Well, here we are...our big love scene. Our two leads have finally met and it is clearly love at first sight. There are lots of ways we can go about this. Do they throw each other around right out of the gate; or do we prolong it a little more?
Like, Sam and Diane...let's get them sparring and then watch the sparks fly? My impulse is to do it now; but I think it really needs to happen after they bond both fighting and playing music together. I've also been wondering about the tone of the scene. Do we want like, hot and nasty Paul Verhoeven type sex? Do we want a more comedic tone, where the sex is a kind of frenetic slapstick, so to speak? Or, since the two men have never been with another man before, wouldn't it be awkward to some degree; and thus, inherently comedic? I suppose you could direct the scene in various ways...I mean, as long as Adam and Domhnall were willing to give it a go...or two.
So, we're really not quite to the big moment yet.
CUT TO:
INT. -GYM -DAWN
Paddy is working out in a small gym on the ground floor of his apartment building. A brief montage: furiously jumping rope. Furiously pummeling a speed bag. Fiercely doing crunches. Ferociously doing push-ups. We can hear his GRUNTING. Sweat flies!
CUT TO:
EXT. -STREET -MORNING
Paddy on a London street in a hoodie, running and jabbing while he does. We hear his steady, measured BREATHING.
He slows down as he approaches his building. He sees Ick come down the stairs and climb into the back of a Rolls Royce which then drives off.
CUT TO:
INT. PADDY AND KELLY'S APARTMENT -DAY
The door opens and Paddy comes in. The place is a combination of a tough guy's minimalism and an artistic woman's slightly gothic sensibilities. He passes through the living room and into the kitchen.
CUT TO:
INT. KITCHEN -DAY
Kelly is sitting at a kitchen island, sipping tea as she scrolls through her phone. Paddy goes to the fridge and opens it.
KELLY
Morning, Pad.
PADDY
G'morning.
He gets a glass for his chocolate milk and sits across from her. She's humming Heart's "Magic Man." He grabs a piece of her toast.
PADDY
You're in a good mood...
KELLY
You say that like I'm never in one.
PADDY
I mean, like, extra good. Like Singing in the Rain good.
KELLY
If you say so.
PADDY
I just ran into a friend of ours on the street.
KELLY
Who?
PADDY
A little birdie...
KELLY
(Looking up from phone; getting it. She smiles) Nothing happened. He was elephants.
PADDY
Was he now?
KELLY
Beyond bevvied. But I did see him naked...(She opens her eyes wide).
PADDY
So have I love.
She wads up a napkin and throws it at him.
PADDY
Are you going down to the pub tonight?
KELLY
I don't know...
PADDY
You should come out. You can bear witness to my musical debut.
KELLY
Well then, I wouldn't miss it. So tell me Paddy, what does that birthmark on Ick's bum resemble to you?
PADDY
A fife and drum, naturally.
KELLY
Oh, that's good!
Paddy chuckles and drains his glass.
CUT TO:
CLOSE-UP of Henry's phone screen. We can see Donna in her dressing room at the Golden Banana.
DONNA
I'm so excited to see you!
HENRY
Me too.
DONNA
Guess what?
HENRY
What?
DONNA
Stacey is coming with us!
HENRY
Really, why?
STACEY
(O/S) Don't sound so thrilled Hank.
On the screen we see the camera turn to where Stacey is doing her make-up.
HENRY
Hey Stacey. No, I think it's great. You and Donna can see the sights, 'cuz I'm gonna be working my ass off.
STACEY
Hey, I work my ass off too--
She starts twerking.
DONNA
Stacey! (Quickly turning the camera back to herself). I talked her into it. You know she's never even been out of Massachusetts?
HENRY
I believe it. She's such a homey girl.
STACEY
(O/S) I can still hear you...
DONNA
Where are you right now?
HENRY
(Showing her his surroundings) I'm outside of a pub...
DONNA
Oh, cool, it's one of those red phone booths! Why are there books in it?
HENRY
They've turned most of them into those little libraries--
Paddy, carrying his bodhran, comes into the shot.
PADDY
Hup ye boy ye!
HENRY
Donna, this is Paddy. I'm gonna be working with him--
PADDY
Hello there Donna!
DONNA
Hi!
PADDY
I'll try not to bruise him too much!
DONNA
You better not! Well, I should get going.
HERNY
Okay. Love you.
But Donna has already hung up. Paddy opens the door.
PADDY
After you my good man.
They go into the pub.
Like, Sam and Diane...let's get them sparring and then watch the sparks fly? My impulse is to do it now; but I think it really needs to happen after they bond both fighting and playing music together. I've also been wondering about the tone of the scene. Do we want like, hot and nasty Paul Verhoeven type sex? Do we want a more comedic tone, where the sex is a kind of frenetic slapstick, so to speak? Or, since the two men have never been with another man before, wouldn't it be awkward to some degree; and thus, inherently comedic? I suppose you could direct the scene in various ways...I mean, as long as Adam and Domhnall were willing to give it a go...or two.
