Divided
Part Five: Recognition
by Tinkerbell

Disclaimer, Category, Rating, Spoilers & Thank You's: See beginning of fic.

Summary: What if something you thought impossible became reality?

Author's Note: There is a place where a character is running through the streets of New York.  I wanted to use an Enigma song but they're basically instrumental and chanting and there are so many different ones to choose from.  So, I found something to substitute with.  A special note for Sharon (and everyone else that has asked me about this): these were my exact words,  "'Pace' is not 'Pacey'".  J

Feedback: I would love some at twill007@surfsouth.com

So close no matter how far
Couldn't be much more from the heart
Forever trusting who we are
And nothing else matters

He awoke to a feeling he'd never known, his head resting on something warm and soft.  Opening his eyes, focusing them, he saw a block of tan.  He looked over to where something was draped across him and saw that it was an arm.  Then it came back to him.  She'd stayed.

Fully awake now, he turned his eyes up to see her gazing out the window, her hair in ringlets where it had dried, wearing the blue shirt he'd given her the night before.  A wave of emotion surged through him and all he wanted to do was stay this way forever.  It was so peaceful…so right.  Moving his head slightly, he brought his lips against her warm flesh, kissing her thigh softly.  He felt her jerk slightly and met her surprised brown eyes.

"Morning," he said, his voice gravelly.

She stared at him for a moment then smiled softly.  "Good morning."

His hand had somehow managed to stay on her knee throughout the night.  Lifting it slightly, he began circling her kneecap with his index finger, his eyes never leaving hers.

She watched his finger for a moment before turning her attention back to him.  "Are you feeling better," she asked, a slight tremble in her voice.

"Yeah."

There was a silence.  Watching her as she nervously bit her lip he couldn't stop himself from what he did next.  Rising to a sitting position, he reached out and cupped her face gently, pulling her against him before bringing his lips to hers in a hard, wet, passionate kiss.  Electricity surged between them as his blood pounded in his ears.

She didn't fight him.  Instead, she encircled his neck with her arms, allowing him to deepen the kiss.  The first kiss was supposed to be tame…controlled.  But this was passionate and full of wanting.  Her fingers ran through his hair as one of his arms encircled her waist, pulling her onto his lap, causing the shirt she wore to ride up her thighs.

He pulled back for a moment and met her eyes.  She nodded slightly, her hair around her face like a dark cloud.  Placing his hands on her knees, he gently slid them up her legs, over her thighs, until they were under the shirt at her hips.  Bringing his lips to her neck at the same time he murmured against her skin: "God, how I've wanted this."

She arched her neck, gripping his shoulders.  "So have I."

Pulling back to make sure that she really wanted this.  He looked into her eyes and the emotion he saw there answered his question.  Scooting back a little, he moved his hands to her back and lowered her to the couch.  Leaning over her, he began to undo the buttons on her shirt as she gazed up at him.  Finally, the last button was undone, and he parted the material….

***************

Never opened myself this way
Life is ours, we live it our way
All these words I don't just say
And nothing else matters

Some distant bolt of thunder roused him from his dream.  Pace didn't dare open his eyes for his head was indeed still nestled on Joey's lap and her arm was draped across him.  The feeling of waking up with her there was overwhelming.  Pace had hoped that she would stay but his mind had convinced him that when he opened his eyes she would be gone.  But Joey had stayed and apparently had not left the couch all night.  Knowing that he needed a few minutes to cool down before letting her know that he was awake, Pace took the opportunity to study her through hooded eyes.  She was gazing out the window at the rain, her eyes were sad and she had a thoughtful expression on her face.  Gazing at Joey, his thoughts drifted to the night before, thinking of everything that had transpired.  It had brought them closer and Pace realized that there was no going back now.  They were both in too deep.  Screwing up his courage, he opened his eyes fully and moved his head.  "Morning."

Joey looked down at him.  "Hey.  How are you feeling?"

"Better."  God it was almost like his dream.  "You?"

"I'm fine."

Pace stared up at her, a little out of sorts.  The only conversation he had in the morning was when he asked C.C. if he wanted lamb or chicken.  There was only one thing he could think of to say.  "You stayed."

"Yeah.  I did."  She gave him an impish look.  "Do I get brownie points?"

Pace actually laughed.  "Yeah.  I guess you do."

Joey smiled.  "Good.  Does that mean you'll make a pot of coffee?"

Pace nodded slightly.  "Yeah, sure."  He slowly, rather reluctantly, raised himself to a sitting position on the couch.

Joey lifted her feet off the floor, stretching her legs slightly, willing the circulation to return.

Pace watched her intently, realizing that she looked incredibly sexy in the morning with her hair hanging in waves, a sleepy look on her face.  His eyes traveled down to where the shirt stopped.  God…I just want to grab her and devour her.  Pace shook his head slightly to clear it.  Get your mind out of the gutter Pace.  He got to his feet, walking over to the kitchen and turned on the coffeemaker.  Turning back to Joey he saw that she had gotten off the couch and was standing next to the window, petting C.C. who had come out of the bedroom at the sound of Pace in the kitchen.

"You want lamb or chicken?"

Joey looked at him incredulously.  "Huh?"

"Not you.  C.C."

Chocolate Chip barked once and wagged his tail.

"Lamb it is."

Joey laughed.  "You guys have your own system, huh?"

"Something like that," Pace said as he opened a can of food for C.C. and poured the contents into his bowl.  "Here you go buddy."

Joey looked at him, fiddling with a shirttail.  "Uh…can I have my clothes?"

Why?  You look wonderful the way you are Pace thought to himself.  You'd look even better naked.  Pace slapped himself before he could think about it.

"Pace," Joey asked, chuckling.

"S-sorry.  I thought something was on my face."

"Okay…clothes?"

"Yeah.  I'll go get them for you."

"Great."

Scolding himself silently, Pace went down the little hall to the dryer and pulled out their clothes.  His pants were wrapped around hers in a way that made Pace gulp.  Quickly untangling them, he carried her pants and shirt back to the kitchen.

"Thank you," Joey said, taking the garments.   "I'm gonna go change in your bathroom."

"Sure thing.  The coffee should be ready by the time you get back."

"Thanks."  Joey went to the bathroom and shut the door.

Pace leaned against the refrigerator, willing his mind to stop thinking bad thoughts.  The coffee finished dripping and he busied himself with filling their cups.

A few minutes later, Joey emerged from the bathroom dressed in her clothes, his shirt in her hands.  "Thank you," she said, holding out the shirt.

Pace shook his head.  "I told you that you could have it."

"Pace, really, I can't take your shirt."

"Yes you can.  Stop arguing with me.  Just this once, okay?"

Joey rolled her eyes in a way that Pace found adorable.  "Fine."

"See, was that so hard?"

"Yes."

They both laughed, breaking the slight tension that was in the room.

Pace handed her a cup of coffee.  "Here."

"Bless you," she said, taking the cup from him.

"You're welcome," Pace said, trying to ignore the fact that she was so close to him.

Joey quickly drank her coffee in two gulps.  "I hate to do this but I have to go."  She checked her watch.  "I have some people coming to my studio in an hour and I have to go home and change."

Pace nodded.  "I understand."  He paused for a moment, trying to piece together the words that he wanted to say.  "Listen, Joey, about last night-"

Joey raised her hand.  "Pace, it's okay.  Really.  I'm glad that you trusted me enough to confide in me."

"Ditto," he said softly, gazing at her intently.

Joey swallowed hard.  "Yeah.  So, we're all right, right?"

"Yeah."

Joey smiled.  "That's a relief."  She walked over to the coat rack and grabbed her leather jacket off a hook.  "Thank you for everything."

Pace smiled back.  "You're welcome."  He paused, seeming to have more to say.

"Well, I'll see you later," Joey said, reaching for the doorknob.

"Joey, wait," Pace blurted, walking over to her.

Joey looked at him, a combination of anticipation and curiosity on her face.  "Yeah?"

"My-uh-my parents and my sister are coming down next week for a visit.  We're supposed to meet for dinner and I was-was wondering if you'd like to go."

Joey's eyes widened and Pace kicked himself for asking.

"It's okay.  Don't worry about-"

"I'd love to," Joey interrupted.

Pace stared at her for a moment.  "Really?"

"Sure."  Joey pulled on her jacket.  "Call me with the details okay?"

Pace nodded.  "You got it."

Trust I seek and I find in you
Every day for us something new
Open mind for a different view
And nothing else matters

Joey stood next to the door, not sure what to say.  Knowing what she really wanted to do, Joey stepped up to Pace and wrapped her arms around him, hugging him tightly.

Pace was too shocked to respond for a moment.  Then his arms went around her and he returned the hug.

"Thank you Pace," she whispered, her face in his shirt.

Pace closed his eyes to brace himself against the wave of emotion that flowed through him.  "Thank you."

They stood there next to the door, hugging for a moment, enjoying the feeling of being in each other's arms.  Finally Joey pulled away.  "I HAVE to go or I'll have a studio full of angry people."

Pace nodded.  "Right."

"I'll see you later."

"You bet."

"Bye Pace."

