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

By Cypher

Chapter Twenty-Eight: Handling Trauma

"Let me get this straight. You want to move in with the Camdens?" Roxanne followed Terry's movements with her eyes.

"Until the end of the school year, yeah." Terry continued pacing the length of the kitchen. "That way I can be here for Simon while he's healing, and we can spend even more time together so he doesn't feel neglected."

Roxanne shook her head. "Where would you stay?"

"Matt's room, the one he shared with Robbie, is empty. It's not like I'd be moving in for good, just for a month or so." Terry crossed his arms. "Simon's going to need a lot of emotional support, and I want to be here to give it to him. Eric and Annie would never let him move in to my house, so this is the only other option."

Roxanne raised her cup of coffee. "Well, it's your life. But I don't know if I could live here, and you seem a bit more eccentric than me. Wouldn't you feel...stifled here?"

"Probably. But Simon's going to need me. Who's going to hold him if he has nightmares? Lucy? Eric? Lord forbid, Ruthie?" Terry rested his palms on the counter. "He's going to want me, and I won't just ignore that."

"Are you sure there isn't some guilt leaking into your good intentions? That you blame yourself for what happened, and now you're going to extremes to make up for it?" Roxanne glanced at the clock. This is going into midnight. When are those Camdens coming back?

Terry looked up and ran a hand through his hair. "Yeah, there probably is, but I also know Simon. He needed me when he had nightmares after coming out, and he's going to have nightmares of this." Terry blinked, looking at Roxanne. "What time is it?"

Roxanne blinked back, startled by the sudden topic change. "Nearly midnight, why?"

Terry rubbed his eyes. "I just realized the limo driver's still on the clock." He sighed. "Thanks for listening."

"No problem. But you need to talk to the Camdens about moving in."

"I know. I will." Terry rubbed his arm. "I'll get you that statement in the morning."

"That'd be appreciated."

Terry smiled slightly and headed for the door.

Roxanne rested against the table. Well, this has been an interesting night. Taking care of twins, a preteen, and now a distraught boyfriend. All I need now if for Lucy to ask my advice on how to handle assault victims.

As if on cue, the back door opened and Lucy and Kevin strolled in. Well, stroll was probably too jovial a word. Slunk seemed more appropriate, in Roxanne's mind. Lucy looked tired, her shoulders slightly hunched as she hung up her coat. Kevin looked just worn out, whether from the hour or what had happened, she wasn't sure. "Welcome home."

"Sorry we're late." Kevin sat across from Roxanne. "Everyone okay?"

Roxanne nodded. "Ruthie already had the twins in bed when I got here. After an hour I sent her up to get some sleep. And you just missed Terry."

"We saw him leaving. What was he here for?" Lucy poured herself and Kevin some of the coffee Roxanne had brewed.

"I think he came to check on Ruthie and the twins." Roxanne hid her smirk behind her coffee mug. Might as well let him surprise her.

"That's sweet. Thanks for watching them, by the way." Lucy brought the drinks over and took a seat between her friend and husband.

"Hey, it was a family emergency. You'd do the same for me."

Lucy nodded in agreement.

"So where are the parents?"

"When we left, they were trying to decide who should stay with Simon." Kevin simply held his cup of java. "Neither of us had the heart to tell them that they couldn't stay in Simon's room with him."

"Speaking of Simon," Lucy looked at Roxanne, "is there anything...special I should do to make him more comfortable, or to help him recover?"

Roxanne nearly spit her coffee in Kevin's face, saved only by the fact she was trying not to choke on it as laughter struggled to get out. Geeze, someone has an interesting sense of humor. She glanced skyward, wondering if some higher being had read her mind and made Lucy ask that question. Naw...it must've been coincidence. "Well, um, why don't you talk with Kevin about it. I need to...get going. Yeah." Roxanne stood and headed for the door. "I'll see you tomorrow." She hurried out the door before either could ask her anything else. That was still some coincidence. I'll have to ask Chandler if God has a sense of humor.

Lucy blinked and looked at Kevin. "Was it something I said?"

Kevin simply shrugged and sipped his drink.

~*()*~

"I can hear you attacking a punching bag over the microphone. What have I always told you about taking cell phones into gyms?"

"Urusai, aniki. If I wanted condescending conversation I'd have called Amber." Terry growled and landed a few kicks against the stuffed bag.

"You wanna talk to her? She's lying right next to me."

Terry missed the bag and stumbled in his footing. "NANI?!"

"Yeah. We had lunch and she's taking a nap on the couch next to me." Jordon paused. "You didn't think-"

"Yes, I did! Geeze, watch how you phrase things!" Terry tightened the padding on his fists and started his attack again.

"Sorry. So what's up? From the sounds of things, this isn't a social call."

"Simon was attacked."

Jordon remained silent for a few moments. "Is he okay?"

"He will be. I'm just...pissed and needed someone to vent to."

"Sounds like you're venting on that bag pretty well."

"Swearing at an inanimate object doesn't have the same effect as swearing at a person."

Jordon sighed. "Well, if he's okay, what about his attacker? You didn't snap his neck, did you?"

"It was tempting. And it would be their necks. As in more than one."

"More than one attacker. Fine, but you didn't kill them. So what shape are they in?"

