Innocent Games Series: Game two
Summary: Through a series of games, Jackie and Hyde discover how they feel about one another. And eventually the others discover it as well.
A/N: Hey guys! I know I said I was going to finish 12 Songs first. But I needed to go ahead and write this one. I promise I'll have 12 Songs finished soon. Tell me what you think!
Credit: Thanks to Sobeit. You gave me the idea for this chapter in your review. Also, I want to say in advance I hope everything seems plausible. I've never played Twister personally so I had to get some advice from websites and the forum (Thanks TinyDancer!). I think it turned out okay.
It had been a week since the whole Welcome Home party. It had been another week of hiding her ongoing affair with Steven Hyde. A week she spent wondering if he felt how she was beginning to think she felt. Not that she really knew how that was. All she knew was that –he made her feel different than she had ever felt before.
She certainly loved kissing him. Even if she had gotten to do a considerable amount less of it since Michael returned. But they had managed to still find opportunities. Just this morning he had come over to her house –actually came over of his own accord –and kissed her on her pink fluffy comforter in her pink fluffy room. It was a room that Steven Hyde would never look comfortable in. He was all rough edges and earth tones and standing in the middle of it he just looked like a fish out of water. But somehow lying on her back she couldn't see that. The ceiling was white and Steven blocked all other colors from her sight.
She just wished she knew how he felt about her. But Steven wasn't one for talking. And she couldn't complain about his lips being otherwise occupied. She really thought that after that party some discussion was needed. I mean he had made her admit that she had kissed someone who wasn't Michael (not counting the ones he knew about). And then he had made a point of drinking the Tequila. Didn't that mean something? But Eric's question had been about want. And hell she knew he wanted her. That was abundantly clear. Even before he had shown up on her doorstep.
It had been a fun way to start a day. But she had the feeling that tonight was going to erase all her good feelings. Tonight Michael Kelso was having a party. And she just knew that it was his fool way of trying to get her back.
In all the years she had known him he had never thrown a party. None of them were really party people. But now all of a sudden –it was their second party in as many weeks, with no holidays in sight. She could still see the look on Steven's face when Michael had invited them. He had seen right through the ruse just like they all had. But he had been the first to agree to go. She was still trying to figure out what that meant?
Was Michael stupid enough to try to get them to play another dumb revealing game? Because she so wasn't going to agree to that. Nope, she was only going to this party because everyone else was. And it was Friday. She wasn't going to sit at home like some loser. No, better to hang out with Steven and his loser friends. Her loser friends.
She wondered if she could go over to Eric's and catch a ride with Steven nonchalantly. But Donna and Eric were starting to act suspicious so she probably shouldn't. In the end the decision was made for her. Downstairs the doorbell rang –she rushed to open it, to find Donna holding a bag of ice and a fake smile.
"Ready to go to the party of the year?" the red head asked sarcastically.
Jackie smiled and turned around to get the cooler out of her the den. They had all decided that Michael was too flakey to remember to cater his own party and had divided the list of things to bring. Donna placed the bag in the cooler and Jackie noticed Steven run up to help them get it to the car.
Why did that make her feel all tingly? He wasn't doing it for her. He wasn't revealing anything about how he felt. Why did her stupid heart have to blow a simple gesture all out of proportion?
"Jackie you okay?" Steven started when she spaced out. When he noticed Donna's look he added "I mean have you finally killed your last brain cell breathing in hair spray fumes."
The comment although merely for show bothered her and she quickly rebutted "No I was just momentarily distracted by your raggedy assed beard. I thought I saw something looking out at me in there."
Donna rolled her eyes and was seemingly fooled. They placed the cooler in the vehicle and went around getting in. She noticed Steven look in her direction but kept her gaze fixed on the back of Donna's head.
Steven noticed her avoiding his gaze and wondered at the cause. Was she upset about that little burn? He had just done it because Donna was sticking her nose where it didn't belong again. I mean really it was none of her business. And did Jackie want her to figure it out?
