Dawson dreaded nothing more than going to school the next Monday. His whole weekend had been a giant disaster.

First the more than ludicrous double date with Mary Beth, Jen and Cliff , second the thing with Joey and Pacey and last but not least the VCR had completely destroyed his beloved E.T. video. All that was left of it was a heap of twisted and turned, tangled up tape.

After they had got off the Ferris wheel Jen had left without deigning to look at him again. Needless to say that Cliff accompanied her. Mary Beth followed them shortly after.

Not only had he miserably failed in his attempt to get back together with Jen, but he had almost made her cry. So much for his plan to show her that she missed him as much as he missed her.

Yet more agonizing had been practically being kicked out by Joey because she wanted to be alone with Pacey. Pacey... Pacey of all people!

Pacey kissing Joey. Joey kissing Pacey. Joey and Pacey kissing. Joey and Pacey doing unmentionable things together. Joey and Pacey not being mortal enemies. Joey and Pacey as opposed to Joey and Dawson.

These thoughts were torturing ever since he had left the video store. It was driving him insane. Not slowly but rapidly.

He was totally caught up in a vicious circle that originated in himself and only in himself. At least that was what he was thinking.

He had given Pacey the green light to make a move on Joey, which led to Pacey kissing Joey, which led to Joey kissing Pacey, which led to him being kicked out by Joey, which led him to constantly think about Pacey and Joey being... whatever, which unavoidable led to the fact that his very own permission had started everything in the first place.

If he hadn’t given it, Pacey would have never kissed Joey, Joey would have never kissed Pacey and... he was back at square one, exhausted to the point of a nervous breakdown.

On the way to school he hoped against all hope that ‘Joey and Pacey’ would turn back to ‘Joey and Dawson’ with Pacey and that Jen would talk to him again.

The first thing he saw as he entered Capeside High was Pacey standing close behind Joey, resting his chin on her shoulder, embracing her while she rummaged through her locker.

"I can’t face them right now. I just can’t!", Dawson stepped to the side and leaned against the wall for support.

Why did it not surprise him that Jen chose exactly that moment to make her appearance?

"Jen, hi! I..."

She must have noticed him and markedly looked in the opposite direction, quickening her steps.

"Great, this is just great! My life is the perfect example for Murphy’s law: ‘If anything can go wrong, it will’.",

Dawson turned towards the wall, letting his forehead connect with the masonry.

~*~

"Pacey, you’re not exactly helping me here!", Joey unconvincingly complained.

Pacey’s proximity, his arms around her waist and his chin on her shoulder were very distracting but the feeling was oh so wonderful. She couldn’t keep her thoughts from wandering from the task at hand, namely searching for her history textbook, to what she really wanted to do.

To be honest she had already caught a glimpse of the book in the back of her locker but taking it out would lead to heading to class and to do so she would have to leave Pacey’s embrace and that was really not a pleasant thought.

"What? I’m doing nothing.", Pacey protested smiling.

He knew that Joey had found what she was looking for and that she only pretended to be still searching. He was not complaining, not at all. If it were up to him he could stay like that the whole day long. Having Joey close to him, holding her in his arms, that was pure heaven.

His mind was still processing the fact that they had decided to give themselves a try, to see were their mutual attraction would lead them.

Since Saturday night they were practically joined at the hip all the time, well not all of the time but nearly all of their waking hours.

"Well, you’re breathing, your heart is beating and feeling your body close to me, that’s just...", Joey was blushing.

Were did this all come from? She had never been the flirting type and after spending most of the last 48 hours with Pacey she couldn’t help herself.

"Ahh. You’re feeling that?", Pacey tightened his embrace. "What about this...", Pacey softly nibbled on Joey’s earlobe causing her to moan. He was surprised and delighted that he could cause her to do that.

"Pacey..., you’re distracting me!"

"Mmhh. And you love being distracted by me, don’t you?"

"Bite me!", Joey grabbed her book and closed her locker. If she didn’t go to class right now she would probably never get there.

