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 #9

(Jack's Thoughts)

Well, breakfast was sort of a disaster. Joey took off after dropping one hell of a bomb shell for the rest of us. Seems that she and Ezra are no longer together. From what we got from Pacey of what little he knew, the two of them broke up little over a week or so ago. Emily all but confirmed everything Pacey had told us. No body knows where in the hell Joey even is, she took off from the diner earlier. Emily went after her, but Jo made it clear she had just wanted to be left alone. When Em came back a while later, she filled the rest of us in on just what the hell has been going on.

Got to say after all Emily told us? I'm not exactly liking Ezra all that much currently. The guy is a frigging moron. What the hell would make him think Joey would ever cheat on him? Let alone with Dawson? So what if they once had a history together? Joey was completely honest and up front with him after Dawson had a little too much to drink and kissed her last Christmas. Hell, Jen and I thought that she was crazy for wanting to tell him. She felt so guilty though and just wanted to come clean to Ezra about it and the fact they'd once dated. She had made it clear when she did and more then once since afterwords that they were just friends now.

Guess Ezra didn't like the idea that Joey still kept in touch with Dawson. What the hell did he expect for her to do, cut him off completely? Never speak to him again? So what if they had history, more then a few times Joey has made it clear the only one she wanted to be with was Ezra. Joey shouldn't have to throw away a life long friendship simply because the guy is insecure over their brief past together. Judging from what both Emily and Pacey have filled us in on? Ezra must have realized that he over reacted in ending things with Joey. Emily mentioned how he's been calling and texting her almost nonstop for the last day or so wanting to apologize and speak with Joey. To make things worse? Pacey said he had the misfortune of running into and meeting Ezra for the first time last night while walking Potter home from the bar last night. What he failed to mention the first time, is that before they parted ways Ezra had kissed her. What's even worse and bothers Jen and I both more? Joey admitted to reciprocating said kiss after Pacey let slip about it and Emily confronted her.

Emily tore into Joey a little after hearing about this. To be honest, I probably would have too. After their break up Emily said that Joey all but broke down. Hell, she told us how she had all but bawled her eyes out for three days straight. That had to have been rough. My only question? Why the hell would Joey kiss Ezra back? ...Or, well...fine. Maybe I already know the answer to that question, Joey was and probably still very well might be in love with Ezra. When you feel that deeply for someone? Feelings don't just turn off at the drop of a dime. Still, why would anyone want to be with someone who clearly doesn't trust them?

(End Jack's thoughts)

(Jen's thoughts)

Well, so much for all of us finally catching up with one another over breakfast. Joey took off and no one has heard from or seen her since. I cannot believe her and Ezra aren't together anymore. Those two were so great together, I don't know what the hell happened. Well, alright. That is a bold face lie, I know precisely what happened ever since Emily and surprisingly enough Pacey both informed us at least.

Seems things have been rocky between the two of them for a while. Ezra had some serious trust issues apparently when it came to Joey and her friendship with Dawson. This much I knew about. What I didn't know was that it had gotten so bad that to two of them actually fought more then a few times. This last time it seems Ezra all but accused Joey of sleeping with Dawson behind his back. He has got to be kidding me.

The only one Joey has had eyes for these last two years is Ezra. How the hell could he be so blind as to not see this himself? Was he honestly that blinded by jealousy? What reason aside from last Christmas when Dawson kissed Joey, which she immediately told him about, could Ezra possibly have felt so threatened by Joey's friendship with him? Fine, so they dated off and on throughout high school. That was how many years ago? If Joey still had feelings for Dawson, something tells me those two would be together.

Not once has Joey ever given Ezra reason to suspect or believe even for a second that she had been unfaithful to him. Joey is just not that kind of girl. The idiot must have realized he was in the wrong for breaking up with her though. Emily confided that he has only called and texted Joey like clock work all day yesterday. Pacey mentioned how he had the misfortune of meeting Ezra the other night while walking Joey back to her apartment. He tried unsuccessfully to plead his case with her according to Pacey. Joey didn't seem to want to hear anything that he had to say though.

As if that weren't bad enough, Pacey said before he'd left Ezra caught Joey off guard with a kiss. It was most definitely not a one sided lip lock according to Pacey. When questioned by Emily after Pacey let slip about the lip lock, Joey made it clear that she had no intentions of taking Ezra back anytime soon. Judging by the way she took off at Dawson's mere mention of Ezra's name, it's plain to see Joey is torn and hurting.

(End Jen's pov)

(Dawson's pov)

Breakfast did not turn out as I had hoped it would. While it was nice to catch up with everyone, I was sort of wanting to spend a little bit of time with Joey. Maybe catch a movie before I had to leave town in a few days. She might have made it to the diner this morning, but Joey didn't stay very long. It was partially my fault that she left in such a hurry. No sooner had she arrived at the diner, I found myself immediately apologizing for last Christmas.

