Chapter 10: 1978
Grey clouds peppered the sky as the temperature seemed to drop during the morning rush. People meandered through the Rolling Scones bakery and café, bundled up in bulky coats and sweaters, all seeming to crave a hot chocolate or a different warm delectable treat.
Brooke and Rhonda manned the cashier tills while Charlie and Mabel buzzed around their barista stations making as much frappuccinos and hot chocolates as they could. I tweaked the in-store speakers so that the radio could be heard clearly throughout the store while Lee baked up a storm. The radio always seemed like something consistent to me, both in this life and in the last life I had before.
I shook away that stray thought, sighing inwardly, and adjusted the radio until the static went away. It blared out, "Hot Donna is single folks, and that's great news because she is smokin'."
I raised my brow at that proclamation since that didn't make much sense. Why on Earth would they lie about that? A frown crawled onto my face as I glared accusingly at the radio.
Eric abruptly stood up; an utterly disgruntled look painted his face as he smacked a fist down onto the table he was wiping down previously, "What the hell? I have a problem with this!"
Michael swept the floor and looked up with a cheeky smile, "Maybe she dumped you and 'forgot' to tell you." He made sure to emphasize forgot with air quotes. I idly wondered when he started to do that.
Eric whipped his head towards him and hissed, "Oh, my God. Thank you, for that horrifying thought."
I snorted and tilted my head as I watched them bicker. Drama like this really shouldn't have been present in the store. I was just glad that my customers didn't seem to mind. They all seemed lost in their own little worlds chatting amongst themselves.
Michael shrugged and continued sweeping up, "No problem."
Brooke shot Eric a mischievous look after another customer finished up paying, "Look, Forman, I wouldn't read too much into this. Donna probably just said she doesn't have a boyfriend 'cause she's ashamed of you."
I rolled my eyes at them and grinned at the little girl paying for a box of large crème filled cupcakes. She beamed at me and waved. I waved back and chirped, "Thank you for your purchase! Please come again soon." I think that was Hope Chance; she's adorable.
I frowned and clicked my tongue against the roof of my mouth when I caught sight of Eric still fuming, "Eric, really, it's probably just a publicity stunt. A hurtful one certainly, but still, it's probably just fake."
His expression crumpled as he furiously scrubbed the table with a dish cloth. After a short while he nodded and muttered, "I guess." Sometimes he really did just need to have faith in Donna. It wasn't like she'd just dump him secretly. She had more integrity than that. Well…I would hope that, she of all people would have more integrity than that.
Steven came up from out of the back ruffling his hair. He looked a little tired, but I think that was just because it was his turn with the paper work. That stuff was just boring and tedious sometimes, even for me.
He let out a large exhale and pecked my neck before striding towards Eric. He deftly snatched away the dish cloth that Eric was manhandling. I let out an inner breath of relief since he looked like he was going to clean a furrow into that table.
Steven let out a large exhale and shot him a mean smile, "Listen, Forman, you're just upset because you know Donna is entering the really cool world of FM radio. But, you know, feel good, man. 'Cause you'll be like that first sweet relationship she'll look back on fondly while she's on the tour bus straddling rock stars."
Eric grunted and flopped down onto one of the café chairs by the table he was cleaning. I wiped my hands against my apron and made my way towards them. A deep frown pulled down my lips as I shook my head. I gently flicked Steven's side, annoyance clearly written on my face.
He glanced down at me, a lopsided unapologetic smile on his face, "I'm only joking, doll."
I rolled my eyes and motioned to a sullen looking Eric with my head. He rolled his eyes and pulled me flush against his side. I huffed at his actions, but accepted the affection grudgingly. I was still irritated with him. He didn't really need to play on Eric's fears like that.
Michael let out a wistful sigh, "Yeah, life just hasn't been the same since I lost the van. It's hard to get chicks when you don't have wheels. I mean, sometimes, a killer bod just isn't enough." From what I heard from Donna and Annette it was his own damn fault when his van sunk down into the bottom of that icy lake. They wouldn't really go into more details than that though.
"Eric, don't worry about this whole Donna thing. Really, trust me. It'll be okay. Now go clean that table over there, please," I patted his shoulder before I walked back to take over the till for Rhonda. I was pretty sure that it was time for her break soon.
Eric let his shoulders slump as he gloomily got up, "Fine, but I didn't sign up for free labor on my day off."
I rolled my eyes at him and shot him an impish smile over my shoulder, "I'll pay you with your favorite pastries."
Eric raised his brow and hummed, "Cinnamon buns?"
Steven fixed him with a bored stare, "Yep, as many as you can eat, only today, Forman."
Eric shot Steven a smug smile and pulled his hand into a firm handshake, "Deal."
Steven smiled and rolled his eyes as he made his way back behind the counter. I think he still had some paper work to finish, but I wouldn't have minded if he just left it. He wasn't getting enough rest as it was and a little paper work could be left for another day.
Rhonda pulled off her apron as she made her way to sit at Eric's nearby table for her break. She settled into a seat and happily sighed. She cocked her head up at Eric and smiled, "Oh hey Forman, I know a lot of girls who are much more realistic for you. They might be a little heavy, or a little dumb, or have a cockeye, but-"
Eric threw her a sharp look and snapped, "She didn't break up with me, okay, Rhonda? She still loves me."
Fez finished stacking the cupcakes on their new stand and sighed, "Oh. My friend you are so in the denial stage." He shook his head and popped one of our new bite sized cupcakes, with their edible wrappers, into his mouth.
Eric ground his teeth, finished cleaning, and setting up the table, "No. No I'm not."
Donna barged into the store during the music marathon hour, startling my current customer from paying. I smiled and they shook off the shock to pay for their hot chocolate and their small bag of mini cupcakes. I gave Mrs. Ringer a short wave as she scuttled around a vibrating Donna.
She weaved through the still mingling people and gushed, "Oh, my God, you guys! This has been the best day ever. Jerry Thunder has totally taken me under his wing. And his stories- he's so funny! Oh! Elton John has a boyfriend! Plus, I get to meet Alice Cooper later on."
Steven snorted behind me and nudged me with his elbow, "Here it is." I rolled my eyes and snorted before helping the last customer in my line up.
Donna seemed to be completely oblivious to Eric's downtrodden look, "I'm gonna see if Alice'll sign this. Oh, and Eric, I can't make it to our movie tonight. Rain check? See ya later! " She dashed out after quickly pecking his check and excitedly waving to the rest of us.
Eric stood there, stalk still, with a frown affixed on his face. He lowered his head and murmured as he held a hand against his cheek, "See? She still loves me."
Rhonda clapped a hand down hard onto Eric's shoulder, "Yeah. Have you met my friend Fat Sally?"
He shook off her hand and grimaced before moving onto the next dirty table. He murmured under his breath and the remaining customers at the store gave him a wide berth. Although some people did shoot him pitying looks. Well, we were closing soon so I didn't think I needed to worry about everyone else's reactions to Eric right now. Besides, I could empathize with him. What Donna did was a dick move.
After a while the music from the radio stopped and the radio hosts voices came on, "This is Jerry Thunder comin' at you on The Sound! We got Alice Cooper droppin' by any minute and it is going to be wild! Am I right, Hot Donna?"
"You sure are, Jerry Thunder." Rock music began to play again after that little tidbit. Eric looked as stiff as a board after hearing that.
Mabel let out a tinkling laugh and sarcastically put in her two cents, "Radio people are the coolest."
Eric finished cleaning and clearing out the empty tables, "I don't like him." The last customer of the day paid for their hot chocolate and apple cinnamon scones. I waved and smiled at them, even though my face was thoroughly aching. It was far busier today than I had anticipated.
