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-Colors in Autumn-
-Chapter Seven-
[wish it were warmer]

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At the end of Sora's work day on Wednesday, Sora picked up the phone to answer Mimi's call.

"Soraaa," Mimi said in a sing-songy voice. "I've got another apple pie waiting just for youuu! Just need you to bring over some ice cream, and you'll have the best night of your life!"

"Oh, Mimi," Sora said with a chuckle. "One pie, out of how many?"

Mimi groaned. "Seven, Sora! I haven't heard back from anyone! And I called about the wedding dress - they said they had to ship it to another seamstress because the first one was fired for some reason! I really can't stand any of this waiting… Plus, I was hoping you'd come over anyway. We've been out of ice cream, and I really want to have it with the pie..."

Sora stood at the subway station platform, waiting for the next train to arrive. For a split second, she was tempted to back away and head to a different platform - the one that would lead to Mimi's. But, she told herself she shouldn't, and she figured it would be a good time to tell Mimi, anyway.

"As much as I'm extremely tempted, Meems, I can't tonight," Sora said. "I've been invited to a happy hour."

Mimi gasped loudly. "A happy hour?! Takenouchi Sora, finally deciding to put herself out there?"

Sora rolled her eyes, anticipating Mimi's reaction. "It's not like that, Mimi. I told you, I can't handle any distractions right now. I'm going with Aki-chan, and it'll be a great chance to unwind."

"Oh? Well, did Aki-chan invite you, Sora?"

"No, it was actually-"

Sora caught herself, realizing her words might be turning against her. "It was...a guy. In Tai's building."

Mimi fell silent for a few moments.

"A guy, Sora?" she asked.

"Mm-hmm. That's right."

Sora sensed it coming - Mimi's reaction to Sora's response. She sensed it coming way faster than the train she waited for. As expected, Mimi squealed with excitement, and then let her questions run free.

"Mimi, don't do that…"

Mimi gushed. "This is great, Sora! I am totally excited! He probably was a looker if you accepted his invitation! Describe him to me - How cute is he? Was he tall? Oh, and he was in his businessman suit, I bet - I know you have a thing for that, Sora! You have to tell me how it goes - Wait-"

When Mimi paused, Sora knew it wouldn't be long before it clicked in Mimi's head.

"You said Tai's building, didn't you?" Mimi asked, finally pausing to wait for Sora's response.

"I did, Mimi."

"So, Tai's going to be there?"

"Yeah, I'll see him there."

"Okay…"

The train finally arrived, and even as she took in the atmosphere of walking through the doors and low chatter of passengers surrounding her, she could feel the looming air of uncertainty on Mimi's end of the call.

"Friends, right?" Mimi asked.

Sora sighed. "Yes, Mimi, friends," she said.

"Okay."

Mimi fell silent again, but this time, Sora couldn't tell what Mimi was thinking. It was only after another second went by and Mimi squealed again.

"You're going to a happy hour!" she exclaimed.

"Oh, Mimi…" Sora said, laughing now.

Soon, Sora arrived at the bar, and saw her coworker, Aki, standing in the front at the curb, looking down at her phone, leaning against one leg as she stood. She was just a tad taller than Sora, with layers of long, dark hair tipped with curls of purple and lilac. Her eye makeup was bold and vibrant, and it complemented her dark, vampy lipstick. She wore a small black leather jacket fit for her petite frame, and skinny jeans that went into her purple high heels.

"You're always such a cute, little eskimo," Aki said as she glanced at Sora, noting the faux fur parka she wore, topped with her wrapped scarf and beanie.

Sora smiled. "You know I wish it were warmer," she said.

They exchanged a kiss on either sides of their cheeks, and they walked into the bar together, checking in their coats and accessories at the coat check room. Sora knew how warm it could get in a packed bar, so she dressed for the day in a cream-colored high neck sleeveless top and dark pants to match. Her own makeup was a full of brown and pink shade blends on her eyes, and a soft pink gloss on her lips.

"Sexy," Aki said with a low whistle. She turned her jacket in, revealing her dark red spaghetti strap top that fit her lean waist over her jeans.

"Look who's talking," said Sora, admiring her outfit and physique.

"Come on, babe, we need some drinks in us." Aki took Sora by the hand. Together they weaved their way past the loud chatter of the full tables and booths toward the bar, and found a high table, where they both sat on top of bar stools. Sora looked around, taking note of the dim lighting, but the walls in plain walls of white, though lined with fluorescent blue lighting.

The bartender showed up at their table and greeted them, handing them glasses of water and a list of the beers on tap along with the happy hour prices.

