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

By Cypher

Chapter Twenty-Five: The Closet Door is Wide Open

"And so we finally come to the basic question: is homosexuality a sin? Should we be prejudice against same-sex relationships? Should we punish them for following what they feel in their hearts? Many of you may automatically think yes. But why? Because the Bible proclaims it's wrong? We've been over passages that have been used to condemn homosexuality, and found that there's nothing that specifically damns the practice.

"But what about what all the people on television claim? What about all those sicknesses and troubles homosexuals bring us? We must remember that not everything we hear is true, and that sometimes only a biased version of a story has been related to us. Yes, even from our own news organizations. Just because they report rising disease among the homosexual masses doesn't mean it isn't also happening among African Americans, or Asian Americans, or even Caucasian Americans. We must think outside of the stereotypical depiction of gays and lesbians. We must accept them for what they are: people trying to live their lives.

"Why am I preaching this? I am a man of God, and should be preaching its condemnation. But that is just it. A man of God, not God himself. God is the only true judge, and if we judge homosexuality, we are then committing a sin ourselves. What if the love between two boys or two girls is how it's supposed to be? What if God intended that love to blossom, and we crush it because it makes us uncomfortable? Are we so arrogant to assume that we know what is absolutely right and wrong?

"The answer is we can't be, and we shouldn't be. Love is love, and how it manifests is out of our control. Instead of fearing and worrying about homosexuality as a sin or disease, let us focus on the fact that two people have found their soul mate, and while it may not be traditional to us, we should accept their love for what it is. Let us remember that the Bible teaches us to forgive and to accept. Let us accept homosexuals as individuals, and remember that come the time of judgment, their actions will be weighed equally with our own.

"Please remember that gays and lesbians may be around us, but afraid to admit it or come out because they fear retribution. Let us extend our hand and offer our support to the individuals with enough courage to stand up and say 'I'm gay,' and pray that the example we set will be followed by others. We cannot change world opinion, but perhaps here, in our small community, we can make a difference.

"Let us pray..."

~*()*~

Simon raised his eyebrow at the colorful cyclone of the store before them. "What's this place again?"

"Jamba Juice. A fruit smoothie bar or something." Terry shrugged and ran a hand through his hair. "Catherine at work suggested it. Though she is a bit of a health nut."

"Fruit smoothes?"

"We could go grab some coffee if you don't feel up to trying anything new today."

Simon waved his hands. "Naw. Let's give it a shot. Who knows, maybe it's better than coffee."

Terry chuckled. "That'd be blasphemy to my brother."

"Well, he's not here, is he." Simon stepped forward and opened the door.

Terry walked in. "No, he's not." His shoulders slumped slightly.

Simon mentally hit himself. Stupid. He still misses his brother too much to tease about that. Change the subject. He looked up at the menu. "So, uh, what should we try?"

Terry followed Simon's gaze. "I have no clue."

Simon crossed his arms, reading over the descriptions. "Chandler's sermon was nice."

"Don't tell him I said this, but it would've been more evocative coming from your father."

Simon nodded. "That's because he'd have been speaking for us as well as trying to communicate a point." He nodded to the cashier. "I'll try the Razzmatazz."

"Citrus Squeeze." Terry reached for his wallet.
"I've got it." Simon pulled out some money and paid for the drinks.

Terry took a seat at one of the counter stools. "I would've been happy to pay for it."

"You always pay for everything."

"You're on an allowance."

"I do odd jobs here and there." Simon tapped his fingers on the counter as he took his seat. "Granted, that's maybe two or three times a year...but still, I make financially sound moves. I'm fine."

Terry nodded and watched the attendants mix the ingredients for their drinks.

"I know that look. What aren't you telling me?"

Terry sighed and faced his boyfriend. "Well, I have a couple jobs that would be good for you, but I didn't want to hurt your pride by offering them to you. I thought you'd want to find jobs on your own."

"Are you kidding? Business is all about connections. There's no insult from getting jobs from friends." Simon leaned forward. "So, what are the jobs?"

"One is kind of, well, personal. Earlier this year my business manager told me to diversify my funds, due to the economy and stock market. While I'm good at handling money, I'm not that good."

"So you want me to do it? Terry, I'd love to. I've always wanted to work with stocks."

Terry sighed through his nose. "But can you handle money that, well, belongs to me? Can you be professional about it?"

"Terry, you know me. When it comes to monetary decisions, I don't let feelings get in my way."

"True, how very true."

"Order's up!"

Terry grabbed the drinks and gave Simon his. "Alright. I'll give you my manager's number so you can set up a meeting." He sipped some of his drink through the straw. "Not bad."

Simon puckered his cheeks slightly. "A bit sour."

"You want some of mine?" Terry held out his cup.

"Maybe later." Simon stood and headed for the exit. "So what's the other job?"

Terry followed and leaned against the door, pushing it open. "Remember that proposal I made to the Student Government? The one I've been working on since they approved?"

Simon nodded. "Yeah."

"Well, it's a fashion show fundraiser."

"Really? That's pretty cool." Simon looked at his smoothie, and glanced at Terry. "You want to try?"

Terry shrugged and took a sip, looking up at the sky. "Trade you." Again, he held out his Citrus Squeeze.

Simon took it and took a small bit to taste. "Alright."