"Bye Joey."  Pace shut the door behind her and leaned against it, taking deep breaths to control his desire to run down the hall after her.  What the hell is your problem man his brain screamed.  You let her spend the night, you told her about your past, you slept with your head in her lap, and you gave her your shirt!  And what's the worst of all…you invited her to meet your family!  Are you insane?

Pace grabbed his head.  "Dammit!  Leave me alone!"

Shut up you unfeeling glob his heart retorted.  Pace, you should be proud of yourself.  You conquered some of your fear and let someone in.  Better yet you let a woman in!  You've taken that pivotal step towards finding happiness.  It's what you've always wanted and you know it!  Now stop trying to talk yourself out of what you feel for Joey.

Pace groaned and went to the bedroom, plopping onto his bed and pulling a pillow over his head.  "Leave me alone!"  He tried to drown out his thoughts and feelings, not really sure what the hell was the matter with him or why he had invited Joey.  All he knew for sure was that it was too late to go back.

***************

Joey closed the door to her apartment with a sigh.  The week had flown by in a blur of activity.  Now, in a few days she would meet Pace's family.  The idea was nice but terrifying.  Joey had never been one to make a good first impression.  And for some reason she really wanted to make a good impression with the Morgan's.  Taking off her jacket and stepping out of her shoes she went straight to her studio.  There was something that she wanted to do, one last piece to complete before her show.  Joey turned on her stereo and picked up her paintbrush.

***************

Skip opened the door to his apartment and stared at the sight that greeted him.  "Pace?"

"Hey Skip," Pace said, brushing past him and walking inside the apartment.

"Come on in," Skip said, amused, closing the door.

Pace walked over to the couch and stopped, clenching his hands into fists.  He was clearly agitated about something.

"Pace, what the hell is the matter with you," Skip asked, going over to his armchair and sitting down.

Pace stared at the floor for a moment before speaking.  "I asked Joey to dinner with my folks."

Skip stared at Pace.  "You what?"

"I asked Joey to dinner with my folks," Pace repeated.

Skip continued staring.  "I don't think I heard you correctly.  Did you just say that you invited Joey to dinner with your folks?"

Pace shot Skip a look of contempt.  "That's what I said."

Skip hooted and clapped his hands.  "It's about damn time."

Pace groaned.  "Skip, if you're going to start on all that crap I'll leave."

Skip held up his hands.  "Calm down buddy.  I knew something was up."

"Huh?"

"Joey came to my place to get your address."

"Skip-"

"You finally admitted to yourself that you're in love with her."

Pace rolled his eyes.  "How many times do I have to tell you that I am not in love with Joey Potter?"

"You could tell me till you were blue in the face and I still wouldn't believe you," Skip replied, smirking.

Pace glared at him.  "I admit that I'm in something with her…but not love."

Skip noticed that he seemed to have more to say and waited patiently.  He'd learned in their almost eleven year friendship not to push for details.  Pace would open up when he felt like it.

Finally Pace sighed and sank to the couch.  "I did it Skip.  I finally did it."

"Did what?"

"I opened myself up to her."

Skip nodded.  "I knew you would."

"Well I didn't," Pace exclaimed, slamming his fist on the couch cushion.  "I wasn't expecting this!  It's thrown my life into complete and total upheaval.  I have no freaking clue as of what I do next!  I mean, we really talked about things.  She told me about the guy that she loved that died…and I told her about not knowing my own past.  We clicked!  I went to sleep on the couch and when I woke up the next morning she was still there!  I wasn't prepared for that!"

"Did you sleep together," Skip asked, raising an eyebrow curiously.

"NO!  It wasn't like that at all.  We just talked and I fell asleep with my head in her lap."

Skip stared at Pace, who was obviously embarrassed, in complete shock.  "Wow."

"Yeah…and now, I'm not sure what to do.  I mean, I invited her to meet my family.  I've never done that before!  What the hell do I do?"

"Well, do you want to take back your invitation?"

"Oddly no."

"Then I wouldn't worry about it.  Everything will work out."

"How do you know?"

"I don't.  It's a mystery."

Pace groaned.  "Thanks Skip.  You've been such a big help."

"Hey," Skip retorted, glaring at his sulking friend.  "Wake up and smell the hottie!  Or better yet, realize what I've seen for a while now.  You've fallen head over heels in love with Joey.  And, quite frankly, I'm glad."

Pace looked up at Skip with wild eyes.  "I have not fallen for Joey!"

"I think you protest too much."

"Skip!"

"Why did you invite her to dinner with your family?"

Pace shrugged.  "I don't know."

"You will, my friend.  You will."

***************

Jen rose her eyebrows, amused.  "Joey, you have to calm down."

Joey shot her a death glare as she paced around her room in a long white T-shirt with hot rollers in her hair, chewing profusely on a stick of Big Red that was probably ready for the garbage even though she'd just stuck it in her mouth.  "Jen, I can't calm down!  This is too nerve-wracking!"

"Geez, if you act this way over one dinner, heaven help you when your show opens in a few weeks."

"Jen…shut up!  You're not helping."

"Oh, I'm sorry.  Was that what I was supposed to be doing?"  Jen rubbed her belly thoughtfully.  "Little Lance thinks Auntie Joey is just a little nervous about meeting Pace's family."

Joey glared at her, walking over to her bed and jerking her thumb at the dress that lay across it.  "Are you sure this one will be okay?"

"Joey, we went all over town.  You tried on a hundred dresses."

"I did not," Joey retorted, poking out her bottom lip.

"You did too!  I counted!  Lance and I definitely got our exercise, didn't we baby?"

"I can't believe that you've named your baby Lance yet you don't even know what sex it is."

"We wanted it to be a surprise," Jen stated, rubbing her swollen ankle.

Joey laughed.  "I never thought I'd see you fat, pregnant and loving every minute of it."

Jen glared at her.  "You never thought we'd be friends at all."

"Neither did you!  But I'm glad we are."

"Me too Jo.  Now stop wasting time!  Come sit down so I can do your makeup."

Joey walked over to the table where Jen sat and plopped onto the seat in front of her.  "If you make me look like a hoochie-"

"Joey," Jen cut in, thumbing her on the nose with a makeup wand.  "Trust me."

Joey sat in the chair as Jen applied concealer, eye color, mascara and gloss.

"There," Jen announced, holding out a hand mirror for Joey to inspect her work.

Joey took it and looked at her face.  "Thanks."

"Yeah.  You're forgiven.  Now let's get you in that dress."

***************

Joey took the rollers out of her hair, arranged the curls the way she wanted and examined her reflection.  I don't look too bad she thought before leaving the bathroom.  "Well?"

"You look good Joey," Henry said, taking her by surprise.

Joey blinked.  "Henry!  When did you get in?"

"Two minutes ago.  You had some appliance going in the bathroom."

"Oh."  Joey looked at Jen.  "Nice?"

"Jo," Jen said honestly, "Pace would have to be deaf, dumb and blind not to want to take you to some dark corner and-"

Henry cleared his throat.  "Uh…I'm still here."

Joey laughed while Jen gave her husband a grin.

"You know I love you."

"Uh-huh."

"Even if you did make me fat and ugly."

Henry rolled his eyes.  "You look beautiful honey."

"Oh shut up."

***************

Pace smirked at the shocked expressions on his parents' faces.  Kristina looked pleased.

"You really invited a woman to dinner," Sharon Morgan asked, giving him a hopeful look.

"Yes!  I told you I did when I called," Pace exclaimed.

"I know.  We just, well, we didn't believe you."

"Well I didn't think that you would mind."

"Daniel!  We're thrilled," Thomas Morgan objected.  "We're just stunned that you actually did it."

Pace sighed.  "Wonderful support I'm getting here."

"I'm proud of you," Kristina said, giving him an enthusiastic hug.

"Thanks Kris."

"So, what's she like," Sharon asked, eager to know about the woman that had finally managed to snag her son's attention.

"Well, she's an artist."

"Really?  How wonderful!  Is she well-known?"

"I would think so."

"What's her name," Thomas asked.

Pace opened his mouth to speak, heard Joey's voice and closed it.  He turned around and it dropped open again.  Whoa.  Joey was walking towards him looking absolutely gorgeous in a long black dress, her hair tumbling over her shoulders in curls and wearing just enough makeup to stand out.

"Pace, are you okay," Kristina asked, looking at him closely.

Pace didn't answer her.  Instead, he walked over to meet Joey.  "Wow," he said before he could stop himself.  "You look absolutely-"

Joey gazed at him, a twinkle in her eyes.

"Beautiful," he finished, offering his hand.

"Thank you," she said, placing her hand in his.  "You don't look so shabby yourself."

Pace chuckled softly.  "Come on."

Sharon, Thomas and Kristina had all turned to see whom Pace had gone to and all three of them now wore identical comedic expressions of surprise and elation on their faces.

Pace and Joey stopped in front of them, amused.

"Mom, Dad, Kris, I'd like you to meet Joey," Pace said.

Kristina stood there, staring at her Joey, her face pale.

"Kris," Pace asked, concerned.  "You okay?"

