Hey, guys! I know this chapter is going up so soon after my last chapter, but as I near the end of the semester, I need to be focusing more on studying, and less on what I want to put into my stories. So I'm going to give you one last chapter before I have to start cramming for finals. Enjoy! Let me know what you think, and if you have any suggestions of things you want to see in future chapters, drop me a message. Just a side note, this chapter is heavy on the UxY fluff, but isn't that what everyone likes?

Ch. 12- 'Sparks'

People were slowly filing out of the side room where the signing event was being held. Yumi tapped her long nails on a nearby table as she waited for the twins to come over and talk. The twins were personally making sure that they weren't going to be disturbed, calling for everyone, including security and staff to leave. Sean told everyone a special development meeting was taking place, and that it couldn't wait until Monday. Ulrich figured that what was happening wasn't too far from the truth. Odd was head of development, and Yumi was an actress working for the company that Sean and Seth were Executive officers of. The only thing that seemed out of place was Ulrich, who was still expected to live up to the pretense that he was the Vice-President of Development. There were a lot of raised eyebrows, but thankfully not a lot of questions asked as the room slowly emptied to just the five of them. Ulrich smirked a little to even see Yumi's sleazy manager being escorted off.

"B-but! I'm her manager! I am supposed to be present for all business meetings!"

"Well this isn't a business meeting," said Sean, showing Mr. Durand the way out.

"Well, I demand to know what it is! I am supposed to be privy to all details of Ms. Ishiyama's sch-edule!" huffed the petite man.

"Y'know what?" sighed Sean, "This is a business meeting…but it's none of your business!" said Sean forcefully. He signaled to a couple security guards nearby and they laid their hands on Mr. Durand's shoulders. He gulped and quickly surrendered to their demands, and left the room.

Yumi sighed to see her manager leave, but still had a look of anxiety on her face. Her brows were furrowed deeply; the Asian girl seemed so serious all the sudden, and so did Odd who was standing next to Ulrich. Sean closed the door, promising the bookstore manager that they wouldn't be long. Finally, the twins joined the rest of the group.

"Okay, let's get one thing straight," said Yumi sternly, "You mentioned a supercalculator, didn't you?" she said, turning on Ulrich.

"Uh-," Ulrich gulped, he wasn't quite ready to be put on the spot so suddenly, "Y-yeah…?"

Yumi sighed, "Thank you! I thought I was going crazy!"

"What?!" came the response from Ulrich and Odd.

"I have had this feeling for about, the past week or something that I am not who I feel like I am," admitted Yumi.

"Me too," said Sean.

"Me three," joked Seth.

"And then you mentioned the supercalculator just now and I knew that I wasn't the only one. That's the only thing I can remember, plus a few hazy details here and there."

"Really?" asked Ulrich, his face lighting up. This was big.

"Yes," said Yumi, "I woke up earlier this week with no clue how I got there or who I was. It's like I suddenly aged ten years."

"Then suddenly my manager comes barging into my room and tells me I have to be on set in an hour! I had no clue what he was talking about! And he thought I was the crazy person!" said Yumi, throwing her hands up in the air, "Then he decides that if I'm going to be forgetting things, he needs to follow me around, even more than usual I'm sure! This week has been a living nightmare!"

Ulrich suddenly realized that this transition probably wasn't as easy for some.

"Yeah," chimed in Sean, "I wake up in a house I've never seen, with people I've never met, all saying they're my family's serving staff! I was used to my father having just one serving staff member, not a couple dozen!"

"Ditto," said Seth.

Sean started to tear up unexpectedly as well, "And then…" he said through thick tears, "My mom…walks into my room."

Ulrich didn't know why, but suddenly his stomach dropped a few feet in hearing that.

"I never knew my mom…" explained Sean trying not to sob, "She died in a car accident years ago when she was pregnant with me and Seth."

"So what changed?" asked Odd.

"If I must guess," said Sean, "It was that Supercalculator. I remember a few details about it, and so does Seth."

"So do I," mentioned Yumi.

"Does anyone remember what this Supercalculator was about?" asked Seth.

The consensus was negative, "So why do we all remember some things, but not everything?" asked Odd.

