They all laughed Fulton and his steamboat
Hershey and his chocolate bar
Chandler paced nervously, checking his wristwatch for the billionth time, tapping it to make sure it hadn't stopped - was time really going this slowly?
"Would you quit ya pacing?" Joey laughed, emerging from his bedroom, his shoes hanging from his hands, "You're gonna wear a hole in the carpet."
"No and would you please hurry up and leave? She'll be here any minute."
"And what?" he chuckled amused, "I'm not even allowed to say hi?"
"No you're not, you'll ruin the mood."
"Pluease," Joey scoffed unimpressed, placing his shoes down onto the floor and stuffing his feet into them. "You two have been making eyes at each other all week. I don't think me saying hello is going to dampen anything, believe me. I'm just surprised you haven't spontaneously combusted already."
"Oh...shut up," Chandler muttered, continuing his pacing as he checked the time yet again. "And would you seriously hurry it up or I'll phone Gloria and get her to come drag you outta here herself."
Joey chuckled again, obviously not scared of the threat as he bent and tied his shoelaces. "Now," he grinned as he straightened, "did you remember to buy some rubbers? Because if not I've got some in my-"
"Joey," he warned through gritted teeth, not appreciating his roommate's attempt to help.
"I'm just checkin," he shrugged unapologetically, "we don't want to have little baby Monicas and Chandlers running around the place."
"Really, you don't have to lecture me on the birds and the bees," he rolled his eyes, desperately wishing Joey was long gone and Monica was here instead. "It's not like it's my first time."
"Right," Joey tried to hide his laugh behind his hand, causing Chandler to frown.
"It's not!" Chandler protested.
"Right, of course, sorry I forgot, you're real smooth with the ladies, Mr I've had sex 4 times."
"Four women," he protested, "not Four times."
"Four women? Name one besides Janice."
His sceptical eyes stayed on him and Chandler wondered if the man could look any smugger.
"Well there was..."
He was saved by the knock on the door. Thank god.
"And here's number what 5? You're seriously sticking to that story?"
Chandler shot his 'friend' his best death glare. He didn't care what number she was. As far as he was concerned she was gonna be his best and hopefully last. He'd never met someone like her before, someone so perfect both inside and out. He couldn't get enough of her and he was as excited as he was anxious to take the next steps with her.
Something told him she was going to be unlike anything or anyone else.
"Would you please just vanish, disappear?" Chandler hissed.
"Man, you're so easy," Joey laughed, grabbing his coat. "I'm going, I'm going."
There was another knock and he heard Monica call his name.
"Just coming," he shouted, throwing his roommate one last earning glare before he swung open the door to reveal Monica. His breath caught in his throat as he took her in, she looked amazing. Her sparkling eyes met his and he swallowed hard as his anticipation grew, "H-hi."
"Hey," she smiled back, staring at him before her eyes landed on the third wheel. "Hi Joey."
"Hi," he was still smirking.
"He's just leaving," Chandler informed her, pulling her in with one hand while simultaneously pushing Joey out with the other. "Bye Joey."
"Have fun guys! Now don't-"
Anything else he was going to say was cut short as Chandler happily slammed the door in his face.
Finally they were alone.
With a boyish smile Chandler turned to her, "Hey," he softly repeated, "Let me help you with that," he gestured to her coat.
He let his fingers linger, caressing the skin of her neck, shoulders and arms as he removed the garment, standing close enough to inhale her perfume. He closed his eyes a moment, letting the feelings wash over him. If just taking off her coat did this to him, he didn't know how he was going to survive her taking off anything else.
Swallowing hard, he hung up her coat and watched as she curiously approached the oven.
"Smells delicious, did you actually cook something?"
"Aw no," he grinned, "if I were cooking it would be a burnt pile of mush right about now. Gloria brought it round yesterday for us."
"Really? That's so nice of her."
"I know," he agreed, "And you can thank her yourself next weekend."
"Ok, I'll do that," she nodded smiling a little, she looked as excited as he felt.
"You, uh want some wine?" he asked, his own excitement bubbling up inside him.
It had never been like this before with anyone. He'd never wanted to be with anyone as badly as he wanted to be with Monica right now.
"No, I'll save it for lunch," she smiled, stepping forward and taking his hand in hers.
He bit his lips as electricity crackled through them at the touch. God, what she did to him.
"We've got a fair amount of time to kill before it's ready," he informed her, trying not to sound too eager.
