Disclaimer: I don't own them. I never have and I never will. They're owned by Kevin Williamson and the WB. I'm not making any money here, so don't sue. Frankly, I don't have anything you want.

Spoilers: Mainly third season. References to "Like A Virgin", "Escape from Wirch Island", "Homecoming", "Four to Tango" and "Parental Discretion Advised" (OK, that's 2nd Season). Takes place on Super Bowl Sunday of their junior year.

Rating: I think it's an R.

Author's Note: I hope this story is enjoyed by all fans, especially all of my fellow D/Jo fans. Enjoy!!!! :o)

Dedication: Tremendous thanks to Court, Kit and Michelle for your help and mostly by the inspirtation you give in the stories you guys write. You guys are the best. :o)

Feedback: That would be much appreciated. Please send feedback to [email protected]

Of course, she could still come over. They WERE still friends after all. He wished they could be more again. He thought back to how she offered herself to him in front of the bed he now lay on. She'd pulled off her shirt and stood in front if him, looking very vulnerable, and too beautiful for words. She'd offered to sleep with him, she'd wanted him back.

Dawson wanted her then more than ever. She was infinitely more beautiful than Eve or any of the strippers at the party downstairs. She was exposing her heart to him. She loved him and wanted him back and would sleep with him in order to do so. At that instant, Dawson knew how much he still loved her. How much he'd always loved and always would love her. He realized how much he wanted her. Knowing this, he had done the only thing he could do for the girl he loved more than anything. He said no.

Dawson sighed as he reminded himself that he'd done the right thing. If he'd given in to her, they might have been back together for a short while, but they would have resolved none of the issues that stood before them in the wake of her father's arrest and their painful break up. Sure, they might have been back together for a while. They might even have made the windows rattle with passionate lovemaking. But, Dawson knew as sure as Spielburg was the best director ever, and Julia Roberts the worst actress ever, that they would not have lasted. Those issues would have resurfaced and driven them apart again. Another painful break-up would have been inevitable; only this one would have been permanent. Knowing this made his choice relatively easy. Dawson loved Joey more than he could have ever imagined. She was his world and the centre of his existence. Faced with turning her away then and getting her back for good later on, or having her now only to eventually lose her love later on, the choice was easy. He turned her away then. Mind you , that hadn't helped when he saw the hurt look on her face when he handed her back her shirt. She'd mistaken his motivation and thought he didn't want her anymore. The look on her face shattered Dawson's heart and made him want to pull her into his arms and hold her close to him for the rest of his life. But, that would not have solved their problems. He knew they needed some time apart to rebuild their friendship and resolve their issues. So, they'd taken time.

Now, in January, he wondered again if his long term plan would work. He and Joey were best friends again. They'd gotten their closeness back. She'd even brought the John Lennon poster that now was his sole wall decoration. He did wonder if he'd ever have her back as his girlfriend. That's the one thing in the world he wanted. He wanted Joey back as his girlfriend -he admitted to himself that he hoped to change that designation to his lover. His secret dream was to eventually alter that to his wife. He knew that he would love Joey forever. He could not even imagine ever loving anyone with even a fraction of the passion he had for her. He only wondered if she still felt the same.

Dawson's mind flashed back to Pacey's words to him. He'd better not wait too long, or some guy will see that Joey is an absolute goddess and move right in on her. Dawson thought back to that college guy, AJ his name was, that she'd roomed with during their visit to Boston last month. The two of them seemed to have made a connection. Had he waited too long? He wished he could have a chance to let her know how he still felt. He wanted to tell her that she still owned his heart and he wanted her with a fire that could never be quenched.

A loud cheer from downstairs disrupted his sombre thought pattern, and Dawson grinned despite his worries. The game must be good. It was Super Bowl Sunday. His dad was into the game in a VERY big way. Dawson figured his dad was visualizing some players he'd coached one day playing in the Super Bowl, brought there by the inspiration of their high school coach, Mitch Leery of Capeside High. Dawson hoped that would happen someday.

After the last year and a half, his dad needed some positive goals and dreams. Still, Dawson thought that Mitch had gone far too far into the end zone this time. He was actually hosting a Super Bowl party in the den.

