Chapter Text
Jannik had always been relatively quiet, always kept to himself when he could and everyone knew that about him. That was why it was so surprising that he ended up becoming best friends with one of the loudest kids in school.
"Jannik pleaseeeee," Jack whined. He had been whining for the last hour about how much he wanted to attend the summer tennis camp that their school was hosting but he didn't know anyone that was doing it so could Jannik please, please, please go with him.
Don't get Jannik wrong, he loves tennis and would agree to go in a heartbeat but there was something about how desperate Jack gets that was so funny to the red head.
The pair had attended the same school for years, since year 5 when Jannik moved over from Italy up until this year where they were both in Year 12 preparing for a summer of fun (a summer of UCAS mandated activities.) When Jannik had joined in Year 5, he had been incredibly shy, hardly wanting to let go of his dad on his first day. He only went in after twenty minutes of imploring and the teacher practically prying him away. This certainly didn't stop him from crying and protesting the whole time though, looking to his father in betrayal.
It continued much the same for the next couple weeks, Jannik would do everything in his power not to go to school but when he was eventually forced inside, he would spend most of his time withdrawn into himself barely engaging with his classmates at all. It was all so new and scary for him, British primary school was nothing like Italy, he had none of his home comforts to rely on and a part of him cursed his parents for forcing him here.
"Jannik, why don't you go play outside with your classmates?" The teacher practically cooed, crouching down to Jannik's level as he had curled into such a tight ball in the corner of the classroom. Jannik had buried his head in his arms and refused to look up, simply shaking his head vehemently. The other thing was that English was only Jannik's fourth language and when he was made to talk to other English kids, his language comprehension skills simply flew out the window so most of the time the other kids simply gave up trying to engage with him.
The teachers did the best they could to cheer him up but sometimes when Jannik was simply too tired to talk in English, they had to resign themselves to trying again the next day. They even called his father in after the first fortnight to discuss possible routes of action moving forward. In other words, if Jannik didn't start to open up soon, he was going to begin falling behind in his learning.
Jannik was looking forward to his favourite part of the day, home time, and was waiting at the school gates for his dad to come pick him up. The second he saw the tall man strolling through the school entrance, he hurtled towards him, crashing into his legs.
"Papa!" Jannik cried, burying his head in his father's hip. The lithe man bent down and picked Jannik up until he was held in his arms, face firmly wedged in the man's neck.
"Ciao caro," The man swayed him from side to side, "Did we have a good day at school today?" Jannik shook his head firmly, curls brushing his father's face. It broke the man's heart that Jannik was having such a tough time at his new school. Of course if given the choice, he would never have wanted to move him out of Italy at such a young age, he knew how tough it had been on Jannik.
"Janni, hey Jan look at me." Jannik slowly drew his face away and looked into the eyes that were so similar to his own. "I have a meeting with your teacher, tesoro so we must stay at school for a while longer." Jannik was resigned at hearing this but nodded slowly, pointing the most lethal puppy dog eyes that he could muster up at his father. His papa groaned. "Do not look at me like that! Fine, when we get home, dad and I will take you out for ice cream, how does that sound?" Jannik perked up at that. Ice cream was one of the few things that he felt reminded him of Italy in his current town simply because of the kind old Italian man that ran the shop. Jannik's dad often took him there after school to simply talk with the shop keeper while he did his homework. It may have been his dad's job that forced their move to England but he'd be damned if his son lost his mother tongue.
Jannik nodded fervently and made motions to be let down, which he was. Of course Jannik still took his father's hand as they walked back over to his teacher who was smiling in a manner that she hoped conveyed reassurance to the nervous red head.
"Mister Djokovic, it's so nice to see you again and thank you for coming in to discuss Jannik's education." She smiled warmly and Novak nodded back. She then bent down to Jannik's height. "Hey Jannik," She started in a warm tone, "Why don't you go back to our classroom and do some homework while your dad and I have a chat? We'll be right next door the whole time, you can even see us through the window. How does that sound?" Initially, Jannik's grip on his father's hand grew tighter before he let go and nodded minutely.
He was led to the empty classroom that still had arts and crafts supplies scattered about while his dad went next door with the teacher, waving goodbye the whole time so that Jannik didn't freak out about him leaving.
Jannik sat down at his usual desk and picked at the class' earlier art project. They had been tasked with making the planets of the solar system out of balloons and Jannik had decided that Neptune was definitely his favourite because it was blue and reminded him of home in the mountains, although he certainly wouldn't tell anyone else that.