She reluctantly turned to face Pacey who met her gaze with his deep blue eyes. He was so close that she could see small green sparks within them. She could get lost in his eyes, she probably already was... and that was also definitely not helping to get herself to class.

"I believe I just did that..., but if you ask nicely...", Pacey suggestively wiggled his brows.

Joey rolled her eyes. "Please, you’re not that irresistible."

"That hurt, Josephine. I should have known that nothing good would come out of getting involved with the icequeen herself.", Pacey laced his fingers with Joey’s.

"Walk me to class, jailbait?"

"Already planned on it."

~*~

Jen realized for the umpteenth time that she really wasn’t a morning person. Not only was it a Monday morning, which in itself was gruesome, but they had run out of real coffee which left her with the choice between decaffeinated so-called coffee or Grams’ herbal tea. Without her morning fix the whole day was doomed to suck.

Her premonition was further proved as she spotted Dawson in the hallway. She was still pissed off with his behavior at the carnival and absolutely not in the mood to talk to him.

"Jen, hi! I...", Jen heard Dawson call but chose to ignore him completely. She looked away and quickened her pace.

She was heading to her class room when she saw something that substituted for her much needed caffeine dose at once. Pacey and Joey were all over each other and they seemed to be real comfortable with that.

"Jeez, when did that happen? At least somebody had a good weekend.", Jen smiled.

She wasn’t as surprised as one could expect.

Although Joey had been extremely bitchy towards her ever since she arrived in Capeside which could only be explained with the fact that Dawson had turned his attention from Joey towards herself. Well, she wasn’t so sure about that, but she hoped this was the reason because that was quite understandable.

In spite of her sometimes venomous remarks Jen really liked Joey. She hadn’t been looking for a boyfriend to begin with. That specific topic had caused most of her problems in New York and she had intended to start over, to not commit the same mistakes all over again.

She never had a close girlfriend. She used to hang around with the boys. That was one thing she had in common with Joey. She had tried to befriend her, but Joey soon made it very clear that she wasn’t interested and that she’d love to see her go back where she’d come from. Jen didn’t blame her. She’d probably have done the same thing if walking in Joey’s shoes.

Dawson had been around quite persistently and soon one thing led to the other. She had thought that things with him where different, but they weren’t. She was about to fall back in her old habits which forced her to end things before they completely got out of conrol. Dawson couldn’t understand that.

Maybe now was the time to give a possible friendship with Joey another try. Now that Dawson was out of the picture for both of them, all obstacles were removed as well, at least she hoped they were.

Seeing Joey and Pacey together confirmed what Jen had suspected ever since she got to know them. The tension between those two just screamed ‘Get together already!’

Jen fell down on her seat, waiting for Joey and the chance to finally find her first girlfriend.

~*~

After a few minutes Joey appeared accompanied by Pacey who kissed her on her forehead before leaving for his own class.

Joey seemed to be truly happy. She was even smiling which was extremely unusual for her.

Without further ado Jen jumped into her plan.

"Hey, Joey. Mind to sit here?"

"Hi, Jen. How was your weekend?", Joey approached Jen without hesitation and accepted her offer to sit down next to her.

"That was almost too easy.", Jen thought. Joey greeted her in a very friendly way, asked her about her weekend and deliberately placed herself next to her? That was weird... but good. Maybe her day wouldn’t end up in a confirmation of Murphy’s law.

"Aww. Can we change the subject please? It completely sucked. ... Well, you and Pacey looked extremely cozy out there...", Jen probed her luck.

"Yeah...scary, huh?", Joey looked at Jen and smiled while she blushed. Her sparkling eyes gave away all the information Jen needed.

"Pretty scary..." Jen grinned and nudged Joey’s arm. "So, since when...", she didn’t even have to finish her question.

"Since Saturday. I’m still not quite sure if I’m only dreaming. It’s so...", Joey searched for a word that could express her feelings, "...intense?"

"I can see that. Maybe I should pinch you to prove you’re not dreaming?"

"Maybe...", Joey giggled. Joey Potter giggled? Now that was scary.

"See...", Jen lightly pinched Joey’s side, "... no dream, ... instead the cold reality of ... history lesson...", Jen added as their teacher entered the room.