After I had sobered up and been informed that Joey was seeing someone, I felt like an ass for kissing her. Unfortunately when I went to the B&B looking to apologize Jo had already left. The two of us hadn't spoken much since. If there is one thing that Joey excels at it's making herself scarce. For the last year or so, whenever I showed up at a gathering...well it wasn't soon after Potter would think of an excuse to leave.

Hell, I honestly did not expect her to even be at the diner this morning. When I saw her though? I knew that if I didn't take a chance and get what I needed to say out, who knows when I would have had another chance? How was I supposed to know that Joey and her boyfriend had recently broken up? At the time all I was concerned about was clearing the air between the two of us once and for all. Guess that it isn't going to be nearly as simply as an 'I'm sorry'.

After Joey's outburst she ran off before any of us had the chance to stop her. Emily took off after her but came back a short while later. Apparently she was unable to catch up with Joey since she came back alone. Both Emily and Pacey filled us in on everything and it's a good thing too because none of us knew what the hell was going on. Seems Joey and her boyfriend Ezra had been arguing more then usual and things finally went south about a week or so ago.

I still had no idea what the heck part I could have possibly played in their breakup. Well, fine so that's not true. From what I am being told, Joey had never exactly mentioned to her boyfriend there was once an us besides our lifelong friendship. After I all but snuck kiss while drunk last Christmas, Joey had felt guilty about it. Despite both Jen and Jack advising her otherwise, Joey came clean to Ezra. While he forgave her, I guess he wasn't ecstatic at the thought that Joey and I still kept in touch on a regular basis. Even Emily said there were numerous times she had come home and caught the tail end of one of their arguments.

Seems their most recent argument was the worst one of all. After all but accusing Joey of messing around with me behind his back, the two of them had it out and broke up. Emily told us that Potter has been an absolute wreck ever since. I'm not exactly sure what it is that I'm supposed to do. Much as I miss Joey and ideally would like more then anything for things to go back to normal between the two of us...I just do not see that happening anytime soon. Not if I am partially the reason she and this guy Ezra parted ways.

From what Jen, Jack and Emily have all told me? Joey must have had it real bad for this Ezra guy. The two of them had been together more then two years. This guy must have really made her happy, that's something I never had the chance to do. Why he screwed his up, I have no idea. I'll bet he is regretting the mere thought that he let Joey slip through his fingers. ...Looking back, I know that I sure as hell did. Sort of explains last Christmas to be honest.

When I saw Joey walk into the diner, all I wanted to do was make what I had wronged right. Guess more than anything I missed my best friend. Ever since I could remember, it has always been Pacey, Joey and I. The three of us grew up across the creek together, through the years Jen, Jack, and Andie have all sort of become a close knit family. Hell, nearly every Thanks Giving and Christmas we all still gather at either Grams, the Potter's B&B or my house. It's practically become a tradition over the years. I would hate for all of that to end partially because in a drunken stupor I not only poured my heart out but kissed Joey.

I'm not even sure what it is that I'm supposed to do right now. But I feel as though I should do something, especially if I am partly the reason Joey and this guy Ezra are no longer together. He let his insecurities get the best of him. How is that my fault? Joey and I have barely spoken since last Christmas aside from maybe one or two times very briefly on the phone and when I ran into her this past Memorial Day about a month or so back in Capeside. Even then we had talked, what all of five minutes before Joey found an excuse to take off? I'm not sure how, but if possible I need to at least try and make things right. While it may not be with me, all I want is for Jo to be happy.

(End Dawson's pov)

( Emily's pov)

I'm not even sure where to look for Joey anymore. It's partially my fault, I'm the one who all but made her come with the rest of us for breakfast. How was I to know that Dawson would bring up Ezra? While I wanted those two to stop avoiding one another and finally talk out the awkwardness that was last Christmas, I did not expect for Joey to take off running. Something more has to be bothering her, I might not know exactly what but it's only a matter of time before I find out.

Ezra really did a number on her, Joey and I have been friends for a few years now. The two of them had been together nearly just as long. Why he would ever let her go is beyond me. The guy must be some kind of an idiot. Joey never once lied to him about anything. Not once had those two ever argued until Joey told him about her past with Dawson and their friendship. While I get why it would upset Ezra, what is Joey supposed to do? Dawson is one of her oldest friends besides Pacey.