Brooke started to sweep up the floors while Michael started taking out the empty serving trays. Lee put in another load of dishes into the dishwasher. Mabel started cleaning up the barista station with Charlie, and Rhonda started emptying out the water from all the flower vases. They had to be refilled with new water at the end of the day until they started getting a little wilted.
I started to cash out the cash register and the safe, noting inwardly that I would have to finish off the paper work that Steven hadn't gotten around to doing. I shot Eric an encouraging look while a wane grin snuck onto my face, "That's only because he probably made Donna say she was single."
Fez started stacking up the chairs, "Did you see her run out of here like lightening? My Caroline wouldn't do that."
Steven leaned against the counter and raised an eyebrow at Fez, "To be fair, Caroline is fucked up scary, Fez. No offense."
Fez shrugged bonelessly, "None taken, my friend…for now."
Donna's excited voice blared out of the radio, "Hey, hey, everybody, it's Alice Cooper!"
Eric groaned into his hands and everyone snickered. I sighed. Oh well.
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The sky was overcast today and I was glad that I was safely ensconced inside my house. It looked like it was going to rain and a chill seemed to be in the air. I pulled my chunky sweater closed and shook my head. I had work to do. I rolled up my sleeves and continued on cleaning up my kitchen. Wait, was that a bug? I shivered internally and sprayed that spot with even more cleaning solution.
Eric threw a chip into the air and caught it in his mouth before grunting, "I haven't seen Donna in two days. She's been spending all of her time at the radio station. This is a real problem, Lin."
Steven let out a huff and threw up his hands letting go of the plastic bag filled with trash, "Oh, here we go again. Eric, you've been saying this over and over like a broken record."
I clicked my tongue and shook my head as I grabbed the bag off of the ground before I stuffed it into a bigger black bag.
Eric straightened up from his spot on our bar stool and whined as he slammed down his chip bag, "But it's true!"
Steven paused and shot Eric with an intensely flat look, "Forman's got another problem. Well, you know what? Maybe I got a problem, man. Did you ever think of that?"
Eric rolled his eyes, "Oh. Man, Hyde, I'm sorry. Go ahead, man, unload your burden."
"Actually, I'm cool. And that's how you do it. You have a problem, and you hold it in, man. Now, buck up, fruitcake," Steven snorted and finished up cleaning his section of the kitchen. He made his way towards me and engulfed me into a tight hug.
"I have a problem, but I guess I'll keep it inside," a deep sigh escaped out of Eric as he moved the chip bag across my kitchen island.
Steven plopped his head down on top of mine and muttered, "Hey, so Leo agreed to sell me his old ass El Camino for, like, 500 bucks. So, we wanted to know-"
Eric cut in and mockingly nattered, "Hey, I'm Hyde. I don't feel anything. I'm just a frizzy-haired robot."
I felt Steven tense before he let out a put out breath, "God damn it. Hey! I'm Forman! I use the same voice to imitate everybody! You know what? Never mind. Let's go, doll. Let's leave mister depressed on his own for a bit." He tugged me away from the kitchen towards our backdoor. I rolled my eyes at Eric and reluctantly followed after Steven.
I floppily waved, "Bye, Eric."
Eric crossed his arms and huffed, "Fine. You two go." His sass was bound to irritate Steven even more so at this rate.
I paused and felt Steven stiffen beside me. He shot Eric a dirty look. I pulled on a sympathetic smile, "Awe, don't pout. It'll be fine. Sometimes people just get caught up in their work. It happens."
"I never did that with her," he shook his head and stared out into nothing.
Steven tugged at my sleeve, "Lin." Frown lines had dug into his forehead and I could tell that he was probably gonna snap at Eric, for real, if we didn't leave soon.
I shot him an apologetic smile before shrugging, "Sorry, see you later, Eric."
Eric shot us a betrayed look, "You're hogging my little sister, Hyde."
Steven waved his hand in a careless manner and commented over his shoulder, "Whatever man, she's my chick, so go suck on a popsicle or something."
As we exited our abode I heard Eric yell out, "I'm raiding your fridge when you two leave!"
Steven huffed and stuffed his hands into his jean pockets, "Whatever, man."
I turned and shouted back towards Eric, "Go ahead, Eric! There are burritos in the fridge!"
As we went towards our car, I managed to hear Eric happily holler, "Best little sister ever!"
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The chill was in the air as rain pitter pattered against the car windows while we drove down the street. I tilted my head and palmed my window, I shivered slightly before moving away from the cold seeping through the glass.
Steven let out a snort as we turned a corner at the stop light, "This El Camino is so much better than Leo's. Why did we decide to buy his car?"
I watched a lady pushing a pram along the crosswalk and huffing as they walked onto the side walk. I shot him a "Because of pity."
He rolled his eyes at my inattention and patted my thigh with the hand that had been on the gear shift. I looked over at him and smiled as he hummed, "Who are we gonna give that car to? I don't want to pay car insurance for a car that we won't even drive, and I doubt that you wanna give up the beetle."
I interlocked my fingers with his hand and shot him a sheepish smile, "True. I don't wanna give up my car for Leo's. Maybe we could just ask the people that we know?" I shrugged bonelessly. I didn't really know anyone who would really need it. Most people that I knew that really needed a car already had one, or some other form of transportation.
The radio blared as a short silence fell between us before Steven spoke up again, "Do think Fez'll want it?"
I turned my attention away from the blurring scenery that we passed by and hummed, "I don't think he has a legal license to drive in this country." I was pretty sure that he didn't. I didn't really want to ask him though. It felt like it would be a weird thing to ask someone.
Steven idly nodded, "I don't want to give it to Kelso, even if he grew a pair lately."
I snickered and shot Steven an amused smile, "True. He'd probably just whore himself out if we gave him a car."
He let out a short laugh as we drove past houses that I didn't recognize, "Right?"
I tilted my head and hummed, "Where are we going?"
An indulgent smile washed onto Steven's face, "The Vineyard through the scenic route; I know how you really enjoy our car rides."
"Awe, Steven," I leaned over and pecked his cheek as we took another turn at a stop sign. I loved it when he did things like this.
A slight flush had come across his face, "What?"
I grinned and sat back in my seat, "Nothing. I just love you."
He snorted and nodded before we drove along a familiar street, "I love you too, doll. That's why we're going to a fancy restaurant for lunch instead of the HUB to figure out how to solve this problem."
I nodded, a smile still glued onto my face. I looked out of my window and absently stated, "I love the Vineyard's chicken pasta Alfredo."
I could hear the smile in his voice without needing to turn, "I know."
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Eventually we finished having lunch at the Vineyard and made our way over to Leo's house. His house was tall, red and kind of rickety looking. For some reason, I thought it kind of fit.
We parked, and meandered over into his open garage. Leo popped out from behind a couple large boxes looking triumphant. He waggled a set of keys, "Okay, man, here are the keys." Did he loose the keys behind those boxes?
Steven raised a brow and plastered on fake smile, "Oh, thanks."
Leo's smiling face sagged slightly at that. I sharply nudged Steven's side, "Puddin' pop."
He winced and managed to enthusiastically state, "I'm mean, bitchin'."
A warm look washed over Leo's face making his eyes shine, "You know I was gonna give this car to my son on his 16th birthday, but then my old lady took him and split."
Steven gave Leo a sad uncomfortable look, "Wow." Broken homes never did make a good topic with Steven.
I frowned and gently pat Leo's shoulder, "That's a sad story, Leo. I'm sorry."
He shot me a grateful smile and shrugged, "Nah, it's okay, little lady. I'm all good. Can't do anything about it now..." he looked at his El Camino and let out a deep sigh, "I can't sell you the car, man."
