The loud cries had softened into occasional whispered noses from the young infant strapped to his back, perhaps asleep or just watching the world around them. The morning air refreshing and gentler than that of the cities. And yet, Claude had not missed the smell of rotting fish that lingered in each breath. Still, the calming walk along the seashore as the morning sun began its ascent into the sky reminded him of simpler times. Of childhood laughter and secret dreams. If one told him that he would one day willingly leave Whitby and return married, he would have laughed them off.

And yet.

The small family had arrived just yesterday and had spent the day moving into the small flat above what would soon be open to the public as The Joint Effort. He still didn't know what to think of his fathers-in-law ridiculous name, but since the man was now his main source of income, he wasn't going to complain. Florence had then spent the night up with Matthew, his son not wanting to settle into the new space. Only moments before did she finally relent to handing the babe over and to get some shut eye. Claude opting to leave the house all together to give his wife time to rest in peace. 

He had yet to track down any of his family, too busy the day before, but part of that was also the fear of what he would find. Would he had led them into by putting himself first. He knew seeking out his siblings would need to come in the days ahead, and avoiding his parents if at all possible... 

Lost in thought, he nodded to the person passing him the other way without much thought. "Good morning" he greeted while meaning to continuing to walk on.

[CW: Alcoholism]

Noah put the collar of his jacket up against the damp, icy wind. He had lost his gloves, so he quickly dug his hands back into his pockets. The sea was swirling and frothing and within an hour, the narrow strip of beach under the cliff would be gone. For the moment, it was a haven for those who wanted to clear their head.

Noah certainly did, after last night with 'Ginny' as he jokingly called the sweet mistress who took his cares away. Ginny had cost him his job, but she had brought him closer to his family. Mum and he talked and laughed every evening over cupsful of her. He didn't worry about his siblings. His own demons looked more like silly clowns in Ginny's warm embrace. Hell, even his father seemed agreeable when he was pissed to the bullocks.

The mornings sucked, since he had to appear sober enough to find work for the day. He had had no luck today - possibly because his face was puffy; possibly because he had worked for people before. He was on his way to Sandsend to try his luck there.

He glanced up at the approaching stranger and stopped dead in his tracks. He turned slowly, watching him pass; squinted his eyes as he walked on.

"Are you fucking kidding me?!" he shouted. "Good morning?!" He lifted his leg backwards and kicked down into the sand with malice, sending a volley of sand in the direction of Claude and the baby on his back. "Good fucking morning yourself, you absolute bellend!"