My note: I'm so sorry it took me so long to update. I have major writer's
block right now and I can't think. I'm sorry if this chapter is bad but I
wanted to update. The last chapter ended where Dawson left his camera
running and people started doing things. So everyone knows, they didn't
have sex on camera. The big thing about this chapter is how they deal with
it. I hope you like it. This chapter is loosely based on the episode
discovery because I'm too lazy to get my DVD and watch this episode so I'm
writing on memory, which isn't a lot. Bad, good, any reviews are wanted!
Disclaimer: I own nothing. :)
Pacey and Dawson were gone for fifteen minutes. Joey sat on Dawson's bed twirling her long brown hair from boredom. After about a minute of this she stopped and looked at the bed she was on. It still had the red quilt on it from two years ago. It was a soft bed but firm enough not to sink in. Joey spent many nights under the covers of this bed and many movies have been watched but she never took the time to actually look at it. The bed seemed smaller. Joey laid down and looked at her feet that hung off the edge. Her feet started to get cold. "Where's a blanket when you need one?" she thought to herself. Joey got on the floor and looked under the bed. At that time, Dawson and Pacey walked into the room. Pacey flung onto the bed sitting up and Dawson gave her a strange look.
"Why are you looking under my bed Joey?" Dawson asked moving to his T.V.
Joey popped her head up. "I'm looking for a blanket," she said before going under again.
"Trust me Jo, you won't find any blankets down there. Maybe you'll find..." Pacey cut off when Joey stood up and held a magazine by its corner. "Something like that dirty magazine you have in your hand."
Joey smirked as Dawson turned bright red and his eyes popped at what Joey was holding.
"Dawson, when you tell your mother at night that you're going to your room to read and she asks what you're reading, what do you tell her?" Joey said flopping the magazine next to Pacey.
Dawson couldn't find the words. "I...well...excuse me while I go off and kill myself now." He said putting his face in his hands.
"Dawson, you've been holding out on me man," Pacey said flipping through the pages before coming to a centerfold and opening it up. "Why didn't you tell me you got the swimming issue D?"
Joey crossed her arms and looked at Pacey. "Don't you mean the swim SUIT issue?"
"Did I stutter? A swim suit is a clothing item and these...fine women, are greatly lacking in that department."
Joey sat next to Pacey on the bed. "I think that's gross. Not only the magazine, but what guys do while reading them."
"Who said anything about reading? It's the pictures that get us off. You shouldn't be calling it gross because you do it too."
Joey's mouth fell open wide and she turned her head towards Pacey. "I do not do that Pacey."
Pacey rolled his eyes. "Yes you do."
"I don't!" Joey got louder.
Dawson turned his head towards Pacey. "Why do you fight with her Pacey? You know no one will win because both of you have too much pride to back down."
Pacey put the magazine down and put a hand up. "Okay D I won't let it go far. Joey, I'll give you this much. You don't do it physically..."
"Thank you." Joey cut in happily.
"But you do, do it mentally."
Joey was about to go off but she looked at Dawson and calmed down. "Okay Pacey, how do you know I do it mentally?"
Pacey turned his body towards hers on the bed. "Every one thinks about sex and there's no use in denying it. It may not be the porno kind that guys think of but you still think about it. Girls think about the closeness and the sweetness of having sex but in there they still think about the high from it. Girls see a guy they like and they day dream about what it would be like to be in their arms and to share something so personal with them. Well, most girls anyway. The wild ones just think about sex like guys do."
Joey thought about what Pacey said and nodded her head. She looked at Dawson. "You know what? He actually has a point." Joey turned back to Pacey. "At least we don't have dirty magazines."
Pacey gave Joey an umm humm. "You don't have dirty Magazine's because no one would buy them. Women are too worried that someone might notice that they like those types of things: that's why they hide them. In all of your chick flicks you have guys ripping their shirts off and getting all sweaty, also, in your romance novels the characters are doin' it every other page, you girls hide them so us guys won't find them because we would never read those books or want to watch those movies."
Joey faced forward with her arms crossed. "Shut up."
Pacey smiled victoriously. "My god, I think I have her baffled."
"You know, I think you should become a psychiatrist," Dawson said taking his place between the two.
"And what? Take care of the nut jobs in this town? I don't think so."
"I'm serious Pacey. You're good at analyzing things plus, they make pretty good money."
"Na, that's okay Dawson. According to some people I'm the one who they should be analyzing."
"Who told you that Pace?" Joey asked.
"You know, the usual People Jo. My pops, Doug, girls from school..."
All three looked at each other and laughed. Joey looked down at her watch. She got up and put on her shoes. "I have to go Dawson. My mom will freak if I'm not home soon. I hate school nights. See you guys later." Joey started to climb out the window.
"Hey Joey," Pacey called.
"What?"
"Do you want me to give you a ride?"
"No thanks Pacey."
"Are you sure? It's kind of late and dark out."
Joey smiled. "I'll be fine Pace, don't worry. I've walked home plenty of times so I know my way." Joey smiled once more before turning away and disappearing.
Pacey smiled as she walked away and kept smiling once she was gone. He turned his head back to the screen but wasn't really paying attention to it.
"What's up with you lately Pacey?" Dawson asked giving his friend a strange look.
"What are you talking about? Nothings up with me," Pacey looked at him.
"It's just, you've been coming to movie night all the time lately and you hate it..."
"If you want me to leave I'll leave," Pacey said getting up.
"No, I don't want you to leave. I don't get to see you that often. It's not just the movie thing; it's a lot of things..."
"Like what?" Pacey asked curiously
"Well, for one, the cologne. You never use to wear it and now I never see you with out it."
"So I want to smell good. Is that a crime?"
"No, no it's not. Also, every night you ask Joey if she wants a ride home. It still might be light outside and you asked her if she needs a ride."
"Hey, there are a lot of psychos out there waiting for a pretty girl to be all alone so they can do stuff to them. I don't want that to happen to Joey that's all. Why can't I take Joey home? You take Jen home."
"That's different Pacey. Jen's my girlfriend. I need to impress her. We have different stand points...unless...Pacey, do you like Joey?"
Pacey froze. He didn't know what to do. He never talked with Joey about what they would say if people asked them. Pacey didn't want to tell him in case Joey got mad at him but Pacey couldn't lie to his best friend. The three of them could always tell if the other was lying. Pacey was in deep thought when Dawson snapped his fingers.
