Punch. Drunk. Love. (Part 1)
"Hey Tai! Thanks for picking us up on such short notice!" Yolei ran up and hugged him.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah," Tai grumpily said.
"What happened?" Sora gasped.
"We read the plane tickets wrong, and booked a flight earlier than the ones we meant to get. We barely made it on time," Cody explained.
"My bad...," Yolei blushed.
"Yolei...," Tai groaned.
"Classic me, right?" she laughed.
"Yeah. You need to fix that," Tai huffed.
"So, due to the mix-up, we don't have a place to stay for the night, and I'd rather not sleep in the terminal," Ken said.
"Yeah, not a good idea," Sora shook her head.
"Alright, I could fit two people in my spare room," Tai said.
"And we have a couch," Sora said.
"I got dibs on bed! No offense, Sora, but I could use something comfortable after a long plane ride," Yolei said.
"I guess no offense taken," Sora said.
"Rock, paper, scissors for bed?" Ken looked at Cody.
"Sure," Cody said.
"Rock, paper, scissors, go!" Ken and Cody said in unison.
"Ugh...best two out of three?" Ken sighed.
"Okay," Cody nodded.
"Rock, paper, scissors, go!"
"One more time?" Ken asked.
"What? I beat you twice! Going a third time won't make a difference, cause I'll still win," Cody said.
"How about we figure this on the way home?" Tai sighed.
"Flip a coin?" Ken asked.
"Sure. Won't matter, cause the probability gods are against you," Cody yawned.
"Are you seriously going to flip a coin? We have to walk," Sora asked.
"No, there's an app for that. I'm downloading it right now," Ken pulled out his phone.
"Is everything okay?" Mimi called out.
"Hey Mimi, what are you doing here?" Izzy stumbled over and leaned against the couch.
"Did you not just remember what happened like 5 minutes ago?" Mimi tossed her hand in the air.
"Besides puking my guts out...no. I honestly don't remember how I got home," Izzy said. "Why? I hope I didn't do anything stupid...oh no, did I try to put my laptop in the dishwasher again?" his eyes widened.
"No- wait, what?" Mimi looked back.
"Never mind," Izzy rubbed his forehead. "So what happened?"
"Oh my God... I really have to apologize to Joe for one thing. I never realized how much he was in a hard spot until now, but I don't want you mad at me either, you know? Like I want to keep it a secret more than anything, but I think you should have the right to know...," Mimi bit her nail.
"Mimi, come out with it already. What happened?" Izzy asked.
"You kinda really stuck your tongue down my throat," Mimi timidly said.
"What?!" Izzy gasped.
"Yeah, you were rambling on about how you met someone and you did think I was Theresa, so there's that...," Mimi shrugged.
"I'm so sorry... I'm such an idiot," Izzy turned red.
"It's fine, it was just a mistake," Mimi held on to his hands.
"No, you don't understand. These 'mistakes' are just getting more frequent and more extreme...and I hate to say it, but maybe Pino was right," Izzy said.
"What do you mean?" Mimi asked.
"I kissed you. Who knows what could happen next time?" Izzy asked.
"Don't worry, I'll just push you away," Mimi laughed.
"Yeah, when you're sober. But what if you happened to be drunk too, though?" Izzy asked.
"Oh. Then I don't know," Mimi paused.
"Trust me, I don't want to make things weird between us, because I don't think of you in that way, but what would happen if we ended up in a compromising situation?" Izzy shrugged.
"How about we worry about that when we cross that bridge?" Mimi asked.
"I don't think it's something we should be so blase about," Izzy said.
"It was a mistake, it's all good! It probably won't happen again, okay? Now, I came by to drop off some food from the showcase. I didn't want you to miss out on all the freebies," Mimi got up from the couch and picked up the tin tray.
"Thank you. Would you mind putting it in the fridge for me? I can't really eat right now," Izzy said.
"No problem," Mimi opened the fridge and frowned. "Uh, do you have any actual food in here?"
"What do you mean? I have milk," Izzy said.
"Yeah, and like a bunch of beer...," Mimi said. "Do you actually eat?"
"Yeah. I have cereal in my cabinets. I just don't cook at home. I know how to, I just don't have time, if that's what you're asking," Izzy said.
"No, I'm just saying that's a lot of beer," Mimi said.
"Yeah. That's for the morning. Gets rid of the headaches. Holds me over till the afternoon. I probably have migraines, but haven't gotten that checked out. Don't think it's that serious yet," Izzy said.
"Right," Mimi closed the fridge. "I'm going to head home. Have a good night and rest, okay?"
"I think that's exactly what I'm going to do," Izzy said.
"Goodnight," Mimi stroked his cheek and left the apartment.
"I'm home," Mimi said.
"Surprise!" Yolei grinned.
"Yolei? Hi! Wow! What are you doing here?" Mimi gasped.
"Well, I was originally gonna stay with Tai since he had a bed, but then the boys were trying to fight over who got the other side, and I just said 'forget it, I'll take the couch' and good thing I did, because I didn't know it was a pull-out, so I have the whole thing to myself!" Yolei exclaimed.
"It's so good to see you!" Mimi laughed. "Hey, is Sora here?"
"Yeah, I think she's in her room," Yolei said.
"Thanks," Mimi sashayed over to Sora's room and knocked on the door.
"Come in!"
"Hey, I need to talk to you," Mimi said in a hushed tone.
"Is everything okay?" Sora looked at her, concerned.
"I don't think so," Mimi whispered and closed the door.
"What's wrong?" Sora asked.
"Shh," Mimi held her finger to her lips. "Anyways, I think Izzy might have a problem."
"A problem? What do you mean by problem?" Sora sighed.
"You know how I stopped by to drop off the food? Anyways, he was pretty drunk. At first, I didn't pick up on it, cause he seemed kind of normal. A bit hectic, but still functional, you know? But then he kissed me-"
"What?!" Sora yelled.
"Shhhh!" Mimi wagged her finger.
"Sorry," Sora cleared her throat.
"Yeah. And even though he was a really good kisser-"
"Ew!" Sora yelled silently.
"I know, it was weird...like I kinda didn't want it to stop. And I do have to admit, I am a bit curious to see what else he-"
"No, don't need to hear or picture that! But it's funny you say that, because Joe kind of mentioned it too...," Sora frowned.
"Joe mentioned Izzy being good at-"
"No! Don't be silly and gross! I'm talking about him having a drinking problem," Sora huffed.
"Oh, right. So yeah, I thought I was gonna get drunk from his breath... that's how strong it was. And then when I went to put away his food, his whole fridge was full of nothing but beer! And you know what was crazy? He didn't even remember kissing me at all! He told me the last thing he remembered was being at the bar and that was it," Mimi huffed.
"He went to the bar? By himself?" Sora gasped.
"Apparently so!" Mimi gasped.
"Wow, I guess Joe wasn't overreacting at all," Sora said.
