𝑭.𝑹.𝑰.𝑬.𝑵.𝑫.𝑺. (Jack x Alice/side Natasha x Clint)

Episode 9: The One Where Underdog Gets Away

[Scene: Central Perk, Alice is confronting her boss, Trevor.]

Alice: Trevor, I, I, I know that I haven't worked here very long, but I was wondering, do you think it would be possible if I got a $100 advance in my salary?

Trevor: An advance?

Alice: It's so that I can spend Thanksgiving with my family. See, every year we go skiing in Vail, and normally my father pays for my ticket, but I sort of started the whole independence thing, you know, which is actually why I took this job.

Trevor: Alice, Alice, sweetheart. You're a terrible, terrible waitress. Really, really awful.

Alice: Ok, I, I hear what you're sayin'. I'm with you. Um, but I, but I'm trying really hard. And I think I'm doing better. I really do. Does anybody need coffee? (everyone in the place raises their hand) Oh, look at that.

[Scene: Central Perk, Alice is approaching a customer.]

Alice: Excuse me, sir. Hi, you come in here all time. I was just wondering, do you think there's a possibility that you could give me an advance on my tips?

Guy: Huh?

Alice: Ok, ok, that's fine. Fine. Hey, I'm sorry about that spill before. (picks up the tip he leaves) Only $98.50 to go.

(Natasha enters.)

Natasha: Hey. Jack, did you know Mom and Dad are going to Puerto Rico for Thanksgiving?

Jack: No, they're not.

Natasha: Yes, they are. The Blymens invited them.

Jack: You're wrong.

Natasha: I am not wrong.

Jack: You're wrong.

Natasha: No, I just talked to them.

Jack: (getting up, upset) I'm calling Mom.

(Peter enters. His face looks abnormally colorful.)

Peter: Hey, hey.

Clint: Hey.

Carol: Hey.

Clint: And this from the cry-for-help department. Are you wearing makeup?

Peter: Yes, I am. As of today, I am officially Peter Parker, actor slash model.

Clint: That's so funny, 'cause I was thinking you look more like Peter Parker, man slash woman.

Carol: What were you modeling for?

Peter: You know those posters for the city free clinic?

Natasha: Oh, wow, so you're gonna be one of those "healthy, healthy, healthy guys"?

Carol: You know, the asthma guy was really cute.

Clint: Do you know which one you're gonna be?

Peter: No, but I hear lyme disease is open, so... (crosses fingers)

Clint: Good luck, man. I hope you get it.

Peter: Thanks.

(Jack comes back to the couch.)

Jack: (to Natasha) Well, you were right. How can they do this to us, huh? It's Thanksgiving.

Natasha: Ok, I'll tell you what. How about I cook dinner at my place? I'll make it just like Mom's.

Jack: Will you make the mashed potatoes with the lumps?

Natasha: You know, they're not actually supposed to have... (Jack looks at her sheepishly) I'll work on the lumps. Peter, you're going home, right?