Warning: The following may contain overly-dramatic, sappy, cliched material. Read at your own risk, and then leave a little review at the end.

The Pact, Chapter Fifteen
"If Only We Could Start Again"

~New York City~

The air in the apartment was filled with emotion. Joey, Phoebe, Ross, Rachel, Chandler & Monica sat in the centre of the living room where they had spent their twenties. There they had shared their horrible dating stories, their broken hearts, their greatest fears, and their biggest dreams. They had been the best of friends, and much, much more. They had been a family. They had spent holidays together, when their own families couldn't, or didn't come through. Their first major holiday together was Thanksgiving. They'd spent it together, because flights had been missed, parents had gone on vacation, or were just not there at all. Then there was that ridiculous VD ad that Joey had been suckered into. But it turned out to be a fantastic day, one that would be recalled in conversations for years to come.

Today, they sat in the once-purple-and-now-blue apartment in silence, their children sleeping in the adjacent bedrooms. Mike's funeral had ended over two hours ago, but it felt more like years had passed. Rachel looked around the room, at the people that she had once known better than she'd known herself. Joey was going through what was probably the worst heartbreak he'd ever experienced. Something in his eyes told her that he would never be the same because of it. There had always been a light in his eyes, a flicker of innocence. That light had faded, as a result of his loss, and that saddened Rachel.

The strain and heartache that filled Monica's eyes was painfully evident, even from across the room. Rachel wondered what could have possibly been going through Monica's head when she did what she did. It seemed so completely out of character for her. Rachel saw the way that Monica looked at Chandler, and wondered how they would ever be able to get past all of this.

One look at Ross, and Rachel's heart filled with hope for her best friends. Rachel thought about all that she and Ross had been through, and realized that their relationship was stronger now, than it had ever been. Maybe it was because they had both grown up a bit in the past ten years. But Rachel was sure that it was because they had been through so much. The incident with Mark, and that copy place girl--what was her name again? Carrie? Rachel shook her head. It didn't matter anymore. They had been able to establish a deep trust in their short time together in Italy. Rachel knew, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that she and Ross would be together forever.

Rachel wished that she could say the same for Phoebe and Mike. Phoebe looked so utterly lost without him. Rachel looked at Phoebe, as she leaned on Chandler, and wondered how she had been able to survive so much. She didn't need Phoebe's psychic abilities to see that her spirit was dark. Chandler had spent much of the week prior to the funeral, trying to convince Phoebe that she needed to keep it together for her children, if for nothing else. It seemed to work, because despite her broken heart, Phoebe was doing everything that she could for her children.

Rachel wondered if Chandler was unconsciously keeping himself distracted by helping Phoebe. She knew that he was still hurting, though he was trying hard not to let it show. He was not as jovial and sarcastic as he was ten years ago, but he was obviously trying not to let his hurt feelings show. It was in some ways more painful to see that anything else. Rachel knew that he was doing it in part because of Elaina, and in part because of Phoebe. But Rachel knew Chandler better than he thought she did, and she knew that part of the act was a stubborn attempt to prove to Monica that he would be okay. Rachel shook her head. So much had happened to change their group, yet deep down, they were all the same people that they were ten years ago. They were just more jaded, more cynacal, and more mature.

A sharp knock on the door shattered the comfortable, yet eerie silence that had permiated the room for the last twenty minutes. Monica stood up slowly, and walked over to open the door.

"I'm looking for Phoebe Martinez?" a uniformed police officer said quietly.

"She's here," Monica replied, "Come on in."

The officer entered, and Monica looked over at Phoebe. She and Chandler stood up, and approached the officer.

"Mrs. Martinez, I'm Officer Maxwell. I was wondering if I could speak to you for a moment.."

"Sure. Let's go outside," Phoebe said quietly. She didn't want Mark to wake up and walk out to find them talking about the murder.

Officer Maxwell walked out into the hallway, and Phoebe began to follow. She turned to the group.

