Hello! I am so sorry it's been this long, since I've updated. I've been very busy, and I've been doing a lot of thinking on how this date should go. It's very hard for me, because it's really easy to screw this whole date up in my opinion. I'm trying my best to make this go smoothly.

On another note, people have been asking me (fearing the end of this story is near) about any fanfics that are similar to this one. So just to state it to anyone else who's wondering the same, check out Two Worlds One Heart. It's the closest to this one, but different in its own right. I'm actually writing the next chapter for that story right now as well (It's up now). Well let's get this started.

Chapter 26: The Billion Dollar Date

Yumi was in a complete daze that night. She was in and out between the conversations that her friends were having, and she just wanted to be alone at that moment. She didn't know why it bothered her so much. After all, it was either date Zander or be saved by Ulrich. But when a "friend" spends that much money on you, it's a bit (more like very) forward. She had always shrugged it off, but now she was giving serious thought at the possibility that her friend—her boss to make matters worse—could actually be interested in her.

When the charity was coming to an end, Ulrich shook her little in order to snap her out of her thoughts. "Hey, you okay?" he asked.

"Uh, yeah." She nodded and gave him a small smile.

Ulrich smiled back and scratched his head. "Look, I don't want you to feel like you have to go out with me. We're friends and I'm your boss, so I won't be hurt if you just want to go as friends."

"No, no. It's okay. It wouldn't be right if we didn't. It's like you said. All that money you paid and no date wouldn't be right at all."

Ulrich grinned from ear to ear. "Great!" he grabbed her hand in his and looked her in the eyes. "I promise that I'll make this date great for you. Even if we never go on another one, I'd at least like to do that much for you."

Yumi's heart fluttered as her stomach felt like it was doing a Gold-standard gymnastics routine. All she could do was smile at him. If he tried speaking now, she'd just fumble with her words.

"Yo! Yumi! We gotta go." Sam called her. When she saw she was talking to Ulrich, a mischievous smile slowly spread across her face. "Oh, I get it. You're staying here at Ulrich's. Okay. I'll leave."

"Sam!" Yumi yelled as she turned her face from Ulrich's view. "Don't joke like that!" She turned back to Ulrich and said, "I'll see you tomorrow." Ulrich gave her a wave. Yumi then caught up with Sam and glared at her. "Don't say stuff like that, Sam."

"It's not like you don't want to. You have got to tell me how you get your boss to spend a billion dollars on you! That's some impressive talent, Yumes."

"Shoot, I'd like to know too. Honestly I don't think he had to bid that high."

"It's a statement." Sam said as they got into her car. "He wants to make it clear to everyone that you're his."

"Well I'm not his! Well not officially or anything." Yumi mumbled.

Sam laughed. "You're so hopeless. I've never seen you this flustered. This is getting to you isn't it?"

"Well all those times you said he liked me, I never thought much about, but now it's really getting to me."

"We all tried to tell you both you two loved each other. It looks like Ulrich's making his move. I say you go on this date, and see where it leads to."

"But how do I get through this, Sammy? I don't know what to do." Yumi grumbled as she leaned back and sighed.

"First, you need to chill. It's Ulrich! He's not that hard to impress. He obviously loves you the way you are now. So the hard part's over. Any man who knows you as well as he does and decides he wants to be with you is already crazy or blind enough to dismiss any other faults you have as well."

"Well I'm sorry I didn't know I was such a horrible person."

"And yet he still wants to date you. Just keep being your horrible self, and he'll fall for you."

"So you really think that this could work?" Yumi asked.

Sam smirked at her. "Yumi, if Odd and I can make it, anyone can." They both laughed at that remark. Needless to say, Sam had a point there.

IIIIIIIIIIIIIII

When Ulrich had gotten rid of the remaining guests, he shut the door and leaned against it. He took in a deep sigh. His parents were staring at him ready for whatever was about to happen next.

"OH MY GOD. WHAT DID I JUST DO?"

"You just said goodbye to one of the custodians at work." Mr. Stern answered.

"I'm sure that's not what he's talking about, dear." Mrs. Stern replied.

"I got a date with Yumi. How did that happen?" Ulrich asked them, clearly freaking out. "How did this happen!? I was possessed! I had to have been! Who spends a billion dollars on one freaking date!? Who!?"

"Well you just did." Mr. Stern said nonchalantly.

"Again, you're not helping much, dear." His wife muttered.

"Did you see the way she acted. She just shut down! She knows. She knows I like her. Oh crap! I screwed up. I can't do this. It's obvious she doesn't want to go out. No girl who likes you just sits there all quiet like that!"

