Puck: POV

I was walking through the halls kinda chipper. Yeah, that word bites but it was how I was feeling. Mama was around me almost all the time. I felt… at peace.

I would have still felt at peace if I didn't walk passed the choir room & see her & Evans hugged up. I mean the real hugged up. The kind we've been doin for the last week & a half.

I stopped dead in my tracks & had to do a damn double take. Yup, he had his arms around her waist & she had her hands looped around his neck. They were kissing like it was the only way to breathe.

I felt like I could punch a hole in a wall. All that progress & she's pressed against him like a flower in one of her books. Which I know about because I've brought her plenty of flowers & sat up there & watched her do it!

I didn't know what was going on. What the hell happened to taking a break?! I had to get out of there. I could feel the urge to do something stupid overwhelm me…

S&M&P

Sam: POV

I was so happy to have Mercy back. I probably shouldn't have my tongue down her throat at school but I couldn't help it. She's sweet & soft & I hadn't kissed her lips since before we took the break! I was entitled!

Anyway, we broke apart after a while cuz air is kinda necessary to livin. A couple minutes of intense eye play went by before we realized we weren't alone. A smirking Quinn sat beside Mercy. "Hi."

Mercy blushed. "Hey, Q."

I waved silently. I wasn't trying to be rude but glee club starting right now was not in my favor.

"I guess you two are back together."

Mercy nodded. "I found a way to spend my time evenly."

"Time management?"

"Yup!"

The two giggled & I was happy to see them both happy & carefree. Other kids began to trickle in & see for themselves what was obvious.

"Go Wheezy!" Santana high-fived her. "Gettin your swirl back on?"

Mercy shook her head at the crazy girl. "We're solid, Tana."

"There's so great!" Brittany clapped. "Now we can double cuz we haven't done that."

I nodded. "Sure thing, Britt."

"Yay!"

"I suppose you want more duets?" Rachel's voice was subdued.

"Any would suffice." Artie mumbled but we all heard him.

"Rachel, we need to decide things fairly." Mercy stood & approached her. "We should decide our set lists based on talent & who we need to hear. We need to represent everyone at competitions. Not just you & Finn. No offense, Finn."

He inclined his head. He must not have been offended.

"For way too long, you've demanded things & pitched a hissy fit when you didn't get your way until you did. You are a very talented girl but you're not that damn special. There's plenty of people who can sing better than you & have not made it big. You want to know why? It's not the look or their style or the mismanagement. It's their attitude. Their holier than thou attitude that you seem to possess in spades. Wake up, Rachel Barbara Berry because your talent doesn't mean jack if nobody wants you to open your mouth."

"What does that mean for us?" Artie spoke up. The shine in his eyes made me think he was enjoying this.

"It means that everyone should be represented." Mercy put her hands on her hips. "Duets should be between people who haven't been heard before. Solos should be given to people who've earned them. Not given because they can bitch the loudest. Groups numbers should have equal amounts of face time for the people singing."

"So what do you suggest?" No one heard Mr. Shue come in but Mercy didn't back down.

"Since Tana & I have the duet, I think maybe Puck should have the solo. We've never featured a male for a solo before & I doubt other schools have either."

Rachel gasped. "Mr. Shue, you can't listen to her! She's drunk off love! She's not making rational decisions!"

Mr. Shue rolled his eyes. "I think she's making perfect sense. What about the group number?"

"We can take a song & divide it into four part harmonies. The people who audition for it will have a chance for it & everyone else in the choir just sings the chorus & any needed backgrounds." Mercy must have been thinking about this for a while.

Mr. Shue nodded. "I think I like it. Do you recommend any songs?"

She blushed slightly. "No Journey! I'm sorry Mr. Shue but you seem to be stuck. It's good to have extras in your back pocket but let's stay away from 70s soft rock for a while. How about the members not getting featured pick a track? Or go for something totally new? For the group number we can do a metal number & switch it up? I know Tina, Lauren & Puck like metal but we can change some chords & the speed to have it be slightly funk. We did great on our number from last year."

Everyone started murmuring about her ideas.

Finn stood up. "I like it. We had a lot of fun & those Journey songs are…"

"Dependable!" Mercy slid in.

He looked at her gratefully. "Yeah. That. Maybe trying something new while staying true will give us the edge we need. I don't know about you but losing Regionals last year was not fun."

Everyone agreed with him. I wasn't there & neither was Lauren so we just looked at Mr. Shue, who nodded.

"I hear you. I hear you. How about Tina & Lauren choose a song? Mercedes & Artie can funkify it? & we'll hold auditions to see who sings it?"

That was settled in less than three seconds. Of course someone wasn't happy. "Mr. Shue, I implore you to reconsider! This won't work! Who has ever heard of a show choir performing metal at a competition?!"

"They will after we sing it!" Tina glared at her.

"You know what, Hobbit?" Santana stood to approach her. "I'm gettin real sick of you always trying to crush what good we come up with. You do this all the time. Whenever someone comes up with a great idea, you hate it because you didn't come up with it or you won't be the center of attention. Well, that's done because a new era is approaching, Yentl! We're doing this Aretha's way & if you don't like it, there's the door. We can replace you with a band member for competitions. We don't need you."

Mercy pulled Santana back. "But we want you."

The whole class scoffed. Even Mr. Shue rolled his eyes.

Rachel bit her lip & looked to Finn, who grabbed Quinn's hand. "I suppose if I have no choice, I will submit to Cedes's ruling."

"It's not a ruling, Rachel." Mercy looked hurt. "I'm just sick of being in the background because you like to step on people. Is it so awful for the rest of us to want to be stars, too?"

Rachel hung her head. "No."

"Then it's settled." Mr. Shue boomed. "I'll put up the sign-up sheets for the solo & group numbers. Meeting's over until tomorrow. We all have our assignments."

We were packing up to leave when Mercy looked up. "Where's Puck?"

S&M&P

Mercedes: POV

I don't know why it hit me at that moment but it was like something was missing.

No one knew anything so I left it alone. He'd be alright. I texted him just to be sure.

"What do you want to do tonight?" Sam pulled on his backpack & walked to me.

I smiled. I was so happy to be back together.

"Oh no, Trouty!" Santana waved her hand. "She's mine & Wheel's for tonight!"

"Yeah, you might as well keep it movin, Lady Lips!" Artie agreed.

I laughed. "Guys, be nice! But they're right. We need to work on alternates until Tina & Lauren give us something. Then we'll have to rearrange that. It might take all night."

Sam nodded. "I understand. Just call me before you go to bed."

