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INT FRONT STAGE DUSK
Loud cheers outburst towards the stage
ANNOUNCER
And the winner of battle of the
bands is...
The cameras zoom out.
Frank and Gerard stare at each other with eyes squinted.
ANNOUNCER
Pencey Prep!
Frank turns to his band with a smug look.
FRANK
This has been a rad journey
for me and my band. Thank you to
all our loyal fans!
The camera zooms into Gerard's face as he slowly claps for his opponent. They walk to each other and shake hands. Gerard
quickly pulls his hand back and swiftly walks backstage. Not turning again to look back at Frank who rolls his eyes.
1 INT BACKSTAGE DUSK 1
Gerard grumbles as he storms around backstage. He crouches down by a bench, shoving things angrily into his bag.
GERARD
Stupid competition stupid Frank.
Gerard mumbles under their breath.
FRANK
Sorry man! Seems like your band
simply isn't good enough! Must
hurt.
Gerard spins on their heels and turns to see Frank leaning up against a doorway with a smirk. Looming over Gerard.
GERARD
At least I was actually singing
(Gerard mutters)
Gerard turns away from Frank, continuing to pack his things along with continuing to grumble insults under their breath. Gerard then stands up grabbing his bag and clutching it close.
FRANK
Repeat that for me sweetheart?
He saunters up to Gerard and looks up at him.
GERARD
I said, at least i was actually
singing and not screaming and
rolling around like a dog.
Frank scoffs with a dry laugh.
FRANK
Yet who's band is celebrating right
now?
GERARD
We both know votes were rigged man,
I'm sure you could tell me the last
names and favorite bars of all three judges.
A smile crawls onto Franks face and he walked to the vanity
wiping dust off of it.
FRANK
Am I sensing a hint of jealousy?
Not a team player are you?
Frank continues to wipe dust off the vanity and then turns back around leaning back on it to look at Gerard.
GERARD
Trust me, the only thing you're
"sensing" is your fat ego.
Gerard mockingly acts like frank and spins around waving his bag on the air.
Franks face goes red with anger.
FRANK
Actually, what the fuck is wrong
with you? Like seriously.
Frank tries to cover up his anger and a sly smile crawls back onto his face.
FRANK
I know you're jealous but this is
just pathetic, dude!
Gerard smiles a Frank still taking notice of his obvious anger.
GERARD
Sure dude. We know my band is
better. You're just a cheating scum
bag with bad opinions.
FRANK
You are just such a SORE LOSER!
GERARD
You know what's worse than a sore loser, Frank?
Gerard moves closer to Frank.
GERARD
A sore winner with bad opinions who spews nonsense in front of stupid cameras.
Gerard's cockiness fades and Frank notices. Frank tries to keep the facade up. And grins wider but uncertainty flashes across his face.
FRANK
I mean you're going to have to
specify, I'm in front of cameras
all day long.
A grimace crossed Gerard's face as he looked at Frank with hurt and disgust.
GERARD
Maybe being in-front of cameras all
day has its consequences
Gerard looks back at the floor with an eye roll
FRANK
And that's supposed to mean what?
GERARD
Frank, the interview, that stupid
interview.
FRANK
Okay you know what Gerard, I'm so
sorry I made a joke that hurt your your little feelings.
Frank mutters sarcastically and rolls his eyes at Gerard. Frank examines Gerard's outfit up and down with a judgmental look. He then looks up at Gerard's face and sees genuine
hurt.
FRANK
I was just joking.
Gerard just looked at him with sad eyes.
FRANK
You know I didn't mean it, right?
GERARD
It doesn't matter if you were
joking. It still hurt. And got me
into trouble.
Franks eyes widened.
FRANK
What got you into trouble?
GERARD
That stupid joke about… being ya know…
Gerard looked down at his hands and picked at their nails.
GERARD
After one of the shows, some guys
found me packing up out back...
Frank looked at Gerard, shell-shocked.
FRANK
What happened?
Gerard just shrugged and bit at his nails.
FRANK
I'm so sorry Gerard. I... I didn't
mean... I didn't think.
GERARD
It's not like you think about any
decision you make.
Gerard stops biting their nails and squints at Frank. Wiling the tears welling up in his eyes to go away.
FRANK
I guess I deserve that.
He starts to grin and almost laughs.
GERARD
So you were joking?
FRANK
Sudden mood change, huh?
GERARD
Apparently it's not a good thing to
seem vulnerable to your biggest
rival.
Gerard shrugs.
Franks head jerks back with a shocked face.
FRANK
You amaze me you know that?
GERARD
You sure a homosexual should amaze
you?
Gerard pushes against the studios wall and slides down to sit.
FRANK
I don't know, (Frank tilts his head
to his right shoulder) have I ever
amazed you?
Gerard blinks and looks down picking at his nails with a small flush on their cheeks.
GERARD
What is that supposed to mean...?
(awkward silence)
Gerard gets a box of cigarettes out of his left pocket and pulls out one for himself.
FRANK
What do you think it means?
Frank continues to quickly steal a cigarette from Gerard's box.
FRANK
Thanks.
