Description: My version of how pacey and Joey got together.
Disclaimer: I only own the story not the characters.
Author's Note: leave a review and I'll update.
Chapter#2
Stumbled upon Love:
(Joey's pov)
" See? We can have fun without Dawson. I'm capable of being on my best behavior, Joey.", points out Pacey while opening the jeeps passenger door for me. Climbing in, I scoot towards the middle to be near Pacey. Not exactly sure what's going on but for some reason I want to be near him. Waiting for him to climb in the driver's side, I link my arm with Pacey's. Tonight was fun and honestly, I'm shocked. The whole night Witter opened doors and even pulled out my chair for me. He behaved like a gentleman and it was really sweet of him to do. Suppose Pacey figured if he were his usual obnoxious self I'd never volunteer to spend time with him again.
" I'll be honest Pacey, I had my reservations about tonight. You proved me wrong, I actually had a good time.", I confess much to both of our surprise. Pacey is right, what am I doing being resentful towards Jen? Not exactly her fault Dawson forgot that I exist. Guess it just hurt feeling like a third wheel. Never thought Witter and I were capable of getting along yet here we are. Have the two of us finally turned a new leaf in our friendship? Don't get me wrong, I enjoy our bicker matches. Sometimes, Pacey makes me so angry though. Not tonight thankfully, we hung out and had dinner with not one argument. Could it be the two of us are finally becoming friends? Sure, we have always been friends…but tonight? Witter showed me a side of himself I never knew existed. Kinda nice knowing we can have a good time without our usual banter.
" You did? I was hoping you would, Jo.", admits Pacey while turning down the long dirt path that leads to my house. Not ready to say goodnight just yet, he parks about halfway up. Startled when Pacey's hand clasps over mine, my eyes meet his. Witter's hand is warm and fits against mine like a puzzle piece. The two of us have been holding hands with our arms linked all night. Not exactly sure what's gotten into the both of us. Is it possible that I'm into Pacey Witter? No…no. The two of us are only friends. The only reason we're putting our differences aside is because we have been left with no choice since Dawson is too busy trying to woo Jen to acknowledge our existence.
" Why is that Pace?", I question out of curiosity. There is something different about Pacey tonight. For the life of me, I can't figure out what. He wanted to take me out, we had an amazing time. Neither of us has been willing to let the others hand go. Witter has got to be up to something. We never get along this well, sort of nice to know we're able to spend time together without getting on one another's nerves. I'm sure the moment I walk inside Bess will have only a million questions. Not exactly something I'm looking forward to. She has this theory that behind all our banter, Witter and I are secretly into one another. Personally, I think Bess is crazy. Do I find Pacey to be attractive? Sure, but I mostly think he is repulsive.
Not certain how to answer, Pacey scratches at the back of his neck," No particular reason, just figured if I was a jerk you wouldn't want to catch a movie with me tomorrow."
Bringing my eyes to meet Pacey's, I play with the hem of my shirt," If I didn't know any better I'd think you were asking me on a date, Witter."
" Look, Jo. If you tell me no, I'm alright with that. Truth is, I like you.", admits Pacey quietly before glancing down at his hands. This is something I was not anticipating. Pacey Witter likes me? Since when? Aren't we supposed to despise one another? We sure used to at least. Deny it all I want, part of me has liked Pacey too. How could I not? He knows how to make me laugh, knows how to comfort me without saying a word, and does sweet gestures like…well tonight to catch my attention. Part of me wants to tell Witter the feeling is mutual, the other part is hesitant. If I allowed myself to fall for Pacey and we broke up, what would happen to our friendship?
" I'm not sure what to say, Pace. Sort of caught me off guard.", I admit doing my best not to blush. Do I want to go on a date with Pacey? Part of me is hesitant, the other wonders if I should say yes. Never thought my oldest friend would be my first date. I'm not going to deny the obvious attraction between the two of us. How could I? We both felt the jolt of electricity when our hands touched. Pacey isn't the worst guy to have as a first date. He might even make a good boyfriend. The question is am I willing to put our friendship on the line? What if we broke up down the line? Where would that leave our friendship? I like Pacey but wouldn't want to lose his friendship.
