AN: Ok this is just a small get together story about TJ and Spinelli. I fell on an old Recess episode today on tv, and it made me want to write it. This is the first part, I hope you'll like. Second and last part coming up soon.
Disclaimer: I do not own "Recess" or any of it's characters.
Part 1. The Deal Breaker
Hey, it's TJ. Probably couldn't hear the phone ring. Leave a message.
'' Hey TJ it's me. Call me when you get this…I just wanted to talk... to thank you for last night. Anyway…yeah.''
- a message.
''Me again. What the hell are you doing? "
Hey it's TJ-
" Are you ignoring me Detweiler?"
Biiiiiip.
"Whatever. I'm coming over here."
I can't believe this guy. I'm trying to be nice, you know show some gratitude and everything, and he won't pick up his phone! How am I supposed to be more kind and girly and thankful etcetera if stupid TJ keeps ignoring me? Answer me this Grundler! Uncaring my as—foot! Who's uncaring now?
…
And maybe he was the one that blew up his night to bring me home BIG DEAL. I wasn't that drunk anyway, I can take care of myself. I don't need stupid TJ to carry me back. Again. (Which was not lady like I know). Well that's what friends are for! He's the one always talking about how our friendship should come before everything else, and how important it is yadda yadda yadda. So no need to be all grateful and go on and on about it! We've established we're "best friends and should always be there for one another no matter what." Or you know, something along those lines. I don't remember EVERYTHING he says by heart or anything.
…
So maybe I feel guilty, so what? (Notice how I said guilty not embarrassed. I don't need to be embarrassed with Teej he's like my brother). And yeah, so he's not picking up his phone. Doesn't mean he's pissed off. Although, I did promise him I would behave. But it's not MY fault that party was more soporific then three hours of literature. It was at ASHLEY's house! Full of snobby, "popular" people. Why is TJ dating her anyway? If he had better taste in women, we would not be in this situation.
…
Gretchen is wrong, I don't need to change my attitude toward TJ. I'm a great friend to him and he likes me just how I am. Plus, I'm not going to start wearing skirts like Ashley so that he'd date me (Gretchen never said that mind you). We're just friends, I don't see him like that. I don't care what Mickey thinks. Or Gretchen…
….
Or, you know, Vince. Hey at least Gus doesn't think I like TJ! Oh wait my phone is ringing! Speaking of the devil…
"Hey Gus" I say cheerfully.
"Morning Spin! I wanted to see how you were feeling today. Did you get home ok?"
"Yeah, still breathing man, don't worry 'bout me. TJ brought me home I think."
"Thought so." Gus chuckled. "So now you're worried that you might have let it slipped that you like him?"
"….DAMN YOOOOOOOOOU!"
I'm so hanging up on him! Aaaand done. Ok yeah Gus thinks I like TJ too so what? I hang with retards, I like social cases, what can I say I'm pretty great that way.
Here it is TJ's house. I think I'm gonna climb up his window not feeling like socializing with the family (I think Becky's home…). Ok, up I go!
This would be so much easier if I didn't have a hangover right now. Almost there…Almoooooost…
"Hey Tee-AAAARRRRRRggg!"
Oh dear God, my eyes! My poor poor eyes! Scarred for life! Ashley is here! Wait, scratch that. Ashley is here, IN HER UNDERWEAR. I so did not want to see her pink Hello Kitty thong like, EVER.
"Hey Spinelli." she replies.
And she doesn't even seem embarrassed. Where has the girl's dignity gone? Blondie actually seems pretty happy with herself right now. Need I say the S word?
"What are you doing here?" I ask, may I add, very politely.
Politely meaning without kicking her out of MY best friend's room.
"Waiting for TJ. He's taking a shower!" says Princess, while putting on a light dress over her head.
Oh my god they just had sex didn't they?
"Oh my God, you just had sex didn't you?"
Shit! Just said that out loud. I so don't wanna know.
Ashley smirks at me. Embarrassed yet? No? OK.
"Yeah…people who are dating do tend to do that sweetie."
NO WAY. She dared call me "sweetie". And she's still talking!
"Why are you putting on the shocked virgin act anyway? Don't tell me you and Lawson never did anything while you were together?"
And now she's talking about my ex! Is it Ok if I spit on her?
