This takes place in between the episodes: "The One Where Rondler… You Know" and "The One Where Joey Moves Out".
Chandler and Joey's apartment. Chandler is on the couch reading a book, while drinking a glass of water. The doorbell rung. Chandler gets up and answers the door. Ross is revealed to him holding bags and he is absolutely shocked.
"Ross?!" Chandler managed to say, both surprised to see him and wondering what he brought in those bags he was carrying. "What on earth-"
Ross just walked passed him and put the bags on the counter. He turned around and kissed him passionately.
"Aren't you going to say 'hi' to me?" Ross asked teasingly with his arms around him. Chandler smiled and kissed him again.
"Hi," Chandler responds as Ross broke free of him. Chandler posed his question again, "What are you doing here? What's in the bags?"
"I know we have a date tomorrow night, but I couldn't wait that long," Ross explained as Chandler couldn't help but blush. "I wanted to cook dinner for you tonight."
"Oh Ross, that's so nice of you," Chandler replied in such awe that Ross wanted to cook for him. "But seriously, you didn't have to go through the trouble-"
"It was no trouble at all! I wanted to," Ross said cutting him off and kissed his cheek ever so sweetly. Chandler tried to hide his smile, but was unable to.
"Well in that case, what are we having?" Chandler asked snapping out of his daze of his handsome boyfriend.
In answer, Ross grabbed his hand and pulled him to the counter. He started to empty out the bags and explained further, "I wanted to make you my favorite dish, Halibut Sliders and Alfredo pasta. I know you don't have a favorite German dessert yet, So I thought we go with mine, a light german chocolate pie."
Chandler was absolutely floored. Ross has told him that his family history is part German, and wanted to tell him all about it. He wanted Chandler to know all about him, including his family ancestry and what food his family enjoyed. Then there was the word, "yet". That word started to make his heart race, feeling that Ross was thinking about their future. He didn't want to give Ross the satisfactory that he was still having trouble with relationships and scared about theirs. But it was very sweet that Ross wanted to be with him all the time.
"Wow, that sounds very good," Chandler said with a small smile. "I'm sure I'll love it."
Pulling Chandler flush against his body, he whispered, "I made sure I got extra for Joey, but I'd be lying if I said I wanted him here ALL night."
While Chandler was touched that Ross would also think about Joey, his heart sped up at the thought that Ross wanted to be alone with him in the apartment, that had both comfy couches and beds. Although they only slept together once, Chandler is still getting used to the fact that he's gay and sleeping with Ross. His college best friend. This was all still very new to him. Chandler really didn't want to screw their relationship up and risk their close friendship along with it. Trying to compose himself, he finally replied with a nervous laugh.
"Well don't worry, Joey is visiting his sisters. He won't be back until tomorrow. We have the whole place to ourselves."
Ross saw a combination of anxiousness and excitement in Chandler's eyes at the thought of being alone in his apartment for the first time. Of course Ross didn't want Chandler to get the wrong idea of his intentions for the evening. He didn't want him to think it was all about having sex again.
Ross gave an innocent smile to cool down the tension Chandler obviously had, "Good. Now have a seat and keep me company while I work."
Chandler nodded and sat down on the stool across from Ross in the kitchen. Chandler glanced at everything as Ross began to work, but his eyes fell on the small bottle of rum.
"Rum?" Chandler raised his eyebrows. This was the perfect time to tease Ross and change the subject. "Ross, are you going to ply me with alcohol so you can take advantage of me? What kind of man do you think I am?"
Chandler knew that Ross was hopelessly romantic and a very passionate man. That was a couple things that made Chandler want to be with him. One thing he has noticed over the past week was that Ross was quite protective and possessive of him; always wanted to make sure he was safe. Although that is very sweet and comforting, it makes Chandler worry that they'll have problems when Ross starts to get jealous of a friend or co-worker. Chandler wiped the worry from his mind and smirked at Ross.
Ross rolls his eyes and smiles at him.
"Maybe," Ross said before laughing to reassure Chandler that he wouldn't do that to him. "I thought we needed something special to drink with dinner."
As Ross worked, the two talked comfortably. Chandler was telling him about his book, and Ross talked about things going on at the museum. Closing the oven door, Ross looked around to make sure he hasn't forgotten anything. Seeing that everything was set, he turned to Chandler.
"There," Ross said facing Chandler feeling satisfied. "Now we just need to wait until it's done."
"And what do you suggest we do while we wait?" Chandler asked his boyfriend as he came around to his side with a mischievous look on his face.
"I have an idea."
Ross pulled Chandler off the stool and led him to the couch in the living room. Ross sat on the couch and pulled Chandler onto his lap, causing Chandler to get surprised.
"Ross, what are you doing?" Chandler said with a small gasp of shock that Ross wanted to be this close and intimate now. "This isn't the theatre. We have the whole couch! I could sit next to you!"
