Summary: alright I'm sort of stuck in this Season One thing right now so
here is another P/J hook up story that takes place after Double Date:
Modern Romance it starts at the end of the episode and then goes off after
that, I think it's going to be a two parter so stay tuned.
Pacey smiled inwardly to himself, he had the green light. The only hurdle left to jump was Joey. Asking Dawson was hard enough and now he had to deal with the possibility of rejection. Joey had given him so many signs though; she hadn't insulted him for at least two hours and had in fact complimented him in her kitchen earlier. Then she gave him this look when they were talking about their futures; this look that said 'I don't hate you as much as you think' with a dash of 'maybe I even like you.'
The day that he had dreaded, the day from hell involving sludging through murky waters and searching for horny snails had become one of the best days he had had all year. And these feelings he suddenly had towards Joey didn't surprise him as much as he thought they would. They were alike in so many ways, they were witty, stubborn, and outcasts from the wrong side of the creek. What's the worst thing that can happen? he asked himself as he pulled into her driveway. Rejection, there was a hugely large chance that she would reject him and he wasn't sure if he could handle it.
"Well am I going to have to fail another midterm or can we do this again sometime?" Pacey asked swinging his arms nervously as he followed Joey to her porch.
"Well we still have a report to write and I'm pretty sure we're going to be spending a lot of time together."
"Actually that's not what I was talking about, Joey." He slowed to a stop as she turned to look at him confused.
"Then what did you mean?"
"Well," he paused putting his hand to her hip. With much success he continued, "let me put it to you this way." He leaned in brushing his lips over hers kissing her softly.
"Pacey!" Joey exclaimed laughing it off nervously. "What the hell was that for?"
Pacey joined in on the awkward snicker. "Well if I have to explain myself it obviously didn't have the desired affect."
"Why in the world would you.well I guess I know why you would.why would you?" Joey stuttered still piecing together the past minute.
"I had a nice time today. A nice time that exceeded my wildest expectations. I was, I was confused, and surprised" his voice squeaked slightly, ".and attracted. You?"
Joey stared off by her feet; she had spent all of her time sorting through her emotions for Dawson over the past few years of her life and rarely ever considered Pacey a contender in her relationship contemplation folder. "Well. confused and surprised." She offered trying not to hurt his feelings.
"Not," he trailed off his eyes downcast as he realized how stupid he was to think he had a chance.
"Sorry."
He let out a sigh shaking his head. "That's okay; I can deal with rejection pretty effortlessly." They stood in silence looking at anything but each other. "So long as we don't extend this really awkward moment any longer then we have to."
Suddenly she found herself stepping back towards him, this sudden magnetic field drawing her towards him after feeling him so close before. "Goodnight Pacey," she said shaking off the feeling. "I had a nice time too today." She offered him a smile drawn back into his gaze as she turned to walk away, Damn his eyes are blue she thought to herself as she started up the stairs.
"Jo," she swung around nervously looking back at him still standing where she left him.
"Yeah?"
"By some slim chance if you would have kissed me back, you would have probably been thinking of someone else, right?" She pursed her lips almost laughing bitterly as she looked back down at his wondering eyes. Of course he would bring up Dawson. She didn't answer him turning back to her door and walking inside.
Looking through the kitchen she stopped at the sight of the clothing they had left hanging off the chairs to dry. She laughed to herself imagining Bessie's surprise if she had come home to find not only Joey's outfit but the sweater, jeans, and boxers of an adolescent teenage boys spread sporadically through out her kitchen. She probably would have raced to her bedroom brainstorming up a holy hell only to be pleasantly surprised.
She picked up Pacey's cream and burgundy sweater, the material still slightly damp from the afternoon. She brought the article to her nose smelling the salt of the water, the cologne he had applied probably in hopes of picking up a girl after their wild snail chase, and the faint yet distinct smell of Pacey. Joey smiled folding the sweater and setting it on the table. She then picked up his denim jeans folding them as well and placing them over the sweater. Lastly her fingers trailed over his blue plaid cotton boxers lingering for a moment.
She shook her head pulling her hand away. This is Pacey! she told herself shaking her head. Her feelings for Dawson hadn't fluctuated, how could they, she had spent most of her teenaged years trying to understand how he couldn't notice her and the chase only made her want him more. But suddenly she had Pacey offering himself to her, kissing her and telling her he was attracted to her. The look he had given her after she told him she was only confused and surprised made her flinch, all hope that he had in his eyes draining in mere seconds. But she told him the truth; after he had kissed her she was, well, confused and surprised.
She was surprised for obvious reasons. Her sworn and mortal enemy had kissed her which was plenty of fuel for a surprised reaction. But the confusion was a more cloudy response. When he kissed her it brought a new feeling, and she was confused by that. Butterflies, his kiss had given her butterflies and that confused her.
Joey picked up the pile of Pacey's clothes as she thought for a minute before heading out the door.
~*~
"Pacey!" Dawson began walking into the video store. "I figured you'd be here. Listen, what we talked about before, what you asked me, I changed my mind, I don't want you to do it."
Pacey sat reclined in his seat, his feat propped onto the counter. "First off, you're going to have to refresh my memory so we're on the same page here." He teased.
"You know what I'm talking about."
"Joey? You don't want me to kiss Joey? Whoa, Dawson you seem a little worked up. I don't know how to break this to you."
"Break what to me?" Dawson asked his expression falling.
"You're a little late."
"You kissed her?" He said almost to himself.
"Oh yeah," Pacey began getting out of his seat. "Not only that, she kissed me back. Right there in the back of the Witter family truck." He turned away beginning to organize the videos. "We played tonsil hockey for about an hour. She invites me in but it was a little late, so I didn't. She's cooking for me tomorrow night." Pacey stepped into the back room still rambling behind the door. "She said she's always wanted to cook for the right man." He peeked his head through the door shrugging, "I guess she's found him. We're thinking about heading to this cozy B&B up the coast." He said approaching the counter again reclining back into his seat as he folded his arms across his chest smugly. "Spend a little quality time this weekend."
Dawson stared at him blankly for a moment. "You're so full of it."
Just then Joey walked through the door of the store a surprised expression hitting her face as she noticed Dawson. "Oh yeah? Hey sweetheart I was telling Dawson about our little rendezvous from earlier."
Joey smiled nervously her eyes shifting between Dawson and Pacey, "Really?"
"Uh huh, when you jumped me on the stairs of you house."
Joey shook her head a smile escaping the corners of her mouth, "Oh yes I saw fireworks it was amazing. In fact I was just coming here to pick you up because Bessie's not home and I need you." She said sarcastically.
"I thought we were waiting till this weekend," he said lifting his feet from the counter and leaning over it with a flirtatious smile. "But you've twisted my leg, give me five minutes," he finished with a wink.
Joey blushed her heart fluttering by the wink he gave her. "Actually, you left these at my house," she said holding up his boxers.