Terry drank a bit more of his new smoothie. "Any who, it's never been thought of here before, but up in Northern California it's the fundraising event of the school year."

"So you presented it and they loved it. So you want me to be in it?"

Terry wobbled his hand. "Kinda. The Government has yet to find a treasurer for it, and, well, the first person that came to my mind was you."

"Treasurer?"

"It's not really a paying job, but I thought it'd be something you could enjoy, and since you'd be working with a few local clothing shops you could form some connections."

"Handling money is handling money. When'd they ask you to find a treasurer?"

"Oh, about," Terry looked at his watch, "forty hours ago."

Simon shook his head and sat on a bench across from Pete's Pizza. "I'll tell them first thing Monday that I'm in."

Terry bit his lip and took his place beside him. "Speaking of Monday..."

"Hmm?" Simon watched as some girls walked by across the street, glancing at them. We're gay, and we still attract the girls like flies to honey. I have to admit, I will miss the attention somewhat.

"Maybe we should skip school Monday."

Simon's head turned sharply and his brow furrowed as he examined Terry's face. "Why?"

"Well, the article's out today. We should let our peers, not to mention our teachers, get used to the idea of us being gay. And you should prepare for some...isolation for a couple days at least."

"I think we'll be fine attending. They have today to process the truth, and I think some people already suspected."

"What they suspected and what is are two very different things. Friends you've had through high school you'll find suddenly don't know you. I've seen coming outs before, Simon, and just like with the family, it can be far more devastating that you think."

"I think I know my friends, and if they can't accept me for who I truly am, then they aren't really my friends." Simon shook his drink, then tossed it into a nearby garbage can. "As for my teachers, why would they treat me any differently just because they found out I'm gay?"

"Just trust me, it happens." Terry handed Simon his drink.

Simon tossed it away as well. "I still think we should go. We have to face them eventually, and if we put it off for one day-"

"Then we're letting the truth sink in and avoiding a possibly volatile or emotionally devastating situation. It took your family days to fully adjust to the news, and even longer to get comfortable with the truth. This is going to be happening wide scale, with people who don't love you. It will be more difficult in some ways."

"But won't it also be easier because a lot of people don't care about me or you, and they're not friends?"

"Those people can become bigots overnight. I've seen it happen."

Simon leaned back and watched another group of people walk by, again looking at him and Terry.

"See? It's already happening. People change when they learn the truth, and not always for the better at first."

"So what do we do for the day?"

"I could come over and hang at your house, or you could come over to mine." Terry shrugged and ran his fingers through Simon's blond locks. "You could come over tonight and we could make a night out of it."

Simon blushed slightly and reached over to snap the rubber band on his wrist. Behave, behave, he means snuggling, nothing more. "Well, I'm not sure mom and dad," he paused a moment, "well, mom won't let us do that."

"Sleeping over at my house? Or skipping a day of school."

"Skipping a day of school."

"How many days have you missed thus far?" Terry glanced at his watch. "If you haven't missed many days, she has no reason to object."

"Oh, I think she'd find more than a few reasons." Simon sighed and stuck his hands in his pockets. "Alright, we'll skip tomorrow." At least I'll be able to finally catch up with my English reading.

"Right." Terry looked around. "So, where is Annie this afternoon?"

"Where else? Home."

~*()*~

"You want to what?"

"Skip school tomorrow." Simon leaned against the wall. Terry had returned to his home to receive a call from his brother, leaving Simon to face his mother alone. "Terry feels that we should give everyone a day or so to let the truth sink in."

"And you agreed with him?" Annie set the twins' lunches on the table.

"Well...not initially, no. But he has done this before, and I remembered that you guys needed time. The Colonel still isn't totally happy with it. One day might not be enough, but it might avoid some of the initial reactions we could run into."

Annie cleaned up the counter a minute, then nodded. "Alright. I guess one day won't hurt, as long as you're not missing any tests."

Now for the next step. "Well, um, would you also mind if I stayed over at Terry's tonight? He thought it would give you guys a bit of a break."

Annie looked at her son. "Are you sure that's wise?"

Simon stood up and crossed his arms. He had figured out earlier that week that his father had told his mother about his sexual difficulties. I can't believe he told her. At least she hasn't tried to talk to me about it. "I'm doing fine, mom. Nothing's going to happen."

Annie pursed her lips. "It's okay with me if your father thinks it's okay." She pointed at him. "But if anything happens, you're going to be in so much trouble you'll wish the students had gotten to you first. Clear?"

"Very." Simon nodded at Ruthie as she came down with the twins and quickly retreated up the stairs. Sheesh. I can handle myself. And if not...well, Terry can.

Ruthie looked up after her brother. "Is Simon in trouble?"

"Not yet." Annie set to making Ruthie's lunch.

As Simon arrived upstairs, he caught his sister's arm. "Luce, you seen dad?"

Lucy shook her head. "Not since I got home, no. He might be in the living room. That's where he was this morning." She pulled away and headed towards the kitchen.

Simon looked at the ceiling and went down the stairs again, petting Happy as he passed the front door. "Dad?"

"Hmm?" Eric set one of the twins' toys down and looked at his son.

"Terry and I are missing school tomorrow to give everyone some time to get over the initial shock, so he invited me to stay over tonight. Can I?"

Eric sat up and raised his eyebrow. "Who said you could skip school?"