"According to Kevin, one broken nose, one fractured arm, and one who won't be having children."

"That was quite restrained of you."

"My goal was to save Simon, not exact revenge. Now can I vent?"

"Hold on, where did this happen?"

Terry punched the bag hard enough the chains holding it up groaned in protest. "The prom."

"Wasn't that today?"

"Technically, yesterday. It's one in the morning here."

"Ouch. Well, alright, go for it. Just let me move out of Amber's hearing range. Don't want her waking up to your ranting."

~*()*~

Matt's eyes squinted open, looking at his alarm clock. Who would be calling this early in the morning? It's nearly four.

"Matt..."

"I'll get it, I'll get it." Matt yawned and patted Sarah's arm. I'm going to kill whoever this is. Grabbing the phone, he sat up and held the noisy object somewhere near his ear. "What."

"Matt, hey. Um...it's me."

Matt recognized the voice, but he wasn't awake enough to remember who it belonged to. "Who's me."

"Robbie. Robbie Palmer. We shared a room, I was your best man-"

"I know, I know." Matt scratched his chest. "Why're you calling at this, forgive me, God awful hour?"

"You mean you haven't heard?"

Matt woke up a bit more at that. "Heard...what?"

"Um, maybe I should wait until Mrs. Camden tells you-"

That got Matt's attention. "Now, Robbie. What's happened? It's not dad, is it?"

"No, no. Your dad's fine. But, well, Terry and Simon's prom was last night."

Matt narrowed his eyes. "If you're going to tell me Terry and Simon did something..."

"No! No, nothing like that. It's Simon, actually. Apparently he was attacked while he was there."

The anger Matt had felt a moment ago melted away as concern rose to the forefront of his mind. "Is he okay? How badly was he hurt?"

"He's fine physically. Look, I'm getting my news from Mary, who got it from Lucy. I thought someone would've called you by now."

"Honey, who is it?" Sarah leaned up on her elbows and blinked at Matt.

"Hang on a sec." Matt lowered the cordless and glanced at his wife. "It's Robbie. I...may be a while. You go back to sleep. I'll go to the living room." He stood and headed for the door.

Sarah nodded sleepily and collapsed back on the bed.

Matt closed the door and headed for the kitchen. "Robbie? You still there?"

"Yeah. You sure no one called?"

"We would've heard the phone." Matt grabbed a kettle and filled it with water. While he didn't need the stimulation coffee offered, he doubted he'd be able to sleep after hearing his brother had been attacked. "So Simon's okay. You're sure?"

"Yeah. He's staying over night too make sure he doesn't have a concussion or something, but he's fine. Terry too, by the way."

Matt blinked. He hadn't even thought to ask about Simon's boyfriend. Too caught up in worrying about my brother. "He's in the hospital too?"

"He just had a bit of a split lip, and it wasn't that bad. He rescued Simon from the attackers. Gave them quite a beating, too."

Matt set the kettle on the stove and turned it on, searching for some instant coffee packs. "Good. If he hadn't, I would've."

"You, Matt Camden, diffuser of fights?"

"Between siblings and when it's still words, yeah. But when someone goes as far as beating up my brother-"

"Our brother. Look, I know how you're feeling, and I'd love to talk, but this is long distance."

Matt knew what Robbie meant, having do deal with phone bills now. "So why'd you call?"

"Well, Mary's flying back to Fort Lauderdale, then she has a layover in New York on her way to San Diego. She thought I should go with her and we'd visit Simon over the weekend. I thought, since we were in New York for a few hours during the layover, if you could get some days off, you'd like to join us."

Matt bit his lip. It sounded like a plan. A good plan, especially considering it originated from Mary, the whacky plan master. "Can I call you tonight with an answer?"

"Yeah, but before six, cause that's when I'm going to meet Mary at the airport."

"No problem. I'll talk with you later, man."

"Yeah, later."

Matt hung up the phone and looked towards his bedroom. I can't just leave Sarah, school, and work. But Simon might need me. What am I saying? Might? Of course he'll need me. He lifted the kettle as it started to whistle and poured the water into a coffee filter. He will have Terry, though, and Terry...he's kinda his new comforter. Maybe he doesn't need me. He sighed. He's still my brother. Terry said he'd still need me, that I can help him in areas he can't. He watched the coffee drip into the pot. So if I can, I guess I'm going back to Glen Oak.

~*()*~

Eric drove past the visiting parking lot of the hospital, feeling a bit odd knowing that he wasn't going there, or to the maternity wing, but to emergency pickup. He hadn't really parked in that section of the hospital, not even when Ruthie got the tictac up her nose or when Mary got hit by the car. Both times his wife had parked in the emergency section, but he, himself, had parked in the visitor's lot, not wanting to take up spaces from other patient family members who really needed the spots. It feels...odd. I walk around this place day after day, but I feel odd about a parking lot location. Maybe it's shock.

Parking the car, he headed to the entrance and nodded at the nurse. He didn't have the check in or ask where to go. He knew the entire staff, and they knew of his family. Whenever a Camden was in the hospital, news spread quickly. The family had shown support for a number of staff and patients, and those people were always willing to return the favor in emergencies.

