Sam went home thinking about the events of the evening he'd never felt unsure before about anything to do with his relationship with Mercy so this today came a bit out the blue, she was up for everything more so than him, she did the pushing all the time, and he liked it because it gave him the control and he liked that too. He felt insecure, he didn't like it and the only way he could see to deal with his issues is to take the next step in their relationship. He'd never kept it a secret that this was going to happen, he'd told her Dad on their first meeting so why was he so fidgety how should he do it, just ask, or maybe something really romantic like what? I'll light a candle for her "hell I'll light a hundred candles for her" he told himself as he stepped into the store. He went home set the candles up and just before he lit them called a taxi for Mercy and called Artie to tell him to call Mercy in five and tell her the taxi was there as he'd planned her a surprise and give them 20 minutes, Artie did as instructed, Sam had something in mind and woe betide anyone who thought they were going to get in the middle of it.
Mercy accepted Artie's story of things being a bit more difficult than he had originally thought to talk about and went out in 3 minutes to find her waiting taxi. She gave her address as she got in looking up to see their local driver at the wheel, she smiled and sat back thinking how she was going to really make it up to Sam when she got back. She opened the door saying "Hey Artie was still talking to Julie so he sent me a taxi, luckily it was our usual company so don't fli…" she stopped when she turned to see candles lit all over the living room, Sam standing with a red rose in his hand "Babe what's this?" she asked with a smile on her face taking everything in
"It's me saying I need us to turn a page, not just that, I need you to be on it with me"
"So you want us to start reading together?"
"I want us the take the next step in this relationship" he laughed
"Is this because of what I said to Julie tonight Sam because you know we're end game so nothing needs to get rushed I'm waiting for you forever" she looked around smiling
"I suppose that conversation made me think of this, but no it's not because of that I suppose how I felt has something to do with it, I just need you to know what you mean to me"
"I know Sam I really do"
"I need to show you"
"With about what 100 candles and a rose?" her voice breaking at the last words
"And a question" Sam added
"Question?" she asked her voice broken
"I'm just going to ask, blurt it out and see where we go from there; Mercy will you marry me?"
"Oh My God Sam, do you mean this?"
"Just like you to answer a question with a question, will you?" he asked pulling a ring box out of his back pocket
"You bet those hot lips and you know what I will" she said "Oh my man I love him so, he'll never know" she sang walking towards him as he grabbed her face and pulled it to him kissing her with such thirst it lasted a full five minutes, when he let go she hugged him unwilling to let go for now "I love you Sam, this ring is beautiful" she said when he opened the box for her to see it she let go for him to put it on her finger and held on again
"Very much what I think when I look at you, I love you more Mercy, my soon to be wife" he smiled "I could bask in this all night but of all the nights Artie's here with some random, nice as she is, I don't really want that stranger to be the first to know our news so can we leave it till Christmas reunion please?" Sam asked
"Secrets I'm going to need hush activity" she laughed
"Everyone else I know would go for money you want sexual favours, what is wrong with you woman?"
"I have this sexy, godlike man that floats my boat twenty four sevens, which means I can't keep my hands, lips or tongue off him" she said making them both laugh
"Let's clean up before they get back" he said still laughing "Keep me laughing" he said as they went round doubting the candles and putting them in boxes, between kisses and touching, the job was done in ten minutes but the smell of candle was rife "Leave two candles out Mercy or they'll catch on"
"I'll get my cherry ones out and then it'll be like my lips are next to yours all night" she said almost skipping off
"Babe you are so random" he said laughing again
"Keeping you laughing" she said waving the candles as she stood up from the cabinet "You just missed an opportunity" she said to his puzzled face "I was bending" she said as he rolled his eyes and laughed
"What is wrong with you tonight?" he asked
"I'm almost a married woman, some guy just proposed obviously thinks I'm wife material and that makes me super happy, problem?
"None" he said grabbing her to him, kissing her again this time getting excited himself "I need these pages turning a bit faster I want into you so bad" he said kissing her again, just then the door knocked "Blockers" they both said and laughed again
"Art my man, come on in just about to make hot drinks, would you guys like one?" Sam asked watching Mercy walk to the kitchen, he knew she was still grinning
"I think we got back on track, yes please" he answered looking at Julie for her reply and she nodded "Julie said a rather loud yes too"
"Two more babe" Sam shouted to the kitchen
"I'll go help" Julie said not waiting for an acknowledgement before she left the room
"Everything alright dude?" Sam asked "I could not believe you told her that in front of us, situation dude situation" he said moving his eyes side to side
"I sort of gave her some of the history around that, she's kind of cool about it but you never know we might get back home and she's all fuck off you know" Artie said shrugging his shoulders
Mercy and Julie came back in with the hot drinks and eats "So how's film school?" Sam asked when they finally settled down
"It's good I met the love of my life, Julie, my grades are fine I'm getting A's actually I mean I take my shit serious you know" Artie said giving his usual grin
"And for you Julie?" Sam asked
"I was doing well until I met up on Artie and he's teaching me how to cut corners in filming and stuff" she said laughing
"But is it working?" Artie asked her
"I must admit it is, no really I love spending time with Artie although he's a bit further down the line in this relationship than I am, but I think I can get there" she said as Artie hugged her "And you two are super nice people I just love your house"
"Enough about us what's up with you Sam?" Artie asked
"Still at MARVEL trying to get a break but it's early days yet so let's see"
"And you Mercy"
"College is going fine I'm on top of that but the studio is trying to turn me into something that I'm not too sure about just now but we have that under control" she said looking at Sam
"You going back for the holidays?" Artie asked
"If we can yeah" Sam said "I can get time off but Mercy goes with the work so it depends on her job really"
"Travel, Arguing, Making up, Food all makes for a tired Artie" he said "Beds calling" he waved and went to bed as Julie took the cups to the kitchen and washed them up Sam and Mercy sat watching while this happened, they went to bed shortly afterwards and all too soon Artie's visit was over, 7 weeks quickly pasted and suddenly it was Christmas break, time to return to Lima, it had been a good six months since they'd seen their parents
"Mercy you packed already come on Babe Dad's expecting us on this flight"
"Sam did you fill the car up?"
