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

By Cypher

Chapter Thirteen: Weekend Activities


"I really appreciate this, Simon."

"It's no problem." Simon made up the cot by his bed.

"You sure you don't want the bed? It's your room, after all." Terry was sitting on Simon's bed, watching him.

"You're my guest. Besides, you gave me a bed each time I was at your house."

"I don't mind a cot."

Simon finished and stood. "Terry, we've been over this a million times. I'm sleeping on the cot, you're sleeping on the bed."

Terry held up his hands. "Okay, okay." Terry stood and pulled the sheets back. "Part of me is still worried about your parents. I mean, they agreed to this, but the way Annie and Matt looked..."

Simon crawled into the cot and rubbed his forehead. "Well, Matt's okay with you now. He just..."

"Doesn't trust me in your room alone at night. Do they even know how we slept together that one afternoon."

A flush crawled up Simon's cheek and he bowed his head slightly. "No, not really."

Terry chuckled and lay back, putting his hands behind his head. "I'm glad you withstood my mom. A lot of people can't."

Simon laughed lightly and turned on his side, facing Terry. Nearly a week had passed since Terry had visited Eric's office, and things were starting to get back to normal. If anything, the week had been one of the most interesting ever.

Jordon had canceled Terry's jobs, giving him a chance to recover from the news of their father. Their mother, Gwen, had opted to stay, help get everything back to normal. Simon was curious what his mom was really like, as Terry explained that what they had seen that Friday night was a subdued version. On Wednesday, he got his wish. Apparently Gwen was just as curious about his family as they were about her. So Wednesday night, she had surprised the Camdens when she and her sons asked to join them for dinner.

Noticing Terry's breathing had leveled off slightly, he rolled onto his back, remembering to that night just a few days ago...

~*()*~

"So you're Simon! How cute. Terry always had great taste in men."

Simon fiddled with his hands, nervous. Somehow, Gwen had managed to corner him alone in his dad's office. He tried to find a distraction, but couldn't.

"So have you ever had a boyfriend before?"

Simon stared at Gwen. "N-no!"

"Mmhmm. And how many girlfriends?"

Simon stuttered a moment, before shrugging. "Too many to count?"

"Ever had sex before?"

"NO!" What is this about?

Gwen blinked, unfazed. "Am I making you nervous?"

"Yes! Very!" Simon crossed his arms and tried to avoid Gwen's gaze.

"Well, you can't just expect me to let my son go out with anyone. Still," she tilted her head in thought, "ah yes. Do you have a job?"

"Well, not really. I was a waiter, but that didn't work out..."

Gwen waved her hand. "You're to good for that anyway. Well, that's all." She smiled brightly. "Shall we go join the rest of your family? I noticed you have a handsome older brother who, by all accounts, is big on protecting you. I want to rattle his cage a bit."

Simon's head fell. So this is what Terry was warning me about.

~*()*~

Closing his eyes, Simon inhaled deeply, calming himself down. Terry's mother had rattled more than Matt's cage. He rattled just about everyone, with the exception of the twins, who were too young, and Ruthie, who Gwen seemed to get along with quite well. Matt had even asked Simon if the woman had escaped from some sort of institution. Later, Terry explained to everyone she's sane, just full of energy and direct. Like his brother in many respects, minus the pep.

Matt also had a strange look every time he looked at Jordon. Simon wasn't sure, but it seemed as if Matt was trying to place Jordon in a memory, like he knew him from somewhere before, but that was impossible.

So Friday rolled around, and Gwen was off to the airport, stopping by to say bye to the Camdens, and especially to Simon. When Terry casually mentioned Jordon was staying at a hotel for a college conference, Simon wanted to ask if Terry could stay over with them, but he knew his parents would never go for it.

He didn't count on Gwen's persuasive abilities. She sprung upon his parents like a panther on its prey. Within minutes she had them suggesting that Terry stay over, and all the reasons why. He'd never seen anyone coax his parents so well. But then again, Gwen was an international reporter. Coaxing people into doing things is what she did for a living.

