A Shot of Love
Author's Note: Hey guys, sorry for the hiatus! Just so you know, I didn't forget about the story, but I don't like uploading chapters unless I'm completely satisfied with them. Anyways, these past couple of months have been cray-cray, with me adjusting to moving (I hope I'll be staying here for at least a couple of years, because moving is expensive and a pain in the assbutt). Also, since moving, I have gotten back into a hobby I did when I was younger: Irish step dance. Yes, some of you might think it's silly, and I used to see it as a chore doing it as a kid, but now I kinda like it, and I'm mentoring a couple of little ones as well. It's a fun way to exercise and get out all the sillies after a long day at work. I practice in the studio though, because I don't think my neighbors would appreciate me tapping away. That's been taking up a bit of my time, so I haven't been focusing on my stories as much, and with the holidays season coming up, I'm only expecting to be busier. I just wanted to let you know what was up with me, but don't worry, I haven't forgotten yet! Thanks to all of you for reading, reviewing, following, and faving, and lots of love and candy,
-Lily
"You really didn't have to drive out of your way to go here. Besides, it's not like I'll be running across any of my friends here. I don't even know what any of them are up to, and I wouldn't want to bother them anyways, considering it's Valentine's Day anyways," Izzy shrugged.
"But I've never actually been to New York. And here we are, standing in front of one of your old hangout spots. If you ask me, deep inside, you're hoping that maybe, just maybe you'll see someone here. You did say that you guys hung out here all time, right?" Adelaide smiled at Izzy.
"We did. But I don't know. The storefront looks different. Who knows what else would have changed?" Izzy asked.
"Well, we'll never know if we don't find out. Come on, it's getting a little chilly," Adelaide nudged him and walked inside.
"I guess you're right," Izzy reluctantly said and followed here.
"Hello! Welcome to Bennigan's! Let us grab you a couple of menus! Would you like a table or a booth?" a blonde woman who appeared to be in her thirties greeted them at the door.
"Uh...it doesn't matter," Adelaide smiled.
"Excellent! Benny will be taking care of you tonight, but I am also here as well. My name is Hanna if you have any questions," the woman said.
"Benny and Hanna. Interesting. Like the sushi restaurant?" Adelaide remarked.
"We get that a lot! It's so funny," Hanna laughed. "Anyways, here is your table. Benny will be here soon!"
"Thank you," Izzy gave her a slight nod.
"Interesting... I didn't know they still had Bennigan's around. I haven't seen one in years," Adelaide looked around.
"Trust me, it wasn't like this when I lived here. It used to be your typical hole-in-the-wall Irish pub, with clearly much cheaper drinks. Not any of these gimmicky cocktails either. The old bartender would probably boot you if you asked for any of these... Crayola-colored concoctions," Izzy winced at the menu.
"Huh," Adelaide nodded.
"Speaking of which, I don't see her around," Izzy frowned.
"Hi folks! The name is Benny and I'll be your server for the night! What can I start you off with for the night?" a blond man who looked identical to Hanna approached the table.
"Do you have a Dr. Pepper?" Adelaide asked.
"Is A&W okay?" Benny asked.
"Like the root beer?" Adelaide raised an eyebrow.
"Yeah," Benny nodded.
"How is that remotely similar- you know...how about a cherry cola?" Adelaide forced a smile.
"Great!" Benny happily scribbled on a notepad. "And for you?" he turned to Izzy.
"I'll get the same," he nodded.
"Excellent! Easy peasy lemon squeezy!" Benny said and walked off.
"No alcohol for you?" Adelaide smirked.
"Not here. Imagine ordering a whiskey and him bringing back a tequila. And the worst part is having to pay more than normal for it," Izzy sighed.
"You have a point there," Adelaide nodded.
"Honestly, I think we should just drink the soda and leave. Nothing on the menu appeals to me- I mean, unless you found something you like. I don't want you to feel like you have to leave just because I didn't-"
"Don't worry about it. I'm used to diner food. This stuff is too... I don't want to call it fancy, but it definitely has more than it needs. What's wrong with just a plain cheeseburger with American cheese? There's no need for fried onions strings, barbeque sauce, this weird cheese...basic is better. This just sounds gross. And sweet potato fries with brown sugar and cinnamon? Ew. Fries should be regular potatoes with salt and ketchup. If I'm feeling adventurous, maybe I'll switch it up with vinegar instead, but this is nonsense. This sounds like dessert. Disgusting," Adelaide winced.
"I hate to tell you this, but you have the palette of a five-year-old," Izzy smirked.
"And I hate to tell you this, but I think living in New York ruined your taste buds. Let me guess, you prefer those gross craft beers over the good old American ones like Miller and Bud. The ones that have been there by your side since you were just an underage sapling! The ones your parents would drink- well scratch that. My parents said beer was the beverage of NASCAR watchers, and if you've seen any indication of how my mother was-"
"I know. We don't have to go on," Izzy nodded.
"Here are your drinks! Did you decide on what you'd like to order?" Benny placed the sodas down on the table.
"Actually, we'll stay with the soda. We have a long trip ahead of us. We're just too tired to eat. Thank you," Izzy said.
"Very well," Benny left the table.
"You think he's mad at us?" Adelaide whispered.
"Why?" Izzy asked.
"Because we're only ordering soda, so we're taking up table space for someone who could probably be ordering more stuff than us," Adelaide leaned across the table.
