I do not own EUReKA
Jallison in Wonderland
Chapter 3: Down the Rabbit Hole
"Meeting you was fate, becoming your friend was a choice, but falling in love with you was beyond my control."
Jack arrived at the abandoned radio station well before their appointed six o'clock rendezvous. Forcing open the rusted door, he paced furiously, kicking up small clouds of dust with each step. Just that afternoon, he and Allison had arranged to met in secrecy in an attempt to piece together what exactly had gone wrong, ultimately propelling them into yet another alternate Eureka. Ringing his hands furiously, he couldn't understand the reason for his nervousness. Incessantly he peered at his watch and as each minute ticked by his fears grew. He imagined the frightening possibility that Allison wouldn't show at all. For her, it was the realization of what her life would have been like if not for Starks accidental death.
Stark, Kevin and Jenna; it was a scenario that was hard to not become invested in.
As the minute hand on his watch ticked past six, he felt an overwhelming sense of doom. Then, the abrupt appearance of headlights pierced through the darkness. Its rays shone haphazard patterns through the grime filled panes of glass.
Jack tore outside at breakneck speed just as Allison's car came to a screeching halt. She barely turned off the engine before she rushed toward him. Jack thought if it had been a romance novel, this would be the scene where the two star-crossed lovers embraced, he'd lift her up into his arms, twirling her as she her long flaxen hair blew carelessly in the breeze.
Sadly, this wasn't a romance novel, and their situation was dire indeed.
"Jack...Jack...Jack."
"Allie..."
Between agonized gasps, their mouths met with hungered anticipation. His previous thoughts of her abandoning him, choosing to embrace her new life, miraculously disappeared and with fevered kisses, they rejoiced in their reunion.
Allison shifted her bodyweight so that she rested solely on him; almost as if she'd collapsed under the burden of their circumstances. Her words a jumbled mess, she fought hard to keep the tears from falling for fear of breaking down completely.
"Jack, I miss you so much. I miss going to bed with you, and waking up next to you in the morning. I don't know what's going on. After what happened to me during the abduction, I fear I might lose my mind." Her eyes searched his, "Jack, I want to go home."
"My sentiments exactly." Jack weaved his fingers through her silky hair, "Allie, I'm miserable without you."
Overwhelmed by her presence, he longed to feel any square inch of bare skin. Tracing his hands gently over the curvature of her body, he pecked adoringly at her lips and swanlike neck; he too battling hard to contain his emotions.
Acknowledging their surroundings, they agreed that they were exposed where they stood, so they moved inside. Just because they'd found a private place to meet, didn't mean they were away from prying eyes and over the next hour they traded information and discussed their options. Making themselves comfortable as possible, Jack divulged what he'd managed to locate from his computer files, while Allison brought him up to date on more of the classified information she'd learned.
Their first meeting resembled closely their initial introduction. He and Zoë stumbled upon Eureka in the same fashion except for one major component. Nathan had already been a resident, with he and Allison having been a couple from the beginning; which also helped to explain the older version of Jenna. Stark was director of GD, while Allison played a major role as head of the medical division. She and Nathan had never wed; all at Allison's assertion due to the death of her first husband. It had affected her so deeply that she'd made a vow never to marry again and carried it into their union. Other than the change in Jenna, Kevin still resembled the boy they'd left behind. Fargo still idolized Nathan; following him around as if he were the leader of a cult. Henry and Grace dated, but weren't married, as Henry was still playing the role of the eternal bachelor. As for Jack's association with Henry, they maintained a mutual respect for each other, but best friends they were not. Zane made his appearance in Eureka a year early, and apparently he and Jo had been dating the entire time. Their shared disdain for Jack solidifying them. Eventually Jo had come around, and for that he was thankful. It gave him comfort that at least one of his relationships had remained approximate to what it had been before.
Allison also gave him updates on the other residents; those who weren't core members of their group, but still played an important part in shaping who they were. Vincent, Taggert, Larry and Holly stayed true to character, but what staggered him most was learning the details of Beverly Barlow. It seemed in this world, she wasn't the evil protagonist. She still ran the bed and breakfast, alongside maintaining her duties as shrink to residents of Eureka and some of the governments most prominent figures. He also learned that Eureka still had their fair share of mishaps, and even though some specifics varied, the outcome was usually the same; Sheriff Carter to the rescue.
Frankly, it was all giving Jack a headache. The one bit of news he eagerly waited to hear was that of he and Allie. Sadly though, their relationship wasn't as close as he'd like. They maintained a mutual respect for each other, in order to keep the waters calm. But, Allison took great delight in telling him the next part. It seemed that he hadn't spent much time pining away for her like he had in the other time lines. In fact he had the reputation of being quite the ladies man; that was until Tess came along and he settled down. Consequently, he'd dated Callie, Dr. Leonardo, Dr. Young and a myriad of others to include Beverly and Eva Thorne. What did cause him to stare in disbelief was hearing of the brief period of reconciliation with his ex, Abbey.
