Disclaimer: I don't own.

Warning: Language

Author's Note: I am so sorry that it's been so long on this one! It won't happen again. I'm feeling inspired, and there's only a few more chapters, so I'll definitely keep on it! Thanks to everyone who reads and reviews this even though the author is so easily distracted by stupid real life! Enjoy!

Imagine

Give Me Some Truth

I've had enough of watching scenes

The crowd in front of the Dakota was thinner than before, though the mound of flowers and pictures had tripled in size. Hyde stood a few feet behind the dozen or so onlookers, and while he repeatedly told himself not to, he watched Jackie. She took tiny steps as she inspected the flowers, occasionally picking one up and looking back at him, either giving him a smile of approval or a shake of her head. And he knew what she meant. The flowers she smiled at, he should feel free to buy for her at some point. The shakes of her head? He'd be without sex for at least a month if he dared give those flowers to her.

He shifted on his feet and looked away. His stomach hurt in the way it always did when she irritated him. He closed his eyes. How could she turn something like this, a memorial for a dead legend, into a gift-giving lesson? He lifted a hand and rubbed his forehead. Maybe this whole "forward" business was a mistake. Maybe that thought he'd had just a few hours ago, that he really did love her, was just a result of temporary insanity, or her hotness being right there up close and personal, making him stupid the way it so often had. Could he love her and yet be so damn irritated with her that he wanted to walk, no, run away from her?

He felt that way often, he remembered. At least five times a day.

How could that be love?

When he opened his eyes, his hand falling back to his side, he noticed a chick just a few feet away. She was tall with spiky blonde hair, a leather jacket, and she reminded him of Chrissy. He watched her. She was scowling at Jackie and the other less edgy, more traditionally dressed chicks floating around the flowers. He nodded. Yeah. That chick was probably the one he should be with. That type of chick wouldn't demand he sacrifice even a smidgen of his self-respect. He closed his eyes again as dart of sharp pain shot through his head.

"Okay, Steven, so we're going forward. But you're gonna have to do a lot of stuff for me. You know, to make up for breaking my heart the way you did. So I suggest you start with more flowers. Oh, and something shiny. I love shiny things!"

She'd said that this morning. He'd smile and kissed her, choosing to ignore the order in favor of physical gratification.

Now, he couldn't ignore it.

He opened his eyes again, and the Chrissy chick looked at him. She smiled, and he lifted his chin in greeting.

And he felt nothing. No fireworks in the belly, no shiver up the spine. Nothing. Huh. Not even a prick under his skin. Kind of like how it'd been when he looked at Sam.

He looked at Jackie, and as if she sensed his eyes on her, she looked back. When she smiled and flipped her hair off her shoulder, the morning sun painting the dark brown with thin ribbons of glossy red, an entire 4th of July show erupted in his gut. She started towards him, and his arms broke out in goosebumps.

He smiled in spite of his second thoughts. She was cute, damn it. Beautiful.

"Hi, Steven," she said. "You having fun watching me?"

He nodded, still grinning, and reached around her to pat her backside. "Yeah. How could I not? I've been checking out your ass for half an hour."

"Steven!" she scolded, her cheeks flushing as her smile broadened.

In his head, he put a check in the "Pro Jackie" column for her fine ass. And the fact that she liked having it smacked occasionally and stroked all the time. How many chicks were like that? Not many, he decided.

As she started going off about something, something about the flowers and beautiful cards and how John Lennon had actually been a handsome man when he wasn't scruffy, Hyde put his arm around her and they headed off. Yeah. Yoko Ono was no beauty, but John Lennon stayed with her anyway, even though he could have had whatever chick he wanted. If he could live with that, I guess I can live with Jackie's shallowness. I did before.

They walked on, heading for Central Park, and Jackie kept talking.

The prick in his stomach grew bigger, but he swallowed hard and tried to ignore it. I'm just annoyed that she wouldn't let me get anywhere before we left this morning.

Hyde stopped walking and turned Jackie to him, giving her his sexiest smirk. "Hey," he said, slowly rubbing her hands up and down her slender sides. "What do you say we just go back to the hotel?"

Yeah. A little fooling around, he'd feel better. It'd always worked in the past. They were hot together.

