♡

THE ONE WHERE EVERYONE KNOWS.
EPISODE ONE.

♡

Both Zara and Chandler felt awkward. For a whole week, their situationship had been known by the group of friends (minus Ross, who was in China), where the two were not sure how to act around each other.

Chandler now offered Zara a small smile, handing her the wine glasses.

Phoebe was grinning. "You guys are so sweet."

"I just handed Zara glasses," Chandler pointed out.

"It's so obvious between them now, isn't it?" Monica said to Phoebe. "How were we so blind before?"

"Apparently, you were quite deaf too..."

Chandler's words caused Joey to laugh as Monica's smile vanished.

"Oh, trust me, I wish I was deaf now," Monica told them.

"Now you know what I've had to put him with," Joey added.

Zara simply smiled. "Mon, you told us not to hide it anymore."

"Yes, well, I adore it," said Monica. "And maybe you won't be the only friends getting together around here... Rachel's gone to meet Ross at the airport."

"No way," Chandler said.

"Go on, Rach," Zara encouraged.

"I'm telling you, she went to the airport," Monica continued, coming back to the small table again with glasses. "And she's gonna go for it with Ross."

"Oh my God," Phoebe responded, moving around the table. "This is huge. This is bigger than huge. This is like... all right, what's bigger than huge?"

"Um... this?" Joey guessed.

Phoebe nodded. "Yes."

Chandler's hand fell on Zara's back as her head titled upwards, catching his smile. "This means we'll be forgotten about now."

"About time," Zara mumbled.

Monica's eyes were on the two men, smiling brightly "Guys, you got new haircuts."

"Yes, yes, we did," said Chandler, happily. "Thanks to Vidal Buffay."

Zara looked towards Chandler again, liking the haircut, but she much preferred the longer strands.

"'Cause, you know, if you don't look good we don't look good," Phoebe said with an accent before she started to laugh. "I love that voice."

Then, Rachel was hurrying through the front door in a panic with a plaster on her head. Her arrival caught everyone by surprise, but not in the way they had been expecting.

"Rachel, what happened?" Monica questioned.

"Airport! Airport!" Rachel panted, leaning on the side. "Ross... not alone! Julie...arm around her! Oh...cramp! Cramp! Cramp!"

"Okay, I think she's trying to tell us something," said Chandler. "Quick, get the verbs."

Rachel slapped him on the arm in response, pointing a finger at him. "You," she shouted at him. "You...you, you said he liked me! You, you..." but then Ross had come through the open front door with a pretty woman following as Rachel's accusing finger landed on them. "You slowpokes!"

"That's all right, Rach," said Ross. "We got the bags."

Zara was stuck on the word we as her eyes fell on the woman again, lips forming a circle as she put everything together herself. Ross had left single but had come back with a new partner.

"Julie, this is my sister, Monica," Ross introduced once he had greeted his sister. Then, Ross was moving to greet them all as he introduced them. "This is Chandler... Zara, how are you?" He kissed her cheek, surprising Zara. "Phoebe, hi... Joey, what up?" And then Ross was back at Julie's side. "Okay, everyone, this is Julie."

"Julie," whispered Rachel.

"Oh..." Everyone reacted, knowing it was a no go between Ross and Rachel. "Hi! Hey!"

"Hi," greeted Julie as Ross' hands were on her shoulders. "But I'm not here. You haven't met me. I'll make a much better first impression tomorrow when I don't have twenty hours of cab and plane on me."

"And bus," Ross added.

"Oh my God," Julie responded. "That..."

"The screaming guy," Ross continued.

"And the spitting?"

"You got to hear this story," Ross insisted.

"We're on this bus," Julie started. "That's easily two hundred years old, right?"

"Easily two hundred."

"And this guy..."

"And the chicken poops in her lap," Rachel abruptly finished.

Zara pressed her lips together, eyes darting away to stop herself from laughing. Even Rachel felt bad, but it was obvious to see that Rachel truly did have feelings for Ross.

"Oh, I'm so sorry," Rachel apologised. "I just gave away the ending, didn't I? Oh, it's just I just heard this story in the cab and it is all I can think about."

Rachel looked as if she was losing it as she reached for a bottle of wine.

"This is amazing," Monica told the new couple. "I mean, how... how did this happen?"

"Well, Ross and I, we were in grad school together," Julie explained.

"But we haven't seen each other since then," Ross added. "Well, I land in China. Guess who's in charge of the dig?"

"Julie!" Rachel explained, gesturing to the woman with her other hand holding onto the bottle of wine firmly before she poured herself a large glass. "Julie! Isn't that great? I mean, isn't that just kick-you-in-the-crotch-spit-on-your-neck fantastic?"

"It's an expression," Monica covered for Rachel, moving to place a comforting arm around her friend.

"We just wanted to say a quick hi, then we're going to go see the baby," Ross told them.

"And then, we've got to get some sleep," Julie said.

"Yeah," Ross agreed. "It's really six o'clock tomorrow night our time."

