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

By Cypher

Chapter Thirty-two: Day Off

Terry sighed as he took a sip of his Sprite, letting his mind wander a bit. The near disaster in his and Simon's relationship had really rocked him. True, it had been almost a week since the unfortunate incident, and all was forgiven, but it made Terry wonder about their future. Simon was willing to throw away his own happiness for him. And while sweet…I don't want him to do that. His happiness matters, too.

He didn't entirely blame Simon, truth be told. He was raised to be giving, to put others before himself. It was part of being a Camden. Terry also had a feeling that in the past, Simon had sacrificed his happiness to make someone else happy. He thought I wanted to go to college without him, that I'd be happy alone. They had had a long talk after they made up, and Simon promised to never make an assumption like that again.

That didn't stop Terry from worrying, though. They did make some decisions that would help allay that worry. For starters, Simon wouldn't assume and jump to conclusions again. He had promised he would confront Terry face on, not run away, hide, and make up some silly plan to fix it. Communication and trust are an integral part of love, and Terry reminded Simon of that.

Of course, Terry got reminded of a few things love included as well, especially honesty. He had neglected to tell Simon exactly how much college meant to his brother, as well as where he could've gone. And by not telling Simon, Terry had hurt his boyfriend. So Terry had promised not to hide anything extreme again. Little surprises were still okay, though.

Setting his drink down, he sat back in his chair and stared up at the clouds. His brother had gotten an earful as well, not that it was entirely his fault. Still, it was his yelling that upset Simon. He also had to set Jordon straight on his views of college, and to stop nagging him about going now. I have my own life, and have for a long time. Why he wants to mess with it now, I have no idea.

Now though, he and Simon were trying to put that whole mess behind them. Simon especially, he had gone out of his way all week to spend time with Terry. I finally had to say back off. He shook his head and glanced at his watch. It gave him some time to himself, to get his own life in order. He loved Simon, but they needed their time apart. I have work, and so does he.

That's actually why he was sitting at this café, a soda going flat and a notepad resting on the table. He was meeting a model, just out of high school from the east coast, who wanted to move to Glen Oak and continue her work and schooling there. Not that there's much here… As one of the older models of the company, and knowing the area pretty well, the local manager had suggested he interview the young lady.

Being gay and having a boyfriend probably had something to do with it. He smirked at his own shadow. Lately, to stave off boredom, some of the models had started making small betting pools. The latest one dealt with this interview, and whether the woman would fall for him. Kind of cruel…but I've got twenty bucks riding on 'not.' He tended to wear his ring, even in photo shoots when he could. She'll know I'm taken. And if that didn't tip her off, Simon was going to come by in another hour so they could go out to lunch.

"Excuse me, are you Mr. Dax?"

Terry grinned and stood up, quickly looking over the young lady before him. She wore a simple outfit of jeans and a crimson blouse, accenting the blond streaks in his otherwise oak brown hair. Her brown eyes showed a hint of nervousness, and seemed to be glancing around as if looking for something. He shrugged that off, offered her his hand, and she shook it. "Just call me Dax, no title. And you must be Miss Stewart."

"Deena. Call me Deena."

"Well, have a seat, and we'll begin." He waved at the chair across from him, sitting after she did. "First off, why come to Glen Oak? There are a number of other places that would be better for a model, and a lot closer to home."

"I know, but I lived here as a kid, and I wanted to come back."

"Ah, so you don't need the ten cent tour of the town?"

She shook her head. "No, I'm quite familiar with it, and I doubt it's changed too much."

Terry internally smirked. "Well, on the surface, probably not."

"Huh?"

"Nothing important. What sort of job were you looking for?"

"I'm mostly a neck and hand model, but I'm not adverse to learning a new trade."

"That's good. Neck and hand models aren't really in high demand." He wrote a few notes down on the pad. "So you're planning on attending the local college?"

"Yep. I've already been accepted for the fall."

"So you just need to find a place to live?"

"Yes."

"Good luck to you. It is a competitive market."

"I'm keeping an eye out for a room mate."

Terry made another note to ask around work if anyone needed a room mate, or had an extra room to rent out. "Now, as I recall, you're just seventeen?"

"I'll be eighteen in the fall."

"So you graduated from high school early?"

"Yeah, I skipped ninth grade." She sat up a bit straighter and squared her shoulders.

"Congratulations. You should be proud of that."

"I am." She waved off the waiter when he approached to see if she wanted any water. "So, you've been here a while?"

"A couple years. My best friend was here longer, but she's in Japan now."

"Japan?"

"Yep. You thinking of studying abroad?"

"Maybe one day. So, did you attend the private or public school? Or do you go to church?"

