AN: Hello, as usual, thanks to those who have reviewed I really appreciate it. It makes me smile to see how much you've enjoy my stories it really means a lot. Also, I would like to thank my beta JItterbug5 for all her wonderful hard work that she does! I have decided to stick with featuring songs into chapters. I find music very motivational and I can't help but hear certain songs in my head as I'm writing certain scenes down. With that being said, the song feature in this chapter is titled: She's The One by Robbie Willaims. I strongly advise if you can to listen to the songs as reading along with the scene. You can do this by opening another tab on your device and go on YouTube. Again, there will be a side note letting you know when to start playing the song. In this chapter, it is originally came from an episode Double Date on the show and that song did played on the episode, so I thought to stick with it. For those of you who ever watched One Tree Hill, you will know that I got some of the ideas from that show into this chapter. Again, I hope you guys enjoy this chapter and I can't believe that there is only three chapters left in this season! Yay! It's been a long journey and I personally can't wait till I finish this and move on to the second season!
Disclaimer: I don't own Dawson's Creek it belongs to the WB and Kevin Williamson.
~Christina~
Episode 10: Date Night
"How are things going now that everything seems to be back to normal?" Joey asked as she flops down on Dawson's bed.
Dawson shrugged his good shoulder as the other shoulder was still in a sling. "To be honest, I am still scared to go in that guest room and the basement," Dawson sighed.
Joey nodded her agreement as she thought back to that night. It all happened last Friday and it seems that it just happened yesterday. She couldn't get Cliff out of her mind. The look in his eyes was cold and dark; it was a look that would haunt her for the rest of her life. But she doesn't want to think about what happened last week - she wants to think about what's going to happen tomorrow. The freshman class is going to have an auction event for their class field trip to Paris, which is coming up soon.
The freshman class has raised enough money for this field trip but the guys wanted to auction themselves off as dates for tomorrows event. Mr. Gold thought it was a clever idea as he agreed to it thinking that they could get more money out of it - he agreed to do the bidding.
"So, are you going to participate in the date night auction tomorrow?" Joey asked Dawson.
"I don't know. It depends. Are you going to bid on me?" Dawson asked with a sly smirk.
Joey looked at Dawson surprised. "Wh-what about Jen," she stammered.
"What about Jen? After that mess happened last week - I don't want anything to do with her," he gritted out.
"But it wasn't Jen's fault," Joey try to defend her.
"But she didn't do anything about it when her so-called friends beat the guy half to death! Then he made it his mission to come all the way to Capeside to get his revenge and we ended up in the crossfire no thanks to Jen!"
Joey can see how furious Dawson is. There is no way of getting through to him about his opinions. There is no point in arguing with him about it. Besides, would it be such a bad idea to go to this thing and bid on him? She felt bad enough that she hasn't been a good friend to him lately. Not to mention that she did spend most of her time with Pacey. Plus, Pacey did mention to her that he wasn't going to participate in the date night auction. He said that it was ridiculous to bid himself off to some strange girl as a date. Although, she was a bit happy to hear him say that; she didn't want to picture Pacey out on a date with some random girl if she didn't get to him first. So she did fell a bit calm about it. Which is why she didn't think to go to this date night auction tomorrow. She only asked Dawson because she thought that he might go in hopes that Jen may be there to bid on him. But as she can tell, that is not the case at all.
Which leads her back to her original question. Would it be so bad if she goes to this thing and bid on Dawson? Like she said so herself, she never really spends much time with him these days. Maybe tomorrow night she can make up for it. Since Pacey is not going to be there - what's the harm of her bidding on her friend just so she can be a good friend to Dawson? After what happened last week, they deserve to have a good time out alone together. Just the two of them. It's only harmless fun and it's for a great cause; a trip to Paris!
"Fine. Let's do it," Joey blurted out.
"What?!" Dawson asked confused.
"Let's go to this date night auction and I will bid on you," Joey smiled.
"Pacey Witter! Just the person I was looking for," Mr. Gold said as he walked up towards Pacey just when he was walking out of a store.
"Mr. Gold, to what do I owe the pleasure?" Pacey took a bite of a Snickers bar he had bought at the store.
"Well, I've noticed that you didn't sign up for the date night auction and I was wondering if it's because you have plans later tonight?"
Pacey scratch the back of his head as he replied, "Well … I was going to watch The Fast and The Furious marathon -"
"- Come on, Pacey! If you don't want to go on a date, will you at least be my DJ for tonight? I can really use one," Mr. Gold interjected.
Pacey thought about it for a moment. It's not like he did actually have any plans. Being a DJ for the auction does sound better than sitting around the house doing nothing. Besides, it's for their class field trip. Might as well participate in something. Mr. Gold is not asking him to auction himself off as a date. He just needed a stand-in DJ. He could do that. No harm done. That way he won't feel like he is betraying Joey in any kind of way. Besides, she won't be there tonight anyway. Like him, she agreed that she wasn't going to go to this stupid thing.
"Okay, count me in. I'll be the DJ for tonight."
oOo
Date Night Auction.
Everyone is getting ready and setting up for tonight's event. The auction is being held at the Capeside High School grounds on their football field. They have a stage in the middle of the field as everyone is getting ready to gather around. They also have access to the school building in case anyone needs to use the washroom.
Dawson and Joey showed up early as the guys who participated for tonight's event had to be there early to set up. Joey decided to show up early with Dawson that way she will have the front row in front of the stage so she can shout out her bid for Dawson. She could tell he is nervous since he found out that they would have to do some kind of dance or strip tease just to get the show going. She can't imagine Dawson on stage doing a striptease in front of her and everyone else, for that matter. But it is something that she is kind of looking forward too, just to see him make a fool out of himself. She would enjoy laughing her butt off and would pay good money to see this!
