In The Beginning
Chapter Twenty Five: Jackie Lets It Out
"Laurie's cheating on me!" Kelso screamed as he ran inside the basement, shoving his hands in his pockets with great despair.
The gang just nodded, paying great attention to Gilligan's Island as Kelso went over to the deep freeze, taking out a popsicle. He waved it in Jackie's direction, sitting down next to her on the couch.
"Can I talk to you for a second?"
Hyde gave a sideways glance at Kelso and Jackie, slightly ticked when Jackie nodded uneasily and followed Kelso outside.
"Wonder what that's about." Eric pondered as he wrapped his arm around Donna.
"Shut up, Forman." Hyde frogged him softly and pushed his sunglasses further up his nose as Donna laughed.
"Steven," Donna mocked, laughing louder, "Don't be upset!"
"I'm not upset." Hyde rolled his eyes. "I'm cool."
"God, you are so in lo," Donna began.
"Watch it, Donna." Hyde began, standing up and brushing dust off his jeans as he peered out the door slowly, then turned back to Donna, Eric, and Fez who just smirked at him knowingly.
"Donna," Eric began, raising his hand, "I have a question."
"Yes, Eric?" Donna asked, turning her body towards him.
Eric lowered his hand, placing his hand down on her knee, "How long do you think it'll take Hyde to admit that he's in love with Jackie?"
"Forman, I am not in..."
"That's a good question, Eric." Donna said loudly, smirking towards Hyde who grumbled angrily, peering out the door again, before sitting back down in his chair. "Why don't we ask Fez?"
Eric looked over at Fez as his head popped up, "Fez, what do you think?"
"Yeah, Fez?" Hyde asked bitterly, rubbing his hands together slowly as he gave Fez a rude glare, "What do you think?"
"I think..." Fez gulped nervously. "I think that Hyde loves..."
"Eric!" Red's voice boomed down from the top of the stairs, startling all four of the kids in the basement. Fez rolled his eyes, thanking god for Red's angry call, as Hyde shook his head and went back to watching Gilligan's island. "Eric, get up here, right now."
"What did you do this time, Forman?" Hyde laughed.
"Well," Eric said sadly as he stood up, "I know one thing's for sure."
Hyde, Donna, and Fez looked up at him as he scrambled towards the staircase, shouting, "I'm not the one in love with Jackie!"
Donna and Fez laughed as Hyde stood up to change the channel, grumbling obscenities under his breath.
"What's the problem, Hyde?" Fez asked jeeringly. "Jackie loves you, you love Jackie."
"For the last time, I do not love Jackie!" Hyde muttered, rolling his eyes as he sat down on the couch, next to Donna.
"That's not what I heard..." Donna coughed gently under her breath, instantly regretting it when Hyde turned towards her, an unbelieving glare in his eyes.
"Well, you heard wrong." He spat out.
"What did you hear, Donna?" Fez asked impatiently as Donna turned to him.
"Hyde told Jackie he loves her." Donna said with a proud nod.
Fez and Donna chorused an 'awww' as Hyde stood up angrily, shoving his hands in his pockets.
"Quit it." He muttered, walking towards the basement door and glancing out the window.
What the hell was Kelso talking to Jackie about for so long?
Jackie's stomach was doing some major flip flops as Kelso led her towards the driveway. The Vista Cruiser was left unlocked, so they climbed in, both uneasy and nervous. Jackie tapped her foot impatiently as Kelso drummed on the dashboard of the car, humming softly under his breath until he suddenly turned to face her.
"Jackie," He started, biting his lip as she opened her mouth to speak.
"Michael, no." She said blatantly. "You can't do this to me."
"What?"
"You can't come crawling back to me just because your skank of the week is done shacking up with you. I'm with Steven now. It's not fair,"
"Jackie," Kelso laughed, shaking his head, "That's not why I wanted to talk to you."
"It's not?"
"No," He laughed again, "I wanted to apologize."
"What?" Jackie turned towards Kelso, confused as he continued.
"Laurie cheated on me," He paused as she rolled her eyes, nodding, "And it hurt. And now I feel what you must have felt all those times I cheated on you." He placed his arm on hers softly as she blinked widely in disbelief, "I'm sorry."
