Evil Willow's Favorite Fanfic

New York, New York!


Part 12

Written By: Cat
Rating: G
Summary: Dawson's Creek goes through some changes.

Disclaimer: I am not in any way affilated with the show.
I don't not own any of the characters from the show. I do
own rights to any characters I have made up. No copy rght
infirgment intended.

"Pacey! Dawson! Rise and shine!" Cloey sang out, knocking on their door. "Get up and at 'em or I'm going to have to get you up myself!" Not hearing anything, she slowly opened the door and stuck her head in. She was immediately hit square in the face with a down pillow. Seeing Pacey standing by his bed, laughing, she picked up the fallen weapon and advanced swinging as Dawson joined in. The struggle was no use. She was soon backed up against the door and fell to the floor laughing. Pacey and Dawson exchanged glances. "Are you thinking what I'm thinking?" Pacey asked mischievously, grinning. Dawson just nodded and threw Cloey over his shoulder as soon as she stood up. "Dawson! Put me down! Pacey, help!" she shrieked. She was thrown down on the bed and they started tickling her. She quickly gave in, unable to defend herself, and cried out, "Okay, okay! I give!" She sighed. "Pacey AND Dawson are the sexiest and smartest guys I know. Now let me go!" The two looked at each other and shrugged. "Do we have to?" Pacey pleaded. "We have no choice. After all, she IS the one with the car," Dawson rationalized, still not releasing her. "True," Pacey agreed, making no move. Cloey rolled her eyes. "Oh please, pretty please, Officer," she said to Pacey in a little-girl tone, lashes fluttering. "I'll be real good. I promise." Pacey sighed, spreading his hand wide. "When you ask like that, what can I say?" Later "That is THE biggest toy store I've ever seen," Pacey said, still in awe, as they stepped out of FAO Schwartz. "It's, like, the Mecca of toys or something." "You just need to get out more, Pace," Cloey told him, laughing. "Ha ha. Funny, Miss World Traveler." Feeling subdued, Dawson shook his head and smiled to himself. The teasing between Pacey and Cloey reminded him of his relationship with Joey. He'd never seen Pacey this way before, ever, and realized that Cloey and his friend had definite chemistry. *What if Pacey acts before I figure this whole mess out? Would Cloey reject me either way? What if I'm not in love with Joey any more?* That last question scared him most of all. He knew where he stood with Joey at least he thought he did. She was safe, a safe bet Then another question popped into his head. *What if Joey's not in love with me anymore?* Suddenly, a voice broke his reverie. "Earth to Dawson, come in, Dawson. That's Spielberg over there!" Pacey exclaimed. "Where?" Dawson's head snapped up as he scanned the busy sidewalk. "Oh, never mind. That guy just looked like him. Oh well," Pacey said, shrugging. Cloey stifled a burst of laughter. "You guys want a hot dog? You can't leave New York without having one," she said as she steered them toward a street vendor. As the trio ate in Central Park, Cloey reflected on the decision she had made last night. If Dawson wasn't interested in her, she had reasoned, she might as well think about hooking up with Pacey. There was a part of her that didn't want to let go of her infatuation with Dawson, but Pacey was definitely a cutie and incredibly sweet and funny. Life was good. However their little triangle worked out, she would end up with a great guy. *I'll just see what happens for now,* she thought. After their quick lunch the group headed to Rockefeller Center, where they were soon on ice. Cloey was graceful from long practice, and Pacey was skilled enough, but Dawson was pretty much a disaster waiting to happen. After he crashed into another skater, he gave up. "I think I'll sit this one out, you guys," he said before making his way over to a bench. Cloey smiled. "I hope he doesn't kill anyone along the way," she told Pacey. He chuckled. "Clo, you're one in a million." "I know," she said with an unrepentant grin. "Now come on." She took his hand as they glided along. The touch made Pacey's thoughts spin. *Don't get your hopes up, Witter,* he told himself sternly. Cloey looked up at her skating partner and smiled slightly. He seemed deep in thought. All of a sudden she had the strongest urge to pull him off to the side and kiss him. As the thought registered, however, alarm bells went off in her head. *What are you thinking?!* she asked herself. *Remember the "wait and see" strategy?