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

By Cypher

Chapter Five: Mornings

            Simon awoke with a start, flailing his limbs and getting tangled in his bed sheets.  Ever since he had begun questioning himself and who he was, nightmares had periodically haunted him.  The nightmares usually consisted of his family's reaction to telling them the truth, the community's reaction when they realized he wasn't exactly who they thought he was.  And Terry, Terry never appeared in his nightmares, never came to rescue or help him.  And that, Simon felt, was one of the worst parts of the nightmares. 

            His chest heaving, he sat up, untangled himself and started to calm down.  Glancing at the clock, he saw it was only 8:30 in the morning.  Not late enough for him, but he could always go to bed slightly early to compensate.  Remembering the book he was reading, he felt around the bed.  He couldn't find it, but when he looked over the edge of the bed, there it was on the floor.  He bent down and retrieved it, fearing what would happen if his family discovered it.

            Just as he had placed it on his mattress, someone knocked on the door.

            "Simon?"

            Matt.  What's he doing up so early?  Hiding the book under his covers, he rested against his wall.  "Yeah, come on in."

            Matt walked in and leaned against the wall by the door.  "Hey, you're up."

            Simon nodded.  "I just had a.... disturbing dream, that's all."  He shrugged.  "What's up?"

            "Dream, huh?  Wanna talk about it?"  Matt put his hands in his pockets.

            Simon shook his head, his right hand fiddling with a fold in his blanket.  "It's just a stupid dream.  What's up?"
            Matt looked at Simon a moment, then nodded.  "Right, well, I've got an early day at work, but I'm kinda low on money, and I promised this girl we'd have lunch..."

            Simon rolled his eyes.  "So you wanted a loan from the Bank of Simon, huh?  I don't think I have much."  He reached over to the table by his bed and picked up his wallet.  "Just thirty."  He held it out.

            Matt took it and grinned.  "Thanks, man.  I'll pay you back tomorrow."  He began to head for the door.  "Oh, by the way."  He looked back at Simon.

            Simon placed his wallet back and tilted his head at his older brother.

            "Your friend called, Dax.  He said he'd make it tomorrow."

            He called already?  Wow...  "Great, thanks."

            "No prob.  See ya tonight.  Thanks again, man."  Matt closed his door and left.

            Simon leaned back and rested his chin on his hand.  "At least, I think it's great..."

~*()*~

            Saturday seemed to drag on for Simon, as both fear and anticipation crept into his mind about Sunday.  Terry was somewhat strange, and perhaps he would stand out to much.  What if he didn't feel comfortable in his father's church and left halfway through it?  It would be quite an embarrassment not only for him, but also for his father.  And what if other people recognized him, not just from school, but as a model.  Would they crowd him and fawn over him, as Lucy had done. 

            Contrary to what he had planned, Simon retired to bed early but failed to catch up on his sleep.  In fact he slept less, the anxiety keeping him up part of the night.  Church held a special place with him, as did God.  He had decided a long time ago that anyone he fell in love with would have to be religious, believe in God, Christ, the whole deal.  If Terry walked out of his father's church, it would mean that rejected his father's views on things, maybe even reject his denomination? 

            When Simon finally got to sleep, it seemed like only minutes had passed before his alarm was going off.  He went through the first half of the morning in a daze, not quite awake.  As he entered the car for going to the church, though, he found himself waking up very quickly.  Terry might be at the church already, wondering where he was.  He practically bounded out of the car before the engine was off when they arrived.

            In spite of how hard he searched, he couldn't find Terry anywhere.  He looked until Lucy came and brought him in.  As the choir was singing, and they were standing and joining in, he looked around, trying to find Terry's face among the crowds.  Alas, as they all sat, he still couldn't find him.  Maybe he changed his mind.  Sighing, he slouched a bit and stared at his hands, half listening to his father's sermon.

~*()*~

            "Simon?"

            Simon blinked.  He hadn't just heard Terry's voice, had he?  He hadn't seen him earlier, so it couldn't have been him. 

            A body sat down next to him.  Slowly, Simon looked up and found Terry's smiling face.  "Terry?  Did," he looked at the main doors, where people were filing out.  "Did you just get here?"

            "Nope.  We arrived right before they closed the doors.  Just sat against the wall in the back."