Adjusting the duffel bag, containing a pair of sweats for his son, that was hanging from his shoulder, he glanced in a waiting room as he passed by. Wait...wasn't that...? He backed up and looked into the room. He should've gone home. Sighing, he walked into the room and shook the shoulder of the young man lying on the small couch.

Terry, curled in the fetal position, blinked a few times, rubbing his eyes. "Hmm? Oh geeze...cramp...cramps..." He reached back to ease the tension in his shoulders as his golden eyes focused on the figure standing above him. "Eric? Is it morning, well, late morning already?" Wincing, he stretched his legs and sat up.

Eric sat next to the teen and eyed him over. He was wearing a simple pair of sweat shorts and tee-shirt. "What're you doing here?"

"Waiting for you. I promised Simon I'd be here when it was time to go home." He stretched his legs out and reached for his feet, stretching his back. Oh yeah...that feels good. I can't sleep on couches like I used to. Oi, I sound like my mother. "What time is it?"

"Nearly ten. Have you been waiting all night?"

"No, I left for a while, and came back around three."

"And the nursing staff just let you...stay?"

"They thought it was sweet, and as long as I wasn't in anybody's way, they didn't mind." Terry yawned and ran his hand through his disheveled hair, trying to smooth it out a bit.

"They wouldn't even let Annie and I--why would they give you preferential treatment? We're his parents." Eric did think it was nice thing Terry did, but he also wanted to be mad for being kicked out.

"Well, they also deemed I was too tired to drive." Terry shrugged sheepishly. "Which, I guess I was. I just...didn't want to break my promise to him. Not when he's this vulnerable."

Nodding slightly, Eric had to concede that Terry must've been really tired, as he was an early riser. "Alright. Come on, let's go see Simon."

Terry smiled and stretched, standing shortly after. "That sounds great."

~*()*~

Simon flipped through the limited channels on the television. Nothing's on. After Terry had left the night before, he had slept for a while. Not the best sleep he had gotten, he had to admit to himself, but enough that he was awake around eight. The nurse had come in shortly after that, checked his injuries, and served him a rather...tasteless breakfast. Hospital food sucks. There's just no other way to put it. It's got to be to get people outta here faster.

He smiled a little at that. That was the first joke he had made since the night before, when it happened.

The attack.

He shivered and pulled he blankets around him. He wasn't cold, but the sheet acted like a thin shield from his fears, his memories. I may have been able to sleep last night, probably from pure exhaustion, but tonight...I don't think I can do it alone. He looked around. Where's Terry? Or mom and dad? They promised to be here, to get me.

He shook his head. It was foolish. He was a teenager, one more year of high school before graduating for college, and he not only felt like crying, but was afraid of the dark, of sleep, and wanted his mommy and daddy. Some man I am.

A knock brought him out of his thoughts, and he looked towards the door as his father stuck his head in. "Hey. You up?"

Simon felt himself relax slightly. His father was here, and that meant he'd be safe. Maybe I'm just a big baby. But don't I have a right to be after last night? He finally nodded at his dad, who was still standing just outside the door.

Eric walked in and glanced behind him. It took a moment for Simon to realize someone was with him. Mom? He could feel his mood brighten just slightly as Terry walked in, rubbing his eyes as if he'd just woken up, but smiling nonetheless. "Terry..."

"Morning. Sleep well?"

Simon shifted his legs slightly. Not as much as I would've if you'd have been with me. Again, he nodded. "Can I go home?"

"Doctor said you're fine. We just have to keep an eye on you for a couple days." Eric walked over to the bed, setting a duffel bag on the nearby chair. "How're you feeling?" He rested a hand on Simon's arm.

Simon glanced at the touch. "A little restless. I kinda just want to go home."

"That's why we're here. I brought you some sweats to change into, and we can be on our way as soon as you get dressed." Eric patted the bag and grinned at Simon. "Your mother's cooking your favorite lunch, so we'd better hurry."

Simon nodded, but hesitated, looking at them both. It's not that I don't trust you...but I don't want you to see.

Terry picked up on his feelings. "Eric, why don't we go check with the nurse, make sure everything's in order."

"It is." Eric turned to look at the teen, and sat up at the look he was giving him. Oh. Get out. Right. "Though," he pulled his hand away from Simon's arm, "I suppose it wouldn't hurt to double check." He headed for the door.

Terry smiled at Simon once more before leaving the room as well.

Simon waited a minute, to make sure they were gone, before pulling the sheet aside and moving to the edge of the bed. Pulling out the sweat pants, he put them on, wincing as his abdomen protested the slight bending motion he made. I don't want them to see. He pulled off the paper gown the hospital had dressed him in and stared at his upper arm. There were bruises in the shape of a hand, and from the looks of it, it would be a while before it faded away. I don't want Terry to see. He closed his eyes, trying to squelch the sob he felt.

Resting his hands against the edge of the bed, he took a couple shuddering breaths. It wasn't my fault. They just...attacked me for no reason. So why do I feel so...so... He swallowed, feeling tears gather. Why... And...Terry...I can't let him see me like this. Weak...injured...it'd hurt him too much. I...I just have to keep the truth from him...until the bruising's gone down a little. This time, he let a sob escape his throat. He had to stay distanced from Terry, so the teen wouldn't find out just how hurt he really was, when all he really wanted was Terry's arms to wrap around him and hold up until he didn't hurt anymore, inside or out. I want it so much that I can feel them around me-

Indeed, he felt two arms wrap around under his arms and up his chest, deliberately avoiding the bruising below. A chin rested on his shoulder, and Simon felt the tears start to fall down his cheeks.

