This started out as a simple post-ep fic, but it might turn into something else. One thing I noted after Intro to Poli Sci is that no one else is around when Jeff and Annie have their "moments," which got me to wondering what would happen if someone noticed. And who else should notice, but Britta.

Clearing the Air
post-Introduction to Political Science

Everyone arrived in the white jumpsuits they had worn in the shuttle simulator. They had dragged all of the supplies into the East Stairwell and were waiting, impatiently.

"Okay, it says we need to mix one part bleach with six parts water, then wait 15 minutes after cleaning before rinsing," Annie read from her printed directions on how to remove black mold.

"C'mon, Annie," Troy whined, "I don't want to be stuck here all day."

"Yeah, some of us have lives," Pierce said, causing everyone to look at him skeptically. "Besides, why do we have to work when Shirley doesn't?"

Britta sighed. "Pierce, we've explained this to you a million times. Shirley is pregnant and can't be exposed to either the mold or the bleach."

"Besides, she agreed to bring us lunch in the study room when we're done," Jeff added, "so let's quit complaining and just get started."

"Yep," Annie agreed, taking one last look at the paper before folding it up and putting it in her pocket. Then she turned to each of her friends. "We should probably start at the top of the stairwell and work our way down. Troy, go turn the faucet on outside and start filling the buckets. Pierce, bring the buckets in as they get filled and hand them to Abed. Britta and Jeff will wait at each landing then bring up the buckets. I'll add the bleach and then we can start cleaning. Don't forget to wear your gloves!"

They all stared at her in part amazement and part fear as she barked out the orders. Troy did a little salute to her when she finished. Her commands were dutifully followed and they all got to work.

Later, as they were scrubbing steps, Britta glanced up in Jeff's direction. "This is a really cool thing you and Annie organized."

"Well, I figured that South Park wasn't going to live up to its campaign promises, so we should give Annie's a shot," Jeff answered, his tone somewhere between indifference and humility.

From her vantage point on the steps above him, Annie smiled to herself.

"You know," Britta continued, "you never told us why you decided to run for president in the first place."

Before he could answer Annie looked down and said, "It's my fault. I bruised his ego and he wanted to punish me."

Jeff looked from her down to Britta, then back at the step in front of him. As he scrubbed he said, "No, actually, you hurt my feelings, and I wanted to hurt yours by beating you."

"What?" Annie asked, genuinely surprised.

Realizing Britta below and Annie above were both staring at him, Jeff became uncomfortable. "It's nothing," he backpedaled. "Resolved, remember?"

Annie slid down a few steps so she was closer to him, took off her gloves. "Jeff, I thought I made you mad, or at worst wounded your pride. Did I really hurt your feelings?"

Britta suddenly felt like a voyeur. Plus, she really didn't understand what they were talking about. "Hey, guys, I'm gonna get some more water," she said and moved down the stairs with her bucket.

They watched her disappear from view then Annie turned back to her friend. "Jeff?"

He exhaled as he dropped the sponge from his hand and wiped his brow with the back of his arm. "I shouldn't have said anything."

"But you did," she replied, patiently, "so you must have meant it."

Jeff leaned back against the wall and looked at her. "Yeah, I guess I did."

She waited while he gathered his thoughts. "You've taken some jabs at me before, but I've always known you weren't being malicious. But when you said the thing about me not being a lawyer…" he trailed off.

"Yeah?"

"Well, it was worse than you showing my Real World audition to the entire school."

Annie's face immediately melted into guilt. "I had no idea you would react that way."

"It's like we said, I care what you think about me," he answered, "and even though I guess I'm not technically a lawyer, you've never called me out on it before. It felt like you didn't respect me."

"Oh, god," Annie cried as she put her face in her hands, "I'm so, so sorry."

Jeff moved his leg towards her, using his knee to tap her leg. "I know. It's okay."

She looked back up at him. "Jeff, you have to know I respect you. And not because you were a lawyer."

He gave her a quizzical look.

"It's because you're great with people," she continued. "You have a way of getting anyone to do anything. And you're a natural leader. You're popular because you're you; it's something I always tried to be in high school, but never quite got there."

"I'm not sure that's respect worthy," Jeff said doubtfully.

Annie grasped his forearm. "Of course it is! You get things done. I mean, none of us would even be friends today if it hadn't been for you."

He smirked, "Yeah, if it hadn't been for me wanting to sleep with Britta."

She didn't need to be reminded of that fact. "I know, but don't you think what you ended up getting was better?"

Jeff wanted to reply that he got all of them as friends and slept with Britta, too. But looking into Annie's hopeful face; her beautiful, sweet, young face, he chose to say instead, "Yeah, this is better."

She smiled at him, her hand still on his arm. "So, resolved, again?"

He smiled back and tapped her leg once more. "Resolved, again," he agreed.

Britta, meanwhile, had come back from refilling her bucket but had stayed where they couldn't see her. She sat there, listening to their conversation, half hating herself for eavesdropping but unable to turn away. It was like this wasn't Jeff and Annie, but two different people she had never met, who had a history she didn't know.

She glanced up to see them still smiling at each other and felt awkward again. Clearing her throat loudly, she began walking back up the steps and said, "Wow, this bucket is heavy!"

Jeff and Annie immediately broke away when they heard Britta. They both turned to greet her as she came into focus.

"Hey, aren't you guys done with this part yet?" Britta asked, trying to sound casual.

"Oh, no," Annie replied, trying not to look flustered as she put her gloves back on. "Sorry, we took a break."

"Don't have to apologize to me," her friend offered, "this is your project, after all."

"It is," Jeff said, picking up his sponge, "so let's get back to it. After all, we can't keep Pierce from his busy, busy life." He glanced up at Annie and gave her a wink, which caused her to smile.

Britta couldn't see what Jeff had done, but she clearly caught the other woman's reaction. When they all stopped for the fresh air break Annie insisted they needed, Britta convinced Troy to trade places with her.