Lost Love Found

By: Manna

Disclaimer: None of the characters belong to me.
Author's Notes: I started this story at the beginning of Season 4, when Pacey and Joey were still going strong. I had no idea where the writers would take us, and I don't know where they're gonna end it. Just so you know, Eddie, Charlie, and Audrey never existed, and Dawson & Joey didn't sleep together until much later. Please send me feedback…let me know what you think.

Prologue

August 2001

The phone rang, and on the second ring, Bessie answered, "Potter Bed & Breakfast…"

"Bessie, you have to come get me. I can't be here. Please," Joey was crying.

"Slow down Jo. Tell me what's wrong."

"He's here."

"Who's where?"

"Pacey, he's here."

Bessie suddenly saw the whole picture, "He's there, at Worthington? As a student?"

"He might as well be. He's here in Boston, and I think he's working for the dean."

"Have you talked to him?"

"NO! What would I say, 'Hey remember me? I'm the one that you dumped, and didn't tell that you were leaving. Now what are you doing at my school?' I don't think so."

"Ok, sorry that I asked. You've seen him, has he seen you?"

"I don't know Bessie. But it's not like he doesn't know that I'm here."

"That's true Jo. But maybe you're the reason that he is there."

"Right Bessie. That's it. I don't think so, remember, HE broke up with ME."

"Yes, but you've been apart all summer little sis. Maybe he's realized that he screwed up and wants to make things right."

"I can't handle this Bess. I can't handle rejection again. It will positively kill me."

"I'm not coming to get you, no matter how much you whine. You need to talk to him. Otherwise you'll be running from Pacey Witter for the rest of your life."

"Fine, I'll talk to him. But I'll have you know that I'm not happy about this."

"When are you ever?"

"Goodnight Bessie."

"Goodnight and good luck Jo."

"Thanks, I'll need it."

The next afternoon, Joey sat in her room trying to relax. She'd been on edge all day and hadn't slept well the night before. And of course she'd had a day full of classes, and she'd been unable to concentrate during any of them. All she could think about was how to approach Pacey and what to say to him, yet she still had no idea. Just then she heard a knock at the door and yelled, "It's open!" She could use a visitor, anything to get her mind off of Pacey. She watched as the door eased open, and wondered who it could possibly be. Then she saw him, "Pacey," her heart began to beat faster.

"What are you doing here? Wait, how did you know where I live?" she asked with a tone of anger.

"I have connections."

"Whatever, what are you doing here," her voice was stern now.

"Can't an old friend just stop by and say hi?"

"Not if that friend is you, no."

"But I suppose Dawson would be welcome."

"Don't start that Pacey. He and I are history – have been since before us."

"Were you really?"

"Pacey. I'm not going to go through this with you again. Change the subject NOW…or leave. I know you Pacey…you want something."

"Do you? Know me that is."

"I thought I did once. But then you ran away after breaking my heart without as much as a goodbye. So, you must want something, after ignoring all of my attempts at communication during the last three months."

"You're right Jo. I do want something. I want to apologize."

"Wow, that's gotta be a first," Joey noticed the glare that Pacey gave her, "Fine, I'm listening."

"I'm sorry that I ever hurt you Joey. I never meant to do that. I realized over the summer just how stupid I had been. I should have told you that I was leaving. There are a lot of things that I should have done, but didn't, and I apologize."

Joey glared at him, her arms crossed over her chest, "Do you think that because you apologized, everything will fine between us again?"

"Not at all, but I'm hoping that it was a step in the right direction."

"It was a start Witter, but you still have a long way to go."

"I want to try if you'll let me."

"We'll see," deep inside, Joey couldn't be happier. She longed to have him back in her life.

December 2001

Joey drove the fifteen minutes to Pacey's apartment, and thinking about the conversation from coffee that evening, hoped that he wouldn't be mad at her when she told him of her plan.

