A/N: Hello! So, last chapter I asked you guys how you felt music in this story. I didn't get much feedback, which kind of sucks because music is going to be a focal point if I continue this. However, since this is Prom, of course a soundtrack needs to be included. Play the following songs in this order when necessary to enhance your reading pleasure:
"How We Do" by Rita Ora
"No You Girls" by Franz Ferdinand
"Hot in Herre" by Nelly
"Arms" by Christina Perri
"Bonfire" by Third Eye Blind
So, enjoy prom! One more chapter and The Tutor will be finished.
Sam walked up to the Ross-Fabray household, with corsage in hand. He rung the doorbell and straightened his bowtie. The new black tuxedo fit perfectly but still, somehow the neck accessory ended up being a little small. Mrs. Ross-Fabray opened the door, smiling brightly. She was almost a spitting image of her daughter except her eyes were round and light. Quinn had a more knowing, soulful look.
"Hi!" She squealed, hugging Sam like she was attempting to pick-pocket him.
"Hi, Mrs. Ross-Fabray." Sam said, regaining his breath.
"Oh, please Sam, you know you can call me Kitty."
"Okay," Sam gulped and uncomfortably said, "Kitty." Kitty invited Sam into her home. She nibbled the young man with her eyes before asking, "Sam, do you work out?"
"Sometimes."
"Hm." Kitty stepped into Sam's personal space, closing the gap he created and fiddled with his hair. "Is this your real hair color or-"
"Mom!" Quinn interjected. She stood at the top of the staircase. Sam did a double take, as if he thought he saw a movie star. Quinn wore a nude colored dress that clung to her torso but flowed lovingly at the bottom. Her blonde hair was placed on her bare shoulders in old hollywood curls making her the image of Rita Hayworth. A beautiful clip pulled some of her locks from her doll-like face, shining beautifully against the chandelier in the middle of the main room. Her mother gasped and clapped her hands as she cascaded down the staircase.
"Quinny! Oh my Goodness!" Kitty flossed the barrette in her daughter's hair before she shrunk away from her.
"Mom..." Quinn shielded her hair before turning to Sam apologetically.
"Come, come! Let's take pictures!"
Kitty dragged the friends to pose in front of the fireplace. She strategically structured the couple, placing there arms and legs into the perfect prom picture. Sam's arms were around Quinn's waist with the girl holding them, sporting her Gardenia on her wrist. Quinn leaned against his chest and made a photogenic smile for her mother.
Sam whispered, "You look amazing, Quinn." While he had a moment inbetween the paperazzi shots Mrs. Ross-Fabray was taking.
Quinn turned to whisper back into his ear, "Thanks. You clean up good too."
Wanting to make sure her daughter had the full treatment, Kitty Ross-Fabray rented a towncar for them to arrive in. No limo because she and her ex were still settling the finances. There were no party favors in the car and the driver played nothing but 80's glam. Sam and Quinn still made the most of it by whaling away on air guitar. When they arrived in front of the school, they thanked the long-haired driver with rock on signs and he pulled off. They heard the music from outside of the gym and Quinn made a face.
"What?" Sam asked.
"I can't believe the seniors got DeadMau5 and we're just getting the shitty gym. Where people sweat." Sam shuddered now thinking about that and how many nosebleeds taken place during the practices, but then shrugged.
"All I know is," Quinn continued, "Next year, when we get the budget, we're going to have a ball."
"Now, that's what I'm talking about." Sam gave Quinn a guy's handshake before entering the gym.
Principal Figgins made his best and cheapest efforts to make the gym somewhat presentable. There were balloons everywhere of every color, on ceiling and on the corners of the floor. The stage was comparable to a glorified soapbox, just long and sturdy enough for the singers and the band to stand on. Artie's DJ gear had to settle for the ground. The tables were taken from the teachers lounge and had Party City glasses that said the year on them. Principal Figgins got them 75% off from a New Years' clearence sale.
The best thing about the gym was the crowd. Everyone was dancing and having a great time. Brittany and Artie were getting crunk (there was no other way to describe their dancing) and true to form, Artie wore a shiny metallic silver suit to do the robot in with his matching date. There was Mike and Tina. Sam saw Blaine dancing with Mercedes' friend, Kurt. He quirked an eyebrow first, then smiled greatly at the couple. This was the happiest he ever saw Blaine. Then, he saw them. Puck and Mercedes'. Sam tried not to look but Mercedes was devastingly gorgeous. In a strapless, shimmering mermaid coral gown with her hair in loose, ombre'd curls, she was a vision. Puck showed off what he considered to be his most impressive moves, though they'd only impress the blind. Mercedes laughed and tried to keep up. Sam sighed and looked away, while Quinn took note. So, she nudged Sam and nodded in the stage's direction. Santana was the star of the moment, stunning in red with a sexy updo.