"Yes and I took the rubbish out, I took the spare key in, I washed up, you've switched all the sockets off, the rents paid, the bills are paid and …."
"Okay Mr. take the piss, I only asked"
"For the third time, come on beautiful" he laughed
"You're buzzed for seeing everyone again aren't you?" she asked "Is this Sam Evans who said he couldn't wait to see the back of this trifling lot?"
"I'm buzzed, because we get to spend time with our families this time too"
"Does this mean separate beds for the holiday?"
"Yeah but I still got my truck so we can go back to basics if we need to" he laughed "why are you shaking your head babe?"
"I'm remembering those impossible days babe; I'm ready" she said emerging from the bedroom looking like a million bucks
Within 4 hours they were standing at the airport in Lima waiting for Mercy's Dad to turn up "Come here" he said pulling her to him "We're not going to get much of this until next week when we're back in LA" he said kissing her showing his intention
"Put my daughter down" they heard making them jump apart
"Dad" she said running into his arms, with the biggest smile, as he delivered a kiss to her cheek
"Dad" Sam smiled hugging him
"Kurt has been trying to reach you guys, he said it has to be tonight as some families are going away for Christmas" Devon told them
"That's fine" Sam said "I'll see my folks, drop my bags, grab the car and be over for you as soon as, is that okay?" he asked her
"I'm coming in to say hello too Sam; parents" she reminded him
"Oh yeah sorry, I'm excited" he smiled getting his phone out
"What are you doing?" she asked looking at him fidgeting
"Finding out what time we're meeting, why?"
"Nothing" she laughed looking at him still "People we can do without springs to mind" she said as they walked towards the exit. As they approached the car she saw her Mom sitting waiting "Oh hi Mom, you didn't say she was in the car" she turned to her Dad saying as her Mom came out the car arms open hugging Mercy for a long while before grabbing Sam
"Hi Mom" he said, Mercy swore she heard emotion in there but left it, she'd missed them too
"I missed my babies" she said looking at them "Running around the house, sneaking around the house, eating food at night, I miss it all" Marcia said, eventually getting back in the car for the drove to Sam's parent's home
"Coming in?" Sam asked Marcia and Devon
"Mom, Dad we're here" he shouted running towards the house, his parents, seeing the car pull up, came outside to greet him
"Baby we missed you" Rose said hugging him then Mercy, his Dad did the same, Marcia and Devon reached the front porch "Marc, D come in please" Rose said moving Dan out the way and following them in to give hugs and kisses in the TV room
"So what's this about then Sam, we're all here?" his Dad said looking between Mercy and him
"What?" Mercy asked looking around at everyone before her eyes landed on Sam
"Well Mercy and I have some news that we need to share" he said looking at her before looking around the room at their parents
"We do?" she asked
"Candles, conversation, answer?" he told her, suddenly she understood what was happening, she took her chain from under her top and flashed her engagement ring before taking it off the chain and putting it on as Sam spoke telling the parents they were engaged
"What!" Devon said looking at him his tone made Mercy look up, only to find he had a smile on his face "You two know this isn't happening until after Uni and job right?"
"After Uni I can promise Dad but before job may be a bit much" he laughed
"Before Job; who the hell do you think is going to pay for this wedding?" Devon asked
"You" everyone in the room echoed
"That temptation's set in has it?" Devon commented, the look on Sam's face told them everything they needed to know "Hard isn't it?" he said
"We need to hurry up is all I'm saying" Mercy said surprising everyone except Devon
So following the pleasantries Marcia and Rose left for the soup kitchen, Sam and Mercy got freshened up and left for school at about 7.30pm to meet up with the club guys, hugs, hugs, kisses, crying and laughter were shared before everyone settled down to business
"God it just feels like the longest 7 months ever I mean to go from seeing each other every day to 7 months just like that I had serious withdrawal symptoms guys" Blaine said as Kurt nodded in agreement
"I know we got on each other's nerves so damn much in school but it was only you guys I missed" Santana told the group
"I was glad to see the back of you all, well most of you, especially after the hassle, but I did miss you all even you Rachel" Mercy said
"Ditto" Sam said smiling with Mike
"Anyway we're back together so I have a task for us Mr. H isn't here to instruct till tomorrow, so here goes; something we hated in school, but as I'm sure we've all learnt in the past months you really can't always get what you want, Carol singing tis the season and all that" Puck said
"Jessie's filming guys so he sends his apologies" Rachel announced
"I was going to ask" Tina smiled
"So what we just got to go around singing carols?" Sugar asked
"Singing being the operative word here Sug" Artie said getting himself a cut eye from her
Well four songs, not hard yeah so we have to sing one in the school staff room to the teachers, one in the choir room easy, one to those less fortunate than ourselves and one to a theatrical audience, it doesn't matter who sings what as long as it's sung and witnessed and it all has to be done within 24 hours" Puck finished
"Starting when?" Quinn asked
"Starting like 9pm tonight" he replied
"I've got the theatrical audience but we have to go now" Rachel said "I don't know that I can get everyone in but I'll try one witness who wants to come"
"Me" Kurt shouted "You know that's my thing" he said jumping up to follow Rachel
"Pictures" Mercy shouted after them
The theatrical performance
So Rachel and Kurt jumped in Kurt's car and drove to Larkin Bay "What's happening here?" Kurt asked
"Oh my Dads are heading up a charity show for money to give to the performing arts at the school next year, he's got some mighty powerful people in there, I'm going to ask if I can sing to them"
"That would be good can I join in"
"Yeah sure" she said as they stopped outside the venue, she went to the side door and was cleared through security, finding themselves in a room at the side of the kitchen
"Rachel sweetheart what are you doing here?" her Dad came from nowhere asking
"We need a favour Dad we need to sing for your fundraiser is that possible?"
