I have this very strange need to complete this story as soon as possible, even though I should probably be studying for finals…. Oh well I have a week for that. Just need to take a break at some point to see the horse, but for now my writing frenzy has provided for chapter 5! I think this is a new record for me…. Anyway, please enjoy!

~Ciliegina

Being a late fall afternoon, the wind was starting to pick up and temperatures were quickly falling. So maybe requesting him to meet her under the giant oak tree on the school's lawn wasn't the smartest thing to do, but at the time it had seemed so romantic and perfect. But now the sun was gone, he was late and she was cold. She glanced over towards the academic building; he had said he would meet her here after class, which had ended nearly ten minutes ago. Maybe he got caught up in the hallway by his teammates?

And almost if the thought had summoned him, Julie felt like the moment the idea materialized in her head a jacket was placed around her shoulders and a light kiss on her cheek. "Sorry I'm a little late. I hope you weren't waiting too long out here."

She turned around and shook her head lightly, a soft smile set upon her features. "No not long at all."

"Why don't we head inside where there is some heat? I know you're from Maine and that it's probably colder there right now, but the goose bumps on your arms speak for themselves."

Nodding she followed him inside, marveling at how much of a perfect gentleman he was. He was polite, kind, caring; she just wished he would be more passionate towards her. Sure they hadn't been dating for long, it had only been a few days since the JV/Varsity game, but it almost seemed as he was avoiding major body contact with her.

She lightly shook her head, no. It most certainly wasn't that. He was just being polite seeing as she was younger than him. He just was taking it slow to be respectful to her.

But Julie knew she was no porcelain doll. She wasn't going to break over any little thing, so wishing and hoping he would actually kiss her, and not just her cheek, more was a completely understandable goal; wasn't it?

She smiled up at him between they're small talk. It still seemed a little surreal to her. He was a senior, and she was an out of state freshman. On top of it all he was Adam's older brother and Reilly's best friend. She still didn't understand why he had asked her out. But that didn't matter, he did, and now she was his girlfriend. She mentally squealed just at the thought.

"So would you like to join me for dinner? There is this café near by that we can walk to. It's much easier than taking the bus or driving into the city."

And with innocence and joy shining brightly on her face, Julie nodded. "Absolutely"

"No."

"Come on, it's a brilliant idea!"

"Charlie it's an absolutely ridiculous idea that could potentially get me expelled, disowned, or even arrested. Plus it's completely brutish. I know we play hockey, but we don't need to act like cave men who throw their weight around to get what they want."

"Works for the Bash Brothers."

"No."

"Come on it would be so easy to do."

"Do you understand the meaning of the word no?"

"Plus you could show off your athleticism. I'm sure it would impress Julie."

"And I'm sure it would do the exact opposite and she wouldn't talk to me again. Plus I would thoroughly enjoy remaining part of my family."

"Well hello Banks the drama queen."

"You've met my father."

"He wouldn't disown you…"

Adam stood in silence for a few moments as he let Charlie think over exactly what he was suggesting.

"Well, if you were disowned you wouldn't have to be compared to Scooter anymore."

"Charlie!" Adam let out an exasperated groan. The captain could be really thick and stubborn when he set his mind on something. "The answer is still no."

"Please, it would be the most interesting thing to happen at the stuck up preppy sweater vest wearing school… no offense man."

"I'm not body tackling my brother in the middle of the school hallway. I'm not changing my mind on this. It is a complete about face of the goal. This conversation is going nowhere quick, so drop it."

"Pleas…. About face? Who the hell talks like that? Can we get Portman to do it?"

"No."

"Ugh, fine. You can't say I didn't try. So do you have any bright ideas or has the tie cut off all the air from reaching you're brain?"

"Is the insult really necessary?"

"Is the sweater vest and tie really necessary? I mean I know you're in love with school and all, but if you wanted to marry it you really need a tux, not the most dorky looking outfit on the face of the planet."

Adam tuned Charlie out as he continued to mock his wardrobe. He knew Charlie's ramblings were because he didn't know what else to suggest to Adam to dig him out of the whole he had been thrown into. And in all honest Adam didn't really know what to do either. Hell, he didn't even know where to begin thinking about a solution. He was stuck between a rock and a hard spot. As much as he wanted to ruin the relationship that Scooter had swiped out from under his nose, he never wanted to hurt Julie more. So it wasn't like Adam could even be very malevolent and set his brother up to look like he was cheating on the girl. Not that Adam could ever do that anyway, he was far too good-natured.

But what was he to do? Talk to Scott, and tell him that he liked Julie? Adam was sure that would somehow turn against. Scott always got everything he wanted, and if he wanted to keep Julie, somehow Adam revealing his crush to his brother would just make said brother look better and cause Julie to fall further into is awaiting grasp.

And god knows he couldn't talk to Julie. He could see the amount of tension and awkwardness that would be created by that. Hockey practices would be uncomfortable for everyone, making people play on edge, which could even deteriorate the success of the Ducks. And Adam would never risk hurting the Ducks, who had become like a family to him, since he was always hidden in the shadows in his own.

Adam searched his mind for ideas, but none came. "I hate these rooms." He said outloud without realizing it.

Charlie stopped mid-rant and looked at the center and then the room. "Yeah they are kind of tiny."

"And depressingly bland."

"Yeah I guess you could call it that too if you wanted to be all broody and emo about it."

"I can't think in here."

Charlie rolled his eyes. He knew what that meant. Everyone who knew Banks knew what that meant. "Just don't spend too much time thinking then. We do have a game on Monday."

Adam nodded and headed back to his own dorm room to grab his skates. Maybe the rink would give him a solution.

Please REVIEW, for they are like smores by a campfire, nice, warm, and make you feel happy inside.

galindapopular: Thank you so much for reviewing, it's nice to see that somebody has remembered this story!