Simpsons Porn Story: Love Thy Neighbor – Chapter 13

A/N: Okay this chapter will be a flashback. This idea actually came to me at the last minute so if it seems out of place then that is the reason. I know that there are a few things from chapter 3 that I should probably fix now because of that, so when I get the chance I will. So try to ignore some of the problems and try to enjoy this chapter.

Ned paced back and forth in his kitchen and stared out the window at his backyard. There was nothing planned for the day, just to stay home and listen for any calls from the Simpson house. Marge would be gone all day for a court hearing and the kids were left alone with Homer. He would be their emergency contact if anything bad happened and he prayed that nothing would. For some strange reason though, he felt he needed to head on over to the house for a visit. The last time he saw Homer was at least a month or two ago when he went to church for possibly the final time. Ned didnt get to talk to him because everyone else was around him asking him how he was doing and that he was tougher than he looked. Ned felt so bad for Homer and he remembered when Marge told him that his health had fallen. She had been so strong when she said it and it made him wonder how they both handled it. At least they were able to say goodbye properly.

Ned let out a heavy sigh, Homer could die any day now and he hadnt had a chance to speak to him. He felt a proper goodbye was in order, but would Homer want to see him? They had never been in the best of terms and Homer never liked Neds presence. But then again he was dying, maybe his perceptions were different.

Daddy?

Ned jumped with a start and turned around to find Rod and Todd standing there, wondering what their father was doing alone in the kitchen.

Yeah boys? he asked.

Is there something in the backyard? Rod asked in a curious voice, his father rarely stood around doing nothing like this.

Ned let out a sigh and then gave his two sons a warm smile. No boys, I was just thinking, he said.

About what? asked Todd.

Mr. Simpson, you both know how gravely ill he is right? asked Ned.

The boys nodded, they knew perfectly well. Both had been a little startled seeing Homer in a wheelchair and using oxygen to help him live. It didnt seem right to see him that way.

Weve been neighbors for ten years now, yet we never really knew each other. We are such opposites, said Ned as he looked puzzled over his last sentence.

But you still love him like God said you should right? asked Rod.

Ned only nodded before looking back at his two sons, the only two things that mattered to him in his life right now. They were all he had left and they were so special to him. The looks on their faces told him that he should go over and talk to Homer one more time, tell him how much he cared and that he was praying for him.

Will you two be okay by yourselves for about an hour? asked Ned.

Rod and Todd both nodded before Ned walked out of the kitchen and to his front door. He was going to say goodbye to Homer Simpson.

Ned reached the Simpsons front door and gave it a light tap that was loud enough to hear. It wasnt long for him to hear shuffling coming toward him and the door being unlocked. He was not surprised that Lisa was the one to open it.

Hi Mr. Flanders! she said in a rather optimistic tone.

Hi Lisa, how are you? He asked politely trying to ignore the urge to use diddly.

Im okay, do you need anything? Lisa asked politely as Bart walked over to see who it was. He had a big peanut butter and jelly sandwich in his hand, most of the jelly was on his face and on his shirt. Ned only smirked at him; he seemed to be enjoying it.

I came over to see your father, is he willing to see anyone right now? asked Ned.

Lisa turned to Bart who took a huge bite of his sandwich while at the same time the jelly quickly splattered out and dropped on the carpet.

Ill pick that up in a minute, he said with a bit muffled voice thanks to the peanut butter sticking to the roof of his mouth.

Dad just finished his lunch didnt he? asked Lisa trying to ignore Bart as he made a mess.

Yeah, I was just about to help him back to his room, said Bart as he took a more dainty bite of his sandwich making sure he didnt spill any that time.

Whos at the door kids, Ned heard Homers low and tired sounding voice from the living room as he slowly made his way over with the support of a cane.

Its Mr. Flanders, he wants to talk to you, said Lisa.

It wasnt long before Ned got a glimpse of Homer and he wondered how he could even stand. He was so thin now, strapped on his right shoulder was a bag to hold a small oxygen tank when he was not at rest, he wondered how he could even carry that without falling over. It looked like he had shaved a few days ago, he was not too grizzly looking but Ned knew it would be a while before he would probably shave again. Homer did not seem bothered by any of the things Ned noticed and as soon as he saw him, he let out a small smile and there was a small glimmer of hope in his tired eyes.

Hi Homer, Ned said quietly.

What no howdilly dodilly? asked Homer with a small chuckle before leaning against Bart. Bart of course was not ready for this and let out a faint grunt as he tried his hardest to steady himself for Homer.

I thought you wouldnt want to hear that, said Ned knowing how some people who were filled with medicine were either very grumpy or in a good mood. Homer seemed to be in a surprisingly good mood even though he looked exhausted.

