Disclaimer: I don't own Code Lyoko.

Here's the final chapter, enjoy guys!

Chapter 4

My eyes opened wider as I sat staring at the small stack of cash in front of me. Not believing my first count I carefully sorted through the bills again. Then closing my eyes I let a slight smile drift to my face. It wasn't much but...yeah it was finally enough. Standing I stashed the money into my wallet, before walking out the door of my apartment. Stuffing my hands into my pockets I paced over to my motorcycle that was parked a little ways away. After slipping the helmet over my head I flipped down the visor and took off. I could hardly believe it was summer again already. The weeks had turned into months, and then a year, since graduation, and little by little I had managed to get used to my new life. Not that things were ever really that different...

Wheeling into a turn I smiled as a rush of thoughts filled my head. Was today really the day...? Twisting my wrist I revved the engine a little faster as I felt my heartbeat start throbbing out of my chest. When a small fast food joint came into view I pulled in and parked my bike in the first spot that caught my eye. Flipping my keys in my pocket with a slight whistle I pushed the doors to the building open as I stepped inside. It only took a second to spot Odd sitting at one of the booths stuffing fries in his mouth. Walking over I slid into the seat next to him as I waited to see how long it would take him to notice me past his food coma.

"Ah, good buddy!" He shouted revealing a sight I'd rather have missed. I sighed. "Chew then swallow Odd..." Grabbing his drink he sucked on the straw until it sounded like his cup was empty. Then sitting it back down on the table he grinned widely. "So how goes life good buddy!?" Leaning my head in my hand I smirked as my line of sight drifted out the window. "Not bad I guess..." Ripping open a packet of salt he poured it over another order of fries before raising a curious eyebrow. "And why might I ask, are you in such a great mood today?" Glancing back at him I frowned suddenly. "Who said I'm in a good mood?" Picking up a fry he pointed it at me. "Give me a break good buddy, I know that look!" A thought then seemed to come to him, so he grinned as a few chuckles escaped him. "Did you dream about Yumi again last night?"

Feeling heat rush to my face I reached to snatch a fry from off his napkin. "Hey I thought we both agreed that never happened!?" He laughed before popping a few more fries in his mouth. "Yeah sure good buddy, my lips are sealed!" I rolled my eyes playfully. "If only I believed that... Besides..." I started as I slowly took a small bite out of the potato. "I'm not crazy enough to get worked up over some stupid dream." Odd smiled again. "Then you're worked up over something that really did happen?" I frowned as I felt another wave of awkwardness come over me. "Hey give me a break will ya Odd..." I then shifted my gaze out the window again. "I...I'm just excited about something is all."

Odd grabbed his drink and started to gesture enthusiastically with it. "That's it Ulrich I want details!" I fell silent as I tried to get over my embarrassment. So taking one last deep breath I whispered just loud enough for him to hear me. "I'm...gonna ask her today..." His face lit up with a look somewhere between disbelief and excitement. "Too cool!" He shouted suddenly. "Hey keep it down!" I whispered franticly as every eye in the place landed on us. Not fazed in the least he just grinned wider. "Don't worry Ulrich I'll give you some of my sure fire pointers!" Reaching for another fry I shook my head. "Thanks, but I'm not so sure Yumi's the type to go for your romantics Odd." "Sure she is," he stated as a matter of fact. "No girl can resist my charms good buddy! And with a little practice, some of it just might rub off on you!"

I laughed as I popped the french fry in my mouth. "Yeah that's what I'm afraid of."

Leaving Odd to his dessert round I went to take care of much more important business. One thing was for sure, I didn't have the choice of getting cold feet now, because I knew it would only be a matter of minutes before Odd told everyone we knew. Parking my bike beside the curb I stepped off onto the sidewalk. For the past year I had spent nearly every ride home after work window shopping. If I wasn't being wowed by the diamonds I was being scared half to death by the prices. Stepping closer I peered inside the showcase window. But today I was finally ready... Taking a deep breath I gathered courage enough to push open the door. I couldn't believe I was really doing this...

The door came open with a ring as a few bells jingled against it. The sales clerk looked up from polishing a glass case with a rag. "Hello sir, how can I help you today?" The lady said cheerfully. I shuffled my feet awkwardly for a few moments before clearing my throat. "Uh I...want to buy a ring...an engagement ring..." I could feel my face going red and all I really wanted to do was find the nearest exit, but something kept me standing there. "No problem sir, right this way!" The woman said as she gestured me over to a certain section of jewelry cases. Walking over I stared down into the case where over a dozen rings sat. I was starting to think choosing might be harder than I even imagined, but just then a certain ring caught my attention.

It was beautiful, but not as delicate as the others. Something about it felt bold even though the design was basically simple. I guess I could say it reminded me of Yumi. Tapping slightly on the case I pointed it out. "Um that one, I'd like that one." The clerk raised an eyebrow. "Oh you've decided already?" I nodded slowly. "Yeah..." A sympathetic smile softly rose to her face as she looked at me. "Well, I'm sure she'll love it..." As she reached to enclose the ring in a small red velvet box I couldn't help but wonder if she really would. But I figured if anything I'd be the one she wasn't happy with. As I reached to pay for the ring I couldn't help but feel a rush of nerves hit me. She might laugh at me, or maybe even worse she'd remind me politely that we're just good friends.

