Description: New Dawson's Creek story that I have been working on. Its based after the shows high school graduation. The character Emily isn't completely mine, borrowed her from Pretty Little Liars, not a crossover though.

Disclaimer: I own nothing except the original story.

Authors Note: if this story receives reviews I will update it regularly.

Mixed feelings:

Chapter #6

(Emily's pov)

" I could get you a cot Pacey.", I offer before once again checking Joey's vitals. Everything seems to be fine from what I can tell. I'm not shocked that Pacey is staying the night here. It is obvious that he is very protective over Joey. She is lucky to have a friend like him, he'd never let anything happen to her that he could prevent.

" I'm fine sleeping in a chair.", declines Pacey without so much as a second thought. Wow, he is willing to sleep in a chair? That is dedication. Those chairs aren't exactly made for sleeping and really uncomfortable. If he doesn't want a cot, the least I could do is get him a pillow.

" You could lay with me Pacey.", suggests Joey in a quiet tone. This seems to take Pacey by surprise, guess he wasn't banking on Joey saying that anytime soon. I don't see a problem with it if she doesn't. Pacey will just have to be careful not to disturb any of Joey's monitors.

" I could?", ponders Pacey with a look of confusion taking over his features. Guess that was the last thing he expected Joey to say. It is easy to see that Joey is grateful he's staying the night with her. Guess if I were Joey I wouldn't exactly want to spend the night in here alone either.

Grasping hold of Pacey's hand, Joey pulls him down beside her," It will be nice knowing I'm safe."

Wrapping Joey in his arms, Pacey closes his eyes," I'm not letting anyone hurt you ever again."

" I don't even know what I saw in Lucas.", confesses Joey with a roll of her eyes. I honestly don't either. from what little Joey has told me about the guy he sounded like a real prick. He tried to control everything Joey did. Who wants to be with someone like that? Joey did the right thing breaking up with him. It's just a shame that she ended up here in the process. At least she can sleep well knowing he won't be able to hurt her anymore.

" Neither do I.", remarks Pacey unable to control the bitter tone in his voice. He must really hate Lucas, especially now. Something tells me that if Pacey ever ran into the guy he would not think twice about kicking the crap out of him. I'm not sure what good it would do him though. All he should worry about now is keeping Joey out of harm's way.

" I'll check on you first thing in the morning Joey.", I promise before placing a blanket over her gently. She looks so at peace right now. I'm glad that Joey's is my patient. I look forward to taking care of her this next week or so. I'll make sure Joey is back to her old self in no time. It really is great to finally see her again, I just wish we didn't have to run into one another like this.

" Thanks Emily, you're a life saver.", responds Joey with a thankful smirk. She doesn't have to thank me; I would do just about anything for Joey. She and Bessie are all but family to me. I have known the Potter family almost my entire life. We have been through a lot together to say the least.

Placing a light peck on Joey's forehead, I take hold of her hand in mine briefly," Anything for you." …

(Pacey's pov)

" How lucky am I to have Emily as a doctor?", comments Joey aloud to no one in particular. She sure is fortunate; Emily seems to care a great deal about Joey. Last thing I was expecting was to see her again anytime soon. Potter hit the nail on the coffin when she all but blurted out that I used to have a crush on Emily. There was a time when I would have given anything for her to notice me as more than the kid who chased Joey around. Those days are long behind me now. The only one I have eyes for these days is Joey. There was a time when she felt the same for me, not anymore sadly. I ruined everything when I let my damn insecurities get the best of me.

" Small world.", I mutter in reply before pulling Joey closer to me. This feels nice. It has been years since I last held Joey like this. Having her in my arms, even if only for a little while, is dream come true. What I would do to be able to fall asleep like this with Joey for the rest of my life. I'm not an idiot though, I know tonight is only a fluke. Joey is scared and only wants me by her side so she can sleep with ease. I don't mind though if it means I can have her in my arms once more.

" Get some sleep Joe.", I whisper in a hushed manner before placing a few kisses on her forehead. This seems to comfort Joey because she closes her eyes with a tired yawn. I could stay up all night and watch her sleep. It isn't as though I have done so before. Jen's grandmother once said, when you love someone you can spend hours watching them sleep, she was right.

" Goodnight Witter.", mumbles Joey now almost half asleep. With a heavy sigh, I watch as she drifts off, it's not long before she is out cold in my arms. Joey never looks more peaceful than when she is sleeping. I have to admit, she's even more beautiful than the last time I saw her. It is killing me to have her close and not be able to kiss her senseless. I know if I did though it would only spark an argument and that is the last thing that I want. Spending the next few hours watching Joey as she rests, I eventually succumb to sleep myself. Instinctively my arms wrap around her waist and I bury my face into her neck. In a perfect world this is how every night would be if it were up to me.