Back to the Beginning (1/1) 12/11/03

Well....I have read this over at PoTL but I thought I would leave my remarks here as well. I remember reading this story and I absolutely love it. I love looking back on the good moments of Pacey and Joey's love...its so wonderful. Great jOb!
Hugs
Sara

Author	Comment
cmupjer01 Loves Pacey and Joey Posts: 2 (12/11/03 3:06 pm) Reply	Back to the Beginning (1/1) 12/11/03 This was my first fic I ever posted, it has been up at PoTL since this summer. I was bored at work today so I thought it might be fun to add it here It is a nice fluffy one parter that takes place the summer after Joey graduates from Worthington. Everything that happened on the show with the exception of the series finale has taken place. Oh and all of the things in bold are flashbacks. Just a few thank yous before I get on with the show: To Kristen the best beta in the world : Thank you so much for all of your encouragement and you massive help with editing and feedback on this! I appreciate it so much and I would never have had the guts to post this without your help. I am so glad this board provided a way for us to connect and share our love for fic. To Kim my favorite co-worker and friend who doesn't even watch DC: Thank you so much for reading this and helping me with ideas even though you have never seen the show or read any fanfic at all. I love you sweetie! Some day I will get you to watch DC and love P/J even if it is the last thing I do! To all of my friends at the snail on FF: All of you rock! Thank you for encouraging me from the moment you heard that I was writing a fic. Special thanks to Ashley and Lucy for their repeated personal encouragements. Okay on with the show! I hope you love it as much as I have loved writing it Janelle Back to the Beginning Joey Potter awoke, stretched her long limbs, and groaned as the bright light spilled into her room at the Potter B&B. As she settled back down into the covers, she thought about the significance of the day. Exactly five years before now she had sailed into the sunset with Pacey on the True Love; for five years she has been completely and utterly in love with “the perfect boy.” While she reminisced, she focused on all of the good times and not the “lost years,” which is how she referred to her time without him. She and Pacey had reunited that night at Hell’s Kitchen, after he had “fired” her, more than two years ago and had never looked back. She was spending her summer vacation in Capeside, helping at the B&B, before she went back to Boston in the fall to start graduate school at Boston College. She had been accepted to many other graduate schools like Columbia, Princeton, and Yale; however she really liked Beantown, and it helped that the love of her life lived there too. Pacey left the world of high finance at the end of her sophomore year to return to his true calling, being a chef. He had gotten a job with the help of his former mentor, Danny, at one of the best restaurants in Boston. After a year he was promoted to head chef, and now he enjoyed the privilege of running his own kitchen. Because of this great job though, Joey wouldn’t get to see Pacey on this meaningful day. As she was starting to think about getting out of bed, her door opened and in walked her sister Bessie. In her hands, Bessie held an envelope. “Sorry I haven’t gotten up to help with the checkouts yet Bess,” Joey said through a yawn. “No, don’t worry about it sis. I just came in here to give you this envelope. You are officially off duty at this fine establishment for the day.” Bessie handed the envelope over to Joey and walked back out of the room. “Thanks!” Joey yelled out the door to her sister. Her curiosity was definitely peaked by the mysterious envelope. She opened it and smiled when she recognized the handwriting. Potter, Five years ago you changed my life by running down that dock to stop me from sailing away alone. Today I want to take you on a trip down memory lane. This time there will be prizes involved, but they will have to remain a surprise until you are done with your journey. This will be a scavenger hunt of sorts. For your first clue you need to go back to the beginning. Go to the place where you told me “Of all of the people that had to see me like this, it had to be you.” You will find further instructions when you get there. All my love, Pace 'Hmm', Joey thought, 'What is Pacey up to now?' Five years later and he was still challenging her every step of the way. Of course, this was an easy riddle. She knew right away he was talking about the dock outside of the B&B, where their junior year friendship had first been sparked. Pacey: Ahoy! Anyone ashore? Joey: What are you doing here? Pacey: Well, a funny thing happened. I got in Dawson's rowboat and it magically drifted to your dock. Joey: Magically drift any closer and