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

By Cypher

Chapter Thirty-Four: Summer's End

Simon adjusted his glasses and propped his arms up on the sides of the pool. It's been an interesting two weeks. Between his birthday, Terry's birthday, and everything else going on in life, it had been rather busy. This was the first time in a while he could just sit back and relax. Oddly enough, he found himself thinking back to the birthdays, though he couldn't blame himself. It was pretty special.

After Terry had been dropped off by Jordon and Amber, he had basically slept for the next fifteen hours, leaving Simon on his own once more. Whatever they had done, it had wiped Terry out, but he was smiling and even laughing as he slept, so Simon knew he had had a good time. Once he had woken up and they were back to making plans for celebrating birthdays. Terry had come up with the idea that they just share one combined one.

So, Simon had spoiled Terry during the day, and Terry had done the same to Simon that night. It was romantic, practical, and even a bit fun. Terry was very impressed by the Japanese tea garden picnic, and the afternoon of cloud watching was very relaxing, and an interesting lesson in pop psychology. Terry had taken him to a fancy hotel diner for dinner, and followed through with a long cuddling session while they watched the extended DVD of The Two Towers.

As for gifts, Simon had bought Terry a new flute. Granted, he didn't really know anything about buying woodwinds, but he had gotten a friend in the school band to help him. Terry had been looking for a new one as his last one was fairly old. It had certainly been a surprise, but Terry loved it, and even played a piece right there in the park. Terry had given him, surprisingly, a picture he had made during his senior year.

'Black Velvet' was exactly as it sounded, a portrait of black, but certain parts were shaded to give the impression of a body. The only color came from a single rose laying on what was probably a table, and two eyes that Simon had seen before, in fact every time he looked in a mirror he saw them. There wasn't any place at his house to hang it, but Jordon's old room, now his room, had plenty of space.

His room. That had been a shock, but Terry felt it was appropriate. Simon would be staying over at Terry's a lot more than Terry would be at his house. While they usually shared a bed, there would be need for his own room. When he went home after the week-long sleepover, it was with a lot fewer things than he had gone over with. Most of his clothes had remained at Terry's, in his room. Over the rest of the summer he intended to move a few more things over there, but as he still lived at home, it wouldn't be too much.

His parents probably wouldn't be too thrilled at the idea, but he had made the decision to do this, and he wasn't backing down. He was moving away next year, and spending extended periods away from home with his future "roommate" would help him adjust to the idea. Besides, it was helpful to get away from the mess that was his house. Not that it was always a mess, but this year would be particularly hard.

For starters, Kevin and Lucy had moved out, and his parents were in the process of interviewing possible renters. Simon had tried to stay out of it, but he had met some of them and frankly, he'd rather pay for the apartment himself than let them rent it out. When asked his opinion, Simon had pushed for one of the women college students. True, she was high strung, but out of everyone, she seemed like the easiest person to live with.

Then there was Ruthie, and the big changes she was going through. Instead of entering the eighth grade, she had tested out of it, and was actually starting high school. It helped to boost her morale, and Simon hadn't seen her so happy since she had attended the private school. Sadly, she was still going to a public high school, but at least she wouldn't feel so bored in class anymore. It had caused tensions between her and Peter, though, and Simon was tempted to start a betting pool on how long their relationship would last. Normally he wouldn't wish a breakup on anyone, but Peter just rubbed him the wrong way, and Terry had mirrored his sentiments.

Finally, there were the twins. This year they started kindergarten, and Simon had volunteered to help however he could. The big problem was, they didn't seem…ready. Sure, Simon had taught them a few things, and they had learned quite a bit from private schooling sessions, but they hadn't attended a proper preschool, and he was worried they wouldn't do so well. They were pretty much inseparable, and Sam only parroted his brother. He didn't know if that was a common occurrence with twins, but there was something about it that told him something wasn't quite kosher. Kosher. I've been talking with Sarah too much.

All that commotion, though, wasn't going to happen until the school year started, really. Terry had insisted they relax the rest of the summer, try and ease away the hardships of the last year. So what were they currently doing? Well, it had been a fairly hot week, and after Simon had told Terry he wished there was an open, not overly crowded pool somewhere, Terry had said he belonged to the JCC. His father had worried about the twins being left out, so Simon had promised to take them as well. Thus today they had packed into a car and gone swimming. Lucy and Kevin had come along, even. It was Kevin's first break since moving, and Lucy had insisted they take the opportunity while it existed.

