Chapter 3- If Only For One Night

"I CANNOT tell you how excited I am to see her!"

Although externally Sam was all smiles and head nods to Kurt's outburst- the third in the last 10 minutes' time, mind you- internally, he was wishing that an artistically-designed giant condor would swoop down and take his friend away.

"I knoowwww! It feels like it's been ages since we last saw her, Santana, and Britt!"

Oh, yeah. He wished the mate of said condor would also swoop down and take Blaine away, also.

Smiling tightly, Sam shifted his weight from foot to foot, straining his neck to see over the heads of the mass of people migrating throughout the airport. Kurt and Blaine continued to wax poetic about how much they missed Mercedes and 'Brittana', while Sam did his best not allow his frustration take away the excitement of this moment. He could barely contain himself when Mercedes called last week and advised that she and her crew would be in town for a brief charity engagement before returning to L.A. 24 hours later. In his mind, he'd already thought of how they could take advantage of that much time together in the same airspace- minus the sex.

However, in his moment of utter delight at the prospect, he'd clearly lost his damn mind. Why else would he have told Blaine about the anticipated joy of seeing his lady in person for the first time in nearly eight months? Clearly, had he been sane, he would realized what a monumental fucking mistake that was. But then again, how was he to know that Blaine would share in his enthusiasm and tell Kurt, who in turn would book the next available flight to Lima to see his bestie?

Because they tell each other everything, moron.

Oh, yeah. That.

Sam wanted nothing more than to drive the airport alone. Then wait for his girlfriend to arrive. Again alone. Then, upon seeing her run towards him in slow-motion like every romantic movie ever, they would crash into one another and kiss slow...and easy...oh, yeah, and be. fucking. alone. But, as fate or karma or just dumb luck would have it, he instead had the pleasure of spending twenty minutes driving himself and guests to the airport and the last thirty minutes anxiously waiting for the flight to arrive. It took nearly everything in him not to hit the accelerator and take a diving roll out of the car as it crashed into a field of soft , plush lilies. They were his friends, after all. He'd never wish them any harm. He just really, really, really, really wanted to do this in private.

It was exasperating enough to have the two storm his townhome upon their arrival, insiting that the residence be cleaned- although he's spent the previous day cleaning the plae from top to bottom. He nearly lost his cool when Kurt insisted he shave his neatly trimmed beard and mustache.

"Sam! You have to shave it! Mercedes will think she's kissing some wildman. Is that what you want for our 'Cedes, huh? Wildman kisses?"

"Okay. First of all, Kurt, it's not some 'wildman beard'. I'll have you know that it tool me weeks to grow this in and have it neatly trimmed and lined up at the barber. Besides, my 'Cedes has seen it and can't wait to see how it feels up close. " His look was downright lecherous at the comment. "So... I'm good, thanks."

What he neglected to tell Kurt was that Mercedes was the inspiration for growing the beard after one particularly interesting conversation one night. Nah, he'd take that information to his grave. He exited his brief reverie, resorting to his long forgotten anxious tic of drumming his fingertips across his thigh. Sam craned his neck once more in search of a certain diva. Kurt took note of this action, nearly squealing with delight.

He tugged on Blaine's arm, "Oh, babe,look him! This is just the most romantic thing ever!"

Blaine opened his mouth to reply-

"What it do, bitches?! Santana Lopez is in the house!"

Sam's heartbeat quickened. If Santana was near, that meant-

"No pictures please. I've heard cameras steal a little it of your soul everytime they photograph you."

Ah, Brittany. Not exactly who I was hoping.

It took several minutes for them to locate their friends, despite being able to hear them. The throng of patrons at the airport seemed to part to allow the two expressive women to pass through unobstructed. They literally glowed as they walked through the airport. Brittany was the first to spot her trio of friends and ran the rest of the way to meet them, crashing into them in a spirited group hug.

"Fami-leeee! I'm so glad to see you guys! Kurt, I could hear your unicorn song the second i stepped off the plane. It's how we were able to find you."

