Disclaimer: I do not own Code Lyoko. I just replace Jim's Band-aid during his sleep.


Basically, it has come to my attention that this story was lacking a much needed aspect; FLUFF! So, that's all that this chapter is. Oh, and I didn't re-read the last little section, so have fun trying to decipher that if I messed up xD Happy reading!

Bowing is Always Respectful:

A week had passed since the gang retrieved the information about the plague. Even through full days and restless nights, Jeremy had only scratched the surface. What little data he had decoded was almost useless, if not completely. Alas, the blonde genius did not stop working, much to his friends' discouragement. As much as he would love to take a break, he realized that Xana, however, did not take breaks, or sleep…or ever stop working. He was a computer program, and Jeremy was just one human. Although his mind was capable, it was somewhat novice compared to Xana.

Engulfed in his work, he was unaware that a certain girl had descended down the elevator in search for her blonde counterpart.

"I knew I would find you here." She said as she strode to the computer chair. Jeremy, unfortunately, had not expected anyone to come see him, and was startled to say the least. His body rose from the seat a tad before his nerves calmed himself.

"Oh, hi Aelita. You scared me." He took his eyes away from the computer screen to look at her. His eyes were droopy, and there were bags underneath them. If one would look closely, they would realize that even his bags had bags.

"Jeremy, you've worked nonstop for the last week. You need some rest." Aelita gently lied her hand on his shoulder, "Come on; I'm not letting you work yourself to death like last time."

A small smirk found its way to his face as he realized what she was implying. The materialization program he had spent countless nights on took a toll on him, and he had looked much like he did now. He reluctantly nodded his head and took Aelita's hand as she led him to the elevator.

-COTD-

Odd looked wearily around at his surroundings. He had scouted every inch of the factory and had finally found the remnants of some carpet and dozens of cardboard boxes. He had strategically taped them around the walls of the square room right next to the cooler room. If there was one thing he had learned during his music lessons, it was how to soundproof a room. He taped the carpet against the wall first, and then taped the boxes on top.

With a loud creek, the metal door opened behind him, "What's all this for?" Elise had been aimlessly wondering around and happened to stumble upon the blonde boy.

"I'm sound proofing this room. I packed my guitars and my amp when we came, and I really want to play, but I don't want it to attract the Infected. Therefore, I've made a makeshift studio!"

"You're focusing on music in a time like this?" the blonde girl raised an eyebrow.

"Well, yeah! You can't ever go wrong with music!"

"Whatever you say." Elise stepped inside and shut the door behind her. She marveled at the massive amounts of tape that Odd had used to secure the structure to the wall. He was obviously not too good at wrapping Christmas presents.

"I used to take guitar lessons, and my teacher had his studio soundproofed with some insolation and a bunch of blankets. It's not as good as it could be, but I think it will muffle out most of the sound." Odd finished taping the last box to the wall and turned to Elise with a huge smile on his face, "Hey, you want to help me test it?"

"I'd love to, but shouldn't you be resting? From what I've been told, you were bit by a zombie."

"Eh, I heal fast." Odd gave her a thumbs up.

"Whatever, bro. So do you want me to just stand outside or something?"

"Yeah, actually. Just close the door behind you while I play, then come back in after I stop and tell me. If you can hear it, that is."

Elise did as she was told, shutting the door behind her and waiting for the strumming of a guitar.

Odd dug through the pile of cords he had brought with him and plugged one end into his amp, the other into his guitar. He strummed once to get a feel of his guitar and was surprised to see that it was still in tune. He played a makeshift riff inspired from 'Carol of the Bells' a couple of times and sat his guitar back down, waiting for Elise to reenter.

As was expected, Elise's petite figure appeared through the door, "You can just barely hear it, but that's only if you're standing right next to the door. Nice riff, by the way."

Odd's eyebrows raised slightly, "I suppose it works better than expected, huh?" he laughed, "And thanks. It's something I just made up in my spare time. So…judging that you knew the name, I suppose you play?"

"I'm alright, but I'm not that good."

Odd blushed, "Eh, it just comes with practice." He flustered, unsure of what to say next.

Elise shuffled her feat, thinking of something to say, "So, why exactly are you focusing on music in the middle of a zombie apocalypse?"

"That depends. Can you keep a secret?" Odd raised his left eyebrow.

"Spit it out, will ya?"

"Fine, fine. I promised Aelita I'd write a song for her, so that's what I'm in the process of doing. I've already got the lyrics done, now all I have to do is add guitar too it. Acoustic guitar, preferably." Odd gave a half smirk.

Elise smiled, as well, "Let me guess. She and Jeremy are together, but you secretly love her?"

Odd raised his finger to protest, but instead let it drop back down, "You win this round…I'm sorry, what's your last name?"

She rolled her eyes, "Blanchette."

