AN: I'm sorry that this all has to end and that it came as such a shock. I'm just burnt out and it's time to quit while I'm ahead.

I truly loved writing fanfictions; I will always love Friends and Ross and Rachel. It's just time for me to move on, start a new chapter in my own life.

Thank you all for being such amazing fans, thanks for reviewing, reading and genuinely liking my writing. Also, a special thank you to Cybermals, I Heart Ross and Rachel and any other dedicated readers - I have too many of you to list.

So, for the last time, please enjoy.

Disclaimer: The characters from Friends do not belong to me.

The atmosphere in the cramped space was filled partially with excitement and partially with nerves. Ross had been through this before, many years ago, and reliving this experience hadn't stopped bringing back memories all day.

The bright lights around the mirror shone into his eyes as he looked at his reflection. Long gone was his head of perfect dark brown hair, in its place was brown hair with grey throughout. Still, he styled it every day with his signature hair gel. A light dusting of makeup covered his face, but his gentle wrinkles still crinkled in all their regular places. He certainly was older than he was the last time he sat in this chair, waiting for his cue.

He glanced to his left, smiling at the man in the chair beside him. He watched as the makeup artist finished with the man's hair and began brushing makeup onto his face. The woman stood back, studying her work.

Cameron caught his father staring at him from his own chair.

"What? What's wrong?" Cameron questioned, in a panic he examined his appearance in the mirror in front of him.

"You look great. Nothing's wrong at all, Cam. Or should I say Doctor Geller," Ross responded, with a chuckle.

Cameron laughed with Ross; it was strange to hear his father address him so formally. He adjusted the name tag on his lab coat. It read: Dr. Cameron Geller, PhD.

He had followed in his father's footsteps; he had become a paleontologist as well. His father had been his roll model ever since he was little. They would visit the museum together, they would joke around and they would discuss their common interests; they shared a special bond.

Ross smiled to himself as the makeup artist returned to preparing Cameron. He had grown into a handsome young man; in fact, he looked a lot like Ross did when he was younger. He certainly had his father's eyes and face shape, but his dark blonde hair was a good mix of both his parents.

"There, finished," The woman commented, as she put her foundation back into her makeup box. "Is there anything else I can touch up?" She asked as she tidied her work station.

"Not unless you can do something about my grey hair," Ross commented as he ran his hand over it.

"I can't help you there," The stylist laughed. "I'll tell them you're ready when they are." Ross and Cameron nodded, and then she left.

Suddenly, Ross felt a different hand caress his hair. He glanced in the mirror to see Rachel standing behind him.

"You don't like your grey hair? I think it's sexy," Rachel whispered in Ross' ear.

Ross loved the way Rachel had aged gracefully, her wonderful body included. Rachel had matured, but Ross swore she was just as beautiful as the day he married her.

"Hey you," Ross said, greeting her in their usual way.

"Hey you. Just thought I'd drop by and see how you two were doing. Monica and Chandler called to wish you luck," Rachel explained, but Ross seemed distracted.

"Phoebe and Joey called this morning," Ross declared, but his eyes were focused on Cameron.

"That's good, honey…. Is there, um, something on your mind?" Rachel asked, unable to understand her husband's stare. She assumed it was nerves, Cameron sure seemed nervous as well.

"I was just thinking of the day we got the results, the day Cameron officially became my son."

He remembered it like it was yesterday.

He had gone down to get the mail as Rachel and Cameron continued to unpack, moving in to his apartment.

Ross had decided to read the letters as he walked towards the stairs: a few bills, and then a very interesting letter. It was clear that the envelope contained an important document; Ross' heart had begun to pound. It was finally there: the answer.

Ross ran up the stairs, skipping every other tread as he climbed. He had barged in the door, holding out the letter to Rachel.

"It's here," he exclaimed. Rachel took the letter from his hand, reading the front with her own eyes.

