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

By Cypher

Chapter Eighteen: Matters of the Heart, Matters at Hand

"I still feel so guilty for saying that. And now he's in surgery."

Terry rubbed Simon's back. He would hug his boyfriend, but unfortunately they were in a hospital lounge. Ten days had passed since Terry's return, and while Simon was now off restriction, his father, Eric, had to have bypass surgery, so they were staying at the hospital for the day. "You were upset, Simon."

"But I meant it! That's why it feels so bad." Simon closed his eyes.

"At the bowling alley, you said you were scared of what would happen if you weren't around to teach the things that you want me to learn. I'll tell you what would happen if you weren't around. I'd be a normal guy, without having to live up to your ideas of what's right and what's wrong. I'd be out there making my own mistakes, learning my own lessons, without having to be treated like some juvenile delinquent. I'd be less in the spotlight, part of the crowd. I'd be happy."

"Simon, you don't mean that."

"I think I do."

"I love you."

"Just love me less, would you?"

"Your a teenager, Simon. Every teenager rebels in their own way. You were expressing your feelings, which is more than most people do. You meant it at the time, but now you're sorry for it. It happens. I've said hurtful things to Jordon, and we've always made up. And you apologized. He's forgiven you, and everything will be fine when it's over."

"But your brother was never in heart surgery! What if he doesn't make it? What if I don't have the chance to truly make up for what I said?" Simon rubbed his eyes.

"You can't think like that. He'll make it through this."

"You don't know that."

Terry sighed. "I can hope." He looked at his watch. "Why don't you go get something to eat, take some time to think about what you're going to say after he comes out of surgery. Maybe talk to someone about Claire, too, hmm?"

Simon nodded and got up, leaving Terry alone in the waiting room.

From being angry at Mary and Matt to still being upset at what happened with Claire to just being upset with himself. Nothing like a medical crisis to stir an emotional storm. He stood and headed for the waiting room Annie was in.

She looked up at he approached. "Where's Simon?"

"Off thinking. He might leave for a while, but he'll be back."

Annie smiled weakly. "Thanks."

Terry shrugged and sat on the floor in front of a chair, crossing his legs. "He's got inner demons to quell. I'm helping how I can, but it ultimately depends on him."

"I guess."

"How're you holding up?"

"Okay, considering the circumstances."

"You don't look okay."

Annie leaned back in her chair. "My husband's having surgery. Wouldn't you be anxious if it were Simon?"

"Touche." Terry closed his eyes, taking some calming breaths.

Annie watched him for a moment, before she realized he was entering a meditative state. How can he meditate at a time like this? Well, it isn't the man he loves in surgery. "How can you be so calm? Don't you fear for Eric's life?"

Terry blinked and opened his eyes. "Annie, I consider Eric a very dear friend, and I am worried. But worrying isn't going to do anything. We have to think positively. Negative thoughts will only make the situation worse." He shifted his weight, moving slightly. "Besides, it's just a heart bypass."

"Just a heart bypass? You say that as if it's nothing."

"It isn't nothing, and with any surgery there's a chance of something going wrong, but bypass surgery is successfully completed hundreds of times a day all over the country. I know it's difficult for those really close to the person in surgery, but it's not a difficult or very risky procedure. It's pretty standard, actually."

"That doesn't help."

"I wasn't trying to help, I was explaining why I'm so calm. You see, Annie, panicking won't help Eric or us. All we can do is pray and send Eric good thoughts. That's what I'm trying to do, and that's all any of us can do. So I'll offer emotional support for all of you, and I'll wish Eric well, but I am not going to go nuts worrying."

Annie crossed her arms. "I am not going nuts. I'm just worried about my husband."

Terry closed his eyes. "I never said you were nuts."

I'm sure. Annie let Terry get his meditation underway and tried to calm herself down. Despite the implication that she was nuts, he did make a good point that panicking wasn't going to help Eric. Doesn't mean I'll stop worrying, though.

~*()*~

Terry finished wiping down the Camden kitchen counter and pulled the gloves off his hands. After he had learned Eric made it through the surgery and the family had visited him, he drove over to the Camden household. He knew the Camden family wouldn't be home for at least another few hours, and the baby-sitter of Sam and David probably wanted to go home.

So he went to the house, took over the baby-sitting and relived the current baby-sitter, then put the twins to bed. They're getting big fast. I wonder if Simon looked like that when he was little. Note to self, find photo albums with Simon as a kid.

After Sam and David were asleep, he went downstairs and began cleaning the house a bit. It was depriving Annie of something she probably needed to channel her feelings, but Terry believed that one should confront their feelings, not ignore it and put its energy into another task. Besides, it's not like I'm doing the laundry. He almost had done that, but after seeing the pile size, he had decided against it.

