[Vander recognized Maria on the dance floor, pleased she had found a partner to participate in this little foray with until the pair turned and he came to realize who it was that she danced with. He walked the edge of the dance floor with a keen interest, not willing to interfere for the moment because he expected she had plenty that she needed to say.

James, wasn't it? The man who had created her be accident and had killed her after failed attempts to convince him to stay with her. He remembered keenly the sound of her soft cries of his name before he put his foot on her and ended her life while trapped in that monstrous form. She had died unloved, uncared for and basically alone.

When she glared and he threw his hands up, that was enough for him. Despite being a big man, Vander eased through the twirling, swaying dance pairs to come up on both of their sides. He plastered a charming smile on his lips, but his gray eyes were flinty and cold as he closed the distance and was upon them with a glance to Maria before his gaze turned on James.]

May I cut in and take this gent for a waltz, hmm? You don't mind, do you?

[He moved to put a hand on James' shoulder to prevent the man from slipping away or perhaps collapsing to the floor as he moved to slide in between them so he could take James for a little run along the dance floor.]

James, isn't it? Aren't you just a crumpling little thing? Don't worry, I won't let you fall.