So, we're really not quite to the big moment yet.
CUT TO:
INT. -GYM -DAWN
Paddy is working out in a small gym on the ground floor of his apartment building. A brief montage: furiously jumping rope. Furiously pummeling a speed bag. Fiercely doing crunches. Ferociously doing push-ups. We can hear his GRUNTING. Sweat flies!
CUT TO:
EXT. -STREET -MORNING
Paddy on a London street in a hoodie, running and jabbing while he does. We hear his steady, measured BREATHING.
He slows down as he approaches his building. He sees Ick come down the stairs and climb into the back of a Rolls Royce which then drives off.
CUT TO:
INT. PADDY AND KELLY'S APARTMENT -DAY
The door opens and Paddy comes in. The place is a combination of a tough guy's minimalism and an artistic woman's slightly gothic sensibilities. He passes through the living room and into the kitchen.
CUT TO:
INT. KITCHEN -DAY
Kelly is sitting at a kitchen island, sipping tea as she scrolls through her phone. Paddy goes to the fridge and opens it.
KELLY
Morning, Pad.
PADDY
G'morning.
He gets a glass for his chocolate milk and sits across from her. She's humming Heart's "Magic Man." He grabs a piece of her toast.
PADDY
You're in a good mood...
KELLY
You say that like I'm never in one.
PADDY
I mean, like, extra good. Like Singing in the Rain good.
KELLY
If you say so.
PADDY
I just ran into a friend of ours on the street.
KELLY
Who?
PADDY
A little birdie...
KELLY
(Looking up from phone; getting it. She smiles) Nothing happened. He was elephants.
PADDY
Was he now?
KELLY
Beyond bevvied. But I did see him naked...(She opens her eyes wide).
PADDY
So have I love.
She wads up a napkin and throws it at him.
PADDY
Are you going down to the pub tonight?
KELLY
I don't know...
PADDY
You should come out. You can bear witness to my musical debut.
KELLY
Well then, I wouldn't miss it. So tell me Paddy, what does that birthmark on Ick's bum resemble to you?
PADDY
A fife and drum, naturally.
KELLY
Oh, that's good!
Paddy chuckles and drains his glass.
CUT TO:
CLOSE-UP of Henry's phone screen. We can see Donna in her dressing room at the Golden Banana.
DONNA
I'm so excited to see you!
HENRY
Me too.
DONNA
Guess what?
HENRY
What?
DONNA
Stacey is coming with us!
HENRY
Really, why?
STACEY
(O/S) Don't sound so thrilled Hank.
On the screen we see the camera turn to where Stacey is doing her make-up.
HENRY
Hey Stacey. No, I think it's great. You and Donna can see the sights, 'cuz I'm gonna be working my ass off.
STACEY
Hey, I work my ass off too--
She starts twerking.
DONNA
Stacey! (Quickly turning the camera back to herself). I talked her into it. You know she's never even been out of Massachusetts?
HENRY
I believe it. She's such a homey girl.
STACEY
(O/S) I can still hear you...
DONNA
Where are you right now?
HENRY
(Showing her his surroundings) I'm outside of a pub...
DONNA
Oh, cool, it's one of those red phone booths! Why are there books in it?
HENRY
They've turned most of them into those little libraries--
Paddy, carrying his bodhran, comes into the shot.
PADDY
Hup ye boy ye!
HENRY
Donna, this is Paddy. I'm gonna be working with him--
PADDY
Hello there Donna!
DONNA
Hi!
PADDY
I'll try not to bruise him too much!
DONNA
You better not! Well, I should get going.
HERNY
Okay. Love you.
But Donna has already hung up. Paddy opens the door.
PADDY
After you my good man.
They go into the pub.
CUT TO:
INT. WHITECROSS PUB -NIGHT
A section of the pub is now a make-shift musical area. Paddy and Ick, with their drums and Henry with his Turkish shepherd's pipe are seated with other musicians. Classical Celtic instruments abound. Uilleann pipes, flute, tin whistle, fiddle, concertina, Irish harp, banjo...etc. Sean, Cal, Danny and Kelly are in the audience. John the bartender steps up to the mic.
JOHN
Welcome, everyone, to our Thursday night Celtic Classic open-mic. If you'd like to sing, come and see me at the bar. Most of these lads and lassies know most of the standard tunes, so you might want to stick with them. We have some new musicians with us tonight, one of whom is a celebrity; you may know Mr. Paddy O'Riada world renowned mixed martial arts fighter!
He gestures to Paddy and the audience APPLAUDS. Paddy shakes his hands, eschewing the attention.
JOHN
And this fellow here is Mr. Henry Notlad--(Danny claps and CHEERS from the audience) Henry is playing what he tells me is a Turkish pipe, which sounds a bit suspicious to me; but I'm sure it's a delight. So, I give you our first customer...(He looks at his note-pad) What do you know? Mr. Paddy O'Riada, singing, "The Black Velvet Band."
