WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE?
By
Christopher Bate

christopherdbate@gmail.com

               

               CREDITS
(Track: 'Yer Birthday' by Casper and The Cookies)
We see Ryan and Kyle, two life-long friends age in front of us, from infants to young adults.
As they progress, Ryan becomes more 'grown up', stressed and sad whilst Kyle still has the breezy happiness and curiosity of a child.
They have become opposites; Kyle is the life and soul of any party where as Ryan is the cynical realist.
RYAN (V.O.)
At some point in my life, I lost my smile. It could have been a number of things that contributed to my flagging moral and cynical worldview.
We see a series of moments in Ryan's life that might have added to his less than sunny disposition.
1) Ryan, aged 5, is walking his dog Moses in the park. He is all smiles until the dog bursts into flames.
2) Ryan, 8, walks into his LIVING ROOM on Christmas Eve. Santa has bound, gagged and beaten his parents and he's stealing their stuff.
3) Ryan, 13, is the lead in the school play. He's performing well until one of the other kids decides to pull his shorts down, exposing him to a sea of parents.
4) Ryan, 16, is playing spin the bottle with a group of friends. A very attractive girl spins and it lands, much to her chagrin, on Ryan. Her excitement turns to rage and she smashes the bottle off his head.
5) Ryan, 17, is walking with his Granddad. His Granddad bursts into flames. 
6) Ryan, 19, is with his friends. They're all attempting to get stoned. They all look happy and chilled out. Ryan looks terrified. He is having visions of himself as a manager in a stuffy office.
RYAN (V.O.)
It could have been any of those moments but I think it was this one that was the straw that broke this particular camel’s back.
CUT TO:
INT. HOUSE - DAY
Ryan (24) looks utterly distraught. 
Ryan girlfriend Claire is in the process of dumping him.
RYAN
We've been going out for years!
CLAIRE
Three.
RYAN
Why can't we work it out?
CLAIRE
We've tried. It's not working.
RYAN
Is there someone else?
CLAIRE
Possibly.
RYAN
Possibly?
CLAIRE
It's early days.
RYAN
How long has this being going on?
CLAIRE
A while. Nothing has happened. It's been mostly flirting.
RYAN
Who is he? It is a HE, isn't it?
CLAIRE
He works at my office. It doesn't matter.
RYAN
Of course it matters! You're leaving me! I can't grasp this. 
RYAN (V.O.)
Of course, she explained. She even drew diagrams, some of them incredibly graphic. Of course, I didn't understand.
We see Ryan and Claire talking. As they talk and he begins to plead pathetically, they both change. She becomes more graceful and beautiful where as he becomes more heartbroken and bearded.
RYAN (V.O.)
I think that was it. That's what did it for me or maybe, thinking about it, it was THIS bit.
CUT TO:
EXT. APARTMENT BLOCK - NIGHT
Ryan stabs at the buzzer for number 11.
In his right hand, he holds a cricket bat.
SIMON (V.O.)
Hello?
RYAN
Is that Simon? 
SIMON (V.O.)
Yeah. Who's asking?
RYAN
Vengeance! That's who's asking.
SIMON (V.O.)
Who?
RYAN
It's Ryan Faulk! I'm Claire's- You and I need to have words.
SIMON (V.O.)
Hang on a second.
Simon buzzes Ryan in.
Ryan enters.
Ryan huffs and puffs his way to apartment 11.
He bangs on the door.
Simon answers.
SIMON
You must be Ryan.
RYAN
A.K.A Justice!
SIMON
What's that you've got there?
RYAN
This? This is a bat. I was thinking I might smash your face off with it. How would you like THAT? Huh?
SIMON
Not very much obviously. Do you want a beverage?
RYAN
What?
SIMON
Do you want a drink?
RYAN
Stop being nice!
SIMON
What was this about?
RYAN
You stole my girlfriend.
SIMON
I didn't know she had a boyfriend. She said you were just friends!
RYAN
A likely story!
SIMON
She did. She said it was over and she said that she wanted something new, greener grass as it were.
RYAN
She would never say- Oh, she would. She would say that. That's exactly what she'd say.
SIMON
Do you want a tea or something? It might help with the unease.
RYAN
Please.
Ryan slumps down into an armchair.
Ryan looks around the room. Simon seems to have travelled; seen things, climbed a bunch of stuff and really lived for the moments. All of these moments are framed for all to see.
Simon hands him a mug with 'I ACTUALLY WRESTLED A SHARK!' on it.
RYAN
Thanks.
SIMON
Oh, I gave you the wrong one.
Simon swaps mugs. 
Ryan now sips from a mug that says 'THE OWNER OF THIS MUG HAS STOLEN MY GIRLFRIEND'
RYAN
What is it, Simon? What have you got that I haven't? Apart from Claire. That's a given.
SIMON
I'm happy.
RYAN
That's it?
SIMON
It's worked for me so far. I wrestled a shark. A big one. It's all will power.
RYAN
I saw your mug. You've led quite a life. No wonder she'd rather be with you. I suppose I can't blame her for that. Even I'D rather be with you.
(Of cricket bat)
I don't know why I brought this. I don't even play cricket.
SIMON
Ryan, in life there are winners and losers. I am a winner and you are-
RYAN
-A loser.

CUT TO:
EXT. STREET - DAY
A heavily bearded Ryan shuffles down the road.
RYAN (V.O.)
What the hell happened to me?
FADE TO:
CARD:
'SOME TIME LATER BUT NONE THE WISER..'
FADE IN:
INT-KITCHEN-MORNING
Ryan is making some coffee. The radio is on in the background. 
He is checking through his post. He scans through the junk before he gets to a well presented envelope.
Curious, he opens it. 
It's an invitation, addressed to him and a 'plus one', to the wedding of Claire Weston and Simon And.
He looks shocked, crestfallen.
Kyle, Ryan's best friend and room mate, enters. He is naked from the waist up.
Ryan is too busy staring at the invitation to notice.
KYLE
Morning!

RYAN
Hey.
KYLE
Are you at work today?
RYAN
Sadly I am.

KYLE
You should quit that job. It bores you to weeping and it can't be good for your soul.
RYAN
I can't. One of us needs to pay the rent.
KYLE
When I'm a fully qualified pirate we will be rolling in gold coins, like Scrooge McDuck. Do you remember 'Duck Tales'? He used to dive into his sea of coins and swim around in it? Even as a kid I used to think: "Surely that duck would break his neck"
RYAN
(Blank look)
Yes, well-
KYLE
We'll be laughing when I get my Pirate degree. It's money in the bank, sir.
RYAN
Forgive me if I don't crap myself with whoopidy-doo.
RYAN
Will you put some clothes on?
KYLE
Ah, come on, mate. It's nothing you haven't seen before.
RYAN
I never ask to see your bits but you keep waltzing around nude all the same.
KYLE
You are such a homophobe.
RYAN
I'm not.
KYLE
The survey says that you are.
RYAN
I'm homophobic because I don't want to see your penis in the morning?
KYLE
It's in our nature to let things hang out. We weren't created in jeans and tees, you know. Adam and Eve didn't shop at The Gap. That reminds me, I need to take that shirt back-
RYAN
Just put some clothes on, will you? The curtains are open and we live opposite old Mrs Edwards. You know she has a weak heart.
KYLE
I found that out last Halloween.
RYAN
You turned up on her door dressed as her late husband!
KYLE
I was dressed an old Zombie! Any similarities to her deceased husband were purely coincidental.
Kyle puts on his robe.
RYAN
Thank you.
KYLE
What's the matter with you this morning? You're even more caustic than usual.
RYAN
Nothing.
