tennis slash - Smart People (4)
Title: Smart People (4)
Author: Kris S.
Fandom: Tennis RPS
Players: Rafael Nadal, Richard Gasquet, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Ernests Gulbis, Marin Cilic, 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: Ernie deals with the morning after, Richie aims to help Andy, and delving into the Federer issues.
Chapter 4 - Messing With A Good Thing
It is the middle of the night and Roddick’s work is never quite done. Even though he isn’t on duty, Roddick is the one dealing with the mess instead of taking Richard back up to his room and enjoying the rest of the night. “Apparently the fire alarm went off a few hours ago,” Roddick says, walking toward the communal kitchen area.
“Popcorn?” Richard takes an exaggerated sniff then shakes his head, already aware it’s not.
Roddick makes a show of opening the microwave door and sees the yellowish orange powder. “No. Macaroni and cheese.”
“Who burns macaroni to the point of setting off the alarm?”
“Ran away from the scene of the crime.” Roddick turns up his nose, still smelling the aftereffects of the scorching. “Is anyone in your suite threatening to cook?”
“No, Janko was our main source of real food. Marin might but I’d at trust him at the microwave. Ernie would prefer living off of pizza if he could.”
Roddick says, “Well, if you can cook, you’re a godsend to me.” Then in a lower voice, “I am glad you subjected yourself to the football game.”
“Hey! I have school spirit.”
“Uh huh. Your version of school spirit is to have a Create a Mascot contest.”
“The blue and green lion that won would have been an improvement,” Richard maintains. “It was so much better than that thing that looks like an anteater currently roaming the field.”
“I’ll take your word for it.” Roddick shakes his head. “So how is it being a grad student living with undergrads?”
“Not that big of a deal. Then again, I’ve known Rafa, Novak and Andy for awhile plus it is cheaper than a single. Marin is a smart kid in Federer’s intro class so have to be on alert about that.”
Roddick says, “I am amazed that he still does these projects. It makes me glad I’m only average.”
“Andy, you are not average.” Richard looks over to the entrance, sees nobody, then wraps an arm around the RA and brushes a kiss on his cheek.
Roddick bows down, thrown off by the praise. “I certainly am academically average and for you, of all people, to say otherwise is nonsensical. But I’ve survived this place and that is the important part.”
“Yeah but you actually hooked up with that man. That is pretty sick. Sure, he works a suit pretty well but…” Richard buries his head in Roddick’s shoulder, unable to finish that sentence without cracking up.
“I thought it’d help my grade! He said it would at the time.”
There’s a sound of footsteps in the hallway heading their way. Richard steps away and strolls over to check the refrigerator used mainly for parties. Just melting blocks of ice sitting in a pot. “Instead, because the class was a prerequisite for other courses, your D in his class prolonged your studies an extra semester.”
Roddick lets out a sigh, then says, “You and I don’t have to sneak around.”
“I thought it made the sex more fun.”
“Richie…”
“I know.” Richard closes the refrigerator door and leans against it.
“It is weird walking past your room and having to double talk when one of your suitemates is around.” Roddick jumps up onto the counter at the opposite end of the kitchen.
“Actually that may not be necessary…” At Roddick’s raised eyebrow, Richard explains, “So Rafa stays up late one night. I’m settling into bed when he blurts out that Andy heard.”
“Oh. That does explain how Rafael tried to avoid me in the hallway yesterday. I had thought it was suspicious but assumed I was better off not digging. I guess, having been apart all summer, we’re a little rusty on the sneaking around thing. Rumors swirling in the first week though, that won’t work.”
“Not exactly gossip. Andy has firsthand knowledge. He was in the lecture hall bathroom.”
When Roddick catches on, he laughs. “You mean he heard.”
“Yeah. He claims he hears my voice calling your name, well his name, in his sleep.” Richard smiles as if he’d gotten a victory then explains, “I’m enjoying this new information. Payback is fun when it comes out of the blue. I once conducted a social experiment in which I'd say every possible crude thing I could to set him off. Could not faze him at all."
"I assume this was an unofficial experiment."
