Chapter 13: 1978

AN: As a thank you to all those that read, reviewed, followed, and favorited, and for getting this fic getting to more than a hundred reviews, I present to you all Steven's POV on their trip up to Niagara Falls. The POV will switch back to Lin after the trip.

I'm sorry this chapter took forever to get here, but it'll still take a little bit. I got some advice from one of my friends since I've been struggling, mental health wise, to just write a little bit at at time. Even though it took forever, this is all I have for this story. I'll keep updating this chapter when I finish more of it. And I'll answer reviews once I finish this chapter.

Hope you all enjoy!

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Lin looked up at me with her big o'l eyes. A pout puckered up her lips as she let her forefingers slip into my belt loops, "You really going to go? Without me?"

I placed a small kiss against her lips and gently pried her fingers away from my jeans, "It won't be a long trip, doll. It's just to Niagara Falls. No more than a day, I promise. Besides, I'll bring you back something."

I was glad that she'd miss me, but really, it wasn't like I was gonna be gone long on this trip anyway. At least that's what I kept telling myself.

With a small huff, she let her head fall onto my chest, "A magnet at the very least." My crazy midget and her magnet obsession.

I chuckled and wrapped her petite form in my arms, "Done... Hey, you know I love you, right?" Sometimes I worried that that knowledge would fade. It did with Bud and Edna, and that seemed to always niggle at the back of my mind. I never wanted to end up like them.

She shot me a questioning look that turned soft, "You know I do. And I love you too. Have fun, and don't get thrown into prison."

With a snort, I rolled my eyes, "Bah. Me? You know I'd escape just to see you again." I shot her a smirk and pulled her into a long kiss as I backed up into the kitchen door slowly.

As we broke apart, she breathlessly smiled at me. Lin brushed my stubble with her soft little hand, and murmured, "Well, romantic that you are, don't end up there in the first place."

Giving her one last peck, I winked, "Bye, doll." Slinging my duffle bag over my shoulder, I slipped out of the kitchen, across our backyard and into Forman's driveway.

She called out, "Bye, puddin' pop!" My heart clenched for a moment before I threw a wave over my shoulder. Okay, so I didn't like staying away from my girl too long if I could help it. God. Was I going soft?

Shaking those thoughts away, I tugged on my sunglasses. Sure, it wasn't overly bright, but they honestly helped me keep my zen. Especially, when people pissed me off. I brushed off the toast crumbs off of my black Led Zepplin t-shirt and sighed. I hoped this trip didn't end up with us landing in a jail cell. Again.

Spotting the guys already packing things into Forman's car, I gave them a nod before slipping my stuff in as well. Meandering up to the front of the car, I joined Forman and Fez.

Forman fidgeted putting one hand in his pocket before a thoughtful look overcame his face, "Okay guys, trip checklist." Ticking off his fingers Forman hummed, "Car: Check. Luggage: Check. Passports: Check. Tickets?"

I rolled my eyes, "I got 'em. Plus some extra cash in case anyone loses theirs."

Personally, I wasn't so happy about Lin 'treating' me and the guys to this trip. Sure, it would take a couple days to get to Niagra and back if we drove, but it would probably be a hell of a lot cheaper than $500 a pop plane tickets.

It's hard to say no to her though, especially when she does that thing with her tongue. I shook that thought away. I did not want blue balls on this trip.

Forman raised a brow, "Your idea or Lin's?" To be fair, it wasn't something that I'd ever offer, so he did make a good point.

Shoving my hands into jean pockets, I shrugged, "Lin's. My vote was to just let anyone who loses their ticket, stay home." Screw em if they fucking lost a $500 ticket.

Forman chuckled and ran a hand through his hair, "Okay. We're good."

Fez bounced on his heels. Worry had wormed onto his face, "Is there anything about Canada we need to know before we get there?"

I raised a brow at him and slipped my thumbs into my back pockets, "The beer is stronger. And as a result, their women look prettier. And the flight is about 1 hour and 24 minutes." I shot him a shit-eating grin. Maybe Fez could get laid on this trip.

Fez brightly grinned back and exclaimed, "Then, let's haul ass to Canada!"

An antsy look drew onto Forman's face as he shushed Fez, "Okay. Shh. Fez, if my dad finds out that we're going to Canada uh, for beer, no less, he's gonna start killing people, okay? People like us. So keep it down."

Dashing up Forman's driveway, Kelso grinned at us waving an air horn, "All right! Canada! Whoo-hoo! Beer! Waterfalls!" He blew his air horn once, a goofy grin plastered on his face. It slowly faded as he noticed our varying expressions.