Well I havent seen you in forever, its nice to hear a happy voice right now, said Homer. Ned could sense that being sick all the time, Homer was given a lot of sympathy especially from Marge and most likely the kids.

Well howdilly dodilly then, said Ned with a grin.

Homer smiled. You wanted to talk to me?

I did, if thats alright with you, said Ned.

I dont mind but we will have to do it in the room, I am exhausted even though Ive only been up for an hour, said Homer who then let go of Bart who of course was not expecting him to do it so soon and quickly landed on the floor. Ned helped him up.

He does that a lot, I just wish he would warn me when hes about to do it though, said Bart as he rubbed his rump.

Its entertainment though, said Lisa with a chuckle.

Its good that you both are helping him too, said Ned as he smiled down at the kids. Lisa and Bart only gave Ned a concerned smile; he could tell they had done a lot for their ailing father.

Ned then turned to Homer who was slowly making his way to the room where he rested. Ned said a quick goodbye to the kids and followed Homer in. It was at a slow pace but Ned pretended not to be bothered by it and just stayed close in case Homer had a problem he needed to sort out.

They soon reached the rumpus room, a room Ned never remembered visiting and knew little about. He peered in to find a large enough bed for two that could be adjusted to let Homer sit up and watch a movie from the TV nearby. There was a chair next to it where Marge most likely sat when she didnt feel like laying in bed. There was also a large oxygen tank next to it and Ned watched as Homer made adjustments with his hose to connect it to that one instead of the small one that would probably only last for another hour.

Once Homer finished adjusting it, Ned watched as he slowly lifted himself on the bed. It looked like he was having trouble so Ned tried to offer a hand.

You need any help? he asked.

No I think I got it, said Homer as he strained.

Ned watched as he tried to swing his leg up onto the bed but after a while, Homer realized he just could not do it and gave Ned a pitiful face.

Yeah I guess I do need some help, said Homer sheepishly.

Ned made his way over and helped Homer lift one leg onto the bed before helping him with the other. Once Homer was on the bed, he let out a heavy sigh and lay against the pillow in silence for a moment. Ned stood there, wondering if maybe now was not a good time to talk since Homer had been up for an hour and probably needed his rest, he was about to mention that he was going to leave when Homer finally spoke up.

So what did you want to talk about? Homer asked.

Well I felt that since I was the emergency contact right now I I just needed to say goodbye to you properly, said Ned as he nervously adjusted his glasses, they always seemed to fall down his nose when he was nervous.

Homer stared at Ned with as much surprise as he could give him under those exhausted looking eyes. He wasnt expecting to see his neighbor again, not after how he treated him.

Close the door and have a seat, he finally responded in a rather stern tone.

Ned quickly closed the door and then made his way over to the nearby chair Marge sat in.

I know we were never the best of friends but I still think its a good idea to at least show you that I care for you and let you know that I have been praying for you, said Ned in a soft slow voice to show that he wanted to spend some time and talk to Homer if he wanted to.

Oh have you now? asked Homer who sounded a little upset that someone was praying for him, Ned backed away a little.

Of course, I pray for everyone that needs it, and you need all the prayers you can get, he said.

But do you see me getting better? Ever since that one day where I woke up struggling to breathe and ended up in the emergency room, my health keeps failing. I dont think God wants to help me, not even when you ask him and he is your best friend. Its like he wants me to suffer before I finally die, said Homer. Ned could sense that he was trying to show anger but in his weak state it sounded like he was only frustrated.

Now Homer, dont think like that, said Ned hoping to calm him down a little. He did not want Homer get sick.

Why not, I deserve it any way, said Homer as he crossed his arms.

Why do you say that? asked Ned.

Homer sighed heavily, letting his oxygen tank push some air into him before he continued. Ned quickly realized that he had a lot on his mind and Homer must have wanted to talk with him for a while.

Because I ruined your life, I destroyed what was near and dear to your heart. I didnt realize how devastating it was for you until I saw Marge after I woke up from the surgery. Those eyes knowing how much longer I had left, that I wouldnt be there for her if she ever needed me again. He wants me to see what its like to die, He wants me to know what its like to fall to your death, only slowly and as painfully as possible, said Homer who then gave another heavy sigh while Ned heard the oxygen tank pump more air for him as best as it could.

Homer it was an accident, said Ned in a low voice. He had forgiven Homer long ago for that incident even though Homer never did apologize for it.

But does she forgive me? asked Homer in a voice that made him sound like he was about to give up on life. As if he was already thinking about his life beyond the grave and whether or not he would spend eternity in heaven.

