Ai, I am sorry for the long delay in updates! School has been crazy busy these last few weeks, plus I came down with a rather annoying illness for a week or two. So, my apologies to my faithful readers. I am not certain how good this update is, but I gave it my best shot. So read, and I hope you enjoy it :)

To my faithful reviewers:

Lady Emily: Thanks so much for your reviews! They're always so encouraging, and I appreciate hearing your thoughts on my chapters :) Keep it up! :D

Chromde: Hey, glad to hear you're still reading this! Tell me what'cha think of this new update :)

franknjoe: Wow, thanks so much for the compliments! I know, I liked Amy too. She's pretty nice :) I hope you enjoy this update. Thanks for the reviews!

Ok, on to the story!

What in the world did Amy mean by, "He's just dating her"? Joe pondered, as he stretched out across their living room couch with a grunt. The comment Amy had bestowed upon him nearly a half hour ago was still causing havoc in his mind, and Joe couldn't help punching the sofa pillows in frustration as he leaned his head back against the sofa's wooden armrest. Gah, stupid cryptic remarks. What was with his friends these days? First Biff and Chet, now Amy. They were all out to get him…Joe inwardly mused, as he absently squeezed the sofa's pillows tightly between his fists, making the poor floral patterns stretch tight and the cotton stuffing in the pillow strain at the seams. As his thoughts continued through the possible reasons behind his friend's comments, tripping through his mind in rapid succession, Joe couldn't resist a derisive snort at his rambling thoughts. No way was his conclusions even remotely accurate. It was waaaay too late for psychoanalyzing his friends' mysterious comments. Although, they seemed to be psychoanalyzing ME a lot these days…Joe couldn't help grumbling to himself.

In an effort to distract himself, Joe forced his attention to the glass face of their living room clock, hanging above their fireplace mantle to his right. Craning his head, Joe read the time. 12:00 a.m. Rebelliously, his subconscious whispered that Frank should've been home long before now. Growling internally, Joe bounded off the couch and ambled over to the mini-fridge which Frank and Joe had begged their mom to buy and install in the cabinet below their TV. Pulling out a Dr. Pepper—his ultimate comfort food, Nancy claimed—he took a large swig and told himself he really ought to be heading to bed instead of staring mindlessly at the clock. But somehow, he couldn't seem to stop….

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12:15. What in the world could be keeping Frank? Joe crunched his long since drained soda can into a twisted pile of tin with one quick, worried squeeze of his fist. Their usual, self-enforced curfew on Saturday's was 12:00, because of their Sunday schedule of reviewing cases during their early free hours and answering back any case calls they may have received in the past week. That way, if they needed to drive out for some local case, they could slip out during the relatively mid-morning traffic and miss the Sunday afternoon bustle. Despite Bayport being a rather small town, rich business owners preferred to spend their weekends in their large vacation houses they built in the Bayport town, thus adding to the traffic as they prepared to head off toward their respective week-day residences. Although Joe hadn't appreciated this schedule, as it forced them to go to the "more traditional" Sunday night church service and cut into his late-night dates on Saturday evenings, Frank had never had trouble keeping their curfew before. When he was with Callie that is. Joe scowled at his defiantly loud subconscious.

Right when he was about to grab the kitchen phone and call Frank, Joe heard the click of the front door unlocking. With a swift duck and twist, Joe quickly raced up the stairs, hoping against hope Frank wouldn't hear or see him. After all, he didn't exactly want Frank to know he had been waiting for his return like an overprotective mom on their son's first date. However Joe couldn't help wondering what Biff and Chet would say if they knew he was staying up watching for Frank. They'd probably say I'm obsessed about Frank's night-time habits because I'm worried about the amount of time Nancy is spending with Frank.

Well, it was true, Joe grudgingly admitted, if only to himself. He couldn't really deny the facts anymore, and it was the only way to explain his constant paranoia concerning Nancy these days. But it made sense, really. After all, he was usually spending a lot more time with Nancy, Joe defensively reasoned to himself. Impatiently, he pushed thoughts of know-it-all friends from his mind. Now they were making him suspicious of his own actions!