"Son, she's just a bit shocked." Mr. Stern said trying to calm his son down.

"A bit my foot! She was way beyond, 'a bit' shocked. She was completely, insanely, "Oh my God I know he just didn't do that" shocked! That's what she was!" Ulrich yelled. "And did you hear what I said? Since when did I ever say stuff like that?" Then in a mock-tone he said, "'You don't have to thank me. Just make sure you're worth every penny. And I think we're due for a date. We can make a whole day out of it. I mean I really wanna make sure I get my money's worth.' Since when did I ever say stuff like that without making a complete and utter fool of myself? I'm telling you, I was possessed. Cupid just came down and possessed me and made me sound like I was Casanova himself! I was freaking Don Juan! But when the date starts, all of that is going right out of the freaking window!"

"Ulrich, calm down. You're overreacting." His mother said as she pushed him down onto the sofa and sat next to him. "Granted, that you were a bit of a smooth talker there, you're still your charming self. Yumi will (and does) love you. Just take it easy."

"Yeah. I was scared out of my mind when I dated your mother. Of course I thought her dad was gonna kill me, but that's a different story. Her father isn't violent is he?"

"No, but he's eccentric. Yumi probably thinks that this is a date just for the sake of one. I mean it is a forced date. And seeing as I pretty much had no choice but to bid so she didn't date Zander, it's not like she knows I did this because I love her."

"Then you have to make the most of this date, Ulrich. Woo her." Mr. Stern advised.

Ulrich chuckled. "Woo's a funny word." His parents gave him peculiar looks. "Well it is! And how am I supposed to . . . woo her?"

"Just take her on the most romantic date ever." Mrs. Stern answered. "You don't have to be intimate with her. Just make her see how wonderful a guy you really are. Make it almost impossible for her to say no. You got a week to make this date the best date ever. And Ulrich, I guarantee if you do this one thing, everything will fall go into place." Mrs. Stern stated matter of factly.

"When you two start the date, tell her that you're nervous."

"How's that supposed to help?"

"If you tell her that, she'll open up a lot. Chicks dig vulnerable guys."

"Okay. I see your point. Oh, and mom."

"Yes?"

"Don't ever say chicks when referring to girls ever again. It just sounds weird coming from you.

Mrs. Stern rolled her eyes. "Whatever."

LLLLLLLLLLLLLLL

The only thing unbearable about going on your first date with the one you love is the wait. There's not doubt about that. You sit there thinking about what you'll do; what you'll wear, what you date will wear; will your hair be alright; will it rain; will your parents or friends make a fool of you before the date even starts; will you make a fool of yourself on the date; and of course will you and your date hit it off?

Well that may seem like the most unbearable thing, but Ulrich and Yumi would beg to differ. The most unbearable thing about the first date with the one you love is what to say to them before it's time for the date. Add in the fact that the guy paid a billion dollars for the date, and the girl really didn't have a say in the matter, and let's not forget the fact that they guy and girl are boss and employee, it's a complete and utter Hell.

This is how Ulrich and Yumi felt for that next week.

MONDAY

Ulrich showed up to work early and didn't even come out of his office (he skipped lunch), and Yumi didn't bother to talk to him until she had to ask him a question about one of the branches in the company. When the end of the day came, they said their goodbyes and went their separate ways.

TUESDAY

Yumi showed up first so Ulrich came into the office and just gave her a smile and a hello. He stayed in his office and skipped lunch again . . . Ulrich was sure his stomach was growling so loud that even the receptionist on the first floor could hear it and they were on the top floor. Yumi left before he did, and when Ulrich stepped out of his office, he saw a little doggy bag with a sandwich inside for him. There was a note under it that read, "Meat to soothe the savage beast." Ulrich chuckled and practically ate the sandwich in one bite.

WEDNESDAY

They both ended up entering the building at the same time (they even parked next to each other) which meant that they ended up taking the elevator together . . . alone. It takes a few minutes to reach the top floor, mind you.

"So . . . how are you?" Ulrich asked trying to make polite conversation.

"I'm good, and you?"

"Great."

Silence

"I finished going over the staff list, and we'll be able to hire more employees to the Creative Department." Yumi informed.

"That's good." Ulrich nodded in approval.

Silence . . .

"I finished my next novel. I'd like for you to go over it." Ulrich stated.

"I'd be delighted."

Silence . . .

. . .