"Sometimes I get bored.” Richard looks down at the floor, kind of embarrassed to admit the entertainment factor. “Once he realized I wasn’t flirting, he got me back real good with one phone call. Let me just say that his brother better stay in Scotland because he wouldn’t be able to get it up after I got done with him.”
Roddick momentarily forgets that Richard is speaking to him as a friend not a resident and turns into RA mode. “You like that you’ve affected him?”
“Sort of. I’m reasonably sure he is exaggerating. Although…” Richard stops and wrinkles his nose. After some consideration, he says seriously, “Andy hasn’t been with anyone in the entire time I’ve known him. I don’t like that he can now pin that on me.”
"Do you mean hooking up or dating?”
“Either would be true. It’s one thing for him to be isolated if he’d just arrived. Marin is a freshman with little experience; that makes sense. But Andy is a junior and isn’t working with an age handicap. Hell, he was on the soccer team in high school so you’d think he’d have the close bonding that’s supposed to occur in the locker room to work with.” At Roddick’s questioning look, Richard adds, “Or so I’ve been told. Not because I’ve ever hooked up with a player on the soccer team in the locker room.”
Roddick rolls his eyes at Richard’s impish smile, then says, “I didn’t know he played soccer.”
“Yeah. He’s actually got skills but doesn't play for the school because it conflicts with his classes plus he has a job. But he and Novak play in this pickup game. Andy is already a bit crazed about his studies so he’d go psycho if he had to fit in an organized sport.”
“I’m kinda surprised that you haven’t tried to fix him up.”
“Give me a little credit. Of course I have. Problem is that my friends outside the suite know him and think he's a bore. He did agree to a blind date with this older guy that had classes with Mario. I think they were only fixed up because the guy had lived in England for years. At the time, we gave him grief for ditching the guy halfway through the date. I met him shortly after and, for once, have to give Andy credit for bolting because Greg was such a dick. He’ll make an excellent lawyer.”
Roddick laughs, not at what Richard said but his concern on the subject. He’s never heard anything from Richard’s mouth about Andy that wasn’t at least a little bit disparaging. Then again, Andy nearly filed an official complaint about Richard once (fortunately, it wasn't through Roddick or else there would have been a conflict of interest) so the ill will went both ways. “Aww, you actually give a damn about him.”
Richard shakes his head. “I need a way to get him out of this rut. He’s making me care about him and that just screws up the suite dynamic.”
* * * * *
“I shouldn’t have done that,” Ernie says as soon as he sees Novak enter the main room. Ernie had just gotten out of bed himself and the cold air was the jolt he needed to realize what a jerk he’d been. He’s been sitting on the couch with his head turned toward Novak’s room waiting.
“What exactly are you apologizing for?” Novak leans against the wall, looking over his glasses and trying to stay stoic so that Ernie can’t decipher him.
Ernie slowly stands up, still feeling the effects of last night, and walks over to Novak. “I was mad and, uh…”
“Drunk,” Novak supplies.
“Yes and a bit brash.”
Novak points to the ground. “I’d say closer to arrogant.”
Ernie glares at Novak then relents and lowers himself to his knees. “Yeah, okay. Arrogant.”
“Also you have a temper that could have scared off a cute guy.”
Even in this position, Ernie can’t take that sentence seriously. “Oh please. Evgeny would have fled as soon as Marin figured out how to speak.”
“I meant me.” Novak tilts his head and grins. “I can be a bit arrogant myself. I’m told that I can’t reach the level of hot but the level of cute is within my grasp.”
“Does this mean I don’t have to apologize for kissing you?” Truth be told, if Novak is going to say something like that, it just makes Ernie want to make that particular mistake again.
“That one I’ll let slide. You are on your knees. Didn’t think you’d go that far.” Novak grabs hold of Ernie’s hand to get him on his feet. “Such a brat.”
“Hey! I resent tha…” He’s interrupted by a shove into the wall and Novak pressing against him.
“You’re not the only one who is pushy, either,” then captures Ernie’s mouth in a kiss. Ernie stays against the wall after Novak backs away, his mouth hanging and eyes wide open. Novak smiles at the reaction he provoked. “So now I at least know how to get your attention.”
