Fanfiction: Nora's Christmas Wish, Chapter 5
TITLE: Nora’s Christmas Wish.
AUTHOR: semisweetsoul
FANDOM: Brothers & Sisters
CHARACTERS: The Walkers, the Holdens, the Whedons, the McCallisters, the Harpers and a Wandell.
RATING: PG I guess.
SUMMARY: Christmas 2007 at the Walkers estate and the rollercoaster of emotions we all love to experience when we watch the show (hopefully).
SPOILERS: I did my best to respect canon up until last episode which was 2.09.
DISCLAIMER: None of these fantastic characters were originally created by me. I would be so lucky!
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CHAPTER TITLE: Sparks will fly
CHAPTER SUMMARY: Christmas Eve preparations at the Walker house.
WORD COUNT: 2 261
AUTHOR’S NOTE: Well, the most challenging chapter to write, it’s hard to describe how I see them talking, looking at each other... I would need images that would be so easier! Anyway, I think it’s a pretty good chapter; at least it’s a bit better than I thought it would be, and if you know me, you’d understand why a certain character makes a brief appearance! Yeah! Oh and sorry for the lamest excuse in the world but the Walkers do drink a lot of wine!
Chapter 1- part1, Chapter 1-part 2, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4
Chapter 5: Sparks will fly
When Robert and Kitty arrived at the Walker headquarters they were welcomed by the whole family minus three members. Kitty was looking for her mother to tell her Isaac couldn’t make it although she had tried hard at convincing him. When they came in the kitchen they find themselves face to face with Paige, Kevin and Nora whom they could have mistaken for snowmen, had they been in a cold blizzard in a snowy landscape.
The McCallisters were staring blankly and judging by Nora’s mortified expression, they were not supposed to witness the desolate scene. Kevin and Nora had enlisted Paige’s help to tidy up the kitchen. Nora was wiping the counter; the kid was sweeping out the dusted floor while Kevin was putting the finishing touches to the appetizers. Nora’s contrite face told them there was no use asking her the why and wherefore of a situation they were still at loss to comprehend.
Robert wasn’t so much interested in the reasons for the unusual aspect of the kitchen as by the reasons for which Kevin was there in his mother’s sanctuary.
“Don’t tell me Kevin’s cooking?” Robert asked without concealing his worry.
“Actually, he helped me a lot!” Nora was glad to testify.
“Why do you ask, honey?” Kitty said surprised.
“Well, considering your brother publicly made an attempt at my life, I have a legitimate reason to be concerned. I mean how can I be sure he did not poison my plate?” Robert answered half-serious turning back to penetrate Kevin’s eyes as a way of challenging him.
“Well, if that’s some kind of Republican humor, one more reason for me to remain a Democrat,” Kevin snapped back as Kitty repressed a laugh. “I have not figure out a way to slay you yet, dear Senator, but when the time comes, it’ll be the perfect crime, neither Columbo nor any CSI agent could expose me!” he retorted fiercely.
Nora intervened, though she knew that was Kevin and Robert’s dynamics she couldn’t help but be afraid it could degenerate, therefore she demanded that her daughter and her husband leave the kitchen so she and Kevin could finish their preparations.
Nora was glad the dinner was finally ready; she urged her family to take their seats. Everyone gathered around the matriarch: Saul, Sarah, Paige and Cooper, Tommy and Julia, Kitty and Robert, Kevin, Justin and Rebecca. Robert had asked Nora to make a toast which she had accepted.
“Dear Walker family, this is the first dinner we are sharing since Kitty and I got married so it’s my first lawful Walker reunion amongst all of you. When I married this wonderful woman I also knew I was marrying her family and despite some peculiar behavior you might display on rare occasions, I have to acknowledge I feel more and more like a Walker and I’m starting to like it!”
“Thank you Robert,” Nora started. “Although you wouldn’t have been my first choice for my daughter, had my opinion mattered, I am glad she met you and I am grateful for you giving her all the love and support she deserves.” Nora added. “So now let’s start eating, shall we?”
But Robert had something else to say he forgot to mention earlier. “Nora, I’m sorry, if I may? Jason sent me a letter and called me this morning, he’s wishing you all a Merry Christmas.”
