Being Brave
Author's Note: So I have been completely stuck on my other fanfic, like stuck for months stuck. So I wanted to write something else so that I wasn't just going over and over the same plot bunny for ages, which is super frustrating. Also, I wanted to focus on my Friends OTP! This takes place in episode 5x01 and goes off in an entirely different direction from there. I absolutely adore this episode and the narrative structure of Chandler and Monica's relationship (exactly a year ago in 4x01, Monica was telling Chandler they would never happen. Look at you two now!) but I also always loved the idea of what might have happened if they left it at London. So please review and I promise the next chapter will be longer, this is just the set up.
'For once in your pathetic life, stop being such a coward.'
Chandler stared at the brass number 20 as he mentally berated himself. He practically buzzed with nervous energy, bouncing up and down on the balls of his feet as he tried to psych himself up. 'Go back in there,' his mind screamed at him. 'Go back in there and say something, anything. Tell her that that night meant a lot to you for so many more reasons than because you're really hot. That night meant so much to you because she's Monica and you're Chandler and you still aren't entirely convinced this isn't some elaborate prank. It meant something to you because she's your best friend and even before last night he cared for her more than he cared for most people. Tell her it meant the world to you because you've been half in love with her since college and you never in your wildest dreams (okay, maybe in your wildest) thought this could happen.'
But of course that's the whole problem. Cause she's Monica and he's Chandler. And how great this thing could be is inversely proportionate to how completely, disastrously it could turn out. Was he really brave enough to make that gamble?
Chandler felt the energy dissipate from his body as his shoulders slumped and his feet slowed. He let out a low groan of frustration and he ran his fingers roughly through his hair, tugging slightly on the strands, relishing the pain. He turned away from the door and stepped solemnly towards its opposite. Now facing his own door, Chandler began gently banging his head against the number 19 in utter agony.
Of course he wasn't brave enough. He's never been.
xxx
Monica stared at the purple door, willing it to open. But the door remained closed and slowly she reconciled herself that fact. Turning, she looked down at the bags lying at her feet. Letting out a sigh of resignation, Monica decided to leave the suitcases for now and unpack later. She was suddenly tired and the desire to take a nap overwhelmed her. She yawned as she headed to her room and justified the uncharacteristic display of laziness, thinking, 'I'm probably still on London time.'