I do not own EUReKA. (Sad face) I know this chapter is a little outside the box, but it will all make sense in the end. With that being said, come take a trip with me down the rabbit hole.

I Do Over...Again

Chapter 4: Seems Like Old Times

Jack rolled down the window and turned up the volume on the radio as he drove up U.S. Route 101 towards his final destination. He borrowed a loaner car from Henry for his trip since his jeep was out of commission – not that he wanted to drive around advertising that he was in law enforcement anyway. He had to admit he was kind of excited to see his Marshall buddies. Jack had gotten in contact with Bill Stockton, one of his very good, very old friends. They talked every so often, mainly around the holidays and Jack was looking forward to kicking back and having some fun.

He and Bill had know each other since their training academy days. They had been roommates and after graduation were placed together in the same department. Though Jack worked many of his assignments with a team, when he did partner up it was usually with Bill. Transporting prisoners, fugitive investigations, witness protection, you name it...they'd done it. God, they used to get into so much trouble together. Needless to say, he was not one of Abby's favorite people.

Jack just hoped that everything would be okay in Eureka while he was gone. He wasn't so much worried about them not being able to handle things (even though he wasn't the smartest, he routinely suggested ideas that saved all their asses) he was concerned about leaving Zoë. If anything happened to her while he was gone he would never forgive himself. Thats why he left explicit instructions with Lexi, Jo, Henry and SARAH. He knew he was being overprotective but he didn't care. He and Zoë did not always have such a close bond, but since moving to Eureka they had gained a new respect for each other. No, it wasn't easy going in the beginning, but Jack was glad the bad times happened for it made them what they were now.

Jack stopped at the station house before heading out of town. He wanted to talk to Andy just to make sure he would be all right without him. He told him that if he needed any help, Jo would assist. Sometimes Jack forgot that Andy was a robot and even though he didn't need to be looked after, Jack sometimes felt compelled to. Reassured that Andy would be fine, he crossed the street to pick up his food. Jack didn't plan on stopping unless absolutely necessary. A definite bonus of having Vincent prepare his meals was that everything would make it on the long ride. Vincent had access to technology that allowed for food to be carried without heat or refrigeration and maintain it's temperature for days on end.

Jack decided that he would drive the distance – lord knows he certainly wasn't going to fly. And since he would be spending a little over a day in drive time going and coming, he figured why not add a few days on to his vacation. In all he would be spending three entire days in L.A. relaxing and enjoying himself. He'd arranged for a hotel, but Bill would hear none of it and insisted he stay with him in his spare room.

Jack arrived late that evening, happy to be able to get from behind the wheel and stretch his legs. Bill lived alone, a confirmed bachelor and without a doubt played the role of ladies man to perfection. His home was neat, masculine, designed in a contemporary style, complete with mini bar, mood lighting and extra toiletries for those unexpected overnight guests.

Bill was off the next few days so they stayed up late into the night drinking and reminiscing. Jack told him all about Zoë, his friends, his job and Eureka – well, what he could tell him anyway. What Bill was really interested in knowing was what the women were like. He told him he had been on a few dates, but there was nobody he was serious about. Bill told Jack that he didn't think he understood what he was trying to say. He didn't want to know how many dates he'd been on, but how many women he'd slept with. Jack ever the gentleman deflected his question and quickly changed the subject.

To be honest Jack had been intimate with a few women in town but nothing long term ever developed. Hell he probably could have gotten laid every night if he wanted...problem was there was only one woman he longed to be with.

The next morning, or rather the next afternoon Jack managed to crawl out of bed, still feeling the effects from his night of drinking. He fought the urge to call home and check in to see how Zoë and everyone else were doing. He knew that if they needed him they'd get in contact. Besides, he had a big day ahead of him. Today he planned to venture out on his own and visit a few of his old stomping grounds. It was unseasonably warm for February, unlike the cool and rainy temperatures he'd left in Oregon. Jack wanted to take advantage of the weather so he intended on visiting Venice beach, catching a baseball game of his favorite minor league team, and dropping in on his old boss. He ended up having a pleasant day and that night the party continued.

Bill took him to a nightspot frequented by law enforcement where they met up with some of his former coworkers. Devon "Action" Jackson, Dave "Soup" Anderson, Martin "Scoop" Cooper, Fitzgerald "Fritz" Johnson and Reggie "Tank" Thomas. They'd all been given nicknames by each other. Bill was know as "Don Juan" no explanation necessary and Jack was "Flash" because he never lost a foot chase with a criminal. As usual when they all got together the drinks flowed, they razzed each other, they were loud and boisterous – it was just like old times.

