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

By Cypher

Chapter Twenty-One: What Have We Got to be Thankful For?

"I love the warm emotion you bring. Though there is pain, I don't complain. How you can inspire me, whenever we're together. Every time it's like a new song, you move me so, I think you know. I won't even say a word, in your arms or far from sight, I'll be your light, like the lonely moon."

Simon tapped Terry's shoulder.
Terry glanced over his shoulder and pulled his earphones off. "Hmm?"

"You're, um, singing again."

"Sorry." Terry paused his CD player. "I find it helps pass the time."

Simon sighed and looked over the bath tub he was scrubbing. "Well, it's nice to listen to, but I'm not really in the mood."

"Still feeling a bit sick?"

"Yeah."

Terry rubbed Simon's back. "It'll be fine."

"I'm not so sure."

Terry sat there rubbing Simon's back a few more minutes. I wish I could give him some extra confidence. These must be some grandparents. "Well, I'd better get moving on the kitchen." He stood up.

"Thanks for helping clean up the house."

"Hey, you're having me over for dinner. It's the least I can do. Besides," Terry leaned down and kissed Simon's forehead, "I just like spending time with you."

Simon reached up and pulled Terry's head down a tad further and kissed him. "I like spending time with you too."

Terry nuzzled Simon before pulling away and heading for the stairs. He stuck his head back in for a second. "By the by, where'd the twins go?"

"They're with Ruthie cleaning up the attic a bit."

"Just checking." Terry stuck his headphones back on and restarted his music. "See what happened to the girl, 'round the midnight..."

Simon shook his head and continued scrubbing the tub. I wish I could be as calm as Terry. Even after warning him about the Colonel and the others, he's as easy going as ever. I wish I knew what gave him that strength.
~*()*~

"You sure Annie said to bring it over today?"
Julie nodded and unlocked the back door. "She wanted the turkey in the fridge today. Although, she might also be trying to trap us here with mom and dad."

"Well, we wouldn't want that." Hank stepped passed his wife into the kitchen, balancing the frozen bird in his arm.

"I wish, that I could turn back time, cause now the guilt is all mine, can't live without the trust from the ones you..." Terry blinked at the back door. "Who are you?"

Hank and Julie exchanged glances. Julie stepped forward. "We could say the same about you."

Terry pulled his earphones off and set the mop aside. "I'm Dax. I'm helping Simon and Ruthie clean up while the others pick up the grandparents."

"I'm Julie, Eric's sister."
Terry nodded. "Oh yeah, the cured alcoholic. That must make you Hank, the obstetrician that nearly killed Matt and is now Eric's brother-in-law."

Hank raised an eyebrow.

"I do my homework. It's nice to meet you." Terry stepped forward and offered his hand.

Julie tentatively shook it. "Cured alcoholic? That's what he called me?"

Terry coughed. "Well, um, no. That was a rather crude...identification. Sorry."

"I should hope so."

Terry looked at the frozen turkey in Hank's arms. "You want to set that down?"

"Yes."

Terry waved Hank over and opened the fridge. "Annie said the turkey was being delivered. Here's the spot."

Hank gratefully placed the heavy meat onto the cold shelf. "So you're Dax. You look familiar."

"I was at Matt's wedding, I'm a friend of Simon's. I'll be staying for Thanksgiving. My family's..." Terry rubbed his forehead. "My family's busy is the best way to put it. Since you're part of the Camden family, go ahead and call me Terry."

"Terry?" Julie set her purse down and sat at the kitchen table. "You said your name was Dax."

"Dax is the name I formally go by. Terry, my first name, is what friends and family get to call me. You're family to close friends, so you can call me Terry." Terry noted the confused looks on their faces. "It's a Japanese thing."

"Ah."

"Terry, I finished the tub. Do you need any help-" Simon paused at the foot of the stairs. "Hey, Aunt Julie, Uncle Hank. I didn't hear you come in."

"We're just stopping briefly. Had to drop off the turkey."

Simon smiled and crossed his arms, leaning against the wall. "Avoiding the relatives, huh?"

"You know us too well."

"Matt taught us the same thing."

Julie laughed. "I'll bet he did."

Simon laughed lightly.

Terry smiled. It's good to see him laughing.

Hank's beeper went off and he looked at his waist. "Damn. Julie, I've got to go."

"Oh, right." Julie stood and headed for the door. Hank moved ahead of her and left. "We'll see you tomorrow, definitely."

"Later." Simon waved at them.

"Nice to meet you."

"You too, Terry."

Terry closed the door behind them. "I think they'll be fine when we tell them."

"To be honest, it's not them I'm worried about." Simon pushed off from the wall. "So, anything I can help you with?"

Terry looked around. "I haven't gotten to dust the living room. You handle that and I'll finish up in here, and then we should be done."

