True Love Really Doesn't Run Smoothly
Part 6: Tears Of Love
Author's Note: I am very sorry this chapter took so long (what is it, three weeks now?), but I have my reasons. Due to the recent good news about the next episode of the show, I reworked this chapter a little, and a certain scene took quite a bit of perfecting.
With regard to the lack of Chandler in this story: I find it rather difficult to write Chandler, but I try to include him where I can. I hope any M&C fans enjoy the scene I gave them together in this chapter.
Oh, and reassure me about the Ross/Phoebe thing. It will continue regardless, since it is important to the main Joey/Rachel story, but some reassurance would really help me write it better. There is a major development in their storyline next chapter.
The lyrics used in this chapter are from the Savage Garden song Truly Madly Deeply.
*****
Rachel sat at the counter, absently eating a piece of toast, while trying to sort out her head.
Kate. Nobody had said her name in years, but even then it had bothered her. Back then she'd had no idea why. Now she did.
From the one time she'd seen Kate, Rachel had got the impression that Joey's feelings had been wasted on her. The way Joey had looked at Kate: wanting, and longing. The way Kate had looked at Joey: bland. She didn't care about Joey; if she had then why had she left him for a job?
So if Kate didn't care about Joey, why did this whole thing bother her so much?
Because Joey had cared about Kate.
Rachel needed some advice. Knowing the place to recieve the best of that, she dropped her unfinished toast on the plate below it and walked across the hall.
*****
Monica poured herself a cup of coffee as she considered what to tell Rachel.
"Well, it was ages ago," she said slowly, sitting down at the table next to Rachel. "He must be over her by now. I know it took him a week to get back to state of normality after she left, whereas it only usually took him a shower, but I've seen the way he looks at you. There is more love in his expression with you than there was with her." She stopped abruptly, giving Rachel the impression that she had more to say.
"I get the feeling there's something you're not telling me," she said suspiciously, frowning at Monica.
Monica smiled."Okay. Honestly, I don't think Joey ever really loved her. He may have thought he did, but I don't think he did." She paused before she said the next sentance. "I don't think he knows how to love."
Rachel looked extremely surprised. "What? Of course he does! Everyone knows how to love." She looked at Monica suspiciously. "You don't think he loves me?"
Monica suddenly looked rather frightened. Phoebe had told her about Rachel's outburst, and Monica was afraid of the same thing happening. "No, no, that's not what I meant," she said quickly, giving a sigh of relief when Rachel's expression relaxed. "I meant he didn't know how to love. I mean, think about it. He's never had a proper relationship before you. You've been together, what, two weeks? Joey's relationships usually last about three days, max. I think he loves you, and always will. I think you taught him how to love." Monica finished her speech, smiling at the stunned expression on Rachel's face.
Rachel gaped at her. It wasn't the lenght of Monica's statement that had got to her, it was the knowledge that every word spoken was true.
Monica hesitated before asking the question that Rachel had come over to discover the answer to.
"But the question is, do you love him enough to trust him?"
Rachel looked at her. Monica was very intuitive. She was never really looked upon as the smart one of the group, that was Ross' place, but Rachel had always got the expression that Monica often knew a lot more than she let on. She hadn't asked that question to herself; she was too afraid to. But Monica went straight to the heart of the matter. She didn't like to mess around.
As Rachel ran the question through her mind, she was surprised to find that she already knew the answer.
Despite Joey's womanising past, Rachel knew he would never cheat on her. Something in his eyes told her he had changed; and the way he acted was different too. Every night without fail he brought home a gift for her: sometimes it was flowers, sometimes jewellery, and sometimes it was just a sweet kiss. And even though the diamond earrings sparkled brightly on her ears, and the white lilies shone beautifully in the sun, it was always the kisses she enjoyed the most, because of who it was that was giving them to her.
Sometimes they went further than kisses, and sometimes they just stayed up and talked all night. Soemtimes they went out to a fancy restaurant, sometimes they ordered in. But whatever they were doing, it didn't matter; all that mattered was that she was with him.
