Warped

This story is rated T for swearing and slightly suggestive scenes.

This is a 'That 70's Show' plot twist idea that's been rattling around my head. I don't know if I'll continue it after this, but if I get enough feedback and prompting I may do so.

Disclaimer: The actual show does not belong to me whatsoever, just this story and my character Lin. That '70s Show is an American television period sitcom that originally aired on Fox from August 23, 1998, to May 18, 2006. The series focused on the lives of a group of teenage friends living in the fictional suburban town of Point Place, Wisconsin, from May 17, 1976, to December 31, 1979.

My story premise: A 30 year old gets reincarnated into the show as Jackie at the age of ten. She decides to screw the plot and live life as she wanted. Her end goal: marry Steven Hyde, have children, and be happy. If she can bring a little more joy to the people she meets along the way, all the better. This story is in first person point of view.

Chapter 1: 1971 - 1976

There were many things that I had believed in my life...

Things that my parents taught me; be kind and be brave...

Things that my siblings taught me; never give up and think on your feet...

And things that I learned on my own; be strong and have faith.

I believed in God; I was a Christian, I believed in life beyond the stars, in multiple dimensions, and even in karma. The one thing that I didn't believe was reincarnation. There was as much solid proof in that as there were for mermaids. Nada.

So when I died during my appendectomy I thought, 'Well fuck...There goes having kids or that picket fence dream. I guess I'll just chill with my folks up in heaven... '

Except that didn't happen. What did happen, was unexpected to say the least. At least I didn't have to go through being born again. That would've been a total downer, although it wasn't so bad in the game Fallout 3. Then again…this wasn't a game.

I woke up to bright blinding white lights and someone who looked eerily like Kitty Forman. My bones ached and I felt like I had the biggest migraine in my life. It throbbed behind my eyes and I couldn't help, but press the heel of my hand against my forehead.

When I looked back to double check, I squinted at her. I liked the 70's show as much as any other kid from the 90's, but cosplay in a hospital...really? It was just unprofessional. I would probably be less cranky if I was in less pain.

Before I could snap at her, she asked me in that Kitty like voice, "Jacqueline, dear, can you see and hear me clearly?" The Kitty look-alike nurse was really spot on. At least she looked properly worried.

I bit down a waspish retort and I nodded, "So the surgery went okay?"

I supposed that I may not have died after all. I mean why else was I alive? I nodded wincing again while she injected something into my IV bag.

A couple seconds later, I suddenly felt relief. I sagged into my bed and let out a happy sigh. That's the stuff.

When I looked back up again the nurse was frowning, "Were you awake for any part of your surgery, sweetie? Oh dear, let me just call your father. I promised to notify him as soon as you woke up." She hurried away without saying another word.

I grimaced at her quickly retreating back. Now, that didn't make sense. My folks had been dead for five years now.

I looked down at my arms and hands, and almost screamed. I tried to calm my raging heart and slow my quickening breaths. I was white. I was BLACK the last time I checked. I certainly never asked for a racial change when I went in for a simple appendectomy.

I touched my hair; it wasn't tightly curly any more nor was it as voluminous. Jeeze... I really liked my hair the way it was. What in the world was going on?!

I glanced around looking for some sort of reflective surface nearby carefully avoiding catching my IV tube on something. I found a metal pitcher beside my bed and my recently abandoned medical chart. My jaw dropped. Mother fucker no. Was I hallucinating?

I gazed at the face that gazed back at me. I looked just like… a young Mila Kunis? I peered closer and found that I didn't have her heterochromia eyes. My eyes were brown just like how the character she played from the 70's show had originally had brown eyes. Well shittlesticks. I didn't even have my own eyes.

I shook my head slightly and rifled through my medical chart. Now and again, I couldn't help but feel my face with my right hand. This was like a weird body snatchers episode, but freakier.

It stated that I was Jacqueline Beulah Burkhart, age ten, born September 24, 1961. The current date was a week past my tenth birthday apparently. I was admitted for a hit and run. I had apparently ran out onto the street and got swiped by a car on my birthday.

I looked back at my reflection, I noted the bruises that seemed to be fading from my face and arms. How long was I in here? If I wasn't in for an appendectomy, what the fuck happened?

I riffeled through more of my chart, but it seemed like the nursing and doctor's notes were missing for some reason. I sighed and continued on reading what I could find. It said that I was admitted to the hospital by my mother and a naked clown. Huh. I guess it was this birthday that got her to fear clowns.

I returned the pitcher and chart back to exactly where I had found them soon flopping back on my hospital bed. While I lay on my bed like a starfish I looked around the room and saw how it was probably one of the few private rooms here. Guess I must've been THAT rich Jackie Burkhart from the show.

I blew a stray dark curl out of my face with a scowl. So reincarnation was real. I just thought it wouldn't be in a show of all places. Well...I did believe in different dimensions.

I let out a disgruntled sigh. FML. I guess I should? I guess…I should….just go with it? I mean, if I'm in a coma somewhere then none of this'll matter. However…..if I'm not….what's the use in struggling? I let out a little whine and stared up at the ceiling…was this my life now?

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The next couple months were a blur of vital sign checks, doctor checkups, healing, "my" father talking to lawyers, a different lawyer handing me a letter, and a whole bunch of other stuff that led me to where I am now four months later.

I found out that the year really was 1971 and not some elaborate joke. I accidentally nicked myself with a knife while I was cooking, so there goes the coma idea. I certainly couldn't bend time or reality to my will either, so the only possibility that was left was that this was all real. I had totally missed out on the last performance that the Beatles had together.

This certainly did prove reincarnation, karma, and that alternate dimensions existed. Never make fun of gypsies' kids. Insert laugh track here.

I kept waiting for it, but it really hit me that it wasn't a show when I was taken to the Burkhart mansion before we moved.

I studied my reflection some more in private, and had to get used to being a midget along with the sudden racial change. I was originally a five seven black bootylicious woman, in my opinion, so just reaching four nine in a slight frame felt like I had become a skinny dwarf sans beard in the blink of an eye.

I still tended to reach for things that were easily accessible to me before, and it annoyed me to no end. It was kind of like being in one of those Oculus Rift games, but somehow forgetting which character slot you were playing in the middle of a battle. The reach was all wrong.

I saw the multitude of dresses in her closet and privately cursed, everything else were either bellbottoms or had rainbows with unicorns. That would NOT do.

I loved skinny jeans; wore em all the time instead of dresses while I grew up. I shrugged. I'll just have to change up my "old" wardrobe. Thank God people started wearing skinny jeans back in the fifties. I'll just have to shop through the thrift stores, buy a sewing machine, and a bunch of cloth. I'd just have to make the things I liked and pick and choose everything else.

I was totally going to purchase a Singer sewing machine. Those things were damn reliable especially those built during this era. I happily noted that the music that I loved as a child was still available to me. Hello the Beatles, Led Zeppelin and Stevie Wonder, you and many others will make my life here less miserable.

Not that I would let them see that. I wouldn't want someone picking on me…again. Bullying in this era was swept under the rug in comparison to what happened in the future, so I expected the worst if it did happen to me again.

As I looked around my "old" room I sighed gratefully when I found that there wasn't a mass of posters of 70's men that had adorned her walls during the show. Why I expected that from a ten year old, I wouldn't know.

Her massive piles of stuffed animals were still present spilling across her bed to the floor. She didn't have a doll house surprisingly.

Everything was pink, from the walls, to the bedding, to the clothes and the dresser, and my irritation grew. I liked pink as well, but this much felt ludicrous. A person should be able to like more than one damn color.

Was it her parents or was it her? I knew that femininity wasn't how it was in 2028, but really? A color shouldn't determine someone's gender. Besides, pink used to mean masculinity way back then and blue for femininity. Jeeze…

On the other hand….I was taking over some little girl's life. I felt a little bad, and that worried me a little. Shouldn't I feel worse about this, even if it helped me live?

I sighed and let my thoughts wander. I balked at the thought of having to go through high school again, and in the 70's to boot.

I frowned. I supposed I could just skip everything through a bunch of tests, and probably a couple IQ tests. I wasn't a genius by anyone's standards, but I was still technically a thirty year old woman in a ten year old body.

Besides that, after this incident I noticed that her father was putty in my hands. His baby girl would get everything and anything after this "trauma".

I smirked inwardly, this would be fun. If I had to be stuck here in this whatever zone, I was going to milk it for all it was worth. Was it the right thing to do? I don't know, but what else could I do?

The lawyer with the letter had talked to me privately. Apparently, "my" Great aunt Enid left her, or rather me, $1,000,000 in cash in a private account as her heir apparent after the accident. In the will, that was just the monetary funds alone.

Turned out, her great aunt was a frugal smarmy bitch, so she didn't have anyone that liked her. She apparently died a couple days later with no one showing up to her funeral; super duper sad. This in turn, meant that I also got pretty much everything else. This was probably what that helped Jack Burkhart keep embezzling money for as long as he had. My two 'parents' spent money like water.

I was apparently chosen because she had stated that I was the least annoying relative between my mother and father. This hadn't happened in the show, so I supposed that she hadn't run from the clown incident in that reality. This was a strange domino effect, right? I didn't have any other explanation that made sense in my head. I stored that tidbit into my nope box. I hid it from "my" father.

When I got down to the brass tacks I found out my total inheritance was worth about $6,228,435.01, which meant if I wanted to I would never have to work again. It totally blew my mind at how much things cost here.

This serendipitous happenstance really shocked me since I grew up as a broke-ass-bitch. This financial stability made my stomach clench and my heart ache. Bread was less than a dollar here and eggs were just sixty cents for a dozen.

I privately wished that I could transcend the dimensions and give some of the money to my past self and my past family. All this wealth on one little girl…and into the nope box you go.

My father hired this new lady, named Rosita, as a full time nanny along with buying up a house near the Forman's for yours truly.

Why, you may ask?

Because he had the strangest idea that a smaller house would keep me safer, from what, I really didn't know. Like this part of the suburbs would really be any safer than our previous home.

People still got killed wherever they went. Besides, I think he was lying because "we" had to buy a smaller mansion due to the divorce. I bet it was because he could freely invite his many other "lady friends"; the ones "my" mother kept harping about during the divorce proceedings, to an unoccupied "cozier" mansion.

It worked out in any case since he immediately went off on one of his long "business" trips, and the only solace I got was an allowance of $500 a week while he was away, and Rosita. She only really spoke Spanish though and he really didn't pay her much. I think she was only really nice to me because I was a) her employer basically, and b) I was nice to her from the start. I didn't put up a fuss, helped with chores, cooking, and only really bothered her when I wanted company.

Any monetary funds my father gave me to assuage his guilt was withdrawn right away into my own account at a different bank in town. Great aunt Enid was a crafty old curmudgeon in that she had made sure that I could touch the money and all the other assets now even at the age of ten. I don't know how she did it because I didn't think I was emancipated yet because my pseudo father would pop a blood vessel. His perfectly crafted lie of a perfect family was already broken; an emancipated daughter wouldn't do his image any favors.