“You mean to everyone but me, right?” Kevin interrupted.
“No, to everyone including you, Kevin.” Robert said sternly. “Though, I won’t lie to you. He’s past devastated now, but he’s still miserable, although this is my assumption since he doesn’t want to talk about it, he feels it would be awkward considering you and me have to bear with each other.” Robert answered, he was now visibly upset.
The embarrassed silence that invaded the dining-room was broken by Lizzie’s cries. Sarah foreseeing Kevin and Robert’s discussion was only beginning, sent her children upstairs with Julia to take care of the baby. She was right. Robert wasn’t done and had to speak his mind.
“Jason is the kind of person to forgive and forget and he’s always been like that. But I guess you would have known that if you had known him better, if you had been interested in him for more than you actually were.” Robert said darting a furious glance at Kevin.
“What is that supposed to mean?” Kevin shouted. “You think I didn’t care for him? That my only interest in this relationship was… was sex? Is that what you think Robert?” Kevin vociferated his voice tight with emotion.
“I don’t know, but there seems to be enough evidence to point to that conclusion.” Robert declared straightforwardly.
“You know I wouldn’t do anything to hurt him!” Kevin retorted.
“So why did you break up with him, then?” Robert pointed out.
“Why would I have tried to commit, then?” Kevin inquired as if he were in court trying to prove a witness wrong.
“I’m not sure Kevin, maybe out of cowardice. The mere fact that you dump him over the phone without allowing him even a minute to defend himself says a lot about you, don’t you think?” Robert snapped eyes bring with the resentment he allowed himself to feel for Jason, his brother what a very private person, not the kind to bemoan his fate, not the kind to express his sentiments especially intimate ones.
That last comment had hurt Kevin very much. Anyone dared breathe a word, distraught looks were apparent on every faces; Nora give her daughter a nudge in a desperate try to have her do something to stop this public washing of dirty linen. But it wasn’t necessary, Robert cell phone rang and although he would not have had the rudeness to take the call in any other circumstances, he felt not answering would resonate as even more impolite in the present situation. He excused himself and went away to the living-room.
Eyes were riveted on the plates, on the Christmas tree or on anything in the room as an attempt on behalf of the family members to disguise their lack of composure, while Kevin was on the verge of giving vent to his anger.
When Robert came back in the room, everyone expected Kevin’s fury to rain on the senator but something quite unexpected prevented this to happen. “Kevin, it’s Jason, he wants to talk to you,” Robert said gravely letting his feelings show.
Kevin’s heart which was pounding of a stress-induced emotion caused by the fight with his brother-in-law suddenly changed into an anxious pounding. His bewilderment could be read in his eyes as he took the phone and ran in a quitter place. He took a deep breath trying to recover from this rollercoaster of emotions. “Jason?” he asked softly.
“Hey Kevin, I thought I could wish you a Merry Christmas!” Jason said simply.
“Thank you!” Kevin answered trying to hide his surprise. “Merry Christmas to you too, although I have no idea how they celebrate Christmas in Malaysia if they do…” Kevin continued realizing Jason might have some other things to do than be kind and polite with his ex-boyfriend over the phone.
“Wherever you go around the planet, you’ll find someone who celebrates Christmas.” Jason assured him. At that precise moment, Kevin wondered if he should apologize or say something nice but before he had time to decide Jason resumed, “I wanted to tell you that I’ll be back sooner than I thought, in a month at the most. I’m sorry Kevin I have to go now. Take care! Bye.”
Before Kevin could say anything, he heard the dial tone. He was there in the pantry, where they shared their first kiss and it felt like it was the day before. Kevin still deeply moved by Jason thoughtful gesture got back to the table where the recent events had set everyone talking. The remarks immediately ceased when Kevin made his appearance in the dining-room. He gave Robert his cell phone back, sat at his place without saying a word.
The silence was broken by Robert who couldn’t help but comment: “You see he called!”
Kevin who felt he didn’t have the courage to declare another war, stood up and left for the kitchen shaking his head that conveyed his intention to remain above Robert’s constant pettiness.
Finally Kitty dared to intervene: “Okay, okay, okay, Honey, please, stop, not tonight! Now, I’ll go get some more wine in the kitchen.”