Pacey was out back in the parking lot as he unloads all his DJ equipment getting ready to set it up on stage. He had to thank his dad for allowing him to use the truck for his things and his brother for driving him there since he doesn't have a license yet. Doug helped him unload the last equipment before he jumped back in the truck and took off. Pacey had to shake his head at his brother at the fact that he didn't even offer to stay and help him carry all this stuff to the stage. Now he is stuck in the parking lot with all his heavy DJ equipment trying to figure out how he is going to move all these things.
"Just my luck," he scoffed as he looked at the distance between the football field to the parking lot where he is at.
Noticing the far off distance, Pacey decided to go and look for Mr. Gold. This was his fault in the first place. If he didn't ask Pacey to be his DJ than none of this would have happened. Just when Pacey was just about to make his move, he could have sworn he saw Jen Lindley walking by heading towards the football field. If it was Jen, he wonders what she is doing here. As far as he knows Dawson didn't want to participate in tonight's event, also. Pacey shook it off as he continues his search for Mr. Gold.
Jen made it to the field and was surprised to see how many people had already shown up. She scans the crowd as she finally spotted Dawson and Joey standing off in the distance. Jen casually made her way through the crowd as she stood a good foot away from them enough for her to hear their conversation.
"Okay, so we're still on for you to bid for me tonight, right?" Dawson asked to make sure that she hasn't backed out.
"Of course, Dawson. I wouldn't be here if I didn't," Joey rolled her eyes good-natured.
"I just want to make sure that everything turns out okay. You did bring enough money on you, right?"
"God, Dawson, will you relax!? Yes, I have enough! I bring the entire savings that I have from working at the Ice House. We're good. Not that you are worth my entire savings," she added jokingly.
"Very funny," Dawson deadpanned.
Meanwhile, Jen felt a sense of jealousy as she watched and listened to their conversation. She had to do something. She had to find a way to stop Joey from bidding on Dawson. Tonight was supposed to be her night. She wanted to spend time with Dawson to make him remember all the good times they had once shared. To make him realize how good they are together. He just needs to give her a chance to prove that she could be good for him. Jen stood still as she noticed Dawson making his move to the back of the stage. This could be the perfect opportunity for Jen to figure out her move to get rid of Joey Potter before the show began.
Dawson headed out back where, to his surprise, he saw Pacey and Mr. Gold carrying what look like DJ equipment. Curious as to what is going on, Dawson made his move towards them.
Pacey, on the other hand, almost dropped the heavy turntable he was carrying as he was shocked to see Dawson heading their way.
"What are you doing here?" Both said at the same time.
"Well, I'm the DJ here, obviously," Pacey said as he indicated the heavy equipment he is holding. "What about you? What are you doing here?"
"Oh, allow me," Mr. Gold interrupted. "Dawson has agreed to auction himself as a date!"
Pacey stood surprised as his mouth dropped. Then he quickly picked it back up as he remembered seeing Jen earlier. Which made him come to a conclusion that they must have made an arrangement to make a bid for a date tonight. He couldn't be more happy for Jen. She deserved it. She deserves to have a second chance with Dawson. Their relationship had ended so quickly before it even started. So what if Jen had a past; who doesn't? At least she is trying to make amends for her mistakes. That should say a lot. Right now, Pacey thinks that Dawson is starting to finally see that.
Dawson notices the change of look in Pacey's eyes. It was a look as if his friend is proud of him for some reason. Whatever the reason may be, he is just happy to receive that look from his longtime childhood friend. Dawson smirked as he notices Pacey struggling to try to hold up the one piece turntable he is carrying. It is so like Pacey to never admit defeat and ask for help. Dawson has to give it to his friend, though, Pacey certainly can hold his own. Dawson knows that Pacey hits the gym every so often but it still doesn't mean that he is strong enough to keep a grip on that turntable!
"Do you need a hand? Here - let me help you," Dawson said as he quickly made his way towards his friend.
As Dawson helps Pacey lift the table up to a study position with his one good arm, while his other arm is still in a sling, Mr. Gold watched the two boys with a frown on his face as he doesn't have anyone to help him with the other part of the turntable he was holding.
"I'm going to get this on stage!" Mr. Gold said disappointedly in a joking way.
Dawson and Pacey both looked at each other as they burst out laughing.
Meanwhile, out in the field, Jen kept watching over Joey as she still tries to come up with a plan to get Joey out of the way. But it didn't take too long as she notices Joey starting to make her move. Following Joey through the crowd, Jen was fearful that she might have lost Joey. Looking around the crowd frantically, her heart began to race as she starts to panic. What is she going to do now? How is she going to have her chance with Dawson?
Then suddenly, she heard someone calling out to Joey. Looking around she spotted Mary Beth waving over at Joey. Jen almost jump with joy as she finally saw Joey heading towards the school building. Joey waved back at Mary Beth as she continues to head inside the building. Perfect! Jen thought as she raced to get inside.
Once Jen made it inside, she looked up and down the corridor and spotted Joey headed towards the restroom. Slowly making her way there Jen quietly opens the door and peeked inside. Not seeing anyone standing inside, she quietly made her way in as she looked through each stall to find them all empty except for the one that Joey is currently using. Smiling to herself as she realizes that Joey is the only one in the restroom, Jen quickly turns back around and quietly leaves the restroom. Slowly closing the door behind her, she looks around the hallway to see if anyone is around. Noticing that the coast is clear, Jen quickly bent down to untie her shoelace. As she got both her shoelace out of her sneakers, she then proceeds to tie both ends of the laces together to make it longer. She turns back to face the restroom door and place one end of the shoelace to the doorknob and tie the other end of the other doorknob that is adjacent to the restroom. Jen made sure that she tie the knot tight enough so that Joey couldn't get out. Thank goodness for Girl Scouts , she thought as she was satisfied with her tying skills.
