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

By Cypher

Chapter Fourteen: Passing Summer

Simon ran a comb through his hair, making sure it was perfect for that evening. He had managed to snag the shower before anyone else in the afternoon, and hurried through it so that no one would complain that he had taken all the hot water. Tonight was the first night in weeks that he was allowed to go out with Terry again.

He had been dating Terry up until May. Everything up until that point had been great, progressing at a steady rate. Simon had even managed to surprise Terry on Valentine's day, which wasn't an easy task to accomplish. His family had even supported him in more ways than he ever expected. His siblings had returned to treating him as they always had, which was a real relief to him, especially with Matt.

He had managed to patch things up with his mom, and she was helping to run interference with the female crowd at school when they asked him for dates. As for his father, Terry had collaborated with him and Simon to present intermittent sermons regarding homosexuality and the acceptance of it in the modern era. Simon was worried about it, but Terry told him it was one of the best ways to make the transition from private knowledge to community knowledge. The first one had even gone over well with the parishioners, which was the biggest surprise to all of them. Terry and Simon's relationship was still private, though.

And Terry's relationship with Simon's family grew stronger. Simon noted that, one by one, each of the Camdens had begun to call Terry by his first name, instead of Dax. The twins still called him Dax, but that was because it was easier to say. There were a few more sleep overs at both houses, but each time Simon and Terry slept in separate rooms, at least, as far as the Camdens were concerned. Simon felt confident Jordon would keep the fact that he sometimes snuggled into bed with Terry when he was staying at their house a secret.

So, life had been going great. Until May hit. May, the month of Hell, as Terry called it. He still couldn't believe how stupid he'd been. Just because of that one conversation he'd had with Jordon.

"What do you mean I'm not allowed to see him?"

"It's just for this month, Simon. It's the actual AP testing period. Right now his life involves eating, sleeping, studying, and testing, and that's it. As we speak he's sleeping on top of his statistics book. Earlier he threatened to pound me if I bothered him while he took a nap. He's not himself."

Simon scowled, as if Jordon could see his face over the phone. "He won't be like that with me. I'm just what he needs to unwind."

"You don't get it, Simon. There is no time to unwind. The tests are daily. Sometimes he's in that cramped room for seven hours. He's been studying for this for a year. It's just a month, Simon. One week of studying, two weeks of tests, one week of recovery. I've been through this. I know of what I speak."

"I want to talk to Terry. Now."

"Simon, no. He'll call you when it's over, and maybe you can come over and watch some movies, but he's gonna be wiped after those two weeks. And keep in mind that while we're about the same size, I know kendo and own a boken, and I'm not afraid to use it."

"You're threatening me?"

"Plan a huge romantic dinner for when he's back. He'll have plenty of free time to spend with you when it's over. Now, I'm going to hang up, and I don't want you to call, or your family to call, or your friends to call. Not even his work is calling, and that's no small feat. So, one month. He'll be back."

Simon wrapped the towel around his waist and headed for his room. Looking back, it made perfect sense. Terry had been studying all year for this, and he had noticed that Terry was more stressed than usual in April. But Jordon had struck a sensitive spot. Not being allowed to go out with Terry? He faced that fear not to long ago when he told his parents the truth, and now he was being told that while his family had accepted him, Terry's family was keeping him away.

The first week he went through it okay, though in a sour mood. His family noticed it, and Matt even stopped joking with him about the slow police car chase that had transpired in early February. His mother and father, and even Lucy had tried to get what was bothering him out, but he didn't want to talk. He was still angry.

The second week, though, that's when it happened. That's when he screwed up. He was hanging around Morris, a senior and somewhat friend, and heard about this party his friends were having, and got himself invited. It was Friday, and he couldn't hang with Terry, so why shouldn't he go out and have fun? He even managed to convince his parents it'd be fine.

