Disclaimer: We don't own T7S or their characters, just Tracy. Nor do we claim to own any of Aerosmith's songs.

A/N: The next installment for this story will be delayed due to my going home for the summer. Kate and I will try our best to update as soon as possible. Thanks for reading and stayed tuned for more.please don't forget to review. -Candace :)

The Kids Are Alright~ Critical Mass-Part Two

Kelso: L-o-v-e T-r-a-c-y

[Jackie walks in]

Hyde: Kelso, would you cut it out? I don't love her!

Jackie: What? Oh, I can't believe you! [Runs out]

Hyde: Jackie! Dammit. (Runs out after her)

Jackie: Go away, Steven!

Hyde: What exactly did you hear?

Jackie: Why should you care? You don't love me!

Hyde: I wasn't talking about...Jackie. I don't know how I feel right now...it could be love. I don't know. I wasn't talking about you.

Jackie: Oh come on Steven, you don't have to lie to me. I have put up with enough crap today. Tell me what you really feel. Or maybe I should just ask Tracy. She seems to know what you really think.

Hyde: I don't believe this...I'm still the bad guy here?

Jackie: Don't change the subject. I just love how you always try to be the martyr.

Hyde: You want to know how I feel? I am sick and tired of trying to be someone that I'm not. I care about you very much, yet I don't get too much credit for it. You constantly doubt my word, and every time something goes wrong, you run to Kelso!

Jackie: I wonder why? Let me guess here. you cancel our dates; you go out of your way constantly to help Tracy. Ok, so that night at the dinner Michael got into a fight with us and you were mad at him for what he said about me. I was mad too, but who did you go check on? Tracy!!!

Hyde: We were supposed to check on her together!

Jackie: Yeah whatever, Steven.... I wanted to talk to you. I had stuff I wanted to tell you but you just had to go check on Tracy. Her father could have handled it. Then we didn't even talk about Michael in the car. It's like you totally forgot what happened.

Hyde: Jackie, this is ridiculous!

Jackie: You're right. This is ridiculous. This whole relationship is ridiculous.

Hyde: Come on... (Tries to take her hand)

Jackie: No Steven, get off! (Pushes his hand away) I think it's time we end it for good.

[Tracy walks in]

Tracy: Jackie, you're mad at the wrong person here.

Jackie: I guess I should go, because it's like I'm invisible now that you walked in. (storms out)

Tracy: Hyde, I'm sorry.

Hyde: Yeah, whatever. (Walks out)

[In the basement, that weekend]

Fez: Where has Jackie been? She hasn't been in the basement all weekend and she has been avoiding us at school.

Kelso: Whatever, man. She's been talking to me still.

Hyde: Kelso...Shut...up.

Kelso: Hyde. She said she'd drop your junk off while we're gone.

Hyde: I'll wait for her here.

Kelso: That's your call but if she were as mad at me as she is at you... which while we were dating she was never that mad at me, even when I cheated. I would stay away.

Eric: Kelso, back off.

Donna: Fez, aren't you and Tracy doing the contest tonight?

Fez: Yes, too bad not all of you will be there.

Donna: Yeah, you're right...what time are you meeting Tracy?

Tracy: Six.

Donna: Well, you guys should probably get ready then...it's already five fifteen...

Tracy: What? Oh the stupid battery in my watch's dead again!

Fez: Let's go Tracy... We'll put the other groups to shame!

Tracy: (smiles) We're gonna crush them. (They tango out the door) See you guys later.

Kelso: I think I'm going to go check on how Jackie's doing.

Hyde: Go near her, and I'll kill you.

Kelso: Oh, so now you're suspicious of me, buddy? You should have been the whole time.

Hyde: Who said I wasn't?

Kelso: You know, you can kill me, but do it after our date tomorrow.

Hyde: Your what?!

Eric: Guys! Chill out.

Kelso: Yup. we're going out tomorrow.

Hyde: If she wants to be with you, what am I supposed to do?

[Later.]

Hyde: (mutters) Where is she?

Kelso: Why should you care? She's not your girlfriend anymore. [There is a rattling at the door]

[Jackie opens the door and has a box in her hand]

Jackie: I didn't think you would be here.

Hyde: We need to talk about this.

Jackie: Steven. There's nothing to talk about. It's kind of funny though, we never talked when we were dating, and now that were not that's all you want to do.