"Pacey, are you going to answer my question or what?" Dawson asked smiling.
A thought popped into his head. Pacey faced the screen and was silent for a second. "Let's just say, that you and I, aren't that different." It was the perfect sentence. It told the truth but still left some mystery.
"I think Joey likes you." Dawson snapped his tongue before pressing play on the remote. A shot of the ruins played on the screen.
Pacey lifted up an eyebrow. "What are we watching D?"
"Oh, it's the tape from Saturday. I left my camera running when people came by. I have al of this footage that I have no idea what's on it." Dawson didn't look away from the screen.
"Why are we..." Pacey was cut off by Dawson shh-ing.
Some crumbling noise was heard in the background. A couple was faintly visible. They walked off screen but returned again closer. The camera was at an angle so a pillar was seen. Kissing could be heard but the couple was not close enough on the pillar to get a good shot. The man on the tape stepped on something and called the twig stupid before he kissed the girl again. The two moved closer to the camera but only the guy was seen. His head was tilted away so they couldn't see his face. The guy's hands roamed the girl's body up and down Finally, he moved his head so his face was revealed. Dawson's mouth flew open and he looked at Pacey.
"That's you Pacey," Dawson said pointing to the screen.
Pacey picked up the remote and stopped the tape. "Yeah, that's me." Dawson didn't say anything. "So I guess you're surprised."
Dawson closed his mouth. "Surprised is an understatement. Stunned, confused, angry, those words fit better."
"Angry? Why are you angry that I'm with a girl?"
"I'm angry because of what you're doing to Joey. She likes you and you're acting like you like her back while you're with some girl. Are you at least dating the person?"
"Yeah, I am dating her Dawson," Pacey said as he got up and put on his shoes.
"Who is she Pacey?"
Pacey didn't know what to say. "It's none of your business."
"O come on Pace, I won't make fun of her." Dawson chuckled.
"O, so you think the girl that I'm dating is funny? She's the most amazing girl I have ever met and if I have to hurt some people to be with her then so be it," Pacey got angry all of a sudden.
"Someone has a stick up their ass," Dawson mumbled.
Pacey was about to walk out when he heard this and turned around. "You know what? Screw you Dawson. I didn't say a damn thing about you when you were too chicken shit to kiss Jen," Pacey slammed the door behind him.
AT PACEY'S HOUSE
Pacey grabbed the phone from the kitchen and stomped up the stairs. Pacey walked into his room, slammed the door closed and laid on his bed. He dialed Joey's number. No answer. Pacey threw the phone against the wall and it landed next to the bed. Someone opened his door.
"Go away," Pacey said coldly.
"You okay Pacey?" Gretchen asked.
"I don't want to talk Gretch."
Gretchen sat next to Pacey on his bed. "See why do you always say that? You know that I'm going to keep bugging you until you talk to me. I like to sing the bunny song to pass the waiting time too."
Pacey thought about how annoying the bunny song was and how everyone always asked him to sing it since he was three. He sat up and faced his sister. "Okay I'll talk, just don't sing that dumb song."
"That's a good boy. So what's bugging you Pace?"
"Well as of a few moments ago, the fact that I couldn't talk to my girlfriend bugged me. Bessie isn't even home to answer the phone."
"Since when have you been dating Joey?"
Pacey shook his head. "Damn it! I'm not sure if I should have told you. Um, we've been dating a week from yesterday."
"How did this happen?"
"I'm not sure. It just did. We went to the movies and that night we end up kissing. A week later we started dating. I know it's weird huh. Joey Potter dating a loser like me. I still don't get it."
Gretchen placed her hand on his shoulder. "I'm not surprised. You guys are so alike so I knew it was a matter of time before you two finally hooked up. I think you two make a great couple."
Pacey gave his sister a smile. "Thanks Sis but that's not the problem."
"What's the problem then? I'm sure it's something small."
"No, actually it's pretty big. It has to do with Me, Joey and a videotape."
Gretchen got wide eyed. "What happened brother of mine who is sixteen and too young to be doing anything too serious?"
"Before you say anything more it's not what you think," Pacey let out a small sigh. "On Saturday, when you and mom were gone, Joey came with me to our house for this surprise dinner but dear old dad ate all the food. I got pissed and stormed out the door. Joey and I made up and she didn't want to go home yet so I took her to the ruins. We started making out and unbeknownst to us; our first "grope fest" as Joey called it, was caught on tape."
"That really sucks Bro."
"That ain't even the worst part. Guess who the video tape belonged to?"
Gretchen thought about it for a second then Put her hand over her mouth. "No!"
Pacey nodded his head. "Yes, Dawson Leery caught us on tape."
"How did Joey react to this?"
"That's the thing sis: she doesn't know yet. Her face wasn't shown on the tape so Dawson doesn't know it was her. I tried calling her now but she wasn't home."
"What did Dawson say?" Gretchen asked very curious.
Pacey felt the anger creeping up again. "He asked who she was and I didn't tell him so he says," Pacey made a dumb voice, "blah Pacey, I won't make fun of her, then I got pissed and told him that she was the best girl I know then he says that I have a stick up my ass so I got mad and I told him to screw himself and I left.
Gretchen started laughing. "You are such a dork!"
Pacey got confused. "What do you mean by that?"
"Helloo, Pacey, you got ticked off because of nothing. Dawson was right to say you had a stick up your ass. He was trying to be nice when he said he wouldn't make fun of her. You were embarrassed because of the tape so you got mad, completely understandable. Now, my dear sweet brother, you need to apologize to your best friend for being a dork and getting mad at him."
"I guess I should. I'll do it tomorrow."
Gretchen got up and walked to the door but turned around before leaving. "Now about the girl of yours. You should talk to her as soon as you can tomorrow and tell her about the tape. Try to sleep good tonight and don't worry about the tape. I've been on plenty and I'm fine."
Pacey threw his pillow at her. "That's gross Gretch. I don't want to hear those things. You must be the reason I'm so fucked up."
She winked at her brother before closing the door behind her.
