Hopelessly Confidential

This fan fic refers to my previous fan fic, The Rape.

Rating: PG13 not appropriate for those under 13

Spoilers: none

Contact: Klowie84@aol.com

written by: Jen aka Chloe

Disclaimer: These characters aren't mine, I wish they were, but they belong to the WB, etc..etc..etc. So..don't sue me, I'm just having fun.

Hopelessly Confidential

Part 1

Pacey returns to Joey a few minutes later, refreshed after his shower. When he sees Joey, her head down on the table, Pacey sighs. He pats her on the shoulder as to wake her up.

"Joey...Joey..." he says softly.

She moans and sits up. Joey rubs her eyes, and realizes that she had fallen asleep.

"Jo, go put these clothes on. The bathroom's the first door on the right."

"Huh?? Uh, ok Pacey.. I'll be right down." She takes the clothes from him and walks to the stairs.

Pacey sits down in the chair that Joey was in, and hears the shower starting. He jumps up, almost knocking over the chair, and runs up the stairs. Without thinking he opens the bathroom door to find Joey, with her foot on the edge of the tub, and ready to step in. She's naked, but partially covered by the shower curtain.

"Pacey....get out!!!"

Covering his eyes, "Joey, I told you not to take a shower. We have to take you to the doctor first!"

"I'm not going out like this, Pacey...." she says reaching for the towel that she had found in a closet. She wraps it around her instantly, knowing that Pacey is looking, even with his eyes covered.

"Ok...you can look now, like you already weren't."

"What are you talking about, Joey? I had my hand over my eyes."

"Uh-huh, right."

"You're NOT taking a shower, Joey. R..rape victims aren't supposed to shower until they've been checked out by a doctor."

"Fine....Pacey, fine! Now leave me alone to get dressed."

"My pleasure," he says closing the door behind him. He leans against the door and sighs. "Ouch, she's one *painful* number....especially when she's not clothed."

**Goes into the opening**

Setting: The local health clinic

"Jo....they have good doctors here, and nobody will find us."

"You better be right, Pacey."

"Aren't I always?" He gives a sly grin.

She rolls her eyes and goes up to the front desk.

"Hi...umm..I need to see a doctor, oh and could it please be a woman?"

"Sure, hun. I'll have Dr. McNeill in to call you in just a moment. For now you can take a seat right over there." The nurse points her arm to the waiting area.

"Thank-you. C'mon Pacey."

Pacey and Joey go to the row of chairs and sit.

"Calm down, Jo...your shaking."

"Pacey....don't lecture me now."

"Fin-"

Dr. McNeill interrupts, "Miss...I'll see you now."

"Yes doctor.."

"I'll wait here." Pacey says.

"I don't think so..you're coming with me!" She takes hold of his shirt and pulls him, along with her, following the doctor.

**********

"I'm here to see Jen?" Dawson asks.

"Yes..I know." Her grandmother replies. "Jeeeeenniffffffer, Dawson's here." She says without taking her eyes off of him.

"I'm right here, Gram." Jen comes up from behind her grandmother, grinning.

"Now Jennifer, I want you to be back before 10:00. No later."

"Yes, Gram. I know, Gram. Let's go Dawson." She leads him off of the porch.

Jen and Dawson go hand in hand down the stairs and to the back.

"Jen....I have to tell you something."

"Yea, Dawson?"

"I've been thinking about my feelings for Joey, and if you can, then I can put them behind us."

"That sounds great, Dawson."

Jen leans in to give Dawson a long kiss...and the screen fades into commercial.

**********

Setting: the clinic with Pacey and Joey

"See, was it that bad, Jo? And why did I have to stand on the other side of the curtain?"

"It was bad, Pacey. You were behind the curtain because I know you would use this chance to look at me, and I know you want to."

"I wouldn't do that, Joey."

"Right, Pacey."

"C'mon, let's get you out of here."

"My pleasure...."