Kristina blinked.  "Yeah.  I’m fine."  She smiled at Joey.  "It's nice to meet you."

"You too," Joey said.  "Pace is always saying how wonderful you all are."

Sharon smiled.  "It's so nice to meet you as well."

Thomas nodded.  "Ditto.  Let's eat."

***************

Dinner had been served and Joey was trying to be as ladylike as possible.

"So Joey," Thomas said, taking a sip of his white wine.  "Pace tells us that you're an artist."

Joey nodded.  "That's correct."

Thomas thought for a moment, then his eyes widened and he chuckled.  "Joey Potter!  Of course!  Pardon me for saying this, but I always thought you were a man."

Pace coughed.  "Dad!"

Joey just laughed.  "I get that a lot."  She gave Pace a meaningful look.  "Right Pace?"

Pace turned red while the others laughed.

"Daniel, how long have you two been dating," Sharon asked.

Pace and Joey exchanged looks.

"Well, we're not actually dating-" Pace began.

"Have you been out to eat or to a movie," Thomas interrupted.

"Well, yeah, once or twice."

"Then you're dating."

Pace looked at Joey who smirked.

"Joey, are you from New York," Sharon asked, trying to save them some embarrassment at the hands of her husband.

Joey shook her head.  "No, Massachusetts.  I moved to New York permanently six years ago."

"Kristina goes to UMASS."

Joey's eyebrows rose as she turned to Kristina.  "Really?"

"Yes."

"Then you've probably had a class with one of my best friends, Dr. Andie McPhee."

Kristina's eyes widened.  "I love her!  I had her a few semesters back.  You know her?"

Joey nodded.  "Sure do."

Pace couldn't pass up the opportunity to excite his sister.  "Kris, she knows the director you're so crazy about. "

Kristina's eyes got even bigger.  "You know Dawson Leery?"

Joey smiled.  "Yeah.  We've known each other practically since birth.  He, another friend of ours and I grew up together.  Jen Parker, the interior designer, Andie and her brother Jack all moved to our town when we were in high school.  We've all been friends for years."

The Morgan's where staring at Joey.  She fidgeted slightly.

"Guys," Pace exclaimed.  "Snap out of it.  It's not like you've never met someone that is friends with celebrities.  Hell, you're friends with celebrities!"

Sharon smiled apologetically.  "I'm sorry.  It's just…you're so charming Joey.  We've been waiting for Pace to introduce us to someone he's met for so long that we…well, we sort of gave up on it ever happening."

"MOM!"

"And you're everything we could have hoped for," Thomas added.

Joey blushed.

"DAD!"

"Calm down Pace," Kristina said, amused.  "You know they can't help themselves.  What's for desert?"

***************

Joey was sitting at the table with Kristina and Thomas while Pace danced with his mother.

"She's wonderful Daniel," Sharon said, smiling at her son.

"Mom," Pace protested.  "Don't do that."

"What?"

"That thing that all mothers do where they try and tell their sons that they approve of their "soul mate".  Joey and I are just friends."

"And pigs fly Daniel."

Pace sighed.  "Mom, I can't tell you what you want to hear."

"I’m not asking you to.  I'm just overwhelmed that you've finally met someone."

Pace's gaze trailed over to where Joey was laughing at something his father had said.  "Me too," he admitted.

Sharon gave her son a warm smile.  "I hope Joey can get past that wall of yours.  I really hope you'll let her in."

Pace met his mother's eyes.  "I already have."

***************

Joey sat with Kristina and Mr. Morgan, immensely enjoying herself.  "So Pace doesn't like the ocean?"

"Nope.  He won't go near it," Mr. Morgan said.

"Dad," Kristina said, giving him a look.  "Don't tell all of Pace's secrets."

Thomas Morgan just smiled.  "I won't."

Pace and Sharon chose that moment to return to the table.  Sharon sat down next to her husband and Pace extended his hand to Joey.  "Would you like to dance?"

Joey met his eyes, smiling.  "I'd love to," she said, placing her hand in his and rising from her chair.

The Morgan's watched them walk away and then turned to each other, smiling.

Pace stopped and turned towards Joey, wrapping an arm around her waist.  "You're not gonna run out on me this time are you," he asked softly.

Joey shook her head.  "No way."

Pace let out his breath in relief.  "Great."

It was a Monday when my lover told me
Never pay the reaper with love only
What could I say to you except I love you
And I'd give my life for yours

Joey felt Pace's hand clasp hers tightly as she placed her other hand on his shoulder.  None of the anxiety she'd felt the first time they'd danced resurfaced.  Instead, all she felt was the tingles from having Pace's arm around her and his hand over hers.  Meeting his eyes, Joey saw that they were a dark stormy blue, full of emotions that she couldn't quite decipher.

I know, we are, we are the lucky ones
I know, we are, we are the lucky ones
I know, we are, we are the lucky ones dear

Pace swallowed the lump that was in his throat.  His whole body tingled with something that he couldn't quite understand.  Looking at Joey, holding her in his arms, was making him feel all kinds of foreign emotions.  It felt so right.  He almost said so but thought better of it and stopped himself.

"So…do you have any more secrets that I'm not aware of," Joey asked, breaking their comfortable silence.

"Hmm…."

"I'll take that as a yes."

Pace smiled.  "Yeah."

"You gonna tell me?"

"Maybe."

"Tease."

"Party pooper."

Pace thought for a moment.  Then he leaned closer to her and whispered in her ear.  "My hair's not really red."

Joey's eyes widened.  "Really?"

Pace nodded.

"You gonna tell me what color it really is?"

Pace shook his head.

Joey stuck out her lower lip and Pace had to stop himself from bending down and taking it between his own.

"Your turn."

Joey chewed on her lip and Pace felt himself getting a little light headed.  Then a devilish grin that sent a tremor of excitement down his spine spread across her face.  She looked at him, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes.  "I'm not wearing a bra," she whispered.

Pace stared at her.  Oh God help me.

Remember the time we made love in the roses
And you took my picture in all sorts of poses
How can I ever get over you
When I'd give my life for yours

I know, we are, we are the lucky ones
I know, we are, we are the lucky ones
I know, we are, we are the lucky ones
I know, we are, we are the lucky ones dear

"This is nice," he finally said.

"Yeah, it is."

"You've made a lasting impression with my family."

"Usually I give bad first impressions."

"Really?  I can't see why."

Joey smiled softly.  "You'd be surprised."

Pace glanced over to where his family was trying not to watch them and smirked.  "They're staring at us."

"I thought I felt eyes boring into my back."

"I'm glad you came."

"I'm glad you asked me."

"So…we're 'dating'?"

"That's what your father says."

"Well, what do you say?"

Joey looked up at him with her big brown eyes and Pace felt his heart beat faster.  "To what?"

Pace stared at her for a moment before responding.  "I guess I was just hoping…."

Joey smiled.  "I thought you'd never ask."

Pace blinked.  "Really?"

"Yeah."  Pace's smile disappeared and was replaced by a look that moved Joey to the core.  God, if he keeps looking at me like that I'm going to have to kiss him…and wrap my arms around him….  Joey cut off her thoughts by laying her head on his shoulder.

Pace's heart skipped a beat then started pounding.  His arm tightened around her, pulling her closer.  Their joined hands folded up until their arms were pressed against each other.  Pace's chin was against her hair and he realized that it smelled like strawberries.  Pace closed his eyes as they danced, letting his feelings take over.

My dear, it's time to say I thank God for you
I thank God for you in each and every single way
And I know, I know, I know, I know,
It's time to let you know, time to let you know, time to let you know
Time to sit here and say

I know, we are, we are the lucky ones
I know, we are, we are the lucky ones
I know, we are, we are the lucky ones
I know, we are, we are the lucky ones dear

"Now this feels good," Joey commented.

Pace chuckled and she felt it against her cheek.  "It sure as hell does."

We are the lucky ones dear

***************

Joey and Pace stood at the door to her apartment, looking down at their entwined hands, unwilling to break their connection.  They'd walked through the streets of New York from Metronome to Joey's place, stopping to look in store windows, and once for Joey to take off her heels.  Pace couldn't remember when he'd had so much fun walking through the city.  Now, the night was over and Pace was sorry to end it.

"Joey, what can I say?  I had a wonderful time tonight."

"So did I.  I'm glad you invited me."

"I am too."

Electricity
Eye to eye
Hey don't I know you
I can't speak

Joey gazed at their hands, unsure of what to say or do next.  She was dying for him to lean over and kiss her but was not about to make the first move.  Not yet.  She waited but nothing happened.  Does he not want to kiss me she thought dejectedly.  Am I that repulsive?

Pace was struggling over whether or not he should kiss her.  He really REALLY wanted to…but he was still afraid.  He'd already done more tonight than he had intended to do, causing his mind and heart to go into overdrive.

Don't you dare do it Pace!  Don't you dare!

Oh shut up!  Go for it Pace!

Quite frankly, all the noise was giving him a headache.  Pace glanced at Joey and saw that she was studying their hands.  "What is it," he asked softly.

Joey looked up and gave him a lopsided grin.  "Sorry.  It's just been so long since anyone has-has held my hand like this."