"I know. I have to apologize to Joe big time. I was so close to not telling Izzy what happened either, but I thought it was probably best he should know," Mimi sighed.
"You told him he had a problem? How did he take that?" Sora asked.
"No, I didn't tell him that yet...but I'll do it soon. I don't want to hit him with too many things in one night," Mimi said.
"True," Sora nodded.
"But seriously, Izzy's not a bad kisser. It really makes me wonder what other stuff he has up his sleeve," Mimi pursed her lips.
"No! Go to bed!" Sora took a pillow and hit Mimi with it.
"Hey, a girl has her needs. I think you know a little about that," Mimi smirked.
"Please stop," Sora groaned.
"What? I only had a little taste, can you blame me for wanting a bigger bite?" Mimi teased.
"Now you're doing this on purpose, aren't you?" Sora crossed her arms.
"Only a little bit," Mimi pinched her fingers together and got up from Sora's bed.
"I can't with you sometimes," Sora sighed.
"Hey, may I remind you that you actually slept with Matt? If you asked me, you picked the wrong one," Mimi smirked.
"Out!" Sora pointed at the foot.
"Alright, alright!" Mimi teasingly said.
"So, did I tell you I saw Pino at the showcase today?" TK poured cereal into a bowl.
"Oh, really?" Matt huffed.
"What? Pino's a nice guy," TK shrugged.
"I dunno. I don't think it's a good idea to keep talking to him. Especially after you-know-who," Matt threw a foam basketball through a hoop attached to a wall.
"That's the thing. He said she never even stopped by to say goodbye to her. And they're super best friends," TK said.
"I told you, she's no good. You're better off without her," Matt sat up.
"Seriously? I really liked-"
"Don't want to hear it, you need to get over her. She's not worth your time! Come on, little bro! She didn't even have the decency to drop by to say goodbye to her 'best friend' that she's grown up with her whole life, you think she'll ultimately be there for you? You deserve better than that. Pino deserved better than that. But how are you going to move on when you're still talking to your ex's friend? He's pretty much a scab," Matt said.
"Excuse me?" TK asked.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah, I bet he's a nice guy, but he's just a scab. If you keep picking at it, how are you ever gonna get better? How are you ever gonna get over that girl if you're still talking to her friend? See what I'm saying?" Matt shrugged.
"But he's a nice guy. I told him that I'd be up to helping out at the restaurant," TK said.
"Yeah, no offense but if you do help out, don't expect any of us to make any more group outings to Mulberry Street. If we don't have Theresa trying to seduce Izzy- which I don't understand, cause I think I'm hotter to be honest, then there's the whole Mimi/Pino thing that really complicates things. Like really complicates things," Matt took in a deep breath.
"What do you mean by that?" TK asked.
"Bro, you want to know the best way to get over a woman?" Matt walked over to TK and grabbed the bowl of cereal from his hands.
"Uh... I dunno, but whatever your method is, it's not working," TK shook his head.
"What do you mean by that?" Matt raised an eyebrow.
"You could sleep with all the women in the world and pull all of the craziest schemes ever, and you still can't get your mind off of her, after all these years. And don't tell me that I'm lying. I might be your little brother, but I'm not completely stupid," TK said.
"You don't know what you're talking about," Matt snottily said.
"You can stop pretending. And you can stop faking that everything is okay and just trying to pass her along like it doesn't even matter anyways. You know what? I think maybe the best way to get over someone is to just be alone for a bit. I've been single before, I can do it again," TK shrugged.
"Nooooo! You need to sleep with- ugh, never mind! I'll get my way somehow," Matt placed his cereal on the kitchen counter and trudged to his room.
"I really don't like the way he said that... I'm locking my room tonight. He has too many drugs on hand," TK frowned.
The next day...
"This is so exciting, I'm finally going to meet Amadeus Stone!" Davis squealed.
"Oh my God, relax! He's totally just a normal person!" Mimi laughed.
"Says you! I'm telling you, New York really warps your mind! Like you willingly pay $6 for tiny bagels with a thin layer of cream cheese and you walk past Elmo and SpongeBob SquarePants on a daily basis like they're just a bunch of guys in costumes, no big deal!" Davis said.
"Davis...you are aware that Elmo and SpongeBob aren't actually real, right?" Kari asked.
"Well duh, I know that's not the real SpongeBob because he's not wearing his water helmet! That's why I didn't slip him a fiver. Elmo, he's the real deal though," Davis said.
"Davis...," Kari sighed.
"Well, this is my class! Come on in!" Mimi ushered Davis and Kari inside.
"Are you sure?" Kari said.
"Yeah! I'll just tell him that you're a couple of friends that came to visit and that I'd like to invite him to your engagement party as well," Mimi winked.
"Wow! That's so smart!" Davis gasped.
"Yeah! And I could definitely use some extra brownie points! I'm not on the same level as everyone else. I mean, Amadeus is really patient with me but I can tell everyone else isn't," Mimi sighed.
"Maybe you just need to keep practicing at home, that's all," Kari shrugged.
"I guess...but like how much carrots can I possibly cut without them going to waste?" Mimi sighed.
"Why don't we cook together for everyone instead of going out for dinner? That would make things cheaper too, I can imagine. Especially since everyone else got here last night!" Davis grinned.
"Oh my God, that's so smart!" Mimi squealed.
"Ah, welcome Mimi! I see you brought some friends with you?" Amadeus Stone smiled.
"Yes! This is Davis and Kari! They're getting married next week and they're gonna have an engagement party on Friday. We'd love it if you could come!" Mimi clasped her hands together.
"Oh, you're a darling, but that's way too short notice for catering, even for a doll like you," Amadeus chuckled.
"No! I don't mean catering! We want you as a guest, silly!" Mimi laughed.
"I'm a huge fan," Davis stammered.
"I'm just like any other man. I just happen to own a lot of restaurants and teach at a culinary school, no big deal," Amadeus smiled.
"No big deal? Are you serious?" Davis gasped.
"My fiance is still starstruck over the Elmo at Times Square," Kari sighed.
"Which one? There's one of them that actually looks like the one on TV. I know it's not, because the real Elmo is actually as big as-" Amadeus was cut off.
"So, did you know Davis is in the process of getting his noodle cart business together? His noodles are really good too, the best!" Mimi said.
"Really? I'll have to see for myself," Amadeus smirked.
"Really?" Davis stammered.
"Why not? Show me what you have. In fact, welcome to the kitchen," Amadeus pulled an apron from a wardrobe and passed it to Davis.
"Oh my God... Amadeus touched this. I want to keep it forever," Davis whispered.
"That's school property, so you'll have to give that back at the end of class," Amadeus laughed.
"Aw man," Davis frowned.
"Hi, welcome to Aster's Flowers. My name is Aster. How can I help you today?" a dark-haired girl with pale green eyes smiled at Tai and Izzy.
