A/n, Okay, T7S fanfic readers. I'm messing with the cannon here a bit, so be warned. I'm messing with season seven and maybe a bit with eight. This is a forbidden ship fic, which means its Jackie/Eric. I'm also doing some Hyde/Donna. Basically Donna and Eric are just friends after the crazy wedding stuff in season six. In my own little world, Hyde and she grow closer together. Jackie and Eric wind up spending more time with each other as a result. I'm changing and making Eric Betsy's godfather instead of Hyde. I don't think he was ready for the responsibility of being a godparent. Eric still goes to Africa to teach, but instead of having Donna waiting for him when he gets home, he has Jackie. Don't worry; it'll all make sense as you read. Please read and review. XXXX

Eric stood outside on the driveway of his childhood home. He couldn't believe that in a few hours he was going to Africa for two years. A lot had changed in the last year. Donna and he had almost gotten married, then didn't. Eric wasn't really surprised when Hyde had made his move. He knew Hyde had carried a torch for the redhead for a long time. At first it was awkward but finally he and Hyde hat sat down and cleared the air. Eric told both Hyde and Donna he was happy for them and that was that. Eric had finally realized that the love he felt for Donna wasn't enough to build a future on. Kelso was trying to get his life in order and take care of Betsy, and Fez was, well, Fez. The only one else who seemed to be just as lost and confused as he did was Jackie. She'd changed a lot since her break up with Hyde. She and Eric had started hanging out more and more with each other as of late. He was pleasantly surprised when he realized he enjoyed spending time with the brunette. There was a bit of tension when Kelso announced that he wanted Jackie and Eric to be little Betsy's godparents. Hyde was hurt, but he let his zen take over and things were cool.

"Hey, Eric," the tiny brunette greeted as she joined him leaning against the Vista Cruiser.

"Hey, Jackie, what are you doing out here?"

"I could ask you the same thing. Donna's ranting about something or other, Fez and Michael are trying to see who can stack a higher tower with Betsy's blocks and Steven's pretending to listen to Donna. Your mom's got Betsy in the kitchen and your Dad's watching the Packers. I needed a change of scenery," she admitted.

"Yeah, me, to."

"I can't believe you're leaving for Africa. That's so far away."

"I know, I can't believe it either. I can't believe I'm actually saying this, but I'm gonna miss you, Jackie," Eric said softly.

"So am I," Jackie agreed. Catching Eric off guard, she hugged him. She started to pull back, but Eric held on. The petite young woman glanced up at Eric with a questioning look. She opened her mouth to question him, but was stopped as his lips met hers. The kiss was hesitant at first but quickly grew heated. Pulling back the two friends rested their foreheads against each other.

"Wow," Eric breathed.

"Wow is right."

"I've wanted to do that for a long time," Eric said. Jackie nodded silently, a small smile curving her lips.

"I'll be here waiting for you," Jackie whispered standing on her tiptoes and kissing Eric once again.

They were stopped by Red's voice.

"Hey Dumbass, 'Loud One, Kitty says it's time to come in for cake. I'd hurry if I were you, before the foreign kid eats it all," Red called.

"I love Ms. Kitty's cake," Fez cried excitedly.

"I guess we should go in," Eric said pecking Jackie on the lips one more time. Noding she grabbed his hand and followed him inside. XXXX

"Oh, Eric, I'm going to miss you so much," Kitty sniffled as she started to cry. Reaching out she hugged her son tightly as they stood at the departing gate of the airport.

"Kitty, don't smother the boy," Red grumbled.

"Oh, Red," Kitty responded.

"Goodbye, son, just remember, don't be a dumbass," Reid reminded clapping a hand on his shoulder.

"Thanks, Dad," Eric said hugging his mom one more time before heading for the plane and two years in Africa.

TBC?

A/n, This first chapter is short, but don't worry the story will pick up. The next chapter will start a couple of years later after Eric is home. Please read and review.