"OK, that was cute," Pacey conceded as the credits began.
"I'm glad you can admit that, Pace," Joey teased. A grin spread across her face as she leaned in to kiss her date.
Pacey gasped in exaggerated shock. "Not in front of the children, Josephine!" he chastised. Joey rolled her eyes as her fingers tightened on his arm. "Oww, you pinched me!" Pacey almost squealed.
"I don't know what you're talking about, Witter," Joey defended. Her eyes filled with mischief belying her claims of innocence. Pacey rubbed his arm as he continued to pout.
"I am choosing to forgive you ... for now," he explained. Pacey stood offering Joey his hand. "Would you like to carry on with the next portion of the evening, or would you prefer to engage in further childish games?" Pacey asked in mock seriousness.
Joey laughed as she took his hand to accept his help up from her seat. "I choose food, so lead the way, sir," she answered mirroring his tone.
"The lady has made a wise choice," he observed in continued formality. He gently grasped Joey's hand placing it in the crook of his arm. "This way, Miss Potter," he instructed as he prepared to escort her out of the theater. Joey nodded her head in acknowledgement
that she would follow his lead. Despite the silliness of the last few moments, Pacey's deep blue eyes grew serious as they met hers. Joey's heart fluttered under his gaze as she realized, I would follow this boy anywhere.
The pair held hands as they walked toward the truck. Joey, no longer trusting her self-restraint, looked fixedly in front of her. Nevertheless, she sensed Pacey's eyes on her as he tightened his grip of her left hand. He walked comfortably near the curb
maneuvering them around the date-night crowd. Neither of them had spoken much since leaving the movie theater. Surprisingly, it hadn't been an uncomfortable silence; they were both just quietly enjoying the night. Pacey, wanting to comment on the
family they had just passed, turned his head in Joey's direction. When their eyes finally met, Joey again felt the heat between them. Ignoring her decidedly public surroundings, Joey tugged on Pacey's shirt pulling him close to her. Joey kissed him
forcefully causing him to stumble slightly off balance. Her desire having been momentarily quenched, Joey pulled away helping Pacey regain his footing. She smirked at the sight of him in a trance – eyes still closed, and lips frozen in a pucker.
"So, what's for dinner?" she asked simply.
"Huh?" Pacey mumbled. Returning to his senses he added, "Oh right, dinner." His eyes were now open taking in Joey's delight at having caught him off guard. "I was thinking carry-out," he managed.
"You were, huh?" Joey asked in a sexy voice she hadn't known existed until Pacey's presence drew it out of her.
"Mind out of the gutter, Potter," Pacey instructed as he tapped his finger on the tip of her nose. "I had this idea before you decide to maul me."
"Maul you?! I did not ..." Joey began to protest, but she was unable to complete her thought as Pacey wrapped his arms tightly around her waist pulling her into a deep kiss. Her arms instinctively wrapped around his neck as she lifted slightly on her
toes to gain better access to his mouth. Joey, the girl who generally considered PDA distasteful, had not only initiated it on multiple occasions, but was now wishing she had a wall to push him up against. The pair did not separate until the need
for oxygen reached critical levels. Pacey inhaled a deep breath before placing one last gentle kiss on Joey's lips. "I need food, Witter," Joey finished.
"As you wish," Pacey replied.
Pacey and Joey were now back in her truck after successfully picking up two orders of cheeseburgers and fries. Pacey again offered to drive this time explaining that Joey did not know where they were headed. They had been enjoying comfortable conversation
about nothing in particular: "So what was your favorite part of the movie?" Pacey asked.
Joey immediately thought of Dawson and his previously discussed annoying habit of dissecting every movie he insisted they watch. However, not wanting to allow Dawson to infiltrate her date with Pacey, Joey made the conscious decision not to mention it.
"Hmm …" she considered. "I really liked when Mrs. Potato Head tells her husband she packed his 'angry eyes' just in case," she answered. Pacey smiled as Joey giggled remembering the scene.
"Seems fitting," Pacey commented.
"And what does that mean?" she inquired.
"Just that you have your very own pair of 'angry eyes,'" Pacey quickly explained. Joey shot him a glance, "See, there they are," he chuckled.
"Oh shut up, before I show you my 'I'm gonna kill you eyes,'" Joey challenged. "They're on a whole other level."
