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

[vongola_x]

[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.]

Comments

[maddeninghatter]

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.

[vongola_x]

[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]

[maddeninghatter]

[ 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. ]

[vongola_x]

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.

1/2

[maddeninghatter]

[ 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.

2/2

[maddeninghatter]

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

THIS PLACE IS FULL OF WEIRDOS!

[vongola_x]

[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?]

[maddeninghatter]

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. ]

[vongola_x]

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.]

[maddeninghatter]

[ 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.