"Because we don't want to," Anthony answered. A completely valid and not half-assed answer. He was beginning to regret ever even talking to this child.

Grown ups were weird again, James decided. But he ate his porridge without further question. "Can we go now?" he said, when he was done.

Anthony just stood there in the complete silence, waiting for James to finish eating. When he did, Anthony just nodded at his question. "Sure. We can. Get yourself ready, and we'll go," he said, heading off to go and get himself ready. He stood by the door, ready to leave if he so wished to, but waiting to see if James was ready before doing so. He could hardly even believe that this was actually happening.

James went out to find the privy and then returned. "I'm done," he said with a hopeful smile.

"Okay, good. We can go, then," Anthony opened the door for James, waiting for him to go outside before doing so and beginning to walk himself. He was desperately trying to seem more calm and cool than he actually was, but that wasn't working out for him.

James walked beside him, happily, but when they got close to the constable's home, James slowed down. Father was always cautious around the constable and mother and Noah had been arrested the other day. The sooner they'd pass that house, the better.

Elijah stepped out, planning to go to the market but froze seeing them. "Anthony..and James?" He was happy to see the man but the boy made him confused. He rose a brow and looked to his boyfriend for an explanation.

This wasn't how Anthony had expected it to go. The idea was that they'd go to Elijah's house, have a chat, and then whatever happens happens, not whatever this is. Anthony felt as if he had just been put on the spot. "Hi, Elijah," he greeted, trying to seem more cheerful than he actually was. "can we...can we, just, talk for a bit? You know?" oh god this was so awkward

James looked from Anthony to Elijah and back, very confused. "He's your boyfriend?!"

Elijah wasn't happy about whatever was going on, but then James spoke. His eyes widened and he opened the door and pointed. "Both of you..inside now. We won t be speaking out here. " What was going on?! What did Anthony reveal to James? Why!? He felt like his life was about to crumble at this rate and had to take a few deep breaths. He could not get upset and start stuttering in front of them.