"The Way the Tides Change"

A Ross and Rachel Story (including other characters)

Written by: Jordan a.k.a SmellyCat2004

Summary: After their painful breakup, Ross and Rachel encounter life changing decisions that help them reconcile and "make it" or "break it" as the lobsters they are destined to be.

Notes: This story takes place right after the episode where Ross gives Rachel back her favorite "Frankie Says Relax" shirt. Everything prior to this episode remains the same, and the romance between Monica and Chandler will occur before London in my story, considering there will be NO LONDON in this story. Hope that clears everything up…

Disclaimer: The show F.R.I.E.N.D.S does not belong to me, it belongs to the creators Bright, Kauffman, and Crane.

Thanks to all my friends for reviewing my stories, and to my other Friends fanatic, Kelly

(( Monica and Rachel's apartment, Rachel is standing outside of her door, holding the t-shirt in her hands))

Oh my god, Rachel thought. He actually cares; maybe there is still a chance for us.

She held the t-shirt and wrung it through her fingers over and over again, tears starting to form in her eyes. Monica looked over at her,

"Rach, you okay?"

She paused, "Yea, I'll be fine… I, I have to go somewhere ((rushing)). I'll be back before dark, I think."

Then she started towards the door, confusion clear across her face. Monica knew something was up, and quickly blocked her only exit.

"Rachel, what exactly are you doing? I hope this doesn't have anything to do with Ross…"

"Oh, no no no! This is simply a huge, a huge job problem. You know… with Mark or someone."

Monica rolled her eyes, "Okay, Rach. I just want to make sure you're not up to something that I don't know about… because I have to know everything!"

But by that time, Rachel was already out the door.

((Outside of Ross's apartment complex))

She nervously began to climb the stairwell, darkness enveloping her petite figure. She wasn't quite sure if this was the "right" thing to do, but at the moment… it was the only thing she wanted to do. She continued, walking slowly as to not trip over her shaking feet. As she neared his apartment, her heart seemed to beat faster and faster, causing her to walk faster and faster. By the time she reached his door, she collapsed on top of it, sliding down and clutching her knees. She didn't even bother to knock, because all she wanted to do was cry and feel sorry for herself. It may be too late to have the one she loved.

Hours later, around twelve thirty that morning, Ross finally approached his familiar apartment. It had been a long day at the museum, what with another vandalism he had to deal with. Then, after all of his hard work, he had to beg Gunther to let him inside Central Perk for a muffin… for god's sake he was starving. And when his day had been the worst he thought imaginable, his face lit up when he saw Rachel collapsed on his doorway.

By this time she had fallen asleep, her head hanging miserably on her shoulder. How could he love her, when she had obviously moved on? It was clear when she had hooked-up with Mark in a heartbeat… But then, why was she at his apartment? Why was she passed-out? He couldn't just stand there and ignore it, yet he couldn't pick her up and carry into his apartment, lie her down on his bed, and watch her sleep. It just wasn't like that anymore. So, instead,

"Rachel!" he leaned down and whispered in her ear.

Like a shotgun, she popped up, banging her head against the door. It only took her a second to realize that Ross was home, and she immediately felt embarrassed.

"Ross! Oh my god… what are you doing here?"

He chuckled nervously, "Well, I do live here."

"I know that, I mean; I didn't expect you to be home so soon…"

He checked his watch, "Well, it is almost one in the morning."

Now she started to feel even more embarrassed, "I'm sorry. I guess I was just really tired, and so… I better start heading home."

She turned to leave, but Ross grabbed her by the arm, "Rach, not to pester you or anything… but was there some reason why you came here?"

She turned to face him, and looked into his eyes. This was one of the hardest things she'd ever done. She loved him so much, it was clear, and somehow, even though he had made a huge mistake, in the deepest part of her heart she had managed to forgive him. But it was the first time she was going to say those three little words, when she wasn't sure that he would say them back.

Taking a deep breath, she said, "Ross, I'm still in love with you."

And then the longest, most awkward silence in the history of awkward silences occurred.

She still loves me? This is… unbelievable, everything I could've asked for. Maybe there's still a chance for us to be together again, and a chance for me to be happy.

A tear slid down his face, "I love you too, more than I've ever felt before. I… I just can't believe I'm getting this chance again. To be with the woman I love."

Color bounced back into Rachel's face, and she became overcome with happiness, "Kiss me."

He looked at her, and did just that. They sank into the kiss as he held her in his arms once again, while she wrapped her arms around his neck. Finally, they were back where they started, and it had never felt so right.

Ok guys, I have A LOT of ideas for this story, and for once I want to be able to finish this one. But, I also am open for a lot of suggestions and/or thoughts about what should happen next. And please remember to read and review, because you guys really keep me going! Thanks again