Joey looked around the table at her three closest friends. Despite the drastic turns that each of them had encountered during their first semester of college, she had remained close with Jen, Jack, and Dawson. They had made a pact to get together every Tuesday, just for a break from the normal stress and hassles of college life. They also vowed that nothing would separate them. Andie was still in Europe, so Pacey was the only one missing. Every couple of weeks someone would ask about him – yeah, like anyone would keep a secret about knowing where he was. At least that's what the others thought. Little did they know that she'd been back with Pacey since the middle of September. It was killing her to keep this secret from them, but Pacey had made her promise. No matter how much she told him that they really wanted to know how he was doing.

The conversation had been the usual, Jack talking about Tobey, and then Jen changed the subject talking about some cute guy she'd seen at lunch. Then there was Dawson blabbing first about his newest project. Then there was the subject that had her worked up the most.

Dawson said, "Hey, what does everyone have planned for Christmas Break?"

Jen said, "Well, besides spending quality time with Grams and working, not much."

Jack smiled before answering, "I'm going to spend a week with Tobey before going to see Andie."

The three of them had then looked at Joey, "I really haven't thought about it." She knew that it was a blatant lie. She wanted to spend as much time with Pacey as possible, but she couldn't tell them that.

Dawson then said, "Well, mom called me just before I left to make sure that I remembered to invite you to the Annual Leery Christmas Party. And anyone who wants to stay at the house in more than welcome."

Jen grinned, "How could I say no to an offer like that? You can count on me."

She looked at Jack, "Of course I'll be there."

Once again all eyes were on Joey. She shrugged her shoulders, "That sounds like a good idea. Besides, Bessie would love to see me."

What Dawson had said next caught her off guard, "Do you think that Pacey might surface in Capeside over break?" Dawson and Pacey had begun to mend their ways before Pacey disappeared. In fact, Dawson had been the last person to talk to Pacey, surprisingly enough. And in the few months since coming to college, Dawson had come to the realization that Joey would probably never be his. That she truly did love Pacey. He could tell by the glazed look she got whenever they talked about him. But, he still had hope for one day.

Jen then said, "Yeah, it would be great to see him, and find out what he's been up to."

Joey wanted to scream out, "Pacey's great! I go home to him almost every night!"

Jack chimed in, "Ok, I'll ask the question, has anyone talked to Pacey?"

Again she wanted to yell, "I talked to him a few hours ago." Joey hated lying to them, but she just couldn't change Pacey's mind.

Joey now found herself outside of Pacey's apartment. She walked up to the door, and not bothering to knock, just let herself in. The living room and kitchen were both empty, so she figure he was already in bed. After changing in the bathroom, she quietly crept into the bedroom and crawled into bed next to him.

Pacey flipped on the lamp next to the bed, "I was wondering when you would get here."

Joey gave him a quick kiss, "Everyone seemed extra chatty tonight."

"What about?" Even though Pacey wasn't sure that he was ready to face all of his friends, whom he had hurt in the past as well, he enjoyed hearing about their lives.

"Mainly about Christmas Break. It's only two weeks away. Jen's hanging with Grams, Jack's splitting his time between Tobey and Andie, and Dawson's going home."

"And what are your plans?" Pacey realized that they really hadn't talked much about it. Although he hoped that she'd want to spend it with him.

"Um, yeah, about that. I'm thinking about going home." She saw the look that he gave her, "I know, but Bessie's been begging me to come. And she realizes that I want to spend my time with you, so she wants you to come to. She wants to see you as much as everyone else does. Although, at least she knows where you are. She even said that she ran into Doug and he misses you."

"I don't want to go back there. I'll just stay here."

"You don't even want to go just so that you can be with me."

"Sorry."

"Well, there's something else too. I kinda told Dawson that I'd go to Gale's annual party. Please don't be mad at me," she grimaced. "But Dawson asked if we thought you might show up in Capeside over break. So I want you to go. We don't even have to show up together if you don't want to. But we'll defiantly be together AND tell everyone before the thing's over."

"I don't know Jo."

