Miroku couldn't believe that he was spending the New Year busing at this party; he should have gone to the party with Inuyasha and the others. Snotty people everywhere, it was too familiar for him. He finished filling another glass of champagne, set amongst the others on the tray and carried them out. Moving into the crowd he walked slowly as millionaire businessman, after millionaire socialite grabbed a glass off the tray he carried on his shoulder. And just as he was ready to head back to the busy kitchen he saw out of the corner of his eye the person he had wanted to spend tonight with most.

"Sango" Kagome asked, "You okay?"

Sango looked outside as the limo pulled up into the door way of a large hall. This was all unreal, the dress, the jewelry and the whole last hour. It was a world she had never known but had been a witness to, a world of extreme wealth and, for her, discomfort.

Though she would not say the limo ride was magical, she had bad memories of riding in the limo at her father's funeral; she did enjoy the kid like way in which Kagome looked out the window at the big city. The falling snow that refused to settle was like the large pink diamond necklace that shifted on her neck.

"Fine, I am fine." She said almost brushing off Kagome's question.

Inuyasha leaned over to Sango's ear, "Let's make a deal. If this party stinks, I say we run off. Maybe we can meet up with the lecher."

Sango laughed, Inuyasha was definitely not a high-class guy, she looked at him as he tugged at his collar for the fifth time that instance.

Sango whispered back, "Sure, but, you got to promise me a snow ball fight."

Shippo, who had begged and pleaded to join in this occasion sat closely next to Kagome. His small little tux was quite adorable to all but Inuyasha who make it clear he was not on babysitting duty.

"So…." The child said anxiously, "this is the place right?"

Kuranosuke patted the boys head, "Yes. This is it. Still feel overdressed Inuyasha?"

"Feh."

The limo came to a stop and the driver opened the doors. Kuranosuke exited and fixed his jacket. Sango timidly peeked out the door, her eyes meet with Kurnaosuke's.

He placed his hand out as an invitation to his date, Sango knew there was no going back as she stepped out of the limo and took the arm of the wealthiest man in the city. They walked ever closer to the entrance. The doors opened and as they made their way down the corridor lit by crystal chandeliers and soft light that seemed to be glow golden. Sango looked at people standing aimlessly in chatter that was sure to contain words like, bonds and stock. All made a note of Kuranosuke's arrival with bows, hellos and small talk. Kuranosuke made sure to introduce Sango to all of them as she still clinged to his arm for dear life.

She had lost sight of Kagome and the others. They had most likely made there way to the ball room.

In what was a ten minute entrance to the entrance, Sango had a feeling in the pit of her stomach.

"So it seems the man of the hour has arrived." Naraku said dryly. He had seemed to pop out of no where like always.

"No, not only the man of the hour, but the man of the year. What a way to start the new year off, the whole room has been waiting for you. I don't think there is a person in there that is not excited to see you, Kuranosuke, especially since they all knew and grieved for your father." Kikyo said standing along side Naraku.

"As always Kikyo, you are too kind." Kuranosuke smiled and said oblivious to the anger burning in Sango.

"Sango, you are looking very….." Naraku said averting his gaze to the large piece of jewelry dangling at her neck. Mia made her way to Kuranosuke and began chatting away with well wishes. Spotting his chance, Naraku leaned closer to Sango wrapping his hand around her arm and whispering to her, "So I see Kuranosuke still insists on casting pearls upon swine. Though I must say, black has always been my favorite color on you."

Sango stayed silent, burning holes into Kikyo who looked at her. "If it were up to me Naraku, I would never see you and Kikyo again, but since it is obviously not my choice, I will ask you one favor tonight, stay away from me."

Kuranosuke turned away from Mia momentarily to speak to Sango only to see Naraku whisper something in her ear. He looked intently on them, the tension overwhelmingly obvious, he interrupted. "Naraku, I trust there will be no problems with our agreement. I would not want any past situations to ruin a night where there is so much future and promise in the air."

"I would do nothing of the sort." Naraku said gesturing to the larger room and motioning for the door.

Miroku's heart stopped. His eyes must have been playing a trick on him. Sango would not be here. He must have wanted to see her here so badly that she appeared like a mirage. He double taked, and was not sure of what he saw.

