A/N: Hey! Next chapter has arrived. Stay safe, stick to the rules :)! I hope life goes back to 'normal' someday soon. Enjoy the read!Disclaimer: I do not own Code Lyoko! Only my imagination :)!
"Odd lives pretty far from here," Ulrich said as he started the car. "It's a 30 minute drive by car and 45 minutes by public transportation," he explained. Yumi nodded. "Kelly told me something like that," she said.
The two of them were quiet throughout the first half of the ride. Yumi put her elbow on the ledge against the window and leaned her head into her head. She had her eyes closed as she recalled the all the confrontations she had had thus far. "Are you still worried?" Ulrich asked, keeping his attention on the traffic around him.
"It's pretty difficult not to be," Yumi answered him. She sighed and repositioned herself to sit straight again. "I mean, I thought they were okay with me now, but I guess first impressions are hard to chase away. I can't believe people are the same in every phase of one's life. It's so stupid. The ratio between reasonable people and selfish people is always the same. The former one is always a minority. It's so tiring to live like this," she let out.
"You're right, it definitely isn't easy. In my family, excluding me, I only think of my uncle as a reasonable person," he revealed. "The director?" Yumi saw him nod. "What about your mother then?"
"She appears to be in my favour, but she is also my father's wife. I know my mother hates picking sides, but ever since I became independent enough she doesn't bother to stop my father from preaching me," Ulrich told her. He pressed down on the brake, which caused Yumi to focus on the road ahead.
"Looks like a traffic jam," he stated as he noticed the long line of cars in front of him. "In the middle of the city?" Yumi asked incredulous. "Well, everyone is trying to get home and certain routes are used more frequently, like this street..," he trailed off when he saw an officer approaching the window. Ulrich rolled it down.
"Hello sir," he was greeted politely by the police officer whose demeanour changed upon recognizing the person in front of him. "Hello," Ulrich replied curtly. Yumi leaned in to see why Ulrich had responded that way. Her eyes widened when she glimpsed at the officer outside. "William?" She whispered. "Aren't you still in training?" Ulrich asked him.
"They were short on staff. We're only allowed to explain the situation. Since I don't want to spend a lot of time doing so, I'll be quick," William hissed at them, being extremely annoyed at seeing them together in one car. "There are a few suspects on the loose and they were seen entering several cars that headed in this direction. Because that's the only tip we got, we're checking to see if the suspect or the stolen subject is present in one of the cars. Our research is not related to the traffic jam, which was caused by a large accident farther down the road at the big intersection. In any case that means you will be up for inspection soon. Do you have any questions? I hope you understand this is part of our procedures," William was serious.
Yumi shook her head and Ulrich replied. "No, thank you." William scoffed. "Looks like it didn't take long for you to get together," he whispered. Ulrich could hear it, while Yumi was oblivious. "Looks like you won't ever get over it," Ulrich spoke out loud. William glared at him. "Dunbar, did you finish?" He got called out. "Good day, sir," he said as he was verbally forced to move on.
Ulrich tried to stay calm, but Yumi felt his irritation. "Did he say anything?" She tried. However, the brunet was already in a foul mood. "Nothing," he wanted to stop her from asking further with his harsh tone. "Such a coincidence, but it seems he's well," she innocently stated, realizing too late what kind of statement that was. "Ah, I meant to say tha-," she was cut off. "Don't explain yourself," he ordered her.
"You're misunderstanding it again, I-," she couldn't finish.
"Again?! What do you mean by that?" He asked her, surprised by her claim.
She was flustered. "I mean, I didn't love him romantically, but I did care for him as a friend. Please don't be mad, I'm sorry for giving you the wrong idea," she apologized sadly.
Ulrich let out a sigh of frustration. "It's fine. I get it. I guess something inside me just flips when I see that guy. I'm starting to think it's impossible to let it go. I can't get around the fact that, that guy was around for so long while he was clearly self-centered." He crossed his arms.
"Aren't we all?" Yumi asked.
"Not his level, no," he replied.
Yumi didn't comment any further. They simply waited for their turn.
