Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to "Dawson's Creek," etc.

A/N: This story is my first collaboration with another author, Jelsi4life. He is the mastermind behind everything that happens in this story, I'm just writing it. Ant on POTL, is kind enough to beta this story for me, so I want to give a big thanks to her as well!

This story takes place between Seasons 3 and 4, out at sea. I hope you guys enjoy! And as always, I look forward to reading what you think!

- Misty -

Hello True Love, Goodbye Capeside

A Dream Come True

-One-

"I think I'm in love with you," she declared with the conviction in her heart, standing on the dock by his boat, making the decision that would change their lives forever.

He stopped working with the ropes in front of him, not sure if he had heard her correctly. "You think or you know?" he questioned. He had to be sure.

"I know," she answered without hesitation, leaving no doubt her intentions for him.

He smiled and turned to look back at her. He had to see it in her face, to make sure she was sincere.

She smiled and took a few steps closer to him, ready to do the impossible.

"I've known it since the moment you kissed me and maybe even before that. As scary as it is, I don't want to deny it anymore, Pacey. I don't want to run from it and I don't want to let it run from me."

"So… what are we going to do here, Jo?"

"I want to come with you."

"What?" he asked in surprise. She couldn't be serious. "Are you crazy?"

"I want to stop standing still," she quickly explained, letting her heart do the talking for once. "I want to move forward, I want to come with you."

"What about Bessie and the B&B? They need you."

She slowly shook her head. "Not as much as I need you, Pacey."

Ever since that day, that conversation kept reverberating in Pacey's mind. It was one of those defining moments where everything changed and the world around him suddenly had new meaning. Josephine Potter, the girl who was his favorite adversary, the girl who could infuriate him like no other, had suddenly become his whole world; his everything. Making her happy was all that mattered to him now.

As she slept gracefully in his arms, with her head resting on his chest, he took in deep breaths, inhaling the night around him. The taste of the salt from the sea along with Joey's feminine scent filled the air, making him relax as he gazed up at the stars. It seemed impossible for this night to get any better. His life was finally complete.

Joey slowly stirred in his arms and opened her eyes. He smiled and gazed down at the goose bumps forming on her skin.

"Are you cold?" he murmured softly, reaching for a blanket.

She smiled and shook her head, completely content tangled up in his arms. It was the best place to be at night, under the stars, on the deck of the True Love. She always felt so safe and secure with his arms wrapped around her like this. She never wanted to leave.

"Then why are you shivering?" he asked with concern, letting his hands move up and down her arms to warm her.

"I'm not shivering because I'm cold, Pace… I just had a dream."

He brushed back her hair so he could look at her face better. The moon cast a glow on her bronze skin making it glisten. He stroked her cheek with his thumb, wishing he could read her mind. "And what was Miss Potter dreaming about?"

She smiled and relished under his tender caresses, snuggling up into the crook of his neck. "Do you even have to ask?"

Pacey kissed the top of her head, knowing very well what she was dreaming about, and teased: "Yes I do. Who knows what could be taking up your thoughts, Potter? It could be anything like school, Bessie, the B&B… or even worse."

She looked at him questioningly. "Like what?"

"Sharks," he answered simply.

She smiled and sat up. "Sharks? Why would I be dreaming about sharks?"

"Your mind is crazy, Potter," he teased. "You may get in your pretty little head that I would save you from one."

"And you wouldn't?" she accused with a furrowed brow.

"Well, have you seen their teeth, Potter?" he replied sarcastically. "They are very scary creatures and I thought you of all people would have watched the Discovery Channel long enough to pick up on that."

Joey rolled her eyes and sat up. "So you'll beat up a bully and sacrifice your best friend for me, but you wouldn't save me if I needed to be rescued from a shark?"

Pacey nodded with a smile. "You got it Potter. I draw the line with sharks sporting razor sharp teeth."

"Good to know, Witter," she mocked, moving away from him. "I'll make a note not to mingle with the fishes anymore."

Pacey smiled and pulled her back down to him. "Come here, Potter. I'll just make sure to keep you safe. How's that sound?"

"Better," she answered with a grin, wrapping her arms around his neck. She could see the reflection of the moon in his deep blue eyes and couldn't help but be drawn in by them. They were hypnotizing and before she realized what was happening, her lips were on his in a fiery kiss. Kisses they were able to express without fear of what would happen if Dawson saw, for that was the beauty of being out at sea.

When they finally broke apart, Pacey whispered, "You never told me what you were dreaming about, Potter."

She smiled, "You really want to know?"

He nodded before placing a butterfly kiss on her cheek.

"Well, I was dreaming about this incredible guy who inspired me to go away with him, on a crazy three month cruise, where there is no showers, one bed, two hammocks, and fish cuisine prepared for every meal. And despite the lack of luxuries, I couldn't imagine being anywhere else than right here, with him."

"What an interesting dream, Potter."

She smiled and whispered close to his ear, "It is, but you never told me about your dreams, Pacey."

He gently hooked his finger under her chin so she could meet his eyes. "That's because I'm living it, Potter."

Her cheeks tinted crimson in embarrassment as she looked away. He seemed to have that effect on her a lot lately. It was something she was still trying to get used to. When she looked up again, the sun was beginning to peek up over the horizon reflecting elegantly in the water below.

"So where is our next stop, Witter?" she asked suspiciously, her eyes still on the beautiful sunrise in front of her.

"That's a surprise Potter," he answered softly, holding her more securely in his arms.

"You're not going to tell me?"

"That's the general concept of a surprise," he teased. "So no, I'm not going to tell you."

"Please?" she asked with a small pout, batting her eyelashes.

"It's not going to work, Potter," he answered as he refused to look at her, knowing he could never say no to those beautiful brown eyes.

"Pacey, please?" she whispered softly, kissing his neck as a bribe.

"Potter…"

"Okay, fine," she relented with a sigh.

"Thank you," he murmured with relief. She was starting to play hardball with those kisses and he was thankful she didn't want to test his willpower any further.

After awhile, he gingerly maneuvered out from underneath her as they drifted closer to the coast. He went below the deck, making sure she couldn't see him, as he made the last minute preparations for his surprise that day.

He took the simple golden band out of the box and examined it one last time. It wasn't fanciest of rings, but the minute he saw it, he knew it was for her. He polished it with his shirt, wanting it to be perfect for her, before he finally placed it back into the box. He looked back up to the deck, where she was waiting for him, and knew this night was going to be perfect.

XOXOXOXOXOXO