Helloooooooooooooooooo! Here we are, my next chapter, and prolly my fave yet!And my longest! Jeez,I am so tired after this one!But it was worth it.I like it a lot!...Thanks for the reviews guys...sorry if i upset ya, but it's gonna get worse!...please dont break my legs. Love you! But yeah, i have to say sorry, this chapter is a bit disturbing...but please read and review...we are getting pretty close to the end now! only a couple of chapters left to go! Please review!

Oh and Lupinsmoon...yeah you're prolly right. You could most likely kick my ass...I am a puny little blond girl who doesnt even reach 5'2 hehe. But I'll still try! BRING IT ON! love ya!

I do not own Friends/actors/characters, but in a disturbing way, I am enjoying bringing Chandler pain...do you think i need help?


Before the killing begins?

Yes. Before the killing. The culling. The massacre. Its coming Chandler. But there is still time. Time before the killing begins.

What does that mean, Chandler asked.

You know what it means Chandler. You've always known. You're just getting yourself confused.

Chandler nodded. It made sense, him getting himself confused. He didn't notice his friends' odd looks when he nodded.

You still have some time Chandler. Time before the first one dies. But not much time. It gets less and less each time. You can stop it. You have to stop it. You have to do it. Before the killing begins.

Chandler shivered at those words. He hated those words. He hated thinking that his friends might die.

"You cold honey?" Monica's voice broke his barriers. Chandler jumped, then looked at her. She was rubbing his arm softly, smiling at him. He nodded; Cold, sure. It was easier to say that then to tell her the truth. That the voice in his head was giving him chills. Plus, now that he thought about it, he was a bit cold. He shivered again.

"I'll go get you a blanket." Chandler looked up at Rachel's voice. He hadn't heard her come back over.

She's been there for a while. Where do you think the mug in your hands came from?

Chandler glanced down at his hands. A half empty mug was sitting in his hands. He couldn't remember being handed it, or drinking half of it.

It was a while ago. Rachel gave it to you. You drank it. You were distracted though. Distracted by something.

Oh, Chandler thought as he drank the rest, and watched as Rachel walked into her bedroom. He glanced back at Monica when she touched his arm once more.

"Want to lie down?" she asked gently. Chandler hesitated, and then nodded, setting the now empty mug down. Sure, why not? Monica smiled, then pulled him down, so that his head was lying in her lap. "Better?"

"Sure," Chandler said dully, staring at the TV screen. They had been watching a movie, but he hadn't been sure what. He hadn't been paying attention. Jack Nicholson and Tom Cruise, he noticed now. What movie -

A Few Good Men.

That's right. A Few Good Men. Chandler smiled as a blanket was placed around his body. Rachel smiled back, and then kissed his cheek. She disappeared, and Chandler sighed. He didn't want her to disappear. Didn't want any of them to disappear.

They will. They will disappear if you don't. Not in the way that Rachel disappeared just then. You move your head and you will find her.

No, the 'disappear' I'm talking about is final. The only way you would be able to find them is if you dig six feet under.

I don't want to hear it, Chandler snapped to the voice. He squinted at the TV screen, desperate to watch the movie and ignore the voice.

Maybe not, but you have to. Chandler, you must listen to me! They will die!

No.

Yes! They are going to die! How many times do I have to say it before you believe it? You believed it once, not too long ago. Just because others have told you different, doesn't mean that you should give up on your beliefs. That is a characteristic of a weak man, Chandler Bing. You don't want to be weak now, do you?

What if I do? What would you say to that?

You don't. No man wants to be weak. I know that, you know that, everybody knows that. So don't be weak Chandler. Kill yourself. Do it! You must! If you love your friends; love Rachel, you must!

A tear trickled down Chandler's cheek and he pulled the blanket closer, trying to hide his face with the material. He didn't want his friends to see him crying. He wasn't supposed to be crying. He was not going to cry. He couldn't, wouldn't, mustn-

Don't start that again. It's pathetic. You terrify your friends when you say that. Don't do it. If you want to cry, then cry. Of course, that is another weak characteristic, but who am I to judge?

But I don't want to cry, Chandler told the voice. I hate it. I hate it! It makes me feel weak!

Which you are! See, you hate feeling weak. You hate seeing your friends in pain. You hate not knowing how to protect them. There is an easy way to fix all three of those problems.