She smiled sexily and slid her fingers, her palms, up his chest. "How about this? If we go to Central Park and say goodbye to Willow now, we can do whatever you want for the rest of the day?"

He nodded. "Fine. But it has to be anything I want, Jackie."

She licked her lips and moved closer. "Of course, baby."

She hugged him, and he nodded, still grinning. Yeah. All he needed was to get some, and his stomach would settle down, his head would stop throbbing. Nothing like sex - hot sex, to boot - to cure a little doubt.

It had always been that way. Surely it wouldn't be different this time around.

With just a pocketful of hope

They found Willow and the others right away, and Jackie immediately pulled Willow off to the side, tugging her so hard that Willow, in between giggles, protested that she was going to fall. When they reached a distance sufficient that no one would overhear, Jackie stopped and turned to her new friend, smiling and feeling as if she was ten miles into the sky. "Willow, oh my god, I have to tell you something," she chirped, her heart pounding with such life she thought she might very well die. She took Willow's hands and bounced on her feet. "Last night, Steven admitted that he screwed up. He apologized. Willow, he cried! And guess what?"

Willow smiled and squeezed Jackie's hands. "What?"

Jackie had to swallow a few times, so intense was the happiness inside of her. So much energy, she couldn't stand still, she couldn't take a single breath without wanting to break out into the most enthusiastic cheer of her life. Steven loved her. He did. She knew it. She felt it. When she'd seen his tears, she'd known. "We're back together! And he wants it to work this time. He really does. Oh, god, Willow, he loves me! I know he does?" She noticed the slight doubt in Willow's eyes, and she shook her head. "No, I know what you're thinking. This isn't about just sex or the fact that I'm so hot he can't stand it. I know he really loves me. He cried!"

She didn't bother to let Willow respond, and she threw her arms around her new and now official best friend. As they hugged, tears filled her eyes and some of her euphoria faded. Willow wasn't in Point Place. She'd be going home to Donna, and Donna certainly wouldn't be there for her the way Willow had in just a few scant days. Jackie pulled away and looked at Willow. "Are you sure you can't move to Point Place?"

Willow, looking teary also, laughed and shook her head. "I wish I could, Jackie, but I've got a job and my family..." She tilted her head when Jackie pouted. "I promise that I'll come visit you soon."

Jackie let go of Willow and clapped her hands. "Yay! And then you can give Donna friendship lessons. She really needs some." Impulsively, and feeling so much gratitude for this hippy chick, she leaned forward and kissed Willow's cheek. "Thank you so much, Willow. For everything. You've been so...so great."

Willow returned the favor, and Jackie grinned, too happy to be weirded out by a girl kissing her cheek.

"I'm so glad that I met you, Jackie. You're so special. Don't ever forget that, okay?"

Jackie giggled. "Okay." She paused. "You've dreamt about that kiss, haven't you?"

Willow laughed and retook Jackie's hand. "Come on, sweetie. We're having a singalong."

Jackie allowed Willow to tug her off, and overcome with giddiness, she coaxed Willow into skipping with her.

Steven loved her again. Maybe he'd never stopped.

Life was beautiful!

I'm sick and tired of hearing things

To Hyde's disgust, as soon as Jackie and Willow scurried of, the fruitcake came up to him. He took out a cigarette and lit up. Hopefully the nicotine would keep him from pummeling the bastard. He went Zen as Shawn didn't say a word, only gave him what Hyde supposed he thought was a scathing look. "You got something to say?"

Shawn crossed his arms. "Jackie looks happy today. Did you drug her?"

Hyde took a drag, then exhaled in Shawn's direction. "Yeah. Gave her some special stuff." He grinned. "Me. Nothing makes the girl higher." He took another drag. "She goes crazy for me."

Shawn raised both eyebrows. "So you're back together, is that it?"

Hyde nodded. "Yep." He took a step forward, his free fist clenching, his Zen faltering. He couldn't help remembering how this bastard had constantly looked at Jackie. "So you better keep your hands and eyes to yourself."

Shawn chuckled. "Oh yeah?" He took a step towards Hyde. "So, what are you gonna do when Jackie brings up marriage? Head to Vegas again? Look for another stripper?"

