"Do you think our relationship is purely sexual?" Audrey mused as she turned her head to look at Pacey.

"I wouldn't say purely," he smiled and hugged her closer to him, "but we do tend to spend most of our time between the sheets. Or in the back seat. Or the shower. The back room at Civilization..."

"You just can't get enough of me."

"Ain't that the truth," he growled and nipped at her neck.

She laughed and then sighed contentedly. "I don't think I can move."

"Really?" He grinned, "That sounds like a challenge to me."

She smirked. "Down boy."

"I knew you couldn't keep up with me." He kissed her neck lightly. "So where's Jo tonight?" He asked conversationally. They were in the dorm room that night since his roommate's sister was in town and he'd managed to hold his curiosity about Joey�s whereabouts in check for the first few hours.

"Hopefully having some sweaty, messy sex of her own."

"David?"

She smiled with a nod. "Uh-huh."

"Have you met the mystery man?"

"Yep."

"So, what's he like?"

"Cute."

"Cute? Like I'm cute or like a kitten is cute?"

She grinned. "Oh, he's hot."

He smirked, "As if looks are all that matter."

"They help."

"Not much in the intellectual department then?"

"He's extremely intelligent."

"A hot brainiac? Sounds like Joey's idea of a perfect man."

Audrey smiled. "She'd be the envy of every girl on campus."

"Pardon my confusion, *she�d be*?"

"If anyone else knew."

"No one knows? What's the deal? She ashamed of him?"

She shook her head. "No."

He kissed her neck, flicking his tongue across her pulse point, "So then why?"

She bit her lip. "Um, it's a secret."

"A secret?" He whispered in her ear.

"Uh-huh."

He debated that ethics of seducing the information out of Audrey, and found that he didn't care. His fingers trailed lightly up her spine, eliciting a shiver from his girlfriend. "What kind of secret?"

She smiled slyly. "A big one."

"Big enough to keep from me?" He slid a hand down to cup the curve of her butt, growing hard despite their activities just minutes before.

"I'm not supposed to tell."

I don't think she meant from me," he cajoled, his lips teasing her neck, trailing down to her collarbone.

"Especially from anyone from your creek town."

"Why would she want something like that?" He moved down her body.

She nibbled on her lower lip. "Don't think I don't know what you're doing."

"Want me to stop?" His hot breath tickled her nipple.

She shook her head. "Not particularly."

He flicked his tongue out to touch her, "So what's the secret?"

She pouted. "I'm not that easy."

"Jen knows," he reminded her, his hand splaying over her stomach as he rolled her flat on her back.

"That was an accident."

"So you can let it slip in an accident..." he slid his fingers lower. "Or a moment of passion."

"So," she gasped quietly. "Not fair."

He frowned, overcome by a wave of guilt. "You're right. Forget I asked." He leaned forward and captured her lips in a kiss.

A smile curved her lips beneath his. "It's her Professor and I so did not tell you."

He pulled away to look into her face. "She's dating her professor?"

"I'm not sure there's any actual dating."

He blinked, "Ohhh."

She became serious. "Please, don't tell her I told you."

He swallowed, "I wont, Audrey. I promise." He kissed her softly.

"Thanks."

He forced himself away from thoughts of Joey, "So, are you still feeling like you can't move?"

"I'm thinking I can use a shower."

"Want company?" He arched an eyebrow.

"Always."

Jen glanced nervously at the clock for the tenth time in the last five minutes. Where was Joey? She scanned the radio station for her friend's familiar brown hair. The only person present was Charlie, and as far as she was concerned, he wasn't a part of the human race.

Joey pushed her way through the doors at the Boston Boy College radio station with an exasperated sigh. Her cheeks were flushed and her hair was windblown. She smoothed the strands out with her gloved hand and waved at Jen through the glass window of the DJ booth. Her smile was apologetic when she entered. "Sorry, I'm late."

Jen smiled and held up two fingers to show she was almost ready.

"Good afternoon, Joey," Charlie sidled up beside her, throwing an arm around her shoulder.

"It would have been." She smiled politely and removed his arm from her shoulder.

He shrugged off the slight, "Long time no see."

"Not long enough."

"Jen's right about you, you're such a sweetie." He smiled guilelessly.

A corner of her mouth turned up slightly. "What can I say? You just bring out the best in me."

"I'd be terrified to see your worst."

"Let's keep it that way."

He chuckled, "I do so love a challenge."

"How about the challenge of finding somewhere to be that's not in my vicinity?"

"That's hardly a challenge," he smirked, running his eyes down her body, taking his time before they returned to hers. "Now, winning you over...not only is it a challenge, but it has the sweetest reward."

"I wouldn't hold my breath if I were you."

He just smiled knowingly as Jen emerged from the on air booth. "Charlie, when are you going to stop being a leech and make your own friends. None of mine even like you." She glowered at him.

Charlie only laughed, "Jo, see if you can't cheer her up. She's been quite difficult to work with this last week." Before either girl could do anything to stop him, he kissed Joey on the cheek, and then disappeared into the booth for his shift.

