[Those who have come to know Break as a somewhat scruffy gothic gremlin menace during this past year in Trench might be a little surprised to find him dressed up properly with his hair pinned just so and, more importantly, carrying himself like a proper aristocrat. He's been afflicted with darkblood aches and pains all month, but whatever he's feeling now isn't stopping him from gliding with easy smoothness through the crowd and chatting amiably with whoever is nearby. Turns out he wasn't kidding all those times he's mentioned that in his previous life he was a servant of one of the greatest noble houses in the country -- he knows how to present himself at a fancy party, and he's more or less behaving himself for Ange's sake. She chose him to walk her down the aisle, so today Break represents her, much the same way his existence was once a reflection of Rainsworth.
Predictably he can most often be found lurking around the snacks or, subsequently, settled in at one of the small tables scattered around with a cup of tea and a plate piled high with macarons. At some point someone outs him as someone who theoretically understands ballroom dancing. He'll allow himself to be pulled onto the floor for such with a warning that he'll absolutely step on his partners because he's terrible -- but he does know the steps perfectly well even if he can't fall into rhythm with others for crap, and can also be persuaded to teach anyone who'd like to learn off in a corner somewhere. Given that he's close with the brides, he'll be present for the whole reception and stick around to help with the tidying up after, loosened up into his usual carelessness.
But, Break is an introvert at his core, and he gets through the party by being strategic about finding moments to slink away and recharge. If he's not feeling adverse to company entirely, though, he lingers in the quiet corner with the books and the tea. Even with a book on his lap, however, he never actually gets around to reading anything. Instead the facade falls somewhat, and he stares over his cup at the shelves without really seeing them. It's the sort of day where everything he's lost and everything he's gained feel equally heavy -- when the experience of trying not to weep openly as The Nieces get married has his heart giddy, but at the same time, only emphasizes the void of knowing he'll never be there for Sharon Rainsworth's.]
Xerxes Break | OTA
Predictably he can most often be found lurking around the snacks or, subsequently, settled in at one of the small tables scattered around with a cup of tea and a plate piled high with macarons. At some point someone outs him as someone who theoretically understands ballroom dancing. He'll allow himself to be pulled onto the floor for such with a warning that he'll absolutely step on his partners because he's terrible -- but he does know the steps perfectly well even if he can't fall into rhythm with others for crap, and can also be persuaded to teach anyone who'd like to learn off in a corner somewhere. Given that he's close with the brides, he'll be present for the whole reception and stick around to help with the tidying up after, loosened up into his usual carelessness.
But, Break is an introvert at his core, and he gets through the party by being strategic about finding moments to slink away and recharge. If he's not feeling adverse to company entirely, though, he lingers in the quiet corner with the books and the tea. Even with a book on his lap, however, he never actually gets around to reading anything. Instead the facade falls somewhat, and he stares over his cup at the shelves without really seeing them. It's the sort of day where everything he's lost and everything he's gained feel equally heavy -- when the experience of trying not to weep openly as The Nieces get married has his heart giddy, but at the same time, only emphasizes the void of knowing he'll never be there for Sharon Rainsworth's.]