AfterShock

Itachi smiled as he ended the phone call. Today was going to be a wonderful day. He stood from the chair in his room and walked to the dirty window. Leaning against the frame he closed his eyes and soaked in the filtered light. The door behind him opened, but it didn't disturb his peace.

"I heard your phone. Who called?"

Itachi turned to Kisame, "Kariya."

The large man dropped into the chair Itachi had vacated only a moment ago. "When should we have his money ready?"

Itachi felt a wickedly content smile cross his face, "Tonight."

"That is fast." Kisame said with a low whistle.

"I think this Sara has wounded his pride when she killed his assassins." Itachi turned back to the window, "But it won't matter very soon."

Kisame nodded, "Well in that case I should contact the lady in children services to prepare her for picking up Zaraki's brat."

"That can wait a while. We don't want our contact to fall under suspicion just yet." Itachi said as he walked from the window and sat in his lovers lap. "I just want to soak in the feeling of finally getting my life's goal back on track."

Kisame smiled his toothy grin as he pulled Itachi's hair over his shoulder. "I love it when you are content. You remind me of the cat that killed the canary basking in the sun with a full belly."

Itachi hummed as Kisame played with his hair. Today was going to be a good day.

*****

Sephiroth woke alone in his bed. Blinking against the light coming through the window, he looked around but his demon was not in sight. Pushing up to sit on the bed, he spotted a note on the bedside stand. Rubbing his hand over his face, Sephiroth reached for the note. It simply stated:

Yokai troubles. I'll see you in a couple hours. If you want to cancel dinner I accept your decision and support you one hundred percent. I'm sure my mother will understand. S.

Sephiroth chuckled. Picking up his phone, he sent Sesshomaru a text:

Nice try, but I was invited. It would be rude to back out now.

Laughter from the other side of the apartment drew his attention. Getting up he left his room and walked into the living room where the boys were playing their new video game system. Something called an X Station or Play Box, he didn't know. Striding past the boys, Sephiroth headed to the kitchen.

Just as he rounded the corner, Kadaj piped up, "We already ate. Your demon made breakfast and coffee. There should be some coffee in the pot."

Seeing the pile of dishes in the sink, Sephiroth sighed and braced his hands on the counter. The coffee pot did have coffee in it, but it was more like a half a cup. Pulling the carafe out of the machine, Sephiroth dumped the cold remnants down the sink.

Yazoo came into the kitchen as Sephiroth rinsed the carafe and filled it with fresh water to brew himself coffee.

"I'm sorry we didn't clean up."

Sephiroth turned to look over his shoulder at Yazoo. He was playing with a lock of his long silver hair, a nervous habit he had developed in their absence from his life. Sephiroth forced a smile, "It's okay little brother."

The boy had been very good about helping with the housework, so Sephiroth held no irritation towards him. "It was the dog who used every possible dish in the house when he cooked."

Yazoo smiled as he let out a breathy laugh. "Besides, I believe that game machine may be a bit of a distraction."

Yazoo's cheeks reddened as he looked down at the floor. Inuyasha had inquired why they did not have one; well more like complained loudly. Yazoo had looked very interested, and had asked many questions which Inuyasha had answered enthusiastically. The next day Sesshomaru had gifted his brothers with one of those machines and they had spent much of their time since playing on it.
"Are you taking a break from destroying your brothers once again?" Sephiroth asked as the coffee machine began to brew the new batch of coffee.

"He Did Not Destroy Us!" Kadaj shouted from the other room as Loz swore colorfully. Yazoo chuckled as he began cleaning the dishes.

"You did, didn't you?" Sephiroth whispered.

"Six games in a row." Yazoo said with pride.

"It Was Four, The Other Two Don't Count." Loz shouted from the living room. Sephiroth watched a cheshire grin cross his brother's face. Yazoo's smiles had been rare since their reunion, but recently he began smiling more frequently. Sephiroth thought back to the dinner at Byakuya's home and the way Yazoo would blush whenever the dark haired man would pay attention to him. Come to think of it, Yazoo's smiles had been coming at an accelerated rate since then.

"Yazoo," Sephiroth said, unable to stop the sudden seriousness in his voice. When Yazoo looked at him with such happy eyes, he lost his nerve to question him about Byakuya, "It's good to see you smile."

