A/N: Hey guys! I'm back! :D I'm sorry I took so long with this update! School got in the way. Life got in the way. But IT'S FINALLY HERE! I tried to make this one a little longer than the others to make up for how long I took to update. Thank you again for being wonderfully kind to me by reading/reviewing/following/favoriting! You guys are seriously the BEST! I do not own GLEE and I apologize for any errors that I might've missed. Late night uploading will do that to you. As always, please let me know what you think! I love reading your thoughts! Happy Reading! :)


Mercedes' POV

"Hi! Can I take your order?" the eager employee smiled at Mike.

With a kind smile Mike replied, "Hi! Can I get a burrito in a bowl?"

The employee nodded as he entered the order in the cash register.

Glancing at Mercedes, Mike added, "And can I get three soft tacos for the lady?" Mike was asking Mercedes. The employee looked expectantly at the girl behind Mike. When she nodded, he repeated himself. "Three soft tacos."

The employee nodded and rang the order up before he began to prepare their food.

While they waited, Mike and Mercedes found a spot near to the counter. They sat down exchanging awkward glances and nervous smiles. Mike cleared his throat as his fingers drummed the table in a constant rhythm.

Mercedes took a look around the small restaurant. Save for what looked like an older married couple and a group of teen girls, the store was relatively empty. Feeling antsy, she began to fiddle with her hair. Eventually, growing annoyed with herself she finally turned to speak to Mike.

"So-" she began, only to giggle when Mike looked up as well. They'd uttered the same word in unison. "You first," Mercedes smiled.

Mike returned her smile. "I was just going to say that it was really cool running into you like that. LA's a big city and other than a couple of guys from my dance team, I don't really know a lot of people here."

Mercedes nodded, smiling warmly. "I know exactly what you mean. It's really weird coming from a small town where everywhere you go you run into a familiar face, to the complete opposite!"

"Except today of course" Mike grinned feeling more comfortable.

She smiled back before repeating him. "Except today."

She opened her mouth to speak but stopped when Mike got up to get their food. When he came back, he set a tray in front of her before setting down his own and reclaiming his seat. He handed her a straw and some napkins. She gratefully took it from him, ready to dig into her food. Taking his straw between his lips, Mike ripped the paper covering open and inserted it into the plastic drink cover and took a sip. He looked over at Mercedes who seemed to be praising her food. Her eyes rolled back into her head when she opened up the foil and smelt her food. He laughed when she rubbed her hands together, anxious to dig in. She took a big bite of her first taco and let out a low moan of appreciation. She was so caught up in her foodgasm that it took her awhile to notice Mike staring at her. She smiled and finished chewing the piece of taco that was in her mouth before she spoke. "What?"

Mike shook his head. "Nothing. It's just really great to see you."

Mercedes smiled. "It's great to see you too Mike".

And it was. It had been a long time since they'd hung out like this. In all truth, glee club wasn't when they'd first been introduced. They'd known each other well before that. Mike and Mercedes went way back. They'd practically grown up together. Mike's mother Julia was also a dentist and had met Mercedes' father while they were in college. They were close friends who had stayed in touch over the years. It was actually Mike's mom who had introduced Charles to Mercedes' mom Diane, her roommate at the time. The Changs lived just down the street from the Joneses so Mike had been a very constant presence in Mercedes' early life. The Changs came to every cookout, BBQ, Christmas and birthday party the Jones' threw while Mercedes and her family were also at every Chang soiree. Mike and Mercedes had even been enrolled in the same dance classes when they were younger. However, Mercedes stopped after about two years of dance to focus on her voice.

Mike and Mercedes used to be really close. Practically inseparable. It was only sometime during middle school when they drifted. Those awkward years of puberty and peer pressure had sorted them into different echelons: Mike falling into the popular crowd, joining the football, basketball and track teams while Mercedes kind of faded into the background, singing in the middle school choir and more or less keeping to herself. Though they had rekindled their friendship and grown closer in high school once they'd both become members of New Directions, they'd never truly been as close as they were before. But now, here they were again.

The doors of the restaurant swung open and in walked two men. Two women followed shortly after and Mercedes assumed that they were their wives. Each father held a small child on their shoulders, one a boy and the other a girl. The girl pointed at the menu over her father's head, making sure her dad knew exactly what she wanted.

"Daddy, tacos! I want that one!"

Her father swung her over his head and held her in his arms. "Okay sweetie and what would you like to drink?"

"Fanta! Can I have Fanta pweeeease?"

The parents laughed as the girl's father replied, "Of course you can Asia."

The other father turned to his son. "What about you Matt?"

The little girl interjected. "Matty wants tacos too! Just like me! Right Matty?"

The young boy, who was now standing beside his father with his thumb in his mouth and his hand on his father's jeans slowly nodded. He took his thumb from his mouth and gave a shy grin before replying, "Tacos too"

Asia grinned widely, seemingly very proud of herself. "Seeeee daddy! Matty always wants what I want!"

Her father chuckled "I see, honey"

Mike looked over at Mercedes, who was still watching the family with amusement. He nodded in their direction smiling. "Well isn't that a familiar sight?"

Mercedes nodded as she giggled.

