PIZZA LA VISTA

It had been a week since Y/N's birthday dinner. As lunchtime arrived, Gino strolled confidently through the school halls. He couldn't help but notice the lingering stares and whispered conversations that seemed to follow him all day. Were they just jealous of him? Or were they still judging him for the unforgettable disaster that was his party and horrible apology? Probably the second one.

Gino rolled his eyes, "Should've whipped out the ukulele," He muttered as a smirk played on his lips. But deep down, he knew that even a musical performance couldn't erase the past. The weight of his mistakes tugged at him as he made his way through the halls. His reputation had taken a hit.

Just then, Gino spotted a flyer on the noticeboard--a call for auditions for a school film, "This is it," He said under his breath, knowing that this audition was a chance to turn things around, to show everyone that he was more than just a party mishap. With a newfound resolve, Gino tore off the flyer, his mind set on reclaiming his status as the coolest guy in school.

~

Gino continued his path into the cafeteria, where Nat's group all sat in their usual positions, Luna was at the end of the table organizing her lunchbox with precision while Darcy sat beside her, eating a watermelon salad. Across from them sat, Tyler and Mac, the love birds, who were lost in their own world, sharing a moment that made Nat's heart ache with envy.

"Wow, your brown eyes are incredible," Mac murmured, gazing at Tyler. "They're like deep pools of rich, warm chocolate. I could get lost in them forever. Did you know that brown eyes are actually blue underneath? It's like you have a secret superhero identity hidden in your gaze." He said out loud.

Nat's expression remained neutral, but inside, she was seething with jealousy at the intimate moment between Tyler and Mac.

"Wow, I got chills," Darcy spoke up, clearly impressed which broke Tyler and Mac out of their trance. "That was so poetic!"

Mac looked over clueless, "What?"

Luna cringed visibly at Mac's comment, "Actually, that's a total myth," She interjected. "Brown eyes are brown because of melanin, not because they're secretly blue."

"Wait, you guys heard me?" Mac asked, catching on that he had an audience.

"Yes." The four responded, Nat grumbling, Darcy exclaiming, Luna grimacing, and Tyler blushing.

"Oh--"

"Isn't there a teeny, tiny voice in your head that's always shouting, whenever you're about to blurt out something you shouldn't?" Luna's brows furrowed together.

"No."

"That explains a lot," Luna muttered, which prompted Tyler and Nat to chuckle at the comment.

Just then, Darcy looked up from their phone, "Hey, would you guys respect me if I got a job at the local sewerage plant?" They interjected, changing the subject, much to Nat's relief.

"The local sewerage plant? Yeah, no way." Nat shook her head. "But the city sewerage plant..." She trailed off with consideration.

Luna looked at Darcy's phone, "You're looking for a job?"

"Yeah, you know how it is," Darcy nodded sagely. "Life's all about the expenses. Clothes, water... fun," They summarized.

"And dates," Tyler chimed in, giving Mac a subtle but deliberate nudge. "They require some financial commitment."

Mac missed the hint entirely. He nodded earnestly, his face lighting up with exaggerated understanding, "Right... and food too," He added, pointing to Darcy with an eager grin. Tyler narrowed her eyes slightly and a hint of irritation crossed her normally composed face.

"Yes!" Darcy finger gunned back.

"Oh!" Luna's eyes lit up. "Have you guys tried that new pizza place along Classon Ave?" She asked, changing the topic.

"I have, the crust is to die for and they're hiring!" Darcy exclaimed.

With Tyler now annoyed with Mac, she turned to Nat, "Are you ready to go to the auditions?" She asked, eager to move on from the conversation.

"Oh, I'm pretty interested in this pizza—" Nat began, but Tyler subtly tilted her head, signaling that it was time to leave. "Actually, never mind. I'm ready to go," She corrected herself before gathering her belongings and leaving.

~

Now in the media room, Nat set up the camera, sensing Tyler's frustration,
it was obvious in her strong movements as she cleaned the desk, "Everything all right, Ty?" Nat asked.

Tyler took a moment before responding, "I'm fine." Her tone was calm and collected. "It's just..." She sighed. "I wish Mac would take me out more." She finally said.

