Archive of Our Own ^beta

“Damn it, I told you my appointment was tomorrow.” Jackie heard Hyde’s loud voice from outside the basement door.

Walking inside quietly, she waved at Hyde, who just sent her a quick nod before turning his attention back to his phone call. “Well, who the hell is supposed to take me now?” 

Jackie watched him grimace before looking her way. “Yeah, whatever,” he huffed, hanging up the phone. 

“That sounded like a fun phone call,” Jackie remarked sarcastically, leaning into the couch. 

“Forman bailed on me,” Hyde explained. “I gotta get dental work done tomorrow, and I’m not gonna be able to drive myself home. He told me he’d do it but decided to cancel at the last minute in favor of a weekend getaway with Donna.” Hyde crossed his arms over his chest, and Jackie couldn’t help but chuckle at the sight. 

“What are you laughin’ at?”

“I’m not laughing at you, just that you seem surprised Eric would rather spend time with his girlfriend than drive you around all day,” Jackie shrugged. “Seems pretty obvious to me.” 

Hyde rolled his eyes and stood to grab a popsicle from the chest freezer. “I’m not surprised, I’m pissed cause now I have to find someone else to take me.” Instead of sitting back in his usual chair, he took the empty seat next to her on the couch, handing her a cherry popsicle. Her favorite. 

“Thanks,” Jackie smiled softly, taking it from his hand. 

Hyde shrugged, tearing the plastic off his own and taking a large bite out of the top. 

“Ugh you’re so disgusting. Who bites popsicles?” 

“Me,” Hyde retorted, pointedly taking another bite. 

“Heathen,” Jackie teased, tossing the wrapper at Hyde before sucking on the top of her popsicle. 

If someone had told Jackie six months ago that she’d be sitting next to Hyde on the couch, hanging out with each other as friends, she would have admitted them into the asylum. 

It had taken a while for the hostility between the two former lovers to die down. They were aware they both made mistakes, and eventually, the constant burns and arguments grew tiresome. So Jackie had suggested a truce, and surely enough, Hyde agreed. 

After all, they both had moved on from their relationship. Jackie had Fez, and though Sam hadn’t worked out for Hyde, he seemed to be just fine without a romantic partner. 

Six months had passed, and here they were; friends. She sometimes still couldn’t believe the level of comfort they developed with each other in that amount of time, but she was thankful for it nonetheless. She had missed him, and to have him in her life – even just as friends – was more than she could have hoped for. 

While Jackie was lost in her thoughts, Hyde watched with rapt attention as she moved the popsicle between her lips. Her tongue licked up the melted drops that rolled down the side of the popsicle before she slid it back into her mouth. She was mesmerizing, and she didn’t even know it. 

“What?” 

Hyde snapped his eyes up to her face from where they were previously watching her lips and was met with a smug Jackie. “Huh?”

“You're staring at me.” 

“No, I'm not.” 

“Yes, you were.”

“Jackie, I was not staring at you,” he scoffed. 

Jackie laughed. “That’s okay Steven, I don’t blame you, I’d find it hard not to stare at me too.” 

“Ah, there’s those narcissistic tendencies we all missed so much.” 

“Steven, you know it’s not kind to lie, I’m just calling it like it is,” Jackie shrugged and flipped her hair over her shoulder. 

“Sure, Doll. Whatever you say.”

Jackie felt her cheeks flush at the sound of the pet name he used to call her. She hadn’t heard the name in so long, and she'd be lying if she said she didn’t miss it. Jackie could tell Hyde caught onto his slip because almost as fast as the words left his mouth, he averted his gaze and focused on the wrapper in his hands. 

Jackie cleared her throat, “The sooner you admit that I’m right, the easier this will be.” 

“I’d rather eat glass, Jackie,” He deadpanned, his zen attitude firmly locked back into place. 

Rolling her eyes, Jackie stood from the couch and brushed her hands down the skirt of her dress. “I was gonna offer to be your driver tomorrow, but now I’m not so sure.” 