Before leaving, Jen looked around once more and relieved that there is no one in sight. "I'm sorry, Joey," she whispered as she quickly left the building.
Joey walked out of the restroom stall and went to the sink to wash her hands. She then looked at herself in the mirror and did a little touch up to make herself presentable. Satisfied with the way she looks, Joey made her way to the door and is surprised to see that she couldn't turn the knob. She tried the handle again a couple of times and still it would not budge. This could not be happening, she thought as she starts to bang on the door.
Outside in the hallway, the school corridor was empty and the only sound that was being heard is the banging and shouting from Joey echoing through the empty halls.
The crowd was cheering loudly as they wait for the men to come out on stage. Pacey was playing "Ladies Night" by Lil Kim as Mr. Gold came out on stage to make his appearance. The lighting on stage was flashing as Mr. Gold is looking dashing in his Tux. Mr. Gold held the mic to his lips as he raises his left hand to silence the cheering crowd below.
"Ladies! Ladies! May I have your attention please!" Mr. Gold started. "Tonight is a very special night for all you freshmen out there!"
The crowd roared as they cheered for tonight's event. Many of the freshmen girls couldn't wait to get their hands on some of the boys in their freshmen class.
"Now it's time to lay down some ground rules," Mr. Gold said as the crowd groans about to happen to follow some rules.
"First and foremost, there will be no fooling around as tonight is just to have fun for your benefit. Second," he added quickly as the crowd booed about the first rule. "The date can only last till midnight. By that time the guys will take you home and you are allowed to share one goodnight kiss."
At that, the crowd cheers loudly as they finally get to have some kind of action.
"But keep it clean!" Mr. Gold warned as he sternly looks out at the crowd of girls whose hormones are raging.
"Now, let's get started with the date night auction!" He shouts as the crowd screams.
Meanwhile, back in the school building, Joey is still trapped in the restroom as she heard loud sounds coming from outside on the football field where the auction is being held. She began to panic as she realizes that she is starting to miss the show.
"Can somebody please get me out of here!" She yells as she bangs on the door.
The poor girl is trapped and there is no way of getting out. No one can hear her cries for help as she is stuck here all alone. It turns out that her date with Dawson has shattered. There is no way that she can fix this. What will she say to him when he asks what happened? How can she face him now without embarrassing herself? Will he understand? Because as of right now for the life of her, she can not understand why all these bad things are happening to her.
Joey let out a breath as she sank to the floor against the door. She then buried her head in her hands as she tries to figure out who would do this to her and why?
Back at the auction, a boy named Max had just appeared on stage. He is a cute Asian guy who kind of look like a K-pop star. He had this little swag thing going on as he walked on stage. He began dancing to the beat that Pacey was playing. He had managed to catch every girls attention as he began to strip off his shirt.
The crowd went wild as one girl shouted, "Fifty dollars!"
"Whoa!" Jen shouted as she looked on amazed.
"I hear fifty dollars, do I hear fifty-five," shouted Mr. Gold.
"Fifty-five dollars and fifty cents!" A black girl shouted.
Max continue on doing his sexy dance on stage as Jen couldn't help but to swallow a large lump of spit down her throat.
Next thing she knew she shouted out, "Sixty dollars!" Wait, where the hell did that come from? She was supposed to only bid on Dawson, not this Max guy.
"I hear sixty, do I hear sixty-five," Mr. Gold try to raise the stakes again.
A black girl who was bidding high numbers quickly search through her purse as she is happy to pull out one hundred and twenty dollars.
"One hundred twenty dollars and seventy-five cents!" She shouted.
"Sold!" Mr. Gold quickly shouted.
Max looked out to the crowd as he spotted the girl who had bid on him. He gave her a warm smile as he bows toward her letting her know that he appreciates her bid. She bows back in reply as she is just super happy that she won "her man!"
Jen had to laugh at the whole thing as she awaits for Dawson's turn to come on stage. Right on cue, Pacey started playing a slow jam just as Dawson walks out on stage. Dawson, on the other hand, was acting very shy as he has his good hand in his pocket not knowing what to do. He was acting kind of cute as he just stood there being all shy.
But that didn't stop the crowd as one girl screamed, "Twenty dollars!"
Yeah, that's right. Dawson's bid only started out with twenty bucks while others started out twice, as much.
Wanting to help him out and raise the stakes, Jen shouted, "Fifty dollars!"
Mr. Gold sprang on that as he shouted, "Do I hear Fifty-five!"
"Fifty-five dollars!" One girl shouted.
Jen looked over at her and gave her a dirty look. "Eighty-five dollars and seventy-five cents," Jen ended with the entire money that she had.
She didn't intend to spend it all but that hoe was moving in on her man!
Jen kept a close eye on the girl as she looked around in her purse to search for anything more than that. "I only got eighty dollars and fifty cents," she moaned to herself, sadly.
Jen smirked as Mr. Gold shouted sold to Jen's bidding.
Yes! Now Jen finally got what she wanted and that is Dawson Leery.
Before walking off of the stage, Dawson strains his eyes scanning the crowd as he tries to see who had bid on him. Was it Joey? He couldn't tell. The voice didn't sound like Joey's. Plus, if his memory serves him, Joey had brought more than eighty-five dollars and some change. Was he only really worth that little to her? He couldn't help but feel a little hurt by that while Max had gotten the biggest amount thus far.
Meanwhile, Mary Beth was in desperate need of going to the bathroom. She already had done her bidding and is happy with the guy she got. His name is Rodney and he is in her biology class. She has had a crush on him since the beginning of the school year. Now she finally has a chance to go on a date with him and get to know him better. Mary Beth came to a halt as she stood in front of the restroom door. Looking at the shoelaces tied tightly around the door handle to another door handle from the door that is adjacent to the restroom.
