A/N- thanks so much for all the feedback and for sticking with this one :o)

The sun coming through Chandler's window woke him the next morning. He stretched in his bed and sat up, wondering if last night was a dream. As the cobwebs slowly cleared he was fairly confident that Monica had cancelled the wedding, come over to his place in the night and that they'd talked... but did she kiss him goodnight? Unconsciously he licked his lips, imagining he could still taste her there.

God, he hoped it wasn't a dream. It would kill him all over again if it was.

He stood up from the bed and opened his door, finding Joey already perched on a bar stool, eating a bowl of cereal. "Morning," his friend said, his voice muffled by the cereal as he gave him a critical once over.

"Morning," Chandler replied much more upbeat than Joey had expected.

"You okay?" he curiously asked, after he swallowed the cereal, concern still in his voice.

Chandler narrowed his eyes, nodding his head a little, "Yeah, I think so."

"You think so?" he repeated confused, last night's conversation coming to mind, "what does that mean?"

He swallowed, not wanting to share what happened between him and Monica, it was better to be kept between them; especially as he had no idea what was actually going on between them. If anything. Just because she kissed him didn't mean she wanted a relationship with him. "I honestly don't know, Joey," he offered lamely with a shrug.

"Do you want to talk about it?"

"No, I'm good," Chandler dismissed.

"Well, are you gonna try at least talking to Monica?" Joey asked, "Clear the air with her? It's not nice when you guys fight."

He poured himself a cup of coffee as he contemplated his answer. He was desperate to go across the hall and talk to her some more. To find out what that kiss meant, to see how she felt about everything but he didn't want to put anymore pressure on her and that including not telling Joey everything just yet. Not until he'd at least spoken to her. "We're gonna be fine but I'll talk to her," he shrugged, "but I don't know how ready she'll be to talk." He frowned realizing he wasn't making much sense but thankfully Joey nodded, seeming to accept his answer.

"I wonder what we'll do today since everybody's off for the wedding," Joey pondered. "Do you think we have to stay in and cheer up Monica?"

"I don't know," Chandler admitted honestly. He wanted to be the only one comforting her and cheering her up, but he knew that wasn't realistic. The girls and her brother would want in on the action. But maybe if he got in there first he could whisk her away for the day? He'd need a cover, "I may head into work." He lied, wanting to see if the lady with black hair across the hall was still free.

God, he hoped she was. They could talk or just hang out together, rebuild and strengthen the foundations of their friendship.

Joey made a face, "Work? On a Saturday?"

Crap, he hadn't thought of that, "yeah... I've already missed a week and my mind hasn't really been focused for the last month, so I have a lot of work to catch up on, lessen the Monday spike."

His roommate stood from the stool, placing his empty bowl and spoon in the sink, "forget about work," he insisted, "deal with it on Monday." Joey patted him on the shoulder as he passed him. "I'm gonna shower," he sniffed under his own underarm, his face pinched with disgust, "I don't remember taking one yesterday."

Chandler made a face at the back of his dirty friend's head, "That's...gross, man," he said, shaking his head.

As soon as the bathroom door closed, Chandler hurried out of his apartment, closing the door quietly behind him. He opened the door to apartment 20 slowly, looking around and finding it empty except for the one woman on the couch. He couldn't help but smile just seeing her. He didn't know what was going to happen with 'them', but she wasn't getting married today. She wasn't going to be Mrs. Becker. There was some hope.

He slipped in quietly, walking over to her. He stuck his hands in his pockets, nervousness suddenly taking him over again as she made eye contact with him. His heart suddenly began beating rapidly and butterflies exploded in his stomach, "h-hi," he stammered, wincing at his own awkwardness.

He took her in, and even though she looked tired from lack of sleep, she looked amazing. She had on a long sleeved shirt and sweatpants, her hair tied up on the back of her head.

"Hey," she said softly, pulling her sleeves down over her hands, her fingers picking restlessly, "what are you doing here so early?"

He swallowed, wetting his lips, "I, uh, wanted to check on you."

One corner of her mouth curled upwards, "you did?"

He nodded, "yeah, well, I know you've got a lot on your mind."