"Shhh. It's alright, Simon. It'll be alright."

Simon tensed at the voice, and tried to steady his voice. He hadn't even heard the door open, or Terry coming up behind him. The model pulled him into an embrace-No. No, he can't see me! "Wh-what are you doing back?"

"I wanted to see how you were really feeling, Simon." Terry kissed Simon's cheek. "I know this is hard, but I want you to know that you can come to me, that I'll be here no matter what." He closed his own eyes as he noticed Simon's body failed to relax. "What're you afraid of, Simon?"

"I-I don't want you to see me like this. You can't-"

"I love you, Simon, and nothing will change that."

"But it'll hurt you!"

Terry felt a couple tears fall from Simon's face onto his hands. "Why are you worried about hurting me, Simon?"

"Because I love you! I-I don't want you feeling any worse than you already do!"

Terry sighed. "I love you too, Simon, but you are the one that's hurting. I know what you're trying to do, but why don't you trust me and be selfish. Even if it's just this once, ignore my feelings, and do what you want to do. Not what you think will spare me."

Simon fisted his hands in the sheets, trying to fight Terry's words. I can't. It'll hurt him. It'll hurt him!

He's right. Be selfish and do what you want. If you don't, you won't be able to heal.

I'll heal just fine!

Emotionally?

Simon choked, feeling Terry loosen his grip. "Y-you won't like...what you see."

"Let me be the judge of that." Terry stepped back, releasing Simon.

Simon's resolve faltered, making him reach out to the duffle for a moment. No...this...this is important. I have to show him...

No you don't. Hide the truth.

If I do, what's to say I won't hide more things from him? Simon's arm fell, and he slowly turned around, keeping his face towards the ground and his eyes closed. I have to do this...because I do want him to know, because I want to be held now, not later.

It took quite a bit of willpower for Terry not to leave the room and hunt down the three jerks that did this to Simon. He had seen the bruises on the arms from the back, and made a note to be careful. But Simon's stomach was even worse, slightly swollen, discolored in some areas, and from how the muscles were clenching, painful no matter what position Simon took. The law better get them, because I will if it doesn't. He kept his face neutral, though, and stepped forward slowly, watching to see if Simon would pull away.

When Simon made no move, Terry took another step forward, and reached out towards the blond. His eyes are closed. He barely ran his fingers over the bruises on Simon's body, then reached up and lifted Simon's head. I wish it had been me. You don't deserve this, not someone as gentle as you. He leaned forward and kissed Simon, gentle and soft. He held Simon only a moment, letting Simon know his feelings. "I love you. No matter what." Careful of the injured areas he wrapped his arms around Simon. "Even like this."

Simon opened his eyes and stared at Terry, sniffing once. "I'm sorry..."

"You have nothing to be sorry for." He stepped back and pulled the sweatshirt out of the bag. "Do you want some help? Then we'll go home, and anything you want to do, we'll do. I promise."

Simon nodded and reached for the bottom of the sweatshirt, mindful of stretching too much for fear of hurting himself. "Terry?"

Terry held out a sleeve for Simon. "Yes?"

"Thank you."

Terry smiled again and wiped the tear stains from Simon's face with the other sleeve. "You're welcome."

~*()*~

Annie glanced at the living room, where Simon was resting, stretched out on the couch with an ice pack on his stomach. Lucy was in there as well, keeping him company while watching television. Eric had brought Simon home, with a rather smelly Terry, over three hours ago. Initially, Simon hadn't been that hungry, but some urging from Terry got him to eat a bit of soup, which Annie had to make separately. At least the other lunch I prepared hadn't gone to waste. She was rather upset that Simon's bruises made it hard for him to digest. Guess I should've expected that.

Despite the offer for help, Simon hadn't wanted to take a shower or a bath, nor to change clothes. He just wanted to rest, maybe veg in front of the TV for a while. That was the first sign to Annie that her son wasn't truly as well as he appeared. He rarely wanted to 'veg' in front of the TV or anywhere, unless it was with Terry for a date. He hadn't smiled once, not even when Terry cracked a small joke, yet another sign he was hurting more than he was letting on. I just wish he'd let one of us in.

From the way Terry hung around Simon, and how Simon shooed others who got too close, she knew Terry was already in, ready to help. He can't handle this alone. He has his own stuff to work through. Towards the third hour, Terry had talked quietly with Simon, and her son had finally let a family member get close: Lucy. He wasn't talking with her, but her presence seemed to help relax him.

"Where's Terry gone again?"

Eric looked up from his place in front of the fridge. "Huh?"

Annie turned around. "I asked where Terry went."

"Oh, to shower and change," Eric mumbled something else, but Annie missed it.

"What was that?"

Eric actually looked a bit nervous. "And to get a few things so that he can stay here a couple nights."

Annie frowned. "Stay here?"

"He wants to be near Simon, and I think it might be a good idea. Just for a short while." Eric hadn't told Annie that after using the bathroom at the hospital, he had found Terry in Simon's room, and heard most of their conversation. "Simon needs support, and barring Matt, Terry's the next best thing."