"Okay, well listen," Chandler was quick as Zara knew what was coming as he moved closer to Ross, unable to resist the urge. "Don't tell us what's going to happen though, 'cause I like to be surprised."

Ross smiled at that, picking up his bags. "Oh, Chandler," said Ross suddenly as if he remembered something. "Rachel told me you had news. What have I missed?"

Following that, all eyes fell on Zara, who was suddenly focused on the wine glasses in front of herself, needing a glass herself.

Chandler scratched the back of his head. "Oh, that..." But even he ruined things as he looked back to Zara, where she looked up to meet his gaze.

"Wait, hold on," Ross noticed, shocked. "You and... Zara?"

"Yeah, we're together," Chandler announced, walking closer to Zara as she stood.

"But not together too," Zara added.

Ross looked confused. "So are you together or not?"

"We're just us," Chandler smiled down at Zara.

Zara felt a surge of bravery as she rose on her tiptoes, capturing the moment with a kiss that confirmed everything Ross needed to know. Maybe they were in denial about their feelings and what was happening, but it was working for them. Neither had run from fear nor had the bubble burst between them — not even with their friends knowing.

"I can't believe this," Ross said.

Pulling away, Zara's eyes fell on Ross, seeing his pure joy as if he had melted.

Chandler kept his arm around Zara. "Neither can I still."

"You guys..." Ross stepped forward. "This is amazing. When did it happen?"

"When my mom came to town," Chandler confessed.

"That long ago?" Ross questioned, shocked.

"Apparently so," Zara said.

"You guys..." Ross smiled at them. "I really have to go, but I want to hear everything. This is so cool."

Zara found her smile forced more than anything, not wanting it to seem a big deal. Chandler's hand was on her back as Rachel saw the two out, shouting bye after them. Though, when she turned around, and Zara saw her devastation, all she felt was sadness.

That night, Zara laid in bed with Chandler as his fingers ran through her hair, playing with the long strands. Zara's head rested on her elbow, looking down at Chandler.

"So everyone now knows," Zara summarised.

"Everyone knows," Chandler confirmed.

"Do you still feel...scared?" Zara asked.

"A little," confessed Chandler. "Do you?"

"A little," Zara answered with a small smile.

Chandler returned the smile. "Maybe I'm scared, but I like that we don't have to worry about getting caught now."

Secretly, Zara liked it too. Maybe she felt herself glow with joy as she could hold Chandler's hand without it being questioned or kiss him whenever she wanted. However, with their friends, they meant well, but they had a habit of commenting on the two that added pressure.

"I really thought Ross and Rachel were gonna come back together," Zara admitted, wanting her friends to be happy, but also for selfish reasons. "That the two would take away the attention from us."

"They'll get bored and move on soon," Chandler reassured her. "Joey did, after a while."

"Yeah, I know," said Zara. "As long as it's still our thing, then it's all good, right?"

Chandler moved his body closer to Zara, fingers gently brushing along her jaw as he smile again. "Zara, no one can change this but us," he told her. "It's just us."

"Just us," Zara agreed.

Then, Chandler was gently pulling Zara towards him for a kiss as her eyelids fluttered shut. When it was just the two of them, Zara could easily sink into the blissful happiness of them.

As her heart thudded faster, Zara found hope that maybe this would work for them.

♡

There were definitely perks with their secret being out in the open: Chandler and Zara got to hang together just the two of them without it being questioned. So, in the last week, they had abused it as much as they could.

Summer vacation had started for Zara's school, so her workload was now balanced between preparing for the next academic year and finishing up her novel. Though, right now, Chandler had met Zara after work for dinner while helping her carry all the presents home.

"Do you really keep all this stuff?" Chandler questioned.

"Of course, I do. It goes in a memory box under my bed. Plus," Zara held up a gift bag that was full of chocolate. "The mom's are always looking out for me."

Then, Zara was opening the front door of her apartment, already hearing everyone on the other end. Zara and Chandler placed all the gift bags on the table, alerting the attention of Monica, Phoebe, and Joey.

"Who's birthday is it?" Joey panicked.

"Relax," Zara told him. "My class finished up for the year, so I got presents."

"You get presents?" Phoebe gasped.

"Yeah," said Zara, smiling. "I got the kids a little something too."

"I helped," Monica announced, grinning brightly. "I made them cookies."

"And they loved them, so thank you," Zara told her friend.

Phoebe was nosing through Zara's presents, fascinated by them. While there was a lot of chocolate and flowers, there were also sentimental items of artwork from the children that Zara adored the most.

"So, uh, does anybody know a good tailor?" Chandler asked.

Zara's eyes fell on him briefly, having already been asked the question with Zara having no idea.

"You need some clothes tailored?" Joey questioned.

"No, I'm just looking for a man to draw on me with chalk," Chandler decided, walking towards Joey.

