LONG AUTHOR'S NOTE:
Ok, so this is my first AU Mondler fic and I'm really nervous and excited about it. I have a whole new appreciation for those who write AU fics on a regular basis. Trying to keep the true essence of the character and his or her reactions intact while putting them in situations they didn't encounter during the canon of the regular series is a CHALLENGE. I hope I pull it off with this multi-chapter story.
Thank you a hundred times over for all your positive reviews of my one-shots. Nothing like nice feedback to boost your confidence! Um, that's a hint to review by the way :)
This story takes place in an alternate version of Season 4. There have been lots of stories similar to this one, I know. But I hope it's not too cliché and I will succeed in putting my own, hopefully entertaining, spin on it.
More will be explained in the context of the story (a lot in the first chapter actually), but to set up the narrative I thought it was important to know a couple things upfront. Ross & Rachel were never "on a break," the "big tree" is still around and, yes, Kathy (a character I really did like) is in the picture. Joey and Phoebe's lives are pretty much what they were in that season, except Phoebe is not pregnant with triplets and he's still gainfully employed. They are really auxiliary characters here. This is a Mondler fic, after all! However, all the characters are a part of this story.
The title of this story does not have "TOW" because it isn't a missing scene, like my other fics. It's much more angsty and dramatic than a sitcom would be, but that's what I wanted to write, so there you go! And, just to put it out there again, I own none of the characters. They own me, of course, but that's another story…
Music is a big inspiration for me and some of the chapter titles are taken right from song titles. The reason it is called "Slow Me Down" will be explained in a (much shorter) author's note in another chapter, which was actually the first one I wrote but won't appear until I get there with the rest of the plot. And I pray there are no typos. I know they've been in my other fics and it drives me crazy (but they are all fixed now, I think!) - that's what happens when you write and post right after - too fast!
Need to "slow me down" but not too slow. :) My plan is to post one chapter a week, I think. This is still coming to me in bits and pieces in some places. It will probably change ratings at some point, too.
OK, that's enough. Thanks for reading this long-winded diatribe and I really hope you enjoy "Slow Me Down" (which will start in the next chapter - called "Thursday is the Best Day.")