* Confused, she skated faster, pulling away from Pacey. Pacey followed her, waiting to see what she was doing. After a few minutes, he came closer and set his hands on her waist. "Hey, Richardson," he whispered in her ear. "Why'd--" Cloey quickly whirled around. "Don't you EVER do that again, you hear?" she cried out. She quickly skated off, leaving a bewildered Pacey behind. All she could picture was Stephen grabbing her from behind like Pacey had. Breathing heavily, she shook herself. It wasn't Pacey's fault; he had no way of knowing why she would be afraid. Making her way over to a concerned Dawson, she sat down beside him. "What's the matter, Clo?" he said, handing her his hot chocolate. "Pacey make you mad?" She shook her head. "No when he came up behind me, though, I thought it was Stephen. It was terrifying. I don't want to have to keep remembering." Her voice shook. "It's not Pacey's fault, though. He had no idea." Dawson took her free hand in his. "Everything's gonna be fine. I'm here and Pacey's here, and more importantly, Stephen's not. And Pacey and I would never let him hurt you." As Pacey skated over to his friends, he frowned. He had done something to upset Cloey, but what? Whatever it was, it had drivenCloey straight into Dawson's arms--literally. "Hey you two. Clo, I didn't mean to make you mad. What did I say?" She looked at him, her normal affection back in her eyes. "It wasn't you, Pacey. It was just something you reminded me of but it's fine now." She paused. *This is going to be a looong weekend if Stephen keeps coming up,* she thought. "Just forget about it," she told the guys. "Let's head back to the hotel." A half hour and an irate cab driver later Bessie, Bodie, and Alexander had just gotten back from a swim in the hotel pool when the three teenagers returned. "Well, did you guys have fun today?" Bessie asked. "More than words can say," Cloey replied with a slightly strained smile. *Snap out of it, Clo,* she told herself sternly, then added, "We'll meet around six for dinner, okay? Dress is nice." When she, Dawson and Pacey were alone in their suite she feigned a yawn. "Okay, guys, I'm taking a cat nap. Dawson, feel free to talk about you-know-who if you feel so inclined." "Aye aye, captain," Dawson said with a slight salute. Cloey grinned, then, after telling Pacey to look out or she would steal his rank, vanished. Pacey turned to Dawson, who was totally serious now. "You-know-who?" he asked, confused. "It's a long story, man. You may want to sit down for this," Dawson told him. Taking a deep breath, he began to speak. About an hour later Pacey whistled, more shaken than he cared to admit by the story. "She really had it rough, didn't she?" "Yeah but don't pity her. She wants to be treated just the same." He nodded. A little before six o'clock… "C'mon, guys," Cloey said, knocking on their door. It was ten to six and she was ready to go. "Alright already," Pacey called out as he opened the door. "Keep your pants--" Cloey grinned as he came into view. "I'm not wearing any." "That's true," he said, swallowing. *Well, damn!* he thought. Cloey looked great in a short, deep red dress, cut low in the front in retro lines. Her hair was in a loose, casual chignon with wispy tendrils, and her eyes looked big and dark. "Are we ready to go, then, Mr. Witter? Or do I need to wait another twenty minutes for you two to complete your ensembles?" Back to a little more familiar territory. "Well," Pacey said, smiling, "Dawson's having a dilemma here. He can't find a shirt that goes with his coloring." He swung the door open the rest of the way to reveal Dawson, holding two shirts and naked from the waist up. "The green one," Cloey stated. "Definitely. Now comb your hair and let's move." She was surprised. She had felt absolutely nothing seeing Dawson shirtless. Should she have? The three met up with Bessie, Bodie, and little Alex and headed down the lobby, where a doorman hailed two cabs for them. Cloey gave both drivers directions to a small uptown deli. After the group was seated and occupied with plates of huge sandwiches, Dawson noticed someone familiar come in. He studied the face, then realized who it was. Standing, he approached her. "Heather?" "Dawson?" She smiled, giving him a hug. "What are you doing here? Seeing Joey?" "Not really. Cloey brought us up for Thanksgiving. I haven't seen Joey yet, but I'm hoping we'll get around to it." Heather raised a shapely eyebrow. "So it's not exactly heart-stopping passion, then?" Dawson shrugged. "We haven't seen each other in almost a year. What about you and Matt?" "I don't know, really." She gave a short, almost bitter laugh. "I haven't seem him in almost a year. He's off somewhere, making his next award-winning film no doubt." After a few more minutes of pleasant chitchat, Dawson ended the conversation. "Well, it was good to see you here Heather. If you're ever up my way give me a call. Say hello to your father for me too, okay?" She smiled. "It was good to see you too, Dawson." With that, she gave him a hug and a quick kiss on