Hey guys, I know this chapter is super late. I went home for the holidays and my house doesn't have internet, so I couldn't upload it. Sorry about the wait.

Tala watched Hilary go, feeling like he should go after her, but also feeling like he should give her space. He sighed and walked back into the apartment, letting the door click shut behind him. Seeing his boxers from last night on the floor before him, he pulled them on and sat heavily before the hearth whose embers were still glowing dimly. His gaze fell on the Christmas tree which was still lit.

"Merry fucking Christmas," He said to himself. His eyes stopped on a small package wrapped in silver paper at the bottom of the tree. He bent and picked it up. His name was written in Hilary's neat handwriting on the tag. He tore off the paper to reveal a white box. Inside was a picture frame with a sticky note attached to the glass. He brought it close to his face so he could read what was scrawled there.

Tala,

Thank you so much for everything. It means so much to me. I don't know what I'd do without you.

Always, Hilary

He removed the sticky note to see a picture of him and Hilary at Spencer's birthday party from last year. He was sitting and she was behind him, her arms around his neck and they were both grinning at the camera. The frame was a dark wood and engraved in the bottom were the words "Best Friends". Tala smiled somewhat sadly and placed the frame on the table beside the couch.

Just give her time. He said to himself. She'll come back.

XXX

Hilary went up to the nearest pay phone, still slightly shaken up. Her trembling fingers pressed the cold buttons. After a moment, the reciever began to ring.

"Hello?" A familiar voice spoke.

"Mariah?" Hilary questioned.

"Hil?"

"Hey, is it okay if I come see you?"

"Of course! I'm with Rei right now. We're staying at the Hilton. Room 952. But hey, are you okay?"

"Yeah...I just really need to talk to someone."

"You know I'm always there for you girl. Do you want me to send a car for you?"

"No it's okay. I'll take the bus. Be there soon." With that, she hung up the phone and headed to the nearest bench. She had lucked out. Mariah was still in town and not far from here. Before long the bus came by and she was standing before the hotel. She quickly made her way inside. Her fist rapped on the door. It opened to a familar pinkette.

"Hil!" She said as she hugged her.

"Hey..." Rei appeared in the doorway. Hilary smiled.

"Hey Rei."

"Hey Hil, what's up?"

"Nothing much."

"...What's with the bag?" He asked as his eyes trailed to the duffle at her hip. Mariah's eyes widened to the size of dinner plates.

"Oh God. Did something happen between you and Tala?" Hilary turned red.

"It's kind of a long story..."

"I'll leave you with Mariah then. If you guys need anything, I'll be across the hall." They nodded before Mariah ushered Hilary into the suite.

"Across the hall?" Hilary questioned.

"Tyson and Max's room," She answered.

"Where are Lee, Gary, and Kevin?"

"Oh, I kicked them out when you called. So what happened?" Hilary sighed and collapsed heavily onto the sofa.

"Well...Last night, after the party, we kind of...had sex." Hilary measured Mariah's facial expression. Her eyebrow had dissapeared beneath her bangs and her jaw was dropped. "Okay, Mariah please say something."

"...How was he?"

This time, it was Hilary's turn to be surprised.

"What?"

"Well, go on! Don't skimp on the details," She said as she shifted closer and a grin formed on her face. Hilary smiled softly and got a faraway look in her eyes.

"Oh gosh Mariah, he was...amazing." Mariah just grinned.

"I am so jealous. You know I've only ever been with Rei...So come on! Give me the details!" Hilary fell back against the cushions and closed her eyes.

He kissed her palm, moved onto her neck, then each of her cheeks and forehead before finally kissing her lips again. Tala's fingers dragged over her dress to the hem, then began to slowly come back up, bringing the dress with him. Hilary shivered as the cold air hit her legs. Once he was past her hips, he began to slowly rub her thighs. She leaned forward and captured his lips in a deep kiss which he returned avidly.

Her fingers trailed down his chest to his belt, which she promptly undid with a devious smile. She then unbuttoned his trousers and pushed them, along with his boxers, down past his hips. Tala grinned and placed his hands on Hilary's hips before sliding her lingerie down.

"Are you ready?" He questioned. Hilary smiled and nodded. He did too, before gently sliding into her. Hilary bit her lip as her eyes fluttered shut. "Are you okay?" He questioned seriously. She nodded smiling.

"It feels good," She whispered. He sent her an award-winning smile before he began to slowly thrust inside of her.