He is the reason the two of them broke up, not Joey. She has never been nothing but honest with him. Ezra was too damn blind to see how much Joey actually cared for him. Then again how could he see? The idiot was blinded by his own damn jealousy. For him to not trust Joey and break up with her is one thing. But now he expects her to just take him back because he's sorry and misses her? Sorry, that is not how it works. Clearly Ezra is the reason Joey took off so upset.

The guy has not stopped texting her, he realized that he's an asshole and wants her back. Ezra is slowly waring Joey out too. While she swears up and down that taking him back is the last thing she intends to do, I'm not so sure anymore. After Dawson's misguided attempt to smooth his friendship over with Joey, she sort of just took off. While Dawson might have meant well, it was obviously the conversation had clearly taken its toll on her and quick.

Joey disappeared out of the diner and down the street before I ever had the chance to take off after her. The girl sure knows how to make herself scarce when she doesn't want to be found that much is for certain. All the places I considered that she may have gone all turned up dead ends. The only thing left for me to do is merely wait for Joey at the apartment at this point. It's not as though I could call her and find out where the hell she even is. After we all parted ways once more, Pacey came knocking a short while later holding Joey's cellphone in his hand. She left it on the dashboard in his jeep. None of us know where she went. I'm not too worried though, if there is one thing I have learned? When Joey doesn't want to be bothered, its best to just let her be.

My only real worry? What if Ezra finally wore her down? The guy has been persistent, he knows that he screwed up big time and isn't about to just sit back and let Joey go. Had he cared enough to trust her in the first place maybe the two of them would still be together.Guess all there is left to do is let Jo come back on her own. The girl can sure be stubborn when she wanted to be so I am told. Boy is that an understatement too if I have ever heard one!

(End Emily's pov)

(Pacey's pov)

I have looked just about everywhere for Joey. The girl is nowhere to be found. The second Dawson opened his mouth about the event between the two of them last Christmas, I knew it was only a matter of time she took off. How could Dawson not see that every word he spoke was causing Potter nothing but heart ache? While he might not have known about their break up, it was obvious by the way Joey tensed at the mere mention of Ezra's name Dawson had struck a nerve.

While he may have only met to clear the water with Joey, maybe doing so at the diner in front of everyone wasn't the best place. Then again maybe Dawson figured if he hesitated he might not get another chance to patch things over. While I don't think Jo could ever really blame Dawson for his role in her break up...something tells me seeing him today only served to remind her of it. Personally, this guy Ezra sounds like an idiot.

I'm not sure who is worse, Dawson or Ezra. Why in the world would either of them have let Potter go? Is this guy really telling me that he couldn't put his own insecurities aside? Fine, Joey might not have been up front with this guy Ezra about Dawson. Yes, they may had dated but that was years ago. Joey and Dawson decided a long time ago that they were probably better off as friends. The fact that she chose to be honest with Ezra about the fact Dawson kissed her at all, let alone that they once shared a past together? Potter must have loved this guy.

She didn't have to say anything, it's not like Ezra would have ever found out. Hell, Jen and Jack weren't about to say anything to the guy. Those two warned Joey not to even bring up. She chose to because she felt guilty. Why Jo felt guilty is beyond me, Dawson's the one who had a little too much to drink. He kissed Potter, it wasn't the other way around. Dawson meant well, I know that he did. Now that he knows Joey's no longer spoken for something tells me it's only a matter of time before he decides he wants her back again.

He may be one of my oldest friends, but Dawson can be so predictable at times. Even as Emily and I filled the three of them in on why Joey took off the way she had, I could see the wheels turning in the back of Dawson's mind. To be honest it sickens me. None of this actually surprises me all that much. It's always the same with those two. I'm well aware of the ballad of Dawson and Joey. Through out high school the both of them were on again off again a few times.

Dawson didn't know what he had until he lost it and clearly neither did Ezra. Why either of them would ever knowingly break Joey's heart is beyond me. Not that it matters either way, I don't even know why I care. None of this is my problem, yet here I am out looking for Joey wanting to make sure she's alright. Sure, I could lie and tell myself that the only reason I care is because I want to know Potter's okay. The only person that I would be fooling is myself though. …

Wandering down the streets of Boston, I eventually find myself standing outside Hell's Kitchen. Not really in the mood to call it a night just yet, I walk inside after a minute or two of debating. This place sure brings back memories, Potter used to waitress here for a while before she graduated from Worthington. Hell, I remember the night she got on stage and belted her heart out singing 'I want you to want Me'. You wouldn't know it by looking at her but Joey has a wild side. She rarely ever lets it out but when she does, look out.