"Like you don't wish she'd tell you what she's wearing at that moment!" Santana taunted.

"Please! He probably wants to talk to her in the tub!" Artie teased.

Sam blushed.

"Stop it!" I swatted them as they both laughed. "I'll see you later, baby." I kissed him softly.

I watched him as he left with Mike & Finn. Santana leaned into my ear. "Lovebirds. You are too cute!"

Somehow that didn't sound like a compliment. "Let's go to my house."

S&M&P

T & Lauren had a bunch of fun picking out songs for Sectionals. They texted us the song before six. It made our job a lot easier.

Artie came up with a sick beat with a killer horn section. Santana & I helped true enough but making music is that boy's calling!

I was so tired after dinner. After I bid the two goodbye, I went upstairs to do my homework & took a bath. I was entirely too wiped out! As I was getting my things ready for the next day, I remembered to call Sam.

"Hello?"

"Hey, Sammy!"

"Hi, Mercy!"

I really liked talking to him. "I'm ready for bed."

"Darn! I was hoping you were in the bath!"

"Artie was right; you're a perv!"

"Only for you, baby!"

I laughed though I wasn't entirely comfortable with the endearment. I only heard it when Puck & I- Speaking of which, I'd left him multiple messages all day & he'd returned none.

"I only wanted to hear your voice before I went to sleep."

"Why is that?"

"Because you give me good dreams."

I had to laugh at that. He was so corny! "So do you dream about me?"

I could hear his blush down the line. "Um…"

"Relax, Evans!" I chuckled. "I dream about you, too. Some of them are just as dirty as yours."

"You know I respect you, right?"

"I know. I respect you, too. I love you."

"I love you, too Mercy."

"Night, Sammy."

"Goodnight, MercyMe."

I hung up happily. I had my life back. I had my friends, my family & my boyfriend. Even glee was looking up. Everything was good with the world.

Except…

Damn that Puck! I don't know how I feel about him half the time anymore. It's like I was on fire & thinking about him constantly. It confused me. Yet it felt right. I was giving myself a headache so I decided to go on to bed. I had a big day tomorrow.

S&M&P

Puck: POV

I made sure my feet didn't make too heavy a thud on her carpeted floor. I shut the window behind me & took off my jacket & boots.

She made a soft sound in her sleep but didn't wake up. I sighed soundlessly & slid into her bed beside her. She turned in my arms as if by instinct.

I smiled to myself before smoothing her hair from her cute face. Her eyes were unfocused as she blinked. "Hey, Mama."

S&M&P

I should have been prepared for the slap. I really should have been. I palmed my face. "I'm guessing you aren't happy to see me?"

She glared at me. "I've been calling you all day! You couldn't pick up a phone?!"

"My bad. I was feelin a little low."

"Why didn't you just come over then?!" She hissed. "Where were you?!"

"Uh…" I really didn't want to fess up to that.

"Puck. Did you do anything I need to be aware of?"

I gulped. Yes, I did.

"Anything illegal?"

I shook my head though I think it was illegal.

"Immoral?"

"Why you gotta bust my chops, Mama?" I knew I shouldn't have gotten angry but I didn't want to talk about it. I didn't even know why I came over. Yes, I did. Doing what I did made me crave her.

"Who did you sleep with?!" Her voice raised slightly before she lowered it. I looked over at her clock & it read 3.

"Who said I slept with anyone?"

"Which old slut did you find during glee club? Is she why you didn't make it?"

"You sound jealous!"

"I'm angry that you won't tell me what's going on! What happened to make you find an old bag?"

Damn her insight! "I didn't bang a MILF."

"Oh? So it was a young whore?"

"Why you gotta call them those names?" I wasn't really mad. I just didn't want to admit to it. "I'm just like them."

"You're better. You just refuse to act like it." She sighed heavily. "This was supposed to be over, Puck. What happened? I know you weren't sleeping with anyone but Santana. Why the change up?"

You! I wanted to scream. "Nothing." I felt the muscle in my jaw tick with the force of my unsaid answer.

"Something happened!" She took my chin in her tiny hands. "& I won't be able to help you if you don't tell me."

"Are you withholding sex from me?"

"Don't get cute with me, asshole! I'm trying to help but I'm not going to let you get away with murder! We had a deal but it's like we take one step forward & twelve back!"

I lowered my eyes in shame. "Alright. My bad. I just had a rough day & didn't know how to tell you. I still don't want to tell you."

"Can you tell Dr. Taylor?"

I nodded slowly. I think Dr. Taylor would be the perfect person to talk to about this with.

"Come here." She opened her arms & I slid into them easily. I was so damn glad she never stayed mad at me for long.

"I couldn't face you so I found some cheerleader to screw to get over it. It didn't work."

"& now you have that on your mind as well?" She guessed.

I nodded. "I had to see you."

"I know."

The familiar fire burned in my gut at her understanding. No other girl got me the way she did. No other girl was ever going to try or succeed. At that moment I had to kiss her.

Again.

& again.

& again.

"Puck!" She moaned when I moved to her jaw. I shook my head, making her giggle. "No-No?"

I looked at her. I felt drunk & just wanted to be inside her. "Yeah, baby?"

"I gotta- let me grab-"

I knew what she meant & smirked as she got a condom from her bedside drawer. "So you want to go all the way?"

She snickered. "If you don't want to, I can just go back to sleep."

I growled at her before attacking those sweet lips.

S&M&P

Mercedes: POV

I was so glad Puck was safe. I really hated when he did his disappearing act.

My concentration was kinda broken when he traced his hands over my hips. "Noah."

His eyes burned brightly as he gazed at me. I couldn't take that stare. It made me feel naked & exposed yet completely comfortable. It unnerved me while it gave me courage.

"Noah, I'm sorry."

He frowned as his fingers pushed up my nightgown, searching for my absent underwear. "For what?"

"That you feel you have to do… what you do. It's been months & you still have to do it. I'm sorry."

I had to inhale sharply as his fingers found what they were looking for. It's embarrassing how wet I get for him.

He simply blinked at me with those tricolored eyes of his. I didn't know if he would say anything. It was hard to get him talking about his feelings. I truly felt for him.

I mean I truly felt him. Those magic fingers of his had me singing in no time. While I was floating down, he kissed me.

S&M&P

Puck: POV

Mama & I rarely kiss when we get down. I don't know what it is but it always seemed to happen before, after or when our clothes were on. Never during.

I don't know why I kissed her. It shut her up though. I really hated when she felt she had to apologize for the crap I went through. It made me love her more but it kinda broke my heart. It wasn't her fault yet she apologized more than anyone who's ever hurt me.

