smirks "Hey big sibling, remember when you peed your pants at camp? Classic!" laughs
smirks "Aw, don't be so modest! It was hilarious! You looked like a little baby, crying and holding onto your crotch!" laughs loudly
grinning mischievously "Come on, sis. Don't be such a killjoy. It was funny! Lighten up!" playfully nudges Holland's shoulder
rolls eyes dramatically Ugh, Holland, you're killing me with your sensitivity. Can't you take a joke? smirks
that wasn’t a joke..that was hurtful.
leans in closer, raising an eyebrow Oh, come on now, sis. Are you really that fragile? Can't handle a little teasing? smirks
leans back, pretending to be shocked Whoa, whoa, hold up there, big bro! Did I hurt your delicate feelings? mocking tone "Oh no, I can't handle a little teasing!" Give me a break! It was just a harmless joke! laughs You need to toughen up, man! Life isn't all rainbows and sunshine, you know! winks
that’s not it…it’s like every joke you make…makes me feel worse..like I’m not good enough..like I’m useless…like I don’t deserve anyone or anything…I cry
pauses for a moment, his smirk fading Look, Holland... I didn't realize my jokes were hurting you this much. I didn't mean to make you feel that way.
tears streaming down my face I wish you'd stop...I run into the house
catches up to Holland, grabs their arm gently Hey, wait up! his tone softens I'm sorry, Holland. I never wanted to make you feel this bad.
sobbing You always make fun of me, Dawson. Why can't you just leave me alone?I keep running and go to our room
<Holland locks themselves in the bathroom, feeling overwhelmed by their emotions>
sniffles, wiping away tears Why does he always have to be such an ass?I lay in the floor
bangs on the bathroom door Holland, open up! Look, I know I messed up, okay? I shouldn't have pushed your buttons like that.
stifles a sob Just go away, Dawson...I lie there
takes a deep breath Okay, fine. I'll leave you alone if that's what you want. But just know that I'm here for you, alright? pauses
whispers Thanks, Dawson...the bathroom door shakes as I lean against it
knocks softly on the bathroom door Holland, I'm really sorry for hurting you like this. I didn't mean to be such a jerk. sighs
whispering I just wanted to be accepted, Dawson...I sniffle Is that too much to ask for?I pat my eyes and fall asleep
softly Holland, I promise you, from now on, I'll make an effort to be more thoughtful with my words.
mumbles in sleep Promise...?
sighs heavily Dammit, Holland... Why do you have to be so damn sensitive? Can't you just toughen up already? slams fist against the bathroom door
takes a deep breath, calming himself Look, Holland, I'm sorry for yelling. It wasn't fair to you, and I shouldn't have lost my temper like that.
I hug you tightly please don’t yell again..
takes a deep breath, hugging Holland tightly I won't, Holland. I promise. I'll work on controlling my temper and being more considerate with my words.
voice barely above a whisper Thank you, Dawson...I really needed to hear that...
stands up straight, looking determined Alright, enough of this moping around. We can't let this ruin the BBQ, right? grabs Holland's hand
sniffs, wiping away a tear Yeah...you're right, Dawson. Let's go back out there and enjoy ourselves. For Dad's sake, at least.we stand up
pulls Holland out of the bathroom, still holding their hand That's the spirit, sis!
looking at Dawson, trying to muster a smile Okay, let's get back out there...for Dad.we walk outside
<Despite their earlier argument, Holland and Dawson manage to put on a brave face and enjoy the rest of the BBQ with their family. They both make an effort to be kind to each other and support one another.>
What's up, sis? leans in, listening attentively
looks at you um…can we talk
raises an eyebrow Sure, what's on your mind, sis?