"Mikey always wants what I want," Mike repeated, mimicking the little girl.

Mercedes reached across the table and smacked him lightly on the arm. "Oh hush! You know you always did!"

"I didn't I?" Mike grinned.

"Mhmm"

They turned their attention back to the family who had just received their food. Asia's father put her down to grab the food and the little girl took Matt's hand as they headed over to an empty booth. Matt let Asia climb in first before quickly following after her. Their parents placed the food on the table as they joined them and Asia was quick to grab her drink. She drank some of her Fanta before turning to her friend and offering him a sip, which he gladly took.

"Awwwww!" Mercedes cooed at the action. "I remember we used to do that too, except you'd always take my drink first!"

Mike chuckled at the memory before responding. "But I remember a certain someone would always dive into my food first. So I guess we're even" He smirked at her smugly.

She playfully rolled her eyes and snorted. "Whatever!"

"I miss it," Mike said suddenly catching Mercedes off guard. "I wish we were still close." He smiled shyly at her.

"We're still friends, Mike."

"Yea but I miss being your best friend. We had a lot of fun growing up together."

"We did," Mercedes agreed.

Mike cleared his throat "I never really said anything before, so I'll say it now. I'm sorry we drifted apart in middle school. I'm also sorry that I was a jerk to you. You didn't deserve that. You deserved so much better."

Mercedes smiled sadly. "It's cool Mike. It's in the past. We were young and having a girl for a best friend wasn't cool then..."

Mike shook his head. "Some of the people I hung out with were jerks. And then there was Margo..." He trailed off, shaking away the memory before he continued, "You were a better friend to me than any of them had ever been. I should've stood up for you. I should've done better. I'm so sorr-"

"Hey..." Mercedes said cutting him off. "It's cool. We're not the same people anymore. We're older and wiser right? Don't sweat the small stuff. We're cool now. That's all that matters. We're still friends Mike." She grabbed his hand and smiled.

He nodded slowly. "Right. Still friends. I'm really glad we are."

"Me too. And thanks for apologizing. You really didn't have to but it means a lot to me that you did"

A ghost of a smile appeared on his lips. "I mean every word."

"I know you do," Mercedes smiled reassuringly, patting him on the back of his hand. And she did. She could see the sincerity in his eyes. His expression earnest as he tried to convey to her just how sorry he was for ignoring her all those years in middle school.


Middle school had been one of the toughest times of her life. Because the tiny town of Lima, Ohio was filled with many loud mouths and small minds, she was often teased. For her size. The way her hair looked. The clothes she wore. She'd learned at a very young age that being different wasn't a good thing. Not in Lima, anyway. Eventually she figured that fitting in would be her only way of surviving.

But that was easier said than done. Being one of fifteen black children in her school and the only black girl in many of her classes, Mercedes often felt like an alien. Like she didn't belong. She was a very smart girl, excelling in all of her classes especially English, Math and Science. But she found that being smart wasn't enough. Not in Lima, anyway.

Her teachers weren't always fair and she found herself being constantly picked on in class, both by students and teachers. At the end of the bell, she'd sometimes find several balled up pieces of paper in her hair. Sometimes walking down the halls, she'd catch boys glancing her way snickering and girls just staring. It bothered her of course, but she always tried not to let it get the best of her. Her mother had taught her to love herself and her older siblings had warned her that middle school was going to be tough. So she was more or less prepared for things to be difficult. She could handle the dirty looks she got from the girls in her school. She could deal with the clownish boys that poked fun at her. She was better than them. She knew she was going places, and she often reminded herself of that truth. Their words could only hurt her if she let them. So she didn't. She remained focused.

Besides the social stuff, she genuinely enjoyed school. She loved learning. She loved obtaining new information. She craved it. Like a sponge, she came to class everyday prepared to soak up the lessons her teachers would give. She knew that education was very important to her future success. She was determined to be somebody someday. But her focus she found again wasn't enough. Though she often knew the course material, her science teacher Mrs. Ingram would make it a big deal if she ever forgot something, sneering at her when she failed. Mrs. Ingram would then turn around and call on her favorite student, Sandra Rosenberg, a petite blond with big blue eyes who always had the right answers and would smile smugly at Mercedes when she corrected her.

On lab days, Mercedes felt ostracized when she couldn't find a partner, yet her teacher made no attempt to help her out. The same happened in her gym class and her history class. Everything that occurred during this time made her feel like she didn't belong. Like she wasn't supposed to be there. She went home on the brink of tears almost every day, only allowing the tears to fall once she was safely in the confines of her bedroom.

Through it all, she had Mike. He'd stuck up for her every chance he got. He put bullies in their place when they got out of pocket and cut off friendships with any of the girls that disrespected Mercedes. He made it known that she was his best friend and no one could touch her when he was around. With his actions, Mike declared that disrespect for his best gal pal was unacceptable. Mercedes used to call Mike late at night to meet her at their spot: the swing set on the playground at a park near their houses. They'd sneak out after curfew and just talk. On her worse days, he'd hold her in his arms silently until she stopped crying. Then they'd swing together until she felt better and he'd walk her back to her house before scurrying off to his own. She never told him then, but those nights meant everything to her. Knowing her best friend, her Mikey, was always there for her gave her the strength to face another day.

