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

By Cypher

Chapter Twenty: My, How Time Flies...

Terry swirled the soda in his hand and glanced around the room. His bangs, black due to the dye he used for his costume, fell into his eyes a moment and he brushed them back. Get a haircut after today. His costume of Ranma was rather simple. His hair was the most difficult aspect of it, as he had had to grow it out long enough to tie-off a short ponytail, and then dye it black. His clothes, though, were easy to put together. He wore a teal tank top that had a deep v-neck, revealing part of his chest. His forearms were donned with black armbands, matching the color of his pants, which bunched around his ankles, but were otherwise loose fitting.

Though his costume was light and airy, he had already worked up a light sheen of sweat from dancing. The party had been in full swing an hour before the official time. Just like last year. Maybe I should've mentioned that to Simon and Lucy. Terry noticed a Dracula get pushed off the dance floor. On the other hand, the true fun doesn't begin until the traditional Halloween people go home.

"Ne, Ranma-kun, aren't you going to ask me for a dance?"

Terry looked at the ceiling a moment, before closing his eyes and shrugging. "Maybe."

"Oh come on." The young lady poked Terry's bare arm. "You promised me one dance this year and I want it now."

Terry sighed. Why is it whenever there's a party the girls always bother me? They know I'm gay. "Hai, hai." Terry set his drink down and headed for the dance floor, his female coworker on his arm. I can't wait until Simon gets here. Then I can start really enjoying myself.

~*()*~

"I'll be back later, mom."

"Where're you going?"

Simon raised an eyebrow. "The costume doesn't give it away?"

Annie scanned over Simon's outfit. He had black knee high boots that had light steel blue pants tucked into them, a matching tunic, and a dark green hooded cloak around his shoulders. On his back was a brown quiver, its string and trim painted a gold color, and it was holding a couple arrows. In his hand was an oak-colored bow, complementing the arm guards.

"I'm going to Terry's Halloween party."

"Are those real arrows?"

Simon coughed and pulled one out, revealing a suction-cupped tip. "Of course not." He placed it back in the quiver.

"Very well. Just be back by curfew. If we're not home, we're still at the church dealing with the party there."

"I know." Simon grabbed the keys and went out the back door. He glanced around, somewhat self-consciously. I can't believe I was actually talked into this. While he knew his boyfriend would be glad he got into the holiday spirit, he felt silly. It wasn't that the clothes were uncomfortable, nor were they uncomplimentary to his figure. The gel ears, though, were killing him. They kept itching, and he was afraid to touch them. On the plus side, Terry'll probably think they're cute. So, climbing into his car, he started the engine and headed for the address Terry had given him.

~*()*~

"What's got you so upset tonight? You've been glaring at everything since I picked you up."

Kevin glanced at Roxanne. Oh, nothing. My future wife is just hanging out with a gay guy who I don't like and they're at a party full of models. He blinked. I'm starting to sound like Lucy.

"Kevin?"

"It's just something with Lucy, alright? She's going to a party I don't want her to go to."

"Is that all? Why didn't you ask for a different shift so you could go with her?"

"Because I have to do my job. I can't change everything just to make her happy."

Roxanne rolled her eyes. "Kinkirk, you're really something."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing."
~*()*~

"I can't believe Kevin said I shouldn't come."

Simon shrugged. He had arrived at the photo studio around the same time as his sister.

Lucy adjusted her cape and headdress. Like Simon, she hadn't been sure what to wear. In the end, she wound up at a costume store, where the last remaining outfit that fit her was Batgirl, from the Batman Returns movie. It's not that bad. I just hope none of my friends see me like this. After looking over Simon's costume, though, she didn't feel as out of place, or embarrassed.

"You look good."

"So do you. Terry's going to love that outfit."

Simon grinned slightly and went in the door. Immediately, he and Lucy were assaulted by pounding music. Simon winced and squinted his eyes, trying to see Terry through the dim light.

Lucy remained by Simon's side, also looking for the male model. She spotted him first. "There!" She pointed for Simon's benefit.

Simon followed her finger and found Terry gyrating his body with a girl dressed in some tight red latex suit. His eyes were closed, and Simon could tell his boyfriend was just moving with the music, not with the girl. Still, he felt his cheeks grow a bit hot and pushed his way through the crowd.

Lucy raised her eyebrow. So he gets jealous too. She spotted a table with some food and walked in that direction. Let's see what they have to eat.