I pushed her nightgown up (gotta love em!) over her hips & covered myself. I knew she dug when I made her scream with clothes on. It made her feel badass. With one last peck, I power-thrusted. I had a feeling she missed it.

She arched off the bed so high, she was nearly bent in half & I was flyin. I pumped, finding a rhythm & she looped her arms around my neck. She toyed with the ends of my 'hawk & it drove me crazy.

"Baby?" I didn't know what I was going to say but hoped I wouldn't put my foot in my mouth like last time.

"Yeah?" She stuttered out. She had a real problem forming words when I got her on her back.

"Do you think- I could ever be… normal?"

I hit a good spot. I felt it almost as much as she did. I blinked through the passion so I could read her lips. "You are normal, No-No."

Couldn't believe she said that. It made me look at her different yet exactly the same. I could only change the tempo on our dance & stare at her like some kind of freak.

Then she kissed me!

Not a hot & passionate kiss like we usually do but a nice & sweet one. Like she does with Sam. I was surprised to say the least. I never expected that kinda kiss. Especially not during sex.

Then she shocked me by doing it again! Girl was tryin to kill me! I was havin feels all over the place! So I gave as good as I got.

I kissed her back with everything I felt. Every word I couldn't say, I used to kiss her. I kissed her with every feeling I've ever had toward her. The good, the bad & the ugly. I kissed her like it was our wedding day.

S&M&P

Mercedes: POV

I wasn't used to kissing Puck while helping him. It was usually a thing we did before, after or with our clothes on. Go figure.

But he kissed me first! & he was looking at me with those eyes. Those beautiful eyes that seemed to look into your soul. No matter what we did or how unguarded his gaze, I always felt like Puck was holding himself back. Some small piece of him so that he wouldn't get hurt.

After I told him he was normal, he looked at me completely open. I felt like I could read everything I'd ever wanted to know about him in his gaze. I couldn't help myself. I kissed him.

I had to! I had to show him I appreciated what he was doing. & I did! No one's ever let me in the way Puck did. Especially when he shouldn't have. With his baggage, I'd never let anyone anywhere near me!

But he let me in. I felt whole & completed in ways I didn't understand. It was like we fit. Like a giant puzzle was figured out.

At that moment I knew I loved him. He was just as important as Mikey to me & I thought he should know that. I kissed him with everything I couldn't say. Every word I stuttered over.

I barely realized he kept moving inside me (because those kisses were drugging!) but I felt the pressure build like a crescendo. I was racing toward a white hot release without any control.

I wrapped my legs around his hips & tried something new. Something unheard of. Something fresh. Something I thought up two seconds ago.

If he'd been on his back, I'd simply have been riding him. Sliding up & down his penis like a slide (the instrument; not the playground equipment). But since I was on my back, I don't know what to call it. It was what I was doing but different because of our positions.

It really seemed to get him going because he apparently forgot I could feel pain down there. & pain I did feel. It wasn't much & actually only served to turn me on. Guess I'm a freak…

He grasped my hips & dug in deep. I knew I'd have bruises in a matter of minutes. He pumped like he was trying to nail me to the mattress! I was coming undone at a rapid speed & he was growling. That turned me on, too.

He lifted one of my legs higher & changed directions just a smidge. It got me higher & I felt myself clenching him tightly. Our breaths mingled in the small shared space.

"No-No?" I whispered. I had to tell him how I felt before I came apart. I wanted him to know he'd always have me. I'd never desert him. He was my new best friend. Hopefully he won't tell Mike or Kurt. I don't need them skinning me.

"Yeah, baby?" He was clenching his teeth so hard, I was afraid they'd crack.

"I love you."

His eyes popped open & he sort of glared at me before reaching down to tease my sensitive bud. He thrusted harder & faster.

I bit my lip before softly calling out Abe.

"I love you, too Mama." He growled in my ear before pumping twice & stiffening.

I clung to him like Saran Wrap as I tried to come down. That was the best orgasm I'd ever had but I refused to make his big head any bigger.

He shuddered as he began cooling down. Our breaths were one as we inhaled. I had to kiss him again. It was like I couldn't breath if I didn't.

S&M&P

Puck: POV

Like I said; chick's tryin to kill me! I ain't never got down so tough, I ran out of breath. Until Mama.

She kissed me again. I could get used to it. Well, not now! My lungs began to burn but I refused to be the one to break away first. Just as I started seeing black spots, she released me. I dragged in deep breaths as she pecked all around my face.

"Mama?"

"Hmm?"

"I'm real sorry about today."

She stopped kissing me to look at me. I knew that stare. It was her I-need-to-make-sure-you're-not-a-filthy-liar stare. She gave it to Rachel all the time. I bore it cuz I was being honest. I didn't think how she'd take me being gone & I was sorry for her having to worry.

"Thank you." She gave me another soft kiss then a tight hug. "I need to clean up."

I nodded & let her up. She went to the bathroom right outside her room. I looked around for a second before pulling the condom off & disposing of it properly.

She came back & handed me a face towel that was hella hot. Damn thing left scorch marks on me! I cleaned myself while she changed. Once we were done, she took the cloth & her old clothes & left. Prior experience told me she was going to put them in the laundry room.

I was debating on if I should be gone by the time she came back when I heard a noise from the hallway. I jumped back into her bed & pulled the covers over my head.

Her door creaked open & I squeezed my eyes tight. I felt a hand over my forehead & knew it was Mama Jones. "Mercy baby?"

I groaned lightly so she'd think I was asleep. I didn't hear anything so I figured she was looking at me. I held my breath.

"Is that a leather jacket?" She whispered. "Must be Noah's. I told Mercy to tell that boy to put away his stuff. As much of his things he's left over here, he should have space in her closet!"

I smirked to myself. She wasn't wrong. I felt her lean over me & kiss my head. Her footsteps were light as she walked out & closed the door.

I heard another door close softly & knew she went back to bed. I sighed in relief. Until I heard another door!

It closed quickly & I heard quick steps approach the bed. I just knew I was done for! Especially when the covers were ripped back. I flinched.

"Puck?"

I turned over. "Damn, you scared me! I thought your momma came back!"

She grinned. "I was wondering if she thought you were me. She stayed too long for you to be hiding anywhere but in the bed."

"Where'd you hide?"

"Bathroom." She climbed into the bed & leaned against the pillows. "I hid behind the door."

"Such a badass!"

"I learned from the best." She pulled the covers around us & snuggled deep into her bed. "I didn't get a chance to tell you but you're singing the solo at Sectionals."