In the car Pacey breaks the silence. "I have to go to work at the video store, Jo."

"Can I come Pacey??" she says, all to eagerly.

"But Jo, Bessie's gonna wonder. And you have to tell them sometime."

"Pacey....no. I don't have to tell anybody. I'll make up an excuse... I'll tell people that we're dating." She thinks about what she just said, which was the only explanation she could think of.

"Joey? Do you know what you're saying? That would mean we would have to do go on dates and stuff, or else people will be suspicious."

"I realize that Pacey." She smiles, and thinks if he knows that she's toying with his affections. Does he really think that I could have feelings for him? Or am I just in denial myself? Could I actually have feelings for Pacey??

"Joey....Joey.....JOEY! In the living, Joey? Coming into the store anytime soon?"

"I'm coming, Pacey." They get out of the car and walk into the video store.

"If you want you can man the desk, while I get something for us to drink from the back...."

"Sure, Pacey." Joey sits on a stool, and Pacey goes behind a curtain to find Damson sitting down in a chair. Pace is surprised, knowing it's not Dawson's shift.

"Hey, Dawson. What are you doing here?"

"Looking for you, as a matter of fact. Where's Joey?"

"Well, before you say anything, why don't you go out into the front and take a look?"

"Look, Pacey, I was just with Jen....and my feelings for Joey are over...I'm staying with Jen now."

Joey...close to the curtain hears all of this, and tears run down her face. He did have feelings for her. If only she had come out with her feelings for him, then maybe they could've been together. But now Jen was in the picture fully. There was no chance for a Dawson and Joey relationship now. The only person she could trust completely was Pacey.

"What do you mean Dawson? You're just going to forget everything that could've been with Joey...for the blonde?" Inside Pacey's mind is having a party. Joey was all his now, no one stood in the way!

"It's going to be hard, but yea, that's what I'm doing. And Jen just isn't as blonde....she's.....Jen."

"All right, Dawson...whatever you say. Well, you can go back to Jen right now, cause it isn't your shift, and Joey's fine, right outside there."

"I don't think so, Pacey. We're not done yet. Why was Joey at your house? Why didn't she want to see Bessie or me? I want some answers, NOW."

The camera goes back to Joey. Please don't tell him, Pacey. If you do, then I have no one.

"Dawson....calm down, man. Joey's fine! We were just out all night and she was a little tired. She didn't want anyone to know what's been happening.....yet."

"What's been happening, Pacey??" Dawson says angrily.

"Well....it might be kinda hard to believe but me and Joey are going out."

"W...what??? You can't be. Joey hates your guts!"

"Believe it of don't, my friend....cause it's true, and that's all that matters." Pacey is happy with himself.

Joey, behind the curtain is suddenly relieved, and comforted that Pacey did that for her, and also the idea of her and Pacey didn't sound that bad to her. She already knew Pacey was having fun with the idea.

"It still doesn't seem right, Pacey. Why would Joey want to keep this a secret from everyone?"

"C'mon, Dawson. Look who we're talking about here. I'm no Tom Cruise, and Joey didn't *say* that she was ashamed of me, but I can tell."

"What the change of heart on Joey's part then?"

"Well, why don't you ask her? She *is* the other half of the relationship." Pacey was getting used to saything that him and Joey were a couple. It could only get better from here.

**********

"What do you mean the boy just left?"

"He had to go to work, gram."

"That boy......"

"What's wrong with him going to work?"

"That's not the point, Jennifer. The point is that he left you all alone, when he said you two were going to go out."

"It's alright gram, we have plenty of time, believe me." She smiles. "Listen, gram, I'm going to go take a hot bath and then go to bed. So I'll see you tomorrow." She kisses her gram on the cheek, and walks down the hall.

"She's growning up so fast, isn't she?" Gram says to herself.

