AfterShock

Byakuya stood on the balcony outside his bedroom sipping from his cup of tea. The gardeners were busy manicuring the vast property. It was like watching a perfectly choreographed battle against the forces of nature.

"You are awake early sir."

Byakuya looked over his shoulder at Hakkai. The self made demon was one of the few who could sneak up on him. Turning from Hakkai, Byakuya contemplated the demons words. Over the last two weeks, his dreams had been haunted by pale haired boys, but it was one in particular that remained memorable. Yazoo, the long haired triplet and his sad eyes always woke him in the early morning hours. During the day Byakuya had done his best to push those sorrowful blue/green eyes from his mind. Throwing himself into work and re-establishing himself in the cities underground with Inutaicho's help. However, when night came, Byakuya was reluctant to admit he didn't want to go to sleep. The dreams were becoming progressively dark. The one last night had been particularly brutal.

With a sigh, Byakuya turned from the gardens and entered his room. "Re-schedule my meetings this morning. I need to see Sesshomaru."

"As you wish." Hakkai's smirk as Byakuya passed irritated him. Damn demon was to perceptive for his own good.

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Sesshomaru walked down the hall towards his office. He had just gotten out of a meeting with an obnoxious man who grated on his last nerve. Now he was free for the rest of the day, a day he hoped to spend with his favorite pale haired man.

Walking past Rin he was about to release her for the day when he noticed her on the phone.

"Yes Sir. Hold please and I'll see if he is available." Putting the receiver into it's cradle, she smiled at him, "Mr. Kuchiki is in the lobby and is requesting you get your lazy demon ass down stairs."

Sesshomaru let out an annoyed breath. Picking up the phone, Sesshomaru pressed the blinking button, "Kuchiki."

"So you are in."

"I would appreciate it if you would refrain from using your vulgar words learned in whatever back woods incestuous pit of trash you crawled from. My secretary is also my adoptive daughter and I'll not have her traumatized by your depravity."

"I assure you, all I asked was if you were in."

Sesshomaru looked at Rin as she smiled sweetly at him, "Is that so, and just whom do you think I would believe?"

Rin chuckled.

"Her obviously." There was a faint sound of laughter in his voice, "Are you free for a while?"

"I could pencil you in."

"Good. Now get down here before this woman grows any redder in the face. She seems to be irritated that I would have the nerve to call you personally."

Sesshomaru chuckled at the indignant feminine snort that came through the line. "I'll be down in a moment."

Laying the phone back into its cradle, he gave Rin a light smile. "Looks like you can have the rest of the day off."

"I was already packed up to go." She said with a wide grin as she grabbed her purse and stood. "I'll see you tomorrow."

Sesshomaru shook his head as he watched her leave, then retrieved his belongings from his office and left as well.

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Byakuya sat with Sesshomaru at a table in his favorite restaurant. They were talking about nothing significant, their legal jobs, and the moronic people who made working an enormous pain in the ass. Finishing his drink, Byakuya realized their waitress had not been by recently. Looking around he couldn't see her but a young blonde haired waitress was at a table nearby. Byakuya decided to wave her over when she had finished with her customer, however, as he waited he became aware that the customer was being cruel, using hate filled words, while the waitress was doing her best to make the woman happy.

Bowing lightly, the waitress said, "I will take care of it."

As she turned Byakuya saw the tears being forcefully held back by the waitresses will power. As she came closer he raised his hand and she stopped beside his table, "May I be of help sir?"

"Yes. It would appear our waitress has vanished. Would you be so kind as to bring a refill of our drinks?"

"Yes sir, I will be back shortly."

"Thank you." He said as she walked away.

Sesshomaru snorted, "Our waitress disappeared through the kitchen with the bus boy who was grabbing her ass. They have been gone about fifteen minutes. I'm surprised you didn't notice."

Byakuya raised an eyebrow at his friends statement. No he hadn't, which wasn't a surprise as he was too irritated with the woman at the nearby table and her obvious eavesdropping. The young blonde waitress returned with their drinks for which Byakuya thanked her again. Then she returned to the older woman's table.

"Fine you wretch. If that is the best a low class girl like you can do, I'll just have to take it up with the manager."

Byakuya couldn't hear the waitresses reply, but he definitely heard the old croans shouted words, "Get lost."