She then looked around the room, finding that Cameron was nowhere in sight. She tore the envelope open, pulling out the report that was tucked inside. Ross took her hand in his, they were almost 100% certain Ross was the father, but this was the official answer. She had read it out loud - Ross still remembered every word.

"Mother: Green, Rachel Karen; Child: Green, Cameron Ross; Alleged Father: Geller, Ross Eustace," Rachel read from the top of the form. "Conclusion: The alleged father, Ross Eustace Geller, cannot be excluded as the biological father of Cameron Ross Green. Based on the genetic testing results, probability of paternity is 99.999%; therefore, Ross Eustace Geller is determined to be the father of Cameron Ross Green."

Rachel's tears had fallen onto Ross' shoulder as he pulled her into a hug. He was the father; he was truly Cameron's father.

Back in the present, Rachel kissed the top of Ross' head, recalling that same memory in her own way.

Shortly after they received the letter they told Cameron the truth about everything. They had debated over whether or not to wait to tell him when he was older, but they knew he was a bright kid and that he would understand.

Rachel had never seen her son cry that way; when they told him that Ross was actually his father, not Mark. The little boy leaped into Ross' arms, crying tears of joy. He told them how happy he was that Ross was his dad and that he loved Ross.

It was hard to not relive such a touching memory every time she saw Ross and Cameron sharing a sweet moment. From that day on, father and son were inseparable. No wonder Cameron followed in Ross' footsteps. He had finally gotten the father he needed in his life.

A few months after moving into Ross' apartment, it was Cameron's fifth birthday. After all the presents were opened and the cake was eaten, everyone sat in the living room.

By that time all their friends knew who the father was. They had told them all together, one day at Monica's apartment. Monica had revealed that she already knew, but couldn't be happier that she was truly Cameron's aunt. The rest of the gang were over the moon that Ross and Rachel could not only be together, but also be a family for Cameron.

At Cameron's fifth birthday party, the birthday boy walked over to his mother; he climbed into her lap.

"I have a present for you Mommy," Cameron had exclaimed. To this day, Rachel still remembered his sweet little voice, even if he was a grown man now.

"What do you mean? All the presents are for you today," Rachel explained, unsure what her son was up to.

"But this one has your name on it," Cameron had said, holding out the gift for his mother to see the nametag.

Rachel had taken the small present from her five-year-old. Unwrapping the gift she uncovered a small velvet box; she carefully opened the hinged top. Inside was a sparkling diamond ring.

Ross dropped to one knee beside her. Rachel sat there in shock. His words still lingered in her memory, as she stared down at the diamond ring she wore to this day.

"I asked Cameron to help me propose to you, it was his idea to do it on his birthday so you wouldn't see it coming. Rachel, I love you with all my heart. We've learned that our love can survive the ups and downs and even having an ocean between us. I want to spend the rest of my life with you and Cameron. Rachel, will you marry me?" Ross proposed.

The whole room was silent, Monica and Phoebe cried along with Rachel. They waited on the edge of their seats for Rachel to speak.

"Mommy, say yes," Cameron whispered to Rachel, which made her tears fall even more.

"Yes, Ross, I'll marry you," she answered. Ross slid the ring onto his fiancée's finger, then the room erupted into a chorus of congratulations and excitement about the wedding. Monica called dibs on planning it.

Cameron had committed the wedding to memory, even if he had only been six years old. He was the ring bearer and his parents let him stand up front with Joey and Chandler, the groomsmen, and Phoebe and Monica, the bridesmaids. The next year, his Aunt Monica and Uncle Chandler got married; where, again, he got to be the ring bearer.

The sunset was behind them, the blue water stretching as far as the eye could see, it all took place on a cliff in Barbados.

He remembered watching his mom in her elegant white wedding gown, thinking she was beautiful. Mother and son shared a special look when she took her vows, almost as if she made sure Cameron was included in the marriage.

He had his last name changed to Geller along with his mother when they returned to New York.

Cameron currently looked at his mother from his makeup chair with the same eyes he had as a child, soft, hazel and full of life.

