Disclaimer: That '70s Show and all related characters (mostly Hyde and Eric and one mention of Kitty) do not and never will belong to me.
A/N: So. This is just a tiny little blurb of a piece, really. Hardly worth it if I'm honest but... it was in my head and what can you do? It takes place in the first season, before Hyde moves in with Eric and his family.
The Meaning of Friendship
Sometimes Hyde shows up in the middle of the night and drags Eric out of bed. He's moody and irritable and sometimes has bruises he doesn't want to talk about.
Eric tries not to push.
He doesn't acknowledge the blossoming discoloration on his friend's face… pretends not to see it because maybe then it will mean it's not there. Maybe then Hyde will be okay.
And if that's what Hyde needs from him then who is he to argue?
Hyde drags Eric to the garage and stuffs marijuana in his hand.
They get high.
It makes for hell in the morning, especially on school nights but…
Sometimes when the weed gets thick and he's been silent long enough Hyde will talk.
Things that Eric doesn't like to think about too closely.
Edna's boyfriends and punches and pain and a mother that doesn't do anything and he knows that Hyde had needed this—the darkness and the pot and Eric's quiet and un-judging acceptance to make himself talk.
He knows also that they won't discuss it in the morning, knows as surely as he knows that there will be a next time.
Sometimes Eric is all too keenly aware that he's all Hyde really has.
Sure they have other friends but… Hyde is picky about who he'll willingly let see him when it matters. Eric knows this.
Sometimes he doesn't feel anywhere near adequate… but then Hyde will fall asleep in his car… or on the couch in his basement… or sometimes even the floor of his bedroom… and he'll know that he's giving Hyde more than anyone else ever has.
More than Hyde would ever be able to bring himself to ask for or even mention.
And in the morning, when Hyde is sitting in his kitchen eating breakfast, with Eric's mother fussing over him, Eric will realize, as he does every time, that maybe sharing his home and his family and his own steadfast friendship is the very best thing he could do for his friend.
Maybe it's all Hyde has ever really needed.
-End.