"Matt?" Annie blinked, surprised. "Where'd that come from?"

Eric closed the fridge and headed to the sink. "Simon...Simon just needs someone--not us--to talk with, to draw strength from. He's always done that with Matt. Matt isn't here, so that leaves Terry." He paused, thinking a moment. "I think Terry's going to try and get him to open up to Lucy, too, but until Simon comes to us, we should support his needs."

Annie crossed her arms. "Oh really?"

Eric sighed. "Look, I wouldn't have said yes if I didn't think Simon needed it. Really needed it. Besides," he eyed his wife, "how would you like to tell Simon that Terry's not coming back, and can only visit for short periods of time?"

Annie's arms dropped. "Alright." She held up a hand. "But only for a few days. In a separate bedroom."

"I wouldn't worry about that. I think Terry's too afraid of hurting Simon's bruising to...slip into bed with him."

Annie conceded that point, for now. "Alright. So when's he due back?"

"He said he might be a couple hours." Eric ran a hand through his hair. "I'm not sure why, if he's just showering, dressing, and packing, but that's what he said."

"Alright. I'll go get the bed ready in Matt's old room." Annie headed up the stairs. Matt...shoot, I'd better call him, let him know what happened. He won't be able to do anything, but he could at least call Simon and talk with him. Tonight. He's probably in school right now.

~*()*~

"You could only get us coach?" Matt shifted in his seat, uncomfortable.

Mary rolled her eyes as she served her brother the complimentary dinner. "If you wanted to pay the hundred-fifty to upgrade, you should've while we were still on the ground."

Robbie simply smiled at Mary as he got his meal. It hadn't been easy, but he had managed to get a seat next to Matt, both of which were coincidentally near the Stewardess' seats.

Matt grumbled and looked at the meal. "You know, as a doctor I know what's in these, and we really shouldn't eat them."

"Then don't eat it." Robbie picked up the plastic fork and jabbed it into the chicken breast. "Food's food, though. As long as it doesn't make you sick."

"You're kidding, right? How can you eat that?" Matt reached under his seat and pulled out a bag of carrots he had brought aboard.

"It's no worse than frozen dinners."

"Wrong, it's way worse than frozen dinners. Even dad can make better food than this."

Robbie gave him an incredulous look.

Matt frowned. "Well, slightly better, at least. Hey Mary, could we get some soda?"

Mary waved at them, acknowledging and ignoring them at the same time.

"Hey, you know what is worse than this?"

"What?"

"Mrs. Camden's turkey meat loaf."

Matt fought the urge to retch.

~*()*~

Annie looked at the foil covered dish Terry was holding out to her. "What's this?"

"Turkey meat loaf."

Annie frowned and took it from his hands. "Why'd you bring this?"

Terry stepped inside, shifting the strap of his bag. "Well, Simon said you've never perfected the recipe, but always wanted to try it. So," he shrugged. "It wasn't that hard, really."

Annie didn't know whether to hug the teen or chase him out of the house. "Terry..."

"Don't worry, I brought the recipe, too." He shut the door and looked around the kitchen. "Where's Simon?"

"He went upstairs a while ago. I think he got tired of the TV. Or the twins playing in the same room as him." Annie set the meat loaf on the counter. "I was just about to check on him."

"I got it." Terry headed up the stairs.

Annie frowned, but let him go. Simon needs Terry right now. He'll...come to us when he needs us. Still, she was a little upset that her baby didn't need her right now, when she wanted to help so much. Sighing, she grabbed a fork and pulled the foil off the turkey.

After Terry set his stuff down in the guest room, which Ruthie had so kindly pointed out to him, he went to Simon's door and knocked lightly. For a few minutes he heard no response, then something that sounded like a halfhearted "what" reached his ears. Putting on a smile, though not truly feeling it, he opened the door and came into the room, immediately spotting Simon on the floor. His hands were resting on his chest, and he seemed to be staring at the ceiling. "I'm back."

"Hey."

Terry closed the door and moved over to the bed. Sitting on it, he looked at the ceiling, then back at Simon. "What's up there?"

"The ceiling."

Terry raised his eyebrows. "Okay, why're you lying on the floor?"

"I didn't want to lie on my bed. And...I've been thinking."

"Thinking about what?"

Simon titled his head away from Terry. "Just...stuff."

Terry heard what Simon hadn't said. Stuff about us. Feeling guilty about last night, about how you think you've hurt me seeing those bruises. "You know it wasn't your fault."

"But why, Terry? Why did it happen? Why on the night of the prom, why then and not a million other times, why me and not-" Simon suddenly closed his mouth, his eyes looking towards the floor.

Terry finished the thought for him. "Why you and not me?"

Simon said nothing, but could feel his 'guilt gut' eating at him; not a pleasant feeling considering his sore muscles. "Y-yeah."

Terry nodded and laid down on Simon's bed, mimicking Simon's earlier position of staring at the ceiling. "You know, I've asked myself the same thing all night."

Simon's head snapped towards his bed, staring at Terry. "What? But...but that was your prom! And...and you don't deserve-"

"And you do?"

Simon opened his mouth, but found he didn't have any answer.

