The group wakes up to the sound of Fez puking his guts out in the bathroom the next morning. They send a very disoriented Kelso in to make sure he's aiming in the toilet and learn he is not when Kelso slips in the vomit.
Even while screaming at Fez and Kelso to clean up the mess, Jackie has a smile on her face. Because while Hyde is sitting up yelling at Kelso his hand is resting softly on her waist. The touch is barely there but it's enough to assure Jackie he is still in. They're going to do this.
They trudge over to a nearby cafe for breakfast, their bloodshot eyes and still slightly damp clothes telling the whole story.
Jackie rests her head on Steven's shoulder while he and Eric throw salt packets at Kelso, who is busy smearing Ketchup on Fez's face where he's fallen asleep in the booth. She and Donna's eyes meet and they roll their eyes in unison. Some things never change.
Fez turns to Hyde and Jackie once he blinks awake, eyes flickering to Jackie's ring.
"So you guys are really getting married?"
There's a beat of silence before Hyde nods at him.
"I'm thinking of Lilac colors for the wedding. Ooh or maybe coral." Fez responds excitedly before laying his head back on the table, immediately letting out a snore.
The lack of reaction from the group makes Jackie wonder if maybe they'd known all along what her and Steven had just finally come to realize. It's Jackie and Hyde. It's always been Jackie and Hyde. It will always be Jackie and Hyde.
Kelso turns back to Fez, reaching out to put his limp hand in the glass of ice water in front of him.
Donna slaps his hand away quickly. "Kelso it's not funny if he pees all over the booth we're also sitting in."
Kelso's tongue appears in the corner of his mouth while he considers this information and sends one last longing glance towards Fez's hand before pouting and sitting back in his seat.
"So are you moving back to Point Place, Jackie?" Eric asks, looking between the two of them.
"Nah man, I'm going to move here," Hyde interjects, his hand coming to squeeze her knee under the table.
"Really!?" Kelso exclaims excitedly, slamming his knee into the table and yelping in pain. "Oh man that's gonna be so fun! Dude the dog parks here are way better than in Point Place."
"Yeah Kelso, I'm moving here for the dog parks," Hyde rolls his eyes at his friend.
The food comes out and the group goes quiet as they turn to their meals. All except Fez who has to be shoved awake by Kelso and puts a startled hand into his syrupy pancakes.
Exhausted, underdressed and sore Jackie thinks she has never been this at peace in her life. She's in her city, surrounded by her friends and the boy she loves. This dirty, greasy cafe is Jackie's own little slice of paradise.
They spend the rest of the morning exploring the city. Hyde keeps his hand firmly in hers as they stroll down the beach and through the park. They're waiting on a street corner while Eric insists on going into a comic store when she turns to him, slipping her arms around his middle.
"This is going to be our life you know? Me and you in this city."
He's silent for a moment before he looks down at her, his eyes shining blue, free from his lost sunglasses.
"That doesn't sound so bad."
She grins and pushes onto her toes to press a kiss to his lips, smiling when he kisses her back.
"We're going to do it right this time," she murmurs as she drops back down on her heels. "No more messes."
He nods, pressing a kiss to her forehead.
"You got it, baby."
Jackie and Hyde make an excuse to depart from the group, hurrying back to Jackie's apartment
Jackie finds a note at her door, her name scribbled across the front. She picks it up, frowning.
Jackie,
I'm sorry about last night. If you're willing to give me a second chance I will make it up to you, I promise.
Love,
Kyle
There's a small box attached to the card. She lifts it open, revealing a delicate, sparkling diamond bracelet. She surveys it, gently pulling it out of the box.
Hyde stops behind her, reading the card over her shoulder and eyeing the bracelet.
Clearing his throat, she turns to him. He gives her a questioning look.
"Are you...are you going to keep that?"
She looks back at the bracelet, the chain swinging back and forth.
"It's going in the trash," she replies, pushing the door open and walking straight to the trash can.
Hyde gapes as Jackie drops the piece of jewelry in the bin.
"Jackie that was probably worth like a thousand dollars."
She shrugs, closing the lid.
"From him, it's just trash."
