#gwen/nikki & jackie/hyde are my 1 loves

[bosesmikas]

moodboard: eric x donna

[thestupidhelmet]

That ‘90s Show Ponderings

I wonder if the writers of That ‘90s Show had allowed Leia’s storyline with Jay go slower instead of rushing through it to get to the Jay/Leia/Nate/Nikki clifhanger, letting Leia’s friendship with and attraction to Jay truly develop so that by the end of season 1, they both admit to each other they both admit a closeness (or close friendship) neither expected, “and maybe more,” etc. from both of them.

Slowing down the plot to allow for the characterization and character bonds to build so that we’d really feel them and connect to them. Trusting viewers to feel so connected to these characters (not just Leia, Jay, and Leia/Jay, but all the kids and their friendships with each other and in their various combos) that the story-earned (imo) cliffhanger of Leia and Jay just realizing how much of a bond they’ve build would bring viewers back for season 2.

On That ‘70s Show, Eric and Donna don’t go on a real date until episode 8 (in airing order). They don’t become officially boyfriend and girlfriend until double that amount of episodes (number 16 in airing order). By that time, we’ve seen so much bonding, conflict, and romantic tension between them that we’re invested.

Yes, in “That ‘70s Pilot,” we know Eric and Donna have romantic feelings for each other. But this sets up the story of both of them struggling to navigate the transition from best friends to a romantic relationship. That struggle draws us in. It involves most of the other characters of T7S, which allows us to get to know them and care about them.

Kitty and Red have a built-in audience from seven to eight years of That ‘70s Show. Leia has the advantage of being Red and Kitty’s grandkid / Eric and Donna’s kid, which makes the audience, at the least, curious about her and -- at the most -- care about her because she’s the continuation of characters the audience already loves.

Unless the audience cares about the characters, it won’t care what they go through or what happens to them. That should’ve been T9S’s main goal in the first season: developing the characters and their bonds. Relying too much on nostalgia goes only so far.

This is not to say T9S, as it, is won’t or hasn’t found an audience that cares about and connects to its characters -- beyond Red and Kitty. But with ten episodes and nine main characters (i.e. Kitty, Red, Leia, Gwen, Jay, Nate, Nikki, Oz, and Sherri), rushing the main plot and cramming in subplots can’t build a deep, emotionally satisfying narrative.

(And, yeah, my writer’s mind can’t help but take the characters of T9S and imagine what season 1 could’ve been like had the plotting been slowed to develop the characters and their bonds with one another -- with or without Hyde or Jackie/Hyde as part of the series.)

[aprendimos-el-idioma-del-amor]

Okay so I watched the first 3 episodes of That '90s Show and I have a lot of thoughts about them. I wrote them all below the cut.

The show is general nice watch. But it just feels too off for it to be canon. I believe if you're just in it for a good time, you'll like it.

There's just too many inconsistencies for it make sense character wise.

I'm also a little confused about the timeline to be honest. Because they seem to ignore most of what happened from seasons 5-8. Except for a few exceptions like Fez and Jackie happening. Jackie's personality seems to be more based on seasons 1-4.

Betsy is obviously absent or non-existent and if Jay had a sister, he would have mentioned it. Then again, I'm only 3 episodes in.

I don't know if it has anything to do with it but the Turners are executive producers in the spin-off while they were only executive producers of the original show during seasons 1-4. So they probably remember some of those seasons and they might not know about the latter seasons except for the last episode. Maybe that's why they seem to base it off those seasons or they just went for the easy choices.

Anyway, here's my thoughts on the first 3 episodes:

Episode 1:

- Erix hasn't changed a bit

- Donna being an author is great, Eric teaching the religion of Star Wars not so great

- Eric being 38? Is that even right?

- Where did the basement next come from?

- I see the keg episode from the original show back here

- Jay is definitely a Kelso

- Love the Red and Kitty scenes

- Eric being a strict parent and wanting to be close to Leia is something I can see him do

- Second remarriage of Jackie and Kelso? That was not necessary.

- I don't like Jackie's character regression. Kitty putting her down for wearing white, not okay.

- Red and Kitty not knowing Jay was Kelso and Jackie's son doesn't make sense if Nate, the next door neighbour, has been friends with Jay for 12 years

- Gwen = Hyde, Leia is kind of a mix between Eric and Donna, Jay and Nate = Kelso, Ozzie = Fez

- No mention of Betsy or Hyde. The thing about Hyde makes sense but Betsy doesn't seem to exist so I'm guessing season 5-8 never happened

Episode 2:

- If Gwen and Nate just moved in next door, I guess it would make sense they don't know about Jay

- Not related to the show but I see they're renting out the Buffy the vampire slayer movie and that's a nice '90s reference

- Love how Red and Kitty argued and went upstairs then

Episode 3:

- Still not sure about Fez owning the salons

- Which version of Fez is this anyway?

- Also Fez not being over Jackie in 15 years? I have never seen season 8 but I don't believe he would actually love her that much. He never did.

- Also Fez and Jackie breaking up because she got back with Kelso. The real Jackie would never. Then again, the real Jackie would never date Fez.

- I feel like I don't know much about Nikki or Ozzie.

- I'm not a fan about the way Leia tried to get her first kiss

- Fez getting scared about Sherri having kids and being older than him is not him

- I'd like to know more about the relationship of Sherri and her kids

[thatseventiesbitch]

I think we agree in a general sense, that there are certainly some similar archetypes in T90S and T70S. T90S’s tagline is “Sex, drugs, and rock n roll never die, they just change clothes,” so I tend to believe those allusions are intentional. I don’t think each character in ‘90s is directly based on a character from ‘70s, though. I get the sense that T90S will be its own show with its own characters, kind of like T80S.

That said, we know almost n o t h i n g about these characters yet. I can’t make these kinds of judgments without seeing a promo first. Hell, even a photo of them in-character! Right now this is all speculation based on a few very brief descriptions. And we know things have already changed since those descriptions were first released, so *shrug*.

