A/N - sorry for the delay with updating. My internet at home is broken so can only use my phone or work computer (it feels like the dark ages lol). Means I've had to edit here instead of Word so apologizes for any typos that I haven't caught - I didn't realize how much I rely on those little red squiggly lines.
Anyhow...excuses over! Hope you enjoy...
"Hey," Chandler greeted as he walked into the girls' apartment that Saturday morning, pleased to see only Monica in the room.
"Hey," she smiled as she glanced over her shoulder, continuing the washing up.
He walked up behind her, his arms sliding around her petite waist as he pulled her back against him. His lips trailed tiny butterfly kisses across her shoulder and up her neck until his lips paused tantalizingly by her ear.
"How do you even make washing up look sexy?" he murmured into her ear, his hot breath causing shivers to run through her. Just a few more hours.
She swallowed, removing the washing up gloves and turning in his embrace. Her arms came around neck, her fingers teasing the short strands of hair she found there.
"I'm sure it has more to do with the fact that tonight we get to make love for the first time, so right now you're as horny as hell and anything's a turn on," she pointed out.
"You're probably right," he swallowed.
They simply stared at each other for a moment. He swore he could actually see the electricity that was thrumming between their bodies. The anticipation that crackled between them. It had only got more intense since they'd set a date.
The pull was too strong to resist and he leaned forward claiming her lips with his in a long hard urgent kiss. Lips, tongues and teeth clashed as the kiss deepened and Chandler groaned, involuntarily tightening his hold on her. He was drowning and needed more. Why wait until tonight? Maybe they could-
"Don't mind us!" Phoebe laughed, causing them to spring apart.
Embarrassed, they turned to see Rachel and Phoebe walking into the room and making themselves comfy on the couch. Damn.
Letting out a frustrated breath, he raked a hand through his hair as he stole a look at Monica and couldn't help but grin when he saw her doing the same. She met his eyes and smiled, "tonight," she mouthed and he nodded.
Tonight. Tonight there'd be two free apartments and no interrupting friends. Tonight they could take it as slow or as fast as they wanted and enjoy their first time together. Tonight was going to be special regardless but if these previews were anything to go by...it was going to be hot, explosive and easily the best night of his life. He couldn't wait.
"What time's dinner?" she asked, pulling the gloves back on and returning her attention to the sink, desperate to give her hands something to do.
"6," he swallowed, trying to resist the urge to walk over to her and start kissing her neck again. He had to remind himself that they now had an audience and what he wanted to do with her was definitely best saved for 'private time'.
"6?" she questioned.
"I know it's a little early," he shrugged, "but I thought the earlier we eat the main…the earlier we could have dessert."
The little flirtatious look she shot in over her shoulder caused him to swallow hard. Part of him wondered how he was going to make it through this meal alive. He'd thought about having a take-out here so they didn't have to leave the apartment but Monica deserved to be wined and dined.
"I'll pick you up at 5.45pm, ok?"
"Looking forward to it," that seductive look was still in her eyes and he closed his, taking a deep breath to compose himself before turning to the other girls. "I'll see you guys later."
"Bye Chandler," they waved amused, waiting for him to leave.
"Wow," Phoebe commented as they moved to the kitchen table and closer to the source of gossip, "that looked like some kiss."
"It was," Monica beamed happily.
"So how's the whole 'taking it slow' thing going?" Rachel smirked.
"Let's just say it's a good thing I didn't take that bet," Monica chuckled as she drained the sink
"What?" Rachel asked as Phoebe squealed excitedly next to her, "you've done it? What was it like? Why didn't you tell us?"
"We haven't done it yet," Monica corrected as she joined them at the table, "but we're gonna do it tonight."
She smiled at their excitement. She'd promised Chandler that she wouldn't share every little detail with the gang and she agreed with him on that. She wouldn't go into as much detail as she had about previous affairs but these were her girly confidants. She had to share some bits with them.
"Are you prepared?" Rachel asked, "have you shaved your legs? Bikini area?"
"I actually went and had them waxed yesterday," she admitted. "I'm hoping for lots of sex in my future and I can't be doing with shaving."
The girls nodded in understanding.
"Oooh, we can get ready together!" Rachel realized suddenly. "It's been ages since we both had a date on the same night."
"And I can help you both with hair, make-up and wardrobe," Phoebe offered excitedly.
Deciding it was never too early, the girls hurried into Monica's room to start planning her look.
"You probably need to wear a little more than that," Rachel commented with a smirk, as she pointed at the black lacy lingerie that was laid out on the bed. "Is this new?"
"Yeah," Monica blushed a little, "I wanted to treat myself to something."
"Treat yourself or Chandler?" Phoebe grinned.
Laughing, the girls started moving onto her wardrobe to see what outfit she could wear over the top of the nice new expensive lingerie.
"So, you're definitely going to stay at Casey's tonight?" Chandler checked one last time with his roommate as he adjusted his tie.