"I don't know, but that's what I think we need to find out above all else," said Sean.

"Well I do remember some things," admitted Ulrich, "Like Odd, and you, Yumi. I don't think I remember you guys," he said to the twins.

"Funny," said Seth, "Because we remember you…"

"So do some of us remember things that others do not?" asked Yumi.

"Well I remembered Ulrich before he remembered me," said Odd.

"And I remembered you before Odd remembered," said Ulrich to Yumi.

"Well I didn't remember Odd until recently as well, in fact, it wasn't until this evening that I ran into you that I started to remember you," said Yumi.

"So we all have gaps?" asked Ulrich, "In our memories? And above all that we have…I don't know how to describe it, two sets of memories? Like one that belongs to the "older" us, and then a group that belongs to the "younger" us?"

"Exactly!" shouted Yumi, pointing to Ulrich in agreeance, "It's like I'm two different people!"

"And it seems like some of us remember some things more than others here?" asked Sean.

"Do we have time to go over all of this here?" asked Seth looking at a stylish watch on his wrist.

"Hmm, probably not," said Sean checking an equally stylish watch. Then Ulrich realized it was the exact same style of watch, just in coordinating colors.

"We can all go to my flat," offered Odd, "But it might be a little cramped."

"Well it's better than my house," scoffed Yumi, "I swear in a place so large that my manager could find somewhere else to be than in the same room as me all the time."

"And we would have to compete with our parents and the staff for a quiet place," said Sean, "Although it wouldn't be that hard this time of night."

Ulrich checked his phone for the time. It was much later than he was expecting it to be. There were also a couple texts from his parents asking if he was going to be home soon, and warning him that they stepped out for the night with some friends from the neighborhood, and wouldn't be back until late, if at all until Sunday morning or so.

"Uh- we could all go back to my place," volunteered Ulrich, "My parents are out for the night."

"Sounds perfect…" smiled Sean, "So uh- everyone out the back? And we'll meet up and follow you to where ever?" he said to Ulrich. The twins made their way to the back door of the shop, checking both ways to make sure the coast was clear, then ducked out into the dark alleyway.

"U-Ulrich?" asked Yumi.

"What Yumi?"

"Um, could I get a ride with you?" she asked, "My manager drove me here and so I don't have a way to get anywhere."

Ulrich blushed slightly, "Uh- sure, sounds good."

"Thanks…" Ulrich could tell her face got flushed as well. Was this everything he missed as a teenager?

Odd gave Ulrich a sly grin and a couple looks as they walked to the backdoor. Ulrich ignored the svelte blond and the trio ducked out of the shop. Yumi pulled up her scarf and pulled out her hat from her purse that she had slung across her shoulders.

"Just a precaution," she told Ulrich and Odd.

There was a clattering overhead, along with a few shushing noises and some faint whispers.

"Ah, that's Sean and Seth," said Odd, "Now I remember…those two were always into extreme activities. Guess you never outgrow some things." Odd chuckled.

"That's a bit much don't you think?" asked Yumi.

"Well maybe, but you must admit they have a certain style," admitted Odd.

Yumi scoffed but gave up pursuing the matter.

The trio made their way down winding back alleys and streets until they wound their way back to where Odd and Ulrich had parked. Sean and Seth were already there, vaulting over the few remaining parked cars there, and generally just goofing off.

"Hey guys!" said Seth in the middle of a jump.

"What are you two doing?" asked Yumi.

"Geez, mom, calm down!" said Seth landing in front of the rest of the group.

"That's not what I was-," said Yumi.

"It's okay Yumi, usually we're used to people asking that question just right before they tell us to stop acting so recklessly," said Sean, "It's called parkour, it was invented here in France. It is a system for moving around an urban environment with the greatest amount of efficiency."

"So parkour tells you to go jumping off cars and climbing on roofs?" asked Yumi.

"See, not everyone gets it," said Seth, "But it's good exercise above anything else, the roofs and car bits are just the fun parts."

"You and I have different definitions of what is fun…" mumbled Yumi.

"To each their own, I guess?" said Sean, "So, Ulrich, where are we headed?"

"Uh, well I'm parked just over here," said Ulrich gesturing to his old, beat-up green car.