I toyed around with the idea of paying Rosita more, since $3 an hour seemed like nothing to me. Money was kind of confusing going backwards. I was used to a $15 minimum wage, which was a gigantic leap from just $3. I didn't know how though and left that thought alone. I could figure it out later.

Mother dearest went off to Mexico with the clown/pool boy Eduardo after the divorce proceedings probably because just getting a divorce here in a small town had a bad stigma during this era. The last thing she said to me was that she would send gifts through the postal system. She had won the right to a quarter of daddy dearest's fortune so I don't doubt that she meant what she said. If it was of any use I would keep it, but if it wasn't I would probably just pawn it. No offense to anyone, but she really wasn't my mother. My mother was a great woman who went through multiple sicknesses in her life time, along with shit ass poverty, and still came out breathing. This punk ass bitch wouldn't and couldn't come close. My chest always hurt when I thought about her.

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I checked my brand new leather watch. I had found a small oval watch face and attached slim bands of black leather onto it. It was less bulky and much more feminine than the other watches here which were more catered for men in this era.

It reminded me of a watch my original mother used to wear when she was younger. Things that reminded me of my past made my heart both ache and soar. It was a complicated feeling.

I tapped my brown leather loafer heel; my annoyance was probably clearly visible on my face.

Rosita was supposed to come and pick me up from the library. She was late. Again.

I really didn't want to walk any further. Sure the heels were cute, but they hurt. And sure…that was my fault for choosing that, but I wanted to look sort of cute today. It's not like the doctors forbade me from wearing heels.

My dad had bought me a car so that Rosita could drop me off and pick me up from wherever just in case I was feeling weak. I never really felt as weak as when I had 'arrived here'; it was more not wanting to walk for a long period of time in a still sort of alien place. Luckily I had managed to pressure him to put the car under my name. Guilt could make people do almost anything.

He had become much more distant after he found out how intelligent I really was. In this era, smarter women weren't exactly the best commodity to have apparently.

Oh well... In time society would change, and I knew that. I mean he was still nice in his own way, the money still came in and everything was handled financially when it came to my house…

I just felt a little lonely.

It didn't help that my period had started last week. I knew what it was and Rosita was left to try and explain it all in Spanish. It was both embarrassing and confusing.

How do you tell a lady that's supposed to be your guardian that you don't really need her for that, but rather would like her to be more of a friend?

Miming things always ended up with confusion with Rosita. Maybe I was just as bad at charades as I was in my previous body. Did that cross over when you were reincarnated?

I rolled my eyes and huffed out a breath making my way home on foot. My back heel stuck slightly and I sighed pausing to adjust it slightly.

I saw that Steven Hyde and Eric Forman were ahead of me a couple feet away. I wondered where Donna and Michael were.

We didn't run in the same circles so I couldn't really just go up and ask them. I was promoted into the 11th grade a couple months ago, but before I skipped a bunch of grades, they were all in the class ahead of me.

Back then I saw them often enough on the playground. Now I didn't see them at all.

It wasn't easy, but in a couple more tests, projects, and papers I could test out of high school all together. I wouldn't know what it would mean for my social life, but high school was just as unbearable for me as it was before. It didn't help that a lot of the kids there really thought I was just a midget.

I tugged at the dark brown leather backpack that I had slung across my back. I left my text books at school and only really studied my notes at the library.

Not having friends made me crave any sort of social interaction, even if it was just the librarian saying hello. Smart I may be, but social I was not. I didn't like feeling like a strange little island in a sea of people though. It just made me even more homesick than I was usually.

I continued walking behind them ignoring how they kept looking back now and then. I cut my hair into a short curly chin length bob with bangs so I doubt that they would recognize me much.

My clothes were different too. Gone were the pink frilly dresses, bellbottoms, and rainbow adorned shirts. I now wore dark skinny jeans that would probably fit me forever considering my slight frame. My soft dark green trench coat was a little to long, but I figured that I would grow into it. Underneath my trench coat was a soft silk cotton blend top in bright yellow with a dark blue Peter Pan collar.

Children tended not to notice people younger than them, or people that they didn't see often. They certainly had trouble remembering who you were if you managed to lay low and change your appearance. That was one of the reasons for this whole new wardrobe.

I kept walking with my head down, perhaps I could get home unscathed? I didn't measure my steps correctly and bumped into someone's back. I hated being this small.

I looked up at a surprised looking Steven Hyde. He was wearing baggy faded clothing with a tattered looking backpack slung onto his shoulder.

Eric looked surprised as well. He looked much better off when I looked at the two in comparison.

They both looked so God damn young though. I would've laughed, but that would seem like an insane reaction after bumping into someone, right?

Eric tilted his head to the side, "Are you following us?" He probably saw me as some desperate kid looking to get some attention from the bigger kids. Psh…seriously?

Steven didn't have his sunglasses or Zen yet so his suspicion was clear in his eyes, "Are you, midget?" I thought he'd be much nicer as a kid, but I think this was the time after Eric had sabotaged a certain someone's good reputation.

I pouted affronted at that term. Yes I was basically a midget right now, but aawww hell to the no buddy; mmmhmm. I got in his face and pushed him back slightly sneering, "I'm not a midget! I'm ten. Besides, you guys aren't much taller!"

I turned to the now taken aback looking Eric pointing at his face, "And you! I'm not following you! I'm your other neighbor. There are other people around you, ya know!"

I swear that they lived in their own little bubble when it came to the world around them right now. I doubt they even paid attention to Mrs. Burbank who lived right across from us either. She was a sweet old lady who secretly sold pot. I liked her. She always gave me chocolate balls when Rosita wasn't looking.

I huffed and speed walked away from the two dumbfounded boys making sure to hike up my backpack. I didn't stay to hear their replies and made it to my house without interacting with them again. Two blocks seemed like nothing in my ire. My car was still in my drive-way which only fueled my irritation.

I threw myself onto the couch that I had helped Rosita reupholster. It was a modular couch that had a great form with rounded arms, comfy soft backing, and great supple cushions. The only problem that I had was that it was an ugly paisley pattern when we first bought it.

I helped Rosita reupholster the bad boy into this great super soft cotton blend bright yellow fabric that it was in now. It was great and a fun bonding experience for the both of us.

She'd been with me for about six months now, but I didn't know enough Spanish to speak to her in proper sentences yet. It still felt great to have some company. I liked alone time, certainly, but I didn't want to be alone all the time.

I lolled my head and looked around. I had gotten father dearest to let me redecorate; tear down walls, repaint, and everything else to turn this three bedroom, two level; with a basement, house into something that I wanted. It had an open floor plan for the kitchen, dining room, and living room. Because of this, it felt so much bigger and airy especially when I painted over the puke yellow walls with white paint.

Apparently, as long as I complied with meeting his whores now and again during his irregular galas, I could get away with anything. This of course was super duper sad, but I could do without personal feelings when it came to this dysfunctional family.

I only got up an hour later when my stomach grumbled in defiance against me lazing on my couch. I made sure to plunk my stuff on the couch as opposed to the floor. I was clumsy when things weren't neat and clean.

While I heated myself up some fries, a BLT, and gravy; our left-overs, I called out to Rosita, "Hey Rosita! I'm home! You forgot to pick me up…again, but that's okay. I managed to run into Steven and Eric today. OH! And also…"

I paused briefly noticing that no one had come into the kitchen during my rambling. I finished microwaving my dinner and brought it over to our small white round dining table. I flopped down onto one of the dining table chairs.

I leaned back glancing around for any trace of my usually doting nanny. While I did this I noticed that I forgot to get a drink. An ice cold glass of water would certainly wash my worries away. After I had poured myself a glass I gulped some down and found a note attached to the glass pitcher.

I took the note from the pitcher and sat down at the table again after I had put my glass down. After I read the note I was glad I had put my glass down or I could've shattered it in my rage.

I took in deep calming breaths.

It turned out that Rosita knew English this entire time if this note meant anything. She bailed on me and left a folder of all the info she took care of. Being a good kid meant that she thought I could take care of myself.

I mean, sure I could. I had seventeen years of experience in that department in my other life, but seriously. This sucked.

I shoved my food into my maw and ignored the tears running down my face. I would wipe them away later. So far…this existence here was lonely as hell.

Father dearest never checked up on me, so Rosita's absence wasn't noted. She did leave me his number if I wanted to call him. I shook my head at that thought. I could manage…I suppose…My thoughts trailed off while I finished off my food and tidied up as per usual.

While I took out the trash I noticed that the Forman's were having a backyard barbeque for dinner. Eric looked happy and Laurie looked bored out of her mind. That bitch didn't know how lucky she was. I scowled inwardly and tried to stealthily walk back into my lonely lair. This bitterness wasn't good for me.

"Oh! Hey there, sweetie!" Kitty Forman called out to me.

I suppose I wasn't stealthy enough. I pasted on a smile, "Hey, Mrs. Forman. I'm not intruding, am I?"

Sure back home was lonely, but this felt super awkward. I could see the weird way Laurie looked at me and the curious look Eric shot my way. Red and Kitty were really nice though, although I couldn't fathom why Red was nice to me. Sure, I had been civil to them, but I didn't go out of my way to try and win their affection.

Kitty waved it way, "Dear, you're not intruding. Why don't you come over and join in on our barbeque. The more the merrier, right Red?"

She smiled gaily at her husband almost daring him to say no. She was the head nurse for my case, and I supposed that she privately thought I was her responsibly since my parents and now nanny had decided to ditch me.

Red was gruff but he gently stated, "Your nanny dropped by…so you can come over whenever you need to…or want."

He sighed and planted a kiss on his wife's head before he turned to me again, "You're welcome here kid."

What did Rosita say to convince them to welcome me into their home? What did she do? Did they know where she went? Did I even want to know at this point?

Laurie looked affronted before she huffed off mumbling an excuse and Eric looked like he had a bright idea. He in turn almost scampered off before Red caught him with a dark look. His son stilled, grabbed another hot dog off the grill, and stuffed it into his mouth.

Red shook his head staring at his son's antics, "Dumbass."

I felt tears well up behind my eyes and I blinked rapidly. I wiped my sweating hands on my skinny jeans, "I could bring a cream pie?"

Kitty saw how I was trying to cope and warmly smiled, "Why don't I help you bring it over?"

I silently nodded unable to help the smile that stretched across my face, "Thanks Mrs. Forman."

She returned my grin and came through my garden gate. This was certainly an interesting turn of events.

And time went on and because of that exchange I spent more time getting to know the Formans. Well…more like just Eric, Red, and Kitty Forman. Laurie didn't like me off the bat. I think it was because someone was encroaching on her territory? This would just give me more reason to call her a bitch in my head.

I had dinner with them almost every night, they took me to church every Sunday, and through this I got to know Steven, and Donna. I didn't really see Michael for some reason, but since I wasn't supposed to know him yet, I didn't bother asking.

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It only took another six months for me to test out of high school, which made my summer all the more savory. After all the papers, studying, and exams I really looked forward to a break. I had bought myself a prehistoric computer, board games, and more new clothes for myself as a treat. Bargain Bob was certainly surprised when I stopped by and purchased a big color TV as well. I could certainly afford it rather than just squirreling away my money this month.

