A/N: Here's a nice long chapter to tide everyone for a bit. I have work starting up this week and then I'll be MIA for a couple weeks with state testing. But I do leave you some angst and some fluff to balance it out.
Also, I did take some liberty with the timeline that the flashback in this chapter references. Since this is an AU and the events have changed with Chandler not calling Monica fat, there are going to be some tweaks in how certain situations occurred and how it plays out. Don't worry. The flashback in this chapter isn't over and will carry over to the next chapter.
And lastly, Happy Easter to anyone who celebrates! Without further ado…
Chapter 4
It was that first night Chandler would pinpoint as the beginning of their friendship. He and Monica talked into the early hours of the next morning. They talked about Ross's crush on Rachel, which Monica revealed that her best friend was oblivious to it (no shock there). Chandler shared his doubts about their friends even working out as a couple and she was inclined to agree.
She told him about her dreams travelling to Europe, specifically Paris to study French cooking. She toyed with the idea of becoming a chef after graduation (her mother shot it down), and she timidly asked Chandler if she should go for it. There was no mockery in his voice when he told her that she should.
They talked about their mothers more. Monica understood him in a way that Ross wouldn't. The more he shared with Monica, the easier it became. She really was a good listener. Not once did she judge him—not in her eyes or facial expressions. Even when he shared the most intimate of secrets he had.
His father.
He always shied away from talking about the man who set everything into motion in ruining his childhood. He told her what really ended his parents' marriage and the shame and embarrassment he felt from his adolescence to his teen years. How his friends from boyhood didn't want to be around him afraid they would "catch the gayness" from his father.
"It's absurd. You can't catch being gay, but we were kids. Not like any of us knew or understood it."
Well, except for Chandler. He understood more than he cared to about his father's (and by extension his mother's) attraction to men. He told her about his years spent in boarding schools and how he was one of the few who hated going home on breaks. He hated boarding school too, but only because he didn't have many friends. It seemed whenever Charles Bing made an appearance, the stories would spread, and Chandler would find himself being ostracized by his peers.
The humiliation, the bitterness, and the lingering resentment of a nine-year-old Chandler was what led to him avoiding his father as much as he could. There was a part of him that still hadn't forgiven him for breaking up their family as dysfunctional as it was prior to the divorce.
Through it all, Monica didn't jeer or recoil from him. Tears filled her eyes, but she didn't let them fall. Chandler didn't want her pity, but she didn't pity him. She just held his hand and let him talk until he couldn't.
Chandler hadn't expected to share as much as he did. It wasn't until he finally dragged his feet back to the sleeping bag on Ross's bedroom floor that he had a brief moment of panic.
Did he say too much? Would she look at him differently?
But he learned he had no reason to worry. Monica stayed true to her word. She kept his confidence and didn't spill a single syllable. When he and Ross left to go back to their dorm, her farewell smile spoke volumes and Chandler knew she wouldn't betray his trust.
He hadn't felt that calm or peaceful in a very long time.
It was that comforting memory that brought the present Chandler some solace about Monica.
Ever since their bonding over the silly WENUS, it was the icebreaker Chandler needed to confidently approach Monica to chat with her for a few minutes before he had to force himself to go to work. When he needed a break, he suggested they go to the break room for coffee. He was delighted when she accepted. It also meant he had to rein in the desire to do his happy dance, especially as it now became part of their routine.
They weren't boss and assistant during that time—only Chandler Bing and Monica Geller. The coffee breaks were a highlight of his day.
He eventually found out why Ross's marriage to Carol ended. His jaw had practically hit the floor when Monica revealed that Carol was a lesbian. The parallel to his own childhood was so shocking that he couldn't believe the odds of hearing about that twice happening to a marriage.
What made it even more shocking was the fact he had known Carol in college. Yet, looking back, he supposed there had been signs. Subtle signs. Of course, none raised the red flag. Not unless he counted those times when Ross and Carol were dating, and she would remark on the hotness of other women. Stupidly, the two guys just took it that it was awesome she did that and didn't question it.
Indeed, hindsight was 20/20.
Nevertheless, Monica recognized how close that was to his life. She admitted she thought about Chandler when her brother's marriage was over. It might have helped Ross to adjust to his circumstances with someone who had firsthand experience. Monica didn't accuse him that his absence was a problem, but he understood what she meant. Although, Chandler didn't think he would have been helpful as that was too close to home. Sarcastic comments were more up his alley than advice.
Anyways, Ross was devastated. Understandably. But to rub salt to the wound, he learned that the woman his wife left him for was a good friend of hers. They even invited her to their apartment to hang out! Yet, Ross had blinders on, and he couldn't see that there was something going on between the women.
Boy, could Chandler relate!
Looking back—how many signs of his father's sexual preferences went ignored or unnoticed?
He definitely emphasized with his old friend. The only difference between Ross and Carol compared to Nora and Charles was that Ross stayed on good terms with Carol for the sake of their son.
Ben.
Moreover, Chandler was stunned to learn that Ben was born after the divorce papers were signed. Apparently, the ex-spouses had one last drunken fling and that resulted in a pregnancy. Regardless of Ben's conception, Ross and Carol (and even Susan, the other woman) worked it out where all three were raising him. It was a strange arrangement, but it worked for them.