Then the summer between 6th and 7th grade changed everything.

That summer, Mike was trying out for the school's football team, so they didn't hang out as often anymore. It didn't worry Mercedes at first because they still talked on the phone and met at their spot regularly. Mike still came to the Jones' gatherings, but things were different. All he wanted to talk about was football this and football that. He'd talk about all of his new friends from the team including Matt Rutherford, Finn Hudson and even the class clown Noah Puckerman. Mike was also quickly becoming popular with the ladies and was invited to many house parties, while Mercedes was not. Mercedes was starting to feel like Mike wasn't hers anymore. She hated feeling like that, but she didn't say anything. She was happy for him. She really was, but she couldn't help the pang in her heart every time he called to cancel on her. She could feel him slipping away. Every. Single. Day.

Eventually Mike started dating the new girl, a pretty brunette named Margo Peters and all he could talk about then was Margo this and Margo that. Mercedes really didn't mind Margo. The girl was very sweet. She'd moved from Texas and was different from all the fake girls that usually fussed over Mike. She respected the friendship that Mercedes and Mike had. Well, at least at first she did. Then things started happening. Soon Mike started cancelling on their routines, like their Friday night movie and video game marathons and their after school ice cream "dates" to hang out with Margo. Mercedes tried not to let it bug her because Margo was his girlfriend but pretty soon Mercedes started to feel left out. She forgave him when he showed up late to a couple of their study sessions. She let it go when he didn't call her back after she left him a few voicemails. But the absolute last straw came soon enough.

It happened on a Tuesday night. Mercedes had experienced a particularly rotten day. She'd received her first "C" in her science class and she'd stayed after class asking for extra credit opportunities, which of course, her teacher did not give her. In the end, she was fifteen minutes late to lunch and by the time she'd got to the cafeteria, they were all out of tater tots. Her favorite! Later that day, a group of popular girls had stolen her clothes from the locker room after their swim class. Mercedes had had to wait in the change room until the hallway had cleared out, before she walked in her towel and wet swimsuit to the lost and found to find clothes. By the time she was finished, she'd missed almost half of 6th period, which was History and Mr. Donovan, her second least favorite teacher had made sure to make a show of it. She'd been completely humiliated.

After school, she texted Mike asking him to meet her at their spot, to which he quickly replied with an "Of course".

At 10:15PM that night, she'd already texted Mike again, snuck out of her house and was making her way to the park. She sat down on her favorite swing and swang for a bit while she waited. Lost in her own world. Staring at nothing in particular. The cool night air made her feel calm. This place was her solace. Here none of what had happened that day mattered. She could just forget all about it. Even if it were only for a short while. Everything was better here. Now if only Mike could get his ass here...

Mercedes glanced at her phone. 10:23PM. Mike was still nowhere to be found. She texted him again, starting to feel a little anxious.

He'll be here. I know he will, she thought, willing herself to calm down.

Mercedes swung a little longer, but a nagging feeling was starting to build within her.

What if he isn't coming?

Glancing at her phone again, she saw that it was now 10:31PM. Time was going and Mike still wasn't there.

She tried to calm herself as she pumped her legs on the swings.

Back and forth.

Back and forth.

But she felt no comfort.

She called him a few minutes later, to no avail. She tried three more times, receiving the busy tone each time.

Margo.

He was probably with fucking Margo.

Angry tears started to fall from her eyes at 10:46PM, when there was still no sign of Mike. She'd stopped swinging by then.

How could he do this to her?

He'd promised to always be there for her. Especially when she asked him to meet her here. Their meetings at their spot meant business. It meant that one of them was hurting something fierce and this was where they comforted one another.

Where was he?

Mercedes felt her heart swell as she finally realized that he wasn't coming.

At 11:34PM, she finally got up to head home. She wiped at her eyes but she couldn't stop the tears from falling down her face.

Mike had stood her up.

He promised.

She was angry now, but most importantly, she was hurt. She gasped as the sobs filled her lungs. She felt like she was suffocating. One thought swirled around her head over and over again.

Alone in the world.

I'm all alone.

When she got home, she rushed to her room and got under her covers and cried herself to sleep.

The next day, on her way to school, she spotted Mike and Margo at the park.

Margo was sitting on her swing.

They were making out at their spot.

Mercedes lost it.

Before she could stop herself she was all the way over at the swing set. Margo spotted her before Mike did and gave her a confused stare as she breathed "Mercedes?"

Mike turned around then and she slapped him.

Hard.

He reclined from the blow and looked up at her angry and confused.

"OW! WHAT THE FUCK MERCEDES!"

"THAT WAS FOR YESTERDAY!"

"Yesterday?" Mike looked quizzically at her, pulling her aside.

"YES! I told you to meet me at the spot Mike. You said you'd be here!" She hissed.

Mike smacked his forehead as realization hit him. "Shit! Mercedes I'm so sor-"

"Don't!" she yelled holding her hand up to his face. "I don't want to hear it Mike. I needed you. You said you'd be there. I waited for you." She pointed her finger at his face. Tears were filling her eyes now.