[Santana]
I stumbled up to the window
Opened the curtains to blinding light
Make up all over the pillow
What went on? what went on?
What went on last night?
You look so sweet while you're dreaming
Holding your bottle of Tanqueray
It isn't even the weekend
Maybe thats, how I know, you're the
one for me
Because Santana was Santana, she didn't skimp on the cursing, making chaperone Mrs. Pillsbury-Schuester, or P.S. as the kids called her, visibly uncomfortable.
[Santana]
I wanna party and bullshit
And party and bullshit
And party and bullshit
And party and bullshit
And party, and party
"So, this is prom." Quinn declared.
"Yup."
"All right. Dance with me then." Quinn grabbed Sam and led on onto the dancefloor before he could protest.
"Quinn, I don't-"
"Shut up, Sam!"
Quinn tried to dance seriously and that made her look like she was kidding. Sam cracked a smile, before goofilly joining her.
[Santana]
Cause when the sun sets baby on the avenue
I get that drunk sex feeling yeah, when I'm with you
So put your arms around me baby,
We're tearing up the town
Cause that's just how we do
We got that sweet heart loving
Dancing in the dark
Out in the streets we're running,
Shut down every bar
So, put your arms around me baby
We're tearing up the town
Cause that's just how we do, how we do
Yeah, that's how we do
How we do
How we do
After a few more cabbage patches, Sam was beginning to have a good time. Mercedes was doing a fast two step with Puck's arm around her waist, before seeing Sam with Quinn over his shoulder. Something broke in her heart seeing them, but Puck spun her around and everything went to bliss.
Towards the end of the song, Santana got the crowd riled up into chanting 'PARTY AND BULLSHIT AND PARTY AND BULLSHIT!" Mrs. P.S. covered her ears and tried to get everyone to calm down but Principal Figgins was no help: he was bopping and screaming it just as loud as the kids.
Mercedes sat at a table with a plate of the cafeteria food masked as to be catered by putting it in steel containers instead of aluminum. She was thinking that maybe some mashed potatoes would calm her nerves about singing with Artie but it didn't. She really some support right now but her boyfriend was onstage with the rest of the group. It was Boys' Choir's turn to rock the house.
Sam, Puck and Blaine strapped themselves with different guitars while Artie was on the floor setting up the equipment. The boys didn't want their friend to be separated from the group, so they all decided to perform on the floor with Artie instead of above him. Once Artie gave a thumbs up, he pressed a button and Sam started the bass with Puck's lead guitar. Mike, in the center of it all, mimicked his rock n' roll idol, Elvis and swirled around to grasp the microphone before slicking his hair back with his palms. It was his debut and he was going to milk it for all it was worth.
[Mike]
Oh, kiss me
Flick your cigarette, then kiss me
Kiss me where your eye won't meet me
Meet me where your mind won't kiss me
Flick your eyes and mine and then hit me
Hit me with your eyes so sweetly
Oh, you know you know you know that yes I love
I mean I'd love to get to know you
[Mike and Artie]
Do you never wonder?
[All]
No. No, no!
You girls never know
Oh no, you girls'll never know
No you girls never know
How you make a boy feel
You girls never know
Oh no, you girls'll never know
No you girls never know
How you make a boy feel
[Mike]
How you make a boy...
Mercedes came to her feet to see Tina charging towards her dragging Kurt by his wristcuff.
"Mercedes! Stay!" Tina then turned to the ruffled Kurt who was smoothing out his jacket and kilt, "Kurt, stay!" Tina stood in the middle, dressed as in black as if she was going to Lady Gaga's funeral.
"Now, listen," Tina crossed her arms, "Things cannot go on like this! I can't enjoy my prom with knowing my two BFF's aren't talking to each other." Mercedes looked at Kurt finally and Kurt had his nose in the air, before lowering it and softening his look towards Mercedes. "I don't know what you two are fighting about but it's ending right now!" Tina impatiently tapped her foot waiting for them to be grown-ups and speak but neither was willing to meet half-way. So, once again, she did it for them.
"Kurt!" Tina ordered him to say something. Kurt's eyes scanned Mercedes' outfit, being slightly jealous. They both agreed he was supposed to make her prom dress for her but even he couldn't recreate the masterful work she was wearing.
