A/N: This was suppose to be a single chapter, an additional one actually. But let me tell you: This chapter is divided into three parts now because of length. So just keep in mind and don't get confused that the events of this chapter, next one and next to that: are of same time occurring simultaneously.

Chapter 47: A weekend, a weary heart.

It was cool in the early dawn and the young duo was peacefully sleeping in their room upstairs, with Ellie downstairs with no aunt Hilary in dojo. Hilary has not met Tyson and Ash since almost a week, saying she was busy with her parents and work and so Tyson and Ashlene just shrugged the thought. Hilary wanted to tell them about Ryan when she meets them, in a peaceful and calm way, not on phone call.

Tyson and Ashlene didn't push the matter, plus they have been getting closer, spending time more together, going to movies and parks often as they could, and they tried to keep some time for Ellie reserved as well. Good for them, Ellie was shot with lots of homework, and she practiced blading outside or was with Raul at weekends. Tyson and Ashlene didn't know anything about what was Hilary doing these days and that she was spending time with Ryan at Tala's place. It was not like Hilary was hiding from them, but she was immensely busy with taking care of Ryan and his health there and she had even dropped the newly joined job at Ash's former hospital. So Hilary didn't get time to inform them.

Ashlene stirred up due to some headache and lazily got up from her lying position from the bed. Her bleary eyes spotted Tyson beside, deep in his slumber with tender and slow breaths, lying on his stomach, shirtless as often, tanned back gloriously displayed. She blamed the season for being shirtless, but she knew that he loved that silly closure. His athletic figure has just got more brawny to add to his already muscular body. She rolled her eyes and before he would wake up and grab her for more sleep, she got up quickly and got fresh. There was something about his deep breathing in sleep she found irresistible.

She choose a white blouse and black jeans for today, some black and white to which both of them were usually talking about regarding anything, be it for the clothes they shopped and bought, or sandals and shoes, or even new car. Ashlene giggled as she tied her long brunette hair into a pony, fixing her front bangs and side fringes of hairs with hair clips. Much like Tyson hated and habitually took off her clips all the time saying that those front locks and fringes were her beauty, she didn't like them falling on her skin. She said that it irritated her. Nonetheless he would either hide her clips or simply tease her by not giving them. She smiled amusingly as she thought about him. Add to that, it has become his habit again to remove her hairband at night times when they lied on bed, before staring her, talking and falling asleep. If she tried refusing him, it would end up with good and cute fight of them again, playing with her hair and his, where they ended removing both of their hairbands. Eventually Ashlene got used to his habit and didn't protest anymore when he would be on the brink of falling asleep as soon as he thumped on the bed and still habitually took off her hairband and clutched her hair softly at her back. She would sigh, but still fall asleep next to him.

"Few things never change,... like Tyson Granger." Ashlene mumbled with a smile and sprayed her daily perfume. She headed towards Tyson and leaned and took a breath and then blurted, "Ellie broke Dragoon again!"

Tyson woke up horribly quick, ghastly, and stared around, "Where, when! Dragoon!"

Ashlene giggled and moved back, "Now now, get up. Its too late," Ashlene said and Tyson gawked at her for getting tricked so easily. She ran out of the room knowing he would catch her if she stayed there anymore. Tyson sighed angrily. Snorting, he sprawled out of the bed and headed for a shower.

Ellie was downstairs, doing her homework peacefully mumbling some tone as she wrote the Maths tables in her notes. She woke up early much before her mom, had a warm bath, dressed neatly and was studying now.

"Good girl, keep studying." Ashlene peeped in her room and smiled seeing her daughter, "I will get breakfast for you, sweetie,"

Ellie smiled. It was weekend, and the family was going to Julia's place today and Ellie had plans for the day. She wanted to have bey-battle with Raul, why not Julia, and to add why not her mom too? That would be amusing. Raul said once that her mom was a blader and she gave up when her bitbeast died. So it means that mom knows blading too. Let's see how far she is good? Can she defeat dad? Is she capable?