"Hey what's going on?"
No time , TJ's here. Note to self: Spit on Ashley Anderson later.
"Nothing darling…"
Darling? Seriously? She calls him darling? Dumbest thing I heard all day.
"…We're just talking about Spinelli and Lawson."
TJ frowns at me. I notice he's not wearing any shirt. Stop checking him out Spinelli, he's your friend! Look up! … But his hair is all wet and messy. Ok down. Urrrgh, still no shirt! Life is so hard on me…
"You're not getting back with him are you?"
Huh? Was he talking? And where did that come from? I don't think Ashley has a very positive effect on Teej (who can blame him). And why is he looking pissed off when he should only feel thrill by my mere presence?
"Well that's none of your business Detweiler!" I say evasively
Hahaha that'll shut him up.
"WHAT? You are aren't you?! What's wrong with you Spin? Lawson's a DOUCHE! I can't believe you would…"
Yeah so it's pretty much impossible to make him shut up. Should have known better.
"Relax!" Ashley cuts him off. "She's only messing with you because she's just realized that we've been doing it. And that it's amazing"
At least TJ maintains the ability to look embarrassed as his cheeks suddenly become all flushed. Is it weird that I find it adorable? I mean stupid. Cause he's a guy. Shouldn't he be all macho and proud?
"What? Ash…Spinelli doesn't…I mean that…" TJ flounders.
"So you didn't think it was amazing" Ashley questions all smoothly.
Oh she's good. There's no way I'm ever feeling more awkward.
"No! It was!" He smiles a little, "but…"
And MORE awkward it is. Thank god at that point the home phone rings and TJ leaves to get it. Hey, I should have tried calling him on that one. Silly me.
… No I wasn't looking for an excuse to go and see him now where do you get that idea? Give a girl a break.
" So what are you doing here anyway Spinelli?" Ashley asks me.
I roll my eyes at her.
" I needed to talk to your darling boyfriend." I reply.
" And you couldn't just call him because?"
"What's with the interrogation? Is someone watching Legally Blond again?"
" Well excuse me for wondering why you keep intruding when I'm with MY boyfriend!" she snaps, clearly unpleased.
I hit a cord there. Truth hurts, as they say.
" Intruding? What do you mean intruding? I'm just trying to spend some time with MY best friend which is hard since he's always hanging out with YOU Princess!"
"What?!" Ashley exclaims clearly in surprise. "You're always there! 'Sorry Ashley, I promised Spinelli I'd see that movie with her. Is it ok if Spinelli eat with us? Can't see you it's Friday and Spinelli and I always hand out together on Friday.' Spinelli this, Spinelli that…''
Big feeling of internal satisfaction creeping up inside of me when right now.
"It's not just me on Fridays!" I protest because I do feel a little bit bad. "It's Vince, Gus, Gretchen and Mickey as well!"
Although sometimes afterwards it's just TJ and me but since I owe him I won't rub it in his girlfriend's face. Wouldn't wanna get him in trouble with paranoid Ashley. See? I am nice.
"Whatever!" She says rather snottily. "I think you should go now!"
"Pfff this isn't your house you can't kick me out!"
"Fine. Stay here and watch us make-out. Keep telling yourself you're not dying to be me. Whatever!"
She's a real bitch! That's' what I get for being nice! You're all witnesses here that she is totally immature and I did nothing to receive such treatment!
"Conceited much?" I reply. "Why would I want to be a spoiled, superficial, brat like you?"
"Oh I don't know because I'M with TJ?"
I so don't care that she's dating TJ. Go away stupid pit in stupid stomach. You have absolutely no reason to be there. I'd punch myself but that'd be pretty stupid and I'd punch her but my sensei told me never to hit weaker then myself. I think I'll punch my sensei.
"What is wrong with you?" I try to keep my voice from trembling. "TJ is my best friend! He's like a brother! Why would I ever want to sleep with him? I don't fucking like or want him! I couldn't care less what you guys do together!" I spit out, hoping that should shut her up.
But when I finish my little speech, I notice Ashley's not looking at me anymore and that's when I brilliantly think of turning around to notice that Teej is back in the room. And probably heard everything I said. Well let's hope he's not gonna take this the wrong way.
