Aelita didn't really have anyone to call "family."

Well, other than her friends, of course. As far as the school was concerned, she and Odd were cousins, and his parents had been generous enough to take her in for summer and holiday breaks. While she certainly enjoyed spending time with Jeremie and his parents, there was something about the Della Robbia clan that made her feel different. Special. This group of people liked her for who she was, not just because they'd found her in a computer and had dedicated their lives to setting her free.

Then there was Ulrich. Many a vacation would he spend with Odd's family, tagging along as they had more than enough room to accommodate the both of them. His father was abusive and his mother was silent, taking the hits as they came, doing what she could to protect her son from her husband's wrath.

He hated going home. He had the scars and bruises to prove it.

"It's funny," Aelita said one night.

They were in the dorms, at school, and it was Friday. The curfew was extended and she'd sat on Odd's bed, petting Kiwi, the boy having gone out on a date with Heidi. Or was it Magali? No one could ever keep track.

"My parents are gone, but I feel more loved with you all and Odd and Jeremie's families than I did when I was younger."

Ulrich looked over from his chemistry homework. He'd been trying to play catch-up after the recent XANA attacks had caused his grades to slip dramatically.

"We all love you like a sister, Princess," he said, offering a smile. "Of course, with the exception of Jeremie."

She found herself laughing, before stifling a yawn.

"Tired?"

"A little." She leaned back, resting her head against Odd's pillow. Kiwi curled up at her feet. "It's been a long day, what with class, and Lyoko…"

She trailed off, and it wasn't long before Ulrich could hear the steady breathing that signified sleep.

Resigned, he turned back to his work. He didn't understand the first thing about chemical equations or hydrogen or polymers or whatever the hell it was the homework had been asking.

About an hour had passed and he still hadn't made much progress. His phone chimed with a text from Yumi, his girlfriend asking if he'd wanted to see a movie tomorrow night. Of course, he did. But in the midst of tapping out a reply, he was torn away when Aelita jolted from her sleep, screaming.

"Hey, it's okay," he said softly, coming to sit next to her on the edge of the bed. "It was a nightmare. You'll be alright."

"Ulrich," she choked, leaning into him. "It was the Men in Black. The day my father and I had to run. They—"

She couldn't continue, her voice breaking again into a sob.

"I know," he whispered. He put his hands on her shoulders, holding her at arms' length. "Do you want me to get Jeremie?"

"No," she replied, starting to calm down. "No. He'll worry too much."

"Aelita—"

"Ulrich, I said no!"

"I just need you to know that we're all here! We'll figure this out, I promise!"

She took a deep breath, leaning back against the wall. "I know. And I appreciate it, really." She paused. "But sometimes, I really wish they were here, too."

He knew she was referring to her parents. It was always a sore subject, and they all knew never to bring it up. "I'm sure they're wishing the same thing."

"If they're still alive," she mumbled.

"Don't think like that."

She looked down at her hands. "I can't help it."

"Hey." He gave her a sad smile. "One of us still has to have hope for a normal upbringing, right?"

Her head snapped up as she made eye contact. "I can't imagine how that must feel. For your father to hurt you like that."

His shoulders slumped. "It's definitely not all it's cracked up to be. I'm a mess."

"Aren't we all?"

"At least we can protect each other."

A moment had passed, the duo sitting together in comfortable silence.

Aelita wiped the last of the tears away with the sleeve of her sweater. "Thanks, Ulrich."

"For what?"

"For being like the brother I never had."

This time, he really, truly smiled. "Of course, Princess. Anything for you."