AN/this is my very first fic so im happy i got to finish it! i just wanted to say thank you for reading. i know there's a lot of mistakes throughout grammar or otherwise. i think my writing progressed over time and it shows with this fic. so i appreciate everyone for sticking around through it lol. as always reviews are always appreciated i love hearing thoughts and constructive criticism. :) (also again, this is written on my phone bc i don't have a computer rn so please excuse mistakes)
Nearly a year of sneaking around was over. Everything was out in the open and their friends got used to seeing them be a couple. Six months later, Chandler moved into apartment twenty, but not a lot had changed.
Tonight, Monica and Chandler have been together for two and a half years. He took her out for the occasion to an elegant hotel for the restaurant on the top floor. The view from the window overlooked the glimmering city below.
"How do you find these places?" Monica asked, setting her wine glass down. "You always pick the most unique date spots."
"I have my sources. Besides, it's not always. Our date to the Met wasn't very unique," he pointed out.
Monica shrugged, understanding his point. "Not all dates have to be in a fancy restaurant. I like doing things like the art museum or that picnic in Central Park. It makes it more interesting."
"Very true," Chandler smiled.
He glanced towards the glass doors that led out to the balcony and nervously glanced up. Chandler sighed, smoothing his tie down as he swallowed thickly. "I want to show you something."
Monica's eyebrows raised in suspicion. "What is it?"
Chandler stood from his seat, holding his hand out for her to take. The couple walked toward the elevator and he pressed the button that led to the roof.
It took a few weeks to find the perfect spot and even more calls to get the rooftop, which was usually a bar space, completely to themselves.
The elevator doors slid open and Monica stood frozen, transfixed by the string lights illuminating the scattered rose petals on the ground. "What is this?"
"Just something I put together," Chandler pulled her hand to coax her out of the elevator. Together, they walked on the clean path admiring the unobstructed view of the city skyscrapers against the night sky.
"God, Chandler, this is gorgeous," Monica hugged his arm. "How did you do all of this?"
"Like I said, I have sources. Plus a lot of bribing," he mumbled. "But, that's not important. It's our two and a half year anniversary."
Monica chuckled, gripping the sleeve of his suit jacket. "You know that's not really a thing, right?"
"Yeah, well, I like finding excuses to celebrate."
For a moment, they both stood in silence, admiring the view until Chandler broke it. He moved his free hand over his pocket as he spoke. "Monica, I think you more than anyone else know that I'm terrible at this. Or, I used to be until you."
She pulled back, turning to face him properly. Her heart began to race as she started to wonder where this was going.
"Every day I wake up, feeling lucky that I've fallen in love with my best friend." He gently hooked his fingers around hers. "There was a time, when I asked you about your opinion on Harry Met Sally and lately I've been thinking about my favorite part. The part where he says, when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible. And I'm ready for my life with you to start. So…"
With a shaky hand, Chandler reached into his pocket as he knelt down on one knee, looking up at Monica's teary eyes. "Monica, will you marry me?"
She nodded immediately, trying to collect herself enough to answer. "Yes."
Chandler placed the diamond ring on her finger, quickly getting up as she pulled on his tie. He kissed her eagerly, grabbing her waist.
Her arms wrapped around his neck, tangling her fingers in his hair. "I love you," she mumbled against his lips.
"I love you too, so much," Chandler gently wiped away the tears off her cheek.
–
After some convincing, eventually Monica let Chandler help plan the wedding. It took a year to get each detail right.
They had picked a charming hotel right outside of the city in the middle of May. The ceremony was set with a neat white carpet laid out on the nice wooden floors. A hundred and fifty chairs faced the arched window at the front of the room, showing the view of the lake outside. Large bouquet of cream calla lilies and red roses framed the altar where the officiant stood.
Joey straightened out Chandler's black tie and stepped to the side so the groom could see himself in the mirror. "You look great."
"Thanks," Chandler sighed, fixing his hair. "Am I sweating? It feels like I'm sweating."
"I was nervous at my wedding," Chandler's mother, Nora, chimed in from the chair behind him.
The groom refrained from rolling his eyes at his mother's comment. It was almost impossible to get her to come since it was his first wedding, somehow that made it less important in her eyes. He assumed that's what happened when you married and divorced different men every other year. Either way, he didn't want to scare her away before it started because he only planned on doing this once.
"Which one?" Helena asked bitterly from across the room.