"Great." Simon headed for the dining room door.

Terry grabbed his arm. "Hey."

Simon stopped and faced him. "Yeah?"

Terry kissed him lightly. "It'll be alright."

Simon smiled weakly and pulled his arm free, continuing to the living room.

He'll stress himself out. Maybe I should take him out tonight after dinner. A movie, a moonlight stroll, something to help him unwind. Glancing at the clock, Terry put his earphones back on and went back to moping.

~*()*~

"Simon, come on."

Simon glanced over his shoulder. "Terry, I'm supposed to be home for when they arrive."

"So they don't get to smother you the instant they walk in the door. Big deal." Terry looked two ways, before pulling Simon along. "You're too tense to meet them. You need to relax, loosen up before you talk to them."

Simon pulled his arm free and stopped walking. "Maybe I'm tense because I'm nervous about telling them."

Terry turned and crossed his arms. "If you remain as tense as you are, though, you're going to stress yourself out. Before you get to tell them." He reached over and ran a hand through Simon's hair. "You deserve a chance to relax. Don't go into this with your heart racing and fears mounting. We need to enter this with calm control. What do you say, just an hour of unwinding before the bombs get dropped?"

Simon mulled over this a moment. Mom and dad'll probably get upset with me, but Terry's right. My head's been swimming all day. He looked at the sky and put his hands in his pockets. I guess an hour won't hurt anyone. "So where're we heading?"

Terry grinned and grabbed Simon's arm again. "To a murder."

Simon raised his eyebrow. Murder?
~*()*~

"I'm sure Simon will be back soon. He probably just had to run out and get something."

Annie continued making her salad. "He knew I didn't want him to go out."

"You can't exactly blame him." Eric looked into the dining room, where two sets of Camden grandparents were talking with the other Camden children. "I mean, telling us wasn't easy, and if I had to tell the Colonel, well, I think I'd want to get out too."

"He still shouldn't have gone-"

"You cheated. You just had to have cheated." Simon pushed open the back door and walked into the kitchen.

Terry laughed and shut the door behind them, taking off his jacket. "My brother's a genius, my mother's an investigative reporter, and you think I cheated?"

Simon took Terry's jacket and hung it up. "How else could you have figured it out in forty minutes?"

"Actually, I figured it out in thirty, but I wanted to give everyone else a chance."

"See! Only if you cheated could you have known that-"

"Ahem."

Simon and Terry paused and glanced at the Camden parents.

"Hey mom, dad."

Terry stepped up next to Simon. "It's my fault. He was getting all twisted over, well, you know, and I thought I'd take him to unwind a bit."

"Where did you take him?"

Simon walked over to the fridge and pulled out a soda. "Did you know there's a dinner theater in town? We didn't eat, but they let us partake in the murder anyway. It was great."

"Well, there was some overacting..." Terry waved at Simon.

Simon nodded and tossed his boyfriend a water bottle. "There you go again about their acting. They had me convinced."

Annie cut them off. "The point is, Simon, you were supposed to be here."

Simon sighed. "I know, I know. It's just, Terry was right. I was going nuts. I needed to forget about the family, what's going to happen, everything. Even if it was for a short time." He faced his mother. "I did, and I feel great. I'm sorry, and I know what I did was wrong, but I really did need to get out."

Annie looked over Terry, then glanced at Eric. "Well, under the circumstances, I guess we can let it go. Just this once."

Simon grinned.

"So, out of curiosity, who did it?"

"Well, everything pointed to the mother." Simon opened his soda. "But Terry figured out that it was the-"

"Sister." Terry smirked and leaned against the wall. "It's all in thinking like the villain. You guys should go sometime. It's really fun."

"We'll keep that in mind. Simon, go say hi to your grandparents."

Simon braced himself and went into the dining room.

Terry sipped his water. "I'm sorry. I would've waited until after dinner, but it didn't look like he would last that long."

"It's alright, Terry. Though in the future, I wish you'd leave us a note. All Ruthie could tell us was you went out." Annie set the salad bowl down.

"We do understand the strain he's under. After all, we, too, are under that strain." Eric picked up a leaf of lettuce and munched on it.

"Thanks for being so understanding." Terry finished off his water and set it with the other recycling. "Well, I guess it's best I get introduce, hm? After all, I'm Simon's boyfriend, and a guest tomorrow night. Wish me luck."

"Good luck."

Annie nodded at Terry.

And with that, Terry entered the dining room. I am now entering...the Camden Zone.
~*()*~

John Camden, more aptly known as the Colonel, was always a perceptive man. When his son's family was overwhelmed that time Eric had a televised sermon to prepare for, he knew he had to fly out and help fix everyone's problems. When his granddaughter, Mary, was in trouble, he could foresee the spiral of destruction she was falling into before any of the others and tried to offer her a way out.