"I wouldn't sweat it. It's ten o'clock, the restaurant is still three-quarters vacant, and it's Valentine's Day, so I can only assume that people would pick...classier venues for tonight anyways," Izzy reasoned.
"That makes sense," Adelaide nodded and sipped at her soda.
"Excuse me...," a curvaceous girl with long brunette walked up to Izzy and rested her hand on his shoulder. "Don't I know you from somewhere?" she looked at him with her piercing blue eyes.
"I'm sorry...but I don't recall," Izzy shook his head.
"Yes, Izzy, right?" the girl tilted her head.
"Uh...," Izzy bit his lip.
"Well, well, well...," Adelaide smirked as she took a sip from her soda.
Several hours ago...
"Okay, this is like one of my favorite things. It's basically jello and alcohol combined, and who doesn't love that?" Yolei held up a plastic shot glass.
"Eh," Christa winced. "I was never a big gelatin eater as a child..."
"Oh come on! Don't be so stiff. Look!" Matt slurped up his cup and smiled. "Yummy!"
"Yeah! You need to break loose! Seriously, I don't think I've seen you drink anything other than wine," Yolei teased.
"I like the finer things in life," Christa said.
"Add tonight, we're gonna show you the funner things in life! I know you have a bit of a 'wild side' inside and she wants to break out," Yolei leaned her face close to Christa's and stroked her cheek.
"First of all, funner isn't a word. And second of all, I don't have a 'wild side'," Christa stepped back.
"Fine. But can you at least just one shot with us? Just one? And we'll leave you alone after that! Promise!" Yolei pouted.
"Okay, okay. Just one!" Christa held her finger up.
"Yeah!" Matt shouted.
"Okay, since you agreed, you get to pick the flavor! Which one?" Yolei asked.
"Hmm...how about strawberry?" Christa said.
"Okay. Can't go wrong with the classic. Three strawberry jello shots please!" Matt ordered.
"Alright. On your mark. Ready, set, slurp!" Yolei commanded.
"Hmm," Christa nodded as she chewed her jello. "Not bad."
"Not bad?" Yolei grinned.
"I'll be honest. I liked it," Christa held up her empty cup. "I wouldn't mind trying another flavor."
"Oooh, yes!" Yolei excitedly said.
"Which one?" Matt asked.
"Blue crush sounds interesting. I wonder how that's supposed to taste," Christa tapped her chin.
"Okay, boss lady. You got it," Matt grinned.
"Another round," Christa slammed her hand on the bar top.
"Are you sure?" Yolei asked.
"Another one," Christa firmly said.
"Okay...we only have one shot left. You guys can fight for it," the bartender dropped it down on the counter.
"Pass. Can I have a Cosmo instead?" Matt asked.
"Seriously?" the bartender smirked.
"Real men drink Cosmos!" Matt crossed his arms.
"Okay," the bartender scoffed and went off to prepare the drink.
"Go ahead, that's all yours," Yolei gestured to Christa.
"Really?" Christa peered at her through her glasses.
"Yeah. I can always get something else," Yolei nodded.
"I think I have a solution that would make us both happy," Christa seductively slurped up her Jello shot and kissed Yolei.
"You really are a smart girl," Yolei said as she tucked Christa's hair behind her ear and kissed her again.
"Oooooh, kiss, kiss, kiss!" Matt chanted.
"I want to do more than that with you," Christa said to Yolei.
"I knew you had a wild side to you," Yolei pressed her lips against Christa's and leaned her against the bar.
"Chicks, man...right?" the bartender grinned in approval.
"Yeah, what can I say," Matt took his drink and walked around the club. For once, he just wanted to be left alone, in a place where no one knew his name.
"Hello! TJ?" an attractive, brunette girl tapped him on the shoulder and flashed him a flirtatious smile.
"TJ?" Matt asked.
"Oh, I'm so sorry! I'm bad with names! I know you from the last time we met. You're friends with Tai-"
"Ohhh...TK!" Matt said.
"Yes! TK, TK!" the girl bounced up and down.
"No, he's my brother! I'm not sure if we met before. I'm Matt," Matt introduced himself.
"Ahh, I was wondering why you were less handsome than I remembered," the girl said.
"What?!" Matt gasped.
"Just kidding!" the girl lightly grabbed his arm. "By the way, I'm Clara! Nice to meet you!"
"I wish I could say the same, but you just compared me to my brother two minutes within us meeting, and he's the better one? That's kind of rude if you ask me," Matt said.
"I was slightly kidding," Clara teasingly said.
"So you still think he's better-looking than me?" Matt gasped.
"Wow...here, you carry yourself like you're some big hotshot ladies man, but I tease you about your brother just a little bit, and you're acting like an insecure teenage girl?" Clara smirked.
"I am not," Matt pouted.
"And Valentine's Day of all days...and you're here at a bar drinking alone," Clara shrugged.
"I'm not alone. I came here with two ladies," Matt tilted his head over at the bar area, where Yolei and Christa were continuing to make out with each other.
"Please. I know the purple-haired one, and she definitely doesn't seem like she wants you joining in. Also, I might not have the best gaydar, but I can pick up whether someone is into you...and you had zero chance with the blonde one. Zero. Maybe negative numbers if possible," Clara shook her head.
