[Joey x Chandler] COMPILATION OF SHORT STORIES FROM AO3

The One with the Indecent Proposal

■●□○AUTHOR: CHERILYN (ANKH)○□●■

There are certain truisims that are universal, things that are taken as a given, regardless of religion, nationality, or indeed planet. One billion light years away other life forms are up and running when they hear the words 'trust me'. But perhaps the truism that best typifies human twenty-something behaviour is this: when someone makes punch, someone else will add alcohol.

And someone after that.

This says a lot more about people than tool-making abilities and opposable thumbs.

The idea of celebrating Joey's addition to the 'Rainbow Chasers' cast had been put forward by Chandler, and suggestions had ranged from a meal and drinks at an expensive restaurant to a meal and drinks at Monica's place (originality and the spirit of adventure not being the group's strong point).

The punch had started out innocuous enough - after all, Monica was making it. Knowing his sister, Ross had come prepared and had added his alcohol contribution when her back was turned. Both Joey and Chandler just had to add their bit.

Consequently, Monica was passed out in her room and Ross had been poured into a cab singing the theme from 'The Beverly Hillbillies'. Phoebe was sitting upright, asleep, on the sofa with a sleepy Rachel's head propped against her shoulder. Joey was looking remarkably alert, sitting on the sofa opposite the two women. Next to him, Chandler lay full length on the sofa, his head in Joey's lap.

Rachel fought the need to close her eyes, horribly convinced that she would wind up snoring or drooling in her sleep. She moved her head to a slightly more comfortable position against Phoebe's upper arm and gazed at the two men with sleepy affection.

Joey smiled back and Rachel felt a little surge of pride that her friend had 'made it' onto a hot show.

"Hey, Joey."

"Hey, Rach."

Rachel's smile deepened as she recalled something Joey had told them earlier. "So you really slept with that casting woman, huh?"

Joey looked smug.

"I seem to recall you doing the same thing less than a year ago." Rachel rocked her head against Phoebe's shoulder in mock despair. "You have no shame, Joey Tribbiani."

At that, Joey got a little defensive. "She practically jumped me. And she was a babe. You'd have done the same thing." His mouth twisted into a grin when he saw Rachel's raised eyebrows. "Okay, so maybe not". There was a gleam in his eye when he added, " Not that it would be a bad thing." Seeing the narrow-eyed look Rachel was now giving him he let go of his fledgling fantasy, with some reluctance. He nudged Chandler's head with his knee and sleepy eyes popped open to give him a reproving look. "Would you have slept with her?"

"Yes," Chandler said sleepily before asking, "With who?"

"Michelle Penfold. You know, you met her - "

"Oh yeah." Chandler looked thoughtful. "She the one who's blonde, beautiful and built like a goddess?"

"That's her all right."

"Gee, I don't know," Chandler mused, "that depends. I mean, she'd have to pay for the condoms and my travel expenses."

Joey pulled a face and pushed his friend's head back down on his lap. "You see," he said to Rachel. "The shame would have been if I hadn't slept with her. It was a big part, Rachel."

"Did it mean that much to you?" pursued Rachel. "You hear about the casting couch and stuff, but it really actually goes on?"

"Oh yeah. It's worse for the women, or better if you don't mind playing the game."