Trying to figure out why a shoelace is being tied to the door handle and who would do something like this, she heard a sound coming from within the other side of the door.
"Is someone in there?" She asked as she started to unknot the shoelace.
"Yes! Yes! Someone is in here! Please help me!" Joey shouted; relieved that someone finally came to her rescue.
"Joey? Is that you?" Mary Beth asked as she struggles with the knot.
"Mary Beth?" Joey whisper shouted.
"Yes, it's me, Joey. Hang on, I will get you out of here."
Mary Beth finally got the knot loose as she quickly unties the shoelace. Then she opens the door to reveal Joey standing on the opposite side. Joey, on the other hand, looks super happy to see Mary Beth. She quickly shocked her as she ran to give Mary Beth a tight hug and thanked her before running off to the field.
Just as she arrived, Joey squeezes through the crowd and made her way to the front of the stage. She looked around to see if she hadn't already missed Dawson but he was nowhere in sight. Then she heard Mr. Gold made his final announcement.
"Ladies! Ladies! I'm sorry but that is all for tonight."
All the girls groan as Joey's world came crumbling down. What is she going to do now? Where is Dawson? Who had bid on him?
As the show seemed to be over and Mr. Gold had called it a night, Pacey began to pack up and put his things away. The crowd was starting to take notice of him.
One of the girls shouted, "I'll bid seventy-five dollars on that DJ guy!"
All eyes were on Pacey as he paused at what he was doing. Turning slowly, he looked out at the crowd of girls. Joey, on the other hand, face fell in shock when she saw him standing on stage. Like instinct, both Joey and Pacey's eyes locked together.
Pacey? What is he doing here? Joey? What is she doing here? They both thought at the same time.
Mr. Gold, eyes wide, pointed at Pacey as he said, "I hear seventy-five, do I hear eighty?"
Wait! Someone is bidding on Pacey! She can not let that happen! She may not have gotten Dawson but she damns sure not gonna let some girl take "her man!"
"Eighty dollars and twenty-five cents," someone else shouted.
That's it! She is going to raise the stakes on this one. She had brought her entire savings with her and Pacey is worth every last bit of it!
"Three hundred and ninety-five dollars!" Joey roared.
The crowd looked to her in shock and amaze while Pacey is looking like a fish standing there with his eyes wide opened as he moves his mouth open and close.
"Sold!" Mr. Gold shouted as he now points his finger at Joey.
All the while, both Pacey and Joey are secretly excited about their date night together.
Dawson scans the crowd as he looks for the person who bid on him. At this point, he is very curious as to who it could be. As soon as he meets this person, then he will deal with whatever happened to Joey.
Dawson finally came to a stop when he saw his name tag being held by the person who bid on him. Looking up to see who it is, he wasn't very pleased to see that it is Jen who is the one who had bid on him.
Jen ignored the look on Dawson's face as she slowly made her way towards him. Her smile wavered as she kept her eyes on him. She can tell that he is beyond pissed at the moment. But that's not going to stop her from pursuing him. She had this date all planned out and she is going to see through it to the end. She has to find a way to get Dawson back. She needs to find a way so that they could reconcile before their trip to Paris.
"Dawson, I -" Jen started as she reaches out to touch him.
"Don't touch me," he gritted as he storms off.
Jen quickly panicked as she ran after him. "Dawson! Wait!"
"What, Jen! What can you possibly gain from this?" He shrieked.
"A chance for us to be friends again," she said softly.
"Friends?" Dawson chuckled. "Fine. Let's see if we can be friends again," he grabs her wrist and stalks off into the night.
oOo
Pacey rushes through the crowd as he couldn't wait to make it to Joey. He finally spotted the cute brunette standing tall holding up his name tag with a huge grin on her face. His face finally mirrors hers as he rushes to her.
"Ms. Potter, three hundred and ninety-five dollars!? Wow! I'd never thought that I would see the day that you would bid that much money on me. I must be very special," he added cockily.
Joey rolled her eyes good-natured, "Oh please. Don't flatter yourself. I was only doing you a favor. Who knows who you would have ended up with tonight," she fluttered her lashes.
"Touché," Pacey agrees.
"Come on. Let's get out of here. I rented out the whole Ice House for tonight," Joey said as she started to walk off.
Pacey was just about to follow her lead until he stopped short. Something is not right here. He looked at Joey as he watched her suddenly stopped and turned to look at him with puzzlement.
"Pacey, what's wrong? Why aren't you walking?" Joey asked with concern.
"Why did you come tonight, Jo? I thought that you said it is stupid and a waste of time and money," Pacey's tone was a little harsh.
Joey's eyes grew wide as she realized her mistake. She can't let Pacey know that she was actually here for Dawson. Why? It's not like she and Pacey are dating. True, but even still, she doesn't want to disappoint Pacey into thinking that the only reason she is with him is that she missed her chance with Dawson. Although it is true, but it is not the way that he would think. Will he understand if she explains it to him? Maybe. But for some reason, she found herself saying …
"I didn't want to come tonight but Bessie forced my hand. She said I should go out there and live a little. She said that I could use the money I've earned from working at the Ice House and that she will have the whole place rented out for me tonight," she lied.
She watched as Pacey seemed to take what she said all in. He seemed satisfied with her answer as he proceeds to walk on with her without any further questions.
Ice House 9:30 pm.
Pacey looked around amazed as he thought of how much effort Bessie must have put into decorating this place. She certainly wants her sister to have a good time and impress whomever Joey's date would have been if he wasn't around tonight. That last thought had left him uneasy. He'd hate to think of Joey on a date with another guy; even if it is just for a school event. It was already bad enough when she had met that Andrew guy. What a dick, he thought as anger starts to resurface with the thought of him.
