curiousity (DEAD POETS SOCIETY ANDERPERRY)

Curiousity (ANDERPERRY)

NEIL AND TODD'S ROOM - NIGHT

Neil Perry was in love with whatever Todd Anderson did. He would find that Todd's quiet demeanor and adorable face complimented one another. His little mannerisms and thoughtful actions. The way he would enunciate his words, and how he would mumble Neil's name. He loved everything about him.

This night, Todd was busy practicing to speak loudly in front the class for a presentation the day after. Neil was reciting lines for a play, but stopped for a moment.

NEIL
Hey, do you remember what Dalton said?

TODD
(responding softly)
No, why?

NEIL
(smiles)
Ah, that's fine.
I was just thinking of having a relationship.

TODD
A relationship?

NEIL
Yeah, like, trying to date someone?

TODD
I know that-- but wouldn't your father be pretty upset?
I mean, with all the distractions a relationship could possibly present?

NEIL
(enthusiastically)
Well, I plan to keep it a secret.
Don't tell him!

TODD
I know, I won't.
But who's she?

NEIL
Sad to say,
that's a secret too.

He looked away from Todd, grinning knowingly. Howbeit, his best friend was clueless about this whole situation.

TODD
(hiding his jealousy)
Is she someone I know?

NEIL
(in a perky tone)
Why, indeed.

Neil smirked at Todd once again. This time, supposedly mocking him. Todd left utterly stumped. What did he mean?

He knew very well that he was the type person to be completely oblivious to love-related happenings that were around him, which was why he didn't have a single clue who Neil was speaking about.

But still, he was worried. Still, he wanted to know. After all, Neil was his best friend, and his first friend at Welton High. He wanted to know. He wanted to help Neil with anything that he could. He loved him.

TODD
(embarrassed)
Hey!
You--! Tell me, Neil!

NEIL
(smiling smugly)
No!

He smiled again. Todd stood up, and hit Neil playfullt with a pillow.

TODD
(laughing)
Fine!

Unexpectedly, Todd jumped over to Neil's bed and tackled him to the ground. They giggled like children just getting to know each other in a sandpit.

Neil was self-assured that he could climb on top of Todd, and true enough, he gladly emerged victorious. Todd was left struggling underneath Neil's strangely uncomfortable huge arms that were a hindrance to his escape.

TODD
(catching his breath)
Come on, tell me.
Who are you trying to date, Neil?

NEIL
Wouldn't you like to know?

TODD
(raising his voice angrily,
yet still quite hushed)
Well, I AM asking!

Todd frowned furtively. He couldn't accept the thought of his best friend leaving him aside for somebody else.

NEIL
She's closer to you than you think.

TODD
(looking a teeny bit depressed)
But Neil, I don't know many girls.

They continued to look at each other. The jealousy was getting into Todd's head. He was getting desperate, but he didn't know why. A lump was forming in his throat.

Neil could sense the exasperation in Todd's eyes, the tears that he were trying to fight back. He didn't expect Todd to react this sensitively, but he still wanted to see how he'd respond.

Sighing hopelessly, Todd was perplexed as to why he felt so jealous. He pushed Neil back, in fear, and attempted to scoot off the bed.

However, Neil had somehow gotten ahold of Todd's hands which held him back from leaving.

NEIL
(sounding guilty)
I'm sorry.
I didn't mean to annoy you.

TODD
(suddenly tearing up)
...Just leave me alone.

He tried to look away from Neil in an attempt to conceal his misty eyes, but Neil could see everything. He stood up and sat on Neil's bed yet again. Todd's hands were still being firmly grasped by Neil, who didn't want to let go.

NEIL
(bravely; eyes tight and worried)
Look, don't hate me when
I say this.

Todd closed his eyes, anticipating a dreadful outcome. He took in a deep breath and opened his eyes again.

TODD
(muffled, vulnerable)
...What?

NEIL
(repeating himself)
I was about to say
that I was thinking of...

TODD
(irritated)
Neil-- I swear to God,
I told you to leave me alone.

Todd forcefully pulled his hand away from Neil.

Neil flinched a little.

NEIL
(serious, ...then beaming widely like an idiot again)
You. Or should I say,
dating... YOU.

TODD
(angrily, then dumbfounded)
I don't want to kn--
Excuse me?

NEIL
(slightly flustered)
Yeah, you.
I'm in love with you,
Todd Anderson.

Todd wasn't about to turn Neil down, but he looked at him strange.

TODD
(flushed with red)
But t-that's impossible.
We're b-b-both... guys.

NEIL
(grinning)
Bullshit.
Nothing's impossible.

They awkwardly laugh at the little inside joke that Neil had made. Neil held Todd's hand again and cupped it under his own.

TODD
(still avoiding eye contact)
Neil...?

NEIL
(so happily)
Yes?

TODD
(jokingly)
Have you gone insane?

NEIL
(smiles)
Who knows?

Neil was filled with so much hope and so much joy, he felt like he was about to burst. Todd, the opposite; was deep in thought, contemplating about the consequences and the little experiences that they would have to share.

TODD
(worried)
I don't know if I'm
ready for a relationship yet.

NEIL
(assertively)
If you're saying you've
never been in one,
rest assured. Me neither.

TODD
(anxious)
Are you sure you're
not joking about this?

NEIL
I would never.
Here, give me your hand.

Neil drags Todd's hand towards him and lightly pecks it as he would a princess.

Taken aback by the situation, Todd's breath stopped short for a while. His cheeks were repainted with a rosy hue, and he had forgotten how to breathe.

TODD
(blushing)
My face is heating up.

NEIL
(mutters)
You're so adorable.

TODD
(sheepishly)
Neil, you're being odd.
Stop being so odd!

NEIL
Well? Is my application
approved yet?

TODD
(smiling bashfully)
I guess you could call it that.

NEIL
(in total excitement)
Yes! YES!!!

TODD
(simpering coyly)
Neil, you're crazy.

NEIL
And you're cute!

TODD
Thanks?

He pinched his arm lightly like he thought this was a dream. Neil watched cheekily.

NEIL
(teasingly)
Ooh, he swoons.

TODD
(slightly irritated)
Neil!

They smile at each other once again.