Disclaimer: I don't own Brothers & Sisters

Kevin groaned as he tried to sit up.

"You look like hell."

He groaned again in response as Jason came closer, the look of amusement on his face slowly disappearing to be replaced by a look of concern.

"Bloody hell, you really are ill."

Kevin started to make a comment about ministers referring to hell as a swear word but became distracted as Jason lightly pressed the back of his cool hand against his forehead.

"I think you need a doctor."

"I'll be fine."

"Casper the Ghost had more colour in his face than you do."

"I'm fine. Look I'm getting up – "

He managed to get halfway into a sitting position before he moaned again. Sweat had broken out on his forehead at the effort and the last drop of colour left his face. Jason lightly pushed him back down again, "Go back to sleep. I'll call your office and tell them you won't be in for the rest of the week."

"Thank you," Kevin whispered as he let Jason wrap the quilt back around him. He gently placed a kiss on his clammy forehead, "Go to sleep."

A few hours later Jason answered the knock at the apartment door and was surprised to see Nora and Rebecca there. Jason had asked Kevin if he wanted him to call anybody: the doctor, one of his sisters, his mom, and he had told him not to tell anybody. Unless The Walkers really had invented telepathic bat-signals…

Well, he couldn't guess how they knew he was ill.

And if they didn't know Kevin was ill he couldn't think of why they would be here at two o'clock in the afternoon when he would normally be at work.

"Sarah called his office," Rebecca explained as they walked in, "The receptionist said he was ill and wouldn't be back until Monday. So Sarah called Kitty and…"

"Ah."

The sweeping hand gesture said it all: The Walker-Phone chain. Looks like the bat-signal was still a work in progress.

"Nora insisted on making soup," She added. It was only now that Jason noticed that Nora had been carrying a shopping bag and was at this moment emptying its contents onto the kitchen counter. "Look Nora, I appreciate this, I really do but Kevin just needs to rest. I don't think he's going to be up to eating much."

"Well even if Kevin can't eat it, you, Rebecca, and I can. There'll be plenty so you can heat up some for Kevin later." Jason locked eyes with Rebecca who merely shrugged. It seemed neither of them had learnt yet how to deter Nora when she was decided upon something. Come to think of it he wasn't sure any of the Walkers had learnt that yet.

"I'll go see if Kevin is awake and tell him you're here." He wasn't sure if he should tell them to make themselves at home. It sounded weird in his head; he'd only been in the apartment a few times himself.

He went through to Kevin's room and shut the door quietly behind him. Kevin raised his head as he came in.

"Hey."

"Hey."

Jason sat down beside Kevin and rubbed his fingers across his forehead, "You feeling any better?"

"A little. Sorry if I'm being an inconvenience"

Jason smiled, "Don't be. You can't help being ill."

"Hmmm… Were you talking to somebody out there, or was it just the T.V.?"

Jason sighed, "You know how you told me not to ring anybody…"

"Yeah, why? Crap, someone's here aren't they."

"Your mom's here with Rebecca."

Another groan. This time of despair.

"She's making soup isn't she?"

Jason chuckled, "Yep. Apparently Sarah called your office and your receptionist told her you were ill."

"Stupid Walker Phone-Chain."

"Yeah. Look go back to sleep. I'll tell her you're tired and you'll eat later."

"Thank you." Kevin squeezed his hand before he got up to leave, "I'll make it up to you."

Nora was undeterred, however, and insisted that Jason at least eat some. It was delicious, Jason conceded, but when Nora refused to leave saying that she and Rebecca could keep him company, he realised that Nora was there until she had seen Kevin and had decided that he was in a fit enough state to cope without her…and seeing as how he had yet to stay awake for more than ten minutes it was going to be a long afternoon.

By four o'clock Jason had given up on trying to write his sermons for Sunday.

Rebecca was watching one of the DVD's she had brought over for Kevin to watch.

Nora had dusted, hovered, washed dishes, cooked soup and was still finding reasons to stay.

Not that Kevin's apartment really needed cleaned in the first place. Had he been seeing Kevin for longer he might of felt more confident in telling her to go home.

There was also Justin to consider. He knew she had been worrying and if this meant she was distracted for a few hours…well he would be able to put up with the excessive hovering.

He sighed and put his half finished speech onto the table. He stared at the film Rebecca was engrossed in, not really seeing or hearing it, allowing his mind to wander. Would it be rude if I go and lay down next to Kevin for a bit? Probably. Besides how much longer will they be here? Surely Nora can't have that much more housework to do.

At five-thirty Nora and Rebecca were still there. Rebecca was stretched across the sofa now watching a T.V. show while Nora, having finished flicking through a magazine, was now inquiring if anybody was hungry.

Jason was prevented from answering this question by another knock at the door.

This time it was Tommy.

"Thought you might need this," he stated, immediately handing over a bottle of Walker Landings Merlot and entering the living room. "Yep, Mom's here."

Jason shut the door behind him, "Yeah, how did you know?"