Terry let out a slow breath through his nose. "I figured out why, if you're curious, but you won't like it."

Simon shut his mouth and thought a moment. "Why?"

"Because they know I can defend myself. I teach self-defense twice a week, remember? They knew three jocks would be nothing to me, and I'd have no qualms hurting them. But you, you're a minister's son, the innocent Simon Camden, the peace keeper." Terry closed his eyes. "They picked you because they knew they wouldn't have a tough fight."

Simon stared at his boyfriend, digesting what he had heard. He's right...on every level he's right. They chose me because I'm...I'm weak. Part of him felt a surge of anger travel through his body, anger at both himself for being so weak, and at the jerks who attacked him for being so...so...cowardly.

"I'm not going to let it happen again, though. As soon as you're better I'm going to teach you some self-defense. I was...stupid to not teach it to you earlier. I thought I could protect you, that you wouldn't have to go through the normal crap others do because of how together this town is, and how much you mean to everyone." Terry opened his eyes. "I forgot I'm as human as the next lover, and that I can't always protect you, and that despite everything you've done, there'd be some assholes that couldn't see past their homophobia."

Simon noticed that Terry was clenching his hands into fists. He...he shouldn't blame himself. "Terry...it...it wasn't your fault either."

"I know." The fists didn't go away. "I'm just...upset. Do you know that when I went into that room, I wanted to tear those three apart for what they were doing? I only saw that they were hurting you and I wanted nothing more than to--" Terry sighed. "You don't need to hear that."

Simon bit his lip. "Terry...if...if you need to talk about it, I'm here for you too."

Terry's fists finally uncurled and he sat up, shaking his head. "You don't need that, Simon. You, you're going through so much already. You don't need my troubles. That's what my brother and punching bags are for."

Simon frowned and grunted, trying to sit up. Terry was at his side immediately, helping him get upright without too much pain. Terry guided him to the edge of the bed and he slid back, resting on his elbows. While his wounds weren't too bad, without the painkillers, his bruises made it really difficult to move. "Terry, you promised to be there for me. I...I want to be there for you. And, and besides, I don't really remember what happened. Maybe...it'll help both of us."

Terry rested his head on Simon's shoulder and drew little circles with his fingers on Simon's hand. "Maybe. But right now...I don't want to burden you with that. You're still healing, in all respects, and heaping my troubles on you wouldn't help." He sat up and ran a hand through Simon's hair. "But when you're better, I'll tell you."

Simon thought about it a moment, then nodded. "Alright." He hesitated, unsure of himself, and leaned over and kissed Terry briefly.

Terry smiled and kissed Simon's cheek. Intimate contact seems to be shy again. "So, I brought dinner over. We should get down before the others worry."

Simon groaned, but stood with Terry's help. "More soup?"

"Well, I can make you some. But I brought Turkey meat loaf."

Oh boy...

~*()*~

"Mmm...ne, aniki, do you think it's wrong for me not to tell Simon about how I felt while he was attacked?"

Jordon looked up from his book and raised an eyebrow. "Why're you asking me? This is a dream."

"Oh. That explains why the Camden's dining room is upside-down." Terry looked around, then shrugged and took Jordon's book. "Any who, what do you think?"

Jordon sighed. "I'm a dream and you're still asking?"

"Well, you probably represent the responsible, logical part of my subconscious." Terry reached up to the ceiling, grunted, and pulled a chair down, straddling it. "So let's hear."

Jordon raised an eyebrow at Terry. "You have been taking that psychology class for too long."

"Stop avoiding the subject."

"I think you should ask the real me. I'll just answer what you already know. Simon has a right to know. When varies, though. Later makes sense, but if you don't tell him immediately, he may worry." Jordon snatched his book back.

Terry rested his arms on the back of the chair. "Come on, you've got to have more than that."

"Nope. That's all I've got. Now let me get back to my reading."

"You're waaaaay too much like my brother." Terry stood up, blinking as the chair shot back to the ceiling.

"By the way, careful about the furniture."

"I have weird dreams." Terry frowned. "Actually, now I have a bad feeling. What's that about?"

"Wake up and find out, baka."

"Huh?"

"I said wake up, Terry."

Terry groaned and squinted, pulling the pillow off his head. "Nani?"

Eric pulled his hand away from Terry's shoulder. "I hope that's not a swear word. Look, Simon's just woken up from a nightmare and-"

Terry sat straight up at that. "Nightmare?!" He shoved his covers away, trying not to get tangled in them.

"Yes, nightmare. He's fine, but he's just...he's not really responding to any of us." Eric held out Terry's bathrobe. "Could you...?"

Terry shrugged on his robe, walking towards the door. "Always." He hurried into the hall and stopped just outside Simon's room, eyeing Annie, who was standing outside watching her son, and then the twins' room. "You might want to..."

"I sent them up to be with Ruthie already." Annie looked into the room again. "Can you...help him?"

"I'll try." He patted her shoulder. "You and Eric should get some sleep."

Eric stood by his wife. "I don't think we could..."

"But you should." Terry glanced at a clock. "Look, I brought some herbal tea that helps me sleep on restless nights. They're in the cupboard by the cookies. Make yourselves a cup, and bring one up for Simon, just in case."

