AN: After getting some positive feedback on my last story I've been inspired to start another Joey/Rachel story. I actually have another story idea that I might develop after I finish this one. This story won't be a oneshot. I hope to make it into a full story. Let me know what you think. Ideas are always welcome and appreciated.
Chapter 1:
Rachel was lounging in Joey's coveted seat, which she had once thought ridiculous, but now adored, when she heard the door to their apartment open and close. She swiveled the cushiony black leather chair around to see who was here and was greeted by Joey's overjoyed smile. She felt a smile of her own creep onto her lips just from seeing him so happy. She felt her heart rate increase slightly from his presence, lately being in the same room with him seemed to have that affect on her. She wasn't sure she was ready to process why. She didn't know if she could handle the answer to that question, not yet anyways. Deep down she knew the answer, but she chose to live in denial for as long as she could. Rachel shook her head to get her focus back on reality.
"Hey Sweetie," she said kindly.
Was there a touch of flirting in my tone just then? Rachel thought to herself. No Rach, now is not the time to overanalyze your crazy emotions. You don't want to open that can of worms, remember? Focus!
"Rach guess what!" Joey said excitedly, making his way over to where she sat.
"You got the part?!" Rachel asked, her excitement nearly mirroring his, by now she was literally at the end of her seat.
Aside from his mother, Rachel was Joey's biggest fan. Days of our Lives had become a part of her life and there was a special place in her heart carved out for Dr. Drake Ramoray. Are you sure you don't mean Joey Tribbiani? that pesky voice in her head inquired. Stop that! We can't go there.
"Yeah! I got the lead!" Joey exclaimed, rushing over and picking Rachel up off of the chair and into a bear hug.
"Aww Joey that's great," she said fondly, hugging him back.
Joey started bouncing up and down and swinging them around. Rachel couldn't help but giggle at his child-like excitement. Typical Joey she thought. Yeah, typical Joey for whom you harbour secret feelings for the tiny voice replied. Not the time, Rach, not the time she scolded.
It wasn't long before Joey's hold became too tight for Rachel's airways. She could feel her lungs burning for air. "Sweetie… Can't… Breathe," she choked out.
Joey looked down at her and smiled, easing his hold on her. "Sorry Rach, I'm just so happy," he said, that brilliant smile growing even larger than it already was.
"I'm so proud of you Joey," she replied, stretching up on her tiptoes to give him a kiss on the cheek.
She bit her bottom lip as she caught a whiff of his cologne. There was something about that smell that always got to her. It was sexy and masculine. Just like Joey.
Rachel gradually climbed her way out of her daze and when she did she couldn't believe her eyes. Was Joey Tribbiani blushing? Was it possible he had feelings for her too? She couldn't afford to get her hopes up. She knew how unrealistic she was being. This was Joey after all.
Joey cleared his throat and looked away for a second. He then turned his attention back to her and asked, "Rach, will you run lines with me? You were so good last time and I could really use the help."
Joey could tell he was borderline begging and pleading, but he really needed her help. None of their friends were as good an actor/actress as her. Plus, we have some pretty great chemistry he thought to himself slyly, making sure to school his facial expressions as best he could.
"Of course I will," she said with genuine enthusiasm. "It's like being behind the scenes of the latest blockbuster," she added dreamily.
Joey chuckled at the blissful look on her face over running lines together. Hmm I wonder if there's any way I could get her onto the set he thought idly. She would love that. Flashbacks of her on the set of Days of our Lives came flooding back to him. She was completely star struck. She was as excited as a kid on Christmas. Joey had been embarrassed at first, but he quickly realized that her excitement was contagious - to him anyways.
"When do you get the script?" she asked gleefully.
"They actually gave me parts of the script today. They liked me so much they wanted to -"
Joey was interrupted by Rachel's squeal. "Already?! Wow they must really like you," she said in awe.
Joey chuckled, "Does that mean you want to run lines with me today?"
Now it was Rachel's turn to jump him for a bear hug. She knew she was making a fool of herself, but she couldn't help it. She just got so excited when it came to show business, especially when Joey was involved. She lived vicariously through him and was always over the moon when he gave her the chance to be involved in it all. Even if she was just running lines. To her, running lines was as great as actually being in the production.
"I'll take that as a yes," he said as he wrapped his arms around her tightly, returning the hug. He didn't want to let her go. She felt so soft and warm, a wonderful contrast to his own muscular build. He always tried to soak in moments with Rachel as much as he could, trying to commit them to memory. Every minute with her was special to him.