Gwen is already my favorite character, lol. Sounds like she’s a little spitfire with pink hair, a riot grrrrl, and into punk rock. She’s already characterized as the loyal rebel, so you’re right, I can see a shade of Hyde in her. I think she also becomes Leia’s best friend. Gwen and Nate are half-siblings, I believe, and we don’t know much about their family other than that they live next door to the Forman’s. Maybe she does have a troubled home life, and ends up spending a lot of time at Red and Kitty’s. Maybe she’s the resident stoner. Maybe, maybe. I’d need to see it first.

I don’t know if Jay is a nerd. He’s not described that way - he’s described as always carrying a camera and filming his friends (remember that this was The Real World era), and being a hopeless romantic/flirty/always trying to be charming. Maybe he’s also nerdy? But we don’t know that yet. Either way, he doesn’t sound like Eric 2.0. We know he doesn’t have a domineering “Red-like” dad, either…

I’m not sure what Nate’s deal is yet. His description sets him up to be the opposite of his half-sister Gwen - he’s easy-going, takes life as it comes, very typical midwestern. He also appeals to his girlfriend Nikki/Nisha’s rebellious streak, so there’s some more to his character that I can’t discern yet. Maybe he’s goofy and dumb like Kelso, but it doesn’t seem like they’re setting him up to be a womanizing cheater. Nate “loves Garth Brooks, his family, and his girlfriend.” Sounds pretty wholesome, tbh.

Nikki (originally Nisha) comes from a family of overachievers. She seems like the type who is set to become a doctor or lawyer, and she spends a lot of time volunteering. But she has a rebellious side, and Nate brings it out. I can see shades of season 1 Jackie in Nikki (like when Jackie did her homework on a Saturday), but I don’t see a lot of other similarities yet. There's still a lot we don’t know about Nikki’s personality from this description. Is she loud? Obsessed with superficial things? Pushing Nate for more commitment? Maybe. I need to see it first.

Ozzie is Gwen’s best friend. He could be similar to Fez in that he’s used for cheap comic relief and one-liners. But a lot of Fez’s early storylines focused on his well-meaning misinterpretation of American culture, and nothing about Ozzie’s description indicates that he’s foreign-born or would have the same misunderstandings. His description says he’s “gay and impatient with people who aren’t as accepting as his friends are”. I see what you mean that this makes him the odd one out, or different from the rest of the gang. It doesn’t feel like a redux of Fez’s character, though. I’m sure Ozzie will have storylines about dealing with homophobia, and maybe navigating dating as a young gay man in an era that wasn’t very accepting.

In short - I do see similarities. I do agree that they are trying to recreate the gang, with more ‘90’s era archetypes. I have not been convinced that this is merely going to be That 70’s Show 2.0, though. The characters seem to be set up to have their own unique struggles and storylines. I look forward to learning more!

The T9S gang. Not necessarily a copy/paste, but…

@thatseventiesbitch, because I apparently needed two essays to vomit out my thoughts.

Leia- The main character, but with a smart, adventurous edge. Like both Eric and Donna, but since she and Jay are an item, I think she falls more into the Donna category. The most nuanced, but the others…

Gwen- The rebel, with loyalty and heart. Aka Hyde, but more ambitious. Jay- The nerd. Just a photography nerd, not a fandom nerd. Aka Eric. Nate- The goofball. He even has a van. Aka Kelso. Nikki- The ambitious, "frustrated debutante," with more lingering underneath. Aka Jackie. Ozzie- The true oddball out (I don't know what to classify Fez as, other than the foreigner?). Aka Fez.

Yeah, it's mostly the gang of six, but with some basic edits. But two-thirds of the gang of six's personalities are firmly intact, which…eh? Seems a bit lazy. They even put the Eric and the Donna and the Jackie and the Kelso together. *Sarcastically cheers*

[bosesmikas]

Tag game

(Stolen from @the-badger-mole lmao. This looked fun, so I thought I'd do this too.)

1. What ship were you completely obsessed with when you were a teenager, but now you don't care anymore?

Bamon. I still love them, but I’m not invested in tvd anymore and no matter how hard I try, I can’t get back into it.

2. Which ship would you consider your first one?

Mickey/Minnie

3. Your first fanfic belonged to which couple?

Bamon. I ended up making a redo, since I wasn’t happy about how my first attempt turned out. It’s on FFNET.

4. Do you remember the first couple you saw a fanart over?

No

5. Did you ever get into ship discourse?

Yes. I wish I didn’t, but I have.

6. Did you used to have a NOTP or have it currently?

Nikki/Nate as a couple. They aren’t weren’t my fave in S1, but even after S2, I still don’t ship them. I love their friends with benefits arc, but that’s the only way I ship them. I’ve talked a few times on why I don’t want them to be a couple again (check my #anti niknate tag) so I’m not gonna repeat myself haha.

7. Who were the couple in the last fanfic you read?

It was moreso a family fic, but Red/Kitty and Jay/Leia were the pairings.

8. Currently, do you have any OTPs?

Too many to count: Jay/Leia, Gwen/Nikki, Eric/Donna, Jackie/Hyde, Eric/Jackie, Eric/Buddy, etc.

9. Is there any couple, to this day, you are extremely mad about not getting together?

Bonnie/Damon & literally every Bonnie ship I have, but if they had been canon, I know for sure Plec would’ve fucked it up like she fucked up every good thing in tvd lmao.

10. Is there any ship you used to dislike but now you think they are kind of interesting?

Nikki/Nate, and Jackie/Kelso (not as much tho rn b/c I’m not fixated on them). Neither are endgame material imo tho in canon.

11. Do you have any ship that, in the past, was considered normal but now would be canceled over?

Maybe Zig/Maya?? Idk.

12. What was your favorite crack ship?

Gwen/Nikki and Toph/Azula always. I'm not even fixated on ATLA anymore, but the latter will forever be a fave.

13. Who is the couple you read more fanfics of?

Honestly I've been writing more fic than reading it 😭😭😭

But out of all the ships, I feel like I read Gwikki fic the most.

