Puck lifted the couch pillow above his head and let it come down hard on Finn's chest. "Wake up!"
"You are the worst friend." Mike pulled his phone out and went to the voice memos. He chose one and set it right by Finn's ear then played it.
Finn jumped up when a piercing scream ripped from the device. "Ahhh!"
Puck grinned. "Right. I'm the bad friend."
Mike chuckled. "We used to scream sing Marc awake."
"Mama was right. You're bad."
Finn calmed his heart rate. "What was that?!"
"Mercy singing a high note." Mike shrugged.
"Why?!"
He shrugged again.
Finn glared at him. "You're too bad for Sadie."
"She likes it."
"I don't see how."
"I don't either. I've done some rotten stuff to Laura."
"How'd you feel when she first went to college?" Puck asked.
"Lost. I didn't have anyone to mess with anymore." Mike hung his head. "Those were dark days."
"What are you going to do now?" Finn demanded. "You're in two different countries."
"I have to find someone else. Good news that there's plenty of cousins to bug here."
"How are you gonna choose?" Puck wanted to know.
"Annabelle can't take a joke. After her tiff with Marce, she's ripe for the picking. She's already traumatized."
"What?" Finn was confused.
"Mini Mama rocked her shit." Puck grinned.
"What?! Why?!"
"Annabelle said something about her that she didn't like." Mike explained.
"Mini Mama promised to mess her up when she saw her but I thought she was just talkin." Puck's eyes glittered. "Nope. She went over to her house the day after we got here and socked her dead in her eye."
Finn tried not to but he laughed. "I feel bad for laughing. Was she okay?"
"After Mini Mama stopped hitting her."
"She hit her more than once?!"
"We had to pull her off her." Mike admitted.
"Damn! What'd she say?"
Mike told them.
"Wow. That was mean."
"I would have hit her, too!" Puck was angry on Marcy's behalf.
"She might get a break when Rou comes Friday. Karou lets stuff go if it's been enough time and she doesn't care anymore. Marce doesn't forget anything." Mike was looking forward to fireworks though.
"Karou will be here Friday? This Friday?" Finn gulped.
"Scared she's going to tell T you slept together?"
"She wouldn't do that?" Finn was hopeful.
Those hopes were dashed… "She would totally do that."
Finn deflated. "Tina can't get mad though. Right? It was before her."
"Girl brain. There's no defense against it."
Puck shook his head in agreement.
"Does Sadie have girl brain?" Finn asked.
"Sometimes. She's not as confusing as other girls. I know where I stand with her. By her side." Mike smiled.
"Aw! Look who's in love with his sister!" Puck taunted.
"Don't you call Quinn every night before bed?! Shut up!"
Finn fell out laughing. "Hahaha!"
Puck burned. "How do you know that?!"
"I'm a ninja!" Mike said smugly.
"She told you, didn't she?!"
Mike grinned.
"That's not fair! She can't tell you stuff! I'm supposed to tell you stuff!"
"She's my sister. What do you expect?"
"Loyalty!"
"I think you're thinking of discretion."
"What's that?" Puck frowned.
Mike chuckled. "We're wasting time. We woke him up for a reason."
"It wasn't to blast my eardrums?" Finn sulked.
"No. We have a tasting today."
"A tasting? For what?"
"Marcy's choosing a head pastry chef today and she wants our help."
"Pastry chef? That's dessert, right?"
"Oh yeah."
Finn grinned. "We came on the right day! Let's go!"
MMC
Mercedes knocked on the door before pushing it open. Tina was resting on top of the covers. She looked adorable in the big bed. Mercedes almost didn't want to wake her.
But she went to the bed anyway. She shook Tina's shoulder. "T? T, wake up."
Tina shifted and groaned. "Five more minutes, Mom."
"It'd be totally cool but I'm not your mom." Mercedes giggled.
Tina opened her eyes slowly with a small frown. "Cedes?"
"Yup! Come on. It's time to go."
"Where are we going?"
"To Marcy's shop. Do you want to taste sweets?"
Tina smiled. "Let me freshen up."
"We'll be downstairs. Do you remember how to get to the sun room?"
"I think so." Tina sat up.
"We'll be in there." Mercedes left.
Tina stretched before swinging her feet to the edge of the bed. It was so big, her feet didn't reach the ground. She slid to the floor and grabbed her toiletries.