Joey rubbed her side and giggled again. This was really scary. Jen couldn’t stop herself from giggling too.

"Miss Lindley, Miss Potter... in case you haven’t noticed, the weekend is over now. I would appreciate if you pointed your attention to your textbook.", an unhappy sounding teacher scolded.

Both girls ducked their heads trying to stop their laughter.

~*~

"Don’t you two ever stop?", Jen sighed as she watched Pacey spoon-feeding Joey something that resembled chocolate pudding.

Joey had asked her if she wanted to join her and Pacey for lunch and she had gladly accepted. It was somehow unbelievable that it seemed to be that easy to become real friends with Joey. Of course this didn’t stop Jen to take her chances. In less than 48 hours Joey Potter had let down most of their guards and this was one of those rare opportunities you couldn’t afford to miss.

"Nah, we haven’t even started yet!", Pacey chuckled and continued to feed Joey.

"That’s what I’m afraid of...", Jen grimaced. "So, what does Dawson have to say to this very new development?"

"Not much up to now.", Joey answered between two spoons of pudding.

"Does he know?", Jen wondered how Dawson would take it.

"Sort of. I told him I had these feelings for Joey...", Pacey began to be interrupted by Joey, "... and he asked him for permission to kiss me. Not that he needed that, I mean, I’m not Dawson’s possession or something, but... wasn’t that too cute of Pacey?", Joey stroked Pacey’s cheek.

"Don’t tell me you’re already finishing each other’s sentences.", Jen cringed, "And yes, that was very sweet of you, Pacey.

"I guess we have to talk to him though. He wasn’t so happy anymore after I told him I had actually kissed Joey.", Pacey turned serious.

Joey slowly nodded. This conversation wasn’t something she looked forward to.

~*~

Dawson wasn’t able to concentrate the whole morning. Not so long ago his life had been perfect and now everything was turned upside down.

Nothing was like it was supposed to be.

Instead of spending lunch with him Joey was being fed by Pacey. How could she let him do something so... embarrassing? She wasn’t a baby.

He intended to talk to them but as he entered the cafeteria he saw Jen sitting with them. She and Joey seemed to get along very well, which added only more fuel to his confusion.

Suddenly he felt like an unnecessary and unwanted attachment. He wasn’t used to that. He was determined to get things back in order and decided he would talk to Pacey in the following period.

~*~

"Hey, D. So, how’s everything hanging?", Pacey approached Dawson searching for any sign of his state. He appeared to be composed but his eyes revealed hurt.

"What do you think, Pacey?"

"I don’t know, that’s why I’m asking.", Pacey sat down, studying his friend.

"Why did you ask me for my permission to kiss Joey?"

Pacey knew that this was coming.

"As I said. I didn’t want to step on any toes..."

"And why are you doing exactly that right now?"

"Excuse me?"

"I told you I am not cool with you kissing Joey anymore."

"Yeah, but that was after I kissed her. What do you expect me to do here? I’m sorry, Dawson, but Joey returns my feelings."

"So you are together now, I mean really together?", Dawson choked.

"I guess so. We want to see where this leads us.", Pacey paused and studied Dawson’s sad expression. "Why are you that riled up about this? You said you couldn’t be any happier if your two best friends decided to be together."

"I've never thought of Joey in a romantic context before. After thinking about you ... and her...", Dawson sighed.

Pacey ran a hand through his hair. "That has changed your view of her? You didn’t mind her kissing this Anderson guy. Why now?"

"She didn’t really know him, She was just flirting. Now... You both have been mortal enemies for years. You are constantly fighting the one minute and the next you are kissing?"

"What about Jen, Dawson? One moment you are totally hung up on her and the next moment you want Joey?"

"Jen doesn’t want me anymore. She made that very clear on Saturday."

"So Jen dumped you for good. What a coincidence that I’m showing my interest in Joey which enables you to realize that you have spent years with a beautiful, breathtaking girl around you and you decide to make her your consolation prize?", Pacey became angry.

"She’s not my consolation prize.", Dawson protested.

"Then what is she? What is Joey for you or better put to you?"

