A/N – Hi guys, sorry for the delay with this chapter. I went away to Portugal for a long weekend and had totally planned to post this up before I went, which kinda didn't happen...but then when does anything ever go to plan right? Talking of not going to plan I split this chapter up as it was getting way too long so there's another chapter to come opposed to the original 3 parts.

Part 3:

"I'm sorry about earlier," Chandler confessed out of nowhere, his sudden voice causing Ross to take his eyes off his sister for the first time and focus on his friend.

"Huh?"

"For losing it like that, ya know out in the waiting room," he clarified with a wince. "You guys are right, we have to keep together and keep the hope she's gonna be ok."

"She will be ok," Ross said, although it didn't sound as firm as either man would have liked. "And don't worry about earlier. I get it, it's a horrible situation."

"Yeah," he nodded.

It was a horrible situation, the most horrid and nightmarish imaginable. He'd had crappy times throughout his life, everyone had but this was far worse than his darkest memories. His hand tightened on her limp one as he felt tears pressing against his eyelids.

No he couldn't cry, he couldn't let her wake up to see him crying; he had to stay strong. For her and for their baby.

Various nurses came in, silently checking machines and charts before disappearing, then reappearing again; it seemed like an endless circle. Chandler didn't pay them much attention, he just stared at Monica in silence, all his remaining energy spent on willing her to be alright, willing her to fight this with her usual spirit and determination and to pull through.

Finally a doctor came in, picking up the clipboard and silently reading through the various notes before moving to the machines and checking her vitals. His expression remained grim, his lips set in a thin tight line as he remained silent.

"Is everything going ok?" Ross asked him hesitantly. "I mean as expected?"

There was a horrible pause before the doctor eventually spoke, "She seems to still be responding well, we'll be able to have a lot more answers once she's conscious; it's always hard to tell the full extent of any damage until she's awake and talking."

"Any idea when that will be?"

"It could be anytime now," he sighed, a heavy weight clearly on his shoulders as he glanced at his wristwatch. "Or it may take longer, possibly a lot longer. I'm sorry but it's difficult to predict with head injuries, each one is very different. She'll probably be in and out of consciousness and very groggy, probably won't comprehend much to start with. However, please do inform someone when she does wake up."

When. He'd said 'when' and not 'if'; Chandler clung onto that one word like his life depended on it, it did depend on it.

Ross thanked him and the doctor placed the clipboard back in its place at the foot of the bed, clicking his pen shut and placing it in his top pocket before he turned towards the door.

"What about the baby? Is it doing ok?" Chandler asked, a lump in his throat as his gut clenched waiting for the answer.

"The last tests show it was still with us, but again it's very hard to tell at this stage. I'm afraid that even if it does survive, a trauma like this so early on can cause complications in later stages of development."

Chandler nodded although his jaw tightened as the other man quietly left and again they went back to sitting in silence, lost in their own thoughts.

Waiting.

"I can't believe you guys might have a kid together," Ross spoke, his voice sounding loud and almost out of place against the machine's quiet steady beeps.

"I know," Chandler murmured, his eyes moving down to her flat stomach, unable to comprehend that another life was growing in there; a life they'd created together. "If you'd asked me this morning if I was ready for a kid I'd said no, hell no; I would have thought you'd gone crazy...but now? Now that I'm sitting here faced with losing them...I want nothing more.

"Sure," he continued, his voice cracking slightly, evidence of the emotional strain he was under, "it's a lot earlier than I'd ever imagined. Even years ahead of the schedule that Monica has no doubt secretly planned out for us," his mouth curved with the tiniest hint of a grin at the thought but it disappeared quickly, "but now though, now I need for both her and the baby to be ok, healthy and ok and...just alive. I desperately want to raise this child with her and she'll be an amazing mom, I know she will. She'll just be a natural at it and me...I have no clue how to be a dad...but I want the chance to find out, ya know? To try?"

"I don't think you're ever really prepared for what it's like," Ross mused quietly, "to be a dad that is. I mean look at Ben. At the time it was a massive shock and the worse time to happen as I was just trying to cope with the divorce...but I wouldn't swap him for anything. Out of nowhere he was suddenly there and depending on me and the first time I looked down at his little face I just...it's a love you've never experienced, it just bowls you over.

"Being a parent is such a huge crazy thing and it's freaking scary at times. Half the time you haven't got a clue what you're doing but you manage to stumble through it somehow but god, it's worth it, so worth it."

Chandler looked over to him, studying his oldest friend, "You're a good dad, Ross," he told him quietly.

"Thanks, uh, you know you will be too, right?"

Chandler wet his lips, his eyes falling back onto the non-existent bump, "I hope so," he confessed honestly. "I really hope so."

