I thought having an InuKik genderbend chapter from the POV of Kaede would be funny

Hope you like it

Kaede sat reflectively under a tree, gripping his knees as he stared into the distance, he'd never predicted this sort of thing ever happening. His brother had seemed so disinterested in such things previously, spending his time bound to his duties. Though mocked for being heartless by his rival priest Tsubasa, he knew better than anyone how kind his brother was. He wasn't foolish, he'd observed it for the past few months, at first thinking he was mistaken, but now he knew he was right. His big brother Kichirou, the most respected priest in their region, protector of the shikon jewel. His spiritual power was immense, to the point that demons were afraid of him, the man who was dedicated to his duty. He'd fallen in love, his heart had been swayed, his path had altered and he had found someone special to him. Though even he had thought his brother would fall for a half breed. Though he had to admit, they made a good match, balancing one another out.

InuYuki, the DaiYokai Hanyou had wandered into the residence of their village, at first she was curious of the tales of the jewel, but over time she became disinterested and merely enjoyed the safety of the village. She didn't have to fight to stay alive, she never came to any harm, nobody ever drove her away or saw her as a bother. People sometimes brought her food, offered her blankets and even acknowledged her when she went on a walk. Soon she found ways to pass her time, developing an interest in his older brother, before forming a bond with the latter, developing feelings for him. She would observe him as he bathed, watching him train with his arrows, even going hunting and bringing food to the village. He had seen the way she watched him, following him around like a little shadow. Kichirou never complained, enjoying her companionship, despite previous worry from the villagers they came to realise she was no threat. The two were rarely seen apart from one another, as if they had known each other their whole lives. They trusted one another indefinitely, Kichirou knowing she was no threat, nor was she a danger to the village. InuYuki aware that if he wanted to kill her, he would have done. His older brother was known for being solemn, stoic and modest, but over time he was softening. He had stopped withdrawing himself from others, living privately and embarrassed when receiving praise from others. Wearing a smile, showing his emotions more openly, showing a friendlier side than he previously had. A sense of fondness whenever she was around, showing gentleness, loving, and even protective of her. He never noticed any other woman in the village, especially any whom had previously harboured a crush on him. Often comforting her, complimenting her or asking her to spend time with him. Becoming defensive when anyone disrespected her or attempted to bully her. He was always considerate of her feelings, wary of her, despite her being stronger than him, but he always acted as if she was made of glass. Watching his words, worrying for her wellbeing and missing her when she wasn't around. Even asking for her assistance when it came to fighting demons, despite the fact that Kichirou had fought alone numerous times before, he always asked InuYuki if she wished to join him. His older brother treated her special, like someone would when it came to courting a woman for marriage. Buying her a choker, a piece of red ribbon with two cat bells attached which she wore around her sash attached to her robes.

InuYuki was always bashful and shy when Kichirou was always around, her stubbornness more evident than usual, wearing her heart on her sleeve. She didn't speak as openly as usual, the confidence she usually had melted away into awkwardness. She did kind gestures for him but denied it, such as helping with village work, if a child wandered off she would find them unharmed and return them home. She made sure to bring him snacks so he remembered to eat, she could smell blood on him if wounded and made sure he rested. She helped him with medicine and even kept a watch over him, stating that if he did everything himself he would end up getting sick and the village would run amuck. She followed him around no matter where he went, merely saying she needed to make sure he didn't get into trouble. She would enjoy it when he patted her head or showed her affection, but denied about how clingy she was, like she didn't grip his sleeves, hug him or sit nearby him. Kaede assumed it was because of her lonely childhood and lack of affection, which he felt bad for, given she had never known a home. Her brother showed her kindness which she now craved from him. However, she always held back her strength, scared she would hurt him, however she was always reassured she could never hurt him. Her usual courage, sarcasm and short temper lessened, becoming nervous, awkward and stumbling over her words. Becoming nervous about asking him things or certain subjects, dancing around the subject while stammering. Sometimes she would become snappy or awkward, deviating the conversation and pretending she wasn't flirting with him.