I sprawled across my queen mattress and found that I was happy that I had finally cleared out and claimed Rosita's room as my own. I had painted the master bedroom's walls four various shades of blue and added a white chair rail. It made the room classier. Rosita hadn't wanted to change anything while she was here, and I think it was because she knew that she wouldn't be staying forever.

I wouldn't have to be afraid of becoming homeless like Steven had in the show. The house was under my name and completely paid off along with the car and I didn't personally have any debts to anyone. My financial future was clear and I just had to work on my nonexistent social life. I didn't want to end up as a crazy hermit with a single volleyball for a friend.

I wandered around my new room going though my new clothes and new things; the single stuffed animal I decided to keep stared up at me from my new bookshelf. I called him Mr. Fluffy after the fluffy unicorn from Despicable Me since they looked so similar to one another.

My bookshelf housed textbooks, novels, chapter books, and whatever else I could fit into it. I had made myself a kotatsu out of a low coffee table, blankets, and a heater for the winter. Even through dimensional time travel I loved anime and all things Japanese. I wouldn't be able to get a kimono in Wisconsin in the 70's though; oh well. I'd just have to look elsewhere when I could.

It was scorching out and I swear I could hear the heat. I fanned myself and decided that turning on the air conditioner was a must. I made my way and turned on the heavy bulky machine welcoming the cold air. It was the best recent purchase I had gotten for my home. Upgraded kitchen appliances and a bunch of other cool stuff would come later on once technology got better.

I felt myself melt in relief and gulped in the cold air, before I made my way out of the house. Kitty wasn't working anymore since Red had gotten promoted at the auto parts factory. I bet she would want to do something. God knows Laurie just ignored her mother whenever she wanted to bond.

Making sure that my hair was clipped back with delicate metal leaf hair clips; ones that I found thrifting, I straightened my dark blue sleeveless Beatles t-shirt, and I made certain that my denim short shorts weren't too revealing. I really wanted to look cute for Steven. It might have been entirely inappropriate, but I had developed a teeny tiny crush on him. How could I not though? He looked eerily like my husband when we were younger.

I skipped towards the Forman's backyard, a bucket of popsicles firmly in my grasp. I waved at her happily through her patio door despite the sweltering summer heat that clung to my skin like cling-wrap. She beckoned me inside with a beaming grin. I think she was baking a pie for the ice cream that I had bought with her during our grocery trip.

I didn't live with them because there wasn't a need to, but I might as well have since I spent most of my time with her. Eric thought I was weird for that sole reason; who wanted to hang out with someone else's mom all of the time? Pshh…kid didn't know what he was missing. I tried hanging out with Donna sometimes, but right now she didn't need a female friend. Whatever… I would be there for her later.

I slid in and carefully handled my bucket filled with my icy treats. I knew that Eric had his friends over and decided a couple more friends somewhat around my age wouldn't be so bad.

"What'd you have there, Lin?" Kitty asked quickly taking out a delectable looking apple pie out of her oven.

It was equally as warm in their house as it was outside so that oven felt like it would blister us when she opened it. I let out a sigh of relief when she closed it. How she could wear those long skirts and those long sleeved blouses, I would never know. I was in a slim sleeveless shirt and I still felt like was boiling. They couldn't afford the luxury of an air conditioner, but I tried not to let that bother me.

I beamed happy to know that she had started calling me Lin instead of Jacqueline. I didn't really want to be called Jackie since I really wasn't her. It was just lucky that there were other nicknames that could be salvaged from such a long name.

"I brought over bomb pops, cyclone pops, chocolate pudding pops, and a whole bunch of others." I showed her my medium sized bucket that I had been toting around the entire time.

Kitty patted my head, "That's lovely, dear. Why don't you go put that in the downstairs freezer and come and help me put the finishing touches on this pie?" She probably assumed I got some of each from the many different boxes that I had purchased with her earlier.

I nodded eagerly and bounced down to the basement. What I saw there didn't surprise me. It was just Donna, Michael, Steven and Eric watching TV and just lolling about on the couch and various chairs.

Steven had recently "acquired" sunglasses, but I could still tell that he had raised his eyebrow at me when I reached the bottom of the stairs. I wondered privately if he liked what I was wearing.

Eric sent me a small smile; he was used to me by now. We had developed a slight friendship over the last six months since whenever I was here I managed to simmer down Red's temper. I think Kitty and Red just needed a daughter that liked hanging out with them.

Donna waved and turned back to the television. I hadn't met Michael before so I didn't really know how to react to him. I felt a little uncomfortable in my summer ware now, but it's not like I could sprint away in flip flops.

I fidgeted slightly before I made my way to the freezer emptying my bucket. Before I could just run out of there, someone cleared their throat.

Donna frogged Michael in the shoulder, "Lin, this dillhole is Kelso."

I nodded towards him and was about to stick my hand out to him, when Steven grabbed my hand and held it to my side. I pouted and tilted my head, "Dude, what the hell?"

Donna sucked in a breath. She hadn't heard me swear yet. I managed not to do so around the adults, but Eric and Steven knew that I had a massive potty mouth when provoked.

I think Steven was practicing having Zen because Eric piped up for him, "Kelso's kind of a perv." He shrugged helplessly before he smacked Michael, "Don't be rude. She's kinda like my little sister, so watch it."

I beamed at that comment and wiggled out of Steven's grasp. I still wanted to introduce myself, but I kept my distance, "I'm Jacqueline, but most people call me Lin. It's nice to meet you."

Michael shook Donna and Eric off and gave me a leering grin. If I wasn't already prepared I would've punched his face out of instinct. "I'm Michael Kelso. Don't listen to these guys. I'm totally not a perv."

At that, I let out a short laugh before shaking my head, "Well…okay then. Nice to know I guess?" I backed away towards the stairs, but before I left I recalled that I wanted to tell them about the popsicles.

"So I brought over popsicles, like a whole bunch. Help yourselves, but please don't finish the pudding pops. I wanted to have some too after I finish hanging out with your mom." With that I dashed up the stairs as fast as I could with my fluorescent yellow flip flops. I heard them all reply in kind with assurances that they wouldn't finish all the pudding pops.

On my way to the kitchen I unfortunately bumped into Laurie. I tempered down my irritation, she was a real bitch as a teenager too. She sneered at me as she went out the door, probably to hang out with her friends; if I recalled correctly she was about fifteen now. Well, she'd be gone soon enough. I shrugged and trekked into the kitchen.

Mrs. Forman was happily cooling the pie and had taken out the ice cream. Mr. Forman had apparently gotten home and was taking a load off by drinking a beer in the kitchen.

"Hello Mr. Forman!" I chirped and slipped him some chocolate tootsie candies. He grinned and nodded before pocketing the candy I always gave him. I knew that they ate a lot of that stuff during the Korean War, and I think he appreciated that I had paid attention to one of his stories.

While I helped bustle around the kitchen with Kitty the apple pie was sliced, cooled, and topped with ice cream and whipped cream. They would stay cool in the fridge until dessert happened after dinner.

"Hello, little one." Red smiled warmly before leaning back against his chair sighing all the while.

I helped fish out the steaks that I had convinced Kitty to buy. There were ten steaks in total, and I had forcefully volunteered to pay for it. They were about $7 each, and were huge in comparison the steaks I bought in my time for that price.

Kitty always seemed uncomfortable when I spent massive amounts of money on them, but I explained to her that was one of the ways I showed that I loved them. She wouldn't stop smiling after that.

I don't think her kids tell her they love her enough. I think that was one of the reasons why Red wasn't averse to having me over. I always brought food over and managed to make Kitty smile.

"Long day?" I put the frozen meat in a pile while Kitty made her way to the backyard with a pitcher of ice cold lemon aid.

He let out a snort, "Very much so. How was your day, Lin?"

I beamed and began to tell him about my day while we prepared for another summer time backyard dinner. And so for a couple years it went on like that hanging out with the Formans, Steven, Donna, and Michael getting to know them better.

wvwvwvwvwvwvwvwvwvwvwvw

It was dark and pouring rain when I first got to know Steven better.

I was twelve and in another week I was going to start college; the youngest person to do so from Point Place ever. Because of the anxiety of starting college so young, even though I wanted to, I couldn't sleep. This turned out to be a good thing when I saw a beaten down Steven trying to make it to the Forman's house in the dark.

I clutched my housecoat tighter around me. It was really freaking cold this January; I don't think that the rain helped any. I grabbed an umbrella, slipped on my rain boots, and pocketed a flash light while I ran in through the horrid weather.

"Steven!" I called out desperate that he would hear me despite this down pour.

He stopped limping and glanced my way. I flashed the light over his figure and saw that he was badly bruised. I frowned and ran towards him splashing though puddles along the way.

I held the umbrella above him and he halfheartedly scowled. One of the lenses of his sunglasses was gone, "Come on. We should go inside my house and I can make you hot chocolate."

He glared and it withered away when he noticed that I hadn't budged. I threw my arm around his waist; he was so skinny, and helped guide him towards and into my home.

Steven glanced back at the Forman's house, "You don't have to do this. Forman can help me."

I fought down the blush that was threatening to flood my face and I shook my head. I needed to play it cool.

I let him flop onto my couch with that comment ignoring how he winced during the landing, "Well from what I know they're all asleep right now since its 3 in the morning. I'm gonna go and make you that drink I promised, so don't go anywhere."

Yeah. I was being bossy right now, but he was being a jerk for not just accepting my help. God, it's like we weren't even friends. We weren't that close, yet, but come on. No decent human being would let him trudge through the rain like that. Jeeze…

Steven winced and nodded, "Okay…"

I quickly finished my task and handed him his drink. I grabbed the fluffy blanket that was on the other couch and draped it over him, "Wanna tell me about it?"

Steven stared off into space drinking his hot chocolate now and again, "No."

I raised my eyebrow, "No?"

Steven sighed and gently placed his mug on my coffee table, "See…you wouldn't understand, Burkhart."

I rolled my eyes, "Steven…if you hadn't heard the rumor mills around this town, my folks aren't exactly decent parents or people."

Steven raised his eyebrow at this new piece of information, "I doubt your mom just sat back drunkenly while her newest boyfriend beat you for no reason." He shook his head and dried himself off with my blanket.

I nodded and sat down beside him letting my arm wrap around his shoulders. He stiffened and eventually relaxed when I didn't move away.

I let my head fall onto his shoulder while he took his mug and started drinking his hot chocolate again, "My mom wouldn't do that, no."

He snorted bitterly, but before he could comment I continued on, "Instead she slept with my birthday clown in front of me, and when I ran away in panic one of her other lovers accidentally hit me with his car that put me into the hospital."

Steven blinked rapidly and stared at me befuddled, "Damn."

I let out a bitter laugh, "Yeah. My dad's not as bad, but he's certainly distant. He only contacts me to prove that he's a 'father' to his newest whore."

Steven nodded and finished off his drink, "My dad fucked off when I was little."

I rubbed his shoulder, "If it helps any my mom basically fucked off after their divorce, and my dad soon after. I'm not saying that what I had is worse, since both of us got screwed when it came to our parents. What I'm saying is that you're not alone."