"I'm sorry too," he said after five minutes had passed. Yumi gave him a grim smile and faced away from him afterwards. "Yumi, don't be like that," he pleaded.
"I can say that about you as well. It was my mistake to think you changed," she stabbed right through him.
"After all you've been through, that's what matters to you now? He just told me that it didn't take long for us to get together. Do you expect me to just accept the fact that he regarded you like that? The nerve he has to disrespect the one woman he was supposed to love like crazy, the one woman who gave him a chance despite her inner conflicts. It might have sounded as a simple sentence to you, a slip of the tongue maybe? But I know his other side better than you. That remark was meant to jab me and I let him succeed," he vented his frustration.
Yumi fell silent once more, instantly regretting her previous remark. "I said that out of spite just now," she carried on. "I admire the way you handle yourself and others now," she spoke truthfully. "The one who hasn't changed, is me. I also let the tension get the better of me. I should have been carefully thinking it through." Yumi looked at him.
"Talking like this," he began, "we should have done that from the beginning." Ulrich lightly caressed her cheek and wanted to continue speaking, but was interrupted by two knocks on his window.
"Sir, madam, we're here to inspect your car. Can you please step outside?" A female police officer asked them. They obliged and exited the car. A male police officer scanned their bodies with a portable scanning device. "Don't worry, we're only scanning you for everyone's safety," was the explanation.
"You're all good," the man said, happily clapping Yumi on her shoulder. The impact was so great that she staggered backwards. Ulrich reached out to steady her. "Sorry Madam," the man walked towards his female colleague to confirm the results. Afterwards, they were allowed to sit in their car again.
"This is going to take hours," Ulrich said. "I'll let the others know," Yumi took out her phone and started to write a message in the group chat.
We're going to be late. Traffic jam. Plus police is inspecting cars. They're searching for suspects. Yumi typed.
Okay, keep us posted and stay safe. Aelita responded, who then proceeded to individually let Yumi know that she had arrived at Odd's place.
"Aelita's already there," Yumi relayed the information. "Hopefully it won't take long for us to follow," Ulrich said.
An hour later they were still stuck in the traffic jam. Ulrich had turned on the radio to see if there was any local news that was reporting. "The collision between ten cars and two trucks is presumed to have been caused by a flat tire of one of the vehicles involved. It has been confirmed that thus far all drivers and passengers are alive. Every person has been sent to the hospital. Five people are in critical condition. Roads leading towards the intersection have been closed off. The police is currently guiding everyone towards the detour routes..""That's good. At least we'll get out of here before evening ends," Yumi said, after Ulrich had turned down the volume. She was starting to feel hungry. And Ulrich didn't feel much better.
Yumi's phone rang. "Aelita wants to video chat," she announced as she answered.
"Hi guys, how are you?" The pinkette greeted the duo.
"Hungry," Yumi commented. She heard her chuckle.
"Well, I get that. Odd, are you ready?" Aelita called out.
"Yeahh!" They all heard.
"What's he up to?" Ulrich asked, closing in to take a look at Yumi's phone.
She was taken aback by the sudden action and tried to ignore the intimacy it could imply. She watched the little square in the top corner that displayed the two of them. Ulrich appeared to be at ease, naturally joining the conversation. Then he caught her staring when he eyed the little screen, amused by her reaction. A whirlwind of feelings passed through her, but she held her composure and regarded what their friends wanted to show. "Guys! I present all of tonight's food!" Odd spread out his arms and directed them to the kitchen table afterwards.
"Wow.. That's a lot," Yumi was surprised. "Don't worry, 60% is for himself," Ulrich estimated. Aelita giggled.
"Why a cake?" Yumi asked.
Aelita was also confused. Odd's grin widened. "To celebrate the release of Einstein's and Princess' game!" Aelita smiled. "Thanks Odd, that means a lot. I'll send a picture to Jeremie to let him know."
Ulrich distanced himself from Yumi to slowly move the car forward. "At least we're moving now," he remarked after noticing the line's motion. Yumi was relieved. "Thanks for waiting guys, but you can start eating if you're hungry," she insisted.