Kaede wasn't stupid, she was acting like a woman in love, developing a first crush. Constantly seeking his attention, doing nice things for him and trying to spend time with him. Everyone could see she was trying to court him and found it endearingly sweet. He'd learned from his older brother than InuYuki's mother had been educated in medicine, which she had shared with Kichirou. She made a rather impressive tonic made from either dried or fresh liver which helped with colds and fevers. She earned her keep in the village and proved she was an ally to them, she warded off demons that were drawn to the village and the jewel, protecting the villagers from attacks. Making sure no children were kidnapped or harmed by demons, that no food was stolen and nobody was possessed. The residents whom had previously been scared of her had accepted her as their guardian, accepting her presence, calling her the lonely dog of the village. Kaede wasn't friends with InuYuki, he didn't even know how to explain his relationship with her, he knew many of the other children in the village fawned over her. Talking about how pretty she was, how strong she was, idolising her. But he could tell Kichirou loved InuYuki, everyone in the village could see it, the way they were drawn to one another. It was only a matter of time before marriage was brought up, he knew that nobody else would make his brother as happy as she did. Though it wasn't often that priests, monks or priestesses married, they found wives and even protected shrines together. Carrying on their progeny into a new generation.

Kaede knew his brother was lonely, sacrificing any chance of his happiness to protect the village, abandoning any selfish feelings to become stronger, until he met the Hanyou. Tsubasa had once warned his brother that a priest could reach full potential by abandoning all distractions and selfish desires. He wanted his brother to be happy, he deserved it more than anyone, he had spent so many years protecting everyone else. But he didn't know if InuYuki truly loved his big brother, she was still a stranger to him and there was so much she hid from others. He didn't know the full intentions she had towards him, if she was just messing with him, had a crush or was using him in some way. He wouldn't forgive her if she was, he didn't want Kichirou to get hurt. He had to get to the bottom of this or it would drive him mad, Kaede got to his feet determinedly "Alright, if Onii-chan won't ask her I will" he stated. He began storming off into the woods to look for her, he wasn't scared. He knew InuYuki liked to hide when she wasn't in the safety of the village, she liked her personal space and was wary of danger.

Kaede wandered around the woods, listening to the wind rustling leaves, the scent of flowers and nearby animals, his brother had always taught him to be wary of his surroundings and listen to his instincts. He had his bow and arrow on his person in case, maybe he could practice his archery for a while too, if he was going to be anything like his big brother he needed to improve his skills. The sun was warm on his skin, another pleasant day. If he could collect some herbs, he could bring them home to be made into medicine to impress Kichirou, maybe forage some food to be made into dinner. He knew Kichirou would appreciate it, praising him for his hard work, he wanted to be helpful, he had to do his part if he was ever going to leave a good impression. He was rather surprised nobody had jumped out on him yet and scared him, he wondered where InuYuki was hiding, he couldn't sense her demonic aura, nor could he sense any other. She was infamous for beings sneaky, perhaps she was messing with him. Suddenly, he felt someone slap the back of his head gently, distracting him from his thoughts "Oi kid, didn't your brother ever tell you not to wander off?" a familiar voice scolded wearily. He was rarely ever seen away from his older brother but that was a good thing, he needed protecting, he'd already nearly been kidnapped by mistress centipede once before. He wasn't nearly close to being a trainee priest yet. He wasn't nearly strong enough to be taking on demons yet. What was he thinking going so far out by himself, he was just a human, if something happened to him Kichirou would never forgive himself.

Kaede blinked, snapping himself from his thoughts, turning to see InuYuki looming over him with an annoyed expression, yet he saw a flicker of relief in her wondered if she had been following him all this time and planned on surprising him, how come he hadn't been able to sense her? Was he still that weak? He pouted defiantly "I was looking for you" he huffed. He hated how she was playing games with him, patronising him, treating him like a child. She was always one step ahead of him, while she and Kichirou were equals, one day he would be strong enough to take her on.

InuYuki raised her eyebrow suspiciously, a look of confusion flickering across her face "What for? Is your Onii-chan in trouble?" she asked, she didn't sense any danger. She often scouted the village and woods so that she could be on the watch for danger. Though not many rogue demons were smart enough to attack the village these days, she knew that bandits would always come looking for food, valuables and women. She had to protect the sick and elderly, those who couldn't fight back, the children who would be the most affected. She hated senseless violence, doing anything in her power to prevent it.

Kaede shook his head, he wouldn't back down, he had come all this way to find her, he needed to confront her now that they were alone to talk in private "It's about Onii-chan" he argued. While she was correct to assume he was worried, his brother didn't know he had gone looking for her, this was between them to talk about. He didn't want his brother involved in this, he would only scold him and try to avert the subject of conversation. He needed to get the truth from InuYuki without interruption. InuYuki softened, she knew Kaede was protective over his big brother, Kichirou had mentioned that he needed time to adjust to their relationship. For the longest time it had just been the two of them after their parents deaths. Though she had never known that kind of love from her own brother, she understood how he felt. She was someone new, an intruder in their peaceful life. She shrugged casually, however, she began to lead him away out of the forest, her eyes never once leaving the tree-line.