Joey flipped through her books before stuffing three of them into her book bag. Another day in high school. Always the same sequence of events. Get stuff for the first four periods, go to those classes, get other stuff for the next two periods, go to those, go to lunch, hit the locker for the last periods before going then have Pacey say sweet little nothings to her and steal kisses on the ride home. All days were like that: but not today. This day was a half day Thursday because, only in Capeside will you find this, janitorial appreciation day where they get to clean up earlier so they can go home earlier. Joey only had her first four periods so she wouldn't get to see Pacey most likely. Joey stuffed a notebook in her backpack when someone came up behind her.
"Boo," Jen said giving Joey a little push and causing her to jump.
Joey turned around and gave a small smile. "Do you want me to hate you Jen?"
Jen shrugged her shoulders, "Sorry Joey but you're so easy to scare its kind of fun."
Joey closed her locker and rolled her eyes before walking away. Jen walked with her but said nothing. Joey looked at her. "So what gives?"
"Huh?" Jen answered not listening.
"Huh! See you are thinking heavily right now, that's not good. You barely come seeking me out so what do you need from me?"
Jen laughed. "I don't need anything from you. I was wondering what you're doing after school today we could hang out for once."
"I'm not doing anything. Now can you tell me the truth?"
"well," Jen scratched her head, "My Grams wants me to go get some things in the town over and there are some guys there that might bug me if I'm alone so I want you to come with me because I know that you have no problem hitting someone," she said in one breath.
Joey shook her head. "Jen, I won't be your guard. What if I get hurt?"
"You won't because they are puny and I know you could beat them, plus, it's not like I won't help you. I just have trouble with the first punch."
Joey them remembered she had plans with Pacey. "I...I can't Jen."
Jen got on her knees. Joey turned red. "Please Joey. I really need you and I would really like to hang with you."
Joey was embarrassed and people were looking at them. She never saw Jen like this. Jen was never this needy. Joey felt bad. "Fine, I'll go, just please get up."
Jen got up and hugged Joey tight. "Thanks Joey! I owe you big time."
"You have no idea," Joey whispered.
Pacey saw Joey at her locker after school. She seemed to be rushing. He put his hands in front of her eyes. "Guess who?"
Joey moved his hands and held them in hers. "Pace, um..."
Pacey knew something was wrong because she didn't look at him. "What's wrong Jo?"
Joey looked up at him and bit her lip. "I can't hang with you today. I'm sorry. Jen really needed me to go with her to go get some things in the town over. I'm sorry and..."
"It's okay Joey. I'm not mad," Pacey smiled that that's all was bugging her.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, I'm sure. I even want you to go. I think it's about time you get some friends who are of the same sex. You need to have some fun too."
Joey smiled and hugged Pacey. "You are so wonderful, Sweetie. I do have fun but I understand what you mean."
Pacey kissed her then remembered he had to talk to her. "Jo, I have to talk to you."
Joey looked at her watched and let go of Pacey and picked up her bag. "I'm sorry Pacey, but I have to go. We'll talk later I promise," Joey gave him a quick kiss, "Bye." She walked away and out of the doors.
6:45P.M. still no sign of Dawson. Pacey went everywhere he could think of and still he didn't see Dawson. He didn't check one place. Dawson had to be there. It was only logical. Pacey turned the corner and walked up the walk. There he was. Dawson Leery sat at the usual back wooden booth in the back part of the Icehouse. Pacey opened the door.
"I knew I would find you here," Pacey said.
Dawson looked up. "What do you want PACEY? I'm with my girlfriend."
Pacey sat opposite of Dawson. "D, I'm really sorry man. I was a big jerk yesterday and I feel really bad. I did act like I had a stick up my ass and it was wrong of me to blow up in your face like that. Can you forgive me?"
Dawson rolled his eyes and smiled. "Sure, why not. We're cool.
"Thanks man," Pacey smiled.
Joey and Jen walked to the table talking. "Hey cutie," Jen smiled at Dawson before kissing and sitting next to him.
Joey tucked the loose strands of hair behind her ear. She gave a crooked grim to Pacey. He had to smile back.
"Hey Pace," Joey sat next to him.
"Hey Joey."
Jen was giggling about something then looked at Joey. "Joey, did Pacey tell you about the tape?"
Joey gave her a weird look. "What tape?"
Both boys looked at each other then looked at Joey.
"The tape of Pacey getting hot and heavy with some girl on Saturday."
Joey's mouth fell open and she looked at Pacey. "You recorded..." Joey couldn't finish the sentence.
Pacey looked back at Joey. "No, I didn't. Dawson and Jen were at the ruins and he left his camera on and it caught it on tape."
"Why didn't you tell me?"
Pacey looked at Jen and Dawson before standing up. "Can I talk to you Joey...alone?" He asked.
Joey nodded her head and followed Pacey into a different room.
Dawson gave Jen a dirty look.
"What?" Jen said.
"Why did you tell Joey about the tape?"
"What's the big deal? It's only Pacey."
"Exactly, it's Pacey. Have you not noticed the flirting between the two of them? Joey, for some strange reason, appears to have a crush on Pacey. I bet she's probably crying because he is with another girl."
Jen put on a puppy face. "What did I do? Here I am trying to be her friend and I make her cry. What can I do to make it better Dawson?"
"I think you've done enough for one night Jen."
They sat in silence until they were ready to leave.
Pacey led Joey into the bar area. Joey crossed her arms and gazed at him.
"Why didn't you tell me this earlier Pacey?" Joey said trying to keep her cool.
"I tried Joey but you weren't around."
Joey rolled her eyes. "I wasn't around Pacey! You could have told me after school when I saw you."
"I tried! I tried calling you, twice, last night but you weren't there then I tried to tell you this afternoon but you had to go out with Jen."
"That's no excuse. You could have looked for me this morning or after I got back with Jen. There was lots of time that I was available!"
"I wanted to tell you. I didn't want you to find out this way. I'm sorry."
Joey nodded her head. "It's a little too late for that, don't you think Pacey? I'm completely embarrassed because my friends saw a tape with my boyfriend and I having our first major make out session. Do you know how embarrassed I'll be when we tell them it's me?"
Pacey tried to grab Joey but she moved. "Why do we have to tell them it's you with me?"
"They're going to find out somehow. Besides, I don't want to hide us anymore. I want to act like a normal couple in front of them," Joey looked at the ground.
Pacey could see some pain in her face. "I'm sorry I hurt you."
Joey chuckled sarcastically. "Yeah well, things happen."