This time Pacey turned a shade of crimson as he looked over at Dawson whose eyes widened staring at the flimsy piece of cotton that dangled from her hand. Pacey pursed his lips together fighting off the escaping smile as he took them from her, "I did didn't I?" He asked his suddenly shy gaze burning through her.
"Yeah," Joey said absently lifting up the folded pile in her hands, "and these too." She placed it on the counter ripping her eyes from his. In all her fifteen years she had never got caught in his gaze, but suddenly she was drawn to it.
"Miss Potter," he said in a husky drawl, "do you believe in love at 8 millionth site?" He joked offering her a sheepish grin.
Joey leaned over the counter a smile tugging at the corner of her mouth, "Not until I met you."
Pacey reclined back into his seat looking back up at Dawson, "See, I told you she wants me."
Joey rolled her eyes absently pushing at Pacey's feet as she directed her attention back to Dawson, "So how was Operation Dilapidation of Jen's Chances for Future Endearments?"
"Not so good," Dawson replied shaking his head in defeat. "After our argument on the Ferris wheel I'm not sure if Jen will ever speak to me again."
"What happened?"
"Well I called her on her need of space from men, you know her date with Cliff and all and she basically said she dumped me because she didn't like me." Dawson shrugged. "Now we're back in the awkward post breakup bitterness. Only bright side is that I may have sort of got her to say that she still wanted me."
"Did she say that?" Joey asked raising a brow.
"Not exactly, but she didn't replace it with a statement to the contrary."
Joey let out a sigh, "Well the fact that she didn't throw you out of the wagon of the Ferris Wheel after realizing that you had been stalking her and using other peoples emotions at your disposal surprises me greatly." She huffed bitterly.
"Well I wasn't exactly using Mary Beth."
"Crush on Cliff?" Pacey chirped in.
"Yep."
"She's a smart one that Mary Beth," Pacey said shaking a finger in Dawson's direction.
"That's pathetic," Joey said rolling her eyes. "Can two people have a general amicability towards one another and go out on a genuine outing with positive circumstances? Or is this just one of the down sides to living in a small town?"
"But Josephine, then high school melodrama would be so unentertaining and we'd be subject towards schmoopy attitudes and way too much hand holding." Pacey replied shifting in his rolling chair and leaning against the counter on his elbows. "Unless you're insinuating that you want a relationship?" He asked crooking his brow.
Joey reached over pinching his cheek, "Aw, you hide the hurt so well."
"You provided me with nothing but pleasure," he replied, his eyes turned dark as his lips curved into a devilish grin, his cheek still between her forefingers.
She blushed slightly quickly regaining her composure. "Bite me." Pacey curved out of her grasp nipping at her wrist. "Ow, Pacey!" She said shaking out her hand.
Pacey turned to Dawson; "I can never win with this woman."
"Um," Dawson said uncomfortably, "am I intruding at all here?"
Pacey and Joey snapped up straight turning to Dawson confused, "No what are you talking about?" They said in almost unison.
"Nothing, nothing," Dawson said chuckling nervously, "it's just suddenly I felt extremely out of place."
Joey stepped back, "Well don't worry I was just leaving anyway."
"Are you coming over for a movie?" Dawson asked shifting slightly.
"Um, can I take a rain check? It's been a long day and I'm still all salty smelly and stuff, I just wanna take a bath, get through any Alexander duty, curl up and go to sleep." She battered out walking towards the door.
"All right, night Jo," he said after her.
"I'll call ya, Jo," Pacey called out.
"Why would you do that?" She asked with a confused look.
"To finish the project," he replied delighted that he was having an affect on her.
"Oh yeah, right, right."
He watched her open the door fumbling with it slightly, smiling to himself. "And Joey," he called after her as she glanced over her shoulder at him. "Sweet dreams," Pacey winked as she shook her head walking out the door. He reclined back into his chair crossing his feat resting his hands behind his head and whistling a tune. Dawson starred at him in disbelief, "What?"
~*~
"Hey Dawson," Joey said climbing through his window.
Dawson lay on the foot of his bed watching his televisions closely. "Oh hey," he said shifting slightly, "I thought you weren't coming."
"Yeah well I figured you were having a bad day and could use a little pick- me-up." She replied perkily as she bounced onto his bed.
"You're in a surprisingly good mood," Dawson commented through furrowed brows. "Why would that be?"
Joey shrugged still contemplating it in her head, she couldn't quite tell if it was the fact that Dawson and Jen had inserted another nail into their coffin or because Pacey had kissed her. She shook it off chuckling nervously, "Just my usual weekend glow I guess. So, uh, what's on for tonight?"
"His Girl Friday," he let out with a sigh.
"Well I guess you can't stop fighting for the person of your dreams," Joey said falling against the headboard.
"No," he trailed off staring off at the floor, "especially when they mean so much to you."
"She doesn't want to be with you right now Dawson, you know that right?"
"It's so complicated between her and I. She told me she needed space from men only to run into the arms of some.foot ball player."
"I think you need to reassess your options here Dawson. She's not the only female in Capeside, and I'm sure with your charm you'll be able to find someone new. Why is it so important for you to get her back? Does she really mean as much to you as you say she does?"
Dawson thought for a long moment sitting up to look over at Joey. "Like I said, everything between Jen and I is so complicating. I wish it was easy," he paused meeting Joey's gaze, "like with you. I wish Jen and I could talk like you and I can."
"Why would you want that with someone else when you already have it?" Joey asked.
"I don't know," Dawson replied shaking his head redirecting his attention to the screen as Joey let out an exaggerated sigh.
"Dawson?"
"Yeah?"
"Is what you and Jen have real? Or is it just something you're blowing out of proportion for your imagination file?"
He glanced back over his shoulder at her. "What Jen and I have is completely different from what we have. I'm not sure if she and I were meant to be platonic or if she's supposed to be the love of my life."
"Well what do we have?" Joey asked rubbing her shoulders suddenly terrified to be sitting here with her best friend.
A grin tugged at Dawson's mouth as he let out a breath, "Something amazingly special."
Joey could tell that she was grinning like an idiot and wiped her hand over her mouth to try and hide it. Was that his declaration of attraction? Or his declaration of undying friendship? Whatever it was Joey was content. She nodded at him, "Let's just watch the movie."
~*~
"Potter you truly are a basket case," Pacey said resting his feet atop the parallel bench in front of him.
"And why would you say that?" Joey asked sitting across from him her feet resting beside him.
"Is all this work really worth the two lousy points?"
She shrugged, "Well I was ready to surrender the other day but after analyzing this I decided that I wasn't doing it for myself anymore."
"Who were you doing it for then? The snails? Because trust me I'm pretty sure they won't become extinct because we couldn't get two of their comrades to do it."
"I wasn't talking about the snails, Pacey, I was talking about you."
