Mercedes unlocks the front door. "Mom?" It's quiet. "Nope. She's not here."
She and Puck continue through the doorway. "Are you sure I parked my truck far away enough?"
"I don't know why you parked so far away in the first place. She won't be back for hours. We're not going to do anything, even if she comes home early. Which she won't." Mercedes adds hastily.
Puck visibly relaxes. "So where's the living room or kitchen?"
"We can go to my room. I'm going to need my computer and I don't want to lug everything down here."
Puck's eyes round.
"Do you want a snack? I can make something and we can take it upstairs. Or we can order something?"
"I'm okay for now. Maybe we can get pizza later?"
"Sure. I'm going to check for a message from my mom. My room's the second door on the left upstairs." She disappears into another room.
Puck grabs their stuff and bounds up the steps. He goes to the left. He opens the third door. It's brown and filled with sports stuff. Must be her brother's room.
He comes back past the second door to the first. It's green and filled with stuffed animals. I didn't know she had a little sister. Where is she? He can hear her moving downstairs and races back to the second bedroom. It's purple and filled with girly things.
Mercedes shows in the doorway seconds later. She pushes her sleeves to her elbows. "You can just put my backpack and stuff on the bed." She goes straight to her desk and boots up her laptop.
"Where do you want me to sit?" Puck asks uncertain of himself.
She looks back at him. "On the bed if you want. If you sit on the chairs, we'd have to talk louder." She gets up and plugs her iPod onto the alarm clock charger and presses shuffle. Music fills the room.
She puts her purse up and her cell on her desk. She looks back at Puck and laughs. "Sit down!" She puts her hand on his chest and backs him into the bed. When the edge stops him, she pushes harder until he falls backward.
He leans up on his elbows. "That's all you had to say. No need to rough me up!"
She laughs harder at his antics. She gets her homework out and puts up her backpack. She takes off her jewelry and spreads out her books. "My mom left a note saying she'd be back after midnight. I never understood why people want their florists at their weddings but..." Mercedes shrugs.
"Your mom's a florist?"
She nods. "Yup. Daddy's a dentist. That's where he is now. At a convention."
"Dentists have conventions?" That sounds very boring to Puck.
"I know. We went with him once and it was so boring! My sister fell asleep the minute someone talked to her about flossing and my brother complained the whole trip." She laughs. "Even my mom swore she was never going to another one."
"I didn't know you had a sister."
"Marcy? Yeah. She's at a boarding school in Switzerland. Or is it a convent in Scotland?" Mercedes screws up her face. "I forget."
Puck wants to know more but more importantly he wants to keep her talking. He's never realized how open her face is when she's excited. "What school does your brother go to?"
"Princeton. I miss him. He won't be back until spring break. Even then it'll only be for a couple days."
Her face clouds with sadness and Puck immediately wants to cheer her up. "How's Trig.?"
She blinks at the change in conversation. "You're there, Puck!"
"I meant your grade."
"Oh! An A."
"Man, you're smart! I couldn't get an A in that class even if I cheated!"
Mercedes laughs. "How did you even get in then?"
"The other teachers passed me so I could leave their classes." He shrugs.
"That's not cool. You're not stupid, Puck." She sits on the bed next to him. "Why do you let people make you think you are?"
He shrugs again. "It's no big deal."
"Yes, it is! It's not fair. You're going to do amazing things one day."
Puck lays out flat and puts his hands behind his head. "Maybe?"
Music is the only sound heard for a while. He turns his head and sees her gaze trained on him. He follows it to his belly, where his shirt has risen. A 2 inch swath of skin is showing. He grins and sits up. "Whatcha looking at?"
She blinks. "What?"
He takes his jacket off and then his shirt. "What are you looking at?" He repeats.
Her face flushes as she scampers off the bed. "Nothing. We have homework. Let's do it. The homework!" She hops into her desk chair.
He can't keep the smile off his face at her skittishness. He moves his discarded clothing out of his way and stretches out on her bed. He gets out his math book. "What page are we on?"
"Um..." Mercedes has a hard time thinking. She opens her notebook to the last page that has writing on it. "391."
"If you sat over here, we could share answers." He cajoles.
"We can share answers like this." Mercedes takes off her shoes and socks and lets her toes stretch on the rug beneath her desk. "Can you take your boots off? You might get comfortable and I don't want mud on my bed."
"I'm not gonna get mud in your bed."
