[Note] This is set sometime during or after third season because I wanted the chick and the duck to be a part of this. Otherwise, I don't know where this would fit. Events are NOT continous with the show (especially between the relationship between Ross and Rachel). Please R&R!
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Chapter One
Analytical Coffee Break
Central Perk is, as always, the haven for the six friends. The smell of coffee and the sound of amiable conversation permeate through the air, providing the perfect atmosphere for Ross and Rachel to relax and enjoy eachother's company. The other four of the group were sitting around them, reading magazines, chatting, and eating.
"Honey," Rachel said, picking up her empty coffee mug, "I'm sorry, can you refill this for me?" Ross looked at her and smiled, "Sure, no problem." Rachel looks at him questioningly as he hesitates, "What's wrong?"
Ross laughs and looks at her, "Nothing, it's just that Gunther kind of gives me the creeps." Rachel smiles at him and laughs, "Oh come on, sweetie, that's silly."
Chandler, who had been sitting at the table on the side and reading the newspaper looked up. "Oh, that's okay, man, he scares all of us."
Ross looked at his best friend with an exasperated sigh. Despite having roomed with him through college, and remaining his best friend throughout the following years, Chandler's never-ending sarcasm, while entertaining for the most part, could be somewhat annoying. Ross shook his head and made his way back to the counter with Rachel's empty coffee mug.
Monica, who had been sitting beside Rachel looked at her friend. "So, how is it between you two? Things settling down? Everything okay?" Rachel looked thoughtfully at her friends and nodded, "Yeah, yeah, I think this time it's going to work. You guys, I love him so much, it's like, finally we realize that all we need is a little understanding and work, and it can be....wonderful." Phoebe looked at Rachel and smiled, "I'm so happy for you guys. I was so right! You two make perfect lobsters!"
Chandler looked at Phoebe with a puzzled frown, "I know you've explained that a million times, but I still don't know if Ross and Rachel like being compared to appetizing crustaceans." Joey, who had been eating his sandwich with immense concentration, looked up. "More food?"
Ross came back with Rachel's refilled mug and handed the steaming beverage to her. She took it and settled back into his arms.
Chandler looked at the pair. Two of his best friends are finally together. After all those trials and tribulations, they've overcome it all and are totally content. He remembered back in college when Ross would ramble on and on about how wonderful Rachel was. He also remembered going to the Gellar household during holidays. Monica had been fat back then, and Rachel had been the little princess of Long Island. It was amazing to him how they had changed, grown, and matured.
Well, except for me, he thought to himself. He looked at his three other friends.
There was Monica, now beautiful, sweet, somewhat neurotic, but always just this side of perfect. There was so much she was willing to give. Despite that, she was still single. It was amazing to him that she still hadn't found the man she deserved.
Then there was Phoebe. She might be a little strange to some, but she was one of the most loveable people he knew. He couldn't figure out why she, too, didn't have a man of her own.
Joey was his other best friend and roommate. It was obvious why he wasn't, and wouldn't be in the near future, in a serious relationship. As an actor, he was the ultimate womanizer. It wasn't that he was afraid to commit, it was just the many girls couldn't hold his interest.
So what's wrong with me? Chandler wondered. He had gone through this before, and had taken a chance with Janice. He shuddered slightly at the thought of his former girlfriend. With her high, annoying voice and laugh, her overbearing personality. But he had loved her, and that was when it ended. When he realized he loved her.
"Chandler?"
Chandler snapped out of his trance and looked at Monica, who was looking back at him with a strange expression.
"Yeah?"
"We were wondering if you wanted to come over tonight," Monica said, pointing to Phoebe to articulate the "we." Chandler looked at strangely, "And do what?"
Phoebe smiled, "I can read your palm!"
Chandler looked at his two friends. As much as he loved them...
"I think I'll pass. Girls night just isn't the same when I'm there. When my dad's there, that's a different story," Chandler said, looking back to his newspaper.
"It's not like you have plans," Phoebe pressed. Chandler looked at her, "I have plans. I have a lot of feeling sorry for myself to do. That could take the whole night."
Joey looked at his friend, "Why don't you go out for drinks with me and Becky? She can bring a friend of hers, if you know what I mean," he finished with a knowing smile.
Chandler looked at Joey incredulously, "A pity date? What kind of person do you think I am?" Joey opened his mouth to defend himself. "Alright, I'll go."
Ross broke away from Rachel's loving gaze to chime in with his opinion, "Who knows, she might be the one," he said jokingly. Chandler looked at him, his eyes characteristically wide when he was either confused or extremely surprised.
"The one? You can't joke about stuff like that. 'The one' is someone that is someday going to find me, realize she'll have no future at all with me, and run away screaming like the little she was all those years ago," Chandler said breezily, forcing the bitterness out of his voice.
Rachel looked at him half amused, half confused, "And what will you do?"
Chandler thought about the question for a moment. "I don't know... go back to being desperate and needy?"
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I know this chapter does not really have anything happen. I just wanted to establish what this story centers around. Please review so I know if I should continue or trash this.