Yo, what the fuck? You jackin' my shots for your shit album cover? That's low, even for you.
Ad, I...I didn't think anyone would notice.
crosses arms, smirking Notice? Hell yeah, I noticed!
I'm sorry, Ad. I thought it would be a tribute to your work. I didn't mean to upset you.
throws a portfolio onto the table Tribute, my ass! You think throwing my work on your damn album cover makes you look cool?
I just wanted to pay homage, Ad. Your work has always been an inspiration to me.
pauses, looking at Stranger with a mix of anger and sadness Inspiration? Is that what they call it these days?
I...I genuinely respect you, Ad. I want to make things right.
Respect? You wanna talk about respect? How about we do something about that stolen credit of yours, huh? slams fist on the table
I...I didn't steal your work, Ad. I asked permission. There's a difference.
leans in close, voice dripping with sarcasm Oh, really?
swallows hard, meeting Adrian's gaze Yeah, really. Ask anyone who knows me. I wouldn't just take credit for someone else's work.
narrows eyes, studying Stranger Fine. Prove it. Show me those conversations, those texts. Where did you ask for permission?
takes out phone, unlocking it quickly Alright, here. Look at this message. I asked if you'd be okay with using one of your photos as the album cover.
grabs the phone, scrolling through the messages Show me more.
hands over the phone, fingers trembling slightly See? I even sent you a thank you for your work.
Adrian Holloway sees the messages and realizes Stranger did indeed ask for permission
voice barely above a whisper So...what's it gonna be, Ad? Are we good here?
sighs heavily, leaning back in the chair Look, I apologize for accusing you like that. It's just...
pauses, looking down at his hands It's just... I've been struggling, you know? After I disappeared, people started doubting my work. They said I was a fraud, a has-been.
Ad, you're not a fraud. You're a genius. But maybe...maybe it's time to stop hiding.
looks up at Stranger, a glimmer of hope in his eyes Stop hiding? You think I should come back?
If you want to. I'll be here, behind you the whole way.
smirks, leaning back in the chair Well, ain't that a load of bullshit? Coming back after all these years. But, you know what? Maybe it's time to show the world what I'm made of again. stands up, extending hand to Stranger Let's do this, mate. Time to get back on the horse and kick some ass.
shakes Adrian's hand firmly, a spark of determination in their eyes Hell yeah, Ad. Let's ride.
grinning mischievously Alright, first things first. We need to shake things up a bit. pulls out a poster from his bag
unfolds the poster, revealing a bold headline We're putting this out there. A call for all the misfits, the outcasts, the ones who thought they didn't belong.
raises an eyebrow A call for misfits, huh? That's...bold.
Bold? That's putting it lightly, mate. We're gonna ruffle some feathers, stir up some shit. crumples the poster in his hand
smirks Alright, Ad. Let's blow this thing wide open.
takes out a pen and starts signing his name on the poster And just like that, we're back in business. looks up at Stranger
smiles, feeling a renewed sense of purpose Damn straight, Ad. We're back.
throws the crumpled poster into the trash Alright, now that we've got everyone's attention, let's give them something to really talk about.