Sesshomaru sighed. He could see by the dark look in Byakuya's face that this may be the last time they would be able to eat here. Leaning close Byakuya said as quietly as he could, "That woman, she has been listening to our ever word. Do you know her?"

"I've seen her at a few charity events. She is not very fond of my family, so she tends to leave when we arrive."

"Is that so?" Byakuya said as he sat back. Another reason to despise the old woman.

"Byakuya." Sesshomaru warned as his eyes scanned the area around them. The woman was the only one within earshot and Sesshomaru felt his pulse pick up. This was not going to be good.

"As you are aware, I have treated you to lunch because I wanted to ask you a question."

His eyes shot to Byakuya. What was he on about? "And you couldn't do that at the office?"

"Obviously not." Byakuya said taking a sip of his drink, "I would like for you and the man you are bedding with his brothers, to come to my home for an evening of fucking on the veranda."

The woman sucked in a sharp breath as she turned in her chair. Sesshomaru dropped his head into his hands.

"What?" Byakuya asked. Rather than say anything, Sesshomaru pointed to the old woman. Turning Byakuya raised an eyebrow, "I'm sorry ma'am, is there something I could help you with?"

"I would appreciate it if you wouldn't say such vulgar things."

"I apologize." Byakuya said as he turned back to Sesshomaru, "My friend, would you be so kind as to bring your lover and his brothers to my home for an orgy."

Sesshomaru choked back a laugh as the woman practically swallowed her tongue choking on her words.

"I'm sorry was that still too crude for a prudish old hag such as yourself." Byakuya said sweetly as the waitress brought their plates.

"That was uncalled for." The old woman said.

"Highly unlikely. You have been listening to our conversation since we arrived and have done nothing but humiliate this young woman. Perhaps you should mind your own business."

She huffed loudly and left her table.

Sesshomaru looked up into the startled eyes of the waitress, "You may want to prepare our check. I'm afraid we will be asked to leave soon."

Byakuya smiled, "Doubtful. Don't listen to my friend here. By the way," Byakuya said as he passed the waitress a card, "If you have any trouble here, call that number and the man who answers will have the problem ended or set you up in a better job."

She took the card and her eyes widened as she read the name, "Thank you Lord Kuchiki."

He nodded as another man came up to their table, "Good evening sir."

"Good evening Harold, how is business?"

"It is well." The man hesitated a moment before continuing, "I'm sorry Lord Kuchiki but Mrs. Rowland has come to me."

"Was that her name?" Byakuya said off offhandedly. "I may have insulted her prudish self with my words. Make sure she has a seat in the section over there, far from me."

"I..... As you wish sir." The manager said as he took a step away.

"Oh and Harold."

"Yes sir." The man stuttered.

"When our original waitress is done sucking her boyfriends cock in the ally, would you tell her this young lady will be our waitress until we depart."

The waitress held her order book in front of her mouth to hid her smile but the twinkle in her eyes gave her away.

"Yes Lord Kuchiki." The manager said with a sigh as he walked away.

"Thank you." The waitress said with a smile, then walked away when Byakuya nodded.

Sesshomaru sighed, "Could you have done that without destroying our reputations."

"I know not what you speak of." Byakuya said with smile. "Your reputation, as lecherous as it is, is not my concern. However, my reputation is far more offensive than that simple statement could damage."

Sesshomaru laughed at his friends insults. When Byakuya's features turned serious, Sesshomaru cocked his head to the side slightly in question.

"I was serious earlier. I would like to have you, Sephiroth, and his brothers over. Just for dinner though, I'm sure an orgy will be out of question considering how territorial you are over Sephiroth." Byakuya finished with a smile. He felt a little nervous asking for this, only because he knew his friend would most likely know why he wanted them over.

"I'll ask Sephiroth when I see him. I'm not entirely sure the boys are ready to leave their sanctuary."

Byakuya looked down at his food, suddenly not very hungry, "How are they?"

Sesshomaru watched his friend, knowing exactly what his friend meant, "They are doing much better. They have gained some weight in these two weeks and their tests have come back with no serious results. They were all malnourished and Yazoo was a bit anemic."

"I'm glad they are feeling better."

"Were you worried?"

"A bit." Byakuya said as he looked up. He hesitated a moment on what he would say next, then he added, "My dreams have been dark lately."