Money can't buy everything. She understands that now.
As soon as the door is closed Jackie throws herself at Steven, pressing him against the door. He responds quickly, looping his fingers into her belt loops and pulling her tight against him.
She slides her tongue into his mouth, savoring his flavor. God, she's going to get this for the rest of her life. How did she get this lucky?
He moves his hands under her shirt, sliding up her skin and resting on her ribcage. He pulls his mouth back from hers, moving it to kiss her chin and down her neck. She moans, tilting her head to the side to give him better access.
"God Steven, every time I saw this ring on my finger I wanted to jump you."
"Nothing stopping you, doll," he murmurs into her throat, nipping gently at her.
She reaches up for his shirt buttons, quickly undoing the first two. She slides her hands over his newly exposed chest, letting her nails gently scratch over his skin.
She hears his breath quicken and he tugs her more tightly against him.
"God you are so hot," he whispers, bringing his mouth to her ear. "I'm going to have the hottest wife in this city."
The word wife combined with his breath in her ear sends heat pooling between her legs and she lets out a low growl, moving for the rest of his shirt buttons.
"Something you want, baby?"
She tugs his shirt off, throwing it on the floor and lunging back for his mouth, biting down on his bottom lip.
He grabs the bottom of her shirt, tugging it up. She moves back, raising her arms so he can quickly pull it over her head.
"That's a pretty bra but I'd prefer to see what's under it," he grings, reaching back to swiftly unclasp it. It falls to the floor quickly and Hyde sighs, bringing his hands up to cup her bare breasts.
"Fuck, I missed you," he sighs, bringing his mouth back to her throat.
"That was your fault," she pouts, her back arching as his thumb brushes over her nipple.
"I know. I guess I have to make it up to you."
She giggles but then gasps as he bites down on her neck.
"Guess you do."
Her hand moves to his belt when suddenly, the phone rings.
Jackie jumps, startled by the sound.
"Ignore it," Hyde murmurs, rolling her nipple between his fingers.
"It could be the station," she whines, extracting herself from him. "Sometimes they call on the weekend if they need me to cover an earlier show."
"You're busy," he growls, reaching for her but she brushes his hands off, giggling.
"Hello?"
"Jackie?"
She looks at the receiver in surprise.
"Mrs. Foreman?"
"Oh Jackie thank goodness! Eric was supposed to call yesterday from Kelso's but he never did!"
Jackie rolls her eyes. Eric, forever the mama's boy.
Steven frowns, moving towards the receiver.
"Everyone ended up spending the night at my place, Mrs. Foreman. He's fine. He's out at a comic book store."
"Oh thank goodness! I worry about my little boy in a big city, you now. He's so skinny!"
"Yes, yes he is."
"Why aren't you out with them, sweetie?"
"Jackie, come on," Hyde mutters, reaching for the phone. She glares at him.
"Is that Steven? Oh put him on!"
Sending him a look what you did look, she hands the phone over to him. He grimaces.
"Hi Mrs. Foreman...yeah I'm fine...yes Eric is fine...yes we're having fun...why am I at Jackie's well...uh…," he looks over at Jackie, clearly unsure of what he should say. Jackie grabs the receiver back, holding it between them.
"Mrs. Foreman, Steven proposed!"
"WHAT?"
"Steven proposed! We're engaged!"
"Oh my god, are you serious? Red? RED! Steven is getting married! No not to a stripper again to Jackie!"
Hyde rolls his eyes, shaking his head at Jackie but she can see a tiny smile on his face.
"Hello? Steven? Jackie? Is that true or is Kitty having a menopause dream?"
"No, Red it's true," Hyde responds. "Ring, one knee, the whole nine yards."
"Well, how about that. That's great news. I'm glad you finally got your head out of your ass, Steven."
"Oh Jackie, you might fit into my old dress! Steven you're going to wear a tux! Oh this is so wonderful! We took you in as a little orphan and now you're getting married! Oh Red we should have sent Eric with a camera we need a picture!"
"Kitty, stop. We'll get plenty of pictures at the wedding."
"Oh and now I'll have grandchildren! This is the best news!"
