Illusion of Flowers

A/N :: Whoo ! Finally finished typing it. Okay, this is a KHR fanfic I wrote a month or two ago. Well, finished writing a month or two ago. And I just got around to finish typing it. Well, first of all I`ll warn you that this is yaoi. As in, boy x boy ? Okay. If I haven`t scared you away yet, this is also a crack pairing. Kikyou and Genkishi. Much crack. Still haven`t scared you away ? Then read it and enjoy !

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He felt nothing. Absolutely nothing. He couldn`t breathe, couldn`t move. And then finally that numbing sensation returned. He could finally feel again. He took a deep, shaky breath as he tried to get his motor functions working again. He hadn`t moved, hadn`t breathed, in over an hour. So regaining those abilities may take some time.

Golden eyes slowly opened and stared at a ceiling. Very slowly, very carefully, the male pushed with his arms, lifting his torso so that he could see the room around him rather than the ceiling above. What was this place ? He had never seen it before. It wasn`t the CHOICE arena, the last place he remembered being. So, where was he ?

There was a window nearby. Carefully, Genkishi got to his feet, wobbling slightly. It seemed he would have to regain his balance, as well. He looked down when he realized that he couldn`t feel the heavy weight of his armor. Why was it gone ? He winced and brought a hand to his chest as pain shot through it. He definitely remembered that wound, the one inflicted upon him by the Vongola`s Guardian of Rain. Tilted eyes narrowed at the memory, because soon after, the Funeral Wreaths` leader, Kikyou, had killed Genkishi. So this was heaven ? He looked down at his hands for a moment before quickly stumbling over to the window. No. He was. . . back in Namimori ? How. . . How was he not dead ?

He clutched his head as a dizziness swelled over him. So may questions swirled in his head. Where was he ? How was he still alive ? What all had happened ? Then those golden eyes grew wide. Was this a second chance bestowed upon him by Byakuran ? If so. . . Joy, hope, other emotions warmed his entire body. Byakuran must have stopped Kikyou, saved Genkishi. Because he needed the swordsman. There was no other explanation.

The sound of a lock turning and a door opening made the raven - haired male turn, spinning on one heel. Eyes narrowed at the sight of one man, and not the one he wanted to see. He did not want to see that long turquoise hair, those matching turquoise eyes. And he most definitely did not want to hear that deep - throated chuckle.

" Have you come to finish the job, Kikyou ? " came his voice, raspy from lack of saliva. " Byakuran - sama will save me again. I will get my second chance. "

The other male only chuckled again and shook his head. " He wished for your death. He doesn`t even know that you are still alive. "

Those tilted golden eyes narrowed even more, if such a thing was even possible. " I do not appreciate your lies. " From the corner of his eye, Genkishi saw all four of his swords leaning in a corner. Slowly, very slowly as he tried not to be detected, he inched toward the weapons.

Only to be rooted in place. He winced and looked down at his feet. Flowers made of cloud flames had burst up from the floor and wound their stems around the swordsman`s ankles, trapping him where he stood.

" Moving around too much in your condition isn`t a good idea, Genkishi. "

A snarl escaped the raven - haired male`s throat as he pulled his legs, trying to break free from the bellflowers. " I will not listen to the words of a liar. Release me, Kikyou, so that I may destroy you. "

The flowers receded a bit, only to move along the floor toward Kikyou, and at a fairly fast speed. This caused Genkishi`s feet to be pulled out from underneath him, and he landed flat on his back. Pain shot through his entire body and a hiss escaped his lips. He couldn`t move again, and he absolutely hated that feeling. He didn`t like being vulnerable, open to his enemies.

Gold eyes looked up into an elegant face, Kikyou leaning over him. " Didn`t I tell you ? Moving around isn`t a good idea. " He chuckled again, that sound Genkishi hated, and the vulnerable man growled in response.

Wincing, he pushed his torso up with his elbows. There was no way he would be able to stand. Not until the throbbing pain in his legs disappeared. " What do you want of me, Kikyou ? " He wanted to know why he was being held hostage by this man. If what he said was true, though Genkishi didn`t believe a word of it, then why was the swordsman being kept alive ?

