AfterShock

A/N: (Author bows low) Sorry about the long wait for this chapter. Had surgery on my head and my recovery took a bit longer than I had planned. I will try to get my self back on track with my updating. Until then please enjoy this new chapter. :)

***********************************************************************************

Sephiroth rolled over on the soft bed, eyes opening slowly to take in the unfamiliar room. Confused, he raised his head to look around the darkened room. Eyes resting on a desk along the opposite wall, Sephiroth groaned as memories assailed his brain. Dropping to the bed he fought down the desire to pull the covers over his head in embarrassment. What the hell had he been thinking, he had been so furious over being called a whore, and what had he done? Acted like a bitch in heat that's what! "Fucking stupid," he hissed to himself.

Sitting up, Sephiroth swung his legs over the edge of the bed, feet contacting the cold floor. Biting back a groan, Sephiroth dropped his head and closed his eyes. Damn his body ached. Sephiroth felt his cheeks heating from the memory of the demons absolute dominance of his body. Rubbing his hands down his face, Sephiroth chastised his behavior again. Dropping his hands, he looked around for something to wear, then he noticed a small white piece of paper on a nearby table. Picking it up, Sephiroth read the neatly written words.

Needed to step out for a bit, feel free to use the bathroom. Door is to your right. Sesshomaru.

Pulling the sheet with him, Sephiroth stood and went to the door. The bathroom was small with a stand up shower nestled into the back corner. On the counter sat two fluffy, dark towels and some neatly folded cloths. Walking over, he ran his hands over the dark slacks. If he wore these everyone would know what had happened. Turning from the cloths, he dropped the sheet and entered the shower knowing there was nothing he could do when his own cloths had been torn from his body.

Closing his eyes, hands braced against the wall of the shower, Sephiroth lowered his head as the warm water slid down his body. "How the hell could I let this happen?" He berated himself, and let it happen is exactly what he had done. He could have fought the demon, sure there was the possibility Sesshomaru would have torn him to pieces, especially with the knowledge of whom Sephiroth served. Somehow, Sephiroth knew that would not have happened. He knew why he allowed Sesshomaru to take him, it was his damned childhood crush. Even now Sephiroth couldn't help remembering all the times he had seen Sesshomaru, each time he had been enamored with the demon lord.

The one time he had actually spoke with Sesshomaru jumped to the forefront of the other memories. That day he had been at the food bar filling his plate, he had been fourteen and always starving. When he had moved over to another serving try he had bumped into someone. Turning to apologize, Sephiroth could only stutter because his lungs refused to work.. Sesshomaru had cocked his head to the side with a smirk, "I will not eat you child."

Cheeks heating in anger from being called a child, Sephiroth felt his embarrassment flow from him as he growled, "I was going to apologize, but since I'm a child I have decided to act my age and tell you to fuck off."

Then he had turned away from the laughing demon, "I apologize for offending you. However in the demon world you are still quite young."

Turning to look over his shoulder Sephiroth saw Sesshomaru bow his head slightly. Turning to face the demon he said, "I apologize for bumping into you Lord Sesshomaru."

"Apology accepted. I do not believe I have seen you before, who did you arrive with?"

"My mother Jenova." Sephiroth answered a little disappointed he had not been recognized.

"Oh yes. She is an unusual woman. Very generous with donations but..." Sesshomaru came to a stop clearly trying to think of the right word.

"She can be a ruthless bitch?" Sephiroth asked a smile pulling at the corner of his mouth. Sesshomaru looked at him a little startled by his honesty. "I know what everyone says about my mother and they happen to be right."

"That was not very nice." Jenova said as she playfully cuffed him on the back of his head. Turning she smiled at Lord Sesshomaru. "I hope my son has not been bothering you."

"No, actually it was the other way around." He said with a light smile.

She chuckled, "This was an enjoyable event and I hate to cut the evening short but we must be going. I hope the rest of your evening goes well." Jenova said holding her hand out.

"Thank you." Sesshomaru said taking her hand.

"Shall we go son."

Finishing his shower, Sephiroth turned off the water and shook off the memories of a time before his mother had left his life. Stepping out of the stall, Sephiroth quickly dried off and dressed in the borrowed cloths. Once back in the office he walked by the bed, deciding to leave the mess for the demon. Served him right for the way he had treated his guest. Stepping into the hallway, Sephiroth could not hear any of the familiar noises that belonged to a club. Wondering what time it was, Sephiroth looked down the hall to the exit door at the end. He could leave without being seen but that would be the cowards way. Turning, Sephiroth chose to face whatever taunts may be handed to him.