Simon finally made it to Terry and tapped the girl dancing him on the shoulder. "Can I cut in?"

Either the girl hadn't heard him or ignored him, as she kept dancing in close proximity to Terry.

Simon glanced around, then decided to take a more aggressive action and grabbed Terry's arm.

Terry opened his eyes and blinked, reorienting himself. When he focused on Simon, though, he smiled. He nodded towards the wall and led the elf-dressed teen in that direction. When they were off the dance floor, Terry pulled Simon into a hug and kissed him. "Hey there."

"Who was that?"

"Asuka Souryu Langley. From Evangelion."

"Who?"

Terry tilted his head, then hit his forehead. "Sorry. Susan. She's a coworker of mine and a major Eva fan. Mostly a hand model." Terry smirked. "Simon Camden, are you jealous?"

Simon shifted slightly. "Maybe a little."

Terry laughed and hugged him again. "You don't need to worry. No one could tear me away from you. I owed her a dance, that's all." He stepped back and looked Simon over. "I love your costume. Legolas, right?"

Simon nodded. "Yeah."

"The ears killing you?"

"How did you-"

"I considered that costume for a while, but the gelatinous ears kept irritating my skin."

Simon sighed. Jordon could've TOLD me that. "Yeah, well, I'm glad you like it."

"You look pretty cute with them, despite the fact they itch."

Simon blushed lightly. "You look great." Sexy, too.

"Oh! Did Lucy and Kevin come?"

"Lucy did. She's Batgirl."

Terry looked around the room and caught Lucy's eye, waving at her.

Lucy waved back, sipping her cup of punch. He's cute today. Sometimes I envy Simon at times. He's almost as sexy as Kevin.

"Come on, let's dance."

"Only if it's with me."

Terry kissed Simon again. "Who else?" He led Simon back out to he dance floor.

~*()*~

"I just don't like that she's hanging out with all those models."

"Like she doesn't like you working with me?"

Kevin shook his head. "That's entirely different. You're my partner. My life may depend on you."

Roxanne threw away her empty coffee cup. "But I bet it's the same thing in Lucy's mind."

"She's hanging out with a model when she doesn't have to."

"They're friends." Roxanne folded her hands behind her back. "I do believe friends tend to hang out."

"I don't like this friend. And I don't like that he's taking her to party with a bunch of models."

"Do you not like that because you don't trust her? Or because you don't trust him?"

"I don't trust him, but for other reasons. I know he won't go after Lucy."

"Why not?"

Kevin looked away, watching a car pass by on the street. I can't tell her.

"Well?"

"I just know, okay? Can we change the subject?"

"You're the one who brought up Lucy. Not me."

Kevin let out a sigh through his nose. Me and my big mouth.

~*()*~

"You sure you don't mind hanging out with me?"

"Naw. I've got to study for my midterms."

"Isn't it a bit early for those?"

Robbie shrugged. "I'm taking them early. You know, I'm trying to graduate before the end of the semester."

Eric nodded. "That's impressive."

"Thanks." Robbie noticed a book on the coffee table and picked it up. "What's this?"

"A book Terry's brother thought I'd like."

"You're going to write your memoirs?"

"I'm seriously considering it, yes. Or writing in general," Eric's posture slumped, "seeing as I can't write any sermons for a while. You know, them hiring an associate pastor just makes me want to-"

"Is that the doorbell?" Robbie glanced over his shoulder.

"I didn't hear anything."

"Maybe, but I should check anyway. Don't want to disappoint the trick-or-treaters." Robbie stood and headed for the front door. Mrs. Camden said to avoid brining that up.

Eric frowned. Okay, what was that about?

~*()*~

"I had a really great time tonight."

"Me too."

"May I do something you've been wanting to do all night?"

Simon blinked. "Um, sure?"

Terry reached up and peeled the gel ears off.

Simon laughed and immediately began scratching the slightly irritated skin. "Thank you!"

Terry tossed the molds into a trash can. "They did look cute on you, though." He leaned forward and kissed Simon. "I'm glad you had a great time, even that you came."

"Me too." Simon wiped his hands on his pants and scooted closer to Terry. They were both sitting on a bench outside of the studio, the party still in full swing behind them. "I'm just sad Lucy had to leave early."

Terry laughed this time. "Well, the first few guys that hit on her she was okay with, but when that lesbian asked to dance, I think she freaked a little."

Simon laughed with him. "I'm sure she'll have plenty of fun at the church."

