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

By Cypher

Chapter Ten: Scratches

"Get out! You're no longer part of this family!"
"I can't believe you're my brother! No, you're not my brother! My brother isn't like you!"

"I don't believe you. You're not gay."

"Go away, Simon. I don't want help from someone like you."

"You're to never see Terry again!"

Simon curled up in the darkness, trying to block the voices of his family from his mind. He couldn't though, no matter where he looked, he could see their angry faces, hear their words. "Stop it! I'm still Simon! Why can't you accept me? What's so wrong with being who I am?"

"Get out!"

Simon winced and curled up further, closing his eyes, though he could still see his mother's furious face. "Don't you still love me?"

~*()*~

"Is he asleep?"

Terry nodded, yawning himself. He glanced back at the guest bed, where the blond Camden was curled up, his brows furrowed.

"You should get some yourself." Jordon pulled the door closed.

"M'not tired." Terry rubbed his eyes. "M'fine."

"Those dark circles speak otherwise."

Terry blinked slowly and felt under his eyes. "Oh...damn." He blinked slowly, then closed his eyes.

Jordon tapped his brother's shoulder. "Terry."

Terry jumped slightly. "Hai, hai. I'm awake. Awake...just...thinking."

"Bed time, ototou." Jordon took Terry's arm and headed for the model's bedroom. "I stay awake till four all the time. You usually get up by now." He set his sibling on the bed and pushed him down. "Now sleep."

"Mm...check on Simon." Terry hugged his pillow and closed his eyes.

Jordon nodded. "Of course." He pulled the covers up around Terry and brushed the hair out of his face. This is going to be hell. Maybe I shouldn't have forced my views on them. But Terry can't lie forever. He's horrible at it. He walked out and closed the door. He placed his arms behind his back and leaned on the wall, thinking things over. I'd better cancel Terry's plans. He rubbed his forehead. There goes my classes and work, too. He looked up. "This is revenge for sleeping through your services, isn't it."

Thunder rumbled outside.

"Figures." Jordon headed for the living room.

~*()*~

"They threw Simon out in this weather? Are they nuts?" Lucy looked out the window, hoping to see Simon standing in the yard.

"They aren't exactly in the calmest state of mind." Robbie looked fiddled with a Rubix cube. "Mrs. Camden is...well, I've never seen her like this. Your father isn't much better, either."

Lucy let out a frustrated sigh and plopped on the bed next to Robbie. "Terry said to wait for him, so all three of us could explain, so he would have support. What on Earth gave him the idea to pull something as stupid as that?"

Robbie shrugged. "I don't know."

A knock resounded off the door, then was opened before a response could be given by either occupant. Matt looked at Robbie and Lucy. He glanced around. "Why're you hanging out in Simon's room?"

"We can't sleep, and we didn't want to disturb anyone." Lucy picked up Simon's watch. "It's nearly six. I hope he's okay."

Matt walked in and shut the door quietly, eyeing the two, before setting his eyes on Lucy. "You two are okay with this?" He crossed his arms.

Robbie looked at Matt and shrugged, before looking back down at the Rubix cube. "Pretty much. He's still the same Simon."

Lucy nodded. "I mean, there are other interpretations of the Bible that accept homosexuality. And Simon's happy. Who're we to judge what makes him happy?"

"The people who are supposed to be looking out for him." Matt let his arms fall. "I can't believe this. Our brother has been...brainwashed or something, and all you can do so go with it?"

"He wasn't brainwashed. This is who he is." Lucy set the watch back down and faced Matt. "Terry has been kind and honest and helped Simon through one of the most difficult revelations a person can go through. This is Simon, and I've accepted it."

Matt frowned. "Terry? How come you get to call him Terry? And this can't be your answer."

Lucy stood and stepped up to Matt. "Matt, I...knew before he told."

"What!?"

"I caught Simon and Terry kissing a while ago. I reacted as bad as you at first, but then I talked to them, watched them. Simon truly has feelings for him, and vice versa with Terry. They helped me understand their feelings, and I'm not going to just disregard my brother. He's family, and he's not a child."

"This is great. Terry got to you too."

"That's Dax to you."

Matt blinked. "What?"