the cheek. The bell on the door jingled simultaneously, barely registering in Cloey's mind over the hubbub of the crowded deli. Looking up absently, she was instantly alert when she saw the patron who had just entered. Her hand went to her mouth when the she saw the new arrival see Dawson and Heather embracing in the corner. She got up to stop the figure fleeing the restaurant, but a hand on her shoulder stopped her. "She'll be fine, Clo," Pacey reassured her. "You're sure?" Cloey asked, worried. "Jo's a fighter. She'll be alright." When Dawson returned to the table seconds later, the group was ready to go. They paid the bill and headed to Radio City Music Hall. Meanwhile... As Joey fled the restaurant, all she could think of was Dawson kissing Heather. He had looked so happy! She sighed, then realized that while she had been thinking, her feet had taken her to Central Park. New York had become her home. She knew every nook and cranny of the city, the best and worst restaurants and shops, and the safest places to go but there was nowhere she was more comfortable than under the park's tall, spreading trees. She sat down on a bench across from the ice skating rink, watching the tourists, crossing her arms against the chill of the breeze. She was remembering, remembering her last conversation with Dawson. *Flashback* "Joey! It's good to hear from you," Dawson exclaimed, sounding surprised. "Sorry I haven't called more often," she replied. "I've been really busy with this new play we're working on." "Really? I guess I didn't tell you that I'm working on a new movie. Cloey's producing it," he informed her. "Oh," she said trying not to sound anything less than thrilled. "That's great." "Thanks. Right now it's just in the idea phase. We're trying to come up with something hip but not way overdone. Any ideas, Ms. Star Actress?" Dawson inquired. "Well, you've already done the horror sci-fi thing and the dramatic thing, so maybe you should try a romantic comedy. You need to experiment with different mediums of film." "You're right, Jo. I'll run it by Cloey and see what she says--oh, here she is. Hang on." He paused. "Hey, Clo, Joey says we should do a romantic comedy. Sound good?" To Joey, his voice sounded far away. "It's up to you, Junior," Cloey's voice said, indistinct. *Junior? Where did she come up with that?* Joey thought. Dawson's voice suddenly came back, clear. "Thanks, Jo. I owe you one," he exclaimed happily. "That's what I'm here for. And--look Dawson, I gotta go," she said reluctantly, checking her watch. "I have to get to class." "Not a problem. We'll talk later," he said. "Good luck on that play." *End Flashback* *He didn't even tell me he loved me,* she thought to herself. That had been almost three months ago. *What am I to do? It seems he's back with Heather.* "Thanks for the warning, Dawson," she thought aloud, crossing her arms over her chest. Then she thought back to Anderson. *Sure we went out, but not out as a couple. That didn't mean I don't love Dawson anymore, did it?* That scared her. Dawson was her rock, the one thing she knew would stay the same. Then another, even scarier thought crossed her mind. *What if Dawson doesn't love me anymore?* She tried to shake away her thoughts as she stood. *Time to go home, Jo, before the weirdos are out,* she reminded herself, walking in the direction of her building. After the show... "So, anyone up for a carriage ride through Central Park?" Cloey asked. "It's a great way to see the park at night--pretty, and you don't have to worry about the weirdos." "Too cold for my taste," Bessie interjected. "I think Bodie and I will head back. Alexander really doesn't need to be out in the cold, anyway." "If you insist," Cloey said, shrugging. After they had found a cab and left, she turned to Pacey and Dawson. "C'mon, guys," she said, leading them toward the park. If she timed it just right, they would be running into Joey at any minute. She had tried her best to set up a meeting at the deli, but that had obviously backfired. Her knowledge of her sister's daily routine and careful planning hadn't accounted for a possible meeting with an old flame of Dawson's, but she wasn't giving up just yet. At that moment, Dawson spotted Joey, walking briskly and staring straight ahead in a typical New York fashion. She appeared not to see him--or maybe she was just pretending. He didn't care. "Jo? Joey!" He called out, running toward her. Reaching her, he pulled her close and held her tightly before setting her back on her feet. "Hey," he said with a smile, trying to appear less eager. She grinned at him. "After that welcome, I think you can do better than just a hey," she said, laughing. He leaned down and kissed her, his relatively warm lips meeting her cold ones. "Better?" "Much," she