Eric, his son, had inherited some of that perception, and the Colonel figured that gift helped steer his son towards the ministry. Matt, his eldest grandson, also seemed to have gotten this sixth sense, especially when it came to family members.

The Colonel wished Matt was there now. Ever since he had arrived, he could tell his grandchildren were nervous about something, and Matt could always figure out what it was. He did know what it wasn't. It wasn't Lucy's new fiancé, Kevin Kinkirk, or his brother, Ben, as both of them seemed slightly nervous as well, and not because they were meeting the Camden grandparents It wasn't Eric or Annie, either. While there was marital tension, Eric was in good health and Annie had never been healthier.

It revolved around Simon.

The instant Simon had entered the room, the tension levels had risen tenfold. The Kinkirk brothers had exchanged quick glances, and Lucy began fiddling with her hair slightly. It could've been because Simon was an hour late, but somehow, the Colonel didn't believe that was the only reason. It had something to do with Simon's friend.

Terry Dax Jordon.

He had entered smiling, introducing himself as Simon's friend and apologizing for making them late. His sandy hair was slightly longer than Simon's, and his eyes held a mischievous glint that made the Colonel wonder just what this boy was up to. He immediately took a seat by Simon, and began making small talk with the other grandparents.

The Colonel had deliberately left himself out of those conversations. He knew that Simon and Terry were up to something, and it was big. Lucy kept glancing in his direction, while Ruthie kept Ben occupied and out of the other conversations. Kevin excused himself, and the twins quietly played with their toys. It's making everyone nervous, the question is, what is it? He had ruled out the sort of trouble Mary got into during high school. He would've been notified of that. Partners in a small business made sense, considering Simon's abilities with finances, but it didn't quite fit.

When they thought no one was looking, Terry and Simon exchanged secretive glances, Simon's green eyes always full of worry and fear, Terry's brown ones always filled with support and courage. The Colonel had counted them doing that at least a dozen times, and each time, Simon seemed to move slightly closer to his friend.

Shortly after the thirteenth glance, Annie's voice rang out from the kitchen. "Simon, would you help set the table?"

Simon visibly relaxed and got up. The Colonel noted that Terry watched him go, the brown orbs locked on Simon's form. Then, unexpectedly, Terry faced him and met his gaze. The Colonel tried to interpret what the eyes were saying, but found that there were too many emotions, each masking the other. He's good.

"So, you're the unofficial patriarch of the family, correct?"

"It would seem that way."

Lucy had gone silent, giving Kevin a brief nod as he reentered the room.

"You were a Colonel in the...air force?"

"Navy."

"Navy. Sorry." Terry rested his chin on his hand.

"Why is it you're spending Thanksgiving with us again?"

Terry sat up slightly. "Well, let's see. Mom's in," he frowned a moment, "she's covering some European Union conferences. Dad's dead. My brother's in Tokyo and saving up his money to come back during Christmas. When Simon heard I was going spend the holiday alone, he invited me to have dinner here."

So the mom's a reporter. "What's your brother doing in Japan?"

"Getting settled before he starts graduate school at Tokyo University."

Ruth nodded. "Tokyo University? Impressive."

The Colonel glanced at Ruth. She's finally picked up on it.

Terry shrugged. "No big deal, really."

The Colonel was about to respond, but Simon returned carrying some food.

"Hey, look who showed up." Simon stepped aside to reveal Julie and Hank.

The Colonel smiled and got up to hug his daughter and son-in-law. As he glanced back at the table, though, he noticed Simon take a seat by Terry. Makes sense, since they're friends, but there's more to it. The way Simon remains by his side whenever he's in the room.

Through dinner, the Colonel talked to everyone but Simon and Terry. He noticed that Simon deliberately monopolized Terry's attention, almost as if he didn't want the teenager consorting with any of the other Camden adults. Julie and Hank managed to coerce some more information from the couple. A male model. Is Simon his business manager? Or a coworker? That can't be right. Eric wouldn't want Simon doing that sort of thing, not yet.

So, all through dinner, the Colonel devoted part of his attention to Terry and Simon, observing them from the corner of his eye and trying to figure out the true relationship between the two. I'll find the truth, even if it takes all evening.

Little did he know he wouldn't have to wait much longer.

~*()*~

"I can't do it, Terry. It'll ruin everyone's Thanksgiving!"

"So you're going to let them ruin your life? Simon, we have been prepping for this for months, now. I know you have a big heart, but you can't sacrifice your happiness for theirs. This secret is hurting you."

"And what if they react like mom and dad did, huh? Some holiday this would turn out to be."