Jen and Dawson walked into the room. Joey and Pacey looked at them. "If you guys need us, Joey, we are at Dawson's house," Jen said with a small smile. They walked out.
Joey ran her hands through her hair a few times. Pacey walked closer and tried to hold her. Joey moved back and looked at him. "I...I don't really feel like touching you now. I need to go home and think of how I'm going to tell them and get that tape. I'll call you when I'm ready to see them," Joey ran her hand once in her hair again before leaving.
Joey and Pacey climbed up the ladder on the side of Dawson's house. She knocked on the window because Dawson locked it. He came to the window and let the two in.
"Joey, Pacey, what are you two doing here?" Jen asked.
"D, could you sit next to Jen on the bed? Me and Joey have to talk to you guys," Pacey said to Dawson. Dawson sat on the bed and nodded.
Joey took a deep breath and looked at Pacey before looking at the two on the bed. "Well, there's no easy way to say it so I'll just spill it straight. Dawson, Jen, that girl that Pacey's with on the tape...it's me."
Jen and Dawson were surprised. "How...How long have you two been hiding this?"
Pacey cleared his throat. "We started dating about a week ago but we truly first got together the day of the movies two weeks ago."
Dawson was still surprised. "Wow, I'm...definitely surprised. I thought you guys hated each other."
"We never hated each other, we just like to fight. I guess all of the fighting was hiding our attraction for the other," Joey said.
"Or it was some freaky mating ritual," Jen joked, "I think it's great that you two are together. I always thought there was something there."
Joey and Pacey looked at each other and smiled small. "Actually Jen, we didn't come to just tell you that. We came for the tape. Joey and I don't really want a recording of our first time in the hands of Dawson," Pacey said.
Jen was holding the tape. "Your first time of what?"
Dawson turned to his girlfriend. "Jen!"
"What Dawson? I didn't get to see the tape so I want to know what's on it."
Joey turned red. "It's um...it's the first time Pacey and I made out."
"What are you talking about? There is a major hand roaming by Pacey on this tape Joey," Dawson said.
Joey rolled her eyes. "Okay, so maybe it was our first groping of each other too."
Jen noticed how embarrassed Joey was. "It's okay Jo. I know how hard it is to keep your hands off of your boyfriend. You should see what me and Dawson do when we're making out. That's a grope fest."
Dawson started to turn red but Joey was better now. Pacey moved uncomfortably where he was standing. "Um, I think Joey and I should go."
Jen and Dawson nodded. Pacey grabbed Joey's hand then started out the window. Once they were out on the roof Joey moved away and walked down the ladder. Pacey followed her. She walked away fast and didn't turn back. "Joey," Pacey called after her.
Joey stopped walking and turned around. "What," she said meanly.
Pacey held up the tape and shook it. Joey rolled her eyes and smiled slightly. She walked up to Pacey. Joey snatched the tape out of his hand. Her eyes betrayed her and did exactly what she was tying to avoid: she looked into his eyes. Joey always got lost in those beautiful blue orbs and this time was no exception. She could feel herself melt under his gaze. Joey wasn't the only one affected by their meeting eyes. Pacey always got butterflies when Joey locked her luscious brown eyes with his. For that matter, he got butterflies when she smiled, touched, did anything pretty much. They stood staring at each other not saying a word.
"Do you want a ride home?" Pacey asked not breaking his gaze.
Joey turned up one side of mouth. "That would be really nice Pacey."
Pacey nodded and watched as Joey went inside the truck. He went in the truck and started it. A few minutes later Pacey couldn't take the silence. He looked at Joey who was staring out the window and he turned on the radio. A song was playing and Pacey started to sing to the song.
"Clearly I remember pickin' on the boy Seemed a harmless little fuck But we unleashed a lion Gnashed his teeth and bit the recess lady's breast How could I forget? And he hit me with a surprise left My jaw left hurtin', ooh, dropped wide open Just like the day, oh, like the day I heard."
Joey turned her head and looked at Pacey. He noticed she was watching him so he stopped singing. "Yes Joey?" Pacey said.
"Why are you singing Jeremy by Pearl Jam?" she asked.
"I like the song. Do you have a problem with my singing?"
"Actually I do, it's not good. You don't have a voice for that song. I also hate the song. It's irritating."
Pacey laughed and changed the radio station. Hands down by Dashboard Confessional started. Pacey looked at Joey.
"Approve?"
Joey smiled. "Highly."
"May I sing, ruler of the radio?"
Joey tapped her chin a few times. "You may."
Pacey took a deep breathe in and sang until they reached her street.
"Breathe in for luck, breathe in so deep This air is blessed, you share with me This night is wild, so calm and dull These hearts they race from self-control Your legs are smooth as they graze mine We're doing fine, we're doing nothing at all.
My hopes are so high that your kiss might kill me So won't you kill me, so I die happy? My heart is yours, to fill or burst To break or bury, or wear as jewelry Whichever you prefer."
Pacey put the truck on the side of the road and parked it. Joey looked at Pacey and bit her lip. "Pace I'm sorry. I overreacted about the whole thing."
"It doesn't matter Jo. We're fine as long as you stop hogging your lips and let me get in the action," Pacey smirked suggestively.
"These lips will always be yours to kiss," Joey smiled before leaning in and kissing him.
When the kiss ended Joey opened her door. "Are you coming?" Joey asked looking back at him.
Pacey lifted an eyebrow. "In your house?"
Joey rolled her eyes. "No in Boston, of course in my house! I still haven't watched that tape yet and I was hoping you would want to watch it with me."
Joey didn't have to say more. Anytime Pacey could spend with her, he jumped at it. Pacey was ready to go in before she closed the door.
Joey popped in the tape and sat cuddled up on the couch with Pacey. There was only a picture of the ruins on so far. "I thought we're on this?" Joey said.
"Wait. We come in a second," Pacey said taking her hand.
A few minutes later the two on the tape are heavily making out. Joey felt her self turning red.
"I can't believe Dawson saw this. We are pretty amateurish when it comes to "special" videos," Joey said.
"Well it was our first real hard make out so it was bound to be bad on tape. In personal experience I thought it was great. We'll get better with practice Josephine."
Pacey waited for Joey to hit him on his arm for calling her Josephine. When she didn't he looked at her wondering what was up. Joey had a big grin on her face.
