AfterShock

Kadaj sat on the oversized chair with Yachiru sound asleep on his lap. Closing the book, he laid it on the stand next to the chair. He stroked the little girls pink hair. It was hard to believe Zaraki had someone so lovely in his care. Yachiru was a bundle of energy and sweetness.

"I see she fell asleep."

Kadaj looked up at Kagura as she entered the room and sat on the bed. "She doesn't usually go down so easy. You must tell me your secret."

Kadaj looked down at the little girl, "My brother always read to us when we were little. I just did what he did."

Kagura leaned on the bed with her hand, "You have a good brother."

"Yes, I do." Kadaj agreed while running his hand through Yachiru's hair, "Why did Zaraki and my brother really break up?"

Kagura hummed lightly. Kadaj raised his eyes to Kagura, "Zaraki was beginning to loose his heart and to him there could be no greater weakness."

"He is wrong though."

"Yes he is." Kagura said gently. "We should put her in the bed."

Kadaj gently maneuvered the little girl in his arms. Standing he laid her on the bed and stepped back for Kagura to cover Yachiru. Turning she patted him on the arm, "You are a good person too."

Kadaj felt a startled flush cover his body. His eyes met Kagura's as she gave him a smile and turned to the door.

*****

Byakuya stopped at the door of the library. Turning the handle gently he peaked into the room. It was empty. He supposed Yazoo went to bed with his brother. Opening the door, Byakuya was happy his house was experiencing a happy family environment even if the circumstances were dark. He was also feeling a bit nervous of having the boys here.

Everyday they stayed kept Yazoo within reach. Looking around the room, Byakuya realized he had not been in this room much in a very long time. Stepping in, he saw an empty space on a shelf across the room. If he was right , the book that should be there was one his mother had loved when she was alive. Feeling a tightness in his chest, Byakuya reached out and touched the empty space.

"Good evening."

Byakuya's heart stopped as he jerked his head in the direction of the voice. Laying on his side on the sofa, Yazoo had the book open and sitting on the cushion before him. Yazoo's beautiful eyes furrowed in concern. He looked to where Byakuya's hand was resting then to the book, "Did I overstep my bounds?"

Byakuya quickly pulled his scattered brain together, "No, no of course not." He turned away from the shelf, "I must be disturbing your reading time."

Byakuya began to move towards the door. Was he really running away? Hell yes he was, but a hand wrapped around his wrist stopping his flight. Byakuya looked down at the pale hand with slender fingers, eyes following the arm up to it's owner, Byakuya could feel his heart beat faster. There could be no better shackle than Yazoo's hand, for he could not hurt him at all.

"Have I done something wrong? You seem to be avoiding me."

Byakuya signed, "I do not mean to hurt your feelings, but I have realized something very important."

Yazoo's confused blue/green eyes fixed on his. "Yazoo, I live a very dangerous life and I'm afraid of dragging you into it. I don't want you to get hurt anymore."

Yazoo smiled sweetly, "I'm a big boy. I think I know what I'm getting into. You forget where you found me. I'm aware of the dangers."

"But you were so weak. So tortured from what happened," Byakuya barked. Showing his anger over what had happened to Yazoo; over the fact this boy would chance such a fate, or worse. All of that just to be with him.

Yazoo jumped at the harsh tone, but he didn't let go of Byakuya's arm. His tone was tight with his growing frustration, "That was a forced lifestyle by a deranged villain. You are not like Itachi."

Byakuya knelt before the couch to face Yazoo, "But I am not a good man."

Yazoo reached up and brushed the raven black hair over Byakuya's shoulder. "No. You are not a saint, but you are still a good man. You helped rescue three boys you didn't know from a man like Itachi, a man you knew would destroy your entire clan. Then you sent men to watch over us to keep us safe. And now you have opened your own home to Zaraki's family and his guard. You have done this without compensation."

Byakuya felt a bit taken back by Yazoo's description of the situation. He had never looked at from that perspective, but Yazoo lacked a total understanding. "That is where you are wrong. I am being compensated." Byakuya wrapped his hand around Yazoo's wrist to try and dislodge his hand, "Inutaicho has opened his organization to me. He has offered something I had only dreamed of."

Yazoo chuckled, "I am positive Inutaicho did not do that specifically because you helped us, though it did play a part."

Byakuya felt his heart lighten by Yazoo's accepting behavior, there was still the fact that the young man before him was Inutaicho's son and the brother to his best friend. But, with Yazoo's lighthearted expression, Byakuya threw caution away and surged forward. How could he stop himself now?