Hyde stared at him. What the hell? Heat spread under his skin. Jackie must have spilled her guts to this asshole. His stomach tightened. Damn it, Jackie, you have such a fucking big mouth! He dropped his cigarette, and took another step towards fruit boy. "Shut the hell up. You know nothing about that."

"You're not good enough for her, Steven. You don't love her. If you did, you'd treat her better. You'd want to marry her."

It was all Hyde could do to remain in his place, to keep some semblance of Zen on his face, to keep the churning in his stomach and the plummeting of whatever lived in his chest at bay. He spoke softly and slowly, his clenched jaw making it hard to form words. "You don't know how I feel about Jackie, Shawny- boy, so stop talking."

You don't know how you feel about Jackie, either, Hyde, so why don't you stop talking? Hell, maybe the freak is right. Are you really good enough for her? If she brings up commitment, aren't you going to panic and get drunk until she gives up? How do you know you won't this time? Is hot sex really going to do it? You had hot sex before, remember. And you still broke her heart.

He shook his head.

Shawn scoffed. "Right. You make it pretty apparent how you feel about her, Hyde. Talking to her like she's stupid, making fun of her, doing things purposely to hurt her. You know, just because you get jealous when other guys notice her doesn't mean you're in love with her. Why don't you just admit it? She bugs you and you can't stand her. You don't love her."

"Steven?"

Hyde tossed his cigarette away, his eyes still on the smug bastard who'd just cut way too close to home. He felt Jackie take his hand, and he took a deep breath before looking at her. "Hey baby," he said, forcing a grin.

She smiled at him and moved in front of him, wrapping her tiny arms around him. "Can we stay for the singalong? They're gonna sing John Lennon songs, and I want to sing 'Love'." She pouted. "Pwwease?"

He rolled his eyes, but shrugged, ignoring the pointed look the son of a bitch was giving him over Jackie's shoulder. "Fine, but I'm not singing. And as soon as you hear that song, we're going."

She gave him that shining smile of hers and a peck to the cheek, then grabbed his hand and led him off. Hyde glanced over his shoulder and flashed a smirk to Shawn. He told himself that Shawn didn't know him, had no idea what he was talking about, was completely wrong about his feelings for Jackie.

He followed his chick, and a pit opened wide in his stomach, sucking everything (including whatever it was, a heart or whatever, in his chest) down.

Funny how someone who didn't know him at all knew him so damn well.

No short haired, yellow bellied, son of tricky dicky is gonna

mother hubbard soft soap me

"Imagine all the people sharing all the world. You may say I'm a dreamer. But I'm not the only one. I hope someday you'll join us. And the world will be as one."

Hyde stood behind Jackie, his arms around her waist. Her head leaned back and rested on his shoulder as the group sang John Lennon's greatest anthem. He heard Jackie's voice, low and off key, yet sweet. He closed his eyes. There was something inside of him for her; he knew it. But love? He swallowed and opened his eyes, blinking rapidly.

Jackie turned and smiled up at him. "Imagine no possessions. I wonder if you can." She patted his sides. "Come on, Steven, sing just a little bit. You know you want to." She stood on her toes and kissed his chin. "For John."

He rolled his eyes and sighed, but at the next chorus, joined in. "Imagine all the people living life in peace. You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one. I hope someday you'll join us. And the world will live as one."

He kissed her, touching her lips softly, moving her mouth gently and savoring her taste.

"Hey guys, I'm sorry to interrupt."

The kiss broke, and Hyde looked at Willow. He was half-tempted to growl something rude at her. Kissing was good. He didn't think when he was kissing Jackie. Nothing mattered when he was kissing Jackie.

"I need a favor, and I'm sure you'll want to do it." Willow grinned at Hyde. "Shawn's being a complete jerk, and I want to have something to bug him about." She held up a pair of keys. "So, will you go fool around in our van?"

Hyde raised an eyebrow. "Hell, yeah!" And to his pleasure, Jackie had a wicked gleam in her eye as she gave him that smile, the one that said she was up for just about anything. He licked his lips while she agreed. This was his kind of burn, one that burned Shawn and gave him an extreme amount of pleasure. Hell yeah.

And as they made their way to the van, he thanked God for Willow.