"That color looks amazing on you." Kurt said, monotone. "It offsets your skin, beautifully."
"Thank you."
"Now, Mercedes?" Tina gradually brought the two in closer, hoping there'd be a magnet attraction.
"I really do like your kilt, Kurt." Mercedes said sincerely.
"Thanks."
The two friends looked at eachother emotionally before embracing in a bear hug and swaying.
"I missed you so much!" Kurt said into her ear. He let go to stare her in the eyes, letting her know that he meant what he was saying. "I am so, so sorry, Mercedes! I shouldn't have judged you that way! I had no right and that's not what friends do-"
"No, Kurt, I'm sorry! You had your right to your opinion! How could I have been mad at that?"
"Oh, let's never fight again, okay?" Kurt pleaded.
"Okay!" Mercedes quickly pulled Kurt into another hug and Tina interrupted.
"Now, can we please go dance and watch our boyfriends?"
"Yes, Ma'am!" Kurt and Mercedes praised in unison.
The trio rushed the front, pushing and shoving their way through. Mike's eyes glinted when he saw Tina and decided to dedicate the rest of his performance to his one and only. The friends danced together, feeling like the night was going how it was supposed to.
[Artie]
Sometimes I say stupid things
[Mike]
That I think
Well, I mean I
Sometimes I think the stupidest things
Because I never wonder
Oh how the girl feels
Oh how the girl feels
[All]
No you boys never care
Oh no you boys'll never care
No you boys never care
How the girl feels
No you boys never care
You dirty boys'll never care
No you boys never care
How the girl feels
Oh how the girl feels
Oh how the girl feels...
"Puck, I-I don't know about this." Mercedes said, while Artie was getting prepped up for their perfomance.
"Oh, come on, Puddin'. You and Artie practiced all week." Puck reassured with his arms on her shoulders. "Listen. You're better than everyone. Better than Santana. Better than Rachel. Everyone." Mercedes' sad face began to pull a grin. Puck put her chin in his fingers to give her a sweet, confidence kiss.
"Now, go!" He released her with a little pat to her bottom. Mercedes made one final look at her boyfriend and he was giving a thumbs up with a wacky face. She joined Artie, shaking in her stiletto's. The boy adjusted his head mic before turning to Mercedes and asking, "You ready, Mama?" She nodded and made a worried smile, so Artie grabbed her hand squeezed. That was the signal that no matter what, he had her back up there. He rolled her chair back and started the music.
[Artie]
Hot in... So hot in herre... So hot in...
Ah! Oh!
I was like, good gracious ass bodacious
Flirtatcious, tryin to show faces
Lookin for the right time to shoot my steam you know Lookin for the right time to flash them keys
Then um I'm leavin, please believin Me and the rest of my heathens
Check it, got it locked at the top of the four seasons Penthouse, roof top, birds I feedin
No deceivin, nothin up my sleeve, no teasin
I need you to get up up on the dance floor Give that man what he askin for
Cuz I feel like bustin loose and I feel like touchin you
And cant nobody stop the juice so baby tell me whats the use
I said!
Its gettin hot in here!
So take off all your clothes!
[Mercedes]
I am gettin' so hot I wanna take my clothes off
[Artie]
(Unh, unh, unh, unh, oh!)
It's gettin hot in here!
So take off all your clothes!
[Mercedes]
I am gettin' so hot I wanna take my clothes off
[Artie]
(Let it hang all out!)
As soon as she saw receptive the crowd was, Mercedes just let go and the results were worth it. The dancefloor was burning up. So much, that try as she might, Mrs. P.S. could stop herself from moving. The heat was getting to be too much for Quinn. After a lot of silly dancing with Sam, she retired to the refreshments for some water. Sam seemed to forget about his troubles for the bulk of the night, until he saw Mercedes on stage. She was radiant. Just as he thought she'd be.
Then, as if on cue, "Sammy Evans." Devil in a red dress, Santana sauntered up to the unprotected fellow and gestured him to follow her out on the floor. The angel on Sam's shoulder made him shake his head. Then, she turned around and undid her hair, to let the dark waves fall down her bare back. She looked over her shoulder to make a 'come and get me' look. Sam sighed and thought, Well, technically, Quinn isn't my real date. She's my friend...and what's one dance?
When Santana felt Sam behind her, her red lips curled into a devilish grin. When she looked at him he asked, "Where's Kurofsky?"
"Who cares?" Santana only agreed to come to prom with him because he was nominated to be the prom King to her Queen. After Prom pictures, she ditched him. "C'mon Sam. Back that ass up."
