This chapter is dedicated to two of my brothers, Travis and Brad, who are the biggest Pearl Jam fanatics I have ever seen. The title of the chapter belongs to Pearl Jam, not me.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The One Where They Make It, Part Eleven
"Given To Fly"
~New York City, Central Park, the night of the final show~
Chandler sat on the sofa in the makeshift dressing room, aimlessly strumming his guitar. He could not believe that this was their final show. It was going to be strange, not touring, recording or promoting. He wondered what he was going to do with himself. He sat back, and thought about all that had happened since that first tour all those years ago. They were so young and stupid. Joey used to brag about how many women he could "bag" in a night, and now he was happily married. Chandler laughed at the irony of it. Joey Tribbianni, the playboy of the band, was the first to settle down.
Not that Chandler hadn't had his fair share of wild nights. But he'd discovered, long before Joey had, that the meaningless sex gets old after a while. Soon, the late nights, heavy drinking, and one night stands had been replaced by all-night Gin sessions with Monica. They would end up playing cards until dawn, all the while making up stories to tell Joey and Ross about the "crazy party" they had stumbled upon. If they'd only known.
Thinking about Monica made Chandler smile. He couldn't believe it had taken him so long to admit to himself, and to her, how much he loved her. His smile faded, however, when he thought about Ross, and the strange rift that had grown between them since Monica had announced her pregnancy. Chandler and Ross had always been like brothers, and it hurt Chandler to think that Ross no longer felt the same way. Chandler was so deep in thought, that he didn't realize that Ross was standing right in front of him.
"Chandler!" Ross said. Chandler jumped, and hit a sour chord on his guitar.
"Ehhh," Ross complained, upon hearing the chord.
"Geez, you scared the hell out of me," Chandler said, as he fidgeted with the neck of his guitar.
"Where were you just now?"
"Thinking. Listen, Ross, can we talk for a minute?"
"Actually, that's why I'm here. I wanted to talk to you too," Ross said, and took a seat on the sofa.
"Ross, I know that you aren't really thrilled with me and Monica being together, but--"
"That's what I came to tell you, Chandler. I talked to Monica, and she, kinda made me see that I had no right to be angry with either of you...especially seeing that I am dating *her* best friend."
"Ah, that is a good point," Chandler said.
"It was the pregnancy, really. I was just so shocked, ya know? I mean, I didn't know how to react, I guess."
"YOU were shocked? Hell, you shoulda seen my reaction," Chandler laughed.
"Yeah?"
"Monica was not happy with my reaction. I practially ran screaming from her place. I was in the doghouse for a week."
"What did you have to do?" Ross laughed.
"A lo-hot of begging. Oh, and I sang to her. That always works," Chandler grinned mischieviously.
"Oh, really?" Ross said, arching an eyebrow.
"Why the hell do you think I insisted we sing 'Faithfully' on Conan? I wasn't exactly trying to get into the Journey fan club."
"Ah, now that makes sense," Ross laughed, "I was sure we were gonna have to do a Survivor cover on Leno or something."
With that, Chandler began strumming the opening chords to 'Eye of the Tiger', just as Joey and Phoebe entered.
"Oh, hell no, Chandler, we are NOT doing any Survivor covers! Ross, will you talk to him?" Joey pleaded.
"What are you talking about, Joe? It was my idea!" Ross laughed.
"We are not doing 'Eye of the Tiger' on our final night! Come on!"
"We're kidding, Joe, calm down!"
"We could do a cover," Chandler said, "What should we do?"
"Uh, how about 'Time of Your Life' by Green Day!" Joey suggested.
"How about 'Think of Tomorrow' by Chris Isaak," Phoebe suggested.
"'Black Hole Sun'?"
"'All The Small Things'?"
"'The Space Between'?"
"'Sexx Laws'?"
"'Plush'?"
"'The Bends'?"
"Okay, stop it!" Chandler finally yelled. "How about we just do our songs, okay?"
"Wait!" Joey said, snapping his fingers, "I got it!"
***
By the time the band was ready to take the stage, the crowd was in a frenzy. The electricity in the air was intoxicating. Standing just off stage, in a small, tight circle were Ross, Rachel, Chandler, Monica, Joey and Phoebe.
The stood in their giant group hug, as the record crowd began chanting the band's name.
"I can't believe this is our last show," Joey said.
"It's gonna be weird, not waking up in some hotel room, huh?" Chandler added.
"Yeah, but I think the break is for the best. We all need to gather some perspective," Ross glanced at Chandler.
"Well, you'd better go give New York what they came for!" Phoebe said..
"Break some hearts out there tonight guys," Monica said, as the group broke, and Ross, Joey and Chandler took to the stage.