She smiled coyly at him, letting her free hand run down his arm, causing it to tingle as she took his other hand, squeezing it. He stared into her eyes for a moment, before his fingers squeezed back. Silently, she leaned forwards pressing her lips and body against his. He groaned quietly at the sensations, enjoying the teasing kisses.
As the kiss deepened, he released her hands in order to wrap an arm around her waist, pulling her body even tighter to him as his other hand came to cradle the back of her head. He could feel her hands on his back creating fire trails through his shirt.
When they pulled apart both were breathing heavily, their chests rising and falling quickly. Chandler smiled softly, taking in her flushed cheeks and her darkened eyes which held an excited glint.
"So, uh," he swallowed, his voice hoarse, "you uh want to..." he gestured his head towards his bedroom, "cause we don't have to, I mean I can wait."
He held his breath as she pressed herself against him once more, her arms slipping around his neck as she placed a lingering kiss to his cheek before moving to press the lightest of kisses to his ear.
"I don't want to wait," she breathed into his ear, causing his eyes to slam shut and a shiver to run through him.
"Ok," he squeaked, keeping his eyes closed as she placed a path of butterfly kisses across his jaw and found his mouth again, kissing him passionately.
He was in heaven, he had to be. His hands gripped her waist, pulling her against him as he deepened the kiss. Eventually the need to breathe forced them to pull apart and just stare at each other for a moment.
Seeing all the encourage he needed, Chandler took her warm hand in his and silently led her to his bedroom. He'd tided and put on new sheets, just in case. Once in, he closed the door and turned to her, taking her in once more before they embraced.
He brought his hand up to cup her cheek, his thumb caressing the soft skin.
"I love you, Monica," he whispered tenderly, staring into those alluring blue eyes, "so much."
"I love you too, Chandler," she whispered, her hand coming to cover his, her eyes moist, "but I should probably tell you something before we do this."
"Ok," he frowned confused, all kinds of fears running through him. What could she possibly need to confess at a time like this?
He watched as she chewed her lips, nervously.
"Mon?" he prompted.
"I've, uh never done this before."
It took just a moment before it dawned on him what she meant.
"Oh," his eyes widened slightly as she blushed furiously, looking down. "Hey," he tilted her chin up gently, meeting her eyes, "that's ok."
"See my parents were strict about this stuff. They didn't believe in sex before marriage and since I've been in New York, I haven't liked anyone apart from you and, well -"
"Hey," he said again, a little more firmly, his eyes creasing in the corners before he placed a peck of a kiss on her lips. "You don't need to explain anything, Mon, it's ok, really, it's pretty neat actually that I get to be your first. Are you sure you wanna do this today because I meant what I said I can wait."
"And I meant what I said," she promised with a smile. "I trust you more than I've ever trusted anyone, Chandler. I want this, with you."
He swallowed, studying her face a moment, seeing nothing but honesty. Then she leaned forwards pressing her delicious lips soundly to his and the decision was made.
"I want this with you too," he whispered before surrendering into the kiss, walking her slowly towards the bed.
"Are you sure I'm dressed ok?" Monica asked as she followed Chandler and Joey down the Tribbiani's pathway a week later.
"Monica, for the last time you're dressed fine," Joey insisted, "quit being so nervous. You already know me, Chandler, my dad, a few of my sisters. It'll be fine."
Noticing that Joey's words hadn't eased the fear from her face, Chandler paused, turning to her and taking her hands, "We'll meet you inside in a minute, Joe."
"Sure," he shook his head and continued up the path.
"Mon," Chandler said softly, smiling a little, "you really don't have to worry. You look fantastic, more than fantastic," he offered her a cute grin as he pressed a kiss to her soft lips, "but they aren't gonna judge you. You're not on trial here, I promise. They just want to meet you and the ones that already know you love you. I-I love you, so relax a little ok? Trust me, it's always manic in there anyhow, never a moment of silence, so you aren't gonna be on display or anything. It'll probably take them like half an hour to realize we've arrived and another fifteen minutes to realize you're the new one."
She chuckled, her smile seeming more relaxed and genuine, "Thanks Chandler."
"You're more than welcome," he promised, pecking her lips once again, "now let's go say 'hi'. Trust me, it will be fine, you may even enjoy it," he teased, his eyes dancing.
