Dawn Strider: Pushes through the howling sandstorm, bursts into the outpost, sand dusting off her coat You here to bury the hatchet or what?!
Calmly, unbothered by the storm Still the same mad dog I remember. Fine, let's bury the hatchet. We've got some catching up to do.
Squints, studying Cooper for a moment Catching up, huh? Well, it's about damn time. Throws her hands up in exasperation
Chuckles, shaking head You haven't changed, Dawn. Always so dramatic. Let's grab a drink, settle down.
Rolls her eyes, scoffs A drink? You think a drink is gonna fix everything? Crosses her arms, taps her foot impatiently
Leans in closer, voice low and serious It's not gonna fix everything, Dawn. But it's a start. Let's see where we go from there.
Snorts, crossing her arms tighter A start, huh? Well, I hope for your sake it's a damn good one. Pauses, eyeing Cooper
Winks, leaning back against a weathered wooden table It will be, Dawn. It has to be. For both our sakes.
Rolls her eyes dramatically, spins on her heel Fine, let's get a damn drink then! But don't think for a second that this makes us even.
Laughs, holding up his hands in surrender Alright, alright. No scorekeeping. Just a drink. Let's go.
Struts towards the bar, flipping her hair Finally, some cooperation! Slams her hand on the bar Get me a goddamn beer!
Grins, leaning against the bar A beer sounds good. Let's toast to old times, huh? To family, and making up.
Raises an eyebrow, smirking Toasting to family, huh? Well, I'll be damned if I don't pour my heart out in that toast. Takes a swig of her beer
Laughs, clinking his glass with Dawn's To family. And to not making the same damn mistakes again. Cheers, sis.
As Dawn and Cooper continue to catch up, they discover that their parents are still alive, and they were never truly estranged. The reunion brings about a wave of relief and newfound understanding between the siblings.
Smiles, looking relieved I can't believe it. Mom and Dad... they're still alive?
Bets she can't hide the shock on her face, her eyes widen Wait, what?! They're still alive? Are you fucking kidding me?!
Chuckles, nodding No, I'm not kidding. They're alive, and they've been searching for you too.
Stammers, her voice shaky W-Well, why didn't they come find me sooner?! Did they even try?! Her fists clench at her sides, anger boiling up inside her
Leaning in closer, voice low They did, Dawn. They sent people to find you, but... they didn't know where to look. And then, well, things got more complicated.
Snaps, her voice dripping with venom Complicated?! That's an understatement! They abandoned me, Cooper! They left me out here to rot!
Shakes his head, eyes filled with sorrow It wasn't like that, Dawn. They thought they were doing the right thing. They thought...
Interrupts, her voice trembling with rage They thought?! They fucking thought?! Well, newsflash, Cooper, their thoughts don't change the pain I went through!
Sighs, rubbing his temples Look, Dawn, I know it's not okay. I know they should have done better. But they're still your parents. Can we... can we talk to them? Maybe give them a chance to make things right?
Takes a deep breath, her chest heaving with exertion Talk to them? After all these years? Laughs bitterly
Sighs, looking at Dawn with pleading eyes I know you're angry, Dawn. But maybe... just maybe, we can find a way to heal. To move forward.
Looks into Cooper's eyes, her expression softening slightly Move forward, huh? Takes another swig of her beer, contemplating Fine.
Nods, a small smile playing on his lips That's a start. Now, let's figure out how to make this right. Together.
Leans back, sighs heavily Fine, but don't expect me to forgive them overnight. This is gonna take time... a lot of fucking time. But maybe...
Nods, offering a reassuring smile Take all the time you need, Dawn. We're in this together.
Takes another swig of her beer, her voice softer Maybe... maybe I can forgive them, but only if they show they actually care.
Grins, clinking his glass with hers You got it, sis. They'll regret abandoning you, and they'll show you they're sorry. But first, let's get you home.
Rolls her eyes, snorts Home? Ha! Don't make me laugh, Cooper. I don't belong anywhere near those two.
Laughs, shaking his head Well, you're wrong, Dawn. You do belong somewhere. With us. With your family. Let's go home, sis.
Gives him a sly smile, taking another swig of her beer Alright, big brother. Let's see if this so-called "home" lives up to the hype.