Santana got low on him, making figure eights on his lap. Sam tried very hard to keep this clean but Santana always fought dirty. She circled around him, dancing back to back, bumping her behind against him then turning around to whisper in his ear, "So, I forgive you."
"What?"
"I forgive you for ignoring my texts and blowing me off, not in the good way."
Sam smirked as Santana worked her way back to grinding on him. She snaked her arm around his neck, forcing him to listen to her words and see the bangin' body concealed in red silk.
"So, rumor has it that we're both shoo-in's for King and Queen." Santana said.
"Is that so?"
"Yeah. So, it got a girl thinkin'. We're both single. You're hot and I'm muy caliente. Together we could make a volcanic explosion of sexy all over this school."
"I thought you didn't date?" Sam pondered. Santana liked to be independent and in charge. Either you stand behind her or even on the side if you were one of her closest friends but never in front. Having a boyfriend would compromise that because relationships were solely about compromise. That's not something a girl who got her way 100% of the time would want.
"The fact that I don't have man candy is making people question me. I'd get a girl to be my lesser half but that might be too extreme." Santana's sexuality was as moldable as Play-Doh. If you were hot, she'd like you. "Besides, boys are easier to control." Sam scoffed at that statement. He lifted Santana's hands and spun her around. She roped her arms around his neck, getting so close it was hard to tell when she ended and Sam begun.
"Listen, next year is our senior year. Our last year." Santana said, seriously. "And I'd like to be on top," Santana groped Sam's ample butt and growled in his ear, "In all aspects. Rule with me."
Sam's eyes traveled towards Mercedes again and said, "I have to think about it."
Santana stood back and scoffed, but then shrugged, "Alright. Whatever. But this offer won't be on the table for long, so get it while it's hot and bothered."
When Kurofsky came back into view, she strutted over to him. Sam put a hand through his hair, trying to process what just happened.
"Okay, so what I miss?" Quinn said, refreshed. He raised his eyebrows at her and she did it back.
[Mercedes and Artie]
Give a little bit of ah, ah
With a little bit of ah, ah
Let it hang all out
With a little bit of ah, ah
And a sprinkle of that ah, ah
Let it just fall out
I like it when ya ah, ah
[Artie]
Girl, baby make it ah, ah... ohhh!
Quinn and Sam sat at a table, all danced out. Puck and Mercedes' table was not too far away from theirs. Puck was onstage with Blaine, getting set up. Quinn would soon be joining them. She checked her compact one more time, when she closed it, she saw Sam eying the lonely Mercedes once more. Mercedes felt Sam staring at her and did all but met his eyes. Tonight was not the night for this.
Before getting up to leave the table, Quinn leaned into Sam, saying "Remember, Sam. You only live once." She promised not to say, 'YOLO' anymore so she didn't. Quinn left to join the stage with Puck holding an acoustic guitar and Blaine at the piano. Once they made sure that everyone was ready, the music started.
[Quinn]
I never thought that you would be the one to hold my heart
But you came around and you knocked me off the ground from the start
Before Sam knew what he was doing, he was on his feet and walking to the table Mercedes was sitting. Mercedes was feeling excitement and fear at the same time. When he got to the table, he forgot what he was doing there exactly. Sam had options. He could walk away. He could tell her that she looked pretty. He could take a seat and explain his plan for their future: marriage, a ton of babies and yard for them to play in.
There were so many things he could say, so many things he wanted to say. But, he just chose, "Hi."
"Hi." Mercedes said back, dumbfounded. Sam looked to the stage at Quinn and she winked.
"Would-Would you like to dance?" Sam held his hand to Mercedes. Against her better judgement, she put her small hand in his. He led her to the floor of slow-moving couples. Brittany sat on Artie's lap in his wheelchair and he spun around idly. Mrs. P.S. moved like a pinball, detaching those who were too close for comfort with a ruler. Sam put his hands on her hips, Mercedes put her arms around his neck and fireworks went off sparkling in each other's minds. The touch was magic and enamoring, they missed it so. Mercedes compared it to the way Puck would handle her and it wasn't worse, just different. It took all that Sam had not to pull her in closer, but Mrs. P.S. was embarking quickly. She stuck the ruler inbetween the two to check their measurements, then made her way to the next couple.
Sam stood a foot away as requested but that was okay, as long as he just got to look at her. Some of her features were farther than he knew them to be and liked that. He liked knowing that no matter how far she may seem, Mercedes was always within his reach.
