I do not own EUReKA...and the world sheds a tear.

Blame It On The Hormones

Chapter 2: Just The Way You Are

"S.A.R.A.H, can you start the shower and make some breakfast? Oh and coffee, lots and lots of coffee."

"Certainly Sheriff Carter."

Taking them two at a time, Jack yelled out his request as he ran upstairs. He didn't think he'd ever moved so fast before in his life. The minutes since leaving Allison's place and the sprint home had been nerve racking. The morning wake up call from Tess had sent a wave of panic between them both. Alarmed by the fact neither of them had spoken to her last night, they were unsure how to move forward from this point on.

Had she found out they'd had dinner without telling her? Did she know that Jack stayed the night? If she did know, what would she think about him sleeping in her bed? Never mind the fact they'd done nothing but talk and hold hands. It wouldn't matter to Tess that all their clothes remained on. It would be a betrayal nonetheless.

Jack glared at his PDA as it continued to ring. Not knowing what to do he shoved it in Allison's direction. She scowled at him as if having her answer the phone was the smartest thing to do. She pushed it back toward him, eased over and stood just incase he tried to pass it to her again. Flummoxed, he surveyed the phone. The longer he stared at it, the louder the vibrations seemed to get. He knew it was all in his mind, but he was sure he wasn't going to like what he heard on the other end. He'd say one thing for Tess...she was persistent.

He felt foolish so hesitantly he answered. "Hello?"

Nervously Allison paced the floor, her thumbnail in her mouth she flicked at it with her top row of teeth producing a tick, tick, tick sound which reverberated around the room.

Jack swung his legs so that he sat on the edge of the bed, elbows on knees. He felt like he would throw up at any moment.

"No! I wasn't asleep...I'm just getting up...you know, about to hop in the shower, get some breakfast...oh, yeah sure...that'd be great...um...yeah...of course I did...okay, I'll see you then."

Jack leapt from the bed and hurriedly stepped into his shoes–thank God he was still dressed. He relayed his conversation with Tess back to Allison omitting the part where she solicited him by promising to give him the most mind-blowing head he'd ever received. She said she'd be over in about an hour and thought maybe he'd like to go out for brunch.

Remorseful, Jack took Allison's hands in his. "I have to go."

She reached up and lovingly held his face, her expression mirroring his own. "I know."

Jack rushed for the door then stopped so quickly that he almost toppled over. He turned, swiftly crossed over and kissed Allison full on the mouth.

"Don't worry. We'll figure this out."

Allison walked behind, observing him the entire way. Why had she waited so long? Why hadn't she told him how she felt? She knew he was interested and could have easily pursued him. That's the past she thought, time to look toward the future. She just prayed that the next chapter wouldn't prove as difficult as the previous years. Regrettably the outcome was yet to be seen as they still had to contend with Tess.

Back at home, Jack stripped as he climbed the stairs, tossed his clothes on the bedroom floor and hopped in the shower. Tess would be here shortly and she was punctual if anything. While in the shower he tried to formulate in his mind comebacks for the many questions she was sure to have. Why was he so anxious? Essentially he'd done nothing wrong...but why did he feel so guilty?

Jack reached the bottom step just as S.A.R.A.H announced her arrival. If he didn't know any better, he could swear he heard disdain in her voice. The bunker door swung open, instantaneously shutting behind Tess as she sauntered in. If she had been a second slower, she would have been clipped by the edge and hit full force. Jack couldn't be sure, but he'd bet that S.A.R.A.H had done it on purpose.

"Hey stranger." Tess wrapped her arms around his waist and leaned in for a kiss.

His reaction swift, Jack craned his neck back just out of reach.

Giggling, she assumed he was playing with her and tickled his sides. "Would you stop it."

She threw her arms around his neck, forcefully pulled him down and laid one smack dab on his lips. Jack just stood there gawking at her, his mouth unmoving. He knew she could tell something was off as her own eyes popped open only to see him staring back.

"What was that?" She demanded.

Feigning ignorance he pretended not to know what she was talking about. "What was what?"

"I'm referring to that kiss. It was a little...unemotional. That's not the way you usually greet me. Is everything all right?"

Jack paused briefly before answering. "Yeah, everything's fine."

He could have blurted everything out right then but wisely held back. He didn't want to say anything yet because he and Allison needed to talk. Though they'd shared a special moment last night, that in no way clarified what their relationship was now, or how they should proceed. Until he knew that, he decided to keep Tess at arms length. Thankfully, she didn't push the issue any further and shrugged it off. What Jack did notice was that she was making herself comfortable as she kicked off her shoes, placed them by the front door and headed for the kitchen.