"Oh, I've seen them. I havebeen your nemesis for years," Pacey reminded her. They laughed as memories of epic quarrels ran between them. "But seriously, Jo," he began in a lower tone. "You have beautiful eyes."
Joey blushed at his compliment. "So what was your favorite part?" she asked when she was no longer able to bear the discomfort caused by his comment.
Pacey shook his head as he tsked quietly at her, "We're going to have to work on you accepting compliments," he stated. "Because you, Miss Josephine Potter, are a goddess." Pacey watched her discomfort grow as she heard his words. "Given the opportunity,
I plan to keep telling you that because, frankly, it's the truth. I'm sorry, Jo, but you're gonna have to get used to that."
"Pacey," Joey said quietly in the start of a protest.
"No, it's OK, Jo," he interrupted her gently. "I just needed to tell you that, but I'll answer your question," Pacey explained. "Small steps, remember?" Joey nodded her head in agreement.
"Oh wait," Joey said before he could answer. "I bet I can guess your favorite part."
"Oh yeah? And what do I get if you're wrong?" Pacey asked with a smile.
"Why do you always have to get something?"
"Because that's the basis of a bet, Jo," he responded.
"Smart ass," Joey said exhaling loudly. "Fine, let me amend my statement … I think I know what you're favorite part was." Pacey smiled satisfied that he had gotten a rise out of her; Feisty Joey was one of his favorite Joeys. He gestured for her to continue
with her guess. "When Zurg reveals that he is Buzz's father," she selected.
"And why would you guess that scene?" Pacey inquired.
"Easy. Because you're a closet Star Wars freak," she offered.
"I do like the movies," Pacey agreed. "That Han Solo has always been an inspiration of mine – we're like kindred spirits." Joey rolled her eyes having already heard this argument many times. "That doesn't make me a freak though, Jo. It's not like I'm
gonna go to any of the conventions," he explained. Then, considering his statement, he added, "That Comic Con does look pretty cool though." Pacey slowed the truck before putting it into park. "Looks like we have no time for more of your judgments,
Josephine," he teased. "We're here."
"Pacey, here is the dock," Joey stated slightly confused. A smile spread across Pacey's face; one that Joey couldn't quite read. "If you think you're going to make me work tonight," she protested.
"Give me some credit here, Jo," Pacey responded turning off the ignition. "Wait here for a minute," he instructed. He grabbed the bag of food before exiting the truck.
Joey watched him jog down the dock before disappearing out of sight. What is he up to? She couldn't help but think about the slightly hurt look on Pacey's face when she teased him about working on their date. It was a look she had seen before,
but one she wanted to never be responsible for putting there again. She remembered how sweet he had been at the movie theater: putting his arm around her, and offering her the last bit of popcorn. As Joey's thoughts turned to the feelings caused by
simply holding Pacey's hand as they had walked down the street, she caught a glimpse of him coming around the truck. She reached for the door handle, but Pacey beat her to it. He smiled at her as he helped her from the truck. Joey felt her heart beat
faster as they held hands walking down the dock. The pair stopped in front of True Love. Pacey went aboard first before helping Joey to join him.
The sight in front of her took Joey's breath away. Pacey had set up a picnic on the deck of True Love: their food was set out neatly on top of an old blue tablecloth with two candles burning nearby. Joey turned to hug Pacey kissing him softly
on the cheek as they ended the embrace. "I'm sorry I doubted you, Pace," she said sincerely. "It won't happen again."
Pacey smiled in acceptance of her apology. "I'm starving, let's eat," he suggested. Joey returned his smile as she took her seat in front of the plate he had prepared.
Pacey and Joey lay comfortably next to each other in the hammock below deck of True Love. "Dinner was great, Pace. Thank you," Joey said as she nestled herself against Pacey's chest.
"My pleasure, Jo," he replied as he stroked her chocolate hair. "So does that mean I get a second date?" he asked with a cocky grin.
"Depends…" Joey said coyly.
"On?" Pacey asked.
"Lots of things," she began. "My schedule for one. I mean … I am a very busy person, Pacey." He chuckled quietly knowing she was playing with him.
"Sure, sure … that is a consideration," he agreed. "I'll have to make sure to ask with plenty of notice … how's next Friday, Jo?"