He took her hand, confidently leading her up the path and pushed open the door that Joey had left ajar for them. As they stepped inside Monica blinked in surprise at the noise and chaos that greeted them.
Chandler chuckled, noticing her reaction,"What did I tell ya? They are a lively bunch."
They watched as people hurriedly crossed the hallway back and forth. There were shouts and laughter and a baby crying.
"That'll be Jeanie's little one," Chandler informed her. "He's a real cutie, just turned 8 months."
Monica offered him a brave smile as Chandler helped her with her coat and hung it with his on one of the many coat hooks that lined the wall. Manoeuvring around the parked pram, he grabbed her hand and gave it a little reassuring squeeze before pulling her into the main living room.
It was busy, a barrier of sound hitting them as they stepped through. People just seemed to be everywhere, talking and joking and Monica swallowed. Chandler gave her a moment, letting her adjust. She was used to an apartment with just her and Rachel, this must be a lot to take in.
"Chandler there you are!"
"Nonna," he greeted, tugging Monica over to the elderly lady in the nearest corner.
He kissed each cheek and then did the introductions, "this is my girlfriend, Monica, Nonna."
"Come here dear, let me look at you," she pulled her down, a hand firmly on each cheek as she studied her. Chandler tried to hold back his snigger. "She's beautiful, Chandler, just beautiful," she praised enthusiastically, patting Monica's reddening cheeks.
"Thanks, Nonna, I know," he grinned proudly, trying to pry Monica from her grasp. "We're just going to go see Gloria."
"You're a good boy," she praised, finally releasing her, "a good boy."
Chandler offered her a dazzling smile, reclaiming Monica's hand and they resumed on their way to the kitchen.
"Don't worry, the other Grandmother doesn't speak a word of English."
"Ok…"
"Monica, you made it!" Dina praised, giving her a hug. "Mom's gonna be so excited to finally meet you."
"Thanks Dina," Monica greeted, "I'm looking forward to seeing her too."
They made it a few more steps before almost colliding with two young children who were intently chasing one another screaming as they ran. Monica threw him a questioning look.
"Tommy and Dommy," he informed her. "Tina's sprogs."
"There's a Tina?" She whispered. "As well as Gina and Dina?"
"Yep," he chuckled, his blue eyes sparkling as he teased her. "If you make this a weekly event, you'll probably know everyone by next Christmas."
"That I don't doubt, there sure is a lot of them."
"Yeah, it's more a tribe than anything else," he grinned, squeezing her hand. "You can see now why me and Joey got shipped into our own place as soon as we were old enough."
She nodded and he continued their mission across the bustling living room, managing to avoid elderly relatives, screeching cats and precariously wobbling children until they came to a closed door. She raised a questioning eyebrow at him.
"Gloria always closes it when doing Sunday lunch," he explained. "Keeps everyone out and stops the ankle biters getting under her feet. The rest of the week it's wide open but the Sunday roast is too important. Sacred you might say."
He went to push it open but she stopped him.
"Are you sure it's alright to go in? Shouldn't we wait until she comes out or something?"
"Are you kidding? She's dying to meet you, she's been begging me to bring you around since we started dating. If she finds you're here and I didn't bring you straight to her she'll physically harm me and trust me, the woman can do serious damage."
"We don't want that," Monica chuckled, ducking her head slightly.
"No, we don't," he agreed, waiting until she looked up again, meeting his blue eyes as he gave her his best dazzling smile. "You'll be fine," he promised, his voice turning sincere, "She's going to love you, Mon."
"I hope so."
He leant forwards placing a chaste kiss on her lips, before grabbing her hand and pushing open the kitchen door.
"Mama G-a!" He greeted in an awful Italian accent.
"Chandler!" She sounded thrilled as she turned from the stove to fling her arms around him. "So, good to see you," she patted his cheeks before turning her attention to his anxious girlfriend. "And you must be Monica," she ran her eyes over her with a warm smile. "It's nice to finally meet ya."
Chandler put a reassuring hand on her back, nudging her forward like one would a timid child.
"Hi," Monica tried to smile back, "I've heard a lot about you Mrs Tribianni."
"Aw, call me Gloria, honey," she insisted, "and I've heard a lot about you too and now I can see why the boy is so smitten with you."
Chandler couldn't contain his smile as he watched Gloria pull her into a tight embrace. He just prayed they'd get along as well as he thought they would. He didn't want to think about what he'd do if they didn't.
"Chandler tells me you share my love of the wonderful art of cooking?" she asked.