“Hey, let’s not be hasty now.” Hyde stood, his chest brushed against her arm, and Jackie’s breath caught in her throat at the sudden contact. 

Hyde looked down at her, realizing how close they were, before stepping back once. “You know, besides Forman, you’re the only one I trust to drive the Camino.” 

Jackie lifted her head with a grin, feeling much more comfortable now that the friendly distance between them was back in place. “I’d be offended if you didn’t.” 

“Ah, well, you were always good with cars.” 

“You trying to butter me up, Steven?” Jackie mused.

“Depends. It workin?” 

Jackie lifted her chin up, staring into his eyes. 

“Okay, Steven, I will drive you tomorrow,” she relented after a beat, sitting back down on the couch. 

Hyde raised a brow and took his seat. “You sure? Tomorrow is Sunday. Fez was going on and on about some date he had planned for you guys,” He said, voice tight.

Jackie froze. She forgot about date night. If she were candid with herself, her relationship with Fez wasn’t what she thought it would be. When they had kissed on New Years, Jackie was sure that she had finally gotten it right. But whenever she and Fez spent time together, it felt like they were just best friends hanging out. Almost like how she felt spending time with Donna or Brooke. 

There was no fire, no overwhelming connection that made her feel alive. Not like with… no, she couldn’t think that way. That chapter of her life was over.

“Uh yeah, but I’m sure he won’t mind rescheduling.” 

Hyde observed her for a moment before shifting towards her. “You okay, Jackie?” 

Before she could answer, the door to the basement swung open. Eric and Donna walked inside, and Eric stopped short when he noticed Hyde. 

“Hey man, are you still mad?” Eric asked. 

Hyde hesitantly looked away from Jackie, “Nah, I’m good. Jackie’s gonna drive me.” 

Donna’s eyebrows lifted in surprise. “Is that right?” 

Jackie looked at Donna, a questioning stare on her face. “Yeah… Steven needed my help since someone bailed on him at the last minute,” she replied, staring pointedly at Eric. 

Eric raised his hands up in defense, “Woah woah woah, I didn’t cancel at the last minute, that would be if I canceled on the actual day, and I didn’t…” he trailed off. “I canceled the day before.”

“Oh whatever,” Jackie waved her hands dismissively, “The moral of the story is that I’m a better friend than you.”

“She’s right, man,” Hyde joined in. 

Eric blanched, then shook his head. “Whatever, I’m getting a weekend full of lovin, and what are you getting? Knocked out from an operation and car time with Jackie. So I win!” 

Donna smacked her boyfriend on the chest and turned back to Jackie. “Thanks for stepping in, Jackie. It’s really selfless of you.” 

“Duh,” Jackie responded. She stood once again and began gathering her things. “I gotta get going, Fez is waiting for me to have dinner.” 

Hyde cleared his throat. “See you at 8 on the dot, Jackie. Not a minute later, alright?” 

Jackie nodded and left the basement, not noticing the redhead following behind her. 

“Jackie, wait!” Donna called. 

“Yeah?”

“You sure this is a good idea?” She asked. 

Jackie pursed her lips, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“C’mon Jackie, you know what I mean. You’re gonna be alone with Hyde, and he might not be so friendly after all those drugs get in his system. Will you be able to handle that? I don't want you to be hurt by him again.” 

Jackie scoffed. “Seriously, Donna? I think I can handle Steven Hyde. Besides, I have a boyfriend–”

“That you don’t love,” Donna interjected. “I know you Jackie. I know things were shaky between us for a while, but I know you,” 

Sighing inwardly, Jackie’s head fell back. “Look, Steven and I are friends, it’s gonna be fine. I know you’re worried but that part of my life is over, okay? We didn’t work out and nothing is there anymore. Especially on his part.” 

“I don’t think–”

“Don’t – Just… don’t please?” 

Donna nodded sharply and rested her hand on Jackie’s shoulder. “Just be careful, okay, midget?” 

“I know, lumberjack.” 

“Fezzie, you home?” Jackie shouted into the apartment she shared with Fez after seeing the living room was vacant. 

“I’m in the kitchen.” 

