Hello all! I've finished my finals so I've got more free time for a while. I say a while because I'm doing grant work at my school for the summer so I won't be totally lazy this summer.

Anyways let's get this show on the road!

Chapter 28: A Dream Forgotten

It had been a month since Ulrich and Yumi started dating, and they were getting closer every day. Things were going great, and the lovable couple couldn't be any happier. It seemed that the future would be bright for them now that they had the blessing from both sets of parents. When the Ishiyamas found out about them, Mr. Ishiyama was ecstatic to say the least.

"You're dating your boss?" Mrs. Ishiyama said. "You can do that?"

"Well it's frowned upon, but people will just have to frown away. It's not like Ulrich or I care really; he is the boss after all." Yumi explained.

"So you're dating a billionaire?!" Mr. Ishiyama practically yelled.

"That's multi-billionaire." Yumi smirked. She could hear her father's shout of celebration through the phone. He sounded like a high school cheerleader.

"My daughter's dating a multi-billionaire!" he yelled throughout the house. He was jumping up and down and even ran into Hiroki's room to tell him the good news.

"Is dad gonna be alright?" Yumi asked her mother.

"I don't think he's been right in the head since you introduced us to Ulrich. So is he there? I would like to talk to him."

"Yeah, he's right here." Yumi said as she handed Ulrich the phone.

"Hello, Mrs. Ishiyama." Ulrich said.

"Why, hello, Ulrich, right?"

"Yes, that's my name."

"Seeing as my Yumi's not the only one in love with you," Mrs. Ishiyama said as she glanced at her husband who was now trying to do a cartwheel ("Hiroki, help me, I don't think I got my balance.") "I think I should at least talk to you about your intentions with Yumi. Now I know she's a grown woman and all, but just to assure the heart of a poor, old, weary woman, you do intend to take this relationship somewhere, right?"

"Of course, Mrs. Ishiyama. I care about Yumi deeply. I love her."

"That's very reassuring, and you do seem like a nice guy. But tell me, she really isn't just going to be some trophy wife or anything, is she?"

"No ma'am. There's no one else. And there never will be."

"I suppose that's all I can really do is ask you. My husband wants to talk to you."

"Ulrich! How ya doin' there?" Mr. Ishiyama chirped.

"I'm doing fine sir."

"Sir? So formal! You got great manners, kid. Call me dad—in fact, call me Tou-san!"

"Tou-san?" Ulrich said trying to hide his laugh. Yumi rolled her eyes when she heard that.

"Yes, why not? You two are gonna get married any day now, right? Right?" Mr. Ishiyama asked rather threateningly.

"Right."

"Then what're you waiting for. You've got my blessing, son. Go on and get hitched!"

"Wait, right now?"

"Why not?"

"Well don't you wanna see your daughter get married?"

"Oh who cares about weddings; get married, she's not getting any younger."

"Well I don't think she'll want to do that."

"But you do, right?"

"Uh, well, eventually." Ulrich looked at Yumi and thanked God she couldn't hear what her father was asking him. "I do."

"See, you already got the words down."

"Well I would be flattered if you were there on the big day . . . tou-san."

"Okay. You've got me there. You just send us an invitation as soon as possible. Now let me talk to the future Mrs. Stern."

"Hi, Dad."

"Mrs. Stern, how's it going?"

"Dad!" Yumi blushed. "Don't say things like that."

"Why not? You love the guy; he loves you, and he's rich. What more do you need?"

"How about time, Dad. You ever heard of a crazy concept called waiting and taking it slow."

"But I can't wait that long." Her father whined. "Get married already."

"Well that's not really my call."

"He said he would." Yumi blushed.

"Y-you asked him?"

"Hai."

"And he said yes?" Yumi was trying hard to hide her blushing face from Ulrich who was growing curious by Yumi's odd behavior.

"Of course he did. Ulrich knows a fine woman when he sees one."

"Well I still have to wait for him to ask."

"Fine. Play your little waiting game. You're just delaying the inevitable."