"What right now?"
"Well as soon as possible but tonight yes"
"I've got NYADA, The Actor's Studio and everyone who's anyone out there sweetheart, are you sure?"
"You mean Carmen T is out there?" Kurt asked
"Yes she is"
"I'm not joining in Rachel I think you need to take this on yourself I'm not really warmed up or anything sorry" Kurt said
"That's fine Kurt no pressure"
"Okay I'll go introduce you as a treat" her Dad said leaving the room with them following "My seat's over there Kurt go sit in the audience" he said pointing to the set in question
Le'roy walked out onto the stage to announce her performance "Ladies and Gentlemen a special treat for you a young lady who has benefited from performing arts in schools is here to sing for us tonight please put your hands together for Miss Rachel Berry" she came out introduced her song and sang "O Holy Night" while Kurt took pictures of the audience, building and Rachel singing with time and date
The Choir room performance
Back at the choir room everyone was waiting, chatting and having more detailed catch up as they put up the tree
"It's done" Kurt came in waving his mobile phone around showing the pictures to everyone, building excitement before they went back to setting up the tree.
"Mercy what are you doing up there?" Sam asked shocked at seeing her on top of a ladder throwing frost over the tree from behind the piano
"I'm fine Sam, I just thought of a song" she looked around the room saying
"Go for it, but please down from the ladder first" he said as everyone busied around, she started singing "All I Want for Christmas Is You"
"Come here you" he smiled when she'd finished the song "How are you teasing me like that"
"Like what?" she asked innocently with a smirk on her face looking so cute he couldn't resist he just kissed her
"Best Christmas ever" they heard Rachel say as they pulled out of their kiss
"But Jessie's not here Rachel how could that be" Mercy asked
"He will be like tomorrow, and we have news" she said
"Have we dried up then folks challenge too much?" Quinn asked
"No our Mom's are doing a stint at the food bank for Christmas doing hot food and that with Sue we could go down there and try singing, if Sue will let us" Sam said looking at Mercy for approval, everyone agreed and left for the food bank to hopefully perform
To the less fortunate performance
Sam went in and asked Sue if they could sing "Not before some of you get round here and serve some food to these people" she replied so Quinn and Sam volunteered to serve for a while until Sue got fed up of them giving out large portions and told them to back off away from the food
Suddenly the door opened, it was Jessie surprising Rachel and everyone else actually "Babe you're here" she jumped up saying, running to him, it was sweet, had a real Christmas feel to it
"Happy Christmas" he said hugging and kissing her before he said hello to everyone else
"This music is making my ears bleed go sing something that's not this" Sue barked at Sam, he gave the nod to the rest of the group, they gathered up as Artie suggested "Do They Know It's Christmas?
"Good one" Rachel said, Blaine started the music started "Jessie start us off" she shouted, and they completed their third task, enjoying it actually
"Mercedes can we go back to yours for a while I just don't want this to end and Mom and Dad have visitors tonight otherwise it would be at mine?" Kurt asked
"I haven't even been home yet, let me ask Mom" she told him walking away from the group towards her Mom, her Mom was fine with it so everyone said their goodbyes to the people and left for Mercy's house
The Den at Mercy's House
Remember back in the day when we used to play newsflash Mercy?" Kurt asked laughing as they had settled down with snacks, drinks and Music playing in the background
"Yeah, what brought that back"
"Newsflash?" Sam asked
"Yeah like you know 'did you know that' but we called it newsflash" she told him laughing
"I; well we, have a newsflash" Kurt said looking at Blaine "We're getting married in two weeks' time" he announced to everyone's screams
"Well Newsflash two" Santana said "It's a double wedding cos Britt and I are tying that particular knot too" she announced getting more screams
"Are you all sure about this?" Artie asked
"Yes" they all said together, like they were fed up of being asked the question
"Well I need to sing you all a song on that day Mercy you care to join me for this awesome double double" Artie said
"If it's a good song I will Art" she smiled "I guess we have a newsflash of our own to be honest we got engaged about 7 weeks ago" she smiled hugging Sam as she made their announcement
"I knew it" Artie banged the side of his chair saying "that candle smell in the house Julie said something had gone down, congratulations you two" to everyone echoing his last words
"What's this game newsflash?" Puck asked
"Yeah if you got news share it Bro" Sam said
"Well newsflash Quinn and I finally got it together, after the Beth thing we didn't think there was any way back for us, but I don't know we met up about 6 weeks ago in Lima she's just split with Joe and I was well, being me, we just realised we're running around looking for copies of each other with all the bad bits taken out, so we started making a lifetime plan" Puck finished