Mercedes shoots him a look. "Puck."
"Okay. The boots come off." He relents. "I don't know why you girls are so fussy about your beds in the first place."
"So your bed must be filthy?"
"No!" He drops his boots on her floor.
She grins. "Yes, it is!"
We're talking about my bed. She has no idea what we're gonna do in hers! "It's not filthy. Has stuff on it but the sheets are clean." He defends himself.
She laughs. "Have you seen the first problem?"
He looks down. The words look like a jumble to him. He looks at her. "I told you; I don't know this stuff."
Mercedes gets up. "Yes, you do. You're just being lazy!" She sits close to him on the bed and leans over his textbook. "See all you have to do is play a matching game then use basic algebra to figure it out."
Instead of paying attention to her little lesson, Puck's noticing her intense stare and fruity smell. "You smell like fruit."
She looks up, confused. "Oh. I- I guess it's my body wash. It's strawberries and cream." She hadn't noticed how very close he is.
"You smell good enough to eat." He murmurs, watching her brown eyes darken.
"Thank you!" She's so flustered; she has to look back down at the page just to be able to talk. "My shampoo smells the same." Can he hear my heart pound?
He reaches out and runs the back of his knuckles against her bare arm. "It's working for you."
"Puck!" She tries to readjust her volume. "We should focus on our work. We only have thirty problems." She fairly runs to her desk.
She misses his grin.
MJ
"That's the last one."
Thank goodness! Puck blows out a breath and throws his work on Mercedes' floor.
"Puck!" She gets up and gathers his homework up. "You just finished this. Why would you throw it on the ground?"
"I hate numbers! Math is stupid!" He rubs his hands over his face.
She packs his homework away in his backpack and sets it on the floor. "It is not. Our teacher isn't going to handle seeing you turn in your work on time. At least look forward to that!"
He nods. "Yeah, his eyes'll bug outta his head."
She laughs and sits next to his head. "Did you talk to Ms. Pillsbury about game designing courses in colleges?"
"Not yet. I forgot honestly." He shrugs. "No big deal."
"It is a big deal and Monday I'll go with you so you won't chicken out!"
He's about to tell her about calling him a wuss when he realizes something. "So you'll be with me Monday and not Evans?"
"Oh!" She slaps her forehead. "I forgot about Sam! Tuesday then."
He grins. Forgetting so soon? "I like this song."
She turns to the music. "Really? I didn't know they were your style."
"It's a lot of things my style, Mama. Let's dance." He grabs her hand and hauls her against his chest.
They sway to the beat in silence before she rests her head against his chest and sighs in contentment.
"Sometimes you're Puck but at times like this, you're Noah." She murmurs.
He looks down at her. "What do you mean?"
"We all know Puck. Puckasaurs. Puckzilla. The sex shark."
He grimaces.
"And though he's a badass, he's also a jerk sometimes. But then there's Noah. Noah, who named Beth and sees her as much as he can. Noah, who cried when she was born. Noah, who tries to help his friends whichever way he can. Noah is very sweet."
He blushes slightly at the compliments. "I think you're projecting, Mama."
"Noah's smart, too! Projecting." They both laugh. "Noah's a good guy." The song ends but they don't stop moving. She looks up and finds him studying her. "What?"
"You are amazing, Mama." He leans down and captures her lips. She gasps at the contact. He takes advantage and slips his tongue into her mouth. They stop moving as he takes her face in his hands and deepens the kiss.
They're breathing hard when they part. His gaze intense, hers vulnerable.
I have to stop this! It's too soon! This is crazy! All of Mercedes' internal protests are silenced when he kisses her again.
He steps back suddenly.
Where'd he go?! She opens her eyes. "What's wrong?"
He grins and takes her in his arms. Just had to make sure! "Not a thing, Mama!" He plants his lips on hers for a kiss that leaves them breathless.
He turns and backs himself onto her bed. He sits abruptly. She stands with her hands on his shoulders. "What are you gonna do, Mama?"
She does nothing for a moment then swoops down for a kiss. He leans back and brings her down on top of him. She breaks the kiss. "Puck."
He repositions them on the bed better. "Say my name."
"Puck!" She slaps his chest softly.
"No. Say my name. My real one."
Her eyes search his gaze. "Noah."
He growls and drags her down for another kiss. She can't catch her breath by the time it's over. He plants kisses over her face and neck. She runs her nails gently over his biceps.
