♡

THE ONE WITH DANGEROUS FEELINGS.
EPISODE NINE.

♡

Thanksgiving came with Zara being unable to avoid the holidays this year. Though, she was trying to not be bitter — after all, she had no family and it was this time last year that she ended things with Chandler, so it was not a joyous occasion.

But Zara's friends cared, so she cared enough for them.

Zara's way of caring was watching the football with the guys (when Monica was cooking, Zara tended to be banned from helping). Of course, Zara enjoyed watching football more anyway, so it worked out well in her favour.

Their team wasn't doing particularly well, though, causing the four to shout out in protest.

"Hey, it's your Thanksgiving too," Phoebe reminded them. "You know, instead of watching football, you could help."

"We know," the four replied.

"Monica told me not to," Zara added. "I broke one of her nice bowls."

Things perked up during the game with Zara leaning forwards from where she sat next to Joey. For Thanksgiving, it wasn't going as bad as Zara thought.

"For once, I am going to sit down and try to watch one of these things," Phoebe decided, taking a seat in the spare armchair.

"Half time," Ross announced.

Zara smiled at Phoebe. "Honey, there's always the second half."

"Hey, who wants to throw the ball around a little?" Joey suggested. "Maybe get a little three-on-four going."

"Oh, that would be so much fun," Rachel said.

"Oh, can I play too?" Phoebe asked. "I never played football, like, ever."

"Great," said Joey. "You can cover Chandler."

"No, I don't really want to play," Chandler told them.

"Oh, come on," Zara replied.

"Come on, man," Joey complained. "You never want to do anything since you and Janice broke up."

"That's not true," Chandler said. "I wanted to wear my bathrobe and eat peanut clusters all day. I wanted to start drinking in the morning. Don't say that I don't have goals."

"Yikes," said Zara. "I'm starting to see what everyone told me about now."

"This is nothing compared to your break up," Joey told her.

That didn't make Zara feel any better.

"Thanks, Joe," Chandler mumbled.

"You're welcome," Joey said. "But, Chandler, you have to start getting over Janice. If you play, you get some fresh air. Maybe it'll take your mind off Janice. If you don't play, everyone'll be mad at you."

"Including me," Zara insisted. "If you play, I'll let you be on my team."

"Yeah, all right," Chandler decided. "I'll play."

Zara smiled at him, finally excited about the game. Everyone cheered, ecstatic to be heading outside to play football.

"Ross?" Rachel caught her boyfriend's attention as he returned. "Want to play football?"

Ross' face dropped, eyes falling on his girlfriend. "Um, Monica and I aren't supposed to play football."

"Says who, your mom?" Joey replied, scoffing.

"Yeah," the two siblings replied.

"Every Thanksgiving," Monica explained at their silence. "Um, we used to have a touch football game called the Geller bowl."

"No, no, no," said Chandler. "You say that proudly."

"I bet you had a trophy too," Zara said. "Didn't you?"

"Anyway," Monica ignored them. "Ross and I were always captains and, um, it got kind of competitive and one year, Geller bowl six, I accidentally broke Ross's nose."

"It was so not an accident," Ross insisted. "She saw I was about to tag her, so she threw her big, fat grandma arm elbow in my face. Just kept running."

"To score the winning touchdown, by the way," Monica told them.

"Whoa, whoa," Ross cut in. "Uh, you did not win the game. The touchdown didn't count because of the spectacularly illegal — and by the way, savage — nose breaking."

"I won the game," Monica leant towards them to tell them.

"Oh, yeah?" Ross challenged. "Then how come you didn't get the Geller cup?"

"So there was a trophy," Zara said, finding a grin appearing on her face.

"Yes," Ross confessed as Zara failed to hide her teasing reaction. "It was the trophy you got if you won the game but our dad said nobody won that game and he was sick of our fighting, so he took the trophy..."

Clearly emotional about it, Ross couldn't finish his sentence. Like Phoebe and Rachel, Zara was trying to hide her laughter, but it was clear as daylight.

"Threw it in the lake," Ross finally finished.

"Oh, how devastating," Zara sympathised sarcastically.

"And was the curse lifted?" Chandler asked.

"Anyway," Ross ignored them. "That's when mom said we were not allowed to play football again."

"You know what?" Monica said. "I think we should play a game. I mean, come on, it's been twelve years."

"Can I see you for a second?" Ross asked.

The two tucked themselves away in the kitchen to whisper as Zara's head turned, exchanging a bemused look with Chandler.