            Simon furrowed his brow.  Terry hadn't been a minute late for all the time he had known him.  "You were late?  You're never late."

            "Blame my brother.  He just can't wake up sometimes."  Terry stood.  "I'm going to go thank your dad for inviting us, then how about we go grab some coffee."

            Simon nodded and stood up quickly, nearly slamming his head into Terry's nose.  "I'd like that.  Uh...where should I meet you?"

            "My car's parked outside.  I'll stand by it so you can find it more easily."

            "Alright, I'm just going to go tell mom."  Simon slid past Terry, his ears turning a brighter shade of pink as his body rubbed up against Terry's. 

            As Simon left, Terry headed for the main doors.  He had to wait a few minutes, but eventually he was able to see no one else waiting to talk to the reverend.  "Morning, Eric."

            "Dax."  He held out his hand, which Terry shook.  "I thought I saw you get in before we started."

            Terry laughed a bit and put a hand behind his head.  "Yeah, well, my brother is a slug early in the morning.  Any who, we wanted to tell you that we were enthralled by your sermon."

            "Thank you."  Eric looked behind Terry.  "Where IS your brother?"

            Terry blinked and turned around.  His shoulders drooped.  "Idiot."  He held his hand out.  "Can I borrow your bible a moment?"

            "Sure."  Eric handed it to him.  "What for?"

            "Divine Punishment." 

            Eric frowned.  Divine Punishment?  

            Terry walked behind a pew, where he and his brother had sat.  A thunk and yell later, Terry was back in front of Eric, holding out the now slightly dented bible in one hand and his brother's arm in the other.  "Thank you."

            "Damn it, it was a nice dream too."  Jordon kept rubbing the top of his head and yawned. 

            Terry's let out a slow breath.  "Forgive my brother.  If it's any consolation, he does it at our church a lot.  He's just not a morning person."

            "Ah, well, I hope you enjoyed what bit of my sermon you did hear."

            "You had a serm-OW!"  Jordon bit his lip and began favoring his left leg. 

            Terry smiled at Eric.  "We'll be going now, before he says something he regrets."  Terry dug his fingers into Jordon's arm and dragged him down the stairs.

            "Ow! Damn it! Slow down!  You're so mean!" 
            Eric shook his head.  Maybe I shouldn't let Simon hang out with those two.  They seem a bit...off.

            "Dad?" 

            Eric turned away from the exit and faced his son.  "Simon.  What's up?"

            "Terry invited me out for coffee.  I know I don't drink coffee, but it would be kinda nice to hang with him.  I've got most of my homework done."

            Eric blinked.  "Your mother said yes?"

            Simon shrugged.  "She was too busy with the twins and couldn't talk with me, and Terry's outside waiting, so..."

            Eric sighed.  "Alright.  But be back early afternoon, in case your mother wants you to do something."

            "Alright, thanks dad."  Simon patted Eric's shoulder and headed outside.

~*()*~

            Terry laughed and nodded, patting Simon's arm.  "No, really, it's true.  He woke up in the middle of the sermon and had to explain to the minister why he yelled out math equations."

            Simon laughed as well, enjoying the feel of Terry's hand on his arm.  "I can't believe it.  That hasn't even happened to my dad."

            "Your dad doesn't have my brother as a parishioner."

            Jordon grumbled and sunk lower in his seat.  "Oh shut up.  I don't make fun of your church habits."

            "That's because I don't have any."  Terry sipped his mocha.  "Plus, you've got your mother to keep your family in line.  I mean, Jordon may sleep, but my mom would snore."

            Jordon chuckled.  "How true, how true."

            Simon raised an eyebrow, taking a drink from his soda.  "Your mother?"
            Terry nodded.  "International reporter is what she's known for regionally.  To her family, though, she's the sloppiest, busiest, and most honest-"

            "Most blunt."  Jordon sat forward, picking up his second cup of coffee.

            "-woman in the world."  Terry finished, glancing at his brother. 

            "Wow.  I had no idea."  Simon looked at the tabletop a moment.  "What is your family like, the whole family?"

            Terry blinked, then looked at Jordon.  "How much of the whole family do we know?"

            "Too much, by my standards."  Jordon wrinkled his nose. 

