Just Friends

The One With The Halloween Special

Naomi:

It was a few days before Halloween, and Naomi felt her holiday spirits starting to stir. This was the beginning of her favorite part of the year. She smiled as she sat on the couch in the apartment, sipping hot chocolate and watching television. The couch sank and she looked next to her, seeing Rachel down next to her.

"So, have you heard about the Halloween party?" Rachel asked, both of their attention directed at the television that played some cheesy Halloween movie.

"Um, no, actually. I haven't..." Naomi replied, keeping her eyes diverted towards the tv.

"Well, it's always a blast. The gang looks forward to it every year. It'd be so much fun if you came." Rachel smiled at Naomi. Naomi shrugged and continued to drink her hot chocolate.

"Parties aren't really my scene..." Naomi explained to Rachel. She always felt out of her comfort zone at parties.

"C'mon, Joey will be there." Rachel persisted.

"Why would that make a difference?" Naomi retorted, but she could hear her voice become squeaky and unsure. Rachel raised her eyebrows, her gaze now on Naomi.

"You think I don't notice you two basically making out with each other with your eyes?" Rachel says skeptically, and Naomi almost choked on her drink. Was that even a thing?

"Fine, I'll go, but I won't like it." Naomi told Rachel, and sighed, already regretting it.

A few days later, Rachel rummaged through Naomi's suitcase to find me something to wear to the party. Rachel sat on the floor, clearly frustrated.

"You don't have any good clothes for a party," Rachel whined. Naomi sat down next to her, kind of disappointed. Rachel's sense of style was amazing, and Naomi was excited to see what outfit Rachel would choose for her.

As if getting a brilliant idea, Rachel perked up, her eyes brightened excitedly. "You can just use one of my outfits!" She concluded with a smug smile on her face.

"Are you sure?" Naomi asked hesitantly. She didn't want to abuse the fact that Rachel had great a fashion sense.

"Yes, yes, of course!" Rachel exclaimed, smiling widely as she ran into her room. Naomi stayed seated on the ground, waiting for her to return. Less than two minutes later, Rachel flew into the room with clothes draped over her arms.

"Here, try this." Rachel said in a soft, but excited, tone. Naomi went into the bathroom, and then she carefully held her clothes out in front of me. For the top, Rachel chose a simple, white v-neck. For the bottoms, she gave Naomi a black, velvet skirt that ended a few inches above my knees. She pulled on some black tights underneath.

Naomi hadn't noticed Rachel entered the bathroom until she heard a soft, dreamlike sigh. "You just look gorgeous, sweetie." She smiled brightly at Naomi.

"Thank you, you have a great sense of style," Naomi smiled at her. "I could help you with your outfit now." Rachel eagerly nodded at her offer, dragging Naomi into her room, talking wildly as they rummaged through her closest to find her something to wear.

~~~~~~~~~~

Joey sipped on his beer, obviously already bored. Chandler had practically begged Joey to go along with Ross and him. The only reason Joey eventually said he'd go was because Rachel promised Naomi would be there.

Joey hadn't been up for partying much lately, ever since Naomi showed up. He couldn't go through with any one night stands without feeling guilty, like he was cheating, even though he knew very well that Naomi and he weren't dating. He couldn't go through any dates without even comparing the girl to Naomi.

Joey's attention snapped up as he heard a familiar laughter. A smile immediately lit up his face as he saw Naomi talking to Rachel and Phoebe. His eyes scanned her body, and desire suddenly filled every part of his body. He coughed to suppress it, and took a long drink from his beer.

"I saw that, Joseph," Chandler said in a playful tone, nudging his shoulder against mine. "You like her, don't you?"

Joey rolled his eyes, but he knew his best friend could see right through him. Joey ran his hand through his messy hair, turning to Chandler.

"What do I do, man?" Joey asked him, sounding a little desperate. Chandler gave him a small smile, turning to look at Naomi.

"You go for it, Joe. You don't let someone like that slip through your fingers." Chandler explained, regret lacing his words.

"What do you think she'll say?" Joey asked, hopelessly.

"I don't know, only she will know."

Joey nodded, handing Chandler his beer when he finally got the courage to go find Naomi. He searched the whole house the party was being held at, until he approached the last door. He opened it, looking inside.

Joey blinked a few times, stunned, as he saw Ross' lips moving against Naomi's. Joey choked, but neither of them noticed. Joey ran downstairs, grabbed his coat, and took off running.