"I'll be right back," she said quietly. The others nodded in unison, as Phoebe looked at Chandler. He took the hint and followed Phoebe out into the hallway.

"I wonder what's going on," Ross thought aloud.

"I hope they found the bastard who did this," Rachel replied.

"Me too," Monica said quietly.

"Phoebe and Chandler seem to be pretty close now, huh?" Joey said, changing the subject abruptly.

"I guess," Monica said distantly.

"He's helped her out a lot," Rachel said quietly, all the while wondering if there was a deeper meaning behind Joey's seemingly innocent statement.

Before anyone could reply, the door opened, and Phoebe and Chandler came back into the apartment.

"What happnened, Pheebs?" Rachel asked.

"They found the guy who did it. He confessed and everything. The police are wrapping everything up, but they think it's safe for me and the boys to go home." Phoebe replied.

"Oh, Phoebe, that's great!" the gang responded positively to the news, as Phoebe and Chandler sat back down on the sofa.

"I'm just happy that there is a little bit of closure. I think that the boys will be much happier once we get home," Phoebe said, then thought about the way she had said it. "I didn't mean that we don't appreciate what you've done for us, Monica, I just--"

"Phoebe, it's okay, I understood what you meant," Monica said solemnly.

Another silence formed, this one heavier and much more uncomfortable than the last. Finally, Rachel broke the silence, by asking the question that had been asked hundreds of times before;

"Do you guys wanna go get some coffee?"


****


The next morning, Phoebe began packing up her things, and got the boys ready to go back home. She pulled her bags out into the living room, and went back into the bedroom to get Matthew. As she came back out into the living room, Chandler, Elaina and Monica came into the apartment, carrying coffee and bagels.

"Hey, Pheebs," Chandler said, as he put Elaina down. She ran off into the living room, and sat down next to Mark, who was watching cartoons.

"Hey guys," Phoebe replied, and set Matthew down next to his brother.

"You want some coffee?" Monica asked.

"Yeah, thanks," Phoebe picked up one of the paper cups, and sat down at the kitchen table. "So, Chandler, you know that you are welcome to stay with us again, if you want to."

"Thanks, Phoebe. I think It will be better if I stay here for now. Monica and I have talked about it, and she's okay with it, so I think we'll just stay here, until I can find an apartment. That is, of course, as long as you are gonna be okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine, really," Phoebe said, as Monica excused herself to go to the bathroom. As soon as she was gone, Phoebe turned back to Chandler. "Are you sure about this, Chandler?"

"Yeah, I am. Look Phoebe, I know you're concerned, but I'd really like to try and work all this out. Plus, I don't want to keep moving Elaina around like this. It's not good for her."

"Okay," Phoebe relented, "but if you need anything, you call me, okay?"

"Funny," Chandler laughed, "I was about to say the same thing to you."

****

Two nights later, Monica was awakened when the phone rang in the middle of the night.

"Hello?"

"Monica, it's Phoebe."

"Phoebe, what's wrong? Are you okay?"

"I...I'm not sure. Is Chandler there?"

"Yeah," Monica sighed, "hang on." Monica pulled herself out of bed, and walked over to Chandler and Elaina's room.
She shook Chandler softly, and he jerked his eyes open.

"What's wrong?" he whispered.

"I'm not sure. Phoebe wants to talk to you." Monica could not hide the bitterness in her voice as she handed the phone to Chandler and walked out into the living room. She was too tired to even try. She was angry because Phoebe was going to Chandler, and not her. She and Phoebe used to be best friends, but now she was turning to Chandler. She had convinced herself that that was the only reason she was jealous. Deep down, she knew that it was much more.

"Mon, can I leave Elaina with you? Phoebe thinks that there is someone trying to get into her house." Chandler walked into the living room, fully dressed.

"Shouldn't she call the police?"

"She already did, they're on their way," Chandler explained.

"Then why are you going over there?" Monica felt herself becoming aggitated for no good reason.