"I don’t know, okay. Everything is so confusing right now. I need some time to think about it. I don’t know if I still want Jen or if I want Joey. Joey is like a sister for me. I don’t know if that could ever change into anything more.", Dawson whined.

Nothing went as he had planned it. He had wanted to talk to Pacey and now it turned out to be only the next disaster in his life.

"So what you’re saying is you don’t want to give up on Jen, you’re not sure if you want Joey but you don’t want anybody else to have her either? That’s ridiculous man."

Dawson reminded Pacey of a little child from which someone had taken away its favorite toy. If it wasn’t so sad, he would be laughing.

"I’m sorry, Dawson. I asked for your permission out of respect for you and our friendship. I’m not backing down this time. Especially not after knowing that my feelings are reciprocated. This is my chance to finally have something in my life that’s good, that makes sense. Someone who likes me for me. I’m not giving this chance away and I hope you’ll understand that."

Dawson slowly nodded without looking at Pacey. "I’ll try."

Pacey sighed. In the last few minutes he had realized that he was terrible afraid that Joey could change her mind. He just hoped she wouldn’t.

~*~

Later that afternoon Joey climbed through Dawson’s window. Pacey had told her that Dawson was confused about their new relationship and sad that Jen had ended things with him for what seemed to be for good.

She wanted to talk to him. He was still her best friend, or one of her best friends.

"Hey, Dawson!", at the sound of her voice Dawson jumped off his bed.

"Hey,... Joey. What are you doing here?"

"Oh, happy to see you, too, Dawson,", Joey leaned back at the window.

"Sorry, you just startled me.", Dawson’s mind was racing. Did she know about what he had told Pacey?

"Right. So, ... uhm... Pacey told me you’re a little uncomfortable with everything right now?"

"Yeah...." How much did she know? Dawson plopped back on his bed.

"I miss Jen. ... And I’m not used to..., well,... to you being with... Pacey. That’s... weird.", Dawson looked up. Joey didn’t say anything, just nodded.

"I mean you two... I would have never thought..."

"I know. Things change, Dawson...."

"I guess they do.", Dawson’s voice was sad.

"Yeah, but that mustn’t necessarily be negative, you know? You’ll never know what might be if you don’t try anything new."

"So you’re trying something new...with Pacey?"

"Like you tried something new with Jen. I’m sorry that it didn’t work out like you wanted it to. She likes you, she really does. Maybe you get another chance and if not, well, at least you have found a new friend."

"She isn’t talking to me, Jo."

"Of course not. I told you before that this double date was a very bad, very immature idea and that nothing good would come out of it. You did it anyway, so I guess you have to live with the consequences. You know, I wouldn’t talk to you either after something like that. She’ll come around eventually."

"You think so?"

"I know so. She won’t be mad for always, at least not if you keep being one of the good guys.", Joey gave him a lopsided smile.

"So you’re not trying something new with Pacey only, are you?"

Joey just smiled.

"Wanna watch a movie with me?"

"I’m sorry, Dawson. Pacey is waiting for me. Can I take a rain check?"

"Sure. Joey?"

"Hhmm?"

"Is this how it is going to be from now on?"

"What do you mean?"

"That Pacey is going to be your priority and I’ll play second fiddle?"

Joey sat down next to Dawson. "As I said, things change. Maybe I’ll be spending more time with Pacey, maybe not. I know how you feel, believe me. After Jen came to Capeside I felt neglected, too. I know that hurts. If Jen hadn’t set you free we wouldn’t have this conversation because you would be with her right now.

Maybe you’re feeling a little bit jealous now, I did and not only a little bit. You’ll get used to it. I guess what I’m trying to say is that you’ll always be one of my best friends and I will always care for you, no matter what happens along the way. I’ll always be there for you when you need me, like you were there for me. Okay?"

"Yeah."

"Good. I love you Dawson."

"I love you, too."

Joey smiled. "See ya." and with that she climbed out of the window.

"See ya, Joey." Dawson stared at his ceiling.

One of her best friends, not her best friend anymore. Things had already changed and he didn’t like it, not one bit.

