Warning: Adult situations and or slight explicit content...are those the same thing?

"There is the calm before the storm, and the darkest hour just before the dawn. Both instances go hand in hand and yet many forget their existence when in a state of bliss or drowning in their sorrow. Many forget that nothing lasts forever."

The first sight that greeted him upon awaking up was her sleeping form curled up beside him and once again, just like every morning since she snuck into his life and he found himself developing feelings for her, Sam was grateful for being an early riser. His eyes roamed ever so slowing down her body before returning to the peaceful unguarded expression on her face. His hand brushed strands of her hair from her face, not wanting anything to obscure the sight of her. She shifted closer to him until he practically felt her breath on his chest and his body stirred as it became aware of her. Sam knew his best move would be to get off the bed before he did something but instead of moving, he remained where he was and slid closer—wrapping an arm around her and pulling her closer.

"Sam." Rachel moaned in her sleep and unknowingly sealed her fate.

Without having a second thought, Sam rolled her onto her back under him, her legs opened—accommodating his hips between her thighs. His hands fisted the covers under him as he looked at the woman beneath him. Even in her sleep, her body responded to him and Sam couldn't help but feel that she was made just for him. Be it that she was awake or sleeping, he responded to her. There was no amount of words that could describe what he was feeling; for every second he remained in this position with her, he kept growing hard and it was becoming unbearably difficult not to grind his hips against her. "Breathe…get off of her slowly." But his body refused to cooperate with his mind. He remained where he was. He ached to kiss her, to have her…to make love to her and above all else; he needed her awake and tell him that she wanted him just as much as he did her.

As if sensing his distress, Rachel began to rouse from her sleep. The moment she opened her eyes, the first thing she saw was the burning desire in Sam's gaze and it scorched her. She tried to process in her half awaken state that Sam was hovering over but thought that maybe it was a dream because he would always be awake before her. "Sam?" she whispered uncertainly, trying to shift underneath him only to end up grinding against something very warm and hard. A spike of pleasure shot through her as a small gasp slipped through her lips. She tried to ignore the way Sam's eyes instantly went to her dry lips as she licked them. A part of her knew that she shouldn't move but before her mind could send the command to her body, her hips moved against his. This time, the pleasure was a bit more profound and had her toes curling, while Sam trembled above her.

"You keep doing that and we will be exchanging more than words," Sam warned through gritted teeth—his restrain slipping.

"So this isn't a dream," Rachel mumbled to herself, as everything clicked into place and she knew what he wanted because so did she. "Sam…"

"Let me make love to you?" He asked, holding her gaze at the same time a part of him feared her rejection. She had no idea how much he was risking by asking that question; how much he was leaving there for her to either grab in the palm of her hand and cherish it or crush it all together.

Rachel felt her heart stop beating at what she saw in his gaze, the raw emotion that made the look in Finn's eyes when he said he loved her pale in comparison. It was the one she thought she may never be on the receiving end of again. And yet here she was, lying in bed with a man, who under normal circumstances she would have never crossed paths with, giving her that look and it was her choice to whether reach out and grab it—treasure it or turn a blind eye. "Don't…it will only hurt in the end for the both of you." Her mind whispered but the warmth that spread through her and the way her heart began beating rapidly against her chest had her answer. Amongst the lies, the only thing that remained untainted and rang with truth was the feelings that formed between them. So what she saw in his eyes was the truth. "Yes," she answered with her own truth, conveying what she felt for him.

The gentle way her eyes gazed at him with a hint of burning desire had him at her mercy. She had chosen to grab and not crush what he offered, instead she was holding it gently and in return she offered him the same. When he captured her lips against his in a sweet gentle kiss, it was his way of showing that he would cherish it.

The truth could set one free, but it could also hurt another with remorse. Neither wanted to think about the future, even if they loved one another that still didn't guarantee that they will end up together. Nothing was ever guaranteed in this world and both of them knew it from personal experience; yet even with a bleak look at the future, all that mattered to them was now…the present.

