tennis slash - Smart People (5)
Title: Smart People (5)
Author: Kris S.
Fandom: Tennis RPS
Players: Rafael Nadal, Richard Gasquet, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Ernests Gulbis, Marin Cilic, Stanislas Wawrinka, Robin Soderling
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: Novak and Ernie are not dating, Richie gets Marin another chance with Evgeny, and the effects of Andy's makeover.
Chapter 5 - The Mission
The disadvantage to having a class with so many students is that it is difficult to spot one person. This is the problem Marin runs into regarding Evgeny. Marin had not been able to get a decent seat in either Monday or Wednesday’s lecture so wasn’t able to find him. It is possible he wasn’t even there but Marin believes he’s heard his voice among the hundreds milling out.
It is now the lab class on Thursday. They are in different lab sections held the same time so it isn’t even worth trying until Friday's lecture.
The teaching assistant is going over safety procedures when Richard sneaks in and takes a seat in the front of the room. Judging by the TA’s reaction, this is not a scheduled appearance. He loses his place in his notes and seems a bit frazzled, then shakes his head and says, “Excuse me.” Then orders Richard, “Outside, now.”
Richard says innocently, “Now Stanley, is that any way to treat a colleague?” but does follow Stan just outside the door.
From Marin’s position near the door, he can hear bits of their conversation. He can’t make out Stan’s grumbling at first but Richard’s words are clear. “Don’t get in a snit with me, teacher’s pet. Henman wants me to observe recitations to count toward my research hours. Make sure you’re not being pushed around by these freshmen.”
Stan replies, “Federer would never allow you near one of his classes.”
“I’m not teaching his class, though I certainly could if necessary. I've subbed for Moya's Chem II class. But this class is what you’re getting credits for, as opposed to any other activities you engage in…”
“You are one to talk!”
“I understand your precarious situation, Stanley. I would lie as well if I was with Federer.”
“Stop calling me that!” then a loud huff. Marin notes there's no rebuttal of the second part.
Richard most likely loves getting a rise out of the TA because he says in a playful tone, “Henman really does want me here so get your cute butt back in that room and educate those young minds.”
Stan returns to the room, irritated. Richard takes his seat, staring right at the teaching assistant with a cheerful smile. Stan announces to the class, “I’d like to introduce you to Richard, a grad student from biological chemistry section of the department. If you need any assistance with today’s lab, you can ask him as well.”
Marin tries to pay attention but he can’t help but notice the edginess in the TA’s voice while Richard pretends he’s taking in every word.
* * * * *
“You are not going to do this,” Ernie says coldly, collapsing melodramatically on Novak's bed upon hearing the news. Novak sits on the other end of his bed, trying to keep his face blank, while Andy had been attempting to sleep but neither appears to be possible. “I am sorry but it is just wrong.”
“Grow up, Ernie,” Novak says while Andy pulls the blanket over his head. Ever since the night of Ernie's temper, Ernie has been spending a lot of time in Novak's room and he isn't being discouraged. Even though Marin must be equally annoyed with them, the congregating always seems to occur in this room. "I personally think it's a good idea. Though Richie should have done it without throwing my name into the discussion."
"You were going to hack it in his sleep. I can still save him."
"Again, I never said that. Richie claimed I did in order to convince him to go through with it."
Andy wishes they wouldn't talk about him as if he's not in the room. Novak just revealed Richard's plans for Andy's makeover and Ernie is not happy. Richard knew enough to walk out of the suite, insisting he needed to prepare, but Novak opted to duck by heading to his own room.
Novak continues, "If you want something to remember it by, I'm sure a lock can be saved." He leans over and fiddles with one of Ernie's curls. "Then again, I think you're just jealous."
Andy groans then says, "You do realize this inane conversation just makes me want to get the haircut more." But they are not listening. Andy peeks out and realizes they are absorbed in each other. Ernie is swatting Novak's hand away but it’s turning into a wrestling match. Andy grabs the blanket and manages to sneak out of the room undetected.