Hyde: So we're done?

Kelso: Looks like it, doesn't it?

Hyde: Well then, I guess there's nothing left to say. (Turns and heads upstairs)

Jackie: Guess not.

[In the kitchen, Kitty is on the phone]

Kitty: OK, Donna...We'll be right over. (Hangs up the phone)

Red: Kitty, what's the matter?

Kitty: Tracy collapsed at the dance contest and she's in the hospital.

[Jackie runs upstairs]

Jackie: Steven?

Hyde: Jackie. We have to go. Something's happened. Kelso, get up here!

Jackie: What happened?

Hyde: (quietly) Tracy's hurt.

Jackie: Oh really? Michael, it looks like we're going to the Hub.

Hyde: Jackie! It's not like that...

Jackie: No. I totally understand Steven. Go be with her. I know you want to. I'm not going to stand in the way.

Kitty: Kids...No time to stand around. We have to go.

Jackie: OK, bye Mrs. Forman. Call me and tell me what happens.

Red: Come on, Steven. Let's get a move on.

[Hyde hesitates before turning and following Red out the door]

Jackie: Wrong choice, Steven! (She calls after him)

[At the hospital- Red, Kitty, and Hyde enter]

Kitty: How's she doing?

Donna: Not too good.

Eric: The doctors won't tell us much though...We're still waiting for her grandmother to get here.

Donna: They don't know why she passed out.

Eric: She has been doing a lot lately, but not more than usual.

Donna: Hey, where are Jackie and Kelso?

Hyde: Long story.

Donna: Well, we have a lot of time.

Hyde: So, we can't even see her?

Donna: Nope. Mrs. Forman, since you work here couldn't you try to find out something?

Kitty: I'll try. Be right back.

Red: I'm going to go get some coffee. (Turns and heads down the hall)

Donna: Hyde, what the hell is going on?

Hyde: (sits and puts his head in his hands) This is all my fault...

Donna: What is?

Hyde: Guys...there's something that you should know, but I probably shouldn't tell you...

Eric: Hyde, come on!

Donna: What?

Fez: Tell us!

Donna: Hyde! Come on, please tell us!

Hyde: Donna, I promised not to. I shouldn't even have said anything.

Donna: If you know something that could save her life you better tell us now or you aren't being a good friend.

Hyde: (motions for everyone to come closer) Tracy...has an eating disorder.

Fez: So that's why she doesn't like candy!

Eric: I can't believe this.

Donna: Wow...

Hyde: Well, she didn't want anyone to know. She swore to me that she wasn't, so I promised not to say anything.

Donna: You have to tell the doctor... this might help them!

Hyde: I'm sure that he already knows. You guys have to promise me that you won't say anything. I don't want this going around.

Donna: Hey, I can keep my mouth shut... it's Fez you need to worry about.

Fez: What? I can keep a secret! I kept Hyde's steamy dream about Tracy a secret! Oops, I said too much!

Eric: What?!

Donna: Hyde?

Hyde: I'm going to go find Mrs. Forman, and see if she's found out anything...(gets up to leave)

Fez: Eric, I think you are right about him.

Donna: Right about what?

Eric: Hyde has the hots for Tracy.

Donna: Well, I knew that... in fact, I think the feeling's mutual.

Eric: Whoa! What?

Donna: Come on, you should see the way she talks about him and looks at him... she's always trying to help him out.

Eric: This is...wow!

Fez: I must tell someone!

Donna: No Fez! This is a secret which you have to keep!

Eric: Yeah...but this is too good to just, not to say anything.

Donna: Eric!

Donna: Fine. You know what, let's go tell the people in comas, cause I kind of want to tell someone too! (They get up and leave)

[In the basement]

Jackie: [crying] Donna I'm a horrible friend. I was so wrapped up in my own love life to see what was going on with Tracy! I feel so horrible and I was so mean to Steven.

Donna: Jackie, calm down. Tracy's going to be fine. Hopefully, you and Hyde will be too...eventually.

Jackie: Donna! I can't believe how I have acted! I mean I keep breaking up with him.... and now I'm going on a date with his best friend! I'm a horrible person... we won't ever get back together.

Donna: Isn't it funny that you did the same thing with Kelso? (Off Jackie's hurt look) No, it's not funny at all.

Jackie: Donna, what am I gonna do? (Starts to sob)

Donna: I don't know...but you could start with apologizing to Hyde and Tracy.