"Because she's scared," Chandler said, aggrevation creeping up onto his face. "Monica, what is your problem?"

"Nothing, I don't have--it's nothing. You'd better go."

"Whatever," Chandler said, clearly annoyed with the entire exchange. He left quickly, slamming the door on his way out.

Monica looked at the door, tears welling up in her eyes. Why couldn't she leave well enough alone? Chandler was willing to work things out, he was willing to give her a second chance. Why was she trying to ruin that? She groaned in frusteration, and flopped down onto the sofa.

****

"Phoebe?" Chandler walked into the darkened house, and felt his heart crawl up into his throat. It was too quiet, and Chandler did not like the feeling that he was getting in his gut. He scanned the living room, looking for some sign that Phoebe and the kids were alright. He heard something brush up against the wall, and he turned quickly, but no one was there. He walked into the kitchen, and heard footsteps behind him. He swung around, and came face to face with the barrel of a gun. Suddenly, the lights came on, and Chandler found himself surrounded by three screaming police officers.

"Get on the ground!" the officers yelled.

"Whoa! Calm down, I'm a friend of Phoebe's!"

Chandler's protests were drowned out by the demands for him to get on the ground. Finally, he relented, and layed down on the cold tile floor. The officer who had approached him initially put his gun back into his holser, and handcuffed Chandler, before leading him out of the house.

"Where's Phoebe?"

"Chandler!" Phoebe said, as she and the boys came out from behind a large officer.

"Phoebe, would you please tell these people that I am not a crazy lunatic killer!"

"It's okay," Phoebe laughed, "He's a friend of mine."

*

After several profuse apologies, and a quick scan of the perimeter of the house, the officers left, leaving an aggitated Chandler and an amused Phoebe drinking tea in the kitchen.

"I'm glad that you can laugh at my expense," Chandler said flatly, as Phoebe fought unsuccessfully to contain another set of giggles.

"I'm sorry," Phoebe said, after her latest set of giggles subsided.

"Well, it's good to see you smiling again," Chandler smiled.

Phoebe sobered, and looked at Chandler. "Thank you," she said quietly.

"Anytime, Pheebs."

"So, how are things going with Monica? Any progress?"

"Well, we seem to be getting along okay. Though I am a little pissed at her right now."

"Why?"

"She got mad at me for coming over here in the middle of the night. I don't get it, I really don't," Chandler shook his head.

"She probably thinks there is something going on between us," Phoebe laughed.

"What?"

"Yeah. Yesterday I got a lecture from Joey about how 'you and I' are a bad idea," Phoebe said.

"What?"

"I know! Look, I know that we are both messed up emotionally, but please! This isn't some sappy soap opera!"

"It could be a sappy soap opera, though," Chandler laughed.

"Yes, next week we'll discover that Monica is really your sister!" Phoebe laughed.

"Yes, and Rachel is really a man!" Chandler added triumphantly.

"But first, you and I need to have a torrid love affair," Phoebe giggled.

"Yeah, I mean, I've already knocked up one of my friends, so what the hell?" Chandler's face went serious, as he thought about what he had just said.

Phoebe saw him sober, and placed her arm on him. "You okay?"

"Yeah, I'm just--I dunno. I mean, I always wanted to have children with Monica, I just--I never thought my life would turn out like this."

"I know, neither did I," Phoebe said quietly.

"So much for your 'psychic powers' huh?" Chandler said jokingly.

"Hey," Phoebe slapped Chandler on the arm, then pulled him into a hug.

"It's gonna be okay," she whispered.

"Funny," Chandler said quietly, "I was about to say the same thing to you."

Before Chandler knew what had hit him, he felt Phoebe's lips on his. His instincts took over, and he kissed her back, pulling her toward him as they made their way to the kitchen floor. Seconds later, Chandler recovered from the initial shock, and pulled away quickly.

"Oh, God, Pheobe, what the hell are we doing?"

"I don't know. I'm sorry," Pheobe pulled herself up and onto a stool.