Pace knew exactly what she meant.  "It's nice huh?"

"Very."

Do it Pace!

Don't you dare!

What would happen if we kissed
Would your tongue slip past my lips
Would you run away
Would you stay
Or would I melt into you
Mouth to mouth
Lust to lust
Spontaneously combust

Joey met Pace's eyes and felt her stomach flip-flop.  He does want to kiss me.  I can tell.  His thumb was rubbing the back of her hand, causing little shivers of excitement to flow through her body.  It felt incredible just standing there.  If he kisses me I don't know if I could stay standing.

After much deliberation Pace decided not to kiss Joey…at least not on the lips.  It was too soon.  But he was dying to kiss her period.  So, instead, he brought her hand to his lips and kissed it softly, his eyes never leaving hers.

Breathe Joey.  Breathe.  In…out…in…out.  There you go.  The feeling of Pace's lips and warm breath on her skin was almost more than she could stand.  Oh god…I'm done for.

Pace smiled slightly and pulled back.  "I'll see you Joey."

Joey nodded, still slightly frazzled.  "Y-yeah," she stammered.  "I'll see you."

Their hands were still joined and neither one of them seemed willing to let go.  Pace took a few steps back but Joey didn't let go and he did not loosen his hold on her wrist.  They stood in the hallway with their hands joined, steps apart, staring.

Oh god.  I'm going to loose it Joey thought, chewing on her lower lip, switching her gaze to Pace's face.  I'm gonna run over to him and grab him and…oh god help me.

She's doing that thing with her lip again Pace thought frantically.  I can't loose it.   His eyes met hers.  That look! Could any expression be more sexy or cute?  Oh god…I'm going to loose it.  I'm going to stride over there, take those gorgeous lips between mine, crush her against me, carry her inside that apartment and find the closet thing to support us….  Pace dropped her hand.  "I'll see you in a few days Joey."

Joey nodded.  "Okay.  Goodnight Pace."

"Night Joey."  He turned away and briskly walked to the elevator, frantically punched the button and was eternally grateful when it automatically opened.  He dove inside and hit the button to close the doors before he could jump back out.  Leaning against the elevator wall, gripping the rail, he forced his breathing to return to normal and his heart to stop racing.  You're okay Pace.  You're okay.  A shaky sigh escaped him and he ran a trembling hand through his hair.   Realizing that he'd never pressed the button for the bottom floor he reached over and punched it, wanting to get out of the building before he changed his mind.  As soon as the doors opened Pace flew out of the elevator and out onto the street.  Only when he was a block away did he slow down.

***************

Like anyone would be
I am flattered by your fascination with me
Like any hot-blooded woman
I have simply wanted an object to crave

But you, you're not allowed
You're uninvited
An unfortunate slight

Joey closed the door to her apartment and leaned against it on shaky legs.  God…she'd been so close to kissing him.  God…how she wanted to kiss him.  Finally, Joey had enough strength to make it to her studio.  Dropping her shoes onto the wooden floor, she took an end of a sheet that was covering something and pulled it off.  Staring back at her was a replica of Pace's face.  But it wasn't just his face…it was her face as well…intertwined.  It was finally finished.  Just in time for her show.

Sighing Joey stood there, still wearing her dress, staring at the portrait.  After tonight, she could no longer deny that she was in love with Pace Morgan.  The realization was extremely scary…and not exactly a welcome one.  Sure, she'd been attracted to him from day one but what the hell had made her mind refuse to forget him?  She'd bumped into plenty of nice looking guys on the streets of New York.  It was not an uncommon occurrence.  But Pace had been different from the beginning.  At the start, he'd reminded her of Pacey and Joey had wanted to believe that was why she was attracted to him but had known better.  Now Joey thought she knew why she'd been attracted to Pace.  Pacey had told her that she should not turn her back on Pace and that there was someone out there that she could love at least half as much as him and now she knew for sure that he was right.  Pacey had known all along even though she had desperately tried to deny it.  But, after all these months, the truth could no longer be denied.

***************

One action makes reaction
Links of a chain
One turn deserves another
Like giving chances
Where nothing remained
One turn deserves another

Day seven and nothing worth a flip Joey thought, yawning and blinked her eyes, trying to take away some of the strain.  She'd been sitting her all day going through a multitude of microfiche archives.  The only time that she'd gotten up was to go to the bathroom and to grab a cup of coffee.  After six days of sitting here her hopes were starting to diminish.  The assistant had been extra nice once he'd found out who she was and for an hour he kept hovering around until she'd finally had to tell him to take a hike.  But, she'd been polite, and had promised herself a large bowl of chocolate ice cream as a reward once she was finished.  Joey was determined to find out what had happened to Pace and she was not stopping until she did.

Scrolling through another sheet and finding nothing Joey immediately pulled the old one out and replaced it with another.  Pace had said that his family had tried for over a year to locate his relatives but had found nothing.  Joey had decided that maybe they just didn't look hard enough.  And, as everyone knew, when Joey put her mind to something she didn't stop until she accomplished her goal.  Checking her watch she saw that it was already four o'clock.  Jen is going to kill me.  I was supposed to meet her at the airport to greet Jack.  He was coming for her exhibit tomorrow night.  Dawson was off on a movie set in South America, Andie had responsibilities at the university and, tried though she had, could not get away to make it down.  Joey sighed.  Oh well.  They won't kill me until after my show.

Minutes to midnight
Clock strikes again
Old time is like a treasure
And like a treasure
Gets washed up again
One turn deserves another

Joey had exhausted the domestic pile.  Leaning back in her chair, she tried to think of another alternative. She had already found the article on Pace in the Florida town paper where he'd been found but nothing else.  Finally she'd decided that maybe the Morgan's had skipped over the foreign papers thinking that it wasn't possible for Pace to have been from another country.  Joey got to her feet and went in search of the assistant to request everything they had for the year 2000 from foreign newspapers.

***************

Joey had a funny feeling in the pit of her stomach.  It was as if something was telling her that she was close.  Changing her sheet, she stretched her arms over her head, yawning.  She had to get out of here soon before Jen and Jack called the authorities looking for her.  Joey glanced back at the screen and stopped mid-stretch as a headline caught her eye.  Joey immediately pushed her chair back in front of the screen and began to read aloud softly.

"London, England: August 15, 2000.  Authorities today have called off the search for eighteen year old Michael Eton.  The youth was last seen off the coast of Florida on July 15, 2000.  Eton, an American spending time with relatives with his parents in London, was taking his sailboat for a cruise along the Georgia/Florida coastline.  Bad weather conditions arose and contact was lost.  Pieces of wreckage were later found scattered along the eastern seaboard of the United States along the Georgia/Florida coast.  The Eton's had no comments at the time of this article."

Joey stared at the screen, unsure of what to do.  It had to be him.  "YES!"  She began to laugh, her shoulders shaking as she leaned back in the chair, exhausted but happy.  'YES!  THANK YOU GOD!"

The assistant came into the room, looking relieved.  "Did you find what you were looking for?"

Joey smiled at him.  "I sure did."

***************

Thirty minutes later Joey was walking briskly to her apartment.  She had to call Jen and Jack and let them know that she was okay.  Pace was out of town for the day.  He would be mad at her for meddling, she was sure of that, but he'd forgive her.  Tomorrow night, after her show, Joey would show Pace the article copied onto a single piece of paper that was tucked in her jacket pocket.

***************

Oh, my life is changing every day
In every possible way
And oh my dreams
It's never quite as it seems
Never quite as it seems

Joey's opening was in two hours and he was going to be her date.  Pace was more excited than he wanted to admit.  Standing in front of the mirror, he inspected his attire.  Pace had his black pants, dress shoes and white T-shirt...but something was missing.  You gotta have a dress shirt Pace.  He went over to his closet and opened it, rummaging for his favorite shirt only to find that it was gone.  You gave it to Joey remember?  Pace smirked and pulled out a dark red one instead.  How could I forget the sight of Joey in my shirt?   Buttoning up his shirt, he grabbed his jacket off his bed and walked out of the apartment.

***************

I know I've felt like this before
But now I'm feeling it even more
Because it came from you
And then I open up and see
The person falling here is me
A different way to be

Joey stood in front of her mirror in her underwear staring at the long, slinky blue and black dress that Jen had insisted she buy for the show.  It was strapless, black and had a see through dark blue covering designed in a swirl pattern that Joey found interesting.  Her shoes were barely there black heels with one strap over her toes and one around her ankle.  God I've always hated heels.  Joey took the curlers out of her hair and let the curls fall down around her face.  She had absolutely no idea what she was going to do with her mop of hair.  She'd probably just end up piling it on top of her head and let the loose strands fall where they may.  Her gaze traveled over to her cloak where the piece of paper containing the key to Pace's past was tucked inside a pocket and smiled.  Tonight was the night.  Checking her watch, Joey cursed and reached for her dress.

***************

And now I tell you openly
You have my heart so don't hurt me
You're what I couldn't find
A totally amazing mind
So understanding and so kind
You're everything to me

Oh my life is changing every day
Every possible way
And oh my dreams
It's never quite as it seems
Cause you're a dream to me, dream to me

Pace knocked on Joey's door, fidgeting slightly.  The door swung open and his mouth fell open.  "Wow."