[Quinn]
I hope that you see right through my walls
I hope that you catch me, 'cause I'm already falling
I'll never let a love get so close
You put your arms around me and I'm home
Mercedes felt uneasy underneath Sam's gaze. She just wished he would say something. It wasn't fair to her, to just be silent and never let her know what he was thinking then be upset went she wasn't able to guess. However, Sam eyes didn't leave anything to the imagination.
Finally, Sam said, "You look so beautiful, Mercedes."
"Thank you." She said, not looking at him. Mercedes swallowed her bottom lip, trying not to let out her emotions but-"You know you hurt me." Sam snapped out of his staring and his eyes became more vulnerable.
"Ignoring me like that. I thought we were friends."
"We are...we were." Sam said honestly. After realizing his feelings, he didn't know if they could just go back to being friends.
"Then, why'd you do that? Sam, you should've just talked to me. Instead of making me feel like a leper."
"I know, I'm sorry Mercedes. I really am. It's just everything in these past few weeks has just been crazy. It's like, I haven't able to get my head on straight for anything." Mercedes looked confused, but Sam wasn't finished. "I've just been able to realize how nothing has made sense to me until now. Right now. With you. You're the only thing that makes sense to me, Mercedes. The only thing I'm able to wrap head around." A dirty joke was there but Sam didn't want to cheapen the moment. Mercedes didn't know what to say but then a loud noise was heard and some girls screamed.
Kurt was at the punch bowl, filling a glass of unspiked lemonade. So far, Junior prom was a success. He danced with his boyfriend and made up with his best friend. Most of all, surprisingly, no one had harassed them. They got cursory glares from some people but it was okay because like Blaine said, no one else existed. He stood next to the refreshment table and enjoyed Quinn's performance, finding it a pleasant ending to the night. Soon, however, his bully-free night was to be tarnished. Kurt was excusing himself to the bathroom, when Dave Kurofsky got in his way. The giant reeked of Rum and Vodka.
"So, what do you think you're doing?" Kurofsky slurred.
"I'm going to the bathroom." Kurt said the smart remark effortlessly. Although, when he saw that Kurofsky was looking for a fight, he tried to take the statement back and make nice. "Look, I'm just trying to enjoy prom, just like you." Kurt sighed.
"So am I! But, you think you can just show up here with Blaine and...you think you're good eno-you think you're good enough to come here and fag up my Prom!" Kurofsky's voiced raised, garnering attention from the people surrounding them.
"Listen, Kurofsky-" Kurt tried to put a gentle hand on the drunk boy's shoulder but it was shoved off with a force.
"Don't fucking touch me, fag!" He shoved Kurt into the table, knocking over the punch bowl and some of the food in the process. Kurt got back on his feet in a near flash.
"I don't want to fight you, Kurofsky!" Kurt begged. Needless to say, the music stopped at this point. Kurofsky answered his calls for peace with a blow to the eye, making Kurt fall to the floor. Kurofsky was going to continue attacking before Puck got in his way. Puck shoved him back as hard as he could. Blaine, Mercedes and Tina attended to the wounded Kurt, taking him into the hallway for some air.
"What are you a homo too, Puck?" Kurofsky yelled.
"Listen, everyone knows that I worship the vagina!" Puck said just as loudly, so everyone heard and no rumors would be spread. "But what you're doing isn't right and it isn't cool, bro! You need to grow up!" Kurofsky took off his jacket and rolled up his sleeves.
"Alright, I can take on another fag." Puck was getting himself ready in a stance, before Artie rolled up in front of him.
"Your going to have to go through me too." Artie said.
"And me." Mike said.
Sam stood before them all with his arms crossed. "You too, Evans?" Kurofsky asked his hockey mate.
"Just walk away, Kurofsky."
Knowing that he was outmatched, Kurofsky backed away and reached for his date's hand. Santana eagerly snatched it away with a "Uh-uh! Hold up!" She switched sides quickly and stood inbetween Puck and Sam, leaving Kurofsky on the outside.
Santana continued, "Now, I may be a bitch. I'll even call myself a bully but the one thing I'm not, is some bigoted, homophobic, close-minded ding-dong. I don't discriminate: I pick on everyone because they all suck not because their sexual orientation or where they came from or whatever. So, you can gets the steppin' with ya Mister Potatohead lookin' self because I'm not going anywhere with you. Ever." Santana waved to Kurofsky sweetly before flipping him off.
Completely alone, Kurofsky scoffed, "Whatever," and walked out of the gym. Quinn went to the group and told them that everyone was in the hallway.