Thus, after a few hours, Terry returned with an overnight bag and a smile. Annie couldn't believe she had agreed to this, while Eric kept wondering how they'd agreed to it. Matt gave Terry a warning look, and Simon knew that if Terry stepped out of line even a sliver, Matt would be there to dish it out. Personally, Simon thought Matt was still sore about his sprained wrist, though Terry had apologized a number of times for it.

Now, here they were. Terry sound asleep on Simon's bed, and Simon uncomfortably shifting on the cot. No matter what he did, he couldn't get comfortable. He didn't know why, as he had slept on cots before.

After midnight, Simon was awaken by the call of nature, but when he returned, he watched Terry as teen slept peacefully on his side. After a few minutes of internal debate, Simon stepped into the room and shut the door.

~*()*~

Matt stretched and as he exited the bathroom. None of the other kids had anywhere to be driven today, so he had gotten to sleep in. Robbie, of course, had gotten up early to help his mother with the twins, and Eric had gone downstairs to his home office. Everyone else, Matt noted though, was still asleep.

Including those two. He looked at Simon's door.

He wasn't completely comfortable with the idea of Simon and Terry sleeping together in the same room. It was no secret. He didn't like any of his siblings sleeping with someone they were involved with. Wilson and Mary was a prime example. When he had walked in on them napping together, he went over the deep end.

Quietly opening the door, he eyed the cot, expecting to see a sleeping Simon. Instead, he saw an empty cot. Trying not to jump to conclusions, he looked over at the bed.

The same deep end feeling from before welled up in him. "WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING?!"

Simon sat straight up, both frightened and alert by the tone and level of Matt's voice.

Terry, on the other hand, sat up slowly and, through blearily eyes, looked at Matt. "Sleeping in. It's a rare thing I do every now and then."

"Why are you in his bed?!" Matt crossed his arms, forcing himself to stay where he was. He wasn't sure he could trust himself if he moved towards them.

Terry blinked, then turned and looked at Simon. "Do you know what he's talking about?"

Simon hunched over a bit. Obviously he's not fully awake. "It's my fault, Matt. I crawled in last night. It's not like we did anything."

Eric, having hurried up shortly after Matt's outburst and arriving in time to hear Simon's statement, got the same upset look as his eldest son. "No excuses."

Terry yawned and waved at them. "Sa, sa. At least it was with me. Aniki and okasan sleep in the nude."

Simon put his head in his hands. "That doesn't help, Terry."

Matt shook his head and threw his right arm up. "What does that have to do with this?"

Terry shrugged. It was obvious to everyone he wasn't fully tuned in to the world yet.

Eric looked at Simon. "Would you get out of the bed, already?"

Simon could feel another sex talk coming on. Probably after Terry's left. Getting up, he moved over to the cot. He scratched his chest, thankful he had decided to wear a white t-shirt to bed rather than go shirtless, like Terry.

Terry, wearing only pajama pants, slid out of bed and stretched, ignoring Matt and Eric a moment. Staring out the window, he blinked a few times, trying to fully wake up. "Matt, Eric. It's time you knew."

Eric stiffened.

Matt narrowed his eyes.

Terry turned to face them, placing a hand on his waist. "I held Simon when he was sleeping. I offer a sense of comfort and protection. Nothing more right now. It's like when you and Annie sleep together, but don't do anything. Or when Ruthie goes to sleep with Lucy or Mary." Terry grabbed the thin robe he had hung on the back of a chair and put it on. "I've slept with my brother for the same reason. We did nothing wrong. Now, if you'll excuse me, does anyone mind if I use the shower?"

Eric, though relaxed again, refocused his gaze onto his son.

Matt rubbed his face. He has a point. "Just lock the door or something. You don't want one of the girls walking in on you."

Terry stepped between Matt and Eric. "Wouldn't be the first time a girl's walked in on me."

Matt turned around, but Terry had somehow escaped into the bathroom already. What did he mean by that?

"You crawled into bed with him?"