The crowd roared as the band broke into their first tune. Chandler glanced over at Ross, who winked and nodded back.
They all knew that this was going to be their best show--ever.
In the end, Joey's suggestion for a cover won out, mostly because all the guys loved the song, and loved paying homage to one of their favourite bands.
"So, how ya feelin' New York?" Chandler screamed into the microphone.
The crowd responded with a raucous applause, and wild screams.
"I'm sorry, I missed that. HOW YA DOIN' NEW YORK!" Chandler screamed louder, causing his voice to crack.
The crowd's response was even louder than before, and Chandler chuckled.
"So, uh, we are gonna do one that's not ours', but we love the song, and we thought it would be a good way to go out."
The crowd cheered, as Chandler and Ross broke into the opening chords of Pearl Jam's 'Given To Fly'.
Standing in the wings, Monica grinned proudly. The show was going perfectly, and she couldn't think of a better way for the guys to end their long run on top of the world.
"Miss Geller?"
Monica turned to greet one of the FBI agents that she had been working with since San Francisco.
"Agent Desmond, what's up? Is everything okay?"
"Yeah, I just wanted to check in. I have to say, Central Park is not the easiest venue to police."
"Yeah, I know, but we couldn't fit all of these people anyplace else," Monica explained.
"It's a hell of a job you people have," Agent Desmond said, as he looked out onto the stage.
"Yes it is," Monica said quietly.
"I am going to strongly suggest that you get the band out of here immediately following the show tonight."
"Why?" Monica turned to look at Agent Desmond, "Is something wrong?"
"We haven't seen any evidence of a real threat, but with this being the band's final show and all...I just think it would be a good idea to get out of here as quickly as possible."
"Okay." Monica looked out onto the stage again. The band was well into their last song before their first encore. She knew that Agent Desmond was just being cautious, but Monica suddenly felt very uneasy. She hoped that tonight would continue to run smoothly.
The band made their exit, as the crowd chanted for more. They made a quick waredrobe change, and got ready to head back out onto the stage. Chandler glanced over at Monica, and noted the strange look on her face. His brow furrowed, and he
walked over to her.
"Mon, are you okay?"
"Yeah, fine. Why?"
"You look...I dunno, nervous."
"I'm fine, really. I'm just kinda sad that this is the end, ya know?" Monica hoped that Chandler would buy the fib.
"Oh. Well, it's not the end, really. It's just a break, ya know?"
Monica nodded, as Chandler put his arm around her shoulders, and kissed her temple.
Ross watched Chandler and Monica as they talked. He never really realized how close the two of them were. And while he still felt weird about the whole thing, he realized that maybe this was what they both needed. The way that he needed Rachel. In many ways, he was happy for the break from the band. It would give him and Rachel time alone together.
He looked around, and spotted Rachel, fidgeting with Joey's jacket. He caught her eye, and she smiled warmly.
Yep, a break was just what they needed.
*
The band took to the stage minutes later, and broke into their instrumental encore opener, "Interplanetary Courtship Ritual," a song penned by Ross while still in college. Chandler grinned everytime they played it, as he recalled his conversation with Ross the first time he'd heard the song.
~1988, New York University~
"So, what do you think?" Ross asked enthusiastically.
"What's it called, again?" Chandler said, trying his best to sound as excited as Ross looked.
"Interplanetary Courtship Ritual," Ross said, grinning broadly.
"Well, it's certainly...um, unique," Chandler struggled to find non-offensive adjectives for the noise pollution that he was just exposed to.
"Do you think we'll be able to use it?" Ross asked.
"Maybe. It's an instrumental?"
"Yeah."
"Hmmm. Do we really need the dog-barking in there?"
"Well, no, not really."
"And the helicopter?"
"Okay."
"And the siren?"
"I think I see where you are going with this, man."
"Look, Ross, I like the idea. But we...need to make sure that the audience sticks around. And, um, I am just not sure that everyone will appreciate this song...the way that you and I do."
"That is true."
"So, let's hear it one more time," Chandler said, picking up his guitar, "Without the, uh, cool sound effects."
***
~New York City, present day~
As the band finished up their second encore, Chandler stepped to the mike to address the crowd.
"Wow. Okay, as you may know, this is, um, gonna be our last show for a while. We, um, have decided that we need to take a break from the madness. But we wanted you all to know that we love you, and we thank you for coming out tonight--"
"And we will be back!" Ross added. Chandler looked over at Ross, and smiled. They may be breaking up, and going their seperate ways professionally, but it was clear that the six friends would be seeing a lot of each other, even after the final curtain.
~*~
Okay, this really isn't the end. I will write more chapters, either as epilogues, or, if there is enough interest, I may just continue the series a while longer. Lemme know what you think, and for the love of God, give me some ideas, cuz I think I am fresh out!!