Paddy stands and goes to the mic as the audience CLAPS and the band starts.
DANNY
He sings?
SEAN
News to me!
KELLY
You've never heard him sing, Sean?
SEAN
No. Never. Well, maybe humming along to the radio and certainly not at the top of his lungs.
KELLY
He does it all the time in the shower--
SEAN
Well the shower isn't a Public House!
KELLY
He's really good!
SEAN
You're having a bubble, Kel!
INT. WHITECROSS PUB -NIGHT
A section of the pub is now a make-shift musical area. Paddy and Ick, with their drums and Henry with his Turkish shepherd's pipe are seated with other musicians. Classical Celtic instruments abound. Uilleann pipes, flute, tin whistle, fiddle, concertina, Irish harp, banjo...etc. Sean, Cal, Danny and Kelly are in the audience. John the bartender steps up to the mic.
JOHN
Welcome, everyone, to our Thursday night Celtic Classic open-mic. If you'd like to sing, come and see me at the bar. Most of these lads and lassies know most of the standard tunes, so you might want to stick with them. We have some new musicians with us tonight, one of whom is a celebrity; you may know Mr. Paddy O'Riada world renowned mixed martial arts fighter!
He gestures to Paddy and the audience APPLAUDS. Paddy shakes his hands, eschewing the attention.
JOHN
And this fellow here is Mr. Henry Notlad--(Danny claps and CHEERS from the audience) Henry is playing what he tells me is a Turkish pipe, which sounds a bit suspicious to me; but I'm sure it's a delight. So, I give you our first customer...(He looks at his note-pad) What do you know? Mr. Paddy O'Riada, singing, "The Black Velvet Band."
Paddy stands and goes to the mic as the audience CLAPS and the band starts.
DANNY
He sings?
SEAN
News to me!
KELLY
You've never heard him sing, Sean?
SEAN
No. Never. Well, maybe humming along to the radio and certainly not at the top of his lungs.
KELLY
He does it all the time in the shower--
SEAN
Well the shower isn't a Public House!
KELLY
He's really good!
SEAN
You're having a bubble, Kel!
Paddy launches into the song with gusto and has a surprisingly operatic style.
KELLY
(Nudging Sean) See? I told you!
SEAN
What's gotten into him lately?
KELLY
I think he's coming out of his shell...or in love...or maybe just coming out...
SEAN
(Looks at her, incredulously) What? You're daft Kelly!
KELLY
Has he ever had a sweetheart?
SEAN
Well, sure. Let's see...there was...no wait a minute, she was just a mate...Oh, I know! Kate Sullivan!
KELLY
Roight, when he was in Year 3...
CAL
I think you're on to something Kelly...
SEAN
My brother is not gay!
CAL
So what if he is?
DANNY
(A little TMI for him) Uhhm, I need a refill...
He stands and heads for the bar.
PADDY
Everybody, you know the chorus...sing with me..."Her eyes, they shone like the diamonds. You'd think she was queen of the land, with her hair hung over her shoulder, tied up with a black velvet band!"
CUT TO:
INT. BAR -NIGHT
The band is now rocking a rousing rendition of The Timpan Reel. Danny is at the bar. John approaches him.
JOHN
What can I get for you?
DANNY
A pint of Guinness and could you put me down for a song?
JOHN
Sure...(he picks up his pad).
DANNY
"The Unicorn."
JOHN
Good choice!
John goes to get the beer and Danny turns as a hand rests on his shoulder. Sidling up to him is Roddy Shannon, decked out in pub-style; all from Harrod's, of course.
RODDY
Hey Danny.
DANNY
Roddy! Nice to see you! Can I buy you a drink?
RODDY
Sure.
DANNY
What'll you have?
RODDY
Pegu Club.
DANNY
Come again?
RODDY
John'll know.
John returns with Danny's beer.
DANNY
Mr. Shannon will be having--
John places the cocktail on the counter and tips his hat.
RODDY
Thanks John.
John tips his hat again and departs.
DANNY
I take it you're a regular here?
RODDY
Semi. I come to watch my son.
DANNY
He's something! Why do they call him Ick?
RODDY
After Icarus, the boy who flew too close to the sun.
DANNY
That didn't work out so well for him, as I recall.
RODDY
I don't like the nickname; it's like tempting fate to me.
DANNY
I tink he looks more like Cupid. Tell you what...I'll start calling him Cupe. Sometimes you've got to flip one penny to hell and another to heaven.
RODDY
(Laughs) I like that Danny!
John goes to the mic.
JOHN
All right...now, we have a Mr. Ick Shannon gracing our eardrums with "Goodbye Muirsheen Durkin."
Ick stands, goes to the mic and starts the song. He catches eyes with Kelly and winks. Kelly GIGGLES. Sean gives her a look.