Matt looked back at Simon, who was staring at the floor. "What were you thinking?"
"I was thinking that it was nice when I was at his house and he held me when I was having nightmares and...and how warm and comforting it was. I guess...I wanted to feel it again."

Eric ran a hand over his face. "This is why I didn't want him in your room."

Simon fiddled with his hands. "We didn't do anything, though."

"That doesn't matter." Matt stepped forward and kneeled down next to his brother. "Don't do it again. Okay?"
Simon was silent a moment, thinking over retorts, before he gave up and simply nodded.

Matt looked at dad. The same thought went through both their heads.

He'll do it again. Just when he won't be caught.

Sighing, Matt stood and walked toward the door. He patted Eric's shoulder. "It's the best we can hope for right now."

Eric didn't like that, but turned and left, acknowledging Matt's statement.

Within minutes, Simon was alone. Leaning back and staring at the ceiling, he wondered why it was such a big deal. He just wanted someone to hold him. Nothing else. Shrugging, he stood and pulled out his clothes. He'd grab the shower after Terry, then treat him to a walk around the neighborhood. Away from his family.

~*()*~

"You sing in the shower?" Simon had an amused look on his face.

Terry's face was red, and his shoulders were hunched. It was slightly gray out, so he was wearing a denim jacket, which his hands were stuffed in currently. "Urusai. It's not my fault my brother got me into that habit."

"You're good." Simon chuckled. "You certainly had Lucy spellbound."

Terry elbowed Simon slightly. Both of them were walking along in Simon's neighborhood, two teens out for a Saturday morning stroll, their white dog leading the way. "Yeah, well, I bet you have Happy spellbound when you sing in the shower."

"I don't. I'm smarter than that."

Terry snorted. "You don't have a lethargic brother to keep awake."

Simon conceded that point. He stopped as Happy sniffed a fire hydrant. "What is it you were singing?"

"Change the World." Terry blinked at Simon's blank look. "It's the opening song to an anime series I watched in Japan once or twice."

Simon nodded and followed Happy as she continued. "How'd you get to be such a good singer, though? You don't strike me as one."

Terry laughed. "What? Smart flute players can't sing too?"

Simon smiled while Happy stopped by a bush. He loved Terry's laugh, the pure happiness that radiated from his throat into the air. It was music, and to know he had caused it made him feel even better. "Well, no...but...I mean, with everything else in your life..."

Terry nodded and patted Simon's shoulder. "I get what you mean. No, I learned it from, believe it or not, karaoke."

Simon gave him an dubious look. "Karaoke."

"Laugh if you want, but that's what my brother loved to do for his birthday, not to mention most holidays. And you know how younger brothers think." He winked. "We have to beat them at something they love, just to drive them nuts."

Simon giggled. He knew exactly what Terry meant. He liked to show up Matt every now and then too. "So you beat him at karaoke?"

"Like I said, drives him nuts. Sometimes he yells at the scoring machine. One of the most amusing things I've ever see." Terry looked around. "So where are we?"

Simon blinked and glanced at the street signs. "Oh, um...well, I know we're not far from the house..."

"Which house?"

Simon tilted his head, brow furrowed.

"Mine or yours? We're about half way between the two."

Simon flushed slightly. He hadn't even known he was heading for Terry's house. Must be a subconscious thing. "Well, uh, why don't we head back to my house."

"Good idea." Terry put his arm around Simon's shoulders and headed towards the Camden household, Happy walking next to them. "Tell me, what does your family do about Valentine's Day?"

Simon looked skyward. That could take a while to explain.

~*()*~

Annie looked towards the backdoor and Simon and Terry entered. She gave both of them a slight smile, though it went no deeper than her face. Internally, she hadn't smiled for weeks. She had hated it when Simon came out, though deep down she knew it was the truth. Nonetheless, she just couldn't acknowledge that truth. It went against everything she and her family was raised with. But her son, her beautiful, intelligent son, rejected that and followed his heart. She knew that his heart was right, but in her heart, it still wasn't right.