She broke eye contact with him and pressed her lips together to try and suppress her smile, "that's kind of you," she expected nothing less from him.

"Is there anything I can do for you?"

She nodded, "you're doing it." Him just being here was helping.

He smiled at that and made a point to look around the apartment, "where's Rachel?"

Monica rolled her eyes just a little, "she and Phoebe went out for 'non-wedding day fun supplies', whatever that means."

Chandler chuckled, moving around the couch to sit down next to her, "sounds like that could be…'fun'."

She shrugged an embarrassed shoulder, "they're worried about me."

He met her eyes again, nodding, "so am I." She looked down at her hands, "are you okay? Really?"

She nodded in response, "I guess so."

"You guess?"

She sighed, bringing her hands up to brush some loose strands of hair out of her face, "I'm glad I'm not getting married today," she admitted softly, "I am. It wasn't right and I know I didn't love Pete enough to be his wife." Her words still sounded too good to be true but he held off celebrating as he was sensing a 'but'. He watched as she had to swallow the lump in her throat before continuing, "but I can't get what I'm missing out on off of my mind."

He finally looked into her eyes again, his frowning slightly "what you're missing out on?"

"It's silly considering everything that's happened, but stuff like the dress, the vows, the rings, the first dance as husband and wife, the bridesmaids reaching for the bouquet, the groomsmen fighting for the garter, the cake…" she sighed, "I spent so much time planning and getting everything ready, dreaming about the little details. I was so excited for all of that, and now it's just...gone."

Chandler reached for one of her hands, hooking a couple of his fingers with hers, trying to ignore the instant spark he felt, "you will get that again one day. None of those things matter if it's spent with the wrong guy."

She nodded, looking into his blue eyes, "I know. I'm just...bummed, I guess. I know I shouldn't let it bother me, but I..." She stopped and took another breath, "I've been thinking about this since I was about four years old, you know? It just stings a little, I'll get over it though." Chandler nodded, thinking about her words. He searched his brain for something to do or say to make her feel better.

Another moment passed and he stood, crossing the room to the stereo, switching it on. The soft music from the speakers filled the quiet room as he walked back over to her, "what are you doing?"

He stood in front of her for a second, "I can't do anything about the bouquet, the garter, the rings, dress, the vows, or the cake, but I can give you a dance." He held out his hand, and she only looked at it, "oh, come on," he offered her a boyish smile, "It might cheer you up a little..."

She let the corner of her mouth pull upwards as she placed her hand in his, unfolding her legs from under her as she stood, letting him lead her to the other side of the coffee table where there was some space. After only a second of hesitation, he pulled her close to his body, one hand at the small of her back while the other held hers. He began moving with her to the music, slowly swaying back and forth, "Chandler, this is so sweet," she said to him, her voice barely above a whisper, her eyes studying him,"when did you get so sweet?"

He smiled at her, fighting the blush, "I've always been sweet."

She raised a skeptical eyebrow.

"Maybe I am trying to win you over," he confessed softly, he looked away a little embarrassed; was it too much? She was still mourning her cancelled wedding to another man. He didn't need to push too hard.

She looked up at him, "it might be working," she admitted just as softly.

His eyes widened in surprise as a cute smile touched his lips, "Yeah?" she nodded shyly, "I'm uh, glad to hear it."

She leaned her head up a little further to kiss his cheek. His eyes fluttered closed as her lips touched his skin. It was so innocent yet so sensual given their current status, somewhere between friends with the possibility of more just flittering in the distance. It was definitely within his reach, something that he never would've thought possible just a day ago. With a smile she turned her face and rested it against his shoulder. He tightened his hold on her slightly, still so thankful that she was here with him.

They stayed silent as one song ended and another began, neither of them moved away from each other. Both just enjoying being together, comforting and healing each other after the madness of the last 24 hours. Monica moved her hand so that she could lace her fingers with his, looking up at him when he spoke, "so I guess the girls will have you booked up the rest of the day?"

She nodded, "yeah, seems like it."

He sighed, "oh."

"Why?"

He shrugged one of his shoulders, "just wanted to see if we could sneak off somewhere and spend the day together. Just the two of us."

She furrowed her eyebrows together, swallowing, "are we ready for that?"

