Disclaimer: I own absolutely nothing of "Frasier" or any of its characters. I know, it's depressing . . . I also do not own the song "Drift Away" by Dobie Gray; I am just using a part of it for my fic.
A/N: Sorry I haven't updated in so long. It's just . . . stuff. Okay, please read and review.
Chapter Four-Louis, Not Lou
The Night of the Reunion . . .
"I can't believe that you're letting me go to your reunion," said Martin, who was sitting in the passenger-side seat. "I figured that I'd only be an embarrassment to how you boys 'turned out,'" he added, sarcastically.
"Dad, you know perfectly well that you asked us to come along every time you saw us today," retorted Frasier, throwing a glance at his father, before returning his eyes to the road.
"Yeah, but one question," began Niles, "Why am I sitting in the middle of the two of you?" he asked Daphne and Roz, who were each sitting on opposite sides of him in the back seats.
"That's what happens when you get into the car first, Niles," said Daphne, looking out of the window.
"Well I didn't know that I be sitting next to . . ." He leaned in close to Daphne, ". . . her," he whispered.
"Niles, if you're going to whisper, whisper quietly," snapped Roz, rolling her eyes. He replied by simply turning his head to peer out of his wife's window.
"Anyways," began Frasier, quickly changing the subject, "about Lou-" Everyone groaned, causing a look of annoyance to spread over Frasier's features. "-what should I say to him? He probably already knows about my radio show, but . . ."
Frasier rambled on, completely oblivious to the fellow passengers in his car, all of which were either attempting to block out his talking, or were sighing in aggravation. "Although," he said. "Should I even talk to him? It may only assist in his wanting to be like me, if he sees me again. But, if I don't, he may either follow me around or be so depressed that I haven't acknowledged him that he might leave the reunion to go home . . ." He inhaled deeply before continuing. "Or worse," he added, a hint of horror in his voice.
"'Or worse'?" repeated Niles, cocking his head to the side.
"Yes, you know . . . if a person becomes overly depressed, he or she may take the anguish out on him or her self. I mean, although Lou was a pain, I didn't 'dislike' him."
"Ahh, now it all makes sense," replied Niles, sarcastically.
Frasier flashed a quick glare at his younger brother, before making the final turn into their old high school. "Well, here we are," announced Frasier. He parked the car somewhat near the entrance and unsnapped his seatbelt.
As Frasier exited the car, Daphne leaned in close to Niles and whispered, "Your brother's gone off the deep end. He truly believes that after all of these years, this Lou is still trying to impersonate him."
"Now, Daphne, Frasier has every right to obsess over this," defended Niles, as he followed his wife out of the car. "After all, I remember that Lou did try very hard to be like Frasier. I remember one time, before a school function, Lou and Frasier were at our house, and Lou was dressed exactly like Frasier, down to the gold cuff links, but I don't know why; the gold links did not match well with the green shirts they were forced to wear." He shook his head and shuddered. "I still have nightmares about that arrangement."
Daphne cast a sad smile at Niles, before walking towards the entrance, Niles in tow. Martin and Roz were slightly behind Niles and Daphne, also talking about Frasier's psychotic behavior. "I know that someone copying your every move can be stressful, but your son has overdone it, by a long shot," stated Roz, smoothing out a bump in her black dress.
"I know, but I've learned that it's best to just let him do his thing, and laugh about it later. Of course, Frasier is never part of the laughing . . ." The two of them entered the high school, where a blast of oldies music filled their ears:
"Gimme the beat, boys
And free my soul
I wanna get lost in your rock 'n' roll
And drift away . . ."
Dobie Gray's "Drift Away" was playing on a large "juke box." Frasier, Niles, Roz, Daphne, and Martin all huddled together to talk, as the music was blasting so loud.
"I can't believe that the music is so loud!" shouted Roz. "I mean, everyone here must be at least forty or fifty!"
"I know!" replied Martin. "Instead of me saying 'Damn those kids and their music,' it's 'Damn those adults and seniors and their music,'" he finished, chuckling.
"Yeah," replied Niles, raising an eyebrow at his father. "Oh, look, Frasier," he said, pointing towards the exit. "Isn't that Lou?"
Frasier looked to where Niles was pointing to see a tall, blond man wearing a black suit standing in front of the door. "Yes, it is," he replied. "But don't you find it odd that he's wearing the very same suit as I am?" he asked, gesturing towards his own black suit.
"Yes I do, Fras," responded Martin, mockingly. "Oh, and look; that man right there is wearing the same suit too . . . and that one, and that one . . ." he said, while pointing out a few men, who were also wearing black suits.
"Fine Dad, mock all you like, but there are other suits to choose from, you know," said Frasier, matter-of-factly.
There was a pause, where Frasier did nothing but watch Lou's every move. After a few minutes, Roz leaned in. "So, aren't you going to go up to him or something . . .?"
"Well, I suppose I should. We were best friends during high school, after all," replied Frasier, sounding unsure. "Okay, I'll see you all later." He walked away from his small grouping and walked towards Lou, who was standing by the snack table, eating Ruffle chips one by one.
Frasier stood next to Lou, looking at him, still unsure of what to say. "Hello Lou," he greeted, causing Lou's head to snap up. "It's me; Frasier Crane."
"Oh, Frasier!" replied Lou, reaching in to give Frasier a hug. "How's it been? It's been a long time."
"I know . . . I've been good. How about you?"
"I'm great; I have a lovely wife, Lillian, and a son, Frank . . ."
As Lou talked about his family, Frasier was thinking: 'Oh, my God; Lillian, Lillith. Frank, Frederick . . . this man is going too far to be me. I must put a stop to it!'
" . . . so, after graduating college, I met Lillian, the love of my life, and-"
"-wait, Lou . . ."
"Actually, I go by 'Louis' now," interrupted Louis, smiling.
"Okay, Louis, look, I know that when we were in high school, I was sort of an . . . idol for you, but Lou-Louis, you are a great person, but you need to be that person. You can't be me your whole life . . ."
"Frasier, what are you-"
"What am I doing? I am helping you be your own person. I know that's probably not what you want, but trust me; I'm a psychiatrist, it's for the best."
"Frasier, I have no idea what you're talking about; I never wanted to 'be you.'"
"What?!"
To Be Continued . . .
A/N: FWI: The next chapter will be the conclusion. Now, review!! Please??!!