SEAN
And I suppose he's straight...
KELLY
Love the one you're with, Sean.
SEAN
You're really balmy Kel...
Kelly LAUGHS
CUT TO:
EXT. BACK ALLEY -NIGHT
Paddy steps out the door and lights a cigarette. After a moment, Henry joins him.
HENRY
You know that'll stunt your growth, right?
PADDY
It's my one vice; but I have cut it down to only one or two a day.
HENRY
That's progress.
PADDY
Would you like to see my wee gym?
HENRY
Sure. When?
PADDY
Now. It's just a few streets over...
HENRY
I've gotta grab my flute--
PADDY
That's what she said--
HENRY
(LAUGHS) Do you want me to grab your drum?
PADDY
Sure enough...
Henry goes back inside. Paddy raises his cigarette for a puff and notices his hand is shaking. He flicks the cig into the gutter.
KELLY
(Nudging Sean) See? I told you!
SEAN
What's gotten into him lately?
KELLY
I think he's coming out of his shell...or in love...or maybe just coming out...
SEAN
(Looks at her, incredulously) What? You're daft Kelly!
KELLY
Has he ever had a sweetheart?
SEAN
Well, sure. Let's see...there was...no wait a minute, she was just a mate...Oh, I know! Kate Sullivan!
KELLY
Roight, when he was in Year 3...
CAL
I think you're on to something Kelly...
SEAN
My brother is not gay!
CAL
So what if he is?
DANNY
(A little TMI for him) Uhhm, I need a refill...
He stands and heads for the bar.
PADDY
Everybody, you know the chorus...sing with me..."Her eyes, they shone like the diamonds. You'd think she was queen of the land, with her hair hung over her shoulder, tied up with a black velvet band!"
CUT TO:
INT. BAR -NIGHT
The band is now rocking a rousing rendition of The Timpan Reel. Danny is at the bar. John approaches him.
JOHN
What can I get for you?
DANNY
A pint of Guinness and could you put me down for a song?
JOHN
Sure...(he picks up his pad).
DANNY
"The Unicorn."
JOHN
Good choice!
John goes to get the beer and Danny turns as a hand rests on his shoulder. Sidling up to him is Roddy Shannon, decked out in pub-style; all from Harrod's, of course.
RODDY
Hey Danny.
DANNY
Roddy! Nice to see you! Can I buy you a drink?
RODDY
Sure.
DANNY
What'll you have?
RODDY
Pegu Club.
DANNY
Come again?
RODDY
John'll know.
John returns with Danny's beer.
DANNY
Mr. Shannon will be having--
John places the cocktail on the counter and tips his hat.
RODDY
Thanks John.
John tips his hat again and departs.
DANNY
I take it you're a regular here?
RODDY
Semi. I come to watch my son.
DANNY
He's something! Why do they call him Ick?
RODDY
After Icarus, the boy who flew too close to the sun.
DANNY
That didn't work out so well for him, as I recall.
RODDY
I don't like the nickname; it's like tempting fate to me.
DANNY
I tink he looks more like Cupid. Tell you what...I'll start calling him Cupe. Sometimes you've got to flip one penny to hell and another to heaven.
RODDY
(Laughs) I like that Danny!
John goes to the mic.
JOHN
All right...now, we have a Mr. Ick Shannon gracing our eardrums with "Goodbye Muirsheen Durkin."
Ick stands, goes to the mic and starts the song. He catches eyes with Kelly and winks. Kelly GIGGLES. Sean gives her a look.
SEAN
And I suppose he's straight...
KELLY
Love the one you're with, Sean.
SEAN
You're really balmy Kel...
Kelly LAUGHS
CUT TO:
EXT. BACK ALLEY -NIGHT
Paddy steps out the door and lights a cigarette. After a moment, Henry joins him.
HENRY
You know that'll stunt your growth, right?
PADDY
It's my one vice; but I have cut it down to only one or two a day.
HENRY
That's progress.
PADDY
Would you like to see my wee gym?
HENRY
Sure. When?
PADDY
Now. It's just a few streets over...
HENRY
I've gotta grab my flute--
PADDY
That's what she said--
HENRY
(LAUGHS) Do you want me to grab your drum?
PADDY
Sure enough...
Henry goes back inside. Paddy raises his cigarette for a puff and notices his hand is shaking. He flicks the cig into the gutter.
CUT TO:
INT. PADDY'S GYM -NIGHT
The room is dark as door swings open and we see two figures silhouetted from the hall light. Paddy reaches in and flips the light switch. He enters the room and places his drum on the floor by the door. He ushers in Henry who leans his pipe against the wall. Paddy closes the door.
PADDY
So, this is it...
HENRY
Nice. You live up stairs?
PADDY
Yeah, with Kelly.
HENRY
That's convenient. So, are you and Kelly, ah--
PADDY
Oh God no. We'd of divorced long ago. She's a good friend. You're really good with that pipe...