She exited the room and went to the bathroom, marveling over everything again. She'd never seen such opulence.
She shut the door behind herself and went to the sink. She turned on the water and washed her face to get rid of any rogue sleep before brushing her teeth.
She applied light makeup then went back to her room to put away her things. She grabbed her purse and left the room to travel downstairs.
She went through all the rooms to find the conservatory before she found it between the dining room and kitchen. "Hey, guys."
They all turned and smiled.
Mercedes got up. "T, this is my oldest sister, Laura. Lady, meet Tina Cohen-Chang."
"Hello." Laura stuck her hand out.
"Hi." Tina shook it. "Nice to meet you."
"Likewise."
"Should we see if the guys are ready? I texted Mal to get the twins ready but you know men." Marcy swung her right leg, which was atop her left one.
"They're problematic?" Quinn lifted a brow.
"More trouble than they're worth?" Laura tacked on.
"Mikey's perfect. I don't know what you two go through." Mercedes batted her eyelashes prettily.
"Shut up." Quinn rolled her eyes.
Marcy flicked her tongue at Mercedes.
"Stop it, Marcy! That's not funny!" Mercedes flinched.
"I thought Mikey was perfect?"
"Ugh!"
Laura chuckled. "Can we go before we miss this appointment?"
"They are so rotten!" Mercedes told Tina. "Be glad you don't have little sisters!"
"I'd take them." Tina said gladly.
"Thank you, Korean Fruit." Marcy uncrossed her legs and stood up.
Tina beamed.
They moved from the sunroom to the front hall. Mercedes picked up her purse. "Do we have everything?"
"I think so." Quinn grabbed her own.
Mercedes opened the door and they all exited. She locked the door behind them.
Mike and Finn were sitting on the stairs with Puck standing in front of them. "Hey!"
"Hey." The girls spoke.
"Ooh, Laura!" Mike rubbed his hands together.
"Mikey." Laura narrowed her eyes at him suspiciously.
"How are you, big sis?"
"I'm fine." Her suspicion grew. "And yourself?"
"I'm good." Plans flew through his head. "How long are you staying? Where are you staying?"
"Just for a few days. I'm staying with Marcy."
"Good. Good."
"What is this?" Tina asked Quinn.
Quinn chuckled. "He's planning on doing something to her and she's planning his death."
"But they sound so polite!"
"They're just screaming their plans." Marcy leaned over.
"Oh my." Tina wondered how this would go.
"Can I have a hug?" Mike was asking.
"What for, demon?" Laura countered.
"I can't want to hug my sister?"
"So much for finding someone new to bug." Finn whispered.
Puck snickered.
Mike ignored both and got up with outstretched arms. "I want a hug."
Laura eyed him in total suspicion. "Whatever."
Mike hugged her stiff form. "I missed you."
"Michael!" Laura warned.
"It's just a hug, Crabby."
She hugged him back. "You do anything to me and I will end you."
"Noted." More like discarded…
Mal and the twins came from their house and the twins at least ran to the elevator. Mal walked at a normal pace. They rode the elevator down then crossed to everyone. "Laura!"
"Tia!" The twins ran to her and hugged her legs.
"My cherubs!" Laura bent to kiss their cheeks repeatedly.
"What are you doing here?" Mal hugged her.
"I wanted to see you guys."
Marcy looked at Quinn, who covered her mouth.
"Since when do you want to see us?" Mal was perplexed.
"Not you two." Laura frowned. "My sisters and the kids."
"Oh. Makes sense."
Mercedes put her hands on her hips. "She wants to see you, too!"
"I really don't." Laura insisted flatly.
"Laura!"
"Fine. I wouldn't mind seeing you."
"If she has a choice, she would." Marcy smirked.
Mercedes turned a look on her sister. "Get in the car!"
Marcy just grinned as she walked past. "You gotta lighten up, Sis. Hee hee haw!"
Mercedes swatted the air behind Marcy. "Devil child!"
"That's what they scream." Marcy picked up Mickey.
"See how unconcerned she is?" Mike grinned.
"I'm telling you; Mini Mama lives the best life." Puck took Quinn's hand and walked behind Marcy.
The others followed behind and went to the garage. Marcy stopped at Travis. "Okay, two of you need to sit in the back with the twins."
"Can we?" Tina wanted to know. "We only saw them for a little bit before. They're just so cute!"
Marcy beamed. "Yes, you can."
