Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha . . .

ROCK ON!!!!

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The sun shone brightly, it's rays' streaming into the large, balcony window. Outside, the familar sounds of honking cars, yelling people, and the screech of cars mixed with the chirp of birds and the whoosh of airplanes passing overhead.

Another beautiful day . . . Seiji thought, staring lazily out his window. His mind was far from his work; the campaign had begun to show progress, even without the information from the Shrine scrolls Kagome was to collect. But for some reason . . . his mind refused to work.

Sighing, the old man carelessly glanced around his table, noticing the scattered books, scrolls, notes, and the various open windows on his laptop. He had been working on this project ever since he had heard about the rumor that the Bone Eater's Well was still intact, in a countryside once known as Musashi. The idea of having Kagome join the campaign to stop the construction company was mostly spontaneous, but as he thought about it more, it became more appealing to him.

What better way to get Kagome introduced to the business world than running a campaign? Seiji had to admit, however, that this research had taken longer than he had wanted. Initially, he had planned Kagome to start working as soon as the next day he had asked her to join, but his plans were setback by the sudden carbombing and vandalism. This led him to the next distraction: Inuyasha.

Ever since Seiji named Kagome his heir, he had immediately insisted on a body guard. After all, he had about six of them himself. But, the stubborn girl she was, refused, and managed to hold off the idea of a personal companion for three years. But, with recent events, Mr. Higurashi decided for her, and hired the hanyou police officer.

Seiji, at first, was quite taken aback with the young man's attitude towards his granddaughter. He feared that his abrasive personality would further crack Kagome's already broken soul, a result from the incident over a year before. Surprisingly, he watched with amazement and wonder as the young woman fired back with a firey spirit that rivaled the hanyou's. It brought tears to the old man's eyes as he watched a small fire ignite within her, a sight that he hadn't seen ever since over two years ago.

So, going on pure instinct and a fool's hope, Mr. Higurashi hired him for two reasons: one, he was hanyou, and couldn't be easily disposed of. Two, he hoped that this rash young man would fix mend his granddaughter's scars.

Call it a priest's intuition . . . He smiled inwardly, remembering the heiress' reaction as he announced Inuyasha's new position. A small hole appeared at the pit of his stomach has he watched his granddaughter flare up, but it was soon filled with satisfaction as the dog demon officer accepted, retorting some remark to Kagome's protestations.

As they moved in temporarily, he watched in amusement as they continued to snipe at each other, clearly not being able to stand each other for more than a few minutes. But slowly, he began to notice the easiness that settled between them, and it wasn't long before they were always together.

Then, there were the events concerning the annual ball. He had announced it at breakfast that morning, and was shocked to see that Kagome actually agreed to it. They had left soon afterwards, going to shop for clothing for the evening.

A few hours later, he received a phone call, saying that there had been an incident at the shop Kagome was so fond of. A sniper had been spotted, attempting to assassinate the heiress. Luckily, Inuyasha had been there, and jumped in front of her, taking the bullet. He suffered a fractured femur bone, but it wasn't serious for a demon. He knew it would heal in a few days.

The actual banquet was a different story. It had started off as Mr. Higurashi predicted: The couple would arrive, be bored to death, and stare at the punch like it was the most interesting thing in the entire world. Seiji had considered sending the heiress and hanyou home early, when Inuyasha suddenly stood, spoke to the band privately, and led Kagome to the dance floor. At first it shocked him to see dancing at such a formal event, but it soon disappeared as the most elite business men and women approved at such a change. He watched as Inuyasha and Kagome danced and laughed, the hanyou twirling and dipping her gracefully regardless of his damaged arm.

Later that evening, as he observed the dance floor again, he noticed that the two were missing. Looking around, he noticed a figure move swiftly across the room, hidden in the shadows. He immediately recognized the figure to be his granddaughter, her face showing pure despair as she headed out of the room. He was about to follow her when saw Sango and Miroku go down the same path a few moments later. Knowing the older woman's concern for the younger, he knew that his granddaughter would be in good hands.

Inuyasha appeared a few minutes later, looking disgruntled and confused. Seiji silently stood from the table and headed towards the door where the hanyou stood, his face showing shame. As he quitely questioned him, he was informed that Inuyasha kissed her, not knowing that it would send a chain reaction. Seiji watched as Inuyasha pushed passed him and headed down the same corridor that the other three youths had gone.

