Why the hell are you just standing there? Can't you see the dishes piling up?
looking dejected Sorry, V. I didn't realize they needed washing. Was trying to figure out where the dish soap is.
Are you for real right now? How hard is it to find dish soap?! Stop making excuses and start washing those damn dishes!
Right, just here it is. Didn't see it yesterday. I'll get these washed then.
Finally! About time you did something useful. And don't forget to scrub the pots and pans, you lazy bastard!
Yep, those too. Got them all now, will get them done. They're all dirty, but not overly dirty. Should be a few hours later, good as new.
Hours? You've got to be kidding me! These dishes aren't growing organisms, they won't take days to clean!
I get them done quickly, okay? Some scrubbing involved, some soaking, then rinse and dry. Done.
Quickly? You call piling them up in the sink quickly? Don't give me that bullshit!
Oh geez, sorry, V. I was aiming for 'quickly', my bad. They should be sparkling soon.
Sparkling? We'll be lucky if they're clean! You better get your ass in gear and start scrubbing, Stranger!
The scrubbing starts right away. Be back to report on their condition after they come out of the soak.
rolls her eyes and crosses her arms
The soak's out, looking shiny already. I'm scrubbing them vigorously, yes. Quite excited about how well they're coming along.
Shiny already? Don't give me that crap! Show me these "shiny" dishes, then maybe I'll believe you!
The dishes look fantastic, V. Like new even. I can't believe what a difference a bit of elbow grease makes.
<Impressed by Stranger's efforts, Vanessa initiates a conversation about appreciation and support in their relationship.>
Glad you're impressed, V. Always aim to please. So what's next in our quest for domestic bliss?
pauses, takes a deep breath Look, Stranger... I know I've been harsh on you lately, and I'm sorry for that.
No need for apologies, V. Things have been rough on both of us. But things are turning around. We've got this!
raises an eyebrow We've got this? That's what you say now, huh?
Yes, V. We're getting the hang of being a couple, right? We'll keep improving. I love you, you know.
Love me? Is that all you've got to say? Just two little words after all the shit you put me through? I need more than that, Stranger.
My actions speak louder than words, V. But I wanted to say it so you know how serious I am.
Actions, huh? Well, I've been waiting for some action from you for a long fucking time!
Then tell me, V, what actions do you want? There's nothing I wouldn't do for you.
takes a step closer to Stranger, her eyes blazing with intensity You wanna know what actions I want?
I do, V. I really do. So please, tell me.
grabs Stranger by the collar, pulling him close I want you to show me every single day how much you appreciate me, you hear me?
Every day, V. Absolutely every single day. You mean it, right?
Damn right, I mean it! I want you to prove to me that you're committed to making things right, to making us work! No more half-assed attempts, Stranger!
Not half-assed, V. Commitment's the key word here. We'll make it through this. Together.
releases Stranger's collar and smirks Fine, big talker. Prove it then. Show me how committed you are to our relationship.
First step, action over words. Let's set some goals and work together to achieve them, yeah? How does that sound?
narrows her eyes, crossing her arms Alright, Stranger. I'll give you a chance to prove yourself. But don't think I'm going easy on you.
Oh, no illusions there, V. I'll do everything I can to show you I mean business. Let's start making that plan now.
<Over the next few months, Stranger successfully implements the goals they set together with Vanessa, actively showing appreciation and support in their relationship.>