Nat's face fell slightly. She could easily take Tyler out on a date, but she knew that wasn't what she wanted, "Maybe you should talk to him about it," She suggested gently, trying to be supportive. "Or show him how it's done, take him on a date."

Tyler raised an eyebrow as she considered Nat's suggestion, "You think?"

Nat shrugged, "Yeah, why not? Show him what he's been missing!" She encouraged as a pang of regret lingered in her chest. She wished she could be the one Tyler wanted to go out with.

Tyler pondered for a moment, "You make a valid point. I shall take the lead this time." She declared with a firm nod.

Nat beamed, glad to see Tyler happy, "That's the spirit." She hid her disappointment with a smile.

Tyler nodded, happy with her decision, "Thank you, Nat." She cracked a smile. "You're a good friend,"

Nat's smile faltered slightly, her heart sinking at Tyler's words. She wanted to be more than just a friend, but she pushed those feelings aside and plastered on a supportive grin, "Of course." She replied, trying to sound cheerful despite the ache in her chest.

"How are you so good at relationship advice? Have you ever been in one?" Tyler asked.

"Oh, hell no," Nat deadpanned. "I've been closer to death than a stable relationship." She added, which prompted a slight chuckle from Tyler.

~

With the auditions on the way, Darcy was at home, sitting at the kitchen table as Charles prepared their favorite after-school snack: grilled cheese sandwiches with tomato soup, "So, Dad," Darcy spoke up. "I'm thinking about getting a job, what do you think?"

Charles paused, turning to look at Darcy, "I think that's a great idea, bud!" He bobbed his head, bringing the snack over to the teen.

"Really?"

"Yeah, it's great experience. When I was your age, I was a barber-boy at Shvitz. I washed people's hair, they called me the hair whisperer." Charles recalled with a grin. "How about we get you a job there?"

Darcy chuckled before taking a bite out of the sandwich, "Thanks, but the new pizza place on Classon Ave is hiring and I was thinking I could get a job there."

Charles's eyes lit up, "Dough me a Favor?"

"That's the one!"

"Oh, they have amazing mozzarella sticks!" Charles' excitement bubbled over as he reminisced on the food. "I think working there is a fantastic idea! I can't wait to tell Nikolaj about this. He's going to be so proud of you!"

Darcy beamed, "So, I can work?"

"Yes! You know what Boyles always say?"

"'If you first don't succeed, give up?'"

"No, not that one." Charles chuckled, shaking his head. "'Hard work makes the dream work!'" He corrected.

"Right." Darcy bobbed their head as they understood the information.

"Anyways, I should go warm up the car seats for when you're ready to go," Charles said, reaching for his keys. "Meet you in the car!" He smiled as Darcy continued to eat their grilled cheese sandwich.

~

Nearby, at the Peralta residence, Amy was making herself a coffee while Luna was doing her homework at the kitchen counter. Luna glanced up, trying to find the right moment to speak, "Mom, can I talk to you about something?" Luna finally asked.

"Of course, Lu-Lu! What's on your mind?" Amy's face brightened with interest.

Luna took a deep breath, "I've been thinking about getting a job. You know, something part-time after school. What do you think?"

Amy paused, her initial reaction reflecting her typical overprotectiveness, "You already have a job. It's your job to get good grades, go to college, graduate, and have a successful career." She emphasized each point with a finger count.

Luna bit her lip, feeling a bit disheartened, "But, Mom, how do I save up for college if I don't have a job?"

Amy stirred her coffee thoughtfully as her expression softened, "You make a good point." She came around to the idea. "Where are you thinking of working?"

Luna perked up, "Well, this new pizza place just opened up on Classon Ave. It's called Dough me a Favor. They're hiring."

Amy smiled as her eyebrows furrowed in concern, "Dough me a Favor, huh?"

"Yeah! It'll be great work experience."

"It would be." Amy bobbed her head. "But are you sure you can handle school and a job at the same time?"

Luna nodded eagerly, "Yes, of course I can. I'm really only going to be working a few shifts here and there." She reassured.

Amy took a sip of her coffee, considering, "Alright, you can work." She decided.

"Woo!" Luna exclaimed, unable to contain her excitement.