"I'm sure." Terry examined the bow. "Nice accessory. I have a more realistic one, though. You could've asked me to borrow it."

"I wanted my costume to be a surprise."

Terry smiled. "How thoughtful." He set the weapon down. "I'm glad to hear that things are going well with Kevin."

"There's a...truce. He's trying, he really is." Simon fiddled with his hands. "It's hard for him, but I think he's getting used to my orientation. Saturday he's even taking me on a ride-along, to help me out with social studies extra credit."

Terry raised an eyebrow. "A ride-along in Glen Oak. What fun."

Simon rested against his boyfriend. "Yeah, it'll be dull, but hey, extra credit is extra credit."

"Let's just hope you have something to write about other than getting in the car and talking about Lucy."

Simon chuckled. "Yeah...say, Terry, could you do me, well, my dad a favor?"

"You know that as long as it's legal I will."

Simon leaned back and hunched his shoulders slightly. "Would you...check out this Chandler guy?"

"The new associate pastor? You mean get an FBI check?"

Simon shook his head. "No, no, lord no. But, well,"

"Tell him to get lost check?"

"Yeah, sorta that."

Terry sighed. "I won't just tell him to get lost. I will check him out as a person, though."

"And maybe warn him to back off with regard to dad's job?"

"I'll do what a can." Terry kissed Simon. "Is that all?"

"Well, there's this dance next Friday. A western theme at the Pool Hall."

"You want to be seen dancing with me?"

"No, not yet. But I thought maybe...we could hang out? To be honest, anything's better than hanging out with dad."

"That I'll give you. He made me feel so depressed last time I visited." Terry rubbed his face, then reached back and undid his ponytail. "I can't wait to wash out this dye. Black is not my color. If I can get it out, I'll join you." He smirked. "I haven't worn a cowboy outfit since that shoot two months ago."

"I didn't know you did a western shoot."

"I have the photos at home. I'll show them to you next time you're over." Terry rested his forehead against Simon's. "Want a goodnight kiss before you go?"

"Are you sure it's safe?"

"Simon, you gyrated provocatively with me and no one even glanced once. They know I'm gay, and they don't care." Terry leaned his mouth forward.

"Well, if they don't care..." Simon closed his eyes and met Terry halfway.

Terry closed his own eyes and felt Simon's tongue push against his mouth. I think a long good-bye is in order.
~*()*~
"Glad I caught you before you went out."

Simon shifted his bag. "Me too. If I had lost that armband..."

Terry chuckled and kissed Simon's cheek. His voice lowered. "I remember how you lost that armband. Your hands certainly roam when we kiss. You have to be careful. Your watch could catch in my hair."

Simon blushed and headed down the stairs.

Terry followed. "I called you-know-who. I'm meeting him shortly."

"Good luck, and thanks."

"Anything for you."

Simon nodded and went out the door.

Terry rested his hands on the stair railing a few minutes. He's even cutter when he blushes.

"Hey, nice hair. Someone spill ink on you?"

Terry hung his head. "How diplomatic, Annie."

"Sorry. But that is what it looks like."

Terry glanced at his bangs. "So the dye didn't wash out completely in a few showers. I'll get it later."

"Right. Oh, would you tell Eric to stay home and out of trouble?"

"It'd love to, but I've got an appointment to keep. See you this evening." Terry glanced out the window. They've left. He stepped outside and headed for his car.
~*()*~

Chandler looked around Pete's, trying to find who had called him from the church.

"You look lost. I'm guessing you're Chandler."

Chandler turned to find a teen standing next to him. He had sandy hair, though it looked like someone had spilled a balloon filled with black paint over his head, and bright golden brown eyes. I don't think I've seen him in the congregation. "Yes. And you are...?"

"Dax." Terry stuck out his hand.

Chandler shook it. "Nice to meet you."

"Ditto." Terry looked around, then took a table by the sidewalk. "I'm glad you could spare some time to talk with me."

"I have to admit, I was surprised that you called. Not many people have asked to talk with me, much less know of me."

"Oh, I know of you." Terry flagged a waiter. "Pitcher of water and two glasses." He faced Chandler again. "I've heard all about you."

Chandler shifted in his seat. "Oh?"

"From the Camdens. They're good friends of mine, almost family."

Chandler slowly nodded, folding his hands on the table. "So Reverend Camden sent you."

Terry shook his head. "I'm here on the request of someone else, as well as myself. Your job is simply an associate pastor, correct?"