I'll kill you. Pacey: I almost believe that. (Pacey ties up the boat and jumps up to sit beside her. She looks at him angrily.) Joey: He told you, didn't he? Didn't he? Pacey: What do you think? Joey: I think I hate you both. Pacey: You're gonna hate what I'm going to say even more. He did the best thing, Joey. You two need to be apart now. Joey: How would you know what I need? Pacey: Yeah, you know you're probably right, how could I possibly know how hard it is to let someone go. the pain of knowing that even though the two of you are right for each other, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you are right for each other right now, what would I know about that right, how could I possibly know that Sometimes it makes you wanna scream, hit someone... sit out on an end of a dock and cry. Joey: Of all the people to see me like this, it had to be you. Pacey: It's a new year, Joey. You never know, we could even end up friends. Joey: Pacey, I'm upset enough as it is. (He smiles and pulls her closer.) Pacey: Hey Potter. C'mere. Joey walked up to the dock after changing into jean shorts and a tank top, and putting her shoulder length hair into a smooth ponytail. At the end of the dock she saw Jack sitting and staring off into space “What are you doing here?” She asked as Jack looked up. “So, is Pacey recruiting our friends to do the dirty work while he is otherwise engaged? He always was one to pass the buck wasn’t he?” “Don’t try your backhanded techniques at getting the scoop out of me Joey. Remember you and I go waaaaaaaaay back!” He laughed as her face turned red from the memory of how far back they actually went. “Okay Jack, point taken. Now that I have made it to the first stop on my excursion, do you have another envelope or something for me?” She demanded. “The lady asks, and she shall receive.” Jack handed the next envelope over to her with a smile and walked down the dock toward his car. Joey opened her next envelope and read the contents. Potter, So you figured out your first clue without any problem, right? You always were the smart one. Who would have ever thought how true that glib comment I made about us becoming friends would be? The next place you need to go is where we were told the dancing doesn’t lie, and where we gave it the old college try. All my love, Pace Joey grinned at what Pacey had written. She walked back into the house, grabbed the keys to the Potter truck, and drove to downtown Capeside and The Starlight Dance Studio as the memories started to wash over her. Penny: Now these two, on the other hand, a whole different story. I mean, look at them. Look at their form. Look at the tension in their arms. Pacey: Okay, is there some sort of problem here? Penny: Well, what did I say about rib cages touching? Joey: No, sorry. Penny: Can we do that? Pacey: It's just not gonna happen, all right? Penny: Right, see what I mean? See the hostility, the way they're wary with each other, not to mention the constant bickering and name-calling. Now these two clearly are in the early stages of some screwball mating ritual. Pacey: What? Joey: Ok, you've got it wrong, Lady. Penny: Really, I do? Pacey: Oh, completely. Joey: Actually, you could not be more wrong. Penny: There's enough sexual tension here to power a Kiss reunion tour. I can't remember the last time I saw dancing this bad. True. Dawson: Wait a minute, just because they can't dance you think that they're... Penny: Well, it's this theory that I've developed based on years of experience. If people dance that badly, then they're usually hot for each other. The dancing doesn't lie. When she got to the Starlight, she saw Jen waiting for her with a huge grin and another envelope. “Jen, please have mercy and give me somewhat of a hint of what he is up to?!” “Come on Joey, you are not getting anything out of me other than this envelope. I’ve been left strict instruction to reveal nothing. I must say though that this place does bring back some memories. This was the place where I first realized that Pacey had more than friendly feelings for you,” she said with a knowing smile. “Damn him, he knows how I hate being out of the loop. Surprises are good, but I feel like everyone else knows what is going on but me. Wow Jen, you realized what was going on that early? You always were the most intuitive of our incestuous little group.” “Were, Joey? I still am. I don’t know for sure what Pacey is up to, though I have a pretty good idea, but again my lips are sealed. You will get no information out of me. Read your next clue Jo,” and with that the sage Jen Lindley walked out of the Starlight and back toward her car. Joey opened the next note. Potter, Well you obviously knew to go to the Starlight. I guess Penny was right; the dancing doesn’t lie. Maybe now we are ready to go back and learn the tango, the dance of