After that night, nothing was quite the same. The two hardly looked at each other, much less spoke to each other. Despite Mr. Higurashi's attempts to get the two back on good terms, nothing seemed to work. He tried conscpicous errands that involved the two of them communicating, leaving them in the same room when the other entered, and even had them cook him dinner at his request. But nothing seemed to work. He was about to resort to locking them into a closet when a phone call informed that the shrine was ready.

This proved to be a perfect idea. What better way to get the two together than to have them LIVE together in a rather small house? Seiji's mind concocted a plan, having the two move in as soon as possible. That was two days ago . . . and he hadn't heard from them since. Not directly, anyway.

He had one of his body guards 'check' on them the same night they moved back into the Shrine, and was told that they were out clubbing. Seiji was was happy he did a little dance right in his office.

The campaign was put on hold because of Inuyasha, yes, but Seiji wasn't angered by it. In fact, he was relieved. Knowing that someone was there to protect Kagome at all times comforted him.

Leaning back into his seat, Seiji smiled, knowing his efforts were paying off. He wasn't exactly forcing Inuyasha on Kagome . . . more like urging.

His gaze fell on the photographs that were displayed on top of the hearth of his fire place. Rising, he strode over to the mantle, smiling as he looked at each picture.

There was one of Kagome and Souta, their young smiling faces beaming as their noses were smudged with ice cream cones. That was at the Cherry Blossom festival almost 6 years ago, he observed, a twinkle in his eye.

Scanning the next few pictures, more memories flooded his aged mind. Stopping at a particular one, with Kagome and Kikyou, he slightly frowned.

Kikyou.

The two looked alike . . . too much alike. Kagome's mother had adopted her soon after his son died, much to his dismay. Her forboding looks casted a shadow against the Higurashi name. Seiji had never seen her smile once ever since she was brought into the family . . . again . . .

Shaking his head, he turned around, heading back to his desk. Before he sat back down in the leather seat, he dug into his pocket, fishing out a small key he hardly ever used. Fingering it a moment, he turned and slide it into the keyhole of the top drawer.

The secret drawer. The drawer he avoided to open.

Taking a deep breath, Seiji turned the key, listening to the soft click it made as the lock was opened. Pulling the handle, he peered inside, wher one lone, dusty photograph laid.

Sinking back into his chair, he gingerly picked up the photograph, gazing into the face that smiled back at him.

It was a fairly old photo, but the face was fresh in his memory. Black, shaggy hair fell around his dark, beguiling eyes. Charming, but a bit on the faded side. His handsome, rugged face showed signs of stubble, but his skin was fine, smooth, and untouched by the marks of hard aging.

Reminds me of when I was young, Seiji thought bitterly, tracing the face with a finger. The man in the photograph gazed back at him, his accusing eyes and sadistic grin staring at him, reminding the old man of a painful past.

Shojiro . . . my son . . .

Seiji blinked, trying to supress the tears that had built up. He ran his hand across his face, massaging his temple with his index and middle finger.

Shojiro . . . it was for the best . . . I still believe that I had made the right decision . . .

"Mr. Higurashi?"

The old man nearly jumped out of his skin when the voice box emitted his secratary's voice. Clearing his throat, he hastily stuck the old photo back into the drawer, slammed it shut, turned the key, and stuffed it back into his pocket.

"What is it, Chiaki?"

"Mr. Higurashi, your meeting is scheduled to begin in less than twenty minutes."

"Yes, yes, I am aware of that. What room is it being held at?"

"The Green Room on the third floor."

"Thank you, Chiaki. Hold my calls while I'm in my meeting, would you please?"

"Of course, sir."

Seiji listened as his secretary clicked the intercom off, sighing. Another meeting . . .

Running a hand through his thinning white hair, he shuffled papers around, trying to find the right pile to take with him. Finding the right folder, he grabbed the coat hanging on his seat and slung it over his shoulder. Making sure everything was in it's place, he headed for the door, pausing once more at the mantle.

He glanced at the photograph of the smiling Kagome and sullen Kikyou, each holding a fan with their best kimonos. Two girls . . . so much alike, yet so different . . .

The old man turned away, walking towards the door and reached out to turn the handle. His hand stilled as he made one last remark to the empty room.

"I still believe I made the right choice," he whispered. "One happy daughter is better than two miserable ones.".

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AU: oOoOo! a little twist on the story . . . did you guys catch it?!?!

muahaha, I won't reveal ALL the details yet . . . I'm trying to be very . . .discreet!

I know, the last three chapters came out one right after the other . . . but you guys like that right?

thanks for the reviews, and stay tuned!!