Falling for Ya

by R4TN

Summary:

After Jeff graduates in season 4, Jeff and Annie begin doing movie nights. After watching Teen Beach Movie 1 & Teen Beach Movie 2, their relationship takes the next step.

Notes:

This is my very first ever fanfic ever written, so please be nice and give me notes on where to improve. One thing I might need help with is what to put for tags. I was planning on making this a series, which each work being another movie night and this being a slow burn but it took me forever to finish this one work that I had to wrap it up.

Chapter 1: "Rescue Me"

Summary:

And if I fall, hoping it's in your arms
I know, know, know you'll rescue me

'Cause when I'm with you, darling, it's such a breeze
That I know, know you'll rescue me

Notes:

This chapter takes place directly after the final scene in the season four finale.

Jeff looks down at his new diploma, and although it is a piece of paper, he will cherish it in his heart forever.

"Perfect."

"So, what's next for Jeffrey Winger?"

"I'm thinking I might look into some small local firms. I'm going to use my big mouth to help the little guy."

"Awww," both Annie and Shirley say while Troy and Pierce are chuckling across the table from the graduate. Surprisingly no one bats an eye to the unlikely duo laughing it up to the slight innuendo in Jeff's words.

"Plus, if I stay in town, I can pop by any time I want. You know, just to settle any group arguments about who misses me the most."

Jeff turns his eyes to his favorite person in the whole world. The girl he basically admitted his love to a few moments before. He hid it, of course; today was already going really well for him, and he didn't want to risk it all, not on this special day.

"What do you think?"

There, they have one last moment of googly eyes at the study table. She looks at him smiling with those gorgeous blue eyes, and he's looking back with that Jeff Winger grin, but not the cocky grin everyone else sees. This grin he has only for Annie. Everyone else notices the two having a moment, but they have seen it many times before, and they all know it is best to just leave them in their own little world.

Feeling like the season should end on a final note with the entire cast, not some romantic cliffhanger that could easily end due to a broadcast network not renewing another season or an old producer coming back and not including it because he doesn't like to do romance shows, Abed raises his glass to move the group along. "To Jeff." Everyone follows suit.

"And to Pierce," Annie says, making sure he doesn't feel left out of the group. Jeff is the first to follow her actions, with the remainder of the group congratulating Pierce quickly after.

"Well, Pierce, now that you are finally done with school, what do you plan on doing now?" Shirley questions in a motherly tone, trying to hide the fear she actually has for the old man.

"Oh, don't you worry, Shirley, I'll stay in the area helping out Shirley's Sandwiches. But overall, I think it is my time I retire, focusing my time on becoming a level 6 laser lotus and spending some quality brother time with Gilbert."

"Awwww," Shirley and Annie say in unison.