Joey blushed slightly.  "It's nothing."

"Jo…that dress is-is incredible."

"Just the dress," she asked, looking at him with a twinkle in her eyes.

Pace shook his head.  "No, the woman who's wearing it."

Their gazes locked and Joey had to remind herself that they had to get over to the gallery.  "Let me get my coat," she finally said, breaking their stare.

Pace helped her into her long cloak and held out his hand.  "Ready Miss Potter?"

Joey smiled and accepted it.  "Ready Mr. Morgan."

***************

Lights flashed, waiters were everywhere and people were packed inside the gallery.  Joey was overwhelmed at the response she had gotten from the publicity for her show.  All around her, people were smiling, commenting on her work and generally having a great time.  Pace had not left her side all night.

"JOEY!"

Joey turned towards the voice and a huge grin spread over her face.  "JACK," she exclaimed, walking as quick as her damn heels would allow her and flinging her arms around him.  "It's so good to see you!"

Jack laughed as he hugged her tightly.  "It's great to see you.  It's been a while."

"Yeah it has."

They pulled back and smiled at each other.

"Where's Jen and Henry," she asked, looking over his shoulder.

Jack smirked.  "Well…Jen's having to take it a little slow."

"I heard that Jack McPhee," Jen snapped, waddling over to them, supported by Henry.

Joey burst into laughter.  "Aww…poor Jen."

"Just you wait Potter," Jen said, breathing deeply.  "You're time is coming."

Joey smiled.  "Sure."  She turned to look at Pace and motioned for him to come over.

Jack, Jen and Henry all stared at Pace as he walked up to them and stood next to Joey.

"Guys, I'd like you all to meet Daniel 'Pace' Morgan," Joey sat, putting her hand on Pace's arm.

Jen grinned like the pregnant ball of hormones that she was and then burst into happy tears. Henry stared for a moment then offered his hand.  "Henry Parker.  Don't mind my wife.  She's a little over-hormonal at the moment."

"No thanks to you," Jen sniffled.

Pace chuckled as he shook Henry's hand.  "Pleasure to meet you," he said, before taking Jen's free hand and planting a quick kiss on it.  "Joey talks about you all the time."

Jen grinned like a complete dork.  "I bet."

Jack, who had yet to speak, stared at Pace.

Joey noticed and instantly realized that he was seeing Pace as she had first seen him.  "Jack," she said softly.  "Are you okay?"

Jack blinked.  "Yeah Jo.  I'm fine."  He let out a deep breath and offered his hand.  "Nice to meet you Pace."

Pace took his hand and returned the greeting.  His brain was prickling again for some reason.  Looking at Joey's friends he noticed that they all were looking at him curiously.  He remembered what Joey had told him about their close friend that had died and realized why they were staring. They couldn't help it.

"Pace!  Joey!"

Everyone turned to see Skip and Bianca making their way over.  The group exchanged introductions and spent a few minutes talking about nothing until Joey was summoned by her publicist to talk with some "very important people".

Henry and Bianca decided to help Jen find a place to sit down, leaving Pace, Jack and Skip to talk.

"So, you're a songwriter," Jack asked, making conversation.

Pace nodded.  "Yes.  Joey tells me you're a photographer."

Jack smiled proudly.  "That's right.  I love my job."

"I'm curious, did you take the picture that Joey used in her piece of the bag on the sidewalk?"

Jack's eyes twinkled.  "I sure did.  Joey begged me for that pic for a month before I'd give it to her."

"Wow, you're really good."

"Thank you.  I must say, I like your songs."

Pace smiled.  "Thank you."

Skip smirked.  "How's Howard?"

Jack smiled a gooey smile and Pace chuckled.  He had absolutely no problem with someone being gay.

"He's doing good.  He couldn't make it down due to some scheduling conflicts."

Skip nodded and noticed that Bianca was motioning for him to come over to the table.  "Excuse me."

Jack waited until Skip was out of earshot.  "Tell me Pace, what are your intentions as far as Joey is concerned?"

Pace blinked, a little surprised.  "What do you mean?"

"I mean are you really interested in her or is she just someone for you to have fun with?"

Guy doesn't beat around the bush.  "Jack, I swear to you that my intentions towards Joey are honorable."

Jack looked into his eyes and knew that Pace was telling the truth.  He nodded, satisfied.  "Good.  Glad we cleared that up."

"Yeah."

Jack was a silent for a moment then looked Pace dead in the eyes.  "You hurt her and I'll kill you."

***************

Joey was taking Pace and the others on a tour of the exhibit.  She had twelve pieces up for sale; five sketches, four paintings and three sculptures.  Pace walked along staring at the beautiful pieces.  Joey had a gift like no one he had ever seen.

Joey stopped in front of two sketches.  "These were done at a local soup kitchen.  The little girl's name is Kayla and the elderly woman is her grandmother Hilda…."  They walked along until they came to the last two pieces.  Joey paused and glanced sideways at Pace before speaking.  "This one I painted over the last few weeks and the other one most of you have already seen."  There was silence as everyone inspected the pieces.  The first one was the painting of the intertwined faces.  It was done in gray, blue, cream and green that symbolized clouds, the ocean, grass and profiles.  The colors mixed together giving the piece an ethereal quality. If you didn't know what you were looking for, there was no way that you would be able to tell who the faces belonged to.  Put Pace caught it and he gave Joey a look that almost made her legs give way.

"Wow Jo," Jack said in awe.  "It's gorgeous."

"Yeah," Jen agreed, giving Joey a knowing look.  "It's beautiful."

While the others commented on the piece Pace turned his attention to the last one.  What the hell?  It was the piece of the man on the beach and underneath it was a little plaque that read "SOLD".  He turned his gaze to Joey and she just smiled at him.

***************

Time is never time at all
You can never ever leave without leaving a piece of youth
And our lives are forever changed
We will never be the same
The more you change the less you feel
Believe, believe in me, believe
That life can change, that you're not stuck in vain
We're not the same we're different tonight
Tonight so bright
Tonight

The show was over.  Joey was ecstatic.  Every piece had been sold.  Pace had not stopped until he'd bought the piece of their faces and the others had quickly realized to let him have it.  The other paintings and sculptures had sold quickly as well.  Joey sighed in contentment as the last of the people left the gallery.

Pace walked over to her and placed a hand on her shoulder.  "Some night, huh?"

"Yeah," Joey said, smiling as she reached down and took his hand in hers.  "Come on.  I want to show you something."

"Okay," Pace said, allowing her to lead him across the gallery until they stood in front of the piece of the man on the beach.  "I was wondering who you sold it to.  You wouldn't sell it to me."

Joey smiled.  "I sold it to myself."

"Huh?"

"I realized something a few weeks ago," she began, giving him that adorable lop-sided grin of hers.  "When you told me about not remembering your past I got to thinking about the first time we really talked.  Do you remember the exhibit that night?"

"How could I forget," he asked softly, giving her an intense look.

Joey gulped.  "Anyway, I remembered that you were really taken by this piece.  It's been one of my personal favorites for years.  There's a story behind it but I can't go into it now."  Joey paused.  "Despite all my babbling, what I'm trying to say is that the piece was done as a healing project for me and I thought that maybe it could help you."  She met his gaze.  "I want you to have it."

Pace gazed into her warm brown eyes and felt something overwhelm him.  She was looking at him with the most sincere expression on his face.  "Thank you Joey," he said huskily, his eyes boring into hers.

"You're welcome."

Pace reached out and touched her face.  "You ready to get out of here?"

Joey nodded.  "Yeah."  The time to give Pace the article was closing in and she was incredibly nervous.

***************

"Where to," the driver asked as Pace and Joey climbed inside the car.

Pace gave the driver his address and turned his attention to Joey.  She had her head leaned against the back of the seat with her eyes closed.  Pace let his breath out in a long sigh.  He was rapidly reaching the end of his rope and was positive that before the night was over he was going to know what she tasted like.

Joey opened one eye and focused it on him.  "What?"

"You look tired," Pace lied.

"I am.  Putting a show together is no easy task."

"I bet.  But look at how well you did."

Joey smiled.  "Yeah.  I'll never have to worry about job security will I?"

Pace chuckled.  "No, I don't think you'll ever have to worry about that.  You sold all of your pieces."

Joey nodded.  "Yeah.  I did."  She sat up and looked at Pace.  "I was thinking about the money that I'll get for the Hilda and Kayla pieces."  She paused before diving in.  "I want to use it to help them."

Pace smiled.  "I had a feeling that you were going to say that."

"Did you?  Why am I not surprised?"

"I have no idea," he teased.

"So, how do you like some of my best friends," she asked curiously.

Pace decided to omit the little chat that Jack and he had.  "I like them all.  They seem to care about you very much."

"And vice versa."  Joey looked at him for a moment then laughed.  "He gave you the lowdown didn't he?"

"Who?"

"Jack."

Pace chuckled.  "Is it that obvious?"

"No, I just know Jack."