"Mom. She agreed that it would be best, but she left the sleep over up to you." Probably so that if something did happen, she couldn't be held completely responsible. Sometimes I wonder about their parenting skills.

"A sleep over. At Terry's. Are you sure that's wise?"

Simon groaned and hit the back of his head against the wall. Not again.

~*()*~

"You invited him to sleep over? Is that wise?"

"Aniki, urusai. The behavior modification is working, and I can control myself. More than you, anyway. And you never got this cautious whenever a model slept over."

"That's because one, you're gay and wouldn't have sex with her and two, I could've gotten lucky."

"Hentai." Rich looked over the drawing he was working on. "I think I'm going to have to get more red."

"Picture with blood, huh?"

"Good guess."

"I know you like my favorite book."

"Oh yeah?"

"Of course. You're my brother."

"Alright, prove it."

"Fine. Let's see, on page eighty-two there's a tiny coffee stain above the third paragraph, and page one-hundred and-"

"No, no. Forget it." Terry erased one of the lines. "You sure you can afford this? Long distance can't be cheap."

"Half the time I reverse the charges."

"What?!"

"Kidding, kidding...sorta."

Terry growled.

"Now don't be like that. I sent you a package the other day."

"You did? Why?"

"A simple 'I miss you' gift."

"I miss you too. Most of the time, anyway."

"Har har." Jordon paused. "I love you."

"I love you too, aniki. This mean you have to go?"

"Yeah, I've got work. Talk with you later."

"Ja ne." Terry heard his brother hang up, then reached over and turned off the phone. Here's hoping Simon can stay tonight. This house is too big for me alone. It gets lonely. He rubbed his arm and glanced around the living room. Maybe I should sell it and move to my mom's apartment. He sighed and went back to working on his art project. That's something I'll have to keep in mind come summer. The phone rang, and he reached over and hit the speaker. "Hi, moshi moshi?"

"Terry? It's Simon. I'll be over around five?"

"Sure. You want me to cook, or take-out?"

"Why don't we decide when I get there."

"Alright. Love you."

"Love you too. Later." Simon hung up.

Terry listened to the silence a moment. Love...am I making a mistake all for the sake of love? Snapping out of it, he turned the phone off once more.

~*()*~

"Mm..." Simon rolled over and nuzzled his pillow. I haven't slept that good in a while. Squinting his eyes open, he watched the steady rise and fall of Terry's chest. Nothing happened. I told mom she didn't have to worry. He closed his eyes again and stretched his neck. Mom and dad have no idea what it's like, having him as a boyfriend. He doesn't care if we just sleep together, no sex or anything. Why can't they understand his views? It's a form of affection, a sign of love, nothing more. He settled down and opened his eyes again. And he's just beautiful when he sleeps. Well, he's always beautiful, but his form is beautiful.

"Mornin." Terry's eyes cracked open.

Simon blinked. "You're awake?"

"Mm...sorta." Terry arched his back as he stretched and scratched his head, his golden eyes blurry and unfocused. "I felt you move and took a guess."

"Sorry. I didn't mean to wake you."

"S'okay." Terry leaned forward and planted a kiss on Simon's cheek. "Sleep well?"

"Yeah, thanks." Simon waited for Terry to pull away. "Um, Terry?"

"I'm awake, I'm awake." Terry yawned and slowly rolled onto his back, rubbing his eyes with the knuckles of his hands. "When I don't have any pressing morning appointments, I'm quite the sloth."

"I'm beginning to see that. You didn't used to be."

"I used to have to take care of aniki."

That makes sense. Simon rested his arm across Terry's chest and scooted closer. "You miss him, don't you."

"Yes and no. Times like this, no." Terry yawned again and rubbed Simon's arm. "Other times, though.,."

Simon nodded. "I miss Matt, too."

Terry lay there for a bit, staring at nothing. After a minute his arm snaked over and wrapped around Simon's shoulders. "Well, shall we greet the day? Or just lie here a bit longer."

Simon shrugged. "I'm happy just lying here."

Terry smiled slightly and faced Simon. "Then we'll lie here a bit longer."

~*()*~

"Yes. Yes I know. Alright. Thank you." Annie hung up the phone and shook her head. "No wonder Simon got out of the house. That's the third call today asking if it's true." She finished packing Ruthie's lunch. "At least he's going through it at Terry's house."

"Terry's number is unlisted." Lucy opened the fridge and looked through it.

"Great." Annie sat at the table and rested her chin on her hands. "Hopefully most people will be able to accept it."

"You're kidding, right? It took you, what, almost two months to fully accept Simon as he is?"

"But the general populous shouldn't care like I do about him."

Lucy nodded. "True, but there'll be a handful that are close to or know him, and it's that handful that he and Terry are worried about."

"I suppose."

Lucy patted her mother's shoulder. "Don't worry. Considering high school and this town, something more interesting will come up in no time and their relationship will be part of the status quo."

"You're kidding right? Do you know how many girls Simon alone will have to deal with?"

Lucy briefly remembered all the girlfriends Simon had had. "I think it'll be fine."

"He's with a model."

Lucy bit her lip. "Okay, so maybe it'll last longer than the usual disruption, but still, eventually it'll be accepted."

"The question is how long that eventually is."

