Disclaimer: I have not acquired the rights to Community since Sunday…despite my best efforts.

Epilogue

The study room that afternoon seemed lighter than normal, although that could have been the new carpet. Pierce was leaning on his sexist jokes more than the racist or homophobic ones, something that everyone appreciated...or at the very least tolerated. Britta and Troy were making googly eyes, but the goodwill in the air had even led Britta to lean on Abed's shoulder from time to time. He couldn't bring himself to mind, as he was still too in awe over the events of the day to care. Shirley had brought brownies, and for once, everyone was too happy to fight her on her motivations behind bringing them. Instead they dug in, even asking for seconds, while laughing and re-enacting the debate's more memorable moments. Troy and Abed were in rare form, and Abed delighted the group by roleplaying each different character with impressive accuracy. Annie and Jeff continued sneaking glances and smiles while enjoying the companionship of the group and, of course, the delicious brownies.

Their time together was fun but finite, and everyone disappointedly agreed when Britta pointed out the time and suggested they all go home. As they slowly made their way to their cars, ready to leave the drama of the day behind, Shirley turned to Annie and asked her a question that had been on her mind all day.

"Annie," she began sweetly, "do you really think that all your problems with your mom and school were because drugs are illegal?" Annie laughed but the rest of the group looked curious for an answer as well.

"Of course not, I'm a grown woman. I know how to take responsibility for my own actions. And I know my mom's a bitch. That's not a bridge I'm looking to rebuild anytime soon. Debate's not about believing what you're arguing. It's about making other people believe it. I was just twisting everything around to win." Jeff watched as she laughed again, her mouth wide and her eyes alight with mischief. The setting sun cast a warm glow across her skin and it seemed each strand of hair shimmered independent of the others. It took him a moment to realize he had stopped walking and was staring at her.

"Jeff," she asked as she turned to him. "Are you okay?" He took a moment before he closed the distance between them in two long strides, pulled her body to his, and kissed her for all he was worth. It had been years since he had felt her like this. The small of her back and the softness of her hair and the absolute joy of her lips on his. In turn she seemed to shiver under his hands while grasping at his back almost desperately. She wanted this. She wanted this as much as he did, and after years of will-they or won't-they, after all his objections fell by the wayside, after almost losing her forever, he was ready to give it to her. He pulled away slowly, reluctantly, and brushed a stray hair out of her face. He could see the affection, hope and lust in her eyes, and when he willed with all his might that she might see the same in his, the corners of her mouth turned up in a smile.

A/N: A much shorter chapter, and the last! So many people mentioned waiting for the Jeff/Annie kiss that I almost felt bad that they thought they might not get it. Thank you so much to tvlover84, Hypnotoad76, Gloxinia, robert3A-SN, and anonymous guest reviewer for your reviews on the last chapter!

I decided to wait until I finished this story before posting it, because I get so frustrated by unfinished stories, especially when I get hooked! This story's reception has really made me more confident about my writing and publishing new stories going forward. I currently have 22 unfinished or unrefined Community stories languishing on my desktop, so I hope to have more to post soon, but who knows? Also, if anyone has some interesting prompts specific to the Community fandom (I already check out Milady/Milord on livejournal but any other lists/links are welcome), please let me know! No promises, but I love new ideas.

Everyone get excited for the finale tonight! I can't actually get NBC (no cable and poor antenna reception), but if you can watch it live, please do. I know I'll be participating in the hash mobs on Twitter and logging on to Hulu first thing Friday morning. I will go down with this ship!

Lastly, much love (once again) to Crittab and robert3A-SN! Thanks for helping me publish my first fan fic in years!