[Apparently Toby really likes Joe. Didn't expect this particular twist. Gotta love characters that surprise. Poor Alex though, he's getting the short end of things with Joe]

Joe and Toby kicked the soccer ball around for an hour before they were interrupted by a clap of thunder from off in the distance. The promised storms were coming, and they were bringing lightning in their wake.

"Guess it's time to head inside, Toby," Joe said.

"'Kay, Uncle Joe."

Joe was glad for the excuse. He kept in shape, hitting the gym three days a week, but after an hour chasing around wild kicks and diving after the ball he was winded. Little kids were nuclear powered, he decided. Toby was ready to go another hour. At least.

Toby took Joe's hand and the two of them walked back to the house. Steve's kids had already gotten out of the pool, and everyone was gathering up things to take inside. The grill had been shut down, and the cooler moved.

"Need a hand?" Joe asked.

Steve smiled. "Looks like yours is already full. We're good, thanks."

Mary was giving Joe an odd look, and it made him a little uncomfortable. He couldn't read her well. She seemed okay, and from what Steve had said she certainly didn't have a problem with hum being gay, but he wasn't sure if she actually approved of him personally. He wasn't sure why he cared, either, but he did.

"Looks like your side-kick projection didn't work too well," Steve said to Mike as he lowered the umbrella. "Had to do all the work ourselves. Maybe your projector needs a new bulb."

"That's psychic projection, and it works just fine," Mike said. "The only dim bulb around here is you."

Steve looked around. "I don't see any projections, Oh Enlightened One."

Mike tried to look haughty, but the chagrin spoiled it. "Not one of my talents," he said.

"Ah. You can't project to steal beer. Gotcha."

"Uncle Joe." Toby tugged on his hand. "I wanna play Candyland."

Steve looked surprised. "Now I am impressed," he said. "That's Toby's favorite game."

"C'mon, please