Steven brightened up and I could tell that, despite the contrite look plastered on his face, he was relieved, "Oh, man! Ah, I guess I understand. Thanks, man."
Before he could march away, probably dragging me behind him, Leo called out, "Hyde, no, wait. I want you to have this car."
Steven stilled and recoiled after what Leo had stated sunk into his brain, "What? No! You just said that you couldn't sell the car."
Leo shot us a fond grin, "Well, I'm not selling it. I'm giving it to you, man. You're family."
A tender smile washed onto my face and I cooed, "Awe. Did you hear that, puddin' pop? You're family." I personally found that so unbelievably sweet. This certainly won Leo some bonus points in my book.
Steven blinked rapidly before palming his face, and muttering, "God damn it."
Leo ambled over, past the many dusty boxes, and patted his shoulder before sincerely saying, "You're the son I never had."
Steven's eye twitched before he let out an exasperated squawk, "You just said you had a son!"
"Yeah, and you're the son I never had," Leo stated, shrugging bonelessly.
At Leo's apparently stubborn insistence, Steven caved and took the proffered keys. Letting out a resigned sigh, he shot Leo a begrudgingly fond look, "Ahh jeeze, man. Hey, Leo, man, thanks. Really. We consider you family too."
I nodded enthusiastically, which only caused Leo to brighten further. He was, more or less, like family. Like a crazy uncle that we don't quite understand, but put up with any way because his quirks are just part of his personality.
"Awww. Come 'ere. Hugs. Families do hugs," Leo sniffled and brought us both into a group hug. I could feel Steven stiffen against the unexpected contact, but I figured a little hug wouldn't kill us. I snickered and nudged his side. He let out a sigh before finally returning the hug. Even though this was all very sweet, I still didn't know what we would do about the extra El Camino. Meh. I guess we could deal with that problem later.
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A soft breeze blew in through our slightly ajar bedroom window. The crickets chirped and I could swear I heard frogs now and again. I still wasn't sure where those frog sounds were coming from to be honest.
I combed a brush through my still wet hair as I got comfortable on our bed. Steven sleepily ambled into our room with a towel hanging around his bare shoulders. He shot me an amused look as he rubbed his hair dry, "So you missed something pretty funny while you were at the bakery today, doll."
"Mhmm?" I tilted my head and finished off the last tangle that had been bugging me.
He nodded and let his towel hang on a nearby chair before slipping in beside me, "Yep. Kelso tried to do Pam Macy in the orchestra pit, but he couldn't get it up."
I chortled and snuggled under our blankets, "The buffer wouldn't buff?"
Steven snickered and pecked my lips before stating, "Yeah, Kelso's rabbit wouldn't come out of the hat."
I laughed and wiggled my eyebrows at him, "The weasel wouldn't pop."
He grinned at me and proceeded to tickle me, "The alphabet soup never spelled "go.""
I laughed and squirmed under his fingers, before gasping, "Okay! All right! Enough!"
Steven softly smiled down on me and pulled me into his arms, "Kelso said it was a like, a nightmare, but I thought it was pretty hilarious. Just desserts and all."
I nodded and hummed happily, "A hilarious nightmare."
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Eric and Fez quietly slipped into our kitchen while Steven and I shot them an unamused look from where we had been making out. I suppose we should've left the lights on in the kitchen when we decided to get into some hanky panky, but to be fair, it was our kitchen to do with as we liked. Eric shushed Fez when he gracelessly bumped into our one of our counters.
Eric shot him a glare and hissed, "I'm gonna sneak some beer outta their fridge. You go be lookout."
Fez nodded, "You can count on me." He surveyed the kitchen and bumped into one of the center island's stools with a clatter. I cleared my throat while Steven let out an unamused grunt.
"Eric, Lin and Steven are home," Fez squeaked hurrying over and switching on the kitchen lights.
Eric stood up straight with the stolen beer in his hands, and ground out, "A little late, Fez."
Fez shrugged and was about to say something before Steven grew tired of their shenanigans and barked out, "Okay, you two, out."
I rolled my eyes and untangled myself from Steven's embrace. I snatched a couple bars of chocolate out of my treats jar and waved it at them, "Here, you can each have a chocolate bar instead. I don't want your mom pissed at me if you come home drunk." I'm pretty sure having something in your stomach made it so that alcohol wouldn't react too badly with your system delaying the whole drunk thing. I could be wrong though…I hadn't been drunk for a very very long time.
Fez happily took a bar of chocolate before shooting me a grateful grin, "Thank you, little goddess."
Eric quickly did away with the wrapper and bit into the chocolate bar with relish. He happily groaned and mumbled around his mouth full of chocolate, "Thanks, Lin. Mmm chocolate."
Both boys happily frog marched out of our kitchen trying to hide their stolen beer behind their backs. I rolled my eyes, but I couldn't help the smile that managed to break across my face. Those boys were just too much sometimes.
Steven barked out a short laugh before coming towards me and encasing me in a warm hug, "Okay doll. I'm gonna cook you a romantic dinner for once. So, you go put on something pretty and I'll warm up the oven."
I raised a brow, "Oh, wow. Really?" Steven certainly knew how to cook now, but that didn't mean he made a big habit of it. I idly wondered what prompted all this. I wouldn't question it though. Who would question something romantic cropping up from their significant other?
"Yeah. I'm gonna make us steaks," he pulled on the simple blue apron off of one of our many wall hooks and began to gather his ingredients.
I shrugged and went with it, "Sounds like a good plan, darling. You wanna do the deed before or after?"
He wiggled his brows suggestively while a crooked smile bloomed onto his face,
"Hmmm. I am hungry…for both things really, but steak sounds good for now. You wanna eat mashed potatoes or rice?"
I chortled and winked, "Mmm…Rice with gravy."
He buried his head at the crock of my neck before inhaling deeply and murmuring, "God, I love you."
I gently patted his head before softly saying, "I love you too. I'll put on the lacy pink leopard print set that you like then?"
He peeked up at me from under his lashes, his eyes glittering with mischief, "Yes, please." He then proceeded to pinch my rear causing me to shriek and run.
I beamed back at him and waved a little before calling out, "I'll be right back." He only shook his head fondly at me as I went. I couldn't be happier.
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I peeked through our front window and spotted Michael sulking on our porch, again. I looked back and decided to deal with this before he'd do more than just sulk. I slowly walked towards him and slowly sat down, "Hey Michael, I heard what happened with Pam. I want you to know that you're not a freak. It's totally normal."
He raised a brow and huffed, "Really?"
I got more comfortable beside him and patted his back gently, "Mm-hmm. They say that, lots of times when it happens to a guy it's not that he can't; it's just that he secretly doesn't want to." I really hoped this meant that Michael actually grew a conscience. One could only hope.
He shot me an amused look before rolling his eyes, "Okay, well, not to criticize those people, but they've probably never seen Pam Macy naked."
I rolled my eyes and shoved him a little, "Michael, just think about it. Do you actually like Pam? Like as a human being."
A goofy grin grew on his face and he snickered before shrugging, "Well, I like parts of her."
I shook my head and gently poked his shoulder, "Well, maybe that's just not enough. Perhaps your body is mature enough to realize that, even if your brain isn't."
He leaned back onto his hands and grunted, "Okay, well, you know, if this is about maturity then I want nothing to do with it."
I snorted out a laugh and blew a stray hair out of my face, "Look, Michael, don't worry, okay? When you find the girl you're meant to be with you'll be able to do all the stuff you want. I promise." I gave him a comforting hug just to underline what I had said.
He gave me a tight squeeze in return before murmuring, "I hope you're right. Thanks, Lin... I'm back."
I pulled out of the hug and raised a brow at him, "What?"
