Description: set in season six, my version of how Joey and Pacey got together. Characters Dylan and Clay are mine.

Disclaimer: I own nothing of Dawson's Creek, only the storyline.

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

Chapter #1

Hidden Love Revealed:

(Pacey's thoughts)

Tonight was a complete bust. Not sure why Clay and Dylan made it a point to drag me out. One would think me telling them that I wanted to stay in would be enough. Those two weren't hearing this though and insisted I go out with them. After my break up with Sarah a few weeks back, I have all but closed myself off. The thought of meeting someone new is simply not a priority to me at this time. In all honesty, the only thing I'd like to do more then anything is go home and call it a night.

(Pacey's pov)

" Come on, could you at least pretend to have fun Witter?", complains Dylan while buying the three of us another round of beer. No, no I cannot. Why would I? Going out was not what I wanted to do at all tonight. Not sure why it is so important for me to meet another girl anyway. The last one cheated on me and I'd rather not nurse another broken heart. While I know these two mean well, couldn't they have simply left me at home tonight? Not like I'm having much fun. I get it, they want to cheer me up and get me out of the apartment. Meeting another girl just is not in the cards for me at this time though.

" I could, but I think we both know that would be a lie Dylan.", I answer before taking a long drink from my beer. At this point, my only hope is these two will eventually give up and let me go home. Only good thing that has come out of tonight is not once have I had to buy a round of beer. Clay and Dylan insisted on buying my drinks. They mean well and I'm glad they want to see me out and about again. Truth is, I'm alright being single for a while. I'd much rather wait for the right girl to come along than risk my heart on another who'd only break it.

" That's a shame considering there's a beautiful brunette whose been checking you out the last few minutes.", observes Clay with a slight nudge to my shoulder. This catches my attention and I glance over at him. He had better not be messing with me right now. Following his gaze, my eyes land on an attractive brunette whose gaze immediately turns downward when mine meets hers. Damn, Clay wasn't kidding. This girl is a complete knock out, why would she be checking me out though? More importantly, why in the world does this girl look so familiar? Part of me wants to go over and talk to her. Not exactly sure what I'd say without it sounding like a line. Oh crap, is she seriously walking over here? Wait a minute, is that Potter?

" Witter? Thought that was you, long time no see.", greets Joey while pulling me in for a hug. Startled when she places a kiss on my cheek, I return the gesture. What are the chances that I would run into one miss Josephine Potter? God, I have not seen her in at least a year or so. After high school, we drifted a bit unfortunately. There was a time when I was in love with Jo. Never worked up the courage to tell her how I felt though. Then there was the fact that Dawson was her ex. Couldn't make a move on my best friends girl. Not that it mattered all that much. More then once I attempted to catch Joey's eye and nothing I did ever worked.

" Hey Potter, what brings you back to Boston? Didn't you graduate from Worthington in the spring? Oh, these two are my roommates Clay and Dylan.", I introduce reluctantly while pulling a chair out for her. Almost wishing that she hadn't walked over. These two morons are in the process of picking their jaws up off the floor. Not that I can really blame them, Jo is an absolute knock out tonight. Seriously was not expecting to see her tonight. Would be nice catching up with her for a bit. Might be nice having a friendly face to catch up with for the rest of the night. Guess coming out wasn't the worst thing in the world considering I crossed paths with Joey.

" Yes, I graduated in May, Pacey. Truth is, I didn't want to move back to Capeside. Figured that I would try my luck out here. It's nice to meet the both of you, Witter and I grew up together.", greets Joey with a smile. Ordering the both of us a basket of fries to share, I put them on my tab. God, I can't for the life of me get over how breath taking Jo looks tonight. She has got to have a boyfriend. There is no way this girl is still single. What guy in their right mind wouldn't snatch Potter up in a second? Sort of hoping that I'm wrong. Last thing I would want is to be sucker punched by whatever guy Joey were seeing. Considerin that when I first noticed her, she was alone, I'm going to presume She came here alone at least.

Ordering himself one last drink, Clay takes a few sips from his beer," You grew up with Pacey? What was that like?"

Picking at a few fries, Joey orders herself a soda," Pacey spent his days tormenting me. Up until a few years ago, the two of us could hardly stand one another."

" Does that mean the two of you never dated?", Questions Dylan after a minute or so of silence. The answer to that question should be obvious. Joey just stated that up until a few short years ago, we were sworn enemies. The one and only time I made a move on Joey, was freshman year when I asked Dawson's approval if I could make a move on her. After mustering up enough courage, I kissed Potter. That was singularly the most amazing kiss I ever experienced in my life. It caught Jo completely off guard too, wasn't something she was expecting at all. When questioned, I admitted that I'd had a fun day and found myself surprised and even a bit attracted to her. Unfortunately for me, the feeling was not mutual on Joey's part.

