Only Time Will Tell 6/6
Summary: Starts in 'Stolen Kisses.' Alternative take on episode.
Disclaimer: I only own the plot.
Rating: R
A/N: So glad to finish a story, wish it was one of the earlier ones, but I hope you still enjoy this. Working on 'Unforeseen' and possibly 'Mackenzie' next.
-break-
Joey felt a melancholy take over her as she continued to walk home, her black prom dress pulling against her legs in the breeze. She knew after her argument with Dawson on the dance floor that their relationship, friendship wouldn't be the same but at the moment she didn't care. She just wanted Pacey.
Seeing her bare wall in the distance, the wall Pacey bought for her, she sighed. He had been in front of her, there for her this whole time and she disregarded it so easily. Spotting Mrs. Otis she waved her down. "Mrs. Otis, I've been meaning to come by…"
"Oh, Josephine you look lovely."
Joey blushed pulling her black shall around her shoulders as a soft smile graced her lips. "Thank you."
The aging woman smiled pulling her long-strapped purse further up her shoulder. "Now what is it you were saying dear?"
"About my wall…" Joey started but stopped as the older woman smiled.
"Don't worry dear, your paid until the end of summer." Joey's shocked look just broadened the older woman's smile. "That young man Pacey called me about it the other day. Came by the next day and paid me three months in advance…such a sweet boy."
Joey's heart nearly burst from the sweet gesture but dropped with the fact Pacey had been doing everything to avoid her.
"Well, it was nice to see you dear, but I have to get home."
"No problem you have a nice night Mrs. Otis."
"You too." Joey stood on the sidewalk shocked by the older woman's words but was jolted again by a voice behind her.
"You know Pacey's leaving in a few days, right?" Doug asked, placing his thumbs in his gun belt, his radio jostling on his shoulder.
"N…no…he's leaving? Where?" Joey stuttered squeezing the shall to her, her heart seizing in her chest.
"After finals he plans to take the True Love down to the Keys for the summer."
Joey could feel all the breath leave her body. Pacey was leaving Capeside. Leaving her. "Y…your sure?"
Doug nodded almost robotically rubbing tiredly at his eyes. "Yeah. He already got the okay from Pop." He paused, giving her a moment digest before adding. "He'll be prepping the True Love all weekend."
Joey nodded numbly, whispering. "Th…thank you."
"No problem." Doug nodded politely offering a small smile before backing up and walking back to his cruiser leaving Joey standing stoic, her prom dress flowing in the gentle breeze around her.
-break-
Joey watched in trepidation as Pacey moved item after item from the Wagoneer to the boat shed. She wanted to run to him and throw her arms around him, but she knew things were still in shaky ground and she wasn't sure how to approach.
As he darted into the boat shed, she made up her mind, following just behind him. Pulling the wooden door shut behind her, she turned as he did, eyes wide.
"What the…Jo? What are you doing here?"
Pulling her hands from the door she took a step towards him. "I spoke to Doug. Your leaving?"
Sighing, Pacey turned back to his food and toiletries for his trip. "Yeah. You and Dawson can enjoy your reunion without me getting in your way."
Joey's mouth dropped open in shock but then she remembered Jen's words. "Dawson and I aren't together."
"Pity." Pacey muttered sarcastically, turning to her, he took a few steps closer. "Can you please move? I still have stuff I need to get out of the Jeep."
"No, I'm not moving, we need to talk."
"There's nothing to talk about." Pacey growled taking a few steps back, moving to the workbench, his hand moving across the dusty wood.
"But there is." Joey refuted, stepping over to the workbench, her hand tentatively siding over his. "You can't leave."
"And why can't I?" Pacey countered, turning on her but taking a step back, keeping at least a foot between them.
"Because I can't be without you Pace."
Pacey chuckled in disbelief backing up further. "Don't say that…don't say something you don't mean."
"But I do…" Joey protested stepping closer her heart jumping as he took another step back himself.
"No, you made it clear when you let me walk away at Gwen's."
"And I regret that now." Joey growled taking a large step toward him, cornering him with the back wall and workbench. "I don't want Dawson…hell I'll be lucky if he and I are still friends after this, but I don't care about that I want you Pace."
The disbelief deepened on Pacey's face as he shook his head. "Jo…"
"I love you Pace…" Taking another giant step to him, she placed herself a half a foot in front of him, a soft smile on her lips. "I'm in love with you Pacey J. Witter."
Pacey stared deep into her eyes, a grin pulling on his lips. "I love you, Joey Potter." He quickly closed the distance between them, curling his arms around her tiny waist pulling her to him capturing her lips in a kiss he wanted give her beside the fire at Gwen's.
After a through display of affection Joey pulled back panting. "Are you still leaving?"
"You could always come with me." Pacey suggested playfully but grinned as Joey turned to him with a mischievous smile.
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