Terry ran a hand through his hair. "We can't hide out in your room for the next four days, either."

Simon crossed his arms.

"What's got you so nervous all of a sudden, anyway? You seemed fine earlier, after we had gone out."

"Talking with the Colonel."

Terry blinked. "The marine? What's so spooky about him?"

Simon gave him an incredulous look. "You're not scared of him?"

Terry tilted his head. "Should I be?"

Simon nodded. "Yes. Everyone's scared of the Colonel."

Terry leaned back in his chair. "And why is that?"

Simon thought for a minute. "He's just...intimidating."

"Simon, how many people intimidate me?"

Simon remained silent for a moment. "Okay, so you're not afraid of most intimidating people. But even you should have some sort of fear from the Colonel."

Terry rubbed his forehead. "He doesn't. Intimidation doesn't work on my family. If it did, do you think my mom would be so outspoken, or I'd be able to strongly defend my orientation? Jordon doesn't like teachers who use intimidation so much that he once reduced one to tears. Intimidation is not something we tolerate." Terry chuckled. "It's something we may use from time to time, but not something that can be used on us."

Simon sighed. Figures. "I guess having a reporter for a mother would have that effect."

"No kidding. She can't ever back down. She taught us that backing down is like showing fear. You never want to do it."

"Well, I'm still afraid of him."

"You should be the one to tell them, though."

Simon opened his mouth to reply, when someone knocked on his door. Glancing at Terry, he looked back at the door. "Come in?"

Hank opened the door. "We wondered where you disappeared to." He stepped in, followed by Julie. "Everything okay?"

Julie closed the door and looked between the two teens. "Something you want to tell us?"

Terry locked eyes with Simon. Tell them, Simon. We have to start somewhere.

Simon swallowed. "Aunt Julie, Hank, would you...take a seat. There is something I...we've been meaning to tell you."

Terry stood and walked behind Simon, squeezing his shoulder for comfort.

Julie and Hank sat on Simon's bed. "Are you in some sort of trouble?" Julie took her husband's hand. "Is that what's going on?"

"No, not really. Um," Simon rubbed the back of his head, "well, you've known me all my life, and you know me pretty well. But, I've...changed."

Hank scratched his chest. "How so?"

Simon opened his mouth, then closed it, then opened it again.

Julie leaned forward. "Simon?"

Simon gave Terry a pleading look.

Terry stroked Simon's head. Alright, alright. He looked at the couple on the bed. "We're gay. Simon's my boyfriend."

Julie blinked slowly, while Hank stared at Terry.

Simon reached up and squeezed the hand resting on his shoulder. "I...I've been going out with Terry almost a year, now. At first I wasn't sure, but now I know that I'm gay...and I love Terry."

Terry smiled down at Simon.

Simon, however, was not smiling, and was watching the two adults on the bed. "Aunt Julie? Uncle Hank? Are you two okay?" Simon waved a hand in front of them.

Hank snapped out of his shock first and sat back. "Well...that is...um...certainly...interesting."

"You're gay?" Julie stood up. "And Eric just allowed this?"

"Not really. It took him a while to adjust to the idea. It took them all a while." Terry rested his hands on the back of Simon's chair. "We felt, though, that it was time to come out completely, and the best way to do that is to start with the family. That's why we're telling you."

"Well, this is just great. Some Thanksgiving this is going to be. Dad is going to blow his top!"
"Julie," Hank tried to calm down his wife.

"Come on, Hank. I don't want to be here when the fireworks go off. And Simon," Julie paused and looked her nephew, unsure of what to say, "I wish you the best." She went out of the room.

Hank gave Terry a strange look, before following his wife.

Simon sighed and slumped forward. "That went well."

"It could've gone a whole lot worse."

"Can we call it an evening, now?"

"No. We have to tell your grandparents, and better now than tomorrow." Terry pursed his lips. "If it would make you feel any better, I'll ask your parents if you can stay over tonight, to ease tensions here."

Simon nodded. "That'd be a big help."

"You go tell your grandparents, I'll go talk to your parents. Right now. Deal?"

Simon stood up and took a deep breath. "Right."

Terry kissed Simon briefly. "Hey, they'll adjust. Just like your immediate family. What we see is the surprised reaction. Give it time and they'll treat you as they always have."

Simon smiled weakly. "Right." He walked out of his room.

I'll be there to help you when I can. Terry followed. I know you can tell them, Simon. You've grown strong over the year.
~*()*~

Terry found Annie in the kitchen finishing up the dishes with her husband, both of them looking at the door.

Annie noticed Terry first. "Terry, do you know what's going on?"

Terry blinked at Annie. "Pardon?"

"Hank and Julie just left, and apologized for not being able to come tomorrow night." Eric stood by his wife. "What happened?"