"Yum what smells so good? Is that for us? I thought we were going out?"

"I thought this would be quicker...um, easier."

Jack had to be careful. He didn't want Tess to become too suspicious of his actions. Hell, he'd be shocked if she hadn't been already. It wasn't like he was doing a bang up job right now anyway.

"S.A.R.A.H, I'll take a spinach quiche, bacon crispy, croissant, mimosa, coffee, Irish coffee."

Silence greeted her request.

She called out again. "S.A.R.A.H?"

"Yes, Dr. Fontana."

"Did you get my order?"

"Yes, I did."

"Okay then..."

Apparently S.A.R.A.H was being stubborn this morning, "Sheriff Carter, would you like me to make Dr. Fontana's meal?"

Exasperated, Jack gave her the okay. A disgruntled, petty S.A.R.A.H is not what he needed this morning. What happened next, Jack definitely wasn't in the mood to deal with.

Tess glared at him from the kitchen. Sashaying over, he saw that unmistakable look of lust in her eyes. She roughly grabbed hold of him, squeezing his ass with surprising strength, forcing his body against hers. Their bodies compressed so tightly, if they'd been naked, he'd no doubt be inside of her by now.

"So did you miss me last night?"

Jack was flustered. What was he supposed to say? Had he missed her? No. Could he tell her that? No. So instead of answering directly, he tired to stall. "What? Yeah...yeah, you know."

"Mmm, how much?"

As she spoke she subtly began nudging him so that he walked in reverse. Shrugging his shoulders apathetically, Jack knew for the time being he would have to play along.

"Lots."

"Lots huh." Her hands began to wander aimlessly as they traversed from his abdomen up to his chest were they finally settled on his lower back. "So, where's Zoë?"

"She spent the night over at Pillars."

"Well then, whadda say we make up for you missing me last night?"

As Tess advanced, he cautiously stepped backward until his legs bumped up against the chaise causing him to lose his balance and plop down on it's end.

"I can't."

"You can't?"

She appeared incredulous. "What do you mean you can't?"

Jack swallowed hard. He hated to lie but there was no way he was ever having sex with Tess again until he knew one way or the other what this thing was between him and Allison.

"I have a...a thing to, uh go do."

"A thing!" She was obviously perturbed. "I thought you said last night you were taking it easy today."

"I did...I am...I will. It's just something came up at the last minute."

Still hovering, she stared at him quizzically. Without warning, she threw one knee up on the chaise then brought the other around so that she straddled him. Startled, Jack grabbed her round the waist and attempted to lift her off. Either she was extremely fast or he was too slow as she twisted her body, looping her legs around so that they were now clasped around his torso. She ground up against him and not surprisingly he was double-crossed as he instantaneously grew an erection. His body apparently was opposed to what his brain wanted it to do. It seemed that Tess took it as a sign that he was ready for some action and began unbuttoning her blouse.

Luckily ever watchful S.A.R.A.H chimed in. "Sheriff Carter your food is getting cold. You'd better hurry or you'll be late."

"Thanks S.A.R.A.H."

Jack had to remember to reward S.A.R.A.H. He just wasn't sure how he was supposed to do that.

Tess reluctantly released her grip and slid from a top him. "Well, how about tonight then?"

Sucking in air through his teeth he feigned reluctance. "Sounds good, but I'm not sure how long this will take, but I'll call you if it's not to late."

Arms crossed, clearly she was pissed. "Well, I guess I'd better leave so you can get going." She rolled her eyes but still kissed him goodbye. As soon as the door shut behind her, he thanked his coconspirator.

"S.A.R.A.H, I owe you one."

"Anytime Sheriff Carter."

Jack let out a huge sigh of relief. That was a bit to close for comfort. If things hadn't gone the way they had with Allison, he surely would have taken Tess up on her offer.

At last alone, his mind wandered as he recalled the first time he and Tess had sex. They'd been seeing each other for about a month and he'd invited her over for dinner which turned into him serving her breakfast. Jack hadn't planned to take her to bed, it just sort of happened. They'd had a wonderful meal–cooked by S.A.R.A.H of course, a few glasses of wine and ended the evening on the couch in front of a fire. Tess cuddled up close, his arm wrapped around her, was the kick off to their night of pleasure.