He kisses his way to her chest before resting his head between her breasts. This is moving fast! He tries to still his wildly pounding heart.
She wiggles until he loosens his grip, then she slides down his body a little. She stops where her jeans meet his and presses feather light kisses to his chest. He closes his eyes. She takes a nipple into her mouth and suckles deeply, running her tongue over the pebbled surface.
He sucks in a breath through clenched teeth. She switches to the other nipple. He hauls her up and plunges his tongue in her mouth. Her nails dig into his shoulders as she tries to hold on.
He strokes the roof of her mouth with his tongue. Her legs, splayed on each side of his thighs, tighten, causing him intense pleasure. His fingers go the buttons of her jeans and he deftly opens the three silver buttons. She slides her hand down his muscled arm to his strong hand, where she stills its progression. Until she presses his hand against her heat.
He slips his hand inside her pants and finds her wet. She moans. He laughs roughly. She grinds against his hand. He matches his speed to match his tongue and she makes little noises in the back of her throat, turning him on even more.
He uses his free hand to unzip her jeans. She sits up suddenly. They both gasp for air and she fans herself. He sits up on his elbows, one hand shiny.
"If this goes any further, I'll need protection. I don't wanna be like Quinn." She tries to get a handle on her breathing.
"I don't have anything. I don't usually use protection."
"That's too irresponsible for me."
Damn! Puck swears mentally.
She slides off him and rummages through her nightstand. She produces a box of condoms. He raises an eyebrow. "I believe in being safe. You've been lucky so far; luck doesn't last forever."
He grins. "Bring your sexy ass over here, Mama!"
She rolls her eyes and tries to keep the smile off her face. She opens the box and rips off a packet. "You do know how to put one on, don't you?" She throws it on his chest.
I'd rather you put it on for me! "Nope." He shakes his head.
She sighs heavily and climbs atop him. "You open the packet-"
Puck moves the condom and rips her shirt off.
"Hey!" She covers herself.
"Didn't seem fair; you got to wear a shirt." He mocks. "In fact, your pants are undone and mine aren't."
She catches his drift and unbuttons his jeans. She tries to unzip them but his erection is causing a problem. She looks up, face red as a beet. "Your... uh. I can't get it down."
He can barely keep from laughing. "Try."
She puts one hand against his lower abdominal and the other to his zipper. She grasps it and pulls down gently. The fabric flies open as she reveals his boxers. He sucks in a breath. She cups his hardness.
His hands, which previously were laid flat on the bedspread, fist. Her thumb makes circles against his navel as her other hand learns his shape.
He can't take much more. "Stop that!" He moves both of her hands and tries to take off her jeans. She climbs off of him and does it herself. Soon she's standing there in just her bra.
"Take that off, too."
She begins to follow his rough command when she stills. "It's not fair that I'm nearly naked and you're still wearing jeans." She taunts.
He grins. You ain't said nothin but a word! He shucks his jeans and boxers in one fell swoop. Her bra hits the ground. He leans back. Her gaze darkens considerably as she takes in all of him.
Puck Jr. bobs against his stomach in excitement. He crooks a finger at her. "Come here."
She climbs back on top of him. He doesn't move; content to have her splayed atop him. She grabs the condom. "Want me to put it on now?"
He almost forgot about the contraceptive. He nods. She sits back and rolls it along his length. He rubs the outside of her thighs, waiting for her to finish.
Once it's on, she looks at him, her face open and trusting. He continues to caress her. "You sure about this?" He asks her.
Mercedes nods. "I trust you."
A warmth spreads through his chest, making him uncomfortable. He brings her down for a kiss to dispel the feeling.
Things grow increasingly warm as they round second base and go towards third. She's rocking against his hips in an effort to get closer and he has his hands all over her body as if trying to memorize her.
He breaks the kiss and repositions her. "Are you ready?" She nods mutely and he slowly sets her on his stiff member. Her eyes squeeze shut at the sensations running through her. Her fingers leave little scratches on his chest as evidence of her passion.
He throws his head back as she's finally full. He doesn't move, giving her a chance to adjust to him.
They stay like that for a moment before she swivels her hips. His eyes pop open. "Damn, Mama! That was quick!"
She grins. He feels as big as Sam. I wonder which one's bigger? She had thoroughly checked out Puck's penis prior to his entrance into her body and is very impressed. She shakes her head to get rid of thoughts of Sam. "Guess my body just wants you."