"Well, I can call him Terry cause he gave me permission. But you and the family can only call him Dax still."

"Right now I'd rather call him something else. I'm just not allowed to say it in this house."

Robbie gave up and placed the toy down. "Matt, forget Dax a moment and think about Simon. Your little brother just revealed a painful secret and was thrown out and abandoned by his family because of it." Robbie looked out the window. "In this weather, too. Shouldn't you be more worried about his health more than what you're going to do to Dax?"

"Yeah, don't you care that Simon could be dead or injured? Don't you care about our brother?"

Matt shook his head and opened the door. "I can't believe this." He left the room.

Lucy looked at Robbie. "We need him on our side. Simon needs his support."

"He'll come around eventually. It just takes time."

After walking back and forth in the hall a few times, Matt finally grabbed his coat and headed downstairs into the kitchen, and slipped silently out of the front door.
~*()*~

Jordon groaned as the doorbell rang. He had made all the necessary phone calls and fallen asleep on the couch. Stretching, he headed for the front door and opened it. It took him a few minutes to focus on the brown haired young adult standing there. "What do you want at this God awful hour of the morning."

Matt frowned. Why did dad ever let Simon hang out with this guy? "I'm Matt Camden. I'm here for Simon."

Jordon scratched his head again. "He's not here." He yawned and leaned on the door. "If that's why you got me up, I'm gonna throttle you."

"Where's Dax?" Matt tried to push past the cranky college student.

Jordon pushed him back. "He left for a photo shoot already. Now scram before I go get my boken and unleash three years of sword fighting on you."

Matt debated trying to push by again, but as he looked over his opposition, he had a feeling the person would carry through on his threat. "If you see him, tell him to come home, okay?"

Jordon grunted and slammed the door.

Matt headed back out into the rain, grumbling. Simon, where are you? And why did that guy seem familiar?

Jordon collapsed back on the couch. Sleep...sleep...

"Aniki?"

Jordon groaned and opened his eyes to slits. He saw Terry standing at the hall door, rubbing his eyes. At least he got sleep. "Nani?"

"Who was at the door?"

"Matt Camden. Looking for Simon. I told him he wasn't here."

Terry sighed. "Thanks. Get some sleep."

"I intend to." Jordon curled up on the couch and promptly zonked out.

Terry looked at the front door, ignoring the slight noise coming from his brother. Matt's out looking for Simon. But has he accepted him? Or...is he just worried about his safety? Shaking his head, he headed for the guest room. I have to see them. I have to convince them to accept him.
~*()*~

"Where were you?" Eric took off his reading glasses as a drenched Matt entered the kitchen.

Matt took off his jacket and placed it over the sink, trying to wring the water out. "I just felt like a walk."

"For two hours in pouring rain?" Eric sipped some coffee and eyed Matt.

Matt shrugged.

Eric and Matt looked at each other a few moments before Eric finally broke the silence. "Did you find him?"

Matt shook his head. "Nowhere. I don't get it. He's not even at the church or chapel at the hospital. It's like he vanished."

"You looked at...that place?"

"If you mean Dax's house, yeah. Said he's not there."

Eric hummed in response.

"What, you think they'd lie? I don't think that guy could lie if he wanted to. He was way too out of it."

"Maybe. Maybe not."

Matt sat across from his father, his coat hanging from his hand. "Dad, what are we going to do? Simon's going to come home, and I have this feeling-"

"That he'll be the same, I know." Eric set his coffee down and rested his head on his hand. "I've heard there are...clinics that help with this sort of thing."

"I wouldn't feel comfortable sending Simon to one of those, even if it meant making him normal again."

"I know, but still..."

"You can't be serious." Lucy stood at the foot of the stairs, her hands on her hips. "You want to brainwash Simon to conform to what you think he should be? How twisted is that?" Lucy glanced back up as Robbie descended. "You ready?"

Robbie nodded and held up his keys. "Let's go."

"If you're looking for Simon, forget it. I've already looked."

Lucy and Robbie blinked.

"You?" Robbie crossed his arms. "I thought you hated him now."

"He's still my brother, alright? I was worried."

"Well, considering you're part of the problem, I don't think he'd want to be found by you." Lucy headed for the door. "Maybe he'll talk to me. He at least knows I'll back him up."

