Chapter 2

"God, it has been the longest two months ever". Somehow this thought was the most often lately. The time seemed to stop and was not willing to get any faster. Chandler wish it did go faster, because every single day and every single time he saw her, he kept telling himself, that as time passes, he'd get over her. It's been two months now, and not that it become any easier, it was getting more and more difficult every single day. He had already stopped telling himself it was just a crush and had to admit, that he was totally in love with Monica. With Monica, who was absolutely happy with the love of her life - Richard. And every single day he was aching having to see her smiling at him, looking at him, kissing him. The only comforting thing was that he got very close with Rachel lately. They had been doing everything together - watching movies, drinking coffee, having breakfast, lunch and dinner. They supported one another without questions. He helped her go through all the Ross thing - seeing him desperately wanting get back with Emily wasn't exactly the easiest thing for Rachel. She on another hand was always supporting him, holding his hand or simply hugging him every time he was sad. She never asked anything, but Chandler knew that she must suspect something. After all, every time he saw Monica and Richard he got that painful look in his eyes and she'd always come in checking on him. He was grateful she never asked anything. He took her support and did the best to return it and always be there for her. Lately, she got used to coming over in the evening, just to watch TV and usually they'd fall asleep together on the couch. Both of them knew, that the others are suspecting they'd become a thing, but they'd just laugh at it and enjoyed being friends.

"Earth to Chandler" Joey grinned. "Come on, dude, where are you?"

"Oh, Joe, I was just thinking... How long have you been standing here?"

"Just a minute or two" Joey smiled. "I bet I know who are you thinking of. It's her, isn't it?"

Chandler felt as if he was hit in the stomach. Didn't he hide it well enough? Even Joey knows... well then everybody knows.

"Who her? What are you talking about?" he murmured.

"Rachel, of course! Oh, come on, I've seen you two, you're always together. I bet if I asked you where she was, you'd know that" he laughed.

"She's at the dentist. Her tooth sores a bit. And do you even have a point?" he started to get annoyed. Everyone just kept fixating on him and Rach being together when all he wanted was to be with Monica. Besides, he was scared, that if she thought that too, she may never look at him. Not that she was showing any interest in him what so ever, but Chandler couldn't help it hoping, that maybe someday she would.

"Of course I have a point! Dude, it's Rachel! She's hot! And she wants you!" Joey grinned. He himself couldn't believe that someone like Rachel would ever show any interest in someone like Chandler, but apparently she did. And the strangest thing was that Chandler didn't seem to want her back!

"No she doesn't" Chandler answered calmly. "She wants Ross. Or wanted, but I think she's getting better already." he smiled shyly thinking of her.

"Dude, you're blind. Alright, I just hope you'll see it before it will be too late." he added. "And now I gotta go, I have a really hot date tonight!"

"Good luck, Joe, have fun!"

As Joey walked out the door, Monica went in. "Chandler, can I talk to you, please..." she said weakly.

Chandler rushed to her. Her eyes were filled with tears, her hands were shaking and she barely could speak.

"What happened, sweetie? What's wrong?" he asked with such tenderness and love in his voice, that she broke down.

"What am I doing, Chandler? Why did I get into this again? I knew he didn't want to have children! Why... why would I think he might've changed his mind?"

"Shh, Mon, it's gonna be fine. I'm sure, that now, when you guys are back together he'll reconsider the whole 'no kids' thing" he said softly. It hurt like hell not to be able to say, that she doesn't need him and she should take him instead, as he'd do anything just to be with her and make her happy. He wanted to say, that Richard is just an idiot if he can't appreciate her and if he doesn't want to fulfill her every dream. Instead he hugged her and sat her down on the couch, stroking her back gently. "You'll see, it'll be fine, he won't risk at loosing you again. You guys will have children".

"No, we won't! I asked him already. He said that nothing has changed as for him, and that he was hoping that my point of view has changed. Chandler, what do I do? I love him, and I know he loves me too..." hot tears burst from her eyes. She looked so helpless, so scared that Chandler had to comfort her somehow. He caressed her face and stroke her hair gently.

"You'll work it out, I'm sure you will" he whispered.

Monica looked at him quietly. She wanted to believe him so much! And it was so good to be held by him. She knew he'd do anything she wanted; he was so faithful, so good. And by the way, she thought of him as of her special friend, before the whole Rachel story began. Now she thought they were getting together, but at the moment she couldn't think of anything except that he was here, so close to her, holding her so tightly, protectively and his eyes sparkled. She could feel his heartbeat was getting stronger and faster as she was looking at his eyes. She moved a little bit closer without breaking the look. Then suddenly she couldn't think of anything else but kissing him. She wanted it so badly... Monica leaned towards him ant softly kissed him on the mouth. Chandler pulled her closer and returned her kiss passionately. It was no longer a soft brush against the lips; he sank into it, feeling his body was filled with joy and relief. They made out for few minutes, before Chandler finally realized what was going on. He broke the kiss and looked at her.

"Mon, are you sure about this? I... I mean, it's not just because you had a fight with Richard?" he asked hoping she would tell him it was about them.

Monica shook her head and kissed him again. "It's because you're my friend, and I need this now. I need a friend, I need a lover, and I need some comfort..."

Chandler felt his heart was torn. It's not what he wanted to hear. But it was Monica and she was in his arms and he was already screwed up... He kissed her passionately, then he stood up, took her hand and walked her into his bedroom. "I'm not getting in the middle of something, right? I mean you and Rachel..." Chandler hushed her with the kiss. "There's no me and Rachel, Mon... and now it's me and you". Monica smiled at him. It was so good to feel like that, to feel appreciated, desired. She saw the look in Chandler's eyes – he definitely wanted her. She pulled him closer and they once again sank into the kiss. All of the sudden it all became blurry and nothing else mattered, only being there, together.