Forman shook his head and flatly stated, "Kelso, you're not going."

Kelso reeled back like he was just told that he'd never be allowed to pet a dog again. He whined, "What? Why not?"

I gave him an incredulous look, emphasizing my point with my hand, "Because this is a risky, expensive, mission. And you tend to screw these things up."

Shaking his head like a golden retriever, he pointed an accusing finger at us, "Yo, that is a damnable lie!"

With that exclamation, Fez and I decided to wait this entire thing out by leaning against Forman's car. Crossing my arms, I wished I hadn't packed away my smokes into my duffle bag.

Forman sighed before walking over to Kelso. With a straight look, he pinched his lips, "Okay... Kelso, remember that time we were gonna put a flaming bag of dog poop in front of Principal Pridwell's door. And... You lit it in the car on the way over?"

Kelso tilted his head and slowly nodded, a slight smile lifted his lips, "Yeah. I wanted to see it all flame-y."

With a long-suffering sigh, Forman continued, "And then you panicked and stepped on it."

Kelso pouted and crossed his arms, "Eric, it was on fire!"

Letting out a slightly strained laugh Forman shook his head before patting Kelso's shoulder, "Ohhkay. You're not going." And with that, he turned and walked back to us.

Pulling on a puppy dog look, Kelso stared beseechingly at Forman, "No, no, no. Fine. I promise I won't use the air horn again. Plus, I'll pay for the gas and the beer."

Both Fez and I turned in tandem to see Forman's decision. I raised a brow, expecting him to cave. He usually did when it came to these things. Especially when it came to beer and gas.

And with just that bit of bribery, Forman did as he always did, "I can't stay mad at you. Come on, you big lug." With a wave of his hand, he gestured for all of us to get into the car.

I shot Kelso an amused grin, scratching at the back of my head while we walked to the car doors. He shot me a happy grin in return.

I blinked and paused when I got to the car doors. My boss Leo was there.

"Hey, dudes," Leo gave us all a little wave. During our conversation, he had managed to sneak into Forman's car without any of us noticing.

I looked back at Kelso and then back to Leo, confusion hidden behind my sunglasses, "Leo, man, what are you doin' here?"

He tilted his head and shrugged, "Sittin'. What are you doin' here?"

I blinked and simply stated, "We're goin' to Canada to buy beer and see Niagara Falls." Outwardly, I kept my zen, but inside I was honestly confused as to what the hell was going on.

Leo bobbed his head, "Canada? Cool, man. I spent some time up there during 'Nam."

Forman leaned against his open door, confusion apparent on his face, "Oh, conscientious objector, huh?"

Leo shook his head, face strangely serious, "No. I didn't mind. Hey, a trip up to Niagara sounds good, man. But I don't want nothin' to do with that beer. That stuff will mess with your mind, man."

I raised my brows before sharing a stunned look with the rest of the guys.

Eric sighed, and shook his head, "Okay. Let's get goin'." And with that, everyone else slipped into the car.

Leo shot Kelso a disgusted look as he slid into the front seat, "Oh, don't tell me Crap Shoes is comin'."

Kelso took in a deep breath and gritted his teeth, "The bag was on fire!"

Slipping into the seat beside Kelso, I barked out a laugh.

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The journey to the airport was uncomplicated and silent except for the radio blaring throughout the car. It only got complicated when we all recalled that Leo didn't have a ticket. I spotted my boss's ticket, but I wasn't exactly happy. Leo was a cool guy, sure, but $500 worth of cool. I dunno.

The rest of the way to the plane was a blur. But getting onto the plane brought it all back into focus.

When I was a little kid before Bud fucked off and Edna wasn't as shitty... When my nana was still alive, I'd dream of traveling. Seeing new places just like in the storybooks my nana used to read to me. But that was when I was 6. Feels like a lifetime ago.

My first time on an airplane wasn't how I'd imagined it. It wasn't as fancy, my nana wasn't here, and neither was Lin. To be honest, if Forman hadn't put the idea in her head about a guys trip, I didn't think I'd be on a plane this soon. Maybe for a future honeymoon with Lin, but definitely not now.

Honestly, it was noisy, smelt weird, and was kind of scary. It kind of felt like a roller coaster that didn't stop going up. It wasn't a feeling I liked. Not that I'd ever tell the guys that. They were too busy being freaked out too, so I doubt they noticed my clenched hands.