The worst part of the move was that Jannik knew how hard it had been on his parents. His papa was born and raised in Serbia before the continuous circumstances in Eastern Europe had forced his move to Italy where he was thankfully able to get a job and actually developed into a renowned and respected business man. That was where Novak met Jannik's dad, Andy and where they had lived for the next 14 years and until Jannik was nine. It was Andy's job that necessitated their move to England. Thankfully it didn't impact Novak's livelihood and they decided that it was the best course of action. It hadn't taken much convincing to get Jannik on their side either since at that point, Jannik hadn't known the gravitas of what he was being asked and he only had one friend, Matteo, in the year above that his parents promised he would be able to keep in contact with.
It was still a tough decision however and Jannik sometimes had to remind himself that if he was difficult, he was only adding more stress into his parents' lives.
With that thought, Jannik let out a huff and practically deflated onto his desk.
It couldn't have been but ten minutes before Jannik heard a loud thump at the door and loud shouting outside. Jannik's head flew up but he couldn't see anyone. That was until a kid that seemed his age burst through the door half way through a belting rendition of 'When they Saints go marching in' that was cut short when his eyes alighted on Jannik. The new kid quieted down and headed straight for him before Jannik could turn around and pretend he never saw him and was sleeping or something of that ilk.
"Wow, you're pretty," the boy said with eyes as wide as saucers.
Jannik frowned, "I'm a boy."
"Oh sorry." The kid's stare softened but he didn't look embarrassed in the slightest instead sitting heavily in the seat next to Jannik. "Your accent's funny, where are you from?" He asked with a smile still permanently etched on his face.
The last thing Jannik wanted to do was tell this kid about himself, he didn't even do that for his classmates and he had known them for two weeks! Jannik glared at him instead hoping it would put the boy off but it seemed to have the opposite effect and the blond's smile grew wider. Jannik rolled his eyes and put as much disdain as he could into his next words. "I'm from Italy, it's much nicer than Britain." Jannik hoped that this would wound Jack's patriotism on some level and convince him to never speak to Jannik again.
However, Jack only seemed to become more excited when Jannik said that. "Italy?! I've been there! And you're right, it is much nicer than Britain. I had the best pizza there, have you ever been to Venice? Me and my family went on a boat there!" And he carried on in a seemingly endless rant about all the great intricacies of Italy so caught up in his own words that he didn't even notice Jannik's face go slack.
Jannik couldn't comprehend what was happening. This kid wasn't responding to Jannik's coldness and he was used to people responding so this was extremely confusing. He was so dumbfounded at that moment that all he could do was listen to what Jack had to say and he had a lot to say.
"...So anyways, I really like Italy but if you're Italian, we can go together some time! Maybe when we're older though, I don't think my mum would like me going to another country by myself." Jack actually giggled. Suddenly his head whipped round quickly to stare at Jannik.
"Wait! What's your name? I forgot to ask! I'm Jack, it's not short for anything like Jacob though, just Jack. You can call me by a nickname if you want but I haven't thought of any yet." With that Jack looked at him expectantly but Jannik could hardly remember what he was being asked.
"Umm, my name's Jannik." He whispered. Jack lit up.
"Jannik! I've never heard that name before but I like it! I'm going to call you Jan though because friends call each other by nicknames don't they. Hey, what's that!" Swiftly Jack moved on to the paper mache balloon that Jannik was still clutching. The Italian went slack jawed, had Jack really just called them friends? There's no way he could have meant it but there was no way that Jannik was going to correct him, he simply listened as Jack ranted about anything and everything.
"This is my first day at this school, I'm joining next week. Do you like it? My mum says that it's good but I'm not sure yet. You go here so it must be alright. I had to leave my last school because apparently I was 'too disruptive' even after 'multiple warnings?' I don't know, they said it would be better for me and I'm not too sad to see the last of it if I'm honest...."
Jack seemed like Jannik's complete opposite but Jannik couldn't help but genuinely like him already, something that he hadn't felt yet for any of his other classmates.
By the time that Novak came back to pick Jannik up, they must have whiled away a whole hour chatting back and forth (although Jack heavily dominated the conversation) and Jannik didn't even notice the door opening.