~*()*~

Simon stretched and absorbed the sunlight. It was nearly noon, he had just gotten dressed, and was stepping outside for the first time that day. I've got to stay over at Terry's more often. He really knows how to just relax. A set of joggers went by, glancing briefly at the blond teen. Let them stare. Everyone knows, and frankly, I don't care. If they don't like me because of my sexuality, that's their loss. He lowered his arms and scratched his chest. We should've just gone, shown everyone that we're not afraid of them, that we don't care what they think. He's my boyfriend, and I love him. Heh, guess that's why I caved in to his request to not go today.

Terry shut the door to his house and shrugged on his jacket. "You got everything?"

Simon smiled back at Terry and picked up the bag he had set on the ground. "Yep. Are you sure I have to go back so early?"

"I've still got to go to work. Everyone there already knows I'm gay, and had a pretty good idea it was you I was dating." Terry put on a helmet.

Simon walked over to the motorcycle. "I thought we could spend some more time together, maybe go out for lunch."

Terry looked to the sky a moment. "I'll try and swing by for dinner, but some of these new companies don't quite grasp the concept of time. They believe it's endless." He pulled on some gloves and got on the bike. "Besides, we can share lunch tomorrow at school."

"No we can't." Simon pulled out the keys to his car. "You said you were going to spend lunch in the art room to catch up what you missed today."

Terry wrinkled his nose. "Damn, you're right. Well, then tomorrow dinner, definitely. I just have to get dismissed from a jury summons and I'm free."

Jury summons? Oh yeah, he's eighteen. Simon headed for his car as Terry started the bike. Wait, didn't Lucy get one of those too? Waving as Terry drove off, Simon climbed into his car and set the bag in the passenger seat. Dinner tomorrow. We haven't had hamburgers for a while. Maybe we could go to the Pool Hall. Now that everyone knows, it doesn't matter if we're seen. He started the car and looked to see if anyone was coming. I'll see if he wants to go. We could leave at about five--no wait, I have to take Happy for her check-up. Better make it closer to six. Simon drove off and headed for his house. Ugh, the vet. That place isn't much better than the doctor's. At least I don't have to worry about needles there.

~*()*~

Annie knocked on her son's door. "Simon? There's someone here to see you."

Simon glanced up from his math book and pulled off his earphones. "Who is it?"
"Jim."

Simon raised an eyebrow and got off his bed. "Jim?" We haven't talked that much since, oh, I think Morris was still here when we last spoke. Morris... Simon sighed. He hadn't realized it at the time, but he had formed a bit of a crush on the senior, especially due to Terry's absence that month. I wonder what he's up to now.

Annie headed for Lucy's room. "He's out back."

Simon nodded. "Thanks." He hurried down the stairs and went out the back door. "Hey, Jim."

Jim was sitting at one of the picnic tables, and nodded to Simon. "Hey."

Simon considered sitting next to him, then opted to sit across instead. He might be uncomfortable sitting next to me right now. He looked Jim over. The football player was still overweight, but he had grown taller, and managed to tone some of his body mass into muscle. "So what's up?"

Jim sat there for a few minutes, his brow furrowed. Finally, he faced Simon, his face slightly contorted. "Why didn't you tell me?"

Simon blinked, surprised for a moment. "Why didn't I tell you...I'm gay?"

"Yes! You couldn't tell me, your friend, but you could blab it to a newspaper for the whole world to know?"

Simon sat back a little. "It's not that I couldn't, it's just, well, I didn't. Jim, coming out isn't easy, and I wasn't sure how to tell you, to tell anybody for that matter."

"You told your family, obviously. And you've told some people. Cecilia knew."

Cecilia. Simon ground his teeth a moment. "Cecilia found out by accident. I didn't mean to tell her, and in the heat of an argument, I did."

"So why couldn't you tell me? I'm your friend, Simon."

"I didn't know if you'd remain my friend if I told you. I've heard enough coming out stories that I didn't want to lose anyone." Simon sighed and rested his arms on the table. "When I was first finding out, first exploring who I was, I didn't want anyone to know. Not even my family knew. And once I did know I was gay, over time, I let my family know."

"But not your friends? Tell me, did your family receive you warmly?"

Simon winced and looked down. "No, not really. But," he looked back to his friend, "Terry was there, Terry helped me get through it, and he helped my family realize that my being gay didn't change who I was. I love him Jim, and no matter what, I can't change that."

Jim sat straighter. "You love him? What on Earth do you see in him?"

"Well, he's beautiful, intelligent, kind-"

"You could've had anyone, Simon! Any girl in the whole school! Probably any boy, too! Why'd you have to choose him?!"

Simon frowned. What?

Jim pounded his hands down on the table. "Damn it, Simon! Why'd you choose him?!...why didn't you choose me?"

Simon's gray eyes widened so much he thought they would pop out of their sockets. Did he just say--he couldn't have! I couldn't have heard him right!

Jim closed his eyes and hunched his shoulders. "Why couldn't you have chosen me? I love you, Simon."

Simon nearly fell off the bench he was sitting on. "Jim, you? But, I mean, you never gave any indication that--I didn't know." Stupid! That was lame, even for you.

Jim wiped a tear that had strayed and finally faced Simon again. "My size wasn't the only reason I became a football player. I thought if I joined a...manly sport, I'd lose these...feelings I'm not supposed to have."