As for Monica, she was a proud aunt. She showed Chandler pictures of the blonde-haired, blue-eyed toddler. He mostly took after his mother, but Monica said a lot of Ben's behavior was Ross. She regaled story after story of her nephew's silly and childish antics, and how he was his father's son. She adored him that much was clear.
Chandler loved hearing her talk about Ben. Mostly because of the way her face would light up and her eyes would sparkle. Whenever Monica was excited about something she would become animated in her tone and gestures… something akin to a chattering monkey. Personally, he wouldn't consider himself a child person. Children weren't something he wanted. Well, it was really him being a father that wasn't his thing.
Yet, when Monica mentioned about him possibly meeting up with Ross and even Ben… Chandler did hesitate. Saying and doing were two different things, and while part of him wanted to see Ross, Chandler also didn't want to have that conversation that would rehash the past and pick apart why they hadn't stayed in touch. But then he reached the conclusion that if he did meet up with Ross, then it might also give Chandler a chance to spend time with Monica outside of work.
As friends.
He was cognizant of the fact that he and Monica were deliberately skirting the topic of the past themselves. Whether or not it would remain unsaid was hard to say, but if she wasn't going to say something… then he wouldn't either. But he was gladdened to learn that after all these years she had kept the truth about his parents to herself. He hadn't expected her to do that, especially when Ross was going through his divorce. If there was a time to reveal that nugget, then it would have been then.
Instead, she used what Chandler told her to help coach her brother through the emotions of grieving and accepting Carol's sexuality.
"I hope you don't mind. Ross has no clue it was you and it was the only reference I had."
No, he didn't mind. He was in awe of her, but then again, Monica was the one person who knew what to say or comfort those in need. She could use his life experience as a way to help people when he would only mess it up.
And it helped to know how sensitive the subject was about his parents. She waited when they were alone to ask him how things were with them.
Like he told her… Nora Bing was still Nora Bing. Though, her late-night show appearances often resulted in the reveal of humiliating stories about him. As he was an adult now, she had no qualms about really sharing those private degradations. She found them to be entertaining anecdotes for the audiences who ate them up. It was bad enough that she would write characters that were inspired by him, but then to talk about him without any warning… All Chandler could do was pray that no one would think it was him and that it was some other poor bastard named Chandler Bing.
"So, still not owning up to the fact she's your mom?" Monica had asked him.
"Not even if it's a nuclear holocaust and that knowledge would win me some canned goods," he quipped. "Or a spot in the bunker."
"I did see that one Jay Leno interview she did a few years back," she told him. "Did she really buy you your first condoms?"
"Some people would think 'what a cool, Mom!' but I was only twelve. I still thought girls had cooties and hoped the condoms would repel them. Little did I know that I would later have a self-fulfilling prophecy there."
"Oh no!" she groaned laughingly. "And your dad?"
Charles—well, Helena now—Bing had been and always was a touchy subject. His father kept his distance for the most part, but recently…
"He has tried to contact me. Even tried to meet up while he was in town, but I couldn't do it. The years haven't lessened the pain for me."
"Is he still in Vegas performing?"
Chandler nodded. "I suppose the plus side is that only his stage name is publicized. No one can associate us or find out we're related."
"Will you talk to him? Or see him the next time he's in New York?"
"I don't know. It's all 'Cat's in the Cradle' and I don't want to get into it. How's your mom?" he asked, turning the table on her.
Her exhale was telling. "The years hadn't changed that either. The disapproval continues. Why am I single? Why did you break up with Kip? Why can't you find a decent job? Your hair is too long, too short. Nothing I do is ever good!"
"First, ouch. Being my assistant is not a decent job? I'm paying you pretty good, aren't I? Okay, maybe not me personally. But the company is giving you a decent salary. Second, I like your hair," he told her. She blushed at the compliment, but there was something else she said that he couldn't resist. "And third, Kip? Were you dating a dog?"
Monica laughed. "You're not wrong. He lived across from me and I found out he cheated on me. I dumped him and then a month later he married her. At the time, my mom felt I must have done something for him to cheat and I should have fought to keep him."
"What?" he exclaimed. "That's… What!?"
"Yeah." She lifted her mug to drink her coffee. "Either way, I was wrong and the right thing for me to do was grin and bear it. He would see what a keeper I was and that would have been the end of the other woman, and I would get the ring."
Chandler gaped in his disbelief. As much as he complained about his parents, he knew they wouldn't want him to stay with a woman who cheated on him. "If it's any consolation, you did the right thing. You didn't deserve that."
"Thanks. And if it's any consolation, this has been a decent job. Probably the most decent job I had in a long time." They exchanged a smile as she coyly asked, "What about you?"
He got up to go to get another refill. While pouring, he said, "What about me? I think I made my feelings perfectly clear about work—"
"Not that," Monica said, shaking her head. "Relationships."
His mouth suddenly became dry. That was a can of worms he didn't want to open. What would she think about his constant single status? Or that he was incapable of keeping a woman around long enough before things could get serious? Or the thought of a serious relationship freaked him out because he didn't want to end up like his parents—hostile and nasty?
