Author Note: This was a fun chapter to write – possibly consider it a filler chapter to move the story along.

Chapter 04 – Kelso Karaoke

Eric was now officially included in everything Fez or Jackie was doing. He either ate dinner with his friends or went to the show or just stayed in watching television. It was the night for Fez to make dinner and Eric was eating the worst meatloaf he ever tried. Jackie pretended to swallow, smiled politely and when Fez wasn't looking spit the meat back into her napkin. Eric saw this little ploy and started to laugh. Jackie gave him a swift kick in the shin.

She hissed. "Say nothing." She warned. "If you value your life, do not tell Fez what I just did." Eric was still laughing but mimed himself zipping his lip. Fez came back out with his flaming banana split desert.

Jackie looked at Eric's unusual expression and started laughing out loud. "Hey, before I forget, guess what tomorrow is!"

Fez pressed a finger to his lips and said, "Kelso Karaoke!" Jackie squealed and Fez jumped up and down like a cheerleader. Eric cleared his throat. "Excuse me, but what are you talking about?"

Jackie grinned and sat down on the futon next to Eric. "Every month, Michael and Brooke get a babysitter and we all go to a Karaoke bar. It is the best fun you'll ever have."

Fez agreed, "Brooke sings like an angel and Jackie is just bad."

She smirked, "Well, I just haven't found my song yet!"

Eric looked dubious, "I can't sing. How can this be fun?" Fez looked at Eric like you would look at a person who never tasted chocolate. "Eric, you get a bunch of people drinking beer and singing terribly and it is funny. It's funny even in my country!"

Jackie tugged on Eric's arm. "Say you'll come. Brooke and Michael crash the night at my house so we can have breakfast the next morning." Eric hadn't seen Kelso in months and it did sound tempting. He had the weekend off so why not?

"I'll be there. I just won't make any promises to sing. But I haven't got drunk in awhile!"

*

Friday morning, Eric woke happier than usual. Was it because he had a good job? Maybe he liked hanging with his friends or because he got to spend tonight with the group having a good time? He didn't know and didn't really care. He passed Fez's door and could hear his friend talking to someone on the phone. He passed Jackie's door and heard the television and wondered how she spent her morning.

He went to work with a smile on his face.

*

"Jackie honey, how good to see you!" Kitty Forman hugged the slight girl. "Come in, Red's watching TV." Jackie followed Mrs. Forman into the living room. Red Forman's face lit up when he saw his favorite of Eric's old friends.

"Good morning and I'm sorry for busting in but I've got some good news and I need some advice." She sat down on the sofa and Kitty poured a cup of tea. "Did you enjoy the cruise?"

Red smiled. "I won 500 bucks on the slot machine. That was pretty sweet and Kitty discovered that the swimming pool had a bar."

Kitty pulled down the neck of her blouse to expose her sunburned shoulders. "Oh, the ship captain was so nice when he gave me a salve. I loved the music and Red even danced. It was so romantic."

Jackie was glad she could bring happiness to the two people most like her parents. "Well, I have another trip for you."

Red put down his newspaper. He lifted an eyebrow because he knew a story accompanied this gift.

"You've heard of Mr. Spires, that one that owns that brewery?"

Kitty nodded her head. "He's filthy rich!"

Jackie grinned. "Well, I planned a sweet sixteen party for his slut of a daughter and Mr. Spires was so pleased, that in addition to my fee, he gave me two round trip tickets to Washington DC."

Red frowned, "How is that a good?" Jackie was still smiling. "Well, you get to take a train with your very own sleeper car; there are three nights in a hotel suite in DC and free tickets to the Smithsonian. There are vouchers for three dinners at some expensive restaurant and all the meals on the train are free. What do you think?"

Red liked the idea because he had always wanted to see some of the sights of Washington DC – he looked at Kitty who was beaming. "Well, we just got back…."

Jackie smiled. "You don't have to go now, just use them before June."

Red grinned, "Well, I guess Kitty and I are taking another trip." Kitty jumped up clapping her hands in excitement and hugged Jackie. "You are such a sweetheart. I never dreamed Red's retirement would be such fun!"

Red looked at Jackie, "On the other hand, you said you needed some advice?"

"Oh, I need Mrs. Forman's help with a retirement party I'm planning. Can I borrow her for the afternoon?"

Red liked that idea best of all! "Just have her home in time for dinner!"

*

Fez made sure he was wearing his tightest leather pants. He wanted to make a big impression on Rhonda. This was his longest romance and he loved her. Still, she was shy and made Fez jump though proverbial hoops to get a kiss, but he didn't mind. When she called to tell him she would meet him at the club, he was over the moon. "I've got to go get Eric ready!"