"Jen is in the bath tub, with bubbles up to her neck. She's thinking aloud about her and Dawson....and Joey. "Why now, after all these years that they've been friends do these feelings come out. Well...I guess all that matters is that now the feelings are going to be gone. They better be." She smiles to herself, obviously content with the way their relationship is.

The screen yet again, fades into commercial.

**********

Hopelessly Confidential

Part 2

Joey quickly wipes her eyes as the curtain opens and the two come walking out.

"H-hi Dawson." She sniffs.

"Hey Jo, you ok?"

"Couldn't be better." She says giving him a fake smile.

"So....you and Pacey...."

"Yea," she smiles. "Who would've thought?" she stares up at Pacey, who just grins back down at her.

"All that I'm concerned about is that you're happy. If you say you are, then I'm happy for you. Now I have to go back to Jen, and explain why I was here."

"You don't have to explain to her, Dawson."

"Yea, I do. She was worried just like me and Bessie."

"No, she wasn't, Dawson. No need to lie to me."

"Joey....I'm serious. She was concerned about you, why can't that be?"

"Because she dislikes me, Dawson; and the feeling's mutual."

"Whatever, Jo...well, I should get going."

"K....bye, Dawson."

Pacey, who had just been standing there, basking in the glow of Joey finally speaks up. "C-ya man. Talk to you later."

Dawson leaves the video store, and the door jingles on his way out.

"That was a close one, Pacey. He didn't believe you, and I can see why. I heard everything." >{?"I thought I saw a movement in the curtain once in a while. But, everything's fine Jo...."

"I know, Pacey. Just think, right now me and Dawson could've been together. But, now Jen's there in *my* place. Her tone turns to anger.

"Calm down.....can't you just think of the good points of this whole situation?"

"There are good parts of getting raped Pacey? Why don't you enlighten me?"

"Not the rape, just the situation. After all, it brought us closer than we've ever been."

"Oh, that's just great...and how close were we before?"

"That's the thing Jo, we weren't. But now, we're going to be two peas in a pod."

Joey rolls her eyes and turns around, not showing the smile she has on her face to Pacey.

"Can we get out of here, Pacey? I kinda want to go home."

"Are you sure? Bessie and Bodie are going to have some questions."

"I know, I can handle them."

"All right then, I'll drive you home. Let me just lock up the place first."

"Sure Pacey, I'll wait in the car." Joey walks out of site, the jingle of the door is heard and the camera stays on Pacey, who is smirking as he gets the key, and locks up for the night.

"K...let's go."

They drive off.

**********

Dawson is outside of Jen's house, throwing pebbles at Jen's window. By now it is 10:30. There are no lights on in the downstairs. As a matter of fact, Jen's light is the only one seen. Finally Jen goes to the window and opens it more.

"Dawson, what are you doing here?" she whispers.

"Can you come down? We have to talk." He whispers back.

"Sure....I'll be right down." She shuts the window, turns off her light, and vanishes from Dawson's sight.

Dawson stands there and waits, thinking of all the things that happened that night.

Jen appears and walks down the steps, and goes to Dawson.

"What's up?" She says quietly."

"Why are you whispering?"

"Because Gram is asleep, I think.....I hope."

“Oh, ok. well...I just came from work and I knew I had to see you. Pacey and Joey were there."

"Really? Is Joey all right?"

"Yea, they're both fine. Apparently they've been dating, and Joey wanted to keep it a secret."

"Why would Joey want that to be a secret? Wait...didn't you say that when you showed up at Pacey's Joey was crying and ran out of the room?"

"Pacey said it was because she was ashamed of him, but I don't think Joey would be like that. Yeah, Joey *was* crying; but why would she be? Well, I mean it is Pacey... but that doesn't mean she would be that heartbroken about dating him. It was her choice I guess."

"Dawson....it doesn't make sense. Why would Joey stay over at Pacey's last night? You don't think they-----"

"Joey's not like that, Jen."

