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

By Cypher

Chapter Nineteen: Eggshells and Sledgehammers

Simon's head turned back and forth warily, taking in everyone that entered the restaurant, before facing his food again.

"Simon's what's going on? You and just about everyone else in your family is walking on eggshells today." Robbie glanced around the Pool Hall as well, trying to see what Simon was looking for.

Simon leaned closer to Robbie. "Well, there's something major going to happen today, and we're all a bit nervous about it."

Robbie raised an eyebrow. "What? Your father's not coming home. It's only been five days since the surgery."

Simon nodded. "It doesn't have to do with dad. It's...well, it's Kevin."

"Is he bothering you again?"

"No. Terry and Lucy and I decided to tell him and, well, Terry's telling him today."

"He's what?"

Simon nodded. "Telling him today. That's why I wanted to come here. I figure even if he does find me, he won't make a scene."

"But Lucy should be there to help tell him." Robbie rubbed his chin. "In fact, didn't Terry promise Lucy he wouldn't tell until she was there?"

Simon shifted nervously. "He said he'd try, but I think he's gonna tell Kevin alone."

Robbie shook his head. "This is going to be an interesting day in the Camden household."

"Maybe. I just hope I don't destroy Lucy's chance with Kevin. She's so happy with him."

"She's not happy about Roxanne."

Simon rolled his eyes and drank some of his soda. "I think a lot of girls aren't happy about Roxanne. Haven't you called her back yet?"

It was Robbie's turn to shift awkwardly. "Not yet, no. I'm just-"

"Scared?"

Robbie rested his arm on the table. "Not scared, really, just...okay, yeah. I'm scared."

Simon smiled a bit. "You shouldn't be. You two certainly had quite a bit of chemistry between you two."

"Yeah, yeah. Why don't we shoot some pool."

Simon looked at the nearest pool table. "It's not really my game."

"Would you rather we go home?"

Simon stood up. "I'll get the cues, you rack the balls."

Robbie smirked and headed for the nearest pool table.

~*()*~

Lucy just couldn't concentrate today. Even now, in comparative religion, one of her favorite classes, she just couldn't focus on the lecture. It wasn't that the topic was boring, nor was she uninterested.

It was because she was nervous.

Today, Terry was going to tell Kevin, and inevitably Ben, that he and Simon were gay. She wanted to be there, but a sick feeling in her gut told her that Kevin would probably know by the time she came home.

I should've just stayed home today. That way I would've been sure to be there when Terry told Kevin.

She wasn't worried about what Kevin might do to Terry. He might've been a policeman, but she'd seen Terry practice martial arts and knew he could defend himself if Kevin did react violently. She didn't believe he would, but Terry wasn't as sure.

He's not violent. And he won't dump me just because my brother's gay...would he?

Lucy wanted to reassure herself that he wouldn't, that Kevin was understanding and would accept Simon and Terry without fail. The problem was, she knew that wasn't going to happen. At best, he'd react as bad as her family had. At worst, though, she'd lose the man of her life.

God will make sure it'll work out though, right? She had been saying silent prayers to God, asking Him to help Kevin through the revelation of Simon's orientation. Despite that, and her arguments with Terry of how he'd take the news, she truly didn't know how Kevin would respond.

All she knew was, after she went home, the day would become a lot more difficult.

~*()*~

"Utsumuiteta kimochi made, egao ni, kawaru no. Dreamin' koi no chansu wa, tell me jisho ni wa nai no, hayaku note tojite-"

"Are you sure it's wise to sing to them in Japanese?"

Terry smiled at Annie and finished helping the twins put on their jackets. "It's best to start out teaching them other languages when they're young. Their minds are little sponges, after all."

"Yes, well, I'm not sure I want their second language to be Japanese." Annie made sure she had everything in her purse.

Terry rubbed the boys' heads and stood up. "Alright, I'll stop singing to them. It was a kid's song, too."

"Yeah." Annie looked around. "Are you sure it's a good idea to do this when you're alone?"

"He won't do anything to harm your house, and I think I should be here in case Simon or Lucy come under verbal attack after the truth is out."

"I doubt he'll take it that badly."

Terry crossed his arms. "And who was it that threw Simon out of the house when he told the family?"

Annie frowned. "I apologized for that, and I thought you two had forgiven me."

"I'm just pointing it out, Annie. Kevin doesn't have that authority, but he may take the news just as badly."

Annie sighed. "Alright. Ruthie'll be home around six."

"I'll be here." Terry opened the back door. "Give my regards to Eric."

"I will. Come on boys, let's go visit dad." Annie took the twins' hands and led them outside towards the car.

