Description: My version of how Pacey and Joey got together. Starts briefly in third season and then jumps to the sixth. Jacob and Clay are characters I created.

Disclaimer: I own nothing from the show, only the original storyline and two characters I created Jacob and Clay.

Author's Note: If you read and leave a review, I'll update.

Unattainable Love:

Chapter #1

(Dawson's pov)

" You have to choose Joey, and I'm telling you right now if you choose Pacey our friendship is over.", I threaten with a shake of my head. How could she do this to me? How could either of them? Pacey knew exactly what Joey meant to me. Did this stop him from going after her? Not even for a second. Never did I imagine my oldest friend would attempt to steal my ex from me. What am I supposed to do if Joey decides that she wants to be with Pacey? Am I expected to just step aside and let the two of them be together?

" That's not fair Dawson!", exclaims Joey in anger. What does she expect? I didn't tell her to go behind my back with Pacey. She did that all by herself. I would love to know how long those two have been sneaking around with one another. How could I not have realized what was happening right underneath my nose? What did they think would happen when I found out? Did they presume that I would be happy for the two of them? Was Pacey hoping that I would give him the go ahead to pursue Joey?

" You can't have Pacey as your boyfriend and me as your consolation prize, that's not how it works Jo.", I exclaim with a frown taking over my features. For his part, Pacey has been unusually quiet. He has got to be thinking the same thing as me. Joey has to make a decision between the two of us. Whatever her choice is, think it's safe to say my friendship with Witter is on the rocks if not non existent. Why he couldn't have just been upfront and honest with me, I'll never understand. Of all people, I know how simple it is for a guy to fall for Joey Potter.

" Honestly Jo, I only want you to be happy. I'll be alright with whatever your decision is.", confides Pacey with a sad smile. Oh please, he is not fooling me. Does he really expect me to believe that bull crap? Witter wants Joey to pick him just as much as I do. He knows just as well as I do if she chose me, he'd be bitter. In all honesty, I don't think telling Jo to make a choice is all that unreasonable of a request. This is something she was going to have to do eventually. How Andie isn't as hurt and upset as I am is beyond me. Joey is supposed to be her closest friend besides Jen. She was angry for a day or so before showing them both understanding. Apparently Jen and Jack talked to her.

With a defiant shake of her head, Joey swipes a few tears from her eyes," No matter what my decision, I'm the villain. I'm the one who came between two best friends. Well, I won't do it. I'm not going to be the reason you and Pacey aren't friends anymore."

Running a frustrated hand through my hair, I let out an agitated laugh," Little too late for that, Jo. My friendship with Pacey was over the minute he made a move on you."

" I hate this, I hate all of it. Pacey, I hate you for kissing me and forcing me to figure out my feelings for you. Dawson, I hate you for thinking it's alright for you to make me pick between you and our friendship. If this is how it's going to be, than I choose no one.", protests Joey before taking off without so much as another word. Neither of us knowing what else to do, Pacey and I both stare after her. Does Jo really think deciding not to make a decision changes anything? Sure, our friendship will eventually go back to normally. As for Pacey and I, the damage is already done between the two of us. There is no taking back the betrayal that I felt knowing he went behind my back the way he did. Taking one last glare in Pacey's direction, I take off and make my way back home.

(Dawson's Thoughts)

Well, that did not go as I had hoped. When given the choice between Pacey and myself, Jo chose neither of us. Does she seriously think by doing so Pacey and I will actually work out our differences? Whether she likes it or no, Joey will always be the wedge between our friendship. All Witter ever had to do was be honest with me. He couldn't do that and now a life long friendship between the two of us is ruined. Things between us won't ever be the same again. How could they be? Pacey willingly betrayed my trust.

(Pacey's Thoughts)

Not sure what Dawson was thinking telling Joey to choose between the two of us. Did he really think that she would? How could she when Leery made it near impossible for her to do so. No matter who Potter went with, one of us was bound to end up with a broken heart. What if she had chosen me? Would Leery have followed through on his word and ended their friendship? He was hoping by making Jo pick, she would go with him if only for the sake of their friendship? Obviously if that was the plan, it didn't work out in Dawson's favor. Joey decided she would rather be with neither of us. While I wasn't expecting her to say she wanted to be with me, it would be a lie to say I hadn't hoped she would.

(Joey's Thoughts)

How did my life become such a disaster. Things finally came to a head this afternoon. Dawson took it upon himself to give me an ultimatum, our friendship or Pacey. This was completely unfair of him and uncalled for. Part of him must have known, were our friendship not at stake…I would have chosen Pacey. Over the course of a few short weeks, I seem to have found myself slowly falling in love with him. The moment Witter's lips met mine that day, I knew nothing good would come from this. Suppose that is why I initially reacted as strongly as I had. The second out lips touched, I felt that familiar spark. Were I to be honest with myself, it was there the first time he'd kissed me. Even then, I'd been too afraid to admit this even to myself. Now, I will never know what could have been between the two of us. My only hope is one day I'll be able to be with Pacey without putting my friendship with Dawson on the line. Until that day comes, all I can do is wait.