"What do you mean she's not like *that*?? Are you saying that Joey doesn't sleep with the first guy she goes out with? Are you saying that she's not a slut like me?"

"Jen......I didn't say that! I just meant that it's not likely for Joey to sleep with Pacey."

"Well..wasn't it unlikely for them to start dating?"

Dawson doesn't say anything.

"See? They could be doing any number of things that we don't know about. It's possible, Dawson."

They both look up when Jen's room light flickers on.

"That's not good." Jen remarks.

"We're going to get caught."

"Shhhhhhhhh.."

"Jennifer?" Jen's Gram sticks her head of of the window. "Jennifer, what are you doing out there? With him?"

“Talking Gram..."

"Well you better stop the talking and come back in here this instant!"

"Yes, Gram." A little lower she says to Dawson, "I'll see you later, Dawson."

"Sure, Jen."

Jen walks away into the house, as Dawson starts walking to his.

**********

Joey, walking in the door is met by Bessie.

"Joey, where in God's name have you been? We've been worried sick!"

"I'm fine, Bessie. I was with Pacey the whole time." She goes to walk up the stairs.

"I don't think so. We're not done here, by the least."

"What now, Bessie?"

"You're going to tell me why you were with Pacey in the first place, why you lied to me, and why you ran away crying at Pacey's house."

"Fine, Bessie." She sits down in the chair nearest to her. "I was with Pacey because we're going out. We have been for a couple days, and I wanted to keep it a secret for a while. I lied to you......to keep the secret. I-I was crying at Pacey's because you people don't trust me, and you came to take me home when I said I would be home! You and Dawson just assumed that something bad was happening.....which it wasn't."

"Well....Joey, you didn't have to lie to me, I would've kept your relationship a secret."

Joey interjects, "If one person in this town knows something, then so does everyone. No matter how hard you would've tried, it could've slipped out, somehow. Every piece of news finds it's way through the community."

"Alright....fine. I don't think it was wrong for me to go over to Pacey's house this morning. After all, you *did* lie to me, and I didn't know what was happening. So now tell me, I thought you hated Pacey. Who do you want to go out with him, *now*?"

"Does it really matter, Bessie? The only thing that does count is that I'm going out with Pacey. Nothing can really change the way I feel right now." She felt herself not lying like she thought she needed too, but actually telling the truth to her sister.

**********

The next day at school Joey arrived with Pacey who had picked her up early to go get breakfast. Passing through the halls Dawson catches up with them.

"Hey Guys! Me and Jen are going to the movies tonight, and I was wondering if you wanted to make it a double date?"

Before Joey could respond Pacey took his chance. "Sure Dawson, sounds great. Well, I'll talk to you later, we have to get to class." Pacey pulls Joey down the hall to the science room.

"Pacey, what the did you do that for? I don't want to go out with them OR you!"

"Joey, do you remember when I asked you if you were sure about pretending to date me, and you said you were? Well..couples go out on dates, and with their friends, who are also couples."

Joey rolls her eyes, utters a curse and takes her seat beside Jen.

"Hey Joey."

"Hi Jen." Joey turns away from Jen hoping that she wouldn't continue the conversation any further. It was like Jen read her mind, because she just looked down at her books.

**********

Later that night Bessie was helping Joey get ready for the date, before Pacey came to pick her up. Getting Joey to put on more than lipstick was such a hassle that at times Bessie wanted to give up, but Joey wouldn't let her.

Pacey came to pick her up at 7:00 for a 7:30 movie. They drove practically in silence, the tension between them growing. They both wanted to make a move, but neither had the guts.

When they arrived at the movie theater Jen and Dawson were standing there, waiting for them. They all stood in line to get tickets for the new slasher movie out, "A Time of Darkness." Joey doesn't want to see this, considering scary movies creep her out. Pacey buys two tickets, and Joey has to let him because they're 'dating.'

They go inside and Joey refuses to let Pacey pay for the drinks and popcorn, so she goes and waits for Dawson to order.

