Work Text:
The One With The Relationship Complications
A Friends Fan Fiction
The morning after the dinner at Ross's Rachel had an uncomfortable pit in her stomach. She had not slept well at all the previous night and had spent most of the night tossing and turning. She woke up at 3:30am crying.
Joey's arms wrapped around her.
"Baby girl, are you okay? he whispered.
Rachel shook her head.
"You're worried about Ross too huh?"
"Yes." she whispered.
"What's on your mind?:
"Oh, Joey have we made a mistake?"
"Maybe but you can't deny that we had a connection in Barbados.
Rachel sighed. "We did, that's absolutely part of the problem. We have such great chemistry but Emma is Ross's daughter."
"Be honest do you still love Ross?"
Rachel was silent for ten minutes.
"I fell out of love with him a long time ago.. but that doesn't take away the fact that Emma is his daughter."
"Do you think he will take being a father seriously?:
"I don't know.... honestly I don't." she whispered.
Joey lifted Rachel's face toward his and kissed her lips passionately.
"I love you Rachel Karen Green." he whispered.
Rachel's hand stroked Joey's cheek gently. "I love you too honey... so much."
"I promise to help you with raising Emma."
Joey rubbed Rachel's back consolingly and she fell asleep on his chest.
Joey and Rachel woke up at 9:30am and had breakfast.
"What do you think we should do about Ross?: Rachel asked
Joey sighed. "I don't know. He is obviously taking this really hard."
"Do you think he is hurting?: Rachel asked.
"I'd like to imagine so."
The phone rang.
"Hello."
"Hey Man, it's Ross. I wanted to talk to you and Rachel about what happened last night." Is it okay if I come over?
Joey glanced at Rachel. "Yes, I think that's a good idea. We are very worried about you."
"Okay. great.. I'll see you two soon"
The phone call was disconnected.
Rachel let out a sigh. "Here goes nothing." she whispered
Joey rubbed Rachel's back. "We'll get through this sweetie, I promise."
When Ross arrived at the apartment he stood across from Rachel and Joey at the counter.
Rachel walked to up to Ross and gently patted his shoulder. "Ross, are you really okay with Joey and I being together? Be honest."
"I'm fine." Ross insisted.
"No, you're not man. You proved that last night. That's why we're so concerned." Joey said.
Ross sighed/ "Ok. I'm not fine. How could you guys do this me?" What are we going to do about raising Emma?"
Rachel gave Ross a strong hug. "We can all do this together. Don't worry about it."
"Our relationship is very complicated." Ross said.
"You got that right" Joey said.
"Are we still on a break?" Ross asked.
Rachel rubbed Ross's back. "No Ross, the break's over.. I'm sorry, I just don’t see our relationship working out."
"I thought you loved ,me Rachel."
"I did but I need to be honest you.. we've grown apart in spite of having a child "
"How could you guys do this to me? I thought we were friends."
Joey sighed. "We'll always be friends Ross. We understand that you feel betrayed. but as Rachel just said we can all raise Emma together. Charlie can help too."
"Do you think we should try to go to counseling?" Rachel asked.
Joey took Rachel's hand. "I think that will really help the three of us."
"I can make an appointment with Dr. Weinberg." Ross whispered.
Rachel smiled. " Great We should have really done this after we got back from Las Vegas."