Tutoring Session
Author: Lawral
Pairing: Tony/Tim
Rating: FR7
Summary: Tony tries to teach Tim how to play basketball, trouble ensues.
Notes: Written for Dragon as Hangman Prize.
"This, Probie-san, is a basketball. Questions so far?"
"Tony." Tim said annoyed as the older man held out a basketball in his hand.
"Ok, just making sure."
Tim couldn't remember how the conversation had gotten started on basketball or how he'd gotten roped into a tutoring session on the game. Tony had picked him up early on the Sunday morning to start their tutoring session of basketball and its fundamentals. Tim could only think about his approaching deadline and the three or so chapters he still needed to write. He had better things to do than watch Tony show off for three hours.
"Now the object is to take this ball," Tony again held out the ball. "And put it through that hoop." He pointed up to the basket in front of them. "You do that by throwing the ball in bounds, passing to team mates, ducking around defenders, calling for the ball, driving the lane and charging the basket."
Tim looked from Tony to the basket above him and then back. His expression was that of a bored humanoid with no interest or knowledge of the words defenders, drive or charge. Tony sighed again and let the ball fall to the floor. "OK, I went to fast. You want to take the ball from down there to up here and get the ball through the hoop for points."
"Tony, I'm not an idiot." Tim told him defiantly.
Tony put his foot on the ball, rolled it toward him and then kicked it softly sending it soaring to Tim's hands. He caught the ball that he hadn't been expecting and gave Tony a look that contained several daggers of wishes to inflict pain.
"Alright then. Shoot the ball." Tony challenged.
Tim went to the foul line and looked up to the basket. He bounced his shot back and forth over his head before throwing the ball which didn't even touch the net as it fell short.
"Tony, this is stupid. I don't want to play."
Tony caught Tim as he tried to escape. "Oh, but Probie. What if you have to go undercover as a basketball star?"
"I think that would be more of an assignment for you." Tim told him.
"Yes, but what if…"
"Look if I make the stupid shot will you let me go back home?" Tim asked.
"Maybe." Tony said, grinning.
Tim took the ball from Tony's hands again and lined up his shot. He threw the ball into the air and watched as it hit the backboard and fell through the hoop. Tony looked dumbstruck as Tim smiled. "Ok, well, see ya."
"Not so fast, Probie." Tony called again. He caught the younger man around the neck and walked back onto the court. "If you can beat me at a little friendly game, then I'll let you go back to Geekville."
Tim looked up to the basket again and then to Tony. "50 bucks. First to ten."
Tony looked suddenly surprised at the stakes of the game. He nodded smugly as he agreed and shook McGee's hand. The game was on and he was going to make an easy $50.
Or so he thought. Within just a few minutes, Tim was already ahead of him 5-0. Somehow the Earth had come off its axis. When did Probie get athletic talent? The game had quickly had become intense and had been very close with a final score of 10-8.
"No way!" Tony yelled. "How did you-? Alright, beginner's luck."
"You think so?" Tim went to the center of the court and held out his hands. "Center court, double or nothing?"
Tony looked at him for a second and then passed the ball to him. Tim bounced the ball a few times and then shot the ball toward the hoop. The ball not only went through the net but it didn't even touch the rim of the hoop. Tim smiled and walked off the court. As he reached the doors of the gym he called out to Tony, "You owe me a hundred bucks."