Description: A story based shortly after Joey and Pacey's break-up.

Disclaimer: I only own the storyline not it's characters.

Author's Note: if you will read I will update.

Chapter #4

(Joey's pov)

" Look at you Potter, you're a mess. How in the world did you manage to smudge brownie batter on your forehead?", observes Pacey with an amused shake of his head and a chuckle. Taking his thumb, Pacey gently wipes the brownie batter from my forehead and cheek. After cooking an amazing spaghetti and meatball dinner, I talked Pacey into baking cookies and brownies with me. Just mere hours ago I had wanted nothing to do with Witter, now I don't want him to ever leave my side again. While I don't completely understand why Pacey said those harsh words to me at prom, its obvious he never meant them. He was hurting and felt as though he weren't enough for me anymore. Pacey confided that he had been waiting for me to wake up and realize that I could do better than him. While I know in my heart that would never happen, it wouldn't have hurt to remind Witter of this once in a while.

" Hmm, probably the same way you got a dab of it on your nose Witter.", I tease with a playful wink before smearing a tiny bit of batter on the tip of Pacey's nose. Laughing at the frown on his face, I hug his waist gently. God, how could he not see how in love with him I am? Witter needs to know that I never was nor ever will leave him. He is the only one that I want. How could Pace not see this? Did I or did I not choose him over Dawson last spring? I knew all too well that doing so could have resulted in losing Dawson as a friend. The thing is I was willing to take that risk if it meant that I could be with Pacey. Out of all the years we have known one another it was always Witter who was there when I needed him the most. He taught me to drive, helped Bess and I get the B&B up and running, nearly got suspended for me, bought me a wall, drove to Boston to pick me up when things fell apart with AJ and spent an entire summer on a boat with me. Never once did he push the topic of sex that entire time, he knew it wasn't something I was ready for. Pacey was always so patient and went out of his way to listen and help whenever I needed him.

" What am I going to do with you Joey?", ponders Pacey with a smirk and shake of his head. I all but melt into his arms when he leans down to kiss me. This is what I have missed the most these last few weeks. Pacey and I have always had this love hate banter between us. There was once a time when his mere presence irked me. The two of us have been known for our back and forth arguing. Jen and Bess used to swear that we were into one another while Pacey and I denied the mere idea. Who would have guessed those two would end up right about the two of us? The first time Pacey kissed me, I remember being so angry and confused. For a while I had begun to avoid him. It wasn't until he kissed me again that I realized that I wanted Pacey just as much as he did me.

" Sorry Pacey, you're stuck with me. ...I'm in love with you Pacey, only you. Like it or not there is no other guy I want, not Dawson or anyone. I know that I should have told you this more often...but it's always been you Pace. Nothing is ever going to change that...not even your stupidy.", I remind in a playful manner. This seems to reassure Pacey a great deal as I feel him breath a relieved sigh. Standing in his arms, I lie my head on Pacey's shoulder. Smirking when his arms stake their claim around my waist, we sway to the tune of silent music. Peeking up into Pacey's eyes, I place soft kisses on his lips. God, how I have missed this. Startled when we hear someone clear their throat from behind us, Pacey and I stop mid-waltz. Glancing up, I notice none other then Bessie standing in the doorway of the kitchen regarding the both of us with an arched eyebrow. Great, now she is going to want to know just what the hell is going on. Aside from wanting to work things out with Pacey though, I honestly have no clue. Can Bess honestly blame me for wanting to give Pace another chance though? He is the father of my baby, how could I not?

" Joey...Pacey, should I even ask?", ponders Bessie aloud while folding her arms across her chest. She has every right to be confused. Earlier when I took off, I had been so angry with Pacey. Bess is probably wondering what could have possibly changed in a mere few hours. The truth is I honestly don't know. There is no denying the fact that I miss Pace and still want to be with him. I'm in love with Witter, the thought of him not being apart of my life...it kills me. More importantly, we're having a baby together. While he may have caused me an immense amount of pain and heart ache, we both have a responsibility to this child. Aside from this, I'm terrified of becoming a mother and I need Pacey's love and support now more then ever. Surely Bessie can understand this.

" Look, Bess...I know you're wondering what the hell is going on. Honest to God truth? I have absolutely no idea. The only thing that I know, is I'm pregnant and scared beyond belief. Did Pacey completely wreck my heart? Yes. Should I hate and want nothing to do with him? Yes. At the end of the day though, he is the father of my little girl and I need him. Witter is well aware that if he breaks my heart again I'll break his jaw.", I confess without taking a breath all the while. Both Bess and Pacey have a look of shock on their faces. On the upside at least Bessie doesn't look as though she is about to lecture the both of us anymore. That is the last thing that I want or need right now. I'm exhausted and just want to take a bath, put my pajamas on and crawl under the blankets of my bed beside Pacey. Really don't think this is asking all that much. While I might have never expected to forgive Witter so easily, part of me knew it was only a matter of time before we decided to try and make things work between the two of us. Anyone with eyes could see how much in love I am with Pacey. His hurting me the way he did could never change this. Our baby deserves both parents in its life.