"Ulrich, good buddy," said Odd, "You need to get yourself a new set of wheels," he said disapprovingly, looking at the vehicle.

"I have to agree with Odd on this one," said Seth. The twins walked towards a nice sports car that had gull-wing doors. Sean opened one of the doors and got in and started the engine with a rather satisfying rumble.

"Hey! Not everyone can afford fancy cars!" defended Ulrich.

"Neither can I," said Odd, "But c'mon buddy, you need to live at least a little bit!" Odd walked towards his purple jeep, planted both hands on the outside of the car, then vaulted over the door and into the driver's seat.

"Nice!" remarked Seth, "For a beginner…" Seth motioned to Sean, and he rolled his eyes. Sean rolled down the passenger side window and Seth took a running start, jumped and coiled into the car, landing gracefully into the passenger's seat.

Ulrich heard Yumi scoff again, "Always a competition with you boys…" she grumbled. She was standing next to Ulrich's passenger side door.

"Oh, um- let me get that…" bumbled Ulrich, seeing what Yumi was insinuating with her actions. He pulled out his keys and opened the door for the Asian girl. It was kind of awkward when the door squeaked and squawked as he opened it, but Yumi didn't seem to mind.

"Such a gentleman," she gushed, and Ulrich felt his face getting warm again. Ulrich shut the door, making sure it latched properly afterward.

Ulrich walked around to the driver's side and got in, "Sorry about how cramped it is in here," apologized Ulrich as he watched Yumi struggle to adjust the seat to allow her to stretch out a little bit.

"Honestly Ulrich?" said Yumi, "I don't mind at all…truly."

"You're not just saying that to make me feel better?" asked Ulrich.

"No Ulrich," said Yumi, "After this week I'm more than welcoming to something other than high-class all the time. I've had nothing but first-rate treatment this entire week, and I just want to be able to tone it down for a bit, and maybe even do something for myself for once."

There was a loud honk next to Ulrich. Odd had pulled up next to the car and was honking loudly to get their attention, "Are we getting this show on the road? If we don't move soon, someone is going to find us!" shouted Odd.

"Uh, yeah." Ulrich shifted the car into drive and pulled away from his parking spot. The others fell into line, creating a little convoy. Ulrich had to remember how to get back to his house, but it didn't take long to find things he recalled and navigate using them.

Most of the way back to Ulrich's house, his car was quiet. Yumi seemed to be trying her hardest to not look in Ulrich's direction. Every so often Ulrich would see her glance in his direction, only to quickly look away. Finally, she broke the silence.

"T-thanks for the ride," she said softly.

"You're welcome," said Ulrich simply, "Long week, huh?" Ulrich groaned, his attempt at small talk seemed to be failing.

"Yeah."

There was more silence.

"So…how is it to drive?" asked Yumi.

"Hmm?"

"I mean, we couldn't drive before, and I haven't had the chance yet since we've, how would you put it…been here?"

"Oh, uh- it's not bad, not as hard as I thought it would be."

"Oh, that's what I thought, you drive…nicely."

"Um- thanks."

"So about-," said Ulrich.

"Ulrich I want to talk about-," said Yumi at the same time.

Ulrich chuckled, "You first."

"I bet you want to know about what happened earlier, at the restaurant?" asked Yumi.

"Yeah…that," said Ulrich heavily.

"Look, I couldn't remember who you were when I sat down at that table, I was literally just looking for anywhere to hide," said Yumi, "And at first that um…thing…that happened was spur of the moment. I really didn't mean anything by it."

Ulrich's heart sunk. He was afraid that's all it was.

"But-," continued Yumi, "After we…locked, I suddenly remembered who you were. That's how I knew I had done something, and of course, Odd's reaction when he came back."

"And uh- about that something…" said Ulrich, "How long after it uh…started, was it that you remembered me?"

"Um- not long…" said Yumi, her face getting redder by the moment.

"And how long were your bodyguards looking in our direction?"

"A-also not…n-not that long…"

"So how long after they looked away did you continue to…?"

"Ulrich, please, stop…" said Yumi sternly, "I know what you're trying to establish here, and it's really not helping.