"Look, can we talk?" they both asked at the same time. But at that moment, the elevator doors opened a few floors before their stop, and they were no longer alone. They both frowned and made room, somehow ending up on opposite sides of the elevator.

When they finally got to their floor they walked down the hallway (or aisle ;) ) and into the office.

Yumi took her seat at her desk, and Ulrich proceeded to enter his office, and that was the end of their conversation (Ulrich brought a lunch home).

THURSDAY

Yumi entered the office first and didn't realize that she was alone until lunch break came. She wondered where Ulrich was, and she even called him but he didn't pick up. She checked the office, and he really wasn't there. It was then that she remembered that Ulrich had a meeting today, and that's why he wasn't here.

FRIDAY

It's was the day before their stupid date, and neither one of them was talking to each other. What in the heck is up with that!? This is what Ulrich and Yumi were now thinking about. The fact that this date seemed to have completely killed their friendship without some much of a fight even occurring was now starting to get to them.

When Yumi entered the office, she saw Ulrich sitting on the sofa, reading a book. "Hi, Ulrich."

"Hello, Yumi."

"Can we talk?" they both asked at the same time. They both laughed. Yumi sat down next to Ulrich.

"You first." She said.

"It's about the date."

"That's actually what I wanted to talk to you about." Yumi stated.

"Oh, you're cancelling it?" Ulrich asked, frowning.

"No, I just thought that we needed to talk about it . . . Are you cancelling it?"

"No, I spent way too much money to do that." Ulrich joked. Yumi laughed. "It's just that it seems like it's made things a bit . . . uncomfortable for us. I didn't like that."

"Me too! It's been bugging me that we haven't really talked that much this whole week."

"Right. I don't want this date to ruin our friendship or anything. Let's just have fun with it."

"I'd love that."

"I mean, this is something to get nervous about. But I don't want that to ruin this." Ulrich stated looking Yumi in the eye.

"You mean you're nervous?" Yumi asked. Ulrich nodded. "Wow, I mean, I thought it was just me." Yumi said, feeling relieved. Ulrich smiled.

"Look, if this doesn't work out (God forbid) we can still be friends. I mean we're only going on the date because I had to save you from Zander."

Yumi felt a pang of disappointment. It sounded like he was sucking all of the romance out of this date. She then realized that at the end of the day, that was all it was. Ulrich did spend a lot of money for this date, but it was just to stop Zander. How could she be so stupid to think there was more to it?

"Yeah, it's not like you said you loved me and then asked me out." Yumi said, giving him a half-hearted smile.

"I didn't. But who knows, Yumes. Maybe on this date we could realize how . . . compatible we are."

"What, you mean we'll fall in love because of this date?"

"It's possible. Stranger things have happened. It wouldn't be so bad, would it?" Ulrich replied. Yumi shook her head.

"Who knows? Maybe we already love each other but we've been too dumb to realize it." Yumi stated.

"I'm sure we'd know if we were in love." Ulrich said. "But maybe, we wouldn't know that it was mutual."

"So then we'd never show our true feelings, and just go on with our lives." Yumi concluded. Ulrich and Yumi sat there staring at each other.

"Well, it's all in speculation." Ulrich stated as he stood up. "That'd make for a great story though." Ulrich said.

"It would. Maybe you should write that. It'd be way better than your crappy novels."

"Crappy? You said they were great. Liar."

"I'm your secretary. I'm supposed to kiss-up to you. That's how I get a raise."

"Well seeing as I've spent a billion dollars on you, you won't be getting a raise for a long time."

"I'll just have to make this date so unforgettable, you'll be handing over the company to me." Yumi teased.

"That's horrible! Sleeping your way to the top is a very immoral thing."

"But it's not really that though. Cause normally you have to go through several people. I'm just saving time and going for the big cheese right now."

"That's all I am to you? Cheese?" Ulrich frowned. "I thought I meant something to you. You used me!" he said in feigned sadness.

"Get over it. At least I didn't try to marry you for the company."

"That's because that's not your style. You would find some sneaky way to trick me out of my company and all of my money." Ulrich said.

"I would." Yumi agreed.

"Devil." Yumi just stuck her tongue out at him and winked.

SATUDAY! THE DATE! THEY'RE FINALLY GOING ON A DATE! OH YEAH!

Yumi woke up with a yawn as she slowly got out of bed. She could smell eggs and sausage from the kitchen. Since when did Sam cook? Maybe she could because it was her big date with Ulrich. Yumi decided to investigate. She exited her room and walked into the kitchen to find Sam and Ulrich laughing. Ulrich was the stove, cooking, and Sam was drinking her coffee at the table.

