So, I will just say that I am deeply sorry, and will simply tell you that my sophomore year of college, which consisted of two semesters of organic chemistry really sucked. Plus I got sucked into my first long term and long distance boyfriend who turned out to be a complete and total ass. Isn't life just splendid? Anyway, I was looking at this site and I was like crap… and was half tempted to delete this and Roots but upon reading them, figured I would give a shot at continuing them, especially this one. So here is the very long awaited, and probably forgotten forth installment of His Brother's Shadow!

~Ciliegina

Since I haven't updated in so long I feel obliged to add....

Adam took a deep breath, unsure of where to start. They had been back in Charlie's dorm room for several minutes now, but Adam was sure it had felt like hours to the both of them. He had begun pacing the length of the room, and each time he turned on his heel to change direction his eyes would flicker to the door handle as if daring it to turn or simply expecting to the second he began. Charlie was sitting on his bed, patiently waiting for his roommate to start talking, and while Adam knew that the door was locked and chained shut and that Fulton and Portman had been given afternoon detention ensuring that the door would essential remain closed, Adam couldn't help but feel that someone would pop out the minute he mentioned anything revealing.

Sighing, he ran a hand through his hair, a nervous habit he had developed as a child when visiting his relatives. By running his hands through the hair they had cutely messed, he believed he could hide his unease by making it look like he was simply fixing himself. Too bad it simply screamed nervous energy when his hair was gelled neatly into place.

Charlie's absent minded foot tapping drew Adam out of his own thoughts. While his captain and friend was currently sitting quietly waiting, he knew that it was a matter of moments before the boy started physically shaking him to get Adam to spill. Charlie wasn't exactly known for either patience or tact.

Sitting down defeatedly on the edge of Fulton's bed, Adam let lose the few words he had been trying to keep hidden for years, "I like her."

"What?"

Assuming his tone had simply been to low for Charlie to catch, Adam took a deep breath and repeated the phrase that was so hard for him to utter. "I like her."

"I heard you the first time. I was just confused because I don't think you've ever used the word like in a sentence without the word hockey following it. Who do you like?"

Adam knew Charlie's joking nature usually helped lift moods at the most serious of moments, but he was revealing part of himself that he was sure no one knew about. Looking gravely straight at Charlie, the name floated off his tongue, like it was glad to finally be free of its imprisonment. "Julie."

Charlie was quiet for a few moments with a uncharacteristic pensive look fitted upon his features as he tried to string this little bit of new information together with memories in order to connect the dots. While Adam had been careful to keep his crush hidden from everyone, there were moments that had caused him to speak out, moments that Charlie should have realized. Moments that could have lead him to this realization much earlier, so that he could have helped Adam tell her before now because now there was only one thought in his mind that described the situation. "Oh shit."

"Thank you for your eloquent description of the situation that I already know I'm in."

"But… Julie… you're brother…"

"Yes, my perfect brother is dating the only girl I've ever been interested in."

As Adam spoke Charlie could have sworn he'd seen a momentary snarl on his lips. But that couldn't be right, Banks was as good natured as they come. Sure he was bound to be sick of trying to live up to Scooter's shadow, but to be actually exasperated at someone he shared blood with, it couldn't possibly be true.

"Do you really care for her? Even now?"

The sereneness of Charlie's question caused Adam's tense body to visibly soften. "Yes, I do."

"So…?" Charlie's question was laced with anticipation and knowing of the answer.

"So, I'm going to find a way to finally beat my brother at something. Without hurting Julie of course."

Charlie grinned like a Cheshire cat. He always knew Adam had to have a spine, how else could he be so useful on the hockey rink. "Of course."

As the two boys conversed and even plotted on what could be done, a figure outside the door found itself smiling. Adam had been right to be weary of the door, for someone had followed the two boys from the hallway to the dormitories, staying just far back enough to not be detected. But as soon as the door shut and the old lock creaked shut, he'd moved to just outside the room, which allowed him to hear every word the boys spoke. After a few minutes he stuck his hands in his pockets and began to walk down the hallway. The words "It's about time" lingering quietly in the space behind him as he departed.

I know this chapter is also kind of short, but I had an insomnia night, and I really wanted to get something down before falling asleep at the crack of dawn. Hopefully some people remember my dear little story. REVIEWS are very much appreciated and I really do expect to get the next chapter out soon. I promise I won't disappear again for months. I have to get a least a few chapters out first. So for now I hope you enjoyed and please review, they are a huge motivator and really make me warm and fuzzy inside.

~Ciliegina