"Hi Aster. We're just here to look at flowers for my sister's wedding and my friend told us this was the place. I'm guessing you were one of the exhibits at the showcase," Tai said.
"Oh yes! I'm giving a discount for anyone who was at the bridal expo the other day! Who's the lovely couple?" Aster asked.
"Davis Motomiya and Kari Kamiya," Tai asked.
"Let me check my book," Aster walked to the register and flipped through a binder. "Oh, okay! Yes, they were at the Manhattan one! You know what's funny, I think that blond gentleman is also looking at flowers for their wedding too! Maybe you know each other?" she pointed at TK.
"Yes, we do... what's he doing here?" Tai asked.
"Is everything okay?" Aster asked.
"Yeah. It just seems a bit disorganized why they would send two people out for the same task-"
"Tai, let's just go see what TK's up to. Thank you for your help, Aster," Izzy grabbed Tai's wrist.
"You're welcome," Aster smiled.
"Hey TK, what are you doing here?" Tai raised an eyebrow.
"Mimi sent me here to look at flowers. To be honest, I don't know what I'm doing because they all look nice but I don't want to bring the wrong kind. You know how girls are," TK shrugged. "What are you doing here?"
"Same. Matt sent me here, like he was really insistent on it," Tai said.
"And then Kari told me to follow suit, to make sure you didn't 'screw up', as if I know anything about flowers- and then when the girl told us you were here, it clicked," Izzy said.
"What?" Tai and TK asked.
"Everyone's trying to set each of you up with the girl," Izzy said.
"She is kinda cute, but I dunno if I'm ready for anything right now. I'm still a bit hung up on Catherine...," Tai nodded.
"Yeah, why would they do that? I'm trying to get over Claudia," TK sighed.
"You guys just answered your own question," Izzy crossed his arms.
"Oh...," Tai and TK looked at each other.
"But then why would Kari send you with Tai?" TK asked.
"Remember what I told you? She said to stay with him to make sure he didn't mess anything up. I'm supposed to be the wingman," Izzy sighed.
"Oh...," Tai and TK nodded.
"This is ridiculous, come outside with me, guys. We need to get to the bottom of this," Izzy motioned the boys outside.
"Okay," the boys shrugged and followed Izzy outside the store.
"Kari, you're on speaker," Izzy held his phone up.
"Hi Izzy, is everything alright?" Kari asked.
"We're at the flower shop and TK's here too. What's going on?" Izzy asked.
"What? What's TK doing there?" Kari gasped.
"Hi, love you too," TK said.
"Hey, TK! I mean, it's good to hear from you, but what are you doing there?" Kari asked.
"Mimi sent me," TK asked.
"What? Why?" Kari asked.
"That's what we're trying to figure out. Why are you sending us all out to the flower shop? We're kind of a bunch of idiot guys who don't know what we're doing...and you guys will probably pick out different flowers anyways?" Tai asked.
"Ugh, I sent you guys- well, mostly Izzy, there to check out the florist. I guess Mimi misunderstood me and sent TK instead. I know Matt definitely wanted to set Tai up with her, but I thought she'd look cuter with you. Isn't she cute?" Kari asked.
"Yeah, she's cute but I don't think this is the time to play matchmaker right now," Izzy pressed his lips together.
"Please don't tell me you still like that old lady. She might look young for her age, but keep in mind, she's a grandmother. This one looks...more age-appropriate and not as sleazy," Kari said.
"Hahaha!" Tai laughed.
"She's right. The girl looks kind of like a princess from a fairy tale," TK nodded.
"I think you could use a sweet, innocent girl like that," Kari said.
"I don't know...," Izzy paused.
"Come on. You deserve better. It's about time you realize it. Stop settling for less," Kari sighed.
"I'll have to think about it," Izzy paused.
"If you don't do it, someone else better make a move before Matt does. I don't want him corrupting her," Kari said.
"That's true," Tai looked through the window shop.
"You people are unbelievable," Izzy sighed.
"Hey, I was the only one looking out for you. Everyone else was concerned about Tai and TK. The least you could say was 'Thank you, Kari!'" Kari laughed.
"Well, thanks for your concern," Izzy sighed.
"You're welcome. I have to go now! I'll see you later, guys!" Kari hung up.
"I can't believe they made us go all the way to Queens just to check out a girl," TK laughed.
"She is cute though," Tai said.
"You gonna slip her your number?" TK smirked.
"I dunno yet... I'm not sure if I'm ready," Tai said.
"Be realistic, do you think you'll actually see Catherine again?" Izzy asked.
"I mean, I guess you're right. I dunno. Let's go home, boys," Tai sighed.
"Thank you for letting us stay at your places last night, but now we can finally check in!" Yolei rolled her suitcase inside the hotel lobby.
"No problem," Sora smiled.
"Oh! And since you all came along, I have a great idea," Yolei smirked.
"I don't like when you smile like that," Cody said.
"I don't like when you say you have a great idea...," Ken remarked.
"What? I was just suggesting hotel party!" Yolei grinned.
"Yeah...we need booze," Matt said.
"Oh, I have that covered! While you guys were being adults in the real world, I went and got a couple of the basic necessities we needed to get lit!" Yolei tapped her suitcase.
"You sure that'll be enough? This fucking ginger drinks like a fish," Tai heckled Izzy.
"Mimi and Joe don't really drink, so I think it balances out," TK said.
"We're gonna change that tonight! So you're gonna have to control yourself tonight, you greedy bastard!" Yolei said.
"Hey, it's not like I'm an alcoholic!" Izzy scoffed.
"Geez, take a chill pill! No one said that. I was joking," Yolei whistled.
"Alright, let's go!" Matt danced.
"My room, because I ordered a suite! I like to go big! Follow me, everyone!" Yolei winked.
"Hey, Joe...can we talk?" Mimi asked.
"You want to talk?" Joe asked.
"Yeah... I just wanted to apologize for being such a stupid head. I guess I was just being a really immature brat and I definitely didn't understand how it was like to be in your position. I guess the whole situation was really awkward for you, and I should have been more responsible. I mean whatever happened with me and Pino was my responsibility, and mine only. You were just trying to watch out for everyone and I hope you can forgive me. I'm so sorry," Mimi sighed.
"I do. I'm so happy that you're talking to me again," Joe smiled at her.
"It feels nice," Mimi grinned.
"I just wish Izzy would still talk to me," Joe sighed.
"He's still not talking to you?" Mimi asked.
"Stone wall," Joe shook his head.
"I think he's probably in a tough time right now," Mimi said.
"You know what? I think so too. I didn't want to say anything, but I'm kind of worried," Joe said.
"Yeah, Sora told me. I agree," Mimi said.
"I just don't think it's normal. Especially if you're drinking so much to the point of blacking out on a regular basis? Nobody else does that," Joe said.
"Yeah. That's not good. His fridge is filled with literally nothing but beer. He says it helps with migraines in the morning," Mimi shook her head.