Terry sighed. "I'm sorry, I didn't think they wouldn't want to be around you because they found out."

Annie uncrossed her arms. "Wait a minute, you told them?"

Terry nodded. "They were in Simon's room, and it just seemed like as good a time as any."

"Where's Simon?" Eric looked at the stairs behind Terry. "Please tell me he's in his room."

"Not really. See, he was wondering if you would let him stay over at my place tonight, to give everyone a chance to adjust."

"Well, that does make sense..." Annie rested against the counter.

"You're WHAT?!"

Terry winced at the Colonel's voice. "That sounds like it's going well."

Eric let out a weak laugh. "Simon...he's not...he didn't just tell-"

Terry nodded. "Yeah. Think I should...go help him?"

"Yes"

Terry jumped at their unanimous response. "Right." He hurried for the living room.

"You are not gay."

That sounds familiar. Simon stood a little straighter. "Colonel, I've already had this discussion, with myself and my parents. I thought about it for a long time, and the truth is," he paused as Terry entered the room, "the truth is, I love Terry."

Terry looked around the room. If looks could kill. The Colonel was the most angered, while Ruth and Ginger appeared to be in shock. Strangely enough, Annie's father, Charles, had a rather calm look.

"Charles, say something."

Charles blinked and looked at the Colonel. "What should I say? It's obvious he's made up his mind." He turned towards Simon. "Congratulations. I hope you're happy."

Simon wasn't sure how to take that. "Um, thanks."

Terry raised his eyebrows. That's a surprise.

The Colonel shook his head and paid attention to Simon again. "You're young. You can't know if you're gay or not."

"I'm becoming a man, Colonel. I'm growing up, like Matt grew up. I'm old enough to know that I'm gay, and nothing is going to change it."

Terry nodded at Eric and Annie as they entered. Here comes the calvary.

Lucy spoke up as well. "Grandma Ruth, Colonel, Simon's still Simon. So he's gay. We came to accept it because we love Simon, and being gay doesn't change who he is, just who he loves."

"Eric, how could you allow this to happen?"

"I didn't allow it. It's just, how Simon is."

"And it came down to choosing our son or the ideals society has." Annie looked over at Simon. "Our son won out, and will always win out."

"I don't believe this. Come on, Ruth."

Ruth stood and went to get her coat.

"Dad." Eric stepped forward.

"Don't try to stop us, son. If you want to have this person as part of your family, that's fine, but don't expect us to be a part of it." The Colonel followed his wife out of the room.

"Dad, mom," Eric hurried after his parents.

Annie looked at Terry and Simon a moment before going after her husband.

Simon's shoulders slumped. "Great."

"Well, who's up for dessert?"

Everyone looked at Charles.

Charles met their gazes. "What?"

Simon shook his head, grabbed Terry's arm and headed for the door. "Time to go. We'll be back tomorrow."

Terry shrugged and followed his boyfriend.
~*()*~

Simon blinked and felt around the bed. Terry? Pushing himself up, he blearily examined the room. Where'd he go? Yawning, he got out of bed and went into the hall. He heard some sounds from the guest bedroom, and went in, finding Terry sitting at the computer playing a game. "Terry?"

Terry didn't take his eyes off the screen. "You're up early."

Simon sat on the bed in the room. "What time is it?"

"One in the morning. You should try to get more sleep."

"I can't." Simon rested his hands on his arms. He felt his ears get warm. "You're not in bed with me."

Terry smiled softly at the screen. "Sorry. Thanksgiving tradition took precedence."

"What tradition?"

"The yearly kicking of Jordon's ass at a computer game."

Simon rubbed his eyes. "Why?"

"Because it's fun." Terry typed something, then paused the game. He turned in his seat and walked over, tightening his robe belt.

Simon watched Terry sit down next to him. "I need you tonight, though. What happened at our house..."

Terry put an arm around Simon's shoulders and hugged him. "I know, I know." He rested his head against Simon's. "They'll come around, though."

"The Colonel doesn't change his mind on things, though."

"I'm sure he does, more than you think."

Simon shook his head slightly. "I don't think he does."

"Whatever the truth, don't worry about it right now. Have faith it'll all work out."

"I'm trying, I really am." Simon sighed. "But it's getting harder and harder. I've ruined Thanksgiving. I don't even know what we have to be thankful for."

"There's plenty to be thankful for, Simon. I'm thankful I'm still with you." Terry kissed Simon's forehead.

Simon closed his eyes. "Ditto. But," he pulled away and sat up, "alienating my family, ruining their holiday, it feels like there's not much to be thankful for. There might be plenty, but it doesn't feel like it."

Terry ran his hand through Simon's hair. "Maybe things will work out."

"In one night? I doubt it."