It wasn't fine, though. He came home drunk. The worst part was, Simon thought that part of him deliberately got drunk. He was hurting emotionally, and needed to get it out. He knew he shouldn't have drunk what Morris' friends had given him. The smell alone alerted him to its toxic nature. But he didn't care. He was a man, and he wanted to get the pain out. He got more than he bargained for.

He had gotten his siblings in trouble, as well as himself. And while he might not admit it to his parents, he did learn a pretty valuable lesson. He was on restriction for a month, which meant that even if Terry was available June first, Simon himself wouldn't be available until two weeks later. There was an exception to the restriction. The first week of June Terry had stopped by and talked with his father a moment. Shortly thereafter, Terry had come up and spoke to Simon about his irresponsibility.

Being dressed down by a parent or sibling is one thing, but when it's from the person you love, it hits home threefold. Surprisingly, Terry didn't talk too long about it, nor was he harsh. In fact, he talked about first time drinking as if he had dealt with it before. Granted, with all of Terry's experiences outside of Glen Oak, Simon supposed it was possible he had dealt with this before.

Terry wrapped up the little talk and hugged Simon, telling him they'd see each other at school, and that he'd be looking forward to when Simon could go out with him again. Simon felt horrible. He let his boyfriend down, and what was worse, as he discovered the next day, Terry had made plans for them that evening as sort of a celebratory dinner. He had even paid a small deposit for the table. Lucy told him all about it, as Terry ended up taking her. She finally got the date with the handsome model Simon fell in love with.

Lacing his shoe, Simon glanced in the mirror, looking himself over. It was amazing how quickly time had passed since he had met Terry, and how much he had changed. He'd grown somewhat taller, and filled out a bit more. He also looked older than he was, more mature. Personally, he liked the look, but he wondered if Terry saw that too. Or did he see the teen he had first met, the one that was an idiot and got drunk. Simon wasn't sure, but he also knew Terry always saw the true him, through all the actions and looks, what the real Simon looked like. That was comforting enough.

Matt knocked on Simon's door and stuck his head in. "Hey, you ready to go?"

Simon grabbed his wallet and nodded. "Yeah, ready. Thanks for driving, by the way."

Matt waved his hand. "Naw, it's no problem. Anything for my little bro."

Simon raised an eyebrow. "How much?"

Matt laughed nervously and stuck a hand in his pocket. "What? I can't compliment you without expecting something in return?"

Simon simply stared at Matt.

Matt sighed. "Forty, okay? I'll pay you back tomorrow."
Simon shook his head and handed Matt two twenties from his wallet. "I'll need them back tomorrow, too. I plan to do some shopping."

"No problem. So, let's get going. Terry's not going to wait forever."
Simon rolled his eyes and headed down the stairs. He knew Terry would wait forever for him. He would for Terry.
~*()*~

"You're going to Japan? When?"

"First week of August. It's only until the beginning of September. I'm helping my brother move into his room and visiting some friends."
"But...but we just got back together."

Terry patted Simon's hand. "This isn't restriction. I'll call. You can even hold onto my cell phone to make sure I get through when someone's on the line at your house."

Simon shook his head violently. "But I don't want you to go! These past six weeks-"

"Have been hard, yes. But we have almost three months to spend with each other. Outside of school. Jordon and I have spent the last couple weeks packing most of his stuff up. We have a few more things, and then we'll be set, and we don't have to pack those until the day before we get on the plane." Terry looked into Simon's eyes. "There'll be plenty of time for us. I'm just helping my brother. This is a big step for both of us. He's going to Tokyo U, and I'm going to be here without a brother, without anyone living with me, for the first time in my life." Terry ran his fingers over Simon's wrist. "Though, having you here will make things a little easier."

Simon blushed lightly. It may have been months since he and Terry began dating, but the male model always seemed to know just how to make him blush. "I don't like it."

"Neither do I, really, but it's something that has to be done, so let's enjoy it while we can, kay?" Terry smiled and picked up the check.

