That 70s Show fanfic: It Was Only a Matter of Time (2)

[jennickels]

It Was Only a Matter of Time
by jennickels (aka Jen Connelly)
That 70s Show
Jackie/Hyde
rating: PG-13

Jack and Hyde work through their problems after Hyde finds Kelso in Jackie's Chicago hotel room (AU after season 7 finale). [start from the beginning: Chapter 1]

don't own... wish I did, but I don't. No infringement intended.

Chapter 2: The Morning After

Hyde rolled uneasily in his cot. He pulled the pillow over his hears but he could still hear the Forman's having breakfast upstairs. He tried rubbing the sleep from his eyes. The numbers of his alarm clock glared at him-7:35.

Ugh. He sat up on his elbows and blinked, trying to clear his vision. His eyes burned and his face felt sticky. He caught sight of the framed picture Jackie had given him a few months ago. She looked so beautiful with her wavy dark hair flowing around her tanned face. Those big eyes sparkling with admiration. She smiled coyly from the handmade frame. Hyde felt a twinge of regret creep through him. He smacked the picture to the floor; it was over now. He refused to feel anything.

Yeah, right, he thought. The knot in his stomach tightened and for a minute he thought he was going to be sick. He rubbed his temples. 7:40 the clock blinked at him. He had an hour before he had to open the store. Then he remembered he left Leo in charge last night.

"What was I thinking?"

He finally got off the cot and changed into his shirt, throwing on some deodorant. He sighed, blowing the air out slowly.

"There's my sleepy puss," Mrs. Forman said and tussled his hair as if he were a little boy.

"You got in late," Red said. "Where were you last night?"

Great, Hyde thought. Now that Forman was gone, Red could lavish all of his paternal attention on him.

"He went to see Jackie in Chicago." Hyde hand't even noticed Donna standing by the counter.

"Oh, how sweet," Mrs. Forman said, a big grin on her face.

"So, how did it go?" asked Donna. "Was she totally surprised to see you?"

"Oh, she was surprised all right," Hyde said. He dropped into his usual chair next to Red and stared at his scrambled eggs and ham Mrs. Forman had made him.

"I bet she was in shock," Donna kept going. "Who would have expected Hyde to drive all the way to Chicago to profess his love for someone. It is so romantic. Jackie must have been in ecstasy. I know when Eric came to California to get me back it was the most romantic thing ever. I was so turned on-"

"Donna! We're trying to eat," Red barked.

"All I'm saying is that it was very sweet and Jackie must have been in Heaven that Hyde finally showed that he had feelings." She laughed and patted his head. Hyde cringed at the talk of Jackie. He poked his eggs, trying to not think of her or last night. It wasn't working. He couldn't get the image of Kelso in a towel out of his head. The anger welled up again. Damn Kelso.

"Aren't you hungry, Steven?" asked Mrs. Forman.

"Not really. I've gotta get to the store." He pushed away from the table.

"Oh. Well, okay." Mrs. Forman sounded hurt.

I'll have his ham," Red said, reaching across the table. His wife smacked his hand.

"Red, do you know how much sodium is in ham?"

"No, but I'm sure you're going to tell me," Red huffed. "You know, Steven, I envy you. At least you get some time away from you woman."

Mrs. Forman glared at him.

"Well, gotta go," Red said. He jumped up, grabbing the ham off of Hyde's plate.

"Hmph," Mrs. Forman grunted. Donna laughed. The day felt almost normal. Almost.

"Thanks anyway, Mrs. Forman," Hyde told her and kissed her cheek. The Forman's were the closest thing to parents he had and he knew he could always count on them to take care of him. And to drive him nuts. But he guessed that's what families did when they loved each other. Jackie sure drove him nuts and he sure loved her.

Chapter 3