Chandler groaned as his parents started to bicker about their failed marriage. He tried to just focus on the finishing touches of his tux. Straightening his boutonniere and fixing his pocket square, he tried to tune out the bickering that had turned into arguing. In the past, he knew this alone would have made him want to run, but knowing he had Monica, he wouldn't. They weren't like his parents and she had shown him that with her patience and understanding. That was something neither of his parents had.
It didn't take them long to start throwing insults at each other while failing to remain passive aggressive. This was supposed to be the happiest day of his life and he wasn't about to spend it listening to this. "Guys! Can you put your problems aside for one day please? I don't need you two ruining this day for Monica with your arguing."
"Sorry," they both said quietly, but they continued to eye each other with a sour stare.
"Thank you," Chandler sighed, turning back to the mirror.
Silence fell over the room as he smoothed down his vest then put on his tux jacket. Ross broke the tension when he came in through the door. "Monica is almost ready."
Chandler inspected his suit for any signs of imperfection. "Is she nervous?"
"A little, but her excitement cancels it out," Ross chuckled standing next to him. He looked at his best friend nervously, unsure if he could say anything about his own uncertainties about this. Maybe it wasn't his place, but it was normal to be protective of his sister.
These two years, he's watched them together as a couple, making sure that he treats her right. Of course he did, Chandler is a good guy. But this was a marriage. From his experience, marriage can change everything. It might be hypocritical, but they were moving too fast with a decision as big as this one.
"All the guests are here, are you guys ready?" Phoebe came into the room, interrupting Ross' thoughts.
"I think so," the groom looked over his appearance one more time, trying to imagine what his fiance would say. All he could do was hope she approved because now he was walking with his parents toward his wedding ceremony.
–
Chandler stood at the altar next to the officiant as the music swelled. He took a deep breath to calm himself as Ross and Rachel walked down the aisle together to the start of the bridal party. Joey and Phoebe walked down next. Phoebe was throwing down red rose petals on the white carpet because at her insistence, she was made their flower girl. When they reached the top, Joey patted his pocket, smiling at Chandler to reassure that he still had the rings. He just nodded at his best man and focused on the doorway.
The moment he saw Monica turn the corner, walking between her parents, his heart felt like it stopped. Chandler stood frozen, stuck watching her approach until her parents kissed her cheek. He took that as his cue to step forward and take her hand.
"You look beautiful," he mumbled softly, admiring her dress.
Monica's face flushed at the complement as they stood at the altar together. She handed her bouquet to Rachel so she could hold both of his hands properly.
When the officiant thanked the guests for coming and started a watered down version of their love story, the couple seemed to have a silent conversation between themselves. They probably should have been paying attention, but Monica had her head tilted, asking if he felt okay without using words. Chandler smiled in response and squeezed her hands to tell her he felt great. His eyes scanned her dress and he smirked, suggestively, wiggling his eyebrows. Monica's eyes rolled as she tugged on his hands to tell him to behave. That didn't stop her own eyes scanning his body, admiring how handsome he looked in a tux.
As much as Chandler wanted to remember every detail, it went by in a blur. They said their vows and exchanged the rings before solidifying their marriage with a kiss that made Monica melt. They had earned a few tears from Chandler's best man, Joey. Even though he would never admit it if someone asked.
The reception was held in the grand ballroom. A tiered crystal chandelier spiraled down from the arched ceiling, illuminating the golden walls. Tables were set up around the room with a dance floor in the center, covered in white tablecloths with red rose centerpieces. At table one, Rachel, Ross, Phoebe and Joey sat down together.
"That was so beautiful," Phoebe said as she grabbed the place card with her name on it off the table.
"Yeah, everyone said the right name," Joey smirked at Ross from beside Phoebe.
Ross rolled his eyes at the joke and glanced at the door, hoping his sister would come through soon.
"Seriously though, I've never seen Monica so happy. And Chandler's vows were so touching," Rachel said practically giddy.
Phoebe glanced at her friend next to her, expecting her to say something. But Rachel just glanced down at the empty plate in front of her. She fiddled with the card in her hands, "Hopefully they won't get divorced."
"How many divorce jokes are you guys going to make today?" Ross grumbled, sitting back in his chair.
"Hey, we're just making sure your bad marriage decisions don't run in the family," Joey crossed his arms.
On the stage at the front of the room, the lead of the band leaned into the microphone. "I have the pleasure to welcome, for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Bing."
