𐙚⋆.˚₊ 𝘚𝘜𝘔𝘔𝘈𝘙𝘠: The one where everyone gets to know the mysterious girl who actually became Joey’s girlfriend.
𐙚⋆.˚₊ 𝘈/𝘕: Absolutely glad to do this, I LOVE Joey SM and I've been wanting to write for him since a while! Hope you will like this!!
You and Joey have been dating for months so far and it turned into a real thing. You often hang out together whenever you could and you loved spending time with him. You could tell he had a unique personality, which you adored, he always made you laugh and did his best to see you happy.
His friends didn't know about it but you guys decided to finally tell them. You’ve been wanting meet them since the start, he always talked about them and you thought they must be really nice. The only reason he waited to tell them was that he didn't want them to interfere, after all they knew him very well, like they knew his reputation with girls.
Joey was making his way to the Central perk, the others were already waiting for him and he had called you earlier to organize the meeting with everyone. You got some time for yourself to get ready before reaching him and his friends.
When Joey arrived a stupid smile was lighting his face as he hummed some songs in his mind. “Well, hello” he sat down on his usual armchair.
“Did you just come out from a fairytail?” Chandler asked with his usual tone, as everyone looked at him. Monica and Rachel definitely suspected something.
“Aw, did you find a princess?” added Phoebe.
“Just be patient” that’s all Joey replied without adding any other detail.
“That wouldn’t make sense. It’s like Ross having a healthy marriage” Chandler said, earning a pat on the arm from Monica as she chuckled softly. Ross almost chocked on his coffee.
“For the record, I am a young and smart man, my time and chances are not over yet” he replied in his defence, the others laughed.
“Very funny” Joey said. “But yes, there’s someone” he smiled.
“You dated the same girl after the first night??” Monica asked, a hint of shock in her voice.
“Who are you and what did you do to Joey Tribbiani?” Chandler pointed him.
“Guys please” Joey said, being even too serious for himself. He just cared a lot about this, he wanted it to be perfect. “She’ll be here in a few minutes”
“Oh, so we get to meet her!” Phoebe said excited.
After this last line you entered into the little place, looking around to find him. Joey’s attention completely shifted to you as soon as he saw you, he got up and walked towards you.
“Hey” he wrapped his arms around your waist and greeted you with a soft kiss.
“Hi” you kissed him back.
Everyone else just looked at you two quite surprised.
“So she’s real” Rachel said.
“And she’s pretty” Ross added.
“If you wanted to propose to her you’re too late unfortunately” Chandler teased him again as Ross gave him a dead serious side eye. When they saw you were approaching everyone stopped talking.
“Guys, she’s Y/n” Joey introduced you. “My girlfriend” you smiled at him, then focused on his friends.
“Hello, nice to meet you!” you kindly said. “I heard a lot about you” Joey came back to his armchair, making you sit on his legs and holding you by your waist.
“So you were the reason of my lack of sleep” Chandler said sarcastically, hoping you wouldn’t get annoyed at it.
“And you must be Chandler” you laughed softly. Afyer a while, everyone else then introduced to you.
“Well, welcome” Monica said. “How long have you two been... a thing?”
“A few months” you said smiling. They had to hide the shock in their faces.
“Best months of my life” Joey said softly and kissed your cheek. They genuinely thought you were so cute and were just happy for you.
“I’d say we absolutely have to celebrate this new reality” Chandler suggested. The same evening they all invited you at Monica’s place to have dinner together.
You were so glad that everyone in the group seemed to like you. You also loved all of them and as you spent more and more time together it just felt right. You found something in Joey that no one else could ever give you. You could be yourself anytime and feel loved at the same way, your happiness was so pure it was like you had never really experienced it until now. You loved that man unconditionally.
chandler bing x reader | suggestive content | slow burn
Summary: You offer Chandler some incentive to quit smoking-- and then you follow through
a/n: based on season 1 episode 3, the one with the thumb!
masterlist
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March 20th, 1994
You were curled up in the armchair beside the orange couch, sipping lukewarm coffee and flipping through a zine you’d grabbed at that record store near campus. Monica, Phoebe, Ross, and Joey were spread out across the couch, half-listening to Rachel ramble behind the counter about something a customer had done earlier that day.
It was peaceful. Calm.
Until you caught a faint whiff of smoke.
Your eyes narrowed. You looked up-- just in time to see Chandler casually lighting a cigarette.
Monica shot up from the couch like she’d been electrocuted. “Oh my God, Chandler!”
“Seriously?” Joey said, recoiling like someone had just waved a fart in his face.
“Put that out,” Ross barked, waving a hand in front of his nose. “You’re not even supposed to smoke in here!”
“Ugh!” Phoebe fanned the air dramatically. “Chandler, come on. You’re gonna get cancer, and then we’ll all feel like jerks for yelling at your urn.”
Chandler rolled his eyes and took a drag. “Wow. Judgment and a guilt trip. You guys should start a band.”
“Oh my god,” Monica groaned again, waving toward the window. “Go outside!”
“Hey, this is so unfair!” Chandler protested, gesturing with the cigarette like it was on his side.
“Oh yeah?” you said, finally lowering your zine with a look. “What’s unfair--lung privileges?”
“No! I have one flaw, and suddenly I’m public enemy number one? Meanwhile, Joey cracks his knuckles every five seconds like he’s trying to summon Captain Planet--”
“Hey!” Joey protested again.
“--and Ross,” Chandler went on, “acts like he’s narrating a PBS documentary every time he talks.”
Ross sat up straighter. “I articulate. It’s called having a command of the English language.”
“And Monica,” Chandler added with a flourish, “has that weird little snort when she laughs. Like a piglet getting tickled.”
“I do not snort,” Monica said indignantly.
"You totally do,” you muttered into your mug.
“Oh, and you,” Chandler turned to you, finger pointed. “With your whole ‘I’m better than everyone because I know the exact day every Bowie album dropped’ superiority thing. And that weird food ritual where you never finish your plate. You eat 85% of a sandwich and then abandon it like it said something offensive.”
You narrowed your eyes. “I don’t have to explain my sandwich habits to a man who smokes indoors."
“God forbid someone smoke a single cigarette around Miss Precision Sandwich Eater of 1994.”
“Say that again when you’re hacking up a lung in your thirties,” you shot back. “We’ll see who wins then.”
there's a pause.
“…So, does the knuckle cracking actually bother everybody?” Joey asked, eyebrows raised.
Ross looked slightly guilty. “Well… I could live without it.”
“Okay but is it, like, ‘quirky habit’ annoying,” Joey pressed, “or like… Phoebe chewing her hair annoying?”
Phoebe blinked, mid-chew, and immediately pulled her hair out of her mouth.