Eric heard a rapid knocking at his door, "Eric, let me in." The door opened and Fez nearly fell into the room. 'Oh Eric, you are not wearing that!"

Eric looked at his striped shirt and jeans. "What? I look good." Fez looked at him, "No, you look like Ritchie Cunningham - show Fez your closet."

Eric rolled his eyes. "Fez I look fine." He saw Fez pulling out shirts and tees and finally his brown friend found something he liked. "Try on this tee shirt and just put the blazer over it. You will look fabulous."

Eric changed his shirt. "How do you know I'll be fabulous?"

"Watch Jackie's eyes when she sees your outfit. If her eyes get big, then you are handsome. If she squints, then you better stay home. She's my style guide and knows what looks good on people."

*

Jackie opened the door to be enveloped in a big hug by her long time friend Michael Kelso and his fiancée Brooke. "Come in, we're waiting for Fez and Eric."

Kelso's eyes got big. "Eric's coming? Oh man, this is going to be a blast! I've been practicing my Elvis moves. Wanna see some?"

Brooke and Jackie shouted "No!" The two girls giggled at Kelso's disappointed face. "Well, you'll be sorry when all the ladies throw panties at me!"

"Ew, Michael I didn't want to know that!" There was a knock at the door and Jackie got up to answer. Fez was standing with his hand in the air mid-knock. "Goddess, I love the leather boots! Oh, a mini skirt – you will have the men drooling…." Fez was knocked sideways as Eric moved towards the doorway.

Eric looked very handsome tonight. Jackie thought that if he wasn't her friend…..wait, she couldn't have thoughts like that. She blinked, "Hey Eric, come in, the gangs all here!"

Fez put a hand on Eric's shoulder. "See? She thinks you're handsome!" Eric watched Jackie's tiny skirt swing side to side just above those sexy boots and was thinking almost the same thing about her!

Kelso jumped over the back of the couch and tackled his old friend. "Eric! Dude! It's been a long time since we seen you!" Eric untangled himself from Kelso's arms and legs. "Hey man, it's good to see you. Brooke you look very pretty."

Brooke blushed. "You look nice too Eric. I'm glad you're coming with us. Fez likes to hog the microphone."

Fez argued, "I do not. I just happen to sing very well. Don't worry Brooke; I will serenade all of you ladies."

Eric grinned – this really was like old times – all that was missing was Hyde's miserable attitude and Donna's irritable complaints. He liked to think that without Hyde or Donna, he was finally going to have a great time.

Jackie picked up her small clutch bag and announced. "I called a cab because no one is driving home after tonight."

Kelso added, "Good call, because I won't even be able to walk!"

Fez piped up. "Rhonda's going to meet us there and hold a table." Michael counted five heads, "How are we going to fit everyone in the same cab?"

"Brooke, you can sit on Michael's lap." Jackie suggested. The taxi honked and Jackie smiled. Fez replied, "Jackie, you can sit on my lap if you want!"

She glared, "Ew? And No!" She waited until her friends started down the stairs and she locked the door.

*

The cab was smaller than they realized. Unanimously, everyone agreed that Fez should sit up front with the driver and the remaining four squeezed into the back seat. Brooke sat on Kelso's lap and Jackie was squeezed between Eric and Kelso's thick legs. Eric didn't mind, Jackie was wearing some soft perfume that tickled his nose and the energy in the taxi was buzzing with excitement.

*

Outside the club, the music was thumping and there was cheering and applause which spilled out onto the sidewalk. Fez helped Brooke out of the taxi, followed by Kelso and Jackie took Eric's hand and pulled him out with her. "C'mon Eric, you're going to have a good time!"

Rhonda was saving a table near the center of the club and waved frantically at Fez. His eyes brightened at seeing the love of his life and he hurried over to kiss her dramatically. Eric bent down to Jackie's ear. "You're sure that is Big Rhonda?"

She turned her head and smirked, "Yeah, but we just call her Rhonda now. Come sit and we'll just watch for a while." Still holding his hand, Jackie led Eric to the table so he sat next to Fez and Jackie could sit in the middle. "You are my buffer. When Fez gets drunk, his hands wander." She warned.

"Thanks, now I'll get fondled by Fez, right?"

Jackie giggled. "Yep. That's how it works." Rhonda introduced herself to Eric and Kelso came over with two pitchers of beer and Brooke brought some chilled mugs. The friends chatted with each other about everything and nothing and probably three beers later; Eric was finally relaxed and enjoying himself. This was so anti-Donna that it made the experience even better.

Kelso stood up, "Jackie, let's go book our songs!"

Brooke interjected, "Michael, get me Xanadu!" She smiled and he grinned. "You got it babe!" Eric leaned back in his chair to find Fez and Rhonda making out in a gross kind of way. He elbowed Jackie. "I heard you two dated?"