"Jesus Christ," Joe sighed. "I don't know what to do. I want to talk to him, but he's already pissed at me. If I add this on...well?"
"I don't know what to do either," Mimi frowned.
"Hey, you two scheming anything?" Matt narrowed his eyes at Mimi and Joe.
"No ex-husband, I only scheme with you," Mimi coyly said.
"Good girl!" Matt winked.
"So, I got vodka, cotton candy vodka, gin, tequila, rum, pineapple vodka, red wine-"
"Isn't that the grape juice that's been in our fridge for god knows how long?" Sora asked.
"Yeah, throw that away," Mimi made a face.
"Okay," Yolei opened a window and threw the bottle out.
"Not what we meant...," Sora made a face.
"Any whiskey?" Izzy asked.
"Ew, no!" Yolei made a face.
"You have cotton candy vodka and you're gonna say whiskey is gross?" Izzy asked.
"Hey, if you want whiskey, you're always free to go get your own," Yolei shrugged.
"That's fine! You'll survive, right?" Mimi cleared her throat.
"True. Liquor is liquor," Izzy said.
"Not what I meant," Mimi sighed.
"Alright bitches! Time to get lit!" Yolei started pouring liquor into Solo cups. "I call this one the pink-"
"No! Just drink it!" Ken interrupted.
"Huh?" everyone looked confused.
"Yolei took classes to be a bartender, but she mixes her own drinks and gives them inappropriate names. The venues she works with love it, but kinda makes it unappealing for regular masses," Cody said.
"We'd rather just drink them and not know what they're called," Ken nodded.
"Classic Yolei, right?" Yolei smirked.
"Holy crap, this is good. It's a good thing I'm sitting cause otherwise my panties would hit the floor so hard, they'd end up halfway to China," Sora chugged her cup.
"I have that affect on people," Yolei winked.
"I guess I'll try it," Mimi gingerly took a cup. "This is good."
"Yo, I can see this really fucking me up! Another one!" Matt grinned.
"Okay, looks like I got some fans! Just pace yourselves cause I got more stuff up my sleeve!" Yolei smirked. "Hey, Big Red! I know it's not your thing, but you gotta drink it. You're insulting me right now," she snapped her fingers at Izzy.
"Okay, fine," Izzy sighed and took the cup in one gulp.
"Whoo!" Yolei cheered.
"That's it! I'm good for the rest of the night!" Izzy grinned.
"What? Come on! Don't be stingy on me now! I need a heavyweight for when everyone passes out!" Yolei whined.
"I think you'll be fine. I'll be back," Izzy nodded and got up from the floor.
"Fine!" Yolei shrugged. "Alright, next drink!"
"Hey, I know you're still mad at me, but is everything okay?" Joe knocked on the bathroom door.
"Joe?" Izzy opened the door.
"Yeah. I just wanted to check up on you. Mimi and I are just concerned," Joe said.
"She's talking to you again?" Izzy asked.
"Yeah. She started like an hour ago," Joe sighed.
"That's good," Izzy said. "I'm sorry I've been such a tool too. I just thought, you know... you're not that kind of person. You'd never intentionally try to hurt someone. And when Mimi was explaining things, it made sense. We were both being stupid, and I apologize. I just needed to get away from that for a bit," he said.
"Oh?" Joe said.
"I've made some really bad mistakes in the past. Really bad, even recently. Don't want to talk about it, but when someone tells you what you did when you black out, who can you really be mad at? I don't want to do it anymore, but it's getting hard. We go to the bar every day, and I don't want having drinks crammed down my throat every five minutes. I mean, I like to drink, but I think it's better if I'm alone. That way, I don't do anything to anyone. I'm so embarrassed. But I was alone at the time. I was in my apartment...so it's not like I could even avoid it. Except to not get wasted. I think I can do it. All I have to do is just not drink enough to get drunk. Cause honestly, I think I have migraines, and the only thing that makes them go away is some sort of alcohol, so as long I don't drink more than-," Izzy ranted.
"I don't think you have migraines," Joe shook his head.
"Then what is it?" Izzy raised an eyebrow.
"You have a higher tolerance than us, and you drink a lot more than the rest of us do, you black out on a regular basis, you're normally the first person at the bar, and while the rest of us were at the bridal expo, I could bet my paycheck that you were at the bar. I'll ask my coworker too, even though she's a goddamn nightmare," Joe said.
"You don't have to do that," Izzy shook his head.
"Because I'm right," Joe said. "Izzy, your a smart guy. Just add it up...why are you hiding out here instead of enjoying yourself with everyone else? Are you that scared that you can't control yourself?"
"Okay, fine. I might have a slight problem," Izzy bit his knuckle.
"Isolating yourself isn't going to solve anything," Joe shook his head.
"But what else am I supposed to do? I don't want to do anything stupid. I'm surprised she's even talking to me, I wouldn't talk to me," Izzy said.
"What happened exactly?" Joe raised an eyebrow.
"I... I'm an idiot and that's all I have to say," Izzy shook his head.
"Oh. Well, come on out. They're going to wonder why we're not out with them," Joe said.
"Okay. Thanks Joe," Izzy said.
"No problem," Joe said.
"Yay! I thought you guys left! Thank God, because I had a great idea and I didn't want you to miss out!" Yolei grinned.
"Oh god, what is it?" Ken groaned.
"Group truth and dare!" Yolei grinned.
"Group truth and dare? What the hell is that? You made that shit up!" Matt made a face.
"It's like regular truth and dare, except everyone does it! And...there might actually not be any dares," Yolei paused.
"What do you mean?" Tai asked.
"Here, let's start off with something interesting! How about...who was the first person you had sex with?" Yolei grinned. "And everyone answers that question!"
"Are you sure this is exactly an appropriate question to be asking a week before our friends' nuptials?" Cody gave her a disapproving look.
"Yes!" Yolei said. "It's very important we're all open with each other!"
"Bitch, don't lie. You're just nosy as hell," Matt said.
"Guilty as charged! Not denying it, but seriously! Who was your first sexual experience with?" Yolei said.
"Matt," Sora said.
"Same, Sora was my first," Matt shrugged.
"Aww!" Mimi cooed.
"Yawn! You guys are so boring!" Yolei groaned.
"What? We were a couple in high school!" Sora said.
"Yeah, I knoooow, but that's so vanilla! Davis, was Kari your first too?" Yolei asked.
"One and only," Davis grinned.
"Aww, that sucks," Yolei pouted. "How about you, Kari? Did you have any other guys before Davis?"
"Uh...," Kari turned red.
"Seriously? In front of Tai? I think it's safe to say that Kari and Davis are pretty solid. Leave them alone," Izzy interrupted.
"Come on, you need to lighten up! You won't drink my concoctions, and now you're ruining my games?" Yolei snapped. "Since you like to talk for other people, Izumi, who was your first?"