Her report sent him reeling. He knew there was a possibility of his personality being different, but a womanizer? It was totally out of character. The news offered a slight moment of levity which proved to be short lived as they got back to the heart of the matter, and one thing was for sure, they needed help. Regardless of the limitless resources and pool of superlative skilled scientists, they couldn't trust just anyone. Besides, who would believe them?
A crease forming between his brows, Allison already knew his question before he asked.
"How are we going to convince him?"
"I don't know, but we have to try."
"Should I approach him alone?"
"No, I think it would be better if we went together; show a united front. At least that way there is less chance of him thinking we'd gone crazy."
It was encouraging that though they never spoke his name, they knew the one person they felt comfortable approaching.
Jack's arm, a warm solid weight across her shoulders, he led her outside and to her vehicle.
"When should we met again?"
"I'm not sure we should. Jack we have to be careful. We're taking a huge risk even meeting here tonight."
Jack took hold of her by the shoulders; his gaze intense. "Allie...you're worth the risk."
Even in the evenings dim fading light, she could see the pained look in his eye he so arduously tried to hide behind his endearing smile.
She brushed her fingers along his temple, "Baby, I know this is difficult and its asking a lot, but until we're certain that we can get home, we have to play along."
Crestfallen, he reluctantly nodded in agreement.
"Jack, have faith. Everything's going to be all right."
Then out of the blue, a prolonged din resonated, frightening them both. Their eyes met as they sucked in startled breaths. Relieved that the culprit had only been a deer who leapt through the brush and not the accusatory fingers of their significant others, they took it as a sign that they'd been away to long, so they departed, a single kiss sealing their affirmation of love.
One week later, frustratingly, not much had changed with their predicament. Henry had been called away to work on a project at Area 51 that desperately needed his expertise, which left Jack as the unwilling live-in love interest of Tess, and Allison thrust into the life of unwed, common law partner of Nathan.
For Allison, it took all her talents to keep up one part of the charade; her relationship with Nathan. She reasoned that this was why she couldn't be completely forthcoming with Jack. She knew she promised to be upfront and honest with him, but this, she couldn't confide. What would be the point in upsetting him? Truth was, Nathan was an excellent father. Jenna was the apple of his eye and he showered on her all of his love and attention. His constant encouragement and tutelage made it a joy to watch the two of them in together as Jenna was already showing signs of advanced intelligence, just as Kevin had at her age. The four of them were strong as a unit, but as much as her life here was the picture of perfection, she didn't want it. She wanted Jack and she'd do anything to make it a reality. The one advantage she was her ability to weave seamlessly through any situation. So she went about her daily routine, the same as Jack had. They'd been here for close to two weeks now and Allison knew they could only continue this farce for so long before their increasingly strange behavior would be questioned. It didn't help matters that tonight, she'd have to put on the show of her life.
She'd gotten home before Nathan so she started dinner for the four of them. Kevin and Jenna were in the den working on homework when he waltzed in.
Her back to the door, he caught her off guard with a buss on the cheek. "I am so glad to be home."
Allison wriggled uncomfortably, "Nathan stop, I'm trying to cook dinner."
Taking no notice of her off-putting behavior, he released her. "What for?"
"So we can eat."
"Don't you remember? We're having dinner with Jack and Tess tonight."
Thankfully, her dumbfounded expression escaped him. "We planned this over a week ago Allie. It's there one year anniversary."
Allison, caught off guard began to cough in short, harsh gasps. She repeated the word as if it offended her, "Anniversary!"
"Yes, anniversary." Again, seeming to take no notice of her reaction, he poured her a glass of water to help elevate her coughing fit.
"They've been together for a year, and it's been six months since Tess moved in."
Allison didn't know what to say. She was speechless.
"Allie, are you okay? You look a little green."
She brushed aside his attempt at concern. "I'm sorry. I must have forgotten. It's been a hectic day."
"Well, the babysitter should be here momentarily. I'll go get ready."
Allison watched as he stuck his head in the den to say hi to the kids, then head upstairs to change clothes. She was pleased for this brief moment of solitude, because frankly, she wanted to smash something. It wasn't so much that they were meeting Jack and Tess for another night of frolicking good fun; it was the connotation of the evenings celebration. She had managed to hold off Nathan's sexual advances since the switch, pretending to posses the worlds longest period in existence. For Jack, his continual refusal to bed Tess was different. A man could only have so many headaches before a woman became suspicious, and knowing Tess, there was no way in hell she was going to let Jack pass with that excuse tonight.
