Monica had difficulty getting Chandler to let himself go and make uninhibited love to her. He was too much a gentleman, and had slight self-esteem issues. He was afraid of using his physical strength, playing rough, or role-playing. Among other things, Monica wanted to be tied up, occasionally. Chandler had an innate fear that she would resent him afterward, thinking that he might actually be capable of forcing himself on a woman. Monica knew that that was ridiculous. Chandler was the Golden Retriever of lovers.
Monica decided to leverage the fact that she had allowed Chandler to enjoy anal with her. Her birthday gift from Chandler, two months after his birthday, would be a little light bondage. Monica broached the subject over dinner, "Chandler, I was thinking about my birthday."
"Oh, is that a thing? When would that be?"
"My birthday is on March 23, as you know very well. The Vernal Equinox. I recall that you got something extra special on your birthday, and I want you to reciprocate."
Chandler was incredulous, "You want anal?"
Monica sighed at how thick men could be, "No, you're the one who wants that. I want you to tie me up." Chandler squirmed uncomfortably. "Chandler, there's nothing wrong with us doing that. It'll be fun. It's like we're acting out a play. You'll see."
Chandler asked, "What would I have to do?"
"You would have to tie me up and enjoy yourself to the fullest. Can you do that?"
"I guess so. I've never done this before. What would I use to tie you up?
"Well, Chandler, it would be best if you made those decisions, so it could be a birthday surprise, but I'm willing to help out this first time. I'll give you the materials, and we can even practice, if you like."
"Have you been tied up before?"
Monica lied, "No. I never trusted anyone enough. I feel safe with you."
"Do we use a 'safe' word?"
"I don't see the need. This is not really heavy role playing. We can just talk to each other. No S and M." Monica had been tied up, with her consent, several times before, but she chose to keep this from Chandler. He had never inquired about her previous relationships in any detail. He was better off not knowing. Her previous lovers had used their own tie-downs and straps.
Monica said, "Let's take a look at your neckties." They crossed the hall to the apartment Chandler shared with Joey. Chandler wore suits and ties to work every day. He had a section of his tie rack for soiled, damaged, or ugly ties that he would never wear again. Monica surveyed them, "These would be perfect. The silk is super strong, and it wouldn't hurt my skin. I guess we only need four. What do you think?"
Chandler said, "We should bring several extras, just in case. What do we tie them to?"
Monica said, "To the bed, right? I know you were in Boy Scouts. How are your knot-tying skills?"
"It was Cub Scouts, and I have no recollection. I know how to tie a square knot and a Windsor knot. That should be enough."
Monica said, "Let's look at our beds." She turned to survey Chandler's very basic bedroom furniture. His bed, which Monica had never occupied, didn't even have a headboard or a frame. The box springs rested on the carpet. Monica summarized, "Pathetic. Let's look at my bed." Monica had a high-quality bed, base and headboard. The headboard had spindles that would be perfect for belaying. The metal frame was sufficiently exposed to offer tie-down points, as well.
"It looks like this is it, then. Here, try tying me up."
Chandler looked about, saying, "Right now?"
"Not for sex, Chandler, just to check out our technology." Chandler tied a necktie around Monica's ankle, finding that the tag ends were not long enough to reach the bedframe. He re-tied her ankle with the extreme fat end of the tie, and then another square knot on the frame.
He asked, "How does that feel?"