My eyes widened at that. "You lie!"

"I do not!" She huffed before giggling. "If you would have come to the meeting or returned a single text, I would have been able to tell you!"

"How did that happen?!"

She shrugged. "I just-"

"You?"

"Yeah, I-"

"You?"

"Puck!"

"Sorry. Go on."

"I simply talked Mr. Shue & Rachel into sharing the spotlight."

"I knew it! You're a witch! There's no way Berry would give up the spotlight!"

"Well, she did so be nice tomorrow."

I shrugged & pulled her into my arms. That's another reason I knew she was a witch; I do not cuddle! "For you? Anything."

S&M&P

Mercedes: POV

I woke up to sun streaming in my face & the smell of Puck in my sheets. I breathed deeply. His side was still relatively warm so he had to have just left. I hated to admit it & I would never tell him but Puck smells like heaven & sin had a baby!

"Mercy?! Time for school, baby!"

"Okay, Momma!" I shouted. My phone beeped so I checked it. A good morning text from Sam. I had the biggest grin on my face.

I jumped out of bed & went to my closet. The outfit I picked out the night before was on the hanging rack in the middle of the room. I brought it out & set it on the back of my desk chair.

I made my bed quickly & went to take my shower. I dressed & grabbed my backpack, purse, cell & a jacket. I skipped downstairs & set my load on a chair by the front door.

I waltzed into the kitchen to face my parents. "Good morning, Momma. Good morning, Daddy." I gave them kisses on the cheek.

"Morning, Princess." Daddy took a sip of coffee before turning his attention back to his newspaper.

"Eat your breakfast, honey." Momma pointed to my place at the table.

I sat & dug in. I loved the fact that my mom cooked breakfast for us. I was nearly an adult & as a busy successful career woman, she didn't have to. "Thank you, Momma."

"Here's your lunch, baby. Remember to stay away from those tots. They'll give you acne!"

I giggled. With Kurt gone & being away from Sammy, I'd gone a little crazy with the tots but Momma reminded me of my health. That's also something I loved about her. She said there was nothing wrong with being big, but there was something wrong with being unhealthy.

I looked at the clock on the wall. I had five minutes before I had to book it.

"Is someone coming to pick you up?"

I looked at Daddy. "I don't think so."

"Why are you staring at the clock?"

"I just wanted to know how much longer I can spend with my wonderful parents."

"You're such a good girl!"

Two voices said that but only one belonged to my father. I looked over & nearly had a heart attack. "Marcy?!"

S&M&P

Puck: POV

It killed me to leave Mama this morning but I had to if I wanted to be on time for school. I had to rush home & do my routine & haul ass to the high school. I didn't want to miss her.

I stood outside the building, leaning against it. I wanted to see her first. I noticed she never brought up Evans last night so maybe if I told her how I felt, everything would be kosher?

Hell, I said I love you!

S&M&P

Mercedes: POV

I couldn't stop hugging my sister. I had missed her so much! "Air! I need air!"

I let her go. "You're back! How long? Are you okay? I missed you!"

She laughed. "I am. Don't know. I am. I missed you, too!"

I pulled her in for a hug again. Just then a horn beeped outside.

"I thought you said you weren't waiting on anyone?" Daddy looked up from the paper.

"I'm not. Are you?" I looked at Marcy, who shook her head.

Momma went to the front door & opened it. We could hear her talking but couldn't make out any words.

I wondered who she was talking to but not for too long. She returned to the kitchen with Quinn in tow.

I blinked in surprise. "Quinn?"

"Hey!" She waved. "Hi, Pop! Marcy!"

Marcy went to hug Quinn as my mind sluggishly connected the dots. I couldn't believe Quinn was here in the morning. I couldn't believe my sister was here at all!

"Girls!" Momma clapped. "You can grill Marcy later. Time for school."

"Okay." Quinn pouted & released her. "But I'm coming over after school & we're having it all out!"

Marcy grinned. "I ain't afraid of you!"

"Come on, Mercy!" Quinn grabbed my lunch & my hand. She dragged me to the hall. "We're gonna be late!"

I pulled her to a stop. "Am I dreaming?!"

She cocked her head at me. "What?"

"This can't be reality! Rachel letting us do things our way. Puck being open. Marcy being home. You, here." I listed all the things that seemed too crazy for real life.

She started laughing. "Rachel's reign is over. We have you to thank for that. I don't know what you're talking about with Puck but you know Marcy got kicked out of another school. As for me; I'm here cuz I wanted to talk before school. So get your stuff & let's motor!"

I nodded mutely & put on my jacket. I stuffed my lunch box inside my back pack & stored my cell in my purse. I noticed a few missed texts from Quinn. She must have been texting to inform me of her decision.

Slinging my backpack over my shoulder & my purse on my arm, I called out. "Bye, Momma! Bye, Daddy! Bye, Marcy!"

Quinn yelled. "Bye, Pop! Bye, Marcy! Bye, Momma Rose!"

"Bye, girls!" We heard them scream back.

I slammed the door behind us & we made our way to Quinn's Beetle. As we climbed in, I took a look around the neighborhood. Winter was def. my favorite time of year, even with the cold.

After I buckled in, I eyed Quinn. "Talk, Blondie!"

Quinn laughed as she drove towards the school. "I just wanted to tell you something. I don't know if you've noticed but since Finn & I have gotten back together, I've been way happier."

"I have."

"So happy in fact that I've decided I don't care what people think."

"Since when?!"

"You & Marcy & Momma Rose have a habit of being who you are without giving a rat's ass what anyone thinks about it. Even Puck is like that. You're all happier for it so I decided to join the club."

"What does that mean?" I was happy she was happy but I was totally lost!

"It means I don't care who knows you & Mikey are my best friends."

I can admit my mouth was as open as a draw bridge. I was that damn shocked! "What now?!"

She looked at me before bursting into laughter. "I am walking into school with you on my arm & I don't care who the hell has a problem with it."

"I don't think I believe you." I said slowly. I remembered the first day of school too vividly to believe that.

"You'll see in just two seconds." As she was speaking, she pulled into a parking spot. She unbuckled her seatbelt & looked at me.

I closed my mouth & exited the car. I grabbed my stuff & began walking away. I didn't want her to see me cry when she walked past me.

I heard chuckling & cringed. I knew it. Seconds later, a hand grasped my fingers & squeezed. "Where are you going?"

I looked up. She was really there, holding my hand. Just like she promised. I looked around but no one was looking. That's why.

