Unforeseen 23/?
Summary: Set after the episode 'Double Date. Pacey wakes up the day after the carnival to a new reality no one saw coming.
Disclaimer: I only own the plot.
Rating: R
-break-
Pacey sat tiredly in the reclining chair in Joey's house, the woman herself sitting over his thighs as she chuckled at something Jack had said. Pacey tried to join in the fun and laughter but instead he found himself staring at the phone begging it to ring with the good news he was hoping for.
His bone marrow tap had taken place nearly a week ago and the results were supposed to come at any time.
Joey suggested a get-together to get his mind off of it but the only problem with that was no matter what he did it wouldn't.
Dawson had of course put on a movie, an old favorite, Jurassic Park, while Andie set out The Game of Life. They all started off going to college, each taking turns with the exception of Pacey who had Joey taking most of them for him.
Joey giggled watching Andie play a game of 'keep away' with Dawson and the remote. Dawson made the mistake of relinquishing the remote to use the bathroom, apt girlfriend that she was Andie snatched it, hiding it from Dawson's prying eyes.
The phone rang and Joey felt Pacey tense beneath her, his body rigid as Bodie picked up the phone, his jovial undertone proving it wasn't the phone call he was waiting for. "Pace, relax, Doug will call if the results come in."
"I know Jo." He whispered pulling her back against him, pressing his face into her hair. "But this is life or death…and I'm scared shitless."
Curling into him Joey wrapped her arms around his neck, burying her face there. "I am too." They were lost in a haze of love and comfort, holding each other impossibly close when Jen spoke up breaking the haze.
"Hey we should…" She groaned when a sharp knock on the door interrupted her speech.
"Its okay Jen." Joey coddled Jen standing up to answer the door. Bessie and Bodie had been alternating answering the phone, giving her and Pacey some time knowing Pacey was waiting for his important call to come through.
Opening the door Joey's heart stuttered, finding Pacey's brother on the other side, an unreadable expression on his face. "Doug, what are you…"
"Can I come in?" Doug's expression remained unchanged as he pointed in the house, a paper in hand.
"Ye…yeah of course." Black fear clenched Joey's heart as she nodded, leaving the door open for him to follow as she moved back to Pacey's side.
As soon as Pacey saw Doug he shot out of his chair, his heart racing and eyes wide. "D…Doug what are you doing here?" His words stumbled out of his mouth as Joey stepped next to him grabbing his hand and holding it tight. The silence that encompassed the room was as deafening as the rapid racing of his heart that echoed through his ears.
"Dr. Tiale called…said your results came in." Doug's stern expressionless tone left a palpable breathlessness with the six other figures in the room. "I stopped by his office and picked them up."
Pacey dropped Joey's hand as Doug placed the envelope in his, his eyes moved to every person in the room, their eyes on him, their breaths holding waiting for him to read the results.
It was like slow motion watching Pacey pull out the paper. As he scanned the sheet Doug couldn't contain himself anymore, yelling for the whole room to hear. "YOUR CLEAN! YOUR CANCER FREE!"
The entire room erupted into chaos as Bessie and Bodie embraced while Dawson, Jen, Jack and Andie squealed and alternated hugs before surrounding Pacey, who stood shell shocked, staring at the paper with shaking hands.
Joey who beamed with Doug's announcement took in Pacey's silence. Placing a hand on his arms she waited until his eyes lifted to hers, unshed tears in them. "Pace?"
"Really?...am I really?" Pacey stuttered in disbelief, his eyes scanning first Joey's then Doug's.
Doug grinned wide, nodding vigorously. He almost thought Pacey hadn't heard him until he fell into Doug's arms clutching desperately at his sides, his body wracking with sobs.
Joey, who hurt just watching him breakdown stepped up behind him placing a comforting hand on his back she rubbed a gentle caress until he pulled back from Doug and pulled her into him, her shirt soaking up his tears of disbelief.
"Is this real Jo?" Pacey whimpered, the fear still registering in his eyes as they met hers.
"Yes, Pace and I'm gonna keep telling you until you believe it."
Her smile warmed his heart as he pulled her body back into him sighing as she relaxed into his. It was then that he took in the other eyes on him, all their eyes light and bright.
"Who's up for some celebrating?" Bodie grinned asking the room, while Bessie started pulling out refreshments and grabbed the phone.
"I guess that answers that." Pacey chuckled sarcastically; one arm still tight on Joey while the other cycled through side hugs with each of his friends.
Word spread fast as anyone and everyone who knew or cared about Pacey crowded the Potter household, with the exception of Gretchen who screamed in excitement saying she'd be there the next day.
"Are you gonna be able to sleep tonight?" Joey asked hours later, her fingers dancing over his hand that lay flat on her thigh.
"I could fall asleep right now on this couch." Pacey mumbled groaning as he buried his head in her neck.
"Then go to sleep babe." She whispered to him, but it didn't matter, the light snore on his lips showed he was already asleep. Smiling she eased out from under him, laying his head gently on the end of the couch, she stood watching him for a long moment, an idea forming in her mind…
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