"Me?" He asked looking up from the doodles that were decorated around the data Joey demanded him to record.
"Yes you, I know you Pace and I know that you can do much better then a 38."
"I'm honored you care about my scholastic achievements."
"Well I was thinking of the term 'Leave no man behind' and I figured when we all graduate, it would really suck to leave you here working as the local gas station attendant."
"And here I thought you were being selfish by keeping me all to yourself this weekend."
Joey smiled at him nodding her head slightly. "Well there is that too." Joey let out a deep breath looking back down at her notes. "I'm glad that I can talk to you," she said suddenly.
"I am a wonderful source of entertainment," he replied with a shrug.
"No, the fact that we can go from mortal enemies to good friends seamlessly back and forth with out all those awkward moments."
"Yeah," he said looking down at his feet letting the soft sound of the waves rocking against the boats in the harbor fill the air around them. After a moment he looked back up his eyes meeting hers a conspiratorial grin crossing his face.
"Pacey," she said rolling her eyes pushing at his feet propped next to her.
"Oh it's on now," Pacey began grabbing her feet and placing them in his lap pulling off her shoes. He then proceeded to tickle the souls of her feet occasionally working up her ankles.
"Stop, Pacey, stop," Joey squeaked squirming out of his grip.
"What you don't like my foot massages? Jesus Potter, you're so needy," he joked playfully.
"We're crossing Swedish Spa Employee off the list of possible occupations," she said through giggles.
"But I play great in the mud," he said with a wink as he slowed his fingers movement.
"Keep daydreaming Witter." She responded as his fingers hit a rhythm gently circling on the bottoms of her feet. Joey watched him thoughtfully as he stared intently at her feet his tongue peeking out from between the corner of his lips as he concentrated on his movement avoiding the pressure points that made her flinch. She marveled at the softness of his touch, the way his hands felt against her skin. The warm contact of his fingers sent chills throughout her body, this feeling of vibrant life. She pulled her lower lip between her teeth as she stared at the contours of his face, the baby fat that once lined his complexion had chiseled down to a much broader jaw line, the faint roughness of where he had shaved that morning glistened in the light. She suddenly fought off the urge to lean forward and run her hand down his cheek. Shaking her head she folded her arms over her chest, "Pacey quit stalling."
Pacey glanced up, his deep blue pools dark and mysterious, "Not until you admit that my hands are a gift from the cosmos."
"It feels wrong to lie to you that way," she answered playfully. "Now time to get back to work."
He shook his head dropping his feet from the bench in front of him, "I suggest we try a new experiment, just for a change of pace."
"What is this desired plan?" She asked raising a suspicious brow.
"Well," Pacey began running his hands along her ankles his voice husky as he moved them over her jeans. He had hoped this attraction he had towards her was a brief momentary lapse of judgment some spark the night before that was only fueled by seeing her bare back. But then after he had kissed her the rejection really hurt a nerve, he was genuinely upset. His hope sparked when she came over to the video store that same night and paid more attention to him then to Dawson. If she wanted to see Dawson she would have gone to his house, but she went to his place of employment during his shift, with his clothes. Then suddenly their banter turned into flirtation, evil glares turned into something of desire, and Pacey could runs his hands up her legs and still have a head on his shoulders. She definitely was wrecking his head.
Licking his lips he continued kneeling onto the ground and working his way between her legs his hands resting on her thighs. Their eyes didn't break from each other's as he leaned towards her. "I think the romancing of snails is getting a little boring," he whispered, his breath hot against her lips.
Joey froze, tensing under his touch. She stared at him confused as she brought a hand up smoothing it over his cheek. He smiled tilting his head up to kiss her as she stopped him holding his head still. "I talked to Dawson," she blurted out, the first thing she could think of to change the mood.
"Really," Pacey said biting back his lip in a perturbed fashion as he sat back on his heels. "Sounds interesting."
Joey looked down at her hands, Wrong thing to say she thought. "Yeah he was babbling about Jen, but that's not important."
"I know how you feel," he replied bitterly releasing a sigh.
"Um, Pace?" She asked looking back up at him. "Why did you kiss me last night?"
He patted her knees a few times as he sat back on his bench across from her. "Testosterone induced glitch, I guess," he shrugged trying not to look hurt.
Joey nodded, "Well I thank your raging hormones."
Pacey's brows knitted together, "What? Why?"
She offered him a shy smile swaying back and forth a bit, "Because I like this, you being my friend rather then my mortal enemy."
Letting out a small chuckle he nodded, "Friends are good."
~*~
Jen walked down her lawn, the cool fall breeze gliding through her hair as her eyes fell upon Dawson, head bowed on the pier. She couldn't explain her attraction to the boy next door, but he intrigued her in a way that no one else in this town could. She had mainly dumped him because of his obvious feelings for Joey and hers in return and his obsession with her past. But the fact that he had come to the carnival and told her that he needed her made the decision less valid.
"Hey you," she said nudging him slightly with her foot. "Mind if I sit here?"
"Jen, hey," Dawson said surprised as he shifted allowing room.
~*~
"Pacey I need your help," Dawson began sliding in the booth at the Ice House.
"What is it D?"
"Jen wants to get back together!" Dawson said excitedly.
"So what's the problem then?"
"Joey," Dawson sighed, "Joey's the problem."
Pacey looked up from the food he had been eating as he cautiously asked, "And why would Joey be the problem?"
Dawson ran his hands through his hair as he slumped further into his seat. "Because I think she thinks there's something more going on in our relationship right now."
Pacey sighed staring back down at the table. "And who exactly gave her that impression?"
"I may have said some things."
"Dawson you can't keep doing this to her," Pacey suddenly blurted out.
"Doing what?"
"Messing with her head. She's never going to be able to go on with her life if you keep on giving her these reasons not to."
"Since when did you care, Pace?" Dawson answered with a tone of disgust. "It's not like you've ever treated Joey with an ounce of respect."
"Yeah well I've never manipulated her either."
"Oh I get this, you still like her don't you?" Dawson teased.
"No," he lied, "it was just a splurge of the moment thing, and any romantic feelings I possibly may have mustered are fleeting fast."
"So what happened exactly?"
"Well, uh," Pacey's eyes shifted around the room as he mumbled, "I kissed her."
"And."
"She didn't kiss me back," he let out with a shrug. "Seems she's interested in some one else."
"Oh," Dawson's expression melted, as he finally understood. "Well you guys have been spending a lot of time together this week."
"Yeah," Pacey nodded, "it's called a school oriented work session."
Dawson looked away for a moment thinking, "I wanna be with Jen, Pace. I wanna let this relationship run its course."
Pacey's face lit up, "That's great man, congratulations."
"I just need a favor."
"Okay," he answered curiously, "shoot."
"Joey's going to be coming over tonight, because it's Saturday movie night."
