Description: My version of how Hyde and Jackie met and eventually got together.

Disclaimer: I own nothing but the storyline.

Author's Note: reviews are loved and appreciated.

Reluctant Hero

Chapter #1 pt.2

(Hyde's pov con'td)

" Don't answer, it's a trap Eric.", pipes in Fez much to Donna's disliking. This in turn earns him a whack upside the head. Ha ha, that's good stuff. Fez is right though, if Forman were wise he wouldn't answer. This definitely sounds like a set up. If he answers, something tells me that Eric is a dead man. Glancing over in Jackie's direction, I notice more then a few guys attempting to try their luck with her. For her part, Jackie looks like she's far from interested in any of them. Honestly, I'm not seeing the big deal. Sure, she is a complete fox. This said, you would never catch me tripping over my own two feet over the likes of her. Then again, fairly certain little miss Jackie Burkhart would never look my way in the first place.

" Yeah Donna, I'm not comfortable answering that question. ...Ahh! What was that for?", complains Eric once again rubbing at his sore shoulder. If it weren't so hilarious watching Donna whack the crap out of Eric, I would probably feel bad for him. Then again, considering that the moron has yet to open up his eyes and figure out that Donna is over the moon for him? I do not sympathize with him one bit. Seriously, I don't get it at all. What does Eric have that I don't? Aside from the fact that they grew up right next door to one another their entire lives, whats so great about Forman? I mean, I guess if you find scrawny, nerdy neighbor boys hot then Eric's the right guy.

" Whatever, you're a dilhole Eric.", mutters Donna with a roll of her eyes before turning to walk off. Wow, how clueless can one guy be? If Eric would only get his head out of his ass, he would see that Donna is totally into him. From where I am standing? Forman is a lucky guy. What I wouldn't have once gave to have Donna look at me the way she does Eric. Those days are long gone though, sort of hard to fall for someone whose into your best friend. In the end it all worked out, seems Donna and I are way better as friends. Now if only Eric would grow a pair and ask her out already that would be awesome.

" What? Nooooo. What did I even do?", groans Eric in defeat mostly to himself. He has got to be either dense or blind. How can he not see that Donna has been doing everything to catch his attention? Donna just took off upset with Eric over a question that Kelso answered. This is friggin' hilarious. Then again we all know Eric wasn't about to confess to finding Jackie hot. Had he? Fairly sure Donna would have murdered him. Not that it wouldn't have been totally fun watching her rip Eric a new one. Maybe after she had, Donna will have worked up enough nerve to finally tell Eric she likes him.

With a mere shake of my head, I give Eric a light slap on the back," Ever think maybe its not what you did but rather what you didn't do?"

Following me out of the cafeteria, Eric regards me with a confused look and a frown," What's that supposed to mean Hyde?"

Risking a glance over my shoulder, I notice some jock getting a little handsy with Jackie. Unsure why I even care, a fist curls up at my side. Turning my attention toward Eric and the others, I gruffly inform," You guys go on ahead, I'll catch up."

" Everything alright Hyde?", asks Fez with a raised eye brow in my direction. This in turn brings everyone's attention to me. Not really wanting to explain myself any further, I make up an excuse which they thankfully buy. Last thing I want is to let on that I am concerned for Jackie. If they were to catch on, Eric might question my reasoning. Truth is, I have none. This said, I can tell Jackie is looking for about any excuse to rid herself of the jerk jock whose basically pawing at her. I'm about to make sure this prick never looks her way again. This guy will be lucky if I don't pound his face in.

" What? Oh, uh yeah everything is cool Fez. I'll meet up with you guys in a bit.", I assure with a slight nod of my head. Thankful when Eric eventually nods his agreement, I wait for the three of them to take off. Glancing back in Jackie's direction, I breath a heavy sigh. Great, once again I'm about to stick my nose where it doesn't belong. I'm not worried if this idiot tries to throw a punch. I know for a fact that I can take him, he's the same size as Kelso. How many times have I sent that moron home wearing an eye patch? Fairly sure that I can take this guy without a problem. If he were smart? He would just walk away while he still has the chance.

" Whatever you say Hyde, we'll see you in the basement later man.", acknowledges Eric while slinging his back pack over his shoulder. Waiting for the three of them to take off, I waste no time making my way towards Jackie. Unsure what the hell I'm doing, I stop in my tracks briefly. Why is it any of my business? It is not my job to play hero. Yet for some reason, that is exactly what I find myself about to do. The look in Jackie's eyes, it is obvious she is hoping someone will step in. What the hell, I've been looking for a reason to take a swing at a jock. They think they're so damn entitled, I'm looking forward to knocking one down a few pegs. …