Warped

by JJOAS

A 30 year old get's reincarnated into the body of one ten year old Jackie Burckhart and because of this cosmic hiccup this That 70's Show dimension get's a little warped. Slice of life.

2. Chapter 2

Chapter 2: 1977

I sat on Steven's lap and sighed when I heard that familiar ABBA tune over again. I liked almost all music and genres to a degree; usually due to indecisiveness, but constant repetition made me want to tear out my hair. That and hip hop in this era. It was much better in 2038. Steven rubbed my back and scowled at Pam. Ever my knight in shining armor. Sarcasm meter reaching past the green zone, folks.

She bopped her head along to the tune and glared at us, "I just want to hear the guitar solo one more time." Pam was probably a nice girl if I got to know her, but she just pissed me off for some reason. I didn't wanna think about what that might mean for me introspectively so nope. It was just like thinking about why Rosita wanted to leave me, or why my past husband; who really looked a lot like Steven, had to die….Those things went straight into the 'Nope box' in my head. Just…nope. Many things went into that box.

I grumbled, "Not again." I tried to burry out the sound by snuggling into Steven's shoulder which caused him to laugh. Damn you, puddin' pop. My misery isn't funny. I gave him a sharp jab to his left side. This wouldn't be happening if we were at my place. My nice quiet abode.

Steven winced and raised an eyebrow before shaking his head, "God Pam. Just use the headphones." He pinched my butt in retaliation before patting it gently.

Pam huffed and shoved the head phones into her ears dancing away from us towards Michael.

Donna sagged in relief, "Good." She let her head fall onto Eric's shoulder.

I nodded and rolled my eyes, "I know right, finally." I knew I should've brought snacks over again today. Snacks always made Pam's presence bearable. Snacks made everything bearable. Thank God for this body's metabolism. If I were in my original body in my original age, I would be a fat ass by now.

Michael glared at the oblivious girl, "Now, wrap the cord around your neck." It was most irritated I had seen him when it came to Pam. She just ground our gears the wrong way.

Eric silently agreed and leaned back letting his arm fall around Donna, "Would you guys respect me if I worked in the town dump?"

I raised an eyebrow and imagined Eric in a garbage man jumpsuit, "The town dump?" I snickered. That would be interesting.

Steven shook his head a smirk forming on his face, "No. Now, the state dump however…" I didn't get what he was alluding to, but I kissed his cheek and smiled. I would support him any ways even if I didn't quite get the joke.

I tilted my head to the side and gave my pseudo older brother a curious look, "Why are you looking for a job?"

I was pretty sure they weren't that much in a bind. I always made Kitty take my grocery contributions so food wasn't their problem. Was it their other bills? The Toyota? The mortgage? The utilities? What? Kitty had stated in one of our earlier conversations that I was the only one she could complain to about bills. If she ever brought that up with Red he got defensive like he wasn't providing enough for the family. I think Kitty just needed to vent to someone sometimes.

I remembered a time when I was still in my other life when I had constant anxiety attacks about how we would pay our bills. How I kept having to juggle which bills would be late or overdue, and which would have to be paid sooner. Homelessness or starvation? I hated going through that kind of life, but it did toughen me up and show me the importance of how to manage money.

Eric looked at me and patiently stated, "Everything costs money." I scowled at him and shook my fist. Stupid head thought I didn't know the God damn value of money. Damn brat didn't even have to pay for everything yet. Just wait till you live on your own buddy. Life's way more expensive than you know. Steven beamed and joined in.

Eric shrugged unapologetically, "Like gas, clothes, fun. Dates." He tucked Donna closer to him while a pensive look slid onto his face.

Michael nodded sagely while Pam decided to plop down onto his lap, "All dates cost money." Pam popped out her head phones and kissed Michael's cheek.

Fez pouted at all of us and switched the channel muttering to himself.

Steven rolled his eyes and perched his head on my shoulder, "No, Kelso, that is prostitution. Dates don't have to cost any money with the right girl." I smiled and nodded in agreement. I recalled one of our latest dates; we had gone up to a mountain point that looked over our small little town for a sunset picnic. It was the most romantic thing he had done for me so far and it didn't cost a cent, well him a cent any ways.

Eric let out an incredulous laugh, "Said the man who's never had a girlfriend before Lin. Lin's super easy to make happy." Donna rolled her eyes and pinched Eric's arm. He pouted and mouthed a short apology to her. I scowled at him. What did he mean exactly?

Michael shrugged and nodded. Pam huffed and continued to ignore us for the most part. Fez tilted his head in confusion and Steven sighed and silently acquiesced.

I frowned glancing at all their expressions, and had the sudden urge to hit them all, "Hey! God damn it guys."

Steven kissed the back of my neck slowly muttering, "Sorry, babe. It's true, and I-I love that you are." I raised my eyebrow and rolled my eyes, "Fine, mister."

Fez blinked and gave us a confused stare, "Did Steven not once have a girl named Esther?"

Eric let out a happy laugh and pointed at Steven, "Ha! I remember that crazy chick. We were like what?" He looked at Donna for confirmation.

She chuckled, "Like thirteen." Eric leaned back and dropped a kiss onto Donna's head while she flicked his forehead grinning the entire time.

Michael grinned, "Yeah, I remember telling Fez that story. She was like three years older than us and totally crazy." Pam tried to look disinterested, but she still leaned in slightly.

I raised my eyebrow. She really was crazy, "Whatever ever happened to her?" I could feel Steven running his hands through my hair. Dude probably thought I was gonna be mad. They hadn't even kissed or gone to second base. Why would I care?

Steven deadpanned, "She's dating my 'uncle'. You know the one who just got outta jail."

I snorted and left a lingering kiss on Steven's pulse point. Eric made a gagging noise and I ignored him. He'd probably do that even if Steven and I got married in the future. A girl could dream.

Donna rolled her eyes and slowly got up stretching all the way, "I'm going home for dinner." She sent a nervous glance at Eric who flopped onto the rest of the couch when she got up. He grinned up at her.

Donna fidgeted slightly before taking a deep breath, "By the way, Mom and Dad are going to the Playboy Club at Lake Geneva this weekend. Do you guys want souvenirs?"

I bounced on Steven's lap making him groan slightly. Whether it was a groan of pain or pleasure I didn't quite care at the moment, "Please ask them to bring me back a magnet."

Donna relaxed slightly and laughed, "Alright, midget. I know how you have this crazy magnet collection."

Pam huffed and leaned back against Michael. Jeeze. One day bitch. One day.

Steven nipped my shoulder. So pleasure then, "Ash trays if they can manage it." Donna nodded. Steven might not have been smoking regular cigarettes lately, but he still enjoyed a joint or two now and again.

Fez dreamily sighed, "A woman. A nice one with big boobs."

Donna choked down a laugh, "Suuure, Fez."

Eric perked up, "Your parents are going to be out of town?" I wondered what was going through his head.

Michael's gears were turning and he had a suspiciously happy grin spreading onto his face, "Really?"

I shook my head and Donna raised her eyebrow, "Yeah...I mean I'll be babysitting my baby sister Tina all weekend. Just me. Alone. Watching TV. I might order a pizza. Who knows?" She shrugged and Eric had a twinkle in his eye.

Michael got up suddenly causing Pam to fall to the floor, "I got an idea! We'll have a party at Donna's. A toga party!" Pam scowled up at Michael picking herself up and dusting off her too tight dress.

Pam poked his chest and sneered, "Michael! Maybe Donna doesn't want to throw a party."

I grinned and wiggled my eyebrows, "Maybe she wants to be alone." Steven muffled a laugh into my shoulder.

Donna grinned down at Eric, "Yeah, just me, alone. If someone happens to stop by, that'd be pretty cool." Eric returned her grin with a soft smile. I don't think they had the same thing in mind. Eric was pretty much a boy scout even with his hormones.

Michael bounced, "So we're on!" Donna gave Michael a disapproving look.

Steven chuckled and jokingly stated, "Yeah I'll bring the beer!" Donna raised her eyebrow at me and I mouthed a silent 'joking'. She nodded and went back to looking down at Eric expectantly.

Fez looked up at Donna hopefully, "Donna, I have never been to an American party. May I come?" Awe Fez.

Donna sighed and shrugged, "Yeah, I don't care. So, Eric, are you gonna be there?"

Eric had leaned back staring fully up at Donna from his position, "Yeah. Sounds fun."

Donna beamed down at him, "Cool." She gave me a quick hug and flicked Steven's head before she left, "Catch you guys later." After waving one last time she bounced out of the back door.

Michael cheered, "Party at Donna's!"

I shook my head, "You are both so stupid." Steven nodded and left a trail of kisses down the back of my neck. I was glad I hadn't decided to grow out my hair. Short hair meant sensual neck kisses it seemed.

Michael pouted and tilted his head, "Why?" He always reminded me of a golden retriever when he did that.

Pam snorted and gave me a flat stare, "This is a first, but I actually agree with Jackie." I scowled at her. No one called me Jackie, but her. I think she did it to get under my skin. Steven glared at her and Fez looked at us with this confused look on his face.

Fez frowned, "What?"

Eric threw a pillow at my head, which Steven deftly caught with one hand, "You're saying that I'm stupid?" He had this slightly offended look plastered on his face.

Steven rolled his eyes and threw the pillow back at his head, "Donna just put on the full court press, man, and you dropped the ball."

Eric let the pillow fall onto his head, "What are you talking about? All she said was that she'd be alone Saturday night with a pizza…Well shit…God, I'm so stupid." He then proceeded to beat himself up with a pillow.

I looked on and shook my head. Steven licked my ear, "Aren't you glad I get your signals, doll."

Slightly turning around I nipped Steven's bottom lip, "Very much so."

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I smiled and mouthed a silent thank you to Kitty. She waved it off with a grin. I was happily munching down some coconut crème pie that I had brought over for desert. I loved this stuff.

Eric gulped down a spoon full of pie and searchingly stated, "So, Dad, the guys and I are thinking about getting jobs." Red raised his eyebrow and slowly chewed on his piece of pie. Kitty shook her head slowly whilst taking a sip of her ice water.

Red swallowed and firmly stated, "No."

Eric looked like he was going to argue and I kicked him under the table. He frowned deeply at me and shoved another piece of pie into his mouth chewing with vigor.

Kitty stared at Eric with a morose look on her face, "You have a job. It's your job to get good grades, go to college, graduate and leave me." She sniffed slightly and I patted her shoulder gently. She managed to give me a small smile in return, "Thank you dear."

Red glared at Eric and gave his wife a soft look, "Kitty, when I was his age, I worked in a slaughterhouse. It was a good experience. I learned how to use a hammer."

Eric cautiously looked over at Red, pushing his corn around his plate, "There's a new Fatso Burger restaurant hiring people, Lin's dad owns it. I guess I could get a job there."

I shook my head at Eric discreetly. Any business daddy dearest owned meant bad news in my book. He, however, ignored my silent warning. Fine. Whatever man. I flipped him off internally.

Kitty looked at Eric with a disapproving frown, "There is plenty of time later to get a job to grind the joy out of your life."

I decided it wasn't my place to really say anything here and kept on eating my pie. Pie was much simpler than this conversation.

Red shook his head getting into a rant, "It's never too early. But let me tell you something. Work is not about fun. It's about work. It's about seeing how much crap you can take from the boss-man. And then taking some more. And remember- Hey, look at me. Only quitters quit." I nodded resolutely. He was totally right on that count.

Kitty sighed and passed me some more whipped crème. I wondered if she was doing this because she could feel Eric growing up, and I was so short I always looked like a little girl. Well sort of. I did manage to grow boobs, although they weren't something I would brag about. Bah.

Eric lifted his head and looked at Red squarely, "So, can I work?"

Red glared at Eric, "We're sure as hell gonna find out now, aren't we?"

It was a damn awkward end to our usually good dinners.

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We sat on my porch swing sipping our respective sodas and I glanced over at Donna, "So apparently there's a big party Saturday night." Now and again I popped a chip into my mouth. Mmm salt and vinegar.

She sighed and twirled a finger in the air listlessly, "Whoopee." She stole a chip from me and munched on it while she swung us with her legs. I loved this porch swing.

