A big THANKS to all who reviewed this story and stayed patient even though it always took me months to update. But all that waiting is over now because here it finally is - the last chapter. Woohoo. I know you probably just want to start reading, so I won't bother you any longer.

This is dedicated to all of you loyal readers.

Chandler had really hurried to get back to the apartment before Monica arrived. But when he opened the door he saw her standing in the middle of Ross' living room. He watched her for a few moments – she was apparently taking in the romantic setting – and knew without a doubt that he made the right decision in coming back for her.

The day before his father had asked him if he was sure it was a good idea to try to get Monica back. He hadn't known how to answer, how to explain to his father that he wasn't entirely sure if he did the right thing. But even though his head was filled with doubts he felt it in his heart that he had to at least try to get Monica back into his life.

And now with Monica standing just a few feet in front of him all indecision left Chandler and he knew he couldn't fight the fact that the confused looking person sharing the room with him was the woman he would spend the rest of his life – and even eternity – with.

Chandler knew he had to say something soon but he was dreading it.

He thought he was nervous when he wanted to ask Monica to marry him or during the night before their wedding. But now he realized that there is always a greater level of anxiety you can reach.

Because he was absolutely sure he was now more nervous then at all those named days combined.

But he had still Rachel's reassuring words in his ear that she was sure Monica loved him and he believed her. Because if he couldn't bring himself to believe her he wouldn't find the courage to speak to Monica.

He took a deep breath when he saw Monica heading towards Ross' kitchen.

"You are early." He said.

"Oh my god…Chandler." Monica gasped. Her hand flew to her mouth and she looked like she would faint any second. Chandler took a few steps in her direction placing the champagne bottle he bought on the table on his way.

"Monica?" Chandler asked when she didn't say anything else and kept looking at him with wide eyes. "Are you alright?"

"What…what are you doing here?" Monica questioned finally able to shake the shock from her mind.

"I have a date with your brother." Chandler joked nervously. When Monica didn't react and it became clear that she wanted a better answer Chandler cleared his throat. "I came here to see you."

Monica felt her breath catch in her lungs. "I think we have a few things to talk about." Chandler continued.

"But…I thought you didn't want to see me ever again." Monica replied, heavily taking a seat at the table.

Chandler closed his eyes at the sadness he heard in that statement. "I know I said that a few month ago." Chandler said, following Monica's example and sitting down across from her. "And to be honest, back then I meant it." Chandler didn't want to look into Monica's eyes to see her reaction to his frankness. But he knew he had to say what he felt before they could even try to move past their problems.

"But my feelings about that changed and I had a lot of time to think about the things that happened during the last year…actually I had time to think about my whole life." Chandler added with a smile. "And you know what?" Monica's gaze had dropped down to her hands lying on the table in front of her during Chandler's speech allowing the big salty tears she couldn't manage to suppress to splash onto the wood. But now she lifted her head and locked eyes with Chandler.

"The thinking about you and our situation took way more time then reflecting on my life before we got together." Chandler reached out to grasp Monica's hands in his own but stopped when he saw Monica flinch.

"Y'know, I…I don't think this is a good idea." Monica started crying harder now and even though Chandler wanted to take her hands or do anything just to be near her, to offer some support, he knew Monica wouldn't allow it. So he stayed where he was.

"What do you mean?" He asked her putting his half raised hands back onto the table.

"I mean…Did you know I tried to see you at your book signing?" Monica asked him and got her answer when he shook his head. "But you never came and I think that was a hint. That this…us…we can't get back together." Monica sobbed trying to look away; trying to avoid the look she knew would appear on Chandler's face after her revelation. But she wasn't fast enough.

"See…" she wept indicating to his fallen expression. "All I can do is hurt you. And I don't think I want to risk hurting you again and again." With that she jumped out of the chair and ran out of Ross' apartment. All she wanted was to get away – get away from Chandler, get away from the person she became, a person who hurt other people and mainly the people she loved most.

Just as she wanted to start descending the stairs someone spun her around by grabbing her elbow.

She felt herself being shoved into the wall. But before she could do anything to free herself Chandler took hold of her face and started talking.

"Monica, I won't let you do this." Chandler panted. "I know what I want now and I know that I have to fight for what I want – and I'm ready to do that. So you can run now if you want but it won't change how I feel. I won't give up on us." Chandler paused to catch his breath but before Monica had a chance to respond he whispered "Because I know that deep down you don't want me to give up."

And with that Chandler kissed Monica for the first time in almost a year and he put all his feelings into this one kiss – the love he still felt for her, the faith he had for their relationship, the desperation he had felt during the time he was apart from Monica.

Monica sank into that kiss with her whole being. She pressed her body against Chandler's and wrapped her arms around his neck, letting him take all her worries and insecurities away. Too early for Monica's taste the kiss ended.

"Now you can run away if you want to and hurt me again – even though that's what you want to avoid, it would be the consequence – or you can stay and try to make me happy instead." Chandler took a step away giving her the option to get away. He felt his heart beating so loud he thought Monica had to hear it too. All his hopes dropped when he saw Monica turn to look down the stairway.

Monica barely threw a glance down the stairs before launching herself into Chandler's arms again.

"How could I run if I want the same things you want?" She asked pecking him quickly on his lips.

Chandler heaved a big sigh of relive and tightened his arms around Monica.

"I love you." He said. It felt good to finally be able to tell her again and to see her face break out into a smile of pure happiness.

"God, I love you too." Monica breathed. "And I'm sorry that…"

"Don't." Chandler stopped Monica and lightly put his hand over her mouth. "Not now. Let's just enjoy the moment for now. You have the rest of your live to apologize." Chandler winked.

Monica laughed and let herself be led back to Ross' apartment.

"I planned a romantic meal and I don't think we should waste it. I even got your favourite champagne." Chandler said before closing the door after them.

The End

I hope you liked the ending and if you did please tell me so in a review. It was fun to write this - when I wasn't hit by writers block or a massive lack of time ;-). Now, if I remember correctly I still have an unfinished story so if you've ever read it and wait for an update don't worry, I intend to finish that one as well some time. Hopefully soon. ;-)