He tried to be cool when Joey found interest in the guy but deep down he was a burning mess! Then to hear the story about the way he had treated her was enough to make him want to beat the crap out of the guy, himself. It was also hard to hear from her that she and Andrew had shared a kiss.
A kiss that was only meant for them. He had never kissed anyone else since his first kiss with Joey when they were five or six. He'd never wanted to kiss any other girl but her.
She is the only one.
The only one for him and deep down he knows that Joey is the only love of his life. No matter where the road may take him, it will always end up with Joey. She is the only one that will always hold a place in his heart. Therefore, if she would have ended up with someone else tonight, there is no telling what he would do! He doesn't think that he would be able to take it if she went out with another guy tonight, instead of him.
He loves her. That much he does know. But he doesn't know where her heart lies. He still believes that Joey has feelings for Dawson and it pains him to know that the girl he fell for since the moment he met her - fell for his best friend.
Which is why he didn't come clean about his feelings for her, yet. He didn't want to scare her off and ruin the good relationship that they now have. Over the years, they were constantly at each other's throats. For him, it was just that he is a boy who likes to pick on a girl he loves. But for Joey, she just plain couldn't stand him. So he figures not to approach her yet until she is ready. Little did he know that she would grow up to end up falling for their best friend.
Joey, on the other hand, is a nervous wreck. She look around the Ice House hoping that Pacey wouldn't catch on that she originally decorated the place for her and Dawson. She had planned for tonight to be like a Paris movie themed night. She decorated the Ice House full of beautiful lights as if they were outside the heart of the city. The Ice House has a big screen flat TV hanging up on the wall where she had planned to watch a movie that involves Paris. Then later on, out back in the patio, she had filled balloons with water so they could have balloon fights like they always used to do when they were little.
Looking at Pacey, she wouldn't mind keeping the balloon fight for later. Something tells her that having a balloon fight with Pacey would be very fun. But what is she going to do for the rest of the night? Everything she had set up was made for Dawson. There's got to be something that they could do in the Ice House that Pacey would enjoy.
Food!
Pacey loves food. He would eat just about anything that is handed to him in a plate. Which is perfect because the kitchen is open for just the two of them. The place is decorated nicely which set a romantic mood. All they need to do is just come up with what food that they would want to eat.
"Wow. Bessie went all out," she heard him say.
"Excuse me?"
"The Ice House. I assume Bessie decorated the place for you. No?" Pacey asked slightly confused.
Joey closed her eyes for a brief moment. That's right. She did tell Pacey that this is all Bessie's idea. She has got to make sure that Pacey and Bessie don't run into each other tonight. Just for tonight until she is ready to confess the truth to him. She doesn't know how long she can hold on to this lie but she plans to tell him when they go on their class trip to Paris. It is there that she wants to confess everything to him. By everything, she wants to come clean about her true feelings for him.
That it is he that she is in love with; not Dawson. The only reason why she planned a date with Dawson tonight is that she felt bad about not being a really good friend to Dawson when he needed her. With all that crap he is dealing with his parents. Plus, the whole Jen thing. She is sure he needs someone to talk to about that.
She also knows that Dawson has Pacey to turn to. But she has always been the "it" girl. Meaning, the main person that both guys run to for advise. It has always been that way for the three of them growing up. Pacey would come to her with his problems with his family - mainly his father. Even though they never see eye to eye, she would push aside their differences and be the shoulder to lean on. The same goes for Dawson. She would comfort him at a time of need and he would do the same for her.
Dawson has been there for her when her mother died. She and Pacey were at odds so of course, he wouldn't know how to comfort her. But he did do his best. He respected her by giving her space - space that she very well needed. It was at that moment when she realized that even though he could be such a jerk at times, Pacey could be a really cool guy. But Dawson, on the other hand, he was her best friend. The one that she had depended on the most. At that time, she had valued the time and comfort he spent on her. Even when she tried to push him away, he would not budge. In a way, she had resented him for that. She was grateful that he was there for her but there were times that she needed to be alone.
It was at that time when she realized that Pacey seems to know her better than Dawson does.
Pacey shifted uncomfortably as he anxiously waits for her to respond to his question.
She seems to noticed.
"Actually, I -" she started.
"No, wait," Pacey stopped her. "You don't have to explain anything. I've actually ruined the mood, huh? Let's just move on. What do you have plan for us to do tonight?"
Joey actually felt kind of relieved when Pacey stopped her. She was going to tell him the truth tonight. Maybe it is better that she wait and tell him on their trip like she originally planned.
"Well, I was thinking that we could cook us some kind of a romantic dinner," she said.
Pacey gave her an impressed look. "Whoa, Potter, you never cease to amaze me. But I have something better in mind."
"What's that?" Joey asked; curious.
Pacey walked up to her and slap both his hands one on each of her shoulders. He leans down so he can be eye level with her.
"I'll do the cooking and you do the watching," he smirked.
Joey snapped out of it when she realizes what Pacey had just said.
"Wh-what? You cook?" She asked; amazed.
"Well, I don't just cook for anyone," Pacey gloated.
He started toward the kitchen as he prepares to show off his cooking skills to Joey.
Later on … 10:05 pm.
Ice House kitchen station.
Joey sat up on a counter as she watches Pacey cook, intently. He certainly seems to know what he is doing as he moves around in the kitchen. He would look at her every once in a while in a flirtatious way as he is flipping the noodles and shrimps in a frying pan on the stove. Joey would roll her eyes good-natured as she watches him.
Pacey would also use Joey as his taste tester to see if its good. He would love her response with the way that she moans and licks her lips as she tries his food. It turns him on every time.
When he notices that the food is done, he turns off the stove and proceeds to fix their plates.
Sitting out in the dining area, Joey makes quick work digging into her plate. Pacey watches satisfied with the fact that she seems to love his food.