"I love you too, Dad."

"I'll leave you two alone so you guys can have your alone time." He teased.

"Bye, Dad." Yumi said and hung up the phone.

"What did he say? You got all red all of a sudden." Ulrich said.

"He was just being silly, that's all." Yumi said.

Ulrich wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her onto his waist as he then leaned back on the sofa. "So what're we watching tonight?"

"How about Spirited Away?"

"Didn't we watch that last week?"

"Well then I'm leaving." Yumi said as she sat up from her rather comfortable position and made like she was going to leave.

"Wait! Come back. I would love to watch Spirited Away!" Ulrich said as he grabbed Yumi's waist and pulled her back into that comfortable position. He kissed her on the cheek and said, "You better be glad I like this movie."

"You better be glad I like you."

"Yeah, well I'm only with you for your body."

"I'm with you for the money."

"You're worse than Emily." Ulrich said.

"Well, that's your problem." Yumi said as she looked up into his eyes.

"You better be glad you're so pretty."

"I know."

It was fun, romantic month to say the least. And they were enjoying every passing day. It was like they couldn't spend a second without thinking about the other. There were definitely advantages to working in the same office as they soon discovered, making out in Ulrich's private office was a favorite pastime of the morning.

"You know what I've always wanted to do?" Ulrich said to Yumi as he nuzzled.

"What?"

"This!" Ulrich said as he turned around to face his desk and swept everything off the desk. He then turned back around, picked Yumi up by the waist and practically swung her in the air as he placed her on the desk and tackled her lips for another passionate kiss.

"Are you ever going to get tired of that?" Yumi asked.

"No." Ulrich said as he tried to end the conversation and get right to business.

"Ulrich we have work to do." Yumi protested.

"You don't think picking you up is work?" Ulrich joked.

"You know, if you had said that to any other woman . . ."

"I'd be dead, right?"

"Murder on the floor in a pool of your blood." Yumi whispered eerily.

"Oooh, that gives me shivers." Ulrich said. He sighed. "I guess we should get to work—actual work that is."

"Aww, honey look, they've picked up our bad habit." Ulrich quickly stood up and looked at the door which he and Yumi stupidly left open. Yumi was frozen on the spot, still sitting on the desk, not really knowing what to do.

"Mom! Dad! What the heck are you guys doing here?" Ulrich said letting out a nervous laugh.

"Now, Ulrich, your mother and I know you two are adults, but let's keep this clean, okay." Mr. Stern said, wagging his finger at his son.

Mrs. Stern sat next to Yumi on the desk. "Your father's right, you wouldn't want the press to start making assumptions—not that they've already had; you know how the tabloids are though."

"Uh, so when you said bad habit," Yumi began,

"Oh! Tobias, I don't think we ever told Ulrich the story of how he was born!"

"Wait, what?" Ulrich said, not liking where this was headed.

Mr. Stern laughed. "Ulrich did you ever think really deeply about words engraved on the side of the desk?"

Ulrich shook his head. He and Yumi read them over: IT ALL STARTS WITH A DESK—EDUCATION, DREAMS, EVEN A FAMILY.

"Even a family . . ." Ulrich mumbled. Then something clicked. Yumi jumped off the desk and Ulrich started freaking out. "EWW! You mean you two—oh my God! That's nasty! I was conceived here! I eat on this desk!"

"Yeah, it seems like you've spent your life on this desk, right? Eating, sleeping, being conceived, not to mentioned even born."

"I was actually born on this thing!" Ulrich said.

"Yes, the power was out and we were trapped in a terrible blizzard. Which is kinda weird weather, because you'd think it'd be warming up with it being March and all, but it was a cold blistery night." Mr. Stern said. "I had just started working in a small office that I rented. Your mother was there, keeping me company, when the blizzard had set in, so we were trapped."

"Yep, I went into labor shortly afterwards, and after your father had pulled out about half of his hair, screamed up and down the office asking God why he would ever think he would make a good father, I had you, and it was loud cries that finally shut him up."

