...better be straight from the beginning. "Mmmore or less. I have a somewhat, um, delicate home situation, and I'm currently living with my dom and in the process of getting emancipated from my father." Which he just started.

"I see..."

"And this situation means he's unlikely to sign any documents that would need it. Which is part of why I want to emancipate in the first place."

"We normally can't set up a contract with young mages until they turn eighteen, but emancipated minors can sign contracts just fine."

"Great, that shouldn't be a problem, then!"

"Mm-hm! I can send you a letter asserting that we'll be delighted to sign you on as soon as you're able to enter into a legally binding contract and that might help demonstrate your ability to live independently, you'll want to consult your lawyer."

"Yeah, that would be amazing. Thank you very much!"

"You're welcome!"

He hangs up and goes to tell Renée about this.

"That's wonderful!"

"Yeah! It might actually work! I can't wait to tell Isabella."

"Well, if you can't wait, tell Alex!"

"...oh right the telepathy thing yes I'll go do that!"

Alex is making tacos.

And Sadde relays the recently acquired information to him.

"She says she loves you and that even under the circumstances she insists you read the fine print before you sign the thing."

"I will get my hands on a magnifier."

"She says you are adorable."

"Cutepocalypse!"

"I say that you are on the verge of too mushy."

"Oh no, can't be too mushy. Wouldn't want to damage your sensibilities."

"They're very fragile."

"I do hope you can forgive me if I am ever accidentally too cute around you."

"I'll live."

"Good, Isabella would be annoyed at me if you didn't, and I also like you and would be sad if you died."