This is an alternate universe story that takes place immediately after 'Stolen Kisses'

Disclaimer: I don't own any of em.

10:23 P.M

Gwen, Dawson, Andie and Will were sitting at the dining table when Joey and Pacey returned to the house. "Hey, where'd you two get to?" Dawson asked, helping himself to the snacks his aunt had set out.

"Nowhere really, just for a walk," Joey answered quickly.

"You okay, Jo?" Dawson asked getting up from the table to take her hand.

Joey smiled brightly and pulled away. "I'm fine! Why wouldn't I be?"

"I don't know." Dawson looked from her to Pacey and then back. "You seem a little off. You have all day."

"I'm fine Dawson." Joey turned away from him, unable to meet his eyes any longer. "So what's on the agenda for tomorrow?" she asked the others cheerfully, joining them at the table.

Dawson pulled Pacey aside. "Do you have any idea what's up with Joey, Pace? She's been acting jittery for a couple of weeks now."

"You heard her, D, she said she's fine." Pacey forced himself to smile at his best friend.

"No, she's not. Dammit, Pacey, I know Joey. I can tell when something is bothering her. And whatever this is, it must be huge." Dawson glanced over to where the girl in question was smiling at whatever Andie was saying.

"Everyone is allowed a weird mood now and then, Dawson. What makes you think it's such a big deal." Pacey fidgeted with his coat button.

"Well, I wasn't going to say anything yet, but I talked to Joey today about us getting back together."

"You what?" Pacey choked.

"I told her I'm having a tough time remembering why we aren't together anymore."

Pacey could feel his chest tightening. "And what did she say?"

Dawson snorted. "That's just it, she didn't *say* anything, she just brushed it off as though it meant nothing. She didn't even answer me. Now do you see why I think there is something wrong?"

"I don't know what you want me to tell you, D. I think you should talk to Joey about this."

Dawson sighed. "I guess. I was hoping you could tell me what's bothering her. I know you guys have gotten pretty tight, God knows she's not talking to me about it."

"D--"

"What are you guys whispering about." Andie's cheerful voice interrupted Pacey's answer.

"Nothing." Pacey grinned at her. "Nothing that can't wait until after I have been fed." He sat himself next to Joey. "Feed me woman." Everyone at the table laughed.

Dawson saw Joey's smile and decided maybe Pacey was right, everyone was entitled to weird mood now and then, even Joey. In any case he would make sure he talked to her tomorrow. They needed to clear up a few things.

11:35 P.M.

"Joey, honey, would you mind giving me a hand with this?" Gwen asked, from the kitchen

Joey looked at Pacey, and saw him stop and look back at her. They had all been heading off to bed when Gwen had asked Joey for her help. Joey just nodded at him. He nodded back once and followed Will and Dawson into the bedroom.

"Can I help?" Andie asked politely.

Gwen smiled at her. "That's okay Andie, its not a big deal. We won't be long. You have a good sleep."

"Okay, night, you two."

"Have a seat, Joey." Joey pulled a stool up to the counter. "You want to talk about it?"

Joey shrugged and looked at her hands.

"I know I said it wasn't my business what was going on between you and Pacey, but you look like you could use a friend." Gwen saw Joey's shoulders hitch once and she touched her chin softly. "Aw, sweetie, don't cry. C'mere." She wrapped her arms around the sobbing girl. "Shhh, it's gonna be okay." Gwen rubbed Joey's back gently.

"No, it won't." Joey sobbed. "It's never going to be okay. Dawson is going to hate me."

"Oh, honey, I don't think he'll hate you. He may be hurt for a while, and angry, but he can't hate you. You're his best friend."

"Yeah, and he's not going to hate me for falling for his other best friend? This *is* Dawson we're talking about, right?" Joey pulled away from Gwen. She wiped her face with the backs of her hands. "Believe me, he is going to hate me."

"If its that bad, Joey, are you sure this is what you want?" Gwen sat back on her own stool.

Joey took a deep breath, trying to figure out how to explain what she was feeling. She looked at Gwen and smiled. "You remember earlier when you were talking about Richard?" Gwen nodded. "You told me he made you feel alive? That's how Pacey makes me feel. God, I'm not even sure I can explain it. I do love Dawson, he's the best friend I've ever had and I honestly don't know what I'd do without him in my life. But I am not *in* love with him. I was so sure I was for a very long time. But I know now that I can love him, and think he is this amazing person who is vital to my life, without being in love with him."

"But Joey, are you sure about this, I mean you two--"

"I'm sure. Gwen, all Pacey has to do is touch me and I get a full body shiver. He has this way of looking at me that making me feel as though I am the most amazing thing he has ever seen. He listens to me, really listens and he actually hears what I am saying. No matter if its not what he wants to hear. He makes me laugh, and more importantly, he makes me smile. He thinks I am this beautiful wonderful person, and you know what, he makes me believe it too. I am pretty sure there is absolutely nothing he wouldn't do for me, including walking away, if he thought it would make me happy." Joey stopped blushing slightly, a bit embarrassed by her outburst. She smiled shyly at Gwen. "And when he kisses me?" Gwen nodded again. "When he kisses me, God, I can't even describe everything I feel when he kisses me." She closed her eyes remembering.

"Well," Gwen cleared her throat. "All I can tell you sweetie is if that boy makes you feel all that?" Joey looked up quickly. "You hang on tight." She smiled at the shocked expression on the younger woman's face. "Joey, not everyone gets to feel all those things. When you find someone who can give them to you, you keep him close. But, sweetie, you need to tell Dawson. Yes, he will be hurt, and yes he will very likely throw a bit of a fit. But I think he may surprise you in the long run. Dawson loves both of you, don't underestimate his need to see you happy. Okay?"