"Well," Jackie fumbled nervously, biting her lip as she glared out the window.
"You don't have to forgive me." Kelso said quickly. "I just hope that we can be friends." He lifted his hand to her cheek, forcing her to look him in the eyes. "I miss having you in my life, Jackie."
"What are you guys doing in the Vista Cruiser?" Eric squeaked as he ran out towards them, opening the driver door and pulling Kelso out. "My dad's head practically exploded, he was so pissed!"
"Why, it's not like anyone uses this piece of tin." Jackie snorted as she stepped out.
"Jackie, this is a Vista Cruiser." Eric said strongly. "It's beautiful." He patted the car as Jackie rolled her eyes, even more irritated when Kelso patted the car as well, in agreement.
"I'm bored!" Donna shouted as she reached the three, Fez trailing behind her. "Eric, let's go out."
"Certainly, milady." He gestured for Donna's hand, and she sweetly obliged as they waved goodbye to their friends and trailed off towards the street.
"So, Jackie what do you say?" Kelso asked softly, turning towards her, "Friends?"
Jackie hesitated, looking around nervously before she nodded, slightly taken aback when Kelso lunged at her, wrapping his arms around her happily.
"Jackie," Hyde's voice called out calmly, as the two ex-lovers parted, both looking sheepish as Hyde walked up to them, calm as could be.
"Ok, well, I'd hate to break the tension, but will you dumbasses please find somewhere else to pout?" Red called out as he walked over to the Vista Cruiser, locking it quickly. "That'll keep you mongrels out of there." He nodded happily, walking back to the kitchen.
"Fez," Kelso nudged him nervously. "I'm hungry. Hub?"
"Certainly, milady." Fez laughed, as Kelso joined in, mimicking Donna and Eric as they strode off together.
"So, have a nice little discussion with Kelso?" Hyde asked quietly, taking a step towards Jackie.
Jackie nodded, "You know, jealousy doesn't look good on you."
"I'm not jealous."
"Fine." Jackie shook her head sadly. "So, can we skip the part where you deny every feeling you have and go straight to making out?"
Hyde blinked widely as he took off his sunglasses, slipping them onto the collar of his shirt as he leaned against the car. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing's wrong." Jackie crossed her arms, swallowing down a bunch of pent up anger. "Look, I'm just..." Jackie paused a second, searching for any excuse, "Tired."
"Yeah." Hyde nodded, slightly in disbelief. "Yeah."
"So..."
"So, do you want me to walk you home?"
"No, you don't have to." Jackie felt slightly anxious and angry at herself.
Why was she so bitchy today?
Maybe it had something to do with the fact that Kelso had finally changed, and she wasn't the reason why. It was because stupid Laurie and her stupid cheating and ....
No, that wasn't it.
Jackie hadn't had any sleep in days. She would stay awake, alone and frightened by every noise. Her mother was still gone and some lady had dropped by yesterday, inquiring about the house. Jackie sent her away, claiming that her parents were at work, and she didn't know how much the house was being sold for. Apparently, her mother was negotiating sales prior to her latest disappearance, unbeknownst to Jackie.
Jackie groaned, lifting her body off the car at the thought of all the stress inducing factors in her life, and stared at the only thing that made her happy. The only person who could make her smile. And she was treating him like shit.
"I'm sorry, Steven." Jackie shifted slightly.
He nodded softly in understanding, grabbing her hand gently, pulling her along towards the sidewalk.
"So, can I walk you home?"
Jackie smiled, something that almost felt foreign to her at this point.
It was the first time he had phrased that question in that way.
Can I walk you home?
Not.. Do YOU want me to walk me home?
He wanted to walk her home.
He wanted to protect her.
If only he knew that she was so much sadder then she came off.
She wanted to tell him everything; tell him how her funds were running low; how her mother was MIA; how she has to wear three sweatshirts to bed to stay warm these days.
But when she opened her mouth to tell it all, her lips were frozen, her tongue stiff. She just...couldn't. She was Jackie Burkhart. She had no problems. That's what she was taught to be. She didn't know anything different. And yes, she had been changing since she started this whole crazy thing with Steven, but she was still Jackie Burkhart.