"Come on Pace. We can't keep this a secret forever. And I don't want to keep it a secret. Even my roommate is beginning to wonder with whom I spend many my nights. I'm lucky that she hasn't mentioned my male "friend" to the others when they call. And you have to admit, it seems like a great way for you to enter into their lives again."

"Don't you think that it will come as quite a surprise to everyone. And what are they, namely Jen, Jack, & Dawson, going to think about the fact that you've been lying to them?"

"It hasn't been by choice. But I don't care what any of them think. I know what you're thinking…and no, I don't care what Dawson thinks either. And don't you dare try to make this about him either, because it isn't and you know it."

"I know Jo, I'm sorry. Let's not fight about this. I promise that I'll think about it. It's getting late, and you have an early class," Pacey leaned over and flipped off the light.

Joey cuddled up next to Pacey, "Don't think that this conversation is over mister."

"I know, I know," Pacey kissed her gently before fading off to sleep.

December 14, 2001

Pacey stood in the doorway, "Hurry up Potter! I'm ready to go."

"Hold on Mr. Impatient. You sure are in a hurry, for someone who didn't want to go in the first place."

"Yeah, well that was before I was promised one of Bodie's mouthwatering dinners."

"Ahh, so you're just going for the food?"

"Yup, pretty much. Oh yeah, and there's this girl," he grinned at her.

"Do I know her?"

"Nah, I don't think so. Are you ready yet?"

"Hold on. I have to grab one last thing," she dug through her closet until she found it – her gift for Pacey, and shoved it her already bulging suitcase. "Okay, I'm ready now."

"It's about time," Pacey grinned before pulling her towards him for a kiss.

The ride home was spent in a comfortable silence. But Joey was glad that she had finally, after much begging, convinced him to come home with her. The party would be the next night, so they only had to keep Pacey hidden for one day, and they figured that to be a pretty simple task, as long as she kept everyone away from the B&B until then. They had decided that Joey would arrive at the party with Bessie, Bodie and Alexander, and that Pacey would show up later, unannounced. She was so excited that she'd finally be able to tell everyone that she was with Pacey.

Bessie watched as Pacey and Joey pulled up to the B&B. She was so happy to see them.

December 15, 2001

With her back to the door, Joey stood talking to Gale, along with Jack, Jen, and Dawson about various happenings in Capeside. Gale seemed distracted suddenly, and tapped Dawson on the shoulder and pointed to the front door. Dawson looked towards the door where his mother was pointing, and curious, Jack and Jen did the same. Joey didn't have to turn around to know what, or rather whom they were staring at. She knew that it could only be Pacey. The looks on the faces of her friends were first that of surprise and shock, but quickly turned to that of excitement.

Jen was the first to react, "Pacey!" And ran to him, embracing him in a giant hug, "It's so good to see you!"

Joey found it hard to pretend to be in a state of shock. She had to grin. She was so glad that everyone was responding so well to his presence.

"It's good to see you too Lindley," she let go of him, then Pacey reached out to shake the hands with the approaching Jack and Dawson, "Jack, Dawson, it's great to see you both."

Surprising Pacey, Dawson pulled him in for a hug, "I've really missed you Pacey."

Lastly he looked at Joey, who approached him with a hug, "I've missed you Potter."

"I've missed you too Pacey," she held onto him as long as possible. She let go and said, "It's about time that you show your sorry butt. Where've you been hiding?"

Pacey smiled, "I've been around. In Boston mostly."

"Really, that's where we've all been as well. You could have gotten in touch with us."

"Yeah man. We meet every Tuesday and would've loved to see you there," Dawson chimed in.

"Thanks D. But I've been trying to find where I belong and get settled in."

Dawson and Jack led Pacey off to talk about 'guy things' – which Joey knew to be girls, and how many he's had since leaving.

Jen, knowing that Joey had long ago forgiven Pacey in her heart, approached her, curious of her reaction to his return. "So, Pacey's back."

Joey grinned, "That he is."

"And how do you feel about that?"

"It really makes no difference to me, why should it?"

"Joey, don't lie to me. I know that you still have feelings for him."