Yazoo gasped in surprise when Byakuya's mouth covered his. A strong hand cupped the back of his head. When Byakuya's tongue brushed over his lip, Yazoo moaned and let Byakuya in. Wrapping his arms around Byakuya's neck, Yazoo pulled him closer, needing to feel the man's body against him.

Byakuya lost himself completely in Yazoo's harms, but when legs wrapped around his waist to pull him closer, Byakuya pulled back.

Breathing heavily, Yazoo's eyes kept on him, heavy lidded in his amorous moment. Byakuya closed his eyes and wrapped his arms around Yazoo's torso to lay his head against the boys chest. Yazoo's heart was pounding hard beneath his ribs. "Why did you stop?"

Byakuya squeezed Yazoo harder, "It may sound absurd, but I would like to ask your brother for permission to court you."

Yazoo's stroking hands completely stopped moving. Worried Byakuya pulled back to ask what was wrong, but Yazoo's laughing eyes stalled him.

"Is that not the equivalent of closing the barn door after the horses escaped?" Yazoo couldn't stop himself, he began laughing. Covering his mouth, he tried to stop, but Byakuya's offended look fueled his laughter further. Then Byakuya did the one thing he hadn't expected, Byakuya goosed his ribs.

"No. Stop." Yazoo choked out through his laughter. To his surprise Byakuya did.

Then a hand gently caressed his cheek. "I know there are things your brother does not know, and I want to do the right thing. You deserve to be treated with respect."

"But." Yazoo began, but his protest stopped when Byakuya shook his head.

"You are worth more than I could possibly give. Please allow me to treat you the best I can."

Yazoo relaxed into the sofa, "Fine. Have your way." He said as he smiled, "But what if my brother tells you to stuff your request somewhere unpleasant?"

"Then I will keep trying until I wear him down," Byakuya said with humor, "And if that doesn't work I'll kidnap you."

"I sincerely doubt you would separate me from my brothers."

"Hmmm. No. I couldn't do that. I guess I'll have to beg."

Yazoo's face still, eyes wide, "You would do that?"

"Yes." Byakuya answered without hesitation.

*****

Reno stood in the gym, breathing hard from beating on the punching bag. His forehead resting on the bag, eyes closed, he still could not banish his irritation. Ever since the day Sephiroth's brothers had joined them for dinner, Reno had been on edge. It wasn't solely because of the night at the brothel he had hidden from Rude. His irritation also came from the realization that Rude may want Loz.

Snarling, Reno punched the bag again. He had caught the looks his partner had given the young silver haired man. Just barely an hour ago, Reno had happened upon Rude as he practically eye fucked Loz. Reno wanted nothing more than for Rude to be happy, but he didn't want it if Rude was happy with someone else.

Then there was Loz. Reno felt grateful for the fantasy Loz gave him, but he felt angry because one fantasy was not enough. Not nearly enough. Stepping away from the bag, Reno pounded on the it. Punches, kicks, a wide variety of moves. Upon the frustration and jealousy, he also felt guilt. Such a new emotion for him. Loz and his brothers had been through so much. They deserved to find happiness. Loz deserved the chance with Rude if that was what his partner wanted.

Reno roared as he kicked the bag. The chains holding it above the ground gave way under the blow sending the heavy mass rolling across the floor. Reno's eyes followed it until it came to a stop at the feet of one of the men responsible for his foul mood.

Loz stood in the doorway watching Reno, admiring the lean man as he tried to destroy a harmless piece of cloth. The bag finally caved under the brutal force of the red head's assault. Reaching out with his foot, Loz pushed on the heavy bag a bit. "I'm sure it would apologize if it had a mouth, but it was most likely innocent of any crime."

Reno snorted as he turned, pulling off his gloves and throwing them on the shelf full of equipment.

"Perhaps the bag is not the one who offended you." Loz's voice vibrated through him as he braced his hands on the counter. Eyes closed and teeth ground together, Reno prayed the man would take the hint and walk away.

Loz walked quietly across the gym to Reno, "Something is bothering you."

"Leave it alone."

Loz couldn't do that, something inside him refused to do so, "Reno."

The red heads shoulders tensed up. Loz wanted to reach out and sooth the tightness, but he knew not to touch the volatile man. "Reno. Have I done something?"

Reno turned so quickly Loz had no chance to prepare. The red head grabbed him and threw him to the floor. Grunting from the impact, Loz looked up at Reno. "I said leave me alone."

Loz watched as Reno turned to walk away. Reaching out, Loz grabbed Reno's ankle and pulled hard. He was by no means an experienced fighter but he knew enough from his childhood and teenage years to get the upperhand on the unsuspecting furious red head.