* * * * *
Rafael has just arrived when Andy plops down on the couch. Andy settles his head against a pillow, then pulls the blanket across so only his eyes and his hair are peeking out. Rafael cannot help but chuckle. Andy's glare does little to stop that reaction.
"What are you doing in here? Ernie's habits are getting to you?"
“I think he and Novak are going to hook up though Novak is in denial. Everyone is getting on my nerves right now and I just want to sleep.”
“This is your mood going into spending tomorrow with Richie?”
The mound shrugs but otherwise makes no effort to move. “As long as he’s paying, I will go along with his plan. Doesn’t mean I have to maintain it or hook up with random people in the process.”
“As misguided as Richie can sometimes get, he kind of does have a point. You go out of your way not to even try.”
“I am not into going to parties, getting drunk and flirting with some jackass at last call.”
Rafael scrunches his face, trying to figure out what he's talking about. “Do I do that?”
“No,” Andy admits. “You’re the flirt who charms them before they’re drunk. Flash a smile, pretend you’re 21, it’s so simple. But that’s what the beautiful people can do.”
“Andy…”
“I don’t know what Richie has in mind but this is all about putting on a show.”
“No. He wants people to see the person that we know. You’ve been in hiding too long. Literally,” then pulls the blanket away from Andy's face. "You don't think it's a little weird that shy, awkward Marin has better prospects than you do?"
"Marin doesn't believe he has prospects and, frankly, bringing him into this is a low blow."
* * * * *
"Good morning," Richard calls out the next morning upon seeing Marin exit his room. He is relaxing on the couch as he waits for Andy to get ready for their day.
Marin squints, not really awake but needing to use the bathroom. "Hi."
“I have some information that might be of use to you.” Richard waves a piece of paper, trying not to smile. Marin leans against the wall. “It’s about that recitation I invaded Thursday.”
Marin chuckles at the wording. “That’s certainly a good way to phrase it. Stan was ready to strangle you. The sad part is that you made more sense than he did.” While Marin didn't mind the lab itself, the recitation before it was a total waste of time.
“I try my best. Stan just can’t explain anything.”
“Is that true about Stan and Federer? I heard you two in the hallway.”
“Quite the sleuth.” Richard nods appreciatively. “There’s been rumors. Stan does have a crush on him and Federer does enjoy the company of students so it could be true. Especially if you had seen Stan's reaction.”
“Do you have personal experience regarding Federer?”
“No.” Richard reverts back to the paper, quick to dismiss this topic. “So class is over and I’m taking questions from a student about my studies. The other lab lets out and Evgeny walks in the room. He was looking for Stan because he doesn’t understand the guy doing his section and is looking for extra help. I tell him that I can offer assistance here since he's just down the hall. I mention that you were in this section and might be interested in joining in. He was apparently having a one-on-one session with you last Saturday... but then Ernie burst in having a drunken hissy fit about Novak and you never rescheduled.” Richard raises an eyebrow at that. "Now granted, I'm not really in the loop at the moment when it comes to current affairs in the suite but... you managed to get that fine man alone and he's the one questioning things?"
Marin shakes his head. "You sound like Andy."
"That figures. Andy is great when it comes to advising others, at least according to Rafa and Novak. Taking advice is another story." Andy exits his room at that point, wearing a grey sweatshirt, old jeans and a baseball cap. Richard narrows his stare on Andy, knowing he deliberately dressed that way to be irritating, as he continues speaking to Marin, “Be here at nine tomorrow night. I’d like to think you’re not a completely lost cause.”
* * * * *
"How was your day?" Ernie says as a greeting upon entering Novak's room that night.
"Okay," but Novak is distracted, reading over a textbook and taking notes.
"There's something I wanted to ask you... hold on. It is Saturday night and you are studying?"
Novak shrugs. "Find someone else to annoy. I have two chapters yet to read and I won't have time to deal with this tomorrow. First soccer game, then hanging out with Janko and Mario. Haven’t seen either of them in three months."
Ernie considers leaving him alone but he's distracted by a glare. Then realizes where it's coming from. "Wait. You wear glasses?"