"Damn, why you gotta be so mean? And what about you? Why are you alone on Valentine's Day? Did you get stood up? Or were you on the middle of a date but then your guy decided to bounce because, no offense, but you're sort of a bitch?" Matt crossed his arms.
"Hah, you got me there!" Clara sarcastically laughed.
"Oh my God, I am so sorry... I didn't mean to-"
"It's fine. It wasn't going that great anyways, I should have known better. But I never do," Clara shrugged.
"Don't be too hard on yourself. I just went through something crappy myself. But unlike you, I only have myself to blame. I was the bad guy. And I think I will always be the bad guy. Even when or if I try to do good, no one's going to care. All they'll do is remember the shady things I've done in the past, you know?" Matt said.
"Uh-" Clara tensed up.
"Hey! We were looking everywhere for you!" Yolei snuck up behind Matt and hugged him.
"We want to go home now," Christa pouted.
"Okay...uh, so...Clara, I have to walk these girls home, but would you care to come along? It would be nice to have some company that wasn't drunk. Also, there's a spot very close by we could hang out afterwards if you're hungry," Matt asked.
"Okay. I'd like that," Clara smiled.
"Excellent! Let's get a move on," Matt nodded.
"Wow, that's so interesting!" Sora laughed and lightly placed her hand on Michel's shoulder.
"Oh, you think?" Michel raised an eyebrow as he looked at Sora's hand resting on his shoulder.
"Oh, I'm so sorry! Hands off!" Sora nervously said.
"No need to be sorry. I was just admiring how graceful you were," Michel gently held her hand.
"Really?" Sora said.
"Like a beautiful swan," Michel smiled.
"Thanks. You're so sweet," Sora smiled.
"I wish I could stay longer, but I have an event early tomorrow morning. Would you like to have dinner sometime though?" Michel asked.
"I'd love to. That would be nice," Sora smiled.
"Excellent. Well, here is my number," he handed her a business card. "Text me when you have the chance. Good night, mon cherie," Michel kissed Sora's hand and walked away.
"Goodnight," Sora grinned. She waited until he left the apartment and looked at the business card. "Oh my...that can't be the same...can it? No..."
"Hello there, Sora!" Pepe smiled at her.
"Hey Pepe. What's up?" Sora stood up straight.
"Have you seen Christa around? I haven't seen her in over fifteen minutes and it's a bit concerning," Pepe frowned.
"Uh...maybe she went home?" Sora shrugged.
"Without saying goodbye?" Pepe gasped.
"Yeah, that doesn't make sense. It's a crowded party. Maybe you guys are just missing each other. Oh, isn't that her over there?" Sora pointed at a random direction.
"Where?" Pepe craned his neck.
"Over there, you know...next to that guy...I have to go now. Thanks for inviting me to the party, have a good night!" Sora rapidly said and scurried off.
"You too?" Pepe blankly said.
"Oh my God, that's a close one...who knows where Christa is, but I'm not standing around until he finds her," Sora muttered to herself as she put her coat on and headed out of the penthouse.
"Hey, how was the party?" Tai got up from the floor.
"Tai! What are you doing here? I would have thought you'd be going somewhere nice with your girlfriend by now!" Sora gasped.
"About that... she's mad at me," Tai smoothed himself off and sighed.
"What happened?" Sora asked.
"I guess Pepe made some comment that made her upset...and then he pointed out her leg brace, which made her even more mad, then she got mad at me for not sticking up for her and then she said all the people I hung out with must be morons," Tai said.
"Wow," Sora frowned.
"All because Pepe pointed out her stupid leg brace," Tai sighed.
"Come on, Tai. Give her a break," Sora rubbed his shoulders.
"Hah, didn't you do that for me already? Hey, maybe we can test out some cars at a dealership and if we're lucky, we might run into Celia...except in your case, it might be run over Celia-"
"Tai, are you aware that you're making jokes about running your girlfriend over with a car?" Sora laughed.
"And you're laughing about it too," Tai bit his lip. "Oh boy, she would be so pissed if she heard us," he put his hands in his pockets.
"Yeah...," Sora sighed.
"Speaking of which, maybe it was better we didn't do anything tonight. I didn't even get her anything for Valentine's. I'm a horrible, horrible boyfriend," Tai huffed.
"Stop. You're not a horrible boyfriend," Sora said.
"I literally just joked about you- never mind...but yeah. Even if I did get her something, I don't know if she'd like it anyways," Tai sighed.
"I think she'll like anything you get her," Sora said.
"But I want it to be something meaningful...and I don't think we have a deep connection," Tai said.
"How can you? You've only known each other for less than two months- and the first month, you were just a casual customer," Sora said.
"I know, but me and Catherine-" Tai blurted and covered his mouth.
"Did you say Catherine?" Sora gasped. "Tai! Are you-"
"No! I'm completely over her. I don't even know her last name and it's not like we'll ever cross paths ever again, so I completely moved on!" Tai shook his head.
"Tai," Sora sighed.
"Fine...but I feel like there's something missing. Like I only talked to Catherine a couple of times and it felt like I was in my own world, like we knew each other for years, even though we were practically strangers. On the other hand, Celia and I...we could be friends, and she's attractive as all hell, and we've had playdates, and we've had playdates-"
"Okay, you're starting to sound like Matt," Sora held her hand up.