InuYuki and Kaede sat under a tree in awkward silence, the view overlooking the village, meaning if something went wrong the village was nearby. Watching the villagers work the rice fields, tend to the livestock and repair the village, their mundane lives passing by. InuYuki chewed on the soft flesh of a peach eagerly, the juice of the fruit gleaming on her lips, she wouldn't let Kaede go hungry under her care. When was the last time he ate anyway? The two of them could now speak in private about whatever was bothering Kaede. "So, your Onii-chan, what do you wanna speak about?" she asked, for someone so young, he certainly was perceptive. She had never really paid Kaede much mind before, he was harmless and was no threat to her. He always minded his own business aside from being sulky. But she knew he idolised his older brother.

Kaede shifted, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment, he was surprised about how casual she was towards this conversation. He expected her to intimidate him or veer him away from the conversation someday. He'd planned out how he would confront her on this, how brave he would be, but now that he was in her presence, he felt ashamed, bashful and awkward. There were lots of things he didn't understand about the adult world, the boundary between childhood and adulthood. But he needed to know the truth, he had to know his brother wasn't making a mistake. But then he didn't want to hurt InuYuki by assuming the worst of her when she hadn't done anything wrong. He didn't want to upset her nor did he want to assume anything, aware of how rude he probably appeared. "You... you and Onii-chan, what... what's your relationship to him?" he mumbled, he knew that his brother really cared about her. He had never seen anyone affect his older brother so much, consuming his thoughts regularly, he knew that it wasn't common for priests to take a wife, but Kichirou really loved her.

InuYuki blushed, nearly choking on her peach, she hadn't expected such a blunt question from such a young kid. Most children in the village respected privacy unless they were comfortable with talking about something, told by their parents from a young age. However, Kaede was lacking in that social cue. But he wasn't stupid, he'd been trained by Kichirou himself for his own journey into becoming a priest. How the hell was she supposed to explain to Kichirou's kid brother about their relationship, let alone that he took her virginity? Yes, Kichirou was the first human she had ever cared about since her mother had passed away, he welcomed her into the village and showed her unwavering kindness. She knew she was falling in love with him and the feeling was mutual, but they hadn't talked about their relationship openly yet. She was just happy to have a home with him in the village. "We... I... I help him fight monsters, I mean I can understand demons from a different perspective. I help protect the two of you, I guess... this place is like my home now" she explained bashfully. She knew what it felt like to lose your home, for everything to be ripped away from you in an instant. The pain of losing her mother still remained centuries later.

Kaede softened, he could see the pain in her eyes and knew he'd hit a sensitive subject. InuYuki had never mentioned her family, any siblings, where she lived before she came to their village. He knew her mother had been human, meaning she died a long time ago and they clearly had a close relationship. He got the feeling he had upset her, causing him to feel guilty, that hadn't been his intention. "Gomen, it's just... Onii-chan, he... he really cares about you, he doesn't say it but I can see it. I just... I need to know you do too" he replied, he didn't want his brother to get hurt, he'd never been in love before. His brother kept his heart locked away, his true feelings private, but when he truly cared about someone it showed in his behaviour.

InuYuki's cheeks darkened, so the kid had wisened up that they were in love, that had to be awkward for him. Watching your brother be flirty and affectionate with a woman in front of you. "Nah kid, you aren't wrong, you love your brother, he's a special guy. But... I love him too, I don't think I've loved anyone the way I do him before. He's not like any human I've ever met in my life, I... I feel safe with him" she mumbled. Fuck, why was she saying this to a kid? Kichirou was her first love, the first man she had ever felt this way about, he didn't hate her like so many other humans did. He didn't fear her, he didn't see her as a threat. She wanted to protect him the same way he protected her. She would never forgive herself if anything happened to him. She could lower her guard around Kichirou, something she had never done before.

Kaede peered at InuYuki, taking in her appearance, her cheeks were pink, she matched her Kimono. She was messing with her fingers and avoiding eye contact, stumbling over her words, the same way she acted around his brother, just at the mention of him. She was trying to explain her feelings for him without making Kaede uncomfortable, though all she wanted to do was hide and sulk. She looked so funny when she was embarrassed, like a small child when confronted about being naughty or snooping around from their parents. But then there was the biggest question, it was clear she planned on being part of Kichirou's life, "So, if you're gonna be my Onii-chan's wife, does that mean I get to call you big sis or Onee-san now?" he teased.