"That was your mom Ashh." He says completely looking past me. "You need to go home to watch Britney for her."
"Ok!" she says looking smug.
She's so happy with herself right now. I bet she thinks TJ is gonna get mad at me or some dumb thing like that. I know he's won't! I'm not worried. I'm not.
"I'll call you later babe!" she says walking toward the door.
Before she has the chance to leave, TJ grabs her and kisses her angrily, pressing her body against his. Gross.
My throat hurts I think I'm coming up with a cold.
Thankfully, after what seems like hours later, Ashley leaves.
"Well things seem pretty hot between you two." I point out with disdain, once I'm sure she can't here us anymore.
I wanted to add that all the P.D.A was pretty disturbing and that he better never do that again in front of me or else, as I have no interest in his sex-life whatsoever but I didn't. I'm so mature.
He doesn't seem to appreciate the effort though. He just ignores me and grabs a black t-shit that's lying on his bed.
"Hum… so your girlfriend thinks I have like feelings for you or something! Like, that I'm jealous she's dating you and stuff. Isn't that the most ridiculous…"
"Yeah I heard what you said."
Okay. The atmosphere is colder then the North Pole.
- What's wrong Teej?
He's not talking. Baaaaad sign. I hate being ignored. Especially by TJ. I suspect he knows this and is doing it on purpose. But he does look pretty…hurt. Why is he hurt? I hate this.
"Come one talk to me Detweiler. Are you angry with me? Is it because of last night?"
Still no answer. He's such a girl. Avoiding the issue like that.
Yeah I know, I prefer talking about last night then about what he's just overheard. Avoiding too. But that would just be weird. Of course he knows there's nothing between us, that's not why he's hurt…or pissed off or whatever.
" Look…I'm sorry ok? I'm sorry I ruined your night…"
That makes him look up at me, like he wants to say something but I go on.
" I just don't really like Ashley's friends. You were with her, Gus, Mickey and Gretchen where wherever, so me and Vince thought we'd play a drinking game to pass the time."
TJ sighs.
" But yeah, I know you wanted to spend time with Ashley and I blew it. I'm sorry TJ, I really am! You know, you don't have to always take care of me, I'm fine on my own!" I argue.
"You fell asleep on her dad's pool table!" he interjects
I look down, biting my lips. Teej never resists the biting lip/looking down technique.
"Yeah well…" I mumble in a small voice.
Instantly, TJ pus a warm hand on my bare shoulder.
"Spin look, don't apologize ok?" he tells me softly.
And that's how it's done!
TJ takes me in his arms.
" Of course I'm there for you when you need me, come on, what are friends for?" he says.
Let's keep silent a little longer….
"I'm not mad! Don't worry, really!" He insists.
He's smiling now. I'm so good.
"Ok Teej! But I'll make it up to you though. Promise! Just name it and it's done!" I offer.
He smirks dangerously at me.
"Fine then. How about you be nicer to Ashley?"
Damn it. He's good too.
"Teej! World peace is more likely to happen." I explain in the nicest way possible.
He rolls his eyes.
" Come on Spin! She's no that bad when you get to know her."
Oh men. So clueless. So naïve. So easily manipulated
"No she is. You just don't see it because your blinded by her boobs!" I explain.
Haha the blushing is doing a comeback. He's SO cute.
I mean stupid.
"You are such a girl Detweiler!" I tease, poking my finger into his side.
"Compare to you maybe…!" He argues, clearly amused.
"What?!" I scoff. " Are you saying I'm not feminine like Ashley? Maybe I wear Hello Kitty underwear too you know!" I protest.
"Really?" TJ asks, raising an eyebrow.
He then slowly pretends to raise my shirt up with his finger. And for some weird reason I don't do anything to stop him.
"Let me take a look…" he jokes.
I snap out of it and hit his hand laughingly.
"Pervert!"
Like he's ever seeing me nakde.
"Whatever. I already checked everything out when you were passed out last night!" he shrugs walking away casually.
- WHAT? You're kidding right? TJ? Come back here! You are SO dead…
TJS
"So me and Mickey helped Vince get home last night Gus had to walk back Theresa. Aren't they just adorable together?"
I was sitting in a little café with Gretchen. We had decided to get coffee together to catch up on our mutual evenings.
