Description: My completely original version of how Pacey and Joey got together. Set after high school. Slight crossover with Pretty Little Liars, has nothing to do with -A though.

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters. The only thing I own is the original storyline.

Author's Note: Leave a review and I will update regularly.

Second Chances

Chapter #3

(Pacey's pov)

" Joey? ...Hey.", I hear a voice call from behind us as we leave the pub and walk down the street. Watching Joey as she tenses and stops walking, I turn to see who the voice belongs to with her. Judging by the look on her face right now, I'm going to assume this guy is her ex. Joey must not have been expecting to see him anytime soon. Not sure what it is that I'm supposed to do right now. Things became awkward very quick.

" Ezra...hey.", answers Joey in a reluctant tone while biting on her bottom lip. Startled when her grip on my hand tightens, I risk a glance down at Joey. Huh, she really does not want to be here right now. Can't say that I blame her all that much, nobody wants to run into their ex while out with another guy. Not sure there is much I can do to lessen the tension. Kind of wish we hadn't run into this guy though. Something tells me there might be yelling in the near future.

" Huh, well this is awkward. I'm Pacey. Joey and I went to high school together, we never dated. Not sure why I felt the need to bring that up, but we're just friends. ...I'm just going to shut up.", I comment in an attempt to break the silence. Judging by the scowl Joey is giving me, it's probably best that I don't say anymore. Last thing I want is to dig myself an even deeper hole then I already have. Joey looks as though she wants to kill me.

" Really wish you would Pacey.", snaps Joey with an irritated frown. Whoa, why is she angry with me? I'm not the one who told her ex to make an appearance. How was I supposed to know that he would magically show up when the two of us were leaving? Man, this sucks. All that I wanted to do was go back to Joey's place and watch a movie or two before we both fell asleep. Not sure if that's going to happen now.

Taking a step toward Joey, Ezra attempts to meet her gaze," I was hoping the two of us could talk?"

Shaking her head in confusion, Joey eventually brings her eyes to meet Ezra's," About what? There is nothing to talk about Ezra. You made it painfully clear that you don't trust me. Which is funny because not once have I ever given you a reason not to. There is nothing left to say."

" Jo, come on. I know what I said and you're right. Not once did you give me a reason to mistrust you. I let my damn insecurities win and I'm sorry.", rationalizes Ezra before touching a hand to Joey's shoulder. She jumps back a few steps before letting out a frustrated breath. Potter does not want to see him at all. Guess I don't blame her. The guy accused her of cheating on him? What an idiot. Joey would never mess around on someone she was seeing. That just isn't the kind of girl that she is, even I know this. For this guy Ezra to think otherwise is ridiculous.

" That's great but it doesn't change anything Ezra…I'm really exhausted so I'll see you around. Goodnight Ezra.", declares Joey in a dismissive tone. Noticing the dejected expression in Ezra's eyes, I almost feel bad for the guy. Clearly he knows that he screwed up big time and wants nothing more then to make things right. I'm not sure that he can though, Joey is clearly torn up over their break up. No amount of apologies is going to take away the hurt and heart ache he caused her.

" Wait, Joey...is there any chance that you will take me back? I miss you.", pleads Ezra following after the two of us. If he can't trust Joey, I don't think there is a shot in hell that she will want to be with him anymore. While I may not know the whole story, I can't help thinking this guy Ezra is a moron. How could he not be? He had Joey all to himself and let her slip through his fingertips. If I were in his shoes, I would probably be groveling at her feet right about now begging for her to give me another shot. I damn sure as hell wouldn't care if I looked like a jackass either.

" I miss you too Ezra, but I don't think that I could be with someone who distrusts me.", explains Joey in a calm manner while running a worn-out hand through her hair. She is beyond tired. Somehow I doubt there is anything Ezra can say that is going to change her mind. He had his shot and messed up. While he might regret ending things with Joey, there's not much he can do to alter the past. What's done is done. Potter looks like she has made up her mind and isn't likely to change it anytime soon.

Kickingat the ground in defeat, Ezra places a soft kiss on Joey's lips," For what it's worth, I regret how things ended between the two of us Joey."

Bringing her hand to Ezra's face, Joey stops him from breaking their lip lock," I know that you do and so do I Ezra. ...I'll see you around."

..." Want to talk about it Potter?", I ponder after few minutes of silence as we walk down the streets of Boston toward her apartment. It is a stupid question, I know. But I couldn't help but ask. I'm curios as to why those two broke up. From what I have gathered so far, he basically suspected Joey of cheating. What would lead him to such an assumption though is the real question. That just isn't something she would ever do. Joey doesn't have it in her to be unfaithful to someone.

" To be completely honest, no I don't Witter. More than anything I just want to go to sleep.", confides Joey while grabbing out the key to her apartment and unlocking the door. Following her inside, I kick out of my shoes and toss my coat aside. If she doesn't want to discuss things then I'm not going to push her otherwise. If I did, Joey would only wind up mad at me and I don't want that. Not when we have been having such a good time tonight.

" Would you care to stay up with me a bit and watch a movie at least?", I inquire with an arched eyebrow. It is a stupid request, I know. Joey looks like she is two seconds away from passing out. But I want nothing more then to spend a little alone time with her. If she says no, I'll understand but I hope that she won't. More then anything I just want to lie back on this couch, pop in a movie and sit with Joey in my arms. I know that I don't stand a shot in hell but that doesn't mean I couldn't hold her for a little while, does it?

" ...I'd like that actually Pacey...thanks.", adds Joey in a quiet voice much to my surprise. What could she possibly be thanking me for? I haven't done anything aside from stop Joey from tripping over her own two feet a few times. Sometimes I swear that I will never understand this girl. Whatever the case I'm just glad that she wants to stay up with me for a little while. Running into Joey tonight was the best thing that could have happened to me. I have only been here a week but man is Boston a lonely place when you don't know anyone. …