Because I'm the worst I started a new story even though I have two other ones in progress. But spring break is next week and I anticipate finishing at least one of them then! Anyways, sorry if you're reading and waiting for updates on those...I'm working on it, I promise! But I got this idea while watching Thursday's episode. This chapter is really short and the rest will definitely be longer! So, yeah let me know what you think!
Jeff makes an effort with his brother. It sounds out of character, but he feels bad. Their dad is a dick and clearly wants nothing to do with helping Willy, so Jeff makes an effort. And so does Britta, which as much as Jeff would really love to discount, he thinks it's actually helping. And Britta helped him, so he shouldn't be too harsh.
In fact, Britta makes progress. So much progress that Jeff can invite Willy to the groups' holiday party. So much progress that Willy no longer vomits when he's upset and he manages to get through conversations with Jeff without pointing out all the ways Jeff is perfect (he didn't mind that so much, but Britta insisted it had to stop). He's still emotional, obviously, Jeff's pretty sure nothing can change that. But his emotions aren't as…on the surface as they were at Thanksgiving.
So, anyway, Jeff brings him to the party because the group's been bugging to meet him since Thanksgiving and he's really sick of their begging. He figures the worst that could happen is being embarrassed by one half of the equation, but he's not even that worried about it.
He's excited (yes, Jeff Winger is excited) to bring together part of his real family and his chosen one. God, that sounds gross even in his head, but it's true.
So, he brings Willy to the holiday party. The kid needs to get out more anyway and Jeff can't punish him just because their shared father is a complete asshole.
"Hey Willy," Jeff says managing a small smile as Willy excitedly bounces into his Lexus.
"Hi!" His brother practically squeals, reminding him of a particularly enthusiastic brunette he knows. "I'm so excited to meet your friends! I've never really had friends." He informs Jeff with a slight sniffle and god, why couldn't have Britta come with him to pick Willy up? She knows Jeff's not good with emotions.
"Well, I'm sure they'll love you. You are half-related to me, after all." He smirks pulling out onto the road.
"And Britta will be there too?" Jeff eyes him warily, does he have a crush on Britta?
"Uh, yeah. And so will Troy, her boyfriend."
"Troy! Troy's so cool, man."
"You've met Troy?" Of course Britta was bringing Troy to her therapy sessions.
"Yeah, I've had lunch with them before. Britta said Troy and I were kind of alike, so she introduced us. Isn't it great?"
"Yeah," Jeff drawls sarcastically. Is his brother going to become the next member of the study group? He shakes his head. No. He doesn't even go to Greendale, he can't be part of the study group. He pulls into the parking lot of the Trobed-Annie apartment because it just made sense to have the group gatherings there. "Okay, ready?" Jeff questions glancing over at Willy, who nods excitedly. He still hasn't really explained to the group what happened at his father's, other than the guy's an asshole and he has a half-brother.
Jeff grabs the signature generic fruitcake he's bought the last four years and makes his way to the apartment with Willy trailing closely behind. Jeff knocks and expects Troy and Abed to answer with their typical greeting, some variation of the Troy and Abed in the morning song. Instead, it's Annie in a red dress (that he can't help but connect with that Santa outfit she wore for him last Christmas and NO! he can't think of that now), so Annie answers the door and she's clearly in a bit of a frenzy. Although when is Annie not? Her hair is slightly askew, she's straightening her dress, and she's clearly out of breath.
"Hi, guys! Happy holidays!" She says as casually as she can. She gives Jeff a small smile and then turns her attention toward Willy. "Hi, I'm Annie! You must be Willy, Jeff's brother!"
"I am!" Willy beams almost as much as Annie and Jeff really wants to roll his eyes, but he promised himself he'd be on his best behavior today. Willy and Annie shake hands and she ushers them into the apartment, where it looks like the holidays have thrown up. Jeff finally understands why Annie is so flustered because she's probably been working on this non-stop all day. Willy quickly runs off to where Troy and Britta are standing, greeting them excitedly.
"He seems nice." Annie comments glancing up at him and he nods.
"So, do you need help with anything?" He asks.
"Is Jeff Winger offering to help?" He smirks and shrugs.
"Well, you are kind of a mess." His smile widens at her indignant gasp. "You are, but it's okay because I'm here." She rolls her eyes.
"Oh yeah, I've been waiting for this moment all day." Jeff laughs.
"I know you have." He winks. "So, seriously what do you need help with?" She looks around the apartment and Jeff knows she's going through a mental checklist in her head.
"I think I'm good, actually. I just need to bring the rest of the food out."
"Okay, you might want to do something about your hair though." He informs her trying to control his smile, as panic sets in on her face.
"What's wrong with my hair?!" She asks looking up at him with those goddamn huge blue eyes.
"Nothing, it's just-" He shakes his head and reaches over to smooth down her hair trying not to think too much about it. "There, perfect." He says softly reluctantly pulling his hand away.
"Thanks," she replies in the same voice. The sound of the oven timer shakes them out of their stupor and Annie steps away to grab the food. He sighs, he really thought he and Annie were done with this stupid dance they did. Guess not. He moves over to the rest of the group and resolves to not share anymore moments with Annie today. It shouldn't be too hard. After all, this is a party full of his friends. He can spend some time with Abed or Shirley or Pierce even. He just really needs to stay away from Annie.
He keeps his promise. The party has been going for 3 hours and he hasn't been alone with Annie again. It's actually a lot easier than he thought. And Willy seems to be blending well with the group. Jeff has barely even noticed his presence. Actually…when was the last time Jeff actually saw Willy? He panics at the thought that his brother completely disappeared. Maybe Pierce convinced him to do something stupid and he did it. And oh shit, if he lost him he'll never forgive himself.
His eyes quickly scan the room and he thinks he actually feels his blood go cold when he finally spots Willy.
He's standing in the kitchen talking with Annie. But they're not just talking. Annie has her heart eyes on and Willy is smiling widely at her and how did he even know how to flirt? Then he sees Britta watching the interaction proudly and of course Britta had something to do with it. Sometimes she really is the worst.
"I think he'd be good for her." Abed says and Jeff jumps.
"Jesus, Abed. Where did you come from?" Abed ignores his question, still looking at Willy and Annie, who are laughing heartily.
"Annie is her 'loosey-goosey' self." He observes. "She's not worried about expressing her emotions because he's already more emotional than Annie could ever be." Abed says in his normal monotone.
"Why are you telling me this?" Jeff questions trying not to sound too harsh.
"You seemed interested in their interaction." Abed shrugs.
"Well, I'm not." Jeff almost growls and Abed nods.
"Annie hasn't dated anyone in awhile. We're due for a new love interest, plus we need a cliffhanger for the mid-season finale."
"For the last time, we are not in a television show." Jeff grumbles before stalking away toward the kitchen prepared to end the conversation between Willy and Annie.
"So, do you-uh-you think we could maybe get, um, get dinner some time?" Willy asks shyly just as Jeff rounds the corner.
"Sure," Annie replies practically beaming at him and Jeff stops where he is. He calls back what Abed says and tries to believe it. Jeff likes Willy, so he should be fine with this. All his problems with Rich and Vaughn were because he hated them and they were complete tools. But he knows Willy is harmless and he's a good guy. Jeff should be fine with it. So, why does he feel like he's just been punched in the stomach?