God's in 7th Heaven, All's Right with the World

By Cypher

Chapter One: Meeting

Disclaimer: 7th Heaven characters do not belong to me, nor do I have any money, as I am a poor college student.  If you don't like what you read, grow up.  This is your official warning that fic involves homosexual themes with Simon.  If male/male relationships make you uncomfortable, don't read.  Thank you.

            Simon Camden felt lonely.  He was not lonely in the sense that he was alone.  With his six siblings and surrogate brother, Robbie, as well as his parents and pet, he knew overwhelmingly that he wasn't alone.  Nor was he lonely in the sense of being friendless or unpopular.  He had many friends, from his fellow sophomore classmates to a couple seniors.  Girls asked him out, they wanted to be his girlfriend.  He was warm, kind, friendly, smart, the ideal boyfriend in every girl's mind.

            No, Simon Camden was lonely because he didn't think anybody understood him.  Within the past year, strange feelings had arisen, ones he'd been careful to push aside and bury.  Feelings that were, in the eyes of his family and the general community, wrong.  He knew he had to deal with them soon, though.  They added pressure to his already busy life, and sooner or later he was going to go insane unless he had someone he could talk to.  Sure, he could go to his father, mother, siblings, or even a friend, but he felt none of them would understand, that they would judge him.  So he suffered alone, turning down more and more invitations for dates, becoming quieter and more secluded, as he tried to understand the turmoil of emotions within himself.

            Sighing, Simon grabbed his bag lunch from his locker and headed outside.  He didn't feel like eating with his friends today, especially after the wet dream he had experienced last night.  He shook his head, trying to shoo the memory of the dream, and the feelings that came with it, away.

            Spotting a tree with no one underneath, he walked to the edge of campus and sat against its trunk, grateful for the shade it provided.  He pulled out his lunch and began eating his tuna sandwich.  He heard a ruffle from the branch above, but brushed it off as a squirrel running around. 

            He was completely unprepared for a person to suddenly appear in front of him upside-down.  "Yo."

            Simon yelped and tossed his sandwich, eyes wide. 

            The person caught it and smiled at him.  "Sorry, did I surprise you?  I have a tendency to do that sometimes.  My brother thinks I enjoy the shock value, so maybe I do, a little."  The person offered Simon his sandwich back.

            Simon took it and settled back against the tree, looking over the stranger.  He looked about sixteen, a little over six feet tall, and had a short ponytail dangling from the back of his light tan hair.  Other than the fact that he was clinging to the branch with his legs, Simon found that the person's eyes were slightly peculiar, as they were a deep red.  "Uhh..."

            The teen pulled himself back up and leaned against the trunk, a branch seven feet up and a little to the left of where Simon was sitting.  He looked down.  "What?  The hair or eyes?"

            Simon shook his head and hunched his shoulders a bit.  "Eyes," he mumbled.

            The teen simply laughed and ran a hand through his hair.  "They're contacts.  I'm not a mutant or freak from space or anything.  I wear them to help me read, and I got tinted to scare people."  He reached up and pulled one contact out, revealing golden brown eyes, only slightly darker than his hair.  "I just like the shock value of colored contacts."  He shrugged and put the contact back. 

            "Oh."  Simon began to pack up, not really wanting to be around anyone.  "I'm sorry to have disturbed-"

            "Nonsense.  I eat here because it's quiet, and quiet spaces are to be shared with other quiet people.  I don't mind."  He smiled at Simon.  "It'd be nice if we could get to know one another."

            Simon stared at the smile, feeling blood rise to his cheeks.  He's got a nice smile...  Blinking at his own thoughts, he relaxed slightly and leaned back against the trunk.  "I guess.  I'm Simon, Simon Camden."

            "Terry.  Terry Dax.  But my friends usually call me Dax, or any other nickname they can come up with."  He winked.  "It's nice to finally meet the infamous Simon."

            "Infamous?"  Simon raised an eyebrow, continuing to eat his sandwich and pulling out a soda. 

            "Yep.  The girls talk about you a lot, and you're really popular with the neighborhood.  Well, your whole family is."  Terry sipped from a water bottle.  "So it's nice to finally meet one of you."

            "Oh."  Simon shrugged and drank his soda.  "So, what year are you?  I've never seen you before."