"One large coke and a large popcorn please."

Joey wonders to herself if she should but just 1 soda for her and Pacey, because that's what Dawson did, or get two and have Dawson be suspicious. Joey snaps back to real life and says to the man behind the counter, "The same as he got." It was as simple as that. But she didn't go back to Pacey yet, to see his reaction.

She goes and meets up with the group and Pacey says silently, "One soda, Jo? I thought you were going to be a little hard easing into this whole charade. I guess not."

"I just don't want to get them suspicious, Pacey. That's all."

They go into the theater and finds seats. It ends up so Dawson is on the end, then Jen, the Joey, and lastly Pacey. Joey groans in her mind and hopes Jen won't talk to her through the whole thing.

Pacey couldn't be enjoying himself more. Not only did he like the movie, which was only half way over; but this was the closest he had been to Joey and for the longest amount of time. Joey on the other hand sat low in her chair, as Dawson has his arm around Jen, and Jen's head is on Dawson's shoulder......Joey was going to be sick. Pacey put his hand on top of her's, and she let him. He was one step closer, and covering Joey's story in one shot. Joey jumped a few times, and each time Pacey's smile grew larger. She was clueless to him, and had her face practically glued to the screen the whole hour and a half.

When the movie was over, Pacey and Joey walked out into the lobby immediately. Joey pulled Pacey into the corner, and started yelling at him. Jen nor Dawson were around, they were buying candy, so she was as loud as she wanted.

"What the hell did u think you were doing in there, Pacey? Trying to make the moves on me are you? W-well......it won't w-work!" Pacey notices that she's stuttering and smiles. Joey looks distant, and yet is so close.

All of a sudden, Joey whispers, "Dawson," really fast and pulls on Pacey's shirt, and brings her mouth to his. Her hand stays firmly gripped on his shirt, and his hands are occupied. One is combing through her hair, and the other is holding up her chin. Pacey has never been more happy, and continues the kiss until Joey pulls away, and lets go of his shirt.

Pacey turns around and only sees one other person, a man about Dawson's height; maybe a little taller, in his mid-20's. Then he looks the other way and sees Dawson and Jen still online to buy candy.

"That wasn't Dawson, Joey."

"Ummmm...yea it was."

"No, it wasn't. Dawson's right over there." He points to them. "That guy doesn't even look like Dawson."

"Pacey, why would I kiss you if I didn't have a chace of getting caught?"

"Joey, Joey, Joey...you are *so* caught right now, I don't know what to do about it; or you as a matter of fact."

"What are you talking about, Pacey?"

"I wasn't the only one putting effort into that kiss, Jo. I had a little help."

Joey puts her hands in her back pockets and struggles for words.

"Uh huh, that's what I thought. Needn't say more Jo, I get ya." Pacey just stands there, his arms crossed, and blocks Joey from getting out of the corner.

"What do you want, Pacey?"

"I want you to admit to me that you like me. That this isn't as much torture as you always say it is. That you possibly liked the kiss?"

Joey's turning red. "What can I say, Pacey? You're a heart throb. Who wouldn't want to be with you, for even the shortest amount of time?" she says *very* sarcastically.

The look that he gives her leads them out into commercial.

**********

Hopelessly Confidential

Part 3

The next few days flew by in a blur for Joey. She had agreed to go out with Pacey that Friday night, to dinner at his house. 'How romantic?' she thought, as she entered Science class on Friday. Since that night at the movies, Joey had been trying to avoid Pacey, because of pure embarrassment, but it wasn't working.

During the class, Pacey passed Joey a note. Just as she opened it up, the teacher called her.

"Miss Potter? What is that you have?"

"Nothing," she says trying to hide the note.

"Show me what you have, now."

Joey reluctantly give the teacher the note, before she had read it.

Pacey interjecting and standing up, "You don't want to read that."

