Phoebe Roberts

And the completion of the scene where David moves into Freddy’s apartment in my Frasier spinoff pilot! This is the last piece, after part one in Day #19 – Lucky Bear and yesterday’s part two, Day #22 – Men of the Ivies. The parts probably could probably be a little more unified, but I like the overall direction. It does a good job of setting up the problem between Freddy and David, I think.

Day #23 – Hanging
From Frasier spinoff
By Phoebe Roberts
~~~

DAVID
Thanks, Freddy, but I think I need to take a break from it for a bit, before I tell my folks and start killing myself to solve it. Can we just let it drop for a little while?

FREDDY
Oh— well, I suppose that’s understandable. In that case… we’re cousins, we’re going to be roommates for a while. Let’s the two of us just— as they say —hang.

He drops down onto the couch and looks expectantly at David. David returns to unpacking.

FREDDY
Oh, come on, it’s been years, we ought to get to know each other again. Let’s have a conversation!

DAVID
About what? If you want to know what I think of the latest production at the Opera House, you’re out of luck, I’m afraid I’m more of a ballet man.

FREDDY
Shows what you know, the Boston Ballet is at the Opera House! Don’t worry, we can talk about whatever you want to talk about! Like… cars. Or… video games. Or whatever’s going on with the various sports balls. I respect your interests!

DAVID
Oh, yeah. I got that from how you said “sports balls.”

FREDDY
Cut me some slack! Last time I saw you, you were playing Pokemon in your Batman underwear.

DAVID
Well, I just took the gym on the corner, but now I prefer boxer briefs.

FREDDY
See, I’m getting to know you better already. Come on, we’re family and we hardly know each other. We should at least try to connect.

Beat. Freddy stands.

FREDDY
Listen, I’ll go first. I know you’re going through a difficult time right now— struggles with direction, at a crucial juncture in the journey from child to manhood. But I want you to know I’m here for you. I find your coming to me for help to be in no way a burden; on the contrary, I consider it a real honor. Therefore, I welcome you with non-judgmental support and hope I can play some small part in helping you find your way back to your path.

David stares at him until Freddy feels awkward.

FREDDY
Also… how about them Red Sox? Are they bums this year or what?

David sighs.

DAVID
Look, Freddy. I know having me here is a pain in your ass, and you’re just doing it because you feel sorry for me. But I’m just grateful for the crash space. You don’t have to be my pity friend.

FREDDY
It’s not pity, David, I—

DAVID
Don’t worry about it. I’ll stay out of your hair, and you won’t have to pretend to be my buddy.

David gathers up his wallet and key ring.

DAVID
I’m going out. Catch you later, cuz.

FREDDY
Okay, sure. Whatever you want.

David leaves the apartment. Freddy sits back down on the couch, way more disappointed than he expected to be. He looks over at the stuffed bear.

FREDDY
Don’t look at me like that. You’re a glorified coatrack.