Description: My version of how Joey and Pacey got together.
Disclaimer: I own nothing of the show only the storyline. Jacob and Derek are character's I created.
Author's Note: If you read and review, I'll update.
Unspoken Love:
Chapter #1
(Pacey's pov)
" It doesn't bother you Derek is dating the girl who got away from you, Witter?", questions Jacob not soon after Derek leads Joey back to his room for the night. This guy never gives up does he? Last time I ever have a few drinks and allow him to pick my brain. How am I supposed to be held responsible for something I said while drunk? Jacob somehow got me to admit there was once a time where I had feelings for little miss Josephine Potter. Were I to be completely honest, I'd admit part of me still does. Jo doesn't need to know this though, not when she's in a happy relationship with my roommate Derek. I'm not about to ruin things between the two. From what I could tell, those two make one another happy.
" Not even in the slightest, that was a long time ago Jacob.", I answer without the slightest bit of hesitation in my voice. Not sure what Jacob was hoping that I would admit to him. After my slip up, I basically made him swear to keep his mouth shut. The last thing I need is Joey knowing how I feel for her. She would only demand to know why I never said anything to her. Truth is, I tried more than once to show Potter exactly how I felt. Who buys someone a wall? After Matt Caulfield wrecked Jo's mural, I did. Jen and Bess both figured out how I felt for Joey. They have been on me over the years to simply come clean to her once and for all. Truth is, I'm afraid of being rejected. If Joey weren't into me, my heart would break. I'm alright just being in love with Potter, that is enough for me.
" You're a better man than I am, it would just about kill me.", acknowledges Jacob with a shake of his head. In all honesty, it does. Every time Derek kisses Joey, my fist bawls up at my side. She chose him and is more than likely in love. While I know those two haven't slept with one another yet, something tells me that won't last long. Derek will more than likely be Potter's first time. Not sure why I care...except that I do. Jacob was never supposed to find out my well kept secret and yet he did. Now? The prick never stops questioning why not once I have made it known to Joey how I feel. Not exactly that simple of a thing to do these days. Fairly sure Derek wouldn't take too well to me pouring my heart out to Joey.
" Do you ever give up Jacob?", I ponder while opting for a soda instead of another beer. No way am I having too many tonight and allowing him to coax more admissions from me. Really wish I never said too much the first time. Were word to ever get back to Derek, he more then likely wouldn't want me around Joey. Not that I would blame the guy. Who in their right mind wants a guy that's silently pining for his girl spending time with her? Thankfully, this will never happen. Basically swore Jacob to secrecy. His questions are taking their toll on me at this point. Probably better that I call it a night before I'm half inclined to knock some sense into Jacob.
Grabbing one of the last slices of pizza, Jacob takes a few bites," Can you honestly blame me for being curious? You only have me keeping one whopper of a secret for you, Pacey."
Standing from my seat on the couch, I glance at the clock on the wall," Much as I would love to hear your reasoning as to why I should say something? Think I'm just going to call it a night."
" Excuse me for thinking you owe it to yourself to be honest with her once and for all. I'll see you in the morning Witter.", remarks Jacob with a shrug of his shoulders. Clearly he is delirious if he thinks things will be that simple. Has he completely forgotten about Derek? Something tells me the guy wouldn't be all too excited to learn I've been in love with Joey since long before the two of them were an item. Call me crazy but I doubt that will sit well with him. Why is it so important to Jacob that I come clean with Potter?
(Next morning; Jacob's pov)
" Where's Joey? I haven't seen her all morning.", I ponder while walking into the kitchen for breakfast. Can't tell me she left for class already, exams were last week. Her last semester has been over. Is it possible Jo is still sleeping? I know for a fact she is off the next two days from work. Can't say I blame her if that's the case. The girl has only been working doubles all week. Given the chance, I would be sleeping in too. Pacey left early for work, he'll be home by three o'clock though since it's his turn to cook dinner. Joey's was last night and we wound up ordering Chinese, she's not the greatest cook but she does try. Last night Jo attempted to make calzones, they came out slightly on the burnt side. Witter ate his without complaint while the rest of us ordered out.
" She is out cold in bed still, think Jo might be coming down with something. Took her temperature and it was a hundred and one. Told Joey to just stay in bed all day. Almost don't want to go in for my shift at work.", answers Derek with a shake of his head. He is seriously worried about Joey. There's really no need for him to be. I'm off the same days as she is. I've got no issue looking after Potter. Not as though Derek has to worry about me making a move on her. For one thing, I'm gay and secondly I'm seeing Jack. He is actually on his way over so the two of us can keep an eye on Jo. Oh, we could even make her breakfast in bed. I'm sure McPhee knows what Joey would love for breakfast.
" Derek, don't worry. You have nothing to worry about. Jack and I will take good care of Joey. Go to work, she's in good hands.", I reassure him with a smile. Giving an eventual nod of his head, Derek gets ready for work. Checking in on Joey one last time, he places a kiss on her forehead before leaving. Jack arrives shortly after and the two of us figure out what to make Joey for breakfast. We decide on an omelet with bacon and blueberry pancakes. Making a few extra for ourselves, the two of us make our way into Derek's room when Potter is fast asleep. Upon smelling the breakfast we both made, Joey's eyes reluctantly open.