"Yes."

Terry smiled at the waiter and poured himself a glass of water. "You want one?"
"No thanks."

Terry shrugged and set the pitcher down, fingering the sides of his glass. "I invited you mainly to learn who you are." Terry sat up straighter. "But I will give you a warning. The Camdens are very close to me. If you're just an associate pastor, I commend you for taking on the task, and I'll offer my support. If, on the other hand, you are planning to take over Eric's position, I will rain down on you like the fires of Hell." Terry grinned and lifted his glass. "Do we understand each other?"

"Quite clearly." I knew this was a mistake. Chandler glanced at the sidewalk.

"Good, good. So...what are you planning to talk about this Sunday?"

Chandler blinked. Why the sudden change of subject? "Money in the modern world."

Terry nodded. "A good topic." Terry rested his arms on the table. "Do you have it planned out for a few Sundays."

"Why?"
"There's a sermon that Eric has been working on throughout the year at intervals. I've been working on it with him, but now that he's off for a while, I was wondering if you could finish what he started."

"Are you sure that's wise?"

"It's...crucial that the community get this message." Terry drank some of his water.

"Why? What's its message?"

Terry glanced around, then leaned forward. He opened his mouth, then closed it, his eyes searching Chandler's face for a moment. After a minute, he sat back. "I'd rather talk about it in Eric's office. It's not something easily talked about, and I won't want anyone overhearing just yet."

Chandler's brow furrowed and he frowned. This is certainly interesting. "Are you sure it's smart for me to do it then?"

"I'll give you copies of the other sermons he's given, as well as the final one that needs to be given. If you really are uncomfortable with it, you can just forget about the sermon and we'll figure out something else." Terry locked eyes with Chandler. "And I do mean forget. It's not something you can mention casually."

Chandler once again shifted uneasily. I don't know whether to bolt or stay.

Terry blinked as his watch went off. "K'so." He glanced at Chandler. "Sorry. I've got to go. I'm supposed to be across town with my business manager. I'll have those sermons dropped off at your office later." Terry got up and headed off.

Chandler watched him leave. Who is this kid? I'd better talk to Lou. Find out what this is all about.
~*()*~

"So you talked to him?"

Terry nodded and ran his hand over Simon's. "Mmhmm. G. String G."

Simon shook his head and set his instrument down. "Terry, I want to talk about this."

Terry sighed. "Simon, does it really matter what happened?"

"Yes."

Terry ran a hand through his hair. "I did as you asked, and made it very clear to not go after Eric's job."

Simon waited. "That's it?"

"I didn't scare him off because maybe Eric does need him. I don't know. Right now, though, we need him."

Simon tilted his head, confused. "Why?"

"The final sermon. We need someone to give it before we can come out. At least, we should give it before we come out."

Simon's eyes widened. "You didn't ask him to-"

Terry nodded. "We can't wait for Eric."

"Yes we can! Terry, I can't believe you'd do something like that!"

"He's from a big city, he's got a Ph.D., and he seems like a nice guy. I think it's okay to trust him."

"What about dad, though? He'll be hurt-"

"He'll be fine. He'll understand." Terry sat back. "Simon, keeping this a secret is harming you. Remember?"

Simon remained silent and looked away.

"Being gay isn't easy, and sometimes we have to take leaps of faith on issues of trust. I believe Chandler is professional enough to keep it a secret if he doesn't want to give the sermon. And if he does give it, then he does. We both agreed we should come out this year. The year is ending. Thanksgiving is just around the corner. We're telling your extended family." Terry leaned forward. "Simon?"

"Sorry. I'm sorry."

"About what?"

"Doubting your judgment. You've been doing this longer than me."

Terry chuckled and pulled Simon into a hug. "You have nothing to be sorry about. Life around here is a bit crazy, and it's affecting everyone. Us coming out on top of everything else is bound to be stressful." He rubbed Simon's back. "To be honest, all of you have been a bit on edge since Eric's surgery."

"Wouldn't you be?" Simon leaned back and looked at Terry. "If it was your brother or mother?"

"If it was my mother, she'd be up and about, eating fried chicken and doing her daily ten mile jog within a week of the surgery."

Simon smiled slightly.