Nothing Novak has said makes sense and the effects of a hangover aren’t helping Ernie’s cause. “Wait. You have totally lost me. Did you just kiss me in retaliation?”
“I wanted a proper kiss, one that doesn’t involve you being drunk. Beyond that, we shall see. It has been fun hanging out. Maybe there is something more but I refuse to deal with the guy from last night on a regular basis. If you’re bothered by something, speak to me.”
Ernie nods in understanding. Novak may have turned him away but Ernie wasn’t exactly turned down either. Just delayed.
* * * * *
Marin should know better than to dig into the Professor Federer issue but he just can't help himself. When all is said and done, Marin is sure it won't be worthwhile but it seems necessary.
Richard said that Rafael had been recruited as well. It is about geniuses, this he has figured, and Richard believes that Marin might qualify as far as Professor Federer is concerned. Since Marin can't get a gauge on Richard, it is entirely possible that what Professor Federer is doing is a positive thing and this is an overreaction.
Rafael is working the computer lab Sunday so Marin decides to utilize that resource. He arrives in the afternoon when there are only a few computers being used. Rafael raises an eyebrow upon seeing Marin enter but leaves him alone.
Marin takes out his syllabus, looking for the course's website. Once he types in the information, he is disappointed to see its contents are basically the same as the paper in front of him except the email address has a link for extra help. Marin circles the email address on the syllabus, possibly for later use.
Next he goes to the department website. As he suspected, there's a link there for the Director of Undergraduate Studies, most likely a resume or research information. There is a publications link and, glossing over the information on the main page, realizes that the professor's focus is on DNA analysis.
"Marin?" He jolts upon hearing Rafael's voice over his head. It doesn’t make sense to cover the screen with his hands since Rafael has probably been standing there long enough to read.
"Yes?"
"Is this about yesterday?"
"What do you mean?"
"I was in the next room when you were talking to Richard, remember?"
"Right. Of course. I was curious."
"I understand. You should be aware of the facts. However, checking into Federer's research will not tell you the whole story."
"What can you tell me that this won’t?"
Rafael tries to figure out the best way to explain without causing too much trouble. “Professor Federer knows how to manipulate. While his research is in the realm of DNA structures, the man has a fascination with the mental aspects of the advanced mind as well. Consider it a hobby of his.”
“You mean that he uses information related to, for instance, chemical imbalances to influence his test subjects’ psychological makeup.”
“I’ve been around exceptional students and some get so single-minded in their pursuits that when something goes wrong, they get a bit, well, warped. My family was always rather easy-going so I’d like to think I avoided that trap. I wouldn’t be surprised if Richie didn’t. What I do know with certainty is that Federer tried to ruin Richie’s chances of entering the MS program but eventually got overridden by the grad studies director. The thing is that I was never interested in the chemistry field so I kind of doubt it would have been the same story if I’d been in the study.”
“He is concerned that I’m going to fall in the trap,” Marin says thoughtfully.
“Yeah. I mean, you’re going pre-med. That’s a tough program and you’re driven, of course...”
Marin cuts him off to say, “What made you say I was pre-med?”
Rafael seems surprised by the edginess of the remark. “You’re taking the courses one would…”
“I might. My parents want me to do that but I haven’t decided.”
“Okay then. If you were pre-med, you would be under a lot of pressure. Some do not have the mental willpower. So even if Federer is nothing more than a professor in an intro class for you, there are other landmines.”
* * * * *
Richard is awake way too early for a Monday morning, considering he doesn’t have class that day until the afternoon. He hears the shower running and notices that Rafael is still asleep. He glances at the clock, noting the alarm will go off in fifteen minutes, so takes advantage of opportunity.
He carefully leaves the room and sneaks into the bathroom. Sure enough, he sees that familiar ratty blue bathrobe on the bench by the shower. “We need to talk,” he calls out, sitting down on the bench.
Andy yells over the water, “Have you been awake all night? I’m not in the mood to deal with you in hyper kid mode.”
“No. I was snoozing for a good four hours. I told my internal clock to wake me so I could talk to you, then will finish my sleep.”
“I have no idea if you’re being serious right now.”