When they are finished, Joey offers to help clean up. They goof around as they do so. But the flirting doesn't stop there. Joey tells Pacey that she has water balloons out back and would love to have a water balloon fight. He agrees as they set out back.
As they make it on the patio, Joey quickly runs to grab a water balloon she had hidden as she threw it at Pacey hitting him on the side of his face. She then runs off screaming when she sees the glare in his eyes ready for revenge.
"Oh, you. Are. So. Dead!" He exclaims as he grabs a balloon and proceeds to chase after her.
Trapped, as there is nowhere else to run too, Joey turns back to face Pacey. Holding out her hands as she is indicating for him to stop, Joey looks around as she tries to find a way to escape. Pacey, on the other hand, is holding the balloon in one hand as he is bouncing it up and down; contemplating on throwing it at her.
"Now, Pacey, you wouldn't want to harm little old me. Do you?" Joey flutters her lashes. A little thing she does to have her way.
Pacey smirks as he looks at her. "I don't know, Jo. Should we call it quits?"
"Nah. We just started. I just want you to have mercy on me. That's all," she says crossing her fingers.
"Alright. I'll forfeit," Pacey says as he eases closer to her.
"Fine. Alright then," she giggles mischievously.
Pacey wonders what she is up too until he feels a wet splat hit him on the chest. Looking up in surprise, he sees Joey sticking her tongue out at him. When did she even have time to grab another balloon without him knowing? Never mind that. It's time to get even.
Pacey grabs a hold of her before she manages to escape. He holds her tight as her back is against him. She keeps squirming as she tries to escape. He tries to keep a grip on the balloon he held in one hand but her squirming wasn't helping. He accidentally dropped the balloon and it landed right on her butt.
Feeling her behind being wet, Joey stops her movements as she slowly turns to face Pacey. Noticing the sheepish look he gives as he rubs his hand behind his head, Joey couldn't help but think how cute he looks at that moment. Forgetting the fact that Pacey had dropped a water balloon on her butt. She just gave him a little smirk that she do as she feels him loosen his hold on her. Then she bites her bottom lip, which unbeknownst by her, drives him crazy.
Pacey can't help the groan that escapes his throat as he sees her bite her bottom lip. It is a wonder how he manages to stay put without pulling her to him and kiss her senseless. That image itself deserves an award for the best male and female lead in a romantic movie ever made known.
Pacey jolts out of his thoughts about all kinds of dirty things he wants to do to her when he notices her starting to make her move. Without a word, Joey races to grab the next balloon and was about to aim at her target but Pacey was much faster as he quickly gets a hold of the balloon and smashes it down on her head causing a huge shower of waterfall down her head. Pacey couldn't help but laugh his butt off as he watched her shocked expression. Then they continued to chase each other with the water balloons for the rest of the night.
oOo
Capeside Beach 11:15 pm.
Jen had made a bonfire like picnic on the beach. The waves were crashing in the night air as the fire set aglow to give them light and some heat. Jen is currently running around barefoot through the sand while holding sparklers in her hands. She seems to be having a good time.
Dawson, on the other hand, is sitting on a blanket snacking on grapes as he watches her. Every move she makes his eyes never leave her as he tries to figure her out. As of right now as he looks at her, she comes off as being sweet and innocent. But deep down he knows better.
When he first saw Jen that was what he had thought of her. Here was this new beautiful person who lives next door who had already captured his heart. He didn't know anything about her but from the looks of her - she seemed innocent. He wanted to get to know her - by dating her. He knew about her grandmother, Mrs. Ryan, being all strict but it is now that he realized why Mrs. Ryan is strict towards Jen. It is because of her past. What her life was like when she was living in New York.
At the time when he first met her, he thought that she was perfect. He thought that she was pure and innocent and that he was the only guy that she found interest in.
Oh, but he was wrong!
When he found out about his mom cheating on his dad, he was very devastated. Never in a million years would he think that his own mother would do such a thing. It didn't make sense to him and it still doesn't make sense. So, when he saw his mom with that bastard, Bob, Jen was with him. She had offered him someone to talk to if he needed she would listen. He was touched by her words and he did need someone to talk too about this new problem that he had discovered. Even though he liked Jen, and he really did like her a lot, somehow he needed his best friend to talk to about this problem. Especially when said best friend had gone through the same problem with her parents.
When he finally did go to Joey and told her what happened, he didn't expect her to already know about the situation and she didn't even bother to tell him about it! Yeah, he was hurt. And yeah, he was mad as hell. His best friend, the one he trust the most in the entire world, had kept a serious secret from him and didn't think it would be wise enough to tell him. He thought that Joey, of all people, would understand him and would be quick to tell him when she realized that something was wrong.
So when he was heated with the thought that his best friend had betrayed him, that's when he decided to take Jen up on her word and went to talk to her. At first, he had thought about going to Pacey but he knew that Pacey wouldn't take things seriously so he settles for Jen since she was there with him when they saw his mother kissing another man.
He felt bad for not coming to her in the first place and he had apologized to her for that. He was thankful that she was nice enough to let it slide. She listened to him when he needed to vent; but to his surprise, he didn't expect her to also reveal something serious about herself. She told him that she isn't a virgin and that she had slept with other guys before. She had seriously dropped a big bomb on him that he couldn't even think straight.
Here was his perfect girlfriend who turns out to be a fake who had told him that she had sex with other guys. Not just one but many others. So, of course, he was beyond pissed when she told him.
When hurricane Chris had hit Capeside, Jen and her grandmother had stayed with them throughout the storm. It was during that time when Dawson and Jen had to spend some time together. He was a total jerk to her, as he is now, and he had called her a 'slut' which she had responded with a slap in his face. He deserved that, he knew. He did feel bad for saying that. He decided to hear her out and let her tell her side of the story about what lead her to do such a thing. She told him her story and he had sympathized with her and before he even knew it he had kissed her. He didn't know what to do at the moment and the only thing he could think of doing was kissing her. Had he fully forgiven her? No. Did he want to get back together with her? Hell no. It was then when he realized that he was starting to have feelings for Joey.