Terry shut the door and glanced around the kitchen. Dreamin' kami ga yuretatara, for you rinsu no kaori, nanika yokan ga suru no. He chuckled and sat at the kitchen table. Haven't thought about that song since I was real young. How old was I? Six? Seven? I can't believe I remember the words.

He looked up as Kevin entered the kitchen. No more singing. I've got serious work to do.

Kevin scanned the room for a moment, before focusing his attention on Terry. "Where's mom?"

Terry tried not to laugh. Mom? He's calling her mom? Not even Robbie does that. It must really rile him.

"Hey, I asked you a question."

Terry blinked and stood. "Sorry, just surprised at the 'mom' honorific. Annie went out with the twins to visit Eric."

Kevin put his hands on his hips. "And what are you doing here?"

"I'm here to see you."

"Me." Kevin raised an eyebrow. "Why me?"

"You do want to know the big secret, do you not?"

Kevin nodded. "So you're finally going to tell me?"

Terry shrugged and sat on top of the counter by the phone. "Depends. How good are you at keeping a secret?"

"Look, I don't have time for games. If I want to find out-"

"You wouldn't be able to, otherwise you would've already." Terry smirked. "You're simply a police officer. You can't find out everything."

Kevin crossed his arms. "Alright, then what is it?"

"You have to promise to keep it a secret." The smirk faded from Terry's face. "You can tell your brother, but that's it."

"We'll see."

"No, not 'we'll see'. You either keep the secret, or you don't get to learn it until after you're married to Lucy."

"What if I never marry Lucy?"

"Then you're a fool and I pity you for giving up a wonderful woman."

Kevin stared at Terry, actually trying to stare the male model down.

Terry met the stare with his own intense gaze, not backing down, and not caving in.

This must be big. "Is it legal? If it's not legal, I can't keep that promise."

Terry nodded his head. "It's perfectly legal."

"Then fine, I promise."

"Swear to God, Kinkirk."

Kevin narrowed his eyes. "Fine. I swear to God I'll keep the promise. Do you have a Bible for me to put my hand on too?"

Terry shook his head, waving his legs slightly. "No." He went silent, watching Kevin.

"Well? What is the secret?"

"You're right, Simon is a big key in the secret. You'll note that Simon and I are good friends."

"Obviously. You spend enough time over here to attest to that. So?"

Terry took a deep breath. Here goes nothing. "We're more than just friends."

Kevin blinked, then furrowed his brow. "I don't follow."

Terry thunked his head against the cupboard. How dense IS this guy? "Kevin, Simon and I aren't just friends. We're dating."

Kevin frowned. "Dating? Meaning...?"

"Oh for heaven's sakes. We're gay, Kevin. Homosexual. In love. How many ways can I put this?"

Kevin stared at Terry, his face unchanging.

Oiiii. What a baka. Must've had one too many punches to the head in training academy. I hope his brother isn't as hard headed.

~*()*~

"Thanks for spending the day with me. I know it's not exactly what you wanted to do."

Ben chuckled. "What makes you think I wouldn't like spending time with my favorite future sister-in-law?" He glanced at the bag he was holding. "So what's next?"

Ruthie crossed her arms and looked around. "How about an afternoon snack?"

Ben nodded. "I'm feeling a bit hungry too." He headed for an ice cream store. "So tell me a little more about this Dax fellow."

"Glad to see you follow his name rule." Ruthie glanced at her watch. "There's not much to tell, really. You know he's a male model."

"Is he after Lucy?"

"Nope. They're just friends."

"Is he an ex-boyfriend?"

Ruthie shook her head. "Just friends. That's all." She tapped her finger against her chin. "He is pretty important to the family, though. Like you and Kevin, or Robbie. You're family though you're not."

"Huh." Ben pulled out his wallet and looked over the flavors available. Could he be an ex-boyfriend of Mary's then? Like Robbie?

~*()*~
"You can't be gay! The Camdens would never allow someone like that into their house!"

And it's finally registered. Glad I didn't have to kiss him to convince him. Simon'd get jealous, not to mention Lucy. "The fact is, they have. And it's not just me. Simon's gay. He's my boyfriend."

Kevin snorted. "He asked for my sister's number. I doubt he's gay."

"He keeps up a facade. We both have. We weren't sure how you would react." Terry crossed his arms. "I was especially worried. Catholics have a history of hating homosexuals with little regard to the facts."

"That's because they're sick. And the way you've...changed this family-"

"Changed?" Terry let out a short laugh. "How has the family changed since you've been here, hmm? And when Simon came out, I didn't change them. They changed themselves. They had a choice of accepting Simon or not. They chose to accept him. I didn't force anything. I was prepared to help Simon in case the family rejected him."