Odd raised his finger her, "You win this round, Blanchette!" Elise couldn't help but giggle slightly. Odd's jokes were, for the most part, sporadic and pointless. His facial expressions are what make him funny. That, and the ridiculous purple splotch in the center of his hair, which is spiked up at least a foot high.

"And there will be plenty more where that came from, Mr…" she waved her hands slightly, indicated that she was unsure of his name.

"Della Robbia. Odd Della Robbia."

"Oh, that's right! Such an odd name…no pun intended." She slowly walked to the metal door and opened it, "I'll see you around, Della Robbia." Odd gave her a nod with a smile before she shut the door.

-COTD-

During his alone time, Ulrich often enjoyed meditating to help clear his mind. He wasn't exactly what someone would call 'spiritual', but he did have a spiritual side somewhere inside him. He was sitting in a meditative stance in the center of the bridge that connected the Factory with the mainland, slightly humming the tune to a slow, melodic symphony. Most would complain that making a sound while meditating would be distracting, but, to Ulrich, it seemed more soothing. He had always had ADD and absolutely could not stand to just sit.

It was the first time he had experienced bliss in almost a week. He let his thoughts drift to the time before the attack. Before the Infected walked the streets of France. Before food and ammo was a constant concern. Back when everything was starting to look up for them. Although Xana appeared to be getting stronger, he had worked out his relationship tension with Yumi and he and his father had finally begun to get along.

Ulrich was sitting in his and Odd's dorm room when a loud ringing erupted from his bedside. He groaned when he read the contact name. Dreadfully, he pressed the 'answer' button.

"Hello?"

"Hello, son."

"Is there a reason you called? I'm kind of in the middle of studying."

"I wouldn't doubt it for a second. You're grades have shot up recently."

Ulrich's face lightened, "Really?"

"Yes. That's why I called; to congratulate you for your hard work."

"Oh…well, thanks dad." He was baffled. Had Jeremy's lessons really made that much of a difference?

There was a brief silence, before a deep voice broke it, "Okay, son, I'll let you get back to studying. Call us more often, okay?"

"Alright, dad, I will."

"Goodbye son. I love you."

"…I love you too, dad."

It was the first and only time he could remember his father telling him he loved him. He always knew that he did, but never expected him to say it out loud. It was shameful that he would be unable to keep his promise. He wanted to call them so terribly bad, but he didn't want to face the cruel fact that they we're more than likely dead, or worse. Besides, it was unlikely that there was any power left to support the cell towers, anyway.

"I knew I'd find you here." Yumi's voice echoed through his ears, interrupting his thoughts. He stood from his meditative position and bowed to her. He always tried his hardest to keep to Japanese rituals when in Yumi's presence. It seemed to make her feel more at home.

She bowed in response, "Respect is important, but how about a hug?" she smiled at him, and he let his signature half-smirk appear on his lips. They stepped in each other's direction, engulfing each other in a warm embrace.

Yumi spoke from within the crook of his neck, "I haven't hugged you like this in ages."

Ulrich smiled and ran his fingers through her hair, "It's been far too long."

They continued to stand together, not uttering another word. Occasionally, Ulrich would gently rub her back, and she would try desperately to get closer to him. Ulrich pulled away slightly and raised his fingers to Yumi's chin, pulling her gaze to meet his own. She obliged, feeling her nose gently brush across his. A deep shade of crimson arose from their cheeks as they both leaned forward, allowing instinct to take over. Yumi grasped the back of his neck, pulling him towards her. Their lips collided and fireworks took off in their chests as their blushes deepened. Ulrich wrapped his arms around her waist, longing for her to be as close as she could to him. Yumi was the first to pull away, due to a loss of breath. She sighed and leaned her forehead against Ulrich's, getting lost in his caramel eyes.

Ulrich was the first to speak, "You have no idea how long I've waited to do that."

She blushed yet again, "It's mutual…"

Ulrich turned and gazed to the horizon, "The sunset is beautiful tonight, huh?"

"Despite the situation, yes, it most certainly is." Yumi rested her head on Ulrich's shoulder, allowing herself to drift into a state of serenity, "You see that cloud? It looks kind of like a rabbit, doesn't it?"

Ulrich chuckled and looked in the direction she was gazing, "Yeah…yeah it kind of does."

-COTD-

Night hurriedly fell upon the factory. Yumi and Ulrich watched the sunset until all that remained were faint streaks of sunlight blazing through the sky, continuing to get dimmer and dimmer. They walked into the bedchamber, suddenly becoming aware that Elise and Jeremy were already sound asleep in their respective bunks.

Yumi whispered, "It must be hard for her…"

"What do you mean? 'Just as hard for the rest of us."

"Well think about it, Ulrich. Unlike us, she had no idea Lyoko existed, and now she's fighting for her life every day."

Ulrich gazed at Elise's sleeping form, "Yeah, I guess. She doesn't seem to be upset about it though."