~*~

A few days later things were still somewhat awkward. Dawson tried to ignore the nagging feeling whenever he saw Joey and Pacey together. At least Jen didn’t ignore him completely anymore. They didn’t really talk either, but it was better than nothing.

~*~

"So, Potter. I hope you don’t have plans for next Friday?", Pacey played with Joey’s hair while she was trying to concentrate on her math homework.

"That depends on what you have to offer.", they couldn’t stop the bantering.

"Nice. Well, it might be a little unconventional to celebrate one’s one week anniversary but regarding the fact that we aren’t exactly conventional people..."

"Wouldn’t Saturday be the day of our one week anniversary?"

"Noo, smartass. For ordinary people it might appear so, not for us. If I hadn’t killed our poor snails on Friday, we would have never went on our little adventure trip to the tidal pool, therefore we would have never had to wade through the water and we would have never had to change our clothes. So you wouldn’t have lent me Bodie’s clothes, I would have never stayed at your place, we would have never went to the carnival together and we wouldn’t have discovered that we could actually have a lot of fun together. I would have never kissed you and you would have never come to the video store to kiss me again. Hence we wouldn’t be together if it weren’t for last Friday.", Pacey was very proud of his logical explanation.

"You might have a point there.", Joey was amused.

"Don’t I always?", Joey cast him a skeptical glance and rolled her eyes.

"Okay, okay.... So, what do you say, huh? No plans, right?"

"Oh, I’m sorry, but you know, there’s this guy and he has just asked me out....", Joey teased.

"Don’t I know that...", if Joey wanted to play, who was he to deny that? He rolled Joey over, effectively pinning her on the couch and started tickling her.

Joey squeaked with delight. She loved it when Pacey touched her. Finally she couldn’t take it anymore. "I give, I give, please stop now."

"You give? Too bad, I could get used to torturing you.", Pacey pouted.

"I think you already are... for years now.", Joey placed her arms behind Pacey’s neck and pulled him down to her. "Maybe it’s time for my turn now....", she brushed her lips over his.

Just as Pacey was about to deepen the kiss she pulled back slightly.

"Potter...", his tone was almost desperate.

"What?", Joey smirked, "So we have a date on Friday, huh? Our first real date...", her voice trailed off.

"Yep. Now that I got your undivided attention, I think we were..."

"...right here.", Joey replied and kissed him again.

~*~

The next morning Joey was frantically looking for Jen. Things had definitely changed in less than a week. She was actually warming up to the idea of having a girlfriend and Jen, well, she really liked Jen.

"God, I have been blind to so many things.", Joey thought as she caught a glimpse of Jen’s blonde head at last.

"Jen, Jen...wait.", Joey ran after her.

As Jen heard Joey call out for her she immediately turned around. They were really making progress in building their friendship. Some things were truly worth the wait and the effort.

"I have been looking all over for you...", Joey was slightly out of breath.

"Really?... What for?", Jen cocked her brow.

"Pacey asked me out for our first date...tomorrow.", Joey looked at her as if that was explaining everything.

"Soo?", Jen remained clueless.

"Duh! I. Do. Not. Know. What. To. Wear.", Joey stressed every single word. "I’m not used to... date... or dress up, for that matter.", she added helplessly.

Jen smiled. "Oh, so you want to go shopping...with me?", Joey Potter never failed to amaze her. It seemed as if she had wanted to have a girlfriend as bad as she had.

"Please?", Joey glanced at Jen with pleading eyes.

"You don’t have to give me the eyes, Joey. I love shopping. Of course I’m going with you!... Hhmm. Thinking about this, I might need something myself. Cliff asked me out... again."

During lunch the girls made plans to meet after school but were interrupted by Pacey and Dawson. As soon as the two had sat down, Joey and Pacey were into each other.

Dawson tried to get their attention.

"So, guys. Tomorrow is Friday the 13^th. We have to celebrate that. What do you say, séance at my place at 7pm?" Dawson was faced with silence.

Pacey looked down at his and Joey’s entwined hands. There it was, the first confrontation between Dawson’s plans and their own. What would Joey do? Give in to Dawson or choose him?