"It doesn't matter. It's just wrong. There is no other way to put it." Kevin looked around. "Where's Simon. I'm going to straighten him out."

"That was a bad pun, and he doesn't need you to try and do anything to him. He's happy with me, happier than he's ever been with anyone else. On top of that he's comfortable with who he is."

Kevin glanced up the stairs. "He's sick."

Terry narrowed his eyes. Calm down. Lucy won't like it if you maim him. "He's not sick. I'm not sick. It's how we are and that's that." A thought went through Terry's mind, and he smirked. "And I think you're being rather hypocritical for saying things like that."

Kevin looked at Terry, confused. "Me? Hypocritical? How?"

"Considering the Catholic church once performed homosexual marriages, I'd think you'd be more understanding."

Kevin opened his mouth, then shut it.

Got you there.

"What are you talking about?"

"Didn't you know? A thousand years ago Catholics performed gay marriages. Really, Kevin, don't you even know the history of your religion?"

Kevin's frown grew and he watched Terry.

That usually gets them to shut up about the religious arguments. "Simon and I aren't any different than how we were before. Robbie put it best: we're still us, you just know something that you didn't before." Terry hopped off the counter and stood by the dining room door. "If you still don't like it, tough. You're a police officer, you can roll with the punches, ne? I'll be around if you want to talk, but I suggest you think things over. You are marrying Lucy, and she's close to Simon. Try and come to terms with the truth." He walked out into the dining room.

Kevin stared after him, unsure of what he should do. Lucy. I need to talk to Lucy.

~*()*~

"So, what's this big secret that you guys are keeping about him?"

Ruthie licked some of her ice cream and raised an eyebrow at Ben. Terry was going to tell them today. I guess it'd be okay if he found out from me. We're on our way home. "Well, since you're going to find out later today anyway, the truth of the matter is he and Simon are dating. They're gay."

Ben pulled the car off to the side of the road and screeched to a halt. "What?!"

Ruthie jerked forward and looked at Ben. "What? You asked."

"No, what do you mean they're gay? I thought you guys were Christian!"

Ruthie went back to eating her ice cream. "We are."

"Christians don't approve of homosexuality."

"Some do. It's all on how you interpret it. Simon, Lucy, and Terry have explained it. Dad has, too, at church." Ruthie bit into her cone. "Just because it's strange to us doesn't mean it's a sin. I mean, sleeping with someone before they're married is a sin, and I'd never get why someone would want to do that. That doesn't mean I'd judge them or say they're evil or something."

Ben shifted nervously and looked out the window. "So what you're saying is, tolerate it because it's not our place to judge?"

"Basically." Ruthie watched Ben. Interesting. "Is there something you want to tell me?"

"No, no." Ben pulled out of where he'd parked and headed for the Camden household once more. Kevin. I need to talk to Kevin.

~*()*~

Terry hummed as he brushed Happy. He had gone to Simon's room to wait for someone to come home. Kevin, from what he could hear, had left, though for the garage, a walk, or work, he wasn't sure. He wasn't too worried yet. It hadn't gone as bad as he'd expected, though it didn't go as smoothly as Lucy had dreamed of either. Happy had wandered into Simon's room with a brush in her mouth shortly after Kevin left.

Terry figured he might as well save Simon the trouble of brushing his pet later. Besides, Happy was part of the Camden family as well, and he had spent very little time with her. "So what do you think? Kevin will adjust, or will he leave Lucy?"

Happy looked up at Terry.

Terry chuckled. "Okay, I'll stop obsessing over it. It's just an important issue. I thought you might have an opinion."

Happy let out a quick bark.

Terry nodded. "Alright, alright." He went back to brushing out Happy's fur. "You know, you remind me of another dog I spent some time with. Looked a lot like you, only it was a he."

Happy rolled on her side slightly, giving Terry access to more difficult areas to reach.

Terry absently continued brushing, now staring out the window. "I wonder how he's doing. I doubt I'll ever see him again..."

"You're pretty lonely now, aren't you." Terry knelt by the white dog and stroked his fur. The dog barely lifted his head in acknowledgment of the new arrival. "I know you miss him. I do too." Terry sat and wrapped his arms around the animal's neck. "You shouldn't have run away, though." Terry sniffed and wiped his eyes. "His family will miss you. And I know that he'd want Murial to have you." Terry blinked and sniffed again, rubbing his eyes against his sleeve. "Damn it, I said I wouldn't cry anymore."

The dog sat up and licked Terry's face, whining slightly.

Terry smiled weakly. "I guess one more time, for the both of us." He ran his hand through the dog's fur. "He was a great boyfriend, and I bet he was an even better owner. If only the family had...had..." He shut his eyes and hugged the dog tightly. "Don't hate them, though. John wouldn't want us to hate them." Terry felt a hand rest on his shoulder, but he ignored it, crying softly and holding the only other thing his late boyfriend treasured.

