I do not own Eureka.

No Women Allowed

Chapter 3: Man to Man

The day spent in the woods was an eventful one, to say the least. After Kevin had completed the tasks Jack set out for him, they started straightaway to the business of procuring some dinner.

The first thing Jack did was grab their poles from the tent and he and Kevin set out for the creek to do some fishing. Needless to say, Kevin was less enthused about this choir then anything else they'd done so far.

Seated on the edge of the bank, Jack tossed his line then placed the can of worms down net to him.

"You don't expect me to touch those, do you?"

Jack's only response was to pick up the can and toss it at Kevin.

"Man up, they're just worms."

"Ugh."

Kevin reluctantly, but dutifully baited his hook and tossed his own line in the water.

They sat there for what seemed like hours to Kevin, waiting and waiting and waiting.

"Jack, we haven't had a bite since we've gotten here. Are you sure there are even any fish in the water?"

Jack didn't even bother to lift the Boonie hat from off his eyes as he leaned back comfortably against a large boulder.

"Patience, young grasshopper."

This was all a part of Jack's plan. He'd mentally written a list of all the lessons he wanted Kevin to learn which on this excursion and the first of those was patience.

To be a functioning adult, Jack felt one needed to know how to maintain your cool. Sure, he flew off the handle from time to time, but overall, he'd always managed to keep a cooler head when those around him were not.

And not a minute later, Kevin got his first tug on the line.

"Jack! Jack! I've got something."

"Well, reel it in buddy."

Jack watched the excitement on his face and for a brief moment he saw the little boy he'd met all those years ago come to life. And with their fresh catch now in hand, they headed back to the campsite.

The remainder of the evening they played a quick game of paintball, had dinner and then Jack stuck to teaching Kevin how to survive in the wilderness. With all the mishaps that occurred in Eureka, it was only a matter of time before they were accidentally thrown back into the stone age. Well, that's what Jack felt most of the time anyway.

By the time night fell, Kevin was all but tuckered out. As soon as his head hit the sleeping bag, he was fast asleep.

But he didn't stay that way for long.

Sometime in the middle of the night, Kevin jostled Jack awake. It seemed that Kevin; who'd previously professed to being a mature adult, had been frightened by the sounds of the wild. Of course he pretended to not be bothered by it all, but Jack could see the fear in his eyes. Good parent that he was, Jack didn't tease him or ever bring the issue to light but steered the conversation to lighter fare, like the last family trip they took to Yosemite which seemed to quell him until he fell back asleep. By the time morning came, Jack was more than happy to head back to the cabin.

As soon as they arrived back at their rustic home away from home, Kevin once again tried to persuade Jack to call of the remainder of their "boys" weekend off.

Jack couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed that Kevin still hadn't gotten with the program, even though he appeared to have had a great time yesterday. But Jack was determined to get his point across come hell or high water. He would just have to be more aggressive with his tactics.

So, Jack abandoned his set schedule for the day and sat Kevin down at the table so they could finally have a man to man talk.

"Kevin, come here."

"What's up, Jack?"

"I think its time for us to have the talk."

"C'mon on Jack. I thought we were past that."

"No, we're not. I don't think you truly understand the severity of what you've done."

"You're making it sound as if I killed someone."

"Not at all, but that doesn't mean this isn't serious."

"Jack, I heard what mom said and I got it. I should have been more careful with Jenna in the house."

"See, that's just it; you don't get it at all. Yes, part of this has to do with your duty as an older brother, but this is also about you not respecting our family, our home, Amy or yourself."

"What do you mean?"

"Kevin, I know that you're smarter than me, but thats book smart. I have street smarts and life experience on my side as well.

Kevin sighed loudly and rolled his eyes and Jack did not take kindly to his rude tone.

"Did you ever think about what would have happened if it was Jenna who caught you two and not your mother and me? Did you think about how far you planned on going? If you did go further, did either of you have protection? What about what her parents think about her now? What if your peers found out? Or…"

"Okay! Okay! I get it."

"No, you don't."

"Kevin, it's very easy to get caught up in the moment, but you have to think about the consequences of every situation. You know what it's like living in Eureka, and in the blink of an eye any of our lives can change. Kevin, you're not ready to factor the enormity of a physical relationship yet."

Jack watched as Kevin sat quietly and pondered his words.

"Kev, are you ready to be a father?"

"What? God no!"

"Well, that's the chance you're taking. You're not only jeopardizing your future, but Amy's as well. If you don't think your mother and I wouldn't make you own up to your responsibilities, then you're dead wrong."

"So what am I supposed to do Jack. I have these… urges."

"Believe me, I know. I've been there too."

Kevin cringed at the thought.

"Kevin, this is all a part of being a man. You talk about being mature, well maturity is more than a physical change in your body. It's mental and emotional and so many other things."

Kevin eyes darted down.

"Listen, your mother and I know you're a good person. We know you respect us and you adore Jenna. We love you and we just want the best for you. You'll have plenty of time for the ladies, but for right now you just need to enjoy being a kid. Understand?"

Kevin slowly nodded. "Yeah, I finally do. And Jack, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset mom that way and I would never do anything to hurt Jenna."

"I know buddy."

"Do you think mom will ever forgive me?"

"Of course she will. But to be on the safe side. When we get home tomorrow, breakfast in bed couldn't hurt."