So he cleaned up the kitchen. Washed the dishes, the floor, the counters, whatever needed his attention he focused on. As he finished, he looked at the fridge. I wonder... He went over and opened it, eyeing its contents. I'll cook some things for them. Annie doesn't need that chore while she recovers emotionally. He closed the door and glanced at his watch. Not bad for eighty minutes.

"Terry?"

Terry turned and smiled at Simon. "Hey, welcome back."

Simon walked in, surprised at the clean kitchen. "I wondered where you went. I didn't think you'd...have you been cleaning all evening?"

Terry rubbed Simon's shoulder. "Of course not. I put the twins to bed, too."

Annie walked in behind Simon, setting her purse on a chair and grabbing the dish gloves Terry had recently discarded. She paused putting them on, however, when she saw no dishes in the sink. "Where...?" She looked around.

"I cleaned up while you were calming down." Terry went over and gently took the gloves from her. "You guys should head for bed. It's been a hard day for all of you."

Simon walked over to Terry and hugged him, resting his chin on his shoulder. "Thanks."

Terry rubbed Simon's back. He could tell Simon had gotten out everything that was weighing on him by how relaxed and peaceful his body felt. I'm glad you're feeling better. I was beginning to worry.

Simon pulled away and rubbed his eyes. The emotional strain of the day was catching up to him. He hadn't felt this tired since, well, since he'd told the family about being gay. "I'll see you tomorrow, kay?"

"Of course." Terry watched Simon retreat upstairs, stopping only briefly to hug his mother.

Annie waited until Simon was gone, then nodded at Terry. "Thanks. You didn't have to."

Terry shrugged. "You would've done it for me." He smiled and nodded towards the stairs. "Now go, check on your twins and get some sleep. I know you want to."

Annie patted the counter before turning and following Simon upstairs.

Terry closed his eyes and rested against the fridge door. Poor guys. Sarah's probably called Matt to let him know it went well. As for Mary...someone will tell her.

"What're you doing here?"

Ah yes. I forgot he lived here too. Terry opened his eyes and eyed the elder Kinkirk brother. "Resting my eyes. What'd it look like?"

Kevin crossed his arms. "You know what I mean. Shouldn't you be at your home?"

Terry pushed off from the fridge and slid around Kevin, grabbing his jacket from the peg by the door. "Now that the Camdens are home, yeah."

"What are you even doing here in the first place?"

Terry shrugged his jacket on and raised an amused eyebrow. "Who died and made you Matt?" He searched his pockets for his keys. "Not that it matters, but I cleaned the kitchen for Annie and the others. I figured with everything that went on today, they would be pretty exhausted and not want to have to deal with the mess."

"Fine." Kevin stepped towards Terry. "Now can you tell me what this family is hiding about you?"

Terry shrugged. "It's a need to know basis." He pulled his keys out and grabbed his helmet from a chair.

"I'm a police officer, and I'm marrying into this family. I have a right to know."

Terry laughed lightly and picked up the phone. "Hello, ego patrol? I'd like to report a major spillage."

Kevin frowned, taking another step towards his intended target.

Terry hung up the phone. "Look, Kevin, you're a nice guy, but we'll tell you when we're ready. And FYI, being a police officer does not give you special privileges." He opened the backdoor. "My mom's ruined enough police careers that I know you're as human as I am, and deserve no special dispensation for your position. Now, I suggest you get some sleep too. You have work tomorrow." Terry shut the door.

Ben walked into the kitchen and shoved his hands in his pockets. "Who ya glaring at?"

Kevin turned around. "This Terry guy."

"Is he the one you were telling me about? Suspicious, no history, and hangs around Lucy a lot."

"That's the one." Kevin looked at the backdoor as he heard a motorcycle pull away. "I'll find out what he's hiding."

Ben shrugged. "Maybe it's not that important."

"No, it is. So important that Lucy's keeping it a secret from me."

Ben rubbed his chin. "I could talk to Ruthie."

"Good luck. No, I just have to catch him when he's off balance." Kevin went out the back door, heading for the garage.

Ben shook his head and followed his brother.

~*()*~

Annie yawned and headed downstairs. It was six-thirty in the morning, and no matter how much she wanted to sleep, it was her duty to get everyone up and moving, back to a normal schedule of going to school.

Going in the kitchen and grabbing the coffee pot, she patted the person leaning into the fridge on the back. As she was filling the pot with water, however, she realized something. All the kids are in bed, Kevin and Ben sleep until later. That means-

A hand rested on her shoulder and she jumped, yelling and throwing the pot into the air.

Terry caught it, though his upper body was soaked with the water that had been spilled. He closed his eyes a moment, then looked at Annie. "Good morning to you too."