"You don't need to be sorry. I think you're right, we are both pretty emotionally messed up right now."

"Maybe we should keep this between us," Pheobe said quickly.

"I think that's a good idea. I--I'd better go."

"Yeah, okay. Chandler?"

"Yeah?"

"We're gonna be okay, right?"

Chandler smiled, breaking the strange air that had formed between them since the kiss.

"Yeah, we'll be fine."

Chandler walked out of the house, and Phoebe sighed, hoping that Chandler was right. She didn't really want to kiss him, it just happened. She really hoped that she hadn't screwed up her friendship with Chandler. She shook her head, and walked back into her bedroom, hoping that tomorrow would be slightly less eventful and humiliating.

**

Chandler entered Monica's apartment quietly, hoping that Monica was asleep in her room. As he shut the door, Monica sat up, and flipped on a small table lamp. Chandler could see that she had been crying.

"Mon, are you okay?" he said, walking over to the sofa.

"I'm so, so sorry Chandler. I don't know what's wrong with me. I know that you are just trying to be a good friend to Phoebe. I had no right to be angry. I'm really sorry."

"It's okay Mon. Let's just say your hormones are all out of whack, okay?" he laughed.

Monica laughed, as Chandler pulled her into a hug.

"Okay. Thank you. I'm sorry if you felt like I don't trust you. Because I do."

Chandler closed his eyes, trying his best to keep his voice even.

"I know you do."

****

Rachel got out of the cab, slamming the door. She had just had what was quite possibly the worst day of her professional life. Her presentation had fallen flat, her co-worker had gotten the promotion she had been vying for, and she had gone through three different pairs of nylons, due to multiple holes and runners caused by her death-trap of a desk. To make matters worse, it was pouring rain, and the cab that she had just stepped out of had just splashed muddy water all over her new dress and jacket. She shivered, and screamed in frusteration, before making her way up to the new apartment she shared with Ross. Once she got to the third floor (via the stairs, since, naturally, the elevator was broken), she pulled off her slingback pumps and turned the knob to her apartment door. Locked.

"Shit," she said loudly, and fumbled with her keys before finally getting the door open. Rachel walked in, hoping that Ross was home, so that she could vent. Much to her chagrin, the living room was dark, and quiet.

"Ross?"

No answer.

"Damn." Rachel made her way into the bedroom, and pulled off her muddy clothes. She grabbed a clean towel, and walked into the bathroom. When she opened the door, she saw that there was already a bath drawn, and roses and candles filled the room with a sweet smell and a warm glow. Rachel smiled, and turned just in time to see Ross standing behind her.

"I heard you had a rough day," he said quietly.

"You did? How?"

"I have my ways," Ross said, taking Rachel's towel from her. "Now go get cleaned up, you're a mess," he smiled.

Rachel shot Ross and evil glare, then walked toward the tub. She turned back and saw Ross' retreating figure, and wondered what he was up to. She decided not to think too hard about it, as she sunk into the bubbles and warm water.

Ross re-appeared a few minutes later, with a tray full of food, and wine.

"I really don't deserve you," Rachel moaned, as Ross pulled up her right foot and began to massage it.

"I know," Ross said smugly, with a giant grin on his face. He continued to watch her while she ate, with the same goofy grin on his face.

Rachel looked at Ross, her brow furrowing. "What?" she asked.

"Nothing, it's just--I love you," Ross said shyly.

Rachel felt butterflies form in her stomach, and almost had to laugh at her reaction to Ross' words. It wasn't the first time he'd said them to her, but it had been so long, it felt like the first time. She grinned broadly, and put her food down on the stool that sat next to the tub. She pulled her foot away from Ross and wrapped her bubbly arms around his neck.

"I love you too," she whispered, and kissed him softly, before pulling him, fully clothed, into the tub.

~*~

I thought it'd be better to end this chapter on a slightly more positive note, lol. Plus, I know that Ross and Rachel haven't been doing much lately. I am working on that, I promise. Okay, review!!!!!!!!