"I'd rather not say...," Izzy turned red.
"Please don't tell me Theresa was your first!" Matt gasped.
"No!" Izzy yelled.
"Who's Theresa?" Yolei cooed.
"She's my ex's mom...," TK sighed.
"What?!" Yolei gasped.
"First of all, I didn't know they were related at the time- I didn't meet TK's ex until months after. Also, Theresa looked extremely young for her age," Izzy sighed.
"Yeah, in his defense, I'd tap that too!" Matt nodded.
"Oh my God...," TK groaned.
"In a way, I'd probably say she was hotter than TK's ex...," Matt nodded.
"Please stop," TK whined.
"Really? What did she look like?" Yolei leaned in.
"Huh... I guess the best description would be...like imagine you're plastered and it's like seeing Mimi in spray tan and heavy makeup- like Guidette treatment! And she's got a little cushion to her, some stuff to grab on to, if you know what I mean. Nice ass, pair of ti-"
"Okay, that's really enough!" Izzy said.
"Pretty accurate description though, if you think about it...," Tai nodded.
"Just get super drunk, and you'll know what I mean- except for you Izzy. Or maybe you should get drunk, that would make things fun! Imagine if he thought Mimi was Theresa!" Matt laughed.
"Okay Matt, not funny!" Sora yelled.
"Well, if Theresa wasn't your first, then who was it?" Yolei smirked.
"I'm not talking about it," Izzy shook his head.
"Was it that embarrassing?" Sora gasped.
"Hey, if you wanna talk embarrassing, my first experience was with this guy named Michael. He totally convinced me that I was gay for the longest time afterwards," Mimi said.
"How does that even happen?" Tai gave her a strange look.
"So, this is how it all started. Now, he told me he thought he was gay but he wasn't sure if he was truly, truly gay but if he slept with a girl, maybe he'd know for sure. And then he told me that maybe I should sleep with him too, just to make sure I'm really straight, you know, just help each other out!" Mimi said.
"Oh my God, you didn't fall for that, did you?" Matt laughed hysterically.
"What do you think?" Ken shook his head.
"Anyways, we done the deed, and he said he was really confused and that we should try again more times until he gets a definite answer," Mimi said.
"Oh my God, are you freaking serious?" Davis laughed.
"Davis!" Kari exclaimed.
"What? You gotta admit, this is crazy!" Davis giggled.
"Sorry...I know," Kari started laughing along.
"Great... so you guys are reeeaaally gonna love this! I told him that I didn't want to do it again because I didn't like it and he said it's probably cause I'm a lesbian. So here I go thinking 'oh my God, I like girls the whole time and I didn't even know it?' but it was weird because like I was at a friend's birthday party like months later and there was a cute guy- I liked him for a while and it's not like I saw him much. Anyways, he made a move on me, and instead of following through, I bugged out and froze- all because that idiot Michael convinced me I was gay...," Mimi crossed her arms.
"Oh, I'm so sorry, Mimi! That Michael guy sounds like a jerk," Sora hugged Mimi.
"So, did you talk to the guy again at least?" Kari asked.
"After a couple of months... I was just so embarrassed, I couldn't talk to him for a while. And then when I finally could, I pretended like the whole thing didn't even happen. It probably wouldn't have worked out anyways, we're like night and day, you know? And it's not like we went to the same high school anyways, so it probably was for the best," Mimi shrugged.
"Damn, that sucks! We should find this guy and reunite the two of you! You never know what could be! And I'll track that son of a bitch Michael down too... I'll take good care of him!" Yolei pounded her fist against the palm of her other hand.
"That's not necessary!" Mimi giggled.
"Yo, that Michael sure is an evil genius though. I should put that in my playbook," Matt tapped his head.
"Oh my God, you're disgusting," Sora got up from the floor and sat away from Matt.
"Hey, it's a clever plan!" Matt said.
"So, who was your first, Tai?" Yolei grinned.
"Yeah, Dad! Who was your first?" Tai's son smirked.
"You tell me first!" Tai said.
"Dad! You're supposed to be the grown-up! You're telling me about how Matt's a pervert, TK feel in love with someone who looked like Aunt Kari, how Joe had a thing for Mimi, and it sounds like Izzy was an alcoholic...but you're mysteriously silent on your own dirty laundry! I don't believe you were a saint, so come on! I'm eighteen, I'm a man now! Gimme the good stuff or I'm leaving!" Tai's son said.
"Okay, fine...," Tai groaned.
"Remember that girl Meiko?" Tai winced.
"No...," Davis shook his head.
"Who the hell is she? I knew everyone in the school and that girl's name doesn't ring a bell!" Yolei made a face.
"Come on, Yolei! You've seen her around. She's that girl with dark, straight hair and glasses. Always sneezing a lot?" TK asked.
"Oh...you mean Zooey Descha-noooo?" Matt laughed.
"What? She was alright!" Tai shrugged.
"I'm sorry, but even I wouldn't touch that with a 10-foot-pole, and I'm not exactly in a position to be choosy," Izzy shook his head.
"Cone on guys, she wasn't that bad!" Sora said.
"She was the female Joe!" Matt heckled.
"Hey! Wait... I never met the girl, but why did you say that as an insult?" Joe asked.
"Brah, that girl wore glasses and she sounded like she had permanent allergies. It's like damn, let's get some Claritin for this girl!" Matt said.
"Oh my God, you guys are ruthless!" Kari gasped.
"He's not wrong," Izzy shook his head. "She sneezed a lot."
"Give it to me, Tai...give it to me- achoo!" Matt blew a raspberry in the air.
"I wish you weren't messing with me, but that's kind of how it went," Tai winced.
"Really Dad?" Tai's son grimaced.
"Okay, so she wasn't exactly that hot in high school, but when we flew to Japan for our 10 year high school reunion, holy shit- she became a supermodel! She was in a bunch of fashion magazines in Japan," Tai said.
"You're lying to me!" Tai's son narrowed his eyes.
"I'm serious! She goes by Meimei now. She still sneezes a bunch, but a lot of people in the fashion industry find it an 'endearing' trait of hers. Personally, it's not that cute, especially when you get sneeze juice on your face when you're riding her. It's normal for a lot of people to be clumsy their first time, but what me and Meiko had was clumsy to the max. On the bright side, it was really satisfying to see all these other guys who wouldn't give her a second look in high school trying to get at her now, and she ignored them. Although we've only done it once, I'd like to think we're still on friendly terms. She was nice to me and your mother at the reunion. So you know what your lesson is?" Tai asked.
"Sleep with a bunch of ugly chicks and cross your fingers they'll be models?" Tai's son shrugged.
"No, you dingus! Be a gentleman to every girl you meet! You never know what could be! Dumbass! Sometimes I wonder if you're Matt's kid," Tai huffed.
"Uh...," Tai's son fiddled with his spiky, brown hair. "Really?"
"Ewww!" Mimi giggled and rolled on the floor.