Tina cheered.
Finn found his girlfriend to be impossibly cute. He looked at his friends and saw they were silently laughing.
Marcy and Mal put the twins in the far back and buckled them into their car seats. Marcy waved a hand indicating they (Finn and Tina) could get in now.
The couple jumped in the far back and got comfortable.
"Okay, you four. Get in." Marcy waved her hand again and went to the drivers door.
Mike, Mercedes, Puck and Quinn got in the back.
Laura got in the front and scooted over until she was in the middle so Mal could get in.
As soon as Mal shut the door, Marcy started the car. She hooked up her phone and started playing "chill" music. She put the car into drive and drove out of the garage.
"What song is this?" Mike poked Marcy's shoulder.
"58 BPM." She drove around the corner and two streets over before driving down the block.
"It's so pretty." Mercedes commented. "It's so relaxing and soothing."
"Yup." Marcy parked in the bakery's parking lot as the song drew to a close. "It's one of my favorite songs. Everybody out."
Everyone got out and she led the way to the front of the shop, where she unlocked the door. She led them inside and turned on the lights.
Finn and Tina marveled over the decor. It was exactly what Marcy described to Finn and Mike back in May. The interior was yellow with blue accents, including blue trim and curtains. The floor was white and yellow check and the tables were a light brown with black legs. So were the bistro cafe style chairs.
A long counter was bookended by two glass cases. The counter held two registers. Above them were signs that read order here in Italian.
Beyond that was a large doorway that led to the kitchen filled with new appliances. By the door was a hallway that led to a pantry and an office. In the hallway was a blue painted iron staircase.
It led upstairs but Marcy hadn't figured out what she wanted to do with it yet so it was empty up there. The whole building was light and airy and had a good feel to it.
"What do you think?" Marcy asked.
"It's so nice!" Tina twirled around.
"It is!" Finn was in awe. "I really like the windows."
Marcy liked the windows herself. They were clean and had Fresh written in a loose script with Cookie and Tea Shop written below it in blue on them. Even the two paneled door with glass had the name emblazoned on it. "Thanks."
"You did really good, Moppet." Laura complimented.
"Her?! We worked, too!" Mike teased.
"You were supposed to help." She waved a hand.
He pursed his lips.
"The tables are custom made." Marcy overtalked their almost argument. "All the tables I liked were too small or not brown so I had to get them made. They just got done last week."
"I'm proud of you, Marcy." Laura looked around again.
"Thanks. The first chef should be showing up any minute. Let's put two tables together. Babies, go play." Marcy led the twins to a corner she had sectioned off for children to play in.
The guys put the tables together and the girls situated the chairs. The bell above the door went off as everyone was sitting down.
Marcy smiled bright. "Good afternoon."
MMC
"That was so awesome!" Tina followed Mercedes and Quinn into their apartment. "Italian sweets are so good!"
Mercedes shut and locked the door behind her. "We try."
"What are we going to do now?"
"Change for supper."
"You're putting on new clothes to eat dinner?!" Tina gaped.
"Yeah, we're having dinner upstairs." Quinn told her.
"Upstairs? With Marcy? Why?"
"Because we've been showing the twins movies from when we were kids." Mercedes shrugged.
"Like the ones you were in?!" Tina grew happy.
"Some but mostly Disney." Mercedes grinned.
"Do they like them?"
"Sure." Quinn tilted her head. "We sing them the songs and they act like it's a concert."
"What are you showing them tonight?"
Mercedes and Quinn shrugged. "We ask them."
"I can't wait to see this. So what's the dress? I hope it's not formal."
Both laughed. "Pajamas!"
Tina jumped up and down. "Yes! Pajama party!"
"Well go get dressed! We'll meet you back down here in fifteen."
Tina skipped out.
Mercedes and Quinn went around the house closing curtains and blinds before Mercedes grabbed Ozzie. She fed him then she and Quinn went upstairs to change.
Fifteen minutes later, all three girls were downstairs and ready. Mercedes called for Ozzie then they went up to Marcy's condo.
Quinn used her key to get in as Mercedes put Ozzie down to run inside.
Barking sounded as two dogs bounded to the door. One was small and yellow with a bunch of energy. The other was black and as large as a bear.
Tina backed away. "What is that?!"
"Marcy!" Quinn called out.
Marcy walked into the entryway. "Down, Secret!"
