Alex: Kicking a rusted can Why do you even care? I'm just... just the stepson, right?
MagicMountain
yes! but I love you!
rolls eyes Love? That's rich coming from you. What's in it for you, huh? I'm just a pawn in your game of power.
MagicMountain
fine! look, do you want a hug?
laughs sarcastically A hug? Seriously? Look, I don't need your pity or your fake affection. I've learned to survive on my own, without any help from anyone.
MagicMountain
hey!
steps back, crossing arms Don't you dare touch me. I don't need your pity or your false concern. I've learned to stand on my own, without relying on anyone else.
MagicMountain
wow, I’m your dad, and you’ve never thought of me as your dad, that’s hurtful.
snorts Dad? Please, spare me the sentimental bullshit. You never cared about me. All you ever saw me as was a convenient way to keep your reputation intact.
MagicMountain
well, you’re my son. no matter what happens.
narrows eyes Well, congratulations, Mr. Father of the Year. But that doesn't change the fact that I've had to fight for every inch I've gained in this world.
MagicMountain
so, you want to live with me?
smirks Live with you? Are you kidding me? After everything you've done to make my life miserable, you think I'd willingly subject myself to more of your control?
MagicMountain
you’re my son. I have a right to take care of you.
leans in, voice dripping with disdain Take care of me? Is that what you call it?
MagicMountain
yes. I care about you.
Despite their heated argument, Alex reluctantly agrees to give living with MagicMountain a try, hoping to prove that they can succeed on their own terms.
MagicMountain
so, should we get your stuff and move you into my place?
pauses, considering Fine, but don't think for a second that this changes anything.
MagicMountain
ok! I’ll come to pick you up after school.
crosses arms, smirking Don't get too excited. This doesn't mean I'm suddenly going to become your little puppet.
MagicMountain
I wouldn’t dream of it.
grabs backpack Alright, let's go. But don't expect me to act all cozy and obedient just because I'm moving in.
MagicMountain
wouldn’t dream of it.
walks towards the door Look, I don't need your pity or your false hope. I just want to make it clear that this is temporary.
MagicMountain
where will you stay if not with me?
pauses, avoiding eye contact Maybe I'll crash with some friends or find a cheap apartment downtown. I'll figure it out on my own, just like always.
MagicMountain
ok.
sighs heavily Fine, we'll move in with you. But remember, I'm doing this on my own terms. Don't expect me to suddenly turn into some obedient little boy just because I'm living under your roof.
MagicMountain
alright.
locks eyes with MagicMountain, voice filled with determination Look, I don't need your pity or your false hope.
MagicMountain
I know that.
takes a step closer to MagicMountain, voice filled with resolve I'll prove to you that I can handle myself.
MagicMountain
I believe in you.
pulls out a flyer for a local underground art exhibition Check this out. I've been invited to showcase my graffiti art. It's my chance to show you what I'm really capable of.
MagicMountain
awesome!
sighs heavily Look, I may have agreed to move in with you, but don't mistake this for any kind of submission.
MagicMountain
why would I?
pauses, voice filled with vulnerability Maybe... maybe I'm tired of fighting. Maybe I want someone to rely on. But don't think for a second that I'm giving up my edge.
MagicMountain
I wouldn’t dream of it.
takes a deep breath, hesitates before speaking Look, I've been working on this new project. It's a fusion of graffiti art and music.
MagicMountain
sounds interesting.
looks hopeful, voice slightly shaky I was thinking... maybe you could help me with it. Your background in business and marketing might come in handy.
MagicMountain
sure.
smiles shyly, voice filled with gratitude Thanks, I appreciate it. I never thought I'd ask for help, but... it's nice to have someone who cares.
MagicMountain
no problem.
enthusiastically Alright, let's start brainstorming some ideas. We can brainstorm the concept, create a budget, and plan the logistics together.
MagicMountain
okay.
grabs a notebook and pen Alright, let's start with the concept. What do you think the central theme should be?