So when Rachel replied to Monica's question, her voice was strong, definate, and truthful.
"Yes."
Monica smiled. "Well, there you are then. And now you know the answer to your quetion, you can go and tell him," she said, nodding her head towards the door.
Rachel smiled at Monica's kind but directing tone of voice. "Okay," she said, walking to the door. Before she opened it, she looked back at the table. "Thanks, Mon."
"My pleasure," grinned Monica. "Oh, by the way, do you know what's wrong with Ross?"
Rachel shook her head. "No idea," she said. "I'd try asking Pheebs," she added, before slipping out of the door.
*****
She opened the door of her apartment to the sound of a blaring television.
Joey sat in the barcolounger, wearing a t-shirt and boxer shorts, his hair ruffled, staring at the screen while he ate a bowl of Frosted Flakes. He swung the chair around when he heard the door shut, flicking at the nute button on the remote to quiet the tv.
"Hey," he said cheerfully, smiling at Rachel. Then he noticed the serious expression she had on her face. "What's up?" he asked concernedly.
She took his hand and tugged at it gently. He put his bowl of cereal down on a table and let her lead him over to the couch.
Rachel smiled at him. "I have something to tell you, Joey," she said slowly, not quite knowing how to start.
Joey looked extremely concerned. "Rachel, what's wrong?" he asked.
Rachel smiled at his worried face. "Nothing's wrong..... It's just..." she took a breath, "Estelle called last night."
Joey's expression remained concerned, but a flicker of excitemnet could not be denied from appearing in his eyes. "Yes?"
"She said they've picked who you're playing opposite in the movie," replied Rachel tentatively.
"And?"
Rachel stared at him. "It's Kate."
She saw the flicker of excitement die as if someoen had just thrown a bucket of water over him. "Oh," he said slowly.
Rachel jumped in quickly before he could continue. "But don't think I don't trust you. Because I do. I just - it's just..." She found herself unable to say anything else.
Joey's hand rubbed the hand in which Rachel still held his other. "I know you trust me. I never thought otherwise. Don't doubt that for a second. And Rachel - " He too found himself unable to speak.
They just stared at one another. After about two minutes, Joey found his voice again.
"Rachel, I'm going to tell you something now, something that I've never told anyone else," he said slowly. He took both her hands in his. She could see tears beginning to brim beneath his eyes. His voice was filled with compassion and honesty. "Rachel, I - I love you." A tear ran down his cheek.
She brushed it gently away. "I - I love you too," she said softly.
Tears began to roll down her face as well. Joey moved his hand to wipe them away, but more dropped from her eyes.
Through a blur she saw that tears were still welling up in his eyes. They slid from his eyes and down over his skin, and he made no attempt to disguise them.
Hands clutched tightly together and tears streaming down their faces, Joey and Rachel sat together in the early morning sunshine and enjoyed one of the greatest moments of their lives.
*****
I'll be your dream
I'll be your wish
I'll be your fantasy
I'll be your hope
I'll be your love
Be everything that you need
I'll love you more with every breath
Truly, madly, deeply do
*****
Ross stared out of his window as Phoebe entered the building opposite. Her long blond hair shone on the sunlight and the rings on her hands sparkled brightly.
He sighed. For the past week all he'd been able to think of was Phoebe. Constant thoughts of wanting her. Of needing her.
And she was ignoring him. Whenever he actually got up the courage to go somewhere where she might be, she refused to say one word to him. Not that he ever said anything to her either.
A few minutes later she appeared in Monica and Chandler's apartment, greeted warmly by Monica, who had just exited the bathroom. After a breif word with Phoebe, Monica looked out of the window. She saw Ross and waved, which he tamely returned, noticing that Phoebe was suddenly very interested in a lamp which stood behind her.
*****
"This lamp is beautiful!" Phoebe said a little too enthusiastically, drawing Monica's attention away from the window. "Where did you get it?!"