"Terry, the Bernams called." Jordon knelt down and rubbed Terry's arms. "I told them we have Duke. They want him back."

Terry nodded and pulled away from the canine. "Don't be mad at them, and take care of Muriel. That's your job now."

Duke let out a bark, then looked at Jordon.

"You want to come?"

Terry shook his head.

"Alright." Jordon stood.

Terry watched as Duke followed his older brother out. "Sayonara."

"What?"

Terry jumped, causing Happy to be dumped on the floor.

Simon got on his knees and checked Happy out. "Careful! You okay, girl?"

Happy glanced at Terry, then headed out the door.

Simon watched his pet leave, then back over at Terry. "You okay?"

Terry let out a weak laugh. "Yeah, yeah. You just startled me, that's all." He wiped his eyes, making sure the memory hadn't brought forth any tears. "I was thinking."

"You said sayonara." Simon sat on the bed by Terry and took his hand.

"Did I?" Terry ran a hand through his hair. "Sorry."

Simon's brow furrowed. "What were you thinking about?" Not about leaving me. It couldn't have gone that badly.

Terry shook his head. "Just something that happened a while ago. It's a memory I'll tell you," Terry looked at Simon's hand, "tell you eventually. It's not something that's easy to deal with."

Simon nodded slowly. "Okay." He glanced at the door, then pulled Terry into a hug.

Terry smiled and hugged Simon back, resting his head against the blond's chest. "What's this for?"

"You seem upset. I don't want you to be upset."

Terry reached up and slid the back of his hand down Simon's cheek. "Thanks."

They sat there in silence a few moments, before Simon cleared his throat. "Um, Terry."

"Hmm?" Terry was rather comfortable against his love and didn't want to move.

"How'd...it go?"

Terry sighed and sat up. "Well..."
~*()*~

"You want to break off the engagement?"

Kevin glanced at the apartment door, then shushed his brother. "I said I was thinking about it, okay? Lucy I can handle, but a gay brother, much less one with a boyfriend..."

Ben shook his head. "You shouldn't break up with her because of her brother."

"You would. In a second."

"Not if she was the woman of my dreams."

Kevin crossed his arms. "Why're you defending this, anyway? You dislike them as much as I do."

"True." Ben leaned back in the chair. "But you're marrying Lucy, not Simon, and you're practically converting to a Protestant. Why don't you just convert to whatever Lucy is, and maybe you'll come to accept it like the Camdens have."

"Have you accepted it?"

"No way! It's disgusting."

"Unnatural, a huge sin." Kevin tapped the arm rest. "How could the Camdens let this happen. They must know homosexuality is wrong."

"They have a problem we don't: their son is gay. They had to deal with it, or lose one of their blood." Ben shrugged. "And how can you justify not marrying Lucy just because her brother's gay? It's not like you have to speak with him or anything."

Kevin nodded. "Yes, I do. Lucy's going to want me to be friends with Simon, if not this Terry-"

"Dax."

Kevin pointed at Ben. "Don't start with that. And I don't want to be friends with a gay person. Even if he is a brother-in-law."

Ben thought a moment. "Have you talked to Lucy yet?"

"No. She's not home." Kevin rubbed his hands together and leaned forward. "Wouldn't you break up with her?"

"I don't know. If it was the love of my life, probably not. It's just something I'd have to stomach and get used to. If it meant I had to fake being nice, then so be it. Marriage is a compromise."

Kevin blinked. "You've been talking to Ruthie, haven't you."

Ben rubbed the back of his head. "Yeah, well, we hung out and she told me."

Kevin rolled his eyes and let a sigh out through his nose. Can I compromise my morals, even slightly, for her?

~*()*~

"So overall you think it's okay?"

Terry wobbled his hand. "Eh, I'm not sure. I haven't seen him since I told, and I'm starting to get a little worried."

"He's in his apartment, and Ben's talking with him."

Terry nodded at Ruthie. "Thanks."

"No problem."

Simon looked at Ruthie, then sat back. "But Ben doesn't know-"

"I think he does." Terry eyed Ruthie over. "You told him, didn't you."

Ruthie shrugged. "Yeah."

"You told him?! How could you?"

Terry rested a hand on Simon's shoulder. "If it hadn't been from her, it'd have been from me. It's best he heard it from a friend, anyway. Ben's one of those people that can understand things if friends help explain it in a different light."

"And Kevin?"

Terry smirked. "A control freak with a massive ego. But don't tell Lucy I said that."

Simon laughed.