InuYuki panicked, flinching and backing away from Kaede with shock, just what was this child thinking? Why was he bombarding her with all these questions out of nowhere? Steam erupting from her head in puffs, barely able to speak words aside from incoherent mumbles. Wife? Marriage? What the hell? How could this kid say this with such a straight face? How was he speaking about such things? Even she had no idea if Kichirou was going to propose, the thought made her heart flutter with joy. But she could seer the gleam of mischief in Kaede's eyes, she growled bitterly, he was making fun of her and she didn't like it. Where the hell did he get this attitude from? She reached across to pinch his nose "Not a word about this right? Don't go saying weird shit to Kichirou!" she argued. This was a conversation they would have in private when they were ready, not something she would force upon him out of nowhere, it would be too awkward. Kaede smiled but winced as she pinched his nose, he wanted to laugh.

InuYuki walked Kichirou back to the village her face still bright red, she was still flustered about their earlier conversation. At least he was home safe and she could escape somewhere to think. Kaede was frighteningly perceptive and he knew more about their blossoming romance than other villagers, she didn't doubt if word got out people would be showering them with engagement gifts. That was the last thing they needed. "Kaede, InuYuki, have you been out hunting together?" Kichirou called, he had noticed the two had been missing for most of the afternoon causing him to worry. He knew InuYuki could handle herself but Kaede was still young and vulnerable. He needed to be more careful about where he went by himself, the forest wasn't safe. But he had to admit his surprise, it was unlike them to spend time together.

InuYuki blushed, she just wanted to forget what happened and make it an awkward memory she could reflect upon and laugh about. She didn't want Kichirou to worry unecessarily and it had been a long day. "Kaede went for a walk in the woods, I kept an eye on him so he didn't get snatched up again is all" she mumbled, she wasn't really lying. Though Kaede would need a babysitter more often if he made a habit of it, plenty of demons held a grudge against Kichirou and would use his brother as bait. Demons hated humans with a vengeance and would hold nothing back on how far they would go for revenge. She didn't want Kaede to become a casualty.

Kichirou softened, patting her head affectionately, she had a truly kind heart and she had protected his brother. She had noticed him wandering off alone and followed him. Despite the hatred that people had towards her, InuYuki was no enemy to them. She would be a wonderful wife to him and mother of their future children. However, he was displeased that Kaede had put himself in danger like that, he had taught him better than that. "You need to be more careful Kaede, practice is encouraged but you aren't strong enough to take on demons" he warned. His archery was improving, as was his knowledge on demons, but it wasn't enough, his spiritual power and experience was too weak.

Kaede pouted, he knew he would be in trouble, but thankfully InuYuki had surprisingly defended him from getting into trouble. He owed her for that one "Hai Onii-chan" he huffed. She had spent the afternoon begrudgingly babysitting him, making sure he didn't come to any harm. She could have just carried him kicking and screaming back to the village and then abandoned him. But she kept him company and even explained herself. She wasn't as mean as he thought, she kept her distance from others but maybe she had a soft side.

"Thank you InuYuki, this is the second time he owes you his life" Kichirou smiled, the first time Kaede had been gathering medicinal herbs in the woods and was nearly captured by a demon. Now she had followed him into the woods to make sure he didn't get hurt, then ended up keeping an eye on him so he didn't get into trouble. She knew how dangerous it was to be a child, having dealt with her life being threatened as a half breed. She didn't want the same thing to happen to his brother. He owed her a debt he needed to repay, but he didn't know how exactly. InuYuki softened, she knew how much Kaede meant to him, though she hadn't known that kind of familial love since she was a child. She knew how much it hurt to lose someone like that. She didn't want Kichirou to suffer than kind of pain. She knew Kichirou would insist on repaying her debt, but she didn't want him to feel like he owed her something. She didn't do this to get rewarded, given gifts or praise. She did it because she wasn't the monster people thought she was.

Kaede watched the two, again, she could see how grateful his brother was and how moved he was by her kindness. InuYuki's temper melted away into soft warmth, her expression becoming shy and nervous, he could see her debating over his response. She was trying to think of a way to respond while basking in the kindness of his words, the affectionate gaze in his brothers eyes. These two were going to continue dancing around each other until someone confronted them about it, so it may as well be him. "Are you gonna make her your bride Onii-chan?" he asked.

InuYuki stiffened, a small yelp escaping her lips, she had saved him for nothing, she should have let him get lost in the woods. She wanted to go hide in a hole and refuse to come out until winter came. That little brat had lied to her, she had told him that she did indeed love her brother but it was complicated. Why did he insist on forcing them into such an uncomfortable situation that was between them? Kichirou's cheeks flushed pink, the subject of romance and courting had never been something Kaede had brought up before. He was content in his training, chores and spending time with other village children. Where had this come from? Was he perhaps feeling neglected or was this just genuine curiosity? He and InuYuki had been courting for months but marriage hadn't come up yet. There would be a celebration in the village they would need to prepare for, wedding Kimono's, a temple, food, presents and such. It would be a lot of money they didn't have, and they didn't even know how InuYuki's brother would respond. It was far more complicated than he understood "I... Kaede..." he babbled.

