FALLEN | CHANDLER BING

CHAPTER FIVE

also known as

NEW YEAR'S EVE

"NO NOT THE DOG!" Athena exclaimed, turning to hide her face in Chandler's side, making him smirk.

Chandler, Athena, and Joey were sitting on their couch watching The Thing play on the tv. Chandler may or may not have seen this movie before, and picked it for them to watch because of Athena's fear of horror movies. He'd never admit that though. Joey, who was just as scared as Athena, had his eyes closed as he raked popcorn into his mouth.

Athena has lived with the guys for about a month and it was going great, besides that one time Joey tried to sneak in the bathroom while she was showering. The guys were sweet to her, and she didn't feel any pressure at all to move out immediately.

As for Chandler, things were more than great. Seeing Athena in the morning and at night only fueled his desire, although he hadn't acted on it once, despite Joey's many tries at leaving them alone.

"Chandler, I don't like you." Athena whined, shielding her brown doe eyes with her hand. Chandler sighed, "Oh I know." He may have taken that statement too literally, but he knew he was right.

As the credits rolled and the trio got ready for bed, Chandler watched at Athena wiped down the counters in the kitchen. The boys always seemed to make a mess around their small apartment, Athena right on their tails. "You don't have to be our maid you know." He smirked, leaning against the counter. Athena giggled, "Oh it's not that!
" I just....I guess I'm just used to my own routine." She smiled, throwing the damp towel in the sink, "Thank you...again." She said sheepishly, walking toward her now roommate, "...for letting me stay and all that."

"It's no problem really-oh now we're hugging." Chandler started but was interrupted by Athena's arms wrapping around his waist. Chandler wasn't one for affection, everyone knew that, but this was different. Although the hug started tense, Chandler let himself relax. Due to their height difference, Chandler wrapped his arms around her, and rested his chin on the top of her head. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes, loving the warm feeling she was providing him. He needed this. He needed her.

Below him, her heart beat fast as his head rested on hers. She felt her eyes get droopy as she took in the smell of his cologne. While living with them, she learned that Chandler had a natural smell to him, like cinnamon and cedarwood. The two stood in silence, content with each other's company.

Chandler looked down and saw a small black figure circling their feet, damn it Luna, He thought, sending a glare to the small feline. He hesitantly pulled himself away from her, hearing the cat's meows intensify.

"Um....well goodnight." Athena said, tucking a piece of hair behind her ear. Chandler nodded, "Sweet dreams." He waved her goodbye before retreating to his room

She picked up alina and walked over to pullout couch that had been her bed, setting her cat down and pulling the sheets back.

Meanwhile Chandler laid on his bed, trying to still his beating heart. He didn't know if he liked this feeling, it confused him. He did know that he had to get the brown eyed girl out of his mind, fast.
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Athena walked swiftly into Central Perk, fresh from a job interview at a bowling alley. She had been looking for jobs nonstop since she got fired, despite the guys insisting they'd keep her financially afloat. She still hadn't told her father she was unemployed, and planned to avoid the topic entirely. Oliver Addams would flip his lid if he found out she was burdening two boys without consulting him.