Another chuckle. Why did he torture Genkishi so ? " I`m not as heartless as Byakuran - sama. I won`t kill an ally so easily. " Another thing Genkishi didn`t believe.

Narrowed eyes watched as Kikyou took long strides to the corner which held the raven - haired male`s weapons. He ran a finger along the hilt of one of the swords, picking it up a moment later. He slipped the sheath from it and held the flat of the blade against his palm, admiring his reflection in the metal before admiring the blade itself. " I never knew that something so beautiful could be so deadly. " A lie, of course, because he had his bellflowers. And they were beautiful, yet they were also very deadly.

Genkishi scowled and managed to get to his feet. Stumbling forward, he grabbed Kikyou`s wrist, the one that held the hilt of his sword. " The weapon itself isn`t beautiful. The use of it, the proper use, is the true art form. " He yanked the sword from the turquoise - haired male`s hand and stepped back, pointing the tip of the blade at the other`s throat. " Would you like a demonstration ? " His face was wiped completely of emotion.

While Kikyou only grinned and let out another of those chuckles. " You are only going to hurt yourself, Genkishi. " He brought a hand up and pushed down on the flat of the blade, lowering the tip, pushing the sword away from his neck. And taking a step forward. His free hand came to grip the swordsman`s wrist rather tightly. The man with the turquoise hair leaned over Genkishi, eyes filled with a strange glint, a sparkle of sorts. " And we wouldn`t want that, now would we ? "

Genkishi glared into turquoise eyes, which were set in a fair face that was far too close for comfort. He tugged on his arm, trying to pull his wrist from the strong grasp of the other`s. But when that failed, he tried to pry the fingers away with his opposite hand. When that too failed, he gave up and glared more fiercely.

It was when the swordsman gave up that Kikyou took a step forward, leaning so close, his face within inches of Genkishi`s. The corners of his mouth lifted up in a grin, a strange emotion behind it. Of course, Genkishi turned his face away in suspicion, keeping his golden eyes peering out of corners, keeping close watch on the leader of the Funeral Wreaths. What was he planning to do to Genkishi ? Why wouldn`t he just let the man go ? Why didn`t he just kill Genkishi now and get over with it ? Genkishi wanted answers and he wanted them that very moment.

Wait. Had Kikyou gotten even closer ? It looked like it, but Genkishi couldn`t be sure, since he was wandering his own mind. Still those questions swirled through his brain. And there were two new questions there, as well " why was his heart pounding ? and why did his skin feel so hot ? The answer to the second was because of Kikyou`s breath on his face, his cheek, but he wasn`t sure that was all of it. There was something more to it. But before he had time to ponder, his wrist was jerked forward and his body was pressed up against the other male`s. Genkishi`s heart pounded faster and his skin grew hotter because of the closeness, feeling his own chest pressed against Kikyou`s. As well as his thighs. It was uncomfortable, but also not.

" I`m curious. "

Tilted golden eyes fluttered open at the sound of Kikyou`s soft, low voice. Genkishi didn`t remember the past few seconds. His eyes had closed; both of his hands were now held hostage behind Kikyou`s back so that he was practically embracing the other man; long, soft fingers stroked his cheek lightly; and his face was tilted back slightly, lips parted the tiniest bit.

" Curious ? " he breathed, voice still hoarse from an hour`s death. Unless there was another reason.

Genkishi`s eyes closed again when he heard a chuckle, felt it against his cheek. Before he heard an answer, he felt something soft, very soft, brush across his cheek, moving toward his ear. Were those Kikyou`s lips ? " Are you a rebellious little thing ? " Another chuckle, this time tickling his ear. " And are you a moaner ? "

The swordsman blinked in surprise. " What ? " There was another chuckle before a sharp pain came to his ear. Though, through the pain it felt. . . rather good. Golden eyes squeezed tightly shut and Genkishi`s lips parted. He couldn`t push away the moan that rose in his throat, and it escaped through his parted lips.

No. That was the reaction Kikyou wanted. Genkishi couldn`t give it to him. That was showing weakness, and the raven - haired male was most definitely not weak. He snapped his mouth shut and clenched his teeth, turning his head away from Kikyou. He struggled in the other`s grasp, trying to free his hands and get away from the turquoise - haired male.