The big, black canine dropped to all fours and glared at Tina.
"Put your hand out."
Tina looked at Marcy like she was crazy. "What?!"
"He has to sniff you or he won't let you in."
Tina stuck her hand out but it trembled badly. "Nice doggie."
Secret sniffed her then backed away to go to Marcy. He bumped her with his head and she nearly fell over. "Where are the guys? He's not going to like Finn."
"Does he like me?" Tina held onto Mercedes.
"He won't hurt you." Marcy assured her. "He's just protective of me and the twins. But he doesn't really like men."
"He jumped on Puck." Quinn said.
"I was so scared." Mercedes admitted. "I thought he was going to eat him."
"And Puck still comes over?!" Tina wouldn't.
"He stays far away."
"Uh oh." Mike's voice sounded behind Tina.
The girls turned and Secret got to his feet and growled.
Puck moved back. "Demon dog."
"Huh?" Finn was behind Mike.
Mike moved out of the way. "Her dog doesn't really like us."
"Don't worry. He and Mal hate each other, too." Marcy waved a hand. "Finn, hold out your hand."
"So your horse can eat it?!" Finn caught a glimpse of Secret.
"He's not a horse and he's not going to hurt you." Marcy walked Secret forward then held him as they got to Finn.
Finn stuck his hand out and tried to relax.
Secret sniffed him then turned and walked off.
"Well that was rude." Marcy commented. "But at least he doesn't see you as a threat."
"I think I'm going to die. I can feel my heart." Finn patted his chest.
"You're fine." Marcy shut the door behind him. "Come to the kitchen. I haven't decided what I want for dinner yet."
"Pizza!" Puck put in promptly.
"No." Marcy led them to the kitchen, where Mal and the twins were.
"Come on! Please?!"
"I don't feel like making pizza."
"Mama can make it."
Mercedes reached out and hit him.
"Ow! Can we have pizza tomorrow then?"
"Whatever. You beg more than Keith Sweat." Marcy rolled her eyes. "What are we eating tonight?"
"How about Chicken Margherita?" Quinn suggested.
"With penne? Sure. That's simple enough."
"I can make the bread."
"Ooh! Q's making something?!" Mike teased.
Quinn hit him. "Shut up!"
"We should keep the fire extinguisher nearby just in case." Mal said.
Quinn turned a hateful look on him. "I'm not Mom!"
"Quinn!" Mercedes put her hands on her hips.
"Well! I'm not!" Quinn pouted. "You know she's a bad cook."
"Can't beat that with a stick." Marcy had her head in the fridge.
Mike snickered.
"Come on, Mercy. Stop being mad at me. Be mad at them." Quinn whined.
Mercedes rolled her eyes. "We're supposed to be cooking."
"I can help." Mike offered.
"No!" Mercedes, Quinn and Mal each threw up a hand.
Marcy's lips twitched heavily. "How about you make the salad?"
Mike glared at the trio. "I'll get you back!"
"What are you gonna do? not use salt?" Mal snorted.
Mercedes moved in front of him as Mike took a step. "No! No fighting! This is a peaceful night!"
"If you get blood on my kitchen floor, I'm going to mop it up with your face!" Marcy threatened.
"Wouldn't that put more blood on the floor?" Finn asked, confused.
"A lot more." Marcy eyed her brothers in contempt.
Puck laughed. "Get blood on the floor!"
"I'm not trying to die!" Mike reared back.
"She's a mean young thing." Mal bit off.
"Ooh! You called her mean!" Quinn's eyes lit up in excitement.
"Did you just called me a thing?!" Marcy stopped prep on dinner.
"No." Mal lied like he was good at it.
She licked her teeth and stared him down.
He held firm.
"I'm going to kill you one of these days." She finally looked away.
Mal took a breath.
"He called you mean!" Quinn protested.
Mal threw an orange at her.
"Ow! Mal!"
"Stop causing trouble, Q." Mike grinned.
"That's not fair." Quinn handed the orange to Puck.
"I know I wanted to see fireworks." Puck admitted.
"Stop it, you two!" Mercedes admonished. "We shouldn't want them to fight."
"Why?"
Mercedes hit his chest. "Like that?"
He wheezed. "No."
"Then stop it!"
Finn laughed. Tina hid her face in his shirt and giggled.
"We're not always like this." Mike promised. "We know how to act. Sometimes."