They found Kurt being cradled against Blaine who was nursing his swelling bruise. Mercedes and Tina were crouched around them.
"God, I'm so sorry Kurt." Blaine said, near tears. "You were right; it was too soon. We shouldn't have done this."
"What? Are you telling me the new accessory that Kurofsky gave me isn't sexy?" Kurt smiled softly up at him. Blaine sniffled a light laugh and buried face into his boyfriend's neck, to cover what tears may come out. Kurt kissed his cheek.
"Is everything okay over here?" Sam said, leading the rest of the group. Tina and Mercedes stood.
"Yeah. It's a huge shiner but he'll be okay." Mercedes answered.
Blaine looked up at everyone, specifically his bandmates. Bringing a guy as a date and never mentioning that he was gay before, he figured he had some explaining to do. He carefully rose from the floor and brought Kurt up with him. When he was sure Kurt could stand on his own, he turned to the guys.
"Look, I know I never told you guys-" Blaine covered his mouth and started over, "I'm sorry that I wasn't really honest with you guys about-"
"Dude," Sam cut him off, waving him off. "You don't owe us any explanation."
"Did you think we would have come to your defense if we had a problem with it?" Mike asked Blaine's shocked face. "Blaine, you underestimate us."
"Yeah, man. You're our family, which means Kurt is too. We'll always have your back." Artie said. The boys nodded in agreement and Blaine was visibly touched.
"Thank you, that means so much."
"Yeah, I mean who cares that you like it in the ass? Prison dudes do it and their beasts. Get yours, I'm down with rainbow." Blaine closed his eyes and snorted, while Mercedes covered her smile and hit Puck's arm. Hard.
"Thanks, Puck."
After a long silence, Artie asked, "So...does anyone want to go back to Prom?" The group exchanged looks with eachother before mumbling affirmative 'No's.'
"What about Prom Queen?" Sam asked his date, Quinn.
She shrugged, "Who cares? It's just a crown made of plastic."
"Who wants to go down to the beach and get wasted? Courtesy of Kurofsky." Santana appeared from virtually nowhere holding two jugs of alcohol. She was thankful she swiped them from the limo. Kurofsky left her, so she wouldn't have gotten the chance to later.
"What? You didn't think I'd still leave with Cuntofsky did you? After giving him that fabulous fuck-off?" Santana said.
"Santana, where did you hide those?" Quinn asked.
"Some mysteries are better left unsolved, Nancy Drew."
The gang made their way to the beach, following eachother in their cars. Quinn called Eddie the driver and told him that he could take off the rest of the night. Quinn and Sam hitched a ride with Brittany and Artie in their van, along with Santana who couldn't ride with Puck and Mercedes because there was no more room. She refused to ride with anyone else.
On the way, they picked up red plastic cups and marshmellows from the all-night 99-cent store. Soon, they got to the Pier. Brittany led the way down, carrying Artie in her arms. They relished as they sand tickled their toes and the wind kissed their faces. The guys found some driftwood ebb'd up on the surface. Now, all they had to do was start a fire. Puck's lighter went out and the occasional smoker Quinn had matches but they weren't sparking. Finally, Santana found two lumpy rocks and went primitive. When some people raised their eyebrows, she defended, "I WAS A FUCKING GIRL SCOUT, OKAY?"
About five minutes later, a spark was conceived then a flame was born. The gang cheered and the boys' hailed Santana the "Firestarter!". Somehow, Santana knew that title would made her happier than Prom Queen. Everyone sat in a circle around the light, sharing drinks and laughs. Puck brought two acoustic guitars he had on hand, just in case something went wrong with the amp at prom and they'd have to give an unplugged show. He gave one to Sam and they started to play some sing-along tunes.
First, they sung 'Brown Eyed-Girl', with Sam and Puck exaggerating the sha-la-la's trying to outdo the other. Next, they did a cover of Nelly's 'Ride Wit Me', then they did Grouplove's 'Tongue-Tied'. Ironically, the drunker they got the better they sounded.
"Alright! Alrightalrightalright, everyone listen!" Santana waved her hand to get everyone's attention. "Hey...HEY! SHUT UP!" That got the animated group quiet.
Except Kurt got the last word, "Fluffaybunnay" out of his mouth, eating the melted marshmellow from his fingers. His boyfriend kinkily sucked the rest of the white residue off his hand.