She still loved dresses, unicorns, and money.
She still wanted a boyfriend who did all the typical boyfriend type things.
She still wanted to be perfect Jackie Burkhart.
But she wasn't perfect, she was far from.
But when she saw herself, reflected in his eyes, she felt perfect, beautiful, free.
She was addicted to that feeling...
The feeling of being needed by someone.
Jackie's thoughts were suddenly interrupted as they reached the looming double doors of her mansion, which looked more like a prison in the early moonlight.
"Steven," Jackie called quietly, looking up at the stars as she closed her eyes, overwhelmed with all the rushing thoughts in her brain, "You're coming in, right?"
She felt him squeeze her hand in response and slowly unlocked the door, flicking on the light. She stared up at the chandelier with worry as the room remained dark.
"I guess the bulb blew out." Jackie laughed nervously, shrugging as Hyde closed the door behind them.
They made their way upstairs, wordlessly as Jackie sat on her bed, lighting a candle. She figured he would take it as a sign of romance, and not wonder why Jackie's electricity was on the fritz.
Jackie shuddered as she slipped under her blanket, watching Hyde sit on the corner of the bed.
"Jackie, it's freezing in this house."
"Really?" Jackie asked innocently, shoving off the covers. "Because I'm feeling pretty hot..." She crawled towards him, hungrily, attacking his lips, moaning as his hands roamed her body, as they both fell back, her head hitting the pillow with a slight 'thump' as they twisted around, within the ruffled blankets.
"Jackie," He cut her off, lifting himself up from her. "I think you're cold." He glared at her chest, which she quickly covered, blushing.
"Steven," She groaned. "Can I help it if I'm turned on when you kiss me?" She reached for him, again, and he quickly pulled away.
Jackie lost composure, falling off the bed softly. She leaned against it, clutching her legs up to her chest as Hyde slipped down next to her. She leaned her head against his shoulder.
"Can we just..." Hyde took a deep breath, "Can we just talk?"
"Talk?"
"Talk."
Jackie nodded nervously as he placed his arm around her shoulder.
"What did you and Kelso talk about?" Hyde asked instantly, surprised when Jackie's face turned towards him, slightly angry, "What did he say to you to make you so upset?"
"You think that I'm upset because of Michael?" Jackie laughed, standing up quickly and wobbling over to her vanity, brushing her hair as she caught sight of him through the mirror, standing up in confusion. "You don't even care that I'm upset, you're just pissed that Michael and I were alone. It's an ego thing." She pointed her brush towards him as she spun around, awaiting his response.
"You know that's not true."
"Do I?"
"Well," He paused, rethinking it. "Maybe partially..."
Jackie huffed, throwing the brush on the floor angrily as she stared at it, "Michael apologized to me, ok?"
"Apologized?"
"He finally realized what a dumbass he was and he apologized for it." Jackie crossed he arms. "He wants to be friends. He's not trying to get me back. Sorry to disappoint you." She pursed her lips, taking a breath inwards before lowering her eyes apologetically, "Kelso is not a threat, Steven. So stop acting like he is."
"Then what's wrong, Jackie?" He walked towards her. "Why are you acting like this?"
"Like what?" She muttered, flinging herself on her bed. "Like a crazy person? Like someone whose mother abandoned her, yet again? Like..." Jackie felt her tears coming rapidly and sat up, looking at Hyde, "I'm not perfect, god dammit."
"No one ever said you were." He said slowly, feeling kind of uncomfortable as she continued to cry.
"She said I had to be!" Jackie yelled frantically. "I'm never good enough. That's why she leaves." Jackie had never looked more lost and dazed in her life, and Hyde once again saw that little girl in her that she always became when she was upset or frazzled.
"Your mother left again." He slapped himself. "Jackie, why didn't you say anything?"
"Why didn't you know?" She looked up at him demandingly.
"Because you didn't tell me, Jackie!" He rolled his eyes, taking a seat on the bed. "I can't just know things. You need to tell me."
"I tried..." Jackie started, wiping away tears as she looked up at Hyde. "I'm a mess." She laughed, straightening her shirt out as she adjusted her legs.