As his wife left the table, Robert made amends to Nora and everyone, agreeing he shouldn’t have added fuel to the already ardent flames.
Meanwhile Kevin, who had run away, thought he hadn’t had time to stand up for himself. “I’m starting to regret I didn’t put something in his plate, some rat poison or better, a massive dose of laxative,” he mumbled; the idea of Robert running to the bathroom drew a vengeful smirk on his lips.
Kitty, who had use the need for more wine as an excuse, was looking for her brother. She found him sat on the floor in the pantry, their mother’s favorite spot to take refuge to think.
“Listen, Kevin...” Kitty started as she sat next to him on the cold floor, “I’m sorry. I feel all of this is my fault, if I hadn’t arranged a date between you and Jason in the first place, you would probably only be distant brothers-in-law now and none of this would have happened.” She said holding his hands to prove her brother how literally shaken she felt by the angry outburst the whole family had witnessed only minutes ago.
“Kitty, don’t blame yourself, okay.” Kevin replied bleakly. “I spent the best summer I can recall so far. I have no regrets whatsoever. I believe sometimes life doesn’t send you the right person, although this time I thought it had.” Kevin admitted slowly.
“I know Robert and you will never become BFF and that’s not what I’m asking you, but is there any chance you could at least try to get along? I mean I love you both very much and I don’t want to be stuck in the middle.” Her voice was equally pleading and demanding Kevin felt he had to be honest with her.
As he was opening his heart to his sister, Robert McCallister who had come to get the wine the two siblings were supposed to bring back and mostly to tell the truth to check if there were casualties, overheard a part of the conversation.
“You wanna know why it’s so hard to be around Robert McCallister all the time?” Kevin asked. “Well, maybe because when I see Robert and you, I see Jason and me. They look alike; they have the same smile and sometimes the same voice inflexion, let alone the incredible blue eyes and an ass that looks good enough to eat!” Kitty didn’t expect that last comment but her suggestive smile and pouting unfolded her opinion. “Each time I was near Robert, it just brought back how much I missed Jason,” Kevin confessed.
“I had no idea Kevin, I’m sorry.”
“You shouldn’t be. I wanted to thank you because you opened my eyes. I love ... loved Jason. And it had been a while since I cared for someone that much. Maybe it was a way for me to understand I could love again. I tried hard to be faithful because it felt natural. It felt there was no question about it.” Kevin continued whispering. “I’m really glad you set me up with Jason despite my distasteful way of putting an end to our story. It was one of the best if not the best memory I have had in a long time. It’ll stay in my heart forever.”
“Do you still love him?”
“I’d rather not answer this question Kitty.”
“Okay, okay, of course, I understand.” For once, she felt she shouldn’t insist.
“It’s insane how two McCallisters in less than a few months turned the heads of two Walkers upside down. Look at you! You’re married, barely a year after you met the guy! And I said the L word after three months! Do you think it’s some sort of genetic magnetism or some aura that makes them so attractive to us?”
“Well, I don’t know but it only affected you and me! Maybe the others have some antibodies or something?” Kitty suggested half-serious.
“This might come as a shock to you but I’m kinda glad I met this family and I dated one of its members. I even thought one day we could get married.” Kevin sighed.
“I hope someday you will. Now come on, it’s time for us to eat, I’m starving!” Kitty said standing up.
“Go ahead; I’m coming, okay!” Kevin answered as she gave his little brother a hug.
“Sure! Oh, and just one last thing-” she added a mischievous smile enlightening her face “stop eyeing up my husband’s ass, alright!”
Robert who was still hidden in the hall, had raised his eyebrows at Kevin’s comments; all of them though he felt a bit exposed by Kevin’s mention of his behind. He realized he instantly took side with his brother, naturally enough. Maybe he had misjudged Kevin; most likely, he just needed to see him under the same light as Jason had. He must have qualities otherwise Jason wouldn’t have fallen for him, he thought. He went back to the dining-room where the family was now showing signs of impatience as Kitty joined them all.
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Up next: Kevin’s has got the Christmas Blues. Here.
* * * * * * * * * *
Hope you like this chapter as well, please leave me a comment. Thanks!