"Why don't you go see Frankie?" Joey suggested. "The family's been going to him forever. He did my first suit when I was fifteen," then Chandler turned to leave, but Joey stopped him. "No, wait. Sixteen." And again. "No. Excuse me. Fifteen. All right, when was 1990?"

Chandler looked back towards them, lost for words for a moment before he faced his friend again. "Okay, you have to stop the q-tip when there's resistance."

Joey started to sulk with Zara shaking her head at him. It was Zara who sat down at the table first as Ross returned, talking on the phone to Julie. Chandler was eager to join her, knowing she was opening a box of chocolates that Zara started to hand out. Of course, with the chocolates out, Joey was joining them too.

Though, it was not long until Rachel was coming over with her fingers pressing against the side of her head. Quickly, she joined them with her growing hysteria as Zara offered a chocolate piece that Rachel was eager to accept.

"How did this happen to me?" Rachel questioned, sitting on Monica's lap. "A week ago, two weeks ago, I was fine. Ross was just Ross. Just this guy. Now, all of a sudden, he's Ross..." The name came out more like a cry and a groan. "Oh, this really great guy that I can't have."

"Sweetie, I wanted you to have him too," Monica comforted her.

"I know you did," Rachel agreed, and then she sighed. "I'm just going to deal with it."

Then, Ross was there, suddenly making kissing sounds down the phone that did not help the matter. Hearing it, Zara felt awkward, sharing a look with Chandler with the two in silent agreement that they would never be like that.

Rachel was standing, though. "I got to get out of here."

"Okay, I don't care what you guys say," said Chandler after Rachel had abruptly left. "Something is bothering her."

Zara threw a chocolate at him as it hit him in the forehead, causing Chandler to frown at her.

♡

On a Saturday morning, Zara did not feel like getting up. There was no rush on kicking Chandler out, so again, it was another perk for the two that they enjoyed. But, they had to get up as Chandler was seeing the tailor.

As the two had left the bedroom, Monica had already made breakfast (very aware that Chandler had stayed). Phoebe and Joey had come over to join them, where Zara sat with Phoebe and Monica.

"Please," Monica pleaded to Phoebe. "Just a little bit off the back?"

"Um, I'm still on no," Phoebe told her.

"Mon, you would hate it," Zara said.

"I would not!" Monica exclaimed.

"Uh, morning," Rachel greeted with her head poking out of the door.

"Hey," they all greeted.

"Hey, do you guys think you could close your eyes for just a sec?" Rachel asked.

"No, no, no," Joey said quickly, holding onto his pants. "I'm not falling for that again."

"What's going on?" Phoebe asked.

"Well, I sort of did a stupid thing last night," Rachel stated.

"What stupid thing did you do?" Chandler asked, curiously.

The stupid thing appeared, wearing Rachel's dressing gown as Zara struggled to hide her laughter. "Bongiorno, tutti!"

"Ew!" Phoebe put her breakfast down, quick to hurry away.

While Zara was not fond of Paolo either, it was amusing more than anything. Clearly intrigued, Chandler and Joey had squished themselves on the sofa next to Zara and Monica. Poor Phoebe was in the kitchen, evidently uncomfortable.

"Paolo, go get dressed," Rachel told her one-night stand. "And be on your way. Okay. Bye-bye."

Then, the bedroom door was closing and then she paused, unknowing how they would respond.

"Rachel, how did this happen?" Monica questioned.

"Oh, I don't know," said Rachel casually, walking closer to join them. "I just kind of ran into him last night."

"Where?" Phoebe asked.

"At his apartment," Rachel answered.

"Well, the chances of that," Zara muttered.

"Is this juice?" Rachel questioned, clearly panicking as she helped herself.

"Whoa, whoa," said Joey. "And the fact that you dumped him 'cause he hit on Phoebe?"

Rachel put down her juice, placing her head in her hands. "Oh, God, I know I'm pathetic. I'm a loser."

"Honey, you're not pathetic," Monica reassured her. "You're just... you're sad."

"Hey, we've all been there," Zara added.

"Yeah, people do stupid things when they're upset," said Chandler.

"My God, if I had a nickel for every guy I wish I hadn't..." Everyone turned to look at Monica. "But this is about your horrible mistake."

"Hi," Ross greeted them, entering the apartment with Julie by his side.

"Hey," they all returned.

"Sorry we're late," said Ross. "We were uh...well, there was touching."

"See," Zara told Chandler quietly. "I told you we could have stayed in bed an extra hour."

Paolo had left Rachel's bedroom, fully dressed in his own clothes this time. Upon seeing Ross, he greeted the man with a bright grin.

"Hey, Ross!"

"Paolo..." Ross was shocked as he awkwardly accepted the hug that he could not escape. However, he couldn't resist shoving the Italian man away. "What, uh... What are you doing here?"

"I do Racquela," Paolo answered.

"Go Racquela," said Zara with a wink towards Rachel, who had her hands in her hair, clearly agitated and flustered.