"You're allowed to be a mess, Jackie. Your mom left."
Jackie nodded, lying down so that her head was in his lap, appreciating his subtle comfort as he stroked her hair. "What am I going to do?"
"I don't know."
She looked up at him, displeased with this answer.
"What?"
"That's really helpful." Jackie nodded. "Seriously."
"Jackie, what do you want me to do, lie?"
"Yes!"
"No, I'm not doing that." He rolled his eyes. "Things don't always work out the way you plan them, ok?"
"Are you trying to hurt me?" Jackie looked up at him in disbelief, untangling her hair from her hands as she sat up.
"I'm telling you the truth." He muttered.
"Ok." She took a deep breath. "I don't want to fight right now."
"We're not fighting."
"Ok..." Jackie took another deep breath, calming herself. "I think you should leave."
"I think you want me to stay."
"I think you're being an ass!" Jackie yelled, shoving him off the bed. "Steven, just leave me alone, ok?"
"Fine." He spat out, walking towards the door and not at all surprised when she called his name out, weakly. He turned around, facing her as she stared blankly.
"She's not even here and she's ruining my life." Jackie said softly. "Why did she even come back, Steven?"
He sat down on the bed once again, patting her back softly as she cried on his shoulder.
"Jackie, at least you have friends who care about you." He whispered. "And me."
Jackie nodded, staying silent until she whispered back, "I could move in with Donna...she offered last time, right?"
Hyde nodded, supportively.
"Ok, that's good." Jackie nodded, lifting herself off of him. "So, I'm not homeless." She sniffled, shuddering softly against him, "God, I'm freezing."
"I know something that could warm you up..." He pushed her down, kissing her ever so softly.
"What about talking?"
"Screw talking."
"Now there is the Steven Hyde I know and love."
Hyde smirked, kissing her even more passionately as the two heard a loud clash from the hallway, and a swaying Pam Burkhart, waltzed in.
"Jackie, I'm home!" Pam flashed a smirking smile at the couple, who quickly pulled apart, standing up nervously. "Did you miss me?"
Chapter Twenty Five: Jackie Lets It Out
"Laurie's cheating on me!" Kelso screamed as he ran inside the basement, shoving his hands in his pockets with great despair.
The gang just nodded, paying great attention to Gilligan's Island as Kelso went over to the deep freeze, taking out a popsicle. He waved it in Jackie's direction, sitting down next to her on the couch.
"Can I talk to you for a second?"
Hyde gave a sideways glance at Kelso and Jackie, slightly ticked when Jackie nodded uneasily and followed Kelso outside.
"Wonder what that's about." Eric pondered as he wrapped his arm around Donna.
"Shut up, Forman." Hyde frogged him softly and pushed his sunglasses further up his nose as Donna laughed.
"Steven," Donna mocked, laughing louder, "Don't be upset!"
"I'm not upset." Hyde rolled his eyes. "I'm cool."
"God, you are so in lo," Donna began.
"Watch it, Donna." Hyde began, standing up and brushing dust off his jeans as he peered out the door slowly, then turned back to Donna, Eric, and Fez who just smirked at him knowingly.
"Donna," Eric began, raising his hand, "I have a question."
"Yes, Eric?" Donna asked, turning her body towards him.
Eric lowered his hand, placing his hand down on her knee, "How long do you think it'll take Hyde to admit that he's in love with Jackie?"
"Forman, I am not in..."
"That's a good question, Eric." Donna said loudly, smirking towards Hyde who grumbled angrily, peering out the door again, before sitting back down in his chair. "Why don't we ask Fez?"
Eric looked over at Fez as his head popped up, "Fez, what do you think?"
"Yeah, Fez?" Hyde asked bitterly, rubbing his hands together slowly as he gave Fez a rude glare, "What do you think?"
"I think..." Fez gulped nervously. "I think that Hyde loves..."
"Eric!" Red's voice boomed down from the top of the stairs, startling all four of the kids in the basement. Fez rolled his eyes, thanking god for Red's angry call, as Hyde shook his head and went back to watching Gilligan's island. "Eric, get up here, right now."