"We obviously don't know where this is going but it feels right and it could be our forever" Quinn said looking into his eyes
"Wow everyone is on the move relationship wise" Mike said "Well newsflash Tina and I have set a date for our wedding it's not till 2 years time but our traditional families need that kind of structure and it gives us time to get our education out the way, so we're engaged as of maybe the day after we finished school" Mike smiled hugging her
"Newsflash" Sugar said "I'm in love with Artie but he refuses to acknowledge all my subtle hints so I'm putting it out there for him to deal with and if nothing comes of this you are all witnesses that it wasn't for the want of trying on my part sorry Turrets" she looked around saying
"It's not that I don't notice your hints Sugar it's just that I always seem to be with someone else whenever you make them, I have to ignore them out of respect for the person I'm with, but luckily for you today I'm free and your free so let's see where this thing can go girl, Newsflash" Artie said wheeling over to her
"Newsflash" Rachel said showing her ring to the group "2 weeks ago in Vegas, spur of the moment thing, but it will last a lifetime I'm Mrs. St James now"
"Oh My God" Mercy said covering her mouth "Congratulations girl" she said getting up to hug her as the girls crowed around Rachel to get the low down
"Dude congratulations" the guys said to Jessie as they gave him a group hug and then individually said what they wanted to him
"Dude's all this love is good, but we still have one challenge left to go and we need to do this as early in the morning as we can because Blaine, Kurt, Santana and Brittany are off to Florida for their 10 days before the date thing, Quinn and Puck are off to New Hampton to see her Dad, Mike and Tina are off to Compton to see his Grandparents grave for some reason at Christmas" he looked at Mike puzzled "And I'm off to get acquainted with Sugar for the whole of the holidays" Artie said
"You two going to do anything else but stay in bed all holiday?" Puck asked looking at Sam and Mercy
"What is this perception that Mercy and I sleep all day?" Sam asked
"Not sleeping Dude sexing" Puck said laughing
"You two are just so wrapped up all the while, it's like so obvious that's all you do" Jessie butted in
Sam looked at Mercy and smiled before looking up and announcing "If you must know Mercy and I are virgins and we plan on staying that way until we're married"
"Get the fuck out of here dude, you guys have been together for like 4 years" Blaine said
"Yeah and we sleep in the same bed, in our parents houses and all of that because they know we're saving ourselves for marriage" he replied
"That's how you did that, I always wondered" Kurt said smiling
"Wondered what?" Mercy frowned at him asking
"How Mom and Dad Jones allowed Sam upstairs and all that when I know how strict they are, they just let him run round the house" Kurt said
"Yeah I wondered the same about Mercedes running around Sam's house" Quinn smiled
"So love is really love then?" Blaine asked Sam
"I told you I did, didn't I"
"You know Dude I take my hat off to you, that first day you came to school you asked me about her and I told you nothing I don't know why that was but I didn't, I suppose I was protective of that particular club girl, anyway somehow you got your information and you pursued, you got and you held onto the girl of your dreams" Jessie patted his back saying
"I suppose he got that information from me" Puck said "met him in the shower told him I was going to knock him the fuck out if he made advances and he asked to join the club, after hearing him sing we all told him who to keep away from even dared him to speak to Mercedes Jones"
"Yeah I remember that" Mike laughed
"Remember the only name he could remember before meeting everyone" Puck asked
"Mercedes Jones" the lads shouted before everyone laughed
"And we knew he was hooked even offered him a body bag, hey Dude you're the man" Puck said shaking his hand "I respect you for respecting the Diva my sister from another set of parents" he said hugging Mercy
"I fell in love with this woman watching you all sing on the steps out there, you guys singing 'There's nothing I can't do' he sung and she's staring at me singing 'Yeah' telling me yeah she was feeling me too, right in my face" he laughed "Put me right up there and" he looked at her saying "She's kept me there ever since" he kissed her nose
"All of that in one song?" Jessie asked
"No, in one look" he laughed
"Magical isn't it?" Blaine asked looking at Kurt "Love I mean"
"Yeah" everyone mumbled looking at their other halves, shortly after that everyone promised to be at the school for 7.45 in the morning for the dreaded staff room performance
Weird for Sam and Mercy spending the night alone for the first time in like 7 month, he sent his texts goodnight and then good morning, before making his way over to fetch her for the performance
"This is so like old times Sam I miss it ,but I really don't want it back I didn't get any sleep last night I wasn't home"
"What you miss our bed?"