"Sorry...but it's like the more time I spend with her, the more I think I'd rather have her as my hot best friend. Kinda like another you, but not replace you of course. Cause you're my number one. Just don't tell Matt, cause he'd get jealous. He always wants to be number one," Tai said.
"Tai," Sora said softly.
"Sorry, I know heavy stuff to dump on you, especially since you seemed to be chummy with that silver fox over there," Tai smirked.
"Oh, Michel?" Sora turned red.
"Yeah, you guys looked like you were having a nice chat," Tai grinned mischievously.
"We did have a nice chat," Sora nodded.
"Well? Tell me about him. I need to see if I approve or not," Tai teased.
"Uh, so his name is Michel. He actually is from France, but he's in New York for a project at- get this, he's doing something at FIT! That's right! Where I go to school! Maybe we might cross paths there! Anyways, he was divorced 20 years ago and just dated casually since then. He does have grandchildren...but I think I might be able to look past that, like as long as they're 5, right? I mean then again, I might be as young as his daughter, or even younger and I don't know how that would go over. Maybe I'm thinking too much-"
"Yeah, you are. You think the guy is attractive?" Tai asked.
"Yeah. And he's nice too. And smart, and he seems to be sophisticated, and I'm not just saying that because he's French," Sora nodded.
"Well, why don't you give him a shot then?" Tai shrugged.
"I think I will. But here's something that kinda creeps me out. Check out his last name. You don't think...do you?" Sora pulled out the business card.
"Oh... uh, don't sweat it?" Tai grimaced.
"So you think so too?" Sora bit her lip.
"Come on! It's totally a common last name name, right?" Tai scrunched up his face.
"How many people do you know with that last name?" Sora snapped.
"You got me there...," Tai sheepishly said. "But maybe you're just being paranoid! I say just do it! Take a risk! I highly doubt it would be...you know!"
"I guess you're right," Sora shrugged. "I'll give him a call in the morning. Right after I help you shop for a present for Celia."
"Oh my God, that would be so great!" Tai gasped.
"Not a problem. I'd be glad to," Sora said. "We should go super early so we have plenty of time."
"Good idea. I'll see you tomorrow. Have a good night," Tai kissed her on the cheek.
"Tai...you did it again," Sora tapped her cheek.
"Dammit...you know, you look too much like her. Why did you have to change your hair? I liked you the way you were," Tai pouted.
"You know what? I think I did too," Sora held a lock of her blonde hair.
"Excuse me...," a curvaceous girl with long brunette walked up to Izzy and rested her hand on his shoulder. "Don't I know you from somewhere?" she looked at him with her piercing blue eyes.
"I'm sorry...but I don't recall," Izzy shook his head.
"Yes, Izzy, right?" the girl tilted her head.
"Uh...," Izzy bit his lip.
"Well, well, well...," Adelaide smirked as she took a sip from her soda.
"Hahahaha, you shoulda seen the look on your face!" Matt ran up to the table and rested his hands on the girl's shoulders.
"Matt?!" Izzy gasped.
"I knew it was you! What are you doing up here? Does anyone else know you're here?" Matt excitedly said.
"No, we just made a pit stop here. My friend Adelaide was curious to see what New York was like," Izzy said.
"Hello. I'm Adelaide!"
"I'm Matt, Izzy's best friend! Oh, and this is Clara, she's my new friend that I made today!" Matt said.
"Nice to meet you," Clara nodded.
"Hey, why don't we just switch to a booth? It's not like anyone else is gonna be here," Adelaide shrugged.
"Hey, we can take our old spot right here. Remember the good old times?" Matt sighed dreamily as he leaned against the booth.
"We did have some nice times. Things have changed since I left," Izzy nodded.
"Yeah, for one thing, that redheaded bartender got fired. Kinda sucked, cause she knew how to make a drink...even if she probably hawked a loogie in mine occasionally. Worth it if I didn't have to drink whatever crap this is," Matt held up his Cosmo.
"I will admit, it is the most average Cosmo I've ever had. Not the worst, but definitely the okayest," Clara frowned.
"I guess we made a good call with the sodas," Adelaide smirked.
"And mostly because we still have a long way back," Izzy said.
"Oh yeah! So where do you live now? We totally have to come visit you soon!" Matt exclaimed.
"We live in a small town a half-hour away from Philadelphia. There's not much to do, but it's a nice break from the big city life. You guys should definitely come down for a couple of days! We'd love it!" Adelaide excitedly said.
"We'd? Are you guys...?" Matt smirked.
"Are we what?" Izzy raised an eyebrow.
"You know, shagging," Matt winked.
"Hahaha," Clara struggled to keep her laughter in.
"Oh my God," Izzy groaned.
"Oh Heavens no!" Adelaide gasped. "You see, he's still hung up on this-"
"Oh my God, please stop!" Izzy put his head down on the table.
"No, it's cute!" Adelaide patted Izzy's arm. "He still likes this girl who lives here! What's her name again?"
"Theresa?" Matt smirked.
"Nah. I wanna say Kimmy-"
"Mimi?" Matt raised an eyebrow.
"Shut up," Izzy grunted.
"Come on, it's cute! Is she here? Oh, maybe-"
"Pepe had a party tonight and she wasn't feeling good, so Teeks took her home," Matt said.
"Aww! I wanted to meet her!" Adelaide whined.
"Why? So you can embarrass me more?" Izzy picked his head up.