She pulled me back to her car & she grabbed her stuff before locking her doors. Then she grabbed my hand again & strode purposely for the doors.

People started whispering right away but she held her head high. I saw Puck leaning against the building but he straightened as soon as he saw us. His eyes bugged out & his jaw dropped.

I giggled at the sight & we kept walking. We turned a few corners with everyone in this damn school's mouths flapping about us but she was true to her word. She didn't care.

We turned another corner & saw Mikey with Artie, T & Britt. I wanted to slow but Quinn kept walking. By the time we were halfway to him, she stopped. "Mike&Ike!"

My mouth dropped but I called out, too, "Mikey!"

He turned with a frown (no doubt because there's a short list of people allowed to call him either name) but it disappeared as soon as he saw us. It soon melted into confusion. "What?"

Quinn pulled me so that we ended up running to him. Because she held such a tight grip; when she leapt into his arms, so did I.

"What are you two doing?!" T snapped. It probably looked bad.

"What are you doing?" Mikey asked as we let him go.

"Ask her!" I pointed at the blonde menace.

"Ask who?" She looked around playfully. I was (happily) amazed at her change.

"Ask Quinn, you nut!"

"Don't you mean, Lucy?" She bit her lip.

Mikey's jaw dropped. "Does this mean?"

She nodded like a bobble head. "Yep."

He turned to me. "Merce?"

"I think so. I really think so!"

"Anyone care to explain?" Artie asked in pure confusion. He looked as lost as Britt & Finn usually were.

"So it's the Three Musketeers again?" Mikey wanted to confirm.

"Marcy's home!" Quinn blurted.

His eyes widened. "You liar!"

"No way!" I squealed. I was so happy about all this. It really felt like a dream. "I didn't know until this morning but yes! She is home!"

"I've got to call Mal!"

"Your brother?" T scrunched her nose.

"Are you secret best friends?" Britt asked seriously. She would be the one to get it. Britt's way more insightful than many "logical" people.

"Not anymore." Quinn smiled. "Meet Merce & Mike&Ike. My not secret best friends."

"Welcome back, Q-Card!" Mikey & I chorused as we hugged each other.

"Best friends?" T looked skeptical. We all nodded. "Prove it!"

We all cocked our heads to the side. We used to do everything together. I had forgotten that. Seems like no matter the passage of time, some things never changed.

"Prove that you're friends. I could maybe believe Mercedes & Quinn because of last year but all of you?"

We all sighed. "Mercy's got a large light patch on her upper thigh for when she let Marcy try to give her a tattoo." Mike started.

"Mikey's favorite color is black." Quinn continued. "Not because he's a boy or it's "dark" but because the Addams Family is his favorite movie & he wanted to be Gomez."

"Quinn's allergic to peach fuzz & we found out the hard way when we went peach picking & she broke out in hives." I concluded.

T frowned & opened her mouth but Quinn beat her to it. "Mercy has an older brother, Marc & a younger sister, Marcy."

"Mikey has Mal & Maddie as younger siblings."

"Q has Laura. She's her older sister." Mike added.

"Well, damn!" Artie breathed. "How long have you been friends?!"

We all looked at each other. "How old are we?"

"That long?!"

We nodded. I forgot how creepy it was when we did that. I was suddenly reminded of those five kids from the TV show, Codename: Kids Next Door.

"Why didn't you tell me?!" Tina glared at me & Mikey. "You're my boyfriend & you're my best friend!"

Quinn cleared her throat but Tina ignored her.

"We made a pact when high school started." Mikey shrugged. "It's personal but seemed necessary at the time."

"& it doesn't matter anyway!" Quinn grabbed my hand again. "Cuz it's over!"

"Does that mean Movie Night is back on?" Mikey asked.

"Yep!" Quinn smiled. "Mercy's house."

"Just volunteering people's houses!" I sputtered.

"We need to see why Marcy's home."

"Oh yeah!" I snapped my fingers. "We can drag it out of her between movies."

"I seriously gotta let Mal know. He'll have a cow!" Mike shook his head.

"Why does your brother need to know about MJ's sister?" Artie wanted to know.

"Cuz they're going to get married one day." Quinn said matter-of-factly.

"It's a long story!" I laughed at their confused faces. "We'll tell you at lunch."

S&M&P

Puck: POV

Did I just see Mama walk into school holding Quinn's hand?!

S&M&P

Sam: POV

It was weird when I stepped into school. Everyone was whispering & looking at me funny. I ran a hand through my hair to see if it was messed up but I was fine.

Some people weren't as quiet as others & I heard snatches of their conversations.

That poor boy!

He must be bad in bed if she left him.

Traded one blonde for another.

At least she climbed to the top!

I'd pay to watch!

You know they lived together last year. Think they got down & couldn't stay away from each other?

They both were with Puckerman.

She's going from one extreme to another.

I wonder if he knows!

I'd never leave him!

Do you think he knows?

Maybe she has them both? Girl has game! You know she's the only girl to ever dump Puck.

I frowned at that last one. Did Santana do something? I thought he was after my girl but if Santana hurt Puck, I'd still feel bad for him.

I walked to my locker amidst more looks & whispers. I opened it when it shut suddenly. "What the hell did you do?!"

I blinked. What the hell?! "Puck?"

"What did you do?" He repeated.

"What are you talking about?!" I glared at him.

"To Mama. What did you do to her to make her swear off men?"

My jaw dropped. "What?!"

He frowned in confusion. "You don't know?"

"Know what?! I walk into school & everyone's lookin at me funny! I can hear them but not really. I heard your name & thought Santana did something to you."

His eyebrow lifted. "Nobody's worried about Satan. They're worried about Sam Jr."

I glanced down before looking back up. "Why?"

"Cuz Mama walked into school holding Q's hand. They've been holding hands everywhere they've gone so far."

"Which is where?! School just started!"

He shrugged. "Into school, Tina's locker, Q's locker, Mama's locker, the bathroom, Satan's locker." He finished ticking off the places on his hand.

"Girls hold hands." I wasn't worried. I think. "Brittany & Santana hold hands all the time."

"Britt & Satan hold more than just hands." He walked away at that.

I tried to wipe the stupid look off my face but I was dumbfounded. All this time I was worried about guys stealing her away, I forgot about the girls!

Stupid! Stupid! Stupid! I beat my head against my locker. I didn't even hear Finn walk up. "Hey, dude."

I stopped & peered at him. "Have you heard? Our girlfriends left us for each other!"