It started with some kissing, then a some necking, then increasingly progressed until they found themselves in his bedroom, clothes strewn across the room. Jack had to admit, she looked delicious. It had been some time since he'd had a women in his bed–not that he didn't get propositioned. He'd dated a few women in town and they were all very nice but ultimately not the right ones for him. Since then he hadn't actively pursued anyone, especially since Allison had gotten back together with Stark. So he committed himself to a self-imposed celibacy until the right woman came along.

When he met Tess they didn't hit it off right away. He saw her as a female version of Nathan. She was snarky with him. She laughed at his theories. She took little jabs at him whenever possible. She thought he was an idiot. He believe's he was interested in her for two reasons–one, she was Allison's friend and two, Allison pushed him toward her. Allison cared for them both greatly and to make her happy they tried to get along. Soon they were getting along extremely well. At the time Jack thought why the hell not. She wasn't the right one, but she was right there. If not for that, they probably would have maintained the ambivalent relationship that seemed to be forming.

So that night, they took their relationship one step further. By then he had been for lack of a better term–backed up. When they were completely undressed and he saw her in all her glory, he had to fight the urge not to nut all over himself. He was pleased to find out that she was a natural redhead as her fair skin contrasted greatly with her fiery mane–above and below. Waisting no time, she crawled up on the bed and Jack followed like an obedient dog. Her body felt so good beneath his–right about now, almost any woman could be laying under him and he'd feel just the same. His hands feverishly glided over her smooth, velvety skin as she kissed his lips. Jack wanted to take his time but due to his hiatus between sexual partners, that wasn't an option. His cock throbbed painfully the more he thought about entering her, so he took her. There were no sweet words, no gentle touches, no leisurely exploration. It was intense, it was feral, it was...over.

He was so embarrassed. That was not the impression he wanted to make. His entire body turned a particularly rosy shade of pink–well thats what Tess told him anyway. He didn't want to make excuses but he did let her know this wasn't normal and that it'd been a while for him. She laughed at him not maliciously, but in a playful teasing–well thats what she claimed anyway. She told him she understood and that it happens to the majority of men the first time they're with someone new. Besides, they had all night to make up of for it, and that's exactly what they did. Once the initial contact was over, Jack was back to form. He proved to her that it had indeed been a matter of unfamiliarity combined with nerves. In fact he proved it to her repeatedly.

On their next occasion, Tess had invited him over for dinner which expectedly turned into them skipping the meal altogether. That evening Jack was amazed to find out that Tess was not shy in the bedroom at all. Not only was she free, shockingly she liked it rough. Not S&M, leather clad, metal studded, whips and chains rough, but rougher than the average woman. She liked to have her nipples twisted, she liked to be spanked, she liked to have her hair pulled. But her favorite act of all was when he took her from the behind. She wanted him to fuck her–hard and she was very vocal about it. Tess didn't just talk provocatively, she was down right nasty. The things she said damn near bordered on criminal. Jack wasn't sure it he found it a turn on or not but he went along for the ride.

Jack liked Tess he really did, but, did he love her? Could he really see a future with her? It was all to new to begin asking those types of questions, but that didn't mean he wanted to hurt her feelings either.

Whatever Jack did today he knew he couldn't venture anywhere that Tess may see him. He wasn't hiding exactly, just laying low. He had to talk to Allison. He felt bad that he had to leave her in such a hurry but she understood the situation. He checked his watch and saw that it was almost eleven-thirty. He knew she would be picking Kevin up at twelve from his friends house so more than likely she was preparing to leave. Jack wanted to call her. He needed to hear her voice. He wanted to know that last night wasn't a fluke. Even though they hadn't made love–hell, he wasn't even sure she'd want to in her condition–he was overjoyed by the fact that he could be near her, touch her, hold her, kiss her. For now, it was all that he needed.

The rest of the morning and that afternoon he spent catch up on tasks. The last few weeks had been a whirlwind with the accidents and turmoil and getting to know Tess. He called his parents, his brothers and checked in on Lexi to see how she was coming along during her own pregnancy. He did some banking–not that there was much to do since almost everything he did in Eureka was already paid for. He went for a bike ride to clear his head and when Zoë got home he made them steak and eggs for dinner while they sat and watched a game on the couch.

"And where were you last night? I called this morning to see if you wanted me to bring you anything home from Café Diem and S.A.R.A.H said that you hadn't been home since you left at six-thirty the other night."

Jack gave her a stern look as she sniggered under her breath.