"Never doubt faith, just trust it." Terry patted the bed. "Now, how about you sleep in here, and after I finish, I'll join you."

Simon yawned and nodded. "Alright."

Terry kissed Simon. "I love you."

Simon kissed him back briefly. "I love you too." He chuckled. "Even with your horrible breath."

"Like yours is any better at this hour." Terry pushed Simon down. "I'll be with you in an hour or so."

Simon pulled the covers back and crawled into bed.

Terry went back to the chair and glanced back at his boyfriend, noting that Simon had already fallen back asleep. He faced the computer and continued the game.

You going to do anything about Eric's family?

Terry glanced at his resources, before taking the time to reply to his brother's message. Yeah. Faith helps, but sometimes it needs a little nudge.

Try not to make the situation worse.

Would I do that? By the by, watch your back. I'm coming for you.

Like I'll fall for--KISAMA!

Terry smirked. I'm good.

~*()*~

"Simon, time to wake up."

Simon blinked and looked up. "Mom? What're you doing at Terry's?"

"You don't remember?" Annie stood up.

Simon looked around. I'm in my room? But...how? "What am I doing here?" He pushed himself up onto his elbows.

"Terry brought you over earlier this morning. He had to run errands and didn't want to leave you alone at his house."

Errands? On Thanksgiving? Simon scratched his head. "Is he still coming to dinner?"

"Yes. Grandpa's here. He and Ginger want to talk to you." She patted his leg. "Shower and go see them."

"What about Aunt Julie and the Colonel?"

Annie sighed and headed for the door. "It's up to them whether they show up or not. I have a feeling they won't, though." She left.

Simon hung his head. So I really did ruin Thanksgiving for everyone. At least I don't have to hide the truth from them any more. He tossed his covers aside and grabbed his robe. I don't even remember Terry bringing me over. Guess I was more tired than I thought.
~*()*~

"Hey, Julie, Hank. I was wondering if we could talk?"

"I don't really think that's a good idea." Julie crossed her arms.

Terry put a hand on the door. "It'll only take a minute. And if Simon could give you another chance, don't you think you owe him another one?"

Hank glanced at his wife.

Julie looked to the sky. "Fine. Just a for a minute."

Terry nodded and went inside. "Thanks."
~*()*~

"I just don't get why you're so understanding." Simon folded his hands together, balancing himself on the edge of the living room chair. "I would've thought you and Ginger would be upset about me being gay."

"To be honest, Ginger and I have been wondering about you for a while. I always thought there was something off about you."

Simon's raised his eyebrows. "You have?"

Ginger nodded. "Of course. There were little hints here and there, but we weren't sure."

Simon rubbed his eyes. "And the fact I'm gay, that you were right, doesn't bother you?"

"Not really. I mean, I fell in love with Ginger, and heaven knows how much disapproval that got initially."

Simon scoffed. That's an understatement. Mom went nuts.

"So you fell in love, it just wasn't who you or your family expected. Love comes when it comes."
Simon sighed through his nose. "I wish you could explain that to the Colonel and Aunt Julie."

"Well, we will tonight." Ginger looked at her husband. "We'll just pull them aside before dinner."

Simon winced. "Ah, well, um, Aunt Julie and Hank won't be coming. And I don't think the Colonel is coming back, either."

"Hogwash." Charles patted his knees. "They'll be here. They wouldn't let something like this ruin Thanksgiving."

I don't think you know them as well as I do. And news like this really disrupts the family. Simon leaned back in the chair.

"So, a male model. Does he have a mind to match his looks?"

Simon laughed. "Yeah, he does. More than you know."

"Is he involved in your school?"

"For the first time, yeah. Last year he was too busy with his classes, but this year," Simon tilted his head a moment, "let's see. He joined the student court, and proposed something to the student council. I'm not sure what, but it's some sort of fund raiser, I think." He closed his eyes.

"So he's a keeper?"

Simon opened his eyes and looked at his grandfather. "I'm never letting him go. I love him."

Ginger squeezed Charles' hand. "Then that's the thing to do."

Simon glanced at the clock. "I'm going to go see if mom needs help in the kitchen. Can we talk more tomorrow?"

"Of course! And bring your boyfriend along."

Simon smiled. "I will." He walked towards the kitchen. I'm glad someone understands. Still, they thought I was gay before I even suspected it? Wonder what gave them that idea...

~*()*~

"Oh, it's you. What do you want."

Terry raised an eyebrow. This one's going to be a little tougher to deal with. "I know I'm probably the last person you want to see."

"So why are you here."

"I want to talk."

"We have nothing to say."

You're not getting away that easily. Terry crossed his arms. "What's wrong? Afraid of the truth? You're a marine. I thought you people weren't afraid of anything."

"I'm not."