As he was about to slip into his room and head to bed, he heard the sounds of voices. Who could be with Frank? Joe pondered. Stealthily sliding along the wall, Joe knelt discreetly behind the upstairs banister that overlooked out into the front living room. To his surprise, Nancy stood at the door with Frank. Why'd she come back with him? Joe wondered when he suddenly caught sight of Frank grabbing a file from the dining room table, along with Nancy's bag that she must have unwittingly left behind. He must be giving Nancy some case file along with her purse, Joe realized, with a strange sense of relief, as he watched Frank hand over the white-binder to the young woman. Probably some case he needs help with for tomorrow. Or an excuse to see Nancy again...as if he needs one now.

Joe strained to hear what the couple was saying, but the whispered voices weren't anywhere near his range, and he had to settle for examining their expressions. As the couple stood in the doorway, chatting softly, Joe sighed and prepared to leave, when he noticed the sudden look of anxiety on Nancy's face as she hesitantly begin to talk in an even lowered tone. Hmm, talking on a more serious note? Joe wondered.

A slight grin had been present on Frank's face as Nancy began, but the smile soon disappeared as Nancy continued, and he frowned slightly, gazing gravely down on Nancy. Soon, the two detectives appeared to be in an intense discussion, Nancy talking earnestly to Frank, a look of worry and almost guilt in her clear blue eyes. Feeling his gut tighten, Joe paused in his retreat. Frank better not have upset her… the thought drifted absently through Joe's mind, until he saw Frank nodding understandingly. Then, to Joe's surprise, the older Hardy broke out in a large grin. His annoyingly ambiguous brother began to talk in excited whispers, dark head tilted downwards, bright eyes looking intently into Nancy's anxious, upturned face. Half-groaning in silent frustration, Joe cursed his inability to hear, accusatory thoughts being a little too interested in the couple disappearing completely. With bated breath, Joe watched Nancy's face pale with shock at whatever Frank was saying, and her clear blue eyes quickly grew misty. However, before Joe could come roaring downstairs to beat up one insensitive brother, never mind the fact that Nancy would know he'd been eavesdropping, the girl detective suddenly threw her arms around Frank in one, impulsive motion. Joe's mouth dropped in amazement. So much for being upset! The sarcastic thought trailed through the thick quagmire of his tangled mind. However, a sick dawning of realization was beginning to make itself known in Joe's mind. As he watched the happy, embracing couple, Joe saw Frank bent his head protectively over Nancy's blond waves, and he turned away abruptly.

Stalking hurriedly down the hall to his room, Joe soundlessly opened his door, shut it with a sharp click, and flopped down on his bed. What just happened? Just as quickly, Joe sat up with a nervous jolt, and began pacing his room, deep in thought, running his hands through his hair in harried, nervous movements as anxiety clouded his mind like a thick, blanket of steam. Absently, he went through the motions of preparing for bed, changing to his favorite, blue-striped Pj's, brushing his teeth, pulling back his sheets, while snippets of the disturbingly tender scene lingered in his mind.

Settling underneath his thick comforter, Joe tossed and turned on his soft mattress, in sync with his troubled stomach. Troubled thoughts flitted in rapid speed through his mind. Finally, Joe forced himself to lay quietly, hands behind his head as he heard Nancy and Frank quietly depart in Frank's Mustang, presumably to take Nancy back to the Marriott. The sound of Frank's Mustang driving off with Nancy and Frank seated cozily inside served only to again recall the memory of what Joe had just spied on from the banister. A deep frown creased his forehead. They can't be, not this soon, Joe desperately told himself, willing himself to misunderstand what he had just seen and the conclusions that stemmed from it. However, Joe always had had the tendency to jump to conclusions based on gut-instinct, and the conversation he had just seen take place between his brother and Nancy was instinctively sending red-alert signals to his brain. Even as he tried to throw a curtain across the memories, Joe was helpless to control his mind as the events of the past few days flashed through his mind's eye.

Frank and Nancy clinging tightly to each other at the award ceremony, dancing in gentle harmony. A flash of disappointment in Nancy's eyes at missing her last dance with Frank to dance with Joe instead. The oh-so-gentle and sweet look on Frank's face as he enfolded Nancy into his arms on Zenturi's dance floor. The matching look of hope in their eyes as they gazed into each other's faces, completely ignorant of Joe and Amy. Frank's softly spoken words sparking that unforgettable light of thankfulness and strange sort of happiness in Nancy's eyes, despite the tears.