"What did you do this time, Forman?" Hyde laughed.
"Well," Eric said sadly as he stood up, "I know one thing's for sure."
Hyde, Donna, and Fez looked up at him as he scrambled towards the staircase, shouting, "I'm not the one in love with Jackie!"
Donna and Fez laughed as Hyde stood up to change the channel, grumbling obscenities under his breath.
"What's the problem, Hyde?" Fez asked jeeringly. "Jackie loves you, you love Jackie."
"For the last time, I do not love Jackie!" Hyde muttered, rolling his eyes as he sat down on the couch, next to Donna.
"That's not what I heard..." Donna coughed gently under her breath, instantly regretting it when Hyde turned towards her, an unbelieving glare in his eyes.
"Well, you heard wrong." He spat out.
"What did you hear, Donna?" Fez asked impatiently as Donna turned to him.
"Hyde told Jackie he loves her." Donna said with a proud nod.
Fez and Donna chorused an 'awww' as Hyde stood up angrily, shoving his hands in his pockets.
"Quit it." He muttered, walking towards the basement door and glancing out the window.
What the hell was Kelso talking to Jackie about for so long?
Jackie's stomach was doing some major flip flops as Kelso led her towards the driveway. The Vista Cruiser was left unlocked, so they climbed in, both uneasy and nervous. Jackie tapped her foot impatiently as Kelso drummed on the dashboard of the car, humming softly under his breath until he suddenly turned to face her.
"Jackie," He started, biting his lip as she opened her mouth to speak.
"Michael, no." She said blatantly. "You can't do this to me."
"What?"
"You can't come crawling back to me just because your skank of the week is done shacking up with you. I'm with Steven now. It's not fair,"
"Jackie," Kelso laughed, shaking his head, "That's not why I wanted to talk to you."
"It's not?"
"No," He laughed again, "I wanted to apologize."
"What?" Jackie turned towards Kelso, confused as he continued.
"Laurie cheated on me," He paused as she rolled her eyes, nodding, "And it hurt. And now I feel what you must have felt all those times I cheated on you." He placed his arm on hers softly as she blinked widely in disbelief, "I'm sorry."
"Well," Jackie fumbled nervously, biting her lip as she glared out the window.
"You don't have to forgive me." Kelso said quickly. "I just hope that we can be friends." He lifted his hand to her cheek, forcing her to look him in the eyes. "I miss having you in my life, Jackie."
"What are you guys doing in the Vista Cruiser?" Eric squeaked as he ran out towards them, opening the driver door and pulling Kelso out. "My dad's head practically exploded, he was so pissed!"
"Why, it's not like anyone uses this piece of tin." Jackie snorted as she stepped out.
"Jackie, this is a Vista Cruiser." Eric said strongly. "It's beautiful." He patted the car as Jackie rolled her eyes, even more irritated when Kelso patted the car as well, in agreement.
"I'm bored!" Donna shouted as she reached the three, Fez trailing behind her. "Eric, let's go out."
"Certainly, milady." He gestured for Donna's hand, and she sweetly obliged as they waved goodbye to their friends and trailed off towards the street.
"So, Jackie what do you say?" Kelso asked softly, turning towards her, "Friends?"
Jackie hesitated, looking around nervously before she nodded, slightly taken aback when Kelso lunged at her, wrapping his arms around her happily.
"Jackie," Hyde's voice called out calmly, as the two ex-lovers parted, both looking sheepish as Hyde walked up to them, calm as could be.
"Ok, well, I'd hate to break the tension, but will you dumbasses please find somewhere else to pout?" Red called out as he walked over to the Vista Cruiser, locking it quickly. "That'll keep you mongrels out of there." He nodded happily, walking back to the kitchen.
"Fez," Kelso nudged him nervously. "I'm hungry. Hub?"
"Certainly, milady." Fez laughed, as Kelso joined in, mimicking Donna and Eric as they strode off together.
"So, have a nice little discussion with Kelso?" Hyde asked quietly, taking a step towards Jackie.
Jackie nodded, "You know, jealousy doesn't look good on you."
"I'm not jealous."
"Fine." Jackie shook her head sadly. "So, can we skip the part where you deny every feeling you have and go straight to making out?"