Ruthie rolled her eyes and headed for her room.

Simon calmed down and shook his head. "Thanks, I needed a laugh."

"No prob. Where's Robbie?"

"He had to go study at the library." Simon rubbed his arm. "So, um, can we go out or something?"

Terry kissed Simon's forehead. "Tomorrow night? Sure."

"I meant-"

"I know you meant tonight, but no. I'll stay for a while, but I'm not going to let us run from something we have to face sometime. Besides," Terry pulled a bag up from the side of the bed and plunked it down between them. "I have homework, and so do you."

Simon sighed. I love Terry, but every now and then there's a downside to dating a smart person. He grabbed his own book bag and opened it up.

~*()*~

"Mom, have you seen Kevin? I kinda wanted to talk to him before dinner."

Annie looked up from chopping vegetables and shrugged. "Try the garage. He hasn't been here all afternoon according to Terry."

"What's according to me?" Terry came out of the stairwell and rested his hands on the counter. "I thought I could help with dinner."

"Well, that's very generous, but you're a little late I'm afraid."

Terry shrugged and picked up a carrot. "Simon's night for clean up, right? I'll help him." He munched on the vegetable and looked at Lucy. "Kevin, right?"

Lucy nodded.

"Ruthie says he's in the apartment with Ben."

Lucy moved towards the door, but paused and backtracked. "How'd it go?"

Terry swallowed and shrugged. "I think it went well, but I really can't tell you." He hesitated. "I am glad I told him when you were away. Something tells me you wouldn't have had a fiance-to-be if you had been here."

Lucy sighed and went out the door.

"That wasn't a very nice thing to say, Terry."

Terry looked at the door. "It's honest, though. Kevin could barely comprehend the fact that I was gay, much less Simon. And he was pretty upset about the fact he didn't know."

"Doesn't mean he would've broken off the engagement with Lucy, though."

Terry tilted his head and took another bite out of the orange food. "Maybe. Time to think, though, always helps. Initial reactions can open wounds that can't be healed easily. I spared her from that." He met Annie's eyes. "Wouldn't you agree that that's the best thing I could do for her in this situation?"

Annie shook her head and went back to making her salad. "Point taken."

"Great." Terry finished the carrot and tossed the remains in the garbage. "Is the table set? I can handle that."

"No, and that'd be a big help."

Terry grabbed some plates and headed for the dining room.

~*()*~

Lucy knocked on the door to Kevin's apartment. "Hey, is it okay if I come in?"

Ben stood and stretched. "Well, I need to see if dinner's ready yet." He patted Kevin's shoulder and headed downstairs, giving Lucy a quick wink as he went.

Lucy tilted her head, then shook it and took the seat Ben had vacated. She put her hands together and looked around, avoiding Kevin's face for a moment or two.

"Why didn't you tell me?"

Lucy finally looked towards Kevin. It's a place to start. "It's not exactly my secret to tell. Even if I did, how would that affect us? You're interested in me, not my brother."

"That doesn't matter. I had a right to know."

"Would it have affected us?"

Kevin sat there a few minutes, thinking.

Lucy took the silence as an affirmative. "You can't be serious! Just because my brother's gay shouldn't mean you'd dump me!"

"Luce, I was raised believing it was a mortal sin. What do you expect?"

"I expect you to be a little more understanding. I came to accept Simon, my family did-"

"How long did it take, though? Did you just think it was no big deal when you found out?"

Lucy pursed her lips. "Okay, so it took me a while. But you're from New York. You should be more used to the idea of gays than someone from Glen Oak."

"Well I'm not."

Lucy pushed her hair back. "Well, now you know. If you spend some time with them, I'm sure you'll get used to it. It's not that big a deal."

"It is to me. The way I was raised-"

"Was very similar to the way I was raised. I made Simon cry when I first found out. But I realized that he was still my brother, and that he didn't need scorn, but support."

Kevin shook his head. "I'm not sure if I can give him that support."

"Try. For me?" Lucy went over and rubbed Kevin's arm. "I love you, but I don't want to choose between you and my brother. You shouldn't have to, either."

"I don't know if I can live with the fact that my brother-in-law is gay."

"Talk to mom or dad, or even Matt. They all had to get used to it, and it was difficult for them, especially mom."

Kevin sighed. "I still don't like this."

"Give them a chance. We did, and we don't regret a moment of it."

Kevin nodded. "Fine, I'll try."

"Thank you." Lucy kissed Kevin's cheek. "You coming in for dinner?"

"Yeah, I'll be down in a few minutes."

Lucy rubbed Kevin's arm once more, then left.

Kevin shook his head. I'll try, but I really don't know if I can change so much to accept this.

