[Joey x Chandler] COMPILATION OF SHORT STORIES FROM AO3

The One With the Unspoken Feelings

■●□○AUTHOR: SERIOUSLYSAMI○□●■

Summary:

Joey and Chandler fight and snap easily, their feelings for each other eventually spiraling out.

Work Text:

"Chandler! Stop!" Joey exclaimed.
"Why should I? And more recently, why do you care?" Chandler said, agitated. The cigarrette bobbing up and down as he spoke with it held by his lips.
"Because I care. Listen, Chandler.. I'm sorry about what i said. I didn't mean it." Joey felt
remorsed and looked down knowing nothing would change this overnight.
Chandler took the now lit cigarrette in between his pointer and middle finger. "That's what it always comes down to."
"Oh, so what? Its fine for you to say things that you don't mean but i can't?" Joey blurted out. Not even realizing what he was saying. It felt like someone else said it and he gasped at his own vile words.
Chandler looked at Joey in such an angry, betrayed way, Joey felt lucky to not have been dead. He didn't mean to get all defensive toward Chandler. Chandler was his best friend. And he swore he'd set things right.
Chandler hadn't said a word to him in weeks. Everytime Joey said sonething, it was like he was deaf. But only to his words. He'd talk to the others. And everyone had sure caught on about Chandler being pissed at Joey.
"What the hell happened between you two?" Monica asked in a shushed but stern voice.
"I don't want to talk about him. He's nothing to me. He doesn't exist." Chandler said refusing to bring up the name that stung his lips and memories whenever someone brought him up. If Joey was brought up in a conversation or if he walked into the room, Chandler would leave. Have a cigarrette, a beer. Whatever got him away. Physically and mentally. Joey would cast his eyes downward and his smile would fade. Finally the truth came.
"Seriously. What is going on between you and Chandler?" Joey barley even remembered. But he knew enough to explain.
"Well.."
-FLASHBACK-
"Chandler, i'm just saying.. Maybe you should slow down on the drinks.." Joey said, concerned about his friend.
"I'm fine. Just leave me alone, Joey." Chandler didn't make eye contact with him. He just took another swig.
Joey went around to his side of the bar next to Chandler. He placed his hand on Chandlers shoulder and looked at him with a passionate look. Chandler looked over at Joey. It was so difficult to read his expression. Joey felt uneased by it. "Chandler.. I care about you. She is not worth it. I know you think you found the right one after being alone for so long. I understand but you-"
"You don't understand. You've never been through this! You've never been in a real relationship!" Chandler said shrugging Joeys hand off him and going for another beer.
"Chandler! Come on! At least be reasonable about this?!" Joey yelled. Soon saying the words he'd regret most in his life.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Chandler said grabbing a beer out of the fridge.
"I don't get what the deal is? She's just some dumb chick who wanted a one night thing. It was obvious! How could you be so oblivious? It was written all over her low cut, tight, crop top that she would cheat! Just get over her, man. She was a stupid blonde!"
The apartment went silent. Chandler just stared at Joey. Every word he said made him angrier and angrier. His eyes grew distant and his whole vibe and body language gave off the energy that they were complete strangers. Joey had really screwed up this time. Chandler grabbed his beer and cigarrettes and head for the balcony. Joey stood there for a good 10 seconds letting what he said sink into his own brain before running after Chandler.
"Chandler! Stop!"
-END OF FLASHBACK-
The crew gasped and Monica exclaimed about that being horrible.
"I know i shouldn't have said what I said. I regret it so much. I just hated to see him like that. Cause you know he's always had trouble with girls. I meant well.. I just thought he knew."
Joey looked down. His friends gave him comfort but the only comfort who could heal him truly was his best friends. Chandler.

Joey dragged himself back to the apartment suggesting to the others that his negativness would just drag them down and he was no use of being there if that was the case. To his suprise, Chandler was there. And not drinking for a change. He felt a need to set things right now. He couldn't stand going on like this. He sat in his recliner and it seems one of them was moved away from the other at least two feet.
"Chandler. Please. You have to listen to me. I am so regretful of the words I said. I never meant to hurt you or harm our friendship in such a way. It was not my intent. Chandler.. I deserve this. I deserve you ignoring me. Hell, I deserve way more. You coulda punched me and I woulda been fine with it. I asked for it." Joey rambled. Chandler just kept his head turned away and his expression reacting to the show that was on. "Chandler.. All i'm trying to say is that i'm sorry. I was in the wrong for those things.." Joey continued looking down. "And I know nothings going to change right away. Maybe never.. And you know what? I don't even care what or how I sound. I'm afraid. I'm afraid of our friendship being over, ruined, extinct, dead. I miss you. Okay? I miss our jokes.. I miss our friendship. If I could turn back the clock and set things right, I would. That's why i'm trying to set things right now. But I can't without your help." There was a moment of silence before Joey spoke again. "I'm going out.. Please just think about this.. okay?" And with that he was gone.