Hearing feminine laughter as he approached the end of the hall, Sephiroth stopped. "Come on Inuyasha. We just want to have a couple drinks before we go home."

"No. The last time I allowed you guys to have a couple drinks my brother nearly killed me. So get home." Inuyasha said firmly as a wet slapping sound reached Sephiroth's ears.

The girls laughed again. "Alright, alright. Do you need any help cleaning up?"

"No I got it, Ino. Go home and get some rest." Inuyasha said affectionately.

Sephiroth didn't know why he stayed hidden in the hall until the girls left but he just couldn't make his body move. "You can come out now." Came an amused voice. Stepping from the hall Sephiroth saw the Hanyo, Inuyasha, standing behind the bar placing glasses into a dishwasher. "My brother said he would be back soon if you would like to wait."

Sephiroth wanted nothing more than to flee from the bar, but instead he sat on the stool near the corner of the bar.

"So you and my brother huh." Inuyasha said watching the silver-haired man seat himself gently on the bar stool. Sephiroth sent the Hanyo a glare for his attempt to talk about what had happened.

"Sorry," Inuyasha said smiling and raising his hands in surrender, but the amusement in his amber eyes clearly showed he was less than remorseful. "I just meant I’m glad he finally took interest in someone. I was thinking he was going to go celibate." Inuyasha said as he busied himself with cleaning.

"There is nothing wrong with celibacy." Sephiroth said quietly.

"Not for humans, but for demons it is not a good path to venture down. The last demon I know who did so lost his mind and began doing horrible things. I believe the papers called him Jack the Ripper." Inuyasha said with a straight face, leaving Sephiroth in stunned silence. Could Inuyasha really be serious? It was far fetched to be sure, but the lack of delight in the hanyo's face spoke volumes.

"Anyway, I’m sure Sesshomaru will be back any moment. His presence was requested at our fathers house." Inuyasha said chuckling. "Our little sister has trouble sleeping sometimes and only my brother can get her to sleep."

"Sister?" Sephiroth asked.

"Yes. She is three years old now." Inuyasha said with a gentle smile.

Sephiroth frowned, he had not known about a younger sister, could Itachi know of her existence? If so, than things could get far more complicated than he realized. Maybe Itachi did not know of her if she was with her mother, "I know you and your brother are only half brothers so is she your...."

"No." Inuyasha said interrupting Sephiroth. "My mother passed away many years ago. She is Sesshomaru's full-blooded sister."

Sephiroth felt the small hope the girl would remain hidden wither within him as he watched the hanyo's dog ears flick back against his scalp, clearly saddened by the statement. Realization hitting him, Sephiroth asked, "Are you not allowed to...."

"No." Inuyasha whispered, interrupting Sephiroth again "Sesshomaru's mother does not like to see the reminder of my fathers infidelity." Inuyasha let out a halfhearted laugh, "My mother was the daughter of one of fathers wealthy business associates. She was kind and respectful where Sesshomaru's mother was a bitter angry woman. My father had a lapse in his judgment and began the affair. My mother became pregnant and all the complications began. Well enough about doom and gloom." Inuyasha said his ears perking back up as a young dark-haired man walked in.

"Are you not done yet?" The man asked.

"Just finished up." Inuyasha said giving the man a kiss on the cheek. When the man looked at Sephiroth Inuyasha blushed lightly, "I'm sorry, Miroku this is Sephiroth."

"Nice to meet you." Miroku said extending his hand.

Sephiroth took it, "Nice to meet you too."

"Are you ready to go?" Miroku said to Inuyasha.

Inuyasha looked at Sephiroth then back to Miroku "I umm..."

"You may go little brother I will see Sephiroth out." Sesshomaru said coming from the hallway. Sephiroth felt his body heat up from the sound of that deep voice. Chills began to tingle along his skin from the feel of Sesshomaru's gaze upon his back.

"Alright." Inuyasha said happily.

"Be sure to lock the door." Sesshomaru called after his brother.

"Got it, the other doors have been secured already. Night bro." Inuyasha said as he left with Miroku.

Sephiroth calmly turned on the stool to look at the demon standing in the doorway leaning against the frame. He was a vision in the dark blue dress slacks and button up white shirt. Even though the shirt was untucked, and the sleeves rolled up, he still managed to look every bit the lord he was.