"Well, Pierce, if you are going to be more hands-on with the restaurant, I will notify campus security that you can come on campus any time. I already let them know about Jeff." Craig says, putting a hand on Jeff's shoulder. "Well, actually, once I rehire security. Then I'll let them know."

~~~

After a few reminiscent conversations and tears, mostly from Dean Pelton, the group came in for one group hug. They soon started leaving out as a collective except for Jeff.

Staying behind the study group, Jeff sat down in his usual chair, taking a breather from an exhausting day and looking at the place where he found his family.

Suddenly, Jeff hears the doors of the study room swing open. She looks absolutely stunning walking toward him. Jeff noticed earlier the beautiful pinkish dress tight against her body and her low-hanging gold locket above his favorite part of her body.

"I was wondering where you were," Annie remarks while getting close behind Jeff wrapping her hands around his neck. Feeling the physical heat from her body up against the back of him was making him a bit light-headed, but Jeff was able to keep himself under control.

"Yeah, I just wanted to get one last look."

"How do you feel?"

He holds her hands against his chest, leaning his head back into her body so he can see her pretty eyes. "Excited and nervous. I'm going to miss this place." He whispers.

"This isn't goodbye, though, right? I know we won't see each other every day, but I still want to see you more than just birthdays and holidays. I'll miss you." She sniffles.

He springs out of his chair, turning to face her, holding her shoulders so she stays close to him and understands everything he is about to say. She was a bit frightened at first, but looking into his eyes and feeling his hands on her, she somewhat settled. "Trust me, Annie, I could never go that long without seeing you. I plan on hanging out with the group often, especially you." He assures her before enveloping her in a tight hug.

All her fears washed away after hearing his words, smelling his woody cologne, and feeling his strong muscles around her body. She could stay like this forever, feeling the weight of his head resting on top of hers and his hands across her back. The hug lasted longer than many, both of them not wanting to release the other. Slowly letting go of him, she backs away ever so slightly, resting her hand on his chest. "Can we do movie nights?" She mumbles out, hopeful for a positive answer yet still scared of rejection.

"My place Friday, you bring the movie." He states, giving her that smile that gives her butterflies.

Chapter 2: “Oxygen”

Summary:

And I feel when we're together
It could be forever and ever and ever
I wanna be the ocean to your shore
Bring you comfort evermore
I wanna be the only thing you need
Be the oxygen you breathe

Notes:

I had so much trouble trying to describe every movement of the characters to match up with what I was envisioning in this chapter; hopefully, I did a good job.

Annie had been so excited about Thursday for the past few days, but her mood completely changed on the morning of the supposed special day.

"Annie?" Abed questioned, waiting at the table for Annie to remove his pancakes from the frying pan and put it on his plate.

"Oh, sorry, Abed. Wait, Troy, can you say that again?" Annie stuttered out, snapping out of her daze.

"Jeff texted me yesterday saying he wants to take Abed and me out to eat at Senor Kevin's; he's trying to make plans with every study group member so he can see them on a regular basis."

Annie felt so stupid. She knew Jeff wanted to stay in contact with the study group after she graduated, but for the past few days, she felt like movie nights with Jeff were like date nights. Not some scheduled hang-out so Jeff can see her every now and then.

"Annie, are you okay?" Troy questioned while being too focused on the delicious, sugary breakfast treats in front of him to see that she wasn't, in fact, okay.

"Yeah, sorry, I just remembered that I needed to do something," Annie remarked, putting the pan into the sink before walking into her room to scream into her stuffies.

~~~

He was freaking out, pacing across his living room, adjusting everything from the pillows Annie left during their early Christmas party to the random knick-knacks around his coffee table. Then he heard the dreaded knock coming from his door. "Give me one second," Jeff screamed in order to buy himself a little more time to check his hair out. "Perfect." He whispered to himself before finally turning and opening the door.

God, she looked absolutely beautiful. She wasn't wearing anything special, just an old white t-shirt and black track shorts that left little to the imagination. "Hey," Jeff said before gesturing for her to come inside. Annie smiled back at him, but something just felt wrong.

The smile Jeff got back wasn't bad, but it wasn't the one Annie typically gives him. He hates seeing Annie like this, so now he's in a cheer-up Annie mood. "Are you okay?" He says worryingly.

"Yeah, sorry, I am just tired." She says, plopping right down on his couch.

"Okay, just checking. Are you fine if I order pizza for the both of us?"

"Wow, Jeff Winger eating carbs? Already starting to slack off?" She teases.

"Okay, first off, I would never slack off on this." Gesturing towards his body. "Secondly, I am only eating carbs for you." Jeff then left to go to the kitchen and call the pizza restaurant and grab a drink for them, leaving Annie there to try to contain her emotions to his parting words.

Annie took her moment alone to look around the living room. The only time she was ever at Jeff's apartment was the group Christmas party, but she was too focused on the event to look at anything. There weren't many photos, not even any of the study group, there was only one of Jeff and his mom, and it seemed like a decade old. Jeff looked so young for his age, clean-shaven, dark navy blue suit, and that Winger grin.