KYLE
Don't lie. I can tell by your furrowed brow that's something amiss. What's that you're looking at? Is it bad news?
RYAN
Claire's getting married.
KYLE
Claire Danes?
RYAN
No! MY Claire! Claire! You know, I used to go out with her.
KYLE
She's not YOUR Claire anymore, sir. I thought you'd come to that conclusion from all those counselling sessions.
RYAN
I can't believe she's getting married.
KYLE
Are you going to be okay, Champ?
Ryan drops to his knees, covers his face and screams loudly.
Kyle covers his ears to shield him from the din.
And then his towel falls off.
KYLE
I'd keep your face covered for a few moments, Ryan.
(Waving O.C, out of the KITCHEN WINDOW)
Good Morning, Mrs Edwards. 
CUT TO:
EXT. STREET - DAY
A suited Ryan walks down the street with Kyle, who is dressed like a pirate.
RYAN
I can't believe she's getting married. Our relationship isn't even cold!
KYLE
I'd say it was pretty cold. It's been, what, three years. What shocks me is that she has found someone that WANTS to marry her! It makes me wonder what's wrong with him. I bet he's 'not the ticket' so to speak.
RYAN
What does that mean? 'Not the ticket'?
KYLE
I don't know. My Nan used to say it.
RYAN
You have to stop quoting your Grandmother. She shouts at shadows and kicks birds. There is no wisdom there.
KYLE
Are you going to go to this unholy union of man and beast?
RYAN
How can I NOT go?
KYLE
By not going.
RYAN
I'll have to go.
KYLE
You're not going to 'Kill Bill' the whole wedding, are you?
RYAN
What are you-? I'm going to the wedding. You too.
KYLE
You're not dragging me into this! I thought you loved me!
RYAN
Will you lower your voice? People are going to think we're breaking up or something.
KYLE
I'm not going! She wouldn't want me there.
RYAN
She invited you.

KYLE
That crazy bitch! What the hell does she want ME there for? She hates me!

RYAN
She doesn't hate you.

KYLE
The last time I saw her I confronted her at her house and told her what I thought of her.

RYAN
You were dressed as a knight.

KYLE
It was symbolic. I was trying to save you from getting back together with her. 
(Adopts 'American Detective' drawl) 
My plan worked perfectly!
RYAN
You're coming to the wedding and you're not coming dressed as a pirate before you ask.
KYLE
I'm a student.
RYAN
At a college for Pirates! Have you ever thought about an actual career?
KYLE
I want to be a pirate. What's wrong with that, 'Nine to Five'? They're popular at the moment. Do you know how much snatch Johnny Depp gets because he was in those pirate flicks? I bet he never sleeps.
RYAN
He's a married man.
KYLE
But he COULD sow some serious oats, that's my point.
RYAN
So you're doing this to get women?
KYLE
I'm doing this because I don't want to become a lawyer or a whatever it is that you are. I want to travel, see the world and make something of my life. All those power lunches, lap tops and wacky, tacky ties are fine for people like you but I want to retire with some stories. Besides, my distant relations were pirates. I looked into it. I'm renewing the tradition.
RYAN
Your distant relatives were not pirates, you idiot!
KYLE
If you check my family tree you'll see skulls and crossbones.
RYAN
I'd see shoes. Your family were cobblers.
KYLE
Cobblers and pirates, sometimes both at the same time. My great, great, great Grandfather Black Tooth Davie would be so proud of me.
RYAN
Whatever. You're coming to the wedding.
KYLE
When is it?
RYAN
Saturday.
KYLE
This Saturday?
RYAN
Yes.
KYLE
I might be doing something.
RYAN
Like what? Re-forming 'The Goonies'? You're coming to the wedding, Kyle!
KYLE
Fine, Okay, I'll be your wing man and your emotional bodyguard but you owe me. If I have to scratch your back, you have to scratch mine. Oh, and just to be clear, I don't literally want my back scratched. I mean, that you have to do something for me. I don't know what it is yet.
RYAN
Fine. 
Kyle and Ryan cross the road.
KYLE
I might ask you to suck me off.
RYAN
What?
KYLE
I won't ask that of you but I could. 
CUT TO:
INT-OFFICE-DAY
Ryan is sat at his desk, typing away. He looks around. Everyone seems to be either working or chatting.
A large man waddles up Ryan's desk holding a paper.
FRANK
More bad news in the rags today?
RYAN
(Mock interest)
 Really?
FRANK
Death. Divorce. Drugs. Debauchery.
RYAN
What a world, huh?
FRANK
There's been another swan rape.
RYAN
I thought they'd caught that guy, or girl. It could be either.
FRANK
How could it be a girl?
RYAN
Well, you know-
FRANK
I don't follow you, boss.
RYAN
She could wear a, you know, dildo or something.
FRANK
Dildos are extinct.
RYAN
You're thinking of a dodo.
FRANK
What's a Dildo then?
RYAN
Are you kidding me? You don't know what a dildo is?
FRANK
I think you're having me on.
RYAN
Go on the net and look it up. D.I.L.D.O.
Frank exits.
Ryan shakes his head.
RYAN
Big fat moron.
KENNY (V.O.)
Mister Ryan! Mister Ryan!
Kyle looks up to see Kenny, 16. Kenny is constantly worried. The office is a jungle to this little lamb.
RYAN
What is it, Kenny?
KENNY
I'm having a problem with my computer.
RYAN
What kind of problem? Is it on?
KENNY
Yeah, it’s on. I've been working fine until just now.
RYAN
What's the matter with it? I don't want to get up if I don't have to.
KENNY
My screen has grown a moustache.
RYAN
A moustache? How is that possible?
KENNY
I don't know. The screen just froze and then it started growing this moustache. I tried to reboot the computer but it didn't do anything.
Ryan gets out of his seat and walks over to Kenny's computer. There is indeed a large moustache growing out of his screen.
RYAN
I'd better get hold of the mole people in I.T. They'll probably have an idea of what's going on.
Ryan picks up the phone.
RYAN
Hello, I.T? This is Ryan Faulk. 
(Thinks) 
I'm manager of the whatever department, I can't remember. Anyway, we're having some trouble up here and we'd like you to send your best black- rimmed, pasty-faced technician to have a look at it. We can close the curtains if his beady little eyes are sensitive to natural light. What's wrong with the computer? Well, it’s grown a moustache. Yeah, a moustache. I'd liken it to the kind of moustache Tom Selleck used to have in Magnum P.I. Can you send someone up within the next, ooh, decade? By the end of today would be ideal. Five minutes? I won't hold you to that.
Ryan puts down the phone.
KENNY
IS everything okay, Mr Ryan? You seem more uptight than usual.
RYAN
Well, my beloved ex-girlfriend is getting married and my house mate is a pirate.
A beat.
KENNY
I'd say that was strange but my computer HAS grown a moustache.
CUT TO:
INT-CLASSROOM-DAY
A montage is shown. We see Kyle sitting in class, participating in lessons; gleefully throwing up his hands when he knows the answer to a question. We see him reading up on pirates, studying cannon balls and sewing a skull and crossbones flag (For the skull he has used Ryan's face)
He receives merits, applause and kudos from both teachers and students. He is at the top of the class.
TEACHER
And that concludes your first day. We packed a lot into it, didn't we?
STUDENT
I think the montage was a great help.
TEACHER
It certainly was, random extra. Now let's move on to plank- walking.
CUT TO:
INT-OFFICE-DAY
Ryan is sat next to Nigel, the geekiest man he has ever met.
NIGEL
I think what we've got here is a moustache.
RYAN
Really? What was your first clue, Colombo? The fact that there is a giant MOUSTACHE on the screen?