He could feel Ross' eyes still on him but he had nothing else left to say. His shields were down, he was entirely defenseless, just like Monica and the baby. He didn't like it but was choice-less right now.

"I'm glad you told me it's yours," Ross said softly, causing Chandler to turn to him with a questioning eyebrow. "I mean, it would have been better if I'd known from the start and definitely better than it being in here under these circumstances...but when the doctor told us she was pregnant, I had so much stuff swimming around and...thank you for telling me, I know it wasn't easy."

Chandler nodded in understanding, also glad that Ross knew, glad in fact that they now all knew and there were no more secrets between them. "I'm sorry we didn't tell you sooner," he sighed, his eyes going back to Monica's motionless face. "We just wanted some more time out of the spotlight."

"It's ok," Ross assured him, "I kinda get it and even if I didn't it's not important right now. They are."

"Yeah," he agreed, nothing else seemed remotely important in comparison.

A silence settled over them again as they sat there waiting.

Still waiting. Still praying. Still hoping.

Time lost all meaning as Chandler stared at her, willing her to just be OK. He was hoping so much for her to wake up, concentrating so hard that when he suddenly sensed a tiny movement from the bed it took him a long moment to decide if it was actually real or if he had just imagined it. Then there it was again, so slight but he was on it in an instant, leaning over her.

"Monica? Mon?" he called softly as Ross jumped to his feet.

"What is it?" Ross asked, panicked but Chandler ignored him, his attention fully on his girlfriend.

He held his breath as she eventually managed to open those beautiful blue eyes, waiting for them to focus on him, praying that they would. Finally they did and he let out a sigh of relief as recognition slowly filled her face, even as she frowned slightly.

"Ch-Ch'dler?" her voice was raspy, grave but it was still the most wonderful sound he'd ever heard.

Relief and pure joy swept through him.

"Yeah, it's me, Mon," he assured her with a soft smile.

His joy turned to disappointment though as he watched her heavy eyelids trying to close already, although it was clear she was fighting it.

"It's ok," he promised, his free hand brushing what he could of her hair as her tired eyes tried to keep focused on him. "It's ok, go back to sleep, honey, you've been through a lot. Everything's ok, I'm here with you. I'm here."

His fingers trailed through her hair as he watched her give in and surrender, closing her eyes and falling back asleep instantly. He managed to rip his eyes off her for a split second to look over to a smiling and somewhat shocked Ross.

"She recognized me," Chandler stated proudly, a buzz of excitement coursing through his veins as he beamed at the other man. "She woke up and recognized me. That has to be a good sign, right?"

"Right," Ross agreed with his own smile. "See, I told you she'd be fine, didn't I? It's just the matter of waiting for her to wake up properly and she will."

"Yeah," he nodded, wetting his lips excitedly as he stared down at her with renewed hope filling his every fiber.

She was going to be ok.

He watched her chest rising and falling slowly, tuned into the heart monitors, looking for any indication of her coming to again. Time stood still, trapped in their little hospital bubble once more as he tried to be patient, tried to keep the hope alive in his heart but as each minute ticked by he started to get more worried that it had been a fluke. A final chance to say goodbye, a final chance to apologize for their fight, his final chance to let her know how much she meant to him...and he hadn't taken it.

What if something went wrong and she had a seizure or stroke?

Why had he wasted that golden opportunity?

He was an idiot.

As the doubts crept into his mind he tightened his hand around hers, desperate for her to squash his dark thoughts. "Come on, Mon," he whispered, urging her to wake up again, not caring about the confused look Ross shot him. "Come on," he pleaded, begged.

He needed her to open her eyes, needed her to let him say all these things in case he didn't get the chance again.

He needed her.

"Please, Mon," he whispered, squeezing her hand as he tried to fight his fears and tears from becoming a reality. "Please."

His heart skipped a beat when a moment later she stirred slightly.

Thank God.

"Monica?" He asked quickly. "Can you hear me? Monica?"

He held his breath as she slowly opened her eyes, still looking groggy and totally exhausted but she looked absolutely beautiful to him. He stared at her, waiting for her to wake up more fully, letting her blue eyes strengthen and calm his soul. He had to stay strong and look after her like she'd looked after him so many times in the past. Now was not the time to freak out.

"Hey sleepyhead," he murmured, an endearing smile spreading across his face as he gently brushed the knuckles of his free hand over her cheek.

"Chandler. I... Wh-?" her frown deepened as her eyes left his face darting around her surroundings. He squeezed her hand in comfort as she took in the hospital room and her concerned brother close by. "Ross?" she questioned before her wide eyes once again fell to her boyfriend, "W-what happened?"

