Hey readers! I just wanna say a quick something to those who are reading this story. I write mainly just 'cause I enjoy writing, but reviews definitely motivate me to write updates faster ;) However, I myself haven't reviewed many stories I've read, so no problem if you just come to read and choose not to review. I'm just glad you read it! But if you want, feel free to drop a review, be it long or short, encouragement or criticism. Just remember, constructive criticism is WAY cooler than plain ol' criticism ;) And long reviews are more fun to read! :D Anyhow, thanks for reading! Enjoy :)

For those who have reviewed so far:

Lady Emily: Wow, you are much too kind! Yeah, Nancy and Frank and Joe. It's a tough situation…you'll just have to see what happens though :) Heh, Joe Hardy and dateless don't seem to fit, do they? Well no worries, he's still the lady killer he is in the books! I tried to write Joe's reactions the way I believed he might act in a situation like this, but I wasn't sure how it would turn out. Anyhow, I'm glad you liked it pretty well :) I read some of your writing; You're amazing! So your encouragment means a lot and any hints or advice is welcome :D Hope this update doesn't disappoint.

franknjoe: Hey, thanks so much for the review! I'm glad my vocab is to your liking :) Hope you continue to think so! If you have any corrections, feel free to tell me.

cariocalee: Hey, this is your first review and this is my first fanfic. Pretty neat, huh? :) Well I'm honored that you have bestowed this review on my story. Lol, I like hearing your thoughts on where I'm going with the storyline. You'll have to just wait and see if your analysis is correct :D Aw, thanks for the compliments…I, myself, wasn't too impressed with what I've written, but I'm glad you liked it despite that :) Any hints or advice so far? Anyhow, hope you enjoy the update! I appreciate the review!

Ok, I've split this chapter into two parts. 1) Because I'm still deciding on which way I want this story to go. 2) I haven't completed the second half :) Ok, on to the story!

The Dance, Part I

You DID say 7:45, right Frank? Joe thought sourly to himself as he waited outside the Hardy house for his brother. Frank was running late, again, Joe thought with a certain measure of inexplicable satisfaction. Hah. Glancing down at his wrist watch, Joe read the time. 7:47. Ok, so maybe he wasn't that late. Still, Frank should be more prompt on his first date with Nancy, Joe thought irritably. She had certainly been waiting long enough for it. At that moment Frank's navy blue Mustang drove up the driveway. Leaning forward to peer into the driver's window, Joe opened his mouth to ask Frank if he needed to get dressed, when he paused, stunned. To Joe's astonishment, Frank was sharply dressed, sporting an ash grey suit with a smooth, white shirt underneath that looked to be made of silk. Knowing Frank and his tightly kept budget, it was actually some sort of silk imitation, but still, Frank was dressed to the T. He had placed a rose in his button-hole, and had gotten a hair cut, by the looks of his slicked back hair. Joe had expected his brother to be dressed nicely of course—this was a formal banquet after all—but Frank had outdone himself this time. Despite himself, Joe had to admit the suit matched perfectly with Frank's charcoal black hair and fit well over his lean physic. Girls had always swooned over the Hardy boys, but Frank had never looked this good. Nancy will sure appreciate this.

"Come on Joe, let's go!" Frank called cheerfully from the driver's seat.

Feeling disgruntled, Joe slid into the car, pausing when he saw an enormous bouquet of sweet-scented, crimson roses. Frank was definitely pulling out all the stops tonight. Joe had always been the more dashing, sweep-you-off-your-feet kind of guy out of the two of them, but Frank appeared to be at least Joe's equal for this date.

"Sooo, how am I doing? Think she'll like it?" Frank anxiously asked as he picked his way through the evening traffic towards the hotel where Nancy was waiting to be picked up.

"Yeah, she'll love it." Joe grudgingly replied. After seeing Frank's attire and gift, it seemed that Frank had been anticipating this date almost as much as Nancy had.

Glancing in the rearview mirror, Frank examined Joe's sullen expression.

"Hey, you ok little bro? Oh I know, it's because you don't have a date, isn't it? Hey, there's a first time for everything! But don't worry, plenty of girls will be begging to dance with you tonight," Frank grinned with a wink.

He was right of course, but Joe just gave a noncommittal grunt, as Frank finally drove to the entrance of the Bayport Marriott. Braking smoothly, he paused at the hotel guest drop-off in front of the hotel doors.

"Listen Joe, why don't you run up and get Nancy, while I drive around the parking lot and come back to the entrance."

