"And so the cycle continues..." Pacey grumbled, blindly being led along the sidewalk by Audrey. "You know, I'm really not against the blindfold thing, Aud. But I like it far more in the bedroom than out on the cold Boston streets."

"And here I thought you were into the whole exhibition thing." She grinned dragging him down the sidewalk, her eyes brightened as Grams' house came into view. "We're almost there. So quit your whining."

"I am," he grinned. "In the summer months. And where exactly are we going?"

"It's a surprise." She led him up the front steps. "Watch your step."

He awkwardly managed to avoid tripping and groaned, "And which one of my lovely friends can I thank for informing you of my day of birth?"

"It was a group effort."

"And did they also warn you of the curse? Or the fact I hate surprises?"

"Well, if this doesn't work out, I'll try to talk to Jen about that threesome."

He grinned, "Now that's a birthday present."

"I thought you'd appreciate that." She waited a few seconds before opening the front door.

"Surprise?" Jack said stupidly as he stood in the hallway, a beer in his hand. "Audrey, you were supposed to warn us you were here," he grumbled. Behind him, the fairly large crowd of people were milling. To the right, the living room had been cleared of furniture and people were dancing in the cleared space, the stereo blasting loud music.

"It's cool, McPhee." Pacey pulled his blindfold off, "I'd prefer to be inconspicuous."

"Uh, he-llo, I told you eight o'clock," Audrey said, pulling off her coat.

He checked his watch, "Oh." He smiled sheepishly at Pacey, "Sorry, man. Happy Birthday."

"Thanks, Jackers." He replied wryly, not at all surprised by the absentmindedness of all his friends.

Joey came in through the door behind Charlie, her face flushed as she clutched a gift in a gloved hand. She brushed her hair out of her face. "Are we late?"

"Festivities are just beginning," Jack said, "Beer's in the kitchen."

"Sorry, the meeting ran a little longer than expected." She tugged off her gloves and stuffed them in her pocket before taking off her coat.

"Those back seat trysts tend to do that," Pacey replied glibly.

"It was for the Rose Lazare project. Charlie offered me a ride to the party." Pacey gave her a concerned look, knowing that Professor Sleazy would have been there.

"Well, you haven't missed much," Audrey said brightly, "We just got here ourselves."

"Good." She smiled tightly and shoved the gift at Pacey. "Happy birthday." She turned to Jack, heading for the kitchen. "You said beer's in the kitchen, right?"

"You know it." Jack chuckled. "Keep an eye on how much she drinks, Charlie." He added as the other man started to follow Joey. "She's a light weight."

"So, tell me, Jackers. Where have you hidden Grams?" Pacey barely glanced at the gift in his hands, putting it on a side table to be forgotten, and then slipped out of his coat.

"She volunteered to make herself scarce. I think she had a date." He grinned raising his beer bottle to his lips. "Jen has her suspicions."

"Go Grams." Pacey smirked. "Okay, Liddel, let's see some of those dance moves of yours." He caught her hand and pulled her toward the dance floor.

"So, you came with Charlie?" Jen laughed faintly, running into Joey an hour or so later as she was exiting the bathroom.

Joey shrugged. "I needed a ride and he offered."

"He's given a new definition to persistent." The blonde smiled faintly. "You're weakening, Jo."

She shook her head. "I am not."

"Denial," Jen singsonged. "Not that I'm one to talk."

"He's just like a dog I can't bring myself to kick. That's all."

Jen laughed aloud at that. "Such a perfect description."

Joey's toned softened. " How are you doing?"

"I'm--I'm okay." She said hesitantly, dropping her hazel eyes to the floor. "Before you ask, I haven't told him yet."

"You'll have to tell him soon."

"I know." She sighed, resting her hand on her abdomen. "It just...there's hasn't been the right time."

"I can imagine that it's hard," Joey said sympathetically. "But the longer you wait, it just makes it harder."

"Thanks, but I don't need the lecture. I know what I'm doing." She said curtly.

Joey sighed. "Fine."

"I'm sorry. I just have a lot on my mind...and mood swings, you know." She shrugged a lithe shoulder.

