Episode Eight "The Things Words Cannot Say"
"I'm bored!" Drue declared loudly.
"You're always bored." Jen didn't even turn to look at her boyfriend, who was lying on the bed behind her. She continued to work on the paper she had been trying to write for the past hour.
"Don't you think that as my loving and caring girlfriend it's your job to get rid of my boredom?"
"Oh. So that's what my role is." Jen laughed. She turned to face Drue who was grinning.
"Oh yeah. You're there to satisfy all my needs. Why do you think I keep you around?"
"And here I thought it was because you loved me." Jen rolled her eyes. Drue got up and walked over to where she was sitting.
"Well, there is that too." He grinned, before bending down to kiss her neck softly.
"Drue!" Jen moaned, trying to pull him away. "I can't study when you do that!"
"That's kind of the point, Lindley." Drue grinned, kneeling on the floor so he was almost level with her.
"I knew I was just asking for trouble when I agreed to let you stay."
"You know you can't resist!"
"That's the problem. I can't study when you're around. I want to get this finished so I can relax this weekend!"
"Okay, I'm sorry. You do your work. I'll just sit here and be quiet." He went back to the bed and sat down.
Jen sighed, trying to return to her paper. But knowing Drue was sitting there just made her concentration totally disappear.
"You know…"
"Drue!" Jen laughed.
"Sorry. I was just thinking. We should go somewhere this weekend. Somewhere far."
"Like where?" Jen looked skeptical.
"I don't know…yet. You leave that to me. Just clear your calendar." Drue quickly got up, already thinking of a plan.
"But…"
"No buts, Jen." He went over and kissed her, meaning for it to be a goodbye kiss, but it escalated suddenly. Jen kissed him back, realizing exactly why he was so distracting. Finally, Drue pulled away and Jen tried to slow down her heartbeat. "I promise you'll love it." Drue quickly kissed her again and then headed for the door.
"Where are you going?"
"I have planning to do. I'll see you tonight," he said, before running out the door.
Jen sighed. Every time they kissed lately it became more than just a kiss. Every time he touched her she felt like she was on fire. But she also felt something she hadn't felt before. She felt butterflies in her stomach, and she felt anxious.
But something was telling her that she would have to deal with these feelings soon. Especially if she was going to go away with Drue by herself.
-&-
Joey took a deep breath, gathering up the courage to walk over to where Pacey was busy talking to someone. She smiled; glad that she was finally able to see him after the week of torture she had been through. She couldn't believe it had been a week since Thanksgiving and she hadn't even so much as seen Pacey in passing.
She had been so busy with school she hadn't had a chance to even think about Pacey let alone talk to him. Not that he wasn't on her mind continuously. But she had been given a huge English paper to do, on top of all her other work and so she spent the entire week researching and writing and then rewriting her essay.
Pacey turned and smiled at her as she approached him cautiously.
"Hey there, stranger." His smile widened and Joey felt relieved.
"Hey Pacey." She followed him into his little office and jumped onto the table. Pacey looked at her sympathetically.
"Did you finish the paper?"
"No!" Joey moaned. "It's nearly done. But you know when sometimes you're working so much that you just reach a point where any more studying just won't help." Pacey looked at her blankly. "Well I couldn't work anymore so I just gave up. I'm going to finish it tonight and then hand it in. I have until eight." Joey sighed.
"Hey, everyone's entitled to a break. Which I know you haven't taken in a whole week."
"Yeah. I'm sorry about that. I thought you might have thought I was avoiding you on purpose or something." Pacey smiled, the thought had crossed his mind.
"Now why would I think that? What reason could you possibly have for avoiding such a handsome creature as myself." Pacey grinned.
"Creature is about the only right thing in that description." Joey laughed lightly. "Pacey, I think we should talk about…"
"And we'll have all the time in the world to talk about it after you finish this paper and clear your head a little." Pacey smiled genuinely.
"You're not trying to put off the talk are you?"
"The talk?" Pacey pretended to not know what she was talking about.
"You know, the one in which I tell you that I'm still in love with you and then you tell me that you're sorry and you just don't love me anymore." Joey said it lightly, like it was what would obviously happen.
"Oh! That talk!" Pacey grinned. "It's all much clearer now. But yes that talk can wait." Pacey couldn't believe Joey would even think he wasn't in love with her. But to hear her say she was in love with him just made him feel so good. But it wasn't that simple. Or was it?
"So I guess I better get that paper finished so we can get on with the rest of our lives." Pacey held his hand out and helped Joey off the table. She smiled up at him and he reluctantly let go of her.
"See ya later Jo." She started walking away from him, smiling to herself.
"Bye Pace," She called, waving back at him. He grinned and waved back at her, wondering what exactly he was getting himself into.
