Casio
Description: She's playing on his heart like a Casio, as she breaks it apart and lets it go. J/F, J/H
Disclaimer: Don't own anything. Not T7S (or there would've been some changes, trust me), not Casio by Jungle, and not the Society6 poster that also vaguely inspired this little drabble.
A/N: This song is contemporary, with contemporary sounding vocals, but the instrumental definitely has a late 70s/early 80s disco vibe.
*****
Thursday, February 14, 1980
Point Place, Wisconsin
8:00 pm
On such a beautiful day intended for love, Jackie Burkhart's heart is somewhere else.
She can't wait another year, playing a pointless game of pretend. She can't play with his heart like one would play a Casio.
But since she's notoriously unable to carry a tune, vocally or otherwise, she's been playing it terribly. And forcibly, feigning happiness for all to see.
She's tried to convince herself that their love is worthwhile and eternal, but in reality, it's skin-deep at best. And destructive at worst, as she drags Fez by the ear and through the mud. As her life continues to crumble, and her hopes and dreams have disintegrated in front of her very eyes.
She can't force herself to desperately hold on to such a toxic relationship, as her life has jumped the shark. Her life is pathetic, and she can't placate that little voice in her head. Not anymore, as she yearns for something more. Something sweet and satisfying.
Yeah, that kiss on the water tower was nice, but it wasn't breathtaking. Fez isn't Steven.
Fez has only been a distraction, as she numbs her pain. Her true love abandoned her, and has left her out in the bitter cold. Naked, confused, and alone.
God, she hates that she still loves him. How could she stoop so low and forgive him for his unforgivable actions? After all, he married a fucking stripper. And for months, he continually spat in her face. Like they never were together. Like they still hated each other.
She's relieved that the saliva has recently ceased, as the childish and cruel quarrels have recently been quelled, but how can she trust him? After he's burned so many bridges?
But as harsh and unrelenting as a Wisconsin winter, the most prominent question revolves around her. Of course, the most jaded cynic would likely proclaim.
The question is short and sweet, like her; how did she get to the lowest of lows?
Who knows. The world must sadistically hate her, mudslinging in her direction like the most formidable politician slings at their greatest foe. She's nearly broke, both financially and emotionally, and can only play it cool for so long. If she continues this downward spiral, her life is over. O-V-E-R.
And staying with him would only make things worse. He seems satisfied with his life in Point Place, as a measly shampoo boy. Maybe he can go to cosmetology school, and not flunk out like Laurie. Maybe he can revitalize his passion for music and dance.
But no, Fez has done none of that. He's become increasingly complacent, and he can't achieve the American dream if he stays on the sidelines.
"Just do something, anything." Jackie was visibly annoyed, not only with him but with herself. "You can't sit around in this dump forever. And I can't sit around in this dump forever. Point Place isn't Paris, and I want to shoot for the stars!"
"Then go. And reach the moon."
He seemed sincere, a trait that she once admired, but that trait had largely become a distant memory.
Once upon a time, when he had arrived in Wisconsin, his eyes were full of wonder and sincerity. With hope for the future, and all the hope that America held. In America, his wildest dreams could become a fascinating reality.
But for awhile, at least for a year or two, he had become a pathetic punchline. She felt bad for his personal demise, but she couldn't allow him to hold her back. Not anymore.
Therefore, there was no "but Fez" escaping from her lips. Stargazing wasn't enough. She was tired of watching the world pass her by. She was going to build her own rocket, all by herself. And fuck everyone who got in her way.
"I'm sorry, Fezzie." Tears welled in her eyes, as she released a strained laugh. "We're not soulmates. That list was so superficial...like me."
He tried to be reassuring, as his romantic fantasy was now slipping away. For real. "Jackie, you're not superficial..."
"But I am with you! You can tell me I'm pretty all you want! But I already know that. Because I'm smart, and I want someone that will support that..."
"Ai, Hyde?"
For once, she was at a loss for words, as she stomped off to her room.
So she's packed her suitcases and departed. On a stinky, Greyhound bus. She's going somewhere; she doesn't know where just yet, but she has to find that light at the end of the tunnel. Even if she has to light it herself.