His laugh is harsh. "That sounds good to me!" He puts his hands on her hips and lifts her up slightly then brings her back down. Her lips part and her eyes glaze over slightly. He grins and does it again.
"Puck!" She breathes.
He stops. "It's Noah to you!"
"Noah!" She clutches his chest.
He begins again but faster. Soon she can't catch her breath and reaches her climax in a rush. She slumps against him while he stays completely still.
She stirs. "Why didn't you-" she blushes hotly. "You know?"
"Just waitin on you." He moves his hips and delights when she gasps. It's a little easier for him to move within her now and he takes full advantage. He has her moaning within seconds.
"Noah! Noah! Please!"
"Please what? Tell me what you want."
Her eyes burn brightly. "I want you. To- to come with me." She stutters.
His grin is the picture of lecherousness. "Whatever you want, Mama!" He flips her onto her back and increases his strokes. She wraps her legs around his waist and tightens them. His movements aren't as smooth as he's growing closer to the edge.
He pounds into her with reckless abandon. She leaves marks on his back and bites at his shoulders in an attempt to gain control of herself. Puck's having none of that and changes the angle of his strokes.
He lifts her slightly and power thrusts into her and she feels him nearly touch her pelvic wall. She closes her eyes and throws her head back. "Noah!"
"That's it, Mama!" Veins are apparent on his neck and he can't hold on much longer. Their bodies are slick with sweat and her hands can't hold on to him.
Her eyes open and she moans. "I can't hold on."
He takes his cue and thrusts harder and deeper. Her thighs shake as she begins her climax and he grows frantic with his. She stiffens and he goes on then stiffens himself.
"Noah!"
"Mercy!"
His hips continue to buck in the aftermath but soon he stills. She rubs his hands over his back and shoulders to his chest and arms. She doesn't mind his weight on her.
Minutes later, he raises his head and kisses her. She's afraid of what he's going to say so she deepens the kiss. He breaks it. "Thank you, Mama."
She wasn't expecting that. The aftershocks are still rolling through her body and she wiggles. "What for?"
He rocks into her. "Trusting me."
Don't you dare cry, Mercedes Jones! This is a good moment! Don't ruin it! It's too late. Tears slide down her cheeks.
He frowns and wipes them away. "What's wrong? Was I - did I make you uncomfortable? Was I too rough? Am I heavy?" He tries to move off of her but she tightens her legs.
"No. No. It's just that... Thank you, Puck. You're really amazing." She can't quite make sense of her emotions. "This moment, this moment right here and now is perfect. And you gave that to me."
Puck relaxes. "Oh." He nuzzles her chin and she giggles in response. "Well I'll take that." He stops. "Are you hungry? I'm hungry!"
She laughs. Boys! "We can still order pizza."
"I'm down with that!"
MJ
Mercedes stirs. She stretches and finds herself very sore in certain spots. What in the world?
She looks around her bedroom and her gaze lands on the bed, where a prone form is lying next to her. She almost screams before memories of the night before come rushing back.
Her and Puck doing homework. Her and Puck having sex. Her and Puck eating pizza. Her and Puck having sex three more times. No wonder she's sore.
She checks her clock and sees it's five. She gingerly rises to avoid waking him up and leaves her room. Her parents' bedroom is across the hall and she tiptoes to the door. She opens it and finds her mother asleep. She closes the door and quietly runs to her room.
She climbs into bed and leans over Puck. His resting face makes her smile. He looks like a little boy! Her heart melts at the sight. As she's staring, he rolls over and reaches for something in his sleep. His hand collides with her waist and he pulls her closer.
She really doesn't want to wake him up now! She lies still until 5:15 and then she touches his shoulder. "Puck. Puck, you gotta wake up." She whispers.
He doesn't move. She touches his face softly. He still doesn't stir. She takes him in her arms and gives him a kiss guaranteed to wake him up. And she's right. He moves his hips and kisses her back before eventually opening his eyes.
He frowns in confusion then brightens as he remembers where he is. "Hey." His voice rough with sleep.
"Good morning."
He rolls on top of her and positions himself between her thighs. "Puck, wait!" He stills. "As much as this would be fun, my mom is home."
He rears back slightly. His eyebrow swings up. "That makes it that much better!"
"No!" She cries, shushing him. "You damn freak! I'm not having sex with a parent home! So disrespectful!"