Everyone in the room applauded, turning to the entrance as the newlywed couple came through. Chandler took Monica's hand, leading her to the center of the empty dance floor. "Now, the couple will take this time for their first dance."
The band began to play Wonderful Tonight by Eric Clapton as the couple danced together. Monica rested her arms around his neck, swaying with the music. "You look handsome in your tux by the way."
"Why, thank you. You look beautiful," Chandler muttered. His fingers moved across the silk fabric of her dress, pulling her hips closer.
Monica chuckled, tangling her fingers in his hair. "You said that already."
"Did I?" Chandler tilted his head slightly, with a smile as they danced around the wooden floor.
"At the altar, during the wedding pictures and in the hallway…" she listed off.
"Okay, maybe I said it a few times, but can you blame me?" Chandler leaned back to admire the skin tight white dress paired with the diamond necklace around her neck.
Monica leaned back into him, laying her head on his chest. She closed her eyes, listening to the music and his heartbeat. "This is exactly what I had dreamed of when we were at the beach," she mumbled.
The groom smiled, tightening his grip around her waist. "Good, then the lessons I took weren't for nothing."
She quickly looked up at him in shock. "Did you really take lessons?"
"Well, yeah. I can't let the Chandler in your dreams be better than the real me," he said in an obvious tone.
The bride chuckled, placing her head back onto his chest. "I love you."
–
When the song came to an end, the newlyweds started to make their way around the room to greet their families. Ross watched them walk hand in hand around the tables before it became too overwhelming. Abruptly, he stood to get a drink from the bar.
He didn't know Joey was right behind him, making him jump when they reached the counter. "Hey, you okay?"
"Jesus," Ross sighed before ordering a beer. "I'm fine. I just need a drink."
"You've been acting weird today," Joey pointed out. "Your sister just got married I'd figure you'd be more excited."
"I am. I'm just feeling a bit cautious," he mumbled. Ross kept his eyes on the couple moving on to Chandler's family.
Joey raised his eyebrows, "Cautious about what? Don't tell me you're still mad at them because we all thought you got over that-"
He quickly shook his head, "No, no. I'm not mad. I was thinking earlier how huge this is for Chandler. Marriage life isn't easy. What happens when they have a fight? Or when Monica wants kids?"
"I'm sure they talked about kids. Chandler isn't stupid. It might not be easy, but do you really think a guy who was terrified of getting married would jump into marriage on a whim? He knows what he's doing," Joey reassured.
"Hey, is everything okay?" Monica came up behind them putting her hand on Ross's arm.
"Yeah, we were just talking about how happy we are for you," Ross said.
Monica smiled brightly, "Thanks."
"Where's your husband?" Joey asked.
The bride blushed at the title, looking back at Chandler sitting at a table near the corner. "Talking to his parents. They're arguing, so I thought I'd get him a drink. He's trying to keep the peace, but it's not working out very well."
"Arguing about what? It's their son's wedding day," Ross looked at the table Monica was looking at. Chandler sat in the middle of both his parents, visibly annoyed with the both of them.
"Mostly about the divorce. Nora told me she was nervous on her wedding day...Helena asked which wedding she was talking about and it just spiraled." Monica stepped up to the bar and ordered a beer for Chandler and a glass of champagne for herself. "Luckily we're eating soon, it'll give him an excuse to escape. I'll see you guys at the table?"
"Yeah, good luck, Mon," Joey said as the bride left. Once Monica was out of earshot, he turned her attention back to Ross. "Just trust him, okay?"
"Yeah," he murmured, watching the groom bury his face in his hands.
–
After dinner was served and enjoyed by everyone, most people were dancing or socializing at their tables. With a few drinks in him, Chandler was on the dance floor, holding Rachel's hands while moving with her to the upbeat music. Ross shook his head, hiding his laughter while watching from his seat.
"Even with lessons, he's still not a very good dancer," Monica smiled at her husband, sitting next to her brother.
Ross turned towards the bride and smiled softly. "Give him a break, he's definitely a little tipsy," he said in observation.
"He's been stressed the past few weeks about the wedding," she said softly. Monica rested her chin in the palm of her hand, keeping her eyes on Chandler. "I told him. to focus on having fun tonight."
"He's been stressed? You did most of the planning, what does he have to be stressed about?" He asked skeptically.
Monica shrugged slightly, "He wanted to help and make sure everything was the way we wanted it. A few weeks ago, the florist called and canceled. He had to find a new one that could have them ready in time because I was busy with the caterer. I've never seen him so panicked before."