"Yeah, I know." Joey gazed out at the crowded living room. "I can't imagine this party is any help."

"It's Pacey's birthday, he deserves it," Jen forced a smile. "Besides, it's keeping me distracted."

Joey smiled weakly. "I guess that's good."

"I'll be fine," Jen assured her, hooking her arm through Joey's. "Honestly."

"Good."

"So where has that puppy dog of yours gotten to?"

Joey smiled. "Wherever he is, let's hope he stays there."

Jen laughed, "I agree."

"There you are." Dawson came up behind Jen, wrapping his arms around her. "I've been looking for you."

"Well, you found me." She said weakly, feeling guilty under his generous affection.

"I feel like I've barely seen you all week."

"Things have been crazy," She shrugged, leaning against his chest, absorbing the comfort he offered.

He pressed a kiss against her cheek. "Want to dance?"

"I'd love to, but someone should go check on the food supply. And make sure the upstairs bedrooms are still locked. And then there's--"

"I'll do it," Joey volunteered quickly, offering Jen a faintly apologetic smile.

Dawson grinned. "See? Joey can handle it."

"Yeah, Thanks Jo." Jen shot her friend a look before smiling up at Dawson. "Let's hit the dance floor then."

"No problem. I'll go check on the food." Joey gestured to the kitchen before disappearing in that direction.

"Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," Joey muttered, pulling out two bottles of Coke from the fridge and setting them on the counter.

Charlie shrugged stuffing his hands into the front pockets of his jeans. "Are you sure? You look kind of pissed."

"I'm not." She began to rifle through the cabinets in a search for more chips.

He leaned back against the counter casually. "You just have that look on your face."

She paused in front of the open cabinet above the sink and tossed him a mildly curious glance over her shoulder. "What look?"

"The look you usually get after seeing Dawson and Jen together. Not quite jealousy, but not quite friendly either."

Joey frowned, and shook her head, shutting the cabinet door closed before moving onto the next one. "You're delusional."

He held up his hands. "Hey, I just call them like I see them."

"What are you still doing here?" She raised an eyebrow as she pulled a bag of Fritos out of the cabinet, and shut it. She turned to him. "I think it's been made more than clear that it'll be a cold day in hell before I sleep with you."

"I have a direct line to Satan now, things are looking up." He grinned.

Joey smiled in spite of herself, and opened the bag of Fritos, pouring them inside of the empty bowl on the counter beside him. "One of these days I'm going to kick you."

"Kinky." He flashed a charming grin, revealing his dimples and folded his arms across his chest. "But not tonight?"

She shook her head with a small sigh and a slight twitch of her lips. "No. Not tonight."

"If you've got your heart set on it, I can volunteer, Charlie." Pacey smirked, leaning against the doorway to the kitchen, sweat glimmering from his brow, his undershirt clinging to his skin.

Charlie smiled in amusement. "Thanks man, but I'll pass."

"Figured as much," he chuckled, entering the room to shift through the refrigerator. "God, it's hot out there. I swear, the body heat could make you forget that it's below freezing outside."

"Who knew you had so many friends?" Joey commented lightly, grabbing the bowl in her hands.

"I know all of ten people here." He replied, "Not that I'm complaining."

Joey cocked her head toward the soda on the counter. "Can you grab the soda for me, Charlie? I promised Jen I'd stock up on refreshments."

"No problem." He grabbed the 2-liter and the stack of plastic cups and carried them into the living room.

"I see you've got your own little fan club going." Pacey fished an ice cube out of the freezer and ran it over his forehead in an effort to cool down.

She rolled her eyes, heading for the door. "Whatever."

"You're mad at me." He pointed out, the thought just occurring to him.

She raised an eyebrow. "What's your point?"

He shrugged a shoulder, trailing the melting ice cube down his neck. "Just an observation. I was wondering when my birthday would turn ugly."

"Yeah, I think you're doing a fine job of that all by yourself."

"Oh, really?" He lifted an eyebrow, "And here I thought I was rather well behaved so far."

"Mediocrity at its best."

"Thank you," He gave her a travesty of a smile.

"Yeah, happy birthday," she said dryly before leaving the room to deliver the chips.