-&-
Jack walked out of his Philosophy class ready to head to the library to get some work done. He had about an hour until he had another lecture and needed to get some work done. He was turning the corner when he walked straight into someone. The books Jack was holding fell to the ground.
"Oh shit. I'm so sorry." Jack looked up to see David there. He remembered him from his English class. He had spoken to him a few times and they were starting to become friends. They both bent down to quickly pick up his books. "Oh hey, Jack. How are you?"
"I'm good."
"Sorry about that. I'm such a klutz sometimes."
"No problem. Were you in a rush?" Jack asked, as they both stood up.
"Nah. I was just going home. So how was your Thanksgiving?" David asked, as they started walking together.
"Good. I went back to Capeside. Managed to spend some time with my boyfriend." Jack smiled as he thought of Tobey.
"Boyfriend?"
"Uh, yeah. His name's Tobey. He still lives in Capeside." Jack said, realizing he hadn't discussed Tobey with David before.
"That's nice. It must be hard having the long distance thing."
"It is. But we try to make it work. So what about you?"
"What about me?"
"Are you involved with anyone?"
"No. I broke up with my last boyfriend before I started college. He goes to NYU so I didn't think it would really work." David said off handedly. "Anyway, I'm sorry about bumping into you. I guess I'll see you around?"
"Sure." Jack smiled at David before walking off in the opposite direction.
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Joey walked up to Pacey and Drue's apartment in a relatively good mood. She had just been to the library to pick up a book she needed to finish one of her assignments and she thought she would drop by to Drue and Pacey's to see if Jen was there. She had called Jen's place first and she wasn't there so this was her next stop.
"Joey!" Drue smiled, surprised to see her.
"Hey."
"What are you doing here? Pacey's at work."
"Had you ever considered that maybe I came to see my good friend Drue? Not that he's being a very good friend right now, he hasn't even asked me to come in." Joey grinned and Drue quickly moved out of the way.
"Sorry. But can you blame me? Lately it's just Pacey, Pacey, Pacey. You never come to see me anymore." Drue pretended to look hurt.
"Awww." Joey laughed. "Poor baby. I'm so sorry." She added, sarcastically.
"That's better." Drue smiled as Joey took a seat on the couch.
"Well, actually, I kind of thought Jen might be here."
"I knew it. See! No one ever comes to see me anymore. Now you're here looking for someone who doesn't even live here." Drue sighed dramatically before he flopped onto the couch next to Joey.
"She may as well." Joey looked at Drue and couldn't tell if he was just joking around or seriously upset. "Okay I'm sorry I don't spend much time with you anymore. But it's not like you don't share some of the blame. You're always attached to Jen!"
"I knew you were jealous." Drue grinned.
"Whatever." Joey rolled her eyes, but secretly smiled. "So, do you know where she is?"
"I think she went to hand in a paper." Joey nodded, and then looked at the table. "And then hopefully she's going to pack."
"Why? Where is she going?" Joey asked, surprised. Jen hadn't mentioned going anywhere.
"Oh. I'm taking Jen away for the weekend."
"Where?"
"It's a secret." Drue said suspiciously.
"Oh come on! You can tell me. I won't tell her. I promise." Joey pretended to zip her lips and throw away the key and Drue just laughed.
"Okay, okay. We're just going to stay in this country house my parents own near Providence. I remember I used to summer there every year and it's empty at the moment."
"Sounds nice. So is this a sharing one bed kind of trip?" Joey added, rather unsubtley.
"Maybe." Joey just grinned. "You're one to talk. You sailed across the seas on a boat the second you and Pacey started going out."
"Hey, I never said anything. And just for the record, you know nothing happened on the boat."
"And nothing might happen on this trip."
"Yeah right."
"I'm serious." Drue looked defensive. "If Jen doesn't want to then…"
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean that…" Joey just thought she was putting her foot in it even more. "So anyway. The trip sounds like a great idea. Jen needs a break. I know we just had Thanksgiving but spending time in a house full of friends and family isn't the most romantic idea." Joey smiled.
"Yeah. I thought we could use some time alone. After, you know, the whole thing with Paul and my Dad and everything."
"It's a great idea."
"Well I'm glad you think so, Jo."
"You're losing some of that bad boy edge Valentine." Joey teased.
"Damn. How is a guy supposed to maintain a tough guy routine and be the perfect boyfriend at the same time?" Drue asked jokily.
"You don't have to be the perfect boyfriend, Drue. Jen just wants someone who will love her and be honest with her." She stressed the 'be honest' part, pointing to his chest.
"I know. I know. I was stupid."
"You're allowed to make mistakes. This is your first so I guess it's okay for now."