Monica frowned, amused. "Phoebe, we've had that lamp for years!" she laughed. "It was here when you lived here!"
"Really? Well, then you should get rid of it," said Phoebe loudly.
Monica looked confused. "Okay...." she said slowly. Then she remembered what Rachel had said earlier. "Hey, Pheebs, do you know what's wrong with Ro-"
"In fact, I'll get rid of it for you!" interrupted Phoebe desperately, ignoring Monica's question and grabbing the lamp by it's stand.
"Phoebe!" said Monica incredulously, snatching the lamp back and putting it back down again.
"Sorry," said Phoebe quietly, realising she'd gone overboard.
"Thank you," said Monica. She glanced out of the window again. "Pheebs, are you sure you don't know what's wrong with Ro-"
"Will you look at the time!" Phoebe interjected loudly. "I'd better get going!" she said, hurrying out and slamming the door behind her.
Monica frowned.
*****
A week later Joey was walking onto the movie set.
His mind was buzzing with excitement. He really felt like he was going up in the world. His career was improving dramatically, and he had fallen in love with one of his best friends. Yes, his life was definately on the up.
So when he looked up and saw Kate on the other side of the set, she had no effect whatsoever on him.
*****
"Please, Chandler?"
Monica and Chandler sat opposite each other at their kitchen table. Chandler was trying to read the paper, but Monica's insistant and continual begging was rather distracting.
He slapped the paper down on the table in irritation. "Monica, no," he said firmly. "I am not going to force Ross to tell me what's wrong if he doesn't want to." He looked uncharacteristically stern as he looked at his wife over the top of his glasses. "You are far too controlling."
Monica sighed in defeat. Then her face lit up with an idea. "You know, there'll be a pretty nice reward if you ask him," she said in a seductive voice.
Chandler looked hungrily at her for a second, but then his face became stern again. "No, it's not gonna work, Mon," he said firmly.
She sighed again. "I guess not," she said defeatedly. She stood up, and walked towards the living room, but stopped behind Chandler.
She leant slightly down and began to kiss his neck softly.
He jerked his head foward. "Monica, stop it," he said. "It won't work."
Monica looked downheartened. "Fine," she said. "If that doesn't work, nothing will." She walked over to the coffee table and slid of box of something from under a magazine. She walked back over and put it down on the table in front of Chandler.
His eyes lit up. "Toffee creams!" he said excitedly.
Monica grinned triumphantly.
*****
Ross couldn't stand it any more.
He'd spent two weeks waiting, waiting for Phoebe to come and talk about it, but she hadn't.
He had to know whether she was going through the torture that he was, if she was wishing that their lips had actually touched.
He remembered lying under her in the moonlit street, the little hairs on his arms standing on end, unable to move his eyes from her face.
He remembered even further back. She was lying on top of him on the pool table of the bar which was now the coffeehouse. They had kissed then, and almost gone further. How now he wished that they had.
He had to know how she felt. He grabbed his coat from it's hook and raced out of the door, slamming it behind him.
*****
She hadn't changed much. Kate's light red hair still curled down to her shoulders, and her brown eyes sparkled in the blinding studio lights.
"Joey!" shouted the director, a man with wispy brown hair and a rather large belly.
Joey smiled breifly, and walked quickly over.
The director was grinning enthusiastically. "Joey, this is your co-star, Kate Miller," he said warmly. "Kate, this is Joey Tribbiani."
Kate and Joey shook hands. She was smiling.
The director clapped his hands together. "Right, let's put you two through your paces," he said, handing Joey a script. "Scene 12, people!" he shouted, and moved away, leaving Kate and Joey alone in the middle of the room.
Joey felt a dozen sets of eyes on him as he flicked through the script to the right page. He coughed before reading out the first line.
"Laura!"
Kate looked down at her script. "What?"
"Don't leave now!"
"I have to. You know I can't stay."