He really looked at me and kissed me cheek suddenly. Steven flushed and looked away, "Thanks Lin." Steven fiddled with the mug that was firmly in his grasp. He was adorable!

I beamed at him, "Whatever and whenever you need it, Steven." His expression turned soft and cautions and I patted his knee. I really meant what I said, and I would do everything I could to prove it to him.

After that, we hung out more getting to know each other better, and whenever it got too much with Edna's random dick head boyfriends Steven would stay over. He still hung out with Eric primarily, but when shit went down and he couldn't go home, he stayed with me. I thought it was okay; society would probably frown on a girl child alone with a boy child unrelated to her though.

wvwvwvwvwvwvwvwvwvwvwvw

I was fifteen when I noticed that the boys were currently riding out puberty. I don't know how I forgot about it, but I did. Hey, I was only human. If I recalled correctly that was part of a song in the future.

I had let Steven practice driving in my beetle as long as I could be a passenger. Plus I wanted to go get some fries, and walking far for 'em was always a bummer.

"So, you're doing really well!" I chirped. I knew that the first time I drove in my last life I accidentally went through the front of a 7-11. It was horribly memorable.

Steven smirked, "Aren't I always, doll?" He was wearing the aviator sunglasses; I got them for him for his thirteenth birthday, against the glare of the sun today. It was one of the days that actually made sense to wear sunglasses.

He had recently started calling me doll. The first time he did, he and Eric got into such a heated argument. They made me leave the room to go get them sodas with Donna. Psh… If Donna hadn't wanted to get out of there I would've stayed and eavesdropped.

I rolled my eyes and shrugged, "I guess? I'm not quite sure what you mean, but sure. We haven't hit a single thing. Does this mean you're ready to take your test?"

Steven shook his head and snorted, "You're such a sweetheart, doll." He turned into a FatBurger drive-through, "Probably. You want anything?" We had been driving for an hour or so close to lunch, he was probably hungry.

I bounced, "Fries and coffee please!" I was basically living off of coffee these days since I was so close to graduation now and I couldn't wait. It was one thing to go through college as a young adult, it was another going though it while also going through puberty. My little town called me a child genius because of this, which made most of my peers wary of me. It made the adults think I was completely adorable though.

He grinned and leaned towards me, and for a moment I thought he would kiss me, instead he flipped open my glove compartment and took out the snack money I had hidden there. I scowled at him.

He winked, "Man's gotta eat, sweetheart." He didn't need to do that. I would've just given him money when we had to pay. Steven was touchy about that though so…I guess I could let him have this one.

"Whatever, Steven," I huffed and crossed my arms while I resolutely stared out of my window. The sooner I could learn how to drive too, the sooner I could gain more independence. Donna was learning how to drive too; maybe she would agree to a girl road trip. OH! We could go to the recently opened Taco Bell in Kenosha. Michael had apparently already gotten his license, which meant he kept pestering me to let him borrow my car. Like that would happen. Pervert only wanted it so he could get girls to sleep with him.

Steven snorted out a laugh while he ordered for us and drove ahead to wait in line with the other cars, "You know what I mean, doll." When he said it in that sweet tone…that tone that he didn't use with anyone, but me I couldn't help but melt a little inside.

I whipped my head towards him and pouted, "Uggh. Steven, you're such a dillhole."

He grinned and tucked a stray hair behind my ear, "Mhmm?" Damn brat knew I couldn't stay mad at him.

I made a face, but I couldn't keep my smile down, "Shut up."

He rolled up and paid for our food rolling his eyes at me, "Yes, dear."

wvwvwvwvwvwvwvwvwvwvwvw

I graduated with a bachelor's in business a couple months later. Kitty and Red were undoubtedly proud as was Eric. Laurie upped her bitchy attitude and decided to skip out on my celebratory dinner. She left for university citing that "if a baby like me could handle college, university would be a breeze." She didn't know that I didn't go to university because the nearest one would be out of reach of Point Place. For now, I didn't really want to leave for long periods of time. I was kind of scared of what might happen if I did.

After that, nothing really exiting happened in my life. The oil crisis happened just like it did the first time, the States pulled out of Vietnam, and a whole bunch of international, and world news happened just like it did before. People were forced to cut back and prices rose. It was still dirt cheap in comparison to prices in 2028 though. And just like in the show Red and the others were told that they would have to be pulled back into part time workers since the auto parts store was closing down in a year.

I was still financially stable throughout all of this because the money from my inheritance just grew with interest. It also helped that father dearest kept sending me my allowance of $500 every month, paid for the utilities and water for the house, and sent another $500 for groceries. Privately I wondered if my nanny still got paid even though she wasn't here. I managed to shrug that thought off eventually. I didn't really need to use my allowance so it grew and accrued interest in my bank account along with my inheritance. I had sold all the shitty bonds that I had and bought fifty pieces of IBM and Intel stock. It would help me in the future, and $5000 for all of it was well worth the price.

It also helped that I would just pawn the medium sized box filled with gaudy super expensive jewelry that my pseudo-mother kept sending me every year. I only really kept the simple pieces, but that had stopped being the case four years ago. A year after her divorce she managed to snag a filthy rich old man who didn't have any children. That old guy didn't last long and left everything to mummy dearest, so she went off traveling the world and banging guys left and right. I swear; that woman would die of some sort of STD at this rate. The other gifts she sent were less annoying, like super soft shirts, cute shoes, and other materialistic things. I never got to see her, and I figured it was just as well. From what I recalled she was a vain insipid person, but distance made her bearable. I wondered if she felt that way about me too.

wvwvwvwvwvwvwvwvwvwvwvw

It was May 14th 1976 and today was a scorcher of a weekend. Kitty had gone back to work and Red was taking as much over time as they would give so only Eric and everyone else was at the Forman household. Laurie was still off at University.

I decided it was too hot to go over there, besides Kitty and Red weren't there to keep me company. I burrowed into my comfy couch; it hadn't changed in years and I was all the more happy for it. Someone knocked loudly on my front door and I figured it was Donna. I don't know why she still bothered to knock. She's the only one that ever bothered to do so. Even Kitty and Red didn't bother, but I think it was because I had given them one of my spare keys.

Eric and Steven walked in with Donna and Michael trailing behind them. She let out a huff. I didn't want to look up from my belly down position on the couch. This day was worse than the summer I had when I first got here, that's why I was hiding out in my house. Air conditioning was heaven and I thanked God that someone invented it soon enough for me to use.

Steven lifted my legs up and laid them across his lap; I refused to move from my belly down position. Eric grunted and sat across from him squished in beside Donna. Michael was apparently wandering around my house since it was the first time he had seen it.

"Why are you guys here?" I mumbled into the pillow I had my head buried in. The cold air that circulated throughout my house made me sleepy.

I felt Steven shrug; he was usually like that nowadays. "It's cooler here."

Eric let out an offended sound, "My place is plenty cool! And you forget Hyde, we can't participate in the circle here 'cause Lin's asthmatic." He probably had his smug smile right about now. I didn't bother to argue today.

"I meant that the air was actually colder here than over at your place, Forman. Because, I don't know, Lin has an air conditioner." His sarcasm was clearly evident. I heard Eric huff and I buried my laughter turning my head to glance at them.

Donna yelled at Michael to stop wandering around uninvited, "Just sit in the arm chair Kelso!"

He stomped over and flopped into my poor arm chair. At least he didn't break it. Dude was so careless sometimes.

"Why haven't we ever gone to Lin's house before anyways? Its way more dope than your basement, no offense Forman. She has an air conditioner, a huge COLOR TV, other cool stuff we probably don't even know about. Like snacks." Michael leaned back gasping in surprise when my comfy arm chair reclined, "And THIS!" Michael had found my remote control and had zoned out watching cable on my color TV.

Eric rolled his eyes, "It's one thing to mooch off my parents, but Lin's my favorite little sister."

Donna scoffed and shoved him playfully. He grinned at her with what I assumed was an attempt at a suave look. "Besides, if we were here all the time we wouldn't be able to have Circle Time."

I snorted, "I still say it sounds like you guys are in kindergarten participating in the share circle when you say that." Steven discreetly pinched my butt and I attempted to kick his face. He only laughed in response.

Eric gave Steven a suspicious look, but Donna distracted him, "So your birthday's coming up."

He put his arm around Donna and beamed, "That's right."

She returned his smile. Those two had been dancing around one another for the last two years. I laughed. Look at Romeo go. "So, your mom's probably going to give you a surprise birthday party."

Steven had his arms resting on my thighs, and it was starting to piss me off so I wiggled and sat upright pulling my legs underneath me. He twitched. Serves the guy right, trying to be fresh with me. Jeeze...

Eric looked triumphant and Donna cuddled closer to him, "Yeah...I don't suppose you could convince her to call it off could you?"

I raised my eyebrow at him, "You still want that computer?" I eyed the popcorn that I had made earlier. It was too far down the coffee table.

He frowned and whined, "I thought that was a done deal." He reached over and popped some of my popcorn into his mouth.

Donna rolled her eyes, "Lin." She imitated his actions and chowed down onto my popcorn too. Damn snack thieves.

I pouted, "He has a LOVING mom. Let her love you for Pete's sake." I shot him a short glare. Dude totally didn't appreciate his parents enough. I reached over and gobbled down some popcorn. I should be able to eat some of it, I made it!

Steven stiffened at that comment and stood up, "I'm gonna grab a chocolate pudding pop." He hurriedly left; family dynamic talks along with talking about feelings always made him tense.

I frowned and mulishly stated, "I'm calling him puddin' pop from now on. He keeps stealing them from me." I leaned into the armrest and decided to flop down onto the entire seat, "I'm going to just take up the whole space so he can't sit with me…because he's a butt head."

Eric stole the remote control from Michael and changed it to Gilligan's island. Donna beamed at him and he melted. Those two should just really make-out already, the sexual frustration was irritating.

Michael actually snorted at that comment, "I'm sure he'd just take it as an invitation to sit between your legs, sugar. I would." He winked at me and I chucked at pillow at his head while Eric squawked in indignation. Donna shook her head. He was always hitting on me. I don't think it was because of any actual interest on his part. I think it was more because it got a reaction out of everybody. That boy loved being the center of attention. It was probably because he was the youngest of seven.

"Kelso stop perving on Lin." Steven stated flatly. He lifted my legs and sat down properly with my legs draped across his lap. I pouted and Eric frowned. Donna slipped her arm around his waist which certainly turned his frown upside down.

Michael gulped and shot out of the chair, "I'm gonna grab a cyclone Popsicle!" He ran towards my fridge and I couldn't help, but hope that he wouldn't break anything.

I shook my head, "First time he's over and he's already raiding my freezer." I poked Steven's cheek while he suckled on his Popsicle, "I'm gonna call you puddin' pop because you keep taking my favorite ones."

He snorted and nodded, "Whatever."

I laughed, "In Stevenese that means 'sure go for it', right?"

A small blush spread across his face for the slightest moment. I pinched his side gently before retreating back into my prior position. Today was going well so far.

Eric leaned back against my loveseat with Donna tucked into his side, "I dunno. His Zen is pretty good at covering stuff up." Donna rolled her eyes at Eric before smiling warmly and nodding towards me.