“Rafa told me about your eavesdropping.”
A slight pause, then, “So you waited to corner me in the shower?”
“I kind of like the fact I can inadvertently traumatize you.”
“You would.”
“I think you should be able to do the same to me.”
Andy shuts off the water, realizing Richard is not going to stop until this is settled. “While in theory I would love to do that, I don’t see how. I’m not with anyone. I haven’t been for… awhile.”
“Never,” Richard mutters under his breath.
“Shut up. How would this be accomplished?”
“Seeing you exit the shower.”
“You are demented.”
“I mean it. Pale, freckly, sticklike creature. It would be a total turnoff. Ruin my sex life for weeks.”
“Do you seriously think insulting me like that is going to work here? I can kick your ass.”
“But you won’t.”
Andy doesn’t immediately answer, clearly trying to figure out what to do next. Richard can wait this out because Andy will get antsy being stuck in such a small space. After several minutes, Andy finally says slowly, “Do I have to be naked or is a towel okay?”
Richard is amazed that Andy is agreeing with this. Andy has always been self-conscious - that’s probably why he’s first in the shower to begin with - so Richard figured this was a starting off point in the negotiation process. The ending would have involved Andy talking to Richard’s parents on the phone. In a way, Richard may have dodged a bullet. “Towel is okay.”
Andy grabs the towel hanging on the rod, then pulls back the curtain. Richard shields his eyes with his hand and peeks through his fingers. Once he begins to get a view, he scrunches up his face, completely confused as he drops his hand in shock. Andy leans against the wall, just as puzzled by Richard’s reaction. “You okay? Did you stare directly into the sun?” Andy looks at his arm, slightly red from the water being too hot but it’ll soon to return to the usual mess of freckles.
“You could kick my ass,” Richard mutters. At Andy’s confused look, he says louder, “Yeah, okay. I think that will work.”
Richard rushes out of the bathroom, right back to his room. Rafael’s alarm has gone off by this point and is just beginning to wake up. Richard jolts backward upon spotting brown eyes on him. Rafael says, “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
“In a manner of speaking. I saw Andy in just a towel.”
Rafael chuckles. “Okay, yeah. That would qualify as a ghost.”
“Rafa, why didn’t you mention that he’s no longer a stick?”
Rafael wonders if he should have just stayed asleep because this is clearly bizarro world. “Huh?”
“You two are doing workouts together. How do you not notice that he’s now about as muscular as you are?”
“I haven’t really thought about his physique. Andy still comes to the gym in baggy t-shirts and sweatpants.”
“Between that and his hair being matted down from the water, he actually was looking good. Andy is supposed to be the creepy one of the group. I’ve been holding off on giving him tips all these years because I thought there really wasn’t any raw material to work with so he was doomed to singlehood.”
“Hey! Andy is a great person, one of my closest friends, and when he starts joking around…”
Richard rolls his eyes, then says, “He is a wallflower. No, he’s a caterpillar who has no idea how close he is to becoming a butterfly. Ernie will hate me for this but I’m going to tell Andy that Novak is plotting to weed-whacker his hair in his sleep. Haircut plus new clothes that don’t hide the work equals the possibility of a hookup. Sure, his personality could still ruin things but if the RA on the first floor can get action, anything is possible.”
Rafael did say his goal for Andy was to get him laid, even though Andy believes they were joking. He would be curious to see the results of a transformation. Even better if Richard can assist without being aware of that conversation. “Andy normally tunes you out but I think he might actually go along with this. Just don’t mention the ghost thing.”
“I asked him for it. Payback for ruining his sleep.”
“Of course. Also, don’t ever put that image of Robin in my head first thing in the morning.” Rafael pulls the blanket over his head, his voice muffling the rest of his words. “It’s a really bad way to start the day. Actually, I’d be glad to never think of Robin and sex at all.”
Richard heads over to his bed and prepares to go back to sleep. He can’t resist saying, “It’s okay if you’d rather picture any of the other RAs having sex instead. Works for me.”
“I fucking hate you right now. Especially because you know I don’t have Feli anymore to help me unwind.”
“I am reasonably sure you will find a way around that setback sooner rather than later.”
