Imagine you're running a marathon and the JD Characters are supporting you.

For almost a year, you've been training yourself to participate in the New York City Marathon after you were one of the lucky chosen runners to run in it. You were excited that you were going to run in the marathon since it wasn't easy to sign up for it as it's the number one marathon in the world that you couldn't easily sign up for and it's your first marathon. At the same time, it was nerve wracking because you've never ran in a race that was 26.2 miles and you did your research on the pros and cons of running in a marathon. But you wanted to challenge yourself and not let any of those cons get in the way.

Once it was the end of October, you were all packed and ready to travel to New York City and run in the marathon. You were traveling on an airplane with some of your friends, the JD Characters; Willy Wonka, John Dillinger, Edward Scissorhands, and Jack Sparrow. They wanted to tag along because they've never been to New York City and they wanted to support you.

You've known the JD Characters since the day you met them at your job at the local cafe three years ago. They were hanging out along with some of the other JD Characters that were visiting together while you served them their coffee drinks. The more times you've been serving them their usual drinks and talking to them when they visited a lot in the morning, you eventually became very close friends with them and you would hang out with them even after work. Being friends with the JD Characters was fantastic and they loved being around you since they didn't hang out with anyone else. They always had your back, especially when dealing with cranky customers, and they would always be there to support you.

***

After you, John, Willy, Edward, and Jack arrived and checked in at your reserved hotel, you all headed towards the Javits Convention Center to pick up your bib number and some swag you get. You and the JD Characters walked around the streets of New York City, admiring the view of the city that's widely known for, like the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, and Times Square. "Such a big city and so many people." Edward spoke. "I've seen similar buildings like these in Chicago." John said. "And so many colors in Times Square. Reminds me of my Chocolate Factory." Willy mentioned.

"Of course the buildings are huge and there's a lot of people and it's also colorful in Times Square! It's New York City, you guys! We're literally in the Big Apple, gentlemen!" You exclaimed, excitedly. "Big Apple, huh? I didn't realize that we were in a fruit." Jack said, sounding confused and drunk at the same time, with two fingers under his chin. You and the other gentlemen groaned afterwards. "Come on. We should find the Javits building. The others are meeting us there." You mentioned, as you pulled up the address on your cell phone and you, along with the JD Characters, started following the directions.

A few minutes later, after walking through the streets, you and the JD Characters finally made it to the Javits Convention Center. You even noticed the other five JD Characters that live in New York: Mort Rainey, Spencer Armacost, W. Eugene 'Gene' Smith, Ichabod Crane, and Donnie Brasco, standing near the entrance, waiting. All five of them smiled when they saw you and the others.

"Hey, guys!" You said, as you ran up to them and formed a group hug. They all chuckled as they hugged you back, while the other four gentlemen smiled in admiration. Then, you all pulled away and Mort was the first to say, "Hey, superstar." You giggled after he said that. "I'm so happy to see you all." You said. "Well, we want to support our girl and show you all around New York during your stay here." Spencer said, which made you smile. "Well, so far, I've learned that we're in the center of a so-called 'Big Apple', Spence. This trip has definitely been strange so far." Jack spoke. "Jack, has the rum reached the center of your brain?" Donnie asked. Jack shifted his eyes, but he didn't answer. "It always does, Don." John responded.

"Honestly, it's nice to take some time away from work and support our dear (y/n). I haven't had a new case since the Sleepy Hollow case ended a couple weeks ago and not see...anything that is no longer alive." Ichabod stated, almost looking a little green at the end. "Couldn't agree with you more, Ichabod. I need a break from writing my new book." Mort said. "Same here. I decided to take a break from taking pictures of the world. But I'll still take pictures of you running tomorrow, (y/n)." Gene said. "Aw, thank you, Gene." You said.

"Well, we should probably head on in and pick up (y/n)'s stuff for tomorrow." John mentioned. "Couldn't agree with you more, John. Come on, guys." You responded, and you headed towards the front entrance, with the JD Characters following from behind you.

When you all entered inside the Javits Convention Center, the interior glass structure of the building was absolutely beautiful as you briefly stared at it in 'awe'. It was almost crowded inside as there were hundreds of people who were also participating in the marathon picking up their bib number and swag for tomorrow. You also noticed that there were several athletic vendors, athletic merchandise for shopping, and direction signs on where to go to pick up your gear.

You followed the signs and spotted the table where you pick up your bib number. First, they kindly asked you for your name and ID card before they handed you your bib number, which was 88992. Then, they gave you a bag that had all your swag inside; your NYC marathon shirt, a protein bar, a drawstring bag, a pamphlet with some tip advice, and a another pamphlet with some other information on it. Afterwards, you and JD Characters decided to look around and shop for some merchandise.

