[Content warning: This thread contains swearing; homophobic slur; domestic violence]

It was late, suspiciously late for a fisherman to walk the streets of Whitby. Their people started work early, often before dawn. What could a young fisherman be doing out at this time of night – and in this area, too, of grand, river-side houses? It was certainly suspicious. Indeed he seemed to be on his guard, moving from shadow to shadow, rather than in the middle of the street in full moonlight. He walked fast, as if in a hurry to get away from here. But every time he heard a noise, he would stop and press himself against a garden fence, or wall to try and stay out of view of any passersby. There were none. He could hear the noise from a pub far away. It was closer to his yard. In their home they could normally hear the noise of drunk people in the streets, or a domestic fight somewhere in their yard. Not here in this bubble of apparent perfection and bliss. The young man in his fisherman’s clothes and torn boots looked ridiculously out of place.

Elijah was making a rounds before going to bed. The upper crust liked that he walk by, it made them feel safer that there weren't 'undesirable types' hanging around. He would certainly never arrest someone for being outside a fancy house though. Of course, when someone was acting quite suspicious, he would have to check up on it. He saw the strange figure and walked towards him.

"Hey! Who goes there?" He asked, slowly jogging to get closer. He didn't want the man to think he was automatically going to grab him or anything. If people feel in danger they get defensive out of fear.

Oh shit, Elijah, no! Simon thought. Simon did not feel like explaining what he was doing here, and was even less keen on the idea of the constable talking to his father about it. Naturally, he would be in trouble for staying out, and he had accepted that as part of the deal. But he did not need Elijah making it worse. He saw the man jogging towards him and made up his mind. Simon ran the other way, trying to stay in the shade to cover his identity.

"Hey!" Elijah now actually ran. The man disappeared into the shadows and he tried to keep track of his movement. Once or twice he had started to lose him. Finally, he stopped and simply listened to the direction the man was going. He was sure the man wasn't going to stay here, so he quickly and quietly moved around, hoping to cut him off from leaving the neighborhood. He then would work his way back in and hope to catch the stranger. At best, he was someone who belonged and had been up to something embarrassing.

Simon stopped when he had turned a corner. He listened, but could not hear any footfalls. Good, he had lost Elijah. More at ease, he started walking back to his own area via a different road, congratulating himself on his victory, and quite unaware of Elijah waiting ahead.

Elijah heard the foot steps coming as he quietly approached. He waited until they were almost upon him before he turned. He reached for the man's wrist. "Do not run..." He then stared wide eyed as he was close enough to see his face. "Simon?! What are you doing here?"

Instinctively, Simon pulled his wrist away with all the force he could muster, but he stopped when Elijah said his name. Damn. "Elijah... I was out for a walk..." he stated the obvious.

Everything had Elijah suspicious. He was acting very nervous for someone on a walk. "This far from home? Then why are you sticking to the shadows and why did you run? It's very dangerous you know. Come.. you want to walk. You can talk as we start to your home." He knew it was a long way and he wouldn't let the man get away from him again.

He thought for a moment, mouth slightly open. "It was a long walk..."

Elijah rose his brow. He said shaking his head and rubbed the bridge of his nose. "Come on, Simon. I hope you don't think I'm so naive. Please, tell me what's going on. You know I want to help and look out for you. Something is very strange and this isn't anywhere close to a bar. You were also not taking a casual walk when I saw you."