Disclaimer: I don't own.

Warning: Mild language

FRIENDS WILL BE FRIENDS

Part 5

December 31, 1979, 11:48 pm

"Hey, man, what are you doing out here?" Eric said as he sat down on the side porch next to Hyde. His friend looked at him and he grinned. "I mean, this party is swinging." He rolled his eyes. It was rather difficult to have a truly "swinging" party when one's parents and other old people were in the room.

"Whatever, man," Hyde scoffed. "I just needed some air. All that New Year's giddiness was getting to me." He looked away and stared out at the Wisconsin night. He tried to tell himself that he was feeling this weird combination of antsy and pensive because it was the last night of the decade, but he knew that wasn't it. Something was ending, so many things would change after this night, and deep down, he wasn't sure he was ready for it.

And more irritatingly, Jackie looked incredible tonight. She wore an off the shoulder black, tight, silky blouse and a red skirt, shorter than she normally wore, a few inches above the knees. And of course high heels that made her gorgeous legs look as long as sequoia trees. He'd had to get out of the room before she caught him staring at her even more than she already had. Damn her. She'd played it up, too, tossing her perfectly curled hair around and giving him those stupid flirtatious smiles that drove him insane. In retaliation, he hadn't once gone to talk to her. Unfortunately, it seemed to be bothering him more than her. She was, as she always was at a party, the belle of the ball, flittering around like a butterfly and chatting with everyone except him.

Eric watched Hyde, surprised that his sunglasses were nowhere to be found, but even more surprised by the look on his face. It seemed almost sad. But this was Hyde. Where was the Zen? "So, you ready for 1980?"

Hyde shrugged. "I guess." He shook his head. "I don't get why everyone is making such a big deal. It's not like the world is going to miraculously become better just because we have to write an eight instead of a seven."

Eric lifted his shoulders. "True. It's just…I mean, everything's going to be different this year. Everything is changing. My parents and Bob will be in Florida, Donna and I in Madison, Kelso's going back to Chicago with Brooke, Fez and Nina are moving in together, Jackie's…" He trailed off. "Wait, I don't know what the hell Jackie's doing."

That brought a small smile to Hyde's face. "I don't think she does, either."

"What are you going to do? I mean, where are you going to live?"

The thought of living somewhere other than the Forman house tore at his gut, but Hyde managed to cover. "Oh, I've got a place lined up." It was true. The office at Grooves would do for awhile, at least until he found an apartment. He knew Forman would probably ask more questions, given the chance, so he changed the subject. "So, you and Donna, back together, eh?"

Eric's heart swelled. Just the combination of their names made him giddy. "Yeah," he sighed. "And this time it's forever." He shook his head. "We've got this great place in Madison. Utilities paid, washer and dryer, it's even got a breakfast nook. A breakfast nook!"

Hyde narrowed his eyes and was tempted to make fun of Forman for being such a girl, but for some reason, the retort vanished from his tongue. Forman looked so happy. And for another reason he didn't get, that made him smile. "That's great, Forman," he said. Forman looked a bit surprised, and Hyde shrugged. "I mean it, man. You and Donna…you guys were meant to be."

"Since when have you been such a romantic?"

Hyde rolled his eyes and looked away. "Get bent."

Eric laughed. Now THAT was the Hyde he knew. "You'll have to visit."

Hyde sighed. This kind of talk was making him feel almost nauseous. A couple more weeks and his regular routine, what he'd none of the last several years, would be over. Forever. Instead of being in the same house with his best friend, he'd have to go out of town to see him. To make fun of him, of course. "Yeah."

Eric sighed and looked of in the same direction as Hyde. He'd been trying to ignore it, but he was sad. Yeah, he was glad to be going to Madison with Donna, and yeah, he was looking forward to starting a life with her. But he was leaving a lot behind. Not the least of which sat next to him. "Yeah," he mumbled. He shook his head. "Things aren't…it's not ever going to be the same, is it?"

Hyde's jaw tensed. God, why did Forman have to be such a sappy baby? And why…why did he have to bring this up? He didn't want to think about it. About the future. A future in which they all went their separate ways. He'd have to find other people to burn, and that was going to be pain in the ass. "Guess not," he answered.

Both syllables cracked slightly.

They sat there, still, for a long moment, both staring out into space in thoughtful silence.

Finally, Eric looked at Hyde. "Hey, look," he started, hesitating slightly. "I just want to say…thanks." He knew he probably shouldn't be doing this, and yet he couldn't stop himself. It needed to be said.

Hyde gave him a puzzled look. "For what?"