Ellie's thoughts were jamming excitedly as she thought about all of it. Also she wanted now to know which of her dadda was a better blader? Tyson or Raul? Ellie knew that Tyson was the world Champion and just like her father, she wasted no time in bragging about it in her school and tormenting William to no extend, and she was so proud of it. She missed Raul but she also enjoyed spending time with Tyson and through the months she has been here, she has been now more comfortable with Tyson and they had developed a fine bond. Still she wanted to see if Raul could defeat Tyson? Or was Tyson really the most powerful blader of the world? She smirked as she felt the pride again of having such a powerful dad of her. If only momma also beybladed, how good my parents would have looked. Ellie sighed.

Oh wait! What if mom and dad beybattles! Who would win! Who would win! She was beyond excited and curious but she knew this was not the time to show it all. It was just morning and she had to wait till her mom was done with the house chores and her studies for today and then Tyson would take them to Julia's place.

What if we all, like all of us, I, mom, dad, Raul and aunt Julia beybattled together? Who would win? Can I win!? She grinned hugely at her thoughts. Soon enough she was left with no homework and she jumped off her little desk and headed to dining table. She noticed that these days her mom and dad talked a lot and they were happy. They were good too before as well, but these days they had been quite happy with each other, as if they had become best friends. Ellie was happy because if her mom was happy then no scoldings to Ellie and it was a big advantage for Ellie.

The trio ate silently and Ashlene noted how Tyson was changed. Years back, he would glomp at the food and leave bits for his teammates, and now, how etiquette he has become, he was eating so peacefully. Ellie still rushed with food and Tyson didn't mind, he rather liked her. Ellie was the live younger and wilder version of him. Ashlene sighed.

"You liked the breakfast Ell?" Tyson asked,

"Of course, its tasty!" Ellie smiled nervously,

Tyson smirked and looked at Ashlene, "Work on improving your cooking, Ellie's face says everything." He teased her. Ashlene cooked fine and nice, but he still couldn't stop teasing her. Ashlene seethed, "Why don't you teach me then Tyson?" She asked him sweetly,

Ellie amusingly looked at them, "Uh hu, are you sure? Don't forget I was cooking for Grandpa all myself these days and I've become lot better," Tyson said coolly,

Ashlene was silent. She could think about Grandpa suddenly and she felt nostalgic,

"Huh?" Tyson stared at her,

"Uh yes, you must be better," Ashlene sighed, thinking that after shifting Grandpa to her hospital, better care was given but he was not very quickly improving.

"Told ya," Tyson droned but he sensed that his girlfriend was upset about something. It wasn't like her to get upset on his teasings and jokes so he wondered what was with her,

Ellie left seeing the amuse-time was ended now. She went out to practice with her blade while Tyson promised her that he would show her dragoon tonight.

"Dragoon! Will I really see him?' Ellie's eyes sparkled,

"Yes pumpkin, you can see it. Get ready. If Dragoon likes you, he will also give you a ride on his back," Tyson winked and Ellie hugged the legs of her father,. Her bad, he was very tall than her. Tyson lifted her and gave a peck, "You will love him, its huge and beautiful, haha."

Ellie nodded, eager for tonight. Ellie got down and spent time practicing. Tyson cleaned the dishes while Ashlene headed up for studying. Managing the studies of post graduation aside and working, job in hospital was tough. Soon after a month, the institutes were opening up in Tokyo, so she would have to drop her job by then. She would feel sometimes burdened up by things but Tyson assured her that it would be alright; and if she wasn't convinced, he started cleaning the house and cooking the breakfast, dinner and sometimes lunches even in his working days just to appease her and assure that if things would get hard on her, he would take up on the chores. He would even feed her with his hands just to please her. She would sigh at his actions and she knew that he was tired enough; and the next day she would just be fine and revived to move on.

Tyson washed his hands after arranging the dishes and wiped them with a towel hung on the counter. The slabs looked clean, he wondered if this was enough. Shrugging, he peeped out and saw Ellie practicing fiercely and seemed determined,

"Hey pumpkin, you are doing great!" Tyson cried at her and Ellie grinned back.

He headed back upstairs and opened the door silently. Ashlene was quietly studying on the study table and Tyson made sure not to disturb her. He took out his laptop and looked for today's updates and mails from his office and how much work he had been gifted for the weekend. He wanted to wrap it all quickly and get a sleep, because he still was tired by last night when he had prepared dinner and was awake too late night past twelve and updating files and working on laptop. To add Ashlene was not at all sleepy as she had taken multiple naps in the daytime and as with him all time. So both of them slept pretty late together.