Jackie: (stops crying) Hold on.... why apologize to her? She ruined our relationship! She made Steven choose between the two of us and he chose her! I'm not apologizing to her. Sure, I feel sorry for her but it's all her fault what happened!

Donna: Jackie! Tracy hasn't done anything but try to keep you two together.

Jackie: Donna! Fez told me she has an eating disorder! If she would eat, she wouldn't be in the hospital. If she wasn't in the hospital, Steven and I would still be together.

Donna: Would you listen to yourself? I don't think that it's fair for you to be placing blame on anyone besides you and Hyde.

Jackie: Donna, you don't even know what you are talking about!

Donna: (rolls her eyes) Jackie. How do feel about Hyde?

Jackie: Well.... I love him a lot even though he hurt me so bad yesterday when he walked out...

Donna: You hurt him when you decided to run back to Kelso. Jackie, you can't play around with people's feelings like that.

Jackie: Well, he shouldn't be playing with mine.

Donna: You're right. You guys need to talk this out.

Jackie: Yeah, like, that's gonna happen... he's going to be at the hospital and working all week. He's not gonna have time.

Donna: Jackie! Stop feeling sorry for yourself. You find Hyde and make him listen to what you have to say.

Jackie: I guess your right Donna.

Donna: Hey, do you want to go see how Tracy's doing?

Jackie: Might as well... maybe we'll run into him there.

Donna: Yeah. Let's go.

Jackie: OK.

[They leave and Hyde emerges from his room, having heard everything]

[In the hospital room, later that day]

Hyde: [knocks] Tracy? You awake?

Tracy: (whispers back) Yeah. Come in.

Hyde: So are you feeling any better?

Tracy: I've been worse.

Hyde: That's good. So how was your visit from Jackie and Donna earlier?

Tracy: Weird. But I'm glad that Jackie's not angry with me anymore.

Hyde: Yeah I wouldn't trust her on that... she has mood swings a lot. I mean some of our fights were stupid.

Tracy: Some of them?

Hyde: Yeah, you're right, all of them.

Tracy: So, how have you been holding up?

Hyde: Could be better you know....

Tracy: Yeah, I know. Just make sure that you're happy, OK?

Hyde: OK.

Tracy: Well, I don't need to be here for much longer.

Hyde: Well that's good... So how's the hospital food? I could always sneak some of Mrs. Forman's cooking in for you.

Tracy: That would be great, but you don't have to do that.

Hyde: Hey, I know what hospital food tastes like, trust me, I have to.

Tracy: Fine, I give up. Thank you, Hyde.

Hyde: Hey, I hate to leave you but it's almost time for Jackie and Kelso's date. I got to go ruin it. (Smiles wickedly)

Tracy: (smiles) Good luck. And thanks for, you know, not saying "I told you so".

Hyde: Yeah, don't worry you'll get your fair share of burns when you get back.

Tracy: I can't wait. Go on; go get your girl back.

Hyde: Thanks.Bye (walks out)

Tracy: (sadly) Bye.

[At The Vineyard]

Kelso: So Jackie, how do you feel about sneaking out through the bathroom window?

Jackie: What Michael? No Michael. No more dine and dash! Steven never made me do that!

Kelso: I was kidding! And I'm not Steven...you dumped him remember?

Jackie: I know Michael but don't you want to make him look bad so you'll be able to take me out again?

Kelso: (confused) I'm already taking you out.

Jackie: On another date, Michael!

Kelso: OK, Jackie, I'd love to go out with you again.

Jackie: What? Michael, you're supposed to ask me out on another date! The girl's not supposed to do it! Ugh!

Kelso: Well, damn Jackie, you just did!

Jackie: No Michael... I didn't [sighs] oh whatever... I'm going to the bathroom... I'll be back. [Walks away]

Kelso: OK.

[Hyde enters]

Hyde: Why Kelso, isn't it surprising to see you here tonight?

Kelso: It is? Wait, no it's surprising to see you here.

Hyde: Yeah, whatever. Scared Jackie already? (Looks at watch) Five minutes. That's gotta be a new record.

Kelso: No she went to the bathroom, for your information.

Hyde: OK, I'll just take a seat then until she comes back. (Sits down) You don't mind, do you?

Kelso: Why should I, when she came here with me! And she's gonna leave with me.

