A/N: Y'all are amazing! Thank you for all of the comments, alerts, and praise. Once again I don't own Glee, The Devil Wears Prada, or Ugly Betty. Enjoy! Also I am not 100% happy with this chapter. I needed something as filler before I get to a little more fun.
Chapter 10: Venus.
Months passed before the group of friends knew it.
Blaine and Kurt were going steady as a drum; they even considered looking at apartments together at the end of the year. Santana and Brittany were growing closer by the day. Her simple ways and Santana's wisecracking tough girl attitude seemed to compliment one another. Even Artie met someone that made his glasses fog. She was a plus size model and the day she came through the accounting department at the agency to drop off her paperwork it was over. Her God give name was Honey, which made Artie fall even more in love with her. With big brown eyes, dangerous curves, and the ability to put Artie in his place she was a hit with the girls of the group. Even Sam, Blaine, and Kurt acknowledged she was as gorgeous as she was smart, and her tongue was deadly.
The largest perceived obstacles in Sam and Mercedes' lives had been family. The couple was shocked when both immediate families accepted their relationship a little more readily than was expected. Shayla and Lamont welcomed Sam with open arms. After an impromptu family dinner they fell as deeply for Sam as Mercedes had. With the couple being the only family that really mattered to Mercedes their approval meant a lot. Contrary to what they thought Shayla even extended his contract with her jewelry line. In her mind any man that made Mercedes happy was someone she needed. Who was she to fire Sam because he made her baby sister in law happy? Lamont bonded with Sam over a love of football and often came over to enjoy a game or two with her brother when Mercedes had to work weekends.
Sue was a little harder to get through, and rightly so. She kept Mercedes at arms length and not because she wanted to. Mercy was now the girlfriend of her beloved son. While she wanted Sam to be happy she had a strict code to uphold and a secret to keep. Any sign of a crack in Sue's judgment and everything she worked so hard for would come tumbling down. Even with the urgent need to keep their lives from overlapping Sue saw the changes in her son. Within weeks Sue found herself drawn to the girl's magnetic personality. Mercedes went from being just a girl her son was dating to being way more than that. Sue saw how happy Mercedes made Sam and she wanted to know more about the girl as Sam's girlfriend. She'd been convincing the couple to meet in secret for dinner for over two weeks.
Summer was in full swing and Sam was leaving for Kentucky in three weeks. Neither of them wanted to be separated for a week while Sam hobnobbed with his family and Mercedes traipsed around the city alone entertaining herself. The unlikely couple settled into peaceful bliss spending time together quietly when they could. Their favorite days were spent simply with him drawing or taking photos and her typing feverishly on her laptop. Even though she'd found a new passion in life she was a writer first. She was determined to finish her novel even if it took her forever.
Their lives only seemed to be picking up professionally. They spent extended amounts of time apart but they still made a point to spend at least the weekends together. Sam landed several new modeling contracts that took him across the world and Mercedes was quickly making a name for herself at the magazine. She now split her time between being Sue's assistant and doing some minor accessory styling for Stephen and Kurt during photo shoots. Stephen saw her natural talent and asked Sue if he could cultivate it. Her eye was fresh, and she had a bold approach to fashion. Mercedes found that she loved the fast paced world of styling.
The couple made a deal early on to always think of the other person when they couldn't be together and should have been. When Sam had to go anywhere out of the country he made sure to always bring back something good, her favorite item being a pair of earrings from Morocco. When Mercedes oversaw a photo shoot she made sure to send him silly photos of which there were many. He loved the ones of models eating fattening foods.
The honeymoon phase was, by their decree, over. They'd weathered the storm of their first serious argument and came through it with a little help from their friends. Looking back it was a learning experience. Kurt helped Mercy to see Sam was just trying to prove a point. Blaine helped Sam to see Mercedes (much less any woman) wasn't one to be controlled. Their argument had been over a client dinner date. Sam didn't want her going anywhere with other men without him, even if it was just business. Mercedes didn't see the issue. In her mind Sam should know that he was the one she came home to almost every night. If they weren't texting they were talking if they weren't doing either they were video chatting. Neither had time to cheat on the other because they were always in constant contact. Not that they would even if they could. The both knew they were on a collision course with love.
The affection they shared for each other was great and their faults were many. Sam proved to be as rude and dominant as he was gorgeous. Mercedes proved to be as vicious and stubborn as she was beautiful. It'd taken almost a week for them to speak again after their first huge fight. While their relationship wasn't perfect they made it work. The budding passion and devotion they shared for one another was undeniable. While they came to disagreements at times neither ever thought leaving the other was an option.