Jack was having a blast. He hadn't let loose like this in years. Yeah, he had Henry, Fargo, and Zane whom he hung with from time to time, but this was different. With these guys, he felt like he could be himself. No, his Eureka buddies never made him feel like an outcast – not intentionally anyway. It was just hard sometimes to relate on certain subjects. He liked to talk about sports, they liked to talk about science. He liked to read graphic comics, they liked to read about quantum physics. He wanted to play softball, they wanted to play on their computers. They made allowances and found ways to incorporate each other into their activities.

Fritz yelled over to Jack as they stood at the bar, "So from U.S. Marshall to Town Sheriff. Who did you piss off to get stuck with that job?"

"Didn't you hear, it was a promotion." Soup added mockingly.

"Yeah, what the hell do you do up there in bum-fuck Oregon anyway?" Scoop jokingly punched Jack in the arm as the group began laughing.

Bill spoke up, "Well, whatever it is, it's gotta be top secret. I tried to do an inquiry on this so called town you live in and received a visit from the Director himself telling me to back off."

"What kind of secrets are you guys keeping up there. What do you really know?" Tank inquired.

Jack shrugged, "Can't say fellas. Just be assured that I make a whole lot more than you do with a security clearance level to match."

A round of uproarious oh's and aw's emitted from the group.

"Uh oh, look who's headed this way. I knew it wouldn't be long before she sniffed you out." Action motioned over Jack's shoulder.

Jack turned around to see Agent Kelly making her way through the throng headed straight for him. Cecilia had always had a thing for Jack. She had come onto to him numerous times, even though he consistently spurned her advances. Although he was in a troubled marriage, Jack never considered being unfaithful to Abby. He may be a lot of things, but a cheater he wasn't.

Cecilia nudged her way past Fritz and Scoop and immediately threw her arms around him. "Jack! I heard you were back in town."

"Hey Cecilia."

"Long time no see. You're looking good." She regarded him like a man in the desert eyeing a glass of water.

"You too." He had to admit, the years had been good to her.

They'd eventually found their way over to a table where Cecilia inserted herself into their little party and hovered over Jack the entire evening. She placed her hand on his knee as they talked, rubbed his arm when she laughed, and sat just a little to close to him all night long. Jack didn't mind when a woman was aggressive – he found it to be a turn on, but he didn't like one that seemed desperate. Jack thought Cecilia was a beautiful woman, smart, physically appealing and she didn't have any trouble getting a man. Problem was she knew Jack was divorced now and he couldn't use the excuse that he was married any longer. He didn't want to have to hurt her feelings, but he just wasn't interested.

One by one their friends left leaving him alone with Cecilia. Bill was over in a corner making moves on some brunette he spied a while ago. By then Cecilia was practically sitting in his lap. She boldly asked him if he'd like to come back to her place for a drink. He knew she had more than drinks on her mind. Jack wasn't one to just jump in bed with someone on a whim, so he politely let her down saying he had somewhere to be in the morning, gave Bill the nod that it was time to go and they departed.

Jack crashed most of the next day, sleeping off all the drinks he'd had. Once he woke up he called to check in on Zoë. She told him everything was fine, she missed him, and couldn't wait until he came home. He hung around the house most of the day and that evening got ready to meet Abby for dinner. Zoë had called her mom and let her know that Jack would be in town and asked if it would be okay if he stopped by and brought back a few of her things. Since he'd be coming by anyway Abby asked him to join her for dinner.

Jack arrived at his old place precisely at eight o'clock...a fact that Abby took the opportunity to tease him about. When they were still married he never made it home on time for dinner and usually slunk in when they were just about done. She told him to dress casually because it certainly wasn't going to be anything fancy. And as always she looked beautiful, even dressed down. It felt a little strange for Jack to be eating at his old dining room table again. Though it wasn't one of her favorite things to do, Abby was a good cook. Frankly, there wasn't much she didn't do well. She was definitely a type A personality.

As they dined they talked about Zoë, how she was doing in school and the fact that she'd started dating.

"I miss her so much Jack." She stated dolefully.

"She misses you too. But she's so excited to visit you for spring break."

"You know Jack, in the beginning I was hurt. I didn't think this was the right thing for her, but I was wrong. She's thriving."

"Yeah, she's happy, she loves school, she hasn't had any discipline issues, and she has really great friends."

Abby examined him, "She needed you Jack, I see that now."

Abby had visited them some months ago and was present during the situation with the freak climate changes and when Jack was stuck in a virtual reality Eureka. While there she got a first hand look at the two of them together. She saw how they were so much alike, how much they worried about, cared and loved each other.

Jack asked about her parents, her job, and if she was seeing anyone special.

"Let's see...my dad and the ball-buster say hello – they can't wait to see Zoë. My practice is booming so much that I may have to cut back on lecturing. And, I have been seeing someone and it's all very new, but he's a wonderful man."