Mike looked visibly troubled. "Why didn't you remind me? I would've came! You know I would've!"

Mercedes laughed bitterly at that. "Remind you? Are you fucking kidding me? I texted you over and over again! I called you!"

"No you didn't. I didn't get anything from you..."

"Mike! I can show you my phone! I swear I blew up your phone last night! Don't you dare tell me you didn't get anything from me!"

"Mercedes I swear...I didn't"

Her brows furrowed in confusion.

Then it clicked.

Of course.

Margo.

She stepped around Mike, pointing her finger in her face. "YOU! You did something didn't you?"

Mike turned to look at Margo as she hung her head. "Y-yes. It was me. I deleted the texts and the calls." Turning towards Mike she continued, "I wanted you to myself. I know she needed you. But I needed you too."

A series of expressions came over Mike's face, finally understanding what had happened. "You didn't..."

Margo hung her head again. "I'm sorry Mike"

Mike's jaw clenched as he turned toward her, angry, but he stopped when he saw Mercedes walking away from them out of the corner of his eye. He shook her head at Margo before taking off after his friend.

"Mercedes wait!"

But she didn't turn around. She was running now. So he ran after her.

"Mercedes!"

"Just leave me alone Mike!"

"I'm sorry!"

"JUST GO AWAY!"

"Mercedes stop!"

She was fast, but he was faster.

He finally caught up with her at the street corner. He grabbed her hand, which she quickly pulled out of his grasp.

"Let go Mike!"

"I'm sorry!"

"Look, I get it Mike! You have a girlfriend now. I'm just getting in the way."

"I should've been there. I'm sorry"

"Just drop it okay?"

"But Merced-"

"NO! I can't believe you! Even if you didn't come last night, you could've at least had the decency not to bring her to our spot." Her voice was wavering.

"Mercedes..."

"It's ours! And you bring her there. Right after you stood me up!"

Anger flashed over Mike's features. "I FORGOT OKAY! AND IT'S NOT MY FAULT SHE DELETED THE MESSAGES!"

"YOU BROUGHT HER TO OUR SPOT MIKE! OUR SPOT!" She was sobbing now.

And then he said it.

"OH MY GOD! IT'S NOT OUR SPOT! IT'S A PARK MERCEDES! WE DON'T OWN IT!"

Mercedes looked at him shocked. She could not believe the words that had just came out of his mouth.

Not our spot? Who was this guy?

She couldn't even look at him. So she turned on her heel and began to walk away.

"Mercedes, don't, don't go..."

"Just forget it Mike!" she yelled at him without turning around.

"Mercedes!"

"FUCK OFF MIKE!"

Mercedes let out a sigh of relief when he took the hint and didn't follow her. She made her way to the school bathroom first thing to clear up her face. She ignored his calls and his texts. She dodged him in the hallways and hid after school until he left. She made her mother and father tell him she wasn't feeling well, but he knew. He knew she was avoiding him. This went on for about two weeks before he finally stopped calling. Eventually, he stopped showing up to her family parties. Even when his parents did. They always sheepishly gave some lame excuse. Mike had some sporting event to practice for or some big test to study for or something else. Suddenly he was busy. Always busy.

Mercedes felt empty. So empty. But she carried on. She was a strong girl. She'd learned that from her Momma. She didn't need Mike. Not anymore.


XXXX

She took a sip of her drink as she brought her thoughts back to the present. Realizing that their drinks had finally run out, Mike grabbed both of their cups and marched over to the drink dispenser for refills. She smiled faintly as she realized that they had come a long way. Time had healed some of her wounds. High school and glee club had brought them back together and although he wasn't her Mike anymore, he was still a part of her life. He'd started attending their parties again sophomore year and they had real conversations again. It was nice. They never brought up the park or Margo ever again, not wanting to taint the friendship they'd managed to salvage. It still hurt and it wasn't perfect, but it was better than nothing. She'd missed him. She was glad to see that he seemed to miss her too.

Mike returned with the drinks: Ice tea for her, Sprite for him. She smiled gratefully at him as he took his seat. Mercedes had felt alone. For a very long time she even hated Mike. For leaving her all alone back then. But she was over it. She wanted to move on. So she decided to change the subject.

Mustering up a confident smile she spoke, "I don't really want to talk about the past. I'm excited about the future! We are in college, Mike! We're on the path towards our dreams! Isn't that amazing?"

Mike looked a little relieved, shifting in his seat before he replied. "I know. It's crazy isn't it?"

"Crazy doesn't even begin to describe this. What's it like being a dance major?"

"It's fun. Lots of hard work of course! We condition on a daily basis, learn some techniques and experiment with various styles of dance. It's everything I'd hoped it would be and more. I'm glad I didn't go through with traditional college. I don't know what I'd do with myself if I was still studying to be a doctor!"

Mercedes chuckled. "I'm really happy for you, Mike..."

He offered her a warm smile. "Tell me about your life. How's the stuff at the label?"

Mercedes grinned. "It's been great! I love being in the studio and experimenting with new sounds. I'm really just a backup singer, but with the money I'm making at my part-time job, I'm able to afford some studio time every now and then."