Joey rolled her eyes at Charlie's antics and then smiled softly at Jen. "So what's up?"

"I had the doctors appointment this morning," she sighed heavily and took her jacket from the rack, slipping it on.

"The verdict?"

Jen raised her hazel eyes, the answer clearly evident in their troubled depths.

Joey sighed. "You want to go get something to eat? We can talk."

She nodded, her eyes welling with tears. "Yes."

Joey offered Jen her hand. "Come on."

She sniffed and squeezed her friends long fingers. "I hate this...I'm either on the brink of bawling or about to throw punches." She gave a watery chuckle, "I just about gave the doctor a black eye."

She grinned faintly. "I guess it's understandable."

She swiped at her eyes, "So where should we eat?"

"Wherever you'd like to."

"There's a quiet cafe around the block," she suggested.

"That sounds fine," Joey said holding the front door open for Jen.

Jen forced a smile, determined to change the subject. "So how've you been?"

"Okay. Mostly just trying to get studying done for midterms."

"And things with Audrey?"

"Same as always."

"That good, huh?"

She smiled. "I guess you can say that."

"There's no tension, or anything?"

She shook her head. "Um, no."

She smiled thoughtfully, "Doesn't seem fair."

"What?" Joey asked lowering her head against the cold.

"Well, there I was, dating Dawson and earning your long-standing hatred way back in our sophomore year...and Audrey gets away scot-free." Her joking tone softened the words.

Joey smiled. "I guess I've matured since then."

They walked in silence for a few moments. "Have you ever thought..." she shook her head. "I don't know...but, maybe he wants you to be jealous."

Joey laughed lightly brushing her hair away from her face. "I seriously doubt that."

"It just seems like something he would do. Completely backwards and stupid....but maybe it's his way of testing you, or himself." She laughed, "Or maybe he's just looking to get laid some more."

"I think it definitely has more to do with the former."

"Yeah, probably." She shrugged, "But even that..." She shot her friend a concerned look. "Aren't you at least a little worried for him?"

"Why?"

She shot her a disbelieving look, "He's substituting sex for emotion. I'm worried about him."

"I think Audrey's a step in the right direction."

"Maybe."

"Well, it's his life right?" Joey smiled uncomfortably and raised her gaze to the awning on her left. "Is this the place?"

Yeah," Jen nodded and went inside. The restaurant was a quiet, out of the way place. Perfect for a afternoon of coffee and conversation. "I'm gonna order tea, you want some coffee?"

"Yeah." Joey glanced around. "I'll find a place to sit."

"Mocha with whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles?" Jen smiled knowingly.

Jen returned to find Joey in a corner table, just big enough for two people. She deposited Joey's coffee and her tea on the scarred surface before sitting down. "I'm really not that sure about Pacey and Audrey together....they just seem too alike, ya know? They both use sex to keep themselves emotionally distant."

Joey offered a small smile as she raised her cup to her lips. "Did we come here to discuss Pacey and Audrey or you?"

"Me. Which is why we're discussing Audrey and Pacey."

"And what do Audrey and Pacey have to do with you?"

"Nothing." She took a sip of her tea and grimaced as it burnt the tip of her tongue. "Which is why they're the perfect topic of conversation."

"I'm sure."

"Jack agrees with me. But he's not exactly sure that it's just sex between them." She wrinkled her nose.

"Well, whatever. It's really only Pacey and Audrey's business."

"He thinks one or the other is gonna fall in love." Jen continued on, not ready to give up this line of conversation to talk about her own problems. "But I just can't see that happening. On the other hand, we don't know Audrey well enough, but Pacey...Pacey isn't always great about separating sex and love. At least, when it comes to more than one night stands."

"It seems like he's had a lot of practice though."

"Like I said, all one night stands. When he doesn't have to see them again, sure, it's easy enough to forget. But he and Audrey have a relationship...a sexual one, but still a relationship. And Audrey's a beautiful, smart, funny woman, who doesn't take shit from him." Jen shrugged a shoulder. "I think Jack might have a point."

"I think a relationship would be good for both Pacey and Audrey. They've been kind of aimless."

"No, I agree with that. They both need a focus and to let down some of their walls. But, I'm just not sure they should be doing it with each other."

"Why not?"

"Gut instinct. Think of it is mother's intuition."

Joey laughed. "Relax."

Jen straightened indignantly, "I am relaxed."

"Then stop worrying about Pacey and Audrey."

She leaned forward conspiratorially. "I'm not sure Jack is comfortable at home."

"Jen," Joey said with a whine. "You. We're talking about you. Not Jack. Not Audrey. Not Pacey. Not me. You."

She sighed and leaned back against the cracked vinyl of the chair. "Do we have to?"

"Yes."

She pouted.

"Jen, you've just found out you're pregnant. I think that warrants a discussion. A pretty big one if you ask me."

"I think I'm still in the denial stage."

"Have you told anyone besides me?"

"Do you mean, have I told Dawson yet?"