His forehead wrinkled with confusion, "why wouldn't we be? We've done it a thousand times before…"

"Because this is…" she gestured between them with a hand.

"It's what?" he asked, holding his breath, part of him desperate to know what she was thinking but another part just wanting to hold onto that kiss from last night and not question it.

God, that wonderful, wonderful kiss.

She sighed, "I don't know, Chandler, what is this?"

He squeezed her hand, shrugging slightly, "well, that's up to you. I've told you how I feel, and that's not gonna change any time soon," he promised softly, "I'm hoping that maybe, someday after all of this you may wanna explore what this could be between us. But I'm going to let you take control of this. I know you've got a ton of stuff on your mind, a ton of emotional crap to deal with, and I totally get that. I'll be here with you as a friend, but you know that if this..." he gestured between them like she did moments before, "...was up to me and things were different, then I would have already been with you for a while now."

She smiled at him, almost taken aback by his honesty. They had shared many moments throughout the years where he was able to resist the urge to joke or use sarcasm and be serious; it always touched her that he felt confident enough around her to show her these little glimpses of the real him that she doubted many other people ever saw.

"Thank you," she murmured, looking down at their feet as he moved his hand back to the small of her back. She thought about it for a few moments, trying to find her words, "I think it's a little soon for us to be dating," she said honestly and his head shot up. She wanted to date him? "Maybe we should...wait a little while."

He swallowed, nodding his head eagerly, understanding; he couldn't imagine how confusing this must be for her, but the fact that she actually wanted to date him eventually, that was more than enough, "okay...sure."

She let out a breath, relieved, "you're not mad? You really don't mind waiting a while?"

"No," he said instantly, he didn't, really didn't. After everything he'd suffered these last 6 months, the proposal, the endless planning and the almost wedding, it had almost killed him. Her wanting to wait, wasn't a problem. He'd wait as long as she needed. His heart was finally light and was repairing the past damage rapidly, "of course not. I know you're going through alot right now and I want you to set the pace on this, take as long as you need. I'm not going anywhere." He was pleased that her face seemed to relax a little, even a little smile appeared on her face, "really, I mean it, I'm not mad at all, in fact I'm the opposite. Most of me is buzzing right now, thrilled that you're even considering this...us." Her shining eyes met his teasing ones, "but part of me is maybe a little sad that I won't get to experience another kiss like last night's again for a while," the corner of his mouth curled up in a boyish smile to show he was joking, lightening the mood.

She ducked her head. Good grief, when did he get so freaking cute? She really didn't know and part of her was still amazed that she hadn't seen this before. Although she knew he was only teasing, the mention of last night's kiss sent shivers down her spine. The man was a fantastic kisser, possibly even the best she'd ever had, and she was suddenly desperate to feel his lips against hers again. To feel that passionate yet gentle caress.

It may not be the wisest decision, but she didn't care right now. She looked back up at him and smiled almost coyly, "I didn't say you couldn't kiss me."

He froze, swallowing hard as he looked into her eyes before his focus dropped onto her soft lips. "Those are dangerous, dangerous words, Geller," he croaked out.

She just smiled at him, her eyebrows raising a fraction in a challenge.

Unable to resist, he met her eyes one last time before leaning forwards. His eyes closed as he pressed his lips to hers for a soft, gentle kiss. Possibly one of the sweetest he'd ever experienced.

She moved her hand from his to wrap them both around his neck, her thumbs playing with the base of his hair, as they shared a contented smile. "So what should we tell the others? You know they'll have questions."

Chandler looked over her shoulder at the door. He'd forgotten about their friends, lost in the moment with the woman he held against his own body. He shut his eyes for a second, hoping Joey was in one of his long shower moods so that he wouldn't bust through that door in the next few minutes. He cleared his throat, getting back to her question, "maybe we tell them that we're taking it slow, working on our friendship first?" It was kind of the truth.

She nodded, "and that we'll see about 'us' down the road."

"Yes," he said and unable to stop himself he leaned down to kiss her again whilst they were still alone, "as long as we can share a few secret kisses occasionally? I mean I don't wanna pressure you but-"

She cut him off, pulling him down to her lips again, almost immediately deepening the kiss. He groaned, pulling her even tighter to his body.