"What? You love her, everyone knows it, the villagers have been talking about how much you dote on her and how pretty she is. She follows you around everywhere and turns pink whenever you talk to her" Kaede didn't understand why they were avoiding the subject as though he wasn't old enough to understand. Everyone in the village talked about how happy they were and made the perfect couple. Many people were fond of InuYuki and doted on her. Many offered to help her with the wedding and making sure it went perfectly. InuYuki cared about him immensely and the feeling was mutual.

InuYuki cupped her face in her hands, she was going to kill this kid, was this how her half brother had felt when she pestered him as a child? Was this the same annoyance he felt towards her? God why were humans so invasive? Why did they ask so many questions? Why couldn't he just mind his own business? She wanted to die right now. Kichirou coughed "It's true, I have been courting InuYuki for some time and I care about her immensely, but when I choose to propose will be on my terms. Kaede, if you would be so kind as to butt out I would be most grateful" he growled. He could see how uncomfortable InuYuki was becoming and she looked like she wanted to cry from embarrassment, as cute as she looked he didn't want her to feel bullied. How they developed their relationship was on their terms and he didn't want to rush anything. He didn't appreciate Kaede butting his nose into things that had nothing to do with him. He was disappointed in this behaviour from him.

Kaede rolled his eyes, he felt they were both avoiding the subject and being childish, but he could tell his older brother was annoyed "Whatever" he muttered. He had only asked a reasonable question and it wasn't his fault they were embarrassed. He was only saying what the village had been thinking for weeks.

"Did you hear? Lady InuYuki saved Lord Kichirou's little brother from wandering off in the woods"

"She's such a kind soul, her children with Lord Kichirou will be spoiled'

"When do you think the wedding will be? They have been courting for a while now"

"You can't rush these things, poor dears are probably embarrassed"

"What a fine couple they will be"

"We should leave offerings at the temple, wedding gifts"

InuYuki groaned bitterly, this is exactly what she had hoped to avoid since she and Kichirou fell in love. The endless gossip of the village and the eyes watching them everywhere they went. She was praised as a hero for protecting Kaede, people were now asking when she would be having Kichirou's children and giving her pregnancy advice. She felt people staring at her if she so much as kissed Kichirou or showed affection in public, often tempted to snap at the villagers to back off. No privacy and no alone time, she could feel their eyes on them and she was becoming frustrated by how invasive everything felt. Though she was happy everyone was being so supportive, it was becoming too much for them to handle. Everyone was congratulating them and insisted asking about when they would be wed, wanting the preparations to be done on time and make sure nothing went wrong. They knew InuYuki had family and wanted her side to be involved too. If InuYuki's brother would be helping with the wedding of if they would be hosting at the village. InuYuki had to awkwardly explain that her brother would want nothing to do with the wedding and wouldn't be attending. Many trading for rare items to use, such as makeup, perfume, making sure she had a bouquet. They were asking about children, ceremonies and all sorts, she didn't know how to answer them all. Word would certainly get back to her brother now, she dreaded if and when he would make his appearance and ask about the marriage much to her dismay. Marriage was a huge political matter for their family, given she was expected to produce heirs. She was surprised her stepmother, her fathers first wife hadn't said anything to her. But then the woman didn't acknowledge her, the same way her brother tried not to.

Kichirou placed his arm around her and held her tightly, he felt guilty that his brothers innocent curiosity had led to this. He could sense all of this was making InuYuki anxious and she was hating every second of it. Though he appreciated their celebrations, approval and gifts, the villagers making her feel welcomed and accepted. They knew no peace, it was becoming exhausting for them both, everyone confronted them with blessings and questions. Frustrating them both, wishing they could just be left alone for a brief period. InuYuki's half brother would certainly hear and ask questions, demanding to know all the information on what was happening. "Gomen, I'm sure Kaede meant no harm in his actions". In his own way he meant well, he merely wished to understand their relationship and whether they were serious about one another.

"I just wanted it to be something we discussed together, now the whole village won't stop harassing us" she groaned. This was a matter between herself and her mate, this had nothing to do with the village, though they meant well. The season of the wedding, the date, the preparations, all of it. Now she wished they hadn't said anything at all and married in private away from roaming eyes, was that still possible? She was being called "Lady InuYuki", "Milday", and other embarrassing stuff. God when would it end?