"So how's lover boy?" Drue said, changing the topic.
"You can't possibly be referring to Pacey. Since he's not my lover and he's definitely not a boy." Joey joked. She couldn't believe how openly she was talking to Drue Valentine of all people. But he was one of her closest friends and it was so easy to talk to him.
"Well I don't know about the lover part. From what I hear about your kiss…"
"He told you?" Joey was shocked.
"He did. But if he didn't, Jen would have since you obviously blabbed to her." Joey smiled. "But don't ask me what he said. I'm not being the middle man."
"Please?" Joey pouted.
"So that's what you do to get your way. Well it may work on Pacey, but it won't work on me."
"Damn it."
"When are you two going to get it together anyway?"
"That's what I'd like to know," Joey mumbled.
"What?"
"Nothing." Joey stood up. "Well I guess I better get going. If you see Jen, can you tell her to call me?"
"Sure." Drue got up and followed Joey to the door.
"Have fun this weekend." Joey said as she leaned over and hugged Drue. "Bye Drue."
-&-
Joey sat her desk making last minute edits to her essay. The deadline was at eight o'clock tonight so she still had about an hour. She couldn't believe she had left it 'til so late but she had so much work that it had all kind of gotten on top of her. She was glad tomorrow was Saturday. The phone rang and she quickly finished what she was writing before picking it up.
"Hello."
"Joey, hey, what's up?"
"Hey Jen. I'm just finishing up that essay. Thank god, it's nearly done." Joey smiled, getting up from her desk and walking over to her bed and sitting down. "What have you been up to?"
"Nothing much. Drue told me you were looking for me. Did he tell you about our little trip?"
"Yeah. Are you excited?"
"A little. He didn't tell you where he was taking me did he?"
"It's a surprise."
"I can't believe he told you and not me! You better fess up, Jo. You know I don't like surprises."
"Hey, I can't spoil it for Drue."
"You're supposed to be my friend not Drue's!" Jen pouted.
"You'll have fun, I promise."
"That's what I'm worried about."
"Worried about sleeping arrangements?" Joey guessed.
"Something like that."
"Can I ask you something, Jen?"
"Sure."
"You and Drue haven't slept together have you?" Joey asked.
"No. I thought you knew that." Jen asked surprised.
"I did. I just…why haven't you? I'm not trying to say that it's strange that you waited because of your past or anything. It's just that…the reason I waited so long to be with Pacey was because I was scared because it was my first time. I'd never done it before so I was just waiting and waiting, even when I didn't want to wait. But you…"
"I'm not a virgin so there should be no reason to wait?" Jen finished.
"Kind of. I mean, it's obvious you love Drue."
"That's the thing, Joey. I've never slept with someone I really loved before and that's what scares me." Joey suddenly realized what Jen was saying.
"I haven't had sex in over two years Joey. And I've never had sex with someone I loved before. And I'm scared. Scared that it'll change things. Scared that it won't. I don't know."
"You know, I never thought we would experience the same feelings when it came to sex, but that's exactly how I felt about being with Pacey. Except I royally screwed everything up anyway so maybe I was right."
"You didn't screw it up," Jen quickly dismissed Joey's comment. "But Drue is driving me crazy lately. Every time he comes near me I just want to be with him. I never thought I'd say this, but I really want Drue Valentine." Jen laughed.
"Well I say go for it. I think you've waited long enough for the right guy to come along, Jen. And I know Drue will treat you right."
"You weren't discussing my love life with my boyfriend were you?" Jen asked.
"I might have been. But I'm not telling."
"Meanie." Jen laughed. "So what will you be doing, while I'm away sexin' it up with Drue?"
"I can't believe you just said that!" Joey laughed. "I'm going to go see Pacey tomorrow."
"And?"
"And I'm going to get him back." Joey said strongly. "I think." She added.
"Well you go girl. It's about damn time."
"You think so?"
"Yes!" Jen shouted. "If I come back and you two haven't even kissed again I won't be happy."
"Well then, I'll be sure to kiss him just to make you happy."
"You do that."
"Have a good time tomorrow. Don't do anything I wouldn't do." Joey grinned.
"Well I don't think you would sleep with or even kiss Drue so I don't think that's going to work." Jen laughed.
"Yeah, yeah. You know what I mean."
"Okay I'll be good. Bye Joey."
"Later Jen."
-&-
"Smile! It's such a wonderful day." Drue greeted Jen when she opened her door.
"Consider yourself lucky that I love you enough to wake up so early." Jen grumbled, sitting on her bed. It was eight o'clock in the morning on a Saturday and Jen was definitely not a morning person. Neither was Drue, really, but he was too excited to sleep today.