"My brother, I guess I would be a bit on edge, but I also know he can take care of himself. If he came through the surgery fine, and he did fine after the first week out of the hospital, I would probably let it go and start thinking of him as I always have, without regard to his condition. You're a very emotional family, ours is slightly more practical. Haven't you ever heard of the British way of keeping up morale? When they're flat on their back, you treat them as if they're going to be fine and do things as if it were business as usual."

"I never heard that."

Terry frowned a moment. "Maybe I heard it from a television show. Anyway, we should give him a chance. I think we can trust him, whether he wants to give the sermon or not."

Simon nodded. "Alright. I'll...try. It'll be hard, though. Dad won't like it too much."

"Teenagers do a lot their fathers don't like." Terry kissed Simon's nose. "This is just another item added to the list. I believe Chandler when he says he's not going after Eric's job. That should be all the reassurance we need."

"Yeah." Simon ran a hand through Terry's hair.

"You're scared about Thanksgiving, aren't you."

"Yeah."

Terry chuckled. "Well, to help you unwind, why don't we go to some club the weekend before they arrive? You know, dinner, dance, be merry, all of that."

Simon perked up a bit. "That'd be great. Have you ever been to Club Minor?"

"Club Minor?" Terry looked amused. "And that would be...?"

"A club for teens between fourteen and twenty."

"Simon, don't you want to go somewhere where we can dance together? Somehow, I think we'll be noticed if we go there, and it won't be as much fun."

Simon's shoulders slumped. "Well, that's true...but we're too young to go anywhere else."

"No we're not." Terry closed his eyes a moment. "I know a club we can go to near the park." He opened them. "The Lime Rain, I think."

"Lime Rain? We can't go there. I mean, not only is it for adults, you have to be rich or famous or some...thing..." Simon blinked. "You can go in, can't you. But you're a minor!"

"Minors are allowed in, too. They have a separate section for it. You have to be at least sixteen, though. And yes, I have been in there before. Most of the models hang out there after or before shoots." Terry shrugged. "The company has some sort of licensing deal. As long as you're with me, you can come along."

"But the alcohol-"

"They won't serve you. Trust me." Terry picked up Simon's guitar and handed it to him. "Now come on. Let's try the piece again."

Simon grabbed his instrument and placed his fingers on the strings. "You're sure it's okay?"

"I am. We'll go at six. Now focus."
~*()*~

"I cannot believe Kevin broke up our date to look for Lucy."

Terry looked at the sky. A week had passed since the Halloween party, and he and Simon had headed to the western-themed Pool Hall to hang out, and maybe dance if they could, to unwind from the tension of the week. Unfortunately, fate seems to have other plans for us. Just when we got a good discussion going, too. "I don't believe it either, Simon. You and I both know she's a big girl. It's Kevin that's the problem."

"I mean, I am a little worried, but what trouble could she be in? This is Lucy, for crying out loud." Simon rubbed his arm and turned around. "I give up. We've looked everywhere."

"I'm not too worried. Although this little escapade has made me seriously think about paying for a family plan of cell phones for you guys." Terry stuffed his hands in his pockets and leaned against a lamp pole. "At least the night hasn't been a total waste."

"What do you mean? We barely got to spend any time at the pool hall."

"But we got to spend time with each other."

Simon rubbed his forehead. "I just...wanted to focus on you. We never got to dance, even alone. I didn't want to spend the evening...searching for my sister."

"We could go back to my place and dance. Or just hang out."

Simon looked at his watch. "We can't. We have to meet up with Kevin."

Terry shrugged and stood up again. "Well, there's always the club. Only a couple weeks away."

"I'm still a bit nervous about that."

"Oh pish, nothing to be nervous about. I've gone dozens of times. It'll be fun. Especially now that I'll have you to dance with."

Simon sighed. "Yeah." He suddenly snapped his fingers. "Oh!"

Terry looked at him. "You figure out where Lucy is?"

"No, but, ah," Simon rubbed the back of his neck, "I told Kevin he could finally tell Roxanne."

"Is that all?"

Simon blinked. "It's not a big deal to you?"

"Roxanne can keep a secret. Something tells me she has a few of her own. Come on, we'll be late meeting them."

~*()*~

"He's gay?!"

Kevin nodded. He had arrived at the meeting point early, and decided he should tell his partner the truth. She had been asking about Terry's availability, and had a right to know the truth. Here's hoping she doesn't take it too badly.

"And you're okay with this?! He hangs around with your fiancé all the time!"

"I'm not completely okay with it, but I have to be. He's Simon's boyfriend."

"Simon's gay?!"