Then, Ross was joining them in the living room area, where it was obvious that he was not happy with Paolo being back. Sensing it, Zara nudged Chandler, believing that it wasn't over for Ross and Rachel yet.

"So, uh, he's back," said Ross.

"Yeah, he's back," Rachel told him. "Is that a problem?"

"No," Ross answered stiffly. "Not a problem."

"Good," Rachel replied. "Glad it's not a problem."

Honestly, Zara was amused, but even she felt uncomfortable as she picked at her food.

"Hey," said Chandler quietly to Zara as she turned her head to look at him. "I'll see you later, yeah? I wanna read that chapter when you're finished."

Zara smiled in response, whispering: "I wanna finish what we started earlier."

Chandler laughed at that. "You are evil, Zara."

"Oh, but you like it, Bing," Zara reminded him.

And then Chandler leant further forward, kissing Zara for all to see, but Zara was starting to feel comfortable with it. Even with everyone knowing, only they mattered, and Zara could not resist his kiss.

"You guys..." Ross said, sounding all gooey. "Oh, I just love this."

Chandler had caught Ross up on the two, but he was still coming to terms with it. Though, hearing his input, the two pulled apart, neither looking at Ross.

"Well, despite the yummy bagels, and palpable tension," said Chandler, having stood with Zara's eyes falling on him. "I've got pants that need to be altered."

"I know you don't like the attention," said Monica once Chandler had left them. "But... seriously, Zar, it's so good to see you happy."

"Thanks, Mon," Zara smiled.

"But the two of you are not together?" Ross questioned.

"We are together," Zara clarified. "But in our own way, Ross. Neither of us like labels or the pressure of a relationship, so we're just doing our own thing."

"As long as it makes you happy, then that's all that matters," Phoebe said.

Rachel, though, was looking down at the coffee table, knowing that Rachel's joy for the two had become bittersweet. Seeing Chandler and Zara together was a reminder that it had not worked out the same for her and Ross.

"You know, it's funny," said Monica. "The last time Paolo was here my hair was so much shorter and cuter."

"All right," Phoebe decided, standing with Monica eager to follow. "Okay, but, but you have to promise that you will not be all controly and bossy and all, you know, Monica about it."

"I promise," Monica stated.

"All right, let's see," Phoebe said, fingers touching the dark strands of Monica's hair. "Now, some of you are going to get cut and some of you aren't but I promise, none of you will feel a thing."

Zara smiled at that, making a mental note to include that in her novel at some point. While Pheobe cut Monica's here, Zara hung out with the others while working on her novel as they waited to see the outcome of Monica's hair.

Though, it did not go well as Zara had suspected. There had been a mix-up of inspiration with Monica now trapping herself in her bedroom.

Eventually, Phoebe came out.

"How is she?" Rachel questioned.

"It's too soon to tell," Phoebe told them. "She's resting, which is a good sign."

"How's the hair?" Ross asked.

"I'm not going to lie to you, Ross," said Phoebe. "It doesn't look good. I put a clip on one side, which seems to have stopped the curling."

"Can we see it?" Joey questioned.

"Your hair looks too good," Phoebe explained. "I think it would upset her."

"Ross looks like you can go see Mon," Zara told him.

For a second, Ross was in agreement as Zara had a devilish smile before he paused, eyes briefly falling on Zara with a frown. Though, the two disappeared into the bedroom to see Monica.

"Well, how are you doing?" Joey asked Rachel.

"Yeah, seriously, Rach," said Zara, closing down her laptop.

"I'm okay," Rachel reassured them, though Zara knew that was not the case.

"Oh, that bad, huh?" Joey noticed.

"What?"

"Look, Rach, I can sense when women are depressed and vulnerable. It's one of my gifts."

Briefly, Joey's attention fell to Zara as she flashed him her middle finger. While it was all in the past, Zara was still not a fan of Joey's dating habits or the fact that she had been stupid enough to fall for it.

"Keep going, Joe," Zara encouraged him.

"I won't, I won't," Joey panicked a little, afraid to annoy Zara. Instead, he focused on Rachel, gesturing for her to sit down with Zara's attention falling on their friend.

"Oh, when I saw him," Rachel told them. "Get off that plane with her, I really thought I had just hit rock bottom. But today, it's like there's rock bottom, fifty feet of crap, then me."

"You got to tell Ross how you feel," Joey exclaimed.

"Come on," said Rachel. "How can I just tell him? What about Julie?"

"What about her?" Zara and Joey questioned at the same time.

"They've only been going out for two weeks," Joey added. "Ross has been in love with you for, like, ten years."

Rachel put her head in her hands, repeating the following words: "I don't know!"

"I can't believe I'm encouraging this when I feel like I want to run from Chandler every day myself," said Zara. "But sometimes you just gotta take the risk."

"Look, Rach," Joey tried. "I've been with my share of women...in fact, I've been with a lot of people's share of women." Zara rolled her eyes at the words. "The point is, I've never felt about anyone, the way Ross felt about you."

