Had Elijah been more like Hurley or even Zech, Simon would not have doubted what he was doing. Hurley was always very clear about what he wanted from Simon. And even Zech's eyes had betrayed his intent the first time they met. And Simon relished it. Even while his encounters with Hurley made him feel gross, there was a need fulfilled, if only temporarily. But despite what Elijah had confessed, he did not respond to Simon's invitations and seemed confused more than anything, and that continuously brought Simon back to his senses. He couldn't do this to Zech. But at the same time, what did one more time matter? Elijah was their family friend. But when he thought of Elijah going to bed and leaving Simon here, alone, he didn't care about that. "I didn't say that..." he said, looking away from Elijah again.

Elijah oh'd and smiled weakly. "I am so so sorry! I hope you aren't offended. I don't want you to feel afraid or uncomfortable with me. I'd never want to hurt you..."

"I'm not uncomfortable..." Simon said quietly.

Elijah nodded looking relieved. "I am so glad. I am sorry I guess I misunderstood the situation. I was certain I was wrong. I wouldn't want to bother anyone with my.. um.. unusualness..."

Simon turned to look at Elijah with a concerned frown. "You mustn't talk about yourself that way."

Elijah looked confused but warmed by his kindness. "I feel different for it and I could never speak about it until now. I didn't mean to bother you. You are very kind to me, Simon."

Simon bit his lip and nodded. He turned to look at the fire, heart beating faster again. Could he not? Elijah wouldn't tell anyone, for he had his own secret. He wanted the man to know, but he didn't know how to speak the words. Simon rubbed his mouth with his wrist.

Elijah looked at him. "Are you alright? Oh! Maybe you're hungry. Did you have dinner?" Anything to change the topic that filled him with anxiety.

"I had dinner..." he said quietly. "Elijah..." he was still searching for words. "There's something..." he sighed. How hard could it be to simply say it. I'm the same. He wanted to. Any if he could tell anyone who couldn't condemn him, it would be Elijah. But somehow he couldn't make his mouth to speak the words.

"Oh good." He looked at him and tilted his head just a little. "Yes? It is ok, you can tell me anything, Simon..." He put his hand on his to reassure him, hoping he didn't pull away.