'Kuranosuke?' A boiling heat churned in his stomach, 'That cannot be Sango with Kuranosuke, can it?' Suddenly everything clicked; Sango worked at a magazine, was an editor, and said she was good friends with her boss, everything fit. Miroku just missed the finer detail of asking where she worked and for whom she worked with… 'I am such a typical guy; I didn't even listen or connect everything she told me.' He mentally slapped himself.

A sharp whistled pierced his train of thought, "Hey bus boy! Get moving!"

"Huh." Miroku nodded and headed back to the kitchen.

Hachi was moving the fastest Miroku had ever seen. Miroku searched him out, "Hey Hachi! Whose party did you say this was?"

Hachi shifted, "Huh? Why do you care Miroku? Um, you are here to help me remember?" He let out a nervous chuckle. "Remember that is what friends are for…" He sweat dropped…..

"Hachi?" Miroku took a strong tone, "You never told me who this was for, and I think I know why you didn't tell me."

"Miroku, master…um well. You never asked."

"This is Kuranosuke's party isn't it?" Miroku knocked Hachi in the head, and began to laugh in disbelief, "You have me busing at KURANOSUKES PARTY!HAHAHAHA!"

Hachi was scared now. "Miroku, I needed the help. If I told you, you would have not come…"

"Your right, I wouldn't!" Miroku was in disbelief. 'What else is there to do? I should at least say hi to Sango.' He thought.

Hachi was glad to give Miroku a minute break, after all he had to if he didn't want another bump on the head.

Sango had played a very good trophy date so far, shaking hands with countless people and standing attentively with her arm locked in Kuranosuke's as he lead her from table to table. Inuyasha had wasted no time with the drinks as he sat at one of the round tables. Kagome was anxious to get Inuyasha to the dance floor, though she was dancing with Shippo for most of the first hour. Mia sat across from Inuyasha and was rivaling him in drinks, never averting her eyes from Kuranosuke and Sango.

As the mingling continued Miroku continued busing bottle after bottle of imported drinks to tables and standing crowds. He made his way to one table in particular.

"Here sir," He set down a glass of champagne in front of one particularly unhappy guest.

"Feh…Keep em coming…" Inuyasha said downing the drink.

"Hey, that's no way to spend the night. Why not dance with that beautiful woman you came with?" Miroku said taking on a familiar lecherous tone.

Inuyasha's head snapped around, "What did you say?" He blinked. "Miroku! I don't believe it! This was the party you were working at?"

"Wow, Inuyasha that is the happiest I think you have ever been to see me." Miroku joked. "I will admit I am a little happy to see you here too."

"Ha, well what a small world. So does this mean you can give me the whole bottle instead of these little cups?" Inuyasha said as Kagome snuck up behind the two men.

"They are called flutes Inuyasha, don't listen to him, he has had enough…"

Miroku turned to see Kagome and Shippo.

"Eh? Miroku!" Kagome screeched as she hugged her friend.

"Hi Kagome" Miroku sweat dropped.

"What are you doing here?" she asked.

"What do you think, Kagome?" Inuyasha huffed.

"I got suckered into working here by an old friend. Anyway, are you having fun? It's seems Inuyasha is."

"Um, well he is a whole other story. Have you seen Sango?" Kagome elbowed Miroku and shifted her eyes to her friend.

She was breath taking to him, every time he looked at her. She was making polite conversation with someone passing by in the crowd…Miroku spotted his chance as she was alone.

Moving though the crowed of people he made his way to her. He waited just so that he could offer her a drink, the last one on his tray.

"Excuse me I couldn't help but notice that a beautiful woman such as your self had no drink in her hand." He held the glass out.

Sango knew that voice, and turned around. "Miroku?" She smiled and fought a blush.

"Hey." He said as she took the neck of the glass. "What are you doing here?" She asked in disbelief.

"I am a bus boy… you know just for tonight." He smiled and presented his tray.

Sango laughed and nodded, "I see."

"You look amazing by the way." Miroku looked at her.

"You don't look so bad yourself; the whole waiter look is nice on you." She laughed

A moment passed as they looked at one another. There was no doubt that there was a mutual happiness between them. They had some how found a way to see each other in a strange twist of fate. It was a pleasant misfortune.

"Be honest Sango, why didn't you tell me you worked for Takeda Kuranosuke?"

"You never asked. Why, do you want a job?" Sango joked.

"Hardly." Miroku let out his bitterness.

"What's wrong? Maybe you need a little of this." She joked and tilted the glass in his direction.

"Nothing's wrong. So..are you and Kuranosuke…"

"What? Do you mean are we a couple?" Sango furrowed her brow.