A sheepishly guilty look overcame his face, "Nothin'. Good hug!" He patted my shoulder and let it linger a little too long for comfort.
I narrowed my eyes at him and slid over slightly, hoping he'd get the hint to stop intruding on my personal space. When he didn't, I let out an exasperated, "Get off my porch and go home, Michael."
Steven popped his head out of a nearby window and shook his fist, "Kelso! Get your hands off my girl, now. I swear, I will hurt you."
A silly smile stretched across Michael's face as he bolted up and off of my porch steps, "Kay! Bye Hyde. Bye Lin! Thanks for the advice." I stood up and shook my head, a slight smile pulling at my lips. He was such an odd duck.
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We got into Steven's El Camino and buckled ourselves in. Steven did his usual mirror checks before he abruptly stopped, turned around and glared at seemingly nothing, "Fez, I know you're there, get up."
And before I could question him about his paranoia, I was proven wrong by a guilty looking Fez and his girlfriend popping up in our back seats.
I raised a brow and snorted out a laugh, "What are you doing back there, Fez?" The two hoodlums looked rumpled and both sets of their lips looked swollen. Inwardly, I rolled my eyes at the two of their antics. I brushed back a stray strand of hair that stuck onto my forehead. We should probably put the a.c. on later. It was way too hot out today for some odd reason.
Fez quickly looked between the two of us and Caroline, before a sheepish look washed over his face, "L- I was- Well...I was just showing Caroline the back of my new car and my tongue." He shrugged his shoulders as a cheeky smile flashed across his face making his eyes crinkle.
An exasperated sigh escaped my mouth, "Fez, this isn't your car." I shook my head again, and leaned further into my chair to give them a good hard look. I hoped it made them feel uncomfortable.
Steven rolled his eyes so hard I was afraid that they would get stuck that way, before he chuckled, "Yeah. Foreigners can't drive here unless it's a cab, man." His fingers twitched. This was probably more stressful than he was letting them know. He never enjoyed people breaking into his personal space. He'd probably need a smoke later on. That or a hard drink. Or me. Or maybe all three. We'd have to see how this situation ended.
I gave him a little shove, my tone slightly offended for Fez, "Steven, really?" I made my eyes wide and as Bambi like as I could. I hoped that I could pull a little on his heart strings. His comment was a little too mean for my tastes, even if I knew that he didn't really mean it maliciously.
He shot me a cheeky grin before pecking my lips. Steven shrugged and pointed out, "Lin, they broke into our car. I think I'm allowed to insult him right now."
He did have a good point so I conceded, "Touche." Steven's shoulders relaxed an iota and I happily cheered inwardly. I loved how I could help bring him back at ease that way. He had the same effect on me.
Caroline clucked her tongue and wrapped a stray blonde curl around her finger, "Fezzie, I told you. You don't have to try and impress me anymore. I'm your girlfriend now." The lusty look that she shot him did not go unnoticed by the two of us. A slight look of revulsion streaked across Steven's face for a moment before he pulled his stoic Zen mask back on. I inwardly cringed. Even at our horniest, lewdest, and grossest moments around other people, I don't think we ever made that face towards one another.
Fez gave her a quick kiss to the cheek before sweetly declaring, "I'm sorry, Caroline. From now on, I will be totally honest." Dude, was a total sweetie, but I don't think he understood her look.
Caroline nodded and left our car primly, "Good. Now, come on, walk me home." The way she said home, made me think she didn't really mean her home...Or even home at all? Was that her just being so obvious about it because Fez didn't get it, or did we all do that and we just all didn't notice because we can't quite see ourselves properly.? I shook that thought away into the 'Nope box'.
Fez jubilantly followed her, all the while oblivious to what she insinuated, "Ah, yes. And on the way, I can tell you about the time I killed a shark with a coconut."
I rolled my eyes at their antics before I called after them, "I guess, I'll just close the door, guys." They either a) Couldn't here me, or b) Were being rude bitches, or c) A little bit of both.
Steven barked out a laugh, "Thanks, doll. You practically read my mind." My irritation thawed. At least someone found this situation funny.
I chuckled under my breath after I closed the car door that they so carelessly left open. Slumping back into my seat after firmly putting on my seat belt, I gave Steven a soft look, "Mhmm. Let's just go get some lunch."
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Annette flounced into Eric's basement as if she owned the place and happily plonked down beside Donna making the couch creak, "Hey, Donna, wanna go to the mall? The new Dairy Queen's finally open, and I wanna go visit before I go back to Texas. We don't have one in my new town."
Steven and I idly watched our friends from our spot feeding each other fries now and then. I tilted my head and hummed inwardly. It was a nice day today, and then this happened. I couldn't figure out how and why she kept visiting so frequently even though she didn't even live in this state anymore. I mean, I had nothing against her, but it boggled my mind. The logistics of it all made no sense to me.
Donna shot her a regretful smile, "Actually, Annie, as fun as that sounds, I'd rather stay here with Eric." She cuddled into her boyfriend and let her head fall onto his shoulder.
Eric wrapped an arm around her and cooed, "Awe." He planted a quick kiss onto her forehead and they both gazed goofily at one another. I was glad that they hadn't hit any real relationship road bumps yet. It was nice seeing them this happy.
Michael popped up from his seat on the ground near the coffee table, "Hey, I can come instead!"
I scowled at him inwardly. Did he just conveniently freaking forget about Brooke? My shoulders tensed and Steven tightened his hug around my waist. My temper simmered down and I angrily snatched a fry from our take out bag and ground my teeth into it.
Steven shook his head against my neck and murmured, "It'll be fine. He's just being Kelso."
I nuzzled him back and sighed, "That's starting to sound like code for dick wad."
He smothered a laugh against my skin and I felt him nod, before I turned back to watch this train wreck. He rubbed my shoulder before grabbing a handful of fries and stuffing them into his mouth. I guess he wanted to watch Michael being a shit show too.
An unsure look crossed over Annette's face before she slowly smiled, "Okay. I guess. Well, just let me get my beret and jacket. I think I left it upstairs." She bounced up the stairs, and even though she was my friend...I kind of wished she would trip. Out of loyalty to Brooke. Not because I was also annoyed. Perish the thought.
A content smile graced Michael's face, "Cool." He puffed up with pride as she disappeared from our view. He did forget about Brooke. I swear sometimes... I banished the thought of wringing his neck ala Bart Simpson style. Too many witnesses.
Fez popped up from the tricycle that he recently acquired, an indignant look written all over his face, "Wait a second! You are too mature to go cruising with me, but you wanna go to the mall with Annie? That's not fair, my friend. Not fair at all."
Michael shrugged his shoulders and gave Fez a look that clearly said duh, "Well yeah, but all's fair in love and war, man! And this is war for love. It's this new thing we're trying, man. We're friends. See, I did some reflecting, and I realized that Annie is the only girl I want to be with."
I ground my teeth against another fry to the point where the slight worry of cracking a tooth crossed my mind. I moved a little towards them, but Steven held me firm in his lap. I shot him a dry look before mouthing, "B. R. O. O. K. E."
He gave me a grim look and nodded. I felt him pull me even closer. Close enough to feel his warm breath against my ear. He quietly murmured, "I know, but if we try to dissuade him with his stupid plan, doll, he'll just sneak around and do it. It's better that he do his shit show person impression here rather than where someone gossipy can hear it. We don't want another Pam Macy incident."
I huffed and slumped against his chest. Tilting my head to the side to get a better look at him, I grunted, "I don't like it."
A wry smile tugged at his lips, "I don't either, but Kelso's not just going to suddenly change."
I nodded in understanding, but it didn't help the pissed off feeling I got while I listened and watched Michael. That little fucker.