~*()*~

Terry wrapped an arm around Simon's waist and pulled him close for a quick kiss before letting him go. "Glad you decided to join us."

Simon rubbed his leg and shrugged. "I figure it'll be pretty safe for me to be around during dinner."

"Safe from what?" Annie pulled out the pot roast from the oven and set it on the counter.

"Kevin and Ben."

Terry patted Simon's back. "I doubt they'll attack you. I figure they may want to talk to you, though."

"Maybe."

"I'm sure it'll be fine." Annie picked up the meat and headed for the dining room table.

Simon glanced at the back door. "Everyone says that, but he is a bit intimidating. Doesn't he scare you? Even a bit?"

Terry nodded. "I'm scared that he might hurt you in some way. Physically though? Not really."

Simon sighed. "I wish I had your confidence at times."

"You do, just in another way." Terry hugged Simon again, rubbing his hands up and down the blond's back. "It'll be fine, Simon. The family understood."

"They had so much more to lose, though. Kevin...Kevin doesn't have any ties here."

"Yes he does. Lucy. He changed his life for her. He loves her, and that's a big sacrifice to make if he doesn't accept you."

Simon rested against Terry. "Maybe, but-"

Terry leaned his head down and silenced Simon with a kiss. He held Simon there a moment, before pulling his head away. "If ifs and buts were candy and nuts. Don't worry about ifs and buts. Trust in God. He brought us together, helped your family understand. He won't abandon you."

"Are you sure?"

"It's God. I can't be absolutely sure." Terry moved his arms up and rested them on Simon's shoulders. "But I'm pretty sure he won't abandon you. Now just relax." Terry kissed Simon again.

Simon closed his eyes and kissed back this time, his hands softly stroking part of Terry's hair.

Unfortunately, that's when Ben decided to enter the kitchen. Oh gross! He turned around and was about to go back out, when Annie came back in the room.

"Hey, Ben. Ready for dinner?"

"I'm not so hungry any more."

Annie blinked, then noticed the two teenagers by the stairwell. "Oh. Sorry." She ahemed, trying to catch Simon or Terry's attention.

Neither one broke the kiss, or even stopped what they were doing.

Ben walked past Annie towards the dinning room. "Ugh. No offense, but how can you look at that?"

"Because he's my son. Still." Annie thought about what to do, when a comment Robbie had made earlier that year came to mind. Turning on the sink, she grabbed the sprayer and aimed it at the boys making out. "Terry, Jordon did tell us how to break you two apart."

Terry broke the kiss and sighed, resting his forehead against Simon's. "Damn aniki."

"Remind me to hurt him next time he visits."

Terry chuckled. "Ditto." He pulled away and look at Annie. "Hai, hai. Happy, now?"

Simon straightened out his clothes. "Mom..."

Annie replaced the sprayer. "Well, if you two could behave yourselves a little more."

Terry waved at her. "I heard Ben."

Annie nodded and glanced at the swinging dinning room door.

Simon swallowed and followed her gaze. Oops.

Lucy walked in and smiled at Terry. "He wasn't too upset."

"So you're still pre-engaged?"

Lucy nodded. "Yep."

"Good. You and I should go get the twins." Terry patted Simon's arm. "I'll be right back." He went upstairs with Lucy.

Simon nodded and sat in a kitchen chair, thinking.

Annie decided to let her son rest a few moments, grabbed the last part of the meal, and headed into the dining room.

Kevin entered the kitchen at this point, when Simon was alone. He noticed the blond teen, and decided to take advantage of the situation. Before Simon noticed him, Kevin had walked over and sat next to the Camden child.

Simon was startled, and started to get up.

Kevin grabbed his arm. "We've got to talk."

Simon glanced at the stairs. Terry, hurry up.

"You're gay?"

Simon sat back down and nodded slowly. "Yeah. And Terry's my boyfriend."

Kevin watched Simon, considering what to say next. "Why?"

Simon raised an eyebrow. "What?"

"Homosexuality is a sickness. It's evil. Why did you become gay?"

Simon felt a shiver run up his spine. He hated those phrases. They reminded him of his nightmare, of when his family kicked him out. "I didn't choose it. It's not a choice."

Kevin nodded. "Yes, it is."

"No, it's not. I was born gay, Kevin. It just took me a while to realize it because homosexuality is suppressed around here."

"That's because it's wrong."

"It's not wrong!" Simon stood up. "I'm gay! Live with it! It wasn't an easy revelation for me to have and I'm not going to let you make me feel bad about it!"

Kevin looked up at Simon. "Aren't you afraid of divine punishment?"