How? Tell me how.

Chandler, I've told you time and time again. You simply must kill yourself. It will stop the tears; stop your friends' pain. Protect them. It will make your dreams stop. Your pain stop. It will stop me. It will stop everything. You will be free. You won't be weak anymore, you will be free.

But-

No buts. You have to do it. It's the only way. It will free you; free your friends. They won't have to look after you; won't have to die.

Another tear trickled down Chandler's cheek. He was so confused.

You weren't confused the other day. When you-

When I what?

When you hurt yourself…no, not hurt yourself. Helped your friends. That's how you liked putting it. It was true. You weren't hurting yourself; you were helping your friends. It was clear then, clear what you had to do. Why isn't it clear now?

Everyone keeps talking to me; telling me different. Joey-

Joey is an idiot. He's the one that ruined your plan. He stopped you from helping them.

He cares for me too much. He's my best friend. He doesn't want to see me hurt.

He's a fool. He didn't stop you to save your life. He stopped you because he was selfish. And that selfishness of his has left a black mark on all of your friends.

A black mark?

Black mark of death. They are going to die. It is mostly your fault, you know that. But it is also partly Joey's fault. He stopped you; he marked them. You have to do this Chandler. Make him realise. Make him see.

You're confusing me now. You said that I had to do this to save my friends, not teach one of them a lesson.

You are confused for a reason Chandler. You've lost your mind.

I thought you said that I hadn't.

When did I say that?

You said that everybody talks to themselves, and that I wasn't special, Chandler reminded the voice.

That's right, I said you weren't special…I said nothing about you not being crazy.

Chandler frowned. He was even more confused now.

You are crazy Chandler. But you are lucky. Most crazy people don't know what to do. They are on their own. But you have me. I'm here to tell you what to do. You need to know. You have to do it.

I don't want to. What if you are wrong?

I'm not wrong Chandler. You know that.

Chandler sighed, glancing up at Monica. She was watching the movie intently, and hadn't felt his head move.

She loves you. She would do anything to help you. But her desire to help you is going to get her killed. Her, Rachel, everybody.

Chandler nodded. That got Monica's attention.

"You okay?" she asked gently. Chandler frowned.

"Yeah," he answered softly.

Liar. You're not okay. Not yet. And neither are they. Not while you are still around.

"You sure?" Chandler swallowed, and then nodded.

"Yeah, I'm fine Mon." he lied. Monica smiled, and rubbed his hair affectionately.

"That's good sweetie," she murmured, glancing back up at the movie. Chandler closed his eyes, feeling her hand run through his hair. He wished it was Rachel's hand, but it still felt good.

Contact.

Love.

He needed that at the moment. Something to take his mind off of-

You don't need any of that. You need death.

I don't want to talk about it. I want to watch Jack Nicholson and Tom Cruise.

Why? You know how the movie ends. You've seen it before. Do you know how real life is going to end Chandler? Pretend it's a movie. I'm about to spoil it for you. Do you know how this movie is going to end?

I don't like endings to be spoiled.

Too bad. This one is. Your friends are going to die Chandler. And you are going to go crazy.

I already am crazy.

This is a different crazy. A final crazy. You are going to end up in one of those mental asylums you hate so much; unable to communicate with the outside world. You will only be able to talk to me and Chandler?

What?

I'm going to make it a living hell.

Chandler shuddered. He didn't want the voice to be right. He didn't want it to be! His friends…dead? And him stuck in a loony bin? God, he didn't want it to happen.

Then you know what you have to do. That is one scenario Chandler. A very possible one. But you are the director here. The writer. The creator. You can change the ending quite easily. You just have to rewrite one of the plot points. The movie can have a happy ending, but it just has to have a shocking scene before hand. A death scene. Your death scene. You can do it Chandler. You have to do it. Don't you want a happy ending? Everybody goes for the happy ending. You aren't any different to everybody else. You desire the happy ending, just like everybody else. Don't you?

Yes, Chandler thought sadly. He had always wanted the happy endings.

I thought so. Then let's give this movie a happy ending.

Chandler frowned. This didn't feel real. Something was missing; something that would make it feel real. He knew what it was.

I want to talk to you. Talk, not think. My voice is missing.

Hearing your own voice will make it seem real?

Yes. I want to talk to you.