Jackie furrowed her brow and walked into the kitchen to find Fez sprawled out on the floor, a bottle of Amaretto almost empty beside him. 

“What is happening on my kitchen floor right now?” 

“We have to talk and I just need liquid courage,” Fez slurred. “And well… you know how much I love the taste of Amaretto. It’s like candy,” he sighed with a dreamy smile.

Slowly, Jackie set her purse down on the counter and found her own place on the floor. She picked up the Amaretto and took a swig, grimacing slightly at the burn. 

After composing herself, Jackie asked, “What’s going on, Fez?” 

“I don’t want you to hate me,” Fez pouted, “Gimmie,” he gestured to the liquor bottle. 

Jackie took another sip and then handed the bottle to her very drunk companion. “Just tell me, Fez.” 

“I ran into Nina. When we were talking I had this fluttering feeling in my stomach – and not because I ate too much candy. It felt like it did when we were dating and I realized I might still have feelings for her. But that doesn't mean that I don't care about you cause I do and you know Fez has been waiting for his goddess for so long but now that we're together it just feels like… like–” 

“Like two friends trying to force something that isn't there?” Jackie suggested, and Fez nodded solemnly. 

“Do you hate me?” Fez asked after a beat. 

“No,” Jackie replied honestly. “If I’m being real with you and myself, I've been feeling the same way.” 

“Why haven’t you told me?” Fez questioned. 

“Because I wanted this to work. When things ended with Steven I was so broken. I didn’t think that anyone would love me, and I was so lost that I made a ridiculous list of qualities I wanted in a man – all of which were entirely superficial. On paper you and I should work, but we just don't,” Jackie explained softly. 

Fez nodded in agreement and placed his hand on Jackie’s thigh. 

“I mean,” Jackie continued, “You’re clingy and needy, and if you haven’t noticed, I like attention.” 

“I think everyone noticed that, goddess,” Fez teased. 

Jackie chuckled and reached for the bottle again. Fez handed it over wordlessly and watched as she took a sip. A contemplative look crossed her face.

“I think we were trying so hard to make things work between the two of us because we were trying to distract ourselves from what we both know to be true,” Jackie murmured. 

“What’s that?” 

“We both are still in love with our exes.”

“You still love Kelso?” Fez blubbered. 

Jackie smacked his arm with a huff, “No you goon, I’m still in love with Steven. I never stopped loving him.”

“I know, I was just trying to lighten the mood,” Fez said faintly. “So I guess this means we are officially broken up?” 

Jackie snorted and stood from the floor, reaching a hand out to help Fez stand. “Absolutely. I never thought I’d be happy about a breakup before.” 

Fez pulled Jackie in for a hug, rubbing soothing circles on her back. “Same here. But your friendship means more to me than anything else.” 

Jackie squeezed his arms once before pulling herself from the hug. “So ex-boyfriend, wanna pop open a bottle of Merlot?” 

“Is Amaretto not enough?” 

Jackie shook her head comically fast. “No, not at all. I’m driving Steven to his appointment tomorrow and I don’t know how I’m gonna handle all that time alone with him.”

Fez pressed his hands over his heart. “Oh my dear, we’re gonna need a lot of booze.” 

Waking up the following morning was far from pleasant. The pair had indulged in way too many drinks, and the aftermath of their little party was kicking her ass. She would have slept longer if it weren't for the sun shining through her windows and the pounding in her head growing worse by the minute. Jackie made her way to the bathroom and grabbed two aspirins, quickly taking them with the water bottle that drunk Jackie had the foresight of bringing into her room last night. 

Walking into the living room, she stopped short when she noticed the time. 

7:50a.m. 

“Shit!” 

Rushing back into the bathroom, Jackie turned the shower on and stripped out of her clothes. She stepped into the still cold stream and washed her hair and body quicker than usual, skipping her regular routine. After she finished, she brushed her teeth and applied light makeup – definitely not the look she was going for, but it would have to do. As Jackie dried and styled her hair, she thanked God for heating tools because if she had to air dry her hair, it would have been a complete disaster. 