Joey offered up a rather soggy smile. "I hope you're right, Aunt Gwen, I would hate to think I could only be happy with Pacey at Dawson's expense."

"The most important thing you can do is be honest with him sweetie. Remember you and Pacey are not responsible for Dawson's happiness. And maybe be a little extra patient with him when you tell him." Gwen smiled, letting Joey know that she was aware of just how poorly Dawson was likely to handle this news. Gwen stood and stretched. "Now, I don't know about you, kiddo, but I have to get some sleep, you guys wear me out."

Joey had to laugh at that one. "I somehow doubt it." Sh turned to head for the bedroom. "Gwen?" The other woman turned. "Thanks, for understanding."

"You're welcome, Joey."

Joey entered the bedroom and pulled the door shut behind her. In the low light cast by the fire, she could see Will, Andie and Dawson tucked into their sleeping bags on the floor. She stared at them for a moment before turning her attention to the bed. "Hey," she whispered.

"Hey, yourself." Pacey leaned up on his elbow as she removed her robe and sat on the bed. "You okay?"

"Yeah, she just wanted to offer a shoulder, a very very supportive shoulder." She swung her legs up onto the bed and settled herself against the headboard.

"Really, she was supportive?" Pacey sat up.

"Yup, supportive of many things, including following your heart, but most especially honesty." She gave him a significant look.

"Ah, well, then maybe we ought to listen to her. She is a pretty smart lady."

"I think we should." She smiled at him. "Tomorrow." She slid down, snuggled under the covers and looked up at him.

"Tomorrow is good for me too." He laid down beside her. "We should sleep, big day tomorrow."

"Mhmmm." She took his hand under the covers and whispered, "night, Pacey ."

He raised their hands to his lips and kissed her fingers gently. "Night, Jo."

8:15 A.M.

Joey was grateful that the others were still asleep when she woke to find herself in Pacey's arms. Slowly and gently extracting herself from him, she lay back and watched him sleep. Why was it people always look so much younger when they sleep, she thought, taking in his relaxed countenance. She was reaching up to touch his face when she heard someone stirring on the floor. She quickly withdrew her hand and rolled over to see Andie's rather sad eyes. "Hey, Andie," Joey whispered, unsure what the other girl had seen.

"Good morning, Joey." Andie turned away and stretched. "I'm going to go see if Gwen needs help with breakfast." She left the room quickly.

Joey sighed heavily, this was not a good thing. "Pace, Pacey, wake up." She whispered shaking him gently.

"Hmmm? Jo? What's wrong?" Pacey looked at her with sleepy eyes.

Joey opened her mouth to speak but was interrupted.

"Hey you guys, rise and shine!" Gwen popped her head into the room. "Breakfast is ready."

Will and Dawson both got up grumbling about perky blondes and early mornings.

After another hearty breakfast they were discussing what their plans ought to be for the day when Andie asked Joey if she would like to go for a walk. "I thought maybe you could show me around a bit, that is if you don't already have plans."

"Uh, no, I don't have anything planned." Joey agreed hesitantly.

"Good, it'll be just us girls then." Andie smiled brightly.

Joey smiled sickly.

10:25 A.M.

"I think you should tell Andie and I'll tell Dawson," Pacey said coming up behind Joey in the bedroom.

"What?" Joey spun around. "You're kidding, right?"

"No. I think maybe if I tell Dawson just how much I-- I-- care about you he might just try to understand." Pacey shrugged. "And I think it would be easier for Andie to hear it from you than from me."

"She's not going to be happy either way, Pacey."

"I know that, Jo. But just last night she was talking about moving on and wanting my happiness, so maybe she'll be happy for *us* if she thinks you care about me too." It was almost a question, and Joey could see the uncertainty in his eyes.

She stroked his cheek gently. "Oh, Pacey, of course--"

"You ready to go Joey?" Andie peeked around the door. "I'm not interrupting anything am I?"

"Nope. I was just telling Pacey we should all do something together this afternoon." Joey stepped away from Pacey. "I'll talk to you later Pace."

He nodded and she left.

****

"So, Joey, we haven't had much time to talk since the slumber party, did you ever manage to deal with whatever was bothering you that weekend?" Andie asked, innocently as the two of them followed the path down to the lake.

Joey took a deep breath and said, "um, yeah, actually, Andie, there's something I'd like to talk to you about."

Andie stopped walking and turned to face Joey. "Do you love him?"

"What?" Joey gasped.

"Okay, maybe not love, yet, but tell me you care about him, tell me you can at least see how amazing he is?"

"Andie--"

"I'm not blind, Joey, or stupid."

"I know you're not, Andie, but how--?"

Andie smiled ruefully. "One of the side affects of my relationship with Pacey is I know what he looks like when he's falling, and he's had that look for a while now. What I hadn't anticipated was you falling back. You have fallen back haven't you?"

Joey finally met Andie sincere gaze and nodded. "Yeah, I think I have."

Andie smiled again, this time a little sadly. "Good, I really don't want to see his heart broken again, he deserves some happiness."

"Thank you, Andie, for being so understanding. I know this is hurting you."

"I created my own situation, Joey, I may have lost Pacey's love, but I have no intention of losing him or any of my other friends. And I really do just want him to be happy." She hugged Joey. "Just do me a favour, don't rub my nose in it right away. It's one thing to know it's happening and another to actually have to witness it."