HENRY
That's what she said.
PADDY
Ya got me!
HENRY
(Provocatively?) It's a joy to watch you play that drum. You have such a steady rhythm.
Paddy doesn't respond. He doesn't seem to be in a joking mood. He walks over to the window and looks out on the street.
PADDY
I bought the upstairs flat a few years ago, and when this one became available, I grabbed it. I'm thinking of putting in a spiral staircase...
HENRY
That would be really cool. Where are you from Paddy?
PADDY
Sean and I grew up in Dingle. (A pause) What, are you not going to say it?
HENRY
Nah. Three "that's what she saids" is just annoying.
PADDY
(CHUCKLES) Well, that's me wee gym; but if you've seen one, you've seen 'em all...
HENRY
Yep.
PADDY
Should probably get some shut eye...
He moves past Henry to the door. He puts his hand on the light switch and just stands, his head resting against the frame.
CUT TO:
CLOSE-UP of Paddy's hand on the switch. Henry's hand comes into the frame and gently rests on Paddy's. They both turn off the lights. We hear the opening strains of Heart's "Magic Man"; portions of which will play over this scene.
CUT TO:
INT. GYM -NIGHT
The room is dimly illuminated from the street lights outside. Rain trickles down the window panes and reflects on the walls. Paddy, still with his head against the door panel, freezes. Almost as though it's a replay of his experience with Ick, Henry leans in and kisses the nape of Paddy's neck as he gently strokes Paddy's face.
PADDY
(Almost a WHISPER) I've never done this before.
HENRY
Neither have I--
Henry turns Paddy to face him.
HENRY
Your eyes change colors...
PADDY
But it's dark in here--
Henry kisses Paddy like it's the first kiss in their lives. And for Paddy it is.
INT. PADDY'S GYM -NIGHT
The room is dark as door swings open and we see two figures silhouetted from the hall light. Paddy reaches in and flips the light switch. He enters the room and places his drum on the floor by the door. He ushers in Henry who leans his pipe against the wall. Paddy closes the door.
PADDY
So, this is it...
HENRY
Nice. You live up stairs?
PADDY
Yeah, with Kelly.
HENRY
That's convenient. So, are you and Kelly, ah--
PADDY
Oh God no. We'd of divorced long ago. She's a good friend. You're really good with that pipe...
HENRY
That's what she said.
PADDY
Ya got me!
HENRY
(Provocatively?) It's a joy to watch you play that drum. You have such a steady rhythm.
Paddy doesn't respond. He doesn't seem to be in a joking mood. He walks over to the window and looks out on the street.
PADDY
I bought the upstairs flat a few years ago, and when this one became available, I grabbed it. I'm thinking of putting in a spiral staircase...
HENRY
That would be really cool. Where are you from Paddy?
PADDY
Sean and I grew up in Dingle. (A pause) What, are you not going to say it?
HENRY
Nah. Three "that's what she saids" is just annoying.
PADDY
(CHUCKLES) Well, that's me wee gym; but if you've seen one, you've seen 'em all...
HENRY
Yep.
PADDY
Should probably get some shut eye...
He moves past Henry to the door. He puts his hand on the light switch and just stands, his head resting against the frame.
CUT TO:
CLOSE-UP of Paddy's hand on the switch. Henry's hand comes into the frame and gently rests on Paddy's. They both turn off the lights. We hear the opening strains of Heart's "Magic Man"; portions of which will play over this scene.
CUT TO:
INT. GYM -NIGHT
The room is dimly illuminated from the street lights outside. Rain trickles down the window panes and reflects on the walls. Paddy, still with his head against the door panel, freezes. Almost as though it's a replay of his experience with Ick, Henry leans in and kisses the nape of Paddy's neck as he gently strokes Paddy's face.
PADDY
(Almost a WHISPER) I've never done this before.
HENRY
Neither have I--
Henry turns Paddy to face him.
HENRY
Your eyes change colors...
PADDY
But it's dark in here--
Henry kisses Paddy like it's the first kiss in their lives. And for Paddy it is.
You know when you meet someone and you're wildly attracted to them? And they to you. And when you first kiss it's kind of like, your heart explodes? And you wish somehow your kisses could go beyond just the other's lips and into their soul. Is that why it's called a "soul kiss"? Kissing is strange when you think about it. Two people grinding their lips and mouths and tongues together. Why? It's almost as though you're trying to get inside the other person via the mouth. And when the passion rises, it's not so much about sex, is it? It's about the kiss. That's what I want this scene to be.
Paddy throws Henry against the wall, and grabbing him by his wrists, raises his arms up and pins them. He puts his mouth where Henry's shoulder and neck meet and runs his mouth up Henry's neck and finds Henry's lips. They roll along the wall; going in and out of the dark and light of the street-lamp as they kiss; almost as though they are under water. Paddy pulls at Henry's tee shirt and Henry takes it off. Paddy runs his hands over Henry's torso, delivering some kisses there too.