            Terry rolled his eyes.  "Well, there's my brother, smart but sleepy and obnoxious."
            Jordon punched Terry's arm.  "Jerk."

            Terry took another drink of his mocha.  "Idiot.  Then there's mom, who's very...energetic, I guess."

            "Energetic nothing.  You slept for two days after her last visit."

            "I was also sick, so hush.  Then there's dad, who's the complete opposite, quiet, reserved.  I don't think I've ever spoke more than...a dozen words with him in my whole life."

            "Your whole life?  You hate him that much?"  Simon's eyes widened. 

            "More like he hates me.  He likes Jordon more, since Jordon's scientifically oriented."  Terry sat back, looking at the ceiling.  "Is there anyone else, bro?"

            "Well, there's mom's sister.  Aunt...what's-her-face?"  Jordon snapped his fingers.  "Oh, I know this...um..."

            Terry sighed.  "We can never remember her name."

            "Why?  You see her so little?"  Simon took another drink from his soda.

            "We haven't seen her ever."

            Simon had to control himself from spitting the drink in Jordon's face.  Instead, he coughed.  "Ever?"

            "Well, she's older than mom.  She sends us cards and money on the important dates, but we've never actually MET her."  Terry patted Simon's back.  "You okay?"

            "It's just, geeze, ever?  I've met all my relatives.  Even the ones I don't like."

            "Well, she IS in Africa, so it's not like it's easy to fly out."  Jordon finished his cup and looked around.  "Where's a waitress when you need one."

            Terry stomped on Jordon's foot.  "Two's your limit, you know that."

            "Itai!"  Jordon closed his eyes and grit his teeth.  "Teme..."

            "Aniki, we have company.  Don't use that language in public."

            "Urusai."  Jordon crossed his arms and looked away.

            Simon looked between the two.  "Should...I go?"

            "He's just throwing a tantrum.  You get used to it."

            "What language was that?"

            "Japanese.  He slips into it a lot, even when he's talking with complete strangers.  It's a fault of living there for so long and talking on the phone with-OW!"  Terry leaned forward and rubbed his shin.  "What was that for?"

            "You don't have to tell the whole world.  Besides, that was retribution."

            "You are so going down when we get home."

            "Bring it on."

            Simon leaned back, drinking quietly. 

            Terry caught his look and grinned.  "We love each other, we just have a different way of showing it than you and your family do."

            "You sure?  I mean, if you're having a fight, I can walk home."

            "Nonsense."  Terry gave Jordon a warning glance.  "He'll behave now, I promise."

            "Me?  You were just as bad-"

            Terry leveled a glare at his brother, who promptly shut up.  "Thank you."  His smiling face came back.  "So, you finished that book, yet?"

            "Almost, actually.  I've just got to finish reading one or two chapters."  Simon felt a little uncomfortable discussing his problems in such a public place, but as long as Terry didn't get specific, he assumed it would be okay.  "If you need it back though..."

            "Nonsense.  Read it, reread it.  We can discuss it this Friday.  I'll take you out to dinner again."

            "Well-"

            "You're taking him out?"  Jordon looked at Simon and shook his head.  "No, refuse to go unless he cooks for you.  Really cook.  He's actually pretty good."

            "Jordon-"

            Simon decided to head this argument off. "Actually, I'm an okay cook too."  He faced Terry.  "Maybe...you could show me some things, and we could cook together before we talk?  And I would feel more comfortable if we talked in a private place."  He looked around and shifted his feet.  "I...I don't think I'm ready for anyone else to find out yet."

            Terry sighed and nodded, patting Simon's hand reassuringly.  "I'll pick you up around four.  That'll give us plenty of time to shop and cook."  Terry looked at Jordon.  "Any reason you suggested this?"

            "He should know how good your cooking is.  Besides, it'd be nice to have leftovers that aren't fast food for once."

            Terry rolled his eyes.  "Idiot."

            "Jerk."  Jordon looked at his watch.  "We should get going.  Simon, you need to be home early afternoon?  It's nearly three."

            Simon slumped.  "Oh yeah."  He reached for his wallet.

            Terry tossed a twenty on the table.  "I've got it covered.  Let's go."  He stood up and waited for Simon.  "Who's driving, bro?"

            "I will.  We need to stop at the bookstore afterward."

