Notes: lately, I've been interested in Ulrich and his dad's relationship. Well, more of the fact there wasn't much of a relationship other than his dad yelling at him and Ulrich sitting there disgusted and putting in his two cents every few minutes. You only see him three or four times in the show, but you always get the vibe that they really don't like each other. So I made a small drabble about what happened after one of those few times!

Setting: after the soccer ball game at the end of 'Zero Gravity Zone' (the episode you first meet Ulrich's dad.)'

Summary: 'after the soccer game, the gang gets and upclose look at just how rocky Ulrich's relationship with his family truly is.'

Warnings: the usual. I'm not good at explained soccer stuff, so I just cut the whole thing out. Sorry.

Disclaimer: haven't we already established the fact I don't own the show!?

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Cheers erupted from the stands as the final score was counted, but no one cheered louder than the trio of Yumi, Jeremie, and Odd.

Kadiac won, thanks to a certain Ulrich Stern.

The team gathered together, giving each other slaps on the back and high fives as they celebrated their victory, but Ulrich hung back. He wasn't here for them, he wasn't even here because he wanted to win. He was here for his dad, and he desperately hoped he'd finally done something that'd make him proud. He wanted to hear him say it again, to say he was proud of him.

It was the first, and probably last, time he'd ever heard that from him.

Jeremie went to stand and congratulate the boy, only to be stopped by a hand on his shoulder. Odd shook his head, then glanced pointedly at the couple going over to talk to him. Getting the point to stay back and listen, he settled back, Yumi next to him.

His mom walked right over to him and hugged him, congratulating him on his victory and Ulrich awkwardly returned the hug.

His dad walked over to him, stiff and straight, his face still as tight as ever. He gave a small nod, and Ulrich's entire posture went limp as he smiled at the gang, whom were watching from the sidelines. OIdd gave him an enthusiastic thumbs up, Yumi smiled back, and Jeremie nodded in turn.

"Good job. Now, if only you could make your grades as good as the way you play, you might actually get to the next grade." Ulrich's smile automatically shifted back to his signature frown. He closed his eyes and gave a little sigh. He should have guessed this would have happened.

He turned, and walked away.

His mom whispered an apology into his ear before she followed.

Ulrich turned and walked away, his shoulder slumped.

Yumi, Jeremie and Odd glanced at each other, before Odd nodded. They stood up and quickly followed him.

Odd caught up to him first, and firmly wrapped a supportive arm around his shoulder "you did great Ulrich, don't let him fool you."

Jeremie walked behind him, putting in his two cents "yeah, they didn't stand a chance!"

Yumi grabbed his left hand and squeezed in agreement. Ulrich felt a small smile twitch across his lips. Even after all he had done today and how he had ditched them earlier to go play for him, they still were trying to make him feel better. He couldn't have asked for better friends.

He turned to look at them all a moment "thanks you guys."

Yup, two father-son fics in one night. I'm on fire! I know it's really short, but I don't mind it. that's why there called drabbles, right?