A few minutes later, after exploring the vendors, trying some food and drink samples, took some pictures, and did a little shopping for some souvenirs with the NYC marathon logo on them, it was time to check out. You picked out some items, like a t-shirt, a refrigerator magnet, and a water bottle, that you wanted and you were about to purchase them, but some of the JD Characters stepped in and purchased them, which was very generous of them to do that for you.

"What's your name?" The cashier asked. "(y/n)." "Is this your first New York Marathon?" She asked again. "Yes, it is, and it's also my first time in New York too." You answered. "Alright! Everyone, this is (y/n) and this is her first time in New York City doing the New York Marathon!" The clerk announced, everyone started cheering and the other cashiers rang their handheld cowbells, while the JD Characters and other spectators clapped to congratulate you. You smiled and blushed at everyone.

Then, Jack snatched one of the cashier's cowbells and started ringing it, vigorously. "Yeah, that's right!That's our (y/n)! She's our superstar! Let's celebrate her running the marathon! Drinks all around!" He exclaimed, loudly, as he continued ringing the cowbell out of control now. Everyone had already stopped ringing their cowbells and applauding and just stared at Jack, weirdly, like they were wondering who the crazy man was. You just giggled at his actions, while the other JD Characters looked away, embarrassed. Soon, Jack stopped ringing the cowbell once he realized everyone was staring at him and he quickly gave the cashier's cowbell back and simply said, "Good day, everybody." He, then, joined back in the group.

"Now that I got everything I need for tomorrow, what do you say we all get something to eat?" I suggested. "You betcha, love. I'm starving. I need some food and a bottle of rum." Jack spoke. "What should we get?" John asked. "Have you guys ever had street hotdogs?" Gene questioned. Willy, John, Edward, and Jack shook their heads. "What's a hotdog?" Edward asked, curiously and innocently. "I think it's when a dog gets hot and you eat it." Jack answered, dimwittedly, making you and the others groan in disgust. "No, Jack. That's not what it is." Donnie told him. "It's basically a long piece of cooked sausage served in between a bun, Edward." Mort explained, making Edward intrigued. "I can't eat hotdogs. I have to eat something healthy for tomorrow. Maybe a bagel might be better for me." You said. "I know a place where they serve very good bagels and it's near a street dog cart." Ichabod pointed out. "Then, what are we waiting for? Lead the way, Ichabod." John said, and, then, you all left the Javits Convention Center to go get something to eat.

***

It was five in the morning as you were getting ready for the marathon. You had to wake up early in the morning so that you could get to your scheduled bus on time as the starting point begins at the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge on Staten Island. You wore calf length running leggings, the NYC Marathon t-shirt you got with your swag, and your brand new Nike shoes. You also grabbed a bag of crackers, a couple of string cheese sticks, an apple, and a water bottle to take with you when you need eat before the start of the marathon.

After you got ready, Willy, John, Jack, and Edward were up and ready to walk you down to the spot where everyone was waiting for their bus. It was very nice of them to do that since you didn't want to walk by yourself in a big city you're not familiar with. There was a huge crowd of people waiting outside, which indicated that they were the other runners.

Once you got to the line that leads to your bus, the JD Characters dropped you off at your spot. "All right, I should be fine from here. I'll see you guys later on." You said. They all smiled at you and John was the first to place a kiss on top of your head before he said back, "We'll be waiting for you, sweetheart." "We'll be cheering for you." Willy added, and, then, he gave you a hug and kissed your cheek. "We know you can do it." Edward encouraged you before he carefully moved closer to you without his scissor hands in the way and placed a kiss on your cheek. "And we'll celebrate afterwards!" Jack exclaimed, excitedly. "Yes. We'll sure do that, Jack. All right, the line is moving. I better get to my bus. I'll see you guys and the others later." You said, and, then, moved with the line of people. "Bye, (y/n)." John, Willy, Edward, and Jack said, in unison.

***

After a long wait to get on the bus and head over to Staten Island, you finally got to the meeting spot where everyone was waiting for the marathon to start. It was still too early in the morning and it officially doesn't start until eleven, so you found a spot on the curb and sat on it and started eating the food that you had brought. When you were done eating, you did some stretching warm up exercises. You sat back on the curb and started looking over your phone to entertain yourself.

It was ten minutes before the marathon began. You got up from the curb and stretched a little as everyone was gathering towards the starting line. As you finished up stretching, you were briefly startled when you saw someone appear right next to you out of nowhere. But your nerves calmed down when you saw who it was. "Gellert!" You exclaimed. "Hello, my dear (y/n)." Gellert said, as he opened his arms out to you and you immediately embraced him in a hug. He hugged you back and held you close to you.

