December 22nd

"My god, it's like Christmas has thrown up in here," Chandler deadpanned, walking into the Santa's grotto that used to be apartment 20.

"Then it's a good job I didn't get the snow machine," Monica teased, as she took the last tray of snowman-shaped cookies from the oven, whilst simultaneously checking on the dinner.

"Yep, if you had, I'd be retracting that offer of a ride on Saturday," his large smile took any seriousness from the threat as he joined her in the kitchen. "You do realize you're Jewish, right?"

"Bite me," she grinned, sticking her tongue out at him playfully, "I can't believe it's the last time we're all together."

"Before Christmas," he pointed out teasingly as he reached for a warm cookie, "Not like the last time ever!"

"Well, it's still a big occasion," she insisted, batting his hand away. "We've got a pre Christmas roast, festive-themed snacks, hot chocolate with little 'snow' marshmellows, secret santa...oh, I can't wait!"

Chandler smiled at her, loving just how excited she looked, how it lit up her whole face making her look so beautiful, so alive.

"Chandler?"

He coughed awkwardly, trying to look like he hadn't been caught staring at her, "Um, where's, uh everyone else?" he tried to cover.

"Phoebe and Rachel are doing last minute shopping but should be here soon. Ross is on his way over and Joey...I dread to think! He's probably chatting up some female elf somewhere."

Chandler chuckled at the image, his roommate rarely surprised him these days.

"Can I help with anything?" he offered.

"Sure, I was going to ice the cookies, you could stick on the gumdrop buttons?"

He raised his eyebrows, "You're giving me a three year old's job?"

"Yep and if you're a good boy, I'll even let you lick the spoon afterwards," she teased, her blue eyes bright as she laughed, shoving the container of 'buttons' at his chest.

"I'll, uh, hold you to that," he grinned meeting those amazing eyes, staring into them for a moment too long as he tried to get his fill. In all honesty he could happily stare into them for hours and not get bored, but he couldn't. Monica was just his friend. She wouldn't appreciate him staring at her, although she did seem to be holding and searching his gaze for longer than strictly necessary. What was she looking for?

His pulse started to quicken, wondering if she was feeling this too? Was she finally starting to give into the idea that there may be more than just friendship between them and that she'd be willing to explore the possibility? He wet his lips, his eyes still locked with hers until she eventually broke the gaze, running a hand over to smooth down her hair.

"Better get to those cookies," she murmured and all he could do was nod, still caught in the spell, his mind still racing with possibilities.

He watched as she effortlessly started to ice the cookies, she had such a natural knack at this sort of stuff, such a gentle grace...

"Buttons, Bing."

"Crap, right," he snapped out of it, jumping into action, fumbling around the container and placing the first one on.

"Make sure they're in a straight line."

"Can we settle for 'straightish'?" he asked, critically eyeing up his less than average handy work.

"As it's you," she teased, stepping close to him to assess for herself. "Not bad," she reassured him, her hand rubbing the top of his arm, causing a little shiver to ripple through him.

"T-thanks."

They made eye contact again, again holding each other's gaze. Her hand was still on his arm and he swallowed hard, desperately trying to work out what was happening between them today when the door burst open, ruining any potential moment.

"Manhattan is crazy this close to Christmas," Rachel complained as herself and Phoebe entered, completely oblivious to anything they were interrupting.

"I did try and warn you," Monica reminded her roommate, before finally breaking eye contact with Chandler, her hand running smoothly down his arm as she stepped away to check on the dinner.

Chandler stayed by the cookies, staring after her. Had that been some kind of sign or was he so desperate he was starting to imagine things? He'd wanted to be in a romantic relationship with her for so long that he couldn't decide if he was just seeing things, projecting his longing onto a simple friendly caress or if something was actually happening.

At least Joey wasn't around to tease him.

"I wasn't the one that left my secret santa present to the last minute," Rachel protested, shooting a pointed look at Phoebe.

"It's not my fault I've been busy," the blonde defended, "I've had other festive commitments you know. Besides, I managed to get something just perfect."

"You had Ross right?" Chandler asked casually.

"Chandler!" Monica scolded despite his best innocent face.

