Monica's Gift

Some things to know for this to make a little bit of sense….

-Ross and Rachel are married (so they live together)…Mon lives by herself, and the rest of the gang have the same living arrangement

-It's 2010 and it's Monica's 40th birthday

Disclaimer: I do not own these characters…

-Mon's apartment-

+everyone but Mon is there+

"Is everything ready? She'll be here any minute," Rachel exclaimed.

"Sheesh Rach, you're starting to sound like Monica now!"

"Shut up Chandler!"

They were all getting ready for Monica's surprise party. Knowing it was her big four oh, she would probably be depressed. They made sure that there was lots of alcohol to consume, and lots of gossip to talk over.

When everything was in place with minutes to spare, Rachel collapsed on the couch.

"I didn't know being organized would take so much work! I have a newfound respect for Mon."

The gang exchanged a look that could only mean that they agreed.

"Now I see why she can get so bitchy!"

"Pheebs, you're lucky. You only had to live with her for four years. (A.N. I don't know how long Phoebe lived with Monica, so I just put a year down) I had to live with her when she was fat and organized!"

As if on cue, Monica entered.

"SURPRISE!!!"

Unfazed, Monica just gazed back at the gang and asked "Is that what you're supposed to say at parties, or is it just to throw people off?"

They immediately turned to Joey.

"What???"

"Joooeeeeey…" Phoebe warned.

"I didn't tell her this time!"

"Guys! It doesn't matter. She's here. Lets get this party started!!!"

Half an hour later, almost a third of the alcohol and been taken in, and they were sprawled over the couches laughing and talking. Only Chandler was slightly sober.

"So, I sent for a subscription with the name Mr. Chandler Bing, apartment 19 blahblahblahblah, and I get my issue, and it says Ms. Chanandler Bong!

"But I thought it said Mrs. Chandandler Blong!" Phoebe slurred.

Chandler raised his eyebrow, but didn't say anything.

"Chandler! Your fly's undone!"

"No it's not. You're seeing things"

"Well what if I told you that the things that I saw consisted of your thing?"

"Then I would look down [does so], see that you were right, then turn around and zip up my pants," he joked, as he hopped up and down. As he turned back around, everyone could see that his face had now turned as red as Monica's without the help of alcohol.

Two and a half-hours later, Joey had walked Phoebe back to her place and returned home. Ross and Rachel had decided to go home before it was too late. Only Chandler still stayed behind.

The presents lay in a pile unopened. There were only four. Chandler had claimed that he had ordered her a present a present online, and it had yet to arrive.

"You want me to help you clean up?" Chandler asked.

"No no. I'll clean it up tomorrow"

Chandler raised his eyebrows, "You really that drunk?"

"No, not anymore. I'm just depressed now. Maybe I should drinks some more," she concluded and head towards the few drinks still left on the table.

"Monica, if you drink any more," he warned, blocking her way, "I might just have to do something you would and I might regret"

"Like what? Kiss me?"

"Why would I regret that?" He paused. "Would you regret it?"

"What? Kissing you? Even though I just turned 40, doesn't mean I have a bad memory."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Remember when we were at the hospital when Carol was giving birth? I was all depressed and everything…?"

"And I said that if we were still single by the time we were 40, we'd get together and have one."

"You remember!"

"Of course. I remember everything that means something to me Mon, and I wasn't saying that just to be a good friend. I meant it."

Monica stood grounded to the floor. If her feet weren't so immobile, she was sure she would have fallen over. She was shocked that he actually remembered, let alone mean it.

"Sooo…"

"My offer still stands open Monica," he said as he smiled at her. He opened his arms for a hug.

Still unable to move, Monica just stood, statue still looking back at Chandler in disbelief. Sensing she was shocked, he moved over to her and pulled her into a hug. That seemed to bring her back to life as she hugged him back tightly. A million thoughts ran through her head as she mentally contemplated whether she should go through with it or not. This was her commitment phobic, best friend Chandler. Although he had changed throughout the last few years, he still couldn't hold a girlfriend for more than a year. Was he ready for this burden?

She decided that it didn't matter. She knew that she had always loved him, whether be it friend, even so called brotherly love. Now, she realized it had turned into more and she knew he felt the same way. She could feel it, even in his hug. She pulled away a little and looked up at him. Cautiously, she moved up towards him and gave him a soft kiss on the lips.

"Are you sure about this Chandler?", she asked after she reluctantly pulled away.

"As sure as I'll ever be. I've always loved you Monica."

"You too. And thank you. In advance."

"For what?"

"For giving me the best gift ever."