That brought out one of the brightest smiles to date. "I have much to be happy for."

Sephiroth reached out and brushed some hair behind his brother's ear as his heart warmed. He supposed he could handle having Byakuya court his brother. Besides, if he hurt Yazoo, Sephiroth was sure he could turn the pretty boy into a gooey pile of bastardish flesh. Perhaps he should tell the Kuchiki clan leader what he could expect from Yazoo's protective older brother.

A roar of anger from the living room broke his visions of destruction.

"You Cheater!" Kadaj screamed.

Sighing, Sephiroth left the kitchen to see Kadaj jump on a surprised Loz. Walking around the sofa, Sephiroth grabbed Kadaj by the back of his shirt and pulled him off a protesting Loz.

"That is enough." Sephiroth barked as Kadaj shot him an apologetic look. Sephiroth kept his stern look as his brothers looked down.

"Guess that means game time is over."

"You would be correct."

Kadaj sighed angrily as he plopped onto the couch with a huffed 'fine'.

*****

Inuyasha mumbled sleepy hostile words as he walked through his home to the front door, "Whoever you are I hope you're ready to..."

Jerking the door open he was momentarily speechless from the sight of his brother, "....die."

"Death is a harsh punishment for coming to see my brother." Sesshomaru pushed past Inuyasha and walked into his brother's home. Sitting on the sofa he stared down his little brother as he stood at the open door just staring at him.

Inuyasha gave an angry sigh and shut the door as gently as he could. He was too tired to deal with his brother. "Sesshomaru it's early. Even I have more sense than to wake you before noon. What time is it anyway?"

"Seven thirty."

Inuyasha groaned as he dropped onto the cushion next to his brother, and let his head fall the the back of the sofa. He could hate his brother rate now, but Miroku was higher on his list. His damned boyfriend had chosen last night to go see his father's old friend, who happened to be the one who raised Miroku when his father had died. Sure Inuyasha was being snotty about it, but the old man had insisted that Miroku stay the night. So that left Inuyasha alone when his damned brother knocked. If Miroku had been here Inuyasha would have booted him out of the bed to deal with Sesshomaru at seven freaking thirty in the freaking morning.

Turning, he looked at his brother. Something was off about Sesshomaru. Raising his head, he looked Sesshomaru over carefully. It took a very practiced eye to see the signs, the different nuances in Sesshomaru's physical appearance. "What has you so freaking tense?"

"I am not tense Inuyasha." Sesshomaru said as he looked around the room.

Inuyasha snorted, "Whatever. You want some water. Maybe a kick in the ass as I slam the door on you as you leave."

Sesshomaru didn't say anything in response. Inuyasha eyed him as his brain became more alert. "If you don't tell me what's wrong how'm I supposed to help?"

Sesshomaru was about to tell his brother off when he turned to him. Seeing Inuyasha's bed rumpled appearance, Sesshomaru couldn't stop the words that flowed from his mouth, "I am afraid."

Inuyasha's shocked look was well worth the damage to his pride. Smiling internally, Sesshomaru laid his head on the back of the sofa, "Everyday with Sephiroth it gets harder to hold back. My inner demon has recognized him as my mate, but it is far too soon to even have this discussion with him."

"You are going to have to talk about it sooner or later. I think you should tell him as soon as possible." Inuyasha said as he pulled his legs up onto the sofa and rested his chin on his knee.

"I know. I'm just afraid he will walk away." Rubbing his hands over his face, Sesshomaru groaned. That was only part of the truth of his fear. He secretly feared the mating itself, but he refused to admit to anyone the horrors that could occur if he couldn't contain his demon. Turning to his brother, Sesshomaru told him of half of his fears, the one that really tore him up inside. "Inuyasha, I don't think I would survive his rejection."

He dropped his arms to his sides. He felt his brother shift on the sofa, then Inuyasha was sitting tight against his side with his head resting on Sesshomaru's shoulder. A position he hadn't taken since he was a pup.

"Welcome to the world of love brother." Smiling, Sesshomaru placed his hand on top of his brother's head. "Sephiroth will take you as his mate. I feel it in my heart."

"How can you be so sure?" Sesshomaru whispered as he lay his head on his baby brother.