"Really?" Rachel questioned.

Joey nodded, but the conversation came to an end as Chandler returned, seeming angry as he slammed the front door shut. Startled by his abrupt arrival, the three turned to look at him.

"Yo, Paisan," said Chandler with his hands on his hips, eyes stuck on Joey. "Can I talk to you for a sec?"

Rachel took Zara's hand. "Maybe we should go check on Mon..."

Zara had that feeling too; whatever had happened, it didn't seem like now was the time to tell Zara. So, the two headed into Monica's bedroom, catching sight of their friend's hair as Zara had to force her lips together to stop herself from laughing.

Later on, they ended up sitting at the table with Zara in the seat opposite Monica, trying to keep any comments to herself.

"Even Mary Tyler Moore would have been better," Monica decided.

"Well, I like it," Ross decided.

Zara shook her head at him. "Worst thing to say."

But Ross was up for defending his opinion after the glare Monica gave him. "Yeah, I do. I think it's a ten."

Zara laughed at that, having not expected it from Ross.

"Thank you," Monica told him. "My hair is very amused."

"Oh, come on, Monica," said Chandler. "Things could be worse. I mean, uh... you could get caught between the moon and New York City. I know it's crazy, but it's true."

Monica stormed off after that as Zara sighed.

"Thank you," Phoebe replied before chasing after Monica.

"You just had to make a joke," Zara rounded on Chandler.

Chandler shrugged. "I couldn't resist."

"Neither could the tailor when you visited him," Zara reminded him, smirking.

Chandler shuddered at that.

"I gotta go," Ross stood up. "Bye."

There was a chorus of farewells before Ross shouted out to Rachel, who was out alone on the balcony.

"Oh, wait," said Rachel. "Are you leaving?"

"Yeah, that's kind of what I meant by bye."

"Well, uh, could I talk to you for a sec?"

"Hey," Joey called out. "When a doctor does that hernia test?"

"That's okay," Chandler reassured him.

Zara's lips twitched with a smile, but her hand rested on Chandler's, causing him to look at her. "Hey, are you okay?"

"Yeah, I will be," Chandler told her, moving his hand so that their fingers entwined.

♡

EPISODE TWO.

♡

Zara adored babies — in fact, she adored children in general. In foster homes, Zara had always been the one to look out for the younger children, stealing sweets for them when she could or even putting the bullies in place.

Though, seeing little Ben, Zara could not hide her bright smile.

"Okay, these are unbelievably expensive," said Monica, hurrying into the living room where they all sat. "And I know he's going to grow out of them in, like twenty minutes, but I couldn't resist!"

Monica held up an adorable, tiny pair of Nike sneakers as Zara's heart melted.

"Oh, look at these," Phoebe said excitedly, bringing them closer for everyone to see. "Hey, Ben, just do it!" Ben started to cry as Phoebe panicked. "Oh my God! Oh! Okay, was that too much pressure for him?"

Susan moved a pillow. "Wow, is he hungry already?"

"I guess so," Carol replied.

"You know, it's..."

But Chandler had froze as he saw Carol's breast.

"Something about sneakers, I'll be right back."

Zara rolled her eyes at him, especially as Joey had noticed too.

"Uh...uh... uh...I got to get one too."

Ross sighed, following after the duo. The two were immature as Zara sighed at them, but she left them to it. Though, Ross followed after them, encouraging the two to ask Carol questions.

"Carol?" Chandler questioned as Ross' hand fell onto his shoulder. "I was just wondering if Joey could ask you a question about breastfeeding."

"Coward," Zara muttered.

"Sure," said Carol.

"Uh..." Joey had his arms crossed over his chest. "Does it hurt?"

"Oh, it did at first, but not anymore."

Joey nodded before looking over at his best friend.

"Chandler?"

"So, uh... how often can you do it?"

"As much as he needs," Carol answered.

"Oh, oh, okay," said Joey, finally comfortable. "I got one. I got one. Uh... if he blows into one, does the other one get bigger?"

Zara could not help but laugh at the question, finding it such a Joey thing to ask.

Later on that evening, the friends had headed down to the coffee house with Zara sitting at the table next to Chandler, who was keeping her company while she worked on the second half of her novel. Ross's girlfriend Julie was with them, where Zara was curious to see how Rachel would handle it.

"Rachel, do you have any muffins left?" Julie asked.

"Yeah, I forgot which ones."

"Oh, you're busy," said Julie standing. "That's okay. I'll get it. Oh, anyone else want one?"

There was a chorus of no thanks as Zara offered a smile. Rachel came over to clear the two mugs from their small table.

"Oh, you're losing your apron," Julie joined them, helping Rachel. "Here, let me get it."

"Oh."

"There you go."

"Thank you." Then, Julie left as Zara gave Rachel an amused smile. "What a bitch."

Chandler grinned next to Zara, clearly amused. Rachel left, heading back to the counter with Zara trying not to laugh.