"Wuss!" Monica shouted.

"All right, we're going to play," Ross decided.

"Wait a minute," said Chandler, holding the ball. "How will we get there? 'Cause my mom won't let me cross the street."

That caused everyone but the two Geller's to laugh.

♡

Outside, once they had changed, they had found an open space that was hardly being used. Warming up, they passed the ball back and forth between each other.

"Okay, let's bring it in," Monica encouraged.

"Throw it to me!" Rachel cried out to Ross. "Throw it to me!"

"Here you go."

As the ball was thrown, Rachel let out a small noise as she missed catching the ball with it rolling across the ground. Afterwards, she threw her arms out wide, looking at her boyfriend with shock. "That almost hit me in the face."

"All right," said Joey. "We have to pick captains."

"And then tennilles," Chandler added.

"Okay, so how do we decide that?" Phoebe questioned.

"Well, why don't we just bunny up?" Monica suggested.

"What?" Everyone questioned.

"Bunny!" Both Monica and Ross cried out, placing fingers above their hands to symbolise bunny ears.

"Is this normal between siblings?" Zara asked.

"No," Joey, Phoebe and Rachel replied.

"Okay," Monica said. "Ross and I are captains. Okay, so I bunnies first, so I get to pick first. Joey."

Zara's mouth parted in shock and betrayal.

"Thank you," Joey replied, walking over to his captain.

"Monica..." Rachel responded, clutching a hand to her heart. "I'm your best friend."

"Hold on, I wanted to be captain and now you didn't even pick me first," Zara complained.

"Sweetie, don't worry," Ross told Rachel. "You'll get picked."

"How sweet," said Zara. "Thanks, Ross."

"Chandler," Ross decided.

"Ross," Rachel said, shocked.

"Phoebe," Monica picked next.

"Monica," said Zara, appalled.

Phoebe offered them both a sweet smile before she joined Monica's team. Now, Zara's arms folded across her chest, glaring at the two. Ross was clutching the ball a little tightly, unknowing who to pick.

"Sweetie, now I pick you," Ross told her.

As Rachel made her way over to Ross, relieved to not be last, Zara's icy stare fell on Monica. Knowing they were about to anger Zara, Monica smiled, but it didn't seem honest.

"Zara, I was going to pick you anyway—"

"Well, you should've picked me first," Zara mumbled, walking over to join Monica's team.

It was just a game, Zara knew that, but she was competitive and knew she was good. Plus, it did hurt that she was last, though Zara was used to the feeling.

"Okay," Ross decided to start. "All right. So let's play from the trash can to the light post. Two-hand touch. We'll kick off."

"All right," Monica continued, holding up her timer. "People, listen. I've got exactly twenty-eight minutes before I have to baste again."

"Wow, just like in the pros," Chandler said.

They were about ready to start with Zara excited, determined to win.

"Huddle up," Monica suggested.

"All right, huddle up," Joey decided, gesturing for Zara and Phoebe to follow. "Right over here."

"Wait for me. Wait for me. Wait for me."

Monica was quick to join the three, already becoming chaotic with her competitiveness. Zara's aware that she could be just as bad, but Monica always took it to a whole new level.

"Oh, cool," said Phoebe. "This is my first huddle."

Phoebe completed the huddle as she put her arms around them with her fingers just brushing Zara's arm.

"Okay, so what do you guys really think of Chandler?" Phoebe questioned.

"Phoebe, you know what you're doing, right?" Monica replied.

"Yeah."

"Okay," said Monica, focusing. "Joey's gonna catch it, then the three of us will block."

"Sounds good to me," Zara decided.

"What's block?" Phoebe asked.

"Phoebe, I thought you said you knew what you were doing," Monica said.

"I thought you meant in life," Phoebe replied.

Zara pressed her lips together, not wanting to get frustrated at the thought of them not playing well because of Phoebe. Though, as they were about ready to start with Chandler making the first kick, his foot connected with Ross' foot.

Ross protested with the four watching, waiting to start.

"Sorry. I'm sorry," Chandler apologised, picking up the ball before he turned to Zara's team. "You know what, we're just going to throw it."

Chandler threw the ball for Joey to catch it with the game finally starting. While Monica and Zara flanked Joey, he surprised them as he pretended to throw the ball, dodging past them as Ross fell, and then he scored their first point.

Beaming with joy, Zara charged at Joey for a hug with his arms wrapping around her.