"It's okay." Finn grinned. "Kurt and I have issues."
"How is he?" Mercedes asked. "I know he's coming next week but I want to know."
"He's excited. He won't stop talking about it. My mom is in a daze over it and is making him take pictures of everything."
Mercedes smiled. "I might have to send her a care-package. Stuff from around here that she'll like."
"Don't give her none of that nasty Nutella." Marcy commented.
Mercedes gasped as the others fell out laughing. "Nutella is not nasty!"
"Yes, it is." Marcy's head bobbed.
"Stop talking about Nutella!"
"Make it taste better."
"You've never even had it!"
"With good reason. Hazelnuts are gross."
"What's Nutella?" Tina asked.
"Nutella is the greatest thing on Earth!" Mercedes clapped. "It's a chocolate and Hazelnut spread! So good!"
"It's pretty good." Quinn confirmed. "Momma Rose would give us Nutella on toast for breakfast."
"Nothing beats peanut butter!" Marcy declared.
"I'm with Marce on this one." Mike shrugged. "Peanut butter bananas are the best."
"I was thinking peanut butter, apples and chocolate sauce."
"You eat peanut butter with apple and chocolate sauce?" Finn licked his lips. "That sounds good."
"It's a sandwich. You put SoyNut butter on wheat bread then layer on apple slices. Drizzle chocolate sauce on the apple then close the sandwich. It's totally good."
"Next time I have a peanut butter and banana sandwich, I'm putting chocolate sauce on it." Mike swore.
"You make peanut butter and banana sandwiches?!" Tina stuck out her tongue. "How do your sandwiches even taste?! Fresh fruit on a sandwich sounds soggy!"
"Tina. Tina. Tina." Mike raised a hand. "No."
Marcy leaned on the counter and laughed. "Why would it be soggy?!"
"Because fruit is juicy." Tina was serious.
"Bananas are not juicy." Mike was offended.
Marcy was tickled pink. "Apples are crisp."
"I see I'm making you mad. I'll stop." Tina raised her hands.
"How could I have never made you a peanut butter and banana sandwich?! I was a bad boyfriend!" Mike fretted.
"All over a sandwich?" Finn wasn't sure. "It must be good."
"It's pretty good." Puck admitted. "He keeps making them for lunch."
"You could make something." He pointed out.
Puck looked at him like he was crazy.
Finn just smiled.
"That's as likely as me cooking." Quinn poked Puck's stomach.
"Aren't you supposed to be making bread?" Marcy sassed.
"Now?"
"When?!"
"But we're just talking."
"You're just talking. I'm done with prep and I'm making dinner."
Quinn eeped then ran around the island to take out ingredients to make bread. "What kind do you want?"
"Honey rolls!" Mike called out.
"How about something different?" Marcy demanded.
"We've had honey rolls for weeks." Mercedes put gently.
"They're good!" Mike defended.
"I know, honey but we need to eat other bread."
He sulked. "This is stupid."
"You'll be okay." She palmed his cheek.
"So what bread?" Quinn asked.
"Make garlic bread."
"Sticks?"
"That'll be fun for the twins."
Quinn nodded. "Okay."
"What are they doing?" Tina asked.
"Coloring." Mal told her.
She went over to the table to see. "They stay in the lines a lot."
"I know!" Mercedes exclaimed. "They're so good!"
"How old are they again?"
"20 months." Marcy said.
"They're impossibly cute."
"Thanks."
"Do they know English yet?"
"They're learning. They're picking it up faster than we did."
"They might even beat my record." Mercedes beamed.
Mike, Marcy Mal mocked her. "They might even beat my record."
"I already knew English." Quinn tossed over her shoulder with a proud grin.
"So?!" They snapped.
"Stop being mean to us. It's not our fault you couldn't understand basic English!"
"Be glad I don't have a knife." Marcy bit off.
"There's one right there." Puck said.
"Puck?!" Quinn moved.
"Sorry. I was helping."
Mercedes swatted him. "They should be nice to us. It only took me a year to learn English. That's not my fault."
"You rubbing it in our faces is!" Mal glared. "We get it! You're the queen of English!"
"I'm not the queen of English." She pouted.
"We still learned!" Mike started making the salad.
"I know. And it was a proud day for each of you. I love you."
He breathed deeply before kissing her. "Love you, too."
Marcy stuck her tongue out.