"But-"
"What reason could I possibly have for staying?"
"But- but-" stumbled Joey, "but- but- but-"
Everyone was staring at him. Kate was looking expectant.
"Come on, Joey, just say the damn line!" yelled the director.
Joey looked at him, then at Kate, then back at the script. He had to say it - it was in the script.
He kept his eyes down. "But- but I love you," he finally forced out.
He looked up after a while, when he thought it was safe. Kate was smiling.
It had brought it all flooding back. He remembered kneeling on the floor in her apartment, watching her sleep. He remembered talking in the early morning sun with her, laughing as she told him aout her childhood. He remembered her leaving, a bag slung over her shoulder, her face impatient.
But then he remembered sitting on his couch with Rachel, tears stremaing down their faces and hands clutched together. He remembered his soft lips on hers, kissing her gently.
And he forgot all about Kate.
*****
There was a knock at his dressing room door. He jumped up, hoping it was Rachel.
It was Kate.
She swept in without waiting for an invitation, taking a seat in the armchair in the center of the room. Joey sat dissapointed ly back at his window seat.
"Hey, Kate," he said. "What's up?"
She smiled. "Not much. How've you been?" she asked, standing up again and walking over to join him at the window.
He shrugged. "Fine. You still on General Hospital?"
"No, I left a couple of years ago." He looked at her. "Well, it got kind of boring," she explained unconvincingly. Joey looked scornful. "And I was scared of all the fake blood they used."
He laughed.
"Hey, look at that!" she exclaimed suddenly, pointing out of the window.
Joey turned his head and scanned the view, but saw only the usual buildings and traffic. He turned back to face Kate.
"I don't see anything - "
She pressed her lips against his. He tried to break away, but she held his head in place with a firm hand.
Still trying to pull away, Joey heard a stifled sob from the doorway. Turning his head, he finally got his lips free, and saw a stunned Rachel in the doorway.
She turned and ran.
"Rachel!" Joey yelled, chasing after her with a horrified look on his face.
Part 6: Tears Of Love
Author's Note: I am very sorry this chapter took so long (what is it, three weeks now?), but I have my reasons. Due to the recent good news about the next episode of the show, I reworked this chapter a little, and a certain scene took quite a bit of perfecting.
With regard to the lack of Chandler in this story: I find it rather difficult to write Chandler, but I try to include him where I can. I hope any M&C fans enjoy the scene I gave them together in this chapter.
Oh, and reassure me about the Ross/Phoebe thing. It will continue regardless, since it is important to the main Joey/Rachel story, but some reassurance would really help me write it better. There is a major development in their storyline next chapter.
The lyrics used in this chapter are from the Savage Garden song Truly Madly Deeply.
*****
Rachel sat at the counter, absently eating a piece of toast, while trying to sort out her head.
Kate. Nobody had said her name in years, but even then it had bothered her. Back then she'd had no idea why. Now she did.
From the one time she'd seen Kate, Rachel had got the impression that Joey's feelings had been wasted on her. The way Joey had looked at Kate: wanting, and longing. The way Kate had looked at Joey: bland. She didn't care about Joey; if she had then why had she left him for a job?
So if Kate didn't care about Joey, why did this whole thing bother her so much?
Because Joey had cared about Kate.
Rachel needed some advice. Knowing the place to recieve the best of that, she dropped her unfinished toast on the plate below it and walked across the hall.
*****
Monica poured herself a cup of coffee as she considered what to tell Rachel.
"Well, it was ages ago," she said slowly, sitting down at the table next to Rachel. "He must be over her by now. I know it took him a week to get back to state of normality after she left, whereas it only usually took him a shower, but I've seen the way he looks at you. There is more love in his expression with you than there was with her." She stopped abruptly, giving Rachel the impression that she had more to say.
"I get the feeling there's something you're not telling me," she said suspiciously, frowning at Monica.