Simon sighed and drummed his fingers on the table. He has a point. Might as well enjoy what we can. "On one condition."

Terry blinked, pulling out the money for the bill. "A condition?"

"Could you let me pay more often? I feel like I'm taking advantage of you or something. It's just weird for me to not pay, and you've spent so much on me over the time we've met."

Terry chuckled and placed the money on the table. "Well, you certainly know how to lighten a mood." He put his wallet away and stood, patting Simon's shoulder. "Yeah, sure. So, you want to catch a movie? Arcade? Or just hang out a bit?"

"Hang out a bit." Simon stood and straightened his shirt.
Terry nodded and headed off towards the night promenade, Simon at his side.

~*()*~

"Hey Mrs. Camden."

Annie looked to her left to find Jordon standing next to her, holding a half-full grocery cart. She smiled. "Good morning, Jordon. What're you doing here?"

Jordon raised an eyebrow. "What does anybody do at a grocery store?"

"I meant what are you doing here, in the store. Simon said you and Terry like to order food online."

Jordon shrugged. "Sometimes I like to go shopping myself. You know, the need to actually pick up and look over what you're buying."

Annie nodded. "I know what you mean." She leaned on her cart slightly. "But I thought Terry said you had a major paper to write. You wouldn't be avoiding it, would you?"

Jordon ducked his head. "No. Of course not."

Annie smirked. "Your family's as bad at lying as mine."

Jordon stuck out his tongue. "So I'm avoiding my schoolwork. I'm allowed to do that every now and then." He looked at the shelves and picked up a can of pears. "I'm also getting ready to go to Japan. I love their cuisine, but every now and then I just need to have American food."

"You're going to Japan?"

Jordon blinked and tilted his head. "You mean Terry or Simon didn't tell you?" He tossed the can into the cart. "I'm moving to Japan for graduate school. Tokyo U, actually."

"Is that a good school?" Annie started walking slowly down the aisle.

Jordon followed at her side, scanning the food items on the shelves as they went. "Considering it's nearly impossible to get into and is practically world renowned, yeah. Better than Yale or Harvard." Jordon wrinkled his nose. "Those are too stuck up, and they pamper students too much. Tokyo U is fast paced, challenging, and keeps it friendly." Jordon picked up another can, this time of canned peaches. Naw, they have peaches. He set the can back down.

"Is Terry going to follow you after he graduates?" Annie picked up the canned peaches Jordon set down and set them in her cart. "I don't think Simon would like that very much."

Jordon shook his head. "He wouldn't be caught dead enrolling."

"Why not? You're going."

"But Terry's really different from me." Jordon looked at her. "You should know that by now. He's a model, I'm a research assistant. He rides a motorcycle, I drive a car. I'm going to Tokyo U, he doesn't want to leave the States."

Annie leaned closer to Jordon. "That's the only reason?"

Jordon sighed. "No. Dad went to Tokyo U. In fact, Yaguchi has a relatively long alumni history there."

Annie nodded again. "So he has a personal grudge against it."

"Basically, yeah. He partially blames the Yaguchi family for why he was rejected." Jordon paused. "You realize you can't tell anyone about this. Including Terry."

"Yeah, I figured that out."

Jordon stopped at the end of the aisle and looked over the meat counter opposite it. "I'm surprised you're in such a good mood. After last night, I mean."

"What happened last night?"

"You know. What Terry and Simon did?"

Annie gave him a questioning look.

Jordon winced internally. "Okay, forget I mentioned it."

Annie grabbed Jordon's arm. "Oh no, buddy. You're not getting away. What'd they do? Not-"

"No, no. Heaven's no." Jordon looked around, then moved closer to Annie. "Terry learned it from me, and I learned it from mom. It's kind of hereditary."

"What?"

Jordon glanced around again, then lowered his voice. "Terry gave Simon a hickey."

Annie blinked. "That's it?"

Jordon frowned. "Terry said last time Simon got a hickey you flipped."