"Yeah she did," Rachel answered causing Monica to shake her head.

"It's supposed to be a secret, guys, the hint's in the name, secret santa."

"You're just annoyed that you can't figure out who has you," Rachel smirked.

"I'm not!" Monica insisted. "I don't want to know."

"I know who has you," Chandler sing-songed, unable to resist teasing her, loving how her eyes narrowed at him.

"I don't care," she lied badly.

"Of course not," he mocked playfully, waiting a beat before continuing with a smug little grin, "I know what they got you, too..."

"I still don't care, I'm looking forward to the surprise."

"You wouldn't be if you knew what they'd bought you...," he grinned, his eyes sparkling mischievously as they met hers.

He loved the natural banter that the two of them shared. Sure, the whole group shared it to a point, but when it was just him and Monica he felt more challenged, felt the need to be quicker and sharper to impress her and knew she enjoyed their exchanges too.

Monica shook her head a fond smile on her face and he was still grinning as Ross and then Joey arrived, ready for an evening of festive cheer.

"Penis-shaped pasta and a naked lady apron? Seriously?" Monica asked as they all sat around the couch area, surrounded by Christmas wrapping paper.

The Christmas feast was long finished and everyone was feeling rather stuffed and content.

"Oooh cool!" Phoebe praised, grabbing the apron from her hands and checking it out. "This is neat!"

"It's not neat," Monica insisted, whacking Chandler with the bag of pasta as he laughed beside her on the couch.

"Hey," he protested, "why are you hitting me? I didn't buy either of them."

"Yes, but you knew Joey did," she indicated the man that was sat in the chair giggling hysterically.

At least she hadn't been there when Joey had revealed them to him one evening, joking it was really a present for Chandler as it was the only way he'd ever get to see her naked. He doubted she'd appreciate that that little anecdote.

"That doesn't mean I have any control over what he buys," he pointed out. "Remember the 'best buds' bracelet he invested in or all those damn overpriced cuddly toys he keeps buying then trying to hide."

"True," she sighed, letting him off the hook with a soft smile, which made his heart ache. What he wouldn't do to lean over and kiss her and-

"At least it's better than when they bought you those gas station condoms," Rachel pointed out.

"Hey, I apologized about that," Chandler complained, "and I got you all nice birthday presents that year. Remember Rach, you had more store credit than usual when you traded it in."

"Touche," she grinned.

"Well, I like my present," Ross enthused, placing the illuminous toy dinosaur on the coffee table, making it walk along and make a dinosaur noise, which ended up as a strange strangled sound when he realized everyone was watching him.

"You are such a dweeb," Joey laughed.

"No, I'm not," Ross insisted with an indignant frown, "I'm just, uh practicing for Ben tomorrow."

"Are you excited to have him over Christmas?" Phoebe asked and he nodded enthusiastically.

"I can't wait," he beamed. "I pick him up at 8am tomorrow and then dad will come over by 9.30am."

Chandler moved his gaze from the happy Geller to the more pensive one sat next to him. No doubt hating that she wasn't getting to leave with her family tomorrow and instead was stuck here for another couple of days.

"I wish I was going with you," Monica softly verbalized his thoughts.

"At least you still get to come," Ross assured her, standing up and taking her hands as he pulled her up. "You'll still be with us for Christmas," he hugged her.

"And you get a road trip with me thrown in for free," Chandler offered trying to lighten the mood.

"With no ulterior motive whatsoever," Joey muttered, thankfully no one seemed to be paying him much attention as Chandler threw him a warning glare.

"I'm just glad you're coming and Ben will be thrilled to see you, even if it is a little later than planned," Ross pulled her into for another hug. "Right, I better get going, I still need to finish packing."

"Oh, I'll share a cab," Phoebe stood up, grabbing her coat and purse.

"Merry Christmas guys!"

They all got up, exchanging hugs, pats on the back and well-wishes as they left.

"So, you gonna wear your apron, Mon?" Joey grinned smugly reaching for another cookie.

"You ever want me to cook for you again?" she asked sweetly, he nodded. "Then shut up," his smile disappeared.

Chandler laughed, his eyes creasing in the corners as Joey muttered something in Italian, pulling himself up from his chair.