Nora was back in the kitchen, probably making another batch of soup. "Vegetable soup. You can smell it from down the hall. She makes a different one depending on which of us is ill." Jason laughed, wondering why he was not surprised. "Which one are you then?"

"Tomato. How's Kevin?"

Jason was about to reply but was interrupted by Nora coming into the front room.

"Tommy, I really don't think giving Kevin wine on an empty stomach is a good thing."

Tommy laughed. "It's for Jason Mom, not Kevin. You know how grouchy he gets when he's ill- it's enough to drive anybody to drink. Once he starts feeling a bit better and he gets bored fighting with people becomes his favourite past-time." He looked back at Jason, "Trust me, you'll need it."

"Thanks for the warning."

Jason was about to follow Tommy into the kitchen when there was another knock at the door. No doubt another Walker come to check up on Kevin. Bingo! This time when he opened the door he was face to face with Sarah and her two kids. "Mom's already here isn't she?"

"Yeah, so are Rebecca and Tommy. What gave it away? The soup?"

Sarah laughed, "Yeah, Mom makes the best soup when you're ill. I used to get a chicken one when I was off school with flu. Anyway, Paige and Coop made Kevin some get well soon cards and wanted to deliver them personally. Is that ok?"

"Of course. He'll love them." Jason turned to address Paige and Cooper, "You know I'm sure your Grandma made far too much soup, if you guys want some." Paige and Copper ran off into the kitchen delighted at the prospect of Nora's good cooking.

Sarah turned to Jason once they ran off. "So how you coping? Is Kevin still in his 'I'm really sick and can't move stage' or is he up to 'ask me if I'm fine one more time and I swear you will regret it?'"

"No he's still asleep. I'm starting to get paranoid about how bad he is going to be when he feels better."

"Don't be, I'm sure it's nothing you can't cope with. And besides, I'm sure he'll find some way to make it up to you." Sarah was grinning smugly now and with a raised eyebrow she followed her kids into the kitchen.

Jason remained standing for a minute starting to feel a little out of his depth. One or two Walkers on his own he could with – just. Now all he needed was Kitty and his brother to turn up to complete the set.

And there they were right on cue…also bearing gifts. He was starting to wonder if this was some sort of Walker family tradition. It looked like noodles or some other food like stuff- frankly he didn't care.

Jason stood with his back against the freezer and gazed at Kevin's family around him.

Paige and Cooper were chatting while eating their soup.

Sarah and Kitty were laughing, loudly, while also eating soup.

Rebecca was making cups of tea and coffee while Nora was ladling out yet more soup. How much soup had the woman made?

Robert was deliberately avoiding his gaze and seemed to be completely immersed in a discussion with Tommy about the taxes on alcohol.

He felt completely out of place.

This was Kevin's family. He doubted whether anybody remembered he was still there. He felt completely drained, perhaps he had caught whatever Kevin had, or perhaps this sudden, and loud, influx of Walkers had just caught him off guard.

Usually he would look to Robert to help him out but it seemed he still wasn't overly keen on Jason's choice of boyfriend. Heck, he was probably only here because of Kitty.

And they really were starting to get loud.

"Hey, guys do you think you could…" try to keep it down. Jason McCallister what is wrong with you?! Why are you letting these people ignore you? Why do you care? Robert is marrying into this family regardless what happens between you and Kevin, so start talking…Now.

…or now.

How about Now?

This is stupid it's not as if you love Kev – Right this trail of thought is going into the box of things to inspect more closely at a later date. Or never.

"Hey, guys…" Never mind.

He sighed and turned towards the door, intending to go check on Kevin.

Kevin had finally achieved what he had been trying and failing to do all day – stay awake for more than fifteen minutes. And he was starting to feel hungry. He was willing to bet that Nora was still there, ready to dole out some of her homemade soup. He really should go say hello to her and Rebecca.

The Tylenol Jason had been making him take had numbed most of the pain, if not removing it entirely, but at least he could sit up now. He stood up slowly, feeling a bit shaky after lying in bed for most of the day. He dragged the quilt off the bed and wrapped it around his shoulders.

He would eat, say hello to Rebecca and his mom, and then go back to bed for a while. He might see if Jason would give him a cuddle and keep him company for a bit, at least until he went to sleep again.

Jason had kept the curtains drawn in the bedroom so the sudden bright light when he opened the door made him start – as did the loud laugh that he wasn't expecting. He walked slowly to the kitchen but stopped before walking through.

His immediate desire was to flee back to his bed and hide under the covers.

Most of his family were standing in his kitchen, talking and laughing and eating his soup- including his soon to be brother-in-law. Were they always this bloody loud?!

Then he spotted Jason leaning against the freezer.

Kevin was going to have to make it up to him. He knew it was hard sometimes to cope with his family; Julia still couldn't cope all the time and she had been married to Tommy for a few years now. Jason looked like he needed to lie down almost as much as Kevin did, he was resting his head on one hand as he surveyed everybody.

Another laugh, they really were loud. He stepped back involuntarily, shying away, wondering if he could sneak back to bed without them noticing.

