Wow, ok so it's been a while since I've updated this story. Sorry for all you who read this story. Life has been insanely busy, and this past month I've been dealing with this recurring illness, so I haven't really found the time to write. This is what I've managed to come up with while sick, so I don't know how good this update will be :P
As always, thanks to all my reviewers who make my day!
KennaC: Glad you're still reading this story! Hope you continue to :) Hopefully this chapter is less of a filler chapter this time. Thanks for your reviews, I appreciate the advice!
franknjoe: Hey, glad you enjoyed the chapter! You won't really get into Nancy's mind for a while though, sorry :) Hope you enjoy the update! Keep reviewing :D
Elya: Glad you liked the Joe thinking process. I wasn't sure how much sense it made, so I'm glad to hear it came out ok :) Hope you continue to read and enjoy!
Lady Emily: Heh, I know, I feel sorry for poor Joe too. He's having a rough time of it :P Well, I hope this story isn't dragging out the angst too long, but hey, love is tough, eh? :) Hope this update doesn't disappoint!
Chromde: Lol, your Get Smart reference made me laugh. So you think Nancy digs Joe, eh? Well thanks as always for your feedback! I like hearing peoples analysis's :)
jayley: Hey, a new reader! Thanks for your comments! I hope you continue to read and enjoy this story!
sweetness328: Aww, thanks for the review! I'm glad you're liking this story so far. And although it may take me a while to update, do know that I have the rest of the story planned out and I'll finish it no matter how long it takes :) Thanks for reading!
Okay, on the story! Enjoy, or at least, read! :D
Frozen hands in denim jeans pockets, Joe Hardy walked briskly in chilly September wind to Murphy's, where Biff and Chet were waiting for him after his cryptic request to talk. As he strode down the street, blonde head lowered, absently stepping over the cracks in the pavement in childhood habit, he mused on how to tell his friends about his troubles. After all, it wasn't every day one realized he had been in deep-seated denial and was actually in love with one Nancy Drew. Of course, it wasn't like it would come as a surprise to them, Joe thought wryly with a sheepish half-smile. Just yesterday Biff and Chet had accused him of falling for the intrepid girl detective, and although at the time Joe had vehemently denied the accusation, Joe finally had come to admit that he indeed in love with Nancy. His brother's girlfriend.
Kicking dismally at the scattered leaves on the sidewalk, Joe's walk slowed to a shuffle. He couldn't help the groan that came from his throat as he thought on the dilemma. Why in the world couldn't he have fallen for someone, oh, maybe like, attainable? But Joe Hardy's feelings had never been famous for being a slave to logic, and his feelings had dictated that Nancy Drew was the one for him.
"Never mind the matter that my brother is dating her," Joe muttered sarcastically to himself, sending a pebble flying with a vicious kick of his faded converse. Great, now I'm talking to myself. How much worse can this get?
Shoving the thoughts from his mind, if only for the moment, Joe quickened his pace and entered the quaint coffee and shake shop. The welcome bell's tinkling announced his arrival and Biff and Chet, sitting in a small, secluded booth in the back, looked up and waved him over eagerly. Maneuvering his way around the shakes counter, Joe quickly joined his friends at their booth and sat down, grabbing a menu from the table beside him. As he scanned the menu, Joe could feel Biff and Chet's eyes curiously examining him, but they said nothing as Joe perused the menu.
"Hmm, seems like a good day for the barbeque Sunday special, huh guys?" Joe asked with amusement, as he viewed the pile of empty plates covered with rib bones in front of him.
"Hey, it's a 50% discount today! So yes, today is a great day for barbeque" Chet retorted defensively.
"Unless of course, one is wearing a nice Sunday suit still," Joe observed with a smirk, as he motioned to the large blob of barbeque sauce on Biff's white shirt.
"Aww, man…" Biff muttered, rubbing self-consciously at the stain while Joe chuckled and waved over a waitress who stood nearby.
"Um, I think I'll a Sunday Supper special with a Dr. Pepper float, extra ice-cream please." Joe ordered to the waitress, who quickly scurried off with a shy, admiring, backward look, obviously aware of the fact that she was serving the town-hero, Joe Hardy. Despite his muddled mood, Joe couldn't help a smirk cross his face. It was nice to see that some things wouldn't change.