"Jim I," Simon rubbed his head, "I had no idea you were gay. If...if I did, I might've gone to you when I began questioning my sexuality. But that doesn't mean it would've ended in us dating, or us falling in love."

"I'm still in love with you, Simon. Ever since that day you refused to leave me behind. You didn't care that I was hurt or overweight or anything. You saw me for the person I was, and that's what I fell in love with."

Terry's told me that too. Simon bit his tongue to prevent blurting that out loud. The situation was awkward enough as it was. Think, think, how can you get out of this gracefully. He didn't want to hurt Jim, or lose him as a friend, but there was no way he could allow this crush Jim had to continue. I'm in love with Terry, and I don't think anything could change that. But how do I tell him that without crushing him completely?

"I knew that, well, you were straight, and we could never be a couple, but I still hoped that you would question yourself like I did, and that we would get together." Jim's shoulders slumped. "And by the time I find out, you have a steady boyfriend." He went silent, either lost in his thoughts, or waiting for Simon to say something.

Simon decided he should respond. I guess it's best I go with some honesty. "Jim, I...don't know what to say, or even what I should do. You're a great friend," he reached out and touched Jim's wrist, "and I'd hate to lose you. I could help you come out if you wanted, or Terry could. But, you and I," Simon shook his head slowly, "it can't be. I love Terry, with all my heart."

Jim pulled his arm away from Simon and slowly stood up. "I see."

Simon stood as well. "I won't tell anyone, if you don't want me to."

Jim nodded and turned away from Simon. "Thanks." He started to walk towards the gate.

"Jim!"
Jim paused and glanced back.

"I'd still like to be your friend."

Jim sighed through his nose. "We'll see, Simon. I don't know if I can be friends with you. I probably can't, not while I'm in love with you." He continued walking and left the Camden's backyard.

Simon stared after him, then slowly sat on the edge of the table. Jim. My friend. Was in love with me the whole time...and I never noticed. He hung his head. Dear Lord, what am I supposed to do? I love Terry, but I don't want to lose my friend. What should I do? Please, help me realize what I have to do.

~*()*~

"Hey Luce."

Lucy glanced around and smiled weakly when she spotted Terry sitting at a nearby table. She took a seat across from him. "So you've gotten summoned to jury duty too, huh?"

Terry nodded and closed the book he was reading. "Yeah, second time. I got called right after Halloween last year, and this year, well, I don't know how my name came up so quickly." He shrugged. "No matter. I should be out of here in an hour or two, tops."

Lucy shook her head. "Don't count on it. Just because you're a student doesn't mean you're going to get excused." Unfortunately. She glared at the desk clerk momentarily.

Terry chuckled and shook his head. "No, I know that. Granted, they're more lenient with high school students, but I use a better excuse."

"Your work? I doubt models get special dispensation."

"Nope." Terry crossed his arms. "My mom's a reporter. Therefore, by default, I'm biased. Personally, I'd love to try jury duty one day. It's our civil service, but I doubt it'll ever happen."

"How does your mother being a reporter get you out of jury duty?"

"It's along the same lines as if your husband or brother were a police officer or a judge. They assume that because you're related to certain parties, you're influenced by said parties."

"But your mother doesn't belong to any sort of law party."

Terry winked. "How true. She belongs to an even worse one: the media party. The courts are always afraid media relations are either biased to their relation's views, or they're at the trial to get an inside scoop for the news." He crossed his arms. "It also helps that my mother was once thrown out of a court house."
Lucy raised her eyebrow at that. "She was? For what?"

"Trying to tear my father's throat out, I believe. Or was she thrown out because she was in a media-banned trial?" Terry rubbed his chin. "One of them she was simply cited and escorted off, but one she was literally kicked out of."

Lucy's jaw dropped as she tried to picture herself, her mother, just about anyone getting kicked out of a court house.

Terry nodded at her stunned expression. "Yeah, I know. If heredity is real, I'm so screwed."

"Mr. Jordon!"

Terry looked up and raised his arm. "Yo!"
"Dismissal granted. See you next year."

Terry sighed and stood with his book. "At least I got to catch up on my reading a bit." He patted Lucy's shoulder. "Good luck."

"Thanks."

Terry smiled and headed out.

Lucy rested her head on the table. Never, ever, be in Glen Oak if his mother ever visits again. She's sounding crazier and crazier. Though it's not as if my mom's much better...

~*()*~

"So he's been moping in his room?" Terry rested his arms on the counter and munched on a piece of lettuce.

Annie moved the salad bowl away from the teen. "Yes, ever since he came home. He won't talk about it either, but it seemed to start yesterday after he talked to Jim."

"Jim...Jim..." Terry shook his head. "I don't think I know him."

"He's a friend of Simon's, or at least he was. Maybe his coming out ruined that friendship."

Again, Terry shook his head, and he stood up. "No, Simon's stronger than that. This must be something else."

"Whatever it is, he's not telling anyone. He won't even talk to Lucy about it." Annie glanced at the oven timer. "Could you try and find out what it is? And do you want to stay for dinner?"

"Simon didn't tell you? We're going out."

Annie sighed and looked at the ceiling.

"Um, unless you'd rather we eat here." Terry slowly backed away towards the stairs.

"No, no. Go on out." She waved and went back to making dinner. "I work hard to make a nice dinner, but who's around to enjoy it any more? Not Lucy, noooo. She's out with Kevin. And Simon's always out with you. And Eric, well..."