Terry's eyebrows raised and he gave her an amused look. "Aren't I supposed to be interviewing you?"

She ducked her head, her cheeks turning a bit pink. "Yes, well…sorry."
"Any particular reason you're interested?"

She fidgeted in her chair. "Well, you see, I kinda also came back to try and find an old boyfriend. Even if he doesn't want to get back together, I think he'd be a good friend."

"Ahhh." He nodded, sitting back. "Well, it's not like I know everyone who went to high school with me."

"I know. In fact, he's probably a year behind you. But his father's also a minister in the church."

"Now those I know a bit more of. My brother and I interviewed churches before settling on one. Which Reverend?" He picked up his drink and took a sip of it.

"Reverend Camden."

Terry choked on the liquid and coughed, pounding on his chest to dislodge the misplaced soda. It drew some attention to them from other customers, but he waved that he was okay.

"Are you okay? Was it something I said?"

"Yes, actually." His coughing died down and he wiped his mouth with a napkin. "Sorry, I just wasn't expecting that."

"So you know Reverend Camden?"

"And his family, yes. Very well. So this old boyfriend was…Matt?" It was a false hope. He had a feeling, just based on her age, that her old boyfriend was his current one.

"Well, he was cute, but way too old for me. No, the middle son, Simon. Do you know how he's doing?"

Terry took another sip and tried to figure out how to let her down. "Well, he's gone through some rough times, but he's okay."

"Is he seeing anyone?" She blushed again. "I'm sorry, you probably wouldn't know that."

"Actually, I do, and yes, he is." He felt a bit of a possessive streak run through him, but reminded himself that she had been gone for a long time, and Simon was very happy with Terry. Guess that whole mess earlier this week has me a bit on edge about other people moving in on him. He just had to keep that jealous streak under control.

"Oh. Is she nice?"

"She…" Of course she would assume it's a she. "Listen, um, you might want to brace yourself." He leaned forward and folded his hands on the table. "This is going to come as a bit of a shock…"

~*()*~

"Hey."

Simon looked up as he felt the bed dip and pulled his headphones off. "Hey, Luce."

"How're you doing?" Lucy glanced at the book he was reading. "Summer reading?"

"Better, and yeah. For AP Lit." He sat up a bit straighter and ran a hand through his hair. He had just gotten it cut, to try a new look. Terry liked it, but said he missed the length a bit. Simon missed it too, as Terry tended not to run his hands through his hair as much with this hairstyle.

"Just better?"

Simon marked his place in the book and set it aside. It was about time for him to start getting ready to meet Terry, anyway. "Yeah, just better. If you mean better compared to how I was after…the incident, a whole lot better."

Lucy watched as her brother shifted positions, leaning to the floor to grab his shoes. "Well, obviously. I still can't believe you tried to break up over such a stupid thing."

He leveled a look at her. "You're one to talk."

"Yes, but you're the stable one, Simon. You're the one who's reasonable and thinks things through and doesn't do…things like that."

"It's different when it comes to Terry." He ducked his head and focused on putting his shoes on. "I…things don't always work that way with him. I…I can't always be the reasonable one around him. I turn into," he shook his head, "geeze, I turn into you."

Lucy shoved Simon playfully. "Jerk."

"Yeah, yeah." He finished tying his laces and sat up, glancing at himself in the mirror. "It's just…"

Lucy nodded and pulled Simon into a hug. "You love him. I understand." She sat back. "Do you think it'll be forever?"

"I hope so, but…" He looked at his ring, turning it around his finger. "No, no buts. I just hope so. I want it to be."

"That's a big decision for you to make so young."

"You knew Kevin was the one for you, and you knew him, what, all of a week? I at least have gone out with Terry for two years." He stood up and grabbed his watch. It was a nice day out, and he planned on walking to his meeting with Terry. I gotta leave in a minute.

"Hey, don't knock the 'love at first sight' thing. It's why Terry decided to ask you out in the first place." Lucy stood as well. "Well, you have fun. Kevin and I have a date as well, so we may not be back for a while."

Simon nodded and headed for the door. "Okay. And…thanks."

"For checking on you? You're my baby brother. It's my job."

He wrinkled his nose. "I'm not a baby."

Lucy chuckled and stepped out of the room, letting Simon close the door behind them. "Maybe not to the world, but to me you are."

This time Simon shoved Lucy. "I'm going to get you for that."

"Promises, promises. Get going or you're going to be late."

Simon rolled his eyes, but started down the stairs. He paused at the door, then whistled. Happy trotted in a minute later, looking at him. "You want to go for a walk, girl?" In response, the dog stood on her hind legs and waved her forepaws at him. He smiled and grabbed her leash, as well as a few plastic bags. "Alright." He hooked the leash on her collar and headed outside. Happy quickly took the lead. She was heading in the same direction he needed to go to see Terry, so he let her.