14. What do most of your ships usually have in common?

Enemies to lovers. It’s just my thing.

15. What do you absolutely hate in a ship?

OH MY GOD I HATE ships with Person A going after Person B without taking no for an answer. Person B's agency isn’t being taken into consideration and it’s like they’re a prize for Person A.

Granted there are ships with that trope I do like, but it’s moreso b/c of the other good stuff in the ship and it outweighs the bad.

Like Kl*roline, there’s literally nothing about that ship I can say that I like except for the fact that the actors are pretty and I liked the paper scene (and even then, Caroline was shamelessly giggling with Klaus while her boyfriend was watching. Her boyfriend who Klaus killed, forced to become a hybrid, and made him into his slave).

Tagging: @randomwriter23 @disneymbti @berryzxx @astraeasilvers @blairwaldcrf @theonewithallthefixations and anyone else who wants to join

[bosesmikas]

My current feelings on the T9S ships

I made a list like a year ago but I can’t find it haha. And my opinions have changed a lot so I'm going to be doing an update. If I missed any ships, please let me know!

Jay/Leia - My favorite canon ship out of the newbies. Granted I’m not AS emotionally invested in them as Gwen/Nikki, like to the point of constantly thinking about them and writing for them (which is weird since they might be the ship I make the most edits for haha). I've written so many fucking metas on them it’s not even funny haha (check my #jl meta tag & also my #jled tag). They’re just so pure and cute together and super overhated imo. Love seeing these two young teens in love.

Gwen/Nikki - Otp of otps. They’re my Jackie/Hyde in this show. So much chemistry, enemies (well frenemies) to lovers. Even though I don’t like that the scenes with them lessened post-Step By Step, I still see signs that they’re endgame. I just hope the writers don’t queerbait me and have them be endgame haha. Also check out my #jhgn tag for parallels :)

Gwen/Leia - Even though Gwikki is my heart and soul, I love Geia too and their parallels to Formciotti (check out my #gled tag). Gwen is legit the girl next door and not to mention, besties to lovers! There’s clearly something between them. Imo, I think they’re the most queer coded dynamic on T9S. The idea of them being platonic hurts my soul.

Nikki/Leia - Even though are only a few fans, I couldn’t help but put them. They’re just very cute and I love their scenes in Summer Storm. I think they could been a really cute college romance sort of thing. Also the love triangle trope where both girls ditch the guy for each other is A+.

Jay/Ozzie - I'm putting them here because of Ozzie's reaction to Jay's flirting in the pilot 😂. Same as Nikkeia, I see them as a cute college romance but also lowkey endgame in a universe with Neia & Gwikki/Geia & Niknate as the endgames. Their energy gives me Fez/Kelso (Hannah has a post talking about it and I see tbh). Plus they were GIVING old married couple energy in Summer Storm.

Ozzie/Etienne - Perfect bbs no notes. If someone can make Ozzie smile the way he did in LS, then they’re a keeper. I hope we get to see Etienne in s2.

Jay/Nate - Also my personal Fez/Kelso. To me, they’re just as gay as Gwen/Leia and I wish that was acknowledged more. They’re just so funny and cute. Even though I ship Nate/Leia now, I wish that the triangle was Leia/Jay/Nate instead since Nate is basically in love with Jay. I mean it’s canon that Nate always lets Jay ride shotgun. Plus Nate literally ditched his girlfriend to go with Jay to see a used hot tub. Now you can see that as Nate being a good friend, I see that Nate wanting to hang out with bf and do something fun.

Nate/Leia - Talked about it here. While I still have the same issues with them (giving off plot device, screwing over Nikki, very few scenes of them alone), I realized that that’s moreso on the writing and the way it was executed. But I really love them and want to see more of them in s2.

Nate/Nikki - Had potential early on and some cute moments later, but they ended up being a mini J*lso. 1 & 2

[bosesmikas]

Top 5 favorite Gwikki moments in season 2

1. “Easy Nate. She’s not a couch.” *Nikki laughs*

It’s such a small detail, but I just love it! Gwen burning Nate and Nikki just laughing reminds me of how Jackie burned Eric in Bye Bye Basement and she and Hyde shared a high five. It’s always the little moments that make up a ship, not just big and grand scenes.

Bonus:

My girls make a great team, all I've gotta say.

2. "I thought we were actually friends Gwen. And that I was more than just Nate's girlfriend, but I guess I was wrong."

There are so many good Gwikki moments in Something To Talk About but I had to pick this one because this scene gets me emotional for so many reasons, one of them being that this confirms that Gwen and Nikki continued to hangout alone after Step By Step. If they truly only hung out one time, then this dialogue wouldn’t exist. Because Nikki truly cares about Gwen! She thought they had a real connection and she ended up getting stabbed in the heart when finding out that Gwen lied this whole time.

Gwikki getting the angst era I wanted it is a win in my book.

3. “Nikki... I know your parents are on your ass about all this stuff, but that's on them.”

Baby Baby Baby is easily one of the Gwikki episodes this season for so many reasons. There are so many good moments, but I pick this one specifically because it shows how good they are together.

Nikki has always been an overachiever and wanting to please her parents. She has a whole plan being made for her, and it doesn’t turn out as she hoped, and she’s relieved because the plan is what her parents want, not her.

I love Gwen pushes Nikki here to live for herself and not care about what others think. And I fully believe this advice is what pushed Nikki to take more risks in Friends In Low Places and get out of her comfort zone.

It shows why they’d be so good together. Gwen lives her life to the fullest and how she wants to, while Nikki is more worried about living her parents' lives. But together, they can balance each other out.

4. "Are you two dating?"

Okay now this is just my shipper self squealing, but like I get these vibes of “Gwen had a boyfriend and didn’t tell me” and even a little jealousy haha. I just love any interaction with Gwen and Nikki so this makes my heart happy. The writers could’ve given this line to anyone, but they gave it to Nikki and I feel like that’s a sign haha.

5. "Your bras always match your underwear like in the commercials."