Tears that were evidently tears of joy, Joe realized now. Memories of the two young detectives relentlessly poured on despite Joe's increasingly deepening frown.

Yes, the memories had the signs written all over it, Joe thought dully. There was no use denying it. His brother and Nancy were in love. Like, we're-lost-without-each-other, we're-each-other's-God's handpicked-missing-piece kind of love. The thought, just like Frank's announcement the day that he had first asked Nancy out, hit him like a sucker punch to the gut.

The fact disturbed him with a sudden jolt. It shouldn't, this inevitable conclusion to the Frank/Nancy saga. It couldn't-shouldn't fill him with this ache of loss, and bitter disappointment. Could this just be stemming from the fear of losing Nancy to Frank? Joe wondered, searching for reassurance. I mean, it used to be us that went on dates when Frank wasn't in the picture.. Wait, no, no—not dates, Joe corrected himself, with an uncomfortable shift of his shoulders and a squirm. They never even considered dating. But he and Nancy had been together in a totally friendship way and gone out together. Non-date dates, as they had come to call them, Joe remembered with a faint smile. Unable to help himself, Joe grasped at the memories, sinking into the familiar comforting details of his moments with Nancy.

Flashback

"I just don't see why Foremen would choose to take out Wilson. He was practically the son he'd never had!" Joe grumbled, as he sat slouched against the coffee table, shoving papers off his lap in a quick, frustrated motion. Papers lay strewn across the Hardy living room carpet, scattered in small heaps. Case-files lying on their sides sat precariously in a miniature pyramid on the oak coffee table, while coffee mugs filled any empty spaces left by the many files being perused by the young detective. In the midst of this make-shift investigative center sat one Nancy Drew. Normally, she would've given an amused chuckle at Joe's impatience, but even the indefatigable Nancy was at her wit's end, and the most she could manage was a slight smile.

"I've got to say, I'm pretty stumped too. But there's got to be an explanation for Wilson's timely—not to mention perfectly planned—demise, and so far everything points to Foremen." Nancy answered with a faint sigh, rubbing at her lined forehead, sparing a quick glance at Joe's frustrated face.

"I know, I know, but it doesn't add up. Just look at Foremen's will! He left everything to Wilson, including that pretty piece of 5,500 acres complete with mansion that he owns in Pennsylvania." Joe insisted, shifting through the papers to hold up the copy of the will he had managed to finagle from a pretty secretary in Foremen's former law firm.

Nancy groaned, blowing out an exasperated breath.

"You know what Frank said though, right? The will was written five years ago, and like your brother said, a lot can happen in five years."

Scowling, Joe crossed his arms, shaking his head.

"Well this just doesn't feel right. That's what I say. Foremen liked Wilson, I just know."

Smiling fondly at the defiant blonde head rising to meet her gaze, Nancy laughed lightly, shaking her head.

"You know what Frank says about letting your gut instinct lead the way ahead of cold logic…but personally, I believe you could be on to something."

A pleased grin replaced Joe's glare and he opened his mouth to reply, when his cell-phone chirped loudly from his pocket. Quickly flipping it open, Joe glanced at the ID and answered.

"'Ello Frank, where you been for the past two hours? The library search doesn't take that long." Joe questioned, with a hint of annoyance in his voice. He listened to his brother's apology patiently however, and his annoyance soon disappeared as Frank explained.

"Ah, I should have known. I guess it's no problem, Nancy and I can eat here again. Have a good time." Snapping his phone shut, Joe looked across the room at Nancy, who cocked an eyebrow questioningly.

"Well, is Frank coming back to help out on the case or not?" Nancy asked, when Joe hesitated.

"Actually, he's-uh—he's eating out with Callie again tonight. Sorry" Joe winced, as an apologetic look flitted across his face. He knew she wouldn't like being reminded of Frank's "taken" status again. However, Nancy's eyes hardly flickered, and she nodded her head.