Mercedes sat at her vanity dusting loose powder onto her face. Tonight was the opening of Exoe (pronounced X O), the new gay club in Manhattan's Meat Packing district. Blaine, and incidentally Santana were invited as a few New York's young and out. Sam was invited because of the still quiet stance on his sexuality as well as being one of New York's hottest men. Sam invited Mercy as his plus one for the event; he made it clear that she was coming as his date and girlfriend not as some girl that would only look good on his arm.
Her hands were shaking. This would be the first time they would be seen together in public without their friends to flank them. She took a deep breath to steel her nerves before she stood and made her way to the closet. She didn't understand why she was so nervous. For over three months she'd been Mercedes Jones, Sam's could possibly be "person" according to page 6. After tonight she would be Mercedes Jones, Sam's girlfriend, right? She knew she should be ready for such a huge step but she felt as if they would no longer just "be them". Her thoughts were racing as the doorbell rang.
She knew the group would come by at any moment. She didn't think she'd be in curlers when they did. She heard Kurt's voice first. The impish porcelain doll stopped waiting for her to come downstairs long ago, as did most of her friends. When Shayla and Lamont were gone they simply came in. She took a deep breath closing her eyes and trying to calm her nerves.
"Mercy, where are you? I have your favorite: marshmallow flavored vodka!" His voice rang out over the large house. Kurt had a way of making his voice carry. He blamed it on years in show choir and begging to be heard in small town Texas.
"I'm upstairs in my bedroom, bring the orange juice. My nerves are damn near shot!" Mercedes called out. She heard Kurt's heels click daintily up the steps.
"Kurt, what the fuck are you wearing?" She asked, looking to the flashy 20-something. He was a vision in a slim cut black tuxedo, white shirt, and sequin bowtie. On his feet were the newest peep toe crystal encrusted Louboutin's.
"I'm high fashion bitch. Here." He said pushing q drink into Mercedes hand before opening her closet. "What are you wearing tonight? I'm sure the invitation said dress to impress. While your robe is quite the vision and your rollers are to die for I'm sure you'll land on the worst dressed list." Kurt said before raising an eyebrow and turning back to the closet.
"I have no idea Kurt. I want to look perfect. I don't want to embarrass Sam." She said quietly. Kurt looked to her and tutted.
"Angel, you couldn't embarrass Sam if you wore a ratty t-shirt and forgot to do your weave. He may not have told you yet, but that stubborn man not only loves you but his rude ass is in love with you." He said with a smile.
"But-" Kurt cut her off not wanting to hear the self doubt he would undoubtedly endure from her. Kurt never took self doubt well, especially when it was unjustified.
"I recommend this." He said pulling out a tangerine colored dress with ¾ sleeves and cut outs at the shoulders.
"I cannot wear tangerine. I will look like a bus!" She said standing and putting the dress back before grabbing the black version.
"Mercedes Anne Jones, you will not wear black on the red carpet. You're going to a club opening, not a wake. You're supposed to look fun, and out there!" Kurt said taking a sip of his drink.
"How about a compromise, I'll wear the white?" She asked biting her lip before they both shook their heads.
"Wear the violet, no pit stains." He said laughing as he helped her pull the dress on. She turned looking in every direction to make sure everything was smooth. Mercedes had a fleeting thought as she picked out her shoes for the evening. She'd become the very thing she hated over the last few months. Or at least she thought she hated what she was.
"Kurt, have I changed?" She asked as she collapsed onto the bed shoeless and feeling hopeless.
"What are you talking about Mercy?" Kurt asked as he crossed his arms.
"Kurt, have I become vain?" She asked looking down at her freshly painted toes. She'd allowed this world to influence her. She felt shallow and self absorbed. She realized then this nervous fit wasn't because of Sam. It was her overwhelming sense of selling out.
"Mercedes, stop this fuckery. You have not changed. You have not becoming self important, vain, or any of the emotions you are feeling right now. Just because you now decide to get your hair done on a regular basis and enjoy drinking with your friends on the weekends does not make you a slacker. Just because you know the difference between a Herve Leger bandage dress and a Stella McCartney illusion dress and where to wear each one does not make you vain, one dimensional, or vapid. You are not Rachel Berry!" He yelled, causing Mercedes to dissolve into a fit of giggles and fall over.
"Oh God, thank you Kurt you have no idea how much I needed to hear that! I just get this overwhelming anxiety that I am selling myself short with this life." She said as she sat up. Kurt took her hair down from the long since cool rollers and began finger combing her weave the gesture was soothing. "This was supposed to be a temporary stop on the road to bigger things. Now, here I am thinking this is the best life for me. I haven't been this happy in years. I have a wonderful…whatever he is. I have amazing friends, and a job I love that I've seemed to discover new talents in. But every time I do something like find an amazing necklace to go with a sequin wrap dress…" Kurt interrupted by telling her that was an amazing necklace. "…I hear my father's voice telling me I've settled and I'm a failure." What Kurt did next made her heart swell. He wrapped her in his arms and rocked her back and forth.
