Diego’s heart dropped at Valentino’s sudden response, “Apologies, I didn’t mean to intrude or interrupt your train of thought or anything of the sort. I was just curious as to what you were thinking about.” 

Diego gave Valentino a deadpan expression that could be described as genuine fear. Valentino slightly jumped. “I uh.. Um.. You see.. Alongside my abilities within the confines of magic, I possess a unique ability to tap into people’s neuro function.. Think of it as tuning into your favorite radio station,” she said sheepishly, shying her head away as she spoke. “I’m not always reading minds unless it’s beneficial to me, so that’s not a constant worry… or at least it shouldn’t be.”

“Y’know what,” Stephanie said, caught in a thought, “you haven’t said a single word yet, at least out loud; what’s the deal with that?”  she curiously asked, directing her attention towards Diego. 

The room fell silent as Stephanie expected Diego to say something, just to be met with more silence. “Uhh,” Stephanie muttered, “I’m.. guessing you’re just shy?” “Or..” Valentino softly said, “he could just be afraid... I mean, we did give him an ultimatum that put his life on the line, no?” 

“Fair point, I guess,” Stephanie said with a sigh. Diego shook his head in response. “No..? That’s not it?” Stephanie asked, raising an eyebrow, “Then what’s up?” Diego attempted to reach for his phone but quickly remembered his hands were tied. 

Stephanie walked up closer to him. “Okay, listen,” she said as she made eye contact with him, “I’ll free your hands if you promise you won’t do anything crazy. If you do, I’ll have to beat your ass.” 

Diego hesitated but then nodded. Stephanie untied his hands, and Diego swiftly reached for his phone and typed something up. “What’s he typing up?” Valentino softly asked as she impatiently watched. Diego showed his phone to Stephanie, “You mean to tell me..” she said, slightly annoyed. “He’s MUTE?!”

Valentino jumped at Stephanie’s sudden volume, “Wait a minute, are you serious? Mute, as in he doesn't speak?” Valentino turned to Diego, trying to confirm. 

Diego nodded, and Valentino pinched her nose bridge and grimaced before speaking, “How have neither of us noticed this before today?!” she said with slight annoyance. Diego raised an eyebrow, “Before today.. What does she mean by that..??” he thought as he watched Stephanie and Valentino discuss him still joining the team, even though he was mute. 

“Okay, listen,” Stephanie suddenly spoke up, derailing Diego’s train of thought, “It’s still entirely up to you; if you want to join our team, we’ll accommodate you as well. If you want to join, just nod yes and shake your head if no.”

Diego looked away and thought for a solid minute before hesitantly nodding. 

“Are you sure?” Stephanie asked once again. “As long as you pay me well and the room is spacious.. And let me keep my life,” Diego typed. 

“You don’t have to worry about that, trust. Anyway, since you’re on board with it, let’s get you set up,” Stephanie said as she began to untie Diego from the chair. 

“It’d be best to postpone that until tomorrow, yes?” Valentino said, “Besides, I’m sure he’s exhausted from almost dying earlier and our integration.”

 “I’ll show you your room for the night, k?” Stephanie said as she finished untying Diego. Diego nodded and stood up, gently stretching and cracking his back. 

Walking to the corridors, Stephanie turned to Diego and said, “So.. is this entire mute thing because you’re embarrassed? Or is it something you can’t control?”

 Diego took out his phone and typed, “It’s involuntary; I wish it weren’t.” “Then what's stopping you from speaking? Can you.. Not speak at all?” Diego typed, “No, I can speak. But I have extreme social anxiety.” 

Stephanie nodded, understanding a bit more, “I’m guessing typing and texting is more convenient for you then?” Diego gently nodded, and Stephanie swiftly took his phone as he did. 

Diego froze in shock for a moment before he tried to get it back from Stephanie, but she resisted. “Firstly, you shouldn’t have had your guard down around someone you just met. Secondly, I’ll give your phone back after I put my number in so you can text me if you need something.” 

Diego backed off but then raised an eyebrow, “Don’t get any second ideas, I only love my girlfriend,” Stephanie said bluntly before handing his phone back. 

After a few more minutes, they both reached the apartment hall. Diego looked around at all the names on the doors, “Angel..? Mayhem... are these actual names or..” he thought to himself, unintentionally stopping in front of Mayhem’s vibrant door as he thought. 

Stephanie grabbed his wrist and pulled him along “Nope. Not stopping there,” she said as she dragged Diego to a room that didn’t have a name on the door. “Tonight, this will be your room, yeah?” she said as she unlocked the door, “The door will stay unlocked until you’re an official member, so don’t do anything you wouldn’t want your grandma seeing.” 

Diego hesitantly nodded, then walked into the room. His eyes widened upon seeing the ample open space. “HAH,’ Stephanie chuckled, “I knew you’d like it. Text me if you need anything, m’kay?” she said as she closed the door. 

Diego stood there momentarily as he took in all the space and walked over to the bed, sitting down. As he sat there, he quietly admired the view of the city. After a few moments, he picked up his phone and noticed several missed calls from his mom. Feeling terrible, he frantically called back. 

“DIEGO.” his mom screeched at him through the phone. “I’m alright.. I swear,” Diego said softly, highly apologetic for not answering. “I’ll let it slide this ONE time,” his mom said, upset but relieved. “Did you forget what today is??” His mom asked, making Diego check his watch. “December 14th…” Diego sighed, preparing himself mentally as his mom began to sing Happy Birthday.

As his mom sang to him, Diego’s thoughts drifted off momentarily, “What’s a structure.. What does that mean..??”

MAYHEM’S HUSH-BUSH

Valentino walks in “Today, I have two secrets! Did you know that Diego only speaks to those he feels the most comfortable with? Even then, he doesn’t speak that much! Did you also know that Stephanie made every system in the building? That’s impressive! She works so hard! I hope Diego will do the same!”