“Don’t listen to him, Pheebs,” Ross said gently. “I think it’s endearing.”
Joey turned to him, mockingly sincere. “Ohhh, you do, do you?”
Monica snorted--actually snorted--and immediately covered her mouth, eyes wide.
Chandler just grinned. “There it is.”
“There’s nothing wrong with enunciating,” Ross said stiffly, crossing his arms.
“Indeed there isn't.” Rachel imitated Ross from behind the couch, then glanced at the espresso machine. “I should really get back to work.”
“Yeah,” Phoebe muttered, “before someone accidentally gets what they actually ordered.”
“Oh-ho-HO. The hair comes out and the gloves go on,” Rachel snapped.
The entire room descended into chaotic, overlapping bickering.
You got pulled into it-- snarking and sparring like it was second nature. You accused Monica of weaponizing passive aggression. Joey said you were just bitter because you were always cold. Ross tried to quote Latin. Phoebe said she liked your 80% sandwich thing. Rachel asked what a Bowie was, earning herself a death glare from you.
And somewhere in all that noise, Chandler was gone.
You scanned the room, eyebrows pinching. The door was still swinging slightly on its hinge.
That bastard.
You sighed, stood up, and slung your cardigan tighter around your shoulders as you made for the door.
“Where are you going?” Rachel asked, coffee mug in hand.
You didn’t look back. “To go kill the Marlboro Man.”
And just like that, you disappeared after him, zine abandoned, door shut behind you.
You caught him halfway down the sidewalk, leaned casually against the window, cigarette hanging from the corner of his mouth like he was trying out for a 1940s heist film.
“Smooth escape,” you said, approaching him.
He glanced at you sideways, amused. “Thank you. That was my own version of smoke and mirrors.”
“Clever.” You folded your arms. “So what’s it gonna take to get you to quit?”
He puffed once. “Oh, don’t worry. I’ve already had five guilt trips, three lectures, and a surprise intervention this week. None of it worked.”
You shrugged. “Alright. What if I sweeten the deal?”
Chandler raised a brow. “I’m listening.”
“If you go a full week without smoking…” You tapped your chin. “I’ll buy you that vintage Batman comic you’ve been hunting for. The one with the misprint cover.”
His eyes lit up slightly-- then narrowed. “Tempting. But not tempting enough.”
You nodded slowly. “Fine. I’ll throw in those black licorice things you like that taste like regret and despair.”
Chandler took another drag. “Closer.”
You stepped in, lowering your voice just enough that only he could hear it. “If you can go one week without a cigarette, Chandler… I’ll show you my boobs.”
He froze.
The cigarette fell from his fingers and hit the sidewalk with a tiny hiss.
“…A week, you said?”
You smirked. "I'll even provide the nicotine patches."
He looked genuinely conflicted for a second-- then sighed dramatically and stomped out the cigarette.
“Fine. For the sake of my lungs… and your very generous offer-- I accept.”
You beamed. “See? Bribery works better than judgment.”
Chandler shook his head with a crooked smile. “God, you’re dangerous.”
You leaned in, already walking backward toward the coffeehouse. “Only when properly motivated.”
He watched you go, stuffing his hands in his coat pockets, trying not to look too smug-- or too flustered.
March 24th, 1994
Chandler looked like a man on the edge.
He sat on the couch with a cup of coffee (his fifth), hunched over and twitchy, leg bouncing like a nervous rabbit. You were sitting on the floor in front of him, sipping iced tea and pretending not to notice how he’d muttered “kill me” under his breath at least twice in the past ten minutes.
Joey leaned back in the chair beside the couch, squinting at Chandler with cautious admiration. “Dude… not to jinx it, but… this is, what, day four?”
“Day four and seventeen hours,” Chandler said, rubbing his face. “Not that I’m counting. But also I definitely am.”
Monica walked over with two fresh mugs. “I’m honestly impressed. I didn’t think you’d last this long.”
Phoebe nodded. “Yeah! You’re usually all talk and zero follow-through. It’s very inspiring.”
“I hate all of you,” Chandler muttered. “And I hate this coffee. And I hate the air. And my lungs feel too clean.”
You patted his thigh like he was a feral cat. “You’re doing great, champ.”
Rachel came over from the kitchen with a knowing smirk. “Okay, but seriously--what’s the real reason you’re actually doing this? You didn’t even quit when Monica threatened to replace your cereal with celery.”
Chandler hesitated.
You looked down and busied yourself with a cracker from the coffee table.
Phoebe narrowed her eyes. “Wait… wait a minute. You’ve never made it four days unless something’s in it for you.”
Joey gasped. “Oh my god. Are you getting paid?”
Monica stared. “Did you bet on your own lung health?”
Chandler opened his mouth. Then closed it.
And then Ross-- who had just emerged from the bathroom with a face like he’d walked into something he shouldn’t-- sat down on the arm of the couch.
“What’s going on?” he asked.
“Oh!” Phoebe beamed. “We’re figuring out why Chandler quit smoking.”
Ross raised a brow. “Wait. Still? You’re on day four, right?”
“Four days and seventeen hours,” Chandler corrected.
Ross tilted his head. “Why? Did someone die?”
Phoebe leaned toward you suspiciously. “You did something, didn’t you?”
You raised your brows, feigning innocence. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Joey pointed back and forth between the two of you. “Wait a minute. This is just like that one time--remember when he stuck to that diet for a whole month because that girl from work promised him a peek at her--”
“Boobs,” Chandler blurted. Then winced.
The room went silent.
“What?!” Ross was scandalized.
You took a slow, measured sip of your drink.
“…So,” Monica said slowly. “Let me get this straight.”
“Please don’t get it straight,” Chandler muttered.
“You promised to quit smoking,” Phoebe said.
“And she said if you made it a week…” Joey’s voice trailed off as he nodded in admiration. “That’s… actually genius.”
Rachel’s eyes widened. “Wait, is this, like, a scheduled thing? Are we counting down to Boob Day?”
“Oh my God,” you groaned. “Can we please stop talking about my tits?”
Ross looked like someone had just set his coffee on fire. “Yes, thank you! I didn’t even know this was on the table!”
Phoebe, unbothered, turned to you. “But wait, so--was it, like, part of a larger strategy? Did you offer anything else first?”
You nodded, dry. “I tried candy and comics. Nothing worked.”
Rachel leaned over the arm of the couch, grinning. “So if he makes it to seven days…”
“He gets the view,” Joey filled in.
“You don’t have to narrate it,” you deadpanned.
Phoebe tilted her head thoughtfully. “But technically, she’s still in charge of the reward. That’s so powerful.”
“I mean,” Monica said, licking her spoon, “you could just change your mind. Or make it conditional. Like, no boobs unless he also gets a haircut.”
