This one is a two-shot story. The end of chapter one is a bit sad, but I'll make it up in the second chapter due next week.
"Hey Hil!–"
"Don't call me that!" Hilary spat firmly.
"Yeah sorry–" Max shuddered at the tone, rubbing the back of his head, "But isn't that you nickname."
"Not for everyone!" the answer came at the speed of light ! "Well not when YOU say it." she thought.
Max frowned. Hilary was a mystery for him. They had known each other for several years now and she fascinated him, just like the day he first met her. And after a series of years passing by, Hilary had grown to be astoundingly beautiful. She definitely was the head turner. And in zest of competition to Ming-Ming, Hilary had a new career. She had decided to record and perform her own songs and represent the BBA Revolution to newer heights, all just to piss off Ming-Ming.
Finally, Hilary regained her composure, "So, what do you want?"
"Well, there's an upcoming gala organized for all the beybladers in Hong Kong, and they'd like you to perform." Max informed.
"When is that? I just don't want it to clash with my other dates."
"On the 8th of next month. Fortunately, you are in Shanghai on the 6th. Shall I tell them yes?" Max asked.
"Go ahead," Hilary agreed, "Dictate them our terms and I'll need a private jet back to Tokyo. Now, if you excuse me, I am gonna go ahead and take my peaceful Saturday siesta." She went upstairs to her own room.
Max looked at her all the way as her hair (that were down now) was dancing on her back, and whispered a "Okay." Before realizing, "Hey, wait a minute, did she just make me her manager? All I did was inform her of her schedule. Man, what a diva…"
In her room, Hilary threw herself on her bed and occupied herself with a magazine that she had subscribed for a very specific reason.
"After his tenacious victory in Mexico, Tyson Granger is now heading back home," she read and let out a sigh, "It's been a while..."
She had not seen him since his 18th birthday last year. After the party the BBA threw in the wake of his continuous undefeated streak of 100 victories, he left on a new journey. He called her sometimes but they never stayed long on the phone because most of the time, they were both busy.
She tried to sleep but she could not find her place in her bed. "Can't sleep."
She growled as she sat up and slid from her bed. She grabbed the remote on the nightstand and flicked the TV on. "And what an upsetting victory! Ray from the White Tigers…" the doorbell rang and Hilary lost all focus on the update of her friend Ray.
She scowled and yanked the blanket away from her, grumpily heading for the door. Wasn't she clear enough! It was the weekend. Nobody disturbs her on the weekend. Being such a sensational star, she was entitled to her attitude.
Twisting the knob, she opened the door, ready to lash out at anybody on the opposite end, until she was met with a face that just made her lift off the ground.
"Wassup Hil! How have you been?" greeted her a man with a wide flashy smile.
"Tyson!" she gasped, somehow managing to support herself by the doorframe. His appearance was making her stutter and she felt blood rush to her cheeks, "Well…I'm doing great! What about you?"
"I am doing awesome!" he cheerfully replied, "Was just heading back home from this route. Thought I would drop by and see what's shaking with ya! I ain't really disturbing, am I?"
"Don't be absurd," Hilary waved off and allowed him inside. He had a few luggage with him.
Tyson marvelled at the interior of the house. Sure, he had been at her place several times, but this was like a whole new house, "Whoa, this place is revamped. I like it!"
"Really?" Hilary chirped, "I chose to do the decorations myself!"
"You really have a good choice," Tyson praised.
She lead him to the living room and they sat on the couch, talking for hours about what they did during this last year and about memories of their journey together. Then Tyson looked at the window.
"Shoot!" Tyson gasped, immediately springing on two feet, "It's getting dark. I better head home or Gramps will be worried. I'll just grab some ramen on the way home."
"Tyson, why don't you crash here tonight?" Hilary offered.
"Nah Hil. I really don't wanna impose. I'll hook myself a cab and I am good to go," Tyson declined, fishing out his phone, and in that sudden moment, his stomach grumbled.
He blushed heavily.
"I recognize that grumble. You haven't eaten anything, have you?" Hilary furrowed her brows.
"You know how airline food makes me sick," Tyson whined.