"You are so right Pacey. Practice makes perfect so I think we should stop wasting time and start practicing now," Joey pressed the button on the remote in Pacey's hand and turned off the video.
Pacey threw the remote off to the side and moved closer. "Fine with me," He said before making contact with her for a long practice session.
Disclaimer: I own nothing. :)
Pacey and Dawson were gone for fifteen minutes. Joey sat on Dawson's bed twirling her long brown hair from boredom. After about a minute of this she stopped and looked at the bed she was on. It still had the red quilt on it from two years ago. It was a soft bed but firm enough not to sink in. Joey spent many nights under the covers of this bed and many movies have been watched but she never took the time to actually look at it. The bed seemed smaller. Joey laid down and looked at her feet that hung off the edge. Her feet started to get cold. "Where's a blanket when you need one?" she thought to herself. Joey got on the floor and looked under the bed. At that time, Dawson and Pacey walked into the room. Pacey flung onto the bed sitting up and Dawson gave her a strange look.
"Why are you looking under my bed Joey?" Dawson asked moving to his T.V.
Joey popped her head up. "I'm looking for a blanket," she said before going under again.
"Trust me Jo, you won't find any blankets down there. Maybe you'll find..." Pacey cut off when Joey stood up and held a magazine by its corner. "Something like that dirty magazine you have in your hand."
Joey smirked as Dawson turned bright red and his eyes popped at what Joey was holding.
"Dawson, when you tell your mother at night that you're going to your room to read and she asks what you're reading, what do you tell her?" Joey said flopping the magazine next to Pacey.
Dawson couldn't find the words. "I...well...excuse me while I go off and kill myself now." He said putting his face in his hands.
"Dawson, you've been holding out on me man," Pacey said flipping through the pages before coming to a centerfold and opening it up. "Why didn't you tell me you got the swimming issue D?"
Joey crossed her arms and looked at Pacey. "Don't you mean the swim SUIT issue?"
"Did I stutter? A swim suit is a clothing item and these...fine women, are greatly lacking in that department."
Joey sat next to Pacey on the bed. "I think that's gross. Not only the magazine, but what guys do while reading them."
"Who said anything about reading? It's the pictures that get us off. You shouldn't be calling it gross because you do it too."
Joey's mouth fell open wide and she turned her head towards Pacey. "I do not do that Pacey."
Pacey rolled his eyes. "Yes you do."
"I don't!" Joey got louder.
Dawson turned his head towards Pacey. "Why do you fight with her Pacey? You know no one will win because both of you have too much pride to back down."
Pacey put the magazine down and put a hand up. "Okay D I won't let it go far. Joey, I'll give you this much. You don't do it physically..."
"Thank you." Joey cut in happily.
"But you do, do it mentally."
Joey was about to go off but she looked at Dawson and calmed down. "Okay Pacey, how do you know I do it mentally?"
Pacey turned his body towards hers on the bed. "Every one thinks about sex and there's no use in denying it. It may not be the porno kind that guys think of but you still think about it. Girls think about the closeness and the sweetness of having sex but in there they still think about the high from it. Girls see a guy they like and they day dream about what it would be like to be in their arms and to share something so personal with them. Well, most girls anyway. The wild ones just think about sex like guys do."
Joey thought about what Pacey said and nodded her head. She looked at Dawson. "You know what? He actually has a point." Joey turned back to Pacey. "At least we don't have dirty magazines."
Pacey gave Joey an umm humm. "You don't have dirty Magazine's because no one would buy them. Women are too worried that someone might notice that they like those types of things: that's why they hide them. In all of your chick flicks you have guys ripping their shirts off and getting all sweaty, also, in your romance novels the characters are doin' it every other page, you girls hide them so us guys won't find them because we would never read those books or want to watch those movies."
Joey faced forward with her arms crossed. "Shut up."
Pacey smiled victoriously. "My god, I think I have her baffled."
"You know, I think you should become a psychiatrist," Dawson said taking his place between the two.
"And what? Take care of the nut jobs in this town? I don't think so."
"I'm serious Pacey. You're good at analyzing things plus, they make pretty good money."
"Na, that's okay Dawson. According to some people I'm the one who they should be analyzing."
"Who told you that Pace?" Joey asked.
"You know, the usual People Jo. My pops, Doug, girls from school..."
All three looked at each other and laughed. Joey looked down at her watch. She got up and put on her shoes. "I have to go Dawson. My mom will freak if I'm not home soon. I hate school nights. See you guys later." Joey started to climb out the window.
"Hey Joey," Pacey called.
"What?"
"Do you want me to give you a ride?"
"No thanks Pacey."
"Are you sure? It's kind of late and dark out."
Joey smiled. "I'll be fine Pace, don't worry. I've walked home plenty of times so I know my way." Joey smiled once more before turning away and disappearing.
Pacey smiled as she walked away and kept smiling once she was gone. He turned his head back to the screen but wasn't really paying attention to it.
"What's up with you lately Pacey?" Dawson asked giving his friend a strange look.
"What are you talking about? Nothings up with me," Pacey looked at him.
"It's just, you've been coming to movie night all the time lately and you hate it..."
"If you want me to leave I'll leave," Pacey said getting up.
"No, I don't want you to leave. I don't get to see you that often. It's not just the movie thing; it's a lot of things..."
"Like what?" Pacey asked curiously
"Well, for one, the cologne. You never use to wear it and now I never see you with out it."
"So I want to smell good. Is that a crime?"
"No, no it's not. Also, every night you ask Joey if she wants a ride home. It still might be light outside and you asked her if she needs a ride."
"Hey, there are a lot of psychos out there waiting for a pretty girl to be all alone so they can do stuff to them. I don't want that to happen to Joey that's all. Why can't I take Joey home? You take Jen home."
"That's different Pacey. Jen's my girlfriend. I need to impress her. We have different stand points...unless...Pacey, do you like Joey?"
Pacey froze. He didn't know what to do. He never talked with Joey about what they would say if people asked them. Pacey didn't want to tell him in case Joey got mad at him but Pacey couldn't lie to his best friend. The three of them could always tell if the other was lying. Pacey was in deep thought when Dawson snapped his fingers.
"Pacey, are you going to answer my question or what?" Dawson asked smiling.
A thought popped into his head. Pacey faced the screen and was silent for a second. "Let's just say, that you and I, aren't that different." It was the perfect sentence. It told the truth but still left some mystery.