"Uh, I didn’t notice that.", Joey squeezed Pacey’s hand, "I’m sorry, Dawson. Pacey and I have already plans for tomorrow night. First real date and all, ...you know."

Pacey lifted his head. Joey had chosen him over Dawson. He released a breath he didn’t know he was holding.

"I’m otherwise engaged, too.", Jen added not so disappointed.

"We have still movie night on Saturday, right?", Joey tried.

"Whatever.", Dawson was annoyed and didn’t bother to hide it. He shoved his tray to the side.

~*~

Pacey had ‘borrowed’ the Witter family truck once again and showed up at the Potter house a little early. He sat in the car, waiting. Finally the November weather was kicking in. It was cold. Nevertheless he was sweating. He was extremely nervous. He wanted their first date to be special. Whenever he really wanted something it was normally doomed to fail. He took a deep breath and walked towards the house.

Joey opened the door and he had to swallow a lump in his throat. She was breathtaking. She had her hair down but wavier than usual and she wore a hue of makeup that you could barely see but it underlined her features.

"Hey, you look gorgeous, Jo."

"Why, thank you.", Joey bowed her head. She wasn’t used to be complimented.

Pacey lifted her chin to meet her eyes. "You are beautiful, Jo.", for some mysterious reason Joey had a very low self-esteem. He made a silent vow to change that.

Pacey had decided to take Joey to a romantic movie at the Rialto first and after that he had planned a little picnic. Seeing it would be to cold outside he was glad he had the truck. They could still park somewhere close by the creek.

When they arrived at the Rialto he bought tickets and some popcorn and handed it to Joey with a napkin. "A napkin, Pace?", Joey asked surprised. He nodded.

"I know how you eat, Potter. You get grease all over yourself and we won’t risk staining your beautiful, ...new outfit...", he leaned over to kiss her temple.

Joey’s heart skipped a beat. He was so sweet and caring. She smiled and cupped his face with her free hand. "Thank you."

The lights went out and they settled down for the movie. Nothing happened. A few minutes went by until they heard someone asking for their attention.

"I’m sorry to inform you that we have a technical problem. I’m afraid we won’t be able to show any movie tonight. You’re tickets will be refunded at the ticket counter. I’m very sorry."

"Great. Now that is not what I’d planned for today.", Pacey was disappointed.

"That’s not so bad, Pace. ... I guess I wouldn’t have seen much of the movie anyway.", Joey smiled.

"Why is that?"

"I’m already very distracted because of a certain someone who is sitting next to me. ... Do you think we’ll be able to find another... dark place?"

Pacey didn’t answer but abruptly stood up dragging Joey after him. Yes, he loved how Joey Potter’s mind worked.

They went back to the car. "What do think about parking somewhere with a nice view?", Pacey suggested.

"Sounds good to me."

They hopped in and Pacey started the engine. At least he tried to. It gave only some gurgling sounds and died down.

"What’s wrong?", Joey asked.

"I don’t know...", Pacey studied the instruments and let his head fall to the steering wheel.

"What?"

"We’re out of gas.", his voice was desperate.

This was his life. He had known that he would screw up this evening. What did he expect?

Joey scooted closer to Pacey and stroked his hair. It hurt her to see him so sad.

"What did you have in mind, Pace? I mean, I’m sure you’ve something planned, haven’t you?"

Pacey felt better instantly. It amazed him how one simple touch from Joey could make him feel that way.

"You won’t believe it. I do have planned something. Maybe it’s a tad silly, because at this time of the year it is usually not very appropriate to have a picnic."

"You have prepared a picnic for us?", Joey’s eyes lighted up.

"That I have. I know how much you loved your family picnics and I thought it was about time you had your next one."

"Aww, Pace...", Joey didn’t know what to say. Her last picnic had been years ago when her mother was still alive and her father not in prison.

"I’m sorry. I thought we would park near the creek, enjoy a wonderful view and have our picnic in the car. Obviously this is not going to happen, because I didn’t check the gas.", Pacey could have kicked himself upon being such an idiot.