"I know it is none of my business by the way. I just saw you two come in together and thought…"

Sango smiled, "No Miroku, we are not together. I don't know why you would care anyway." She sounded somewhat disappointed and ran her finger around the ring of the glass.

"Why would you say that? Anyway you have many people believing otherwise with that entrance you made." Miroku said

Naraku was standing in one of the corners looking on.

'Houshi is here too. How strange. It seems all the pieces are falling in place faster than expected.'

"What are you looking at Naraku?" Kuranosuke asked.

"You'll be surprised to know that Houshi is here, and even more surprised with whom he is talking to." Naraku pointed to Sango.

"They seem awfully close Kuranosuke. That leads one to wonder, does it not? However, who am I to say anything." Naraku twisted his words.

"You are right Naraku, who are you to say anything? I am beginning to wonder if bringing you here was worth it." Kuranosuke said

"Kuranosuke, I am the only one who can help you in your current situation. I could have left you to deal with the enormous financial responsibilities your father left you all on your own yet I haven't. If this is the thanks I receive I will be more than ready to leave." Naraku threatened.

"That is not what I am saying; I am simply wondering if having Sango in your company is worth her discomfort."

"Still romancing my ex-girlfriend?" Naraku said coldly

Kuranosuke clenched his fist, "Remember our agreement Naraku, leave it in the past. I don't want her to relive anything that might upset her, and you are not to go near her no matter what."

"Still a touchy subject I see. Have no worries Kuranosuke, I have no desire to associate with her, and everything in our agreement is still standing especially my payment." Naraku made a strong point.

Kuranosuke looked on for a moment as Naraku's words began to boil under his skin.

Naraku didn't have to finish his manipulations before Kuranosuke was darting after Sango.

"Naraku, you are really too cruel sometimes." Kikyo said standing at his side.

"You see Kikyo that is our biggest difference. You see me as cruel when I am a genius."

Miroku tried to hold back his laughter as Sango told him about Inuyasha and his facial.

"I just got the best mental picture." He snorted.

"I know, but that was nothing. Kagome…"

Miroku had suddenly gotten very serious.

Sango turned around to see Kuranosuke standing over them.

"What are you doing here?" Kuranosuke said angrily.

Sango had never heard him speak to anyone like that before, not even Naraku.

"You two know each other?" Sango asked.

"Hey Kuranosuke." Miroku said

"Hey yourself, get out of here Houshi. And stay away from Sango." He said putting his arm protectively around her shoulders.

"What did you just call him?" Sango asked confused by all the tension in the air.

"He called me Houshi." Miroku explained.

Sango was silent.

"I see he has already been lying to you Sango." Kuranosuke said, "Why don't you tell her who you are Houshi. Tell her about what you did to me and about all the women you…"

"Stop! Kuranosuke, I'll admit there is a lot to be settled between us, but you don't have to drag it out here." Miroku said in his defense.

"What is Kuranosuke talking about?" Sango wore a worried expression.

"Yeah Houshi tell her who you really are." Kuranosuke said coldly.

"Sango, this is all going to sound weird but just hear me out," Miroku grabbed her hand as Kuranosuke rolled his eyes, "I am Miroku Houshi, the heir to the Kazanna Houshi business fortune."

Sango looked at him, confused for a moment. "Kazanna?" she asked. "I don't get it, so you are some kind of millionaire?" Sango asked

"Try billionaire, though I don't see where any of that money is going." Kuranosuke said gesturing to Miroku's tray.

"I like to earn my own money." Miroku snapped back, "You wouldn't know anything about that Kuranosuke; after all you have your fathers checkbook don't you?"

"Wait, so you are the Houshi that Kuranosuke told me about, his old university friend?"

"Some friend he was." Kuranosuke said.

"Why didn't you tell me any of this?" Sango said.

"You never asked." Miroku referenced to a past joke, only there was no laughter.

"Sango, how do you know a thief like him anyway?" Kuranosuke asked

"I don't, not anymore. I knew Miroku, not anyone by the name of Houshi." She pulled her hand away.

"Sango, I am the same person. I just had a few secrets. I'll explain the whole thing to you, if you come with me." Miroku stuck his hand out.

"If you want to know the truth Sango talk to me, he has already lied to you." Kuranosuke said.

Sango was quiet.

"I think you have your answer Houshi." Kuranosuke said.

"She can speak for herself Kuranosuke."