"I think Joey likes you." Dawson snapped his tongue before pressing play on the remote. A shot of the ruins played on the screen.
Pacey lifted up an eyebrow. "What are we watching D?"
"Oh, it's the tape from Saturday. I left my camera running when people came by. I have al of this footage that I have no idea what's on it." Dawson didn't look away from the screen.
"Why are we..." Pacey was cut off by Dawson shh-ing.
Some crumbling noise was heard in the background. A couple was faintly visible. They walked off screen but returned again closer. The camera was at an angle so a pillar was seen. Kissing could be heard but the couple was not close enough on the pillar to get a good shot. The man on the tape stepped on something and called the twig stupid before he kissed the girl again. The two moved closer to the camera but only the guy was seen. His head was tilted away so they couldn't see his face. The guy's hands roamed the girl's body up and down Finally, he moved his head so his face was revealed. Dawson's mouth flew open and he looked at Pacey.
"That's you Pacey," Dawson said pointing to the screen.
Pacey picked up the remote and stopped the tape. "Yeah, that's me." Dawson didn't say anything. "So I guess you're surprised."
Dawson closed his mouth. "Surprised is an understatement. Stunned, confused, angry, those words fit better."
"Angry? Why are you angry that I'm with a girl?"
"I'm angry because of what you're doing to Joey. She likes you and you're acting like you like her back while you're with some girl. Are you at least dating the person?"
"Yeah, I am dating her Dawson," Pacey said as he got up and put on his shoes.
"Who is she Pacey?"
Pacey didn't know what to say. "It's none of your business."
"O come on Pace, I won't make fun of her." Dawson chuckled.
"O, so you think the girl that I'm dating is funny? She's the most amazing girl I have ever met and if I have to hurt some people to be with her then so be it," Pacey got angry all of a sudden.
"Someone has a stick up their ass," Dawson mumbled.
Pacey was about to walk out when he heard this and turned around. "You know what? Screw you Dawson. I didn't say a damn thing about you when you were too chicken shit to kiss Jen," Pacey slammed the door behind him.
AT PACEY'S HOUSE
Pacey grabbed the phone from the kitchen and stomped up the stairs. Pacey walked into his room, slammed the door closed and laid on his bed. He dialed Joey's number. No answer. Pacey threw the phone against the wall and it landed next to the bed. Someone opened his door.
"Go away," Pacey said coldly.
"You okay Pacey?" Gretchen asked.
"I don't want to talk Gretch."
Gretchen sat next to Pacey on his bed. "See why do you always say that? You know that I'm going to keep bugging you until you talk to me. I like to sing the bunny song to pass the waiting time too."
Pacey thought about how annoying the bunny song was and how everyone always asked him to sing it since he was three. He sat up and faced his sister. "Okay I'll talk, just don't sing that dumb song."
"That's a good boy. So what's bugging you Pace?"
"Well as of a few moments ago, the fact that I couldn't talk to my girlfriend bugged me. Bessie isn't even home to answer the phone."
"Since when have you been dating Joey?"
Pacey shook his head. "Damn it! I'm not sure if I should have told you. Um, we've been dating a week from yesterday."
"How did this happen?"
"I'm not sure. It just did. We went to the movies and that night we end up kissing. A week later we started dating. I know it's weird huh. Joey Potter dating a loser like me. I still don't get it."
Gretchen placed her hand on his shoulder. "I'm not surprised. You guys are so alike so I knew it was a matter of time before you two finally hooked up. I think you two make a great couple."
Pacey gave his sister a smile. "Thanks Sis but that's not the problem."
"What's the problem then? I'm sure it's something small."
"No, actually it's pretty big. It has to do with Me, Joey and a videotape."
Gretchen got wide eyed. "What happened brother of mine who is sixteen and too young to be doing anything too serious?"
"Before you say anything more it's not what you think," Pacey let out a small sigh. "On Saturday, when you and mom were gone, Joey came with me to our house for this surprise dinner but dear old dad ate all the food. I got pissed and stormed out the door. Joey and I made up and she didn't want to go home yet so I took her to the ruins. We started making out and unbeknownst to us; our first "grope fest" as Joey called it, was caught on tape."
"That really sucks Bro."
"That ain't even the worst part. Guess who the video tape belonged to?"
Gretchen thought about it for a second then Put her hand over her mouth. "No!"
Pacey nodded his head. "Yes, Dawson Leery caught us on tape."
"How did Joey react to this?"
"That's the thing sis: she doesn't know yet. Her face wasn't shown on the tape so Dawson doesn't know it was her. I tried calling her now but she wasn't home."
"What did Dawson say?" Gretchen asked very curious.
Pacey felt the anger creeping up again. "He asked who she was and I didn't tell him so he says," Pacey made a dumb voice, "blah Pacey, I won't make fun of her, then I got pissed and told him that she was the best girl I know then he says that I have a stick up my ass so I got mad and I told him to screw himself and I left.
Gretchen started laughing. "You are such a dork!"
Pacey got confused. "What do you mean by that?"
"Helloo, Pacey, you got ticked off because of nothing. Dawson was right to say you had a stick up your ass. He was trying to be nice when he said he wouldn't make fun of her. You were embarrassed because of the tape so you got mad, completely understandable. Now, my dear sweet brother, you need to apologize to your best friend for being a dork and getting mad at him."
"I guess I should. I'll do it tomorrow."
Gretchen got up and walked to the door but turned around before leaving. "Now about the girl of yours. You should talk to her as soon as you can tomorrow and tell her about the tape. Try to sleep good tonight and don't worry about the tape. I've been on plenty and I'm fine."
Pacey threw his pillow at her. "That's gross Gretch. I don't want to hear those things. You must be the reason I'm so fucked up."
She winked at her brother before closing the door behind her.
Joey flipped through her books before stuffing three of them into her book bag. Another day in high school. Always the same sequence of events. Get stuff for the first four periods, go to those classes, get other stuff for the next two periods, go to those, go to lunch, hit the locker for the last periods before going then have Pacey say sweet little nothings to her and steal kisses on the ride home. All days were like that: but not today. This day was a half day Thursday because, only in Capeside will you find this, janitorial appreciation day where they get to clean up earlier so they can go home earlier. Joey only had her first four periods so she wouldn't get to see Pacey most likely. Joey stuffed a notebook in her backpack when someone came up behind her.