She wiggled into her favorite pair of jeans and the green off-the-shoulder top that just so happened to be one of Steven’s favorites before she practically ran out the front door. Jackie must have broken every traffic law on the drive to the Forman’s, but she eventually made it there by 8:25. 

Steven was leaning against the El Camino with his arms crossed and a scowl on his face.

“Jackie–” 

But the scowl on his face disappeared the minute she walked out of her car, his eyes unashamedly looking up and down her body. 

“I know, I know, I’m sorry,” Jackie hurriedly replied. “I know you said 8 on the dot but I woke up late and I got dressed as fast as I could. You aren’t gonna miss your appointment, right?” She looked up at him guiltily. 

Clearing his throat, Hyde led Jackie to the passenger side of the El Camino. “No, it’s alright Doll. I kinda figured you’d take a bit to get ready so I told you to get here earlier, my appointment isn’t until 9:15.” 

Jackie breathed out a sigh of relief and relaxed. “You know, I should smack you for that but I get it, I like to take my time getting ready.” 

Hyde snorted, “Don’t I know it.” 

“Shut up!” Jackie scoffed. “So, what kinda work are you getting done anyway?” She asked as Hyde pulled out of the driveway and started driving. 

“They gotta do something in there, I don’t know. I wasn’t really paying attention.” 

“Steven!” 

“What? Look, you know I don’t like going to the dentist. They said surgery and I zoned out. What I do know is I'll be on some of the good stuff when I wake up,” he said. 

“Ooo the laughing gas,” Jackie giggled, “I remember that feeling from when I got my wisdom teeth out, it was quite the experience.” 

Hyde flicked his eyes over at her for a moment, a grin on his face. “I remember. You looked ridiculous.” 

Jackie’s mouth dropped, “You take that back right now! I never look ridiculous.”

“Sure, Jackie, but I’d be lying.”

Jackie huffed and rested her head back against the seat. “I’ll remember this when you get out of your operation.” 

“I’ll be too high to care what I look like,” Hyde pointed out. 

“Oh whatever,” Jackie brushed him off when they finally pulled into the parking lot. 

Once they were inside, and all the paperwork was filled out, one of the dental assistants led them into a room and explained what would happen throughout the procedure. Jackie made sure Hyde actually listened this time. 

“When you wake up from the procedure, you will be pretty out of it. The anesthesia will be minor, so the effects won’t last for more than a few hours at most,” the dental assistant, Vanessa, explained. 

“And this is safe, right?” Jackie asked, her eyes flicking over to Hyde briefly. 

“Of course. This is a routine procedure, he’s in safe hands. As long as Mr. Hyde keeps up with the recovery protocols, there should be no problems.” 

Jackie nodded, “Don't worry Steven, if I remember the effects of anesthetic well enough, you won’t feel a thing.” 

“And it’s quite entertaining for the rest of us,” Vanessa added lightheartedly. “I’ll be back shortly.” 

When Vanessa left, Jackie turned to Hyde with her head resting in her palm. “I cannot wait till you lose your zen and say random things.” 

Hyde scrunched up his face in confusion, “What are you talkin about Jackie?” 

“C’mon, you remember how loose lipped I was after my operation. You’re gonna be just as bad as me.”

“Jackie, you’re loose lipped all the time. Being doped up doesn't make a difference,” he noted. 

“Ugh, whatever. The point is, you’re gonna be extremely talkative and I for one am excited to hear what you’re gonna say,” she smiled triumphantly. 

“Too bad you’re setting yourself up for disappointment,” Hyde said gruffly. 

Jackie leaned closer to him coyly, “What’s the matter, Steven? Afraid you’re gonna spill your deep dark secrets?” 

Hyde froze. That’s exactly what he was afraid of. 

“Don’t got any, and if I did, you’d be the last one to know about em,” Hyde haughtily replied. As soon as the words left his mouth, he regretted them, but it was too late to take them back; Jackie pounced before he could even take a breath. 

“Right,” Jackie scoffed, the playful grin now absent from her features, “I forgot it would kill you to open up to anyone. Sorry, I thought we were past your immature bullshit.” 