Steven rolled his eyes and let his hand fall to my upper thigh, "I can't believe Forman missed all of those signals." I took his hand and gently clutched with mine. I certainly didn't want to start groping one another with other people around, even it was just Donna.

Donna glanced at us with a look of a deer caught in head lights, "What signals?" Subtle she was not.

I snorted and pitched my voice lower, "Oh, no. Poor me all alone in my big house just me and my nightie!" Steven smirked and nipped at my neck whispering, "I wouldn't mind it if you did get a nightie." I swatted at him grinning, "Not now. Maybe later."

Steven rolled his eyes and fluttered his eyes at Donna, "If only there was some scrawny little neighbor boy here."

Donna puffed up and glared at Steven, "He's not scrawny." She threw her hands up into the air and morosely looked at the both of us, "You know, why am I even talking to you guys?"

I laughed and handed her the entire bag of chips as a peace offering, "We're all you got, sweetie." She took the bag gladly and munched on a couple more chips.

Steven picked up swinging us gently when Donna retreated into herself. He finished off his soda and popped the can into the nearby recycling bin and I lifted my arms and silently cheered. He grinned, bowed his head and gave me a tender kiss.

She sighed and buried her head into her arms, "Oh, my God. So everybody knows?" She had apparently finished her soda as well, but chose to leave it underneath us. Oh well. I'd just make sure to pick up after her when she decides to go and see Eric again.

Steven smirked, "I'm afraid so, Big Red."

Donna whined and looked up at the setting sun, "I just wanted to spend some time with him alone and now I can't."

I snorted. She was making this into much more a bigger deal than it had to be, and they called me the baby? "How does that make you feel?" I patted her shoulder and did my best therapist expression. Steven snickered.

Donna didn't notice our actions, and sighed dejectedly stating, "Frustrated. It's frustrating as hell. I mean, I really put myself out there."

I nodded and pretended that I was writing this down on a note pad, "I know." Call me callous, but this wasn't really that big of a deal. Yes, it might have felt like a big deal now, but worse things could have happened. Ahh teenaged drama.

Donna stood up and wrung her hands out, "Ughhh! Why does he have to be such a dumbass?"

Steven sent Donna a smug look, "Beats me, 'cause I'm the perfect boyfriend, right doll?"

I let out a loud laugh, "Perfect for me anyways." We threaded our fingers and he gave me an eskimo kiss, probably to mess with Donna.

Donna pouted and got off of my porch, "You guys suck." She gave us a wave and strolled back to her house taking my peace offering with her.

I watched her shrinking form, "We should do this more."

Steven raised his eyebrow squeezing my hand, "What? Just hanging with Donna alone?"

I shook my head and squeezed back, "Nope." He kept our slow swinging motion going with one leg and repositioned me so I could be in his lap.

"Sitting on the swing watching the sunset then?" Steven whispered into my ear sending tingles down my spine.

"Mhmm. Puddin' pop, you get me." I languidly smiled and kissed him gently over my shoulder.

After a few moments Steven broke our peaceful silence wiggling his eyebrows all the while, "So about that nightie?"

I giggled and palmed him through his jeans, "You wanna come inside?"

He grinned, "Yes, dear."

We hurriedly got off our swing and clambered into my house laughing all the while. I made sure to chuck both of the remaining empty cans into my recycling bin before I followed after Steven though.

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I sat on my comfy couch and looked at Eric expectantly, "Okay, let's hear it."

Eric tried cheerfully grinning at Steven while he shook his hand, "Hello, my name is Eric Forman."

Steven shook his head and tried to demonstrate what to do right, "Nope. Not with a loose hand. Firm, like this." Steven had pretty firm hands if you know what I mean. Bow chicka wah wah.

Eric nodded and tried again, "Right, like this?" He looked so hopeful. It wasn't entirely his fault that he was more on the mushy side of what made a man manly in this era.

Steven rolled his eyes, "Not like a fish. Try again."

Eric tried again pasting on the same smile, "Hello, my name's-"

Steven interrupted Eric sighing, "No. Step into it and stand up straight."

Eric scowled and made a face, "Straight-up and hold the fish."

I snickered behind my hand and bounced. This was much more entertaining than watching Gilligan's Island again.

Steven scowled, "Don't be a smartmouth."

Eric straightened and tried smiling again, "Right. No smartmouth. Hello, my name is Eric Forman." He held out his hand and made a half way decent hand shake from my vantage point.

Steven shook his hand and expectantly looked at him, "And? Tell them about your junior achievement experience."

Eric frowned and shook his head, "They could give a rat's ass about that."

I rolled my eyes. They would want some sort of experience relating to working or something that would indicate work ethic. Sure Steven's questions were unorthodox, but they made sense.

Steven rolled his eyes and asked another question, "Okay, show them your honorable mention from the science fair."

Eric sighed and shook his head, "Again. Rat's ass." I was tempted to throw a pillow at his head. He was being so difficult AND he was slouching again.

I frowned, "Don't slouch."

Eric looked at me and sent me a mischievous look, "Wouldn't that fall under the "stand up straight" category?"

Steven frogged Eric's shoulder causing him to wince, "See? That's a smartmouth. You're fired, Mr. Smartmouth."

I shook my head. At this rate, Eric would never get a job.

Eric grumbled rubbing his shoulder, "That's probably not how that works, Hyde."

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I grinned and kicked my feet back and forth while I sat on my hands on my couch, "Sooo…how'd the job interview go?"

Steven fell back into the seat beside me and buried his face into my shoulder, "It didn't."

I kissed his exposed neck nipping it slightly, "Awe puddin' pop." I know he really tried hard to get Eric to have a spine for this job interview.

He shook his head, "Didn't matter. Eric got a job, and I can look for one somewhere else." Wait, what now?

I took a step back internally. Well now our conversation made much more sense. I raised my eyebrow, "You're looking for a job?"

He nodded, "Yeah. Edna went off again, and I know you said whatever you have, I can consider mine too…but I want to be able to provide for you. That's what a man does." He sighed and I couldn't help the soft smile that spread across my face. Awe… Sexism aside. Awe…But seriously, what?

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I popped a French fry into Steven's mouth and grinned when I managed to get it in. He grinned munching on it and tried to shoot a fry into my open mouth.

Fez grinned and waved Eric over, "Here, here, my minimum wage friend. I demand service."

Eric looked at us glumly stating, "Welcome to Fatso Burger. How may I serve you?" He looked so dorky in his burger boy get up.

I patted his arm shaking my head, "That is so sad, burger boy." Eric scowled at me and I pulled him down so I could whisper something to him, "You know you could just ask me for whatever you need. I don't mind. You're family."

Eric got up and shook his head, "It's the principle of things, Lin." He then proceeded to walk away and deal with other customers.

Steven raised a brow and I mouthed a silent offered him money. Steven nodded, "It's the principle of things Lin." I scowled at him. Men.

Michael pouted at me and poked me with a sheathed straw, "You know, Lin, I've been wracking my brain trying to figure out why this guy didn't hire me." He'd been bugging me about that all day. Steven glared at Michael and Fez continued watching Eric fumble at his job.

I let out an exasperated sigh, "Michael, I am so tired of hearing that. It's not like I can control who the manager hires. My 'dad' owns it. I, however, do not." I threw a fry into the air and caught it with my mouth which made Steven grin. Mission accomplished.

Michael put his fist under his chin tilting his head, "You know what I think it is?"

Pam fluttered her eyes at Michael, "What?

Michael looked down at his chest, "I'm great looking and he's jealous. I'm telling you, Lin, this body is a curse." He nodded sagely at me while I continued to ignore him. Sometimes dude…Sometimes.

Steven frogged Michael in the shoulder; Michael was still as flirty with me even when Steven had 'talked' to him. Michael was just generally flirty though, I think.

Pam rolled her eyes, "Besides, if you worked here you couldn't see me whenever I wanted you to, lover." She sent a pointed look my way. Seriously? What the hell man? I certainly didn't like Michael that way. Thank God.

Michael grinned, "Oh yeah." They then proceeded to grope each other in public. Classy guys, classy.

Steven raised his eye brow and let an arm fall around my shoulders, "Damn. We don't do that, right?"

I laughed and kissed his neck chastely, "Nope. That's cause we have class." Despite our comments Pam and Michael continued eating each other's faces.

Fez looked at all of us and whined, "Please stop touching each other. It gives me needs."

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Michael came into Donna's house wearing a sheet draped over his clothes and a couple beers in his hand, "Are you ready to rock and roll? Toga!" He jumped up and down like an excited puppy.

Steven snickered, "Hey, man, nice dress." He pulled me closer while more people came into Donna's house. Really, Steven? Really? I rolled my eyes, but cuddled closer to his side anyway.

Fez frowned "You only brought three beers?"

Michael happily shrugged, "We'll share."

I sighed and held up the beer Steven and I were apparently going to have to share, "Here's to our wasted youth Party." He grinned and pecked my head, "Here! Here!"

Donna walked in with a gloomy haze surrounding her, "Hey, Fez. Hey Steven, Lin."

I tipped an invisible hat to her, "Evening, Donna." A smile flashed on her face for a second before Fez ruined it.

Fez lecherously asked, "Which of these ladies are easy?"

Donna frowned, but before she could answer her adorable little sister came in. She was a good couple inches shorter than me, with red hair, and a cute little face. Tina was adorable and I wanted to hug her to death.

She furrowed her button nose and pointed towards the living room before heading to the kitchen, "Donna, some of your creepy friends are using Dad's stereo."

Donna glared at Michael and stomped over to the people messing with her dad's stuff, "You guys, no one's allowed in the house!"

Fez winked at Tina and deepened his voice, "Hello, pretty lady."

Tina chirped and continued walking away, "Hi!"

Donna came back with a grimace, "No, Fez. She's not a pretty lady; she's still a baby and my little sister. She's also ten." She glared back at the people that dared to mess with her and they quietly took a seat and chatted around stolen snacks.

Fez frowned, "You know, in my country –"

Steven shot him a weird look and took a sip from our beer, "It's illegal here, bud."

Fez nodded realization coming across his face, "I see." I took a sip when Steven handed me our beer can.

Pam glared at Michael, gave me the stink eye, and pulled him along, "Michael, you and I need to talk, in private." Why did this chick keep shooting me looks? You weirdo.

Michael shrugged and let the blonde drag him away, "Okay."

Donna looked at the chaos that had come into her home and sighed, "I'm miserable and this party sucks." She gave me a drowned puppy look and I sighed.

Steven saw my expression and rolled his eyes, "You know what'll make you feel better? A scrawny little neighbor boy."

I shrugged and patted her shoulder, "Why don't you take off, go see him, and we'll watch the kids?"

Steven inched his hand near my butt, "Yeah, me and the missus can watch the brats." I swatted Steven's hand. Really? I rolled my eyes. For all his complaining about the institution of marriage; which was mostly his parent's fault in my opinion, he certainly used phrases like that around me often enough.

Donna beamed at us. The first real smile she had since this stupid party happened, "Thanks, Hyde. Thanks, Lin." She dashed out of here like a coyotes were chasing her.

Steven chuckled while we watched her run off, "You're welcome!"

I laughed and chipped in, "Go after your Romeo!" We heard a distant yell of 'will do'. We turned around and stared at the mess that Michael had basically made. Again. I laid my head on his shoulder, "Damage control?"

He sighed and nodded, "Yep. Come on, doll. We got a lot to do." I followed along wrapping an arm around his waist. Well, at least we would be doing it together.

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I shook my head while I herded people out of Donna's house with a broomstick. I scared the shit outta of those stupid kids, better run damn idiots. Pam also ran too, which was just as good. Little shit popped a water bed. Be glad there was duct tape or I would've ran after you.

I managed to bribe Tina into going to bed early with a pizza. That little kid loved pizza. Steven was dealing with running interference with the guys. I knew that if he didn't Michael would stubbornly insist on continuing this farce of a party.

Steven glanced at the empty living room and stretched out, "What do you know, Kelso? We're out of beer."

Michael frowned before beaming at Steven, "You know what? Forman's old man's got a fridge in the garage and I know he's got beer in it."

Steven nodded and herded Michael and Fez out of Donna's house towards Eric's garage.

I sighed in relief and cleaned up the last signs of the party ever happening. Donna so owed me one. Me and Steven. This whole thing was so sucky.