A deep frown converged onto Donna's face as she listened in onto Michael's cockamamie plan, "Today? Really? Are you not forgetting someone?"
Michael titled his head towards us, either oblivious to our dark looks or not caring, he gave us all a dazed smile, "Nope. And really it's been every day. See, we were meant to be together. She just doesn't know it yet. Yeah, but I have a plan."
Eric smacked his head and groaned, "Oh, no."
A mischievous look glinted in his eyes as he bounced onto his feet and spread his arms, "Oh, yeah. See, she wants to be just friends, right? Okay, so I'll be her friend. But what she doesn't realize is that I'm also a boy. Yeah, and sooner or later, friend is gonna lead down the path to boy!"
He pumped his fist into the air with the confidence of a crazy man, "And then I'll be her friend-boy."
Steven shot him a hard look and dryly stated, sarcasm dripping down every word, "That is a great plan."
I couldn't contain myself anymore and let out a loud exasperated noise. I gave him a dark chastising look, "Michael, when a girl says she just wants to be friends, she could just mean it. And in Annette's case, she probably does mean it. Don't do this."
He shrugged off our comments and cracked his back, "Nah, Lin. She just doesn't see that we still belong together."
Before I could say anything more Annette popped back into the basement with a happy oblivious smile adorning her face, "Okay, I'm ready."
He tucked Annette's arm into his and merrily stated, "Hey. Let's go, friend."
She gave him an uncertain smile before skipping away with him, "Okay."
A moment of silence passed between all of us moments after they left. Fez gazed at the door and frowned, "That is such a bad plan."
Steven barked out a laugh as he leaned his head against my shoulder, "Yeah, but, you know, on the bright side maybe we'll be there when it all blows up in his face."
There was always that.
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The Forman kitchen looked oddly bare today for someone's birthday. Sure the lights that streamed in through the clean windows made it seem warm, but some balloons and streamers would've made it seem nicer. More like an actual celebration rather than just another Tuesday. I wondered if those bums forgot about their mother's birthday again.
We stealthily came in through their back door and happily greeted Kitty. I chirped out, "Hiya, Mrs. Forman. Happy birthday!" I gently presented my brightly wrapped gift to her. She jumped a little before turning towards us, with a welcoming grin.
Steven let out a sincere, if less perky, "Happy birthday."
Kitty's eyes teared up as a much warmer smile pulled at her lips. She encapsulated the both of us into a gentle embrace, "You two are the first people to say anything all day."
We both gave her awkward little smiles. It was disquieting to know that. I tried to wash away the awkward air by suggesting, "You should open your gifts, Mrs. Forman."
She held onto the gifts tight against her chest before pulling herself up straighter. The smile on her face was tinged with a little sadness as she stated, "You, know what I will. They're the only gifts I got so far. I think I deserve to open something on my birthday."
She deftly tore into the bright balloon wrapping paper before breathlessly whispering, "Oh Lin, sweetheart…you…you didn't. Is this really what I think it is?" She fingered the gift clutched in her hands, the edges of her eyes watery.
I grinned and rubbed at the back of my head, "Yup. I know that you're a fan of Elvis paraphernalia and I thought, why not?"
Kitty dabbed at her eyes and drew me into a great big hug, "Goodness. Thank you so much for this, Lin. I don't even know how you got this signed Elvis Presley photo postcard though."
I untangled myself from her before sheepishly stating, "From Shady Jim's store." He had that name for a reason, and most people didn't want others to know that they went there. Mind you, Jim had enough business to not really care how people felt about his store. They came and spent money there anyways, so it didn't really matter.
She shot Steven a concerned look as her hands twitched around her new gift, "Oh. Oh my. You went with her, right Steven? That man is creepy. Useful, but creepy." I could clearly hear the undercurrent of worry in her voice. I idly wondered if she thought that Jim would do something nefarious to us. Just because he had the name Shady in front of his name, didn't mean he was actually a sketchy guy. He just had a lot of stuff that seemed kind of impossible to have. She shook that thought away. That didn't make sense...right?
Steven gave her a reassuring look and patted her shoulder gently, "Sure did, Mrs. Forman. I got you something from Shady Jim too, while we were there earlier this week." He pulled the gift off the counter behind him and presented it to her with a small flourish.
"Thank you, Steven," Kitty murmured as she gently tore away the wrapping paper.
"Oh wow. This is beautiful!" she held up the stained glass blown hot air balloon and held it against the light.
He nodded and added, "Shady Jim said it was originally different colored light bulbs, before it got remelted and turned into this."
"Ohhh! Well, thank you, you two. You two always manage to brighten up my day," she wiped away the tears that had gathered around the edges of her eyes bfore mustering up a watery smile, "Do you two want stay for dinner?"
At the way Kitty was reacting to our gifts, I really hoped that Eric, Laurie, and Red hadn't really didn't forgotten that it was Kitty's birthday today. Maybe they had some sort of surprise for later? It was kind of hurtful that we were the first ones to say anything though. It was already six pm by now. Surely they must've said something in the morning. At the very least.
An uncomfortable look passed over Steven's face, "Oh, no, thanks. We can just grab a sandwich, right Lin?" The stoic look that blurred over his unease was still plain in his eyes and I could see that it'd be best if we did just leave now.
I gave kitty an apologetic look, "Sure. That sounds good." I didn't really want to say no, but I had a feeling Steven didn't want to stay any longer than necessary. Maybe it was because he could empathize with people forgetting about you unless they wanted something. Lord only knows how much Edna and his stupid dad did that to him when they were in more contact with one another.
Kitty pouted and pulled out two huge looking sandwiches, "How about a sandwich? But my super special sandwich. A normal sandwich is a sandwich, but I made a Manwich, which is a real meal. It's heartier and both of you really need more meat on your bones."
I happily took the manwiches in my hands and gently backed into Steven, "Oh, well, thanks, Mrs. Forman."
Steven got my hint and gave her a half smile, "Uh-huh. Thanks." He gently wove his arm around my waist and pulled me closer to their back door. Sometimes I think he also had a sense for when trouble was coming and not just his fairly good mask of zen.
Kitty beamed at the two of us, "You two are very welcome."
Eric swaggered into the kitchen and rubbed his stomach, "Hey, Mom, what's for dinner? I'm starving."
"Manwiches," she snapped as she shot him a gimlet glare.
Eric tilted his head and rolled his eyes before whining, "Again? Ahh, we just had those." I knew that we should've probably already left to avoid seeing this situation, but like a lot of goings on in this house it was just too interesting to look away. And kind of bad. It was kind of like watching a clown car about to hit a truck full of bouncy balls. You knew that it would be bad, but it'd be hard to look away too.
Kitty's face reddened slightly and I could see that she was already ready to ream Eric with the manwiches that he was complaining about.
Red came into the kitchen oblivious to his wife's rising fury as he read through his newspaper, "Kitty, I left my shirt on the bed. It needs to be ironed for tomorrow."
"Okay," Kitty seethed and Eric backed away out of his mom's way. He'd finally sensed that something was wrong. I tugged at Steven's sleeve and tried to drag him through the open back door. He refused to budge though, and I could've sworn that a slightly gleeful vindictive look may have flashed across his face for a second.
Red looked up from his newspaper and shot his wife an accomplished smile, "Oh, and, uh I know you think I forgot, but I didn't."
Kitty's prior rising fury melted like snow on hot asphalt, before she chuckled, "Oh, Red, I knew at least you'd remember." She gave him a warm hug before shooting Eric a disappointed look. Eric withered slightly and frowned. I think the doofus still didn't realize that he'd forgotten his mother's birthday.
Red patted his wife's back before untangling himself and proudly declaring, "Yep, the check for the plumber is on the dresser."