I guess my doubts were starting to show on my face because as I turned to leave the sales clerk stopped me. "Um sir!" Slowly I looked over my shoulder. "Yeah...?" A smile came to her face as she gently pulled a single stem rose from a display vase and reached it to me. "Here...give her this." I felt a slight grin raising to my face as her words helped to encourage me somewhat. "Thanks." I said with a nod before I pulled the front door open and stepped out. Checking my watch I knew Yumi didn't get off for another fifteen minutes, but by the time I got there I only had five left to wait. So taking a seat at one of the outdoor tables I let the weight of the moment finally catch up with me.

I felt like the only guy on the planet that would try this after being told plainly that she only wanted to be friends. But... Twisting the rose gently in my trembling fingertips I let go of a sigh. I used to think being afraid meant you were weak, but now I had no choice but to admit that I was terrified. "Lose a bet with Odd?" I heard her voice ask suddenly. Swallowing hard I snapped to attention and stared at her now sitting across from me at the table. "Um...what...?" Was all I managed to mumble out. She smiled as she leaned her head in her hand. "The rose, I'm wondering if this is a joke Odd put you up too or something?"

Anything I had tried to practice in my head fell into a million pieces as I sat there like an idiot with her staring at me. I could feel my eyebrow start to flinch as I did my best to force myself to focus. "Uh no...it's um...for you...Yumi..." She accepted the flower even though a puzzled look was appearing on her face. Brushing a few strands of hair from her eyes she smiled at me. "Thanks Ulrich... But um mind if I ask what's the occasion?" I wanted to freeze but I knew I had make myself say something. "Um I...I'm getting to that but first I..." Looking off to the side I rubbed the back of my head nervously. "F-First there's um a few things I need to say..."

A few moments went by in silence before I glanced her out of the corner of my eye; she was just waiting for me to go on. Staring down at the table I felt my heart start to drum in my ears like my very life was in danger. But maybe it sort of was... "Yumi...we've, that is...um... What I mean to say is..." To my surprise I heard her laugh softly as she reached to touch the top of my hand. "Hey Ulrich...don't stress yourself out, just tell me whatever you need to..." I wasn't sure if it was something in her voice, or the way I imagined all at once that this could be the end of everything if she said no, but I felt a wave of emotion I couldn't control.

My lip started to tremble as I let myself cry. Just cry... It seemed the one thing I'd never done in front of her... And now of all times I could hardly believe it... "Yumi, maybe I'm crazy or just pathetic but I..." Digging franticly in my pocket for the ring box I forgot about being nervous and completely lost myself. Flipping open the box I held the ring up to her. But she didn't say anything, she just sat there looking like she was too shocked to speak. I knew at any second she could turn me down and end my world, but even if I had to beg...I wasn't ready to let that happen. "It's just..." Looking straight in her eyes I frowned, as the whole truth I'd been hiding, came tumbling out. "When I look at you I get to look at myself, because without you there to figure me out and hold me together I... I'd probably have given up years ago..."

I stopped talking as I slowly sat the ring box down on the table and ran a few fingers through my hair. "I know you said we could only be friends but... Well I..." Huffing out a sigh I finally let myself say it. "I love you Yumi." Saying it made my heartbeat stop racing. Yeah though I couldn't believe it, I didn't even have the strength to be nervous. I just felt wiped out...maybe even defeated. Standing I slowly turned to walk a few steps away as I balled my first at my sides in emotion. "Ulrich..." She said softly as I heard her stand to follow me. The next thing I felt was her lightly grabbing my wrist and forcing my to turn and face her.

Smiling, she cupped my closed fist in between both of her hands. "Hey Ulrich...you know I can't hold your hand when you're upset like this..." I couldn't say anything I just felt my hand slowly start to relax until it was loose enough for her to intertwine her fingers with my own. Her eyes warmed as she smiled a little softer at me. "Stop being so brave Ulrich..." She whispered as if to unwind me. "Because you don't have to be..." "I don't...?" I asked with a tremble of uncertainty. Gently reaching to hug my neck she laughed softly. "No...because I love you too..." I heard what she said but somehow I couldn't seem to make myself believe that I wasn't just dreaming this. But no...I was awake... I frowned as more water came streaming down my face.

Then slowly pulling away, she looked into my eyes as a grin came to her face. "And you know why I do Ulrich?" I wanted to ask her just that question, because it didn't make sense that she was in love with someone like me... But as always she already knew just what I was thinking. Reaching to brush away a tear trailing down my cheek she laughed gently as her smile widened. "Hey Ulrich, what's not to love...?"

FIN

Thanks for reading this story all the way through, hope you guys enjoyed it. As always feel free to review and tell me what you thought. :D And also a big thank you to the characters, without whom I couldn't write myself out of a paper bag!