Terry's proclamation yesterday that they needed some space had hit him a bit hard, and at the time he had been a bit down about it. He thought he'd hidden it pretty well, but apparently Lucy noticed, and to be honest, he was glad. She was looking out for his well-being, and it was nice to have someone doing it discretely, instead of interfering directly as his parents used to do.

Used to… He paused in his walking as Happy found a particular tree interesting. Lately, his parents had given him a bit of space. His mother wasn't around, but even before that, she had been backing off on the mothering. Guess she finally realized I'm ready to grow up. His father was giving him space, but it seemed to stem more from the fact that he was waiting for Simon to come to him. I should do that tonight.

Normally he would've been with Terry for dinner, but apparently, in his effort to make up his mistake to his boyfriend, he had all but smothered him. I just didn't want to lose him. So for the next few days they were putting the breaks on. Terry agreed to a meal today, but he was going to Monterey Bay tomorrow for a quick meeting his company was holding. Simon had agreed that the break would probably be good for them.

And once Simon got over the initial surprise and hurt, he realized that he had missed his time alone, too. He had started his summer reading, rearranged his room, and even spent some time with the twins. Tomorrow he was taking them to the park, and after that he thought about hitting the zoo. He hadn't been since he was a kid, and it had been remodeled over the last few years. It'd be fun to go with Terry, but it'll be fun to go with my brothers. He had realized neither of them had been before, so it would be an experience enjoyed by all, he was sure.

So, even though he had derailed their relationship, it was finally starting to get back to normal. And his birthday's coming up. Simon had missed the last one, because Terry had gone with his brother to Japan. This year, I'm making it up to him. His birthday was approaching as well, but it was after Terry's, and he was sure the model had something great planned. I'm going to make up for missing last year's, though. He just had to figure out what to do for a gift.

Happy let out a bark, and Simon saw she was wagging her tail. "Guess no one's brought you into town for a while." The place he was going for lunch had an outdoor area, and on a day like today, he figured he and Terry would eat out there. That way, Happy could be watched, and he could still spend time with his boyfriend. "You're going to beg like crazy, I just know it." He'd give in, of course. He couldn't resist her puppy eyes.

When he approached the restaurant, he was surprised to see that the woman Terry said he had to interview was still there. She had a bit of a stunned look on her face, and seemed to have a hard time saying something. Guess she found out Terry's gay. He'd seen it before, women coming up to Terry or him and asking them out, only to find out they weren't interested.

Coming up to the table, he went up behind Terry and hugged him, planting a quick kiss on his cheek. He didn't care who saw. They were out, and if this woman couldn't handle it, she probably shouldn't be working with his boyfriend anyways. "Hey there. Am I early?"

Terry leaned his head back and shook his head. "No, we're running over, actually." He reached down to stroke Happy. "You brought her?"

"She hadn't been walked today, and I figured it'd be good exercise for her."

"Cool."

The woman finally spoke up. "This is Simon?"

Terry gave her a curt nod. "Yeah."

"He's…changed."

Simon took a seat between the two people, tying Happy's leash to his chair. "Changed?" He looked at the woman. She seemed familiar, but couldn't quite place it. "Have we met?"

"Ah, yes, yes we did. A while ago."

Simon raised an eyebrow at the flush crossing her face. He looked at Terry in askance.

"Well, Simon, apparently she and I have a few common things. Including falling for you."

"Falling…for…" He looked once more at the woman, trying to place who it could be.

"And getting you to make that adorable little noise when necking."

"Terry!" This time Simon's face flushed red, but then Terry's words struck him. Only one other person had ever gotten at his neck. "Deena?!"

Deena nodded, then gave Terry a strange look. "He makes a noise?"

"Oh yes, this cute little thing-"

"I do not! And can we not talk about this?" He could see the twinkle in Terry's eyes. He's enjoying this!

"Well, I suppose we could, though Deena asked if your kissing skills had improved."

Two can play at this game. "You tell me." He leaned over, grabbed Terry's face, and laid one on him. It was one of the most passionate kisses he had given the model to date, and was surprised when Terry let out a small squeak. He held it until he heard Deena cough, then pulled back with a smug look.

Terry sat staring at Simon for a minute, dazed, then looked over at Deena. "I'm sorry…what were we talking about?"

Simon let out a laugh. Terry had managed to stun him like that, but never the other way around. He made a note to explore that technique later. "So, Deena, you came back to model?"