"Nice one, Joe!" Zara told him.

"Yes! Score!" Monica cheered. "Seven to nothing!"

"Did you hear that, Ross?" Zara added. "Nothing! "

The two teams meet in the middle with Monica and Ross facing each other.

"Losers walk," Monica said.

"Yeah?" Ross replied. "Losers talk."

"No, no," Chandler cut in. "Actually, losers rhyme."

The game continued with Rachel almost catching a ball, proud of herself. But, as Joey missed the ball, it rolled for a woman to stop it. Zara looked over, spotting an attractive blonde as she smiled down at Joey.

Zara scowled, seeing that smile on Joey's face, where it was obvious he was attracted to her.

But, then, Chandler was rushing over to get the ball until he ended up offering his hand to the blonde, obviously liking her too. Watching the three, Zara felt that familiar feeling of jealousy returning.

"You look a little jealous, Zara," Phoebe noticed.

"No, I don't do jealousy," Zara told her.

Phoebe laughed at that. "'Course not."

"Um, hello?" Zara called out to the two, getting impatient. "We're wasting time!"

"Come on, guys," Monica shouted too. "Let's go. Come on, second down."

"Uh, hello, it's third down," Ross told her.

"No, it's not," Monica argued. "It's second."

"Wow," said Ross.

"Wow, what?" Monica demanded, stepping forward.

"It just amazes me that you're still pulling stuff like this."

"Pulling what? It's second down."

"Okay, it's second down. Take all the seconds down you need."

Monica pointed at the back of her brother. "I heard that."

"Well, I said it loud," Ross told her, facing his sister again.

"Can we just play?" Zara suggested.

While her eyes were still on the guys with the blonde, she was disappointed to see that the woman was staying.

"I was thinking about asking her for her number," Chandler said as he eventually returned with the ball.

"Thanks, man," said Joey. "But I think it makes a stronger statement if I ask it myself."

"Whoa," Chandler replied. "No, I was thinking about, you know, for me. Part of that whole getting over Janice thing you were talking about."

Turning away from the two, Zara tuned out the conversation as she didn't want to hear anymore. Zara should be over her bitterness by now, but it ate at her in a different way this time; for some reason, Zara didn't like the thought of either Chandler or Joey wanting the blonde's number.

And that was shocking to Zara.

So, Zara tried to smother whatever it was, focusing her attention on the game. Yet, that was difficult as Chandler and Joey had their own competition going on, which resulted in Joey's shirt being torn.

"What the hell's the matter with you?" Joey questioned. "It's my favourite jersey."

"Well, now you have two," Chandler told him. "Hey, I am good at math."

"I was still going to let you have her," Joey replied, removing the ruined shirt to reveal his jumper underneath. "But now forget about it. Prepared to feel very bad about yourself."

"Hey, well, I've been preparing for that my entire life," Chandler argued back. "Or something about you that's mean."

Zara couldn't believe they were arguing over a woman they had just met.

"All right, come on," Monica encouraged again. "Guys, let's go. Tie score. Running out of time."

During the next round, Phoebe almost lost a boob for them as she helped score for the team. But, during the game, the buzzer had sounded which resulted in an argument to if it counted or not. Of course, the main conflict had been between Monica and Ross, which had resulted in them briefly returning to the apartment as she had something that would make Ross want to continue playing.

Monica came out of her room with an ugly doll stuck on a wooden block, which wasn't even encouraging for Zara to want to continue playing.

"The Geller cup," Ross said in shock as he picked up the trophy.

"Is everybody else seeing a troll doll nailed to a two-by-four?" Chandler questioned.

They all agreed, including the blonde woman, who Zara was stubbornly ignoring.

"Okay, good," said Chandler.

Back outside, the trophy was placed on the water fountain, where the winning team would receive it.

"All right," said Rachel. "So are we not having dinner at all?"

"Come on, Phoebe, Zara, let's go," Monica said. "It's time to get serious. Huddle up."

While they came together, Joey's eyes were stuck on the blonde.

"Joey," Zara tugged his arm.

"Keep your head in the game," Monica told him.

"It's hard, you know," Joey said. "His huddles closer to the Dutch girl."

There was another frown on Zara's face as she looked over to catch Chandler talking to the Dutch woman.

"All right," Monica said. "If I take Chandler out of the running will you be able to focus?"

No.

"What are you going to do?" Joey asked.

"You just make sure he catches the ball," Monica replied. "I'll take care of the rest."