Author: Kris S.
Fandom: Tennis RPS
Players: Rafael Nadal, Richard Gasquet, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Ernests Gulbis, Marin Cilic, 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: Ernie deals with the morning after, Richie aims to help Andy, and delving into the Federer issues.
Chapter 4 - Messing With A Good Thing
It is the middle of the night and Roddick’s work is never quite done. Even though he isn’t on duty, Roddick is the one dealing with the mess instead of taking Richard back up to his room and enjoying the rest of the night. “Apparently the fire alarm went off a few hours ago,” Roddick says, walking toward the communal kitchen area.
“Popcorn?” Richard takes an exaggerated sniff then shakes his head, already aware it’s not.
Roddick makes a show of opening the microwave door and sees the yellowish orange powder. “No. Macaroni and cheese.”
“Who burns macaroni to the point of setting off the alarm?”
“Ran away from the scene of the crime.” Roddick turns up his nose, still smelling the aftereffects of the scorching. “Is anyone in your suite threatening to cook?”
“No, Janko was our main source of real food. Marin might but I’d at trust him at the microwave. Ernie would prefer living off of pizza if he could.”
Roddick says, “Well, if you can cook, you’re a godsend to me.” Then in a lower voice, “I am glad you subjected yourself to the football game.”
“Hey! I have school spirit.”
“Uh huh. Your version of school spirit is to have a Create a Mascot contest.”
“The blue and green lion that won would have been an improvement,” Richard maintains. “It was so much better than that thing that looks like an anteater currently roaming the field.”
“I’ll take your word for it.” Roddick shakes his head. “So how is it being a grad student living with undergrads?”
“Not that big of a deal. Then again, I’ve known Rafa, Novak and Andy for awhile plus it is cheaper than a single. Marin is a smart kid in Federer’s intro class so have to be on alert about that.”
Roddick says, “I am amazed that he still does these projects. It makes me glad I’m only average.”
“Andy, you are not average.” Richard looks over to the entrance, sees nobody, then wraps an arm around the RA and brushes a kiss on his cheek.
Roddick bows down, thrown off by the praise. “I certainly am academically average and for you, of all people, to say otherwise is nonsensical. But I’ve survived this place and that is the important part.”
“Yeah but you actually hooked up with that man. That is pretty sick. Sure, he works a suit pretty well but…” Richard buries his head in Roddick’s shoulder, unable to finish that sentence without cracking up.
“I thought it’d help my grade! He said it would at the time.”
There’s a sound of footsteps in the hallway heading their way. Richard steps away and strolls over to check the refrigerator used mainly for parties. Just melting blocks of ice sitting in a pot. “Instead, because the class was a prerequisite for other courses, your D in his class prolonged your studies an extra semester.”
Roddick lets out a sigh, then says, “You and I don’t have to sneak around.”
“I thought it made the sex more fun.”
“Richie…”
“I know.” Richard closes the refrigerator door and leans against it.
“It is weird walking past your room and having to double talk when one of your suitemates is around.” Roddick jumps up onto the counter at the opposite end of the kitchen.
“Actually that may not be necessary…” At Roddick’s raised eyebrow, Richard explains, “So Rafa stays up late one night. I’m settling into bed when he blurts out that Andy heard.”
“Oh. That does explain how Rafael tried to avoid me in the hallway yesterday. I had thought it was suspicious but assumed I was better off not digging. I guess, having been apart all summer, we’re a little rusty on the sneaking around thing. Rumors swirling in the first week though, that won’t work.”
“Not exactly gossip. Andy has firsthand knowledge. He was in the lecture hall bathroom.”
When Roddick catches on, he laughs. “You mean he heard.”
“Yeah. He claims he hears my voice calling your name, well his name, in his sleep.” Richard smiles as if he’d gotten a victory then explains, “I’m enjoying this new information. Payback is fun when it comes out of the blue. I once conducted a social experiment in which I'd say every possible crude thing I could to set him off. Could not faze him at all."
"I assume this was an unofficial experiment."