"Y-Yumi, I-I'm sorry…"

"Look, Ulrich, I can tell you were hoping whatever happened here would change what was going on between us, but I just don't know if I quite feel the same way yet." Ulrich's heart sunk into his stomach and sat there like a stone.

"I know that I certainly thought about you when we were younger," said Yumi, "But I don't know about now…"

"I thought about you too…"

"What?"

"I thought about you too, a-all the time actually."

"Really?"

"Yeah, I thought…I thought you were really cute…" mumbled Ulrich.

"Well, I'd be lying if I didn't think about you in the same way when we were younger. But I can't believe it took blasting us into the future for us to finally realize our feelings for each other," said Yumi.

Ulrich's heart leaped. Was there still hope?

"But I just don't feel like it would be smart for us to start something like that just because something like this happened…" said Yumi, Ulrich's heart almost died hearing those words.

"Maybe someday, after we figure all this out, we might be able to give it a shot. But only after we are completely sure this is what we want," offered Yumi.

Ulrich wasn't going to stand for that, "But I do want you…" he said, trying to keep from tearing up.

"Ulrich…" The brunette looked over at the Asian girl. She was trying to hold back tears too.

"You don't know…" said Yumi through a lump in her throat, "How much I've always wanted you to say those words. And I would love to be yours, and for you to be mine in a heartbeat. But I just feel like it would be wrong to jump so hastily into this just because…just beca-,"

"Because of what?" asked Ulrich, he didn't mean to, but his voice was starting to rise a little bit.

"Well- I- Um-," stammered Yumi.

"Is this all we are ever going to be? Just good friends? Everyone from school knew that! That Ulrich Stern and Yumi Ishiyama were nothing more than just good friends!" said Ulrich, his emotions getting the better of him, "So I refuse to believe that if you ever liked me then, that you wouldn't now!"

"U-Ulrich…" whimpered Yumi.

"YUMI ISHIYAMA! I LIKE YOU!" shouted Ulrich.

Yumi was stunned. Ulrich wasn't sure whether she was going to burst into full-out tears, slap him, or shout back. Ulrich immediately regretted raising his voice at her, and he figured he deserved whatever came next, and he braced whatever Yumi's response was. What happened next surprised Ulrich, he almost lost control of the steering wheel. Yumi leaned in, tears still streaming down her face. Her makeup had started to run a bit too. She reached over the best that she could and wrapped her arms around the brunette and hugged Ulrich for what felt like forever. She quietly cried into Ulrich's chest. He wanted to do something but couldn't do much in his position. Using a free hand, Ulrich wrapped his arm around Yumi's head and just held her. Ulrich's heart was bungee jumping up and down, or it felt like it was in a perpetual state of free-fall. He didn't know if this was a good thing, or if he had gone and thrown away what possibly could have been the best thing that ever happened to him.

Yumi finally broke off the hug, and Ulrich let her go. She sat up in her seat and sniffed a bit to try and clear her sinuses. She wiped away her tears and tried her best to clear away her smudged makeup as well. She cleared her throat a few times and tried her best to compose herself. Ulrich was afraid that now she wasn't going to talk to him the whole rest of the evening and that they were done for. Ulrich gripped the steering wheel so tightly that his knuckles turned white. He couldn't believe that he let that get so out of hand. Ulrich was so in his head that he didn't notice when Yumi leaned in again.

She kissed him on the cheek, so gently that Ulrich almost missed it. She then gave a small laugh and said, "Took you long enough…"

Ulrich was shocked out of his pouting and he looked over at Yumi. She had a large smile on her face that she was trying to hide in the folds of her scarf, "What?"

"Took you long enough…" she repeated, "For you to finally admit that you like me…"

"Huh?"

"Ulrich, you were right. We were the biggest joke at Kadic, right after Jim. And I started to realize that if we don't do this, will we ever? I still have feelings for you, and I was just letting an excuse get in the way of that like I did when we were younger. Now that we're here, what excuse do we have?"

"Uh-?"