"So I guess you slept over at a friends house too."

She was getting to much enjoyment out of this for Jack's liking. He felt he should tell her something...but what? He couldn't tell her what he'd really done. He had to say something just in case the topic came up while Tess was around.

"Zoë, I want to talk to you about something."

Jack hesitated, not sure of how to start the conversation. She wasn't a child, yet he didn't want to involve her in his problems. He had to say something because one way or another, things were certainly going to change.

Zoë peered at him. "Ooh, this must be serious. You have your serious dad face going." She turned toward him on the couch, her plate balanced on her thigh.

"Zoë, I know you're getting older and you've matured a lot these past few years..."

"Oh God dad are you trying to give me the sex talk?"

"Sex talk. What! No, no. You're to young for that talk...aren't you?"

"Really?"

Jack didn't even want to think about her response and without hesitation got back to the subject. "My point is, I feel I can trust you with certain information so I'm going to share this with you."

Jack laid his dish on the coffee table and faced her.

"I wasn't with Tess last night."

Zoë's eye popped open, her mouth wide he could see the food she'd yet to swallow. "Dad you didn't! You're cheating on Tess."

"No, I didn't cheat on her. I went over to Allison's for dinner and we fellasleep while talking."

She was rightfully skeptical. "Oh really now. You guys both fell asleep. And exactly where did you fall asleep?"

"All right you, enough."

"Dad I'm not a kid anymore. I'm seventeen and I have seen and done a lot in those short years."

"Ha, don't I know it."

"Dad don't worry. I won't say anything. Besides, it's about time you and Allison got together. I'm happy for you."

"Thanks Zo. Say, when did you become so grown-up?"

"Probably when I was about twelve."

She smiled at him and briefly he saw the image of the little girl who looked up to him. They fell back into a comfortable silence the only noises heard were the howls and shouts directed toward the referees officiating the game. He had been having such a good time hanging with Zoé that he forgot all about calling Tess. Just as he was about to head up to bed the phone rang. Tess decided to give him a call after he failed to.

"I waited for your call but since I didn't hear from you I thought I'd make the first move. Jack is everything all right between us?"

Jack hadn't expected her to be so direct and blurted out the exact opposite of what he didn't want to say.

"Everything's fine. I just felt a bit under the weather."

"Do you need me to come over and play nurse?"

"No. I'm okay. Just tired."

"Oh."

Jack could hear the disappointment in her voice.

"Do you want to do something tomorrow then?"

Jack didn't want to commit to anything where he was forced to be alone with her. "How about we meet for lunch at Café Diem."

"Okay. I'll see ya then."

Jack fell back onto the bed and lay starting up at the ceiling. He hoped he hadn't make the wrong choice in agreeing to meet with Tess. He knew he couldn't keep putting her off but the only thing on his mind right now was how desperately he wanted to be with Allison.

He figured it wasn't too late to call and was pleased when she picked up on the first ring.

"Hi."

"Hi."

He could hear the smile in her voice. "It's not to late is it?"

"No. I was hoping I'd get to talk to you. I missed you today."

Jack was overjoyed and frankly glad she wasn't there to see him blush profusely. "Oh, did you now? Well, guess what?"

"What?"

"I missed you too."

Allison was afraid to ask but she had to know. "How did it go with Tess this morning?"

Jack let out a long sigh, his tone changing. "Not that great. Allison, I don't wanna hurt Tess."

"Jack, neither do I. She's one of my best friends."

"When she came by, I didn't know what to say. I couldn't lie to her but I couldn't tell her the truth, so I avoided the topic altogether. Honestly I don't know what to do."

Allison held her breath as she was suddenly struck with fear. "Do you think we made a mistake?"

"No. Of course not. It's just..." His sentence trailed off.

"What is it? You can tell me."

"Allison I need to know where we stand. Where do we go from here?"

"Jack I wasn't lying when I said I loved you. I want to be with you for however long you'll have me. And you're right, we have to talk with Tess and we will, but we need to get some things straight first."

"That's all I needed to hear. But I'm not sure how long I can avoid telling her. She's already wary of my behavior. I'm supposed to meet her for lunch tomorrow and I'll try to keep the conversation steered away from us but I don't know how long that will work."

"I know. Why don't you go ahead and meet Tess and we'll get together tomorrow night."

"That sounds great. Now on another note...what do you have on?"