Jackie looked over, "No, we were roommates and NOTHING happened. Don't be gross." Eric laughed that he touched a nerve. "So…no tonsil hockey with Fez, huh?" Jackie hit him in the ribs with her elbow. "No. Not ever."

Eric smirked. "I was just checking." She got up to follow Kelso to the DJ stand. Eric watched her walk away, her tiny skirt swaying and her boots clicking on the dance floor. She was cute – why did he never notice that before?

Brooke leaned over. "So Eric, are you dating yet?"

Eric smiled, "No, I'm still getting over the divorce."

She frowned, "But it's been months! You're too handsome not to be making the rounds!" Eric grinned, "Maybe soon, I've been hanging out with Fez and Jackie so I'm just having a good time right now. How's Betsy?"

Brooke smiled – he remembered. "She's growing like a weed. You should come to our house and see her."

"I think I will!" Fez made some noise and jumped up from the table and ran to the stage where Jackie and Kelso were reserving their songs. "I need mine!" he yelled as he was running.

Kelso came back with a swagger. "Hey Brooke – Guess what Elvis song I'm doing." She looked at him. "Fat Elvis or young Elvis?"

Kelso grinned, "Young Elvis." Brooke pursed her lips. "Teddy Bear!" Kelso frowned, "How did you know? Damn, I wanted to surprise you."

Brooke leaned over and kissed his lips. "You've been humming it all week. How could I not know?" Kelso leaned back and grinned, "Wait until you see my moves!"

Brooke rolled her eyes and Eric laughed. This seemed to be a running joke. Jackie squeezed back into her seat and Fez was pouting. "Somebody took my song. I was going to do Whip It – cuz that had a good beat. Now you guys will just have to be surprised."

*

The little group was treated to a beautiful rendition of Bette Midler's The Rose and the club applauded uproariously. Kelso went to get another pitcher of beer when the DJ announced that the next singer was Fez. Their tanned friend jumped up and nearly knocked over his girlfriend to leap on the stage with the microphone in his hand. Eric leaned back and laid his arm on the back of Jackie's chair. The lyric's monitor began to roll and Fez launched into Tommy Tutone's version of Jenny's Number 867-5309.

Eric was surprised because Fez was actually good. He looked like a natural up on the stage and nailed the song. Everyone applauded and Fez took several more bows than was necessary. Jackie leaned towards Rhonda, "Tell him I said that was his best ever!"

Eric was feeling no pain once they called Brooke up to sing Olivia Newton John's version of Xanadu. She sounded like an angel and was able to hit all the high notes. Jackie was swaying to the song and rhythmically bumping into Eric's side. "Sorry Eric, I like this song and Brooke sings it so good!"

The song ended and Brooke blushed at the applause and scurried back to the safety of her friends. "Oh that was so exhilarating! I didn't miss one word this time!" Brooke gushed. Jackie leaned in front of Eric. "If I closed my eyes, I could see the movie! That was beautiful!"

Eric could smell her perfume and the scent of her herbal shampoo tickle his nose. "You were great Brooke. This karaoke thing is a lot of fun."

Jackie smirked, "That's good Eric, because you and I are doing a duet!"

Eric nearly dropped his mug. "What? NO! I can't sing." Jackie laughed and Brooke said, "Neither can Jackie – that's what makes it fun!" The DJ announced Kelso's name and he got excited and stood on his chair, "That's me and I'm gonna rock this stage!"

"Get down Tarzan and sing!" Jackie hollered. Kelso was as fun to watch as he was a great singer. He did the patented Elvis hip thrusts and the karate kicks and even managed the sneer in the upper lip. Eric laughed and didn't realize his oldest friend had this secret talent. The Teddy Bear song ended and Kelso took three long bows and said, "You can throw your panties now!" Much to his chagrin no one threw him any underwear.

Brooke put an arm around his shoulder, "I'll give you mine sweetie." She said kissing his cheek. Kelso smiled. "That's good enough me for!"

A young girl with dark hair and black lipstick took the mike and launched into Pat Benatar's Heartbreaker. She was really good and got applause from everyone in the club. The DJ announced the next up was Jackie and Eric.

Eric was nearly screaming, "No no no!" Jackie was pulling his arm. "Oh yes yes yes!" Kelso got up and helped pull Eric to the stage. "Just once dude. Do this one time and you'll never have to do it again!" Eric looked like he had stage fright. Kelso added, "Do it and I'll run naked through the club."

Eric couldn't help it, he busted out laughing. That was so typical Kelso. Jackie pulled Eric over to a stool. "You sing the blue lyrics and I'll sing the white ones. I picked an easy song that everyone messes up. We're just having fun okay?"