"Last time Simon was too young. And it's better than...well, you know. Considering how much those two are in love with each other, I guess it's only natural something like this would happen."

Jordon relaxed and stood back up. "Well, I'm glad you see it that way." He looked at his watch. "I've got to go. Finish that report and all. I'll talk to you later."

"Say hi to Terry for me." Annie waved as Jordon rounded the corner of the aisle. Then her smile fell and she shook her head. Simon Camden you're in big trouble when I get home.

~*()*~

"Kouhaku! Sorry I'm late. I had a great dinner with Simon and slept in a bit so-" Terry paused, dropping his jacket on the table. "Kouhaku?" Terry stepped inside, looking around. "Amber? You here?" He frowned as he heard some noises coming from the clothing rack. Walking over, he pushed the clothes aside to reveal Amber, only the raven-haired teen was sitting on the ground with an upset expression on her face. He knelt next to her. "Amber? What's wrong?"

"What's wrong? Nothing. Nothing at all." Amber wiped her eyes and looked at the ceiling. "The guy I've had a crush on for years is moving away and he hasn't said a single good-bye."

Terry sat on the ground and crossed his legs. "You have a crush on some guy? Why didn't you tell me? We always tell each other everything."

"Not in this case." Amber looked at her friend, her light-colored eyes filled with more tears ready to be shed. "He's very close to you."

Terry sat back, resting his chin on his hand. Close to me? Simon isn't going anywhere, it can't be Matt, we're not that close. My ex-boyfriends are all in a different town. The only other guy would be- "Jordon?"

Amber nodded.

Terry's jaw dropped. The model that had befriended him all those years ago was now admitting that, for all the time they'd been together, she liked his brother. "Why didn't you say something? I would've set you up."

Amber chuckled darkly. "He's got Sakura, remember?"

Terry could've hit himself. He had forgotten about the woman his brother loves. So all those times I was telling her about Sakura...I must've really hurt her feelings. "Well, I'm sure it'll get better and you'll find someone else." Terry rubbed Amber's shoulder. "Out of sight, out of mind, ne?"

"Not really." She held out an envelope to Terry.

Terry blinked and took it, removing the paper and giving her a questioning look. What's this about? He skimmed the paper, and his eyes widened. "You! You're going-"

"Tokyo U. Yeah." She chuckled again. "I tried the test just for the Hell of it. I never thought...I never thought I'd get in."

Terry set the paper down. She's going to be seeing aniki all the time, and with Sakura. He shook his head. Why didn't I notice it? I must be losing my focus with age. "Well, it's a big campus...?"

Amber gave him a dubious look.

Terry held up his hands. "I don't know what to say, Kouhaku."

"Anta no baka?"

Terry nodded. "Yeah, in this case I am. I...have no clue where to begin. Or what I can do to help. Aniki and I try to stay out of each other's love life."

Amber sighed. "To be honest, I don't know what you could do to help either. But...we're going to be on the same plane to get over there, we're going to be on the same campus, probably share a couple of the same classes. How am I going to deal with that?"

"You could go to the Kyoto extension of Tokyo U."

Amber snorted.

"Just a suggestion." Terry looked at his watch. "You wanna blow off the morning shoots and go hang somewhere? Maybe get some ice cream or something?"

Amber shook her head. "I just need to pull myself together. You do the shoot. I'll see you later."

"You sure?" Terry hopped back up into he kneeling position.

"Yeah, I'm sure."

Terry looked to the ceiling and stood. "Alright. You have my number if you want to talk or anything. And even if I'm out with Simon, you can call."

"I know. But for now..."

"You just want to be alone, I understand. I'll tell them to find another model." Terry slid the clothes back into place and headed for the main studio. Damn, I completely missed that Amber liked Jordon. I'm losing my touch.

~*()*~

"So he's going away for a month. At least you can still talk with him."

