Description: My version of how Joey and Pacey got together Junior year. There may or may not be a time jump as the story progresses, I haven't written that far ahead yet.

Disclaimer: While I don't own the show or its character's, I do claim ownership to this storyline.

Author's Note: If you read, I'll write. No one reviews anymore and I have long since accepted this.

Caught off Guard in Love

Chapter #8

(Jen's pov)

" Joey...Pacey, there something that I should know about?", I ponder once the two of them sit across from me at the kitchen table. Alright, I know that Jack and I used to tease these two about being into one another. Here is the thing though, never figured we were actually onto something. Neither of them are even attempting to hide the fact they're into one another at this point. Joey's hand is clasped in Pacey's while his other rests on the small of her back. Are they an item now or something? Does Dawson know about them? Fine, I already know the answer to that question. Dawson has no clue what's going on between Joey and Pacey. Something tells me if he had, friendships would be ruined. Hope Witter is planning on doing the right thing and telling Dawson exactly how he feels for Joey.

Taking a drink from her glass of orange juice, Joey picks at the eggs on her plate," Jen, I'm sure you and my sister have a bunch of questions. I'll happily answer them for the both of you too...just as soon as I know how. Truth is, Pacey and I aren't exactly sure what's going on between us."

Turning his attention toward Joey, Pacey sits up with interest," There's an 'Us' here, Jo?"

" Well, no. That's not what I meant, I mean...I'll just keep my mouth shut Pacey.", mutters Joey in defeat with a shake of her head. Now this truly is a first. Never figured Joey would be at a loss for words. Something tells me she's embarrassed by her slip of the tongue. Pacey couldn't be happier by it though. Anyone with eyes can see how in love with Potter the poor guy is. These last few weeks Pacey has only followed Joey around seeking out just about any reason he could think of to spend time with her. Andie has even noticed this also. At first, it bothered her. Eventually she realized, if Pacey wanted to be with Joey that was his choice. While it might pain her to see them together, she wasn't about to ruin her friendship with Joey if he chose to make a move on her. If only things would be that simple with Dawson.

" No, it's alright Potter...honest. Truth be told, I've been wanting to ask you out for a while.", admits Pacey without so much as a second thought. His eyes meet Joey's and she glances down at her hands quietly. By now it's obvious the two are into one another. Well, I think it's great Witter is brave enough to go after what he wants. This said, I really think the two of them should make their intentions clear to Dawson before anything happens between the two of them. He is only both of their oldest friends and not to mention Joey's ex. If the two of them stand any sort of chance together, being upfront with Dawson is a must.

" You two don't have to explain anything to me, I'm happy for you both. This said, I think you need to clue Dawson in before he finds out on his own.", I point out before finishing the last of my breakfast. Joey and Pacey both share a glance between one another. They both know that I am right and are not about to argue this fact. I'm not too concerned, I know the two of them will do the right thing. Dawson might not want to hear what those two have to say, but he's not going to have much of a choice but to listen. Telling him the truth isn't going to be easy, but I know Joey and Pacey would never jeopardize their friendship with Dawson.

" I'm not saying that I don't agree, Jen. But I'd like a day or two to figure out what exactly is going on between Pacey and myself before confronting Dawson.", confesses Joey much to Pacey's, Bessie's and my surprise. The smile on his face right now says Witter was not expecting Jo to admit she'd felt something for him so openly. She is definitely into Pace, that much I can tell. I'm sure for a while Pacey was probably certain his feelings for Potter were one sided. Looks as though she once again proved him wrong. Part of me always wondered how long it would take for Jo to realize she liked him. Something tells me Pacey has more then likely been in love with Joey for a while. I remember him coming to me for advice on how to get Potter to notice him as more than the guy who annoys her. This of course was not long after he'd kissed Joey the first time freshman year after receiving the go ahead from Dawson to make his move.

Giving Joey a playful nudge to her side, Pacey does his best to hide a smirk," That your way of saying that you like me too, Potter?"

Rolling her eyes at Pacey, Joey places a kiss on his cheek," There's no need to ruin this moment Witter, shut your mouth."

(Jen's thoughts)

Looks like those two are nearly an item. I'm happy for the two of them. How could I not be? It is obvious Pacey loves Joey and she feels the same. Andie knew there was something between the two of them for a while. She was hurt at the mere thought at first but realized if anything happened between the two of them there wasn't much she could do about it. Something tells me that Dawson will be a whole other story. Long as those two are both honest with him that is all that matters.

(Bessie's thoughts)

Seems I was right about Pacey and Joey liking one another all along. Who would have thought? Anyone with eyes could see Witter has had it bad for Joey. For a while it looked as though she would never take notice of the poor guy. Things changed these last few month though. After her break up with Dawson and his with Andie, Pacey and Joey grew close. Honestly, it was only a matter of time before my little sister realized that she'd developed feelings for Pacey. Glad to see she finally has. They agreed to take a few days to figure out what is going on between them before talking with Dawson. So long as they are both honest with him, there is not much he can say.

(Pacey's thoughts)

She wants to be with me. Josephine Potter wants to be with me. Not sure what happened over the course of these last few days, but Jo likes me. That kiss we shared a few nights ago...she must have felt the same exact spark I did. There was no denying there was something between the two of us after that night. Potter wants to give me a chance finally and I am not about to blow it either. Whatever she wants me to do, I'll do it. Honestly, I never imagined Joey could ever fall for me, she has though and I couldn't be happier. The only thing standing in our way is Dawson. We both agreed to be upfront with him as soon as we sorted out our feelings towards one another. Last either of us wants is to risk our friendship with him

(Joey's thoughts)

Never in my life did I see myself falling for my once sworn enemy. This is precisely what has happened though. A few short days ago, I kissed Pacey to get myself out of a predicament. The moment my lips touched his, there was this...jolt. I'm not sure how to even explain it, but I know for a fact Pacey felt it too. Bessie joked it was about time that I woke up and realized what was right in front of me. While I am not exactly certain what is going on between the two of us, I'm unable to deny the fact I'm slowly falling in love with Pacey Witter. This sounds so strange to admit but it's the truth. The only thing standing in our way at this point, is Dawson. Pacey and I both agreed to figure out what was going on between us before we spoke with Dawson. He is not going to be thrilled to know we've fallen for one another. Aside from severing ties with the two of us there is not much he can say or do. Dawson is the one who let me go. It is not my fault Pacey and I slowly fell for one another. You can't exactly choose who you love. He will be upset at first but Dawson will eventually realize we never set out to hurt him.

The End.