You made a face. “Okay, first of all, I would never make him get a haircut.”
Everyone turned toward you at once.
You immediately added, “Not because I like it or anything. I just--he’d look weird with, like, short hair. His whole thing would fall apart.”
Chandler grinned. “My whole thing?”
You shrugged, sipping your tea, ears turning pink. “Yeah. Like, your sarcasm wouldn’t hit the same if your hair was too neat. You’d lose your edge.”
Phoebe tilted her head. “So you do like his hair.”
“No,” you said quickly. “I respect it. Like a… cultural artifact.”
Joey pointed at Chandler. “Your hair is a museum piece.”
Rachel cackled.
Chandler looked mildly stunned but definitely pleased, while you resolutely avoided his eye.
Ross, still trying to catch up, gestured vaguely in the air. “But--so what if he doesn’t make it? Do you just… revoke the boobs? Or is there some kind of punishment clause?”
You gave him a flat look. “Ross. There were never any boobs. That’s the whole incentive.”
Monica laughed so hard she nearly spilled her yogurt.
Chandler slumped into the couch cushions like a man accepting his fate. “This was supposed to be a quiet, dignified week of personal growth.”
You mockingly patted his thigh. “Aw. Poor baby. You’re just trying to better yourself and everyone’s obsessed with your hypothetical sex prize.”
Chandler looked at you with pained affection. “You’re evil.”
“I’m effective,” you corrected.
Monica clapped her hands once. “Okay, now I need to see if he actually makes it to day seven.”
Phoebe nodded solemnly. “For the sake of nipples everywhere.”
March 27th, 1994
Chandler was sprawled on the couch like he’d just survived a hostage situation.
He looked pale. Grumpy. Deeply betrayed by the world. He was also seven days cigarette-free.
You were curled next to him, one leg tucked under you, gently running your fingers through his hair--part comfort, part victory lap. His eyes were closed, head tilted toward your touch like a cat soaking up sun.
“You know,” you said, voice light, “you’re shockingly tolerable when you’re detoxing. I expected more weeping.”
“I did weep,” he mumbled. “In the frozen food aisle. Over a bag of peas. Maybe some eggos”
You snorted.
Monica entered from the kitchen with two mugs of coffee. “It’s almost time!”
Phoebe and Joey followed, each holding a cookie in one hand and buzzing with anticipation. Rachel leaned against the counter, arms crossed and smirking.
“I still can’t believe you made it seven days,” Rachel said.
“Neither can I,” Chandler groaned. “Everything smells better. Food tastes better. I feel emotions now. It’s terrible.”
Monica set the mugs down. “Timer’s got thirty seconds left.”
Ross glanced at his watch, nodding. “Ah, the final countdown. This is better than any sports game.”
“I swear,” Chandler said, eyes still closed, “if someone lights a match and I inhale by accident, I will throw myself out the window.”
You smiled down at him. “Oh, come on. You’ve been a delight. Moody. Cranky. Deeply dramatic. But a delight.”
Phoebe held up a cookie like a microphone. “So, are you ready for your prize?”
Joey leaned in with a grin. “Do you have a speech prepared?”
Chandler sighed. “I didn’t think I’d make it this far. I’d like to thank spite, coffee, and her boobs for getting me through it.”
Ross chuckled softly. “Her… boobs? Not exactly the typical quitting incentive, but hey, whatever works.”
The timer dinged.
A beat of silence. Then the group exploded into applause.
“Seven days!” Rachel whooped. “No cheating, no sneaking?”
Monica narrowed her eyes. “You didn’t just, like, sneak one in the hallway, right?”
Chandler raised a hand like he was swearing into court. “I swear on Joey’s cholesterol levels.”
Joey nodded solemnly. “That’s sacred.”
You gave Chandler’s hair a final ruffle, then stood up with a satisfied stretch. “Well then. A deal’s a deal.”
Chandler bolted upright. “Wait. Now?”
Rachel’s jaw dropped. “Oh my god, are we actually doing this?”
“I mean,” Phoebe said brightly, “we were here for the buildup.”
Monica raised a hand. “Nope. No way. You two take that weird sexual tension to your room like civilized roommates.”
You turned to Chandler with a grin and wiggled your eyebrows. “Shall we?”
He scrambled up from the couch like he was being offered backstage passes and a winning lottery ticket.
Rachel covered her eyes. “This is too weird. I live here now. I need walls.”
Joey called after you, “Make it count, man!”
Phoebe added, “Don’t blink!”
Monica just groaned. “Please don’t scar me emotionally.”
You pulled Chandler toward your bedroom by the wrist, looking completely smug. “Come on, Bing. Let’s get this over with.”
“Romantic,” he muttered.
“Oh, you’re gonna cry. Guaranteed.”
“I already did. Over the peas, remember?”
You disappeared into your room with him stumbling after you, clearly overwhelmed but absolutely not protesting.
You shut the door behind the two of you and turned slowly to find Chandler standing in the middle of your room like he’d just wandered into a holy site. Hands in his pockets. Jaw slack. Trying very hard not to stare at your chest but clearly already halfway to heaven.
“You okay?” you asked, eyebrow raised.
“I’m great,” he said quickly. “I’m fine. I’ve never been better. I’m just--uh--trying to process that I’m in your room for boob-related reasons and it’s not a hallucination brought on by nicotine withdrawal.”
You took a slow step toward him. “Still want the reward?”
He nodded so fast it looked like whiplash. “More than I’ve ever wanted anything. And I’ve wanted things. Pizza. Sleep. Parental approval. But mostly pizza."
You circled him, slow and deliberate, fingers trailing up his sleeve. “You sure you’re ready?”
“Born ready,” he said, then added quickly, “unless this is a trick. Is this a trick? Are you gonna hit me with a water balloon or something?”
You laughed softly and stopped in front of him. “No trick.”
Then, with complete calm, you reached behind your back.
His eyes widened.
You unhooked your bra under your shirt, sliding the straps slowly from your shoulders and letting it fall to the floor with a light, traitorous thump.
Chandler made a sound that could only be described as a prayer.
“Oh my god,” he whispered. “Is it hot in here? It’s hot in here, right? You’re trying to kill me. This is a slow, beautiful murder.”
You shrugged one shoulder, innocent. “I thought I’d give you a preview. You’ve earned a little anticipation.”
“I will write songs about this moment,” he said, eyes locked on you like you were a mirage.
Then, finally, you gripped the hem of your shirt.
Lifted it. Slowly.
His breath caught audibly in his throat.
You held it just long enough to drive him insane, then raised it fully--bare, lit softly by the lamplight behind you.
Chandler didn’t speak.
Didn’t blink.