"Yeah, Jo," he repeated after she was gone. "Thank you for reminding me why I we broke up."

"Hey gorgeous," Pacey slid through a group of sweaty dancers and sat down on the couch pushed against the wall. He flashed Audrey a brilliant smile and slid a fresh ice cube along her neck.

She shivered moving back instinctively. "And where have you been, handsome?"

"Devising ways to cool you down. Which," he smirked, "Now that I come to think of it, probably isn't the smartest thing I could be doing."

She smiled. "Well, you're usually pretty good at making me hot."

"I'll be doing plenty of that tonight, believe me." He trailed the ice cube down her neck, tracing her collarbone.

She grinned. "I'm counting it."

"Fuck," he groaned aloud.

"Soon."

He laughed, "No, I forgot, Ryan's coming home tonight. He's bringing his sister with him."

"Is that your way of saying your place is out?"

"Yeah," he sighed. "My place is out."

"And my dorm is out for obvious reasons."

"*Painfully* obvious reasons." He tossed the ice cube into an empty glass, pulling Audrey across his lap.

She smiled thoughtfully. "You know this can just lead to some creativity."

"You wont make me think on my birthday, will you?" He pouted.

"I'm surprised you'd let something like this cockblock you." She trailed her finger along his collar bone, raising her gaze up to the ceiling. "You know there are plenty of bedrooms available right here."

"See now, I would never thought of defiling House de la Grams that way." He caught her hand, kissing the tips of her fingers. "I knew there was a reason I loved you."

"Yes, I am extremely clever."

"Let's go."

She climbed off his lap and grabbed his hand, leading the way. "Come on."

"I'd follow you anywhere, Audrey." He trailed after her, flashing Jen and Dawson and grin as he passed them.

She tossed him a flirtatious smile over her shoulder as she led him up the stairs. "I bet you say that to all the girls."

"Just the easy blondes," he shrugged a shoulder.

"I hear there are plenty of those."

"I'm only interested in one. Ya seen her around? I was hoping she'd come."

She smiled. "I'll be on the look out."

"In the mean time..." He squeezed her hand, tugging her back against his chest. "You'll do."

"I'm honored."

"As well you should be," He cupped her cheek, lowering his lips to hers.

Audrey pulled away, slightly breathless. "Pick a door. Any door."

"Any door that doesn't lead to Grams' room." He pointed to the nearest, "Door number one."

"I bet Grams' bed is pretty big."

"Even you aren't worth the emotional scars that would leave." He opened the door to Jack's room, and tugged her in behind him.

Audrey grinned glancing around the room. "I bet you this is the first time this bed is seeing any action."

"Sweetheart, you're seriously ruining the moment." He fell back on the bed, holding his arms out for Audrey to join him.

"I'm sorry," she murmured moving to straddle him. "What was I thinking?"

"There now, this is way more like it." He settled his hands on her hips, sliding them up beneath her shirt.

Audrey grinned down at him, arching an eyebrow. "So what are you up for birthday boy?"

"Something that'll make me all hot and sweaty." He stroked her back slowly, working up to the clasp of her bra.

She rested her hands on his chest, lowering her mouth to his. "I think I can manage that."

"I have the utmost faith in you," he murmured against her lips, his mouth falling open under her assault.

"Must you follow me everywhere?" Joey said checking the door of Jen's bedroom and making sure it was locked. She moved on down the hall to the next door, Charlie trailing behind her.

"Hey, there are some pretty unsavory characters down there. I'm just doing this for your benefit."

"Oh, I'm sure," she said, clearly not buying it. She tested the knob on Grams' door and after making sure it was locked, moved across the hall to Jack's door.

"I am hurt," Charlie said, feigning upset at her words. He moved to lean against the wall by the door. "I can guarantee that my motives are purely altruistic."

"You're so full of it." He grinned. "Face it, my unique charm is growing on you."

She raised an eyebrow. "Hmm, would that be like a fungus?" She twisted the knob to Jack's door, surprised to find it open and stopped in surprise, before she could lock it. At the look on her face, Charlie peered around the door frame. "What? Jack has some kinky gay porn ring going on?" He let out an amused chuckle.