"Do you remember the swings down by the waterfront?", Joey asked finding her voice again.

"Yeah, why?"

"It’s one of my favorite places. We could walk and have our picnic there.", she suggested.

"It is cold outside, did you realize that?"

"I know, but...", Joey got comfortable with Pacey’s arm around her shoulders, "... you’re with me to keep me warm."

"Watch it, Potter, you’re getting all sappy on me here", well he didn’t mind. He could think of several things they could do that would keep them warm.

"That’s completely your fault. Now let’s get going!"

A few minutes later they arrived at the swings. They sat down, facing each other and Pacey presented his prepared picnic.

"Have you made these sandwiches all by yourself?", Joey picked up a few crumbles that had fallen on her jacket.

"Seeing that my mother simply cannot cook, my father never would cook and my sisters do not care... yes, that left me on my own. Why, didn’t you like them?", Pacey quipped fully knowing that Joey had enjoyed them. Sometimes he could read her facial expressions like an open book and since the last week he was improving this skill.

"I loved, loved, loved them. There you are, thinking you have known a person for most of your life and then they come and reveal one hidden quality after the other..."

"That good, huh?"

Suddenly it started to rain. Not a light, quick shower, no. Heavy drops were falling down in a steady stream.

"Is there anything left, that could possibly go wrong tonight?", Pacey cursed, gathering their picnic equipment.

"I always wanted to know how it feels to be kissed in the rain.", Joey said and was prompt swept up in a tight embrace by Pacey.

"Time to find out then."

Pacey started the kiss slow and gentle. Joey melted against him. The heat of their bodies shielded them from the cold liquid pouring down. The need to deepen the kiss grew stronger and Pacey softly nibbled on Joey’s lower lip, his tongue lightly begging for entrance which Joey granted with a small moan. The rain was nearly forgotten as their hands roamed over each others bodies.

After what seemed like hours Joey slightly pulled away needing to breathe. A mischievous smile adorned her face.

"Why is it that I’m always getting wet with you?"

"Because I’m the sexiest boyfriend ever?", Pacey’s darkened eyes grew wide upon Joey’s innuendo.

"I meant the other wet, Pacey.", Joey’s face turned into a very dark shade of red and she buried her head in the crook of his neck.

"I knew that.", Pacey whispered into her ear while taking the opportunity to nibble on the lobe.

"Pervert.", Joey slapped him on his chest and tried to pull away.

"Prude.", Pacey laughed holding her firmly in place and kissing her again.

~*~

Half an hour later they reached Joey’s house, both soaked to the bones. Bessie was still up and greeted them grinning.

"I get the impression you love to get your clothes into our washer and dryer, Pacey."

"True, they smell so much better afterwards.", Pacey chuckled.

"Alright. I’m sure Bodie doesn’t mind you borrowing his clothes again."

"Uhm, Bessie?", Joey started to give her sister the eyes.

"What do you want, Jo?", Bessie was not missing a beat.

"It’s still raining, it’s cold, dark and it’s a long way home for Pacey, so...uhm... would you mind him staying over?", for some reason Joey developed a strange habit of blushing.

"And where would he sleep, Joey?", Bessie teased.

"I could crash on the floor, no problem.", Pacey suggested. He wasn’t prepared for Joey’s offer, but the thought of staying instantly got the better of him.

"No you don’t. My bed is big enough...", Joey quickly protested.

"Is that true?", Bessie put a hand on her hip.

"Bessie! Come on?", Joey pleaded.

"Alright, alright. I don’t mind Pacey staying over. I always knew it would pay off that you share your bedroom with our living room one day. No doors, thin walls. Just perfect." Bessie raised her brow glancing over Joey, then over Pacey.

"Good night, kiddies. And behave yourselves. ...Ah, Pacey I’ll leave a pair of boxers and a shirt from Bodie in the bathroom."

"Thank you, Bessie and good night."

While Pacey went to the bathroom Joey turned the couch into a small but comfortable bed. It wasn’t as big as a Queen size bed, but it could easily accommodate two persons.