Joey looked directly into Pacey's eyes as a smirk began to grow on her lips. "I'll consult my schedule, and get back to you," she teased. Sensing her power growing, Pacey decided to level the playing field. He returned her gaze as his hands moved undetected
to her stomach. Before she could say anything else, Pacey began tickling her mercilessly. "Pacey, no! Pacey please," Joey squealed. Pacey continued tickling her until she conceded, "Friday is good."
"What'd you say, Potter?" Pacey asked.
Joey's laugh continued to grow before she took a deep breath, "I would love to go on a second date with you, Pacey," she managed. Satisfied with her answer, Pacey ceased his attack.
"Great, I'll pencil you in," he said with a shit-eating grin. Joey responded swiftly with a playful punch to his chest. Pacey rubbed his chest gingerly before kissing Joey sweetly on the lips. A soft moan escaped her as her hand moved around Pacey's head
bringing him closer to her. She entwined her legs in his as she continued kissing Pacey. She shivered feeling the heat of him beside her. Joey moved her body slightly preparing to pull him atop of her. Before she was able to feel the weight of him
on her, Pacey broke the kiss. He stared at her briefly before kissing her cheek. He settled in beside her as he placed his left hand on her right leg, which was now resting gently on top of him. Joey regained her position against his chest.
They lay in silence for several minutes their breathing falling into rhythm. A light wind blew in off the water, and Pacey stood up to close the hatch. Before returning to the hammock, he picked a blanket out from the bag of supplies he brought aboard
earlier that day in anticipation of a cool November night. Pacey gently placed the blanket over Joey who shared it with him upon joining him on the hammock. After they were settled comfortably under the blanket, Joey asked, "What made you decide to
restore True Love?"
Pacey tenderly stroked her arm as he considered her question. "Well, the name was originally about an ideal that I didn't think existed anymore," he began. "I guess Doug saw it as a source of distraction. One that was less destructive than my typical
choices," he explained. Pacey pulled her tighter against his body as he continued. "At some point it became more than that. I don't know, but there's something about the water that makes me feel free." Joey gently caressed his chest silently urging
him to complete his thoughts. "Plus, it's something of my own. You know?" Though he could not see her, Joey nodded her head in understanding. "I barely have a place to sleep, but soon I'll have my gal here," Pacey explained.
"And she's turning out beautifully, Pace," Joey stated. "It's really quite impressive what you've done here."
"What we've done here," he corrected lifting Joey's chin to make eye contact with her. Joey smiled at him before kissing him softly on the forehead. "How are you feeling about the B&B?" he asked.
Joey remained on her side propping her head up with her hand. "It's exciting to see it coming together. And, like you, I am so looking forward to finally having a bedroom." They laughed softly together in recognition of their similar plight. Pacey looked
up at her as she continued. "It's scary though. I don't know… it's like getting it ready to open is just the first phase. Then we have to actually make it a functional business." Pacey nodded in understanding. He had wondered about the source of the
tension he felt growing around her as the construction progressed. "It's funny because for so long all I've wanted was to escape this town, but lately – really for the first time since my Mom died – it feels like home. The kind of home that I may
not want to flee from or be ashamed of," she stated quietly.
Pacey paused making sure she had completed her thoughts before adding, "Your home is beautiful, Jo. And your family is ... pretty awesome. Complicated, sure, but I love the feeling in your house. I know guests will too." Pacey prepared himself for Joey's
protests against his compliment, but she merely smiled warmly at him. He returned her smile as he reflected on their earlier conversation, Baby steps.
"You know, this is turning out to be a pretty decent first date," Joey reflected.
"Not too shabby, right?" Pacey said gladly. He had waited anxiously for his first date with this particular girl for longer than he cared to admit. Hearing that she was also enjoying herself brought a wave of relief over him.
"I'm proud of us," she said.
Pacey raised an eyebrow as he asked, "And why is that?"
"Look at us, having meaningful conversation … you wouldn't think we're the emotionally-stunted messes that we are," Joey explained.
Pacey laughed, "True, we did just voluntarily shareemotions. And you know what, Jo?" Joey looked at him expectantly. "We lived to tell the tale."