Rachel bit her bottom lip to keep from moaning as she felt him entering her slowly and gently. "Rachel." She looked up and moaned when she met his gaze. His eyes only ever burned for her like that and it didn't take long for her to have to fight with herself to keep from closing her eyes in pleasure as he thrust into her. "Sam…" she wanted him to go faster and ground her feet against the mattress but before she could move, Sam grabbed her hips. "We are going to move slow," he groaned, trying to control the urge to thrust into her without abandoning it. "I want this to last," he gritted out.

Rachel could feel more than see his muscles flex with his movement and restrain. Instead of trying to push him over the edge, she let him guide her into something slow, exquisite and out of this world. The pleasure building between them was never ending with each thrust. In that moment, they were one with their hearts pounding rapidly against their chest; their breaths mingling together, their hands grasping one another and neither knew where one began or the other ended. All that existed, all that mattered was them and the pleasure between them.

"Sam!" Rachel cried as she climaxed, clutching onto him desperately as wave after wave of complete and utter bliss washed over her. She didn't care that the others probably heard her yell his name because then they would know this was her man and he was the one she chose to love.

"Rachel!" Sam yelled her name as he buried himself deep inside her and his face in the crook of her neck. His armed wrapped around her pulling her impossibly close as he tried to regain his breath but failed. Instead he pressed a kiss against her neck when he couldn't speak. After what felt like hours, Sam felt himself relax in her arms as she ran a hand through his hair. They both lay their quietly in each other's arms hearing the other breathe. "We need to shower," Sam said, breaking the silence.

"What?" Rachel looked at him, confused, as he pulled away from her embrace. After making love, the first thing he mentioned is showering and she didn't know whether to let the matter go or be insulted.

"We need to shower." Sam climbed off the bed, un-bashful about his nudity as he stood by the bed.

Rachel couldn't stop her eyes from roaming his body in all its naked glory; even though they had made love, she didn't have a chance to look at his body since her mind had been on…other things. Her mouth instantly went dry and she had to swallow. The muscles on his chest and biceps rippled as he crossed his arms. She looked up and met his amused gaze. "I know a way we can save water."

"What are you…" her voice trailed off when she caught movement on his lower anatomy. Her eyes glanced down to see him hardening…again. "Oh my." Rachel gulped, looking away quickly and trying to fight off a blush but failed horribly. "You're insatiable." She glanced at Sam to see him chuckling.

"Is that a yes?" Sam asked, trying not to grin.

"What exactly do you want to do?" Rachel asked.

"Instead of me telling you, why don't I show you." Before Rachel knew what was happening, Sam pulled the covers off of her and picked her up bridal style. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders, without thinking. "Sam…" Rachel warned as he walked toward the bathroom.

"Trust me," Sam whispered in her ear and nibbled on it as he entered the bathroom, closing the door behind them with his foot.

"Let me guess, you had a good morning?" Mike grinned when a slightly disturbed Stevie opened the door for him.

"You don't want to know," Stevie visibly shuddered. "Next time, I'm going with you."

"What are you talking about?" Mike asked curiously, as he closed the door behind him and followed Stevie.

"Come on, Rachel."

"No."

"Please?"

"…"

"For me?"

"Fine," Rachel sighed. "But only if you sing."

"Do I have to?"

"Do you want me to dance?"

Mike entered the living room with Stevie to see Rachel dressed in mini jean shorts and a sleeveless grey hoodie half slipped up with a white undershirt. Her hair was damp from a recent shower and she appeared to be more radiant than the last time he saw her, maybe it had to do with the big smile on her face that was directed to Sam. While Sam was dressed in a pair of black jeans that hung low on his waist and a white muscle shirt. His hair was also damp and slightly messy after running his hand through it as he grinned at Rachel. Mike looked at his boss surprised, it was very rare to see Sam dressed in such a way; the man always stuck to his slacks and buttoned shirt whether he was going out or not, and when he was sick it was either sweatpants and a t-shirt or his pajamas. What had him raising an eyebrow was the atmosphere surrounding the couple and it was then he saw the gentle look Sam directed to Rachel, who shyly met his gaze—returning the same look before looking away, blushing. "It didn't…did they?"

"They're the ones who had a good morning," Stevie mumbled to him, shaking his head.