I happily stole some of Steven's chocolate pudding pop taking a chomp out of it in vengeance. The left over salt from the popcorn with the chocolate was such a heavenly taste. I may have inadvertently moaned. Steven actually flushed at this point and Eric gaped at me. Donna let out a barking laugh. Michael came in looking utterly confused while he ate his cyclone pop.

Steven choked, "Lin." He swiped back the pudding pop and stuffed it into his mouth. His voice was gruff and I bet if he took off his sunglasses his would have a roguish look in his eyes. Honestly, sometimes I wanted to just jump his bones despite my mental age. Call me a cougar, but Steven Hyde was hot.

Eric let his jaw hang out, "Lin." Donna just shook her head smiling and holding Eric back. She ran her fingers through his hair distracting him. I was so glad that I had her as a friend. Big Red certainly knew how to distract people.

Michael cheerfully bounced back into his head, "Lin." He said my name in a suggestive manner, which caused Steven to frog him in the shoulder.

Michael squawked, "Damn it, Hyde!?"

He glared at him, "No." His tone was certainly possessive; it was step in the right direction in my book. It might cause Eric to flip out though; he really did mean it when he saw me as his little sister, which meant I had inadvertently gained an overprotective big brother. It didn't really make sense since I was well over thirty mentally, I ran a household and I had already graduated college. By those standards shouldn't I be his big sister?

Michael childishly pouted and sucked on his Popsicle while he rubbed his arm, "Jerk."

Steven shrugged and continued eating away at his pudding pop. He held my legs closer to his body, a probable silent claim.

Eric was too busy making eyes with Donna and I let out a content sigh, "I'm having a good day so far."

Steven nodded at me, "Me too, doll."

Michael made faces at us and soon tuned into the show that was playing on my TV.

Eric beamed, "We should hang out here more; it's easier on the eyes." Pshhh he only really wanted to hang out here more 'cause then no one would walk in on him and Donna doing shit. Ugh. Not on my couch!

Donna frowned, "Well, the basement is really more of a guy's den though, right?" I knew her concern too. My house was where Donna and I hung out for our girly time; nails, gushy movies, junk food, and other shit we couldn't really do with the guys around.

Eric immediately jumped in to agree, "That's true!"

Steven rolled his eyes, "We could hang out here more, but I think the girls would prefer it if we still mainly hung out in Forman's basement." He finished the last of his pudding pop chewing on the stick thoughtfully.

Michael nodded and suggestively stated, "Lin and Donna probably do girly things here." I wanted to smush the Popsicle into his face even though what he stated was true sans the sexual suggestion.

Eric squinted at me and a wane smile spread across his face, "I got ya, Lin."

I gave him a simpering smile unable to frog him because Steven was still holding my legs against him. I was also out of pillow ammunition, "If you want to find yourself in Mordor keep talking, mister."

He let out a long loud laugh and happily looked around at everyone else's blank faces, "That's why she's my favorite little sister." He preened, "She gets me."

I gently smacked my forehead, "Damn."

Michael grinned, "Dork."

Donna threw a pillow at him, and he luckily didn't get any of his cyclone Popsicle on my furniture.

Steven relaxed and gently ran his hand up and down my calf. Dude was getting progressively touchy as the years went on by. Oh well. Whatever...

wvwvwvwvwvwvwvwvwvwvwvw

The pilot episode didn't really happen during this week, which made me twitch. I met Fez because Michael brought him over one day, but other than that nothing really happened all at once. Mr. Pinciotti got his perm, but that was the day before Eric's birthday. Eric didn't even get the Vista Cruiser yet, which also meant that they hadn't been able to get lost, stranded, and all that shit because of a concert. Ohhh nooo…this also meant that he and Donna hadn't kissed yet! I felt like I was going to explode. The sooner Eric had his birthday, the sooner I could prove whether or not I was actually delusional.

His birthday went on as per the episode had during the show minus a couple things. I wasn't Michael's girlfriend, Pam Macy was. She was damn irritating, vapid, and bitchy; much worse than what Jackie was like in the show. Eric got the Vista Cruiser with a cassette track instead of the eight track because of yours truly. He also got his promised computer from me since he behaved and didn't complain about having a surprise party. He needed to be nicer to his mom especially since he was getting his way today.

Laurie popped in just like in the show, but once she saw that I was around she sneered and ditched the party saying that she had to study for something or another. The boys didn't get to see her partially dressed this way. I internally grinned. She needed to land on her feet and whoring around didn't really help her get anywhere especially with MY friends.

I peered in through the patio door with Michael, Steven, and Fez; who was just as flirty as the show's Fez. Donna hadn't gotten him a candle this time. I gave much better advice than Jackie, if I do say so myself. I told her to get him a Star Trek play set. She totally did that too…well not by herself since she didn't know what Star Trek was. It was $24 which meant that Donna would be broke for the entire month. It showed that she was interested in what he liked and I also told her to French him. It was one of our more hilarious conversations. I had managed to make the red head turn redder than her hair that day. Good times. Good times.

Eric looked like all of his Christmases had come true. I swear that kid was going to cry. I snickered, "He's going for it!"

I couldn't help but feel giddy for my friend. She was going to get her first kiss and give him his first kiss as well. It was the best two part birthday gift I could think of for Eric. I bounced on the heels of my feet leaning against the kitchen counter. Steven leaned against me propping his head against my shoulder, his hands were on either side of me; he was much more touchy feely today for some reason. Internally I shivered, I was glad that I had grown in to a nice five four during puberty. The guys shot up like bean sprouts just like in the show, damn tall people.

"It's his birthday, she should kiss him first," Michael stated trying to bump my shoulder. Steven glared at him.

"Shut up. They might not do the kissing if you keep talking," Fez stated intently staring at them through the patio door.

"That's right, shut up and watch Kelso," Steven added a smug smile gracing his lips.

Michael rolled his eyes and quietly cheered him on, "Come on, Forman, go for it."

Donna looked back and glared, "The door's open, we can hear you."

We all quickly ducked behind the kitchen counter. I pushed down the laughter that was bubbling in my chest. Steven had the tiniest smile on his face and I had the oddest sudden urge to kiss him.

I could hear Eric's wry tone, "We know you're there, and we can see you Michael."

They probably turned away and resumed whatever they were going to do since it went quiet for a while. I hope she kissed him. It would have been the cherry on his birthday pie…or was it ice cream? Whatever….

Fez excitedly asked, "Is he kissing her?"

Steven rolled his eyes and patiently stated, "None of us can see them, Fez."

Fez leaned over and yelled, "Eric, are you kissing her?"

I could hear muffled laughter so all I could guess was that yes, they were indeed kissing. Good on her. I beamed at Steven and he stiffened. That boy certainly kept things bottled up.

wvwvwvwvwvwvwvwvwvwvwvw

"Push! Push!" Michael cheered while Steven and Fez both pushed against door frames in the basement. I rolled my eyes and laid my head against Donna's shoulder. Pam Macy had taken my favorite spot on the dryer. Bitch. I felt so tall on that dryer.

Donna gently patted my head consolingly while she tried to zone out on the TV, "There, there Lin."

I quirked my eyebrow at her and muttered, "Did I say that out loud?" I slouched further into the basement couch munching on the chips I had brought over.

Pam huffed and read her magazine harder if that was possible. Donna snorted, "That's why you're my best female friend, Lin." She dropped a quick kiss on the top of my head before stealing some of my chips. Apparently it had been decided I was the 'baby' of the group. How the hell that happened, I don't know. Steven probably meant baby in a different way though. Bow chicka wah wah.

I shrugged, gobbled up another chip, went back to moping and alternatively watching the stupid shit that the guys did.

Michael continued to cheer jumping up and down at this point, "Come on, you gotta push it guys!"

Steven was visibly sweating while he breathed slow heavy breaths; it was hot for some reason, "How much longer, Kelso?"

Michael glanced at his watch and grinned, "About ten seconds, man. You gotta push harder or it's not gonna work!"

Steven scowled, "This is so stupid." Even his snarky tone was kind of hot…damn these hormones.

"It's not stupid!" Michael stated with a pout, he grinned after a moment, "You're gonna love it."

Steven shook his head snarling, "I'm not gonna love it."

Michael beamed and tapped his watch, "Okay, that's time. Step away from the door."

Steven experimentally lifted his arms along with Fez, "Kelso, you're a genius." He certainly sounded sincere, and I wondered for a moment if that made me stupid for having a crush on Steven.

Fez grinned like a maniac waving his arms around, "Yeah, it's magic!"

Eric quickly made his way down the basement stairs and I noticed that he had a cold grape Fanta in his little soda bundle.

Pam violently dropped her magazine onto the dryer and hopped off. She was certainly more bitchy than usual, "My God! Finally, I am so dehydrated."

I rolled my eyes; he was only gone for less than half an hour. It wasn't that long.

Eric tried to smother a snarky comment, but he still sounded mad when he shoved her soda towards her, "Here, Piggly-Wiggly Diet Crème Soda."

He was about to make his way towards me and Donna with our chosen sodas, but Pam grabbed his arm irritation clearly painted on her face, "I told you my top three choices were Tab, Fresca, or Diet Rite."

Eric shook off her hand and stomped towards the couch, "Again, you get Piggly-Wiggly Diet Crème Soda."

He squished in beside Donna and the arm rest making me sit up properly. I was only mildly irritated since I still got to drink my ice cold grape Fanta. Donna grinned and mouthed a silent thank you while they shared a can of A&W Rootbeer. He had so gone through my fridge. I was proud that Eric always knew what I meant when I asked him for something. It wasn't that I didn't want their snacks; I just knew that times were a little tight for them. Whatever little I could do to help that they would accept always made me happy inside.

Pam eyed our drinks and scowled, "Then I'll just have water."

I glared and deadpanned, "You know, there's a hose in the backyard."

Pam huffed and stole the chair Michael usually sat in. She was ineffectively giving me the silent treatment now, which was Godsend.

Michael got Pam to stand up so he could sit down, which led her to plopping onto his lap, "I've noticed that the pop selection over here has really went downhill since your dad got laid off." He took one of the soda's Eric had left on the table popping it open and taking a sip.

Real subtle Michael. I rolled my eyes and I was deeply tempted to smack him upside the head. Pam didn't know I lived next door or that I was damn filthy stinking rich. We only really hung out in the basement when people we didn't want hanging around were near or if the guys wanted to participate in a 'Circle'.

Eric glared at Michael taking a sip from the can he was sharing with Donna, "He's not laid off, he's just part-time, and shut up."

I shook my head, "Not cool man."

Pam sneered and was about to reply when we heard Kitty call out.

"Kids! Kids, kids, kids," She hurried down the stairs.

Kitty looked so excited, almost like she had won the best prize in the world, "The President is coming!" She was so happy she sounded breathless. I couldn't at all recall who the United States President was at this time.

Fez tilted his head taking a sip of Mountain Dew, "What President?"

Kitty took in the sight of Fez and patiently stated, "The President of these United States, Gerald R. Ford…the 36th Eighth 40th…oh I don't know!"