"Ay day me! His face is the same color as his hair!" Clara gasped.
"Ugh," Izzy covered his face with his hands.
"Dude...," Matt shook his head in amusement.
"Look, don't tell anyone I was here, okay?" Izzy said.
"What? Why? I think they'd be happy to see you!" Matt gasped.
"Look, it's Valentine's Day. I think the last thing anyone has on their mind is to interrupt their plans so they can hang out with a leprechaun. I'll try to make it next month though, at least it'll be the right holiday," Izzy remarked.
"Oh, I like you. You're funny," Clara leaned against the table and playfully slapped Izzy's hand.
"Easy girl, he's not available," Matt defensively said.
"Anyways, we should get going. It was nice running into you," Izzy said.
"Wait, send me your new address. I'm seriously gonna take you up on your offer one day! You think I'm kidding!" Matt smirked.
"Here," Adelaide pulled a business card out of her purse. "I do Air BnB, but if you want to visit, I'll throw in a special rate."
"Thanks! Have a safe trip!" Matt said.
"Thanks. You have a good night," Izzy solemnly smiled as he and Adelaide walked out the restaurant.
"They seem like nice people," Clara tapped her fingers against the table.
"Yeah, it looks like he's doing a little better too," Matt flicked the business card between his fingers.
"Oh?" Clara asked.
"You know, have you ever thought that maybe New York isn't where you belong after all? I mean, it has everything you could imagine, yet there's just something missing," Matt said.
"I think I understand. I miss Miami, but I took the job in New York because I was hoping that maybe more opportunities would come along. Now I'm just freezing all the time and walking in literal trash, with the same job I had in Miami," Clara frowned.
"Being on Spanish TV?" Matt asked.
"I don't want to be on Spanish TV anymore. I want to be on a larger network, but I guess when you speak Spanish, people think that's the only language you speak. And here's the kicker, I didn't even know Spanish until a couple of years ago. I'm not even Latino, well as far as I know. I lied to get the job, but when the competition is high, you do what you can," Clara said.
"So if they were looking for a Russian newscaster, you'd try to learn Russian to get the job?" Matt smirked.
"Maybe a couple years ago, I would have. I was desperate. But I guess I shouldn't complain. I have fans... I don't know of many newscasters who actually have fans in the sense that actors do. I've been in People en Espanol several times, that was fun. But I feel like I need more. Like when you're a celebrity in a world that you feel like you don't belong in, it's a weird feeling. But people like you, and other English-speaking people don't know who I am, it's strange. I'm anonymous and then again, I'm not," Clara shrugged.
"Wow, that is strange. I can't even imagine," Matt shook his head.
"You know what? I never expected to have a good night with you of all people," Clara lightly touched Matt's arm.
"Excuse me?" Matt gasped.
"Come on, I'm pretty sure you've been told a couple of times that you've come of as a bit of a cocky jerk," Clara said.
"I wonder if people have said the same thing about you," Matt said.
"Huh?" Clara looked taken aback.
"Yeah, that's right. And if you haven't, then I'll be the first one to say it, princess. Admit it, you kinda put yourself off as a bit stuck-up. Maybe difficult on purpose? For what reason? Maybe for kicks, but yes. You know you like to rile people up, and you know what? I'm not going to take your bait," Matt shook his head.
"What?" Clara raised an eyebrow in amusement.
"Yep. You're a troublemaker and you play too much. And you know how I know that? Cause I'm just like you, baby," Matt leaned against his booth.
"So now you're going to insult me?" Clara smirked.
"Hey, you say insult, I say compliment. I'm a pretty hot guy, right?" Matt smirked.
"I take back what I said. I'm not having a good time after all," Clara took a sip from her Cosmo.
"And yet, you're still here," Matt smirked. "Look, I didn't mean to rub you the wrong way. Show me how different you really are. I'd like to know the real you. Prove me wrong," Matt said.
"Well, since you say it like that...," Clara said. "Hey mister! Can we get another round of Cosmos please?"
"Coming right up!"
*knock knock*
"Coming!" Tai yelled.
"Can you shhhh...," Yolei groaned.
"No. You shoulda crashed in your room last night instead of the couch, you drunk slob," Tai grunted.
"Oh, hello...," Sora winced.
"You guys look so messy, you remind me of how Kari used to leave her Barbies on the floor as a kid. Markers on the face and everything. And that Christa girl's been out cold ever since last night. Are you sure she's not dead?" Tai frowned.
"Positive. It was just her first time having Jello shots," Yolei nodded.
"Oh. I remember my first time. I was with Mimi," Sora nodded.
"Tell me more," Yolei bit her lip and grinned.
"She threw up on the street, and I tried to help hold her hair back, but I ended up throwing up on her head because the smell was that bad," Sora frowned.
"Man, I thought it was gonna be a hot story," Yolei whined.
"Yeah. That's just actually very disgusting," Tai shook his head.
"Not every Jello shot story is gonna be sexy," Sora shrugged.
"Alright, let's go. We're killing time," Tai shooed Sora out the door.
"Bye Yolei," Sora said.
"Sora, thank you for coming along with me because literally, I have no idea what the hell to get," Tai said.
"Did you come up with any ideas last night?" Sora asked.
"I'm guessing she might be a bit mad if I went with the whole Teddy bear, chocolate, flowers bit, huh?" Tai asked.
