AN: Here's some more Mondler for my dearest readers.
Don't worry, the Lobsters will make a comeback.

Enjoy!

Unbelievable.

Un-freaking-believable.

Chandler is in love with me.

Monica laid in her not-so-cozy bed, once again staring at the ceiling, subconsciously counting the dots that were imprinted on the tiles. What the hell just happened last night? The man who said that he had no feelings for her was actually madly in love with her, and she just sat there, speechless. Then, like during his parents divorce, Chandler blamed himself; the exact opposite of what was supposed to happen. As he left the room, he saw the sadness building up within him.

And she didn't do anything to stop it.

She just cried, hoping that the situation would resolve itself.

No matter how much Phoebe assured her everything would be alright, it would only get worse. Monica felt the worst self-loathing possible, watching him shuffle out like a man who's lost everything. It was exactly like the way she left him the other day; only he went after her. It shouldn't have gone that way. She should have said something.

But she didn't. And it was too late to right the wrongs without emotionally scarring either of them.

Hopefully, it would not turn out to be exactly like what happened to her.

Would he sit on the couch, crying, holding a sharp piece of metal to his trembling wrist?

As the thought entered her mind, an instantaneous explosion of tears came, erupting like a volcano. The pain made her want to vomit. Trying to block out the image would only make it that much more harrowing. She would never forgive herself if something happened to Chandler; or any of her friends, for that matter. For the man she loved, losing him would be losing her, as well.

Phoebe tried to calm the insatiable bawling, as Monica slowly raised her right arm; her good arm.

"What? What do you need?" Phoebe's tone was cautious, ready to receive her friend's request.

"Find, him." Monica was heaving, her cries becoming sniffles soon enough. She needed to know that Chandler was okay; that he was not in the hospital, lying in a bed, being opened by a scalpel.

Without a second thought, Phoebe rushed out of the room, and towards Ross's. It was so alarming, yet so wonderful at the same time. Monica ordered her to find Chandler, even though she was now a human water pump. Deep down, from all of the years spent with them, Phoebe knew that Chandler had a crush on her; but she did not expect Monica to return it.

What a love story: Through tragedy and heartbreak, love springs anew.

Phoebe opened the door to Ross's room, and, bitter-sweetly, Chandler was inside, sulking in a chair, along with Ross and Joey; of whom were (unsuccessfully) comforting him.

"What's up, Pheebs?" Joey whispered in a mellow tone, rubbing Chandler's back. It was hard to see his best friend like that; with good reason. Joey was never one to abandon his friends, especially Chandler, considering that were practically brothers.

"Just checking," Phoebe gingerly sauntered over to him, kneeling in front of him. "How are you doing, Chandler?"

He laughed, disheartened; it was the saddest laugh Phoebe had ever heard. "How do ya think? I'm the reason Monica..." He gestured towards her room, his voice cracking. "Did that."

The events of last night looped in his head, each time becoming more agonizing. He remained sure of his discovery, even though it was never explicitly stated, by Monica or anyone else. It didn't matter, anyway, as his mind was made up.

"How do you know for sure, though?" Phoebe asked, her tone littered with false understanding.

"I could see it in her eyes." He buried his face into his hands, gently weeping.

"It's in your head, Chandler. There has to be another reason." This was becoming a problem. No matter how much they tried to convince him that it wasn't his fault, he accepted that it was. The fact that she couldn't respond with anything but tears told Chandler everything that he wanted to hear; his worst fears.

He was unwilling to believe that which was right in front of him.

Ross butted in, ending the brief pause. "I've been telling him that all day, but he won't listen." He looked at his disturbed friend, wondering what went through his head. He was crying over nothing; Ross knew that none of this was because of him, and if he'd talked to Monica, he'd know that.

However, much like himself, Chandler was a stubborn bastard, in his own little way.

"Come on, Chandler! Snap out of it! Why don't we go see Monica, huh?" Phoebe shook him, violently, causing him to drop his hands. She took one, and pulled him out of his chair, heading towards the door. She'd had enough of his bellyaching, and decided to take action.

"No!" He ripped away from her mid-way through the room, standing strong, despite his broken heart.

She groaned. "...Fine! But I hope you know that Monica feels just as bad as you do, if not worse!"

With that, Phoebe stormed out of the room. She couldn't believe this. Last night, Monica, after comforting her, told Phoebe what had happened. She then elected to stay the night, in hopes that she wouldn't attempt to hurt herself further, hidden under the guise that Phoebe had termites.

And now, despite knowing about their mutual feelings, Chandler and Monica made no progress.

"Pheebs?" A voice pulled her from her reverie, as she listlessly rounded a corner. "Hey!"

As she whipped around, Rachel's grin seemed even bigger than usual.

"Oh, hey!" She gave Rachel a welcoming hug, happy to see one smiling face, for once. Even though she looked like she had just woken up, Rachel was happier than a falcon eating it's freshly caught prey. Her dismay towards Chandler was mitigated as they stood in the hallway.