"Our bed with you in it babe, I missed home" she said putting his free arm around her
"I know what you meant babe, I was just trying to lighten the mood, I didn't sleep at all either" he said kissing her forehead "this drive seemed a lot longer before" he said as they pulled up outside the school
"Park over there by Kurt's car" she pointed out as he made his way across and parked
"What do you think we're going to sing?" he asked as they walked into the school
"Santa Claus is coming to town, Oh Hanukkah, jingle bell rock or something stupid like that" she said
"Away in a Manger, Have yourself a Merry little Christmas, please God no" he laughed, pretending to fall to the floor
"Our first school kiss" he said as they passed her locker, kissing her again, seconds later they entered the choir room
'The Staff room' teacher's performance
"Morning all we're just waiting for Santana and Brittany, Puck and Quinn and Artie then we can start so entertain yourselves until they get here" Kurt said
"If they had given us a private place to entertain ourselves I could have woken you up properly" Sam whispered in her ear she turned and kiss him deep, he didn't expect it, and with not seeing her last night, he sunk into it pulling her in "I didn't realise how much I missed you last night" he said when she let him up for air looking at himself, before pulling her back into him
"So do we agree to agree?" she asked
"Agree to what?" he frowned
"Not to turn each other on in the presence of company" she told him, smiling as she walked off to go speak to Tina, despite his attempts to grab her back for shield
'Okay agreed' he texted her across the room, she looked back at him, seeing him struggling to conceal himself 'but that game you just brought turned me on more, HELP' he wrote, she read the text, smiled and went back over to shield him, he just grabbed hold of her and sat quietly waiting
"So where's Jessie?" Tina asked
"At home sleeping he travelled for 28 hours to be here yesterday" Rachel informed them
"And Artie" Tina looked at Sugar asking
"I heard he and Brittany were off on some measuring thing this morning apparently she wants him to be her best man" Sugar told everyone as Santana entered the room nodding agreement with her statement
"Oh well I guess they do have history" Kurt said "But we have Lauren" he said smiling at Sugar checking the fuck you face on Santana as he realised what he'd said
"Okay people everyone is finally here" Kurt said cutting his eye at the late comers "So Mr. H will introduce us we'll be singing Welcome Christmas he reckons it's a pleaser, and remember as soon as we finish out of there, because Sue won't be pleased"
"Let's do this" Puck said as the guys did their thing in agreement,marching towards the staff room, Mr. H had set the chairs up and got all the teachers attention, he did his little speech and then the singing started
"That felt good" Puck said when they finished and got back to the choir room "I expect good things this Christmas"
"Lauren what are you doing with yourself since school?" Puck asked her as they hugged
"I'm still doing the wrestling thing big time I've had some major fights but nothing that floats my boat like that one I had with you back in school" she said laughing as Santana came towards them
"Lauren" Santana said slowly "Nice to see you?" she asked walking slowly
"You're safe Lopez I got no beef with you today" Lauren laughed "Just came in to see everyone not even stopping I got to be ready for a fight tomorrow in Main" she said looking at Puck
"Did you come to see the Puckster?" she asked
"Yep heard Quinn and he were making a go of it, thought I'd pass by and wish him luck you know, I know how long he's wanted that so good luck" she said looking at Puck, he pulled her for a hug
"Thanks Lauren, and its nice to see you, thanks for thinking of us" he said before looking around the room for Quinn "Hon we need to get going, we'll miss our flight" he shouted when he found her
"Coming" she smiled as she finished writing her address down for Mercy "Make sure you visit" she said pointing at her as she walked away. Eventually everyone left promising to attend the double wedding, Sam and Mercy went to the lake for a while before heading back to Mercy's parents house for lunch and then after playing games and catching up with the family, leaving to get to Sam's house for dinner and games with the twins and adult conversations with his parents. The extended holiday went pretty fast with visits to Lima Bean and the Mall seeing the teachers and sitting in on Club sessions, watching the new ones preparing for Sectionals
"I miss this" Mercy said as she sat watching them excited about getting the performance right
"We'll have this again one day, then you'll be happier" he hugged her in smiling into her neck
"I'm happy enough Sam, you make me happy"
"Come on we'll miss our flight" he jumped up saying waving to the club guys, they were back in LA eight hours later. Two weeks later they were all sitting in the hotel in Florida waiting for the Brides and grooms to appear
"Well folks this thing has gone all out of proportion Dad's decided he wants to do the ceremony, Britt has decided that Artie can't sing and be best man so she wants Rachel to be her Best Woman and Satan wants Tina, then Blaine and I want Sam and I'm trying to choose between Mike and Jessie"
"Jessie can't make it sorry Kurt" Rachel told him
"Filming?" Kurt asked
"Yes sorry"
"Okay my choice is made for me then Mike will you?"
"No problem"
"And there's no hen or stag, we have a barn to get ready for the ceremony and do, apparently Brittany was conceived in it and her parents have insisted that the ceremony takes place there" Kurt said rolling his eyes
"Everyone has a dress or suit in the back so don't worry about anything" Blaine added as he walked in "Kurt's the party organiser so follow his lead" he finished "And hello everyone" he slipped in at the end, everyone standing with their mouths ajar, taking in the fact that they'd come to work instead of attend a wedding
"Jump" Kurt shouted clapping his hands as everyone made themselves busy doing something to make the day happen
A few hours later the barn was ready and everyone was suited and booted, Mercy and Artie had agreed on a song, Kurt's Dad gave the nod and the singing started for the couples to enter the room, everyone stood as they sung "At Last" Sam was looking at Mercy for nearly the whole song and had to keep catching himself and remember there was a wedding going on
Everyone clapped the beautiful rendition of the song, the entrance of the couples, shortly afterwards the vows were said by both parties Bert announced them to be wife and wife and husband and husband and gave permission for the kiss. The girls done a song and there was a few slow dances and speeches before the couples left for their honeymoons and the day after everyone left for home.
So the holidays and the wedding were over and they were back in LA Sam back at MARVEL and Mercy back at the studio and still being told what to sing so for yet another night Sam sat listening to her moaning about her producer
"Do you want to leave that place Mercy?" he asked as she lay on the couch on his chest
"No I want them to recognise that I have game too"
"Well shout it don't just give attitude tell them you have a song and sing it to them, you keep telling me to take the bull by the horns, push myself ahead, take a leaf out of your book babe"
"Your right and I will one day" she told him, he wasn't convinced but he didn't want to push it
A week later he popped into the studio something he never did because they tried to keep work separate from home life and that was one way they'd agreed that could happen. Mercy was in the middle of singing the song when she looked up and saw him standing in the mixing room
"Sam what are you doing here?" she asked stopping the musicians from playing
"I came to hear your song" he said "I've heard so much about it" he smiled
"Who is this Mercedes?" Greg asked walking into the room
"This is Sam my fiancé" she said still looking at him wondering why he'd come to her place of work "Sam that's Greg my Manager and Earl on the drums, Dean on the Guitar and Trevor on the base Guitar oh and this is Simon on the piano" she carried on as Sam looked around smiling as she spoke
"Sam" Greg said shaking his hand "What can we do for you?"
