I'm kissing Joey, I'm not stopping. I don't even think I can. I'm sliding my hands under his shirt and feeling his skin. I'm losing control, I've waited so long.
I never thought this moment would happen and it's happening... until it's not.
"Chandler? Joey?" we hear a voice and break away.
Monica shows up in the doorframe.
We're both stunned, staring at her, but I don't think she notices.
"Hey, do you guys have extra batteries?" she asks.
"Uh, yeah what kind?" Joey gets it together before me and springs up.
"Double A," she tells him and he walks out to fetch them for her.
Instead of following Joey she looks back at me.
"You donating clothes? Cause I have a box going too," she prompts.
I stare at the half packed box.
"Oh... um, yeah," I pretend.
"Well, honey it's a mess. Do you know how to fold?" she stresses and drops to the box to determinedly begin refolding all my clothes. She picks up the first sweater vest.
"Actually, I think I'm gonna keep that one," I utter, pulling the sweater from her.
She lets me take it and picks up a pair of pants to fold instead.
"Mhm, those look in pretty good condition, maybe I'll keep those too," I declare.
She gives me a look as Joey returns with the batteries.
"Here you go Mon," Joey says, handing her the batteries.
"Thanks Joey," she accepts them, but then turns right back to me.
"Well, are you keeping all of these?" she questions me.
"I probably should look them over a bit more," I flash a guilty smile at her.
"Alright, when you're ready I'll fold," she dictates as she goes to put the pair of pants back in the box.
"You got it," I comment uneasily.
"Wait a minute, Chandler... you wear this shirt all the time," she discovers the next shirt in the box.
She picks up the shirt and catches sight of another item as I'm having a mini heart attack.
"And this sweater, you wear constantly! Chandler, you're getting rid of all these?" she inquires surprised.
"Uhm, I... was thinking of a wardrobe change, but I'm having second thoughts," I fake.
"Honey, don't you think you should buy some new clothes before you give away everything you wear," she questions me laughing.
"Heh, yeah guess I didn't think that through. I better just keep these all for now," I huff out a laugh as well.
I stand up and drag the box away from her, hoping this ends this interaction.
Monica stands as well.
"Okay, thanks for the batteries. 'Night guys," she says and begins walking out.
"Goodnight," Joey and I respond in unison.
We wait until we hear the front door close behind her.
I look back at Joey and we both stand awkwardly with funny smiles on our faces.
Joey looks over at the box.
"So, you really changing your wardrobe?"
"Joe, no it was a lie to cover - " I begin, but he closes the space between us.
"I know, I'm just happy you're not moving out," he smiles and I can't bare it, I kiss his smile right off his face.
The next day, Joey and I are hanging in the coffee shop with Ross, Monica and Phoebe when Rachel rushes in.
"Chandler!" she squeals as she rounds the orange couch to get close to me.
"Yeah?"
"I found you a date!" she sings.
My face flushes white.
"R-really?" I try to sound normal.
"Yes! It's this great guy, Ronald," she beams.
"McDonald?" I ask.
"Stop it, I'm serious he's a great guy. He has a good job - and most importantly, he's cute," she emphasizes.
"Oh...sounds...great," I force a smile, avoiding eye contact with Joey.
"Great! So, are you free tomorrow night for dinner?" she inquires quickly.
"Oh um..." I stall.
"Oh who am I kidding, you never have plans," Rachels laughs swiftly.
"Gee, thanks," I remark sarcastically.
"You're really going to love him, be ready by six okay?" she resolves happily.
Later, Joey and I are back in the apartment.
Joey has been quiet.
I take a deep breath.
"I didn't know what to say," I express gently.
"I know," he remarks casually.
"I assume you're still not ready to tell anyone - and so, I kinda gotta act like I'm available... right?" I question.
"Yeah, makes sense," he nods.
"So, you're not mad?" I try to determine.
"Why would I be mad? You can do what you want Chandler," he responds and I don't love how indifferent he seems.
"Well... I thought maybe you'd care... a little," I express.
He flashes me a serious look.
"I care," he claims unconvincingly.
"Okay..."
He sighs and puts his hands in his pockets. I wait for him.
"What's so great about this Ronald guy anyway?" he asks and now I can hear in his voice how much he actually does care.
"I don't know, I never met him," I answer, smirking.
"Yeah - well - I was a stranger once too!" he bellows.
I smile. I never thought I'd like seeing Joey act jealous over me, but ends up - I like it a lot.
"That is very true," I play along.
"You're not going home with the guy, are you?" he eyes me seriously.
"Of course not," I assure him.
"Well, what if he's like really good looking or somethin'?" he throws at me.
I grin and put my hand on his shoulder.
"Hey, I only have room for one good looking stranger in my life," I tell him, staring into his eyes.
"Who's that?" he frets.
"It's you."
His expression softens and a smile finally forms.
"Oh, okay," he smiles, happy with this.
"Joe, you don't need to worry about this guy. He could be Marlon Brando and I'd still be thinking about you," I tell him and then I lean in to catch his lips.
He kisses me back and wraps his arms around me. I love that I can just kiss him now.
"You have a thing for Marlon Brando?" he questions me.
I roll my eyes and kiss him again to shut him up.