Heartache 2/?

Summary: Set at the end of the episode 'True Love.' After Joey tells Pacey she can't give him a reason to stay, he decides to leave. Joey, after her talk with Dawson, goes after Pacey, their friends in tow, they find him gone.

Disclaimer: I only own the plot.

Rating: Possible R

A/N: The title of this is based off the one part of this episode that stuck with me. Watching Pacey's downturn expression as Joey says she can't give him a reason to stay has stuck with me since I first saw it and I just couldn't find another name that fit better.

-break-

Day 2- Somewhere off the coast of New York.

Rubbing tiredly at his eyes Pacey exhaled pushing the milk-soaked cereal around in the bowl. He tried to eat, really, he did but he just couldn't find the strength.

Dumping the barely touched cereal over the side of the boat he let out a breath. He was off the coast of New York; he could see the Statue of Liberty in the distance but couldn't seem to find a care.

Doug had been right, everywhere he looked he saw her face, but it didn't matter. She chose Dawson and he'd have to learn to live with that.

Setting course, he stumbled down the steps, throwing himself onto the small bed. He'd start living with it tomorrow.

-break-

Just outside Manhattan, New York.

Joey growled rubbing her eyes. They had left this morning after a shotty night's sleep in Jen's bed.

They had doubled back to the B and B, grabbing a bag for Joey and explaining to Bodie their plan. He reluctantly agreed to let her go, deciding to deal with Bessie's wrath on his own.

Stopping back at Jen's Joey avoided even looking at Dawson's house as she scurried into the house.

Her thoughts continued to swirl around Pacey and Dawson's ultimatum. Her, Jen, Jack, Andie, and Grams spoke at length about both men before they settled down for the night before starting their road trip.

Her heart ached with the knowledge that she shoved Pacey's feelings to the waist side in favor of Dawson and his backward feelings and possessive actions. She treated Pacey worse than any time since they were kids.

She relived her friend's words instead of getting much needed sleep.

Pacey bribed a prison guard to let her see her father after hours.

Dawson got her to wear a wire to turn her father in.

Pacey beat up a guy for ruining her mural.

Pacey bought her a wall.

Pacey taught her how to drive.

She could probably go on with all of the things Pacey did for her. In all the years her and Dawson had been friends he never did anywhere close to that.

'I'm an idiot.' She thought, shaking her head, then Pacey's words hit her again.

'You know for a bright girl; you can be really daft sometimes.'

"I'm such an idiot." Joey muttered to herself as she watched the passing scenery in the car.

"You're not." Andie grinned, placing a hand on her arm. "Love can blindside you, but it can also blind you. Dawson has always seemed to use it against you."

Pacey hadn't

Andie smiled once more, as if reading her mind. "Pacey's different. He loves different. He gives his whole heart…he makes grand romantic gestures, but never once does he ask for anything in return. I don't really know where he gets it considering his family."

"His dad is a jerk." Jack spoke up from the other side of the car.

"He always has been." Joey agreed, eyeing Grams, who was driving, the corner of her eye peaking with the change in conversation.

"I remember last year, going with him, his dad, Dawson and Dawson's dad fishing." Jack started, the memory of the day irritating him. "At first things were good…then Pacey reeled in the biggest fish that day. Afterward I congratulated him and so did Dawson's dad, Dawson's was half hearted but Mr. Witter…I couldn't believe my ears. 'Be proud of yourself. Enjoy this moment. You probably won't have many more like it.' Jack imitated Mr. Witter's voice causing Andie to shake her head and Jen to huff in the front seat. "And I remember jumping on Dawson over how Mr. Witter seemed to put him on a pedestal but of course he hadn't heard me because he was jealous, saying he was gonna win you back Joey."

Joey shook her head, unshed tears at his anecdote. She knew Mr. Witter was an ass but she also knew that he was probably ten times worse with Pacey then he showed to others. Guilt seared her heart at the realization she hurt an already hurting man. "Has Doug called yet?"

Jack, who was currently the only one with a cell phone, an olive branch from a hopeful father, looked at the screen but found nothing. "No nothing yet."

"Damn it." Joey growled, wishing they could reach their destination already, that they could reach Pacey.

"Patience precious child, we'll find Pacey." Evelyn reassured Joey, her angelic smile passing between the car before focusing on the road ahead.

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