"I love you, too you sourpuss!" Mercedes yelled.
"Did you just call me a sourpuss?" Marcy giggled.
"Yes, I did."
Marcy continued to giggle. "Shut up."
"That's not nice."
"I'm not nice."
"You are nice!"
"No, she's not." Quinn quipped.
Mercedes threw a pot holder at her twin.
Quinn giggled. "The only nice about her is sitting at the table ignoring us."
Marcy lifted a shoulder. "Eh."
"Don't let her call you mean!" Mercedes bossed.
"Set the table."
"Marcy!"
"Just set the table, dramatic."
Mercedes scoffed in offense. "I'm not dramatic!"
Mike, Quinn, Marcy and Mal looked at her.
"I'm not!"
"You're so dramatic."
She turned to a silently laughing Finn and Tina. "How are you guys doing? I'm ignoring these meanies."
"Because they bust you out?" Puck grinned.
"I'm ignoring you, too."
MMC
"I hate bustin suds!" Puck complained. "You have a dishwasher! Why are we rockin this old school?!"
"Because it's how I learned, it's my house, you ate for free, cuz I said so. Take your pick." Marcy wiped down the counters.
"It's not that bad." Finn dried another plate.
"That's because you got drying." Puck groused.
"Stop being lazy." Mercedes chided as she handed Tina a fork.
"I'm just glad we don't have to do them." Quinn smiled.
"Yeah, rub it in." Puck glared at her.
She held up a thumb. "You're almost done."
He growled.
"Mommy!" Mally shouted.
"What?!" Marcy was just as loud.
"Movie?!"
"Yes!"
"Yay!" Both twins yelled.
The adults laughed.
Puck handed the last dish to Finn. "Done!"
"You gotta clean out the sink." Quinn pointed out.
Puck had a fit. "Shhh! She wouldn't have known if you hadn't reminded her!"
"She would have known."
"I would have known." Marcy concurred.
Puck grumbled as he let the water out of the sink then washed the white porcelain down.
"Okay, come on!" Marcy threw the dish rag in the sink and grabbed a twin. "Movie time!"
"Wait!" Puck held up a hand. "What about popcorn?"
"I'll come back."
"You won't forget?"
"Puck?!" Finn laughed. "It's just popcorn!"
"No, it is not just popcorn! Mini Mama has mad popcorn skills!"
Marcy grinned. "Thank you, Puck. I won't forget."
"Thank you."
"But you can grab stuff from the pantry."
"Aw yeah!"
"What do you have in your pantry?" Tina wanted to know.
"Snacks." Marcy said. "Come on."
The group traveled to the pantry and both Finn and Tina marveled.
"This is your pantry?!" Tina twirled around.
"Yes." Marcy grabbed RedVines and candied sunflower seeds. "What do you want, Mickey?"
The little girl pointed to a chocolate bar.
"Want orange soda like Daddy?"
Mickey nodded.
Marcy picked up the bottle and gave it to her to hold.
"What's this?" Tina picked up a bottle.
"It's green apple soda."
"I thought you didn't drink soda?"
"We used to didn't but I'm an adult now. I drink what I want."
Tina pursed her lips. "Ooh! Go Marcy!"
Mercedes giggled. "There's a soda shop that ships so we mostly order from them."
"Is this cinnamon pop?!" Finn picked up a reddish yellow liquid.
"Yeah, it's spicy. I like it." Mal said.
"I want to try it."
"Okay, everybody got their stuff?" Marcy asked.
"Yep!" Everyone else nodded.
"Then let's do this!" Marcy led the way to the den. She set her and Mickey's snacks down where she wanted to sit then took the baby to where the movies were. "Pick."
Mickey reached out and pulled down a DVD.
Marcy read it. "A Goofy Movie."
"Want to see the sequel?" Mal asked his son.
"Sequel?" Mally sounded the word out.
"It means the second of something."
Mally nodded. "Sequel."
Marcy took it down. "Now I'll make popcorn."
"I want to watch." Puck stood up.
"Me too!" Tina popped up.
Marcy set Mickey down and put the movies by the TV. "Alright. Come on."
The trio left for the kitchen as everyone else got comfortable.
"A tornado flew around
My room before you came
Excuse the mess it made
It usually doesn't rain
In Southern California
Much like Arizona
My eyes don't shed tears
But boy they bawl when
I'm thinkin bout you
You know, know, know
I've been thinkin bout you
You know, know, know
I've been thinkin bout you
Do you think about me still?