"Do you still write?"

Mercedes' eyes sparkled and her lips pulled into an even wider smile. "All the time. Oh my gosh, I can't believe you remembered!"

"Of course I remember, Mercedes. You've been writing songs since we were kids," Mike rolled his eyes playfully at her.

Mercedes giggled "Well yea, I'm writing better songs now. They're more lyrical and I know my voice better so I'm able to write things that suit the style I like and match my ability."

"That's great Mercedes. I'm proud of you"

Mercedes beamed.

"What else are you up to?"

"Well obviously, you know I'm back in the dance studio working on a routine for an upcoming performance. My boss is getting ready for a big showcase. It's hard. I don't have all the training that the other dancers do, but I'm hanging in there. Putting in extra work."

Mike nodded slowly, an idea coming into his head. "If you want, I could give you some pointers. Maybe a few lessons? Only if you don't mind of course!"

Mercedes looked over at Mike thinking it over in her head before a small smile appeared on her face. "Thanks Mike. I'll keep that in mind."


Sam's POV

It was a Friday afternoon and Sam was on his way to Artie's. Artie had kept going on and on the entire week about the games he'd just bought: BioShock Infinite and Far Cry 3 for Xbox360 and Grand Theft Auto 5 and Gran Turismo 5 for PS3. And that was just a few titles he'd picked up. Sam was stoked! After a week of school, hardcore study sessions with Tina, campaign preparations with Blaine as well as glee club, football and swim practices, Sam was ready to unwind!

Artie's house was a short bus ride away. The #44 Bus came around 3:55pm. Sam hopped onto the bus, dropping his change into the collector and started making his way to the back of the bus when he spotted a familiar face.

"Puck?"

The boy with the infamous Mohawk flashed him his prize winning smile and winked. "The one and only"

Sam took his seat beside him, pulling him into a "bro-hug" after they completed their secret handshake. "Dude what are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be in LA?"

Puck nodded, "I'm just here for the weekend. Came here to talk some sense into my brother's head."

Sam was confused. "Your brother?"

"Yea. His name's Jake."

"Oh you mean the new kid? The pretty boy with the bad attitude?"

"Yea... I think..."

"He tried out for Glee club a couple weeks ago. Heard, he was pretty much in till he trashed the place."

Puck nodded. "Yea sounds about right. Mr. Schue called me up to come speak to him. Paid for my ticket back here and everything. Dude, I didn't even know I had a brother."

"How'd he take it?"

"He was pissed. Didn't know he had a brother either."

"I don't really know if I like that guy..."

"Hey, I didn't think I'd like him either, but you'll warm up to him. The bad boy shit is all a front, trust me. I told him to think about joining New Directions. Told him some crap about how it made me a man"

Sam shifted in his seat contemplating this new information for a second before he shrugged. "I guess we could use a couple new guys."

"Well he said he'd think about it. Not that he was joining..."

"Okay"

"Let me know if he does."

"Sure thing."

"And it'd be cool if you could keep an eye out for him. It's kinda hard to be a big bro to him all the way in LA"

"No problem, man."

"Good," Puck grinned.

Sam decided to change the subject. "So how's life in LA?"

"It's fucking amazing man! I was made for the big city! The nightlife is awesome! And the GIRLS! Man you gotta come out to LA soon!"

Sam chuckled. "I don't think that would make Mercedes happy"

Puck raised an eyebrow. "I thought you two weren't together anymore."

"We are, well no we're not. It's just- it's complicated man," Sam finally finished. "I still want to be with her. I just can't physically be with her. So we're technically on a break"

Puck shook his head. "You're so whipped man"

Sam shoved him. "Dude shut up. I know that already! She's, she's just not like any other girl I've ever been with. She's amazing"

Puck shook his head again, but he smiled. "I know. She's a 'take no shit from anybody' type of chick. Never took my shit neither. She's a keeper."

Sam nodded in agreement. "I know."

"I hit her up sometimes. I think she's doing pretty well for herself. She told me she was recording some of her own songs. I asked her if I could get on the track and she said she'd work something out. Thought that was pretty sweet."

Sam smiled. "Yea that's Mercedes. Always looking out for everyone."

"If you didn't have your heart set on her, I think I'd try dating her again. She wasn't like anyone I'd ever dated either."

Sam punched him playfully on the arm. "Hey man, she's off limits. I don't even want you thinking about her wrong."

Puck laughed and raised his hands in defense. "Bro just chill. It's not like she'd give me the time of day anyway... I think she still wants a bite of that white chocolate, if you know what I mean..." He wiggled his eyebrows at Sam, who hit him again.

"Ouch! It's TRUE!"

Sam laughed. "Don't talk about my girl like that."

Puck rubbed his arm, "Right your girl. The one you're not even dating..."

He dodged another hit.

"It's cool, I got my eye on some cougars up in LA. There are many rich, lonely hot mamas that need my tender love and care and Puckasaurus is all too willing to provide. I'm honestly too young and way too much of a stud to be tied down anyway..."

Sam shook his head at his friend in amusement. Somethings never change.

The pair arrived at Artie's house a few minutes later and were let in by Mrs. Abrams. She let them know that Artie was in the den making sure everything was set up for some hardcore gaming.