"Ulrich? Wh-what are you doing here?" Yumi asked.

"I told you. I deserve the whole day with you. So our date officially starts now. You might wanna put some clothes on." Ulrich said blushing as he turned away from her. Yumi realized that all she had on was her underwear and a T-shirt.

"I-It's hot in this darn building!" Yumi said.

"I didn't need a reason. Just go and get dressed. Or not, I'll be okay."

Sam laughed. "Yeah, just stay in your underwear, Yumes. Ulrich will never leave you then."

"Baka!" Yumi yelled to nobody in particular. She hurried and got dressed. Upon returning, Yumi saw that Ulrich had set the table and fixed her plate.

"I'm not the best cook. But I thought this would be better than nothing." Ulrich said.

"It's good." Sam with a mouthful of waffles.

"Hey, when did Odd get here?" Yumi teased.

"That's a complete insult." Sam grumbled. "I'll eat in the living room. You two enjoy your alone time. If you wanna get comfortable the beds just across the hallway." Sam said on her way out.

Ulrich and Yumi enjoyed a nice breakfast as they talked and teased each other. It was a very heartfelt thing for Ulrich to do, and she was very impressed. She would've never thought about this being a part of the date.

When they finished, Yumi insisted to do the dishes, and Ulrich dried them. "I can hear Aelita already." Ulrich said. "One day you two will get married. And then you'll eat breakfast together, and then you two could wash and dry the dishes together. And then Yumi would probably clean your face because you got bacon crumbs all over your mouth." Yumi laughed. "She would say that. The girl daydreams too much."

"She wouldn't be sweet and adorable Aelita if she didn't."

"Too true. So what next?"

"I've decided that this date is going to be completely free. I'm not paying for anything, and neither are you. I figure we can spend our free time freely, and have a date that free as well. So don't expect any fancy pants business going on."

"Cheapskate."

Ulrich ruffled her hair. "A billion dollars, my dear. A billion dollars. We shall now take a walk through your ever beloved Serenity Garden."

When they finally got there, Yumi ran out of the car and fell onto the grassy field. Ulrich walked over and stood right over her.

"Why are you on the ground?" he asked.

"I'm taking in nature. It's been a while since I've been here. This grass is soft by the way."

"It is?" Ulrich laid down next to her. "Yeah it is. It's very lush."

"Yumi?" a voice called out.

"Mrs. Hattie!" Yumi chirped. She stood up and gave the elderly woman a hug. Ulrich followed her.

"Hello Mrs. Hattie." Ulrich said.

"Oh, you're Ulrich. So are you two on another non-date?"

"Actually," Yumi began, but Ulrich suddenly wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her close to him.

"We're together now. We're on our first date."

"Oh how wonderful." Mrs. Hattie said as she clasped her hands together. "I'm sure you two will make a fine couple."

"Well, we're not officially together." Yumi said as she finally managed to release herself from Ulrich's grasp. But this is our first date."

"I'm just being hopeful." Ulrich replied. "This could lead to something, right Mrs. Hattie."

"I'm sure it will. And when it does, I'd like an invite to your wedding." The young couple blushed.

"You're such a tease, Mrs. Hattie." Yumi responded.

"Well I'll leave you two to your date." The elderly woman gave them a wave and went on her way.

"We'll be sure to give you an invite!" Ulrich called after her. Yumi elbowed him in the gut. "Will not be domestically abused by you."

"Wimp. Like that hurt you." Yumi said as she took a fighting stance.

"Oh, so you want to fight? Well I'll be sure to go easy on you. I don't want to hurt my blushing bride."

Their spar lasted for quite a while. Neither one was showing weakness. It was when Ulrich was about to deliver a bicycle kick when a soccer ball hit him in the back of the hand and caused him to lose form and fall to the ground. Yumi quickly jumped on top of him.

"Ha! I win!" she declared.

"No fair! I got attacked from behind. And it wasn't from you." With Yumi still on top of him, Ulrich stood up, causing the woman to grab onto him as him he were giving her a piggy back ride. A few kids approached them, and apologized for kicking the ball at Ulrich. Ulrich just shrugged it off and let them on their way.

"Such cute kids." Yumi commented.

"Let's have one." Ulrich blurted out.

"Let's have ten." Yumi said, catching Ulrich off guard.

"Uh, if you think you can handle that many." Ulrich finally said.

"So if we're on a free date, what are we going to do for lunch?" Yumi asked.