Chandler returned the coffee pot into the machine and reached for the creamer. Okay… this is a topic that friends talk about. Remember when you had them? It's normal. If Monica felt she could share with him, then he could do the same. He wanted progress and this was it! As he stirred the contents in his mug, Chandler didn't notice he was gripping the stirrer with a tight fist, the coffee swirling in its own whirlpool. Not when he was trying not to think about the other door that this could open, and he wasn't sure if he was ready to discuss that.
He glanced back at her as she patiently waited for him to respond. His heart was thudding loudly in his ears as he tried to think of a decent reply…
At that moment, some other people came into the break room, saving Chandler and giving him the excuse that they should head back. If Monica was disappointed he didn't answer her question, then she didn't show it.
Of course, he kept mulling over what would be a good comeback to her innocuous question. But it ended up being unnecessary. That was the last time the subject was brought up during their coffee breaks. Instead, they reserved that time to talk about other topics. Safer and less personal topics. Chandler couldn't decide if that was good or not. To be truthful, this new development between them was new and fragile. While they were friendly towards each other, even making each other laugh, there was still an underlying tension that hadn't been breached yet.
He couldn't confidently state that they were in friendship mode.
There were moments when it felt that they were heading in that direction, but then either Chandler or Monica or even both would make the unconscious decision to step away. Neither one was ready to take the leap, making it a mutual understanding they should refrain from further talk about those topics that were close to home for them. Even their parents—knowing the feelings that they had about their respective ones—they wouldn't bring up. Unless it was an inquiry about their health and well-being. That was acceptable. Anymore and it was pushing into the personal zone, blaring sirens and all.
Monica also stopped mentioning Ross. That did hurt but Chandler didn't press it. He was battling his own indecision on whether it was a good idea to meet up with his former college buddy… let alone crossing paths with him. So, Ross ended up falling into the category of sharing only what would be shared with an acquaintance.
It also didn't help with the reminder that they were colleagues now… furthermore, she was his assistant. Despite his desire to be reacquainted, he didn't want people to get the wrong impression. Maybe it was a cop out with that; using it as a feasible excuse not to get too close or to protect her from the office gossip. But deep down, he knew the real reason and he was taking the coward's way out.
For one, he still didn't know how Monica felt, and thinking back to her interview… he could tell it wasn't a decision she made lightly in walking through his door. He didn't fault her for that. If the roles were reversed, then he would feel exactly the same. Monica had every right to be guarded, and if she wanted their association to be on the professional level. Then… so be it.
Of course, Chandler should know better than to underestimate her.
Now, he was well aware that his position would put him in situations involving hard feelings from those beneath him. He strived to ensure no one on his team or supervision would feel less unlike other departments and their management. Treat people well and it will do wonders for productivity. Though there were times when Chandler had to pull rank on those who would have to work late or during the holidays. He tried to avoid that if he could or at least make it so everyone could leave early and still enjoy their evenings. Sometimes his best intentions would not pan out.
That was the nature of the beast with this company.
He wasn't naïve to think that everyone liked him. He was certain he was the least favorite of someone somewhere. When he inadvertently discovered that some of his department would do impressions of him… Well, he supposed it was the rite of passage in being the boss. After all, he had the done same years ago back in his little cubicle. But having the shoe on the other foot didn't feel good. People he called friends were making fun of the way he talked, the way he dressed, and the way he did things.
It stung.
Did they always feel that way? Or was it the promotion he got?
Eventually, he accepted this fact of life. Chandler even embraced it, giving them material to mock him over. It was a dog-eat-dog world and to survive… Chandler had to learn not to take it personally. He was able to do that for the most part, although there were times when he hated being the boss. He wasn't always invited to drinks after work or parties.
Did it bother him? Yeah, sometimes.
And those kiss ass types were more of an annoyance. He had thought it would be cool to have someone bending over backwards to please him, but in reality, they were needy and a nuisance. One time (just for the hell of it and half-jokingly) Chandler asked a yes man to hop on one leg and to bark. He figured the man would get the Coming to America joke, but to his bewilderment, the man did it. Chandler immediately had him stop because there was no way he wanted to be reprimanded by human resources.
Suffice to say, Chandler did his utmost to keep the yes men out of his department.
So, when he had been strolling back to his office after a meeting, he came to an abrupt stop upon hearing Monica who sounded like she was in a heated mid-scolding.
"—been here long enough to know that out of all these VPs and managers and whatever that Chandler Bing is the better of them all! Yet you find ridiculing him cruelly as fun?! I'm sorry but I refuse to be part of—"
"Look, Monica it's not as bad as you're making it. It's harmless and what Mr. Bing doesn't know… won't hurt him."
Howie, Chandler thought, recognizing that voice and wincing at the last name usage. He had been one of Chandler's work buddies from his cubicle days. When Chandler was promoted, he was able to handpick who he wanted on his team and Howie had been one of his first picks. Chandler hadn't known that he participated in the Bing mocking. Then he heard the next voice—another shocking surprise.
"We've known him for years. He loves a good joke, and this is more of a nod to that," explained Carla. "All the newbies do a Bing impression as a welcome to the team."
Another survivor of the cubicle days and who Chandler had chosen to move up. Et tu? He thought bitterly. Then his brows lifted. They were welcoming Monica?! Okay, the method was unorthodox, but it meant they saw her as one of them. This was excellent! She was fitting in. She was…
Oh, no. No no no no no.