He had been way too nice to her lately. And not just when they were alone. Yesterday he had actually got her a Popsicle when he went to the freezer. A freaking Red one, her favorite –because he didn't turn her mouth an unnatural color. And god why did he know that –let alone think of that and get her one unprompted? He had had a hard time ignoring the looks he got for that one. In the end he had made a joke about trying to freeze her lips shut and they had all bought it.
And come to think of it –that comment had had the same effect. Jackie was pissed at him. And damn it all he cared that she was pissed. When had this happened? "So what do you think this little party is all about anyway?" he asked her.
That shocked her into looking at him. He so rarely directed comments to her in conversation. And this particular question well… "How should I know?"
"It is just Kelso attempt number 1 in getting you back" Eric began. "It was all he talked about on the way home."
Steven rolled his eyes. He really didn't want to spend the whole night watching Kelso make moony eyes at his…at Jackie. That just wasn't his idea of fun.
Jackie saw this and unconsciously duplicated the gesture. "Didn't he spend the whole summer trying to shack up with some bimbo? What exactly makes him think I'm going to ever get back with him?"
Donna laughed. "Oh I don't know – the fact that you have gotten back together with him like a million times. Even though he did the same thing?"
The words hurt because they were true. And for some reason it made Jackie mad that no one realized how much she had changed. She wasn't the same girl who needed to be with her first love in order to have faith in the world anymore. She looked at Steven knowing he probably thought the same thing. He was looking out the window. "Believe what you want to believe Donna". She said with more malice than was deserved. It wasn't her friend's fault that she had ruined her reputation as a strong independent woman. She had never been one. But she was going to change that.
"Oooooooooooooooooooh" Eric voiced shocked at her response. Donna looked apologetic and Steven was looking at her with some unreadable expression. It wasn't his zen face though –so she counted it as a victory.
Before anyone could further comment they pulled up to the curb of the seldom seen Kelso residence. They were all still shocked that all of Kelso's family was out of town and that they had trusted Kelso to stay there alone. Even if he wasn't planning a party he could easily burn the house down.
As they carried the supplies in, Fez came out of the kitchen with a bag full of candy. He clutched it to his chest and looked at them all with disgust. "I have brought the candy. But I have changed my mind. I do not want to share it with you. You can not love it like I can."
They all looked at him strangely. Fez really was the weirdest. Jackie patted him on the back ignoring how he jumped and switched the candy to the farthest hand. "That is okay Fez. No one wants your candy."
"Ooh candy. Thanks little buddy." Kelso said coming from upstairs with a box and snatching the candy out of Fez's hand before he could protest.
Eric and Hyde laughed. And Donna finished setting up the refreshment table.
"Okay guys –let the games begin" Kelso announced holding up the box for everyone to see.
Donna and Jackie both rolled there eyes. While Eric and Hyde merely walked away to grab beers from the cooler.
"What?!" Kelso shrieked.
Fez clapped. "Is alcohol involved in this game?"
"NOOO. Just clean innocent fun." Kelso answered.
Fez rolled his eyes and then joined the guys for the beer.
"No, guys look it will be fun."
They all looked skeptical. But he would not be dissuaded.
"Come on Eric. You and Donna. All touchy touchy on the floor." He persuaded poking Eric in the ribs.
Eric giggled and of course folded. Anything revolving around touching Donna was high on his list. And of course Donna agreed as well.
"Well good. Now what about you Fez, you know –you are very limber. I'm sure you will win this game too."
Then he had Fez. Which left only Jackie and Hyde. Donna unexpectedly jumped in.
"Come on Jackie you have to play. You are wearing jeans and everything –come on it won't be so bad."
Jackie rolled her eyes. This was the saddest attempt at getting back with her Michael had ever pulled. Seriously did he think a little friendly game was going to make her forget everything he had ever done to her? Or how moved on she was? Not that he knew she had moved on. Not that she had moved on moved on. Steven wouldn't even tell her how he felt let alone the group. No wonder Michael still thought he had a chance. Well she would show him.
"Fine. But seriously Michael if you even think of trying to fall on me or something I'll ….I'll…poke you in the eye." She finished.
Donna laughed. They all went to sit around the space Michael had cleared on the floor. Well everyone except Steven. Jackie smiled. Yeah, good luck at getting Steven Hyde to play Twister.