Donna rushed back in huffing and grinning. She gave me a big hug and shooed me off. I gave her a bewildered look. "I saw my folks' car coming this way. You better go. They said they didn't want me to have anyone over during their 'getaway'."

I laughed, "You so owe me and Steven, Donna." I gave her a big hug and found Steven skulking around by the door.

"What happened to you, puddin' pop?"

He sighed and shook his head, "I don't wanna talk about it. Let's just go hang out at your place."

"Alright," I shrugged, "We have a little while before I head over to the Forman's for dinner. You wanna stay, and have a sleep over?"

A smile formed on his face, "That would certainly make me feel better."

"Alright, how about we top that off with a late steak dinner?"

He chuckled, "I knew there was a reason I kept you around."

I rolled my eyes and walked with him, my arm looped around his waist, "Mhmm."

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I sighed and watched Steven eat his steak with a smile, "I'm happy you liked it, puddin' pop."

He grinned, "You know I'll love whatever you make me." I had known him extremely well since we were twelve and he never used the word love to describe things this much. It made me feel like there was something going on that I didn't quite grasp. Bah. I was getting as paranoid as Steven was at this rate.

"You still wanna go with me to that clinic?" I leaned back on my chair and let it fall back into place while I looked at Steven pensively.

He tipped his head to the side and slowly chewed and swallowed, "That IUD place?" Steven took a sip of his ice water happily relishing the difference between the solids and liquid.

I nodded, "Mhmm. I want to be safe, and I trust that you would never cheat on me…so that rules out condoms, the pill, and those injections."

He almost choked and let out a raspy, "Yep."

I raised my eyebrow, "Yep?"

He flushed shoving some broccoli into his mouth, "You know I don't like talking about my feelings, but just hearing you say that you'd undergo minor surgery for me…"

I nodded and stole a potato wedge off his plate, "Yes?"

He shook his head looked at me steadily, "Lin. I love you, and I'm happy you're thinking about doing it with me to the point of lookin' out for me even we haven't done it yet."

It was my turn to flush, "Well you're allergic to latex, and I don't like the pill or the other thing…so it only seemed logical…" I turned away from him, but he managed to steal my attention back when he squeezed my hand. When did this conversation get so important?

"Still though…" He trailed off looking at me expectantly. I laughed. It was usually the other way around for us, but I knew that he meant it when he said that he loved me.

"I love you too. I wouldn't be looking at shit like this, if I didn't," I leaned into him and placed a soft sensual kiss on his lips.

He growled, "Lin…if you want me to finish dinner, you gotta stop."

I let out a loud laugh letting my head fall back, "Whatever you say, puddin' pop. Whatever you say."

Putting in the IUD was a big step for me and him. It also showed Steven multiple things wordlessly. One: that I wouldn't be leaving him since it was something that would mean I couldn't conceive for three years. Two: Sex was in our near future. And three: that I would literally do anything for him even if he didn't ask me to. Even though saying I love you meant a great deal, it meant an even greater deal to show it to someone especially to someone like Steven.

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We leaned back in the back seat trading kisses under the blanket. Making out in Eric's car did feel better than doing it in mine. Steven was right.

I placed finger against Steven's lips when we heard Donna.

"This is great. Eric Forman skips class."

Steven muffled a laugh. What the hell was Donna doing here? I heard Eric laugh and his voice soon followed.

"Yeah, danger is my middle name." Well that answered all of my questions.

I couldn't help but pipe up, "It's actually Albert." I popped my head out of the blanket in the back and laughed at the shocked look that crossed both of their faces.

Steven groaned and slapped his forehead, "Lin."

"What?" I shrugged and kissed his cheek. Eric walked into that one.

Eric glared at the two of us, "What are you guys doing in here?"

Steven raised his eyebrow, "The better question is, what are you guys doing in here?

Eric frowned and stated proudly, "I cut class."

I rolled my eyes and let my head fall onto Steven's shoulder, "Uh huh."

Steven chuckled, "No seriously. What, was there like a fire drill or something?"

Eric scowled and crossed his arms, "No, look, I do bad things. I quit my job, didn't I? Look, I've ditched class before." He started driving fuming all the while.

Donna giggled beside him, "Is Opie getting angry?" I grinned. This was so much better than making out in the back of my car.

Eric turned to Donna and sighed, "What did I tell you about calling me Opie?"

I saw a keg fly out of the back of a truck and screeched, "Opie, look out for that keg in the middle of the road!"

We skidded to a stop and I privately thanked God that we didn't go careening off into death. I had already died once and that was plenty thank you. Eric and Donna got out of the car with Steven and me slowly following behind at a sedate pace.

"You okay, doll?"

"Yeah." I smiled up and him and clutched his hand. He nodded, and stopped staring at the keg before dropping my hand and running over towards the keg Eric and Donna were inspecting. I rolled my eyes my smile never leaving my face. It was times like this that reminded me of Steven's actual age.

Eric ogled the keg like a bikini model, "Wow!"

Steven dropped onto his knees and caressed it reverently stating, "It's a keg. Of beer!"

Donna nodded, "It must be a sign."

I laughed, "Of beer." Steven looked back at me with stars in his eyes.

Eric grinned and pumped his fist into the air, "That's it…I'm cutting class every day!"

I rolled my eyes. Dumbass.

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Michael inspected the keg, for what I don't know, "How did you find it?"

Steven animatedly told the story, "We were driving down the road, man, and there she was." I perched on his lap carefully eating a chocolate bar. It was an aero bar that I had melted with Oreo pieces. I missed the chocolate from my original era.

Fez grinned and stated, "It was a beer in the headlights. That is my first American joke." I nodded and Fez shot me a thankful smile. I waved the chocolate at him and he nodded. I tossed a piece his way and he gratefully caught it. Did no one feed this boy?

Steven waved off Fez's joke, "How often do you find a mysterious keg of free beer?" He tugged me closer to his body after seeing what I had given Fez. I rolled my eyes and dropped a short kiss onto his temple.

Eric shrugged, "Only once in a while."

Michael bounced, "You're right, Forman!"

Steven nodded and beamed, "Man, you are absolutely right. When God gives you a keg, you've gotta –"

Fez piped up helpfully adding, "Kill a virgin?"

I laughed and choked out, "No, Fez."

Eric threw Fez a questioning look before turning back to Steve, "Throw a party."

Michael cheered and pumped both fists into the air, "Whoa! Go for it, Eric."

Steven had a mischievous look in his eye again, "Yeah, we'll throw a party."

Fez bounced, "Gonna charge $2 a head."

Michael thoughtfully calculated everything out loud, "$2 a head. A keg is equivalent to seven cases, that's 168 beers. If we each drink three beers a piece –"

Donna shook her head, "No way, sophomores are gonna just drink one."

I nodded, "True." Most teenagers didn't drink that much at their first kegger. I would assume this would be one of the first in this age group any ways. Small towns made it so gossip and rumors got around pretty easy.

Eric agreed letting his arm drape across Donna's shoulders, "Yeah, and the freshmen will only drink a half."

Steven made a face and stated, "So that averages out to 1.5 beers per person which means we can invite 112 people."

Michael let out a long whistle, "That's about $224."

Fez beamed, "Cash."

Steven nodded, "Which is decent." I got up off his lap when I felt him wiggle his legs. It was a great position for us, but it did cause his legs to fall asleep now and again.

Steven stretched out, "Okay, grab some ice out of the deep freeze, and I'll grab the tub."

Michael patted the keg lovingly while he took it to the back room, "That is one sweet mama."

Steven nodded dragging the tub along, "Yeah."

Kitty dashed down the stairs smiling, "Hey, gang."

She caught sight of me moving towards her and she waved her hand, "Don't mind me, sweetie. Just came down to do an emergency presoak on my nurses' uniform. You remember Mr. Wilbur, the fireman?"

"Mhmm," I smiled and sat up onto the couch's back cushion.

She grinned and nodded, "Well he came in today with a sebaceous cyst which is a pocket of fluid; that's kind of like a pusy bath oil bead under your skin. And you think it's solid, but if you take an instrument and you pierce the core and then you apply pressure with your thumb…"

Kitty noticed that Steven had frozen still holding onto the tub, "Sweetheart, what are you doing with that tub?"

Steven sheepishly asked, "The tub?"

Eric piped in, "We were just working on a class project."

Donna added, "We're making a volcano."

Kitty let out a long laugh, "Out of ice? I think it might melt." She shook her head and put her nursing uniform into the washing machine.

I sighed at their stupid excuses, "You heard her let's move it, gang!"

Kitty hurried up the stairs and waved down at us while she went, "Okay, have fun."

Eric looked worriedly up at the stairs, "Guys, we've got to get the keg out of here."

Donna nodded, "Where are we having the party?"

Steven shrugged and pulled the ice tub beside the couch, "Beats me."

Michael looked at us and nodded towards the door, "If you guys need me I'll be with Pam over at our secret make-out place."

I raised my eyebrow, "Secret make-out place?"

Michael grinned and bounced on the heels of his feet, "It's this vacant house over on Sherman. I mean, this place is great. It's totally private. I mean, you can get away with about anything there. So, if you guys find a place for that keg, let me know."

He headed towards the basement back door, but paused midway a brilliant smile lighting up his face, "I've got an idea!"

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Pam whined tugging on Michael's arm, "Michael, this is our secret make-out place. I did not swipe the key from my mother's real estate office so that you could have a party."

Michael grinned and patted Pam's head patronizingly, "I know it's like a bonus. And I'm doing it for you, baby."

Pam nodded quietly, "Okay."

Eric grinned at Donna, "Empty pool, empty house, full keg."

Donna laughed, "You sure know how to show a girl a good time."

He nodded throwing an arm around her, "Yeah, I don't color outside the lines often but when I do, jump back, Loretta."

Steven rolled his eyes and yelled up to Fez, "I don't care when you ate, Fez, get in the pool now."

I laughed and added, "You're not going to drown in an empty pool Fez. That's not how that works!"

Fez climbed down grumbling, "If I get a cramp, it will be on your head Hyde."

Steven rolled his eyes and hugged me from behind, "That's fine with me, man."

Pam looked at all of us and anxiously stated, "Hurry up and drink your keg."

I looked at her incredulously, "Seriously? Hurry up and drink an entire keg?"

Steven scowled at her, "Pam, will you just mellow out? I mean, this rules. We've got a keg, and soon everybody's gonna be here."

Pam whipped around to Michael and glared, "Everybody?"

Michael grinned and patted her head, "Everybody who matters, baby."

Donna rolled her eyes, "And for the first time, Pam, that includes you."

Michael cheered, "Let's drink beer!"

Damn it. If we were really going through this stupid thing I might as well go first. I pushed Eric aside and raised my hand, "Me first. I spotted it."

Eric frowned crossing his arms and shaking his head, "No, I saw it too, I just didn't say anything."

Steven raised his eyebrow and snorted, "You saw a keg and you didn't say anything? Back of the line."

Michael leaned down and inspected the keg, "All right, how do you get the beer out?"

Steven rolled his eyes and stated in an obvious tone, "Through the tap."

Fez took a look as well tilting his head, "What tap?"

Steven let go of me and felt all around the keg wildly looking for a tap, "No! Okay, we really need a tap here." He looked at all of us expectantly.

Michael shrugged and offered, "I got my Swiss army knife."

Steven shook his head and sarcastically stated, "Great, now we can whittle the beer out. All right, look, they sell taps at the liquor store."

Eric nodded, "Yeah, and who's got the money to buy it?"

Michael nudged Pam and she squawked in return, "Why would I bring money to our secret make-out place, Michael?"

Eric wobbled his head and sadly offered, "Okay, I've got my gas money."

I frowned deeply and pushed Eric's money away, "No, Eric, we're not going to take your gas money. I've got some spare cash. I always carry my wallet, I.D, and shit with me."

Steven made a face and eventually gave in sighing, "Okay…by the end of the night; we'll have made over $200. These goons can pay you back that way."

I shook my head, "That's okay." I don't think they bothered to pay attention to me at this point though. I walked to Eric's Cruiser with him.

He gave me a sheepish grin, "Hey Lin. Even though we aren't related by blood, you're still the best little sister in the world. You know that right?" He pushed my shoulder softly.