"Yes," she nodded eagerly.
"I'm glad," the older woman grinned, "I've got 7 girls and let's just say none of them are ever gonna please in the kitchen department. You want to help me with the lunch?"
Monica's eyes lit up, looking to Chandler, who smiled back at her before she turned to Gloria.
"I'd love to! Thank you!"
"Nah, thank you. It'll be lovely to have another pair of hands and get to know you," she looked over at Chandler, "You out."
"What? What did I do?" he protested.
"Your angel face is going to be too distracting. Us women don't need you here making things difficult and putting us off our duties."
He grinned amused before looking at Monica, "You going to be alright alone with her?"
"Chandler Bing!" Gloria said sternly, "Quit asking questions like that, you're making her nervous. I don't bite, so stop putting stupid ideas in her head."
"Yes Ma'am," he nodded grinning, though he took Monica's hand and led her a couple of steps away. "I'm just the other side of this door. If she tries anything just shout loudly and I'll come running," he joked.
"One more word and you won't be invited to this lovely lunch that me and your lovely girlfriend are preparing," Gloria warned although her smile gave her away.
"Noted," he chuckled, before winking at Monica. "Have fun."
He pressed a quick kiss to her lips and met her eyes one last time. His were dancing happily and despite the nerves she seemed excited too. He smiled, keeping the eye contact. God she was beautiful.
"See, you're too distracting," Gloria laughed, pulling Monica away and towards the hub of the kitchen. "Go share a smoke with Joe or something and leave us women to work."
Chuckling he nodded, sharing one last smile with Monica as he left the kitchen, leaving them to it.
He knew she'd be just fine.
"Then the strong knight battled the beast, striking out with his sharp sword, slaying off the dragon's head."
Chandler grinned from the doorway, listening as Gloria read the story to the children before their afternoon nap, she made a fantastic Nanna.
"The dragon fell defeated to the floor and everyone cheered. The brave knight rode on his horse to the castle to deliver the news. The King was pleased and gave the Knight a gold coin in reward and allowed him to meet the Princess. He fell instantly in love and they married and lived happily ever after."
The kids were already fast asleep, missing the mushy stuff and Gloria quietly sneaked away from their beds, smiling as she spotted Chandler. He waited until she'd closed the door before he spoke.
"So…?" he asked.
"So what?" she whispered, playing with him.
"Oh come on, tell me your verdict. She passed right? You like her?"
Although he'd reassured Monica that she wasn't on trial he knew Gloria had strong opinions on people that wanted to date members of her family. He may not be a blood member but he knew damn well her strict standards stretched to his love life as well.
"Well…." she teased him, drawing it out as if she were debating with herself.
"Gloria, I swear-"
"I taught you not to swear in front of a lady," she teased.
"Tell me," he pleaded, too anxious to get her opinion to joke about her being a lady. It meant a lot to him.
"You have it bad, kid," she smiled kindly, "You're fine, I more than approve, I love her."
Chandler let out a breath, before pulling her into a hug, "I can't tell you how relieved I am," he admitted.
"Don't mess her around, right?" she cautioned as he pulled away, meeting her eyes. "She's a good one, marry her quick before someone else does."
"I-"
"Chandler, listen to ya surrogate mother, I know best. You're going to marry that girl one day, so why waste time? You know I'm never wrong."
"I know that," he promised, before giving her another hug. "Thank you for taking her under your wing."
"She makes you happy, so she's one of us now," she informed him. "If her own parents are that stupid then we'll happily adopt her too.",
He chuckled ruefully, pleased that Monica must have opened up to her,"You're good at looking after us orphans, huh?"
"You're worth it," she told him pulling him into another hug.
Chandler smiled, closing his eyes as he hugged her tight. Ever since his parents deaths she'd been a rock for him. They'd often share little moments like this, despite the rush and chaos of the house and he always appreciated her for making the time for him.
"Am I missing something?" Joey Junior asked as he appeared at the top of the stairs.
"Nah," Chandler commented as he pulled out of her embrace. "I'm just borrowing your mom for a moment."
"Oh ok," he shrugged, well used to it. "Mom, I'm going to go now with Monica and Chandler."
"Nonsense," Gloria shook her head. Chandler and Joey shared a confused look. "They are a young couple in love. Give them space and stay here with us a little longer."