Hyde blinked widely as he took off his sunglasses, slipping them onto the collar of his shirt as he leaned against the car. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing's wrong." Jackie crossed her arms, swallowing down a bunch of pent up anger. "Look, I'm just..." Jackie paused a second, searching for any excuse, "Tired."
"Yeah." Hyde nodded, slightly in disbelief. "Yeah."
"So..."
"So, do you want me to walk you home?"
"No, you don't have to." Jackie felt slightly anxious and angry at herself.
Why was she so bitchy today?
Maybe it had something to do with the fact that Kelso had finally changed, and she wasn't the reason why. It was because stupid Laurie and her stupid cheating and ....
No, that wasn't it.
Jackie hadn't had any sleep in days. She would stay awake, alone and frightened by every noise. Her mother was still gone and some lady had dropped by yesterday, inquiring about the house. Jackie sent her away, claiming that her parents were at work, and she didn't know how much the house was being sold for. Apparently, her mother was negotiating sales prior to her latest disappearance, unbeknownst to Jackie.
Jackie groaned, lifting her body off the car at the thought of all the stress inducing factors in her life, and stared at the only thing that made her happy. The only person who could make her smile. And she was treating him like shit.
"I'm sorry, Steven." Jackie shifted slightly.
He nodded softly in understanding, grabbing her hand gently, pulling her along towards the sidewalk.
"So, can I walk you home?"
Jackie smiled, something that almost felt foreign to her at this point.
It was the first time he had phrased that question in that way.
Can I walk you home?
Not.. Do YOU want me to walk me home?
He wanted to walk her home.
He wanted to protect her.
If only he knew that she was so much sadder then she came off.
She wanted to tell him everything; tell him how her funds were running low; how her mother was MIA; how she has to wear three sweatshirts to bed to stay warm these days.
But when she opened her mouth to tell it all, her lips were frozen, her tongue stiff. She just...couldn't. She was Jackie Burkhart. She had no problems. That's what she was taught to be. She didn't know anything different. And yes, she had been changing since she started this whole crazy thing with Steven, but she was still Jackie Burkhart.
She still loved dresses, unicorns, and money.
She still wanted a boyfriend who did all the typical boyfriend type things.
She still wanted to be perfect Jackie Burkhart.
But she wasn't perfect, she was far from.
But when she saw herself, reflected in his eyes, she felt perfect, beautiful, free.
She was addicted to that feeling...
The feeling of being needed by someone.
Jackie's thoughts were suddenly interrupted as they reached the looming double doors of her mansion, which looked more like a prison in the early moonlight.
"Steven," Jackie called quietly, looking up at the stars as she closed her eyes, overwhelmed with all the rushing thoughts in her brain, "You're coming in, right?"
She felt him squeeze her hand in response and slowly unlocked the door, flicking on the light. She stared up at the chandelier with worry as the room remained dark.
"I guess the bulb blew out." Jackie laughed nervously, shrugging as Hyde closed the door behind them.
They made their way upstairs, wordlessly as Jackie sat on her bed, lighting a candle. She figured he would take it as a sign of romance, and not wonder why Jackie's electricity was on the fritz.
Jackie shuddered as she slipped under her blanket, watching Hyde sit on the corner of the bed.
"Jackie, it's freezing in this house."
"Really?" Jackie asked innocently, shoving off the covers. "Because I'm feeling pretty hot..." She crawled towards him, hungrily, attacking his lips, moaning as his hands roamed her body, as they both fell back, her head hitting the pillow with a slight 'thump' as they twisted around, within the ruffled blankets.
"Jackie," He cut her off, lifting himself up from her. "I think you're cold." He glared at her chest, which she quickly covered, blushing.
"Steven," She groaned. "Can I help it if I'm turned on when you kiss me?" She reached for him, again, and he quickly pulled away.
Jackie lost composure, falling off the bed softly. She leaned against it, clutching her legs up to her chest as Hyde slipped down next to her. She leaned her head against his shoulder.
"Can we just..." Hyde took a deep breath, "Can we just talk?"
"Talk?"
"Talk."
