A/N – thank you for the review(s). Your advice has been taken on board and I have replaced the existing chapters with an improved (and hopefully) easier to read format! (same text though!) if I can improve further, please let me know.
"You going to be okay?" Portman asked Julie when he noticed she had stopped crying.
"Yeah, sorry you had to see that. I'm fine. Scooter is a big fat jerk and he'd better watch out the next time I see him" Julie said, her entire body filling up with anger as she thought about the moron she'd wasted the better part of the school year with.
"Hey Catlady you've got me shaking in my shoes!" Portman joked, "I'd better not tell Goldberg though, he'd be so scared he wont ever show up to practice ever again" Dean paused pretending to think "Hey, but on the other hand ……….." he trailed off.
Julie playfully punched Portman on the shoulder "Hey, leave Goldberg alone!" she laughed, momentarily forgetting about the earlier events of the day.
"OUCH!" Portman cried pretending that her punch hurt.
Julie rolled her eyes and replied with "God you are such a big girl!"
Portman jumped up from his spot on the bed flashing her a fake evil glare "You take that back Julie Gaffney!" he ordered.
Julie giggled and moved away from him "NEVER!" she cried attempting to run to the other side of the room and shield herself using Connie's desk chair.
Unfortunately Portman was too quick for her. "Take it back!" he ordered her again grabbing her into a bear hug and holding her in a gentle headlock.
"NO!" Julie said from somewhere under Portman's arm. She had almost managed to escape from his grip.
"Yes" Portman laughed changing his grip. She tried to take advantage of the change and twisted away but unfortunately, all she managed to do was cause them both to trip and come crashing down onto the floor.
Portman realised that he was on top of her but he made no attempt to move. Something was inside his head was telling him to stay where he was. Julie noticed it as well and she was secretly enjoying the close encounter. She'd always had this little crush on Portman ever since she first saw him at the team meeting for the Goodwill Games. He was a big bully, but nevertheless incredibly cute.
When the silence became too much for both of them to handle. Julie gave an awkward laugh and declared "God you weigh a tonne!"
Portman laughed and went to move off of her "Sorry" he mumbled offering his hands to help Julie to her feet.
"Julie, Adam says I should………… Whoa! Should I come back later?" Connie burst through the door to their dorm to see Portman and Julie holding hands in the centre of the room.
Portman quickly cleared his throat "Um, no its okay, I have to go anyway" he said letting go of Julie's hands. "I think I'm supposed to be in detention" he said sheepishly looking down at the floor.
Connie tried to hide her smirk but she couldn't resist adding "It's entirely possible since you spend half your life in detention". Julie shot her a look that said 'shut up!' and Connie didn't say another word.
"So, you're okay then?" Portman asked Julie as she walked him to the door.
Julie nodded "Yeah, thanks for being here Dean. It meant a lot to me".
Dean smiled as Julie leant forward and gave him a peck on the cheek. Julie looked at the expression on his face and swore she saw him blush.
"Anytime" Dean replied suddenly regaining his composure. He never in a million years expected to feel all tingly when Julie Gaffney kissed his cheek. "But remember, if I see Scooter I can't promise I won't hurt him" he warned looking very serious.
Julie sighed "I know, but I don't want you to be getting into trouble because of me" she said meaning every word of it. If Portman seriously hurt Scooter and got kicked off the team, she'd never forgive herself. "I wont Jules" he replied giving her a wave and turning to walk off down the hall towards the detention room.
"If you need me you know where I'll be" he said shooting her a cocky wink over his shoulder as he walked away.
Julie smiled almost wishing she had something she could throw at him but deep down his concern really touched her. She suddenly wondered what it would be like to have Dean Portman as her boyfriend.
Oh my god, stop it Julie! She scolded herself and shook her head. Dean's your team mate and FRIEND. He doesn't like you like that at all she decided and walked back into her dorm room where her best friend Connie was waiting to hear what was going on.
Oh well, here goes she thought as she began to tell Connie about that morning's events and swearing her to secrecy. Coach Orion didn't need to know about how she really got her fat lip.