Steven's eyes widen in panic at Jackie who grins, rolling her eyes.
"Uhh Mrs. Foreman let's focus on the wedding for now, alright?" Steven mumbles, scratching at his face.
"Good god Kitty, let the kids be. We'll see you soon right Steven?"
"I'll be back tomorrow. But I'm going to move to Chicago, I already talked to WB."
"To Chicago? But how will we see the kids if you're all the way out there?" Kitty cries.
"Kitty, stop it. Jackie, Steven we're very happy for you. Now go enjoy your day. Oh, Kitty there's no need to cry about it."
"Bye guys," Steven mutters, hanging up the phone and bringing his palm to his face. Jackie snickers, moving forward to wrap her arms around his waist.
"So how about we go make those babies?"
His eyes meet hers in horror, stepping back slightly. She giggles, shaking her head.
"I'm kidding, puddin'."
"Oh...alright. One thing at a time here. Wedding first, the rest later."
She raises an eyebrow at him.
"So that means you do want kids?"
He flushes slightly, clearly realizing what he just implied.
"Well I mean...not right now. But I guess...at some point, way down the line...if we haven't killed each other a kid might not be...well might not be the worst thing in the world. Maybe."
Grinning Jackie lunges back for him, wrapping her arms around his neck.
"Hearing you talk about our wedding and kids is like the sexiest thing ever."
He grins back, returning her kiss.
"Well let me tell you about it while we're totally naked."
He reaches down and locks his hand under her thighs, lifting her up. She quickly locks her legs around his waist.
"Bedroom, Steven. Now."
"You got it, baby."
They rejoin with the group several sweaty hours later. They agree to spend the night at Kelso's, none of them really wanting to separate for the night. Everything finally feels right. And to know the group still works outside of Point Place, in a city as big as Chicago, is too much to put aside for a night.
Huddled around Kelso's coffee table that evening, smoke fills the small room.
Cut to Circle
Fez: I missed you guys so much.
Kelso: Fez, no crying in the circle.
Eric: Man, Chicago has so many comic book stores. Donna we might have to move here too.
Donna: Eric, I've told you a million times we don't have any more space for comic book stores.
Hyde: This is alright, man. This place is alright.
Jackie: It's the only city with my face on a bus. Nothing can compare to that.
Fez: Ai, if you are all moving here I will have to come too. The hair here needs my touch!
Kelso: Man if they put my face on a bus, there would be so many accidents. No one could pay attention to the road if they're seeing this beautiful piece of art.
Eric: Leaving a small town, moving to big cities. Guys we're like Luke Skywalker.
Donna: Maybe the 80s won't be so bad. I mean at least the music will be good, right?
Hyde: Hey guys when I get the record store here, what should I call it? Grooves again?
Jackie: You should call it Jackie!
Fez: You should call it...The Store
Kelso: Oh I know! Call it….Grooves. I bet no one has thought of that.
Eric: What about The Death Star?
Donna: I like The Head
Hyde: Hey guys...did you know there's this car that runs on water?
*Things being thrown at Hyde*
Hyde: It runs on water, man!
Cut from Circle
The next morning Fez, Eric, Donna and Hyde are packing up their things to head back to Wisconsin. Jackie sits by Hyde while he packs, talking aimlessly about things neither one of them really care about but she feels a need to fill the silence.
She doesn't want him to leave. What if he leaves and changes his mind? What if he meets a stripper on the road? What if not seeing her for so long makes him realize he's making a mistake?
He seems to pick up on her anxiety and moves his stuff to the side, crouching down in front of her.
"Hey, listen. I'll call you once we're back, okay? And once I've talked to WB and got everything sorted. I promise."
She nods nervously, pulling at a loose thread on his shirt.
"Alright."
"Jackie," he says softly, placing a finger under her chin and meeting her eyes, "I love you."
Her heart soars and she beams at him, tugging him towards her for a kiss.
"I love you, too."
"I'll see you in a couple weeks."
"Promise?"
He nods, giving her a smile and grabbing his bag. He heads towards the door and she trails after him.
The four who are departing stand there for a moment glancing around at each other in silence, unsure of what to say.