            "Junior.  Mostly I take AP classes.  I'm trying to get into college as a sophomore.  Dad got in as a second semester freshman, and my brother was considered a junior when he enrolled, so I'm trying to carry on the family tradition."

            Simon raised both eyebrows and looked up at him.  "That's pretty impressive."

            Terry shrugged and raised his bottle.  "Here's to genetics, right?  As for why you've never seen me, I just transferred from...well, I transferred.  Let's leave it at that."  He drank a bit more and took out a cup of fruit.  "So, why're you sitting here?"

            Simon took a deep breath, tensing slightly.  Reaching into his lunch bag, he found a cookie.  "I just like the peace, I guess."

            "I think something's bothering you." 

            Simon glanced upward and frowned.  "So?  Is it any of your business?"

            "I've found talking about a problem helps alleviate it, or even finds a solution."  Terry put his garbage back into his lunch bag and pulled out a book and a blue highlighter.  "If you don't wanna talk about it, though, that's okay."

            "I'd rather not talk about."  Simon finished his cookie and began to pack up, deciding that perhaps remaining wasn't very wise.  I can't tell a complete stranger my feelings.  No matter how handsome he is…  He rubbed his forehead, trying to banish that last thought. 

            "Hey, you busy Friday?"

            Simon paused in his packing.  "Why?"

            Terry highlighted a passage in the book he was reading.  "Well, Friday afternoons are my stress reduction time, and I was gonna go to a movie."  He looked down at Simon and smiled.  "You seem like you could use some stress therapy too, so you wanna come?  My treat."

            Is he asking me out?  Simon looked over Terry's body, his sight finally landing on the teen's red eyes.  It would be nice to relax...without having to worry about my finances, or anything else for that matter.  He's just asking me as a friend, so why not?  He nodded.  "Alright."

            "Great, I'll pick you up at six.  Wear a leather jacket, if you have one."

            Simon zipped up his backpack and tilted his head.  "Why?"

            "You'll see when I pick you up."  With that, Terry returned to his text, not offering Simon's questioning glance any answers.

            Simon bit his lip and headed back to the school, the remains of his lunch ready to go into the trash.  Leather jacket for going to the movies?  Odd...

~()~

            The next two days passed quickly for Simon, and while he checked the tree every day at lunch, Terry seemed to have disappeared.  Though afraid the teen wouldn't be able to find his household, he made sure to keep Friday evening open.  When Friday finally rolled around, he began to get nervous of the date, as that's what it seemed he was going out on.  Robbie picked up on Simon's feelings, but not the reason behind them.  Still, being the nice guy that he was, he offered a sympathetic ear if Simon wanted it.  Simon simply thanked him and told him he'd keep it in mind.  Simon went about his day normally, looking out for Terry, but still finding no sign of him.  Deciding to trust in the teen until the pick uptime, Simon took the bus home, thinking about what he should wear, or if he should change at all, for this sort-of-date.

~()~

            Just as the clock hands reached six, the doorbell rang.  Lucy, sitting in the living room, sighed and got up.  "I'll get it." Lucy headed to the front door.  She heard someone coming down the stairs, and assumed by how light the footsteps were that it was Simon.  She opened the door and blinked, taking in a small breath.  Nice...  Before her stood a boy about Simon's age, wearing a pair of leather jeans and a red turtleneck.  He was also wearing a leather jacket, unzipped.  What captivated Lucy the most, however, was his smile and the golden brown eyes that seemed to sparkle.  "Hello there."

            "Good evening."  He bowed slightly to Lucy.  "Is Simon home?  I'm here to pick him up."

            "Yeah, man."  Simon stepped up behind Lucy, shrugging on his own leather jacket.  His eyebrows went up when he took in Terry's attire.  Gorgeous.  He blinked a couple times and looked at Lucy, who was staring at Terry's face.  "Oh, uh, Terry, this is my older sister Lucy.  Lucy, this is a transfer student, Terry."

            "Please, Simon.  Call me Dax.  It's much easier."  Terry shook Lucy's hand.  "A pleasure to meet you."

            "Likewise."  Lucy tossed her hair back.  "So, you busy tomorrow night?  Cause if not..."

            Terry chuckled and patted Lucy's hand.  "As much as I'd love to accept, I'm afraid that a life of dating is not for me.  I simply don't have the time or energy to make a commitment like that."  He took his hand back as Lucy's face fell a bit.  "I do know a few guys that would love to ask you out, though.  Shall I give them your number?"

