Disclaimer: I do not own Dead Poets Society. Otherwise I wouldn't be writing fanfiction.
INT. ENGLISH CLASSROOM-AFTERNOON
Class hasn't started yet, and student are milling around the room. Todd is sitting at his desk, and talking to Neil, who is standing next to the desk. Mr. Keating walks over to the two.
KEATING
Well, Todd, have you made your decision yet?
TODD
Yeah, I'm going to do it.
KEATING
Wonderful. I would like to come and see you perform, if you don't object.
TODD
Oh..no, I don't mind.
Keating smiles broadly at Todd, before turning to the entire class.
KEATING
Alright, lads, let's get started!
INT. STUDENT LOUNGE-AFTERNOON
Todd and Neil are sitting in the mostly empty student lounge, studying. The rest of the Dead Poets walk in together.
PITTS
Hey, Todd, heard you're going to be in that poetry reading thing.
TODD
Yeah.
PITTS
That's so cool!
TODD
Thanks, Pitts.
The Dead Poets sit down.
MEEKS
We get to go, right?
TODD
Of course.
CHARLIE
Good, because we'd come even if you didn't want us to.
Todd blanches. Neil squeezes Todd's knee under the table. Todd smiles slightly at the encouragement from Neil. Todd turns to Neil.
TODD
Hey, Neil, will you go down to the library with me this weekend? I need to sign up for the poetry reading.
NEIL
Sounds like fun!
INT. PUBLIC LIBRARY-AFTERNOON
Todd and Neil walk into the library. Todd has Diffracting Darkness in his hand. He puts it in the "return" bin, looking a bit sad.
NEIL
Why so sad?
TODD
It's just a good book. I wish I could keep it.
NEIL
Buy a copy.
TODD
My parents don't give me any pocket money.
NEIL
Oh, I never got any either. Especially not since getting disowned...Should we go get you signed up?
TODD
Yeah.
Todd marches up to the desk, oddly confident. The librarian, who is a little old lady with her gray hair tied in a bun and glasses perched on her nose.
LIBRARIAN
How can I help you?
TODD
I'd like to sign up for the poetry reading.
LIBRARIAN
Okay, sweetie, what's your name?
TODD
Todd Anderson.
The librarian writes Todd's name down on a list.
LIBRARIAN
Thanks sweetie, you're all set. See you in three weeks!
TODD
Thank you.
Neil watches this whole exchange from a few feet away. When Todd is standing next to him again Neil speaks.
NEIL
Look at you, being all confident.
Todd just smiles.
INT. TODD AND NEIL'S ROOM-MORNING
Todd and Neil are in the process of getting ready for class.
NEIL
So, do you know which poem you'll be performing yet?
TODD
[smiling]
Mm-hm.
NEIL
Are you gonna tell me?
TODD
I want it to be a surprise.
NEIL
Oh, ok.
TODD
[bashfully]
Can...I tell you something?
NEIL
Todd, you know you can tell me anything.
TODD
I'm really nervous.
Neil engulfs Todd in a hug, chuckling.
NEIL
Of course you're nervous.
TODD
Aren't you supposed to comfort me? Tell me there's nothing to be nervous about?
NEIL
What, and lie to you? Of course there are things to be nervous about. Not that you should be, you'll do brilliantly. But it is very understandable for you to be nervous.
TODD
You're not helping...
NEIL
Oh, don't you worry your pretty little head, this is only the beginning of Operation Make Todd Un-Nervous.
TODD
[chuckling]
I love you.
NEIL
Love you too.
INT. ENGLISH CLASSROOM-AFTERNOON
Class has just ended. All of the boys are rushing off to chemistry, except for Todd, who hangs back.
KEATING
Get going, Todd, you don't want to be late.
TODD
I was actually wondering if I could talk to you later today about the poetry reading. I-I need some tips on dealing with stage fright.
KEATING
I'd love to tell you everything I know. Come see me in my office sometime this evening, and I'll tell you all my secrets.
TODD
Thank you, Captain.
KEATING
Any time, Mr. Anderson.
INT. CHEMISTRY CLASSROOM-AFTERNOON
Class is in full swing. Todd shows up late again, and again he manages to slip into his seat without the teacher noticing.
NEIL
[whispering]
Welcome to class, ninja.
Todd smiles, shaking his head slightly.
INT. STUDENT LOUNGE-EVENING
The Dead Poets are sitting around, doing homework. Todd suddenly slams his textbook shut and stands up.
NEIL
Where are you going?
TODD
To talk to Mr. Keating.
NEIL
Why?
TODD
He's going to give me some advice on battling my performance anxiety.
NEIL
[clearly upset about something]
Oh...okay.
Todd walks out of the student lounge. The Dead Poets shout "advice" after him.
KNOX
Fall in love with a girl, write her a love poem, have her come, and then pretend that she's the only person in the audience!
PITTS
Do an interpretive dance!
CHARLIE
Imagine the whole audience naked!
INT. KEATING'S OFFICE-EVENING
The door is open. Mr. Keating is sitting at his desk. Todd appears in the doorway. Todd clears his throat.
TODD
Captain...? Can I come in?
KEATING
Of course Mr. Anderson, come right in! Close the door on your way in, and have a seat.
Todd does as Mr. Keating says.
KEATING
So, performance anxiety. Believe it or not, something I used to deal with.
TODD
Really?
KEATING
Yes, which is lucky for you, because it means that the advice I give you will have come from experience, and be proven to work.
TODD
Thank goodness.
KEATING
What do you experience when you're nervous?
TODD
It becomes hard to breathe, and my mind goes blank.
KEATING
Symptoms I, myself, have experienced. The most important thing to do is to remember to breathe. I know, I know, easier said than done. Practice. Practice controlling your breath. I know it sounds silly, but I promise you, it helps. As for the mind going blank thing, the best thing you can do is to prepare yourself as much as possible. Read through your poem so many times that you could recite it in your sleep. Read it out loud, even if just to an empty room. Breathe, acquaint yourself with your poem as much as you can.
TODD
Thanks, Captain, I think that'll really help.
KEATING
Any time, Todd, any time. I'm looking forward to this event.
TODD
Me too, even though it scares me out of my mind.
INT. STUDENT LOUNGE-EVENING
The Dead Poets are sitting where they were when Todd left. They are having a very heated argument about something. Todd sits down in the seat he vacated not too long ago. The Dead Poets don't really seem to notice Todd's return, except Neil, who reaches to grasp Todd's hand under the table. After a few more minutes of arguing the rest of the Dead Poets realize Todd is back.
KNOX
Todd, you're back!
Todd nods.
CHARLIE
How long have you been sitting there? I didn't notice you walk in.
NEIL
Oh, he's been here for a while. He's just got mad awesome ninja skills.
PITTS
Oh, is that so.
NEIL
Yep!
INT. TODD AND NEIL'S ROOM-NIGHT
Todd and Neil are snuggling in Todd's bed.
NEIL
I thought that was my job.
TODD
What's your job?
NEIL
Helping you get over your performance anxiety.
TODD
Neil...that's not anybody's job.
NEIL
But..Operation Make Todd Un-Nervous. I had so many things planned...but then you went to talk to Mr. Keating, so all of your problems are solved, and...
TODD
Neil, Neil, Neil...just stop, okay? Yes, I talked to Mr. Keating, and yes, he gave me some helpful advice, but I'm still scared out of my mind about all of this.
NEIL
So, Operation Make Todd Un-Nervous is still a go?
TODD
Yes, 'Operation Make Todd Un-Nervous' is still a go. But right now I just want you to hold me while I fall asleep.
NEIL
I think I can make that happen.