" Jo, how could you possibly know we're having a girl? You haven't even gone for your first doctors appointment yet.", reminds Pacey before taking a bite from one of the cookies we baked. Caught off guard by his question, I bite down on my bottom lip. They caught that little slip didn't they? I was sort of hoping that they wouldn't. The word came out of my mouth before I knew what I was saying. Guess there is a huge part of me that is hoping we will have a beautiful baby girl. I'm all but certain Pacey wants us to have a boy, God imagine a miniature Witter running around? I'm not sure the world is ready for one of those. I'll be happy with whatever we have so long as this baby is healthy and taken care of. Nothing else is the world matters to me now aside from the safety of my baby. This in part is why I want to try and make things work with Pace, I know he will do whatever needed to take care of the both of us.

" You caught that huh, Pace? Guess I'm hoping for a little baby girl.", I confess with a shy smile. Leaning back into Pacey's arms, I close my eyes briefly as he wraps them around my waist. He makes me feel safe and loved when he holds me. It is the best feeling in the world. It is almost as though nothing bad could happen to me when I am enveloped in Pacey's protective embrace. By looking into his eyes, I know without a doubt he never meant a single one of those harsh words he said to me that night at prom. Pacey had been upset, hurting and bottling up his insecurities about our future together for a long time. It just so happens seeing Dawson and I dancing together is what set him off and opened a floodgate of hidden emotions.

" A little Joey running around...now there is a terrifying thought.", teases Bessie as both her and Pacey share a laugh. By now I am glowering at the both of them in agitation. Just what is that supposed to mean exactly? I'm a delightful person to be around. If anything a tiny Pacey is my worst nightmare. When we were kids, he used to chase me around and torment me relentlessly. Oh how I used to loathe and despise Witter. Funny how things changed over the years. Witter went from the annoying boy next door to the guy I sought out when life wasn't going the way I had hoped. Seems everyone knew we were bound to collide eventually except for me. Then again, I'm wondering if maybe I was just in denial. If someone had told me Pacey would be the one I spent my life with a few years back, I would have directed them to the nearest asylum.

" You're both on thin ice, watch it. I would much rather a little Joey running around then a miniature Pacey. Face it Witter, you're a menace. How many years did you spend chasing and terrorizing me?" I point out in my defense before giving Pacey a gentle slap on his chest. Out of the two of us he is way worse then I am. Every bicker match we have had started because of him. Since we were kids Witter was always the one tormenting me. At one point it was as though he had made a game out of pressing my buttons. Pacey had a knack for knowing just what to say or do to get a rise out of me. It is actually one of the things I hate most about him. There was no denying our connection though. Bess used to joke about how it was only a matter of time before the two of us collided. Boy could she not have been more right.

" They say you tease the ones you love.", reminds Bess with a smile and a wink. Considering how relentless Pacey was? I'm beginning to wonder if the saying is true. Still, much as he tormented me...Witter was the first one there when I needed someone. Over the years I have come to rely on him a lot. Not much has changed considering I still do. Pacey cares about me in a way no one else has. Whenever I need him? He is there without question, I like that about him. It is such a relief knowing that I'm not going to be going through this pregnancy alone. We might be taking baby steps currently, but one way or another Witter and I are going to sort through his trust issues and insecurities. The two of us are in this mess together and I am so glad that he wants to be.

" If that's true, then I must really love you Potter. Go on up to bed, I'll clean up our mess.", offers Pacey with a kiss to my forehead. Giving me a light nudge towards the stairs, I let out a tired sigh before making my way towards my room. Grabbing a pair of pajamas, I find my way into the bathroom and run a bath. Climbing in once the tub is filled, I lie back and close my eyes. This is exactly what I needed, all the stress from the last few weeks is all but melted away. I'm not sure about our future, but all we can do is take things one day at a time and see where we end up. Only opening my eyes when I hear the bathroom door open, I smirk at the sight of Pacey in the doorway. Here I was certain Bess would have sent him home after dish duty. Letting the water drain from the bath tub, I step out before slipping on my robe. Witter wastes no time backing me against the bathroom door, any protests I may have had are halted when his lips meet mine. I gasp when Pacey gently pins me against the bathroom door. With a shy smile, my legs wrap around Pacey's waist. Letting out a moan when he enters me, I bury my face into Pacey's shoulder. Before long my hips are rocking as he thrusts upward, every movement brings me closer to the edge. Losing it I nearly call out Witter's name, thankfully he places a hand over my mouth to muffle me. After about an hour of exploring one another, we both collapse against one another in exhaustion. …