She can't say she wasn't disappointed in the lack of pictures of Jeff and the group; they were a family, after all. She was very pleased that he kept the pillows from the Christmas party; they added a much-needed pop of color to this awful corporate housing apartment.

Jeff returned with a glass of red wine and scotch. "Milady," he said, hoping to get Annie smiling. "Thank you, milord," Annie responded, trying to hide the blush from her face. Jeff did notice in the end, and he was so relieved to see Annie back to normal. He hates it when Annie is in a bad mood; he just can't help it.

"Okay, so I asked Abed about a good movie for us tonight, and he gave me these two movies." She said, holding up two DVDs.

"Teen Beach Movie 1 and 2? Annie, these are Disney channel movies; what are you trying to make me watch?" Jeff questioned, nabbing the two DVDs from her hands.

"I already told you Abed suggested these movies, and I don't know anything about these movies. I grew out of Disney Channel by the time these musicals came out."
"Annie, no, please, not a musical!" Jeff whined.

"Jeff, I don't even know the lyrics to sing the songs yet, so you don't have to put up with me singing." She exclaimed, fake pouting.

"Okay, we'll watch the first one, and then I can decide on whether we watch the second one or not." He suggested.

Annie nodded and eased back to normal. Jeff sat down in the middle of the couch, waiting for Annie to put the disc in the DVR. He was hoping that maybe she would sit next to him, so he could maybe use his Winger charm for good, but seeing Annie sitting in the corner of the couch hurt him a little bit. She was so focused on Maya Mitchell's singing that she didn't notice the disappointment on his face.

~~~

Ooh, it's almost time. Let's go, let's go.

Hey, Big Momma, you sure know how to fry up a fish burger.

If you can catch it, Big Momma can cook it! Ooh, shake a tail feather.
Ha ha ha!
Oh, boy, I gotta cook.

 

"Hey, why'd you pause it?" Jeff asked, trying not to sound annoyed even though he felt like a musical number was about to happen.

"I was just cold and asking if you could get a blanket for both of us." She said, pouting her eyes at him. God, he can't say no to those Disney eyes. He shakes his head mockingly while putting his half-eaten pizza slice down on the coffee table to go grab a blanket from his closet.

"Here, I found one." He says, tossing the blanket to her.

"A Spider-Man blanket? Really?" She teases.

"It was the only one I had," Jeff said defensively. "I got it for Christmas when I was eight." He mumbled.

"Awwww," Annie replied, scooching herself closer to Jeff and putting the blanket on top of both their bodies. "You are cold too, right?" Annie tentatively asked.

"Yeah, thanks." He responded nervously, taking the remote out of her hand to continue the movie.

Feels like I tumbled from another world.
Into your arms and so secure.
Maybe I'll stumble, but I know for sure.
Head over heels, I'm gonna be your girl.

She nervously laid her head onto his shoulder, hoping he would reciprocate. Thankfully, he did, wrapping his arm around Annie so she could snuggle up against him. Annie turned her head to see him; he was staring so intently at the movie, humming the lyrics of the song. She knew he would soften up to the movie eventually. Who knew that Jeff Winger liked musicals?

Seeing him like this, cuddled up next to him, Annie wouldn't want to be anywhere else.

~~~

When it's meant to be.
You go kind of crazy.
Meant to be, you forget your name.
When it's meant to be, it's destiny calling.
And nothing ever will be the same.
La da-da, la da-da.
La da-da da da da.

God, this just felt so right for him. Smelling her hair, feeling her so close to him, god, he is so crazy for her. He wasn't even focused on Tanner and Leila finally falling in love with each other; he was just too focused on Annie right now. Oh my god! Can she feel how fast my heart is going? He thought to himself. He's never done this with a girl before. Normally with a girl, he would've made a move before the movie even started playing, but with her, it's different. She's different.

