This story take place right after the season finale.

Butterflies in Winter Part 1

Dawson pulled away from Joey after a few minutes and looked at the expression on her face. She had that crooked smile that she gave him when she was happy.  There were so many ideas running though Dawson's head that he had no idea what to say. He did know what he felt in his heart and that, for the first time in a long time, everything felt right. Dawson knew that this is where he wanted to stay forever.

Joey felt her heart jump when Dawson pressed his lips to hers. Her heart and her head were telling her that this felt right and she knew that she wanted this moment to last forever. For the first time in her life, Joey felt as if she could let her guard down and let someone love her.  Joey had been dreaming of this moment for a long time and now that the dreams were coming true, she was happy.

Dawson was the first to speak. "Joey, what just happened?"

"You said you wanted to be honest, Dawson. I think you just kissed me," smiled Joey.

"I have wanted to do that for so long. I have had all these feeling for you that were giving me conflicting messages.  When I saw you at the Miss Wind Jammer pageant, it was like some hit me in the head with a ton of bricks. I knew what you were talking about that day in detention," said Dawson.

Joey sat there with a blank look on her face. She just knew that Dawson would say the should just stay friends. "Dawson.."

Dawson took his hand and placed it on her cheek. "Please let me finish, Jo. I have known you all my life and we have been best friends for longer than I can remember. I have seen you at your best and at your worst. I have shared more with you than anyone else, even Pacey. You have put up with me though everything including Jen. I have always been able to talk to you about everything. And now for the first time in my life, I am scared that what I'm about to say may end the one thing I could not live without.

Tears were starting to fill Joey's eyes as she took Dawson's hand in hers and just held it.

"There is nothing you can say that would change the way I feel about you, Dawson. We have been though so much together and you think that one little phrase could destroy that."

Dawson knew that if he did not tell her how he felt now he may never have another chance again. With every ounce of courage he could come up with and a long sigh, Dawson started. "Joey, I have been wanting to tell you how I felt for so long, but I never had the courage. I was always scared that you never felt the same. And when I had a chance to push the feelings down inside, I went after Jen hoping that the feelings for you would go away. They did not. Those feelings only came back stronger than ever before. I love you, Joey."

A huge smiled formed on Joey's face as she said "I love you too, Dawson. I hate myself for asking you this question, but I have to. Did you do this to just keep me from going to France?"

"I will admit that France had a lot to do with me telling you, but it is not the main reason," said Dawson. "It was what happened yesterday after I talked to your father. He told me what everyone else has been trying for the last few years. I was in love with the girl down the creek. You have been in my life for so long I could not see myself with anyone else. You are my best friend, the person that can bring a smile to my face without saying a word, and the girl that I love."

"Dawson, I feel the same way about you, but I'm scared that if we were to have a relationship that would destroy our friendship. I cannot live without our friendship, Dawson. Sometimes it is the only thing in my life that I can count on," cried Joey.

"Nothing could destroy it, Jo. I am willing to take a chance because I believe that we could live happily ever after together," said Dawson trying to put into words what he was feeling.

"You know Dawson, you have always had faith in me and this in one time where I will trust you will every once of my being. I want this to work so much," smiled Joey.

Joey walked over to the windows where Dawson was standing. He bent down a kissed her with everything he had. Then they both gazed out the window and looked at the moon that was just coming up..

After a few minutes of silence Joey finally spoke up. "Dawson, I need to get home, okay?"

"I know. I think I need a little time to take in all that has happened today. I will see you tomorrow after work," said Dawson Joey turned around and kissed Dawson before she started out the window.

Dawson watched as she walked to the dock and climbed in the rowboat and started to leave. Dawson felt that everything was starting to fall in the right place. He climbed into bed and dreamed of Joey as he fell asleep.

*********

Dawson woke up the next morning with a start. He rolled over to see Pacey coming though the window. Dawson looked over at the clock. It read 6:30. Dawson let out a low grunt as he threw his pillow at Pacey. "What in the hell are you doing here this early on a Saturday?" questioned Dawson as he rolled out of bed.