When the hurricane was over, he went over to Joey's and apologize to her about his behavior. She forgave him, of course, and when he hugged her - he realizes that he never wanted to let her go.
It wasn't until recently when Pacey had talked him into giving Jen a chance at joining their circle. He personally didn't want anything to do with Jen but since his best friend is becoming friends with her, he had no choice.
So when Friday the 13th had come around, he had invited her over to his party. It was then that he was going to give her a chance and start over by being friends. Then she told them about another part of her past that he didn't know about. He wanted to give her another chance. But somehow she made it difficult when she had brought a crazed murderous person into his home! It wasn't intentional, he knew, but she just made it so hard for him to look past all the drama that she was involved in.
Jen was starting to get tired as she finally decides to join Dawson. The sparklers had finally gone out as she flops down beside Dawson. He was just about ready to take a sip of his water till Jen snatch the bottle from his hand and took a sip instead. She then gave him a cheeky grin as she swallows the water down her throat. Dawson had to fight the urge to roll his eyes as he takes the bottle back from her and takes a sip of his own.
"Having fun yet?" She asked; expectantly.
"Yeah, what a thrill," Dawson deadpanned.
"What do you want from me, Dawson? You know I'm trying here," Jen sighs as she notices his attitude.
"Well, maybe you need to try a little harder," he snickered as he took another sip of his water.
"What's got into you, Dawson? You've never acted this way before," Jen cried.
"That's because I've never had a reason to act this way before," Dawson said smartly.
"I thought the whole point of us being here is for you to give me a chance," Jen said.
"No, no. You said that you want us to be friends, and I said let's see if we can be friends. And I got to tell you, Jen, I don't think we can be friends," he snared.
"Why? Because I told you that I'm not a virgin?"
"Because you lied to me about it and made me think that you were this sweet innocent girl! I bet you enjoyed making a fool out of me! Then to top it off, you had some guy come to my home and terrorize us all because you didn't take responsibility and help him when he needed it!" Dawson vented; out of breath.
All Jen can do is stare at Dawson with disbelief as a silent tear rolls down her face. There is nothing that she can say or do to fix this. Apparently, to Dawson, their friendship was broken a long time ago. Dawson had already made up his mind and there is no way to change it otherwise.
He couldn't be here any longer with her. It wasn't midnight yet but he knows he couldn't stay a minute longer with her around. He has to cut this so-called date short and go search for Joey. He needs to find her and figure out what happened. Being here with Jen just doesn't make sense to him right now. Tonight was not suppose to happen like this. He needs to go and find Joey and he needs to do it now before midnight.
Jen watches as Dawson stands up before her.
"I have to go," he mumbles; and starts to walk away.
All Jen can do is watch his retreating form in the darkness as tears spill down her face.
(Start playing She's The One by Robbie Willaims). Pacey just walked out of Joey's bedroom when he spotted her in the kitchen making coffee. He stared at her in admiration as he watches her move around in the kitchen. She looks over at him and smiles brightly as she pours him his cup of coffee. He stays rooted in his spot as he continues to watch her walk up to him as she hands him his cup. He takes it from her never leaving his eyes from hers as he says a low 'thanks.' He takes a sip - eyes still on hers.
Joey, notices Pacey stare, takes a sip of her own coffee as she tries to hide a smile that was threatening to come out. There was definitely something in the air that night between the two of them and she doesn't want it to end. When they make it back to her house, she was thankful that Bessie and Bodie were gone for the night and they took Alex with them. She lends Pacey some of Bodie's old clothes that he doesn't wear anymore; so he can get out of the wet clothes he was wearing.
"Jo, I think it's about time for you to get out of those clothes," Pacey says as he watches her spit up her coffee in surprise.
Joey couldn't contain a cough that kept coming out. She had nearly choked on her coffee with his remark and is now left embarrassed. Her face was literally turning red as her coughs were getting out of control.
On seeing this, Pacey rushes over to her and pats her on the back to try to stop the coughs. "Are you okay?"
Joey held up a finger, indicating to wait a minute. As she finally releases her last sets of coughs; relief fills her as she took a breath. "I'm fine," she finally says.
"You've given me quite a scare," Pacey hesitates for a moment before giving her some space.
Embarrassed; Joey admits, "I was caught off guard by your words."
Pacey smirked as he spotted a dry towel nearby. Not wanting Joey to get sick or catch a cold; he went over to get the towel and place it over her head as he proceeds to dry her hair with it.
Joey froze in her spot as her eyes never left Pacey's. She was lost in his handsome features as she watches him intently dry her hair with the towel. Butterflies seem to flutter in her stomach as she fiddles with her fingers. Her eyes keep landing on his lips as she flushes.
Pacey notices the look she is giving him as his eyes land on hers. They both stand staring at each other as the towel slides down from the top of her head to rest behind her neck. At that moment, Dawson walks up to the back door of the kitchen and stops as he sees the two of them through the window in what seems to be a very intimate scene. Hearts were beating fast as they continue to stare into each other souls. Pacey holds the tip of the towel on each end that was wrap around Joey's neck. He finally held it firmly as he drew Joey in closer to him as he leans down and captures her lips in his.
