Jo put down her bag in the foyer and gingerly tiptoed into the living area expecting to see Alex on the couch. She gave a curious look as she realized the space appeared as if it hadn't been touched since she left for work that morning: no blankets or throws out of place, no dirty dishes or empty water bottles, no used tissues lying about.

And no Alex.

Jo quietly walked into the kitchen and found it in a similar fashion. She began to get worried as she climbed the stairs and called out his name. She turned into their bedroom to find him face down in the middle of the mattress. He didn't stir at all as she entered and walked closer to the bed. She held her breath as her fingers went to the pulse point in his neck. Just as her fingers made contact, he startled and looked at her wild-eyed, "What the hell?"

Jo sighed and sat down on the edge of the bed, "You scared me. Have you been out of the bed at all today?"

Alex slowly turned over while rubbing his eyes, "You thought I was dead?"

Jo looked at him with concern, "You certainly look like death warmed over. Do you have a fever?"

She immediately reached out to feel of his forehead as he made a weak attempt to swat her hand away, "I don't know. Stop touching me, your hands are like ice."

Jo nodded as she pulled away and rummaged at the bedside table, "Because you are burning up. Besides you know what they say…"

Alex gave her a weak look, "What's that?"

Jo smiled at him and pulled the blanket up around his chest, "Cold hands mean a warm heart. Now lift up your tongue."

Alex squinted at her, "I'm not a baby!"

Jo smirked at him, "You're right. Babies don't fuss as much as you do. Now left up your tongue so I can check your temperature."

Alex narrowed his eyes and grabbed the thermometer from her, defiantly placing it in his mouth, "There! Happy?"

Jo shook her head while trying not to laugh, "I switched with Ben so I can stay home with you tomorrow."

Alex collapsed back on the pillows with a groan, "I'll be fine, go to work."

Jo shook her head, "You're not fine. You haven't eaten, your liquid intake sucks…" The thermometer beeped and she grabbed it before he could make a weak grab for it, "102.8? Alex, have you even taken any medicine?"

Alex grunted as he pulled the blanket back around his neck, "Don't need nothing."

Jo stood with her arms crossed, "You think that's the wisest course of action, doctor?"

She left and quickly returned with a fever reducer and some orange juice. Alex covered his head with a pillow, "What's that for?"

Jo sat gingerly on the bed, "To get your fever to break so maybe you can eat the grilled cheese I'm going to make you."

Alex turned towards her slightly, "Sorry I'm being a pain."

Jo grinned at him, "You're not. You're being kinda cute. All sickly and pitiful. You're like a defiant little kid."

Alex slowly sat up and took the glass offered to him, "Haha." He swallowed the pills and looked at her, "I'm just not used to people taking care of me."

Jo nodded, "I know." She reached for his hand that was lying on the bedspread and gave him a sincere smile, "but you better get used to the idea, cause you're stuck with me."