"Sometimes I get bored.” Richard looks down at the floor, kind of embarrassed to admit the entertainment factor. “Once he realized I wasn’t flirting, he got me back real good with one phone call. Let me just say that his brother better stay in Scotland because he wouldn’t be able to get it up after I got done with him.”
Roddick momentarily forgets that Richard is speaking to him as a friend not a resident and turns into RA mode. “You like that you’ve affected him?”
“Sort of. I’m reasonably sure he is exaggerating. Although…” Richard stops and wrinkles his nose. After some consideration, he says seriously, “Andy hasn’t been with anyone in the entire time I’ve known him. I don’t like that he can now pin that on me.”
"Do you mean hooking up or dating?”
“Either would be true. It’s one thing for him to be isolated if he’d just arrived. Marin is a freshman with little experience; that makes sense. But Andy is a junior and isn’t working with an age handicap. Hell, he was on the soccer team in high school so you’d think he’d have the close bonding that’s supposed to occur in the locker room to work with.” At Roddick’s questioning look, Richard adds, “Or so I’ve been told. Not because I’ve ever hooked up with a player on the soccer team in the locker room.”
Roddick rolls his eyes at Richard’s impish smile, then says, “I didn’t know he played soccer.”
“Yeah. He’s actually got skills but doesn't play for the school because it conflicts with his classes plus he has a job. But he and Novak play in this pickup game. Andy is already a bit crazed about his studies so he’d go psycho if he had to fit in an organized sport.”
“I’m kinda surprised that you haven’t tried to fix him up.”
“Give me a little credit. Of course I have. Problem is that my friends outside the suite know him and think he's a bore. He did agree to a blind date with this older guy that had classes with Mario. I think they were only fixed up because the guy had lived in England for years. At the time, we gave him grief for ditching the guy halfway through the date. I met him shortly after and, for once, have to give Andy credit for bolting because Greg was such a dick. He’ll make an excellent lawyer.”
Roddick laughs, not at what Richard said but his concern on the subject. He’s never heard anything from Richard’s mouth about Andy that wasn’t at least a little bit disparaging. Then again, Andy nearly filed an official complaint about Richard once (fortunately, it wasn't through Roddick or else there would have been a conflict of interest) so the ill will went both ways. “Aww, you actually give a damn about him.”
Richard shakes his head. “I need a way to get him out of this rut. He’s making me care about him and that just screws up the suite dynamic.”
* * * * *
“I shouldn’t have done that,” Ernie says as soon as he sees Novak enter the main room. Ernie had just gotten out of bed himself and the cold air was the jolt he needed to realize what a jerk he’d been. He’s been sitting on the couch with his head turned toward Novak’s room waiting.
“What exactly are you apologizing for?” Novak leans against the wall, looking over his glasses and trying to stay stoic so that Ernie can’t decipher him.
Ernie slowly stands up, still feeling the effects of last night, and walks over to Novak. “I was mad and, uh…”
“Drunk,” Novak supplies.
“Yes and a bit brash.”
Novak points to the ground. “I’d say closer to arrogant.”
Ernie glares at Novak then relents and lowers himself to his knees. “Yeah, okay. Arrogant.”
“Also you have a temper that could have scared off a cute guy.”
Even in this position, Ernie can’t take that sentence seriously. “Oh please. Evgeny would have fled as soon as Marin figured out how to speak.”
“I meant me.” Novak tilts his head and grins. “I can be a bit arrogant myself. I’m told that I can’t reach the level of hot but the level of cute is within my grasp.”
“Does this mean I don’t have to apologize for kissing you?” Truth be told, if Novak is going to say something like that, it just makes Ernie want to make that particular mistake again.
“That one I’ll let slide. You are on your knees. Didn’t think you’d go that far.” Novak grabs hold of Ernie’s hand to get him on his feet. “Such a brat.”
“Hey! I resent tha…” He’s interrupted by a shove into the wall and Novak pressing against him.
“You’re not the only one who is pushy, either,” then captures Ernie’s mouth in a kiss. Ernie stays against the wall after Novak backs away, his mouth hanging and eyes wide open. Novak smiles at the reaction he provoked. “So now I at least know how to get your attention.”