Go to the bathroom then.

I just went. My friends will think there is something wrong with me.

There is something wrong with you. You're crazy remember?

Other then that. If I go to the bathroom again, they will think there is something else wrong with me. I just went.

That was an hour ago. You've lost track of time. The movie is nearly finished.

Which movie? Real life or fiction?

Both. You've lost track of time. Distracted by something.

By something…

Yes…now, do you want to talk to me, or not?

I do. I have to sort this out…have to figure out what is real, and what isn't.

You still want to talk to me? Then go. You're still distracted Chandler Bing. You get distracted too easily. You have to work on that…not that you will have to, seeing you won't be alive for much longer.

We don't know that yet.

Sure we do. You're just delaying the inevitable…why are you still sitting here? Why haven't you gone yet? You get distracted too easily.

You were the one chatting away to me. You're the distraction.

Just go. Get up; sit up. Leave Monica. Leave Rachel. Leave Joey. Leave Jack and Tom. Get your ass into gear…you're still sitting.

Well, you're still talking.

Go!

"I want the truth!" Tom Cruise screamed as Chandler slowly sat up, pulling the blanket closer. Don't we all, he thought sardonically.

You know the truth Chandler.

"You can't handle the truth!" Jack Nicholson screamed back. Chandler smirked. He most like couldn't either, he mused.

You can, you just don't want to.

Chandler glanced at Rachel, who was sitting there watching the movie intently. He smiled. So beautiful.

We don't have time for that Chandler. Yes, she is beautiful. You already knew that. Go! Get into the bathroom! You want to talk? Go!

"Where are you going?" Monica asked as Chandler climbed to his feet. Rachel and Joey glanced away from the movie, their eyes fixating on Chandler – covered mostly by the warm blanket.

So many questions.

"To the bathroom," Chandler said distractedly, concentrating more on the voice then on his friends.

"Again?" Rachel exclaimed, a frown covering her face.

"Yeah."

The mug. You drank too much.

Chandler nodded. Good idea.

"Yeah, that coffee went straight through me," he lied. Rachel's frown deepened.

"You had tea."

"Right! Tea…that's what I meant. Just getting confused again." A giggle left Chandler's mouth, and he rolled his eyes. He had to stop doing that. Joey pursed his lips, watching his friend attentively.

He's selfish.

No, he just cares about me.

Bullshit, he's selfish. He will do whatever he wants just to please himself…he's selfish. He's a fool.

Don't be so hard on Joey. He's not a fool.

But he is. He always has been…why are you still standing here? You're worrying them.

"Chandler?" Rachel's voice said softly. Chandler shook his head.

"Sorry, lost in my own thoughts. I'll be right back." He turned and walked towards the bathroom, not waiting for an answer.

"Okay," Joey called after him as Chandler grabbed the doorknob. He paused.

Fool.

You want to save my friends; help them. But you are so hard on Joey. Why?

Because he is an idiot. He is the one friend of yours that I wouldn't mind watching die.

Chandler's hand tightened on the doorknob, shaking slightly as his anger spilled over.

Don't you dare ever say that again. Do you understand me?

Perhaps. But it is true.

Say whatever you want about me, but leave my friends out of this.

Is that your way of protecting them?

It's the only way I can think of at the moment, Chandler snapped as he entered the bathroom. He closed the door and sighed. Finally. He could talk out loud now.

Good.

"I have to protect them somehow," Chandler murmured, sitting once more on the toilet lid. "And that is the only way I can think of right now."

Of course there is another way to protect them…

"No…I don't know if that is true yet."

But it is. You just got so angry at me over mentioning Joey's death. That definitely proves it to me.

"Proves what exactly?"

That you don't want them to die. Not even Joey, who is to blame.

"I don't want them to die," Chandler agreed, letting the blanket fall back slightly.

But you don't want to die either?

"Not if it isn't going to help them."

But it is. Chandler, just do it. They will die! You know that! You have known that for a while! The other day, when you tried to help them, you were thinking clearly; more clearly then you have ever thought. You knew what you had to do. Nothing has changed since then. There have been words, trying to convince you otherwise, but nothing has changed. You have to die.

Chandler hesitated. This was starting to make sense.

It is, isn't it? I knew you would come around.

"I haven't come around," Chandler muttered.

But you are starting to?