I grinned and nodded mock punching his shoulder in return, "Yeah, but a girl likes to hear it now and then. Now let's go get that tap to impress your fair lady!"

He beamed, "Yeah!"

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I rolled my eyes at Eric. Really dude. Fake sideburns? Where did he even buy them?

Eric smoothed down his fake side burns, "Hi, I'm 25. I know I look young, but my dad asked me to come down here and pick up a tap for his keg. And he's 43, so we're both legal. No problem there. I'm not going to be drinking the beer or anything. 'Cause I don't believe in it, but no offense to you…I think selling liquor is a great thing."

I rolled my eyes and handed the burly cashier a twenty, "Here keep the change. I'm sorry about my idiot brother." I flashed him my college I.D. just in case.

He glanced at my I.D, winked at me and handed me the keg tap with the receipt, "Yeah, here you go, sugar."

Eric grinned, "Because I'm 25, right?"

He shook his head, "Because she's got money."

Eric frowned, "Yeah, but I am 25."

The burly cashier shrugged carelessly, "Don't need to be since ya' can't drink a tap."

Eric shook his head, "No, I can prove it you. I got my IDs out in the wallet."

Said cahier rolled his eyes and went back to whatever he was doing before, "Happens all the time, you both take care now."

Eric grimaced and nodded, "Okay… I'll leave, now."

I rolled my eyes while we exited the liquor store, "Real smooth, Rico suave."

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Steven stared at the two bulky drunk football players that handed him a broken tap, "You broke it and gave it back." He twitched and I was afraid he would pop a blood vessel for a moment. He absolutely hated it when people broke our things, it reminded him too much of his home life.

Dumb football player one happily stated, "Yeah, that was great!"

Dumb football player two stated drunkenly, "Yeah!"

I had nothing against football players. I had known a couple of really cool people who loved playing football in my last life. These two did not qualify under that category.

Eric stared at the broken tap in clutched in Steven's hand, "It's broken." I could see him slowly steam up. It took a while, but when Eric got mad, he would get mad. You should've seen him when he went after the two older girls that picked on me when we were younger. It was like he was a rabid squirrel.

Michael sheepishly offered his solution, "I got duct tape." I think he might've thought all this was his fault.

Steven gave Michael a bewildered look, "Duct tape? Do you know how much pressure runs through that tap?"

Michael pouted, "I got a whole roll of duct tape."

Steven threw up his hands and pushed the broken tap into Michael's hands, "I can't work like this. Forman, you need to get your dad's tap now."

Eric shook his head, "My dad doesn't have a tap." Denial didn't suit him.

Steven rolled his eyes and patted Eric's shoulder, "Red's got bicentennial swizzle sticks. He's got fake lemons with real lemon juice. He's got toothpicks shaped like swords. Red Forman is a cocktail dad. And cocktail dads have beer taps."

Michael poked and prodded Eric, "Yeah, come on, Eric, we never ask you for anything."

I could see Eric's patience reach its limit and he predictably blew up on Michael, "You guys ask me for everything! And Lin! You ask us both for everything!" Oh. I didn't think he'd drag me into this. Dayyyuum.

I shook my head and held up my hands. This was getting out of hand, "Seriously guys. I can just go and buy another one. It's not a big deal."

Steven scowled shaking his head and raised his eyebrow at Eric, "So, what's one more thing?"

I rubbed his shoulder and he squeezed my hand back in return. He never really asked for too much when it came to regular things, but he was having a tough time lately. Edna had come home with a different trucker and said trucker was just as vicious as the last. I believed this kegger was a way for Steven to feel a little more like a stereotypical teenager, someone normal. This was why I didn't mind blowing more money on another tap. It would probably make him happy.

Eric threw his hands up and looked like he was going to walk off at any moment, "No, forget it. I've done enough today already. Count me out."

Dumb football player number one wobbled over and slung an arm around a very stunned Michael, "Hey, Kelshmo, what, your tap is broken?"

Dumb football player number two, "Why'd you do something stupid like buy a stupid, broken tap?"

Eric whipped around and poked the both of them in the chest with fire in his eyes, "What are you stupid? It wasn't broken until you broke it!" The rabid squirrel is back.

Dumb football players one and two grouped together and consoled each other while Eric shook, "Man. Don't beat yourself up. You had no way of knowing. Anyways, we gave it back."

Steven glared at the two of them and spat, "Yeah, broken."

Dumb football player number one frowned and patted his buddy's back, "Lay off him, all right? He feels bad enough already."

Eric was still shaking when he coldly stated, "He should because he's a moron."

Dumb football player number two blinked and gave Eric a hard look, "What did you say?"

Eric came up into their face and pushed them back, "I said that you're both morons. What are you going to do? Beat me up? Huh?!"

Dumb football player number two looked taken aback at the suggestion, "What, you weigh-"

Eric cut them off and I swear he reminded me of a rabid demon squirrel right now, "The fact is that the tap is broken and it's your fault, morons."

Dumb football player number one pouted, "You are so rude. Give us our $4 back."

Eric turned to Fez and silently asked for $4. He tore them in two and shoved the money at the two very shocked football players, "Okay. There. Now leave."

The two still very shocked football players quietly left after that. I let out a long laugh after they disappeared and gave Eric a tight hug. He had stopped shaking and gently patted my back.

Donna let out a whistle, "Wow, Eric, you just tore their money."

Steven grinned, his temper cooling after seeing what Eric did, "And gave it back."

Michael cheered, "That was great!"

Fez smiled and handed people some more beer while collecting their money, "That was awesome." There was still some beer left that they had collected in cups before the tap had been broken so this part could sort of go on.

I gently hip bumped Eric, "Very much so."

Eric brightened and hollered, "But enough of this levity! We came here to have a party and as God is my witness, there will be a party!" That was the spirit!

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Pam sprinted into the pool from somewhere yelling, "Everybody in the deep end! My mother is showing the house!"

Michael whined, "Now?"

Pam sneered and pushed him towards the deep end, "People work. Okay, quiet down, everybody." We all squished into the deep end and heeded the blonde's words.

A moderately high voice echoed through the pool, "The deck is new and this lovely tile walkway leads directly to the pool-which is filled with some of the local kids. Heavily Caucasian; it's a nice neighborhood." Pam's mother threw us a disgusted look while she herded her clients away from our shenanigans.

I shook my head and decided it was time to leave. I tilted my head at Steven and despite his stoic face I knew he was disappointed. I motioned with my head that we should go. He grunted and made his rounds saying goodbye to the guys quietly.

Donna raised her eye brow and I shook my head again. She shrugged, came over to me and gave me a tight hug, "Sorry." Sorry for what, I wouldn't really know, and I didn't bother asking right now either.

I laughed, "Nah. We'll see you later?"

Steven patted Donna's shoulder, "Yeah, we'll catch you later Big Red."

Donna chuckled, "Whatever, kids."

Steven wound his arm around my shoulder while we walked to my car, "I really wanted to drink the rest of that keg." I hadn't touched a drop so I was good to drive. I liked drinking as much as the next person, but getting blind drunk on bad beer wasn't something I liked doing.

I leaned on Steven's shoulder, "How about I get you a rum and coke at home instead?"

Steven's eyebrows almost reached his hair line, "When'd you get rum?"

I pinched his side and rolled my eyes, "You totally weren't paying attention when I said one of my dad's latest whores sent me something again." He gave me a sheepish smile in return. Typical Steven.

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Michael adjusted his poker hat and dealt everyone cars, "The game is Anaconda."

This basement couch itched lately. Bah. The company was worth the slight discomfort though. I grimaced; I never really understood this game, "Big Ace."

Steven raised his eyebrow and took of his sunglasses, "Eight ball."

Donna slapped down a card, "Red Lady."

Eric happily placed down a couple of his cards, "Jackson."

Fez bit his lip and settled on putting a card down, "Fiver."

Michael grinned and placed down several of his cards, "Wild Man." He was so cheating.

Pam burst into the room breathless, "Oh, my God, Michael, they opened up a disco."

I tilted my head mildly interested in what she had to say for once, "Where at?" Steven rubbed my thigh and I tapped his hand gently. He grinned.

Pam grinned at Michael totally ignoring my question, "In Kenosha. You can wear your David Bowie butt-huggers."

Steven snickered and pitched his voice higher, "Michael, that would be super." Pam glared at him before she moved her attention back to Michael.

He huffed and took of his dealer hat, "Laugh if you want, man, but my butt looks pretty good in those." He got up and hugged Pam tightly to his chest.

Steven pulled me out of my seat onto his lap, "Come on, are you guys crazy? I mean, a disco? No way…" I know he didn't say that because he didn't like dancing. It was because he couldn't really dance. I had begged him once to the point of tears and he caved and admitted that small tidbit to me. Ahh…that was a good day.

I tilted my head and laid my head on Steven's shoulder, "I don't know."

Donna had a shy smile, "It might be kind of fun to go dancing." Damn I didn't know the girl liked to also dance in public. Sure we would dance during our 'girl days', but seriously in public. Blah.

Eric beamed at Donna, "We could go!"

Michael checked on the rest of his cards and grimaced, "I've got nothing. I fold."

Steven shook his head and nipped at my neck, "Man, if you're out, go make some popcorn and take Barbie with you."

Pam scowled at us while she and Michael headed upstairs to look for popcorn.

Fez placed down his cards and looked at us curiously, "What is disco?"

Steven leaned back with me still on his lap, "Disco is from hell, okay? And not the cool part of hell with all the murderers, but the lame-ass part where the really bad accountants live." I personally knew he didn't believe in heaven or hell. Between the two of us I was the religious one.

I pinched his face and he gently bit my finger wiggling his eyebrows, "Steven."

He shrugged, "It's true."

Donna lifted up Michael's cards and inspected them. Eric stared at her flabbergasted, "Excuse me, what are you doing?"

Donna gave Eric a wry look, "Looking at Kelso's cards, duh."

Fez frowned, "That's cheating."

Pam called down the stairs, "Eric, we can't find the popcorn!"

Eric shook his head and poked Donna's shoulder before sighing and getting up, "Donna, why don't you take a look at my cards? Then you won't have to wait for me to leave." He left muttering to himself about unwanted houseguests all the way up the stairs.

Donna pouted and watched Eric march up the stairs, "Jerk."

I rolled my eyes, "You did look at Michael's."

Steven piped in, "This is true, Big Red."

Donna huffed and flopped into her seat.

Fez got up and stole Michael's seat, "Donna has stuff for Eric. Yes?"

I patted Fez's hand and patiently said in my mothering tone, "Not stuff. A thing."

Steven pulled me away from Fez further into his lap, "Donna has a thing for Eric, Fez."

Fez nodded and gave Donna a curious look, "Why do you have a thing for Eric?"

Donna looked caught off guard, "He makes me laugh, he doesn't ask me stupid questions - he's smart, and you know."

Fez shook his head, "No, I do not know."

Donna looked irritated and slunk further back into the couch, "Well, I know and that's what's important."

Fez quietly sat back and tapped his chin, "Perhaps it is because Eric is noble, and a woman wants her first lovemaking to be in the arms of a man she can trust?"

I laughed and snuggled into Steven, "Awe Fez."

Fez perked up, "Yes?"

Steven grimaced and pointed up the stairs, "Go make some popcorn, man."

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I leaned back while Steven rubbed circles into my back, "It hurts."

He nodded and kissed the back of my neck, "I know sweetheart. Do you want me to take it out?"

I let out a sad whine, "No. I don't want to go back to the doctor's again. He was all the way out past Kenosha." I really didn't enjoy long drives, it made me feel claustrophobic.

Steven trailed kisses all over my face, "I love you."

I pouted and pecked his lips, "After this, you better."

He laughed and tipped the both of us over onto our bed, "Mhmm. How long did the guy say we had to wait?"

I let out a another pained groan and Steven encircled me in his arms, "Like six weeks."

Steven let out a low whistle, "Well…we waited this long. A couple more weeks won't kill us, unless I die of blue balls of course."

I rolled my eyes and gently squeezed said balls, "I could pop em now."

He winced at my gentle action, "Damn woman. Here lay back and I'll give you a massage."

I nodded gratefully, "Thanks."