"Shut up! You were convinced you were a lesbian!" Tai snapped.
"Wow, defensive," Davis whistled.
"Maybe this game wasn't a great idea after all...," Yolei pouted.
"You know what? I notice that a lot of your ideas never turn out well," Ken smirked.
"Shut your whore mouth!" Yolei snapped.
"Who wants to go to Times Square?" Sora yelled.
"Now that sounds like a great idea!" Matt said.
"Ooh, do you think there's a Bennigan's?" Yolei said.
"It's Times Square! There's everything!" Matt said.
"How about Dave and Buster's? We can play games AND drink?" TK suggested.
"Oooh!" Yolei gasped.
"Let's not get too carried away! Remember, the wedding is only a couple days away and we can't be too wasted! We need to be at optimal performance!" Mimi said.
"You got it, chief!" Matt stuck his thumb up.
"You guys go on without me. I'm calling it a night...," Izzy yawned.
"Alright! We'll see you tomorrow," Mimi pinched him on the cheek and walked away.
"Night, Ginger Snaps!" Davis fished him the peace sign.
"Let's move!" Matt ushered everyone out.
"You sure?" Tai asked. "Is everything good?"
"I don't know," Izzy shook his head.
"What's up?" Tai sat next to him.
"Okay, I'll tell you something I've never told anybody else, and I hope it stays that way, got that?" Izzy closed the door.
"Oh no...what is it?" Tai paused.
"Remember Cody's bar mitzvah?" Izzy asked.
"That was so many years ago. Why?" Tai raised an eyebrow.
"Just shut up and listen," Izzy took a deep breath.
"L'chayim!"
"L'CHAYIM!"
"Well, this was an interesting party," Mimi said.
"Yeah, it was. Glad you were able to catch it. So tomorrow's your last day?" Izzy asked.
"We're leaving first thing in the morning," Mimi sighed.
"It just seems like you got here yesterday. I wish you could stay a little longer," Izzy said.
"Me too. I miss everyone. And it's good to actually see you in person after so long," Mimi poked him in the cheek.
"Same...," Izzy turned red. "Mimi?"
"Yeah?" Mimi looked at him.
"I... I'm happy that you came and we had a good time and...," Izzy absentmindedly reached for her hand.
"Me too," she smiled.
"I...I...," Izzy leaned in and kissed her.
"Oh nooo...," Mimi stepped back and shook her head. "I'm sorry."
"No, I'm sorr-"
"Hey guys! What are you doing there by yourselves?" Yolei ran up to them. "They're gonna hold Cody up on a chair in the middle of the dance floor! I think it's called a horah! Come on, let's see if they'll give us a turn on the chair too!" she grabbed Mimi by the wrist and pulled her into the reception hall.
"Hava nagila, hava nagila, hava nagila venis'mecha..."
"And that was that. We didn't talk the rest of the night, and when we sent her off, I told her to email me when she got back to the States... I didn't get anything until four months later.," Izzy shrugged. "It doesn't sound like a lot now, but in high school time, it was a long time. And when you used to talk every day, and when it was that little thing you look forward to every day, it kinda hurts. I mean, there's some times where I still think back and I want to kick myself for it, but when she said what she said five minutes ago-"
"So do you still have feelings...?"
"No...I think I moved on. Besides, I thought about it and there was no way the two of us would work out in the first place, if we're not even in the same country to begin with. And if it weren't for summer camp binding us as a group, do you think she'd even be talking to me? Be honest. I could see her talking with you or Matt, but me? Truth be told, I'm a huge dweeb. I know that," Izzy shrugged.
"I dunno, maybe if you weren't so addicted to the computer, you might have had some frat boy potential. You knock one beer can pyramid down just to build a new one up," Tai smirked.
"But you have a weird corner. We needed to put something there!" Izzy said.
"True," Tai shrugged. "But are you sure you're good?"
"I don't know, it's just you ever live life like normally and then you find something out and it just messes with your head? Like Mimi and I are close, but if it weren't for that Michael guy, do you think we could have been closer? Or I don't know? It's weird to think that we could have possibly had a mutual attraction and missed the chance because someone got in the way, you know?" Izzy shrugged.
"I definitely understand you there. But keep in mind, it would have just been some high school thing, it wouldn't have worked out. And like you said, you're over her now. Besides, look at Sora and Matt- they're not together anymore!" Tai said.
"But Davis and Kari are," Izzy said.
"But they started dating after high school too," Tai said.
"But he was attracted to her ever since he's laid eyes on her. Isn't this kind of weird? Like what kind of paths would we all be on if we were truly in control of our decisions? Like do you think in an alternate universe-" Izzy said.
"Okay, once you start talking alternate universes, I thinking you've been watching too much Rick and Morty again," Tai shook his head.
"To be fair, you have to have a very high IQ to understand Rick and Morty. The humor is extremely subtle, and without a solid grasp of theoretical physics-"
"Nope, I'm not listening!" Tai put his hand over Izzy's face.
"Wubba lubba dub dub...," Izzy mumbled.
"No!" Tai yelled.
"Hey, can we talk in private?" Kari walked over to the boys.
"Sure, I'll give you guys some space," Izzy got up from the floor.
"No, I wanted to talk to you," Kari grabbed his wrist.
"Uh, okay. Sure," Izzy said.
"Fine... I gotta use the bathroom anyways," Tai said.
"Thank you," Kari said and waited until Tai left. "Listen, I just wanted to thank you for saving me out there."
"Uh, no problem?" Izzy looked confused.
"You know, when Yolei was asking about everyone's first time? You were there, remember?" Kari said.
"Yeah, unfortunately," Izzy turned red.
"No! It was a good thing. You saved me! If you didn't cut in...you know how Yolei is, and I definitely wouldn't everyone to know. I mean, not that I'm ashamed, but it's really bad timing!" Kari said.
"Yeah, I don't blame you. I wouldn't want anyone to know either- especially Tai. He'd kill me," Izzy said.
"Why would I kill you?" Tai slowly walked towards them.
"Tai!" Kari and Izzy gasped.
"What wouldn't you want everyone to know?" Tai asked.
"So you know how I told you earlier it's like you ever live life like normally and then you find something out and it just messes with your head?" Izzy bit his lip.
"You better not be telling me what I think I'm gonna hear!" Tai yelled.
"Yes...we hooked up," Izzy winced.
"And I liked every single minute of it! That's right, Tai! Your baby sister fu-" Kari yelled.
"Oh my God, Tai! I'm so sorry about this!" Izzy turned red and covered his face.
"Don't apologize! It wasn't any of his business to begin with!" Kari yelled.
"How long had this been going on?!" Tai yelled.
"I-I-I...," Izzy stuttered.
"Oh, we took any chance we got," Kari smirked.
"Kari, do you want me dead?" Izzy squealed.
"Does Davis know?" Tai asked.