NIGEL
Moustache growth is a common glitch with these kind of computers. It's not all that uncommon. The 79 series are renowned for it. I don't know why the company uses them.
RYAN
(Shrugs sarcastically) 
Heaven knows.
NIGEL
They should use the D1235 models. They're really good.
RYAN
(Bored)
Are they?
For a few seconds, Ryan's mind wanders off and he imagines himself with Claire, having fun and frolicking in a field. The memory has a seventies tinge to it.
Nigel brings him back to his harsh reality.
NIGEL
I have one at home. I've customised it with all these add-ons. It takes up a lot of room!
RYAN
What does your Mom have to say about that?
NIGEL
I'm thirty-three.
RYAN
What does your Mom have to say about that?
NIGEL
She says the buzzing annoys her.
RYAN
(With sarcastic loathing)
You are my hero.
CUT TO:
INT-OFFICE-DAY
Ryan is still stuck with Nigel. His head is sunk as low as it can go as Nigel waffles on.
Everyone else has gone home.
NIGEL
People say it's not real but it's as real as you can get. You interact with people all over the world; you get to travel to strange lands. In 'World of Warcraft' I am considered a God. People bow down to me.
RYAN
Please strike me down, God.
Nigel is giving the screen a shave.
RYAN
Can I borrow that razor when you've finished?
CUT TO:
INT. PIRATE COLLEGE - DAY
Kyle is at PIRATE COLLEGE. He is practising walking someone off the plank. The teacher offers comments as Kyle nudges another student with a plastic cutlass.
TEACHER
Always remember to say something smart as you make your enemy take that final step. Something like: "Into the briny deep with ye, cursed swine!" Kyle, let's see what you come up with.
The students watch as Kyle thinks of something. With the final nudge, that sends the other student off the fake boat and onto a large blue crash mat. 
KYLE
Get off my boat, you fucking, uh, you fucking, uh, shit!
The teacher shakes his head in disappointment.
TEACHER
Kyle, can I have a word with you?
CUT TO:
INT. OFFICE STAFF ROOM- DAY
Ryan is at the vending machine. He waits for his coffee to finish pouring, resting his forehead on the machine. He is completely deflated by his weird working environment.
He grabs the coffee and walks towards his department.
Everyone has pretty much gone home and the office is deathly quiet. A cleaner shuffles through the office, muttering to herself.
Ryan gets his desk and is shocked to see that his own computer has grown a large, bushy beard. He sighs deeply.
His mobile rings. 
He answers.
RYAN
Hello Claire. Yeah, it's a good a time as any. I did get your invite. It was something of a shocker if I can be honest. Meet? Yeah, I can do that.
CUT TO:
EXT. STREET - DAY
Kyle slowly walks home with his head bowed.
CUT TO:
INT. BAR - DAY
Ryan is sat with Claire. 
They both seem really nervous.
RYAN
You look great.
CLAIRE
You too. I like what you've done to your hair.
RYAN
Thanks. I just had a few inches snipped off.
CLAIRE
People can see more of your face. You always did have nice eyes. 
RYAN
I like your face too.
Ryan rolls his eyes at his stupid retort.
Claire smiles.
CLAIRE
How's work?
RYAN
The same as ever.
CLAIRE
That bad, huh?
RYAN
I think it may be getting worse. It's also getting weirder.
CLAIRE
You should find something else. You're wasting away there. Is Kyle still studying to become a pirate?
RYAN
Yeah.
CLAIRE
I thought he would have given that up by now and taken up some other bizarre activity. Did he ever finish that robot?
RYAN
He ran out of tin.
CLAIRE
I did used to worry about him.
RYAN
He's just a free spirit. At least that's what I keep telling myself. So, you're getting married? That's, uh, good.
CLAIRE
I knew you would be shocked.
RYAN
I wasn't shocked.
CLAIRE
You weren't? Really?
RYAN
A little bit.
CUT TO:
INT. OFFICE TOILETS - DAY
Ryan is weeping pathetically in a toilet cubicle.
Someone knocks on the door.
RYAN
It's occupied.
Ryan goes back to his weeping.
CUT TO:
INT. BAR - EVENING
Ryan smiles meekly.
CLAIRE
I'm sorry.
RYAN
Don't be. You've moved on. Someday I hope to do the same. I just need to hoodwink some girl into falling for me.
CLAIRE
You won't need to hoodwink anyone, Ryan. You're a great person.
RYAN
You're my ex. You're supposed to say things like that.
CLAIRE
No, as your ex I'm supposed to say how much I hate you and how small your dick is.
RYAN
Have you ever said that?
CLAIRE
Once, but I was really angry.
RYAN
Which part?
CLAIRE
Uh, both. But I don't mean it. I still think about you.
RYAN
Even though you're getting married?
CLAIRE
You were my first love. You never forget your first love. Well, I don't. I invited you to the wedding because you are a big part of my life and you should be there.
RYAN
The past shakes hand with the present.
CLAIRE
Maybe I'm just hoping you'll stop the whole thing.
Claire laughs nervously.
CUT TO:
INT. LIVING ROOM - DAY
Kyle sat in his pirate garb watching wrestling. Bonnie the Beast is destroying another opponent. 
RYAN
Hello.

KYLE
Hey.
RYAN
What's the matter with you? You're looking unusually glum. Have they cancelled 'Cribs'?
KYLE
Worse. I got booted from Pirate College.
RYAN
What do you mean?
KYLE
I didn't make the cut. I'm not good enough to be a pirate. They said that I don't have what it takes. They made me walk the plank too. Granted, it wasn't off the side of a boat. It was just a small drop off a stage but it was still pretty demeaning.
RYAN
I'm sorry to hear that.
KYLE
You hated it, Ryan. You kept telling me it was stupid.
RYAN
But it made you happy and who am I to judge? I'm NEVER happy. 
KYLE
I suppose I should try and find a proper occupation. Maybe this is a blessing in disguise.
RYAN
I can't fault your optimism. 
KYLE
I don't really know what to do. I suppose I'd better throw out this stupid outfit. It's not much use to me now. It's a shame because I'd come up with some good pirate names. 'The Sea Rapist' was one of the contenders.
RYAN
Really? That sounds horrible.
KYLE
Pirates are supposed to be horrible. That's their thing.
RYAN
You're too nice to be a pirate.
KYLE
Maybe.
RYAN
What will you do now?
KYLE
Knit.
RYAN
Knit?
KYLE
I'll knit for a living. Imagine that.
RYAN
I don't want to. You can't knit for a living.
KYLE
Maybe I could work at your place.
RYAN
You wouldn't last a day at my place! It's a cut-throat world.
KYLE
I'm a cut-throat pirate. Well, I was. I can handle it.
RYAN
It's a dog eat dog environment, you'll be swallowed up and spat out.
KYLE
I think anyone can photocopy stuff and use one of those think- box things.
RYAN
A computer?
KYLE
Aye. Why don't you give me a whirl? I could be the Robin to your corporate Bat Man.
RYAN
You're more like a Joker. I don't hire people, Kyle. Mr Lewis does all the hiring and firing. You will have to speak to him.
KYLE
I WILL speak to him. What's his number?
RYAN
He won't give you a job. You're not professional enough and that's putting it mildly. He's not going to hire someone that used to be a sheep herder, a mime, a wrestler and is now a Pirate College drop out.
KYLE
If you're so sure he'll say no then you've got everything to gain and nothing to lose. You'll have a huge bag full of 'I told you so' to throw at me.
Ryan thinks. A big smile creeps across his face.
He takes a pen and writes down the number. He hands it to Kyle.
RYAN
This is me scratching your back.
KYLE
And I'm coming to that crappy wedding. Everybody wins. 
