Description: My version of how Joey and Pacey collide, set after high school.

Disclaimer: I only own the storyline not the characters.

Author's note: If anyone reviews, I will update.

Missed Opportunities

Chapter# 3

(Joey's pov)

Lying awake in bed, I swipe tears from my eyes. How can Pacey not see that I need him right now? He has only always been the one I turned to when life didn't go my way. All I want is to spend a little time with him. Is that so wrong? To be honest, I'm more then a little angry with Pacey at this point. On my way out here to say goodnight to Clay, I'm fairly certain I heard Pacey admit he loved me. Since when? Not once has Pacey ever brought up having feelings for me. Why the hell should I take his word now? Further more what is it any of Clay's business? Why would Pacey give him permission to go after me? It's not like Clay is…into me. Crap! When the hell did that happen? How am I the object of two guys affection? When the hell did I manage to wedge myself between two best friends?

Neither of them know I over heard their conversation. I am not about to clue them in either. There is no way I am putting myself in between those two anymore then I already am. Even as I say this, I find myself wanting to lie beside Pacey. I'm not even sure why, he just makes me feel safe and I like that. Would it be such a crime if I snuck into Pacey's room? Tossing the covers off myself, I step out of bed. Silently making my way out of Clay's room, I tip toe my way towards Pacey's. Quietly opening his bedroom door, I sneak inside and crawl under the covers beside him. Settling in next to Pacey, I no sooner close my eyes in content. Before long I feel myself drifting off and falling asleep.

…

(Following morning; Ben's pov)

" Hey Witter, what's going on with breakfast? I'm starving...oh my bad bro.", I quickly back petal once I take notice of the girl clung to Pacey's side. Had no clue Witter had a girl spend the night. Last I recall he went with Clay to pick up some girl from the bar. Wonder if he meant one of his own along the way. This seems to be the case if he is shacked up with some chick. Got to say, I didn't know that Pacey had it in him. Since I have known the guy, not once has he ever brought a girl home. Oddly enough something tells me this girl is different for whatever reason.

" What the hell? Joey, how did you get in here?", grumbles Pacey still half asleep. Sitting up with Joey curled in his arms, he stares down at her. Not sure why Pacey should mind having a girl beside him. Joey is beautiful, what guy wouldn't want to wake up next to her? She's up by now and rubbing the sleep from her eyes. Wondering if I should have just let the two of them sleep. Poor girl looks exhausted. Here is the thing though, I had no clue Pacey was with a girl. Why does Clay look as though he wants to fight Witter? What the hell is going on here? Seriously wish someone would clue me in right about now.

" I snuck in last night, what is so wrong with needing to be near my oldest friend? Speaking of which how could you lie to me all these years!", exclaims Joey almost as an after thought. I hold back a laugh when she shoves Pacey out of bed. Wow, I did not see that coming. By the looks of things neither did Witter. Wonder what he could have possibly lied about? Whatever it was Joey does not look very happy. Pacey seems as though he has no clue what she is even talking about. Wonder what the chances are he is only playing dumb. My assumption would be that if he is it's only a matter of time before this Joey girl finds out and rips him a new one.

" Lie to you about what? Potter what are you talking about?", inquires Pacey with a genuine look of confusion. Huh, there is no way that he is playing dumb. Witter is not that good of an actor. At this point Joey looks like she is out for blood. Still have no clue why Clay gives a crap about this Joey girl being in bed with Pacey. Unless….no, there is no way! Is Joey the girl he had been talking about the other night? If this is the case how the hell did she end up in Pacey's bed? I am so lost it is not even funny. Is there a chance this could be the very same girl Pacey refused to open up about? How would that even be possible? Then again, Joey did say 'after all these years'. Sounds like these two have a history together.

" You know exactly what I'm talking about, how could you think so little of me Pace? ...Clay, I'm sorry I just want to get back to my dorm. I'll see you around.", informs Joey with a frustrated breath. Without so much as another word, she takes off. Wait, Witter is seriously going to let her leave? Doesn't he want to know why Joey is upset with him? Hell, I know that I would. How are neither of them going after her? Letting out an exasperated breath, I hesitantly follow after Joey. Catching up to her just outside the apartment door, I touch a hand to her arm. Jumping back when she whirls around in agitation, I throw my hands up in surrender. Last thing I want is to be clobbered by Joey. Somethings tells me the girl can pack a punch.

" Whoa, hey. Relax, its only me Jo. Just want to make sure you're alright.", I explain in a hurried tone. Thankful when Joey lets her guard down, I lead her to a bench down the street where the both of us sit. I'm not the enemy here, all I want is to make sure Joey is ok. She took off ticked at Pacey and I have no idea why. From what I have gathered thus far, these two are definitely old friends. Is there a chance there could be more to it then that though? If so, like what? Did the two of them date? No, they couldn't have. Why in the world would Pacey be mad about Joey climbing into bed beside him if they had? That wouldn't make the least bit of sense. One way or another I'll get answers.

Swiping at her eyes in agitation, Joey's gaze falls to her hands on her lap," No, how could I be? Pacey is only my oldest friend and he lied to me Ben!"

Offering Joey the sleeve of my shirt, I watch her dab her eyes with it," I had no clue you even knew one another Joey. What did he lie about?"

" Pacey all but told Clay he was in love with me, yet never once said a word to me.", confides Joey in a hurt tone. Well, there goes one question answered. Now I know without a doubt Joey is the girl Witter refused to bring up last night. Guessing Clay figured this out and is not very thrilled about it either. What are the chances the both of them would fall for the same girl? Guess it was bound to happen to one of us sooner or later. Thank god it wasn't the case for me. This makes no sense though, why should Joey care that he lied? It is not as though she felt the same for him. Or could she have? Why not just say something if that were the case? Guess both were afraid of ending up hurt.

" Would it have made a difference if he had?", I ponder when curiosity gets the best of me. Not something I should be asking but I can't help it. I have been exactly where Clay and Pacey are. Being in love with someone who only sees you as a friend is not exactly fun. While I understand why Joey would be upset with Pacey, I can also see why he hid his feelings from her. The guy was terrified of getting rejected. If Joey could only realize this then she might see why he never once said a word to her about how he felt. Still Joey must care for him to some extent if she found her way to his bedroom last night. Why else would she have sought him out?

" I don't know because he never said anything.", remarks Joey in a bitter manner. Knowing better then to press my luck, I give Joey a light nudge. Deciding it best to change the subject, I ask Joey if she wants to go for breakfast. Laughing at the sound of her growling stomach, I offer out my hand. Thankful when she takes it in hers, we walk down the street together. Before long we find ourselves at a small diner where we sit and order. Joking and catching up over eggs and pancakes, we sit for a while and hangout. Afterwards I suggest the two of us catch a movie and we wind up spending the day together. It is late by the time Joey and I make it back to the apartment. Suggesting she wash up and crash on my bed while I steal Clay's cot, I smile when Joey pecks my cheek and return the gesture. It was nice spending time with Joey, it is no wonder Witter and Clay both have it bad for her. Lucky for them I would never dream of making a move on Joey for fear of her coming between our friendships.

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