"Sure, sure." I answer. "Did you know that TJ and Anderson were doing it like rabbits?"
Gretchen spits out her coffee.
"Well… no!" She says cautiously. "But it doesn't really surprise me…" she adds blushing. Sweet, delicate, Gretchen. She's so proper. I love how we're so different yet such good friends.
"How can you say that?" I insist. "Ashley's awful! You know what? We have to break them up!" I declare firmly.
Gretchen glares at me.
"Spin we've already broken him up with his two previous girlfriends."
"Three times the charm!"
"Face it. You might never been friends with Ashley Anderson but the sudden hate has nothing to do with her personality. You always find something wrong with TJ's girlfriends, no matter how they're really like but because they're dating him!"
Well I think that's not really nice.
" What does that even mean? I don't blame girls for liking TJ. He's great! Sure he talks too much. And he has a pretty annoying sense of humor that takes getting used to…"
Yeah still not over his joke about checking me out while I'm unconscious.
"But you know he's nice. And you have to admit, from a completely objective point of view, he's pretty ok-looking. I mean he has nice eyes, what you could call a 'cute smile'…and the few freckles on his nose are rather…"
"OH GOD Spin what is wrong with you?" Gretchen cuts me off. "I meant you hate the girlfriends because you're so completely in love with him!"
Say what now?
"And you just made it ten times more obvious! Seriously I didn't even notice he still had freckles!" She adds rolling her eyes.
"Gretchen I do not have a thing for TJ…"
"That's right you don't! You have a whole building for him…"
"We're just friends…"
Gretchen puts her head in her hands. She's looking very frustrated.
"There is so much sexual tension between you guys it's palpable!"
"It's what?"
I hate it when she uses big words. But she ignores me and continues.
" It's amazing nothing has happened yet. You have to make a move Spinelli. He's such a girl, he'll never dare!"
"I know right?" I joke.
Gretchen gives me a "you're not avoiding this by joking around Ashley Spinelli kind of look". And just in case I don't get what it means, she adds:
"You're not avoiding this by joking around Ashley Spinelli!
Hu oh! When she uses my first name, she means business!
"Gretchen, I don't have feelings for him ok? I protest weakly. "And even if I did, which I don't, he obviously doesn't feel the same way! He has a girlfriend!"
What do you mean I kind of gave myself away right there? I'm not giving anything away mind you.
Gretchen rolls her eyes.
"Yeah, because A: You're always going on and on about how he's your best friends. B: You've been on and off with Lawson for ages, to make him jealous true, but he doesn't know that…"
I try to protest but that forceful girl doesn't let me.
" C: He probably doesn't have a clue he has a shot even, though it's clear to everybody else he does because well, it's TJ. Plus he's been in love with you for such a long time he's probably just trying to get over you. And he can't. Poor guy!" She concludes.
I think I'm feeling some pretty intense fluttering in my stomach. What is wrong with me?
" D: You have this unconscious, silly, dreamy smile all over your face right now, that's telling me you're pretty happy about what I just told you!" Gretchen adds smugly.
I try to cover my mouth with my hands.
"What? No I'm not!"
But I have to ask.
" What do you mean he's been in love with me for a long time…I mean…really?"
She grins at me.
"You know if he's a girl, you're a total guy. Anybody would have notice the look on his face every time he saw you with Lawson…"
" He seemed pretty ok with it…" I say scratching my head in confusion.
She groans. Gretchen Grundler groaned. Haha.
"He was devastated! Plus he keeps staring at you when he thinks nobody notices!"
"Really?!" I exclaim.
Oops. How did that come out so enthusiastic? Keep it cool Spinelli.
"Whatever Gretchen, it doesn't mean anything!"
There. Better. But Grundler's not giving up.
"Ok, so what about that party when Lawson cheated on you and TJ was so furious he pushed him into the pool?"
I try not to smile at the memory.
" I could have done it myself." I say.
"And you," Gretchen goes on, "didn't even care about Lawson. You were too focused on making TJ and that girl Laura break up. Do you see a pattern here?"
She crosses her arms and waits for my response, daring me to disagree with her.
AN: End of first part. I hope you liked it. The second part should be on in a few days. And try to review, it highly appreciated.