"I told him, but he thought I was just joking," Kari said.
"What?!" Izzy gasped.
"At least I told him! Not my fault if he doesn't believe me!" Kari said.
"I can't, I can't!" Tai shook his head.
"This is why I didn't want to say anything!" Izzy stammered.
"Come on Tai, this was like high school stuff! None of that means anything anymore! If you're still hung up on high school drama even after so many years, I really think it's time you move on! Grow up!" Kari clapped her hands.
"She's right. She's absolutely right. We have to move on. Just move on from the past," Izzy nodded.
"I hate when you're right," Tai grumbled. "I'm sorry guys..."
"Hold the phone! You apologized? And you actually admitted that other people were right? And Aunt Kari slept with Izzy? Ew," Tai's son made a face.
"I know, triple whammy, right? But no one else knows that, so let's keep that between us. And as far as I know, Davis still thinks Kari was joking about that...," Tai sighed.
"Oh Davis," Tai's son said. "You know, sometimes I think about everyone and with the stories you're telling me so far, I think maybe it would make more sense if Aunt Kari and Izzy were to be together. And as crazy as it sounds, I think Davis would be better off with Mimi," Tai's son said.
"God no...Davis and Mimi? Nah, I think everyone's good with who they're with. You need a smart one in the couple, it helps balance things out. Also, makes sure that one person doesn't accidentally try to kill themselves from making toast in the bathtub," Tai said.
"Yeah...so is that why you married Mom?" Tai's son asked.
"You know, sometimes your mom has her moments," Tai shrugged.
"Nice try. Mom told me that was you who brought the toaster to the bathtub. And tried to take out that plastic piece that got stuck in the outlet with a fork. Come on, Dad," Tai's son gave him a look.
"Why don't we just head back to the story!" Tai said.
"Hey bitches! What took you so long?" Yolei yelled.
"Nothing really. Izzy just couldn't find his MetroCard," Tai shrugged.
"I don't get it, he has a car. Why doesn't he just drive it?" Matt scoffed.
"Would you want to drive in this traffic?" Sora smirked.
"True," Matt shrugged.
"So what's everyone up to?" Tai asked.
"Mimi's had a couple of drinks and she's kicking ass at the trivia game out there. She's probably pressing random buttons but Joe, Cody, and Ken are so upset right now," TK smirked.
"I am smarter than you, I am smarter than you...and I am smarter than you!" Mimi laughed.
"I really don't think knowing the names of minor characters in Seinfeld would qualify anyone as smart," Cody bitterly said.
"Hater...," Mimi swung around on her stool.
"Oh boy, someone needs to cut her off," Kari shook her head.
"Yeah, on it... I'm too broke to drink anyways," TK said.
"Maybe you should take her home," Matt smirked.
"That's probably a good idea," Davis whistled.
"Yeah. It's not like I can have much fun anyways. No money. I just hope Pino can call me back or something. Good night, everyone," TK sighed.
"Good night!" everyone said.
"Yes!" Matt whispered.
"You wanted them gone? Why?" Kari asked.
"You know, so they could...," Matt pressed the tips of his pointer fingers together.
"Bro, it's not happening. He's still hung up on Claudia. Mimi sent him to the flower shop to check out the flower girl-"
"What the hell? I thought when we said she'd be perfect for someone, I thought that someone was you!" Matt said.
"No! It was supposed to be Izzy!" Kari put her hands on her hips.
"Of course, you're so concerned about Izzy, because that's just how you are," Tai scoffed.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Kari crossed her arms.
"Hey, are we missing something here?" Sora raised an eyebrow.
"No, nothing!" Tai and Kari said at the same time.
"So...did any of you make a move? Cause if not, can't let a cute girl go to waste," Matt winked.
"Yeah! Totally made a move!" Tai blurted.
"Who?" Kari asked.
"I did. I gave her my number," Tai fibbed.
"Alright! My man!" Matt high-fived Tai. "See, I should be a matchmaker! Now I just gotta get TK and Mimi to hook up! Then they'll get over their exes!"
"But what would happen if they end up together?" Sora raised an eyebrow.
"Oh my God, this is weird. You're gonna create a monster, Matt!" Yolei snapped.
"No. I mean, maybe they could work... they're both friendly, sensitive, clumsy, and mostly positive people. TK's just slightly smarter than Mimi," Tai shrugged.
"You're creating a monster, guys!" Yolei gasped.
"You know what? They are kind of similar. Even as kids, remember how they were in the yellow duckie group in summer camp? Me and Izzy were already in the white bunny group, but those two?" Kari smirked.
"They definitely shouldn't have been there," Matt laughed.
"If you guys were in different groups, how did you even meet each other?" Yolei asked.
"Remember that summer it snowed? We hid out in a cabin for a couple of hours until the counselors found us," Joe said.
"Oh, that was a weird summer. I hated summers in general because my parents would always try to trick me into working at the store, but that one was the worst. I was like 'I'll start working at the store when it snows in summer!' and then my mom hands me a stupid apron and tells me to clock in cause she doesn't want me to be late for my first shift. I was like 8. That's what I get for being a smartass," Yolei crossed her arms.
"Can I get a club soda please?" Joe said to the bartender.
"Sure," the bartender said.
"You don't drink?" an attractive, dark-skinned girl sat next to Joe.
"No, not really," Joe said.
"Oh. I actually find that very refreshing in a man," the girl said. "By the way, my name's Tamsin. What's your name?"
"I'm Joe," Joe awkwardly said.
"Nice to meet you, Joe," Tamsin purred. "So what are you doing here all alone at a grown-up Chuck E. Cheese?"
"I'm not alone. I'm here with a couple of friends, they're over there. I just wanted to get something non-alcoholic without them busting my chops. They already think it's funny that I work at a bar even though I don't drink much. My bosses love it, but everyone else thinks it's a hoot," Joe sighed.
"I mean, you have to admit it is kind of funny. It's kind of like a chef who doesn't like food, a fashion designer who doesn't like clothes, a doctor who's afraid of the human body-"
"Well, guess what? I'm going to be a doctor and I think the human body is disgusting," Joe said.
"Oh my gosh, you really are a funny one, you know that?" Tamsin laughed.
"Really?" Joe looked at her.
"Yes, and kind of cute too, I might add," Tamsin grinned.
"Uh, thank you? You're very nice yourself...," Joe turned red.
"You know what? Here's my number. Call me whenever," Tamsin pulled a pen out of her purse and scrawled on a cocktail napkin. She pulled a cherry out of her drink, popped it in her mouth, and when she pulled the stem out, it was a knot. "It was nice talking to you, Joe," she smiled and walked away.
"Good night," Joe softly said. "What just happened?"
"Hey Joe! What are you doing here by your lonesome? We're thinking of playing skeeball!" Davis asked.
"This girl gave me her number," Joe said.
"What? You sure you didn't find that lying around somewhere?" Matt smirked.