"Terry, you scared me!"

"I guessed as much." Terry grabbed a towel and began wiping off his face. "Well, now I don't need to shower again for work."

"Oh, I'm sorry. It's just I wasn't fully awake and everyone's asleep so I didn't expect somebody in here."

"Speaking of being asleep, why aren't you?" Terry set the towel down and handed the pot back to the Camden matriarch.

She sheepishly took it and began filling it again. "I have to get everyone ready for school. That means making breakfast, the lunches-"

"I don't think so."

Annie looked at Terry. "Excuse me?"

Terry leaned on the counter. "Yesterday was trying for all of you. You all need a day off to recover, some physically as well as emotionally. Simon was drained when I hugged him last night, and I wouldn't be surprised if he slept until noon. Just give them another day off."

"Thanks, Terry, but I think I know what's best for my children." She took the filled pot and poured it into the coffee maker.

Terry opened the cookie jar and took one out. "Have you ever had to deal with the aftermath of a heart surgery, though?"

"No, have you?"

Terry nodded. "Well, not really heart surgery. They were repairing a lung."

Annie tilted her head. "I didn't know your mom had surgery."

"Not my mom. A friend of mine from Denver. His father got shot in a robbery. The family was so exhausted none of them even got up until about one in the afternoon the next day." He munched on the cookie. "Surgery is a strenuous thing. The patient isn't the only one who needs time for recovery. Give them a day, then put them back on schedule."

Annie poured in the coffee grounds and turned on the machine, thinking. She finally looked at Terry. "Fine. One day." She put her hands on her hips. "And what are you doing here? At this hour?"

Terry put the cookie in his mouth and held up a finger. Then he went over and opened the fridge, waving his hand over the shelves.

Annie pulled one of the saran-wrapped dishes out. "You cooked for us?"

Terry finished the cookie and nodded. "I figured you'd be too tired to cook, and this would give you a break to handle whatever you needed to. Emotionally, or around the house. There's enough for today and tomorrow. After that, you're on your own."

She pulled the wrap back and sniffed it. "Thanks. What is this?"

"Game hen. It's prepared, just needs to sit in the over for a while. Ask Simon, he knows how to handle it." Terry looked at his watch. "I've got to go. I stayed up most of the night cooking, and now I've got to head to a quick photo shoot before school." He headed for the door. "You want me to stop by after school?"

"Yeah, that'd be great. Simon would appreciate it too."

Terry smiled and left.

Simon came down a few minutes later, scratching his head, and looked at his mother, who was now sniffing another plate. "Did I hear Terry?"

"You just missed him. He'll be back this afternoon." She looked over at her son. He had deep, dark circles under his eyes, and he leaned on the wall, swaying slightly. "You should go back to bed."

"So should you."

Annie put the dish back and closed the fridge. Just as the coffee's coming out, too. Still, both he and Terry had a point, and she was pretty tired. I've got things to do. And the twins'll be on their normal rhythm. "I'll take a nap later. You go back to bed, get as much sleep as you need." There was no response, and she glanced over at Simon.

Simon was asleep against the wall.

Annie smiled lightly, went over and wrapped one of his arms around her neck. "Come on."

Simon was jostled awake enough to walk up the stairs without being carried. Guess I was more tired than I thought. He collapsed on his bed and fell back asleep.

Annie watched him rest for a few moments before remembering she had to take care of the twins, without Eric. Oh boy. Maybe I should've asked Terry to stay after all.

~*()*~

"Tadaima!"

Simon and Lucy looked up from the kitchen table as Terry entered the kitchen. Lucy smiled, as did Simon, though he actually got up and went over to hug his boyfriend.

Terry hugged him back. "Hey, sleepy one. Rest well?" He kissed Simon's cheek.

Simon flushed slightly. "Yeah, thanks to you. Mom told us you convinced her to let us stay home."

"From how you were yesterday, I figured you could use a break."

"Hey, what about me?" Lucy pushed out the chair across from her with her foot.

Simon and Terry walked over holding hands, before breaking their grip, Simon sitting in the chair he was before, Terry taking the seat Lucy had kicked out. "I can tell you slept well. My guess is you dreamt about your future wedding?"

Lucy shrugged and put her hands together. "Maybe."

Simon chuckled.

"So where's everyone else?"

"Well, Ruthie went with mom and the twins to do some shopping, and Robbie's at work." Simon reached over and took Terry's hand.

"Kevin's at work too, and Ben's keeping dad...keeping dad company." The smile on Lucy's face fell.

Terry noted that Simon's did as well. Well, enough's enough. He made it through fine. "Okay, enough of this moping about Eric's condition. He's fine and we need to take our minds off his state of being and concentrate on something fun." He thought for a moment. "So what do you want to be for Halloween?"