Joey pulled away, slightly uncomfortable with the display. "You gotta deal. But, Andie, just out of curiosity, what would you have said to me if I told you I *didn't* return Pacey's interest?"

Andie laughed. "You would have received a long lecture about playing with his affection, complete with many 'how could you's' and several uncomplimentary names."

Joey joined her laughter. "Well I guess it's lucky for me I find him somewhat interesting, isn't it."

"Somewhat interesting? You two are new aren't you?" Both girls laughed and continued down the trail.

****

"Hey, D." Pacey sat next to Dawson on the porch.

"Hey, Pace," Dawson said, distracted, watching the girls head for the trail to the lake.

"Listen, Dawson, I really need to talk to you."

"What's up, Pace?" Dawson asked, giving his friend his full attention.

Pacey took a deep breath. "Well, it's about Joey."

"Is there something wrong with Joey?" Dawson asked, worried.

"No, no, it's not that."

What is it, Pacey?"

"Dawson, what would you say if I told you I have feeling for Joey that go beyond friendship?" Pacey ran his hand through his hair nervously.

Dawson smiled. "Well, it wouldn't be much of a shock, Pace."

"What?" Pacey stared at him incredulously.

"You haven't exactly done a stellar job of hiding your feelings, Pacey."

"You mean you knew?"

"Pacey, you bought her a wall."

"Yeah, but--"

"No buts, you punched out Matt Caulfield and you bought her a wall." Dawson had to smile at Pacey's shocked expression.

"So you're not mad?"

Dawson shrugged. "Joey's a special girl. You guys spent a lot of time together, got close, I guess I'd be a little surprised if you didn't feel *something*."

"What would you say if I told you I wanted to do something about those feelings?" Pacey asked quietly, hopefully. Maybe Dawson would understand after all.

Dawson stared at Pacey for a moment then burst out laughing. "You're kidding, right?" He cleared his throat, trying to get it together. "I mean why would you set yourself up like that, Pace?" Dawson sobered when he saw the hurt and anger in Pacey's eyes. "Pacey, don't do this to yourself."

Pacey was angry. "Do what Dawson? Tell Joey how I feel? Why would that be such a terrible thing? What exactly do you think I'm setting myself up for?"

"Pain, anger, humiliation, rejection." Dawson put a consoling hand on Pacey's shoulder. "Are you willing to risk your friendship with her just to make sure she knows?"

"So, she'd say no?" Pacey, shrugged the hand away, ticked that Dawson seemed to find this so amusing.

"Of course she'll say no."

"Why of course?"

"C'mon, Pacey, you know why," Dawson said placatingly, not wanting to elaborate and hurt his friend.

"No, Dawson, I don't. Why don't you enlighten me."

"This is Joey Potter we're talking about here, Pacey. I mean, we have both seen the kind of guys she's shown interest in in the past."

"And that would be?"

"Well, look at what's his name, college boy, A.J.. Ivy Leaguer, big time ambition, writer. Then there's Jack, straight A's artistic-"

"Gay."

"Yeah, well, she didn't know that then."

"Aren't you forgetting someone Dawson?" Dawson shrugged. "We wouldn't want to forget her other *interest* now would we? Straight A's, wholesome, artistic, you fit nicely onto that list of your's, don't you, D? I, on the other hand, lack all of the qualities that would make me worthy."

"I'm not trying to insult you, Pacey, you're just not Joey's type."

"Not her type. You mean the type that would love her just for being who and what she is and not expect her to live up my convoluted fantasy of what I think she should be. The type who wouldn't bail the first time she stretched her wings in a direction that didn't involve me or that I didn't understand. The type who would just be happy to be with her and not have to read some sort of subtext into every conversation and situation. The type that loves everything about her, even the things I may not like. Is that the type you mean, Dawson?" Pacey finished breathlessly.

"Pace, c'mon. I told you, I'm not trying to insult you. I just don't want to see you hurt."

"Save your sympathy, Dawson, it's misplaced," Pacey said, his tone cold.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, you're wrong."

11:45 A.M.

When Andie and Joey returned to the house from the lake they found Will and Gwen sitting on the porch. "Hey, guys, what's up?" Andie asked perkily.

"Actually, we were just discussing where everyone had disappeared to. You solved half the mystery, now we just have to find Dawson and Pacey." Gwen got up.

"Where'd they go?" Joey asked, concerned.

Gwen shrugged and Will answered. "Not sure. I heard them yelling out here earlier but when I came out to see what was up, they were already gone."

"Did you hear what they were arguing about?" Joey asked, worried.

"No, they seemed okay at breakfast though," Will said.

"Yeah, they were okay at breakfast, any idea what may have happened, Joey?" Gwen asked knowingly.

Joey just looked at her. "We need at find them. Andie, Will, you see if you can find Dawson. Try the tree house first. I'm going to see if I can track Pacey down," she said turning to leave the porch.

"Well, isn't it touching, so concerned for me she sends someone else to find me." Dawson came around the side of the house.

"Dawson, we were just going to look for you," Joey said, stepping down off the porch.

"Actually, Joey, I believe Will and Andie were going to come look for me, *you* were going to find Pacey. Or did I miss something?"

"Dawson "

"You better get going, Jo, we wouldn't want to keep Pacey waiting, would we?" Dawson snarled.

"Dawson, please " Joey pleaded.

"Please what? Please don't feel betrayed, stabbed in the back?"

"Dawson, we never meant to hurt you."

Dawson snorted. "What, you thought I'd be happy about this, congratulate you? My best friend sneaking around behind my back with my girlf. . .. I would expect this from Pacey, but you, Jo?"

