I do not own EUReKA

Jallison in Wonderland

Chapter 4: You Belong to Me

"Keep calm and carry on? No thanks. I'd rather raise hell and change the world!"

Glad for any excuse to escape the increasingly tense atmosphere at home, Jack hightailed it over to meet Stark, leaving only trails of burnt rubber in his path. His new buddy hadn't gone into much detail, but Jack was confident; if it required a visit on the night he was supposed to be joyously celebrating his one year anniversary with Tess, it had to be important.

Visibly shaken at the thought of Allison and Nathan cohabiting, he approached their home. Without stopping to ring the bell; let announce his arrival, he burst through the front door. It was a holdover from how he typically entered Allison's home during the period they'd dated, and it seemed at least one person in the room thought his actions odd.

Perched near the stair landing, Stark turned to him, a peculiar look on his face. It seemed as if he were about to comment on his abrupt intrusion, but quickly changed his mind.

"Hey Jack. I'll be with you in one minute."

Jack wasn't sure what he'd walked in on, but Stark promptly focused his attention back onto Allison.

A wisp of hair strewn over her face, Jack smiled knowingly to himself as he took swift survey of his surroundings. Always anxious of how Allison was managing to handle their situation here, he was pleased to see her chosen sleep attire. In the short amount of time they'd lived together, Jack had been able to ascertain the type of mood she was in by the clothing she wore.

On the nights her hair was loose and flowing, adorned in frilly underwear or a minuscule teddy, he knew they'd be engaging in a long night of lovemaking. If she wore one of his T-shirts to bed and nothing else, she was in a flirtatious mood and wanted him to beg a little before she'd eventually cave in. Adorned in pajamas, she was probably sick or really tired and a snuggle session would be enough to satisfy them both. This by no means meant that the sex between them was routine or predictable, but it didn't hurt to have a clue every one and a while.

Overjoyed, it took everything within his power not to run over and lift her up in his arms. Dressed in long pajamas, socks and the pièce de résistance; her hair wrapped and tucked underneath a headscarf, he knew there was no way in hell anything was happening in that bedroom. The placement of the scarf on her head signified she was pissed at him about something, and seeing that this treatment was now bestowed upon Stark, Jack knew that when it came to them engaging in any sexual acts, Allison had effectively shut him down.

"Jack!"

"Um..." He had no doubt been lulled into a fog. A smirk upon his face, he had been thinking about how frustrated Stark must have been with her and had fiendishly taken joy in the fact. Fortunately, Stark had taken no notice. It seemed as if he and Allison were having a tiff and Jack strolled right into the middle of it.

"Let's go. I'll update you on the ride over."

Brushing past him, Stark left Allison standing there without another word. Jack could see she was upset, and as much as he wanted to stay behind, he dutifully tagged along.

Occupying the passenger seat, Jack shifted nervously. He couldn't possibly imagine what he and Stark usually talked about. He didn't want to appear banal, so he reared the conversation on the task ahead.

"Where are we going?"

"I received an emergency alert. One of our scientists was caught trying to leave town with a classified piece of equipment and he's being detained."

Stark then went into a detailed account of the scientist, the project he had been working on, and a slew of other topics. Truthfully, Jack couldn't care less about that right now. Finding it difficult to bite his tongue and not being able to think of a clever way to broach the subject, he decided to be blunt.

"So...what's up with you and Allison? It looked pretty intense in there."

Stark sighed with despair. "You know. The same old argument we always have."

"...and that would be?"

His face scrunched, Stark stared in disbelief. "Are you kidding me? Buddy, I don't know what's wrong with you lately. Are you sure you haven't picked up a virus?"

"Whaddya mean?"

"What do I mean? I mean, when my best friend; who've I've divulged far to much of my personal life to already, doesn't remember the one issue that continually rears its ugly head in my relationship with Allison, I get worried."

Jack knew he'd heard what Stark said, but it still sounded foreign to his ears. "B...best friend!"

Eyes squinted, Stark studied him. Luckily, whatever he'd planned to say never manifested, and he dismissed Jack's comment with a shake of his head.

"I asked her to marry me again."

"What! Why?"

Stark gave him the side-eye, paused, then continued.

"Look, you know I love Allison more than I love life itself. She told me she'd never marry again, but I won't give up on the idea...I can't. I want to build a life with her. I need that guarantee."

Jack sat stunned; this was so unlike the Stark he knew. He almost felt bad for the guy for he knew how heart-wrenching it was to be in love with Allison and not have those feelings returned in the manner one had hoped.

"Has Tess ever said anything to you about why Allison's been acting so strange?"

"Me? No." Besides, if Tess had, Jack sure wouldn't be relaying that information.

