The One With The President
Chapter 7
By: Jana~
*****~*****
--"Uh-oh," Phoebe muttered, sensitive to Chandler's sudden foul mood. "Why so scrunchy?"
Chandler only glanced at Phoebe, then moved his stare back to Ross. "You wanna field that one, Ross?"
He gestured as if confused. "What?"
"Why are you trying to break Monica and I up?" Chandler confronted him.
Phoebe and Joey both looked at Ross in shock. "What?!"
Ross looked from one to the other, then back to Chandler, wrinkling his face like he often did when becoming defensive. "What?!"
"Did you or did you not go to Monica's work today, trying to convince her to break up with me for my own good?" Chandler challenged further.
"I went there, but not to get her to break up with you!" Ross whined defensively. "I just told her that it might be best for all concerned if you two cooled it for a bit, that's all!"
"You had no right, Ross!" Chandler snapped. "Especially after I had just told you that we would not be 'cooling off' just for the sake of the polls!
"What did she say when you suggested that?" Phoebe asked curiously.
Ross kept his eyes on Chandler for a few additional seconds before looking to Phoebe. "She said that they had already discussed it, and unless Chandler saw a problem, she would assume there was no problem."
"I didn't mean any harm," Ross added. "Or disrespect, sir. I'm just trying to look out for your best interests, long term."
Chandler sighed. "Ross, how long have we been friends?"
"Fifteen years." Ross answered without having to give it a second thought.
"And how long have I been in this office? Vice-president and president combined."
"Almost 3 years, sir."
"We've been friends 12 years longer than we've been political partners, Ross! Why is it so hard for you to just be my friend?!"
Ross dropped his gaze to the floor. "I don't know, sir."
"Look, I really like Monica, alright? And it's ok if the advisor in you wants to play damage control because of that, but when the day is done, I just want you to be my friend! Just be supportive of my decisions and be happy for me!" Chandler exclaimed in a quiet tone of voice. "Can you do that?"
"I'll try," Ross conceded.
"Thank you," Chandler smiled, then hugged his friend. "Now," he added, "Tell me about Rachel."
Phoebe gasped. "There's a Rachel?"
Joey scowled, "Who's Rachel?"
"Monica's best friend," Chandler informed, then smiled at Ross.
"Why do I suddenly feel like I'm back in high school?" Ross groaned, shaking his head.
"Come on," Chandler nudged him, "Spill it!"
"There's nothing to 'spill'," Ross insisted. "We just had coffee!"
"You gonna see her again?" Phoebe asked excitedly.
Ross was quiet for a moment, then relented. "Yes, ok? We have a date this weekend."
"You guys should double date!" Joey suggested excitedly, gesturing between Ross and Chandler.
Ross rolled his eyes. "Double date? You have got to be kidding me."
"Well," Chandler chuckled, "Maybe not like to the malt shop or whatever! But it could be fun!"
Ross groaned. "I feel a nightmare coming on."
"You're too stuffy!" Phoebe told him. "You're 35, not 65!"
"In a profession of older, more mature individuals!" Ross replied. "I'm just trying to bring some maturity to this office!"
"You see me as immature?" Chandler asked, his face totally serious.
Ross immediately regretted his words. "No, sir, I don't see you as-- The public I think- some see you--"
"Need a shovel?" Joey asked with a smirk.
Ross ignored Joey's sarcastic remark. "I spoke without thinking, sir--"
"We all bring strengths and weaknesses to this office, Ross," Chandler cut his advisor off. "And just because we're not as 'mature' as you, doesn't mean we don't all bring something to the table."
"I know, sir. I was totally out of line. Please accept my apologies," Ross groveled, to which Chandler chuckled grimly.
"Stop acting like I'm gonna fire you at every turn, would'ja? God, it gets old!" Chandler sighed as he started to walk away from the group. "I miss the old Ross," he mumbled, then disappeared down the hall.
"You do kiss up to him too much, ya'know," Joey added.
Ross just shot him a brief glaring look, then walked away after Chandler.
***
--"Sir?" Ross called out, walking briskly to catch up with him.
Chandler turned and faced his advisor. "What is it, Ross?"
"I wanted to apologize," Ross panted as he caught his breath.
"You're forgiven," Chandler uttered distantly, then turned to leave.
"Chandler, please," Ross' plea caused Chandler to turn back to face him. "I'm an asshole, ok?" he admitted of himself. "I honestly wasn't trying to hurt you. It's just, I see so much potential in you, to be the best president this country has ever had, and I guess I just let that rule my better judgement."
"Remember when we were in college?" Chandler asked, and Ross nodded in a gesture to continue. "What was your passion? Do you even remember?"
Ross nodded slightly. "Paleontology," he replied.
Chandler smiled as he nodded. "Mine was writing. Remember?"
"Yeah." Ross hung his head, sensing where Chandler was going on his trip down memory lane.
