I don't own beyblade…like ever *shrugs

A very late late birthday gift to Droplets of blue rain aka misty ^w^ :'D...i know i am pathetic. I should have posted this earlier but exams and life happened T_T *sniff sniff.
Happy belated birthday my dear :'D I pray to Allah that may He shower his countless blessings and happiness upon you, today, tomorrow and forever! (Ameen) I will always be grateful cause i have you who listened to my tales, consoled me at hard times and was always there for me! I am so blessed to have you :'D 3
Stay happy and blessed as always ^_^

Chapter 01
Madness

Kai stared at Hilary who was busy knitting what appeared to be a woolen scarf. There was silence except for the click click sound of needles strumming against each other.

Hilary glanced at Kai for a minute before immersing herself in a task "You do know where the coffee is kept, right? It's in the top shelf, right next to the cabinet where glasses are kept. And the milk is in steel pot. It's warm, so you wouldn't need to heat it separately"

Well that much was figured out that she wasn't going to serve him coffee. He himself will have to get it.
Fourth time this was actually happening; her not making coffee and he making cups for himself and her.

Not that he was complaining. It's just that, it strayed away from routine. And you are bound to notice things when they don't go in a flow like for instant Tachibana now no longer making coffee.
Kai sighed and went towards the kitchen. In the center of table, a plate of chocolate cookies was kept. They looked warm and were wafting delicious buttery scent.

Well at least she made cookies. That was encouraging to see.

While measuring the powder which would be enough for a drink, Kai contemplated on the situation. How all of this happened? Hilary suddenly becoming so interested in knitting that whenever he comes to her apartment, she would do that and nothing else.

'It has to be that carnival. She caught this fever from the carnival' the phoenix wielder thought.

A week ago

Some of the local sponsors hosted the carnival in the square of Moscow. There were supposed to be role plays and contest with prizes. Booths were set up for the promotion of local arts and crafts. In addition to that, rides and games stall were established to entertain the children.
Kai didn't want to go, but Hilary forced him.

"It's my first time in Moscow! Surely a visit to carnival will give me such a great insight to the Russian culture" Hilary said.
"Does National geographic channel comes in your cable?" Kai asked.
"Yeah it does" Hilary answered, puzzled. What does National geographic have to do with this?
"Good, you can learn about the Russian culture from there"
"KAI!"

In the end, the pair ended up going there anyway. It wasn't an easy feat because a lot of coaxing and emotional blackmailing was involved from the ex-coach.

It turned out to be a good outing. The weather was pleasant. It was cold, no doubt about that, but it wasn't the bitter one, that would make you feel like the wind was gnawing on your skin. The carnival wasn't that much crowded. From each alley, an array of different scents assaulted their senses- spices, cakes, wet clay, perfumes, and furniture. It was exotic. Laughter and joy echoed in space. Musicians played their instruments, singing folk tunes while the audience tapped their feet in rhythm. The square was becoming livelier by each passing minute.
Hilary bought a ton of stuff from the stalls. Tiny silverware, a set of moccasin dolls, a packet of candles which were in flavor of burned orange skin and bottles of Ittar which are perfumes made from botanical sources. Kai didn't buy any stuff. Though he did inspected a thing or two, which caught his eye like the phoenix made from a turtle dove or an engraving etched in the ancient wood.

Bellies now filled with delicacies, the individuals made their way towards the section where handicrafts were being sold. Long tapestries weaved in dark colors hung from the awning like curtains, casting cool shadows on the walkways from the late afternoon sun. It was like ending in a land of drapes. Everywhere you looked, there were piles upon piles of tapestries.

"This is so beautiful!" Hilary murmured, fingering the gold thread embedded on the woven surface. They had stopped outside the stall where both were poring over a threadwork when all of the sudden, a loud voice broke their concentration.

"Why, hello there! Welcome welcome to the stall of Matvei fabrics! Where we sell the finest of our works! From silk to hand stitched blankets! From rugs to carpets! You name it!"
The man, who spoke, appeared to be portly in built and was sporting a bushy mustache. He had clasped his hands together and was carrying this aura which every sales person carries; the whiff of deal pitching.

"Hi there!" Hilary greeted while Kai simply 'Hn' ed.

"We were just admiring your work. It's lovely" Hilary commented.
"I see! Would you like to see more? I have a collection of shawls which might pique your interest!" The seller insisted.
"I suppose, it wouldn't hurt" the girl replied.