"And to see if you were still available, but I, um," she glanced between him and Terry, "guess you're taken."

"Very."

Was that a possessive tone I heard just now? From Terry? He wondered where that came from. Maybe he's just been good at hiding it before now. "Yeah, we've been together for about two years now."

"Well, I guess as long as you're happy." She sat back with what Simon interpreted as a defeated look. "You know, I really should've guessed. I mean, the cooking class alone should've tipped me off."

"Hey, I did that for you, if you recall."

"You took a cooking class? And here I've been slaving in the kitchen to teach you."

Simon held a hand up. "I only learned how to bake. None of the good stuff that you cook all the time."

Terry finished off his drink and pushed it to the edge of the table. "Alright, you're forgiven." He faced Deena again, taking on a more serious look. "Do you still want to work here? You'll probably get the job, considering your talents. But if you don't want to, no one will think twice about it."

Simon felt Deena looking him over, and tugged his t-shirt down to straighten it. She came back…because of me? That was actually pretty flattering, but in all honesty, he hadn't really thought of her in any way than as a memory for a long time. Finally, the eyes left him.

"Do you mind if I consider it for a bit? See what other options are available, how housing is, that sort of thing?"

"Of course." Terry stood up and stretched out his hand. "It was nice to meet you, Deena, for many reasons."

"Yes. You too, Dax." With that she stood and left, giving Simon one more glance before leaving the restaurant.

"Terry…did you know who she was before she arrived?"

"Not a clue. It was as big a surprise to me as it was to you. I nearly choked when she said she was looking to hook up with you again." Terry looked down at Happy. "Hey there, girl. Haven't seen you in a bit."

Simon looked over the menu on the table, trying to decide what sounded good to eat. "What did you two talk about?"

"Mostly business, until she brought you up. Then I told her about us, and we talked a bit. Comparing notes, if you will." Terry rested his head on a hand. "She couldn't believe it, even up to the point you came and kissed me. I don't think she was prepared for that. For you having a girlfriend, yes, but not a boyfriend."

"Pretty understandable. At the time we were dating I don't think either of us knew what homosexuality was." Simon rubbed the back of his neck. "You, uh, you didn't really talk about more personal things, did you?"

Terry reached out his foot and rubbed Simon's leg. "Not really, no. I was just teasing."

"And I don't really make any noises when you do that."

"Is that a challenge?"

Simon blushed a bit, but gave Terry a grin. "It can be."

"Maybe when I get back." Terry let out a breath from his nose. "How're you doing? Better than last night?"

"Yeah, a lot."

"You going to be okay for the next two days?"

"Yeah. Actually, what you said about spending time away from each other was a good idea. I've been neglecting Sam and David, and I am their big brother."

"So you're going to spend some time with them?"

"Yep. After this year I'm going," he paused a minute, "we're going to college, and they won't see me much."

"So we're going away for college?"

"Definitely. Nothing short of an emergency is going to keep us here. Glen Oak is nice, but I want to go somewhere else when it's time to leave. The first Camden to leave home for undergrad school."

"That's a lofty goal. Just tell me where you're going to apply so I can, too."

Simon was quiet a minute, then set his menu down. "UCLA is actually one of the places I was thinking of. But if you don't want to…" He still remembered Jordon's offer, and how negatively Terry had responded to it. It might've been because he didn't want to go, but Terry could also have some sort of objection to the school itself.

"That's fine." Terry sat up a bit. "I know you don't want to go to Tokyo U."

Simon shook his head. "No, not really." He had considered it, but living near Terry's family held as much attraction as living near his own. Plus, he wasn't sure he could get in, or survive in the area without knowing the language. "And I know you don't like Stanford, so I won't apply there. Is there anywhere else?"

"Not really. Everything else is fair game."

"And…you're sure you don't mind?"

"I'm positive. Anywhere you go, I go." Terry leaned over and kissed Simon's cheek. "It's a promise, and I'm not changing my mind about it."

"Even if it's in Taiwan?"

"Even if it's on Pluto."

Simon smiled and squeezed Terry's hand. "Thanks."

Happy looked between the two boys, then let out a whine and pawed at Simon's leg.

Simon laughed. "Alright, girl. We'll get lunch." He glanced around and waved at a waiter. I'm glad things are finally getting back to normal.

~*()*~

"This place is great. What do you think, Kevin. Kevin?" Lucy looked around.

"Just checking out the bathroom. It's bigger than I expected." Kevin stepped out of the bathroom. He was still in uniform, since he had left from work and hadn't changed into his normal clothes, otherwise he would have missed the window to see the apartment. "But what will we do with two bedrooms?"

"One can be an office. Or when we have a family, it can be the child's room."