Fitting in could lead to a permanent stay and that was not what he wanted for her. That had been part of his unofficial condition when he hired Monica. She was still to keep applying to restaurant jobs and even allowed her to use company time to do it.
He could be jumping to conclusions. This could just be a chance for her to make friends. To have other people to talk to than him. If he were to make himself known, then he could ruin it for her.
Could he do that?
xXx
"I don't have a lot of friends."
"Who cares? You have me as a friend. What more could you want?"
Monica rolled her eyes and playfully punched Chandler's arm. "You're a dork."
Ever since Thanksgiving, Chandler and Monica became friends… a bond born from mutual understanding and the predilection for a late-night milk cap. He ended up enjoying himself a lot more than he thought he would. Of course, the same couldn't have been said for Ross, but Chandler told his roommate he had a cool family.
"I wouldn't be opposed to visiting again," Chandler told him on the drive back to campus.
"Really? Even though my mom wasn't thrilled you wouldn't eat what she made?"
Chandler shrugged. "Better than what my own mother would have done."
"Okay. Oh, and dude… sorry about my sister. She means well but can be too much. I should have warned you."
"What? No, no. Your sister isn't bad. She's actually… nice."
Ross arched a brow. "She didn't bother you?"
He shook his head. A smile tugged at Ross's face. "She might be my little sister, but I know how rough it can be for her. She's only ever had one friend and that's Rachel. If you can be one for her, then there's someone else to look out for her."
Despite the sibling rivalry, Chandler learned Ross did care a lot about Monica's feelings. His roommate might have been asking him to befriend her, but Chandler didn't need to be asked.
The next time he saw Monica was a couple of weeks later for Hanukkah. Ross and Monica were half-Jewish and while they didn't exactly follow all the traditions and customs… they did follow the Festival of Lights. Chandler wanted to stay through Christmas but as his parents missed Thanksgiving with him, he was going to have to go to his mother's (well, it was a fair trade in the end). On the other hand, Mrs. Geller was far more polite to him when she found out his disdain for holiday food didn't extend to this one. Though, there was one dish that stood out.
Macaroni and cheese with a crispy breadcrumb topping.
He reached for that bowl first and caught an elated Monica in response. Chandler couldn't remember the last time someone did a gesture like this for him. He just hoped she liked the gift he got for her, especially since he had to pull some strings (and visiting his mother was a fair trade).
Chandler waited until his last night with the Gellers to give it to Monica. He waited until Ross fell asleep and hoped that she would be awake as well. He grabbed the present that he had stashed in his suitcase and went downstairs. To his relief, she was in the kitchen and had just finished making her milk concoction. As it was the holidays, she added a little nutmeg to the mixture.
He couldn't resist the tiny grin when Monica inhaled sharply as he handed the gift bag to her.
"It's not much but just a thank you. I hope you like it," he told her, then lowered his eyes, feeling suddenly bashful. Did he overstep? No, it was stupid. He should just take it back and tell her to forget it, but Monica was already pulling out the tissue paper. Her mouth formed an "o" as she lifted the Mastering the Art of French Cooking by Julia Child.
"Chandler…" she trailed off, her voice cracking.
"You said you wanted to go to France, and I know this isn't the same thing. I'm only a poor college student. But since you want to be a chef… you're going to need to have the right tools. I hope that's okay."
Monica stared at him. "Okay? Okay!? This is—Oh, my God! Thank you, Chandler!" She threw her arms over his neck to hug him tight.
He choked as the cookbook also whacked him hard between the shoulder blades. But he did return the embrace with a gentle tap on her back. Sheepishly, Monica released him, a rosy hue on the apples of her cheeks from her exuberance.
"I hate to see what you would do if you didn't like it!" Chandler joked. Later, when Nora Bing asked him how his friend liked the cookbook she had expedited. He knew she would interrogate him, and he was ready for it. He told her that Ross was appreciative that she was able to help him on his sister's behalf.
The white lie did work based on Nora's crestfallen countenance. Chandler wasn't a fool. The last thing he was going to admit to his romance novelist mother was that the book was a gift from him. After all, she was going to get the wrong idea and God helped him if it somehow became inspiration for her.
No, thank you.
Besides, his friendship with Monica was different than what he had with her brother. And she was young, and he didn't want his mother to twist their connection into something that it wasn't.
Their friendship was further cemented with her telephone calls to Ross. Whenever her brother wasn't available, Chandler would talk to her. It was natural how they didn't seem to run out of things to talk about. Yes, their mothers were often featured with Monica needing a soundboard more than anything. Mrs. Geller wasn't thrilled when Monica told her parents she was looking at culinary schools after graduation. At least Mr. Geller was a little more supportive and looking forward to free upscale meals. They talked about their classes, Ross (they had a bet on how long he would ditch the afro for good), and anything else under the sun.
He found her to be smart, witty, and funny. And she gave him an endless supply of fodder to mess with his roommate.
When Ross mentioned that Monica was going to be visiting, Chandler didn't mind in the slightest. Although he did get suspicious when his roommate was really chipper and a little too enthusiastic about the upcoming weekend visit. He didn't think Ross would be that excited about his sister coming until he found out that Monica wasn't going to be alone… her best friend Rachel Greene was coming too.