Sephiroth began to feel uncomfortable with Sesshomaru's amber eyes boring into him, finally Sesshomaru sighed closing his eyes. "I must apologize for my behavior. Normally I would not abuse someone is such a manner."

"And what would you normally have done?" Sephiroth asked.

"Kill them." Sesshomaru stated calmly, not at all surprised with Sephiroth's lack of reaction. Clearly the pale-haired man knew what his answer would be. Strange, but there seemed to be a smugness hidden within Sephiroth's blank expression. Deciding it was his imagination, Sesshomaru moved towards the bar counter and added, "I do not expect you to forgive me for my disgraceful conduct."

Sephiroth watched Sesshomaru's movements closely as he said, "Be that as it may. I do forgive you because I did not push you away. Even though doing so could have cost me my life."

"Thank you" Sesshomaru said nodding slightly, then added with a smirk, "You did come here on business, so please continue from the place before I lost control of my senses."

Sephiroth felt his ears begin to heat from the blush. He couldn't believe it. He was fucking blushing! "I'm sure Zaraki wants to make a deal where I hand over control of the company and continue to work under him."

"It is not only Demon Dog Marketing he wants access to." Sephiroth said watching as Sesshomaru placed two glasses on the counter with ice in them.

Picking up a couple of bottles Sesshomaru said, "I see. I am sorry but I do not own Demon Dog Marketing nor do I have access to the other connections my father does. May I ask you a question?" Sesshomaru asked.

Sephiroth nodded, "Why did you not push me away? Was it fear for your life driving you?"

Sephiroth looked down at the counter as his body began to betray him again. Damn it, he was acting like a fucking school-girl. Sitting straight he looked the demon in the eye, "No."

"Then why?"

"Because I have always been attracted to you. I meet you long ago before I ever knew Zaraki. It was at a donation dinner." Sephiroth couldn't continue looking at Sesshomaru. "I was only fourteen but I..."

He couldn't tell the man he had fallen in love with him. It was just to cheezy but it was true. Sephiroth had cared for Zaraki, he still did, but he loved the demon.

"I remember you were with your mother, Jenova." Sephiroth's head popped up. "You were a handsome boy then. I’m sorry I did not recognize you earlier you have changed so much since then."

"Thank you for saying I was handsome, though it was not true. I was quite the portly child." Sephiroth said with a laugh.

Sesshomaru chuckled at Sephiroth's description of his childhood self. Though he had a heavier build back then, and his looks were tempered by youth, he was still a very handsome young man. "Well back to business."

Sephiroth smiled, "I was told to use anything within my vast arsenal to persuade you." Sesshomaru chuckled while handing Sephiroth the drink, Sephiroth felt his face heat again, "I don't do that."

"Yes, I believe you have already told me." Then Sesshomaru's face turned serious, "Please tell Zaraki that I have no intention of joining his ranks."

Sephiroth sighed, "If I do, he will only find something important to you to exploit," looking Sesshomaru in his amber eyes he added, "and once he gets a hold of it you will never be free of him."

Sesshomaru was taken aback by the veiled threat or was it a warning? Stepping back he looked the silver-haired man over carefully. He was a strong capable man, so why did he work for Zaraki? Could there really be something to what Sakura said? Was Zaraki using something or someone important to Sephiroth to force his obedience? Tipping back his glass he decided on his next course of action.

Sitting his empty glass down Sesshomaru said, "Very well. At this time just tell him we are still negotiating. Will you join me for breakfast as a meager apology for my disreputable behavior earlier?"

Sephiroth raised his elegant eyebrow, "And just where do you plan to take me?"

"There is an excellent diner not far from here." Sesshomaru said while picking up the glasses and putting them in the dishwasher, "Will you join me?"

"Yes." Sephiroth said simply while Sesshomaru let out a breath he had not realized he was holding. Walking around the counter he went down the hallway and turned off the lights.

**********************************************************************************

Kisame sat outside the Aftershock waiting. He was so bored. Where the hell was Sephiroth? The silver-haired bastard had walked into the club hours ago and since his piece of shit VW was still parked out front, Kisame could only assume that he was still inside. He watched as the younger brother of their mark left the club with another and locked the door. What the hell? Maybe Sephiroth had escaped out the back door. "No, he doesn't have the balls." Kisame said to himself in reassurance. Not long after the door opened again to reveal Sesshomaru. Then a toothy smile crossed his face as he watched Sephiroth leave the dark interior of the club. Following them to the local dinner, Kisame knew he had some delicious information for Itachi and he couldn't wait to tell the man about it.