"Hold it right there. First off, I am *not* your girlfriend, and I haven't been for a very long time. A decision you made by the way. Second, Pacey would never hurt you intentionally, he'd do anything for you and you know it." Joey's voice was tight with anger.

"Yeah, including you, apparently."

"That's enough, Dawson." Pacey came up behind his friend. "Neither one of us meant for anyone to get hurt."

"Of course not, that would have required that you give me more than a seconds thought, and we know that's not your style. Don't we Pacey? What Pacey wants, Pacey gets and to hell with everyone else."

"Oh for pity's sake, Dawson, are you serious?" Andie interrupted, incredulously.

"Andie! Please tell me you're not defending them."

"I'm sorry, Dawson, but when was the last time you actually listened to yourself?" She looked at Pacey. "He hardly lives a charmed life, Dawson, he doesn't even get to live in his own house."

"Andie," Pacey warned.

"No, Pacey, if you won't defend yourself, I will." Andie returned her attention to Dawson. "I've watched this happen for months now, Dawson. I may not like it but I can see that they work. Just think about it, have you ever seen either one of them smile more than they have this year, laugh more? Pacey, I need you to be perfectly honest with me, okay?" He nodded. "When did you first know you had feeling for Joey that went beyond friendship?"

"Andie. . ."

"Please, Pacey."

Pacey sighed. "Honestly, about three years ago." The silence was deafening.

Andie recovered her voice first. "Oh."

"Andie, don't, please. I wasn't pining for her when we were together. I knew Joey would never see me that way and I kinda. . . stored those feelings away. I did love you, Andie, please don't doubt that."

Andie smiled sadly. "I know, Pacey." She returned her attention to Dawson. "Three years, Dawson, you still think he bulldozed his way into her life?"

"They have no righ--" Dawson exploded.

"Okay, that's enough," Gwen spoke up. "Dawson, baby, I want you to think carefully about what you are going to say next. Joey and Pacey have every right to be happy. Yes, it may hurt you. But would it make you feel better if they were apart and miserable?"

"Yes," Dawson said petulantly, but without conviction.

"Dawson," Joey finally spoke. I need to speak to you alone.

"Joey--"

"Would you please excuse us?" she said to the others.

"C'mon, Pacey, we could do with a chat." Andie grabbed his arm and pulled him toward the barn. Gwen and Will went into the house.

"Would it really make you happy if Pacey and I stayed apart for you, Dawson? 'cause I have to tell you, it would make me miserable," Joey said to his back.

Dawson spun to face her. "God, Joey, this is *Pacey* we're talking about, here."

"Stop. You know, Dawson, you spout off about friendship and loyalty, and yet you are always willing to think the worst of the man you call best friend. Why is that?"

"C'mon, Joey, it's Pacey."

"Yeah, Pacey, who is always there when you need him, who would do anything for his friends, especially you, Dawson, that Pacey?"

"I don't get it, Joey, why all of a sudden this passion for Pacey. He's not exactly your type."

"I'm not going to dignify the *type* question with an answer. As for the other, Dawson, he makes me feel. . . wonderful." Joey hesitated, unsure. "He's a great person, Dawson, you know that. You've been friends forever. Why is that? For years you wanted nothing more than for Pacey and I to be friends, you hated it when we fought."

"There's a big difference between not fighting with him and warming his bed, Jo."

"Oh for crying out loud, Dawson, we've barely kissed."

"Yeah, well don't forget that he has a lot more experience than the rest of us."

"Yeah, well so did Jen."

"Not fair, Joey."

"Get off it, Dawson. Yes I know Pacey is experienced, and when the time comes, he and I will deal with that situation together," Joey said confidently.

"And what happens if he's ready and you're not?" Dawson asked smugly.

"I trust Pacey, Dawson." Joey finally got fed up. "Look, Pacey and I are going to try to make a go of it. It would be wonderful if we could have all of our friends in our corner. But you know what, Dawson, we *can* do it without you." She turned around and headed toward the barn.
****

"You okay, Pace." Andie asked as they entered the barn.

"Yeah, I guess. I had kinda hoped he would at least try to be a bit more understanding, you know?"

"I'm sorry, Pacey."

"God, Andie, what do you have to be sorry for? You've been amazing through all this."

Andie shrugged. "Maybe it's because I saw it happening and had time to assimilate it all."

"Or maybe it's because you're a wonderful person and want everyone to have a happy ending."

"Or that." She grinned.

Pacey grinned back.

"So, three years." Andie's voice was gentle.

"Closer to four really." Pacey said absently.

"That must have been tough." She sat on a bale of straw.

Pacey shrugged. "I got used to it."

"Why?"

"Why what?"

"Why'd you get used to it. Why didn't you do something about it four years ago?"

Pacey sighed and joined her on the bales. "We were thirteen, and I had finally noticed that Joey Potter was. . . special. She was smart and funny, she could climb trees and fish with the best of them, and she was the most incredibly beautiful thing I had ever seen. Anyway, I worked up the nerve to ask her to the freshman sockhop."

"You were planning to voluntarily attend a school dance?"

"Shut up, McPhee." They smiled at each other. "I hied myself over to the Potter residence to ask her to the dance. When I got there I found her on the dock in tears, seems our boy Dawson had asked Amanda Darby to the dance." Andie winced, sensing what was coming next. Pacey continued. "Joey was heartbroken. She had been sure he was going to ask her to go with him. So good ol' Pacey had a great plan, she could go with me. No reason to miss the dance because Dawson's an idiot, right? Wrong. Seems I wasn't dance date material. Evidently it would have been humiliating beyond reason to be seen as my date to *anything* let alone her first junior high dance."