However, Joe's smile was rapidly erased as he heard Biff clear his throat. Time to face the music, Joe thought grimly, as he turned to face his two friends. Cocking an eyebrow, Biff leaned forward.
"Okay, so we know you didn't call us here to watch you be admired by Josie the waitress. So you feel like telling us why you called?"
"Hey, can't a guy just call his friends to just, you know, hang out?" Joe replied casually, plastering on the brightest smile he could muster.
As Biff and Chet glanced at each other, shook their heads, then turned mirror expressions of skepticism back toward him, Joe sighed. His friend's knew him too well to be deceived by his casual excuse. He might as well tell them now. That was what he called them together for anyway, Joe thought grimly. Summoning up his courage, Joe took a deep breath.
"Ok, ok, so maybe there is something I need to tell you guys. But--" Joe paused, looking earnestly into his friend's curious faces, blue eyes uncharacteristically serious without the usual gleam of mischief. "But you have to promise not to tell anyone about this, alright?"
Biff and Chet nodded quickly, and Joe couldn't help a half-smile slip on his face at their obvious impatience to hear his news.
"So last night, I was thinking over what you guys had said." Joe spoke slowly, placing his eyes firmly on the mahogany surface of the table in front of him, twiddling his fingers nervously in his lap.
"Yes???" Chet broke in, dying of curiosity and apparently annoyed at Joe's slow delivery. Biff however, suddenly looked apprehensive, and nudged Chet under the table, giving him a quick shake of the head.
"Let the man take his time. This is going to be good, I can tell" Biff said, folding his arms across his chest and uncomfortably wiggling his shoulders under his snug suit, as he leaned back into the booth cushions. Sufficiently roused from his nervous mood `by Biff's attitude, Joe scowled at Biff who merely smirked back at him.
"Would you let me finish?" Joe growled, then turned to Josie who appeared by their table, float in hand.
"Thanks." Joe smiled politely, as he nodded to the waitress. She looked dazed, blinded by the Joe Hardy smile, and muttered an indistinct, dreamy "Anytime."
Rolling his eyes in disgust, Chet shook his head disappointedly.
"Man, and I was going to try and get her number!"
Joe and Biff exchanged amused looks and chuckled at Chet's dismal expression. Relaxing into the casual atmosphere, Joe took a long slurp of his soda and sighed. Armed with a Dr. Pepper float and his ribs, he was ready.
"Alright, so I was thinking about what you guys had said to me, you know, about--"Joe stumbled a bit, blushing furiously "About me being in love with Nancy." Raising his eyes to meet his friends, Joe examined their faces expectantly, looking for any sign of recognition. Exchanging wary glances, Biff and Chet in turn, searched Joe's face intently.
"Yeah, I remember that." Biff said neutrally, cautiously, obviously recalling Joe's vehement denial and rather loud protests to the contrary.
"Well, at first I was thinking you guys were crazy, really out of it. Because, you know, Nancy was--" Joe coughed. "IS Frank's girlfriend. And besides, we've been friends for so long and you know, you're not supposed to date your friends. I mean, I would never date you guys!" Joe paused, flushing slightly. Great, he had started rambling. Rambling! As if this wasn't bad enough already. Taking a deep breath, Joe started to continue, hopefully more coherently.
"Wait," Chet broke in abruptly. "What exactly are you saying here?"
Inwardly, Joe groaned. This was it. He was actually going to have to say it. Swallowing hard, and staring intently down at the last dregs of his float, Joe mumbled,
"I'm saying I realized you guys were right."
At the stony silence that greeted him, Joe looked up, slightly alarmed. Great, were Biff and Chet mad at him for liking Frank's girlfriend? To his relief, Biff and Chet looked more shocked than angry, as they stared, open-mouthed, at Joe. Then suddenly Chet gave a whoop.
"Dude! You finally admitted you're into her! Success!" Chet pumped a fist in the air exuberantly, dabbling his sleeve in the remains of his barbeque sauce and almost tipping over his soda glass. Gracefully catching glass before it clattered to the floor, Joe smiled reassuringly at the other diners who had turned to see what the commotion was about, before turning to glare at Chet.