"What a long, strange trip it's been," Donna says after a moment and the group breaks out in laughter.
"See you guys soon," Eric says, nodding at Jackie and Kelso.
"Are you sure you guys don't want to go to the dog park?" Kelso whines, gesturing out his window.
Ignoring Kelso, Donna steps forward and wraps her arms around Jackie, pulling her into a tight hug.
"You're going to be okay?" she asks, squeezing the small brunette.
Jackie hugs her back.
"Yeah. I am."
Hyde pulls Jackie aside from the group.
"Have a safe trip," she whispers, willing her tears not to creep into her eyes. They're going to be okay. She trusts that they're going to be okay. But it's hard to let him go so quickly after she got him back.
He gives her a tight smile, his eyes searching her face.
"Make room for my Zeppelin posters, alright? It's not a chick apartment anymore."
She giggles, reaching for his jacket and pulling him towards her.
"Fine but I'm not throwing away the stuffed animals."
He groans, shaking his head.
"Only two on the bed. The rest go underneath."
She feigns an offended gasp, smacking him lightly.
"But Steven it's so dark under there," she pouts. He rolls his eyes.
"Maybe three," he concedes.
"Okay."
He moves his hands to her cheeks, cradling her face as he brings his lips to hers.
"Awww!"
The chorus comes from the group next to them and Jackie and Hyde turn to see eight pairs of eyes on them and four grinning faces.
"Shut it!" Hyde barks, pressing one last kiss to Jackie's lips before letting his hands fall.
"I missed softie Hyde," Fez remarks, nodding at the pair.
"Steven's in love," Donna teases, making a kissy face at Hyde.
He glares, pointing at them.
"I know things none of you want the world to know about."
All their faces quickly drop and they pretend to glance around the apartment, away from the couple.
Jackie grins at Hyde who shoots her a wink, throwing his duffel bag over his shoulder.
"Ready?" Eric asks, dangling the keys in front of him.
And with a parting glance the door closes and Jackie lets one tear fall as she stares at the place Steven just stood.
But she brushes the tear away. He's coming back this time. She knows he's coming back.
Kelso's voice interrupts her thoughts.
"Hey Jackie, did you bring your dresses? Remember that time you dressed me up like Bowie? Can we do that again?"
As promised, Steven calls her as soon as he gets home. And the next day. And the day after that.
Everyone at work gushes over her ring. There's a million questions. Who the hell is Steven Hyde? What happened to Kyle? When is the wedding?
To her surprise though, her nightly calls with Steven while she makes dinner or does her evening skincare routine are far more rewarding than the attention her ring brings. They've fallen into an easy pattern. She tells him about her day in minute for minute detail, occasionally questioning him about what she just to check if he's listening. He always is.
WB decides to keep the store in Point Place and find a new manager. Apparently he's not quite ready to let go of the last remaining Grooves store. He's already arranged the payment for his friend in Chicago and Steven will come in a few weeks to start working there, learning the ropes for a few months before the keys get turned over to him for good.
WB calls Jackie a few days after Hyde returns to Point Place.
"Jackie?"
"This is she!"
"Jackie, it's William Barnett. Steven's dad."
'Oh Mr. Barnett it's so great to hear from you again!"
"You too, Jackie. Steven just told me the news. I think it's great."
"Really?"
"Of course. I always liked you, funny girl. You had some spunk. Steven really seems to love you."
Jackie beams into her phone. At least between the two of them, they'll have one functioning biological grandparent.
"Look, I know your parents have had a tough go of it moneywise. What with the prison and the boyfriends your mom seems to find. So I just wanted to offer to pay for the wedding. Whatever you'd like, it's on me."
"Mr. Barnett that's so incredible of you!"
"Well I'm looking forward to seeing one of my kids getting married. Angie's taste in men is so bad, I'm hoping we don't even get there."
"Oh I am a fabulous wedding planner Mr. Barnett your money will not go to waste."
"Steven seemed a little nervous about giving you a blank check but I like big events where I can make white people uncomfortable. I will need to pick at least one song."
"Oh you will have plenty of white people to choose from, Mr. Barnett. Thank you!"
Her own parents' responses are significantly less exuberant.