Do you?
Do you?
Do, do, do"
Tina stared at Marcy as they made it to the pantry. "Where did that come from?"
"Just felt like singing." She shrugged. She grabbed popcorn kernels, oil and a few seasonings before leading them to the kitchen.
Tina watched as she grabbed a big pot and top then put oil in the pot. "How are you making popcorn?"
"On the stove." Marcy turned it on and left the top off. As soon as it started bubbling, she put in enough kernels to coat the bottom evenly.
"I've never made popcorn on the stove." Tina was enthralled.
"It's totally cool." Puck leaned forward.
Marcy shrugged. She put the top on the pot and lifted it by its handles to shake it.
"Why are you shaking it?" Tina asked.
"So it doesn't burn."
"I hate burnt popcorn."
"Puck, grab the bowls."
Puck grabbed specialty made popcorn buckets that had red, white and black decals. He set them on the counter.
"When does the popcorn pop?" Tina asked. As soon as the last word left her lips, a ping was heard.
"Now." Marcy smirked.
More pings sounded as popcorn flung itself against the glass top.
"That's so cool!" Tina stood from her chair.
"Wait until you taste it." Puck's eyes lightened.
"Can't wait."
Marcy waited until the pinging stopped before lifting off the top and moving the pot to another burner to stop the cooking process. She added a bit to a bucket and added butter and cheese seasonings. Then she poured in the rest and seasoned it, too.
"Can I taste it?" Tina sniffed the air.
"Sure." Marcy pushed the bowl over before refilling the pot with oil popcorn kernels.
Tina picked up a few kernels. "Yum! This is so good!"
"I told you!" Puck said proudly.
Marcy quickly made another batch of popcorn and sprinkled on butter and ranch seasonings. "Puck, take these in."
Puck nodded and took the two ready bowls into the den.
"I really like your kitchen." Tina said as she looked around it.
"Thanks. I wanted it to say spicy food. Like peppers." The kitchen was fire engine red with yellow and orange detailing.
"It does." Tina turned back to watch her make another batch of popcorn. "How much are you making?"
"I eat a lot of popcorn so four bowls."
Tina laughed. "You can't eat four bowls of popcorn!"
"Try me!" Marcy's eyes shined. "But no. Every couple is getting their own bowl. Mal and I will share with the twins."
"So you and Mal are a couple?" Tina smiled winsomely.
Marcy shook her head with a rueful smile. "No."
"Why not? You're cute together."
"That's what I say." Laura's voice sounded from the doorway.
"Have a good dinner, Sis?" Marcy ignored her comment.
"Fine. Ignore us. But you and Mal are meant to be." She walked in. "What are you making?"
"Popcorn. You're going to watch movies with us?"
"I could. What are you watching?"
"A Goofy Movie and An Extremely Goofy Movie." Marcy poured popcorn into a bowl and seasoned it with butter and seasoning salt.
"Sure." Laura picked up a few kernels.
Puck came back. "Hey, Laura."
"Hi." She ate more popcorn.
"Don't eat it all!" Marcy popped her hand. "Puck, take this back."
"What's on it?" He asked as he picked it up.
"Just butter and seasoning salt."
"Do I give it to Mal?"
"Doesn't matter."
He took the bowl and left.
"Do you see your boyfriend a lot?" Tina changed the subject to keep from laughing at Laura's upset face.
"Uh… we still see each other every Saturday for coffee but tomorrow is our first nighttime date since I came back." Marcy cleared her throat.
"Are you nervous?" Laura frowned lightly.
"A little. Our first nighttime date was when I came home after my birthday. We went out twice that week. It was weird but not that bad. I feel like I've forgotten how to act at night."
"You'll be fine." Laura assured her.
"I'm going to need you guys to help me pick out something to wear."
Tina clapped. "I'd love to help!"
Marcy dumped popcorn in the last bucket and put on butter and white cheddar seasoning. She put on more popcorn then found a large normal bowl for herself. "Thanks."
"Where are you going?" Laura asked as she snuck popcorn.
"Rosalee's."
"Fancy."
"It's where we went first. I like their food."
"What do they serve?" Tina wanted to know.
"Good, upscale Italian food. The restaurant used to be a mansion but they converted it into a food place. It's beautiful."
"How much does it cost?"