"You are amazing, sweet, kind, and smart. You found an amazing job that you love. It doesn't make you any less smart." He said before standing and grabbing a pair of gold, glitter encrusted pumps. "Wear these and get your fine ass downstairs. Blaine, Sam, Honey, Artie, and the gang will be here any moment." Mercedes took the shoes and smiled. She quickly accessorized with a cocktail ring Sam picked up in India, and simple oversized hoops before running down the stairs, drink in hand. As if on cue the doorbell rang. Blaine, Artie, Honey, Santana, and Brittany came in bringing the party. Honey pushed Artie who was a vision in red satin, while Honey was a vision in a black satin dress.
"I brought Bloody Mary's for tomorrow y'all." Artie said holding up a large travel pitcher with the contents of his famous drink. "You know it's better if you let it sit overnight. I have a feeling after being at that damn club with free bottle service we might need these. Do you have places for all of all of us to lay our weary heads after tonight?" Artie asked as he wheeled himself into the kitchen to place the jug into the fridge.
"Well since you came bearing gifts, I guess you can stay." Mercedes said as she leaned over a still wheeling Artie to hug him.
"Where is Sam, speaking of coming?" Santana asked as she looked around, making her way to the bar to prepare a drink. She would never admit it but walking any carpet made her nervous.
"He's on his way. He told me he had a late shoot." Mercedes said standing up straight. She was greeted with another drink.
"How do you feel about walking the carpet tonight with Trout Pout?" Santana asked with a raised eyebrow.
"I'm nervous. This is a huge step for us. This is the first time we're going to be seen as a couple." Mercedes said tugging at her dress. She was still nervous. Her nerves ratcheted up when she heard the door open. Sam stopped bothering to knock the first time he'd seen her naked.
"Honey, I'm home!" Sam announced. He was immediately rushed by Kurt who jumped into his arms.
"Oh, baby! I've missed you." He said as he air kissed all over his face. "Did you bring me something good?" He purred before jumping out of his arms and making way for Sam to see his Mercy. Mercedes held her breath. Every time she saw him it made her heart stop. She took a moment to notice the small purple pocket square in his black blazer. Since telling him it was her favorite color he'd taken to wearing something with purple in it for her.
"Hey Kurt, nice shoes." He said as he gently pushed Kurt.
"Hey Sam, nice ass." He said with a large smile. Mercedes noticed Kurt's slightly pink cheeks and rolled her eyes.
"You better be careful Hummel. Mercy will take you to the carpet if you get too fresh." Sam said as he wrapped his arms around his girl.
"Yeah, Kurtsie, I love you like a dork loves World of Warcraft but I'll take you down." She said with a smile as she came to face Sam kissing him deeply. His tongue mingled with hers, tasting the syrupy sweet flavor of orange juice and vodka. He pulled away reluctantly at Kurt's latest quip.
"Why would I feel up on your man when I can feel up on mine?" Kurt asked as he leaned up to peck Blaine's cheek.
"I'm not your consolation prize!" Blaine said before pulling away. He smiled and pecked a pouting Kurt's cheek. "Love you baby." He whispered as he wrapped his arms around the shorter man. Seeing the couple made Mercedes' heart swell a little. Seeing her friends happy and in love or on their way always made her smile. She looked to all of the couples realizing they were all in stages of bliss. She smiled as she observed Santana and Brittany who were obviously in love, but they hadn't said it yet. Honey and Artie who were well on their way to being over the moon for one another but still hadn't broken through the first stage. Then there was Sam and herself. She was over the moon for Sam. He made her happy but they hadn't even put a label on their relationship. She didn't know how to introduce him. They were obviously monogamous but hadn't made the decision on what to call the other. She shook off the thoughts as she leaned into Sam.
"What are you thinking about, Venus?" He asked as he held her even closer. She'd earned the name after he saw the Venus of Willendorf statue at a fertility art exhibit. At first Mercedes was taken aback thinking the name was a shot at her weight. She later came to realize it was a compliment. He only called her Venus loud enough for her ears.
"Nothing Sammy, do you want a drink?" She purred softly. His voice always reminded her of warm caramel. The baritone timbre vibrating through her never ceased to make her purr when they were this close. It slid over her, causing her to shiver.
"I can get my own. Stop hiding and tell me and tell me what's on your mind." He said softly. He heard her sigh and she sunk against his large solid body even more. Sam noticed he had to coax her thoughts from her frequently. She was closed off and he worked every day to open the tight lid she kept on her thoughts.
"I'm just thinking about us. We're going to take a big step tonight. We've never been seen out in public unless it's with the group. We don't even have an official title. Are you sure this is what you want? Do you think this is will ruin your career?" Mercedes asked softly. Sam's arm only tightened around her. He hoped to pour his reassurance into his words.