"No, no, no, no, no," Pacey shook his head waving his hands frantically.
"Hear me out Pace," Dawson said raising his voice over Pacey's. "She was upset when Jen and I got together the first time, and I don't want her to get hurt."
"And you're asking me too." he trailed off.
"Could you talk to her?"
~*~
Joey worked her way up the ladder that led to Dawson's house. Amazingly Special she smiled smoothing out her hair. Amazingly Special she straightened out the shirt she was wearing, one in the back of her closet that she would only wear as a joke, a Jen type shirt. Amazingly Special licking her lips she could taste the bit of Very Berry Bessie had applied on the way there. Amazingly Special climbing through the window she smiled. "Hey there-."
"Hey there sunshine," Pacey said from the bed, his head propped up against the headboard as he flipped through a magazine.
"Where's Dawson? This is his house and his room and Saturday night." Joey asked confused not moving from her spot.
Pacey let out a sigh, "He's not coming."
Joey bit back her lip her eyes on fire, "Okay Pace, I let you get away with the whole kiss thing last week, and then the whole touching thing but now, now you're just crossing over into stalking levels."
He rolled his eyes, "Don't flatter yourself, Potter." He threw up his arms in defeat; "I am nothing but the messenger."
"Messenger to tell me Dawson wasn't home tonight? What is this Shakespearean times? Has he heard of a telephone?" She chuckled nervously swinging her arms. "So I guess I'll leave you to whatever you were doing and just go home." She turned to climb out the window when Pacey's voice caught her.
"He's with Jen," slowly turning on her heals she stared at him in confusion. "Dawson and Jen they're together right now. She talked with him earlier today."
"Oh," Joey said licking off the remnants of color off her lips.
"Look I know you thought you had something and he didn't deny any feelings for you it's just he wanted to tie up loose ends with her."
Crossing her arms over her chest she shook her head biting back the tears that threatened to fall, "Oh don't act like you care Pacey! You must be happy seeing as you love to see me miserable and all. In fact you probably got all bitter because I didn't kiss you back, so you decided perfect revenge would be to push Jen back to Dawson."
"I had nothing to do with it," Pacey replied taking a deep breath.
"Well if not that you certainly gave Dawson a piece of your mind when he asked for you opinion."
"Joey, your upset I understand that," he said calmly getting off of the bed. "He doesn't want to hurt you."
"Hurt me? How is he hurting me? The fact that he gets back together with his ex-girlfriend shouldn't hurt," she replied sobbing more openly. "It shouldn't bother his platonic female friend whom he claims he cares about. But it does, and I hate that."
Wrapping an arm around her shoulder he pulled her against his chest and into a hug, "You're allowed to hurt as much as you want Jo, and I won't tell a soul."
"Stop being nice to me," Joey protested weakly as she gave him a light push.
"He cares about you more then he could ever realize." Pacey continued resting his chin on her head.
"I should have known this was going to happen," she mumbled into his chest. "He always ditches me for Jen, like at that beach party a few weeks ago; he went off to get me a drink and then left me there to go with Jen." She said bitterly.
"But he saved you from that guy remember?" He offered.
Joey stopped furrowing her brows as she pushed back from him a bit, her eyes meeting his. She ran her hands up to his neck and ran them back to where they had rested before, "No." She whispered running her hand back up with a trail of fire to his cheek cupping it softly, "It was you." Her eyes were soft, still glazed by the tears that had fallen as she searched his. "I gave Dawson credit for it but it was you. You knew I was out of it and you followed me and then protected me from that jackass, Warren."
Pacey took a step back, his calves hitting the edge of the bed. "Well I would have gotten my head chopped off by someone if I didn't," he responded his voice cracking as she continued towards him.
Her breath was hot against his mouth as she rubbed her nose against his, "You see me as more then 'Little Joey Potter'."
His lips brushed over hers as he entwined his fingers through her hair. "Jo, you're going to have to stop this now because I have an amazing lack of self control."
She pushed him down onto Dawson's bed climbing on top of him resting on his stomach. "And last week when we were changing outside of the truck, I know you were watching me."
"Yeah about that, that was wrong and childish of me," he said squirming slightly under her warmth.
Reaching under the hem of her shirt she leaned over whispering, "I thought maybe you wanted a better look."
Pacey's eyes widened in shock as he began to shake his head. "Joey, no, stop," he told her his voice cracking as he stopped her hands.
"What's wrong Pacey?" She asked innocently yet seductively, "You don't want me?"
"Oh God no," Pacey replied painfully his head falling back into the bed. He was breathing heavily now as he tried to sit up. "If I were to ever sleep with you, Jo, it wouldn't be because I could." He paused holding himself up on an elbow his other going through her hair, "It would be because it was right, and this, this isn't right." He sighed as his crystal eyes bore into hers, "This is about hurting Dawson, whether to make him jealous or to help you get over him, it's not for the right reasons. Doing it on Dawson's bed with his best friend isn't going to take away the pain."
"God Pace," Joey said covering her mouth in embarrassment. "I am so sorry," she avoided eye contact as she stumbled off of him. "I really don't know what came over me," she paced back and forth on the floor in front of him and held a hand over her forehead. "It was wrong and stupid and oh God, excruciatingly embarrassing."
Pacey sat up shaking his head nervously as he placed a pillow over his lap, "It's okay," he chuckled nervously rocking a bit, "I'm not in the most compromising of positions."
She glared at him for a moment, "Why do you have to be so nice about it?" She pouted, "Why can't you just be an ass so I could hate you again?"
A grin crept across his lips, she doesn't hate me he thought. "Well I'd give you a hug," he shrugged, "but I don't want you to jump me again or anything." Joey rolled her eyes laughing at him sarcastically. "Better?" He asked raising a brow.
Pursing her lips she nodded, "Yeah."
Scooting onto the bed he put the pillow back against the headboard resting against it. He then patted space next to him nudging towards it, "Come here, Potter."
"I thought we agreed to no sex on Dawson's bed," she said scooting next to him.
"Who said anything about sex? I always wondered what was so great about sleeping on this bed next to you for eight years."
"Well," Joey began resting her head on his shoulder. "I usually roll to the other side of the bed while Dawson hogs about 70% of it."
"That's because he was probably hoping you would accidentally roll on top of him." He said curving his arm around her shoulders and bringing her closer. The ease they suddenly had was soothing and comfortable almost as if the last fifteen minutes hadn't existed.
"I'm sorry for using you, Pace," she said adjusting her head nuzzling in his chest. He rubbed his thumb against her shoulder as her eyes fluttered shut.
"As long as you're not using me in this moment right now, it was all worth it," he replied kissing the top of her head.
She snuggled close to him taking in his scent. "And thanks for not being an asshole."
"Anything for you darling, that's what friends are for," he waited a moment, her breath softening and hitting a rhythmic pace. "Goodnight Jo," he whispered by her ear.