"But we need to set some ground rules," Amy interjected, her tone more serious.

"Oh, of course," Luna replied, trying to mimic her mother's seriousness but failing to hide her grin.

"Your schoolwork comes first. If your grades start to slip, the job goes. Understood?" Amy highlighted.

"Understood!" Luna's face lit up with a big smile. "I won't let you or Dad down." She soothed.

"I know you won't." Amy smiled softly at her daughter. "Right, do you need a ride?"

"Thanks, but I'll take the bus."

"That's my girl, independent and responsible," Amy bobbed her head proudly. "Do you have your resume?"

Luna nodded, "Yes, it's all laminated and ready to go!"

"Wow, you really are my girl,"

~

Back with Nat and Tyler, they were hitting a wall with their casting. All they'd seen were a bunch of actors who just didn't click with the roles they had in mind. Nat let out a sigh, glancing at Tyler, "Yikes, this is like pulling teeth," Nat grumbled, leaning back in her chair and crossing her arms.

Tyler nodded, "I agree, this is painful." She looked to the door. "Next please!" She announced, hoping that the next actor would meet their criteria.

The door creaked open, and a figure stepped into the room, instantly commanding attention. It was Gino Linetti. Nat and Tyler were taken aback. Wasn't Gino popular—why would he be auditioning for their school film? Surely he had more important things to do.

"Gino Linetti. Ancient God." Gino greeted with confidence, strutting towards the pair. "Self-diagnosed," He added.

"Yes, we are aware," Tyler replied dryly as Nat took down the name. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm here to audition for your little film." Gino explained, his brows furrowing at the stupid question. "May I start my dance?"

Nat and Tyler exchanged a glance, they were intrigued, "Sure." Nat encouraged.

As the music began, Gino started with a series of cartwheels as the beat pulsed through the room, his body moving with perfect harmony. He then began a sequence of sharp, precise movements, his arms slicing through the air as he popped and locked to the beat. Each step was deliberate and full of attitude.

Then, as the music shifted, so did Gino. He smoothly transitioned into a more fluid style, his body undulating with the melody. He glided across the stage, his movements almost hypnotic as he seemed to lose himself in the music.

As the song reached its climax, Gino unleashed a flurry of spins and jumps, his energy infectious. The room was electrified, and Nat and Tyler were completely captivated by his performance.

When the music finally faded, Gino stood in the center of the room, chest heaving, a satisfied smirk on his face. There was a moment of silence before Nat and Tyler broke into applause. Gino smiled, clearly pleased with the impact he had made.

"That was superb," Tyler said, nodding in approval. "But, do you accept constructive criticism?"

"I only take cash or credit," Gino responded with a dismissive wave of his hand.

"That was spectacular!" Nat exclaimed, her eyes wide with amazement as she applauded. "You nailed it!" She finger-pointed.

"Thanks, I know," Gino said, shrugging casually. "So, what part do I have?"

Nat and Tyler exchanged a look, briefly considering the roles before Tyler spoke up, "After seeing your performance, we've decided that you'll be playing the alien," She announced.

"Is that the lead?"

"Yes."

"I'll take it!"

~

Now at Dough Me a Favor, Darcy and Luna were among a group of eager applicants seated as the store manager began his introduction, "First of all," He began, "People who work at Dough Me a Favor are special. Now, I know you're looking at me and wondering, 'How do I get where Diego is?'" Diego pointed to himself, emphasizing his point. "Well, if you work hard, pay attention, and use the proper finger release on the sauce container, you could be me."

Luna smiled and nodded, clearly excited by the store manager's words. Darcy, on the other hand, fidgeted with their sleeves, "Now, let's get started." Diego clapped.

~

Deigo and Luna sat across from each other in the office, "Now, Luna, why do you want a career here at Dough me a favor?"

"I want a career at Dough me a Favor because I love the thrill of a fast-paced environment." Luna started. "I'm meticulous and detail-orientated, but also I have the enthusiasm for diving into exciting opportunities. I see Dough Me a Favor as not just a job, but as a place where I can grow, learn, and contribute to something truly special." She added, finishing her practise speech.

~

"The experience," Darcy responded with a hopeful smile, meeting Deigo's eyes.