Didn’t move.
Then--finally--he exhaled, a stunned, reverent whisper:
“…Thank you.”
You laughed--not at him, but softly, surprised, like his sincerity had caught you off guard.
“Wow,” you said, tugging your shirt down as you reached for your bra. “That was unexpectedly polite.”
He didn’t move. Just stood there, dazed. Giddy. Slightly ruined.
You passed him, casually patting his chest like a congratulatory coach. “You did good, Bing.”
“I’m in love,” he said automatically, then winced. “With the moment! The moment. Not you. That’d be weird. Haha.”
You paused in the doorway and glanced back at him, smug.
“Oh, don’t worry,” you said sweetly. “You’ve got about three more weeks of clean lungs before I flash you again.”
He pointed at you helplessly. “You’re evil.”
"Proud of you, Bing. Still a menace, but now a smoke-free menace." You said, walking out, leaving him completely shell-shocked in the middle of your room, muttering under his breath:
“…Best. Bet. Ever.”
----
Anything Goes by: Frank Sinatra OR Anything Goes by: Guns N' Roses if you're feeling more rock and roll
requested by: @the-show-romantics I'm sorry that this took me so long, but I hope you like this anyways! - ✨🌻💛
pairings: Chandler Bing x reader, Joey Tribbiani x best friend!reader, Phoebe Buffay x best friend!reader, etc.
warnings: some cursing perhaps
a/n: English is not my first language, so forgive me for any grammatical errors! I am still on hiatus, btw (sorry)!
feedbacks are always appreciated!
How could Monica and Rachel's apartment fit so many people at once?
It was one of the reasons why you hated parties and big celebrations. People. And the fact that you were one of the few people left without a date only made matters worse.
Everyone had those funny festive headbands that are usually worn around Christmas.
And God, had they gone all out with the ugly sweaters.
That was one of the topics of your conversation with Chandler.
He didn't really like those kind of celebrations either, but you'd insisted that he had to be there so he gave in.
The two of you found youselves walking around the apartment and on the balcony, to try and "walk off" the stress that came with all the guests crowding in one single room.
"Hey, Y/n, I need help with the Turkey" Monica called out your name. She pointed to the oven and to the other things that needed to be arranged on the buffet table that had been previously filled with appetizers and snacks.
Just as you were about to get to the kitchen, you heard Phoebe exclaiming "Ah! Mistletoe! Mistletoe!". Just as she spoke, you noticed Joe sprinting towards Chandler and shove him from behind.
"What the hell are you-" you couldn't even finish your sentence, that Chandler's lips were on yours.
You immediately pulled back. It felt like your cheeks were on fire, and by how Chandler was looking at you he was just as flustered.
"Wait, don't-" he hesitated "Don't pull away. Not yet. Please, Y/n"
It was so out of character for him to become so shy, even though he was a goofy kind of person.
Regardless, you felt on cloud nine. Chandler Bing was right there, looking at you with the sweetest and kindest eyes you had ever seen. And just like a teenager with their first crush, he gently put his hands on your waist and got closer.
He was looking at you, begging for you to give him some sort of signal, that you were okay with that kind of contact.
You nodded in approval, and he immediately pulled you into a passionate kiss. It was sweet and filled with untold emotions, which the both of you had harbored since you'd first met all those years ago.
"I have been waiting for this for so long" Chandler whispered "I- I love you so much, Y/n, you don't even know"
The butterflies in your stomach were going crazy- so you figured that he was feeling the same.
"I love you too, Chandler. And I'm glad that 'fate' brought us together" you joked, to which he responded with a grin.
"Yeah, that's right! Pheebs and I are the matchmackers, baby!"
he shows up in all the little ways. getting you food everytime he orders out, even if it means keeping it in his fridge for a bit before you live together. he just might also take a little bite of it...
beats himself up over every forgotten birthday or anniversary. he gets somewhat better about remembering them later
once he gets more stable with money, he starts buying you flowers every time he leaves the house without you. sometimes its a single rose or a sunflower. sometimes its a bouquet of tulips or a dried bundle of wildflowers. he knows so little about flowers but he just trusts the florist
your name is mentioned in every acting interview he does no matter what. it comes up at least once. he's so infatuated he always talks about you
the crew is originally a little concerned about your hold over joey till realizing you were also hopelessly in love with him too. it was a bit sickening sometimes tbh... but in a nice way
Characters: Joey Tribbiani, Fem!reader, Chandler Bing, Monica Geller-Bing (she is a married lady here), Rachel Green, Phoebe Buffay, Ross Geller
Warnings: Fluff, reader likes joey but won't say, joey likes reader but hasn't said anything, chandler being chandler, friends vibes, everyone just wants reader and joey happy, i found the idea for this and could not resist
Word Count: 1.4k
A/N: Based on the prompt of "He learns all of the words to the songs from her favorite musical. He doesn’t even like musicals." (I found it in one of my writing help books and could NOT resist)
You nearly burn a hole in Monica’s chair closest to the television with how excited you are. You can’t contain your excitement once Joey tells them what he’s planned for your birthday.
Chandler offers a thumbs up to Joey, which boosts the latter's decision (knowing that this was his idea to reveal his feelings for you).
Monica pulls Ross, Rachel and Phoebe into the kitchen.
Joey runs across the hall to grab the main dish Monica stuffed in his fridge since she has no room.
The witty one of the group asks to see the tickets since his friend never showed him. He didn’t know which show he was taking you to and he was curious. He leans over and tilts his head to read the tickets. “Huh,” Chandler tilts his head.
“What?” You ask, your pep on pause.
He lifts his head with raised brows. “Uh- well, I just- I find it a bit ironic.”
“What's ironic?”
He lets out a nervous chuckle. “Well, you know, Joe doesn't like musicals and yet, he got you tickets to your favorite one.”
“Well,” you nervously smile. “I mean, didn't he do that one-”
He shakes his head. “Said he hated it and never wanted to do it, see, or hear one again.”
“Oh.”
Chandler's eyes widen at your deflated expression. “But- but,” he over enunciates. “He- he got them because he likes yours, yeah?”
He jumps off the couch and sits on the arm of the chair, hugging you. “Please don’t cry. Forget I said it. I didn’t say that, right? Because I’m not a horrible person who ruins a very nice and very thoughtful gift.”
You lean into him, a somber smile tugging at your lips. “You didn’t ruin anything, Chan.”
“Really?” He pulls back, glancing down at you. “Cause it feels like I did.”
You shake your head, fighting the thoughts running through your mind once you see his sad expression. “Nope.”
“What’s this?”
You jump, surprised at Joey standing there. “What’s- uh- what’s going on here?”
“Dog pile?” Chandler weakly offers.