"Goodnight Pacey," she mumbled into his chest. At that moment she found herself confused, and surprised, and- attracted.
Pacey smiled inwardly to himself, he had the green light. The only hurdle left to jump was Joey. Asking Dawson was hard enough and now he had to deal with the possibility of rejection. Joey had given him so many signs though; she hadn't insulted him for at least two hours and had in fact complimented him in her kitchen earlier. Then she gave him this look when they were talking about their futures; this look that said 'I don't hate you as much as you think' with a dash of 'maybe I even like you.'
The day that he had dreaded, the day from hell involving sludging through murky waters and searching for horny snails had become one of the best days he had had all year. And these feelings he suddenly had towards Joey didn't surprise him as much as he thought they would. They were alike in so many ways, they were witty, stubborn, and outcasts from the wrong side of the creek. What's the worst thing that can happen? he asked himself as he pulled into her driveway. Rejection, there was a hugely large chance that she would reject him and he wasn't sure if he could handle it.
"Well am I going to have to fail another midterm or can we do this again sometime?" Pacey asked swinging his arms nervously as he followed Joey to her porch.
"Well we still have a report to write and I'm pretty sure we're going to be spending a lot of time together."
"Actually that's not what I was talking about, Joey." He slowed to a stop as she turned to look at him confused.
"Then what did you mean?"
"Well," he paused putting his hand to her hip. With much success he continued, "let me put it to you this way." He leaned in brushing his lips over hers kissing her softly.
"Pacey!" Joey exclaimed laughing it off nervously. "What the hell was that for?"
Pacey joined in on the awkward snicker. "Well if I have to explain myself it obviously didn't have the desired affect."
"Why in the world would you.well I guess I know why you would.why would you?" Joey stuttered still piecing together the past minute.
"I had a nice time today. A nice time that exceeded my wildest expectations. I was, I was confused, and surprised" his voice squeaked slightly, ".and attracted. You?"
Joey stared off by her feet; she had spent all of her time sorting through her emotions for Dawson over the past few years of her life and rarely ever considered Pacey a contender in her relationship contemplation folder. "Well. confused and surprised." She offered trying not to hurt his feelings.
"Not," he trailed off his eyes downcast as he realized how stupid he was to think he had a chance.
"Sorry."
He let out a sigh shaking his head. "That's okay; I can deal with rejection pretty effortlessly." They stood in silence looking at anything but each other. "So long as we don't extend this really awkward moment any longer then we have to."
Suddenly she found herself stepping back towards him, this sudden magnetic field drawing her towards him after feeling him so close before. "Goodnight Pacey," she said shaking off the feeling. "I had a nice time too today." She offered him a smile drawn back into his gaze as she turned to walk away, Damn his eyes are blue she thought to herself as she started up the stairs.
"Jo," she swung around nervously looking back at him still standing where she left him.
"Yeah?"
"By some slim chance if you would have kissed me back, you would have probably been thinking of someone else, right?" She pursed her lips almost laughing bitterly as she looked back down at his wondering eyes. Of course he would bring up Dawson. She didn't answer him turning back to her door and walking inside.
Looking through the kitchen she stopped at the sight of the clothing they had left hanging off the chairs to dry. She laughed to herself imagining Bessie's surprise if she had come home to find not only Joey's outfit but the sweater, jeans, and boxers of an adolescent teenage boys spread sporadically through out her kitchen. She probably would have raced to her bedroom brainstorming up a holy hell only to be pleasantly surprised.
She picked up Pacey's cream and burgundy sweater, the material still slightly damp from the afternoon. She brought the article to her nose smelling the salt of the water, the cologne he had applied probably in hopes of picking up a girl after their wild snail chase, and the faint yet distinct smell of Pacey. Joey smiled folding the sweater and setting it on the table. She then picked up his denim jeans folding them as well and placing them over the sweater. Lastly her fingers trailed over his blue plaid cotton boxers lingering for a moment.
She shook her head pulling her hand away. This is Pacey! she told herself shaking her head. Her feelings for Dawson hadn't fluctuated, how could they, she had spent most of her teenaged years trying to understand how he couldn't notice her and the chase only made her want him more. But suddenly she had Pacey offering himself to her, kissing her and telling her he was attracted to her. The look he had given her after she told him she was only confused and surprised made her flinch, all hope that he had in his eyes draining in mere seconds. But she told him the truth; after he had kissed her she was, well, confused and surprised.
She was surprised for obvious reasons. Her sworn and mortal enemy had kissed her which was plenty of fuel for a surprised reaction. But the confusion was a more cloudy response. When he kissed her it brought a new feeling, and she was confused by that. Butterflies, his kiss had given her butterflies and that confused her.
Joey picked up the pile of Pacey's clothes as she thought for a minute before heading out the door.
~*~
"Pacey!" Dawson began walking into the video store. "I figured you'd be here. Listen, what we talked about before, what you asked me, I changed my mind, I don't want you to do it."
Pacey sat reclined in his seat, his feat propped onto the counter. "First off, you're going to have to refresh my memory so we're on the same page here." He teased.
"You know what I'm talking about."
"Joey? You don't want me to kiss Joey? Whoa, Dawson you seem a little worked up. I don't know how to break this to you."
"Break what to me?" Dawson asked his expression falling.
"You're a little late."
"You kissed her?" He said almost to himself.
"Oh yeah," Pacey began getting out of his seat. "Not only that, she kissed me back. Right there in the back of the Witter family truck." He turned away beginning to organize the videos. "We played tonsil hockey for about an hour. She invites me in but it was a little late, so I didn't. She's cooking for me tomorrow night." Pacey stepped into the back room still rambling behind the door. "She said she's always wanted to cook for the right man." He peeked his head through the door shrugging, "I guess she's found him. We're thinking about heading to this cozy B&B up the coast." He said approaching the counter again reclining back into his seat as he folded his arms across his chest smugly. "Spend a little quality time this weekend."
Dawson stared at him blankly for a moment. "You're so full of it."
Just then Joey walked through the door of the store a surprised expression hitting her face as she noticed Dawson. "Oh yeah? Hey sweetheart I was telling Dawson about our little rendezvous from earlier."
Joey smiled nervously her eyes shifting between Dawson and Pacey, "Really?"
"Uh huh, when you jumped me on the stairs of you house."
Joey shook her head a smile escaping the corners of her mouth, "Oh yes I saw fireworks it was amazing. In fact I was just coming here to pick you up because Bessie's not home and I need you." She said sarcastically.
"I thought we were waiting till this weekend," he said lifting his feet from the counter and leaning over it with a flirtatious smile. "But you've twisted my leg, give me five minutes," he finished with a wink.
Joey blushed her heart fluttering by the wink he gave her. "Actually, you left these at my house," she said holding up his boxers.