Then Terry came over, and though she would never admit it, she saw a lot of herself in him. The protective tone he had used when defending Simon contained the same power her voice carried when defending any of her children. And the fire in his eyes had startled her, not just because of their intensity, but because it was like looking into a mirror. That fire had been in her eyes so many times that she couldn't remember them all. The fact that this stranger, this person her son claimed to love, had that same fire, spoke volumes.

So she finally quelled the anger and fear within herself and tried to listen to the little voice telling her that Simon was right, that this wasn't wrong or evil. And she welcomed her son back home. Even welcomed Terry. Yet try as she might, she just couldn't get over her doubts. What if Simon truly was going through a phase, one that not even Terry realized was happening? Or what if Terry was using her son?

And when did her son become such a stranger? That was the most disturbing part of the whole ordeal to her. She never suspected Simon was gay, never noticed any signs, and it hurt her that she was so alienated from her own child. She wanted to get to know him again, to help him as she had in the past, to talk with him and act as if nothing happened, like Lucy or Robbie had been able to do.

Every time she tried, though, all she could ever muster were a few words. She didn't understand it, but every time she thought of something to say to start a conversation, her will to try left her. So she had tried to remain supportive in a silent way. She knew it was getting to Simon, though.

"Hey Annie, need some help?" Terry hung his jacket on the coat rack and stood by her at the counter. "I'm a pretty good cook. It wouldn't be any trouble."

"Oh, no-"

"Really, I should insist. A thank you for having me." Terry smiled at her.

Annie looked at the smile, then over his shoulder at Simon, who was watching them as he stood from releasing Happy from her leash. If I say no, what will Simon think? But...letting him help me. She had exchanged even fewer words with Terry, and didn't really want to be trapped alone with him. "Thank you, but as you said, you're our guest. I can't let you help."

Terry hesitated a moment, his eyes staring past her, as if he was deciding on something. In the end he shrugged and backed away and looked at Simon. "So, why don't we get to work on our homework? I've got a ton of notes to catch up on."

"Homework? On a Saturday?" Simon put his hands in his pockets, a sour look on his face. "Let's do it tomorrow."

Terry shook his head and wrapped an arm around one of Simon's. "Come on. The sooner we get it done, the more time we have for recreation later. Besides, I promised aniki I'd at least catch up on my history today."

Simon groaned, but let himself get pulled up the stairs by Terry.

Annie shook her head. She knew they'd be back shortly. At breakfast, Matt had made it very clear that they weren't to be in the same bedroom alone for long. Looking back at the meal she was preparing, she wondered just when she would adjust to the new Simon, and what it would take to begin that adjustment.

~*()*~

"And you're sure you're feeling better?"

Terry nodded. He and Simon had managed to finished their homework by lunch time. Before either of them could plan their afternoon, however, Simon got a call from a classmate who was working on an English project with him. So, with a few apologies, Simon left, promising to be back in a couple hours. Terry had started passing the time with meditation, but Eric had come in shortly after he had started to talk with him. At first the discussion pertained to what had happened that morning, but now it had moved onto how Terry was doing, checking up on him after his admission last week.

"You still seem a bit upset." Eric rested his hands in his lap.

Terry, who was still sitting cross-legged on the floor, shrugged. "I am. I mean, it's not like something you can turn on and off. But you were right. Telling Simon helped. And knowing what could happen if I let it run rampant, knowing I could hurt him in some way, it certainly put things in perspective." Terry shifted his weight a bit to the right. "Simon's helping, too. He'd make a great grievance advisor in many ways."

Eric chuckled at that. "Oh, somehow I don't think that'd work out for him."

Terry had a small grin on his face. "But seriously, I'm working on it. I remember way back when I started martial arts that meditation helped bring inner calm and peace. I haven't meditated in years, but since last week, I've been trying it again, and that's helping too."

Eric nodded, crossing his arms. "That's great. That's a perfect way to help you get back to your normal self."

