Hi,

So the setting is pretty self explanatory. Everything happened up to the point where Andie cheated and Dawson was caught on stage with Eve but we don't join the characters there. They're about to leave high school and are all friends. I've given it an M rating as thats what it becomes - although not yet. This chapter is setting the scene so hang in there.

I hope you enjoy. PLease let me know what you think either positive or otherwise.

I have reposted this after it was pointed out I made an error with chapter 4. I attempted to correct it on a ferry with my 4 kids colouring in. I messed up and have had to repost. Sorry!

Enough, here's the fic. Tab xx

On the hush hush

Chapter 1

Joey shifted her position on the bed next to Dawson wondering if his hand really needed to be so close to her leg. Movie nights were lame when they were fifteen and felt even lamer with them starting college in the Fall.

'Dawson, you could give me more room,' she grumbled, pushing herself away slightly.

'I was hoping you didn't want more room,' Dawson looked up at her with wide eyes and Joey realised with a sinking heart it was something of a come on.

'So… do you think she did it or he did it?' she asked distracting him towards to the television.

'Oh… um…' Dawson grabbed the remote and turned the movie off. 'Look Joey, I wanted to talk to you…'

'I'm sure Dawson, but we've just spent the last hour and half watching a really, really bad movie and it's ten already which means Bessie is gonna kill me. I promised I'd pick up stuff for breakfast and I want to shop local rather than find somewhere late night…' she hoped her babble would nip any and all desire to "talk" in the bud.

'Sure Jo. Shall I walk you?' Dawson seemed to get the hint that the time was not ripe for a deep and meaningful.

'That would be nice,' she smiled.

'I can't believe we've got one semester left,' he shook his head.

'You say that almost daily,' she teased, no longer worried about what topics he may broach.

'It's because I can't believe it daily. You grow up and it feels like the status quo will last forever…'

'Not for all of us,' she reminded him but not unkindly.

'No I suppose… but the basics. You and me, hanging out, movie night…' he sighed.

'There'll be the holidays,' Joey said gently.

'And the summer,' Dawson grinned.

'Yeah the summer,' Joey couldn't wait. She could scarcely believe Bessie had relented to an entire summer off from B&B work and a house on the beach, up the coast with just her friends. Of course she'd have to find work, but it was a summer living with her friends, in the sun and having fun. She'd be responsible for herself and she couldn't wait. None of them could. Six weeks until freedom. She was broken from her reverie as a heavy weight landed on her shoulders.

'Hello kiddies,' Pacey's head appeared between them, a casual arm along each of their shoulders. 'Did ET make it home?'

'We don't watch ET every week,' Dawson protested.

'Otherwise I'd be forced to go home,' Joey quipped back making the boys laugh.

'The movie sucked,' Dawson informed him.

'I'm glad I had work then,' Pacey shrugged easily. 'And where are we off to?'

'I need supplies for Bess,' Joey shrugged.

'I have the Witter Wagoneer,' Pacey supplied helpfully.

'I suppose we had better get used to that car,' Joey sighed dramatically.

'If you don't want my transport,' Pacey made to walk away.

'No I want it,' Joey tugged him back and the three headed to the nearby shop in Pacey's car.

'Can you believe it's only six weeks?' Dawson mused to Pacey.

'Dawson man, the six weeks line is clearly a variation on the only one semester left line and as we have discussed several times of late this is a topic on the no-talk list. I do not want to hear mention of how little or much time is left, especially not in dramatic Dawson tones…' Pacey trailed off and Joey giggled eliciting a glare from Dawson.

'Fine… I just want us to appreciate what we have left…'

'Come on man,' Pacey pushed him in the store entrance with a grin on his face.


'Where's Potter?' Pacey stalked into the B&B looking furious.

'Joey' Jen emphasised her friends name, 'is in her bedroom getting changed.'

'Why so mad Pace?' Dawson smiled, a small tone of concern.

'Hmm… she… grrr…' Pacey seemed incapable of coherent speech.

'Eloquent Pace, glad the SAT's are done,' Jack teased causing Dawson and Jen to laugh.

'That… that … girl,' he said the word with distaste, 'she thinks she's so funny… so… fricken' funny…' he started to pace up and down. Joey appeared in the hallway and the two locked eyes. Joeys eyes widened,

'See ya,' she yelped pegging it back to her room. Pacey was on her in an instant, only to be met with the wood of her door as it slammed in his face.

'You can't stay in there all night Potter,' he growled hammering on the door.

'Watch me,' she taunted through the wood.

'Why'd you do it? What did I ever do to you huh?' he banged again.

'It was a joke,' she suggested hopefully.

'You… you just take the biscuit,' he clenched his fists, and turned the door handle surprised to find the door would open so he stormed in slamming it behind him.

'What the hell?' Jack frowned with a chuckle.

'It's Joey and Pacey… this is what they've always been like,' Dawson rolled his eyes.

'What do you think she did?' Jack asked.

'She told Barbara Johns that Pacey has the hots for her…' Jen giggled.

'Surely Pacey's not Barbara's type?' Dawson frowned.

'Pacey is anyone's type,' Jen announced and they all winced at the loud bang from Joey's room.

'I'm ok,' Pacey yelled in a strangled voice and they all laughed.

'Pacey's anyone's type?' Dawson sounded sceptical even through his laughter.

'I'd have him,' Jack nodded.

'Me too,' Jen agreed.

'And apparently Barbara Johns,' Jack looked at the others until even Dawson was laughing again.


'Hey Pace,' Joey pushed through the doors of the video store where Pacey worked.

'Hey Jo, what are you doing here? I thought you had babysitting duties?'

'I did, but Bessie came home early. Figured I'd come get a movie and then walk you home, you know, make sure you're safe,' she grinned.

'Why thanking you kindly,' he put on a girls voice and a dodgy southern accent.

'So what do you recommend?' she asked.

'Hmmmm… for me… Rush Hour, for you… Rabbit Proof Fence, for you and me… Speed,' he gave her the puppy dog eyes.

'You and me?' She pursed her brow.

'What's the point in walking me home if you don't come in for coffee?' he teased.

'Fine, fine… I'll get Speed but on your account,' she battered her lashes.

'Deal.'