Jackie nodded nervously as he placed his arm around her shoulder.
"What did you and Kelso talk about?" Hyde asked instantly, surprised when Jackie's face turned towards him, slightly angry, "What did he say to you to make you so upset?"
"You think that I'm upset because of Michael?" Jackie laughed, standing up quickly and wobbling over to her vanity, brushing her hair as she caught sight of him through the mirror, standing up in confusion. "You don't even care that I'm upset, you're just pissed that Michael and I were alone. It's an ego thing." She pointed her brush towards him as she spun around, awaiting his response.
"You know that's not true."
"Do I?"
"Well," He paused, rethinking it. "Maybe partially..."
Jackie huffed, throwing the brush on the floor angrily as she stared at it, "Michael apologized to me, ok?"
"Apologized?"
"He finally realized what a dumbass he was and he apologized for it." Jackie crossed he arms. "He wants to be friends. He's not trying to get me back. Sorry to disappoint you." She pursed her lips, taking a breath inwards before lowering her eyes apologetically, "Kelso is not a threat, Steven. So stop acting like he is."
"Then what's wrong, Jackie?" He walked towards her. "Why are you acting like this?"
"Like what?" She muttered, flinging herself on her bed. "Like a crazy person? Like someone whose mother abandoned her, yet again? Like..." Jackie felt her tears coming rapidly and sat up, looking at Hyde, "I'm not perfect, god dammit."
"No one ever said you were." He said slowly, feeling kind of uncomfortable as she continued to cry.
"She said I had to be!" Jackie yelled frantically. "I'm never good enough. That's why she leaves." Jackie had never looked more lost and dazed in her life, and Hyde once again saw that little girl in her that she always became when she was upset or frazzled.
"Your mother left again." He slapped himself. "Jackie, why didn't you say anything?"
"Why didn't you know?" She looked up at him demandingly.
"Because you didn't tell me, Jackie!" He rolled his eyes, taking a seat on the bed. "I can't just know things. You need to tell me."
"I tried..." Jackie started, wiping away tears as she looked up at Hyde. "I'm a mess." She laughed, straightening her shirt out as she adjusted her legs.
"You're allowed to be a mess, Jackie. Your mom left."
Jackie nodded, lying down so that her head was in his lap, appreciating his subtle comfort as he stroked her hair. "What am I going to do?"
"I don't know."
She looked up at him, displeased with this answer.
"What?"
"That's really helpful." Jackie nodded. "Seriously."
"Jackie, what do you want me to do, lie?"
"Yes!"
"No, I'm not doing that." He rolled his eyes. "Things don't always work out the way you plan them, ok?"
"Are you trying to hurt me?" Jackie looked up at him in disbelief, untangling her hair from her hands as she sat up.
"I'm telling you the truth." He muttered.
"Ok." She took a deep breath. "I don't want to fight right now."
"We're not fighting."
"Ok..." Jackie took another deep breath, calming herself. "I think you should leave."
"I think you want me to stay."
"I think you're being an ass!" Jackie yelled, shoving him off the bed. "Steven, just leave me alone, ok?"
"Fine." He spat out, walking towards the door and not at all surprised when she called his name out, weakly. He turned around, facing her as she stared blankly.
"She's not even here and she's ruining my life." Jackie said softly. "Why did she even come back, Steven?"
He sat down on the bed once again, patting her back softly as she cried on his shoulder.
"Jackie, at least you have friends who care about you." He whispered. "And me."
Jackie nodded, staying silent until she whispered back, "I could move in with Donna...she offered last time, right?"
Hyde nodded, supportively.
"Ok, that's good." Jackie nodded, lifting herself off of him. "So, I'm not homeless." She sniffled, shuddering softly against him, "God, I'm freezing."
"I know something that could warm you up..." He pushed her down, kissing her ever so softly.
"What about talking?"
"Screw talking."
"Now there is the Steven Hyde I know and love."
Hyde smirked, kissing her even more passionately as the two heard a loud clash from the hallway, and a swaying Pam Burkhart, waltzed in.
"Jackie, I'm home!" Pam flashed a smirking smile at the couple, who quickly pulled apart, standing up nervously. "Did you miss me?"