"Come on Babe, in a couple of hours we'll be all alone far away from here." Drue's cheerful attitude rubbed off on Jen and she managed to smile. She got up and put her arms around Drue who was sitting on the other end of her bed.
"So where are we going?" She asked, before leaning down to kiss him softly.
"If you think I'm going to tell you because of your distraction you better think again."
"Damn." Jen pulled away jokily.
"Hey, doesn't mean you have to stop." He pulled Jen close to him and kissed her softly.
She kissed him back, each kiss becoming more heated than the last. As things were starting to escalate Drue pulled away, breathing hard. Jen got up from his lap and straightened her clothes, trying to slow her breathing back to normal.
"Uh, we should probably get going."
"Sure." Jen grabbed her bag and Drue put his arm around her as they left together.
-&-
Joey woke up early the next day. Truthfully, she hadn't actually gone to sleep all night. Now that her paper was finished and handed in she had nothing to else to cloud her mind, leaving it filled with thoughts of Pacey. Thoughts of what was going to happen between them. She tried not to get too excited, but there was no stopping the feeling of butterflies in her stomach, making her anxious and also very excited.
Joey could feel it. This was it. It was time for her to get the second chance she thought she would never get. Pacey still loved her. She could see it in her eyes when he spoke to her. She just hoped that it was enough for him. Enough that he loved her and she loved him.
It was nine in the morning and she was already on her way to see Pacey. She paused thinking she didn't want to look too desperate, but realized she didn't really care. She had waited so long for this chance; she didn't want to wait any longer. Especially since it was all she could think of last night.
She walked towards Pacey's small office, not seeing him outside.
"Pacey?" She walked in slowly but he wasn't there. She started to look around, figuring he would probably be back in a minute. For the first time she noticed that on his desk, hidden behind a lot of paperwork was a frame containing a picture of the two of them taken last year.
"I can't believe you pushed me." Joey jumped at Pacey's voice and then turned and smiled at him.
"You deserved it." She stuck her tongue out jokily.
"You were trying to get in my pants!"
"Like you minded." Pacey took the picture from her smiling at it. It was taken on one of the days they had gone sailing after they returned from their summer. Jen had taken the picture for them before leaving them for the day.
Pacey remembered how he had been joking around and had tried to kiss her. But instead of letting him she had moved out of the way and he fell straight into the water. It was lucky that the water was still pretty shallow.
"So, what brings you by, Potter?" he asked, as he leaned over her to put the frame back in its place. Joey breathed in as Pacey's arm brushed against her body. She blushed, moving away slightly, hoping Pacey hadn't noticed how he affected her.
"Well I finished the essay."
"And you were so excited you felt it was necessary to tell me first thing in the morning. And in person at that." Pacey smirked but was happy to see Joey smiling. Especially since she had been so stressed out for the past week. He knew how much doing well in school meant to her.
"Well I wanted to thank you for all your help." Joey moved some of Pacey's books and sat up on the counter. Pacey helped her up and she smiled at him.
"My help?" Pacey looked surprised. "I didn't do anything."
"You did, trust me you did." Even though she knew Pacey would never pressure her to make decisions about their future when she was so stressed about other things, she was still grateful that he was like that. In just giving her the space to concentrate on her work and get it done properly he helped her a lot.
"O…kay." Pacey said, not understanding. "Any other reason for your visit?"
"Well…We have a certain matter we need to discuss."
"Really? What would that be?" Pacey feigned innocence. He put his hands on either side of her and she moved forward slightly.
"You know what."
"Oh, that! I really shouldn't discuss something so important while at work. And I'll probably be very hungry after work."
"Are you trying to get me to ask you out?"
"Well it would do wonders for the feminist movement." Pacey grinned.
"I'm more of an old fashioned kinda gal, if you want to go out with me you'll have to do the asking."
"How about I just meet you there and it can be a sort of non-date? So neither one of us has to do the asking." Pacey suggested.
"Works for me." Joey grinned, jumping down from the counter.
"Eight o'clock outside Fatellee's?"
"Ooh Italian, you spoil me."
"Yeah, well don't get used to it. Now get out of here so I can get some work done."
"Yes sir." Joey saluted, before walking away, leaving Pacey in a very good mood.
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"Jack?" Jack looked up from his book to see David approaching him. He was sitting in the Library trying to get some work done.
"Hey David."
"Hey, what's up?" David asked, taking the seat next to Jack.
"Nothing much. Just trying to get some work done. What about you?"
"I wanted to start working on that English paper that's due in a few days. Have you seen Linda? She's in our English class."
"Uh no, I haven't."
"She took my notes by accident. I was hoping she was here, but I guess not. I'll just have to do it later I guess." David took a look at Jack's book. "What are you working on?"
"19th Century Poetry. Not exactly the most entertaining thing."