'I don't know what to make of any of this.' Sango thought, 'I just want to know what all this means.' Suddenly her thought was interrupted.

"Attention!" Mia, took the stage and spoke through the microphone. "I would like to thank everyone for coming, and would especially like to thank our host tonight, Mr. Takeda Kuranosuke!"

Suddenly the crowd's attention was focused on Kuranosuke as the room filled with applause.

"Would you please come up here Mr. Takeda and speak a few words before the count down?"

A roar of applause erupted. Kuranosuke took Sango's hand and through the corner of her eye she saw Miroku disappear into the crowd. Kuranosuke lead her toward the stage and walked up the stairs alone.

"Hello everyone! I am overjoyed to see that so many friends and associates came here tonight to celebrate the New Year."

Applause…

"I first want to thank the lovely Mia for whom my whole business runs, and operates as smoothly as it does…"

Sango moved away slowly. She had to see Kagome and tell her about what had just happened. When she arrived to her table she saw Shippo asleep on the table, his hands filled with olives.

"Shippo?" Sango nudged the child, "Shippo! Wake up!" She shook him more aggressively.

"Humm, Inuyasha I can't get out the tangles."

"Shippo?" Sango came to the conclusion he was delirious.

Sango looked around for Miroku, but he was gone. She sighed as she walked back towards the Stage. Kuranosuke was almost done with his speech, it was 11:59.

"So now will you all join me in the New Years count down?" Kuranosuke said as he spotted Sango and pulled her up to join him.

"10!"

"9!"

"8!"

"7!"

"6!"

"5!"

Miroku looked on from the crowd as Kuranosuke held Sango's hand for everyone to see.

"4!"

"3!"

"2!"

"1!"

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

The crowd exploded in applause and cheers as couples and strangers alike embraced and kissed one another. There were streamers that fell from the ceiling.

Kuranosuke hugged Sango tightly and whispered, "I know things were unfinished right now, please come outside with me."

Mia waited for Kuranosuke to come her way, only to see him and Sango leave the stage and move towards the balcony.

Miroku also saw the two disappear; he rushed out and tried to catch up.

Mia moved down the stage stairs, and bumped into Miroku.

"Where did they go?" He asked panicked

"Who do you mean? Mr. Takeda and that woman?" She said sadly.

"Yes, where did they go?" he repeated

"He went to propose to her, of course." Mia said looking with watery eyes at the doors leading to the balcony.

"What!" Miroku asked, "You're kidding?" He looked at her again; her expression obviously meant she was telling the truth.

Kuranosuke closed the glass balcony door behind them and locked it.

He took Sango's hand gently and stared at her, he was so nervous and fumbled for words. "Maybe we should go back inside, it's kind of cold." Sango suggested. He just smiled and responded, "Not until I get something off my chest."

Sango could not help but think.

This whole night was completely not of this world, she had so many questions for Miroku. He was such a mystery now more than ever, what had happened between him and Kuranosuke? Why was there such animosity between them? None of it made any sense, what else could he be hiding?

Kuranosuke moved her toward the railing of the balcony, and the sharp cold air seemed to cast an inescapable freeze around them. Kuranosuke cleared his throat, "Okay here goes…" He placed Sango's hand on his heart, "I am sure you can feel I am going to have a heart attack any minute." He joked, Sango laughed softly. "I have wanted to do this for a very long time. I have a confession to make." Sango gulped, "You are always in my mind day and night. And every moment we have together from a second to an hour to a day, makes me happier and happier."

"Kuranosuke…." Sango tried to interrupt.

"Please let me finish." He said putting his hand under her chin, "I want you to be next to me, every moment of everyday. I want to wake up next to you Sango; I want to have a family. I have never felt this way for anyone before."

Sango's ears burned with the intensity of Kuranosuke's words. She had known for quite a while he was fond of her, liked her, maybe loved her. But this was still a shock.

"We have quite a past you know. The minute I saw you, when your father came to work for my family I was knew you would be the woman for me. Sango, you are strong, beautiful, smart, funny everything I want and need."

Kuranosuke was near death at this point, the flood gate of his emotions was over flowing. He bent on one knee and spoke the words that had choked him for fifteen years.

"Sango, marry me. Be my wife…."

There you have it a cliff hanger. PLEASE REVIEW! I know I have not been around for a while but I have never stopped writing. This was a heavy chapter and if you want to know what happens next, review! Laters