Jackie rarely cursed, but you knew she was well and truly angry when she did. 

“Jackie–”

“I’ll see you after your operation, Hyde.” Jackie stormed out of the room, not noticing the crumpled look on his face. 

Jackie sat in the waiting room for hours until Vanessa finally approached her. “He’s awake, the operation went just as planned, and he was a great patient. So you can come back and get him now, but be warned, he is very talkative right now,” Vanessa laughed as she led Jackie to Hyde’s room. 

When she saw Steven, he wore the most peaceful smile she had ever seen, especially for him. Although she was annoyed with him, hurt mostly, she couldn't help but soften at the sight of him. Jackie watched him talk to another one of the dental assistants, his wallet open and in front of the woman’s face, seemingly unaware of her presence in the room. 

“She’s got the coolest eyes, man. She hates them, but they’re one of my favorite things about her. She's just beautiful.” 

Jackie’s breath hitched. She thought back to one of those nights together that first summer. They were cuddled up on his cot after they had slept together. He was running his hands up and down the length of her arm while she played with his hair. 

“Your eyes are two different colors,” he observed. 

Jackie flushed and turned away from him. “I know. My mom always told me they made me a freak. I hate them.” 

Hyde cupped her cheek and turned her face back to his. Leaning in, he pressed soft kisses on her lips before pulling back, his eyes locked in on hers. “Your mother is wrong. Your eyes are beautiful.”

Jackie smiled fondly at the memory, letting a soft laugh escape her. At the sound, Hyde finally noticed her in the room and beamed.

“Jackie!” He closed the wallet and sloppily shoved it back into his pocket. Jackie made a point to ask him what he showed the lady later on. 

“Hi, Steven, how you feelin?” She asked as she approached his chair. 

“I feel real good,” he replied, a dopey expression on his face. 

“How much talking did he do?” She asked the dental assistant. 

The dental assistant, Dahlia, smirked, “A lot. You got yourself a keeper.” 

Jackie cleared her throat, opting to just ignore it for now. “Alright, Steven, let’s get you home.” 

He stood, losing his balance slightly before Jackie grabbed his arm to steady him. He grinned at her and slid his arm around her shoulders, looking victorious when she didn’t brush it away. As they walked out to the car, he looked only at her; he seemed to be contemplating something. 

“What’s on your mind, Steven?” 

“You came back.” 

Jackie scrunched up her face, “Did you think I wouldn’t?

He nodded his head. 

“Why?” 

“Cause you were so pissed at me before.” 

Jackie sighed, “I wouldn’t have left you, Steven, doesn’t matter how mad I was.” 

She led him to the passenger side of the El Camino and opened the door, gesturing for him to sit down. 

“Yeah, I know you’re not mad anymore cause you called me Steven.” 

“I always call you Steven,” Jackie commented. 

“Nope, you said Hyde, you were pissed.” 

Jackie pushed him gently into the car, “Just sit down, Steven.” 

He sat down, and a smug smile spread across his face. 

“Put your seatbelt on,” Jackie ordered. 

Hyde exhaled heavily, “I’m too tired.”

“You’re joking.” 

“Nope,” Hyde exaggerated, “You gotta do it for me. You’re supposed to be takin care of me.” 

Jackie tutted, hovering over him to click on his seatbelt. She heard him inhale; she turned her head, their faces only inches apart. 

“Anything else?” She asked shakily.

Hyde shook his head slowly, “You smell good.” 

Jackie felt her face heat up, forcing out a nervous laugh.

“Thank you.” She pulled away and walked around to the driver's side, sliding into the car and starting up the engine. 

The minute she started driving, Hyde reached up and switched on the radio. Zeppelin blasted through the speakers.

“I thought you said you were tired?” 

Hyde regarded her, stone-faced. “I’m never too tired for Zeppelin.” 

“Of course, how silly of me,” she gibed. 

A playful smile broke out on his face. “Do you remember what we were doing the last time we listened to this song together?” 