" Do I seriously have to tell you not to hit on Joey?", I complain with an agitated shake of my head. This in turn causes Joey to blush a light shade of red. If Dylan thinks that I'm above kicking his ass, he's wrong. Just because I hold no claims on Jo, does not mean I'm going to let him make a move on her. Judging by the shy smile on her face, I'm going to assume that Potter was at the very least flattered by his attempt. Suppose that means that she currently is single. While Dylan might be a great guy, that does not mean I'll stand by while he attempts to flirt with her.

" It's ok Pacey, really. He wouldn't be the first guy tonight. Besides, it is sort of an obvious question don't you think? Witter and I never dated, though my sister swears it's only a matter of time before we do.", confides Joey with a shrug of her shoulders and a laugh. Even Bessie notices that I've held a torch for her sister. How can Jo be so blind? For Christ sake, I fought a guy for her, drove to Boston in the middle of the night to pick her up, took dance lessons and bought the girl a wall. None of those things are something I would do for just any girl. If for a second I thought that I stood a shot with Potter? Not once would I hesitate putting myself out there for Joey. She probably has no clue just how crazy she makes me without even trying.

" Dylan and I were actually about to head out Witter, give you some time to catch up with your friend. It was a pleasure meeting you Joey.", announces Clay before paying off his tab and pulling on his coat. Glancing up in confusion, Joey's eyes land on me. Her guess is as good as mine, not once did I give any indication that those two should leave. This said, I'm not going out of my way to stop them either. Why wouldn't I want a little alone time with Potter? Always knew Clay was a good friend. It is sort of getting late, Joey might simply want to go back to her apartment and call it a night. Maybe she'll want to sit and talk for little at least before we both part ways.

Biting down on her bottom lip, Joey stands from her seat beside me," The two of you don't have to leave on my account. Think maybe we could actually just head out Witter? I'm a little tired."

Standing from my own chair, I take hold of Joey's hand," We could do whatever you want Jo. Come on, I'll give you a ride back to your place."

" Actually, if you don't mind...I was thinking maybe I could crash at yours? My apartment is across town Pacey.", confesses Joey with a tired smile. There is a look of exhaustion in her eyes. Not knowing what else to say, I eventually nod my head. Potter wants to spend the night? This is not something I was expecting. Suppose that I could give up my bed for one night. Might be fun having Jo over, it will give us time to catch up in the morning that much is for sure. Touching my hand to the small of Joey's back, I lead her outside. Considering I drank the least tonight and have been sipping on a soda the last hour, I hold out my hand for Dylan to toss me the keys. Opening the passenger door for Jo, I wait for her to climb in before shutting it once more.

" I don't mind if you stay the night Jo. If these two bother you, I give you permission to slug them in the jaw.", I joke with a laugh and shake of my head. Knowing Potter, she won't hesitate either. If those two were smart, they'll save the lines. Not like they would ever work on Joey to begin with. Many have tried and failed to work their charm on this girl. Sure is amusing to watch guys strike out with Jo. Wonder how many tried their luck tonight and failed. Startled when she moves to sit beside me, I glance over when Potter slips her hand in mine once more. This is definitely new, not once has Jo held my hand before. Her skin is soft against mine and I do my best to hide a smile.

" If you find yourself cold at any point during the night, my room is the last door on the left Joey.", teases Dylan with a playful wink. Knew he would be the one to hit on her. At least I know Clay won't be a bother to Joey. While I can't blame Dylan for taking notice to how beautiful Jo is, this doesn't mean I'm going to stand by and allow him to move in on her. While I might not have any claims on Potter, this doesn't mean he is going to be asking her out anytime soon. Part of me is pondering whether or not I should put myself out there for Joey. At this point, what do I have to lose? Dawson is no longer a factor considering he has a girlfriend in Los Angelos. There is nothing stopping me from laying it all on the line for Potter.

" Thanks, now I'll know which one to avoid.", teases Joey causing both Clay and myself to burst out in laughter. Leave it to her to completely shut down Dylan. Poor guy does not stand a shot in hell with Potter. He seems the slightest bit disappointed to learn his usual lines won't work on her. Hell, I could have told him that. Jo is way too smart to fall for anything Dylan could possibly dish out. Maybe I should finally tell her how I feel. Whether Potter rejects me or not, she deserves to know I've been in love with her since freshman year when we did that snail project together. That was the first and only time I ever worked up the courage to kiss Joey. I'll never forget the way her lips felt on mine or the way my heart rate tripled its beat.