Disclaimer: these characters are not mine, they're property of WB, Kevin Williamson, Columbia Tri-star, yada yada yada, please don't sue

This is a sequel to "Battling for Control", from week 6/29 Want to read it? Click Here

It was pouring as Pacey, Joey and Dawson finally entered the Ice House. A light drizzle had started as they left Dawson's house half an hour earlier, but Pacey assured them the forecast said it was just going to be scattered showers throughout the night.

"Nothing to worry about, Josephine," he had stated mockingly. Joey stormed into the restaurant, soaked to the bone, looking thoroughly wretched and pissed off. She stomps her feet and shakes off. Dawson does the same. Joey turns to Pacey, looking as if she's about to kill him.

"Nothing to worry about? You're such an ass, Pacey!" She slaps his arm and he jumps back, pretending to be hurt.

"Hey! It's not my fault the weatherman was wrong! Blame it on the TV station," Pacey replies. Joey just rolls her eyes and looks around the restaurant it's empty. Joey is surprised. Dawson looks back outside, a bit worried.

"God, it's really raining hard out there. It's so funny-it came out of nowhere," he peers out the window, but can barely see anything. The rain is coming down in sheets now. So hard that the lights on a neighboring building appear only as a blur through the steady stream of water.

"this is weird-it's always packed on Friday nights...Where is everyone?" Joey walks to the kitchen door, and is about to open it when it opens by itself. Bessie comes out and stops, stunned to see them. She has a towel flung over her right shoulder and appears to be in a huge rush of some sort.

"Joey?!?!? What the hell are you doing here?" Bessie practically screams. Joey looks at her strangely, her wet hair hanging in her face.

"Um...we came for ice cream. Why isn't anyone else here?" Bessie looks exasperated.

"Don't you ever watch the news? There has been a heavy thunderstorm warning and flood watch for the past 25 minutes! Are you insane? You came to get ice cream now? Of all times? What were you thinking?" She looks at the three of them, and none of them have an answer.

"When we left it was only drizzling, Bessie. There wasn't any flood watches or anything like that. Pacey checked before he came over. Supposedly!" She throws a death glance in Pacey's direction. He takes offense.

"I did check!" Bessie flips on the small television that is set on the counter. The news is on, showing the stormy weather and damage it has already caused throughout Capeside. The shot switches back to Dawson's mother, sitting behind her news desk. They all stare at the screen, waiting to find out what exactly is going on. A loud crash of thunder echoes through the restaurant, and Joey shrieks and jumps. She throws her arms around the nearest person, which happens to be Pacey. He smiles slightly, amused. Dawson watches her cling to him and a fleeting look of jealousy crosses his face. He quickly shrugs it off with a small laugh. Joey pulls away from Pacey and gives him a dirty look.

"Don't glare at me, Ice Queen. You're the idiot who jumped," Pacey throws up his hands, disgusted.

"Bite me, Pacey." Their insults stop as Bessie harshly tells them to be quiet. They turn their attention back to the television. None of them notice, but they have been joined by Bodie and Jen. On the TV, Gail is handed a piece of paper, which she reads quickly.

"According to our weather experts, the situation is growing worse. The heavy downpour has caused the creek to raise over a foot in half an hour. The water has overflown the riverbanks in some lowland areas, such as Ridge Road. These routes are washed out and should not be used for travel. We strongly urge everyone to stay off the roads tonight and encourage the use of motor vehicles only in case of emergency. The rain-" Gail's image suddenly disappears as the screen becomes black and white snow. Bessie sighs and turns it off.

"Well, that's that. Cable's out, and the storm's getting worse. You guys are not going anywhere," Bessie states. Bodie wraps his arms around her comfortably.

"I think we have some old blankets in the back. I'll go find them," he kisses her on the cheek and heads to the kitchen. Joey turns briefly to watch him go, and sees Jen standing there.

"Jen?" Dawson hears her name and eagerly turns. Joey's own face falls. Jen looks at Dawson, smiling weakly.

"Oh...hey, Dawson..."

"Where did you come from?"

"I was in the bathroom..." Joey's face becomes angry as she watches Dawson's attention direct it's way to Jen completely. Pacey quickly intervenes. He steps between Dawson and Jen, breaking Dawson's long, wanting stare at Miss Teen New York .

"Wait a minute-do we have to stay here all night?" Pacey exclaims. Jen looks at him, alarmed.

"All night? Grams is going to freak out!" Jen looks as if she's about to freak out herself.

"Don't worry, Jen. Just cause the cable's out doesn't mean the phones are out too. Use the phone in the kitchen and call her. She wouldn't want you out in this weather either," Bessie gestures to the kitchen. "Bodie can show you where it is." Bodie pops his head out the kitchen door, looking at Bessie questioningly.

"What can I do?"

"Show Jen where the phone is." Jen heads to the kitchen. Dawson turns to Pacey, happily, as she leaves the room. Bessie wanders over towards the window, looking out at the storm. Joey crosses her arms and looks down at the floor. It was clear Dawson was still hung up on Jen Lindley.

"Damn it...why did she have to be here, of all places tonight?" She looks up towards Dawson and Pacey.

"Pacey, I can't believe my luck! I'm trapped in a room with the perfect girl. Maybe we can talk through this thing and work it all out. Maybe we can get back together," Dawson's mind immediately starts spinning out a script of what could happen, forgetting completely the intense feelings he had felt for Joey earlier in the evening. "This is perfect, Pace. I couldn't have set the scene up any better myself." Joey bites her lip, trying to keep from crying. Bessie heads into the kitchen to help Bodie find the blankets since he is taking so long. "If me and Jen can just talk...I know we can go back to the way we used to be. Only better this time." Pacey glances over at Joey, and realizes she's not there. She's running towards the door.

"Joey, wait!" Pacey exclaims. He dashes off after her, leaving Dawson standing alone, confused. He thinks for a minute, remembering back to that fleeting moment in his room when he and Joey had come so close to kissing. That second when he had decided to come with them for ice cream...to be with Joey. "How could I forget all that with the mere sight of Jen? How could I be so stupid?" He wonders to himself. "I know I like Joey as more than a friend..." he sighs and turns around, slowly heading for the door. Just then the kitchen door opens and Jen walks back into the room.

"Dawson- the phone lines are dead," she informs him. He lets out a deep breath.

"Great..." Jen looks around the room, a bit confused.

"Um...where's Pacey and Joey?" Dawson is speechless. How can he explain this one?

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