“So, Milo. Tell us about yourself.” They were all sitting now, Milo on the armchair, the others lined up in front, eyes trained as if they were staring directly into their soul.

Their fingers played with the thin chain around their neck and straightened. They could do this.

Just be yourself. Marisol had said. They're gonna love you.

Freya was sitting cross-legged on the floor by Apolonia’s legs, Francis sitting calmly in their lap. Ronan was stretched out across the couch, head resting against the arm, feet thrown over Calder's lap. Calder had his arms crossed but at the very least he didn't seem to be irritated with Milo. Probably just happy to not be dead and to be fully clothed again. Apolonia was sitting on her own chair, one leg crossed over the other with Milo fidgeted with their sleeve. Could they do this, actually?

“Uh-”

“Why do you want to live with us?” Ronan interjected.

“I need a place to stay?” Milo answered honestly. Why else, really? What else were they supposed to say to that.

“Mhm,” Ronan mused.

“Don’t take him seriously.” Calder said, shooting a glare in Ronan’s direction.

“Nobody does.” Ronan sighed, which was met with Calder slinging a pillow at his face.

“So, Marisol says you’re a paramedic?” Apolonia interjected. Milo’s eyes flicked between them.

“Yep. I graduated a few months ago so I’m still pretty new. I work for the magical dervices department, which, is also pretty new, I guess-”

“So you have a job. Excellent.” Ronan pulled out his phone, typing something into it. He glanced up. “Just taking notes.”

“Of course.” Milo muttered. Apolonia continued.

“As you are aware, the building itself is magical. The elevator leads you directly to this floor, the button is the one with the constellation. You are absolutely free to take the stairs but I would wait. The building doesn’t really know who you are and you may end up swimming in an ocean for a bit. That is what I meant by-”

“What she’s saying is that you’re in.” Ronan shrugged, pushing off the couch and stepping over Freya and almost tripping.

“Sorry,” He said, steadying himself, careful not to step on Freya or Francis.

“Shouldn’t we ask some more questions?” Apolonia sighed. “Explain things.”

“They’ve had my vote since saving Calder. They’re a witch, they’re a medic and lord knows we’ll likely need both in this apartment.” Calder stood to follow him.

“Yeah, he’s got my vote as well.”

“Mine too.” Freya chimed in. “They have taken very good care of Francis and for that, I’m appreciative.”

Apolonia pursed her lips and stood.

“My vote as well. Welcome home, Milo. Now I would like to go rejoin the party downstairs. I will explain things in more detail later on, you are welcome to join us for dinner tonight. I would like to go relax, I have a conference coming up I am attending and I leave in the morning.” A flash of light and she was gone, buzzing through the air and disappearing out the door.

“I’m tired. I’m gonna go rest.” Calder gave him a quick nod and left, trailing down the hall.

“It was nice to meet you, Milo.” Freya parted ways, Francis following right behind, squawking.

It was just them and Ronan standing in the living room. Milo suddenly remembered the mail room.

“Oh, Remy told us to tell you that your packages will be here-” They trailed off, trying to find a nicer way to put it, “soon.” Ronan’s face fell into a scowl.

“I’m gonna have to climb another fucking tree again, aren’t I?” He mumbled, grasping his bag and leaving Milo alone into an apartment that they now apparently lived in.