The car pulled up in front of Pace's apartment building.  "Want to come in for a few minutes," Pace asked hopefully.

"Okay."  Time to drop the bomb on you.

As they rode up to Pace's floor, he glanced over at her.  Joey had kicked off her heels as soon as they had got in the car and now held them in one hand.  She was leaning against the wall, her head against the metal, eyes closed, neck arched, the slit in her dress revealing some of her long legs and having no idea what the sight of her was doing to the man standing next to her.  Pace's mind wandered and he could see himself setting down his painting, grabbing her around the waist, sliding her over to him and pinning her against the wall of the elevator….

The bell dinged and Pace snapped out of his fantasy.  They filed out of the elevator and walked down the hall to his apartment.  Unlocking the door they went inside.  C.C. stuck his head out of the bedroom door to see who it was then went back to sleep.  Pace placed his keys on the kitchen counter and took off his jacket.  Joey began untying her cloak, so nervous that she managed to tie a knot in the strings.  Pace walked over to her.  "Let me," he said, taking the strings from her and quickly undoing the knot.

"Thanks," she choked out.

"Sure."  He looked at her closely.  "Joey?  Are you okay?"

Joey nodded.  "Yeah.  I just-I have something to tell you."

"Okay," Pace said, giving her his full attention.  "What is it?"

Joey swallowed the lump that rose in her throat.  Do it now Joey.  "There is one other thing."  Joey looked inside her cloak and took out the piece of paper with the article.  "I think I found something," she said softly, holding out the piece of paper to him.

Pace took it, looked at her anxious expression then unfolded the paper and read it quickly.  His face drained of color and he clenched the paper in his fist.  He didn't say a word for so long that Joey started to wonder if he would ever speak to her again.

After five minutes of absolute silence, Joey picked up her cloak off the couch and started towards the door.  Her hand was on the doorknob when she felt his hand on her shoulder.  Turning around, she met Pace's eyes.

"Joey, I told you not to do this," he said in a low voice.

"I know.  But I wanted to help."

"I asked you to drop it."

"I know that.  But I couldn't."

Pace closed his eyes for a moment.  "Do you realize what you've done?"

Joey just looked at him with hopeful eyes.

"You've given me something that I never thought I'd have the chance to find."

I struggle with myself again
Quickly the walls come crumbling
Don't know if I can turn away

Joey still said nothing, just waited for him to finish.  To her immense surprise, she saw that a single tear was sliding down his cheek.  "Oh Pace."

Pace said nothing, just gazed at the woman in front of him.  She was more than he could have ever hoped for or dreamed of.  She had her faults just like everyone else…but she had gone out of her way to help him.  The impossible had been accomplished.  It didn't mean that what she had found would lead him to his past but it was a start and that was more than anyone else had ever been able to do.  But Joey had done more than just help him locate a possible link to his lost memories.  She had given him hope for himself by uncovering a piece of him that had been buried for years and Pace was in absolute awe of her.  "Joey-I-you are the most amazing woman I have every known."

Joey's eyes widened.  "No I'm not."

Pace lifted a finger to her lips.  "Shh.  Let me talk."

Joey stared at him with wide brown eyes but didn't say anything else.

"You have given me so much these past months.  Things that I never thought possible for me.  I don't know how to thank you."

"You don't have to thank me Pace," Joey blurted.  "I didn't do anything."

"Yes you did Jo.  You've made me want to live my life again…to open myself up to people…to open myself up to you."

"Ditto."

"Would you be quiet," he asked, half joking, his eyes trailing over her face, down her body and back up again.  Oh yeah, I'm going to lose it tonight.

What would happen if we kissed
Would your tongue slip past my lips
Would you run away
Would you stay
Or would I melt into you
Mouth to mouth

Joey gazed up at him, her entire being screaming that she should wrap her arms around him and never let him go.  "I like to talk.  When things get quiet I get nervous."

Pace chuckled.  "I can tell."  His gaze rested on her lips.  God, I'm going to do it.  I'm not going to be able to stop myself.

"So what are you going to do?"

Pace turned his gaze back up to her eyes.  "About what?"

"About the article?"

"I'll look into it first thing tomorrow morning," he said honestly.  "But, right now, I don't want to talk about it."

Joey bit her lip and Pace felt his heart flop.  "But don't you think that-"

"Jo, I said that I dodn't want to talk about it right now."

"I know but-"

"I don't want to talk about it!"

"But don't you think that we should sit down and-"

"Joey, I don't want to talk about this anymore!"

"What?  Why not?  Why don't you-"

"Jo…I don't want to talk anymore!"

Before Joey could say another word Pace reached out and cupped her face in his hands, pulling her against him and bringing his lips against hers in a warm, passionate kiss.

You know I'm not dead
You know I'm, you know I'm not dead
You know I'm not dead
You know I'm not dead

Joey's heart skipped a beat.

"It's a new year Joey.  You never know.  We could even end up friends."

"Permission granted."

"Uh, nothing really.  It's just, um, Dawson seems to think that we're doing it."

"I knew you weren't gonna understand."

"Wanna know something Miss Josephine Potter?  I think the world may just surprise you yet.  I mean, you fall in love, it doesn't work out and you think that it'll never happen again.  But it does.  Believe me, it does.  In the strangest of places."

Joey could barely breathe.  Pace's hands were on her face in a way that only one other person had ever done.  The way he kissed her and held her against him made Joey's flesh tingle and her heart beat wildly in her chest.

"You didn't do anything.  The drunken lout in the corner just pleads sheer frustration."

"It's just something that I've been meaning to tell you."

"Thought what?"

"You're welcome."

"It's about time Potter.  It's about time."

Pace had his hands in her hair, crushing her against him, tingling all over.  Having her in his arms felt right.  Why?  He had no idea.  All he knew was that he never wanted the moment to end.

Joey, on the other hand, was experiencing an onslaught of emotions and memories that she thought had finally given her peace.  It can't be!  It just can't be Joey her brain screamed as she wrapped her arms around Pace's neck, praying for her heart to be right even though she knew it was impossible.

"I don't want to talk anymore!"

"Ten."

"I can't keep on kissing you Joey."

"Ya did too!"

"It's over isn't it?"

"I'll renew the lease first thing in the morning."

"How come this feels so right?"

"I remember everything."

"It's unfinished…just like us."

"Okay Joey.  Meet me in Savannah in two days…."

Pace finally pulled back, tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear and met Joey's eyes.  To his immense horror, she was crying.  "Joey?"

It was true.  Only one person kissed her like that.  "Oh my god," she whispered.  It's him!  It's him!  It's him!  How can you doubt it after that kiss?

Pace's eyes darkened with confusion. "What?"

Joey was staring at him in complete disbelief, tears streaming down her face.  "Oh my god!  This is not happening!   You-You're dead!  Doug saw your body!"

Pace watched her, totally confused.  Her hands were shaking, her eyes were wide and tears were rolling down her cheeks.  "Joey…what the hell is going on?"  The only response he received was more sobs.  God Pace his brain sneered.  You sure know how to make the most of a situation.    Pace refused to listen and cautiously placed a hand on her shoulder.

Joey gazed up at him with sparkling eyes.  Reaching out she touched his cheek, her fingers gliding over the planes of his face.  It can't be her brain screamed.  He's dead.  Joey met Pace's eyes and felt the tears spring forth again.  His brow was furrowed in complete confusion and his eyes were stormy with barely restrained emotions.  You have to be sure.  Before she could think about what she was doing, she flung her arms around Pace and kissed him.  Pace was taken by surprise but immediately wrapped her in his arms, holding her tightly.  God this feels good.  It feels right.  But why the hell is she crying?  What the hell is the matter with her?  What did I do to her?  Pace had no warning when Joey's knees buckled and she would have plunged to the floor if he hadn't been supporting her.

"Jo," he asked softly, concern evident in his voice.  "Jo, what's wrong?  What did I do?"

She was too awestruck to speak.

"Jo, please," Pace pleaded, his voice breaking slightly.  "Just tell me what I've done to hurt you and I will walk through the pits of hell to fix it.  I can't stand to see you cry."

Now you know where I've been
As you sleep, shine I am
Waiting down patiently
Born of love

"You never could," Joey whispered.

Pace was more confused now than before.  "Joey, I have no idea what the hell you're talking about."

Joey searched his face, gazed deeply into his eyes.  It was him.  "Oh my god…Pacey?"

Pace's features went rigid.  "What?"

"Pacey," she repeated, tears streaming down her face once more.

Pace recoiled from her as if she'd struck him.  "My name is Pace, Joey.  Not Pacey.  Pace."

"No, your name is Pacey," Joey said, absolutely positive that it was him.

"Pacey is dead Joey," Pace ground out.  "He died almost eleven years ago remember?  You told me so!"

"I was wrong!"

Pace looked at her.  "You've gone insane," he muttered, turning away from her.  "I finally get the nerve to kiss you and you go insane on me!"  Running his hands through his hair, Pace felt tears of his own threaten to pour down his cheeks.  He'd finally revealed himself to a woman, let himself care for her and she thought he was a dead man.