"She's taken it rather well, I'll agree." Yumi sighed, taking a last look at Elise, "Do you have any idea where Odd and Aelita are?"

Elise abruptly rose from under her covers, "Thanks for the concern, but will you please shut up? Odd's downstairs practicing guitar and Aelita is with him. Happy?" she let out an exasperated huff and plopped back into her sleeping position.

Yumi and Ulrich were taken back by the blonde's sudden outrage, "Um…goodnight, Yumi." And with that, he covered himself with his blankets.

Meanwhile, Aelita journeyed down the hall next to the cooler room, just as Elise had told her. Elise had, rather strategically, left out the part about Odd practicing because of her. As she cracked the door open, she could hear Odd playing an acoustic guitar and lightly singing. She was tempted to stop and listen, but didn't want her conscious to consider her an eavesdropper. She opened the door wider, revealing Odd sitting/leaning against a wooden stool with his guitar in hand.

His strumming came to a halt, "Hi."

"Hi! Elise told me you were down here all alone, so I figured you might want some company."

Odd smiled, "Actually, I'm glad you're here, Princess. I was, for once, beginning to get lonely."

"I live to please!" Aelita laughed, "So Elise told me you've been down here all day. What have you been doing down here?"

Odd laughed, "You tell me! I promised you a song, and you're going to get it."

Aelita's eyes widened slightly, "Wait, you were completely serious about that? Odd, you don't have to do that for me!"

"Well hey, it's more fun that watching Ulrich and Yumi make out, right?"

She raised an eyebrow at him, "You're saying you've watched them kiss before?"

"Ulrich and I did share the same room, you know. Believe it or not, Yumi can get freaky." He shuddered at the thought of that day. That horrible, horrible day.

"Freaky, how?" Aelita's face slightly contorted.

Odd laid his guitar on the floor and stood to stretch, "You mean you've never gotten a little wild with Jeremy?"

Aelita blushed, "Odd, please try to choose better words!"

"My bad, Princess. You and Jeremy have never experimented before?" Odd smirked, sending uncomfortable chills down Aelita's spine.

"That wasn't much better, Odd." She rolled her eyes to hide her discomfort, "But, n-no, we've never done much."

"And by much, you mean…?" Odd waved his hand around, gesturing for her to continue.

"T-That's none of your business!" she looked down at the floor nervously.

"You two have never even made out, have you? From Jeremy, I can understand, but you? I figured you would've broken through that by now."

"We're just taking it slow, is all."

Odd stepped closer to Aelita, "Pff, that's what they all say. You and I both know that you guys are just chicken."

Aelita scowled at him, "I am not!"

"Fine, then prove it." He smirked at her mischievously.

"How?"

"Kiss me. I'll bet you a laser arrow to the chest you won't do it."

Aelita flustered. However, she had never been one to turn down a bet, "You're on!" Without thinking she strode to his position, taking the back of his head in her hands. Abruptly, she pulled his down to meet hers, planting a firm kiss on his lips. Odd hesitated for a split second before his hormones got the better of him, and he kissed her back, allowing his arms to wrap around her waist. She was shocked at his actions, but allowed him to continue nonetheless.

Aelita pulled he head back with a mad blush on her face, "I believe I won." What am I thinking? I can't kiss Odd! But he's just so likable!

Odd sputtered for a second, "I…uh…um." He paused to compose himself, "I mean, uh…yeah! Yeah, I suppose you did." Wow. I haven't had a kiss like that in a long time. Is it just me, or were there sparks behind that?

Aelita looked down, realizing that her body was still firmly attached to his. Forcefully, she moved away from the blonde boy, "For now on, what happens in the soundproof room, stays in the soundproof room. Alright?" She couldn't stand the thought of Jeremy finding out.

"Deal, but there's no way I'm shooting myself with a laser arrow." Odd smirked, shoving the embarrassing feeling away from the pinkette.

"Don't worry, I'll hit you with an energy field when you least expect it." She winked at him, bringing an entertaining mood to the room

"Whatever, Princess. Just to be clear, that kiss didn't mean anything, did it?" Please let her say it did.

"What? N-No, of course not!" she nervously rubbed the back of her head.

Odd pretended to play along with her charade, "Good."

"Yeah…" she shuffled her feet around nervously, "I um…I'm going to get some sleep. Come up whenever you want."

"Alright, Princess." And with that, Odd turned to gather his guitar, and Aelita left the room. Aelita lightly shut the door behind her.

"So what was that all about, huh?" Aelita jumped as a familiar face stood in front of her. Her eyes bulged and she jumped slightly, knowing what was in store for her.

Ok, that's it. I'm leaving you with a cliffhanger, simply because I need some time to gather thoughts and whatnot XD Review and shtuff, thanks. And once again, I need some reading material! Anything Mako/Korra, Bolin/Korra, or Odd/Aelita will do! Thanks! :D