That was when everyone's thoughts were interrupted by the director. He was the same director who had been with the show all those years ago, when Ross had first been hired. It was the director's last season filming, so he had decided to bring back all his favourite scientists to be panelists.

He had phoned Ross' office one day; he explained that he'd be filming in New York and he was wondering if Ross wanted to do a guest appearance in an episode. Ross agreed to do it, overjoyed to return to the show he had adored being a part of so long ago.

Before the director ended the phone call, he asked if Ross knew of any other paleontologists that would be willing to come on the show. Ross listed a few that he still kept in touch with after he had left the show. Then Ross asked if the director was looking for any new scientists. When the director expressed his need for a few fresh faces Ross suggested Cameron. And the rest is history.

"Doctor Geller, it's so good to have you back at the studio," The director exclaimed, shaking Ross' hand.

"Thank you for having me back," Ross responded.

"And this is your son. Wow, he's an exact replica of you when you were his age," The man commented, walking over to shake Cameron's hand.

"Thank you for this opportunity," Cameron stated, as he shook the man's hand.

"Your father was a valuable panelist in his prime, of course we were thrilled that you, his son, would be here with him. Not only that, but I've heard great things about you young man," The director explained.

"We need everyone on set," A voice called from outside the dressing room door.

"I guess that's our cue," Ross concluded, climbing out of his chair.

"Yes, we can catch up later, let's get to the set," The director exclaimed as he walked out the door.

"Good luck," Rachel said, kissing Ross on the lips and then stood on tiptoe to hug her son who was much taller than her.

She followed them out onto the set. They allowed the family to wait off camera and watch the taping. Rachel was nervous for her husband and son, but she had company to keep her calm.

…..

Rachel glanced at her watch, hoping that the taping didn't take much longer; she had a surprise for Cameron and Ross. She did enjoy watching her loved ones, they were both doing great.

"… A special thank you to Doctor Ross Geller and his son, Doctor Cameron Geller for their participation on today's episode. As you all know, today is my last day and I wouldn't want anyone other than these people on my final show. Thank you everyone and we'll see you next week," The director said, taking an opportunity to step in front of the camera. "Cut, and that's a wrap," he finished, before returning to his chair behind the camera.

Ross and Cameron stepped down from the set chatting about how amazing the fossils were and how much fun it was.

"Dad! Cam!" an excited voice shouted. Before Ross and Cameron knew it they were being hugged by the rest of their family. When they let go they were able to talk.

"You did so great," Emma commented, excitedly. She was still in college and was so happy she didn't have classes today; she didn't want to miss her father and brother being on TV.

Ross and Rachel had Emma when Cameron was seven; she was a welcome addition to their family. They lived out Ross' fantasy of having two babies, a boy and a girl. While Cameron was exactly like Ross, Emma was an exact copy of Rachel: blonde hair, blue eyes and a bright smile.

"How did you feel, Ross, being out there again?" Rachel asked as the family of four returned to Ross and Cameron's dressing room.

"It was… strange. It, uh, brought back a few bad memories," Ross admitted, as he walked with an arm around Rachel.

"Bad memories?" Rachel questioned, looking up at his face in confusion.

"Yes, about being separated from you when I was travelling with these people," Ross explained in a low voice.

"I thought about that too, but, you know, to me it wasn't necessarily a bad memory," Rachel decided.

"Why not?" Ross inquired.

"Because it reminds me of when you proposed to me and you said that our love survived having the ocean between us. It reminded me how much I love you," Rachel explained. Ross was touched by her words, and he gave her a quick kiss.

"Mom, don't we need to go?" Emma said through gritted teeth.

"We do," Rachel remembered. Then she turned to Ross and Cameron. "Come on, we have a surprise for you two."

The four of them exited the room shortly.

…..

They arrived outside of an elegant restaurant, Ross and Cameron both gave the girls confused looks.

"Are you taking us out to dinner?" Cameron asked as they all stepped out of the taxi they had arrived in.