"Yes I do, Mr. Witter, now take your seat. Now, let's see what Mr. Witter has to say to Miss Potter, shall we?" The teacher looks down at the note. She scans it over, and then reads out loud, "Joey, Joey, Joey. Trying to escape me, are you? I know that kiss meant more to you, I know it did with me. Write back, Pacey."

Joey slouches down in her seat, but Pacey just puts his head on his hand. The rest of the class is enjoying this, they wanted to know anything that was going on around them.

"Nice, very nice, Miss Potter, Mr. Witter." she takes the note and throws it in the garbage. The class laughs, but the teacher goes on with the lesson. Joey gives a painful look to Pacey, who doesn't look that happy himself. It's an act, of course. You could see it written all over his face. Joey knew that too, and just turned away, disgusted. It wasn't his fault that they had gotten caught, but dammit who else was she supposed to blame?

**********

Pacey showed up at Joey's house on Friday night at 6:30, ready to go to his house. Joey came down the stairs to answer the door wearing a tank top and a short skirt, revealing her long legs. Pacey's eyes just widened, as he didn't say a word.

"Pacey...what are you looking at?"

"Umm, nothing Jo, you ready?"

"Yea, let's go." She walks out of the door, and leaves Pacey standing there, practically drooling. She turns around midway to the car.

"Coming?"

"Uh huh." Pacey jogs to the truck and gets in. Pacey can't keep his eyes off of her.

Joey gets paranoid fast, and realizes that she's getting paid more attention than the road.

"Pacey....would you please keep your eyes on the road?"

"Sure thing, Jo."

When they arrive at Pacey's house, he unlocks the door and they walk into darkness. He turns on the light as they head straight for the set up kitchen. On the table are two candles, plates, glasses...etc.

"Oh, Pacey." Joey sighs.

Pacey grins, "You just need so say it a little faster and louder, Jo. More like oooooh Pacey." They laugh as he imitates.

"You sick, sick person."

"I aim to please."

"Why all the fuss over me, Pacey?"

"I'll answer that if you tell me why you're all dressed up."

"It was just laying in the back of my closet, so why not use it?"

"Cause it's not like you, Joey. I thought this wasn't a real date, either."

"Well, I didn't say that now did I?" She gives him a teasing smile. She knows she's flirting, but why? Could Joey be falling for Pacey?

"Joey......is this you?"

"Who else would it be, Pacey?"

"I have no idea, but I like the new change of heart." Could she be telling the truth? Could Joey Potter, the girl he's always had the crush on finally be falling for him? Well, all right, it's about time. Better make the most of this then.

He takes out a match, lights the candles, and dims the light. Out of the oven he takes a pan of lasagna.

"Pacey, did you cook this?"

"Yup, with my own two hands." He takes the pan and puts it on top of the pot holder on the table.

"Looks good. I didn't know you cooked."

"Well, with almost no one home all the time, you have to learn to do things for yourself."

"Oh..ok."

He dishes out her a large piece, and another one for him, and lays them on the plates.

"What would you like to drink?"

"Soda's fine."

"Well wait, for this special occasion we're having champagne."

"Don't you think we'll get in trouble, Pacey?"

"Nope, no one cares what I do."

"Well all right then, fill 'er up." She smiles.

**********

The screen fades out and then fades back in.

Their plates are empty, and on the table sits the empty bottle of champagne.

"Pacey, I can't believe we finished the *whole* bottle!" she says in a drunken voice.

"Jo, no offense or anything, but you finished most of the bottle by yourself." He says laughing.

"What are you talking about? No, I didn't. You drank it too."

"I'm not that much of as champagne person, so I only had two glasses. You on the other hand, had like what......six?"

"I couldn't have. Did I?"

"Yea, ya did."

"I think I should be getting home. Wait! I can't go home like this. Bessie'll know I've been drinking and never let me see you again."

"I thought you once thought that was a good thing."