"Oh, hey Potter." Pacey looked passed Audrey's bare shoulder to grin at the brunette. "You wanna join us and really make this a birthday to remember?"

Joey stood there dumbly for a moment before she could speak. "Next time lock the door." She stepped out of the room and pulled the door shut behind her.

"I wasn't aware Audrey was that flexible," Charlie said wryly.

Joey wiped her palms on the front of her skirt. "Well, I guess that takes care of all the rooms." She headed for the stairs.

"You want to go get a breath of fresh air?" He asked, following her down the stairs, his forehead creased with concern.

She shook her head. "Why would I want to do that? It's freezing outside."

"Okay, dumb question." He shrugged, "Dance with me then?"

"You can dance?"

"I'm good at it, to boot." He grinned as she turned to look up at him on the stairs. "My list of talents is endless."

She appeared to think about it for a moment, before shrugging and reaching for his hand. "I'll risk it."

"You do love taking risk where I'm concerned, now don't you?"

"It's kind of a prerequisite when it comes to you."

"I knew I'd wear you down," He smiled confidently.

Several hours later, Pacey wove through the crowd of strangers, a beer clasped in his hand, and he concentrated on keeping it from spilling as he walked. "Well, well, well," He stumbled to a stop spotting Joey and Charlie on the couch in front of him, the blonde's arm around Joey's shoulder. "If it isn't Siamese twins."

Joey glanced up at him. "Where's Audrey?"

"Around," he squeezed himself in next to Joey and the edge of the couch.

"Oh." Joey shared a look with Charlie before moving down on the couch.

He took a long drink from his beer. "Great party," he said, then frowning at his drink. "But it could have used stronger booze."

"We'll make a note of that for next time."

"Considerate of you," he smirked at her, and took another drink. His knee jiggling impatiently.

Joey smiled halfheartedly before turning to Charlie. "I'm feeling kind of thirsty. I'm going to get something to drink."

"Think you can handle sitting here by your lonesome, Todd?" Pacey arched an eyebrow.

Charlie leaned back in his seat, watching Joey as she stood. "I think I can manage."

"Well, I'm shocked." Pacey chuckled to himself, standing as well. "I feel like dancing."

"I'll be right back," Joey said, before heading off to the refreshment table.

"I'm sure he'll be out of his mind with longing, Potter," Pacey called after her, winking at Charlie, "No offense, man."

Charlie waved it off, visibly amused. "None taken."

Pacey waved a hand in parting and moved into the crowd of dancers, moving to the music with whoever he found himself near. He continued nursing his beer, number who-gives-a-damn. For once his birthday wasn't going to hell in hand basket.

Pacey spotted Joey trying to work her way through the crowd, two bottles of Miller Lite in her hands. Abandoning his now empty bottle, he caught her elbow, stealing one of the beers from her, tipping his head back as he took a long drink.

She raised an eyebrow, her brown eyes filled with mild concern. "Don't you think you've had enough?"

He rolled his eyes, "It's Lite beer, this stuff couldn't get a five-year-old drunk." He took another lengthy swallow, his Adam�s apple bobbing several times. "Dance with me."

She shook her head, prepared to walk away. "I don't really feel like dancing."

"Dance with me," he asked again. Handing his drink to a black-haired guy passing by, he took her hand, pulling her toward him.

"Later," she said, trying to pull away and held up her bottle. "Let me finish my drink."

"Please? It's my birthday." He stuck out his lower lip in a boyish pout.

She frowned setting her bottle down on an end table with a hint of misgiving. "Fine."

"Such a kind and giving soul," he slipped his arms around her.

"You must be really drunk if you want to dance."

"To dance with you, no less." He said carelessly, feeling pleasantly warm and fuzzy.

She smiled tightly. "Yeah..."

He smoothed his hand down her back, resting it on the curve just above her ass. "Our rib cages are touching."

A corner of her mouth turned up slightly. "Then we're doing it right."

"For once." He grinned down at her, "What'd ya get me for my birthday?"

"I'm not going to tell you."

He pouted, "Not even a hint?"

She shook her head. "Not one."

