Disclaimer: I do not own Dead Poets Society. Otherwise I wouldn't be writing fanfiction.
INT. TODD AND NEIL'S ROOM-EARLY EVENING
Todd and Neil are sitting together on Neil's bed, squished together since the bed isn't made to fit two people sitting side by side. Both of them are reading textbooks that sit in their laps. It is quiet until Neil speaks.
NEIL
I listen.
TODD
What?
NEIL
You once said that when you talk people don't listen. But that's not true, because I listen to every word that comes out of your mouth.
TODD
[awestruck]
Neil...
NEIL
Can...can I kiss you?
Todd smiles, blushing slightly. Neil kisses Todd.
TODD
I think I need to change your poem.
NEIL
My poem?
TODD
[blushing]
It's about you. The one I wrote after your performance.
NEIL
Don't blush. You writing a poem about me is adorable.
Todd blushes more.
NEIL
Would kissing you right now make that blush better or worse?
TODD
I-I d-don't k-know. W-why don't y-you k-kiss me a-and see?
Neil chuckles before leaning in to kiss Todd.
TODD
So...does this...does this make us..b-boyfriends?
NEIL
Is that what you want us to be?
TODD
Yes.
NEIL
Good, me too.
Both boys smile.
INT. ENGLISH CLASSROOM-DAY
The boys sit silently in their seats. Mr. Keating sits at his desk, a somber look on his face.
KEATING
So, finals are quickly approaching.
The boys groan. Keating smiles.
KEATING
Now, in your other classes you will be sitting through grueling exams. But not in here.
The boys perk up.
KEATING
In here, we have already established that poetry and literature are somewhat subjunctive, and therefore cannot be tested. So, instead of taking a test I want you to break into groups of two or three. In these groups you will choose a poem from our textbook and give a dramatic reading. Please use the rest of class to get into groups and discuss which poem you would like to work with.
The boys stare at Mr. Keating in disbelief.
KEATING
Well, go on then.
The boys scramble into action. Todd and Neil make eye contact and smile broadly. Neil moves towards Todd's desk. Charlie and Knox can be seen sitting together, and Pitts and Meeks have their heads bent together, deep in conversation. Mr. Keating walks around the room, making sure everyone has a group. When Mr. Keating reaches Todd and Neil, he pauses.
KEATING
Neil, have you talked to your mother yet?
NEIL
Not yet, Captain. I'm planning on calling her this afternoon.
KEATING
Very good. If you want to talk, you know where to find me.
NEIL
Thank you, Captain.
Mr. Keating turns to Todd.
KEATING
Todd, don't think you're getting away easy by partnering with Neil. He may be an actor, but that doesn't mean you can just let him do all the work.
TODD
Yes, Captain.
INT. TODD AND NEIL'S ROOM-AFTERNOON
Todd and Neil are sitting together on Neil's bed, holding hands. One textbook sits across both of their laps, and both of them are reading from it in an attempt to study for an exam.
TODD
Neil?
NEIL
Hm?
TODD
What are you going to do for winter break? You can't go home...
NEIL
[suddenly looking scared]
I...I don't know.
TODD
Do, do you want me to ask my parents if you can come stay with us?
When Neil speaks his voice is unsure.
NEIL
What do you think they'll say?
TODD
I...have no idea. But it doesn't hurt to ask, right? Carpe diem and all of that? And anyway, the break is usually so awful, I really like the idea of having you there to make it more enjoyable.
Todd smiles shyly. Neil smiles broadly.
NEIL
In that case, I would love it if you asked your parents.
Todd closes the textbook, and stands up, pulling Neil with him
TODD
Come on, then. You still have to talk to your mother, too.
Neil, with a terrified look on his face resists Todd's pull towards the door.
NEIL
I don't want to.
TODD
But you have to.
NEIL
Why?
TODD
[his tone slightly harsh]
Don't you want to be on good terms with your mother? Or would you rather be parentless?
NEIL
...what? How...how do you...how do you manage to say things like that without me taking offense?
TODD
It's...it's because I care about you, a lot.
Neil opens his mouth to respond, but is cut off by a knock on the door. Neil squeezes Todd's hand before dropping it.
NEIL
It's open!
The door opens to reveal Mrs. Perry. Neil's eyes open in shock.
NEIL
[mumbling] Fancy that.
[louder] Hello mother. I...I was just about to call you.
Mrs. Perry looks unsurely at Todd. Todd appears uncomfortable, as if he feels like he is imposing.
TODD
I-I'm going to go c-call my parents.
Neil nods as Todd leaves the room. Todd closes the door on his way out.
MRS. PERRY
Neil, darling, I'm here to apologize for the way your father acted the other night.
NEIL
Mother, you don't have to apologize. You, you don't agree with father about my acting, do you?
MRS. PERRY
No, darling, I...it was always your father who wanted you to be a doctor. I want you to be well off enough that you don't have to struggle to make ends meet, but I also want you to be happy. No matter what happens Neil, you'll always be my son. I want what is best for you, and honestly I think the best thing for you to do is to keep your distance from your father and I for a while. The holidays will be very different this year, and as much as it breaks my heart to say this, I think it's what's best for all of us.
Neil has tears in his eyes.
NEIL
Mother...Thank you.
MRS. PERRY
You're welcome, darling. I've talked to your aunt Ida about all of this, and she is very willing to let you stay with her for your break.
NEIL
Oh, I...Todd, well he...he's asking his parents if I can stay with them. Could...could I?
MRS. PERRY
If they'll have you, I don't see why not.
NEIL
[smiling broadly]
Thank you, mother.
Neil hugs his mother. There is a knock on the door.
TODD
[who we hear through the door]
Can...can I come in?
Neil walks over to the door and opens it.
NEIL
You don't have to ask, silly. It's your room too.
TODD
I know, but I didn't want to impose on anything. Sorry, Mrs. Perry.
MRS. PERRY
It's quite alright. Neil and I were just finishing anyway. Neil tells me that your family might be willing to give him a place to stay over the break?
TODD
Yes, ma'am. My-my parents said that Neil is welcome to stay with us.
Todd turns to Neil.
TODD
I-I was vague about the reason you need somewhere to stay. I d-didn't want to tell them what happened without your permission.
NEIL
Thank you.
MRS. PERRY
Tell your parents thank you for me. I appreciate all of this very much.
TODD
Yes ma'am.
MRS. PERRY
Neil darling, good-bye for now. Hopefully by the time summer rolls around, things will have worked themselves out.
NEIL
Yeah. Good-bye, mother.