Terry arched his back, stretching his muscles slightly. "Yeah. Actually, if you don't mind, I'd like to try and get an hour in before Simon comes back."

"Oh, well, of course." Eric stood and headed for the door. He paused there, then looked back. "By the way, Dax, do you mind sleeping in here tonight?"

"I expected you to ask me that. Yeah. I don't mind." Terry closed his eyes and rested his hands on his knees. "See you later."

"Right." Eric left and shut the doors behind him.

Sighing quietly, Terry listened to make sure no one else was coming, before focusing inward.

~*()*~

Annie looked at the alarm clock by her bed. Midnight. She hated it when she couldn't sleep, but her usual methods weren't working. Thinking of her children, counting sheep, even going over her mental list of activities to be done on Sunday hadn't made her sleepy. Her thoughts kept drifting back to earlier that day, to when she had seen Terry and Simon come in, and everything that crossed her mind.

That evening hadn't helped either. Simon had returned, he and Terry had hung out for the evening, even doing the dishes together, and then retired to the living room for some impromptu music lessons. She was surprised Terry could play the flute so well, and Simon was surprised at how well Terry was able to help him read guitar music. Lucy had even joined them for a few minutes, putting in a couple requests to be played by Terry.

Annie had stopped in the room with Eric to watch them for a few minutes. Though there was nothing visually going on, Annie could feel the affection passing between the two of them. It was in a look Simon gave Terry, the way Terry leaned over Simon to point out things on the sheet music, how close they sat to each other. The warmth felt good, and it was wonderful for Annie to see her son truly smile again.

The spell was broken, though, when Simon looked in her direction. His smile seemed to fade, and she knew he could sense what she was feeling, and it ruined his happiness. I don't want to ruin his happiness forever. She had left the room after that, deciding to turn in early.

Only she couldn't get to sleep. Sighing, she glanced over to her husband. Sound asleep, of course. Throwing the blankets back, she stood and put on her robe. Maybe some warm milk. She paused when she heard a noise in the hall. Listening carefully, she heard light footsteps head for Simon's room. Simon never got up. That means... Frowning, she quickly, but quietly, snuck out of her room and down the hall. She spotted Simon's room, and noticed the door was ajar. Caught you in the act. Leaning against the wall, she strained her ears to pick up any sounds coming from inside the room.

Humming was all she got. A slow, almost sad tune, it sounded like. Why is he humming? Making sure her robe was closed, she opened the door and stepped in.

Terry was sitting on Simon's desk chair backwards, his head resting on his arms, which covered the top of the back of the chair. He made no acknowledgment of Annie's entrance. He just kept staring at the slumbering Simon, humming softly.

Annie was about to say something, when he broke the silence with a low whisper.

"He's like an angel when he sleeps, isn't he."

Annie blinked, surprised at the statement. "Yes, he does," she responded at the same volume. She walked over and stood next to the teen. "You're not supposed to be in here."

"I know." Terry watched as Simon's chest rhythmically moved up and down. "I just wanted to make sure he was sleeping fine."

"He is." Annie looked at Terry. He still hadn't moved from the position she had found him in.

"You think I don't notice, but I do. He does, too."

Annie put her hands together. "Excuse me?"

"How you avoid talking with Simon, how you hardly speak to me." Terry closed his eyes. "You're uncomfortable with us, still."

Annie glanced at Simon, making sure he was still asleep. "Let's take this downstairs."

Terry watched Simon another minute before standing and heading for the door. As he passed Annie, his eye met hers.

Annie recognized a challenge when she saw one. Exiting and closing Simon's door, she followed Terry downstairs into the kitchen. He had taken a seat at the table, a second chair already out for her to sit in. She took it and folded her hands on the table. "You're very observant."

"It doesn't take a rocket scientist." Terry ran a hand through his hair. "Truth be told, though, I've seen the symptoms enough times to recognize them quickly." He looked at Annie, the challenging look gone from his eyes. "So what is it exactly that's troubling you about it?"

