Jack laughed, standing beside Joey as they were preparing to roll tape. "Getting you to do the make-up was all Dawson�s idea."

"If that's not the obvious..."

"Pacey was the one who suggested you join the cast and crew so we could all keep track of you. I insistently agreed, not that Dawson needed much coercion." He put an arm around her shoulder, "We're all a little more protective of you since the incident."

"The concern is duly noted and much appreciated and not the least bit suffocating." She gave him a pointed look.

Jack smiled wryly. "If it makes you feel any better, we're planning on suffocating Audrey and Jen along with you."

"Sounds like fun. And how are you doing?"

"Me?" He shrugged, "I'm just dandy."

"Are you sure?"

"I'm a little disappointed with how the whole frat thing turned out, Jen and I still haven't made more than polite small talk since I moved back....but I'm--dare I say it--happy to be here. With you guys."

She smiled faintly. "Yeah...I know the feeling."

"It's strange, you know? We come to this huge, bustling city, full of thousands of people...and all you think about is the possibility."

"And it kind of feels like we're right back where we started. Only not."

"Exactly. When we got here, I wanted to do everything, meet everybody... Yet, here we are, making another Dawson Leery Film, with the same people we knew two years ago, plus a few others."

Joey grinned. "'Cept this time I don't get to kiss you."

He smiled back, "Well, you could..." He winked at her. His smile faded thoughtfully, "I guess my point is, our little corner of the world isn't so bad. We're gonna grow and change, meet new people, learn new things...but it's nice to have this to come back to, ya know?"

"Yeah and I don't think that's such a bad thing."

"For some reason, I thought it was. That's why I threw myself into the whole frat-boy lifestyle. And now..."

"It just makes you appreciate some things even more."

"Yeah," He nodded once, a smile on his face.

"So what job did Dawson give you?"

"Props management." He smirked, "I get the feeling he doesn't trust any of us to do the important things. Pacey's holding a mic, you're doing make-up, I'm keeping track of pop cans and a bracelet. Jen's the only one with a real job. I guess it pays to sleep with the director."

"Looks like it."

He tilted his head to the side, "And how are things with you, Jo?"

"Things are fine."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah."

"Can I ask you a very personal question?"

She looked at him curiously. "Yes?"

"Does it bother you? Seeing the only two men you've loved happy with two of your best friends?" He eyed Dawson and Pacey with speculation, trying to see what Joey might.

She shrugged. "I'm happy that they're happy."

"What about you, Jo? Are you happy like them, or lonely like me?"

She wrapped her arms around Jack and sighed. "Well right now, we are both depressingly single." She glanced back at their friends with a smile. "Don't you hate them?"

"Yeah," he smiled. "I loathe them. I might even have been able to work up some genuine fury if I didn't know that they all deserved it so much."

Oliver snapped his fingers and motioned for Joey. "Make-up girl."

Joey rolled her eyes and pulled away from Jack. "Duty calls."

"She has a name, Oliver," Jack reminded him. "We all do."

"I know you do, Prop guy."

"Would it be rude to start calling him Greasy?" He hissed to Joey.

Joey shook her head before heading over to Oliver. "Just let it go."

Jack nodded with a sigh and approached the director's chair. "Is it really necessary that he be here?" Jack grumbled, "Seems to me he's more trouble than he's worth."

Dawson grinned. "Oliver is definitely an acquired to taste."

"He reminds me more of that nasty fuzzy taste you get in your mouth after a night of drinking."

He chuckled. "He's not so bad."

"I trust your judgment man, but he's grating on the nerves."

"Perhaps he is better in limited doses."

"If I have anymore blush on my face I'll look like a hooker!" Audrey complained as Joey stood by her helplessly.

"I think she has a point, Oliver," Jen added through clenched teeth.

"I donno," Charlie tapped his chin thoughtfully. "There's a lot to be said for the hooker look. I think it would work for you, Audrey."

