Seth felt like he messed up upon seeing Ivory clutch her stomach.

They had vanished mid dive and reappeared inside his apartment. He should have warned her about the side effects of ghost travel, but there wasn't much time for discussion after she threatened to jump off the three story building with his brother.

He still couldn't fully believe what had happened. This girl was anything but ordinary! Why did he ever arrive at such a conclusion? He had decided what kind of person she was so hastily.

He helped her to a seat in the kitchen, his hands hovered around her weak stance just in case she took a tumble. Oh, how afraid he was to touch her again. How afraid he was of what his longing might mean. He couldn't remember the last time he ever held someone close or felt their warmth against his skin. This longing he felt wasn't just to cure his loneliness, but rather, he longed for her. To hold her closely like a precious person and whisper sweet meaningless words. He wanted to know more about her. To learn about her past, what her dreams were like, and why people made her feel less than worthy.

This craving felt so long forgotten yet familiar.

He abandoned her to walk to the sink, grabbing a clean cup, and filled it to the brim with water. Just as naturally he walked back and offered her the glass.

She looked between him and the cup with a gentle expression. "Thank you." She said and took the glass. When she sipped a little her discomfort appeared to lessen. "I didn't know ghosts could rent apartments." She remarked in an afterthought. Her gaze wandered around, observing the interior in a curious manner.

He had a sudden regret taking her here since the apartment was old and falling apart. For example, without his messy bed in the corner of the room, there was practically no furniture or signs someone lived here. The floorboards were cracking and chipped in several places. The walls showed signs of age with mold.

He supposed the main attraction was really the kitchen because of the dining table and chairs for guests. He also had plates, cups, and silverware on the counter for his own benefit to feel slightly normal. Ghosts weren't allowed to eat like humans. Everything in the kitchen was merely for aesthetic purposes and had no real point for existing.

Without Charlie, there was simply no one to visit him before.

"Renting is such a funny word." He replied with a fake smile. He avoided her gaze and pulled a chair next to her, taking a seat.

"What would you call it then?" She asked.

"Does living rent free count?"

"No."

He sighed dramatically in disappointment. "I didn't think so either."

Hiding her smile, she took another sip of water.

"This place has been abandoned for generations." He explained, recalling some thoughts he had when he moved here. "I think the owners passed away unnoticed."

"Oh." She replied with a regretful expression. "I mean, at least someone is keeping the place occupied. The owners would probably feel grateful to hear that."

He shrugged. "Perhaps. I've not given it much thought." He admitted. Unless they came back from the afterlife to kick him out, he didn't see the point in having more regrets.

"That vampire from earlier was really your brother?" She asked him in disbelief.

"My brother..." He said with a laugh. "Is that really what you're thinking about? Before we dive into my family tree, I think you want to know more about your situation, yes?"

She frowned at his reaction but didn't pursue the matter any further. "Vampires are lame anyway." She grumbled under her breath.

"I know right? He was that way even while he was human." Seth replied flabbergasted. Will had always been a lost cause, even to their parents. Seth knew Will's treatment was unfair, but his brother would make the wrong choices every time to the point Seth could no longer vouch for him. They both had lost so much though, he couldn't help but sympathize how Will's life turned out the wrong way.

Ivory smiled tentatively. "Am I to assume there are other supernatural creatures aside from ghosts and vampires then?"

"Yes, actually there are werewolves... and witches." He added, watching her expression closely.

Her eyebrows raised in surprise. "No wizards?"

Well, that reaction was not what he was expecting. "Sadly none that have been recorded if they existed a long time ago. Witches have been mostly extinct since the days of the witch trials." He explained animatedly. "Why did you want to know?"

She appeared to give this some thought and merely shrugged. "No reason in particular. I just think that's awfully sexist. The creator of this world must have a sense of humor."

"I guess so?" He was trying so hard not to laugh at her that his shoulders were slightly shaking from restraint. Calming down, he grew more serious to tell her the problems she was about to face. "For over five hundred years, vampires and werewolves have been trying to destroy the veil that divides our two worlds. By creating a rift in the veil, much like a door, they can reunite the dead with the living. Their ultimate goal has always been to recreate a world like themselves. That's why they take human lifes." He explained going into detail. He continued seeing that she was following along. "The other thing is that," He briefly closed his eyes. "For over five hundred years, since the beginning of the supernatural, there has never been a human that could see us."

She whistled aloud, impressed. "I mean this is similar to what we spoke about before, but I didn't know the rarity was to this extent."

"So," He said more firmly. "Unless you have a family history of witches, you must indeed be the person that the rumors talk about. The person that can break the veil."

She nodded, appearing unimpressed. "So, that's why my life is in danger?" She sighed, placing her cup on the table, and sank into her chair. "I was hoping the revelation would be something cooler. Maybe that I had special powers or something."

"So, your family are not witches?" He asked with little hope remaining.

"Nope." Lazily she looked at him. "My mom is a nurse. My grandmas from both sides were farmers. My aunt from my mom's side is..." She trailed off in thought. "Unimportant." She decided to say with some sourness. "Basically, they all have normal occupations."

"Are you sure they just never told you?" He inquired gently.

"Yes." She hesitated and then shook her head. "This doesn't seem like the answer. The only person that had many secrets was my father, but he died ten years ago. I have no idea what he researched so deeply or who to ask about his work." She explained, pursing her lips. "My mom knows but she refuses to talk about my father. I think it's too difficult for her."

Scientists tend to have private lives. Her mother's reaction could also be described as normal after losing someone close. Once again they were back at square one meaning that Ivory was indeed the person from the rumors. He had really hoped to avoid this scenario and place Ivory in a difficult position.

She looked at him in regret. "I hope you realize that I can't stay here. I have to be with my mom. I'm the only one that she has left."

Seth nodded in understanding. Family was irreplaceable, he understood that very well. "I wouldn't recommend this course of action, but it's probably better that you're there with her in case something happens to you."

For the first time her expression grew slightly heavy. "This is all still hard to believe, even for me." She added.

"I was wondering when you were going to give an honest reaction." He sighed like a weight had been lifted from his shoulders. She was becoming more comfortable around him. Thank goodness. "I've been living this type of life for a long time." He began to explain. "I know the fears involved of not knowing what to expect. I guess my point is that honesty suits you better. You're not going to be alone like I was. I'll visit often to check on you. Everyday if you want."

She shook her head, eyes widening at his last statement. "I really appreciate your offer, but isn't everyday asking too much? I'll just call the police if something happens."

"I can get you out of there faster though." He countered. "Wouldn't it be safer to have a back up plan?"

She stayed quiet, appearing that she couldn't refute his words.

A sarcastic smile formed on his lips. "Great. It's decided then."

"What if I'm dressing?" She asked as if pointing out the obvious. "You can't just show up whenever you want."

"Love, no one said I was going to." He folded his arms across his chest, leaning back with a big grin plastered on his face.

"Oh, no." She looked as though dread fell upon her. "What are you planning?"

"You'll see." He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively.