video.

[jokesonthem]

[It takes him a while to figure out the NV. (In fact, it takes him a while to realize he has it, busy as he is searching for somewhere to wash the dirt off his face, pacing back and forth a lot, and laying down to will his wounds to stay closed.) He has, in truth, not a clue how it works, except that it seems to respond to his touch. He has poked tentatively through network broadcasts and determined the meaning of "video," the only command the thing offers he doesn't recognize--although he hesitates about touching that command, himself. He is dissheveled and in his pajamas and looks quite rattled, in his opinion, which surely is too embarrassing to show complete strangers.

... But maybe they would have some sympathy for him if they could see his face. He turns on the video...

...giving everyone a lovely view of his nightshirt's collar and the lower half of his face. There is a plaster on his cheek, and some wrapped bandages visible crossing his collarbone.]

Well, is this thing working? [He taps the screen sharply, then holds the NV a bit farther away, which puts the rest of his face (and more bandages!) in view-] How am I supposed to tell--oh, is that me in the corner?

[Serious time, Reim. He squares his jaw and regards the NV with his best business face.] My name is Reim Lunettes. I would like to request several things, if I may: information, something to write with, and-- c, clothes.

[He mumbles the last part. This is humiliating...]

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated, thank you.

[He nods, and his eyes dart around in the typical manner of someone who has no idea how to find the 'stop' button, but he gets it eventually, and just before he finally presses it he adds (an afterthought, his voice climbing out of its calm tone and becoming decidedly freaked out by the end):]

If--If there is anyone here who knows me, please come and find me!!

[oh wow this is so embarrassing he has to go FEED CUT]

Comments

[jokesonthem]

[Reaching for the sugar indeed. Oz being where Gil is is, perhaps, the least surprising thing he's ever heard. He nods.]

You have a business? [He's a little surprised; not because Ciel is like, 5 or something (slightly though), but because he has no idea how anything in this city functions, pfff.]

[littlest_lord]

I do, yes. Funtom Toys & Sweets. Gilbert is my partner and the bakery manager.

_{[Tea sip.]}

It took some time to establish it here and it will never be as popular as it was back home, but it has done rather well in this city all things considered. Gilbert's pies are certainly sought after, more often than not.

[jokesonthem]

[That sounds just like something Break would regularly get in the way of, wow. Carefully selecting a cookie, now.]

It's been open for some time, then.

[littlest_lord]

It has. Over a year and a half now, if I recall correctly.

[jokesonthem]

[Reim has some kind of congratulatory stock phrase in mind, but the actual length of time sinks in and he promptly chokes on his cookie, instead.]

That's- [some... time...! More importantly than toys though:] You haven't been able to return home in over a year?

[littlest_lord]

Over two years, actually.

[jokesonthem]

[The thought of two years' worth of paperwork not being done has caused a systems failure. Please reboot this Reim.

Rebooting... ... ...]

I see... Is that common?

[littlest_lord]

I wouldn't say it is particularly common, but there are others who have been here nearly as long.

[jokesonthem]

[Oh no. Canada is the Abyss.] Ah. Rather unfortunate...

[Hm.] It looks like you've done well, in any case.

[littlest_lord]

_[Spoilers.]

I will admit it was an awful struggle at first... _{[Many days he'd found himself starving or simply without any energy or motivation to move at all.]}

If it hadn't been for Gilbert's initial help, I certainly wouldn't be sitting with you right this very moment.

[jokesonthem]

[They're even having tea, when will it turn into disaster??

Reim is completely unsurprised that Gil has a soft spot for little lords.]

He is very capable, when he puts his mind to it. Although he might not agree.

[what a dork]

[littlest_lord]

He is, although he likes to think otherwise.

_{[A forkful of cake makes it past Ciel's lips then as he takes a moment to swallow.]}

I still don't think he has come to realize how indebted to him I feel. It's why I feel compelled to grant him what he requests of me, if anything.

_{[Which is why Break is still here...]}

[jokesonthem]

[Reim does recall hearing that shouted at Break before. Haa...]

Have you told him that?

[Because a) people should Be Honest with each other, and b) imagine the look on his face.]

[littlest_lord]

I've told him a variation of it, yes.

[jokesonthem]

[A thoughtful tea sip.]

He did believe you, I hope.

[littlest_lord]

He did.

[jokesonthem]

[Oh good he's not totally a moron like some people. Ten points.]

Mm. That's a good relationship to have.

[littlest_lord]

Speaking of relationships...you seem to be familiar with Xerxes Break?

[jokesonthem]

Xerxes is my closest friend.

[So yeah. Tea sip.] I take it you haven't been getting along.

[littlest_lord]

Not in the slightest.

[jokesonthem]

[Sigh!]

I can't say I'm surprised.

[littlest_lord]

If I was able to, I would put a restraining order on him.

_{[They've such lovely things in the future, you know.]}

[jokesonthem]

[Once again Reim is faced with being in a very small minority of "people who don't hate Break." Awkward.]

Ignoring him is somewhat effective...

[littlest_lord]

He has become increasingly hard to overlook, especially when the damage is like what he caused hours ago.

He always steals my desserts, too.

[jokesonthem]

[Errrk that thing he was partially responsible for. Mumbled into his tea:] He told me the gate opened on its own...

I'm afraid the dessert problem is something you just have to endure.