Idc what anyone says, there’s something so gay about this line. Like there is NO reason for Gwen to casually be mentioning Nikki’s bra and underwear combo here. While I don’t think they hooked up, Gwen and Nikki definitely went shopping together (ty @randomwriter23 for bringing up this hc) and changed in the same rooms.

Gifs are all mine

[bosesmikas]

Welcome to my blog where I show love for a hundred billion wlw ships, hundred million mlm ships, and eight hundred something het ships haha.

@randomwriter23 is the Eric to my Donna (platonically)

@vintageholls is the Donna to my Jackie

Oh, and I track the #donna pinciotti defense squad tag <3

PSA: This blog is a safe space for everyone. Doesn’t matter if we have some different interests from each other or anything like that. Just as long as everyone is kind and respectful.

Edit 1/6 (OC ask game): here

Character ask game (edited 9/18): here

Edit 11/11: another ask game

Monthly Prompts (Edit 2/4):

Current polls (TBD):

Another edit 7/18: list of colors for each ship/dynamic I make edits for

I do take giffing requests, so feel free to send me any ship or character and I’ll make an edit!

Sideblogs: @stebekahappreciationblog (stebekah blog), @bennxttwitch (Bonnie rp), @ao3feed-forwood (forwood ao3 blog), @that90sgifs (gifs and content for t9s), and @sabrinaswifts (Taylor Swift side blog), @creativewritingthings (prompt blog), @tophzulapolls (my Tophzula poll blog), @ask-danger-force (my danger force blog)

And if you wanna know more about me: here

Be sure to check out my video edits @bosesmikas in ig and @itspoorni18 on TikTok (a lot of them can’t fit into tumblr)

Pinterest: @nikkisruncks

Twitter: @niksruncks

Upcoming fic list:

T7S/T9S drabble pack masterlist: https://www.tumblr.com/bosesmikas/729013936318529536/ship-drabble-packs-t7s-loud-girl-and-puddin-pop

Psa: if there’s ANYTHING on my blog labeled as mature, please assume it’s tumblr being dumb. I may no longer be a minor, but I’m not comfortable making that kind of content.

Ships: Bose/Mika, Buddy/Miles, Chapa/Ruby, Chapa/Mika, Bose/Miles, Miles/Sissy, Chapa/Miles, Gwen/Nikki, Jay/Leia, Nate/Nikki (part 3 won me over), Jackie/Eric, Toph/Azula, Nate/Leia, Gwen/Leia, Jay/Nikki, Brooke/Kelso, Kelso/Fez, Eric/Buddy, Jackie/Donna, Eric/Donna (mostly s1-2), JT/Liberty, Peter/Darcy, Sean/Ellie, Sean/Emma (mostly s1-2), Ellie/Jimmy, Jimmy/Trina, Jay/Manny, Holly J/Sav, Spinner/Jane, Chantay/Anya, & Jackie/Hyde, along with many more ships

One last psa: I will be writing my own posts with several of my opinions. If you don’t agree, then just don’t interact and all is good. You’re allowed to have your own opinion and I’m allowed to have mine. So there’s no need or point or state how you disagree with mine and think x. If you want to state your opinion, then I suggest writing your own post instead of going onto mine.

I am accepting gif requests, so feel free to send me any ship, dynamic, character from any fandom and I’ll make a gifset.

My main T7S/T9S opinions if anyone wants to know:

The T7S & T9S (T2S as well) timelines for my verse:

[bosesmikas]

If you had to choose...Jay or Nate? Nikki or Gwen? Donna or Jackie? Eric or Hyde? Blair or Serena? Lorelai or Rory? Jess or Logan? And feel free to add why you chose each one if you want to. Have fun!

1. Jay. I love Nate, but Jay is just my blorbo husband who I will protect at all costs. He is just so gr8.

2. Both. Sorry but I cannot choose between them. Maybe Nikki, but idk. Both make my heart.

3. Honestly idk anymore. On one hand, Jackie is starting to take Donna’s place as being my fave female character. But I’d also rather have someone like Donna in my real life than Jackie.

4. Eric. I love Hyde, but he pisses me off quite a bit.

5. Neither tbh. At least when I think about it from an irl perspective, I just don’t want either of them as friends irl. But I guess I’ll pick Serena (sorry Tessa!), because I’m very sensitive and cannot handle Blair’s insults.

6. I love both, but maybe Rory because I feel like I am her (except that I’m not rich nor white haha). I’m a coffee addict, I love writing, and I am very loved.

7. Logan. Jess is not exactly my fave for some reasons.

[bosesmikas]

More T9S thoughts

As everyone probably already knows, I see Nate/Nikki as T9S’s Jackie/Kelso. And like I said? The first three episodes and some sweet moments proved they had potential to be more. But I personally think that’s ruined and it’s too late to fix that.

Nate almost kissed Leia and definitely would’ve gone through with it if Gwen hadn’t have walked in. And given that this literally happened three episodes after he acted like as Katie Matlin would say “a jealous jerk” about Nikki and Trevor when there was literally nothing between them. And even after that, he was clearly pining over Leia in that last scene and watching Jeia kiss in sadness with his girlfriend right next to him.

To me that’s literally unforgivable and Nikki should kick him to the fucking curb. Do I think they could’ve lasted had their relationship remained how it was the first three episodes? Yes. But after that? Fuck no. Nikki deserves so much better.

And even before that, instead of talking to Nikki about his feelings in KIA, he lied because he wanted to back Jay up and most likely he also didn’t want to fight with Nikki. Then brought it up to Leia and called Nikki “practical” for being realistic. And Leia’s response was even more annoying but I’ve talked about that.

Like why would Nikki ever be with someone like that again? Someone who doesn’t understand her ambitions and talk badly about her views on life. Fuck that. Nikki deserves so much better.

Now onto Nate/Leia…

Even though I hate the fact that they screwed over my favorite character in the finale, I do think there’s potential for them as relationship.