"Perhaps." Chandler rubbed his face with his hands, and then stopped. He stared at his wrist; stared at the stitches. That had been an amazing moment, watching the blood spill out. He had felt free, knowing that soon his friends would be safe. And he would be gone. They would be safe.

That's right. Watching that blood was amazing. You bleed well.

"Yeah," Chandler whispered.

You want to bleed again?

"Rachel told me not to do it again."

Rachel is smart, she is beautiful, but she doesn't know anything about what you want. She knows how to please you; she proved that last night. But she doesn't know what you want. You want to hurt yourself again, don't you?

Chandler let his hands drop to his lap and started to absentmindedly stroke the scar with his fingers.

"I want my friends to be safe."

And to do that, you have to…

"Have to die?"

Now you're getting it. You have to die to let them live.

"You are very persuasive."

It's a gift, what can I say? Maybe I should have become a lawyer? Well…perhaps you should have anyway. Too late now though.

"Is it?"

Isn't it?

"I don't know yet."

Sure you do. Stop procrastinating. You want to save them. You want to hurt yourself. You're doing it right now.

"Wha-" Chandler let out a yelp, a sharp pain coursing through his arm –originating from his wrist.

I told you.

Chandler looked down at his wrist – past his wrist – and watched the blood drip on the floor. He had absentmindedly scratched at the stitches; pulling some of them out. Chandler stared at the now - raw wound, his face tight with attentiveness.

You didn't do that absentmindedly, you did it on purpose. You want to hurt yourself.

"You made me do that," Chandler whispered, watching the blood drip.

I haven't made you do anything Chandler.

"I don't want to hurt myself."

Then why haven't you stopped the bleeding? Called for help?

"It isn't bleeding that bad. It won't be fatal."

True, but you have done a bit of damage. A bandage could easily fix it, but you haven't called out yet. You want to bleed. You bleed well Chandler.

"I know, you already said that."

And you agreed. Don't you want to bleed a bit more Chandler?

Chandler paused, staring at his wrist. It felt good. He liked watching the blood, and knowing that he was hurt. He did want to hurt himself. Not only to save his friends, but to save himself as well. He could be free again.

That's right Chandler. Keep thinking that.

"Are you sure you are right?" Chandler whispered.

I am always right Chandler Bing. Always. You will be saving your friends. You will be saving yourself. You can be free Chandler, and so can they! You can still do it…are you going to do it?

Chandler lifted his right hand to his wrist, and touched the stiches. Part of the thread was hanging out of his wound, hanging uselessly. He gripped it between his fingers and pulled.

"Fuck!" Chandler grimaced, but didn't stop. It hurt like hell, but he didn't stop.

Wait Chandler.

"What?"

Not here. Stop. Not in here.

Chandler nodded. Not in here.

That won't do the trick anyway. It will just slow you down.

Chandler nodded once more and pulled his hand away. Blood trickled over his skin, onto the ground. He glanced at the thread, still hanging loosely out of the wound. He stood up and looked into the mirror once more. Everything looked different now. He turned on the tap and ran his wrist underneath the water; trying to stop it bleeding. It helped; the blood almost stopping.

Are you going to do it?

Chandler cocked his head thoughtfully at the repeated question. To save his friends, save himself? Would it be doing that? Would him hurting himself do all that? He had thought it the other day; what had changed since then?

Nothing. Nothing has changed Sparky.

Chandler giggled at the pet name. It was actually quite endearing.

That's why I chose it. Are you going to do it?

What had changed since then? Had anything changed? Was he going to do it? He still didn't know. He still didn't want to believe.

Chandler.

"Yes?"

Look behind you.

Chandler shook his head, feeling an overwhelming sense of dread wash over him. He didn't want to look behind him. He was scared of what he would find.

Do it Chandler. Listen to me.

"I don't want to…you're wrong," Chandler whispered pathetically.

No I'm not. You know I'm right. You just don't want me to be. That's why you can't turn around. You know that what you see will prove that I'm right. Am I correct?

Chandler shook his head, but he knew that the voice was right.

You're lying again Chandler. You can't lie to me. I'm in here too, y'know.

"I know," Chandler murmured, his hand shaking. He looked at it; looked at the barely there blood. His skin was healing already. That had always amazed him, how the human body could heal itself.