"Keep your voice down." Kevin glanced around, making sure no one heard them. "Lucy wants me to get along with Simon, which I'm trying very hard to do."

Roxanne shook her head. "Unbelievable."

"I thought it best you should know before you asked him out. And I still say he's young for you."

"That's my business, Kinkirk." She rubbed her forehead. "Why are all the cute ones taken."

Kevin looked at the roof of the car. I've heard that before. "Just, try not to broadcast the fact that either of them are gay yet. Simon felt that as my partner you had a right to know."

"I should just give up on men in general. It's obvious I'm never going to find one that's straight, single, and handsome."

Kevin spotted Simon and Terry approaching. I still get shivers when I see them together. I just can't...get comfortable with the idea of two guys kissing. I guess I'd better, though. Lucy'll kill me if I don't. "They're coming. Try to pull yourself together."

"Easy for you to say."
~*()*~

"So, I'm guessing you read the sermons, and that's why you called me?"

Chandler motioned for Terry to take a chair. "Yeah."

Terry sat down and set his helmet to the side. "Well, good thing you closed the door. So," he folded his hands over his knees, "go ahead and say it. I know you want to."

"You're gay? You hardly seem like the type."

Terry smirked. "Yep, that's the reaction. Yes, I'm gay. I am very gay. I have a boyfriend and everything."

"But why would Reverend Camden agree to work this accepting message into the community?"

"Can you keep a secret?"

Chandler nodded. "Of course."
"My boyfriend is his son."

Chandler furrowed his brow in thought. "The...blond one...Simon?"

"That's my koibito." Terry crossed his arms and leaned back. "Our secret is starting to weigh heavily on his mind, though. Camdens don't keep secrets easily."
"They've kept this one pretty well. I had no idea."

"I said they don't keep them easily, not that they couldn't keep them. Simon and I want to tell the community by the end of the year, if possible. Will you help us?"

Chandler picked up the sermon and scanned through it, even though he already knew what it said. It's really not my place. He bit his lip. But I should help him. He sighed. No, I can't do it. "I'm sorry, Dax. I wish I could, but this is something that, well, I think Reverend Camden should do. It's his son, after all. And he's been working on it all year."

Terry closed his eyes. Well, I knew this was a possibility. "The problem is, we don't know when," or if, "Eric is returning to the pulpit. If it's a year from now, it's going to be a big problem for us."

Chandler set the sermon down and leaned forward. "I feel you should give him a chance to give it, though."

Terry pursed his lips. "How about this, if he doesn't return by the end of the year, you'll give it for him."

Chandler looked at his calendar. "Alright, that's fair."

Terry smiled and stood, grabbing his helmet. "Thanks."

"No problem."

Terry shook Chandler's hand and headed for the door. He paused and glanced back. "If you ever want to just talk, grab a cup of coffee, a bite to eat, feel free to call me."

Chandler raised an eyebrow. "Isn't that like consorting with the enemy?"

"I'm getting Simon to understand you're not the enemy. You're just someone to help Eric. That realization will spread through the family eventually. After all, Lucy came to it, what, three nights ago?"

Chandler tilted his head. "Yes, well..."

Terry chuckled. "Look, if you need a buddy for lunch or need help, just call. It's the least I can do for the favor you're doing for us."

Chandler waved his hand. "Alright, alright. I'll keep it in mind."

"Great. Catch you later." Terry stepped out of his office.

Chandler filed the sermon away and looked through his calendar. Nice to know there's one person in the Camden ranks trying to get them to understand I'm here to help.

~*()*~

"Even my mom has someone. Heck, you're gay and you have someone."

"Yeah, that sucks. Hey, you should come with Terry and me to the club tonight."

"Where, Club Minor? I don't think so."

"No. We're going to the Lime Rain."

"You're kidding, right? You're underage. How're you getting in? Fake ID's?"

"Terry's company has connections there and he gets in for free. Come on. There'll be plenty of women your age there."

"I don't know."

"Most of them will be models."

"Well...alright."
"Great. He's coming at six, so be ready."

Ben shook the conversation out of his head. He had returned to Glen Oak to spend Thanksgiving with the Camdens, and had been dejected about not having anyone to spend the holidays with. So I get talked into coming to this fancy club. Simon was right about one thing: most of the women were models. What he hadn't mentioned was that most of them already had boyfriends. Not to mention no one wants to dance with me. The instant they find out I'm a fireman they vanish. Normally that's a huge chick magnet.