Dawson's eyes grew wide as he held his good fist tight at his side. He quickly turns away, stopping himself from barging in and yanking Pacey away from her. This wasn't right! Tonight did not make any sense at all to him. Walking a few steps away, Dawson stops as he turns to look back at Joey's house. He couldn't leave without an explanation. He will wait till Pacey leaves Joey's house and have a word with him. He has to get to the bottom of this!
oOo
Tonight turned out great as Pacey blissfully leaves Joey's house. He couldn't stop thinking about how good it felt to kiss Joey. He had to admit, he was very surprised that she even kissed him back with such urgency without even pushing him away. It started off slow at first but gradually grew into something more. He tentatively touched his lips to hers to see how it will go. He than brush his tongue on her bottom lip asking permission to seek entrance. When she opens her mouth to him to grant entrance; he finally thrust his tongue into her mouth. He moans as he finally got the taste of her; watermelon. He then pulled her even more into him as he hooks an arm around her lower back. She moans into his mouth as their tongues danced around each other.
It was hands down the best kiss they've ever shared!
Pacey couldn't stop smiling as he replayed the scene over and over again in his head. Now all he has to do is come clean about his feelings for her. Tonight seems pretty obvious that she may have some feelings for him. That kiss they shared seems to say a lot!
Pacey stumbled in surprise as he felt a pain struck him on his left jaw. Looking over to see who had caused such a thing, to his surprise he was stunned to see his best friend Dawson with rage blazing in his eyes.
"Dawson! What the hell, man!"
"What were you doing with Joey? Why did you kiss her!?" Dawson demanded.
Pacey paused for a moment as he tries to gather his bearings. He didn't need to explain himself to Dawson. What he does with Joey is his business!
"Not that it's any of your business but we were on a date tonight for the auction. If memory serves me right - I was supposed to kiss my date at the end of the night," Pacey pointed out; matter of factly.
Dawson could say no more when realization had dawned on him. That's right. At midnight, they were supposed to kiss their date good-night. He left Jen early before the date could even end. Had he stayed with her for the entire date - he'd have to kiss her too. He cringed with that thought and glad that he ended the date early. But what he doesn't understand is how did Pacey, of all people, ended up with Joey? Last time he checked, Pacey was just the DJ; he claimed that he didn't want any part of being auctioned off as a date. So, what's changed?
"I thought you didn't want any part of this date night auction?" Dawson finally said.
Pacey sighed as he rubs his temples. "I didn't but that didn't stop the girls from bidding on me anyway. Somehow, Joey was there and thought to save me from those crazed females and opt to bid on me instead," he finished.
Well, that makes sense. It is so like Joey to want to save a friend in need. But it still doesn't explain what happened to Joey during the time when she was supposed to bid on him? How did everything go so wrong?
Pacey noticed the confusion and frustration from Dawson. He's been best friends with Dawson for years. Throughout those years, there were some good times and some bad. He knew Dawson like the back of his hand. So he knows when something is bothering him; like tonight.
"What is it, Dawson? I can tell that there's something on your mind."
Dawson nodded as he scratches the back of his head. "The reason I went off on you just now is that Joey was supposed to be my date," he started.
Pacey paused as he tries to soak in what Dawson had just said, "Wh-what?"
Dawson let out a sigh before he starts to explain. "Joey and I had already made plans to go on a date tonight for the auction. She had brought the entire savings that she earned from the Ice House for our plan to spend time together. She had the whole date set up for us. We were supposed to go to the Ice House and watch a classic movie about Paris; have a romantic candlelight dinner and then later on a balloon fight like we use to do when we were kids."
As Dawson kept explaining every little detail to Pacey about their planned date; Pacey was starting to get very furious. He wasn't angry with Dawson for he knew that Dawson is telling the truth. What had set him off is the fact that Joey had lied to him the entire night! This whole night had been nothing but a lie. Here he thought that she was actually falling for him! That had to be a lie, also. She never really had feelings for him. It was all for Dawson. It was always Dawson! He should have known better. He should have known not to get involved with someone who he knew had feelings for someone else. He thought that if he made her see the real him then maybe she would start to fall for him. Was he wrong? He can't help how he feels. Like now; the fact that he is furious with Joey, he still loves her. He knows that that love would never go away. But the question remains ... is love really enough?
AN: So that's it with this chapter. Please let me know what you all think. Reviews is greatly appreciated. I'm just greatly excited that there is only three more chapters left! Can't wait to get them done! LOL. I know this is late but happy new year everyone!
Character Insight:
Dawson/Joey: Two best friends who hasn't spend much time together lately, plan to go on a date for their class date night auction. Joey thought it would be harmless fun since she rarely spends time with Dawson; while Dawson see this as an opportunity for them to get closer and he finally reveals how he feels about her. But as the auction date goes on ... little did either of them know that their plan has taken an interesting turn.
Pacey/Joey: Two people who has feelings for each other but doesn't have the guts to tell each other how they feel. Ended up being each others dates at the auction. Joey is keeping a secret from Pacey in fear that he would misunderstand her, but why does she think that way? Then there is Pacey who is surprised that Joey was even there but very pleased when she had bid on him. The date turn out great for the two of them; so much so that it ended with a steaming hot kiss!
Dawson/Jen: All I can say is poor Jen. She doesn't deserve to be treated the way Dawson has been treating her. Throughout their date, Dawson shows what a real jerk he can be. All the while his biggest concern is whatever happened to Joey? He tells Jen off and end up leaving the date early so he could be with Joey.
Pacey/Dawson/Joey: By the end of the date, Dawson shows up just in time when he sees Pacey and Joey in a very intimate moment. Thank God he doesn't stick around long enough to see how intimate the scene has unfolds. But to him, he has saw enough. That much so that he had punch Pacey in the jaw. Pacey livid with the whole thing asked Dawson what his problem is. Dawson finally came clean about his and Joey's plan; well yeah, again it left Pacey furious! Poor Joey doesn't even know that Dawson had already spill the beans to Pacey.
Next Chapter - Episode 11: Field Trip
- The freshmen class goes on their trip to Paris.
- Pacey is being indifferent towards Joey.
- Pacey and Joey clash.
- Pacey and Jen grows closer.
- Dawson finally reveals his feeling to Joey.