RYAN
Good luck!
KYLE
Thanks!
Kyle exits to use the phone in the hall.
Kyle returns half a second later.
RYAN
That was the quickest rejection I have ever been privy too.
KYLE
I got the job!
RYAN
What?
KYLE
He said he liked my sass. He said I had something called 'moxy'. It must have been good because he gave me the- 
(Looks at scrap of paper) 
-'Project Co-ordinators' job.
RYAN
That's better than my job!
Ryan is crestfallen.
KYLE
See, if you don't ask, you don't get.
RYAN
You were only on the phone for a second.
KYLE
Sometimes, a second is all it takes. YOU of all people should know that!
Kyle laughs, punches his friend on the arm and skips off.
KYLE (O.S.)
I'm going for a power shower!
CUT TO:
INT. SHRINKS OFFICE-DAY
Ryan is lying down on the couch. As usual, he is fretting about his life.
RYAN
And just like that, he has a job better than mine! Can you believe that? I had to claw my way up to the position I'm at! He just waltzes in and STEALS a career! What kind of world is this? What is- Why are you dressed like a nineteen sixties beatnik?
STANLEY
It's my hip new scene, man. I got some bongos in the back. Do you want me to play you a song?
RYAN
I want you to help me out of my emotional funk!
STANLEY
I don't dig the funk, brother.
RYAN
Will you knock this shit off and help me? You're not even cheap!
STANLEY
I think you should-
RYAN
If you tell me to lighten up and try and live like Kyle, I swear to God I will hurt you!
STANLEY
Kyle isn't so bad. He always seems happy, people like him, he has a great image, undeniable sexuality and now he has a powerful job. He does more in a day than you do in two years!
RYAN
So why don't you form a Kyle fan club on Face Book? 
STANLEY
I don't have a computer.
RYAN
What's that over there?
STANLEY
That's never worked. It's just an expensive decoration.
RYAN
What about my case notes?
STANLEY
I prefer to write in long hand. It's more personal. 
RYAN
How are you even in business? This is a shoddy operation you're running!
STANLEY
This isn't about me and my shoddy operation, Ryan. This is about you and your shoddy life. You need Kyle to keep you balanced.
RYAN
(Annoyed)
DO I?
STANLEY
You know you do. That's why you want him to come to the wedding with you because whatever you decide to do on the day, you know he'll support you one hundred percent. I'll let that nugget of wisdom sink in.
There is a long silence as Stanley leans back on his chair with a smug smile on his face.
RYAN
You're so wrong. You're so very, very wrong.
CUT TO:
INT-OFFICE-DAY
Two middle aged men (MR JACOBS AND MR JAKE) are showing Kyle around the building. Kyle is wearing a fairly smart jacket over a tee-shirt that says: 'Attack of the Yiddish Bees!' on it. He is not dressed 'professionally' but the boring older men don't seem to mind. They appear to be indulging him and his oddness.
MR JAKE
This is the office. Your desk is being prepared and your team has been briefed on their new leader.
KYLE
Leader. I like that. It's got a nice, powerful ring to it. "What do you do, Kyle?" "Oh, I'm a leader. A leader of men!" Oh, and women. That reminds me, what is the hot chick ratio in this office? I want some eye candy, not those boilers you often see on documentaries.
MR TAYLOR
This guy! He's just what we need! A fresh perspective, someone who can inject a bit of pep and vim into the work place!
KYLE
(Noticing something off camera)
Wow! What in the name of Sponge Bob is that?
MR TAYLOR
That's a photocopier, son. We copy things with it.
KYLE
(Excited, B-Movie American Accent)
The future is now!
They shuffle over to Ryan's desk.
He looks up to see two of his superiors and his best friend who offers him a big grin and a crazy wave.
MR JAKE
This is Ryan Fork.
RYAN
Faulk. I've been here for nine years.
MR JAKE
He is head of, uh, uh-
(Thinks) 
THIS department and they do 
(Thinks) 
-vital but forgettable work. Ryan, make yourself aware of our new recruit, Kyle.
KYLE
Don't worry about the formalities, Old face. I've seen this man naked many times!
Everyone, including Ryan, is completely aghast.
KYLE
We're house mates. We share a house together.
MR TAYLOR
Oh. Thanks for clearing that up.
KYLE
I've said that to Ryan many times. Hey, do you remember the time I shot my-
RYAN
Kyle! This isn't the best time for those kinds of stories.
KYLE
Right you are.
MR JAKE
Shall we show you to your office?
KYLE
Sweet.
They walk off as Ryan buries his head in his hands.
KYLE
By the way, in case you're curious, it was chocolate milk I shot everywhere. I was doing an impression of a cow. It might have sounded a bit worrying.
MR JAKE
(Quickly)
This is the coffee machine.
KYLE
Excellent! Look at all those varieties! I'll have fun mixing and matching! I think I'll have a different one each day. Soup as well? I'll never go hungry again!
CUT TO:
INT. OFFICE - DAY 
Ryan, stressed to the gills, dials Claire’s number.
INT. KYLE'S OFFICE-DAY
Kyle is sat at his desk. He looks bored. He looks around the office. Everyone is lost in their work, typing quickly. Kyle looks at his desk. His work consists of make shift charts that document 'Office Hotties'. A girl known as 'Fair Pair' is winning. 
Kyle is very, very bored. He tries to get on the net but his site of choice (ladieswithbothorgans.com) has been blocked. He picks up the phone and dials a number.
KYLE
Hey, Ryan. At last! Who have you been on the phone to for the last forty-two minutes? Guess who this is talking to you? What are you up to? What's that? I'm pretty bored over here. Do you want to go and play bowling for a few hours? That's not allowed you say? Damn. Okay, I'm thinking of a number between one and a thousand. You don't want to play? Busy? Doing what? Work is boring. It's all spreadsheets. Hey, you can't access porn on these computers, how tight is that? They don't let you do anything here! Really? Busy? Okay, I'll leave you. I fancy a bit of a sleep anyway. I hope I dream about Christmas nineteen eighty-two again. Later, Laser face!
Kyle puts the phone down and rests his head on the desk. He closes his eyes and attempts to get some sleep.
CUT TO:
EXT. OFFICE BUILDING - DAY
Ryan is angrily pacing back and forth. 
He is talking to Stanley on his mobile.
RYAN
He's got his own office, he's hit it off with all of the staff and the managers think his crazy bullshit is something to be applauded and rewarded! This is fucking Bizzaro World! This is a world gone mad. It's a world gone down the pan! How can a man like Kyle waltz in and get a cosy job when I've been toiling away for nine, miserable years? Yesterday, he was a student at a pirate college and now he's a big cheese. I should join my Father in the mad house. He doesn't have to deal with this shit and I think that's where I'm headed. To top it all off, Claire is getting married. MARRIED! Not to me, oh no, but to a guy called Simon And. AND is his last name! If he didn't get hassled at school he fucking should have done. I'm going to buy a shotgun, Stanley. Seriously. Call me when you get back from crazy golf. Twenty- four seven therapy my ass!
Ryan hangs up and kicks over a nearby bin.
CUT TO:
INT. KYLE'S OFFICE - DAY
Kyle has the place all spruced up with posters and neon signs. 
He has a name plate that declares himself as 'Kyle the Almighty'
He is making a call on his old fashioned telephone.