~

"Right, second question, what is your best quality?"

"My best quality?" Luna echoed, her confidence unwavering. "I'd say it's my ability to stay calm under pressure and think quickly on my feet." She nodded proudly.

~

Darcy, on the other hand, paused for a moment, pondering the question about their best quality, "I'd say I'm a great team player," They summarized, hoping it was the answer Deigo was looking for.

~

"Third question, name something about yourself that you consider a weakness?"

"Well, I can be competitive at times, always striving to be the best. However, I've learned to balance this by focusing on teamwork and collaboration, using my competitive drive to push myself to improve." Luna replied, nodding firmly in her answer.

~

"My weakness? Where do I start." Darcy thought before coming to an answer. "Well, I allow people to boss me around."

~

"Last question, where do you see yourself in five years?"

"In five years, I see myself as a successful lawyer, possibly specializing in a field that aligns with my passions and interests, such as civil rights or environmental law," Luna responded, memorising her script.

Deigo smiled, taking in Luna's answers, "I like your ambition, Miss Peralta. You've got the drive we're looking for here at Dough Me a Favor. Welcome aboard!" He exclaimed, reaching his hand out.

Luna shook Diego's hand, "Thank you." She kept composed, trying to hide a smile. "When can I start?"

~

"Where do you see yourself in five years?"

"Dough me a Favor," Darcy said with a smile, hoping their answers had impressed Deigo.

Deigo nodded, "I like your attitude. You seem like you'd fit in well here." He looked pleased.

"Really?" Darcy was taken aback.

"Yeah, welcome to the team, Darcy!" Diego beamed as he reached out a hand.

"Yes!" Darcy couldn't contain their excitement, "Thank you, Mr. Dough me a Favor!" They exclaimed as they shook Deigo's hand enthusiastically. "When do I get my uniform?"

~

"Thank you, Sadie, we'll get back to you," Nat smiled as she gave the auditionee a polite nod as she exited the room. "Wow, she was great!" She turned to Tyler.

Tyler's brows furrowed, "If by 'great' you mean 'she needs improvement in every conceivable way,' then yes, she was great." She deadpanned.

"Alright." Nat pursed her lips before the door opened and Mac walked in, "Mac?" Her eyes widened. "What are you doing here?"

"Auditioning for a main role. Thought I'd spice things up." Mac explained, standing opposite the seated pair.

Tyler's brows rise, "Well, this is unexpected."

"Well, next time you should expect me, babe." Mac finger pointed back. Tyler's cheeks flushed slightly, she found Mac's charm endearing. "Right, when can I start?" He asked eagerly.

"Whenever you're ready," Nat replied, gesturing for him to begin his monologue.

Mac took a deep breath before beginning, "'...What does she want with Josh anyway? He dresses funny, he listens to complaint rock, he's not even cute in a conventional way... I mean, he's just like this slug that hangs around the house all the time! Ugh'!" He grumbled in character.

Tyler and Nat exchanged a glance, both clearly impressed by Mac's performance so far.

Mac continued, "'...And he's a hideous dancer, couldn't take him anywhere. Wait a second, what am I stressing about, this is like, Josh. Okay, okay... so he's kind of a Baldwin. What would he want with Ty, she couldn't make him happy, Josh needs someone with imagination, someone to take care of him, someone to laugh at his jokes in case he ever makes any...the suddenly'..." He paused as a wave of realization washed over him. "Oh my god! I love Josh! I'm majorly, totally, butt crazy in love with Josh'!"  He declared before collecting himself. "Scene."

Tyler and Nat were speechless, stunned by Mac's performance, "Mac, that was an excellent performance." Tyler spoke up, clapping softly.

Nat bobbed her head, agreeing, "Dude, you killed it!"

Mac's eyes lit up, "So, I have the part?"

Nat and Tyler exchanged a glance, a silent agreement passing between them. They turned back to Mac, their smiles confirming his question, "I believe we have found our leading man," Tyler stated.

Mac's grin widened, "Really?"

"Yeah, man," Nat confirmed with a nod.

"Thank you!" Mac beamed before letting out a dramatic sigh. "Phew, that is such a relief to hear. Because I fully blanked out, I have no idea what I just said!" He exclaimed, hands on his hips.