Monica smiled."Okay. Honestly, I don't think Joey ever really loved her. He may have thought he did, but I don't think he did." She paused before she said the next sentance. "I don't think he knows how to love."
Rachel looked extremely surprised. "What? Of course he does! Everyone knows how to love." She looked at Monica suspiciously. "You don't think he loves me?"
Monica suddenly looked rather frightened. Phoebe had told her about Rachel's outburst, and Monica was afraid of the same thing happening. "No, no, that's not what I meant," she said quickly, giving a sigh of relief when Rachel's expression relaxed. "I meant he didn't know how to love. I mean, think about it. He's never had a proper relationship before you. You've been together, what, two weeks? Joey's relationships usually last about three days, max. I think he loves you, and always will. I think you taught him how to love." Monica finished her speech, smiling at the stunned expression on Rachel's face.
Rachel gaped at her. It wasn't the lenght of Monica's statement that had got to her, it was the knowledge that every word spoken was true.
Monica hesitated before asking the question that Rachel had come over to discover the answer to.
"But the question is, do you love him enough to trust him?"
Rachel looked at her. Monica was very intuitive. She was never really looked upon as the smart one of the group, that was Ross' place, but Rachel had always got the expression that Monica often knew a lot more than she let on. She hadn't asked that question to herself; she was too afraid to. But Monica went straight to the heart of the matter. She didn't like to mess around.
As Rachel ran the question through her mind, she was surprised to find that she already knew the answer.
Despite Joey's womanising past, Rachel knew he would never cheat on her. Something in his eyes told her he had changed; and the way he acted was different too. Every night without fail he brought home a gift for her: sometimes it was flowers, sometimes jewellery, and sometimes it was just a sweet kiss. And even though the diamond earrings sparkled brightly on her ears, and the white lilies shone beautifully in the sun, it was always the kisses she enjoyed the most, because of who it was that was giving them to her.
Sometimes they went further than kisses, and sometimes they just stayed up and talked all night. Soemtimes they went out to a fancy restaurant, sometimes they ordered in. But whatever they were doing, it didn't matter; all that mattered was that she was with him.
So when Rachel replied to Monica's question, her voice was strong, definate, and truthful.
"Yes."
Monica smiled. "Well, there you are then. And now you know the answer to your quetion, you can go and tell him," she said, nodding her head towards the door.
Rachel smiled at Monica's kind but directing tone of voice. "Okay," she said, walking to the door. Before she opened it, she looked back at the table. "Thanks, Mon."
"My pleasure," grinned Monica. "Oh, by the way, do you know what's wrong with Ross?"
Rachel shook her head. "No idea," she said. "I'd try asking Pheebs," she added, before slipping out of the door.
*****
She opened the door of her apartment to the sound of a blaring television.
Joey sat in the barcolounger, wearing a t-shirt and boxer shorts, his hair ruffled, staring at the screen while he ate a bowl of Frosted Flakes. He swung the chair around when he heard the door shut, flicking at the nute button on the remote to quiet the tv.
"Hey," he said cheerfully, smiling at Rachel. Then he noticed the serious expression she had on her face. "What's up?" he asked concernedly.
She took his hand and tugged at it gently. He put his bowl of cereal down on a table and let her lead him over to the couch.
Rachel smiled at him. "I have something to tell you, Joey," she said slowly, not quite knowing how to start.
Joey looked extremely concerned. "Rachel, what's wrong?" he asked.
Rachel smiled at his worried face. "Nothing's wrong..... It's just..." she took a breath, "Estelle called last night."
Joey's expression remained concerned, but a flicker of excitemnet could not be denied from appearing in his eyes. "Yes?"
"She said they've picked who you're playing opposite in the movie," replied Rachel tentatively.
"And?"
Rachel stared at him. "It's Kate."
She saw the flicker of excitement die as if someoen had just thrown a bucket of water over him. "Oh," he said slowly.
Rachel jumped in quickly before he could continue. "But don't think I don't trust you. Because I do. I just - it's just..." She found herself unable to say anything else.