Simon frowned at Lucy. "Way to be supportive."
"Well, I'm sorry Simon, but you do have almost three months before he goes. I don't know why you're worrying over a lousy month that's so far in the future."

"Maybe because I love him and I miss him when he's not around!"

Lucy raised an eyebrow at Simon. "Really?"

Simon snapped his mouth shut and his frown evolved into a scowl. "Really what? I've said I love him before."

"Yes, but you've said you've loved lots of people. You're sure this is love-love, and not just crush-love?"

"I'm sure. I've never been more sure of anything in my life." Simon crossed his arms.

"So what's stopping you from telling him how you feel? It might change his mind."

"Because he's going for his brother, and he wants to say good-bye. He's seeing his brother off."
"Like we are with Matt?"

Simon's scowl melted away and he looked at the floor, his posture slumping slightly. "Yeah...like we are with Matt."

"If you could go with Matt to help him move in, wouldn't you?"

Simon nodded, slowly realizing what Lucy was getting at. "Terry's going with Jordon, like I would with Matt."

Lucy nodded and patted Simon's shoulder. "Now you've got it."

Simon looked up at his older sister. "So it's selfish of me to want him to stay."

Lucy sat next to her brother on his bed. "Well, a little, but you're also just coming out of a time when you couldn't see him for six weeks, and he's been the only thing on your mind. I'm sure that by the time three months pass, you'll be ready for a month break."

Simon shook his head. "I don't think so, but I'll probably be more understanding by then." He fiddled with his watch. "Thanks."

"No problem." Lucy stood and headed for the door.

Simon picked up his guitar, the one Terry had given him for Christmas, and strummed it lightly, thinking over the conversation. Wanting him to stay is selfish. But...I'm afraid that if he goes away...he'll find someone better. It wasn't an unreasonable fear, considering that'd happened with a couple girlfriends he'd really liked. I've got to trust in Terry. He wouldn't do that to me. He wouldn't.

~*()*~

In Simon's opinion, the summer passed way too quickly. A few days after his date with Terry, Matt returned home with information that he was going to be married. Simon was proud, though a little worried. Sarah was Jewish, and he wasn't sure how she, or her family, would react to the truth of his orientation. Matt fixed that dilemma for Simon by telling him to let Terry know not to reveal the truth, at least not yet. He would tell her after the marriage, after they were settled in New York. He just wanted his last few weeks and marriage to go as smoothly as possible.

Simon was slightly hurt, but he understood. If the truth came out before the wedding, it could add strain to the conflicting families, at worse destroy the impending marriage. Terry had agreed to go along, and Simon and he went back to dating discreetly inside the Camden household. One thing that did irk Simon was that the wedding plans cut into his time with Terry, who would be leaving a day or two after the big event.

Another thing that cut into his time was the arrival of Mary, along with two guys named Ben and Kevin. With the increase of strangers in the house, he had even less time with Terry, and it was more difficult to keep Terry to himself. The day after their arrival, Terry planned to take Simon out, only his plans changed due to the twins outgrowing their cribs. Terry came over to help, so that he and Simon would have some time together, but Lucy got to Terry first for her own reasons.

"So, what do you think?"

Terry pushed the kitchen door open slightly and looked at the taller brother, the one named Kevin. "Well, he's cute. Not as cute as Simon, but cute."

Lucy crossed her arms. "You're biased."

Terry closed the door and stood next to her, picking up the can of soda she had gotten out for them. "You asked. So he's a policeman, you say?"

Lucy nodded. "Yeah. And his brother's a fireman."

"I personally wouldn't want my boyfriend in either profession. I'd worry too much. But that's me. You'll do fine, I'm sure."

Lucy nodded. "And Kevin said he's really good at what he does."

"I'm sure. I've found that police officers tend to be a bit arrogant at times, and want to run the world." Terry smirked and patted Lucy's arm. "Something tells me you'll keep him in check, though."

"Gee, thanks." Lucy rolled her eyes.