Hyde: I wouldn't count on that.

Kelso: Why do you count the way you do?

Hyde: What? (Points behind Kelso) Hey, that guy looks like Poncho from ChiPs.

Kelso: Where? [Turns head furiously to catch a glimpse of the guy]

[Hyde spills water on Kelso]

Kelso: Hyde! [Stands up] Man, it looks like I wet myself!

Hyde: Yeah, it does. You definitely don't want Jackie to see that.

Kelso: Duh!! Man, you need to be more careful with glasses! Butterfingers! You're a crappy friend! [Storms off to the bathrooms]

[A few minutes later Jackie returns to the table]

Jackie: Steven... what are you doing here? Where's Michael?

Hyde: He had to run out for minute.

Jackie: Like run out on me? Like has done a thousand times before?

Hyde: He had a little accident, he'll be back. I just wanted to see you.

Jackie: Oh wait, I see what you are doing here... you did this on Eric and Donna's first date too.

Hyde: That has nothing to do with this. Jackie, I know that we've had our differences, but if you give me another chance, I swear that I'll try to make it up to you.

Jackie: I'm gonna have to think about this one Steven... I mean I already gave you a second one and you said you wouldn't mess that one up.... ok, so you really want to make up?

Hyde: Yes, I do.

Jackie: Donna and Eric are coming back home this weekend... Donna said we could use the apartment. We should go there and try to fix our problems... away from all our friends. We need to work on them just you and me.

Hyde: (takes her hand and kisses) OK, we'll do that.

Jackie: Ok, I'll tell Donna... wait, shouldn't we wait for Michael?

Hyde: Did you guys order already?

Jackie: Yeah... He wanted to dine and dash anyway, so we should make him pay for dinner.

Hyde: Great idea. Let's get out of here. (They get up and rush out)

[Kelso comes back to the table]

Kelso: Dammit! I knew Hyde was better at math than me... I shouldn't have left the table! What? I have to pay for dinner? Nuh uh! [Starts to walk back to the bathroom so he can leave from the window when a waiter stops him]

[In the hospital]

Donna: So Tracy, how are you feeling?

Tracy: I'm much better now. I have to wait for a few test results to come back, but I should be out of here, by tomorrow.

[Kelso enters pissed off]

Donna: Kelso what happened to you? [Laughs] and why does it look like you peed your pants?

Kelso: Hyde is such a bad friend. He came to the date and snaked Jackie!

Donna: Yeah...they went up to our apartment for a little getaway.

Tracy: They what?

Donna: They're making up... it's not what you think... they're going there to talk out their problems.

Tracy: Yeah, sure...talk.

Kelso: This is so not fair! First, he spills water on my pants. Then he takes my girlfriend and leaves. He makes me pay and then he gets to do it with my girlfriend in Donna and Eric's apartment! That should be me right now!

Fez: Oh Kelso... Hyde did good giving you that cold shower!

[Doctor enters]

Doctor Blake: Tracy, your tests just came back, and you should be able to leave first thing tomorrow.

Tracy: Is there any way that I get out of here tonight?

Doctor Blake: Well, sure, I'll see what I can arrange.

Kelso: I can take her! Please!!

Tracy: Michael thanks for the enthusiasm.

Kelso: Um.... (Thinks of what Hyde would say in this situation) Anything for you, babe.

Tracy: What? Are you feeling ok?

Kelso: Oh you know I am now that I'm with you.

Donna: What's with Kelso and the bad lines?

Kelso: They aren't bad Donna, they're better than the ones Eric gives you. You're just jealous!

Tracy: Hey, guys. I need to get dressed for check out, so could you, uh...leave?

Kelso: Dammit! This night isn't my lucky night.

Fez: You can say that again.

Tracy: Guys! Out!

[Everyone walks out and Tracy starts to change]

Kelso: (walks back in) Oops sorry... (Doesn't see anything) Dammit!

Donna: Kelso, get back out here! (pulls him out)

[Tracy laughs and continues to get dressed]

[The apartment]

Jackie: Ok so Steven... I have come to realize that most of our fights... are because of my insecurities... and I can't take them out on you... because if I do that means I don't trust you.... and you have to trust the person you love... so I'm sorry.

Hyde: I'm sorry too. We are really different people, so it's going to take a lot of work to keep this together. We just can't throw in the towel over stupid little arguments.