Joey's hand rubbed the hand in which Rachel still held his other. "I know you trust me. I never thought otherwise. Don't doubt that for a second. And Rachel - " He too found himself unable to speak.
They just stared at one another. After about two minutes, Joey found his voice again.
"Rachel, I'm going to tell you something now, something that I've never told anyone else," he said slowly. He took both her hands in his. She could see tears beginning to brim beneath his eyes. His voice was filled with compassion and honesty. "Rachel, I - I love you." A tear ran down his cheek.
She brushed it gently away. "I - I love you too," she said softly.
Tears began to roll down her face as well. Joey moved his hand to wipe them away, but more dropped from her eyes.
Through a blur she saw that tears were still welling up in his eyes. They slid from his eyes and down over his skin, and he made no attempt to disguise them.
Hands clutched tightly together and tears streaming down their faces, Joey and Rachel sat together in the early morning sunshine and enjoyed one of the greatest moments of their lives.
*****
I'll be your dream
I'll be your wish
I'll be your fantasy
I'll be your hope
I'll be your love
Be everything that you need
I'll love you more with every breath
Truly, madly, deeply do
*****
Ross stared out of his window as Phoebe entered the building opposite. Her long blond hair shone on the sunlight and the rings on her hands sparkled brightly.
He sighed. For the past week all he'd been able to think of was Phoebe. Constant thoughts of wanting her. Of needing her.
And she was ignoring him. Whenever he actually got up the courage to go somewhere where she might be, she refused to say one word to him. Not that he ever said anything to her either.
A few minutes later she appeared in Monica and Chandler's apartment, greeted warmly by Monica, who had just exited the bathroom. After a breif word with Phoebe, Monica looked out of the window. She saw Ross and waved, which he tamely returned, noticing that Phoebe was suddenly very interested in a lamp which stood behind her.
*****
"This lamp is beautiful!" Phoebe said a little too enthusiastically, drawing Monica's attention away from the window. "Where did you get it?!"
Monica frowned, amused. "Phoebe, we've had that lamp for years!" she laughed. "It was here when you lived here!"
"Really? Well, then you should get rid of it," said Phoebe loudly.
Monica looked confused. "Okay...." she said slowly. Then she remembered what Rachel had said earlier. "Hey, Pheebs, do you know what's wrong with Ro-"
"In fact, I'll get rid of it for you!" interrupted Phoebe desperately, ignoring Monica's question and grabbing the lamp by it's stand.
"Phoebe!" said Monica incredulously, snatching the lamp back and putting it back down again.
"Sorry," said Phoebe quietly, realising she'd gone overboard.
"Thank you," said Monica. She glanced out of the window again. "Pheebs, are you sure you don't know what's wrong with Ro-"
"Will you look at the time!" Phoebe interjected loudly. "I'd better get going!" she said, hurrying out and slamming the door behind her.
Monica frowned.
*****
A week later Joey was walking onto the movie set.
His mind was buzzing with excitement. He really felt like he was going up in the world. His career was improving dramatically, and he had fallen in love with one of his best friends. Yes, his life was definately on the up.
So when he looked up and saw Kate on the other side of the set, she had no effect whatsoever on him.
*****
"Please, Chandler?"
Monica and Chandler sat opposite each other at their kitchen table. Chandler was trying to read the paper, but Monica's insistant and continual begging was rather distracting.
He slapped the paper down on the table in irritation. "Monica, no," he said firmly. "I am not going to force Ross to tell me what's wrong if he doesn't want to." He looked uncharacteristically stern as he looked at his wife over the top of his glasses. "You are far too controlling."
Monica sighed in defeat. Then her face lit up with an idea. "You know, there'll be a pretty nice reward if you ask him," she said in a seductive voice.
Chandler looked hungrily at her for a second, but then his face became stern again. "No, it's not gonna work, Mon," he said firmly.