Chandler thought Ross's crush was over since he was showing interest in the girls on campus after Rachel had gotten back with her boyfriend. Maybe he was keeping his options open? Frankly, Chandler believed Ross should move on. He doubted a couple of months would make a difference for the high school senior. At least not based on what Monica had told him. Rachel could have her pick of any guy at Lincoln High, and they were jocks. Ross didn't stand a chance.
But on campus? Well, Missy Goldberg was off-limits. There was that blonde chick from their composition class. What was her name? Cailyn? Camilla? Caroline? Carol? Anyways, Ross would do better to pick a girl he might actually score with and not a fantasy.
As for Chandler and his own love life… it was mostly lack thereof. He did have a consistent track record of rejections and figured he might keep it going for the world record.
"Wait, what?" Chandler asked Ross, unsure he heard him correctly.
"Swap beds. That way Rachel can sleep in mine and—and Monica will sleep in yours—"
Chandler just gaped in disbelief at him. "Don't you think your sister should be using… I don't know her brother's bed?"
"No, no. They will only think that! We'll just say your bed is mine and—"
"You want to trick them?" Chandler exclaimed incredulously.
"When you put it like that…"
"Dude. You have got to stop this obsession with your sister's friend. It's not good. She's not interested. Take the hint."
Ross sank on his bed, sighing forlornly. "I know… but this could be my only chance to sleep with Rachel and not actually sleep with her."
Chandler's expression was more comical now that he had to walk out of their room before he would say something regretful. He couldn't believe what Ross was suggesting. He just hoped that he would never get hung up with a woman or get so desperate to resort to manipulative measures. If Rachel wasn't interested, then Ross needed to cut his losses.
He was walking out of the dormitory when he caught sight of their guests approaching. Rachel wasn't looking ahead—her face was whipping every which at the boys around. This made him roll his eyes. And that was the girl his friend was in love with… wandering eyes and a short attention span.
Maybe they deserve each other, he thought. He then looked over at Monica as a comforting warmth spread in his chest. The brunette was beaming happily, and he felt himself returning her smile. He could see the cookbook peeking out of her bag and his grin widened. She had asked if she could use the dorm kitchen to make them all dinner. A home cooked meal? Like they would turn it down.
Chandler helped the girls into their room and was relieved when Ross told Monica she was sleeping in his (actual) bed. Common sense prevailed! When Rachel learned she had Chandler's, she expressed her gratitude as best as she could with false cheerfulness and her nose crinkling. Ross and Chandler were going to take turns sleeping in the futon in the living space while the other used a sleeping bag.
It didn't take long for the girls to get settled in, and Monica wanted to see the kitchen. She had purchased the ingredients to make Bitokes à la Russe (hamburgers with cream sauce). Her eagerness was infectious, and his stomach was already grumbling in anticipation. Yet, Rachel wanted to explore the campus.
"C'mon, Mon! This is an actual college campus! You see one kitchen; you see them all! Let's check it out!"
Monica's features started to falter as Ross's lit up. "I can show you around Rachel," he said. "You wouldn't mind Chandler? You can show Monica the kitchen."
Was there a choice? Chandler could only hope that this wasn't how the weekend was going to go where Ross would fob his sister off and monopolize her friend. Though a quick glimpse at the younger Geller and she didn't seem surprised at her brother's proposition. She told him once that Ross had tunnel vision when it came to Rachel, and she wasn't kidding.
So, they paired off and Chandler took Monica to the common kitchen for her to make dinner.
It wasn't anything to brag about. The microwave saw more action than the oven and stove.
"When was the last time this was cleaned?!" Monica was horrified to see the condition of the appliances. Chandler looked over her shoulder and shuddered at the weeks old stains splashed on the counter and stovetop. The microwave was caked with whatever poor food was massacred in it.
"Going to say… never."
Monica made a disgusted sound. "This needs to be cleaned before I can start cooking. Where are the cleaning supplies?"
He looked at her like she was jesting. "Um… yeah, I'm the wrong person to be asking…"
She narrowed her eyes. "Boys. I bet you didn't even notice."
He gave her a half-hearted shrug.
"It's a good thing I packed some. I'll be right back." She scurried out of the kitchen to go to their room. A few minutes later she returned and armed herself with a rag and a spray bottle. Chandler didn't think she was serious and just gawked as she set about judiciously spraying the area and letting it soak before scrubbing it.
"Did you really bring cleaning supplies? Who does that?" he muttered, then glared when she threw an extra rag at him.
"Don't stand there, mister. Help me," Monica demanded.
Holding the rag against his chest, Chandler scowled at it and then reluctantly shuffled over to help. "No one said there would be chores."
"Quit whining. You're going to get a delicious dinner and it will be worth it."
He did want that dinner. Resigned, Chandler helped her as they removed the stains. It wasn't exactly spotless, but it was a lot better looking than it was. Monica still cringed at the years old stains until he reminded her that this was a college kitchen and to keep her expectations low.
She grumbled but rolled up her sleeves and went to work on making the French dish.
I need to add bossy to the list, he thought as he sat down to watch her. While she cooked, they talked. Monica was in the middle of telling Chandler about her choices for school the next year when they heard a group coming in. He glanced over, his posture straightening, seeing it was Missy and her friends Paula, Rick, and Craig. Despite his pact with Ross, Chandler didn't want to look like a fool in front of Missy. Yet, it was Monica's reaction that gave him pause.
