A/N: Okay, so it seems I've underestimated all you guys, but better safe than sorry – I'm a little scared of shit storms. Thank you for all your nice reviews, especially Katelyn. I've actually got a post series Mondler story in mind, but it still needs to simmer a little longer. But I'll get there eventually, promised.

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They remained lying like that on the bed, just snuggling and exchanging soft little kisses, until Monica noticed that Chandler's skin on his back and arms had gotten cooler.

"Let's get under the covers" she whispered and he nodded sleepily and slowly sat up, groping for the cover and yawning. Monica suddenly realized that she had to pee and swung her legs off the bed.

"Actually I … um, be right back."

"Okay. Could you hand me my … oh thanks. Uugh, they're still wet …"

"Really? Let me see. Oh, yeah. You can put it on the chair by the window, it'll be dry in the morning."

"Okay." Actually his boxers seemed to be almost dry and he put them on, then he spread the t-shirt over the back of the chair. Monica put on her robe and went to the bathroom where she realized that she had left the light on. Her clothes were still lying on the hamper. She peed as fast as she could hoping that Chandler couldn't hear her and scolding herself for her idiotic inhibitions.

She brushed her teeth and put on some night cream, collected her clothes and put out the light as she left the bathroom. Back in her bedroom she remained standing in the door for a moment and looked at Chandler. He was lying on his side on the far side of the bed with one arm under the pillow and the cover drawn up almost to his chin, fast asleep. She stared at him, drinking in his sight, the peacefulness of it, and felt her throat go dry. It was all so sweet somehow, so … perfect. If only it could be like this forever.

She took a deep breath and mentally shook herself, then got out a pj shorty and put her robe away. When she slipped under the cover Chandler stirred slightly, but didn't wake up. She put out the light and snuggled close to him, until she felt his breath on her face and felt another wave of tenderness rising up when he put his hand over hers and drew it close, holding it to his chest, without opening his eyes.

She woke from a strange dream where she couldn't find her clothes and had to get to her closet crossing a room full of people at some social function with a hammering contest. The sounds continued and she realized it was Phoebe pounding on her door and calling her name.

"Monica? Monica? Can I come in?"

Oh my god, she was actually opening the door already. Monica shot up and jumped out of the bed in a blind panic. Chandler's eyes flew open and he raised his head, staring at her wildly. She gestured frantically at him and he pulled the covers over his head and curled up tight.

"Wait! Don't come in! I'm coming!" She grabbed her robe and snagged the sleeves in her haste to pull it on. Thankfully Phoebe remained outside the door. Monica opened the door just enough to slide through sideways and shut it again behind her, blinking in the bright sunlight that streamed through the living room window.

Oh my god, they had overslept.

"Monica? Is everything alright?" Phoebe stared at her curiously with her big belly thrust out in front of her.

"What? Oh yeah, totally. I think … I think I overslept."

"You? What happened?"

"I don't know. It was late, I took a bath … What time is it?"

"Just after eight. Wow, this isn't like you. Are you really okay?"

"Yes, of course I am. Why shouldn't I be? And you? What's up with you?"

Phoebe flapped her arms dejectedly and sighed. "Oh .. I dunno. Tired."

"What are you doing here? Aren't Frank and Alice visiting today?"

Phoebe groaned. "Oh yes, they are. That's actually the problem. They are so nice, but – they keep feeling me up. Um, I mean, they feel my belly. Like all the time. They can't get enough of the triplets."

"Well, can you blame them?"

"I know! But it's driving me crazy! They wouldn't even let me sleep!"

She walked heavily to the big chair and stared at it dejectedly. Monica fumbled with the belt on her robe and tried hard not to look back to her bedroom.

"What is it, are you okay?"

Phoebe's shoulders slumped. "I just know, if I sit down now, I'll need to pee."

"Oohkaaaayy … then why don't you go pee now and get it out of the way?" And please take your time, she added silently.

Phoebe put her head to one side, considering. "You know, that's actually a really good idea. Thanks Mon. I'll do that."

"Take your time, sweetie. I'll make breakfast. Better late than never, I guess!"