"Yes."

"Then, no. Actually, I haven't told anyone."

"You're going to have to tell him, Jen."

"I know, I know..." She frowned, "It's just, every time I start to work up the nerve, I take one look into those eyes..."

Joey frowned. "I can't imagine it'll be easy."

"It's just...he's got so much going for him. He finally got his feet back under him after Mitch's death, and really delving into film school... Do you realize that his sister would only be a year older than his own child?"

"So you're going to have it?"

She sighed, "That was a hypothetical. I don't know what I'm going to do."

"I wish I could be more help."

Jen smiled faintly, "You are..."

Joey reached across the table and squeezed Jen's hand. "You really need to talk to Dawson."

"I know. And I will." She set her mouth determinedly. "I just have to find the right time."

"Anytime will be the right time."

"I just don't know how I can do this to him. And Grams...she's been so understanding about everything. She's taken Dawson in just like she did Jack, and look at how we repay her. She's going to be so disappointed. And Gale? What's she going to think of me after this?"

Joey sighed. "I know it's going to be hard, Jen."

She let out a shaky breath...."I--I don't exactly....I could always..." Her eyes welled with tears. "No one has to know."

Joey's own eyes threatened tears and she walked around the table to give Jen a hug. "Honey, listen no one else has to know right now. Don't even worry about telling Dawson. But, I do think you should talk to someone. A professional that can help you decide what to do."

She accepted the hug gratefully, "I wont do anything without Dawson's knowing...it's his baby too." She sniffed, "He's just so happy right now. With the film he just made, and now...Oliver wants him to direct another of his screen plays."

"Tell Dawson, Jen. It's really the best thing you can do. He'd be able to help you with this better than I could."

"I know." She sighed, pulling away and wiping her eyes. "I just never thought this would be so hard."

"I know..."

"God," she laughed tearfully, "Could you even see me as a mom?"

"I'm sure you'd be a great mother Jen."

"I can barely remember to water the plants."

Joey cracked a small smile. "Believe me, a baby will be sure to remind you to feed it."

Jen had to smile at that, "I don't think I could ignore the dirty diapers either."

"No, that'll be kind of tough."

With a sigh, she touched her stomach, "It just seems surreal."

"I can hardly believe it myself."

"I always thought you would be the first to have a kid, ya know? A planned one." She clarified.

"Me?"

"Yeah," she nodded. "You've always seemed like the one to settle down first. First to find a career you love, a man you love....get the house, the car, the kids..." She shrugged. "I mean, for obvious reasons Jack isn't going to be the first to start a family, even if he finds a life partner, it takes years to go through the adoption process. Pacey...he may have a job he loves, but the rest may will still be a long time in coming. If ever. Dawson...we all knew he was going to succeed as a director before he even tackles marriage and children. That leaves me....and I never thought I'd have kids. But you..." she shrugged a shoulder again. "I guess I just always pictured you as having it all."

"I thought you'd attend Vassar meet the man of your dreams and settle down in a renovated farm house in Connecticut with your 3.5 children," Joey said with a smile as she sat back down across from Jen.

"Vassar, huh?" She smiled wryly, "And here, I decided to follow Jack to Boston Bay." She shook her head. "God, how things change."

"You're telling me."

"So...what's going on with you and the Professor?"

Joey shrugged. "Not much that you don't already know about."

"It just seems so strange...you with a professor." She shook his head. "I hope he's at least good looking."

"Are you questioning my taste in men?" Joey raised a dubious eyebrow.

She giggled, "Well, considering all the men you and I have in common, that would be insulting to me. So no."

She stuck her tongue between her teeth. "Thought so."

"Still...An older man? You have to admit, it's out of character."

"It's in character for the new and improved Joey Potter."

"Apparently the new and improved Joey Potter is quite the popular one. I mean, four men after you all at once? I wish I was able to improve that much."

"Four?" Joey rolled her eyes. "Hardly."

"Professor, Elliot, Charlie, Pacey," she ticked names off on her fingers, "Five if you count the brunette behind the counter who's been staring at you since we came in."

"First of all, Charlie will hit on anything with breasts and Pacey is involved with Audrey. I think the pregnancy is actually killing brain cells."

"We already discussed Pacey being involved with Audrey, it's sex, pure and simple. And he does it because it's a way to stay emotionally distant. Hmm...I can't seem to remember, who was the last woman he had a serious relationship with?" she tapped her finger to her chin as Joey glared at her. "Okay, all joking aside. He's till got a torch for you. And as for Charlie...once he sets his sights on something..."

"Please, there's hardly a sincere bone in his body."

"I won't doubt that. Doesn't mean he's going to stop pursuing you."

"Doesn't mean anything's going to happen," Joey replied smugly.

"I know. He's scum. You'd never sink that low. But, that still doesn't dispute the point that you have four guys with the hots for you."

"Two guys," Joey corrected.

"Five," she gestured with her eyes to the man approaching their table. "It looks like coffee guy is about hit on you."

Joey groaned burying her head in her hands.