Disclaimer: I don't own anything...except the story line!

AN: Hey there people! This chapter might not be great. There's a part I don't really like...but...couldn't think of anything else...so. I hope this clarifies some things. People were asking about chapter titles. This really should clear that right up. Thank you all so much for reading and reviewing! YOU ALL ROCK! To let you all know...I may not be able to get on a lot...I started up school this previous Thursday...and...I'll be getting homework next week so...yeah. Thanks again! -Peace-

The Rain Washes Away All Guilt

Chapter 17: Third Time's the Charm

Previously
-They stopped moving
-Yumi rolled her eyes as she pulled her ringing cell phone from it's clip on her boot
-"Sorry. That was Odd."
-"What's going on?"
-"He...He wanted to see if I'd found you yet."
-"Sorry about that."
-"What do you say we head back inside?"
-They walked back through the gym doors
-Odd and Sam seemed to come out of nowhere to see Ulrich and Yumi.
-"Just needed some air and quiet. We're gonna get out there and dance now, 'k?"
-Ulrich gently pulled Yumi closer and wrapped his arms around her waist as she snaked hers around his neck.

"Thanks." Yumi smiled at him and shook her head indicating that it was nothing. Again they leaned into each other savoring the fact that they were finally together.

-----7:16pm Saturday-----
"ULLLLLLLLLLLLLRIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIICCCCCCCCCCH!" Ulrich and Yumi closed their eyes as the annoying voice rang out over all the noises in the gym.

They looked in the direction of the screech.

Sissi. The annoying snob who couldn't seem to leave Ulrich alone for one second.

"GO AWAY, SISSI." Ulrich yelled over the music turning to face Sissi but never taking his arm from around Yumi's waist.

"OH ULRICH," Sissi began with pity, "WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH HER? I MEAN, JUST LOOK AT THAT DRESS! IT LOOKS LIKE SHE G-"

How stupid could she get? She was seriously insulting Yumi right there in front of Ulrich? Not a good idea.

"YOU KNOW WHAT SISSI? I DON'T GIVE A CRAP ABOUT WHAT YOU THINK. YOU WANT TO TALK ABOUT FASHION, ALRIGHT. YOUR OUTFIT...WELL...,"

Sissi looked to Yumi with a smirk, thinking this would be a compliment and then Ulrich confessing his deepest love for Sissi.

Yeah, right that'll happen.

"HOW CAN I PUT THIS TACTFULLY...WELL...IT'S...YOU'RE...A SLUT." Sissi's jaw dropped down low.

Yumi was having a hard time holding back her laughter. Sissi stood there in pure shock.

Ulrich removed his arm from Yumi's waist only to grab her hand and pull her away through the crowd.

-----11:06pm Saturday-----
The dance went on as intended. Everyone was happy, except for Sissi that is.

They seemed to dance the night away because before they knew it, it was all over.

Eventually they all found each other at the end of the dance.

Odd, who seemed to be the most upset among the six of them, had left his shirt out after the performance and now had three of the top buttons undone. Sam had her shoes in her hands in an attempt to give her sore feet some kind of relief. Yumi had taken her hair down from it's tight constricted position on her head. Ulrich had also left his shirt the way it was for the performance, completely unbuttoned. Jeremie had only rolled up his sleeve. Aelita seemed to be the only one to think ahead and wear something comfortable.

"Why don't we go up to mine and Ulrich's dorm and party even more!" What can you say, Odd loves parties. Everyone's answers were something to the effect of "Yes."

So, they went up to the dorm. Odd turned on some music but kept it so they wouldn't get yelled at.

Everyone continued dancing for another hour, even Jeremie, to everyone's surprise.

After that hour Yumi'd finally decided she was just going to sit on Ulrich's bed. Ulrich sat next to her and let her rest her head on his shoulder. He held her hand in his with their fingers intertwined together.

By about two in the morning, their little party was officially over.

"I should head home." Yumi said lifting her head, after almost falling asleep right there.

"I'll walk you over." Ulrich and Yumi rose from the bed.

"See ya." Odd said smiling about the fact that the two had finally gotten together.

They waved and walked out the door.

Ulrich had taken Yumi's hand. They didn't care if they were caught, which ironically did not happen.

After safely exiting the front gate, they walked in silence listening to the storm clouds producing in the sky above them.

They made it to Yumi's door where they stopped. Ulrich watched Yumi as she stared at her door for a brief moment before turning her gaze onto Ulrich.

"Uh...thanks...for...uh...walking...me home." She stuttered out. She never wanted the night to end. Ulrich smiled in return.
You should invite him in.
Shutup...I'm getting to that.
Yeah...right.
I was about to...
You need to learn to stop arguing with yourself...you know?

They stood there in silence for a few seconds before they overtook the small space between them slowly.

Ulrich lifted his arms and wrapped them around Yumi's waist, as she slid hers around his neck.

They filled the gap between their faces as their lips met for the first time that night.

No interuption.

No distraction.

They further deepened the kiss, only seperating when their lungs felt compressed by the lack of oxygen. Even though the kiss ended, they stood holding each other for a minute just looking into the other's eyes. Hey, third time's the charm.