"You say disrespectful, I say a major thrill. C'mon, Mama. How quiet can you be?"
She purses her lips. "That's not a thrill."
"I understand. I know how you like to scream my name. I get it. Really."
"Don't even. I could be quiet. I am quiet!"
"Please! I had you screaming your head off all night!"
She blushes hotly. "I can be quiet!"
He rocks into her. "Prove it!" She soon proves she can be quiet but it's extremely difficult. She has to kiss him breathless and scream into his mouth but she's quiet. As they cool down in the aftermath, he says, "I guess you can be quiet, Mama. Respect!"
She rolls her eyes. "Get off me. You have to be gone before my mom gets up."
"What time does she usually wake up on Saturdays?"
"Around eight. But she has a wedding today so it might be earlier. You have to be long gone before she even goes to the bathroom!"
"Speaking of which..."
Her face twists as she realizes what he's saying. "Ew, Puck!"
"What?" He laughs. "It was either or. I think I made the right choice."
"Get out of me. Get off of me. There's a restroom downstairs. Put your jeans on and I'll bring the rest of your stuff."
"What if your mom gets up?"
"I can walk you to the staircase. Just run down fast. She won't be able to hear you after that."
They get up to put their plan into action. Mercedes walks him to the staircase and he rushes to find the bathroom. She tiptoes back to her room and gathers his socks, boxers, jacket and backpack. She picks up his boots and makes her way downstairs.
She knocks on the bathroom door. "Puck? Are you done?"
She hears water splashing. She turns to knob to find him washing his hands. "Here." She hands him his clothing and shuts the door quickly.
He emerges a minute later. "I'm good."
She takes his hand and leads him to the front door. "Here's your backpack."
"What about my shirt?" He grins.
She looks down. After ordering the pizza, she had shimmied into his shirt and simply never took it off. It's the only article of clothing she's wearing. She blushes. "I'll give it to you later."
"Promise?"
"Puck!" She slaps his chest. "Zip up your jacket before you catch your death."
"Yes, Mama!" He zips up his jacket dutifully. "Now get over here and give Puckasaurs some sugar."
She laughs softly. "Sugar?" She stands on her toes and presses her mouth to his. They're kissing so long that Mercedes hears stirring from upstairs. She breaks off the kiss. "Go!"
"I'll sext you." He opens the door.
"What? You mean text."
He looks at her. "Sure." Her face is red as she gives him one last kiss. "Later, Mama!" He salutes her and jogs off across the yard.
She rolls her eyes with a smile and heads to the kitchen for a glass of water.
She gets a glass from the cabinet, turns on the water in the sink and fills it. As she's drinking it, she hears footsteps behind her. "Mercy? I can't believe you're up so early."
Mercedes faces her mother and hopes she can't read her face. "Morning, Momma. Quinn said she'd be coming over today. I don't know what time so I got up just in case." She hates lying to her mother but was she really going to say she was sneaking a boy out of the house?
"Yay! Quinn's coming over? I'll get started on making chocolate chip muffins. She'll love those!" Mrs. Jones starts opening the cupboards excitedly.
Mercedes laughs to herself. I knew it! She races upstairs to grab her phone and texts Quinn. At the last second, she changes her mind and calls.
It rings for a few minutes before a decidedly un-cheerful voice answers gruffly. "What?!"
Mercedes laughs. "Quinn. It's me. Momma is awake and making chocolate chip muffins. I told you. Death by chocolate."
Quinn's laugh is muffled. "I'll jump in the shower and be there in thirty. Why is she making breakfast so early?"
"She has a wedding today. But it's not early. It's-" Mercedes checks her clock. "6:30?!" She yelps.
"What's wrong?" Mercedes can hear covers rustle so she assumes Quinn is sitting up.
"I- um... If I tell you, you can't tell anyone!" Mercedes tries to rationalize how what she's about to do is different from what Sam did. "Puck just left."
"What?!" Mercedes hears that loud and clear. Ow! "I'm staying all weekend!" There's a click and Quinn is off the line.
Okay…? That was a little weird. Mercedes goes to her window and checks to make sure Puck is gone. She doesn't see anyone so she gathers her stuff to take her own shower.
She looks at her rumbled bed and smiles. Her cheeks tint. She heads to the bathroom.
MJ
"I have a whole bag left and a little in this one." Mrs. Jones says.
"Why'd you get so many?" Quinn asks, finishing her second muffin.