“For what?” The Italian crosses his arms.
“To keep her from wearing a hole in Mon’s favorite seat.”
“Okay,” he shrugs.
You think you're in the clear until you giggle at the extra weight from Joey taking up the other arm of the chair.
“Guys no,” Monica cries out. “You’re going to break it and you break it, you buy it.”
“I part own it,” Chandler responds.
“Yeah, well, damnit you’re right.”
You chuckle and lean into Joey without fully realizing it even after Chandler left.
Or at least until he slid down and told you to sit on his lap. “Joey, I'm not going to sit on your lap.”
“Why not?”
You roll your eyes. “You want me to sit on your lap. Are you not worried someone would say something?"
He shrugs, “no. I'd let Chandler sit on my lap.”
“Chandler's sit on lap worthy-”
“So are you. Maybe a little more.”
You pause and stare at him for a few seconds before moving and adjusting yourself into the new position.
-
No one said anything and Monica filled a container for you and Joey to take home (knowing your schedule was packed especially with you most likely forgetting to eat since you're going to the musical).
You set the container on the counter. “Are you sure it's okay for me to stay here?”
He nods with a big smile. “Obviously. I don't just offer up my place to anyone.”
You glance at him from the corner of your eye with raised brows.
“Anymore. I don't do it anymore.”
“Oh?” You look down and fiddle with the tin foil. “Why not?”
He shrugs. “Just cause.”
You missed the longing look he stares at you with.
“Oh, okay.”
-
You two enjoyed your time, you more so. It was so fun even when Joey joined in with you at your favorite songs.
Joey wraps an arm around your waist to help you up the stairs.
“I regret wearing these shoes.”
“I thought you said they went perfect with your outfit?”
You sigh, leaning against the wall as he pulls out his keys. “I do but, my god. We walked nearly half a block and my feet feel like they’re bleeding.”
“I told you we wouldn’t be able to find a cab.”
You click your tongue and roll your eyes. “You’re not helping me here, Joey.”
“I didn’t say I’d be helping you. I made a comment.”
“Well,” you cross your arms. “I don’t like it.”
“You look like you’re going to pass out.” He wraps an arm around your shoulders. “Let’s get you into bed.”
You pout, “I have to take off my makeup and shoes and do my hair-”
“Let me help you, alright?”
You sit down on your bed, bouncing with it. “Okay. I mean, are you sure? Can you-”
“You forget I have seven sisters.”
You sleepily smile at him. “Right.”
“I’ll be right back, okay?”
You nod, rubbing your eye.
He comes back, finding you sitting up with your eyes closed and jerking awake as you almost stumble forward. “Come on,” he mumbles, scooting your back. “Your make up wipes.”
You grab them and start wiping your face, pausing as you feel your feet move. “Oh, Joey, honey. You don’t need to do that.”
He chuckles, “I got it. It’s not a problem. Work on taking off your makeup.”
You pout and do as he told you.
He sets your shoes to the side and takes the used makeup wipes to throw away. “I’m gonna throw these away and by the time I get back, I want to see you in pajamas.”
You giggle, delirious from your lack of sleep. “You just want to see me naked.”
“Not even close.” He hands you your pajamas you had picked out before leaving. “I’m trusting you to take care of yourself with this task.”
You manage to put your pants on but get tangled in your long sleeve.
“Oh, god. Come here, baby.” He helps pull your head out of the sleeve and adjusts it so you’re not lost.
“Thank you,” you mumble before crawling into bed with his help.
He pulls your sheets and comforter up to cover your arms, knowing you get cold at night. He lingers for a minute before placing a kiss on top of your head.
-
He slowly tip toes out, gently closing the door behind him only to find a smug Chandler sitting at the counter. “You hungry, Joe?” He scoots a bowl closer towards the other seat he set beside him. “Come on, let’s chat, shall we?”
The Italian rolls his eyes. “I don’t want to talk but I will take that bowl of cereal.”
The sarcastic one scoots the bowl closer towards himself. “You don’t talk, you don’t get cereal.”
“I wonder how Monica would react to you having my hand up your-”
“Bah!” Chandler frowns, passing the other bowl to his friend. “That was just mean. Plain, mean.”
Joey chuckles, bumping his shoulder against his friends.
“Alright, now will you tell me what happened? I mean,” the sarcastic man shoves a spoonful of cereal in his mouth. “You don’t even like musicals. What changed?”
He smirks at the sight of his friend hunched over, trying to act incognito. “Oh, oh. I should have asked, who changed your mind?”
Joey rolls his eyes. “Nothing and nobody changed my mind. She wanted to go and… I knew all the words so I figured why not.”
“Why not, huh. Okay.” Chandler smugly smiles as he continues eating his cereal. “If that’s what you say.”
“It is what I say.”
“Okay.”
“I’m going to sleep.” Joey sets the empty bowl in the sink and rushes towards his room.
“How much of that did you hear?” Chandler asks, spinning around to spot you, standing there, tugging at your sleeves. “I- not much.”
“You and him are terrible liars.”
“I am not lying.”
“And my last name isn’t Bong on my TV catalogue.”
You roll your eyes and go back to bed.
“I’ll be here all night,” Chandler says before closing his eyes and laughing.
Quick author’s note - I wrote this when I was maybe 14-15, and as much as I’d like to forget a lot of my earlier work, I reread this one and thought it was too cute to delete. I did try to edit it and remove mentions of “(Y/n)” because apparently using that has become cringe lately 😂 Anyways, I hope you all enjoy! ~Michelle
Word count: 3.5k~
When Chandler's sister came to New York for the holidays, Chandler made Joey promise two things:
1. Don't get together with my sister
And
2. Don't break the first promise.
To Joey, it seemed like the two weeks were going to be a breeze. In his mind, he thought he could hold himself back anytime he wanted. He also remembered she was Chandler's sister - how beautiful could she possibly be when she's related to him?
However, when Joey went with Chandler to the airport to pick that very sister up, Joey felt himself becoming screwed with every passing second. Just at the first glance of her, he felt his heart beating faster and his palms growing sweaty. She was beyond beautiful - she was breathtaking. She was the prettiest girl he had ever seen and that alone surprised him.
Never once did he think he’d like Chandler’s sister.
His feelings only grew when he got to become closer to her through conversations and jabs she threw at Chandler. She was lovely, but anytime he tried to use his charm on her, he felt as if she deserved more. She deserved more than just a sly smile and flirty comment, and to Joey, she was worth the extra effort.