Eric shrugged. "For…just…for being my best friend. I mean, we've been friends forever, and you've always…no matter what stupid thing I do…" He knew that Hyde was going to say something sarcastic in reply, probably accuse him of being a girl, but hell. It was worth it. He wanted Hyde to know. Not many people ever told Hyde things like this. "For always being there, you know?"

Hyde's gut coiled in discomfort. He hated this crap, talking about feelings and friendship and love. Sentimental garbage. Words were just words; they could mean anything depending on context, and therefore really meant nothing at all. But the discomfort, a surprise to him, was trumped by that stupid twinge he'd been feeling all day. All the change that was coming WAS coming. It wasn't going to go away. And maybe this was it. Maybe if they never said anything like this to one another, they never would. He grinned wryly. Damn, was that a lump he felt in his throat? "You too, Forman," he answered quietly. He held out his right hand, and Forman took it. They shook, giving one another small smiles.

Soon this will all be over. And it'll never be the same again, even if you do all manage to stay in touch with one another.

Hyde pulled his hand away. He didn't want to do this anymore. Didn't want to play the sentimental game. It was making him feel creepy. What he wanted was to get drunk. Or something. "All right, enough of this crap."

Eric grinned and stood up. "Yeah, it's getting close to midnight anyway. I should get back before that weird friend of Bob's decides to make Donna his New Year's kiss." He watched Hyde stand up. "You got someone to kiss?"

Hyde glared at Forman. "Shut up."

"I think Jackie's available now that she and Fez are no longer an item."

"Shut UP, Forman!"

Eric stepped in front of Hyde to prevent him from storming inside. This had to be said, especially after he'd seen all the looks Hyde had been giving Jackie tonight, and the ones she'd been giving Hyde right back. "Okay, look. Don't kill me for saying this, but I've known you my entire life, and when you were with Jackie…" He took a deep breath. He was probably risking his life, or at least a severe beating. "You were the happiest I've ever seen you."

Hyde shook his head. "Leave it alone, okay? It's a dead issue."

"No, I won't. And it isn't. Just talk to her, Hyde." He raised his eyebrows. "It's the truth, man. And you have no idea how much it pains me to say it, because, I mean, Jackie is the devil. But you were happy with her. And you know it."

Hyde looked down at the ground. The last thing he wanted to do was to think about being happy with Jackie. The last thing he wanted to do was remember being happy with Jackie. He rolled his eyes. Good thing Forman was leaving soon. Otherwise he might actually convince Hyde to try to get Jackie back. He looked up. "Come on. It's cold out here and I want a beer."

Eric shook his head and followed his friend into the house.

When Hyde walked into the living room, he immediately noticed Jackie standing over by the organ, alone for the first time that night. And he could see why. All the couples had formed cozy little twosomes around the room; Red and Kitty, Eric and Donna, Fez and Nina, Kelso and Brooke, Bob and some lady Hyde had been introduced to but didn't remember her name. Jackie was looking around the room and trying not to look sad, but she was. He could tell. His heart throbbed. She'd never been good at being alone.

He took a deep breath and walked over to her. What the hell. They could be alone together in the sea of all these couples. "Hey," he said when he reached her.

Jackie looked up and immediately smiled at Steven. Finally! All night he'd been looking at her, and all night he'd been avoiding her. And she'd done everything she could to entice him. She'd been afraid she'd lost her Jackie magic, but maybe not! "Hey," she said, hoping she didn't sound too eager. She'd been thinking about him all day. And feeling so lonely at this party full of couples. Maybe…maybe now that he was with her, maybe there was a chance that she wouldn't be ringing in 1980 all by herself.

He looked her over. "You uh…you look nice." Ha. Nice. Right. She looked hot. Gorgeous.

She looked beautiful…she WAS beautiful.

She nearly swooned. That was about as complimentary as Steven got, and she was going to savor it, especially considering the state of their relationship at the moment. "Thanks," she said. She tugged playfully at his tie. "You're wearing a tie."

He nodded and instinctively fiddled with the knot. "Mrs. Forman begged me to."

She noticed the tension in his jaw. And it touched her. He was trying to hide it, but she knew he was struggling with everything that was happening, what with the Forman's, Eric, and Kelso moving. He'd protest otherwise, but she knew deep down he hated change. "You're really going to miss her, aren't you?"

He shrugged but didn't bother to deny it. She knew him well enough to see through that anyway. "So, uh, why are you standing here all by yourself?"

Jackie smiled. Typical Steven. Change the subject when it cut too close to the bone. "Well, everyone is pretty much paired up for the midnight kiss." She sighed and looked down. "And…well, I guess it's obvious that I don't have anyone."