"Uh-hu …" and Phoebe shlepped to the bathroom. Monica slowly backed towards her bedroom door until Phoebe was safely in the bathroom, then she turned and bolted into the bedroom where she collided with Chandler. He had gotten out of bed and put on his t-shirt and socks. His hair was wildly tousled and crazily on end. It looked funny, but she didn't feel like laughing at all.

"Come on, you have to get out of here, before she comes out! Now go!"

"Okay, okay … Mon, where's my – oh dear god, I left my robe in the bathroom …"

"WHAT?" Monica's breath caught. "Oh god, she'll find it … well, okay, I'll think of something. But now go! Quick!"

Chandler smiled at her worriedly and hurried out of the bedroom. Monica followed him as he ran to the door as quietly as he could. When he arrived in the hallway however he turned back.

"Mon …" She shushed him impatiently, but he just caught her hand, pulled her close and kissed her quickly and firmly. She closed her eyes and returned the kiss, then pushed him away.

"See you" she whispered and shut the door, slumping against it exhausted.

That had been close. Much too close. They really had to be more careful.

She put the kettle to boil for Phoebe's tea, started the coffee machine and got out some breakfast things, then went back to her bedroom. By the time she had put her sweats on and straightened the bed, Phoebe finally emerged from the bathroom, a funny expression on her face.

"Mon? Whose robe is that in your bathroom?"

"Huh? What robe?"

"Um, blue and white tartan, kinda looks familiar – oh, I know, it's Chandler's! He must have showered here again. Didn't you hear him? Did he actually walk around naked in here?"

"WHAT? Chandler? Naked? Eww. Nonono. No, he didn't. NO!"

"Jeez, Monica, calm down, you're freaking me out!" Phoebe sat down carefully at the kitchen table. "You're waking the triplets. Just when they settled down!"

"Sorry. Just the idea you know … Oh, come to think of it, he gave me that robe, because he wasn't sure how to wash it and I offered to do it for him. And then I forgot."

"You forgot?" Phoebe frowned at her. "Monica, I've been meaning to ask …"

"What?"

"I know you said no, but I keep getting the weirdest vibes. Did you really not have sex in London?"

Monica had known that Phoebe would not let go so easily and had mentally prepared herself.

"No, I did not. How could I? There was really no time!"

"Oh, okay. If you say so. No big deal." And just when Monica started to relax again "But what about here?"

"Here? You mean here, in my apartment?" She tried to appear casual, but only managed to laugh nervously. "Where did that come from?"

"No, not necessarily here. I mean back here, in New York. Maybe in your apartment, or maybe … somewhere else."

"I … no, Phoebe, I did not. And if I had … who would I have sex with? There is no one."

Phoebe still eyed her curiously. "Oh, I don't know. Someone you met. Maybe at work."

"Hah! They all hate me there, you know that. Besides, they're all jerks."

"Maybe that's why, you know, someone who wants to suck up to you, get on your good side ..."

"Phoebe! I'd never do that! Stop it, will you? Here's your tea. I'm going to shower, before the guys come over."

"Oh okay." Phoebe poured herself a cup of herbal tea. Then, just as Monica went to the bathroom, she added: "But you do know you got a hickey?"

Monica started violently. "WHAT? Where?"

Phoebe smirked. "Just kidding. No seriously, there's nothing! And why should there be one?"

Monica relaxed again. "Right! Why should there?"

Safely in the bathroom again she couldn't help but check thoroughly though. She did find some hickeys, but they were all in 'safe' places below the neckline, and she heaved a sigh of relief. Hiding from Phoebe was going to be the hardest, she was sure of that. She would probably be the one who found them out first.

When she left the bathroom again to get dressed in her bedroom, Phoebe was on the phone with Frank and Alice.

"How long do you have to be in Delaware? No, it's alright, I don't think they'll come before that … Honestly sometimes it feels like they'll never come – what? Alright, I'll do my best. No they're asleep right now, I'll tell them goodbye from you later. Yes, that too. Okay now. Oh, I'm really sorry, I had to leave, but it was an emergency. Yes, well, you know, Monica …" she caught her stare and winked. "No, it's all better now. I'll be home later. Bye!"