            "No, that's okay."  She smiled again and put her hands behind her back.  "So I'll see you around, Dax?"

            "Possibly."   He looked at Simon and brushed his bangs back.  "We need to get going."

            "Right."  Simon nodded to Lucy.  "Tell mom or dad I'll be back in a couple hours."  He stepped out of the house and closed the door.  "Sorry about my sister."

            Terry walked off the porch and headed to the street, laughing a bit.  "I don't mind.  I get it a lot, actually.  Something about my eyes."  He stopped by a black motorcycle and picked up a helmet.  "Hope you don't mind, but my brother has the car."  He tossed the helmet to Simon.

            Simon caught it and looked over the machine.  "Your parents let you drive this?"

            "As long as I don't make much noise or get into any trouble."  Terry put on his own helmet and zipped up his jacket.  "Zip up, it gets a bit chilly."  He mounted the bike in one fluid motion and scooted forward.

            Simon strapped the helmet on and zipped up his jacket.  It took him a more than a few motions, none of them fluid, before he was able to get on.  He wrapped his arms around Terry's waist, as he had seen in the movies.  Beneath the helmet, he was beginning to turn red.

            "Yo, Simon."

            "Huh?"  He leaned to the side and looked at Terry.

            "There are bars for you to hang on to if you feel uncomfortable like this."

            Simon hesitated a moment, then shook his head.  "I'll be fine."

            "Alright, hold on tight."  Terry kicked up the stand and revved the engine.  Moments later, they were flying through the streets, heading downtown. 

            Simon tightened his grip instinctively, resting his head against Terry's back.  As he watched the passing buildings, he found himself getting a bit nauseous.  Oh great, throw up in his helmet.  That'll win brownie points with him.  Swallowing the bile in his throat, he eventually focused only on Terry's back and his nausea began to settle down.  Then, just as quickly as they had taken off, Simon heard the engine turn off and felt the world return to normal. 

            "Simon?"  Terry pried Simon's hands off and looked at him.  "You okay?"  He removed his helmet and ran a hand through his hair to smooth it out.  "You look kinda green."

            Simon reached up and removed his own helmet, blinking multiple times at the ground before looking up again.  "Yeah," he smiled, "yeah, I'm fine.  Just not used to a motorcycle ride, that's all."

            "Ahh.  It can be disconcerting the first couple times."  Terry unzipped his jacket and stretched.  "It gets easier, I promise."  He began walking towards the theater.  "Come on."

            "Right." Simon followed.  Maybe it isn't a date; he's just trying to unwind, like he said. 

            Terry chatted and joked with Simon as they bought their tickets and some popcorn, though Simon only got a small.  The movie Terry had picked was a romantic comedy, telling Simon that such movies "are the best to unwind with."  Simon went along with it, figuring Terry just liked Meg Ryan.  They had found seats slightly in the back, and the movie began shortly afterward.  Halfway through the movie, Simon was convinced Terry wasn't interested in him at all, when something happened that ruined that idea.  Terry put his hand on Simon's, holding it.  Simon blushed and considered pulling his hand away, but found he rather liked the feel of it.  For the rest of the movie, Simon had a light tinge on his cheeks, and spent half the time looking of at Terry, who was following the movie, smiling the entire time.  Afterward, Terry acted as if nothing had happened, and Simon played along, not wanting to embarrass himself in case he had misinterpreted the gesture.  Still, as he was hugging Terry on the ride back, he found his mind wandering to the feel of Terry's hand, his glowing eyes, and his warm body.  I really need to find someone to talk to.

            Terry pulled the bike in front of the Camden household and waited for Simon to get off before putting up his visor.  "I had a great time.  Thanks."

            Simon handed the helmet to Terry and shrugged.  "No problem.  It was kind of nice to unwind."  Not that I did...damn it. 

            "How about next Friday, then?  Dinner this time?"

            Simon blinked and looked at Terry's eyes.  He is asking me out.  He swallowed.  I'm not ready to date guys.  I don't even know if this is a phase or not.  The warmth of Terry's waist returned to his mind.  "Uh, you're sure you mean me and not my sister?"

            Terry laughed and shook his head.  "No, I'm sure.  How about it?  I know this great Chinese restaurant that's not far from town."