She must have stood there brooding for sometime for she didn't hear Nathan reenter the room.
"Allie!"
"Huh?"
"Look, I know you don't care much for Carter. When we first met him, you thought he was arrogant and stupid, but he's my friend, and you're Tess' best friend and she loves him."
Allison visibly cringed at the thought of someone other than her loving Jack. She never considered herself a woman who was the jealous type, but after her abduction aboard the Astraeus and Jo's pseudo affections for Jack, she couldn't deny that she was just like any other woman despite her idem quod of genius, and the sudden realization that she was for lack of a better term, normal, made her smile.
"I do lo...like Jack. It's just that I'm really tired. Can't we postpone?"
"No, we can't. We promised them we'd be there. Besides, we're bringing the wine."
Nathan turned on her at the sound of the doorbell. "That's the sitter, come on...and when did you start calling him Jack?"
Emitting a ragged sigh, she ran upstairs to switch outfits, silently cursing herself for almost blowing her cover. Calling him Jack instead of Carter could easily be explained, but how would she explain almost saying she loved him? Fuck, this was going to be a long and painful evening.
They arrived at the bunker at seven and Allison, who'd originally been apprehensive about attending, now found herself eager to see his face. Dressed in a form fitting purple frock, she looked like a million dollars. What she didn't expect was for Jack to look equally as dashing. Adorned in a dark blue power suit, he looked...delicious, and when their eyes met, it was fire. Assured no one could see him, wordlessly he mouthed to her, "You're beautiful." Allison smiled sheepishly, in hopes that he'd taken notice of the subtle hint she'd sent him by choosing to wear his favorite color tonight, and by the looks of it, he did.
It was a simple, but elegant dinner. Not overtly frou-frou; somewhat understated, but with all the romantic accouterments one would expect at an anniversary dinner. Candles, flowers, and celebratory champagne on chill. Thankful that they kept the conversation light, she was able to interact with Jack. Preening at each other the entire evening, she saw him repeatedly hook a finger into the collar of his shirt. She knew nothing was wrong with the ventilation system, and chuckled knowingly to herself. She knew her husband well and by the looks of it, she was the reason he was getting hot under the collar. It felt good to just sit and relax, and even though she wasn't seated by his side, she relished any moments spent with him. It warmed her heart to hear his boisterous laughter.
Later on in the evening, Tess turned on some music so they could dance. Nathan, still trying hard to get Allison and Jack closer, cut in on he and Tess and suggested he take Allison for a twirl. Neither could say no, so Jack took her in his arms, trying his best to remain composed.
The hand that rested on the small of her back he used to make small discreet circles. Her hand that lay on his left shoulder kneaded tenderly into his flesh. The opposite hands clasped together in dancers pose, damp, as they nervously viewed one another. Their frames barely touching, each longed to enfold themselves so that they'd become one. For Allison, it was magical and she wished she could stay there forever, but before she knew it, their evening was over and what was usually cemented with a kiss, now ended with a half hug. And as the door slowly closed behind her, she caught Tess wink lasciviously at her; no doubt a code that her evening with Jack was long from over.
Jack stayed until the door shut, antagonized to see Allison leave with Stark. Unfortunately, he didn't have time conjure in his mind plans for their next clandestine meeting before he felt Tess' arms encircle his waist. Encroaching on his personal space, she blew softly in his ear.
"Mmm, now I have you all alone."
In the back of his mind, he knew it was coming, but hadn't come up with a strategy on how to deter her. Laughing nervously, he peeled her arms from around him and gestured toward the plates and serving dishes which were strewn round the dining room.
He tried to stall for time. "We'd better clean this up first."
She was visibly taken aback, "You never want to clean up. Besides, S.A.R.A.H can take care of that, while we take advantage of this quiet...time...alone."
That all to knowing look in her eyes, Jack took several steps backward, but it did nothing to discourage her as she advanced on him and in the blink of an eye, she pulled at the sash from her dress, opening it to reveal nothing underneath.
The color immediately rose to his cheeks as he forced his eyes skyward. Speaking indecipherable words, he knew he'd done nothing to encourage her, but just the thought of her standing there in her altogether; it felt like cheating and there was no way in hell he'd be taking any liberties with Tess tonight; or ever for that matter.
His vision diverted, an infinitesimal yet immeasurable stretch of time seemed to pass as he silently prayed for her to put her clothes back on.
"Ahem."
Jack tried to ignore her, but she was persistent.
"Jack! Look at me!"
He cautiously lowered his eyes, relieved to find she'd covered up.
"Jack, are you upset with me?"
"No. What would make you think that?"
