A/N: Hello! It's been another ten, so it's time for bonus chapters :D! This is number one! Thank you for the support. Enjoy the read!

Disclaimer: I do not own Code Lyoko! Only my imagination :)!

It was Sunday. Kelly had just moved in with Odd and they had been busy all day. Odd was being dragged around to do this and that. His place had never felt so spacious before. There was a double meaning to that. They had re-ordered all rooms except his art room and the bedroom.

"I'm exhausted," Odd dramatically lied down on his back. Kelly put her hands to her sides and looked at him sprawled out on the floor. "All you did was lift boxes and furniture. I did all the cleaning," she scolded him. Odd grinned. "Yeah, you did great!" He joked. She kicked him lightly. "Ah! Sorry, sorry. Teach me and I'll help you next time!"

She huffed, but wasn't mad. "Now, you rest as well!" He said as he pulled her down on top of him. "Hey, stop, we still have to fold the boxes and store them away and we -," she was cut off by a kiss. "Hmmm! Hmm!" Kelly protested. He chuckled when she managed to break away. "A few minutes won't hurt me," Kelly blushed at that, seeing how Odd was basically her pillow.

"Hey Odd, when are you meeting the others again? We should give a housewarming!" She suggested. "Good idea. I'll have to check when they're available. Anyone you want to invite on your side?" She pondered. "Yeah a few friends from college."

"Great, let's plan it tonight! We can set the date and stuff!" Odd excitedly told her. Kelly pondered again. "Do you think our friends will get along?"

"Why wouldn't they?"

"I don't know. You guys always seem to be closer than anyone. It's hard to mingle," she shared her opinion.

Odd paused. "Nah, that's just because we've known each other for a long time. We've been through a lot together," he said. "I know, I know, you told me. But there is still a little uneasy feeling," she revealed. He sighed. "You're also not used to them yet. We should meet often from now. Even if it's not the entire group. If we tell them you want to get to know them, they'll surely open up towards you," he assured her.

She nodded. "You must be right. I might be overthinking it," she said. "Let's get back to work." Kelly got up, reaching down her hand to Odd. He took it. "I'll go fix your closet then," he dusted himself off and walked away. Kelly thought about her worries, but shook her head in the end. "I'm probably just too sensitive," she talked to herself, shrugged and went to fold the boxes.

After a day of nothing but work, Odd sat down on the sofa and let himself fall sideward on the cushions. "Are you really that tired?" Kelly asked him. "Yeah, I am. You can't say that I haven't worked hard," he stopped her. She laughed. "I won't. I was just wondering if you would be up for coffee and snacks or not." He was up in an instant. She laughed again. "Here," handing him his share, she sat down next to him.

"You know, about earlier. You said I have yet to get to know Yumi and the others. But if I think about it, I am already pretty close to Yumi. She and I got along fairly quickly. So, I've decided to be positive and I'll do my best to be friends with Ulrich, Jeremie and Aelita too." Kelly was determined.

"Fantastic! That means a lot to me too!" He exclaimed, hugging her. She smiled. "So, what were you guys like in high school? Those last years. You and I never really talked anymore because we were in separate classes," she asked.

"Ah, well, many things happened. Especially in our final two years," Odd began.

It was the day of Yumi's graduation. Ulrich had just witnessed Yumi accepting William as her boyfriend. Ulrich walked around like a body without soul for many days after that. Nobody else knew the what had been the cause. Nevertheless, Odd had watched over him. Of course, Aelita and Jeremie had as well. But Odd had been the one who had stayed closest to Ulrich. He could see how hurt the latter was.

Three days after the incident Odd returned from the showers to turn in for the day. He was about to enter when he heard the sniffling noises coming from inside the room. It made him hesitate. In the end, he decided to give his friend the privacy he probably wanted at that moment. Odd sat down in front of the door. He had been roommates with Ulrich for years and had gotten to know him so well. Odd understood Yumi was the reason. However, he was unaware of the details. Judging from Ulrich's permanent negative mood, he came to the conclusion it was big this time.