"Aww, that's such a sweet story." Yumi said.

"Who's to say, this desk might be the start of your own family." Mr. Stern said, raising his eyebrows.

"Please, Dad! Don't say stuff like that." Ulrich begged.

"I'm sorry, I'm just messin' with you. Anyways, we just came to see you guys; we didn't know we'd be interrupting anything, though."

"Sorry about that." Yumi said, blushing.

"We do have something to tell you." Mrs. Stern spoke up. "Your cousin called."

"You mean Terry? How is he?" Ulrich said. "I haven't heard from him in years."

"He's got good news! You know how you two used to be the Soccer Duo, tearing up the competition when you two were in high school? Well he's finally made the pro team, as you know, and we've just got word when his debut match is. He sent us tickets, hoping we could all come and cheer him."

"Wow, that awesome! Terry and I always said we would take the World Cup when we were kids." Ulrich explained to Yumi. "He was like my best friend growing up."

"Looks like he still kept on that path." Yumi commented.

"Yeah, but what you don't know is that, when we started college, I told him that I was going to focus on school and taking over the business. He got really upset and we had a bit of a falling out. With all of my success and all, I guess he's probably felt pressured to prove to me that his path would've been just as good too. I'm really happy that he never gave up, so I'm a bit excited to get word from him. When I started college he told me that he'd never look me in the eyes until we had both reached success. The fact that he's sent me tickets to his match, is the proof that we're both finally living our dreams."

"It's like one of those anime sports storylines, isn't it." Mr. Stern said.

"It is." Yumi admitted. But it's really awesome, that you two finally get to see each other."

"You're telling me. Hey, why don't we invite the others, and get them tickets, too?"

"I figured, you'd say that, so I told Terry to give get some extra tickets. They'll be here tomorrow." Mr. Stern said.

"Wow! I get to see Terry! This is so great! I can't wait to talk about old times, and kick around the soccer ball. Hey! I'll be playing against a professional soccer player!" Ulrich was psyched and they weren't really able to get him to calm down for the rest of the day.

"So is your cousin single, Ulrich?" Sam asked.

"You'd ask that in front of your fiancé?" Odd said, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes. I might be able to pull a Yumi and land me a rich hot guy."

"Aw, you think I'm hot? Thanks, Sam!" Ulrich said. "And yes, he is single, last I checked. Why don't I introduce you two?"

"Yumi! Control your man!" Odd said.

"Hey! We could cousins one day!" Yumi said.

"You're right!" Sam beamed. "Of course that would mean that you'll have to marry Ulrich."

"Hey, Sam, I can set you guys up for a really nice date, tonight!"

"Why do you keep pushing that?" Odd grumbled.

"I want Sam and Yumi to be cousins."

"More like you're just trying to get a marriage between you and Yumi going." Jeremie said. "When does the game supposed to start?"

"Jer, stop being so impatient. We just got here." Aelita said. Everyone knew that sports wasn't Jeremie's thing. Just watching them made him feel like he was about to have a hernia.

"It'll start soon. So, Sam, to put you a picture of Terry, he's looks a lot like me but with black hair and he's like an inch taller than me. But his abs are nowhere near as killer as mine are." Ulrich said. He had to one-up his cousins somehow. Sam stared at Ulrich, trying to imagine Ulrich with black hair and an inch taller.

"Hmm, I must admit, I do like what I see."

"That's it! I want a divorce!" Odd yelled.

"You two aren't even married yet!" Aelita pointed out.

"Well it doesn't look like it's happening now!"

"Okay, Odd, we'll stop." Sam said as she kissed him on the cheek. "You know I love you."

"Hmm, maybe I'll go for Terry." Yumi said.

Ulrich cleared his throat. "Sure go for it, but you'll lose your multi-billionaire boyfriend and a job."

"So that's how you plan on keeping me around?"

"Pretty much."

"That won't work forever, son." Mr. Stern said.

"Your father's right. If you don't watch your step, Yumi'll take all your money away from you and leave you with nothing."