Novak rolls his eyes, sure that Ernie has seen him wear them before. He patiently says, "I normally wear contacts. My allergies are bothering me today."
Ernie cannot help but remark, "That is such a stereotypically geeky thing to say." Novak frowns then returns to studying. Ernie mutters, "Sorry."
"I kind of forget that kind of stuff when I'm in the suite."
"How do you mean?"
"You haven't noticed that everyone here is a geek? I don't mean in the sense that you must have a brain to get into college but beyond that. I would venture that the rest of us in the suite have faced ridicule like that growing up. I just appear less geeky when others start talking about the quantitative structure-activity relationship or using game theory to improve online poker skills." At Ernie's confused look, Novak nods. "Exactly. Though I thought the poker thing was cool, especially when Andy told me that a guy named Jesus won the world championship based off those skills."
Ernie tries to understand what Novak is talking about but he's not sure if that makes math a religion and now isn't the time to ask. "I'll take your word for it. I can't imagine."
"I admit that I would try to be cool but there is always that element inside me. Richie told me that a geek is someone who is passionate about a particular interest and the world is run by geeks so there's no use fighting that impulse. That might be the most logical thing he's ever said."
"Okay then. So, um, if you finish up later, do you mind if I hang out in here? Marin is reading for pleasure and it's tough to find good programming on Saturday night."
"Give me two hours?"
"Sounds good." Ernie smiles triumphantly and is about to leave when the main door opens.
"Hey Novak," Richard shouts out as he enters the suite and sees Ernie hanging around the door. "Just the person I was looking for. Tell your roommate that I said 'you're welcome' even though he's still a pain despite the improved outward appearance."
Novak tries to look past but quickly realizes Richard returned alone. "Did you leave Andy in a ditch again?"
Ernie is about to complain about the makeover but catches what Novak said and asks, "Again?"
Richard says matter-of-factly, "That was blown out of proportion. He wanted to learn about rock formation for his geology class. I led him to a suitable spot."
Novak reminds Richard, "You drove away and left him there for over an hour!"
"That was an innocent mistake! Anyway, no. He's at a party. I'm forcing him to meet people. He said that hearing my voice all day makes him want to drink so I'm holding him to that. I will leave you two to your horizontal dancing and go bother Roddick instead, who is on duty tonight."
When Richard leaves, Ernie mouths, "Horiz-" then shakes it off and asks, "Is it my imagination or does everyone in the suite think we're an item?"
"Not your imagination." Novak looks over his glasses and grins rather flirtatiously. "But we're not."
* * * * *
Rafael had been trying to fall asleep when there’s a loud bang on his door. He yells, “The door is unlocked.”
The door opens and Rafael can see the person is using the doorframe to hold himself up. Rafael squints, trying to figure out who is standing there from the silhouette. It doesn’t appear to be anyone from the suite so Rafael assumes it is a visitor for someone else. He asks, “Can you turn on the main light?”
“I hate this.” Rafael’s eyes open wide upon hearing Andy’s voice, then remembers he hasn’t seen the results of the makeover yet. Then more stunned to realize that Andy is drunk. “Novak and Ernie are trying not to make out during an episode of Robot Chicken. All I want to do is go to sleep and forget this entire day ever happened. Can I come in?”
“Sure.” Andy carefully walks in, deliberately not switching the light on as he approaches. Rafael sits up in the bed, turning on the television to help Andy see his way in. Andy sits on the bed, back against the wall with his eyes to the ceiling.
“I was at that party and I wished I was anywhere else. The thing is, Richie must have said just enough to make my brain think tonight would be different so I drank a little too much.”
“Yeah, I can see.”
“Nothing really changes.”
Rafael thinks back to what Andy said last night and grimaces. “You hit on a jackass.”
“Yeah. I don’t know how I’m going to face him. He was being rather nice and I was just stupid and, damn it.” Andy raises a knee to his chest and hides his face. “I can’t believe I did that.”
“Who did you hit on? Richie?”