Well, it was actually just Mitch and his two star players, Jack and Henry. But, what the they lacked in numbers they more than made up for in noise and enthusiasm in cheering on EVERY single play. Poor Jen, thought Dawson, chuckling at he thought. By virtue of being Henry's new girlfriend and Jack's best friend, Jen had been invited to the party. This despite the fact that, for Jen, spending an afternoon watching football was on a par for enjoyment value as an in-depth discussion of the Bible with her grandmother.

Still, the chance to spend the afternoon with her two favourite guys had clinched the deal. Now, Jen was seated in the Leery den, trying VERY hard to appear interested in the game. At first, Dawson had been afraid she'd fall asleep. However, as the three man cheering section caused Dawson's floor to vibrate with another play completed, he realized Jen was not going to be sleeping; not unless she went deaf or something.

Ten minutes later, Dawson went down for a Coke and peered into the den. What he saw was something to behold. Mitch, Henry and Jack were waving their arms, wildly screaming at the set, high-fiving each other with each play, and doing very strange and spirited victory dances. Dawson crept into the kitchen quietly. He was afraid if they saw him they might get caught up in the spirit of the afternoon and tackle him, or dump Gator-Aid on him, or something like that. He wondered if they were planning on head-butting each other anytime soon. He found Jen on the kitchen phone, desperately talking to Andie. For the cost of lending Andie her new sweater, Jen had convinced her to come join them for the afternoon and for the Super Sunday Supper Mitch had prepared. A huge pot of chili simmered on the stove for this very purpose.

"Hey Jen, is Andie coming over?" He asked as he pulled his drink out of the fridge and handed one to Jen as well.

"Thank God, and I never thought I'd say that, yes. I was starting to choke on the testosterone in there. I need another female around to try and cut it down a bit." Jen said with a sigh, as she cracked open her pop.

"Oh" said Dawson absently, a look crossing his face at the mention of needing another girl around.

Jen quickly caught it.

"I tried Joey too Dawson. Bessie said she went out for the afternoon about fifteen minutes ago. Some guy named AJ called her. They talked for bit, then Joey went out and told Bessie she'd be back later. Hope she bundled up."

Dawson said nothing. AJ, he thought. God, I did wait too long. AJ probably came to town to see her and she went to meet him. Shit, he cursed himself, I've got only myself to blame. Why did I wait so long?

As he reached his room, Dawson was seriously thinking about going back down to the den and inviting a head-butt from the Superfans of Capeside. He figured he deserved it.

A blast of cold air and snow disrupted his thought. His window had been opened, and a figure was climbing in. Not just any figure, mind you, but a figure with a graceful step, shoulder length raven hair that fell around her face when a wool hat was removed and a perfect figure that showed itself even through heavy winter clothes. Joey.

"Hey" he called, trying to keep himself from rushing to her and kissing her with sufficient heat to melt the frost on his window pane.

"Hi" she smiled back at him. God, she missed him. She missed being able to cuddle up in his arms on days like this. She missed feeling his eyes look at her with love and tenderness. She missed the passion he telegraphed to her every time they kissed. She missed her Dawson.

"Not that I'm complaining, but what brings you around? It's nasty out there" I hope she stays, he thought. Maybe the storm will force her to spend the night. He couldn't think of a better way in the world to pass a night than gazing at her lovely face.

"Oh, I got a call, and I felt I had to come see you. I couldn't row in the storm and as I don't have my license yet, I had to walk over. It was one very cold walk. I think I need to patch my boots, my feet are soaked."

Joey put her boots on the paper Dawson kept by the window, for that exact purpose. She shrugged out of her coat and scarf and sat on the bed. She peeled off her wet socks and curled her toes on the carpet, savouring the feeling of the heat from the vents restore warmth to her bare feet. A blissful smile crossed her face as the warmth began to take.

Her feet were not the only things getting warm. Dawson felt his breath catch. How the hell can I be getting so turned on watching her take off her socks and curl her toes? I've seen her barefoot a thousand times. She can do more just by taking off her socks than most women can do with total nudity. Pacey's right. She is a goddess, he thought.

"So who called?" He tried to sound casual and unconcerned.

"AJ. You remember, that college guy. What was it you called him? Oh yeah, 'Mr. Ivy League'" She raised an eyebrow at the mention.

"Um, so what did he want?"

"Oh, to touch base; see how things are going with the B&B; ask me out on a date."

"Really?" He choked.

"Really."

"What did you tell him?"

"Let's see: school's good, the B&B got a great review and we've got reservations coming in, and I don't think he and I should go out, at least not in a romantic sense"

Dawson failed miserably at trying to keep the happiness from his voice.