AUTHOR: semisweetsoul
FANDOM: Brothers & Sisters
CHARACTERS: The Walkers, the Holdens, the Whedons, the McCallisters, the Harpers and a Wandell.
RATING: PG I guess.
SUMMARY: Christmas 2007 at the Walkers estate and the rollercoaster of emotions we all love to experience when we watch the show (hopefully).
SPOILERS: I did my best to respect canon up until last episode which was 2.09.
DISCLAIMER: None of these fantastic characters were originally created by me. I would be so lucky!
- - - - - - - - - -
CHAPTER TITLE: Sparks will fly
CHAPTER SUMMARY: Christmas Eve preparations at the Walker house.
WORD COUNT: 2 261
AUTHOR’S NOTE: Well, the most challenging chapter to write, it’s hard to describe how I see them talking, looking at each other... I would need images that would be so easier! Anyway, I think it’s a pretty good chapter; at least it’s a bit better than I thought it would be, and if you know me, you’d understand why a certain character makes a brief appearance! Yeah! Oh and sorry for the lamest excuse in the world but the Walkers do drink a lot of wine!
Chapter 1- part1, Chapter 1-part 2, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4
Chapter 5: Sparks will fly
When Robert and Kitty arrived at the Walker headquarters they were welcomed by the whole family minus three members. Kitty was looking for her mother to tell her Isaac couldn’t make it although she had tried hard at convincing him. When they came in the kitchen they find themselves face to face with Paige, Kevin and Nora whom they could have mistaken for snowmen, had they been in a cold blizzard in a snowy landscape.
The McCallisters were staring blankly and judging by Nora’s mortified expression, they were not supposed to witness the desolate scene. Kevin and Nora had enlisted Paige’s help to tidy up the kitchen. Nora was wiping the counter; the kid was sweeping out the dusted floor while Kevin was putting the finishing touches to the appetizers. Nora’s contrite face told them there was no use asking her the why and wherefore of a situation they were still at loss to comprehend.
Robert wasn’t so much interested in the reasons for the unusual aspect of the kitchen as by the reasons for which Kevin was there in his mother’s sanctuary.
“Don’t tell me Kevin’s cooking?” Robert asked without concealing his worry.
“Actually, he helped me a lot!” Nora was glad to testify.
“Why do you ask, honey?” Kitty said surprised.
“Well, considering your brother publicly made an attempt at my life, I have a legitimate reason to be concerned. I mean how can I be sure he did not poison my plate?” Robert answered half-serious turning back to penetrate Kevin’s eyes as a way of challenging him.
“Well, if that’s some kind of Republican humor, one more reason for me to remain a Democrat,” Kevin snapped back as Kitty repressed a laugh. “I have not figure out a way to slay you yet, dear Senator, but when the time comes, it’ll be the perfect crime, neither Columbo nor any CSI agent could expose me!” he retorted fiercely.
Nora intervened, though she knew that was Kevin and Robert’s dynamics she couldn’t help but be afraid it could degenerate, therefore she demanded that her daughter and her husband leave the kitchen so she and Kevin could finish their preparations.
Nora was glad the dinner was finally ready; she urged her family to take their seats. Everyone gathered around the matriarch: Saul, Sarah, Paige and Cooper, Tommy and Julia, Kitty and Robert, Kevin, Justin and Rebecca. Robert had asked Nora to make a toast which she had accepted.
“Dear Walker family, this is the first dinner we are sharing since Kitty and I got married so it’s my first lawful Walker reunion amongst all of you. When I married this wonderful woman I also knew I was marrying her family and despite some peculiar behavior you might display on rare occasions, I have to acknowledge I feel more and more like a Walker and I’m starting to like it!”
“Thank you Robert,” Nora started. “Although you wouldn’t have been my first choice for my daughter, had my opinion mattered, I am glad she met you and I am grateful for you giving her all the love and support she deserves.” Nora added. “So now let’s start eating, shall we?”
But Robert had something else to say he forgot to mention earlier. “Nora, I’m sorry, if I may? Jason sent me a letter and called me this morning, he’s wishing you all a Merry Christmas.”
“You mean to everyone but me, right?” Kevin interrupted.
