Chapter Text
"Hey." Monica says patting Chandler's knees stretched across her lap.
"Hmm?" He murmurs keeping his face in the backrest of the sofa of Central Perk.
"You okay?"
"Fine."
"You sure?" She asks concern coloring her voice. "You've been quiet all day and you feel a little warm. You want me to call Richard?"
"No." He scoffs. "I dont need coddling."
"Uh huh," she says arching a brow. She gives it a day.
***
"Mon Mon Mon." Chandler calls hurring into her apartment.
She looks up from washing dishes. "What? What's wrong?"
He stands trembling panic on his face. "I threw up."
"Oh, sweetie," she says wiping her hands and gesturing him closer. She knew he was coming down with something. "Let's get you set up on the couch, okay. I'll make you some soup."
"Kay," he says quietly slinking towards the sofa. "Could you, could you call Richard?" He asks flushing.
"Of course," she says reaching to smooth his hair back.
***
Richard takes one look at him curled up on the couch, ruddy cheeked and miserable.
"Is somebody gonna be in our bed tonight?"
"I'm sorry." Monica starts to apologize, but he chuckles. "Honey, it's fine," he assures kissing her cheek before walking over to the sofa.
"Hey, champ. How ya feelin?" He asks leaning down to brush his cheek.
Chandler wavers, a war of vulnerability playing out on his face. "I threw up."
"Aw honey, come here." He picks him up kissing on his flushed cheek. "It's alright, big guy."
"I don't want to do it again," he crys pressing his face into his shoulder.
Richard frowns over his shoulder at Monica and slips a hand up his shirt to rub his back. "I know, kiddo. Why don't we get you tucked into bed, hmm? Daddy will hold you until you fall asleep."
"Kay," he mumbles tiredly, nuzzling his shoulder.
"Thata, boy." He pats his back moving to the bedroom.
***
"Thanks." Monica whispers later that night after Chandler has fallen asleep between them.
Richard looks up from where's he's been gently stroking his hair. "For what?"
"This." She gestures. "Being so understanding."
He laughs looking down at his sleeping face. "He kinda grows on you, doesn't he?"
She smiles watching him. "I mean it."
He leans over to kiss her. "I know."