She wasn't looking at Chandler, but she was blatantly staring at Rick. His frown turned into a scowl. Should he get upset that there wasn't a single girl that wasn't immune to Rick Asher?
He had to scoff. Not only did the guy have a pretentious name but also, he was a douche. What with the long blonde hair, piercing green eyes, chiseled chin, and bronze skin… He was the heartthrob on campus. Rick knew that and had a new girl around him each week. This week it was Paula, but he wondered how long it would be for Missy's turn.
Knowing this, Chandler's scowl deepened. He hated Rick. He was perfect and could get a date with very little effort. Stupid, handsome face. The only blessing was that Rick had nothing going on upstairs. Sure, Chandler could get how Rick might have piqued Monica's interest, but she would see how shallow he was and forget him. Though it seemed she was forgetting something else.
"Um, Mon? The burgers?" Chandler said, snapping her focus to the meat patties searing in the pan. Monica flipped them to keep it from burning. This earned some muffled laughter from the newly arrived group.
"See you have a hot date, Bing," Craig chortled.
Monica turned on her heel. "No! He's my brother's roommate. I'm visiting."
"Answer faster," Chandler murmured under his breath.
"How… cute," Paula said, smirking. Even Rick's lips curled.
At first, Chandler didn't think anything of it. They each took a soda out of the refrigerator and left without another word to the two people in the room. He was going to make a crack about the group's synchronization when he saw that Monica hadn't moved as she stared at the closed door. Her cheeks were stained in a pink blush, and she was once again neglecting the food she was preparing.
At her house she had watched the milk like a hawk when making their late-night drink. The fact that Monica became easily distracted and by a pretty face no less.
He coughed to get her attention. "Oh!" She resumed her task, but lost interest in continuing their conversation. Not that Chandler had a chance to ask her what schools she was looking at. Ross and Rachel came in and she made a beeline to her friend to tell her what she had seen on her tour. Ross slid in the chair next to him and impatiently elbowed him.
Chandler glared at him. "What?"
"It was awesome!" Ross told him, his dark eyes fervently shining. "I just spent the best hour of my life taking her around."
Chandler pressed his lips together firmly as his friend launched into a retelling of the campus tour. He quickly got the impression that Ross saw it as a date, but a quick check in from the girls talking seemed otherwise. Rachel was currently telling Monica about all the cute college boys she saw. Clearly, the campus tour was a completely different experience for both.
At least he didn't have to hear any more of the unrequited, one-sided story. Monica finished and presented their dinner with a flourish. Pride evidently stamped on her face as she explained in a zealous tone what she made. Chandler knew he was drooling, and Ross looked quite impressed with his sister. However, Rachel patted her hand gently.
"Mon, I'm sorry but I'm on a diet. I can't eat this."
Monica flinched. "Oh. I thought you were okay with…"
"I misunderstood what you said. That's all right. Enjoy it. It really smells delicious, and I bet it tastes just as good. I'll grab something at the cafeteria."
Then Ross jumped up. "I'll go with you. You'll need a pass." He moved to give Monica a one arm hug. "It does look great, Mon. You have to make it again."
And like that… Ross and Rachel were gone, leaving them alone once more. Monica slowly sat in her seat, her expression completely dejected, and Chandler couldn't believe the nerve of her supposed brother and best friend. Not wanting her to stay upset, he took an extra helping. "More for us then. Quick, let's devour this before they change their minds."
That did make her lips twitch, but the sadness still glimmered in her blue eyes.
Nevertheless, Ross and Rachel missed out on a fantastic meal. It was divine and Chandler told her that she had a knack for this French cooking.
"They're fools for trading this for some crappy dinner at the caf."
"Thank you."
"No, really." He chose his next words carefully. "Why are you friends with Rachel?" Okay, not careful. More of a blunt inquiry. She looked taken aback.
"Rachel is my oldest friend. We've known each other since six-years-old."
"Sorry but I can't believe a friend as long as that would walk out just like that."
Her eyes dropped and she worried her bottom lip. "I don't have a lot of friends." With that utterance, Monica gazed at him, and he could see the vulnerability in her. All he knew was that he wanted to get rid of that look on her.
"Who cares? You have me as a friend. What more could you want?"
It did the trick. Monica rolled her eyes and playfully punched his arm. "You're a dork."
"Ah but a dork that is your friend," he clarified.
Something that he would prove the next evening.
The dorm was throwing a mixer in the common room. Naturally, the girls wanted to go to their first college party. After promising they would not accept any drink other than from Ross and Chandler, they got ready and went downstairs.
Music was pulsing through the walls and there were people everywhere. It didn't take long for Rachel to drag Monica into the dancing fray. Chandler stuffed his hands into his pockets and exhaled. He knew he shouldn't worry. If Ross wasn't, then he had no reason. The girls were having fun on the dance floor and letting loose.
Bobbing his head to the beat, Chandler's arm was suddenly pulled as Ross took him to the other side of the room. Since last night, his friend didn't have a chance to tell him what happened after they bailed on Monica's dinner. Chandler didn't care what he had to say. He was still miffed on Monica's behalf on how Ross treated her and told him that wasn't cool.
