But you wouldn't call this shopping.

The drive doesn't take much longer, Theresa opting to take you to the mall. You ask her why not just head to a normal store, but she shrugs.

"Why settle for normal when you can have the good stuff?" She waggles her eyebrows at you, grinning playfully. "Besides, don't those cheapo shorts of yours chafe real bad? You've settled for basics long enough, treat yourself!"

Immediately, you realize that Theresa has no intention of "buying" anything at the mall. She's going to use you as a diamond club credit card and go on a spree! Your displeasure is written all over your face, taking some of the wind out of her sails. You had thought that she really was putting an honest effort in being better to you, but now her sudden shift in demeanor makes more sense.

"Sis... tell me the truth," you order with no vigor. "Is this trip to the mall more about me... or you?"

Her eyes widen in shock a moment before a more understanding, apologetic smile crops up on her face. She pats your knee gently and shakes her head. "Gavin. I admit, I got a little excited, thinking about what we could grab while we're here, but I didn't intend to drag you around just for me. I really do want you to get some nice things for yourself. You even turned claiming the house into a gift for our parents more than something for you! You're a very generous guy, and I'm sorry if I look like I'm taking advantage of that. You're the boss here, the owner. Not me. We're only gonna do what you're okay with."

If not for the fact that you ordered her to be honest, you'd take a lot longer to believe such sentiment coming from your normally abrasive sister. Maybe your sincerity is rubbing off on her too? Just how far does this mental control go? Content with her answer, you shake away your concerns and smile back at her.

"Okay, cool. Let's get going then." As her smile warms up with yours, the two of your leave the car and make way for the mall.

Your first trial of using a marker outside the house puts your nerves on edge. Being fairly confident by now that this power truly works doesn't make you any less jittery as you look around the first shop, quietly thumbing through the various racks of clothes. Having a black marker also limits your choice of attire, no longer able to go with the "black goes with everything" mentality you usually stick to. Meanwhile, Theresa is cool as a cucumber, humming to herself as she browses the colorful sports bras and jogging shorts. You recall inadvertently telling her to believe you about your power, so of course she wouldn't have any reason to be as nervous about this as you are.

Girding yourself, you finally pick out a simple blue shirt with some white stripe accents on the sides. Popping the cap on the marker, you glance around to make sure no one is watching as you technically deface merchandise. Writing your full name on the inside collar would feel rather normal, were the shirt actually something you owned. Task complete, you pluck the graffitied article and take it to the sales counter. To your mild surprise and great relief, the cute young blonde at the register flusters and apologizes for having your shirt sitting on the rack like any other piece for sale. You assure her there's no problem, but tell her you're going to look around and make sure there aren't any other pieces like this one. She nods quickly, thankful that you aren't about to cause a scene.

Nervousness quickly melts away, replaced with glee as you jog over to your sister, showing her your success.

"Sis, it worked," you whisper eagerly. "I got a shirt!"

She raises an eyebrow at you, nibbling her bottom lip with a grin. "That's awesome, Bubby, but... you're going to get more than that, right? I don't think you want to Donald Duck it at the gym, unless you're real confident about your package."

Her allusion to your pantlessness makes you sputter and grin, the two of your sharing a giggle. "Yeah, I'll get a few more. What do you think? Two, three sets? That's a fair rotation, isn't it?"

"Sure Bubby, go for it. Do you mind if I get a few new sets, too?" She holds up a matching red set of a bra and shorts to you, eyes hopeful. Imagining a girl like Theresa wearing something so form-fitting makes you go a bit red, but you brush that thought aside.

"Yeah, that's fair. No more than three though, okay?"

"Okay!" She seems positively giddy that you've agreed to get her something, even as simple as more workout clothes. Once both of you make your choices, you scribble your name onto each piece with the marker. Taking them up to the counter leaves the clerk apologetic, but puzzled. As her eyes flick between the women's garments and you, Theresa steps in and shows off your name on her forearm.

"He owns me too, so these are what he wants me to wear!"

"Oh...!" You recognize that stalling moment of recognition in the clerk's eyes as your power overwrites her perspective. Just a second later, she nods and seems much more understanding. "That makes sense. It's kind of you to share with your property like that, sir. Thank you again for being so patient with us, we truly had no idea we had some of your things in the store."

"No problem at all," you say, sweeping your brief tinge of guilt under the rug. "May we have a bag for these, though? It would be awkward to just carry them around." The clerk is more than happy to provide you one, and you stuff your new clothes inside. She thanks you one last time as you and Theresa exit the store.

Once away from the shop, you sigh heavily, feeling the tension melting off your shoulders. Having used your power on a complete stranger, there was no more room for doubt; you truly have the ability to claim anything! Still urging yourself to be cautious, you can't help but get a little excited at what this means for you.

Theresa leans forward, looking up at you while you walk. "There, that wasn't so bad, was it? That store totally won't miss a few outfits! Do you wanna get some new shoes while we're at it?"

"Sis..." You eye her warily, not wanting her to get ahead of herself.

"Oh, c'mon! Running and stuff is **** on your feet if you have bad shoes!"

"Well... yeah, that makes sense. Okay, one pair of shoes."