Simon shrugged. "I don't really care. Halloween's fun, but it's never been too big around here."

"You can thank dad for that." Lucy rested her arms on the table.

"Wow. It's always been a big deal at our house." Terry crossed his arms and nodded. "Every year it was something different. We loved to dress up and go to parties and contests."

"Really?" Lucy raised her eyebrows.

Simon leaned forward as well. "What was it like?"

Terry closed one eye in thought. "Well, last year..."

~*()*~

"Why do I have to be Sesshu-Maru?"

"Stop whining." Terry fiddled with the white ears on top of his head. "You get to be him because you're aniki."

"But I suck at being evil!"

Terry folded his hands into his loose-fitting red robes. "Can I take Simon out to McCarther's point?"

Jordon growled. "No! You're too young for that."

"See? You can be evil."

Jordon rolled his eyes. "I just hate this make-up and the wig and everything."

Terry strapped the sword around his waist. "I just think you're jealous because I get Kagome."

"Who'd you get to do that?"

"Kouhaku."
"Figures." Jordon looked at the claws he had pasted onto his nails. "You can take Kagome for all I care. I always thought she was a bit weak."

"Oh I'm weak, am I?"

Jordon swallowed and looked behind him to see Amber, all dressed up in a Japanese high school uniform for girls, with a bow in her hand and a quill of arrows strapped to her back. "Heh, hey Kouhaku. I didn't mean you. I meant the girl in the series, the one who can't shoot worth squat."

Amber narrowed her eyes. "Can't shoot worth squat, eh?" She pulled out an arrow and placed it against the string.

Terry quickly ducked out of the way.

Jordon took a few slow steps back. "Eep."

"You'd better believe it." Amber let the arrow fly.

Jordon dodged the shot and ran outside.

"Come back here you coward!" Amber ran after him.

Terry glanced at a clock and sighed, falling back on his couch. "We're going to be late for the party, now."

~*()*~

Lucy's mouth was hanging open. "You're kidding, right?"

Terry shook his head. "Aniki and Kouhaku came back in thirty minutes later, and he had to reapply all his make up while she and I fixed the hole in his costume."

"Were they all like that?"

Terry smiled at Simon. "No, not at all. In fact the year before..."
~*()*~

"And the winner of this year's costume contest is," the announcer, dressed as a vampire, opened the envelope from the judges. "Surprise, surprise. It's Jordon, Dax and Amber." He waited for the light applause to die down. "Jordon as Clow Reed."

Jordon stepped up onto the stage, small glasses and a slight smile on his face. His normally chaotic hair was slicked back and he was adorned in navy robes with golden inscriptions. In his right hand he held a golden staff with that had a giant sun imposed over the moon at the top of it.

"Dax as Yue."

The audience did applaud as Terry stepped up. His eyes, a bright silver, held no emotion, and he maintained his serious expression. The white robes he wore both revealed and hid his true form. Behind his bare feet rested a small train of the ponytail from his white hair. The most impressive feature, however, were the giant white wings that, while most of the time remained still, fluttered every now and then as if they were real. He took his place next to his brother, closed his eyes and crossed his arms.

"And Amber as Nakuru."

"Yay!" Amber, her hair dyed crimson with two buns on top and two pony tails behind her, bounded onto the stage, her black and red butterfly wings flapping slightly as she jumped into place next to Jordon. Her black dress had a slit up the side that showed some leg, and the top of it, disconnected from the black sleeves and red collar, helped to emphasize her form. She was grinning widely and held up her two fingers in a 'V'.

~*()*~

"That certainly sounds like fun."

Lucy rubbed her chin. "Alright, I'm curious, what happened the year before that?"

Terry tilted his head back, his eyes moving back and forth as they searched for the memory...

~*()*~

"Aniki! Why'd we have to dress in drag?" Terry was blushing and trying very hard to cover his legs.

Jordon, as red-faced as Terry, looked around before answering. "Because you wanted to do a Magic Knights Rayearth theme and none of the male costumes fit you! You were too big for Ascot and too small for Lantis."

"But..as the Magic Knights themselves?!" Terry looked down at his costume: a blue fuku with beige armor overlapping his upper chest and left shoulder, trimmed with gold and blue jewels. He had on matching boots that covered his calves up to his knees, and on his right hand was a fingerless glove with a large blue sphere. He was wearing a blue wing with hair that went down to his mid back.

"It was all that was left!" Jordon was dressed the same as Terry, with some minor differences. His fuku was emerald, as were the jewels on his armor and glove. He had on a blond wig that was shoulder length and curled inward at the edges. His boots were only ankle high, and his upper armor didn't have a large shoulder plate, but a slight one covering his left shoulder. He also wore large round glasses. "Stop complaining!"