"Ugh, pumpkin lager?" Sora stuck her tongue out in disgust. Aki laughed aloud.

"I bet you haven't even tried it," she said.

"Believe me, Aki, I have."

Sora remembered the night Izzy brought home a pack of pumpkin ale for Mimi, who hated beer, but was a sucker for anything pumpkin-flavored. It was a sweet gesture, but, to no one's surprise, Mimi hated it. Everyone disagreed with the idea to waste alcohol, so it was up to Sora, Tai, Matt, Joe to help Izzy drink off the ale that night. It only fueled for her dislike of the flavor.

"Well, as long as you drink at least something with me tonight," said Aki. "Work has been killer this month! I've been slaving over that portfolio - I can't believe we have to present our own themes and designs next week!"

"It's getting so close, isn't it?" Sora asked, sipping water through her straw. She thought back to the colored sketches in her leather-bound book sitting in her desk drawer, feeling relieved that she only had one more design to edit.

Aki watched Sora and stared in awe. "I hate you so much. I'm so jealous at how calm you are about this promotion! Haru-sensei probably already has one of those spots with your name on it."

"Aki, that is so not true." Sora laughed with Aki.

"You work really well under pressure, Sora. You know how the fashion world can get - it can get pretty cutthroat, and you could crumble if you don't watch yourself. And I'm sure Dora-senpai would agree with me and everyone else. You've got what it takes."

"Thanks, Aki," Sora said with a smile. "Don't sell yourself short either!"

"Oh, don't you worry, I've got my ways to get ahead," Aki replied with a smile. Sora couldn't tell whether she was joking or not.

"Ready for drinks, lovely ladies?" said a voice in front of their table.

"Oh, I'm not ready yet," said Sora. "Aki, what about-"

Sora had stopped in her chair, realizing she had just answered Tai's question, Tai, who now stood in front of her, holding his own list of the happy hour beers. His shirt sleeves were rolled up, and his tie was loosened around his neck. His smile was his simple, friendly greeting.

Sora was glad the lights were dim to hide the raging blush appearing on her cheeks.

"I'm Taichi," he looked over to Aki, holding out his hand.

"Mmm," she said lifting her hand to hold his. "Akiko. 'Aki' for short."

"Pleasure," he said as they shook hands, then looked over to Sora. "Did you want a drink? Pumpkin lager, maybe?"

"I'll get the IPA, Taichi," she said, smiling. He smiled back, as though he was glad she remembered their memory.

"Hey, I'd like a pilsner, if you don't mind," Aki said.

"Coming right up," he said, glancing at Sora before he left their table.

"Girl," Aki said, smacking her palm on the table top, gaping at Sora. "Who. Is. That. Hottie?"

Sora let out a laugh. "That's Taichi."

"Can I say, 'Yum'?" Tell me deets, girl. How do you know him? He totally looks your type. What's going on between you two?"

Sora scoffed at her. "Nothing, Aki. Nothing's going on."

"Are you sure about that?"

Aki turned to the bar, where Tai stood, and Sora followed suit, seeing him lean against the bar counter against his elbow. He was waiting, but he was looking in their direction. And Sora noticed, Aki had been eyeing him.

"Positive." Sora turned away, looking upward, sipping more of her water.

"Alright, then," she said, and Sora heard the scraping of Aki's bar stool against the ground. "I'll be right back."

Sora looked to her, seeing her leave her chair and the table. Not only was Aki walking away, but she was walking toward the bar. Toward him.

"Aki!" Sora called, wanting her to stop. "This night was supposed to be about you and me!"

Aki chuckled. "Chill out, Sora," she said. "You know I'm always on the prowl. As for you, haven't you noticed how many heads turned when we passed through?"

"They were for you."

"I wasn't the only one passing by, Sora. Besides, you won't be left alone for too long, either way."

Sora sighed, pressing her lips together and sitting up straight in her chair. Aki, being the prettier one between the two of them, asking her multiple questions at once, unashamedly admitting that she was boy-crazy - it was amazing to Sora how she found another Mimi in the form of her coworker. Mimi had done this to her too, a few times before - intending a girls' night at a bar, only to leave her when she caught herself in a male gaze.

Except this time, it was Aki that left her. And the male gaze was Tai's.

"Isn't this supposed to be 'happy' hour?" a new voice said nearby, and Sora snapped out of her daze. Kaze had appeared, sitting in the chair Aki left. He set two glasses of beer on the table - one glass half empty with a chocolate-colored liquid, the other filled to the frothy top, liquid in the color of caramel. "Tai told me to give this to you. He's kind of 'occupied', as you can see."

She didn't want to see.

"So, an IPA, huh?" Kaze asked.

