Prompt Images
EXT. A cool bar on a city street. Dusk. TOMATO, 29, walks up and checks his phone. He opens a dating app and checks the messages with SPAGHETTI, 30…who’s across the street. Spaghetti notices Tomato and approaches.
SPAGHETTI: …Tomato?
TOMATO: Spaghetti? Hi, it’s so nice to meet you!
They hug, awkwardly. You know, that first date hug that’s not intimate, but friendly. Some have called it the “ass out” hug.
TOMATO: You look gorgeous, by the way. You look so… glossy.
SPAGHETTI: Thank you so much! It’s this pasta water spray, it really holds my texture. You don’t look too bad, yourself—I love your stem, by the way.
TOMATO: Thanks, I just had it trimmed. I was worried it was too short… but I’m glad you like it! Shall we head inside?
SPAGHETTI: This place looks so cool, is this one of your neighborhood spots?
TOMATO: Yeah, actually, our mutual friend Basil told me about it. Let’s get some drinks!
INT. Inside the bar. Dark lighting. A candle at the table. A server arrives at Tomato and Spaghetti’s table.
TOMATO: I’ll have an olive oil, straight up.
SPAGHETTI: Oooh, that sounds good. Could I actually have an olive oil and garlic? Thank you!
SERVER: Be right back!
TOMATO: Garlic, huh? That’s one of my go-tos, too.
SPAGHETTI: So we have at least one thing in common.
TOMATO: What are your thoughts on flaky salt?
SPAGHETTI: I’m a fan. Crushed red pepper?
TOMATO: A little too spicy for me, but sometimes, I’m in the mood.
SPAGHETTI chuckles.
TOMATO: So should we get some first date questions out of the way?
SPAGHETTI: Let’s do it.
TOMATO: Do you have any siblings?
SPAGHETTI: I do! Three sisters, Pappardelle, Linguine, and Bucatini. You?
TOMATO: One brother, San Marzano, and two sisters: Cherry and Roma.
SPAGHETTI: A tomato with sisters, that’s a green flag! What are some of your hobbies?
TOMATO: Well… mainly right now it’s growing, but I also like standing, climbing, and every once in a while, I love to get picked. How about you?
SPAGHETTI: I love yoga… getting all twisted up… that’s kind of all I can think of right now.
TOMATO: Yoga’s cool! I’m not really that flexible and I bruise easily, so I’m jealous that you’re able to do it. Maybe you could teach me some moves!
SPAGHETTI: Maybe! (chuckles)
A beat. The server returns with their olive oils.
SPAGHETTI: So how have the apps been going for you? What are you… looking for?
TOMATO: Oh wow, a couple minutes of small talk and now we’re jumping right in.
SPAGHETTI: Before things get too slippery.
TOMATO: Hmm… honestly? This might sound kind of corny, but I’m looking for my perfect complement. Someone who can handle my acidity—me at my sharpest—but also, me at my softest. I want someone I can nestle inside of. I want someone who appreciates every part of me: my skin, my flesh, my juice. Someone with a cool shape, to hold my intricacies. Sorry, now I’m just rambling. What about you?
SPAGHETTI: (laughs) No, don’t apologize! That was kind of… sweet.
TOMATO: People have told me that I can be pretty sweet. Especially in the summer!
They both laugh.
SPAGHETTI: Well, I’m also kind of looking for an equal. Someone balanced. Someone who can fit into the squiggles and weirdness of my life… who adds to it, without making me lose who I am, you know? I want someone I can have fun with, who I can be myself with, who makes me want to be devoured. Now I’m the one getting a little too real, huh?
SPAGHETTI takes a sip of her olive oil.
SPAGHETTI: Whew, these drinks are strong.
A moment passes. SPAGHETTI and TOMATO lock eyes, smile, giggle, and look away. There’s definitely a connection here.
TOMATO: Well, a toast. To Basil for setting us up… and to the future: whatever flavor it holds.
They clink glasses. Another moment passes, as Spaghetti seems lost in thought. She bites her lip, looks up at TOMATO and says…
SPAGHETTI: Do you want to get out of here… and make some sauce?
TOMATO: I’ve been thinking about nothing but sauce making from the minute I saw you.
MANGIA!
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