"Because I have seen the way he looks at you. There is more than lust lighting his eyes."

Sesshomaru was glad he had come to his brother. When he left Sephiroth's home this morning, he had been in a panicked state. His demon had roused him early, and he had crawled over Sephiroth's sleeping form just as he had come back to himself. His demon had slipped it's tether and was about to do the unthinkable. He had rushed out of Sephiroth's bed hoping for a quick exit from the apartment, but the boys were up. Hastily cooking breakfast, Sesshomaru had left as the boys were eating, and drove around the neighborhood until he found himself sitting in front of Inuyasha's place.

His brother had always come to him when in need of a stable, friendly person to talk to. Sesshomaru couldn't remember the last time he had needed his little brother's reassurance, but he was grateful he had chosen today to confide in Inuyasha. They sat for about another half hour taking comfort from each other, then Sesshomaru sent his brother back to bed with assurances he was feeling better.

Sesshomaru began planing a romantic night were he would let Sephiroth know about what he was to Sesshomaru. He prayed that Sephiroth would not run from him, that he would at the very least consider what Sesshomaru was offering. He just had to get through tonight's dinner with his parents.

Walking towards his car, the wind shifted, drawing a familiar scent to his sensitive nose. Without second thought, he vanished.

Kiba was sitting at what he thought was a safe distance from Inutaicho's son, but when Sesshomaru appeared behind him, Kiba realized his mistake. "Well hello there."

"Why are you following me?" Sesshomaru asked, his tone low and demanding.

"What makes you think that? I could be out for a stroll...." He slowly drifted off as the demon's eyes continued to bore into him. "Look. I'm under orders."

Sesshomaru frowned as Kiba told him about Kariya, Itachi, and Zaraki's multiple assassination attempts, "So ya. Your dad and Shikamaru just wanted to make sure all of you are under surveillance just in case."

"In case Itachi is not after just Zaraki."

"Ya." Kiba said as he put his hands in his pockets.

"Who is Inuyasha's shadow?"

"I am." Mugen said as he stepped out of his hiding place.

Sesshomaru nodded to the craziest man the Yokai claimed as their own.

"Then I will leave you to your job." Sesshomaru said to the man. Mugen nodded as Sesshomaru turned away. He was grateful his father had the foresight to make sure his family was protected. Walking back to his car, Sesshomaru wondered if Itachi would be stupid enough to take on the Yokai. Pulling onto the road, Sesshomaru concluded that, yes, Itachi was that stupid. It was only a matter of time before the bastard acted against them.

*****

Kimimaro sat on his bike in the parking garage out of the line of the cameras. Early this morning he had tapped into the buildings security cameras and audio signal. So far there had been no attack against Zaraki, but with every minute that passed he could feel his temper spiking.

At the sudden prickling feeling on the back of his neck, Kimimaro spun around, dismounting his bike as a sword cut through the air where he had been sitting. It was Zaraki's Gozee standing there, sword held in the air above his motorcycle.

"You didn't draw your weapon." She said softly.

"I am not your enemy." He said calmly.

"So you are not the assassin."

"I have not been ordered to kill Zaraki." She slowly lowered her sword, her sightless eyes rested on him drawing a shiver from him.

"Then why are you lurking nearby?"

"Kariya has meet with Itachi, I have been ordered to help where possible." Kimimaro saw Sara's body tense at the mention of Kariya.

"If he is involved to that depth, I will gladly accept the Yokai assassin's help. I have been uneasy today. I thought it was you. It would seem I am wrong." Kimimaro watched as she turned her head as if she was looking at something. Then her eyes narrowed. "It is Ulquiorra. Watch over Zaraki, I will hunt the assassin." Then she turned and walked away.

If he hadn't known she was blind, Kimimaro would have believed she could see everything. Looking at his phone, Kimimaro saw the video feed from Zaraki's office. The large man picked up the phone, then turned to look at the spot where Sara usually sat. A light smirk crossed Kimimaro's fave. At least he wasn't the only one to miss the blind assassin's departure.

*****

Zaraki sat the phone back in it's cradle. He had been so engrossed in what he was doing that he never noticed Sara leaving. Her phone call was a bit surprising. Sara had told him she was sure they would send a higher level assassin for the next attempt on his life, but it appeared they had underestimated Itachi. The raven haired bastard had closer ties to the assassin guild then they had thought, if he could get Kariya to meet him personally.

