Transcendence

10: Found

Three months had come upon him quickly and with the acceleration came the cold and snow. Before he knew it, Hisae had come and gone, leaving him with lots of pictures, laughter and warmth. She had enjoyed her first American Holiday visit and already was planning to come back. He had gotten everything squared away with the leasing contracts for his business space and had established a clientele. Already, within four full months of being here he was doing well as expected. Soon he predicted it would be just as big as it was back home. He heard the door bell ring and sighed. Unlocking the door from his keypad, he let the visitor in. In she came and she swallowed thickly.

"Hiro..." It had been at least a month before he had had any interaction with her. In the amount of time he had allowed her back, he had really tried to understand her. Was she not a victim of his mother as well? When they had met, they both had been young and impressionable. Both eager to please their respective loved ones. While he still saw Iwase Eri when he looked at her and he hadn't forgiven or forgotten what she had did to him, he was willing to put that aside. For now. Tonight, a much more important matter was at hand. The gala. He had made clear that if she touched even a hair on his head without his permission, she would be on the first flight back to Japan. She stayed in a separate apartment and was not too close to him.

"I don't want to be late. Let's go." She swallowed and he walked past her.

"Hiro, your bow tie..."

"I will worry about it." She tightened her fists and followed him out to the awaiting car. Inside the limo, he reached up and finished tying his bow tie, having rehearsed how to do so previous times before.

"Of course you would not need a mirror." Kiko said with a soft smile. He didn't respond and let his hands drop from his neck.

"You understand what you are to me tonight yes?" She tightened her lips.

"I'm just an arm piece. Something to make you look nice."

"To the world we are to be married. I think by now you know that will not happen." She lowered her head.

"I regret touching you Hiroto. I should not have done it. Now your heart towards me is cold and unyielding. I have ruined us."

"Perhaps if I am feeling up to it we can reconcile." She looked up at him, her teary eyes wide.

"You mean that?"

"Perhaps." She nodded and smiled softly.

"Your heart however cold is tender."

"Tender to those who deserve it." Her smile waned a bit.

"I see." The rest of the ride was silent. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes, turning away from her. This was a crucial stepping stone for his American foundation. He hoped Kiko did not ruin it with her personal emotions. The sound of faint music and laughing sounded from outside. They were here.

"Mr. Iwase, we have arrived."

"Thank you." He sat up straight and waited until his door was opened. As soon as he stepped out of the car, blinding light flashed, stunning him. His driver came around and raised his voice at the photographer.

"Please allow Mr. Iwase to get to the building before you take any pictures!" He tightened his jaw and turned, holding out his hand. Kiko gripped it softly as she stepped out of the car. He gently slid his arm around her waist and drew her close as they began to walk. As they made it to the door, it was pulled open and they stepped inside. Lush red carpet, sparkling candeliers and pictures of old American money covered the walls.