"None!" said Yumi enthusiastically, then she wound down her excitement, "I mean, uh, we have nothing. The excuses we used when we were younger were just that, excuses. It was because we had no idea what it meant to like someone, to know what it truly meant to be in love. We almost felt afraid of that, and I think I still did. I was letting 'younger me' do the talking just now, and it wasn't very mature of me. But if we are here to stay, like I think we are, we need to start 'acting more our age'. So, I want to draw on who we are now, and where we are, be more…adult-like, is that a word?" Yumi rambled, Ulrich couldn't tell what she was going on about quite yet.

"So there's nothing in my mind that should be stopping us. After all, we are adults now, aren't we? Adults do things like date other people…and fall in love eventually," she said softly, "And I'll admit, I kinda want to see if that can happen. I think I've denied myself that little joy for far too long."

Yumi drew herself up the best that she could in her seat and leaned over to Ulrich's ear, "So, I like you too…Ulrich Stern," she whispered, then gently kissed him on the cheek again. Ulrich felt his cheek flushing almost immediately around where Yumi's lips were.

She sat back down in her seat then pointed a finger right at Ulrich's face, "But don't think this automatically makes us boyfriend and girlfriend or something! I still want us to take some time and not rush into this!"

Ulrich's heart soared, "That's fine with me…" he said simply. And the smile on his face didn't go away the whole rest of the way home.

Ulrich pulled his car into the driveway of his house and turned off his car. It sputtered and died as he turned the key, and Ulrich and Yumi got out of the car, "Oh my goodness! My makeup is a mess! Do you think I have time before the rest of them show up?"

"Well, they aren't too far behind us, I'll stall them if you want?" said Ulrich, seeing Odd and the twins pull and circle around to find somewhere to park on the street.

"Thanks, Ulrich!" Ulrich escorted Yumi to the door and opened it.

"First door on the left down that hallway there," said Ulrich, giving Yumi directions.

"You're the best!" whispered Yumi as she dashed to where Ulrich pointed her.

"Hey, good buddy!" said Odd, appearing behind Ulrich, "So…how'd the car ride go? Did she want to tell you all about how much she loved you?"

Ulrich realized now this introduced a whole new set of problems. Problem number one was, did he tell the rest of his friends about what happened? Ulrich's first instinct was no.

"Uh- it was pretty much quiet the whole way here…" lied Ulrich, but it was still partially true. There was a great deal of silence for most of the ride.

"Huh, I thought she would have at least wanted to explain some things that happened…" said Odd.

"Yeah, your guess is as good as mine, I'm sure she'll tell me when she's ready."

"Hey, man!" said Seth walking up the drive.

"Nice place you got here!" said Sean.

"Thanks," chuckled Ulrich, he wasn't used to receiving so much attention.

"And your parents live with you? That's so nice of you man! Taking care of your parents like that!" said Seth.

"Uh- no, I live with my parents, this is their house," explained Ulrich, immediately it sounded far less cool.

"Hey, whatever works?" said Sean, "We live with our parents, but I don't think you could even consider that we live in the same house sometimes. I could be in one part and Seth in another, and we could never see each other for the whole day!"

"Seriously? Where do you guys live that you have that much room?" asked Ulrich.

"Eh, far out in the countryside, to the west of Paris. It's a bit of a pain to commute to work, but it's all good," said Seth.

"You make it sound like you live in some sort of castle or something," said Odd.

"Sometimes it feels like we do," said Seth, "Our father designed and had the house custom built for us after he opened CEM, but that was years ago now."

"Speaking of CEM, when did that open?" asked Ulrich, he was curious now that the office building was brought up.

"Hmm, probably…I don't know, more than twenty years ago now, I know that. CEM has been my life. It's all I've ever known, y'know?" said Sean, "Why do you ask?"

"I was just making sure that CEM didn't have anything to do with how we got to where we are now," said Ulrich, "But what happened to us, most likely happened ten years ago. Or at least I think so."

"No, I agree," said Seth, "It feels like ten years have passed, but I still feel like I sometimes have the mind of a thirteen-year-old. Now I see why my mom told me I need to grow up and act my age the other day."

"Seth, you always act immature!" said Sean, punching his brother on the shoulder.

"So uh, Ulrich, you gonna invite us in?" asked Odd. It was then that he realized they were all still standing on the porch, in the cold. Ulrich hesitated, but then heard the bathroom open and close again.