"Nuh uh," Ross replied wrapping an arm around his waist to keep Chandler from moving away. "I want you right here."
Chandler blushed as Ross stroked his cheek, before bringing it forward and captured his lips in a soft kiss. When their lips met, Chandler threaded his fingers through Ross' greasy, thick black hair as Ross put a hand on his waist and brought him in closer. Chandler couldn't help but moan remembering how wonderful it felt at the theatre the night before. Hearing his moan against his lips, spurred Ross on even more. He traced his kisses down to his neck muttered everything in his heart for Chandler, knowing he can't hear it. Things were starting to heat up until they heard the timer go off in the kitchen.
Chandler laughs hearing Ross groan in annoyance and playfully pushes him away to get off his lap, "I think dinner's ready."
They both got up and headed towards the kitchen.
"Honey, I-" Ross said feeling blood quickly rushing to his cheeks, half embarrassed of trying new nicknames for his boyfriend. He was also nervous of his reaction because of how Chandler is with relationships.
Chandler looks at Ross almost dumbstruck, "Honey?"
"I, I thought we could call each other Honey, sweetie, stuff like that," Ross responded nervously, looking down at his feet, clearing his throat. He spoke very softly, hoping he isn't scaring Chandler away. "But if it's too soon, I understand."
"No, no, It's ok," Chandler instantly said seeing the worried look on Ross' face. He could tell that Ross was nervous that he was pushing him away by rushing things. He wanted to show Ross that he isn't going anywhere, so he walked forward and gave him a gentle hug. Ross received the embrace and put his hands on the small of Chandler's back, resting his chin on Chandler's shoulder.
After a moment, Chandler broke the embrace and weakly smiled at Ross, "It's going to take time to get used to, that's all."
"Are you sure?" Ross questioned unable to read the expression on his face.
Silence filled the room.
"… Yeah, I am," Chandler finally said breaking the silence, burying his hands deep into his pants.
Look, I know how you are with relationships and I get it," Ross answered honestly so they wouldn't be keeping things from one another. He gave Chandler a smile. He loves Chandler but he wouldn't dare tell him that now, it's way too soon. Not after him being scared of using nicknames for each other. He will wait for as long as it takes for Chandler to be comfortable and not afraid of their passionate relationship. He needed to counsel and sooth Chandler so he doesn't worry all evening. "I wouldn't force anything on you. There's no rush. We have all the time in the world. You do know that, right?"
Ross walks into the kitchen and takes out the halibuts and puts the tray on the counter.
Chandler looks at Ross and thinks how the hell did he get lucky to have Ross. He's so perfect and he's so imperfect compared to him. He thanks the universe every night for bringing them together. Chandler had an idea of how Ross feels about him and it does scare him a bit, but there would be no way in hell he would walk away from what they have. Ross is just so considerate of his feelings that it makes everything seem less scary.
"I know," Chandler quietly said reaching for his hand across the counter and squeezed it. "Thank you for being patient with me."
"You don't need to thank me, I understand," Ross said reassuringly that Chandler doesn't have to worry about how he feels about all this. Ross really does understand.
They give each other a smile.
"Ok, um, why don't you get the drinks ready then?" Ross said changing the subject, releasing his hand from Chandler's.
"Ok," Chandler said planting a kiss on his cheek which made Ross smile and blush.
When everything was ready, Chandler and Ross sat side by side at the dining table just off the kitchen. Chandler looks over at the rum bottle on the table and smiled.
"Wow, you are right. This is special! What kind did you get?"
"It's called mojito," Ross explained to his boyfriend. "A rum drink with mint and lime."
Chandler picks up his drink and takes a sip, "Oh, that is so good! You will have to buy this again when Joey gets back tomorrow. He will definitely like it."
They picked up their sliders and started eating them.
"These sliders are amazing, Ross!" Chandler mused with excitement after taking his first bite. "When did you ever learn to cook like this?"
"Well, I helped my Mom in the kitchen a lot when Dad worked," Ross answered him with a faint blush on his cheeks appreciating Chandler's input more than anything. "She taught me everything I know about cooking."
"She definitely taught you well," Chandler complimented with a smile, reaching for his hand and squeezed gently. "This meal is so good."
"Aww, thanks honey," Ross replied blushing even harder. He leaned in and kissed him briefly.
After dinner was eaten, Ross smiled at him.
"Why don't you start the dishes while I make dessert?" Ross said getting up from his chair and walked into the kitchen to put the chocolate pie into the oven.
Chandler laughs and starts collecting the dishes. He thought of something to tease him with.
"I don't think I'll have room, but I wouldn't want to let all your romantic efforts go to waste."
Ross smiles and shakes his head with and eye roll.
After Chandler was finished with the dishes, he wiped his hands off with the dish towel and looked over as Ross was sprinkling some sugar on the pieces of pie.