The vendor ushered them inside the stall which turned out to be a makeshift tent. Boxes were bolted to the side, each of them carrying a dozens of fabric, all rolled up.
"We not only have the local stock but goods from foreign lands are available too! Like this shawl! It was embroidered in India! And this one was made in the heart of Iraq! Touch the texture, the quality is unbelievable!"

Kai shook his head at the enthusiasm being displayed. Hilary saw this and smiled apologetically. They should get going now, it was getting late. Plus they were tired too.

"Sir I think we will pass. We should get going now" The brunette said.
"Already?! But we had barely begun!" The seller said, his tone lacing with shock.
"I know but we are tired and what is that?!" Hilary asked suddenly. She was looking past the vendor's shoulder.
"Huh?" The man turned and saw what the woman was asking for" This? This is my sewing stuff"

The Dual-shaded hair blader also looked up and found the object which managed to capture the woman's attention. It was a wicker basket filled with wool balls of various colors, knitting needles, rolls of thread and a small blue pincushion.
There was nothing extraordinary about it yet Hilary seems like she had landed herself in a wonderland. Her cheeks appeared flushed and her eyes were carrying this spark which only appeared when she was excited.

"I want to buy it!" Hilary claimed.
"What?!" The seller asked, shock adorning on his face. Even Kai raised his eyebrows, but didn't say anything.
"What's the price?" The brunette ignored his question, digging in her purse for cash.

'She really means it'

Once outside, Hiwatari welcomed the frigid air, by breathing in it appreciatively. Can't be helped after spending some time in the stifling tent. Hilary beside him hummed in contentment, cradling the basket of sewing tools in her arms.

"Since when did you became fond of knitting?" Kai asked curiously. He knew Hilary was little strange, but never pegged her to like knitting. It requires patience and the ex-coach lacks copious amount of it.

"Since forever" Hilary answered. She then corrected" Well actually, it happened in the beginning of third championships. I was helping Grandpa Granger tidy up the basement of dojo when I came across the box which was carrying the knitting stuff. Grandpa told me it belonged to his wife. He also told me that his wife was very fond of knitting and she was so good at it. She stitched most of sweaters for Hiro and later on for Tyson as well…."

They started walking outside of the square and made their way towards the bus station.

"Poor grandpa became kind of emotional. He then pushed the box in my hands and insisted I take it home. I asked him that wouldn't he like to keep it, seeing that it might be a good reminder of his wife. Grandpa laughed and said 'Take it homegirl! The memories of my wife are in my mind. Besides it will go to waste if it is kept here!'"

"I bought in home and let me tell you it wasn't easy. I thought to give it away but I didn't feel like it. So I started to learn knitting and found out its kind of nice. So there" Hilary finished, sticking her tongue out impishly.

They finally reached the bus station. The bus was already there to take Hilary home. Before climbing on it, Tachibana paused and said;

"You should try the knitting too Kai. It helps a lot in relaxing your nerves"
"Thanks but no, I will pass" Kai replied.
"Okay ice-man" Hilary chuckled" I really had a great time. Thank you for accompanying me Kai"

Kai didn't reply but a little of blush could be seen on the ex-captain cheeks from the comment. He still wasn't used to compliments thrown at him in genuine gesture.

Present

Kai put the mug in the glass table. Hilary heard the chink but still didn't look up" Thanks a bunch Kai"

Kai frowned. He will never admit it but he kind of misses the usual chatter the brunette was spewing of. Even though most of it was boring and didn't hold any interest for him, it was nice to hear someone talk about normal things.
Now it was the click of those damn needles! It was getting on his nerves.

The fire-natured blader looked around and saw something which made him kind of anxious. There were cardboard boxes on floor which were spilling with knitted sweaters, socks and hats. Did she knit all that? He wondered.

"I am going to make a phone call…..be right back" Kai said.
"Okay"

That was the bait actually. Kai got up and briskly made his way around the apartment. As he suspected, the furniture was wearing a film of fine dust and the windows were clearly screaming for a wash. The laundry basket which was kept beside the ironing table was building up. Books and copies laid untouched in the study.

Someone was neglecting the housework.

The dual shaded hair guy was going towards the bedroom when he heard a voice.

"Kai?"

Kai turned and saw Hilary standing near the doorway "What are you doing?"

"I was going to your room"
"Why?" Hilary asked, surprised.
"No reason" With that Kai grabbed the doorknob. But before he could twist it, Hilary beat to him by standing in front of the door.