"Hil!" Hilary shook her head as if coming out of a trance.

"Sorry," She said as a slight blush settled on her cheeks.

"Remembering last night?" The pink-haired girl questioned with a sly grin.

"It's weird how you read my mind like that."

"So he's good then?"

"Yeah...but that's not the point! The point is, I slept with another guy!" Mariah gave her an inquisitive stare.

"I don't understand. Why is that a bad thing?"

"Because Kai and I are on a break, Mariah! We didn't break up, we just needed time apart because...because..." Hilary drifted off.

"Why don't you answer the question Hil?" Mariah questioned softly. Hilary sighed and leaned back against the back of the couch. A knock at the door alerted the pair. Mariah stood and went to answer it.

"Hey," Rei said as he grinned at Mariah. "Ready?" Mariah raised her hand to her mouth and turned to face Hil.

"Oh Hil..."

"It's okay," Hilary said as she stood.

"Rei, is okay if we reschedule?"

"No no no!" Hilary intervened. "It's fine. I have to go find somewhere to stay before it gets dark, anyway."

"Are you kidding? You'll stay here!" Mariah exclaimed. Hilary picked up her bag.

"Listen, I really appreciate it Mariah, but I could never put you out like that," She said as she slid past her and into the hall.

"Hil..." Hilary turned to face her and smiled.

"Really. I'll be fine." She turned and bumped into someone. "Oh, I'm sor..." She drifted off when she saw who it was that she had collided with.

"Hil." Kai stared down at her, smirking slightly.

"Kai? What're you doing here?"

"You're welcome," Rei whispered as he passed her, Mariah's hand in his. Mariah shot her a worried look over her shoulder before continuing down the hallway.

"Can we talk?" Kai questioned. Hilary stared down at her feet, guilt filling her person. "Hil." She glanced up at him before returning her gaze to the carpet. He sighed and gentle fingers reached out to pull her chin up so they were looking into each other's eyes. "I'm sorry," He said earnestly. "For everything...You're right. I do say what hurts the most." Hilary searched his eyes for any sign of deceit, but found none. He continued, "I'm tired of this...Whatever's been going on between us. I love you and want you back." Hilary felt her heart skip a beat. Kai smirked. "Surprised?"

"You could say that," She managed.

"Have questions?"

"You know me to well...How did you know I was here?"

"Rei called. Next."

"Where were you?" She questioned, noting his apparel which consisted of a suit coat and dress pants.

"Benefit for the new beyblading center downtown." Hilary quirked a brow. "Impressed?"

"Surprised," She supplied as she looked him up and down. He shrugged and moved a little closer.

"People change." Hilary rolled her eyes.

"Kai Hiwatari and change don't exactly mix."

"People change," He repeated with a smile. She sighed. He brought his hand up to her face. "Tell me what you're thinking." He backed her up against the wall.

"...I'm thinking this is all happening really quickly. Kai, it was only a few weeks ago that-" Hilary was cut off when Kai softly pushed his lips against hers. She froze. She felt herself falling back into a comfortable state of familiarity. Kai knew exactly how to kiss her. Her mind became hazy. The kiss was intoxicating. It was like an addiction. One she couldn't get rid of. She broke the contact before it was too late. He pressed his forehead against hers.

"Hil, if you need time, you can have all the time you want," He said seriously, before pulling away. "You know where I'll be," He said with a smile. His eyes trailed to the bag that had fallen to her feet. "Even if you just need a place to crash. You know where I'll be." And just like that, Kai was gone. Hilary watched him go before falling against the door behind her and sliding to the ground.

What was wrong with her? Kai had just told her everything she ever wanted to hear. He loved her. He wanted her. He was willing to change for her. Kai fucking Hiwatari was ready to change for her...But she couldn't help but feel a bit...empty. Like she was missing something. She moaned which turned into a squeal when the door she was leaning against suddenly dissapeared.

She found herself on the floor, staring up at a familar blue-haired blader.

"Hil?"

"Hey Tys, what's up?" She questioned, trying to make light of the situation.

"Can I ask what you're doing on the floor?" Hilary scrunched her face up in thought.

"...It's a long story," She responded after a moment. She quickly got to her feet.

"Come for a visit?" She smiled and nodded. He opened the door wider to allow her inside. Hilary entered, and left her baggage outside, in more ways than one.

Hey guys, I'm really sorry again for being so late with chapter. I'll be getting back on schedule this week.