"It's my safest best at social events," Sora replied, trying to detract her attention. "I don't want anything too light, and something like a dark stout is too bitter for my taste. This can give me the buzz I want without making too much of a fool of myself."

Her words made Kaze laugh. "A woman who knows her beer. I like it."

"You can blame my ex-boyfriend for that."

"I'm sure we can blame our exes for a lot of things."

Sora looked at Kaze, and laughed.

"Now I see it," he said. "'Happy' hour."

Kaze. He was funny, Sora thought. But also, a little cheesy. She found herself talking to him for a while, conversing back and forth about the chic aesthetic of the bar, and what other kind of beers Sora knew about.

"You're not in your trademark winter wardrobe," Kaze said then, eyeing her shirt.

"Thank goodness," Sora replied, setting down the water cup she was still drinking from. "Autumn is one thing. Forget about winter, it's just all too…"

Her eyes drifted toward the bar. Tai sat at the bar counter, Aki next to him. They sat close to each other, Aki's body almost off of her own stool and on his. Tai was looking down, but Aki's face hidden behind his, her lips moving as she talked against his ear, and a smile forming on his lips that Sora knew all too well.

"...cold," Sora finished.

She had been trying to ignore it, but she finally acknowledged the chilly air against her bare shoulders and arms. The glass full of the IPA sat in front of her, untouched. Maybe downing the glass would warm her up, but she wasn't in the mood for alcohol, after all.

"I think I'm gonna head out," Sora said, hopping out of her chair.

"Aw, really?" Kaze said. "Only one hour in? You didn't even touch your drink."

"You can have it," she said, adjusting her top as she stood.

"At least let me have your number, too."

Kaze held out his phone, his green eyes bright against his pale skin and light brown hair, watching, waiting. She really had been at the bar for only an hour, she realized, but Kaze hadn't talked to her until halfway. Maybe he was the one Aki referred to before. He seemed like a goofy, easy-going guy, and she liked his company for that short time they talked.

Maybe she needed to start fitting distractions in her life.

Sora took his phone, punching her number in.

"Sora," he said. "Like the sky."

She rolled her eyes at him but not without smiling as she walked away from the table. Before she left, she went straight to the bar, avoiding Tai and Aki, She hailed the bartender, who had just set down a clean, newly washed glass.

"I just want to pay for my IPA," she told him.

"Oh, don't worry about that," said the bartender. "It's an open tab for Taichi's party."

Sora's eyes narrowed. How could he have known she was part of Tai's tab? The place may have been crowded, but there couldn't have possibly been that many people Tai was paying for. She could only conclude that Tai was still trying to pay for her, yet again.

Irritated, Sora slapped a 1000 yen banknote against the table. "Consider this as your tip," she said, rendering the bartender confused and at a loss for words as she walked away.

"I hope the dark clouds blow away from your sky, Sora!" Kaze called to her as she passed his table, and he smiled and raised the IPA to her.

After she grabbed her things from the coat check, covering herself and exiting the bar, Sora wondered what to do before heading back home. It wasn't too late in the evening, and but she decided to leave Mimi and Izzy alone.

An idea popped into her head then, and she held her phone in front of her to message him. Alcohol was a bust for tonight, but what she wanted was a warmer drink, and she knew who she wanted to share it with. She hadn't seen him in a while, and he might have just gotten out of a lecture, or was deep into reading or studying, but he was the one person she knew who hated the cold as much as she did.

One train ride and a few corner turns later, she walked into the cafe where she agreed to meet him. He stood up from his booth when he saw her, wearing his long sleeve sweater, his scarf wrapped neatly around his neck, and his fedora over his short, spiky blonde hair.

"TK," she said with a big smile as she hugged him tightly. "It's so good to see you."

"You too, Sora," he said, smiling back cheerfully. She noticed the tiredness lining his eyes, reminding her of how little sleep she had in her university days.

"I'll go order my drink."

"Pumpkin latte, Sora?"

Sora eyed him. "Get real."

She sat down in front of him in his booth afterward, noticing his outlined and highlighted notes in the open notebook in front of him, and a thick novel he had a bookmark in.

"I'm reading 'Ethan Frome' for class and I have to write an essay about it," he said. "Out of all the books, it had to be the one set in the dead of winter."

"I'm so sorry for your pain," Sora replied, apologetically. "Do you need me to buy you a drink to keep you warm?"

"Please don't. I've already had enough caffeine for one day." TK laughed. "I guess reading this is good for me, though. It expands my horizons as an aspiring writer."

"Have you written any more?" Sora asked perking up a little.