"I have already selected the perfect spot for a picnic. And according to my watch we should be on our way right now."

"Where is it?"

"My place of the peace. To the forest!" Ulrich said with a finger in the air. He then charged off, but Yumi caught up to him and jumped onto his back. "What're you doing?"

"You're going to give me a piggy back ride. It's your punishment for getting beat by a girl."

"It still shouldn't count." Ulrich muttered under his breath as he obliged and went to the car.

When they finally got there Ulrich opened the trunk and pulled out a picnic basket and a cooler filled with drinks.

"I wasn't sure what you'd be in the mood for, so I got several drinks." Ulrich explained. Yumi helped him set up, and soon they were enjoying a nice lunch in the forest.

"I fill like singing The Hills Are Alive with the Sound of Music." Yumi finally said.

"I'd love to see you butcher that song."

"I can sing." Yumi said defiantly.

"You're okay." Ulrich retorted.

"It's not like you're any good."

"I have the voice of a rock star." Ulrich declared.

"Yes you do. You just scream out your words as if the song was a screamo."

"And your excuse for screaming is trying to sound like Whitney Houston and horribly failing at it."

"Okay, so neither one of us is going to win American Idol." Yumi concluded.

"Hey, Yumi, look over there!" Ulrich pointed towards a group of foxes. It consisted of two adult foxes and several small baby foxes (are they called pups as well? I don't know).

"They're so cute." Yumi cooed. She gasped. "Hey, are the two adult foxes the ones we saw last time?" Ulrich nodded.

"I'm sure they are. They're a family now."

Yumi smiled at them. "Is this the part where you make some snide remark about us having a family?"

"If you want me to?" Ulrich replied. Yumi pushed Ulrich over, and he pushed her back.

"How dare you push me." Yumi said. She then pushed him again and ran into the forest with Ulrich chasing after her. Ulrich ran into the forest looking for Yumi when she suddenly jumped out at him from behind the tree she was hiding.

"Boo!"

"Oh, hey, Yumi." Ulrich said nonchalantly.

"You're supposed to get scared."

"I'm a man. I don't get scared."

"I bet you wetted your pants when William pulled that gun out."

"Now that's different. That's a matter of life and death."

"You don't think I would kill you?"

"Not without proper cause."

"Exactly. We'll get married, and then I'll kill you for the insurance money and for the business."

"You're worse than Emily! Shoot I should've just taken my chances with her." Ulrich remarked.

"Yep. Sucks for you."

"So, Yumi. We still got some time before the party at my house. What would you like to do until then?"

"Let's go see the others."

"On our date?"

"This could be Aelita's chance to go on a short mini-triple date."

"Okay then. We'll call them, and we can hang out with them at the mall. Oh! We should invite Momo and Sissi too. You know they're going out now?" Ulrich suggested.

"Yeah, they've both yelled at me at about it. In fact, they've been going almost every day since the auction."

"They sure do work fast." Ulrich stated.

"Yeah well, things wouldn't be awkward for them. I mean, they weren't best friends or anything like that."

"Lucky. They didn't have much to lose."

"You're right. Things could end up badly for us." Yumi stated. "Of course it doesn't have to end that way, but it can."

"Yeah, plus we aren't really dating officially. Unless you want to." Ulrich smirked. Yumi blushed. She didn't realize that she was putting her and Ulrich in the same category as Momo and Sissi who were now an item.

"Let's see how the rest of the date plays out." Yumi said as she thanked God that Sam picked up just before Ulrich could tease her some more.

When Yumi and Ulrich finally made it to the meeting spot, the other three couples were already there.

"Hey! It's the new couple! You know the rules. You gotta pay for our meals tonight." Odd joked.

"First off, we're not a couple, and secondly, Ulrich's being a cheapskate and hasn't paid for single thing since this date started." Yumi replied.

"Wow, Ulrich, I didn't know you were so cheap." Sissi remarked. "No wonder the other girls left you."

"It's not like it hasn't been fun." Ulrich said. "And why do you have to pay for stuff? You can have a lot of fun for free."

"Yeah, all you need is a bed." Odd joked.

"Odd!" Sam admonished. "You can use the sofa too."

"You two really were made for each other." Jeremie said as he shook his head. "You're both so dirty."

"And you and Aelita are so clean and innocent." Momo pointed out.

"So what does that make you and Sissi?" Yumi asked.

"They're in the middle, leaning towards dirty." Aelita said.

"How so?" Sissi asked.