He sighed out and typed on laptop, thinking what would Kenny say if he found out that Tyson had a laptop and he was furiously and quickly typing on it. He gave a nervous smile to himself as he fathomed Kenny's reaction. He messaged Kenny asking about him and wondered if he was busy and what was with him. He saw many messages of Max too, but he still didn't open them. They were plenty and left unread. How life had changed? They all left me, but I am still happy. Thanks to this beautiful girl right here, who not only is my better half, but she gave me a live carbon copy of me. Tyson smiled and then begrudgingly, he checked out his never ending company mails.

The duo worked in silence for almost an hour and Tyson was not even done with half of his work and his eyes were becoming heavy and bleary. He yawned a couple of times.

"Ash..."He yawned again and her name came out by his mouth hilariously in that tone. Ashlene sweatdropped at his facial expression, "Yes?" she asked and continued to look at him.

"Aren't you done with the studies?" He asked,

"No..."She said jaded, "This will never end actually. But I may take a a break soon, an hour later," She said, "Are you sleepy?" She asked him.

"Hell yes," Tyson laughed half-heartily and Ashlene understood how sleepy indeed he was.

"Sleep then," She smirked at him,

He nodded feebly, "Not when you are awake,"

Ashlene sighed but then she smirked at him, "Why not?" She asked. Tyson tittered.

"By the way... Honestly, do you feed those books each day?" He looked at the huge book which had 'Dermatology: Moles' printed on it, "They seem to become more thicker each day,"

Ashlene gawked at her books shortly, "They are thicker like that only,"

"Don't you get scared?" Tyson asked, folding his legs,

"Used to be scared; not anymore." Ashlene smiled maturely. Tyson nodded and sat idly. He tried to lie down and fall asleep but somehow he couldn't sleep no matter how he wanted to and how tired his body was, still.

Ashlene resumed her studies, seeing that Tyson may fall asleep, better for him. Minutes passed but he was flipping pillows, changing sides, and staring at the ceiling. She continued with her work, but she kept aside the fact that he was struggling to sleep. Finally he got up with a groan and walked off,

"Where are you going? Aren't you gonna sleep?" Ashlene asked, turning her chairs swiftly,

"To smoke," he said firmly. Ashlene gasped and got up.

"Wait up, don't go," She caught his shoulder and made him turn,

"What?" he asked, "You wanna join?" he tittered,

"Never," She retorted, "I'm tired too, let's sleep," She lied. Tyson raised an eyebrow,

"How come?" He asked playfully,

"Just sleep, okay, and please," She dragged him to the bed and he stumbled almost, "We have a innocent kid to take care of, wouldn't be good if Ellie catches you smoking. Raul never smoked and so I don't want you to do so,"

"Oh Ellie! yes," Tyson rolled his eyes, "No problem, I will let join Raul me too tonight," Tyson smirked and he received a smack on his head from her, which he rubbed with ouch's.

"Raul is a decent guy, attempt to spoil him and Julia will kill you," Ashlene sat on the bed, leaning against the back rest and leaned to take her book and kept it aside. Tyson struggled as she placed his head on her lap, and pulled the curtain, so the room was almost dark once again and she lulled him to sleep, keeping her fingers busy worked up in his navy blue tresses. Tyson's nerves were calming down and he was falling in sleep, but then, he intuitively pulled her hairband from her pony and thumped his hand aside on bed. Ashlene growled at his actions but she didn't argue, because he wouldn't fall asleep if they started arguing again. She let her hair fall freely on sides, and get rested on her arms and shoulders. She continued caressing his scalp and he fell asleep deeply within minutes. Slowly, she pulled back her fingers and leaned to peck him on his head. Tyson's mouth was slightly open, taking deep breaths.

She carefully placed his head on the pillow aside and got up, took her hairband and tied and resumed her studies. She was not at all tired and she was not giving up. Tyson slept peacefully. She glanced at him and gave a small smile, How dependent you've become on me, Tyson? Even for sleeping? She blushed as she remembered him loving her all those times back. Pushing asides her beautiful contemplation and distractions, she focused on the pages.

After an hour or so, she was tired a bit and needed a break. She thought to check on Ellie. She climbed downstairs and she saw that some noises and cheers were coming out from the dojo. She gasped when she saw that Ellie had invited the neighbor's kids and was beybattling with them and a fierce match seemed to be going on.