Just the way Homer said it though made Ned shed a few tears at such a horrible thought of him seeing Maude tell Saint Peter that Homer should not enter heaven because of what he had done. It was too devastating to think about.

Maude rarely ever judged, she usually shrugged everything off and I am sure she will do that if you leave us, said Ned.

Homer sat there for a moment as he fiddled with his oxygen hose, pondering what Ned had just told him. He had wanted to apologize to Ned for so long, but his selfishness had pushed him back, now even after he realized that Marge was going to be raising three kids alone he was still finding it hard. But he had to say it.

Ned I know it wont bring her back, but will you still accept my apology? he finally said.

Ned stared back at Homer and his sorry shape, tears were now falling freely and it seemed to be contagious because Ned was now crying himself and it wasnt sure if it was for Homer or for Maude.

Homer, I already have, Im just glad you finally asked, he said while he wiped his eyes away of the tears and then gave Homer as soft pat on the shoulder.

Homer gave him a tear filled smiled back, he looked glad to finally get one burden off his chest. Too bad the other burden was killing him and not even an apology could destroy it. Ned was so humble and kind and he knew that Ned could help anyone deal with their problems.

Do you think she will get lonely enough to find someone else? Homer asked after a long pause.

Ned stared back at Homer, he wasnt looking at him but looking down at his sheets and he could see teardrops falling onto the soft linen. Ned could sense that Homer was worried about Marge falling in love with someone else and dying with someone else.

You two have such a strong bond Homer; I dont think Marge could ever replace you. Youve been together through thick and thin even after that incident with Lake Springfield you both managed to hold your love together. She told me about how she left you after you all found out what would happen and that you came back just in time to save us all, said Ned.

Yeah, I couldnt live alone, I realized I had to support them or Marge would have ended up alone taking care of the kids on her own. Too bad thats gonna happen now any way, said Homer with another heavy sigh.

You never know though, a miracle might happen, said Ned.

Yeah I wish, then we would die of old age together, said Homer as he closed his eyes. Ned watched him realizing that he was most likely imagining old age with Marge and perhaps having grandchildren of his own.

Dont worry Homer, Maude was my one and only, just like Marge is yours, said Ned.

I truly hope so Ned, I truly do, said Homer.

Ned let out a sigh, he was so glad to finally catch up with his neighbor; he just wished that prayer would help like it usually did. But God was not answering it the way he should be when Ned asked for help.

Can you help me with one more thing? asked Homer causing Ned to get out of a trance.

I would be willing to do anything for you Homer, just name it, said Ned.

When I leave and if Marge needs anything, a shoulder to cry on, someone to talk to, anything like that would you help her? asked Homer.

Of course I would, said Ned.

Shes gonna be alone without me Ned. My children will no longer have a Daddy, their lives are already torn enough by this and now I have to leave them. I want to bounce back; I want to live the way I used to live. I know miracles can happen and I want them to happen, but the more I hope the weaker I become. I havent had the strength this week at all to get up longer than an hour, I want to spend time with the kids but I just dont have the strength. All I can do is sleep, get up for short periods to use the bathroom or eat, and watch a short movie. I know I used to do it all the time but if I had to I would get up and do something for a while. The other day I watched a movie with the kids in the living room; I had a great time with them, when it was time for bed though I could barely make my way in here even with this House-like cane next to me. I had to lean on Marge for support, I just feel so bad for her that she has to go through with this, no wife should deal with this, not this early in life any way. She needs to deal with her own problems, not mine, said Homer who had strained so hard to tell Ned this without crying that he began to let out a heavy cough.

Ned jumped up, ready to do anything to help but luckily the cough subsided and Homer lay back on his pillow sighing heavily. The cancer had really done a number on him.

Im so sorry this had to happen to you, said Ned as he began to cry again. He had never heard Homer say anything so sad in all his life.

And dont tell Marge about this conversation, its only between me and you, said Homer once he cleared his throat.

I promise, said Ned quietly and not afraid to let the tears fall down his face.

Homer only smiled before stretching out his arms to give Ned a hug, Ned quickly responded to the gesture, he knew Homer needed that. After a few moments of silence, Homer decided that a happier conversation was in order, one about the past when he was healthy and full of life. Together both men talked for a good two hours about some of their best memories together and celebrating life the way it had been before Homers life was changed for the worse.

It was the last time Ned saw Homer alive. He remembered how the house was quieter than normal one morning a little less than a month later, but thought nothing of it. Sometimes families just needed a day to unwind and not show themselves to the world. He found out why two days later at church. He entered and noticed how everyone seemed quieter than normal that morning. Marge and the kids were not in their usual seats and usually that meant that they were either running late or something had happened to Homer. Ned only prayed quietly, hoping that everything was alright with the family.