Aelita shrugged. "I dunno. You two are already making out like there's no tomorrow. Of course that makes Yumi and Ulrich leaning on the clean side."

"Yeah, but there's too much sexual tension between the two. Is it really safe to put them in that category?"

"S-sexual tension! What are you talking about!?" Ulrich roared.

"Sissi's right." Momo nodded in agreement. "It's too soon to tell."

"We're not even dating." Yumi said.

"Then what's today been for?" Jeremie asked.

" . . . date." Yumi mumbled.

"One that was mandatory." Ulrich pointed out.

"Like it won't lead to anything." Sam said. "You two will go out again. I guarantee it."

"Can we at least get through this date first before you all have us married?" Ulrich asked.

"We're all gonna miss teasing you two about getting together."

"We're not together yet!" Yumi yelled.

"Okay, guys. Let's leave them alone. I want to go out on my first . . . QUADRUPLE DATE!" Aelita yelled. "Now! What should we do first?"

"Let's eat!" Odd said.

"But we already ate." Ulrich said.

"We went on a picnic." Yumi added. "And don't you get started up!" she warned them.

"I'm so jealous. We never went on a picnic." Sam pouted.

"But you said you hated picnics, remember? You didn't like the idea of eating on the ground." Odd said.

"Well I change my mind. I want a picnic, and soon."

"Jealous." Ulrich bragged.

"Why are you taking your non-girlfriend on picnics anyways?" Odd glared at the brunette.

"Cause it's free." Ulrich smirked.

"Oh, you think you're so smart, huh?"

"I'm smarter than you."

"I'm smarter than both of you." Jeremie said. "And I'm married." Odd and Ulrich stared at Jeremie in disbelief.

"Wow . . . he got us both." Ulrich said in surprise.

"Well it was only a matter of time." Jeremie beamed. "And as the victor, I say we go to the Science Museum."

"The museum?" Odd whined.

"Jeremie's only married because Aelita was too nice to dump him." Ulrich declared.

"It's free." Aelita said, backing up her man.

"I'm in!" Ulrich said, raising his hand.

"The Museum does have things that we can do. Like the Moonwalk System."

"I wanna do the moonwalk!" Odd yelled. He then tried to the dance move, and failed horribly.

"Sam, I just want to let you know that I think so admirable of you that you're marrying an idiot." Sissi said. "Not many people do, and it's wonderful to see that someone is willing to look past those mental issues."

"If you feel so strongly about it, why don't you marry him?" Sam shot back.

"Well who's gonna be with me?" Momo frowned.

"You can have Yumi, and I'll take Sam." Ulrich said. "I always wanted to date a black girl anyways." Ulrich said as he put his arm around Sam.

"I always wanted to date a rich, white man." Sam said as she laid her head on Ulrich's shoulder.

"Since when was this about race or class?"

"This isn't class." Ulrich said. "I'm just trying to enjoy the benefits of a black woman's body."

"And I'm just dating him for his money . . . What about my body?"

"I'll give you a billion bucks for a date." Ulrich offered.

"Sold!"

"I do have a lot to offer you know." Yumi said.

"I don't wanna marry Odd! I'm very judgmental, and I'm allergic to stupidity!"

"Dating a black girl is awesome, Ulrich." Odd said. "Which is why I can't let you have Sam. Once you go to chocolate, you can't ever go back. And I love chocolate!"

"So are we going to the museum or what?" Aelita asked. Everyone agreed.

"Sam, this way to the car." Ulrich said as he grabbed Sam's hand and went to the car.

"I'll blow it up." Yumi threatened.

"Ghosh, we aren't even going out, and she's already obsessed with me." Ulrich said. "I'll never forget you, Sam, and all the wonderful times we had."

"I still want your money." Sam said.

After spending time in the museum (and keeping Odd from touching everything), they all went their separate ways to prepare for the party. Ulrich dropped Yumi and Sam ("I had a wonderful date, Sam.") off at her apartment, and left to prepare as well.

"So, how's the date been going so far?" Sam asked before they even closed the door.

"It was great." Yumi answered. "But honestly, it still feels like we're just being friends around each other."

"Well that's probably because he didn't want to seem too forward."

"That's possible. He's been flirting with me and lot more. No kisses whatsoever."

"You were expecting one?"

"A peck on the cheek, maybe. Or at least on the hand. But he's been romantic in his own way. Honestly, I could do this everyday."

"Awwww! You are so in love!" Sam gushed. She grabbed her friend into a squeeze. "Soon we'll all be married!"