"Shhhh! Are you crazy? People can hear you, you know!" Joe whispered furiously, while keeping a smile on his place as Josie looked curiously at them as she approached to take their empty dishes.
"Sorry, sorry" Chet whispered back sheepishly, as he settled back down into the booth.
Rolling his eyes, Joe sighed and waited for Josie to clear the table. As Josie left, not without another shy glance at Joe, Biff whistled softly.
"Well Joe, I'm glad you've finally seen the light. But what are you going to do about it?"
Groaning quietly, Joe leaned his head on the palms of his hands, and shook his head.
"What do you mean what am I going to do about it? Nothing! There's nothing TO do! I mean, hello! Nancy is Frank's girlfriend!"
At Joe's dismal speech, Chet looked puzzled. Leaning forward, he frowned and lowered his head to look Joe in the face.
"What do you mean you're not going to do anything? I mean, you have to do something. Uh, right Biff?" Chet looked to his friend for support.
"Yeah Joe, you can't seriously mean that."
Sighing, Joe raised his head.
"Well what do you propose I do? I mean, I can't just steal her away from Frank. He's my brother! Besides" Joe couldn't keep the bitterness out of his voice. "She's only ever had eyes for Frank."
Exchanging glances, Chet and Biff frowned, puzzling over the problem together. Silence reigned and Joe quietly finished his meal and finally straightened in his chair.
"Well, I just wanted to let you guys know what was going on. Frank should be back soon, so I've got to head back now."
"Wait," Biff broke in, catching onto Joe's sleeve as he prepared to stand. "You've got to tell Frank and Nancy."
Jerking his sleeve away, Joe glared at Biff, scoffing quietly, incredulous.
"Are you crazy? That won't solve anything! It'd just make everything even more awkward. Nancy would feel bad. 'Sides, knowing Frank, he'd do something stupid like break up with her for my sake. And I'd kill myself before ruining Nancy's dream. She's wanted this for so long…" Breaking off abruptly, Joe shook his head. "No, it's better this way."
"Even if you'll be the one feeling bad?" Biff asked quietly, rising to meet Joe's eyes.
Glancing away, Joe jerked his head in a quick nod.
"Well then, I think you're really in love her." Biff announced calmly.
Joe stared, wide-eyed, at his friend.
"Uh…why would you say that?"
"Because," Biff quietly replied, "puppy love is selfish. But what you're doing." Biff shook his head, compassion, and a hint of awe in his voice, "You're doing what you think Nancy wants. You're putting her wants above your own. And that my friend, is true love."
Chet smiled softly, nodding his head in agreement.
"Yeah, and I've never seen you talk about girl like that before."
Impatiently, Joe waved aside his friend's comments.
"Guys, guys, who cares if I'm in love with Nancy. It doesn't change anything."
However, Biff looked over at Chet, who gave a slight nod of agreement. A secret smile seemed to pass between the two, but the moment passed before Joe could comment on it.
Turning back to Joe, Biff placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Maybe. But at least talk to Frank about it, okay?"
Sighing, Joe shrugged off Biff's hand and started out the door. Exchanging worried glances, Biff and Chet hurried after him. Shoving through the doors and out into the sunlight, Joe squinted up at the setting sun, while Biff and Chet caught up to him.
"Hey, so will you talk with Frank?" Biff asked, trying to catch Joe's eyes.
"No, it wouldn't help anything." Joe replied wearily.
"Seriously Joe, just tell him! I really think it would help." Biff pleaded.
"Yeah," Chet chorused. "Just tell Frank at least."
"Guys!" Joe whirled around to glare back at his friends. "It would only make things worse, so lay off will ya?"
Joe stormed off down the sidewalk, before finally halting. Turning back to Biff and Chet, Joe walked slowing back towards them. Taking a deep breath, Joe shook his head.
"Look, I'm sorry, but I just don't see how talking to Frank would solve anything. After all, it's his girlfriend I—I love." Joe stumbled a bit over the phrase. "So thanks for the advice, but that's not happening." As Biff and Chet exchanged anxious looks, Joe turned on his heel and began trudging down the sidewalk.
"Boy, he's got it bad." Chet declared softly, as he and Biff watched the slumped, dejected form of Joe Hardy scuffle down the street. "You really think it's going to work out?"