Jack was happy for her. Abby was an extraordinary woman and any man would be lucky to have her. Jack wasn't even jealous – their time had past.

"Jack, how are you doing?" She asked concerned.

Smirking he answered, "Me...pfft, couldn't be better."

"No, come on, seriously. How are dealing with the Allison situation?"

Jack sighed heavily, "Um, I'm adjusting." He decided to lay it on the line. He knew that Abby was interested and genuinely cared about his welfare. "It's...hard. I feel like I lost her even though I never had her to begin with. I know we could have had something special, but I never told her. I can't blame anybody but myself."

"Do you think she feels the same?"

"I thought she did...I felt like she did, but..."

"Jack, why don't you tell her how you feel?"

"I tried but she made it clear that I was too late." He leaned back in the chair and downed his glass of wine.

Jack didn't want to dwell on the topic any longer so the rest of the evening they talked more about Zoë, about the happier moments they'd had together, there friends and family. Believe it or not, they were having a pleasant time and managed to be cordial with each other. Before they knew it they had finished two bottles of wine. Realizing how late it was, Jack thanked her for the invite, said he'd take Zoë's things and head out. Abby told him that he wasn't going anywhere after the amount of wine they'd drank and offered him the guest room for the night.

Appreciative he moved in the direction of where his home office used to be. Removing his clothes, only his underwear remaining, Jack lay on his side the moon shining through the window the only light in the dark room. He turned when he heard the bedroom door slowly creak open interrupting the silence. He was nonplused to see her standing there in a negligee.

"Abby?" He asked a bit unsettled.

She gave no response as she slid the straps from her shoulders and let the gown fall to the floor.

"Abby what are you..."

"Shhh."

Abby crossed over to the bed, pulled the covers back, and climbed on top of Jack.

"Abby you don't have to..."

"I know I don't have to. I want to." Then she kissed him so hard that he tasted blood.

Jack was shocked. He hadn't seen this coming at all. There were no words between them, no romantic gestures, they both knew what this was. He wasn't sure if it was the right thing to do, but he went along for the ride.

Sex with Abby was always pleasurable – it was even better when it was make-up sex. And you'd better believe they'd done their fair share of that. Though she wasn't his first, she had taught him many things, like how to properly please her. He was a fast learner, and surprised her with moves of his own. The memories of them together making love hit him like a wave, it goes without saying it didn't take him long to get hard.

Jack allowed his hands to roam over her voluptuous curves. It was as if no time had passed between them. It was familiar, comfortable and just what he needed right now. Abby slinked down his frame, pulled off his underwear and took him in her mouth. She teased him, letting her tongue travel round stroking his perineum. Jack's eyes rolled to the back of his head – the feeling exhilarating. Her mouth labored tirelessly as she encased him from tip to base – quite a feat considering what he had to work with. His breathing was unsteady as her pace varied. She would take him slowly then suddenly speed up. She liked keeping him off balance – always did. Jack knew if she didn't stop he would cum at any moment. As she'd done before, she rested a hand on his abdomen as his muscles involuntarily flexed, her head bobbing up and down. Abby must have sensed that he was ready fore she let go and mounted him.

Abby threw her head back as she leisurely pitched against him. He was grateful she was taking her time because he wasn't ready to release his load yet. Her hands massaged his muscular arms as he rubbed her velvety thighs. Abby whimpered softly as she began grinding roughly against him. Jack loved the way her ample bosom jiggled rhythmically as she bounced to and fro. He grabbed hold of her waist as she came, her body jerking unabashedly. She waisted no time and immediately rolled onto her belly. Jack knew exactly what she wanted.

He positioned himself so that he rested on her back, took his cock in his hand and with delicate care entered her forbidden zone. As her hands lay flat upon the mattress, he grasped them, intertwined her fingers with his and clenched them into fists.

The first time she instructed him, he was nervous and a bit scared. He had never done it before and was worried about hurting her. Once he tried it, he understood what the attraction was. It wasn't something they did all the time – honestly he could take it or leave, but when they did, it was incredible. It felt dirty, it felt wrong, but it also felt so fucking good. She was so taut, so merciless, it was an experience like no other. Jack pounded away as she screamed out in ecstasy. Oh how her colleagues would be surprised to learn that the reserved, good Dr. Abby Carter was so naughty.

"Oh God Jack. Harder, faster." She commanded.

Jack released her hands and raised himself into a plank position. He clenched his teeth as he slammed into her. When he came, he felt like the weight of the world lifted from his shoulders. It had been so long since he'd had such an intense orgasm – and no masturbation didn't count. He didn't realize how much he missed being with a woman. The soft skin, the shapely form, the alluring smell – it was a titillating.

Their breathing shallow and fast, slick with sweat, her back to him, he cradled her in his arms.

