"So Hiko how did you meet such a lovely girl?"

It was almost time for the fashion show to begin and Hiko and Megumi were being swarmed by people from the press, flattering hellos with celebrities and little conversation with those of high society. This, all being very knew to Megumi, was absolutely thrilling,

"We actually bumped into each other at a restaurant," said Hiko, pulling Megumi closer to him grinning widely.

They were talking to an elegantly dressed older woman, Margaret Vera, who wore a dead fox about her shoulders paired with a string of pearls and a classic Chanel suit with a martini in her hand. She was incredibly chatty and gave the impression of a nosy gossiper and she seemed to be attracted to men who were insanely too young for her.

"A restaurant! Oh Hiko I had no idea you were such a romancer! And my dear, if I may say so, you really are very lucky." She leaning toward Megumi, "You have no idea how much fun this young man can be."

All of sudden the lights were dimmed and everyone rushed to seats. Hiko started to direct Megumi to the back to rear of the building where all the models were getting ready and lining up for the runway. Margaret only smiled mischievously and winked then disappeared into the throng leaving Megumi baffled by the seemingly cryptic comment.

"Come on," said Hiko as they pressed until they reached the chaos of the back room.

The second they stepped in Hiko was immediately consulted by staff and models all bombarding him with questions and Megumi was gradually pushed away into a far off corner out of everyone's way. Hiko seemed not to have noticed, and if he did, was too busy to do anything about it.

That's it, she thought, he's was just busy and stressed at the moment…he was working and she didn't want to get in his way. After all this was his job, his livelihood

It was true that if Megumi did try to get close to Hiko again once the show started she probably would have been run over. Hiko was running around checking with makeup artists and hairstylists and speedily taking one last look at each model before sending them out on the runway.

From her corner Megumi watched Hiko light up when the crowd appeared to be in awe when the first few models walked out. She kept watching him for a little while longer, then decided to wait for him in the audience.

By the end of show it was clear it was a raving success. The crowd all stood up and clapped wildly when Hiko came out with two models dressed in even gowns that looked more like pieces of art that should be hung up in a museum. Megumi stood up and hoped that Hiko would look her way. He never did. The models both kissed him on the cheeks and that was it. The masses of people all made started to get up and push their way out. The high society individuals were all attacked by the press as soon as they stepped outside. Everyone wanted to know their opinion on the show to which they gave outstanding reviews.

Megumi struggled to find her way to the bar that was adorned with neon lights with a substantial number of people from the audience who were still hanging around for the after party. She sat up on the high stool and crossed her slender legs and rested her chin on the palm of her hand jadedly. The bartender brought her a glass of champagne that she sipped idly while critically observing everyone around her.

Without warning a strong hand grabbed Megumi's arm roughly. Megumi was speechlessly stunned for a moment. Then pulled her off her seat with a jerk and swiftly swinging her around the bar into a dark hall that was used for bring up bottles from storage. They pinned her against the wall, keeping their face close to hers, arms up against the wall blocking her escape.

"What are doing Sano?" Megumi spat. Even in the dim light she could still make out his familiar features and cologne.

"We need to talk," he said.

His humid breath fell against her face as he leaned closer to her. She turned her face away from him and clenched her jaw. "There's nothing to talk about."

Sano pounded his fist against the wall making her jump. He took a deep breath, and seemed to calm himself down. "Yes there is. Listen…I miss you. I want you to come back home tonight. Maybe we can talk about this."

Megumi chuckled cynically. "Always wanting what you can't have." She looked into his eyes defiantly. "When I go back to that apartment it'll be to pick up my stuff!"

"Would you stop being so stubborn," Sano growled trying hard to restrain himself. "You can't honestly be serious about this Hiko guy."

"I'm not being stubborn, I'm being practical. You and I weren't working out Sano. We lost touch and now I'm with someone who cares about me and what I feel."

There was a lingering silence between them. Then Sano sighed. "I'm sorry," he mumbled.

Megumi looked at him amazed. Sagara Sanosuke had actually apologized.

"I was wrong to ignore you, ignore us like that," continued. "But maybe if you come back we can work things out."

"You think I'm using Hiko to make you jealous, don't you!" accused Megumi loudly.

Sano looked up at her and cocked an eyebrow. "Well…aren't you?"

Megumi then aggressively pushed Sano against the other wall and rushed back into the crowd. He chased after her.

"Megumi! Wait!" Sano weaved through the crowd, trying to keep up with her. "Come on, let's just talk!"

She spun around, almost making Sano run into her and pointed a finger at his face. "I want you know something, we're over! Okay? That's it! And now I'm happily seeing Hiko. So now my suggestion to you is get on with your life and let me get on with mine."

"But don't you get it! I can't go on without you. Megumi…you are my life!"

She couldn't believe what she was hearing. It was just a shame that it came too late. She swallowed hard and spoke clearly and slowly. "Not anymore."

With that she turned to continue walking into the crowd when Sano grabbed her arm once again. But she reacted, without thought, and slapped Sano across the face leaving a red mark across his face. Many people around them watched on.

Megumi than ran back to Hiko's office where she collapsed into the plush seat and let silent tears run down her face, streaking her makeup. There on the desk in front of her was a picture of Hiko laughing at a party surrounded by friends. She tried to imagine herself there beside him…

A/N: Wrote this with future ideas in mind. That's all I have to say and all I really have time to say, got to go study for math quiz now so be thankful I wrote this. Don't forget you manners dear, read and review.