Her face turned crimson, “Let’s not talk about this right now–”

“Danced around in your little cheer uniform while I sat on the couch–”

“Don’t finish that sentence, Steven,” Jackie said sternly. 

“Then I carried you to my room and fucked–”

“Steven!” Jackie gasped, “Okay, let’s change the topic of conversation now, please!” 

Hyde chuckled, a wicked grin stretched across his face. “Yes ma'am.”  

Jackie’s face flushed, and she had to resist the urge to fling him out of the car upon seeing his smug face. 

“You’re incorrigible,” Jackie teased. 

“Yeah but you love it,” Hyde murmured. 

She cleared her throat and turned down the familiar road leading to the Forman’s house, choosing not to admit that he was right. She did love it. She loved everything about him. 

Jackie put the car in park and pulled her hair behind her neck. She reached forward to turn the radio off, but Hyde’s hand wrapped gently around her wrist, stopping her. 

“Wait, I like this song,” he murmured. 

The opening notes of “Miss You” by The Rolling Stones met her ears. She softened and moved her gaze over to the man seated next to her. His eyes were on her, longing evident on his face. 

I've been holdin' out so long

I've been sleepin' all alone

Lord, I miss you

I've been hanging on the phone

I've been sleeping all alone

I want to kiss you sometime

“I want to kiss you,” Hyde confessed. 

“Steven–”

“I always want to kiss you, baby. But I can't cause you’re with Fez.” 

Jackie’s breath hitched. “Steven, Fez and I–”

Hyde pressed his palm gently against her cheek, and whatever she was about to say died on her tongue. His fingers scratched at her scalp, and she closed her eyes, losing herself in the feel of him. 

“I hate that he can touch you and I can’t,” Hyde whispered. 

Jackie blinked her eyes open slowly, his own set on her lips. He leaned in, resting his forehead against hers, and she felt like everything was finally beginning to align again. It felt like how things used to be – back when they were in love, and the harsh reality of life didn’t crush them. But it wasn’t. He was barely lucid, and she knew that he wouldn’t remember any of this in the morning. 

Whatever was going on had to stop, no matter how badly she wanted it to keep going.

He breathed in deeply, his lips brushed against hers, but she turned her face, never giving them the chance to touch. Jackie felt him breathe out a sigh of disappointment before he pressed his lips to her cheek, once, twice, then slowly moving down towards her neck. 

“Steven, we have to go inside,” she said softly. 

He nuzzled his face in the crook of her neck, “Five more minutes.” 

Despite herself, Jackie wrapped her arms tighter around his shoulders, pulling him closer to her. 

Just five more minutes. 

“Oh my precious boy! How are you feeling?” Kitty exclaimed when they walked through the door. 

Hyde had his arm wrapped around Jackie’s shoulders for balance, and at Kitty’s question, he pulled her closer to him. 

“I’m better now.” 

Jackie couldn’t control her smile, and Kitty’s eyes flashed with joy at seeing the two together. 

“I’m gonna bring him downstairs, he needs to rest,” Jackie told Kitty. 

“Here, I bought him a new pillow,” Kitty said, handing it to Jackie. “His old one was so flat and that’s no way to sleep after having such a big day!” 

Jackie just smiled in amusement and pulled Hyde along with her to the stairs leading down to the basement. When they got there, Fez was sitting on the couch with a bag of candy in his hands. 

“Fezzie? What are you doing here?” Jackie asked, and she could have sworn she heard Hyde make a disgruntled sound. 

“I wanted to check in on my buddy here… and you too.” Fez was looking at her with an expression on his face – one that meant he could see right through her. While they didn’t work as a couple, they were still best friends, and he knew how she felt about Steven. 

Jackie smiled, “Everything is perfect, right Steven?” 

“Yeah, whatever,” Hyde replied dejectedly. 

Fez glanced nervously at Jackie, “Uh, can we talk real quick?” 

Hyde tightened his hold on Jackie, and it felt like a fire was erupting inside her. 

“Yeah, uhm, let me just bring Steven to his room really quick and we can talk,” she replied, walking to the back room. 