He let out a sigh of relief once I let go of his balls, "Anything for you, doll." Yeah, yeah…

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Steven rolled his eyes, "Man, I can't believe you and Pam are dragging everybody to the disco."

I sarcastically added, "It's so sad."

Michael shook his head, "No, I'm just going to meet Kenosha chicks. I'm breaking up with Pam."

Fez added in his two cents, "Get a really tall chick because you and Pam look so silly together."

Eric wandered in with an empty trash bag, "Okay, that's all the deposit bottles, and the aluminum cans."

Donna poked his side, "We gotta have at least $1.15 worth of gas. Come on, my dad's got a ton of empties."

I shook my head and stated getting up and stretching, "You guys know I can just pay for gas or we could go in separate cars to save fuel."

Eric shook his head, "It's about the principle of things, Lin. The principle of things." Steven grinned at Eric and gave him a thumbs up. Men.

I sighed and pulled Steven up and away from the group, "I'm gonna go take a cat nap. You wanna join me?"

Steven had a thoughtful frown on his face, "I'll join you later, doll. I got some stuff to do."

I pouted and his resolve crumbled somewhat, "How about I come get you after I'm done doing my stuff and you can sit in on another circle time?"

I smiled and pressed a sweet kiss against his mouth, "See you later, puddin' pop."

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Circle time:

Eric looked over at me worriedly when I came down into the smoke filled basement. I rolled my eyes and showed him my two inhalers. Way to be overprotective man. My lungs are bad, but not totally defective. He nodded happily going back to enjoying the tendrils of Mary Jane smoke. I planted myself down onto Steven's lap and his arms automatically encircled my waist. Ahhh…this was nice.

PAN TO STEVEN

Steven had a mischievous look, "Okay, I thought about it, and we're going to the disco too." He kissed my cheek and subtly groped my butt.

PAN TO LIN

I rolled my eyes and pinched his ear, "Just on the off chance they might mix up a little rock and roll." Steven chuckled and ignored my signal for him to stop touching my butt. Shit head.

PAN TO MICHAEL

Michael looked at all of us deeply serious, "Yeah, I have something to say. I went to the mall today and I bought a pair of new shoes. And they are the coolest kicks in the cave."

PAN TO ERIC

Eric laughed shaking his head far too much, "So, no more for Kelso."

PAN TO LIN

I sleepily stated, "He's toasted." Mary Jane always made me sleepy. Damn. That nap didn't even help.

PAN TO FEZ

Fez clutched his stomach and whined, "I would like some toast if you are making some." Again, did no one ever feed this kid?

PAN TO MICHAEL

Michael bounced, "Or food of any kind would be good."

PAN TO ERIC

Eric let his head fall onto his arms, "I am starving."

PAN TO STEVEN

Steven rested his head on my shoulder, "I read somewhere there are these people in India who fast, man."

PAN TO LIN

I nodded only somewhat interested, "Yeah?"

PAN TO STEVEN

He grinned, "And their minds are so advanced they can actually think themselves to death, doll." Yeah, no. That joke wasn't funny at all.

PAN TO FEZ

Fez looked worriedly around him, "I hope I'm not doing that right now."

PAN TO ERIC

Eric nodded solemnly, "My mind's always doing things that I don't even know about."

PAN TO STEVEN

Steven let out a deep sigh slightly blowing on the side of my neck, "Man, we always think of so many brilliant things down here but then later, I can't remember any of them. I mean, they're brilliant, man."

PAN TO FEZ

Fez pouted and whined, "Someone go make toast right now."

PAN TO LIN

I knew that Mary Jane made them get the munchies, but I wondered if any of them really ate today. I knew that Eric had because he had an awesome mom, but the others. A worried frown formed on my face, "Are you guys really hungry? We can go to my place as a group and eat some snacks. I think I still have a bunch of brownies me and Mrs. Forman baked the other day."

PAN TO FEZ

Fez shot me a glazed loving look, which really freaked me out. "This is why you are the little goddess."

PAN TO MICHAEL

Michael's eyes darted around the room, "We should record our conversation, man."

PAN TO ERIC

Eric beamed, "Yeah, then we could play it back and write it down."

PAN TO MICHAEL

Michael added in quickly, "I'll bet that's how the writers at National Lampoon do it."

PAN TO STEVEN

Steven snickered, "Yeah, I read somewhere that there are these people in France…"

PAN TO LIN

I gave him a curious look, "What do they do?"

PAN TO FEZ

Fez let out a braying laugh, "You see, they're incredibly French."

PAN TO STEVEN

Steven grinned, "See, that's brilliant, man."

PAN TO MICHAEL

Michael got up and went to the back of the basement presumably rummaging for a tape recorder, "I'm getting a tape recorder."

PAN TO FEZ

Fez glared at use his hunger now at the forefront of his mind, "Where's my toast, you idiots?"

PAN TO LIN

I rolled my eyes, "I think we should go to my place for food now. Okay?" I was totally going to force feed them celery after the brownies.

PAN TO ERIC

Eric got up on wobbly legs and stretched out his back, "Agreed."

PAN TO STEVEN

He lifted me up in his arms. I guess I didn't need to walk for now? "Sure."

PAN TO FEZ

Fez hurriedly got up and went to the basement door, "Thank God. I'm starving."

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Kitty grinned and brandished her camera, "Okay, let's take some pictures!"

I smiled and leaned back against Steven's chest, "I'm ready."

Steven perched his head onto my head, "Nothin' hurts today?"

I looked up at him and kissed his lips, "Nope."

Steven grinned, "Good."

Kitty focused her camera, "Steven, Lin sweetie, move in closer with the group." I laughed and we shuffled closer to Eric and Donna. I felt bad for Fez. He was the only one in the group without someone to cuddle.

Kitty motioned for us to squish further, "Okay, let's all smush together."

Eric chuckled, "Okay."

Kitty clicked away with her camera, "Big smiles everyone!"

Steven grinned, "Nice."

Kitty nodded and firmly stated, "Okay, now, girls." I left the comfortable cocoon of Steven's arms and stood squished next to Donna. I didn't wanna be near Pam. She kept shooting glares at me when she thought I wasn't looking. Seriously, I didn't know what crawled up her ass and died, but I did not put it up there.

Kitty had a soft smile on her face, "Look how pretty. Now smile!"

She shooed us away and I got to watch her manhandle the guys. I was certainly amused, "Now, boys. So handsome. One, two –" Kitty clicked away a couple more times before she had a thoughtful look cross her face.

Eric had a shit eating grin on his face, "Mom, why don't I take a picture of you?"

Kitty pulled back her camera and held it to her chest, "No. You'll be late."

Red rolled his eyes at her dramatics turned to us and waved, "Bye now."

Before I left with everyone I gave Kitty and Red a big hug. Both adults returned my affection and I handed Red another chocolate tootsie roll. He grinned and gave me a quick peck on my head.

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We got to the disco and we all sat down at a nearby table. I ordered the table onion rings and we watched Michael make a dancing fool of himself for a couple minutes.

Michael rolled back to our table breathless, "Pam, where'd you go?"

She grimaced at him crossing her arms effectively pushing up her breasts, "I had to get something for you to bite on 'cause I told everyone you were having a seizure."

Fez bopped his head to the music, "When do they play the disco music?"

I patted his hand, "This is disco music, Fez."

Fez shook his head, "No. This is the samba."

Steven pulled me onto his lap, "Fez, its disco, man…It's crap."

Fez shrugged and took Pam by the hand, "I think I like this crap. Come, Pam, let's get down."

Pam nervously looked at Fez, "No, I think I'm a little tired."

Fez beamed as the music picked up a faster beat. He pulled her out of her chair and they swung onto the dance floor, "Don't resist me, mama. It's boogie time."

I chuckled at Michael's disgruntled face, "I think you just lost your date."

Michael swiped at his nose and glared at Fez and Pam, "Yeah, it's cool 'cause Pam and I are history!"

I looked at the two of them dance up a storm, "Damn, she must not weigh that much even with her big boobs." Fez twirled her in the air like she weighed nothing.

"Is she touching his ass?" Donna laughed and tried to pull me onto the dance floor with her and Eric. I shook my head and she shrugged and rolled off twirling around with Eric beaming.

"You have sweet boobs too, doll, and a perky ass," Steven winked at me and pinched my butt.

I rolled my eyes, "Shut up and dance."

Steven grinned and I swear to you that his eyes twinkled, "As my lady wishes."

I let out a long laugh while he spun me around and we danced along with the music. While he dipped me down, I grinned, "Mrs. Forman?"

Steven pulled me up and we wiggled with the music, "The one and only."

I started skating backwards and pushed myself up to kiss him languidly, "We're totally getting them a gigantic gift for Christmas this year." I would think of something.

He hummed happily, "Yes, dear."

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We piled out of Eric's car and dispersed into his drive way. Fez looked at Steven and me guiltily, "Hyde, you were right about disco music. It is evil. Its pulsing rhythm made me do a bad thing."

Steven tucked me into his side and I looped my arm around his waist, "What would that be Fez?"

Fez looked at us morosely, "Kelso is my friend. I cannot take his woman."

I smiled and rubbed his shoulder gently, "You're a good guy, Fez."

Fez sheepishly grinned back at me, "Actually, I could take his woman, but I won't."

Steven rolled his eyes and motioned towards my house, "Come on, me and Lin can give you a ride home."

Fez gave us a tight hug, "Thank you my friends."

If I could sweat drop in real life, I would have done so, "Any time, Fez."

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I slathered on icing onto the cupcakes we had finished making and nodded while Donna kept ranting.

She had her head in her hands and leaned against my kitchen counter with her elbows, "I don't know what to do. I mean, I really like Eric and I'd like to have a more physical relationship, but-"

I rolled my eyes and interrupted her, "It's called, "make out," Donna. Say it." I waved a spatula at her threateningly before going back to my task at hand. I had volunteered to help make cupcakes for Kitty and managed to rope Donna into helping me. I had no idea what they were for, but baking was fun so why not?

Donna sighed and blushed before mumbling, "All right, make out. But I don't want it to be public. I don't want it to be tacky, I don't want there to be pressure and now it's this tacky, public pressure make-out thing."

I nodded. The first time Steven and I made out we did so in the privacy of my own home. Ahhh…the memories, "I understand." I put a happy face made out of rainbow sprinkles onto some of the cupcakes.

Donna stared at my cupcakes letting out a wistful sound, "Everybody wants their first make-out to be special in some place romantic. Like Ireland."

I stopped what I was doing and gave her a confused glance, "Okay…like Ireland? Let's focus. He asked you to the drive-in. What do you wanna do from there?" I picked up some edible metallic sprinkles and made some more happy faces on the cupcakes.

Donna shrugged helplessly, "I don't know."

I sighed and slapped my forehead accidentally smearing some frosting on my forehead. This was going to be a long talk. I decided the cupcakes could wait for a while so I took a seat beside Donna and silently offered her my frosting covered spatula.

Donna sat up suddenly, "Will you come with us?"

I raised my eyebrow and licked my frosting covered spatula, "Why?"

She beamed, "You'd be like a loophole."

I let out a choked laugh placing my spatula on a nearby plate, "Are you comparing me to a piece of rope kind of loophole?"

Donna waved her hands frantically, "No! No, no, I could always talk to you if I get nervous. 'Cause you've got to be bored with sex by now."

My eyes widened and I actually jumped up onto my feet, "Excuse me!?" We certainly hadn't had sex yet. I still needed a couple more weeks to heal since the insertion of the IUD. Besides, so far foreplay was pretty fun.

Donna frowned down at me, "You and Steven must've have done it a million times. You two are always glued to one another."

I calmed down and sat back onto my stool, "True, but we have never done it."

She had a startled look, "Yeah?" Was it that hard to believe? Come on people.

I nodded and took back my frosting covered spatula. I licked it and smiled, "He's got to third base a bunch of times, but we haven't hit a home run. And don't worry; we'll be there for ya if you need us."

Donna's shoulder's sagged in relief, "Perfect. Thanks Lin."

I patted Donna's forearm, "Whatever you need, Red."

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I heard Eric worriedly mutter, "Maybe I should go back to my house and pop some popcorn."

I laughed and shouted out, "'Cause they always overcharge!"

Donna beamed at us quickly giving both of us a hug, "Lin and Hyde!"