Reno wasn't expecting Loz's actions and stumbled enough for the larger man to bring him down and sit on him. Hands hit the floor beside his head, "I'm not going to leave this be. I've done something and I want to know what it was."

Reno bared his teeth in anger and fought back. The scuffle ended with Reno straddling Loz hand fisted in his shirt. He froze, fist back, ready to punch the young man, but this wasn't Loz's fault. Dropping his arm, Reno lowered his head. He felt drained as tears prickled his eyes, "Rude doesn't want me."

Loz frowned at Reno's statement. What the hell was he saying? Loz had watched the two. He could see the way Rude acted. The way the man watched Reno. It was obvious to him Rude was very interested in his red headed partner. "Did he tell you that?"

Reno shook his head. "Doesn't have to. I can see the way he watches another."

Now Loz was completely confused. "Who?" he began to ask when the light went on in his brain. Raising his hand to cover his face, he laughed, "Well isn't this as complicated as hell."

Reno's eyes glared down at Loz, "I don't find this funny."

Loz dropped his hands to Reno's thighs, "I do."

Sliding his hand up Reno's thigh, up his torso, and into Reno's hair, Loz gently pulled the man down. Reno's hands flattened on his chest as he leaned down. "Reno, I assure you Rude is definitely interested in you. Though I do not know why he hasn't acted."

Seeing movement at the door Loz smirked as he jerked Reno down into a kiss.

Unable to help himself, Reno responded quickly as Loz's hand squeezed his ass and his mouth moved against him. Before anything became more heated, Reno was pulled off Loz and thrown to the floor.

Gaining his bearings, Reno jumped to his feet in surprise. Rude had Loz in the air, his fist curled in Loz's shirt as he all but roared in fury.

"Rude. What the hell are you doing?"

Rude shook Loz as he barked, "You said you only went there to get blown. You lied to me!"

Reno was shocked as he stood there, what had gotten into his stoic partner?

"You let him fuck you didn't you?!" Rude roared.

Reno couldn't speak. What was going on? Why was Rude so angry at Loz? Shouldn't he be wanting to murder Reno for coming onto Loz?

Loz saw Reno's confused face and smirked down at Rude, "You bet I fucked his tight little ass. He enjoyed it too."

Reno gasped as Rude's hands tightened. Rude just snarled as he slammed Loz into the wall abandoning the shirt to wrap his hand around the boys neck. Rude was vibrating with his rage. Reno was his, was the one he had wanted forever but was too afraid to approach. Then this man came into their lives. Sure Rude found him attractive, maybe even fantasized about him, but Reno was his.

The familiarity this man had around Reno had left him guessing, but seeing the two of them on the floor embracing had catapulted him into illogical rage. Feeling pressure on his arm, he turned to Reno as his partner pulled on his arm while shouting at him to stop.

"Tell me!" Rude shouted, startling Reno. "Did he..."

Reno felt the blood in his body drain away, leaving him feeling cold. How could he say it?

Loz beat him to a response, "Yes I did."

Reno begged Loz to stop with his eyes as Rude turned to the boy, "With every thrust I drew out the most delicious moans from his mouth."

Loz's airway became constricted as thick fingers squeezed, "But it wasn't my name he screamed in that room."

Rude jerked in surprise by Loz's last strangled statement. Relaxing his grip he all but demanded the boy continue. "It wasn't me he was with. I was no more than a stand in."

"Loz, please don't"

Loz reached up and pulled Rude's sunglasses off as the big man relaxed a bit allowing his feet to connect with the floor again. "He was blindfolded, allowing him to live in a fantasy where the one he wanted was with him. The name he called out was yours, not mine."

Reno began to back away. How could Loz do this? But Rude's hand shot out, wrapping around his wrist, "Reno, does he speak the truth?"

"Yes!" Reno barked encasing his embarrassment and humiliation in rage. "I imagined it was you fucking me. So what? It was my one desire. I had my fill, now let me go."

Rude's beautiful eyes turned to him, "What do you feel for me? And don't lie."

Reno snapped his mouth shut as he pulled against the strong hand around his wrist.

"Anyone can tell he loves you." Loz said. The hand resting gently on his throat came up to squeeze his jaw, firmly shutting his mouth. Rude's eyes bored into him, "I asked Reno and Reno will answer."

"Fine!" Reno shouted, "So I do." Reno looked down, not wanting to look his friend in the eye.

"Do what?"

Squeezing his eyes shut he finally decided to say it. To allow those hidden words to come into the light. "I love you." He whispered. "For so long I have wanted you, dreamed about you, but you were my friend, my partner. How could I tell you this. To watch the disgust on your face, watch you pull away."