"Boo," Jen said giving Joey a little push and causing her to jump.
Joey turned around and gave a small smile. "Do you want me to hate you Jen?"
Jen shrugged her shoulders, "Sorry Joey but you're so easy to scare its kind of fun."
Joey closed her locker and rolled her eyes before walking away. Jen walked with her but said nothing. Joey looked at her. "So what gives?"
"Huh?" Jen answered not listening.
"Huh! See you are thinking heavily right now, that's not good. You barely come seeking me out so what do you need from me?"
Jen laughed. "I don't need anything from you. I was wondering what you're doing after school today we could hang out for once."
"I'm not doing anything. Now can you tell me the truth?"
"well," Jen scratched her head, "My Grams wants me to go get some things in the town over and there are some guys there that might bug me if I'm alone so I want you to come with me because I know that you have no problem hitting someone," she said in one breath.
Joey shook her head. "Jen, I won't be your guard. What if I get hurt?"
"You won't because they are puny and I know you could beat them, plus, it's not like I won't help you. I just have trouble with the first punch."
Joey them remembered she had plans with Pacey. "I...I can't Jen."
Jen got on her knees. Joey turned red. "Please Joey. I really need you and I would really like to hang with you."
Joey was embarrassed and people were looking at them. She never saw Jen like this. Jen was never this needy. Joey felt bad. "Fine, I'll go, just please get up."
Jen got up and hugged Joey tight. "Thanks Joey! I owe you big time."
"You have no idea," Joey whispered.
Pacey saw Joey at her locker after school. She seemed to be rushing. He put his hands in front of her eyes. "Guess who?"
Joey moved his hands and held them in hers. "Pace, um..."
Pacey knew something was wrong because she didn't look at him. "What's wrong Jo?"
Joey looked up at him and bit her lip. "I can't hang with you today. I'm sorry. Jen really needed me to go with her to go get some things in the town over. I'm sorry and..."
"It's okay Joey. I'm not mad," Pacey smiled that that's all was bugging her.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, I'm sure. I even want you to go. I think it's about time you get some friends who are of the same sex. You need to have some fun too."
Joey smiled and hugged Pacey. "You are so wonderful, Sweetie. I do have fun but I understand what you mean."
Pacey kissed her then remembered he had to talk to her. "Jo, I have to talk to you."
Joey looked at her watched and let go of Pacey and picked up her bag. "I'm sorry Pacey, but I have to go. We'll talk later I promise," Joey gave him a quick kiss, "Bye." She walked away and out of the doors.
6:45P.M. still no sign of Dawson. Pacey went everywhere he could think of and still he didn't see Dawson. He didn't check one place. Dawson had to be there. It was only logical. Pacey turned the corner and walked up the walk. There he was. Dawson Leery sat at the usual back wooden booth in the back part of the Icehouse. Pacey opened the door.
"I knew I would find you here," Pacey said.
Dawson looked up. "What do you want PACEY? I'm with my girlfriend."
Pacey sat opposite of Dawson. "D, I'm really sorry man. I was a big jerk yesterday and I feel really bad. I did act like I had a stick up my ass and it was wrong of me to blow up in your face like that. Can you forgive me?"
Dawson rolled his eyes and smiled. "Sure, why not. We're cool.
"Thanks man," Pacey smiled.
Joey and Jen walked to the table talking. "Hey cutie," Jen smiled at Dawson before kissing and sitting next to him.
Joey tucked the loose strands of hair behind her ear. She gave a crooked grim to Pacey. He had to smile back.
"Hey Pace," Joey sat next to him.
"Hey Joey."
Jen was giggling about something then looked at Joey. "Joey, did Pacey tell you about the tape?"
Joey gave her a weird look. "What tape?"
Both boys looked at each other then looked at Joey.
"The tape of Pacey getting hot and heavy with some girl on Saturday."
Joey's mouth fell open and she looked at Pacey. "You recorded..." Joey couldn't finish the sentence.
Pacey looked back at Joey. "No, I didn't. Dawson and Jen were at the ruins and he left his camera on and it caught it on tape."
"Why didn't you tell me?"
Pacey looked at Jen and Dawson before standing up. "Can I talk to you Joey...alone?" He asked.
Joey nodded her head and followed Pacey into a different room.
Dawson gave Jen a dirty look.
"What?" Jen said.
"Why did you tell Joey about the tape?"
"What's the big deal? It's only Pacey."
"Exactly, it's Pacey. Have you not noticed the flirting between the two of them? Joey, for some strange reason, appears to have a crush on Pacey. I bet she's probably crying because he is with another girl."
Jen put on a puppy face. "What did I do? Here I am trying to be her friend and I make her cry. What can I do to make it better Dawson?"
"I think you've done enough for one night Jen."
They sat in silence until they were ready to leave.
Pacey led Joey into the bar area. Joey crossed her arms and gazed at him.
"Why didn't you tell me this earlier Pacey?" Joey said trying to keep her cool.
"I tried Joey but you weren't around."
Joey rolled her eyes. "I wasn't around Pacey! You could have told me after school when I saw you."
"I tried! I tried calling you, twice, last night but you weren't there then I tried to tell you this afternoon but you had to go out with Jen."
"That's no excuse. You could have looked for me this morning or after I got back with Jen. There was lots of time that I was available!"
"I wanted to tell you. I didn't want you to find out this way. I'm sorry."
Joey nodded her head. "It's a little too late for that, don't you think Pacey? I'm completely embarrassed because my friends saw a tape with my boyfriend and I having our first major make out session. Do you know how embarrassed I'll be when we tell them it's me?"
Pacey tried to grab Joey but she moved. "Why do we have to tell them it's you with me?"
"They're going to find out somehow. Besides, I don't want to hide us anymore. I want to act like a normal couple in front of them," Joey looked at the ground.
Pacey could see some pain in her face. "I'm sorry I hurt you."
Joey chuckled sarcastically. "Yeah well, things happen."
Jen and Dawson walked into the room. Joey and Pacey looked at them. "If you guys need us, Joey, we are at Dawson's house," Jen said with a small smile. They walked out.