Eric pulled Steven to the side and not so quietly demanded, "What are you guys doing here? Donna and I are going to the drive-in. Remember?"

This made my boyfriend twitch in irritation. Steven smirked, "Thank you, Eric, we'd love to go."

Eric frowned, "Look, this isn't what we talked about at all."

Steven rolled his eyes. I had told him what Donna had told me. When it came to us as a couple; if you told one of us something you might have just told us both because we shared just about everything. "I'm sorry, man. I'll take it slow, and besides we'll parked our car down a little away so we can give you some 'private time'. It's not like we're Pam and Kelso. Jeeze Forman."

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The attendant's voice called out in through the night air, "Please replace the speaker on its rack when you're leaving. Failure to do so will damage both the speaker and your car."

Donna grimaced at the wet sloppy sounds that reached our car, "God, this movie even sounds gross."

I glanced around and frowned. The movie was depicting the opening credits, so that didn't make sense, "That's not the movie."

We looked at the car next to us and all scowled. The couple in the next car over were making out like slobber hounds.

Eric sighed and let his arm fall around Donna's shoulders, "So…You guys okay?"

Donna shook her head, "No, I want popcorn." Eric frowned. Was he not prepared to get her snacks during this date?

Donna pushed her boyfriend away from her slightly, "Eric can go get it." He looked a little wounded at that declaration.

Steven raised his eyebrow at the scene before us, "Nah, I'll go with him Big Red. Don't want him getting lost."

Both boys exited the car quickly, and I let out a deep sigh while Donna worriedly cried, "This is so awkward!"

I tilted my head to the side. There must be some way to ease my friend's nerves, "You're right; if you want me and Steven can move over to my beetle."

Donna gave me a bewildered look, "You brought your car?"

I nodded and gently pat her hand, "Mhmm…Just in case you wanted to 'ya know'."

Donna laughed tilting her head back, "You, are the best."

I grinned, "I know."

Steven and Eric came back with two bags of popcorn, "Howdy ladies."

I smiled and pecked Steven's cheek, "Hi there, hot stuff."

Eric gagged and moved back to his spot next to Donna, "Here you go."

Donna grinned cuddling into his side, "Thanks." Eric raised his eyebrow at her sudden mood change and decided to go with it.

Steven pulled me into his lap whispering into my ear, "Are we gonna watch the movie with Eric and Donna?"

I tilted my head and glanced at the other couple beside us, "Maybe. Yeah…for now anyways. Did the snack money help?"

Steven nuzzled my neck, "Yup, thanks doll."

I grinned despite the bloody scene on the screen, "Anything for you, puddin' pop."

Donna shrieked slightly and clung onto Eric dramatically. I couldn't help, but laugh, "Donna, it's just a movie."

Steven rolled his eyes and muttered quietly, "Do you wanna sit somewhere else?"

I noticed her move her hand in a 'shoo' motion. I rolled my eyes. Subtle Donna…subtle, "So bad."

Steven smiled against my exposed shoulder, "Let's blow this pop stand." I was very glad I had chosen an off shoulder sweater and red skinny jeans tonight.

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We snuck into my beetle and let Donna and Eric have their alone time on their date. I watched the movie with Steven's hand clutched in mine and I couldn't help, but wince.

Steven looked at my face and back at the movie and sighed, "You wanna go somewhere else, doll?"

I pouted, "Yes, please. I don't actually like this movie at all. The popcorn was good though…"

Steven laughed, "Well at least there was that." Before we started up our car I noticed that Eric had already gunned it out of the drive-in.

I poked him before he started the engine up, "Donna and Eric left."

"Damn. That didn't take them too long." Steven let out a low whistle.

"Nope, not any time at all. You wanna stay over tonight again?" I shook my head laughing slightly.

"Always, doll. Any time I can get away with it." He kissed my hand and suggestively bit my thumb, and I inwardly laughed. Trust a teenage boy to always allude to sex.

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Today was a sunny day, but despite the sun it was freezing. I was so glad I had my bright yellow pea coat on today. Sure it got some odd looks here and there, but that could've been because I combined it with my plum drainpipes today. Or was it my blue boots? Was it 'cause I didn't match from head to toe? Kitty and Red thought I looked nice today. Damn strangers. I glared at a couple of them that shot me strange looks. That's right keep walkin'.

I looked around the bust depot, "Laurie's bus isn't here yet."

Eric whined and shivered slightly in his coat, "Can we get in the car and turn on the heat? I'm freezing." I shook my head. That's cause you're not wearing more cold weather gear, dumbass. Just because it's sunny doesn't mean it's warm.

Red grimaced and shot Eric a look, "I'm not wasting gas just so you can be comfortable."

Kitty even in her warm coat seemed nervous for some reason, "Can we at least go wait inside? I'm not going in that bus station with those people." Was she xenophobic? I never noticed that…Into the 'Nope box'.

Eric emphasized his discomfort by chattering his teeth, "God, I'm freezing." I gently patted his arm. I should get him warmer stuff this Christmas.

Red shook his head and absently looked around, "I forgot to tell you, your sister's bringing a friend home so you'll be sleeping in the basement."

Eric made and idnignat sound, "The basement? They should both sleep in Laurie's room!" Like the basement was the worst place to be. It's not like it was where we mainly hung out with our friends. I rolled my eyes at him. Sometimes…

Kitty nervously smiled and subtly fidgeted, "And Red, I've been thinking. Maybe this Thanksgiving we should skip the big turkey. Small ones are on sale at Piggly Wiggly." I thought that I had already convinced Kitty that I wanted to help purchase the turkey this year? I inwardly groaned. Just take my money people!

Red looked disgruntled at that comment, "This family doesn't scrimp on holidays." He rolled his eyes, "Can you imagine my mother sitting down to a chicken?"

Kitty frowned and a one hand made its way to her hip, "Red, your mother won't eat my cooking anyway so that won't be a problem." Yeah…mother Forman didn't really like many things at all including me since Kitty doted on me.

Eric whined and completely forgot his weather related discomfort, "Dad, they should sleep in the basement." I shook my head and he shot me an annoyed look.

Kitty ignored her son and continued on, "Red, last Thanksgiving she said her jaw wasn't strong enough to chew the turkey. And that was a magnificent turkey." I had to hand it to Kitty; she really was persistent about this.

Eric wouldn't quit it and I was tempted to kick his knee. This much complaining and whining would only piss Red off. However, since Eric was Eric he kept at it, "Dad, it's my room."

Red fisted his hands and turned a little red, "I work myself to the bone for that – All right, that's it! Hold it. Now, Kitty, don't get worked up over my mother. Eric, if you don't want to sleep in the basement, tough!"

I decided that I would give Eric an out since he was being such a whiny baby, "He could stay in my guest bedroom, Mr. Forman." Red glanced at him and his ire slowly slipped on his face while he nodded.

He glared at Eric, "There, Eric. If you don't want to be in our basement then go to over to Lin's, but behave yourself. If I hear that you've messed up even a single hair on the floor I'm going to kick your ass. And we're all having a happy damn Thanksgiving!"

During this entire argument they hadn't noticed that Laurie and her slutty looking friend had walked up to us. Laurie looked embarrassed as hell, and I couldn't help but enjoy it.

Laurie schooled her face into something vaguely innocent and upped her cutesy voice, "Mommy, Daddy. This is Kate." I rolled my eyes at this display.

Kate waved, "Hi." She was wearing the thinnest sweater I had ever seen, but despite her nipples poking out of her top she wasn't shivering. It certainly showed her determination.

Red smiled and kissed his daughter's cheek, "Hi, sweetheart." Laurie shot me a nasty look behind Red's back and I openly rolled my eyes at her.

Kitty frowned when she caught Laurie's display of aggression. She started herding us into the Cruiser, "Let's get in the car, you must be freezing."

I sat next to Eric in the back with Kate on my other side. I was apparently the wall that was to be in between them. The Kate girl sneered at me and batted her eyes at Eric, "So, you're Eric. Your sister didn't tell me you were so cute."

Red grinned while he drove up front with Kitty and Laurie, "We are going to have so much fun this weekend!"

Laurie turned back and gave Eric a nasty look before addressing Kate, "You're sleeping in his room."

Kitty absently added, "Make sure to get Kate settled into your room, Eric."

Laurie laughed and taunted Eric further, "Yeah, and don't forget to show her your GI Joe dolls."

I could practically hear Eric grinding his teeth. Sneering at Laurie I decided to try and defend him if he was going to try and take the higher road this time. I didn't mind playing dirty, "That's such a good idea. That'll give you a chance to tell Mr. Forman about that professor you're dating." I had no proof, but knowing her slutty ways she probably was.

Red gave Laurie a startled disappointed look, "What?!"

Laurie glared at me officially laying off of tormenting Eric. She pitched her voice higher and batted her lashes, "Dad, she's joking." She was totally boning a professor; she wouldn't have denied it with such an innocent act if she really wasn't.

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Michael nudged Eric eager for gossip on the new female in the house, "So this Kate, is she hot?"

Steven tightened his arms around me, and winked at me, "Of course she's hot. All college girls are hot."

I choked down a laugh shaking my shoulders. They might not have gotten the joke; since they were all giving Steven disapproving looks, but seriously? That was funny! Did they forget I had already graduated college? I mean it didn't really matter much since mentally I was wayyy older, but eh.

Michael continued needling Eric going so far as to poke his shoulder repeatedly, "I mean, we've all seen the brochures, right? So she's gotta be hot."

Eric rolled his eyes and tried to shrug Michael off, "Not as hot as Donna." Dude was loyal, which I was proud of. In the show he wasn't as loyal to Donna, so I was happy.

I chucked a chip at his head, "Smooth save, Rico suave." Steven chuckled and I shoved a chip in his mouth. I smiled at his disgruntled look shoving a chip in my own mouth. Mmmm…dill pickle.

Fez came over and stole my bag, "So what do you guys want to do?" Dude was getting ballsy outright taking my food. Steven glared at him while he happily munched on my food. I shrugged. I could just get more.

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I strolled hand in hand with Steven while we walked along the park. I was bundled up in my green trench coat today; it properly fit me now, with a pastel pink infinity scarf wrapped around my neck.

Steven was wearing the grey wool coat I had made him for the sole reason that I made it for him. He probably would've objected if I had bought it for him anyways. I tugged at his sleeve and pointed to a nearby bench, "Can we sit down?"

Seven smiled and nodded slipping off his sunglasses, "Sure, doll."

We lounged on the park bench and watched the other people stroll around. I laid my head on his shoulder and hummed happily, "So your birthday's coming up in a couple days."

He leaned back and pulled me closer into his side letting his arm hang off my shoulders, "Mhmm. Two days in fact."

I grinned up at him mischief probably dancing in my eyes, "I have a surprise for you."

Steven kissed the side of my head, "Did you make it?" I frowned…of course he didn't want me to spend anything on him. I didn't know whether it was because he didn't think he wasn't worth it or it was out of some sense of not wanting to pay me back…It really just pissed me off.

I poked his side putting on a strained smile, "And if I didn't?" It was a two part gift. The first part was an El Camino I found for sale second hand and sex. Like actual biblical sex. I didn't really make either.

He gave me an odd look that I couldn't quite figure out yet, "I can't reciprocate back if it's expensive, Jacqueline." Damn…he actually said my full name. Dude's totally serious.

I scowled making sure to cuddle closer into him, "It's not."

He searched my face and laughed, "I can tell you're not telling the complete truth. We had a deal back when we were thirteen Beulah. Only the truth and nothing in between, so spill." Steven rumpled my hair and I let my head fall onto his chest.

I shook my head, "It wasn't a lie. It's not expensive for me and the other part didn't cost me a cent." I beamed at him and saw that a wry smile flittered onto his face.

Steven let out a breath and visible tendrils of air escaped his mouth, "Another two part surprise then?"

I genuinely grinned at him, "It's not every day you turn eighteen, puddin' pop."

He slouched against the bench and played with my short wavy hair, "True, but you shouldn't be blowin' all your cash on me, Lin. Money's a limited commodity."

I nodded completely understanding what he meant, "Yeah…I know that it's not easy to come by and don't convince me that I don't Steven. I saw how hard Rosita had to work just to earn her meager wage." I stared off into the distance, "Spending money on people I love makes me happy especially since it comes from a person I don't really like. It's like a private burn I get to give them all the time…."