"I suppose." He walked into the kitchen and looked in the sink. "Does it have a disposal?"

"Yep. Dishwasher, disposal, comes with a fridge. And the landlord said when we talk to the current holder we might be able to get some of this furniture."

"The current holder? You mean this place is still rented?"

"Someone's holding onto it, but they haven't used it in years, probably due to the fact they've moved to Glen Oak and bought a house."

"Is the landlord going to raise the rent price?"

Lucy took a seat on the couch and checked to see how good its springs were. "He said he'd be willing to keep it at the same rent charge as she's charging the holder, plus utilities since they're off at the moment."

"That brings us to, what, twelve hundred?"

"Probably closer to fourteen hundred. Plus groceries, and other expenses, it shouldn't be more than fifteen hundred." She crossed her arms as Kevin sat next to her. "Is that out of our price range?"

Kevin looked out the window, taking in the view. "Well, it's a little more than what I expected, but I will admit it's a nice place. Fairly close to work, a quick drive to your school, and twenty minutes from your parents' house."

"In other words, exactly what we're looking for. Pretty close to the important aspects of our lives, but far enough away that we can have our own." She nodded and stood up. "This is it, Kevin. This is the place we should get."

"I'll talk to the landlord, see if he'll give me the number to talk to the current holder." Kevin got up and headed out the door.

"I'll be at the car." Kevin waved an acknowledgement, and she walked around the apartment once more. It was sparsely furnished, but had the basics. A couch, a kitchen table, a television, a bed, a desk, and a fridge. They wouldn't need to bring too much, just replace the bed with one big enough for the both of them. This is perfect. I can see why the holder kept this for so long. She let out a content sigh and stepped out of the apartment, locking the door behind her, and headed down to the car.

Kevin was already leaning against it, a piece of paper in his hand. "He apparently doesn't like to have his number handed out, but the landlord gave us his address and we're expected at his house soon. He's leaving to go out of town tomorrow, so we'd better hurry."

"Right." She took the paper from him and got into the car. "Huh, this address looks familiar."

"It's near your neighborhood. You probably passed it on a charity drive or something." Kevin pulled out of the parking space and headed for the residential area.

"Maybe…" It seemed more familiar than that, like it was an important address. Maybe one of my friends used to live there? She bit her lip and watched as the scenery gradually changed from businesses to houses. The more they drove, the greater the feeling was that she knew where they were going. When they turned onto the street, it finally hit her. "Terry."

"Terry?" Kevin slowed his driving, trying to spot the house number they were looking for.

"Terry lives on this street."

"Well, if he sees us we'll just say it's official business. It's not like he'd have an apartment in the area."

She wasn't so sure about that. Going out of town tomorrow. Terry's leaving tomorrow. Bought a house in the area, and Terry has a house in the area. She looked around as Kevin parked the car, and took in the surprised look on his face. "It's his house, isn't it."

"Yep."

To Lucy, it looked as if Kevin couldn't quite make the connection that Terry and the holder were the same person. "Maybe we shouldn't go in. If he knows, Simon will find out, and then it'll be out in the open."

"He can keep secrets. He kept the fact he was gay for how long? Besides, he's waiting for us. If we don't show up, he'll be suspicious. He'd probably call the landlord back to see who it was that was interested. Either way, he finds out."

Lucy sighed. "Alright, but we have to swear him to secrecy. Until e…er…" She struggled with the word she was searching for.

Kevin seemed to pick up on what she meant. "Escrow?"

"That's it. Until escrow closes."

"Sounds like a plan." He unbuckled his seatbelt and got out of the car.

After taking a deep breath, Lucy did the same, and the two of them walked to his front door. They didn't have to wait long for Terry to open the door, though he appeared distracted. "Hey, Terry."

"Lucy? Um, hi. Look," he glanced over his shoulder, "I'm really busy packing, and someone's coming over to talk about some apartment or something."

"That's why we're here." Kevin waited until Terry was looking at him. "We're interested in that apartment you're holding onto, though I don't know why you have it."

"Oh, um, well." He shrugged and stepped back. "Come on in." He blinked, giving Lucy a curious look. "I didn't know you two were moving."

Lucy shut the door and joined her husband on the couch. "Actually, we're kind of keeping it a secret, until we're ready to move."

"Ah, gotcha." Terry sat on the other couch, digging through a box resting next to him. He muttered a few things in Japanese, tossing an item or two out from time to time.

"So why do you have an apartment when you have a house?"

Terry looked up from the box to meet Kevin's gaze. "Technically, it's not mine. It's in my mother's name. She just never dissolved her hold on the place." He went back to looking through the box. "I think she figured once I graduated we'd leave and never return, and she'd need the apartment again."