"Well, you could try one of the old guys. You might get lucky and find one who doesn't run away screaming." She glared at him. "Sorry."

She rolled her eyes and looked away. "No you're not." His taunt stung. Hard. She watched as the couples talked and laughed with one another, touched one another, and her heart ached. It had been so long since she'd been that way with anyone. Since Steven. And now he was standing beside her, but they weren't…they just weren't. They were ex's. Her eyes began to burn with tears. She knew, as much as she'd been hoping and praying all day that somehow they'd find a way back to one another after admitting to herself that she still loved him, it wasn't going to change now. Not after what he'd just said. Obviously he didn't want her. That last break up had been forever.

Hyde closed his eyes briefly. He always knew that he'd hurt her when her chin jutted out into the air the way it was now. Damn it, why couldn't he just talk to her the way Kelso and Fez did? Why did he always have to say something nasty to her? It wasn't like he MEANT to, at least not all the time. It just seemed to always happen. "Hey, don't worry about it. It's a stupid tradition anyway. Kissing at midnight. What's so special about that? People kiss all the time."

Jackie shrugged but didn't look at him. "Yeah, I know. It is stupid." She didn't really think so. She thought it was romantic, but hell if she'd say that to Steven.

Hyde wanted to look away, but he couldn't. He noticed her swallowing over and over again, and scraping her teeth over her lower lip. He wondered if the break up with Fez had been hard on her. It hadn't seemed to be when they'd told everyone, but sometimes Jackie was good at covering herself up. She'd probably picked up a bit of that from him. "Uh…hey, I'm sorry about you and Fez," he said, not quite knowing what else to say. He wasn't actually all that sorry. Fez and Jackie together was just disturbing on so many levels. It surprised him, though, when she laughed and turned a smile to him, though her eyes still didn't find his.

"Oh, it's okay. The whole thing was crazy. He's like my brother. I don't know what I was thinking."

He grinned. "Temporary insanity?"

She giggled and finally met his eyes. No glasses, which made her happy, and his eyes didn't seem to have that dull sheen of protection over them he sometimes got. "Yeah, that must have been it." She wondered if he was okay. After all, his wife had left him not too long ago. And even though it still hurt in a very raw way to think about, apparently he'd cared about Sam. "I uh…I' m sorry that Sam's not here with you."

Hyde narrowed his eyes in disbelief. "No you're not."

His voice sounded amused, not hurt, not regretful, not angry, and that pleased Jackie. Her smile widened. "Okay, no I'm not. She was a whore."

Hyde nodded. "Yeah, she was. Still is, I'm sure." He shrugged. "I'm not sorry she's not here either."

Two pairs of eyes met and locked, two hearts began to race, and two bodies turned towards one another.

For some reason, Hyde suddenly felt like talking. "Look, Jackie," he said, his voice soft so no one else but her could hear him. "I wanted to say that I'm…" His eyes blinked slowly. He hated even thinking about this, let alone talking about it. But hell. He might as well start the 1980s with a clean slate. "I'm really sorry about how…about everything that happened last year." He swallowed hard. God, there was that lump again. "About how we…ended." He looked away. "I really…I never meant to…" His eyes were drawn back to her. "Hurt you that way."

Jackie nodded and bit her lip. Now her heart was going wild. She'd never expected him to say that to her. And she was startled by how damn GOOD it felt to hear it. She pressed her lips together to try to hold back tears, but it didn't work, and a few crept out of her eyes. "It's…its okay. I know…and…" She almost choked on the tears in her throat. "I'm sorry, too. I never meant to…hurt you, either." She sniffed and closed her eyes, looking down as a few more teardrops were shed.

Hyde stepped closer to her and reached out. His fingers raised her chin, then gently and softly wiped away some of the wetness from under her eyes. "Jackie…"

God, he wanted to lean down and kiss those tears away, then kiss her lips until she melted in his arms the way she used to, with those kitten-like sighs of hers.

"Okay everyone! It's about time! One minute till midnight, till 1980!"

Hyde sighed. Forget it. Forget all his damn pride and Zen and all that crap. None of it did him any good, anyway, especially not when Jackie was around. "So hey. I'm thinking that maybe, you know, just so we don't ruin tradition and have bad luck for the next decade, maybe you and I should just…at midnight…kiss."

Jackie was startled, but she forced herself to play it cool. She nodded. "For tradition's sake, of course."

"Of course. Its not like it would mean anything."

She nodded. "No, of course not. Definitely wouldn't mean anything."

