I DO NOT OWN INUYASHA!!
Ok even more editing; I am now editing all of my chapters. And my good friends will be also.
The sky was painted in shades of grey and the sun seemed to be sleeping the day away. The end of the work day had arrived for the majority of the laborers in New York City. all accept one. The raven-haired woman sat at her desk finalizing some paper work. She had probably looked over the documents three times before; she used her work as an excuse not to go back to an empty apartment. While her co-workers were leaving at 5:00 pm to get back to their families, she stayed until 8 or 9 depending on how lonely she was feeling that day. She had been working at Hojo's Talent Agency for over three years. She took take of relations between producers and the Agency to ensure their actors would be considered before anyone else. Sango enjoyed the night life her job provided, the parties and social events that she went to were always the places to be in New York. She had become the right hand woman to the boss. She did almost all of his work for him. She needed control and she found it in work. The power she had was fitting for such a 'strong' woman. She was remarkably striking. Her raven hair glistened in the fluorescent light and her pale skin glowed brightly. She had barely any make-up on her face, not that she needed it. Her eyelashes were just as black as her hair so mascara was out of the question. Her lips were a pretty natural pink and plump. Her face was soft and sullen and her eyes had circles under them and suggested a lack of sleep. She sighed and filled out contracts for a few new actors to sign on Monday. It was imperative that they stayed on top of their paperwork so that they could get paid their ten percent when one of their employees gets a job.
"God Sango, just go home already." A familiar voice called out to her with sarcasm. It came from Frank, the head custodian of the building. He was a small man with thinning white hair and thick coke bottle glasses. He had a friendly smile, but he was missing some teeth and the reaming ones looked like he hadn't brushed them in years. He had a raspy smoker voice and coughed whenever he laughed for a long period of time.
"I will, Frank, don't worry about it." Sango shrugged his comment off. She had become accustomed to the custodian's jokes that she did not have a life and cared too much about her work. The truth was that it even though work was important to her, it was also her loneliness that controlled her life. She had been lonely for as long as she could remember. After her parents died, she was on her own. The only people she had in life were her friends and her brother Kohaku. Kohaku had become distant recently. He was consumed with school and finding a new family there. College was good to him. Sango sighed at Frank's comment.
'Fuck, he's right, what's the point anymore?' She was resolved; she decided to pack up and go. She put the contracts into their prospective folders and left herself a post-it note to remind her where she put them. She turned off her desk light and shut down her computer. She put on her coat, grabbed her tote bag, and headed for the elevator. "See you Monday Frank." She said politely as she passed him on her way down the hallway.
"Take care Sango." Frank waved goodbye and returned to his mopping.
Sango reluctantly stepped into the elevator. She did not want to go back to her apartment. It had become slightly less homey and Sango felt like a stranger there. She no longer enjoyed staying home and curling up her couch and eating ice cream. 'At least I'll have Kirara. She can cheer me up when I'm in a bad mood.' She smiled as she thought of her little youkai. She found her on the streets one day with Kohaku and they took her in. She had become one of Sango's best companions. She enjoyed cuddling with her on the couch and petting her soft tan fur.
She continued to walk down the lit streets of New York. 'I wish I still lived with Kagome. Ever since she moved in with Inuyasha life has not been the same.' She remembered all of the fun she used to have with Kagome. They would stay up all night talking about life and love. Kagome had become a constant support system for Sango, the sister she never had. They developed little traditions during the two years the lived together. When Kagome had told her about Inuyasha's suggestion of moving in together, Sango was definitely put off. She felt abandoned once again. A breeze passed by her and she shivered. 'It's getting cold already, it's barely September.'
She fumbled for her key and managed to unlock the door to her apartment building. The security guard, Dan, was sitting at his desk. He was an older gentleman, probably in his late 60's. He was bald and dark skinned. He had a grayed beard and he was slightly over weight. He had a warm smile across his face that was so inviting that it made Sango want to hug him. He had always been friendly even when they did not know each other as well as they do now.
"Hey Sango, back early I see! Your usually don't come in until 10 or 11!" Dan chuckled heartily. This was true. Sango had become so lonely that work consumed her life. She barely ever saw Dan when she wasn't tired from working so late. She couldn't sleep most nights so she would talk to him instead of trying to sleep. He had such wisdom that he could help Sango with pretty much any problem. He was, however, baffled that Sango was still single. She had everything going for her and for some reason she didn't have a boyfriend.
She giggled. "I decided to let myself off easy tonight!" Sango enjoyed Dan's company. He was a father figure she did not have anymore. She enjoyed giving him gifts on Thanksgiving and Christmas. He would joke that his wife was becoming jealous. He even invited her for dinner once and Sango would always decline out of embarrassment. She knew he could tell how lonely she had become when Kagome left.
She was somewhat glad to be home, she needed to get out of her work clothes: a white collared feminine fit button downed shirt and tan pants. All she wanted to do was relax with Kirara and maybe sleep a bit tonight depending on if her insomnia will decide to haunt her tonight. Sango unlocked and opened her apartment door. It was dark and lonely, just as she left it. She flipped the light switch and…..