" Well, you don't have to answer right away. Take time to think about it, Joey. Just know I really do care about you is all.", confesses Pacey with a gentle kiss to my forehead. I'm glad he is being so understanding at least. Times like this, I'll be seeking advice from Bessie. She knows more about these sorts of things. Though, if I know my sister? Bess is going to be rooting for Pacey. He is right though, no need to rush my answer. I'll take a day or so to think things through. Something tells me that I'll probably end up saying yes. Witter doesn't need to know this just yet. The more I think about it, I'm sure our friendship is strong enough to last through a breakup. Neither Pacey or myself would ever throw away a life long friendship.
" Guess maybe I should take a day or so. I won't make you wait too long, promise Pacey. Tonight was an unexpected surprise and I had a great time, Pace.", I confess with a half smile and gentle nudge to his side. Pacey truly surprised me tonight. I was not expecting to have as good a time as I did. Sort of wish the night didn't have to end just yet. It's getting late though and I'm exhausted. Plus, something tells me that I'll be seeing Witter first thing tomorrow. Maybe Dawson ditching the two of us isn't such a bad thing. If anything it's forced Pacey and I to spend time together. Never thought I would be thankful for that. He's not so bad of a guy though. Pacey can be a sweetheart when he wants to be, tonight is proof of that.
With a nod of his head, Pacey gives my hand a squeeze," I'm alright with that, Jo."
Hugging his arm happily, I place a peck on Pacey's cheek," Tonight was nice Pacey."
" I'll see you tomorrow?", questions Pacey with a goofy grin. With a nod of my own, I do my best to hide a smile. Are we really making plans? A few hours ago my only plans for tomorrow were sleeping in. Now I'm hanging out with Pacey. I'm actually considering saying yes to a date with Pacey J. Witter. Never thought I would live to see this day. Bessie is going to flip when I tell her about today. I'll never hear the end of it from her. If he wants to take me out, who am I to say no? Something tells me Witter might make an amazing boyfriend.
" Definitely, Pace. I'm glad we hung out tonight.", I confide in all honesty. It is the truth too, never thought Pacey and I could get along this well. Turns out he is full of surprises. Caught off guard when Pacey's lips touch mine, I all but melt into his arms. Neither intent with parting just yet, we explore one another's mouths. Touching a hand to Pacey's chest after a few minutes we reluctantly part. Driving the rest of the way up the dirt path, Pacey parks and let's me out. Walking me up the porch steps, we share one more innocent kiss. Saying goodnight one last time, we part ways as I head inside.
(Joey's thoughts)
We kissed. Our lips met. Pacey's was pressed against mine mere minutes ago. How in the world was Witter my first kiss? He took me completely by surprise. My knees went weak and my heart was pounding against my ribcage. Tonight was amazing. He wants to take me on an actual date. I'm actually considering saying yes too. Why shouldn't I? Pacey is a good guy. He is fun, kind and attractive. I'd say the two of us never argue but, well…come on. Bickering is a defining part of our relationship. I'm still hesitant about saying yes, but not because I wouldn't like a date with Pacey. Guess we will see how things turn out I suppose. What harm could come from giving Pacey a chance?
(Pacey's thoughts)
Well, I went for it. Not only did I ask Potter out, we shared a kiss. Wow what a kiss it was too! Neither of us wanted it to end. Glad to know there is a chance Jo is attracted to me. For a while I was afraid said attraction would not be mutual. Joey never pulled away from our lip lock though and I am silently thankful. It was a lie or line when I told Potter that I like her. When I asked her on a date, instead of telling me no…Jo said she would think about it. How great is that? Things are slowly falling into place. All I have to do is show Joey that I'm worth a shot. Think that is something I'm capable of doing.