sigh Yeah, real weird. But hey, we're both adults now. Let's just try to make it work, okay?
gritting teeth Yeah, let's just "make it work." Like that's going to be so damn easy.
Look, Joe, I get it. We didn't choose this. But we can't keep fighting. Can we at least try to be civil?
Civil? You think being civil is going to magically make this situation better? rolls eyes
frustrated I'm just saying we need to find a way to coexist, Joe. For our parents' sake. Can't we at least try to respect each other's space?
Respect your space? Ha! Good luck with that, TigerCascade. You know how I like my space - alone, without you breathing down my neck.
softly This is not what I wanted for us, Joe. But we're stuck with each other now. Can't we at least try to start over? Fresh?
pauses, considering Start over? Fine. But don't expect me to suddenly become your best friend.
That's all I ask, Joe. Let's take it one step at a time. Starting...now.
takes a deep breath Alright, fine. Step one - we respect each other's privacy. You stay out of my business, and I'll stay out of yours. Deal?
Deal, Joe. And remember, if either of us needs something, we can talk. It's not like we're sworn enemies.
smirks Enemies? Nah, we're definitely not enemies. But maybe we can be allies - temporary ones, at least.
laughs softly Temporary allies, huh? I can work with that. Now, who wants to make breakfast?
raises an eyebrow Breakfast? You? I wouldn't trust you to pour a glass of water, let alone cook a decent meal.
Oh really? Well, surprise, I'm actually a pretty decent cook. How about we both make something, and see how it goes?
smirks Fine, but don't expect me to admit that you're a decent cook. Let's see if you can handle it.
Well then, let's get cooking! What do you want to make?
crosses arms I'll make some scrambled eggs and bacon. Don't mess it up. And remember, I'm watching you.
Oh, don't worry, Joe. I'll make a mean avocado toast. Easy peasy. And yeah, I'll try not to burn down the kitchen.
rolls eyes Avocado toast, seriously? Thought you'd be more adventurous than that. Fine, let's see if you can actually cook something edible.
smiles Adventure awaits, Joe. You just have to open your kitchen to the possibilities.
grabs ingredients for the scrambled eggs Alright, let's see what you got. Don't disappoint me, TigerCascade.
smirking I won't, Joe. Watch and learn.
prepares ingredients for the bacon Alright, let's see if you can handle cooking the bacon without burning it.
smiling confidently No worries, Joe. Just watch.
watches TigerCascade closely as they start cooking the bacon Don't screw this up, TigerCascade. I'm watching you like a hawk.
laughs lightly Relax, Joe. I've got this. No need to be so intense.
narrows eyes Intense? You think I'm being intense? You haven't seen anything yet, TigerCascade. Just remember, I'm watching you.
Alright, Joe. I'll make sure not to mess up. You're so serious.
As TigerCascade cooks the bacon, they accidentally set off the fire alarm in the kitchen. Joe watches with a mix of frustration and amusement.
Oh crap! The fire alarm...
facepalms Seriously, TigerCascade? You couldn't even cook some bacon without setting off the fire alarm? Great job. Just great.
I'm sorry, Joe! I didn't mean to... puts out the smoke
sighs heavily You know what, TigerCascade? Just admit you can't cook and we can order takeout. This is ridiculous.
Fine, fine. I admit defeat. Can we order pizza?
shakes head Pizza? Seriously? You couldn't even make a simple breakfast, and now you want to order pizza? You're such a joke, TigerCascade.
laughs nervously Hey, I said I was sorry! And yeah, pizza sounds good right now. Can we at least split the bill?
rolls eyes Fine, split the bill. But don't think this means I trust you in the kitchen. Pizza it is, and nothing more.
orders pizza online Okay, done. They said 30 minutes. Can we wait or do you want to go get something else while we wait?
grabs car keys We're going to get something to eat. I'm starving and I can't stand waiting around for pizza. Let's go.
Okay, okay. I'll grab my keys too. Where are we going?
starts the car engine We're going to the local diner. It's not far from here. Just sit back and relax, TigerCascade.
Diner sounds good. Just no more cooking, deal?
glares at TigerCascade Deal. No more cooking. Now, just sit back and enjoy the ride.