"Well I don't find any work particularly interesting. I have to go up to Providence for my Dad tomorrow so I needed to get some form of work done today."
"What's in Providence?"
"My Dad has business associates there and he needs me to go and collect something for him. I have a friend there so I thought I might as well go."
"Cool." David paused, as if thinking about what he could do now that he didn't have his notes. "Do you want to borrow my notes?"
"Could I?"
"Sure. But they're in my dorm room. If you don't mind coming with me, I can go get them."
"No, it's okay. I don't want to trouble you." But Jack was already up.
"Come on. My dorms this way," he instructed and David smiled, following behind Jack.
-&-
"One more step…you're nearly there." Drue pulled Jen towards her destination, holding his hands over her eyes.
"Drue! You know I hate surprises."
"You'll love this I promise. Owww." Drue yelled as Jen accidentally stepped on his foot.
"We've been driving for ages, I better love it."
"Don't tell me you didn't enjoy our wonderful journey here. And I even entertained you with my singing."
"You call that singing?" Jen joked.
"Hey! I'll have you know I'm very sensitive about my voice. I happen to think I'm a great singer."
"Oh you are. I just think there are so many better ways you could make use of your mouth." Jen grinned as Drue turned her and pulled her towards him.
"Oh really?" he whispered, before bending down to kiss her. She kissed him back, pulling him closer to her. Suddenly her eyes caught sight of what she was standing in front of and she pulled away.
"Drue, Oh my god!"
"What?" Drue pulled away realizing she had seen his surprise.
Jen was standing in front of what looked like a deserted country house. It was just a few yards away and she quickly ran up to it, Drue following closely behind. He pulled out the key from his pocket and opened the door, allowing Jen access.
"Wow! Is this yours?" Jen looked around, taking in the overly decorated room. It was small but expensive, the paintings and décor all very classy.
"It's ours." He put his arm around her and kissed her neck softly. "For tonight anyway."
"Is this just some attempt to get me into bed with you?"
"Is it working?" Jen hit Drue lightly.
"Maybe." Jen joked, before running upstairs.
"Jen!" Drue laughed before following his girlfriend up the stairs.
-&-
The phone was ringing when Jack got home. He quickly ran inside and picked it up, hoping it was Tobey.
"Jack! Thank god you're home." Pacey's stressed out voice said.
"Hey Pace, what's up?"
"Well I'm going on a sort of date with Joey tonight and I have no idea what I'm going to do, or say, or anything." Pacey's voice was frantic and Jack could almost see him pacing up and down his room.
"Calm down, Pace. You know everything will be fine." Jack assured his friend.
"How do I know that? What if I do something stupid? What if we just aren't meant to have this second chance?"
"That's ridiculous and you know it."
"I know. I just, I don't want to mess things up." Pacey calmed down a little, knowing he just needed to get it out of his system.
"You won't. I know you just needed to freak out a bit. Too bad Drue isn't there to witness it."
"Yeah. I hate to say this, but it feels weird without him here to bug me. It feels likes we've been living together for ages."
"You have. Well when it comes to the amount of time you can handle Drue." Jack joked.
"Yeah I guess."
"Now don't stress out and have fun tonight."
"Sure thing."
"And for God's sake just kiss the girl please." Pacey laughed.
"I'll see what I can do."
-&-
Stacy came home to find her roommate throwing clothing out of her closet onto the already huge pile of clothes already strewn across the floor.
"Joey?"
"Stacy!" Joey pulled away from the closet and went over to her roommate. "Thank god you're here."
"Woah, Joey. What are you doing?"
"I have a date with Pacey. Well it's not really a date. But it could become one. I don't have anything to wear!"
"Calm down girl. You have plenty of good clothes to wear."
"Nothing he hasn't seen before."
"Joey, this is your life long friend, Pacey. I don't think he'll be too bothered about what you're wearing. Most likely he'll just want to get you out of what you're wearing."
"Stacy!"
"What? It's true."
"No it's not. Not tonight anyway. Tonight is very important to me. So can you please stop with the little comments which are just making me more nervous and help me choose what to wear?"
"Okay, okay." Stacy started picking up some of the garments which were lying on the floor. "Where's Jen anyway? Isn't she supposed to help you with these things?"
"She's away with Drue for the weekend."
"Don't worry Joey. I'll have you looking completely stunning. And I won't even be here when you get back." Stacy nudged Joey playfully.
"Why not?"
"I'm going to a party. And I guess I'll just stay at Erin's after."
"You don't have to." Joey said. "Nothing's going to happen."
"Well, just in case." Stacy insisted.