"Well, she's been acting rather peculiar lately. Case in point; did you see what she wore to bed tonight? Not remotely sexy in the least, and she's been wearing that same getup since she got back. I don't know what I did wrong, but I have to fix it. I'm planning a little surprise for her and I've no doubt in my mind, after I'm done, she'll accept my proposal."

Jack slumped back as far as possible, riding in silence the remainder of the way. Thankfully, Stark hadn't noticed and continued to regal his plot to make Allison, Mrs. Nathan Stark. He shared how they'd begun arguing almost immediately after leaving the bunker. When they got in his car, he started up again about the two of them marrying. Allison gave the usual excuse, but this time he called her on it. He told her it was nothing but a copout, and frankly, he was astonished that he'd allowed her to use that weak justification for so long.

In all good consciousness, Jack couldn't offer his opinion for he knew in giving his honest appraisal, he'd only hurt Starks feelings. As must as he wanted to despise him, he kinda liked this new Stark. He decided to fly under the radar, offering up only noncommittal noises at his suggestions. Relieved that they'd arrived at their destination, he focused all of his attention on the task at hand. The only positive to come out of the last twenty-four hours was learning that Henry would be back tomorrow; earlier than expected.

For Jack, he couldn't arrive soon enough.

The next morning, it was business as usual. Another day of going through the motions. Playing innocent bystander to Allison and Starks love affair, and misanthrope to Tess.

Summoned to their weekly staff meeting at GD, he and Jo rode over together; a much needed diversion from everything else that was going on his life. Because it felt like old times, he let his guard down. That's probably why he didn't see it coming.

"Say Carter, can I ask you something?"

"Sure. What's up?"

Jo dramatically cleared her throat. "What's your malfunction?"

His eyebrows rose quizzically, "Hmm?"

"I think you've lost your goddamn mind."

"Excuse me!"

Her response was one of her patented scowls. "It's been all cloak and dagger with you lately. Nobody may care to take notice, but it's obvious; it's written all over your face. You haven't been yourself. I see you when no one else is watching. You're brooding, moody...not the Carter we know."

He tried unsuccessfully to laugh off her accusations, "I'm fine. It's nothing."

But, anyone who knew Jo, also knew that wouldn't be the end of it. "Carter, you're one of my best friends right?"

"Of course."

"So as a friend, I can tell; you're hiding something." Jo held up her hand before he could speak. "I don't want to insinuate anything and you'll let me know if I'm over stepping my bounds, but I'm gonna ask anyway..."

Jack braced himself.

"...are you in some kind of trouble?"

"I'm not sure how to answer that."

"Honestly."

What was he to do? Jack didn't like to lie; it was against his character. And lying to his friends and loved ones was certainly not acceptable. Sure, there were times he had to stretch the truth, but to outright make something up; it seemed...sinister. Now, glancing at the steely brown eyes of the women he loved like a sister, he squirmed inwardly. In his heart, he wanted to confide in her, but just because it seemed like his Jo, didn't mean she'd believe his story.

So, he told the truth about what he could; the estrangement between he and Tess. How he felt distant from the world around him and Jo, being the good friend she was, gave him her full attention. Giving advice where she could, and wisely offering none when she knew the only thing he needed was a sympathetic ear. In all actuality, it was exactly what he needed.

Five minutes later, they arrived at the conference room, still chitchatting when he was greeted by a familiar face.

"Henry!"

Henry stood and extended his hand. "Good morning Sheriff Carter, Deputy Lupo."

For a second, Jack thought his ceremonious greeting was a joke. That was until he remembered that he and Henry Deacon weren't close in this Eureka.

Taken aback, he toned down his exuberance. "Good to have you back in town Henry."

"Well, it's good to be back." Then, lowering his voice so only Jack could hear, he gave him a subtle reminder. "Sheriff Carter, I hate to ask again, but I'd prefer it we stuck with the formalities and you addressed me as Dr. Deacon."

Like a child that had been slapped on the hand for bad behavior, the sting of his words had wounded him mortally. "Sure, of course. Slipped my mind."

Red-faced, Jack could hear voices as the other attendees entered the room. Nathan, glanced over at him and signaled. It wasn't a gesture Jack was used to seeing and presumed it was a code that only they two knew. Jack copied the motion, then sat down as Nathan called the meeting to order.

Somewhere in the middle of the meeting, he began to felt ill-at-ease. This world continually spun him for a loop. Allison wasn't his, Zoë wasn't exactly the girl he'd left behind, Stark was his best friend and now this; Henry. His confidant, his sounding board, the one who'd first welcomed him with open arms, was merely a passing acquaintance. The feeling of sadness that had perpetuated his every thought while forcefully pulled into this Eureka, was quickly turning to rage.