Looks like she had some other ideas as well. Once they had arrived and gotten settled, Lucy had roped Kevin into teaching the twins to swim. The cop looked extremely awkward trying to handle the two boys, and it took a lot of control not to laugh at his expression. Terry hadn't even bothered with control and had laughed so hard he had fallen into the pool. Simon had joined him shortly afterward, leaving his sister and brother-in-law to take care of his younger siblings.

They had played around in the water a bit. Some racing, bouncing a beach ball around, even seeing who could hold their breath the longest; which Simon surprisingly won. It was fun to see Terry acting like a kid. It's not that he didn't enjoy the mature teenager he had come to love, it was just that Terry seldom acted so immaturely. This was a rare glimpse into the fun-loving side of his boyfriend, a time when neither of them really cared what other people thought.

They had broken for lunch, and Terry had opted to sunbathe a bit before getting back in the water. Actually… Simon lowered his sunglasses and searched the side of the pool. He had gotten back in after twenty minutes, but just floated by the side and watched the other swimmers. Where'd Terry get to? The chair he had been reclining on was empty.

"Cannonball!"

Simon yelped as a blur passed before him and he was covered with a wave of chlorinated water. He sputtered and put his glasses on the edge of the pool. "Terry!" The teen in question surfaced and grinned, splashing the blond a bit more before diving under the surface. Simon had learned that Terry was very good at skimming the bottom as he moved. "Oh, I'm so gonna get you!" He pushed off from the side and chased after the playful high school graduate.

()

"Oh, so it's a splash war you want, huh? Take this!"

Lucy shook her head at Terry's outburst and led the twins back towards the kid pool. "Your brother and Uncle Terry can certainly be silly, can't they." The twins didn't seem to be listening, clambering to get down the shallow steps into the water.

"Uncle Terry?" Kevin took a seat on the edge of the pool, the water barely coming up to his knees. "Isn't that jumping the gun a bit?"

Lucy shrugged and sat next to him, keeping an eye on the boys as they mimicked their older brother and started a splash war. "Simon's pretty sure he wants to stay with Terry forever, and Terry certainly doesn't seem to want anyone else. What else are they supposed to call him?"

"I don't know, but Uncle?"

"They call you Uncle Kevin."

Kevin huffed and crossed his arms. "I am their uncle. I married you, remember?"

"So you're saying just because they can't marry, Terry doesn't have the right to be included in the family like that?"

Kevin opened his mouth, then shut it. He turned away from her to watch the teens in the big pool.

Lucy ducked her head to hide her smirk. She had won that battle, and she knew it. Kevin was fairly comfortable with Terry and Simon, but there were moments when his upbringing brought old issues to the forefront. But then, even I wonder about their future. The Colonel and Ruth hadn't visited since learning the truth, and she was beginning to think it was a form of protest against Terry and Simon's relationship.

"Hey you two! Knock it off before I have to come over and separate you!"

Lucy quickly looked to the twins, who, while splashing each other, didn't seem to be doing anything wrong. She frowned, then remembered Kevin was watching Simon and Terry, and leaning back, she could see why Kevin had made that announcement. Terry and Simon's splashing game had somehow evolved into flirting, and they were currently making out in the middle of the deep end of the pool. One, two, three…someone's missing a hand--there it is. For a minute, she wondered if her mother's fears were justified.

Terry finally pulled away and ducked under the surface, appearing two lanes over. He started swimming laps and Simon, grinning like an idiot, swam over to the ladder and got out. He didn't bother drying himself, rather he just walked over and took a seat on the steps of the kid pool, David immediately moving closer to play with his older sibling.

"Someone seems happy."

Simon stuck his tongue out at Lucy, which prompted the twins to do the same. "We were having fun."

Kevin crossed his arms and kicked a little water in the blond's direction. "Let's keep that sort of fun out of the pool, shall we?"

"Oh, like you'd never make out with Lucy in public."

"Not in a public pool, no."

"Private. This is a private pool."

Kevin waved his hand. "Semantics. You know what I mean."

Simon splashed Kevin before turning his attention to the twins. "Alright guys. Want to learn how to swim? I taught your sister, and I can teach you."

"Oh, mom'll be thrilled to hear that." Lucy smirked as Simon's ears took on a pink shade. "You did so well with Ruthie, after all."

"Shut up." Simon took the twins' hands. "Come on, guys. We don't have to take this."

Lucy laughed and stood up, patting Kevin's shoulder. "Come on. I'm going to take a light nap. Want to join me?"

"Maybe later." Kevin got up and stepped out of the pool. "I think I'm going to join Terry and do some laps."