Ross looked around the room at the flower centerpieces and the large flower arrangements around the room for decor. He's been married three times and he never cared for planning. That was the bride's job. He's never heard of a man helping with the wedding planning before. "Well, he did a good job, I guess. I can't believe you trusted him with it."
She chuckled at his comment, "I trust him more than anyone else," she admitted.
The song suddenly changed and Chandler quickly went to their table. "Babe, babe, babe I love this song. You have to dance with me," Chandler insisted, grabbing her hands.
"How drunk are you?" She laughed, getting up.
"Only just a little. It's totally fine," he slurred, pulling her to the dance floor.
Rachel took Monica's chair, keeping her eyes on the newlyweds with a smile. She watched Chandler's terrible dance moves mixed with his stumbling over his feet as Monica could do nothing but laugh. "Do you think we're going to find love like that?"
Ross turned his attention to her and shrugged. "I hope so. Maybe one day. Let's hope they don't end up divorced."
"You think they will?" Rachel frowned at the idea. "They wouldn't. Monica has never been happier. Chandler loves her more than anything…"
"Marriage changes people," he said honestly.
"Not everyone is like you, Ross," she said, feeling defensive over her friends. "When they have problems, they work it out. They're a team."
"I've never seen them argue," Ross pointed out. He probably sounded petty at this point, but he didn't care. What he said is true.
Rachel huffed in annoyance, "Just because they don't display every moment of their relationship like we did, doesn't mean they're bad together. Monica told me they didn't want to feel like they were in a fish bowl with everyone watching their every move."
"They don't have to be in a fishbowl. What I mean is…when it gets hard, when they have a fight or something goes wrong, is Chandler going to run? As the older brother I have the right to worry," Ross took a sip of his beer and glanced at the dancing couple. "They're in a happy honeymoon phase now, but when that phase ends…is he going to break her heart?"
Rachel shook her head, "No. Have you not noticed how much he's changed since they've been together? Or how they've both changed for the better? He's not scared of those things anymore. She's not as neurotic either. They bring out the best in each other. I know we had this image of Chandler being a terrified boyfriend, but he's not that guy anymore. Just be happy for your sister and welcome your best friend into your family."
Ross looked down at his lap, chewing on his cheek, thinking about what she was saying.
–
At the end of the night, while the guests were starting to leave, Monica and Chandler were still on the dance floor. The newlyweds held onto each other, swaying to the soft music as they whispered quietly to one another. The group of friends sat bored at their table, waiting for them to be ready to leave.
Ross watched the couple dance and Chandler whispered something in Monica's ear, making her laugh. He sighed, realizing they didn't seem to know the reception was ending. They were in their own world together. Rachel's words were stuck in his mind when he admitted, "I think this is the first marriage I've seen that won't end in divorce."
Joey turned his attention to the older friend across the table, "You think so?"
"Yeah, you don't?" He tilted his head slightly in curiosity.
Joey shrugged, looking back at the couple. "They definitely won't. It's just nice to hear your expert opinion."
Ross rolled his eyes when everyone at the table chuckled. The last song came to an end, but the newlyweds kept dancing to the phantom beat. He continued to watch his sister, feeling a sense of pride. All their lives she's talked about having the perfect wedding. Ross remembered when she told him off in London. How she opened up about dreaming of a day like this. Today, one part of that speech stood out to him. About how she dreamed of having the perfect guy who understood how important all of this was.
None of them expected that guy to be Chandler. During the wedding planning he was behind almost every decision Monica made. Even taking care of the flowers apparently. He wouldn't let her go over the budget, but he was that guy she was talking about in London. Ross understood what she was saying now. Chandler understood all of it. Over the years they haven't exactly hidden how they felt about him and now he felt guilty.
Years of saying he's not good enough or joking that he's somehow less than. Chandler is still that awkward friend who makes too many jokes, that much hasn't changed, but now he could see the man he was behind all of that. He was a loyal man who wanted to do anything to make the people he cares about happy. Chandler took care of everyone around him and was devoted.
The past two years, ever since he found out about their relationship, he kept his eye on him. As Monica's older brother it was hard not to be protective. And he was right somewhat, marriage is hard, but he's never seen a relationship with so much trust and support. Ross even found himself feeling envious that they made work when he couldn't.
They might have made fun of him in the past for being scared of commitment. But they had to admit it now. Chandler was the best of them in relationships and because of that, he wasn't the last to get married.