Mike looked at him sympathetically. He must have heard what transpired. "At least they let you sleep at night," He grinned.

Stevie gave him a look of horror before leaving his side and took a seat on the couch.

"Hey, Mike," Rachel greeted him with a dazzling smile and a hug.

"I see someone had a good morning," Mike grinned, returning her hug.

"You can say that," Rachel mumbled, looking away from him.

"I think she means she had a great morning." Sam raised an eyebrow at Mike, as if challenging him to say something.

Mike chuckled. "That's good to know…" he glanced at Stevie to see him shaking his head and telling him to shut his mouth. "So what are you guys doing?" He asked, quickly changing the subject. When Stevie tells you to keep your mouth shut about a certain topic—it was best to listen to him.

"Sam wants me to dance for him," Rachel said quickly, glad that Mike didn't push on the subject.

"Dance for him?" Mike glanced between them. "Do you want Stevie and I to leave the house?"

"No! It's not what you think!" Rachel yelled just as Sam muttered, "I wouldn't mind the privacy."

Rachel glared at her husband. "They can stay and I will only dance if you do your part."

"Fine," Sam sighed, knowing when Rachel set her mind there was no way of changing it. "I'll sing." He leaves the living room only to come back moments later with a guitar. "Do you have a specific song?"

"No." Rachel grinned at him as Mike went to take a seat on the couch beside Stevie. "Sing whatever comes to mind and I'll dance to it."

"Okay," Sam said and began to strum the guitar.

You always hurt the one you love

The one you shouldn't hurt at all

Rachel closed her eyes as she began to sway to the song.

You always take the sweetest rose

And crush it till the petals fall

She turned in a graceful circle. Her feet slid effortlessly from under her and over the hardwood floor as she pretended to waltz with an imaginary partner.

You always break the kindest heart

With a hasty word you can't recall

When Sam began to strum the guitar slower, Rachel opened her eyes and the smile she reserved only for him graced her lips as he walked closer to her until only his guitar stood between them. Their gazes never wavering from each other as she placed her hands on his shoulders and he sang to her. Both of them swaying to the song.

If I broke your heart last night

It's because I love you most of all

When Sam stopped signing, Rachel cupped his cheeks and pulled him down gently as she stood on her tiptoes, and kissed him. Neither heard the cheering from Stevie nor noticed that Mike had been recording with his cell phone.

Leroy Berry frowned as he flipped through the pages of the magazine Kurt had been kind of enough to drop off for him in order to keep himself entertained—he finished reading his most recent novel two days ago. "What is up with all these people and their problems?" he sighed, shaking his head. A knock on the door saved him from reading more gossip. "Come in," he said as he flipped through another page.

"Hello, Leroy."

Leroy hadn't heard that voice in years and looked toward the door to see none other than Dustin Goolsby and Mary Evans. His hands shook as he closed the magazine. "What are you two doing here?"

"We came to pay you a visit," Mary said, not knowing whether to approach him or not. A long time ago they had been close friends but now after years without communication, she didn't know.

"Why after all these years?" Leroy licked his dry lips. "Did you know Hiram died?"

"I'm sorry," Mary whispered to him, meeting his gaze as she blinked back the tears. "I went to his grave when I found out."

"Did you leave him roses?"

"Yes." Mary bit her bottom lip to keep from crying. "They were always his favorite."

"You know that it wasn't fault." Leroy looked at her gently. "Everything that happened to Dwight, Hiram and us," he said, referring to Rachel and himself. "It wasn't your fault, you tired to help and did the only thing that could guarantee your family safety."

"But it didn't guarantee yours." A tear slid down her face.

"Unknowingly it did…he left us alone. Hiram's death was accidental and mine is going to be of…normal cause, while Rachel was able to go university and is living her own life as much as she is able to." Leroy motioned for her to come closer. "Come here."

Without a second thought, Mary walked toward him. When she stood by his hospital bed, he smiled at her and she threw her arms over him. "I'm sorry," she whispered as her body shook with sobs. "I'm so sorry."

"It's okay." Leroy rubbed circles on her back as he held her like he does with Rachel when she cries in his arms.

"I'm sorry for not coming to see you sooner."