"Have fun." Lucy had suspected, for a little while anyways, that Kevin was in a silent competition with Terry. Terry was clueless to it so far, but Lucy thought it was rather amusing. Like him outdoing my brother's boyfriend impresses me. Though she had to admit, as he dove into the pool, that the view was very impressive. A little competition never hurt anyone. She grinned as she sat back in her chair, foregoing her nap to watch her husband.

()

"I know I didn't tell you earlier, but it was fun to see you and Simon acting like kids the other day."

Terry shrugged and put his hands in his pocket. "It was fun to do, though it looked like you and Kevin were having your own good time."

"Not as good as yours. Making out in a pool?"

"Least we haven't made out during one of your father's sermons."

Lucy snickered. "Yes, and we all thank you for that."

Terry leaned against the doorway and let his gaze pass over the crowd outside. The sermon today had been brief, as there was a special brunch scheduled. Simon had been roped into helping set up, but he said once he had finished they'd be free to do whatever. "Where's Kevin?"

"He had to take over for someone who called in sick." Pain briefly flashed across Lucy's face, and it didn't go unnoticed by Terry.

"You okay?"

"Yeah, I just think I have a touch of the flu. There was a girl in my class yesterday that had it."

"You need a ride home?"

"No, I'm good to drive. The nausea isn't too bad. I think with a little rest I'll be fine."

"Alright. I've got some tea at home that helps upset stomachs, if you want me to drop that off later."

"Thanks, but I don't think it'll be necessary. Besides, I'm stopping by the house later. I think there's still some stuff left over from when you were living there." Lucy patted Terry's arm. "You and Simon have fun. I'll see you later, okay?"

"Okay. Feel better."

"I will, thanks." She moved away and dug in her purse for keys.

"Everything okay?"

Terry grinned and put an arm around Simon's waist. "Yep. She's just not feeling well."

"Yeah, I hear the flu's making rounds in summer sessions." Simon sighed through his nose. "So, I'm done setting up. Wanna catch brunch?"

"Here?"

"No. There's this new restaurant that opened called Stacks. Thought we could try it out."

"Sounds nice. You drive here?"

"Caught a ride with Lucy."

Terry pulled out his keys and made his way towards the parking lot. "Smart thinking."

Simon walked next to him. "I figured, since we'd be going out afterward." He waited while Terry unlocked the car and they climbed in. "You haven't had much work lately. Is everything okay?"

Terry buckled his seatbelt and raised an eyebrow at Simon as he started the car. "Yeah, why wouldn't it be?"

"I don't know. This is the first time in a while you haven't had work almost every day. You didn't get fired, did you?"

"No, of course not." Terry looked both ways before pulling out into the street. "I'm just taking a break. I've worked there for years with little time off. I told them I wanted some, and they gave it to me. I have until August. They want me back for the back-to-school sales."

"Oh." Simon remained silent for a minute, watching the traffic go by. "You know where we're going?"

"I've driven past it a couple times."

"Ah. You, um, you didn't demand a vacation for me, did you? Cause you do need a steady income, even though you're not in school at the moment."

"I know, Simon. But I have plenty in savings and stocks to keep me afloat comfortably for a while. And whether I did it for you…" Terry shrugged. "You were part of it, yeah. I wanted to spend as much time with you as possible. Next year's going to be hard. You may be over more, but you'll have twice as much homework."

"Okay. I just don't want you to give up a lot for me. After what happened earlier…"

Terry reached over and rested a hand on Simon's knee. "I know, and I heard you then. I didn't quit, I'm just taking the first break I've had for a while. The last one was, I think when I helped my brother move. They were more than willing to give me time off, especially after everything that's happened this year."

"Alright." Simon glanced out his window as a group of people on motorcycles pulled up in the lane next to them.

"How would you feel about learning to ride?"

"What?" Simon scratched his arm and tilted his head towards Terry. "Ride?"

"Well, drive. Drive a motorcycle. You want to learn?"

Simon let out a grunt. "My mom would go nuts."

"Yes, she would."

"My dad would put me on restriction."

"Yes, probably."

Simon saw the bikers drive off as the light changed, pulling ahead of Terry's car. "I don't have my own bike."

"You don't have your own car."

Simon had to concede to that point. He used Matt's car. "So I'd use your bike?"

"Yeah, but I think Jordon has one of his older bikes in storage. I'm sure he wouldn't be adverse to handing it over to you." Terry finally spotted the restaurant sign and pulled into the small parking lot.