To her surprise he followed. Jackie wasn't the only one to be taken back, Eric was confused as well. "Hyde man, you are playing?"
Steven shrugged. He could admit Twister wasn't his kind of game but if everybody else was playing. If Kelso was playing… He ignored Eric and Jackie and leaned against the couch. He ignored his own un-zen like feelings and joked "Well I wouldn't miss a chance to goose your girlfriend."
Kelso finished explaining the simple game to Fez and placed the mat down. Just then Eric thought of something "Wait Kelso –so we gotta play teams right?"
"What?" Kelso asked confused.
"I mean, we have too many people. Cause you know we have never played with Fez and Jackie before and Hyde normally refuses to play so it has never been a problem."
"Yeah, so I guess Donna and I will play winners. We will just sit over here and" he trailed off kissing the now squirming Donna.
Jackie looked at Kelso already knowing what was coming. She shot Donna an evil look for getting her into this game and then bailing. But before Kelso could speak up she heard
"Jackie you're on my team." Steven informed. Kelso looked about as shocked as Jackie. And to tell the truth he didn't really know why he said it.
"HYDE!" Kelso shouted.
"What? Did you think I was going to be on a team with you Michelle? Or Fez?" he rationalized.
"Why are you playing anyway? And Jackie you aren't going to be on a team with him, are you? Wouldn't you rather be with me?" Kelso whined.
Steven began to get pissed at the insinuation but Jackie stopped him with a hand to his chest. Kelso was too angry to notice and Eric and Donna were still too preoccupied. "Michael get over it. You can grope me inappropriately just as easily from over there."
He huffed but got into position. Jackie stood beside Steven with her feet on the circles as Fez and Kelso did the same. She wondered what this game would lead too.
"A little help -guys?" Kelso asked. Eric pulled himself away from Donna long enough to spin the wheel. "Oh this is fun" he proclaimed as the arrow flew around the colored square.
"Right hand blue" Donna read. And then went back to kissing Eric on the couch.
Kelso and Fez put their hands on the two blue circles nearest to them. Jackie placed her hand on the closest circle and waited for Steven's move. He placed his hand on top of her's.
"Hey no fair!" Kelso proclaimed.
"Check the rules doofus. If you are playing teams –you can share a circle." Hyde smirked.
"How do you know this stuff?" Donna asked. She was staring at him as if he were some alien that had taken over her friend's body. He was quoting party game boxes and holding Jackie's hand. Well practically.
"That is true Kelso" Eric stated with and eyebrow quirked at Hyde.
Hyde paid little attention. He was touching Jackie's hand in public and was amazed at how non freaked he was at the idea. Kelso was so pissed, it was worth it. "I've been around man. You know Twister is like 'Sex in a box'."
"Oogh, then why are you touching Jackie?" Eric shouted.
"Would you just spin?" Jackie demanded. They were ruining the moment. She was sick of Kelso acting like he owned her. And Eric, well Eric was hard to take on a good day.
Hyde smirked. Eric spun. "Left foot Red".
Kelso and Fez both put their feet on the red circle nearest them. But of course instead of being sensible they ended up with Kelso's butt in Fez's face. "Okay I see why you play this game with girls" Fez said.
Eric and Donna laughed.
Jackie and Hyde had gotten themselves into a better position. Steven had his foot in the second red circle. Jackie was on the first one and they both still shared the blue circle. Steven's hand felt warm. Jackie was crouched down to take some of the pressure off Steven. He could stretch a little while her cheerleading skills helped her stay bent comfortably. They were back to front, spooning. And with the goofuses behind them and Eric and Donna not paying attention on the couch they could do this without faking discomfort. It wasn't too different from anything they had done all summer.
Hyde found himself leaning in and whispering in her ear "we got this game won". She shivered.
"Get your butt out of my face Kelso!" Fez screamed ruining the moment.
"I can't. I've got to stay on my circles man."
"Spin Eric!" they both shouted. Eric flipped the arrow.
"Left hand blue" Donna announced.
Fez and Kelso groaned. This got them in a more awkward position where Fez had to lean on Kelso back just to reach and share the nearest Red circle.