"Just because you've known longer than us." Matt got up and headed for the stairs.

Eric looked at Lucy. "You've known?"

Lucy looked at Robbie, then stepped forward. "Well, I found out about a month ago. I was kinda like you at first, but Terry and Simon talked to me, helped me understand that this was Simon, not some trick."

"And you want to be a minister." Eric shook his head. "I can't believe you believed them."

"And I can't believe how you're treating Simon. I just hope you're prepared to live with the fact that you may never see him again. Come on, Robbie."

Robbie shrugged at Eric. "Sorry, Reverend Camden. I've got to go with Lucy on this one." He followed Lucy out the door.
Eric sat there, thinking about what they had said. Can I truly live without ever seeing my son again?

~*()*~

"Why don't you give in to them? Why bother suffering for him?"

Simon shuddered and looked up. Standing before him was himself, only, only it seemed different. "Who are you?"

"I'm you. Idiot. How can you trade your family for him?"

Simon sat up. Somewhere, in the back of his mind, he knew this was a dream. "Because...because I have feelings for him. I can't go on pretending I'm a miniature Matt or someone who likes girls. I have to be myself."

"Be yourself." The shadow of Simon snorted. "Look at what that's gotten you. Exiled from your family, a whimpering, crying baby who has to run to someone who probably doesn't care for you as much as you think."

"Shut up! He does! He's not going to dump me or hurt me!"

"How do you know? Because he said so? Didn't all those others dump you? At least then you had the support of your family. Now you've got nothing."

Simon looked away. "They'll understand. Lucy did, and she'll help mom and dad and everyone understand. This is me."

"What a wuss. You couldn't even stand up to your parents. Some man you are."

Simon closed his eyes again. "Go away. You're not real."

"I'm as real as you are. You're going to have to face me. Over and over. And not just in your head, everywhere because everyone'll sound just like me. So go ahead, ignore me for now. I'll be back to haunt you until the day you die."

Simon squinched his eyes shut tighter. "Go away!" Silence was Simon's response. He shuddered and began crying. "Terry...help me. Please..."

~*()*~

"No one would answer the door at his house." Lucy paced in Robbie's room, thinking. "Either no one was home, or they have Simon and they don't want us to know of it."

"Matt said the older brother was pretty out of it. Maybe he finally went to school."

Lucy shook her head. "No, Simon's there. We just need to get them to allow us to see him."

Robbie glanced out the window. "Well, here's your chance."

Lucy looked over at Robbie, her brow furrowed. "Huh?"

Robbie pointed out the window. "Looks like Dax is here."

"What?!" Lucy hurried over to the window. Indeed, Terry was down there and about to ring the bell. "Oh no." She ran from her room towards the stairs just as the doorbell rang. Please oh please let me be the first one there!

Unfortunately, her silent prayer was unheeded as Matt opened the door. His face darkened immediately when he saw who was on the other side. "You!"

Terry glared right back at Matt.

Lucy, with Robbie right behind her, stood at the foot of the stairs. Damn it! She looked at Robbie, inclining her head to indicate he should do something.

Robbie shrugged back, unsure of what he could do.

Matt grabbed Terry by the front of his jacket. "You dare to come here after what you did to Simon?"

By this time, Annie and Eric had arrived, followed shortly by Mary and Ruthie.

Terry grabbed Matt's wrist and twisted it, sharply. "I could say the same to you, after what you did to him."

Matt yelled and pulled his wrist away, holding it. He shook slightly, his anger slowly getting the better of him.

This time Lucy shoved Robbie down the last step.

Robbie stumbled a moment before grabbing Matt's shoulder. "Back down, man. It's no use starting a fight."

"Shut up. You're with this...this...abomination."

"Is that how you see your brother?" Terry stepped inside and pushed Matt back. "He's an abomination because he listened to his heart rather than what you tell him to be?"

"You made him that way!" Matt focused all his attention on Terry, his brown eyes blazing. "You corrupted him. You little-"

"Matt!" Eric glanced at the top of the stairs, where the twins had just appeared. "Ruthie, take your brothers upstairs and stay there."