Annie stared past Terry a moment before nodding. "Alright. We'll be back soon."

"Take your time." Terry waited until both Camden parents were on the stairs before entering Simon's room and closing the door most of the way. The lights were off, but he could make out Simon's form curled up in the corner of his bed. Well, somewhat curled. It looked like he was trying to get into the fetal position, but the bruises were preventing him from doing it.

Sighing, Terry walked over and sat on the edge of the bed, reaching over to rub Simon's back. When there was no reaction to the slow circles, Terry started making soothing noises with his throat, trying to coax Simon out of whatever stunned state he was in. Unfortunately, Simon was hiding his face, keeping it turned away from him. Come on Simon, it was a nightmare. You can fight those. He paused in his rubbing, to see if that would get any reaction. Simon shifted a bit, but otherwise remained still.

Thinking a moment, Terry stood and took off his bathrobe, letting it fall to the floor. Here's hoping they don't yell at either of us for this. Pulling the covers aside, he climbed into the bed and laid down facing Simon. Slowly, not wanting to startle him, Terry pulled Simon into a hug, one hand sliding under Simon's upper arm to continue rubbing his back while the other brought the blond's head to his chest. "I'm here, Simon. It was a nightmare, but it's over. Please..."

Nothing happened a minute, and Terry wondered if this method would work any more. Then he felt a tear slide down his chest, followed by another, and the sound of crying, Simon crying. "Shh, it's okay. I'm here, and they won't hurt you anymore. They can't hurt you anymore." Terry had no doubt in his mind that the nightmare revolved around the attack. "I won't let them hurt you. You're safe, my love, you're safe."

Simon continued crying into Terry's chest a few more minutes before calming down slightly, hiccuping. "I'm...I'm sorry. I didn't mean to wake you."

"I should've told Annie I'd be sleeping with you, should have anticipated you'd need me, like when you were at my house after coming out."

Simon sniffed, his mouth twitching into a smile for a moment. He had thought that had been the worst nightmare he had ever had, that nothing could ever be worse than his family verbally attacking him. And then Terry came and saved me from the nightmare, my own angel. He glanced up, trying to see his boyfriend's face. "This...this felt...worse somehow."

"Attacks are traumatic. My brother had a friend attacked once simply because he was smart. It took months of therapy before he was even close to normal again." Terry kissed the top of Simon's head. "You're handling it far better than any of us hoped. You're very strong."

"I don't feel it."

"Strength isn't just fighting back. Strength is how well you can handle a crisis, how you deal with stress or a traumatic incident." He squeezed Simon's shoulder. "You are very strong, and never doubt that you are."

Simon blushed slightly, and leaned his head against Terry's shoulder. "Will...will the nightmares go away?"

"All nightmares do." Terry reached up to stroke Simon's blond locks. "It just takes time."

"Time..." Simon slid an arm around Terry unconsciously, moving closer. "Time heals all wounds, huh?"

"Something like that."

Simon remained silent, thinking. A yawn escaped his lips. "Will...will you stay with me? Keep the nightmares away like you did before?"

"Of course. And Simon?"

Simon closed his eyes, listening to Terry's heartbeat. "Mm?"

"I love you."

"I love you too." Simon felt the earlier nightmare start to fade, replaced by the warmth of Terry. "Would...would you sing?"

"Sing?"

"I...just want to hear your voice. Anything you want...I just want to hear it."

Terry stroked Simon's hair a few more times before moving down to rest on his back. "Alright." Terry closed his eyes, getting comfortable. "Tatakai no aida no, shizuka na machi ga; tsuka no ma no nemuri ni, ochite-iku..."

Simon felt a smile return to his face, enjoying the soft vibrations as he listened to the voice drone out a slow melody.

"Tooi hoshi no shita de, yume miru kimi ni; inori wo kme merodi, todoke you." Terry felt someone looking at him, and opened his eyes. He waved his free hand at Annie as she set the tea on Simon's desk. "Koko eoide yo, kanashii koto mo; namida mo, boku ga daite, ageru yo; subete no, itami wo, wasurerareru made..."

Shaking her head, Annie left and closed the door behind her. If it helps Simon...but if they do anything, they're in SO much trouble! She headed back down the stairs, where Eric was waiting, still staring at the tea she had made. "Well?"

"I haven't tried it yet." He rested his chin on his hand. "Do you think we should contact Dr. Gibson? For Simon, I mean. He may want to talk to someone outside of the family."

Annie nodded and glanced back up the stairs. "It may be for the best. Terry has his own problems with the attack."

"Well, there's that, too." Eric ran a hand through his hair. "But I've been a therapist for kids like this before...and I can't do this for Simon. He should see a professional, to try and help him through this."

"I know." Breaking down, Annie lifted her own mug of tea and sipped it. Not bad...wonder if it works, though.

The sound of a key in the door startled her, and she jumped around, staring at the back door. "Eric..?"

"Calm down. It's probably just Kevin...or Lucy..." Nonetheless, Eric picked up the phone and turned it on, dialing nine and one.

A second later the door swung open, followed by some familiar voices. "Keep it down you two, before you wake someone up."

"Who put you in charge?"

"I'm the oldest, I'm always in charge."

"Hey, I'm as old as you, and I don't throw weight around like that--Hey Mrs. Camden, Reverend." Robbie grinned sheepishly. "Surprise?"

