Hey guys! SOOO sorry that it took us this long to ud! But… you're in luck! We're gonna do a heavy duty ud and get you guys up to date… we're currently up to ch.12 and I'll post all the chapters, but ch.13 might not be for a while. SOOOOOOO SORRY FOR NEGLECTING YOU GUYS! WE LOVE YOU!

For Love or Power

Ch. 8

Disclaimer: We do not own Dawson's Creek. That's good for some, bad for others. note the passive aggressiveness

Joey was out of breath. She was out of breath a lot these days. But as she pulled away from Pacey, breaking their kiss for air, she realized she was truly happy. Joey had never been truly happy in her life, even when everything had seemed perfect. But now that she was with Pacey, her enemy, now that she knew her father was a drug dealer, and now that she still had Dawson to deal with, all the little imperfections made her feel real. And that made her happy; he made her happy.

"We'll need a story, you know," Pacey whispered as he was catching his breath.

"Why don't we just tell them the truth? That you kidnapped me and blackmailed me," Joey replied with a smirk.

"Because that's a felony, babe," Pacey replied.

"Well, how about we say that I'd gone for a swim, got caught in a current, and you just happened to be out on your boat. You heard my cried for help, but didn't realize who exactly was in the water until after you rescued me. Then the storm hit, and we wound up here." Pacey looked on in complete awe and respect for this woman that could come up with a completely flawless story in a matter of seconds.

"That's brilliant. You are brilliant," Pacey said, leaning in and kissing her softly on the lips and leaving a small kiss on her forehead.

John was heading the police boats that were making their way towards Crescent Isle. If he found his son with Joey Potter… well, John wasn't exactly sure what he was going to do, but it was gonna be bad. Mr. Potter and Dawson Leery were on a different boat heading out towards the small island off the coast of the Isle, and Jack was onboard with John.

"Jack, are you sure you don't know anything about this?" John asked for about the umpteenth time.

"John, I told you everything I know. Seriously… lay off," Jack replied, exasperated.

"If they are together, Jack… we're all gonna have a real problem."

"I'm aware… sir."

"OK, everyone, we're nearing the island, get ready!" John yelled to everyone, and then repeated into the walkie talkie for the other boat.

"Do you see them?" Joey asked as she stood on the beach, looking out at the water.

"I see them," Pacey whispered from his spot beside her. They couldn't touch each other anymore, for fear someone on the boats might see.

"I want to kiss you again before they get here, Pace. Who knows when I'll get to again," Joey said, turning to face him.

"Come with me," Pacey said, turning and walking up the beach to an area where the boats were not visible.

Joey threw herself into his arms the moment he turned, savoring every moment of the kiss as if it was their last. Pacey groaned at her urgency and tightened his hold on her hips as their devouring mouths slowed to give more passionate kisses that could hopefully sustain them until the next time they met. She knew it wasn't the last time she'd ever kiss Pacey, but it certainly felt like it. Pacey held Joey as tightly as possible, making their good bye last as long as possible. After a few more stolen moments of sheer bliss, they parted, and smiled sadly at one another.

"It's not good bye, just remember that Potter," Pacey whispered into her ear, seeing as he was still holding her.

"I know. I love you, Pacey," she whispered.

"I love you, too, Joey; no matter what happens," he replied sighing and resting his forehead on hers before closing his eyes momentarily. "You should go first… they're probably on the beach now."

"Alright," Joey said sadly, and with that, turned and walked up to the beach, each step their conjoined hands got torn apart a little more until her had finally slipped from his. Pacey stood watching after her as she made her way out of their hiding place to where just as Pacey had said, the boats were landing.

"Joey!" Mike Potter yelled as he ran to his daughter, followed closely by Dawson. When he reached her, he pulled her into a hug, but the hug was one sided. Joey hadn't missed her father at all, was still mad at him, and was certainly not going to hug him.

"Dad," Joey replied, less than enthused. Mike knew exactly why Joey was so mad at him. Before Dawson could greet Joey, John Witter ran up.

"Are you alright Miss Potter?" John asked.

"Yes sir, I'm fine. You're son saved my life," Joey answered.

"Pacey did what?" John, Mike, and Dawson all exclaimed together as Pacey made his way onto the beach.

"Hey pops. You found us," Pacey said, making his entrance.

"You saved my daughter's life?" Mike asked as he approached.

"Well…," Pacey began, trying to appear modest. But Joey caught on.

"Don't be so modest Pacey. I had gone for a swim on Saturday, and got caught in a current. Pacey came along suddenly in his boat, and helped me up. I guess he didn't know who was calling for help," Joey said.

"Well, we got caught in that storm, and ended up here," Pacey concluded.

"I'm just glad you're alright, Joey," Dawson said, wrapping her up in a hug. Dawson's back was to Pacey, but Joey could see him clearly, and could see the hurt on his face as Dawson hugged her. But when Dawson backed away and Joey found herself in the midst of wet, sloppy, frantic kisses you could seriously see steam radiating from Pacey's enraged form if you looked hard enough. Her eyes were open the entire time and even though Dawson tried to venture his tongue into her mouth she kept hers closed tight, not letting him get anymore than the touch of her lips. Her gaze moved from nothing to Pacey and gave him an apologetic look, and he replied with a slight nod, knowing it had to be done.

"Pacey, man… how'd it go?" Jack asked quietly once he reached Pacey.

"How'd what go?"

"You and Joey. Is she in love with you, yet? Is our plan working?"

"All is definitely going according to plan," Pacey whispered as Dawson took Joey's hand and led her back to the police boats, but a plan that Jack was completely unaware of.