My stomach grumbled as the plane finally leveled off. Even though it was an hour-long journey, they didn't even include any meals or snacks. Considering how much the tickets cost, it kind of sucked.

The only upside was all the legroom and the pretty flight attendants. They weren't as attractive as Lin though.

Damn it. I missed her. Fuck.

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The blue water crashed down the falls, turning into white flurries as it rushed down into the bay. Even though the sun bared down on us, the closer we got to the falls, the cooler the air felt.

From a distance, the waterfall had been like a silent white stream cascading over the rocky outcrops. As the ferry floated closer, the noise gradually increased until we were only a few hundred meters away.

At this point, no one could even shout to one another over the deafening roar of the water. We floated in closer until we were in the plume of water vapor that hung over the bay. It took only minutes until everyone was as wet as they would've been in any rainstorm. It didn't matter though because we all stood in awe.

As the ferry slowly pulled away from the falls, the sounds dimmed away enough so people could once again hear one another.

I leaned across the railing and breathed out, "Wow. God damn." Even if we didn't get the beer on this trip, just getting to see this view in person was enough for me.

Forman nodded and took in The ginormous waterfall in front of us, "What a view."

Fez stood as still as a statue, his eyes as wide as an owl's. He breathed out, awestruck, "It is so beautiful I could cry."

Were there no waterfalls like this where he came from? Where did cocoa puff come from? He never did say.

Kelso nodded, scanning the waterfall this way and that, "It looks just like a postcard."

Leo solemnly nodded, "Almost as beautiful as freshly grown weed, man."

I raised a brow at that but shook it off. Leo was always a little weird. This comment was just another drop in the ocean.

Forman did his best to shake the water off of his raincoat, "I'm glad they gave us raincoats."

I snorted out a laugh, "Afraid of catching a cold, Forman?" I'd been in plenty of rainstorms like this, and it never gave me a cold. It was more like a combo of rain, the cold, and hunger that always did me in.

Kelso shot me a serious look, "It's a real thing, Hyde."

Like Crap Shoes could talk. Neither of them ever went through the shit I did. I rolled my eyes and glanced back at the waterfall. Gotta take Lin here. She'd love this view too.

Fez's staring abruptly stopped at the mention of colds. He shot us all a wary look, "Can you catch a cold from water?"

I shook my head, not bothering to look back at him, "Don't worry cocoa puff, the raincoats will protect you."

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It was a fairly hot afternoon once we'd decided to explore the area around Niagra falls. The bright blue sky was dotted with a few candy-floss clouds. Appropriate, all things considered.

A carnival entrance could be seen in the distance with long queues spiraling in. The crowd edged forward slowly. Customers were becoming increasingly excited and impatient as they took a few steps forward every so often. Fez and Kelso bounced like hyperactive 6 year-olds at the sight of it all. Faint music could be heard from beyond the tall gates with the occasional happy scream suddenly piercing the air.

Closer to the entrance was the sight of telltale massive structures. Giant rides peeked above the walls and gates ahead of them. A towering roller coaster, a giant big wheel, and even a fairly well-sized tilt-a-whirl. Below the tall rides, younger children stood watching, eating sweets and snacks. Ice creams wobbled perilously over the cones and dripped down their small fingers as they melted while some munched on brightly colored balls of cotton candy.

We were pulled into the amusement park along with the growing crowd. It wasn't a giant sprawling amusement park, but it did have the basic things most amusement parks had. There were giant rides, teacup rides, a carousel, a weird funhouse, games, and lots of junk food.

As soon as we got thrown into the throng of people milling further into the park, I felt uncomfortably surrounded. Scents of all sorts assaulted me. This place smelt like sweaty people. The syrupy smell of cotton candy, savory smells of popcorn, grilled meat, and fried things made my stomach rumble. There was also an undercurrent of cigarette smoke, and motor oil.

My fingers twitched. I was jonesing for some food and a smoke. The guys didn't look like they wanted a break yet though. While the guys and Leo were busy on a roller coaster or the funhouse, I couldn't recall which, I managed to sneak off.

It was only 15 minutes, but I thoroughly enjoyed my corn dog and smokes in peace. Maybe I'd join them on the roller coaster later or try my hand at the shooting balloon game. Both looked promising.

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The Niagra Falls gift shop was like any other tourist trap. This was the one time I didn't mind though. For once in my life I was actually here to buy things. Although the urge to do a grab and go was pretty appealing, I did remember my promise to stay out of jail on this trip. Not that I'd ever gotten caught doing a five finger discount. Man, the things I do for love.

