Description: New Dawson's Creek story that I have been working on. Its based before the shows high school graduation but post Joey and Pacey's break up at prom.

Disclaimer: I own nothing except the original story.

Authors Note: if this story receives reviews I will update it regularly.

Consequences and Actions:

Chapter #13

(Joey's pov)

" Loved? That is a little harsh don't you think? ….I still love you Joey.", adds Pacey in a gruff tone, his eyes never leaving mine. It was more than a little harsh. It would be even worse if it were true. I could never let Pacey know that those words were a lie. If I did he would want another chance with me. That is one thing I know that I am not ready to give him. Not now….I don't know if I ever will. Unable to bear the rejection held in Pacey's gaze anymore, I lower my gaze from his. He may be cause me pain and heartbreak, but what I just said to his cut deep. It is safe to say that we are probably even now. Pacey broke my heart and I just shattered his. This is something that had to be done though. If I took him back who is to say that he wouldn't just get scared and leave me again?

"….Do you Pacey? God, what did you expect? That you could stomp on my heart and I would still love you? It aches too much to feel that way about you.", I unburden without hesitation or pause. Pacey deserves to know how badly his words cut me that day. I cried for three days straight after he had ended things with me. The worst part is that I never even saw it coming. Far as I knew we were happy with each other. If Pacey felt otherwise he never once clued me into things.

" I never stopped Potter.", reveals Pacey much to my surprise. He never stopped? Why the hell should I believe him when he tells me this? Apparently he stopped long enough to see the need to break up with me! God, Pacey could play this victim here all he wants but I am not buying it. If Pacey loved me as much as he claims that he does, we would be together but we're not! Whose fault is that because it sure as hell isn't mine! In my eyes Pacey was all I had saw and wanted. Dawson didn't even register as a possibility with me. Yet for whatever reason he was still threatened by him and our friendship. It never mattered what I said, Pacey had Dawson permanently wedge between us. His damn doubts and insecurities regarding him are what tore us apart in the end.

" No you just let your uncertainties get in the way of our happiness Witter.", I mutter back with more than a hint of resentment in my voice. Fine, so maybe I'm being more than a tiny bit harsh. But I have every right to be. Pacey took something amazing and threw it away. Now he has the nerve to say he made a mistake? You're damn right you did! Things will probably never be the same between Pacey and I again. How am I supposed to forgive him and move on when can't even look him in the eyes without remember every anger-filled word he said to me that night.

Resting his chin on my shoulder, Pacey whispers into my ear," Ouch. Guess that I should have seen that one coming Jo."

Startled when Pacey wrap me in his arms, I shudder at his touch,"…I'm sorry Pace; I don't want to pick an argument. ….For what it is worth, I don't hate you."

" Well that is a start at least. It is fine Joey, I know you're hurting. Besides, I deserved it. …Do you think things will ever be the same between us?", asks Pacey in a hopeful manner. Taking a risk, I peek up at him. The plea in his eyes is enough to erase any leftover resentment. I can all but feel myself about to cave. I refuse to though. I'm not about to give in to Pacey this easily. I won't let myself. If I were to it would only invite him to walk all over my heart. I'm not saying that Pacey is the type of guy who would. But that is one risk I am not willing to take. I have been burned one too many times.

" I don't know Pace, it is too soon to say. …Do you think we could just go to sleep Witter?", I finally relent after a few minutes of anxiety filled silence on Pacey's behalf. This is as much as I can offer him as of now. Thankfully this seems to satisfy Pacey as I soon hear him let out a relieved breathe. I'm not sure what the future holds for the both of us. Together or not though, we're having a child whether I like it or not. Pacey has promised that he will be a part of our baby's life and help me take care of and provide for the little guy. I know that he isn't just talking out of his ass either. This afternoon when doctor Fields confirmed that I was indeed expecting, Pacey's eyes lit up brighter than a Christmas tree.

Offering me a sad smile, Pacey places a light kiss on my collar bone," I understand Joey. Guess only time will tell. …Yeah, yeah. We could do that Potter, close your eyes. Go to sleep."

" Good night, Pacey.", I mumble in a sleepy voice. Holding back a yawn, I soon gasp when Pacey's lips meet mine in a light peck. Not wanting our lips to part, I touch my hand to the back of his neck and pull him all the more close. Giving a shy smirk at the dazed and bewildered look on Pacey's face when I finally pull away, I simply lay my head on his shoulder. I don't know what I was thinking or why I did that. Maybe a part of me merely wanted Pacey to know that what I said earlier wasn't completely true, that there just might be hope for us yet. Maybe I just needed his soft lips pressed against mine. Perhaps I miss him more than I want to let on. …Whatever the reasoning, I would only be fooling myself if I thought that things between Pacey and I were done forever. ….