Simon bit his lip as he thought about the offer. It was an exciting thought, but also frightening. Sure, he got a thrill riding with Terry, but he also knew of the dangers. His father had insisted on telling him, to try and discourage him from being on Terry's bike. It'd be something more we have in common. And it would be pretty cool. He rolled his eyes. Cool. Geeze, how old am I? His family would definitely not be happy, but on the other hand, some of the college research books recommended motorcycles over cars, for parking reasons more than anything else. "Alright."

Terry put the car in park and raised an eyebrow at him. "Hmm?"

"I said alright. I'd like to learn."

Terry grinned and leaned over to plant a quick kiss on Simon's lips. "Alright. I'll call Jordon about the bike. Do you mind learning from a model?"

"I don't mind learning anything from you."

Terry ducked his head at the compliment. "I, uh, actually mean an older model. I think your parents would be a little more comfortable with a semi-professional biker teaching you."

"Oh." Simon was a little disappointed it he wouldn't be learning from Terry, but then, he did have a point about his parents. "Yeah, no problem."

"Great." Terry unbuckled his seatbelt and opened his door. "Now let's go put our names in. I hear there's at least a ten minute wait no matter what day you go."

Simon got out as well. "Good thing I had a light breakfast." He put an arm around Terry's waist and walked towards the restaurant.

()

"His parents are going to go nuts, ototou."

"Like you went nuts when okasan gave me lessons?"

"That's different. You know our mother. This is your boyfriend, and his parents will go ballistic."

"Look, I didn't ask for your opinion, I just wanted your permission to-" Terry looked up as a yell came from the kitchen. "Uh, hold on a second." Did Simon tell his parents already? He lowered his cell phone and made his way into the kitchen. I thought he went upstairs, though I guess he could've come down the back set. Entering the kitchen, though, he found it wasn't Annie that had made the noise, but Lucy. "Everything okay?"

"Mom thinks I'm pregnant!"

Terry blinked, then looked between the two Camden women. "Isn't that jumping the gun a bit? I mean, the flu is going around."

Annie folded her hands together. "I suppose, but she's having the same cravings I did when I was pregnant with Matt."

"That does not mean I'm pregnant! That's what anyone with the stomach flu would eat!"

"The mood swings, the difficult time sleeping…"

"I can't be pregnant, mom! I don't want to be!" Lucy crossed her arms. "College. College is first. No children until after I graduate!"

"Sometimes our plans have to be put on hold." Annie picked up a mug of some liquid and took a sip.

"But it's impossible! We use protection!" Once she let it out, Lucy's face turned red and she shot Terry a look.

Terry held up his hands and took a step back. "I'll just…go back to the living room." He turned on his heel and left the room before he heard any more. Okay, I should steer clear of her for a couple days.

"Yo, ototou. Moshi moshi?"

Terry nearly dropped the phone he was holding. "Oh, right." He sighed and put it against his ear. "Sorry."

"You know, if they didn't use spermicide with their contraceptive, their protection is only fairly good. A condom alone won't-"

"I do not want to be having this conversation with you." Terry felt the blood rush to his ears as a mental connection was made. "Oh God…you and Amber-"

"Well, we are adults."

He had to sit down. The image was just…too much. Within minutes he was collapsed on one of the two couches in the living room. That is SO not something I ever wanted to see, much less imagine. Unfortunately, the image was now burned in his mind, and the thought of it made him dizzy.

"You know, if it is the flu, then you can use this scare to tell her the best protection without abstaining. We've found-"

"Stop! Urusai! I don't want to hear this!" He could just tell his brother smirking on the other end of the line. "That's going to haunt me for days! Did you have to say anything?"

"Just keeping you up to date on our relationship, that's all. So, as for the bike, yeah, go ahead and have Simon ride it. Probably needs a tune-up first, but it should be fine. You should get him some protective gear."

It took Terry a minute to catch up to the change in the conversation. "Right…right. I'll take him shopping soon. Thanks."

"No problem. You want to talk to Amber? She's laying right here-"

"Ja ne, aniki." He hung up before the conversation returned to that other topic. He was okay with his brother and Amber, but visualizing them together…it was like imaging his parents in bed. Not something he wanted to see, or think about. Okay, okay, deep breaths. Just…remember, he gets freaked out thinking about what Simon and I could get up to. That helped a little, but the image was still there. Computer game. Need to get my mind on something other than…that.

With that in mind, he left the house. He had only gone in to use the bathroom before returning home, and his brother had called him before he could leave. I should have left while I still could've. Lucy was going to kill him.

()

"So where are the twins again?"

"Ruthie's entertaining them upstairs. What is it you wanted to talk about?"

Simon rubbed his arm and glanced from the door to his father. Part of him wanted Terry there for moral support, but he knew this was something he had to do this on his own. He took a deep breath and waved at the desk chair, inviting his father to sit down. "Well, dad, as you know I didn't bring all my stuff home from Terry's."