"Don't make me do permanent damage with this thing," Pacey warned, waving the boom mic dangerously close to Charlie's head.

Jack laughed, "You better take control here, Dawson. Or you're libel to have an unconscious lead actor, a street walker actress and a girlfriend on the verge of a nervous breakdown."

Dawson clapped his hands together. "Okay, Pacey I know Audrey's your girlfriend but right now she's an actress in this movie. Oliver I think that's more than enough make up. Jen, honey," Dawson placed a hand on his girlfriend's shoulder. "Why don't you take a break? Guys, I would like to at least finish today's shooting on schedule."

Jen leaned into Dawson comfortably. "I don't need a break," she sighed.

"Aye, aye, Captain," Pacey soluted Dawson. "The sooner we're outta here, the sooner we can all go home."

"Yes," Audrey agreed as Joey retouched her eye shadow. "I miss having sex on a bed."

Joey's eyes widened and Dawson bit back a laugh. "Let's get this show on the road then."

Pacey wagged his eye brows, but wisely kept his mouth shut.

Jen gave Dawson a kiss on the cheek, "I know we were planning on that movie tonight, but could we just go back to the house when we're through?"

Dawson nodded gazing at the screen in front of him intently. "I promise."

A corner of her mouth turned up in a wry smile, she should know better than to expect his full attention when there was a camera in front of him. She stepped away and went back to work, readying for the next scene.

"And action."

"You don't have to do that."

Joey shrugged as she cleared off the table they'd been using while filming. "It's okay. I want to."

"Jack just called," Pacey said approaching them with his coat on, and Audrey holding his hand. "He wanted to let you know he got Jen home just fine but she fell asleep in the car. You may want to talk to her about over extending herself, D. She's working herself ragged."

Dawson nodded. "I�ll talk to her."

"Okay, so are you sure you don't want us to stay?" He wondered. "We have no problem hanging around a little longer."

Dawson glanced around. "No, I think we've got everything under control."

"Okay, so tomorrow then?"

He nodded. "Yep." He smiled. "Audrey you were great out there."

She grinned brightly. "Why thank you."

"I'm gonna go warm up the car. Come outside in a few minutes, Audrey." Pacey kissed her cheek.

"Will do, babe." She smacked his butt playfully.

He smirked, "G'night, Dawson, Jo."

"Night."

Dawson laughed, "You two are a match made in heaven, Audrey. Or maybe purgatory."

She winked. "Too bad you missed your chance, big boy." She smiled at Joey. "Need a ride back to the dorms?"

Joey shook her head. "I have it covered."

A horn could be heard sounding outside, "I think that's your ride."

"That it is." She gave them a quick wave before heading out. "Bye guys."

"Have a good night," Dawson called after her. "Take it easy on Pacey. He's only a man." Audrey laughed and Joey shook her head in amusement. "So, Jo...you don't have a class or anything tomorrow morning?"

She shook her head and brushed her hair behind her ear. "Um, nope."

"Good, then I don't mind keeping you here for a while." He smiled teasingly.

She grinned. "And I don't mind sticking around."

"It's been a while since it was just us, Jo." He smiled as they worked, clearing the table. "Remember way back when...my movies consisted of you, me and Pacey." He glanced around the set, a stage lended to them by his film school. "Look how far we've come."

"From producer to actress to assistant to makeup artist." She sighed with a grin. "How quickly we fall."

"We fall? I'm feeling pretty damn good about everything..."

"I fall then," she corrected with a smile.

"You know I'd have cast you in the movie if you'd shown even the slightest bit of interest." He gave her soft smile. "Audrey's great and all--fantastic, even. But you're still the best actress I've had the privilege of working with."

"I'm more of a behind the scenes girl anyway."

"Yeah," he grinned, "Everyone knows all the real work is done behind scenes."

She nodded. "Right."

"So, Joey...the moment of truth. What do you really think about the movie?"