Although, it seemed as if every extra ounce of effort he put in was ruined by Chandler. Instead of focusing on her eyes or hair, Joey would compliment how kind she was toward the people around her because of every time she offered to help Monica with cooking or Rachel with her menial problems. Just as he would finish saying it, Chandler would say something sarcastic after it and totally diminish the mood Joey had been trying to set. However, there was one time that she had leaned into kiss Joey's cheek, but once again, Chandler practically kicked that chance away by kicking the stool from underneath (Y/n) and causing her to fall back and hit the floor. This may have given Joey the chance to get close and make sure she was okay, but still, they were about to kiss.
When thinking about Chandler and how he had treated his sister over the past week she had been there, Joey found himself becoming a little upset. Just as he had complimented her, Joey saw her as nothing but an understanding and caring person. Sure, the occasional sarcastic comment slipped her lips from time to time, but she was still an amazing woman.
He noticed Chandler's comments were more hurtful, more cruel - constantly pointing out something about her that would make her frown and seclude herself from the environment around her. Kicking the stool from underneath her wasn't the only thing he did to her that made her fall as he also made her slip on the winter ice outside. When Joey expressed his concerns to Phoebe, she told him to pass it off as a sibling simply picking on the other sibling. Even so, Joey still didn't understand it. He had seven sisters, and even he had never treated them the same way Chandler treated her.
"You need to slow down!" Joey chided from the small dining table as the woman he pined after ran around him, helping Monica gather everything for the variations of mashed potatoes she had to make for the guys.
Seeing her jog around him, listening intently to every demanding thing leave Monica's mouth was funny to Joey. He wanted nothing more to just wrap his arms around her and pull her close so she could put off being so overly-energetic for five minutes and he could just hold her.
Smiling, she took the bowl of carrots, onions, and peas into her arm before ruffling Joey's hair as she passed him for the hundredth time that day. "Gotta keep moving, Joey," She told him as she placed the bowl beside Monica's cutting board, earning a 'thank you' from the other working woman. Joey watched her with a smile as she turned toward him to stare back, smiling as well with a now pink blush raiding her cheeks. Joey couldn't believe how cute she looked in that moment with half of her hair falling over her eyes and flour covering most of her clothing.
However, Chandler's voice from the chair beside him made Joey's smile disappear. "Yeah, besides, she's used to running around HA-HA," Chandler meanly joked, making Joey look over at him with an almost agitated look. Meanwhile, her smile dropped as well, making her turn back around and continue helping a now slightly annoyed Monica. She clearly didn't like Chandler's comment either.
"Chandler," Joey said only his name, however, Chandler could sense disappointment in his friend's voice.
"What?" The always sarcastic man replied, sounding genuinely confused. "That was funny!" Not only was Chandler nonstop with his jokes, but he was also clueless when it came to overstepping a line. He was also seeming to overstep every line with every joke he said to his sister, and Joey was once again confused.
"It really wasn't, Chandler," she spoke up, hurt sounding throughout her voice. Everyone in Monica's apartment picked this tone of voice change - all except the one who caused it.
"Yes, it was!" Chandler quickly argued back, not realizing why all of his friends weren't defending him on his "obvious" joke. "It's the holiday season! Be cheerful, be happy! La-la-la!"
Despite the words being cheerful, Chandler's comments were sarcastic as per usual. "For once, Chandler, can you at least pretend to be happy that it's Christmas?" his sister asked, a frown marking her face as she turned to face her older brother.
"Nope, sorry," Chandler instantly responded, earning yet another annoyed look from Joey, however this time, Rachel scoffed with him. "I haven't since mom and dad did that thing adults do when they're tired of each other after almost twenty years of marriage."
Following Rachel, she found herself scoffing too, almost offended that Chandler used their parent's divorce as an excuse for his poor attitude toward the holiday. Not to mention he also treated her with a hint of malice at the same time. "You need to let that go," she found herself telling Chandler, her words soft and genuine. "You are in your twenties and you still can't get over the fact that stuff happens when you're a kid - nobody's childhood is perfect."
Despite her words being true, Chandler barely paid any attention to them. "No, but mom tried awfully hard to make yours perfect if I do recall correctly," he argued, resting his head against his perched arm as he stared across the room. He wanted to have this conversation, but at the same time, he felt that if he were to pretend that he seemed uninterested, he would seem emotionless. It was working.
"You act as if I wasn't affected by mom and dad getting divorced!" his sister threw back at him, becoming more confused rather than angry as the seconds passed.
Finally, Chandler's eyes moved from Monica's shelf of cookbooks and over to his sister. "Well," He started, pausing to nod his head at her in a questioning manner. "Were you?"
In response, she scoffed once again with utter disbelief. "Of course! I was six-years-old!" She quickly defended herself, the rest of the gang now watching instead of just listening. Chandler was hurting his sister with his words, and he still didn't realize it. "I'd like to think that you and I both suffered through our parents' separation, but it seems as if you believe you went through everything alone."
"I kind of did since you were always prioritized," Chandler spouted, "Mom loved you more than me - you know that."
"Is that right?" she questioned him, an audible, but sarcastic laugh falling from her lips. "So, that's why I was constantly fought over when it came to custody, because, if mom got me, that would be an extra six hundred a month for her?" She further added, everyone's eyes now stuck on her with sympathy. Joey found himself to be the one most affected by her words; he would even go as far to say that his heart hurt for her.
"I was nothing but a leverage point for mom; YOU were chosen first while I was just an afterthought. You know how hard that was for me as a six year old? To realize my mommy saw me as nothing but a source of money?"
With her words hitting hard, a moment of silence passed without anyone speaking up before Chandler eventually did; however, his demeanor and his words hadn't changed. "Why did you come up here?" He questioned his sister, gaining another estranged look in response. "Were you wanting to get more Christmas presents this year like you used to get from Grandma each year?" He added, making her let out an almost hurt cry as she dropped her arms to her sides.
"I came up on my own expense because maybe, for once, I didn't want to spend Christmas alone!" She shouted, letting her anger show through. "Maybe I wanted to see the brother I haven't seen for nearly five years, Chandler!"
"Get a cat - you won't be alone then!" Chandler threw back, his sarcasm pouring through his lips like a waterfall. It wasn't Chandler's goal to make the ones he loved hurt, but after so many years of feeling anger toward his sister for something that turned out to be a misunderstanding, he didn't know what to do or say. So, he did the one thing he did best - joke around and be sarcastic. However, as the next sentence fell from his lips, he knew she would never forgive him. "Besides, at least they'd want you over for Christmas."
Just as everyone shouted at Chandler in shock and anger, his sister didn't waste anytime in rushing out of Monica's apartment and into the hall. Before Chandler could stand up and follow her with endless apologies, Joey pushed him back down into his chair and took off after the girl. The last person she wanted to see was the man that had just hurt her feelings inside, but when she heard Joey calling after her, she felt herself stopping on the very last step and turning toward him.