"So, what, d'ya just come out of bed?"

"Even better. I just got promoted to Assistant Buyer!" Rachel was absolutely beaming as she threw her hands into the air.

"Oh wow! That's great!" Phoebe gave her yet another hug, this time with more enthusiasm.

"Yeah, I mean, I told Joanna that I was quitting, and bam!" She slammed her fist into her hand. "She offers me the position!" Throwing her arms into the air once more, Rachel hugged Phoebe yet again, even tighter this time. This was certainly a good reason for the day to brighten.

"Wow! I guess threats can go a long way." Phoebe was filled with glee, as they both laughed at the sentiment.

"Yeah, I was just gonna go and tell Ross." Rachel pointed towards the room she just exited, curiously. "Where are you going?"

"Oh, well, everyone's in there, so I gotta keep Monica company." She gestured towards Monica's room, matter-of-factly.

"Oh! Okay, I'll go with you then." Rachel clapped, like it was the carnival or something. She didn't realize what had happened last night; while she was with Ross, Chandler went straight home, and locked himself in, before coming right back to the hospital this morning. She went home as well, but didn't bother checking up on him.

Not the best idea.

"What about Ross?" Phoebe asked, surprised.

"He can wait. I miss our little girl talks, ya know?"

"Well, come on then!"

She took Rachel by her hand, and headed off for Monica's room.

You said we can get through anything.
Don't give up, Mon.
We love you.

-Rachel

Monica stared at the words written on her bathroom mirror, more tears welling up. She was the happiest girl in the world. She had friends who loved her, who cared for her. In the end, that was all that mattered. She could get a new job. She could get a boyfriend. But her friends? Irreplaceable. Monica was willing to throw them away, out of what? Jealousy? Envy? It was a foolish endeavor, just because Ross has everything and she doesn't?

That's the luck of the draw.

And she was dealt a crappy hand.

Such is life.

As she left the bathroom, a very concerned Rachel and Phoebe rushed over to her.

"Monica! What the hell do you think your doing?"

"...Just went to pee." She struggled as she sat back down on her bed, resisting their attempt to help. She could do anything by herself, but sadly, the numbing pain in her arm kept her friends close by; little did they know the pain in her head.

Rachel and Phoebe glanced at each other, wishing that she would have asked them for help.

"You should've let us help you." Phoebe placed a hand on Monica's shoulder, trying to show empathy.

"I'm fine, okay? It's just my arm." Monica pointed to her wound, which had barely healed.

They both knew it was much more than that, but it was futile to protest.

"Thanks, Rach." Monica looked at her best friend, happily, for the first time in days.

She responded with an unknowing look.

Monica nudged her head toward the bathroom, her eyes watering. She smiled, and took her best friend's hand, squeezing it gently. She knew that if Chandler wouldn't make a move, then she would. Just had to figure out the when and where, and everything would be alright. Monica had her friends; therefore, she had everything she needed. Life was worth living.

If not for Chandler, for herself.

Everything would be okay.

"Honey?"

Rachel now sat with Ross in his bed, cuddling, as they tried falling asleep in each other's arms. Despite the pain, Ross knew it was worth it. To hold the woman he loves, keeping her safe from harm, the feeling was unequal. He felt like he had a purpose again. Softly, he whispered back to her.

"Yes, sweetie?"

"Do you think Monica and Chandler will get together?" Her tone, filled with skepticism, pierced the fabric of his mind. Ross thought, long and hard, that Chandler and Monica were quite the unexpected couple; but, they would be a good one. They were close enough to know about each other's habits, personality, and feelings, but not too close as to cause a rift in the gate of friendship.

"I don't know. I hope so. I mean, he loves her, and she has feelings for him too. It's gotta happen."

Rachel nodded, and stared at the wall.

"You know what Chandler said to me?" Ross broke the silence, looking down at her.

"What?"

"He wants what we have. He wants that 'connection' with someone."

"...Monica?"

"Apparently, any woman. Guess it's more of a 'love the one your with' thing."

At that point, Rachel debated on whether talking to Ross about him cheating on her. Sure, she wanted it was in the past. But, the past lingers. Without proper care, it will control the actions of the present, breeding an endless cycle of mistakes. Was it worth it to go down the road so soon?

Maybe, maybe not.

It wouldn't hurt to wait, Rachel.

So, she laid her head upon Ross's chest, wondering what destiny held for the group. His beating heart was her own personal metronome, as he wrapped his arms around his beautiful and perfect girlfriend. Everything they went through, together, ringed through their heads. Not only did they have to face their past, they had to help their friends face their future.

"I love you, Rachel." His voice was the softest silk, as his breath touched her ear.

Dozing off into a peaceful slumber, she mumbled incoherently; which he took as 'I love you too'.