A corner of her mouth turned up slightly. "It's different from any other DW Leery production."

"Yes, but is different good? I'm trying to decide if I like this only directing thing. I'm used to working with my own words, my own vision."

"Different can definitely be good. Besides if anyone can make this work, you can."

"It feels good to be back behind the camera. After Dad died...I wasn't sure I could. Now, I feel like part of me is doing this for him."

She smiled genuinely. "That's great Dawson."

He paused what he was doing, "I know the reason I came back here was you, and I know the reason I stayed was for Mom, and...at the time, everything, all of it, felt like this out of control snowball that just keeps going, ya know? And I was that little cartoon character trying to outrun it, too stupid to just move to the side. I feel like everything has turned out for the best."

She tilted her head thoughtfully. "Notice how the best is usually not what you expected."

"I never really was good at grasping that concept. 'Till now."

"It's funny how things have a way of working themselves out."

"What about you, my dear cynical friend. How have things worked out in your life?"

She smiled. "Not so bad."

"How's the whole writing thing?"

"It's definitely interesting."

"Ya liking it? Or is it like your art, where you're just exploring the possibilities?"

"I like it. Not too sure if it's a lucrative career choice, but I like it."

"You know..." Dawson got a glimmer in his eyes.

She smiled wearily. "What?"

"Once this movie is over...I'm going to need something else to work on..."

She shook her head with a small laugh. "I don't think I'm about to delve into screenplays."

"Why not? Think about it, Joey. A Leery/Potter Production. Or Potter/Leery, we could work that out later. Come on, we would be brilliant together. I've always known you've got a creative spirit. And screenplays are easier to write that fiction."

She grinned crookedly. "How about if I promise to think about it?"

"Well, there's plenty of time," He grinned. "Until next quarter, anyway."

She smiled. "Until then."

"I know you'd come up with something fantastic, Jo. You've got the right touch of cynicism, truth, beauty and heart. Not to mention the life experience, both first and second hand..." He grinned. "You have to do this, Jo."

"Like I said I'll think about it."

He smiled knowingly, "Uh huh."

"You don't have to." He winked at her and glanced over at the clock. "I hope Jen's doing okay," his brow furrowed. "She'd go stir crazy if she gets sick right now."

"You should go then. Make sure she's okay."

"Jack's there," he tilted his head to the side. "And it'll be good for them to spend time together. Whether she's conscious or not. It's been a little weird with him back. I know they were having issues before he left, but I have to admit, I feel kinda caught in the middle."

She smiled sympathetically. "I'm sure they'll work things out."

"I'm not so worried about me. It's them. They were so close, ya know? Like you, Pacey and I used to be. It's almost painful to watch them so awkward around one another." He sighed.

"Like I said Dawson, they'll probably work it out on their own."

"Ya know, I feel like I'm talking all about me...what's going on with you?"

She bit her lip and then smiled softly. "Nothing too interesting."

"You know, I never noticed how hard it is to get you to talk about yourself until now."

"There's not much to say."

"What? No annoying roommate stories? Crazy frat parties? Horribly excruciating mid-term tests? Evil Professors?"

She laughed. "I think Audrey speaks for herself."

"That she does," Dawson nodded with a fond smile. "And usually, she speaks for everyone else as well."

"She's a handful."

"She reminds me of Andie, kinda. Only less....rigid, I guess you'd say."

"Seems like I lucked out in the roommate department."

"I think we all lucked out in your roommate department." Dawson said wryly. "Pacey in particular."

"Looks like it."

Dawson sighed, giving her a side long look. "I know in the past, Pacey's been a sore spot in our friendship. But we're beyond that now, right Jo?"

She nodded. "Just a speck in the rearview mirror."

"Okay, so how are you taking this new turn of events?"

"I am completely fine."

"So you're just fine with it?" He repeated skeptically.

"Why wouldn't I be fine with it?"