"Yeah, I thought that might be the case. After all, he's been taking her out every night this week. Why stop now?" Nancy answered with a faint, but surprisingly bitter-free, smile. Although surprised at Nancy's casual tone, Joe had to admit, Nancy was probably getting used to having Frank out with Callie while they were in Bayport. During most cases, all three detectives ate their meals together, sharing ideas, working on the puzzles, fitting the pieces together. However, as they worked on more and more of their cases from Bayport, a system had developed where Frank spent his meals with Callie, working late into the night to make up for his lost time, and leaving Nancy and Joe to fend for themselves. Usually, Joe would order take out and the two friends worked on the cases as they munched on Mr. Pizza's pizza slices, or Thai sweet-and-sour chicken. Although Joe felt bad for Nancy, he nonetheless enjoyed working on the case with just Nancy. When Frank was there, inevitably he and Nancy got lost in their intellectual leaps on the case, while Joe faded into the backround. They're just too similar, Joe mused once again.

Well, tonight would be another order out, Joe thought, as he reached for the living room phone. However, as he prepared to call up Tony's, he glanced over at Nancy, who sat curled up in ball, head resting against the soft cushions of the leather La-Z-Boy. She looked so tired, eyes closed, slight frown still creasing her forehead, and Joe felt concern wash through him. It wasn't like Nancy to be so…so out of it, Joe thought with a frown. She had been like this for the past two days, eyes clouded, almost listless. Maybe it's just because she's leaving tomorrow and she hasn't gotten a real chance to be with Frank? Joe pondered. Regardless, he was going to fix this. Suddenly, Joe sat up, and snapped his fingers. Nancy looked up with a jolt, confusion clouding her eyes.

"What's wrong, Joe?"

Grinning brightly back at her, Joe replied breezily,

"Oh nothing Nancy. Just get your shoes on, cuz we're going out!"

A startled look appeared on Nancy's face, her nose wrinkled in that adorable fashion that Joe secretly loved. Loved? Joe shook the thought from his mind.

"What do you mean, go out? I thought we were eating here and work on the case, since Frank is out. Like we always do"

"Aw, why should Frank be the one to have fun? Besides, when was the last time we went out to eat? Don't we deserve a little slack?"

Still Nancy looked hesitant, and she looked with a pointed glance at the many case files around the room. Joe noticed her gaze, but continued to plead.

"Come on Nan, loosen up, live a little!" Joe wheedled, talking quickly as he walked across the room and leaning over her, lightly rested his hands on the arms of her chair. He waggled his eyebrows enticingly, not really concerned about their sudden close proximity.

Looking a little flustered, perhaps because of Joe's sudden enthusiasm, Nancy flushed and pushed Joe away. However, Joe would not be deterred and simply swayed back on his heels with a mock pout, eyes pleading with hers as Nancy tried to look stern. Finally, Joe's charm beat Nancy's studious nature, and the girl detective broke into a smile.

"Augh, stop it! Ok, ok, I'll go."

Grinning happily, Joe extended his arm to her, leading her to the front door.

"Alright, it's a date!" He exclaimed, as he opened his car door for her, then slipping in beside her. Noticing the surprised, questioning, and suddenly wary look in Nancy's eyes, Joe stumbled a bit, realizing his mistake.

"Aw, uh, I mean it's not a date, but you know…" Joe trailed off with embarrassment, smiling sheepishly at Nancy.

Smiling gently, Nancy shot a glance at Joe.

"No, you're right, it's a date—a non-date date." She said softly, and Joe had to incline his head to hear.

"A non-date date, huh? I like it." Joe mused, grinning brightly as he roared off towards Mr. Pizza's.

End Flashback

Joe smiled at the memory. That night Nancy and he had started a tradition of their own. The next time Frank at out with Callie while Nancy and Joe stayed home, Joe and Nancy went out again. It started as an occasional thing, but soon, whenever Frank went out, Joe and Nancy would go out on their non-date dinners. If they weren't working on the case that night, Joe would call her up anyways to see if she wanted to go out. Because of the type of cases the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew were working on were very high security, the group of detectives had to stay in a low profile area, namely Bayport. Because of that, Nancy would come to stay in the area, and it was during those several Bayport cases that Joe and Nancy's increasingly frequent "dates" became a firmly fixed tradition. When Frank had found out about their little excursions while he was out with Callie, he had been more than surprised—more like shocked, but Joe had quickly explained that, no he and Nancy were not by any means dating. She was just a friend to go out with on those lonely Friday nights when Frank was out with Callie, Joe insisted. Frank had looked doubtful, but Joe had firmly denied it so he had dropped the topic. Thus, Joe and Nancy continued on their frequent "dates," enjoying tasting the different varieties of restaurant selections Bayport had to offer.