"One step at a time, Sam."

"Why don't you go for it?" Sam asked.

"Go for what?"

Sam frowned at her. "Why don't you try and kiss him? Tell him you want to date him! Tell him you love him."

"Maybe I should. You think he feels the same way?"

"Of course he does. He took you on a freaking picnic! At least be more open to him. You're so conservative; I bet you hardly did any flirting yourself. Who knows? If you do that, he might just take the hint and go for it himself."

"I guess I'm still a bit nervous over the idea of dating my boss."

"Get over it! You've proved yourself enough already. I really don't think you have to worry about it that much. I mean there have been a few magazines that mentioned how Ulrich put so much money on you for this date, but the criticism as been small. And you're tough. You can handle it. And just know that we're all behind you two." Sam said.

Yumi hugged her. "You and Aelita are such great friends. I don't know what I'd do without you two."

"Well, let's get you looking sexy, so Ulrich won't even know what to do with you."

"I guess you're leaving it up to me to show him what to do?"

"You got it." Sam said. So the girls got ready for the party, and soon they were on their way.

Ulrich was already dressed and had everything ready for the party. Guests were now entering, and Ulrich couldn't help but feel nervous. It felt suffocating to him. Everything went right with the date so far, but he had no idea how tonight would go. And the very reason that had him agitated walked through the door.

"Why, Hello, Ulrich." Zander greeted.

"Hi, Zander. No hard feelings about me and Yumi, are there?"

Zander's smile faltered. "Why, of course not. It was just friendly competition. I hope you two don't end up alone and heartbroken. Yumi can be such a downer sometimes."

"Only when jackasses are around."

"Then you have a lot to worry about."

"Well in the end, I'll still have my company. So while neither of us won't get the girl, I'll still feel good about coming better than you." Ulrich said as he patted him on the shoulder and went to greet the other guests.

The others began arriving, the first two being Sissi and Momo. Then Jeremie and Aelita arrived. Finally, Yumi, Sam, and Odd arrived.

"You're gonna love her, pal." Sam whispered as she gave him a hug. Ulrich was stunned. Yumi had put waves through her hair, and let it flow down her back. She was wearing a deep red dress than showed off her curves. Red is definitely her color, Ulrich thought.

"Yumi." Ulrich gasped. "You're sexy—I'm mean beautiful."

Yumi smirked. "Thanks, Ulrich. You're sexy too." Ulrich let out a nervous laugh.

"Why are you so stiff?" she asked. "Loosen up."

"You're right. I don't know why, but I'm getting nervous all over again." Ulrich admitted.

"Why don't we go and get something to eat?"

"S-sure." Ulrich nodded. They sat down, and the waiter brought them something to eat.

"Ulrich, I wanted to tell you that I've enjoyed our date. It was fun and romantic."

"I loved it too."

"Hi, Yumi!" Mrs. Stern said as she and her husband passed by their table.

"Hello Mr. and Mrs. Stern." Yumi greeted.

"So how's the date so far?" Mr. Stern asked.

"It's lovely." Yumi answered.

"Good job, son." Mr. Stern turned to his wife. "We might be getting a daughter-in-law soon after all."

"I sure hope so. I do want grandkids, Ulrich."

"I can always adopt." Ulrich joked.

"That'd be okay, but try first."

"Of course, that's after the marriage." Mr. Stern added.

"Well it's okay, we've been practicing already." Ulrich said, knowing that would send them off.

"Well! On that note, I think we'll leave you two alone."

"And no more practicing." Mrs. Stern said in a mock serious tone.

"And just how much practice can two virgins do?" Yumi asked.

"I dunno. I always wanted to get to the honey moon, just so I could tell my wife, 'That's the best I've ever had!'"

"Well that's sweet." Yumi said.

"Well only you could appreciate it."

"I would. And then I'd tell you, 'Well you were the worst I've ever had.'"

"Wow, our marriage is already on the rocks."

"Nope. More like buried under the rocks."

"But seriously, if we got together, do you think we could work?"

"There's a chance." Yumi said ambiguously.

"I think we got a chance." Ulrich said, not backing down.

Yumi's heartbeat increased. "What makes you think that?"

"We both get each other. And I for one, love spending time with you. You're really beautiful, and I, I want to be with you." Ulrich said as he grabbed Yumi's hand. "I'd be so happy if you went out with me, Yumi."