"Sure, it's nice to know that he's safe."

"Come on, you can tell me the truth."

"Jen, seeing Pacey still makes me all tingly inside. Even just the thought of him."

"Do you want him back?"

"Jen… oh nevermind."

"Do you have something more to tell me about your feelings four our friend Mr. Witter? You still want to jump his bones, don't you?"

"Jen! That's not it at all. Okay, well maybe a little."

"Do tell."

"Jen, you have to promise not to tell a soul."

"Come on Joey. You should know by now that you can trust me."

"I know Jen, but please."

"Okay, I promise, I won't tell a soul. Now dish."

"Well, you're right, I still have feelings for Pacey, and in the most intense way."

"I knew it."

"Oh, there's more. I well, um,"

"Ohmigod! He's staying at the B&B, and you're sleeping with him, aren't you. And you didn't tell us that he was here, you sneak. What did he say to you to let him in so quickly?"

"You've got me there. He is staying at the B&B, and he's sleeping in my bed," Joey didn't know how to spit it out.

"I feel a but coming on here," Jen searched Joey's eyes questioning.

"But I didn't let him in quickly. It took me a good month to let him get close to me again."

"You've known his whereabouts for a month and didn't tell us?" Jen grinned slyly.

"Something like that. He's been back in my life since school started in August."

"And you didn't tell us!" Now Jen seemed to be a little angry.

"I wanted to, I really did. But Pacey didn't want me to."

"And I suppose that's why you're never in your room, and the real reason that you told us to call you on your cell phone."

"You've got me there. I'm sorry, I really am."

"I guess it explains a lot though."

"How so?" Joey was confused.

"Come on Joey. I spent all summer with you, and you weren't always the most pleasant person to be around. Always so mopey. But since school started, you've been happy. And in the time I've known you, the only time that you've been this happy was with Pacey. I guess I had ideas that there was a guy, but not this guy. And, another change from this summer was that, when we mention his name, you never got depressed."

"It killed me not to tell you guys, it really did."

"Despite past history, I believe you."

"Hey, I told YOU then."

"Yeah, I know. I do have a question for you."

"Just one?"

"Well, the others can wait. Why didn't Pacey want the rest of us to know where he was?"

"Honestly, I don't know for sure. Believe me, I've thought about that too. I think that because everything ended so badly, he wanted to ease back into things. Just like the rest of us, he came to Boston looking for a change. But I think he wanted to set up his new life without the pressures of everyone that knew him before."

"But the whole semester? He had to know that we were a part of you life. Yet he didn't need us to be a part of his anymore?"

"I don't know what he was waiting for, but he asked about all of you. I go there after leaving you guys on Tuesdays, and sometimes we'd stay up for hours talking about everything the three of you talked about."

"So he was living life through you."

"Yeah, pretty much. But I finally convinced him to come tonight."

"So, he sat in your room last night while you were here watching movies. And then tonight, he let you come with your family and showed up later."

"Well, last night he spent quality time with my family. But, yeah, we agreed that it wouldn't be the best for us to show up to either place together. Or for him to just show up last night. Tonight it would be more 'natural'."

"When are you going to tell everyone else?"

"Before tonight is over."

"Who's going to tell Dawson?"

"Me."

"Are you actually going to this time?"

"Yeah. This time I know that Dawson and I have no further romantic connections. How do you think he'll take it?"

"Actually, I think he'll take it pretty well. We talked about it once."

"You did?"

"I knew that you still had feelings for Pacey, so I confronted Dawson, and he could actually see it too. He said that he may pout, but he won't be an ass like last time."

"Who do you think should tell Dawson?"

"My guess is that now that he knows Pacey has been in Boston this whole time, his mind is full of ideas. I think that you should both tell him."

"Then we will."

"I wonder how their conversation is going."

"I dunno. Although I'm sure that they're talking about three things – sex, sports, and movies."

Pacey looked at Joey over his shoulder as Jack and Dawson led him away from her. He knew that Dawson didn't want to ask in front of Joey, but was dying to hear about all of the women he'd slept with since leaving. Dawson had always had this idea that Pacey was a womanizer, but he really wasn't.