replied, wrapping her arms around his neck. Her anger had vanished--it was just so good to have him back. Just then, Cloey and Pacey caught up with the two. The sisters hugged, thrilled to see each other, and Pacey and Joey embraced affectionately. "So where's Jen?" Joey asked. "I thought she'd be with you guys--you know, the same old group." Dawson shrugged. "Her parents came to Capeside for Thanksgiving instead of having her come down here." He pulled Joey close again. "You want to go for a walk?" he asked her, looking down. Cloey grinned. "Come on, Pacey," she said, pulling him in the direction of the park. "Jo, make sure you return Dawson in one piece. I kinda have to answer to his parents if you don't." Joey looked over Dawson's shoulder, smiling. "Will do," she called out quickly, before turning and whispering something in Dawson's ear. Cloey and Pacey were left standing on the corner. "Clever, Clo. How did you manage that?" he asked, happy to see his friends reunited. "When you're good, you're good," she replied, affecting a sultry accent and a mysterious smile. "Now come on," she said, returning to her normal voice. "We have a carriage to catch." Meanwhile... "So, what've you been up to lately?" Joey asked as she and Dawson walked along. He sighed. "Not much writing a new script, school stuff, watching movies. The usual. What about you?" "Oh, more acting classes, voice lessons, plays. The usual," Joey replied vaguely. "How are your parents?" "They're doing great," Dawson said with a nod. What could he bring up that would be of interest to her? There was an awkward pause. "Bessie and Bodie moved into a new house," he volunteered. "How did they manage that?" asked an incredulous Joey. He shrugged. "I think Cloey helped them with the down payment." "Oh." Dawson frowned as he looked down at the slender brunette beside him. "Joey, what's wrong? I know something's up." She exhaled heavily. "Oh, not much. Don't worry, though. Now that you and Heather are back together I'll take my cue to gracefully exit stage right. It's okay," she said quietly, her tone contradicting her statement. Dawson abruptly burst out laughing, then swung a confused Joey around. "Jo! Heather and I aren't back together at all I saw her today for the first time in six months!" Joey's face began to turn crimson, and she promptly hid it in Dawson's shoulder. Then she straightened up and smiled her dimpled grin. "Well, that just about makes my day." With that, she wrapped her arms around his neck and showed him exactly what she meant. Meanwhile, in a Carriage in Central Park "Here," Pacey said, wrapping his jacket around a shivering Cloey. "You'll be cold," she protested. Ignoring her, Pacey helped her with the arms and straightened the collar. "There," he said affirmatively." "Pacey." Her tone was a tone that had sent countless make-up artists and stylists scurrying to do her bidding. However, her companion seemed not to hear her. Finally. "Hush," he told her, his face inches from hers. A plaintive sigh and a sugary smile. "Yes, Officer Pacey." The Next Day, Thanksgiving Once again, seven o'clock found Cloey hammering on the boys' door. "You said you wanted to see the parade, so get up and get dressed!" she commanded sternly. The door opened to reveal a yawning, bare-chested Pacey with his hair uncombed. "Yeah whatever." The door swung shut again. However, within five minutes Cloey had them in elevator, heading down to the lobby. "Did you remember to wear layers?" she asked as the doors slid shut. "Yes, mother," Dawson replied. She shrugged. "Okay, I get the point. Now come on." After being dragged through the lobby and onto the subway at a breakneck pace, the trio disembarked at sixty-first street. After passing through three or four police barricades they eventually reached the grandstand at Central Park West. "Now behave, you guys. We're in the mayor's stand--I know one of Giulani's aides. Everyone here is important, so try to act at least your age, okay?" Dawson nodded meekly while Pacey mischievously saluted. *Man, what a steamroller,* was his last admiring thought before the parade began. As the trio watched the floats and balloons go by, Dawson searched for Joey's school's float. When he saw it, he quickly recognized her on it and stood up waving, shouting her name. When she saw him a grin lit up her face as she jumped up and down and waved. Cloey watched the two approvingly, then sighed. Stealing a glance at Pacey, she wistfully wondered what he was thinking. After the glitter and sparkle of the parade had faded and the crowds began dispersing, the three made their way back to the hotel. Cloey once again turned into social coordinator and began firing off orders. "Alright, guys, tonight we're going to Tavern on the Green. Dress is superformal, so