I don't own any characters or Friends.

Chapter 1

Monica washed up the tables. She had been working until ten, and she was finally done.

Her best friend, Chandler, walked in.

"I feel so bad for you. You never catch a break."

"I'll be fine."

Chandler thought Monica was beautiful. But he was her FRIEND. They weren't anything more than that, and they never would be; so he shut off his thoughts.

As for Monica, well, she certainly did love Chandler. And yes, she had thoughts about him. But she knew it couldn't turn into anything.

Monica was seventeen, working constantly. Chandler was a writer, so he didn't have to deal with what Monica would at her job. He was nineteen.

Monica felt safe around Chandler. When someone almost hurt her, Chandler hit him and handled it by calling the cops and telling them what happened. Although the man was really just a bully, Monica was still amazed.

Chandler walked her home. She called Phoebe, but asked Chandler to stay.

"So, what are you gonna say to him?" Phoebe asked excitedly.

"NOTHING," Monica replied as Chandler sat on the couch.

"Monica, I know you like him," Phoebe said into the phone.

"I don't l-" she stopped her sentence and sighed.

"...Oh, is he there?"

"YES."

"I'll leave you two alone, then," purred Phoebe. And at that, she hung up the phone.

Monica sighed and put down the phone, sitting next to Chandler.

"What was that?"

"Umm..." Monica stumbled for a lie. "We were just talking about next weekend."

Chandler chuckled. "You realize I can tell you're lying. What were you really talking about?"

"Really, nothing."

"C'mon, tell me!"

"Just Phoebe... saying things."

"And what exactly were those things?" Chandler continued.

"It was just her making theories. Typical Phoebes," she assured him as he sighed.

"Fine, don't tell me."

Chandler took off his shirt, just in his undershirt, revealing his strong arms. Of course, he never thought it'd be a problem, and it wasn't.

Monica bit her lip. She did like Chandler- but pushed those feelings away. He was her best friend, and it would just... Be wrong.

Chandler noticed Monica's calculating expression, slightly upset.

"What's wrong?" he asked casually, but concerned.

"Nothing," Monica replied quickly. "I'm going to go clean up." She tried to walk away before he could ask any questions, but he got up behind her.

"I'll help."

"Oh, no, you don't have to," she objected.

"I insist," he replied. "Someone like you should be having fun."

"It's fine," she told him blankly, and started cleaning up.

"No, really. You're pretty much supporting yourself," he continued. "You're a minor."

"It's no big deal. Just forget it, Chandler."

"You can stay with me for a while. I mean, if you'd like."

"No, I'm fine," she answered, and her tone made it clear that she wanted the conversation to be over.

"Fine."

Monica sighed. "Look, Chandler; I know it bothers you. But really, I'm OKAY."

"Alright," Chandler said, still not convinced.

Monica finished cleaning up. Chandler watched her walk over to the couch and sit down.

"Mon, you look exhausted," he said in a sympathetic voice. "Come 'ere." Monica shifted over to him and lied her head on his chest. He grabbed the blanket on the couch and covered her with it. She closed her eyes and fell asleep. He moved her hair out of her face to look at her.

Chandler wanted to take her and kiss her, have her as only his. He couldn't do that, though- for a number of reasons. They were only friends. Ross would kill him. He didn't know if she wanted the same.

Monica snuggled closer to Chandler and smiled. He felt her soft heartbeat against him.

As soon as Monica woke up, Chandler looked at her.

"Have a nice sleep?"

"Very," she answered, moving in even closer to him. "Let's just stay here."

"Happy to," he whispered.

The phone started ringing. Monica reached over and answered it.

"Hey, Phoebes," Monica answered into the phone. "What's up?"

"Hey, nothin', what's up with you? What are you doing? Are you with Chandler?"

"Yes..." Monica answered warily, knowing that Phoebe meant "with" in some kind of romantic way. She was worried Chandler would hear Phoebe through the phone.

"Ooh. What's going on?"

"We're just hanging out," Monica answered sharply, trying to get her to shut up.

"I know you like him. Why don't you just ask him out already?" she asked, annoyed. Monica inhaled deeply, hoping he hadn't heard that.

"Just be quiet."

"You're worried he'll hear? Monica, if you're so close that you're worried about it, I think it's true."

"We're just laying here-" she realized what she was saying could indicate something. "Just hanging out."

"PLEASE just get together with him already. That's what I called for."

"I have to go. Talk to you later?"

Phoebe sighed. "Sure."

Monica hung up the phone and shut her eyes. Chandler smiled at her comfort.

"You're so beautiful," he cooed quietly. Monica looked up at him with a calm smile.

"Thank you," she whispered back. "You're adorable," she said in a lighthearted but relaxed way.

Monica looked away. Chandler frowned.

He knew they couldn't be together.