"On that note, I'm going to say goodnight before I get into any real trouble," he offered a wave over his shoulder. "See you guys tomorrow."

Monica shook her head as she watched him leave before standing up and starting to clear the rubbish. Chandler stood up too, copying her actions, his stupid itchy Christmas hat still on his head as he carried some bits into the kitchen, piling them up on the side.

The smile she gave him made it well worth it, "Thanks Chandler."

"You're welcome," her smile was infectious, instantly causing his own lips to curve upwards.

Their eyes met again and Chandler tried to read her thoughts.

"Oooh, you have to kiss!" Both blinked sharply turning to Rachel, who blushed. "The mistletoe on Chandler's hat," she pointed lamely.

His secret santa had gotten him something worse than a naked apron. They'd bought him a bright red santa hat, with the words kiss me quick stitched onto the rim at the front and instead of a white bobble, there was a piece of tacky plastic mistletoe...which was currently dangling between him and Monica. Interesting...

"We're not kissing," Monica informed them, unknowingly causing his stomach to drop a little. "It's not even real mistletoe."

He felt her eyes on him, waiting for him to back her up.

"Y-yeah," he swallowed quickly, doubting he was that convincing as he felt her eyes still on him, studying him. "You gonna help clean up, Rach?" he asked, knowing the answer as he tried to change the subject.

"Actually, you know what? I'm suddenly tired and I've got to finish packing for tomorrow."

"Your flight doesn't leave until 7pm," Monica pointed out. "You haven't even started packing."

"Then I better go get started. Night guys."

Chandler chuckled as Rachel hurried away, quickly closing her bedroom door, safe from the mess and the need to help.

"She'll never change," he murmured, clearing away the rest of the plates.

"It's taken you this long to figure that out?" she grinned before her voice turned softer. "You really don't have to help, Chandler," she told him, "you're already helping me out more than enough this holiday."

"Nonsense," he dismissed, shaking his head. "Besides, neither is really much of a chore...I happen to like hanging out with you."

He waited, his breath in his throat, had he said too much? He just wanted to test the waters, subtly and discreetly. He wasn't ready or willing to do much more just yet. It had only been a few tiny subtle moments and tonight was the first time he'd seen anything from her to indicate she may be interested. It could still very much be all in his head.

To his delight a light blush came to her features.

"Ditto," she eventually murmured.

Chandler couldn't help but grin, watching as she started to fill the sink with hot soapy water.

"Are you just letting it soak or are you washing up tonight...?" He trailed off at her raised eyebrow. "Of course tonight, what was I thinking?" he chuckled easily, grabbing a dish towel, "You wash, I'll dry."

"Chandler, you really don't have to-"

"Ah!" he held up a finger, "We've already gone over this, Geller. Now get those rubber gloves on." He grinned cheekily at her but instead of following his instructions she stepped towards him causing his smile to falter slightly as she got into his personal space. "Wh-?"

He didn't finish his question, he couldn't, as all coherent thought fled his mind, his mouth going dry as her face came close to his. His heartbeat tripled as he stood frozen as her lips slowly pressed against his cheek. His breath caught in his throat as she lingered there for a long moment before slowly moving away just enough to look in his eyes.

"W-?" he struggled to form a complete word as he felt his face flush.

"Mistletoe," she smiled, swallowing as she stepped back.

"I thought-" he started but she shook her head, her finger pressing softly to his lips. It took everything in him not to kiss her finger.

"It was deserved," she smiled, before removing her finger and stepping away. "Come on, let's get these dishes done."

He nodded, even though she had now turned her back to him, locating her gloves. He closed his eyes a moment, slowly letting out a breath. If a simple kiss on the cheek from her could affect him this much, then he tried not to think about how incredible a real kiss would be.

Avoiding temptation, he pulled off the hat, chucking it onto the table as he reclaimed the forgotten dishtowel from where it had landed on the counter top. He joined her at the sink, his shoulder lightly bumping hers. She looked up at him, offering him a smile and he warmly smiled back.

He still had no clue what was going on between them...but he was liking it.

A/N - thanks so much for the lovely reviews! They are a great motivation to continue writing at all hours to try and get it finished :o)