"You did?!"

"Yes, I did. But, why do you care? Aren't we just friends Dawson? Shouldn't we be able to see anyone we want? I mean, I know he's not a sex-centric blond for whom you can crash a boat and make out with during a pep-rally." A look of sadness crossed her face as she remembered the pain of seeing Dawson and Eve together, and the anger at herself for driving Dawson away from her and straight to another girl. She'd thought that her lashing out at him for her father's arrest, and her subsequent refusal to communicate with him at all during the summer had driven Dawson away from her permanently. She felt Dawson had grown to hate her. She thought there was no hope he would ever love her, or let her love him again. That had been painful. As much as seeing her father get taken to jail, twice, and her mother waste away and die had hurt; this was even more painful because this was her own fault. She'd been the one that had hurt him and thrown away the love he offered. If he never gave her any love again, she could only blame herself.

"Joey", his voice was soft. "You know why I care. It's the same reason why you cared I was with Eve. It's why you were upset when you saw me with her. It's the reason why I freaked when I thought you'd slept with Pacey."

"Ewww. I still can't believe you thought that. Me and Pacey? Ugh!! I'd rather get naked and do the deed with Andie." Joey smiled, teasing him to try and lighten the mood.

Dawson's body temperature soared just from that visualization. Pacey and Joey or Andie and Joey? Yeah, he thought, I'd have to agree with her choice on that one. He drove his NC-17 thoughts from his mind. Whoa, mind out of the gutter there Leery. You're getting somewhere here.

"Yeah, I was afraid you'd moved on. I thought that you didn't want to wait for us to try and find our way back to each other." He sat down on the bed next to her and looked into her deep, dark eyes as he said this.

"Dawson" she whispered, her head inching closer to his, "I'd wait. I'd wait for you forever. God knows why, but I would." Her voice grew soft with a faint tremble as she tired to keep her emotions under control. She brought her hand up to his face and gently brushed it across his cheek. Dawson brought his own hand up and caressed her cheek, still rosy from the cold wind. She trembled slightly at feeling him touch her again. Their heads were mere inches apart now. Their eyes locked upon each other, and they were quickly lost in each other's gaze. The months apart had not weakened the bond between them. The look they gave each other, and could see in he other's eyes told them just what the other was thinking. The waiting was over. They were ready for them to become an "us" again.

They leaned in to each other. Their lips gently touched, tentativley exploring. They paused, then deepened the kiss. They hungrily savoured the sensation. It had been so long. Joey opened her mouth and licked her lips over Dawson's teeth and gums. He followed suit, feeling the rapture of her soft, pink tongue caressing his own. He reached around her, and pulled her in closer to him, running his hand through the soft hair that fell down her neck, along her back, down to her shapely thigh. She was running her hands up and down his lean, strong back muscles when a loud cheer from the TV downstairs and from the people downstairs caused the bed to rattle. They broke apart.

"Wow, Dawson, either something happened downstairs or your kisses are better than even I remember them." She flashed a mischievous, happy grin at him and pulled her shapely legs up onto the bed, holding her ankles in her hand, and curling her toes on the heavy quilt.

"My dad, Jack and Henry are trying to drown out the cheers of the fans at the Georgia Dome on the TV, not too easy as he's installed the stereo speakers on the set but they're giving it their very best shot. Mitch decided to turn the Super Bowl into some ultimate male bonding with his team." He smiled at this, feeling no bitterness or animosity to anyone knowing he still had the love of this exquisite girl who'd been a part of his life for so long.

"I thought I smelled testosterone. That also explains why the ladder was vibrating when I climbed up."

"Why don't you join us for Mitch's Super Bowl Supper? I know there's plenty of food. Besides, Jen is downstairs suffering through the game, and Andie is coming over soon as well. I know I'd love it if you stayed." He added with a puppy dog face that he knew she could never resist.

Joey laughed. "God, Dawson, how could I resist an offer like that? Besides, once they quiet down a bit, we can continue where we were so rudely interrupted." She whispered this last bit in his ear, ever do gently brushing her lips and tongue over his lobe.

If Dawson hadn't been seated on his bed, his legs would likely have given way on him. "Sounds good", he stammered. "What do you want to watch in the meantime?"

"How about the game?"