            "Oh yeah, dad's birthday."  The three of them headed for Jordon's car.  "So next Friday, four pm Simon."

            "Alright."  He hesitated.  Go for it.  "Should I pack an overnight bag?"

            Jordon nearly tripped at the question.

            Terry simply paused in his walking.  "Well, if you can convince your parents and feel comfortable about it, sure.  I don't see any problem with it."  He stood by the car and looked at Jordon.  "Unlock it, bro.  And pick up your jaw from the ground.  We've had plenty of people stay over in the guest room."

            "Anata wa dare yori mo kare ni kyoumi ga arushi; watashi wa nani ga okoru koto dakeatte kara, shinpai suru."  Jordon opened the driver's door and unlocked the others.

            Terry got into the passenger side.  "Houki de aishou o inashita otoko ni itte... sono ichigi ga wasuremasen?"

            "Urusai, bakayaro."  Jordon glanced back.  "You in and set?"

            Simon nodded.  "Um..."  He looked at both brothers as he buckled his seatbelt.  I thought our fights were messy.

            "Don't mind us.  Jordon's just being an idiot.  That's why it's his pet name."  Terry shrugged.

            "And Terry's being a jerk to me, as usual.  That's how he got his pet name."  Jordon smirked and started the car.  "Where's your house?"

            "I'll guide you.  I've been there a couple times.  If you had come for the dinner like I asked, you'd know where it was too."

            Jordon rolled his eyes.  "That again.  You knew I might not make it.  My nights are busy."

            "And I'm gonna keep bugging you until they're busy with social activities.  Honestly, all work and no play-"

            Simon ahemed, uncomfortable again.

            Terry leaned back and looked over his shoulder.  "Sorry.  We fight.  That's just how we are.  We still love each other.  I guess it's a bit more...peaceful at your house?"

            Simon nodded.  "Yeah, a lot more."  At least, compared to these two.  "You just fight in front of anybody?"

            "Normally only in front of friends or family.  There was one time we erupted into all-out fighting at a Christmas party."

            Simon tilted his head.  "Why?  I mean, it's Christmas."

            Terry nodded to Jordon.  "He had gotten a bit too much to drink."

            "And I think I know when I've had too much.  You don't need to monitor me."

            "Jordon, you were teasing all the female elves, and not in a good way."

            Jordon ducked down a bit as his ears turned red.  "So?  Didn't mean I had too much to drink."

            "And then you started to do a strip tease in front of Mrs. Claus."

            Jordon groaned.  "Oh God, I don't even REMEMBER that."

            "Hence, he had had to much, and I cut him off.  He just didn't like that, we started arguing, and since his judgment was impaired-"

            "Down went the Christmas tree.  I remember THAT much."

            "The trunk fell on your head.  I should hope you remember it."  Terry smiled at Simon.  "We made up, but we just fight a lot."  Terry pointed out a direction to Jordon, then looked back at Simon.  "What about you and Matt?  Don't you two ever fight as a form of affection?"

            Simon shook his head.  "No.  Not that I can think of.  All our fights have been genuine fights."

            "Genuine fights.  When was the last time we had a genuine fight?"  Jordon pulled up in front of the Camden household and looked at Terry.

            Terry put a hand to his chin and thought.  "Hmm...I think it was over something stupid.  I can't remember.  It must've been years and years ago."

            "Wow.  But you fight all the time now."  Simon unbuckled himself and leaned forward, between the seats.

            "Yeah, but it's all in fun, like I said.  Life's too short to be angry with someone you love for very long.  So after we vocalize our upset, we let it go."  Terry smiled and ran a hand through Simon's hair.  "Keep it in mind next time your family has a fight, kay?  It'll help, believe me."

            Simon blushed a bit.  "Alright.  Um...thanks for the coffee...and everything."

            "See ya around school.  And remember, next Friday." 

            Simon nodded and got out.  Closing the door, he watched the car drive away, remembering the feel of Terry's fingers through his hair.  It...felt nice.  I mean, if anyone else did it, I'd be annoyed, but from him...  Sighing, he headed for the door.

~*()*~

            "He seems nice enough."  Jordon parked the car in front of a Barnes and Noble.  "You really like him, don't you."  He looked over at Terry.  "More than the others."

            Terry stared at the top of the car and shook his head.  "I guess I should be grateful you waited until he was gone before having this talk."