Joe was about to offer to take Frank's place at the wheel, but a driver behind them honked loudly. Both brothers winced, and Joe hurriedly slid out of the car, slamming the door behind him and quickly jogged up the hotel steps. As he entered the lobby, he glanced around quickly, hoping to spot Nancy. When he failed to see a short blond head among the hotel guests seated in the lobby, he walked to the front desk.

"Hi, I'm looking for a friend who's staying here. A Nancy Drew. Do you have her listed here?"

The receptionist, a young- and very pretty, he noted- brunette, shook her head.

"Sorry, but I'm not allowed to give out that information unless I know you're a friend of the guest." She answered, typing on her keyboard, eyes busily flitting from her computer screen to what appeared to sign up list.

Turning on the charm, Joe grinned and pulled out his ID.

"Ahem," he coughed, not-so discreetly.

Raising an eyebrow, the young women examined it.

"Look, your ID is not going to help you unless it tells me that you're a friend of Miss Drew. And I'm not interested in the fact that you're 22, 6 foot 1 and…and…wait a second, you're Joe Hardy? As in, the famous detective, part of the Hardy Detectives?"

Smirking slightly, Joe nodded. The young women blushed at Joe's debonair attitude this time, and began apologizing profusely. Immediately, Joe assured her there was no harm done, and again began to ask for Nancy's room number when a familiar voice interrupted their conversation.

"Well I was wondering when your brother was going to pick me up."

Grinning at the gently playful voice, Joe turned around while saying,

"Well Nancy you know my brother, he's…he's.." Joe trailed off as he caught sight of the blonde detective. Gulping, Joe took in her deep red dress, strappy heels, and perfectly styled hair, floating in waves on her smooth shoulders. Diamonds sparkled like teardrops in her earlobes. Although it was a modest outfit, Joe could appreciate how the dress flattered her figure.

"What's the matter?" Nancy's concerned voice interrupted his internal battle with his thoughts. Her blue eyes looked worried as she took in his wide eyes and hanging jaw.

"N-nothing." Joe mentally cursed his stuttering. He'd stopped doing that around girls years ago!

Regaining his usual dashing manner, Joe gave Nancy a brilliant grin.

"It's just that your glowing beauty stunned me for a moment." Gosh, cheesy much, Joe? He grimaced.

"Glowing beauty? I know better than to believe that, coming from you Joe Hardy."

Nancy laughed, eyes gleaming with good-humor and a touch of hurt, thinking he was trying to distract her from her concern.

Joe shook his head, adamant.

"I'm afraid I must insist, that you look quite ravishing Miss Drew." Joe had intended to say this playfully but his voice suddenly dropped deep and it came out more seriously than he meant it too. What in the world? Gosh, now she'll think I'm a pervert, chasing my brother's date. He didn't even want to date her, didn't think of her in that way. Hopefully Nancy would realize that he was just surprised to see her dressed up for the first time.

Fortunately, Nancy just shook her head at him, but Joe thought he saw a blush dust across her cheeks along with a small, pleased smile. He grinned. Good, she took it for what it was. Simply a sincere compliment.

As Joe led her out to Frank's car, he found himself again drinking in the sight of Nancy, surprising himself at this unusual attitude. For once, Joe could not deny the fact the Nancy was a very beautiful women, one that many would fight for a chance to date. Pushing the bewildering thought aside, Joe opened the front seat passenger door for her, and she slipped in beside Frank.

The car ride to the banquet was rather uncomfortable. Joe immediately felt his sullenness return as Nancy and Frank began a lively conversation, complete with oh-so-sweet smiles. Why this bothered him, he could not explain at the moment, but all he knew was that he could hardly stand another minute of it. Fortunately, the car ride was short, and soon the three detectives had arrived at the city hall, where the banquet was being held.

Frank and Nancy led the way, arm in arm, to the doors while Joe trailed sulkily behind. Filled with rich carpeting, elaborate wallpaper, and expensive furniture, the city hall was the pride and joy of Bayport city. It had been built in the mid-50's, largely responsible to a contribution from a famous senator who had found Bayport to his liking when visiting there to raise support during his election. Today, it stood as magnificent as the day it was built. Although the Hardy's had visited the city hall before, the three young adults nodded their heads and whistled quietly in appreciation as they walked down the hallways toward the celebration. As they entered the ballroom, a huge round of applause began thundering across the room. The three detectives smiled graciously, accepting the city's thanks, and then joined the crowd, eating refreshments, chatting, and dancing. They all chatted easily for a few minutes, before more couples began compiling on the dance floor. Smiling hopefully, Frank turned to Nancy.

"Would you like to dance?"

Grinning brightly, Nancy replied teasingly,

"I thought you'd never ask."