Ulrich looked at Yumi with a new fear in his eyes. Yumi smiled at him, and he swore he saw an evil twinkle in her eyes.

"Hey, guys! The match is starting!" Aelita said. The soccer teams ran onto the field, ready to get the match underway. "And your cousin is hot!"

"Am I going to have to get a divorce?" Jeremie mumbled.

Terry was force to be reckoned with on the field. He was playmaker, so his job was really just to set up the plays and help the forwards score. It was a long, exciting soccer match, but the game finally ended; the final score—2 to 1 with Terry's team winning. After the match, Terry was interviewed.

"Well, Terry Stern, it was your first match, and I've got a say, what an impressive debut!" the announcer said. "So we're all dying to know, what's your next step?"

"Of course, my next step is the Nationals, and then we're all heading for the World Cup!" Terry said as he pumped his fist in the air; the crowd went wild.

"It's been a hard road getting the Pros and I'm sure it feels wonderful to see all of your hard work finally paying off. Any last remarks as you start your professional career?"

"I gotta tell you all, there were definitely times when I almost gave up, in fact my lowest point was when I got just before I was supposed to start in the Pros around two years ago. I was just about to hang up my cleats for good when I read about my stubborn cousin and how he had made it in the business world. It reminded me of the promise we both made—to reach our dreams and see each other as the successful, hardworking guys we are. Well, Ulrich, I've made it! And I just gotta say, It feels awesome to do what I love so much, and that's to play an amazing soccer game in front of all of these fans!" The crowd was eating it up.

"Wow, Terry's pretty charismatic, isn't he?" Aelita said.

"Yeah, that's Terry. He used to do all of the talking when we hung out. He delivered the challenged through his words, and through our plays, we both delivered the win." Ulrich said.

After the match, Ulrich and the others headed back home where a big dinner was awaiting them. Terry agreed to meet them there once he handled any business he had with his team.

While everyone talked about the match, waiting for the guest of honor to show up so they can finally eat, Ulrich sat there quietly, not exactly sure how he would react once seeing Terry. Terry had been really upset when Ulrich told him that he wasn't going to try out professionally. Terry had yelled at him and accused him of him just doing what his parents would like instead of doing what he wanted. Terry refused to accept that this was Ulrich's decision. His father had expressed how he'd be glad if he did take over the business, but he told him on several occasions that he didn't have to if he didn't want to. But Ulrich had realized just how much he loved this business and he wanted to explore this path to its fullest.

That wasn't to say that Ulrich didn't miss soccer or that it didn't hurt when he finally played his last official game. It was one of the hardest things he had ever done. To realize that he'd never have the heart-pounding sensation when he put his body to its limits in order to score that game-winning goal, to yell out to his teammates when they made a successful play that required teamwork and trust at finest, to never go back into the locker room whether win or lose and just having this immense pride and happiness because he knew that they all had put every ounce of their beings in the match and had given everyone—the crowd, the coach, their teammates, and most importantly themselves—a match that would remain etched in their hearts and minds. It was like ending a relationship with your first love (and Ulrich knew how that felt better than anyone); you know you'll never forget it and there's always a part of you wondering or hoping if it couldn't have ended differently or if there was still a chance to fix everything reunite.

Ulrich was taken out of his reminiscence by the sound of the doorbell. "I'll get it." He said as he stood up and walked over to the door. It was finally time to face Terry. Ulrich took a deep breath and opened the door.

"Hey, Loser," Terry said. "did you see me win all by myself."

"Did you see me make a billion all by myself?" Ulrich retorted. There was a short silence which was broken by the sound of their laughter.

They both hugged as Terry said, "Well we both made it, huh?"

"Yep. Thought I'd never see you again, though. You used to suck without me."

"I did. I think we both sucked without the other." Terry admitted. "But it's all good now."

"Well come on, we got a big dinner waiting for you, and I got some friends of mine that I'd like you to meet." Ulrich motioned Terry to follow him to the dining the room. When they got there, Mrs. Stern stood up and gave Terry a hug and a kiss, and Mr. Stern shook Terry's hand and gave him a congratulatory pat on the shoulder.