"You should go out and dance. Maybe you'll get lucky."

Ben glanced to his side. "Why aren't you out on the floor with your boyfriend?"

Terry crossed his arms and watched Simon dance, his body swaying freely among the throng of people. "I like watching him. His guard is down here."

"What're you talking about?"

"Simon keeps a guard up, we all do. It's a natural instinct we have to protect ourselves. But here, he's free. Music does more than tame the savage beast, Ben. It releases inhibitions. Out there, where he knows he can be with me and be himself, he's completely uninhibited. It's rare that I see him like that, and it's a sight I enjoy." Terry sighed.

Ben wrinkled his nose. Disgusting. Still, if my brother can stand them...

"Hey guys."

Terry smiled and kissed Simon briefly. "Finished already?"

"Just getting a drink."

Terry tapped Simon's nose. "Don't be long. The next dance is mine." Terry nodded at Ben and waded into the mass of moving bodies.

"Isn't he great?"

"Yeah. Great." Ben sighed and looked at Simon. "What do you see in him?"

"Terry?" Simon grabbed a glass of water from the bar and took a gulp before answering. "Well, he's free. Look at him. He's guarded in this community, but most of the time, he doesn't care what anyone thinks and can be himself. He doesn't hide who he is, his feelings, anything. His life's an open book, and he could care less whether people judge it or not." Simon took another swig of water.

"And this attracts you?"

"It's one thing that attracts me. There's a long list." Simon set his glass back down and watched Terry dance. "He knows what he wants in life, Ben. He knows and he works for it, ignoring all the people who say it's impossible. He doesn't allow anything to stop him."

Ugh. That's a bit too much mushy stuff for me. Ben shook his head. "Get back out on the dance floor."

"Hey, you asked. You should come out and dance. I'm sure you'd find a great girl." Simon went out and met up with Terry. Both of them started dancing in sync with each other, the people around them acting as if they were any ordinary couple.

Ben turned away and stuffed his hands in his pockets. Dance out there? No thanks. Coming here was a big mistake.

"Hey."

Ben blinked and smiled at the woman who had spoken to him. "Hey."

"I haven't seen you here before."

"Oh, I came with Dax."

"Really." The woman glanced out on the floor and spotted Terry, who had his arms around Simon's waist. "It appears he's with someone else."

"Yeah, well, I'm kinda the third wheel. They thought I could find someone."

"Find someone. I see." The woman made eye contact with someone behind Ben. "Tell me, what do you do for a living?"

Here we go again. "I'm a fire fighter in New York. I'm visiting my brother for Thanksgiving."

"A fire fighter. How quaint." She put her arms behind her back and smiled. "I'm afraid you're a little out of your league. I'll have to ask you to leave."

"Excuse me?"

"I've had a few complaints from some of the ladies you talked to."

"About what?"

"Mostly that you hit on them. Every woman in here is under eighteen."

"No way." Ben looked over the room. "That's impossible. With figures like those?"

"Please don't make a scene and just go, sir. I'd hate to have to force you off the premises."

Ben crossed his arms. "And just who are you to order me about?"

"The head of security. Now do I have to call over some guards, or will you leave?"

Ben sighed and headed for the door. "Fine, fine." Simon, you are so dead when you get home. And they couldn't all have been under eighteen. Not when they're that filled out. Right?
~*()*~
"Okay, so it was a bit of a disaster. But hey, how was I to know it was minor's night? Usually the photographers join us."

"All I know is I'm never going with you ever again."

"Ben, it was an honest mistake. Terry didn't mean to get you in trouble."

"Whatever. I'm going to bed."

Terry watched Ben leave. "Honestly, Simon. There's normally a ton of older women from work as well."

Simon patted Terry's arm. "It's okay. He'll get over it." He rubbed Terry's arms. "And we had fun."

Terry grinned and kissed Simon. "That we did. And we'll have more time to have fun like that after we come out completely."

Simon sighed and sat on a stool. "Yeah...I guess so."

"Still scared about later this week?"

"Terrified. My grandparents are coming Wednesday. Tuesday, if they feel like surprising us." Simon looked at Terry. "I'm worried, Terry. The Colonel, Grandpa, Aunt Julie, they're all going to be there."

"That's the point, Simon."

"Do you know how volatile the situation could turn with that mixture? Add into that Mary's move to Fort Lauderdale, Kevin and Ben's homophobia, Lucy's neurotic behavior, and my dad's mid-life crisis. This isn't going to end well, Terry. It's going to explode in our faces!"