"I think I kept forgetting we had some so I'd just buy a new bag when I went shopping." Mrs. Jones shrugs. She pops the last of her muffin into her mouth. She brushes the crumbs from her fingers. "So what are my girls up to today?"
Mercedes shrugs. "I don't know. I did all my homework last night. Do you have any?" She asks Quinn.
The blonde shakes her head. "Nope. I finished mine too."
"I'm so proud of you two! Well I gotta go get dressed. That wedding's at one so I need to get a move on." With that, Rose disappears upstairs.
The girls finish their breakfast in silence. Mercedes loads the dishwasher when they're done. "So what are we gonna do?"
Quinn shrugs. "We can hang out in your room while we brainstorm."
"Okay."
They make their way to Mercedes' bedroom. Mercedes starts to make her bed.
"Embarrassed by Puck?" Quinn sits in the desk chair.
"No! I just want to clean my room. It helps me think."
"So how was it?"
Mercedes looks at her. "Quinn, you've slept with him. You know."
"I can barely remember it. It was two years ago."
"And you could help!" Mercedes points out as she finishes her bed. Quinn grins and begins to help straighten out the room. "So you don't remember anything?" I could never forget!
"I remember feeling hot. And when he entered me, it wasn't as bad as I thought it'd be. But at the time I didn't really feel for him so I think that might have made a difference."
Mercedes nods. "I understand that. Feelings make a difference."
Quinn looks up. "Are you saying you have feelings for Puck?!"
"I don't know." Mercedes answers honestly. "I love Sam. I really do. When I'm with him, I feel electrified. Like I'm flying or something. But with Puck, it's like I'm going down a lazy river. I'm really calm. You know?" She sits on her bed.
Quinn joins her. "Yeah. I know."
"Do you feel like that about Puck now?"
"No!"
Mercedes laughs. "What about Finn? I know Santana bugged you about him yesterday but do you still have feelings for him?"
"Finn is my first love so I'll always think of him fondly but I'm glad he and Rachel are together. They're made for each other though I don't think they should be getting married so young."
"How about Puck?"
"Puck was my first and because of him, there's Beth. I'll always have a place in my heart for him because of that. But I've beyond moved on from him."
"What about Sam?"
"Sam steadied me at a time in my life that I needed it so I'll always be grateful but we're not a match made in heaven."
"We need to find you somebody!" Mercedes says determinedly.
"You have enough love troubles for the both of us."
"That- that is different. How about Joe? He's super cute."
Quinn nods and moves to sit beside Mercedes at the head of her bed. "He is but to tell the truth, I'm interested in someone else."
Mercedes' eyes widen. "Who is it?! Do I know him?"
Quinn laughs. "You'll know soon enough."
"Going slow?"
Quinn nods.
"I understand. Don't wanna get hurt if it doesn't work out."
Quinn's face tightens. I hope it works out.
There's a knock at the door. Mrs. Jones pokes her head in. "Hey, girls. I'm about to head out."
"Okay, Momma." Mercedes says. "Have a good day at work.
"Bye, Momma. You should catch the bouquet though." Quinn suggests.
"Why, Quinn? I'm already married." Rose grins.
"So those single girls can get a life!"
They all laugh.
"Mercy, when I came to check on you when I got home, you were spread out all over the bed! I thought maybe you had a bad dream or something the way you were sprawled." Mrs. Jones tells her daughter.
Mercedes' face stills. "Oh. You checked on me?"
"Yeah. I turned your light off and kissed your forehead. Then I took a shower. There was a cake fight last night and I looked a mess!" Mrs. Jones laughs. "Well I gotta go. Bye, girls!" She closes the door.
"Bye!" They chorus until they hear the front door slam. Mercedes reaches for her phone while Quinn turns to her. "Where the hell was Puck during this?!"
"I don't know! I'm about to call him to find out!" Mercedes frantically dials. "I didn't realize my light was still on!"
"Hey, Mama!" Puck's cocky tones are heard clearly in the silent room.
"Bring your butt back here now!" Mercedes is a bundle of nerves. She remembers her manners. "Please?"
"Okay. I'll be there in a few minutes." He hangs up.
"I thought today was Sister Day?" Quinn frowns.
"Well it's gonna be Sister and a Mister Day cuz I have to find out if Momma knows or not. I can't do this, Quinn!" She lies flat on her back in panic.