"OK, who are you and what've you done with Joey Potter? You'd better be careful. She has a temper"

"VERY funny. Come on, Dawson, who are we to deviate from the great mid-winter cultural phenomenon of watching two highly overpaid teams of grown men butt each other's heads like mountain goats and try to physically dismember whoever has possession of an oblong piece of inflated pigskin."

"Joey, this is like watching 'Varsity Blues' without the distractions of either the whipped cream bikini, or Amy Smart. This is not some thin, pedestrian sports film. This is what INSPIRES those thin pedestrian sports films."

"Dawson, I might actually want to watch guys run around in tight outfits. You never can tell what I might feel up to after a bit of that eye candy." She purred, as she ran her bare toes along his pant leg for emphasis.

"Where's that remote?" He frantically searched his bedside table.

"Here", she said, turning on the game, now late into the First Quarter. She snuggled up to him, resting her head on his shoulder, as they leaned back onto their usual places on the bed. Dawson put his arms around her waist and pulled her in close. Joey nestled in as close as she could, tucking her bare feet under Dawson's legs to let his body heat keep them warm.

Dawson drank in the scent of her and the feeling of her closeness to him. He revelled in having her back like this, he'd almost forgotten how beautiful she was and how it felt to have her lying next to him on the bed. He sighed contentedly as he watched Joey make her self comfortable. He leaned forward and whispered into her ear.

"I love you Joey. I always have, and I always will."

She smiled at hearing those words again. She turned her head around and quickly kissed him on the lips and gave him a smile.

"I love you too Dawson."

The game had reached the second quarter. Dawson was still trying to figure out which team to root for. Judging by the cheers still coming from the den, Mitch, Henry and Jack had no such problems. They were cheering on very play, no matter what happened.

Well, he didn't begrudge them their enjoyment. His dad had finally found something he enjoyed. Henry had worked very hard to earn both his place on the team and the affection of Jen. And Jack seemed to actually be enjoying some male bonding and camaraderie, a welcome change for him, after moving home to his emotionally parsimonious father.

He only wished he found the game more interesting. At least, I'm not alone for this, he thought. He smiled as he looked down at Joey, who was laying back against him, neatly spooning her body into his. Dawson liked spooning with her as much as anything. She'd called Bessie, who'd said she should stay over. The storm was getting bad, and she didn't want Joey to try and come home in it. Dawson was ecstatic at this. He was happily planning on a long evening of watching movies -he'd already decided on their old favourites, "Jaws", "ET" and "Star Wars"- and curling up next to her, warm and snug while they listened to the howling storm outside. He happily thought of her sleeping in the bed beside him. With her, his room was different. Without her it was just a place where he slept, studied and watched movies. With Joey here, it became something so much more. It was the place where their friendship had grown. It was the place where they engaged in their hyper-analytical discussions. It was the place where he fell in love with her. It wasn't his room, really. It was their room and their bed. Dawson really didn't know when this change had occurred, but it had. He wanted to share his room, his bed and his life with Joey.

Joey's voice interrupted his silent reverie.

"I really can't see the absolute obsession some people have with this game. I mean, it's fun to watch and all, but I can't for the life of me imagine those people who eat, sleep and breath football."

"I guess some people find different things to make themselves happy."

"Yeah, well I admit there are some very nice bodies on that field."

"Hmmm, I concede that those cheerleaders are pretty nice. Especially that red-head. You see the way she bounces?" He smirked, awaiting her reaction.

"Pig!!!" She giggled, slapping him on his thigh. "You know perfectly well what I meant"

"Do you mean to tell me that you actually find those guys attractive? Do I have to worry about you becoming a groupie of Grant Boding?" He tried to sound light, but an undercurrent of worry was heard in his voice.

She cursed herself, as she realized he was still afraid of losing her. If he only knew how happy she was now. She had no intention of leaving him again, not ever.

"No Dawson. I think you are the most physically attractive guy I have ever met." She looked at him seductively and purred. "You make me think of doing things I've only seen on cable, or the adult section of Screenplay"

He gave her a long, scorching kiss.

"You, Joey Potter, are SO hot, I think I'm going to have to open up that window pretty soon."

"Oh, am I making you all hot and bothered?" She ran her hand up his thigh, her fingers moving to the inside as she got higher.

Dawson struggled to keep his composure, as well as a fairly normal tone of voice. "In a word, YES!!!"

"Good" she turned to face him, straddling his waist and leaning down to kiss him. "I hate to think my presence here was unappreciated" She wiggled her butt on top of him.

