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#5

Stumbled upon Love:

(Pacey's pov)

" Hey Bess, is Joey around?", I question after knocking on the door. Last night, I barely slept a wink. All I could think about was Potter and how I wanted to be holding her in my arms. This morning I woke up early and wrote down everything I'd wanted to tell Joey. After a quick breakfast, I made a trip to the jewelry store. In my pocket is the bracelet I'm hoping will win Potter over. Never felt this way about anyone and want Jo to know she means a great deal to me. I'm in love with Joey Potter, this terrifies me. Our kiss had my head in the clouds most of last night. Was it the same for Joey? I hope so.

" Morning Pacey, she's still asleep. Feel free to wake her, it's nearly eleven.", informs Bessie with an amused shake of her head. Allowing me inside, the two of us talk a few minutes over a cup of coffee. Bess knows about my date and kiss with Joey and won't stop teasing. She used to joke we would end up together. Finally working up the nerve, I make my way upstairs. This is it. I'm going to put myself out there for Joey once and for all. Whatever happens, at least I'll know where I stand with Potter. Swallowing down the lump in my throat, I knock lightly before entering Joey's room.

" Morning Jo, how was the rest of your.…wow! Sorry, I'm sorry Potter. Bess said you were asleep, I didn't know. Honest. ", I stammer before covering my eyes and stumbling over my own two feet. Walking in on a half naked Joey is not what I planned. The image will forever be caught in my mind. Not knowing what else to do, I turn my back so Potter can dress. I'll be lucky if Jo doesn't slap me. How was I to know she'd just gotten out of the shower? If anything, this is Bessie's fault for sending me to wake up Joey. The image of Potter in a towel is going to haunt my dreams tonight. I'm alright with that too, she's beautiful. Really hope she won't be mad with me.

" Pacey! This isn't awkward at all.", announces Joey while quickly dressing. Clearing her throat once finished, I turn around slowly. She doesn't seem upset thankfully. I'll take that as a good sign. The sight of Joey has my heart in my throat. Not knowing what else to do, I hand Potter a single rose. A smile lights up her features as she takes it. Glad Jo wasn't upset with me. Not like I planned to see her half naked, what a sight though. That's something I could get used to if Joey were ever mine. There's not a doubt in my heart, I'm in love with Josephine Lynn Potter.

Sitting on the edge of Joey's bed, I offer a shy smile," Sorry, Potter. How was the rest of your night?"

Buttoning up her shirt, Joey combs out her hair," Well, I didn't get much sleep and I stepped on one of Alexander's rattles on my way upstairs."

" If it makes you feel better, I didn't get much rest either.", I admit in a gruff manner. Watching Joey comb out her hair in front of the mirror, I move to stand behind her. The scent of strawberry shampoo fills my senses. My heart hammers in my chest when Joey's eyes meet mine in the mirror. It is impossible not to kiss Potter currently. Reaching out my index finger, I brush a strand of hair behind Joey's ear gently. The shudder that runs through her is not missed by me. I'd wondered if my feelings were one sided, thankfully it seems they might not be.

" Pacey, what are we doing here?", asks Joey with a confused look in her eyes. What are we doing here? That is a good question, one I've asked myself. I'm into Potter and she clearly likes me. What this means is a mystery to both of us. Grasping hold of Joey's hand, my fingers connect with hers. My palms are sweating and the air between Jo and myself is highly charged. Swallowing a gulp when Joey faces me, I tense when her finger tips graze my cheek. Truth is, I'm not sure what we're doing only that I'd rather it didn't stop.

" We're doing whatever you want, Jo. No pressure, honest.", I promise with a kiss to Joey's forehead. This seems to calm her down a great deal. Happy when Jo leans forward in my arms, I hug her close. Well, I could get used to this. Having Potter in my arms only makes me want to take care of her. We don't have to rush and figure out what we are. I'm perfectly happy taking our time. If Joey wants to go on a few dates before hashing out what we are, I'm alright with that. Something tells me that Potter likes me too and I'm over the moon to know this.

" Does that mean we'll figure whatever it is going on between us out together, Pace?", asks Joey in a quiet manner. Her eyes meet mine and reflected in them I see reluctance. Potter is afraid of ending up hurt, I am too. We're putting our friendship on the line. Joey's worried what would happen were we to break up. I'd love nothing more than to reassure her this would never happen, I can't tell the future though. At this point, all I can do is promise Jo that we'll take things as slow as she wants. I'm not in a rush to do anything that would make Potter think twice about us.

(Joey's pov)

Rubbing small circles on my back, Pacey whispers in my ear softly," If that's what you want, Jo."

Letting out a breath of relief, I happily bring my lips to Pacey's cheek," You're the best, Pacey. Thanks for being understanding."

" I'm willing to try anything if you'll give me a shot. Potter, I truly like you.", confesses Pacey with a nervous smile on his face. I can tell he is being truthful too. The coloring of Pacey's face turns a light red from his admission. Biting down on my bottom lip shyly, I glance down at my hands. What is wrong with me today? Witter has me hanging on his every word and has no clue. If he knew I were basically putty in his hands, would Witter use this knowledge to his advantage? One look in Pacey's eyes and I know that he wouldn't.

" I know that you do. Want to know the scary part, Pace? I like you too, Witter.", I announce with a nervous chuckle. A shudder runs through me as Pacey's hand cups my face gently. If he knew the effect he had on me, I'd be a goner. What is wrong with me? Pacey J. Witter is supposed to be the guy that I can't stand. When did he become the guy that I want to be with? Pacey isn't the worst guy in the world to end up with. Much as we despise one another, we're always there for each other. I could do a lot worse than Pacey as a boyfriend.

" At least we're on the same page. It's not much, but I bought something for you. Hope you'll like it, Jo.", acknowledges Pacey while handing me a tiny box. Studying the box carefully, I glance up at him in confusion. Opening the box, a gasp escapes when I see what's inside. Is Witter serious right now? This bracelet is beautiful! This is not what I was expecting at all. My eyes meet Pacey's as he clasps the bracelet around my wrist. Walking into Witter's arms, I hug him tight. Tilting my head up slightly, our lips meet. This is the sweetest thing Pace has ever done for me.

" Pacey, I love it.", I confide with a kiss to his cheek. If this is Pacey's way of asking me out, the answer is yes. This bracelet is beautiful, I hope he didn't spend too much on it. Last night, all I thought about was Pacey and our life long friendship. The two of us have known one another since before kindergarten. Witter and I grew up together. While the thought of him being my boyfriend will take getting used to, there is no denying the spark between us. If Pacey is willing to put himself out there, why shouldn't guess us a shot?