"C'mon Pace, I know you're not stupid. My feelings have changed." She is obviously drunk, or else she wouldn't be saying these things.

"Joey, tell me more." He sits up in his chair.

"Oh no you don't. You are NOT going to get things out of me, just cause I'm partially drunk. Now, will you let me stay over here?"

"...And what will Bessie say when you come home in the morning?"

"That we lost track of time, were watching movies, and fell asleep on the couch. Listen, she'll think it's sweet. I hope."

"Fine, Jo. It's your ass on the line, not mine."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah. Let's go watch a movie."

They walk into the living room and Joey sits on the couch. "What have you got for us, Pacey?"

"Let's see, there's Casablanca, Sleepless in Seattle, and Dirty Dancing."

"I've never pictured you as the romantic movie type, Pacey."

"Well, I'm not, but it sets the mood."

"And what mood would that be?" She's trying to get it out of him.

"The make out mood of course!" He says all to willingly.

"Well..."

"Well indeed." He pops Casablanca into the VCR and sits down beside Joey. She takes off her shoes, and puts her feet up comfortably on the couch. Pacey just sits there relaxing, and hoping he doesn't get too bored and falls asleep.

The phone wakes them both up. It's only 20 minutes later, and they had been asleep from the start. Joey's head is leaning on Pacey's shoulder and his head is on her's. Pacey jumps up to answer the phone as it's on it's forth ring. He talks sleepily into the phone.

"Hello?"

"Pacey?? This is Bessie. Is Joey there? She was supposed to be home a half hour ago, and I'm just worried."

"Bessie, calm down. We were just watching a movie and fell asleep on the couch. She's still asleep though, do you mind if I don't wake her, and she stays here until morning? I'll bring her home first thing."

"Well alright, Pacey. Just remember, she's my kid sister, and I trust you."

"I know.....well, I'm gonna finish watching the movie by myself now."

"See you tomorrow."

"Bye Bessie." He hangs up the phone, and goes back to his seat. He picks up the remote and turns the movie off. He turns and gives Joey a small kiss on the cheek, and Joey stirs.

"Pacey? What happened?"

"We both fell asleep after 20 minutes, Jo. Oh, and Bessie just called. You can stay here over night."

"What did you tell her, Pacey?"

"Well, the truth. That we fell asleep on the couch watching a movie, which we did."

"You just kissed me Pacey."

“That's right. A good-night kiss. You mind?"

"Not at all, just wasn't good enough." She pulls him closer and kisses him, with full force. She's still laying down, and he's practically on top of her. She finally pulls back the inch that she can and licks her lips.

"That is a good-night kiss, Pacey."

"I'm not quite sure I get what ya mean there Jo."

"Well I'll just have to show you then, now won't I?" Again she pulls him down and they kiss more passionately than before. They pull away almost in unison.

"Why don't we watch Dirty Dancing, considering that Casablanca put us to sleep?"

"Sure Pace." She says with a dazed look in her eyes.

He turns on Dirty Dancing and goes to her, gives her a little kiss on the mouth, and resumes his seat next to her.

She has a grin on her face. Who could pay any attention to the movie when Pacey was right there? They were a couple now. It wasn't pretend. Maybe deep down inside, when he had kissed her the first time she had liked it, but because of Dawson, she had refused to think otherwise. Well, all that mattered now was that they were a couple. She was happy, Pacey was happy, so were Dawson and Jen. She should finally be happy for them. 'All right Joey,' she thinks to herself. 'Stop all this happy talk.'

Joey snaps out of the daze and sits up. Pacey is watching the movie, but notices she's not.

"Something wrong Jo?"

"Huh? No nothing's wrong. I just realized something. We're a couple. We're not pretending anymore...well, I know I'm not."

"Hey Jo, neither am I."

"I've grown to like you, Pacey. I don't know how, when, or why....but I do."

"That's all that matters, Jo. All that matters."

**********

*Episode's End*

Thus ending the series