God, this was something he could definitely get used to, she was amazing.

They stayed like that for a while, her hands on the back of his head, his arms around her waist. She moaned into his mouth as their tongues explored each other's mouths. He could do this forever and never tire of it, he was positive of that. Air was becoming an issue again and he pulled back, missing her lips instantly.

"Damn it, Bing," she breathed huskily, her forehead against his, "you are really good at that."

He nodded in agreement, groaning as he crashed his lips to hers again. He honest to god couldn't get enough of her. She was like his weakness, his drug and he was addicted. This time yesterday he thought he'd lost her and now he was kissing her. Not only that, she was kissing him. He couldn't make himself believe that he was standing in Monica's living room, his hands running over her back, his mouth taking over hers. He heard her moan again, and oh god yes, he wanted even more of her, but he knew they couldn't.

With a lot of effort he eventually pulled back, the commercials on the radio interrupting the music. They stared at each other as their breathing calmed.

"I um should probably get back over there," Chandler said with a regretful sigh, "Joey will come looking for me soon."

Monica nodded, looking up at him, but making no effort to move away, "okay."

He swallowed again, staring at her lips. He knew he shouldn't, because it would only leave him wanting more, but he leaned down and gave her another kiss. He put all of his might into this one, he hoped he could remember until he had the chance to kiss her again, and dear god, he hoped it was soon.

They parted and he moved back from her just a little, trying to catch his breath yet again. His body hadn't had a workout like this in a long time. He looked at her, pressing his lips together, trying to resist the urge to touch again. "I'll see you later?"

She nodded instantly, watching him as he moved around her, heading for the door. "Chandler?" she called, just before he stepped out.

"Hmm?"

She jogged over to him, grabbing his face and kissing him again, "thanks for being so understanding about this." She pressed another sweet kiss to his lips making his toes curl, "and thanks for the dance."

He smiled, leaning back in, "thanks for being you."

She blushed and tucked a piece of hair behind her ear, "you and Joey should come over for breakfast."

"Are you sure you're up to making everyone breakfast?" he asked.

She nodded, "I want to. I'll make blueberry pancakes," she smiled, knowing exactly what his weakness was.

"That's why you're my favorite," he smiled at her again with a wink and closed the door behind him.

Monica stared at the door for a moment; she'd forgotten how easy it was with him, how sweet and kind he was. How good a smile looked on his face and how bright that sparkle could be in his gorgeous eyes. This was how it should be. It felt so right.

She was very glad she wasn't getting married today.

Chandler opened his door and stopped in surprise when he saw Ross sitting at the bar, looking at one of Joey's rare 'non dirty' magazines, "hey man."

"Hey," Ross said, closing the book and crossing his arms, "where were you?" he tried to ask it casually but Chandler sensed a tone.

"I , uh, was just checking on Monica," he thought it best not to go into detail.

"Yeah, I guessed you probably were," Ross nodded, "how is she?"

"Ok," Chandler shrugged a little, grabbing some OJ from the fridge. "A little sad and down as expected, but she's doing alright. The girls are planning some sort of girlie day for her."

"That's nice of them," Ross nodded before wetting his lips nervously. Here goes, "I kinda wanted to talk to you about this crush-thing you have on my sister."

Chandler raised an eyebrow, surprised. It hadn't even occurred to him that Ross would try and do the whole big brother thing, the man was his oldest friend, "it's not really a crush," he admitted with an apologetic shrug.

Ross turned his head, "you're really in love with her? Monica?"

He nodded, not very comfortable discussing this with him, it was all too new and delicate and he wasn't ready for other people's opinions and doubts.

"Really?" he asked again as if he still couldn't believe it. "Monica? High-strung, OCD, uptight Monica?"

Chandler frowned slightly, "I thought as her big brother you're supposed to be telling me I'm not good enough for her."

Ross rolled his eyes, "I didn't mean it like that," he protested, "I love her to bits, I guess I'm still just trying to get my head around everything. A lot's happened in a short space of time."

"Yeah," Chandler nodded, thinking back briefly to where he'd been less than a day ago. It had been a dark place, "thank god it went down the way it did," he said quietly, causing Ross to study him.