Yumi want to jump across the table and furiously kiss Ulrich right then and there. But something told her that would be vastly inappropriate. And yet, there was this voice telling her to just cut her losses. She'd been hurt so many times, she just didn't know if she could go through it again. And she knew it would be so much worse if Ulrich broke her heart. She wouldn't be able to handle it. And everyone was telling her that he was the one for her. But what if they were wrong? At one time, even Sam and Aelita thought Zander was right for her. And that turned out horrible. Could things go just as bad for her and Yumi? She wanted to explore these feelings with Ulrich, but she didn't want to give up what they had already. She never felt it with any other man, but she was actually scared at what Ulrich could do to her if they ever fell apart.

"Are you sure?" she finally said.

Ulrich was a bit confused. "Yes, I'm sure. I wouldn't have asked if I wasn't."

"What if we broke up? You'd have to fire me for sure."

"Well . . . I can't deny that it might end up happening. Even if I didn't, things would be strained. I'd like to think that we're too close to let that ruin our friendship, though. Honestly, I don't really see us ever really breaking up. I think we can go all the way."

"People get divorced."

Ulrich frowned. "I'm not the kind of person who marries with divorce in mind. I'm sure you aren't either."

"Who does though? Things happen, Ulrich."

"Things won't be happening if you don't ever take chance."

"How many chances have taken Ulrich? And they've all failed, right? I've taken chances myself—maybe not as many as you—but I don't want to go through another failed relationship."

Ulrich was crestfallen. "Y-you think we're a failed relationship? We haven't even had a relationship! Why don't you want this? We can't be together just because we're boss and employee?"

"That's only part of it. People like us don't do well in relationships. We never have before."

"That's past relationships. You've never date me, and I've never dated you until today. What didn't work with the others can work between us."

"I just don't want things to go wrong."

"Yumi, please give it some thought. Why does it have to end badly? It can't end well? You don't have faith in us?"

"I just don't want to hurt anymore."

"You're hurting me, right now." Ulrich pleaded. Yumi felt a jolt of pain through her chest.

"I don't want to hurt you."

"Then be with me." Yumi sat there in silence. Ulrich stood up from his seat and grabbed Yumi's hand pulled her to her feet.

"Ulrich, what are you doing?" Yumi asked.

Ulrich led her out of the party, and went up the stairs. Yumi realized they were going to his room.

When they got there, Ulrich went to his dresser and pulled out a photo album.

"You see what the cover reads? Ulrich's Broken Hearts. I know what it feels to be crushed more than anyone." Ulrich flipped through the pages that showed all of the girls Ulrich ever been with.

"I wanted to be with them forever. But they used me. They lied to me. Cheated on me; broke me into pieces. Am I a fool, Yumi? Am I a fool for being betrayed so much?" Ulrich's voice cracked. "I want to get married and have lots of kids. I want to grow old with my wife and I'd love it so much if we could just die in each other's arms. That's way it's supposed to be. And I know I'm never going to have that if I don't put my heart, body, and soul on the line. If you don't put all of that into it, if you're not willing to hurt, you'll never be with anyone. That's the reason I try so much. And now I'm trying with you. I don't care if you break my heart, so long as I know I tried. It's like I said when we met, Yumi. We're both inexperienced at this-obviously—but that will make us closer, and we'll figure it out as we go along."

Yumi chuckled. "When you said that, you were talking about me being your secretary."

"I know, but it fits here too. It did sound like I was proposing to you too."

"You mentioned that. You better not say this if you ever do."

"I'll be more original as long as you stop being so doubtful. So will you go out with me, or are you going to break my heart?"

Yumi could only smile at him. "I'd never hurt you, Ulrich."

"And I'd never hurt you, too. I love you."

Yumi's eyes sparkled at those words. "I love you too."

"Then let me kiss you." Ulrich wishpered as he leaned forward. Yumi leaned forward and finally their lips touched. It was warm and beautiful. Ulrich wrapped his arms around her waist, and pulled her closer to him as Yumi tangled her fingers into her hair. When they finally broke for air, Ulrich kissed her forehead.

"I'll get broken by women a million times over if it means that I'll meet my goddess who'll put me back together."

"Am I your goddess?" Yumi asked as she rested her head on his chest.

"You tell me."

"Well if you cut the cheesy lines, I'd be willing to fill in the role. I'm still not entirely sure."

"I'll fire you."

"Then as your goddess, I'll damn you."

"Okay. Nuff said." Ulrich said as he kissed her again.

And that really is enough said. I've finished! They're together! Yes! Finally! I have no idea what's going to happen next chapter, so revel in this for a while as I go back to the drawing board. Happy Halloween!