"I thought we agreed that we couldn't see each other after Shelby's death." Leroy glanced at Dustin to see him tense.

"And it's an agreement we must break if we want to protect those we love," Dustin said from his spot as Mary pulled away and wiped her tears.

"What are you talking about?" Leroy asked, concerned.

"Sam is living in Shadow Falls," Dustin said, coming closer to him. "Frank resides there."

"So does Rachel." Leroy frowned. "I know, he came to pay a visit."

"He did?" Mary asked, surprised. "What did he want?"

"Other than pay my hospital bills, he wanted to know what happened twenty years ago."

"Did you tell him?" Dustin asked nervously.

"No. I didn't want him to go any further in his investigation." Leroy looked at his covers defeated. "After all these years of us sacrificing and trying to keep it hidden from them…it refuses to stay buried. I wonder, does this mean everything we did was for nothing?" He looked at Mary and Dustin. "…I don't want to believe that…"

"Then don't." Mary grabbed his hand and held it gently in hers.

"Come with us to Shadow Falls." Dustin met his gaze. "Let us unbury the past and face the one responsible. Sam and Rachel have every right to know of the past."

"I thought we agreed not to tell them because we didn't want them hurt."

"I think they would feel even worse if they found out from someone else instead of us. At least we can prepare them."

"All right, then I'm going," Leroy grinned.

"Are you sure?" Mary asked, concerned.

"Mary, my days are numbered in this world," Leroy sighed. "Staying here will only prolong the inevitable. If I leave, my death will come sooner but at least I will be living instead of simply being alive like I am here. Let me choose what I want to do for the time I have left. If I can face down the past and clear a way for my daughter, then I won't die with any regrets."

"Of course." Mary blinked back another wave of tears. "Let us go."

The door to the room opened as Mary helped Leroy off the bed.

"What are you doing?" Kurt asked alarmed, with Mercedes looking confused at them.

"I'm leaving," Leroy stated.

"You can't." Mercedes shook her head. "Rachel will freak out completely."

"I'm going to see Rachel," Leroy smiled kindly at them. "Want to come with me?"

"Sure," Kurt grinned.

"We can't," Mercedes glared at Kurt.

"Don't worry, Sam already paid for my expenses and Dustin can help check me out." Leroy walked toward them weakly. "Sam said he was looking for some home nurses. I can put a good word for you two."

"Really?" Mercedes looked at him hopefully.

"Of course," Leroy smiled at Mercedes gently as Kurt and her helped him stand.

"This is so cool! We are going to visit Rachel and her husband!" Kurt winked at Mercedes who chuckled.

"Rachel's married?" Mary asked, surprised.

"Who's this?" Kurt asked curiously.

"That is Sam's mother and the man stand over there is Sam's uncle Dustin."

"Oh." Both Mercedes and Kurt glanced at each other nervously. It seemed that Sam had yet to tell mother dearest about his marriage. Leroy shook his head, knowing that Mary was going to blow a huge fuse when she found out.

Finn stood up from his bed. "Let's go see Sam and Rachel."

Ever since yesterday, whatever Finn had seen in his father's study, disturbed him greatly. They didn't come back until passed eleven and he had been avoiding both his father and grandmother like a plague. "Why don't you talk with your grandmother?" Quinn asked as Finn turned to look at her.

"I can't…" Finn whispered.

"You don't think she will tell you?"

"It's not that."

"Or are you afraid about what she might tell you?"

"I don't know." Finn looked away from her.

"Fine." Quinn stood up from her spot on the bed. "Let's go see the Evans. They might actually help keep your mind off things but I swear if I see you hanging out with Rachel too much…" she didn't finish her threat as Finn grabbed her hand fighting back a smile.

"I promise to remain by your side."

"…"

"I love you," he grinned at her.

She turned to look the other way so he wouldn't see her blush. "…I love you, too." But she was a bit too late, Finn had seen her blush and the smirk on his lips was soon replaced with an affectionate smile.

The doorbell rang for the third time and when Stevie nor Mike made no move to answer it, Sam had to untangle himself from Rachel's side to answer it. "You lazy bums." He glared at them.