"Oh, listen you guys, I have this friend at Bloomingdale's," said Julie, returning once again. "Who's quitting tomorrow and he wants to abuse his discount. So, anyone who wants to come with me and take advantage of it?"

"Yes, for sure," Zara agreed.

"I can't," Phoebe said. "I have to take my grandmother to the vet."

Zara was confused, but she met Monica's gaze, hoping she would not be the only one to go.

"Okay," said Monica. "I can go too."

"Great," Julie smiled.

"Hi, honey," Ross greeted, entering the coffee house.

"Hey, sweetums," Chandler replied.

"And hello to the rest," said Ross.

There was a chorus of greetings from the friends before Julie stood, eager to go see Ross.

"Zara, Monica, what are you doing?" Joey questioned the two. "You can't go shopping with her. What about Rachel?"

Chandler's eyes were on Zara. "Yeah, are you sure about this?"

"This going to be a problem, isn't it?" Monica realised.

"Oh, come on," said Chandler. "You're going to Bloomingdale's with Julie? It's like cheating on Rachel in her house of worship."

"I just wanted the discount," Zara confessed.

"I just want to..."

"She will kill you," Phoebe told them both. "She will kill you like a dog in the street."

That made Zara feel a little guilty, though she did really want the discount. Still, when Ross came over, it did not make Rachel or Monica feel any better as they could not back out now.

"So, uh, Jules tells me," said Ross, looking between Monica and Zara. "You guys are going shopping tomorrow."

"Oh, yeah, it's actually not that big a deal," Monica tried diffusing it.

"Well, it's a big deal to me," Ross insisted. "This is great, Monica. I really appreciate this."

Ross kissed his sister on the forehead before leaving.

"You're welcome," said Monica, knowing they could not back out now.

"Woof! Woof!" Phoebe barked before she started panting and then mimicked a crash with the dog dying.

♡

The shopping trip ended up being a success for Zara. Afterwards, Zara had headed into the school as she spent a few hours in the afternoon organising classes for the new year.

In the early evening, a knock echoed on the classroom door as Zara looked up, spotting Chandler. There was an instant smile on Zara's face, where the two had arranged to meet before travelling home together.

"Hey," Zara greeted him as Chandler approached her desk, pressing a kiss to Zara's cheek. "I'm almost done. You can sit down."

Chandler sat down, almost shocked by how low he was on the children's chair. Unable to resist, Zara patted his head, causing a frown.

"If you sit quietly, I'll give you a gold star," Zara offered.

"Do you have one of those cool stickers that smell?" Chandler asked.

Zara laughed. "I save them for special occasions."

"If I count to ten, can I have one?"

Zara rolled her eyes, opening the top drawer of her desk as she handed the sheets of stickers to Chandler to choose from. Chandler grinned brightly, happily putting a banana-smelling sticker on his blazer.

"So, how was shopping with Julie?" Chandler questioned.

"You know what, Julie's really lovely," said Zara, knowing that wouldn't go down too well with Rachel. "And the discount was worth it."

"Oh, yeah?" Chandler said, spotting the shopping bags behind Zara. "What did you get?"

"I'll show you later," Zara offered.

"Flowers or leather?" Chandler asked.

"Maybe both," said Zara, smugly. "You will love these new boots I bought."

"Can I see now?"

"Nope, when we're home."

"But I wanted to take you out," said Chandler. "On a proper date that doesn't end with us trying to sneak home without being caught."

Zara paused on what she was doing, meeting Chandler's gaze. With everything out in the open, they were walking this dangerous line of falling into a relationship. But, holding his stare, Zara felt her walls crumbling.

"Let's go home first and then I'll wear the boots tonight," Zara suggested.

Chandler smiled at that. "I'll be happy with that."

Their date had been a success: together, they had dinner in the city before heading home, where their hands remained entwined. Afterwards, they ended up at Zara's, where they woke up the next morning to Ben being dropped up by Carol and Susan.

"Do you think we could stay in here?" Chandler asked, keeping an arm around Zara as his fingers danced along her lower back. "I'm sure no one heard us come in last night."

Zara rose her eyebrows at that, smirking. "Honey, we were not quiet."

"That's more you than me," Chandler insisted.

"I don't think so," Zara argued, amused.

"Oh, I think so," Chandler decided, pulling Zara closer to him as their noses brushed, and their legs became tangled. "I have learnt a thing or two from you."

Zara closed the distance as the two kissed, where her hand cupped his jawline while the other rested on his chest. But, before anything could be escalated, there was a knock on the door that caused the two to groan.

"Zara, Chandler, just a heads up," said Monica. "I'm coming in."

Chandler was quick to pull the covers up so that Zara was covered before Monica entered the small third bedroom. Seeing the two, her eyes widened, lips pressing together.

"You know, I'm still not used to this," Monica decided.

"You know I sleep naked," Zara reminded her friend. "We shared a dorm together, remember?"

Chandler groaned next to Zara. "Sweet Jesus."

