Hardy Boys - More Than Just The Fun Uncle

When Brothers Fight

AU:

I do not own Hardy Boys. This story is written purely for my enjoyment and the enjoyment of those who read it.

It's been a while since my last story and I always liked the idea of a fic like this. I couldn't find one already made, so I guess that means I have to make it myself! I really hope you enjoy it. Reviews are always loved!

"I really expected that you would have learned to grow up a little by now." Frank scolded. His voice was not raised, but the stern tone with which he spoke and the angered look in his brown eyes were enough convey to Joe just how serious he was. "I would have thought fatherhood would change you, but here we are six years later."

"I'm sorry, Frank. I'd never do anything to hurt her!" Joe cast his eyes to the blue shag carpet of his brother's living room, unable to bear the guilt said brother's gaze placed upon his shoulders. "If I'd known what would happen-"

"If you'd known?" Frank interrupted, now beginning to abandon his even tone. "Perhaps you shouldn't even be getting her into situations where it'd even be possible for her to break an arm!"

Joe said nothing at first, he just continued to stare at that blue shag carpet beneath his even lighter blue sneakers. "I never meant for Kitty to get hurt." He mumbled quietly. "I just wanted her to get a sense of what her father's childhood was like. You know, let the memory live on?"

Frank scoffed and shook his head. "You mean the childhood where you run off getting into trouble while I'm forced to tag along? Sounds like you really nailed that experience."

"Come on, it was fun and you can't deny it." Joe looked up and flashed his signature 'Joe Hardy Smirk,' hoping to lighten his brother's helpless mood. But the smile didn't exactly receive the desired affect.

"It was fun until one of us got hurt, such as what happened with Kathryn. You would be more inclined to see my way of thinking if it had been Andrea who fell. Maybe then you'd see just how reckless you really are." Frank's words cut deep. Joe could see a hint of regret in his brother's eyes as soon as the words left his mouth, but no apology was given.

"Do you underestimate my love for my niece?" When Frank didn't answer, Joe continued. "We were just trying to have a little fun. We used to go to that abandoned house all the time as kids. Even if it was Andrea who fell, I'd still be glad I got to show her a piece of Hardy Family History."

Frank's jaw muscles visibly tightened. "How can you say that? Given the chance to do it over, you wouldn't change a thing?"

"I would save her from falling. I would make sure everything was safe before letting her and Andrea look around."

Frank heaved a heavy sigh before speaking. "But you didn't save her from falling and you didn't make sure it was safe. You would just as soon put my daughter - not to mention your own daughter - in danger again, if it meant that you'd be the 'fun' uncle. How can I trust her to be safe with you? You never learn!"

"I-I'll be more careful." Joe stuttered. "I won't let anything happen to her again, I promise!"

"Good." Frank nodded. "But until you figure out how to do that, I don't want you hanging out around Kathryn or Fenton without me or Callie around."

The little spark that remained in Joe's heart flickered for a moment, then darkened completely. He let himself drop backwards into the living-room chair, completely defeated. Kitty was the first little girl Joe had ever truly let his heart melt for. She was seven, a year older than Andrea, his and Vanessa's oldest child. The two were like peas in a pod, nearly inseparable. Did Frank realize that he was punishing more than just Joe?