"If you ask me, she should appreciate that she's getting anything. But... honestly, maybe I'm not the best person to ask for shopping advice. Maybe you should have called Mimi. She's good at that stuff. I'm not romantic at all. And Matt was my boyfriend for a good portion of my life, so that really warps what I see as romantic," Sora remarked.
"Oh cut it out. I asked you because you were the right person for the job. Look, Celia's an athletic person, who's a bit competitive. She's like another you almost. Maybe with the temper of Yolei...but otherwise a pretty chill person," Tai said.
"Okay. What does she like to do in her free time?" Sora asked.
"Uh...she used to do gymnastics. But I don't think that's feasible now. I don't know what to get her because she got so sensitive over that stupid knee brace," Tai huffed.
"Tai, you're just gonna have to be easy on her. I mean, I don't think anyone wants something so obvious pointed out all the time. I don't blame her for being frustrated at people if that's the first thing they notice. And it is rude to point it out, as if she didn't know it was there. I don't blame her. Sure, calling people names for that doesn't make it better, but it's not hard to understand why she'd be frustrated," Sora said.
"I guess you're right. But it's so hard trying to see what to get her that she might not bite her head at me for," Tai frowned.
"How about making a stop at a lingerie shop?" Sora suggested.
"Uh, we could try it," Tai shrugged.
"Here's one a couple blocks that way," Sora pointed down the street.
"I just don't know if she might think I'm being a sleeze," Tai said as he opened the door.
"It's Valentine's Day. That's like one of the top sellers in gifts," Sora said. "Now do you know her size?"
"Uh... not exactly? But she's gotta be like your size. I mean I can't really mess that up, can I?" Tai asked.
"Tai...," Sora groaned.
"Dammit, if I knew we were going bra shopping, I'd take Matt with me. He's an expert at sizes," Tai sighed.
"Ew," Sora said. "Then again, all the bras he bought me fit better than the ones I bought by myself."
"I can't even...this was a bad idea," Tai leaned over a table.
"Hi, welcome to Lacey's Lingerie! How can I help you?" a saleslady walked up to Tai.
"It's okay. I'll be fine! I'm leaving," Tai wept.
"I'm very sorry about him," Sora said.
"Okay then," the saleslady blinked and walked off.
"Tai, what's the big idea?" Sora whispered.
"Nothing," Tai grimaced as he picked up a small lacy skirt and put it down. "Can we leave? Now all I'm thinking about is Matt. And tiny tennis skirts for some reason."
"Yeah, let's go," Sora turned red.
"TK, are you up?" Mimi gently shook him but he didn't stir. She got up from the bed and checked her phone. "Two missed calls? There's a voicemail at least."
"Hey Mimi, it's Izzy. Uh, I just called to say hello and...uh hope that you're having a nice day. Yeah, just checking up on you since we haven't talked in a while. Okay, bye."
"Oh my god," Mimi gasped.
"Hey...," TK groggily got up from his bed and walked up to Mimi. "Is everything okay?"
"Yeah. Sure," Mimi put her phone back down on the bedside table.
"It's cold, come back to bed with me," TK wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her in.
"Okay, I will," Mimi faked a smile.
"OH MY GOD! WHERE ARE WE?!"
"Oh no... That doesn't sound good," TK winced.
"What?" Mimi looked scared.
"Let's just say I really hope Matt didn't try anything really stupid last night. I've heard that line more often than I'd like and I don't want to be on a judge trial as an accessory...again," TK groaned.
"What?" Mimi looked at him with wide eyes.
"Why don't we put on some clothes and climb out the fire escape?" TK bit his lip.
"TK!" Mimi gasped.
"Okay, fine...but we should still put some clothes on," TK cracked his back and sighed.
"It's not mine, I swear! It's my brother's!"
"Oh hell no! That's it," TK threw on a sweatshirt and boxers and stomped out of the room.
"TK!" Mimi gasped. She grabbed his bathrobe and hid in his closet.
"Matt! What's mine?!" TK knocked on Matt's bedroom door.
"See, isn't he polite? Knocking on his bedroom door!" Matt opened the door.
"Hello TK," Clara waved at him, covered in bedsheets. "You have a very... interesting bedroom."
"Yes, he really does. He insisted on having a race car bed, but as you can see, he didn't sleep in it tonight! Just like a child," Matt scoffed.
"Wait, this is your bed-"
"Oh, he's so sweet! Yeah, technically, this is my bedroom because this is my apartment, but I let him live here. I'm a good big brother like that," Matt nodded.
"You're so full of-"
"That's so adorable. You really are like a child," Clara cooed.
"Come, I'll show you my room. I hope it's not too messy...but you know TK, did you mess it up?" Matt winked.
"What the-" TK gasped.
"Not bad. A bit plain, but it doesn't look like a Chuck E. Cheese," Clara peeked into TK's room. "It would be better if there wasn't a bra on the floor."
"There's a bra on the floor?" Matt looked at TK.
"Oh my God, no! Just go away!" TK said.
"Nope, my room, my bra. And I recognize that bra from anywhere!"
"You do?!" TK and Clara gasped at the same time.