"Yet you're scared to talk to me."

The Colonel ground his teeth together.

"Just a minute of your time."

The Colonel stared past Terry a moment, then stepped back. "Fine. Come in. Speak."

Terry walked by the ex-marine. Hit them in the pride. Always works.

~*()*~

"Hey, looking sexy."

Simon blinked, then blushed. He was wearing his dress jeans and a crimson-collared shirt. "You look good too."

Terry, grinning, had his hands in his pockets and was leaning against the wall facing the staircase. He was wearing khakis and a white polo shirt, its top buttons completely undone. "Glad I came when I did. A minute later and I'd have missed your entrance."

Simon walked over and stood next to Terry. "I'm glad I changed and came down when I did."

Terry brought his hands out and pulled Simon close, kissing him.

Simon closed his eyes and kissed back, wrapping his arms around Terry's waist. I love him, but I really like this. He's a great kisser.

Terry pulled his head away. "Happy Thanksgiving."

"Not much to be happy about."

Terry kissed Simon's nose. "We've been over that. Let's not revisit the subject. Just enjoy the holiday."

Simon sighed and nodded.

"So where were you going before I distracted you?"

"Oh. I was going to join dad and the other guys in the living room and see how the game's doing."

Terry blinked. "Game?"

Simon chuckled. "Yeah, you know, the game. The football game."

Terry tilted his head. "I didn't know football was played on Thanksgiving."

"You're kidding."

Terry shook his head. "I've always been cooking, playing games with aniki, or reading. The television never went on unless there was a movie we felt like watching."

"Why?" Simon let go of Terry and headed for the living room.

Terry followed. "Well, my sensei was usually around, so he kept us busy. And in the last few years I'm the one who cooked, so I didn't have time." He glanced at the screen. "I never really got the game, anyway."

"How can you not get football?" Charles glanced over his shoulder.

Simon took a seat in the rocking chair. "I guess if you were busy."

"Being gay was probably part of the problem."

"Kevin..." Eric gave Lucy's future fiancé a warning look.

Kevin settled further into his chair, a frown on his face.

Ben simply munched on some popcorn, ignoring the male model.

"You want to join us?" Simon glanced at the couch facing away from the television. "There's room."

Terry waved a hand. "I'll go see if Annie needs me to watch the twins or something. Or maybe there's something left to cook. Beating Jordon was fun, but I miss dealing with the food in the kitchen. I always looked forward to cooking something new for the dinner." Terry tapped his hands together. "Catch you guys later." He walked out and headed for the kitchen.

Eric gave Simon a questioning look. "Beating Jordon?"

Simon shook his head. "Don't ask."
~*()*~

"This must be the biggest Thanksgiving dinner I've ever attended."

Annie patted Terry's back. "Enjoy it while you can. Once the Camden brood descends upon this room, it'll be gone before you can blink your eye."

Terry laughed. "Sounds like Jordon. He has a metabolism you wouldn't believe."

Eric entered the room, followed by the rest of the male portion of the family. "Looks great, Annie."

Annie smiled, but tilted her head when the doorbell rang. "Who could that be?"

"I'll get it." Simon turned and went back out the door.

Kevin found his name and rested his hands on the chair. "Shall we take our seats?"

"Of course." Annie checked the twins one last moment before sitting in her own seat.

While the others took their seats, Terry remained standing, watching the door that led to the hall.

"Terry?" Charles tilted his head. "Something wrong?"

Simon reentered at that moment. "Um, look who's here." He stepped aside.

The Colonel walked in, followed by Ruth, Julie, and Hank.

Eric stood slightly. "Dad. Glad you could make it."

The Colonel glanced at Terry, before aheming. "Well, it'd be inappropriate for there to be a Thanksgiving dinner without the patriarch cutting the turkey."

Terry looked at the ceiling.

Simon walked over and stood by Terry. "How'd you-"

Terry took Simon's hand and squeezed it. "Later."

Julie stepped forward. "So...is there room for four more?"

"Of course. There's always room for family." Annie stood and went to get more plates from the kitchen.

Terry walked to the table and sat.

Simon followed and sat next to him. I don't know what you did, Terry, but thanks.

Annie returned and set the places for the four new comers, before taking her seat again.

Lucy glanced at her father. "Well?"

Eric leaned forward. "Well what?"

"Aren't you going to say a prayer, to say thanks?"

All eyes turned to Eric.

Eric felt slightly uncomfortable, and didn't answer.

Simon looked around. "If...no one minds, I could do the thanks."

Terry took Simon's hand under the table and smiled. That's brave of you.

When no one voiced an objection, Simon bowed his head and closed his eyes. "Dear Lord, we give thanks on this day for many things. For this food we're about to receive, for providing us shelter, good health, for life in general." He licked his lips. "I'd also like thank you for giving us love, and someone to share it with. Thank you for helping me find my true self, for allowing my family to be so understanding."