"Oh, Pacey," Andie sympathised.

Pacey shrugged. "She didn't know how I felt. All she saw was the class goofball wanting her to appear in public with him. To thirteen year old Joey I barely registered as a human let alone as a prospective boyfriend. I certainly didn't measure up to his holiness."

"Still, it must have hurt."

Again the shrug. "Yeah, yeah it did. But eventually I learned how to deal with it."

"But you never really stopped loving her?" Andie asked sadly.

"I--"

Andie interrupted. "Joey, hi!"

"Hi." Joey wasn't looking at Andie, she was staring in wonder at Pacey.

"Well, I think I'll go see if maybe Will wants to go into town and. . ." Andie realised no one was listening to her and slipped out the door.

"How much of that did you hear?" Pacey asked, embarrassed.

"Enough to know that really blew it four years ago."

"Yeah, well, your attention was elsewhere."

"Yeah, but if I had known maybe. . ."

"We'd have been together before now?" Pacey asked.

Joey nodded. "Maybe."

"You know what, Jo, it doesn't matter. Maybe we would have been together before now, or maybe we would have been to young and stupid and would have blown it and never would have had the chance to feel what we feel now." He pulled her close, wrapping both arms around her securely. "And, Jo, I can tell you, I wouldn't give up feeling like this for anything." His kiss was soft, gentle.

Joey puled back just enough to say, "I wouldn't give it up for anything either, Pacey, or anyone." This kiss was different, more passionate. His hands came up to tangle in her hair and when he deepened the kiss she pulled him even closer, until their bodies pressed tightly together. His lips were soft and warm and when she nibbled on his bottom one she felt him smile. She pulled away, slightly breathless. "What's so funny?"

He hugged her tight. "Not funny, amazing. I can't believe I am here holding you, kissing you." He stroked her cheek gently.

"Well get used to it. I know I plan to." And she kissed him again.

7:45 P.M.

Dinner had been a tense and awkward event, both Andie and Gwen babbling cheerfully, trying unsuccessfully to engage the others in conversation. Dawson picked at his dinner and cast baleful glances at Pacey and Joey. Will was just plain uncomfortable, and Pacey and Joey were afraid to say *anything* lest they set Dawson off again.

After dinner, Dawson was in the attic digging up some old albums for his aunt, Joey was showing Will and Andie some old pictures of her and Dawson, when Gwen cornered Pacey on the porch. "So."

Pacey smiled rather self-consciously. "So."

"Pacey--"

"Listen, Mrs. Blake, I don't mean to be rude, but if you are planning on lecturing me about my terrible friendship skills, I really don't want to hear it right now, okay?" Pacey turned away from her.

"For one thing, it's Aunt Gwen, your problems with Dawson don't change that, okay? For another I would *never* presume to judge you or your feeling for Joey."

Pacey nodded. "I'm sorry I snapped, it's just. . ." He shrugged helplessly.

"Been a long day, huh?"

Pacey laughed sharply. "Yeah, you could say that." He rubbed his eyes. "How *do* you deal with the fact that your best friend has plans never to speak to you again?" He looked at Gwen hopefully.

She sighed. "I wish I could tell you, Pacey. I may not be the best person to ask about the consequences of following your heart."

"But you did it?"

"Yes I did. And I would do the same thing over again. What I had with Richard was the most amazing thing that ever happened to me and there is nothing about him or our relationship that I regret." Pacey started to speak but she held up her hand to stop him. "What I do regret, however, is the way I handled the other people involved. My actions had consequences for those around me and I chose not to see them until it was too late. Don't make that mistake. Talk to him, tell him how you feel about her, about him. Make the effort, your friendship is worth it. He may not see it right now but hopefully, eventually he will. You and Joey are both so important to him, I am hoping that he will see that being together is what you both need." She stopped when she saw his blush. "I have no doubt about the way you feel for that girl, Pacey, anyone with eyes can see you adore her. And she feels the same for you. Dawson's gonna see it too." She reached up and hugged the tall young man. "Dawson's a good boy, a little young, a little self-involved maybe, but his heart is solid gold. Talk to him, and then give him time."

Pacey hugged her back. "Thanks, Aunt Gwen. I'll talk to him."

8:15 P.M.

"Dawson, you got a minute?" Pacey asked as Dawson came down the stairs from the attic.

Dawson looked at the albums in his arms and said coldly, "not right now, I'm busy."

Pacey took the albums from him and set them on the table and yelled into the other room, "Aunt Gwen? The things you needed from the attic are here on the table. Dawson and I are going outside for a bit." Pacey grabbed Dawson's arm without waiting for her answer and dragged him out the door.

"What the hell are you doing, Witter?" Dawson protested the manhandling loudly.

Pacey let go of Dawson's arm and crossed his own in front of his chest. "I figured there was no way you where going to talk to me voluntarily, so here we are." Dawson made to leave. "Dawson, please, five minutes, just hear me out. Then if you never want to speak to me again, I'll respect that."

Dawson stopped and turned back to face Pacey. "You have five minutes."

Pacey took a deep breathe. "Okay. First I need to tell you that neither one of us *ever* had any intention of hurting *anyone* especially you."

Dawson snorted. "Right."