"How did we get so far off track?" Chandler asked. "When was it that we took this huge detour, away from our dreams?" He sighed, "How did we get here?"
"Well," Ross replied, "If memory serves, your dad introduced you to Andy, and the rest just happened from there. You asked for my advice so often," he recalled, "It just seemed natural for me to follow along as your advisor."
"If you hadn't," Chandler asked, "Where would you be now, do you think?"
"I would be globe-hopping I think," Ross said with a smile. "Digging up dinosaur bones. Kinda like an Indiana Jones," he added proudly.
Chandler laughed. "I could see you in the Harrison Ford style hat!"
"What about you?" Ross asked.
"I would be a writer for New Yorker magazine," he replied. "Getting paid to be funny."
Ross smiled and nodded, then a serious expression followed. "You don't want to be here, do you?"
Chandler sighed. "I realize how many people dream of being here, but it's a lot of pressure! And it's just… not what I want to be doing." He looked at the ground, kicking at the carpeted floor before running his fingers through his hair and meeting Ross' eyes. "What if I do something wrong? What if I make a bad decision?"
"There is not a leader alive who doesn't have similar thoughts and fears, Chandler," Ross assured him. "That's what I'm here for! That's what the Joint Chiefs are for! That's what Phoebe, and even Joey is for!"
Chandler smiled at Ross' attempt at humor, both knowing Joey wasn't known for his keen intellect.
"We're all here to help you make decisions! To give you advice and guidance! If you're in doubt," Ross stated supportively, "If you need anything, then lean on us! It's what we're here for!"
Chandler nodded, appreciative of the sentiment, then changed subjects abruptly. "Double-date with Monica and I this weekend," he requested suddenly. "I think if Monica has Rachel with her, it might help her get passed being uncomfortable over my position."
Ross seemed to give it thought, then nodded. "Alright, but, what did you have in mind?"
"Just dinner at my residence. Maybe head over to the rec room for some foosball or darts," Chandler suggested. "Nothing huge. Oh!" he added, "Maybe have Phoebe and Joey come along!"
"They're an item?!" Ross asked, shocked.
"No," Chandler chuckled, "They're just friends. But it'll be fun having all of us together, don't'cha think?"
With a slight smile and a nod, Ross agreed. "Sure. I guess so. I'll have to run it by Rachel."
"She'll love the idea, I'm sure," Chandler assumed. "Let me know what she says, and I'll talk to Monica."
*****~*****
--"Sorry," Monica apologized as the group entered the rec room, "I'm just stating my opinion!" she defended herself. "The meat was a little dry."
"I thought it was great!" Joey exclaimed, holding the door open while everyone sauntered in.
"You're just ultra-critical because you're a chef!" Rachel teased. "It was fine."
"Fine, maybe, but I could do better," Monica bragged.
"One day you'll have to cook something for us," Phoebe suggested casually as she and Joey laid claims to the dart board.
"Sure!" Monica agreed. "Any where any time!"
"It's not a contest, Mon," Rachel laughed. "Everything with her is a contest," she added, speaking to the others in the room.
Monica laughed along, knowing her best friend was just playing with her. They did that often, while at work and home, so she was used to it.
"How about some foosball?" Chandler suggested. "Two on two."
"Girl-girl, boy-boy? Or co-ed?" Rachel asked.
"Ladies choice," Chandler replied, bowing slightly and gesturing for Rachel and Monica to decide.
"Co-ed," they both said almost simultaneously.
Rachel immediately moved to stand beside Ross, and Monica moved to Chandler's side of the table.
"You might actually have a shot at winning with me on your team," Monica informed sotto, and Chandler laughed.
"Well, if I don't tell him not to," Chandler whispered back, "Ross will try to throw the game."
"No throwing the game!" Monica announced, looking straight at Ross.
Chandler nodded when Ross looked to him. "That's right. Just play the game to the best of your ability," Chandler advised. "And may the best team win."
"Ours," Monica muttered quietly, glaring playfully at Rachel who heard her and glared playfully first.
"Let's get ready to rumble!" Phoebe called out, causing Joey to laugh.
***
--Phoebe and Joey had played several hands at darts, then moved to watch the competition at the foosball table, the game heating up and close in score.
"Heads up Chandler," Monica muttered, then spun the players hard and scored another goal, winning the game. "We win!" she announced triumphantly, then threw herself into Chandler's arms, embracing him.
"The game was close though, you have to admit," Rachel defended her team of two.
Ross watched as Chandler held Monica, seeing for the first time the connection his friend had been referring to. It was there, and obvious, to everyone in the room.
Monica broke away from Chandler's hold and smirked at Rachel. "Close doesn't win the prize!"
"What prize?" Rachel shot back teasingly. "We were just playing for fun!"
"Well, let's make it interesting!" Monica suggested. "Let's play for money!" she goaded further, "I'll even go easy on you! What do you say?"
"This is where I say goodnight," Phoebe said with a smile as she headed for the door.
