(Untitled)

[bennet_beauty]

It was only fitting, Jane believed, that she would hold this party upon such an eventful day. Five years ago, she had arrived upon the island and her whole life had changed. She was no longer the young girl that she had once been and was no longer trapped in the confines of a time when her options were greatly limited. Though the date coincided,

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[markedformore]

Erik's presence at this affair comes with an ulterior motive. He'd heard about the party through patrons of the Winchester and while he's aware that everyone is invited, he's not sure that this is his place. Were it not for Erik's dire need to find out more, he might have avoided this, but it's too easy to put on a suit and linger in the crowd, trying to pick up as much information as he can.

After a month, he's still unsure as to whether his arrival here is innocent. In a large gathering like this, he has a chance of compiling a great deal of information at once to seek out a lead.

[halfscarlet]

Balls were far from Billy's thing, and though he did his best, dressing up in a red dress shirt and pants (recycled from Casino night, of course), he still felt out of place. He didn't feel at ease as most people seemed to, and though he'd walk around to say hello to familiar faces, he tended to stay a little to the sides, watching rather than mingling.

He was heading for a refill on his drink when he noticed a familiar figure and altered his course. The basics of his relationship with Erik Lehnsherr were still something Billy was trying to feel out, but he didn't let that stop him being glad to see his grandfather.

[Including for July reqs.]

[markedformore]

Erik notices Billy out of the corner of his eye long before he arrives and thus, has a drink waiting and prepared for him. It's not alcoholic. After all, Billy's not of a proper age yet. "Is this your sort of party?" Erik asks. While compiling information about the population as a whole, he'll never deny the opportunity to learn more about his grandson.

[halfscarlet]

"Oh, no way," Billy said, putting his own glass down on the first free surface he found when he noticed Erik had a drink all ready for him. "I don't even really know how to dance, and my social skills are almost non-existent."

[markedformore]

"You were never taught to dance?" Erik replies. It's not that he's horrified at the skill, but perhaps he takes offense to the notion that Billy's parents hadn't taken the time to teach him such a thing. "Back where I come from, the easiest way to sweep a woman off her feet is to excel at the tango."

Not that Erik has spent much of his time tangoing. He notices, though.

[halfscarlet]

"I tried once," he said, scrunching his nose up at the memory. Remembering Teddy was always a double edged sword. "It...didn't end well. I won't be tangoing with women any time soon."

[markedformore]

"I'm sorry," Erik says, genuinely as he reaches out to give Billy a supportive squeeze at the shoulder. His attention is still on the crowd about him, but he does his best not to ignore Billy in the process. "You look very handsome. Is is appropriate to comment that it must run in the family?"

[halfscarlet]

Billy chuckled, and shook his head. "I dunno, maybe?"

He wasn't hurrying to correct the assumption was was sure Erik made. Hell, coming out to his parents had been difficult enough, and that had happened accidentally, with their total acceptance. He wasn't sure how to approach the subject here.

"Tommy would have agreed."

[markedformore]

"Your brother," Erik says, attempting to remember every single word of each conversation he's ever had with Billy. He treats them as reverent because they're family discussions and he's never valued anything more than protecting the ones he loves. "Who isn't here. And is attractive, by the norms of society."

[halfscarlet]

"Twin brother," Billy confirmed, smiling. "Tommy would say we're the greatest looking pair of twins anyone's ever met, and probably try to tango with at least three girls here tonight."

It may have been a bit of an exaggeration, but it only made Billy miss Tommy more.

[markedformore]

"It's unfortunate that he's not here," Erik says, a look of dismay crossing over his face. "I truly would have liked to meet him. To have family again after having none at all, you must know how refreshing that is. How wonderful."