Quinn lays her body on top of Mercedes and hugs her. "It's okay. No matter what Puck says, we can figure out a plan and you'll be fine."
"Promise?" Mercedes's brown eyes are troubled.
"Promise."
They lay like that until they hear knocking on the door. Quinn moves so Mercedes can get up. The brunette races down the stairs. Quinn rolls her eyes and lies back down. I'm not about to meet that lunkhead.
Downstairs, Mercedes pulls open the door and hauls the boy inside.
"Whoa! Didn't know you'd be so glad to see me so soon. Isn't your mom here?" Puck peers at her intently.
"No."
"Good." Puck moves to kiss her but she steps away from him and closes the door.
"Come on!" She takes his hand and runs upstairs.
I like this! Today is awesome! Puck thinks to himself. "Wanna be against the wall again? I know how you like that."
"Really, Puck? Keep it in your pants." Quinn says crossly.
Mercedes pushes her door open and lets go of his hand in order to jump on the bed. She pats a space on the bedspread. "We need to talk."
Uh oh! He takes off his boots and jacket then crawls onto the bed. "What about?"
"My mom said she checked on me last night."
Puck raises his eyebrows. "Really? When?"
"You don't know?! Is that a good thing?" Mercedes turns to Quinn, who shrugs.
"Oh yeah." He snaps his fingers. "I went to the bathroom at like 12:30 or something."
"What?! How come-?" Mercedes snaps her fingers as she figures out what probably happened. "She probably checked on me while you were in the bathroom. She never pays attention to the hall bathroom because she and Daddy have one in their room. She probably thought I closed the door the last time I was in there."
"Makes sense." Quinn says. "It was after midnight and she was tired. Why would she check all the doors?"
Mercedes blows out a breath of relief. "I thought I was a goner!" She leans back against her pillows.
"Don't worry so much, Mama!" Puck squeezes her knee. Quinn lies flat and frowns at the ceiling.
"I guess. So seriously. What are we going to do today? I don't wanna be in the house."
MJ
In the end, they settle on the movies. The trio exit the theater, extremely confused.
"I feel like I wasted my entire life in there!" Mercedes rubs her eyes as if in pain.
"Am I dead? I really hope I'm not dead cuz if I am, then that was hell!" Quinn puts her hands on her hips.
Puck runs a hand over his Mohawk. "Remind me to never watch that entire genre again. Ever!"
They set off towards Breadstix.
"That was really awful!" Mercedes is amazed at the poor film. "I mean not one thing about that movie appealed to me!"
Quinn nods. "The acting was subpar at best, the clothing was obviously mishandled hand-me-downs and the premise for the movie was entirely illogical and completely laughable."
"The singing was off key. The dancing was stiff. The quality of the visuals was grainy! I could have shot that better from a camera for a toddler!" Mercedes agrees.
Quinn goes on. "Ugh and the actors were so unattractive that the musical score was the best part and that made my ears bleed!"
"The script was garbage!" Puck throws in.
The girls look at him. Mercedes nods. "The dialogue was very unnatural."
"Next time we pick the movie, Puckerman!" Quinn swears.
"My bad. This one's on me." Puck ducks his head. They reach the restaurant and he pulls open the door for the ladies.
The hostess looks up and smiles. "Party of three?"
Quinn nods.
The hostess picks up three menus and gestures for the teens to follow her. As they make their way to a booth in the back, the Gleeks acknowledge various customers they know.
The hostess picks up the fourth place setting and silverware. "Any beverages to start you off?"
"Coke." Puck grunts, looking over his menu.
"Diet Sierra Mist for us." Quinn orders for Mercedes and herself.
"Okay. Your waitress will be with you in a and I'll be back with your drinks."
"I can't believe you ordered her drink! How come you're not pissed?!" Puck frowns at Mercedes. "I thought you said it was chauvinistic to order for your date."
"It is. Unless you've been dating for a long time then it's slightly cute. But this isn't a date. It's a lunch and my friend did it. I'm just shocked she remembered!" Mercedes looks at the blonde.
"Of course I remember!" Quinn exclaims. "You're the one who got me drinking it! Remember we went to that one restaurant and you ordered it and I said that I hated drinking diet soda and that the good thing about being pregnant was that I didn't have to do that anymore as long as it was caffeine free?"
"Oh yeah! I said that was because diet soda was meant to punish you for liking soda in the first place." Mercedes and Quinn laugh.