Kurt was too amped to see his eclectic friend to take offense. That's just Brittany.

"I missed you too, Britt." He shook his head as he embraced the effervescent blonde.

Santana didn't so much walk as she sauntered up to the group. "Trouty and gays. I have returned to the land of my humble beginnings. You may now embrace me in gratitude." She opened her arms, accepting the group hug from her friends.

Noticing that Sam seemed somewhat distracted, she took advantage of her close proximity to whisper in his ear.

"She's still at the baggage claim, 'waiting' for a bag I'm sure she didn't bring. Me and Britt will keep these two busy while you go help her find it."

Sam smiled from ear to ear. Never had he been happier to see his latina friend. He whispered his thanks before slipping away from the group and heading to where his heart was.

...

Mercedes stood at the baggage claim area, smirking as she felt Sam's arrival. She could always tell when he was near in the quickening of her heartbeat and wildly fluttering butterflies in her stomach. She turned slowly to face him...

...and Sam was certain that all respiration from his being ceased. She was more beautiful than he remembered and he quickly noted that he needed to change his cellular provider, because facetime didn't do her any justice.

Mercedes stood a mere five feet from him, yet he couldn't remember how to command his feet to close the offending space between them. He stood there, staring at her in awe. She was a vision in her black skinny jeans, cute little size six Jordan's , and Air Jordan t-shirt. To most, she would appear super casual, but the way she carried herself to it to a whole 'nother level.

Mercedes had intended to be cool, calm, and collected upon seeing Sam. But her body obviously had other plans. She had to literally bite her bottom lip to keep her jaw form dropping and probably embarrassing herself at the sight of her beau. She had no earthly idea how it was humanly possible, but the man made a pedestrian black v-neck shirt, dark denim jeans, and black Converse look like walking sex. Her eyes traveled the distance from his feet to stop at his eyes. Those damn green eyes that had gotten her into more than trouble than she cared to remember stared at her with such intensity that it made her breathing catch.

"'Cedes." His voice wavered as he spoke her name, almost in a whisper. He struggled to keep his emotions in check.

Mercedes was having her own troubles, a single tear sliding down her face as she closed her eyes and nodded her head. Talking was damn near impossible at this moment.

Seeing that errant tear was all it took to get Sam's feet moving, eating up the space between them and enveloping Mercedes in a consuming hug. No words were shared between them as they just allowed this moment to wash over them, taking turns breathing in one another's scent just to make sure this was really happening.

They remained in the intimate embrace for nearly five minutes before Mercedes pulled away slightly to look into his eyes. More unshed tears threatened to spill as she gave him a watery smile. He returned her smile with one of his own. She opened and closed her mouth twice yet no sound came. Instead, she used her hands at the nape of his neck to urge him forward. Their mouths met slowly, the kiss growing in intensity as they took their time. Sam's hand moved to cradle her head gently as he drew her deeper into the kiss, using every ounce of oxygen in his body before separating from her. The separation lasted only long enough to take a sip of air before resuming. Mercedes was nearly overwhelmed with the kiss but gave just as good as she got. Just when the kiss began to venture into the arena of x-rated, the flash from a nearby camera went off.

For what it was worthm the two merely decreased the intensity of the kiss until they were just soft pecks on the mouth, eventually ended the kiss all together and resting their foreheads together. Mercedes continued tease the hair at his nape as she looked into his eyes, a slight smirk on her lips.

"Damn. I thought I left the papparazzi in L.A."

Several hours later...

Mercedes' performance went off without a hitch, which translated into thousands of dollars being donated at the Autism Speaks charity event. From the moment Santana opened for her to Brittany's amazing dance moves, to her final number, the event was magical from beginning to end. Then again, that might have something to do with the fine ass blond Adonis that spent the entire night staring at her. Being able to do her thing with Sam watching seemed to elevate her performance. There was an underlying tension that added that something extra to her show.

