Chapter 1

He was early again.

It had happened unconsciously, he was certainly in no hurry to meet them. The manager had recognised him and led him towards the balcony he had reserved. The eager man talked of trivial things as they walked and he made sure to nod politely, but the content of the conversation flew past him, as did the décor of the restaurant, which he knew, more as a fact rather than his own opinion was very well coordinated.

After reaching the balcony he dismissed the manager quite subtly, in a way that would have done every etiquette master or mistress proud – and certainly his mother. It was amusing how he had acquired her authoritative presence.

Even though there was noise from the party below, the minimum lighting gave the small area a rather solemn and calm atmosphere. This he appreciated, as he leisurely leaned over the railing to look upon the somewhat distant proceedings taking place in the gardens.

His eyes slipped over them, registering minor details without effort, but they sharpened as he focused on the restaurant's entrance.

Elegantly dressed women with smart men were walking in; occasionally thare was an old couple. Good clothes, he noted ironically, made even the shabbiest people look presentable. Another thing he could not fail to notice: every single person looked nauseatingly happy.

He was about to turn away, now in a bitter mood, when a blast of music sounded and he was inclined to draw his eyes towards its source. He watched as people, some reluctant most enthusiastic, step on to a circular strip of shiny floor that surrounded a small pond.

Then he saw her.

It was only for a second that he showed surprise; that too just betrayed with a blink and slight widening of eyes. After that he was in control.

She looked the same to how he remembered her, though her wild, curly hair was shorter. She was smiling, something akin to wonder on her face. She fitted into the atmosphere just fine, in tune with the cheerfulness around her. But still she was untouched, unaffected by any exterior thing.

But it was the same with him, he thought defensively, he too did not worry about the past, there was no reason to be concerned about it.

But curiosity, he observed, was a trait they both possessed. He wanted to know if she remembered him, or if she still had those dreams. Did he still haunt her?

His eyed refused to leave her face, but when she walked into the building realisation gently nudged him.

There was no fear confusion, only an awkwardness of not knowing what to think. The perfectionist that he was, he would make sure that there wasn't a single emotion that wasn't right for the moment. But what were those emotions? What was he supposed to feel?

He was strangely aware of this emptiness. His mind was split into two parts, and one, he frowned, did not know what to.

Did he want to see her?

To that too he had no answer. But, he thought coldly, even if he wanted to he could not. The chances were that they both would leave this place and never encounter each other again. And that was best.

Of course, he should have known that life was purposely trying to complicate everything.

Someone cleared their throat and he instinctively glanced back and then turned; to immediately find himself wanting to groan very very loudly.

His expression went stony, something that happened only when he had no other expression to portray. His mind was uncomfortably blank, the moment lasted for decades.

He swore softly.

It was Kia Tilwaree. Someone hated him.

Oh, of course, she did!

"I'm sorry we're late" his eyes snapped to the other woman, Mika Tsukishiro. He nodded, glaring unconsciously.

"Kia, this is Hiwatari-san" she announced, oblivious to the tension "your new editor"

He saw her fingers tighten into fists, a chill spread over his body.

"Hiwatari-san, this is Kia Tilwaree, who I think you know as Anastasia Twee" she confirmed his fears.

"We know each other Mika, thank you" her voice was tight with restraint; he wasn't the only one struggling.

"Oh!" she was delighted "Well?"

"No" they answered in unison. Silence came over and Tsukishiro lead them hurriedly to the table.

As if on cue the waiter walked in providing a few minutes of convenient distraction. They took their time ordering drinks and their dishes.

"So is Twee-sama anything like you expected?" Tsukishiro questioned excitedly.

"Not at all" he refused to say more. He saw her grin slightly, relishing, he was sure, that he was taken by surprise. It was a good thing she didn't know how much surprise.

But that grin made him itch, asking him to scratch it off her face. So frustrating.

So he smiled, doing exactly what any normal person would if feeling the same. His expression turned into one of polite pleasantness.

"So Tilwaree-san, when did you start writing" he asked.

"None of your business" His eyebrows raised. He watched as Tsukishiro hit her hand lightly and gave her a warning look; as if she was a baby.

Kia sighed "In my first university"

"Writing, not publishing"

"Since I was ten"

Both editors looked interested; Mika had not thought to ask her and Kai was intrigued that she had been writing when he had first met her.

Kia was comfortable in this cold formality; it gave her a sense of security. There was no thudding of hearts or turmoil in her head. A slight calmness had settled – but she remained wary.

The interrogation continued.

"You've published two trilogies?" he asked.

"Yes"

"Most of them are often very psychological – any particular reason?"

