Something far more substantial.

You don't answer Theresa immediately, instead taking time to eat and weigh your options. Then again... anything and everything is an option now, isn't it? It's starting to sink in that your options are less what you can claim and more simply what you want. Going from claiming a person to a couple of plates seems almost silly at this point, so why not go for broke? You're not going to learn more if you keep going for small things.

So what do you want? With Theresa no longer a major threat, you're already fairly content. There's plenty of things you'd like to change, sure, but nothing that comes to mind in the immediate. Your sister is expecting you to continue to push the boundaries of your claiming ability, and you have to agree that stopping here would be irresponsible. It's important that you properly utilize this power, in order to adequately gauge its potential.

At first, you considered continuing to work your way up slowly. Perhaps you could claim the refrigerator and see if that meant you also owned the food inside it. If you claimed the living room couch, would people have to ask you permission to sit on it?

No. You're still thinking too small.

Pushing back from the kitchen table, you stand and move over to the open doorway between the living room and the kitchen. With your back to everyone at the table, you neatly write your name right on the wall. Taking a step to the side, you turn to watch the reactions of your family. Theresa's eyes light up with realization first, a giddy grin curling across her face. Mom and Dad, however, suddenly look very uncomfortable.

"Hey, uh... Gavin?" You have never heard trepidation in your Dad's voice before. He almost seems at a loss for words, his brow knit tightly as he acclimates to this sudden power shift. "Son, were you ever going to tell us that you owned this house? I'm not entirely sure why I've been making mortgage payments anymore."

"Uh..." Your brain tries to shut down on you, shook by how calm and slightly embarrassed your father sounds. "Oh, ah, this is a recent event. You don't have to worry about that anymore, I've got it under control." No. No you do not.

No matter how unsure you sound, Mom and Dad sigh in relief. Mom seems to have another thought strike her, and addresses you. "Sweetie, will you be expecting us to pay rent? It's your home, of course, but we'd very much like to keep living here."

Theresa's eyes widen, gasping softly. "You're not going to kick us out, are you??"

"What?! No!" You shake your head, staggered by your sister's audacity. She knows damn good and well you wouldn't do that. Why does she have to stir you up so much? "Of course you can all keep living here, I'm not a monster. I don't need rent or anything like that, though. Just, um....hm. Cover utilities and keep the place in good shape, and we'll call it even."

"Well!" Dad chuckles heartily, grinning over at his wife. "Can't beat a deal like that, can we? We could finally afford that second honeymoon we always talked about."

Mom almost looks ready to cry. "Really? That would be fantastic! Oh, Gavin sweetie, this is the nicest thing you could do for us!"

Even though you know the praise is hollow, you feel a swelling of pride in your chest at how happy your parents seem to be. Sure, you essentially stole the very home out from under them, but their relief and praise are truly genuine. They really believe that you've done them a grand service instead of swindling them.

This can't be a bad thing, right? They're so happy, and you're saving them money! The bank is probably pissed off at this turn of events, but you don't really feel bad for a loan-shark business like that.

"Is that really all, Bubby?" Theresa stares at you, pressing her intent. "Is that all you want in exchange for living here? It seems like you're being awfully soft on us."

"Tess!" You dad laughed. "Don't look a gift horse in the mouth!"

You take a moment to think, glancing around. What else would you even want? Eventually, your eyes fall upon your father's case of cigars in the living room, and an idea strikes you.

"Actually," you begin, "I would like to set a few ground rules for living here." This gets everyone's attention, the three of them looking your way, listening intently.

"First and foremost, I don't want anyone smoking in this house. Those cigars smell horrible and they make the whole living room reek for hours. That's not even counting the negative effect they're having on your health, Dad. I asked you guys to take care of the house, but I also want you to take care of yourselves."

Your father's face sours, brow furrowed. "N-Now see here, son, I—"

"I think that's a perfectly acceptable rule." Mom's posture straightens a bit, almost as if to challenge her husband. Dad looks flummoxed, eyebrows flying into his hairline. "I've hated those cigars ever since you started that dreadful habit, and this seems like the perfect time for you to get away from it."

"Yeah Dad," Theresa adds, "You make half the house smell like a trashy bar."

With all three of you ganging up on him, all your father can do is wipe his brow and sigh heavily. "I... I guess so. Is that all, son?" There's a hint of anger in his tone, but you can hardly blame him. It doesn't have the same sharp edge that normally makes you bristle, either. You stand firm.

"No, there's more. If you aren't doing so already, I want everyone living here to begin an exercise routine. Nothing ****, just enough to keep yourselves fit and healthy. I think you'll thank me for that in the long run."

"Do you just have it out for me or something, young man?" Dad tosses his hands in the air, bringing everyone's awareness to his soft, fatherly figure.

"I'm sure it's for the best, dear." Mom pats her husband's shoulder, rubbing it gently. "We might be getting old, but that's no reason to let ourselves go. Your son is trying to motivate you, not tear you down. He's worried about you." You nod to that, glad that at least Mom seems to understand. "You should be proud of him, taking initiative like that. Isn't that what you're always telling him to do?"

Theresa just laughs as your father realizes his own lessons have been used against him. In the end, all he can do is give a wry smirk and a chuckle.

Dad gives you a firm look, but one of respect. "I guess you grew up after all, son."

You're simply stunned. Your mother, father, and sister are all looking at you, smiling. For the first time in a long time, you don't feel like a failure; a second-class member of the family. Theresa spoke of using this power to take over the world, but your first choice was to improve everyone's lives at home. It feels really good to use this power not just for yourself, but for the people you care about. Also, you own a house!

...

This power is AWESOME.