Chapter Text
"Welcome to Builder Brothers Pizzaria!!"
Elliot flashes a cheering smile to the customer, his pointer finger hovering over the cash register ready to type in the customer's order.
"What can I get you?"
The customer hesitates, fiddling their fingers while looking up at the menu. Their mouth gapes, trying to dictate their order, but slowly closed it— hesitating yet again.
"I'd get.. a uhh.. Cheese pizza with Bloxy Cola on the side.. yeah and I'd like to dine in aswell.."
Finally deciding on their order, they gave the pizza worker a crooked grin trying to replicate his sunny demeanor.
The curly blonde then proceeded to gracefully tap on the screen while quietly humming, "Nice choice!! Is that all?" His bright smile illuminating the room, patiently waiting for the customer's response.
"..yes"
"Great!! That'll be.. 12.37$!" The customer then fumbled their hands into their pocket, grabbing a crumpled 20 dollar bill. They straightened the bill, giving it to the pizza worker.
"Thaaank..you! We'll deliver your pizza as fast as possible, here's your table number." He extends his arm which reveals something on his palm, a card with the number 7 written on it.
The customer paused for a moment, their hand hovering over his, then quickly snatched the card.
"Enjoy your meal!" Elliot beamed, the customer returning his beaming gesture with a slight, nervous grin before they begin to walk to their table.
The freckled man watched as the customer strolled to their designated table and admired the amount of customers enjoying their pizzas, relishing at the sight of their happy smiles and laughs. His hands interlocked with one another as he stretched them far above his head, yawning out of exhaustion. Working overtime has not done him any good ever since the incident between C00LKID and 007n7..
Elliot leaned on the counter, settling his body in a more comfortable position. The thoughts of the incident still haunts him till' this day. The agonizing, painful screams of customers and co-workers being burned alive.. The horryfying sight of the pizza place breaking down as the smell of smoke attacks his nostrils. The feeling of his skin being burnt away as the heat continues to crawl under. It was all too familiar for him. His gloved hand grades upon his scarred arm, as he let out a long sigh, trying to forget what happened.
He should be thankful on this branch of the pizzaria actually having a comeback.
He lazily turned his head, glancing at the clock beside him.
"10:42 am" he mumbled.
He was amused on how people still come by from time to time, grateful that customers still enjoy their freshly baked pizzas. After seeing their smiles, their laughs, Elliot's chest felt a bit lighter.
His eyes then found itself back at the clock,
"10:45am."
He mumbles yet again.
But, this time of the day took him back.
All this remembering of bad memories about the past, made him recall a particular loyal customer that often comes by to order their usual; an all-meat pizza with extra pepper and cheese, always forgetting the lemon soda on the side.
They always gave a few corny puns here and there, but never failed to give Elliot an enjoyable time within his toughest hours— often finding himself snickering at the few minutes they share with eachother, there are also times where they interrupt the line of customers waiting for their turn to take their order. They always leave a huge tip too which was nice. His chest grew heavy again as he looked back at the past. Ever since the big event, they never really appeared in the pizzaria. Some customers never visit anymore due to the fear of "it" happening again and Elliot cant blame them.
He can't help missing those days though.
Elliot's body jolted as a familiar voice snapped him back to reality.
"Heeeyyyaa El! The big guy's lookin' for ya! I'm comin' for yer's spot over there bud' " His headphones played the voice, his fingers grazes the housing of the headphone.
Elliot's fingers traveled over to the microphone that's connected to his headset, befuddled on the sudden call.
"Roger that Jordan."
He replied with a slight hesitation in his voice, why did his Dad suddenly call for him? Did he put too much pepperoni again? The hazel-eyed man thought, his face furrowing trying to come up with situations that might've lead him to this conclusion—
SLAP!
Both of his palms were met with his star-kissed cheeks.
His Dad would never be mad at him unless its for a good reason! He huffed to himself. Suddenly, a towering figure can be seen at the corner of his eye.
A tall, short-haired brunette man with obsidian eyes popped out of the doorframe, showing a small wave at Elliot
"Oh Jordan!" The blonde chirped.
"I'll take over for ya El, go on, the manager's waitin'!" Jordan smiled at his co-worker. His hand patted Elliot's back signaling him to scooch over.
"Okay! Okay! Im going!" He snickers as he made his way to the doorframe. Elliot waved goodbye to Jordan as he began to walk to the manager's office.
He passed by the kitchen, smelling the fresh scent of newly cooked pizza dough, displaying his beaming smile towards his coworkers. He reached the hallway, his eyes fixed themselves at the large window— seeing the birds fly by and how bright the sky is with giant fluffy clouds painted on the blue canvas.
The dark wooden floor creaked as his steps grew closer to the Manager's office. He quickly found himself infront of the wooden door as his hand lingered against the door. He can hear the cheery sound of his dad talking to someone? This voice sounds vaguely familiar though..