"I sure hope so," Biff replied fervently. "Because I don't know how much more Joe can take."
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Joe trudged down the side-walk, head down, wandering listlessly, not sure where he was headed. He just needed to walk.
As he strode down the path, Joe halted, peering through the dim evening light, trying to figure out where he was. Frowning through the semi-darkness, he could make out some shapes that looked oddly enough like…swing sets? Joe grinned. It figured he would unconsciously head toward this favorite child-hood haunt of his.
Kicking off his shoes, Joe shuffled toward the sand pit and settled into one of the swings. He was much too old for this, but the old chains were true. Besides, he could be cut a little slack today, Joe thought wryly. Swinging back on his heels, Joe surged forward, pumping his legs vigorously, forgetting his troubles for a moment in the childish exhilaration of sailing through the air. Letting his head hang back, Joe sighed with contentment as the breeze ruffled through his hair. The night air was chilly, and crickets chirped noisily around him. He had always loved coming out here at night as a child. When he was younger he could never go to the park in the afternoon, as Frank was in school and his mother too busy to leave the house. However, his dad had known how much his little Joe loved the park, so every evening, no matter how hard his day at work had been, Fenton Hardy would take Frank and Joe out to play in the deserted playgrounds.
Joe smiled at the memory, and slowed his pumping, allowing himself to simply swing through the air. For a blissful moment he was happy, at peace. As he slowed back down however, the thoughts came rushing back. Biff and Chet were right. He had to do something. After all, he was a man of action and the thought of doing nothing irked him. But what was there to do? That was a question indeed. One that perhaps had no answer, Joe thought glumly. Sighing heavily, Joe slowed himself to a halt, digging his feet into the sand, and craned his head back to study the stars. Well, Someone knew the answers to his questions, but right now Joe wasn't feeling any guidance.
"Anytime you wanna hit me with a lightening bolt, feel free." Joe prayed aloud, and waited, half expecting a streak of inspiration. But alas, there was nothing. Apparently he was supposed to work this out alone.
Well, Joe mused to himself, I do know one thing for sure. Unrequited love really sucks. The expression brought back to mind a conversation he had had with, who else, Nancy a few months ago.
Flashback
They had been staying in a hotel out of town, waiting for a trial to commence where they would be called up as witnesses. Frank was out, searching for a take-out pizza parlor, so Joe and Nancy were alone in Joe and Frank's suite.
"Okay, so let me guess whose bed this is." Nancy asked, pointing to the said bed with amusement. It was littered with bags of chips, dirty socks, boxers, and a green, smelly object that Joe was certain had once been a sock.
Plucking up his boxers with embarrassment, Joe scowled at the grinning girl detective as he stuffed his clothes into his suitcase.
"Hey, not everyone can be a neat freak like Frank." Indeed, Frank's side of the room stood out in sharp contrast. Sheets folded neatly back and tucked in, clothes carefully folded in carry-on, and not a speck of green mold to be found.
"That's true," Nancy agreed with a nod. "But not everyone can be as messy as you are either!" She continued with a chuckle, blue eyes twinkling merrily at Joe.
Joe tried to keep a scowl in place, but as always, Nancy's grin was infectious and he found himself grinning back.
"You know, this room has a lot of valuable information." Nancy stated, tapping her forefinger against her chin in mock concentration.
Sensing a joke coming, Joe shook his head in pretend annoyance.
"Ok, I'll take the bait. What valuable information are you referring to?"
"Why, the fact that one; Joe Hardy DOES prefer boxers to briefs. And two; Joe Hardy likes to wear pink-hearts on his…ahem..personals." Nancy declared dramatically, in all seriousness, before dissolving into giggles.
Joe groaned, flushing a bit with embarrassment.
"I'll have you know that my Grandma got me those."
Nancy said nothing, but continued to laugh all the harder. Joe shook his head, but couldn't help smiling. The case they had been working on had been trying for the girl detective as it involved a close relative of hers. However, the load had carried her shoulders seemed to have disappeared upon the resolution of the case and Nancy was more care-free than she had been in a long time.
Of course, that could also have something to do with the three extra-large, extra chocolate, coffee blendies she just had. Joe thought wryly as Nancy finally stopped giggling and stood, wiping her eyes.