Ruthie headed to the stairs, eyeing Terry. Shaking her head, she hurried up and brought the twins away.

Annie crossed her arms, a look of pure disgust on her face. "What do you want? Come to destroy this family even more?"

"Well, excuse me. This family always seemed more loving and coherent than that. I guess all that friendliness and open-mindedness is just a front to keep the churchgoers happy." Terry looked over at Robbie, then at Lucy in askance.

Lucy nodded.

Terry looked back at Annie. "I can't believe you. You're the lowest people on the face of this planet."

"Us?" Eric stepped forward. "What about you? You stand for everything that God condemns!"

"Oh, so you've met God and he told you personally that homosexuality is wrong?"

"His word says it!"

"There is more than one interpretation of His word, you know, unless you've declared yourself God and your interpretation is the only one!"

Eric tensed up at that.

"Of course, if you're going by the literal word, then I expect to see all of you with long hair, owning slaves, and bruises on your wife!" Terry glanced at Mary, trying to gauge her reaction to all of this.

"Simon is not gay!"

"Wake up!" Terry focused his attention on Matt again. "Are you people blind? He's told you he's gay! He's explored it for over a month!"

Annie shook her head. "No he's not! You made him that way! You twisted his world!"

"I twisted him? What about what you people have done to him! He's been trapped in a world where he's expected to be perfect, model himself after his older brother, and be the most religious teen in the world! It was hurting him! All I did was help him realize who HE was! I didn't twist him! He was already thinking about it when I met him!"

Lucy decided to finally take a stand in Simon's defense. She stepped down the stairs and pushed around Matt, standing next to Terry, who was catching his breath. "Mom, dad, I've talked to Simon. I've seen the way he looks at Terry. It's him, it's who he is. He's just been putting off telling you because he was afraid of your reaction. And last night you justified his fears, sending him out into the storm without listening to him, without hearing him out. He could be hurt, or even gotten killed."

Terry looked Eric and Annie in the eyes. "Do you know how many kids his age commit suicide because they're so confused about who they are? Do you know how many turn to drugs or alcohol or cutting? Do you know how many run away?" Terry took a deep breath, speaking more softly than before. "Simon is susceptible to all of those, especially because of the pressure you and the community puts on him. And even if he did survive, he might've left at eighteen, to never return because he was afraid of your reaction to the truth, to who he was."

"That's still no-"

"Shut up!" Terry took a step forward. "Shut up and listen for once in your short life! This is not some stranger or some friend from church! This is your son! The son you're going to lose one way or another unless you open yourself to the truth!"

Annie took a step back from the fierce intensity of Terry's golden eyes.

When Terry was sure he wouldn't be interrupted again, he continued. "I love Simon. I told him to tell you because you deserve to share in his happiness, our happiness. You had a right to know the truth, and I know how much you all mean to him. But what you did goes against everything good a person can do, goes against everything you've taught your children." He moved his gaze over to Eric. "I love him, and if you ever hurt him this badly again, so help me God, you'll regret it."

"You're threatening us?"

Terry spun around and stepped towards Matt. "Yes, I am. And do you know why? Because I was up till three am holding the boy I love, listening to what you did to him, listening to how you hurt him and ripped his soul apart. Because no one deserves to be tormented the way you've tormented him. And because I love him, and nothing and no one is going to hurt him as long as I'm around." He stepped towards the open door.

Mary, who had remained silent the entire time, finally spoke up. "When is Simon coming home?"

Terry paused, staring out at the darkened sky. His shoulders slumped, and he let out a breath through his nose. "Maybe tomorrow, maybe never. Until you people overcome your petty biases, I'm not letting you get near him. You'll just hurt him more, and I won't let that happen." He looked over his shoulder. "For his sake, and for yours, I hope you come to accept him. There's only so much I can provide for him. He still needs you." With that, Terry stepped outside and closed the door behind him.

No one inside moved or said anything for a few minutes.

Lucy finally broke the silence. "Terry's right. You need to get over your petty biases. For once I'm truly ashamed of being a Camden." She went up the stairs.

Robbie patted Matt's back. "I'm not family, but just remember Simon's still Simon. We just know something about him we didn't before." He followed Lucy.

