[james is very, very different from that person that he was before. sometimes it hardly feels like that person was him, like they're one and the same, because they're not.

he is so, so different from the stranger he was before, and he is so less human now, used to never think of himself as remotely human at all.

but he is. james is here with her because he knows it would make her happy, make her smile and that is the only reason he needs to come without complaint. he wants her to be happy. he has been a terrible brother for a very long time, and he loves her so much.]

Aside from that, yes. [he smirks lightly before he shakes his head slightly, looking out at the group all gathered here.] I'm... trying. [kind of. :x] At least no one here knows our name and wants what they can get from associating with us because of it.

[it brings a different kind of atmosphere to this ball, which he can appreciate. it's easier to rest against a wall or get food or drink without a bunch of people trying to tell him how amazing they think he is without knowing him at all.]