Disclaimer: I do not own Adam Banks, or any of his team mates.

A/N: Thanks for the reviews! I know you guys are dying for Adam to tell Julie already, but in all good time. It'll come, it'll come. But here's another anticipated conversation: Banks asks the big Dean Portman. I hope you like this chapter, and please, keep the reviews coming! I love your feedback.

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"Banksie!" The Ducks roared, hanging out in the lounge.

I looked around, noticing the Ducks were catching the attention of the whole room. Connie got up to hug me, and Fulton punched me in the arm, with a smile on his face. I soon found myself smiling at the love I was feeling from them. Oh, team.

I saw Julie grin at me, and sit down next to Connie.

"Banks man, where have you been?" Russ asked, as I took a seat at the edge of the couch.

"You know, just hanging out in the dorm." I shrugged.

Ken made a face, "Why?"

"Because he's in love with Ferris Bueller," Julie joked, and winked at me to indicate she was joking.

The Ducks laughed, and I smirked back at her. It was quite seductive. I turned my head to the right, to see Portman watching us, examining our flirtatious smiles, and he looked deep in thought. It's now or never, Preppy.

"Portman, can I talk to you?" I asked. Connie choked on the orange juice she was drinking, Charlie almost fell off other side of the couch, and Jesse and Guy stared at each other, with questioning looks.

"Yeah, sure, Banks." Portman nodded, and got up, as I followed.

Do you like Julie?

Do you love Julie? Because I do.

So, man, I think, you like Julie. Punch him in the arm. Well, do ya?

No. All these different ways aren't working.

Think faster Banks, because he's staring at you.

"So, what's up Preppy?" His arms were crossed. Great way to make me feel more comfortable, Portman.

"Well, I uh," This wasn't feeling like the best idea anymore. "I was just wondering how you feel about…" I paused. I wanted to puke. Then maybe I wouldn't have to ask him about Julie, and I could just stay in my room, using the excuse of severe flu. Aw. Then I couldn't play hockey. Yeah, that's not gonna work for me.

"You okay? You're looking pretty pale." Portman asked me, and I took a breath. This was it.

"Do you like Julie? Because, well, I really do, and I just wanted to know if you do, because if you do, well then, I don't know what I would do, actually. But, do you?" That was eloquent.

Portman stared at me for a while, eyes wide, in confusion, I guess. Then he gave a loud and comforting laugh. So I laughed along with him. "What are you laughing at, Adam?"

I stopped, and stuttered, "Well you were. So I thought that I uh could. I'm just nervous. You're a big guy. I don't mean big, like real big, can't fit through the doors, kind of big, but you're just bigger than me. You get what I'm saying?"

Portman raised an eyebrow, smile on his face, "Yeah. Dude, you have to calm down. I'm not going to drop kick you. It's cool."

I sighed, and asked, "But seriously, do you?"

Portman started shaking his head, "No man. But it's pretty obvious that you do. Julie doesn't know that you do though, she can't tell. I'm just really protective of her. The more I get to know her, the more I feel I need to protect her like a little sister. Connie too, so if you make either of them mad, you're going to feel the wrath."

I smirked, "I'll keep that in mind."

"Sorry, I've been giving you the death glare. I just wanted to make sure your intentions are good, and they are. Man, they really are." Portman whispered, leaning in to me, so I could hear him better, "You freaking seem like your in love with her. Are you?"

"I'm not in love with her!" Portman backed away at my yell in frustration. I looked around me, making sure that nobody heard me. Charlie noticed, and he was currently laughing. "I just like her a lot."

"So you gonna tell her you like her?"

My eyes quickly rolled, as it did every time I got asked this. Seriously, why is that the first thing people ask? Only this time, I actually considered it. I mean, it was the reason I talked to Portman, right? To find out if I could tell Julie, without any problems arising. So, I guess I will. Oh, how far you have come, Adam Banks. Do you remember when you sat next to that girl on the bleachers and didn't talk to her? Oh, you know, and you remember that story well.

"Maybe I will," I answered with a shrug.

"I definitely think you should. You don't know how she feels." Portman winked at me.

I cocked my head to the side, "What?"

"Nothing man. I think you should tell her, real soon." Portman slapped me on the back, and led me towards the group, where he practically pushed me into Julie, who stood up, moving over to make room for me to sit.

You don't know how she feels? What did he mean by that?

"Hey you okay?" Julie whispered to me.

I looked to my left, our legs squished next to each other, and our faces pretty close together. "Perfect," I smiled.