Odd had sat there for half an hour. Until Sissi came by. "Are you hoping to run into a girl here? Surely not someone as pretty as me I hope?" Odd didn't pay her any attention and hoped she would just pass by. "Where is Ulrich? I'm worried about him. Are you blocking the door on purpose? In order for me not to enter?" She accused him out of nowhere. Odd still ignored her. "Ulrich? Ulrich?! ULRICH?! Are you there?" That was the limit for Odd. He figured Ulrich must have heard Sissi by now and went inside. "Just go," he told her before closing the door on her. Sissi went away without protest. Odd wondered whether she had caught a glimpse of Ulrich.

"Are you okay?" Odd wanted to punch himself for asking the stupidest question to ask in these times. "I'm going to sleep," Ulrich responded, turning his back to his shorter friend. "Okay, good night. I'll try to be quiet," he said. Ulrich gave no further reply. Odd sat on his bed, back against the wall. "I hope you'll cheer up soon buddy," he had thought.

It wasn't until nine days after the incident that Ulrich confided the story to him. Aelita had told Odd it would probably take Ulrich more time than usual to muster up the courage. Odd had taken that very seriously, so he was happy when Ulrich talked. And he was even happier when Ulrich agreed to tell the story to Jeremie and Aelita as well.

When he did, neither of the two said a thing. Odd didn't blame them. He had also turned mute after hearing it. Nobody would have the right reaction to it. Ulrich understood that much, so he didn't comment grumpily on their lack of response. Odd had wondered if there was even a 'right' response. Aelita had been the first to speak. "She must have had her reasons." Ulrich snorted. Even Jeremie raised both eyebrows. Odd also couldn't believe her direct approach, but thought better of it. A direct approach might have been the best choice.

"I know it's hard to face it, but you know Yumi better than any of us, right?" Aelita continued. "Maybe you should try talking to her again after our year-end exams," she said. "Aelita's right, Ulrich. There might be issues we were unaware of," Jeremie joined in. "And I'm sorry to say this, but you have to pass certain subjects to enter senior year. Let's focus on those exams for a few weeks. That'll give you time to settle your thoughts and approach her calmly," he pointed out rather bluntly. Ulrich was staring at his feet, so he didn't take in Jeremie's concerned face. "Don't forget about soccer. The Einsteins will help you study and I will take responsibility for the fun in life!" Odd lightly punched Ulrich's shoulder.

"Thanks guys. I'll try not to disappear from your sights at least," he sighed. "I'm tired. I'm going to sleep early," Ulrich told them. The others watched him leave. Afterwards, Odd had discussed with the others how to handle the situation. They had made plans, kept each other updated using their phones and hoped for the best.

They were glad when the results showed that everyone had made it to senior year. Odd and Ulrich had celebrated with an all-nighter filled with games. 'Stress release' Odd had called it. Ulrich had started to appreciate his friend more than he had in other years.

Odd, Aelita and Jeremie had thought Ulrich had forgotten about the incident until someone decided to throw salt in old, yet open, wounds. "Ulrich, dear, have you heard anything from Yumi? How has she been doing? Is she preparing for college life?" Sissi questioned him. Ulrich's glare must have been so fierce, because Odd noticed real fear in Sissi's expression.

Ulrich had walked away and Odd had followed. "Don't mind her remarks," he tried to calm Ulrich down. "That girl," Ulrich clenched his fists. "Yeah, I know," Odd swung his arms over Ulrich's shoulder. "Let's go visit Yumi at her house. I'll go with you. As your bright energy source," he grinned. Ulrich agreed to go. They told Aelita and Jeremie before going, who wished Ulrich good luck.

But when the boys had arrived at the front door the next day, Yumi's mother had revealed that Yumi had moved out already. "She didn't inform you?" Was the – at that point – obvious rhetorical question. "No ma'am," Odd replied. The two of them then returned to the dorms where Ulrich went back to square one.

Over the summer holidays – one where no one had gone home simultaneously – Ulrich trained and trained and trained. Every day contained Pencak Silat practice, sit ups and running. He became so agile, that Odd was convinced Ulrich would beat William with much more ease than before. Even Yumi would have a hard time. Sometimes, however, Odd would catch him doing something else in the gym. He was aware Ulrich had asked Jim whether they had a boxing ball in the storage room. The gym teacher had scratched his head, but got it out while telling him nobody ever used it. He warned his student not to overdo things. The very moment Odd witnessed Ulrich using it, he knew that the warning had been ignored.

