Orange you going to read? Haha! :P
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Two days later, they met again.
Little Sophie had her hair in two braids. Sora complemented the little girl as she took in the little orange bows at the ends of the braids. The image of Leon braiding and tying little bows made her warm but she beat down the feeling. She was determined to keep both of their friendships; her feelings would not prevent her from doing that.
"The color looks very pretty on you, Sophie," she gushed.
The little girl looked bashful, but pleased with the complement. Her little grin was endearing as well as her formal "thank you."
Sora straightened up and they started to walk.
"She has good manners."
Leon looked down at the top of Sophie's head. "Her mother taught her well."
The mentioning of his wife made something clench inside, but she continued to walk. Let it be a reminder to me. She put on a smile and addressed him.
"Yes, she did."
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It was near the end of the day, the sunset different hues of orange with some indigo as night crept in.
Sophie was in Leon's arms, the events of the day having tired her out.
Sora smiled at the sight they made. It grew as she caught the light snoring of Sophie. Leon adjusted his hold as her little hands slacked their grip on his tunic. He's a good father.
She walked with them as they headed over to the inn.
"At the end of the week," she started softly, making sure that her speech didn't awaken Sophie, "they have a feast with a huge pig on a spit as performers go about with their tricks. It's fascinating, but it is at night."
He looked at her from the corner of his eye. "If Sophie rests earlier, we should be able to come."
Her smile looked special to him, especially with the orange hues of the dying sun making her eyes light up with her excitement. As they spent more time together and her lack of mentioning a male name, he was tentatively hopeful that it meant she was not connected with someone else.
He did not wish to endanger what they had in order to fulfill his curiosity.
They continued to quietly talk until they reached the alleyway to his inn. Sophie stirred a little when he stopped but she did not awaken.
"Sophie wanted to see the dancers tomorrow," he said. "Are you interested in joining us?"
She smiled; he basked in it.
"Until then," she whispered, gently brushing a braid from Sophie's face and giving him a nod.
"Until then," he repeated, watching her walk away.
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Her aunt took in the absentminded way her niece ate her soup.
For the past week, she's been in a bit of a stupor after her trips to the festival. She turned to her husband to see if he had noticed Sora's state. By the goofy little smile on his face, she took it that he had.
To be young, she mused as she fed Yume some broth.
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AN: Thanks for the reviews! I wasn't completely sure how this was going to turn out with the color themes, but it's fun writing so far!