“No, to everyone including you, Kevin.” Robert said sternly. “Though, I won’t lie to you. He’s past devastated now, but he’s still miserable, although this is my assumption since he doesn’t want to talk about it, he feels it would be awkward considering you and me have to bear with each other.” Robert answered, he was now visibly upset.
The embarrassed silence that invaded the dining-room was broken by Lizzie’s cries. Sarah foreseeing Kevin and Robert’s discussion was only beginning, sent her children upstairs with Julia to take care of the baby. She was right. Robert wasn’t done and had to speak his mind.
“Jason is the kind of person to forgive and forget and he’s always been like that. But I guess you would have known that if you had known him better, if you had been interested in him for more than you actually were.” Robert said darting a furious glance at Kevin.
“What is that supposed to mean?” Kevin shouted. “You think I didn’t care for him? That my only interest in this relationship was… was sex? Is that what you think Robert?” Kevin vociferated his voice tight with emotion.
“I don’t know, but there seems to be enough evidence to point to that conclusion.” Robert declared straightforwardly.
“You know I wouldn’t do anything to hurt him!” Kevin retorted.
“So why did you break up with him, then?” Robert pointed out.
“Why would I have tried to commit, then?” Kevin inquired as if he were in court trying to prove a witness wrong.
“I’m not sure Kevin, maybe out of cowardice. The mere fact that you dump him over the phone without allowing him even a minute to defend himself says a lot about you, don’t you think?” Robert snapped eyes bring with the resentment he allowed himself to feel for Jason, his brother what a very private person, not the kind to bemoan his fate, not the kind to express his sentiments especially intimate ones.
That last comment had hurt Kevin very much. Anyone dared breathe a word, distraught looks were apparent on every faces; Nora give her daughter a nudge in a desperate try to have her do something to stop this public washing of dirty linen. But it wasn’t necessary, Robert cell phone rang and although he would not have had the rudeness to take the call in any other circumstances, he felt not answering would resonate as even more impolite in the present situation. He excused himself and went away to the living-room.
Eyes were riveted on the plates, on the Christmas tree or on anything in the room as an attempt on behalf of the family members to disguise their lack of composure, while Kevin was on the verge of giving vent to his anger.
When Robert came back in the room, everyone expected Kevin’s fury to rain on the senator but something quite unexpected prevented this to happen. “Kevin, it’s Jason, he wants to talk to you,” Robert said gravely letting his feelings show.
Kevin’s heart which was pounding of a stress-induced emotion caused by the fight with his brother-in-law suddenly changed into an anxious pounding. His bewilderment could be read in his eyes as he took the phone and ran in a quitter place. He took a deep breath trying to recover from this rollercoaster of emotions. “Jason?” he asked softly.
“Hey Kevin, I thought I could wish you a Merry Christmas!” Jason said simply.
“Thank you!” Kevin answered trying to hide his surprise. “Merry Christmas to you too, although I have no idea how they celebrate Christmas in Malaysia if they do…” Kevin continued realizing Jason might have some other things to do than be kind and polite with his ex-boyfriend over the phone.
“Wherever you go around the planet, you’ll find someone who celebrates Christmas.” Jason assured him. At that precise moment, Kevin wondered if he should apologize or say something nice but before he had time to decide Jason resumed, “I wanted to tell you that I’ll be back sooner than I thought, in a month at the most. I’m sorry Kevin I have to go now. Take care! Bye.”
Before Kevin could say anything, he heard the dial tone. He was there in the pantry, where they shared their first kiss and it felt like it was the day before. Kevin still deeply moved by Jason thoughtful gesture got back to the table where the recent events had set everyone talking. The remarks immediately ceased when Kevin made his appearance in the dining-room. He gave Robert his cell phone back, sat at his place without saying a word.
The silence was broken by Robert who couldn’t help but comment: “You see he called!”
Kevin who felt he didn’t have the courage to declare another war, stood up and left for the kitchen shaking his head that conveyed his intention to remain above Robert’s constant pettiness.
Finally Kitty dared to intervene: “Okay, okay, okay, Honey, please, stop, not tonight! Now, I’ll go get some more wine in the kitchen.”