Matt, still cradling his wrist, headed for the kitchen. "I'm going to get some ice."

"I'll help." Mary went after him.

Annie and Eric were the last two left in the entry way, staring at the door. Finally, Eric turned and went into his office. Annie went in after him and closed the doors. "He can't keep Simon away."

"Of course he can't. Simon's a minor." Eric sat behind his desk and rubbed his head. "But we kicked him out. Maybe he has some ground we don't know of."

Annie sat across from her husband. She stared at her hands, rubbing them a moment.

Eric took a deep breath. "Annie, maybe...maybe we should listen to Dax. What if this is Simon? Can we live knowing we estranged our son without giving him a chance?"

"I can." Annie crossed her arms and looked away.

Eric waited a moment. "Can you live with never seeing him again? I'm not sure I can."

Annie glanced at Eric, frowning. "So you're saying we should let Simon be gay? Go against everything we stand for?"

"For now, yes. Maybe we can figure out how to make him normal again." Eric rubbed his wrist. Dax did have a point, too. My interpretation isn't the only one. But...an interpretation that supports homosexuality?

In the kitchen, Matt wrapped the towel of ice around his wrist. "How'd he do that? He's not that big."

"Simon's lanky and he's strong." Mary set a glass of water in front of Matt. "Maybe he took martial arts or something."

"Great." Matt felt his wrist.

"Is it broken?"
"No, just sprained." Matt sighed and sat at the counter. "I can't believe he'd have the gall to come over here and say those things."

"Maybe. Maybe he was perfectly justified in coming here."

Matt looked at his sister, his eyebrows knitted together. "How? I mean, he caused all these problems. He made Simon gay."

"Maybe, or maybe Simon was going to be gay anyway. I don't know about it, but think of Simon's history. It certainly isn't as far out as we're making it seem."

"So now you're with Lucy and Robbie. Great." Matt shook his head.

"I'm just saying we should keep our minds open. Maybe this is Simon, and maybe instead of throwing him out we should've been there to support him."

Matt grumbled and sipped his water.

Mary stared at her brother a moment, then straightened up and set her arm down on the counter. "Think of it this way, Matt. If you wanted to marry, say, a Jewish girl-"

Matt snorted. "Like that'll happen."

"I'm just saying, wouldn't you want support from your family, not to be thrown out and estranged, finding the only solace with your lover?"

Matt thought about it a moment. "Being Jewish and being gay are two very different things."

"But revealing the truth would be just as painful either way." Mary looked outside as lightning flashed in the distance.

Matt remained silent, fiddling with the ice in the towel slightly. "Point taken."

"So go and tell mom and dad."

"Tell them what?"

"That we want Simon back, and if it means accepting him as gay, it means accepting him as gay."

Matt sighed. "I don't know if I can do that."

"Why not? Simon's still your brother. You don't want to never see him again, do you?"

Matt nodded. "Fine, fine." He stood. "But if I'm telling them, I want to be speaking for all of the Camden kids."

"Well, Lucy and Robbie are on Dax's side. I just think Simon needs our support and should be here for it."

"And he's my brother, so I should be here to help." Matt rubbed the bridge of his nose a moment. "And Ruthie..."

"I think Dax's a neat guy and we should be glad it's him helping Simon and not some sleaze."

Mary and Matt looked at the stairwell.

"How long have you been there?"

"Since Dax left. He had some good points, you know. And Robbie's right. Simon is still Simon. He revealed a secret because he wants our support. So let's support him."

Matt stood. "Fine, I'll tell mom and dad we want him back. As is, for now."

Mary nodded.

"It's the right thing to do." Ruthie crossed her arms.

"Let's hope so. Otherwise all of us could be in big trouble." He headed for Eric's office. Once there, he hesitated. Can I really do this? I mean, I don't agree. I don't think Simon's gay, and I don't know if I can live with him like that. Flashes of what Terry had said, images of Simon cutting himself, doing drugs, killing himself, went through his mind. No, I can't let that happen to Simon. Even if it means...I deal with that, I'll do it. Raising a hand, he knocked lightly on the door.

"Come in."
Matt opened the door and entered. Even if it means facing the hardest fight of my life.