"One, you're my friend, my woman, my lady friend, my girlfriend. Take your pick, you're mine. Two, I'm your friend, your man, your man friend, your boyfriend, your beau. I'm yours and I've been yours since the day I spilt coffee all over your amazing rack. As far as my career, why can't I be a proudly out and straight male? I mean I've been straight for as long as I could remember. I don't think it's a phase I think people should come to terms with it. If the fashion industry can't accept me as a heterosexual man then that's not where I want to be! This isn't a phase and neither are you." He smiled as he kissed her again. The kiss was slower this time, sweeter. "Would you like to come to Kentucky with me?" The question rolled off his tongue as simple as if he was asking for the time.
"Excuse me?" She sputtered.
"I've wanted to ask you for weeks but I keep losing my nerve. This isn't just some spur of the moment thing. I want you to meet my crazy family. I want you to see where I come from. Most of all I need you to keep me grounded, to hold my hand. No one makes me feel centered like you do. I was thinking we could even swing down to Ohio after the wedding for your family reunion. I could return the favor. I could hold your hand and help you stay strong through all the craziness. Please say yes." He said with a smile as his hand came to rest on her rear end. She noticed that was his go-to spot when he held her close. His hand always started at the small of her back and ended at the fullest part of her posterior.
"I have to make sure I can get the time off Sammy. I will say a tentative yes to Kentucky and a hell no to Ohio. I have no interest in seeing those people much less an extended version of those people. But if I can get the time off I would love to come with you to Kentucky." She said with a smile.
"Promise to think about Ohio. I want to see where you come from Mercedes. I want to meet your family. Also, we need to think about dinner with my momma. She wants to meet sometime before the trip." He said worrying his lower lip. He'd been asking her for over a week and each time she found a reason to disagree.
"Baby, we can have dinner with your momma anytime you like. I'm done fighting it and being nervous. I'm going to have to sit down with her one day." She said disengaging from him slowly and taking his hand and downing her drink with a large gulp. It was obvious to Sam that Mercedes was nervous. He made sure to keep a hold of her hand as they moved towards the door.
The ride was uneventful. The friends laughed and joked as always. The carpet was fast and bright. People asked questions and they answered honestly. Mercedes took a deep breath as they entered the dark confines of the loud club. The floor was packed with gyrating bodies. Mercedes saw men with their shirts off, and women in various states of intoxication grinding together. Sam kept a somewhat firm grip on her wrist and a hand on the small of her back. She looked up to him with questioning eyes.
"I don't want to get separated from you." He said looking down at her.
"You won't lose me." She said leaning up to kiss him. Her lips barely made contact before a voice interrupted them.
"Well isn't this lovely. But you know you're not supposed to get intimate with your beards Sam. They're just for show. Nice move picking a chunky one. That will definitely win you some votes." Mercedes looked ahead to see a tall, well built man with piercing eyes and what could only be called a sadistic smirk.
"One, don't even fix yourself to insult my girlfriend you asshole. Two, what the hell do you want?" Sam said as he pinned his eyes on the asshole that broke his best friend's heart.
"Oh, I'm just stopping by to greet my favorite ambiguously gay friend." The man said as he stirred his drink and sipped from the straw.
"I'm not your friend. You can get along now. Whatever game you're playing is pointless." Sam said as he turned his back. Mercedes wasn't moving though.
"You're the asshole that broke Blaine's heart, aren't you?" Mercedes asked as she pinned her eyes on him.
"Yes chunky butt. I'm the man that broke your friend's heart." He said slowly and simply as if she was dumb.
"You really are a sad piece of shit. How many people have you gone up to tonight and done the same thing to? You're just hoping to stir up a little drama to keep yourself relevant." Mercedes waited for an answer. He hand landed on her hip and Sam knew the jackass was in trouble.
"I don't have to answer you." Sebastian said as he rolled his eyes.
"You are such an insecure little boy. I bet your career is going to hell right now and you're looking for someone to dust the cobwebs off their camera and snap a few photos of you. You're one pink slip away from doing time for prints. It's sad to be washed up in your early 20's" Mercedes pinned him with her eyes.
"Bitch, I will have you know I am very successful!" He said turning to walk away.
Could have fooled me, you drama starting queen..." She said whipping her head around and sauntering away. Sam led her to the VIP area to enjoy a great night.
"Have I ever told you how feisty, unforgiving, and wonderful you are?" Sam asked as he led her towards a table surrounded by their friends.
"Not today." She snickered as she sat down in a chair Sam pulled out for her.
"What are you two mooning over?" Kurt asked he pinned them with stares.
"Nothing." Sam said as he sat next to his girl, kissing the top of her head.
A/N: This isn't my finest chapter. Up next, dinner with Sue!