"If we have finished discussing my underwear, how 'bout we check out the cable?" Joe asked, lowering himself to the floor and grabbing the remote.
"Come here, you," Joe continued, playfully jerking on Nancy's hand to pull her down beside him. However, he must have pulled harder than he meant to or Nancy was still off balance because instead of lowering to the floor, Nancy tripped and suddenly Joe had a lapful of blonde detective. Suddenly, Joe was uncomfortably aware of the fact the Nancy was a very attractive, very soft and warm young lady who was blinking in confusion. For a moment, both detectives simply sat, Nancy in Joe's lap. Then suddenly Nancy was scrambling off, and Joe was sliding away, muttering apologies. An awkward silence followed as both detectives sat a good foot apart, staring at the blank TV in front of them. Then Nancy started giggling again, and Joe grinned with relief.
"Girl don't like a guy who's that forward, Joe."
Letting out a guffaw, Joe smirked in amusement.
"Aw, you just wish I was making a move on you."
Nancy sighed, and turned back to the TV.
"Oh just turn on the TV before you cause any more troubles."
Joe complied and they flicked through several channels before finally settling on a rerun of the first season of Smallville. (Sorry, for all you who aren't familiar with the storyline :P ) Joe had once loved to watch the drama, but he had had to stop watching it. Both detectives watched the show in comfortable silence for a while, before Nancy sighed.
"Oh I hate this part."
Glancing over at Nancy, Joe frowned.
"Why?"
"Well, Clark is about to leave Chloe all alone on the dance floor. I just hate that this is the only chance she gets with him."
"Yeah, it kinda sucks for her." Joe agreed.
Nancy turned to face him, curiosity written on her features.
"So you were a Chloe/Clark fan too?"
Joe shrugged his shoulders.
"Well I guess. I mean, I just thought they made more sense than say, Lana and Clark. Chloe was his best friend, always stuck with him whereas Lana was the unattainable small-town stranger."
Surprised filled Nancy's face, and she shook her head.
"You know, that was actually surprisingly deep. I'm impressed."
"What are you implying, Miss Drew?" Joe retorted with mock-indignation, a frown etched on his forehead.
"Oh, nothing, nothing." Nancy replied innocently. For a moment, the two detectives paused and continued to watch the show. As the credits finally rolled down the screen, Nancy shook her head.
"What I really hate is the fact that Chloe continues to like Clark, for like, forever and Clark never notices. Unrequited love always kills me in TV shows."
Laughing at the dismal expression on his friend's face, Joe shook his head.
"Well, although Clark is stupid for not noticing her, I think Chloe should have just realized that she needs to move on."
Nancy cocked an eyebrow, turning to face Joe, looking curiously curious.
"So you think when facing unrequited love, you should just…give up? Move on?"
Nodding his head, Joe motioned toward the TV.
"Yeah, I mean, come on, if he hasn't noticed her by now, what's the likely hood that he's going to notice her? I mean, he thinks that they're just friends."
"Friendship is a pretty big blinder it seems," Nancy agreed, looking pensively at blank TV screen.
"Exactly. So Chloe just needs to, you know, get on with her life. Which I believe she eventually does with Jimmy in the 6th season." Joe continued with a contented nod.
Frowning slightly, Nancy shook her head.
"No, she never really moves on. Even though she has Jimmy, she still likes Clark."
"Aw, come on, you really think that Chloe still likes Clark after all those years?" Joe asked, disbelief coloring his voice.
"When it's love like she had for Clark, you can't ever really move on." Nancy replied decisively, shaking her head sadly.
Joe shot Nancy a skeptical glance, but shrugged his shoulders.
"Maybe you're right. But at least she tried to move on. You should always try to move on."
Glancing at Joe, Nancy shook her head.
"It's not that easy."
Puzzled by Nancy's tone of voice, Joe opened his mouth to reply when Nancy broke in again.
"So, you really believe that?" she asked, casual tone back in place.
Looking back at Nancy, Joe nodded casually. Why was Nancy so curious about what he thought? Joe wondered. Then understanding dawned.
"Well, who really cares? I mean, you don't need to worry about that Nancy. Frank will come to his senses soon, and you won't be facing any unrequited love." Joe declared, winking at his friend.
Nancy looked startled for a moment, surprised at his intuition. Then, she just shook her head, and smiled faintly.