"Oh yeah, I'm a total bra expert. I worked at Victoria's Secret for two days, but then I got fired. Anyways, I could fit you in a bra so good, you wouldn't know what you did with yourself before you met me! And I definitely recognize this bra. I feel like I bought it for someone, but that would be crazy, cause it's kinda small...B cup. But it's a nagging feeling. Maybe it was a Christmas present. But that pink shade, yep," Matt nodded.
"Please stop talking," TK groaned.
"Anyways, Clara's gonna get washed up, so I'm gonna need you to get out of my room soon. Cool?" Matt winked.
"Uh...okay," TK raised an eyebrow.
"I'll be back," Clara winked.
"Take your time babe," Matt blew her a kiss and winked.
"Okay, what the hell?" TK gasped.
"Please trade rooms with me! She said my room looked like a Chuck E. Cheese! How am I supposed to get sexy in a room that looks like a playroom?" Matt whimpered.
"Dude! How did you snag Clara?" TK gasped.
"Excuse me?!" Mimi popped out from the closet.
"Mimi! Now it makes sense!" Matt snapped his fingers. "How do you like the bra?"
"Not now. Are you serious, TK? 'How did you snag Clara?'" Mimi mocked him.
"Abuh..buh...uh...," TK stuttered.
"Hahaha, oh buddy!" Matt laughed and immediately paused. "Oh shit."
"Oh shit, what?" TK and Mimi asked.
"Uh...nothing. Look, just pretty please, trade rooms with me! I mean, you got nothing to lose! I just met this girl, okay?" Matt pleaded.
"Well, since you're on your knees, I guess I can do that," TK said.
"And it works out because he really has nothing to lose. You were average at best, I've seen bigger, and I've had virgins do a better job than you," Mimi haughtily said as she grabbed her clothes up from the ground.
"Come on, Mimi! Don't be that way!" TK said.
"Nope! Don't talk to me," Mimi walked out of the room.
"You really pissed her off," Matt shook his head.
"Mimi, wait!" TK ran out after her.
"I'm out of here!" Mimi slammed the door.
"Oooh, what happened?" Clara stepped out from the bathroom, wrapped up in a towel.
"He called her the wrong name in bed," Matt said.
"Wow. Never would have thought you'd do something like that. You're not that nice after all, are you?" Clara said.
"No. Apparently not," TK said. "I'll be in my race car bed if you need me..."
"How was the wedding?" Duke crossed his arms.
"It was okay, I guess. We were late and I didn't know anyone there except Adelaide and Tori," Izzy bit his lip as he wiped down the tables.
"You can cut the shit. I know what happened," Duke gruffly said.
"Huh?" Izzy turned red.
"Look, I should have never passed that on to you. Adelaide's mother is...not a pleasant person to say the least. If I used my brain for a second, I'd realize she would be there, and I wouldn't want you to be subjected to that creature. It's unbelievable how great people like Adelaide and Tori are related to her. Adelaide can be over-the-top, but I can see how her mother can make you want to do some crazy shit. I remember when I first met her, she pulled Adelaide aside and was criticizing me behind my back how I was just some hippie frycook and men should not have hair long enough that you can tie with with an elastic. My hair wasn't, and still isn't that long. But I guess anything a millimeter longer than a buzzcut is not Amelie Filmore approved," Duke scoffed.
"Geez. She's not a nice person at all, is she?" Izzy asked.
"Maybe if you're old money. Rich people, doesn't matter if they're a Kardashian or a Manning, they have the ego to match their bank accounts. But it was nice getting to see the Manning empire fall to the floor, these rich people scamming people who have less so they can line their own pockets. Disgusting," Duke sucked his teeth.
"Yeah," Izzy shrugged.
"Didn't mean to get off track there. Did you have a good time at least?" Duke asked.
"Yeah, I had a decent time. We didn't spend much time at the wedding due to us being late, but we made the best of it," Izzy said.
"That's good to hear. Adelaide said she had a good time pissing her mom off too. Yeah, I know you two made out," Duke smirked.
"I-I-I...we, you see... it didn't mean anything!" Izzy turned red.
"Relax kid! Like I said, that Amelie makes you want to do the craziest things. I'm just lucky Adelaide didn't suggest you jumping off a building, cause you guys might have done it," Duke remarked. "But next time, I think I'll have to do the outings with Adelaide. Someone needs to be there to keep her in check, something you failed to do."
"I guess you're right about that. What can I say?" Izzy sighed.
"It's fine. It was my mistake. My plans weren't that important but I was so stubborn to avoid doing anything social on that day. That day is arguably worse than Christmas. What's supposed to be a celebration of positive feelings corrupted by materialism and shitty made-for-TV movies on the Hallmark channel," Duke said.
"I'll agree with you on that," Izzy nodded.
"I'm really glad I hired ya, kid. We see eye-to-eye on a lot of things. It's almost creepy. I'm gonna start a pot of coffee, how do you want your cup?" Duke said.
"Black please," Izzy said.
"Right on. Simple taste, just the way it should be," Duke nodded.
"...but yes, most people would say my job is dull, but without textile design, we would still be dressing up like Adam and Eve, correct? And I don't know about you, but I don't think leaves are a good look for me," a older gentleman laughed.
"Thank you so much for gathering with us today, Monsieur Ishida. For anyone who wants to grab extra credit for Professor Tulle's class, you can pick up a brochure here. One per person, please. And don't forget to write your ID number on the clipboard as well. No number, no credit," a woman announced.
"Good thing I know my ID," Sora mumbled to herself.