            Simon glanced back at his house.  "Well, sure.  Same time?"

            "I might show up a little early, but that's all."  Terry put the visor back down.  "Until then."  He pushed off and rode away, leaving Simon wondering just what was going on with his life.  Sighing, he headed for the door.

            "Who was that?"  Matt was in the living room watching the twins.  "New friend?"

            "Yeah.  He's a transfer student.  We just went to the movies.  Nothing much."  Simon sat on the couch, looking at the ceiling.  Nothing much except he touched my hand and I rather liked it, not to mention he was dressed pretty nicely.

            "What movie did you see?"  Matt played a bit with Sam and David, glancing over at Simon.

            "Uh...something with Meg Ryan.  I don't really remember."

            Matt raised an eyebrow.  "You just came back and you can't remember?  You feeling okay?"

            "I just had something on my mind and I didn't really pay attention."  He stood up and stretched.  "I'm turning in, alright?"

            "Sure."

            Simon made it to the doorway before turning back.  "By the way, where are mom and dad?" 

            "Someone asked if they could borrow the church for astronomy or something, and invited them both down." 

            "Ah."  Simon headed for the stairs.  Maybe I could talk to Matt, ask him about how to handle this.  Matt's reactions to some of his other inquiries about life came to mind, and he frowned.  Maybe Robbie, Matt might overreact.  At least Robbie might accept that it's normal.  He rubbed the hand Terry touched.  At least, I think its normal.

~*()*~

            "Now why do you need the church again?"  Eric looked over the man ducking behind a telescope.

            "I'm just looking at different locations for a good spot to watch stars, that's all." 

            "And you moved from where, again?"  Anne looked over the instrument as the person angled it.

            "San Francisco, Seattle, New York, chose a place.  I've probably been there and probably have an apartment still."

            "Still?"  Eric frowned.  "Why still?"

            The man stood up, revealing dark brown hair with navy streaks.  "Well, mom and dad still use them."  He shrugged, his hazel eyes searching the sky.  "I think mom has one here somewhere.  I'll have to check."  He looked through the eyepiece and moved the telescope's angle.  "My brother is the one who chose to get a house in this town, though.  I think he likes that it's small and everybody knows everyone and all that."

            "Your brother?  He is..."

            A motorcycle was heard nearby, and both Camdens turned around as a teen wearing a red turtleneck and leather jeans walked towards them.  "Yo, bro!  I'm not late, am I?"

            "Nope."  Jordon didn't even look up, still adjusting the telescope.  "Eric and Annie Camden, meet my younger brother, Terry Dax."

            Terry ran a hand through his hair before offering it to the Camdens, his other hand holding his helmet.  "Nice to meet Simon's parents.  I missed you earlier."

            "So you're who picked up Simon earlier."  Annie looked at the bike and frowned.  "Isn't that dangerous?"

Terry waved his hand at her.  "Naw.  It's about as dangerous as horseback riding, and this won't trample you during a thunder storm."
            "Dax."  Eric tilted his head.  "Rather unusual name.  Different from your brother's, which is, um," Eric frowned again.  "You never told us your last name, Jordon."

            Jordon stood and laughed lightly, putting a hand behind his head.  "Well, actually, I did." 

            "Jordon's our last name."  Terry stood by his brother.  "His first name is Bruce.  And Dax is my middle name."

            Jordon made a face.  "I hate that name.  Bruce.  It's so...serious."

            "Plus mom picked it because she loves Batman."  Terry smirked and looked at his brother's hair.  "I see the dye is finally washing out."

            Jordon rolled his eyes and looked in the telescope again.  "I hate your pranks."

            "So, your last names are Jordon, but you use it as your first name, and you use your middle?"  Annie rubbed her forehead.  "Any reason why?"

            "Your blue hair is due to a prank he pulled?"  Eric raised his eyebrows.

            "I think Jordon's too ordinary."  Terry shrugged and leaned against the church's wall.  "Dax is much more...exotic, ambiguous, all of that."

            Jordon grumbled.  "Yeah.  The one year I don't make it out on April Fool's and he dyes my hair."

            "Just like when we were little, right?"  Terry patted his brother's back.  "It's all in fun, he knows I love him."

            "But do I love you?"

            "Har har."

            Eric and Annie just exchanged looks.

            "Ah, there we go."  Jordon worked on the focus.  "Mars, as expected."  He looked at his watch.  "On time too." 