He looked at her and decided to trust her. The lights were so bright he couldn't see the audience anyways so it would just be him and Jackie singing a song. The music started and Jackie sang, "They say we're young and we don't know we won't find out until we grow …." Eric suddenly realized they were doing Sonny and Cher! Jackie bumped his shoulder and he looked at the monitor and picked up the next line, "Well I don't know if all that's true. Cause you got me, and baby I got you..."

Jackie reached down and grabbed his hand for reassurance. Together they harmonized, "I got you babe." Eric smiled and found that singing with Jackie was enjoyable. He knew the song and although they both sounded terrible it was the most fun he'd had with a girl in a long time.

Eric, "I got you to hold my hand"

Jackie, "I got you to understand"
Eric, "I got you to walk with me"

Jackie, "I got you to talk with me"
Eric, "I got you to kiss goodnight"
Jackie, "I got you to hold me tight"
Eric, "I got you, I won't let go"
Jackie, "I got you to love me so"

Together they ended the song, "I got you babe!" The lights lowered and to their surprise, Kelso and the rest of their table gave them a standing ovation. Jackie smiled and kissed him on the cheek. "You did so great!" Jackie praised him.

Eric touched his cheek where she kissed him and she grabbed his hand to lead him off the stage. Brooke gave him a hug, "You guys were so terrible it was great!" She looked pointedly at Eric, "Just for the record, Michael IS NOT running naked through the club." Fez came back with a fresh pitcher of beer and a pizza.

After the food was devoured and the pitcher emptied, Jackie noticed Michael and Brooke were in a furious make out session. Eric noticed and looked to his right and Fez was practically eating Rhonda's make up off her face.

"Wanna dance?" he asked. Jackie smiled. "I thought you'd never ask." He pulled her chair out and they slipped past the amorous couples and onto the dance floor. The DJ was reloading the karaoke machine so he put on some slow dance tunes.

Eric twirled Jackie on to the floor to the piano melody of Journey's singing Faithfully. He swung her out and then back as Steve Perry started singing about restless hearts sleeping alone at night. Jackie put her arms around his neck and stepped closer to his body. His heart started thumping as he could feel a warm female touching nearly all parts of his neglected soul. She was supple and warm in his arms and moved instinctively wherever he did.

He gave her a little dip which made her gasp and smile at the same time and brought her back up while Journey sang about how two strangers learned to fall in love again. She grabbed Eric by the lapels of his blazer and tugged him closer listening to Steve Perry sing about the joys of rediscovering – was he singing about her?

Eric smelled so nice and his body was toned and warm and she wrapped her arms around his waist feeling his hands drop to her hips. It felt natural and she trusted him. Why did he tell her he couldn't dance? He was great at this!

She looked up and saw he was gazing at her – when did he get such beautiful green eyes?

Eric loved the feel of Jackie dancing in his arms. She moved with him as if she knew just what direction he was going to take. When she hugged him, his cold heart melted just a bit. Dancing was very nice. When she looked up at him with that beautiful face he couldn't help it, he was going to kiss her.

His hand slipped through her long silky hair to the back of her head and he pressed his lips against her warm mouth. She kissed him back and his head started to spin. Her lips tasted sweet and delicious. Her arms snaked over his shoulders and she pressed herself against him. Eric wrapped an arm around her back and they swayed to the music locked into a wonderfully hot kiss.

She murmured against his lips, "God Eric, if you weren't my friend…" She rose up on her tiptoes and nipped his bottom lip. She rubbed the soft skin under his jaw and wished she could bite him on that soft spot.

Eric laughed softly and ran his hands up and down her arms. "I know…if you weren't my friend too." Jackie shivered – how was this man still single? The music changed into a romantic Smokey Robinson song, "Still want to dance?" he asked softly.

Jackie didn't answer but pulled him closer and kissed those lips again. His touch was gentle; his hands were rubbing circles over her back keeping her pressed against him – she could feel his arousal against her hip and it kind of thrilled her that she made him feel this way. She tangled her fingers in his hair as he pressed his forehead against hers.

"Jackie, I'm very drunk and I may do something irresponsible but you feel so damn good I can't help myself."

She looked into his eyes, "If I was drunker than this…I might let you." She kissed his lips, "But, Eric I'm not here to take Donna's place. You need to be with someone but tonight it's not me." She looked in his eyes to make sure he understood. "If you want to be with me, make sure it's Jackie Burkhart, not just any girl to fill a need. Okay?"

He nodded and felt guilty, he did need someone and Jackie firmly set the terms. "Can I still kiss you?"

She smiled with those gorgeous lips, "You can kiss me all you want but hands above the waist mister!" she warned with a grin. Eric stole a quick kiss and swirled her back out on the floor to finish dancing with Smokey Robinson.

*