"SURPRISE!" voices billowed from every corner of the apartment. Sango was in utter shock and almost lost her balance. Her heart started to race and a wave of confusion flew over her. Everywhere she looked she saw her friends: Kagome, Inuyasha, Miroku, Kohaku, Rin, Kouga, Ayame, and even (gasp) Sesshoumaru!
"Happy Birthday, Sango!" Kagome cheered in her sweet, lyrical voice. She was dressed nicely in a sweater and jeans with her flowing black hair pulled back into a ponytail. She had a wide smile on her pretty face. She was clearly pleased with how she managed to surprise her best friend. Sango genuinely smiled back at her.
'Of course, I've been so consumed at work I forgot it was my birthday!' Sango scolded herself. "You guys! You're all so wonderful, thank you so much!" She looked at her friends and how happy the all seemed. They really did care about her. She hadn't seen most of them in a while because everyone was consumed with their own lives. Sango could feel the tears welling in her eyes. She had wanted to cry for a while. This was just an excuse for it all to come out. She looked back for help from her best friend.
Kagome noticed her best friend starting to cry. 'O, no!' She immediately came to her friends rescue. "Aw, Sango, I love you!" Kagome hugged the teary eyed Sango. "Come on! Let's have some cake!" She ushered her over to her kitchen counter.
The gang crowded around Sango's kitchen counter as Kagome lit the candles on the cake. It was a beautiful chocolate cake, that had 'Happy Birthday, Sango!' in pink icing. Sango could tell Kagome made the cake. The cake glowed and was too pretty to eat. Everyone sang in unison as Kagome presented Sango with her cake. Sango playfully thought of what she might wish for and then she caught a glimpse of Kagome and Inuyasha together, his arm around her waist. 'I wish I had that. I want someone who cared for me just as much as Inuyasha does for Kagome.' Sango inhaled and slowly blew out the candles. All of her friends cheered, she was grateful for their support and care for her. She just wished it could make her forget about the pain she was dealing with lately. She would put that pain aside for tonight, for her friends.
The cake was divided among the guests. Sango was able to speak with most of her friends and a lot had changed. Rin and Sesshoumaru had gotten together (finally). He made his move when she became ill and lived in the hospital for months. Rin had always been the weakest of all of her friends. 'I guess the thought of loosing her was unbearable for him.' Sango thought. 'It seems like everyone has someone…except me.' They were quite an odd pair; she was so petite next to his towering façade. Even though they loved each other Sango could still see that he was still cold towards her. He had a controlling nature and she was still very childish. Whenever she tried to give him a peck on the cheek or link with his arm he flinched at the thought of public affection. Rin assured Sango, privately, that Sesshoumaru was very loving and great in bed, which made Sango giggle. Ayame and Kouga were married recently, Sango was a bridesmaid. The wedding was last July and at the Waldorf Astoria. They were both born into money and they could afford to rent rooms for all of their guests. Sango remembered that she did not have a date to the wedding and she was forced to dance with Kouga's disgusting second cousin who decided that wearing deodorant was purely optional. However, Kouga and Ayame were happy and that was what mattered the most to Sango, even though the fact that they were together made her jealous. Everyone was settling down and Sango was single and living alone. What did her friends have that she didn't? Was she unattractive? Did she do something wrong in a past life? Did her constant questioning of God finally catch up with her? This was too much for her she had to escape for five minutes. Sango went out to her balcony. She gazed at the lights of New York. It was peaceful. She shivered from a slight breeze that brushed past her. She inhaled the cool air and exhaled loudly. She wanted to scream out into the night but she feared her friends would hear. She rested her elbow on the railing to the balcony and leaned her chin onto her hand. 'Why am I alone? What is wrong with me? I thought that--.'
"Needed fresh air?' a familiar voice said softly and seductively behind her.
Sango turned quickly to see who had rudely snuck up on her. It was Miroku. He was wearing a white collared shirt and blue blazer. His jet black hair pulled into its typical rat tail, but it was his eyes that surprised Sango. His deep purple eyes were not as empty as she usually found them. They had something behind them. She wanted to ask him what was wrong but she decided it was rude. Sango was slightly annoyed that he had disturbed her private moment, yet Miroku had become a friend to her over the years, she was relieved to have someone to talk to finally. "Yes. I needed to get away from all of the couples in there." Sango mumbled. She looked back at the skyline as a sign that allowed him to join her.
Miroku let out a sigh, "Yes I know what you mean. I never minded being a bachelor, until I realized that all of my friends were settling down." Miroku leaned against the balcony railing taking in the view. He wished that he could tell Sango everything he was feeling. Yet all he could think of was how beautiful she was in the starlight. 'God I want her so badly!'
"I wish I didn't let things like this affect me." Sango zoned out for a moment as she looked at her beloved city, but then something caught her attention. Miroku's hand on her bottom!
SLAP! "Miroku you pervert! What is wrong with you?! How dare you take advantage of me when I'm so vulnerable?" Rage filled her. He was a pig! She was completely right about him. She wanted to keep hitting him over and over and over! She wanted him to feel the pain she had inside of her at that very moment. She knew that he was bad news from the moment she met him. Sango was disgusted by her friend. How could she even call him that after this! She hated him! 'Still, why did it feel so right?'