For starters, them having the same values and wants is a good foundation for their relationship. And they do have great chemistry imo. But another issue I have with them is that there isn’t enough substance in their relationship. What do they have aside from being hopeless romantics? There needs to be more than just similar wants in a relationship.

They definitely do have a spark and are comfortable with one another. And I love that Nate and Leia are able to cheer each other up. But what else? What does Leia like about Nate as a person? What does Nate like about Leia as a person? How do they make each other feel? What other things do they have in common aside from believing in fate?

Don’t get me wrong, that’s a very good foundation. But I also wanna see more. Even something as simple as activities they’d like to do together.

I used to not like Neia for the reason that we don’t see anything they have in common aside from the same wants in life. But honestly, I blame the writers more for not actually giving Nate and Leia more opportunities to develop a deeper connection.

I know I've called L*ndsey a Neia fangirl, but honestly looking at it now, I don’t think she cares about them much either. If she did, Nate and Leia would’ve had a lot more development and scenes with them alone early on. But that didn’t happen. Until Dirty Double Booker, Nate and Leia had little to no proper interactions when there could’ve been opportunities. For fucks sake, Leia is literally best friends with Nate’s sister. They’re in the same friend group. And I know that some bonds are stronger than others, but couldn’t they have had just a few interactions alone?

Like Jackie/Eric didn’t interact a ton, but they had some little interactions sporadically. And while I talk shit about Hyde/Donna and think they’d make a terrible couple, they had a good amount of interactions by themselves.

But, to be fair, there are 10 episodes in T9S currently and there are seven seasons of T7S. So it’s not fair to compare.

But Gwen/Leia had moments in every damn episode. Even in Boyfriend Day 1 & Summer Storm, they had a fuck ton of moments. Albeit not alone, but they still interacted and said words to each other.

Idk man I just wish Nate and Leia had more proper interactions. They have potential to be a genuine connection, but the writers seem to be having them as a plot device.

[bosesmikas]

I bash Nikki/Nate as a couple a lot but I do think there was potential and promise with them. Plus I love a good smart girl/jock pairing.

In That 90s Pilot, they were the ‘comedic’ ones that’d make me laugh out loud but there wasn’t really anything too bad with them.

In Free Leia, Nate asking Red for the shirt and saying that he just wants to keep Nikki happy was so sweet. They were such a cute couple that episode. With Nikki helping Nate when he was choking.

But then fast forward to the The Rave and Nikki’s bossing Nate around like Jackie did with Kelso and just like Kelso, Nate’s just…taking it. Also the whole fawning over half naked girls thing at the rave, then again he’s like 16 so it’s whatever but just a note.

And then in Step By Step, Nikki wants to do something that’s important to her and Nate ditches her to get a used hot tub. This is minor, but it’s giving me Winter vibes where Jackie wants Hyde to come to the Christmas party and he’s like ‘nope blah blah that’s your fault blah blah you’re overreacting’. I did like the end where he’s like ‘you’re a goat’s mommy now.’ But this episode also proves that Gwen/Nikki is the superior ship.

Next is The Birthday Girl, the episode they officially plummet to their downfall. Nate can’t even remember something basic as spelling Nikki’s name, which may not seem like a big deal. If she was a friend or they were newer to dating. But niknate have been together for 6 months and he doesn’t know??? Also one of his first rebuttals being ‘ask me about your boobs, I’ll draw those on a napkin.’ And later in the episode, Nate can remember the song that played when she let him touch her butt. It’s like sex is all he thinks of her. And Nikki being so touched in that scene like ‘oh he remembered this’ just makes me sad.

Then there’s Boyfriend Day 1. For the first time in a while, I was actually able to see them as a real couple instead of a joke one so that was nice. And the end scene makes me go 😭. But like, this also proves why they don’t work. Nate can’t handle Nikki’s ambition and barges into her tutoring session. I know Ozzie wasn’t the most helpful, but even before that, Nate was super jealous. Because ‘oh my god Nikki’s spending time with another guy’. It’s like how Ross Geller was about Rachel/Mark except less douchey.

Next is Summer Storm and they actually had a lot of cute moments here, with the umbrella scene, them giggling, and I liked hearing Nikki talking to Leia about the stuff in her relationship. But lmao at Leia saying that Nikki x Nate had an easy relationship. Like Leia ily, but you don’t know the half of it.

And in Dirty Double Booker, there’s an even bigger wedge driving between them. With Nate and Nikki being focused on their own things. So Nate goes to Leia and he’s happy. Now I actually like that scene and their hug. And the fact that he seemed to be realizing in the end that maybe things with Nikki might not be as strong as they thought. Like everyone at this point knows that I don’t ship Nate/Leia, but I feel like that scene was necessary. Even though Nate can be a dumbass at times, he is a smart guy. But he’s very insecure with Nikki. Whereas he was confident in that scene. I feel like that could’ve been a good arc where like ‘hey, maybe me and Nikki aren’t meant to be after all.’ without trying to have another ~romance~. But we’re talking about Nate/Nikki now, not Nate/Leia.

Then in Kids In America, it only gets worse. Nate not only continues to hide his feelings about the relationship, he tells Leia. And he literally calls Nikki “practical” (Nate tries to say it but didn’t know the word but if he knew, he def would’ve said it). Like I honestly had no sympathy for Nate in this scene. I get that he was was feeling insecure but he could’ve TALKED to Nikki about all of this. AND THEN ALMOST KISSING LEIA BEHIND HER BACK. Only THREE episodes before, Nate was all insecure and barging into Nikki’s tutoring session because he thinks she and Trevor had something. But he literally WOULD’VE KISSED Leia had Gwen not have walked in. Then him being all sad in the background when Jay and Leia are kissing while poor Nikki is completely oblivious and has no idea what’s going on. Like I get that Nate was having a hard time and this is all completely human BUT YOU DO NOT ALMOST KISS YOUR GIRLFRIEND’S FRIEND WHILE DATING SAID GIRLFRIEND. Like if he had been honest in the beginning scene, this would’ve been way less messy. Sure Nikki & Nate would’ve fought, but at least they could’ve broken up and there’d be no emotional nor physical cheating involved.