The hand around his wrist let go leaving him cold and empty. Now it would come. The rejection. But that hand gently grabbed his chin.

"How blind I am." Rude whispered.

Reno's eyes widened, "But.."

Rude's thumb rubbed against Reno's bottom lip, "Guess I should have let go of my own doubts and acted on my desires."

Reno's eyes bounced between Loz and Rude. "I don't understand. I see the way you practically eat him alive with your eyes."

Rude turned to eye Loz up and down. "Who wouldn't." His eyes turned back to Reno, "But you draw just as much attention."

Rude slid his fingers behind Reno's neck and jerked him forward as he took the surprised man's mouth in a punishing kiss.

"You know, I can leave if you..." But Loz's words were cut off as Rude squeezed his jaw again, forcing his mouth closed. Loz shivered over the power this man had. Loz was a large man, but Rude had more to him. Power, such a strong sense of strength it intimidated him. Made him feel like a small child around giants.

Rude leaned away form Reno and turned to Loz. "So, you allowed him to give you the experience of being with me?"

"I..." Reno struggled with words but he could only let out a huff and agree.

"Reno wasn't exaggerating. I find you very attractive." Rude's eyes drifted to Reno as a calculating look crossed his face. With a smirk his eyes came back to Loz. "Perhaps you can make up to me the fact you got to experience Reno first."

Loz's insides jerked from the predatory look on this man's face. "Since you gave Reno his fantasy, it is only fare you give me mine." Leaning in close Rude continued, "What do you say?"

Loz felt Rude's hand relax. "Just how do you think I could stand in for him? His fantasy was easy. I'm close to your size."

A wide grin crossed his face. "I'm a voyeur, young man. I like to watch someone enjoy pleasure before I join in."

Both Reno and Loz's faces tuned to shock. Leaning into Loz, forcing his body flat against the wall, Rude drew close to Loz's ear, "I want to watch you slowly work Reno into a sexual frenzy, then just before you both reach your limits, I want to fuck you so hard you won't be able to walk for a week."

Loz was instantly hard from the triple impact of Rude's proximity, the visual, and those breathy words tickling his ears. A gasp from his side drew the attention of both men to a blushing Reno.

"Sounds like Reno may approve." Rude said as he ground his hips into Loz. A low groan escaped Loz's mouth, "And I can tell you are on board, but I want to hear the words. What do you say, Loz?"

Nodding, Loz felt those powerful hips move against him. "The words young man."

"Yes!" Loz gasped, "Yes." He whispered again.

Rude smiled then turned to Reno. Reno was trembling. This was more than he could ever have dreamed of. "Reno. What do you say?"

"Gods yes." Reno groaned, "I am so on board with this."

"Good." Rude said pulling Reno into a thorough kiss. Leaning back he turned to Loz, "Very good."

His mouth met Loz's and Loz let him have his way as the big man plundered his mouth.

Then Rude suddenly stepped back as his eyes swept over their heated bodies, "But not tonight."

Both of them whined from the sexual denial. "You both were bad boys and need to be punished for not coming to me." Sliding his glasses back on, Rude smirked, "But you won't have to wait long."

With that Rude walked away. Loz slid to the floor, a painfully aroused boneless mass of a man. Reno dropped to the floor beside him. "Think he'd punish us harder if I let you fuck me senseless rate now."

Loz laughed, "No. I think he'd put off our encounter."

"Can't have that." Reno whispered.

"No we can't." Loz said, trying to calm his overly exited body.

"Fuck it." Reno growled as he climbed into Loz's lap, "Nothing wrong with jackin off." He hissed as he pulled his stretch pants down, releasing his hard cock. Loz grabbed Reno's hips, he wanted to stop him but his body refused to obey as Reno released his cock then slid his hand over their combined hardness. Reno dropped his head back as he rocked against Loz and stroked their cocks, "Fuck, I can't wait."

Loz could barely breath as he helplessly thrust against Reno.

"So close." Reno moaned out.

Loz grabbed a handful of Reno's hair and jerked him forward. Mouths slammed together brutally as they climaxed together, grunting into each others mouths wile releasing onto Reno's stroking hand.

Reno's hand gentled against their cocks. Leaning back he smiled, "I so can not wait."

Loz felt the corner of his mouth pull upwards, "Neither can I."

Rude leaned against the wall outside the gym. His own cock slowly softening as he panted from his release. Leaning his head back he smiled. Those naughty boys. Pulling a handkerchief from his pocket, he cleaned his hand off and fastened his pants. Turning, Rude walked away as he planned their punishments for not waiting.