Jeff turned his head over to look at her; she looked back at him, eyebrows furrowed like she was waiting for a question. Jeff doesn't say anything; he only leans down and kisses her on the top of her head while pulling her closer to him.

She had no clue what was going on. Her mind was racing all over the place. He kissed her, not the kiss she was expecting but a kiss that meant more than a kiss on the lips. This felt different than their other kisses.

~~~

It's a summer paradise, cruisin' with the boys and girls
Surfin' day and night, everybody shoot the curl
Hang - five, keep it alive
And then ya, drop down low, all toes on the nose
Hang - ten, hotdog it again
LETS GO! Aaaaaah SURFS UP

No, she didn't want the movie to end. If the movie ends, then this moment with them ends, and she really hopes this isn't a one-time thing.

The credits started to roll, and she almost jumped out of her seat when she turned to look at him to see him staring so intently at her. He chuckled at her. "That wasn't that bad," he admitted.

"Don't act like you didn't enjoy it. I saw you humming to some of the lyrics." She says, nestling back into him.

"If you tell anyone this, movie nights are over."

"Oh, so there will be more movie nights." She queried.

"I mean, so far, so good, right?"

Annie smiled in response, getting up to go put the second movie in. Jeff took this moment to clear up the empty pizza boxes and pour more alcohol for both of them. If he had to go through another movie, he needed a bit more confidence.

Before returning back to the couch, Jeff looked at her from the kitchen, seeing her so casual and in his home; it felt so right.

Chapter 3: "Meant to Be"

Summary:

When it's meant to be, you go kinda crazy
Meant to be, you forget your own name
When it's meant to be, that's destiny callin'
And nothing ever will be the same, oh yeah

Notes:

This is where I had over a month-long break to get back to this work because of things in my life and struggling with where I wanted this work to go. From now on to the end, the chapters are smaller and might feel a bit rushed, I'm sorry, but I wanted to finish this work now because if I did not, I would probably never come back and finish this.

Bubble, bubble, bubble-a, popple, popple, popple-a, sparkle, sparkle rattly-doo
Fizzle, fizzle, fizzle-la, whizzle, whizzle, whizzle-la, boom-a, boom-a
That's how we do
boom-a, boom-a That's how we do
That's how we do
That's how we do

As the screen faded to black, Jeff could hear sniffling from his right. "Annie, are you okay?" Jeff asked, trying his hardest to contain his laughter.

"Yeah, I just wish Abed gave us a movie with a happy ending." She whimpered while wiping a few tears on Jeff's shirt sleeve.

"Do you think if something like that happened to us, we would still meet each other?" Annie whispered, hiding her face in his chest.

"Okay, now I know we definitely had too much to drink, but if we did somehow forget each other due to a movie we watched no longer existing," he paused to lift her chin so he could stare directly into her deep blue eyes, "I know for a fact we would still meet you."

"How do you know?"

"Cause it's you and my life with you in it was meant to be." Looking into each other's eyes, they both knew what was next. Slowly they both leaned in, meeting each other in the middle, both trying to convey how strong they felt for each other through one kiss. He slowly lifts her up onto his lap, so she is straddling him, and they finally take a break from each other. She can feel his smile on her lips, and she knows that he is right; no matter what, they will always be with each other.

Chapter 4: "Right Where I Want to Be"

Summary:

This is right where I wanna be
I can't think of anywhere better
Right where I wanna be
I wanna stay here forever and ever

Notes:

This is a very short chapter, and I was thinking about making it a bit longer, but I felt like where I ended this chapter was a good enough note for their relationship.

She was awakened by the sliver of light shining through Jeff's blinds. She slowly understood her surroundings, feeling Jeff's hot breath against her neck and his heavy arm wrapped across her.

He looked so good, hair disheveled clinging onto her like she was the only thing he needed. She's never seen Jeff Winger like this, yet it felt so normal, and she wanted to see him like this every day.