"What have you seen?" Sesshomaru had been friends with Byakuya for nearly an eternity. He knew his friend sometimes had visions, could see things. Being a Shinigami decedent could be difficult on him.

Byakuya closed his eyes, "It was just emotions. No real actions. Sorrow, fear, and a great deal of it."

Byakuya couldn't tell Sesshomaru that he had seen blood, pools of it, surrounding the boys and their brother. It would make Sesshomaru much more protective of the brothers, and Byakuya didn't want them to feel suffocated by his friend. However, he felt a strong need to make sure they would be surrounded by the best security possible. Snorting at the direction of his thoughts, Byakuya wondered how that would make him different from Sesshomaru.

"I see." Sesshomaru said. He could understand the need driving Byakuya's invitation, but he couldn't risk the boys or Byakuya accidentally outing the circumstances surrounding the triplets release. "I will ask Sephiroth if he believes the boys are ready, and let you know."


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Three days later Byakuya was ready to throttle his friend. Pacing his home, he shot a glare at his phone. Sesshomaru hadn't called and if Byakuya hadn't missed his guess, Sesshomaru was actively avoiding him. Snarling, he turned from his desk, snatched his jacket off the chair and left the room. Storming by a wide eyed Hakkai, he hissed, "I'm heading out."

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Sephiroth was sitting on the sofa watching his brothers sleeping on the furniture, except for Kadaj, he was sprawled across the floor as if he intended to take up the whole space one way or another. With a sigh he sat the book he had tried but failed to read on the coffee table. He was starting to succumb to his boredom. He had always had some sort of job since his mother's passing, but now he was unemployed. His brothers were going to start their new jobs in another week, which left Sephiroth feeling useless. Before working for Zaraki he had been working in fast food, not a job be cared to go back to, but his specific skill set made job hunting practically impossible. The sheer numbers of enemies he had acquired made working for anyone a very unwise venture. Not for the first time he wondered if Sesshomaru or his father could use his skills, but Sesshomaru kept insisting he take a break to enjoy a life sponging off his brothers.

Snorting at that thought, Sephiroth couldn't help but smile. He believed Sesshomaru just did not want him dirtying his hands again.

A light knock on the door brought a frown to his face. Standing, he stepped over Kadaj to look through the peephole. Fingering a knife, Sephiroth cracked the door, "Can I help you?"

"Good afternoon, is Sesshomaru here?"

The man was tall with black hair, but Sephiroth didn't recognize him. Unwilling to let this man know he was alone with his brothers, he asked, "May I ask who you are?"

"Byakuya Kuchiki."

Sephiroth felt his chest tighten as he opened the door wider, "Are you the one who negotiated the payoff of my brother's contract."

Byakuya nodded, "Yes."

"I wondered if I would ever get to meet you." Sephiroth said with a smile, "I wanted to express my gratitude for your help in bringing my brothers home."

Byakuya gave the man a gentle smile, "You are most welcome. Is the dog here?"

Sephiroth chuckled softly at the insult, "I regret to inform you he is not. Would you like to come in? The boys are asleep but you are still welcome."

Byakuya's eyes darted to where he could see Yazoo curled up in a large chair, "No, I shouldn't disturb them."

"They sleep like the dead, so unless you cause an earthquake with every step, I assure you they will sleep on."

Byakuya chuckled, "I appreciate the offer but I only come to see if Sesshomaru had asked if you and your brothers would like to come to my home for a small informal dinner."

"I have not heard of your request." Sephiroth said, his brows drawing together.

"Perhaps he forgot to ask." Byakuya said lightly while inside he was growling. It would appear Sesshomaru did not want Sephiroth and the boys to come to his home. Perhaps the demon was far more territorial than he had first thought.

"Possibly. Well, I accept your offer. When would you like to schedule the dinner?"

"Are you sure you want to accept before you speak with Sesshomaru?" Byakuya asked.

"The offer was extended to my brothers and myself. I do not need his permission to go." Byakuya couldn't help but smile at the mans caustic words. He felt a little bad for his demon friend when Sephiroth got his hands on him. The man seemed to have a feisty spirit.

"Very well, how about tomorrow. You all can arrived early in the afternoon to enjoy the pool before dinner."

"That sounds like a wonderful idea, will two be too early?"

"No." Byakuya said with a gentle shake of his head, "Two will be perfect."

