So here is the next chapter. Sorry it took so long to update. I got a small case of writers block. And plus I had to deal with my little sister's sleep over birthday party (GRRRRRRRRR!). They had a water balloon fight. Guess who had to fill them up in the first place! ME!

Anyway, enough rambling. Here is the next chapter, and I want some reviews this time! Not that I didnt get any last time (thanks to all who reviewed the last chapter), but I want MORE!

Chapter 3: The Question

"Hey there, handsome!" said Yumi as she placed her arms around Ulrich's shoulder, startling him. I can't believe I just snuck up on Ulrich. thought Yumi, while repressing a giggle. "You wanted to see me?"

Ulrich had nearly flipped Yumi over his shoulder when her hands just seemed to reach down out of the sky. Realizing who it was behind him, Ulrich relaxed for a split second. Her hands are draped over my shoulders. I can't believe she hasn't taken them away. Not that I mind…Ulrich was debating in his head whether to just ask Yumi now and get it over with, or if he should wait. I think I'll wait. decided Ulrich as Yumi squeezed his neck and hopped over the bench to sit next to him, arms still around his shoulders.

"Hey Yumi. Ya, I did want to meet you today. Is that a problem?" asked Ulrich playfully as he nudged her with his shoulders.

"Of course not! I was just wondering why you wanted to see me. And so early too!"

"It's not that early. We'd all be up for school and in first period by now during the week. And besides, I wanted us to be alone. Today would be great if Sissi couldn't find us for at least a half an hour, don't ya think?" Ulrich smiled.

Why does he have to smile so much? thought Yumi as she readjusted her arms so only one arm was draped across Ulrich. His smile is so…intoxicating. thought Yumi as she readjusted her arms so only one arm was draped across Ulrich. "That would be nice. So where do you wanna go?"

"I was thinking the town park for a while. The one at the school is so…visible." Ulrich slipped Yumi a sly smile. "And I have something special planned there too."

"Well then, my Prince Charming, let's go." At these words, both Yumi and Ulrich blushed, but for different reasons. Ulrich stood up in a hurry and turned away, seemingly scanning the campus for anyone else. Yumi just plain blushed, as she was remembering her dream.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

After a leisurely stroll through the deserted town streets, Yumi and Ulrich found themselves sitting on another bench in the town park, rather than five feet away from the school vending machines. A slight breeze ruffled the branches of a tree above the two, casting dappled sunlit shadows. Looking around, Ulrich thought it was very romantic. The perfect spot for what I'm about to ask her.

"This is a nice place, but a little cold." said Yumi as she rubbed her shoulders and shivered. Ulrich thought of offering Yumi his jacket but then had a better idea.

With a small smile at his own cleverness, Ulrich patted the bench next to him and said "If you sit next to me, we can both be warmer." Yumi was a little surprised at his bold actions but nonetheless sat down next to Ulrich and pushed a little closer than normal. Now both Yumi and Ulrich were blushing.

"So…How are your parents, Yumi?" asked Ulrich, innocently enough.

With a sigh, Yumi launched into an explanation of how her parents had been fighting more than usual and how she wished it would just stop. "And the worst part is, when they fight, Hiroki really just can't take it. He's only eight! I really wish they would just stop." A tear found its way down Yumi's cheek.

Ulrich listened on and upon seeing Yumi's tear, he made another daring move. Ulrich wrapped his arm around Yumi's shoulders and pulled her closer into a hug. Yumi was a bit shocked, to say the least, but gave in to his ministrations.

"Thanks Ulrich…" mumbled Yumi from Ulrich's shoulder. Yumi snuggled closer to Ulrich and wrapped her arms around his waist in a larger hug than before. "You're the best friend I could ever want."

Ulrich looked down at Yumi as she said these words and stopped stroking her hair. Tilting Yumi's chin upwards so as to look her in the eye, Ulrich made an even more shocking move and leaned forward and kissed Yumi on the lips.

It was a soft yet rough kiss, full of passion and longing. As the kiss deepened, Yumi sat up straighter and Ulrich placed his hands on Yumi's waist. Finally breaking apart for lack of air, Ulrich looked at Yumi's face. It was flushed from lack of air and also from a fierce blush that was spreading across Yumi's cheeks like wildfire. Her lips were moist and lush from Ulrich's small nibbles and attentions.

Taking Yumi's hand in his own, Ulrich asked the unthinkable. "Yumi, would you like me to be more than a friend to you? I know I would."

Yumi looked straight into Ulrich's eyes and looked deep. They were like pools of warmth and caring, centered only on her. Can it really be true?… thought Yumi as she stared even longer at the chocolate brown eyes that were brimming with concern, nervousness, longing, and passion all at the same time.

Ulrich continued his stumbling through asking her out. "If you don't that's fine, but I really want to and what I guess I'm trying to say is that I like you, maybe even love you, and really want to be with you, and…"

Yumi reached up and placed two fingers over Ulrich's still moving lips, silencing him. Yumi smiled, a sly and seductive smile. "I thought you would never ask." Brushing her hair back, Yumi leaned in for another sweet kiss.

Sorry for it being so short, but there it is. Make sure and review. Flames are accepted, but please restrict it to constructive criticism, THANK YOU. Tired now. It's like 2:15 over here. G'night!