“I was drunk, not brain-dead. No…” Andy tilts his head to face Rafael, wary of the reaction. “It was Robin.”
“Oh.” Rafael tries to stay neutral but he is fuming inside.
“I know he’s a jerk for taking credit on that assignment and generally being the bad guy to Roddick’s good guy when it comes to dorm issues… but he was escorting me back to the dorm and we started talking...” Andy’s voice trails off and he shakes his head.
“How bad were you?”
“I was leaning against him, probably had an arm wrapped around to keep on my feet because I kept stumbling on the rocks.”
Rafael waits for Andy to say more but it doesn’t come. “That is all?”
“Yes. Perfectly chivalrous. He even waited until I unlocked the door to the suite - which took a couple of tries, mind you - before leaving.”
Even though it means nothing serious happened, Rafael can’t help but not like where this could head. Andy seems at least a little disappointed in the fact that Robin did nothing. Rafael tries to resist the urge of reminding Andy that this is Robin he is talking about. He doesn’t really want to ask but figures, since Andy is drunk, he might get an unguarded answer. “Did you want more?”
Andy's voice is small when he answers, “I don’t know. It just felt nice.”
That hurts more than if he'd simply said yes. “Andy, you know that people do care about you. I care, Novak cares and Richie only did this makeover because he cares though he’d never say it out loud.” Rafael watches as the colors from the television play on Andy’s features. Andy turns his way, head bowed down and looking up at him so vulnerable. “I am serious. You don’t have to be the supportive shoulder around here. I can do that too.”
Andy tries to laugh but the sound is caught in his throat. Rafael pulls him close, wrapping an arm around for a hug. Andy instinctively buries his head under Rafael’s chin but soon mutters angrily under his breath, hating that he is in this position. The first words he can make out are, “Nothing is different. Same fool, new disguise.”
It is the first time Rafael has really observed the amount of work Andy has done lately, his palm noting the feel of solid muscle under the thin fabric. Rafael wishes there was some way for Andy to believe any words of encouragement right now. He whispers into Andy’s now-shorn hair, “No you are not. You are so much better than this.”
Author: Kris S.
Fandom: Tennis RPS
Players: Rafael Nadal, Richard Gasquet, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Ernests Gulbis, Marin Cilic, Stanislas Wawrinka, Robin Soderling
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: Novak and Ernie are not dating, Richie gets Marin another chance with Evgeny, and the effects of Andy's makeover.
Chapter 5 - The Mission
The disadvantage to having a class with so many students is that it is difficult to spot one person. This is the problem Marin runs into regarding Evgeny. Marin had not been able to get a decent seat in either Monday or Wednesday’s lecture so wasn’t able to find him. It is possible he wasn’t even there but Marin believes he’s heard his voice among the hundreds milling out.
It is now the lab class on Thursday. They are in different lab sections held the same time so it isn’t even worth trying until Friday's lecture.
The teaching assistant is going over safety procedures when Richard sneaks in and takes a seat in the front of the room. Judging by the TA’s reaction, this is not a scheduled appearance. He loses his place in his notes and seems a bit frazzled, then shakes his head and says, “Excuse me.” Then orders Richard, “Outside, now.”
Richard says innocently, “Now Stanley, is that any way to treat a colleague?” but does follow Stan just outside the door.
From Marin’s position near the door, he can hear bits of their conversation. He can’t make out Stan’s grumbling at first but Richard’s words are clear. “Don’t get in a snit with me, teacher’s pet. Henman wants me to observe recitations to count toward my research hours. Make sure you’re not being pushed around by these freshmen.”
Stan replies, “Federer would never allow you near one of his classes.”
“I’m not teaching his class, though I certainly could if necessary. I've subbed for Moya's Chem II class. But this class is what you’re getting credits for, as opposed to any other activities you engage in…”
“You are one to talk!”
“I understand your precarious situation, Stanley. I would lie as well if I was with Federer.”
“Stop calling me that!” then a loud huff. Marin notes there's no rebuttal of the second part.