The most startling thing was the Yokai's move. Lord Inutaicho had sent his own guard assassin to add his protection. Looking around his office, Zaraki felt his blood run faster. He liked a fight as much as any other guy, but the odds now stacked against him were a bit daunting. Rolling his shoulders, Zaraki pressed the intercom button.

"Yes Mr. Zaraki?"

"Kagura, I need you to go to my house. I think it's time to send you into hiding."

"Sir?" Kagura asked over the phone.

"You were here for the last attempt. It's about to get much worse. Please do as I ask." His voice was low and Kagura shook from the unspoken words her employer and friend refused to give.

"You can trust me Kenpachi."

He never said thank you, he just disconnected the line. Standing as she hung the phone up. Kagura grabbed her purse and coat as she pressed the power button on her computer and left the building.

*****

Shikamaru was about to walk out of the Den when his cell began ringing. Looking at the display he ground his teeth and answered, "Why are you calling Kiba? Sesshomaru could overhear you."

"How'd you know it was my shift?" Kiba quipped back.

"Just answer." Shikamaru said while rubbing his already aching head. Today was shaping up to be a terrible day. So far Itachi's new hideout was proving to be impossible to find, Kimimaro just sent him a message to announce the Gozee had confronted him then slinked off into the shadows. He was frustrated by his boss's cavalier attitude as of late. Nothing irritated him more than that cocky attitude, and now Kiba was breaking with his enforced silence. What could possibly be next?

"The truth is, Shikamaru, somehow the dog brat sniffed me out."

Shikamaru sat down with a groan. That would teach him to think the worst had already occurred. "What happened?"

"Surprisingly little. He didn't tear me up, so that's a plus. I told him about Kariya and Itachi and who is currently under watch. He seemed okay with it and left without another word."

Shikamaru dropped his hand from his head, "He walked away." At Kiba's affirmative, he asked, "He didn't get angry that you were following him?"

"I know right." Kiba said with a tone that told Shikamaru of his own shock.

Shikamaru had seriously overestimated Inutaicho's eldest son and his temper. Smiling, he leaned back in the chair, "Then continue your job, but continue masking your scent."

"Yes sir." Then the line cut off.

At least now Shikamaru didn't have to worry over Sesshomaru becoming insulted about the added guards. Standing he walked out into the front room of the Den only to draw short.

There sitting in one of the chair's was the woman from the park, Kagura.

"Good day Shikamaru." She said as she stood with the pink-haired child from the park in her arms, "I'm afraid I need your assistance."

*****

Sephiroth may have said he did not fear meeting Sesshomaru's parents, but as they drove down the long driveway to Inutaicho's mansion, he began to feel the little seed of terror take root. He felt like a blushing timid girl meeting her boyfriends possibly homicidal family. Reaching up he pushed hair behind his ear as the house loomed before him.

A warm hand wrapped around his cold fingers. Turning he watched as Sesshomaru brought his fingers to rest on his cheek, warming the freezing digits, "You are fidgeting."

Sephiroth snorted at that remark, then smiled, "Should I not be nervous? I am about to meet the demon who leads this cities largest group of criminals. If the Yokai leader decides he doesn't like the fact I'm fucking his heir, he could easily have me eliminated."

Sesshomaru chuckled, "You forget I can defend those I choose to, and you are very high on that short list."

Sephiroth felt a timid smile cross his lips. "I know, but somehow this feels... it feels like...."

He was at a loss of how to describe his swirling emotions. He was nervous, afraid, excited, and just a downright mess. He was glad Sesshomaru felt enough for him to take Sephiroth to see his parents, but he was terrified of the Yokai leader. More importantly, he was terrified to meet the demoness who birthed his demon lover. What would she be like? He had never seen her before, no pictures, nothing in the news papers. Was she more beast than human? Would she accept him at first sight, or would she threaten bodily parts as soon as she saw him?

"Do not worry so. They will like you. I'm sure of it." Sesshomaru said while rubbing the back of his hand with the palm of his.

Sephiroth looked up at the home as Sesshomaru came to a stop. It was now or never. Taking a deep breath he bolstered his courage, and got out of the car.