Kitty froze and although she looked calm on the outside, I could swear I could see flames in her eyes, "Oh... I see... Good."
Red looked down at the manwiches, disappointment awash on his face, "Um is there anything else to eat?"
"Well, you know what, honey!? I don't give a good gosh darn what you eat! Eat mother loving nothing if you don't like it!" Kitty furiously yelled at them before storming out of the kitchen. Her eyes looked awfully glassy. I bit my lip and tugged harder on Steven's sleeve. I really hadn't wanted to see that.
Steven nodded and we stealthily got out of the Forman's kitchen. I shook my head. Poor Kitty.
Eric let out a loud whistle and murmured, "Wow, she's really upset."
Red sounded like he may have smacked Eric upside the head before he grumbled, "Yeah. Nice goin'."
We got out of earshot, but I knew that it wasn't just Eric that messed up. Red really fucked up this time too.
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I sat on Steven and examined the stress lines that seemed to stretch out from his face today. Our seat beside Eric's basement couch usually centered him, especially when I used Steven as a chair, but it didn't seem to be helping today. I stroked his hair which made him lean into my touch.
Eric tilted his head and nudged Steven's knee with his foot from his seat on the couch, "Hey, Hyde, how was your drive here from work?" Was that it?
Steven sighed and let the air escape from his teeth before he looked at Eric over his sunglasses, "It was going fine till I hit a patch of ice and almost took out a gaggle of stupid girls. Big Rhonda cracked my brake light."
I recoiled back so hard that I almost fell. Horror crossed my face and laced my voice, "Oh my God Steven. Are you alright? Is Rhonda alright?"
Steven chuckled and pulled me tight against his warm chest, "Yeah. I stopped over and checked on her. She's good to go to work still, and I'm perfectly fine. I just have to remember to put on some winter tires; even though we're months away from December. Also, we've gotta fix up the car."
"That's okay. We could get Mr. Forman to look at it," I nodded my head slowly and let my hand feel his heart beat through his chest. My heart constricted at the thought of ever losing this man. I think he might have noticed my anxiety about this entire situation. He gripped me closer, groping my butt in the process, but at the current moment I didn't want to complain.
He tilted his head into my shoulder and murmured against my shoulder, "I guess we could get Red to do it."
Eric heard him anyways and chipped in, "I know my dad wouldn't mind. I don't even think he'd make you guys pay." His eyes were concerned, and I was glad that he wasn't exactly as blase about all this as Donna was. I did doubt that he'd say anything in front of all of us though.
Donna looked up from her magazine and chortled before turning another page, "Yeah. They are kind of his favorites." I shot her an irritated look, but I doubted that she saw it. Cosmo had the majority of her attention right now.
"Psh. Kind of, Donna, that's putting it lightly," Eric jostled his shoulder against Donna's and rolled his eyes good naturedly when she just leaned into him. Whatever she was reading was apparently vastly more important than what we were talking about.
I buried my face against his neck and breathed in his familiar scent, "I'm glad you're okay."
Steven's voice softened, "I love you too, doll."
Our tender moment was interrupted by the basement door flinging open unceremoniously, but a crazy eyed looking bubbly blonde. We all stared at her in askance. The fuck?
She ignored the slightly tense atmosphere in the room and plowed right in without a single damn, "Oh Hi!" I had to give the girl props, she had balls.
Eric frowned and sent her a hesitant look. It was clear he didn't know who the hell this chick was either, "Hey."
Donna looked up from her magazine, finally, and shot the strange girl a slightly bemused look, "Hi."
Much like how I knew he would react to some strange person popping up into our second home away from home, Steven grunted. I had to give her props though, she didn't wilt under the dark look that he sent her way.
I rolled my eyes and shot her a short, "Hello."
She grinned at all of us and happily inquired, "Have you guys seen Fez?"
Eric shook his head and leaned back into the couch. He let his arm fall over the back of the couch to pull Donna closer to him, "Nope."
Donna went back to her magazine, "No." She snuggled into Eric and pulled the magazine closer to her face.
I tilted my head to the side, "Uh, no." Where was Fez? Actually, now that I thought about it both Fez and Michael were missing today. I wonder where those two could have gone off and done now.
Steven snorted and shook his head before he returned to nuzzle my neck.
She pouted and bounced on the balls of her feet, "Umm…The last time we talked he mentioned that he was planning on going bowling with his host parents. Damn him! I was just hoping he'd be here so we could study together. Now I have to walk home alone in the dark. It's scary out there. Somebody almost ran over Big Rhonda." Strange and crazy girl reminded me of someone...Oh! That's right! Wasn't she Fez's new girlfriend? I titled my head and squinted at her. She was, wasn't she?
She stared at all of us with watery blue eyes and trembling lip, but no one budged.
Eric twitched and sighed, "Um, do you want a-" Well almost no one.
Suddenly her tears were gone at that suggestion. Caroline was back to being slightly off and perky, "Okay!" And with that she whizzed out of the basement and out the door. She was probably waiting by Eric's car now.
Eric muttered and sighed, "Ride?" Donna let her magazine drop away from her with a frustrated huff before shooting the basement door a disgruntled look. I think if Donna had laser vision, Caroline would be a crispy husk right now. Before she could shove the Cosmo under a pillow I caught sight of the word 'sex' on the cover and inwardly cackled. That's why she'd been so focused on that magazine.
He shot us all a put upon look before he murmured, "Jeeze. Why do I get the feeling that I'm going to regret this?"
Donna gazed at where Caroline had been warily, "Don't worry; I'll and come watch your back, Eric."
A barking laugh escaped past Steven's lips making his chest vibrate against me, "Yeah, Forman. Big Red can watch over you while you drive through the icy roads." Joking aside, that girl gave me the heebee jeebees when she came in here. She just felt really off. I wasn't going to say anything though. Not yet. She hadn't quite proven she was 'warn people' worthy yet. I'd certainly be keeping an eye on her from now on though.
Eric got up and stretched out his back before letting out a sarcastic, "Thanks for the voice of confidence, Hyde." He gently helped Donna up and they both started heading for the basement door that led towards his car.
I waved and called out, "Good luck, Eric. Drive safe. See you both soon!"
Eric looked over his shoulder, a grin graced his face, as he gave me a short wave in return, "Thanks, Lin.
Donna turned slightly while they kept walking, and shot me a wink and a kiss, "See you later, short stuff."
I rolled my eyes at both of their retreating backs. I love those weirdos.
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Rain pounded against the tall glass window panes of the bakery, blurring everything outside. I inhaled the sweet scents of our baked goods still rising from the oven. This was definitely one of my favorite places around here. The radio blared in the background amongst the various conversations that surrounded me from our customers that chose to stay and eat in rather than venturing back outside.
I leaned against the register counter and smiled at all the patrons that milled about at the dining section of The Rolling Scones. It was such a good idea to add that place. Someone cleared their throat in front of me and startled me out of my thoughts.
A sheepish smile smeared across my face, "Oh hey, Caroline." I looked at her and found that she had gotten one of our premix hot chocolate cups. Those were getting popular, "Just the premix hot chocolate for you today?"
"Yep," she chirruped, her smile way too wide and full of teeth.
I inwardly frowned and tried to keep the pleasant costumer service smile on my face, "Alright, that'll be fifty cents."
She absentmindedly nodded and plonked the coins down onto the counter, pushing it towards me, "Okay. So…Fez is really nice, huh?"
I nodded, my insincere smile cramped my face. I slid the coins towards me and popped them into the open register, "Yeah, Fez is a good guy." I didn't really know where this conversation was going, but it was always nice to bond over people you cared about. Even if she had that stupid freaky look on her face that really belonged to one of those crazy obsessive anime girls...What were those girls called again? Yan something...