"You fell at work, hit your head, so they brought you to hospital," Chandler told her softly, trying to keep his voice soothing, "but everyone's here and you're gonna be ok." He leaned forward, pressing his lips to her forehead, murmuring against her hair, "You're gonna be ok, Mon, just fine," he repeated, the whisper more for himself than her as he pulled away enough to lose himself in her eyes.

"I'll, uh go let the doctor know she's awake," Ross told them, swallowing hard as he turned and left them alone.

"I'm sorry about our fight," Chandler told her quickly, "I really don't care about tennis, or work or how competitive you are. You know that right?"

She nodded a little, her brow furrowed, "I know. I'm sorry too, Chandler. I-"

"Shh, that's ok, it's not important," he promised, his eyes creasing in the corners as they stared at each other.

It wasn't important and he didn't need any apologies from her. He just needed to make sure that there was no lingering tension or resentment between them at a time like this and that she knew that. What was more important was to let her know what she meant to him before she fell back asleep and as he stared at her already closing eyes it became so easy and obvious. The three little words he'd always been terrified of in previous relationships now seemed so true, easy even, like they were the most natural thing to say.

"I love you, Monica," he told her honestly. "I love you so much and you mean the world to me."

A sleepy yet contented smile touched her lips, as something shined in her tired eyes.

"Love you, too," she murmured, her eyes starting to close and her confession sent waves of happiness through him.

"I love you," he told her again, liberated and almost giddy.

Chandler's smile actually hurt his face as he gently stroked her face as she drifted off. He stared down at her, the enormity of the moment hitting him.

She loved him.

She really loved him and he'd gotten the opportunity to tell her how much she meant to him. His last words to her wouldn't be spoken in anger in the heat of the moment. He closed his eyes as relief swept through him.

Hearing the door open, he turned to see Ross and the same doctor in tow.

"She's gone back to sleep," Chandler told them, still smiling, his heart warm.

"Ok," the doctor acknowledged him, moving to check the machines and read some charts. "She recognized you I hear?"

"Yeah," he nodded, sharing a pleased look with Ross, "She recognized both of us, asked what happened, that's good right?"

"It's a very encouraging sign," he nodded. "When she's fully awake I'll need to conduct further tests to fully understand any consequence of the injury but it's promising so far. Until then I need to get back to my other patients. Excuse me."

"Doc?" Chandler asked walking over to the man. "Can you do me a favor?" he asked the skeptical and somewhat impatient face in front of him. "Can you not tell her about the baby? I really wanna be the one that gets to tell her."

The doctor looked him over, "Are you the father?"

The question sent tingles down his spine.

Father. He was going to be a father.

"Yes," he swallowed, chewing his lip as he awaited his verdict.

"I'll try my best," he finally offered, "I can't promise though as there's lots going on out there and it may well be another doctor seeing her. I recommend you tell her quickly."

"Thank you," Chandler nodded in understanding as he left.

"You wanna tell her?" Ross asked surprised.

"Yeah," he wet his lips as he turned to his friend, trying to find the words to explain his reasoning. "I mean if she can't get to tell me, then I at least want to be the one to tell her. This is huge news, crazy amazing news and I want her to find out from someone she loves rather than some stranger just listing it as a reason she collapsed. I know realistically the baby might not make it but regardless, I want to share this with her, make it special, like it should be."

"Ok," Ross agreed, "that makes sense. Look I'm gonna go update the others, see if anyone wants to come in and see her for a bit. I'm guessing you're going to stay here?"

"You're guessing right."

Ross offered him a small smile, nodding as he left.

"You've got lots of worried people out there," he whispered, claiming his seat again as he took her hand. "And everyone's gonna want to see you, Mon."

He'd been right.

First came Phoebe who explained that Rachel had decided to comfort Ross for a moment longer as the Gellers still hadn't made it. Once Phoebe had hummed, chanted a little and finished cleansing their auras, as well as the baby's, she left.

Which allowed Joey to join, who brought him a coffee and a sandwich. Chandler gratefully accepted the coffee but his stomach wasn't interested in the food, so Joey took it upon himself to eat it.

"Ross says she recognized you guys?" He prompted around a large mouthful of his sandwich. "See that's great."

"I know," Chandler grinned, "and I told her I loved her and she said it back."

Joey beamed happily for his friend, "Yeah? Wow, that's awesome, dude."

"Yeah," he agreed. It was pretty awesome.

When Joey's turn was up Rachel came in, offering him reassurances which were getting easier to accept.

"Ya know, I'm glad you guys got drunk and slept together," she announced, forcing his gaze off Monica and onto her.

"Huh?"