Turn around Chandler. I want to show you something. Please turn around. You have to see this; have to see it. Then you will believe me. You will get your truth. You want the truth, don't you Chandler?

"I do," Chandler whispered.

I thought so. Turn around. You can get your truth.

Chandler trembled. He didn't want to do this, but he knew he had no choice. Just like the other day – when he was in here – he had no control.

Turn around.

Chandler turned to find the shower curtain drawn.

"That was open before."

I know. Don't question it, just pull it open.

"I-I don't want to."

I know. But you're going to.

Chandler nodded. He was going to. He didn't want to, but he had no choice. Chandler reached out – hand trembling – and pulled the shower curtain back. He froze, a moan escaping his lips.

"Why are you showing this to me again?" he whimpered, staring at Rachel's dead, naked body. He wanted to look away, but couldn't. Just like a car accident.

I told you. To give you your truth. You see this? Rachel is dead. It's not real. You thought it was the other day; part of you thinks it now. But it's not real. Rachel is sitting out on the couch, most likely worrying about you. She is alive now. But if you don't leave, this will become a reality. Do you realise that Chandler? Do you know now?

Chandler nodded, still staring at Rachel's dead body. He couldn't let that happen. Couldn't, wouldn't, mustn't. This had been the deciding factor the other day. Looking at Rachel's dead body…that had pushed him towards the knife; towards his death. And once more, it was doing the same thing.

Are you going to do it?

"Yes," Chandler whispered, shivering. It was cold. "I have to. You're right, I have to. I have to save them. Rachel can't end up like this. I won't allow it."

I knew you would come around. You have to act quickly though. You still have some time, but not much.

"Right."

So, what are you going to do?

"What do you think?"

You can't use a knife this time. Can't slice your wrists. It takes too long; your friends would stop you. You can't let anything get in your way this time. You can't let Joey stop you…You can't slit your wrists. What does that leave you with?

"It has to be something quick."

A gun?

"Where the hell would I get a gun?" Chandler snapped, shivering once more. Cold. So cold. "Where would I get a gun in the short amount of time I have?"

I'm just trying to help! Something quick, huh?

There was a pause; a beat. Chandler glanced once more at Rachel's dead body, then closed the shower curtain. He didn't want to look at that anymore. He picked up the blanket and wrapped it around his body again. He was cold; felt so cold. It didn't seem natural.

I know.

"What?"

How about-

"The roof," Chandler finished, nodding. He pulled the blanket closer.

Yes…good. But how? Your friends-

"I can't let them stop me...I'll go for a walk. Pretend I want to take a walk."

Rachel will want to join you. Or Joey. They won't let you go alone.

"Right."

Maybe you just say that you are going next door; to get something. Then run. Up the stairs. Out the door. Onto the roof.

"Yeah. They can't follow. They can't catch me. I don't want them to see."

Save them the pain of watching?

"Exactly."

You're doing the right thing Chandler. You know that right?

"Sure."

Good. I knew you had it in you. I knew you had a brain.

"You are my brain."

Point taken. Now, quickly. Clean up the blood. Don't want them knowing. Clean it up quickly, then go. You have to hurry. You are running out of time Chandler.

Chandler nodded, taking a cloth. He wet it, and then wiped up the blood on the floor; on the counter. He rinsed it out systematically, then put it down.

Good. Now hurry. Go. Don't say goodbye. That will give it away. Just go.

"Can I at least say goodbye to Rachel?"

No! That will give it away. She will realise. She will try to stop you. They all will. You can't say goodbye Chandler.

"Right…of course not."

There's no time Chandler. You must go. Go now. Act naturally, act normal. But go. You can't let them know what you are going to do. Natural; normal. You have to hurry. There's no time.

"No time, right," Chandler murmured. "Can I at least tell Rachel…"

Tell Rachel what?

"That…that I love her?"

That is the one thing you can't do Chandler. It will hurt her too much when you leave. Best if she doesn't know, right?

"Right…yeah, sure. She can't know…what about a note?"

Do you really think there is time?

"No, but I want them to know…know why I did it."

Chandler, I think they will know.

"I want to leave a note."

Fine, leave a fucking note. But make it quick! And you cannot, under any circumstances, tell Rachel that you love her. Not in person, not in the note. You understand?

"Yeah…I get it. I just wish she knew."

Maybe she does?

