You can't do this alone. ~Frank Hardy x Reader~

Chapter 4.3 - Secrets and Lies

We rounded a corner of shelves and found a narrow spot to hide in.

"Here!" He whispered to me. We both squeezed into the spot. Our backs were against the cabinets, meaning my nose was right under his chin. His arm was wrapped around me, pushing me into the wall as much as possible. A flashlight was shown right past us a moment later, it stayed in one place for a second but then moved away moments later. Both Frank and I let out a breath. Relieved we weren't caught.

"I think that's enough excitement for one night..." Frank says.

We both move to get out but since we both did it, it didn't work, causing us to giggle quietly. I looked up at Frank to tell him to go first only to see him already looking down at me. Our faces were an inch apart. My face was flushed red, thank goodness there were no lights in here.

"You, uh... you can go first." Frank stuttered.

I went out first and practically scolded myself for not taking that opportunity to kiss him. But I also knew that would've been stupid and probably ended our friendship so hey, it's okay.

Frank and I quickly got out of the library, avoiding the security guard, and started making our way back to Trudy's.

"She's going to kill us when we get there." I told him.

"... I know." He sighed.

We eventually made it back, seeing Trudy pacing on the lawn, confirming our theory of her being infuriated.

"I was wondering when you two would decide to show up!" She scolded us.

"I was working..." Frank said, trying to lie.

"Your shift ended hours ago. And Juliet, just be happy I didn't call your parents. Where have you two been?"

"Jules and I were just hanging out. Is everything okay?" Frank asked his Aunt.

"It's pretty far from okay, Frank! Your brother got in a lot of trouble tonight!" Trudy said.

"What kind of trouble?" Frank asked her.

"That kind of trouble." She pointed behind us.

A car approached us and I could see it was Jesse's deputy's car.

"Oh no..." I whispered under my breath. We all approached the car and Trudy continued to be furious. Jesse got Joe out of the back and they stood there.

"Joe Hardy, get in that house right now." She demanded.

"Aunt Trudy, I can explain." Joe started but Trudy wasn't having any of it.

"Not another word. Frank, take Juliet and Joe inside and wait for me in the living room." Trudy instructed.

"Come on, buddy. Come on." Frank urged his brother. We all went inside and Frank was immediately on his brother.

"What did you do?" He scolded him.

"I got my soldering iron back." He said.

"Joe..." I exasperated.

"I didn't get caught... until I tried to steal the file from the guys on the beach." Joe explained.

"Would have been useful." Frank whispered.

"Yeah. No duh." Joe retorted.

"Come on, let's sit down before they get back." I suggested.

"What were you two doing?" Joe asked, wiggling his eyebrows.

"Joe." Frank warned.

"We were looking at what your mom had looked at in the archives, we found some pretty shady stuff." I told him.