S&M&P

Mercedes: POV

I was floating on cloud nine all day! I swear everything in my life was perfect. I had my family, my friends, my health, my sister back home, my two best, best, best friends publicly acknowledging me, my boyfriend, my spotlight in glee & Puck. If Marc was to visit more, I'd seriously die of joy overload.

"Miss Jones? What is the square root of nine?"

I jumped as a ruler came crashing onto a desk. "This isn't math class."

My teacher smirked. "Just checking."

Mikey stifled a laugh & bumped my arm. "Real smooth, Mercy."

I stuck my tongue out. "Stuff it, Chang!" I faced the front as our teacher turned around with a raised eyebrow. I smiled innocently.

When he turned back around, I wrote on the next page in my notebook. I ripped it out quietly & slid it over to Quinn, who was on my other side.

Out the corner of my eye, I saw her nod. She slid it back & I tossed it to Mikey. He nodded, too.

I smiled bigger. I wanted their help with a new idea I had. This school isn't ready for Minke Fabanges!

S&M&P

Lunch finally arrived. I wasn't too hungry because I was bursting to tell my news. Quinn grabbed her lunchbox & we held hands again as we skipped to the cafeteria.

We'd done that all day. Hold hands. Skipping, too. She seemed just as happy as me.

We entered the brightly lit room & everyone turned to stare at us. A quiet hush fell as we walked to our Gleek table. As we sat, the noise rushed back like someone opening a bottle.

"Wanky!" Of course she'd be the first to say something!

"What's the matter, Tana?" I calmly opened my lunchbox.

"At first, I wondered why you dumped Trouty but I guess I get it. Lady kisses are awesome."

"What the hell are you talking about, Santana?" Quinn expressed as she took food out of her lunchbox.

"The two of you." She leaned on the table & leered at us. "I give you props, Ice Queen; Aretha's a catch."

Quinn & I looked at each other before glaring at her. "What?!"

Mikey burst out laughing uncontrollably. "This is amazing!"

We glared at him but before anyone could say anything, Finn & Sam entered looking mad as hell.

They stomped over. "How could you?!" We blinked. "After everything we've been through?!" We blinked again. "Say something!"

I wondered briefly if that's how we sound when we speak in unison. I shook it off before asking Sam, "You remember that talk we had two weeks ago about me not knowing what the hell you're talking about? We're going to have another one."

He took a deep breath. "Why'd you leave me for Quinn?"

I smiled. I couldn't help it. He was so cute! Then I started laughing at his accusation.

Quinn closed her eyes as she started laughing, too. For a moment only Mikey, Quinn & I were heard as we laughed. Britt, Artie & T joined seconds later as both boys began blushing.

Rachel, Puck & Lauren walked up separately & asked what was so funny.

Artie swiped away tears. "They're best friends, you dumbasses!"

"But they're holding hands." Sam pouted.

"Santana & I hold hands." Brittany pointed out.

Sam glared at Puck.

"So you're not cheating on me with Cedes?" Finn worried his bottom lip.

Quinn pulled Finn down beside her & kissed him. "No. I love Mercy but not like I love you."

"Why does that sound familiar?" I wondered out loud.

Mikey's eyes grew & he tapped my shoulder. "Paul Michelson!"

My mouth fell open before I started cracking up. "From fifth grade?! Yes!"

Quinn whipped her head around to glare at us. "We swore never to mention that name ever again!"

Mikey & I laughed harder.

She growled. "Mikey, do I have to tell Tina about that movie-"

"No! No! No!" He waved his hands & blushed hard.

I tried to get my laughter under control but his actions were too funny. I knew what movie she was talking about & it made me laugh harder.

"Do I need to tell Sam about a certain someone, Mercy?"

I scoffed. I didn't know who she was talking about so I didn't care.

"Somebody who put the "fun" in "funk"?" My laughter died a quick death. "I thought so!"

"Cedes doesn't have any dark secrets." Rachel frowned. "Neither does Mike. Quinn, you're just being mean."

Quinn threw her a disgusted look. "I've known the both of them for most of my life. I think I know them better than you."

Everyone was surprised at that. We quickly explained (the abridged version) our history along with the nice part of the Mal/Marcy situation.

"So I texted him before lunch & he should be at your house right now!" Mike swore.

I shook my head. "He won't cut class."

"He did last year." Quinn fed Finn a cherry. "When I was still pregnant, she came home & he literally ran from school to your house. I had a doctor's appointment so I let him in."

"Insane!" Tina breathed. "That is so romantic!"

I swiped one of Quinn's cherries & shot it at Puck's mouth. He caught it & I turned to face Tina. "The boy is sprung."

"Almost as much as Laura." Mikey threw in.

Quinn groaned. "I do not need to hear about Her Majesty!"

"Isn't that your sister?" Santana asked.

I nodded. "She & my brother had a thing going on before she up & married some guy from her college last year."

Rachel's eyes widened. "Oh, how tragic! Your brother must be so heartbroken!"

I frowned slightly. "He was. He doesn't talk about it much though. He focuses on school & sports now."

"He gave up the ladies?!" Puck shuddered. "You Fabrays can kill a man!"

Quinn threw a celery stick at him. It was mine. "I'm nothing like her!"

Everyone laughed. "Marc dates anyway. Not actually dating but he's no monk!" I continued.

"How old's your brother?" Santana had a lustful glint in her eye.

"Too old for you, Satan!"

She pouted. "We could be sisters."

"He's nineteen."

"I've had older."

"I'll pretend I didn't hear that!" I handed Sam a strawberry.

"How old's your sister?"

"Santana!" I laughed. "Are you trying to get with my whole family?!"

"If you let me see a picture?" She shrugged.

I rifled through my purse for my wallet that held many family pictures. I found a few of Marc & Marcy & showed the table.

Santana whistled. "Damn, you Jones' are fine!"

Puck took a picture of Marcy. "Hell yeah!"

"Leave my sister alone, pervert!" I warned him.

"Come on, Mama! Hook me up!"

"She'll eat you for lunch." Mikey laughed. "Marcy's left people brokenhearted all over the globe. Don't do it to yourself."

"& Mal would probably go ballistic." Quinn reminded everyone.

"I'd like my head to stay on my neck, thank you." Puck slid the picture back.

I laughed & put them away. "So I was thinking about the competition."

"Yes!" Rachel clapped excitedly. "I was also thinking of competitions. I made a few choices for you to look over. I know you want to win as much as I do so I've prepared a few selections for you to preview."

I blinked as she took a breath. "Okay."