KYLE
I'm looking for a Hitman. A hitman. You know, a 'problem solver' if you catch my drift. I need someone 'rubbed out'. Is that any clearer? Okay, could I speak to your manager? I don't want train tickets! I want an assassin! Who am I talking to? Tony? Hello, Tony. I need someone who will pop a cap in somebody’s ass, or head. It doesn't really matter. You see, I have this friend whose life I keep disrupting by basically existing and I figure if I can KILL one of his problems, i.e. his torturous ex-girlfriend, then I could help put a smile on his face. That's what good friends do for each other, don't they? Why do you keep talking about train tickets, Tony? Are we talking in code? Oh, this is a ticket line? Okay, forget everything I've said. How much for a return to Brighton? HOW MUCH? Good day, sir!
Kyle slams the phone down which shakes his office.
He pushes a button on his desk.
KYLE
Miriam, cancel all of my appointments.
GREG (V.O.)
It's Greg, Kyle and you don't have any appointments.
KYLE
Excellent. Bring me some peppermints. Oh, and Greg?
GREG (V.O.)
Yes?
KYLE
Have them brought to me good book. If you can get them to spell out my name then it's a bonus for you, good sir!
Kyle leans back on his chair.
INT. KYLE AND RYAN'S APARTMENT - EVENING
Kyle and Ryan are eating at the table.
Kyle looks over and notices that Ryan has spelt 'Death' in his Alphabet pasta shapes.
Ryan looks incredibly angry as he eats (and spells). Kyle notices but tries to lighten the mood and ease the tension.
KYLE
Hey, if you want, I could ask Jake and Taylor, or Jay-Jay and T-Dog as I've nicknamed them, if you could become my P.A. It's a personal assistant. Would you like that? It could be fun.
Ryan tips over his plate and storms off, slamming the door behind him.
KYLE
That's a no. Big no. I probably should have started off with a joke or something.
Kyle sighs.
CUT TO:
EXT. CLAIRE'S HOUSE - DAY
Ryan pulls up in his car.
Claire appears and sneaks down her drive.
She gets in the passenger.
RYAN
Are you sure this is okay?
CLAIRE
He's passed out and he'll never know. Besides, I need excitement.

CUT TO:
INT. GENT'S TOILETS - DAY
Ryan is sat on the toilet. He is reading a book: 'The Bent Soul Sufferers Handbook: How To Find Your Smile, Inside and Out'
Someone comes into the cubicle next to him. He hears them unzip their trousers for what seems like ages. He mutters, annoyed at the disturbance.
The person next to him begins to whistle. Ryan tuts in disgust.
KYLE (V.O)
Ryan?
RYAN
Kyle?
KYLE
I recognised your 'tut'. 
RYAN
I'm not talking to you.
KYLE
Why not?
RYAN
Jesus! You have the memory of a gold fish! 
KYLE
Where did you go last night? 
RYAN
I needed to get away and clear my head. It's not any clearer before you ask.
KYLE
Where did you go?
RYAN
It's none of your business.
KYLE
You didn't spy on people having sex in the park, did you? That's the start of a slippery slope. One minute, you're 'dogging' and the next minute, you're George Michael.
RYAN
Go away.
KYLIE
I couldn't help that they promoted me ahead of you. It's just natural selection at work. Have you thought about my offer? You can still be my P.A.
RYAN
I'd rather serve in Iraq. Could you please leave me alone? I need some privacy.
KYLE
What are you doing?
RYAN
What do you think?
KYLE
It's either a leisurely number one or a lengthy number two. It could be number three.
RYAN
What's number three?
KYLE
The 'Danger Wank'.
RYAN
What?
KYLE
You've never stroked one off during office hours?
RYAN
No!
KYLE
Maybe this is why you're so tense. I spanked it twice this morning in my office.
RYAN
You're sick.
KYLE
The third one did feel kind of wrong. How is everything else, apart from me upsetting you?
RYAN
I have to watch the love of my life get married to some idiot. An idiot that's not you. There are two major idiots in my world; one has my promotion and the other has my girl. Next thing I know, you chaps will be friends, double-teaming my once beloved.
KYLE
I would never go anywhere near Claire's nethers! 
RYAN
Well, at least SOME part of you knows how to be loyal.
KYLE
How can I make this up to you? Should I not come to the wedding?
RYAN
No! I need you to come to the wedding! I'm that short of friends that I have to depend on the very same person that fucked me over. Could you let me get back to my book? It's a stress book and I need all the advice I can get. It may stop me taking lives.
KYLE
Does it mention the 'Danger Wank'?
RYAN
(Sarcastic)
Oddly enough, it doesn't.
KYLE
I though that would be one of the first things it would suggest.
RYAN
How do you figure?
KYLE
It gives me relief.
RYAN
And it's a true testament to your chilled-out nature.
KYLE
I used to be a twenty a day man!
RYAN
Jesus!
KYLE
I had to stop though. I don't know if you know this but if you keep-
RYAN
I'm reading, Kyle.
KYLE
Sorry.
There is a pause.
KYLE
Did you know, that there has been a few reported cases of cats laughing like humans?
RYAN
What?
KYLE
Yeah, freaky or what? Imagine that! It would be a real sense of achievement to make a cat chuckle. I'm going to try it; get an audience of cats and try out some of my material.
RYAN
I'm going to see if I can find a vacant cubicle in the women’s toilets. This is completely hopeless.
Ryan pulls up his trousers and exits.
Kyle doesn't move.
Another guy comes into the cubicle, sits down and slowly looks up to see Kyle looking down.
KYLE
Hi, Roger. You're fired!
Kyle smiles, winks and exits.
CUT TO:
INT. CLAIRE'S HOUSE - DAY
Ryan and Claire are sat in the LIVING ROOM drinking tea.
RYAN
Are you sure Simon won't mind me being here?
CLAIRE
He'll be fine.
RYAN
Does he know I'm here?
CLAIRE
No, but it's not like we're doing anything wrong. We're just drinking tea and having an adult conversation. So, they haven't fired Kyle yet?
RYAN
I told you that the company was going mad! How could they hire Kyle? 
CLAIRE
You should quit. This has to be some kind of final straw. I mean, Kyle is a step up from hiring an ape.
RYAN
He just has this way with people. He charms them. He's like a social wizard!
CLAIRE
I always thought you were way more charming than him. 
RYAN
Really?
CLAIRE
Yeah.
Claire shuffles closer to Ryan.
RYAN
What are you doing?
CLAIRE
I'm shuffling closer to you.
RYAN
Can't you hear me?
CLAIRE
Blame your charm.
Claire kisses him.
RYAN
You're going to get married.
CLAIRE
But I'm all confused.
RYAN
I couldn't do this to Simon.
CLAIRE
You don't even know him.
RYAN
Is he nice?
CLAIRE
Not really.
Ryan seems conflicted.
RYAN
What should I do?
CLAIRE
Whatever you feel like. He doesn't get back from his Role-playing group until tomorrow morning.
RYAN
He plays role play all night?
CLAIRE
That's part of it. I don't understand it.
RYAN
Decisions, decisions.
Ryan gives over to his imagination where we see two versions of Ryan; one dressed as an angel and one dressed as a Devil playing tennis.
They hit the ball to each other, hammering their points home.
DEVIL RYAN
Just do it, man! She did it to you with that guy.
ANGEL RYAN
Two wrongs don't make a weird right, Ryan. 
DEVIL RYAN
Sex with your ex is always deeply intense.
ANGEL RYAN
Is it?
DEVIL RYAN
Yeah.
ANGEL RYAN
Regardless, Ryan is a wise young man with a strong sense of morals.
DEVIL RYAN
If that was the case he wouldn't be at Claire's in the first place.
ANGEL RYAN
Be strong, Ryan.
Angel Ryan hits a strong return and gets a point against Devil Ryan.
ANGEL RYAN
Ha! Game to me, Wicked one!
Devil Ryan kicks the ground.
Ryan backs away from Claire for a second.
Suddenly, Kyle walks through the court.