Byakuya's eyes sought out the boys again. He could see Loz's feet dangling over the arm of the sofa and Kadaj sprawled across the floor, but his eyes were drawn back to Yazoo. What was it about the boy that drew him in? "If it is not too much, may I ask how they are? They looked so weak from the conditions I found them in."

Sephiroth wanted to ask what conditions those were, but he could see the darkness in the mans eyes, a darkness that Sephiroth was well acquainted with. Looking over at his brothers, he suddenly wasn't sure he was ready to know.

"They will not open up about anything that happened. I get the feeling they are trying to protect me. I know they will tell me one day, but I believe they need to get whatever it is out before it breaks them emotionally. As for physically, " Sephiroth laughed, "they have eaten enough food to feed a family four times our size. They have put on weight, though they need to gain a bunch more. Yazoo was the worst off, but he has recovered considerably. Lady Tsunade still insists on seeing him weekly, but she's not as worried about him."

"That is good to hear. I felt concerned and had wondered." Byakuya turned to Sephiroth, "I should go. I will see all of you with the K-9 at my home tomorrow at two."

"We will be there, even if I have to collar and leash him."

Byakuya laughed as he shook Sephiroth's hand, "Until tomorrow."

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Sesshomaru entered Sephiroth's apartment to see everyone setting the table. Turning towards the kitchen he saw Sephiroth standing in the entrance, arms crossed. He froze. What did he do now? "Good evening?"

"I had a visitor today." Sephiroth announced. Sesshomaru felt a mix between a protective rage and trepidation. "Would you mind telling me why you never mentioned that Byakuya Kuchiki, the man who helped bring my brothers home, asked us over for a meal?"

Sesshomaru snarled, "That Shinigami bastard. What the hell was he doing coming here?"

"That would be because you were avoiding him."

Sesshomaru sighed, "Any chance of talking you out of going?" The look in Sephiroth's eyes said it all. "Didn't think so. Very well, what time are we expected to arrive?"

"Tomorrow at two and you have yet to answer my question. Why did you not tell me?"

Sesshomaru struggled for a good reason. "Honestly." With a sigh he decided to sacrifice his pride to keep his true motives secret. "We are childhood friends and he knows ALL of my dirty deeds. Things I wanted to keep from you for as long as possible."

Sephiroth snorted, "As if anything could be so terrible."

"You didn't know us growing up. I assure you this information could destroy the image of me you have."

"Oh really," Sephiroth said with a smirk on his face, "And what image would that be?"

"The most handsome and godly demon you have ever meet." Sesshomaru said as he stepped closer.

"I have never thought of you as godly."

"My bad." Sesshomaru said as he wrapped his arms around Sephiroth and pulled him close.

"Oh god. Take that somewhere else." Kadaj shouted in mock horror as he covered his brother's eyes, "There are young children here."

Sesshomaru chuckled as he let go of Sephiroth. Within moments they were eating dinner. Once finished, clean up was quick and efficient. Sesshomaru would expect nothing less of his lover as he watched the perfectly choreographed ballet the four brothers displayed as they put the kitchen into order.

Once done they moved on to one of their nightly rituals, watching the television. The boys were nearly finished with the series that they had been watching since first coming here, and they were completely engrossed in the program. Sesshomaru tried to concentrate on the show but his mind kept drifting off. He was worried over the dinner at Byakuya's home, but that was the furthest thing from his mind rate now.

Sephiroth shifted beside him, sliding closer until they were melded together with Sephiroth's head resting on his shoulder. Inside, Sesshomaru's demon was beating against its cage, demanding what was its right. It had been only a couple of weeks, but for a demon, that was an eternity. Tightening his grip on the back of the sofa, Sesshomaru beat down his raging libido.

Kadaj yawned and stood up as the show ended, stretching his arms above his head. "I think I'm headed to bed."

Sesshomaru raised his wrist to look at his watch. "Than I should go."

As he moved to rise from the sofa, Kadaj gave him a once over with a look only a parent could get. "It's late, you should stay the night."

Both Sesshomaru and Sephiroth stared at Kadaj in surprise.

"Are you sure?" Sephiroth asked. The boys had spent nearly every evening in his bed. Their pasts haunting them deep into the night.

Kadaj's face softened as he looked at Sephiroth, "Ya, we'll be fine. Right guys?"