"You are the queen of mean. Now I'm not giving you *your* present."

"What are you talking about?"

His brow furrowed, "I said something?"

She shook her head in disbelief. "You know what? Never mind."

"You look beautiful tonight," he said abruptly.

She glanced up in surprise at the unexpected compliment. "Um, thanks."

He shrugged a shoulder, spinning her around with a mischievous grin, before yanking her back against him. "I am so much better when I'm drunk."

"Let's see if you think the same thing tomorrow morning."

"Morning shmorning."

She smiled. "That's easy to say now."

He laughed, "Sure is." He paused, "Maybe you can have your present anyway."

She raised an eyebrow curiously. "And what is this mysterious present you keep referring to?"

"It's in the car. I put it there when...." His face contorted in confusion. "When..."

She smirked. "Don't hurt yourself."

He stuck his tongue out at her. "When I moveded. From the boat."

"Ah." She nodded slowly, brushing her hair behind her ear.

"Moveded....mov...moo...moveded." He played with the word, finding his inability to say it right amusing.

Joey smiled faintly as the song came to an end, pulling away. "Okay, we danced."

"Not gonna give me my present?"

"I gave you your present already. What did you do with it?"

"Umm..."

She nodded. "Thought so."

"Where'd I put it?" He wondered.

"Think on it." She turned away and reached for her beer, before moving through the crowd to return to her seat.

"Potter.....you're going to love me!" Pacey declared, standing in front of her, his hands behind his back.

She eyed him dubiously. "I am?"

"I know, you didn't think it was possible to love me more than you already do." He grinned disarmingly, tossing a small box into her lap. "I found it."

Her gaze dropped to her lap. "What is it?"

He laughed, "I don't exactly remember."

"Oh." She carefully picked up the box and examined it for a moment without opening it. "Thanks."

"Welcome."

"There you are," Audrey sidled up beside Pacey, sliding an arm around his waist. "It's time to get you home before you pass out, birthday boy."

Joey shot Audrey a look. "That's a really good idea."

"I donno what you ladies are talking about." He leaned heavily against Audrey. "I'm perfectly sober."

"Which is why you can't even say the word sober without slurring, right honey?" Audrey rolled her eyes.

"Maybe Jack can help you?" Joey told Audrey.

Audrey laughed, "Have you seen Jack? He's in worse shape."

"Dawson?"

"He and Jen went upstairs hours ago." She waved a hand, "Don't worry, I can handle him."

Pacey smirked, "She sure can."

Joey shrugged. "If you're sure."

"I am." Audrey sighed, "He's virtually harmless."

Joey smiled. "I'll see you back at the dorm then."

"G'night, you two." She smiled knowingly at Joey. "I wont wait up."

Joey rolled her eyes. "Just be careful."

"We will, I didn't drink much." She pulled away from Pacey, who stumbled. "Sit tight, Pace. I'm going to get our coats."

"We'll keep an eye on him," Charlie piped up.

"I don't need a baby sitter, Charles."

Joey leaned over to whisper something in Charlie's ear and then laughed. "I'm gonna go find, Audrey," Pacey walked, or rather, stumbled after his girlfriend.

"So, you gonna open it?" Charlie arched a curious eyebrow, noticing as she followed Pacey and Audrey out the door with her eyes.

Her eyes snapped back to Charlie. "What?"

"The present you got on Pacey's birthday." His lips curved in amusement.

"Oh, yeah." Her gaze dropped back to the box on her lap and she opened it.

Charlie gave a sharp whistle as the purple amethyst set in a gold ring glinted in the light. He looked from the ring to Joey's face, her brown eyes wide with surprise.

"It's nice."

"Very nice," he agreed, trying to read her expression. Joey snapped the box shut and smiled up at him. He smiled gently at her, "You know, Joey Potter, your friends may all be open books, but you...you're a mystery."

"A little mystery�s a good thing."

"Maybe, maybe not." He shrugged, "Why'd Pacey give you a present?"

She shrugged. "I have no idea."

"Sure, ya don't..." He repeated slowly. "Are you ready to go home?"