"All done."
"Wow," Chandler said amazed at the chocolate pie before him on the counter. "That looks so good, Ross."
"Well, my family history is part German, so I decided to make a light chocolate German pie," Ross explained taking the pie over to the table and placed it down. "They make the best chocolate in Germany, you'll love it."
Ross walks back to put the plates down on the dining table.
Chandler looked at him with wide eyes, dumbstruck by his choice of words. Did Ross just imply that he wanted to take him to Germany? Chandler gulped and sat down along with Ross. Desperately wanting to change the topic from Germany to the pie instead, he sat down and quickly took a bite of his pie.
"Oh my god, this is unbelievable!" Chandler said with his mouth full, moaning of how sweet and delicious the pie is.
Ross chuckles, "I knew you'd like it."
"I never had German chocolate before," Chandler admitted, taking another bite.
"It's my favorite chocolate."
They sat in silence eating their pieces of chocolate pie.
"Ross?" Chandler began to break the silence.
"Hmm?" Ross said with his mouth full.
"When we were um, kissing, uh, what were you whispering to me?" Chandler nervously asked bashfully.
Ross almost choked, surprised of what Chandler asked him. Panicking, he tried to come up with a lie that'll convince Chandler and move on. There was no way in hell he could admit his intense feelings to Chandler now. That would scare him away and he'll be devastated if he ruined their relationship.
"Uh, um," He paused briefly then he started rambling, "I was just telling you how much you mean to me and, uh, stuff. Sometimes my brain goes off and I whisper, um, I'm sorry if it makes you uncomfortable-"
"it's ok," Chandler said cutting him off, being reassuring. "Don't worry about it. I don't get uncomfortable, in fact, it's kind of sexy."
Desperately wanting to change the subject, he looked around for something for them to do for the rest of the evening besides sex. He thought maybe they'd go to the movie, as their first public date.
"Well… we gotta get moving if we want to make the movie," Ross answered standing up to grab his coat from the hooks on the wall next to the door.
Although Chander was happy to go out for their date, but he couldn't help but tease him about the idea. He stood up putting the dishes away in the sink. He turned around and crossed his arms with a smirk.
"Movie? When did I agree to a movie?"
"When you let your boyfriend inside your apartment," Ross teased back, putting on his coat.
Chandler laughed at the comment, "Touchè."
He was about to go get changed, but Ross stopped him by putting a hand on his arm and pulled him back. Shocked at the action, Chandler turned around and softened seeing a smirk on Ross' face.
"Where do you think you're going?"
"To get changed," Chandler replied. "Unless you want me there naked."
Ross rolled his eyes at the comment.
"Who cares what you wear, it's just the movie theatre," Ross responded as Chandler shot him a cold glare. "No one's going to pay attention to you anyways."
Chandler put his hands on his hips very annoyed at Ross' choice of words. He challenged him by replying, "And what do you mean by that?"
Ross thought it was cute how Chandler gets mad, especially now.
"Ok, not exactly everyone," Ross answered rephrasing his sentence to suit Chandler's expectations. "Someone in particular might, though."
Ross placed a gentle kiss on his cheek and winked at him. Chandler tried not to blush. It was impossible to stay annoyed at him now.
Chandler managed to roll his eyes and respond sarcastically, "Alright, you wiggled your way out of that one, buster."
Ross laughs at Chandler's response, "Let's go, we're gonna be late."
Chandler smiles and grabs his coat from the hooks. They leave the apartment, hand in hand.
They walked back inside Chandler and Joey's apartment from the movie theatre. Ross shut the door behind them.
"I has a great time tonight," Chandler admitted to his boyfriend as he took off his coat and placed it on the hooks.
"Uh, yeah me too," Ross replied a little nervously. He didn't know what to do next, to finish off the night. Did Chandler want to have sex again or is he to exhausted? It was late and didn't know how to ask him. "We should do this again sometime."
Chandler innocently smiles, "I'd like that."
"You meeting me at the museum tomorrow night?" Ross asked.
"Yes, so you can show me what you've been working on. I'm looking forward to it."
Ross smiles and sighs in relief, "I'm glad."
Silence filled the room as Chandler snapped out of his daze upon his handsome boyfriend. He tried to hide his red face of embarrassment from staring.
"Um, do you want to sit down or…?" Chandler choked out before being interrupted by Ross.
Taking Chandler's red face as a hint, he smiled relieved, "Yes, but not on the couch."
Chandler looks at Ross confused for a moment.
"What do you mean not on the-"
Chandler was cut off mid-sentence by Ross who takes his hand and pulls him towards his room. They stop in front of the door.
"Are you feeling up to doing… stuff?" Ross asked seductively to Chandler as he stroked his cheek.
Chandler instantly fell in a daze and managed to mutter, "Uh huh."
They chase each other playfully into his room and shuts the door.
The end of Part 7