"What did you tell them about me?"

"Well, I had to tell them something, didn't I? If I told them I didn't want them to touch me all the time, they would have been hurt. It's only for a few weeks more ... - .. oh, ouch, oh no. They're awake!"

"Yes, but what exactly … are they? Does it hurt?"

Phoebe put her arms around her huge belly and closed her eyes, rocking a little on her chair.

"No … not exactly … Ah, I think it was only one of them. They've settled again. Uh, that was close."

She took her cup up again and sipped her tea. "It's alright again, go on, get dressed."

Monica sighed. "Fine."

When she had almost finished dressing and straightening her room, she heard Chandler enter the apartment and talk to Phoebe. For a moment she tensed, then Phoebe laughed loudly at something and she relaxed again. All was normal. She wondered if she should go out at once or wait a little, and shook her head at herself and at how hard it was suddenly to act normal and unconcerned. As if all at once she had forgotten how.

She left the bedroom and Chandler smiled at her and said hey, like he always did, and she heyed him back, just as always. He was in his work clothes – a dark grey suit this time with a rather loud red tie – and he had brought some breakfast things with him, cereals and bagels. He had also got the coffee going, for which Monica was really grateful. She busied herself in the kitchen and then took her usual place near the refrigerator, trying not to look at Chandler too much, all the time wondering how Phoebe could fail to pick up on the heightened tension or the vibes that surely must fill the very air between them. But Phoebe was primarily concerned with the triplets again, rubbing her belly and shouting at them down her blouse.

"Will you stop that … Chandler!"

"What?"

"No, not you, little Chandler. He's kicking Leslie again."

"Oh no. Really?"

"Yeah. It's so mean!"

"How can you tell it's Chandler?" Monica asked, exasperated. Phoebe smirked.

"With him I can always tell. I'm never sure about Leslie and Frank, but I know when it's Chandler."

"Aww, that's so sweet …"

"Yeah, he's the meanest. I hope they kick him out soon." Phoebe sighed exasperatedly and leaned back. Chandler and Monica exchanged confused looks and hastily avoided each other's gazes again. Chandler got the coffee and poured out a cup for Monica. When he offered it to Phoebe, she shook her head regretfully. "No, not in the mornings, or I'll never get a quiet moment until noon. But, uhm Chandler …"

"Yes, Phoebe?"

"Did Monica hook up with someone in London?"

"PHOEBE! Will you let it go?"

Chandler managed to look quite nonplussed. "Nn-no, I don't think so. No, I think I would have noticed that."

"Would you? She can be very sneaky."

Chandler grinned. "Yes, she can. But no, I don't think she did. Why do you want to know? You still think she had sex in London?"

"Well, I think something must have happened there. She's so … I don't know, different!"

"I'm not different!"

Chandler put his head to one side and looked at her earnestly. "I don't see anything different."

"Oh you guys would never notice something like that. But she is!"

"Really? Well, then I guess it's no use asking Joey either."

"No. Maybe Rachel would know."

"But she only arrived after … – I mean just before the wedding –"

"After what?! What happened?"

"What? Nothing happened!"

"Yes, it did! You said 'after'! What did Monica do before Rachel came?"

Chandler looked helplessly to Monica and back to Phoebe. "What do you mean? She didn't hook up with someone, that's for sure."

"Yeah, okay, but there was something else, wasn't there? WASN'T there?"

Monica took a deep breath and cut in.

"Yes there was. I – I got drunk."

"Yes, that's it, she did, Monica got drunk!" Chandler flailed his arms about excitedly and almost knocked over Phoebe's cup. "Roaring drunk!" He caught Monica's death glare and sat back again silently and abashed.

"Drunk? Why?"

"Well, my mother wouldn't let me alone, and a guy thought I was Ross's mother ..." Phoebe laughed shrilly at that and looked puzzled when Chandler remained serious. "So I got really upset, and I went to my room because I couldn't take it anymore. And there I drank some more …"

"And …?!" Phoebe asked sternly. Monica kept her eyes on her plate.