"So, you can’t get enough of me, Potter?", Pacey had silently stepped behind Joey, embracing her.

"Get over yourself, Witter. I just wanted to prevent you from getting sick, but if you’d rather go home, feel free to... ."

"I don’t think so.", Pacey turned Joey in his arms so that they were facing each other. "There’s no place I’d rather be than here with you."

"What was that with getting all sappy?", Joey crossed her arms behind Pacey’s neck.

"Must be contagious."

"Must be.", Joey kissed him. He was right. She couldn’t get enough of him.

"Get in bed, Witter!"

"I love it when you get bossy!", Pacey laid down. Contemplating if he should ask or not.

"What’s on your mind?", Joey slipped in bed beside him.

Damn. This reading the other like an open book seemed to be a two-way thing.

"I’m curious. Which side does Dawson sleep on?"

"Oh. We usually slept left to right, with me on the left.", she lifted the blanket and motioned Pacey to get under the cover.

"Good.", Pacey was lying on the left side, Joey’s usual spot but she didn’t mind.

"Pacey?"

"Hhmm?"

"Dawson has never stayed over here. In fact nobody ever has."

"So this is a first time, huh?", Pacey reached over to her, tucking a silky strand of hair behind her ear.

"Our first time.", Joey covered his hand with her own.

"Damn. I’ve totally forgotten something.", Pacey jumped out of the bed and rummaged through the picnic basket.

Joey sat up. "What are you doing?"

"A little curious, Potter?", Pacey returned to his spot, holding a small, hastily wrapped package and handed it to Joey.

"You don’t have to..."

"I want to. Just open it.", Pacey’s heartbeat quickened as he observed Joey unwrapping the package.

Joey discarded the colored paper and revealed a small wooden sculpture. It showed two snails, facing each other with their heads touching.

"That is beautiful, Pacey. My god, they look like our pulmonata snails."

"Yeah. I know you said they’re single sex and don’t need another one, but I thought, well...", Pacey cleared his throat, "... maybe we could ignore this little fact and ...these two snails could symbolize us. They could remind us on how we got together..."

Joey stopped Pacey’s rambling by covering his mouth with her own.

"Nobody has ever given me such a beautiful present.", a single tear escaped her eye only to be caught by Pacey’s thumb, that caressed her cheek.

"I’m glad that you like it."

"Are you kidding? I love it. ... You’re a very skilled carver, you know that?", Joey traced a finger over the snails.

"Me and wood is always a good combination. I guess it’s the whole making something with your own hands."

He was relieved that Joey liked his present. It was simple but she already treasured it.

"You know what? This murphious evening did turn out very good in the end. I mean, I’m in your bed..."

"Pacey!", Joey rolled her eyes. "And murphious, what’s that supposed to mean?"

"Murphy’s law: ‘If anything can go wrong, it will’. Everything I had planned for tonight did go wrong. I..."

Joey laughed.

"You’re such a doofus, Pacey.", and then she turned serious, "Maybe it wasn’t exactly how you had planned it, but it was the best first date possible. And you know why?"

Pacey stayed silent and waited for her to continue.

"Because I spent it with you. I don’t need anything fancy or expensive. I just need you with me. I loved that you prepared a picnic for us, I loved kissing you in the rain and your sculpture, that is the most precious gift."

Pacey’s heart swelled over with the love he felt for Joey. He opened his arms and pulled her close to his body, cradling her.

His voice was scratchy as he whispered in her ear, "Maybe Murphy’s law gets reversed on a Friday the 13^th."

"Maybe.", Joey melted against him, placing her head in the crook of his neck. Her fingers drew small circles on his chest.

"This feels so good to be held by you, to lie in your arms. When I stayed at Dawson’s he lay on one side and I on the other. There was never any touching.", she knew that Pacey needed to know that. During the last week she had noticed that Pacey always tensed up whenever Dawson was around. Especially when Dawson had invited them for this evening. Pacey would never ask her about the details of sleeping over at Dawson’s but she didn’t want to keep any secrets from him.

"That’s good to hear, Jo.", Pacey kissed the top of her head and held her tightly.

~*~

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