She placed his new pillow on the bed and turned to look at him. “I’ll be right back, okay?” 

Hyde sat on the bed, his shoulders slumped. “Whatever.” 

Jackie opened her mouth to say something but decided against it. She closed the door behind her and walked back to Fez. 

“Did you tell him we broke up?” Fez immediately questioned. 

“No… I was going to but then– I just think that it would be better to tell him tomorrow, you know? When he would remember it,” Jackie sighed. 

Fez placed his hand on her shoulder, “Okay, but please do it quickly. The sooner he knows the better. Now I have to go meet up with Nina,” he said, clutching onto his bag of candy and walking out the door, leaving Jackie alone with Hyde yet again. 

Hyde didn’t acknowledge her when she walked back into his room. His eyes were focused on his wallet, which was open in his hand, his thumb sliding back and forth across whatever he was looking at. A soft smile played at the corners of his lips. 

“What are you looking at?” 

Hyde slammed his wallet closed and shoved it under his pillow. “Nothing.” 

Jackie moved closer to him and angled her head to the spot on the bed next to him. He scooted over and let her sit. 

“When I came into your room at the dentist I saw you showing the dental assistant your wallet. There’s gotta be something interesting in there for you to be staring at it so often,” Jackie insisted. 

Hyde was silent. 

“Steven, show me.” 

“No.” 

“Show me.” 

“No.” 

“Please,” Jackie pouted, just like she used to do when they were together. 

Hyde looked at her, an expression she couldn't quite place on his face. Then, without a word, he pulled the wallet out from under his pillow and handed it to her. His eyes never left her as she opened it up to see a photo of her inside. 

“After the nurse… in the Fotohut,” Jackie breathed out. 

Hyde nodded. “You were laughing about something – probably the most carefree I’ve ever seen you – and I just picked up a camera and took a picture. You told me to burn the film–” 

“But you developed it?” Jackie asked breathily. 

He nodded, his eyes lowering back down to the picture. 

Jackie felt her throat grow tight, wetness gathered in her eyes, but she couldn’t let the tears fall. Not now. 

“And you kept it? After all this time?” 

Hyde nodded, his gaze unmoving on her. 

“When did you put it back in?”

“Jackie, I never took it out.” 

Jackie’s heart felt like it was going to burst out of her chest. But as soon as the elation came, it dwindled, leaving behind a feeling she thought she’d never have to experience again. 

“So I guess you slid her picture over mine then?” 

Hyde said nothing as he furrowed his brow in question.

After the silence stretched on for another minute, Jackie huffed out a slightly agitated breath. That tended to happen when she was thinking about her. 

“Sam. Did you slide Sam’s picture over mine in your–” 

“I never kept a picture of her. Only you. It was only ever you,” Hyde interrupted, his voice tight as he continued. “Don’t talk about her. She was nothing. She meant nothing.”  

Jackie nodded wordlessly, too overwhelmed to speak. The tears she tried so hard to keep at bay escaped her eyes, and she quickly wiped them away so he wouldn’t see them. But she knew he did. 

Jackie looked at him, and she could tell the effects of the anesthetic were wearing off; his giddiness was replaced with seriousness. Drowsiness was evident in the way his eyes drooped. 

“You need to get some rest,” She murmured. 

Hyde shifted on the bed so his body was lying down. He grabbed her hand and started to pull her down with him, his eyes pleading. 

“Steven–” 

“Stay.” 

A part of her knew she shouldn’t, but all her fight seemed to leave her when she looked into his eyes. 

She laid down, her head rested on his chest, and he wrapped his arm around her. He held her so tightly as if he were afraid she’d disappear. 

She stayed there, listening to the sound of his heartbeat, a steady drum against her ear. Finally, his breathing evened out, and she closed her eyes, reveling in the feeling of just being in his arms again. 

As she started to drift to sleep, she heard it. Faint but clear as day. 

“Love you, Jackie.” 

The tears came again, rolling off her cheeks into the fabric of his T-shirt. “I love you too, Puddin Pop,” she whispered back. 