"I'm Umi, it's my job to complain!"

"At least Kouhaku showed up so it fit the whole theme. It would've been worse if there were only two Magic Knights."

"You mean that Kouhaku?!" Terry pointed to the ground where Amber, dressed in the same armor with her shoulder plate on the right and boots calf high, was rolling on the ground laughing, her arms wrapped around her stomach. The red jewels shook from their glued position, and the pink wig of wild shoulder-length hair was about to fall off. It was obvious to everyone who she was laughing at.

Jordon sighed. "Maybe it'd be best if we just stayed home this year."

"You think?" Terry growled at Amber, then got an idea. "Hey aniki, we still have that Mokona plushie hanging around?"

Jordon nodded and left, returning after a minute with the white egg-shapped thing. "Yeah. Whatcha gonna do?"

Terry took the plushie and grinned. "I always had a mean throw. Think fast, Hikaru!" He threw the plushie straight at Amber's face.

Amber paused in laughing just long enough to get a face full of fluff.

"Ah, you know Mokona. He just loves Hikaru."

Jordon shook his head. "You shouldn't tease."

"Why?"

Amber pushed the plushie aside and glared at Terry.

Terry took a step back, then turned and ran.

Amber shot up and went after him. "A mallet! I need a mallet! Where's that damned hammerspace when you need it!"

Jordon watched the two run up and down the street outside. "You know, if you two were super-deformed, you'd look just like the anime."

"URUSAI, ANIKI!"

~*()*~

Terry glanced at Simon and Lucy. "Eh heh, nothing special. We were sick so we couldn't do anything."

"Oh." Lucy looked at the clock.

Simon looked over Terry. He doesn't think I can't read him as well as he can read me? He's lying. Simon smirked. I'll call his brother and find out the truth.

"Anyway," Terry rubbed the back of his head, "I'm going as Ranma-kun this year. I doubt you guys want to do a theme with me, but you should at least come to my party."

Simon raised an eyebrow. "You're throwing a Halloween party?"
"Well, the modeling company is. It's always a hoot, unless Disney is throwing it, then it's rather dull." Terry ran a hand through his hair. "Fortunately, they aren't throwing it this year. So, why don't you two come as my guests? Heck, invite the whole family."

"We can't." Lucy sighed. "Ruthie's going with mom and the twins to the yearly church Halloween festival. You know, safe fun for young children?"

Terry looked a little confused, but simply nodded. "So? Robbie and Eric will be here to cover the door. That leaves you two with no plans."

Lucy fiddled with her hands. "Actually, I was planning on hanging out with Kevin."

Terry chuckled. "Lucy, it's Halloween. Ten to one he's going to be on patrol."

"What?"

Simon leaned forward. "It makes sense, Luce. Glen Oak always puts out extra police on Halloween."

Lucy pouted. That means he'll be spending it with Roxanne. Her eyes narrowed.

Terry grinned. "With a face like that, you could come as the Wicked Witch of the West."

"You!" Lucy kicked Terry under the table.

Terry laughed, rubbing his leg. "Just kidding. But seriously, come to the party. If you want, come as a minister. We usually have a couple demons that you could hang out with."

Lucy rolled her eyes. "Ugh."

"Would you rather be stuck here with Robbie and do candy duty? Or at the church?"

Lucy thought it over. "Can I get back to you? I want to see if Kevin's working or not."

Terry nodded and looked at Simon. "You won't disappoint me, though, will you?"

"I guess I could find a vampire costume."

Terry wrinkled his nose. "Oh no, you're not one of those people that wear traditional costumes, are you?"

Simon glanced at Lucy, then back at Terry. "Traditional?"

"Vampire, ghost, zombie, mummy, all of those."

"Well, yeah."

Terry sighed and squeezed Simon's hand. "Please try and find something a little more original. It makes the holiday more interesting if you do something other than traditional costumes."

Simon rubbed his chin. "Well, I suppose I could call Matt and find where he put his hobo costume."

Terry dropped his head on the table. "I guess it's better than a vampire."

Simon didn't know whether to laugh or act insulted.

Terry sat back up and rubbed his forehead. "Since the three of us are together, we should talk about the other serious issue of the house."

Simon sighed. "I guess."

It took Lucy a moment, but she caught on and her face took on a serious look as well. "I can't keep hiding the truth from him."

"I'm just worried that if you tell him, your chance to be with him will vanish."

"But he's pushing, not just Lucy, but all of us. I even heard Ben trying to get Ruthie to spill." Simon looked at Terry. "We have to tell him, them, soon."

"It's not a question of how soon, it's a question of how. Homosexuality is a very delicate subject to approach, especially with Catholics."