This time Pacey turned a shade of crimson as he looked over at Dawson whose eyes widened staring at the flimsy piece of cotton that dangled from her hand. Pacey pursed his lips together fighting off the escaping smile as he took them from her, "I did didn't I?" He asked his suddenly shy gaze burning through her.
"Yeah," Joey said absently lifting up the folded pile in her hands, "and these too." She placed it on the counter ripping her eyes from his. In all her fifteen years she had never got caught in his gaze, but suddenly she was drawn to it.
"Miss Potter," he said in a husky drawl, "do you believe in love at 8 millionth site?" He joked offering her a sheepish grin.
Joey leaned over the counter a smile tugging at the corner of her mouth, "Not until I met you."
Pacey reclined back into his seat looking back up at Dawson, "See, I told you she wants me."
Joey rolled her eyes absently pushing at Pacey's feet as she directed her attention back to Dawson, "So how was Operation Dilapidation of Jen's Chances for Future Endearments?"
"Not so good," Dawson replied shaking his head in defeat. "After our argument on the Ferris wheel I'm not sure if Jen will ever speak to me again."
"What happened?"
"Well I called her on her need of space from men, you know her date with Cliff and all and she basically said she dumped me because she didn't like me." Dawson shrugged. "Now we're back in the awkward post breakup bitterness. Only bright side is that I may have sort of got her to say that she still wanted me."
"Did she say that?" Joey asked raising a brow.
"Not exactly, but she didn't replace it with a statement to the contrary."
Joey let out a sigh, "Well the fact that she didn't throw you out of the wagon of the Ferris Wheel after realizing that you had been stalking her and using other peoples emotions at your disposal surprises me greatly." She huffed bitterly.
"Well I wasn't exactly using Mary Beth."
"Crush on Cliff?" Pacey chirped in.
"Yep."
"She's a smart one that Mary Beth," Pacey said shaking a finger in Dawson's direction.
"That's pathetic," Joey said rolling her eyes. "Can two people have a general amicability towards one another and go out on a genuine outing with positive circumstances? Or is this just one of the down sides to living in a small town?"
"But Josephine, then high school melodrama would be so unentertaining and we'd be subject towards schmoopy attitudes and way too much hand holding." Pacey replied shifting in his rolling chair and leaning against the counter on his elbows. "Unless you're insinuating that you want a relationship?" He asked crooking his brow.
Joey reached over pinching his cheek, "Aw, you hide the hurt so well."
"You provided me with nothing but pleasure," he replied, his eyes turned dark as his lips curved into a devilish grin, his cheek still between her forefingers.
She blushed slightly quickly regaining her composure. "Bite me." Pacey curved out of her grasp nipping at her wrist. "Ow, Pacey!" She said shaking out her hand.
Pacey turned to Dawson; "I can never win with this woman."
"Um," Dawson said uncomfortably, "am I intruding at all here?"
Pacey and Joey snapped up straight turning to Dawson confused, "No what are you talking about?" They said in almost unison.
"Nothing, nothing," Dawson said chuckling nervously, "it's just suddenly I felt extremely out of place."
Joey stepped back, "Well don't worry I was just leaving anyway."
"Are you coming over for a movie?" Dawson asked shifting slightly.
"Um, can I take a rain check? It's been a long day and I'm still all salty smelly and stuff, I just wanna take a bath, get through any Alexander duty, curl up and go to sleep." She battered out walking towards the door.
"All right, night Jo," he said after her.
"I'll call ya, Jo," Pacey called out.
"Why would you do that?" She asked with a confused look.
"To finish the project," he replied delighted that he was having an affect on her.
"Oh yeah, right, right."
He watched her open the door fumbling with it slightly, smiling to himself. "And Joey," he called after her as she glanced over her shoulder at him. "Sweet dreams," Pacey winked as she shook her head walking out the door. He reclined back into his chair crossing his feat resting his hands behind his head and whistling a tune. Dawson starred at him in disbelief, "What?"
~*~
"Hey Dawson," Joey said climbing through his window.
Dawson lay on the foot of his bed watching his televisions closely. "Oh hey," he said shifting slightly, "I thought you weren't coming."
"Yeah well I figured you were having a bad day and could use a little pick- me-up." She replied perkily as she bounced onto his bed.
"You're in a surprisingly good mood," Dawson commented through furrowed brows. "Why would that be?"
Joey shrugged still contemplating it in her head, she couldn't quite tell if it was the fact that Dawson and Jen had inserted another nail into their coffin or because Pacey had kissed her. She shook it off chuckling nervously, "Just my usual weekend glow I guess. So, uh, what's on for tonight?"
"His Girl Friday," he let out with a sigh.
"Well I guess you can't stop fighting for the person of your dreams," Joey said falling against the headboard.
"No," he trailed off staring off at the floor, "especially when they mean so much to you."
"She doesn't want to be with you right now Dawson, you know that right?"
"It's so complicated between her and I. She told me she needed space from men only to run into the arms of some.foot ball player."
"I think you need to reassess your options here Dawson. She's not the only female in Capeside, and I'm sure with your charm you'll be able to find someone new. Why is it so important for you to get her back? Does she really mean as much to you as you say she does?"
Dawson thought for a long moment sitting up to look over at Joey. "Like I said, everything between Jen and I is so complicating. I wish it was easy," he paused meeting Joey's gaze, "like with you. I wish Jen and I could talk like you and I can."
"Why would you want that with someone else when you already have it?" Joey asked.
"I don't know," Dawson replied shaking his head redirecting his attention to the screen as Joey let out an exaggerated sigh.
"Dawson?"
"Yeah?"
"Is what you and Jen have real? Or is it just something you're blowing out of proportion for your imagination file?"
He glanced back over his shoulder at her. "What Jen and I have is completely different from what we have. I'm not sure if she and I were meant to be platonic or if she's supposed to be the love of my life."
"Well what do we have?" Joey asked rubbing her shoulders suddenly terrified to be sitting here with her best friend.
A grin tugged at Dawson's mouth as he let out a breath, "Something amazingly special."
Joey could tell that she was grinning like an idiot and wiped her hand over her mouth to try and hide it. Was that his declaration of attraction? Or his declaration of undying friendship? Whatever it was Joey was content. She nodded at him, "Let's just watch the movie."
~*~
"Potter you truly are a basket case," Pacey said resting his feet atop the parallel bench in front of him.
"And why would you say that?" Joey asked sitting across from him her feet resting beside him.
"Is all this work really worth the two lousy points?"
She shrugged, "Well I was ready to surrender the other day but after analyzing this I decided that I wasn't doing it for myself anymore."
"Who were you doing it for then? The snails? Because trust me I'm pretty sure they won't become extinct because we couldn't get two of their comrades to do it."
"I wasn't talking about the snails, Pacey, I was talking about you."
"Me?" He asked looking up from the doodles that were decorated around the data Joey demanded him to record.
