Simon's hand balled to a fist under Elijah's hand and then relaxed again. He swallowed, looked at the hands, looked at Elijah's face, and then suddenly, he leaned in and (tried to) kiss Elijah.

Elijah's eyes were wide as he felt the lips upon his. It took a second before he realized and pulled back slightly. "Simon! I-I-I don't..know.. what's going on! I mean.. I am.
flattered.. I mean.. But.. you're like my little brother.. I.." He didn't know what to say but he knew it wasn't right. More so than a normal man. This was Simon!

Simon quickly stood up, flustered. This was not the reaction he had expected. Actually, he wasn't sure what he had expected, but he had longed. "I'm sorry. This is not... This didn't happen." His breathing was shaky, and he felt faint. He wanted to rush out, but then remembered what he was wearing.

Elijah immediately stood and grabbed his shoulders. "Calm down, Simon. It is ok, I swear. I am sorry I reacted so! It was very surprising. "

He took a deep breath. "I promise, you are fine. You are my friend and I won't say a word to anyone. But you are welcome to talk to me. I.. I am sorry I didn't.. return in kind. You are a good man and you are handsome , but you are like family to me..."

Simon still stood nailed to the ground. He looked at Elijah, suspicious, embarrassed, in disbelief. "I... I'm sorry..."

Elijah shook his head. "Please... don't apologize. I promise. I won't bring it up if you don't want to talk about it. I am glad I'm not the only one. I am sorry though. Perhaps you can find someone who can.. um .. fulfill your needs in York..."

He already had, but he couldn't tell Elijah, especially after what had just happened. Zech... He loved Zech. He told himself he did, over and over again. He wanted to be with Zech. And yet he kept telling himself that one more time wouldn't matter, that Zech wouldn't mind, that it meant nothing after all, that he needed the money, that all of this would be over once he had moved to York. "Yeah..." he said. And even now in all his shame and guilt and embarrassment, he wished for Elijah to change his mind. He didn't know what to say.

Elijah saw he seemed disappointed. Hw patted his shoulder. "You are so young. You shouldn't let it get you down. I'm 27 and you gave me my first kiss.." He chuckled weakly.

"Your first..." Simon looked away. "I shouldn't have... I'm sorry..." he said, sheepishly. He wanted to curl up and cry.

Elijah shook his head and hugged him. "Please, I am honest. It isn't a problem. At least I didn't die without getting one. " He chuckled weakly trying to lighten the mood. "I didn't want to hurt you. Can I cheer you up? B-besides that .."