
“Yeah but your boyfriend doesn’t yet realize that he was technically committing statutory last year.”
Marin realizes at this point it is better just to talk over them than to wait for an opening. Since Novak has tuned them out, that's who he speaks with. “Then the blond guy is Richard and rooms with Rafael and you’re Novak, since that’s the only Serbian name on the list.” Novak nods and holds his hand out to shake, making sure to balance the dip at the same time. “Okay then. Then, er Ernests, that would be my roommate.”
Novak tilts his head, watching Richard and Rafael’s lighthearted banter, then decides to get up and leads Marin toward the main door. “Yeah. Ernie is down the hall, talking to the floor’s RA. Roddick is a cool guy but I think Ernie is going to screw up a good thing for us. Let me…”
He doesn’t get the chance to finish that sentence as the main door opens and Ernie bursts in, chatting away with someone else on the floor. Ernie shouts down the hall, “See you at Harris Hall tonight,” then spins around and collides right into Marin. “Oh, sorry about that. You must be Andy." Then shakes his head and mutters, "No, that can't be. So disappointing.”
“Actually Ernie, this is Marin. Your roommate.”
“Oh." Ernie seems to have perked up at that information. "Did Andy show up yet?”
Novak explains, “His flight got delayed. Should arrive tonight. Why are you so interested in meeting Andy?”
Ernie says matter-of-factly, “Richard claimed that Andy’s hair was wilder than mine. Need proof of that.”
“Well, he could have gotten a haircut since May. Moms bug about that kind of stuff, you know.” Novak turns to Marin, who is inching away from this conversation. “Okay, so now is a time to get to know your roommate, while you await my roommate’s arrival.”
Unfortunately, Richard had interrupted the argument with Rafael to say, “We should have a sleepover tonight. Get drunk, exchange stories, figure out how we should mess up Professor Federer’s office. The usual opening night.”
“I’m not so sure about that,” Marin tries to interject. “We don’t want to get in trouble with the RA on the first night.”
Ernie adds, “I’m heading to a party but I can squeeze in a little bonding session."
Richard says, "Whose party is this?"
"Um, it's being held by this guy Marat. Evgeny told me it will be awesome..."
That captures Richard and Rafael's attention. "He's back?" Rafael says in wonder. "I thought he was kicked out for the end of winter party."
"Oh you know how he is," Richard says. "Able to talk his way out of absolutely everything. This is definitely a party worth crashing."
Novak laughs. "You are sometimes so predictable."
"Classes haven't started yet so don't pretend you have better things to do tonight."
Marin mutters, "I am going to stay in and unpack."
Ernie gives him a puzzled look, then says, "Please tell me you are kidding." Marin stares at him, making his position clear. Ernie decides it isn't worth fighting and plops down on the bean bag sitting next to the couch. "This is going to be an interesting year."
* * * * *
It is nearly midnight and Marin is sitting in his room, trying not to panic. Ernie probably won't be home for a long time and definitely will make his presence known, whether he means to do so at such a late hour or not.
Marin is rather intrigued by the dynamic between Rafael and Richard. Without the Frenchman around, he imagines that there is probably little difference between himself and Rafael. Marin never skipped grade levels in school (though the offer had been available) but he was valedictorian of his class and being the same age might help. Rafael had been away from home a few years so that might help this feeling of homesickness that's currently taking over.
The thud that landed on the floor of the main area is doing little to ease the panic. He's not hearing any voices that go along with that sound, as if someone is creeping around.
Marin looks around the room for a suitable means of protection, his eyes settling on a binder. He shrugs, realizing it's the best item available and gets ready... what he was actually going to do with it, he didn't know.
He slowly opens the door, peeking out to see the lamp still on and someone fumbling with unlocking the door to one of the other rooms. Marin sneaks over to the main light and flips the switch, binder in front of his face though ready to swing if needed.
The figure turns around and tries not to laugh. "What are you doing?" Marin doesn't recognize the voice, isn't even sure about the accent, and scrunches up smaller. "You do realize that you're taller than almost any invader that would enter, right? Hmm, seem to be about Mario's height."
The invader is right about the height thing and Marin wishes he'd thought of that sooner. Then he remembers hearing the name Mario before, having been a former suitemate here, and feels stupid. "Sorry. First night away."
"Quite alright. Missing home sneaks up on you at strange times. Marin, right? You even sound a little like him. Same country, er Croatia?"
"Yes." Marin finally lowers the binder and gives the other person a good look. There were five names on the sheet from administration. One was on a delayed flight. Oh yeah and Ernie was waiting for the hair to arrive. Marin can see reddish curls popping out from the bottom of the cap. "Andy, right?"
Andy nods. "They went to a party?"
"Yeah. Marat is apparently around."
"Of course he is," but Andy doesn't seem to know or care what that means. "I guess we'll all catch up tomorrow." He is about to leave for his room when he asks, "You want to watch television? Maybe it'll help you relax a little." Glancing at the television, he says, "I could join you, though I'll likely fall asleep midsentence. Give me five minutes."
"Sure. Thanks."
Soon enough, the two are sitting on the couch watching a South Park rerun. Andy is just about to fall asleep when Marin suddenly asks, "Is Richard okay?"
"What do you mean?"
"I mean is he a little off-kilter normally..."
Andy chuckles. "I'd say he's always been a little off. But, you know, Rafa thinks he's cool." Rolling his eyes, he says bitterly, "They are the special ones. Why, did he do something worth worrying about? I last spoke to him on the phone about a week ago."
"I don't know. I guess I was just thrown off by someone different."
"That's okay. I've never understood him though I hadn't met him until after he did the yearlong trek around Europe. That is kind of a murky topic, according to Janko, who is the only friend of his I've met who knew him before that trip."
"Interesting." Marin doesn't really want to pry further but at least it's assuring to know there's a different side.
"Richie has told Rafa the story since I think they were both pegged for greatness at such a young age. I don't know. Then again, Rafa is overly obsessed with being older. Don't know what's wrong with being a college kid but be careful about revealing Rafa's age outside of this suite. Just saying. Geniuses can be so weird sometimes."
"Rafa has an older boyfriend?"
"Yeah. Feliciano is a grad student in the Chemistry department. Richie fixed them up, so you can imagine that the whole age secret issue is difficult for him to avoid. The thing is that Feliciano is so obviously cheating on him with this guy on the track team. It isn't even worth lying about his age! Rafa and I work out together so this is when I hear way too much about that guy, especially the more intimate details."
"Does it get easier in college? I mean, relationships. I haven't been... with anyone." Marin buries his head under his hand.
"I'm definitely not the right one to ask that particular question. But it's easier to hook up... I'm told."
Marin is glad that Andy has been helpful but he gets the feeling he just landed on an uncomfortable subject. He settles back on the couch to watch the rest of the show.