Miroku laughed nervously as he rubbed his currently red cheek, "Sorry Sango, I couldn't help myself. Old habits die hard you know." He looked at the fury in her eyes and was afraid. He had never been afraid of her before. Maybe he had gone too far. Yet this was something he did all the time. "Oh come on lighten up!" he coaxed.
She continued to glare at him for a moment but she knew she wouldn't get anywhere with him. She was furious and left him at the balcony alone. He sighed. 'She'll never know will she? How much I care for her.' Sango was oblivious to how much Miroku truly cared. She would never know but, it was in fact Miroku who planned the surprise party, not Kagome. He remembered it was her birthday and told Kagome that it would be fun to surprise Sango. He had loved her since the day he met her. She was everything he wanted in a woman: strong, confident, intelligent, not to mention beautiful. He never knew how to tell her how he felt. He just thought that he could deal with her the way he did other women. He realized that he was sorely mistaken. She became a great challenge to him at first. He treated her like a conquest that had to have. He finally understood that he actually loved her because she did not succumb to him. She was not stupid. She knew what he wanted from her at first. Now all he wanted was to be with her. He wanted to hold her and cook for her. He didn't want to be with any other woman. He continued to gaze at the lights of New York, yet all he saw was Sango. He saw her cascading raven locks resting on her shoulders, framing her pale skin and exquisite dark brown eyes. Just thinking of her made his heart race. 'I don't just want to be with her, I need to be with her.'
Sango plopped on her sofa fuming from Miroku's previous actions. Kirara curled up in her lap and purred warmly. Soon the guests started to leave. Kohaku had to get back to his dorm at NYU, he only came because he still had some love for his sister, but it was slowly leaving. They were merely acquaintances. Ayame and Kouga had to visit her parents the next day in Greenwich, Connecticut where most ridiculously wealthy people went to retire. Sesshoumaru and Rin needed some "alone time." He planned on being affectionate with her tonight. He clearly had pent up his affections for too long. She was going to be his tonight. Inuyasha and Kagome elected to stay and help clean up. "Well the party was a success!" Kagome cheerfully announced as she washed some dishes while Inuyasha dried them. They had become so domestic over the past two years of living together. It was adorable. They had become the couple that you love to hat. Of course it wasn't always perfect. Inuyasha had trouble voicing his affections for her. He was never affectionate in public until Kagome almost left him a year ago. He changed immensely for her.
"Yeah! It was fun, thank you guys!" Sango said genuinely. She did not know what she would do without her friends, well most of them anyway. She was still very angry at Miroku for violating her earlier. She had half a mind to have him sued for harassment. 'It would serve him right!'
Miroku came back inside from the balcony. He looked at Sango who still looked pretty pissed off at him and grabbed his coat off of the sofa. He rummaged through his coat pocket and pulled out a small rectangular box. He reluctantly approached her. "Here Sango, Happy Birthday." 'Now I can make my escape.'
Sango was completely caught off guard, "Oh, thank you Miroku, you didn't have to get me anything." But it was too late. She could here the noise of her apartment door closing, he had left. 'Miroku… what is going on with you? First you grab my butt and now you give me a gift for my birthday! Maybe he needs to be checked for split personality disorder.' Sango merely stared at the gift in her hands. He had never gotten her anything before, why did he start now?
"Well, what are you waiting for stupid open it!" Inuyasha barked. Kagome hit him on the head with a wooden spoon. "Ouch! Hey! Why did you do that?" He demanded. She was always hitting him for something. (Hmm maybe that's why he changed so much!)
Kagome scolded him, "Inuyasha! It is Sango's present! Don't be rude!" Kagome wished that he would be more considerate of other people. He was still really selfish. Yet she forgave him every time because she loved him so much. He was so different from every other guy she dated. He wanted to protect her at all costs! Yet he wasn't controlling like other guys. He didn't see her as a stupid girl, but she loved him mostly because she knew that he needed her. He once told her that he could not live without her.
Sango giggled at her two friends. They were cute together. When they first started dating Sango hated Inuyasha. She did not trust him at all in the beginning. It was mostly because he did not want to see her friend get hurt again. Almost all if Kagome's previous boyfriends treated her badly. Now she was glad that they were together. Her attention retuned to the gift in her hands. She unwrapped the gold paper and lifted the lid to the box. 'O my god.' She pulled out a white gold heart-shaped locket that beautifully reflected the light in the room. 'I've always wanted a locket! How did he know?' The locket was truly exquisite. It was clearly hand made and it must have cost Miroku a good deal of money. Well maybe not a lot for him, but for Sango it was probably expensive.
"It's beautiful!" Kagome exclaimed. She was slightly envious of her friend's new necklace.
"Yeah…" Even Inuyasha was surprised at the locket. 'Wow Miroku really out did himself! He really does care about her.'
Sango opened the locket to find an inscription: Sango, May your heart always be filled with love. Miroku.
'What does this mean?' Sango wondered, 'Did my wish come true?'