            "I'm in charge of you in many respects.  And starting next year, I won't be here to watch over you."

            "One, I'm in charge of myself.  Two, yes, we've been over your leaving, and no, Simon is not a replacement for you.  In case you didn't notice, he's younger."

            "But his family has an older brother."

            Terry snorted.  "He can't replace you.  Hell, he's twice as bad as you.  I couldn't live with that.  Besides, we'll keep in touch."

            Jordon nodded.  "Even so, you really like Simon, don't you?  I don't want you doing something...inappropriate...before you get old enough.  And don't bring up the hooker thing, please.  That wasn't my choice and you know it."

            Terry sighed and relaxed in his seat.  "Alright.  And yes, I like Simon.  I like him a lot.  And...it might even be love."

            "I thought so.  You don't show that much affection around most friends, even your previous romances."  Jordon unbuckled his seatbelt and faced his younger brother.  "Are you being objective in helping him explore himself?"

            Terry nodded.  "I wouldn't compromise that.  It would be wrong, sinful even."

            "Be sure you keep that in mind."  Jordon placed a hand on Terry's shoulder.  "A lot's gonna change in the next couple years.  I just want to make sure he's a stabilizing factor rather than something that you'll regret.  I'm looking out for your well being."

            "I know, I know."  Terry looked at the floor.  "I'm pretty sure Simon feels the same way; but his family, they're going to be hard to deal with.  And I haven't even talked to him about his extended family."  Terry sat up and stretched his arms.  "But we'll deal with that when it comes.  Until then, I'm just helping him explore himself.  I promise."

            "Alright.  And he's staying in the guest room next week, and you stay in yours.  I'm going to check when I get home from the observatory."

            "Yes, mom."  Terry opened the door and got out.

            "Why you!  Get back here!"  Jordon got out and locked the door.  "What have I told you about calling me that!"

            Terry laughed and hurried towards the bookstore, Jordon hot on his heels.

~*()*~

            "Hey Simon.  Have a nice time with the brothers?"

            Simon nodded at his father and headed upstairs to change.  While he may love church, the clothes were still slightly uncomfortable.  Besides, he wanted to finish the book and begin rereading other sections. 

            Eric shook his head and looked over at Annie.  "He seems better, but there's still something...off."

            "I know.  And they're definatly involved somehow.  I just can't put my finger on what."  Annie headed for the kitchen.  "We'll figure it out, we always do."

            Eric shook his head.

            Upstairs, Simon had just finished changing into some jeans and a gray shirt when someone knocked on his door.  Making sure his hair was okay, he called to the door. "Come in."

            Lucy came in and shut the door.  "So, did you have a nice time with Dax?"

            Simon blinked and faced his sister.  "Yeah, but you didn't come up."

            Lucy raised an eyebrow.  "Excuse me?"

            "That's what you wanted to ask, right?  If you came up?"  Simon sat on his bed and pulled out his guitar. 

            "You don't know that."  Lucy tapped her foot.  "Okay, yeah, I was thinking it.  But I came because I borrowed a book from you."  She held up the second book Terry had loaned Simon.  "I just saw it lying around and thought it might be interesting."  She set it on the desk. 

            Simon swallowed and looked at his guitar strings.  "Did...did you find anything else?  Interesting, I mean."

            Lucy shook her head.  "Nope, but that book's pretty good.  I mean, dad's never mentioned all those angels."

            "Yeah, it is kinda cool."

            "Well, thanks anyways."  Lucy left, not completely understanding Simon's nervousness.

            Simon, on the other hand, quickly picked up the book Lucy had returned and placed it in his school bag.  He didn't remember leaving it out, but he was grateful that she hadn't discovered the other one; otherwise there'd be hell to pay, literally.  I've got to be more careful.  A lot more careful.

~*()*~

~*()*~

~*()*~

Itai: Ow, Ouch

Teme: Damn, Damn you, Damn it

Aniki: Older brother

Urusai: Shut up
Bakayaro: Jerk

Translation of Jordon and Terry's brief conversation:

Jordon: You weren't interested in any of them as much as you are in him; I'm just worried about what MIGHT happen.

Terry: He says to the guy who had to ward off a prostitute with a broom...or have you forgotten THAT incident?