Restless, he tried hard to follow along, but with each passing thought, his ire rose all the more. Each moment torturous as he watched the faces around the room. This was not their time. This was not there place. After all these years, they had finally become one, and now they had been pulled apart...yet again.

Fate was a fickle mistress indeed.

Their staff meeting complete, Jack remained seated as the group dispersed, hoping to have a few moments alone with Allison. Using his peripheral vision, he saw Stark whisper to her, then motion to follow him. Thinking back to the conversation they'd had last night, Jack feared Stark had moved his timeline up, choosing to argue his case for marriage once again.

Jack didn't have much control of what went on here, but one thing was for sure, he'd throw as many monkey wrench's in Starks plan as he could. Assuring Jo he'd find a way back, he told her to head back to the station house.

With Allison and Stark in his line of sight, he hung back, trailing them down to the corridor were Allison's office was located. As they rounded the corner, he stood watch. Far enough so that he wasn't seen, and what he saw did nothing to assuage his fears. Caught off guard, Stark leaned in and kissed her firmly on the mouth. Her eyes wide open, she threw her hands up in the air. Paying no attention to her unsettled demeanor, Stark lowered his hands and possessively fondled her ass.

All Jack could see was red. Seething, it took everything within his power to remained rooted in his spot. He was relieved when Allison pushed away.

"Nathan, not here. Someone could see us."

"You never seemed to mind before." Her discomfort noticeable, he acquiesced, "Okay, okay. Look, I've got a meeting offsite. I'll be home in time to have dinner with you and the kids."

"Okay."

"I love you Allie."

"Love you too."

After a quick peck on the lips, Stark departed. Jack made sure he'd cleared the hall before he leapt from his position, frightening Allison in the process.

"Jack? What are you doing?"

"C'mere."

Grabbing hold of her hand, he lead her the few short steps to her office. Once the automatic eye allowed them in, he commanded her to secure it behind them.

Assured in the fact that they would go undisturbed, he thrust her against the door. His forehead pressed against hers, he pleaded; his words dire.

"Allison, I can't do this anymore. I miss you. I can't breathe without you near me."

Jack fully intended for her to protest; to tell him that they were taking too huge a chance, but to his surprise she pulled him closer, her gaze never wavering as she stared intently into his eyes. Stretching so that she stood on her tiptoes, he felt as if he'd melt through the floor as her lush lips formed a bond with his.

How could he not help but lose control?

Placing his hand on the middle of her spine, he slid them down over the swell of her bottom. Cupping the curvaceous mound, he fought hard to restrain the growing bulge within his pants; his desire intensifying. He gripped hold of her skirt until his palm rested between her succulent thighs. He heard her suck in a startled breath as he caressed her lower lips. The growing moistness as he fondled the plump labia, caused him to shudder with anticipation. His face now buried in the side of her neck, she cautiously reminded him not to leave any marks, but in all honesty, Jack cared less if they got caught.

He was with the woman he loved.

Stopping to take a breath, he searched her eyes. He wanted to take her right there in her office, but knew better. As urgently as he wanted to be with her physically, they couldn't allow it to continue; not now anyway.

"Allie, I need to be with you."

She remained quiet for a moment, then inspiration struck. "I know! Meet me at our place...this weekend."

"Our place?"

"The cabin. The one Sheriff Cobb left you. You still have it, don't you?"

"I...I guess. I hadn't even thought about it."

"Tell you what, I'll makeup some excuse so that I can get away on Saturday." Reaching up to caress his cheek, she reassured him, "Don't worry. We'll fix this."

"I'm not worried, as long as I have you."

Sealed with a kiss, their impromptu rendezvous ending, they made sure they were presentable before stepping back outside. With longing looks, they parted ways, anticipating what was to come.

But, unbeknownst to them, their tête-à-tête had not gone unnoticed.

Present right before the moment they entered the room, their observer stood watch. The minutes ticked by and with each passing second, their curiosity grew. It wasn't as if the two had never been in a room together before, but from the scuttlebutt around town, they'd become unusually close lately.

Well, whatever it was, it was highly conspicuous. So when they exited her office, their clothing slightly disheveled, hair mussed, it pointed to a singular conclusion; Allison was cheating on Nathan with his best friend.

One thing was for sure, there was no way in hell they were going to get away with it.

Next - Chapter 5: Keep Your Friends Close, and Your Enemies Closer

A/N: Thank you to everyone who wondered of my whereabouts. Everything is fine, I've just been dealing with life. I feel like I'm back on track so be prepared; there's lots to come.