Dawson felt his breath come in ragged gasps as she did this. He pulled her down on top of him and flipped them over so he was lying on top of her, kissing her passionately. She eagerly met his passion and pulled him down more. He could feel her breasts against him. He moved one hand up her side and curved his palm against her breast, outside of her shirt.

She savoured the feel of him as he did this. She ran her own hands down his back, groping his firm buttocks. She pulled her shirt out of her pants and gave him a consenting look.

He moved his hand under her shirt feeling rapture as his hand ran up her incredibly soft skin. He reached her breast and slid his hand underneath her bra. They both gave a soft gasp as he felt her breast in his hand.

Dawson had never thought he'd be able to do this with her again. Joey felt his gentle touch course through her body. He was the only person she would ever allow to do this. She trusted him and knew he'd never take advantage of her. She moved her hands down to the bottom of her sweater and pulled it up and over her head, tossing it onto the floor. Dawson looked at her entranced, as she lay against his pillows, only her bra now covering her breasts. He took in the sight of her creamy skin, her firm, toned stomach, and her breasts with gently rose with each breath she took.

Dawson reached behind her and gave her a questioning look. She nodded and smiled. He unhooked her bra and pulled it from her body. He dropped it on the floor beside them. He looked down and stared at her beauty, she was perfect. Joey closed here eyes and dropped her head demurely as she saw him looking at her.

"No Joey. Oh God, you're so beautiful." He caressed her cheek and looked into her eyes.

She smiled and kissed him.

He nuzzled her neck at the base. She squealed with delight as he found a sensitive area. He moved his head lower down her body and kissed her breasts. He gently squeezed them. He began to run his tongue over her nipple. He could feel them growing erect beneath his stimulation.

Their hands roamed down and they began to fumble with each other's pants. Dawson paused.

"Joey, we don't have to do this. I don't want to pressure you."

"I trust you Dawson. Don't worry, I'll let you know if I think we should stop." She gave him a look that was both innocent and seductive.

How does she do that? He thought

He undid his pants and pulled them down and off, he pulled his socks off with them. Joey arched her back and let her pull her jeans off.

They lay on their sides, only their underwear was left. They looked at each other, drinking in the sight of their bodies. Dawson's lips found hers and they hungrily kissed. Joey moved herself up and down ever so slightly, rubbing her breasts across his chest. She felt a gentle pressure on her thigh. She looked down and saw that he had an erection. Now he was the one who was embarrassed.

"Joey, I'm..."

"Dawson, it's OK. God, did you think I didn't expect you to be aroused?" Joey smiled at him, and gathered her courage. Then, she grabbed his shorts and pulled them down and off of him. Dawson gasped happily at her forwardness. She grabbed his hands and directed them to her underwear.

Soon, she was kicking them off her bare feet, and they were lying naked on his bed together.

For long seconds, almost a minute, they just looked at each other, taking in the sight of the other's nude body. There was no embarrassment or real shyness left. There was only comfort and a sense of privilege they were sharing this with each other?

Their lips came together again, and they passionately kissed. Dawson moved on top of her. They revelled in the feeling of their skin rubbing together. They could every part of each other. It was almost overwhelming to their senses. Joey lay under Dawson, she rubbed her foot up one of his legs when she felt a brief sensation between her legs. While moving himself to a new position, his erection had brushed close to her opening. This was an amazing feeling for her, it also brought home what they were doing.

"Dawson, wait." She heard herself moan.

Dawson instantly stopped and sat up. "Joey, are you OK? I didn't do something wrong, did I?"

"No, no. It's just that.." she looked for the right way to say this. "We just got back together today. I'm not sure we should try and go that far in one afternoon."

"Joey, it's OK. If you want to stop we will. I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to push you this far." He reached for his underwear.

Joey grabbed his hand. "No, Dawson. This is alright. I said I'd say so if we went too far. So far we haven't. I just don't think I'm re.., I don't think we're ready to make love today. I think we should get used to the idea of us being a couple again, before we do anything that dramatic. Besides, I think I need to talk things over with Bessie. I want to go on the Pill before we take that big step. I know you've likely got condoms stashed away here" He sheepishly grinned as she said that. She knew him so well. She smiled and continued, "but I want to take no chances. I just can't risk something happening. The one thing we do NOT need at the Potter B&B is a cousin for Alex." She smiled and prayed he would understand. He kissed her gently on the lips. "Joey, that's alright. I understand. I respect you and love you far too much to ever push you. I think you talking to Bessie is a good idea. We've got all the time in the world" Again he reached for their clothes.