"Well, if she does, then why can't I tell her?"

There was a short silence, and Chandler pulled the blanket closer.

You just can't okay! Believe me Chandler. I told you before. I'm always right. I'm right about you having to die, and I'm right about this. Rachel cannot know. Now, you have to hurry. We've already wasted so much time! We have to hurry, especially if you want to leave a note.

"Yeah, okay…I'm going."

Chandler opened the door with his right hand, keeping his left one hidden beneath the blanket. They couldn't see; couldn't see his ruined wrist. They would want to help him; want to stop him.

"There you are! I was beginning to think you fell in," Rachel joked as he walked out. She was smiling but Chandler could see the fear in her eyes.

She had been thinking that you had hurt yourself again.

How can I leave her?

You just have to Chandler. It's either that or…

I know, I know. I don't want her to die. It's just hard.

I know.

"Yeah, sorry. I was kinda spacing in and out," Chandler lied, walking over to the couch.

"For 20 minutes?" Joey asked, raising an eyebrow. Chandler smiled.

"Yeah…lost in my own thoughts," he murmured.

"You okay?" Monica questioned, cocking her head. Chandler nodded.

"Yeah, I'm fine…I'm just gonna go and grab something from our place," he told them, smiling at Joey once more. His friend frowned.

"Grab what?" Chandler opened his mouth to answer, but was at a loss for words. What could he say?

Jacket. Coat. Sweater. Pick one.

"A sweater…it's a bit cold still," he explained. His body chose that moment to tremble, as if it was backing up his statement.

"A sweater? You mean one of yours?" Joey exclaimed.

So many questions. We have to get out of here. Wrap it up Sparky.

"Yeah, one of mine."

"In your room?" Rachel said softly. Chandler froze. He hadn't thought of that.

"Oh…"

"You want me to go get it?" Monica asked, jumping to her feet.

That can't happen Chandler. Quick. Make up something.

"N-No Mon, I'm fine…I'll just borrow one of Joey's. Is that alright man?" Chandler looked at his best friend-

Selfish fool

who nodded.

"Sure buddy…you want some company?"

There's no time Chandler; no time.

"No, it's fine man. I'll be just a minute," Chandler said quickly. Joey frowned, but nodded.

"Okay."

"O-Okay…I'll be right back…" Chandler glanced at each of his friends, his lower lip trembling slightly.

I'm not sure if I can leave them. I love them so much. I don't know if I can go.

You have to Chandler. Remember? Rachel in the bath. Joey's face. That will happen if you don't go.

Right.

"You sure you're okay sweetie?" Monica asked. "I-I can still come with you."

"No, it's fine! I'm fine….okay," Chandler murmured. He smiled at Monica, taking in her face. She was so beautiful. If he hadn't fallen for Rachel…well, he certainly could have loved Monica. In a different way that he loved her now. He could have loved her. Loved her very much. So beautiful, so sweet.

There's no time for this Chandler.

Give me a moment! Please, I just need a moment.

Chandler's gaze moved to Joey. He would have been lost without Joey; his best friend, his…soul mate? Chandler wasn't sure if he believed in soul mates, but if they were true, Joey certainly was his. Not in the romantic sense of course, but in the emotional sense. It was possible for two guys – two friends – to be soul mates without being lovers. For two people to connect, in such a way that he and Joey had…it just screamed soul mates. They were meant to be friends. They were meant to meet, meant to know each other until their lives ended. Chandler loved Joey, so much. He would miss him.

"Chan?" Joey said gently. Chandler shook his head. "You're spacing out again."

"Sorry, I keep doing that," Chandler muttered, pulling the blanket closer again. A hand touched his shoulder and he jumped.

"You sure you're okay?" Rachel asked, staring at him with worried eyes.

They keep asking you that. But then, I think you freaked Rachel out a bit before. You know, when you referred to yourself as Sparky.

I remember. They just worry about me.

"I'm okay Rach," Chandler reassured his lover, smiling at her. Now, if he did believe in soul mates, Rachel would certainly be his romantic one. Joey was his emotional one, but Rachel was his romantic one. It was possible to have two soul mates…right?

He didn't know, and he didn't care. He loved Rachel, he loved her so much; more then life itself. More then anything. They were meant to be together. Barry, Paulo, Ross, Janice, Kathy…they had all been speed bumps. Chandler and Rachel belonged together. And now he was going to leave her.