"Dammit, Dawson, four years! I have loved her for four years! I had to watch the saga of Joey and Dawson, loving her and fully believing that the only guy she was ever going to be interested in was my best friend. Not only did she not have any interest in me, she thought of me as a lower form of life. I thought she was the most thoroughly intoxicating creature I had ever known and she thought I was pond scum. Then this year she finally got to know me, the real me, not as the class clown, not as Dawson's screwy sidekick, not as the sheriff's disappointing son, not as Andie's project boyfriend, but me, Pacey. And you know what, D? She liked what she found. We became friends, best friends. We were there for each other, and along the way I fell in love with her all over again. Only this time there was a chance that maybe, just maybe, she might feel something for me too. After all, you had called it quits with her almost a year ago. You had dated other people, so had she. For the first time in my life I felt like I might just have a chance at something I dreamed about. And then it happened, she told me she wanted to be with me. The single most perfect moment in my life and all I couldn't just enjoy it, I had to think about how we were going to hurt you."

"Yeah, well, obviously you didn't let that stop you."

Pacey turned on Dawson, tears in his eyes. "I *love* her, Dawson. I love her." He wiped at his face angrily. "I know you don't want to hear this, man, but she cares about me too."

"Yeah, well, we'll see about that won't we?" Dawson challenged.

"What, Dawson, you want to duel at dawn? Pistols at twenty paces? Would that fulfill your need for a dramatic cinematic climax? Why can't you let someone else have something wonderful? Joey and I have a chance for something special, do you rally want to destroy that? Is her happiness of such little consequence to you?"

"You think you can make her happy, Pacey?" Dawson asked incredulously.

"Yeah, man, I do. I really think I can make her happy. I know I'm going to do everything in my power to try."

"What if *I'm* what can make her happy, Pacey?"

"Are you asking if I'd step aside if she decided you were what she needed?" Pacey asked, laughing. "What do you think I've been doing for the last four years, Dawson. If I thought you were still the one she wanted I'd walk away in a heart beat. That's what all this is about, Dawson. Her happiness."

Dawson stared at Pacey thoughtfully for a few moments. Then he sighed. "Fine. I'll step aside. But if you screw this up I am going to be here, waiting. Know that." Dawson smile ruefully. "You really do love her don't you?"

"Yes," Pacey answered simply.

"You do know there is no way in *hell* you two are sharing that bed tonight?"

Pacey laughed. "Yeah I kinda figured I'd be on the floor. I think Andie'll take my place."

9:10 P.M.

Joey watched as the her two best friends entered the house together. Both Dawson and Pacey seemed more relaxed than they had earlier. She managed to catch Pacey's eyes and he smiled softly and winked at her. She took what felt like her first deep breathe of the day. A few moments later Pacey joined her on the couch.

"Hey."

"Hey, Pace. How's it going?" she asked cautiously.

"Well, my best friend just told me that he doesn't hate me for falling in love with his best friend. So that's pretty cool."

Joey's eyes widened and she stared at him speechless.

Pacey misinterpreted her reaction entirely. "Yeah, I know, I was shocked too. But he seemed okay. I told him your happiness was the most important thing and he agreed."

Joey abruptly stood and grabbed his hand. She turned to the others. "Pacey and I are going for a walk, see you in a few." And she dragged him out the door. Once outside she stopped and turned to face him. "Say it again."

"Jo? What--"

"Say it again." She interrupted forcefully.

"What? Dawson's okay with us?" She shook her head emphatically. "Jo, you've lost me here." Pacey paused to run through their conversation. His eyes slammed shut when he realised what he had let slip. "Oh, that." He dipped his head, avoiding her eyes. Her hand on his cheek made him look up again. "You can't tell me this surprises you, Jo. Do you really think I'd be willing to risk every important relationship I have, for anything less?" He was surprised to suddenly find her in his arms.

"Say it again." Joey whispered silkily, her breathe warm against his lips.

"I love you," he said softly, leaning into her kiss. Whispering her name between gentle kisses, he deepened the contact, gently slipped his tongue between her lips. He tickled it against her tongue, teasing her, tasting her, urging her to open to him, his mouth warm and supple as it moved over hers. Sighing, she did as he had hoped, passionately returning the sweet caresses.

"Pacey," she said breathlessly, he kissed her again. "Pacey, wait." She pulled away slightly, not leaving his arms.

He moved his attention to her neck, gently nipping the tender skin he found there. "Hmm, what is it, Jo?"

"Hmm, I have to, hmm, tell you something," she whispered, finding her concentration waning.

"Mmhmm?" he murmured nibbling her earlobe.

"Pacey." She forced his head up so she could see his eyes. She kissed him softly on the lips. "I love you too," she whispered.

Pacey stared at her for a moment, rendered completely mute by words he had been so sure he'd never hear her speak.

Joey smile brightly and caressed his face gently. "Call the press, Pacey Witter is speechless." She joked.

Pacey still said nothing. Instead he wrapped his arms around her tightly, burying his face in her neck and holding on for dear life.

9:45 P.M.

It was their last night at Aunt Gwen's house. Joey and Pacey were out for a late evening walk, taking the opportunity to spend a little time alone. The other's stayed in, talking and playing the various board games Gwen kept for her nephew's visits.

Will and Gwen were in the kitchen making popcorn when Andie asked suddenly. "Dawson, can I ask you a personal question?"

"Sure, Andie, what's up?"

"Are you really okay with Pacey and Joey? I mean, are you going to be able to handle them being together once we get home?" Andie looked at her hands in her lap, fidgeting nervously.

Dawson sighed. "To be honest, Andie, I don't know. I hope I can deal with whatever situation arises but. . ."

"But you don't know what it's going to feel like seeing them in the places where you used to be with her?"

