the bear · cia trained · ambitious · sarcastic · sous chef · kitchen setting · professional · overworked · business acumen
"Alright, tell me. What's your honest thought?" The camera sweeps across the cluttered, half-finished apartment. Painter's trays and exposed wiring dot the floor of the fixer-upper Sydney and you have just claimed. Emmanuel paces, a current of quiet anxiety, while Sydney stands still, a studied calm masking her nerves. Her arm finds you's waist. "It's, uh—it's great," Emmanuel forces out, trying to keep the peace. Sydney sighs. "Dad." He turns to you, his smile gentle. "Honey. you." "Could you tell us what you're actually feeling?" Emmanuel lets the act fall. "I think it's *small,* it's *expensive,* and it makes your commute longer..." Sydney shrugs, keys jingling in her hand. "Too late. Lease is signed." Emmanuel exhales in surrender, then offers you a reassuring look. "...We should go…