[bosesmikas]

Fictober 15 - "Fine, explain it to me."

Summary: Hyde and Jackie catch Nikki and Gwen sleeping together in their house.

Pairings: Jackie/Hyde, Gwen/Nikki

(Was also thinking about @thatseventiesbitch’ jeia formciotti drabble when writing this.)

December 29, 1995; 1:02 AM

“Steven!” Jackie called, trying to wake him up. She woke up a few minutes back when hearing a noise down in the basement. At first she shrugged it off, thinking it was just pregnancy brain. But the noises kept on getting louder.

Hyde groaned, rubbing his eyes. "Jackie, the chocolate factory is closed. We can't-" Before he could finish, he began hearing large bangs. Hyde turned to Jackie, who just nodded. "Was that..." Jackie nodded, "That's been going on over fifteen minutes." She stretched her arms. Maybe the things in the basement collapsed. But that'd only be possible if there was an earthquake.

Hyde sighed, "I'll go see." He got up about to leave until he felt a tug on his arm. He turned around, raising an eyebrow. Jackie pulled him back down for a kiss. "I'll come with you."

Hyde was about to argue back, that something may fall and she along with the babies would get hurt. But Jackie gave him a look of 'you can't convince me to stop', making the usually Zen man back down.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jackie and Hyde were running downstairs. Jackie was holding a bat, marching with purpose. She was determined to stop the noise no matter what it takes.

“Alright whoever’s out here fucking with my sleep, I will-“ Right then, the light turned on. Jackie dropped her jaw when seeing Nikki and Gwen snuggling under the covers.

The couple rose up to see Jackie and Hyde staring in shock. “Oh my god.” Gwen and Nikki gasped. “Oh my god.” Jackie continued. Out of all the things, she didn’t expect her niece and her girlfriend to be in here.

Hyde crossed his arms, giving a look demanding an explanation. Gwen exhaled, “This is not what it looks like.” They weren’t doing anything. Just cuddling in each other’s arms.

Jackie crossed her arms over her baby bump. “Fine, explain it to me." Nikki sighed, “My cousins are making a lot of noise and there a lot of people at home, so it’s hard to sleep.” Gwen nodded, “And you guys know how things are at my place.”

“What about Sarah?” Jackie asked. She knew that her and Nikki were best friends. Nikki sighed, “Her house is even noisier. I needed a quiet place to sleep.” She loved her best friend, but the house can be chaotic.

Jackie and Hyde briefly shared a glance with one another and back at the girls. “So you two weren’t…” They shook their heads. “I swear, we were just sleeping. Nothing else happened.” Hyde nodded, deciding to believe them. “Okay, but just to be clear, no having sex in our house.”

——————————————————————————

Jackie giggled, sleeping under the covers with her husband’s arms wrapped around her. Hyde raised an eyebrow, “What?”

Jackie smiled, “Remember when Red and Kitty caught up sleeping in the basement together?” It seemed like things have gone by full circle. Hyde chuckled, “That was a moment in time doll.”

[bosesmikas]

T9S main characters/ocs in my verse, the most to least petty, according to me.

(Inspired by @einsteinsugly. A lot of this will be verse lore.)

1. Ozzie (duh)

2. Nate (especially after finding out about gwikki)

2. Gwen/Nikki (both an equal amount of petty in order to push their loved ones away)

3. Jackie (even though she’s softened her edges, her pettiness will always be there)

4. Kristie (she’s a mix of Laurie AND Hyde, ‘nuff said)

5. Betsy (mostly when someone starts it tho and even then, it’s not as bad as Kristie)

6. Joanna (she loves to use her dad’s money to her advantage. Only perk of having him as a dad.)

7. Kitty (still has her moments)

8. Laurie (she got over that shit years ago when becoming a mom but still has those moments)

9. Leia (not petty per se, but can be passive aggressive when someone does her wrong)

10. Jay (he’s mostly just petty when it comes to fighting with his siblings)

11. Oak (The only time he’s truly petty is during the teacher incident)

12. Kelso (he’s way more mature but still has those moments)

13. Brooke (when she’s pissed, she’ll make it known. But it’s not a big thing.)

14. Red (it’s complicated. I feel like petty is a big part of his personality)

15. Hyde (like Megan said, more vengeful than petty)

16. Sarah (doesn’t have a petty bone in her body)

[bosesmikas]

Gwikki + Sharkayla for the otp asks?

Gwikki

1. Who fell for the other one first? Both fell for each other at the same time.

2. Was it love at first sight? Not really. Gwen thought that she was pretty hot but their first real interaction was Gwen caught Nikki and Nate making out on her bed. So safe to say, they didn't have a meet cute.

3. Was it lust at first sight? Eh. They've found each other attractive before but it's not really lust per se. Like think about Jackie and Hyde in season 1, except with less distaste.

4. What do physical trait do they love the most about each other? Literally every part.

5. What personality trait do they love the most about each other? Gwen loves Nikki's intelligence and Nikki loves Gwen's bravery.

6. What random everyday object/activity makes them think of each other? Nikki's scrunchy and Gwen's necklace.

7. What is something they’d want to change about the other if they could? Nothing really. They would encourage each other to be less stubborn but they both love each other exactly as they are.

8. Do they get along with each other’s friends and family? Nikki's parents like Gwen a lot better than Nate that's for sure. Sherri and Angie also like Nikki. Jackie and Hyde are pretty fond of her (those two remind them of a younger version of themselves). And they have most of the same friends so yes.

9. Do their friends and family like their significant other(s)? See #8

10. Have they had romantic partners before? Yes. Well, idk if Gwen actually had a committed relationship or anything but she has had partners before.

11. Are they a healthy couple? If no, why not? They're not together (yet) but in my verse, yes.

12. Do they have potential to be healthy if they’re usually toxic? They're already healthy in my verse.

13. Do they have potential to be toxic if they’re usually healthy? The only way I could ever see them being toxic if both characters are written so ooc that it's laughable.