Speak of the vixen and there she appears. Go figures, this would be just my luck. Here I spent nearly all day trying to find Jo, just when I give up? There she is in the last place I would expect her to be. Who is that with her though, is that...Ezra? Huh, I should have guessed. So much for not taking the guy back. Why is Potter here with that guy? Was it not just last night Joey told Emily that she had absolutely no intentions of taking that prick back? Appears like that was a load of crap. I'm not even going to bother going up to her, not when she's here with him. To be honest, I don't even know why I care.

It's not any of my business. Taking one last glance in Potter's direction, I turn on my heel to leave. I don't even make it halfway towards the door before I'm stopped dead in my tracks at the sound of my name on her lips.

(End Pacey's pov)

(Joey's pov)

What the hell am I doing here? The moment I saw Ezra waltz in, I should have just taken right off. Why the hell didn't I? Who am I kidding, part of me had come here in hopes that he would show up. Not for the reasons he was anticipating. While I may have needed to see Ezra, it was only to tell him that he needs to stop trying. There is nothing left for the both of us to discuss and to be honest? I'm done talking.

Ezra is the one who ended things. He left me, he broke up with me. I offered him my heart and once again it was handed back to me in pieces. The only reason that I didn't take off running as I did earlier at the diner with Dawson and the others, is because I needed to make myself clear to Ezra once and for all. He deserves to know exactly why I refuse to take him back. Funnily enough it is for the exact same reason I decided all those years ago Dawson and I were probably better off as friends. I just do not want to be with a guy who does not trust me.

Not once had I ever given Dawson a reason to distrust me, yet we broke up because he thought there was something between Jack and I. While for a brief while after we had parted ways, there was...that's not the point. Jack turned out to be gay. Much as I had wanted things to be different between the two of us, I came to the conclusion Dawson and I were only meant to be friends. It was different with Ezra though, I was happy with him these last two years.

Sadly that all changed about a day or so after new years last year. I had gotten home from Capeside earlier than originally expected. After Dawson's inebriated slip-up, I had been racked with guilt. He had really backed me in a corner that time, I took off first thing the next morning after unfortunately rehashing the events with both Jen and Jack. They both discouraged me from ever breathing a word of what had happened to Ezra. Looking back, I often wander if maybe I should have just listened.

When I had finally come clean about Dawson, the kiss, our life long friendship and past together Ezra seemed to have taken the news better than I had anticipated. Over the course of the last few months, we gradually began to argue. Someone would bring up how Dawson had been asking about me and Ezra would instantly become jealous. I would receive a harmless text or missed call from Dawson and if Ezra found out? He would almost always without fail pick an argument with me.

It had gotten the point where I simply could not take his accusations anymore. Our last fight was the worst of all, we had gotten into this huge shouting match. Before either of us knew what happened or he even realized what he'd said, Ezra had all but broken up with me. It was then I had felt the sudden tightness and sharp pain in my chest, it was then the tears had welled up in my eyes, it was then I lost all ability to breathe, it was then I fell apart, it was then with just six words my whole world had fallen apart around me. I remember soon as he uttered them without so much as another word, I turned right around and left. I remember the sudden need to be as far away from him as possible, I remember the hurt, the frustration, the heart ache...I remember it all, more importantly I remember how totally and entirely Ezra's thoughtless words of insecurity had so completely and utterly wrecked me.

No amount of I love you's, or I miss you's will ever undo the sting of Ezra's words. I'm done with listening to him plead his case and repeatedly telling me how sorry he is. It was his choice to end us, not mine. Nothing Ezra could possibly say will take away from the near constant reminder of the pain and heartbreak his thoughtless words of insecurity caused me. Oh and I did not hold back, I let him know just exactly how much he hurt me. Every single tear I shed, all the restless nights, and just how wholeheartedly destroyed I have been since our break up...I let him know all the hell he put me through.

Much as I was not looking forward to having this conversation with Ezra, it's probably for that best that I did. He needs to know that I am not taking him back, and that I am done arguing and bickering. Look where it has gotten us? I am just so tired of going in circles and constantly fighting. If Ezra wanted to be with me then maybe he should have thought twice before ever letting me go in the first place.

Standing from our table at the far end of the bar, I hesitantly place a light peck on the side of Ezra's cheek. Without so much as another words, I turn and slowly make my way through the bar. It takes all that I can not to turn and glance back. The look in Ezra's eyes right now I know would kill me and the last thing I want is to cave and allow myself to take him back. While that may be what he's hoping for, I know that it would be a mistake.

Maneuvering my way toward the ladies room, I take a few minutes to compose myself and swipe the tears from my now red puffy eyes. Tying my hair into a loose pony tail, I tuck a stray strand of hair behind my ears. Making a bee line for the exit, my gaze eventually lands on a random yet familiar face in the crowd. Is that…? No, it can't be. Is that, " Pacey?", I hear myself call out before I have a chance to think twice. ….