Again Joey stopped him. "Dawson, umm, just because we're not going to make love right now, doesn't meant we have to get dressed right away." She gave him a smile with a raised eyebrow and moved his hand to one of her breasts. He gently massaged it and moved his other hand onto her other breast. Joey threw her head back as she felt the stimulation spread throughout her whole body. She sat up and squirmed onto his lap, facing him. She ran her hands down his muscular chest and toned abdominals, until she reached his groin.

Dawson gave her a surprised look as she caressed her fingers over his erection. Joey looked straight into his eyes, gave him a devilishly seductive grin, and grabbed ahold of him. Dawson's eyes, already wide open and focused on her beautiful nude body, almost bulged out of their sockets.

Joey looked at him, greatly enjoying seeing the effect she had on him. She's always had doubts about her beauty. She'd had a nagging fear that Dawson didn't think she was very pretty or desirable. She thought that his feelings for her came from their friendship and that he didn't look on her as a sexual person. Her fears had nearly been confirmed when he'd rejected her offer of sex months ago.

Now, seeing the effect she was having on him, Joey began to realize the effect she actually had on him. He was definitely interested. He was aroused for her, nobody else, only her. A feeling of ecstasy spreading through her, she gave him her wide smile and said quite matter-of-factly, "Oh, do you mind Dawson? I thought I might take your dog out for a walk. I know I'm not on Katie Couric or anyone like that, but....."

Dawson was having trouble focusing his thoughts. It felt like every drop of blood was leaving his brain. His breath was starting to become quite ragged. He forced his eyes to focus and looked at Joey. She was looking quite calm, holding on to, well, his *maleness* and asking him seductive questions in a normal tone of voice as she began to rub her hands up and down his shaft, ever so slightly. How did she do it? He felt like his blood pressure was about to come out through his ears and she sounded like she was asking him what movie they were watching that night. He realized in a flash that Joey had the power of an absolute seductress. Yes, he had to be the luckiest man alive. He reached behind her and pulled slightly closer.

He thought about telling her to forget Katie Couric. Instead, he put his own hand between her legs and began to gently rub with his fingers. Now it was Joey's turn to gasp as Dawson's long fingers began to massage her in her most private parts. She could feel herself start to blush as her heart began to pump harder. Her own hands began to move faster on him.

Dawson noticed her face flush and her breath began to come in shorter, quicker gasps. He felt wetness on his fingers as Joey became more and more stimulated. He started to concentrate on the areas that Joey seemed to react to best. He ran his fingers over her clitoris and her opening. She gave a huge gasp as he did this. All the while her own hands never ceased their work upon him. He could feel himself start to throb down there as blood began to gorge the vessels. In his wildest imagination, he never thought he could feel like this. The feeling he was having only caused him to want to redouble his efforts. He was determined to give her as much pleasure as she was giving him. Somehow, knowing that he was making her feel like that, only added on to his own. He couldn't imagine feeling like this with anyone else.

Joey's breath was coming so fast now, and her heart was pounding so fast, she thought she might pass out. Her legs were squeezing themselves around Dawson's torso, almost of their own accord. He didn't seem to even notice, or if he did he didn't mind. Joey knew she was fast approaching the brink of ecstasy. She could feel it building inside of her, a mounting force that was straining for release. She revelled in the feeling, and the knowledge that Dawson was going to release it for her. Joey had never dreamed that she could feel this good, she had never been aware that another person could arouse these feelings in her. Well, maybe not any person could do this to her, only Dawson. She continued working with her hands. Judging by Dawson's reaction, she realized, Dawson must be nearing an apotheosis as well.

Dawson had to remember to breath in and out, or he was afraid he would black out. He could see that Joey was flushed and her breath was ragged. He slid his fingers inside of her. It was a feeling he could never have imagined nor could he have never described. Her reaction was profound. She threw her head back and let out a rasping moan. Dawson felt an amazing sense of pleasure, not in the unparalleled physical sensation he was feeling, but in the reaction he causing in Joey. He could never have guessed causing such pleasure in another person could make him feel that good. Just then, he realized he was going over the edge.