Rachel just looked up at him and smiled as a response. Joey knew enough to know that meant yes, not that there was ever any doubt.
After hugging Joey for a few more moments Rachel reluctantly let go. She was eager to run lines with Joey, but she knew she had to give him time to memorize the script. She decided that now would be the perfect time to go get her daughter.
"I'm going to go pick up Emma from Ross' and give you some time to yourself," she said politely.
Joey gave her a wicked grin and said, "Somebody's eager to run lines with the famous Joey Tribbiani."
Rachel slapped his arm playfully for the smug comment before grabbing her coat and heading to the door.
"I'll see you in a bit," she said as she headed out the door.
"Bye Rach," Joey had just enough time to say as she was closing the door behind her.
Rachel came back home two hours later to find Joey passed out in his recliner. She smiled and shook her head affectionately. "Poor guy," she mumbled as she sat Emma down on the counter for a moment so she could take of her coat.
New York was covered in a beautiful blanket of snow. Rachel always loved this time of the year, even if it did mean bundling up and possibly ruining a new pair of shoes. There was something magical about winter, about snow really. She couldn't explain it. She had felt this way since she was little and her parents had taken her and her sisters away to the ski lodge for their first time. It had quickly become a holiday tradition for the Greens. It was something she looked forward to every year. She had been heartbroken the year she missed her flight and had to spend the holiday here. At least she had been able to spend thanksgiving with her friends.
Emma's soft babbling was enough to stir Joey from his nap and bring Rachel back from her drifting thoughts. Joey rubbed his eyes and went over to see his favourite little bundle of joy while Rachel continued to undress from her winter clothes.
He gave Emma a goofy grin, gently pulling off her hat so he could tousle her hair.
"Hey there Emma. Did you miss your uncle Joey?" he asked, tickling her sides.
Emma giggled and squirmed around on the countertop.
After tormenting her with tickling for a few more seconds he decided it was time to give the poor girl a break.
"What do you say we get your coat off? We wouldn't want you to melt away now would we? Hugsy's the only one who gets to wear a winter jacket inside," he said with a grin and an undeniable sparkle in his eyes.
Emma let loose another girly giggle. Rachel's heart swooned seeing the two of them interacting. Joey was so good with her. She could tell he really loved Emma.
After they had been freed of their winter attire, Joey picked up Emma and brought her over to sit on his lap on the cozy recliner.
Once the coats, mitts, hats, and boots had been put away Rachel came over and perched on the arm of the chair.
Joey had Emma giggling up a storm yet again with all of the funny faces he was making at her. Rachel couldn't help making a few obscure faces of her own. It was easy to get swept into Joey's charms, a fact Rachel had become all too familiar with recently.
The three of them continued to bond until Emma started to get tired and groggy. Rachel looked over at the clock, 2:00 PM.
"Guess someone's ready for her nap," she said sweetly, glancing down at a yawning Emma curled up in Joey's arms.
Joey stood up with Emma in wrapped snugly his arms. "I can tuck her in if you want," he said kindly.
Rachel smiled at the hopefulness in his voice and nodded her head in response. "Thanks Joey," she replied.
Joey made his way over to Rachel's room, rocking Emma gently in his arms. A warmth spread through Rachel's body at the sweet sight of Joey and her baby girl. She was glad Emma had him in her life. She couldn't ask for a better uncle for her daughter. She knew Joey would always be there to look out for her. He treated her as if she was his own. Words couldn't express how grateful she was to have Joey around.
Joey returned to the living room a few minutes later with a dreamy grin on his face. What a beautiful face, Rachel thought. She shook her head of the thought. Geez get a hold of yourself Rach. This is Joey. Your roommate and best friend. You can't go there, She scolded. You're only making things harder on yourself.
Rachel sighed, inadvertently catching Joey's attention.
"Long day?" he asked empathetically.
"Something like that…" she replied evasively.
Joey nodded, not wanting to push the ambiguous reply. When and if Rachel was ready to talk about what was going on in her head, she would. Rachel knew that he was always there for her if she needed to talk. Joey wouldn't let anything change that. No one was as important to him as Rachel. He would always be there to protect her and Emma. No matter what.
"So, want to run lines with me Rach?" he asked, knowing the answer before she even said a word.
Rachel smiled that dazzling smile that always tugs at Joey's heartstrings. Man she's beautiful. What was Ross thinking breaking up with her?! If I got the chance to call her mine I would never let her go.
Rachel interrupted his internal fantasy by replying enthusiastically, "I would love to."