"So, she knows about your feelings right?"

"Yeah," he nodded cautiously, not quite sure how much Ross knew and also not sure where this was going.

"Does, uh, does she like you too?" he winced slightly, obviously Ross was just as uncomfortable with this conversation as he was.

"I hope so," he said carefully.

"Just promise me one thing? You won't rush into anything with her?" Ross asked quietly, "she's just broken off her engagement, called off a wedding, changed her whole future...it's a lot for her to process. I don't wanna see either of you get hurt or ruin your friendship over this...and she needs her friends right now, so, please, please don't rush into anything."

Chandler swallowed, nodding. He understood where his friend was coming from and it made sense, it really did. But Chandler knew that if Monica was to walk through that door right now and say she was ready then he would gladly accept. He still craved her, needed her.

At that moment Joey walked out of the bathroom, a towel around his waist, saving Chandler from actually having to promise anything. "Hey Ross," he studied both of his friends' faces, "what's going on?"

"I was just talking to Chandler. About Monica."

Joey furrowed his eyebrows together, "yeah? Well good luck, because he won't talk to me."

"I talked to you!" Chandler protested. "Look, me and Mon are ok. We're just gonna work on being friends and helping her get through all this."

He waited, praying to see if they believed him.

"Ok, good," Ross nodded, seemingly satisfied. "I just needed to, you know…" Chandler nodded reassuringly, "I'm gonna uh go check on her myself."

"Ok," he replied, wishing he could go back there too.

Ross stood and walked around the counter, stopping before he got to the door, "you're really in love with her?"

Chandler took a sip of the orange juice he'd just poured, nodding and not understanding why his old college roommate didn't get it, "yeah, I really am."

"Alright," Ross replied, opening the door and crossing the hall.

"So you've already gone and checked on her, huh?" Joey asked, crossing his arms over his chest.

"Yeah, so?" Chandler looked at him, "she's making pancakes, by the way. She wants us over in a few minutes."

Joey nodded, but didn't move from his spot. "So you and her are…" he did a dance with his fingers.

"I don't know what that even means," Chandler frowned.

"Doing the horizontal tango?"

He shook his head quickly, "no, of course not, we just talked." It was true, well, half true anyway.

"Yeah right," Joey laughed, "you suck at this."

"Meaning?"

"Meaning you can't lie to save your life," Joey laughed. "I can tell something has happened."

"No it hasn't," he lied.

"Whatever man," the Italian shrugged grinning smugly, "but I know something's happened."

"How?" Chandler asked incredulous.

"Well how about there were two used cups on the counter this morning," he suggested lightly, "and last night you were a complete wreck and yet this morning you're happier, even smiled," he pointed out before going a little more serious. "I'm really happy for you. You haven't been the same person for months now. You haven't told jokes, haven't laughed, haven't been...well, you! I've never seen you like that before. Not even with Janice. You were hurting so bad," Joey sighed, "but you were willing to keep feeling like that. Keep being miserable just so that she could be happy...that's really something. I'm really pleased for whatever is happening. I won't ask and I won't tell Ross, but whatever it is...just enjoy it. You deserve to be happy."

Chandler blinked, somewhat stunned by his roommate's words, "wow," he finally stuttered. "I mean...thanks, I…"

He shrugged his bare shoulders, "it's the truth. I honestly didn't think you were going to make it at times."

"Sorry," Chandler winced, "I've probably been acting like a pain in the ass around here these last few weeks.

Joey nodded, "it's okay. I understood it once I found out why, besides, it's all in the past now. Just promise me you won't screw things up with Monica as I don't want a repeat of that."

Chandler chuckled, flashing him a smile, "I'll try my best."

Joey nodded, accepting that was the best he was going to get, "good, well we better go eat pancakes!"

He clapped his hands together enthusiastically and started to walk to the green door when Chandler called his name, "Joe!"

"Yeah?"

"Clothes?"

"Oh right!" He did a u-turn and headed for his bedroom instead.

Chandler laughed, shaking his head fondly. At least, despite all the changes going on, Joey would always be Joey and he was grateful for that.

TBC...

All thoughts welcome! Thanks