" Are those what I think they are, Mcphee?", observes Joey with a sleepy smile on her face. Placing the plate on a tray beside her, the two of us laugh when she digs in. Somehow Jack knew those would cheer Potter up without fail. He was right too, she looks beyond happy. Wonder what has the poor girl so sick? Was that Jo that I heard last night running into the bathroom? Poor thing, whatever she has sounds like I definitely do not want to catch it.
" Witter passed along your mom's recipe to me a while back. Told me these were always a sure fire way to lift your spirits.", acknowledges Jack with a smile. Anyone with eyes can see how much Pacey cares for Joey. The only one who doesn't is her and I'll never understand it for the life of me. Witter seems perfectly fine keeping the fact he's head over heels for Potter a secret. Why he is content watching her be with Derek, I'll have no idea. For all he knows, she could very well hold feelings toward him and not know it. Pacey is never going to know unless he puts himself out there. Not saying that I have anything against Derek, he is a great guy. It kills me to see the way Witter looks at Joey when he thinks no one else is looking. Jack's told me numerous times to leave it alone, not sure I know how to.
" This is exactly why I need Pacey around. Annoying as he is at times, I love him Jack.", announces Joey with a content smile on her face. She says things like that and I wonder if there's a small part of Joey that truly means those words. The look on Jack's face clearly tells me to leave well enough alone. He doesn't want me stirring up trouble for Pacey. He refuses to admit to Potter that he is obviously in love with her. Never in my life have I ever wanted to knock sense into two people nearly as much as those two.
(Jack's pov)
" I'm well aware of the love-hate friendship the both of you share with one another, Joey.", I joke with a playful nudge before Jacob has a chance to open his mouth. Shooting a deathly glare in his direction, I silently warn him to keep his mouth shut. He might mean well, but what good could possibly come from Jacob letting slip that Pacey is all but in love with her? All he will wind up doing is wedging Joey right in the middle of Derek and Witter's friendship. If he ever wants to clue Jo in, that is his decision to make not Jacob's.
Finishing the last of her pancakes, Joey places her plate aside," Did you know Pacey and I have known one another since we were five years old? My mom used to laugh whenever he would chase me around the yard. Whenever I would complain, she'd tell me that's just Witter's way of saying that he likes me. Her and Bess would tease about the two of us dating when we were older. I used to hate when the two of them would tease and ask when I'd finally admit to liking Pacey too."
Sitting up in his seat, Jacob takes a drink from his glass of orange juice," You never wondered if maybe the two of them were onto something?"
" No, no. Pacey and I are only friends. He is like the older brother I never asked for but am secretly glad to have. Either of you ever tell Witter, I said that and I will make sure your bodies aren't found.", adds Joey as an afterthought while giving me a light shove. Her secret is safe with me, I'm not saying a word. Seriously wish that Jacob would quit hinting around for answers. Pacey has no intention of cluing Joey in. Why he hasn't ever told her how he felt, I'll never know. That is his choice though, not mine, Bessie's or Jacob's. Even if he were to say something, all doing so would do is land Joey right smack in the middle of Pacey and Derek. The last thing he wants is to place Potter in an awkward position.
" Your secret is safe with me, Joey.", I laugh with a shake of my head. Moving to sit beside Jo, I smile when she scoots herself into my arms. This is nice, sort of miss spending time with Joey like this. Guess it is a good thing I didn't make any plans for today. Somehow think I'll be spending my entire day nursing Potter back to health. Wonder what it is she has anyway. Couldn't be the flu, maybe it's some sort of head cold or a stomach virus. Jacob mentioned hearing Jo get up more than once and make her way to the bathroom. Whatever she has, hope it's not contagious. Would rather not be laid up in bed. Wonder what Witter plans on making for dinner tonight? Jacob mentioned it was his turn to cook and I just might stay over. Pacey has become quite the culinary master since he began working at that restaurant.
" Great, what are the chances of you taking a nap with me, Jack?", ponders Joey in a tired voice. Well, considering you're lying in my arms? I'd say they were fairly good. Guess a nice nap wouldn't be the end of the world. Jen kept me up most of last night wanting to know how things were going between Jacob and I. This girl, Potter and I need to find her a boyfriend and quick. If there is one thing Jen loves to do, it's meddle in everyone else's business. Her and Dawson parted ways just over a month ago, the break up was mutual. Derek and Joey sure have grown close. The two have yet to seal the deal though. Only reason I know this is because Lindley pried it out of her. When the two of us asked what the hold up was, Joey admitted she didn't want her first time to be rushed. Suppose we could both understand that, Derek has been patient so far and not once brought the topic up.
" Considering Jen kept me up all last night? I'd say they're fairly good Joey, close your eyes. Jacob and I aren't going anywhere.", I answer in a gruff tone while pulling a blanket over the three of us. Within a few minutes, Joey is out like a light curled up in my arms. Considering she has a fever? Think it is safe to assume she'll be out for the next few hours. Not exactly what I had planned for today but what can I say? Jo's not feeling well and I'm not about to bail on her. Not like Jacob and I had anything planned. He is the one who told me to come over and help take care of Potter in the first place. With hopes, in a few days she will be back to herself and feeling better. Until then, I don't mind keeping Joey company while she's not feeling well.