"Is everything okay?" Zara asked, ignoring Chandler.

"Just two things," said Monica. "The first being that I want to hear everything about your date last night once Chandler decides to leave."

"There's nothing new to add," Zara told her. "Unless you want to hear how I taught Chandler to—"

"No, no," Monica cut Zara off as Chandler was grinning, impressed with himself, where Zara knew it was definitely going to be a chat with the guys. "Unless, uh, you wanted to tell me over lunch with Julie."

"You are seeing her again?" Chandler questioned.

"Yeah, for lunch today," Monica answered. "Zara, will you please come?"

"Shopping was really pushing it already," Zara replied. "Plus, the baby is here. You know, you could always cancel."

"I can't do that," Monica said.

"Then tell Rachel."

"I can't do that either."

Monica ended up going out for lunch with Julie in the end as Zara remained home, having lunch with the others. If Ben was not here, then Zara would have gone, but she was a sucker for babies (as long as she could give them back once they cried).

"Ben, dinner!" Phoebe called out.

"Thanks, Aunt Pheebs," said Ross, returning from Monica's bedroom with Ben in his arms. "Hey, you didn't microwave that did you? Because it's breast milk and you're not supposed to do that."

"Duh, I think I know how to heat breast milk," Phoebe replied.

Then, she heat-tested the milk on her wrist before licking the breast milk as everyone screamed in horror, though Zara only laughed.

Chandler had stood, standing away from the kitchen. "What did you just do?"

"I licked my arm," Phoebe answered. "What?"

"It-It-It's breast milk!" Ross exclaimed.

"So?" Phoebe questioned.

"Phoebe, that is juice squeezed from a person," Rachel explained.

"What is the big deal?" Joey questioned, taking the bottle as he tried it himself. Again, Joey received the same reaction as Phoebe had.

"Ah!" Chandler shouted. "What did you just do?"

"Okay, can people stop drinking the breast milk?" Ross said.

"You won't even taste it?" Phoebe asked him.

"No," Ross was quick to answer.

"Not even if you just pretend that it's milk?"

"Not even if Carol's breast had a picture of a missing child on it."

"Come on, Ross," said Zara. "If you were still with Carol, you would have tried it."

"No, no, no," Ross insisted.

Chandler's eyes were stuck on her. "You wouldn't, would you, Zara?"

Zara shrugged. "It would depend."

"On what?"

"On who I'm with."

Chandler's mouth opened before he realised what Zara was implying. If Zara happened to be dating a woman who was nursing or perhaps even the future parent of her child, then Zara would not care as it was natural. But, Zara certainly would not be drinking Carol's breast milk.

Afterwards, they took Ben out to the park as Rachel remained behind to get ready for her shift. Zara had pushed the pram for Ross with a smile on her face as she cooed at Ben.

"You are terrifying," Chandler told Zara.

Zara only laughed. "Don't worry, Bing. I'm not broody."

One day, when it was the right time, Zara would have her own large family with more than enough kids. Zara had always considered adoption too — even fostering — wanting no child to have a childhood like her own.

Though, Zara was in trouble when they returned home with Rachel having found out everything — including Monica's lunch. Zara had sighed, knowing it would pass, but right now she was trying to keep Ben occupied while Monica was trying to patch things up with Rachel by calling her work. Next to Zara, Chandler and Ross had both crashed.

Picking Ben up, Zara held the baby in her arms, sitting down on the sofa as she made him smile with the clown toy. There was a smile on Zara's face, truly knowing that children were her future.

There was a knock on the front door as Phoebe walked over to answer. Carol and Susan were both there, and their voices woke up both Chandler and Ross. For a second, Ross panicked before he spotted Ben in Zara's arms.

"How did we do?" Carol asked.

"Oh, I tasted Ben's milk and Ross freaked out," Phoebe was quick to tell them.

"I did not freak out," Ross insisted.

Spotting Ben in Zara's arms, Carol sat down next to Zara on the sofa as the baby was quick to see his mother, where she then handed him back.

"Why did you freak out?" Carol questioned.

"Because it's breast milk," Ross answered, sounding horrified. "It's gross."

"My breast milk is gross?"

Susan smiled. "This should be fun."

"No, no, Carol," said Ross, trying to recover. "There's nothing wrong with it. I just don't think breast milk is for adults."

"Of course, the packaging does appeal to grownups," Chandler added. "And kids alike."

"Ross, you're being silly," Carol insisted. "I've tried it." Then she picked up a bottle, trying to persuade him to try it. "It's no big deal. Come on, just taste it."

Ross was quick to stand with a forced laugh. "That would be no."

Both Phoebe and Joey tried encouraging Ross.

"It's natural," Phoebe insisted. "It doesn't taste bad."

"Yeah," said Joey. "It tastes kind of sweet... sort of like, uh..."

"Cantaloupe juice," Susan suggested.

"Exactly," the others agreed.