"Who?" her mother asks, when Jackie tells her who she's marrying.
"Steven, Mom. I dated him for like two years. After Michael."
"The foreign boy?"
"No, Mom. Before him."
"Oh no darling, the dirty and poor one?"
"He's not dirty and he's not poor anymore. You'll probably try and do it with his biological dad at the wedding, actually."
"Well Jackie have you really thought about this? Do you really want to marry a man who can't support you financially?"
"First of all, he can support me financially. Second of all, even if he can't I can support myself financially. Third of all, I wouldn't care if he couldn't. I love him mom and I don't care what you think."
She promises to make it for the wedding, but doesn't offer to help plan or come see them beforehand. That's all Jackie needs to know.
"Steven Hyde? Bud and Edna Hyde's son?" her dad questions when she tells him, sounding confused.
"He came to pick you up from jail, Daddy. Remember?"
"Oh the boy you were kissing. That was Steven Hyde? He looked...less like a criminal."
"Daddy, you're a criminal."
"A white collar one. It's different. Does he make you happy pumpkin?"
"Yes."
"And you love him?"
"Yes."
"Well then, I'm happy for you sweetie. I can call around, see if any of my old friends can get him a job somewhere. Did he go to college?"
"No Daddy, he's moving to Chicago with me. He's going to run a record store."
"Well that's...nice. Are you sure pumpkin? You two can move back here with me. I can get him a nice job that pays a lot of money. You can raise the babies from here. That's what you always said you wanted."
"No, Daddy. That's not what I want anymore."
The weeks drag by until the day Steven said he would be moving to Chicago. Her tiny apartment suddenly feels too large. All of the girly decorations are a constant reminder that he's not there yet. The ring on her finger sparkles, but still feels like it might just be a fever dream. Like she could wake up any day and realize there is no wedding and she's still alone in this big city.
Finally, the day arrives. He calls her in the morning, before he hits the road.
"Alright, I'm all packed. I'll be there in a couple hours if there's no traffic."
"This is so exciting!"
"Did you clear out a couple drawers?"
"I just bought a second dresser."
"Jackie I don't need a whole dresser."
"Well I do."
"Anyway, see you soon doll."
"I love you baby!"
He grunts into the phone and Jackie rolls her eyes. He's gotten better about saying it, but it still needs to be coaxed out more often than not.
"Steven," she whines, twisting the cord around her finger.
"Jackie, c'mon. You know."
"But I want to hear you say it."
"I...fine. Love you too. Happy?"
"Thrilled!" she squeals and she hears him chuckle before the line goes dead.
She can't focus on anything the rest of the morning. She tries to watch TV but finds herself pacing around the apartment, staring out the window every few minutes even though he couldn't possibly be there by then.
She tries sorting through her photos, determining which ones will be replaced by shots of her and Steven, but ends up staring at the clock, drumming her fingers on her coffee table.
She finds herself being woken from an unplanned nap by a knock on the door. She bolts upright, heart pounding and rubbing her eyes. She looks around in confusion, her eyes falling on the clock. She'd been asleep for over an hour. The door. Steven.
Gasping, she rushes to the door and throws it open.
And he is standing there. A duffel bag slung over his shoulder, eyes slightly red from the drive, sunglasses shading his eyes. As soon as he sees her, a wide smile crosses his face.
"Were you asleep?"
She stares at him another moment, considering whether she still might be asleep and he's not really there, but decides she doesn't like the shirt he's wearing so he must be real. And with that, she launches herself at him, throwing her arms around his neck.
He stumbles backwards slightly under the weight, but regains his balance, snaking his arms around her waist in return.
"Hey baby," he murmurs, stroking one arm up her spine.
"I missed you," she whispers into his neck, clinging more tightly.
"Me too, doll. Me too."
She pulls back to look into his eyes, still smiling at her.
"You're really here? We're really doing this?"
He gestures to his duffel bag and nods.
"Got a few boxes in the truck. Kelso will be here soon to help me bring them in. But yeah, I'm here and so is my shit. You're stuck with me."
She throws her arms back around his neck, breathing in his scent.
"Thank god."