The next day they woke up together in Dawson's bed. He rolled over and
kissed her softly on the cheek. She began to stir and slowly opened her
eyes.
"Morning, baby," he said affectionately, ruffling her hair.
Joey sat up in bed. "BABY?"
"Yeah?" he looked at her questioningly.
"Baby?! I don't know, Dawson it's a little too corny. Besides when I think 'baby' I think of Alex spitting up all over me. It's not exactly a nice thought to bring to the mind."
He grabbed a pillow and hit her lightly over the head. "Fine, I get the picture. I'll forget the pet names for now."
"Well, don't forget them all together. 'Goddess' is a good one. So is 'My Queen.' And..."
"I think I'll try this again. Morning, JOEY."
She smiled and kissed him. "Morning, honey."
He rolled his eyes and kissed her back. "Thank God it's Saturday, Jo. I don't think I could have taken another day of school."
"Yeah, I know. Friday's always make me crazy," she glanced at him apprehensively. "Uh, Dawson about last night..."
"Joey, you don't have to..."
"No, Dawson. I do. We need to talk about this. I can't just forget about last night." She had his full attention now. Joey took a deep breath before she continued. "...I had some time to think last night before I fell asleep. I think I'm ready to consumate our relationship. I, uh, I want to make love with you, Dawson." Dawson's eyes widened. Joey continued, looking at him shyly. "I know I trust you. You're the best friend to me, and you're the most perfect boy I'll ever find. I...I don't want to find someone else. You're it for me, Dawson. I trust you with my life, and along with that goes my body and my heart. And God knows how much I love you. He's known for a long time, Dawson." He grinned, eyes glazing over. "And I really want you too. So if you're ready..."
"Are you sure?" he sat up in bed and took her hand and looked into her eyes. She nodded.
"Yeah. I think I am. Let's just take it really slow. Whatever happens, happens. You know?"
He leaned forward to kiss her softly on the mouth. "I love you, honey."
She laughed quietly into his mouth as they continued to kiss.
***
"God, I hate work!" Joey threw down her apron and sat across from Dawson and Pacey at one of the S.S. Icehouse's tables. "I'm so glad it's breaktime."
"That bad, Joey?" Pacey asked.
"Yeah, I can't wait to get out of here."
"You only have an hour left, Jo. You'll survivie," Dawson smiled sympathetically at her.
"I know. Wanna do something later, Dawson?""
"Definitely. I'll pick up a movie from work and you come over when you're done."
"Great. I really need to relax tonight." She glanced at Pacey. "Why are you here?"
"Oh jeez, Joey. Thanks for the warm welcome. I'm waiting for my girlfriend, Laura. She and I have one hell of a date planned tonight." Pacey grinned. Speaking of date... while I wait for what could possibly be the love of my life, I'm just passing the time talking about all the juicy details of your relationship with your man, Dawson, here." He watched for Joey's reaction. "Ah, I detect a blush," he smiled triumphantly.
She glanced over at Dawson and he grinned at her and shook his head. She breathed a quick sigh of relief and then smiled.
"He tell you about the handcuffs and crisco? We had such a fabulous time last night, right Dawson? All night." she gazed seductively at Dawson. Pacey's eyes bugged out. "Sorry boys, I gotta get back to work now." She walked over to Dawson and whispered in his ear before gently nibbling on it. "Pretend I'm saying something really naughty," she had whispered. He smirked and pulled her down for a kiss.
"See ya tonight, Jo. I can't wait. Don't forget to bring...you know."
She grabbed her apron, tied it on, and called over her shoulder. "Oh yeah, Dawson, I know. I most definitely know."
When she was out of sight Dawson resumed drinking his soda. Pacey just stared at him. Dawson looked over at him. "What?"
"What the hell do you mean, 'what?' You and Joey did it!"
"No we didn't, Pace. Can you keep a secret? I shouldn't be talking about this but I need some advice..."
"Yeah, man, sure. So you and Miss Prude planning to go all the way? Huh? Huh?"
"Pacey, you are such the dead man if you breathe a word to this to anyone. Don't forget that I know all about the cheerleaders getting you excited, and that our gym teached witnessed it all."
"Dawson." He gave him a look. "I'm not stupid. I'll keep my mouth shut. Okay? So what's up?"
Dawson bit his lip, thinking it over. "Joey and I haven't yet gone all the way. But that doesn't mean we won't. I need some advice. You've done it, any tips?"
"Are we talking performance wise here, Dawson? Cause if we are, we are not having this conversation."
"No, I just want to know how... Like how did you get in the mood?"
He looked around the room and lowered his voice. "Well the first time there really was no mood. Tammy and I were at the ruins though, so it was really romantic. It was also really spontaneous. That's what made it so great. The next couple of times she liked to light candles and play soft music. That was nice. But you know what I suggest, Dawson? Get some really good sexy type videos. You and Joey are both virgins and will probably need a lot of prodding to get in the mood. You may think you're both ready, but when the moment comes it's a whole new ballpark, excuse the pun."
"Don't you think watching pornos is a little raunchy and unromantic, Pacey?"
"I didn't say porn videos, Dawson. I said sexy videos. Something with a lot of heat, and sexual tension."
Dawson contemplated that for a moment. "Well, maybe..."
"If that doesn't work, maybe you could go down to the beach at night? Or even try a new location. You guys have slept in the same bed since you were kids. You're not kids anymore. You gotta take this seriously."
"I don't know..."
"Bottom line, if you're not ready-- don't do it. If you are, use protection and make it as special as possible. You only lose your virginity once."
"I know. Believe me, I know. Wow Pacey, we just had a intelligent, thoughtful conversation about sex," Dawson said incredulously.
"Yeah, weird, huh? Well Dawson, if all else fails buy her some really sexy lingerie. I like black personally. Actually those garter belt outfit things are pretty hot too. And the..."
Dawson smiled and picked up his drink. "I take that back," he muttered.
***