Now Henry raises Paddy's arms and pulls his sweatshirt off, leaving him in his kilt. We see a reverse shot of Paddy's back, as Henry gathers up the kilt in one hand and with the other, moves his hands over Paddy's glutes. Paddy emits a bit of a GASP. We hear the sound of LAUGHTER from the street. Now, as the pair are next to the window, Henry glances out.
HENRY
(Softly) I think your room-mate's home...
SEAN
(O/S) Paddy!
The two men scramble and put their shirts back on.
PADDY
Make like you're working out!
Henry picks up some dumb-bells and sits on a bench and starts doing curls.
Paddy goes to the light switch, turns them on, grabs a jump rope and starts jumping. The door flies open and Sean pokes his head in.
SEAN
There ye are! Whydya disappear?
PADDY
I wanted to show Henry the gym.
Sean enters the room with Kelly behind him.
PADDY
Where's Cal?
KELLY
He went home.
SEAN
Are you jumping rope in a kilt?
PADDY
Sure; why not?
SEAN
Little weird Paddy, even for you...
Hey, I just discoverd these guys!
Paddy throws Henry against the wall, and grabbing him by his wrists, raises his arms up and pins them. He puts his mouth where Henry's shoulder and neck meet and runs his mouth up Henry's neck and finds Henry's lips. They roll along the wall; going in and out of the dark and light of the street-lamp as they kiss; almost as though they are under water. Paddy pulls at Henry's tee shirt and Henry takes it off. Paddy runs his hands over Henry's torso, delivering some kisses there too.
Now Henry raises Paddy's arms and pulls his sweatshirt off, leaving him in his kilt. We see a reverse shot of Paddy's back, as Henry gathers up the kilt in one hand and with the other, moves his hands over Paddy's glutes. Paddy emits a bit of a GASP. We hear the sound of LAUGHTER from the street. Now, as the pair are next to the window, Henry glances out.
HENRY
(Softly) I think your room-mate's home...
SEAN
(O/S) Paddy!
The two men scramble and put their shirts back on.
PADDY
Make like you're working out!
Henry picks up some dumb-bells and sits on a bench and starts doing curls.
Paddy goes to the light switch, turns them on, grabs a jump rope and starts jumping. The door flies open and Sean pokes his head in.
SEAN
There ye are! Whydya disappear?
PADDY
I wanted to show Henry the gym.
Sean enters the room with Kelly behind him.
PADDY
Where's Cal?
KELLY
He went home.
SEAN
Are you jumping rope in a kilt?
PADDY
Sure; why not?
SEAN
Little weird Paddy, even for you...
Hey, I just discoverd these guys!
KELLY
We were just going to head upstairs and watch a movie...Sean's never seen Sixteen Candles...care to join us?
PADDY
Sure. Henry, you up for some of America's Red-Headed Sweetheart?
HENRY
As much as I love Miss Molly, I'm gonna have to pass. I wanna be fresh for my big press conference tomorrow.
PADDY
Sean and I will be there as well.
HENRY
Great! Well I guess I'll see you both tomorrow. Thanks for the wee workout, Paddy.
He smiles and shakes Paddy's hand, nods to Sean and Kelly and slips out the door.
KELLY
I really like him.
SEAN
Why don't you marry him then?
KELLY
Oh, shut up Sean. He's engaged anyway. Come on Pad!
PADDY
Yeah, I'll be right up.
Sean and Kelly leave. Paddy goes to the window. The rain is really coming down now. He watches as Henry's figure recedes down the street. He coils the jump rope, hangs it on a peg, goes to the door and turns out the light. As he closes the door behind him, the camera PANS and TILTS down. The shepherd's pipe slides and falls on top of the bodhran with a soft drum beat.
CUT TO:
INT. HENRY AND DANNY'S APARTMENT -NIGHT
Danny is sitting in the single chair; his computer propped up on a suitcase where he's watching General Hospital. Henry comes through the door.
HENRY
Hey!
DANNY
(Terse) Hey yourself.
HENRY
What's wrong?
DANNY
I'll tell you what's wrong. You ditched me.
HENRY
I'm sorry...but I didn't "ditch" you...
DANNY
Well what would you call it then? (Henry has no response). I just thought it would be nice to sing while my brother played along with me.
HENRY
You can sing now. I'll play--
DANNY
I am not singing the fooking Unicorn now. Besides, where's your pipe?
HENRY
Oh, I guess I left it at...the bar.
DANNY
It's not at the pub because I made sure you didn't leave it. Because I'm a good brother!
HENRY
Yes. You are.
DANNY
So where is it?
HENRY
I don't want to talk about it now, I'm tired.
DANNY
Talk about what? Your friggin' flute? 'Cuz I don't want to talk about it either.
Henry turns to leave but then stops himself.
HENRY
Danny, we tell each other everything, right?