Dawson was the first to speak, "Welcome back Pacey."

"We've truly missed you man," Jack grinned, "It's been a lot more quiet. Joey hasn't had anyone to argue and squabble with," as soon as the words were out of his mouth, he regretted it, "I'm sorry man. I didn't mean to bring up a touchy subject."

Pacey waved his hands, "It's no big deal, really."

"So what have you been up to?" Dawson inquired.

"Not much really. Basically just working to pay the rent."

Jack smiled, "What our buddy Dawson really wanted know is, how many girls have you been with since we last saw you?"

Pacey grinned thinking of Joey, "Actually there have only been two. A brief fling on the boat this summer, and the beauty that I'm with now."

"Things are pretty serious?" Dawson knew of Joey's feelings, and didn't want her to be crushed.

"Yeah, we're getting there."

"And you didn't bring her along?"

"Nah, I didn't want to surprise you too much at once," he could help but think that there were still some surprises to come.

"But once we're back in Boston?"

"Sure thing buddy."

They talked a bit more before Dawson said, "I should probably go mingle," and went in search of Joey. He wanted to prepare her for the news that Pacey was in a relationship.

Once Dawson had disappeared, Jack looked at Pacey, "So tell me the truth. What's it like to see Joey again?"

"The truth? She stirs me up inside. I never really stopped loving her."

"Is she the reason that you're only getting towards serious? You just had to see her again."

"Actually, no."

"I thought so."

"Thought what?"

"You two are dating, aren't you. You and Joey that is."

Pacey was astonished, "How did you know?"

"I'm brilliant. What else can I say. But really, look at the facts. She still gets you all hot and bothers, yet she's not keeping you from wondering what if. And you have to admit, your hug was extra friendly for two people that haven't seen each other in more than 6 months, and ended with a nasty break-up. And, you're in Boston of all places."

"Actually, being in Boston just happened. But I took advantage of that."

"I had a suspicion that she was seeing someone. And you're the only person that makes her this happy."

"That's the idea."

"I um, I also followed her one Tuesday night, and saw you greet her at the door."

"So how long have you known?"

"Only since just before Thanksgiving. I figured that she'd tell us when you guys were ready. But, you DO know that if you hurt her again, you're dead, right?"

"I assumed as much."

"When are you going to tell Dawson?"

"Later tonight. She's probably telling Jen now."

"Good luck."

"Thanks"

Dawson approached Joey, "Hey, can I talk to you quick?"

"Yeah, sure," she smiled faintly at Jen. They both had a good feeling that this would be about Pacey.

"Joey, I've accepted the fact that you still love Pacey, but there's something I think you should know. Pacey's in a semi-serious relationship."

"Really, thanks for the heads-up, but he has every right to have his own life."

"I know, but I didn't want to see you get your hopes up, now that he's here, and be crushed when he goes back to her."

"Thank you Dawson," she gave him a hug, "I appreciate it, and I promise that I'll be careful."

After a few hours, Dawson, Jen, Jack, Joey, and Pacey were basically the only ones left at the party, and sat around the table talking about whatever came to mind. In an effort to drop Dawson hints, Jack and Jen kept asking questions about Pacey's girlfriend, and Pacey answered flattering her, and Joey would blush. Finally, Jack and Jen (who were both spending the night with Dawson) said that they were going to bed, and left the Three Musketeers alone.

Dawson looked at Pacey, "So where are you staying?"

"At the B&B," he looked at Joey.

But before she could speak up, Dawson said, "They actually had an open room?"

Joey looked at him, "No Dawson, the B&B is full. He's staying with me."

Dawson was as clueless as ever, "You knew that he was coming?"

"Yeah, something like that. I invited him."

"You knew that he was in Boston and didn't tell us?"

"Yes Dawson."

Knowing that an argument was in the making, Pacey interrupted, "Only because I asked her not to."