Odd and Aelita shook their heads. "No way! We'll eat together. Even I can wait you know," Odd claimed. They all laughed. "Fine. Just don't complain when we arrive," she warned him. After that they exchanged a few more words and hung up.
"I wonder if Aelita brought along the devices to install the game. That would be cool. If they implemented the new features, we can train together," Ulrich stated. "Who knows," she shrugged, "I hope we can find out soon," Yumi said.
Ten minutes went by before the traffic was miraculously cleared out and they were able to continue their way to Odd's apartment.
"Great, you made it!" Odd greeted them at his door. "Yes, we did, please feed us, master cook Odd," Ulrich demanded, grinning afterwards. "Sure, come in," he energetically welcomed his friends.
"Hey Yumi, are you both alright?" Aelita approached her to give her a hug. Yumi returned it. "I'm just really up for dinner now," she said. "Leave it to me," Odd said as he disappeared into the kitchen.
He speedily prepared everything they needed for dinner, including their drinks. "Are we supposed to leave a review to praise your effort?" Ulrich joked around. "I do try hard," Odd played along.
"Let's enjoy!" He raised his glass and the others followed.
They were gathered in the living room after dinner and desserts, when Aelita opened her business suitcase. "Since you're all here," she began, "I want to give you the upgraded versions of the devices you tested the other day. Jeremie and I pulled an all-nighter to improve the game and the devices. Luckily, it was just a software update for the devices as well as the game. Players can install it themselves, but I already updated yours," she explained. "Do you guys want to set up your profiles now?"
The three of them eagerly nodded. "How much for the game?" Yumi inquired after the price, but saw Aelita shaking her head. "Please Yumi, I appreciate the manners, but Jeremie and I already discussed this. There is really no need to pay. We want you to have this and we are merely glad that you want to help us out. We simply wish you can relax with this and we hope you enjoy playing it," Aelita replied.
"Thank you, Aelita," Yumi said. They both smiled.
"So ladies, how about a few rounds when we've installed everything?" Ulrich suggested.
Yumi and Aelita looked at each other. "Sure, we can try out the new mode. But you have to keep it a secret from the rest of the world. Jeremie and I inserted a replica of Lyoko into your games. Whenever you're in for some nostalgia, log in and play this mode. It's entirely safe, private and closed off - actually invisible - to others. Just give me your usernames and Jeremie will give you access. I already texted him. He's ready to link you," Aelita told them.
"That's pretty awesome," Ulrich complimented.
"Are you sure it's safe?" Yumi worried, but got a clap on her back from Odd.
"Come on Yumi, we're talking about our geniuses. Give them the benefit of the doubt for once," he tried to reassure her.
Ulrich held her gaze. She was captivated by him for a second until he spoke up. "I'm sure we can handle ourselves and solve any problems we might face. Let's have fun, Yumi."
"Well, okay," she gave in.
"I'll be playing as well," Aelita put her hand on Yumi's shoulder. "If it puts you at ease, I will ask Jeremie to keep an eye on our gameplay just for today. If he keeps his notifications on, he'll notice immediately when something's off," she offered.
Yumi thanked her once again and sat down on the sofa. Ulrich sat next to her and whispered when Aelita was busy explaining the start-up process to Odd. "Don't worry. We can watch over each other, right? There are no mortal enemies. No pressure. Tell me if it becomes too much, okay?" She nodded softly at his words and he smiled at her. "Good," he squeezed her hand and got up to get some pointers from Aelita.
She watched him go and wondered about how only he could truly erase her worries. It was like Ulrich sliced right through her with his katanas, severing the worry strings attached to her heart and mind.
Yumi sighed and also went over to the group. "Don't forget about mine," she spoke up. Her thoughts could wait. They were right. It was time to have some fun.
A/N: Next up! The date :D! Hooray. A small reminder; the deadline for sending in a suggestion for the main character in bonus chapter 2 (after chap 30) has passed. You can no longer send in suggestions! Until next time!