Reverend Lovejoy soon arrived ten minutes later to deliver his sermon, for a few moments he shuffled his notes around while everyone waited to listen to what he had to say for the day.

Before we begin our sermon, I would like to start a moment of silence for Homer Simpson, Lovejoy began.

Ned let out a gasp praying that it wasnt the news he was dreading and he hoped that Lovejoy would explain what was going on.

For those of you who dont know, Homer Simpson passed away early Friday morning after being admitted to the hospital the afternoon earlier. Marge informed me that he passed away quietly and his funeral will be on Wednesday at two in this chapel. We will then commence with a burial afterward, Lovejoy seemed to respond to what Ned was thinking.

Ned only stared up at Lovejoy, hoping that what he had just heard was not true. All Lovejoy did was bow his head as the entire room became quieter than a lonely snowy field in the morning.

Ned quietly began to sob and prayed for Marge and the kids hoping that they were handling things the best they could. He knew they would not show themselves until the funeral and he knew it was best to leave them alone until that day.

He didnt expect to see so many people at the funeral, the casket was a lovely oak covered all around in beautiful lilies and roses. The casket was open so he at least got to say goodbye to Homer one last time. Marge and the kids were sitting in the front, Marge had her head on her sister Selmas shoulder while Bart and Lisa only sat there looking down at the ground trying their hardest to stay strong. Maggie was not there, Ned did not blame Marge for having her stay behind, it just wasnt the place for a three year old.

Throughout the funeral, different friends came up to offer a speech about how they would miss their best friend. Lisa of course also delivered one of the most beautiful poems Ned had ever heard, it was so eloquent and it made him hope that Lisa would one day become a writer.

But throughout the entire funeral, he would turn to Marge and see how sorrowful she looked, he wanted to hug her and tell her she was going to be alright but knew she needed her space, she was already surrounded by many friends who tried to help her feel better. In time he would go to her but not right away.

Ned remembered how through the first month he wanted to knock on her door and talk to her, help her the way Homer asked but he didnt have the heart to. He decided that Marge would come to him if she needed it. He prayed that she would find solace in the right person, he was a little surprised that it was him but that was what Homer wanted and he didnt want it any other way. But was it too much?

Ned was thinking this as he sat alone in his living room on Monday afternoon. The mall manager had called asking Ned if he was opening his store. Ned got a little nervous when he heard this question. Did Marge get into an accident on the way over? Ned had looked outside to find her car still parked in the driveway, so she was home but why was she not at work?

He could sense it was because of that kiss on Friday night, she was probably embarrassed by what she did and was trying to hide from him; he had not seen her since that night. Ned of course found it odd for her to do such a thing but believed it was because of all that wine she had. Then again he had helped her through a lot in these past four months perhaps things were getting personal.

No that could not be true, it was too early for Marge, and Ned never actually felt an attraction to Marge, probably because she was already married and he knew better than to covet the neighbors wife. But it was a strange kiss; it felt sincere but was it love? Ned was now very confused, he had been around Marge a lot lately, helping her out any way he could and that was because Homer had asked him, as if it was his dying wish. Maybe Marge was showing affection and he hadnt noticed until now, he tried to go back into his mind and find anything small that Marge did that seemed loving. He could find nothing though, only her sad eyes looking for help over her lost loved one.

But Ned still did not understand what was going on. He had been replaying the final conversation he had with Homer in his mind since Sunday morning and he just wished Homer was standing there with him telling him if he was helping his wife too much. It was just so confusing and he knew he had to ask someone about this problem. He didnt want to go to Marge yet, he wanted to talk to someone else about that, and he knew the best person for the job would be Reverend Timothy Lovejoy.

A/N: Yeah if you are confused at the end of this chapter, I am sorry; I confused myself several times writing this so you are not alone. This is most likely the last chapter to have a flashback and you will discover why later. These last chapters are going to deal with something interesting so now hopefully I wont feel that everything is getting repetitive. You are all probably wondering where Bart is; well hes not showing up again until chapter 16. So yeah I am leaving you all hanging about where he is. And now you all know why Ned is being so helpful too, plus I thought I needed a good Ned chapter since I’ve been heavy on the family and everything.

And yes I did update early mainly because my first class only has reading to get done, my other one is a different story, so I decided to finish this and then deal with what my one class is requiring me to do. So I will say that I have no idea when I will update again since next week is the last week but my teachers have finals that aren’t due until a few days after the last class, yeah I find it wierd too. I will return full swing very soon though. I want to finish this story before the end of the summer or at least by the end of August just so I can focus on my studies once this thing is finally done. Any way I will stop yammering and let you all review. Hope you all have a nice week.