"Please don't run outside!" Joey yelled, trotting down the steps as fast as he could. "It's too cold, and you didn't grab a jacket!" He added, stopping beside her to look closer at her. He could tell she was holding herself back from crying, and unlike the time he was sitting at the table, he didn't hesitate to pull her into his arms and hold her as close as he could.
Without a second of doubt, she accepted his embrace and hugged him back, pushing her head into his chest at the same time. "Don't listen to your brother," Joey told her, murmuring her name softly before she could say anything. "What Chandler is saying is not even close to the truth. To be honest, we all love you being here," He reassured her, trying his hardest to not reveal his feelings for the beautiful woman currently in his arms.
Although he did this, Joey found it harder to do so as she began huddling farther into his hold. Watching her let out a shuffled breath, Joey couldn't tell if it was from the cold or her emotional state, but what Joey did know was that he wanted to help her in any way he could.
"I'm just so... cold," she admitted, her eyes scrunched together as the tears slowly stopped. Being in Joey's arms was both a good thing and a bad thing for the woman. Yes, Joey was helping her calm down and relax, but at the same time, her heart was pumping a thousand beats per minute. Both she and Joey felt special things for each other, and to be so close and intimate was almost too much for them, but they wouldn't have changed it.
"I'll keep you warm," Joey whispered, before moving to walk back up the stairs with her following, his arm still wrapped around her waist. Stopping at Monica's door, Joey reached his hand out to the golden knob, only to feel a set of cold hands place themselves on his face and pull him down to an equally cold pair of lips.
There was no doubt that Joey knew what was happening, but that still didn't ignore the fact that he was surprised by her sudden and rash decision. For the entire duration of her stay, Joey had found himself fantasizing about what her lips on his would feel like, and now that Joey experiencing just that, he realized his dreams were nothing compared to the real deal.
Pulling her close to him with his hands on her waist, Joey continued kissing the sweet woman before pulling away moments later and holding her head to his chest with one of his hands from her waist. "I'm sorry that Chandler said those things," he apologized, gently carding his fingers through her hair. "He's a jerk - he's my friend, but he can be an absolute ass sometimes. You didn't deserve any of that."
Waving her hand in the air, the woman in his arms shook her head with a sigh. "It's okay, Joey," she assured him, looking up at him with those very soft eyes that Joey had fallen for. "I know how Chandler is, and how he can be. It's okay."
"But it's not," Joey tried arguing with her, keeping his voice gentle and calm. "You aren't a burden to any of us, and we're all really enjoying your company here," with a small, nervous smile, Joey turned his eyes toward her as she stared back, waiting for him to say something. "Especially me."
With that, she didn't hesitate bringing Joey's lips back onto hers, and in return, Joey didn't falter in reciprocating the sweet actions she was currently doing to his lips. Among all of the kisses Joey had experienced in his lifetime, this one had to be the best. This wasn't a kiss that Joey had slyly flirted his way into - this was a kiss that had been paused for what felt like forever. Now that it was actually happening, neither of them wanted it to end.
Although, the urge to breathe finally broke them apart, and thankfully, they were apart long enough to make it seem less suspicious when Phoebe opened the door to Monica's apartment in an attempt to find out where the two went. "Oh!" Phoebe exclaimed, placing a hand to her heart as a smile took over her lips. "I wasn't expecting you guys to be here," She explained, "I thought you guys would be, uh," Phoebe paused nervously, making the two stare back at her with confusion. "Anyways, come back in!"
Phoebe's weird attitude bewildered both of them, but nonetheless, they returned inside of Monica's warm apartment and resumed their previous positions with helping Monica with her cooking and Joey sitting beside Chandler; however, neither of them could stop smiling about their previous activities.
Hearing her name said by Chandler causes her to break away from the vegetables in front of her and look over at two men sitting on the couch, Joey staring intently at Chandler as he seemingly waits for him to continue speaking. "I just want to say..." Chandler started, causing everyone to stare at him once again with anticipation for his next words - especially his own sister. "I'm sorry for what I said. I shouldn't have said anything that I said," He further apologized, making everyone lightly 'awe' at Chandler's newfound vulnerability. "And we all are happy that you're here for Christmas, and I don't actually believe..."
All of a sudden, Chandler's words slowed, and instead of appearing sincere, his face turned more into a expression of confusion before ultimately changing into realization. "Oh. My. God." Chandler murmured, sitting up straight in his chair as his wide eyes glanced between Joey and his sister. Once again, the two lovebirds were both bewildered just as they were with Phoebe moments before.
"What's wrong, Chandler?" Rachel asked, moving from the couch to stand between Joey and Chandler at the table. In all honesty, she was getting ready to get up and steal some food from Monica, but when Rachel heard Chandler say what he said, she knew something was about to be revealed. "Chandler?"
"I know that look!" Chandler shouted, shocking everyone in the apartment. "That look!" He once again shouted, jumping up from his chair and onto his feet as he began pointing his index finger between his sister and his best friend. "You! You two! You made out!"
Immediately, the two's eyes widened while small gasps were heard throughout the room. Although, before anyone could ask anything, Phoebe and Rachel quickly ran to the girl before hugging her with happy squeals leaving their lips. Meanwhile, Ross had gotten up from his seat as well before congratulating Joey with a clap on the back and a grin. Once again, Chandler was the odd one out.
"Seriously?" Chandler couldn't help but ask, only receiving a bashful smile from his sister and a not-so-well-hidden smirk from Joey. "You couldn't have held yourself back from one girl? From my sister?"
With that, Joey stood up and moved to rewrap his arm around the woman's waist once again, the girls previously surrounding her now backing away with excited smiles on their lips. They were all waiting for the moment that Joey would confess his feelings for her since he was obviously harboring some for the short amount of time she had been with them in New York, and now that the very sight was laid out before their eyes, they couldn't help but love it.
"You've always told me that there's going to be one day where a girl who's different from the rest would step into my life and change everything," Joey reminded Chandler, causing the woman to turn her head up to Joey and stare at him with genuine curiosity in her eyes. "I never expected it to be your sister, but when I saw her for the first time... I knew she had to be the one you always told me about."
In response to Joey's words, Chandler grew quiet for the first time in his life. Joey was right - Chandler was always telling him that he would find 'the one' like he had found Monica. However, just like Joey, he would've never expected it to be his own sister. Despite this, Chandler knew that Joey wasn't lying or bluffing; he was being genuine and honest. Perhaps Joey truly felt that way, and as Chandler thought about the possibility, he found himself accepting of their newfound relationship. In fact, there was nothing he wanted more than to see two of the closest people in his life be happy with each other, even if they hadn’t exactly gotten along lately.
