Description: My completely original version of how Pacey and Joey got together. Set after high school. Slight crossover with Pretty Little Liars, has nothing to do with -A though.

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters. The only thing I own is the original storyline.

Author's Note: Leave a review and I will update regularly.

Second Chances

Chapter #2

(Joey's pov)

" What? There's no significant other to frighten off the guys?", questions Pacey as he finishes the last of our fries. There was, not anymore. Ezra wants nothing to do with me these days. I have tried more then a few times to get a hold of him with no luck. He's convinced that I have been seeing Dawson behind his back, nothing I can say will persuade him otherwise. Aside from our brief hookup freshmen year of college, Dawson and I are nothing more then friends. We both decided it was better that way. For whatever reason though, Ezra has always been threatened by our friendship. Whatever, if he wants to end things over his own damn insecurities that is his lose. I'm done trying to plead my case with Ezra, I shouldn't have to. He should trust me yet he doesn't.

" Not anymore there isn't.", I acknowledge in a dismissive tone. Tonight, Ezra is the last person that I want to talk about. Our fight a few nights or so ago was all his fault. Ezra all but accused me of sleeping with Dawson when I went home for Thanks Giving! That was the last straw for me. I'm not going to stand around and allow Ezra to tell me that I have been sneaking around behind his back. If he can't believe that I have been faithful to him then I'm done.

" Bad break up Jo?", asks Pacey with an arched eyebrow. Should have seen that question coming from a mile away. He may be trying to be nice, but I'm not exactly in the mood to rehash the details of my failed relationship. The reason I'm here tonight is to forget about Ezra not be reminded of him. Apparently there's not enough beer to help me accomplish this goal. If only he could have believed me when I assured him there was nothing between Dawson and I. So what if we're close as friends? When you have known someone as long as I have known Dawson, it's to be expected.

" Don't take this the wrong way Pace, but it's not something that I want to talk about.", I dead pan with a resigned frown taking over my features. With a mere nod of his head, Pacey orders the both of us one last drink before closing up both our tabs. He didn't have to pay for mine, I have money on me, guess he is only trying to be polite. Perhaps running into Pacey tonight was a good thing. Spending time with him isn't so bad. He knows how to coax a smile and laugh from me that's for sure. To be honest, all I want to do is stagger back to my apartment, fall into bed and pass out.

Taking a few gulps from his beer, Pacey sets it down on the table," Fair enough. Where did you want me to drive you, Joey?"

Running a frazzled hand through my hair, I let out a long sigh," Well, if I go back to my place I'll have to deal with Emily and her pity looks. My only hope is that if I stay out just an hour or so more maybe she'll be asleep when I get home."

" Emily, huh. Is she single? Come on, what are my chances Potter?", jokes Pacey with a wink. Chuckling to myself, I roll my eyes at him. Well, considering Emily is a lesbian...I would say your chances are slim to none. Of course Pacey would ask a question like that, he'll hit on anything that walks. I'm to assume he's not seeing anyone if he's asking me to set him up with Emily. It's funny, I would have thought for sure Pacey had a girlfriend back in Capeside.

" Down, Witter. Considering Emily is a lesbian, it's safe to say that I probably have a better shot with her then you do.", I tease with an entertained shake of my head. Rethinking what I just said, I mentally kick myself. Looks like I just opened myself up to a few sarcastic jabs from Pacey. I don't mind though. One thing I have missed about living in Capeside is our lighthearted back and forth banter. We were both relentless, not a second of the day went by without the two of us laying into one another.

" Even better. Have you ever considered asking her out? Admit it, when you're alone the both of you have pillow fights and cuddle Jo.", taunts Pacey with a grin plastered across his face. What is it with guys and lesbians? Sure, Emily might be gay, that doesn't mean she's ever hit on me. ...Well, fine, maybe she has once or twice but that's it. Emily knows that I'm not into girls and she respects this. That said, this doesn't mean I haven't caught her checking me out whenever I walk from the bathroom in a robe. I don't mind though, I'll take it as a compliment.

" All the time Pacey, it's our favorite pass time.", I chuckle before finishing the last of my pint. If that is what he wants to think, that is fine with me. God, I hope Pacey doesn't embarrass me, I will kick his ass if he does. Glancing down at my watch, I realize that it is nearly eleven o'clock. Wow, I didn't know it was this late. If Pacey can promise to behave himself, maybe I should ask him to stay the night. He's not going to want to take me home and then head back to his place, it will be well past midnight by then.

(Pacey's pov)

Offering Joey my hand, I help her stand from her seat," Alright, I know that you're only messing with me. But I'm going to pretend that your not Joey."

Stumbling forward a few steps, Joey's grip tightens on my arm to keep herself from falling," Knock yourself out, Pacey. Look it's kind of late, if you want to crash at my apartment you're more then welcome to. But please for the love of God behave?"

" You have my word that I will, Jo.", I promise with a nod of my head. Man am I glad Joey asked me to stay. The thought of hailing a cab from her place so late was not an appealing one. Where the hell would I sleep? Since I know Joey's not about to invite me to bed with her, my assumption would be the couch. That is more then fine with me so long as the sofa is comfortable. Wonder what the chances are of Joey staying up a bit and watching a movie with me. If she's not too beat and I'm lucky maybe she'll fall asleep with her head on my shoulder.

" Good, because I won't hesitate to kick your ass Pace.", clarifies Joey with a frown before pinching my bicep. Oww! Was that necessary? Leave it to Joey to treat me like a child. If she told me to behave, obviously I'm going to. I'm just glad that she asked me to stay the night, I was hoping that she would. I really want to spend sometime with Potter. While she may never feel the same about me that doesn't mean I won't look for just about any reason to be around her. When you like someone, proximity is usually a good thing.

" Oh, if that's the case being naughty might be worth it.", I mock with a wink and quick peck to Joey's cheek. In return she slaps my chest with a chuckle before hugging my side to keep her balance. Damn I wonder how many drinks she had before I showed up. Potter can just barely walk, I practically have to hold her up. She must be taking the break up pretty hard it seems. I wonder what kind of an idiot would let a girl like her go. One thing is for certain he's probably kicking himself right about now, I know that I would be.

" Could you be anymore agitating?", complains Joey before letting out an annoyed groan. If it weren't for the smirk creeping it's way across her face, I would have been offended. This feels exactly like old times. It's funny how quickly the two of us fell back into our old routine of slinging insults and jabs at one another. I could spar all day with Joey and never tire. Though I should probably be careful not to get on her nerves too much. Joey is a hitter and man do her dead arms hurt like hell. …