"Yeah, sure, come on in."

Yumi walked out the bathroom as she pulled on a simple beanie cap. She had removed all her makeup, and taken off her bulky hat, scarf, and coat from earlier. It was then Ulrich could see the clothes that she wore under her coat. She wore what could be considered very different from the all-black ensemble she usually wore in school. She wore a simple pair of sweat-pant looking leggings, and her shirt was a denim top with several pockets that closed with snaps. But to top it all off, she still wore big, bulky boots very like the ones she wore in school. In fact, she looked like she was trying to go for the maximum amount of comfort, while still looking stylish. Of course, the illusion of all that was pulled off because most of the outfit would have been covered by her coat and winter wear in the first place.

"My manager has wanted me to wear nothing but all this fancy crap this entire week, but I managed to convince him I was wearing that earlier when we went out. I hate that stuff…what's wrong with what I'm wearing?!" asked Yumi, almost rhetorically

"There's nothing wrong with it…" said Ulrich. He then realized what he said, and who heard it. Odd's eyebrow shot up in suspicion, and Sean and Seth looked coy.

"And I don't even want to begin to think what he's going to say to me when he sees me tomorrow," said Yumi, distracting the other guys. Ulrich

"Why don't you fire the guy if he's so bad? Just find a new manager!" said Odd.

"I've been trying to all week. But I never get much time away from him, so it's not like I can just sit down and call a bunch of people. That guy almost knows that the end is coming now, and I think he's trying to postpone the inevitable," said Yumi.

"Honestly, I think anyone would love to say they're Yumi Ishiyama's manager, you just need to get the word out that you're looking somehow," said Seth, "Wish I could be more help, but all the managers I know are already all booked up with their own clients."

"Eh, I'll find one eventually, I just got to keep looking. That is if I don't fire the one I have already," said Yumi sourly, "So are we getting to this thing sometime tonight, or are we just going to sit around gabbing?"

"Honestly?" asked Odd, stifling a yawn, "It's too late to head home, and I'm getting to the point where I won't be able to keep my eyes open for much longer at this rate."

"Yeah, I must agree with Odd," said Sean, stifling his own yawn, "It's been a long day, and it's getting late, but Seth and I would be crazy to get home now on our own power. So, do you mind if we crash here for the night?"

Ulrich looked at the time, he didn't realize how late it had gotten. He was even starting to feel a little tired, "Uh- sure, I guess we'll talk in the morning? I have to warn you though; my parents will be home in the morning."

"That's cool, if we need to we can always find somewhere else again," said Sean.

"So where's good?" asked Seth, "Because at this point I'd even take a spot on the floor."

Ulrich laughed, "I think it would be fine if you crashed on the couches."

"Sweet! I haven't couch surfed since I was in college!" said Odd. Everyone gave him a look, "What? Of everything that I do remember, there's no way I could forget college."

Everyone laughed. In the time that had passed, Ulrich's parents had gotten a whole new set of furniture for the house. There was a large couch, a small loveseat, and a couple of reclining armchairs. Odd immediately kicked off his shoes, much to the displeasure of everyone else. He was then commanded to take his shoes and socks and place them outside next to the back door. Ulrich sprayed some air freshener to clear the air. Sean volunteered to take one of the armchairs and set about to make himself as comfortable as possible. He removed his tie and rolled it up nicely. Ulrich had never seen someone do that with a tie. Sean then loosened a couple of the buttons on his shirt. Ulrich could see a simple white undershirt underneath his white, collared shirt. Sean took off his watch and removed everything else from his pockets and set all of it on a nearby end table. He kicked off his split-toed shoes, and removed his belt and wrapped it in a circle on the ground around his shoes. Ulrich could tell that the blonde twin was very methodical, and had a certain routine he followed.

Seth, on the other hand, was the complete opposite. His removed his tie by loosening it, then lifting the still tied knot over his head. He loosened a couple buttons like his brother, and Ulrich spied the same white undershirt that Sean wore. Seth went to bed still wearing his watch, and with many things still in his pockets. He claimed the opposite armchair, something that didn't shock Ulrich at all. For all their differences, Sean and Seth still had a lot in common. Finally, the other blond twin kicked off his own pair of spilt-toed shoes and just tossed his belt in a heap on the ground next to his shoes.