KYLE
Hey, Ryan. What's up? Do you want to be my P.A?
Devil Ryan smashes his racket through dream Kyle's head, dream-killing him.
The dream ends.
Ryan kisses Claire.
CUT TO:
INT. BEDROOM - MORNING
Ryan and Claire are lying in bed.
RYAN
Now I'm really confused.
CLAIRE
Me too.
RYAN
What are we going to do?
CLAIRE
You'd better get dressed because he'll be back soon.
RYAN
I meant with us.
CLAIRE
We still have something. Leave it with me. I'll try to break it off. It shouldn't be hard. He's quite laid back.
Ryan kisses her forehead and snuggles her.
Beat.
CLAIRE
Seriously, you'd better go.
CUT TO:
EXT. STREET - MORNING
Ryan, happy for the first time in ages, dances down the street in a joyous but rather sloppy musical number.
People try to join in but either fall over, injure themselves or give up when they realise how foolish they look.
Ryan dances away, completely care-free.
RYAN
This day couldn't get any better!
CUT TO:
INT-RYAN'S OFFICE-DAY
Ryan has just found out that the day is actually getting better.
RYAN
He what?
KENNY
He fired most of his team.
RYAN
Why the Hell why?
Another, older guy, joins the conversation.
JOEL
Lucy from Accounts said that he got rid of anyone who 'didn't fit the bill physically'. He fired Nina Reynolds because she had a 'flaccid face'.
RYAN
I knew the pointless bit of power would go to his head! Why did they even hire him?
JOEL
You don't know?
RYAN
Well, I did question their reasoning for hiring someone whose past occupations include: Bird Juggler, nudist and tea drinker.
JOEL
The main man is hooked on some hip new drug and he's been making all sorts of crazy, irrational decisions whilst he's on the stuff. He hired a dog as his personal assistant and he attends meetings dressed as a knight. Your friend is another one of his drug-induced mistakes. He picked up the phone and thought he was talking to an angel.
RYAN
(Laughs) 
I knew it! I knew there had to be a real reason behind all this! He's no manager! He's a country music loving pirate!
JOEL
Pirate?
RYAN
Nevermind.
CUT TO:
INT-STAFF ROOM-DAY
Kyle swaggers into the staff room, giving an enthusiastic thumbs-up to everyone that passes him.
KYLE
Hey there! You're fired! You're fired too! You know YOU'RE fired!
Kyle sits down opposite his friend who is struggling to contain a smug grin.
KYLE
Howdy, partner!
RYAN
Afternoon, Wall Street. Have you had a good day?
KYLE
It's been pretty poppin' so far! I might even make it a week in this place. I've got a great rep going. I must have fired dozens of people!
RYAN
Yeah, I heard about that. People really hate you for it.
KYLE
Hate me? Why? But I thought that was what I was supposed to do! I thought that's what all managers did.
RYAN
Only the evil ones! Nobody likes to lose their job.
KYLE
They do it all the time on T.V. I thought- Oh no! I thought it was just an expression!
RYAN
Oh dear. Oh dear.
KYLE
(Bows head)
Bugger. I'm a monster.
RYAN
And here is the delicious kicker, Jerry Maquire; you were only hired because the main manager is hopelessly addicted to a mind-meddling drug called 'Brain Hammer'! He would have hired ANYONE that called him. That explains why he gave his job to little old you!
Kyle is disheartened.
KYLE
I thought it was my experience as a bee organiser. If you can organise a load of bees to make honey, then you can make a group of people do-
RYAN
Brain Hammer!
KYLE
I guess I'd better take off then. I don't want to stick around and get fired. I'll see you at home.
RYAN
Bye bye.
Kyle slopes off.
RYAN
Shit, that exchange made me seem like a real bastard, didn't it?
We hear a flat voice come from the vending machine.
VENDING MACHINE
It did a bit, yeah.
RYAN
Shut your face.
VENDING MACHINE
You shouldn't be knocking off your ex either.
RYAN
Shut up or I'll replace you with a Coke machine.
CUT TO:
INT-HOUSE-DAY
Ryan returns home from work. He hangs up his jacket and heads to the LIVING ROOM.
RYAN
Kyle! Kyle! I'm really sorry about today. You have to understand that the office environment warps me into a complete arsehole. Claire used to hate it. I'm sorry that it didn't work out. Do you want to go out and-
(Spies a note on the counter) 
what the? 
(Reading aloud)
"Dear Ryan, I'm sorry I messed up today. I guess I'm not very good at 'grown-up' jobs. By the time you read this, I will be gone.." Oh God! What have I done? I'm such a prick! I'm always so hard on him just because I'm fucked up and he's full of the beans I wish I had! Oh my God! What the hell am I going to do? What the- 
(Turns over note and reads) 
"..To the shops. Do you want anything? Perhaps I can pick you up a Cornetto or the latest copy of 'What Now?' Viva La Pasta, Kyle"
Ryan puts down the note and smiles to himself. The smile turns into a chuckle, the chuckle to a belly laugh. Kyle enters and joins in with the laughter. This goes on for quite some time, their eyes streaming with tears. Their laughter fades.
KYLE
What's funny?
RYAN
I have no idea.
KYLE
That's my favourite kind of laughter, the confused kind.
RYAN
I'm sorry that I acted so smug about the work thing. 
KYLE
You were a bit smug.
RYAN
I brought you a card to say sorry.
Ryan hands Kyle a card.
He takes it out of the envelope.
He looks at the cartoonish cover with interest.
KYLE
(Reading)
"I'm sorry I took a dump on the chest of our friendship"
RYAN
Sorry.
KYLE
At least I've got a suit for the wedding. I can't go looking like a pirate, can I?
RYAN
You're still going to come even after I sold you down the river?
KYLE
That job wasn't for me. That's more a you thing. You can handle all that nonsense because you're, well, much wiser. Besides, I think I'd have been fired anyway for something called 'Gross Misconduct'.
RYAN
I still owe you one, sir. 
KYLE
We're square surely.
RYAN
That doesn't count. I still owe you a favour.
KYLE
Can I not come to the wedding?
RYAN
I need you to come to the wedding, now more than ever. Any other favour.
KYLE
When can I cash it in?
RYAN
Anytime you like.
KYLE
Interesting.
Ryan grabs his jacket.
KYLE
Where are you going? It's 'Dance Around The House' Friday.
RYAN
I've got to go out for a bit.
KYLE
Where are you going? You're like a superhero lately. You're not whoring yourself out are you?
RYAN
No.
KYLIE
Are you a pimp?
RYAN
I'm just popping out. I'll meet you at The Civic in a couple of hours if you want.
KYLE
Okay. I'm suspicious.
RYAN
I can tell. You're giving me the narrow-eyed look.
KYLE
Whatever it is you're doing, I hope it's not illegal?
RYAN
It's not completely right but it's not illegal.
Ryan exits.
KYLE
Now I'm really fucking curious!
CUT TO:
INT. BEDROOM - EVENING
Ryan and Claire are in bed.
RYAN
Please don't get married tomorrow.
CLAIRE
It's not that simple.
RYAN
Let's run away together.
CLAIRE
I'd love to but we can't. Besides, you have Kyle. 
RYAN
He can look after himself.
There is a beat.
RYAN
I could leave him some money and a set of instructions.
CLAIRE
Let's enjoy what we have. It might be wrong but at least it's fun.
RYAN
It is fun.
CLAIRE
Do you think you can squeeze in another before you go?
Ryan looks at Claire.
RYAN
That was the most unerotic proposal I've ever heard.
CLAIRE
I'm more action than talk, sir.
CUT TO:
INT. BAR - EVENING
Ryan is sat at a table in a small rock bar. 
