A Recollection of Ideas: A Series of One Shots

“Tony! You should really come over!” I laughed into the phone. On the other end, my best friend Tony Perry was chuckling as well.

“Phoenix, you know I have practice with the boys. We’re touring next week.” Tony sighed. My face fell and I was silent for a minute. I didn’t just want him over here for fun, I needed safety. If he wasn’t here, bad things might happen. I needed an excuse to…escape certain things, certain people.

“Pwease?” I pouted into my phone. Tony sighed, giving in. In the five years that I had known him, I knew that he would find an excuse to come over here. We had a blast at my place. He would want to watch any Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle episode or the new movie, and I would beg to watch anything else. If it was anything Michael Bay, he’d fall asleep and inevitably wake up during an explosion, get scared, and then jump into my lap.

“I’ll see if I can drop by in a couple of hours, okay?”

“Fine. But you can’t forget to bring over some drinks.” I agreed, stomach turning. In a couple hours, a lot of things could happen. Tony agreed before hanging up, to the sound of Jaime tackling him in the background.

“Love you too.” I grumbled and threw my phone in my pocket. I had a little bit of cleaning up to do.

I scurried around my little apartment, throwing things in corners and then running a vacuum over the carpets. I hummed a little and put some music on in the background. Of course, it was Pierce the Veil. I had to support my best friend’s band! Besides, their albums were great.

An hour later, my phone vibrated in my pocket. I was just lying on the couch, enjoying a classic John Green book when my device went off. I started to panic, tears coming to my eyes. Please, not be him. Please don’t let it be him…

No, no, when I checked the caller ID, it said Turtle. I sighed in relief. Picking up, I set down my book, An Abundance of Kathrines. There was yelling the minute I clicked to answer.

“HELLO TONY’S GIRLFRIEND.” Vic yelled from the background. Tony slapped him and Vic whined. I giggled a little and felt myself blush.

“I’m not his girlfriend.” I chuckled. Mike was laughing with Jaime as Tony scolded all of them.

“Hey, Phoenix. Practice got out early today.” Tony finally spoke up. I grinned from ear to ear. Great! I’d have my movie buddy earlier than first expected.

“Are you coming over soon?”

“Of course! Maybe we can watch Lord of the Rings today. Is it okay if I crash at your place? I was going to be at Mike’s but he had to cancel on me last minute.” Tony grumbled. Mike complained. I agreed, saying that he needed to get his butt over here in fifteen minute and to NOT forget the drinks this time! Tony clicked off and I relaxed. I had been looking forward to our movie nights on Friday. Sometimes, it can get pretty lonely in my apartment. Living solo wasn’t always living easy.

In sixteen minutes, there were three short knocks on my door. I should honestly give the boy a key card. He’s over here enough that he can just walk in and I wouldn’t care and he’s even good friends with the building manager.

“Hey, Tone.” I grinned and gave him a hug as he stepped inside. He was decked out in what I called his “nerd glasses” that were thickly rimmed, giant, and made him look adorable. The black jacket over his shoulder was warm and smelled just like him. The RebelFight snapback was perched on his head.

“Hey, you shaved your mexi-stach.” I noted, looking at his upper lip. He grinned and walked over to the kitchen, sliding out of his shoes on the way.

“Yeah, I decided to try something new.” Tone shrugged. I turned to search for popcorn from the tiny pantry when his hands wrapped around my shoulders. His chin was on top of my head and he faked a snore. He was just an inch short of being six feet and I grumbled. Tony took advantage of my shortness at every moment.

“How was practice?” I asked him. He grumbled again.

“Normal. Vic was drunk when he showed up, so that was actually tons of fun. He comes up with the best lyrics when he’s drunk. He also gets really…ahem, friendly….with Jaime too.” Tony chuckled. I grabbed the popcorn and twirled around in his arms. The man snatched the bag throwing in the microwave and starting it up. I unloaded the drinks from his plastic bag.

“No wonder the world ships Fuenciado so hardcore.” I smiled. He looked over his shoulder with a crooked grin.

“Even I ship that. So does Mike.” Turtle agreed. The boy jumped up on my marble counters and swung his legs. I leaned against the opposite counter. Popping open a Pepsi, I handed on to him. Friday night fun was commencing!

“So how’s Germy been?” Tony asked. I rolled my eyes but a knot twisted in my stomach.

“It’s Jeremy, not Germy.” I faked a light laugh. The knot grew tighter in my stomach. Jeremy was my boyfriend, the one I “loved” so much. Fake it ‘till you make it, right?

“He looks like a germ.”

“You’ve never seen him!”

“Yeah, but I’ve got instinct.” Tony didn’t look to happy about my boyfriend. I didn’t exactly, well, bring Jeremy over very often. He wasn’t a people person.

“Well he’s been doing-“ My phone buzzed to cut me off. Tony raised an eyebrow, taking a gulp of his sugared soda. I sighed and checked who it was.

Just the man I feared.

“Is it Germy?”

“Yep.” I answered simply. Tony made a motion for me to go on and answer it, throwing little kisses behind my back. I turned the corner and answered it, feeling bile pile up behind my throat. I should take this or I’ll be punished.

“Hello baby.” I whispered softly.

“Get down to my place, now.”

“I’m with a friend.” I argued. Well hello to you to, mister. Jeremy growled on the other end, a low threatening sound.

“Well they can wait. You need to get down here now. Or must I remind you of the consequences, slut?” He asked, taunting me with nasty words. I struggled not to cry now. Looking to the kitchen, I saw that Tony was peeking around the corner. I smiled to him before ducking away.