Then, you both pulled away from hug and looked at each other. "What are you doing here?" You asked. "I took a break from planning my movement so that I can come here to wish you the best of luck." Gellert answered. "Aw, thank you. Gellert. I could really use all the luck that I need. I'm about to run in a few minutes and I'm feeling a little nervous. I know the others had already talked to me, but I still feel nervous." You said. He put his hand on your shoulder to comfort you and said, "Don't be nervous, darling. As I have heard so much work you put into this, I know you will do wonderful. Doing your best and being committed is the best achievement for yourself." You smiled at him after you listened to his words of encouragement. "Thank you, Gellert. I really appreciate it." You told him. "It is my pleasure, my dear (y/n)." Gellert said back, and, then, you hugged him again, with him hugging you back.

You quickly pulled away from the hugged when you heard the announcer over the speaker saying that the marathon was beginning to start. "I better get ready and you should probably leave before security finds you here, Gellert. I hope I'll see you later with the others when I cross the finish line." You said. "I'll be waiting for you, sweetheart. Good luck and I will see you soon." Gellert said, before he placed a kiss on top of your hand and disappeared in an instant before anyone had noticed. You, then, headed towards the crowd of people that were standing in a line at the back of the starting line.

As soon as the cannon went off, it was time to run. You ran over the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, which was the biggest ascent of the race. You took a couple of deep breaths and steadied your pace as you concentrated on running. Once you crossed the bridge, you were now running in Brooklyn, where you saw spectators holding up posters and were cheering for you and the other runners. Even though they were complete total strangers, it was still nice to see people cheering and it gave you a boost of confidence and excitement. There was even water stations nearby and you grabbed a cup of water and drank it down quickly.

Sooner or later, when you were running through Queens, you were beginning to feel the first signs of fatigue and your right leg cramped a little bit. You walked for a short time before you continued on running. All you kept saying to yourself, mentally, was to not give up and listen to the JD Characters' words of encouragement.

It seemed like it was many hours, but you were now running in Manhattan getting close to the twenty mile mark; you were six miles away from reaching the finish line. You couldn't believe how much closer you were getting. Even though you felt tired and your legs were feeling like jelly, you kept on going.

You were now running through Central Park and the sky was beginning to get a little dark, which indicated that it was around the evening. You were about a mile away from the finish line and you knew the JD Characters were waiting for you. Even the spectators were encouraging you to keep going and were saying that you were almost there. The twenty-six mark appeared next to you and you kept running, even though your legs felt numb.

Once you saw that finish line appear ahead of you, you pushed yourself to finish your last few steps. As you were about to cross it, you heard the JD Characters cheering for you from the stands, which put a smile on your face. You even noticed Jack was holding piles of paper in front of Edward, who was cutting it all up into tiny ribbons of paper like confetti, making you let out short laugh, and Gene was taking photos as well. You finally crossed the finish line and stopped running, making your time 4:04:44.

While you were panting, you received your medal, a recovery bag with snacks and water in it, and a post-race poncho that the volunteer was kind enough to help put it on you. After you received your medal and goodies, you started getting emotional; not in a bad way, but in a good way. "I did it. I did it." You cried, softly.

Then, you were immediately met up with the JD Characters, who cheered and clapped for your achievement. "There's our superstar!" Donnie exclaimed, as he was the first to hug you. "You did it, sweetheart. We knew you could do it." Mort commented, as he patted your shoulder. "You did great out there, (y/n)." Edward spoke, gave you a kiss on the cheek. "I can't wait to develop my photos of you running." Gene stated. "Look at that medal. You earned it, darling." John said, while hugging you. "Indeed. You have achieved your goal and look what you have received." Gellert added.

"Aw, why are you crying, (y/n)?" Willy asked, sounding concerned and it caught everyone's attention. "Aren't you happy?" Ichabod questioned. "Of course I'm happy. These are tears of joy, you guys. I'm so happy that I did the marathon and I finished it and got what I earned." You responded, while looking at your medal. "Well, we're so proud of you, (y/n)." Spencer said. "Thank you all so much and now that I'm done, I'm tired and hungry. Let's go order a pizza and celebrate." "Now that's what I'm talking about! Let's go celebrate, everyone! Drinks all around!" Jack exclaimed, loudly. The JD Characters shook their heads, while you giggled, before you all started looking for a good pizza place to celebrate.

***

Rest in Peace, Matthew Perry. You will forever be in our hearts and forever be our Chandler Bing from FRIENDS.