DANNY
I'm not so sure!
HENRY
Please don't be mad. This is something I need you to be calm about. Like, the calmest you could possibly, ever in your life, be.
DANNY
I'm not promising you anything; but I'll try.
HENRY
Something happened...
DANNY
Something...bad?
HENRY
I'm not sure.
We were just going to head upstairs and watch a movie...Sean's never seen Sixteen Candles...care to join us?
PADDY
Sure. Henry, you up for some of America's Red-Headed Sweetheart?
HENRY
As much as I love Miss Molly, I'm gonna have to pass. I wanna be fresh for my big press conference tomorrow.
PADDY
Sean and I will be there as well.
HENRY
Great! Well I guess I'll see you both tomorrow. Thanks for the wee workout, Paddy.
He smiles and shakes Paddy's hand, nods to Sean and Kelly and slips out the door.
KELLY
I really like him.
SEAN
Why don't you marry him then?
KELLY
Oh, shut up Sean. He's engaged anyway. Come on Pad!
PADDY
Yeah, I'll be right up.
Sean and Kelly leave. Paddy goes to the window. The rain is really coming down now. He watches as Henry's figure recedes down the street. He coils the jump rope, hangs it on a peg, goes to the door and turns out the light. As he closes the door behind him, the camera PANS and TILTS down. The shepherd's pipe slides and falls on top of the bodhran with a soft drum beat.
CUT TO:
INT. HENRY AND DANNY'S APARTMENT -NIGHT
Danny is sitting in the single chair; his computer propped up on a suitcase where he's watching General Hospital. Henry comes through the door.
HENRY
Hey!
DANNY
(Terse) Hey yourself.
HENRY
What's wrong?
DANNY
I'll tell you what's wrong. You ditched me.
HENRY
I'm sorry...but I didn't "ditch" you...
DANNY
Well what would you call it then? (Henry has no response). I just thought it would be nice to sing while my brother played along with me.
HENRY
You can sing now. I'll play--
DANNY
I am not singing the fooking Unicorn now. Besides, where's your pipe?
HENRY
Oh, I guess I left it at...the bar.
DANNY
It's not at the pub because I made sure you didn't leave it. Because I'm a good brother!
HENRY
Yes. You are.
DANNY
So where is it?
HENRY
I don't want to talk about it now, I'm tired.
DANNY
Talk about what? Your friggin' flute? 'Cuz I don't want to talk about it either.
Henry turns to leave but then stops himself.
HENRY
Danny, we tell each other everything, right?
DANNY
I'm not so sure!
HENRY
Please don't be mad. This is something I need you to be calm about. Like, the calmest you could possibly, ever in your life, be.
DANNY
I'm not promising you anything; but I'll try.
HENRY
Something happened...
DANNY
Something...bad?
HENRY
I'm not sure.
DANNY
What do you mean, you're not sure? Tings happen all the time. They're either good or bad or they just are. Which is usually the case.
SEAN
I kissed Paddy O'Riada.
DANNY
I assume you mean "kissed up" to him; which, if you ask me is a smart move. Politics are just as important in--
SEAN
I made out with him.
DANNY
Like a bandit! He's clearly taken a shine to you!
SEAN
Danny, I kissed him. On the lips--
DANNY
Well, you know Irish men can be quite affectionate--
SEAN
I French kissed him for a good ten minutes and had my hands under his kilt.
DANNY
(Nervous LAUGHTER) You're puttin' me on.
Henry shakes his head.
DANNY
I think I need a cup of tea for this. Someone left a kettle behind. You want one?
HENRY
I'd love one.
Danny goes to the kitchen area and Henry follows him. Danny fills the kettle and puts it on the stove. He SIGHS, takes a moment and turns and leans against the counter.
DANNY
I have to say, I'm not in shock. Can I ask you why you kissed Paddy O'Riada, I mean, I'm assuming you had his consent.
HENRY
I couldn't stop myself Danny.
DANNY
I'm sure you probably could've.
HENRY
No. I think I might be in love with him.
DANNY
How could you be? You know nothing about the man.
HENRY
I can't explain it. It was like...when worlds collide.
DANNY
Well, let's talk about the elephant...
HENRY
Okay.
DANNY
Did this urge to kiss another dude suddenly come upon you out of the blue?
HENRY
No. I've had these feelings since I was a kid...I just never acted on them.
DANNY
But you've always dated girls.
HENRY
I know. But I think I was just sort of going through the motions.
DANNY
Are you just sort of going through the motions with Donna?
HENRY
If I'm going to be honest, then, yes. But I think she's just going through the motions with me.
DANNY
She's nuts over you!
HENRY
Then why hasn't she married me? Why doesn't she wear her engagement ring? I proposed to her two years ago.
The kettle starts to whistle. Danny opens a drawer and pulls out a couple of tea bags.
DANNY
I have no idea how old these are...
He finds some worn out cups and starts preparing the tea.