Caroline breathed out and gave me such an odd look. She followed it with a smile that seemed too wide for her face before her eyes kind of got crazy again, "Yeah. You know, sometimes, when I'm trying to sleep at night I think about how much it would hurt if he ever left me. And then I say, 'Fez would never leave lil' ole' me.' But then I say, 'But Caroline, we've only been going out for a short time. Maybe he would leave me. If he wanted someone else.' So then, I hold my breath until my lungs are about to explode because that's how much I think it would hurt if he ever did leave me. And then, when I regain consciousness I start breathing again, and everything's fine. Thanks! Bye!" She snatched her hot chocolate cup off of the counter and dashed out of the Rolling Scones like the devil was on her heels.
The storefront door jingled and slammed as I watched her, utterly confused and slightly disturbed. I waved at the door and muttered, "See ya." I had the sudden urge to wring my apron for some reason.
Charlie popped up from the back of the bakery, a disgruntled look colored his face along with a splash of flour. He was helping Leo in the back today. He shook his head, his normally cheerful disposition gone, "She's really creepy, boss." I glanced around and saw that the others were silently agreeing and nodding as they continued to work. Definitely a unanimous thought then.
I let out a deep sigh and combed my hand through my hair. Puffing out some air between my teeth, I tilted my head and stared at the door, "Don't I know it, Charlie. Don't I know it." If only I could ban people from this store. Oh well...She wouldn't be Fez's girlfriend forever right? One could only hope.
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A chill blew in as dark clouds gathered above us. I shivered slightly in my coat and huddled closer to Steven. I turned my face to the side and stared at our friends who decided to keep playing basketball in the goddamn cold. Steven's warmth perfused through the side of my body that was pressed against him. The smell of cigarettes, weed, peppermint, his slight musk, and our current favorite laundry detergent surrounded my senses. I sighed and deeply smelled him. His chest rumbled and I looked up. Steven shot a smirk at me, with warm soft eyes.
Michael scowled as he bounced the basket ball down Eric's driveway, "What the heck makes Annie think I'm just her friend? All I did was pick out a few of her outfits paint her nails and give her a facial." I rolled my eyes at this. Way to ruin what would've been a sweet moment.
Steven looked away from me and rolled his eyes at Micheal. His tone was utterly flat when he drawled out, "Gee, I don't know, Denise." He tucked me closer into him and I happily hummed.
Fez bounced from one foot to the next and visibly shivered, "Um, guys, can we go inside? I am freezing my choo-choos off."
Eric shook his head and gritted his teeth against the cold. He pulled his arms to cross over his chest and hunched slightly, a stubborn look drew onto his face, "No way. I'm not going in there. I forgot my mom's birthday."
Steven barked out a laugh and shot him a teasing look, "Really? 'Cause I remembered your mom's birthday."
I nodded and gave Eric a chastising grimace, "Mhmm. Me too." He seemed to roll his eyes at me at that, the smile that tugged onto his lips only appearing for a moment.
He let out a frustrated sigh and drolly glanced at Steven before huffing, "If you remembered, Hyde, why didn't you tell me?" I internally snickered. I loved how he just let me off the hook like that. To be fair though. It wasn't my job to remind him about the important dates. He was old enough to remember on his own. At least that was my opinion on the matter.
Steven lifted up a brow and shrugged slipping his hands into my back pockets, "What am I your freaking calendar? Besides, how would that be funny?"
Eric sputtered, but before he could say anything Fez cut in with a dreamy look hovering onto his face, "I don't ever have to worry about forgetting Caroline's birthday. She wrote it on my arm with permanent marker. Isn't she sweet?"
Steven snorted and looked at Fez over his sunglasses, "More like psycho."
Eric nodded emphatically and stole the ball away from Michael, "Definitely psycho." He dribbled the basketball and shot it through the hoop.
I gave Fez an apologetic smile, "That's kind of harsh, even if it is close enough."
Fez let out a huff and shot us all a dirty look, "What are you guys doing calling my girlfriend psycho?"
Donna stole the ball from Eric and smirked at him before she dribbled past Michael and managed a three pointer, "Gotta agree, Fez. She's a weird one."
At the sight of Fez's offended expression, a mean smile grew onto Steven's face, "I'm sorry, Fez, did I say psycho? I meant nut bag, head case, or wackadoo."
Fez's jaw dropped down and he grunted, "She is not weird. You are weird-" He stole the ball away from Donna and dribbled it down the driveway angrily.
I snuggled further into Steven and tightened my hold around his torso. He removed one of his hands off of my butt, and patted my head absentmindedly before cutting Fez off and giving him a flat look, "She chokes herself, man."
He was pretty weirded out when I told him about that entire Caroline thing. I didn't have anything against choking yourself if you needed to get your jimjams off, but really it shouldn't be something you tell people. Especially, people that you don't really know. And Steven really didn't like the thought of hurting anyone like that, even if they did it to themselves for pleasure purposes.
Fez gripped the basket ball and glared before growling out, "Well, Hyde, maybe- maybe you should- maybe you should choke yourself! Good day." He stomped away from us all after he chucked the basket ball up into a nearby tree, firmly lodging it there.
I stared at him, totally astonished that he'd do something so shitty, I called out, "Oh Fez, come on."
Steven sighed and palmed his face, "Fez."
Donna frowned, her hands falling to her hips, "Fez."
Eric threw his arms out and angrily called out as Fez continued stomping away, "Fez, you didn't need to throw the ball up the freakin' tree, man! Not cool!"
He shouted back as he rounded the corner and disappeared, "I said good day!" The silent 'fuck you guys' in his tone was clear to all of us.
We all just silently stared at where he went, various faces of irritation painted on everyone's visages before Michael cut through the silence, "Man, what fun is it being a girl's friend if you don't even have your own boobs to play with?"
I let out a huff and blew a stray hair off of my face, "So what, Michael? So you're just her friend. What could possibly be so bad about that?" I rolled my eyes and gave him an irritated glance.
Michael turned to me and gaped for a moment before throwing up his hands, "L-I'll tell you what could be so bad."
He started to pace up and down Eric's drive way, a frown on his face as he gesticulated with his arms and hands, "On her wedding day she'll go 'Oh, Michael, this is the happiest day of my life. Thank you so much for being my maid of honor.' Then I'll have to say: 'That's what friends do. I'm just honored you asked me!'"
Steven rolled his eyes and pulled me in closer, "Yeah, but you know, on the flip side, try to think about your life without Annette at all." I snorted and took a deep whiff of him. My irritation with Michael receded an iota, but the overwhelming urge to smack him across the back of the head was still there. Annette this, Annette that. Did he completely forget about Brooke? I inwardly raged. I fucking hated cheaters.
Michael stared out into space, before sadness flickered onto his face, "Wow. That's even worse..." His face suddenly brightened, "Hey, friends sometimes make out together, right?"
Donna made her way to lean against Eric and snorted, "Yeah, sure usually right after long, drunk, sweaty pillow fights."
I let out an irritated breath and did my best to hide it behind sarcasm, "Yes Michael, it happens all the time…in your dreams, maybe."
Michael pouted, "Hurtful, Lin. Hurtful." He didn't quite look as hurt as he sounded though. The impish look in his eyes gave him away.
I raised a brow and carelessly shrugged, "More like truthful, Michael. Truthful."
Eric shivered and stomped his feet. He let out a sigh and tugged Donna closer to him, "Goddamn. It is way too cold out here. Can you do some damage control, Lin? I really wanna go inside, but I don't want to face my mom's wrath." A sheepish look flitted onto his face.
"Gah. Fine," I let out an exasperated sigh before tiptoeing and kissing Steven before I headed inside.