It was odd having extra cash to spend on things here. I still felt uncomfortable using Lin's money. I honestly don't know if that'll ever change. Although, she keeps insisting that it's 'our' money. She's pushy like that. Still love er' though.

I bit my lip and stared at my basket of souvenirs. A deep sigh seemed to press out of me. Paying for things... Talking about marriage... Damn. I don't if I'm

Forman popped up from God knows where, and asked, "You really gonna get those things, Hyde?"

I inwardly startled. My hackles rose as I raised a brow and grunted out, "Why? Got a problem?"

He backed up and raised his hands before shrugging, "Nope. They don't seem like your style."

At that comment, I couldn't help but roll my eyes and snort, "That's cause they aren't, Forman. They're for Lin."

The slight confusion in Forman's face faded, "Ohh! That's a good idea. I'd definitely get brownie points with Donna if I did that too. I don't have much though. I wonder what I could get Donna?"

Shrugging, I started hustling through the crowd to get to the cashier to pay for my stuff. I did my best to ignore the nagging urge to slip in some extra stuff while everyone was busy doing their own thing, "Dunno how to help you, Forman. You know what Big Red likes better than I do."

Forman dogged my steps, pointing at something to my left, "Earrings?"

I glanced at the tacky pair of dangling earrings with a raised brow, "I don't think her ears are even pierced, man."

Forman stopped walking for a moment, a bemused look covered his face, "Damn. How did I not notice that?"

My sunglasses hid the roll of my eyes. 'Course he wouldn't notice that. I snorted before I gave him a blase shrug before getting in line, "Cause your focused on her tits more than her face?"

An older lady gave me a gimlet glare for my comment, but I didn't know the broad so I didn't apologize. S'not like she's my grandma. God rest her soul.

Forman shoved his hands into his pockets with a grimace, "Ouch. That was a low blow."

Looking over my sunglasses at his dismayed face, I muttered, "Take the truth and deal with it, Forman. I gotta go pay the man for these."

He reeled back for a moment, surprise stark on his face. Anxiously looking around, he murmured under his breath, "You're not gonna go ninja and just take em?"

A huffed out breath escaped me before I could smother my slight frustration, "Doesn't feel right with the extra cash I have." Lin wouldn't have liked it went unsaid, but from the way a smirk slid onto Forman's God damn smug face, he knew.

He lightly elbowed my side, jostling my basket, "Well damn. Steven Hyde has a conscious."

I clenched my basket tighter, my knuckles turned white, "Shut up, Forman. And don't get used to it."

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The entire store felt slightly chilled and even managed to smell cold. Clean, but cold. There were rows upon rows of alcohol. Stacks of beer were piled high in one corner near the glass fridges. It was the biggest place for booze I'd ever seen in my entire life. Damn. These Canadians had it good. Well... Better than Wisconsin at the very least.

Kelso sniffed and rubbed his eye with a fist, "That sight is damn beautiful."

A smile snuck onto my face as I shook my head, "And we can just buy whatever here cause we're legal here. God damn."

Forman nodded enthusiastically and nodded at Kelso, "Hey, hey, hey. Remember, this is Kelso's treat."

Kelso reeled back for a moment and let out a harsh bark, "What?!"

Fez shot him a smug grin, bouncing on his heels, "S'why you're on this trip, Crap Shoes."

Kelso's head whipped towards Fez and hissed out, aggravation clearly written on his face, "It was on fire, damn it!"

Leo shrugged languidly swaying, taking in the store with sharp eyes, "Oh, sure. Drinking looks like fun. And all the cool kids do it. But it leads you down a sad, lonely, confused path, man. You know why they call it beer?"

I raised a brow at my boss and firmly stated, "No."

Leo guffawed and shot me a cheery grin, "Why? I'm just curious, man."

Inwardly, I stamped down the urge to smile and laugh. He'd go on one long strange string of questions if we'd gone along with it.

We made our way towards the corner of the store that had a pyramid of beer. It didn't take us long to stock up our baskets. Didn't even cost as much as Lin and I had budgeted for. Helped that Kelso actually coughed up some money.

As the cashier scanned all the alcohol that we picked up, Fez giggled and murmured quietly, "Guys, guess how many countries I've whizzed in."

I snorted out a laugh and paid for the stuff that I'd chosen. After I picked up my bags, I shook my head and glanced back at him, "Two."

Fez pouted, "Ahh. You got me."

Forman rolled his eyes and started pushing us all to get out of the store faster, "All right. All right. Let's get going."