Odd, much to the displeasure of Ulrich and Yumi, took the entire couch to himself while Ulrich went off to try and find some blankets to give to everyone. Odd hopped onto the couch, and after stretching out, he immediately fell asleep. Before he did though, he pulled the hood of his jacket over his eyes and stuck his hands into the big pocket on the front. This left the loveseat to Yumi. She swore she didn't mind.

"It's only for one night," she said, trying to keep Ulrich from worrying.

"I still think Odd is being rude," said Ulrich, "Look, you can sleep in my bed, I'll take this couch for the night."

"That's very kind of you to offer," said Yumi, "But I don't think it's appropriate to see a man's bedroom at least until the sixth date," she whispered so no one else could hear.

Ulrich blushed at what she was insinuating. Yumi laughed, "You should see your face!"

"Not cool," grumbled Ulrich.

"It was a joke!" said Yumi, "Honestly, I'm shocked that you would think I'm that kind of girl!"

"I don't know what to think!" said Ulrich, "To be honest I've had a very long day!"

"I know!" said Yumi, "You go, and I'll sleep on the couch! I'll be fine, I promise!"

"You sure?" asked Ulrich.

"Positive!" assured Yumi.

Ulrich bid Yumi good night, and with that, he went upstairs to his own bed. Ulrich went to bed, but he was barely able to sleep. He had finally confessed his feeling to Yumi! And what added to his restlessness was the fact that now he knew that Yumi felt the same way about him. Finally, Ulrich could quiet his mind enough to fall asleep. However, his dreams quickly turned to nightmares. The same dream he had a few nights ago had returned. Ulrich found himself once again in a labyrinth of steel metal corridors. He was unsure of where to go but knew that there was somewhere he needed to get to. After rounding another corner, Ulrich spotted the same computer terminal as before. He ran towards it, never making any progress in that direction. The computer lets out its flash of white light that emanated like a ball from the computer, and Ulrich turned to run, only to be engulfed in the light. He woke with a start. He sat bolt upright and in the bleak darkness, Ulrich could see something at the end of his bed.

…Yumi was there.

"Are you okay?" she asked.

"Uh- yeah, um, bad dream…" gasped Ulrich, "What are you doing up here?"

"I- I had a bad dream as well…" said Yumi, "And I know this will sound really stupid…but can I sleep here with you?"

Ulrich felt groggy but was still able to respond, "I thought you didn't see a man's bedroom until the sixth date…"

"Ulrich," whined Yumi, a little panicked, "Look, I wouldn't be asking if I wasn't sure about it. When I was younger, I had a large stuffed animal that I would hold and wrap its arms around me when I got scared. I acted like my dad was back with us and that I could hug him again. But now that I'm older, I don't have that stuffed animal anymore." Yumi then muttered something under her breath about her father too, but Ulrich missed it in his groggy state.

"I just would feel better if I knew something, or someone was here with me."

"Are you sure?" asked Ulrich, "If anyone finds out that you came up to my room, they're going to know there's something going on between us," warned the brunette.

"So I'll just say I slept on the floor or something," said Yumi, "Look, Ulrich, I swear, this is a one-time thing, I won't ever ask for you to do this again."

"At least until that sixth date…" teased Ulrich.

Yumi groaned, "Ugh, you're such an idiot! Just…forget I even asked!" And she turned to storm off.

"No, okay, Yumi!" Ulrich tried to keep Yumi from leaving, "Okay, I'm sorry, I didn't mean it. Look, if it makes you feel better, sure, you can sleep here with me for the night. But I must admit, even I find this a little weird."

"Well you were my best option," said Yumi, "There's no way I wanted to snuggle up next to Odd, and I think that Sean and Seth would find it weird that one of their employees was asking to sleep with them. Plus, there's no room on those chairs."

"Uh-huh, sure…" said Ulrich incredulously.

"Look, I know I'm taking a big risk doing this, but if I don't, there is no way I'll be able to sleep tonight."