DANNY
Well Henry, if I'm going to be honest, I always suspected you might be...
HENRY
You can say it Danny...
DANNY
Gay, then. You know, one day I noticed your stack of Men's Health magazines was twice as high as your stack of Playboy's.
HENRY
I love Playboy!
DANNY
Sure, for the articles, apparently.
HENRY
Well yeah; but I love titties too. Everybody loves titties!
DANNY
(LAUGHS) Oh Henry, what are we going to do with you? And more importantly, what are we going to do with Donna.
HENRY
A lot you care...
DANNY
You seem to think I dislike Donna. I don't. Sure we don't get along; but she watches out for you. She has your best interests at heart and to me, that's the most important ting.
HENRY
I love her. I always will. And I'll marry her if she still wants to--
DANNY
After all you just told me? Now you're talking ragtime.
HENRY
Danny, cut me some slack. I wasn't planning on this.
DANNY
You just told me you think you're in love with a total stranger. So how does he feel about you?
Henry doesn't answer as he and his brother quietly sip their tea.
DANNY
Ten minutes?
HENRY
Maybe more like five.
DANNY
He gave you a hickey.
HENRY
Really? (He touches his neck).
DANNY
Go on and get outta those wet clothes. You'll catch your death.
Henry goes into the bedroom as Danny SIGHS and shakes his head.
What do you mean, you're not sure? Tings happen all the time. They're either good or bad or they just are. Which is usually the case.
SEAN
I kissed Paddy O'Riada.
DANNY
I assume you mean "kissed up" to him; which, if you ask me is a smart move. Politics are just as important in--
SEAN
I made out with him.
DANNY
Like a bandit! He's clearly taken a shine to you!
SEAN
Danny, I kissed him. On the lips--
DANNY
Well, you know Irish men can be quite affectionate--
SEAN
I French kissed him for a good ten minutes and had my hands under his kilt.
DANNY
(Nervous LAUGHTER) You're puttin' me on.
Henry shakes his head.
DANNY
I think I need a cup of tea for this. Someone left a kettle behind. You want one?
HENRY
I'd love one.
Danny goes to the kitchen area and Henry follows him. Danny fills the kettle and puts it on the stove. He SIGHS, takes a moment and turns and leans against the counter.
DANNY
I have to say, I'm not in shock. Can I ask you why you kissed Paddy O'Riada, I mean, I'm assuming you had his consent.
HENRY
I couldn't stop myself Danny.
DANNY
I'm sure you probably could've.
HENRY
No. I think I might be in love with him.
DANNY
How could you be? You know nothing about the man.
HENRY
I can't explain it. It was like...when worlds collide.
DANNY
Well, let's talk about the elephant...
HENRY
Okay.
DANNY
Did this urge to kiss another dude suddenly come upon you out of the blue?
HENRY
No. I've had these feelings since I was a kid...I just never acted on them.
DANNY
But you've always dated girls.
HENRY
I know. But I think I was just sort of going through the motions.
DANNY
Are you just sort of going through the motions with Donna?
HENRY
If I'm going to be honest, then, yes. But I think she's just going through the motions with me.
DANNY
She's nuts over you!
HENRY
Then why hasn't she married me? Why doesn't she wear her engagement ring? I proposed to her two years ago.
The kettle starts to whistle. Danny opens a drawer and pulls out a couple of tea bags.
DANNY
I have no idea how old these are...
He finds some worn out cups and starts preparing the tea.
DANNY
Well Henry, if I'm going to be honest, I always suspected you might be...
HENRY
You can say it Danny...
DANNY
Gay, then. You know, one day I noticed your stack of Men's Health magazines was twice as high as your stack of Playboy's.
HENRY
I love Playboy!
DANNY
Sure, for the articles, apparently.
HENRY
Well yeah; but I love titties too. Everybody loves titties!
DANNY
(LAUGHS) Oh Henry, what are we going to do with you? And more importantly, what are we going to do with Donna.
HENRY
A lot you care...
DANNY
You seem to think I dislike Donna. I don't. Sure we don't get along; but she watches out for you. She has your best interests at heart and to me, that's the most important ting.
HENRY
I love her. I always will. And I'll marry her if she still wants to--
DANNY
After all you just told me? Now you're talking ragtime.
HENRY
Danny, cut me some slack. I wasn't planning on this.
DANNY
You just told me you think you're in love with a total stranger. So how does he feel about you?
Henry doesn't answer as he and his brother quietly sip their tea.
DANNY
Ten minutes?
HENRY
Maybe more like five.
DANNY
He gave you a hickey.
HENRY
Really? (He touches his neck).
DANNY
Go on and get outta those wet clothes. You'll catch your death.
Henry goes into the bedroom as Danny SIGHS and shakes his head.
Please see: HEARTFIGHT: A Screenplay / Pt. 7 for the next installment
CFR 5/7/23
CFR 5/7/23
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