Jackie and Steven had a similar predicament except with Jackie having to lean further in between Steven's legs. Both their hands were touching. This was certainly interesting Jackie thought.
Steven jolted when Jackie used her limberness to get her hand all the way behind his leg. He was in a semi-comfortable position, if you didn't take into account the pixie between his legs, but Jackie was pushing the limits of stretching. Behind him Kelso and Fez sounded like they were having problems. He didn't know whether he wanted them to lose quickly or not. On one hand he was enjoying the game but on the other hand if they didn't move quick he was going to have a hard time hiding that fact. Jackie's hair brushed up against his stomach and the soft scent of Jasmine filled his senses.
Donna laughed. "Having fun guys?" She asked.
Jackie and Hyde whipped their heads around guiltly until they noticed that she was talking to the compromised boys behind them. Fez bumped against Hyde's arm and he shot him a look. "Hey man, watch it."
"What can't handle the pressure Steven?" Kelso asked looking under his legs to see where Hyde and Jackie's familiar position for the first time. He shrieked scaring Fez and causing him to fall. Kelso was left standing now much more comfortable.
"No fair! He hurt my ears." Fez asked not wanting to be out of the game.
"Nope- sorry Fez. You are out." Donna explained.
"But doesn't he have the advantage now?" Jackie asked.
"Well you can fall too and then Hyde would have the advantage?" Eric replied.
Jackie thought of Steven, solid behind her, and had no plans of throwing the game. She was in it for the duration whether it was uncomfortable or painful or downright exhausting.
3 spins later Jackie and Hyde were in a better position. Or at least more comfortable and Kelso had managed to get himself tied in a not even without Fez.
A spin later he had somehow managed to get himself in between Jackie and Steven. She was facing away from the boys. And Hyde was close but behind Kelso. She was waiting for the new command when Kelso couldn't keep quiet anymore.
"God Jackie, are those new jeans? Cause man –your ass looks really good in them".
Jackie rolled her eyes. Eric and Donna smirked. And she didn't see it but Steven clenched his fits on his circles.
"Ugh Michael would you please keep your comments to yourself."
"Damn Jackie I'm just sayin"
"Well don't"
"Fine! You know you aren't any fun anymore." Kelso stated.
"Is this really the time for this, guys?" Donna threw in.
Kelso looked indignant. "I was just trying to give her a compliment. I mean those are really nice pants and Jackie always liked a good butt compliment before and…"
"Well maybe she changed." Steven gritted out between clenched lips. His new position was totally uncomfortable and he wasn't liking this line of conversation. He would not admit why but he didn't.
Donna and Eric eyes both bugged out at that. Then the room erupted in laughter. "Yeah good one Hyde" Eric said wiping tears from his eyes.
Jackie looked at them. All of them. They were supposed to be her friends, Michael and Fez had both proclaimed to love her on more than one occasion. But it was the one who was supposed to hate her that believed she was capable of being more than just a shallow princess.
"Yeah good one, Hyde." Kelso agreed "Jackie can't change." He said as if there was no denying it.
Suddenly that was one insult too many. She could handle Donna and Eric thinking little of her because she had given them no reason to think otherwise. And Fez didn't know her that well. But Michael? She had shared so much with him. And all he thought she was a trophy he could buy with compliments.
She faked a cramp and shot her arm out, her elbow came back slamming into Kelso's crotch and causing him to keel over in pain. She had to give up her footing to achieve this but it was worth it. She stood up wiping her hands on the sides of her pants. She looked down at the comprised boy and with all the fake sweetness she could muster said "Oops, I guess you lose".
Kelso rolled over moaning and Hyde jumped up stretching in relief.
Jackie noticed he was smiling down at Michael now rolling on the abandoned Twister mat.
Hyde smiled lightly kicking his friend with the toe of his boot. "And I guess I win".
Note: Okay guys I'm not as crazy about this chapter. My attention is divided maybe. Next one will be better. I promise. Much more J/H –with more heavy focus on H. Less –rest of the gang. If anybody has any two people games –send them my way. The sexier the better.