With a laugh, Frank swept her quickly onto the dance floor. Feeling like a completely ignored and unappreciated third wheel, Joe stalked over to the refreshment table and grabbed a can of Dr. Pepper from a large tin bucket filled with sodas. Popping open the tab, Joe took a long gulp of the fizzy drink, eyes watering as the bubbles burned their way down his throat. As he stood, sipping his drink more slowly, several policemen who were friends of his father made their way over to him and begun to converse with the young Hardy. Joking and laughing, the policemen teased Joe about his recent graduation from college, saying they never expected "Little Joseph" would actually settle down to work—even if it was to work he had been doing almost all his life. Although he felt slightly awkward around his father's friends, Joe appreciated their friendliness. However, soon the men left and Joe stood alone again. Glancing around the dance floor, Joe wondered absentmindedly if Frank and Nancy were still dancing, hoping maybe they would join him again even if all they did was stare, love struck, into each other's eyes. Finally, his eyes caught the blond and black heads dancing in the center of the room. As he watched, Frank smiled down at Nancy while Nancy gazed up into his eyes. Turning quickly away, Joe turned toward a group of young women who had been giggling loudly and pointedly in his direction for the past twenty minutes. With a swagger, Joe approached them. Time to show them who's the real boss here, Joe thought proudly, although he couldn't say who exactly he was trying to prove himself to. It was all done in a few seconds, and soon Joe was leading a young blonde woman to the dance floor, leaving promises for later dances with the envious group of young women.

"And who might you be, young lady?" Joe asked, forcing a grin onto his face as he looked down at his dance partner.

A coy smile made its way onto the blonde's face as she answered him, and soon the two were engaged in flirtatious banter. However, Joe's mind was elsewhere and he had to shake himself several times to keep focused on the conversation. Unfortunately, the young woman noticed Joe's inattention, and as soon as the song ended, she abandoned him on the dance floor. There were still a large number of ladies practically frothing at the mouth, waiting for a chance to dance with him, but Joe slipped off the dance floor for the moment.

What in the world is wrong with me? Joe thought to himself, bewildered, as he munched on a cookie, leaning against the elaborately designed wallpaper. Joe Hardy could charm his way into girls hearts as easily as he could sprint a mile in four minutes. He was rather notorious for falling quickly for girls, but girls were twice as quick to fall for the muscular, blonde haired, blue-eyed, young man. In fact, he was usually a regular Casanova, always ready to engage in flirting with the young ladies he met. Why wasn't he so willing to engage in his usual behavior tonight? Pondering this strange phenomenon, Joe caught sight of Nancy again as she twirled along side Frank, face glowing from the light of the crystal chandeliers, laughing Frank's look of concentration as he tried to keep up with the lively dance. She had been one of the few to refuse to fall for Joe's dashing act. In fact, she hadn't been afraid to confront him about it. A half smile formed on his face as he thought back to a conversation they had had concerning his romantic habits.

Flashback

It was about three months after Joe and Nancy had had their argument concerning her apparent crush on Frank. They were on a case together in New York City and Joe and Frank had teamed up with Nancy to work on some investigation/interrogation for their case. Although Joe usually managed to have Frank be the one teaming with Nancy while he investigated alone, Frank had decided to leave Joe and Nancy to investigate in a different area of town as Frank was doing more of spy work and insisted he needed to be as surreptitious as possible. Joe didn't mind, and to his surprise—and slight pride—Nancy didn't seem to either. They began chatting about mundane things, such as the weather, how blonde is the superior color of hair, and discussing which was better, hotdogs or hamburgers, etc. However, as the day passed, their conversation slowed and when their conversation lagged, they began to walk in comfortable silence. As they walked, keeping a look out for clues for their investigation, Joe noticed Nancy examining his profile as he glanced at her out of the corner of his eye. Grinning slyly, Joe turned to face her.

"See something you like?" He smirked slightly, white teeth flashing in the sun.

Nancy, quite used to his playful flirting, rolled her eyes in response and smiled in return before turning pensive.

"Noooo…" She paused, then continued. "Actually, I was wondering whether I could ask you a question."

"Sure, go ahead. Ask away." Joe replied quickly, curious as to what she wanted to ask and why she didn't just go ahead and ask it instead of requesting permission.

"Are you sure?" Nancy bit her lip, obviously embarrassed. "Because, you see, it's a rather personal question."

Joe grinned cockily,

"I'm sure I can handle it, whatever the question may be. Besides, I think I owe you the opportunity to ask some personal questions after my interrogation during that case a few months ago."

"Well, there's something I've been wanting to know for a long time, but I didn't feel I knew you well enough to ask you."

