exsilium | Vongola I -- Video -- Action open to those bumming in the gymnasium

[The screen turns on to show a young man clad in a cape and suit. He gives a friendly smile.]

Good eve--

[A loud explosion comes from a neighboring room. The smile instantly fades away to a disgruntled look as he sighs.]

Let's try this again. Good evenin--

[Another explosion. He sets the tablet in his lap and sets one of his cheeks in his hand, his other drumming on the tablet in irritation.]

You know, it might have actually been quieter in the courtyard than it is here. [He sighs.] Might as well get to the point, since I can't seem to even get out the pleasantries. If anybody from the Vongola or allied families are here, please let me know. And if you could, get me out of this gymnasi--

[And then there's a really loud explosion. The room shakes a little.]

You know, I've half a mind to go and tell whoever is doing that that training is not the equivalent of trying to destroy the structure you're currently inside.

[Oh, wait. Did he talk about the Mafia over public network? Damnit. Bad habit from his late tutor. Oh well, not much to be done for it now.]

That aside-- I wouldn't suppose someone would be looking for a roommate, in case none of my friends are here? I can't say I'm much good at cooking, but I could help with other chores, at least. ... and paperwork, I guess, if you need someone to slap signatures all over for some reason. It wouldn't have to be a permanent arrangement, just until I'm able to afford my own place. Or until housing in the apartments opens up, I suppose.

... whoever was making explosions just now sure did get quiet, didn't they? [He looks thoughtfully toward the wall.] Hopefully they didn't blow themselves up. Bombers have a tendency to do that in my experience. [And then back at the tablet. He nods.] Thank you for your time. [And then he cuts the feed.]

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[and here is legitimate proof that he has the worst luck in the world]

Really? Really? Please tell me you're not the only one here.

[ Boy does it ever. ]

That's right. I'm the only one.

What part of "don't tell me that" didn't you understand? [An exasperated SIGH. This.... might actually be even worse than being here alone!] Of course this would happen. This moment could epitomize my entire life, really.

I don't take orders from a fake.

[ Even really inconsequential non-orders. Whatever Tsuna wants of him he'll pride himself on doing the exact opposite thing. ]

Of course you don't.

[Peering at the video... It's fucking impossible to tell with Belpheghor because literally the only thing that seemed to change about him in ten years was his hairstyle, but he's pretty sure this is his younger self.

...huh.]

As much as I'd love to live with a sociopathic prince, I think I'll have to pass.

[ Belphegor the ageless. ]

Feel free to leave the island at any point and go drown in the ocean.

You're as hospitable and courteous as always.

[SO MUCH SARCASM GOING ON HERE!! except no he really wants to figure out what the hell point in time this kid is from without Bel realizing he wants that information and hanging it over his head. So... here goes.]

Does the name "Byakuran" mean anything to you?

[ It's what he does. He stops at the comment and cants his head to the side slightly like he's thinking about it. It does. It obviously does, considering Byakuran was involved in the Arcobaleno fights as well, but... ]

Who knows.

[ A large grin.

Like hell he's gonna be helpful and actually answer Tsuna's questions in a way that doesn't cause a headache. ]

[OF COURSE. Ugh, if he was in person at least he could maybe see if he felt familiarity or not, but honestly he doesn't want to be near Bel in person if he can manage it.]

... it's like talking to a wall.

[He sighs. Literally any other person would not be as infuriating to get information out of as Bel is. And nobody else has that damn haircut that obscures their eyes. How the hell does that boy even see anything?]

I believe he may be behind the operations of the United Earth. [He's not lying, though that's not really the reason why he wanted to know.]

[ MAGIC AND WITCHCRAFT! That's how!

Now this though? This is an angle that never even occurred to Belphegor. Mostly because from the point he's from Byakuran doesn't seem that interested in hostile world take overs... at the moment at least. It's not like he particularly trusts the guy.

The smile is gone from his face at any rate. ]

And what if he is?

If there's anything you know about him, it could prove vital to our getting the upper hand of the situation we've been placed in. Especially if we eventually come into direct contact with him.

[take the fucking bait bel]

[ Helping out the Initiative and Tsuna, huh?

.... Turning his head to the side and staring at something off screen. ]

Hmm...

[ Looking back now. ]

Nope!

[ Like fuck he will. ]

Really. I thought you'd be thrilled at the opportunity to turn the tables on someone who so obviously has complete power over you. Not to mention getting the possessions that they have. I'm sure you could easily buy yourself an entire castle with the money they have.

But it seems I was mistaken.

[ A loud laugh at that comment. ]

I could buy myself a castle off of my monthly salary. I don't need their money. What a stupid thing to say.

Is that so? [He tilts his head, peering at the screen.] You certainly don't look like you're living in a castle. It looks like you're staying in one of the apartments.

There's no point in wasting my time with that when I'm not staying in this world for long.

And how long have you been in this world, exactly?

[ Yep, definitely no more smiles now. ]

That's none of your concern.

[ So... longer than he'd like to be. ]

[He can see that. He sits back, looking suitably disinterested.]

Well, I think I've made my point. Contact me if you decide you're feeling a little more cooperative.

[And then he cuts the feed. He hopes the bait he's laid is sufficient... Now it was just a waiting game. And of course, maybe a couple hours worth of head-scratching of their conversation to see if he can gleam any hints from there.]

[ Making an irritated sound as the video cuts out. He's used to the younger Tsuna, and being treated with this kind of flippancy is ticking him off more than he expected. ]