14. What song fits them perfectly? Lavender Haze and Midnight Rain

15. Do they like the same music? They like some of the same songs but they mostly have different tastes.

16. Do they like the same food? Some, yes.

17. What do they have in common? Them being more that meets the eye, being really smart, stubborn, also having a tendency to keep their walls up.

18. What is their sex life like? Very active. It's actually their first date.

19. Would they ever lie to each other? Why or why not? Not really. For starters, they can't keep secrets with each other and plus they'd both feel terrible. Like in my verse, Gwen feels like pure shit for not telling Nikki about neia and there would even be several moments where Gwen almost tells her

20. Are they interested in marriage? Why or why not? They're 15. But in the future, they do get married and adopt puppies.

21. Are they interested in having children? Why or why not? I can see them being open to having children in the future but I kinda like them as the fun aunts. Plus they're 15.

22. Do you have other ships that resemble your OTP? Red x Kitty, Zenmasters, Dair, Bamon, Faberry, etc.

23. Is there top/dom and bottom/sub energy? Not really. They're both equally dominant.

24. Are there any kinks or fetishes they share or don’t? They sometimes dress up in costumes right before doing it.

25. Are they sentimental about gifts they’ve received from each other? Yes!

26. What holidays do they like? Christmas and Thanksgiving

27. How do they feel about Valentine’s day? Nikki would love it but it's not her fave holiday. I can see Gwen liking it too but mostly because her birthday is 4 days before valentine's day, meaning more presents lol.

28. Are they jealous/possessive of each other? Gwen has felt jealous seeing Nikki with Nate and definitely when finding out she slept with Jay. Similar to how Jackie reacted in season 5 when that girl was flirting with Hyde, Nikki would be like 'buh bye' when someone tries to flirt with Gwen.

29. Do they like public display of affection? Absolutely. Gwen would always have her arm around Nikki or Nikki would rest her head on Gwen's shoulder. They'd also have several cute background moments just like zenmasters.

30. Do they enjoy dancing? Yeah

31. What’s a perfect date for them? Watching some old comedies together.

32. How do they comfort each other? Hugs, head kisses, cuddles, pep talks, etc

33. Who is the big spoon and why? Gwen because she always loves holding Nikki in her arms.

34. What’s their favorite nonsexual activity together? Watching tv and just having deep conversations

35. How do they deal with being away from each other for a long time? Calling each other every day, writing, and video chatting. They'd also keep pics of each other with them.

36. What is their favorite place to kiss the other? (Cheek, hand, closed eyelid, neck, nose, etc.) Lips.

37. Have they ever hurt each other on accident? Yes. Gwen not telling Nikki about the almost kiss does shatter Nikki's heart. Nikki also insinuating that it was easy for Gwen to hide the almost kiss.

38. Have they ever hurt each other deliberately? Nikki tries to hurt Gwen in an effort to push her away and also because she doesn't want to feel like an idiot.

39. Who gets hit on the most? Both equally. What can I say, they're hot.

40. Who tries to distract the other when they’re trying to do something else? Gwen most of the time. Nikki does only during that period where Gwen tries to get her to admit she misses Sarah.

41. Who is, overall, the smarter one? Both are equally smart.

42. Who is the sensible mature one? Nikki but she can be just as chaotic lbr.

43. Do they fight a lot? Not serious fights. But like just about shows and their opinions.

44. How do they make up after a fight? When it’s a serious one, they do the full house method: talk it out, work it out, hug it out. With a little makeup sex. When it’s the one about the show, it mostly ends in ticket fights and the occasional making out.

45. If one of them forgot to log out of their SoMe, what would their partner do? Neither of them logout at all.

46. How do they make each other laugh? Just making jokes tbh.

47. Are they extroverts/introverts? Extroverts. With Gwen, I feel like she’s moreso an outcast and less introverted.

48. Who would bring home a homeless animal? Neither tbh.

49. Do they match outfits for special occasions? In the photo shoot.

50. Who would protect who in a dangerous situation? Both would protect each other.

Sharkayla

1. Who fell for the other one first? Mikayla. When she saw Sharon trying to train a bat, that girl fell in love.

2. Was it love at first sight? No, moreso gradual.

3. Was it lust at first sight? No. They started out as besties and gradually fell in love but they do find each other attractive.

4. What do physical trait do they love the most about each other? Mikayla loves Sharon’s eye lids and Sharon loves Mikayla’s eyes.

5. What personality trait do they love the most about each other? Mikayla loves how logical and kind hearted Sharon is. Sharon loves Mikayla’s confidence and carefreeness.

6. What random everyday object/activity makes them think of each other? A toy bat makes Mik think of Shar. The Scream villain costume makes Sharon think about Mikayla.

7. What is something they’d want to change about the other if they could? Nothing.

8. Do they get along with each other’s friends and family? Yes obviously. Though Sharon kinda scares Jay a little.

9. Do their friends and family like their significant other(s)? Yes.

10. Have they had romantic partners before? Also yes.

11. Are they a healthy couple? If no, why not? Yes.

12. Do they have potential to be healthy if they’re usually toxic? Already healthy.

13. Do they have potential to be toxic if they’re usually healthy? If they don’t communicate and try to push each other away.

14. What song fits them perfectly? Why by Sabrina Carpenter. And Paper Rings. Also Cruel Summer.

15. Do they like the same music? Some songs.

16. Do they like the same food? Some, yea.

17. What do they have in common? They both are very loyal people who don’t tolerate any bullshit.

18. What is their sex life like? Active but their relationship is all about communication and trust. They just hangout more.

19. Would they ever lie to each other? Why or why not? Not really. For planning surprise parties, yes. But that’s it.

20. Are they interested in marriage? Why or why not? They’re 15.

21. Are they interested in having children? Why or why not? Same as #20

22. Do you have other ships that resemble your OTP? Jalisha (minus one of the two being Sarah’s beard) and Fez and Rhonda lowkey. Also Phoebe and Mike.