"And now?"

"And now…" He coughed, waving some dust away, before pulling out a file and dropping it on the table. "Now, she's dating. And she doesn't think she'll come back here."

Lucy's interest was intrigued. "Your mother's dating?"

"It won't last." Terry opened the file and searched through the papers.

"That's optimistic."

Terry snorted. "I know my mother. This guy won't make it past the end of the month. Trust me--ah. Found it." He set a stapled stack of papers to the side and skimmed it. "Well, I have no reason to keep it. I can transfer ownership to you in," he glanced at his watch, "with mom's schedule and FedEx, six days. Maybe seven. Then all you have to do is go through the normal application process."

"That's it?" Lucy raised her eyebrows. "No discussion, no nothing, just you'll transfer ownership?"

"Well, the landlord still has to approve you, but the place is rent controlled, so I have a little leeway." He closed the folder and put it back in the box. "Remind me to yell at Jordon for how he organized mom's things."

"Uh, right. So…we just come back in a week? That's it?"

"Give or take. I'll give you a call." He stood up and wiped some dust off his shirt. "So, glad you're interested, and hope you get it. When I get mom's signature, I'll call you." He nodded towards the door. "Sorry if I don't show you out, but I haven't packed for the trip, and I have laundry that needs to be finished.

"We understand." They stood and Kevin headed for the door. "I do hope your mother and her boyfriend last longer than a month."

"He's an investment broker. They don't last long."

"Your father and her lasted a while."

Terry nodded. "She was also a lot more sedate at the time."

"Oh. Okay. So, you won't tell anyone, right?"

"I'll keep it quiet. And I'll see you in a couple days."

"Alright, have fun on your trip."

"I hope to." Terry picked up the box and headed for the garage.

Lucy left the house, again making sure the door was locked, and got into the car. Kevin had already started the engine. "Well, looks like we have a new place to live." She buckled up. "Did he seem distracted to you?"

"Yeah." Kevin drove off and headed for the Camden house. "He's probably just preoccupied with the trip tomorrow. You heard him, he had laundry to do. Which reminds me…"

Lucy cut him off. "Don't even try. It's your turn."

~*()*~

"Simon?"

Simon looked up, smiling a bit as his father came into his room. "Hey."

"Lucy said you wanted to see me."

Simon nodded and sat up, giving his father room on his bed. Eric got the hint and took a seat, looking his son over. It was an odd request, and Eric hadn't been expecting it at all. Is this because he's upset, or in trouble? Or is this…something else?

"I know I've been kinda distant over the last week, and what I did to you during the," Simon dipped his head, "incident. I just wanted to say I'm sorry. And…thank you. Lucy told me you were the one who planned the thing in the living room, to try and get us back together."

"Apology accepted, and Simon, you were miserable. I'd have done it for any of my children."

"Well, it meant a lot to me. If you hadn't, I'd…" Simon shrugged. "I'd probably still be depressed."

Eric reached over and squeezed Simon's shoulder. "I'm just glad it worked out."

"And thanks for rescinding the restriction. You didn't have to, and I'd have understood if you didn't."

"I had the feeling you and Terry needed time together. Besides, the last thing I need is another kid hanging around the house." He sighed. Even though only two of their kids really needed a lot of parenting, without Annie it was tough. Tomorrow he was going to tell Chandler to take over a few more duties, until Annie returned.

"The twins are giving you trouble?"

"Just a bit. They're getting too big for their room, and they're having trouble fitting in with the other kids." He hoped that the next meeting of Bible camp would go more smoothly. The first week had been rough for them.

"Well, I was going to take the twins tomorrow. And then after that…" Simon looked around his room. "Why don't I move, and then Sam or David can take this room. That way they're still together with the sliding door, but they have their own spaces."

"Your mother would kill us if we moved them without her here."

"Dad, mom's not here." He lowered his voice. "We know something's wrong with Grandpa, and the last thing she needs to come home to is the chaos of moving everyone so they're accommodated. We can do it for her. I," he looked at his bedspread, "I was going to say I could move in with Terry."

"Absolutely not."

"Dad, he has an extra room."

"And would you sleep there?"

"Yes."

Eric gave him a stern look. Simon averted his eyes, and he knew his son wouldn't sleep there often. "The temptation would be too great. Besides, you're not yet eighteen. You're staying under this roof."

"Okay, then I'll take Matt's old room. David moves in here, and Ruthie can stay where she is." He glanced up. "Not that I'd mind having the attic."

"Moving two will be more than enough, thank you very much." Eric had to give Simon credit. It was a good idea. It would be a hectic couple of days, but the end result would be worth the hassle. "So we'll start that the day after tomorrow."