She ran a hand through her hair, glancing around at the dwindling guests. "Yeah, I guess so."

He stood up, and reached out a hand for her. "I suppose it'd be pretty pointless to ask you to come home with me, wouldn't it?"

She smiled, sliding the box into her pocket as she climbed to her feet. "Yeah."

"Joey, Would you like to spend the night with me tonight?" He asked anyway.

"Tenacious, aren't you?"

"You ain't seen nothin' yet."

She smiled faintly. "I think I'd be disappointed otherwise."

"I'm telling ya," he slid an arm around her waist, "You're starting to fall for me."

"You wish."

"What's your point?" He winked at her, leading her to the coat rack.

Joey reached for her coat and pulled it on, along with her gloves. "You won't be able to handle me, Charlie."

"Wont know until you let me try." He challenged, fishing his keys out of his coat pocket.

"I'm not that hard up."

"You'll let me know when you are, though, right?" He smiled teasingly at her.

"I'll think about it."

"Good enough for me." He jangled his keys, "Let's go."

Joey wrapped her arms around herself and shivered as soon as they stepped out the door. "God, it's cold."

"There are ways I could keep you warm," he reminded her.

She bit her lip. "I welcome frostbite."

He laughed, "I am so not buying it, Josephine."

"I do."

"I think you just like being pursued."

She shifted her weight from foot to foot, burying her hands in her pockets. "You're just not my type."

"Let me guess, your type is currently tall, dark, and drunk off his ass. Am I right?" He arched an all to perceptive eyebrow.

She rolled her eyes. "Not at all."

"Okay." He caught her hand, leading her to the motorcycle. "Hop on."

"I think it is insane to be riding a motorcycle in this weather," Joey stated as she straddled the bike, pinching her skirt under her legs.

"It's all I've got, toots."

She sighed. "Guess, I can't complain then."

"I wouldn't recommend it." He handed her his helmet.

"I should have looked into a cab."

"Shut up and hold on," he said with a smirk, climbing onto the bike and gunning the engine.

"How demanding," Joey said dryly, wrapping her arms around him.

The trip from Grams house to Worthington was quick, if absolutely frigid. He pulled the motorcycle in up close to the front doors to her dorm and cut the engine. "Home sweet home, Miss Potter."

Her teeth chattered. "I think my legs are frozen stiff."

He reached behind him and ran his hands up and down her legs, "I'm sorry about that."

"I would so kick you now if I could."

He slid off the bike and regarded her, "You seriously can't move?"

She shifted slightly in the seat. "It's just a little difficult."

His lips curved into a sexy smile. "Most men would take advantage of the situation."

She glared at him. "Shut up."

"Good thing for me, I'm like most men," He cupped her cheek, tilting her scowling lips up at him.

Her gaze landed on his mouth, her breath forming a warm cloud of vapor in the cold air. "I can still kick your ass."

"I'm counting on it, Jo." He murmured, lowering his lips to hers in a brief caress.

She lowered her lashes, her lips parting slightly against his of their own volition. "It's too cold for this."

"There's this strange rumor I heard," he murmured against her lips, kissing her more completely.

"And what's that?"

He pulled away just far enough to trace her bottom lip with the pad of his thumb, "That it's hell of a lot warmer inside."

She smiled softly. "Nice try, but I do have a roommate."

"So?"

"That means you can't come inside with me."

"But you want me to?"

"Maybe."

"I'll settle for a maybe," he flashed her a smile before claiming her lips again in a far more heated kiss.

She braced her hands lightly on his shoulders, weakly pushing him away, as she struggled for breath. "Okay, I really need to go inside. I wasn't kidding about freezing."

"I know," he ran a hand through his spiked hair, his breath coming in rapid puffs of white. He held out a hand to her, offering his aid.

She winced visibly as she climbed off the bike. "Thanks."

"You want me to walk you up?"

She shook her head. "That's okay."

"Ya sure?" He asked doubtfully, taking her helmet in his hands.

She nodded. "I'm sure."

"All right then," he pulled his helmet on. "Have a good night, Joey."

She smiled. "You too, Charlie."

He waited until she was safely inside before revving his engine loudly, and then speeding away.