After rolling her eyes, Santana started her speech. "Okay, so, because I probably won't remember this...even if I did, I wouldn't speak to anyone except Puck, Sam, Quinn and Mercedes by association on Monday and for the rest of the year, I just wanted to tell all the-the girls that you all look so hot tonight." The boys hooted and catcalled for their ladies.
"I mean, Mercedes, you and your boobs look amazeballs. Asian girl I don't know...White girl I don't know, ya bangin'. And Quinn? You look so fucking hot right now. Like, I'd fuck you then marry the shit out of you." Santana wrapped an arm around her blonde friend's neck and sloppily kissed her forehead, leaving the imprint of her lips.
"But, seriously guys..." In a second flat, Santana went from horny to sad, "I'm gonna miss you guys. Aside from Porcelain's face getting cracked, this was a good night."
"This was a pretty fun night." Tina agreed, nodding. Mike kissed her cheek, than put an arm on her shoulder, "Can you guys believe we'll be seniors next year?"
"God, no." Blaine said, passing the jug of Vodka.
"We'll all have to start over. Making new friends, new names for ourselves." Quinn said. "It'll be like this didn't happen at all."
"No it won't because we're going to remember this forever." Sam said.
The tone turned somber, thinking about how more than half of the group were going to be stolen away by the real world very soon.
Suddenly, Artie shouted, "You cocksuckers are boring me!" His head laying in the tulle of Brittany's party dress. "Sing another song!" Everyone else readily agreed with cheers, toasting their cups to the sky and the guitar-players, Sam and Puck grabbed their instruments from behind their backs.
"Alright Puck, I got the next song." Even with everyone's buzzed state of mind, Sam was still sober to the point of his mission: Getting to Mercedes.
"Puck, I'll lead you in okay?"
"Yep."
Sam strummed a few chords, in hoping his feelings would shine through the music.
[Sam]
Whoa
[Sam & Puck]
Whoa
[Sam]
A little early in spring, a bonfire ring
She's shivering alone
I bumped into you somehow
But you can wear my duct-taped vest
It's a party best it's really all I own
Everything's changing now
And I am high like a star that's flying Cassiopeia
Everything's changing now
She said it's alright
She said no don't die alone
There's no goodbyes
[Sam & Puck]
Lightning comes and lightning goes
And it's all the same to me
Let it in
Cuz I want you so I can hardly breathe or release
Into one thousand pieces
I have broke into over you
The chain will soon be gone,
I keep burning on and on and on
The friends swayed slowly to the song that sounded soothing but caused Mercedes alarm. She knew this song. She loved this song. Sam would play it all the time in his car on the way to his place or to Artie's. And now, he was staring at her. He wasn't playing fair. This all wasn't fair.
[Sam]
Some girls will break you down
Just to see you come undone
Everything's changing now
Maybe you and I are cursed
Maybe you and I are one
And that's the universe
Around, around she drags you
Sam's eyes seared into Mercedes as she drank the last drop from her cup. Some of the kids were able to catch onto the song, drunkenly singing along.
[Sam & Puck]
Lightning comes and lightning goes
It's all the same to me
Let it in
Cause I want you so
I can hardly breathe or release
Into one thousand pieces
I have broke into over you
We'll stop the flames at dawn,
I keep burning on and on and on
[All except Sam, clearly drunk of their asses]
Whoa!
[Sam]
Did you get what you wanted?
[All]
Whoa!
[Sam]
Did you get what you wanted?
The question sounded like it was just a part of the song and it was, but Mercedes took it for much more. Technically, she did get what she wanted: a nice boyfriend and popularity. Yet, there was still something missing. That thing in a relationship that holds you in and keeps you so long and so tight that you feel like you can't breathe but still, you want more of it. Puck was sweet, caring and protective of her. Never once did he pressure her to do anything more than kiss him and they've touched but that's it. Somehow, it felt, once again, not bad but different. There was a certain spark that Sam gave her whenever they were together, with Puck it just felt fizzy. Like how the bubbly foam of soda spritzes up when you first pour it into a cup and it tickles you, then it slowly dissolves. Now and then you may feel the sensation again but it's never the same as the first time.
Mercedes felt a pooling in her stomach and became dizzy. She didn't know if she should blame it her mixed drinks or her mixed feelings. Either way, by the end of the song, she shakily stood up and stumbled off to the beach. Everyone looked up to see her staggering away, Puck quickly went after her, calling "Puddin'? Puddin', what's wrong?" Sam stood too but didn't go after her. It wasn't his place.
"What's going on?" Quinn asked. Right after, Mercedes hurled up right into the water.
"I think the pudding spoiled." Brittany said.