Suddenly out of know where her heart dropped. What if this was a one-time thing for him, or even worse, what if he woke up and regretted it. She doesn't know if she can take one last heartbreak from Jeff Winger, especially when they were so close. She could only hope that he was finally willing to take that next step with her.

Slowly, his breathing started to get faster, and he opened his eyes and gave his Annie smile to her. "Wow, staring at me while I'm sleeping, very creepy milady." He teased her while slowly leaning in closer to kiss her once again.

"Okay, now why don't you borrow a toothbrush from me, and we can go get food from my favorite diner nearby."

"Sounds perfect, although insinuating I need to brush my teeth is not going to do you any favors."

"Oh, trust me, morning breath or not, I will be wanting to do this forever." Kissing her one last time before getting out of bed.

"Forever?" She questioned nervously.

"Forever."

Chapter 5: "Gotta Be Me"

Summary:

Like you, I'm original
Trying to move this world from where it's at
You're laid back and I get stressed
Yet whenever we're together, we're more than that
My motto is "seize the day and night"
And yours is "let's go with the flow"
That's no reason to say goodbye
Not if you're fast enough for a girl on the go

Notes:

"Gotta Be Me" was actually the inspiration for the fanfic because of the lyrics sang by Mack in her solo. Hearing that part of the song, my mind immediately went to Jeff and Annie, and I knew I had to write a fanfic about the movie and my favorite ship. This final chapter was not how I planned on ending this story, but after rewatching the second movie, I was inspired by Lela's character arc and felt like it could be applied to Annie.

It's been four days since that beloved night, and after school, Jeff is going to pick Annie up and take her on their first real date at a new Thai restaurant.

Annie is chilling in the study room, listening to the Teen Beach Movie soundtrack and waiting for the remaining study members to enter to room. She has been listening to the soundtrack nonstop since movie night. She just could not stop seeing herself as Mack and Jeff as Brady, and hearing these songs just allowed her to think about her new boyfriend even more.

Soon the rest of the study members joined her, but she couldn't help but notice Abed staring at her peculiarly.

"Abed is everything okay," Annie questioned.

"Yeah, I just wanted to see how nervous you are about your date with Jeff." The study group erupted with various responses.

"Thank God you guys finally did something about that. I could not take another year of googly eyes without anything. I'm happy for you, Annie." Shirley chirped. "But I swear to God, woman, if you break this poor man's heart, I will destroy you." She warned.

"Annie, I'm so happy for you. You deserve a good boyfriend, I mean, you got Winger, but hey, he might not be bad. But if you are expecting mind-blowing sex, you might need to be looking for other options." Britta advised.

"Annie, if Jeff ever messes up, just let me and Abed know, and we'll teach him a lesson," Troy said, looking at Abed excitedly.

"Guys, I am so happy you guys are all supportive of us. Shirley, you know how much I care for Jeff; I would never hurt him. Britta, please, from now until the end of time, please stop acknowledging that you slept with my boyfriend, and for your information, he is an amazing lover who stares women in the eyes when he cares for them, and boys, although I am thankful for your help, I think Jeff could take you two on." Annie declared, getting out of her seat, then going around the table to hug each and every one of them.

She was so happy, finally having the man of her dreams and the supportive friends she would've dreamed of back in high school. She sat back down, smiling to herself, feeling like Annie, queen of the beach.

Notes:

Thank you to whoever read all of this, I know the end writing was not as good as the beginning, and I am sorry, but I wanted to finish this work once and for all. Whether I continue writing more fanfic in the future is still undecided because this was very difficult to put my various head cannons into words for others to understand, and this has made me appreciate all fanfic writers for their hard work and talent. Finally, if you have any suggestions for what movies parallel Jeff and Annie I might be able to write about in the future, I'm thinking of Zootopia and even The Hating Game. Also, general writing suggestions and constructive criticism on my writing are wanted; just please be nice and bear in mind this is my first fic.