Lucy sat up a bit. "Hey, he was willing to go to a Protestant church. Maybe he'll willingly accept our view on the subject."

Simon looked at Terry, hopeful.

Terry shook his head. "Homosexuality, abortion, cloning, all the hot topics are dangerous, and Catholics usually have the most rigid, and conservative view on the matter. We have to approach Kevin like we would a dangerous animal. With caution, respect, and not a hint of fear."

Simon blinked. "Really?"

"Terry, you can't be serious." Lucy crossed her arms. "Kevin's more understanding than that. You can't stereotype him because of his religion."

"It's not a stereotype, Lucy. It's the truth. I've met a total of one Catholic that accepts homosexuality, and he's currently serving a sentence for child molestation. Every other Catholic I've met either is disgusted, or hates gays with a passion."

"Kevin won't. He's marrying into the family, and that means accepting Simon for who he is and not caring that you two are in love. I'll just explain that, well, you two are gay and that's that."

"You can't drop a bomb like that and expect it to go well." Simon pulled his hand away from Terry and leaned towards Lucy. "Look what happened when I told the family. It worked out for me, but Kevin isn't family, and he may not just accept it. I really don't want to be the reason the man of your dreams leaves you."

"Well then what do you suggest we do? Wait until the wedding day and tell him, 'oh, Kevin, by the way, my younger brother's gay and dating that male model that's a friend of mine, hope you don't mind.' I don't think so."

Terry rubbed his forehead. "Look, I'll tell him. Before Halloween, and he can talk with you two, the family, think it over, whatever. I'll emphasize he's marrying into the family, not marrying Simon. With luck, I'll be able to tell him without too big a mess."

"Can you give me some warning so I can be out of the house?"

Terry chuckled and ruffled Simon's hair. "Cute."

"Try and make sure I'm home when you do it." Lucy looked between Simon and Terry. "I want to be there to talk to him afterwards."

"I think you should be gone, too. Give him some time to think things over before he talks to you."

"Do it when I'm there." Lucy fixated Terry with a stare.

Terry glanced at Simon, then nodded. "Fine, I'll try to do it while you're here, but no guarantees."

Lucy didn't like that answer, but accepted it. "So when will you tell him?"

"Soon. Just tell him next time he asks that he'll find out soon." Terry yawned. "Oh my, excuse me."

"You okay? You look tired." Simon leaned over and wrapped an arm around Terry's shoulder.

Terry smiled. "Fine, just really tired. I stayed up most of last night cooking for you guys. I should really head home and get a nap in before night falls."

Simon nodded. "Alright, you want me to drive you?"

"No, I'll be fine." Terry kissed Simon and stood up. "Catch you later, kay Luce?"

Lucy smiled. "Yeah. And I'll tell Kevin."

"Thanks." Terry headed for the door.

Simon followed and opened the door for him.

Terry kissed him again before putting on his helmet and heading for his bike.

Simon watched him as he got on his motorcycle and drive off.

If he's not careful, his amorous looks will give it away before Terry tells. Still, it's nice to see him in love, and happy. "You going to stand there all afternoon."

Simon closed the door and headed for the stairs. "No. I've got to prepare for school tomorrow. And Terry's right. This isn't going to be easy. Kevin loves you, but Matt was afraid if we told Sarah, the wedding would've been canceled. The same could happen to you, and I don't want to cause that. You love Kevin, and I want to see you happy with him." Simon rested his hand on the wall. "So we're worried. And we have a right to be."

"Simon, I won't blame you if Kevin can't see past a simple bias to accept the true you. You're my brother, and I'd choose you over him any day."

Simon glanced at the stairs. "I hope it doesn't come to that." He went up the stairs.

Lucy stood and went to the fridge, searching for a drink. Me either, Simon. Me either.

~*()*~
"Hey, mind if I come in?"

Ben looked back at the door leading into the room.

Eric smiled weakly and nodded. "Hey. Haven't seen you for a while."

Terry walked in and grinned, setting the bouquet of flowers on the table where numerous other gifts wishing Eric to get well soon sat. "I thought you might like some color in your room." He tugged the string on a bright blue balloon. "But it looks like you already have plenty."

Eric laughed weakly.

Ben stood. "So you're Terry."

Terry extended his hand. "And you're Ben, Kevin's younger brother."

Ben stood, took the hand, and shook it. After doing that, he put his hands in his pockets. "So, what're you doing here?"

Terry covered a yawn with his hand. "Just making a quick stop before I head home to sleep."

"So early?"

"I was up half the night making life easier for Eric's family." Terry looked over his shoulder. "Listen, Ben, could you give Eric and I a bit of privacy?"

"Well," Ben glanced at Eric, who nodded, and sighed, "I guess I cold go grab something from the cafeteria."