"PUCK!" Artie exclaimed when he caught sight of his friend.

The two performed their bro handshake before they all got right down to business, running through each of Artie's new games. Sam was kicking both Puck and Artie's asses for a while, but eventually Artie got the game back on lock and demolished them both. Sam groaned in frustration, while Puck trash talked Artie who just gave them both a smug look.

"Bro! I know you cheated!" Puck accused.

"And how would I have cheated? I literally just got these games. Y'all just mad 'cause y'all suck! Noobs!"

Puck narrowed his eyes at Artie, but decided to drop it before yelling out, "REMATCH!"

The boys played for a good two hours. Dishing out insults when they were winning and groaning in frustration when they were losing. They'd missed this. Video game night was routine for the trio. Mike and Finn were also regulars and occasionally, so was Blaine. Kurt didn't care much for video games but would come along to watch. Sometimes on a very rare occasion, Mercedes and Tina would join in as well and kick all their asses. But the boys didn't really like to talk about that.

Eventually they got tired of playing games and grew hungry instead. Puck went upstairs and raided Artie's cupboard. He came back with his arms full of chip bags and dip, a two-liter bottle of Coke and some cups. After placing the food on the coffee table, Puck grabbed the bag of Tostitos and started eating straight from the bag, shoving handfuls of chips into his mouth at a time. Sam ate from the bag of Cool Ranch Doritos with a little more grace than Puck, while Artie drank poured himself a drink. Aside from the rustling of chip bags and munching, a comfortable silence filled the room.

A few minutes later Artie turned to Puck. "So what's good in LA?"

Puck's eyes lit up. "Dude, everything! I was just telling Sam over here all about it. I'm living the life out on the West coast! The sun is always shining, my pool cleaning business is booming and the ladies...mmm mmm mmm.." Puck closed his eyes, seemingly caught up in some type of lustful memory. "Man, I love LA!"

Artie and Sam exchanged amused glances.

Puck sat up suddenly, turning to point at them both, "Both of you need to come visit me! I'm telling you, you haven't lived until you party in LA!"

"Dude, you know I'd be out there in a heartbeat, if I had the money. Not all of us are lucky enough to be funded by Mr. Schue!" Sam replied, giving Puck a look.

Puck shrugged as Artie interjected, "Speaking of parties, Sugar's planning another one of her big bashes. Her father's going away for the weekend in a couple of weeks. It's supposed to be a wild one!"

"Dude are you still seeing her?" Puck exclaimed.

"Well kind of," Artie responded. "To be honest, I'm not sure where we stand sometimes but ever since Rory left, we've kind of been a thing again. It's been nice not being single."

"Bro, there is nothing wrong with being single. I mean look at me and Sam...Well look at me. Sam hasn't felt, much less seen pussy since the summer!"

Artie snickered as Sam flung a cushion in Puck's direction. "Shut the fuck, man"

Puck dodged just before it could hit him square in the face. "It's not like it ain't true! When's the last time you've seen one? Don't. Lie!"

Sam didn't say a word. He just glared at Puck and gave him the finger. Sometimes Puck could be so full of shit.

Puck chuckled.

"How's Mercedes anyway? Do you guys hang out in LA?" Artie asked.

"She's good. She's kinda busy doing her own thing, but I've met up with her a couple times"

"Cool," Artie nodded.

"Matter of fact," Puck continued, "I ran into her just the other day at the park. Sometimes I sing and play my axe for change there. She was jogging. Guess who she was with?"

"Who?" Sam asked, his curiosity suddenly peaked.

"Mike."

"Mike?" Sam repeated, his brows furrowing.

"Mike who, Chang?" Artie asked.

"Yup"

"What's he doing in LA? Isn't he supposed to be in Chicago?" demanded Sam.

"Dude! That's what I thought! But he said something about being there for the semester. Dance intensive or some shit..."

Sam brows were still set in a frown. "When did you run into them?"

"A couple days ago. He's been there since the end of August apparently. Said he'd be there for the semester"

Sam sat back in his seat, feeling a twinge of jealousy and confusion overtake him.

He'd spoken to Mercedes just last night. She never mentioned anything about Mike being in LA. Surely that was something worth mentioning? Why didn't she say anything?

Sam shook his head and cleared his mind of any negativity. If Mercedes didn't say anything, then she probably had her reasons. He decided then that he'd speak to her that night and just ask. There was no sense in jumping to any conclusions.

"She's running again? Pft, second term my ass! She didn't do fuck all the first time!"

Sam finally brought himself back to the present to see Puck and Artie arguing over Brittany's track record as senior class president.

"Well, she did throw a great prom! You've got to give her that!" Artie defended.

"That's true," Puck agreed, stroking his chin in deep thought. "But it still doesn't change that she pretty much did nothing the rest of the year."

Artie couldn't disagree there. "Look. She basically said she had no problem being a figurehead while I made all the big decisions. It was an offer I couldn't refuse..."

Puck nodded in appreciation.

"Too bad you won't get the chance," Sam piped up.

Artie turned to face him. "Excuse me?"