Terry decided to retreat up the stairs before she noticed he wasn't listening any more. Something tells me she's got some unresolved anger towards Eric that's not being communicated to the intended party. Hopefully that psychiatrist Eric's seeing will help solve this. If not, well, I guess I should offer to let Simon stay over more often.

"Hey Terry. Is dinner ready?"

Terry shook his head. "You don't want to go down there right now, Ruthie. Believe me."

"Is she upset again."

Terry nodded. "Oh yeah."

"Ruthie!"

Terry and Ruthie exchanged glances at the sound of Annie's voice. Ruthie ran for her room, while Terry hurried for Simon's.

Simon blinked when Terry suddenly came into his room. "I know we're dating, but I would still like it if you knocked."

Terry chuckled and rested against the door. "Sorry. Annie's on the rampage, and I didn't want to be in the hall when she appeared."

"Not again." Simon grabbed his jacket. "We'll sneak out the front. If we're lucky, she'll be too preoccupied with someone else to notice us."

"Probably." Terry rubbed his arm. "Before we go, are you okay? Annie said you were moping."

Simon shrugged on his jacket and walked to the door. "Yeah, I'm fine. Come on. If we hurry we can just miss the rush of the dinner crowd."
Terry furrowed his brow, but opened the door and followed Simon out. You're hardly fine. We'll talk over dinner.

~*()*~

"So how was your day?"

"Hmm?" Simon swallowed the french fry he was chewing. "My day?"

"We didn't run into each other at school. How was your first day back being gay?"

Simon sighed and dunked another fry into some ketchup. "Okay, I guess. Some people just..."

"Don't get it. They're upset, they avoid you, they look at you like you were evil incarnate."

Simon nodded. "Yeah. But I'm the same guy. No one here has treated us differently."

"We're clients here." Terry pushed around his own fries. "We're customers, paying customers."

"Yeah, that's true." Simon watched a waitress walk by. "Some people didn't even mention it. They just kinda...ignored me. But they never paid attention to me before, either. So that wasn't so bad."

"And your friends?"

Simon shrugged and drank some of his soda.

"Do you still have friends?"

"Of course! I mean, Glen Oak is rather conservative, but all, well, most of them understood. They know I'm the same guy."

"That's good to know." Terry pushed his fries away and rested his arms on the table.

"How was your day?"

Terry wobbled his hand. "So-so. I'm already somewhat of an odd man out due to my modeling and AP status. The students in my art class didn't give any indication that my being gay made a difference." He rubbed his chin. "I did get a few menacing glares from a number of girls."

"Because you were gay, or because they were hoping to go out with you?"

"Six to one, half dozen to the other." Terry sipped some of his soda. "To be honest, I didn't notice much of a change. Then again, I'm pretty much used to it."

"Lucky for you." Simon ate a few more fries.

Terry glanced around the room again. "There was this one student, a guy named Jim,"

Simon choked on his food and began coughing, grabbing his drink to try and force the food down.

Terry raised an eyebrow. So Annie was right. Jim was the problem. But why? "Are you okay?"

"Yeah," Simon coughed a few more times and took another sip of soda. "I'm fine, just fine." He took a couple deep breaths. "You wanna play some pool?"

Terry blinked at the sudden change of subject. Avoiding confrontation. "I...guess. I haven't played in, oh, it must've been nearly half a decade. Maybe longer." He stood up and headed for a free table.

Simon caught his breath and followed. Jim talked to him? Why? I didn't think he'd...he'd talk to Terry. What would Terry think? For that matter what do I think? I don't think I can answer that yet. He picked up a cue as Terry racked up the balls. "You want to break?"

Give him a bit before getting back to Jim. "I guess. That's where you break up the triangular set, right?"

"Yep." Simon slid a cue to his boyfriend. What am I going to do about Jim? He's my friend, and I don't want to lose him, but how can I keep him without dating him?

Ask Terry.

Simon ignored the tiny voice that spoke up in his head.

It must've happened to him once or twice before. Maybe he has a solution you haven't thought of.

No. I'm a man. I can handle this.

Then why haven't you?

Because...because...it's like a female friend who says she likes you, only you don't like her that way, and you're dating.

You never solved that problem, either.

...damn it, just shut up!

You know I'm right.

"Simon?"

Simon blinked. "Huh? I'm...sorry. I was lost in thought."

Terry gave him a worried look and squeezed his shoulder. "Anything you want to talk about?"

Simon shook his head. "No. I...it's something I need to figure out myself. Let's just...Terry, where are all the balls?"

"That's what I've been trying to ask you for the past couple minutes. What happens if I sank them all in a few hits?"

Simon raised his eyebrows. "You really haven't played in years."

Terry shrugged. "I remember it's a game of geometry and force, and you try and get all the balls into the pockets."

"Your brother taught you to play, didn't he."

Terry chuckled. "Good guess."

Simon began collecting the balls. "Let's try again. This time, I'LL break, and instruct you how to properly play."

~*()*~

"I had a nice time, Terry. Thanks." Simon leaned forward and kissed Terry.

Terry held Simon, enjoying the intimate contact. Still have to talk, though. He pulled away and held Simon's hand. "Simon, we need to talk."

Simon's brow furrowed and he led Terry over to the backyard table. "What about?"

