"Oh we're so disarming, darling, everything we did believe

Is diving, diving, diving, diving off the balcony

Tired and wired, we ruin too easy"

January

Their place had been broken into on the night of January 23, the same day she found out that Pierce died. The same day that Troy left. Abed went to Rachel's house to seek for comfort. "Understandable", Annie thought to herself.

She could not stand the silence in Casa TroAnnieBed, or rather Casa AnnieBed. It was strange not hearing the usual Troy and Abed banter while she studied for her Criminology class. The silence stirred much sadness in her.

This was how she found herself having a drink at The Ballroom at 8 in the evening.

She was on her third glass of scotch, expecting to get drunk anytime soon but all she could feel was emptiness and a sense of longing to have things back the way they were. "It's only been a day", Annie thought. "Things will get better." She downed the remaining contents of her scotch and savored the burning sensation she so loved.

"Easy there, Milady.", a familiar voice from behind her said. "I also did not expect you to be that much of a scotch drinker. May I?" Annie nodded as Jeff took the stool beside her. "I save the scotch for special occasions." Annie turned towards Jeff, giving him a good look at her eyes. They looked smaller than usual, possibly from crying. It had not been an easy day for all of them so seeing her like this was not surprising. Jeff reached out for hand and gave it a squeeze. Annie looked at her empty glass with the hopes of Jeff not seeing that her tears started falling. She hoped wrong. Jeff started to move his thumb over her hand. "Chuck, one more glass for woman right here please. This one is on me." Annie glanced at Jeff. And gave him the saddest smile he ever saw.

"I insist Annie", Jeff whispered into her ear. It was only 10 in the evening and they were both drunk and also very close. Annie snuggled closer to Jeff. "Let me drive you home."

"You don't have to Jeff. I can take care of myself. Pierce knew that. He believed in that." She paused and sighed. "Why can't you believe in that too?"

He held her closer. "I do Annie. More than you'll ever know but I'm not going to allow you to go home alone in this drunken state. Yes, you can take care of yourself. Yes, you're all grown up. You are also a very smart lady but the thing is, there are a lot of people out there who are not. So make the smart decision of accepting my offer to bring you back home tonight."

Annie sat straight up and looked at Jeff. She saw the look, that look he would always give her, that look that showed her how important she was to him. "Okay."

"I can take it from here Jeff. I think I'm pretty much safe."

They were at the entrance of Annie's building. It was 2 in the morning. It was also very cold. "I better go inside. I don't want to keep you out here in the cold.", she said. Jeff walked closer to Annie and held her in a very tight embrace. They stayed in each other's arms in silence, both not wanting to let go anytime soon.

"I promised Pierce to keep his favorite safe from harm." He paused.

"I don't want to be an obligation." Annie replied.

"You're not, Annie." Jeff let go of Annie's small frame and then brought his hands up to her face. "Besides, you're also my favorite. Now smile for me because if you don't, I won't leave."

She smiled. "Thank you." He brought her forehead to his lips. "Goodnight, Milady."

Annie stepped back.

"Goodnight, Milord."

Jeff's phone rang the moment he stepped into his car. "Really? A booty call at this hour?", Jeff thought as he fumbled around for his phone. It wasn't a booty call. It was Annie.

"What is it Annie? Did you forget anything in my car?"

There was no response.

"Annie?"

Then he heard a sniff.

"Annie? Are you okay?"

Then he heard crying.

"Annie, I'm going up whether you like it or not."

Jeff rushed up and saw her apartment door left ajar. Jeff slowly pushed the door open and found Annie on the floor crying surrounded by broken furniture, plates and lamps among others. "ANNIE!" He ran to her and held her close. "I'm calling the police. Once they get here and get things investigated, you're going home with me. I'll break the news to Abed and also tell him to stay at Rachel's." Annie didn't reply. "Annie, look at me." Jeff turned her face towards his. She was staring into space but her tears kept falling.