Terry grabbed Simon's shoulders. "Calm down! You're panicking before they're even here."

"Terry, I can't do this. I can't. Not with everything that's going on. It'll just make things worse around here."

Terry pulled Simon into a hug. "Stop thinking like that, Simon. We'll be just fine. Sure, there may be some shocks, but your family made it through. Your extended family will make it through too. You can't make up excuses, you can't put it off, and you can't never tell them. They have a right to know, and the secret is weighing heavily on your conscious."

Simon held Terry tightly. "Terry, I'm so scared." He felt a tear slide down his cheek. "Oh God, Terry, I'm so scared."

Terry closed his eyes and stroked Simon's hair. I know, Simon. I'm just as scared. But I'll be your rock. I'll make sure you make it through this with as little pain as possible. "It'll be alright, Simon. Have faith."

"I've used so much already..."

"That's what's so good about faith: you can never run out. Just trust that everything will work out well."

"Do you?"

Terry remained silent a moment.

"Terry?"

"I trust that God won't make things more difficult than they need to be. Whatever the outcome, He has a purpose for it all. Have faith. It's all we can do."

Simon rested his head against Terry's shoulder. Faith...

~*()*~
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Ne: hey, right

-kun: respectful honorific usually attributed to a man

Hai: yes

K'so: damn

Koibito: my love

Author's Prattle: I'd like to apologize for the delay in getting this chapter out. Last week I had my second biology midterm (which I wanted to ace, so I devoted all my extra time on studying). As a result, I got very little finished chapter-wise. Then I worked on the weekend (the sales are picking up again) with the added bonus of having to train a back-up for my position (and I'm not as paranoid as Eric. She doesn't want my job, she already has two others). And then Monday was the beginning of my Spring Break, and for the first time in months, I did NOTHING all day, and it was wonderful. Now, however, I have to get back to writing and all my other chores (have to do the lawns). With luck, after next week (have a chem test), I'll be able to churn these out once a week once again. I think I have a couple holidays this month anyway, so that'll help. And again, sorry for the delay in getting this chapter out.

In response to some of the feedback I've gotten regarding chapters eighteen and nineteen, I would like to once again apologize to anyone I might've offended. I tried to make it as close to the show as possible (that's probably how they would've done it), however, I did do some research to try and be accurate to the Catholic point of view on homosexuality (taking into account that I live in the Bay Area, probably the most homophilic area in the United States...wait, isn't that a biology term?). I found that most Catholic schools in the area either ignored the ideas of homosexuality, or suppressed (interestingly, public schools have classes that explore sexual orientation, and they have less funding). I also discussed the topic with Catholic friends, one of which has read through my fic partially (not by choice, mind you). The general consensus was that homosexuality was one of the worst evils a person could commit, though not the top most sin. However, as this is the Camden universe, I exaggerated it slightly (they do that a lot). As for any anti-homosexual views in this chapter, again, I don't mean to offend anyone, and I apologize.
Had a few cool things happen that I just want to mention. My fic "A Happy Life," the first fic ever dedicated and centering around Happy, inspired someone to write a fic. I'm very honored, and she apologized for calling me a 'she'. FYI, I'm a guy (for those of you who didn't know). Also, another fan of this fic has actually taken on the difficulty of translating it into German to post on a German fanfic board. Cool, ne? I'm am very honored by both of these actions. Arigato for the ego boost during my second Bio mid-term test. And of course WAI! "God's in 7th Heaven, All's Right with the World" just broke the 100 review mark! Thanks to all of you who took time to review and tell me what you thought! Arigato!

The general disclaimer, again. I do not own 7th Heaven, it's characters, television plot, or any of that. That belongs to Brenda Hampton and Aaron Spelling. Nor do I own Ranma (owned Rumiko Takahashi), Asuka from "Neon Genesis Evangelion" (owned by GIANAX), Legolas or the "Lord of the Rings" (owned by Toliken and the studios that produced the movies), Dracula (pick a movie or book version), Batgirl (again, pick a movie or comic version), or any other costume mentioned. Nor do I condone going to clubs if you're a minor (there are exceptions, like the one for Terry), but go to a minor club if you're too young to drink. That enough disclaimer for you? I think that's everything.

I believe that's it for this Prattle. Until next chapter! The Camden family is gathering. Be afraid. Be very afraid.