your best isn't gonna cut it. I took the liberty of calling my people, so someone will be up here soon to measure you for tuxes. Got it?" Pacey sighed, mentally betting himself she wouldn't pause for an answer. "Okay then. Be ready at eight." Later that evening... Cloey emerged into the living room to see Dawson and Pacey on time for once. She gave a slight laugh. "I could get used to this," she said as she settled a small beaded bag on her arm. Pacey smiled or at least he thought he was smiling. Cloey's deep green strapless dress in what looked like raw silk definitely complemented her tall, slender figure, and her hair had been expertly curled and piled on her head in an elegant twist. Pacey hoped he was just smiling and that his jaw wasn't somewhere around his knees. *Get a grip, Witter,* he told himself. *You're wearing an Armani tux, man. She's smiling at you. It's cool.* Dawson made no attempt to hide his amazement. His mouth was open, and *Wow* was the only thing going through his head. Cloey hid her amusement at their stares. "C'mon, boys. The limo is waiting." Pacey got hold of himself enough to offer her his arm. Smiling, she placed her hand on his jacket and they proceeded to the lobby, Dawson trailing behind. Joey was sitting in the limousine when they got in, wearing a long maroon dress with a halter neck. As the group settled, they all gave each other admiring looks. Even little Alexander was dressed to the nines in a baby tux. "Bessie, Alex looks adorable!" Joey exclaimed, smiling. "I don't think he's too fond of the bow tie, though," her sister chuckled. As they entered the elegant restaurant, the maitre d' greeted them obsequiously. "Miss Richardson, your table is ready." Cloey nodded gracefully, working her charm all the way, as they were seated at her favorite table. The meal flew by as the four teenagers talked and laughed. As Cloey looked around, seeing Pacey leaning over to whisper something to Dawson, who had his arm around Joey, she realized suddenly that she had never been happier. She had always wanted a family of people who genuinely cared about her, but until now it had never been a reality. "What are you smiling at?" A voice, deep and rough, was whispering in her ear. Jerking herself back to reality, she realized that it was Pacey speaking. "Just how incredibly sexy you look tonight," she replied. Instantly she realized what had just come out of her mouth and blushed furiously. "I was just thinking the same thing," he whispered back. As they locked eyes he smiled. "You know it though, don't you?" "Of course. A model always knows," she stated, trying to be dignified. "Of course," he replied slyly. At the other end of the table "It's only a month, Jo," Dawson reassured her. "We've spent longer than that apart." "Yeah, but look where that got us. I thought you had hooked up with someone else," Joey replied. "Besides, a lot might happen in a month." "I know," Dawson told her, "but don't worry." He grinned, seeing Pacey whispering in Cloey's ear out of the corner of his eye. "Besides, how could I forget the way you kiss?" She returned his grin. "You won't. But then again I'd better remind you." "Dawson and Joey sittin' in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G. First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes Dawson with a baby carriage," Cloey and Pacey sang out in chorus. Dawson shrugged unrepentantly, breaking away to offer a "Yeah, well, so what?" With that said, he gave Joey another deep and passionate kiss. "Okay, you two, enough of that," Bessie interrupted. "We've got a long drive tomorrow and I've got a sleepy baby." When the limousine stopped to drop Joey off at her building, it was a reluctant goodbye. "It's only a month," Dawson reminded her. "Stay away from artsy guys!" Pacey called after him. "We'll see you at Christmas!" Bessie added. "You're welcome," Cloey yelled last. Joey smiled at Cloey's admission of matchmaking. "Thanks, sis!" she called out. With a sigh and one last wave, she turned and made her way up to her apartment. The next day... Oddly enough, both Pacey and Dawson were up at the crack of dawn pounding on Cloey's door. "Rise and shine, morning glory!" Pacey shouted through the door. "It's time for you to be up, bright-eyed and busky-tailed!" "Go away, Witter!" Cloey moaned from inside. At that, the two burst into her room. "You're gonna pay for all those early mornings, Richardson," Pacey warned her. "If you come any closer I'll have to resort to violence!" she threatened, backing up against the headboard. "All right. Considering that you ARE the one driving home, we'll let you off this time. Don't push us again, though," Pacey told her sternly. "Yes, Officer Pacey," Cloey replied with a grin. "Wait a minute, Pacey, you have a license too!"