Disclaimer: I do not own That 70s Show.
Steven started on the dishes, knowing Jackie would rope him into her plans when he was needed. He wondered what she was thinking of doing for the gift for the Forman's. The gift was more for Mrs. Forman than anything, seeing as Red wasn't one for the corny crap. Steven understood that well.
A part of him was still scared shitless by this whole thing. He didn't know shit about babies, other than they took a lot of work. He never loved kids, but he didn't hate them either. It was more of an indifference really. Not that he hadn't thought about what it might be like to have a kid. He could easily revisit the memory of a young, 16-year-old Jackie in his mind asking him how many kids they should have, what names he had planned, and what part of the neighborhood they should live in. Those conversations had freaked him out, he could barely imagine himself having a steady job or his own place, let alone raise a kid.
Jackie had always been one to think of the positive and the fluffy-rainbow colored future. She had thought of dressing up a cute baby, taking it around on trips, and all that stuff you see in movies.
Steven had seen the bills racked up to afford to do all that. The idea that he no longer just lived for himself and saying goodbye to circles in the basement not needing to think more than a day ahead. The world falling apart.
The past three years had been an interesting ride for him, for the both of them. They'd worked through the shit that kept them from letting go of the past. He'd confronted his own demons and while they weren't gone, he knew how to work with her instead of thinking he was alone in the battle. She'd learned the value of patience, and if their time apart had been good for anything it had matured her past her childish games – mostly. He smiled, Jackie wouldn't be her without the attitude and she kept him on his toes.
Somewhere along the way, she had dropped her habit of talking about marriage and kids and the picket fence. He appreciated the absence of the pressure to deliver on these fantastic dreams. But every once in a while, when it was calm and quiet. Lying in bed in tangled sheets. Sitting on the couch falling asleep to the television. When Jackie would hum in the bathroom as she got ready for bed – he could see the future with her. It was no longer a weird pressure on his chest to imagine paying a mortgage if it meant they no longer had to receive angry letters from their downstairs neighbors that they were being too loud or that they had to unclog the toilet every Thursday night.
He was interrupted in his thoughts by the feel of a pair of arms wrapping around him from behind. Jackie's chest was pressed up against his back snugly. He wiped his hands dry on the dishcloth and turned around to embrace her.
Jackie looked up smiling and he couldn't resist placing a kiss on her lips.
"Hey," he said, smiling.
She smiled wider at his words, "Hi."
"So what'd you come up with? A parade of elephants? Writing in the sky?"
Eyes rolling, but still smiling she replied, "Shut up, Steven. Besides, writing in the sky wouldn't be a very good way to keep it a secret would it?"
"And the elephants?"
"Not available at this time of year, duh!"
"So?"
She pouted thoughtfully, "As much as I wanted something great, I also didn't want to take forever you know? If I have to wait any longer to talk to Mrs. Forman about this I'll go crazy!
"So I thought we could buy something cute, like something for the baby, and wrap it up and give it as a surprise! It's still early, we head to the store then to the Forman's!"
"Whatever you want, doll."
She grinned and kissed him. He pulled her close, happy the world wasn't falling apart.
"Oh my God, Steven, look!"
He looked to the heavens, exasperated. "Yeah Jackie, it's cute. Just like the last ten things you've freaked over."
Jackie held the green onesie up, smiling in face of his answer, "But look it's so tiny! And it has ladybugs!" She turned the onesie so he could see.
He took a step closer and grabbed the garment. He had to admit it was pretty small. Betsy had grown so fast, he had forgotten that babies came out so small.
"We have to get it!"
"But we don't know if it's a girl. The kid'll end up like Forman if we start it off dressing like a girl," he smirked.
Jackie gasped, "You're right! What was I thinking!" she pouted, "I guess we'll just have to wait," and she put it back on the rack.
Steven shook his head slightly and turned to the other racks around them. It was surreal to be here shopping and not for someone else.
"I hadn't thought about that…"
Steven looked around at her, "About what?"
"This baby might not be a girl. We could have a son! I don't know the first thing about boys!"
"That's why you got me," he smiled, "He'll grow up listening to Zepplin, learning the truth about the man."
"But then what would I do?" she said, frowning.
"You'd be there to stop him from falling off the water tower. And give him all that mushy love like Mrs. Forman does."
Jackie smiled and considered his words, "And I could sure he doesn't end up an idiot like Kelso…or a pervert like Fez…or a spaz like Eric…
"I guess a boy would be alright too," she grinned.
They came upon a display of baby shoes and booties. They were almost impossibly tiny, Steven thought. He could fit two in the palm of his hand.
"Hey, Jacks how about this?" he held up a pair of yellow, knitted booties.
"Oh, Steven!" Jackie came up to him, taking the pair of shoes. "They're perfect!"
"I thought it'd be a good clue. I can already see Red wondering what the hell they mean," he smirked.
Jackie's eyes were watering as she looked at the shoes, "They're so tiny! I can't handle how cute they are!"
Steven practically heard the alarm bells ringing, "Doll, wait, don't cry. It's not a sad thing." He wiped her face gently.