"A lot. But it's worth it."
"Maybe Finn and I can go?"
"Does he like Italian food?"
"He likes spaghetti."
"There's no spaghetti here." Marcy shook her head.
"What?! It's Italy! How is there no spaghetti?!"
"Spaghetti noddles are used for other dishes." Laura explained. "Meatballs and tomato sauce are used with penne or by themselves in a bigger size."
Tina was gobsmacked. "Well!"
Marcy made the last batch of popcorn and cleaned out the pot and top. "It's okay."
"I guess I have to tell Finn."
"You can still go to Rosalee's though. They have good food."
Tina nodded. "We'll see. How are we even supposed to get around without you guys?"
"Ask Mercy and Mikey to go with you. It can be a double date."
Tina's eyes lit up and she grew excited. "Yes! Double date!"
Laura laughed. "Need help, Sis?"
"You guys take the bowls and I'll put this stuff away."
They set the plan in motion. Tina and Laura went back to the den while Marcy wiped down the stove and put away the popcorn kernels, oil and seasonings.
When she was done, she joined everyone in the den. She put the first DVD in then sat in her spot and pulled Mickey on her lap.
"So you guys sing the songs?" Tina asked.
"Oh yeah." Puck smirked. "They have routines everything."
"May your colon wrap around your kidneys and shut down." Marcy threw a piece of popcorn at him.
He held his stomach. "What's my colon?!"
"It's necessary." Mike told him.
"You're not nice, Mini Mama!"
"We have routines because we like to perform." Laura rolled her eyes with a faint smile. "Even when we were smaller."
"Are you going to get up and do it then?" Finn asked.
"We have songs that each of us sing but yeah, we'll get up and sing." Mercedes told him.
"I can't wait for this."
MMC
Finn fell out laughing as the Fabanges sat down at the end of I2I. "I can't believe you really just did that!"
"We're professionals!" Quinn tossed her head.
"Awesome." He was so glad he was there.
"Yay, Mommy!" Mickey shouted.
Marcy hugged her tight. "Thank you, sugar plum!"
Mally reached over and rubbed Mercedes's arm. "Good, Tia."
Mercedes smiled and kissed his cheek. "Thank you, honey!"
"What about us?!" Quinn groused.
"We're chopped liver because we only danced." Mike wrapped his arms around Mercedes.
"And sang background!"
"Stop fishing for compliments, Tinkerbell!" Marcy waved a hand.
Quinn pushed her.
Marcy hit her. "Spoiled brat!"
"You're the brat!"
"To be fair…" Mal started.
Quinn hit him with a couch pillow. "Shut up!"
Puck turned to Tina and Finn. "It's always like this."
Tina and Finn laughed.
MMC
Tina hugged Finn. "Good night. Sleep tight. I'm sure they don't have bed bugs."
"We most certainly do not!" Mercedes affirmed.
Everyone in the hallway laughed.
Tina squeezed Finn before pulling him down for a kiss. "Goodnight, Finn."
Finn brushed his lips against hers twice. "Goodnight, Tina."
They parted, following their hosts to their respective homes.
Mercedes locked the door behind them as they made it to their condo. "Do you need anything, T before we go upstairs?"
"Can I have some water?"
"Sure." Mercedes went to get her a bottle of water. She came back and gave it to her. "Here you go."
"Thanks." Tina took it.
The trio traveled up the steps with a tired Ozzie on their heels.
Quinn stopped at her silver door. "Night, Sissy. Night, Tina."
"Goodnight, Sissy." Mercedes opened her door. "Goodnight, T."
"Night, guys." Tina waved before disappearing into her room.
Mercedes went to her bathroom to brush her teeth then turned out the lights in her room (leaving the light in the bathroom on) before going to her bed.
Ozzie barked as he twirled in a circle in his dog bed. He dropped down and yipped before closing his eyes.
"Night, Ozzie. Mommy loves you." Mercedes said her prayers before climbing in bed and adjusting the covers around herself. She closed her eyes when her phone went off.
She checked it and saw it was Mike. He sent her a message saying goodnight so she sent one back then relaxed to go to sleep.
58BPM is by Tenasnake so take a listen. It's a great song. The actual song in this chapter is Thinking About You by Frank Ocean but listen to Scott Hoying sing it from The Wizard of Ahhs by Todrick Hall feat. Pentatonix. It's amazing.