Down below the creatures scream
Strangehold of God's machines
Begging to tear us out
Torn is hope

Joey swallowed the retort that was on the tip of her tongue.  "Pace, look at me."

Pace was silent and stood where he was, his back to her.

Joey sighed.  "Pace, I swear that I would not have called you 'Pacey' unless I knew it was true.  No one has ever kissed me like he did…like you did just now."

Pace still did not respond.

"Pace, you have no idea how much I wanted you to be him," she admitted.

Pace jerked around and his eyes narrowed.  "What?"

Joey met his furious gaze.  "I wanted you to be him so badly," she choked out, trying to voice all emotions that she was feeling so that he would understand.

Pace's eyes darkened.  "Why," he demanded.

"Because you reminded me of him.  I loved him…just like I-"

Pace slammed his fist against the wall.  "Don't say it," he yelled.  "Don't even think of saying those words to me!"

Joey's face fell.  "Pace, why not?  They're true?"

"BULLSHIT!"

Joey bit her lip so hard that she tasted blood.  "Pace, when I first met you I felt like I knew you, like we had met before.  Didn't you feel something?"

Pace had but refused to admit it.

Might as well get it all out Joey.  This is your chance.  "I felt something;" she continued.  "Something that had been buried for a long time.  You stirred it up inside of me again.  And I was so afraid to care about you."  Joey shook her head sadly.  "I was terrified of loosing the memory of the man that I thought I would love all my life."

Pace was having a difficult time listening to her teary voice.  But he could not give in.  He couldn't.

"But you broke down my walls, one by one, you did it.  And eventually I thought that Pacey had chosen you for me."

Pace scoffed.

"I realize that it sounds crazy.  But, I'd have these dreams where I would see him and he would tell me that I should move on with my life."  Joey took a step towards him.  "But I never listened to him…until I met you."

Pace's head snapped up and his eyes flew to hers.

Joey took this as a positive response and continued.  "It's why I never married Philip.  I couldn't marry him because he didn't make me feel alive.  The only person that ever did that for me was Pacey…until you.    Then out went my belief that it would never happen again."

Pace was watching her now with a look that Joey could not decipher.

"You were the first man in over ten years to make me feel alive Pace.  Then I knew that there would be no staying away from you…no matter how much I might want to."

Pace stared at her, understanding exactly what she was saying because he had felt the same way.

"I started thinking about you," Joey continued, taking another cautious step towards him.  "A lot.  Then I saw you at the exhibit that night and something inside of me began to…glow.  You noticed things that no one else noticed.  You said things that no one else said.  You did things that no one else has done.  When you yelled at me to get in the cab that night, didn't you feel something?"

Pace's eyes registered surprise and Joey caught it.

"You did, didn't you," she asked hopefully.

"So what if I did," Pace snapped.  "It doesn't mean anything!"

"Doesn’t' mean anything," Joey retorted, her eyes widening.  "You said those exact words to me eleven years ago after you kissed me by the side of the road and I got pissed and walked off.  You looked after me and yelled 'would you get in the car Potter'.  I turned around and yelled back that I wouldn't and you got in the car and followed me as I walked along the side of the road.  I wouldn't get in.  You kept begging me to get in and finally I did but refused to talk to you."

Pace stared at her, feeling his brain tingling just as it had the night that he had uttered those words.  It can't be his mind yelled.  Don't listen to her Pace.  She's just trying to cover her ass!  "And why should I believe you," he asked sternly, even though he so desperately wanted to.

Joey wrung her hands.  "Because it happened.  I know it did.  That memory haunts me every day of my life.  That I pushed you away that day when I could have, should have, pulled you back and never let you go."

Pace was deeply moved by her revelation but still refused to believe that he was the person she was speaking of.  "It's not me Jo," he whispered.  "This guy, Pacey, he's not me."

Joey nodded.  "I know that.  He was you."

Pace gazed into her brown eyes that were pleading with him to believe her.  You can't believe her Pace.  She's lying!  Wrenching his gaze from hers, he turned to the window and stared out at the city full of lights.

You know I'm, you know I'm not dead
I'm just the tears inside your head
Forever waiting on the ways of your desire
You always find a way

Joey sighed and ran her hands through her now disheveled hair, searching for something to convince him.  "That night that we went to the club and you asked me to dance, remember the song that played?  Didn't you get a strange feeling in the pit of your stomach?  Didn't you feel like us dancing together was right?"

Pace refused to meet her eyes but felt his shoulders stiffen at the memory of their dance at the club.

"That same song played at our junior prom.  We'd been seeing each other behind everyone's back and they found out.  We'd split up and it was killing the both of us.  You had gone to the dance with Andie and I with Dawson.  Jack and I had a conversation and he told me that the only way I could get things back to the way they were was to make the first move.  So, I went back inside and asked you to dance with me."  Joey was crying again but ignored it.  "You looked at me with your beautiful blue eyes and accepted my hand.  We walked out onto the dance floor and you put your hand on my waist and you looked at me and almost whispered something to me.  Do you know what it was?"

Pace was silent.

"You said, 'how come this feels so right'."

Pace jerked in surprise before he could stop himself.

Joey let out a whoop of joy.  "You remembered that, didn't you?  When we were dancing…you remembered it just as I did!  Only you didn't know where it had come from.  That's why your heart was racing so.  I could feel it beating wildly against my ear.  Tell me I'm right Pace!"

Pace let out a shaky breath.  "You're right."

Joey clapped her hands.  "See?  I told you."

"But it doesn’t mean that my remembering those words has anything to do with you."

Joey's face fell.  "Oh Pace.  Why won't you believe me?"

"Because it's not possible."

"Why not?"

"Because you buried him!  He's dead!"

"We buried a body Pace.  Actually, we scattered what we thought were your ashes.  But maybe Doug was wrong.  The body had been in the water for days.  He was grief-stricken.  It's completely feasible that he mistook the body for yours."

"Then who the hell did you cremate," Pace asked, exasperated.

Joey looked thoughtful for a moment, then her eyes widened.  "That article I found!  Oh my god!  I bet that they found Michael's body instead.  The picture of him resembled you slightly…remember?"

Pace threw up his hands.  "You have officially lost it Potter."

Joey snapped her fingers.  "Right there!  You just unconsciously did it!  You called me 'Potter'."

"I told you that I call a lot of people by their last names," Pace protested.

"But only people you know.  Pacey called me 'Potter' and you did it before you even knew me."

Pace's face paled slightly but he didn't reply.

"Do you need more proof," she asked, giving him a lopsided grin.

Pace stared at her.

"You have brown hair," she told him confidently.

Pace's eyes widened.

"And a small, heat-shaped scar on your knee that I gave to you when I pushed you while riding our bikes down the street.  You wrecked your bike and it put a hole in your knee.  The little scar is a reminder of it."

Pace was now looking at her like he was the one that had gone crazy and was hearing things.  "There's no way you could possibly know that my hair is brown or that I have a heart-shaped scar on my knee.  I never told you."  He reached out and grabbed her arm.  "How did you know?  Tell me!  How did you know?"

"Because I know you," she responded, yanking her arm away.  "I knew you when we were kids until you were seventeen years old.  I met you again ten years later and I got to know you all over again.  And, deep down, you're still the same Pacey Witter that I fell in love with the first time around.  You're just a lot more scared than you used to be."

And through it all, into us all you move
Forgotten touch, forbidden thought
We can never, ever know

Pace was not sure how to deal with what she had just told him.  "Joey, I'm not the person for you."

"YES YOU ARE!  You just don't BELIEVE that you are!"

Pace shook his head.  "I'm not Joey.  I'm not who you want me to be."

"You might not remember the events…but you remember the words.

Pace slowly brought his eyes to hers and found that she was crying again.  "Jo…"

"Don't you see," she implored, wringing her hands, "how much you meant to me?  How much you mean to me?"

Pace gazed into her brown eyes, wanting to believe her.  "I wish I could believe you Joey."

"You can!"

"I CAN'T!"

"Pace," Joey said, "why don't you come home with me and find out for yourself?"

He stared at her as if she had lost her mind.  "You're crazy."

"Fine, call me crazy!  But maybe it will help you regain your memories."

Pace shook his head.  "No way Joey."

"WHY WON'T YOU GIVE THIS A CHANCE," she demanded, grasping his arm.

"BECAUSE I DON'T WANT TO HAVE MY HOPES CRUSHED AGAIN," Pace yelled back.

Joey pulled back, startled.  "Do you realize what you just said?"

Pace looked away.

Joey stamped her foot.  "God damn you Pace Morgan!  Why won't you let yourself have a chance to remember?  Why can't you realize that I'm telling the truth?  Why won't you believe me?

Pace's angry gaze flew to hers and Joey recoiled from the icy blue stare.  "You don't love me Joey.  You love someone you think I am…someone I might have been at one time.  You don’t love me for who I am now."

"YOU'RE WRONG," Joey cried, tears flowing down her cheeks once more.  "I do!  I have since the night we danced together!  Please don't shut me out!  I beg you!  Please give this a chance."

"NO," Pace roared.

"Pace-"

"GET OUT!"