"Yes, but I'm more afraid of not being true to myself, and of dying old and alone!" Simon took a deep breath. "I'm gay, and there's nothing that's going to change that fact. Now get used to the idea. If my family could, you can." Simon stormed out into the dinning room.

Kevin sat there a few minutes, pondering what Simon had said.

"He's right, you know. You have to get used to the idea that we're gay."

Kevin turned around in his seat to find Terry standing behind him, one of the twins in his arms. "Just because I'm marrying Lucy?"

"Because you're marrying Lucy, because you live in this world, because it's a fact of life. Simon and I are going to come out to the community soon. You see, it's been long enough that Simon finally realizes it doesn't matter who knows, as long as he's happy."

"So why keep it a big secret?"

Terry looked out the window a moment. "Because communities such as this one take some time to adjust to the idea of homosexuality, among other topics. Eric has been prepping his congregation for our coming out for a year, now. The main reason I haven't pushed for it, though, is Simon. He has to be comfortable with our coming out."

"There'll be a lot of people like me. We don't like gays."

Terry shrugged. "Then that's their problem, and they're missing out on great friendships." He shifted David's weight. "You, however, are a bigger deal. Lucy is friends with me, and she's the closest sibling to Simon other than Matt, more than Matt in many ways. Simon and I are always going to be a part of your life, whether you like us or not."

Kevin frowned. "What if I never like you?"

Terry looked at the ceiling. "Give it time, Kevin, you will. At the very least, though, try and accept Simon. That's the crucial one in Lucy's mind. He hasn't changed. He's still the same guy you knew, you just now know he likes guys instead of girls. No big deal. He has the same interests, same personality, same everything. There's no reason you should treat him any differently."

"And you?"

Terry opened his mouth, then shut it, furrowing his brow.

Kevin waited. Got you there.

"Then you don't like me. To be honest, we don't really know each other yet anyway. Maybe we should make an effort to do so."

"I don't think so."

"We'll see. Lucy! Come on!"

Lucy came down the stairs a few moments later carrying Sam. "Sorry."

"S'alright. Come on, everyone's waiting for us." Terry gave Kevin a quick look.

Kevin sighed and headed for the dining room, followed by the other four occupants of the kitchen.

~*()*~

"I'm proud of you."

Simon blinked and looked up from his guitar. After dinner he had retreated to his room, not wanting to be around Kevin, only not out of fear this time. What Kevin had said deeply offended him, and he didn't want to spend any more time than he needed to with the police officer. "For what?"

"Well, in general, I'm proud of you." Terry sat next to Simon and took the guitar from Simon's hands. "But what I meant is how you stood up to Kevin."

"Oh, that." Simon shrugged. "You would've done the same thing."

"True, but I've been doing it for a long time. The fact that you could defend your position with someone other than a family member is what impressed me. It's not easy to go up against the prejudices of strangers."

Simon nodded. "No kidding. I was wondering if-hey, how'd you know?"

Terry grinned. "I was on the stairs."

"You were eavesdropping?"

Terry shrugged. "Eavesdropping is such a strong word. It's the right word, but it's such a strong one."

"Why you." Simon grabbed a pillow from behind him and whapped Terry.

Terry fell back and laughed, holding his hands in front of his face. "Don't blame me. I've been hanging around Ruthie for a year. It was bound to happen."

"Har har." Simon set the pillow aside and lay next to the male model.

Terry smiled and pushed Simon's hair back. "I really do love you, you know."

"I know."

"Want to finish what we started in the kitchen?"

"Do you even have to ask?"

Terry leaned forward, pressing his lips onto Simon's gently.

Simon wrapped an arm around Terry's waist and pulled him closer, returning the affection.

A few minutes later Lucy knocked on the door and stepped in the room. "Simon, mom wants-guys!"

Simon pulled back and gave Lucy a lazy smile. "Yes?"

"You know if mom caught you you'd be in big trouble! What're you doing?"

Terry propped his head up on his hand. "Making out. What it'd look like?"

Lucy held up her hands. "Never mind."

Terry sighed and pushed away from Simon, climbing off the bed. "I need to get going any ways. I have a stop to make tonight."

Simon pouted a moment and sat up as well. "Alright. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Of course. We're going out. Seven alright?"

"Great."

Terry hugged Lucy as he passed her, then headed downstairs.

Simon stared after his love until he couldn't hear his feet on the steps anymore. Then he met Lucy's astonished look. "What?"

"You two weren't going to...you know."

"Of course not! We were just kissing, that's all."

"It didn't look like that was all."

"Whatever. What is it you needed?"

"Mom was wondering when you were going to get on the dishes."

Simon's shoulders slumped. "Oh yeah." He stretched and stood. "I'll get right on them."