Although he had always enjoyed Nancy's company a great deal before, Joe had to admit he was surprised by how much he looked forward to Frank's departures with Callie so he could call up Nancy. In fact, he had even (started) to put a hold on his continual conquests on the pretty ladies in the area in order to spend time with the young girl detective. But he shrugged those thoughts quickly off. Nancy just took the place, not as a romantic interest of course, but as fulfilling Joe's need for female companion. The thing was, their non-dates started originally as Joe's way of getting Nancy's mind off of Frank and Callie's dates. However, as time passed, Joe began to take Nancy out purely for his own sake as well as Nancy. Her faith in God was an impressive factor as well. Unfortunatley, much as Joe hated to admit, the girls he dated in the past weren't as commited to their faith in God as they should have been. Few could understand him like she did, and he always loved their witty banter as well as their more serious conversations. Although few realized it, Joe enjoyed a good, intellectual debate almost as much as Frank did, which Nancy soon found out. Indeed, both Nancy and Joe were much amused by the little things they discovered about each other, things that they would never have guessed. In fact, Joe was inspired one night to start a game. The rules were that each of them had to take turns listing ten things they didn't know about each other. They could be about anything they wanted, but the last thing had to be something no one else knew about each other. Nancy had laughingly protested, claiming that he already had enough blackmail on her, however, she eventually gave in.

Joe was jerked out of his fond memories, as he heard Frank's mustang drive up their driveway. He must (finally) be back from dropping off Nancy, Joe thought, a scowl unconsciously slipping its way across his face. Wonder what took him so long? A soft growl came unbidden from his throat. In the light of his previous memories of his times with Nancy, the thought of Frank with Nancy was almost unbearable.

Unbearable? Gah, what is wrong with me? Joe punched his pillow in frustration, turning to rest on his side. Why was the thought of Frank with Nancy disturbing him?? Joe was the one who had encouraged them to be together in the first place anyway. Them being together should be a victory for him…why was he suddenly feeling defeated? Why was the thought of Frank holding Nancy, walking her to her door after a romantic dinner, kissing her lightly on the cheek…Joe tightened his grip on his pillow, fists clenching at the thought of that dark head bent over the blonde one. A sudden ripping noise broke through his hazy anger, and he quickly looked down at the pillow. Evidently, he had ripped open a seam with his stretching exercises. Great, just great… This was not helping him sort out his confusion. And his mom would have a fit.

Ok, take a deeeep breath, Joe ordered himself. You are just upset because you know Frank is taking up Nancy' time, and you're worried she won't want to spend time with you. And maybe…Joe thought hesitantly…maybe I'm worried she'll forget her promise?

Flashback

"Oh my goodness, you seriously failed your driving test…three times?!" Nancy's eyes shone with amusement and tears from her laughter.

"Yeah, yeah, laugh all you want." Joe muttered, trying hard not to smile at Nancy's contagious grin.

The two young detectives sat in the newest café in Bayport, Carla's. They had arrived at 6:00, deciding to get an early bit to eat, and three burgers and five fries later, the clock read 7:30. Both detectives had finished eating and sat sipping milk shakes. At least, Nancy was trying to drink her chocolate shake, while Jo kept taking sips when she looked away. As he was doing now.

"Joe Hardy, mouth A-WAY from my shake!" Nancy exclaimed, slapping Joe's face lightly as he bent forward to take a quick sip.

"Aww, that hurt Nan!" Joe whimpered, rubbing his tousled blonde hair in mock pain. "Besides, I think I deserve some of your drink after you laughed for a full five minutes at my deep, dark secret." Joe continued with a scowl, while reaching out for Nancy's drink again.

Grinning, and shaking her head in amusement, Nancy slapped back Joe's hands.

"You didn't have to tell me about failing your driving test. You made up this silly game yourself. Besides, can you really blame me for laughing? Who would have believed that the infamous driver, Joe Hardy, started out with three crashes trying to get his license!" Nancy let out another guffaw, while Joe glared unhappily at his empty vanilla shake.

"Ok, ok, well now it's your turn to tell me something I don't know about you." Joe said, a wicked gleam in his eye. "And it better be good!"