love. You definitely are getting the hang of this scavenger hunt thing. For your next clue you’ll have to go to the place where I left my hastily, yet adoringly, written SOS. This is also the place where I told you I thought your next endeavor should be bigger and better than the last. All my love, Pace Joey smiled to herself as she walked out of the dance studio and headed down toward one of her favorite personal landmarks in Capeside, as the memories invaded her once more. Pacey: Come, just a little bit farther, right up here. Doo dah doo dah doo. A few more steps, right here, whoa, stop, right there. Perfect. We're here. Joey: Pacey, I don't know where you think 'here' is, but it seems to me, we're nowhere. Pacey: Think back with me for just a second. Do you remember how this whole thing started? It started with a girl, a wall, and a paintbrush. (Pacey holds up a paintbrush) Joey: You bought me a paintbrush? Pacey: No, lame-o! I stole this from your permanent collection. (Eyeing the wall in front of them) Joey: You bought me a wall? Pacey: Not bought, rented. And this thing didn't come cheap, either. It cost me 100 bucks. Joey: You bought me a wall? Pacey: You said that already. Look, it's a limited time offer, so you should get cracking. Joey: Pacey, did you fail to notice the size of this thing? Pacey: I just thought your next endeavor should be bigger and better than your last one. I'm supporting you, you keep on growing both as a person and as an artist. I also got you this, (holding up a can of paint) now I know it's not going to cover the whole thing, but as the saying goes, 'The journey of 1,000 miles begins with a single step.' Joey: Well, I'm gonna need your help on this one. Pacey: No, no, no, no. Not this time. You're on your own, sister. Joey: Pacey, you're unbelievable. I mean, as soon as I think I've got you all figured out, you go and you do something so outrageous that, it completely challenges me in a way that no one else would even think of. In case I don't say it enough, thank you. Pacey: It's about time, Potter. It's about time. As she walked up to “her wall,” she saw Doug standing there. She stared over to what Doug was looking at. She couldn’t believe that five years had gone by and the wall still said “Ask Me To Stay.” 'Yep,' she thought, 'Capeside never changes.' “Hello Joey. It seems my bothersome little brother has gotten me involved in one of his ploys once again. Here is the envelope. And no, I have no idea what he is up to.” He walked away from Joey, and headed back to the police station. Joey read her next note and the smile that adorned her face grew larger. Potter, Can you believe they still haven’t painted over the wall yet? Hmm, I guess I haven’t done that well at stumping you yet either. I always did say you were smarter than me. Your next clue is to go to the place where we shattered our small and fragile universe, and where I told you I didn’t want to talk anymore. All my love, Pace As Joey walked back to the truck to drive to her next destination she drifted back to that fateful day. Joey: You know the whole time that I was watching them, I just kept thinking, 'This is it. This is real. Just like Pacey said. This is the real thing.' And it reminded me once again, what exactly I don't have. Pacey: Keeping looking, you'll find it. Joey: No I won't. Isn't it obvious by now, I'm not meant to. Pacey: Why? Cause you're 16 and alone? Come on… Joey: No, because I'm 16, and in my entire life there's been 2 people who actually know me, Pacey. Dawson and… Pacey: This A.J. guy didn't know you. I don't care how you felt about him, Jo, he didn't know you, cause if he did, he never would have walked away. Joey: I was going to say you, Pacey. Pacey: Okay. (Pacey swerves the car off the road and parks.) Joey: Have you totally lost it? Pacey: Not totally… yet. (they both get out of the car and go off to the side. Pacey looks very unsure and nervous. Joey looks plain confused.) Alright, what did you mean by that? Joey: By what? Pacey: About me knowing you better than anybody else. Joey: Exactly what I said, Pacey. You know me, okay? In a way that nobody else besides Dawson ever had… Pacey: I'm not talking about Dawson, right now. We're talking about me. You can't keep on doing this to me, Potter. Joey: Doing what? So I count on you and I tell you secrets and… Pacey: And you call me in the middle of the night to pick you up. Why? Joey: I'm sorry that I called. I thought that I… Pacey: I'm not mad that you called me, I just want to know why you called me. Joey: You were the first person that I thought of, Pacey. Pacey: What does that mean, Jo? Joey: It means that… I guess it… It means that I can talk to you, and that you're there for me… Pacey: Don't you ever get tired of talking? Pacey: Well I get tired of talking… Joey: I don't get tired. I don't… Pacey: I don't want to talk anymore. Joey: What are you trying to say? Why are we standing… (He pulls her into his arms and kisses her senseless) Joey pulled up to the Welcome to Capeside sign, and was shocked to see Audrey standing there. “Bunny, I thought you would never get here. I was starting to die of heatstroke and mosquito bites. Why you people still insist on spending your summers in this little one horse town in the middle of nowhere I will never understand.” “Okay Audrey, you love me right?” Audrey nodded and she continued, “Then please give me some semblance of a clue as to what Pacey is up to?!” “Hmm, I see how you are. Don’t I deserve to be honored with the bare minimum of pleasantries; such as, 'Hey Aud, how is summer school, so you miss me in Boston?' No, instead all my ungrateful little Joey Potter cares about is what romantic gesture Pacey, “never do anything halfway,” Witter has come up with this time. Be patient Bunny; the answers are forthcoming. I will not be the one who ruins the surprise; everyone expects that of me. If I keep my mouth shut, I will shock everyone. Here is your next clue, please read quickly, and then drop me off back at the B&B on your way to the next component of your journey back in time. I have spent enough time outdoors today to last me for the next five years.” Joey sighed as she opened her next envelope. What was Pacey up to? It must be really important if he had gotten Audrey to keep her big trap shut. She secretly wondered how he had threatened Audrey to keep the secret. 'Okay,' she thought, 'back to the matter at hand.' Potter, So was it nice reliving that historic first kiss? I knew you wanted me even then. You were just too scared and stubborn to admit it. I am still a little bitter about the hitting and punching that went on afterward though. =) I am sure you tried to get some info out of our friend Audrey. I threatened her with death, or no longer cooking for her, if she were to tell you anything. Now you need to go where I told you I remember everything, and that you were simple, elegant, and beautiful. All my love, Pace After Joey dropped Audrey off at the B&B, she thought back to their horrendous junior prom. It was quite miserable, save one poignant portion of the night. Joey: I've been meaning to ask you something all night, Pacey. (Pacey turns to look at her) Would you like to dance with me? (she takes his hand. Pacey looks at her hand in his for a moment.) Pacey: Yes. (they move out to the dance floor and begin to dance) How come this feels so right? Joey: It was those dance lessons. (they both smile) Pacey: (slightly caressing her ear as he pretends to touch her earrings. Joey looks up at him, obviously feeling something by his touch. He looks at the earring) Where did you get those? They're not you. Joey: (as Pacey pulls his hand away from her ear, he gently pulls on a wisp of hair that's loose from her French twist) Why, because I'm just a poor tomboy, or…? Dawson gave them to me. Pacey: Nah-uh… (raising her hand with the bracelet on it and caressing it softly) See this? This is you. (he moves the bracelet around on her wrist, rubbing her hand) It's not showy or gaudy. It's simple. Elegant. (taking her hand in his) Beautiful. Joey: (a little taken aback) It's my mom's bracelet. Pacey: I know. Joey: (pulling her head back to look at him, a little surprised) How do you know? Pacey: Well, because you told me. Six months ago. (caressing her arm) You were wearing that blue sweater with the snowflakes that you have. You were walking down the hallway at school. I was annoying you as per usual. (rubbing her wrist where the bracelet is) You said, 'Look, Pacey, I just found my mother's bracelet this morning, so why don't you cut me some slack?' Joey: (laughing slightly, like he's weird) You remember that? Pacey: (after a pause, whispering) I remember everything. As she walked up to Leery’s Fresh Fish, she was surprised to see Dawson sitting at the bar. After finishing work on Wicked Dead, he had gone back to school at USC and had rarely made it back to Capeside for vacations. Joey gave him a hug and asked him what he was doing in town. “I have spent this day every year with my mom since it was so special to her and my dad.” “Oh, I am so sorry Dawson, I didn’t even think of that. I was only thinking of the significance of the day for Pacey and me.” How could she have gotten so wrapped up in the meaning of this day for her and Pacey that she had forgotten it was Mitch and Gale’s anniversary? “Don’t worry about it Jo. I know how special this day is for you. What you and Pacey have is special, and I wish you both all of the happiness in the world. Here is your last clue. We can catch up some other time.” He handed an envelope to her and walked into the kitchen. She looked back toward the swinging door Dawson just walked through, and