Eric sat down and rested his arms on his knees. "I was wondering about that."

"Um, Terry, he…he sort of invited me to live in Jordon's old room." There wasn't an immediate outburst, so Simon figured that was either a good sign, or his father had already worked that out.

"You told him no, of course."

"Well, sorta." He rubbed the back of his neck and tried to meet his fathers eyes. He settled for looking at his chin instead. "I…I figured I'd be spending a lot of time there this year, and it just made sense to leave some clothes there, rather than pack a bag every single time."

Eric crossed his arms. "How often?"

Simon licked his lips and risked a quick glance at his father's face. "Well, I was kind of hoping…one or two weeks a month."

"No way. Out of the question."

"Dad-"

"Simon, you can't expect me to let you do that during the school year. Over the summer, sometimes, yes. But during the school year? Only the occasional weekend sleepover."

"And I want more than that."

"You can't always have what you want, Simon."

"I know what I'm asking dad. I know you don't want me to go over there because you're worried we'll…do something you don't want us to do." It still disturbed him to talk about his sex life, or lack thereof, with his father. "We won't. We're both more mature than that."

"You're not even out of high school yet, son."

"No, I'm not. But I'm not Matt, or Mary, or even Lucy." Simon sat up a bit straighter. "Matt wasn't ready to leave home, and he had no idea what he wanted by be for years. Mary…well, Mary got lost for a while, but now she's doing great. And Lucy's known what she's wanted, she's just clingy. I'm not any of those, dad. I know where I'm going, I know who I want to be with, and I'm ready to move out of this house. But I also know that you're not ready for that. I'm not asking to move out for good, just a week or two a month. It'll help me adjust to living with Terry, to being on our own."

"You'll do that when you're in college." Eric shook his head. "You'll have a year or so at Crawford to adjust."

"No, I won't. I'm not going to college here, dad. I'm leaving. This county, this state, maybe even this country. I won't, no, I can't stay here like Matt and the others. I have to leave, and I'm prepared to. It's you who aren't, and I'm trying to give you the opportunity to get used to the fact that I'll be gone."

Eric remained quiet at that, staring at Simon. The uncomfortable silence stretched for a few minutes, and Simon could tell his father was trying to figure out if he could convince his son to stay, or if he was really sincere. The minister finally broke the silence when Happy let out a soft growl as she napped. "You're leaving?"

"I can't stay, dad. I said it a year or two ago, that I couldn't stay. I meant it. I know it'll be tough, especially on mom, but you guys have to adjust. This…custody arrangement would help. I'd be nearby, and I'd be home a lot, but I'd also be learning to live on my own. And Terry and I promise to sleep in separate bedrooms if that'll make you more comfortable."

"You've really thought this out, haven't you."

"We have, dad. I've always been more independent than the others. This will give me a taste of real independence."

"And what if you and Terry have a fight? What if I say you can do this but you can't come home for the set time you have to be at Terry's."

Simon sat up a bit. The fact that his father was asking it meant there was a slight chance he was considering saying yes. "Then we have separate rooms, and we'll eventually work it out. Fighting is part of a relationship. You and mom fight, Kevin and Lucy, Matt and Sarah, everyone fights."

"Yes, but if you're living with Terry, he has the power to kick you out. You don't have the same protections as we do."

"He wouldn't do that." Simon knew his dad was trying to poke holes in his confidence. Terry might get upset or angry, but he'd never kick him out. It wasn't in his nature. "Look, dad, I'm growing up. I'm almost an adult. You have to let me go sometime. Why not do it gradually, to make it easier on you?"

Eric sighed, a certain one that Simon knew meant his father would consider it. "I'll talk to your mother. Maybe we'll try a week at a time, and see where we go from there."

Simon smiled and nodded. "Thanks, dad."

"Don't thank me yet. Your mother's going to be the big obstacle." The older man stood up. "So, if that's all-"

"Actually, it's not." Simon's smile felt strained for a minute, and Eric sat back down. After that last battle, he figured this news wouldn't be too bad. "Terry asked if I wanted to learn how to drive a motorcycle, and I said yes."

"Abso-"

Simon interrupted his father's predictable reply. "He's already got Jordon's old bike, and knows a professional instructor to teach me. Please?"

"No way, Simon. Living with Terry is one thing, but driving one of those…death traps…"

"But I ride with Terry all the time. And economically, it'd be cheaper than maintaining and driving a car to college."

"How?"