Steven let out a tired sigh, "Fine…you've made your point…I'm sorry I reminded you about Rosita…" He kissed my temple sweetly. Rosita was always a sore subject with me.

I turned my head and kissed his lips slowly and I felt him let out a little moan into my mouth, "You're not mad?"

He shrugged and shook his head, "Nah. Not at you any ways. I know you like getting vengeance and I get that. It's just money's always been…"

I nodded glad that everyone had given us space, which was a perk of a small town I guess, "…a touchy subject….I know. I try not to bring it up."

He smiled against the sunshine, "Yeah... I appreciate that, it's one of the many reasons why you're my girl."

I let out a content sigh, "I'm glad."

He nodded his curly afro dancing against the slight breeze, "Me too."

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Steven threw a skittle at Eric's head while he came down the stairs looking disgruntled, "Hey, turkey boy." I wondered what was up Eric's butt today.

Michael cackled, "Wanna show me your giblets?"

Fez bounced up when he saw Eric. I shouldn't have given him all that candy, "So did you make out with Laurie's friend, the slutty one?" I popped a skittle into the air and tried to catch it with my mouth.

Eric slouched into the basement couch and happily sighed, "Nope." Steven tickled me and it landed on my face. He plucked off the candy and popped it into his mouth. Damn it Steven.

Michael nudged his shoulder not believing Eric in the slightest, "Start talking."

Fez dreamily demanded, "Tell it like a story, like a sexy story."

Eric scowled at them, "Okay. Nothing happened. It might've had I been forced to sleep in the basement, but I slept over at Lin's in her guest bedroom so yeah. Nothing happened with me and the blonde."

Michael pouted and slouched into his lawn chair, "Dude you suck."

Steven rolled his eyes at Michael and popped a skittle into my mouth, "Kelso, you're a pig."

I shot him a disapproving look, "Yeah, Michael. Not cool." He in return gave me a sad puppy look that didn't fool me in the slightest.

He turned back to Eric and stated in a placating tone, "Naw, man, I mean the right thing to do is juggle multiple women until it all blows up in your face. That's what I'm doing." Michael beamed pointing his two thumbs at himself.

Eric scoffed and rolled his eyes at the expectant looks on Fez and Michael's faces, "Look, you guys don't understand. Well you and Fez any ways. Commitment actually means something to me, and probably Hyde too. Right, Hyde?" He shot Steven a look.

My boyfriend let out a choked laugh, "Man, how'd this become about me?"

I waved happily at Donna while she walked in, "Hey Donna."

Donna winked at me and returned my wave, "Hey Lin. Hi Eric, what's going on?" She flopped onto the seat beside Eric and stretched out.

I happily informed her ignoring how Steven pinched my butt again, "They're talking about commitment."

Donna grinned and paused, "Commitment, huh? Shit. I promised my parent's I'd be there for Thanksgiving dinner. So speaking of commitments I have to go. I seriously almost forgot!" She sadly made her way back to where she first entered trudging all the while.

Eric longingly called out, "Make sure to come back for dessert!"

Michael and Fez made gagging noises and I threw skittles at them. They both sent me obnoxious smiles.

Donna chuckled and waved at us, "See you later guys."

Steven waved my arm back and forth like a rag doll and called out in an imitation of my voice, "Bye Donna!" I yanked back my arm and flicked his head. Sometimes…really sometimes…

Red came down holding an empty tray and glared at Michael and Fez, "Why are you here? Why are you always here? It's Thanksgiving. Don't you have families?"

"Sorry Mr. Forman," Michael dashed out of the basement, and Fez ran after him hot on his heels.

He turned to me, "As much as I love her; mother's a curmudgeon, sweetheart. Do you wanna opt out of this dinner?"

I grinned, slipped off of Steven, and gave Red a hug handing him a chocolate tootsie roll, "Thanks Mr. Forman."

Red nodded and pocketed the candy, "You can opt out too, Steven."

Steven gave him a wry grin, "Thanks Red. Me and my little lady are gonna head over to the grocery store to pick up a couple things. Did you want anything?" He threaded his fingers with mine and pulled me along with him.

Red tapped his lip and nodded, "Get me some beer and crème pie. I'll need it to get through this dinner."

I smiled and we walked out of the basement back door, "Aye, aye Captain!"

Red grinned and nodded, "That's my girl."

Eric grimaced and glanced up at his dad, "How come you're not as nice to me as you are to her?"

I lingered a little by the basement door we had just exited out of. I really wanted to know too. They had never really given me a reason as to why they were so nice and welcoming towards me, and it always made me a little nervous.

Red sighed, "Because you're a dumbass."

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Steven and I popped on over to the Forman's for Thanksgiving dessert since we figured dinner was about over. Kitty gave me a big hug for some reason, it was awfully tight.

"Mrs. Forman?"

She sniffled, "I'm so glad we saved you, dear. Because you're a balm on my soul…now go have some pie."

I gaped at her retreating back, "What just happened?"

Steven blinked rapidly and shrugged, "I don't know, but I know you're a balm on my soul too, doll."

I rolled my eyes, "Okay. I'm gonna go help Mrs. Forman with dessert. Oh!" I took the crème pie from him and stopped. He was still holding the six pack of beer we had picked up.

He laughed and shook his head, "Yeah, doll. I'll give Red the stuff he asked for. Save him a slice of crème pie and go on."

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It was finally November 28th and I pushed Steven over. He grumbled and burrowed further into his pillow. I rolled my eyes and straddled his hips shaking his shoulders, "Birthday boy! Wake up! Happy Eighteenth birthday!" I peppered kisses all over his face.

He held up his arm against his eyes and grimaced against the sunlight. A slow smile climbed onto his face, "Well hello there, doll." I could feel him harden against me and I was suddenly very glad we were fully clothed. Pajamas to the rescue.

I laughed and rocked causing him to moan, "Nope. That comes later because it's a couple days after six weeks. The first gift requires us to get up and out. So get up mister."

Steven stared up at me petulantly and pushed me over onto the bed getting up and leaving me, "I am going to go get a cold shower since you are being a dillhole."

I laid on our bed amongst our soft white sheets and grinned at his retreating back, "This'll be awesome."

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We parked Steven's recently purchased El Camino on the mountain point where we had our picnic the last time. I think he was only really okay with it since I got it second hand. He kept caressing the steering wheel and shooting me that look I hadn't quite figured out yet.

I pecked him on the cheek got out of the car, and twirled around making one of the few dresses I owned float around me. He got out of the car and sat on the hood staring at me. I laughed and breathlessly leaned against the hood looking at him happily, "Sooo?"

Steven snorted and I could tell that he was eye smiling even with his sunglasses on, "It's been a good one this year."

I hopped up to sit beside him, "Yeah?"

He trailed his hand, "Mhmm. What's part two?"

I licked his face and he pushed me snickering while he wiped off my spit, "That's at home. What? You already wanna head back?"

He shook his head, "Not yet."

I grinned and scooted closer to him again, "Kay."

We sat there for hours on the hood of his new to him car just watching the clouds float in the sky above our small town. I was glad that Edna hadn't been around for his birthday this year. I was able to make this year's birthday better for him. Privately I wondered how he would react to sex, but I shrugged off that thought. What teenager wouldn't be happy with the prospect of birthday sex from their virgin girlfriend?

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Eric cheered pumping his fists into the air, "Damn! Kelso misses another one."

Steven bounced the ball and popped it into the hoop, "I believe that's H-O-R." I sat cross-legged on the ground out of this game. I was great at word games, but not when it came to sports like basketball. I'd probably just end up hurting myself no matter how hard I tried, which would be embarrassing to say the least. I blew a stray hair away from my face, and shrugged. At least I was coordinated enough to do other things.

Fez grinned and impishly ribbed Michael, "You are a whore."

I laughed and shook my head at Fez, "No, the game is Horse." Donna laughed and patted my head. Damn tall Amazonian woman. We both would've made a comment on Michael's man whore behavior, but Pam was in hearing range.

Fez pouted and made his way to my back yard with the basketball, "Okay."

Pam huffed and actually stomped her foot; I snickered at the sight, "You know what, Michael? I'm gonna go home. I'm gonna do my homework."

Steven raised his eye brow and shook his head ruefully, "You do your homework on a Saturday night?" I rolled my eyes at Steven's subtle mockery. I wondered if he forgot how I always did my homework ahead of time when I was still in school.

Pam blinked at us oblivious to the group's irritation, "Yeah."

Eric shook his head and tried to explain it to Pam, "Look, I mean, look at me. I've got a 1,000-word term paper due Monday but you don't see me sweating. I've got a whole crappy Sunday to do it."

Michael tried to gather Pam into his arms, "Pam, don't go home. I mean, Steve Martin's hosting Saturday Night."

Pam yanked herself away from Michael and glared at him, "I hate that show, okay? They have commercials that you think are real but they're not real. And then you wanna buy the stuff…Just okay. See you, Michael." Well that was just a clear dismissal of us. I rolled my eyes involuntarily. Jeez…

Donna waved making a face behind Pam's back, "Bye!"

I childishly sang while I copied Donna, "Bye-bye!"

Steven pushed Michael slightly before making his way to me, "Kelso, Pam does her homework on Saturday night."

Donna chuckled and made her way to Eric, "That's so hip."

Michael grunted and scowled at all of us, "You guys don't have to worry about Pam anymore 'cause I'm breaking up with her."

I rolled my eyes at his statement while Steven pulled me up from the ground, "We are so tired of hearing you say that." He dusted off my butt and I gave him a look. He just grinned at me in return. Damn it. Give the boy sex and he gets all gutsy.

Michael shook his head and stated, "No. I am. I'm really breaking up with her."

We all looked at him skeptically and Eric wound his arms around Donna snapping at Michael, "Yeah, when?"

Michael wilted a little and whined, "I'm picking my moment."

I got up and looked around curiously noting, "Where's Fez?"

Fez dunked the ball from my backyard, "Make that shot, whore."

We all stared at him, then one another before laughing at Michael's defeated look.

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Kitty danced around the kitchen brandishing her frying pan, "Aren't the waffles extra delicious this wonderful morning?" She placed another stack of waffles onto Eric's place making him beam at her. He had a bottomless stomach, I swear.

I munched on my waffles slathered in syrup. Yes I could make my own with my recently purchased waffle maker, but the homemade kind that Kitty made always tasted better, "Did you quit smoking again?" She was only this perky when she did that.

She grinned at me, "And why do you ask, little one?"

Eric snorted, "You're talking like Snow White, I figure-"

Red glared at Eric and for a moment I thought he would swat him upside his head, "Eric!"

Eric gave Kitty a strained smile, "Which is great, I really want you to quit."

Kitty sat down daintily beaming while she started eating her breakfast as well, "I should've quit a long time ago. I'm a nurse. I know better. More sausage, sweetie?" I shook my head and she piled on more food onto Eric's plate. He looked like a cross between happy and nauseated since he had already eaten quite a bit of food.

The phone rang and no one got up to get it. Red looked around the table rolled his eyes and got up, "I'll get it. Hello? That's too bad. Sure. Be glad to. Yeah. See you soon. Goodbye." He put the phone back on its hook and let out a frustrated sigh. I knew that sigh. That sigh always came with bad news.

Kitty stabbed a sausage, "Who was that, dear?" She recognized his tone too.

Red stoically sat down back into his chair, "My mother. Seems like Uncle Paul broke his ankle, and now she's going to church with us today."

Kitty let out a little hysterical laugh, "No, she's not. It's Paul's turn to take her." I think she didn't want to admit her nice Sunday was being ruined again by her monster-in-law.

Red shook his head, "Like I said, he broke his ankle." I quietly finished off my breakfast thankful that I hadn't been force-fed a mountain today. This made escaping much easier.

Kitty waved her hand in the air and slammed down her cutlery, "Broken ankle, whatever. It's his turn." She got up and started pacing.

Red sighed and looked up at his wife forlornly, "Kitty, the man is injured." I hoped he was because he had just ruined this morning.

She got up slipped on an oven mitt and violently took out the ham she had been making out of the oven, "Okay. That is just great. I will just take a chicken out of the freezer because queen Bernice doesn't like ham." She haphazardly slammed the frozen chicken onto the kitchen counter seething.