"About, and please don't clam up, about Jim."

Simon sat a little straighter and looked away from Terry. "He's just...a friend I'm having a fight with."

"A fight that's been bothering you. You've been brooding all day, Simon. Annie's worried, and so am I." Terry squeezed Simon's hand. "I love you, and I want to help."

"You can't help. You're the problem, Terry. Don't you see?" Simon looked up at the sky.

Terry tilted his head. "You're fighting because we're a couple?"

"No, well, yes, I mean," Simon sighed through his nose. "I don't want to talk about it." He pulled his hand away.

"I do. And if it's not me, eventually Annie or Lucy or Eric will push you to talk about it. If you want to talk about relationships with someone, wouldn't you want it to be me?"

"Not in this case, Terry. Look," Simon stood up, "I love you, and I don't want there to be secrets between us, but I don't want to talk to you about this! This isn't something I can talk to with my boyfriend!"

Terry remained seated and looked away, biting his lip.

Simon's shoulders slumped and he closed his eyes. "Terry, I'm sorry, it's just-"

"I understand." Terry stood and rubbed his arm. "Sometimes there are demons we have to face alone. I'm just worried about you."

"I know, and I'll tell you eventually, but right now..." Simon stuffed his hands in his pockets.

"It's alright. I won't bother you about it any more." Terry leaned forward and kissed Simon on the forehead. "I'll see you tomorrow."

Simon snagged Terry's arm and pulled him back for another kiss.

Tell him. He can help.

I'm not listening. Simon pulled away and let Terry go. "Love you."

"I love you too." Terry smiled slightly and headed out.

Simon watched him a moment before turning and going inside.

You should've told him.

Why? It's my friend, not his. I have to deal with this. A man doesn't dump problems on his lover. He headed upstairs. That's what family's for. Glancing around, Simon headed up to Lucy's room.

"Luce?"

"Hey, Simon. Have a nice date?"

"They were kissing for about a minute. I'd say so."

Simon glared at Ruthie a minute. Must she snoop? He shook his head. Focus! Deal with Ruthie later. "Luce, can I talk to you in my room?"

Lucy nodded and hopped off her bed. "No problem."

"Thanks." Simon went back down the stairs and into his room.

Lucy closed the door after she entered. "So what's up?"

Simon crossed his arms and thought. "Do you...do you think it's possible for two people to be friends if one of them is in love with the other?"

Lucy furrowed her brow and grabbed the desk chair to sit down in. "You mean like between a boy and a girl."

"Not, um, exactly." Simon rubbed his arm and sighed. "You see, after I came out, a...friend of mine said he didn't mind me being gay because HE was gay. He just didn't like that I was with Terry. I still want to be his friend, but," he shook his head, "it sounded like he wouldn't want to be my friend as long as I'm dating Terry." When Lucy remained silent, Simon wondered if she'd fallen asleep. When he looked up, though, he saw her just staring at him. "What?"

Lucy snapped out of her stare. "Nothing, nothing. Just...surprised, that's all."

"So how can I keep him as my friend without him thinking I'm leading him on?"

Lucy fiddled with her hair. "If my experience with Mike Pierce is any indication, you can't. Eventually it'll blow up in your face and there'll be nothing you can do about it."

"But maybe it'll be different with me, though. I mean, we've been friends longer-"

"It doesn't matter how long you've been friends, Simon. His feelings are going to still be there, and being with you while knowing you're unreachable will hurt him even more. Your best bet is to try and, well, end the relationship on a good note."

Simon ran a hand through his hair and rocked back and forth slightly.

"Simon?"

"You know, I knew my coming out could result in a loss of friends, but I never thought it'd be because one of those friends had a crush on me." Simon rested his head in his hands. "When did my life become so complicated?"

"I think it happened the first time you kissed Terry." Lucy got up and sat beside Simon, rubbing his back. "But you have to keep in mind, this could've happened if you were straight and were friends with a girl."

"I don't think it would hurt so much, though. He's been a great friend. I couldn't have made it through high school without him." He let a slow breath out of his nose. "I really don't want to end it."

"But you have to. For his sake more than yours. You can't just ignore his feelings." Lucy hesitated a moment. "Have you told Terry about this? He might have a suggestion."

"No, I haven't, and I don't want you to tell him, either. This is something I have to figure out and fix myself." Simon rubbed the back of his neck. "Does that sound kinda stupid?"

"Yes and no." Lucy patted Simon's shoulder. "Terry might be able to help you come to terms with losing this friend. He's dealt with this more than you have. At the same time, though, you feel like telling him would prove that you can't handle situations regarding your orientation by yourself." She folded her hands in her lap. "A rock and a hard place."

"Thanks. That makes me feel a whole lot better." Simon rubbed his face.

Lucy watched her brother for a minute. "Do you want to know what I would do?"

"Please."

"Well, I would tell him that you couldn't be friends right now, but maybe after he was over you, you two could get back together and just hang out."

"I don't think he'd want to ever see me again, even after he got over me."

"That will depend on him. Offer him your friendship in the future, but break it off now. That's all you can do."

Simon bit his lip, but nodded slightly. "You're right."

Lucy smiled and stood up.

"Thanks. For listening, I mean." Simon tilted his head up. "You won't tell Terry, will you?"

"No. I'll leave that up to you. I would suggest you do, though. At the very least, he can offer you some comfort." She left the room.