"I mean, Monica's not had it easy with relationships, and don't get me wrong I know you haven't either...or any of us really, but the point is she has been so much more...content since you got together. I think I noticed a change in her a while back, before I even figured you out and now I can see the same change in you too. I guess I'm saying it's nice to have two of the group finally happy."

"Thanks," he told her honestly, her words helping to keep the warm contented feelings in his chest. "We are happy, really happy."

"It shows," she promised as she stood up about to leave, "I'll go check on the others."

"Ok," he nodded.

But before she left Monica stirred, snapping both of their attention to her.

"Mon?" Chandler asked softly, stroking her face and squeezing her hand. "You waking up?"

Her eyelids fluttered open and she immediately focused on Chandler.

"Hey beautiful," he murmured, smiling, his eyes creasing in the corners as he took her in. "How you holding up?"

"Pretty crappy," she answered honestly, her eyes darting to Rachel. "Hey."

"Hey, I'm so glad you're ok," Rachel smiled, tears in her eyes as she placed a comforting hand on her arm.

"Thanks Rach," Monica tried to smile.

"Rachel, can you go get the doctor?" Chandler asked, knowing there was no way in hell he was gonna leave her side until they made him.

"Sure," she nodded, throwing one last wide smile at her roommate before disappearing.

"You remember what happened?" he asked gently, his eyes meeting hers and holding them, desperately drinking them in.

"No, I- I don't think-"

"You fell at work, hit your head," he prompted gently.

A brief look of recognition came over her features, although he wasn't sure if she was remembering their previous conversation or the actual event.

"You love me," she whispered in awe, her eyes bright with wonder.

"Yeah, I do," he beamed happily, pleased that she remembered as he brought her hand to his lips, pressing a gentle kiss to her soft skin, "Very very much in fact."

She smiled back, "I love you too, Chandler."

"I know babe," he grinned, wetting his lips as he looked sincerely at her, "I know."

They stared at each other letting their unique connection grow and strengthen.

"I'm glad you're here," she admitted, squeezing his hand weakly as she looked around the room again.

"I wouldn't be anywhere else," he promised as the doctor entered with Rachel.

"Miss Geller, it's good to see you awake," he told her, grabbing the clipboard from the end of the bed as a nurse entered and joined him. "I'm going to have to ask you two to leave so we can run some tests."

Chandler nodded reluctantly, squeezing Monica's hand tightly, "I'll be back soon," he whispered to her, placing a kiss on her forehead. She nodded, squeezing his hand back in understanding.

"Er doctor, could I-" he gestured to see him to the side and the doctor followed. "I haven't had a chance to tell her yet...about the baby..."

"I won't mention it to her this time," he promised quickly. "But I recommend you tell her as soon as possible."

"Thanks," he nodded as the doctor went back over to the bed.

Before he left, Chandler met Monica's eyes one last time across the room, allowing the silent messages of love and support to flow between them. Nodding he forced himself to leave, bumping into Rachel who was hovering unexpectedly outside in the corridor.

"How are you?" she asked kindly.

"Ok, I guess," he murmured, all of a sudden feeling exhausted as the earlier adrenaline suddenly evaporated. He closed his eyes, pinching the bridge of his nose and sighing heavily before finding himself enveloped in a hug. He hugged her back appreciatively. "Thanks Rach."

"It's going to be alright," she promised into his ear and he nodded, knowing he had to believe that.

"What's going on? Has something happened? Is everything ok?"

Chandler pulled away scrubbing a hand over his face before looking up to see Ross and the Gellers, worried looks on all their faces.

"She's fine," Rachel answered for him, stepping forwards towards them. "They're running some more tests so we got kicked out."

"Can we see her?" Jack asked.

Of course the parents would want to go and see her. Two parents, two chairs. Would they try and take his place, take his seat beside Monica, beside the most important person in his life and kick him to the side-lines?

"No!" He realized it had come out much harsher than he'd intended, "Uh," he cleared his throat as four pairs of eyes turned to him. "I mean, um, no one's allowed in right now. She's awake though, talking."

Jack nodded glumly as Chandler shifted a little uncomfortable. What had the others told them? Did they know he was seeing their daughter? That he held boyfriend staying rights?

"Why don't we go and wait back in the waiting room with the others?" Rachel suggested gently and Chandler nodded reluctantly in agreement.

Slowly Ross led the way, Rachel walking close to her ex, her hand on his arm. Then walked the Gellers hanging onto each other. Hesitantly he shot a final look towards Monica's room before he stuck his hands in his pants pockets and wearily followed the couples procession along the long, cold corridor...

To the waiting room.

To wait once again...

A/N- Again sorry for the delay with this. Thanks for all your comments and feedback, I always love to hear what you guys think :o)

Hopefully the next chapter will be up soonish!