"I know! I can't help it!" she wailed.
Steven sighed and hugged her as she sniffled. A man passing by with his family grimaced in understanding, and somehow Steven understood the message the look carried. Good luck.
Jackie pulled back, "Ugh, I hate this. I'm crying like Fez does every time we watch Kramer vs. Kramer, it's stupid."
"Lots of things are stupid, Jackie, but not you," he smiled.
She brightened up, the moment passing, "Thanks, puddin' pop. Let's go pay for this so I can ask Mrs. Forman how stop these damn hormones."
She grabbed his hand and tugged him along.
"Okay, let's rehearse this. How are we going to tell them?"
"I think the words 'I'm pregnant' will do." He turned from watching where he was driving to deadpan.
"That's too boring," she said whined.
"Oh right, the elephants, I forgot."
She gave him a look, "I just want it to be special, Steven. It's not like my mom's gonna really care, she hasn't even called me in two months. My dad might not be able to see the baby for another five years. I won't have a big announcement for my parents, the Forman's are the closest thing I have to that. And they're the same for you…"
Steven sighed, "Yeah alright you're right. But I'm not gonna get all 'Family Ties' alright?"
She looked out to the road, smiling, "Sure, Steven."
"You know Mrs. Forman is gonna go nuts…She might not be as happy as we think either…"
"What do you mean?"
He glanced over for a moment, wondering if he should continue, but he did, "The Forman's are pretty old-fashioned, Jackie. It was a hassle just getting through me moving out with you without getting married…I don't know how they'll take us havin' a kid."
"But they got through Kelso getting Brooke pregnant and they never seemed that bothered."
"Yeah but that's Kelso," Jackie had to agree with that point, "and don't you remember how they were when Donna and Forman thought they were pregnant?"
Jackie paled, "I forgot about that…Well, we're not in college or anything. We both have jobs, we live together…We're not kids anymore."
"Yeah but since when have the Forman's been people of logic?" he smirked a little because at the end of the day they were crazy because they cared.
"I'll just turn the charm up," Jackie reasoned, "Mr. Forman likes me and he's the one who would really give us a hard time. And if all else fails, I'll just start crying. No one can be mean to a crying pregnant lady."
Steven raised an eyebrow, "Using you're powers for evil, doll?"
Jackie cuddled his arm, "I prefer to think it's for the greater good."
He laughed.
"So then if we're not sure how they'll take it, let's just give them the gift and have them figure it out for themselves. We'll tell them that we're okay and they have nothing to worry about."
She waited for him to speak but he stayed quiet.
"Steven?"
He hesitated again, before he struggled to get out a sentence, "Jackie…do you…I mean…Do you wanna get married?"
Steven felt Jackie tense next to him and held his breath. He snuck a glance at her and found her stunned.
When she spoke, her voice was soft, "No."
He released the breath he was holding and it surprisingly didn't back to the equilibrium he thought it would. Actually, he felt the pressure in his chest increase.
"Alright," he nodded.
Jackie sensed she should explain, "Steven, I don't need marriage to feel secure in what we have anymore. You don't want that and I'm not going to make you do anything you don't want to. I'm happy with how we are, really," she smiled.
He was able to smile and reply, "As long as you're happy, doll."
She kissed his cheek and resumed cuddling his arm as the tension relaxed.
Steven wasn't sure what it was that he was feeling. He knew he didn't believe in the government involvement in relationships through marriage. He also understood what Jackie had said: they had never been in a better place in their relationship even with the surprise pregnancy. But for some reason…when she had said no to his admittedly lame proposal he had felt disappointed.
The car pulled into the driveway behind the Forman's car which meant they were home. Steven had been half-hoping they weren't home so they could put this off another day. Jackie fiddled with the gift, wrapped simply in brown paper and tied with twine. They hadn't had the time to do anything more. Steven knew it was a sign of Jackie's preoccupation that she hadn't whined more about not having more a colorful presentation.
They got out of the car slowly lingering to check the seats for anything in the seats. Jackie looked over at Steven as he locked, unlocked, and then re-locked the car door. She fixed her purse, checking inside for something, anything.
Steven and Jackie made eye contact, both not wanting to be the first through the door. She opened her mouth but before she could speak there was a shout.
"What a nice surprise!" Mrs. Forman laughed joyfully as she rounded the corner from the front of the house with an empty box.
Steven was the first to come to his senses after the surprise, "Hi Mrs. Forman." She came in for a hug, squeezing him tight as she always did. He took the box from her hands as she went to hug Jackie next.
"Hi Mrs. Forman," Jackie greeted as well, a weak smile on her face. Steven almost laughed at how miserable she looked compared to earlier when she couldn't wait to tell everyone.
"What brings you two home?," Mrs. Forman asked but they were saved from coming up with an answer by her chatty nature, "Oh it's too cold out here for talking, let's head inside first!" And she led the way indoors where as always it somehow managed to be warm but not stuffy, and it smelled of baked goods.
They shrugged off their coats and sat at the kitchen table. Steven clasped his hands in his lap and Jackie held on to the gift for dear life.