"Right."

Eric waited a minute, seeing that Simon was waiting for him to make the next move. Should I stay or go? Simon wasn't giving him any signals. "So, Simon, what's been going on with you other than hanging around with Terry?"

That seemed to be the right thing to say, as Simon visibly relaxed and gave Eric a warm grin. "Not much. I'm getting ready for AP Lit by doing the reading early, and I've been thinking about adding another aspect to my job…"

Eric let Simon just talk, asking a question every now and then. This was the Simon he knew, the one that had some connection with him. He'd lost it around the time of his heart attack, and now, finally, he was finally getting it back. He glanced upward, and offered a silent 'thank you.'

~*()*~

"Alright you two, this is the only ice cream you get, so don't drop it."

"Thank you, Simon."

"Thanks, Simon."

Simon smiled and ruffled his brothers' hair before sending them off. He had opted to go to the zoo first, and the twins had loved every minute of it. Of course they tired pretty quickly, and after they passed the monkey house (where two chimps were doing something that should've been hidden from the public's eyes), he could tell they'd had enough and they left. He did want to come back with Terry and see the whole park, since they barely covered a fourth of it.

In the meantime, though, he took them to the park, and the instant they stepped out of the car the ice cream truck's music caught the twins' attentions. He had to chase them for a few minutes before he finally got them under control again, and then brought them to the vendor. He would keep an eye on them, but he brought them here to wind down before bringing them home. With the sugar jolt they were going to get from the treat, his family would be grateful for bringing them here.

He walked around a bit, seeing that they were making fast headway on their ice cream so they could go on the jungle gym and swings. He would've continued walking, working off the lunch he had eaten at the zoo, but his feet were hurting a bit. So, he looked for a bench, and paused when he saw a familiar figure sitting only a few yards away. The streaked hair gave her away. Deena. He hesitated, then went over and sat next to her. They pretended to be strangers for a minute, Simon not knowing what to say, and Deena not moving from where she was sitting. Might as well start this. "Um, hey."

"You know, I wouldn't have minded if you were with another girl. In fact, I was expecting it. You're a great guy." She finally turned to look at him. "But a guy, Simon?"

"If it makes you feel any better, I was as surprised as you were at first. I mean, I had no idea I even had those feelings. All I knew was that I was having these…strange dreams that involved guys. Terry…cleared it up for me."

She looked back to the playground. "He seems nice enough, at least."

"He is. I…really love him. What we had, what we felt, it was real too, and if you hadn't moved away we might still be together." He rested his hands on his knees. "But you did move away, and I couldn't wait around forever. There was no way our relationship could've survived the distance, or the time. You must've known that."

"I could still hope, Simon. And I did. There was always the chance that you never got over me, just like I never really got over you. Sure, I dated, but none of them really meant anything. Not like you meant something." She hung her head and sighed. "But it's moot now, isn't it. You're gay. Not a chance in the world for me to win you back."

Simon reached over and squeezed her shoulder. "Hey, we can still be friends. Me being with Terry doesn't mean we can't hang out. Especially if you're moving here."

She shook her head. "I'm not going to stay, Simon."

Simon sat up straighter, quickly checking on the twins. They were busy entertaining themselves on the monkey bars, perfectly safe. He looked back at Deena. "So, I'm the only reason you came here? That was a pretty big bet."

"Not just because of you, Simon. I do want to work for a modeling company. The one I applied to had a branch here, so I asked to be interviewed here."

"And college?"

"Crawford isn't the only one I got accepted to."

"So basically, you wasted Terry's time just so you could see how I was and if we could date again?" He felt an edge of anger infringe on his voice. "You could've just called. You didn't have to waste his time, or mine. Would it have been so hard to pick up a phone and say 'Hey, Simon, you still wanna date?'"

"I hadn't called in years."

"Which is why it still wouldn't have worked out. You didn't put any effort into maintaining a relationship after the first few months of moving. I can't believe you expected me to just pick up where we left off. So if I'd have had a girlfriend, you'd have tried to break us up?"

"No! Of course not!" She moved over on the bench. "I just…I figured you'd be glad to see me!"

"And maybe, I'd spend more time with you than my girlfriend, and eventually you'd replace her?"

"No! I just…"

"You just what, Deena. You come here, after years of no letters, no phone calls, no nothing, and expect us to get back together. And if we don't, you just leave?"

"It'd be too painful to stay."

"No kidding." Simon bent over and glowered at the ground. "When you left, we were through. You made sure of that. If you want to rebuild the friendship, fine. But if you think I'm going to date you again, be your girlfriend, forget it."

"Because you're gay."