She noticed his clueless expression and exasperatedly stated, "He's the President. That's all you need to know." Kitty hurried into the backroom of the basement where they stored all their preserves.

Eric looked confused and muttered, "Why would Ford come to Point Place of all places?"

Pam rolled her eyes and snootily stated, "Because we are a whistle-stop along his Wisconsin campaign trail." She got off of Michael's lap and frowned at him before beaming at the rest of us, "My dad organized it." I supposed that the early divorce this time meant that father dearest had different pursuits, which suited me just fine.

Kitty emerged out of the backroom holding several jars of fruit preserves. She certainly looked irritated despite her strained smile, "Dear, the next time you know a PRESIDENT is coming to town please give me a little more notice. Oh! I need to vacuum too." She frowned and tilted her head at Eric and me. Damn it.

"Eric, you tidy up this basement, and Lin sweetheart please help him." She hurried off upstairs, "A pie! I gotta make a pie!"

Donna let out a sigh, "Wow."

I nodded. I had to help clean up his stupid man cave too. I shot Eric an irritated look. He sheepishly shrugged silently stating 'What can you do?'

Eric deadpanned, "The President's coming. Yay…" He got up and helped me out of the seat shooting Donna a silent apology, "Me and Lin are going to clean. You wanna help?"

Donna shrugged, "Sure. I have nothing better to do."

While the three of us tidied up, Michael jumped up startling Pam. She let out a huff and stormed out of the basement. Perhaps that was her last straw? One could only hope.

"You know what we should do?" Michael glanced at Steven and Fez grinning, "That door thing again!"

Both boys cheered, "Yeah!"

While I swept up I couldn't help, but think that they were such idiots sometimes.

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Steven paced bouncing my tennis ball along with him. It was a mistake to let him borrow my ball, "Look, guys, we gotta do something that says we will not pay homage to a corrupt electoral system."

Fez grinned and sat back on the additional lawn chair I had brought in, "I know! A bloody coup." He was too excited saying that sentence. I shrugged not really interested while I peered over Donna's shoulder reading her magazine along with her.

Steven caught the ball and patiently stated in a patronizing manner, "That's good." He began pacing again, "but we're looking for something great. Something that would make our founding fathers proud, man, you know?" He stopped and sighed tossing my ball into the air. I stopped trying to read in favor of watching them. Sometimes they were better than TV or my other forms of entertainment in this era. I should've made popcorn.

Michael suddenly straightened excitedly stating, "Let's streak!"

"Bingo!" Steven pointed at Michael with the hand not holding my ball and grinned.

Michael looked like an excited golden retriever, "Yeah! I've always wanted to do that just run buck naked through a sea of people."

He got up and shook his hips, "Be free and shake it around." I sighed and slapped my forehead. Why did I hang around with these dumbasses? Donna snorted and shook her head.

Michael looked happily determined, "All right, who's in?" He expectantly looked at all of us. Dude was crazy if he thought I would wanna go too.

Fez looked at him with trepidation, "Will people be chasing us with torches and pointy sticks?"

Steven shook his head, "No."

Fez happily stood up out of his chair, "Then I am in!"

Michael grinned, "Great." Michael made his way to Eric who had perched himself on the armrest beside Donna, "Eric? Are you in?"

Eric visibly gulped, "Streaking…I'm…uhh…Don't get me wrong!" He held his hands up, "I'm completely pro-nudity, but I think my dad might kill me. I'm very much anti-being killed."

Steven leaned over the couch and let his head lay onto of mine like some weird totem pole. I snatched my tennis ball back. He shook his head a smile flittering on his face, "If there wasn't some huge downside to doing something this stupid it wouldn't be worth doing, you know?"

I rolled my eyes and deadpanned, "Good point."

Donna nodded and kept on reading her magazine. I poked her and mouthed snacks? She smiled and shook her head. Damn. I didn't have anyone else that wanted to get snacks with me. I sighed and read over her shoulder again. I didn't wanna go by myself.

Steven grinned, "And I could write some really great slogan like "I hate the fuzz" on my ass."

Fez tilted his head and looked at Steven curiously, "If you hate the fuzz on your ass, why don't you just shave it off?"

I snorted out a laugh; Fez was funny when he wanted to be. Steven scowled and everyone else looked at Fez with weirded out looks on their faces. Tough crowd.

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Steven adjusted his trench coat. I could see all their naked calves and I wanted to laugh. He gave me an odd look and adjusted his sunglasses, "Okay, when the President starts his speech here I'll blow my Oscar Mayer whistle and we go."

I snorted out a laugh, "Did you really write, "I hate the fuzz" on your butt?"

He grinned at me while Donna shook her head at his stupidity, "Yeah, oh here's your lipstick back." I promptly stopped laughing. That was my favorite shade.

I pushed the offending object away, "Keep it."

Donna patted my shoulder, "You wanna borrow mine?"

I shook my head and pouted, "You'll go with me to get another one, right?"

She laughed, "Those sales ladies are just doing their jobs Lin."

I grimaced and crossed my arms, "They shouldn't spray people with their nasty perfume out of the blue then."

Michael bounced on his heels, "You got the masks?"

Steven nodded, "Yeah, I got three Snoopys and one Nixon." He held out the masks for the other boys to inspect it.

Fez quickly yelled out, "Not it!"

Eric scowled, "Damn." He curiously looked at Fez, "Fez, how'd you know how to do that?"

Fez proudly stated, "My country invented 'not it'."

Michael twitched and fidgeted, "So can we go already? I'm itching to release the hound here."

Steven rolled his eyes and handed out the masks, "It's go time."

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Steven made his way around to where Donna and I were hiding, "What are you doing hiding over there?"

I frowned and tried to shoo him away, "Steven."

Donna laughingly stated, "Back off. I am a flag, man."

I nodded, happy that I was able to wear my Led Zeppelin t-shirt and dark green skinny jeans and not some jumpsuit. I stretched out and wiggled my black leather booted feet, "She's supporting her dad. I think it's sweet."

Steven flushed and nodded. I loved how I was able to do that to him. It never got old. Eric walked on by and smiled taking a spot beside Donna.

Donna grinned, "Are you gonna streak?"

Eric shook his head, "No, we took a vote and it's unanimous. We're all very chicken."

Donna coyly stated, "That's too bad. It's been a while since I've seen you naked." I honestly wanted to gag. I held it back while Steven snickered. At least one of us was enjoying their love fest.

Eric balked, "You've never seen me naked."

Donna rolled her eyes, "Like a zillion times. When we were little kids, you were always running around the neighborhood naked, screaming, "Wee, wee! Pee, pee!"

Eric huffed and I patted his shoulder silently showing my moral support.

I didn't really pay attention so I only caught the part about it being Red's turn to talk. He didn't say a word for a while.

Donna looked troubled and muttered, "Your dad is bombing."

I nodded and prodded Eric's shoulder, "Eric. Do something."

He pulled on the Nixon mask that Steven still had on hand and threw off his trench coat taking off on a run. He ran through the assembly screaming, "Wee, wee! Pee, pee!"

Steven covered my eyes with his warm hand preventing me from seeing Eric's junk. I privately hoped that Donna managed to though. I inwardly snickered.

Red slammed his hand down on the podium, "Hey, Gerry, here's my question." He glared at him, "How the hell could you pardon Nixon?" Everyone cheered at that point and I couldn't help, but grin.

"Puddin' pop?" I felt held his other hand gripping mine slightly.

Steven sighed quietly whispering, "Yes, dear?"

"I can't see." I wiggled against him, which probably didn't help his raging hormones.

He took his hand away from my face and shuffled further away from me. I missed his body heat, "Thanks."

"Whatever," Steven stated shoving his hands into his pockets a small smile hung onto his face. I would be his official girlfriend soon if I had my way. This sexual tension was killing me.

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Pam had her hands on her hips, "I'm waiting."

I sighed. These arguments were so stupid. I popped another jelly bean into my mouth passing the rest of the bag to Donna. Mmmm apples. I moved onto the frozen blueberries I had also brought in.

Michael spat, "Forget it." He crossed his arms and mulishly stood his ground.

I rolled my eyes, "Michael, just say it and she'll go home." I popped one of my frozen blueberries into mouth savoring the sweet melting fruits.

He glanced around at the entire group and noticed their visible irritation and huffed, "Fine. You're right, Pamela, the Fonz could beat up Bruce Lee."

Fez stealthy stole some of my blueberries munching on it giving me a sheepish smile.

Pam beamed and pecked his cheek, "Thank you. Now, Michael, call me tonight at 8 pm sharp." She stood up made her way to the basement's back door.

Michael pouted, "But that's when 'Chico and the Man' is on!" I could clearly hear the whine in his voice. Sometimes I wondered privately who the girl was in this relationship.

Pam flipped her long blonde hair, "I know, but I like it when you describe it to me."

She bounced making her breasts jiggle which in turn drew Fez and Michael in, "Do your Chico impersonation."

Michael tore his eyes away from his girlfriend's rack, "I don't think these guys really want to hear my-"

Steven grinned and cut him off, "Sure we would." He stole some of my blueberries as well.

Pam impatiently glared, "Go ahead, Michael." She was certainly a demanding bitch.

Eric chuckled, "By all means."

Donna snorted and I pushed her slightly. She shook her head munching on a hand full of jelly beans. I guess I really shouldn't interrupt this amusing moment.

Pam batted her eyes and stuck out her lower lip in what I supposed was supposed to be a kicked puppy look, "Please."

Michael sighed in defeat, "All right." He did his Chico impression which managed to make Pam flounce off jiggling boobs and all.

I sighed and slouched against my seat, "Jeeze Michael, Why can't you date someone a little less annoying? Someone who'd give me less of a head ache at least." I kneaded my temples with my forefingers while I closed my eyes. I felt someone's hands knead my shoulders and I opened my eyes looking up at an uncomfortable looking Steven. I wondered if this was his physical way of showing that he wanted me to be his girlfriend.

Michael snorted, "Like whom?" He flopped back into his lawn chair.

Eric piped up, "What about Barbara Vansen?"

Donna shook her head, "She's just as annoying as Pam and even more vicious." She threaded her fingers with his and squeezed his hand. Eric beamed and stole a jelly bean. I wonder what he would really be like after they slept together…probably annoyingly cheerful.

Fez nodded, "Yeah, but her boobs are huge!" He mimed having huge breasts before eating a huge hand full of blueberries. So far my snacks were a hit.

I sighed, "So?" I took one of Steven's hands and placed a gentle kiss on his scarred palm. Eric grimaced at my actions, but nodded in Steven's direction. I guess they had a talk about something? I wondered if it had anything to do with me.

Fez grinned at me wickedly, "There's always Lin. Is she not single?" I felt Steven stiffen behind me. Was this Fez's weird way of asking if I was available? Uhhh…

Eric deeply frowned, "No." I raised my eyebrow at the finality in his voice. Damn broseph.

Fez matched his frown, "But you already have the beautiful Donna. You do not need the little goddess too."

Donna laughed while Eric looked affronted at the suggestion of him ever wanting me that way, "Fez, he didn't mean it that way." She ate the last of my jelly beans with a grin. I'd be sure to get her some more at another time.