"Weren't you supposed to make a call?" Hilary asked.
Kai smirked. It was so obvious she was hiding something.

"I made it" He lied.
"So quickly?" she questioned.
"It was a small call"

There they both stood, in front of a door, doing a staring contest.

"You should drink your coffee Kai…its getting cold" Hilary spoke slowly.
"I can always heat it in a microwave" Kai answered patiently.
"Kai?"
"Hm?"
"Don't go in a room"
"Give me one good reason why?"
"It's messy and so cluttered"
"You never cared about mess" he fired back" You are hiding something"
"Well take hint from it Hiwatari! I don't want you to see it!"
"But I want to see it"

Strength in most times win and Kai was never the one to have manners. He twisted the doorknob and pushed the door. Hilary who was leaning against it fell down and moaned.

"Hey!"

Kai didn't pay her any heed. His grey eyes were widened in shock as he took in the view presented to him. There were yarn balls everywhere in every imaginable color. In the shelves, dresser, side tables, on the frame of the bed. Even the carpeted floor was covered with them. A way was made, snakelike which led to the bed.
It's like he had stepped in a land of wool.

Kai looked down and saw Hilary smiling at him guiltily"Opps"

"Quit knitting?! You got to be joking me!"

"I never joke. I am always serious"
"Damn you are" Hilary scowled.

The duo was now sitting back in the lounge room. Hilary expected Kai to shout at her but surprisingly though he didn't. Those beyblading days are long gone and well they are adults. Maybe that would explain why he didn't.
But he certainly hasn't lost a touch of beating to the bush when he said flatly" Quit Knitting"

Hilary can't quit. She really can't! It's one of her hobbies. She loves doing it. How dare he say it!

"I am not stopping. Make me" Hilary said determined.
"You are damaging your hands" Kai stated.

There was no denying it. There were scratches and small round bruises in her hands which might have resulted from sticking a needle too much during weaving.

"It's fine. It doesn't pain" the brunette said defensively. She then said" You aren't the boss of me. I am taking a stand"

Kai raised his blue eyebrow, unimpressed" You are going to regret it"

She did. After a few days she called him. Kai was sleeping when his iPhone rang.

"Hello?" he asked groggily.
"Kai?"

Kai straightened up a little at hearing the timid voice "Hilary?"
"I need help"

"Ouch…ouch! It hurts!" Hilary whined.

"Hold still Miss Tachibana. I am sure if you don't move it will not hurt that much" The doctor suggested.

They were now in the clinic where the doctor was massaging the hands of Hilary expertly. It turns out that due to the same hand movements over and over, Hilary has suffered from a minor case of carpal tunnel. Minor it was and treatment for it was available, thank Goodness. The doctor said she would need some sessions of chirotherapy. Some ice and aspirin and then she's good to go. And during the treatment she can't do strenuous tasks. That includes the knitting as well.

"Can't I spare even a little of it doctor?" Hilary asked pleadingly and a little hopefully.
"No. I am afraid you have to put a stop to it for a while, for the sake of your health"

"I agree to the doctor. After all it's because of it you are here" Kai said.

Hilary glared at him. She wanted to wipe that arrogant smirk off from his handsome face. He was right; she did paid a heavy price of it. It got proved and now Hiwatari ego just got swelled. As if it wasn't already.

"There you go Miss Tachibana, you are done" the doctor said. He put the fresh bandages on the cuts which Hilary got from weaving" Come back tomorrow, same time. Good day"

The doctor left.

"He didn't kiss my bandages" Hilary utter miserably.

Kai snorted" Excuse me?"

"Well, haven't you heard 'Kisses help in healing, they always work" Hilary responded.
"No they don't. It's a stupid myth"
"It's not. Don't be such a spoil sport!" the girl said, kissing her bandages.
"Whatever, come on let's go"

Kai dropped Hilary near the gates of apartment complex. Hilary thanked him and reached her abode. She felt relatively much better after a visit to the doctor. It was a good thing she called Kai.

Hilary smiled to herself. She was so lucky to have him as a best friend.

However when she got to the bedroom, her smile vanished.

Her precious yarn balls were gone. She swiveled her gaze around and found her sewing material had gone missing as well.

"Oh no….."She mouthed.

A note was taped on the desk. Hilary picked it up and scowled.

It contain;
'seeing how much stubborn you are and how much obsessed you have become recently, I have decided to take decisive measures, K.H.'

"Damn you Hiwatari!" she cursed.

Continued on the next chapter ;)