"Mooooom," Joey whined and Chandler sniggered, the woman always brought the child out of her son. "It's Sunday and-"
"Go sit your butt back down next to Nonna," Gloria ordered. "If you behave I'll make you dinner as well."
His face lit up as he rushed to follow orders and Chandler chuckled fondly. He thanked her again before locating Monica between Dina and Gina. She bid farewell to everyone as Chandler identified their coats and left the buzzing house. Even after dinner, with children asleep there was still a definite happy vibe to the place.
He grinned at her,"Fancy walking back?"
"Sure," she agreed easily as they strolled along together.
"So…how did you find it?" He hadn't gotten to spend much time with her. After spending an hour and a bit in the kitchen cooking she'd spent time with the sisters as he'd played cards with Joey Senior and Max one of the brother-in-laws.
"I loved it!" Monica exclaimed excitedly, her eyes lighting up as she talked. "Chandler they are the nicest family ever. Gloria let me help with the cooking loads and I can't believe she let me cook some macaroni and cheese to have as a side dish. And I can't believe it got finished and that everyone loved it!"
"Of course they did; it was very good," Chandler praised. They hadn't told anyone it was Monica's dish, just placing it alongside the others. It had been delicious and everyone raved about it and then Gloria had surprised them all by announcing Monica had made it all by herself with a recipe she knew. "You can cook for me anytime."
She smiled at him, "Also, we talked lots as we cooked. I told her about my parents and she really listened and cared! She barley knows me but she told me to come to her any time I needed some motherly advice or a hug. She's amazing."
"I know," he nodded, once again in awe of the endless kindness the woman had. He stopped, causing her to falter as he turned to her. "I can't tell you how happy I am that you got on with everyone. They're my family now and it means so much to me, you mean so much to me."
He reached out, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, letting his fingers linger in the soft strands.
"You mean everything to me too, Chandler," she promised before leaning forwards and kissing him soundly, causing his toes to curl.
"The apartments empty…" he commented casually as they broke apart.
"Not for much longer," she teased, "let's go."
Several weeks had passed since the famous lunch. Monica now made it a weekly tradition to join them all and help Gloria with the cooking. She'd started making leftover sandwiches to bring home to Rachel to ensure she wouldn't starve.
Life was going scarily good for a change, he couldn't remember ever being on such a high.
With a spring in his step, Chandler walked up to the closed bar. Rachel was absent tonight, she was at home poorly and Ross had for some reason decided to stay and nurse her back to health. So he knew they wouldn't be there, but it had become a habit to meet here, and Monica was definitely meeting him here tonight.
His eyes fell on a man nursing a drink. Chandler didn't recognize him but the fact he was here after hours must mean he knew someone. Maybe there was a poker game going on tonight?
Chandler easily slid onto a stool, catching Gunther's attention and ordering a couple of whiskeys.
"Hi," the guy greeted and Chandler turned slightly taking him in.
"Hi," he nodded back, shaking the out stretched hand.
"You're the trumpet guy, right?" the man questioned as he lit a cigar, offering Chandler one. He accepted it although a little hesitantly.
"Ye-ah," he agreed.
"You were good, son, reminded me of the likes of Glen Miller."
"Yeah?" Chandler was surprised at the praise "Thank you. You're not some sort of talent scout are you? Because it will cost a lot to get me to leave here."
The older man laughed, taking a sip of his drink, "No, I'm not, unfortunately. I should be though, it sure would beat my stuffy job and it would mean I'd get to go round all the jazz clubs, although there's not as many left these days."
"You're a jazz fan?" he grinned instantly warming to the guy.
The man nodded, "Big fan. I used to come to this street especially to frequent the jazz clubs, even managed to bring my Mrs. It had such a good reputation and it never failed to live up to it. There's so many amazing and inspiring people that have played along here. They've created this history that'll live on long after the brick and mortar."
Chandler agreed enthusiastically, "Who did you get to listen to? Who was a highlight?"
"Well..."
"Dad?"
Chandler jerked in surprise, slowly turning at the sound of Monica's voice. He hadn't heard her come up behind them. She was standing frozen, her face shocked with her wide eyes fixed on his new jazz buddy.
Oh boy.
A/N- A cliffhanger...not had many in this story! Sorry for the delay with this chapter- I had to write the first bit from scratch as I'd skipped over it when originally writing. Other chapters should be a little quicker hopefully (unless I've just jinxed it ha ha). Thanks again for all the reviews :o)