Suddenly, the heaviness on his chest grew heavy yet again. Nervous yet again huh.
He took a deep breath, his knuckles were against the door, gently hitting it 3 times. His hand trailed down to the golden doorknob— grabbing it whole, he slowly turned it.
The crevice of the door shined a bright white light when he opened it. His eyes squinted until they adjusted enough to see two figures. The once loud office grew silent as hes met with his Father sitting on his black leather chair, and right across the wooden desk hes met with a man with a...fedora?
"Elliot! My best worker, dont be shy come in!" His dad calling him out.
The Man turned to look at Elliot, their hand holding on to their black fedora. They were wearing an all-black outfit, in this sunny day? I wonder how they weren't sweating in this heat! Their sunglasses being so opaque you cant even see their eyes. But honestly they were drop dead gorgeous, their long luscious grey hair glistening in the sunlight that was seeping through the two windows in the office, tied with a black hair tie with a tiny dice ornament. Loose strands infront of his face framing their face in the most perfect way possible. They had a sleek dark suit with a black tie that was layered on top of the white polo shirt— which complimented their lean body.
Elliot was familiar with this man. More than familiar. His eyebrows loosened as his eyes widened from the unexpected visitor. He slowly closed the door behind him as his Dad proceeded to continue their conversation between The Man. Elliot noticed The Man staring at him a bit longer before fully facing the Manager.
He swept it aside as he took a few steps towards them, positioning himself right at the corner of the desk, parallel to The Man..
The Man he always used to meet everyday, Chance.
"Once again I'm glad you came here to help us son! In our time of need I'm sure Elliot would be at most grateful with your help." The Manager explained to Chance.
Help? Huh?
"With pleasure sir! Its been gettin' rather repetitive back in my place. More than happy to help ya'." He grinned as he turned his gaze to Elliot— winking at him.
Elliot got confused though since he didnt really see his wink through their dark shades.
Elliot was lost in thought as the conversation between the two men begins to fade out.
Chance? Helping us? Huh?? His dad being grateful of his assistance. Assistance in what? Working? This is getting all too puzzling for him. But then he starts to piece things together.
Maybe Chance is applying here..?
What? Thats absurd! How come this rich gambler who used to be one of his local customers, applies for a pizza place? Him running around with pizza boxes on his hands while in the red uniform they provide? He WOULD look great in one tho—
The Manager stood up from his chair snapping Elliot out of his thoughts yet again.
"Okay Elliot you'll be their Mentor from now on, I'm sure your expertise would genuinely help them. I'd have to move back to our main building anytime soon, so even one employee can give a great difference for you and I know it." The Manager explained with a soft grin forming in his face.
So that fulfills Elliot's thoughts after all.
"Pause for a minute, you want me to train Chance?? Now??" Elliot was concerned, his father should atleast tell him beforehand about having a trainee. He coudlve made a whole guide for new trainees.. Well its a bit too late for that.
"Well son– Elliot. You've had hard time with your branch being understaffed, and as I explained before.. you really need to hit the hay before I leave and let you be in charge again."
Mr. Builder leaned towards Elliot as his hand rested on Elliot's shoulder. "I dont want you to work yourself to the bone.. and.. I want you to learn to depend on people more." His words were as soft as clouds, trying to calm down the always sunny Elliot.
The ends of the blonde's small mouth formed a tender curve upwards— his eyes softening as his head grew closer to his father's hand.
"I will."
"And...we can start with him." The Manager turned to the 'former' gambler "You two seem to know eachother."
Elliot followed as he set his gaze upon Chance. "Ohh he used to be a common custom—"
The gambler leaped to Elliot's direction. "Yes sir! We're extremely close buddies!" The pizza worker flinched, his neck found itself being wrapped around by Chance's arm.
An abrupt but gentle force pushes Chance aside, freeing Elliot from his grasp. Elliot dusts his shoulder, smugly looking at Chance.
"Just a common customer."
"Dont believe him sir hes messing with you.." Chance whispered to the manager.
Mr. Builder chuckled at the sight. "I'd confirm my guesses to be correct then." The watch on his arm buzzed onto his skin.
"Oh! I better get going soon.." The Manager pats Chance's shoulder. "Goodluck on your first day son! Lets hope Elliot wont be THAT harsh on you."
"Hey!" Elliot pouts as his father snickered at the sight. Chance joined in the view of laughs as a smile was tugging on the corners of their mouth.
"Worry not sir, Elliot wont be harsh to this jackpot of a face of mine'!" They flash a confident smirk, pointing up finger guns to Elliot as The Manager snickers at his words. Elliot groans as he rolls his eyes— shaking his head with a slight grin forming on his lips.
He missed their puns.