Nothing Novak has said makes sense and the effects of a hangover aren’t helping Ernie’s cause. “Wait. You have totally lost me. Did you just kiss me in retaliation?”
“I wanted a proper kiss, one that doesn’t involve you being drunk. Beyond that, we shall see. It has been fun hanging out. Maybe there is something more but I refuse to deal with the guy from last night on a regular basis. If you’re bothered by something, speak to me.”
Ernie nods in understanding. Novak may have turned him away but Ernie wasn’t exactly turned down either. Just delayed.
* * * * *
Marin should know better than to dig into the Professor Federer issue but he just can't help himself. When all is said and done, Marin is sure it won't be worthwhile but it seems necessary.
Richard said that Rafael had been recruited as well. It is about geniuses, this he has figured, and Richard believes that Marin might qualify as far as Professor Federer is concerned. Since Marin can't get a gauge on Richard, it is entirely possible that what Professor Federer is doing is a positive thing and this is an overreaction.
Rafael is working the computer lab Sunday so Marin decides to utilize that resource. He arrives in the afternoon when there are only a few computers being used. Rafael raises an eyebrow upon seeing Marin enter but leaves him alone.
Marin takes out his syllabus, looking for the course's website. Once he types in the information, he is disappointed to see its contents are basically the same as the paper in front of him except the email address has a link for extra help. Marin circles the email address on the syllabus, possibly for later use.
Next he goes to the department website. As he suspected, there's a link there for the Director of Undergraduate Studies, most likely a resume or research information. There is a publications link and, glossing over the information on the main page, realizes that the professor's focus is on DNA analysis.
"Marin?" He jolts upon hearing Rafael's voice over his head. It doesn’t make sense to cover the screen with his hands since Rafael has probably been standing there long enough to read.
"Yes?"
"Is this about yesterday?"
"What do you mean?"
"I was in the next room when you were talking to Richard, remember?"
"Right. Of course. I was curious."
"I understand. You should be aware of the facts. However, checking into Federer's research will not tell you the whole story."
"What can you tell me that this won’t?"
Rafael tries to figure out the best way to explain without causing too much trouble. “Professor Federer knows how to manipulate. While his research is in the realm of DNA structures, the man has a fascination with the mental aspects of the advanced mind as well. Consider it a hobby of his.”
“You mean that he uses information related to, for instance, chemical imbalances to influence his test subjects’ psychological makeup.”
“I’ve been around exceptional students and some get so single-minded in their pursuits that when something goes wrong, they get a bit, well, warped. My family was always rather easy-going so I’d like to think I avoided that trap. I wouldn’t be surprised if Richie didn’t. What I do know with certainty is that Federer tried to ruin Richie’s chances of entering the MS program but eventually got overridden by the grad studies director. The thing is that I was never interested in the chemistry field so I kind of doubt it would have been the same story if I’d been in the study.”
“He is concerned that I’m going to fall in the trap,” Marin says thoughtfully.
“Yeah. I mean, you’re going pre-med. That’s a tough program and you’re driven, of course...”
Marin cuts him off to say, “What made you say I was pre-med?”
Rafael seems surprised by the edginess of the remark. “You’re taking the courses one would…”
“I might. My parents want me to do that but I haven’t decided.”
“Okay then. If you were pre-med, you would be under a lot of pressure. Some do not have the mental willpower. So even if Federer is nothing more than a professor in an intro class for you, there are other landmines.”
* * * * *
Richard is awake way too early for a Monday morning, considering he doesn’t have class that day until the afternoon. He hears the shower running and notices that Rafael is still asleep. He glances at the clock, noting the alarm will go off in fifteen minutes, so takes advantage of opportunity.
He carefully leaves the room and sneaks into the bathroom. Sure enough, he sees that familiar ratty blue bathrobe on the bench by the shower. “We need to talk,” he calls out, sitting down on the bench.
Andy yells over the water, “Have you been awake all night? I’m not in the mood to deal with you in hyper kid mode.”
“No. I was snoozing for a good four hours. I told my internal clock to wake me so I could talk to you, then will finish my sleep.”
“I have no idea if you’re being serious right now.”
“Rafa told me about your eavesdropping.”
