Unforeseen 6/?

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

A/N: 'Heartache' is still in progress. I had more in my head for this one that's why it's getting another update.

-break-

Bodie dropped her off at the hospital entrance five minutes before seven. As he pulled out of the parking lot Joey felt the anxiety build up. She didn't want to worry Pacey, but she was scared out of her mind for the procedure but also the result. He was slowly becoming the person she wanted to see, to talk to, especially after everything with Dawson.

Once it hit 7 a.m. Joey her usual walk to Pacey's room. As she stepped into his room, she was pleasantly surprised to find Doug, uniform and all, at Pacey's bedside. "Hey Doug."

"Joey?" Doug's eyes took on a stunned questioning look. "What are you doing here so early? Don't you come after school?"

Joey blushed at his knowledge of her schedule. He must've been keeping an eye on her as much as Pacey. Maybe Bessie had a hand in that? "Normally yes but Pacey asked me to be here with him during the biopsy."

"Oh, he did." Doug teased, his eyes on his groggy brother, a faint blush registering on his pale cheeks. "Good I wish I could stay but I have to get back on patrol."

"Its okay Doug." Pacey's scratchy voice was startling. His voice was rougher than yesterday.

"I can call you when he comes out?" Joey offered, shrugging her shoulders, sliding in her chair next to the bed.

"I'd like that Joey, thank you." Doug smiled before checking his watch. Seeing the time, 7:26 a.m., he turned his eyes back to his brother. "I gotta get to work but I'll come by later to check on you."

"Thanks Dougie." Pacey stared at his brother in appreciation. He had helped since the beginning and Pacey wasn't sure where he be if he hadn't. "Thanks."

"You're welcome little brother." Doug nodded before walking out of the room.

"Its nice to see him step up." Joey smiled, turning back to the younger Witter.

"More than Pop will ever do." Pacey muttered sadly, his eyes dropping to the bedspread.

Joey cringed with his words her heart aching deep in her chest. His family didn't deserve him. "I'm sorry Pace."

"Its no biggie Jo."

She sighed in irritation. He always did this. Letting his family off when they treated him like crap. But before she could respond Dr. Tiale walked in, greeting Pacey with a smile.

"How are you Mr. Witter?"

"I'm ok."

Dr. Tiale waited for more when nothing came, he smiled. "Are you ready for the procedure?"

"I think so…is it okay if Joey stays in her while you do it?"

"Yeah." Dr. Tiale nodded, turning to Joey. "You'll have to stay at the head of the bed and wear a mask during the procedure."

Joey, both anxious and nervous, turned to Pacey before answering. "I can do that."

Dr. Tiale nodded a smile on his lips. "We'll get started in a few minutes." He stepped out of the room for a few minutes leaving Joey and Pacey alone.

"Thanks for this Jo." He mumbled sincerely, picking at his bed sheet.

Stepping up to the bed she grabbed his hand, a glowing smile on her lips. "No problem Pace."

"Alright Pacey, were going to give you the anesthetic now and we will start in five minutes." Dr. Tiale explained by handing Joey a mask as the nurse administered the medicine.

"Ok." Pacey muttered, his eyes fluttering as the drug started to take effect.

Taking Pacey's hand in hers Joey stroked the hair at the top of his head. "Its okay Pacey. I'm right here. I'm not going anywhere."

"Thanks." He whispered in a daze as the young nurse pulled the gown off Pacey's side, revealing his slightly tanned leg and hip.

Joey blushed watching the older woman lift Pacey's leg up at am angle before liberally applying iodine to his hip. When the nurse stepped back Dr. Tiale stepped up and Joey held her breath.

Joey squeezed his hand, her heart jumping to her throat, feeling him squeeze back when Dr. Tiale pressed the needle into Pacey's skin he whimpered, his hand gripping tighter to hers. When the needle went further Pacey groaned holding even tighter to her hand.

As the needle breeched bone, tears formed in Joey's eyes, Pacey's moans turning vocal as the doctor syphoned the needed marrow from his bone.

Finally, after a long agonizing minute the needle was out, and Pacey succumbed to the pain his hand going limp in hers as he passed out.

The nurse cleaned Pacey up as Dr. Tiale took the biopsy specimen with him as he left the room.

Joey slid into her chair, pulling the mask from her face as held Pacey's limp hand tighter. The anesthesia didn't do much, she could tell with the sounds he made, the pain he felt she could feel vibrating through her bones.

Before the young nurse could leave Joey spoke up, tears in her eyes. "Ma'am? Would you be able to call his brother, Doug, I told him I'd call when the procedure was done." The tears clouded her vision, her head shaking. "But I can't."

The nurse smiled offering her a warm look. "Its no problem miss." She left the room leaving Joey alone with her tears.

Joey cried silently for a few minutes, liquid tears trickling down her cheeks when she felt his hand suddenly tighten around hers, her eyes drawing to his.

"Would…" His voice was tight, eyes pleading as he finished. "Would you lay with me Jo?"

Seeing the pain in his eyes she felt her heart twist in her chest but also found herself nodding, standing and climbing in bed next to him as he scooted back, making room for her. As she lay on the bed his arms immediately enveloped her waist, his head burying into her neck, her hand cupped his neck, stroking his hair in comfort.

Joey held his shaking body close to hers, his tears pooled in her neck, her hand sliding through his chocolate locks.

As their tears subsided, they both fell into an easy sleep.

Doug showed a few hours later. Finding Joey and Pacey curled in each other's arms and asleep, he smiled. It was nice to see one of Pacey's friends cared so much to be there the way that Joey was.

Grinning Doug turned to the hospital staff, giving them permission to let Joey stay as long as she wanted before he jumped on the phone with Bessie, letting her know where Joey was and that he told the hospital she could stay.

He left the hospital feeling a little better that his brother had someone to rely on during this difficult time.

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