then at the envelope in shock. She couldn’t believe Dawson was helping Pacey with something for her like this. Things certainly had changed in the past five years. She opened the envelope and couldn’t help but chuckle a little when she read it. Potter, I told you I remember everything didn’t I? I even remembered D would be in town today to be with Gale, so I recruited him to be a part of my surprise for you. He was happy to comply, and even said he was pleased we had found each other again and were so happy together. Now it is time for you to go to your last stop on the trip down memory lane. You have probably already guessed where you are about to be headed, but here is the clue anyway. Go to the site of some of our biggest knock down, drag-out, fights... and our greatest make-ups. Go to where you said “I think I’m in love with you.” All my love, Pace As Joey walked down toward the docks, the memory of that fateful day half a decade ago washed over her. Joey: Pacey! Pacey! Pace! Pacey! (she climbs aboard the boat and looks inside) Pace? Pacey! Pacey: (coming from around the other side of the pier with a drink) You want something, Jo? Joey: I want to talk to you! Pacey: No, nope. It's a bit late for this now. I'm leaving, you can't stop me, so don't even try. Joey: No, that's not why I'm here. Pacey: (climbs aboard True Love) So why are you here? Maybe you want to rub it in a little bit, huh? (he jumps off the boat and unties it from the dock) Joey: Look, I don't want to stop you, Pacey. And I don't want to stop Dawson, and I don't want to be stopped. Not by either of you, not by anyone. See, I mean, that's what this whole year's been about. We've been trying to stop each other from moving on and from growing up. But not you. You're different. And you've challenged me every step of the way and you've been there every step of the way. Pacey: (walking past her) Jo, departure time is in T-minus 30 seconds, so if there's a point, I suggest you get to it. (he climbs back aboard. Joey thinks for a second, then turns around) Joey: I think I'm in love with you. Pacey: (with his back towards Joey) You think or you know? Joey: I know. (Pacey turns to look at Joey) I've known it since the moment you kissed me and maybe even before that. As scary as it is, I don't want to deny it anymore, Pacey. I don't want to run from it and I don't want to let it run from me. Pacey: So… what are we going to do here, Jo? Joey: I want to come with you. Pacey: What? Are you crazy? Joey: I want to stop standing still, I want to move forward, I want to come with you. Pacey: What about Bessie and the B&B? They need you. Joey: Not as much as I need you, Pace. (He smiles at her, she smiles back. She takes this as a yet and tries to climb aboard.) Pacey: (stopping her) uh! Joey: (smiling, raising her hand up to his) Permission to come aboard? Pacey: Permission granted. When Joey made it to the slip where the True Love used to reside a smile spread across her face as she saw the love of her life sitting there. “So I certainly have gotten quite the workout traipsing around our little budding metropolis today,” she said sarcastically as she came up and sat with Pacey. “Uh... you have, have you? I wonder what would have caused you to do this?” He asked with a playful glint in his eye. “Hmm... possibly it could have been my devious boyfriend, but he told me he would be working tonight so it couldn’t have been him,” she replied while looking off in the direction of the water. “Maybe he had a reason to tell you a little white lie.” “Okay, enough of the hypotheticals Pace. What is going on?” “God woman, can’t you ever just be patient and go with the flow?” “No, it is not in my nature.” “Okay... I will get on with the show." Pacey paused and looked at Joey with his stunning blue eyes. 'God,' she thought, 'I could get lost in those baby blues for eternity.' “Potter, I had you go on this “scavenger hunt” today to remind you of the journey that was our junior year. The year we started out as nothing more than banter buddies, but gradually came to show each other how much we cared by building a solid friendship, which soon evolved into an incredible love. Each place I had you go today represents a stop on the road of our journey to find one another. On your dock at the beginning of that year was the first time I realized you could see me as more than just a sparring partner. The Starlight was where I realized from both of our reactions to the “sex pact” that we might be feeling more than friendly for each other. When I bought you the wall, it was the best way I could think of to show you how much you meant to me without coming right out and saying it. The day I pulled over to the side of the road at the Welcome to Capeside sign was the day when all of my feelings for you become so intense that I couldn’t keep them