"Amazing, we should do this again sometime," Joey suggested. She felt a rumble in Pacey's chest as he laughed. She pressed her nose to his chest inhaling his scent before joining him in his laughter.
Pacey parked the truck in front of Doug's apartment. "You sure you can make it home OK?" he asked looking to Joey in the passenger seat.
"Yeah, I'll be fine," Joey assured him. "Thanks for driving, Pace," she said grabbing his hand resting on the seat next to her. "Here, let me walk you to the door," Joey stated with a smirk.
"Jo…" Pacey started until his eyes met hers. He squeezed her hand gently before saying, "You know what? That sounds good." Slightly surprised that he did not have to argue her point, Joey opened her truck door. Pacey did the same, and they met again on
the curb. He took her hand in his as they walked up the stairs.
"I had a nice time tonight, Pace."
"Me too, Jo," he agreed. He raised his hand to her face, his thumb caressing her cheek before his lips met hers. Joey rolled from her heels to the balls of her feet adding pressure to their kiss. She closed her eyes as she followed Pacey's lead in a slow,
simple kiss that she felt through her entire body. Pacey kissed her one more time before reluctantly creating space between them. "Good night, Joey," he said.
Joey shivered at the sound of his husky voice. "Good night, Pacey," she returned. She lowered her eyes for a moment before looking up again through her long eyelashes. "See you tomorrow?"
"Yep, and this time I'll meet you at your place," he offered. Joey slowly turned to walk toward her truck. When she was halfway there, she looked over her shoulder to see Pacey watching her refusing to go in until she was safely inside. Joey closed the
driver's side door, and started the ignition. She reached for her seat belt looking out her window as she fastened it. She smiled at the sight of Pacey waving at her. Joey returned his gesture as she watched him finally turn to go inside.
noshade=""
Joey drove home from Pacey's house with surprisingly little difficulty. She walked up the front steps obliviously to the lights that remained on in the living room. She opened and closed the front door in a daze. "Well, hello, Joey," Bessie said to her
sister as she entered the house.
Turning her head to find the source of the greeting, Joey acknowledged, "Oh hey, Bess."
"How was your date?" the elder Potter sister asked.
"It was nice," Joey responded easily.
Bessie hesitated before saying, "Nice? C'mon, Joey, I need more than nice," she demanded.
Joey laughed as she joined her sister on the couch. "Why the sudden interest in my dating life?"
"Joey, I've always been interested," Bessie defended. "We used to talk after your dates with Dawson, remember?"
"Yeah, but you didn't really pushfor details after my dates with Dawson."
"Honestly, Joey?" Bessie began. She watched Joey lean forward waiting for more explanation. "You never had that look on your face after those dates. That look calls for more info."
Joey blushed as she considered her sister's observation. Something did feel different about tonight's events. She had known Pacey almost as long as Dawson, and had spent countless Friday nights in his company, but this was decidedly divergent. Joey had
gone on enough first dates to anticipate nervous energy, but unlike the others on this date that energy did not dissipate once she finally reached the destination. Rather it transformed from nerves to butterflies; ones that had apparently made their
mark on her face.
"So tell me, what is Pacey like on a date?" Bessie asked.
Joey sighed as she leaned back deeper into the couch next to Bessie. "He's sweet, and chivalrous. He insisted on opening doors, and held my hand. But it didn't feel forced or like he thought I needed him to do those things." Bessied nodded her head encouraging
Joey to continue. "He walked next to me, you know? And it was very low-key. Not showy or fake in any way – just a movie and dinner. I felt comfortable the whole time, but somehow there was nothing predictable about it. I guess that's what I meant
by 'nice,'" she explained.
"Well, that definitely sounds nice," Bessie agreed. "I'm glad it was a success. I've surely had my share of disastrous first dates."
"That's the thing, Bess. It felt like everything could have gone wrong," Joey made clear. "The movie could have been terrible, he could've spilled food all over me, and I really think it still would have been nice."
"OK, now you're just bragging," Bessie joked. "Who knew my cynical little sister could be such a romantic?" She hugged Joey before standing up to go to her bedroom. "Goodnight, Jo. I'm glad you have a good time."
"Night, Bess," Joey said. She closed her eyes momentarily considering Bessie's words. There was no way she, Joey Potter, could have become a romantic … Right?