<div class="floatleft"> <div class="floatleft">(http://26.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m3oo3fv7yh1r7wrq1o4_250.jpg)</div><br/><strong>Name:</strong> Kepler<br/><strong>Place within Hierarchy:</strong> Elizabeth's Talent<br/><strong>Role:</strong> Hand <br/><strong>Position:</strong> security/general labor<br/><strong>Location:</strong> The Big Tent<br/><strong>Wearing:</strong> white T shirt and jeans, motorcycle boots<br/><strong>Languages and Accent:</strong> English, no accent<br/><strong>Tagging:</strong> Chloe, Lottie, Kate<br/><br/>When things were at their worst with Chloe, he felt like a neanderthal, like he should apologize simply for being in her presence. But when it was good, like now, she was like an island of order and grace amidst the chaos of circus life, she allowed him to be a shadow in a life where there was meaning in a gesture and genuine regard was something more important than hooking up. This brief respite between them, this moment of simply letting their hands touch and warm to the other, felt better than any of his past sweaty clinches in the dark. Yes, she was anachronistic, he would never lie and claim otherwise, but it wasn't a ploy or conceit -- she was one of the most genuine people he'd ever known and from where he stood, that was a compliment of the highest order.<br/><br/><em> “Yes, it is probably my fault for being so unreasonable. I suppose I just have to get used to the idea of someone wanting more to do with me than something related to the circus.”</em><br/><br/>"Yes, you will," he said with his usual confidence. Even he couldn't say exactly how deep he was trying to go with that, only that she was correct. "But it's not about whose fault it is. I'm not launching any stones around my glass house, I don't know about you."<br/><br/>Since he was being complimented on his manners he made an effort not to be entirely rude and let himself be completely absorbed by Chloe's change of mood and willingness to entertain his attention. He studied the twins for a moment, finding the way they completed each other's gestures to be a little eerie if he were completely honest but they seemed like very nice young women and not what he would have expected from a couple of burlesque dancers. Well, Lottie anyway...Kate was looking at him like she had definite ideas but she was nonetheless discreet. <br/><br/>"It's a little late but welcome to the circus, you two," he said and finished off his drink. "If anybody gives you any trouble, consider me your troubleshooter. If you need anything, for that matter, if I can't help I'll know who can. Where are you two from?"<br/><br/>He glanced over as Chloe spoke of the hour and at last relinquished her hand. For once he didn't take it personally -- they all worked long hours in the circus and it was no stretch to think she might be tired. "It looks like things are breaking up," he commented after a quick look around. "I would say you're off the hook. I'd be happy to escort the three of you back to your tents when you're ready."<br/></div>