The Colonel and Ruth exchanged glances, while Julie sighed.

"And finally, thank you for faith. Faith in ourselves, faith in each other, and faith in you. Without it," Simon hesitated.

Eric looked at his wife.

"Without it, life would be unbearable." Best I could come up with. I couldn't say life would suck. "We'll always be thankful, for everything. Amen."

"Amen."

Terry noticed no one was touching their food yet. Guess they're all giving a silent thanks to something in their life. He smiled at Simon. You did a good job, Simon. This isn't going to be so hard for us after all. He heard his stomach rumble. "Itadakimasu." He picked up his fork.

Simon laughed. "Yeah. Let's eat."

The others in the room agreed, and they began on the feast.

~*()*~

"How'd you do it?"

Terry set his book down and looked up from Simon's bed. "What makes you think I did anything?"

Simon sat next to his boyfriend. "It was pretty obvious." He looked around his room. "Why aren't you hanging out downstairs with everyone?"

"I wanted to give them a chance to talk to you alone."

Simon shrugged. "So how'd you do it?"

Terry smiled and picked his book up. "I did nothing extraordinary. I just talked with them."

"About?"

"About stuff."

Simon grabbed the book. "Come on, Terry. Be serious."

"Why? It worked, and what does it matter how it came about. I wanted to keep your family's Thanksgiving together."

"What'd you tell them, though?" Simon brought a leg up on the bed and rested an arm on it.

Terry leaned back and rested on his elbows. "Your Aunt Julie was relatively easy to talk to. You gave her a second chance, I just convinced her you deserved one as well."

Simon rubbed the back of his neck. He was older and bigger, but the memory of his aunt assaulting him still scared him. It had taken a lot to trust her again. "And the Colonel and Grandma Ruth?"

Terry squinted a moment. "That...took a bit more effort. If he doesn't speak to me for a while, don't be offended. I...kinda insulted him to get him motivated. But I think he'll at least make an attempt to accept you, and eventually me as well."

Simon rubbed Terry's ankle. He remained silent a moment. "Thanks. That...was probably more difficult than it sounds. And thanks for putting the dinner back together."

"I didn't do anything. It was still up to them to show up. I just gave them some things to think about before making their final decision." Terry sat back up. "Thank you, too."

"Me? I didn't do anything."

"You invited me to your house so I wouldn't be alone, you introduced me to your entire family, and you stood up not only for yourself, but for us." Terry scooted over, nudging Simon's leg off the bed so he could be next to the blond teen. "So, thank you."

Simon reached over and ran his hand through Terry's sandy hair. "You're welcome. You were right. We have a lot to be thankful for." He leaned forward and kissed Terry.

Terry pulled back slightly. "Most of all, each other." He continued the lip-lock.

Lucy watched them from the door, before shutting it quietly. Thanks for giving Simon someone so strong, Lord. And thanks for helping all of us understand both of them. She walked over to the stairs and headed for the living room, to tell the family Simon would be detained for a few minutes, at least.

~*()*~

~*()*~

~*()*~

Kisama: rude form of "you"

Itadakimasu: thanks for the food, let's eat

Aniki: older brother

Author's Prattle: Here we are, the big chapter when Simon comes out to the rest of the family. I'm sorry if you wanted more of the Colonel, Charles, all of them, but this fic isn't about them, and it was actually very difficult for me to work out their characters. I apologize if any of them weren't completely in character. I also want to apologize for making this a bit of a sappy chapter. I didn't mean for it to turn out that way, but that's what happened.

The next chapter after this was formally called the "Spoiler" chapter, Christmas Special. I have revised and reposted it to fit the timeline, and it is now chapter twenty-two. So for those of you who were able to resist tempation, you may not go ahead and read the next chapter! A Camden Christmas (no, that's not really the title, but it'd make a good one, ne?).

Again, I mean no offense to anyone. I try to portray it as close to how it would happen in the life of the show. To any of you who dislike Thanksgiving, my portrayal of it, large family gatherings in general, the praying, etc., this is the general apology.

General disclaimer time. I don't own 7th Heaven or any of its characters or settings. Nor do I own the sons Terry was singing. They belong to their respective Japanese affiliates. The first was "Lonely Moon" from Tenchi Muyo! (Pioneer), the second was "24" from Card Captor Sakura (CLAMP), and the third was "Come, Sweet Death" from The End of Evangelion movie (GIANAX). All full lyrics can be found at Animelyrics.com.

As I have already shown that italics is thought, the bold-faced type in the chapter is computer messages exchanged. I hope everyone enjoyed the chapter, and as always, reviews are welcome!