But it was far too late. Kikyou had heard the moan. And that was really all that he had wanted, because nearly as soon as the struggling began, he released Genkishi`s hands and took a large step back.

Genkishi, on the other hand, practically leaped back, cupping a hand over his ear. Gold eyes narrowed as he glared at the grinning face halfway across the room. Kikyou`s eyes were filled with mischief as he stood there, hands stuffed in his pockets. The swordsman`s hand slowly dropped to his side as he took a hesitant step forward. " What was that ? "

Kikyou shrugged his shoulders in a nonchalant yet elegant way. Those turquoise eyes of his never left Genkishi`s face, which was quite flushed, and his grin never faded. " Would you believe me if I told you ? "

Of course he wouldn`t. He never believed anything this man said. Nothing whatsoever. So he had no reason to believe Kikyou now. " No. " Because he knew that Byakuran had saved him, and now Kikyou was here to finish the job of killing Genkishi. Though why he was prolonging the carnage was a mystery to the swordsman.

And again. Why did Kikyou have to torture Genkishi with that chuckle ? " Oh my. That really hurts my feelings, Genkishi. I`m not a liar, you know. " He began walking forward at a slow pace, which was answered by the raven - haired man taking several steps back. Until Genkishi`s back pressed against the wall behind him. Kikyou continued his advance.

" Only a liar would say that. " Looking to one side, golden eyes saw the three swords in the corner to Genkishi`s left. Carefully, he inched toward the weapons. " If you think you can kill me without a fight, Kikyou, you are dead wrong. "

The leader of the Funeral Wreaths noticed that Genkishi was slowly moving toward the corner, toward the swords. And in a flash, he pinned the swordsman against the wall, palms pressing against the wall on either side of Genkishi`s neck, making a cage out of his arms. " Kill you ? " he asked in a quiet, harsh voice. Why couldn`t this fool see the truth ? " I`ve already told you. I`m not the one who wants you dead, Genkishi. "

" And I`m to trust a liar ? " His body was tense, practically frozen as he was pressed against the wall. Even if he tried, in his weakened state he would be unable to get away from Kikyou. The other man held his gaze, held his golden eyes captive.

Kikyou let out a rather annoyed sigh and his turquoise eyes narrowed. " You`re to trust me and not the man you throw your loyalty to blindly. Byakuran - sama is not the man he presented himself as. " His voice and eyes were firm, and the corners of his mouth turned down in an elegant frown.

And of course, those words set Genkishi off. " Lies ! Everything you say is a lie ! Byakuran - sama is a kind man who knows who he needs to reach his goal ! And all you are is a sly fox who destroys the people that Byakuran - sama selects ! "

Kikyou let out a cold bark of laughter, throwing his head back before shaking it in disbelief. He brought his face close to the swordsman`s, barely an inch away. " Sly fox ? " His voice was low and menacing, his eyes hard and cold. " You don`t know anything about the people around you, do you ? You mix up people ; you trust the people who would destroy you without a second thought, and you despise the people who would do you the most good. You are a fool, Genkishi "

The swordsman let out a grunt and shoved against Kikyou`s chest, tried to push away the man who acted as the bars of a cage. He refused to even think that Byakuran may not be the kind man who had saved his life so long ago, and even today. Genkishi wouldn`t believe the words spoken by the lying fox Kikyou. He knew who his allies were, and he knew who his enemies were. Byakuran was his god and his friend, while Kikyou was his enemy. But a part of Genkishi wanted to trust the turquoise - haired male, and tear his loyalty away from the Millefiore`s great leader. No. That would be a foolish thing to do. Genkishi was sure Kikyou wanted to gain his trust so that it would be easier to kill him. There was no other explanation.

But what was that strange look in Kikyou`s eyes ? Golden ones narrowed. Was he waiting for a response ? If so, he wasn`t getting one. Genkishi`s hands dropped and hung by his side. Almost like he was giving up on trying to get away.