Dawson's breath came out hard as he felt himself break. He wondered what Joey was going to say when he saw her simultaneously spasm and her breath came out in loud, wrenching gasps, he felt her long, silky legs squeeze his torso in pulsating contractions. She quivered all over, then relaxed. As Dawson's breath resumed it's normal pattern he realized that they had achieved climax at the same time. They had brought each other to orgasm and reached it simultaneously. It was as if they had reacted as one. Dawson realized that in many ways, they were one. They had always been and always would be. The very thought of that made him shiver.

Dawson and Joey looked at each other. Their hair was dishevelled, their faces were flushed, and despite the fact that they were both totally naked and had no covers over them, they had a fine sheen of perspiration upon them. Dawson gently grabbed Joey's hands. He pulled her in close to him and gently moved his lips onto hers. Joey ran her hands through Dawson's hair as she enthusiastically returned his kiss. She felt goosebumps break out over their exposed skin. She realized Dawson must have felt the same thing, for he leaned back onto his pillows. He pulled her down on top of him, and brought the covers up over top of them. They lay there, just savouring the feeling of their closeness.

Dawson's hands gently rubbed Joey's back as she lay on top of him. He ran them up and down, loving the feel of her smooth skin as they traversed from her silky dark hair down to her firm buttocks. He savoured the feel of her bare breasts atop his chest and the feel of her heart beat, just now returning to a more normal rate.

Joey relaxed in her position lying atop Dawson. She kissed him gently along his jawline and began to nibble at his earlobe. That morning, when she had awakened to her nephew Alex's crying, if she'd been told that the end of the day would be witness to not only her reconciliation with Dawson, but their first steps towards finally consummating their most intimate desires (or, as she liked to put it, she thought with a grin, closing the deal). He'd been perfect. He had respected her wishes and not tried to push her at all. He was gentle and tender, above all he was the way he made her feel. He made her feel beautiful and loved, sexual and very special. Joey knew in the very core of her being that there was no other person in the world that could do all those things to her; only Dawson. She knew full well what a lot of girls at school said about Dawson. They said he was a wuss, a nancy-boy, a wimp. They were always talking about how a girl should be with a REAL man. Someone who would throw them down and ravage them. They even rated Pacey above Dawson on there little pecking scale. Why? Because Pacey allowed his hormones to control his actions more? To Joey, this was absolute bullshit. Dawson was gentle and kind. He was one of the most decent human beings she knew. After her father's (first) arrest and her mother's death, most everyone else in Capeside had dismissed her as nothing but poor white trash from bad seed. Dawson, however, had treated her so specially. He always made her feel special and loved. Even when Bessie had been to busy trying to do everything to pay much attention to her, Dawson had always made her feel like the most important person in the world. It was one of the things that made her love him so much. She wondered what any of those "real men" would have done if they'd been in Dawson's shoes so many times. No matter how painful for him, he always tried to do the right thing. When her father started dealing again, he did the right thing, knowing it would cost him their relationship. Despite the pain of losing her father again, Joey now knew that Dawson had done the best thing he could in terrible circumstances. Her greatest regret in her life was the way she had lashed out at him in anger and hurt him so deeply. When she tried to get him back, by offering him sex, he'd done the right thing again.

Looking back, Joey knew that if he'd said yes and they had slept together that night, it would have destroyed any long term chance their love would ever have. If they'd had sex for the wrong reason, as what that definitely would have been, it would have slowly eaten away at them until there would have been nothing left. She remembered his face when she stood before him, a look of anguish on his face. His desire for her was all too evident. She could not think of another guy that would have done what he did. Joey realized that, despite all of the problems she had in her life, having Dawson's love made her the luckiest girl in the world.

Dawson was staring at her lovely features and concentrating his hand motions over Joey's buttocks when another loud cheer was heard from downstairs, followed by a faint feminine scream. They smiled as at each other as they realized that they had been so involved with each one another that they had not even hears the hitherto overwhelming noise from downstairs. From his TV set, Dawson heard music. It was the start of halftime.

He turned to Joey. "As much as I would just LOVE to remain like this all evening -and night- my dad said that dinner would get underway during halftime. We're probably going to eat in about fifteen minutes or so."