GERARD
It's on the house.
(awkward silence)
FRANK
I'm sorry for using that against
you.
Frank looks at Gerard and sighs.
FRANK
I know you told me when you were
drunk.
Gerard shrugs.
GERARD
What did I tell you anyway?
Gerard knows what Frank said but he looks at Frank like he wants to hear it from his mouth.
FRANK
It was late anyway Gerard if you
don't remember, I'm sure you didn't
mean to tell me.
Frank rubs his face.
GERARD
You should tell me anyway. I have a right to know.
FRANK
I mean, you trusted me. You told me
you're gay.
Gerard's inhaled deeply into his cigarette.
GERARD
(chuckles awkwardly)
Wish this could kick in quicker.
FRANK
Seriously, I'm really sorry. You
WERE vulnerable. I should have kept
my promise.
Gerard smiles softly at Frank.
GERARD
Oh and just so you know, you do
amaze me.
Frank takes another drag to his cigarette. They both quickly look up as someone who enters the room and scramble away from each other.
ANTHONY
Fraank! Hey man how're you feeling?
Confusion washes over his face as he sees Frank and Gerard quickly move away from each other. A smirk then replaces the confusion as he scoffs at Gerard. With a joking smile on his face he gestures to Gerard.
ANTHONY
Good show! Not so good competition though!
Frank winces and looks over at Gerard who rolls his eyes.
GERARD
Says you.
Frank stares blankly at the both of them.
FRANK
Ladies, ladies (he says
sarcastically)
Frank sticks out his hands in defense.
GERARD & ANTHONY
Oh shut up dude.
Franks lets out a laugh in satisfaction.
Gerard's face softens
ANTHONY
Okay love birds, break it up.
Frank scoffs and Gerard's face flushes. Gerard walks over to his bag and picks it up starting to head to the door.
GERARD
Well, I'll see you guys around I
guess. Bye Frank.
Gerard waves and walks out the door letting it slam behind him. Frank watches him walk out and then turns to Anthony.
FRANK
Man, why'd you scare him off dude?
ANTHONY
Did you tell him yet?
Frank groans and stands up rubbing his eyes.
FRANK
No. You interrupted us. And I was too busy being cocky.
Anthony chuckles and motions towards the door.
ANTHONY
Then go say it to him dude! He's definitely still out there finishing his cigarette.
Frank shrugs and stands up. He waves and Anthony and walks quickly to the door.
FRANK
I will.
5 INT. ALLEY WAY - NIGHT 5
FRANK
Glad we made it out, we were about
to make the smoke alarms go off!
Frank chuckles off the silence
Gerard drops his cigarette to the floors and stomps it out with their foot.
FRANK
You know, Anthony was just joking... about the bad competition thing.
GERARD
I know. It was just getting stuffy
in there.
Frank walks over to him and slumps up against the wall craning his neck to watch Gerard. He lets out a puff of cold air and shoves his hands into his pant pockets.
GERARD
You cold?
Frank shrugs but his chattering teeth give him away.
GERARD
Its the middle of fall in New
Jersey, man. Why'd you wear the shortest tightest shirt you could find?
Frank chuckles and pulls his hands out to flip Gerard off.
FRANK
Cause I look good in it dude.
Gerard scoffs and smiles at him.
GERARD
I was lying through my teeth by the
way.
Frank cocks his head at them.
FRANK
What do you mean?
GERARD
You sounded great tonight.
Frank blushes and turns away from Gerard.
FRANK
Thanks, man. You did too. As per always.
A rat crawls out from under the dumpster and Gerard screams while grabbing frank and pushing him towards the rat.
GERARD
(yelling) Holy shit!
FRANK
What the hell man? What'd u think was goanna happen?
GERARD
It just startled me!
Frank laughs and shoos the rat away with his shoe.
FRANK
Well dang man! Why'd you push me near it? What did I do!
GERARD
It was my first reaction, I don't know?
Frank pulls his shirt down, where it was riding up and shivers again.
GERARD
Dude i know your cold.
FRANK
No I'm used to the new jersey
weather.
Frank waves in the air and puffs up trying to look big. Then quickly deflates and wraps his arms around his exposed middle.
GERARD
Okay, shut up and stop lying.
Gerard starts pulling his arms out of the sleeves of his hoodie.
FRANK
No dude seriously I'm fine I
promise!
Gerard fully removes his hoodie and puts his arm out towards Frank offering his hoodie to Frank with a kind smile on their face.
GERARD
Take it.
Frank looks tempted at the hoodie. He then groans and yanks it out of Gerard's hand.
FRANK
Thanks.
Frank smiles at Gerard and quickly pulls it over his head.
GERARD
Warm now?
Frank rubs his hands together and blows his breath into them.
FRANK
Yeah, thanks again.
GERARD
Looks good on you, but don't think you get to keep it. That's my favorite hoodie.
FRANK
Hm, that's why it's smells so bad.
Frank jokingly takes a whiff and fake cringes. Gerard rolls his eyes and blushes again.
GERARD
Oh shoot.
Gerard feels the pockets of his pants and then looks around on the floor.