"Just came to see how my best bud in the world is doing," said Pacey.

"Bullshit," laughed Dawson.

"I thought that maybe you and I could have a guys day out like we used too. What do you think? Maybe head down to Boston and find some girls," asked Pacey.

Dawson sat on his bed and thought for a moment. Maybe a day away from everything would give him time to think about him and Joey. "Sure, I think a trip to the city is just what I need. I have to make a quick phone call first, okay?" said Dawson as he reached for the phone. Dawson picked up the phone and dialed Joey's number. He knew that she would kill him for doing this because he had made plans with her for the day. The phone rang twice before he heard Joey's voice on the other end.

"Whoever this is you are going to die for waking me up this early," screamed Joey into the receiver.

"Settle down, it's just me, Joey," laughed Dawson.

"You know that I love you Dawson, but if you ever call me at 6:30 am again Pacey and I will be missing a friend who's name starts with a D. Okay?" said Joey trying to sound serious.

"I'm sorry. Pacey woke me up and wants to head to Boston for a guys day out. I want to go but had to let you know where I was going because we made plans. Remember?" asked Dawson.

"I remember. Have a good day. And Dawson, I love you!" laughed Joey.

"I love you, too," said Dawson as he hung up the phone.

The last comment made Pacey turn his head around so fast you could the air around it go swoosh. Pacey sat there with his mouth wide open and just stared at Dawson. Dawson look at Pacey with an innocent face and asked "What?"

"Did I just hear you say those three little words to Miss Potter or am I going crazy?" asked Pacey.

"You are already crazy but I did say those words to her," grinned Dawson.

"I knew it. I knew it. When did it happen? I want details. Any horizontal action yet?" questioned Pacey with a smile on his face.

"It happened last night after you guys got back from the prison. Joey said that we had to be honest with each other and one thing led to another. I kissed her and told her I finally came to my senses," related Dawson as he was getting dressed.

"Finally, brother. Dawson has seen the light after all these years. But you have not answered my last question yet," said Pacey.

"Get your mind out the the gutter, Pacey. And it is none of you business what Jo and I do or do not do in this bed," stated Dawson as he finished getting dressed.

"Okay. Okay. Okay. But when the time is right and you have any questions or need any supplies just ask," grinned Pacey

"Thanks. Let's get going so we can catch the first ferry to Boston or we will have to wait for the 9:00 one. I take it you stole the family car again?" asked Dawson as they were walking out the door.

"Must I always remind you that I borrow the family car. This time I can prove it," said Pacey as he held up the keys.

"All that means is that your Dad left the keys on the table this morning," laughed Dawson. "So I take it you have the Jeep and not the truck."

"I am not taking the piece of shit truck to Boston. I have to have something that might impress the ladies. Let's get out of here before Doug finds us," said Pacey climbing into the Jeep.

Dawson climbed in the passenger side of the Jeep with one thing on his mind. What in the hell had he gotten himself into today.

*********

Joey is sitting on the dock with Dawson. The sun is setting in the backround while they are enjoying their picnic. Joey looks up into Dawson's eyes as he asks her to dance. There is a soft instrumental piece coming from the CD player on the dock. The two sway in time to the music as they hold each other. After a few minutes Joey pulls away from Dawson and looks him deep in the eyes. Just as they lean forward to kiss a loud beep sounds from behind them. Joey opens her eyes and lets out a loud grunt.

"Just when the dream was getting good," she said to herself as she turned her alarm off.

Joey looked at the clock and it showed 8:30. She thought to herself that Dawson and Pacey must be halfway to Boston by now. Joey grabbed her stuff and headed for the shower. After a quick shower, she walked downstairs to find Bessie feeding Alex. Joey grabbed some cereal and milk and sat down.

"What's up with you?" asked Bessie.

"What do you mean?" said Joey, removing the smile from her face.

"This is the first morning in months you do not wake up with a shitty attitude and you actually have a smile on your face," grinned Bessie.

"Let's just say the a certain blond friend of mine finally opened his eyes," said Joey.

