Once Joey was outside the house and wandering around Monica and Chandler's neighbourhood, he began to actually process what had just happened with Rachel back in the kitchen. She had given him a perfect opening to tell her about his feelings, but when he had tried, he just couldn't. Chandler had been right. It just wasn't the right time to tell Rachel how he felt. She was divorcing Ross – Ross, the person who was supposed to be her lobster. Rachel wouldn't want a relationship right now and she definitely wouldn't want it to be with Joey, the one who confused things even further.
Joey passed by a group of kids playing some ball hockey and smiled – they were so energetic and happy, it was hard not to smile. Joey couldn't help but realize that one day he would be watching his own son or daughter out on the road playing hockey with all the other neighbourhood kids. Maybe that day would come sooner if things ever were to work out with Rachel. Would Emma want to play hockey outside? He figured probably not – she was Rachel's daughter after all, but perhaps she'd jump rope instead, or play tag.
When Joey noticed his thoughts had flipped to Rachel he shook his head. He couldn't let himself think like that. Rachel was trying to figure things out with her and Ross. Thinking about her in that way would only tempt him further to talk about his feelings. Rachel would need some time to get over being with Ross. He needed to give her the space she needed. And besides, wishful thinking wouldn't get him anywhere. Joey wasn't even sure if Rachel still felt anything towards him. He couldn't afford to start thinking about what his life would be like as a step-father to Emma, let alone any other future kids he may have.
Joey continued to walk around until the sky was pitch black. By this time Monica and Chandler would be home and Rachel would have left to go back into the city. He figured it was a good time to come home then. Joey made his way back to the house and opened the front door quietly before stepping in. The front hall light had been left on for him, but there was no other sign that anyone was awake in the house. Joey figured Monica and Chandler were in their bedroom, but he didn't want to disturb either of them so he just headed towards the living room to watch a bit of T.V. Going for a walk hadn't tired him out like he thought he would, but Joey knew that half an hour of boring news would put him out like a light.
When Joey reached the living room he stopped in his tracks. There, asleep in a chair, was Rachel. He couldn't believe that she was still here. Did she stay here all this time waiting for him to come back to the house? Or worse, what if she was living with Monica and Chandler too since divorcing Ross? Joey tried to convince himself that Rachel wouldn't do that. She'd want to stay in the city – it was close to her work. She loved the city, right?
Joey was about to leave the room and just go to his bedroom, but then Rachel shivered a little in her chair. He noticed a blanket draped over the arm of the couch and walked over to pick it up. He didn't want her to be cold for the whole night. As he covered Rachel gently with the blanket, Joey leaned forward and kissed the top of her head softly. Joey smelt the shampoo again and his heart skipped a beat. He knew he shouldn't be doing this – kissing her – but Joey just couldn't help it. It was Rachel.
Just as Joey broke away from her, Rachel stirred. Joey froze. How was he going to explain this?
"Joey?" Rachel mumbled softly and stared up at him.
The moonlight caught her face in such a way that drove Joey crazy. She looked so beautiful, it just wasn't fair. Joey reached out and gently brushed his fingers along the side of Rachel's face. She didn't move, didn't pull away. Just stared at him with those beautiful eyes. What was he doing?
Joey's hand slid down to her chin and he guided her face closer to his. He could feel her warm breath on his face. Joey leaned a little forward until their lips touched. He was reminded of Barbados, their old apartment – every single place Rachel and he had ever kissed. This time though there was something else there, a fire that had never appeared before. Joey considered wondering what it was, but just the feeling of Rachel's lips on his drove all thoughts away. In this moment, he didn't care. He had Rachel, and that was all that mattered.