"I can't take our engagement photo like this, Joey." Chandler said softly. "Monica's… she's gorgeous. And I'm… I'm just… me. People will look at the photo in the newspaper, and they'll say-"

"Wow, what a good-lookin' couple." Joey finished. "Especially the dude. He's got a great smile."

Chandler shook his head, frowning, but even he had to appreciate Joey's comment. He grinned shyly, and turned away.

"There. That's the one." Joey pointed at his ex-roommate. "I love your smile, dude. Just ignore the camera."

Chandler nodded. "Thanks, Joey." He shot Joey one last glimpse of his smile before heading out the door.

As soon as Chandler had closed the door, he stopped and leaned back against it, feeling his head hit the wood with a clunk.

The things Joey had said… They were obviously more than just a, "It's gonna be okay, dude." or, "Gee, sorry about that." No. They had been more genuine… they had sounded real.

"I love your smile." Joey had said.Chandler's head was filled with questions, but he didn't dare go back inside the apartment. His heart was beating painfully hard; it had bounced up into his throat.

What he was feeling… it was odd. Unconsciously, he found himself muttering Monica's name under his breath; it was as if he was protecting his soon-to-be marriage, his sexuality, his exclusively platonic friendship with Joey… everything.

Chandler allowed himself to think of Joey for a few moments. He let his mind roll over Joey's dark hair and his foolish grin.

"Monica." His muttering grew louder, no longer just insecure whispers. Could he possibly be making a mountain out of a molehill? Had Joey been simply being… nice?

That had to be it. Taking a deep breath, Chandler relaxed. His heart dropped out of his throat, and he wiped his hands roughly on his pants, ridding them of the coating of sweat they were harbouring.

Deciding wordlessly never to think about Joey that way again, Chandler set off to meet Monica at the photographer's.

"Maybe that wasn't so bad after all." he muttered to himself, sticking his hands in his pockets as he disappeared around the corner.

Meanwhile…

Joey was sitting in the lounger, hoping desperately that Chandler wouldn't come back in. But, why would he? He had to get his picture taken with Monica. He had no reason to come back.

Joey put his head in his hands, trembling fingers slipping on his wet hairline. When Chandler and Monica's relationship had gotten serious, he had told himself that the little chance he believed that he had with Chandler was gone. And he thought he had etched that so deep into his heart that he would never look at Chandler that way again. He'd be the best friend… not the jealous wannabe-boyfriend. But he had just slipped.

"I love your smile." Joey repeated under his breath. But the words were bitter now, dripping with regret. Still, Chandler had looked so happy when he'd said it…

"Maybe that wasn't so bad after all." Joey sighed, removing his hands from his head and staring at the door.

end