"You'll see in a minute," Emma responded, impatiently, she had been questioned by her older brother the entire ride there.

The family entered the restaurant, but instead of asking to be seated Rachel led the way to a room in the back. When Rachel led them through a set of double doors and into a large room, Ross and Cameron couldn't believe their eyes.

Everyone was there for dinner. Monica and Chandler were there with their teenaged twins: Jack and Erica. Phoebe and her husband Mike were there with their three kids Lily, Sophia and Adam. The biggest surprise was that Joey was there. He was back from LA with his fiancée Eva. Not only were the group of friends there but Carol, Susan and Ben also attended.

After greeting everyone and catching up they all sat down to dinner.

"You did all this for us?" Ross asked Rachel when they got an opportunity to talk.

"It's a special occasion, and we needed a reason to get together," Rachel stated with a smile.

"Thanks, Rach," Ross said.

The rest of the evening was wonderful, everyone chatted just like old times. They stayed until late in the night, but eventually everyone had to head home. Joey promised he would come back more often so they could get together more. They all said their goodbyes before go their separate ways.

Ross, Rachel and Emma dropped Cameron off at his apartment before going to their own home. Now that Cameron was an adult he lived in his own place near the museum, where he worked. Ross and Rachel had moved out to Westchester when Emma was born. They still lived in a house near Monica and Chandler.

"Bye Cam," Rachel said as her son got out of Ross' car in front of his apartment.

"Wait one second," Ross stated, hurriedly. He then exited the car as well.

"Don't be too long," Rachel said, before Ross closed the car door.

"What's wrong, Dad?" Cameron asked when he turned to see his father behind him.

"I just wanted to tell you that I couldn't be more proud of you Cam," Ross stated, sharing a meaningful look with his son.

"Thanks Dad," Cameron responded softly.

"You know what today reminded me of, when we were on that set looking at fossils?" Ross asked his son.

"No Dad, I don't know," Cameron answered, interested in what his father was going to say.

"I couldn't place it at first, but then it came to me. It was the way your eyes lit up when you saw the fossils. It reminded me of the first time I took you to the museum. That was the day I knew you had to be my son," Ross explained, tearing up slightly.

"That was the day I knew you were my Dad," Cameron revealed, he had never told that to anyone. However, Cameron had known it after that day with Ross, that he was his father. He thought no one would believe him, that it was just too much of a coincidence. Now it had come spilling from his mouth that he had known too. "I didn't know how to say these words," he admitted after Ross was speechless.

"Thank you, Cam, thank you for telling me that," Ross spoke, his voice barely above a whisper. Even in the dim streetlight, they could see that they were both crying.

"I love you Dad," Cameron stated, hugging his father tightly. Ross gave him a few loving pats before they stepped apart.

"I love you too, I'll see you tomorrow at work," Ross stated, knowing he had to get back to Rachel and Emma who waited for him in the car.

"Bye," Cameron waved, and then he continued back to his building.

Ross climbed back into the driver's seat. He put on his seatbelt and started the engine, not after pulling away from the curb did he notice Rachel's questioning stare.

"I just had to tell him something, and coincidentally he did too," Ross explained.

"Like father, like son," Rachel chuckled. She didn't ask for more information, she figured it was a conversation to be left between the two of them.

"We are certainly alike, more alike than I knew," Ross mentioned, knowing Rachel would not understand what he referenced. "He's a good man."

"Only because he had a good roll model," Rachel commented. Ross smiled at her; he would show her how much that comment meant to him when they could be alone together.

The future was once an unknown place that both Ross and Rachel were afraid of.

The past had certainly been heartbreaking and difficult; they had to learn how to overcome many challenges and obstacles.

But, pain is only temporary, love is not.

A step at a time they found a way to face the unknown, and that made it less terrifying. In fact Ross and Rachel looked forward to watching their future unfold. Why? Because they would be side by side; they would be together.

They truly were a family of lobsters.

AN: Friends is, and always will be, too good to be true. Goodbye everyone.