And when she was sure he was truly asleep, she let herself drift off with him. 

Jackie woke before Steven, seeing that it was well into the evening when she checked the clock. She definitely wouldn’t be getting any more sleep tonight. 

She untangled herself from him as carefully as she could so she wouldn't disturb him before allowing herself to study him. He always looked so peaceful when he slept. His features were soft, the corner of his mouth upturned in a smile, and his breathing was deep. Jackie always admired moments like this when they were together when she could just watch him sleep and play with the curls on the nape of his neck.

Jackie smiled slightly and stood from the bed, slipping on her shoes that were leaning against the chair on the other end of the room. She was halfway to the door before he started to stir. 

“Jackie?” His voice was rough from sleep. 

She froze, turning towards him with a sheepish smile. “Hey, how you feeling?” 

He sat up and lifted his arms above his head to stretch. The fabric of his shirt lifted, revealing a tiny sliver of skin that Jackie couldn’t help but focus on. 

“Okay. My mouth is pretty sore, though,” He answered. He then scratched the back of his head, “You uh– you slept here?” 

Jackie should have prepared herself better. She knew he wouldn’t remember what happened earlier, but she didn’t realize how much it would hurt. 

“Yeah, you sort of asked me to.” 

He stiffened, his breathing visibly quickened. “I did?” 

Jackie nodded. “Steven, are you okay?” 

Hyde stood, finding his sunglasses on the table next to his bed and sliding them on his face. “I’m cool.” 

Jackie walked in front of him. Reaching out, she took the glasses off his face, looking directly into his eyes. He could never hide the way he truly felt without his glasses. His eyes reflected that same openness she saw in him hours before; only this time, he was completely sober. 

“Steven, do you remember….” She trailed off, “Do you remember the things you said this morning?” 

Hyde’s intake of breath was almost ragged; his gaze broke from hers momentarily before he met her eyes again and nodded wordlessly. 

Jackie’s heart started to race, “All of it?” 

She needed to know if he remembered what he said to her while lying in bed. When he told her he loved her. 

“I thought it was a dream,” He mumbled to himself before trying to move away from her. She grabbed onto his arm and pulled him back to her. 

She cupped the sides of his face, forcing him to look at her, “Did you mean it?” 

Hyde said nothing. He just looked at her, his jaw tight. 

Even to her own ears, her voice sounded small, “Steven, did you mean what you said?” 

Hyde huffed out a shaky breath and stepped back, yanking his face from her hands.

“It doesn’t matter what I said.” 

“Of course it matters!” Jackie said firmly.

He was pacing the small area of his room and Jackie felt breathless. 

“God, Steven–”

“Yes! I still love you Jackie, is that what you wanna hear?” Hyde blurted out. 

Jackie’s mouth slammed shut, stunned at his declaration.

“Do you wanna hear how it kills me to see you with him? On his lap, kissing him, having him touch you? Because it does Jackie,” he breathed out. “I hate it because you should be with me.”

Hyde strode to her, their faces a breath apart, his lips brushing against hers with every word he murmured. “I meant everything I said to you earlier, but it doesn’t matter, you aren’t mine anymore.” 

“I’ve always been yours, Steven.” 

She felt him exhale against her lips; his hands rose up and tangled in her hair, his nose nudging against hers as he breathed her in. 

“Fez and I broke up,” she whispered against his mouth, “I went home the night you asked me to drive you to your appointment and we broke up. I wanted to tell you sooner, but I wasn't sure if you’d remember it.” 

His hands tightened in her hair at those words. 

She leaned in closer, pressing her forehead against his. She slid her hands up the sides of his body until she was holding his wrists. 

“It wasn’t going to work, not when I am still so in love with you–”

Hyde slammed his lips against hers before she could finish the sentence. She smiled against his mouth before she deepened the kiss, moving her lips with his in a passionate rhythm. Everything was right again for the first time in what felt like ages. This is where they wanted to be for the rest of their lives. 

They pulled apart, and he nuzzled his nose against hers. “Missed you, Jackie.” 

“I missed you too.”