Which drew a chuckle from Kikyou, all the cold harshness gone in a second. " You really are a fool, Genkishi. " And with that, he pressed his lips against those of the swordsman.

Those golden eyes shot open wide and he struggled against the other`s grasp, as Kikyou`s hands now gripped his shoulders tightly. His heart beat rapidly as the other put more force into the kiss, forcing Genkishi`s hands to fall from Kikyou`s chest, where they had been pushing, and the tilted gold eyes to close. Though giving in was not something characteristic of Genkishi, with his diminished strength there was nothing else he could do.

After what seemed like forever to the swordsman, Kikyou broke away from the kiss, his face moving to Genkishi`s neck, hovering there, just centimeters from the other`s skin. Genkishi could feel the other`s breath slowing from the quickness left after the kiss. And he could swear he felt a grin on Kikyou`s lips. Genkishi kept his eyes closed, and his brows were furrowed and his mouth turned down in a frown. But he didn`t move at all, even when he felt Kikyou`s lips brush his neck. " How disappointing, " Kikyou said with a sigh, kissing the swordsman`s neck again.

" Disappointing ? " Genkishi breathed, tilting his neck away from the Funeral Wreath.

" By far, " came the reply, accompanied by a chuckle. " I was hoping you would fight back harder. "

With a scowl, golden eyes opened. Genkishi pushed Kikyou away without trouble, for Kikyou complied. " If you were expecting a fight, you should have waited until my strength had returned. You, Kikyou, were the fool here. " He pushed himself from the wall and crossed the room, putting as much room between him and Kikyou as was physically possible in the room. Which was quite small, Genkishi noted.

When he looked up at Kikyou, he saw the other man running his fingers across his own lips as he stood where he was, grinning. It was as though he hadn`t heard a word Genkishi had said. " But you do taste far better than I had hoped, " he said with a chuckle.

Which drew a sort of snarl from the swordsman`s throat. " And what exactly do you mean by that ? " He was furious. This man who he hated with a passion had just defiled him. And now he just stood there and talked about it ? In front of Genkishi, even.

The answer wasn`t what he had been hoping for. " Why do you think you`re still alive, Genkishi ? The only way to stop my bellflowers is for me to stop them myself. " He took three long strides across the room toward Genkishi. His hand reached out and lightly stroked the swordsman`s cheek as he smiled at the scowling, yet confused face. " Or send my flames into your body to stop its functions for a length of time, until my flames diminish and your body regains itself. " His finger came up and tapped the tip of Genkishi`s nose, adding a chuckle. " And that, dear Genkishi, is how you are standing here now. "

Genkishi gripped Kikyou`s wrist after his nose was tapped and stared at the other male, frowning. He didn`t believe what the other was saying. He still thought Byakuran had saved him from a death given by Kikyou. " Why would you want to keep me alive while Byakuran wanted me dead ? You are his dog, his servant, aren`t you ? "

Kikyou pulled his hand from Genkishi`s grasp and lightly stroked his own chin. The corners of his mouth switched slightly. " Personal reasons. If you have yet to notice. "

" Personal reasons, " Genkishi echoed, his hand unconsciously coming up, fingers brushing his own lips.

Kikyou chuckled and tilted his head the slightest bit to one side. His eyes glittered with amusement as he watched the swordsman wonder. But when the silence lasted too long for his liking, he leaned forward, hands in his pockets. " You`ve always appealed to me, Genkishi. Always. Call it. . . lust. "

" List ? " the swordsman repeated. He thought for a moment before his eyes narrowed. " Lust, " he said again, staring strangely at Kikyou while leaning back away from the other. " Are you saying you love me, Kikyou ? " It wasn`t something he wanted to believe, not at all, but was there any other explanation for the Funeral Wreath`s actions ? Genkishi couldn`t think of one.

Kikyou chuckled and took a step forward. He took the swordsman`s face in his hands and lightly kissed his forehead. " Exactly. "

Upon hearing the confirmation, a shiver jolted down Genkishi`s spine, shaking his entire body and drawing another chuckled from the turquoise - haired male. Before Kikyou`s lips pressed against his own for a second time. He grimaced and pulled away automatically, but Kikyou would have none of that. The longer - haired man held Genkishi`s face firmly between his hands, not letting the swordsman escape.