~*()*~

Simon whimpered. He was still curled up and naked in the darkness, surrounded by his family, and even by his taunting shadow. "Why are you doing this? You're my family!"

"You're not family."

"We don't want to see you again."

"You hurt this family!"

Simon's shadow crossed his arms. "You're not a man. You're just a pathetic kid."

Simon cried, shaking his head. "No! I'm Simon Camden! They don't hate me! They can't!"

"They hate us, thanks to you." The shadow looked the Camden family members. "Face the truth."

"BEGONE! Halt this Torment!"

Simon shuddered. He wasn't sure if he had screamed that, or his mind. The accusations from his family had died out, and he could no longer feel the glare of his shadow. Then, a hand reached out and touched his shoulder. He winced back, looking away. "Please...leave me alone. Don't hurt me any more."

The hand hesitated, then slowly embraced Simon. He yelped and tried to struggle, but the grip was too firm. He held his eyes shut, afraid of what he might see. Then he felt something warm wrap around him, something warm and soft, like feathers. "Feathers?" He opened his eyes, taking in the white wings that had encircled him. "What...?" He looked up to find Terry holding him, protecting him. "Terry...you're...an angel?"

"I'm your angel, Simon. I'll always protect you, always be there when you're hurt, when you need me, and when you fall. Believe in your family, and don't listen to the fears in your mind. It'll come out alright. I promise."

"Terry..."

"Simon."

~*()*~

Simon blinked slowly. He felt sunlight on his back and blinked slowly. He was against something warm and moving. It took him a few minutes, but he was able to focus on the form in front of him. A...dream? It was all a dream? He felt a blanket around him, but also two arms. Following one arm up, he looked into the resting face of Terry. What?

"He's trying to protect your dreams."

Simon jumped slightly, startled at the voice from the door. Looking over Terry's chest, he saw Jordon leaning against the wall, his arms crossed. "Protect my dreams?"

"It's what I did for him when he was little. If he had a bad dream, I'd let him crawl into bed with me and hold him. It always seemed to help." Jordon walked over and pulled the blanket up around Terry as well. "You've been yelling and tossing for a while. Terry decided to try it, to see if he could comfort you."

Simon looked around. "How...how long have I been asleep?"
"It's nearly six in the evening. That's alright. You had a hard night, and so did Terry."

Simon pushed himself up on his elbows. Six? He glanced outside. The sun's setting. "I've...been here this long and my family hasn't come?"

"I told your family you weren't here. I figured you needed rest more than anything else." Jordon ruffled Simon's hair. "Rest up a bit more. I've ordered dinner, but it won't be here for another hour or so. Stay with Terry for me, would you?" He winked at Simon and headed for the door. "I won't tell if you won't." He closed the door behind him.

Simon stared after Jordon a moment before he relaxed against the bed. His mind drifted towards the dream. I've been dreaming all day. He watched Terry's chest rise and fall. Hesitantly, he rested his head against it. My angel, huh? I guess that's not so bad. He closed his eyes. Watch over me a little longer, please.

Terry's arms tightened in response, and Simon let himself drift into a light sleep.

~*()*~

~*()*~
~*()*~

Hai: yes, okay

Ototou: little brother

Boken: wooden sword

Aniki: older brother

Nani: what

Author Notes: The title "Scratches" is a tribute to the old adage "When the cat's let out of the bag, someone gets scratched;" originally heard in the movie Christmas in Connecticut.

Author's Prattle: Yes, yes, I got out chapter 10 even on my vacation. Sorry to all those that were looking for a conclusion, but it was just too much to fit into one chapter. Chapter 11 will hopefully have the conclusion to whether or not the Camdens accept Terry and Simon, or whether they wash their hands of them (unless you read the spoiler, in which case you know the answer). I will say this, while chapter eleven is the conclusion of one aspect of the Camdens' lives in this fic, it is just the beginning, as I have many plans for my characters and the Camdens, including some explanations of how Terry chose to live in Glen Oak. So please keep reading and reviewing! I know reviewing can be a pain, but it actually helps inspire me to write, so please do so if you can, give me your opinions, what you liked, didn't like, what worked and what didn't. Even if you don't review, though, please enjoy!