"Oh, I don't know. Could it be you haven't touched me since you've gotten back from your trip. Not even so much as to brush up against me."
"I'm not upset with you Tess, I...haven't been feeling well."
"Well, you seemed fine minutes ago."
He shrugged his shoulders indifferently, "It hit me all of a sudden."
"You know Jack, I don't understand what's going on. You've been acting very strange lately."
Nervous, he stuffed his hands in his pockets. "I'm fine."
"Hum..." Seemingly exasperated with him, she turned in a huff, "I'm going to bed. Goodnight."
With a rush, Jack let out the breath he had been holding, "Whew..." then reluctantly followed her upstairs. Assured he'd managed to anger her, he ticked it off as another night with which he'd evaded Tess' sexual advances.
Removing his clothes, he pulled on his pajamas, laid on the bed, and as soon as his head hit the pillow, he feel fast asleep and at some point he began to dream.
Allie, three months pregnant, the two of them making love. He lovingly massaged the gradual swell of her belly; the semblance of their union. He licked a path along her linea nigra as if it were a directional marker toward her reddened swollen lips; the result of an impassioned make-out session. Their movements a blur of limbs, the picture ever changing. At one point, her body squirmed beneath his, and during others, he was at her mercy. Time became uncountable as she captured his tumescent member within her warm, wet mouth. Jack let out a moan as he savored the acts of this lucid dream. Reaching down, he laced his fingers in her hair, gently following the motion as her head bobbed up and down on his bulging head. In awe of her skilled lustrous mouth as it enveloped him, her image began to morph. Her caramel skin, now peaches-and-cream. Her sable colored hair, now strawberry blond, and what disturbed him most was the always entrancing chocolate-brown hue, now hazel, the glint of its blue and grey properties, accusatory; searing through his soul.
Jack fought to change the image back to that of Allie, finding himself somewhere between sleep and waking. Then he felt his body jerk. A physical reaction that wasn't just in his mind but entirely tangible. Drifting into consciousness he opened his heavily lidded eyes and gasped. Narrowed in the dimly lit room, he saw Tess had removed his cock from its protective sheath of his undershorts.
"Oh my God! Tess, what in the hell do you think you're doing?"
Using the back of her hand, she wiped her mouth. "Taking the initiative."
She bowed her head to continue fellatio.
"Tess, stop." Jack had to physically push her away. His once rigid penis, now flaccid.
"What? As I recall, you like it when I treat you." Smirking knowingly, she added, "You claimed to enjoy a surprise midnight emission."
Jack threw his legs over the side of the bed and moved into a seated position. He said nothing as he tucked his member back inside.
"I don't know what your problem is, you never complained the other times I did it."
Tess rose from the mattress, "You're cheating on me?" It was more of an assertion than a question.
Voice strangled, he answered as honestly as he could, "No."
It sounded more like a question than an affirmation so it was no surprise that his unconvincing response did nothing to alleviate her fears.
"Then what is it? For the last week you've been conveniently falling asleep on the couch. Every time I try to get close to you, you come up with some excuse; you're too tired, you have work to catch up on or you've got a headache. What is it? What have I done? Please, tell me if there's someone else; or are you just bored with me?"
How was he supposed to answer that? What ever answer he gave wouldn't be sufficient, so he chose to avoid answering. "Maybe I should sleep in the guest room tonight."
Emphasizing her frustration with him, she pulled on her kimono, cinching the belt tight as turned her back on him; enraged. "Maybe you should. Suddenly, I'm not feeling too well either."
"Tess..." He called out to her; more of a reflex than anything else.
Pointless to argue at this juncture, Jack decided to call it a night. So, instead of crawling back into their bed, he swiped his PDA off the nightstand, bypassed her, retrieved a blanket from the hall closet and went to sleep on the couch.
Once downstairs, he fought an overwhelming urge to call Allison. Thinking better of the idea, he fell back against the cushions with a loud thump. Anyway, there was no point in getting into another confrontation with Tess, and getting caught on the phone talking to Allison would surely cause another row.
Jack wasn't the type to unnecessarily ruffle feathers and the thought of her being pissed at him didn't sit well. So, he just listened as she stomped around upstairs, cursing him the entire time. Exhausted, he lay his head on a throw pillow and contemplated his options. He didn't want to make this hard on her, really he didn't; she'd done nothing wrong. To him, it felt like a rehashing of the events when he'd broken up with her before. Right now, it was all to much to think about.
Finally about to drift off, he was startled by an all to familiar vibration. He answered, none to surprised to be on the receiving end of yet another emergency. He said a few words, then hopped up to get dressed.
Saved by the bell; or in this case, the PDA. He'd deal with Tess and the consequences of his inactions in the morning.
Next - Chapter 4: You Belong to Me