Once again, they were back in action with Joey throwing the ball for Chandler to catch. Monica charged into Chandler, taking the wind out of him as he was knocked to the ground in front of the blonde woman. From across the park, Zara was a little happier, but that now meant Joey had a shot.

And Zara's mind was truly frazzled.

"I've definitely got a shot now," Joey said next to Zara. "She's hot, isn't she?"

"She's certainly something," Zara replied, sounding glum.

Of course, she saw the attraction, but not Zara's type.

Things turned rough in their game, which Zara needed, hoping to clear her mind through a few tacklings or even just by having something to focus on. The tactics for their game became stronger and harder: friends were tackled, pants were pulled down, and Phoebe had her own tactics.

"I love this game," Phoebe cried out, scoring again.

"42 to 21," Monica started to chant. "Like the turkey, Ross is done!"

"It's no surprise you're winning," said Ross. "You picked first, so you got the better and bigger team."

"You could have picked me, Ross," Zara reminded him. "You lost the moment you chose love. I never make that mistake."

"Ladies and gentlemen, my ex-girlfriend," Chandler said, throwing his arm wide towards Zara to dramatise his joke.

"You're so pathetic," Monica told her brother. "Why can't you just accept it? We're winning because I'm better than you."

"We, Monica," Zara mumbled.

Ross scoffed in response.

"Oh, what a great argument," said Monica. "Exhaling. You know what? I'll prove it to you, okay? I'll trade you Joey for Rachel and I'll still win the game."

"What?" Ross questioned. "The guys against the girls? See that's ridiculous, Monica, because I'm only down by three touchdowns."

Zara liked the idea — if they win, then neither Chandler nor Joey would get the woman's number.

"Oh, then bring it on," Monica encouraged, not afraid. "Oh, unless, of course, you're afraid you might lose to a bunch of girls."

Ross giggled, but the sound was forced. "Fine, fine. Rachel, you're with Monica. Joey, you're with me."

"I cannot believe you're trading me," Rachel said.

"Come on, Rach, come on," said Monica. "Let's see what it's like to be on a winning team for a change."

"You're going to let me play?" Rachel questioned.

Both Monica and Zara exchanged a look, knowing that wasn't going to happen.

"All right, then," Monica started their huddle again.

As Zara peeked up not long later, she spotted the Dutch woman leaving. Her eyes drifted from the blonde to the two guys arguing, realising she was relieved at the sight.

"Zara, are you listening?"

Hearing Monica's voice, Zara became focused again.

"Are we playing football or what?" Monica eventually demanded from the guys when their team was ready. "Come on, you hairy-backed Marys."

"We have to do this," Monica continued, huddling with them again. "We are playing for women everywhere. Okay, just think about every lousy date you ever had. Every guy who kept one eye on the TV while you're making out."

"Oh my God," said Phoebe. "You dated someone with a glass eye too?"

"Come on, okay?" Monica encouraged. "Come on, this is for all womankind. Let's kill 'em!"

"Yes!" Zara shouted in agreement.

"Yeah!" Rachel tried to join in. "Kill 'em!"

"All right," Phoebe said. "Well, no, I want to kill them too but they're boys. You know, how are we going to beat three boys?"

But, in reality, it was easy for them to distract the guys. They flashed their breasts at the three, as well as tackling them all together so that they could make a difference. Zara had found it amusing as Chandler tried to shield his eyes from Phoebe's boobs, running into the bush in the process.

"We still have a minute and a half left," Monica told them while they stopped for a moment. "And we're down by two points. Two points, ladies."

Behind them, the guys shared a ridiculous high-five in the belief that they were winning.

"I can't believe I've slept with two of them," Zara said.

"And I'm sleeping with the third," Rachel added.

"Phoebe, you do a buttonhook again," Monica advised them. "Zara, you stay on the defence, distract Joey and Chandler like you've been doing. Rachel, you go long."

"No," Rachel protested. "Come on, don't make me go long. Use me. They never cover me."

"Honey, there's a reason," Monica told her.

"Come on, I'm not lame," Rachel defended herself. "I can do something. I can throw. Would you let me throw? Come on, this is my game too."

"Come on, Mon, let her throw the ball," Phoebe said.

Zara stayed silent, knowing if she was in charge, then Rachel would be as far away from the game as possible.

"All right, Rachel," Monica decided. "Sweep behind, I'll pitch it to you, you throw it to Phoebe."