"I've been toying around with a new idea for a fantasy type story. Been trying to write character descriptions and building a world. I've just been so busy with school, but I have a few scenes written out that I want you to read."

"Yes, please," she said, feeling giddy. Sora adored TK's writing. The first story he asked her to read was when he was in his last year of high school, which was a love story that ended in tragedy. She had been laying against Tai on the couch as the tears bubbled on her lids as she read the main character dying in her lover's arms after she saved the world.

"Sora, what's the matter?" Tai had asked, extremely confused at her sudden burst of emotion.

"TK… he's… so cruel…"

"O-okay, Sora," Tai held her tightly as she continued to cry, clenching the pages in her hands. "We'll have a talk with TK later…"

Since then, she had been reading anything and everything TK offered, and she offered her critique, whether constructive, or purely emotional reaction. She even gave him suggestions on character wardrobe designs whenever he asked her.

While they chatted about his latest idea, the hostess arrived with a mug and saucer, placing it in front of Sora. She got a whiff of the sweet and nutty scent, and noted the light wisp of steam floating over the light-tan beverage.

"Hazelnut latte with an extra pump?" TK asked her, and Sora nodded with a smile.

"The best for all seasons," she replied. She took a slow sip, and smiled as she felt the mix of sweet, bitter, and warmth flowed through her mouth, down her throat and into her stomach.

"You know, alcohol could have warmed you up just as well," said TK, sticking his tongue out.

"Brat," said Sora. Then, she set down her mug and pushed it toward TK as an offer to him. He picked up the mug and took a sip.

"I'd have to say it's odd, though," TK added when he pushed the mug back toward her. "You being out like this in the middle of the week."

"Nothing wrong with a little distraction..."

"Distraction…?" TK tilted his head at her curiously. Maybe it was the uncertainty in her voice that made him ask, because she was uncertain about it all, herself. Was it right to feel the way she did seeing Aki and Tai? Should she have given her number away…?

"Distractions can be good, Sora," answered TK then, with a smile that had a sense of optimism for her. TK never thought about prying into Sora's personal thoughts. He wasn't the type to ask about her details - not once did he ask about her and Tai's breakup. But he always seemed to have good advice for her, even on the surface, and it always gave her comfort.

"I guess they can be." Sora smiled back.

They sat in silence for a bit, sharing sips of the latte, seeing the liquid sink lower and lower after each one.

"Did you hear, though?" said TK. "About Kari?"

Sora's eyes went from the mug to meet TK's. "I did."

"Everyone's slowly finding out. I heard from Matt. Tai told him."

"TK..." Sora read his lowered lids and put her hand over his on the table.

"It's okay, Sora," he said. "I'm happy as long as she is."

TK pushed the saucer toward Sora for her turn, but Sora shook her head and pushed it back. "Finish it. You need the warmth more than I do."

He smiled, putting his hand over hers and squeezing it. "You're the best, Sora."

Sora decided it was time to go home after they emptied the mug, and TK decided to follow suit. She noticed she cheered up since after leaving the bar, and wasn't sure if it was the hazelnut latte that hit the spot, or seeing TK feeling better after she shared her latte with him. They might have been similar in that way, relying on warmth, even if it was from a drink, to soothe them from their troubled thoughts.

As TK dumped his books into his backpack, Sora felt a buzz in her pocket. The name in the pop-up read "Kaze".

"What's up?" he asked, and Sora knew he observed the smile on her face.

"Nothing, TK," she said. "Just a distraction."


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A/N: Now, before you all raise your Mimi wooden spoons at me, please note the Japanese translations of the names "Aki" (Autumn) and "Kaze" (Wind). They have these names for a reason...

Please let me know what you think. What are your initial thoughts on Kaze and Aki? Other than the fact that they are throwing wrenches in the Taiora cogs?(I'm sorry!)

Also, "Ethan Frome" - I've never read it, but it's a story set in the winter time, and references to the cold weather referencing that to interactions between human characters and emotions. I wonder why I would reference this.

The bar is inspired by a bar I've been to once (and will never go to again since it's been shut down :/ oh well)

To my reviewers:

Thekatxx: Thank you so much! It's good to know I'll have someone reading this fic for as long as it'll last (tbd, lol)

Vigatus: and thank you for reviewing! Yeah, I did hint the Kari drama in prior chapters, glad I finally got to let it out.

E: Thanks for showing the love! I'll do my best xx

MoonPhasing: Thank you! 1000x yes! Glad you noted the serious vs. fun. The drama's coming. Oohh, it's coming. But I enjoy writing the playful bits, too.

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Thank you all again for reading up until now. I hope you stick around.

..Stay warm..