Just give me some truth

Jackie watched Steven as the cab stopped at a light. He was dozing, his head back on the seat and his eyes closed, sunglasses hooked on his shirt. His hand rested on her thigh, and she glanced down at it. That hand, and it's partner, had done so many amazing things to her just a few hours ago in that van. Her gaze returned to his face, the slightly parted lips that had kissed her into submission, set her soul into a fiery rapture, then soothed her after the ecstasy ended and faded. The eyes that had looked at her like she was a goddess he'd thought existed only in his fantasies.

Her heart skipped a beat, her soul melted, and she lay her head on his shoulder. She put her hand over his and lightly traced each of his strong fingers. Her eyes fluttered closed.

Steven loved her. She knew it. It was in his touch and his kiss and his eyes, in everything he did. And she hoped he'd find the strength to tell her soon.

All I want is the truth

The sex was hot, and amazing, and by all rights, it should have erased that fruitcake's words from Hyde's mind. Jackie was naked and curled up next to him, her hand rubbing low on his stomach. All he should be thinking about was the fact that in another few minutes, her touch was going to reignite him, and they'd start the heat all over again.

But what he was thinking about was that damned comment. You don't love her. If you did, you'd treat her better. You'd want to marry her. Stupid son of a bitch. What the hell did he know?

So, what are you gonna do when Jackie brings up marriage? Head to Vegas again? Look for another stripper?

He shook his head. No. No. Of course not. He'd handled it much differently. This time, he was prepared for it. It wouldn't freak him out. Hell, he'd been married.

But the pit was still in his gut, and everything still felt like it was sinking. His head still felt cloudy and hot.

Jackie sat up just enough so she could look at him, and her small hand slid up to his chest. "God, Steven, this is so amazing," she cooed, following with a soft kiss to his mouth. "I could so get used to this. I can't wait till we can do this everyday."

Hyde tried to smile, though the pit was now twice as big, his head five times as hot. He gripped her back, hoping he wasn't holding her quite as tensely as he thought he might be. "Yeah," he managed. His voice sounded like a stranger's.

She was going to want to get married. Soon. And he'd have to...he'd...he'd just...

Head to Vegas and find a stripper? Again?

She didn't appear to notice, she kissed him again, then looked at him with shining eyes, flushed cheeks, her look of completely adoration. "Steven," she said, her voice now softer. Her hand touched his cheek. "I love you so much."

He met her eyes and saw the hope, the need, and he wanted to look away. He wanted to look away, to keep looking, to say what she so wanted to hear. He wanted to get out of it, he wanted to come through for her. He wanted to do anything but to tell her the truth. "Jackie," he said, his hand sliding up her back to her neck, under her messy mane of hair. "I..just...I..." He swallowed.

"No, it's okay, Steven," she interrupted. "If you're not ready, you don't have to say it." She smiled genuinely. "I can wait."

She lay back down and cuddled to him, her head again on his chest.

He should have said nothing, but he spoke.

"Look, Jackie, the thing is that I'm just...Look, I feel something for you, okay? Something strong. I just don't..." He shook his head. Damn it, why was she pushing? Again? A bit of anger flushed him, and he snapped the last part. "I still don't know if it's love, okay?"

She said nothing. She didn't move. Her hand on his belly stilled. It felt as if she was holding her breath.

He was holding his breath, too.

And then she sat up, then she climbed on top of him. Then she smiled and stroked his cheek. Even her eyes were normal, no sign of hurt or anger. "Its okay, Steven," she whispered.

He frowned. "Jackie..."

"No, it is."

She began kissing his neck, and he closed his eyes. The heat started and quickly spread as she kept kissing him, as her hand moved lower than his stomach, and he groaned. He pressed her closer to him and rubbed her backside. "Jackie..."

"Its fine, Steven. I understand. Now, lets just not talk for awhile. I want to..."

After she finished her whisper in his ear, he flipped her to her back and kissed her hard.

And all the while, he kept telling himself that it was okay, that she meant it.

Later, when she was sleeping, he watched her. He managed to convince himself that she wouldn't have slept with him if she'd been upset. He convinced himself that things would be fine; they'd hang out, make out, and see what happened. He convinced himself that in a little while, he'd find the truth, and then tell her, and they'd keep on doing this stuff.

He convinced himself that maybe it would work.