At the moment, she and her entourage of friends were winding down at KISS nightclub in the neighboring town of Findlay, Ohio. She missed being in the presence of her friends, and in the arms of her man. Sam hadn't separatd from her since they entered the establishment, shooting what she was sure were some pretty menacing glares to male clubbers that allowed their eyes to venture too long her direction.

"Are you trying to kill me baby?" His breath fanned her face as he whispered into her ear from behind, his ever-present hand squeeing her hips as he spoke.

Winding her hand behind her to grasp his hair, she nuzzeled her face against the soft hairs of his beard, "Never. Have I told you how sexy this facial hair is to me?"

Sam smiled as she turned in his arms to fully nuzzle her face against his.

"Because it is driving me insane."

He shuddered at her breathy tone, his hands ghtening around her waist of her own accord.

"Oh, yeah?"

"Yeah. Crazy enough that I'm suddenly tired and ready to go home." The look she gave was hot enough to melt steel. "Now."

Although Sam knew the night wouldn't end up with them all hot, sweaty, and sated from taking and giving themselves to one another until the sun rose, his pants tightened uncomfrtably. He would never pass up an opportuity to have one on one time with Mercedes. JUst as he would turn them to leave, Blaine damn near jumped onto his back.

The fuck?! Is he drunk?

"Sammy! Who knew this amazing club was only thirty minutes from boring ass Lima?" His unfocused eyes sparkled in the light.

Drunk? Nah. Wasted? Hells yes.

Sam looked over to the dance floor whee Kurt was doing his level best to keep up with the dancing inferno known as Brittany and Santana. Sam turned slightly to face Mercedes.

"I'l be right back, babe." He couldn't stop himself from kissing her plump lips. He did, however, stop is progress to the dancefloor to face intoxicated friend. "Blaine. Stay here with 'Cedes for me, okay?"

Blaine thrust two thumbs up in his face, smiling drunkenly and whispering loudly," No worries. I'll protect her. No dicks will get near her unless it's a gay dick."

Not particular encouraged by that, Sam shook his head before sprinting onto the dance floor and notifying his friends that it as time to go, feigning tiredness. Santana took one look at Sam, then at Mercedes who looked at him like he hung the fucking moon and stars in the night sky.

She gave him a knowing smirk, "Yeah, I'll bet you're tired and can't wait to hop into bed."

Although Sam's ears were red from embarassment, he returned a smirk of his own as he saw the way Brittany was grinding up on Santana, "Yeah, about as tired as Britt seems to be."

Santana chuckled at that because, what else could she do? When the man was right, he was right.

It tool some maneuvering, but ten minutes later, the friends were all iled back up into the suburban limo and en route to Lima. Thirty-five minutes later, the SUV pulled up to the Westin Hotel. Santana and Brittany somehow convinced Kurt and Blaine that it would be best to share their double-bed suite as opposed to crashing to Kurt's childhood home and waking his parents at 2am. Sam didn't miss the wink Santana threw in his and Mercedes' direction.

"That should eliminate about twenty minutes from your trip. You guys make sure to get plenty of rest, okay. Flight leaves at 10am, Mercedes."

"Bye,'Tana!" Mercedes replied as she laughed, nudging her firend out of the vehicle.

20 minutes later...

Sam wasn't sure what happened between telling the driver good night and his bedroom, but he was currently as nervous as a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs. He sat at the foot of his bed as Mercedes washed off her make-up and completed her nightly ritual. Just as he stood and removed his shirt he heard her sharp intake of breath. Pulling the shirt completely over his head, Sam met her intense stare. His pants tightened for the hundredth time that night.

Fuck.

"FaceTime is a damn lie and the truth ain't in'em. Cause they sure didn't show me how good your body looks."

Sam blushed at the direct comment, " I could say the same thing."

Mercedes stood before him in a pair of boy shorts and his old McKinley High practice jersey. She looked so sexy that Sam was sure his head would pop off his shoulders and float away from the blood loss. He licked his lips as she closed the distance between them and pulled him into a blazing kiss. Soon enough she was backing him up until his knees buckled against the bed and he wound up in a sitting position. Without breaking contact, Mercedes straddled him lap. Her kisses were making him drunk. Like, literally turning his brain to mush.