"Get out of the way," Stevie shooed him, his eyes glued to the TV as they watched Resident Evil: Apocalypse.

"What are you talking about?" Mike snorted, glancing at Sam, amused. "We're your guests."

Sam shook his head as he left the living room and went to the front door to open it. The moment the door swung open he was tackled with a hug.

"Sam!"

Sam looked at the younger woman with blonde hair and familiar blue eyes affectionately. His lips curved into a welcoming smile as he wrapped his arms around her and held her close. "Hey, Stacy."

"I hope we didn't come at a wrong time," Carl said, smiling at his stepson.

"Not all." Sam opened the door more to let him in as he carried two luggage bags. "Are you planning on staying?"

"Yeah," Carl smiled at him sheepishly. "I wanted to call to give you a heads up, but your mother threatened Stacy and I not to. She said something about it being a surprise visit. Although she was a bit angry with Stevie since she didn't know where he went."

"Stevie's with me," Sam said as he took one of the luggage bags.

"I'm sorry about this."

"Don't worry about it."

"So anything new?" Carl asked as Sam closed the door and locked it.

"Well, it depends…"

"Oh…is it something that your mom should hear as well?" Carl asked, carefully watching the way Sam avoided his gaze.

"Yeah."

"This is going to be fun," Stacy grinned at him, causing Sam to playfully glared at her. "Don't worry, I'll have your back no matter what it is."

"Thanks."

"Well, whatever it is, Sam, I'm sure it's not that big of a deal," Carl said confidently, trying to make him feel better.

If only he knew.

AN: I would like to thank my beta MissBreePhoenix613 for editing this chapter. =)

AN 2: This chapter really surprised me because it turned out nothing like I had originally planned. I believe this chapter marks that we are halfway or close to finishing depending on what's going to happen in the next chapters. I do hope you like it. I'm sorry for not making the whole smut scene bigger or more in depth, but I just couldn't. Believe it or not I was stuck in that scene for like over an hour cus I didn't know what to do with it. I just hope I did it some justice. Now as you can see all the characters are coming together and it won't be long until the showdown. The song Sam sings is called You Always Hurt The One You Love and it sang by many artists including the actor Ryan Gosling, which the scene was somewhat based on Blue Valentine. When I saw that scene I just couldn't resist I kept seeing Rachel and Sam in my mind. I could imagine them messing around like that in this fic. =) I also already know how I am gonna end this fic! But the thing is that you're either going to love me or hate me, but I hope it's love *crosses fingers* Please don't forget to review! I love hearing from you guys! (^_^)

AN 3: I want to thank: Brooke6404 (Dustin's storyline was supposed to be a trip, but seeing how this chapter came out it's gonna change a bit, but he will have his showdown with Frank. ;) ), The Wonderful Mistique (You are so right! And it's coming far more quicker they predicted…shoot from what I predicted. They just want to tear into Frank lol ), LadyGigglesalot (I hope you liked this chap even if it was a bit small), Keating's Disciple (I hope this one was to your expectations =) ), AlineCardozo13 (Awww thank you! *hug* It's good to hear from you again.), GleeObsessedHoran (I just had to do that seen originally she was supposed to hug him from the back and was supposed to be shirtless, but I decided to cut that out cus then it would have been to awkward for them & I don't think Sam would have appreciated that lol.), Lena (I'm glad to hear you are enjoying this! =D & to answer your question they have now), missberryfan (I hope you got my review for Restart! I truly did enjoy it & I even listened to that Brandi Carlile song. It was absolutely beautiful and perfect for you fic. =) ), Ceud mile failte (If things go as planned you might not have to wait much long to see how it finishes. ;) ), BBFreakNumber1 (Thank you! *hug* I hope you liked this chap), and Lizzy (Awww I hope you liked this chapter even if it was short. I wish I could give Rachel and Sam some more alone time, but all the other characters are becoming demanding now *sigh* Who knows maybe I'll be able to sneak in some time for them in the end =) ) for reviewing! You guys are the best!

AN 4: Don't forget today is the last day to vote! And if you haven't checked out What We Are please do so and maybe drop a review for me *nudge* *nudge* =D