"Yeah, something like that." Dawson scrubbed his face with his hands. "I just hope they are as discreet at home as they have been here. I think I can cope with it as long as I don't have to watch any blatant PDA's."

Andie nodded but looked doubtful. "You don't really think they are going to continue their hands off policy indefinitely do you?"

Dawson shrugged again. "I keep telling myself they are going to try to respect our feeling on this and not subject us to obvious displays of their relationship."

"Do you think that's fair?" Andie challenged.

"What? Of course it's fair."

"I don't think it is, Dawson. I mean think about it. They're in a relationship, they love each other, is stands to reason they are going to be affectionate with each other. I don't know about Joey, but Pacey is very tactile. He is going to want to touch her, to hold her. I don't thinks it's reasonable for us, as their friends, to expect them to curb those impulses entirely."

Dawson stared into the fire. "I don't want to see him hold her or touch her," Dawson said, petulantly.

"Dawson--"

"I know, Andie, I know that's unrealistic. But that's how I feel. I think they should keep it to themselves."

Andie just stared at him, not quite believing what she was hearing. "So you're telling me, that if Joey had decided she wanted to be with you, you would have, out of respect for Pacey's feelings, made sure to keep your relationship hands off while he was around?"

Dawson shrugged.

"Please. We both know you would have rubbed his face in it good and hard, Dawson. I think you should be grateful to them."

Dawson snorted, "grateful, for what?"

"After the way you acted? The things you said about Pacey? I wouldn't blame them if they made sure you saw every aspect of their relationship." Andie softened her tone. "They don't owe us anything, Dawson. They're respecting our feelings in this. I think we should do the same for them."

10:50 P.M.

Pacey and Joey returned to the house to find the others engaged in what appeared to be a cutthroat game of Scrabble.

"S-Q-U-E-E-Z-E-S, squeezes, uses all my letters on two triple word scores, that gives me-- oh hey you guys." Andie smiled cheerily as she noticed their presence.

"I could have told you guys, never, *ever* play Scrabble with this woman. She will kill you every time." Pacey joked, checking out the scores over Dawson's shoulder. "And I see she is thoroughly kicking your tails."

"Yeah, well, we're all tired so. . ." Will teased, trying to get a rise out of Andie.

Gwen stood up laughing as Andie pummelled Will with a cushion. "Speaking of tired, I'm exhausted and I'm going to bed. You guys stay up if you like." She took their cups into the kitchen.

They all stood, most of them yawning and Dawson said, "I don't think so, Aunt Gwen. It's been quite a day for everyone and I think we could all use a good nights sleep. Besides we have an early morning tomorrow and a long drive home." The others all nodded their agreement and headed off to bed.

The next morning, after a hearty breakfast, they said their thank you's and good-bye's to Gwen and started for the truck. There were a few moments of confusion as to who would sit where, finally Pacey grabbed the keys from Dawson. "D, you, Andie and Will get in the back. Jo, in the front. Lets get going before we end up spending another night." Pacey got in behind the wheel and waited for the others to climb in. The four friends looked at each other rather sheepishly and followed Pacey's seating assignments.

The trip home was much quieter than the trip up had been. Each of them had plenty to keep their minds occupied.

Once back in Capeside, Pacey dropped Andie off first, then let Will out at Doug's apartment. "Doug's expecting you. I'll be back shortly."

Will grinned at Pacey knowingly. "Uh huh."

A few minutes later Pacey parked the truck in front of the Leery's. "Here we are," he said quietly.

They all got out of the truck. After a few awkward moments Dawson broke the silence. "Do you guys want to come in?"

Joey looked at Pacey then back at Dawson. "I don't think so Dawson. Maybe some other time?" she said gently, not wanting to hurt his feelings but needing some time alone with Pacey.

Dawson looked hurt anyway. So this was how it was going to be. "Okay, well maybe next week we can do a movie night?"

Joey smiled brightly. "I think that's a great idea."

Dawson nodded and headed up to his house. Once he reached the porch he turned to see Pacey place a gentle kiss on Joey's lips before they got in the jeep to head home. Dawson had to appreciate the bright smile that lit Joey's beautiful features as she climbed into the truck with her boyfriend. She was happy, wasn't that the whole point, after all.

Ten days later.

"Hmmm, c'mon, Pacey. Let's go. Hmm, It's your boat we're planning on christening." Joey wrapped her arms around Pacey's shoulders as he lifted her onto the work bench and applied his attention to her sensitive neck.

"I own a boat?" he said smirking, returning to his nibbling.

For a few moments Joey allowed herself to enjoy the sensations he was creating. Then she forced him to lift his head. "Yes, you own a boat. And all our friends are going to be waiting for us."

"Let 'em wait." He captured her lips for a deliciously breath-taking kiss.

Joey returned the kiss passionately, before pulling back again. "Pace--"

Pacey sighed. "No! Dammit, Joey, let them wait." He pulled her back into his arms and just held her. "For two weeks now, whenever we're around them, we've had to pretend. I can't hold you, I can't touch you, hell, I can't even talk to my best friend about how much I love you. So forgive me if I want to spend a few moments alone with you on a special day for me."

Since there really was very little she could say to rebut that statement, Joey just held him close, listening to him breathe. It had recently become one of her favourite sounds, that and the little squeaky noise he made when she nibbled his ears. "I'm sorry, Pacey, I didn't--"

He brushed her hair back from her face. "It's okay, Jo. It's just you make me so damn happy, I want to share that with everyone I care about. I'm pretty sure Doug is sick to death of hearing how wonderful you are, and how much I love you."