Richard most likely loves getting a rise out of the TA because he says in a playful tone, “Henman really does want me here so get your cute butt back in that room and educate those young minds.”
Stan returns to the room, irritated. Richard takes his seat, staring right at the teaching assistant with a cheerful smile. Stan announces to the class, “I’d like to introduce you to Richard, a grad student from biological chemistry section of the department. If you need any assistance with today’s lab, you can ask him as well.”
Marin tries to pay attention but he can’t help but notice the edginess in the TA’s voice while Richard pretends he’s taking in every word.
* * * * *
“You are not going to do this,” Ernie says coldly, collapsing melodramatically on Novak's bed upon hearing the news. Novak sits on the other end of his bed, trying to keep his face blank, while Andy had been attempting to sleep but neither appears to be possible. “I am sorry but it is just wrong.”
“Grow up, Ernie,” Novak says while Andy pulls the blanket over his head. Ever since the night of Ernie's temper, Ernie has been spending a lot of time in Novak's room and he isn't being discouraged. Even though Marin must be equally annoyed with them, the congregating always seems to occur in this room. "I personally think it's a good idea. Though Richie should have done it without throwing my name into the discussion."
"You were going to hack it in his sleep. I can still save him."
"Again, I never said that. Richie claimed I did in order to convince him to go through with it."
Andy wishes they wouldn't talk about him as if he's not in the room. Novak just revealed Richard's plans for Andy's makeover and Ernie is not happy. Richard knew enough to walk out of the suite, insisting he needed to prepare, but Novak opted to duck by heading to his own room.
Novak continues, "If you want something to remember it by, I'm sure a lock can be saved." He leans over and fiddles with one of Ernie's curls. "Then again, I think you're just jealous."
Andy groans then says, "You do realize this inane conversation just makes me want to get the haircut more." But they are not listening. Andy peeks out and realizes they are absorbed in each other. Ernie is swatting Novak's hand away but it’s turning into a wrestling match. Andy grabs the blanket and manages to sneak out of the room undetected.
* * * * *
Rafael has just arrived when Andy plops down on the couch. Andy settles his head against a pillow, then pulls the blanket across so only his eyes and his hair are peeking out. Rafael cannot help but chuckle. Andy's glare does little to stop that reaction.
"What are you doing in here? Ernie's habits are getting to you?"
“I think he and Novak are going to hook up though Novak is in denial. Everyone is getting on my nerves right now and I just want to sleep.”
“This is your mood going into spending tomorrow with Richie?”
The mound shrugs but otherwise makes no effort to move. “As long as he’s paying, I will go along with his plan. Doesn’t mean I have to maintain it or hook up with random people in the process.”
“As misguided as Richie can sometimes get, he kind of does have a point. You go out of your way not to even try.”
“I am not into going to parties, getting drunk and flirting with some jackass at last call.”
Rafael scrunches his face, trying to figure out what he's talking about. “Do I do that?”
“No,” Andy admits. “You’re the flirt who charms them before they’re drunk. Flash a smile, pretend you’re 21, it’s so simple. But that’s what the beautiful people can do.”
“Andy…”
“I don’t know what Richie has in mind but this is all about putting on a show.”
“No. He wants people to see the person that we know. You’ve been in hiding too long. Literally,” then pulls the blanket away from Andy's face. "You don't think it's a little weird that shy, awkward Marin has better prospects than you do?"
"Marin doesn't believe he has prospects and, frankly, bringing him into this is a low blow."
* * * * *
"Good morning," Richard calls out the next morning upon seeing Marin exit his room. He is relaxing on the couch as he waits for Andy to get ready for their day.
Marin squints, not really awake but needing to use the bathroom. "Hi."
“I have some information that might be of use to you.” Richard waves a piece of paper, trying not to smile. Marin leans against the wall. “It’s about that recitation I invaded Thursday.”
Marin chuckles at the wording. “That’s certainly a good way to phrase it. Stan was ready to strangle you. The sad part is that you made more sense than he did.” While Marin didn't mind the lab itself, the recitation before it was a total waste of time.
“I try my best. Stan just can’t explain anything.”
