Set-Up: In "The Trials of M. Kelso" (3x18), I find it verrry interesting that while Jackie and Kelso are getting back together, Hyde (and Eric and Fez) are locked away and inaccessible in the Ft. Anderson locker-room. It's almost as if Hyde was the reason Jackie and Kelso weren't getting back together, just by being an 'available' option, and it took him being inaccessible to Jackie for her to turn back to Kelso. This one-shot was inspired by the idea that things might have gone differently if they hadn't gotten stuck in that locker-room. A 'what-if' scenario that Jackie doesn't let fully take shape. (Jackie's POV)

"What are you being all twitchy about?"

I bite my lip as Donna appears from behind me and lowers herself on the couch next to me. I must be more nervous than I realized, particularly since 'twitchy' was a word she typically reserved for describing Eric.

I slide my notebook over to her. "The last test for Michael," I explain.

I watch Donna closely for her reaction as she reads through the paper in my notebook. I'd been sitting alone in the basement for the last half hour, perfecting the details of the last test. This was the most important test, so it had to be just right.

I'd come over for this very reason – getting Donna's feedback on my plan. But I'd also come for the usual antics that happened down here, in hopes of distracting me from my nerves about the last test. But when I got here, the basement was eerily quiet. I'd told Michael to meet me at The Hub later, so I figured he wouldn't be here. But Donna, Eric, Steven, and Fez had also been nowhere to be found.

So much for getting my mind off the test.

Donna looks up. "So…you're testing his fidelity?" she asks. I nod. She hesitates a moment before speaking again. "Jackie…are you sure you want to open that can of worms? His cheating is the reason you broke up in the first place," she says gently.

"Exactly!" I say emphatically. "So, if he's really ready to be in a relationship with me again like I think he is, then he shouldn't have any trouble passing this last test."

"I just don't want you to be crushed if he doesn't pass the test," Donna adds.

Donna's hesitation was starting to make me nervous…well, even more nervous than I already was. I guess that's what sitting alone in the basement for so long could do to you. Make you start to overthink.

"I won't be," I say, but I don't think I've convinced her. "Look, Donna. Michael failed two tests and passed two tests. That means that it all comes down to this test. I think its only natural for me to be feeling a little bit anxious about it."

Donna watches me closely. "Okay," she says eventually, passing the notebook back to me. "I'll back off. But…can I just ask you one more thing?"

I sit up straight, trying to exude confidence. "Sure."

Donna points at the now closed notebook in my lap. "It's just…are you sure you want to base this really important decision entirely on these tests?"

I sigh and fall back against the couch. So much for exuding confidence. "I have to, Donna. I need a sign, because I don't know what to do otherwise," I admit.

"I'm not sure I follow."

"I mean…" I pause, considering how I could best explain this to her. "Okay, its like this. If someone were to burst through that door right now and tell me that they were my soulmate, and not Michael, then I'd take that as the sign I'm looking for," I explain, pointing at the basement door. "But that's not gonna happen. So, these tests are my way of creating a sign."

Donna tilts her head. "But if you have to create it, is it really a sign?"

I huff, growing annoyed. I bite back a retort about Donna being difficult, and remind myself that she's just doing this because she cares.

"Sorry, I know. That was another question," Donna says, backing off.

"No, it's fine. But…these tests are all I have." I shrug and then I glance at my watch. "Anyway, I better get to The Hub. Frank agreed to let me hide in the kitchen to spy on Michael."

I rise from the couch and grab my notebook and purse.

"Okay, well. Good luck, then. I guess?" Donna says, and I appreciate her attempt to be supportive.

"Thanks." I start heading for the steps. "Hopefully, I won't need it."

But after ascending only three of the steps, I hesitate. I don't know what makes me do it, but I turn and spare one last glance at the basement door, anticipation unfurling in my chest.

But the door stays firmly shut.

o-o-o

I'm cuddling with Michael on the couch 3 hours later when the basement door bursts open.

Donna, Michael, and I all watch, speechless, as Fez, Steven, and Eric stumble in, beaten, bloodied, and battered.

"What the hell happened to you guys?" Donna breaks the silence.

"We got beaten up," Eric says flatly.

"By men," Steven adds.

"By big, strong, men," Eric amends.

Fez mutters something to the guys as the rest of us continue to watch them in confusion.

"Wait, didn't you guys go to Fort Anderson yesterday?" I ask.

Steven turns to me. "We got locked in. Overnight."

"No way, really?" Michael exclaims giddily from my side.

Steven's gaze shifts from me to Michael. He nods once.

Well, I guess that explained why the basement was empty earlier today. I don't know why, but the fact that they were locked away, unable to get to the basement, leaves a sour taste in my mouth.

Steven is still looking at me and Michael on the couch. I glance away. Suddenly, I can't meet his gaze.