"What isn't troubling me." Annie sat back and crossed her arms. "I've listened to your arguments, tried to understand it, watched how you and Simon act-"

"And yet you are still unable to accept the truth. Why?"

Annie bit her lip, thinking.

Terry kept his eyes on her, gauging her reactions, trying to anticipate her thoughts.

Annie finally made up her mind. "I don't know who my son is anymore. I'm not even sure if this is how he's going to be the rest of his life."

Terry waited. "That's it?"

"I'm...trying to quell the anger I felt, still feel, and the moral objections that are within me."

"They're not easy, are they?" Terry leaned forward, resting his face between his hands. "It wasn't easy for Eric, but he did it."

"He doesn't have the connections I have with our kids." Annie eyed Terry, sizing him up.

Terry considered this. "And you feel you've lost the connection to Simon because you never saw this coming, never predicted or even prepared for this."

Annie's eyes widened momentarily. She nodded slightly. "Yes. But...how can you-"

"I told you, I've seen it enough times to recognize it." Terry sat up, resting his arms on the table. "The question is, since you recognize it, what's keeping you from working around it?"

"Because he's a stranger, a stranger who may just be lost or confused."

Terry shook his head. "Simon's made it very clear how he feels about me. It's not a phase, he's not confused. It's who he is."

Annie looked at the table. "He's still a stranger."

"He's still your son." Terry crossed his arms. "A son who needs his mother. He loves you, and it hurts him when you refuse to talk to him."

Annie looked into Terry's face again. "I've tried to talk to him. It's not exactly easy. You try talking to someone you think you've known your entire life only to find you were wrong."

"I have, both been the one who finds out, and the one that was different."

Annie frowned, mentally berating herself for the dumb comment. "Well, then what do you think my problem is?"

"Me."

Annie blinked at that. He's suggesting that he himself is the problem? "What do you mean?"

"You're not accepting of me, and because Simon likes me, you feel that by accepting Simon, you have to accept me too." Terry raised an eyebrow. "Am I anywhere close?"

Annie stared at Terry. It...can't be something like that, can it? As she thought about it, though, it did make sense. She blamed Terry for Simon becoming gay on some levels, and Terry made her feel uncomfortable, especially with his casual attitude. "I can't believe it. I've been punishing Simon...because of my feelings for you?"

"Just a theory. But maybe if you got to know me, came to like me again, you'd find a way to accept Simon once more."

Annie suddenly felt like having some tea. Getting up, she grabbed the kettle and filled it with water. "How do you suggest I do that?"

"Let's start with the first thing you're probably worried about." Terry leaned back and crossed his legs. "Am I using Simon? Do I intend to dump him?"

Annie pursed her lips. This must be what it feels like when I tell the kids what they're thinking. "Are you?"

Terry closed his eyes. "I would sacrifice my happiness, my life, before I ever hurt Simon like that." He opened them and put his hands behind his head, staring at the ceiling. "Could you make me a cup, too?"

Annie nodded and pulled out two cups. "How do you know you'll never betray Simon like that?"

"Because I feel that Simon is my soul mate. And he feels the same way. I won't hurt him. Not as long as I can draw a breath."

Annie had to admit, that was an impressive admission. "You love him so much?"

Terry chuckled. "Yeah, I do. Even in our song, there's a line that goes 'the water, the wind, the Sun, the Earth, the Moon, the Stars, I'd give them all to you.' If I had it in my power, I would just to have the smallest smile grace his face."

Annie rested her elbows on the counter, finding herself actually interested in her son's relationship, as she had been before he was gay. "You two already have a song?"

"When I told him the translation to the song we were listening to, he said he wanted it to be our song. Hitotsu Dake. Only One." He looked at Annie and smiled. "It's a beautiful song. I'll play it for you sometime."

"Japanese?"

"From a child's anime, no less. But he heard it and loved it. Who am I to argue with what he loves?"

Annie nodded and turned off the stove as the kettle started to whistle. She was silent, thinking as she poured the water into the mugs. Adding the tea bags, she headed back over to Terry and set one in front of him. "Alright." She rested her hands on the mug, absorbing its warmth. "Let's give this a shot."