"Well, I should think you're entitled to ask whatever you want to know by now." Joe smiled, the deepening friendship they had formed over the last few months freeing his mind of any concerns over the question she had in mind. However, he didn't realize exactly what kind of question Nancy had in mind.

Hesitating slightly, Nancy took a deep breath, then plunged ahead.

"Joe, why you form these emotional relationships with the girls you meet on nearly all your investigations but always leave them in the end?"

Joe gave a sheepish smile, and opened his mouth, whether to defend himself or what, he wasn't sure, but he knew he had to say something. Fast. Otherwise she might suspect something and with her being a natural detective, that wouldn't do. Not at all.

"No real reason. I guess I make 'em because I'm a romantic kinda a guy. But I'm just looking for a good time. I don't like to be held down by one girl, you know?" he answered rather lamely, avoiding her gaze.

Nodding her head, Nancy appeared to accept his answer. Joe let his head hang down for a moment as silence once again fell between them. The spring weather was comfortably warm and many people appeared out of their homes to join Nancy and Joe for a late afternoon stroll. New York City was a bustling world of noise, crowds, and towering sky-scrapers. But here, in the outskirts, it was almost as calm as it was on his Bayport streets. Lifting his head, Joe faced ahead and noticed a dark haired girl and a blonde young man, arms entwined, strolling along in front of them. His lips tightened momentarily, and he unconsciously let out a small sigh.

"The problem is, Joe, I don't think that's the real reason." Nancy spoke up out of the blue.

"I'm sorry, what's that?" Joe asked, confused by this apparent non-sequitir.

"I mean, I think that you would like to be tied down by one girl. But I think something happened that made you afraid to do that."

"Why do you say that?" Joe asked calmly and a little too casually, his face an emotionless mask.

"Sorry, that was too blunt. Maybe this is inappropriate to ask but I was simply wondering and..."

"No, no, it's fine. I'm just curious as to how you came to that conclusion," Joe interrupted, rather coolly, not noticing his hands reflexively balling into fists.

Nancy looked at him cautiously, taking in his white knuckles, and carefully answered.

"I've seen the way you look at couples. You want to be like them. Underneath the charming manners, you're hurt that you don't have what they have."

"Well, I suppose everyone would like a permanent relationship eventually." Joe amended out loud, while his blue eyes admitted to nothing.

"Who made you afraid to have one, Joe?" Nancy's soft voice flitted to his ears, and Joe took a deep breath.

"What do you mean, who?" He asked harshly.

Nancy's eyes were wary but she firmly, calmly, but kindly answered.

"I mean someone hurt you, and it's making you be someone you're not. I know you enjoy the flirting and the light conversations, and those kinds of relationships can are fun. But I think you're capable of a lot more, and you want more but someone made you afraid to do so. Why, Joe?"

Joe's jaw grew tenser every second Nancy continued speaking; his were eyes hot, lips ready to spew forth angry replies. When she finally paused, waiting quietly for his answer, he couldn't, wouldn't, hold back any longer.

"Ok, so maybe someone did make me scared to be in a long-term relationship. But come on, wouldn't youdo the same if your true love died in a bomb meant for you?" Joe's violent declaration broke through the silence. He had stopped walking and now he and Nancy faced each other on the sidewalk. The young detective stood silently, patiently awaiting further explanation. Feeling the urge to let the whole story spill forth, Joe continued and told Nancy the tragic tale of his girlfriend Iola. He told her how he had dated her for two years and loved every minute of it. He told her how one day he took Iola to the mall and he had begun flirting playfully with a store clerk there. Iola had become upset and they ended up have a huge argument. Hurt and confused, Iola ran out to Joe's car and jumped in to drive off. And then Joe told Nancy how the car had exploded in a huge ball of fire caused by a car bomb meant for Joe and Frank.

"And you know why I'm so scared of a relationship now?" Joe asked angrily, then continued before Nancy could speak. "It's not because I've only loved Iola. It's because I don't want to be the one who kills my girlfriend in the end!"

As he stood, chest heaving from the passion of his confession, Joe's head dropped to face the ground and he turned away from Nancy. He had always been strong, the rock for people to lean on. But the rock was showing its cracked interior now and suddenly, he felt ashamed.

Somehow, they had managed to end up in an isolated park, and in the back of Joe's mind he could hear a fountain bubbling behind them. Birds chirped cheerfully, and the sun cast its fading rays on the green grass and smooth park paths. The peaceful surroundings were lost to Joe as his head swirled in the quagmire his mind had been forced into. Dully, he heard Nancy approach him, and then she was turning him around, forcing him to look at her.

