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]

[There is no actual end to the endurance period, when it comes to Xerxes Break. Reim has been at this for over a decade. You can do it, Ciel!]

To the best of my ability, certainly.

[littlest_lord]

_{[There's a small little nod as Ciel takes a sip of his tea.]}

Thank you.

[jokesonthem]

Of course. If there is anything else I can do, please don't hesitate to ask.

[littlest_lord]

That's very kind of you to offer, but you are a guest here. I wouldn't dare, especially when I've only just met you.

_{[Unless...he's like Gilbert and without any sort of semblance of a duty to complete feels completely and utterly useless.]}

[jokesonthem]

[Not quite, but incredible work addiction might be close. Just let him... sort something...!!!]

Think of it as an apology for destroying your gate.

[littlest_lord]

_{[Well in that case...]}

What were your duties before you arrived here?

[jokesonthem]

I've been a servant since I was young.

[General... miscellaneous type. Probably implied from the young part.]

I'm also well versed in office work.

[littlest_lord]

I see.

_[Siiip.]

Perhaps I've some use for you after all, Mister Lunettes.

[jokesonthem]

[Oh good, he doesn't have to go stir crazy.]

As I said, anything you need.

[littlest_lord]

You see, I've been managing the paperwork and finances for the household and for Funtom mostly by myself. It's a rather tiring job and Earl Trancy whom also lives here is always on my case about not spending enough time with him due to the stacks of papers I find myself behind...so much so he has, on more than one occasion, thrown out all of my pens or hid them away.

If you would lend me a hand with some of the paperwork, I would be most grateful, even if it is something as simple as keeping track of inventory.

[jokesonthem]

[As long as there aren't pigeons to sort in this inventory--]

I would be happy to help.

[littlest_lord]

That's grand. I'll let you know then next week what needs to be done. Until then you'll certainly have your hands and head kept busy what with trying to adjust to this era, I'm sure.

[jokesonthem]

Yes, that might take some time... I can reach "well enough" in a week, certainly.

[At least he can drive a tank, sort of.]

[littlest_lord]

_{[There's a little nod then from Ciel as he moves to take another sip of his tea.]}

Are there any questions you may have for me, Mister Lunettes? About anything in particular?

[jokesonthem]

[A pause. Anything in particular, huh... Well, in that case,]

How many things has Xerxes personally ruined?

[He needs this information for later lecturing material, alright.]

[littlest_lord]

The gate, for one...

_{[Ciel doesn't really want to think about that...]}

And a few other things. The gate, however, and the state of the lawn now, is his pièce de résistance , certainly.