"I just came to hear my fiancée sing, hopefully a song for me"
"Mercy you never told me you was dealing with a w..." Greg started to say "We'll have this conversation later" he shook his head saying "Take 24 and get it right this time"
Mercy tried the song again but the words didn't say anything she wanted to say and the tune wasn't anything either she just couldn't get into it
"I think I see the problem" Sam said when Greg stopped her for the 25th time
"Do you know about music?" Greg laughed
"Well a bit but I know a lot about Mercy" he told him
"I got to see this. What do you suggest?" Greg asked, a laugh in his voice "I mean we've only been trying for 7 weeks, so I'd love to see what can you do"
"Can I?" Sam asked, pointing to the booth, Greg nodded a yes, he went in, grabbed her hand "Babe sing to me, this is your chance, I need you to sing to me, whatever you want from the heart" he said kissing her before returning to the mixing room
She looked at him for a while before grabbing her bag and giving Simon her music, he eventually started playing her tune as she sang "Colorblind" with so much conviction Greg stood and listened to all the song before he commented
"Mercedes that was fucking beautiful girl" he said, before turning to Sam "What did you say to her to make her do that?"
"It's not rocket science Greg just tell her to sing something she feels"
"I just want her to put a little heart into the songs I give her to sing can you make her do that?"
"That's where you're going wrong Greg you find someone like Mercy and you don't mould her, you make a mould for her" he said Mercy's face telling him he'd pissed Greg off in saying that
"Okay visit over" Greg suddenly said very loudly "And tell you boyfriend this is not a family and friends visiting venue" he told her while Sam was standing next to him, that pissed Sam off and Mercy was left to deal with the both of them now.
"Okay" she came running into the room saying, watching as Sam tipped his head to Greg as he walked out
"Hopefully we won't have this talk again" he said as he walked out, Mercy totally speechless
"Babe can you keep a lid on, this is my job please?" she asked him knowing that he was marking Greg's card, smiling when he finally cut his stare, kissed her and left "I'll see you later babe love you" he said as if that shit didn't just go down
"I love you more babe" she said as she watched him out the door, thinking that was all sorts of he man sexy, before she want back in the studio
"Mercedes I know you know this but, that white boy shit has to stop you know this right?"
"Why?"
"Because you're trying to be a Diva, and Diva's don't have white boys with blond frigging hair and green eyes hanging on their arms"
"Sam and I have been together since we were 17 and we plan on getting married as soon as we finish college" she told him
"Baby days are over now girl you want this or him but you ain't going to get the two together in this life"
"I might as well walk now then" she told Greg grabbing her bag and coat
"What! for the white boy are you mad?" he asked
"For the boy Greg, for the boy why is everything colour with people, why is it people always see something different and hate it, why can they not see something beautiful and smile and leave it the hell alone?" she asked
"What's beautiful about a white boy?"
"He treats me right, makes me feel like a princess, gets on with my family, he's a good Christian and he loves me"
"You can get all that from a brother" Earl piped up
"And you can get all that from one sister, so why do you have all those, girls coming up in here every day if you so happy" she asked turning to Greg to carry on, they were attacking her man and shit they were going to get it, now she was pissed "And why you come to work every day treating me like a damn slave to your music not even taking the time to look at anything I want to do?" she paused looking at him before carrying on "If your woman was treating you right you'd treat me better"
"My woman treats me alright sometimes"
"Yeah well my man makes me feel great all the time, I come into work every day with a smile and I go home with a smile because I know what's waiting, we don't play away on each other and he listens to me when I have something to say"
"But why a white man Mercedes?" Greg asked
"I'm not against black men Greg, I get on well with everyone but the man I fell in love with just happened to be white, I'm not going to turn away from how I feel just because of the colour of someone's skin, I don't know why you all think you can have a say in my life, it's my life" she looked around saying
"So you want people to walk around talking about you and your white boy for the rest of your life?" Earl asked
"I don't care if that's all they have to talk about their lives must be pretty sad and that's their bad, meanwhile I will be blissfully happy and that's the end of this conversation about my private life, unless you want me to get Sam in here to argue it out with him and he thinks with his fists and asks questions after" she laughed
"You'll learn girl, that white boy better be worth it"
"Oh he is don't you worry about us"
"Can I have that song again Mercedes?"
"Well you could but it wouldn't be any better than the cut I just gave you"
"Okay that's a wrap" Greg said making everyone laugh
A month later Mercy was doing well at the studio, she was well on the way to getting her first album finished, 3 more songs to add but she was having problems getting a fresh sound
"I'm at a block Sam, I'm fucked, I'm going to miss my deadline, I know it"
"Something will come babe it always does when you're under pressure" he brushed her cheek saying "by the way Santana and Brittany are coming to LA for some show or something Brittany's in, they asked if they could stay overnight and catch up?"
She turned so slowly he knew he was going to hear it "Have you fucking invited them?" she asked jumping up off the couch
"No babe I know better, they asked"
"So why did they call you and not me I'm not feeling this" she warned, he could see her argument, but he didn't want to be in the middle of it, he took her phone up, while she carried on ranting, and called Santana "I told her I'd get you to call her back when you came down" he said handing her, her phone
"Hello Santana how are you guys?"
"Fine, thanks for getting back to us"
"I'm kind of shocked that Sam still has your number"
"Has he? I don't have his I called your phone, he gave you the message I'm assuming?"