Steven glared hard at Michael and Fez who looked like they wanted to sway Donna, "She's my girl. I already talked to Eric, Kitty and Red, so back off." He growled a little and his voice sounded rougher which was hot, but I was still irritated.

I tugged at his hand, and managed to garner his attention. His face softened and the ire melted off his face. I couldn't stay mad at this guy for too long, drat. I frowned, "Where was I in this decision?"

Steven coughed awkwardly, "I was going to ask you later today."

Donna rolled her eyes and cuddled closer to her recently acquired boyfriend Eric, "Do you find that annoying?"

I huffed and nodded, "Yeah, but what can you do right?"

She silently agreed with me while the boys went on with their conversation.

Michael popped up again out of his chair happily explaining, "Kate Pierce!" He mimed huge melon sized breasts on his chest wiggling his eyebrows the entire time, "Now she's got some knockers, baby." Damn guy was such a perv. I wondered what sucking on Steven's fingers would do to him. Psh….I guess I was a perv sometimes too, but only in my head or around Donna…maybe around Steven later on…Much later on.

Fez nodded sagely, "True, but they're not bigger than Barbara's." He ate the last of my blueberries with an apologetic smile. I nodded back at him. It was alright; it wasn't like I couldn't just get more.

Steven piped in, "Yeah, they are." I quirked my brow and he gave me an unapologetic grin. I pinched his finger and he just grinned wider. Damn horn dog.

Michael flippantly waved his hand, "You're dreaming."

Eric decided to put his two cents in, which was a dumbass move considering that there were two women still in the vicinity, "It's like comparing- Exodus and Deuteronomy both of which have taught us very valuable lessons."

He quickly ended his comment and casually stated, "Hi, Dad." He threw in a slight smile.

I beamed at him, "Hi Mr. Forman." I slipped out a chocolate tootsie roll and held it out for him.

Red smiled at me warmly and pocked the candy, "Hello sweetheart." He continued on his way towards the basement door addressing Eric, "Damn dryer's broken."

Eric made the 'golly gee' motion with the arm that wasn't holding Donna, "Nuts."

Red rolled his eyes and turned around, "I need my vice grips." Before he left he ruffled my short hair, "Have fun with your friends, sweetheart."

I warmly smiled at his retreating back. Steven moved back to his position behind the couch directly behind me. He planted a short small kiss on the back of my exposed neck and I couldn't help, but flush. I supposed turnabout was fair play.

Steven sent me an apologetic look before he stated, "Have you seen Kate in a tube top? It's like you're looking at the Grand Tetons in a tube top." His apologetic look wouldn't save him from my irritation. I gently bit his finger in revenge, but I think that might have turned him on because he suddenly went quiet. I wished that I could smush blueberries into his face.

Michael rolled his eyes, "Look, the issue isn't, are Kate's big, right? The issue is, are they bigger than Barbara's? Because Barbara's are bigger than the walls of Jericho which, as we all know, tumbled down, right? Hello, Mrs. Forman." Michael gulped and promptly sat back down into his seat.

Kitty distractedly looked around "Hello Michael." She spotted me and her eyes softened, sometimes I wondered why they liked me so much better than Eric. "Hello sweetie."

She turned back to Eric, the worry clearly visible on her face, "Eric, did your father come down here?"

Eric nodded pointing to where his father had gone, "Yeah, he's gonna be fixing the dryer soon."

Kitty rung her hands and paced a little, "Oh dear. You know, ever since the plant cut back his hours he spends all his time fixing things…Things that don't need fixing. Things I need. Things I use. Things I love. I gotta go hide the crock pot!" She dashed out of the basement and I couldn't help, but laugh. Things were always so crazy here, and that's one of the many reasons why I would rather spend my time at this basement than my richly decorated home. The people made this place all the better in comparison. What was money if you didn't have anyone to enjoy it with?

Donna sighed and rubbed Eric's shoulder consolingly, "Sounds like your dad's losing it."

Michael rudely snorted, "If he's like this now he's gonna be a total head case if they shut down the plant. He's going to be this pathetic guy- With breasts the size of watermelons! Is what Moses said to the Egyptians?" He flailed around when he noticed that Red had walked in during his rant.

Red glared at Michael, "Kelso, go home."

Michael stood up at attention and saluted, "Yes SIR!" He dashed away as fast as he could go after that stunt.

Steven grinned and buried his head in my hair while Red checked on the dryer.

Fez snickered and lifted the box looking through the small blueberry box for any that could've been left. Dude really liked them. Huh.

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Circle Time:

I quirked my eyebrow and settled my self onto Steven's lap taking a big puff of my inhaler all the while, "Donna beat you in basketball?"

Steven wrapped his arms around me steadying me on his lap whilst also slightly grazing my breasts. I pinched his hand slightly and he grinned against my neck. We had talked earlier and he had stated that he liked the idea of me sitting on his lap. It worked in two ways. Firstly, it showed that I was taken and not to be trifled with. And Secondly, it made Steven feel safer in the way that the direct attention was off of him. I think it was because of the child abuse he went through; when people who beat you didn't pay attention to you, it was Godsend.

PAN TO ERIC

Eric frowned at me, "How'd you know?" He passed the burning Mary Jane stick around the circle. I bet he was irritated that I was sitting in for once. My asthma was bad, but it wasn't unbearable.

PAN TO LIN

I shrugged, "I live right next door too, and it's not that hard to spot." I had bought a special corticosteroid inhaler for this and it was doing wonders for my lungs. Steven rubbed my back not really participating in the Mary Jane festivities. I wondered if it was because of me.

PAN TO MICHAEL

Michael giggled, "Is this true, Eric?"

PAN TO ERIC

Eric sighed, "Yeah." He ran his hands through his hair.

PAN TO LIN

I tilted my head in confusion. This smoke was making me sleepy, "What, is that a big deal?"

PAN TO STEVEN

My boyfriend snorted and sarcastically stated, "Of course not." I pinched his side pouting. He grinned and kissed my cheek. We hadn't had our first kiss yet. I hadn't figured out why though.

PAN TO MICHAEL

Michael laughed, "Unless Donna happens to be, you know, a girl."

PAN TO FEZ

Fez teasingly sang, "Especially a girl Eric loves." He stopped and suddenly stared at Eric, "You know, in my country, if a woman beats you it makes her want you."

PAN TO ERIC

He looked so hopeful, "Really?"

PAN TO FEZ

Fez gave him a shit eating grin, "Yes, but this is America, wuss."

PAN TO MICHAEL

Michael gaily chanted, "Wuss, wuss, wuss." He made sure to wave his arms around like a moron the entire time.

PAN TO ERIC

Eric grumbled, "Kelso, would you please stop that?" He was certainly more polite with me around. I wondered if it was because he was trying to be a good role model.

PAN TO LIN

I rolled my eyes, "Michael, you're such a butt." I snuggled into Steven. He was really comfy even if he kept having to adjust himself. Silly boy.

PAN TO FEZ

Fez happily started chanting as well, "Wuss, wuss, wuss!"

PAN TO LIN

I tilted my head, "Wait. Hold on." Steven sensually slid his hands along my sides. I wondered if this hit of Mary Jane made him horny. I wiggled my hips against him making his chest rumble. I held back a laugh.

PAN TO STEVEN

Steven peered around me and raised his eye brow, "What about Kelso? I mean, Pam has him totally whipped." I was happy that he tried to stand up for Eric when Michael and Fez went too far.

PAN TO FEZ

He giggled and swayed, "Whipped like the family pig." Did they do that in his country? No one ever mentioned where Fez came from.

PAN TO MICHAEL

He pouted, "I am not pig-whipped."

PAN TO ERIC

He gave Fez a startled look, "Where do you even get that stuff?"

PAN TO FEZ

He shrugged, "We do that to tenderize meat."

PAN TO STEVEN

Steven shook his head in utter disbelief, "Are you kidding?"

PAN TO LIN

I piped in and did my best valley girl impression making sure to make my voice irritatingly pitchy, "Michael, call me at 8 pm sharp." I hoped that would distract them from grilling Fez about the strange customs of his home country. It was only really strange to us because we weren't used to it. No need to needle the guy because of something he couldn't control.

PAN TO ERIC

He tilted his head and mimed twirling hair around his finger, "Michael, do your Chico impression."

PAN TO FEZ

He grinned, "Michael, rub oil on my thighs while I spank you."

PAN TO ERIC

Eric's eyes widened and he gaped at Fez silently.

PAN TO LIN

I buried my head into Steven's shoulder silently laughing. What the hell, Fez?

PAN TO STEVEN

Steven raised his eyebrow at Fez, a clear bewildered expression on his face.

PAN TO MICHAEL

He was flushed when I glanced over at him.

PAN TO FEZ

Fez nervously looked around fiddling with his hands, "Please, someone else talk now."

PAN TO STEVEN

Steven shook his head, "I think we got it, man."

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Everyone had dispersed after the circle with Eric blearily going up to take a cat nap. Michael had stumbled off to do something with Fez. Those guys were always up to something these days.

"You wanna a ride home?" I asked hand in hand with Steven while we walked into my back yard. The sun was setting and even though it was a small town, I didn't want him walking around at night. Danger was danger no matter the gender.

He pulled me into a stop once we reached my back patio. "Yeah, just give me one moment first."

I turned and looked up at him tilting my head to the side, "What for?"

He slid off his sunglasses and let go of my hand. I stared at my lonely hand and pouted, but before he could say anything he lifted up my chin.

I wordlessly gave him a confused look. Steven grinned and dipped down and captured my lips with his own. It was my first kiss and his; it was brilliant.

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Donna was at my doorstep after I had come home from Steven's place, and I opened the door gesturing her to get in. She gratefully walked in and sat down on one of kitchen bar stools.

While I made her some sweet iced tea I asked, "So you beat Eric at basketball? How'd that happen?"

Donna rolled her eyes, "I beat Eric at basketball. It wasn't that hard. What's the big deal?"

I took the pitcher I made and poured out some for me and Donna before I sat on the stool next to her, "Personally I don't think it's a big deal."

She took the glass beside her and sighed sipping on it slowly, "My mom said I should just let him believe he's some sort of big strong man."

I laughed long and loud tilting back my head, "Well that might be tough because he's more like a bean stalk rather than some burly dude." I sipped some of my drink savoring the sweet cold tea. Hmmm.

Donna let her head fall into her arms pushing away her iced tea, "Do you think I should follow my mom's advice?"

I shrugged, "Lady, I think you should follow your gut. I wouldn't really know about following your mom's advice since the closest thing I've had to a mom is Mrs. Forman and we don't usually talk about stuff like that."

Donna nodded and sighed, "Yeah."

I gave her a warm hug, "It'll be okay."

Donna gave me a half-hearted grin, "I hope so."

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I rolled my eyes while Steven eyed Michael, "Man, are you still on the phone? Come on, let's go."

I nodded and started tapping my burgundy suede booted foot. I had been waiting for this movie for weeks. It had taken Steven forever to agree to going since it was kind of pricy and it had taken even longer than forever to get him to agree to let me pay for all of it. After this we were going to go to the mall. Little did he know it was more of a shopping trip for him and not me; I was so excited.