You can do it Chandler…she would die if you stayed around. The great love epic that would be Chandler and Rachel…it would never happen. One way or another, it would be torn apart. This is one story that isn't going to have a happy ending.

"I'm okay," Chandler repeated, his lip trembling once more. Rachel smiled, causing Chandler's heart to break. She was so beautiful. So damn beautiful. It physically hurt him sometimes, looking at her. Her eyes, her smile, her hair. Chandler reached out a hand – right hand, not left - and touched her hair, causing Rachel to giggle. She playfully batted at his hand, then took it in her own. Chandler smiled, watching her kiss his palm. She was so beautiful. Not just physically, but spiritually too. He loved her so much. Chandler opened his mouth to tell her that.

You can't Chandler! Remember…it will hurt her too much.

Chandler closed his mouth, and forced his lips to curve into a smile. He gently pulled his hand out of her grasp and cupped her cheek with it.

"I'll be right back beautiful," he said, grinning a false smile. He wouldn't be back. It was killing him, but he knew he had to go. Rachel couldn't die. None of them could.

Rachel smiled back, leaning into his touch.

"I'll be waiting baby," she said softly. Chandler laughed, then leaned forward and kissed her. He kissed her like he had the night before; passionately, lovingly. He probably shouldn't have done it in front of Monica and Joey, but right now he didn't care. They would realise soon why he had kissed her like that.

"Wow…you should go get a sweater more often," Rachel murmured after he pulled away. Chandler laughed once more, then stopped to take in her appearance one last time.

You have to go now. It doesn't take this long to say goodbye when you are just going to get a sweater. They will be getting suspicious. I think Joey already is. He has a strange look on his face.

Chandler nodded. He had to go.

"Be right back," he said grinning, staring at Rachel for a second longer, before turning and walking to the door; blanket still around his shoulders, like a cape. "See ya."

"I'll be waiting," Rachel repeated. Chandler smiled as he opened the door, and winked at her. She winked back, and Chandler closed the door.

"Shit," he whispered, leaning against the door. Tears trickled down his cheeks and he shook his head. This was too hard. "Shit."

You can't lose it now Chandler. You have to finish this. We have to be quick now, they'll be waiting. They'll wonder why it takes so long to get a sweater. You have to move quickly. Now pull yourself together. I know it hurts, but it won't for much longer. You will be free and they will be safe. You have to go now Chandler. Quickly, if you want to write that note. Just take a few deep breaths and go.

Chandler nodded, wiping his cheeks. He took a deep breath, leaning his head against the door.

"Okay," he murmured. "Okay, let's go."

Okay. Into the apartment we go then.

Chandler walked into Apartment 19, closing the door gently behind him. He opened a drawer, pulling a pen and paper out.

"What should I write?" he whispered.

Something; anything! Just make it short and sweet. Don't go into details. And do not tell Rachel that you love her! Just make it short…and sweet. Tell them that you were just trying to protect them.

Chandler nodded, then started writing. He finished quickly, and placed the pen down.

"Okay, now what?"

Now, you have to put the note somewhere. Somewhere they won't find for a little while. If they come in here and find it before…they could stop you. Where could you put it that they won't look?

Chandler looked around, his gaze falling on his bedroom door.

Good idea.

"I don't know if I can."

It will be quick; in and out. You don't even have to open your eyes. Just in and out.

Chandler nodded, and walked over to the door. In and out. In and out. Don't have to look. In and out.

You can do this Chandler.

"I can do this," Chandler whispered, resting his hand on the doorknob. He took a deep breath and opened the door.

The room looked normal; like it did before…

Before you tried to help your friends.

Right. It looked normal. But Chandler could still hear the screams. Smell the blood. He let out a small cry.

Calm down. Just put the note on the bed. Quickly now. Don't panic.

"Don't panic," Chandler repeated. He quickly walked over to the bed, setting the note down. He glanced around the room once more, his body trembling. His room. Even though it reeked of evil at that moment, he still loved it. He would miss it.

Stop getting sentimental. Get out. We are running out of time.

Chandler nodded. Running out of time. There's no time. No time. He turned and walked out the room, closing the door behind him.