"Parking. Car parking is pretty expensive, motorcycle parking isn't."

"You can take public transportation." Eric stood up again. "Until you're eighteen, though, the only bike you'll drive is the one sitting in the garage. And I don't want to hear another word. Living with Terry I'll consider, but the answer to riding is no. And that's not changing."

Simon sighed as his shoulders slumped. "Alright." He asked his father as a formality. If he didn't need their permission, he'd learn to ride anyways. He just had to make sure they didn't find out until he was licensed, or until he left. Either one would work.

"Is that all?"

"Yeah. Thanks for listening." Eric nodded and opened the door, only to have it shoved open by a rather upset Lucy. Simon immediately got up and checked on his father, he was holding his nose. "Dad? You okay?"

"Yeah, I think so." He took one look at Lucy and stepped out of the room. "I'd better go…somewhere else."

Coward. Though taking in Lucy's face, he wished he could retreat as well. Simon waited until his dad closed the door before taking a deep breath and facing his sister. "Um, what's up?"

()

"She chewed you out for something Annie said?"

"She vented like there was no tomorrow." Simon hit the back of his head on the couch armrest. "All because mom suggested she was pregnant. She also mentioned something about birth control and you," he shot his boyfriend a look, "care to explain that?"

Terry coughed rubbed his head. "Yeah, um, she blurted it out while I was in the room. I made a hasty retreat after that."

"Well, she was pissed. Really pissed."

"I'll send her some flowers tomorrow."

"That's probably for the best."

"So," Terry rubbed Simon's leg, "you want to tell me why you're hiding out here today?"
"Dad's talking to mom about having me stay here during the school year."

"And you're ducking the fireworks."

"Exactly." Simon looked around the living room, noting that some of the bookshelves had been cleaned out. "You're already making space for my stuff? What if they say no?"

"Well, technically, I should've packed that stuff up a while ago. Most of it belongs to Jordon. He's just been too busy to nag me and I've been, well, busy and lazy." Terry shifted so he was a bit more comfortable facing Simon. "You'll be okay if they say no, right?"

"Yeah. There'll still be weekends and such." Simon played with the edge of his shorts a minute. "Chandler's leaving."

Terry sat a little straighter. "What? When'd that happen?"

"He told dad last night. Something about his father and dealing with a family crisis." Not that Simon would really miss him. Yes, he had helped him through some problems, but overall, he was deadweight now that his father was back as a full-time minister. Plus, Lucy was hoping to help out more administratively, to learn the tools of the trade, for when she became a minister. "So it's going to be busy around the house again."

"It's going to be busy, period. You a senior, Ruthie in high school, the twins…" Terry shook his head. "You know, I said it when we started dating, and I'll say it again. I just can't wrap my head around the idea of living in a large family."

"I think you've managed fairly well."

"As your boyfriend, Simon. I'm not actually a member of the family." An unspoken 'yet' floated through the air, and Simon wondered if it would be possible, someday. "But you actually live it. And having to juggle three other lives, plus your parents'…"

"You adapt, I guess. Though I am trying to pull away somewhat. Not from the twins. But Lucy and Ruthie, and mom and dad." He had to. He was leaving next year. No matter how much he loved his family, he didn't want to stay in Glen Oak.

"I guess. I'm still trying to adjust to the fact that your brothers won't even be out of high school when we finish undergrad."

"Yeah, that is a bit strange." Simon grinned. "But then, that's how it was with me and Matt. It's just family history repeating itself."

Terry sighed and closed his eyes as he rested his head against the back of the couch. "I don't want a family like that."

Simon blinked, then opened his mouth, and shut it again. How was he supposed to respond to that? And what exactly did he mean. "Terry?"

"I mean one where the kids are over five years apart. I want them to be close together. Having a big brother was fun, but it hurts when they have to leave before you're done growing up."

Simon nodded silently, staring at his boyfriend. He had to agree. It had hurt when Matt had left. It even hurt now, though the doctor in training was making an effort to keep them closer than he had been. The family thing still threw him, though. He knew that two guys couldn't have children, and here Terry was saying…he wanted them. Does he mean adopt some kids? "You…want a family?"

Terry finally opened his eyes and looked into Simon's. He chuckled and shook his head. "Sorry. I guess everyone dreams of having a family. Though in our situation it's not really practical, is it." Terry stretched and scratched his neck. "I was just saying, if I ever did have a family, I wouldn't want the siblings to have such a wide range between the ages."

Simon hesitated, then sat up and switched positions, so he could lean his back against Terry. "Do you want a big family?"

"After seeing yours? Not really."

"Hey!"