"I just prefer to write in fields I have studied or researched"

"She did psychology at university" Mika explained.

"And do you have any ideas for your next book?"

Again Tsukishiro piped in "She's always got ideas, she just doesn't know how to develop them"

Hiwatari glanced at Kia questioningly; she nodded to confirm the statement.

"When do you write?" he continued

"Everyday, even if I have to throw away what I've written"

"From now on make sure you keep them. What time of the day do you write?"

Her eyes flashed angrily at his offhand command, but he looked smug, unconcerned. So she answered.

"Usually at night"

"She works on weekdays" Mika interrupted once more.

"Where?"

Now she was losing her temper, with both of them. One couldn't keep her mouth shut and the other was just being rude and too daring.

Still the calm part of her mind was repeatedly telling her that the only reason he was acting like this so he could infuriate her, and now looking at him she saw his amusement.

So she smiled as well.

"You don't need to know" she returned politely before Mika could.

He smirked and the coldness in it made her shiver. It was the same expression – arrogance, knowledge that he was pushing her to the limits and the enjoyment of it.

Hiwatari was torturing her!

A phone ring interrupted them. Mika apologised and left to receive it.

There was silence, along with a mutual realisation that they were proving good entertainment for the woman.

Kai still smirked contentedly at her and she squirmed under his gaze, but refused to meet it.

"How's Elani?" a natural question, he couldn't counter that.

"Fine – even though she was a little hurt at first when someone refused to answer and phone calls or letters"

She flinched and closed her eyes at the pain and guilt. She had wanted to avoid him, not his sister and this was the punishment she received for her neglect.

Kia opened her eyed when she heard the door announce Mika's return. Kai was still staring emotionlessly at her.

"I'm so sorry" Mika said "but I'm afraid I have to leave"

Kia could have laughed at the clichéd situation – leave them alone and expect them to get along. Mika was dumping her on darling Hiwatari! Instead she looked concerned, secretly knowing exactly the responses she was going to get.

"Is everything alright?" she asked. 'Of course', a nervous laugh, 'Just some urgent work'

"Of course Kia!" Mika gave her an unflawed smile "Just some urgent work"

"Oh dear! I'll come with you too!" 'Oh no! You both continue without me. I don't want to ruin it!'

"Oh no! Please continue without me, I shouldn't ruin it!"

"Very well then, I'll drop Tilwaree-san home" Hiwatari grinned too easily.

Kia could have slapped someone, they were working against her! Oh, wait – the response!

"That's wonderful Hiwatari-san. Thank you so much!" Mika was in a hurry "I really must go now! Goodnight!"

"Goodnight!" Kia smiled professionally, but as soon as the woman disappeared she grimaced. In regret.

"I don't want to be here either" he said. Quiet.

"She doesn't like you, did you notice?" she said exhaustedly.

"She doesn't like you too much either. How do you stand the constant smothering?"

"I have more patience than you, and she is very predictable"

She wasn't looking at him.

"We're going to be working together" he said.

She was silent.

"You're probably going to have to speak to me everyday"

No reply.

"And see me every alternate day"

"Do you think I don't know that" He grinned when her head snapped up. "Do you think I don't hate that!"

Kai opened his mouth for a witty comeback.

"Don't say a word! Do you know how horrible it is for me? Suddenly all the credit for my work will be given to you!"

He sighed.

"Nobody will know it's me, so those useless congratulations will go to you!"

He reached out to grab her hand, but she pulled back.

"And don't you dare to even touch me! I'm not a little girl anymore for you to harass, and I'm not about to be fooled again!"

"Aren't you over reacting?"

"Can you blame me?"

"No"

She almost grinned at him, but then realised what she was about to do and immediately scowled. Hiwatari shut his eyes, counting to ten; this was not going to work.

"If we are to work together then we can't keep bickering" he looked up surprised, she was looking away, slightly embarrassed – a pink tinge just under her eyes.

"I'm willing to not fight, if you agree as well"

He nodded "After all, your income does depend on me!"

She glared at him, but his grin made her look away again.

The waiter walked in with their drinks and dishes and laid it in front of them and stood waiting expectantly. Kai picked up his cutlery and waved one hand for him to leave.

Kia took a bite of her food and then, with the delicate spices, the extent of her hopeless situation sunk in and she coughed. Kai watched her smirking.

"How is it?"

"Horrible"

I wasn't going to write this but while reading previous reviews felt entitled to. It does ruin the cliff hanger but it also makes a whole new story!

I have no idea how long this will be, or how it will end yet but I know basically how the plot is going to run.

Review!

Kia