"Thank you," said Rachel. "Thank you."

The next round continued with Rachel getting the ball, but screaming and running around as the three guys chased her. Zara sighed in frustration as she crossed her arms over her chest. As Rachel came back into the gated area, she threw the ball with it hitting Monica's eye.

"Oh, God," Rachel cried out. "I'm so sorry. Are you okay?"

"No, I'm not okay," Monica protested.

"Sorry," said Rachel. "They were just coming at me and I didn't know what to do."

"Thirty seconds left on the timer," Joey told them.

"Okay, okay, so we get to take that, uh, stupid troll-thing home," Chandler said.

"No way," Zara told him. "It's coming with us."

"Oh, you suddenly like it?" Chandler questioned.

"No, but I like winning," Zara stated. "I never lose."

When it came to games, it was true, but in other cases, Zara always tended to lose.

"Come on, hurry," Monica shouted. "We're running out of time. Huddle up!"

Zara was quick to join the circle with the other three, knowing they practically had seconds.

"Oh," said Phoebe. "Oh, this is our last huddle."

"All right," Monica started after the lack of enthusiasm for Phoebe's words. "Phoebe, get open. Zara, defend. Rachel... go long."

"Okay," Rachel agreed.

They were ready this time for the final game. Phoebe passed the ball to Monica while Zara was quick to cover the guys, who had a similar defence against the two. Joey's arms were around Zara's waist, pulling her backwards while Chandler stopped Phoebe.

Ross was charging at Monica's, whose only option was Rachel.

Throwing the ball, Ross took Monica down, but Zara's eyes were on the ball, watching as Rachel caught it. Even with Joey's arms still holding onto her tightly, Zara's face crinkled with triumph.

"I scored a touchdown!" Rachel screamed. "We did it! We win!"

Finally free, Zara was there to hug Rachel along with the others in celebration.

"You know, Rachel, funny thing," said Chandler. "Actually, the end zone starts at the pole, so you're five feet short, so... we win."

The guys were now cheering as Zara's heart dropped.

"Wait, wait, wait," said Phoebe. "Explain something to me, though. If nobody tagged Rachel, then isn't the play still going?"

Everyone was quick to charge for the ball, wanting victory.

While everyone else gave up, Zara was trying to push her way through the two siblings, wanting to win almost as much as they did.

"Let go!" Monica shouted. "I'm a tiny little woman."

"Guys, guys," Chandler cut in. "Come on. It's Thanksgiving. It's not important who wins or loses. The important thing is the Dutch girl picked me. Me, not you. Holland loves Chandler. Thank you Amsterdam! Good night!"

"The Dutch girl left!" Zara shouted.

But, even she gave up, knowing she had become angry from the game.

And she wasn't sure why.

♡

EPISODE TEN.

♡

"Look, this is my book cover!" Zara announced, smiling brightly.

There was a rush as everyone was eager to see the printed visual of Zara's cover (the final books were in the process of printing now that everything was approved). It was everything Zara wanted: bright colours with the three main characters on the front in their school uniform with the school for heroes behind them.

"That's so cool," Joey told her.

"It's coming around quick now," Zara said, sounding nervous.

"Hey, don't be nervous," said Monica. "It looks amazing, Zara."

"It's crazy to think this book is gonna be in stores soon," Phoebe added.

"I just hope people buy it," Zara said.

"Oh, they will. We already have," Chandler reminded her. "I mean, I've preordered five versions myself already, even a signed copy. I'm hoping to have a little note in mine."

Zara smiled at that. "You guys didn't have to preorder my book, you'll be getting advanced copies when they're printed."

"We want to support you in every way," Monica told her.

While Zara hadn't wanted them to, she was still touched that they had.

The artwork was passed around for everyone to see properly and seeing their reactions only made it more special for Zara. Even though she had no family, this felt the closest she would get to have one.

♡

A few days later, they were back in the coffee house. Chandler and Ross came in later than planned, sharing the dreadful news with them.

"You broke a girl's leg?" Monica exclaimed.

"I know," said Ross with Rachel supporting him. "I feel horrible, okay?"

"It says here that a muppet got whacked on Sesame Street last night," Chandler said, pretending to read the newspaper about it. "Where exactly were you around ten-ish?"

"Well, I'm going to go see her," Ross told them. "I want to bring her something. What do you think she'll like?"

"Maybe a Hello Kitty doll," Monica suggested. "The ability to walk."

