– Central Perk
The gang is lounging. Ronnie and Jake sit far apart. Very far. The others notice.
"Okay, I hate to be that guy, but… did the make-out train crash into Awkwardville?"Chandler asked
"I mean, I had the couch professionally cleaned. That’s love." Monica said
"You two are acting like you’ve never kissed before." Joey told the couple
(snapping)
"Well maybe next time you shouldn’t bust in like the FBI!" Ronnie said frustrated
(cheerfully)
"At least no one was naked. That was so refreshing." Phoebe said
---
– Later That Night, Ronnie’s Bedroom
Ronnie is sketching. Jake knocks gently, then enters. He stands for a second, unsure.
"We haven’t really… talked. Since. You know. Couchgate."he said
(quiet)
"Yeah. I kind of freaked out. When they burst in"she said
"So did I."
He sits on the edge of her bed, carefully.
"I want you to know — that wasn’t a “let’s go all the way” thing for me. It was just… a lot of feelings, fast."
"I wanted it too. But then it got... real. And I panicked."
"Because you’re not ready?" He asked her
"No I'm ready just not for this age" she explained
Beat.
"That’s okay. You get to be where you are." Jake told her
(relieved)
"You’re not mad?" She asked him
"Ronnie, I don’t want to be your first regret. I want to be the person you feel safe with. Even when we stop kissing." He told her
She moves closer. Take his hand.
"I’ve never had that. Until you." She told him
They sit in silence. No pressure. Just presence.
---
– Monica’s Apartment (Later)
Ronnie and Jake walk in. The gang looks up like they’re expecting drama. Instead, Ronnie throws a pillow at Chandler.
"We’re fine. Stop looking at us like we’re broken furniture." She told him
"Does this mean the ban is lifted?" Monica asked
"Please say yes. Joey and I had to sit on the floor." Chandler said
(to Ronnie)
"Want to sit on the couch?" Jake asked her
"Only if we don’t steam up the windows."
They sit. Close. Chill. And the gang finally exhales.
---
✏️ Final Journal Entry – That Night
> “I used to think saying no would make people leave.”
“But he stayed. He even thanked me.”
“That’s what safe feels like.”
YOU ARE READING
After The Silence
Fanfiction(season 1-10) --- Ronnie Bing was never supposed to be noticed. But after a breakdown, an overdose, and a silent goodbye, she's learning what it means to stay alive. This is her story - the quiet kind of survival. Mature contact s6-7-8-9-10