Head bent in thought, Nancy mused quietly to herself. Despite himself, Joe couldn't help smiling fondly at Nancy as she sat in the dimly lit booth, biting her fingernail in that familiar thinking habit of hers. It had been nearly a month since Nancy had been able to come to Bayport, and he had missed these dinners with her, laughing, teasing. Frank was probably out, still working on the case, Joe thought with a smirk. He couldn't help being pleased that he was the one going out tonight, while Frank was stuck doing work. Joe had been surprised when Nancy had been willing to go out with him, when Frank was still available for dinner, however, he decided simply to enjoy the evening and not question Nancy's motives. Shaking his head, Joe jerked back to the present, and went back to watching Nancy ponder her "secret."

"Come on Nan, it isn't that hard!" Joe grinned, amused at Nancy's intense concentration.

Nancy sighed, and shook her head.

"I just can't think of anything you don't already know."

Joe rolled his eyes, "Come on, just tell me something, it doesn't have to be silly either. Surely I don't know everything about you."

"Ok, ok, I got one. But it's not…well it's not…Nah, never mind." Nancy spoke quickly, looking down at her melting shake with a slight crease in her brow.

"Aw, come'on, just tell me! It can't be that bad." Joe wheedled, grinning at the girl across from him.

"Ok, ok, I'll go ahead. But it is…kinda awkward to say.." Nancy trailed off, glancing hesitantly up at Joe.

"Hey, its ok. Whatever it is, I'll be cool. Promise" Joe winked, grinning brightly, reassuringly.

"Ok…um….You know that one time, you told me about—about Iola?"

Joe cleared his throat uncomfortably, shifting awkwardly in his seat. Although he didn't regret telling Nancy about Iola, he still was a bit embarrassed about his unexpected semi-break-down with her in the park.

"Yeah, what about it?" Joe replied, a bit gruffly.

Nancy fiddled with her napkin, obviously reluctant. Finally, eyes lowered on the table, she swallowed nervously, and continued.

"Well, uh-I've been meaning to tell you this, but I hadn't really had the chance. But um, I actually already knew about Iola's, uh, death." Nancy sheepishly shoot an anxious glance up at Joe, who had gone still. When he simply sat there, not saying a word, Nancy's anxiety appeared to build and she quickly tried to explain.

"I wasn't trying to deceive you, Joe. Honestly. It's just that once you started, I didn't feel like I should say anything. You know?" Nancy said, searching Joe's face for a sign of acceptance, approval.

Suddenly, Joe smirked and leaned back against the booth. "You think I didn't know you knew?"

Nancy's face went blank with confusion. "Wait-wha—"

"When you were talking to me there in the park, I knew you had already heard about Iola and the way she died. It wasn't exactly a private matter, and I figured you had either read about it in the papers, or heard about it through Frank." Joe continued, a slight smile playing across his lips.

A relieved sigh puffed through Nancy's lips, and her blue eyes shone with hopefulness.

"So you aren't, you know, mad or anything?"

"Me? Nah, I needed to let it out that day anyway, needed someone to listen to my side of the story." Joe replied with a casual shake of his head.

"But I am curious," Joe continued slowly, "how did you find out about Iola?"

An un-characteristic blush graced Nancy's face, and she lowered her eyes to her sadly abused napkin twisted in her hands.

"I—uh..it's not a big deal."

"Aw, come on, you haven't told me something I don't know yet, and it's still your turn." Joe grinned at the bent blonde head before him. "So fess up!"

Nancy hesitated, then raised her head to look up into Joe's inquisitive face.

"Alright. Well, after I first met you two, I looked up your bio online, and they had the newspaper article on Iola's death there."

"You looked up my bio, eh?" Joe grinned devilishly. "Wanted to find out more about the blonde hunk you met?"

Defiantly lifting her head, Nancy vehemently shook her head.

"I was simply interested in finding out who I would be working with."

"Suuuure," Joe winked at Nancy, flashing her a teasing smile. "Couldn't keep your mind off me, I bet."

Rolling her eyes in exasperation, Nancy grabbed her shake back from Joe's hand and took a large gulp.

"Whatefer" Nancy's voice came out garbled through the shake, but Joe could see a faint blush still tinged her cheeks. A small trail of chocolate dribbled down out of the corner of her mouth. Without thinking, Joe reached out and gently swiped his thumb at the intrusive chocolate. He meant it to be playful action. Wonder what lotion she uses…Joe thought absently. He was yanked out of his reveries however, when he caught site of Nancy's baffled, flustered face. Jerking his hand back as if burned, Joe sheepishly looked away.