Rachel laughed at that as Ross looked up at her. "I'm going to get back to retraining."

"Zara? Any ideas?" Ross questioned.

"Maybe a teddy," Zara suggested. "Some kids would want candy, but you've probably angered the parents enough already."

"All right, thanks," said Ross, standing up again. "See you, guys."

"Look out, kids," Chandler's voice rose. "He's coming."

"And I got to go sell some Christmas trees," Joey announced as he stood from the armchair.

"Have fun," Phoebe told him. "Oh, wait, no, don't. I forgot, I am totally against that now."

"What, me having a job?" Joey questioned as he put his coat on.

"No, no," Phoebe replied. "I am against innocent trees being cut down in their prime and their corpses grotesquely dressed in tinsel and twinkly lights. Hey, how do you sleep at night?"

"Well, I'm pretty tired from lugging the trees around," Joey replied, but Phoebe wasn't happy with that response as Joey crouched down. "Hey, Phoebe. You got this all wrong. Those trees were born to be Christmas trees. They're fulfilling their life purposes by making people happy."

"Really?" Phoebe questioned.

"Yes," Chandler replied at Joey's encouragement. "And, uh... the trees are happy too because for most of them it's their only chance to see New York."

Zara tried not to laugh, but she couldn't help it.

♡

Come to the weekend, Zara had a date on the Friday.

Even though Zara wanted something serious as she was done with flings or pointless dates, she knew she was forcing herself back into old habits to clear her mind from dangerous thoughts and feelings. Whatever was happening, Zara needed it to be gone.

Yet, the following morning, Zara found herself escorting the man outside. To make things worse, Chandler and Ross were at the table, counting Girl Scouts cookies.

"Morning," they both said, sharing a grin.

"Quiet, both of you," Zara ordered them.

At the door, Zara's date tried suggesting they met up that evening for another date, but Zara found herself forcing an agreement, knowing she wouldn't be returning his calls. Then, finally, the front door was closing as Zara let out a long sigh.

"Bad date?" Chandler questioned.

"It was good for what it was," Zara replied.

Taking a seat, Zara helped herself to a box of cookies, reassuring Ross that she'd pay him shortly (already, Zara had brought a few too many in support). It wasn't the best breakfast, but it was enough to cheer Zara up.

"You're not wearing your ring," Chandler noticed.

"Oh," Zara pulled back her hand, where the mood ring was no longer on her finger. "Well, it kind of didn't go well with my outfit last night."

"Or your pyjamas?" Chandler guessed.

Looking up, there was a sad smile on Chandler's face as he understood. They had been broken up for more than a year, so it was time to move on. As much as Zara adored the ring, it wasn't helping.

"I still love it," Zara reassured him.

"It's just a cheap ring," Chandler shrugged, averting his gaze.

"It's still the best present anyone has ever gotten me," Zara confessed.

That cheered Chandler up, but Zara generally meant it. When Zara was small, she had still written letters to Santa, wishing for the impossible: a family. Then, those wishes had become more realistic, but still, impossible.

And then Chandler had granted the smallest wish of her childhood.

Of course, Chandler knew that, because he knew Zara unlike anyone else. Even now, Zara forced herself to focus on the cookies, too caught up in the memories.

Fortunately, Ross saved the two from any awkwardness as he counted up his cookies with Chandler adding them up on the calculator. With them busy, Zara had gone to get her laptop, where she was preparing her second novel.

At Chandler's laughter, Zara finally dared herself to look at him again.

"What?" Ross questioned.

"I spelt out boobies," Chandler said, showing them.

"The kids in my class are maturer than you," Zara told him.

"You still laughed," Chandler pointed out.

"Ross," said Monica, joining them in the kitchen area. "Put me down for another box of the mint treasures, okay? Wait, where are the mint treasures?"

Zara slid the half-eaten box towards herself, trying to quietly hide it beneath the table.

"Uh, we're out," Ross told her. "I sold them all."

"What?" Monica questioned.

"Monica, I'm cutting you off," Ross decided.

"No," said Monica. "No... Ju–just a couple more boxes. Look, it's no big deal, all right? I-I'm cool." Though, the three exchanged a look, not believing that. "You got to help me out with a couple more boxes!"

"Mon, look at yourself," Ross said. "You have cookie on your neck."

Monica covered her neck with a box of cookies. "Oh, God!"

"Mon, when you're done, we'll go out," Zara cried out after her as their friend rushed to the bathroom. "We'll get you away from the cookies."