“Is that true about Stan and Federer? I heard you two in the hallway.”
“Quite the sleuth.” Richard nods appreciatively. “There’s been rumors. Stan does have a crush on him and Federer does enjoy the company of students so it could be true. Especially if you had seen Stan's reaction.”
“Do you have personal experience regarding Federer?”
“No.” Richard reverts back to the paper, quick to dismiss this topic. “So class is over and I’m taking questions from a student about my studies. The other lab lets out and Evgeny walks in the room. He was looking for Stan because he doesn’t understand the guy doing his section and is looking for extra help. I tell him that I can offer assistance here since he's just down the hall. I mention that you were in this section and might be interested in joining in. He was apparently having a one-on-one session with you last Saturday... but then Ernie burst in having a drunken hissy fit about Novak and you never rescheduled.” Richard raises an eyebrow at that. "Now granted, I'm not really in the loop at the moment when it comes to current affairs in the suite but... you managed to get that fine man alone and he's the one questioning things?"
Marin shakes his head. "You sound like Andy."
"That figures. Andy is great when it comes to advising others, at least according to Rafa and Novak. Taking advice is another story." Andy exits his room at that point, wearing a grey sweatshirt, old jeans and a baseball cap. Richard narrows his stare on Andy, knowing he deliberately dressed that way to be irritating, as he continues speaking to Marin, “Be here at nine tomorrow night. I’d like to think you’re not a completely lost cause.”
* * * * *
"How was your day?" Ernie says as a greeting upon entering Novak's room that night.
"Okay," but Novak is distracted, reading over a textbook and taking notes.
"There's something I wanted to ask you... hold on. It is Saturday night and you are studying?"
Novak shrugs. "Find someone else to annoy. I have two chapters yet to read and I won't have time to deal with this tomorrow. First soccer game, then hanging out with Janko and Mario. Haven’t seen either of them in three months."
Ernie considers leaving him alone but he's distracted by a glare. Then realizes where it's coming from. "Wait. You wear glasses?"
Novak rolls his eyes, sure that Ernie has seen him wear them before. He patiently says, "I normally wear contacts. My allergies are bothering me today."
Ernie cannot help but remark, "That is such a stereotypically geeky thing to say." Novak frowns then returns to studying. Ernie mutters, "Sorry."
"I kind of forget that kind of stuff when I'm in the suite."
"How do you mean?"
"You haven't noticed that everyone here is a geek? I don't mean in the sense that you must have a brain to get into college but beyond that. I would venture that the rest of us in the suite have faced ridicule like that growing up. I just appear less geeky when others start talking about the quantitative structure-activity relationship or using game theory to improve online poker skills." At Ernie's confused look, Novak nods. "Exactly. Though I thought the poker thing was cool, especially when Andy told me that a guy named Jesus won the world championship based off those skills."
Ernie tries to understand what Novak is talking about but he's not sure if that makes math a religion and now isn't the time to ask. "I'll take your word for it. I can't imagine."
"I admit that I would try to be cool but there is always that element inside me. Richie told me that a geek is someone who is passionate about a particular interest and the world is run by geeks so there's no use fighting that impulse. That might be the most logical thing he's ever said."
"Okay then. So, um, if you finish up later, do you mind if I hang out in here? Marin is reading for pleasure and it's tough to find good programming on Saturday night."
"Give me two hours?"
"Sounds good." Ernie smiles triumphantly and is about to leave when the main door opens.
"Hey Novak," Richard shouts out as he enters the suite and sees Ernie hanging around the door. "Just the person I was looking for. Tell your roommate that I said 'you're welcome' even though he's still a pain despite the improved outward appearance."
Novak tries to look past but quickly realizes Richard returned alone. "Did you leave Andy in a ditch again?"
Ernie is about to complain about the makeover but catches what Novak said and asks, "Again?"
Richard says matter-of-factly, "That was blown out of proportion. He wanted to learn about rock formation for his geology class. I led him to a suitable spot."
Novak reminds Richard, "You drove away and left him there for over an hour!"