She quickly walked out and saw that a couple of kids were cheering on both sides and Ellie's blade was fighting back her opponent's one.

"What's going on!" Ashlene stuttered,

"Mom, back off," Ellie ordered and Ashlene sweatdropped,

"Aunty, can you please get some snacks for us?" Another kid asked her,

"Also some fresh orange juice?" Another kid requested,

"And cold one, its so hot here," Another kid ordered.

Ashlene bit her lips but then she stomped in, Ellie and her friends! This girl makes new friends every now and then! What's with her!

She prepared orange juice and kept in refrigerator, made some snacks quickly. And if those kids say something like Tyson; like if my cooking is not good, then Ellie, your friends are doomed. She grimaced. Plus, I've to make the lunch too.

She took out the trays and served them and kids were very happy to devour the snacks and the drinks. Ellie won the battle so she was contended and she kept on bragging that she would be flying on Dragoon tonight.

Ashlene headed to kitchen and it was almost an hour late. She prepared the meals. She was tired by the end of another hour. She sighed and swiped the sweat on her forehead.

I wonder how long will Tyson sleep? She thought. Much opposite to her thoughts, he woke up when all the table was set and he was the last to join. Ashlene was visibly tired and Ellie understood that she should silently eat the food before her mom's mood spoils up.

"I'm done. Thanks for the lunch, mom!" Ellie left, and Ashlene nodded.

"What's up darling?" Tyson asked calmly as he bit on his food,

"I'm tired. How about you? Had a good nap?" she asked feebly,

"Yeah, I'm all good." Tyson nodded, "Why don't you take a nap?" he asked her,

"No, I've to watch out for Ellie. Have to check her studies, plus the work is overloaded, have to spin the last week's clothes," She said,

"I will do that, you stay with Ell,"

"You will?" Ashlene asked curiously,

"Yeah, I've a few files to sort out, I will spin clothes after then," He said.

"Thanks," She smiled, "Ellie these days is becoming too rambunctious, look- she brought kids from neighbors and beybattled," Ashlene mentioned,

"Woah really?" Tyson was amused.

"Yeah!" Ashlene ranted, "They all were like 'Aunt we want this, we want that!', and I had to make snacks for them. That's why I'm a bit off," She glared at the table,

Tyson almost chortled, "Don't sweat it Ash," He smirked, "One day, the dojo WILL be filled with OUR kids, then you can't even complain, you've to work,"

"Hmm?" Ashlene blinked and then she understood what he meant, she gasped and glared at him, "Oh-ho Tyson. Don't dream too much." She almost blushed but her voice was firm,

"Really?" he broke into laughter. Ashlene groaned and got up and headed to Ellie's room,

"By the way mom, I want this! I want that! Please mom!" he mimicked kids' tone and called her, effectively teasing her. She was furiously blushing but she ignored him.

.

.

.

Hilary prepared the soup in the kitchen while Bryan and Ian were doing dishes. Tala was out for bringing some grocery, some fresh fruits for Ryan and medicines.

"Its ready," Hilary said. Ian nodded. Hilary poured the fresh hot saucy vegetable soup in a ceramic bowl and placed a spoon, while Ian arranged a glass of water. Ian joined her shortly. Ryan was sleeping in the corner room. They walked in carefully.

Ian dragged a small table with circular wheels on the ends of its legs and placed the bowl. Hilary's heart was beating fast seeing him like that. She could have never imagined she would see him one day like that. How fragile, pale he has become? His unblemished skin is still there, but it shows signs of hopelessness, misery and disheartening perceptions. She gulped her anxiety, feeling crippled and like broken seeing him. She has been staying with him since a week and he barely talked with her. He just wouldn't have the energy to converse with anyone. He used to be so tired and his energy levels would be so low. He would just wake up to eat, take some morning walks and then his energy would be off. He could only sleep, rest on his bed, hear them speak and smile and rarely talk back if he had the energy to do so. Hilary never minded him, she understood his state, and she always kept his company. She would talk to him till he would be tired, till he would fall asleep. Sometimes it hurt her deep inside that he couldn't even talk to her, tease her like he used to. That scary feeling, hurt, regret and reluctance to accept him like that would come to her. She would just take a deep breathe and let it go.

