Annie froze at hearing the loud knock on her door, before a second later she heard Jeff yell out "Annie, it's Jeff. Open the door. There's a weird bearded guy out here who keeps staring at me and seductively rubbing his stomach."
She unlocked her many locks and quickly opened the door, pulling Jeff in before closing the door. "You don't want to get close to 'Handsy Joe'. Word of warning, always have gum with you. He likes to fondle people, but if you give him some gum he'll go away without touching you."
"I'm not sure how many more times I need to say this, but you shouldn't be living here Annie."
Annie folded her arms and readied herself for another argument on how she wasn't a kid when Jeff noticed the supplies on her bed. "What are you doing Annie? That doesn't look like schoolwork." She glanced at her bed, which was currently covered with paintball guns, paintball pellets, and Greendale Campus blueprints.
"If you must know Jeff, the end of the school year is coming up, and I'm getting prepared for paintball."
Jeff raised his eyebrows as he looked at her. "You really think The Dean is going to do paintball a third time? Didn't he say this year was going to be different?"
"Yea. But so far this year we've had a Halloween adventure and a Christmas adventure. Pierce tried to screw with us, although thankfully this time it only lasted a week instead of several months like last year. And Chang again spent all year trying to be involved with our study group. So based on provability, I'm getting prepared. Because according to Abed, it's inevitable that it will happen again this year. And I want to win this time."
Jeff looked at her for a moment before he dropped his usual 'cool guy' indifferent stance. "Ok, then let me help you."
"What?"
"Let me help you if there really is a paintball game. If you want to win you're going to need someone who can help you take out the other Greendale students. And that's just if it's a normal game. If it has multiple layers to it, like last year with City College, there's no way you can win it by yourself."
She shook her head as she looked back at him. "Jeff, the first game we played you sacrificed Pierce and did everything you could to win for yourself. And during the last game you were the first one of us that was eliminated. So I'm not sure if you're the best person I should team up with."
"May I remind you, Annie, that I actually made it to the end of a paintball game while you haven't won a game yet."
Her eyes widened and she almost stamped her foot before she managed to keep her cool. It was useless trying to prove she could make it on her own if she started acting like a kid. "Why should I believe you? How do I know you won't get me to the end and then shoot me in the back?"
As Jeff looked at her she could swear his eyes actually looked hurt at her remark. "Annie, when have I ever purposely hurt you?"
"You slept with Britta and then kissed me. You've accused me of being childish and immature. You've-."
"I said I haven't hurt you purposely and with pre conceived malice. I do admit that I've hurt you through impulsive and unintentional actions."
"What about the time you ran for student body president just so I wouldn't win. Or the time-."
Jeff groaned loudly. "OK, ok. Annie, I don't say this often so pay attention to what I'm about to say. But I swear that if you let me help you not only will I ensure you make it to the end but if we are the last two standing you will be the one who wins."
She looked at him, suspicion still showing in her eyes. "Why are you so determined to help me? You rarely do anything when there isn't something in it for yourself."
Jeff looked at her, trying to voice exactly why he was so adamant about helping you. "Because someone who deserves to win paintball should do it this time. And because I've already won, someone else should get the chance to claim whatever prize The Dean offers."
While Annie was still suspicious, she had to admit that the smart play was to accept Jeff's help. If he was telling the truth he could definitely help her make it to the end. And if he was planning to screw her over, wasn't it better to have him close by so she could know when he would strike. Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer.
"Ok Jeff. You have a deal."
Jeff held out his hand. "You've not going to want to make a blood pact or spit on each other's hands are you?"
"Ew Jeff, gross. Just a simple handshake will be fine."
Jeff shook her hand before nodding his head towards the maps on her bed. "So, what do you have planed so far…."
To be continued.