"Hey guys…"

Ok, now he felt guilty as well as hungry. Jason shouldn't have to deal with this lot. He'd only been around them all together twice: the engagement party and one family dinner where most of the conversation revolved around Kitty's wedding.

He stood in the doorway and watched Jason sigh and start to head for the door.

He stopped for a second and Kevin saw the surprise register in his eyes. Then he carried on towards Kevin, the surprise replaced by the concern he had shown that morning. Jason didn't stop until he was right in front of Kevin, he gently pulled the quilt around him.

"You should be in bed."

"You shouldn't be stuck out here with my family."

Jason gently cupped Kevin's face with his hand, "Doesn't matter. You should still be in bed."

"Kevin sweetie," Nora chimed in, "Why don't you go lie down and I'll heat you some soup and bring it in for you."

Kevin rolled his eyes, "Mom I'll be fine out here." Kevin made to move towards one of the chairs but stumbled on his still shaky legs.

Nora glared at him; one of her frequently used 'Do what I say and do it NOW!' glares. Jason had grabbed him when he stumbled and had now slid an arm around his waist and was slowly leading him back to the bedroom.

Kevin got back into bed and sat up, feeling slightly better when Jason sat next to him. He laid his head on Jason's shoulder, "I'm sorry. "

"Don't be. I'm sure I'll get used to them," Jason replied smiling. He could cope with Kevin's family, and do it quite happily in exchange for the little moments like this, when it was just the two of them. Peaceful. No chaos. Just them.

There was a soft knock at the door and Nora came through carrying Kevin's soup.

Jason moved to the other side of the bed as the rest of the Walkers trouped through. Kevin missed his presence and his warmth as soon as he moved but he knew it was only temporary. Paige and Cooper were soon in the void left by Jason handing him his cards, which he placed with pride on his bedside table.

Jason was sitting at the top of the bed with his chin resting on his knees. Sarah was sitting at the bottom of the bed next to Jason while the rest of them stood round his bed, most of them also clutching bowls of soup.

Perhaps Nora should go into production. None of them were really talking except Paige and Cooper who were making the most of this opportunity by filling everybody in with what they were doing at school.

By the time they had finished eating and Nora had removed everybody's plates and loaded them into the dishwasher (the one she had conveniently ignored while on her house-work spree.) And, for once, nobody in the Walker family had anything that had to be said right here, right now. Instead they all decided to look at Kevin, he was the reason they were all there after all.

"How's Julia?" he asked Tommy, trying to deflect the attention away from himself.

"She's fine," Tommy replied. He had a weird small smile on his face and refused to look at anybody as he spoke. Kevin decided not to confront him, having neither the energy nor the desire to start an argument.

They were all still staring, and he really didn't have the energy to try and force conversations.

"Look, have I started to grow an extra head of something? You're all staring." They all laughed.

"You're starting to feel a bit better then?" Tommy asked.

"A little," Kevin replied while yawning. He wasn't sure how he could be so tired seeing as he had spent nearly all day asleep.

"I think it's about time we left."

Kevin looked up, a bit surprised, as it was Robert who had spoken. Kitty also raised an eyebrow. "Kevin is obviously still unwell and Jason looks like he's about to fall asleep. "

Everybody's head's swivelled around to look at Jason. Until Robert had spoken his eyes had been closed and his head resting on his knees, which were enveloped by his arms. He raised his head, wearily, "I'm fine."

This would have been more effective had he not been trying to stifle a yawn at the same time.

"Right, Paige, Coop, say goodbye to Uncle Kevin and Jason."

"Yeah we should probably go as well, we have an early flight tomorrow morning."

Jason untangled himself and also got off the bed, "I'll see you guys out."

"We can see ourselves out."

"I'm up now, Robert."

Everyone kissed Kevin goodbye, except Robert, who clapped him on the shoulder.

"Uncle Saul promised to drop by tomorrow with some books he thought you might like."

"Thanks Tommy."

"No problem, get better soon kid. Come on Mom, I'll give you a lift."

"I'll be there in a minute honey."

Tommy left so that there was only Kevin and Nora left. Kevin knew what was coming.

"Look Mom, I'll be fine. No I don't need you to stay. Jason is perfectly capable of looking after me. Yes, we will call you if we need anything. And no, I don't need you to come round tomorrow morning to check up on me. Now, please go so Jason and I can both get some sleep.

"Fine, I get the picture, I'm going."

"…you do know that you need to move to leave?"

"Yes, but are you sure you don't – "

"MOM! Get out here and leave Kevin alone!"

Nora rolled her eyes, "I'm coming." She bent down to kiss Kevin, "Bye sweetie."

"Bye Mom, and thanks for the soup."

She left and Kevin heard her say goodbye to Jason.

Once they had gone Jason came back into the bedroom and crawled under the quilts next to Kevin, who immediately cuddled into him.

"Jason?"

"Hmmm."

"You do know it's only seven?

"Yes."

"You do realise your still fully dressed?"

"Uh-huh."

"You don't have to go home for anything tonight do you?"

He felt Jason smile as he wrapped his arms around him tighter.

"Go back to sleep Kevin, I'm not going anywhere."