Novak was totally prepared for the small force that was Jannik to come rushing at him the second the door hinges even squeaked but for the first time, this wasn't the case. The Serb leant against the doorframe and smiled slightly at the sight in front of him in disbelief. He hadn't seen Jannik smile like that in weeks and when he eventually did call the boy's name, he was shocked to see actual hesitation in his face.
"Bye Jack," Jannik said softly, "I'll see you next week." And he scooted his chair back walking calmly to his father.
"BYE JANNIK AND BYE JANNIK'S DAD!!" Jack waved enthusiastically. Novak chuckled.
"Bye Jack see you on Monday!" He called back before taking Jannik's small hand in his own and leading him outside. It seemed the teacher's warnings about Jannik's difficulties making friends were all about to become obsolete. It almost made Novak choke up but he focused his attention on Jannik instead.
"Janni, chi era quello?" (Who was that?) Jannik actually blushed and ducked his head which made Novak chuckle.
"That was my friend, Jack."
From the moment the pair got home to the moment Andy put Jannik to bed, Novak was itching to update the Scotsman on what had happened but this unfortunately manifested in a disturbing knowing smirk that genuinely had Andy worried.
Andy said his final goodnights to Jannik and slipped out of his room, shutting the door as softly as he could, heart feeling full which was all ruined when he turned around and almost screamed in surprise at Novak who was standing less than half a meter away looking manic. Novak shot his hand out to stifle Andy's screams just in time and tugged him downstairs instead.
"Novak, are you okay? You've been acting weird all evening."
"Oh my little haggis, I have never been better." Andy never liked Novak's Scottish themed endearments but he'd let it slide this time. "You will not believe what happened today at Jannik's school. Guess!"
Andy looked at him blankly, "His teacher gave you her number again even though you're married."
"Yes but I'm not talking about that!" Andy grabbed the note out of Novak's jean pocket anyways and ripped it in half, tossing it in the trash.
"Umm... Jannik failed his vocabulary test?"
"Nope!"
"They're closing down forever and we need to learn how to homeschool?"
"No!"
"I don't know Novak, what happened?" Novak almost started impromptu giggling and had to school himself.
"Jannik made a friend!" Andy immediately smacked Novak's arm.
"Why would you make me guess, you know I'd never guess that!" He hissed, "That's incredible, tell me everything."
And that was how Jannik and Jack's friendship began and it showed no signs of slowing down over the next 8 years, sticking with each other through the highs and the lows. Through Matteo's first visit that definitely made Jack jealous despite how much he denied it. Through the first world cup that Jack wouldn't stop going on about even when all three of Jannik's countries didn't make it in. And even through silver DofE that could break the strongest of friendships (No matter what Jack said, Jannik would never in a million years do Gold.)
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"So???" Jack asked again from where he was starfished on Jannik bed. Jannik himself was sat at his desk, trying and failing for the last thirty minutes to complete his history homework (He deeply regretted taking it at A-level). Eventually Jannik gave up, rolling his chair backwards to his bed and propping his feet up on the mattress, far too close to Jack's face for comfort prompting the Brit to push him away in disgust. Jannik just laughed at him.
"I dunno Jack," He trailed off. His English had much improved over the last ten years but he still spoke with a soft Italian lilt. "What if I'm really busy over the summer?" Jack scoffed.
"Oh yeah, busy doing what? Last I checked, Matteo was on a volunteering trip to Zanzibar and whoops, you don't have any other friends apart from me." Jack deadpanned and Jannik slammed a throw cushion in his face in retaliation making Jack jump in indignation. "Hey! You know it's true!"
"Mamma mia, this does not mean that you must say such things!" Jannik groaned but he was smiling behind the hands that covered his face. Jack got up from where he had been stretched out on Jannik's bed like a cat in the sun and actually threw himself over Jannik still sitting in his desk chair.
"Oh please Jannik!" Jack implored holding the Italian's head to his chest like some sentimental grandma. "Please come with me, I would be ever so grateful! I'll even buy you Nando's every day for the next month if that's what you so desire!" Jannik doesn't even particularly like Nando's, it's Jack who loves it but Jannik was loath to interrupt such a hysterical rant. "And if your dad says no, tell him I promise to stop asking for rides for a whole year!" With that final proclamation, Jack fell back with one arm still around the back of Jannik's chair and his full weight still crushing Jannik's lap. "Jannnn, think of all the fine huzz that will be there. How are you not tempted?" Jannik blew a sharp breath of air out, disturbing the curls that had fallen across his face with all of Jack's jostling.
