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Puzzle Pieces

[Chapter 6]

introducing Professor Tachikawa, expert in Partying 101

*.*.*.*

Maroon lace covered her arms, stopping just below her elbow. The sweetheart neckline of her dress left just enough room for the imagination and its bodice tapered down to a skintight skirt that hugged her hips. She sighed as she examined her reflection.

"Mimi, it's too much."

Sora watched through the mirror as light golden-brown hair bobbed it's way into her bedroom.

"Honey!" Mimi gasped. "You look stunning! Don't be silly, the invitation said to dress up." She momentarily vanished from Sora's sight and reappeared rifling through a small pink bag while the redhead grumbled, "I don't know why we have to dress up, it's just our friends."

"Here, put these on," Mimi instructed, ignoring her friends' protests and handing her an assortment of tubes and palettes. "These will go great with maroon."

"But Mimi, even you're not wearing a dress tonight," Sora complained as she opened one of the tubes to reveal crimson-shaded lipstick.

"Yes, but that's because I just bought this little number and needed a place to wear it."

Mimi struck a pose for her roommate, flaunting her revealing, black crop-top and form-fitting, white skinny jeans. She was already sporting black pumps and Sora couldn't help but admire how effortless her friend made it look walking in them.

"You look fabulous as always, Mimi."

"Thank you, doll," she giggled, turning back toward her own bedroom to finish up her hair.

It was another fifteen minutes before both ladies deemed themselves ready to go. Sora did one final check to make sure her hair was securely pinned to the side before picking up her things and heading into the living room. Exiting her bedroom, she stumbled in her beige heels from the added weight and swore under her breath.

"You'll have to take smaller steps if you don't want to fall flat on your face tonight," Mimi chirped from the kitchen.

"Duly noted," Sora grumbled, throwing a glare in the younger girl's direction while shifting the strap of her satchel to a more comfortable position.

Through the entryway, Mimi eyed the bag suspiciously. "I thought you were going to take a cab back with me?"

"Change of plans," Sora answered. "Taichi texted a few hours ago asking if I could stay the night to help take care of Koushiro. I think that's his excuse to get me to help them clean up tomorrow morning… boys," she scoffed, pulling out her phone.

"I can't say that I'm surprised," Mimi giggled as she slipped into the living room carrying two shot glasses that were brimming with clear liquid. With a mischievous smile, she offered Sora the liquor and challenged, "You weren't thinking about calling a cab yet, were you?"

Pressing the end button, Sora shoved the device back into her bag and feigned innocence.

"I would never!" she answered, sliding the bag off of her shoulder and accepting the beverage. "Like you always say, pre-gaming is Partying 101!"

"Damn straight!" Mimi replied, grinning proudly. As she raised her glass towards the redhead, she declared, "Well, here's to tonight!"

"And to Koushiro!" Sora chimed.

Tossing back their heads the two downed the alcohol with practiced ease. Before she had a chance to reach for her cell again, Sora caught a glint in Mimi's eye that she read all-too-clearly.

There would be a few more rounds to go before she'd be hailing their taxi.

*.*.*.*