"Okay," he whispered, glancing at Hugsy as he walked across the room. He grinned, shaking his head. Hugsy. He would miss Joey with that penguin.

Sentimental again Chandler. In and Out. Running out of time. Let's get that ass into gear. It's nearly time.

"Okay," Chandler repeated, approaching the door. He touched the foosball table, smiling sadly.

So many memories. Him and Joey, playing that game. Them, eating pizza at the counter. Him - on Ross's back- holding onto the foosball table as he tried to stop Ross from looking through the peephole; looking at Rachel and Mark after their date. Him and Phoebe singing 'Everlasting Love' after he had just broken up with Janice. Him convincing Monica to sleep on the couch for a little while – to let him sleep – after she became obsessed with them exercising. Him and Joey, spending all day and all night in the chairs. Joey, hugging him before he moved out. Eddie; crazy, psycho Eddie. Joey hugging him when he moved back in. Rachel and him, curled up on the couch; her singing to him softly. Rachel and him, in Joey's bed, making love. Rachel-

Time to go Chandler.

Chandler glanced around the room one last time, tears trickling down his cheeks. So many memories.

Let's get going. We're out of time. It hurt's, I know, but it won't for much longer. Let's go.

Chandler nodded, pulling the blanket closer. He opened the door and slowly stepped into the hallway, his body trembling again. So cold. But he wouldn't be cold for much longer. It was time to go.

Good. Up the stairs we go. Don't run, you might trip. Just walk. Walk quickly, but carefully. Don't run.

Chandler nodded, glancing at the door to Apartment 20. They were still in there; unaware.

Up the stairs Chandler. Up we go.

"Up we go," Chandler repeated. He tore his eyes away from the door, and started up the stairs. Not running, he might trip. He was walking quickly and carefully; blanket still around his shoulders.

Good. You're doing good Chandler. We are nearly there. It's nearly over.

"Nearly over," Chandler whispered, as he continued to climb.

Nearly over. How many steps have you walked up?

"I've lost count."

Are we nearly there?

"I don't know…maybe."

Okay, just keep walking.

Chandler kept walking -quickly but carefully – until he reached the door to the rooftop.

Okay, we're here. It's nearly over Chandler. Open the door.

Chandler pulled the door open, and walked out onto the rooftop. There was no one there, which Chandler was glad for. No one to stop him.

Good. How are you feeling?

"Still cold," Chandler whispered, pulling the blanket closer still.

Don't worry about that. How are you feeling otherwise?

"Numb."

That's not surprising. Okay, Chandler, it's time. Time to say goodbye; to let go. There will be no more pain. You, your friends; you will all be free. They won't die, and you will feel no more pain.

"No more pain," Chandler whispered, walking forward.

No more dreams.

"No more dreams."

Everything will be okay. Rachel won't end up in that bathtub. Everything will be fine. They'll move on, and you will be free. It's nearly over Chandler.

"Okay," Chandler murmured.

Walk over to the ledge Chandler.

"Okay." Chandler slowly stepped forward, gripping the blanket tightly. The late afternoon sun was beating down on him. It was warm now. Chandler wasn't cold anymore; wasn't numb anymore. He was so close. It was time. It was all going to be over. His friends would be safe and he would be free. It was warm now. He was alive; for the last few moments of his life, he was alive. He could feel everything. He was alive.

Chandler stepped up onto the ledge, glancing down at the street below. It was so far.

It is far Chandler. But you won't feel anything. It will only last for a moment. You can do it. It will be like flying.

Like flying. He had always wanted to fly when he was a kid. He had always felt envious of a bird, wanting to have wings like them. And now he was going to be able to fly. Tears sprung at his eyes, burning his cheeks as they fell.

"I am not going to cry," Chandler whispered. "Not anymore."

Not anymore. It's over Chandler. It's time. No more pain.

"No more pain."

No more pain. You can let go now Chandler. It's time to go.

Chandler nodded. He clutched the blanket tightly, and raised his arms like they were wings. He was going to fly. Rachel was going to be safe, and he was going to fly.

It's been a pleasure Chandler.

Chandler took a deep breath. She was going to be safe now. That was all that mattered. She was safe now. "I love you Rachel," he breathed, staring at the sky one last time. He wondered for a moment if he would really be able to fly. And then his mind went blank and he stepped forward; off the ledge.

Could he really fly?

He was about to find out.