"Some are duets between Finn & I-"

"Actually, Finn is what I wanted to discuss." I cut in. He looked at me in confusion. "Mr. Shue usually has you singing songs that quite frankly put people to sleep. But I've noticed that when allowed to choose for yourself, you go for hard rock & rap. Your voice compliments the genres better & you have more fun with them. I was thinking that you should go over eighties rock, rap & metal & nineties rap."

He considered it. "Don't tell Mr. Shue but I kinda hate Journey."

Everyone laughed.

"I was thinking this morning as I was taking my shower-"

"Wanky! Fuckin wanky!"

"Santana!" I glared at the girl, who was fanning herself.

She shrugged. "Go on."

I rolled my eyes. "Anyway, I was thinking about you guys. Your voices & personal style. Sammy, you should stick with country & 60s artists."

He lifted a brow. "Why?"

"Well, none of us do country like you. Plus, that Supremes number you guys did was super sweet. I think any California sound is great for you. Just not gangsta rap. I like you & I like Snoop Dogg but the two should never mix."

He chuckled & swiped another of my strawberries.

I turned to Britt. "Now that you & Britney Spears are on better terms, I think you should stick with late nineties/early two thousand pop. Also, Top 40 & fifties pop. Your voice is clear & you have great diction. It doesn't matter if you have a strong voice or not."

Britt smiled. I don't think anyone ever gave her a compliment on her voice before.

"Speaking of, Quinn." I looked at my soul sister. "Rockabilly. You can have the late forties to early seventies but most def. rockabilly. Your voice is light but you do have an edge, which would be perfect for the genre. Plus, a little girl group from the nineties. You're so pro-girl & it'd fit."

"I like it." Quinn smiled.

"T?" She looked up. "You're my favorite."

"I am?" She perked up.

"For the girls, yes. You have such an amazing array. I want you all the way from the roaring twenties until the late sixties. The seventies & eighties aren't for you. Unless it's a girl rock/metal group. Skip the nineties. Early two thousand until now is great for you, too. You're the perfect balance of sweet melodic voice with a raspy edge when necessary. You give everything you sing a fresh twist that's unheard of yet completely right."

T blushed & hid her face in Mikey's shirt. "Thanks!"

"Rachel?" She looked up. She didn't know where I was going with this. "I want you to keep Broadway in your back pocket."

She cocked her head. "You want me to keep doing what I'm doing? Are you saying I'm absolutely perfect & have no further advise for me?"

"No." Her face dropped & Puck snickered. "I mean I want you to have it on hand but leave it alone. You're more than a belter. Right now that's all we hear. I know you can put emotion into a song but I can't hear it. I can see it but I can't hear it. So I want you to dig into barbershop quartets & early nineties girl groups. I also want you to look into rap songs."

"I can't rap!" She whispered scandalized.

"I know that!" I snapped. "I want you to listen to the singers in the background. A lot of times (since rap was so new), they had women singing in the background though they weren't always mentioned. I want you to know how that feels. To sing those glory notes without the glory."

Her face was completely cracked. "But-"

"You say you're the best; prove it." I taunted.

Her face firmed as I challenged her. "I will!"

"Artie?"

"Yes, ma'am!" He grinned.

"Baby, I can't wait for you to do what you do!"

"What does that mean?" Britt asked.

"I want Artie to explore everything he's feeling. I know my boy can run across the genre board but he hasn't had the chance. I want him to go from Keith Sweat to R. Kelly. We need more R&B so I know he'll get a kick out of doing that. Plus, his voice is enough to make a girl pregnant faster than a bottle of tequila. He needs to tap into that. Get his Elvis on all the way to pre2009 Chris Brown."

"You got it!"

Santana laid across the table slightly. "When is it gonna be my turn?!"

I laughed. "Right now! You know you're all over jazz & blues. You are Amy Winehouse. But also think of soft jazz. Don't neglect your Latin roots either. I've yet to hear a Gloria Esteban song or Selena. I'm highly upset about that. Especially Selena. She was my sister's & mine favorite singer."

Santana pouted at the memory of such a profound singer dying so early in life. "I'm up for it."

"Lauren? I want you to get into scream-o."

Lauren's eyebrows lifted. She probably thought I wouldn't have anything to say to her since she was here to fill a spot. Bump that! The girl had more stage presence than Puck & we were going to drag some talent outta her even if it killed her.

"Really?"

"Yep. You're not too confident singing so scream-o is perfect for you. Plus, there's parodies & rock from the eighties that weren't good anyway so it won't be like you could do worse. Also, look up Janis Joplin's early work. Her voice was similar to yours in texture."

She smiled shyly.

"Mercy?"

I looked at Mike&Ike. "Yes, Mikey?"

"Come on!"

"What?"

"Are you telling me to shut up & stay in the background?" He pouted.

I giggled. "You know I can't have that! My boy has better chops than he thinks!"

He looked satisfied. "Bet not forget me!"

"Never that! I want you to be with Tana when she looks up soft jazz. You're so Dean Martin without realizing it! In fact, I want you to stay in the twenties to the early sixties. Then I want you in early nineties male groups, like Boyz II Men & Color Me Badd. You can harmonize like nobodies business! As a treat, the Jacksons. You're the only guy I know who can pull off early Michael as much as Artie can pull off later Michael."

Mikey & Artie high-fived. "You know it!"

I looked at Puck with a smirk. "You're my favorite guy."

"Am I really?"

I nodded. "Know why?" He shook his head. "Cuz you're just like Tina. Your versatility astounds me!"

He smirked. "I don't know what that means but I'll take it!"

T pulled a face. "It means you're good at more than one thing!"

He shrugged carelessly.

I rolled my eyes. "Big band jazz. Your Sammy is amazing. You can rap. You're such a rockstar. Stay the hell away from country. You're honest enough!"

Everyone laughed. Sam poked my side. "What's that supposed to mean?!"

"Marcy says country is the only honest genre out there. If you're sad, there's a country song. If you're happy, there's a country song. If you're heartbroken, there's a country song. If you're thirsty, there's a country song!"

He laughed so hard, his face turned red. "I guess we do express ourselves."

"So Puck, hold it in. I also want you to look into Doo wop. I believe your voice would be great in numbers with Artie & Mikey. You can harmonize well, too. You don't have to be in the front to make a difference & that's why I like your voice. It can be understated. I want you to be all over & stick your nose in every genre but country & California music. If Sam's singing it, don't. That's a good rule of thumb."

"Why?" He glared at me.

"Because it'll seem insincere. You don't have to change who you are to get your point across. You're a badass & there's nothing wrong with that. Never apologize, never surrender."

He grinned. "No worries!"