Kyle is ordering drinks at the bar.
Ryan looks at his phone. He's received a message from Claire that reads:
"You're the best fuck buddy ever! xxx"
Ryan smiles a naughty smile.
He looks over to Kyle, who is being served by the bar tender.
KYLE
I'll have a pint of filthy fall down water and, uh, what kind of cocktails do you have?
BAR TENDER
What's 'filthy fall down water'?
KYLE
A pint of beer.
BAR TENDER
What kind of beer?
KYLE
Uh-
(Points)
-That one.
BAR TENDER
Okay. What else can I get you?
KYLE
Do you do cocktails?
BAR TENDER
Yeah. What would you like?
KYLE
Do you have a 'Scary Chaplin'?
BAR TENDER
I've never heard of that.
KYLE
Okay, what about a 'Chimp Kicker'?
BAR TENDER
What's that?
KYLE
It's a combination of banana and Vodka.
BAR TENDER
We don't serve that here. Do you want anything normal?
KYLE
I'll just have a pint of 'Kung Fu'.
The bar tender sets the drinks. Kyle looks over at Ryan who is texting on his phone.

Kyle pays the bar tender and walks over with the drinks.
KYLE
What's with the saucy grin?
RYAN
Nothing.
KYLE
You've had sex, haven't you?
RYAN
How would you know that?
KYLE
I know you and you know that I know you. You've had it away with some lady. 
RYAN
I can't smile now?
KYLE
Only insane people smile in bars for no apparent reason.
RYAN
You would know.
KYLE
Who is this lass? Is she someone from the office? Is that why you wanted me out of the picture?
RYAN
I never wanted you out of the picture. I objected to management promoting you above me but I never plotted to get rid of you. You shot yourself in the foot with your own foolishness.
KYLE
But you have been knocking boots with some chick in the office, right? You didn't come back last night and Diagonal Steve heard you started a musical number in the street. That's the behaviour of a man that's gotten some pretty hardcore action.
RYAN
It was pretty hardcore and loving at the same time.
KYLE
So spill the beans. Who was this lucky wench? Was it 'Non-Ugly Betty' from accounts? I'm going to miss staring at her.
RYAN
'Non-Ugly Betty'?
KYLE
Yeah. She looked like Ugly Betty but not, you know, ugly. Mind you, I'd fuck Ugly Betty. It's the braces I think. Is that wrong? 
RYAN
I don't-
KYLE
So who was it?
RYAN
You really want to know?
KYLE
Am I misleading you? I'm intrigued!
RYAN
Do you promise not to get mad?
KYLE
Get mad? Why would I get mad? This chick seems to have knocked the happy back into you! I can only promise not to rub one out if the details get too erotic.
RYAN
Ugh.
KYLE
Who is she, dude? Come on!
RYAN
Claire.
KYLE
Danes?
RYAN
No. Claire. 
KYLE
THE Claire?
RYAN
Yeah.
KYLE
Your ex? The one that's getting married to Mr. And?
RYAN
Yeah. We've been meeting up. 
KYLE
Is she going to call off the wedding?
RYAN
I don't know.
KYLE
So why are you getting involved in all of this? Do you think she'll jilt him and run away with you?
RYAN
Maybe. It seems at least likely.
KYLE
But what if she marries him and she wants the best of both worlds like she always does?
RYAN
Then that's the way it'll have to be.
KYLE
Could you give me a moment? I need to- No, actually I think I'll just do it here.
RYAN
Do what?
Kyle slams his own head off the table, knocking himself out cold.
RYAN
Kyle?
Ryan pokes Kyle's head.
RYAN
Kyle?
CUT TO:
INT. TOILETS - NIGHT
Ryan splashes water on Kyle's face to revive him.
KYLE
What happened? Did I pass out from excessive drinking?
RYAN
You knocked yourself out.
KYLE
Who are you?
RYAN
What? You're kidding? 
KYLE
Yeah.
RYAN
Don't do that. I thought you'd knocked yourself senseless. More so.
KYLE
Why did I knock myself out? Oh, I remember now.
Kyle goes to knock himself out again. 
Ryan stops him.
RYAN
Stop that! Will you let me explain? Please?
Kyle slowly nods.
FADE OUT:
P.O.V. RYAN - NIGHT
Ryan is explaining his actions to a bemused, confused and mildly miffed Kyle. Through a series of cuts and fades we see that it takes a long time.
Ryan even puts on a small scale puppet show in an attempt to get his point across.
CUT TO:
EXT. PARK - NIGHT
Ryan and Kyle are sat on the roundabout.
RYAN
I just have to know, Kyle. I just have to try. If the wedding is where it all has to go down, then so be it. I need to know.
Kyle nods.
KYLE
Okay. 
RYAN
You understand?
KYLE
Maybe it's best that I don't.
RYAN
I wonder if she's having a hen night of some kind.
CUT TO:
INT. HOUSE - NIGHT
Claire is sat on her own, looking miserable.
She looks at a picture of her and Ryan together. She takes it from a folder marked 'Ryan and Claire: The Affair Years'.
There are lots of cards on the mantelpiece all sent to congratulate her on her impending matrimony. She's trapped, confused and onto her forth glass of wine.
CUT TO:
EXT. PARK - NIGHT
They slowly rotate in the moonlight, thinking about their lives.
KYLE
Do you ever stop and wonder how the hell your life got so complicated?
RYAN
Do you?
KYLE
I was referring to your life. My life is simple and all the better for it.
RYAN
The simple life would be good.
KYLE
Not the T.V show?
RYAN
That would be horrible.
KYLE
It certainly would.
CUT TO:
EXT-CHURCH-DAY
Kyle and Ryan are suited up and looking dapper. Kyle fiddles with his tie as Ryan stresses.
RYAN
Who invites their ex to their wedding? Particularly an ex they've recently had relations with.
KYLE
'Relations'. Listen to you. I still can't believe you bumped bits with that bag of trouble. You never learn, do you?
RYAN
Why is she still going through with this? What's going on?
KYLE
Maybe she wants you to stop the proceedings like in 'The Graduate'.
RYAN
I don't think so.
KYLE
Maybe you should try.
RYAN
I never thought you'd suggest that.
KYLE
I'm not. It's what you’re thinking. It's what we're here for, isn't it?
RYAN
I don't know what to do.
KYLE
Take a frigging risk once in a while! This is why you're flopping around like a cold fish on a hot deck. How's THAT for a metaphor? And they say I never paid any attention in English class. In your eye, Mr Avis!
RYAN
You sound like my shrink. I haven't seen him today. I could have used his patchy advice today of all days!
KYLE
Call him. I don't want you freaking out and dancing around like a monkey in a-
RYAN
Enough with the metaphors! I get it! I'll call him now.
Ryan takes out his phone and dials. A little way from him a crappy midi version of 'Push It' by Salt and Pepper is heard.
Ryan turns around to see his shrink amongst the crowd.
STANLEY
Hello?
RYAN
(Hanging up)
What are you doing here?
STANLEY
I was invited.
RYAN
Why?
STANLEY 
I don't know. I'm here for the free booze and soft cake.
KYLE
(To Ryan)
Jesus, this isn't YOUR wedding is it?
RYAN
This is so strange!
STANLEY
You must be on an emotional rollercoaster right now.
RYAN
Yeah.
STANLEY
Well, think of the buffet! Have some nibbles and you'll feel better!
Ryan walks off.
Kyle stands there for a quiet beat.
KYLE
He's just going through a few things. His mind is like a, uh-       (Thinks) -Nibbles, huh? Do you think they'll have mini pizza bites?
STANLEY
That's the rumour.
KYLE
Hey! Hey! Hey! We might wreck a family but at least we'll be well fed.
