𝑷𝑳𝑨𝒀 𝑫𝑨𝑻𝑬 - Steven Hyde

sixty one

61|BASKETBALL

Marigold glanced out her window, noticing her friends gathered in the driveway watching Hyde shoot hoops. She opened the large window, leaning out to get a better and listen in on their conversation.

"Goldie." Eric greeted his cousin, yelling up to her as she waved back. "You know you can come downstairs and join us, right?"

"It's comfier up here." Goldie chuckled, cuddling her arms closer to her chest. "Plus, I'm still in my pajamas."

"Guys, I really want Nina to like me, so, please, avoid the following topics." Fez announced to everyone, playing with his fingers nervously. "My addiction to candy, the fact that I have needs, and my use of Alberto VO5 Hot Oil Treatment."

"Wait. Fez, what does she care what you use on your hair?" Jackie questioned the boy with confusion.

"Oh, I don't use it on my hair."

"I have so many questions." Goldie mumbled to herself as her face twisted with disgust.

"Well, I heard about your secret couples party." Kelso wandered out of the house in a huff. "And I'm glad I'm not going, 'cause I hate parties."

"Hey, man, I'm only going 'cause Donna's making me." Eric complained. "At this rate, the only way I'll see Laser Floyd is if they project it on a leaf canopy at the arboretum."

"So, don't go to the party." Hyde suggested. "Act tough, Forman."

"I'm not tough."

"That's why I said "act"." He smirked to himself, throwing the basketball between his hands. "No one is making me go, that's for sure."

"Oh, that is it, Steven." Jackie snapped, standing up to face him. "As your girlfriend, I am ordering you to go to this party."

"And as your boyfriend, I'm ordering you to take your bossy mouth and flap it elsewhere." Hyde replied, standing off with the controlling girl.

"If you flap it at me, I'll go with you." Kelso mumbled, raising his hand.

"Do you hear that, Steven? Michael wants to go to the party with me." Jackie gestured to her ex-boyfriend, waiting to see her boyfriend's reaction.

"I'm not going to the party." Hyde put his foot down, his voice stern as he crosses his arms.

"Fine." She huffed before turning to Kelso. "Michael, I would love to go to the party with you."

~•~

Marigold watched as Hyde emerged from the basement, trying to sneak himself some food. She chuckled to herself as he jumped in fright, spotting her at the breakfast table.

"Why aren't you at the party?" Hyde asked, grabbing a coke from the fridge and sitting down across from her.

"I didn't have a date." She shrugged, grabbing his drink and taking a sip. "Plus, I wanted to play basketball and not have Eric make fun of me."

"Make fun of you?"

"Yeah, I'm not the best." Goldie chuckled to herself as he stole his drink back.

"Come on." Hyde stood up, finishing his drink and walking to the back door. "I'll teach you how to throw."

"What?" Marigold followed him outside, leaning against the car bonnet as she watched him throw the ball into the hoop. She listened carefully as he explained how to stand, her feet placement and hand movements.

"Your turn." He threw the ball in her direction, laughing as she failed to catch it while slipping off the car.

"Okay, so, like this?" She moved her body into a similar position to his, preparing herself to throw the ball.

"No, your shoulders need to loosen up." He moved behind her, placing his hands on her shoulders. "Don't be so tense."

"I'm always tense." Goldie reminded him, glancing over her shoulder and meeting his stare. "I have so much childhood trauma that even therapy can't help."

"True." Hyde paused, his hands still on her shoulders before he stepped back, clearing his throat. "Okay, your turn."

"I did it!" She cheered, turning around excitedly and meeting his proud grin. "I actually did it!"

"Well done! I knew you could do it!" He gave her a quick high five, laughing with her as she bounced around happily. "This is so much better than some stupid dinner party."

"Steven, I know I've lost you." Marigold sighed, stopping the ball from rolling down the driveway. "But that doesn't mean you should lose Jackie. Go to the stupid dinner party."

"What about you?" Hyde paused, glancing at the girl. He reached out, tucking the stray hairs behind her ear. "I can't leave you alone while the rest of us eat."

"Go, Steven." She smiled sadly, grabbing his hand and moving it back to his side. "Be with your girlfriend. I'll be fine."