GERARD
Where's my cigarettes?
Frank look's at Gerard with concern.
FRANK
Here I'll go find them.
Frank goes inside and leaves the door open out back.
6 INT. INT BACKSTAGE NIGHT 6
Frank rolls his shoulders and looks around on the floor for the box of cigarettes.
ANTHONY
Hey man, where's the other love
bird? And is that their jacket? Oooo boy!
FRANK
Shut it Anthony. Its not like that, or even if it was...
Frank pauses for a moment.
ANTHONY
I don't need to here your explanation Frank. What are you looking for?
Frank looks up and squints at Anthony.
FRANK
A box. A box of cigarettes.
ANTHONY
Oh, these?
Anthony picks up an open box of cigarettes that was under the bench.
FRANK
Yeah! (his face lights up) thanks.
ANTHONY
No problemo dude, make sure you use
protection.
Anthony winks at Frank and grins. Frank gives him the middle finger and walks back outside, realizing the door was open.
7 INT. ALLEY WAY- NIGHT 7
FRANK
Shit- uh hey I got your box.
GERARD
(looking flustered) Oh yeah
thanks...
Frank puts his head down and looks at his hands wondering if Gerard heard anything.
GERARD
Did he... mean what he said?
Franks lifts his head and his eyes widen his face going slightly red.
FRANK
Uh.. who?
Gerard jerks his head back at the door.
GERARD
Anthony.
FRANK
What? No Gerard, your great competition we've gone over this.
Gerard raises an eyebrow and shifts more towards Frank.
GERARD
Right.
Gerard's features narrow.
FRANK
I mean, competition is always better than having an easy win.
Gerard's licks his lips from them being chapped. Frank stares openly at Gerard, acting clueless.
GERARD
I wasn't talking about earlier.
FRANK
Then what were you talking about?
Gerard shoves his hands in his pockets.
GERARD
I don't know, you tell me Frank. where's the other bird?
Frank finally understand what Gerard's saying
he laughs.
FRANK
Oh no, he was just joking (he laughs nervously) I mean I do NOT like you.
Franks face goes red again and he starts nibbling on his fingers.
GERARD
Excuse me? Last time I remember MY (HE YELLS)
Friend isn’t the one making gay jokes about us!
FRANK
Give me a break Gerard he's just joking, are you seriously that offended?
Gerard glares at Frank.
FRANK
I mean come on. You couldn't possibly be lucky enough to have the interest of the battle of the bands one and only winner.
Frank points at himself smirking, and directs his body towards Gerard.
FRANK
Cheer up! Keep a positive mood man.
GERARD
You know what Frank? Screw you. Honestly. Who even are you?
Gerard's face twists into hurt as he moves further away from Frank.
FRANK
God I wish that rat had rabies and
bit me.
Gerard refusing to look at Frank yanks the pack of cigarettes open tears pricking at their eyes.
FRANK
Listen dude, it was just a joke and we both know that.
GERARD
Do we?
Gerard pushes himself off the wall and walks off to smoke another cigarette. Frank stays where he is and throws his hands up a little watching at Gerard pulls his lighter back out and fumbles with it.
FRANK
(he raises his voice) Why do you
even care so much dude?
Gerard proceeds to flip off frank from behind him.
FRANK
I know I'm hot stuff but damn!
Gerard pauses from lighting the cigarette in his mouth and turns around.
GERARD
You know what Frank?
He pauses and looks wildly at Frank.
FRANK
Uh, what?
GERARD
Fuck you! Actually fuck you. Your such a jerk, you think your so cool and everyone wants you but in reality NO ONE DOES. Your just a washed up loser in a shitty punk band.
Frank throws his hands up higher and storms over to Gerard.
FRANK
Why are you so upset? About that stupid homophobic joke I made a then me saying, what, that I don't like you? Why do you care so much!
Gerard's face goes red and he opens his mouth to say something but shuts it again. Gerard then drops his head and looks at his feet.
GERARD
Come on man, you know why.
Frank not really hearing Gerard continues to rant.
FRANK
Like who cares dude! Who cares that your gay! I'm bi, we're all friends here! It was just a JOKE.
Gerard looks up shocked and his eyes go wide. Frank paces around and waves his hands wildly.
FRANK
I'm always just joking! I'm joking you KNOW that I like you dude. Why do you think I've gone to every
single one of your shows, huh? You think I was there to gloat? You’re such an idiot Gerard!
Gerard’s jaw drops and he starts to blush hard.
GERARD
What.
Franks face falls and a few tears roll down his face. Gerard quickly lurches to him and grabs him by the hoodie smashing his lips to Frank's. Frank's eyes go wide but he quickly leans into Gerard grabbing his arms. Gerard then leans back as his face turns a deep red.
GERARD
I'm sorry. For um not realizing sooner. We could have been doing a lot more than fighting.
Gerard laughs softly as Frank just stares at him. Frank leans in and kisses Gerard again.
FRANK
Its fine. It’s so fine.
Frank and Gerard stare at each other blushing. They jump a little as Anthony walks outside and looks at them smiling.
ANTHONY
Night guys!