"Not just because of that!" He sat up again and crossed his arms. "Because things don't stay the same. If I were straight, I'd probably have a girlfriend--no, I know I'd have one. I wouldn't just drop her because you showed up in my life again. The feelings are gone, Deena. They left with you. The thing you didn't realize is that they wouldn't come back with you."

"No, I guess they didn't." She looked over to the playground, spotting the two blond boys. "Are those your brothers?"

Simon took a deep breath. It was obvious she got the message, and didn't want to continue the conversation. "Yes. Sam and David."

"They've gotten big."

"They're still growing." He relaxed a little. At least the truth is out. He had been happy to see her, but only because they had been good friends. "So…do you want to still be friends?"

She hung her head, then stood up. "Simon…I can't. I…I have to pack. There's a plane I need to catch."

Simon stood as well. "Alright. And I'm sorry you didn't get what you want, but I like my life, and I wouldn't change it, not for you, not for anyone."

"I understand." She stood there another minute, then stepped forward and pressed her lips to his.

Simon stiffened. Apparently I wasn't clear enough. He rested his hands on her shoulders and gently pushed her away. "No."

"Just…one for the road. Goodbye, Simon."

Bye, Deena." He watched as she walked off, then sat back down and went back to keeping an eye on his brothers. I can't believe she thought she and I would get back together, after all these years. He rubbed his arm, shaking his head. Why doesn't Terry ever have these problems? He gets along fine with his ex's. He shrugged. Such is life, I guess. He smiled a bit as he saw David laughing as he was riding the swings. I wonder what Terry's up to right now.

~*()*~

"Oh come on, Terry. It's not like we haven't kissed before."

Terry held up the hand with his ring on it. "Taken. Back off."

"Who's going to know? No one can see us in this lighting."

"I'd know, now shoo. Before I have to do something that would land you a trip to the hospital." Terry ignored the pout of the other man and got away from the refreshment table. Bakayaro. Sometimes he hated these regional meetings. Sure, he got to spend the day in a great aquarium, but there was always some guy, or girl, that didn't take the hint. He wasn't the only one, at least. It happened to at least half the models that showed up. Just because we work as models, they assume we'll kiss anyone; or do more.

It was times like this when he really missed Amber. She was usually very successful at scaring off the vendors, and new management. Of course, she tended to just punch them in the nose if they didn't back off. My sensei just had to teach me to be polite, didn't he. He took his seat at the table reserved for Glen Oak and rested his head in his hands. One of these years I'm going to figure out how to get outta these.

"Aren't you supposed to be dealing with some applicant?"

Terry shook his head. He knew she had asked to think about it, but he could tell by the look in her eyes that she was leaving. She was there because of Simon, and for no other reason. He had considered the fact that she might stay to be Simon's friend, but it just didn't feel like it. She's going. I can tell. The company, of course, would receive the official refusal by the end of the day.

"Oh, heads up. Mr. Flirt is headed our way. Terry, he's your ex-boyfriend."

"Forget it. I've got a steady boyfriend. You divert him."

"Damn. I knew there was a downside to you getting into a commitment."

Terry rolled his eyes and kept his head down. Hope things are going better with Deena for you, Simon. I really do.

~*()*~

~*()*~

~*()*~

Bakayaro: jerk

Author's Prattle: Well, this one came out quick, didn't it. Actually, I'd have gotten it out sooner, but I had to find a picture of Deena (couldn't remember what she looked like) and my beta had to get back to me. Think of this as a gift for you faithful readers. After waiting so long for the last couple chapters, this one came out faster. Now that I have about an hour a day to write at school, I'm getting a lot more done (on average, about three pages a day; equal to 2500 words a day). I will say I'm not certain when the next chapter will be out. I'm finally getting my rewrite of my first fic started (already up to 13 pages), and that's occupying most of my writing time. Plus, I really want to finish Wake, since it only has about five chapters left to go. So, between that, plus all the reading and other school work, it may be a while.

Not too long, though. I've got lots of ideas to get through before I end this fic, including a VERY special Valentine's Day chapter that I hope you won't soon forget (and it's not what you think, either). I'll also be watching the homosexual marriage issue closely, and that issue as well as others similar to it might slip into this fic (or the sequel).

So, disclaimers. I don't own 7th Heaven, it's characters or settings. I DO own Terry, Amber, Jordon, et al; as well as this plot. As for the modeling business, I'd like to mention that I don't work for a modeling company, and is probably not an accurate portrayal. I try, though.

So, that's it for this chapter. I'll try and have the next one out soon, but I'm really on a roll with my rewrite, so it may be a while. As always, reviews are welcome, and I hope you enjoyed!