Simon stared after her, then fell back on his bed. I hope so. Ending my friendship with Jim is not going to be easy.

~*()*~

Simon rubbed his hands and glanced around nervously. That morning he had called Jim and asked to speak with him at lunch. Lunch was now half over, and Jim had failed to show up at the tree they had agreed upon. Did he get detention? Or is he just going to...brush me off? He shouldn't, though. This is difficult for me, too. He sighed and leaned against the tree, staring at his book bag. Maybe I should've let Terry handle it.

"Simon?"

Simon looked up and gave Jim a weak smile. "Hey. I was beginning to wonder if you were going to show."

"I thought about not coming, but decided I couldn't." Jim crossed his arms. "So what did you want to talk about?"

Simon stood up and put his hands in his pockets. "I," he paused a moment, "you caught me by surprise the other day. It came out of nowhere, and I wasn't too sure what to do."

Jim dropped his arms to his sides. "Yeah, I guess I did sort of ambush you. I was so upset, though. I still am." He rubbed his arm. "I still really like you, Simon, and I don't think we can hang out as long as you're with Terry-"

"I agree."

Jim blinked. "I...see."

Simon took a deep breath. "I think we should...go our separate ways. I mean, if you ever want to talk or hang out, I'll be there for you, but if being my friend right now is only going to hurt you, then we shouldn't be friends."

Jim stared a Simon a moment. "You...mean that?"

Simon nodded. "I hope that, maybe someday we can be friends again. Right now, though," he put out his hand, "all I can do is say goodbye...and good luck. I hope you find someone to love just as I have."

Jim looked from Simon to his hand, and eventually shook it. "Thanks. I...I'll see you around." Jim pulled his hand back and adjusted his backpack.

"Yeah. Later."

Jim turned and walked off.

Simon went back to leaning against the tree. That...wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. Why? He was one of my best friends. Why was it so easy for me to let go?

"Was he the demon?"

Simon tensed momentarily, but remained still, staring at the ground. "You like to sneak up, don't you."

Terry leaned back next to him and shrugged. "I don't always mean to. I like surprising people sometimes, but in this case I just wanted to see if you were okay."

Simon glanced at Jim's retreating form. "I think I am. And yes, he was the demon I had to face." He looked at his boyfriend. "Did Lucy tell you?"

"No. I saw you two across the yard." Terry went silent, eyes closed as he rested in the shade.

"Don't you want to know?"

"Your demons are your demons, Simon. Whether you share them with me or anyone is your choice." Terry looked at Simon and smiled. "We all have secrets, even some that we keep from the ones we love. I won't pry."

Simon stared at him a minute, then leaned down and picked up his bag. My family would hound me until they found out what was going on. It's kinda...refreshing not to be pressured. "Thanks."

"Simon?"

"Yeah?" Simon strapped on his bag.

"I love you. With or without secrets." Terry ran his hand through Simon's hair.

Simon smiled. "I love you too."

Terry pushed off from the tree and put his hands in his pockets. "I have a study hall next period. AP was canceled. You want to come?"

Blow off History or hang out with Terry. Simon smirked. No contest there. "Sure."

Terry started waking towards the school.

Simon walked alongside him. "When you said that we all have secrets, does that include you?"

Terry winked at his boyfriend, but said nothing.

Simon's raised his eyebrows. So there are still things I don't know about him. That's kinda nice. Every relationship does need some mystery to keep it interesting...

~*()*~

~*()*~

~*()*~

Aniki: older brother

Urusai: shut up

Hentai: pervert

Ja ne: later

Moshi moshi: hello

Author's Prattle: Ahhh! Gomen Nasai! *bows multiple times* I'm so sorry that this chapter took so long to get out. I hit a week with three tests, two quizzes, and a major project due, and by the end my creative juices were completely drained! I went for a full week just staring at the comp screen going "write anything you idiot" and coming up with dren. Finally I got my juices back, but unfortunately they were directed at the wrong show (FYI: I've started and X-Men Evolution fic). Then my laptop went screwy on me, so I couldn't access my work for a couple days, and I saw the X2 movie (I know what's going to happen in X3...hehe) that got me going on a short Pyro fic. On top of that I've got to get ready for YaoiCon and decide what fics to submit for the fanfic contest (thoughts and opinions on "Angel's Night" and "Twin Novae" would be very much appreciated).

Now, I know this chapter was extremely long for a filler (I tried to deviate from the coming out theme from previous chapters), but I hope I was able to convey an interesting enough twist that you still like it. Sadly, I have finals starting this week and continuing through next week. I also want to get a little bit more done on the X-Men Evolution fic, and then I have two weeks vacation. I know I will definitely be writing a ton in June (start summer semester with history...bleh), but I don't know when chapter 26 will be out. I'll try and rush it along, but no guarantees. Sorry. But I WILL continue. I have lots planned for our favorite couple.

Disclaimers: The usual ones. I don't own 7th Heaven or the characters (if you don't remember Jim, think back to Simon's first day of high school). They belong to Brenda Hampton and Aaron Spelling. I also don't own Jamba Juice (though they have some cool drinks). Don't know who owns them, but I'm willing to bet in a few years Starbucks will consume them.

Right. I believe that's everything. Oh, reviews are always welcome. Until next time! *goes to watch Slayers Try*