The affection, compassion, and true empathy he saw in her eyes was too much. To his astonishment he felt his eyes welling with tears, and before he could blink them away, they were pouring down his face in little rivulets. Embarrassed, Joe attempted to hide his face behind his hands in the pretence of wiping his eyes, but Nancy pulled them away from his face and to his utter amazement, wrapped her arms around him. Gently, she held him close, despite his immediate, reactive stiffness. Pulling his head down to her short height, she whispered in his ear.

"She loved you, you know. And she doesn't blame you."

She could of said it wasn't his fault. She could have said that accidents can't be helped. She could have said any number of things but she somehow knew exactly what he needed to hear. Unable to hold himself stiff any longer, Joe let out a strangled sob, and gripped Nancy to him tightly, burying his face in her shoulder.

"It's all my fault. If only I hadn't been such a flirt..."

"Shh, shh, it's alright." Nancy said soothingly into his ear, running a comforting hand through his hair while the other rubbed his back. If she was surprised at his uncharacteristic display of emotion, she didn't let it show in her voice or actions. Joe didn't know how long he stood there, letting Nancy embrace him, as he held desperately to her, crying on her cashmere sweater. Finally, he raised his head and reluctantly let go of Nancy. Muttering apologies, Joe blushed and sniffed, furiously wiping at his red face. A handkerchief appeared in front of his face. Joe gave a cracked laugh.

"You know how to deal with every situation, don't you?"

Nancy gave a soft laugh, and replied.

"No, not by a long shot. I just try to help when I can."

Joe nodded, blew his nose, and gave a half-smile.

"Sorry for being such a wuss. It's just that, I haven't really talked about it in a while, and, well…sometimes it still overwhelms me."

Nancy furiously shook her head, her eyes still shinning with compassion.

"It's alright, I don't mind. I think you needed to get it all out there."

Joe nodded in agreement, relieved she wasn't completely freaked by his lack of emotional composure.

"Yeah, I think I did. Thanks for asking me about it. And for not telling me it's not my fault. Everyone tells me that, and I know they're just trying to help. But it is my fault. If I hadn't hurt her, made her run out to the car ahead of me…"

Joe's face crumbled again, and he wiped his eyes quickly. Nancy gave a sad, understanding smile.

"I understand perfectly what you mean. To a certain extent, it is your fault. By being who you are, you were putting her in danger, and she got hurt because of it no matter what people say."

"Exactly! Wait- you know what I mean? Something like that happen to you?" Joe queried, eyes narrowing, face scrunching in concern despite his unsteady state.

Nancy gave a faint smile and shook her head.

"You've listened to me cry over my sorrows before. I think it's your turn to have my undivided attention. Some other time I'll tell you about it."

"Ok," Joe replied with a nod, "but I'll hold you to that. Now we'd better head back to the hotel. Frank is probably going crazy wondering where we are."

Nodding her head quickly, Nancy picked her purse off the ground where she had dropped it after giving Joe the impromptu embrace. As Joe turned to start off, Nancy caught his arm.

"Joe, although I'm not going to say it's not your fault, I do want to tell you this. Iola wouldn't want you to keep others out because of what happened to her. Because you deserve someone, and you're capable of giving a lot to someone, somewhere out there."

Joe paused, looking into Nancy's gentle, sincere eyes. The setting sun washed over them, lighting Nancy's hair aflame. Absently, Joe tucked a loose strand of her hair behind her ear and smiled.

"Thanks Nancy. I'll remember that. And I'm glad I let you in today."

Nancy looked startled at his action, and smiled hesitantly. Then, shaking off her meditative state, she gave him a large, bright smile.

"Me too Joe."

That day, Joe felt that Nancy had finally broken his shell and knew the real him. He had listened and supported her. Now she had supported him. But then again, they were friends and that's what friends did for each other. Nonetheless, he liked to think they were more than friends –they were good friends. As good friends—Joe thought for the first time, with a shock of pleasure—as she and Frank. He also decided to remember to hug people more often. Because the last two times he had hugged felt really good.

End Flashback

Joe smiled, as he thought on that fateful conversation. Nancy had always been perceptive and had seen right through his façade of emotional distance. His smiled faded slightly, as he frowned in thought. Only his family had been able to do that. Well, Joe decided, I did tell Frank that Nancy was like my sister. Somehow, tonight, seeing Nancy dancing with Frank, the thought made him feel queasy and that made him confused, again. Well maybe not like a sister. I can't think of her like that now because she's dating my brother and if she was my sister, that'd be just wrong, Joe concluded. The uneasy ache in his stomach didn't fade.

Yay, you made it to the end! Now, if you're liking it, try an' leave a review! 'Course, if you hate it, you can too :)