“For how long?” I finally responded. The man chuckled darkly.

“An hour.”

“Please, I have to get back soon.”

“I’ll see you in five minutes.” With that final warning, he clicked off. I looked down at the screen in misery before shoving it back in my pocket. I was really sad and I didn’t have a choice.

“Tony, I have to go for a little bit.” I asked. His face fell completely. I bit my cheek to keep from crying.

“But I thought we were going to watch a movie…” He trailed off. I just wanted to go and hug him and say that I wouldn’t leave, that I was just kidding. But no. If I didn’t leave now, I would suffer horrible, painful consequences.

“I’m sorry Tone. Jeremy just needed help with something. He’s just around the corner, on Third Street, the first house on the right.” I smiled sadly. Tony nodded and I felt horrible. Walking over, I threw my arms around him and gave my best friend a big hug. He squeezed me back.

“Okay, okay. If you need me, I’ll be here. Don’t expect there to be any goldfish left when you get back.” He laughed softly. I nodded and turned around before he could see the tears cascade down my face.

"I'll be back soon, I promise." I whispered as I left.

Within five minutes, I was out the door and knocking on Jeremy’s. He opened it up and yanked me inside. I kissed his cheek, trying to be affectionate.

“Come on. Let’s watch TV.” He suggested. I nodded stiffly and followed him into his dank living room. Trash was thrown about everywhere. Junk was in stacks in every corner. It was a hoarder’s house, no doubt.

Jeremy pulled me down as the TV turned on. I bit back from sobbing out loud as he pushed me onto his lap. American Horror Story started playing. To be honest, I heard it was a good show but I hate horror films or TV shows. I can barely get through Supernatural, although Sam and Dean were adorable.

Within minutes, he was tugging at my ombre red hair, pushing me onto the couches and straddling my hips. I tried to push him back.

“Knock it off, Jeremy. Let’s just watch the show.” I pleaded. I’d rather watch horror than go through this. He bent down low in my face, muttering some unintelligible words. He kept grinding against my hips until I was screaming to be saved.

“HELP ME!” I yelled and his hand collided with my face. I let out a strangled yelp. There was a knock at the door and Jeremy growled, pushing his lips down on mine. I choked and tried to bite my way free. He reared back and slapped me again. I screamed to be saved one last time, using the last of my energy.

A loud pop sounded as the front door burst open, the lock breaking. The oak panel swung back on its hinges, hitting the plaster wall and leaving a dent. I struggled under Jeremy’s grasp.

“Let her go!” Tony raged and shoved Jeremy off me. I covered my face in shame. Jeremy stumbled backwards, hitting his head on the coffee table and passing out. Tony picked me up gently.

“Come on, let’s get you home.” He whispered soothingly. Wrapping my arms around his neck, I buried my face into his shoulder, sobbing softly.

He set me in the back of my car. He must’ve walked here. It was barely a ten minute walk from my apartment to Jeremy’s house. I tossed him the keys with shaky hands as he sat me down in the passenger seat. Sniffling, I wiped the corners of my eyes with my sweatshirt sleeves. Tony pulled out of the driveway, speeding back to my place.

I got out, nearly collapsing in his arms as I stepped out. Tony let me regain my composure as I took out my key card and went to the door. We silently stood there as I tried to slide it in the reader. After three shaky tries with my hand trembling violently, I pounded my hand against the frame.

“I can’t do this!” I wailed. Tony wrapped his arms around me, snaking one hand to my side and gently prying my hand off the card, opening the door with it. He led me inside where I tossed my sweatshirt and my shoes in the corner. Tony threw the card on the table.

“Shh…you’re okay.” He whispered. I shook my head, not believing that all of this happened. I refused to move from my spot, still having my world spinning and my head dizzy from crying. Before I knew it, Tony had picked me up again and set me down on the couch, holding my body against him.

“Phoenix, why didn’t you tell me this was happening?” He whispered, stroking my hair gently and holding me. I felt safe in his arms.

“He s-said h-he w-would hurt m-me if I told a-anyone.” I stuttered, burying my face into his shirt. He sighed softly.

“I’m not going to let anyone else hurt you, Phoenix.” He whispered into my ear. I hiccupped sadly, leaning into his chest. His gentle eyes met mine, holding my attention. He reached up and wiped away a stray tear.

“I’ll tell you.” I mumbled. He nodded, stroking my cheek gently.

“I love you, Phoenix. I’m not going to see you hurt.” He murmured. My eyes widened. What did he say?

“You l-love m-me?” I gasped quietly. He nodded, kissing my forehead. His lips were warm against my cold skin.

“Yes, I do. And I came over here not just for movies, but to tell you that. The boys tease me about it every day that I was too much of a wimp to tell you. Well, now it’s out.” He chuckled. I pulled his face down to meet mine, our lips crashing together in a passionate kiss. We were both gasping for air when we let go. I felt his chest rumble in happiness.

“Well I love you to Turtle. But do you know what else I love?” I asked. He smiled down, eyes full of curiosity and ecstatic sparks.

“What is it?” He murmured. I curled under his chin.

“Lord of the Rings.”

“I say that we start watching it.” He laughed. I stretched for the remote and pulled up the disc. As the movie began, Tony pulled a blanket that hung over the back of the couch and pulled it over both of us. I rested my head on Tony’s chest as he looped both hands around me.

Best. Movie Night. Ever.

Notes

This one shot is for the wonderful Bands for Life! I hope you loved it!

Don't forget to keep requesting one shots! I need some more to do! :)