Mercedes gave him one last, sensual kiss before surfacing for air, " Do you know the other reason I came back to Lima, babe?"

Sam was too far gone to respond. He dumbly shook his head.

"Because I couldn't wait another month to have you near me. I know we said we'd wait until everything was final to see one another, but I couldn't wait. So, when I found out I could simultaneously see you and help out an amazing charity? I believe Brittany would call tha a double rainbow." She beamed, proud of herself.

Of course, Sam heard everything she was saying, however, his eyes were forcused solely on her inviting lips which were only inches away from his own. "That's my baby. Beauty brains."

They continued to kiss and re-familiarize themselves with the likes and dislikes of the other when Sam slowly ended their intense make-out session. He opened his eyes and mouth to speak and had to bite his lip to quell the growl that threatened to escape as he took in how utterly wrecked Mercedes looked. An knowing that it was he that did that to her? He nearly came in his pants from the thought. He tightly shut his eyes as Mercedes caressed his face.

Feeling him tap her thigh lightly and knowng he needed a moment to gather his thoughts, Mercedes climbed off his lap and sat beside him on the bed. She placed her hand gently atop his.

"You know, when DC Comics told me a few months ago that they were no longer sure if they would have the position for me in L.A., it messed me up in the head," his voice sounded strained as he fought to keep the emotion in checl. His eyes remained closed as he took another breath. "But, then I remembered what you told me after I called you rantin' and ravin' about it. You said..."

She clasped his hand tighter, smiling as she repeated her words from several months ago, "Have faith baby. God has brought us too far to leave us. Just believe."

The finished the quote together. Sam finally opended his eyes and Mercedes realized she would probably never get used to they way his stares took her breath away.

"Well, I believed, baby. And not only did DC have a position for me, but I have more creative control and and an even bigger salary. Thank you for reminding me to keep holding on, babe." Fresh unshed tears shone in his eyes as he leaned forward to capture her lips in a kiss. The kiss in question ended much too soon for Mercedes' liking as Sam stood to his feet. Turning to she the adorably cute pout of his girlfriend, Sam placed a chaste kiss to her lips.

"Please don't pout, baby. You know it breaks my heart." He joked.

"Then come back here and fix It, Evans."

Sam bit his lip as he entertained her challenge, " AS temptinh as that sounds, I want to do something else."

Mercedes looked at him as if he were crazy, although she had to admit he'd piqued her interest. She watched as he picked up his phone and unlocked he screen. Several seconds later, she could hear the opening notes of a favorite song wafting from the speakers in the room. She smiled as Sam placed his phone down and held out a hand to her in invitation. Wordlessly, she accepted his request to dance, wrapping herself deeply in his embrace as he sang along to the song...

Let me hold you tight
If only for one night
Let me keep you near
To ease away your fear
It would be so nice
If only for one night

I won't tell a soul
No one has to know
If you want to be totally discreet
I'll be at your side
If only for one night

Although he knew his voice wasn't as smooth or swoon-worthy as the great Luther Vandross, Sam serenaded his lady as he used a finger to her chin to bring her gaze up to meet his own.

Your eyes say things i never hear from you
And my knees are shakin too
But I'm willin to go thru
I must be crazy
Standin in this place
But I'm feeling no disgrace

For asking

Mercedes joined him in singing, and they swayed as one as they stared deeply into the other's eyes and sang along. His dulcet tones caressed her soul as his hands mimicked the action on her body.

Let me hold you tight
If only for one night
Let me keep you near
To ease away your fear
It would be so nice
If only for one night

I tell you what i need is
One night, one night oh (and oh, oh)
What i need is
One night, one night
Of your love, of you love, of your lovin ooh
I'm asking

Let me take you home
To keep you safe and warm
Till the early dawn
Warms up to the sun
It would be so nice if only for one night

If only for one night
If only for one night
If only for one night, night, night, yeah one night
If only for one, night...