"Then you told me that diet Sierra Mist is the only diet soda worth drinking because they messed up the formula for the normal one and the diet was the lesser of two evils."
"Pop? Being evil?" Puck deadpans.
"Hey! It's a fine line that we must travel. But diet SM is good. Especially after the second glass. After that, it's natural." Mercedes shrugs.
The hostess returns with their drinks and leaves with a smile.
"Who the hell greenlit that movie?!" Mercedes bursts out with suddenly.
Puck and Quinn laugh at her serious face. "Mama, it ain't a big deal."
Quinn takes a sip of her soda before replying, "You know the nineties were full of bad decisions!"
"Q, that movie was from the eighties!" Mercedes rolls her eyes.
"That decade was worst!" Quinn wrinkles her nose. "Hair bands? Really? Who thought that was a fantastic idea?!" She stresses out the word "fantastic".
"Hey!" Puck defends. "Hair bands were cool!"
"So were tiny backpack purses but things aren't always supposed to be cool. Sometimes they're just stupid."
"Guys!" Mercedes waves her hands. "Any decade before now is officially a cultural disaster. Okay?"
"Agreed!" Quinn nods.
Puck shrugs. "Fine."
A redhead literally bouncing on her toes runs to their table. "What can I get ya?"
She entirely too bubbly for Quinn's taste but Mercedes smiles. "I'd like the Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo and the Caesar salad with ranch instead of Caesar dressing, please."
The waitress nods as she jots down the brunette's order.
Puck squints at her name tag. "Ashley, is it?" He grins his famous bad boy smirk and continues. "Spaghetti and Meatballs. Loaded Baked Potato instead of a salad with sour cream."
Ashley smiles. "That's a good choice."
Quinn nearly gags. "I'll have the Chicken Parmesan with a Greek salad."
Ashley finishes writing and hops away after a wink at Puck.
"Is that your default?" Quinn snaps.
"What I do?" Puck turns over the menu the waitress forgot to retrieve.
"Flirting." She deadpans.
"It did seem effortless, Puck. Like you didn't even know you were doing it but a pretty girl in the vicinity and it automatically switched on." Mercedes agrees.
Puck runs his hand over his Mohawk. "Didn't realize that. Sorry, Mama. Q." He throws out Quinn's name as an afterthought. "Guess I can't help it."
"It's cute but try to contain it sometimes." Mercedes reaches over and pats his hand. "You don't want the wrong kind of attention, do you?"
"Please! He likes all attention!" Quinn pulls a face.
"Stop it, Quinn!" Mercedes gently scolds.
"Yeah, stop it, Quinn!" Puck mimics in a high voice and sticks his tongue out. Quinn returns the favor.
Mercedes laughs. It's like they're two!
Ashley soon returns with the salads and Puck's potato. "Here's your potato with extra sour cream!" She takes away their menus with a flourish.
"Slut." Quinn sneers.
"Quinn!" Mercedes' eyes widen.
"Sorry, Merce. I meant she knew her stuff."
"Right." Mercedes purses her lips.
Puck can't control his laughter.
MJ
Mercedes flips her hair over and brushes the top of her head again in an effort to get the shiny mass to lie flat against her scalp. "I'm just saying you sounded very jealous."
"I was not jealous! We were there as friends and she's taking all of his attention away from you - us! It was very low class." Quinn crosses her arms.
Mercedes laughs. "Okay, Q-Card. Whatever you say." She turns back to her mirror.
I should be glad his attention was diverted. I could have had Merce all to myself. Quinn thinks to herself. No. Merce deserves all the attention in the world. Even from Super Slut Puck.
Aloud, she remarks, "Why weren't you jealous?"
Mercedes shrugs. "I don't know. I'm not really a jealous or possessive person. Plus, we're not official or anything. And there's Sam." She bites her lip. "And I think I knew he didn't mean it. Her flirting meant nothing to me cuz he wasn't interested in her. I guess that helps."
"Even if he was interested a little, she still wouldn't have stood a chance. You shine brighter on your worst days than she ever could on her best." Quinn leans back against her pillow.
Mercedes puts the brush down and turns off her light. "Thanks, girl. You shine kinda bright yourself." She climbs into the bed, arranging the covers around herself.
"Love you, Merce."
"Love you, too Q-Card."
"Night."
"Go to sleep, Fabray!"
Quinn giggles as Mercedes wraps her arms around her and they fall into a deep sleep.