"Allo, fancy seeing you here!" the older man snuck up behind Sora.
"Michel! What are you doing here?" Sora gasped.
"What do you mean? I've been talking up there for over an hour. I'm a textile designer. Have you been paying attention to anything I've said?" the older man said.
"I mean, of course I have! In fact, I might have been paying too much attention," Sora took a deep breath.
"Pardon?" Michel asked.
"You see, when you gave me your business card, I recognized the last name, and no, I couldn't...it couldn't be. But weirder things had happened. But you talked about having two young grandsons, and it got me feeling a little better, but then again, what could be young for you could be...not so young for me-"
"Are you saying that if I posed any interest in you, I might be older than you'd prefer?" Michel looked at her sadly.
"No, not at all! I'd like to get to know you better as well-"
"Then it's settled. How about we meet up for dinner tonight at 8? I'll see you soon," Michel reached for Sora's hand and kissed it.
"Okay...," Sora nodded.
"A bientôt, mon chérie," Michel winked and walked away.
"Oh shi... This isn't good," Sora grabbed her phone out of her purse. "Hey Matt? I think I have a-uh...what the?! He hung up on me!"
"Hey bud, what the hell was that about back there?" Matt smirked.
"Please, don't...," TK shook his head.
"Maybe I'm the last person to be talking, but you're a douche. Mimi? Are you serious? And then you had to ask how I scored with Clara while Mimi's hiding under your bed? You're fucked up, you know that, right?" Matt laughed.
"First of all, she was hiding in the closet-"
"She must be in the closet if she's sleeping with you," Matt smirked. "But besides the point, you're a psychopath. How can you sleep with her when you know she's vulnerable right now?"
"Excuse me? You want to talk about that? Talk about calling the kettle black!" TK yelled back.
"Hey you idiot, the difference between Mimi and those other bimbos is that Mimi is your friend dammit. And you're wasting her time acting like a scumbag when there's a guy out there who actually wants to be with her!" Matt said.
"Like you?" TK smirked.
"Hell no! I like being a whore. I'm talking about Izzy," Matt said.
"Okay, sure...how do you know 'Izzy' wants to be with her? Did he come up here last night or something and you guys had a nice talk?" TK sneered.
"Kinda...Clara was with us too. He was creeped out by the Bennigan's takeover, but that's not the point," Matt said.
"You're right. That isn't the point. Because if he wants to be with her like you claimed he does, then why isn't he here being with her? That's because he doesn't care!" TK yelled.
"Hey! It's more complicated than that, and you know it, you little assbutt!" Matt yelled back.
*buzz buzz buzz*
"You gonna get that?" TK smirked.
"Nah. It's probably just Clara calling me for seconds. Wouldn't want to make you jealous," Matt smirked.
"Hey, actually it's Sora," TK glanced at the phone screen.
"Ugh... I can't talk right now," Matt picked up his phone.
"Hey Matt, I think I have a-"
"Hey, busy, talk later, bye," Matt hung up his phone and put it down. "Now where were we?"
"Uh, maybe you should see what she wants," TK bit his lip.
"We'll continue this talk later," Matt said and picked up his phone.
"I don't think it's really necessary. You're completely right," TK sat down on the couch and looked down at his lap.
"What?! Nonononono! Absolutely not! I forbid you! I don't care! There should be a law against it somewhere! No! I'll call the cops! Hey, this trick hung up on me!" Matt gasped.
"What happened?" TK looked up.
"Sora called. Apparently, Grandpere's in town, and they're going on a date later tonight," Matt whined.
"Isn't that like...illegal?" TK raised an eyebrow.
"I think so. Just why me?" Matt groaned.
"Yeah...well, my morning after wasn't so great either. I texted Christa to see how she was holding up, and no replies. But she's doing pretty fine on social media, I must say," Yolei held her phone to her ear. She pulled her key out of her cleavage and unlocked her apartment door.
"So, I was putting a lot of thought into what to get you...and it seemed like nothing was just right, until...," Tai pulled a small jewelery box out of his pocket and shook it.
"Girl, I'll call you back... I think I walked in on Tai- not doing that, surprisingly. That guy's more vanilla than the frostbite on a Klondike bar," Yolei said.
"Hey! Get out of here!" Tai gasped.
"Oh, you heard that?" Yolei bit her lip.
"Everyone as far as Spanish Harlem heard you. Now go!" Tai snapped.
"I'm leaving, I'm leaving," Yolei huffed.
"Sorry about that...anyways. Miss Celia Eve, would you do me the honors and-" Tai got down on one knee and opened the jewelry box.
"Oh my God, are you serious?!" Celia gasped.
"Yeah, are you serious? What the hell, Tai?! Is that a fucking key in the box? Are you asking her what I think you're asking her?" Yolei stormed up to him.
"Yes! I do!" Celia kissed Tai on the lips.
"She's moving in with us? Tai, when did we discuss this?" Yolei crossed her arms.
"I-uh...," Tai paused.
"You know, you're not the only person in the house now!" Yolei said.
"Yeah, now there's three of us," Celia said.
"I can't! I... I...grrrrr!" Yolei shrieked and stormed out of the apartment.
"Don't take it personally. She's always...like that. Happy late Valentine's day, babe," Tai nervously smiled.
"Happy late Valentine's day to you too, love," Celia kissed him on the lips.