"I guess you mean that Dawson finally said he was in love with you. It only took forever and a day. What have you two got planned for today? I could let you off if you want," smiled Bessie.

"Thanks, but Dawson and Pacey have gone to Boston for a guys day out. It would be great if I could get off a little early to meet them later," questioned Joey with a sad puppy face.

"Okay, but you have to be at work in 15 minutes. You better go," said Bessie.

"Thanks!" screamed Joey as she ran out the door.

*********

Joey raced to the Icehouse just to in time to punch in. She went into the back to grab a apron and walked out front ready for a hard day at work. She looked around the restaurant only to find two customers in the whole place. Just then, Bodie walked around the corner.

"God, why did I hurry into work if it was this dead?" questioned Joey.

"Don't worry about it. Besides, Bessie just called and said you could leave about 1:00 if you want to," said Bodie.

"Thanks. I want to meet up with Dawson this afternoon," said Joey with a smile on her face.

"Bessie told me what happened last night. Congratulations," smiled Bodie. "Take that table over there."

Joey walked over to the table to take the order when she saw that it was Jen. Joey noticed that she looked terrible, like she had been crying for a while.

"Jen, what's wrong? You look like you have been crying," asked Joey as she sat down.

"My grandpa died last night. I have been walking around town all night," said Jen through her tears.

"I'm so sorry. Is there anything I can do or get for you?" questioned Joey.

"Do you have a few minutes to talk?" asked Jen.

Joey looked over at Bodie who had seen the whole exchange. He motioned for her to go on.

"Yea, I do," said Joey as she stood up.

"Let's go to the dock by my house, okay?" asked Jen.

"Sure," said Joey.

The two girls walked down the street to Jen's house with neither one saying a word.

*********

Dawson and Pacey were able to grab the first ferry and were sitting on the promenade with neither one saying much.

"What do you think of Joey and I as a couple?" asked Dawson breaking several minutes of silence.

Pacey thought for a few seconds before answering, "A couple of what?"

"Come on, man. Be serious for a change," said Dawson.

"I think that you two deserve each other. Joey is the level headed person with her feet on the ground and you are the dreamer with his head in the clouds most of the time," said Pacey.

"You know me, I have to analyze everything before I can make a decision. Last night was different. I did not have to think about anything. I just did what my heart told me and ignored my head. Now I am starting to listen to my head and the second guesses are starting to surface," said Dawson with a confused look on his face.

"Dawson, you just answered your own question. When you listened to your heart you were happy and when you listen to your head you are miserable," stated Pacey.

"You're right, bud. For once in my life everything is going great. And I am not going to ruin it by over-analyzing every small little detail. Of course I still have to analysis most things," laughed Dawson.

Pacey laughed along with Dawson, but ideas were going though his head that he did not like. He began to think about what would happen now that Dawson and Joey were together. Would the new couple forget about him or would things remain the same between the three? Pacey also wondered how Jen would take the news. Then there was how Pacey looked at Joey. He had always seen Joey as just a friend. Could he have feelings for her? Pacey pushed these ideas out of his mind. He would not want to do anything to hurt Dawson. Dawson had always been his best friend. He had always been there for him and never made him feel like the town loser. Pacey just stared at the ocean trying to drive these thought from his mind.

Dawson was looking out over the ocean thinking only about Joey.

*********

The two girls arrived at Jen's house without saying a word. Joey was thinking about how to help Jen with the death of her grandfather, but was also thinking about how she could break the news about her and Dawson. Jen's was thinking about her grandfather and about how to get Dawson back. Joey was the first to break the silence.

"So is there anything I can do to help?" asked Joey.

"Not really, but I do have one question. How did you make it though you mom's death?" question Jen through her tears.

"It was tough. See, I felt that my mom was the only person in the world I could depend on besides Dawson. I felt like the entire world had collapsed around me. Dawson was the only reason I made it though those times. He spent every hour of everyday with me for about a week until I found enough strength to face the world again. I guess Dawson has enough faith in me to keep me going," said Joey on the verge of tears.

"That is how I feel about my grandpa. He was the only person in the family who never made me feel like an outcast for what I did back in New York," cried Jen.