Terry laughed and found Simon's hand, intertwining it with his own. "Not that you haven't turned out great or anything. But even now…a big family just seems so overwhelming."

Simon pretended to grouse for a few minutes, but he squeezed Terry's hand, nodding slightly. "Yeah, I don't want a big one either. Maybe just one kid. Preferably a boy."

Terry put his feet up on the coffee table and shook his head. "Geeze, listen to us."

"Huh?"

"We sound like Lucy."

Simon hit Terry's leg. "Not even in jest!"

"Well, we're sitting here, talking about families, and how many kids we want."

"You brought it up."

"Well you brought up the topic of expanded family life."

"Yeah, well you…shut up."

Terry laughed and kissed Simon on the head. "Make me."

"Fine." Simon turned and used his weight to pin Terry to the couch, quickly pressing his lips to the model's. He loved moments like these, when it was just the two of them connecting on such an intimate level, without any fear of being broken up. Lately his family was in the habit of interrupting any long, passionate contact. Simon finally pulled back and rolled back to his previous seat, grinning as he took in some needed air.

Beside him, Terry was breathing just as deeply. "You know, I was thinking…"

"Then I didn't do something right."

Terry chuckled. "Not now, just in general. You have two weeks off for winter, right?"

"You know I do."

"Well, there's at least six schools in California you want to check out. How about a little road trip? Just you and me and college tours."

Simon raised his eyebrows. "Really? You mean it?"

"Sure. That gets some college scooping out of the way, and just leaves some others to check out, right?"

Simon shrugged. "Yeah, sure. It could be a fun trip." To be honest, he hadn't been thinking too hard about where he was applying, though he knew he should since the deadline was in October. Or September. Better find out which. "Okay, so we'll plan to do that during winter break. Does that mean missing Christmas with the family?" If so, it would be the first one he'd miss, and he wanted at least one more before leaving.

"We shouldn't miss it. School lets out, and then it's three days till Christmas, then a week and a half is left before the semester starts up again."

"Oh yeah."

"Plus, as a senior, you're expected to just up and leave a few times a year to check out places."

"You didn't." Simon snuggled closer to Terry. "But then, you had a good excuse."

"And excellent excuse." Terry sighed and closed his eyes. "Which way do you think they'll decide?"

Simon looked up at the ceiling, waiting for his mind to switch tracks and focus on the question. "To be honest…I don't know. Dad's willing to give it a shot, but with the way mom's been…" He really didn't know what she would decide. All he knew was that whatever she decided, his father would go along with. That's how it was lately. Not exactly a model relationship.

()

"I can't believe we're helping my son move out."

Eric shook his head at his wife. "He's not moving out completely. We're just bringing over some stuff so he feels at home at Terry's."

She huffed as he put the last box in the car and shut the back door. "He shouldn't need stuff at Terry's. He shouldn't be moving out at all." She crossed her arms. "Why did you put your foot down on this, of all things?"

"Because he's right. We do need time to adjust, and he's also not like any of our other kids. He's ready to be more independent."

"Kids think they're ready for a lot of things! That doesn't mean we let them go out and do them!"

Eric pulled out his keys. "Simon isn't the only one who thinks he's ready. I happen to think it'll be good for him, to grasp just how hard it really is out there on his own."

"So it'll get so hard he comes back home?"

"No, so he knows how to deal with it when he leaves." He wrapped her in a hug, but it wasn't returned. He sighed. "He is leaving, Annie, and this will give him some experience, teach him how to do it with us still close at hand."

"It's still a bad idea."

He let her go and opened the driver's side door. "Look, it's something of a big day for him. So try not to spoil it too much."

"Why not?"

"Because this is important to him. If he thinks you don't approve, or that you think he can't do it…it'll hurt him." He reached over and rubbed her back. "So let's give him the benefit of the doubt. Besides, we still have a month. That's the deal."

Annie stood there frowning for another minute before her shoulders drooped and she headed to the other side of the car. "Fine." She opened her door and looked at Eric. "You don't think the other kids will think they lost out or something, do you?"

Eric paused climbing into the car at the question. "Uh, well, actually…"

()

"You said it'd be good for him?" Lucy looked at Simon carrying in boxes to Terry's house. "You?"

On the other end of the line, Matt simply replied with a simple, "yep."

"How could you say that?"

"Simon's always been more mature than his age. He said he was suffocating at home a few years ago. He may not say it now, or even give off that impression, but I know him. He's still suffocating. He needs this, and if there's any problems he's still near home."

"Well what about Mary and Robbie? Would they approve?"