Ross waved it off. "I know my sister. She'll get over it. Now…"
Apparently, karma had its fun after all. The spontaneous dinner plan didn't go according to plan. Rachel was swarmed with other guys, and she spent it flirting and ignoring Ross. If that wasn't a sign… yet Ross was stubbornly determined to get her to notice him. He wouldn't stop and he had another plan.
"You want me to distract your sister?"
"Yes. Get Monica away and I can dance with Rachel. And if you can keep Monica busy, then I can have more time with Rachel and I can win her over! Maybe get a kiss!"
He's lost it. He's delusional. "I'm not doing this. You need to get over—"
"Chandler, I know you gave that cookbook to my sister. She told my parents it was from Rachel, but that was too thoughtful. I don't know what happened or how you knew that she wanted it or why, but she likes you."
A wave of anger flitted through Chandler. "I gave it to her because I was thanking her for the hospitality at your house." There was literally no way he was going to admit to their late-night conversations over warm milk. "I'm not gonna mess with her. That's not fair."
Ross had the decency to look appalled at the insinuation. "Of course not! I'm not asking you to do that. Just be her friend."
"Nope. Not happening. Forget it." Chandler refused to continue this madness, this obsession, and walked away. He wasn't going to treat Monica like she was a burden or an obstacle. She deserved better than… hold it. She likes me?! Like a friend? Or like like? And oh, dear God this was not elementary school.
Admittingly, she knew things about him that no one else did. And she returned the favor by sharing some of her own secrets. But Chandler knew better than to give false hope or imply something that didn't exist. However, he couldn't stop his gaze from drifting towards her.
Her face was flushed, her eyes bright, and she bore the biggest smile ever. She kept in time with the beat of the fast song and did stop to catch her breath. Though when she did, she was raising a red plastic cup to her lips.
This gave him a start and he pulled his hands out of his pocket.
Chandler couldn't recall Monica or Rachel leaving the dance floor for drinks, and he knew he didn't get it for them. He looked around for Ross, but of all times, he couldn't see his roommate's afro cut.
Sighing, Chandler headed towards the girls, but was blocked by some partygoers. He rose up on his toes to keep an eye on the teens when he noticed Rachel whispering in Monica's ear. She was nudging her friend, and her head was tilted in his direction.
Ross's words echoed in his mind: she likes you she likes you she likes you. Chandler was at a loss on what to do or how to feel. He liked Monica, sure. What wasn't there to like about her? But the thought never crossed his mind that "like" could be more. She was Ross's little sister for Pete's sake! She was still in high school! It didn't matter that there was only a one-year difference in their ages. Chandler felt the gap was much greater than that.
He felt his heart rate skyrocket. Oh, my God… did she think the cookbook I gave her meant something more? Even worse, he could almost hear his mother's voice in his head already narrating how the sweet, pure maiden was going to approach the love interest (the unlikely hero) to confess her love for him at the party where it would culminate into the hurried movements to the nearest room where a bed would be conveniently there, and their burning loins will push them to consummate as quickly…
What the Hell am I thinking? This is not my mother's book and unlikely hero? Me?!
The rest of his thoughts were choked off as Monica was now fully turned towards him. If he were honest… Monica did look like a vision of innocence with her dark curls tousled and the tan turtleneck and brown patterned skirt along with the silver bracelets clasped on both wrists and the chain belt around her middle. Her makeup wasn't overdone like some of the other girls but a simple application with only eyeliner, lip gloss, and blush. And her blush glowed more with the exertion of dancing under the warm lights. Yet it was the radiance of her eyes glistening, the blue dazzling like sapphires, that rendered Chandler motionless and helpless.
Then she moved. Towards him.
Chandler felt a brief moment of panic. Did his breath smell? His arm pits? Should he roll up his sleeves or not? What was he thinking!? This was Monica! His friend and Ross's sister. He shouldn't be thinking about anything other than platonic thoughts. And certainly not what flavor the glossy shine on her lips might be.
She was getting closer!
Chandler continued his mental freak out, trying to figure out what he should say and do… when she moved past him.
He blinked, unsure what had just happened. Did Monica not see him? Chandler twisted his head to follow her and a feeling he couldn't exactly explain filled him as she walked over to who else? Rick Asher.
It was then he realized that Rachel hadn't been whispering or gesturing at him to Monica. But Rick Asher! That was a relief, right? He had overreacted over nothing. Ross was wrong. Monica didn't like him. He probably just said it to him in the hopes that Chandler would go along with his inane plan, taking pity and pretending for the sake of her feelings. Chandler didn't know if he should be more pissed at Ross for lying or getting him riled up over a nonexistent crush.
But then he watched as Monica quickly swallowed the rest of her drink and partially stumbled as she stood directly in front of Rick. It wasn't Chandler's business to get involved. Monica wasn't his sister. She wasn't his anything… well, he was her friend. They established that yesterday when he declared himself to be her friend. It hadn't been said before that moment, but Chandler meant it then and he still meant it now. He didn't have to be a genius to guess what was in her cup, and especially after Ross and he laid out the ground rules for the night about taking drinks.
First things first. He had to get to her before Rick took notice and then he would tackle the drink debacle. He saw Rachel with a plastic cup too, so he'll deal with her as well.
Chandler began pushing other students aside, even coming in-between a couple making out, in order to get to his friend. It was then he heard the tail-end of that discussion.