She sighed again. "I guess not," she said defeatedly. She stood up, and walked towards the living room, but stopped behind Chandler.
She leant slightly down and began to kiss his neck softly.
He jerked his head foward. "Monica, stop it," he said. "It won't work."
Monica looked downheartened. "Fine," she said. "If that doesn't work, nothing will." She walked over to the coffee table and slid of box of something from under a magazine. She walked back over and put it down on the table in front of Chandler.
His eyes lit up. "Toffee creams!" he said excitedly.
Monica grinned triumphantly.
*****
Ross couldn't stand it any more.
He'd spent two weeks waiting, waiting for Phoebe to come and talk about it, but she hadn't.
He had to know whether she was going through the torture that he was, if she was wishing that their lips had actually touched.
He remembered lying under her in the moonlit street, the little hairs on his arms standing on end, unable to move his eyes from her face.
He remembered even further back. She was lying on top of him on the pool table of the bar which was now the coffeehouse. They had kissed then, and almost gone further. How now he wished that they had.
He had to know how she felt. He grabbed his coat from it's hook and raced out of the door, slamming it behind him.
*****
She hadn't changed much. Kate's light red hair still curled down to her shoulders, and her brown eyes sparkled in the blinding studio lights.
"Joey!" shouted the director, a man with wispy brown hair and a rather large belly.
Joey smiled breifly, and walked quickly over.
The director was grinning enthusiastically. "Joey, this is your co-star, Kate Miller," he said warmly. "Kate, this is Joey Tribbiani."
Kate and Joey shook hands. She was smiling.
The director clapped his hands together. "Right, let's put you two through your paces," he said, handing Joey a script. "Scene 12, people!" he shouted, and moved away, leaving Kate and Joey alone in the middle of the room.
Joey felt a dozen sets of eyes on him as he flicked through the script to the right page. He coughed before reading out the first line.
"Laura!"
Kate looked down at her script. "What?"
"Don't leave now!"
"I have to. You know I can't stay."
"But-"
"What reason could I possibly have for staying?"
"But- but-" stumbled Joey, "but- but- but-"
Everyone was staring at him. Kate was looking expectant.
"Come on, Joey, just say the damn line!" yelled the director.
Joey looked at him, then at Kate, then back at the script. He had to say it - it was in the script.
He kept his eyes down. "But- but I love you," he finally forced out.
He looked up after a while, when he thought it was safe. Kate was smiling.
It had brought it all flooding back. He remembered kneeling on the floor in her apartment, watching her sleep. He remembered talking in the early morning sun with her, laughing as she told him aout her childhood. He remembered her leaving, a bag slung over her shoulder, her face impatient.
But then he remembered sitting on his couch with Rachel, tears stremaing down their faces and hands clutched together. He remembered his soft lips on hers, kissing her gently.
And he forgot all about Kate.
*****
There was a knock at his dressing room door. He jumped up, hoping it was Rachel.
It was Kate.
She swept in without waiting for an invitation, taking a seat in the armchair in the center of the room. Joey sat dissapointed ly back at his window seat.
"Hey, Kate," he said. "What's up?"
She smiled. "Not much. How've you been?" she asked, standing up again and walking over to join him at the window.
He shrugged. "Fine. You still on General Hospital?"
"No, I left a couple of years ago." He looked at her. "Well, it got kind of boring," she explained unconvincingly. Joey looked scornful. "And I was scared of all the fake blood they used."
He laughed.
"Hey, look at that!" she exclaimed suddenly, pointing out of the window.
Joey turned his head and scanned the view, but saw only the usual buildings and traffic. He turned back to face Kate.
"I don't see anything - "
She pressed her lips against his. He tried to break away, but she held his head in place with a firm hand.
Still trying to pull away, Joey heard a stifled sob from the doorway. Turning his head, he finally got his lips free, and saw a stunned Rachel in the doorway.
She turned and ran.
"Rachel!" Joey yelled, chasing after her with a horrified look on his face.