"Dawson, earlier when you told me that Pacey was involved with someone, and I said that it didn't bother me?"

Dawson finally put the pieces together, "You're the woman he's getting serious with, aren't you," he sounded reasonably calm.

"Yes, are you mad that we didn't tell you?"

"Surprisingly, no. I guess that I always knew that you would get back together. But," looking at Pacey, "why did you feel the need to hide from the rest of us?"

"I wanted to know that I could build a new life, without the criticism from those who knew me before."

"But you could go to Joey?" Dawson sounded hurt.

"It's nothing against you man. Over the summer I realized that I had to clear things up before I could move on. And when I saw her, I knew that I had to have her in my life."

"I'm happy for you, I really am. However, if you hurt her again, I'll fell the need to kill you."

"I got a similar threat from Jack."

"And you can count on us to make good on that promise."

Joey stood up to give Dawson a hug, "We should probably be going. I'm glad that you're fine with this." She then let go of Dawson, and reached for Pacey's hand.

Pacey waited until they were outside to wrap his arm around her shoulders, and led her to the truck.

Dawson watched his two friends leave before heading up to his room, where he found Jack and Jen waiting up for him. "You guys knew, didn't you."

"We found out tonight, just as you did."

"How are you taking it?" Jen searched his eyes for an answer.

"Why does everyone ask me that?"

Jack responded, "Well, last time you shut them both out of your life for almost a year."

"I'm fine with it. I've accepted the fact that she's going to love him in a way that she'll never love me."

"And you're really fine with that?"

"Yes."

"We're glad."

"It's going to take some getting used to. But, I think this time it will be much easier. I'm already accustomed to the idea of them being together. Last time was just a huge shock."

"You know that you can talk to us if this, or anything, is bothering you, right."

"Yes Jen, thanks."

May 2002

Joey couldn't believe it. For the first time in a while, her summer was beginning on a relatively high note. All of her friends are talking to her, and he relationship with Pacey was going smoothly. Her biggest decision had been whether to help out Bessie at the B&B or stay in Boston with Pacey and find a job. Despite how tempting it was to stay with Pacey, she opted for the B&B. It was a guaranteed job, and she'd still be able to see Pacey frequently.

Jack and Jen would be spending their summer working in Boston, although they're both going to visit Andie in July. And Dawson, he had an internship in LA for the entire summer, so he'd spend yet another summer away from his friends and family.

Pacey wasn't real crazy about spending the majority of his summer away from Joey. Last summer had been bad enough. And, his bed was going to feel very empty. But, he didn't argue, it wouldn't get him anywhere. That, and he knew that Joey truly missed her family. So, here he was, helping her pack up all of her stuff to take home for the summer. Even though she spent little of her time in her dorm room, he couldn't believe how much crap she had in there. A lot of it she was storing at his place, it saved a great deal of time and hassle that way. And he saw it as a way of having her close to him, while she's in Capeside. Pacey walked up behind Joey, wrapped his arms around her waist, and leaned over, kissing her gently. She stood in the doorway of her room, surveying to make sure that she didn't forget anything.

Satisfied she turned around, "There's nothing left. Did you happen to see where that studly moving guy went? I can't seem to find him anywhere," she pulled away from Pacey and peered down the hallway.

"I might be able to help you find him," Pacey pulled Joey towards him again, this time kissing her passionately.

"Mmmm, yeah, I think we found him," Joey grinned as they parted slightly. "We make a good team, you and I."

"That we do. But we're up to the real test now. Can we survive the summer apart?"

"We've talked about this Pacey. It's the best thing to do – financially. And we'll see each other all the time. Bessie loves you to death, and has left an open invitation for you."

"I know, I know, but it just won't be the same – not seeing you everyday."

"We managed last summer," Joey grinned.

"That was different Jo. We weren't together. But despite everything that you may think, it was hard for me."

"I promise you right here and now that we WILL make it. We are meant to be together. And, I love you. And that will never change." Joey hugged Pacey tight, not wanting to let go.

"I love you too Jo."

End of prologue