Sam smirked at his friend. "You heard me. I hate to break it to you but Blaine and I are taking this election. There's no way McKinley is re-electing Brittany!"

Artie scoffed. "First of all, we are definitely taking this one. And when we do, you are going to eat those words my friend. Brittany's way more popular than Blaine and you know it. Plus she's a girl and chicks dig female empowerment!"

"Yea well, it's not very "empowering" when the person you voted for does nothing to better the school. Female or not. Plus Blaine and I are studs! No offense bro. He's got the whole Prince Charming thing going for him and I'd be the ideal wingman. It's a prize winning combination and I frankly just don't see us losing."

Artie began to protest, defending his platform and his running mate, while Sam countered all of his arguments and backed up the "Blam" campaign.

After trading a few insults and withering glares, the two turned to Puck and exclaimed in unison, "WHO WOULD YOU VOTE FOR?"


XXXX

Shortly after 10:00PM, Sam finally called Mercedes. She picked up after the second ring.

"Hey!" she exclaimed when she answered.

"Hey yourself," Sam smiled to himself. Hearing her voice always did something to him.

"I was just thinking about you..."

"Oh really?" Sam replied, intrigued.

"Yea," she giggled, "Iron Man's on TV".

Sam chuckled. "Sweet. How was your day?"

"It was nice."

"What'd you do?"

"You know, the usual. Went to class. Hit the studio right after. Then I had work. Just got back actually."

Sam nodded to himself, the feeling of paranoia starting to creep up within him yet again.

Still no mention of Mike.

"Anything exciting happen lately?"

There was a pause on the other line and Sam held his breath before she responded. Exhaling when she finally did.

"No not really..."

But he heard it. That little blip in her voice. The one he'd grown to recognize. It happened anytime she was hiding something from him.

Sam swallowed before he replied.

He really hated seeming like the jealous type. Especially when they weren't even really dating, but he couldn't help it. He'd been naive before in the past. When he was dating Quinn, he'd trusted her completely. Believed everything she said even when everyone else told him that she was cheating on him. Even when the signs were all there, he'd trusted her word above everyone else's. Like a good boyfriend would. They had a good thing going. He couldn't bring himself to believe that she'd ruin it by cheating on him. But in the end she was and it had hurt, terribly. Eventually, once he started dating Santana, he didn't feel the pain as much anymore. He'd grown to trust her. She'd been the first one to tell him the truth about Quinn after all. Besides, she said she'd be a better girlfriend to him than Quinn ever was, and for a little while, she was.

Sam found that Santana was much easier to read than Quinn. She didn't mess with his head the same way Quinn had, in fact, much of their relationship was more or less physically driven. He'd gotten further with her than he ever had with Quinn and it was nice. For a while. Eventually he discovered that just like Quinn, she'd been using him. To get under Brittany's skin, of all things. He'd been fooled twice. He felt like a complete idiot.

Then Mercedes came along.

It had taken him awhile to trust anyone with his heart again, but she'd healed all those wounds and proved herself to him every single day they were together and one by one she'd removed all of the bricks from the wall he didn't even know he'd started to build around his heart. She got to the core of him eventually and he finally got it. She wasn't like other girls. She wasn't Quinn, and she wasn't Santana. She would never hurt him. He was certain he was in love with her. She would never do anything to hurt him. So why was she hiding something this small from him?

She was going on about something that had happened during her rehearsal when he finally blurted out, "Why didn't you tell me Mike was in LA?"

Silence.

Sam waited. His heart started to pound within him. He knew this feeling. What she said next could either confirm his suspicions or grant him relief.

"I- I...How'd you know Mike was in LA?" she asked softly.

"Puck told me"

"Oh..."

"Why didn't you tell me, Mercedes? Why didn't you even mention it?"

"...I don't know," she finally admitted.

Sam let out a slow hiss of air he didn't even know he was holding in. He could tell she was being honest. "Is something wrong?"

"No," she lied. "...Well, not really"

"What's wrong Mercedes? Did Mike do something?"

"No! No, he didn't. Not recently anyway..."

Sam's brows furrowed. "What do you mean by that?"

Mercedes let out a deep breath over the line. "I don't think I've ever told you this, but Mike and I used to be really close. Best friends actually."

"What happened?" Sam asked, suddenly feeling very protective of his ex.

"It's stupid.," she managed to breathe out. Her voice wavering.

"No it's not Mercedes. Whatever it was, I can tell it's still bothering you."

There was silence again over the line.

It was silent for so long that Sam lifted his phone from his ear to check if they were still connected.

They were.

"Mercedes, you still there?"

"Yea," she sniffed.

"Look, you don't have to tell me if you don't want to. But know that I'm ready to listen whenever you're ready to talk."

There was a pause before she responded. "No, I want to tell you..."

Mercedes recounted all of her childhood friendship with Mike. Sam felt his heart clench when she spoke about being bullied. He'd had no idea she'd had it that bad. She'd never even mentioned any of this while they were dating. When she got to the part about that fateful day, he grew angry. How could Mike be so stupid? Sure he was young but you never treated a friend like that. It was code. Sam wished more than anything that Mercedes was here in the flesh. He'd give anything to properly comfort her.