"Fine, I guess." Jannik said in the most resigned tone he could muster despite the smile that was threatening to break through. Jack actually jumped up, somehow pulled Jannik up from his chair and threw him into the air as if he weighed nothing. Now, Jannik knew that he was skinny despite being so tall but he was by no means light which was another reason why Jack was so infamous at their school.
The girls in school absolutely loved Jack. Well, Jannik reckoned that they loved the idea of Jack more because when they actually spent a day with him, they often quickly found out that he didn't have a nonchalant bone in his body. He also insisted on inviting Jannik everywhere with him, which Jannik tried to explain was killing Jack's game but the Brit genuinely didn't care. "I'm not letting you turn into a hermit just because some girl doesn't want me to hang out with you." Jannik never has it in him to argue back because he will always feel grateful for Jack's friendship.
"THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU" Jack yelled spinning Jannik around in a vicelike grip.
"Jack..." Jannik wheezed out, "Put me... down..." But Jack couldn't hear him, too caught up in his own ravings.
That was until a sharp knock echoed at Jannik's bedroom door and it creaked open revealing Andy on the other side, looking in with his usual deadpan expression.
"Is everything alri..." He pressed his mouth into a flat line looking unimpressed, "Ah Jack. I didn't realise you were here. It's nice to see you again." He said lying through his teeth. Andy liked Jack and he always will especially because of everything he had done for Jannik but that won't stop him from complaining about how Jack is over so much that he practically lives there and 'why do I need to give him a lift everywhere? He's 17, why doesn't he have a driver's licence!' Novak would simply rub his back in a supportive manner and tell him to 'man up' in the softest tone possible. That's why they worked so well together, because somehow that was what love sounded like to both of them.
Jack dropped Jannik to the floor and it was a long enough fall that Jannik almost lost his balance and went crashing into his desk chair. Instead of checking if he was alright, Jack beelined for Andy, wrapping him up in a tight hug now instead. "Muzzah, haven't seen you in ages."
"Jack..." Andy wheezed, "You saw me at school pickup yesterday."
"Yeah but a day feels longer when you're younger, old man," Jack retorted in the worst Scottish accent Jannik had ever heard. The first time that Jannik invited Jack home for a playdate and he met Andy, Jack became totally obsessed with Andy's Scottish accent, dedicating himself to mastering it in this lifetime. Unfortunately, he is still yet to perfect the craft.
Jannik's family is one of the things that Jack found most interesting about him over the years. The fact that Jannik had a Serbian dad and a Scottish dad but grew up in Italy with German as his first language, totally fascinated Jack who's parents were both English and grew up in England speaking only English (Although he's still trying to convince Jannik to give him Italian lessons, 'Come on Jan! There are so many fine Italian women out there, please!') It also meant that Jack was extremely jealous of Jannik when the cultural fair rolled around every year and he continues to insist that they definitely can share cultures even at the big age of 17.
Jack finally pulled back. "Oh and by the way Muzzah, Jannik's agreed to come to tennis camp with me over the summer!"
"Jack promised that he wouldn't ask for any ridmphmph." Jack had actually gotten Jannik in a headlock to prevent him from revealing Jack's promise.
"So what do you say gaffer? Can he come?" Andy narrowed his eyes suspiciously. After 8 years of seeing Jannik and Jack together, he knew all of their little tricks but he eventually caved and crossed his arms.
"Fine, but it better not cost a fortune."
"Yes!" Jack fistpumped. "You're the man! Could Jan, Emma and I get a ride down there as well?" He implored actually equipping puppy dog eyes on Jannik's dad.
"You can walk." With that Andy pivoted and left the room, closing the door firmly on his way.
Jack turned back around to Jannik and shrugged. "It was worth a try." He then went to Jannik's desk and started rifling through the mountain of history work the Italian had amassed there.
"Волим те!" (I love you!) Andy called from the stairs.
"Волим те више!" (I love you more!) Jannik called back.
"What did he say?" Jack asked, feigning nonchalance.
"He said that Jack is a melt." Jannik's accent somehow made the phrase even funnier and sent Jack into hysterics rather than indignation as it was intended.
When Jack had calmed down, Jannik circled back to their earlier conversation. "Is Emma actually coming as well?"
"Yeah, she told me that Coco's going and you know what she's like about Coco." Jannik scoffed.
"Oh yeah, I think we all know about Coco."