As his wife left the table, Robert made amends to Nora and everyone, agreeing he shouldn’t have added fuel to the already ardent flames.
Meanwhile Kevin, who had run away, thought he hadn’t had time to stand up for himself. “I’m starting to regret I didn’t put something in his plate, some rat poison or better, a massive dose of laxative,” he mumbled; the idea of Robert running to the bathroom drew a vengeful smirk on his lips.
Kitty, who had use the need for more wine as an excuse, was looking for her brother. She found him sat on the floor in the pantry, their mother’s favorite spot to take refuge to think.
“Listen, Kevin...” Kitty started as she sat next to him on the cold floor, “I’m sorry. I feel all of this is my fault, if I hadn’t arranged a date between you and Jason in the first place, you would probably only be distant brothers-in-law now and none of this would have happened.” She said holding his hands to prove her brother how literally shaken she felt by the angry outburst the whole family had witnessed only minutes ago.
“Kitty, don’t blame yourself, okay.” Kevin replied bleakly. “I spent the best summer I can recall so far. I have no regrets whatsoever. I believe sometimes life doesn’t send you the right person, although this time I thought it had.” Kevin admitted slowly.
“I know Robert and you will never become BFF and that’s not what I’m asking you, but is there any chance you could at least try to get along? I mean I love you both very much and I don’t want to be stuck in the middle.” Her voice was equally pleading and demanding Kevin felt he had to be honest with her.
As he was opening his heart to his sister, Robert McCallister who had come to get the wine the two siblings were supposed to bring back and mostly to tell the truth to check if there were casualties, overheard a part of the conversation.
“You wanna know why it’s so hard to be around Robert McCallister all the time?” Kevin asked. “Well, maybe because when I see Robert and you, I see Jason and me. They look alike; they have the same smile and sometimes the same voice inflexion, let alone the incredible blue eyes and an ass that looks good enough to eat!” Kitty didn’t expect that last comment but her suggestive smile and pouting unfolded her opinion. “Each time I was near Robert, it just brought back how much I missed Jason,” Kevin confessed.
“I had no idea Kevin, I’m sorry.”
“You shouldn’t be. I wanted to thank you because you opened my eyes. I love ... loved Jason. And it had been a while since I cared for someone that much. Maybe it was a way for me to understand I could love again. I tried hard to be faithful because it felt natural. It felt there was no question about it.” Kevin continued whispering. “I’m really glad you set me up with Jason despite my distasteful way of putting an end to our story. It was one of the best if not the best memory I have had in a long time. It’ll stay in my heart forever.”
“Do you still love him?”
“I’d rather not answer this question Kitty.”
“Okay, okay, of course, I understand.” For once, she felt she shouldn’t insist.
“It’s insane how two McCallisters in less than a few months turned the heads of two Walkers upside down. Look at you! You’re married, barely a year after you met the guy! And I said the L word after three months! Do you think it’s some sort of genetic magnetism or some aura that makes them so attractive to us?”
“Well, I don’t know but it only affected you and me! Maybe the others have some antibodies or something?” Kitty suggested half-serious.
“This might come as a shock to you but I’m kinda glad I met this family and I dated one of its members. I even thought one day we could get married.” Kevin sighed.
“I hope someday you will. Now come on, it’s time for us to eat, I’m starving!” Kitty said standing up.
“Go ahead; I’m coming, okay!” Kevin answered as she gave his little brother a hug.
“Sure! Oh, and just one last thing-” she added a mischievous smile enlightening her face “stop eyeing up my husband’s ass, alright!”
Robert who was still hidden in the hall, had raised his eyebrows at Kevin’s comments; all of them though he felt a bit exposed by Kevin’s mention of his behind. He realized he instantly took side with his brother, naturally enough. Maybe he had misjudged Kevin; most likely, he just needed to see him under the same light as Jason had. He must have qualities otherwise Jason wouldn’t have fallen for him, he thought. He went back to the dining-room where the family was now showing signs of impatience as Kitty joined them all.
- - - - - - - - - -
Up next: Kevin’s has got the Christmas Blues. Here.
* * * * * * * * * *
Hope you like this chapter as well, please leave me a comment. Thanks!