-&-
Joey pulled her long black coat tighter around her as she crossed the street. She was so nervous, but she smiled as she saw Pacey approaching the restaurant from the other side of the road. He looked at his watch, not seeing her and then looked around. He smiled when he saw her, walking towards her slightly as she reached his side of the road.
"Perfect timing."
"I hope so." Joey mumbled.
"What?"
"Nothing. Shall we go in?"
"Sure." Pacey smiled at her and then took her arm, walking inside the restaurant.
They entered the restaurant and Pacey gave the maitre d' his name. The restaurant was quite packed, and Joey was glad to see Pacey had booked ahead of time. It was dimly lit with soft music playing in the background. They were taken to their table towards the back of the restaurant.
Joey took her long coat off and put it over the back of her chair. Pacey smiled, taking her in. She was wearing a short dark blue dress. The neck dipped slightly but the dress clung to her like a second skin.
"Woah. You look great, Jo." Pacey complimented as they sat down.
"You don't have to lie to get in my good books, Pacey." Joey grinned. "And you don't look too bad yourself."
"Why thank you." Pacey smiled at Joey and they sat in silence for a few seconds. The waitress brought over the menus and they both pretended to be engrossed in today's specials as they wondered exactly what would happen tonight.
-&-
"Knock, Knock." Drue cautiously entered the main bedroom of the house, looking around for Jen.
"In here." Jen called from the bathroom. Drue walked up to the bathroom door and knocked lightly. "You can come in if you want, I'm all covered by bubbles." Jen called. Hesitantly Drue opened the door a little, just enough so that he could see Jen's face.
"Uh…" Drue looked at her, forgetting what he was going to say. Jen blew the bubbles from the tub at him sexily.
"Did you want something?" She smirked.
"You're such a tease." Drue laughed lightly. "I just wanted to let you know that the food is ready."
"Okay, I'll be down in a few." Drue closed the door and then opened it a little again.
"You don't need a hand getting ready or anything do you?"
"No, I think I'm fine."
"I'll see you downstairs. Love you." Drue closed the door and headed off downstairs again.
Jen sighed, that was too close. She knew she shouldn't be so flirty with Drue when she didn't know where it was leading. Well she did know where it was leading, she just wasn't sure if that's where she wanted it to be heading. She didn't know if she was ready.
Earlier in the day, after they had settled in, they had gone for a walk around the mostly deserted country and just spent time together, feeling at peace in each other's company. Jen hadn't felt so relaxed in a long time.
She got out of the bath and quickly got dressed, eager to see what Drue had planned for her. She walked downstairs and stopped on the last step, taking in the sight of Drue setting the table for them. She cleared her throat loudly and he turned and smiled at her.
"How long have you been standing there, checking me out?" Drue smirked, as Jen walked forward.
"I wasn't checking you out." Jen lied. Drue gave her a disbelieving look as she came and put her arms around him. "Like you weren't getting a sneak peak while I was in the bath."
"Ha. I was a perfect gentlemen, I didn't even open the door fully." Jen smiled, knowing he was right. He let go of her and went to the table.
"So what's for dinner?"
"Pizza." He lifted the lid off the box. "I had to drive quite a while to get this so you better be grateful. Would you believe they don't have a fast food service near this secluded country house."
"That is the point of it being secluded, Drue. And it's really nice. Feels like we're the only two people in the world."
"See, that's the plan. So when I seduce you, you'll have no where to run."
"And I'll have no choice but to give in to your charms?"
"Exactly." Drue grinned. He motioned for Jen to sit down on the small table.
"Actually I was thinking we could eat over there." Jen pointed towards the fire that was burning in the living room area providing the only light in the room.
"Sure." He put a slice of pizza on each plate and took Jen over to the living room.
He sat down and Jen sat beside him, as they cuddled together beside the fire.
-&-
The food was delicious, just as Joey had remembered it from the last time she had come here with Jack, Jen and Drue. But this time she really appreciated the romantic atmosphere. Pacey was sitting opposite her and he spoke softly to her in between bites. The conversation had died down for a few minutes as they ate their appetizers before Pacey finally spoke up.
"Do you miss him?" Pacey asked.
"Who?" Joey sipped her coke and then sat it on the table.
"Dawson. Do you miss him now that he's so far away?"
"It depends what you mean." She paused, looking at him. "If you mean do I miss him in the sense that he's a good friend who I miss not seeing every day then, yeah I do. If you mean do I miss him the way I missed you over the summer then no I don't." Pacey smirked.
"And how did you miss me?"
"Like I couldn't wait until you came back, like I felt empty without you. Like every night I dreamt about you coming back to me," she admitted. Pacey smiled and didn't say anything for a while.
"I missed you too."