Jack tucked his chin in the crook of her neck and spoke softly in her ear, "Thank you."

Abby grasped his hand in hers as they lay silently her legs lying between his. Jack quickly fell asleep, the combination of alcohol and sex his undoing.

During the middle of the night Abby woke, gently lifted his arm from around her and put on her nightgown. She abruptly stopped at the threshold her hand grasping the frame and spun on her heels. She leaned down and kissed his cheek, "I love you Jack Carter."

Jack awoke that morning, a fresh outlook on life. Abby had slipped away sometime during the night. Jack knew that Abby did what she did not out of pity, but to show him that he was still a sexually attractive, viral man and she wanted him. She had given him a shot of confidence, a boost to his ego. Jack pulled on his T-shirt, jeans and went down to the kitchen where she stood making breakfast.

Jack walked up behind her and enveloped her in his arms. "I love you too Abby."

Abby reached up and patted the arm crossed over her chest, "If only it could have always been that way."

Kissing the top of her head he answered with a hint of sadness in his voice, "I know."

They sat and ate breakfast, he showered, packed Zoë's things in the car and made to leave.

He turned as he stepped out of the front door, "Take care Abby."

"You too." She reached up to hug him as they said their goodbyes.

Jack decided he didn't need another day away and left for home. When he got back he resolved to take the steps to move on and jump in with both feet. He couldn't pine away for Allison for the rest of his life. She had made her choice. He didn't have to like it but he would have to learn to live with it. Maybe he would call Dr. Leonardo when he got back. She was a botanical research scientist who seemed to be interested in him and flirted with him on occasion.

Jack rolled back into town late that night and went straight to bed. The next morning he surprised Zoë and Lexi with breakfast.

"Dad!" Glee shone on Zoë face when she saw Jack.

They hugged each other tightly – he had missed her so much. They sat and talked about what occurred while he was gone. Luckily it had been smooth sailing. Jack rattled on about the places he went and all the fun he'd had. He wisely left out the part about him and Abby spending the night together. Not that he would ever tell his daughter that, or anyone else. Lexi let him know that her boyfriend was coming back sooner than expected so she'd have to shorten her visit and would be leaving in a few days.

That evening after debating about what to have for dinner, they ultimately chose to eat at Café Diem. No one wanted the same thing and they didn't want to make three different meals.

Upon entering Jack spotted Allison, Kevin, and Stark at a table near the back.

Vincent happy to see Jack back in town yelled out to him, "Sheriff Carter, welcome back."

"Thanks Vince."

"Jack!" Kevin ran over and embraced him in a bro hug.

"Hey buddy."

Jack looked over to Allison and Stark. He lifted his hand signaling hello and even gave her a half smile. Jack shuttled Kevin back over to his mom then seated himself at a table with Zoë and Lexi.

Looking over at their table, Allison couldn't figure what had took place on his trip but he looked...happy. It not only showed on his face, but in his eyes. Whatever happened, it seemed to have done him some good.

Allison would periodically glance over at Jack from her position facing the door. He was acting like his old self again...laughing, animated, jovial. Thankfully Nathan didn't notice she wasn't paying attention to him as he continued talking nonstop about some new project he wanted to head up. Kevin oblivious to their conversation focused all his attention on his video game.

From the corner of her eye Allison saw Jack spot Dr. Leonardo. She was standing at the counter and appeared to be picking up and order for herself. He excused himself from the table and crossed over to her. Allison watched as Jack tapped her on the shoulder and gestured outside. She stared through the glass double doors at the scene, her mouth partly agape. She watched as Jack stood with his hands in his pocket, smiling as he looked down at her. Even from her seat, Allison could see that Erin was blushing. Noticing his movements, Allison assumed he was asking he something. Whatever it was she had shaken her head yes. They had a few more words then she turned to leave. Allison felt a bitter taste in her throat as Jack stood there and watched as she walked away.

She cast her eyes down as Jack almost skipped back in and over to his table. Allison didn't know what to think, what to feel – it was strange. Isn't this what she wanted all along? For him to move on, for him to be happy like she was, to forget about having a relationship with her. What had happened on his trip? What had changed him? It was if he had forgotten her.

"Mom."

"Mom?"

"Allison!"

Allison snapped back to reality realizing that Kevin and Nathan had been calling her.

"Where were you?" Nathan asked curiously.

"What? I'm sorry, I was just thinking about...it doesn't matter." Attempting to laugh the whole thing off.

Throughout dinner, Allison keep sneaking glances at Jack, but to her dismay he didn't look at her once.

Next - Chapter 5: What's Good For the Goose, Is Good For the Gander

I added the character Dr. Leonardo from the Clash of the Titans episode. The way she approached Jack and kinda flirted with him made me think they possibly had some interactions in that parallel universe. I thought it would be fun to add her to the story.