[Joey x Chandler] COMPILATION OF SHORT STORIES FROM AO3

The One with Ross' Ex-wife

The One With Ross' Ex-WifeChapter Text

In his 27 years of life, Chandler Bing has made many bad choices, but this one may take the cake.

He's facing a closed door in an unfamiliar apartment complex, regretting nearly every impulse that brought him here.

He should be at home right now. He left work a little earlier then normal (in his defense, he really doesn't feel well), and on his walk home, took a few different turns and now he's having a staring contest with a door.

He's sure he's about to experience one of the awkwardest conversations of his life, and that's really saying something for him.

Sure, she went to college with him and sure, he was the best man at her wedding but Chandler doesn't consider her anything more then maybe a close acquaintance. He can't remember ever spending any time alone with her, not even in college.

Knock, knock, knock-

Wait.

Did he just knock on her door?

Chandler feels nauseas as the panic settles in. He could probably take off running right now and make it around the corner and out of sight before-

"Chandler?"

Too late.

"Chandler, are you okay?" Shit.

He's suddenly not sure he can form a coherent sentence as he meets the gaze of a concerned looking Carol Willick. A million excuses run through his head but he can't find one good enough to explain his unexpected visit. Chandler knows he doesn't look good, he's sweaty, his hands are shaking and the hour of sleep he got last night sure isn't helping the bags under his eyes.

"N-no. Sorry, I guess I took a wrong turn on my way home! I'll just-I'll leave, sorry I-" Chandler stutters, backing away and feeling sicker by the second.

"Chandler wait! It's ok." She takes his hand and he flinches, painfully aware of how sweaty his palms are. "Come inside. It's fine, really."

She pulls him into the apartment and the nausea rises as he notices the worry etched in her face.

But then again, why wouldn't she be worried? It's not everyday your ex-husband's best friend shows up shaking on your doorstep. Damn, he really is pathetic.

"Here sit down, I'll get you a glass of water." She guides him to the couch before moving to the kitchen.

"Where are Susan and Ben?" Chandler asks when she returns. She hands him a glass of tap water and he takes it in both hands.

"Susan wanted to let me rest so she took Ben out for the afternoon. She should be back soon."

Oh.

"Oh. Sorry, I didn't know you were resting, I can leave-" He moves to get up but she places a hand on his shoulder and pushes him back down to the coach.

"Chandler, it's fine. I couldn't sleep anyway." He twists his hands in his lap and she continues. "Is everything okay, though? You look... upset."

"This is how I always look," Chandler makes an effort to joke but it falls flat. "I am fine though. I'm just... dealing with things."

"Anything I can help with? You did come to my house."

"Yeah I just-... I wanted to ask you something." He might as well get this over with.

Carol nods patiently and waits for him to figure out how exactly he wants to phrase this. The silence is awkward but she doesn't pressure him to hurry and for that, Chandler is thankful.