Whether it was Ulrich's anger management or depression relief, Odd was plainly shocked to see his friend ferociously attacking the boxing ball with his bare hands (and feet). On the one hand, he was amazed Ulrich was able to move so skilfully. On the other hand, Odd's alarm signals went off in his head. After the twentieth session, he had stepped up. "Hey, buddy, don't you think you should take it easier? This isn't going to help you," Odd told him tentatively.

"What else can I do, Odd? I.. just.. can't let go," Ulrich fell to his knees. Odd couldn't bear to watch him like that. "How about I take you on?" He suggested, getting a smile out of Ulrich. "You?" He said. "Yeah, me!" Odd proudly pointed at himself. "Come on, it can't be that hard!" He exclaimed. "Fine, you're on," Ulrich slowly got to his feet, giving Odd time to scan Ulrich's body. His hands were a dangerous red, completely beat up. His feet were less damaged.

"Tomorrow?" Odd asked. "Chickening out already?" Ulrich let out a laugh. "No, but the gym's going to close soon," Odd mentally thanked the time. "Ah, well, I've had enough I guess," Ulrich checked his hands. "Let's go take a shower," Odd clapped him on his back. "Yep," Ulrich replied without spunk.

The days that followed were spent by Ulrich defeating Odd almost every time they sparred. In between, Ulrich and Odd had study sessions with Jeremie and Aelita. The latter pair thought it wise to revise the material of the last two years. Ulrich didn't agree at first. But Aelita had stimulated him by stating it would be a different distraction.

Study sessions were something that never ended. Even when their high school senior year had started, Ulrich still wasn't emotionally stable and he struggled not to fail. Odd always had his back, but for most subjects Aelita and Jeremie were needed. Their smart friends had divided the subjects between the two of them. And each of them took it upon themselves to teach Ulrich (and Odd while they were at it). Odd had noticed Jeremie was simply strict, yet fun if you got it. Aelita was gentle, yet strict when teaching. When they were with Aelita, the session always ended with talking about Yumi. Ulrich had slowly poured out more and more of his inner feelings.

Odd was thankful the bonds in their group were strong. Being there for Ulrich was difficult. Odd, Aelita and Jeremie all knew that, but Ulrich was that precious friend who they didn't want to lose no matter what. He had done so much for them and never accepted help in return willingly. This time, they were determined to stand their ground.

As grateful as Odd was for Aelita and Jeremie, Odd had picked up on something. One day, he had gone back to Jeremie's room to get his book when he heard Aelita's voice. "Will we ever find anyone from my family again?" She had sounded desperate and anxious. Jeremie had soothed her. "It's okay. Someday we'll find out what happened to you and what kind of life you had." Odd left them alone, not wanting to disturb them. They sounded like personal problems. He was sure they would let their friends know at some point.

With some things hidden and other things solved, Odd graduated alongside his friends. They all had grant plans. Ulrich was going to go to official soccer training. Rumours had it he was going to be scouted. Aelita and Jeremie were going to the same college, somewhere far away. Odd would go to the art academy. "This is it, guys," he had told them. They stacked their hands on top of each other and spoke at the same time. "Keep me posted!"

"That had been our last day together. We met up every now and then, but never as a full group. I already told you Jeremie and Aelita were trying hard to find any remaining family members of Aelita next to studying like crazy. Ulrich didn't exactly have the time of his life after breaking his leg. And I.. I could only do my best to support them. I didn't have problems. Other than the bickering in my family, the amount of detentions and so on. I couldn't relate to them and it was hard to keep up. Most important of all, I'm just glad it all worked out," Odd finished his story.

"Well… me losing their contact information didn't really help," he thoughtfully added.

"It might have been a good thing though. Maybe not having them around made you realize what you missed. Not everyone has a, sorry to say, dramatic life. The group of friends you value wouldn't have been the same without you. They won't hate you because you have a somewhat normal life," Kelly spoke up.

"Yep. I know that now. It's a past put behind me," he confirmed.

"So, why don't you tell me your story now?" He put a cookie in his mouth and looked at her eagerly. Kelly laughed.

"Okay, here I go," she prepared herself mentally and began to share her story.

Odd smiled while he listened to her speaking.

All of them had reached the next step. And he hoped they would all stick together to see the achievement of complete success in their lives.

A/N: See you next time, where a woman will be the main character :D! I previously stated that there would be two bonus chapters after chapter 30. I might change it to three. Hence, the ,25 xD.