"I'll go tell her." Lucy left Simon's room and headed for her own. It still looked more like just kissing to me. They'd better be careful. If mom or dad catches them like that, they can kiss dating good bye for a while.

~*()*~

"So it went smoothly?"

"For the most part." Terry examined the string on one of the balloons floating above the gift table. "You know, you should give some of these to the children's wing. They'd love to receive even a single flower."

"That's a good idea." Eric yawned. "I'll tell the nurse to do that tomorrow."

Terry nodded and walked over to Eric's bed. "But yeah, it went pretty okay. I think Kevin and Simon will be fine, and Kevin and Lucy will be fine. Kevin and I, however, that may take a while. It's not like he liked me before hand, with all the time I spent with Lucy."

"Yeah. But I'm sure you'll grow on him. You grew on us."

Terry chuckled. "That I did, that I did. So how soon do they think you're going to go home?"

"Five or seven more days, depending on how well rehab goes."

"You'll do well. Oh, I almost forgot." Terry looked around, then picked up a book on a table by the door. "I knew I brought it in."

"What's that?"

Terry handed the book to Eric. "My brother suggested I get it for you. It's a book on how to write memoirs."

Eric raised an eyebrow. "My memoirs?"

Terry shrugged. "He figured since you love to write sermons, and you can't for a while, writing this instead would help keep your mind and hands busy while you recover. I didn't think it was that great an idea, but you know aniki...well, kinda."

Eric shook his head and set the book on the end table. "I'll look at it tomorrow. Writing a book might not be a bad idea."

"Just remember, it was my brother's idea." Terry glanced at his watch. "I should let you get to sleep. I'll try and swing by with Simon next week."

"How's it going between you two?"

Terry ran a hand through his hair. "There haven't been too many fights, if that's what you mean. And since he's faced his personal demons, he's been doing a lot better. Though, I think the whole Kevin thing rattled him a bit."

"I bet it rattled Kevin, too. You hit him, or anyone, with news like that it's like hitting them with a sledgehammer."

Terry tilted his head and nodded slightly. "I guess that's true. Now, I really need to get going. See you next week."

"Thanks for stopping by."

Terry smiled and left the room.

Eric's smile faded and he settled into the bed. So everyone's doing fine without me. He glanced at the book Terry had brought him. I can't write sermons any more. I can't be a minister for a while. He closed his eyes. Terry once told me of a darkness in his heart. I feel like I have one, but it's more of an emptiness. Of what, though...I don't know of what...

~*()*~

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

Baka: idiot

Ne: right

Sayonara: good bye

Aniki: older brother

Hai: yes

Author's Prattle: Sorry it took so long. I had to prepare for a Lab Practical, so I couldn't spend as much time as I would've liked on it. Next week looks just as bad, with the second Bio mid-term, but after Wednesday it'll be a lot easier, and I've got Spring Break after that (might even get two chapters out that week). Then a Chem test, but that won't be hard. So with luck I'll be back to one a week.

Again, the stereotypes that Terry has in his mind, as well as the religious arguments and statements presented are not my personal views and I am not trying to offend anyone. I am attempting to make it as realistic as I can (considering this is 7th Heaven) and tried to stay along the lines of Eric's arguments against Matt marrying and converting to Judaism. I apologize if I have offended anyone.

The flashback Terry was having wasn't just of any dog. I asked my beta if she understood, but she didn't, so here's the explanation. Remember a few chapters back Terry mentions a boy that committed suicide after his family found out about his orientation? That's who's dog it is. So for those of you who figured it out, congrads! For those who didn't, don't feel bad. I just thought it'd be a good way to explore some of Terry's personal history.

For those of you wondering about whether or not Kevin and Ben come to terms with Terry and Simon, well, you'll have to wait and see (the answer isn't even in the spoiler). Because of this setup, however, I have to deviate from some of the normal 7th Heaven timeline. While I figure the police ride-along episode will be alright, the episode where Simon takes Ben to an underage dance club will probably be excluded (at least that part of the plot line). I hope to have it figured out by next chapter, and suggestions on how to integrate it are appreciated.

Due to the one mishap with FF.N administrators, I'm gonna put a disclaimer in each Prattle from here on out to ensure I'm covered. I don't own 7th Heaven, nor the characters, the idea, anything. I'm just using them to explore my creative talents. I also don't own the song Terry was singing, that's from Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon (hey, like the manga, the music is way better than the anime, especially the dubbed version. And let's face it, everyone's seen it as a kid). The song was "Someday Somebody," one of Ami's image songs. Sailor Moon belongs to Naoko Takeuchi The full lyrics and translation can be found at Animelyrics.com.

Finally, feedback and reviews are always appreciated. Thanks for reading, and see you next chapter.