"Ryan, get up," She gently shook him and her voice was gentle and delicate. Normally people wouldn't even wake up with that gentleness in someone's voice waking them. But Ryan visibly stirred up, and though his brows were puckered along his lips, his eyes were closed. It looked like he was pleading them not to wake him and he wanted to sleep more.

"Ian, you leave. I will take care," Hilary looked at Ian and said. Ian snorted slightly but anyway complied, thinking that she might want to say him something. The team anyway knew about her feelings for Ryan and their deep friendship of past. The only good thing about it was that neither of them, except Ian occasionally, teased her about Ryan,

She sat on his tiny bedside, which had cheap beige colored sheets and turquoise blanket with old pillow which was cleanly wrapped under his head. He was almost subconscious but he couldn't wake up. His mind and body were tired and worked up. Hilary held his shoulders from back and helped him get up, but he was still drowsy. She was seated on the edge, her back resting against the chiffon colored wall. He got up arduously and rested his back against her front, placing his head on her shoulder, slouching upon her front. She couldn't see him directly, but she eyed him and got hints of his face that he was still not awake. She softly exhaled and adjusted him on her front, so that he was comfortable resting against her. At least he was in a sitting position even though he was slumped against her.

She hugged him softly round his front intertwining the fingers of both her hands on his belly. "Ryan, have some soup, please?" She whispered in his ears, bringing her already close lips near his ears. Ryan hummed in his sleep, saying 'Okay, few minutes more,'

Hilary waited patiently and his head fell towards her face, still being on her shoulder. She leaned her head more against the wall, so as to remain stable and she had to gulp very inch of blush and the dopey feeling he was giving her even when he was not fully conscious. He was so close to her, perched upon her as if, and she was finding the situation almost unbelievable. She just prayed that Tala or Ian wouldn't drop by and give her a smirk and accuse her for romancing with a fragile person. Ryan's haphazard breaths were tickling her and she had to sometimes suppress the giggle that was coming up. Soon she would be quiet, only to realize how heavy his body weighed upon her.

But she knew, that all that weight was not of his once build muscles. It was the edema fluid of his body.

She was worried about him. His studies weren't even completed, how will he feel here? Once he's treated, how is he gonna go back Florida? How will he manage studies, earning up and living? How will he leave?
'What will you do Ryan?'. One thing she was sure of was that she was NEVER gonna leave his side. 'And that bloody bastard, Nyhan! How dare he do this to Ryan!' Hilary seethed. 'Let me see you once, I'll make sure that I won't leave you the same.' She just didn't know what she'd do. So many times, she had thought that she should take Bryan and Tala and find Nyhan or ask Tyson about Nyhan's whereabouts and find him. Because Hilary knows that Nyhan was hanging out with Tyson sometimes. Once she meets him, Bryan and Tala will make sure to best him blue.

"Ryan, please have the soup?" She asked him tenderly, stroking his forehead line with her thumb. Ryan opened his eyes and slowly shifted, "Sorry," he mumbled, for weighing on her.
"Its fine." She smiled and adjusted him to sit against the heap of pillows which would support him. She took the bowl and spoon in her hands and started patiently feeding him. His appetite has worsened and he didn't feel like eating at all. His vessels were visible on his wrist and hands, red capillaries could be seen on his ankles as tiny threads.
Begrudgingly completing the soup, he sighed and took some water, before faintly closing his eyes and watching her interestingly. Hilary didn't know she was watched. She just got up and folded the sheets neatly and placed them aside. Picking up the bowl, she left.

Tala arrived soon with medicines. Bryan gave Ryan the medicines which he hated. Ryan was never the fan of medicines.
"Bry, I feel like death is roaming around me, again. These steroids are heavy," Ryan was panting and sweating.
"Its okay. It will be fine, it's just temporary. Relax, Ryan." Ian consoled while Bryan just felt so pity at Ryan.
Hilary headed to check out the grocery.

She and Tala prepared the dinner for themselves and for Ryan too.
"Why are we doing it early?" Hilary asked,
"Have to go to hospital." Tala reminded,
"Oh the reports! I forgot!" Hilary cried, "Are we late?" Hilary asked, cleaning the slab, while Tala covered the utensil bowls with lids after finally closing the stove.
"We've to go now. Bryan and Ian are at home for Ryan, don't worry." Tala said to which Hilary slightly flushed.