Terry shook his drink a bit. "With everything that's going on with Matt, is he Christian?"

"Catholic."

Terry winced. "Ah, don't mention my orientation or Simon's to him."

Lucy tilted her head. "Why not?"

"Catholics are one of the strongest advocates against homosexuality, which is actually hypocritical in many respects, but that's another discussion."

Lucy bit her lip. "That could be a problem." She set her soda down and crossed her arms. "Well, I'll tell him eventually. And he'll just have to live with it. Someone I love has to accept my entire family."

"That's good to hear. Tell Simon to keep a low profile too."

Lucy nodded.

"Hey Luce, I-" Kevin paused when he saw Terry with Lucy. "Hello."

Terry smiled. "Kevin." Terry patted Lucy's arm. "I'll chat with you later. Have fun, and don't do anything I wouldn't do."

Lucy choked on her drink and whapped Terry on the back as went by. "Why you-"

Terry laughed and exited the Camden household.

Kevin looked between Lucy and the back door. "Who was that?"

"Just a friend of Simon and myself." She waved her hand. "He's harmless. So," Lucy wrapped her arm around Kevin's, "what is it you needed?"

The fact he had missed Terry that day upset Simon, but he was further upset by the fact that a couple days later Matt chose Robbie, who wasn't even true family, to be the best man. The day he had found out, he'd called Terry to complain, or vent, he wasn't sure which.

"It's just not fair, Terry! I'm his brother! Why would he pick Robbie over me?"

"I'm sure he has his reasons, Simon. And you should tell him what you're feeling. But also keep in mind that this is Matt's wedding, and no matter how entangled the families are, Matt and Sarah have the final say because it's their special day. Maybe Matt doesn't want to burden you with best man dealings so you can enjoy the wedding with him."

"I doubt it."

"Look, I've got to go get my brother. His car broke down, baka that he is. I'll be there tonight for the rehearsal dinner. Oh, and tell Ruthie I'm sorry again about missing that special memorial. But I did something in the name of that Sergeant."

And then Terry hung up. Simon didn't mind. He had to think over everything that they had said. He decided in the end to talk a bit with Terry at the dinner before confronting Matt. Unfortunately, Terry never showed up. The next day Simon discovered why: Jordon wasn't at the car when Terry arrived, and Terry spent hours driving around trying to find him. By the time he and Jordon returned to Glen Oak, the dinner was over.

Simon took Terry's advice, and let Matt have his way, making peace with himself and with Robbie. And Terry did have a point. He enjoyed the wedding more without having to worry about all the best man duties. And he even got to say a small toast to his brother at the dinner. After Matt and Sarah had left, he went out with Terry, and the two of them retreated to the Camden church. It was empty, so they had complete privacy. Terry brought Simon to the front pew and sat facing him. Simon could tell by the look on his boyfriend's face that he had something important to say.

"Simon. I know you're going to be lonely while I'm gone, and I'm going to miss you. But I want you to know that, no matter what happens, I love you, and I would never leave and not come back, or pick up someone and forget about you, or anything even remotely like those. I don't want you to worry."

Simon nodded. He couldn't promise he wouldn't worry. It was in his nature to worry about people he cared about, but he would try not to think about the worst things that could happen.

"So you won't worry about me, ne?" Terry took Simon's hand and held it between his own, his golden brown eyes meeting Simon's gray ones. "It'll be alright, and when I come back, it'll just be you and me. I promise. Less work, less school, and more of us."

Simon nodded and scooted closer. "I believe you." And he did. He knew Terry wouldn't lie. Not to him. "I love you."

"I love you too." Terry leaned forward and kissed Simon, wrapping an arm around the blond's waist.

Simon slid his hand out of Terry's and both of his hands found their way around Terry's torso. Neither Simon or Terry moved from that position, and Simon instinctively knew this was the last time they'd have to be with each other until Terry returned. So he enjoyed it, immersing himself in the moment.