Terry sipped his own tea, still smiling.

The two talked long into the night.

~*()*~

Simon blinked awake, disoriented for a moment. Glancing at his clock, and the early hour, he frowned. What woke me up? While he and all the Camdens had to get up early to go to the church, he was usually allowed to sleep until eight. It was only seven. As he sat up, though, he realized what had woken him. Bacon and waffles. At the least. Throwing the covers back, he decided that he could forgo an hour of sleep for a warm breakfast.

Stepping out into the hallway, he saw he wasn't the only one awakened by the smell. Matt and Robbie were looking towards the stairs, while the three girls were just coming down from the attic room. Why is mom cooking something special, though?

Eric stood at the top of the stairs, looking down. He turned towards Simon. "Is it a holiday or something?"

Simon shook his head.

Matt walked over next to Eric and crossed his arms. "Mom cooking a fancy breakfast. This worries me."

Simon's brow furrowed. His mother wasn't the only one who could cook a killer breakfast, in fact as he recalled, Terry had cooked a wonderful breakfast the first time he stayed with him. His eyes widened. Terry wouldn't...would he? Hurrying past his brother and father, he went down the stairs towards the kitchen. He vaguely recognized the sounds of his family following. He stopped at the foot of the stairs, a dumbfounded expression on his face.

Terry and Annie were cooking breakfast. Together. In the same kitchen. And both of them seemed to be enjoying it.

Terry looked up from the waffle iron and smiled at the Camden clan. "Good morning. I hope you're hungry."

Annie looked up from slicing a banana for the twins, a small smile on her face as well. "Your mouths are open."

Simon shut his mouth. He heard some of the others do the same behind him. What's going on here? Simon took a step forward. "Is...everything okay?"
"Of course. Why wouldn't it be?" Terry scooped out another waffle, placed it on a plate, then poured some more batter into the iron. His eyes moved from his work to Annie, and it seemed as if a silent conversation took place.

Annie finally went back to finishing the twins' part of the meal. "Well, don't just stand there. Go and set the table. Dax and I will be there shortly with the food."

Simon, still shocked at what he was seeing, picked up some plates and headed for the dining room.

Matt, carrying some glasses, caught up with Simon. "What's going on with those two?"

"I don't know. I wish I did, though." Simon felt along the edge of a plate, thinking for a moment.

Before they could say anything else, though, the other Camdens filed through the door, followed by Terry, carrying plates of food.

Simon took his seat, but watched his boyfriend all through the meal. Terry, what did you and mom do?

~*()*~

Simon leaned against the side of the church. The service had ended minutes ago, and he still had no clue what had happened between his boyfriend and his mother. Terry wouldn't even give him a hint, which worried him somewhat. Terry had always been honest since admitting his orientation. Through the entire service, though, Terry simply listened to the sermon, his fingers twitching every now and then as if he were typing or playing notes on his flute.

As the service ended, though, Terry told Simon to wait. It was something important, he had said. Then he had left with the crowd, to meet other church members. Simon had waited a few minutes, then got up and leaned against the wall at the edge of the pew. After sitting for a little over an hour, he wanted to stand. He smiled and talked to a couple of the people, but after ten minutes, he adopted his neutral look and crossed his arms. Fewer people bothered him after that. After fifteen minutes, he closed his eyes, considering leaving and going to find Terry himself.

"You awake?"

Simon blinked and looked his right. "Mom?"

Annie smiled and rubbed his arm. "I thought you and I could go talk."

Simon blinked again. She...wants to talk with me? Near the entrance to the chapel, he caught a glimpse of Terry nodded, carrying one of the twins on his shoulders. He shifted his gaze back to his mother. "Sure."

Annie sat in a pew, and after a minute, Simon joined her.

~*()*~

"You sure we should leave them alone?"

Terry turned around, careful not to let Sam's head hit anything. "I wouldn't have told Simon to wait if I didn't think they should be. The church is practically empty. They have a lot to cover, and the healing has to begin somewhere. Why not begin the healing here, where so many become healed."