"No. We talked for a bit, she said I was funny, then she gave me her number. And then she did that!" Joe pointed at the knotted cherry stem.
"Whoa...," Davis gasped.
"You gotta call that number!" Tai said.
"I don't know," Joe said.
"Why, got someone else on the brain?" Yolei teased.
"No...," Joe said defensively.
"Liar! Who is it?" Matt smirked.
"Nobody! I'm going home!" Joe got up and dashed away.
"Fine, be that way! Chicken!" Matt yelled.
"What the heck is that about?" Ken raised an eyebrow.
"Dammit, I think Mimi's right after all...," Tai huffed.
"About what?" Cody raised an eyebrow.
"We went to this bridal expo a couple of days ago and we left Sora and Joe by themselves. Anyways, they looked normal to us, but Meems suspected that maybe they might have feelings for each other and won't say anything," Tai huffed.
"Joe and Sora?" Davis made a face.
"Think about it. They're both responsible, they kind of are like the mommy and daddy of our group. And they're a bit careful at times, almost to the point of paranoia, they can both be neurotic, they're both sensible people," Yolei shrugged.
"Stop it, now you're the one creating a monster!" Tai snapped.
"I guess I could see it too...but do we have to pair everyone up with each other? We don't have to hook up within the group," Kari said.
"Says the girl who's getting married to the guy whose been her friend since junior high!" Matt teased.
"Kari's right though. There is a world outside of our little bubble. No harm in talking to more people," Tai shrugged.
"He's just saying that because he went to that flower shop like I told him to! Good boy," Matt ruffled Tai's hair.
"Hey guys! I've been looking for you everywhere! What's going on?" Sora said.
"Some chick gave Joe her number, but the dummy forgot to take it with him," Matt laughed.
"Come on, lay off! He's probably not used to getting numbers! Where is he anyways? Did you scare him away?" Sora crossed her arms.
"Yes, they did!" Kari said.
"You guys are so unbelievable sometimes, I swear!" Sora huffed.
"She totally likes him back," Yolei mouthed out.
"Houston, we have a problem," Matt whistled.
The next day...
"Alright Tai...you can do it. You didn't go all the way here for nothing," Tai exhaled as he watched the florist open her shop. He crossed the street and headed inside.
"Hi, welcome to... You were here the other day, weren't you?" Aster smiled.
"Yeah, sister's wedding. I was with redheaded guy, blond dude," Tai nervously said.
"Oh, okay. That's really nice that she has all this help for her wedding. Did you find anything you liked?" Aster asked.
"I did. There's a lot of beautiful things in your shop," Tai said.
"Why thank you. I do try my best to tend to every plant with love," Aster beamed.
"But I came back for the one thing I couldn't get my mind off and I'm happy I didn't miss it," Tai said.
"Oh, wow. That's a very interesting reaction. Most people don't really crazy for daisies like that. Sometimes, in the springtime, but most people like roses and there's some that like lilies. But daisies are a simple flower," Aster said.
"I wasn't talking about the flowers. I was talking about you," Tai said.
"What?" Aster looked taken aback.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to come across too forward. You know what, I'll just go. I'm sorry I bothered you," Tai bit his lip.
"No. I'm flattered, that's all," Aster smiled. "Would you like to go for ice cream or a dessert?"
"Sure, we could do that," Tai smiled.
"How about 6 tonight? Here's my number," Aster handed him a business card.
"I'd like that," Tai said.
"This is where you hang out after work?" Cody said disapprovingly.
"What? Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name, and they're always glad you came!" Matt said.
"Hey... what's-your-name. Your dickhead friend's already out there and Jim will be done with his shift in 5 minutes," the bartender snapped her fingers and dashed away.
"Uh, doesn't look like she knows your names," Cody made a face.
"Or is glad you came," Ken remarked.
"It's because he's a shitty tipper," TK said.
"Yep, that's why!" the bartender paced behind them.
"She heard that?" Ken whispered.
"Rule of thumb, don't piss her off. But don't kiss her ass either, cause then she gets suspicious," TK said.
"Just act like a decent human being and tip decently," Sora nodded.
"Oh, okay," Ken said.
"Hey, Izzy! How's it going?" TK asked.
"Hard day at work. Feels good to just relax," Izzy sighed.
"Hey guys! Done with work. What's up?" Joe asked.
"Did you forget something?" Matt pulled out a cocktail napkin.
"Oh my God!" Joe gasped.
"What?" Izzy raised an eyebrow.
"Some chick gave Joe her phone number last night and we missed it! And this knucklehead left it behind too!" Matt held up the napkin.
"Oh my god...," Izzy shook his head.
"What?" everyone looked at him.
"That name looks familiar, I just don't know from where...," Izzy frowned.
"Oh my God, with your track record, I bet it was some old broad!" Davis heckled.
"No. She looked like she was our age. Maybe slightly older, but no more than 30. She kept saying I was funny," Joe said.
"Hmm... that's going to drive me crazy, I feel like I've seen that name before," Izzy huffed.
"Hey, where is Yolei, Tai, and Mimi?" Sora asked.
"Well, Tai's going out with that flower shop girl, and I don't know what Yolei and Mimi are up to. Yolei told me she had something to show Mimi...," Kari shrugged.
"Hey Mimi! I have a little surprise for you!" Yolei grabbed Mimi's hand.
"Oh god, where are you taking me?" Mimi gasped.
"I'm taking you to justice!" Yolei yelled.
"Justice? Huh?" Mimi raised an eyebrow.
"Yeah! I went to the New York Public Library and scoured through your school yearbooks to find that jerkoff who ruined your chances at love! Then I searched him on a background check site, it was a bit pricey, but when it comes to friends and love, you can't put a number on it! So now that I know where he lives, I'm taking you to see him! We're only a block away!" Yolei excitedly said.
"Nononono! I don't want to see him!" Mimi squirmed.
"Nonsense! On the bright side, he doesn't have a red hand icon next to his name, so at least he didn't become a Chester the Molester!" Yolei pulled Mimi into an apartment building.
"Seriously, you don't have to do this!" Mimi said.
"Come on! He ruined your chances at true love! And who knows how many other girls he's done it to as well! We have to tell him what's up! Well, here we are!" Yolei knocked on a door. "HELLO?!"
"Oh my God, Yolei? Seriously? Let it go! It was high school! Obviously, it wasn't meant to be! Let's go!"
"Hi there. Can I help you?" an African American man opened the door.
"Are you Michael Washington?" Yolei angrily said.
"Yolei, no!" Mimi gasped.
"Shhhh, the grown-ups are talking!" Yolei waved her hand.
"Why yes I am. What can I do for you?" the man asked.
*BAM*
"Oh my God, Yolei!" Mimi gasped.
"There. You're welcome!" Yolei smiled.
"No! Not you're welcome! That's the wrong Michael!" Mimi cried.
"Ohh...this is awkward," Yolei whistled.