"Uh sorry, you had some chocolate on your face." Joe stuttered slightly, as confused thoughts raged through his mind.

Fortunately, Nancy appeared to be preoccupied with some internal musings and seemed to be oblivious to Joe's unusual behavior. As the two sat in silence for a moment, the bell above the entrance door rang, and the two detectives instinctively looked up. Frank walked in, leading Callie by the elbow. Joe glanced over at Nancy to see if she had noticed the couple, and judging by her gaze, she had. Slipping out of his seat carefully, Joe grabbed Nancy's hand and pulled her to her feet.

"You ready to go?" he asked gently.

Nancy seemed to start from her thoughts, and nodded quickly.

"Yeah, I think we'd better." she replied quietly.

As the couple silently departed the warm café into the cool evening, Joe noticed Nancy giving the couple in the window a wistful glance. Frank was seated in the booth with Callie, and had his arm draped across her shoulders as Callie gazed adoringly into his eyes. Sighing internally, Joe yanked open his car door for Nancy, frustrated by his brother's unintentional insensitivity toward Nancy. As Joe slipped into the drivers seat, he shoot a glance at Nancy. The young woman seemed pensive, and Joe frowned.

"You know, Frank's really stupid." Joe muttered, hoping to get a smile from Nancy.

However, Nancy's frown merely deepened.

"Yeah, well apparently Frank's just like all the other guys though." She replied, with a tad bit of dispare.

Joe shot her a sympathetic look, and shook his head.

"They're all stupid, Nan. Believe me, any guy would be lucky to have you."

A small, sad smile played across Nancy's face for a moment, before she smiled a little too brightly.

"Yeah well, I guess I'll just have to wait 'til some of you wise up."

Somehow, those words didn't sit well with Joe, and a frown of his own appeared on his face. Glancing hesitantly at the girl beside him, Joe cleared his throat.

"Yeah, well until they do, you'll just be stuck with me. You don't mind hanging out with your ol' buddy, do you?" Joe asked, with a strangely forced grin. He hadn't meant to really ask the question so seriously, but now he couldn't help but wait almost anxiously for Nancy's answer.

A warm smile graced Nancy lips as she turned to lock eyes with Joe. Gently, she laid a warm hand on Joe's arm as it gripped the wheel. A light shone in her eyes.

"Hey, I will always like to hang out with you, no matter who I date. Promise."

A goofy grin spread across Joe's face, and Nancy chuckled in amusement. But Joe didn't notice that, he only basked in the glow that Nancy enjoyed his company. Really enjoyed it. It didn't matter that she liked Frank, Joe thought as he grinned across the seat at Nancy.

End Flashback

Joe sighed as the memories halted. That night had been one of the best Joe had ever spent with Nancy. But now, the memories almost made him nervous. Warning signals were breaking through the barriers. Why had that night been so special? And why had it mattered so much that Nancy wanted to hang out with him that night and not Frank? As the memories replayed through his mind, Joe could help but remember how Nancy's face that night. The understanding in her eyes as they talked. Her blonde hair haloing her face, as her eyes twinkled across the table from him. The witty banter and easy laughs they shared. Much like he and Amy had shared, Joe mused. Why then, hadn't it felt as special with Amy? Why was he wishing that the date could've been more like those dinners with Nancy?

As he pondered this, and reviewed the moments with Nancy and Amy, suddenly Amy's hair seemed like it should have been blonde instead of brown. Blue eyes instead of hazel. Less of an exotic beauty and more of a cheerful, intrepid detective…

And suddenly, Joe sat upright in his bed, shaking his head furiously. No, no, no, no, NO! This—this couldn't be. How could this have happened? When had it happened? As the thoughts whirled through his head, Joe groaned, and flopped back down on his pillow. They were right! And I never even noticed..never knew…

The clock now read 2:30 a.m. As his racing thoughts finally slowed and Joe's eyes drifted shut, he muttered a quick whipered question toward the ceiling.

"God? Is it a sin to be in love with your brother's girlfriend? Cuz if it is…I'm busted."

Ok, so whatdya think? Love it, hate it? Tolerate it? :) Please review and tell me what you think!