Until Genkishi drove his hand into Kikyou`s gut, that is. Kikyou stumbled back and wrapped his arms around his own belly, bending over slightly. But he did let out another of those chuckles, much to Genkishi`s hatred. " Now, that was so much better. Much more fun. " His turquoise eyes glittered up into glaring golden ones.

Genkishi glared daggers at his molester, hands into into fists at his side. " I am not a tow for you to do with whatever you wish, Kikyou. " He was absolutely furious. Even more so than he had been moments before. Just the thought of how this man treated him angered Genkishi. How would have no more. With slow, deliberate movements, he turned from Kikyou and went to the corner where his swords leaned. Taking a hilt in each hand, he drew two of the three before turning back. His eyes sought Kikyou but found that the room was now empty. Those golden eyes narrowed and looked the room over once, twice, before something wrapped around his waist from behind. He looked down to see arms locked around his midrift before feeling Kikyou`s chin come to rest on his shoulder.

" Toy ? Is that what you think you are to me ? So naive. So utterly naive. Now put away those swords before someone gets hurt. " Genkishi continued to stare down at the arms around his waist, even when he felt lips brush across his neck. His grips on the hilts of his weapons tightened and his eyes narrowed even further.

" Where is Byakuran - sama ? "

" Hn. Somewhere outside Namimori, no doubt wondering where I am, " he added with a chuckle, tightening his arms around Genkishi`s waist. " But I won`t let you go to him. Having you die is not a part of my plan. "

" And what exactly is your plan ? " came the swordsman`s reply, a snarl rippling through his voice. But all he got in reply was another chuckle and a kiss on his neck.

Swiftly, he spun one of his swords around in his hand, gripping it like a dagger. He aimed to plunge the blade into Kikyou`s belly, but something stopped him and he dropped the sword in pain. His other swords fell to the ground as he brought his hand up to cradle his arm. The pain subsided just long enough for Genkishi to see some sort of plant hide itself again, in his arm. And then the pain returned and he clenched his teeth together. Sure, he was used to pain, but not like this.

Kikyou looked down over Genkishi`s shoulder, down at the arm the swordsman was cradling. He clicked his tongue against the roof of his mouth and shook his head. " You see ? Someone got hurt. "

" You planted seeds made of your flame inside my body. . . "

" But of course. Just in case you try to kill me, run away, things like that. " He chuckled and kissed the swordsman`s neck.

" So if I don`t comply, if I don`t do what I`m told, you`ll kill me. "

Genkishi could almost feel the frown on Kikyou`s lips, the other`s mouth was so close to his neck. " Kill you ? " Kikyou stood up straight, pulling his arms from around the swordsman`s waist. He gripped Genkishi`s shoulders and spun him around. His mood and changed into that harshness again, and he firmly held the raven - haired man`s eyes with his own. " I told you, I won`t let you die. " At the scowl he received, his hands went up to gently hold Genkishi`s face. " You are far too precious to lose. " He leaned in and gave the swordsman a soft, short kiss on this lips before firmly embracing him, pressing his face into Genkishi`s neck. " I wouldn`t be able to bear losing you, " came his voice, muffled by the skin of the raven - haired male`s neck.

Genkishi blinked in surprise. First of all, that kiss hadn`t been near as demanding as the other two. Secondly, this warm embrace was just not something he would have expected from a man like Kikyou. The swordsman might just fall for the leader of the Funeral Wreaths. Maybe. If that did happen, there would be some time before. But for now. . . Maybe he could put a little trust in this man he despised so.

He had completely forgotten about the pain in his arm. But with it being pressed upon on two sides, the pain quickly returned. He sucked air in through his teeth, but the pain then lessened as he felt lips brush across his neck and a muffled voice sounded below his ear. " Sorry, dear Genkishi. " He could almost feel the Cloud flames leave his body, especially with his entire body going numb in moments.

It wasn`t long before his eyes closed slowly and he collapsed, not knowing that he was caught by Kikyou before falling to the floor. He was unconscious even before a kiss was lightly placed on his forehead.