"A-and?" asked Ulrich.

Yumi huffed, "You've obviously never had a girlfriend before…"

"Oh, is that what you're calling yourself now?" teased Ulrich again.

"Ulrich!" growled Yumi. And even the brunette had to admit that Yumi was scary like this.

"Okay! I'm sorry!" cowered Ulrich.

"Look, just…scoot over, okay?" Ulrich tried his best, but his bed was only made for one person. Yumi slid in next to Ulrich. Ulrich felt a weird mix feelings over what was happening. He knew that if any of the guys that were sleeping downstairs found out, he would never hear the end of it. And if his parents came home early tomorrow, he was dead. Ulrich rolled over, facing away from Yumi, and tried to go back to bed.

"Are you going to just lay there? Or are you going to comfort me?"

"Huh?"

"I came up here thinking that you were the one person I could ask here who could help me through this, the least you could do is not just lay there like a dead fish."

"So…what do I do?"

"Oh," scoffed Yumi, "You're hopeless…"

"Sorry! But I don't think I've ever had a girl ask me to do this!"

"Look, roll over on your side, here, facing me."

"Uh- you sure?" Ulrich was starting to feel more anxious than anything now.

"Quite positive…" remarked Yumi, "And then I'll roll over to face away from you, that way we both don't go rolling off this bed."

"O-okay…" stuttered Ulrich.

"Now, take the arm that you're lying on and put it under me."

"Come again?!" asked Ulrich.

"Look, I'll just do it…" said Yumi, "This isn't rocket science…" she mumbled under her breath.

It may not have been rocket science, but Ulrich felt completely out of his league now. Yumi rolled back over to face Ulrich. She had a look of exasperation and mild anger on her face. Taking his arm, Yumi wound it under her petite figure. She then carefully rolled back over, being cautious not to crush Ulrich's arm.

"Now…put your other arm over me," she said, "But be sure that you are careful where that arm goes or so help me you won't wake up in the morning!"

"Okay, sheesh!" remarked Ulrich.

Ulrich picked up his arm and carefully laid it over Yumi, being sure to avoid areas he was sure would raise Yumi's ire any further.

"Now, you can even bring your other arm down to the same area as if you're giving a hug around the waist," offered Yumi. Ulrich did it just because he figured following orders was better than any alternative now.

"There, is that so bad?" asked Yumi once both were situated.

"My arm is falling asleep…" griped Ulrich. It was true, even in Yumi's condition, she weighed enough to cut off all circulation to Ulrich's hand.

"Well just deal with it," grumped Yumi, "After everything you put me through, I think you deserve it."

"Well, now what?" asked Ulrich.

"Now…you be quiet so I can sleep," said Yumi.

"Uh, okay…" Ulrich felt so totally embarrassed that he knew there was no way he was sleeping now.

Ulrich was now torn between a mix of emotions. On one hand, he was overjoyed that Yumi was here, and that she trusted him enough to be doing this after just one day of knowing each other. But of course, Ulrich had to remind himself that this wasn't technically the first day that they had met. He knew Yumi for a while back when they were in school. And even then, he imagined one day doing something like this if they were one day in a relationship. But on the other, he was so immensely terrified of being found out. This was nothing like his daydreams when he was younger, and there was never this much pressure in his imaginary scenarios. But then something caught Ulrich's senses, was it the …the scent of her hair? Ulrich leaned to smell Yumi's hair. It felt like an odd thing to do, but Ulrich could make out an almost fruity and flowery scent coming from Yumi's hair. It was almost calming. And then Ulrich could also start to take notice of Yumi's breath. It was steady and very rhythmic. Ulrich could then start to feel his body drop into a similar rhythm to not disturb Yumi. Before, his breath was short and shallow from all the anxiety he was feeling, now Ulrich could start to feel himself relax into the situation. His eyes slowly drooped close.

"Thank you Ulrich…" said Yumi out of the blue. And with that, Ulrich could feel her breathing deepen as she fell asleep in his arms.

Ulrich dropped into sleep soon after. And his dreams were no longer filled with confusing hallways and computers, but instead, Ulrich dreamt about playing soccer, in a large field of sweet-scented flowers.