Simon was surprised at Elijah's surprise. "Aye, never mind it, alright?" Change of plan. Simon reached out for the shirt that Elijah had just brought and put it on.

"Simon..' He stopped him placing his hand on his arm then pulled back, fearing he wouldn't appreciate his hand on him. "Sorry.. I.. please.. if even Ben did this.. Tell me. I am not kidding when I want to protect you. Protecting someone should be more important than familiarity any day. I would want to know if someone hurt someone else, it's important to me.."

Simon scoffed again and sat back. "Elijah..."

Elijah sighed holding up a hand. "Alright.. alright. I won't push. You're an adult.. it just.. looked painful. You will tell me if you feel you're in danger, won't you?"

"Yeah, problem is my father don't seem to think so..." he said, when Elijah said he was an adult. "Don't worry about it." He got up and shamelessly took off his trousers.

Elijah frowned. He knew he couldn't do much, even talking could make it worse. He sighed feeling frustrated. "I understand. But I do worry. If you think he will hurt you, come back here alright If he comes looking for you I will be honest with him."

He immediately turned away politely when he dropped his pants. "Ah.. off the topic.. do you want sugar or milk in your tea?"

Simon kicked his boots and trousers off. What was wrong with this guy? Maybe he didn't care much about Simon's body and just wanted his own pleasure, like Hurley? Simon put on the trousers Elijah had provided. "Milk."

Elijah seemed relieved when he had his pants on and went to get his tea. He came back and put both cups and the pot on a small table and sat down. "I hope it is to your taste. I put in just a little, I didn't want it getting cold." He smiled slightly. "I wish I could invite you to just stay here until you can go to York or figure something else out. But it isn't my place to get between you and Ben. I know I shouldn't use the fact he needs you to guilt or make you feel forced to stay. You should never feel like you are made to do something you hate, they are your siblings, not your own children. But I believe family should stick together... as long as it doesn't hurt anyone."He carefully clarified before sipping his tea.

Simon took the tea and blew over it. "I would send money..." he said. "I would never leave them to fend for themselves. It's not them I want to leave. Just... This town. Everything."

Elijah nodded. "You are a good person. And I can understand, I wanted the same. "He smiled sadly. "I did manage to get far enough though I couldn't stay... but I have found renewed love for the small town. I certainly would be a hypocrite to tell you otherwise. I wish the best for you, Simon. I only wish I could help your dream come true."