Joey kicked off the covers and stretched out on the bed, enjoying the feeling of being nude and definitely enjoying the look of appreciation she was getting from Dawson. She savoured this new feeling of freedom and sensuality. She'd always been fairly shy about her body and had never considered herself to be an exhibitionist or anything, but she was loving the feeling of being naked. Of course, she knew that was because of Dawson's presence. With anyone else, well, she wouldn't be naked with anyone else. When Jack had modelled for her, she had felt more embarrassed than he had. Now, she felt no inhibitions at all. Wow, she couldn't believe she and Dawson had actually worn all their clothes to bed some nights. No doubt about it, the next time they had the house to themselves and she slept over there would be no pajamas worn, or anything for that matter. She didn't know when they would actually make love, but Dawson had shown that he respected her wishes about waiting, and doing this yielded no real harm.

"Oh, that's all right. I was starting to get hungry. You burn up a lot of calories in a girl. I think I ought to keep you around as my own private little workout." She flashed him a positively devilish grin.

"OK, Josephine, try this on for a workout." He leapt on her and began to tickle her. The fact that she was naked left him with a lot of exposed targets. Joey squealed with laughter. She grabbed Dawson's head and pulled him down into a kiss.

Joey kissed him passionately, then just looked at him. "You know, I was just thinking about something"

"What?"

"Well, this summer, I was thinking we could take my boat and go to some quiet places along the creek to swim."

"What's wrong with around here?"

"Well, my thinking was we would be wearing, well, what we're wearing now, for these swims". She purred with a devilishly happy look in her eye.

Dawson smiled and looked at her with a raised eyebrow. "Joey, I DEFINITELY like that idea of yours". He bent down again and passionately kissed her.

Before they could get into it too much, Mitch's call rang out from downstairs.

"Dinner in fifteen minutes everybody."

Dawson and Joey looked at each other.

"I think that's our hint."

"I guess"

Dawson gathered up his clothes and redressed. He noticed Joey pull her jeans back on but did not bother to replace her bra. He raised an eyebrow at her in puzzlement.

"Oh, I just thought it would save time for after dinner." She purred at him. She pulled a thin t-shirt of his off a pile of folded laundry and pulled it over her head. "Do you mind Dawson? I'm feeling a little bit cool, and I like wearing your t-shirts. It makes me feel a little bit closer to you when I can wear something of your's." She gave him her hesitant half-grin as she pulled her sweater over the t-shirt.

Dawson's heart melted a little more at hearing this little quirk of her's. He finished straightening his covers and pulled her into a warm, gentle kiss for a reply.

"Dawson, where do you keep some towels?" A voice came from the hallway. Andie came through the door, knocking as she did so. She took in the sight of her friends kissing and her eyes went wide with happiness.

"OH MY GOD!!! You two got back together!! That is SO great! I mean, I knew you would. Well, not knew as in I knew right now when I came in that I knew you'd be kissing, but I knew that sooner or later..." Andie rambled on as only Andie could.

Dawson and Joey just smiled at each other as they listened to Andie. Andie could be highly-strung, but she was sweet and her loquacity was on of her charms. Joey had always gotten on well with Andie. In fact, she was one of the only girl-friends Joey ever had.

"Thanks Andie, we....Wait a second. Why are you all wet?" Joey noticed that Andie's hair was wet, her shirt as well, and she was in her bare feet.

"My brother" she growled out the word "his freshman sidekick, and your dad decided that with the call of halftime, they should douse someone with Gator-Aid. As someone who'd just come into the house, as well as being the, and I quote, 'new girl at the party' one guess who their unsuspecting victim was. I was going to take a shower before dinner, while Jen goes next door to find something of her's that I can wear. Where do you keep some towels?"

"The linen cupboard is on your left, right before the bathroom." Dawson said with a grin.

"Thanks Dawson. I'll see you at dinner. I'm SO happy for you guys. Oh, and Joey, I expect some serious girl talk with you later." She grinned as she she headed for her shower.

Joey grinned at Dawson.

"Well, at least we have a fan."

"Yeah, good thing she didn't come in ten minutes ago. She'd have really seen something." Dawson grinned back at her.

"I'll say it's a good thing. Andie's the best girl-friend I have but I'm not about to share you with her. You are all mine" She gently growled, a wide smile on her face. Dawson felt his temperature start to rise again.

"Um, so what are you going to tell her in this *girltalk*?"

"No details about our afternoon, that exceed a PG rating, don't worry. I will give you a VERY good review. Definitely two thumbs up!!" She smiled at him.

Dawson smiled back as he took her hand and they headed downstairs for the Super Bowl Supper.

"I love you Joey."

"I love you too Dawson."

The left the room, holding onto each other's hands.