"I was always a wild child. Even after Chiyo was born, she became the only person to keep me in line. I wasn't so wild when she was alive. But before she was born I always had this dream of exploring everything. Finding new adventures. Of course, being the son of the Lord of the North, I was taught I can't do such things."

"Heh. Look at you now." Inuyasha chuckled with a smirk. "Bet your brother would have a heart attack if he could see you right now."

"Or try to kill me." Kenji chuckled.

"Anyway, I ran outside the gates for the first time. I could finally smell the outside world. It was exciting. And also a bit scary. I'm a six year old heir to a lord, easy pickings to be kidnapped or killed." Kenji recalled that moment of freedom.

"It makes you realize how small you are." Inuyasha understood.

"You were raised in a castle?" Kenji raised an eyebrow.

"My mother was a noble. While she was alive I was tolerated only because of her."

"How old were you when you first escaped?"

"I was...eight? Maybe? I just remember smelling something sweet. And I wanted to follow. Ended up staying outside for a few days. First time my mother was actually angry at me." Inuyasha wasn't going into full details, but Kenji caught on.

"He told me, you know. Of when you first met him. It's...interesting."

"How is it of any interest to you?" Inuyasha glared.

"It's interesting to me because I've never heard of a child of any youkai blood actually react to an omega in heat. Your body didn't react in a sexual manner, but instead gave off the cue you were claiming him to ward off potential threats searching for an unmarked omega in heat."

"Is it really that big of a deal?"

"It is if Sesshomaru's inner demon refuses to see anyone else. It doesn't even matter if someone else catches his eye personally. His inner demon still craves you and only you."

Inuyasha considered the admission, turning the words in his head. After a moment of silence Kenji continued the story.

"I soon found myself being chased by a few demons. Like the idiot I was, I revealed I was the son of Lord Hiroshi. And they decided I would make a nice snack. So I bolted. I caught wind of the smell of dog demons and raced into their direction. In my panic I thought they were family. It wasn't until I literally ran into the Inu No Taisho's leg that I realized my mistake."

"Good thinking on your behalf." Inuyasha commented.

"Yeah. I realized he was a stranger. But I still clung onto him begging for help. He placed me beside Sesshomaru, who glared at me for even touching his father. Then before our eyes the Inu No Taisho unleashed his demonic aura. He glared at my attackers, demanding that they leave or else. They scurried away without a fight."

"Let me guess, Sesshomaru makes a remark on allowing them to live." The hanyou deadpanned, earning a laugh.

"Sesshomaru commented he could have killed them easily. The Inu No Taisho replied that while he could, he chose not to. They're visiting someone else's lands, therefore he cannot just kill as he pleased, even if it is in self defense. He knelt down to our level, and asked me if I lived inside the castle. I nodded, but now suspicious to inform anyone who I was. He didn't ask further and lead the way for us."

"I'm just curious, how tall was Sesshomaru?" Inuyasha had always seen his brother as taller. The idea of him being young and tiny was rather peculiar.

"I was about Kohaku's height, give or take a few inches. Sesshomaru would barely be at Rin's chin." Kenji smirked as the hanyou grinned.

"Despite his short stature, he acted like he was the tallest out of everyone. That attitude irked me, for I knew I was older. And yet he didn't cower away from me unlike most of the children in the castle. But I didn't immediately start arguments. I was still too wary to give off the attitude of a royal brat while we were outside the castle walls."

"So when we finally breached the walls, of course the whole castle was in chaos. They had finally realized I was missing, which put everyone in full panic mode. Upon seeing me, my father ordered everyone to stop what they were doing. Everyone looked like headless chickens frantically searching. This wasn't exactly a good first impression."

"Oh, I can imagine." Inuyasha snickered.

"Realizing that I would be in serious trouble, I decided to act noble for once. I marched in front of our guests, and bowed. I thanked them for escorting me home and ensuring the safety of the second son of Lord Hiroshi. Then weakly apologized for the confusion and being a burden by putting them in such an awkward position."

"The Inu No Taisho told me I didn't have to bow or apologize. He then told me he knew who I was, and I wasn't a burden at all. He then went on to say that I helped Sesshomaru learn an important lesson about how to act when in another's territory and actually thanked me."

"What was Sesshomaru's expression?"

"Oh, he was seething. But even at three years old he knew better than act out. It was only him and his father, surrounded by strangers. Curious I straightened up and asked what gave me away. The Inu No Taisho said it was my robes. It revealed my nobility status, and he knew that there were two sons to Lord Hiroshi. He further explained that the youngest always acted out, so it was a high chance I was the younger brother."

"...How did he know about the dynamics of siblings? This is years before he met my mother. Probably well before she was born." Inuyasha tilted his head. "Far as I know, he and my brother were an only child."

"No idea. It is said the Inu No Taisho was wise beyond his years. Once the shock gave way my father introduced himself. Then directed them to their living quarters. I didn't get to see the Inu No Taisho much after that. But of course I saw Sesshomaru, always wandering the castle. Even then he never liked to stay still."