"Oh yeah, he did, you guys are coming when?"
"Tomorrow night, is that alright, sorry about the short notice"
"Oh that's fine"
"We can bring you some tickets to the show can you guys do that, tomorrow?"
"Oh yeah tickets sure that would be good see you tomorrow then" she said looking up at Sam as he stood over her "Bye" she said closing the call down
"Now can we have that conversation again please?" he asked
"Yeah sorry" she smiled shamefully "Santana just called my phone, which you answered so you called her back for me and she's coming tomorrow afternoon with Brittany for a night show at the Grand and then they're back to Mexico on Saturday morning so, they only have the afternoon with us, so how about lunch?" she asked putting a smile on it, as he fell onto the couch next to her
"Not if you've got me down for sleeping with them between courses"
"Sam" she whined looking at him "I said sorry, how about this, I promise no jealous stuff tomorrow"
"I love your jealous stuff babe" he told her pulling her back across him as he spread out on the couch "give me some of that jealous" he kissed her giggling as he, moved her panties across and found her place "God is that how jealous you were just for names I'm imagining swimming pools tomorrow babe" he laughed watching her as he brought her pleasure
"You like my jealous do you?" she giggled as she got off him totally pleasured "That day, you know the one you came to the Studio?" she asked, he said nothing just watched her bring her game "Greg had a conversation with me, told me to get rid of you for my career" she stared at him for a while before carrying in "I've considered it and yeah I think..." she said looking back at a socked Sam, his mind telling him no way could she be ready to say what he told her would never happen, but before he could say anything she carried on talking "I've made my mind up, you said I'd never have to choose between you and what I wanted, you lied" she told him as he made to get up, but she signalled for him to sit down "Don't come near me Sam let me speak this is hard" his face changed from sex, through confused, into beg and was now set in furious, his fists balled and his eyes red with anger
"Babe don't break my heart" he begged, his way of asking her not to say it
"I wouldn't dare, I'd break my own first" she said
"No babe I don't want you to do that either"
"Sam would you love me as much if I only got half way to where I want to be?" she asked having done full circle around the room
"I love you unconditionally babe" he told her now he was sitting back in his original spot
"I choose …. "
"No babe don't do this we can work something out, move Managers, go somewhere else, do something else with music but don't do this don't choose"
"But you don't know what I'm going to choose"
"It's not who or what you choose babe it's the fact that you've had to choose, I don't want you doing that"
"Well I told them I choose to do this and my music and people better start listening to what I'm sending out there for them to take notice of and not my private life because I don't give a shit what they think" Sam burst into a breathe which felt like it had been waiting forever to come out "You angry babe?" she asked
"Fucking angry?" he asked through clenched teeth "Trick question yeah? How fucking dare he, I want to kill him, I feel like going up there right now, I'm so fucking mad" he got up shouting
She smiled before walking up to him, pulled his head down to hers kissing him until he took notice "Now me I like your fucking angry sex" she smiled, undoing his trousers and pushing him back on the couch, he was still angry but he smiled, how did he forget, she gamed
"Babe that just wasn't funny" he said as he relaxed into what she was doing
"It wasn't a joke babe it was true but I dealt with it" he didn't answer her, he needed her back where she'd been he was ready to explode
The next day Santana and Brittany turned up about 12.30pm, Mercy was home waiting for them she showed them around the apartment and called Sam twenty minutes later he was home
"We'll go out for lunch have a catch up and then you can come to the studio with me if you want" Mercy told them
"I'd love that" Santana said excited
"I've had enough of studio's" Brittany said "Anything else to do around here" she asked looking at Sam
"Sorry I've just got lunch and then I'm back to work" he told her looking at Mercy "There's a good park, museum, shops" he suggested
"What do you do at work?" she looked at Sam asking
"Animation you know comics and things"
"That sound like fun can I come with you and have a look at what the man does?"
"Well no Mercy hasn't even been to my workplace, we try to keep the two lives separate" he told her sneak looking at Mercy, smiling in part for her expression
"I'm sure you could give her an hour or half an hour, and then send her over in a taxi to us" Mercy said reluctantly
"Okay we have a plan" Santana smiled getting up "And don't forget to use the tickets Britt's dancing so it's always good" she said as she hugged Sam and then Brittany, waiting for Mercy she finally got sorted and gave her hugs, her face telling him she wasn't happy, then they parted company.
"Mercy and Santana made their way to the studio "I'm looking for a fresh sound at the minute so I'm in a bit of worm hole"
"Maybe I could help we loved sounding off each other at school maybe the memory will help" Santana said
"We can try I'll speak to Greg" she said as they stepped into the studio
"Greg this is Santana a friend from School"
"More visitors Mercedes and white again" Greg laughed
"I'm black hispanic actually and if Trou... I mean Sam ever heard you talking to my girl like that you'd be for the high jump" Santana told him
"Everyone holds this Sam guy on a pedestal don't they?" he commented but Santana picked it up
"Do you know him?" she asked
"I met him but I don't know him" he replied
"If you knew him you'd know the only thing he really doesn't suffer fools about is his girl he would kill for her, he doesn't like her upset, angry, sad or, the biggie, disrespected he will go all out on anyone for her even me in the past so don't go there I'm advising you"
"But can he bring it?" Greg smiled flexing his muscles
"Man works out every day, plays football, was the Quarterback at school, was scouted but chose another path and he is built like a brick, I've seen him knock a 17 stone man out with one blow" Santana carried on to say "You go test if he can bring it"
"Well hello there" Earl said as he walked in the room
"Hello" Santana said looking between Mercy and him
"Santana this is Earl" Mercy said pointing to him and then said to Earl "Santana school friend"
"Well girl you look…."