"We'll see."
End Flashback
Grabbing onto the swing's chains, Joe pulled himself to his feet. There it was; his answer to the question. He had to move on. But now he knew what Nancy had said was true; it would be a lot harder than it sounded.
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Joe entered the Hardy home, tossing his jacket carelessly over the coat rack, and headed for the kitchen. He was in desperate need of another comforting glass of Dr. Pepper. As he strode into the kitchen however, he froze at the sight of his brother seated at the kitchen table, sipping a glass of tea.
"Been out?" Frank asked calmly, looking up from an old newspaper clipping Joe recognized from one of his scattered case file in the living room.
"Uh, yeah. Just, you know, taking a break. Hanging out with Biff and Chet. Going for a walk." Joe rambles came to a stop at Frank's amused expression. Inwardly, Joe scowled. He had to break that nervous habit of his.
"Anyways, you already eat supper?" Joe changed the subject quickly, as he moved past Frank and grabbed an apple from the refrigerator.
"Hmm? Oh yes, I had a bite to eat with Nancy actually. I was on my way back into town after checking on the Folley case and stopped by to eat with her at the Marriot's café." Frank replied, flipping through another case file that he grabbed from the stack piled at his feet.
Against his will, Joe froze at the mention of Nancy. This was the first time he had really talked with his brother about Nancy since his realization. Don't panic, stay smooth. Forcing himself to take a large bite of the Granny Smith in his hand, Joe munched for a few moments, using the time to collect his thoughts. Swallowing slowly, Joe casually straddled a chair, nodding his head.
"Oh yeah, I should have known." Even as he winked slyly at Frank, Joe felt his gut twist. This wasn't going to be as easy as he thought. The teasing, the encouraging of the relationship, it would have to continue as normal Joe knew, and the thought suddenly filled Joe with dismay. Pushing the thoughts aside, Joe feigned a yawn as he stood up and stretched.
"Well, I think I'm going to go over a few of those case files in the living room and then I'll hit the sack." Joe declared, heading towards the living room. He didn't think he could handle hearing about Frank's date with Nancy and moreover, he was afraid the detective radar Frank had on constantly would figure out something was up.
Frowning slightly, Frank looked up from his file, and glanced at the watch behind him.
"Wow, is it really that late? Hey, it's only 9:00. You tired already?"
Gulping, Joe nodded quickly.
"Yeah, I uh—I had a long day."
"Ah, Biff and Chet wear you out?" Frank asked with a knowing smile.
Forcing a chuckle, Joe nodded.
"Something like that anyway." Turning quickly, Joe prepared to stride out of the room, when Frank called out to him.
"Oh, hey Joe?"
Pushing down his rising nerves, Joe slowly swiveled on his heels to face his brother.
"Yeah?"
"When I drive Nancy back to the airport tomorrow are you wanting to ride with us?" Frank asked casually, leaning back in his chair and twiddling his thumbs together as he awaited Joe's answer.
A shiver of apprehension went down Joe's spine as he stared blankly back at Frank.
"What do you mean, taking Nancy to the airport tomorrow?"
"Uh, Nancy doesn't live in Bayport, remember Joe? She has to go to her home too sometime." Frank replied, enunciating the words slowly, as if talking to a small child.
"I KNOW that," Joe snapped back sharply. "But she wasn't going to leave until next Monday, remember?"
"Oh, she didn't tell you?" Frank appeared surprised, as he leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table.
"Tell me what?" Joe asked, impatience coloring his tone.
"Nancy changed her mind again. She decided to follow through with her original plans and leave tomorrow."
The news hit Joe like a blow to the chest. Nancy was leaving tomorrow, and she hadn't even bothered to tell him. Giving his head a shake, Joe strode out of the room and grabbed his jacket from the coat rack. Frank stared, bemused, after him.
"Wait, where are you going, Joe?"
Shooting a tight-lipped smile back at his brother, Joe turned to look back at his brother over his shoulder.
"I'm going to see Nancy."
The door slammed shut behind Joe, and Frank stared blankly at the spot Joe had so recently vacated.
"Well that went well," he murmured softly, shaking his head in surprise.
Okay, so whatdya think? Whatever it is, tell me!! Please! :D