A slight pause, then, “So you waited to corner me in the shower?”
“I kind of like the fact I can inadvertently traumatize you.”
“You would.”
“I think you should be able to do the same to me.”
Andy shuts off the water, realizing Richard is not going to stop until this is settled. “While in theory I would love to do that, I don’t see how. I’m not with anyone. I haven’t been for… awhile.”
“Never,” Richard mutters under his breath.
“Shut up. How would this be accomplished?”
“Seeing you exit the shower.”
“You are demented.”
“I mean it. Pale, freckly, sticklike creature. It would be a total turnoff. Ruin my sex life for weeks.”
“Do you seriously think insulting me like that is going to work here? I can kick your ass.”
“But you won’t.”
Andy doesn’t immediately answer, clearly trying to figure out what to do next. Richard can wait this out because Andy will get antsy being stuck in such a small space. After several minutes, Andy finally says slowly, “Do I have to be naked or is a towel okay?”
Richard is amazed that Andy is agreeing with this. Andy has always been self-conscious - that’s probably why he’s first in the shower to begin with - so Richard figured this was a starting off point in the negotiation process. The ending would have involved Andy talking to Richard’s parents on the phone. In a way, Richard may have dodged a bullet. “Towel is okay.”
Andy grabs the towel hanging on the rod, then pulls back the curtain. Richard shields his eyes with his hand and peeks through his fingers. Once he begins to get a view, he scrunches up his face, completely confused as he drops his hand in shock. Andy leans against the wall, just as puzzled by Richard’s reaction. “You okay? Did you stare directly into the sun?” Andy looks at his arm, slightly red from the water being too hot but it’ll soon to return to the usual mess of freckles.
“You could kick my ass,” Richard mutters. At Andy’s confused look, he says louder, “Yeah, okay. I think that will work.”
Richard rushes out of the bathroom, right back to his room. Rafael’s alarm has gone off by this point and is just beginning to wake up. Richard jolts backward upon spotting brown eyes on him. Rafael says, “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
“In a manner of speaking. I saw Andy in just a towel.”
Rafael chuckles. “Okay, yeah. That would qualify as a ghost.”
“Rafa, why didn’t you mention that he’s no longer a stick?”
Rafael wonders if he should have just stayed asleep because this is clearly bizarro world. “Huh?”
“You two are doing workouts together. How do you not notice that he’s now about as muscular as you are?”
“I haven’t really thought about his physique. Andy still comes to the gym in baggy t-shirts and sweatpants.”
“Between that and his hair being matted down from the water, he actually was looking good. Andy is supposed to be the creepy one of the group. I’ve been holding off on giving him tips all these years because I thought there really wasn’t any raw material to work with so he was doomed to singlehood.”
“Hey! Andy is a great person, one of my closest friends, and when he starts joking around…”
Richard rolls his eyes, then says, “He is a wallflower. No, he’s a caterpillar who has no idea how close he is to becoming a butterfly. Ernie will hate me for this but I’m going to tell Andy that Novak is plotting to weed-whacker his hair in his sleep. Haircut plus new clothes that don’t hide the work equals the possibility of a hookup. Sure, his personality could still ruin things but if the RA on the first floor can get action, anything is possible.”
Rafael did say his goal for Andy was to get him laid, even though Andy believes they were joking. He would be curious to see the results of a transformation. Even better if Richard can assist without being aware of that conversation. “Andy normally tunes you out but I think he might actually go along with this. Just don’t mention the ghost thing.”
“I asked him for it. Payback for ruining his sleep.”
“Of course. Also, don’t ever put that image of Robin in my head first thing in the morning.” Rafael pulls the blanket over his head, his voice muffling the rest of his words. “It’s a really bad way to start the day. Actually, I’d be glad to never think of Robin and sex at all.”
Richard heads over to his bed and prepares to go back to sleep. He can’t resist saying, “It’s okay if you’d rather picture any of the other RAs having sex instead. Works for me.”
“I fucking hate you right now. Especially because you know I don’t have Feli anymore to help me unwind.”
“I am reasonably sure you will find a way around that setback sooner rather than later.”