Ross stared at Susan. "You've tasted it." Zara watched his mind tick, knowing where it would go as Susan only grinned. "You've–you've–you've tasted it."

"Uh-huh," Susan agreed.

"Oh, you've tasted it."

"You can keep saying it, but won't stop being true," Susan told him.

Zara could not help but laugh as Ross rolled up the sleeve of his shirt, clearly challenged by Susan. "Get me the bottle."

Joey was quick, picking it up from the table as he gave it to Ross. Shaking the bottle, a few droplets of the milk landed on Ross' arm as Zara smirked, knowing Ross wouldn't do it.

And she was right.

"Get me the towel."

Once Ross had the towel, he wiped the milk from his arm before throwing it and leaving. Zara had to press her lips together to hide her laughter.

♡

Later that night, both Monica and Zara had gone downstairs to talk to Rachel. For the first time, Rachel would rather work than speak to them.

"I don't know what else to say," Monica confessed.

"Well, that works out good 'cause I'm not listening," Rachel told them.

"I feel terrible," said Monica. "I really do."

"Oh, I'm sorry," Rachel replied. "Did my bake hurt your knife?"

Zara sighed. "I'm sorry Rachel, but it's not like you and Ross were together. Julie's really nice if you give her a chance."

Rachel looked mad as she stormed back into the coffee house with the two following after her.

"Say that I'm friends with her," said Monica. "We spend some time together. Is that so terrible?"

"Yes," Rachel decided.

"It's that terrible?"

"Rach, come on," Zara said.

"You don't get it," Rachel rounded on the two. "It's bad enough that she stole the guy who might actually be the person that I am supposed to be with. But now...she's actually..." Tears pooled in Rachel's eyes, surprising Zara. "But now she's actually stealing you."

Zara crossed her arms, feeling uncomfortable when someone cried.

"Me?" Monica started to cry too. "What are you talking about? Nobody could steal me from you. I mean, just because I'm friends with her, doesn't make me any less friends with you. Zara, you feel the same, right?"

"Right," Zara agreed. "As much as it surprises me, Rach, you've ended up being one of my best friends."

Rachel only cried more at that. "Really?"

"Really," Zara reassured.

"Oh, I love you," Monica cried.

"I love you too," Rachel joined in.

The two hugged with Zara a little wide-eyed, not used to emotions like this. Those three words were too hard for Zara to say, but Monica knew that as she pulled Zara into their hug with Zara having a hidden smile.

"You guys," said Phoebe, joining them. "Um...I know that this really doesn't have anything to do with me, but um...I love you guys too."

Phoebe joined their hug as the four held onto each other. Even Phoebe managed to cry, leaving Zara feeling like a stone with no emotions. Yet, Zara's heart was pounding, glowing with warmth that not even Derek could have caused.

"Oh, I really needed that," Phoebe said as she pulled away.

"Look, I know that you're in a place right now where you really need to hate Julie's guts, but... she didn't do anything wrong," Monica told Rachel, where the words came out a lot nicer than what Zara would have said. "I mean, she's just a girl who met a guy and now they go out. And I really think that if you gave her a chance you'd like her. Will you just give that a chance?" There was silence before Monica added: "for me?"

"I'd do anything for you," Rachel started to cry again. "You know that."

"I'd do anything for you," Monica joined in.

"Wait, wait, wait!"

Phoebe was quick to join the hug again with Zara staring at the three woman, wondering if all female friends acted like this. But, before she could even question anything, Zara was being pulled into the group hug again.

It was still on Zara's mind that night when both Rachel and Monica had gone to bed. Chandler had been sitting with Zara, keeping an arm around her as she had rested her head in the crook of his neck, lost in thought.

Worst of all, her mind was on Derek, finally seeing how wrong he was for her. The love they had, had not been real or right.

"Something's on your mind," Chandler noticed.

"It's nothing," Zara insisted.

"Doesn't seem like nothing."

Zara's head tilted, looking up at Chandler. "I suppose I'm realising a few things tonight," she admitted, nervously. "I've... never had friends like this before."

"You've known Monica since college," Chandler said.

"Yeah and that really opened my eyes," Zara smiled at the memories. "I guess I've never had a friendship group where everyone truly loves each other. I'm not just Monica's friend or roommate, you know?"

"Oh, I know," Chandler said with a happy smile. "You know, when you first turned up and started terrorising Joey, it was like you'd always been friends with us. But... I didn't quite expect the impact you would have on me. Like, I thought you were so incredibly hot, but you took me by surprise."

"A good surprise?" Zara asked.

"As if I've won the lottery," Chandler answered.

There was a grin on Zara's face as her hands cupped his jaw, pulling him down to her with a kiss. As her heart glowed again, Zara found her fear starting to ease in the moment, though she was truly terrified.

Between them, it was supposed to be casual with no labels or emotions.

And yet, Zara felt her heart cross the line.

♡

I actually love them. You're all going to hate me soon though😭 I'm sorry it took so long to update, they're so long to write but I've found a way to schedule it out better!