Fat.
Both Rick and Paula were laughing at her. Like Rick would want to dance with someone like her.
Monica stood there completely rigid in the throng of the lively party around her.
For a second, Chandler didn't know what to do. Where was Ross when I damn needed him?! Until it hit him. She needed a big brother.
"Yo! Rick, Paula!" Chandler said loudly, standing next to Monica. From the corner of his eye, he could see the strained pull of her lips as her eyes welled up with tears. Her nose slightly quivered as she was using every ounce of strength to keep those tears from spilling out.
"What Bing?" Rick sighed in agitation.
"That is royally fucked up that you insulted her for no reason. If anything, she was doing you a favor to ask to dance."
"What the Hell are you talking about?" Paula sneered.
Chandler smirked. "The facts of life. You see, you two are the hot shit now. But we all know that in a matter of years, Rick will get that beer belly and go bald. You—Paula—will be constantly chasing ways to stay young and probably make some questionable choices. But Monica here? She will be the hot one with everything you ever wanted. Oh, and I almost forgot… Paula, you'll be the one who will end up fat."
He had no idea what possessed him to say those things, but Chandler never felt more gratified to see how Paula suddenly paled as her hands touched her stomach (no doubt imagining that horror of a future) while Rick brushed his hair with his fingers (possibly counting the strands).
Yet Chandler's smugness didn't last long. Rick seized his shirt and yanked him closer.
"You think you're so funny, huh, Bing?" Rick spat. "How's this for funny?" His right arm pulled back and Chandler braced himself for the blow to follow when Rick's grip on his shirt loosened and he heard a whimper.
Opening one eye, Chandler couldn't believe what he saw as his twin also opened to stare in bafflement. The fist that Rick was going to punch him was now suspended in the air with Rick's face changing colors. Even Paula was stupefied! He angled his head to see why and there was Monica… Her unshed tears were replaced with a steely glint, her nostrils flaring, as she clutched Rick's arm. The tremor running through the college pretty boy was due to the restraint that this seventeen-year-old girl was holding him back.
"Let him go," she growled. "Or everyone will see how weak you are compared to this fat girl."
Chandler held his breath as Rick finally released him. His hand started rubbing the spot where Rick had grabbed him as Monica shoved the other boy away.
They got the attention of a few bystanders, but it seemed everyone was more perplexed than anything.
"Freaks," muttered Rick, massaging his arm and walking away with Paula hot on his heels.
That broke the air of tension as Chandler turned to check on Monica. "You all right?" he asked her softly. Monica blinked at him as if in a daze and he chuckled. "That was awesome by the way."
That earned him a small grin. "I'm freakishly strong. I'm—I'm also on my high school's wrestling team."
"Seriously?" he said excitedly. "I would so pay to see you take on Rick again."
Monica's face reddened as she nervously ran a hand through her hair. "You didn't have to do that, Chandler."
"Do what? You took care of him all on your own. I was… the damsel as backup." His lips quirked. "I should be thanking you for saving my face."
Monica's shoulders lifted while her eyes still wouldn't meet his. "I-I couldn't let him punch you."
"I really didn't what to get punched."
That had her raising her gaze to him as they shared a smile. Then, she asked, "Chandler, did you mean what you said?"
"Every word," he said. "Everyone knows the hot and pretty ones will lose their looks." Bending closer to her ear, he added, "You will be a heartbreaker, Monica. Just don't forget the little guy."
Monica chuckled. "Fat chance of that happening."
Grinning out of the side of his mouth, he nodded to the dance floor. "How about a dance?"
Her entire countenance lit up. "Really? You won't mind dancing with someone like me?"
"The girl who saved my life? Are you kidding? That is if you don't mind dancing with me. Not to brag but I have some killer dance moves. Might be hard to keep up."
Her blue eyes flashed at the challenge. "You're on Chandler Bing."
xXx
It might not have been a college mixer now, but Chandler couldn't jeopardize Monica's chance here. He appreciated that she defended him as she did, but that was who she was. Monica Geller was going to stand up for those who need it because she had been in that spot for most of her young life. At the same time, he also remembered that she also had an insatiable need to please people, to be liked. When her best friend wouldn't eat the dinner she made in the dorm, Monica wouldn't confront her or tell her how it had hurt her feelings. Her brother was a different story.
But if she wanted the rest of the staff here to like her… Monica might be willing to put aside any misgivings to be accepted. She didn't owe him a damn thing, and if she had felt indebted… he would say she had repaid him already.
He could only hope that her impression of him would be a kind one and one that would be justice enough.
"Then you outta need to rethink your welcoming committee. I get not liking your boss and want to vent outside of work, but this is ridiculously childish. I know Chandler wouldn't find this funny. Not even close. And if you think you're right, then you clearly do not know Chandler Bing at all."
That's… unexpected.
"Hey, we're sorry we asked. We just thought—"
"Yeah, well, you thought wrong, Howard," Monica retorted.
"I guess we didn't realize you knew the boss that well," Carla remarked.
"It was a long time ago. He was there for me when I needed it the most. It's the least I can do for my friend."
Friend.
She did see him as a friend still. Chandler didn't bother listening anymore. He was busy waving his arms in the air and shaking his hips.
Screw what the others thought. He and Monica were friends again.
TBC…