Terry wrinkled his nose. "I'd suggest the vending machine. Less likely a chance you'll die from food poisoning."

Ben shook his head and left.

Terry went over and sat by Eric's bed. "I also thought you might like some music." He handed a CD to the bedridden minister. "It's a burned copy of instrumental music from Monterey Bay Aquarium. Very relaxing, very soothing."

Eric looked over the case for a moment before setting it to the side. "Thanks. I just wish I had something to play it on."

Terry hit his head. "I knew I was forgetting something."

Eric watched Terry. "So what else did you want to talk about?"

Terry raised an eyebrow. "You Camdens are getting way too perceptive of me." Terry glanced out the door, making sure Ben wasn't back yet, then leaned forward and lowered his voice. "I've decided to tell Kevin. About Simon and I."

"You sure that's wise?"

"It'll be fine, Eric. I just wanted to tell you in case Ben or Kevin came to ask you some questions or something afterwards. I don't want you worrying about it. Just concentrate on healing."

"You sure? Kevin may leave Lucy."

"I said don't worry about it. And he won't. He loves Lucy too much to let something like this get to him. It'll just take some getting used to. That's all." Terry patted Eric's hand. "Now rest. I'll visit later in the week, bring you a book and a CD player." He shook his head. "Some genius I am, huh? I bring you a CD and forget the machine needed to play it."

Eric closed his eyes. "It's okay."

Terry nodded and stood. "You go back to resting. I'll find Ben." He headed for the door.

"Terry?"

Terry paused, halfway to the door, and turned around. "Yeah?"

"I'm glad you're with Simon. And with the family."

Terry ran a hand through his hair. "Thanks. Get well soon." Terry exited the door and began searching for Ben. I just hope it goes as well as I promised. Otherwise you're going to be coming home to a rather upset Lucy.

"Hey, you're done?"

Terry stopped and backed up. "There you are."

Ben stood from his seat near the waiting room. "Listen, while you're here..."

Terry tilted his head. "Yeah?"

"What is it that you can't tell Kevin or myself, or even the community. No one knows about it in the community. It's got us suspicious, and making Kevin nervous about marrying Lucy."

Terry looked at the ceiling. No wonder they're bothering the Camden siblings. "You can reassure your brother that it's nothing bad, it's just something difficult to tell others." He put on his helmet and lifted the visor. "You can also tell him that he'll find out soon. I've talked it over with Lucy and we've decided that you two should know."

"When? He's going to want a time."

"That isn't decided yet. Just tell him he'll know soon enough." Terry lowered the visor and headed for the entrance of the hospital.

Ben watched him, hands still in his pockets. This is an interesting development. He headed back towards Reverend Camden's room. I wonder what this big secret is. I should try prying it out of Ruthie again.

~*()*~
"So you really were sick?"

Jordon hated lying to Simon, but it was what Terry and he had agreed upon when explaining why they weren't at any parties that year. Besides, I don't really want to be laughed at again. I can't believe Amber talked me into that. Terry would've killed her if he'd found out it was her idea. "Yeah, sorry to disappoint you."

"Oh."

"Is he taking you to the modeling party this year?"

"He wants to, but he doesn't want me to go as a hobo or a vampire."

Jordon raised his eyebrows. "That's the only costumes you have? Geeze."

"Do they even celebrate it over there?"

"No, but there's enough anime parties that the costumes don't go to waste. Too bad you're so lanky, otherwise I'd ship you one of my simpler costumes."

"That's okay. I'll probably go as a vampire anyway. It's not like Halloween is a big deal to me."

"But it's the one time of year you can dress up as whatever you want and act however you want and get away with it." Jordon shook his head. Honestly, it's like he's been deprived of some of the most exciting times of the year. What can he go as, let's see...

"Jordon? You still there?"

"Yeah, just thinking." Jordon snapped his fingers. "Bingo. Okay, Simon, I got the perfect costume for you. It may cost a bit more than a vampire outfit, but you'll fit in better at the party."

"I don't know..."

You can't refuse this. "It'll make Terry happier. He's going all out for Halloween, and he'd love it if you joined him."

Simon was silent, thinking it over.

Jordon could practically hear the wheels in his head turning over the phone, weighing the cost of buying a new costume to making Terry happy.

"Alright. What's your idea?"

Jordon grinned. You owe me, ototou.

~*()*~

"So you are working Halloween?"

Kevin set down the weight he was lifting and looked over his shoulder. "Yes. It's a great overtime opportunity, and Halloween is one of the worst nights, crime-wise. Why?"