"Mary mentioned something about expecting it to happen sooner than now, and you know Robbie. He said he was surprised, but that he was okay with it." Lucy heard him shift in his seat. "Why is this such a big deal?"

"He's moving in with his boyfriend. Aren't you the slightest bit worried?"

"One, he's not moving in full time, and they're not starting the one week a month thing until school starts. This last month is for him to spend time with the family, get mom and dad used to the idea."

"And two?"

"I told Terry in no uncertain terms that Simon would be sleeping in one room and he would be in another."

"And you expect him to listen to you?"

"I think he'll respect my wishes. I am Simon's older brother."

Lucy snorted. "When has that worked for any of your other siblings?"

At that, Matt grumbled something unintelligible. "Both of them also know that this is a pretty fragile arrangement. One screw up and mom and dad will pull the plug on it."

Lucy nodded at that. It was a fair enough assessment. "Alright. But still, it surprised me that you agreed-" She let out a yell as a knock came at her window. Looking out, she saw Terry giving her a questioning look. She gave him the 'five more minutes' sign and he nodded, taking off. "Sorry about that. Any who, hearing that you agreed to this was surprising."

"Yeah, well…don't tell mom, okay? At least, not yet. I have a feeling she's probably on edge about the whole thing."

Lucy winced. "Yeah, she is. Ever since Grandpa died…" She let the sentence trail off, not wanting to complete the thought. "Look, I've got to go. Terry ordered lunch for all of us, and I think it's here."

"Have fun, and don't worry. Summer's nearly over. This last month will pass by really quickly. Say hi to Simon for me."

"I will." With that, she hung up the phone and got out of the car, surprised to see Simon leaning against the side of her car. "Uh…"

"You okay? We were starting to get worried."

Lucy smiled and shook her head. "Nothing too bad."

"Flu's not coming back, is it?"

Lucy wrinkled her nose. "Ugh, no. That was one bad week." She wrapped an arm around his shoulder and started walking towards the house. "So, this is a big step for you."

"Yeah, I guess it is."

"You ready for it?"

"I think so…" Simon shrugged. "Ready for lunch?"

"Yeah." She squeezed his shoulder. Matt was right, summer would be ending soon. When the new year started, she had a feeling this arrangement would be the last thing on everyone's mind.

()

()

()

Ototou: little brother

Okasan: mother

Moshi moshi: hello

Urusai: shut up

Ja ne: good-bye

Aniki: older brother

Author's Prattle: Gomen nasai! Gomen nasai! I'm sorry this is SOOOO late! Yes, yes, I know. And to my faithful readers who have waited ever so long…I am grateful! Truly! So why is it so late? Allow me to explain. Because of the way my semester was set up in the spring, I went straight from midterms to group projects and finals. So, got those over with…and bam! I had to move.

I am not kidding. I thought I had until July/August, but nope. So my two weeks off devoted to writing and other certain things…were focused on packing up my room and finding a place to live. Found a lovely place, by the way. One bedroom, privacy…I love it (I'm going to miss the house, but I love it).

So, the boxes finally arrive at my place…and summer semester starts. I thought I'd have time in class to write, but nope. It's too interesting (not to mention fun) that I can't really focus on writing fanfic. I have decided to pull a double major (Genetics and Creative Writing) because of it.

That's not all, though. That's right, folks. In the midst of unpacking and going to classes…my sister graduates from high school (with more honors than I). It was…meaningful. Plus, a lot of relatives (including one I haven't seen in five years) came to see it. So that's it. THAT'S why nothing's really been updated.

I also hate to tell you that chapter thirty-five will be delayed, as will chapters in other fics. I am attempting to edit one of my fics to turn into an actual book (yeah, published with permission from its owners). I'm also trying to WRITE a book (reference, actually) because there's a publishing company looking for stuff like that, so I've actually got a shot. Add to that another job to pay for rent and utilities…I am not giving up on my fics, I simply cannot focus on them as much as I used to. I apologize, but I am doing the best I can. So thank you for hanging around.

Alright, disclaimers. I don't own 7th Heaven, its characters or creators. They belong to Brenda Hampton, Aaron Spelling, and the WB. I'm simply using them in a creative exercise. Don't sue, as I REALLY don't have any money now.

Okay, that's about it. I know it's not the greatest chapter, but it moves us forward into the last six or so chapters that will be in this fic. I even have a very special Valentine's day fic planned…which I won't give any spoilers for. And remember, "God's in 7th Heaven" is only one book in the series. It will continue even if this ends. Though if I can't think up a better title….bah, any who, I hoped you enjoyed, and as always, feedback is welcome. Arigato and sayonara!