Joey paled.  "What?"

"LEAVE!"

"NO!"

"GET OUT!"

"Please, just come with me.  Maybe you could find something that will help you remember who you are!"

"Joey, get out before I throw you out," Pace said in a low, controlled voice.  "I want you to leave."

Joey numbly walked over to the couch and picked up her cloak.  Putting it on slowly, she headed towards the door.  "I wish you would change your mind Pace," she said softly, her voice filled with emotion as she walked towards the door, her back to him.  "I wish you would believe me.  But I think the part of you that knows I'm telling the truth doesn't want to believe me because I caused you so much pain."  Joey paused and choked back the sob that rose in her throat.  "I hope that you'll change your mind."

"I won't," came the low reply.

Joey closed her eyes against the new surge of tears.  "Fine.  You know where I am if you change your mind."  Joey opened the door and slipped out of the apartment.

You know I'm not dead

Pace waited until the door shut behind her then dropped to his knees on the carpet, cradling his head in his hands.  Despair overcame him and he had no idea what to do next.  All he could do was kneel there as the anguish washed over him.

***************

Eve is gone again
Back to her palace, back to her island
Eve can smile again
And run 'round the hedges in the Garden of Eden

Joey closed the door to her apartment, locked it and ran to her bedroom.  Yanking off her cloak and dress she grabbed a pair of old jeans and a red T-shirt.  Padding barefoot to her kitchen she grabbed her phone off its base and punched in a number.  She knew that they were still out and left a message.

"Henry…Jen…it's Joey.  I have to go home early.  Take care and Jen don't drop the baby until after the reunion, okay?  I'll see you when you get to Capeside."

Joey turned off the phone and tossed it onto the bed.  Then she got her suitcase off the shelf of her closet and unzipped it.  Yanking clothes off hangers she began stuffing them into the suitcase, not even really caring what she grabbed.  All she knew was that she had to get the hell out of here before she completely lost it.  Going over to her nightstand, she opened the top drawer to pull out her journal and stopped mid-reach.  Joey raced back over to her closet and pulled out the box filled with Pacey's things, tearing the lid off and pulling out the boat plaque and journal.  Tears began streaming down her face and Joey flung the box across the room, it's contents scattering across the floor.  Bringing the plaque and journal against her chest, Joey sank to the wooden floor, her sobs filling the dark apartment.

***************

I've never felt alone
Till I met you
I'm all right on my own
And then I met you
And I'd know what to do
If I just knew what's coming

Pace lifted his head from the floor and slowly got to his feet, walking over to the window.  The view was breathtaking from the thirtieth story.  He stood gazing at the city, ablaze with light, stretched out before him.  On a normal night he would sit in his chair in front of the window and write songs while enjoying the view.  But tonight was different.  Tonight he had to make a life-altering decision.

"What am I going to do," he muttered, running a shaking hand through his hair.

For ten years Pace had been living a life that was made up.  Living in a world where nothing that he wanted ever happened.  Living an existence that he'd thought would be his forever.  Then the unexpected had happened.  Something that he had given up on long ago; something that had scared him.  He'd met the most vibrant, beautiful, adorable woman and she had thrown his life into total upheaval.  But this was not what had scared him the most.  She knew his secret.  And that scared the hell out of him.

Pace sighed and placed his hand against the cool glass, trying to decide what he should do.  This woman was everything that he'd ever wanted…hoped for…dreamed of.  In fact, since he'd met her a few short months ago, his strange dreams of a veiled woman had almost completely stopped.  But, did she really love him or did she love the man that she thought he was?  The question scared him and thinking about what her answer could be scared him even more.

For ten years he had lived his life as someone else, remembering only the things that had happened during their tenure.  But tonight she had handed him a very delicate crystal ball full of possibility and memories.  And he had thrown it against his wall of fear, anger and emptiness…shattering it to pieces.  He closed his eyes and tried to stop the tears that wanted to come...tears that he didn't know how to cry anymore.

Joey's face flashed in front of his eyes and he gulped.  The truth was that he wanted nothing more than to run after her and tell her that he couldn't live without her.  He wanted to bury himself deep inside of her where he could never resurface.  He wanted to tell her that it didn't matter who she thought he was…what mattered was who he was now.  He wanted to do so many things…but he couldn't.

He began pacing the room, deep in thought.  It was that or go crazy.  "Does she really know who I was," he asked aloud.  "Does she really know anything about my past?  Or is this just her way to hang on to me?"

He stopped pacing and stared out the window again.  Did she really have the answers that he had wanted so long ago…that he had searched for but never found?  Would he like what she told him?  Would he even believe her?  Why would she lie?  Why hadn't he met her sooner?  Why hadn't she recognized him from the start?  What the hell was going on?

His past was locked away inside his head…and he couldn't find the key to open it.  Pace had learned not to care about what he couldn't remember.  But, what she had told him tonight, the way she'd looked at him after he'd kissed her…her eyes told of loneliness, heartache, lost love and tragedy.  If he really was who she said he was, what had she been to him?  How had he really felt about her?  Had she been his lover…his friend…his girlfriend…his soul mate…?  Despite what Joey had told him, Pace couldn't bring himself to believe what she had said.  Thinking back now, to the first day they'd met, he had to admit that something had drawn him to her, something that he couldn't put his finger on.  Maybe this was it.  But what was it?  Love, devotion, friendship…everything?

He sighed and looked over at a sculpture sitting on the mantel.  Why hadn't he been able to remember his past?  Was he afraid?  Was it that he couldn't?  Or did he not want to remember? Had he been staring at his past all along and not realized it?  Was she his link?

"Please, just come with me.  Maybe you could find something that will help you remember who you are!"

She'd begged him to come with her, to give it a chance, and he had pushed her away.  She'd scared the hell out of him…the feelings he'd felt when he'd kissed her, held her or even touched her.  The way she'd looked at him scared the hell out of him.  Everything about her and the situation that he found himself in scared the hell out of him.

The clock struck midnight and he snapped out of his reverie.  She would be leaving…and quite possibly he would never see her again.  Did he really want that to happen?  Did he really want to go through the rest of his life regretting the fact that he hadn't gone after her and tried to rediscover his memories…his life?  That he'd let the best thing that ever happened to him walk out of his life for good?

"DAMMIT," Pace exclaimed, looking at the keys that sat on the counter.  "Stop being such a chicken shit!"

His decision made, Pace ran over to the counter and grabbed his wallet and keys.  Jerking his leather jacket off its hook, he raced out the door, down the stairs and burst out the front doors into the open night.  He struck off down the street, running as fast as he could, ignoring the rain that pelted him, hoping that he would catch her before it was too late.

***************

Run the way you did before the nightmares
Run just like before the overkill
Run the way you did it's over darling

Joey checked her watch.  She'd been sitting here for three hours, hoping against hope that Pace would change his mind.  Rising to her feet, Joey stuffed the plaque and the journal into her bag and grabbed her own journal out of the desk drawer.  With some difficulty she managed to zip up her suitcase.  Slipping on a pair of sneakers, Joey grabbed her suitcase and strode to the front door.  Her supplies would be fine until she came back…later.  Joey stood by the door, her heart breaking all over again.  He's not coming girl.  You might as well get out of here before you loose it.  Taking one last look around, she opened the door and slipped out of the apartment.

***************

Through the water
Through the rain
To the soul of everything
Throw my heart out on the stones
And I'm almost gone

Pace ran through the streets of New York, praying that he would make it on time, at least to stop her from leaving.  He didn't want her to leave.  Pace knew that much for sure.  He still didn't know how to take everything else that she had told him but he did not want her to leave.  Too much was hanging in the balance.  Pace checked his watch and ran faster.  The few people on the streets stared at him like he was insane but Pace didn't give a damn.  All he cared about was reaching Joey before it was too late.

It doesn't matter Pace.  It's too late.  You pushed her away for the last time.  She's gone and you've lost your last chance.

Don't listen to that ass Pace.  Of course you still have a chance!  It's never too late to try!  Run boy.  Run like hell and catch her.  Tell her you'll go with her…or at least ask her to postpone leaving for a few days to give you time to think.  Go!

Finally Joey's building came into view as he barreled around a corner, sliding on the slick pavement.  He saw a woman getting into a cab and realized that it was Joey.  He began running faster.  "JOEY!  JOEY!  WAIT!"

Joey paused for a moment.  Was someone calling her?  No way Joey.  That's just your wishful thinking.  Get in the cab.

If Joey heard him she made no move to acknowledge him and got in the cab without so much as a glance back.  Pace sprinted down the slick street.  The driver pulled away from the curb just as Pace got there.  But he was too late.  The cab sped down the street leaving him standing on the sidewalk, breathing heavily.

"DAMMIT," Pace exclaimed, his hands on his knees, trying to catch his breath.  He watched the cab until its lights disappeared.  He'd missed the last chance he would ever have; thrown it away actually.  Tears he could no longer hide began to course down his cheeks and Pace sank to the cement, burying his face in his hands.  The rain continued to pour down, as if giving him company in his agony, until Pace couldn't tell his tears and the rain apart.

song | prologue | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | epilogue

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