"But I still miss you Pacey." Her voice turned serious. "I miss what we used to mean to each other, I miss how you used to hold me. I miss how you used to kiss me. I miss…" She paused as the waiter came over to see that they had everything they wanted. "I miss the way you loved me, Pacey."
"I do love you, Jo," he admitted, knowing that he couldn't deny it.
"We can make it work, Pacey." She took his hand in hers, somehow gaining strength from him. "I know we made mistakes. I made mistakes. But that's no reason to not give it another chance."
"Jo, I…"
"You told me that the reason we couldn't be together was because you were 'Capeside' and I was something different. But that's not true. We both ended up here. We're both doing things we want to do. Just because I'm in college and you're working, doesn't mean we are on completely different paths. And even if we are we can make our goal the same." She took a deep breath, feeling like a load had been lifted off her shoulders.
"I know that. I was wrong. I know I kind of gave up hope because I didn't see any hope for me at that time. But things are different now. But do you really think we can go back?"
"We don't have to go back, Pacey. We just have to move forward. Together." Joey smoothed her thumb over Pacey's hand, telling him that she was telling the truth. He didn't say anything, not knowing exactly what to say.
The silence was broken as their food arrived and was placed in front of them.
"How about we just enjoy the food for now?" Pacey suggested.
"Sure." She smiled, not wanting to push him. "Sounds like a plan."
-&-
"So Drue and Jen have gone away on this romantic weekend together and Pacey and Joey are finally out on a date." Jack told his boyfriend over the phone. He was sitting on his bed relaxing and talking to Tobey like he did most nights.
"Well it's about time. I could feel the extra sexual tension between Pacey and Joey at Thanksgiving. I knew it was just a matter of time."
"Yeah. I'm a little worried about Jen though."
"Why? I thought you liked Drue."
"I do." Jack stressed. "I just worry about her. I don't want to see her get hurt again."
"Jen's a big girl Jack. And you know how much Drue loves her." Tobey assured him.
"Yeah I know. So what else have you been up to lately?"
"Nothing really. Missing you terribly." Tobey moaned.
"Me too. This long distance thing sucks." Jack laughed lightly.
"I know." Tobey sighed. There was a knock on Jack's door and he got up to answer it. "Who is it?"
"Uh…" He opened the door and David was on the other side. "Hey David." He smiled at David and told him to come in. "It's just a friend of mine." He told Tobey.
"Do you have to go?"
"No it's ok." Jack insisted but Tobey could hear that he needed to take care of whoever was there.
"It's ok. I'll call you tomorrow?"
"Are you sure?"
"Of course. Bye Jack."
"Bye Tobey." He put the phone down and then turned to David.
"Boyfriend?" David asked.
"Yeah. So what brings you here?"
"Just wanted to return your notes." He handed them to Jack who put them with his other books. "And… well… I was bored and I thought you might want to go and see a movie or something." David suggested nervously.
"Sure. It's not like I'm getting much work done here." Jack grabbed his jacket from inside his closet.
"Cool. Let's go." They headed out the door, discussing what movie they were going to see.
-&-
The plates had been discarded on the floor and the fire was still burning brightly. Drue had pulled Jen on top of him and they were kissing quite passionately. Drue turned Jen so he was lying half on top of her as he continued to kiss her.
They were both out of breath but neither wanted to stop for fear of losing contact. Jen's hands were wrapped around Drue's neck as he kissed his way down her collarbone.
Her hands moved to the front of his shirt, slowly pulling the buttons open. She touched the soft skin on his chest and he kissed her deeply. Drue was about to open the button on Jen's shirt but he felt her tense just slightly. He stopped immediately looking into her eyes.
"Jen?" She was smiling at him but he could see the light of the fire being reflected in the tears in her eyes. "What's wrong?" He sat up quickly, bringing Jen with him, into his arms.
"Nothing." Jen insisted. "I just…"
"You can tell me, Jen. I'm not going to… We don't have to do anything you don't want to," he assured her.
"I don't know what it is."
"I do."
"You do?" Jen looked surprised.
"You're scared because however arrogant this sounds, I know you love me. And you're scared because being with someone you really love is really different to just sleeping around because you're trying to get rid of some hurt." Drue whispered softly to her, holding her close. "You're scared that this will change things, or ruin things between us."
"How did you know?" Jen looked surprised. She knew Drue knew her pretty well but she didn't know he knew her this well.
"Because I know you Jen. And not only that, but I have those exact same fears. And as really horrible as this sounds, you're the only girl I haven't or don't intend to leave after sleeping with you, because I love you." He wiped away the tears that were know falling, kissing her eyes softly.
"I love you, Drue."
"Good." Drue smirked. "Now come here and kiss me." He grinned before Jen kissed him softly, pushing him back onto the floor.