"Let me stop you right there, I'm married happily and newly thank you very much" Santana said
"So Santana is going to try and help me get my groove back so can we do a little warm up?" Mercy asked
"Yeah just for fun anything to get your mind working and your chords warmed up" Greg agreed
So Mercy and Santana found their notes and started humming first then singing 'Doo Wop (That Thing)'
"That sounded fresh ladies I could do with more of that" Greg said so they messed about with that and 'River Deep, Mountain High' for about another hour before Santana's phone rang and it was Britt arriving.
"Yeah just knock the door someone will let you in I'm ready now anyway" Santana said into her phone and about as minute later the door knocked, Mercy went to let Brittany in
As she walked to the door her phone bleeps she'd had a text from Sam 'I bet you're so wet right now I can't wait for tonight' with a smily face, making her laugh
"Well I have to go folks nice meeting you all" Santana said "And this is my wife Brittany" she continued as Britt walked up to her for a kiss
"Sam's place is really good you should go Mercy, he's doing some exciting stuff" she said hugging her as she spoke
"Wait you're Brittany S Pearce the dancer" Simon said as he walked in the studio
"Yes that's me" she smiled as Greg looked on quizzed
"Snoop Dog, Beyonce, Rheanna, Lady Gaga videos"
"Yep one and the same Brittany"
"Mercy you have famous friends?" Simon said
"Well I think she needs to let you into a secret Jessie St James, the actor is in our crew as well as Mike Chang, the dancer and Blaine Anderson, the other actor and Rachel Berry, Funny Girl yeah if you've heard of Britt you've heard of them and if I tell you that Mercedes here is the best of our bunch you'd know you were wasting your time trying to get her to be what you want instead of bringing to the front what she is" Santana said "Mercedes we're going to have to go now but hopefully we'll get time after the show tonight" Santana said air kissing her with a hug
"And Mercedes give these people another month if they're not on your page let them go their holding you back babe" Brittany said hugging her before they left
"Tonight" Mercy called after them
"Well Miss Jones dark horse friends with benefits hey?"
"Yes Greg and they are all white except Santana, Mike, Tina and Me so you don't want to get to know them" she replied cutting her eye as she went back to the booth
They attended the show and Brittany was fabulous, life went on for the next three years while Mercy attended and finished college, made music three albums two with Greg before moving to Star Music a bigger label with more opportunities, she had done all the studio stuff and knew she needed to take the next step.
Year 7
Sam's internship ended and he had been to an interview for a job at MARVEL but was pepped at the post by Dean another intern that he had been in competition with all his intern life
Sam walked into the living room to see Mercy sitting on the sofa with her legs crossed and a vacant look on her face
"Hi Babe" he said going for a kiss
"Hi babe how did it go?"
"Dean got it, so I'm at a loose end for now, but I'll work at the shop until another position comes up and anything else in between you know I'm not work shy"
"I know babe and I'm sorry about that, I…"
"What do you want to eat?" he asked getting up
"Babe I need to talk to …" Mercy said tapering off as he disappeared into the kitchen. She sat for a while listening to his clatter around in the kitchen before she decided to get up and go speak to him "Sam this is important pleas…" she stopped when she saw him crying in the kitchen hurrying over to him "Babe there'll be other jobs, you can do anything, don't let that place define you" she said holding him as he cried.
"I'm not crying about me babe" he said when he collected himself "Your leaving me I know your leaving me I felt it when I came in"
"They want me to do a Mall tour babe for like 6 months it's to promote my album, don't you want me to go?" she asked filling up
"You must go, I'm happy for you honestly I am I'm fighting my jealous babe, I'll be fine soon"
"Jealous of what me going on a Mall tour?" she asked surprised
"No other people seeing you more than me, for what? 6 months" he said forcing a laugh "Sad I am" he said laughing more
"You're my sad I am" she said hugging him more "Let's get something to eat and because you're not working just yet you can come to my first one on Friday" she said as they made dinner Mercy explained how Brittany would be dancing while Artie video's and Rachel, Blaine and Kurt were coming down so they would be able to celebrate after "And Tina said she might get here too" she said trying to bring some excitement
"Yeah" he said kissing her forehead before turning to the cooker to finish the dinner
"Babe, your phone's ringing" she shouted through to him picking it up and walking back towards the kitchen "It's Mr H" she said handing it to him
"Mr. H, how are you?" he said cheerier than he had been all evening
"Do what" he said down the phone excitedly "Call you what?" he looked at Mercy confused saying "I can get to you maybe next week for a while let me speak to Mercy and I'll get back to you" he said clicking the phone off
"What?" she asked standing there wide mouthed
"Mr. H wants me to go to Lima and Coach the club for a school year for Nationals, he's off for some reason"
"Perfect at least you'll be with the parents while I'm away I'll feel better, you won't be lonely"
"Your parents are not you Mercy" he told her with a frown
"I know but my bed is all me and you can sleep in it when you want" she said "We can get back to phone sex and films what do you say
"I say it's still not you" he said flatly
"Being back at School teaching kids to sing that'll be a buzz and Nationals that's a big responsible job Sam" her eyes beaming
"Yeah that would be good I'd want to join in" he laughed
"You're the boss you could do that" she laughed "Do it Sam"
"Okay, I will"
"Call him back" she grabbed his phone telling him
"Okay, when can I go?"
"If I'm gone for six months and your gone for a year let's scrap this place get our proper home when we finish everything and we know where we are"
"We love our home" he said with a sad face
"It's a student flat Sam and we ain't students any more"