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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[Oh, so he isn't familiar. Considering the Mafia are so notorious, this is probably a good thing!]

I wouldn't call it nobility. More of an organization. And I'm the head of it, actually.

An organization? What does it do?

[ His mind had gotten a bit nostalgically snagged on the paperwork offer, but the rest of this person's post finally percolates through his consciousness. ]

Something to do with bombing? You mentioned some expertise in explosions. Dear dear, that's not what people are looking for in a roommate, generally!

[ Prattling on, breezily: ]

Although - I say! A bomb's an expedient solution for paperwork, I ought to try it sometime~!

[Tsuna really isn't sure whether or not this guy is drilling him because he's interested in him helping, or if he's just doing it out of curiosity at this point. And he doesn't really care either, sob.

And although he's getting the idea this guy thinks a little... differently, he can't help but laugh at that last statement.]

Oh, I've entertained the thought many times before, believe me. As for what it does, I suppose you could call it something of a relief organization. It's meant to protect and support people, particularly those in need.

[He gives something of a wry smile.]

Of course... it's a very large organization, and I'm afraid it's gotten a bit out of hand quite awhile ago, and deviated from its original purpose. Really, it's seen more as organized crime, now. [wow tsuna you're not really helping your case you know]

[ He chews on that thoughtfully. ]

So... it's an organization intended to protect and support. But instead it shakes people down and robs them.

[ A beat ]

Sounds like civil service!

[He chuckles.] Like civil service? Perhaps. Though, I'd argue the Mafia is more rugged and a lot more open about embracing its notoriety.

[He wonders if he should explain he was trying to return the organization to its original state, that he was the last heir to the figurative throne, any justification. But somehow, his heart's not in it.]

So, are you actually considering taking me up on my offer, or are you just hitting me up for chit-chat?

[The question lacks any hostility and is curious more than anything.]

[ A non-committal noise and a pause as if he's thinking. ]

If you get another offer, by all means take it.

[ He'd been speaking in a careless, silly sing-song thus far; but now his voice drops into something resembling a sympathetic tone. ]

I don't have room for you, the most I could offer is a few hours' quiet respite from your explosive situation...

[ Hmm. ]

Even so, I must say, there's something about you that is... refreshingly ordinary. Haha! I suppose that's an odd thing to say to someone in your profession, but there you have it.

Ordinary?

[That catches him off guard. How long has it been since his own friends called him extraordinarily ordinary, or something along those lines? He gives a laugh.]

An odd thing to say, indeed. It's been awhile since I've heard that...

I'm afraid I've not many other offers, however. I may've scared all of them off by talking about the Mafia.

I'm Xerxes Break. What's your name?

[ It's clear from the tablets, whom they're each talking to; but introductions are civilized. Ordinary. ]

Oh -

If you've five titles and an exaltedly noble honorific, I'm calling you "Tim." Just so we're clear.

[He chuckles.] My given name is Sawada Tsunayoshi, but I generally go by Tsuna.

It's a pleasure... Xerxes, was it? Did I pronounce that right? [probably not]

[ His features pinch into an expression of consternation melded with skepticism--which smooths out straight away. ]

Ah, Mister Tsuna, that's much more manageable.

[ Delicately: ]

"Hatter" is what they call me, in the civil service. By "they" I mean people who dislike me, everybody else calls me "Break."

[ The number of people who call him "Break" can be counted on the fingers of one hand. ]

And thus why I go by it, rather than having to deal with everyone constantly butchering or forgetting my name.

["Hatter"? As if Tsuna wasn't familiar with the term. And yet, somehow, he can't bring himself to dislike the man.]

Then it's a pleasure to meet you, Break. I hope you don't mind if I forgoe the honorific.

[ Well, well. He hadn't even taken the bait, despite Break's best efforts at being odd and off-putting... ]

Likewise. Tsuna. "Refreshingly ordinary" Tsuna--

[ He sounds for a second as though he's going to giggle or make some other quip. But he seems to think better of it, and murmurs instead: ]

And by "refreshingly ordinary," I mean - grown-up and reasonable. It's a trait in short supply, as you might already have discovered.

[ Which would be when the doll on his shoulder suddenly sits up and shrieks: ]

THIS PLACE IS FULL OF WEIRDOS!

[He's about to respond when--

--oh god, he totally wasn't expecting that. His jump is more of a slight flinch, though.]

Oh, I... didn't notice your friend there. [that was.. neutral enough, right?]

Now, now, Emily. Quiet, you'll give us awayyyyy!

[ He chuckles - not his usual fast, mad giggle, but something almost warm. Sane and reasonable indeed. Or perhaps just long-suffering. Maybe both... ]

I--

Do you like to read?

[ It's asked quickly, as if he's trying to get the words out before he thinks better of it. ]

Read? ... no, sorry, I'm not much one for books. I'm more of a gamer, honestly, when I get the time. [So much for being mature.]

[ He breathes a sigh of... relief. Yes, definitely relief, and not disappointment at all because that would be silly. ]

Ah, that's too bad. I'll have to enjoy Gil-Gil's company instead.

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

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