            Terry pushed his brother over and looked in.  "Yep, that's Mars.  Comes through pretty clear.  Better than the last place you checked.  Then again, they had a lot more street lights."

            Jordon nodded and made some notes.  "Thanks, Eric and Annie.  I'll get back to you with my final request if the other places don't work out as well."

            "Alright."  Annie got out her keys.

            "Hold on, Annie."  Eric stood next to Terry.  "Do you mind if I…"  He looked at the telescope.

            Terry chuckled and stood back, whapping Jordon's arm lightly.  "I told you you'd convert more people to your little astronomy cult."

            "It's not my fault the sky is captivating."  Jordon smiled at Eric.  "Go ahead.  Just be careful of the focus."

            "Yeah, sure."  Terry put his helmet on.  "I'll meet you back home, okay?"

            "Alright, drive safely."  Jordon knelt down and took out a protractor.

            "I drive better than you."  Terry mounted his motorcycle and drove off.

            Annie let out a frustrated sigh.  "Come on, Eric."

            "Hold on, honey.  Jordon, what's this imprint on the surface?"

~*()*~

            "Robbie?"

            "Hmm?"  Robbie was just passing Simon's room, heading for his own from brushing his teeth and wearing his pajama pants.  "What's up, Simon?"

            Simon debated a moment before sitting up in bed and resting his hands on his knees.  "Did you ever go through a period where you...questioned things you always assumed were true?"

            "All the time.  Can you be any more specific?"  He stepped into the doorway and rubbed his hair.

            "Well, like what?"

            Robbie leaned against the doorframe.  "Well, when I was dating Mary, I was forced to constantly question whether she loved me after learning my assumptions of her feelings were wrong."

            Simon looked up.  Why me?  He looked back at Robbie.  "I mean other things."

            "Well, give me some idea what you mean, or what this conversation is about.  I'm not a mind reader, you know."  Robbie crossed his arms.

            Simon looked to the side and wondered if he should tell Robbie the truth.  No, not yet.  Even I'm not sure what the truth is.  "Well...there's this friend I have, and he's a great guy, cool, popular...but..."

            Robbie nodded and raised his eyebrows.  "But...?"

            Simon sighed.  "Well, he's always been popular with the girls, but lately he's found he's not sure whether that's just to keep up appearances, or if he's really trying to find Mrs. Right."

            Robbie frowned, thinking.  "Keep up appearances?  As in..."

            Simon mumbled something.

            "What?"  Robbie leaned forward, putting a hand to his ear.

            "He...thinks he may be gay."

            "What?!"

            Simon jumped back a bit.  "Well, he's not sure, but he's questioning whether he is or not."

            "So why're you asking me?"  Robbie shook his head and stood straight again.  "This is his problem."

            "That's just it," Simon thought fast, "he's asked for my help, and…raised as I was, I was taught it was a sin, but I can't just tell him that.  He's a great guy and I don't wanna lose a friend."

            Robbie sighed and ran a hand through his hair, scratching the back of his head a moment.  "So you're asking me what I think you should tell him?"

            Simon nodded.  "Yes.  I mean you were raised differently, so maybe you have a way to justify it."

            Robbie went silent for a moment, tilting his head up to stare at the ceiling.  Finally, he looked back to Simon.  "Alright, you want my take?"

            Simon nodded.

            "Personally, I find it disgusting and unnatural."  Simon's shoulders drooped. "But I also kinda think it's not their choice, they're just born that way.  So as long he keeps his business to himself, he's cool.  I mean, sure, he might be checking you out, but he's your friend and he hasn't changed in any other way, has he?"

            Simon waited a few minutes.  "So...I should..."

            "Support him.  He probably needs a friend more than anything at the moment.  Can you imagine if you were talking about someone here?  Your parents would go ballistic, probably kick him outta the house or something."

            Simon shrunk a bit and pulled back his covers.  "Oh...I hadn't thought...about it like that."  He's right; they would if they found out.

            "That help?"

            "Yeah, I think so."  Simon turned off his lamp.  "Goodnight, Robbie."

            "Night Simon.  I hope you can help your friend."  Robbie closed Simon's door, putting the blond teen in darkness.

            "Me too."  Simon crawled into his bed and stared at the wall.  I hope you can help me if it comes to it, Robbie.