23. Is there top/dom and bottom/sub energy? Mikayla is totally the dom.

24. Are there any kinks or fetishes they share or don’t? They dress up a lot and dance.

25. Are they sentimental about gifts they’ve received from each other? Very much.

26. What holidays do they like? Christmas, Valentines Day, their anniversary.

27. How do they feel about Valentine’s day? Despite assumptions, Sharon actually loves Valentine’s Day. She would always drag Sarah to the mall to pick Mik the perfect gift.

28. Are they jealous/possessive of each other? Not exactly.

29. Do they like public display of affection? Yea.

30. Do they enjoy dancing? Most of the time.

31. What’s a perfect date for them? Watching a mix of horror movies and My Little Pony.

32. How do they comfort each other? Cuddles.

33. Who is the big spoon and why? They take turns. They both just want cuddles and to feel protected.

34. What’s their favorite nonsexual activity together? Watching tv and doing crafts.

35. How do they deal with being away from each other for a long time? Video chat, letters, calling each other

36. What is their favorite place to kiss the other? (Cheek, hand, closed eyelid, neck, nose, etc.) Cheeks and lips.

37. Have they ever hurt each other on accident? Yes, sometimes with a slip of tongue.

38. Have they ever hurt each other deliberately? Nope.

39. Who gets hit on the most? Mikayla but Sharon has had her fair share of admirers.

40. Who tries to distract the other when they’re trying to do something else? Mikayla

41. Who is, overall, the smarter one? Both

42. Who is the sensible mature one? Sharon

43. Do they fight a lot? No

44. How do they make up after a fight? A good talk and then sex

45. If one of them forgot to log out of their SoMe, what would their partner do? They don’t logout.

46. How do they make each other laugh? Just by being them.

47. Are they extroverts/introverts? Sharon is an introvert and Mikayla is more extroverted.

48. Who would bring home a homeless animal? Sharon.

49. Do they match outfits for special occasions? For dances, sort of. They still keep their authentic style tho.

50. Who would protect who in a dangerous situation? Both. No contest. The ways are just different.

[bosesmikas]

🌙 Nikki Garcia

Basically, her season 1 arc would mostly be the same, except for the fact that she’s in the same grade as the rest of the gang and we get to see her with her parents. Her house would get flooded one day and her family would move in with the Kelsos. It would be...an experience to say the least. Since Hyde and Jackie are Gwen's aunt and uncle in my verse, Gwen and Nikki would have some interactions here and there (very small tho). You’ve obviously seen my gwikki endgame post so I’m not gonna put it in here.

In season 2, there would be a lot of moments where Nate seems to be pulling away, making her confused. She’d open up about it to Trevor and Gwen would be even more conflicted and fueled with guilt. One day, she comes over to see Gwen and overhears a conversation she has with Leia on the phone (since Leia would be in Chicago). She’d be super hurt and pissed at the three of them and ends up having sex with Jay as revenge.

Betsy would catch them and cover for the two and Nikki would rant about the situation and it would be clear that she’s more upset about the fact that Gwen lied to her than the fact that they lied. I can go on but I wrote it all on the gwikki post.

As for her dynamic with Leia, it would be the same for season 1 but in season 2, she does find out about Leia and Nate’s almost kiss and ices her out. Eventually, they do become friends again.

She also has a great relationship with her parents, who love and support her to bits. But they are very unsupportive of her dating Nate and think that she can do better. She also has a good friendship with Trevor, her tutor.

[bosesmikas]

icon by @amvmarch

Full name: Nathaniel Glenn Runck

Nicknames: ‘Nate’ (by everyone), Doctor Bro (by himself), Bro (by Jay), Babe, baby (by Nikki), idiot (by Gwen and Betsy), Dude (by Jay and Gwen), Honey (by Kitty), ‘Runck’, ���my brother’s weird friend’, ‘jughead’ (by Betsy), ‘Hooligan’ (by Sam and Tom), ‘that boy’ (by Tom), ‘noodle’ (by Ozzie and Gwen), 'dope' 'dumbass' (by Red), 'Runck' ‘dumbass’ (by Kristie), ‘Natey’ ‘babe’ ‘baby’ ‘honey’ ‘sweetheart’ ‘sunshine’ ‘my sunshine’ (by Sarah)

Gender: Male

Sexual Orientation: Bisexual

Birth Place: Point Place, Wisconsin

Birthday: April 18, 1979 (age 44)

Age: 15 (Season 1-part of Season 3), 16 (rest of Season 3- early season 5), 17 (rest of season 5-part of season 6), 18 (rest of season 6-late season 7), 19 (rest of season 7-mid season 8), 20 (rest of season 8)

Occupation: Student

Family: Sherri Runck (mother), Brian Bloomberg (father), Gwen Runck (younger half-sister), Connor Runck (maternal grandfather)†, Angie Barnett (stepmother), Steven Hyde (step-uncle), Jackie Burkhart (step-aunt), Reggie Hyde (step-cousin), Mia Forman (step-cousin in law), Kat Hyde (step-cousin), Nikki Garcia (sister-in-law), Joanna Mitchell (sister-in-law), Kristie Forman (step-sister-in-law), Paula Mitchell (mother in law), Laurie Forman (step-mother-in-law), Alexis Doilybug (aunt in law), Paul Doilybug (uncle in law), Quinn Martinez (niece in law), Erin Martinez (niece in law), Connor II Runck (son), Jordan II Runck (son), Jasmine Runck (daughter), Samantha Runck (daughter)

Romances: Sarah Mitchell (love interest), Nikki Garcia (ex girlfriend), Leia Forman (almost kissed), Jay Kelso (first kiss; 12 years old), Patrick (ex boyfriend)

Friends: Jay Kelso (best friend), Leia Forman, Ozzie, Betsy Kelso (sometimes)

First Appearance: ‘Angie’ (t7s), ‘That 90s Pilot’ (t9s)

Last Appearance: ‘The Holy Union of the Burnout and the Devil’ (t7s), TBD