Red looked slightly taken aback, "Okay, look, I'll just call her and tell her we can't make it." I was slightly scared. His mom really stressed and pissed off Kitty, but I don't think he knew the extent. I mean, I did, but that was because she vented to me when no one else was around. The things that she would say…damn.

She looked at him helplessly, "Red. You know who'll get blamed for that."

Red grumbled, "Why should she blame you? She's my mother."

Kitty shook her head and tore open the chicken's frozen case, "Something she never lets me forget."

Eric piped up quietly, "Look, you could tell her I'm sick or something." He had finished his plate of food. Kid really did have a bottomless stomach.

Kitty looked defeated when she glanced at me and Eric, "Eric, go upstairs and put on that shirt your grandmother gave you. Lin, darling, you don't have to come to church this week."

I nodded and swallowed the last orange juice. Thank God.

Red shook his head and stood up stopping Eric from changing his shirt, "Eric, just stay there. Your mother is just being ridiculous."

Kitty let out a bitter laugh, "You know what's ridiculous, is giving your mother our phone number."

Red frowned, "What's being ridiculous is –"

Eric held up his hands, "Hold it." I got up and shook my head at him from behind Kitty and Red. He ignored me and continued talking. "Now, look let's just stay calm. Mom, if it'll help you out, I'll hang out with Grandma so she'll leave you alone. What do you say?"

Red put his hand on Eric's shoulder making him stiffen, "First of all, Eric, I'm the one who says "hold it." When you pay the bills, you get to say "hold it." Now get in the car, 'cause we're going to church and we're gonna have a damn nice Sunday."

Red gave me a tight hug along with Kitty. Kitty placed a quick kiss on my head and Eric patted my shoulder and I quickly jogged back to my house.

Well there goes Sunday breakfast and church.

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Donna sighed and leaned back into her seat, "Why are we here again?"

Steven shrugged threading his fingers through my hair, "Moral support for Forman, Big Red."

I nodded sighing contentedly while Steven continued doing his thing, "You guys, his grandma is horrible. We can't just leave." I watched the sun streak through the basement window highlighting the dust motes floating in the air.

Fez flicked through the channels repeatedly pressing the button fascinated for some reason.

Donna pouted, "No offense to Forman, but I miss your TV…and remote control."

Pam rolled her eyes and perched on Michael's lap quietly for once.

I patted her arm, "Moral support, Red."

Eric rushed down into the basement looking haggard, "You guys, I gotta work on my term paper."

I tilted my head, "Where's your Grandma?" Wasn't he supposed to be 'watching' her?

Eric motioned with his head while he rifled through his binder, "She's in the bathroom, so I've got, like…ehhh… a while."

Donna looked over his shoulder, "What's the assignment?" Sometimes I wondered if she purposely acted dumb. They were all in the same class, weren't they?

Steven nodded and asked, "And?"

Eric rolled his eyes at us and read the question out loud, "In 1,000 words describe the three branches "of the United States government and their functions." I'll never make it." He groaned and let his face fall into his hands. Donna rubbed circles in to his back. Way to go girl! I inwardly cheered.

Donna gently stated, "Go up and tell them you have homework to do."

Eric shook his head and straightened up, "No, I wanna keep peace in the family."

Steven pulled me closer when I started wiggling, "Yeah, Donna, Forman wants the Hallmark card family." I flopped and rubbed up against him and I felt him let out a rumbling laugh.

Eric raised his eyebrow and exasperatedly asked, "The what?"

I laughed and deadpanned, "You know, Grandma comes over. To my mother-in-law on this beautiful Sunday. Your smiling face your kind embrace has made my home a happy place. And I'm so happy you're the one to whom I gave my loving son. And I'm so happy you're both happy 'cause otherwise life would be crappy."

Eric scowled at me and threw a throw pillow at my head, "I don't want that." I caught the pillow and gave it to Steven who threw it harder at Eric. It missed and hit Fez. He whined and I mouthed a silent apology.

Steven rolled his eyes and insisted, "Yeah, you do. I can see it in those wide, hopeful eyes. But the reality is this: To my daughter-in-law, you took my son. You wrecked my life. You stole my youth. You hate my wife. I do my best. Now, that's a joke. I'm going out. I need a smoke." He let out a short laugh and bounced me. I wiggled and Eric pretended to gag.

Kitty came down into the basement looking harried. She swatted Eric upside the head, "Quit hiding from your grandmother. She's old, she could die. Now, move it!"

Eric grimaced and followed his mother up the stairs, "I thought she was in the bathroom."

Kitty shook her head, "False alarm."

Donna called up to Eric while they made their way up the stairs, "Look, go take care of your grandmother! We can do this." I shook my head. They were totally biting off more than they could chew.

He paused for a moment waving at us, "Thanks."

Donna popped open Eric's binder and looked over the sparse page, "All right, how many words does he have?"

I wriggled away off of Steven's lap which made him frown. I pecked his cheek and looked over Donna's shoulder, "His name, the date, the class... so about seven."

Steven sighed and got up looking over at what we were staring at, "He's screwed."

Michael carelessly shrugged, "Use his middle name. That's one more word."

I shook my head and added in Albert in my neat handwriting, "So eight."

Pam huffed puffing herself up like a peacock, "See? Now, this would never happen to me. That is why I do my homework on Saturday."

Steven glared at Michael, "This is a moment, Kelso. Pick it."

Pam ignored my boyfriend's comment, "I think you all could learn something from me right now."

Donna grimaced, "Moment number two."

Michael finally acquiesced muttering a petulant, "All right." He turned to Pam and slowly guided her towards the basement door, "Pam, we need to talk. Let's go outside."

They exited and I laughed, "Bye Felicia."

Fez looked at me curiously, "Her name was not Felicia."

Steven raised his eyebrow at me, and I continued to laugh, "I know. It's something that's just me, Fez don't worry about it." Steven continued to stare at me and I patted his hand, "Later." With that he nodded and we got back to our present problem.

Donna ran her hands through her hair a worried frown etched onto her forehead, "Damn it."

I looked at the paper in question and squinted, "You know what? I did the same paper last a while back when I was still in high school. Yeah…I remember. I got like a B on the paper, but eh." I shrugged. I skipped grades yes, but that didn't mean that I got all A's.

Donna beamed at me, "Oh yeah! I keep forgetting that you already graduated." I gave her an unamused look which she totally waved off.

Steven looked at me curiously, "Do you still have it?"

Donna let out a braying laugh, "Hyde…you've known Lin for how long?"

He scowled at her and I puffed out my cheeks, "What's that supposed to mean?"

I sighed and pulled his arms around me, "She's insuating that I'm a hoarder." Steven glared at Donna for that and she smiled unapologetically at us.

"Can't be mad when it's the truth."

I nodded, "I'll just go dig up my paper then. I'll be back soon. You wanna come with me, puddin' pop?" Steven tightened his arms around me and stoically nodded. I would cool him down at my place and we could find out where I left all my old high school papers. It was probably in the bookshelf with all the binders.

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I walked back in hand in hand with Steven seeing a dejected Michael lounging in his lawn chair. I titled my head and Steven made sure to pull my light fabric scarf more securely onto my neck. He had left me a massive hickey and even makeup couldn't hide it. I don't think he minded though because he was looking pretty smug right now.

Donna looked up from the still blank page frustration clearly evident on her face, "Finally. Where have you guys been?"

I rolled my eyes while we sat down in our regular chair. I handed her my binder, "We had to look for my binder, and eat and then some stuff happened, you know."

Eric beamed at me and kissed my forehead sloppily, "Best. Little. Sister. Ever." Steven glared at Eric and he just continued to smile.

Donna paged through all of my papers and found the one she was looking for, "Bingo." She fished out my paper and waved it in front of Eric. Eric happily plopped down onto the couch and began copying my paper. Well at least that was going his way today.

Kitty rushed down the basement stairs looking worse than she had earlier, "All right. Now, you all listen up. I have had an extremely stressful day. And I am not proud of what I'm about to say but someone give me a cigarette! Now!" I honestly thought she might cry at this point.

Eric stopped writing and nervously stated, "But, Mom, we don't smoke."

Kitty shook her head and glared, "Cut the crap, Eric. The only one that can't physically smoke is Lin because of her asthma. I am a nurse. I know that one in five teenagers smoke." She pointed at Steven, Eric, Donna, Fez, and Michael, "One, two, three, four, five. Now, I'm going to close my eyes, and when I open them there had better be a cigarette between these two fingers. Come on, people. Hop to!"

They all looked at one another with bewildered looks before Donna pulled out a cigarette she had hidden in her back pocket and placed it in between Kitty's fingers.

Kitty smiled and let out a relieved, "Thank you. Light?" Steven gently lifted me off of him and lit the cigarette with his lighter before moving back next to me.

She let out a long contented sigh after she took a deep drag. Today really pushed her limits.

Red wandered down the stairs and called out, "Kitty?"

Kitty pasted on a strained smile and put the cigarette under her shoe, "There you are, Red."

Red raised his eye brow at her and looked around, "Ma says the cat bit her, so I'm down here looking for it."

Eric looked at his dad curiously, "Dad, we don't have a cat."

Red nodded and made Eric move over so he could take a seat onto the couch, "That's what I thought."

Eric picked up the paper and continued copying it down and I shrugged helplessly. Today was really weird.

Kitty patted my shoulder when she looked up towards the door that led to the kitchen, "You know, we really…We shouldn't leave your poor little foreign friend up there alone with Grandma."

We all nodded, but none of us refused to move. She smiled slightly and took a seat near Red, "It's really kind of nice down here." He nodded distractedly watching the game that was playing on the TV.

Steven leaned down slightly and whispered into my ear, "I think we should blow this pop stand, doll."

I nodded, "That's the plan." I felt his hands subtly go to the small of my back.

He rolled his eyes, "Don't go and hug everyone like you always do, kay? We wanna be sneaky about this." We slowly walked towards the door.

I huffed quietly, "It would be rude to just leave."

He smirked, "There's rude and then there's poking a bear, doll. The room's tense."

I shook my head, "Please?" I made sure that my eyes were big and let my lower lip quiver. Steven looked at me and he crumbled.

Shaking his head he gave me a little push, "Alright, but be quick."

I beamed and ran over and hugged Kitty and Red startling them. Kitty looked up at my smiling face and patted my cheek gently, "We'll see you tomorrow, sweetie. Thank you for helping Eric with his homework."

Red sent Eric a glare, which Eric didn't notice since he was still quickly copying down the rest of my paper. He turned towards me and a small smile formed on his face. I handed him a chocolate tootsie roll and he patted my head, "Be back soon, Lin."

I nodded, "Will do, Captain." He gave me one last smile before turning back to watch the game.

Donna expectantly held out her hands after nudging Eric's head, "Come 'er, midget."

I laughed and tightly wound my arms around her with Eric patting my back distractedly, "We'll see you later, Red."

Donna nodded smiling, "Don't doubt it."

I patted Michael's shoulder while I passed by him and he gave me a sad nod in return. I supposed breaking up with Pam wasn't as happy as he had expected. Steven drew me into his arms and gave a silent wave goodbye to those that were paying attention. We'd be back soon enough.

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AN: As a heads up, this entire thing won't go the same way as the show because Lin's vastly different from Jackie. Some episodes will be missing because they wouldn't be possible with the way Lin is. I may not have mentioned it, but this is an alternate dimension of 'That '70s Show' because of Lin just existing. In this dimension that car would've killed Jackie if Lin's soul didn't come a'knockin'.

Steven's birthday has been changed to November 28 1959 so he's turning 18 and not 17 in 1977. I corrected that in this chapter.

Phil: Yes, dear reviewer I did do that. Thanks for the review, and I'll continue on.

tiff: Thank you for your review, and I like this version of her better too.

Girken: Thank you for the review and for following my story!

AmethystSiri: Thank you for your review and for putting my story on your favorite's list. I appreciate it, and you're awesome. Thank you for pointing that out. I'll endeavor to round her out more so in this chapter.

Heavenly-vixen: Thank you so much for your review! I will continue on.

TwilightEclps: Thank you for following my story and for leaving a review! ^^

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