"How about some hot cocoa?" Mrs. Forman asked, not waiting for their reply as she rooted through her kitchen. Within seconds there was milk steaming on the stove.
Steven thought it might be best to not start with their surprise, and Red wasn't around yet. "I noticed the lights got put up. Did Forman come by and help after all?"
Kitty laughed nervously, "Well no…Red's a little upset with me actually. I hired Tilly's grandson from down the road to come by and get it done."
Jackie almost sighed out loud, of course Mr. Forman would be in a sour mood. All she could add to the conversation was "Oh…"
"I'm not surprised Red's pissed. He hates paying people to do things he thinks he can get done."
"He also needs to realize that there are things he thinks he can do but can't," Kitty lectured as she stirred in the chocolate. "Anyways, enough of that old grump, you never told me why you two were here. I love surprise visits but they always have a reason."
Jackie had to hand it to her, she was kind but shrewd and not easy to get around anymore after years of dealing with their crap.
"Um…well actually. We needed to talk to both you and Mr. Forman. Is he here?"
Kitty looked surprised that they actually wanted Red around, usually the kids avoided his wrath until after Kitty had come around to help defend them. "Sure, he's upstairs I think." She poured out the cocoa into mugs and brought them to the table. "Red!" she yelled as she pushed open the swinging door, "Steven and Jackie are here!" She came back this time grabbing a bag of marshmallows to the table. "Do I need a glass of emergency wine?"
"Uh. No," Steven smiled.
Jackie's knee bounced incessantly next to his and he rested his hand on it to calm her. They both jumped in surprise for the second time that day as the kitchen door swung open to reveal Red.
"Alright, I'm ready."
They all looked at Red confused.
Red took a seat at the table and said simply, "I'm ready for whatever trouble, law-breaking, or otherwise dumbass problem you two are about to drag me into."
Steven replied, "It's not so much your problem as ours…"
Remembering their plan, which allowed them to not have to say much Jackie spoke up, "Here!" She placed the present before them on the table.
For a beat, no one said anything or moved.
Mrs. Forman reached for the gift and before tearing it open, she looked up questioningly at the couple but they remained mute. She opened the wrapping to find a plain white box. She took a deep breath and opened the lid.
The older couple looked down into the box. Mrs. Forman gasped and took the booties out of the box.
She looked from the pair of shoes to Jackie and then to Steven and then back to the gift in her hand.
"Are…are…," she barely managed. She looked at Jackie for confirmation.
Jackie sat wide-eyed, not able to read her reaction. "Uh-huh. I mean yeah- I mean yes. I'm pregnant."
"Oh my god," Mrs. Forman gasped, "Oh my god. Oh my god!" She threw the booties on the table and jumped up to stand with her arms spread, "Oh my god!"
Jackie started crying, relieved that this was a happy reaction and overcome with emotion. She stood to hug Mrs. Forman and was jostled as Mrs. Forman celebrated.
"I thought it was strange that you didn't drink at dinner! I should've known! How long have you known? Did you know then?" came the rush of questions.
Steven was the one to speak, "Uh…Red?"
Jackie had forgotten about Red's reaction in the excitement. Her smile dimmed as she turned to look at him.
Red sat staring down at the pair of booties in his hands. He said, "I…" his voice was weak and he cleared his throat.
Jackie and Steven shared a look as they both understood. Red was crying.
"Oh Red!," Kitty exclaimed and she really started crying. Which triggered Jackie's crying again.
Steven had never been so uncomfortable in his life. Until he felt the telltale prick of tears in his own eyes.
Red patted Steven on his shoulder and Steven knew what he was trying to say.
"Mr. Forman thank you!" Jackie cried and hugged him.
That snapped him out of it, "Thanks for what?"
"I was so worried you and Mrs. Forman would be so upset because we're having a baby and we're not married," Jackie cried.
Although Steven hadn't planned on bringing that up, he had to admit he was surprised as well.
"I can't say I'm happy that you're not married first, but a baby is a blessing no matter how it comes!"
"You two are adults, you have your own jobs and place. Practically married anyhow," Red said.
"Thanks Red," Steven said gruffly.
"Have you told anyone else?" Mrs. Forman asked.
"No, we wanted to tell you two first," Jackie said.
Steven held his mug in two hands to steady himself as he spoke, "And we both agree that you're the closest thing we have as parents you know? This kid is as good as your grandkid. If you'll have it, anyway..."
Mrs. Forman smiled wider, "Of course, Steven. You've been a second son to me since you were that scruffy teenager living in our basement."
"I've always wanted another shot at teaching someone how to be handy and good at sports since it was hopeless with Eric," Red said.
"A grandbaby! My first grandbaby!" Mrs. Forman clapped her hands.
Jackie took a look at the people in the kitchen and for a second couldn't believe where she was and the future she had created for herself. She plopped back into the chair as Mrs. Forman talked about lists and names and plans for the baby. Steven rolled his eyes good-naturedly with Red as Mrs. Forman ran around. Jackie smiled and took a drink of her cocoa. They were in for an adventure alright.
Let me know what you thought! Thanks to faithful reviewers and those who are following this story. xoxo
