Footnote 9/?

Summary: Starts Freshmen year. Pacey is tired of being the third wheel.

Disclaimer: I only own the plot.

Rating: R

A/N: Sorry if there are any mistakes. Just finished my last day of work this week. New job, midnight to 8am shifts this week and I only had one hour of sleep today.

-break-

Pacey felt like he was in a different world stepping back into the Potter house the following night. The atmosphere was lively and playful, the food delicious and it just reminded him of the dread that was to come with his own family dinner.

"Hey Jo?"

"Yeah?" Joey asked with a smile, turning to him as she walked with him to the front door.

"Would…would you come with me to dinner with my family?"

Startled Joey looked at him in confusion for a moment before the smile came back to her lips. "Sure."

"Really?" He was shocked and surprised she was so willing. "Are you sure? My family isn't exactly nice."

Joey sighed turning on him placing her hand on his wrist squeezing it gently. "Pace if you can handle them so can I."

Her soft eyes caught his and Pacey cursed the gods for not having a buffer. Every time their eyes met or if he got too close, he would get stuck in an invisible hold that he had to claw his way out of. And he knew he was the only one feeling that hold because of her draw to Dawson. Clearing his throat Pacey was about to say something…to break the tension when Bessie came over with a smile.

"Should we expect you tomorrow Pacey?"

"Yeah…" Joey squeezed his wrist again pulling herself a foot closer to him. "Weren't we going to the Rialto?"

Taking in her proximity Pacey nodded to Bessie. "That was the plan."

"Ok…see you tomorrow Pacey."

"You too Bessie…" Pacey watched the older Potter sister retreat further back into the house before turning to Joey, the overwhelming pressure in his chest reminding him of her close proximity. "You know one would think you would be tired of me already."

Shaking her head Joey took another step closer, her hand caressing his wrist and palm. "Not even close…I wasn't lying when I said I missed you Pace."

His heart quivered with her touch her words drawing on the hope he still held but fear had him moving back clearing his throat. "I'll see you tomorrow and thank you for coming to dinner with me."

"No problem." Joey grinned squeezing his wrist again before he could fully pull away.

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