When she finished her tale, he listened to her sob softly. Other than her sniffling every now and then, there was silence yet again.

Mercedes spoke first. "I'm really sorry I ruined our conversation with this mess, Sam. And I'm sorry I hid that from you. I didn't mean to lie to you..."

"Hey, shhhh... I'm sorry for being such a dick at first. You didn't have to tell me any of that... although I'm glad you did. No one should have to keep pain like that all to themselves."

"It's funny how seeing him and hanging out with him can bring back up all those old memories. All the things I've tried so hard to forget about," Mercedes chuckled bitterly.

"Sometimes it works like that," Sam swallowed before he spoke his next few words. "Maybe you should tell him how you felt."

Mercedes sniffed. "Why should I? It's old news"

"So you can move on. He should know how much he hurt you..."

"I don't know Sam... We're getting back to a good place. I don't want to ruin it all over again..."

"He's a big boy Mercedes. He can handle it."

When she didn't answer, he spoke again. "Trust me"

"Okay. I'll tell him the next time I see him."

"Promise?"

"I promise."

"Okay."

"Thanks," she whispered.

"For what?"

"For listening. For being there for me. Thank you."

"You're welcome," Sam replied. And before he could stop himself he added. "I should be honest with you too. I was feeling a little jealous at first. When you didn't mention him, I mean."

"Why?"

"I thought something was going on between you two."

He heard the confusion in her voice when she responded, "Why would you think that?"

Sam racked his brain for a reason, but couldn't come up with anything. "I don't know. All I know is, I still love you Mercedes..."

Mercedes' breath hitched in her throat. She didn't need these feelings right now. She'd done enough crying for the night. "Sam, please don-"

"I really care about you," he replied cutting her off. "I just want to know that you are happy"

Mercedes' eyes welled up. She covered her mouth to conceal her sobs. Oh god, not again, she thought.

"Mercedes?"

"Yea..."

"Please say something"

"Sam, I still love you too. I still care about you. I do, but we can't do this right now. This is hard enough already."

"I know. And I don't want to make things harder. I just wanted you to know. Nothing has changed. I still feel the same way. I'm not asking anything of you. I just need you to know that. Okay?"

"Okay."

Sam could feel an awkward silence coming on so he decided to stop it. This was not how he wanted their conversation to end. "I'm running for senior class president! Well Blaine is... but I'm up for VP!"

Despite herself, Mercedes found herself chuckling at Sam's rashness.

Rambling.

Again.

He was nervous and she still found it cute.

"That's great Sam. Who are you two running against?"

"Brittany. And Artie. Britt wants to be a two term senior class president."

Mercedes snorted at that. "Well that's not something I've ever heard of happening before but power to her!"

"Hey! What about my campaign?"

Mercedes giggled. "I'm just messing with you, Sammy. We both know Britt did nothing last year. If she won again, and that's a big if, you and I both know Artie would be the one making the decisions."

Sam laughed. "Well, technically he already pretty much let that cat out of the bag. It's kind of how Britt got him to join her in the first place."

"Smart girl."

"I guess it was a pretty good strategy," Sam replied. "Do you think Blaine and I have a shot at winning?"

"I do. You'd have my vote Mr. Vice President."

Sam grinned widely and ran his hand through his hair. Was she flirting with him?

"Thanks. Blaine's also got his heart set on making me look the part."

"What's he talking about? You're a shoe-in. Blaine's got that whole dapper, charming thing about him but you've got swag, Sammy! Blaine's cute but you're sexy as hell!"

Oh she was definitely flirting with him.

Sam's mouth dropped open. He felt himself blush when she giggled over the phone.

"What, it's true!" God, he missed her.

"Thanks Mercedes. You're not so bad yourself."

Mercedes scoffed and he could practically see her rolling her eyes at him. "Boy, don't even!"

"It's true!" he laughed repeating her words.

He heard her kiss her teeth and he stifled a chuckle. She let out a yawn soon after.

"Tired?" he asked.

"Very."

"Me too. I guess I'll let you get your beauty rest," he whined playfully. "Not that you need it or anything..."

Mercedes giggled. "Thanks Sammy. I'll talk to you soon."

"Okay. Don't forget to talk to him!"

"I won't. Thanks again for listening."

"No problem."

"Goodnight, Sam."

"Goodnight, Mercedes."

Once the call ended, Sam placed his phone on the side table and reached over to turn off his lamp.

Sam was exhausted. He had a big day ahead of him what with the campaign underway and the debates coming up in a week. He was supposed to meet Blaine at the Lima Bean to discuss campaign strategies in the morning. He'd have to go to the YMCA after for swim practice, then Tina's house to prepare for the history test coming up on Monday. Then he had work in the evening. Sam knew he had a lot on his plate and he definitely felt it everyday, but he knew it was all going to be worth it in the end. Every day he worked hard brought him a step closer to his angel all the way on the West Coast.


A/N: How'd you guys feel about Mike/Mercedes being childhood BFFs? I thought it'd be cool to kind of come up with an explanation for the closeness we've seen with these two onscreen as of late. I had a lot of fun making up their back story, so I hope you enjoyed that bit. Until next time!

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