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The One Where They Make It, Part Eleven
"Given To Fly"
~New York City, Central Park, the night of the final show~
Chandler sat on the sofa in the makeshift dressing room, aimlessly strumming his guitar. He could not believe that this was their final show. It was going to be strange, not touring, recording or promoting. He wondered what he was going to do with himself. He sat back, and thought about all that had happened since that first tour all those years ago. They were so young and stupid. Joey used to brag about how many women he could "bag" in a night, and now he was happily married. Chandler laughed at the irony of it. Joey Tribbianni, the playboy of the band, was the first to settle down.
Not that Chandler hadn't had his fair share of wild nights. But he'd discovered, long before Joey had, that the meaningless sex gets old after a while. Soon, the late nights, heavy drinking, and one night stands had been replaced by all-night Gin sessions with Monica. They would end up playing cards until dawn, all the while making up stories to tell Joey and Ross about the "crazy party" they had stumbled upon. If they'd only known.
Thinking about Monica made Chandler smile. He couldn't believe it had taken him so long to admit to himself, and to her, how much he loved her. His smile faded, however, when he thought about Ross, and the strange rift that had grown between them since Monica had announced her pregnancy. Chandler and Ross had always been like brothers, and it hurt Chandler to think that Ross no longer felt the same way. Chandler was so deep in thought, that he didn't realize that Ross was standing right in front of him.
"Chandler!" Ross said. Chandler jumped, and hit a sour chord on his guitar.
"Ehhh," Ross complained, upon hearing the chord.
"Geez, you scared the hell out of me," Chandler said, as he fidgeted with the neck of his guitar.
"Where were you just now?"
"Thinking. Listen, Ross, can we talk for a minute?"
"Actually, that's why I'm here. I wanted to talk to you too," Ross said, and took a seat on the sofa.
"Ross, I know that you aren't really thrilled with me and Monica being together, but--"
"That's what I came to tell you, Chandler. I talked to Monica, and she, kinda made me see that I had no right to be angry with either of you...especially seeing that I am dating *her* best friend."
"Ah, that is a good point," Chandler said.
"It was the pregnancy, really. I was just so shocked, ya know? I mean, I didn't know how to react, I guess."
"YOU were shocked? Hell, you shoulda seen my reaction," Chandler laughed.
"Yeah?"
"Monica was not happy with my reaction. I practially ran screaming from her place. I was in the doghouse for a week."
"What did you have to do?" Ross laughed.
"A lo-hot of begging. Oh, and I sang to her. That always works," Chandler grinned mischieviously.
"Oh, really?" Ross said, arching an eyebrow.
"Why the hell do you think I insisted we sing 'Faithfully' on Conan? I wasn't exactly trying to get into the Journey fan club."
"Ah, now that makes sense," Ross laughed, "I was sure we were gonna have to do a Survivor cover on Leno or something."
With that, Chandler began strumming the opening chords to 'Eye of the Tiger', just as Joey and Phoebe entered.
"Oh, hell no, Chandler, we are NOT doing any Survivor covers! Ross, will you talk to him?" Joey pleaded.
"What are you talking about, Joe? It was my idea!" Ross laughed.
"We are not doing 'Eye of the Tiger' on our final night! Come on!"
"We're kidding, Joe, calm down!"
"We could do a cover," Chandler said, "What should we do?"
"Uh, how about 'Time of Your Life' by Green Day!" Joey suggested.
"How about 'Think of Tomorrow' by Chris Isaak," Phoebe suggested.
"'Black Hole Sun'?"
"'All The Small Things'?"
"'The Space Between'?"
"'Sexx Laws'?"
"'Plush'?"
"'The Bends'?"
"Okay, stop it!" Chandler finally yelled. "How about we just do our songs, okay?"
"Wait!" Joey said, snapping his fingers, "I got it!"
***
By the time the band was ready to take the stage, the crowd was in a frenzy. The electricity in the air was intoxicating. Standing just off stage, in a small, tight circle were Ross, Rachel, Chandler, Monica, Joey and Phoebe.
The stood in their giant group hug, as the record crowd began chanting the band's name.
"I can't believe this is our last show," Joey said.
"It's gonna be weird, not waking up in some hotel room, huh?" Chandler added.
"Yeah, but I think the break is for the best. We all need to gather some perspective," Ross glanced at Chandler.
"Well, you'd better go give New York what they came for!" Phoebe said..
"Break some hearts out there tonight guys," Monica said, as the group broke, and Ross, Joey and Chandler took to the stage.
The crowd roared as the band broke into their first tune. Chandler glanced over at Ross, who winked and nodded back.