She wondered if the best way to start the New Year was with a lie. Oh hell. She didn't care. If she got to kiss Steven, a little lie was worth risking a horrible year. And no year could be as horrible as this past one had been.

"10…9….8…."

Jackie and Hyde stared at one another as the others around them began the count down.

"7…6…5…"

She stepped closer to him. He stepped closer to her. They were only about half a foot apart, close enough that the almost sensation of their bodies pressed together made both of them part their lips.

"4…3…2…1….HAPPY NEW YEAR!"

Jackie's heart stopped beating, Hyde's did too, and they both hesitated. Finally, he reached to cup her face in his hands; it fit perfectly just as it always had. He leaned down, and before he could take one last breath, her lips were eagerly on his. And quickly it turned into more than just a New Year's kiss. His hands moved; one to the back of her head as they tilted in order to get more of one another, the other to her waist to pull her as close as he could.

Her hands slipped from his waist to his back, his strong back, and she held him tight. It seemed to last forever, and yet, it wasn't enough. Their nibbles at one another became wide, damp, heated bites, punctuated by flickers of their tongues and mingling breaths.

Eventually, they drew apart, both breathing heavily, both staring at one another as if seeing each other for the first time.

"So…yeah. I uh…wow." Hyde could barely think straight, let alone form a sentence that made any sense at all. How had he forgotten what kissing her was like? What it DID to him? His body was screaming at him to pick her up, put her over his shoulder and take her downstairs to his room where he could do some awfully fun things to her.

Jackie opened her mouth to say something intelligent, but because her body was shivering with fire, all she could manage was three words. "So…oh, god." She closed her eyes. Get a grip, Jackie! She felt like she as about to die, but it was the most beautiful feeling in the world. No one had ever made her feel that way with just a kiss.

"Did you…uh…did you feel anything?"

Her eyes opened, and she found Steven standing close to her, his arms still wrapped around her, one of his hands buried in the back of her hair, his eyes, soft, looking down at her. "I…"

Hyde heard the hesitation in her voice, and he pulled her even closer. He managed to suppress the groan in his chest from her being so close, but just barely. "I did," he almost whispered.

She smiled. "I did, too," she murmured. She slid her hands up his back to rest on his shoulder blades. "I felt so much, Steven, and I…mmmmmm…."

Before she could finish, his mouth was on hers again, repeating the sweet and hot coupling all over again.

Twenty minutes later

Jackie and Hyde sat in the El Camino, the engine running, the heat blasting out from the vents. After their New Year's kiss, he'd suggested they go for a walk, but it was too cold, and so they found themselves in the car. Only place he figured they'd get any privacy. He looked at her. "I guess we should talk about…us."

Jackie shook her head. "Not tonight. It's a party. We need to be happy tonight, and I think that maybe…if we talk the way we need to, we probably won't be all that happy. At least part of the time."

Hyde furrowed his brow. "But I thought…Okay, wait. Do you want to get back together or not?" The fact that Jackie didn't want to talk struck him as bizarre, although he really should be relieved. He hated talking. But he wasn't going to wait around to know the answer. This would not be a repeat of the "I choose me" summer. No games.

She arched an eyebrow. "Do you?"

He frowned. "Do YOU?"

"Do YOU?"

He rolled his eyes. This was quickly going nowhere. "Enough, Jackie. Just answer me." She just stared at him, giving him that "you better just do what I want" look, and he knew that THIS time, he was going to have to go first. He shifted in his seat. "Fine. Jackie, I want…" He sighed. "I want to be with you again."

Her face softened into a smile. "I want that too," she replied quietly. "And I want you to know that I still love you. I always will." She took his hand and he turned his over so he could properly hold hers. It felt heavenly to her. "You don't have to say it back."

Right now, she figured, it was enough that she knew he wanted to be with her. She'd bug him about "I love you" later, after they worked everything out.

Hyde grinned. "Good, because I'm not going to." He chuckled when she glared at him. Yeah, he knew her game. "But…" His smile faded and he squeezed her hand. "I want you to know that I still feel…whatever it was I felt when we were together." He lifted a shoulder. "Starting to think that I…that I just might always feel it."

Jackie couldn't believe what he'd just said. It was Steven speak for "I love you and I always will", and she trembled. "Oh, Steven!"

He laughed at first when she threw herself at him, but when he caught her, and she started placing little kisses on his lips, his laugher disappeared. His hands cupped her backside, and he kissed her back, deftly deepening each one until where he ended, she began and vice versa.

And finally, both of them felt that life in Point Place was right again.