-&-
They left the restaurant hand in hand. It wasn't too far from Joey's dorm and Pacey escorted her home. There was a comfortable silence on the way home. They didn't say anything. They didn't feel the need to say anything. As she held his hand, she felt like she would explode. Just touching his skin made her feel alive. She needed to kiss him, she wanted him to kiss her.
Pacey took a deep breath, his heart was telling him to kiss her, but his head told him to just keep walking. She shivered and he unconsciously pulled her a little closer to him.
"Did I tell you about my plans for next year?" Pacey broke the silence.
"Hmm. Making plans for a whole year ahead? Where's the real Pacey and what have you done with him?" Joey joked.
"Haha. I was just thinking that if I work for this year I should be able to make enough money for college next year. Even if my grades aren't good enough, I'm sure I could get into one of the less competitive schools."
"Of course you could. But why college? I thought that wasn't your thing. You don't have to go just to prove something you know."
"I know. But I want to. As much as I love working at the Marina, I do want to get a better job some day. A job I'd be able to support my family with."
"Already thinking about family, Pace? Is there something you're not telling me?"
"Well someone's got to look after you." Joey smiled at his words.
"So what do you think?" He asked.
"I think it's a great idea. If it's what you want to do I say go for it."
"Have you decided what you want to do yet?"
"I don't know. I'm taking some art classes, which are probably the best classes I have. And I also really enjoy my writing classes."
"So I'm thinking you're definitely going towards the creative arts?"
"Possibly." She smiled at him as he pulled her a little closer.
-&-
The fire still burned brightly, but the room would be just as hot without it. Drue had been pulled so he was practically on top of Jen as she kissed him reverently. His shirt was now discarded on the floor next to him and Jen touched his finely toned muscles, pulling him closer to her.
"You know," Drue started, pulling away from Jen just enough to talk to her. "It's a miracle that we've known each other so long and we've never slept together before," he said, in between kisses.
"Maybe they had it planned all along. Our first time together was supposed to be special. Not like anything it would have been in New York." Drue smiled, kissing her neck softly.
"I thought you didn't believe in God?"
"I don't. I believe in fate." Jen stated, sticking her tongue out jokily.
"So what has fate got in store for us, Jen?" he asked, curiously.
"Fate says you better stop asking me questions and just kiss me." Drue laughed as he kissed her again.
Just as things were getting heated again, Drue pulled away slightly. This time there was no joke in his eyes, just pure love.
"Are you sure?" Drue asked.
"Nah. I just get myself into situations like this for the fun of it."
"Did I ever tell you how much I love your sarcasm?" Drue rolled his eyes.
"No. Not lately." Jen pretended to think.
"Well I do. Now seriously, are you sure because I don't…" He was cut off by Jen's kiss.
"Now if that didn't tell you how sure I am, then I don't know what will." Jen laughed but Drue just smiled.
He kissed her again, really feeling in his heart that she wanted this and he wanted it and that everything was finally perfect. It didn't take long for them to return to the heated atmosphere of earlier as they blocked out the rest of the world and looked to each other for the love they had both been craving.
-&-
"Here we are." Pacey announced, as they reached Joey's room. It was about eleven o'clock by the time they arrived back. She turned and opened the door.
"Yep."
"So where's your roommate?" Pacey noticed Stacy's bed was empty as he peered inside.
"She's gone to a party tonight I think. She said she's staying out all night."
"Oh." Pacey nodded nervously. "I guess I'll get going… I'll see you tomorrow then?" he rambled on nervously. "Okay well, bye…"
"Pacey?" Joey touched his arm and he felt like he was on fire. He had always been affected by her touch, but now the need for her was consuming him. He missed the way it felt to touch her, to have her touch him.
"Yeah, Jo?" He looked at her hand on his arm and then up at her.
"We did a lot of talking tonight. We talked about the past and the things that went wrong. And a little about what we are going to do."
"Yeah."
"But we didn't decide anything, Pacey." Pacey nodded, realizing that they hadn't in fact decided anything. What were they now? Friends? More than friends?
"I know I…"
"I don't think we need to talk about it anymore though." Joey stepped forward slightly, closing the distance between them some more.
"What are you saying, Jo?"
"Don't you ever get tired of talking, Pacey?" And then she kissed him.
The kiss was passionate, fueled with heat as they pulled each other close. She wrapped her arms around his neck, and bringing him closer to her. He kissed her back, not thinking about anything, but the way it felt to hold her again.
They moved further into her room, not breaking the contact. Pacey kicked the door closed behind them as Joey pulled away from the kiss to free him from his shirt.
They moved in reckless abandon, not thinking of anything but the moment and how much they wanted this. Both falling together on Joey's bed, falling fast without thinking of the consequences.