"That's the plan," Joey agreed, casting his eyes over Chandler's fancy suit. "Why? You guys got some big date planned?"
"Yep," he grinned, brushing off his jacket, "and I'd really appreciate it if you didn't get back too early. So, even if things go bust can you-"
"I can't believe you're trying to get rid of me," Joey laughed. "We've shared a wall for years."
"I know," Chandler sighed, trying to get his roommate to understand, "but this is different, ok? This is Monica and I just want our first time together to be memorable...for the right reasons. Please?"
"You're such a girl," Joey laughed, "but yeah fine, whatever, I'll make myself scarce so you can do your girlfriend."
Chandler just glared at him causing him to laugh again.
"Right, I'm outta here," Chandler announced, "have a good night."
"You too," Joey called over his shoulder, his attention returning to the wide screen tv, "have fun getting laid."
Rolling his eyes he decided it wise not to comment and instead headed across the hall. He paused finding the girls' living-room empty.
"Mon?" he called.
"I'll be there in a second," he heard her call from her bedroom.
Glancing around the empty apartment he stuffed his hands into his pants' pockets and bounced on the balls of his feet. He was too excited to stand around waiting. Moments later she emerged, proving she was well worth the wait. Chandler froze on the spot; she was gorgeous.
"Hey," she greeted, frowning slightly when he didn't move or say anything. "Chandler?" she prompted.
"Wow," he finally let out. "I mean…wow. You look…"
A large smile spread across her face as she stepped up to him, close into his personal space.
"Oh, this old thing?" she asked, her hand gesturing towards her dress. Chandler's eyes involuntarily followed her hand, taking in the figure hugging material which clung to her body in all the right places. "I'm glad you like it."
How was he going to get through this dinner? He squeezed his eyes shut, composing himself once again, trying to get control. He opened them as he felt her touch his shirt before sliding her hands slowly and firmly up his chest. She wrapped her arms behind his neck, pressing her slim body against his as she looked up at him, her blue pools sparkling.
"You, uh," he swallowed, "you look amazing," he finally said.
"You look pretty fine yourself, Mr Bing," she informed him with a sexy smile, taking in just how attractive he looked in a nice suit.
"This old thing?" he mimicked back.
She chuckled before pulling him in for a toe-curling kiss. He was in heaven.
"Right," she pulled away much too quickly for his liking, "we better go if we wanna make our reservation."
"What if we don't want to make our reservations?" he suggested. "We could skip right to dessert."
She chuckled kissing him again quickly, "as tempting as that sounds, I'm hungry and I have a feeling we're gonna need some stamina tonight."
He nodded reluctantly knowing she was right. Planting one last firm kiss on her lips, he released her and they headed for the door.
The restaurant was nice, his food was nice, the wine was nice…and the company was frigging amazing. He was having such an awesome time with her. Sure, he'd loved their picnic date last weekend but being all dressed up with her at a fancy restaurant was something else. He loved being this 'coupley' with her in public, showing everyone that this woman had actually chosen him. Him.
"Can you believe how much has changed this week?" Monica asked as if reading his mind. "This time a week ago I was drinking cocktails with the girls, deciding if a relationship with you would be worth risking our friendship over."
"Was it?" he asked, taking a sip of his wine.
"Oh most definitely," she smiled. "I know it's only been a week, or even just under a week, but it's felt so right. Everything's just clicked into place and I honesty can't remember ever being this happy."
"Wow," he swallowed, as many emotions ran through him. He was somewhat in awe at her comment. "I feel the same," he confessed, "this has gone even better than I'd ever imagined and believe me, I imagined this lots."
She rewarded him with a sweet smile and took his hands in hers, playing with his fingers. He happily let her.
"And the others haven't been too bad," she mused. "The girls have been really supportive and curious...in a good way."
"The guys too," he told her. "I guess, despite my initial fears, we are lucky to have them on side. Can you imagine if we had tried to hide this? It could have put a load of pressure on us having to keep it a secret."
"Maybe," she shrugged, her thumb caressing the back of his hand, "it could have been fun as well though, maybe even romantic having to sneak around; having midnight trysts."
"Possibly," he shrugged back, "but I can't imagine us being any good at it. I mean, after wanting to be with you for so long and now having you feel the same way. I don't think I'd be able to keep my hands to myself, not give you little kisses or touches. I had to be so careful around you for so long, making sure I didn't let anything slip and now that I don't have to be...I don't think I could cope with trying to have to hide it all again. Especially not around the people that know us best, that see us everyday. I'd have sucked at it!"
She smiled leaning forward and kissing him passionately. He was caught off guard but it only took him a moment to start to kiss back. Loving the feeling of her lips and how they could drive him so wild so easily.
When they pulled away they stared into each other's eyes for a moment, "thank you for falling in love with me," Monica whispered suddenly, "and for clueing me in."
He chuckled, his smile widening to the point of painful, "I didn't have much choice," he admitted, "you're hard not to fall in love with."
