A/N: In this attempt to put my fanfic in the format of an episode of Community, the criticism I'd really like to hear is whether or not I've managed to tap into that amazing vibe the show has - and how well I do the characters/how I can do any of them better.
"So, how was everyone's summer?" Shirley said after a long silence, in that sweet voice she always used. The 'eh' collectively murmured didn't exactly answer her. She raised her eyebrows. "Well, don't everyone go off explaining at the same time."
Britta chose to elaborate. "Boring and inconsequential."
"I caught up on Glee." Troy nodded. "Still terrible."
Jeff piped up in assent, until he realized that he had broken his usual mask of uninterested-ness and hid it with a laid-back cough.
"Groundhog Day," Abed said, and Shirley looked worried for him.
"All summer, sweetie?"
"Once a day, everyday. It adds a whole new dimension to the film."
"Well, Abed, that can't be healthy."
"Probably not. When you guys close your eyes do you see Bill Murray?"
"No, just Brendan Fraser." All eyes were on Troy, but he just stared off into the distance, blinked and made a disgusted face. "Beetles."
There was another long moment of silence before Jeff spoke, thumb hovering over his phone as he pretended to search for buttons while texting. "I had a great summer."
"Deets?"
Pierce got one or two… or six weird looks for that one.
"What? I like to stay in the loop."
"I think I know the 'deets'," Britta said bitterly. "How many girls was it? Six, seven? Were they totally smokin' hot, Jeff? Were they vapid enough for your tastes? Because you know, like does sometimes attract like."
Jeff stood up and picked up his things. "Well, this has been fun and all, but if we're going into this territory, I think I'm going to pass. I didn't bring my chip that allows me to feel emotions, and I have important things to attend to."
"Things like leading on women and then bailing when things get emotional?" She yelled after him, but he was gone, and the door was closed before she finished. Britta didn't notice Annie's squirming.
"In some TV shows, this would be where the theme song plays, marking the last serious topic discussed as an important theme throughout the episode." Abed observed the group. "But there could possibly be a one-liner from a comic relief character that serves as a brief distraction."
Troy, still terrified, buried his face in his hands.
"You had to read the book of the dead, you stupid, hot bitch!"