"Probably scouting for any weaknesses." Inuyasha couldn't help but guess.

"I asked him what he was doing, actually. He told me there was nothing to do and his father was too busy. Taking that as a challenge I pulled him along to help me with my pranks. Of course I also dragged along Asahi from his lessons to join us."

"I can't exactly see Sesshomaru having fun." Inuyasha was skeptical now.

"His version of fun was...dangerous. He would challenge us to do something stupid like climbing onto the roof. I of course accepted these challenges head on. Then when I achieved it, I challenged him to try in turn. My brother immediately protested, saying he's just a baby. If Sesshomaru was scared that went away soon as he heard those words."

"So you're telling me a three year old is climbing the roof." Inuyasha had a hard time picturing it.

"That time he actually had trouble. He managed to climb up, but couldn't reach the top where I was. He slipped and fell. Asahi, being on the ground, immediately ran to catch him. They both collapsed. I remember peeking down to see their faces close, and my brother blushed beet red. I teased him for weeks after that."

"...I think I understand why Asahi didn't give up." Inuyasha made the connection.

"He actually hoped Sesshomaru would remember when they met years later. He was sad upon his return home. Not that was anything different, this was shortly after Chiyo and father's passing. I teased him about it. And I guess it sparked his interest enough to bring his proposal to the Lady of the West. Custom is usually for the father, but since he had just passed, he decided to still be noble and talk to his mother. It was unheard of, for usually the mothers are left out of the negotiation."

"...So in a way you're partially responsible in more ways than one about this whole mess with Sesshomaru." Inuyasha accused.

"I didn't realize my teasing would have a profound effect. If there was a means to turn back time I would undo a lot of things. Starting with Chiyo." Kenji lowered his gaze.

Inuyasha studied the demon. Although he was confused and irritated that Kenji indirectly caused a lot of actions, in the end it was Asahi's choice to settle his sights for Sesshomaru then send his own brother after his runaway betrothed. If Sesshomaru found it within himself to not blame Kenji for everything then Inuyasha supposed he can't be angry.

Not that he would ever forgive him for the loss of Hinata. But the worse sin was Naraku using her dead body the way he did. Even so Inuyasha wasn't ready to fully forgive Kenji for the initial loss of Hinata.

"...I'm sorry for being an ass."

"What?" Kenji blinked in surprise. He stared at the hanyou. Those white ears flat, a faint hint of pink on his cheeks.

"Don't make me repeat myself! I know you heard me." Inuyasha huffed.

"No, I'm just surprised?"

"Yeah, well, don't get used to it. In some ways you're just as fault for acting like there is something going on between you and Sesshomaru."

"I did that to make you come to terms with your own feelings."

"Why would you do that when you're just as interested?"

"Even a blind person can see the way he suffers."

"What do you mean?" Inuyasha tilted his head.

"Just...watch him. You'll understand." Kenji sighed.

"Now that's not fair. I've gotten a bit better at reading him, but how is he suffering?" The hanyou frowned.

"I'm starting to feel bad for Sesshomaru. You really are dense."

"Why can't he just say what's on his mind then?"

"Think! He was raised in nobility, you should understand from your human raising."

"He has no trouble saying his mind when it comes to doing whatever he wants." Inuyasha deadpanned.

"Yes, but when it comes down to the deeper emotions? To admit that there is an interest, it can be seen as a sign of weakness. And because of his status and who his parents are, he has everyone who want to use him just because of his status. So of course he's not going to outright say he wants you and leave it up to you even if he's hurting himself in the process."

"...Is that what he's afraid of? That I would use him or something? Or I would get caught up in the politics and then get eaten alive? Or die trying anyway, I know I can knock people around if I have to." Something clicked in Inuyasha's head.

"Probably the politics more like. And then because of your uncertainty it's giving him the idea that he's not viewed worthy of your mark. And then it gets into his head that he was simply used. Which was probably why he didn't reach out to you when he learned about the pregnancy."

"I told him it's because I don't view myself worthy, that I just want to know he at least returns my feelings and that I'm also secretly terrified what the mark will do when I'm human for one damn night on a monthly basis." Inuyasha was practically snarling.

"If the bond is true, even for a hanyou, then there's nothing to fear."

"...What?" Inuyasha blinked, anger subsiding.

"If I wasn't afraid of you possibly being the target of my brother, I would bring you all back home to show you a mated pair. A hanyou and a full youkai. They've been mates for nearly ten years. And even during that cursed night for her, nothing happens. The mark doesn't harm her. If the bond is true with purest of intentions then it doesn't matter on the blood status."

"...I guess I have a lot to think about now." Inuyasha lowered his head.

"I would encourage take your time, but he's intent to see Naraku dead. His Meido Zangetsuha ability grows stronger each time he uses it." Kenji informed.

Inuyasha bit his lip. This was so much information and pressure that it was overwhelming. Unknown to them the spirit that had snuck up on him and Sesshomaru earlier had been listening into the whole conversation.