"So, which one's the cute girlfriend, you were telling me about, Uncle?" Terry asked him.

"It's the Asian."

"Dad, I wanted to tell him."

"Hi!" Terry shook Yumi's hand. "If you ever want to trade up, I'm available."

"I have to say, that soccer game's got me intrigued on whether or not if I should."

"He's not even rich yet! What kind of upgrade is that?"

"I say, it's a wonderful investment, Ulrich. I mean, I could get into acting or modeling; I could start my own little business and buy you out one day."

"Hey! I called dibs on Terry first!" Sam pouted.

"I thought you had given up on that already!" Odd exclaimed.

"Well I could use an upgrade." Everyone laughed. After Ulrich introduced Terry to the others, they all sat down to what would be great dinner and a great time.

After the festivities of the day were over, Ulrich and Terry had a fierce one-on-one competition. Everyone cheered them both on (the girls were blatantly biased in wanting Terry to win). Ulrich tried his best, but Terry was clearly holding back which put them in a bit of a stalemate. After being prodded into showing what he could really do, Terry took the fight right to Ulrich, and Ulrich didn't stand a chance.

"Goal! Another goal for Terry!" Aelita squealed.

"Maybe I did pick the wrong Stern," Yumi said, making Ulrich frown.

"I'm still richer than he is," he pouted.

"I bet if you had continued playing soccer, you'd be just as good as me."

"You think so?" Ulrich said as he sat down on the grass.

"Yeah, actually, I bet if you really wanted to, you could still play professionally. You obviously haven't stopped playing and while you're not on the level of a pro now, you're definitely better than when quit playing competitively."

Ulrich had a thoughtful look on his face. "Wow, I could be a billionaire businessman and a soccer star."

"If you think you can still run your business and play soccer, you're fooling yourself. Just stay in your office, and maybe one day you'll be making a soccer game with my face on it."

"You're good Terry, but not that good." Terry shrugged.

"We'll see," he said confidently.

Eventually, it was time for Terry to go, he had a busy schedule of training and matches to prepare for, and so he was heading back to his hotel where the rest of the team was staying at as well.

"Stop by when you can," Mr. Stern told his nephew.

"Yeah, don't be a stranger; Sam wouldn't like that." Yumi teased.

"Yumi! Stop already!" Odd pouted.

"Oh, stop yelling. You know I'm not going anywhere." Sam said as she gave her fiancé a hug. Odd had gave her a goofy grin and laughed.

After everyone said their goodbyes, Ulrich walked Terry to his car. As Terry opened the door he stopped to tell Ulrich one more thing, "You know, Ulrich, you really could be a pro. It'll be harder, but you really could. I'd really like to see our dynamic duo would've played up against the other pros."

"Yeah, that would be awesome." Terry gave him a firm handshake and one more hug before getting into his car driving off. Ulrich opened up his hand and stared at the piece of paper that Terry slipped into his hand. You don't just have to have one dream. People are allowed more than one. The paper had those words scrawled on it along with a phone number. Ulrich realized that Terry was really serious about this. He would've shaken off that sentiment at any other time, but for some reason, Ulrich just couldn't.

That is it! I'm done! And we have only a few more chapters to go in this story! So sorry it took me so long to finish this. I was doing summer research work, and it took up a lot of time. But it's done with and hopefully I can get to updating before I'm deep in schoolwork. Also, I have officially started writing my very own story! I'd love it if you all would support me in this endeavor. It's not like this story though. It's more of an action superhero type story, but there's romance, humor, and even a bit of tragedy in it. It's called Super Freaks and if you want to learn more about the story, I made a blog that's chronicling the making of this story as well as my journey as a writer as well as stuff about me in general.

Also, I am going to start a new fanfic (I mentioned this before) and it's going to be titled What Happens in Vegas Stays With You. Interesting title, right? If you want more details, message me and I'll let you know what it's about. Oh! And don't forget to review!