"Yeah," Joey added, "I think I'm gonna go too." He patted Chandler on the back as he passed him. "Have fun guys."
"Thanks, Joe," Chandler said with a smile and a small wave.
Phoebe gave Monica a quick goodnight hug, then turned to Rachel. "It was nice meeting you, Rachel."
"You too, Phoebe," Rachel replied sincerely.
"I hope to be seeing you again soon." She discreetly winked at Ross, then moved to stand behind Joey.
Joey smiled at her as she stared at him, waiting for him to open the door. "I'll give you your hug outside," she told him, then pinched his rear.
He startled and jumped, then smiled wide at Phoebe's playfulness. "Yeah, baby!"
They both left, and Monica turned to Chandler and questioned him with her expression.
"You sure they're not an item?" Ross asked, almost as if reading Monica's mind.
"Fairly sure," Chandler replied. "They just love to flirt with each other."
"I should get going too," Rachel informed. "I have work tomorrow, serving at the Kleiman party." She located her purse as Ross poised himself at the door, ready to escort her out. "Coming, Mon?"
Monica smiled at Chandler, then looked to Rachel. "I think I'm gonna stay a bit longer," she said, giving Rachel a knowing look.
"Ah," Rachel nodded. "Ok, so, I won't wait up or anything." She smirked at her friend, then turned towards Ross. After opening the door for her, she turned to leave, but stopped short of exiting the room. "Thanks for having me over, Mr. President."
"It was my pleasure," he replied. "And please, call me Chandler."
She smiled. "Goodnight Chandler," she said with a nod.
"Night," he returned, then gave an up-nod to Ross. "Night, Ross."
Ross gave the up-nod in return, then left with Rachel, leaving Chandler and Monica alone.
"Did you want to play another game?" Monica asked as she gave the foosball table a pat, "Or--?" She stopped her question short when she saw the look on Chandler's face. She smiled wide in return.
"Come back with me to my residence?" he requested, and she nodded in response.
***
--She seemed tense while entering his room, and he smiled as slid his hand down her back just slightly before moving to the liquor cabinet.
"Scotch on the rocks with a twist?" he asked, and she nodded.
He poured her drink, aware that she was behind him scoping out the room.
"I think I have figured out what part of this is," he told her as he started to pour himself a drink.
"You do?" she questioned, not exactly sure what he meant by that comment.
"Yeah." He turned to face her, handing her the drink he'd just poured her before continuing. "It's about sex and nervousness."
She sputtered into her drink glass in response, then looked up at him with an odd expression. "What?"
"Ok," he hurried on, "Just hear me out. When a couple in a relationship connects, sex usually follows at some point, right?"
She nodded hesitantly.
"But, now, it's different with us, because I'm the president, and you've been kinda uneasy about that."
She just continued to stare at him, so he kept going.
"Well, I was thinking, all the former first ladies, they were never nervous about being around their president husbands. You know why?"
Monica squinted as she tried to follow. "No, but please tell me."
"Ok," he proceeded. "They weren't nervous because they met them and married them before they became president!"
Confusion made way for comprehension, and she nodded her understanding. "I see."
"Right?" he gestured in response, then continued. "And I know it's going to take some time before you are completely comfortable around me, but I think it's all going to be ok. Know how I know?" he added.
"No, how?" she asked, forcing herself not to smile.
"Because, when we were playing foosball, and, like, tonight at dinner, you seemed comfortable around me!" He paused a moment. "Right?" he asked, looking for confirmation.
She nodded, then handed him her drink. "Can I use your restroom to freshen up?"
"Sure," he pointed down the hall, her drink in his hand. "Down the hall and on the left."
"Thanks."
"I want you to know," he called out, "You can take all the time you need to get comfortable with me. I'm in no hurry and I'm not going anywhere."
A minute later, she reappeared, wearing nothing but her panties and one of his button-up shirts, unbuttoned and strategically draped across her body.
He nearly choked on his drink as he looked at her, his eyes wandering up and down her form before looking into her eyes.
"Maybe I didn't make myself clear when I said I wasn't in any hurry?"
She smirked, then the expression dropped from her face in favor of a more seductive one. "No, you were perfectly clear."
"You're not nervous?" he asked, and she slowly shook her head 'no'. "My nervousness exists on many levels," he muttered, backing up a step involuntarily as she started to move towards him. "For starters, and this is in no particular order… it's been a while," he admitted, "And second, any expectations that you might have, given the fact that I'm… you know…"
"The most powerful man in the world?"
"Right!" he exclaimed. "Exactly. But, see, I think it's important that you realize that that is a political distinction that comes with the office--"
She cut him off by pressing her lips softly to his, her arms winding up around his neck.
Any nervousness he felt flew away as he responded to her affections, placing one hand lightly on her hip while the other slipped into the opening of her shirt, his fingers dancing across her soft skin.
Slowly, their lips never parting, they inched their way closer to the bed, sliding into it upon reaching it… the night for them just beginning.
TBC
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