The cry of the birds woke Sam up the next morning. It was the break of day. Softly, he turned one way and saw Kurt laying on top of Blaine's chest. He turned another way and saw Artie in fiedle position against Brittany's side. Sam felt the soft breathing of a belly underneath him and saw that he was using Tina's torso as a pillow. Sitting up, he found out that everyone was intertwined in limbs, using each other as beds of support and comfort. Sam carefully placed Quinn's head on the sand, not wanting to wake her nor Santana who's face was in her chest.
He looked to the horizon and saw a figure walking along the sun. It was Mercedes, holding her shoes and jumping to miss the waves. Puck was nowhere in sight. Maybe this was cheating a little because he was about to take advantage of a major hangover he knew she was having. However, it thought it was better to hedge his bets rather than just take his losses and go home. He ran on his barefeet to catch up with the girl.
"Hey." Sam said breathless. A) Mercedes was a lot farther away then her thought. B) In her dress, she looked even more mesmerizing in the sunlight.
"Hi." Mercedes looked away from him.
"So, are you okay? I mean, how's your head?" Sam reached to palm her forehead but she backed away from his touch.
"I'm fine." She said firmly. Sam's hands swung around, doing all but reaching for Mercedes again, fearing she just might swim away from him next time.
"Look, Mercedes, about last night-"
"What do you think your doing?" She snapped. "I mean, singing songs to me and telling me that 'things don't make sense without me'? What's that about?"
Sam licked his lips, "I was trying to tell you how I feel about you." Sam had Mercedes' hands in his for her to just snatch them away.
"Now? You want to do this now? When I'm with your best friend? I can't believe you, Sam. Y'know I think this is about you just wanting someone you can't have-"
"That's not what this is, Mercedes!"
"Then why couldn't you have said something before?"
"I-I-I don't know." Sam looked down. "Mercedes, I know my timing is shit and I have no right to do this but I feel something here! Something I've never felt with any other girl and I can't just ignore it anymore!" He raised his hands in a dramatic shrug and looked towards the sun for help. His pushed his hair from his face, "Look, I know all of this is crazy and I didn't know this was going to happen. But all I know Mercedes, is that-I want you. Just you, okay?"
After a long period of silence, Mercedes said, "Sam, you're my friend. Can we please, please just keep that way for now?"
Sam felt enraged. The one time he opened up and put his heart in his hands before a girl, he was shut down. He felt cheated. Cheated into believing this love thing was worth anything. He swallowed his pain and stepped towards Mercedes.
"You don't want to be just friends, Mercedes. I know you don't. You're protecting Puck-"
"Something you should be doing, considering he's your best friend!"
"But I'm standing right here with you, Mercedes aren't I?" He answered. "I'm right here with you." He inched closer, showing no sign of backing down. Mercedes didn't move away this time. In the next five seconds, Sam was going to kiss Mercedes if she just stood still, but then-
"Hey!" Puck yelled from the top of the beach. He and Mercedes spent the night in his truck. He felt that sleeping outside wouldn't be good for the queasy girl. They both looked to the person they both loved a great deal but in entirely different ways. Puck walked down to meet Mercedes and Sam.
"Hey, guys we should go to breakfast! The Pier is having all-you-can-eat pancake week!" Puck shouted happily.
"Ugh, shut the fuck up, Puck!" Santana yelled.
"You shut the fuck up, Satan!" Normally, Puck wouldn't talk that way to a girl but Santana wasn't a girl; as he said, she was Satan.
"Ya'll both need to shut the fuck up." Artie said, laying on his elbows. Now everyone was fully awake, wiping the sun and sand from their eyes. Puck found Mercedes hand and asked her if she was feeling better. She nodded and feigned a smile, as if Sam was completely invisible. The boy felt his world go sideways.
"C'mon, bro." Puck said to Sam. "Let's get some hangover munchies." Puck and Mercedes walked hand in hand to his truck as everyone else looked for their shoes. Sam stood at the start of the ocean, feeling like a complete loser. Quinn saw the last part of the exchange and decided to go comfort her buddy. She came over to him, looking perfectly disheveled and put a sympathetic arm on his shoulder.
"Okay," Quinn said, leaving the beach with Sam, "Come on. Admit that you had a good time last night."
Sam's expression-less face turned a little brighter, showing mere signs of a broken smile at the ends of his mouth. He sighed and put an arm around Quinn as well.
"Yeah, I had a good time."
"There you go."
A/N: One more chapter and we're out. Thanks for reading and reviews are lovely. Thank you so much guys.