"I'll just get fuel in the car, get ready." Tala instructed and Hilary nodded.
She took a quick bath and got dressed afresh. Ryan's blood samples were collected few days back and today they had to collect reports. Ever since Hilary joined and was staying at their place, the boys realized how helpful she was. She would work out for home, do chores, never complain, feed Ryan, and being a Doctor she handled the hospital bills wisely, deciding which tests should be done or not, handling Ryan in emergencies, stuffing Saline drips, painkillers, sedatives and anti nauseating agents at home for emergencies. Bryan or Tala didn't have to call a Doctor each time Ryan panicked or was not well. Hilary handled him very well, not just as a lover,but also as a Doctor. She shifted her Medicine books here, purchased magazines on Lupus, kept them reading at nighttimes, and did everything she could to bring back his health to normal.

Initially she was not very comfortable living here because she barely knew B-Boys, but with Kai dropping by usually, she felt safe. Soon she got used to Bryan, Tala and Ian. Hilary did see Rose couple of times dropping Kai in car at Tala's place but she rarely got a chance to ask Kai who Rose was.

Hilary was ready, stuffed some cash in her purse, took Ryan's old reports and history and was just praying that his reports weren't worse. She was waiting for Tala's phone call so that she could go. She went to Ryan's room and saw him sleeping, while Ian was cleaning the room.
"Sorry I just missed it today. I'd to pick up my books too from my house," Hilary smiled apologetically.
"Its okay. I'm just doing my part." Ian said and continued mopping the floor.

Hilary's phone buzzed and she pulled it quickly, but Tala still didn't call. It was Delia's text asking how she was doing. Many of the times Hilary thought to talk to Delia and tell her to stop speaking to Nyhan. Somehow she could't get courage to tell her best friend that her apparent Love was the murdered of Ryan. She ignored the text, and sighed. She made a mental note to talk to Delia later and coolly and carefully about this matter. She don't want to break Delia's heart but she can't keep her blinded by Nyhan's true personality too.

She sighed deeply and audibly, her heart pounding and her chest feeling like all the butterflies just died. 'What if Ryan never had any feelings for me...'. She felt like her eyes were on the brink of shedding tears. She didn't know how suddenly she got emotional but the thought of Ryan not reciprocating her feelings always scared her and left her lifeless and jittery. She wiped her eyes quickly. Ever since a week, through all this time she was here with him, he talked with her rarely, just like with others but she never got a chance to ask him if he loved her back. He never said anything about it. All this time, he treated her like a close friend but she was being patient. 'WOULD it really hurt just to say those four words back, Ryan?' She sniffed as she quickly got up and left the house, planning to wait for Tala in the cellar. She felt her heart so weary at this point of life.

I'd too many lonely days,
Staring at my phone, wishing all this pain away,
I wonder if you notice, babe
You're the only one who could make me feel this way,

She cared so much for him, but did he really loved her back? She would be so jittery and nervous about it that she would eventually ignore this one enigmatic haunting question. She brain wracked thinking about Nyhan, and everything about him. But this question really was the toughest. 'He's just recovering now. I should wait for sometime more...'
She tried to calm her worked up nerves.
Her thoughts trailed off but Tala's horn swerved her.

"Hilary!" Tala yelled and Hilary's heart thumped.

A/N: Thanks so much for reviewing previously! Knew it you'd all be shocked and surprised. Well, Ryan's back. Guess you all liked it. ^_^ Review!

Umm, yes, also I've written a TyHil shot "Stay with me" recently and its been after a long time I wrote proper TyHil. Feel free to read and review :'D

Response to reviews:
Ester: Hey sweetie, thanks so much for reviewing! :) Hey please don't cry. I'll write a TyHil soon for you. ^-^ Yes Kai is not that bad. Nyhan will face punishment, ofc. Your review just brought a big smile on my face, thanks.

Guest11:Hey how are you?^_^ Now you're cleared up with everything, right. Kai will realize his deeds, after all the Rose's effect is still valid, lol. Well, why Nyhan did it all will be said later. Take care, bye. :D

Tyhil: Hey hi! ^_^. Wrote a TyHil shot (Stay with me) already. Thanks for the review. :)