CUT TO:
EXT-CHURCH-DAY
Ryan is sat alone on a small bench.
Suddenly, A pair of hands begin to massage his shoulders.
Ryan turns around to see Kyle standing there.
KYLE
Hey, fella.
RYAN
Could you-
KYLE
Stop it?
RYAN
Move to the left a little.
KYLE
Word. You know, we could just go. You don't need all of this poop. I mean, you're braver man than I am. I couldn't have come here if I were you, which thankfully I'm not. I don't know how you live with all of this self made drama.
A middle-aged man with a face full of concern approaches the boys.
FRANK
Ryan?
KYLE
Mr Claire!
FRANK
Hello, Kyle.
RYAN
What's up, sir? You look anxious. Are you nervous about giving your daughter away?
KYLE
Have you heard any sexy rumours?
Ryan smacks Kyle on the arm.
KYLE
Because I haven't. Not at all. 
RYAN
Where is Claire?
KYLE
There have been no affairs of any kind going on, Frank. There's been no confusing hanky-panky unless it's of the monogamous kind.
FRANK
(Ignoring Kyle)
It's all gone to pot. Hardly anyone has turned up. Simon, her fiancé’s family, has decided to boycott the proceedings. They're, uh, not happy with everything. The best man has also declined to attend. So has the priest. 
KYLE
(Laughs)
All that and she's marrying a guy whose last name is AND! Now THAT'S karma!
FRANK
I won't lie to you, Ryan. I wish it were you by her side today. You know how Judy and I feel about you. You're a good kid with a lot to offer. I-
KYLE
You might just have your stupid wish come true, Franky Boy.
Ryan smacks Kyle in the arm again.
KYLE
That's two strikes, man!
RYAN
What do you need me to do, Frank?
FRANK
I need you to-
A young man runs up to them.
YOUNG MAN
Simon has just sped off in a taxi.
FRANK
Oh, for fucks sake!
CUT TO:
EXT-CHURCH-LATER
The guests file out of the church yard moaning about the giant waste of their time.
Ryan and Kyle follow. Kyle is dancing gleefully.
He is singing 'What goes around comes around'.
Ryan notices a sad young bride sat alone. He stops.
Kyle stops dancing. He seems a little sad and guilty.
RYAN
I'll meet you by the car.
KYLE
Okay.
Kyle walks towards the church yard entrance as Ryan walks towards Claire.
RYAN
Hey. What happened? Did he find out about us and the, uh, hanky panky?
CLAIRE
It was nothing to do with that. He just didn't want to marry me. 
RYAN
Why?
CLAIRE
I'd get you to ask him but he's long gone.
RYAN
You didn't love him anyway.
CLAIRE
I know but it was something.
RYAN
What about you and I? We could be something.
CLAIRE
I wouldn't want to wreck you again. If we were boyfriend and girlfriend, I'd end up ruining everything. That's what I do. The time I spent with you was a glimmer of happiness but we both know that wouldn't last. We were just fuck buddies, remember? It was easier that way.
RYAN
We could try to be more. Well, you could.
CLAIRE
You're too good for me, Ryan.
RYAN
That's not true. If I'm too good for you then why do I always want to be around you? I've got an idea. It's crazy but just bear with me. We should get married! We should just get married right now! What do you say? Do you want to?
CLAIRE
I don't-
KYLE
Whoa there. What are you doing?
RYAN
What I need to do.
KYLE
Why?
RYAN
Because I love her.
KYLE
That's no reason to get married! At least not to this woman!
RYAN
Stay out of this, Kyle. I know what I'm doing.
KYLE
I don't think you do and this is me talking. Me!
CLAIRE
That is a good point.
KYLE
Thank you. Ryan, it would be incredibly foolish to get married to her because, well, you're not suited to each other. You bring out the worst in each other and you cause each other nothing but woe. What kind of a relationship is that? That's the kind of relationship big spiders have, except, at the end of it, she's not going to bite your head off.
CLAIRE
What kind of spiders do that?
KYLE
Shush. Ryan, remember we agreed that you owed me one? 
RYAN
Yeah.
KYLE
I'm cashing it in.
CLAIRE
Oh my God. HE wants to marry you. It all makes sense.
KYLE
He wishes! Ryan, you've been a mopey bitch for ages now and you've done NOTHING but piss and moan about your life and how wrong it all is. Somehow, you've managed to become BOTH of our Fathers; two miserable, mad old bastards that withdrew so much that they stopped existing. You've managed to bring down most of the people around you and they've all had to leave because of you and your sour nature. I am the only one who stuck around because I was hoping that, someday, the Ryan of old would return. Do you remember that guy?  A lot of people do and fondly I might add. That was before you shacked up with this soul-sapping harpy. No offence, Claire.
CLAIRE
None taken.
KYLE
If you marry her then it's all over for us, you and I. I can't and won't stand side-by-side with you if you insist on making the same tired and twisted mistakes. It's taking too much out of me. Do you know how hard it is to be the happy Ying to your sour Yang? I have to be happy about EVERYTHING because someone needs to keep your flagging spirits up. If you're so sure that Claire is the ONLY girl on this earth for you, then I will say that you are a fucking idiot and then I'll say goodbye. 
Kyle waits for a beat.
KYLE
Goodbye, idiot.
Kyle walks off.
Ryan looks at Claire.
CLAIRE
I know what you really want.
Ryan stares at her.
We see the 'break up' scene at the start and a recap of their confusing, unfathomable situation.
RYAN
Goodbye, idiot.
CUT TO:
INT-CAR-DAY
Kyle is driving. Ryan is sat in the passenger seat. It's horribly silent.
Kyle looks over at his friend and tries to think of something to say.
Suddenly, his stomach gurgles.
Ryan snaps out of his trance.
RYAN
Was that you?
KYLE
Yeah! I'm really hungry!
RYAN
It sounded like your stomach said 'Brazil'.
KYLE
Did it?
RYAN
Yeah.
Kyle laughs.
KYLE
Sometimes it sounds like Scooby- Doo's laugh. I'll have to show you sometime.
Ryan chuckles.
RYAN
Great.
Kyle takes one of his hands off the wheel, balls it into a fist and holds it out for Ryan to 'bump'.
Ryan does.
RYAN
Wait. This isn't your car, Kyle. You don't even drive!
KYLE
Oh yeah!
Kyle and Ryan quickly vacate the car and run away, laughing as they sprint.
RYAN
I'm going to quit my shitty job tomorrow.
KYLE
Yeah?
RYAN
Yeah! And you know what else I'm going to do?
KYLE
What's that?
RYAN
I'm going to see the world. Travel, you know. Maybe I'll wrestle a shark, maybe two or jump off something WHILST wrestling sharks.
KYLE
Now you're talking my language!
RYAN
I have no fucking idea what I'm saying, Kyle.
KYLE
That IS my language, Ryan.
Ryan chuckles and the two friends jog into the distance, breaking up the jog with a few jumps and hops.
We pan out.
FADE OUT:
CREDITS.
As the credits play, we see photos and brief footage of Ryan and Kyle going on a series of adventures.
1) We see them in Vegas; drinking, gambling, flirting with locals, gambling, drinking and soaking up the wildness of the place.
2) We see them, drunk as Hell, getting married to each other.
3) We see them, hungover and shocked, trying to get an annulment.
4) We see them on a cruise; soaking up the sun and hanging out with some girls. Unfortunately, their ship is invaded by pirates causing much distress. Thankfully, we see that Kyle uses his pirate knowledge to defuse the situation and they are all left alone.
5) Ryan and Kyle are watching television and drinking tea. Kyle smiles at his long time friend and his friend smiles back.