Michael whined while he held the phone away from him for a moment, "I can't."

Fez glared, "The movie starts in five minutes." It was going to be his first American movie, and I doubt he wanted it to be ruined because of Michael's love life.

Steven rolled his eyes and frogged his shoulder, "Let's go."

Michael winced and rubbed his shoulder while he shook his head, "I can't."

I huffed and grunted, "Wuss."

Steven beamed at me and Fez had a bewildered look on his face. I was the last person they expected to say wuss let alone to one of our friends. Michael really was being a wuss though. He could explain that he had made plans and that he would call back later. It was better than dragging us along with his misery.

Michael thoughtfully frowned before covering the mouth piece of the phone, "Pamela, hold on."

We all had expectant looks on our faces and I couldn't help but anxiously bounce on the balls of my heels.

Michael sighed and shook his head, "Okay, I'll tell her there's an emergency and I gotta go. She'll buy that, right?"

Steven smirked and saw Michael's mistake, "Yeah, except for one thing." Fez snickered and I sighed. Sometimes Michael really was an idiot.

He looked at the phone in his hand and called out, "Pam?"

Fez cheerfully piped in, "Don't be her whipped pig."

Michael stared at the phone bewildered, "She hung up on me."

Fez tilted his head, "Let's go." I suppose the concept of getting hung up on wasn't big in his country wherever that was.

I gently patted his shoulder, "You call her later, okay?" Steven gently dragged me away from consoling a very shocked Michael. He kissed the back of my neck which in turn caused me to let out a slight giggle. Damn that suave man. Lol.

Michael trudged along behind us muttering, "She hung up on me."

Fez cheered, "Let's go!" It was a mistake giving him that bag of gummy worms.

Steven cocked his head towards Michael, "Way to be, way to be." I had no idea what that meant, but it didn't matter because we were finally able to get to the cinema doors. My first film with Steven! I couldn't wait.

Michael nodded resolutely, "That's right." Maybe it was just a guy thing.

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I walked hand in hand with Steven while we made our way to the Hub after the movies with Fez and Michael trudging along behind us.

I leaned into Steven and laid my head down on his shoulder while we walked, "Did you like the movie, puddin' pop?" It wasn't the best movie, but considering the 70's it was alright. The old school popcorn made it all the better though.

He let a little smile slip on his face before he gave me a quick peck on the lips, "It was okay. I didn't hate it." That meant he really enjoyed the movie.

I grinned, "That's good." I sighed happily, "Do you wanna share a milkshake and a bunch of fries?" I heard his stomach grumble quietly. Inwardly I scowled; Edna probably didn't leave any money for food again. "Or we could share some burgers? You know how I hate to eat alone."

The smile slipped off his face and a pensive one replaced it. We walked further ahead of Michael and Fez and he whispered, "Do you want me to stay overnight more often?" Currently he was staying over every other night, both to keep me company and to keep away from Jim the trucker. He was a burly man that liked to man-handle Steven while Edna would watch.

A warm smile made its way onto my face, "I wouldn't mind if you did that, especially since you're my boyfriend now." I wiggled my eyebrows suggestively. It would mean more time with him and I would get him to eat. "Are we still on for the mall after this detour?"

He rolled his eyes a smirk fixated on his visage, "If I get to drive."

I laughed, "When don't you?" I was totally getting him an El Camino for his 17th birthday. It was still a ways away though since it was still March.

Steven had a smug look on his face, "Damn right." I wondered idly what his expression would be when I gave him his dream car. I would damn well make him take it too.

I had a feeling he didn't actually mean driving with a car though. Jeeze…

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Pam glared at Michael when she barged into the Hub, "We need to talk. And I am over here." She had her hand on her hips and her nose in the air.

I shook my head and dipped my French fry into my vanilla milkshake before popping it into my mouth. Steven forgoed my strange concoction and munched on his burger. I managed to convince him to get an actual meal of a burger, fries, and a root beer. I totally counted it as a win.

Michael twitched and glanced back at Pam, "Oh God. What am I gonna do?" He wrung his hands in fear. I tilted my head to the side and kept eating. I didn't wanna get into this.

Steven swallowed and muttered off handedly, "You could, and I know this is a radical suggestion but...be a man? You shouldn't let her push you around, Kelso." He took a sip of his root beer and put an arm around me.

Michael had a resolute look on his face and he stood up, "You're right, Hyde."

I raised my eyebrow, "No more excuses." He nodded firmly before leaving to go and talk to Pam. I shrugged. He wasn't good at confrontations at all, and I didn't expect this to get any better right now.

Fez frowned at Michael and Pam thoughtfully asking, "She will crush him, yes?" He stole one of my fries and I sighed. Damn my constant need to feed people. I slid the rest of my fries towards him. He beamed at me and munched down on multiple fries at once.

Steven shook his head and tucked me into his side offering his fries in recompense, "Like the spirit of your Mayan forefathers." I smiled and kissed him gently before stealing one of his fries. Sure I could go buy more, but I really didn't wanna get up right now.

Fez stopped stuffing his face and shook his head, "My forefathers were not Mayan."

Steven raised his eyebrow and sniped, "Like anyone cares." I think he was irritated that Fez had stolen my food again. I rubbed his thigh under the table while caused him to stiffen and look at me questioningly. I smiled and patted it slightly, which caused him to relax. Fries weren't a big deal, and Steven shouldn't hold it against Fez. People got hungry. That's just the way things worked.

Fez shrugged it off and continued eating while watching what happened between Pam and Michael.

Pam called out and glared over at us, "You were obviously under a bad influence."

Michael and Pam continued on talking at a more indoor appropriate volume. At some point Pam left with a damn smug look on her face. She took a table further down from us. I rolled my eyes at her and stood up with Steven. "You done, puddin' pop?"

He nodded, "Yeah, doll. Let's blow this pop stand after I razz Kelso."

I chuckled, "Whatever."

Fez shrugged, "I will come and razz Kelso as well."

We made our way to Michael while he was apparently ordering a Diet Rite of all things. Steven frogged his shoulder, "I remember saying be a man, not be a wuss, Kelso."

Fez nodded and chipped in sadly shaking his head, "I am ashamed to know you."

Michael turned red and rubbed his shoulder, "All right, all those who are getting some, hands up!" He held his hand up proudly and I glared at him. That was mean to put the guys on the spot like that. They were only trying to get him to stand up to a person that kept pushing him around.

Fez and Steven stared at Michael with bewildered looks. That was totally not why they were giving him advice.

Michael got his Diet Rite and glared at the guys completely ignoring me for once, "Anybody else? Getting some? Hyde? Fez? Yeah. I thought so." He hurried off towards Pam and I shook my head.

Steven let out a long sigh, "Damn."

Fez nodded, "May I come along to your mall outing?"

I made a face before Steven jumped in, "Cocoa Puff, no offense, but Lin and I want some alone time." Alone time he says. We have that every other night.

Fez pouted, "Can I not just go to the mall and be there while you two make out away from me?" He looked so sad, and I mean really…what harm could it do if we just let him come along?

I sighed and gave Steven a look, "We could just leave him and make sure to drop him off after we're done doing our stuff."

Steven rolled his eyes, "Fine, but once we get there you gotta scram, okay?"

Fez beamed, "Sure. Sure."

I interlocked my fingers with Steven's while we walked away from Pam and Michael. Let Michael flounder; it might show him that sometimes doing the best thing for a person was the harder choice.

wvwvwvwvwvwvwvwvwvwvwvw

I grinned and twirled around while we walked swinging my bags along. Steven followed at a more sedate pace a smile threatening to overtake his scowl. I hand managed to let me buy him new boots, a couple new band t-shirts, a whole bunch of other stuff.

He had countered stating that he felt really bad that he couldn't reciprocate in that way. I had managed to shut him up with a well-placed kiss and the reassurance that I cared more about him than anything material.

We had known each other well enough for a couple years so he knew that was true. I loved spending money on food and for things that other people would love. Doing some good with tainted money made me feel warm inside. I had explained it slowly and thoroughly when I had bought him replacement aviators when we were younger.

"Doll, thanks for the stuff," He looped his arm around my waist and I beamed up at him.

"You know I love getting you things. It makes me happy too," I cuddled into his side while he took most of the bags from me.

He let out a defeated sigh, "I know. It helps that you do this with the Formans too sans Laurie of course." We walked by a fountain and saw that Fez was chatting it up with a cute slim red head in a leather jacket. We paused and stared at the foreign sight.

Steven cocked his head to the side and squinted at them, "I think that's Danielle Winkle. She's a year below us."

I raised an eyebrow and I gave him a sharp poke to the side, "Us?"

He winced and grunted, "Damn Lin. Syntax. I know. By us I meant the guys and Donna. You, Ms. Smartypants, already went and got a college degree."

I grinned and pecked his mouth letting my tongue quickly feel his lower lip, "Damn straight, puddin' pop."

He grinned, "Wanna drop this off in the beetle before we go get Fez?"

I nodded and suggestively ran my hand down his side, "We could also do a couple different things in the beetle before we get Fez."

He wiggled his eye brows and let out a loud laugh, "I'm sure we could, doll. I'm sure we could."

wvwvwvwvwvwvwvwvwvwvwvw

I happily munched on the corn on my plate while I sliced my steak into smaller pieces. I loved having dinner with the Formans especially when Laurie wasn't around. If she was nicer I would like her better, but she seriously had a grudge against me for some reason.

Eric pushed his mashed potatoes around, "Dad, about this table…"

I shook my head and kicked his knee, "Eric." He grimaced and shoved a spoon full of mashed potatoes into his mouth.

Red grunted and glared at Eric, "What about the table?"

Kitty put on a strained smile, "Just that it is so darn great, Red."

Red looked at my strained smile as well and shook his head looking at the overly long legs of the table, "I think I ought to shave down the legs."

Kitty shook her head, "No, that would just ruin it, Red." I think at this point she was just trying to get him to stop fixing things.

Red threw his hands up and his napkin down onto the table, "For God's sakes, I know how to cut the legs off a table." He turned and started walking towards the patio doors. Kitty sighed and ran a hand through her hair. I wondered if she would want ice cream after this. That might help.

I shoved a piece of steak and mashed potatoes into my mouth. I would totally not get into this. Besides I was really hungry after walking around in the mall for a couple hours with Steven…and our fun activities in the car after.

Eric muttered, "You're telling me." He cut his steak harder than necessary. I wondered what got up his butt. Meh. He'd tell me later after when we were stuck with dish duty again while Kitty cooled Red down. Again.

Red whipped around and glared at Eric, "What was that?"

Eric plastered on a grin, "Nothing, sir."

Red grunted and turned gave me a soft smile, "Stay as long as you like Lin. I'll be in the garage with the saw if you need me." Red proceeded to storm off after this.

Kitty sighed, and patted my arm and shot Eric a wry look, "Do you two want some ice cream?"

Eric grinned, "Thanks mom."

I nodded, "Thank you Mrs. Forman."

She smiled, "Just finish up dinner and I'll make you waffles and ice cream."

Even though dinner was kind of messed up tonight, it still ended on a good note in my books.