Joey ran her hands through her hair a few times. Pacey walked closer and tried to hold her. Joey moved back and looked at him. "I...I don't really feel like touching you now. I need to go home and think of how I'm going to tell them and get that tape. I'll call you when I'm ready to see them," Joey ran her hand once in her hair again before leaving.
Joey and Pacey climbed up the ladder on the side of Dawson's house. She knocked on the window because Dawson locked it. He came to the window and let the two in.
"Joey, Pacey, what are you two doing here?" Jen asked.
"D, could you sit next to Jen on the bed? Me and Joey have to talk to you guys," Pacey said to Dawson. Dawson sat on the bed and nodded.
Joey took a deep breath and looked at Pacey before looking at the two on the bed. "Well, there's no easy way to say it so I'll just spill it straight. Dawson, Jen, that girl that Pacey's with on the tape...it's me."
Jen and Dawson were surprised. "How...How long have you two been hiding this?"
Pacey cleared his throat. "We started dating about a week ago but we truly first got together the day of the movies two weeks ago."
Dawson was still surprised. "Wow, I'm...definitely surprised. I thought you guys hated each other."
"We never hated each other, we just like to fight. I guess all of the fighting was hiding our attraction for the other," Joey said.
"Or it was some freaky mating ritual," Jen joked, "I think it's great that you two are together. I always thought there was something there."
Joey and Pacey looked at each other and smiled small. "Actually Jen, we didn't come to just tell you that. We came for the tape. Joey and I don't really want a recording of our first time in the hands of Dawson," Pacey said.
Jen was holding the tape. "Your first time of what?"
Dawson turned to his girlfriend. "Jen!"
"What Dawson? I didn't get to see the tape so I want to know what's on it."
Joey turned red. "It's um...it's the first time Pacey and I made out."
"What are you talking about? There is a major hand roaming by Pacey on this tape Joey," Dawson said.
Joey rolled her eyes. "Okay, so maybe it was our first groping of each other too."
Jen noticed how embarrassed Joey was. "It's okay Jo. I know how hard it is to keep your hands off of your boyfriend. You should see what me and Dawson do when we're making out. That's a grope fest."
Dawson started to turn red but Joey was better now. Pacey moved uncomfortably where he was standing. "Um, I think Joey and I should go."
Jen and Dawson nodded. Pacey grabbed Joey's hand then started out the window. Once they were out on the roof Joey moved away and walked down the ladder. Pacey followed her. She walked away fast and didn't turn back. "Joey," Pacey called after her.
Joey stopped walking and turned around. "What," she said meanly.
Pacey held up the tape and shook it. Joey rolled her eyes and smiled slightly. She walked up to Pacey. Joey snatched the tape out of his hand. Her eyes betrayed her and did exactly what she was tying to avoid: she looked into his eyes. Joey always got lost in those beautiful blue orbs and this time was no exception. She could feel herself melt under his gaze. Joey wasn't the only one affected by their meeting eyes. Pacey always got butterflies when Joey locked her luscious brown eyes with his. For that matter, he got butterflies when she smiled, touched, did anything pretty much. They stood staring at each other not saying a word.
"Do you want a ride home?" Pacey asked not breaking his gaze.
Joey turned up one side of mouth. "That would be really nice Pacey."
Pacey nodded and watched as Joey went inside the truck. He went in the truck and started it. A few minutes later Pacey couldn't take the silence. He looked at Joey who was staring out the window and he turned on the radio. A song was playing and Pacey started to sing to the song.
"Clearly I remember pickin' on the boy Seemed a harmless little fuck But we unleashed a lion Gnashed his teeth and bit the recess lady's breast How could I forget? And he hit me with a surprise left My jaw left hurtin', ooh, dropped wide open Just like the day, oh, like the day I heard."
Joey turned her head and looked at Pacey. He noticed she was watching him so he stopped singing. "Yes Joey?" Pacey said.
"Why are you singing Jeremy by Pearl Jam?" she asked.
"I like the song. Do you have a problem with my singing?"
"Actually I do, it's not good. You don't have a voice for that song. I also hate the song. It's irritating."
Pacey laughed and changed the radio station. Hands down by Dashboard Confessional started. Pacey looked at Joey.
"Approve?"
Joey smiled. "Highly."
"May I sing, ruler of the radio?"
Joey tapped her chin a few times. "You may."
Pacey took a deep breathe in and sang until they reached her street.
"Breathe in for luck, breathe in so deep This air is blessed, you share with me This night is wild, so calm and dull These hearts they race from self-control Your legs are smooth as they graze mine We're doing fine, we're doing nothing at all.
My hopes are so high that your kiss might kill me So won't you kill me, so I die happy? My heart is yours, to fill or burst To break or bury, or wear as jewelry Whichever you prefer."
Pacey put the truck on the side of the road and parked it. Joey looked at Pacey and bit her lip. "Pace I'm sorry. I overreacted about the whole thing."
"It doesn't matter Jo. We're fine as long as you stop hogging your lips and let me get in the action," Pacey smirked suggestively.
"These lips will always be yours to kiss," Joey smiled before leaning in and kissing him.
When the kiss ended Joey opened her door. "Are you coming?" Joey asked looking back at him.
Pacey lifted an eyebrow. "In your house?"
Joey rolled her eyes. "No in Boston, of course in my house! I still haven't watched that tape yet and I was hoping you would want to watch it with me."
Joey didn't have to say more. Anytime Pacey could spend with her, he jumped at it. Pacey was ready to go in before she closed the door.
Joey popped in the tape and sat cuddled up on the couch with Pacey. There was only a picture of the ruins on so far. "I thought we're on this?" Joey said.
"Wait. We come in a second," Pacey said taking her hand.
A few minutes later the two on the tape are heavily making out. Joey felt her self turning red.
"I can't believe Dawson saw this. We are pretty amateurish when it comes to "special" videos," Joey said.
"Well it was our first real hard make out so it was bound to be bad on tape. In personal experience I thought it was great. We'll get better with practice Josephine."
Pacey waited for Joey to hit him on his arm for calling her Josephine. When she didn't he looked at her wondering what was up. Joey had a big grin on her face.
"You are so right Pacey. Practice makes perfect so I think we should stop wasting time and start practicing now," Joey pressed the button on the remote in Pacey's hand and turned off the video.
Pacey threw the remote off to the side and moved closer. "Fine with me," He said before making contact with her for a long practice session.