"Ahem."

Terry sighed through his nose and pulled away.

Simon's shoulders slumped and he turned to glare at the person who had interrupted them.

"Son, if you're going to make out, can you not do it in my church?"

Simon felt himself turn red. His father had found them kissing in his church. One of the best kisses he'd ever had.

Terry smoothed his jacket and looked at Eric. "I guess we stayed a little too long."

"Thirty minutes. I'd say you're understating."

Simon's eyes widened. The drive over and talk couldn't have taken longer than fifteen minutes. We've been kissing for fifteen minutes?!

Terry looked at his watch. "I should get going, anyway. Aniki's waiting for me." He kissed Simon briefly. "I'll see you when I get back."

Simon stood with Terry and watched as his boyfriend left. When he heard the doors close, he looked at his dad. "You just had to interrupt, didn't you."

Eric crossed his arms. "My church isn't a make-out place. Now come on. We've been wondering where you vanished to."

Simon sighed and walked over to Eric. "I just went out with Terry for a bit. He's leaving soon."

Eric put an arm around Simon's shoulder. I'm sure it'll be fine, Simon. You and he had a great summer together, and he'll be back before you know it. And you'll have your license, so you can drive him around for a change."

Simon nodded and ran a hand through his hair. "Yeah. I'm sure you're right. He just...wanted to say bye."

Eric rubbed his back. "Well, that was some good bye."

~*()*~

Jordon looked up as Terry came into the house. "So did you say your good bye?"

"Yes, I did." Terry sat on the couch and threw an arm over his eyes. "Then Eric came and ruined the moment."
"Your moment ran over by twenty minutes. I've been here packing by myself waiting for you to get back." Jordon came over and sat next to his brother. "You've got it bad for him."

"No wonder you're the genius of the family."

"Urusai, bakayaro." Jordon rested his head back and closed his eyes.

Terry didn't move. "You know what I was thinking when I was kissing Simon? It was the stupidest thing."

Jordon tilted his head towards Terry. "You think of a stupid thing? This I've got to hear."

Terry elbowed his brother. "Now who's the jerk."

Jordon waited a few minutes. "So, what was it?"

"What was what?"

"The stupid thought you had."

"Oh, that." Terry put his arm down and stared at the ceiling. "I was thinking that I was glad we had visited Glen Oak that one time, and that I liked it so much that I came back. If we had gone to San Francisco like you wanted, I never would've known of this place, never met Simon."

Jordon watched his brother a moment before reaching over and ruffling his hair. "That's not so stupid, ototou."

"It is when you're kissing the love of your life."

Jordon wrinkled his nose. "Well, not too stupid. You think I haven't thought about how grateful I am that I ran into Sakura?"

"When you were kissing her?"

"A couple times."

Terry chuckled. "So, how much is left to pack?"

"Not much more. Just what we're taking on the plane."

"I've been packed for the plane for days."

Jordon rolled his eyes. "I'm almost done. We can probably just rest up tonight and finish tomorrow before we head for the airport."

Terry stretched, but made no other efforts to move. "Do you ever think about that time?"

Jordon scratched his nose and closed his eyes. "You mean the first time?"

"Yeah."

"Every now and then I see something that reminds me of it, yeah."

"Things have changed since then."

"It's only been four years."

"A lot can happen in four years. Your hair went back to normal, for one thing."

Jordon rested his arms on his chest. "True. Then you went and dyed it blue."

Terry shrugged as an apology. "Sometimes I miss that time. Things were so much simpler, then."

"For you, maybe."

Terry smirked. "Oh, I don't know. Now that I think about it, school was a bit of a hassle."

"Oi. I remember that."

Terry yawned. "Well, let's get some sleep before tomorrow."

Jordon glanced at his watch. "It's tomorrow, ototou."

"Then let's get some sleep before dawn." Terry yawned again, then he fell over against his brother. "Night."