"That was an innocent mistake! Anyway, no. He's at a party. I'm forcing him to meet people. He said that hearing my voice all day makes him want to drink so I'm holding him to that. I will leave you two to your horizontal dancing and go bother Roddick instead, who is on duty tonight."
When Richard leaves, Ernie mouths, "Horiz-" then shakes it off and asks, "Is it my imagination or does everyone in the suite think we're an item?"
"Not your imagination." Novak looks over his glasses and grins rather flirtatiously. "But we're not."
* * * * *
Rafael had been trying to fall asleep when there’s a loud bang on his door. He yells, “The door is unlocked.”
The door opens and Rafael can see the person is using the doorframe to hold himself up. Rafael squints, trying to figure out who is standing there from the silhouette. It doesn’t appear to be anyone from the suite so Rafael assumes it is a visitor for someone else. He asks, “Can you turn on the main light?”
“I hate this.” Rafael’s eyes open wide upon hearing Andy’s voice, then remembers he hasn’t seen the results of the makeover yet. Then more stunned to realize that Andy is drunk. “Novak and Ernie are trying not to make out during an episode of Robot Chicken. All I want to do is go to sleep and forget this entire day ever happened. Can I come in?”
“Sure.” Andy carefully walks in, deliberately not switching the light on as he approaches. Rafael sits up in the bed, turning on the television to help Andy see his way in. Andy sits on the bed, back against the wall with his eyes to the ceiling.
“I was at that party and I wished I was anywhere else. The thing is, Richie must have said just enough to make my brain think tonight would be different so I drank a little too much.”
“Yeah, I can see.”
“Nothing really changes.”
Rafael thinks back to what Andy said last night and grimaces. “You hit on a jackass.”
“Yeah. I don’t know how I’m going to face him. He was being rather nice and I was just stupid and, damn it.” Andy raises a knee to his chest and hides his face. “I can’t believe I did that.”
“Who did you hit on? Richie?”
“I was drunk, not brain-dead. No…” Andy tilts his head to face Rafael, wary of the reaction. “It was Robin.”
“Oh.” Rafael tries to stay neutral but he is fuming inside.
“I know he’s a jerk for taking credit on that assignment and generally being the bad guy to Roddick’s good guy when it comes to dorm issues… but he was escorting me back to the dorm and we started talking...” Andy’s voice trails off and he shakes his head.
“How bad were you?”
“I was leaning against him, probably had an arm wrapped around to keep on my feet because I kept stumbling on the rocks.”
Rafael waits for Andy to say more but it doesn’t come. “That is all?”
“Yes. Perfectly chivalrous. He even waited until I unlocked the door to the suite - which took a couple of tries, mind you - before leaving.”
Even though it means nothing serious happened, Rafael can’t help but not like where this could head. Andy seems at least a little disappointed in the fact that Robin did nothing. Rafael tries to resist the urge of reminding Andy that this is Robin he is talking about. He doesn’t really want to ask but figures, since Andy is drunk, he might get an unguarded answer. “Did you want more?”
Andy's voice is small when he answers, “I don’t know. It just felt nice.”
That hurts more than if he'd simply said yes. “Andy, you know that people do care about you. I care, Novak cares and Richie only did this makeover because he cares though he’d never say it out loud.” Rafael watches as the colors from the television play on Andy’s features. Andy turns his way, head bowed down and looking up at him so vulnerable. “I am serious. You don’t have to be the supportive shoulder around here. I can do that too.”
Andy tries to laugh but the sound is caught in his throat. Rafael pulls him close, wrapping an arm around for a hug. Andy instinctively buries his head under Rafael’s chin but soon mutters angrily under his breath, hating that he is in this position. The first words he can make out are, “Nothing is different. Same fool, new disguise.”
It is the first time Rafael has really observed the amount of work Andy has done lately, his palm noting the feel of solid muscle under the thin fabric. Rafael wishes there was some way for Andy to believe any words of encouragement right now. He whispers into Andy’s now-shorn hair, “No you are not. You are so much better than this.”