Then she laughed in that throaty, husky way he loved. Jack stretched out on his left side facing the opposite side of his bed and across town unbeknownst to the other, Allison laid on her right in opposition of his–evoking an old Rock Hudson and Doris Day scene. They talked late into the night, reluctantly ending their conversation around twelve.

That next morning Jack awoke with a smile plastered on his face. His late night chat with Allison had morphed into a lucid dream. In the dream she stood before him bathed in light. It was not that it radiated from around her but seemed to emanate from within. When he reached out to touch her the glow would spread around him. It was so real. He could feel her warmth, smell her fragrance, taste her honey coated lips. At one point their images melded. They illuminated bright as the sun setting their bodies ablaze though the fire did not burn. It was one of the more intense dreams he'd ever had and he couldn't remember feeling this fantastic in a long time.

As he got ready for his day, he couldn't help but think that he and Allison may finally be on the same page. Just the thought of them embarking on this path was an exhilarating feeling. Zoë too seemed over the moon at the aspect. She was happy for him and excited that he and Allison where moving ahead. She graciously volunteered to watch Kevin anytime they wanted to go out on a date and had no objections to her spending the night–as if he needed her permission anyway. Unlike Tess–whom she seemed to tolerate for his sake, she and Allison had a close bond and she was someone Zoë looked to for advice and guidance. Jack thanked her but told her not to put the cart before the horse.

While at work, Jack was amazed at how quickly time was passed by. Usually it would take some major catastrophe to make the hours fly past. Jo had put in for a day off so it was just he and Andy and he was so dreading his meeting with Tess. If it was an option, he would happily avoid her until she left town or the town imploded–whichever came first. Jack repeatedly checked the clock and for the first time during his stint in Eureka, he hoped for some small event that would allow him to postpone their date. Just as he was envisioning a small but manageable disaster Tess walked in.

"Hey handsome."

Forced back to reality, he plastered on a tenuous smile. "Tess, hey."

She made a beeline straight for him so Jack picked up the phone and pretended to make a call. Unfortunately his ruse did nothing to deter her as she walked around his desk, rolled his chair back and plopped onto his lap. This time when she leaned in to kiss him, she seized hold of his head between her hands and bussed him on the lips. Jack knew another reaction like the one he had yesterday would surely raise a red flag, so even though it was not as impassioned as of any of their previous kisses, it was enough to satisfy her momentarily.

"Mmm. Now that was more like it. Are you feeling any better?"

"Huh?"

"Yesterday you said you were under the weather."

"Oh! Yes, I'm feeling much better. Thank you."

"I know we were supposed to meet across the street but I thought it'd fun if I came over and picked you up."

"Uh, yeah that's fine. I'm just waiting for Andy to get back and then I'll be ready to go. Say, why don't you go wait for me, grab us a table?"

"No. I wanted to walk over with you. We can act like teenagers. We'll hold hands and glance shyly away from each other. Come on Jack, it'll be cute."

Cute was the last thing Jack wanted to be with her right now. What could he do? He had definitely painted himself into a corner. Her face was hopeful and he knew there'd be no dissuading her. Instead of trying to come up with an elaborate ruse, he relented.

Once they entered he tired to commandeer two seats at the counter but Tess had other plans. She grabbed hold of his forearm and steered him toward a table in the back stated she wanted some alone time saying she'd missed him the last few days. At her admission, Jack began to stutter, unable to return the sentiment. What she said next hit him like a thunderbolt.

She placed her hand on top of his, her tone solemn. "Jack, I think I know what's been going on."

"You do?" Oh God he thought. How had she found out?

"I do. I've noticed that you've been acting strangely around me lately. Jack I know that we're different and don't have many of the same interests but I don't want you to worry. You don't need to change for me. I like you just the way you are."

"Huh?"

"I've noticed you seem uncomfortable around me. I know we haven't talked about where this relationship might go but I want you to know that I'm willing to discuss it. I know you may feel a bit intimidated by me and..."

Jack was dumbfounded. Was she serious?

"Are you serious!"

"Look Jack, why don't you come over tonight and we can talk about it."

"I can't I have birthing class with Allison tonight."

"How about after then."

"Maybe. I'm usually beat afterwards."

Tess stared at him quietly for several moments before pushing away from the table and whispering harshly to him.

"Fine. Why don't you call me when whatever it is you're going through is over."

Jack was too pissed to go after her. Besides he didn't want to. His eyes on the prize, all he wanted was to see Allison tonight.

Now if only the time would stop ticking by so slowly.


Next - Chapter 3: What Goes Around Comes Around