Both Loz and Yazoo agreed as they stood and walked from the living room with Kadaj. Sephiroth watched his brothers leave as his heart began to race. Reaching up he began twirling a lock of his hair around his fingers. A strong arm dropped from the back of the sofa to his shoulders. "Would you like to watch another movie?"

Sephiroth was grateful for Sesshomaru trying to be a gentleman, but the truth was he had been fantasizing about his demon all night. He opened his mouth to tell Sesshomaru he didn't care about the damned television, that he hadn't even been watching it, but Sesshomaru's mouth was on him before the first word. Growling into his demon's mouth, Sephiroth turned to straddle Sesshomaru's lap while thrusting his tongue into his demon's mouth. It felt like a damn had broke, releasing the pent up emotions and desire he had pushed back these past weeks. Why the hell had he waited so long? Oh right. His brothers. Immediately, Sephiroth pulled back from Sesshomaru's heavenly mouth, staring down into red tinged amber eyes he whispered, "Not here."

Sesshomaru bared his fangs a moment before the room blurred out. Sephiroth didn't comprehend what had happened until his back met the wall of his room beside his door. Then Sesshomaru was on him again. Their kiss was fierce, full of the building lust they had kept banked with the strength of will alone. Now released, it was an entity of its own. Raging in its need. He wasn't sure when it happened, nor did he care as his naked body was thrown onto his bed a moment before his demon was on him. Heated skin sliding together as they tried to touch everywhere simultaneously.

Sesshomaru barely controlled his need enough to pull back and stare down at his lover. Releasing Sephiroth, he brought his fingers to his own mouth and began coating them, growling deep in his throat the whole time. Sephiroth's eyes darkened as they focused on his fingers and tongue. Long legs widened as he pulled his digits from his mouth.

Sephiroth had never felt so turned on in his whole life as he watched his demon wetting his own fingers. Then those long appendages were on him, begging for entrance as they pushed against him. he let out a throaty groan as Sesshomaru's mouth closed over his, keeping the noise muffled in the quiet apartment. As long talented fingers worked him open, Sephiroth's own hands reached out, sliding along the surfaces of the bedside table until he felt the handle of the drawer. Jerking it open he struggled to stay focused as Sesshomaru found his most sensitive spots. Pulling the bottle from the drawer, he dropped it on the bed and quickly grabbed a hold of his demon, crying out into Sesshomaru's mouth. Bottle forgotten, he began begging for Sesshomaru to take him with every whine and moan.

Sesshomaru felt something cold roll against his leg as he pulled away from his lover. A feral smile crossed his mouth as he grabbed the bottle and opened it, pouring a generous amount on his aching member. He couldn't wait any longer as he lined himself up. Mouth crashing into Sephiroth's, Sesshomaru thrust deep, burying himself completely in Sephiroth's body.

Their pace was fast, both men too worked up to take their time. It was all about hitting their release as quickly as possible. Sephiroth was the first to crest. Head thrown back, teeth clinched, muscles tight, he sprayed their bodies with his release. Sesshomaru followed quickly, teeth buried in his bottom lip as he fought to keep from marking his lover. No matter how much control he lost, he would never take Sephiroth's choice form him, would never make Sephiroth his mate without the man's complete understanding and permission.

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Kadaj lay in his bed with his sleeping brothers. The noises coming from Sephiroth's room were light, barely there. Had he not know what they were probably doing he would never guess his brother was having the living daylights fucked out of him. Tightening his hold on his brother, Kadaj smiled. He had been aware of the heated looks the two would indulge in when they thought the other wasn't looking. He was happy his brother loved him so much he would put of his own needs to keep them comfortable. He was much more surprised Sesshomaru had held back. That was why he had made his decision tonight.

Sephiroth had been doing everything for them, and Sesshomaru, in his own way, tried to think of them before himself. It had not missed his attention that everything they ate, or movie they watched were things the three of them wanted. Noting that his brother or the demon wanted was even considered.

The near silent noises from Sephiroth's room picked up again and Kadaj shivered, causing Loz to tighten his arms around him. Kadaj knew this feeling. He had felt it before. Jealousy. He wanted what Sephiroth had. This time Kadaj would not be swallowed by that darkness. He wouldn't try to take that away from His brother. This time he would try to find his own peace.