"Yes you, I know you Pace and I know that you can do much better then a 38."
"I'm honored you care about my scholastic achievements."
"Well I was thinking of the term 'Leave no man behind' and I figured when we all graduate, it would really suck to leave you here working as the local gas station attendant."
"And here I thought you were being selfish by keeping me all to yourself this weekend."
Joey smiled at him nodding her head slightly. "Well there is that too." Joey let out a deep breath looking back down at her notes. "I'm glad that I can talk to you," she said suddenly.
"I am a wonderful source of entertainment," he replied with a shrug.
"No, the fact that we can go from mortal enemies to good friends seamlessly back and forth with out all those awkward moments."
"Yeah," he said looking down at his feet letting the soft sound of the waves rocking against the boats in the harbor fill the air around them. After a moment he looked back up his eyes meeting hers a conspiratorial grin crossing his face.
"Pacey," she said rolling her eyes pushing at his feet propped next to her.
"Oh it's on now," Pacey began grabbing her feet and placing them in his lap pulling off her shoes. He then proceeded to tickle the souls of her feet occasionally working up her ankles.
"Stop, Pacey, stop," Joey squeaked squirming out of his grip.
"What you don't like my foot massages? Jesus Potter, you're so needy," he joked playfully.
"We're crossing Swedish Spa Employee off the list of possible occupations," she said through giggles.
"But I play great in the mud," he said with a wink as he slowed his fingers movement.
"Keep daydreaming Witter." She responded as his fingers hit a rhythm gently circling on the bottoms of her feet. Joey watched him thoughtfully as he stared intently at her feet his tongue peeking out from between the corner of his lips as he concentrated on his movement avoiding the pressure points that made her flinch. She marveled at the softness of his touch, the way his hands felt against her skin. The warm contact of his fingers sent chills throughout her body, this feeling of vibrant life. She pulled her lower lip between her teeth as she stared at the contours of his face, the baby fat that once lined his complexion had chiseled down to a much broader jaw line, the faint roughness of where he had shaved that morning glistened in the light. She suddenly fought off the urge to lean forward and run her hand down his cheek. Shaking her head she folded her arms over her chest, "Pacey quit stalling."
Pacey glanced up, his deep blue pools dark and mysterious, "Not until you admit that my hands are a gift from the cosmos."
"It feels wrong to lie to you that way," she answered playfully. "Now time to get back to work."
He shook his head dropping his feet from the bench in front of him, "I suggest we try a new experiment, just for a change of pace."
"What is this desired plan?" She asked raising a suspicious brow.
"Well," Pacey began running his hands along her ankles his voice husky as he moved them over her jeans. He had hoped this attraction he had towards her was a brief momentary lapse of judgment some spark the night before that was only fueled by seeing her bare back. But then after he had kissed her the rejection really hurt a nerve, he was genuinely upset. His hope sparked when she came over to the video store that same night and paid more attention to him then to Dawson. If she wanted to see Dawson she would have gone to his house, but she went to his place of employment during his shift, with his clothes. Then suddenly their banter turned into flirtation, evil glares turned into something of desire, and Pacey could runs his hands up her legs and still have a head on his shoulders. She definitely was wrecking his head.
Licking his lips he continued kneeling onto the ground and working his way between her legs his hands resting on her thighs. Their eyes didn't break from each other's as he leaned towards her. "I think the romancing of snails is getting a little boring," he whispered, his breath hot against her lips.
Joey froze, tensing under his touch. She stared at him confused as she brought a hand up smoothing it over his cheek. He smiled tilting his head up to kiss her as she stopped him holding his head still. "I talked to Dawson," she blurted out, the first thing she could think of to change the mood.
"Really," Pacey said biting back his lip in a perturbed fashion as he sat back on his heels. "Sounds interesting."
Joey looked down at her hands, Wrong thing to say she thought. "Yeah he was babbling about Jen, but that's not important."
"I know how you feel," he replied bitterly releasing a sigh.
"Um, Pace?" She asked looking back up at him. "Why did you kiss me last night?"
He patted her knees a few times as he sat back on his bench across from her. "Testosterone induced glitch, I guess," he shrugged trying not to look hurt.
Joey nodded, "Well I thank your raging hormones."
Pacey's brows knitted together, "What? Why?"
She offered him a shy smile swaying back and forth a bit, "Because I like this, you being my friend rather then my mortal enemy."
Letting out a small chuckle he nodded, "Friends are good."
~*~
Jen walked down her lawn, the cool fall breeze gliding through her hair as her eyes fell upon Dawson, head bowed on the pier. She couldn't explain her attraction to the boy next door, but he intrigued her in a way that no one else in this town could. She had mainly dumped him because of his obvious feelings for Joey and hers in return and his obsession with her past. But the fact that he had come to the carnival and told her that he needed her made the decision less valid.
"Hey you," she said nudging him slightly with her foot. "Mind if I sit here?"
"Jen, hey," Dawson said surprised as he shifted allowing room.
~*~
"Pacey I need your help," Dawson began sliding in the booth at the Ice House.
"What is it D?"
"Jen wants to get back together!" Dawson said excitedly.
"So what's the problem then?"
"Joey," Dawson sighed, "Joey's the problem."
Pacey looked up from the food he had been eating as he cautiously asked, "And why would Joey be the problem?"
Dawson ran his hands through his hair as he slumped further into his seat. "Because I think she thinks there's something more going on in our relationship right now."
Pacey sighed staring back down at the table. "And who exactly gave her that impression?"
"I may have said some things."
"Dawson you can't keep doing this to her," Pacey suddenly blurted out.
"Doing what?"
"Messing with her head. She's never going to be able to go on with her life if you keep on giving her these reasons not to."
"Since when did you care, Pace?" Dawson answered with a tone of disgust. "It's not like you've ever treated Joey with an ounce of respect."
"Yeah well I've never manipulated her either."
"Oh I get this, you still like her don't you?" Dawson teased.
"No," he lied, "it was just a splurge of the moment thing, and any romantic feelings I possibly may have mustered are fleeting fast."
"So what happened exactly?"
"Well, uh," Pacey's eyes shifted around the room as he mumbled, "I kissed her."
"And."
"She didn't kiss me back," he let out with a shrug. "Seems she's interested in some one else."
"Oh," Dawson's expression melted, as he finally understood. "Well you guys have been spending a lot of time together this week."
"Yeah," Pacey nodded, "it's called a school oriented work session."
Dawson looked away for a moment thinking, "I wanna be with Jen, Pace. I wanna let this relationship run its course."
Pacey's face lit up, "That's great man, congratulations."
"I just need a favor."
"Okay," he answered curiously, "shoot."
"Joey's going to be coming over tonight, because it's Saturday movie night."
"No, no, no, no, no," Pacey shook his head waving his hands frantically.