"Healing by faith and healing emotional scars are two different things." Lucy shifted her weight, making sure David was comfortable in her arm. "And this is mom."

"She's overcome enough of what was bothering her that I think she can reconnect with Simon. It'll take a while for Simon to be fully healed, but at least it will be healed." Terry sighed and looked up. "I think it's time we switched, little guy. Give your brother a chance."

Sam didn't look too happy, but he let go of Terry's head. Terry set the twin down and took the other from Lucy.

"It's really nice of you to do that."

Terry grunted an affirmative as he lifted David onto his shoulders. "My brother used to do it for me. Gives you one of the best perspectives."

"Matt did it to Simon once or twice, I think."

"Bet he looked cute." Terry grinned.

Lucy snickered.

"What's so funny?" Eric looked between his daughter and weekend guest.

Lucy waved her hand. "Nothing."

Terry simply kept grinning.

Eric shook his head and glanced in the chapel in time to see Annie hug Simon. "What's going on with them?"

Terry turned around again, patting one of David's ankles to reassure the young boy he wasn't going to fall because of the quick movement. "Healing." Terry looked at his watch. "We should be heading back soon. I've got to pack and return to my house. I'm still picking up Jordon."

"Right. I'll go gather the other kids." Eric walked off.

Lucy patted Terry's back. "Well, that's the whole family."

"Whole immediate family, any ways. I think we should keep the others in the dark."

"I agree." Annie strode up behind the two teens, an arm around Simon. "At least for a while." She reached up and took David down from Terry's shoulders. "Come on, little guy. Let's get you and your brother into the car."

David reached over and hugged his mom's neck. She walked off with him, while Lucy followed, holding Sam's hand.

Terry watched them go.

"Um, Terry? Thanks."

Terry looked back at Simon, putting his hands in his pockets. "That was part of the reason I wanted to stay over, you know."

Simon glanced around a moment, before stepping forward and hugging Terry. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

Terry pulled a hand out and patted Simon's back. "I just want you to be happy." He pulled away slightly, then wrapped an arm around Simon's shoulder. "Come on. Your family's waiting."

Simon smiled and put one of his arms around Terry's shoulder as well, before leading him towards the cars.

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

Sa, sa: now, now

Aniki: older brother

Okasan: mother

Urusai: shut up

Author's Prattle: Well, here's chapter thirteen. I know it's not much, and in fact compared to some of my other chapters, it's boring, but it had to be done to show how Simon's full family came to accept him. We caught a glimpse of Gwen's normal personality, but I couldn't dwell on it, sorry. Not to worry, though! The next few chapters promise to be more exciting (at least, I hope so). I will say that the chapters will be coming out at a slower pace because I'm still working on my other fics, but also because I've gotten into the two college classes I needed, and that equals to about six hours of homework a day. I do hope to catch up to the TV timeline by Summer, though.

Hitotsu Dake is yet another song from Card Captor Sakura, and one of the most romantic songs I've ever heard. I arrived at this song after pouring over song translations and listening to hundreds of anime and english songs. I would like to remind everyone that the Card Captor Sakura songs are from the anime, which is far cooler than the english dub.

For a full translation, go to: http://www.animelyrics.com/anime/ccsakura/hitotsudake.htm

If you want to download the song itself, contact me, or here's a link to download it from a website:

http://download.server2.come2store.com/hikari/Card%20Captor%20Sakura%20-%20Hitotsu%20Dake.mp3

And as always, Card Captor Sakura belongs to CLAMP, the manga artists who brought us Magic Knights Rayearth, X, and Wish.

Finally, Change the World is the opening song for Inu-Yasha, a wonderful manga and anime series by and belonging to Rumiko Takahashi. She's also the creator of Ranma 1/2, another great (and funny) series. It's a very upbeat song, and it's definitely something that would keep a lethargic person from falling back asleep.

Once more thank you for reading, and feedback is appreciated.