~

Back at Dough Me a Favor, Luna and Darcy had started their first training shift. They were changing into their uniforms, which were standard black aprons with a pizza logo embroidered on the front, paired with a white shirt and black pants.

Exiting the unisex toilets, Luna and Darcy adjusted their clothing and walked confidently toward the mirror as the song 'No Sleep Till Brooklyn' played over the shop's speakers, which added to their model performance.

Other staff members smiled and gave them a thumbs up as they passed by, "We look so cool right now!" Darcy beamed, turning to Luna.

"I know. We look stylish and respectable," Luna agreed while running her hands over her apron before noticing the pockets. "It has pockets!" Her eyes widened in excitement.

"No way!"

"Way!"

"I love this uniform." Darcy's studied the uniform in the mirror. "I feel like we're in a Dough Me a Favor commercial!" They exclaimed, running a hand over the fabric.

Just then Diego entered the bathroom, "Right, how are you guys doing?" He asked, noticing Luna and Darcy's excitement.

"We're just happy to be a part of the Dough me a Favor family." Darcy and Luna state in harmony, once again script-like.

"Great." Deigo smiled before exiting the bathroom.

~

Back with Nat and Tyler, they were cleaning up their camera equipment and chairs. They had seen dozens of auditionees, but none had quite fit the bill for the leading woman in their film project, "This is a bust, who can we cast now?" Nat stacked the chairs away as a wave of realization washed over her. "Oh! What about Sadie?"

"Pardon? No, were we watching the same performance?" Tyler's eyebrows twisted together in confusion.

"Come on, she had some decent moments," Nat chuckled. "Did you not see the bike?"

"I did, but we need someone who will have believable chemistry with Mac and who can bring the right energy to the role, someone with the necessary experience and talent," Tyler reminded the girl, packing the camera up.

"So... like you?" Nat raised a brow. "You'd be perfect."

"Nat, this is not a joking matter," Tyler shook her head, crossing her arms over her chest.

"No, I'm serious, Ty, you have all that. You have chemistry with Mac, the talent, and you know the character inside and out," Nat pointed out, counting on her fingers. "You could do it!" She encouraged.

Tyler paused, considering Nat's words, "Are you positive?"

"Hell yeah."

Tyler contemplated for a moment before straightening her posture and smiling, "Very well, I'll do it," She decided firmly.

Nat's eyes widened in surprise, "Really?" A smile spread across her face.

Tyler bobbed her head, determined to take on the role, "Yes, I'm willing to give it a shot,"

Nat's excitement bubbled over, "Wo! You won't regret it, leading lady!" She embraced Tyler, holding her tightly. Tyler hesitated before hugging her back, unaware of Nat's feelings for her. As they parted, there was a brief moment of awkwardness between them before Nat spoke up, "How about we celebrate with dinner?"

Tyler's heart skipped a beat at Nat's invitation. It wasn't her boyfriend asking her, but it was the next best thing, "Sure, that sounds great," She replied, trying to hide her excitement behind a calm facade.

~

Back at Dough Me a Favor, Darcy, and Luna were working their shifts. Luna called out takeaway orders while Darcy manned the cash register, "Thank you," Luna said politely as she handed a pizza box to a customer.

As the customer left, Tyler and Nat entered the store, "Ah, look who's here," Tyler remarked, acknowledging Darcy's and Luna's presence with a nod.

"Welcome to Dough Me a Favor! How can I be your pizza hero today?" Darcy greeted them with a neutral expression.

"Darcy, come on, it's us, Tyler and Nat. You know? From school," Nat gestured to Tyler, trying to jog Darcy's memory.

"Yeah, I know who you guys are, I have to say that," Darcy whispered, momentarily breaking character.

"Oh," Nat replied, a hint of relief shining through.

Undeterred, Darcy straightened up and continued, "So, how can I be your pizza hero today?"

"I'll have a small Veggie Supreme with a water, please," Tyler requested promptly.

Nat, taking a moment to decide, said, "Hm, I'll have the small spicy chicken with a cola, thanks."

~

Author note:

Did someone say Halloween chapter?

Published: 29/6/24