"If you ever need to talk, my door is always open. I know I have never been much of a friend to you, but I know what you're going though," said Joey, trying to think of anything to comfort Jen. She knew what she was getting ready to say would crush Jen. "Jen, I have something to tell you, but I don't know how you will take it."

"What?" asked Jen looking up.

"Dawson and I are now a couple. Last night I told him how I felt and he feels the same," quickly stated Joey.

"That's great. I am happy for you," said Jen through a fake smile.

"Listen I better get back to the Icehouse before the late breakfast crowd comes. I will see you Monday in school, okay?" asked Joey as she stood up to leave.

"Yeah," said Jen as she started to walk back to her house. She knew now that she had to get Dawson back at any cost.

*********

Pacey and Dawson spent the rest of the morning running around Boston. The guys went shopping for clothes and Pacey tried to pick up anything in a skirt. The guys ate lunch and then caught the 1:30 ferry back to Capeside. When they arrived in town, Pacey dropped Dawson off at the Icehouse and then he went home. Dawson saw Joey sitting at a table. He walked up behind her and decide to scare her. "Boo," said Dawson when he grabbed Joey by the shoulders. Joey gave out a small scream as she turned around to she who scared her. When she saw that it was Dawson, she hit him on the arm. "Ouch, what was that for?" he asked.

"That was for scaring me," said Joey as she kissed him, "and that was for being gone all day."

"I like the last part better. What time do you get off?" asked Dawson.

"I'm ready to go any time you are. What have you got planned for tonight?" smiled Joey.

"You will see," said Dawson.

Dawson and Joey spent the rest of the afternoon at the beach. They spent most of the time walking and talking. When the sun started to set, the couple went to Dawson's house for dinner. His parents were gone for the weekend and they had the house to themselves. Dawson cooked a small pasta dinner which they ate by candlelight. After dinner and after the dishes were done they went upstairs for movie night. "What movie have you got planned for tonight, Dawson? And if you tell me ET I am going home right now," smiled Joey as she looked through Dawson's film collection.

"Anything you want to watch. It is your turn to pick the movies tonight," said Dawson as he started to get ready for bed.

"Dawson, are you going to do that in front of me?" she asked, referring to him getting undressed.

"I am just going down to boxers unless you have a different idea," smiled Dawson

"Don't get any ideas, Pacey. Here I want to watch this movie," Joey handed him the movie and then went to the bathroom to change. Dawson looked at the movie to see what it was. It was Bed of Roses with Christian Slater and Mary Stuart Masterson. Joey came out of the bathroom and seaw the look on Dawson's face. "What is wrong with this movie?" she asked, climbing into bed.

"It was your choice, but next time I choose, okay?" said Dawson putting in the tape.

Dawson and Joey watch about fifteen minutes of the movie before they start making out. After a few minutes things start to get to warm for Joey and she has to break the action. "What's wrong, Jo?" asked Dawson

Joey looked over at him and sees the love and concern in his eyes. "I am sorry Dawson, but I want to wait. I don't think I am ready for the sex thing yet. We have only been a couple for 24 hours and I want things to be right for our first time," said Joey with a look of question on her face.

Dawson just smiled. "First, you do not have to be sorry for anything. I do not want to push you into anything you are not ready for. I would wait forever for you, Jo," Dawson just kisses her on the cheek. "Let's just go to sleep tonight and give it time. What will happen will happen."

Joey looked at Dawson with a smile and said "I love you."

"I love you, too," replied Dawson.

Joey turned over and snuggled against Dawson. He put his arm around her, never wanting to let her go. They both fall asleep with the same thing on their minds. For the first time in both their lives they are where they need to be. In each others arms.

*********

Elsewhere in Capeside. two people were having problems sleeping. Pacey could not get the thought of Joey out of his mind. Guilt was keeping him awake. He did not want to hurt anyone, but he had to tell her how he felt. Pacey decided to do it at school Monday. Jen was also having problems sleeping. Her problem was not from guilt, but from rage. She was forming a plan to break up the happy couple and win back Dawson.

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