But there was no response from Monica.

"So, how many have you sold so far?" Chandler questioned.

"Check this out: 517 boxes."

"Ross, that's a lot!" Zara told him, ecstatic for the little girl's chance to get to the space camp.

"Oh my God!" Chandler said. "How did you do that?"

"Okay, the other night, I was leaving the museum just as Laser Floyd was letting out of the planetarium," Ross explained. "Without even trying, I sold 50 boxes. That's when it occurred to me, the key to my success: the munchies."

"So smart, but so inappropriate," Zara commented. "I'm so glad I decided not to help you with this."

"So, I, uh, I started heating the NYU dorms around midnight," continued Ross. "I am selling cookies by the case. They call me the cookie dude."

"Okay, everybody stop what you're doing," Rachel told them, coming into the apartment. "Zara, laptop down. I need envelope stuffers. I need stamp lickers."

Closing her laptop, Zara picked up Rachel's new resumes.

"Well, hey, who did these resumes for you?" Ross questioned.

"Me, on my computer," Chandler answered.

"You sure used a large font," said Ross.

"Well, uh, waitress at a coffee house and, uh, cheer squad co-captain only took up so much room."

Zara started to read the resume as she followed the guys into the living area, happy to help Rachel. Back from the bathroom, Monica had joined them again.

"Ha, ha, hey," Rachel replied to Chandler. "You're funny, Chandler! You're a funny guy! You know what else is really funny?"

"Something else I might have said?" Chandler guessed.

"I don't know," Rachel said. "I don't know. Weren't you the guy that told me to quit my job when I had absolutely nothing else to do?"

There was a forced laugh from Rachel that even scared Zara.

"Sweetie, calm down," Ross tried calming her. "It's going to be okay."

"No, it's not going to be okay, Ross," Rachel told him. "Tomorrow is my last day and I don't have a lead. Okay, you know what? I'm just going to call Gunther and I'm going to tell him I'm not quitting."

"But, you–you don't want to give in to the fear," Chandler told her.

"You and your stupid fear," Rachel pointed her finger at him. "I hate your fear! I would like to take you and your fear."

"Hey!" Joey joined them. "I got great news!"

"Run, Joey!" Chandler cried out. "Run for your life!"

"What?" Joey questioned, but Chandler was gone. "Rach, listen. Have you ever heard of Fortunata Fashions?"

"No," Rachel asnwered.

"My old man's doing a plumbing job down there," Joey explained. "And he heard they have an opening, so you want me to see if he can get you an interview?"

"Oh my God, yes," Rachel said. "Yes! I would love that! That's so sweet, Joey."

The two hugged with Zara relieved, glad that Rachel had something.

"Not a problem," said Joey. "And now for the great news."

"What?" Ross questioned. "That wasn't the great news?"

"Only if you think it's better than this..." Joey said as he pulled out a spray can, completely excited about it. "Snow in a can!"

"You're so cute," Zara told him.

"I don't know if that's you being nice or sarcastic," Joey decided.

Zara smiled. "I'll let you decide."

"I got it at work," Joey explained. "Mon, you want me to decorate the window? Give it kind of a Christmas looky?"

"Christmas cookie?" Monica questioned.

Zara patted Monica's knee in sympathy.

♡

Joey wanted Zara's help with the Christmas trees as she helped carry them up to the apartment with everyone else distracting Phoebe downstairs. Already, Zara was excited to see Phoebe's face.

"Look at you smiling over Christmas," said Joey.

"Tell anyone and I'll kill you," Zara replied, but it was a joke.

"You know for someone who hates Christmas, you secretly love it, don't you?" Joey guessed, earning a glare from Zara. "It's not a bad thing, you know. I love Christmas."

"Joey, you have a big family," Zara reminded him. "But... I've always wanted a big Christmas like that. I guess it's something I dream about."

"You're celebrating with us," Joey reminded her. "Your dream can come true."

"It has in a way: I'm not lonely anymore," said Zara. "But, I guess I always saw it more as being in my own house and married with a few kids, coming up with Christmas traditions that can be passed on to their children. I want to surround myself with family so I'll never be alone."

"Sounds like a good dream to me," Joey told her.

"Really?" Zara questioned.

"You'll have that one day, Zara," Joey said, sounding like a promise.

Zara laughed at that. "I have to find someone to marry first and that seems impossible."