She blushed and he chuckled again. Freeing his hand in order to stroke her cheek, he brought her face closer in order to claim her lips again.
"So," Monica said coyly, her hand dropping down to his thigh. "Where's this dessert I was promised?"
Chandler swallowed hard, all his attention on that hand. The feelings she could evoke in him from a single touch should have alarmed him; it didn't, it excited him instead. Her hand started to creep upwards and he placed his hand on top to stop it and ensure she didn't try and move it any higher; he might die. Looking around for their waiter he signaled for the bill.
Much to her amusement he had trouble, fumbling in his haste to get his credit card out of his wallet. Whilst he paid she slipped off her shoe and ran her bare foot slowly up and down his calf. Dear Lord, it was worse torture than the hand had been. Finally, once it was all settled and he'd added a generous tip, he grabbed their coats, draping his in a strategic position as he waited for her.
She just grinned cheekily, replacing her shoe and taking her jacket from him, kissing his cheek in thanks. She wrapped her arms around his waist as they made it outside and hailed a cab. On the short ride back they couldn't keep their hands off each other; both were desperately looking forward to this next step.
As they exited the cab and entered their building they made it up the stairs and came to stand in-between their apartments.
"So," she smiled, "your place or mine?"
He chuckled at her cheesy line and groaned. "Mine," he finally stated tugging her towards the said door. She didn't argue; Joey was more likely to stay out longer than Rachel anyhow so she happily followed him in. Both were relieved to find it empty and roomateless.
Silently, he took their coats and tossed them onto the barcalounger looking at her and taking in her beauty once more. The anticipation of what was to come was almost overwhelming. It hovered between them.
"So," he offered her a cute smile and walked over to her, coming to stand in her personal space. His hands rested on her hips, his thumbs brushing her sides as he watched her face carefully. "You definitely wanna do this now? 'Cause I can wait. It will take a very cold shower and a lot of will power but I can wait."
She smiled, falling deeper for him every minute. She was so lucky to be here with him now like this. He was so considerate, so cute and just so Chandler that it warmed her heart. She wrapped her arms around his neck as just lost herself in his eyes again. She'd been doing that a lot lately but couldn't imagine ever getting tired of staring into the blue depths; she hoped she always could.
She leaned in and kissed him, gently at first as she savored the feel and taste of him, committing it to her memory. He matched her pace as long as he could until he felt the need to deepen it. His hands started to move, one wrapping tightly around her waist and the other in her hair, cradling the back of her head and holding her in place. He heard her moan of approval and slowly started to walk her towards the bedroom.
He couldn't believe how lucky he'd gotten to have a woman like Monica fall for him. He wanted to go back in time to reassure his younger insecure self that it was all going to work out. That all the pain and heartache was worth it just to get to this moment; to be in a relationship with Monica. To be kissing her and holding her and walking her into his bedroom. It was all so worth it.
As they came to the bedroom door they pulled apart and he looked at her, trying to commit her flushed cheeks and excited smile to memory. He hoped there'd be plenty of love and sex in their future but they'd only have one first time; he was determined to remember as much as he could.
She turned around in his embrace and entered his bedroom, flicking the lights on and paused in surprise. He grinned, coming up behind her and wrapping his arms around her, resting his head on her shoulder.
"You like?" he whispered, delighting in her shiver.
The bed had rose petals scattered across it, a couple of large candles stood of the bedside cabinets alongside a single rose in a coke bottle. "I thought you could have another rose to press and add to your collection," he murmured against her neck as he placed the lightest of kisses there.
He then released her and went to light the candles before hitting play on the CD player. As romantic music started to softly play, he turned around and gently offered her a smile. She swallowed. He was simply amazing.
"God, how did I get so lucky?" she couldn't believe how romantic he was. How much he went out of his way to treat her and make her feel so loved.
"I'm the lucky one," he corrected as he stepped up to her and kissed her deeply.
It was a kiss filled with so much love and promise at what was to come. Monica stepped back from him and smiled, "You're about to get luckier…I may even have a little surprise under this dress," she said seductively stroking her hands down his shirt.
"And I may have a not so little surprise in my- "she cut him off with a kiss and then another.
As they moved to the bed Monica still couldn't get over how perfect it all was. It was exciting and passionate yet she felt completely comfortable with each him; they could joke, have fun and be themselves. Relaxed enough around each other to truly enjoy this to the full and they had the whole night to enjoy exploring each other's bodies.
More importantly they had their whole lives to explore each other; to explore and share dreams and experiences. It may have only been a week but she knew that this was just the start of something truly special. Relationships like this didn't happen often and she was determined to grab it with both hands.
Chandler felt it all too. It was going to be a journey of discovery but as Monica giggled happily beneath him, he knew that he was going to enjoy every discovery, every moment. As long as he had this woman in his life he would look forward to the uncertain twists and turns it took.
The End.
A/N - And it's finished! I hope you enjoyed it. Thanks again so much for everyone that's read and reviewed this story. Means a lot :o)