[Joey x Chandler] COMPILATION OF SHORT STORIES FROM AO3

The One With The Jam

Summary:

When Joey and Chandler finally get to making out, Chandler's lack of physical reaction makes Joey question his interest. So Chandler takes a leap of faith and comes out to him. To his relief, Joey seems pretty unfazed by this news about Chandler's body so long as the latter still wants to kiss him. (Spoiler alert: he does.)

Please read the notes!

Notes:

I'm trans myself and well aware that the situation wouldn't have played out like this during the time the show takes place. Had Chandler been a trans guy, he probably wouldn't even have figured it out, much less had access to surgery or hormones. The harsh truth is, had he told a doctor about his identity, he would most likely have been diagnosed as mentally ill. I acknowledge that but I wanted this version of Chandler to be as in character as possible while giving a little positive trans representation. Some terms and descriptions Chandler uses are outdated and although I've done without slurs and details of his coming out and dysphoria, be warned for potential triggers. Also Chandler once uses the word "q*eer" as a self identifier. If you're cis, do not use this fic as a guide to writing your own trans characters. If you're looking to do that, I've written something about it here: https://twitter.com/edmundpevenby/status/899248040409788417
I wrote this with season 2 Chandler in mind, but it could take place anytime he and Joey aren't going out with anyone else.
You can read this as a modern au or an au in which knowledge about trans issues was more advanced in the 90s. Hope you enjoy :)

Work Text:

Chandler isn't quite sure how it happens.

One minute he and Joey are saying goodnight to the others and walking across the hall, the next Joey has him pinned against their door (luckily, from the inside) and they're kissing like it could save their lives.

They're chest to chest, Joey's hands venturing down his back to his butt.

Chandler lets out a quiet gasp as Joey's knee parts his thighs, tongue sweeping across his bottom lip. Well, maybe it's more of a loud gasp. Sort of a quiet whimper, really. Or not so quiet...

"Chandler."

"Hm?"

"You zoning out again?"

"Uhh – no..."

Joey chuckles, pecking his mouth before he pulls away.

"You sure? 'cos you don't really seem into it."

He inclines his head to nod down to Chandler's crotch. Chandler follows his stare to where there is, of course, no visible bulge in his own jeans but a rather impressive one in Joey's. He looks back up to Joey's face. His expression seems... nervous.

Chandler swallows. "Oh, no. I am. I'm really, very into it," he assures him, reaching up to grab Joey's face and pull him back into a kiss. When Chandler bites down on his lip, Joey makes a noise low in his throat that positively unravels him.

Joey's hands have reached the waistband of his jeans and he starts tugging at the hem of his shirt, fingers brushing against the bare skin beneath it when Chandler freezes.

Joey leans back again, a frown creasing his forehead.

"What's it now?"

Chandler's heart is pounding in his chest, palms starting to sweat as the thoughts race through his head.

He's fully aware that his weird behavior is putting Joey off, and it's taken them so long – way too long – to get where they are, and now that they're both pleasantly buzzed up on the wine Monica had cracked open and Joey's gone without a date for so long he's finally, finally snapped and gotten his hands on Chandler like the latter has spent the last few months practically praying for, he's about to push him away.