"Well, since you have taken out your phone anyway, why don't you just call Grandpa and let him know you are staying here tonight. I'll order some take away and we'll make an evening out of it."
"I really don't want you to go through all that trouble, Hil." Tyson pressed.
"It's no biggie." Hilary slid the bag off Tyson's shoulder, "Think of it as repaying for all the nights I stayed at your place, eating Grandpa's delicious food. Trust me, I know him better than you do. He won't mind."
"Alright," he conceded, "If you insist."
"Don't mention it. I owe you a lot," she winked, still blushing. "Come, I'll show you the guest room."
XXX
On the bed, he placed his bag and took a seat, "Wow, this is so cozy. This totally beats the futon."
"Oh, I disagree," Hilary challenged, "Nothing beats the futon on a cold winter night."
"Point taken," he smiled warmly, and they stood gazing at each other for a while before Hilary snapped out of her thoughts.
"Okay then, I'll leave you alone and let you know when the chicken's here. You can use the shower if you want."
As she turned her back at him and was about to walk away towards the door, he threw a hand out behind her, calling out,
"Hey Hil."
She stopped and glanced at him over her shoulder.
"What is it?" she hummed softly.
"I just thought I'd let you know about something... I kind of have a girlfriend."
Hilary froze, blood running cold. She couldn't believe what he'd just said. " A girlfriend? "
"W-What?" she stuttered hesitantly, hoping that she had misunderstood.
"I came here to get some relationship advice from you, because you know me better than anyone else. There's this girl I am dating and we are going through some rough waters. And we have been fighting continuously, like we used to." Tyson sighed, "Hilary, you're my best friend, I trust you and I was hoping that...y'know, you could give me some good advice," he got it off his chest, finally looking at her. She was still facing the door. All he could see was her back.
Hilary bit her lip, and then with some courage she didn't know she had, she turned and faced him. She was smiling. A forced smile but she thought that even if this revelation hurt her, she had to be strong in front of him.
"Well, that's... surprising. Who's she?" she suppressed her feelings calmly. "Who's that b**** ".
"Her name is Rosa; she is one of the most talented beybladers in Mexico and we hit it off pretty easily." he paused and reached for a photo in his pocket : "Here."
"He has a photo of her in his pocket... Okay calm down Hilary. Calm down." she looked at the photo and saw a beautiful young lady with long dark brown hair. "Wow. She's... nice. How long have you been dating her?"
"Yeah... 2 months," he sighed.
"So, what's the problem?"
"She says that she wants me to move to Mexico City permanently and represent the Latin American Beyblade Association. Her father's the Chairman and they scripted out a pretty great deal."
"So?"
"I-I don't want to !" he looked at her. "My life is in Tokyo, my family, friends, the BBA. She says she'll break it off if I don't move there." Tyson whined.
"What? That's so harsh!" Hilary jabbed.
"I know right," he sighed. "She ain't even considering it. I got an old dude with me home. How can I bank on Dad or Hiro to come and look after him?"
And they talked about his relationship with Rosa, her temper, their fights... they talked like this during long minutes. Then Hilary decided to cut this conversation about her best friend's girlfriend.
"Look Tyson, I don't know this Rosa girl but if she really loves you, she won't break up or force you to do what you don't want to."
"Yeah, I guess you're right," he sighed and looked at Hilary who was looking at the ground. "Ya know, Hil, I'm glad you're here. I really missed ya, ya know ?" he said sheepishly and leaned to hug her. She blushed furiously at his action and return the hug. "'Hil'... I like it when you're saying it Tyson..."
"I missed you too, Tyson.", then Tyson broke the hug and said :
"You did?", their faces were only a few inches from each other and Hilary was blushing even harder ! "Of course I did.", she whispered. Her eyes locked on his lips; "He's so attractive..."
She began to lean in but she stopped and got back : "W-Well I think we should go to bed Tyson."
"Yeah I guess so. It's late," She stood up and went to the door.
"Night Tyson."
"Good night Hil, see you in the morning," he said to her, smiling. "Oh Hil!"
"Yeah?"
"Thank you," he appreciated with a sad smile.
"Don't thank me Tyson. That's my role in your life. I am always here for you." she smiled back.