"Well, I wasn't fine with my best friend and my ex getting together. You weren't fine with Jen and I getting together at first either. And, not to belittle what you and I felt for each other, but you loved Pacey more."

"Pacey and I are over."

"I know," he gathered his notes for the day. "But that doesn't stop you from feeling your emotions."

"I am completely fine with Audrey and Pacey."

He smiled sadly at her.

She slung her coat over her arm. "I should be going."

"Okay, we're pretty much done here."

"I'll see you tomorrow." She leaned over and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek.

"You're kidding me right?" He grabbed his back pack.

"What?"

"I'm giving you a ride, Jo."

"You don't have to do that."

"I'd feel safer if I did. You may have noticed, Jack went with Jen, Pacey with Audrey...you're not the only one being baby-sat, Jo."

"Fine."

He took her arm, "We're just worried, that's all."

"It's understandable and I can't say that I mind the company after what's happened."

"Still scares me thinking about it," he shook his head. "I can't imagine what it would have been like if something had happened to you. Or if it had been Jen..."

She sighed softly. "It's better not to think too much about it."

"So change of subject."

"Yes, change of subject. Explain Oliver."

Dawson laughed, "I don't really think there is an explanation for Oliver."

Audrey smiled hazily, snuggling comfortably under her blankets. "I'm just a big pile of orgasmic goo."

He chuckled, his laugh rumbling low and contented in his chest. "Lovely imagery there, sweetheart."

She grinned. "It's the truth."

"I rather think of you as soft and sated." He wrinkled his nose, "Gooey isn't a sexy enough word to describe you."

"That's because there isn't a word sexy enough to describe me."

He kissed her neck, "That's entirely true."

"I know." She smiled.

"I should probably get going..."

She pouted. "So soon?"

He frowned, giving her a deep kiss, "I know Joey was gracious and all about our kiss, but I don't think she's quite ready to see us in bed together."

"Mmm, that is a very excellent point." She kissed the corner of his lips. "You're just going to have to get your own place so we can have hot, sweaty sex over there."

"I'm working on it," he kissed her again. "One of the waiters is actually looking for a room mate, I'm supposed to go check it out after work."

"Maybe I should go with you. As the girlfriend I should see where we're going to have sex."

He smirked, "I bet you do. But I already checked, you're working."

"Perhaps, I can send Joey. I'm not sure if you can be trusted with such an important decision."

"I don't think I really need help. If it's a private room and has a bed, I think we're set."

"There is something to be said for cleanliness."

He shrugged a shoulder, "Wont be so bad."

"You are such a guy."

"You complaining?" He arched an eyebrow.

"While it does have its benefits there are just some things that cannot go unaccounted for."

He snickered, "Such as?" He nuzzled her neck.

"Such as cleanliness." She shivered. "I've been scarred by very bad experiences."

"I promise, I'll always stay clean for you." He nipped at her ear lobe.

She licked her lips. "You are just too good to me."

"I donno, you did some pretty good things this evening yourself."

She trailed her hand over his chest. "I was inspired. By the bed. I missed it."

"Yes, the space to maneuver was much appreciated," he brushed his lips over hers ever so lightly.

"I'm beginning to feel inspired again." She smiled against his lips.

He shifted his hips against her thigh, "Me too."

"Good." She grinned wickedly and press her hand against his chest, pushing him onto his back before straddling him. She tossed her hair over her shoulder and smiled. "This time I get to be on top."

He grinned up at her, "I knew you were going to be dominant." He slid his hands up her rib cage and groaned, "Audrey...I really should go..."

She moved above him. "Then think of this as good-bye."

He licked his lips, a groan rumbling low in his throat. "We can be quick."

"Quick," she gasped softly as she slid onto him. "Quick can be good." He thrust his hipd up from the bed, burying himself deeply inside her.

Webmaster's Note: Guys please be patient with it and keep reading because it will be sure worth it.