Joey had to laugh at that one. "I know, Bessie cringes every time I mention your name now."

"I think we need to relax a bit. I know both Dawson and Andie are watching us pretty closely, but, Jo, they have to get used to us. I have no intention of going on like this forever. Right now I feel guilty for wanting to take you out on a *date*. What if we run into Dawson, or god forbid I hold your hand when we're with our friends, we might offend Andie. Enough is enough."

"What are you saying, Pacey," Joey asked uncertainly, a little afraid of where he was going with this.

Pacey smiled softly at her and kissed her nose. "Nothing too dramatic or terrible. I just intend to treat you like my girlfriend. I want to hold your hand, I will. I feel like stealing a kiss at the movies, I will. I want to talk about you to my friends, I will. You make me happy, Jo, and I want people, especially our friends and families, to know that."

Joey could feel the tears welling at his sweet words, she had to swallow the lump in her throat before she could speak. "I love you, Pacey Witter." She offered up a rather watery smile. "And you're right. Dawson and Andie need to get used to us as a couple. Now is as good a time as any for them to start." She squealed as Pacey caught her up in a tight hug. A couple of rather heated kisses later and he stepped out of her arms. "Whew, okay, well, maybe we should go christen us a boat."

She hopped down off the bench grinning mischievously at him, it was rather empowering to see she could fluster the oh-so-cool Pacey Witter so easily. "Mmhm then maybe later we could christen it a bit more privately?" She smiled wickedly and sauntered out of the workshop.

"Josephine Potter--" Pacey sputtered and stumbled after her. He found her waiting for him outside, a smug smile on her face.

"Yes, Pacey?"

"You are a truly evil woman you know that?" He leaned in close to her, almost but not quite touching.

"Isn't that why you love me?" she asked innocently.

Pacey stole a quick kiss. "Considering I had no clue how wonderfully wicked you are, no. I'm just calling it a lovely addition to the many things about you I adore." He took the edge off the schmaltz by leering broadly at her.

Joey smacked his chest lightly, laughing at him. "I live to please." She glanced over her shoulder at their friends waiting patiently for them and found they had a rather attentive audience. She blushed prettily and said to Pacey, "shall we?"

He grinned at her playfulness. "We shall." Linking arms they walked down the wharf to where the others waited. "Hi, guys." Pacey said as the joined their friends.

"Hey, Pace." Dawson's greeting was a bit subdued. Seeing their playful interaction outside the workshop had really brought it home to him. Pacey and Joey loved each other. He was, for the first time in his life, the outsider, it was a position he was less than comfortable with. "I, um, here, as promised." He handed Pacey the bottle of champagne he had bought for the occasion.

"Oh, champagne. You know, sparkling apple cider would have worked just as well, Dawson," Pacey said smiling at his friend.

Dawson shrugged and smiled a bit sadly. "You have a lot worth celebrating, Pace, you should be proud of what you've done with True Love."

Pacey understood and smiled. "Thank you, Dawson." He cleared his throat and turned to the rest of the crowd. "Okay, since I'm pretty sure you all have places you'd rather be, let's get this show on the road." Pacey went to stand next to his boat. "Um, first and foremost, I should probably thank Hurricane Chris for enabling a poor schlub like me to actually be able to afford a boat like this." The others laughed. "But, uh, secondly and most importantly, I'd like to thank everybody who pitched in." Pacey smiled at his friends. "Everybody who scraped and sanded and polished and painted and otherwise helped out to get this boat back in the water." He turned to look at Buzz who sat aboard True Love. "Some more willingly than others." Pacey turned back to his friends. "Now, I'm not sure if you know this, but tradition says a boat should be christened by a lady." Pacey held the bottle of champagne out to Joey. "Jo? I can't think of anyone more appropriate to christen my True Love."

Joey was speechless. Pacey hadn't mentioned this to her. She was touched that he wanted her to play such an important part in his big day. She smiled shyly at the others as she took the bottle from him. She cleared her throat. "I christen thee, True Love." She broke the bottle on the sailboat and turned into Pacey's arms.

He hugged her close. "Thank you."

"For what?"

"It's a pretty substantial list." He smiled at her kissed her forehead.

"Hmm, maybe you should tell me more about this list later."

"It's a date." He released her and turned to find their friends staring at them. "What?"

The others all laughed at him. "Get a room, Pace," Dawson teased.

Pacey was immediately grateful for his friend's acceptance and understanding. "Well if you people would leave and give us a few moments alone with our boat we wouldn't need to, now would we?" Pacey shot back.

There was more laughter as the others slowly departed to start their days and made plans to get together later. Finally Pacey and Joey were alone. "So," he said, giving her a quick kiss.

"Our boat?"

"What?" he asked, lost.

"You called it 'our boat'." she snuggled further into his arms.

"Mmmhmm." He murmured into her hair. "Of course it's our boat. You provided my inspiration, Jo." He kissed her softly.

Joey deepened the kiss. Then pulled away. "I like that it's our boat." She smiled up at him.

"Speaking of our boat," Pacey said with an air of false innocence.

"Yeeess."

"Didn't you say something about a private christening?" His voice crackled on the last as her teeth latched onto his ear lobe.

"I may have." She whispered. Then squeaked as he lifted her into his arms and carried her onto the boat. "Pacey put me down!" she demanded, laughing.

Pacey looked around, found the perfect spot and set her back on her feet. He gathered her into his arms. "I christen thee, True Love." He whispered, lowering his lips to hers in the tenderest of kisses.

I would love to hear what you think

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