"You really feel that way?" she asked, her voice soft and gentle. In return, Joey peered down at her with a smile that matched her voice - soft and gentle.
"Of course," He answered her, matter-of-factly. "How could I not? Especially when you're so... well, perfect in my eyes."
With those words, she couldn't help but push her smiling face into Joey's chest as she loosely held onto his shirt with her fists. She couldn't believe he was saying these things - not just because he was saying this stuff in front of her brother, but because everyone around them acted as if Joey had never said these things to anyone else and actually meant them at the same time. In fact, there were a lot of things occurring that happened to be firsts for both her and Joey. One of these things for the two was watching as Chandler fought with himself in trying to figure out what he wanted to say.
"You, uh... Why..." Chandler stuttered, only to stop himself and pinch the bridge of his nose between his fingers with an almost frustrated sigh. Finally, after a few moments, Chandler pulled his hand away from his face with a shake of his head and widened eyes. "You promised me that you wouldn't go for my sister."
Despite the seriousness in Chandler's tone, everyone gently laughed before his sister spoke up once more. "It's okay, Chandler," she assures him, smiling at her older brother. "And besides, since Joey's being honest, I may as well be too," she started, letting out a slightly nervous sigh afterward. "I didn't come to see you this Christmas just because it was a last minute decision," she explains, "I came here so I could tell you that I was offered a higher job opportunity right here in New York City - and I took it."
In the rounds of congratulations that followed her revelation, Chandler was yet again the odd one out. "Wait, so you're going to be moving here?" Chandler clarified, watching as she simply nodded in response. "And then you'll be around Joey? Anytime you want?"
Joey felt himself holding his breath, eagerly awaiting her answer. He could feel himself growing excited with every second passing, the possibility of the two growing closer faster than he expected. He hadn’t exactly worked out how they would work out together, but he would do anything to make it happen. Now, he doesn’t have to worry about bus tickets or plane rides - if he’s lucky enough, she’ll just be down the street or hopefully down the hall.
"Well, yeah, I guess so," she replied, a small laugh falling from her lips as she catches Joey’s hopeful stare directed straight at her. Despite this, Chandler could do only one thing as he realized he would be seeing a lot more from his best friend and sister: groan.
I’m super curious to see what Friends would be like. (I don’t know why I never thought to look up fanfic of it? But I love your stuff, so I know yours will be good.) I don’t know what even to request though haha. Reader inserts? Or established pairings? Chandler is my favorite. Maybe a reader insert with him? Reader can be a friend of Phoebe’s and maybe it’s a mistaken identity thing? Reader wants to ask out Phoebes funny cute friend. Phoebe thinks it’s Joey but it’s Chandler?
This was in my drafts so I figured I should post it! I hope you find this since you requested it ages ago :(
Wrong person
"Joey! I have news for you!" Phoebe sang as she entered the coffee house. She rushed over to him, shoving Chandler over on the couch so she could sit. Chandler dramatically moved down, making Monica and Ross laugh.
"Tell me! Tell me!" He said excitedly, his hands wagging in the air.
"My friend, Y/N loved meeting you at Monica's party and asked me to give you her number!" Phoebe cheered, handing over the piece of paper with the number.
"Wait Y/N?" Chandler perked up, causing everyone to look at him.
"Yeah, why?" Phoebe asked.
"Nothing! It's just that-that uh- I thought she and I were sorta connecting." Chandler shrugged, trying to not feel disappointed that she was interested in Joey instead. Of course, she was, the girls always picked Joey.
"Oh Chandler, I won't if you like her," Joey said, giving Chandler a comforting smile.
"No, it's fine. She clearly likes you so you should go for it," Chandler smiled, ignoring the uncomfortable feeling in his stomach. Monica noticed his sad state and planted a comforting hand on his knee.
"Which one is she again?" Joey asked, the name not ringing any sort of bell.
Before Phoebe could answer, Chandler was daydreaming out loud. "She's the smart and funny one. She made that joke about Baywatch, who knew women even watched that show. She was drinking beer, but only cold. She works with Phoebe at the massage place."
"Thanks, man!" Joey said, not understanding why Chandler remembered every detail. "Didn't want to look stupid when I call her."
Chandler painfully laughed, watching as he walked out of the house with her number. Chandler pretended to grab a knife from the table and jab himself in the chest.
"I'm sorry, Chandler," Phoebe said.
"It's okay, I can't beat Joey."
~
Chandler walked into the apartment and found Joey sitting in the recliner.
"Hey man, how did it go?" Chandler asked, even though the question killed him to ask. He took the open recliner next to him.
Joey turned to him with an excited smile, like he was gifting Chandler a present.
"She doesn't want me!" Chandler looked at Joey confused.
"Then why are you so excited?" Chandler laughed, a part of him happy that she wasn't into Joey. He wasn't sure if he could handle seeing her in Joey's clothes and having to share a wall.
"Phoebe messed up, she wanted you to get her number!" Joey cheered, "She likes you, man!" Joey planted a congratulating slap on his shoulder.
Chandler couldn't help but smile, "really? She wants to go out with me?"
Joey nodded and handed over the piece of paper, Chandler quickly ran over to the phone.
~
The date was planned and Chandler was nervously pacing in Monica's apartment. He knew he was bad with girls and his fear of commitment held him back.
"Chandler it's the first date, you don't have to marry the girl," Monica explained.
"Just be yourself! She already likes you so the hard part is already done," Joey said, thinking he was giving words of encouragement.
"Chandler, you'll do great," Phoebe encouraged, placing her hands on his shoulders. "Be your charming self and you'll be okay."
Chandler nodded as he tried to soak in their words. He hated how nervous he got when it came to women. Why couldn't it be easy like it was for Joey?
Chandler checked his watch and nodded to himself. "Time to go, wish me luck!"
Chants of good luck filled the room as he walked out of the apartment, walking to the coffee shop.
~
He saw her through the window, sitting beautifully on the big couch. He walked in, catching her attention. She smiled and stood up, he could feel his heart racing from the smile alone.
"I heard you've been asking about me?" He flirted, even though it sounded like a joke. He smiled when she let out a breathy laugh.
"Guilty," she said, together they took a seat. Both were a bit shy as they sat in a quick moment of silence. "Thanks for calling me. I thought Phoebe already knew who I was talking about."
"Eh I don't blame her. Joey usually is the one who gets the calls," Chandler's voice faded out as he thought about it. "But I'm honored to have been the chosen one."
She laughed at his joke, causing him to smile. She shifted so her body was facing him, and just like at the party they jumped right into a conversation.
~
Chandler flew through Monica's apartment with a huge smile. Everyone turned to the open door and questions began to fly.
Before he answered any, he placed his hand on his chest and dramatically declared,