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The airport was a wide-open space that reminded me of a warehouse. Everything was splashed with dark and neutral shades of brown. Its walls were covered with dark bits of steel along with tall wide windows covered with sheer curtains. Tall beams that supported all the windows lit up the entire area to the point that it seemed like the florescent lights overhead were overkill.

Several scents swirled around us. The tang of air conditioning, rubber, gasoline, and burnt coffee along with the stale odor of people was a little overwhelming. It only really pushed my urge to want to go home even more. My stomach churned as I grit my teeth while the others trudged behind me.

Not saying that this wasn't fun. Cause it was really fun, but not something I'd probably do with the guys again without some serious prompting.

Our boy's weekend wasn't filled with strippers, beer, and cocaine, like in a bunch of stuff I'd heard about from guys at the bar near my old place. Not the greatest place or folks, but what they talked about seemed like fun. Well, not so much the strippers. And I can't believe I'm even saying this to myself, but I'd rather never see a stripper for my entire life if it meant I'd lose Lin. God, I'm going soft.

We arrived at noon, which might've have been a mistake. Swarms of people moved around our group, blurs of dark and neutral colors rushing past us. Must be business people, or something similar. They flowed from the check-in desks to the cafe's and through the gates. Gates we should probably get to if we ever wanted to get the fuck home. Fuck, they're so slow.

Forman looked around and clucked his tongue, "We're almost at the airport check-in. So everyone's got their I.D.'s and tickets right?"

I raised my brow and grunted, "Hn." Like I'd be dumb enough to get stuck in a different country with no way to get home.

Kelso looked up from his bear claw, "Yep." He took another large chomp off of his pastry.

Leo absently patted his coat, "Still in my coat, man."

Fez stopped walking, causing a bunch of people to give us dirty looks as they moved around us. Panic pooled onto his face as he started patting himself down fervently. A helpless look overcame his face, "Oh, no. I think I lost my green card..."

Inwardly, I cursed at this dumbass. Taking in a short breath I hissed out, "Damn it, Fez. Where's the last place you had it?" I wanted to go home, God damn it!

Fez stopped turning out his pockets and shot me a dirty look, "If I knew that, I would have it now, you son of a bitch!" Desperation coated his words. Guess cocoa puff wanted to go home too.

Forman, ever the mediator, put up his hands in a placating motion, "All right, Fez. Take it easy."

Cocoa puff whipped his head so hard I thought it'd fly off. His nostrils were flaring as he angrily gesticulated with his hands, "No. You take it easy. They're gonna throw me in Canadian jail. Oh my God. What is Canadian jail even like?!"

People were starting to stare at us now. Fuck em. I shot a couple of them dark looks, which helped I think. Made them scram any way.

I gave him a flat look, "Hey. Have you seen Midnight Express? Well, it's like that, but they beat you with hockey sticks."

Kelso palmed his face with his hand and groaned, "Great. Now we're screwed."

Fez's breaths came out fast as he visibly paled. He gasped out, "What if I can't breathe!?"

Leo, actually acting like an adult for once, put his hands on a clearly panicking Fez, "Just take a couple of deep breaths with me, man." He inhaled a deep breath and exhaled. Slowly they breathed in and out together.

He shot Fez a content look, "S' what I used to do when my kid had panic attacks, man. Breathing's important."

With his face only slightly pale now, Fez nodded and smiled at Leo in gratitude, "Thanks."

Forman butted in and wrung his hands, "All right. What're we gonna do?"

Kelso pursed his lips and tilted his head, "You could always hide em in a suitcase."

Forman frowned hard and frogged his shoulder, "Kelso, you're an idiot."

He smacked away Forman's fist with a light slap, "What!? Magicians do it." A pout wormed its way onto his face.

I shrugged and leaned up against a nearby wall, "Fuck it, it's worth a shot. Who has room?" My chest ached, and at this point, I could've really used a smoke and a beer.

Kelso grimaced, "Damn me and my big mouth. Well, where's the beer gonna go then?"

I hauled up myself from the wall and shook my bag, "I got room in my duffle bag, but it won't fit much. Plus, I'm not taking it back as a carry-on." There was no way I was gonna risk my shit for this crazy ka-ka-mae-me plan.

Forman took in a deep defeated sigh, "Well, I got some room in my backpack for the rest then."

I nodded and pointed at the checkout counter, "Good, Forman has that. Now let's get this gong show on the road." Another deep sigh escaped me. Definitely easier coming here than going at this rate.

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