Matt smiled as well. "Hey guys. Didn't expect you to be up. We were just going to sneak in-"

"And scare the living daylights out of us in the morning!" Annie shuffled around the counter and embraced Matt in a hug, followed quickly by Mary. "What're you doing home?"

Mary glanced at the two boys, then at her parents. "Well, we heard Simon got attacked, so we thought we'd offer moral support."

"This is great. Just what Simon needs." Eric hung up the phone and hugged his children, as well as shaking Robbie's hands. "How long can you stay?"

"Only a couple days. We're all leaving on Tuesday." Robbie looked around. "It's good to be home, though."

Eric headed for the stairs. "Well, Simon's probably back asleep, but if one of you don't mind sharing with Terry-"

"Terry's going to be with Simon tonight. So Matt, Robbie, you get your old room back."

Matt and Robbie exchanged glances, before Matt realized what his mother had said. "Wait, Terry's going to be with Simon?! Are you nuts?!"

"Simon just needs someone to hold him, and nothing we were doing was helping." Annie didn't sound too thrilled with that. "Unfortunately, Mary, the twins are with Ruthie in the attic, so unless you want to sleep in their beds..."

"No problem, I'll just take the couch." Mary smiled and picked up her bags, heading for the living room.

"Right, well," Matt clapped his hands together, "it's been a long flight, so we're heading to bed." Matt bounded up the stairs.

"Night Reverend Camden, Mrs. Camden." Robbie nodded his head and followed Matt.

Eric sighed and glanced at Annie. "Well, it's good to have them home."

"It's going to be heck around here, though." She picked up her tea. "Come on, let's go back to bed."

"Right behind ya."

Upstairs, Matt hesitated outside Simon's door.

"Matt, leave them alone." Robbie went to the last room in the hall and dropped his bag off just inside the door.

"I just want to make sure they're not...doing anything." Matt pressed his ear up to the door.

"Koko e oide yo, tsukareta ai wo; kokoro wo, boku ga daite, ageru yo; subete no, itami wo, wasurerareru made; oyasumi, oyasumi, boku no, kono mune de."

Matt frowned, but pulled away and headed for the room at the end of the hall.

Robbie crossed his arms. "Well?"

"I think Terry's singing a lullaby."

"Probably to soothe Simon's nerves. Come on, I've got jet lag like you wouldn't believe. And we're going to need to get up early to help Simon."

Matt sighed and closed the door. That we will. Don't worry little bro, I'm here for ya. We all are.

~*()*~

~*()*~

~*()*~

Urusai: shut up

Aniki: older brother

Nani: what

Ne: hey, what, right

Author's Prattle: Wow, I wasn't sure how soon I'd get this chapter out. Let me tell you, it wasn't easy. Between the small crisis at home and starting school, I wasn't sure how much time I'd have to write. As it is I'm avoiding my physics homework (Bad, Cypher, bad!) to do this. But it's physics...though it's due tomorrow...alright, alright, I get to it. Anywho, thank you for your patience in waiting for this chapter (especially my loyal readers...you know who you are!).

The reason it's taken so long is, well, there are many. I hate heat, so whenever we get a heat wave, all my creative juices just vanish. We've had a couple lately, so that's one reason. Another is school. The classes I'm taking are set up so that I can't write during class (believe me, I'd love to in two of them). It's not so much I need to pay attention as it is there's no where for my laptop to go. Two of my classes are held in a theater, physics I do need to pay attention, and my last class, well, I hardly attend as it is. So, my writing time has been cut down to when I'm at home, and I've got other obligations here. On the plus side, Slayers Try is over and SG-1 is on repeats, so my Friday nights have opened up to writing again.

Explanations of this chapter. Oh, let's see...eh, I just felt like writing what I felt like writing. That's really the only explanation I can offer. Simon's feelings and actions after the attack I'm pulling from various sources (including from when I was attacked), so I'm doing my best. The Turkey Meat loaf, well, I saw that episode and had to wonder WHY Annie had such problems with that, it's not exactly rocket science. So I decided to make it a small running gag. Oh yeah, and Terry's dream. Haven't you ever had dreams you can control? They're fun, though a bit confusing. The setting never makes sense. I'm still trying to figure out the one when I was near a dumpster...

Disclaimers. I don't own 7th Heaven, it's characters or settings. They belong to Brenda Hampton and Aaron Spelling. I do own this plot, however, as well as Terry, Jordon, and Amber. I also don't own the song Terry was singing, entitled Nokutan (also called Nocturne). Nokutan is a song from Fushigi Yugi (Amiboshi!) and is a very slow, soothing song. Sweet, too. You can find the full lyrics at animelyrics.com. Fushigi Yugi belongs to Yuu Watase. I think that's it for disclaimers.

Well, I hope you've enjoyed this chapter! I don't know when the next chapter will be out, but it'll be a couple weeks at the least. I have GOT to finish my X-Men Evolution fic (my evil muse keeps poking me in the neck and I'm starting to get sore there) and a coauthor of mine is bugging me to finish another fic. So at least two weeks, maybe three, unless I get inspiration again, then I'll probably type it all out one evening. Anywho, feedback is always appreciated, and thanks for reading!