Lucy looked over Kevin's bear back. I don't care what Terry says. He's definitely better looking than Simon. Brad Pitt he is. "Okay. Terry invited me to a Halloween party being thrown where he works and I didn't want to leave you alone that night." Of course now I know you're hanging out with Roxanne, so I don't feel as bad. You pair up with a hot woman, I can hang out with a hot man. "You don't mind, do you?"

"Yes, actually, I do. I don't want you hanging out with him."

Lucy blinked. "Excuse me? Why?"

"Because he's a male model, and I don't trust him."

Lucy crossed his arms. "Let me get this straight. You work with a gorgeous woman I don't trust and you won't change partners, but I can't go out every now and then with a gorgeous guy and hang out?"

"I know Roxanne, and above that, I trust her and know her history. I know nothing about this Terry-"

"Dax. To you, he's Dax."

"Whatever. I don't trust him. Especially with you." Kevin stood and grabbed his shirt. "I don't like that I don't know him, and this secret between you worries me. I'm worried for your safety."

Lucy held up her hand. "First off, you're going to find out the secret soon. Secondly, you don't have to worry about him stealing me away from you. I told you, he wouldn't date me if I were the last woman on Earth. And thirdly, I trust him, my family trusts him, and that should be enough for you to trust him."

"Until I know about him, I can't trust him." He pulled on his shirt. "And I don't want you going to this party of his."

"Are you going to not go out that night and stay away from Roxanne?"

"No, of course not."

"Then I'm not going to drop this party or just leave one of my best friends. Terry has helped this family through difficult times, has been there for us, been there for Simon-" Lucy shut her mouth abruptly. Nearly let it out! Watch yourself! Calm down, don't let your emotions spit it out too soon.

Kevin stared at her. She was about to let the secret out. He narrowed his eyes. So it has to do with Simon too, but what? It couldn't be the depression lie. "What about Simon?"

"Nothing. Look, he's just a friend, okay? And I'm not going to just stop speaking to him because he makes you feel uncomfortable. If you knew who he was, maybe you wouldn't reject him so easily." Lucy started going down the stairs.

"You were about to tell me, weren't you."

Lucy paused. He noticed. Damn. She looked at him. "You'll find out soon. Terry feels, we all do, that it's time you knew. But he has to tell you. It's mostly his secret."

"Why can't you tell me?"

"Because I don't want to." It's also Simon or Terry's place to tell you, not mine. Lucy continued down the stairs and hurried towards the house.

Kevin rubbed his chin, once again plotting to find out the big secret. I need to talk to Simon again. From Lucy's reaction to his name, he must figure heavily in this secret.
~*()*~

~*()*~

~*()*~

Tadaima: I'm home

Aniki: older brother

Kouhaku: amber

Fuku: school skirt (think Sailor Moon's outfit)

Urusai: shut up

Ototou: younger brother

Author's Prattle: First off, Terry's view on Catholics is not necessarily my view. He formed this stereotype from observations he's made in life, and it also is an indirect way of saying "he's human, he does the same thing we all do." I'm not trying to make anyone mad or upset, and I apologize if I offended anyone. That wasn't my intent, it just seemed like the type of discussion that would occur on the show (remember all those speeches while Matt was getting married?).

Secondly, these chapters will probably come out one a week, with the exception of Lab Practical and Exam weeks. As I said last chapter, I write a lot during Macroeconomics, and the pre-homework for my labs are increasing, so that gives me less time to write outside of school.

Third, disclaimers. Of course the 7th Heaven characters don't belong to me. What also don't belong to me are what Terry and company dressed up as for Halloween. The first one was Inu Yasha, by Rumiko Takahashi. The other two were Card Captor Sakura and Magic Knight Rayearth, both by CLAMP (I just finished their Wish manga. Wai!). Ranma-kun is a reference to the male form of Ranma, and is also owned by Rumiko Takahashi. All are great anime and manga, and yes, I actually do know people who do theme costumes like that. Also, the CD Terry gave Eric, Mysteries of the Deep, is an actual CD from Monterey Bay Aquarium, and is very soothing. I own a copy, and I would suggest it for anyone who visits "the best aquarium in the nation."

Fourth, the title refers to three things that happen in the chapter (if you didn't get it, which my beta didn't). It refers first to Eric's heart surgery (of course) and doubles as a tribute to that episode. The second refers to Terry trying to get the Camdens out of the "Eric's sick let's all mope" mood. The third is the matter at hand of Kevin not knowing, and having to tell him the truth at some time. Just in case nobody got it.

Lastly, once I've caught up to the newest show in the season, I'll probably have to pause writing (though I have plans that have absolutely nothing to do with the show) to make sure I don't contradict the show timeline enormously. If this is the last season, however, then I'll just keep writing until the end of the fic.

That's it. As always, reviews are appreciated, and thanks for reading.