Insensate.

14. Demands.

Father was awfully quiet during the ride. He would glance at me from time to time, but that was it. It made me really nervous, I wasn't used to this side of him.

He shut the door and waited for me to step out. I took a few deep breaths, after spitting a bunch of profanities out, and I opened the door and slammed the door shut.

I wonder what was so important.

I realized that my Father was gone after I stepped in the house. Where was everyone? And what was that smell? I started to walk forward, I could smell the scent even more.

Soon, I yawned. My vision started to get very clouded, I couldn't feel my legs anymore, and the more I walked, the more I lost control. And I fainted.

∞

My eyes twitched, I knitted my eyebrows. Soon, they fluttered open. My eyes roamed around the room, what happened? I shot up, groaning as I felt a sharp pain shoot throughout my body.

Someone opens the blinds, and the sun shines on my face, blinding me. I squint my eyes and I try to make out the person in my room. "Father? W-what did you do to me..?" I have slept the entire day.

I coughed, I felt so.. Sick. Sebastian... I couldn't be here any longer, I need to go back to him! If I'm not well, he won't be as well.

"What's going on?" I ask as soon as I spotted Aunt Sonja. Her cold eyes glares at me.

"You tell us," She replied sharply. "You lied, Joseph. Do you know about what happened that night?"

They knew. Definitely. And the fact that I lied, makes it worse!

I bit my lips and lowered my eyes to my trembling hands. "I was there."

"I knew it!" Someone shouted, that someone was my Mother. I rubbed my eyes, removed all the crust, and tossed my blanket aside. Even my feet hurt! Yawning, I walk into the bathroom in the room. I wash my face, and check the cabinets for spare tooth brushes.

I had to make sure I looked proper! After I was finished, I stepped out of the bathroom, and sat on the bed. "Obviously I lied. Hadn't I made myself clear, when I stated that I didn't want you guys in my business?"

Mother shrieks so loud my ears almost burst! "JOSEPH!! A corpse was stolen!! What did you do?! Tell us!!"

José was in the room, so was Josephine. Did they watch me sleep? Or did they arrive just now?

I rolled my eyes. "I accidentally resurrected a Man that had died over a century ago. Before that, he was a spirit haunting HIS house, that I live in. I've been taking care of him for a week now."

Josephine's eyes widened. "I knew it.. Why didn't you tell us? You.. You can already resurrect people! You're the first person aside from Grandpa that can do that!"

"So?" I question bitterly. "I don't have to tell you anything, besides, it was accidental, don't worry, I'm dealing with it."

José butts in, he inquiries mockingly. "Are you? I caught your scent a few days ago. Along with another scent, was that the dead Man?"

Fuck, I forgot he has Clairalience. His enhanced nose is gonna land me in trouble some day!!

I shrug, "Who knows. I think I also happen to have seen a certain someone knocking on a redhead's door." José winces slightly, bothered by what I have said.

I stand up, "I admit, I was careless. But good thing I didn't do it intentionally. If that's all, I'll be leaving."

José stands in my way. "You're not going anywhere. Your Soul has been tied with that Man, and we have to break it. It'll be dangerous, Joseph. Don't you know what'll happen to you? He's not fully alive! Something might—"

"Why do you care!?" I raise my voice. "José, when have you ever cared for your little brother? When? Or did you start caring because you're no longer better than me?" He snaps his lips shut in anger.

He stepped back, wavering slightly. "That's not true.."

"Really?" I ask with an easier tone. "If you do, help me." I whispered the last part. His eyes had a troubled glint in them. Jose's tense shoulders slumped, he composes himself, and nods. I let the corners of my lips perk up a little bit.

I turn to Josephine, who watched us with a stressed expression. Her eyes flickered to me, she begs me with her eyes. I take a few deep breaths, and say. "Josephine, don't act so worried. I know you aren't, you don't care about me. Neither does he," I glance at José.

"I understand, don't worry, I'm dealing with it. In the meantime, I'll make sure to practice my abilities."

Mother approaches me, she places a hand on my shoulder. Her sweet voice weirdly comforts me, "..Joseph, let me help you."

I blinked several times, deep in thoughts. For some reason, I couldn't move on. I can't just... Accept them, after everything they've done to me. They ignored me, mistreated me, showed me no love. I was forced to study, eat, and the cycle repeated itself. I couldn't even sleep properly, or find some time for myself. All because I had to figure out my abilities.

But I had to be smart about this.

They could help me, a lot. But that doesn't mean that I have to bond with them. I pushed her hand away from my shoulder, turning around, I stared into her hazel eyes. "Alright. I'll be here tomorrow, 6pm sharp."

Fuck.

I turned around and walked towards José, only to stand besides him. I whisper in his ear, a smirk growing on my face. "You'll help me, you and your redheaded friend. Or else, I'll tell them." He gulps visibly, he shifts uncomfortably.

He moves his head slightly to the left, only to say lowly. "And why would I care if you tell them?"

I sneer. "Mom expects grandchildren, you won't be able to have them with a Man."

He flinches again.

He puts his hands in his pockets, I move away from his ear, and stare into his dark green eyes as I wait for his response. José coldly brushes me aside after grumbling under his breath. "Fine."