Steven gave me a rough kiss, which made our friends groan and gag respectively. He shot Eric a dirty look as I left, "You're a coward, Forman, asking my girl to do this."
Eric shook his head, mischief clear in his voice, "I disagree. She's my mom's favorite. It's more clever than cowardly."
I didn't hear Steven or anyone else reply as I slipped in through the sliding doors into Eric's kitchen. When I peered around, I found a despondent Kitty slumped at their breakfast table letting out sad sighs now and again. A frown pulled at my lips as I walked closer to her.
Gently, I rubbed her shoulder and murmured, "Hello, Mrs. Forman. Are you alright?"
She turned her head towards me and a small smile crinkled her eyes, but it seemed a little bitter and brittle rather than happy, "Oh... well, you know I love Red, Eric, and Laurie..."
Kitty looked away slightly shame faced, and seethingly murmured, "It's just... Just sometimes... Some times... I just want to get in the car and run 'em all over."
She looked at me as her confession hung in the air. I scooted my chair closer and patted her back, "That's okay. Sometimes I have customers that are so rude, that I want to shoot them. I don't though. And you don't run your family over when they push you that far either. It's okay."
Her shoulders slumped as she turned her head back to face me. Kitty pulled herself up like a puppet with limp strings. She leaned against the back of the chair and stared up at the ceiling. Tears gathered in her eyes as she let out a watery sigh, "They forgot my birthday. Again. It's been two days now, and not a peep from any of them. I'm grateful that you and Steven remembered, but still…it's not quite the same is it? All the things I goddam do for them and they couldn't remember one lousy date. It's almost like they forgot I pushed them out into this world."
A short sob escaped her as she sat up and buried her face into her arms. I sat down beside her and engulfed her into a tight hug. Jokingly I smiled, "Do you want me to kick Eric's ass?"
Kitty let out a watery giggle, "No. I mean, it's one thing when they don't notice when I get my hair done differently- which they don't- but this was my birthday. Oh, I don't know. Maybe I expect too much." A deep bone tired sigh escaped her as she scrubbed away her tears with the heels of her hands.
I leaned away from her and fiercely shook my head. My voice grew heated, "Oh, no you don't, Mrs. Forman. You have every right to be mad. In fact, you should be angrier." In a smaller more hesitant voice, I quietly tacked on, "You're the best mom in the world." Well the best mom that I've known in this world, at least.
This time, a thin smile pulled up her lips, lit up her face, "Yeah. Yeah! Thank you, Lin. I just wish that the others would say that once in a while."
She got up and slung on a nearby apron. Another sigh escaped her before her eyes caught sight of the time. She bit her lip and shot me a worried look, "Oh, sweetie, have you had your breakfast yet?"
My stomach chose this time to loudly grumble at me. A sheepish look crossed my face, "Not yet."
Her cheeks dimpled as she made her way towards her stove, pulling a frying pan from a nearby cupboard, "Why don't you just let me make you some nice waffles instead?"
I settled into my seat and smiled brightly over my shoudler, "Yes please, I love the waffles that you make." Eric deserved to wait a little longer after making his mom cry like that. And besides, if it got too cold Steven could just go to our house. I doubted that he'd let the others in though. Oh well.
Kitty clucked happily to herself as she hurried about the kitchen getting the various ingredients she needed, "Sweet girl."
I inwardly laughed at that. Well, I could be sweet enough. I guess.
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AN: Thank you to all the people that left reviews, read, and stuck with this story despite the enormous gap from my last update. You guys are all amazing and wonderful.
AmbientSpaceNoise, TwilightEclps, angeleyes24245, carolynrose8442, AmeythystSiri, Kats02980416, Ebrahimhejres, darkrave, T7x fan, ImposterInDisguise, LazyKid24, Guest, Lady Deebo, KagomeInuBlack, Pineapple Vampire, diamond2225leo, Rosalina2405,animeallicyn, XxCece, Anonymous, JLynn22, SpellSlauyghterWithoutLaughter, LoeveLogan1, , Scarlet, Ebrahimhejres, joyce317, and 0netflixme0. You guys are beyond amazing and your reviews made me a happy sort of teary. You guys are one of the biggest reasons as to why I keep writing this story.
AmbientSpaceNoise: Thanks! I changed up the cover again, and I hope you like this one too.
TwilightEclps: Thank you!
angleyes24245: Awe, thank you! I'm glad that you like it so far.
carolynrose842: I'm happy that you like how I've portrayed them and the type of relationship that they have. The Rolling Stones may or may not come back, but it would definitely thrill Steven if they did. I'm glad that you've liked all the bakery and cafe scenes so far. They were fun to write. Rhonda and Fez aren't meant to be, I'm sorry, but they both find happiness with other people. I'm definitely shipping Brooke and Kelso, even if he's being an ass currently. The real Jackie of this universe is dead. Her soul is long gone. It's all that car and clown's fault.
AmethystSiri: I'm glad that you liked it! Thank you very much. With the way that I've developed her further, she certainly feels like her own character now. ?
Kates02980416: I'm happy that you like it so far!
Ebrahimhejres: Thank you! I would, but the length of each chapter is way too much especially when you throw in work and life in general with a kid.
darkraven: Thank you~
T7s fan: Thank you! It'll be very interesting when he finds out about his very wealthy father, and it will certainly put him on even footing with Lin financially. However, it really won't change their relationship that much, to be honest.
ImposterInDisguise: I'm glad you love my story and like it's pacing. I love their relationship too and how he's grown character wise.
LazyKid24: Thank you!
Guest: I'm glad that you loved it. I haven't given up on this story, don't worry.
Lady Deebo: I'm glad that you love it so far. Thank you! This isn't a self insert, but I'm glad that you like my twist on Jackie. Reincarnated Jackie is more of an original character because I certainly wouldn't have adapted as well as she has in her circumstances. I have certainly written a lot more reincarnation stories and have more in the works. Please, just take a gander at my profile.
angeleyes24245: I'm glad you like rereading it, and that you love it. My rainbow baby came out fine, and thank you for your concern. That was very sweet. I'm sorry it took so long to update. I don't have the normal amount of time in the day to write as much as I did before I had a kid. I don't plan on abandoning this story, you can count on that.
KagomeInuBlack: Thank you! My next update is up in the air when I ever have time to eek out some writing to be honest.
diamond2225leo: I am still working on this story. It's just taking forever and a day since I don't really have much time to myself as a new mom.
animeallicyn: Thank you! I'm glad that this prompted you to leave a review.
KagomeInuBlack: You're very welcome.
XxCece: Thank you!
angeleyes24245: Thank you~
carolynrose842: Thank yoU! I missed them too. I'm glad that my story is one of your favorites. ?
Anonymous: I'm so happy that you saw that Easter Egg! It was a reference to Hope Chance. I really loved that show too.
JLynn22: Thank you. I'm glad you liked the partial update. This should be the full chapter now.
SpellSlaughterWithoutLaughter: You're welcome. I'm glad that you love reading my story. Thank you! ?
AmethystSiri: Thank you! I will do my best.
diamond225leo: Thank you~
Leovelogan1: Thank you! It'll be fun when they meet the Barnetts, and it'll probably tickle her pink to see other black people since poc aren't as common in this part of the states in this era as of yet in comparison to now.
MrsPratt: Awe, thank you! It'll definitely be an interesting ride when we get there.
Scarlet: That's okay. I'm happy that you love it so far. I love her relationships with people too. I like long chapters too, but I think I may have to change it up so I can update sooner rather than every other new moon.
Ebrahimhejres: Thank you!
joyce317jc: Thank you! I could probably do that for a small part of another chapter as a gift like last time. I'll keep it in mind.
0netflixme0: Thank you!