bottled up anymore, so I followed my impulse and kissed you. Leery’s, the site of the disaster that was the junior prom and that wonderful dance we shared, was when I realized that you were as incomplete without me as I was without you. And finally, we have this dock. My heart just melted when you told me right here on this very spot that you needed me more than anyone or anything else.” “Joey, that day five years ago you changed my life. You showed me that true love does exist, and even if for only a moment or an entire summer, it can conquer all. We have been through so much together. In some ways we have experienced enough in the past few years to fill a lifetime. When we were apart I always felt like a piece of me was missing. I only felt whole once we were together again.” Joey had started to tear up soon after Pace had begun his speech. He noticed this, and started kissing away her tears. He then pulled a velvet box out of his pocket and got down on one knee. Her tears to flowed freely as she gazed affectionately into Pacey’s eyes. “Joey, you are the most amazing woman that has ever graced my presence. I love you with every fiber of my being. You once told me that I made you feel alive. When I look at you, I realize that there is order and meaning in the universe, and I get butterflies in my stomach. A wise man once told me to never let go of the butterflies because there isn’t that many people out there that can affect a person in that way. You are my best friend, and the person I can’t live without. Please make me the happiest man on earth. Please make me complete for the rest of my life. Josephine Potter, will you marry me?” Joey was astonished and elated at the same time. She had never imagined when she woke up that day that Pacey would propose. The tears from earlier had turned into outright sobs. She took the ring from Pacey’s outstretched hand and put it on her ring finger. She took his face in her hands and whispered in his ear. “I don’t want to talk anymore,” she said. They smiled at each other with a knowing look, and shared an emotional kiss that held all the love and passion they felt for each other. “So, I take it that was a yes?” Pacey whispered as they broke apart and leaned their foreheads together. “Why do you always have to ruin the moment?” She questioned with her patented half-smile. “Potter, nothing could ruin this moment. I got you to agree to be Mrs. Pacey J. Witter.” He stated as he wrapped his arm around her and pulled her back between his legs and against his chest. “And, shockingly enough, you didn’t even have to bribe me or actually give me the prizes you offered earlier in your note to do so.” Joey said as she glanced over her shoulder at her new fiancé. “Well, now that you mention prizes... I do have one more surprise for you. Turn around.” Joey turned around and noticed the boat in the slip. It was named Complete. Pacey led Joey onto the deck. “Jo, I know in the past you joked that there should be prizes involved for giving yourself to me. Now I hope this boat is better than my previous offer of the Witter Wagoneer. I won’t have my future wife thinking I consider her a two-bit floozy.” He untied the boat and moved to the steering wheel to guide it out of the marina. “I suppose this will do. Pace where are we going?” “Well Potter, this boat now belongs to me so I thought I would take the woman I love sailing.” He said with a mischievous grin. “Oh, well in that case carry on. I did say you wouldn’t have to ask.” They sailed off out of the harbor and towards the rest of their lives, which would be filled with banter, passion, and most important of all, love. THE END
sarammlover Loves Pacey and Joey Posts: 11 (12/15/03 12:51 pm) Reply	Re: Back to the Beginning (1/1) 12/11/03 Well....I have read this over at PoTL but I thought I would leave my remarks here as well. I remember reading this story and I absolutely love it. I love looking back on the good moments of Pacey and Joey's love...its so wonderful. Great jOb! Hugs Sara
EviePJlvr Founder of Operation True Love! Pacey & Joey Die Hard, Joshua Jackson Bad Ass Chick. Posts: 222 (12/22/03 2:13 pm) Reply	Re: Back to the Beginning (1/1) 12/11/03 I just read this for the first time. It was so sweet. So many beautiful memories and you did such a wonderful job of bring us back to the heart of Pacey and Joey. I love the idea for the fic; it was really really sweet. Great job!! Evie Reading is Righteously Rockin'. Feedback is Funkily Fabulous. Writing is Wonderfully Wicked. I Advocate All of the Above!
lozza d Loves Pacey and Joey Posts: 3 (1/25/04 6:30 am) Reply	Re: Back to the Beginning (1/1) 12/11/03 hehehehe that was realy sweet I loved it! =)

Operation True Love: Pacey and Joey > Pacey and Joey Fan Fic > Back to the Beginning (1/1) 12/11/03
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