Disclaimer: I own nothing.. Rating: PG (maybe PG-13 later) Summary: Hydes reaction to H/J breaking up. Some spoilers for season 5

Author: mmerriie

He swore when he discovered that Kelso had not slept with Jackie. He swore again before he talked to her in the driveway. He didn't tell her why, he just told her what he had done it and waited. He was waiting for Jackie to tell him that she hated him. But, she didn't. In fact she said nothing for a long time. She just stared at him tears filling her eyes. Then finally she spoke.

"Steven, I can't be with you anymore." With that she turned and walked towards Donna's house. Hyde was surprises how neutral her voice was. Other than the tears streaming down her face he couldn't discern any of her emotions. He had taught her too well. Now she was gone. Gone.

He saw her enter Donna's house. As soon as the door closed behind her he spoke to her.

"I love you." His voice was also neutral. He would not tell her this, ever. He barely allowed himself to know it.

He was worse than Kelso, worse than any other member of his family (all of whom had slept around). He had betrayed a woman that he truly to loved. Kelso still thinks that he loves Jackie. He doesn't. Jackie was forgettable for Kelso. Kelso could go for hours, days, and months not thinking about her. Only when she was in sight did he want her. Jackie was not like that for him. She was with him everywhere. He thought about her constantly. She was even there when he was with that random nurse. She was there looking betrayed. She was there telling him if he did this she would hate him. But, he had done it anyway. Why? Pride. Fear. Maybe. Who knows. He started walking back to him room.

2 months later

The first month was ok. She was so mad or hurt that she avoided him and when they were in the same room she barely looked at him. He hated that she was hurt but he was ok with her avoiding him. He missed her but it was better than the current dynamic. Today, as everyday lately, she stared lovingly at him and sighed. She did this all day, everyday. She was ready to forgive him. But he wasn't. He would hurt her again. It was just who he was.

Jackie was being strong but he needed to make sure she would not wimp out and take him back. Jackie needed to learn from her past and find someone who could love her freely and faithfully. She had avoided Kelso's advances easily enough but what about the next jerk guy trying to get in her pants. He had to find someone for her. She needed someone like Eric but a man. He didn't know if he could watch her with another man but he would for her happiness sake. He would begin the search tomorrow.