"And I ordered pizza."

Phoebe and Chandler both gasped in shock.

"What? You ate pizza, all alone?"

"Yes. And … and dessert. And some cookies."

Phoebe stared at Monica open-mouthed and Chandler grasped at his chest.

"Well … was it any good?" he asked hoarsely. Monica started and then caught herself.

"Well, yes, it was. It was good. It was … different. You know, not like pizza here, it was … really different. British pizza."

"What did you have on it?"

"Oh … lots of things. You know, this and that … some really hot stuff too. Just what I needed."

"Hot? Really?" Chandler asked, straight-faced.

"Yes, very. It really kept me going. I couldn't get enough of it. It was really … really … good."

"Jeez, Monica, don't get all worked up again. It was just pizza, right?"

"Yeah, but really gooood pizza. So good, it made me feel bad about our pizza here. And I wanted to stop, but couldn't. I really wish I could have some more."

Phoebe shook her head sympathetically. "Oh sweetie. That must have been hard. How much did you eat?"

Monica looked at her plate contritely. "Oh, a lot. I had a lot of it … all night. I couldn't get enough." She didn't dare to look at Chandler, it already took all self-control she could muster not to burst out laughing.

"I hope you didn't feel sick the next morning?" he asked and she could tell by his voice that he had as much trouble restraining himself as she did, and smiled.

"No, just a little … you know, tired. Battered."

"Oh Monica, I'm sorry. And I'm sorry I needled you so much. But now I know why I felt so funny about you since you came back. You didn't have sex, you had food!"

"A food hangover."

"And whiskey, don't forget that."

"Ah, that explains it then." Phoebe sat back contentedly. But only for a moment, then she grimaced and patted her belly again. "Oh no, here we go again …"

"Phoebe, why don't you lie on the couch for a while? Or – or you could lie on Rachel's bed and take a nap. I'm sure she won't mind, and anyway, I can make the bed again before she gets back."

"Yeah I could do that. That sounds good. Oh, do you know when she'll be back? And Ross?"

"Ross phoned yesterday, he said he would be flying out late today. I don't know about Rachel, she seemed to think there were no flights until the end of the week."

"Ah okay. Good. Now, could someone help me up?"

"I'll do it." Chandler jumped up and helped Phoebe stand up and turn toward Rachel's room. He waited at until she was safely inside and settled on the bed, then he shut the door and returned to the kitchen table. For a moment they remained silently listening for any sounds that might indicate that Phoebe had changed her mind, then they relaxed again. And started talking at the same time.

"Look, Monica, I'm sorry …"

"We really have to be more careful .."

They both stopped and gestured at each other to continue and then laughed. Chandler sat down next to her and kissed her quickly on the cheek. Then he took her hand, taking care to hold it under the table out of sight.

"Are you okay? I'm sorry we overslept. I'm sorry I fell asleep in the first place. I don't know how it happened."

She smiled. "I can. It was a long day. I was tired too. It doesn't matter. But we really have to be more careful in future."

He chuckled softly. "Yeah, that was a real shock. And all that nice morning wood wasted. Can you imagine Phoebe walking in on us? Think it would have scared the triplets right out of her?"

"Oh god! And in my bedroom too!" Monica shuddered and then laughed.

"Yeah. Hey, listen, I was thinking, how about I pick you up after work tonight?"

She considered. "But I have to work late. At least until 10."

"No problem. I'll be there. They don't know any of us there, do they?"

"No. Well Joey worked there for two days, but that was almost a year ago. Nobody else has been there. Yes, I would like that. It's so sweet!"

"Mmhm. Okay, it's a date then."

Monica smiled and put her head against his shoulder, and he put an arm around her and kissed her on the top of her head. Just when she lifted her mouth to his, they heard the door of no. 19 open and flew apart. Chandler snatched up the paper and Monica grabbed the coffee can.

Joey put his head in, still blinking sleepily.

"Morning … Hi, Monica. What time is it? I think I overslept."