"Okay, then how about this," Joey suggested. "If, say by forty, neither of us are married, then we'll do it. We'll get a house in the suburbs with a garden since I'll be starring in some film and you'll be a best-selling author, and we'll fill it with children. Every Christmas, we'll find a new tradition, making every year even bigger."

Again, Zara found herself speechless at Joey's words. Maybe it was because she wasn't giving him enough credit, always forgetting just how charming and sweet he was.

And, yet, Zara felt snowflakes in her stomach, knowing the iciness of them was a warning of danger.

"I don't know what's more surprising," said Zara, eventually. "The thought of us married or you even settling down for just one woman."

Joey shrugged, adjusting the tree branches as if he was suddenly nervous.

"Maybe I'll be a changed man by then," Joey said.

"Then I guess we'll have to see where we'll be at forty then," Zara told him.

There were two tiny, hidden smiles that neither saw from the other. However, Zara turned, spotting Monica, who was looking between the two with her eyebrows furrowed as if they were a puzzle that she had suddenly spotted, needing to solve.

As the door opened, the three were quick to hide.

"Oh my God," said Phoebe.

"Merry Christmas!" The three cried out, appearing.

Phoebe was overwhelmed with joy as she hugged the three.

"Oh, God, you're the best!" Phoebe exclaimed.

"It's like night of the living dead Christmas trees," said Chandler.

The phone rang then as Rachel answered, but Zara and Monica were eager to show Phoebe the trees. Though, Rachel's reaction to the phone call caught their attention as they wondered what it was about.

"You're kidding! I love you!" Rachel told whoever was on the other end.

"Sure, everybody loves a kidder," Chandler said.

"I got the job!" Rachel announced after she hung up.

Ross was quick to hug his girlfriend as everyone cheered for Rachel, happy for her.

"God bless us, everyone," said Phoebe.

With Rachel's new job, there was the wrap up of her waitress one. The last coffee was served with them all dramatising the moment for her, humming a tune. Rachel handed the coffee to Chandler, officially finished.

"There you go," said Rachel. "Enjoy."

The friends broke out in a round of applause for Rachel.

"Should I tell her I ordered tea?" Chandler questioned.

"No," Ross advised with everyone silently agreeing.

"Um, excuse me, everyone," said Rachel, gaining the spotlight of the coffee house. "Uh, this is my last night working here and, uh, I just wanted to say that I made some really good friends here and, uh, it's just time to move on. Uh, no offence to everybody who, uh, still works here, but you have no idea how good it feels to say that as of this moment, I will never have to make coffee again."

Zara cheered, along with the rest of her friends.

♡

Zara had a new challenge: coming up with a space camp. The last-minute plan of Ross' had caused some stress with Zara ordering the three guys around, coming up with something quickly to cheer the little girl up.

The front door opened, revealing little Sarah as they enthusiastically showed her the makeshift space camp. There was a bright smile on Zara's face, completely adoring doing things like this.

"Really, Mr Geller, you don't have to do this," Sarah told him.

"Oh, come on," said Ross, picking the little girl up as he put her in the silver space chair. "Here we go. Stand by for mission control."

Joey started to countdown but repeated the numbers with an echo.

"Joey," Zara hissed quietly.

"Come on," Ross encouraged as Joey fell silent.

"Okay, blast off!" Joey cried out.

Chandler shook the chair while making a vibrating sound.

"Sarah, watch out for the aliens!" Zara warned.

They spun the chair around as fake planets appeared, along with a fake alien.

"I'm an alien," Chandler pretended. "I'm an alien."

"Oh, no, an asteroid," Ross said, throwing the ball at Joey's head. "Oh, sorry."

Sarah was laughing, though, enjoying herself despite not making it to space camp.

Afterwards, Ross helped Sarah get home while Zara stayed with the guys to clean up. Though, with that the invite of ordering dinner followed, which prompted Zara to stay with them, watching old reruns of Baywatch.

But, as Zara ate her pizza, sitting in the middle of her two friends, she couldn't focus on the screen.

Her eyes drifted from Chandler to Joey, suddenly becoming very aware of what was happening. While Zara still had feelings for Chandler, she was developing them for another.

And Zara knew it was a line she couldn't ever cross.

But Zara also knew she was screwed

♡

I love writing Zara being jealous! Really starting to love Zara and Joey now, but I'm still a sucker for Chandler too. Once Zara's final decision is made on who she'll end up with, I'm going to come up with a new story for Joey or Chandler as they both deserve some love!