They all knew that this was going to be their best show--ever.
In the end, Joey's suggestion for a cover won out, mostly because all the guys loved the song, and loved paying homage to one of their favourite bands.
"So, how ya feelin' New York?" Chandler screamed into the microphone.
The crowd responded with a raucous applause, and wild screams.
"I'm sorry, I missed that. HOW YA DOIN' NEW YORK!" Chandler screamed louder, causing his voice to crack.
The crowd's response was even louder than before, and Chandler chuckled.
"So, uh, we are gonna do one that's not ours', but we love the song, and we thought it would be a good way to go out."
The crowd cheered, as Chandler and Ross broke into the opening chords of Pearl Jam's 'Given To Fly'.
Standing in the wings, Monica grinned proudly. The show was going perfectly, and she couldn't think of a better way for the guys to end their long run on top of the world.
"Miss Geller?"
Monica turned to greet one of the FBI agents that she had been working with since San Francisco.
"Agent Desmond, what's up? Is everything okay?"
"Yeah, I just wanted to check in. I have to say, Central Park is not the easiest venue to police."
"Yeah, I know, but we couldn't fit all of these people anyplace else," Monica explained.
"It's a hell of a job you people have," Agent Desmond said, as he looked out onto the stage.
"Yes it is," Monica said quietly.
"I am going to strongly suggest that you get the band out of here immediately following the show tonight."
"Why?" Monica turned to look at Agent Desmond, "Is something wrong?"
"We haven't seen any evidence of a real threat, but with this being the band's final show and all...I just think it would be a good idea to get out of here as quickly as possible."
"Okay." Monica looked out onto the stage again. The band was well into their last song before their first encore. She knew that Agent Desmond was just being cautious, but Monica suddenly felt very uneasy. She hoped that tonight would continue to run smoothly.
The band made their exit, as the crowd chanted for more. They made a quick waredrobe change, and got ready to head back out onto the stage. Chandler glanced over at Monica, and noted the strange look on her face. His brow furrowed, and he
walked over to her.
"Mon, are you okay?"
"Yeah, fine. Why?"
"You look...I dunno, nervous."
"I'm fine, really. I'm just kinda sad that this is the end, ya know?" Monica hoped that Chandler would buy the fib.
"Oh. Well, it's not the end, really. It's just a break, ya know?"
Monica nodded, as Chandler put his arm around her shoulders, and kissed her temple.
Ross watched Chandler and Monica as they talked. He never really realized how close the two of them were. And while he still felt weird about the whole thing, he realized that maybe this was what they both needed. The way that he needed Rachel. In many ways, he was happy for the break from the band. It would give him and Rachel time alone together.
He looked around, and spotted Rachel, fidgeting with Joey's jacket. He caught her eye, and she smiled warmly.
Yep, a break was just what they needed.
*
The band took to the stage minutes later, and broke into their instrumental encore opener, "Interplanetary Courtship Ritual," a song penned by Ross while still in college. Chandler grinned everytime they played it, as he recalled his conversation with Ross the first time he'd heard the song.
~1988, New York University~
"So, what do you think?" Ross asked enthusiastically.
"What's it called, again?" Chandler said, trying his best to sound as excited as Ross looked.
"Interplanetary Courtship Ritual," Ross said, grinning broadly.
"Well, it's certainly...um, unique," Chandler struggled to find non-offensive adjectives for the noise pollution that he was just exposed to.
"Do you think we'll be able to use it?" Ross asked.
"Maybe. It's an instrumental?"
"Yeah."
"Hmmm. Do we really need the dog-barking in there?"
"Well, no, not really."
"And the helicopter?"
"Okay."
"And the siren?"
"I think I see where you are going with this, man."
"Look, Ross, I like the idea. But we...need to make sure that the audience sticks around. And, um, I am just not sure that everyone will appreciate this song...the way that you and I do."
"That is true."
"So, let's hear it one more time," Chandler said, picking up his guitar, "Without the, uh, cool sound effects."
***
~New York City, present day~
As the band finished up their second encore, Chandler stepped to the mike to address the crowd.
"Wow. Okay, as you may know, this is, um, gonna be our last show for a while. We, um, have decided that we need to take a break from the madness. But we wanted you all to know that we love you, and we thank you for coming out tonight--"
"And we will be back!" Ross added. Chandler looked over at Ross, and smiled. They may be breaking up, and going their seperate ways professionally, but it was clear that the six friends would be seeing a lot of each other, even after the final curtain.
~*~
Okay, this really isn't the end. I will write more chapters, either as epilogues, or, if there is enough interest, I may just continue the series a while longer. Lemme know what you think, and for the love of God, give me some ideas, cuz I think I am fresh out!!