"Hear me out Pace," Dawson said raising his voice over Pacey's. "She was upset when Jen and I got together the first time, and I don't want her to get hurt."
"And you're asking me too." he trailed off.
"Could you talk to her?"
~*~
Joey worked her way up the ladder that led to Dawson's house. Amazingly Special she smiled smoothing out her hair. Amazingly Special she straightened out the shirt she was wearing, one in the back of her closet that she would only wear as a joke, a Jen type shirt. Amazingly Special licking her lips she could taste the bit of Very Berry Bessie had applied on the way there. Amazingly Special climbing through the window she smiled. "Hey there-."
"Hey there sunshine," Pacey said from the bed, his head propped up against the headboard as he flipped through a magazine.
"Where's Dawson? This is his house and his room and Saturday night." Joey asked confused not moving from her spot.
Pacey let out a sigh, "He's not coming."
Joey bit back her lip her eyes on fire, "Okay Pace, I let you get away with the whole kiss thing last week, and then the whole touching thing but now, now you're just crossing over into stalking levels."
He rolled his eyes, "Don't flatter yourself, Potter." He threw up his arms in defeat; "I am nothing but the messenger."
"Messenger to tell me Dawson wasn't home tonight? What is this Shakespearean times? Has he heard of a telephone?" She chuckled nervously swinging her arms. "So I guess I'll leave you to whatever you were doing and just go home." She turned to climb out the window when Pacey's voice caught her.
"He's with Jen," slowly turning on her heals she stared at him in confusion. "Dawson and Jen they're together right now. She talked with him earlier today."
"Oh," Joey said licking off the remnants of color off her lips.
"Look I know you thought you had something and he didn't deny any feelings for you it's just he wanted to tie up loose ends with her."
Crossing her arms over her chest she shook her head biting back the tears that threatened to fall, "Oh don't act like you care Pacey! You must be happy seeing as you love to see me miserable and all. In fact you probably got all bitter because I didn't kiss you back, so you decided perfect revenge would be to push Jen back to Dawson."
"I had nothing to do with it," Pacey replied taking a deep breath.
"Well if not that you certainly gave Dawson a piece of your mind when he asked for you opinion."
"Joey, your upset I understand that," he said calmly getting off of the bed. "He doesn't want to hurt you."
"Hurt me? How is he hurting me? The fact that he gets back together with his ex-girlfriend shouldn't hurt," she replied sobbing more openly. "It shouldn't bother his platonic female friend whom he claims he cares about. But it does, and I hate that."
Wrapping an arm around her shoulder he pulled her against his chest and into a hug, "You're allowed to hurt as much as you want Jo, and I won't tell a soul."
"Stop being nice to me," Joey protested weakly as she gave him a light push.
"He cares about you more then he could ever realize." Pacey continued resting his chin on her head.
"I should have known this was going to happen," she mumbled into his chest. "He always ditches me for Jen, like at that beach party a few weeks ago; he went off to get me a drink and then left me there to go with Jen." She said bitterly.
"But he saved you from that guy remember?" He offered.
Joey stopped furrowing her brows as she pushed back from him a bit, her eyes meeting his. She ran her hands up to his neck and ran them back to where they had rested before, "No." She whispered running her hand back up with a trail of fire to his cheek cupping it softly, "It was you." Her eyes were soft, still glazed by the tears that had fallen as she searched his. "I gave Dawson credit for it but it was you. You knew I was out of it and you followed me and then protected me from that jackass, Warren."
Pacey took a step back, his calves hitting the edge of the bed. "Well I would have gotten my head chopped off by someone if I didn't," he responded his voice cracking as she continued towards him.
Her breath was hot against his mouth as she rubbed her nose against his, "You see me as more then 'Little Joey Potter'."
His lips brushed over hers as he entwined his fingers through her hair. "Jo, you're going to have to stop this now because I have an amazing lack of self control."
She pushed him down onto Dawson's bed climbing on top of him resting on his stomach. "And last week when we were changing outside of the truck, I know you were watching me."
"Yeah about that, that was wrong and childish of me," he said squirming slightly under her warmth.
Reaching under the hem of her shirt she leaned over whispering, "I thought maybe you wanted a better look."
Pacey's eyes widened in shock as he began to shake his head. "Joey, no, stop," he told her his voice cracking as he stopped her hands.
"What's wrong Pacey?" She asked innocently yet seductively, "You don't want me?"
"Oh God no," Pacey replied painfully his head falling back into the bed. He was breathing heavily now as he tried to sit up. "If I were to ever sleep with you, Jo, it wouldn't be because I could." He paused holding himself up on an elbow his other going through her hair, "It would be because it was right, and this, this isn't right." He sighed as his crystal eyes bore into hers, "This is about hurting Dawson, whether to make him jealous or to help you get over him, it's not for the right reasons. Doing it on Dawson's bed with his best friend isn't going to take away the pain."
"God Pace," Joey said covering her mouth in embarrassment. "I am so sorry," she avoided eye contact as she stumbled off of him. "I really don't know what came over me," she paced back and forth on the floor in front of him and held a hand over her forehead. "It was wrong and stupid and oh God, excruciatingly embarrassing."
Pacey sat up shaking his head nervously as he placed a pillow over his lap, "It's okay," he chuckled nervously rocking a bit, "I'm not in the most compromising of positions."
She glared at him for a moment, "Why do you have to be so nice about it?" She pouted, "Why can't you just be an ass so I could hate you again?"
A grin crept across his lips, she doesn't hate me he thought. "Well I'd give you a hug," he shrugged, "but I don't want you to jump me again or anything." Joey rolled her eyes laughing at him sarcastically. "Better?" He asked raising a brow.
Pursing her lips she nodded, "Yeah."
Scooting onto the bed he put the pillow back against the headboard resting against it. He then patted space next to him nudging towards it, "Come here, Potter."
"I thought we agreed to no sex on Dawson's bed," she said scooting next to him.
"Who said anything about sex? I always wondered what was so great about sleeping on this bed next to you for eight years."
"Well," Joey began resting her head on his shoulder. "I usually roll to the other side of the bed while Dawson hogs about 70% of it."
"That's because he was probably hoping you would accidentally roll on top of him." He said curving his arm around her shoulders and bringing her closer. The ease they suddenly had was soothing and comfortable almost as if the last fifteen minutes hadn't existed.
"I'm sorry for using you, Pace," she said adjusting her head nuzzling in his chest. He rubbed his thumb against her shoulder as her eyes fluttered shut.
"As long as you're not using me in this moment right now, it was all worth it," he replied kissing the top of her head.
She snuggled close to him taking in his scent. "And thanks for not being an asshole."
"Anything for you darling, that's what friends are for," he waited a moment, her breath softening and hitting a rhythmic pace. "Goodnight Jo," he whispered by her ear.
"Goodnight Pacey," she mumbled into his chest. At that moment she found herself confused, and surprised, and- attracted.