Jordon pushed at Terry slightly before giving up and getting himself comfortable enough to sleep. "Night."

As Terry was drifting to sleep, memories of four years ago invaded his dreams...

~*()*~

After all that time, Terry still couldn't believe his brother had returned from Japan. Two years, had passed, and Terry could only stare at how much his older brother had changed. More specifically, he was staring at how much his brother's hair had changed.

And the staring was getting to Jordon. "What?"

"I just can't believe...you bleached it. You, of all people."

Jordon shrugged. "I wanted to separate myself from the other students."

"But bleaching it?"

"The gaijin look is in, that's all."

Terry sighed and reached over, fingering the thin pony tail that was tied and resting on Jordon's shoulder. "And long hair?"

Jordon batted Terry's hand away. "You wouldn't understand."

"Try me."

Jordon closed an eye, thinking. "How can I put this in terms you'd get." He snapped his fingers. "The Tamahome look is in."

Terry snorted. "I'm not a kid, and neither are you."

"Hey, it's true, though." Jordon ruffled his brother's short hair. "You should try long hair. It'd probably make you even more popular with the girls."

"I don't want to be more popular with girls, aniki. That's your department."

"Oh yeah, the whole gay thing."

"'The whole gay thing?' You're gone for two years, hardly visit, and you think my orientation is a casual, unimportant thing?" Terry whapped Jordon's arm. "Hidoi."

Jordon laughed. "I'm kidding. You're my little brother. It's my job to tease you."

Terry growled. "Sure, Jordon. Poke the bear."

Jordon's laughter died down to a chuckle. "Seriously, try it long. It's going to be the in thing in America." He brushed Terry's hair back.

Terry pulled his head away and decided to change the subject. "So, you excited?"

The laughter died completely and Jordon grumbled. He and his brother were sitting in first-class on a flight from San Diego to a small city. He crossed his arms and his face took on a pout. "I'd rather be going to San Francisco. There's more to do there."

"We've been to SF before. And you've been in a big city for two years. I'd think you'd want to get out of it."

"Well, I don't. I like big cities."

"Tough. I've been living in a cramped apartment with my sensei and an impersonal big city. I've never even been to a small town."

"The apartments were never cramped. And small towns are dull. Absolutely nothing exciting happens."

"Well I have two weeks to kill, and mom wants me to see what public school is like in case sensei can't return."

Jordon choked on the water he was drinking. "You? Public school?"

Terry handed Jordon a napkin. "What? I can cut it."

"Yes, but can they cut you? Not many thirteen-year-olds are gay models."

"What's that got to do with anything?"
Jordon pinched the bridge of his nose. "Ototou, since you've lived in LA for the past six months, this'll come as a big shock. Most early teenagers aren't like you. And most small towns are homophobic and entertainment-phobic. I'd keep your orientation and job hidden."

Terry rubbed his eyes. "Fine."

Jordon leaned back and looked out the window. "So what's the name of this forsaken place?"

"It's not forsaken. It looks really nice and friendly. And it's called Glen Oak."

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

Kendo: Japanese fencing

Boken: wooden sword

Kouhaku: Amber

Ne: right

Aniki: older brother

Baka: idiot

Urusai: shut up

Bakayaro: jerk

Ototou: little brother

Gaijin: foreigner

Hidoi: mean

Anta no baka: Are you an idiot

Author's Prattle: Yes, I know, this chapter came out way too fast, but it had to be done. I tried to tie into the timeline, but I had to make some assumptions of timing of episodes. And to those I promised to reveal the brothers' past in Glen Oak, I'm afraid it's going to have to wait until part two. Again, I don't know when it'll be out, but considering the writing streak I'm having with this fic, it could be as soon as the end of the month. Tamahome is a character from Fushigi Yugi, another anime (I'm just throwing them in left and right, aren't I?) by Yu Watase. And let's thank Luna once more for helping me with the Japanese. Ah well. As always, please review!