Jackie: Exactly...... so that's why I think that we should start fresh... and try to pretend like all the other stuff didn't happen. It is going to be hard because it still hurts, but we have to get over it and move on.

Hyde: I am totally up for that...So are we just going to talk all weekend?

Jackie: Do you have any better ideas? I mean we could go to a movie or go shopping... what do you want to do?

[Hyde chuckles and inches closer to her]

Jackie: Steven you... [Is cut off by his kiss]

[There's a knock on the door]

Jackie: [angrily] Now what?

Hyde: You didn't order anything, did you?

Jackie: No. [Gets up and gets the door] Michael! I thought you took the hint and saw our date was over.

Kelso: I know Jackie. Damn! [Rolls his eyes and enters the apartment]

Hyde: Then what the hell are you doing here?

Kelso: I just came here to tell you that Tracy got out of the hospital... and she said she wanted to stop at the grocery store to get some stuff and I said ok and she said she would be right out.

Hyde: Is there a point to this?

Kelso: Yes! So I'm sitting in the van for about an hour and she hasn't come out so I go to see where she is... she ran to the bus station. Apparently she's on her way to New York!

Hyde: What?! New York...how could you let her do a stupid thing like that?

Kelso: I was waiting for her! I didn't know!

Jackie: Yeah, yeah, Michael we'll deal with this Monday... [Starts to push him out the door]

Kelso: No! I need Hyde to come with me to New York to get her back!

Hyde: Can't Forman go with you?

Kelso: No! He has some family reunion party and is introducing Donna which is funny because his parents could do that.

Hyde: Family reunion? I didn't hear about.

Kelso: Yeah, because you were to busy thinking of a plan to swoop in and take Jackie back!

Jackie: Michael! Go! You aren't wanted here!

Michael: Jackie, get over it! I'll be going with Hyde too... he won't cheat on you!

Hyde: Kelso, I can't go, ok?

Michael: Fine. I'll go to New York and find her myself! Shows what a great friend you are!

Hyde: Kelso, Jackie and I are busy, OK? I don't know why Tracy would leave so suddenly, but she must have a good reason.

Jackie: Yeah, maybe you should take Fez...

Kelso: Can't he can't find his green card and his visa expires soon... He can't leave the state.

Hyde: This is nuts... (Sighs) Jackie, I'm sorry...but maybe I do need to go...

Jackie: Yeah... go... anything to shut him up!

Kelso: Yes!

Jackie: Wait, how will I get home?

Hyde: Kelso, give her your van keys.

Kelso: No, give her yours... she's not wrecking my van... it just got out of the shop!

Jackie: And I wouldn't want to drive that hunk of junk, anyway. I can't be seen in the loser cruiser!

Kelso: Hyde, we're taking the bus remember?

Hyde: OK, Jackie, take the El Camino...I'm really sorry. (Quickly kisses her) I'll call you when we get there.

Jackie: Ok.... talk to you then.

Hyde: OK, Kelso. Let's go. (They leave)

[Kelso and Hyde are at the bus station and Hyde hangs up the payphone]

Hyde: Tracy's grandmother said that we could probably find her at this address. (Shows him the paper)

Kelso: Who's that?

Hyde: Her mom.

Kelso: Hey... I'll go get the tickets.

Hyde: Yeah, ok.

[Kelso leaves]

[On a bus...headed for New York]

Tracy: (thinking) I can't believe that I was so stupid. At least, now I don't have to hear about it anymore...Goodbye Wisconsin. (Tears begin to stream down her face)Goodbye Steven.

[Back at the bus station]

Hyde: What took you so long, man?

Kelso: Sorry, man... the line was long. [Hands him the ticket] We don't' even get to sit together!

Hyde: That doesn't matter. The sooner we get there, the sooner we can get Tracy back here...Let's just go.

Kelso: Hey... from standing in that line so long I really need to go to the bathroom... I'll meet you on the bus, ok?

Hyde: Would you hurry up about it? The bus leaves in five minutes.

Kelso: Gosh Hyde... I'll try... but a man's gotta do what a man's gotta do!

Announcer: The bus headed for New York City has pulled into the station, please begin boarding. Thank you for traveling Greyhound.

Hyde: Dammit, Kelso...I'll just see him on the bus.

Kelso: [outside in his van] Now, to go get Jackie!