I threw a carrot (pilfered from Quinn) at him. "Don't be a dick! The happy music Sam can get away with, you can't. On him, it's happy. On you, it's sappy."

"Alright! Got it!" He munched on the stick.

"What are you going to do?" Rachel asked.

"I'm going to stay away from R&B. It's too predictable & I'm more than that. I have eclectic tastes & need to show that more. So I'm going to run the spectrum like Artie." I smiled.

"This is so exciting!" T squealed. "I can't wait to start looking up music!"

"We have to show you what we came up with last night." Santana reminded.

"We also need to work fast on numbers so we can start auditioning for the competition spots." Artie threw in. "We have the duet but if we start in on MJ's suggestions, we'll have serious competition for those spots once Mr. Shue posts them."

"I can't wait!" Britt fairly hummed. "Maybe this year I can be featured!"

"You never know." I shrugged.

S&M&P

Sam: POV

I was so glad Mercy wasn't cheating on me with Quinn. I mean Quinn's pretty & all but look at me! I'm joking but still.

I looked down at my pint-sized love & smiled like a doofus. She brought that out in me. "Mercy?"

"Hmm?" She looked up at me.

"Why'd you keep Mike & Quinn a secret?"

It was free period & we were in the library studying. She sat next to me doing her homework when I asked. No, I wasn't doing my homework so don't even ask! "Quinn wanted it."

"Why?"

"It was a private battle for her." She set her purple pen down. "Doing what she's doing… what she did this morning? It's big for her. I'm proud of her. We decided to keep us a secret to help her. Obviously it worked."

"You're all really close then, huh?"

She nodded. "We are. Don't say anything but pretending I didn't know them on the first day broke my heart. I'd always walked into school with them & then I had to be alone. It was awful."

"Why didn't you tell them?"

"Cuz they needed it the way it was. I couldn't be selfish."

My eye almost started twitching at that. I hated how every time she wanted something, she was being selfish but on other people, they're being brave. She's the most unselfish person I knew! "Maybe you should tell them how you feel."

She shook her head sadly. "It's over now. No need to bring up the past."

I wanted to argue it more but I figured it wouldn't go over well. So I decided to switch it up. "What about Puck?"

She scrunched her nose. "What about Puck?"

"Is he like Mike or is he like Artie & Finn?"

"Oh! He's like Mikey. Just don't tell Mikey!"

I smiled at her giggle. "I promise I won't."

"How do you feel about all these people talking about you?"

I frowned at her. What people? "What do you mean?"

"Around school. People have been whispering all day. Now that I know what's going on, I'm pretty sure people have been saying mean things about you."

She was concerned over me! "I don't care what people think or say."

Her smile widened. "I don't either."

"I was thinking since we couldn't spend yesterday together…" I picked up her small hand & played with the tiny dimples on it. "We could spend tonight together."

She pouted. "Tonight's movie night. & we need to see why my sister's home. How about tomorrow? We can spend all day together?"

I didn't like that I had to wait a day but as long as I got her, I didn't care. "All day?"

"From ten to six."

"I might have to bring Stevie & Stacie."

"We can go to the park."

See?! That's what I love about her. She adapted to the plans like she thought up the changes herself. She actually liked my siblings & didn't mind spending time with them. I loved that! "They'll get a kick out of that."

"I missed them. Two weeks was a long time!"

"We won't have any more breaks, right?"

She shook her head & grinned. "No way! I thought I was going crazy! Every day I had something I wanted to tell you but I couldn't."

"You can tell me now?" Her words filled me with happiness & a deep sense of worth.

"Okay, the first day was super hard but Puck & I were in the auditorium-"

I stopped paying attention. Her & Puck? I know she said he was like Mike but I had a bad feeling he wasn't. Mike always gave off super personal vibes but now that they didn't have to hide their pasts, he seemed friendlier.

Puck, on the other hand, was different. He reminded me of… well, me! He was possessive of her. Her time, her attention. He hated anyone else being anywhere near her.

She didn't seem to see it but I did. Because I felt the same way. I mean I thought I trusted the glee guys but when I thought she was cheating on me, I was so suspicious! It never even actually went away.

I knew she saw them as friends but I'm not blind. I saw the way they looked at her when she wasn't paying attention. Mike was the only one who looked at her in a way I was comfortable with. Finn checked out her boobs every chance he got & Artie had to stop himself from touching her butt.

They ain't slick! I sees them! I was the same way before we got together but Puck was the absolute worst! He didn't ogle her like meat; he looked at her like she was his. He glared at the other guys when they forgot they had girlfriends, he made sure they didn't touch her; he even stopped them from talking to her sometimes.

He was even worse with me. Some times I thought he'd kill me if he could get away with it. Bury me in his back yard & run off with Mercy into the sunset.

Every time she paid him the slightest bit of attention, he lapped it up. Her? I could trust; him? not at all! I was going to keep a closer eye on Puck.

"Sammy!" I looked over. "Are you even listening to me?!"

"I'm sorry, baby."

"Don't call me that." She eyed me closely. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah. Just thinking."

"About the plan?"

I lied. "Yeah. I really appreciate it."

She beamed & my guilt eased.

The plan was something she thought up earlier as a way to make sure we all graduated on time. Mercy was always thinking. The kids with the best grades would tutor the kids with the worst grades. Meaning Artie, Quinn, Mike & Mercy would tutor me, Brittany, Finn & Puck.

Even though I'd get to spend more time with Mercy, I'd be spending time with Puck, too. Fun.

I looked up in surprise when the bell rang. I didn't realize I'd drifted off again. As usual, my homework was undone. I shrugged. That's what the plan was for.

I looked at Mercy, who was packing away her stuff. "You ready?"

She nodded. "Yep."

We stood & I grabbed her hand. I looked down as we left the library & studied our hands. Mine, big & white against hers, small & brown. It was perfect.

S&M&P

Mercedes: POV

I was humming with excitement at glee. We were waiting for everyone to show up so Artie, Tana & I could perform our duet selection.

As usual the only late person was Puck. I swear that boy does it on purpose!

He came sauntering in with his fine self all extra late… I mean, with his inconsiderate self. Anyway, he had that infuriating smirk on his face that I longed to kiss off sometimes. Damn! I meant slap off. I'm tired…

I shook my head as I grabbed his hand & pushed him into a chair. "Took you long enough!"

"I'm here, ain't I?" He shrugged.

I balled my fist. "I will punch you!" He simply smirked & wiggled his eyebrows. I am so ashamed to admit: I became instantaneously wet. I swallowed & slapped his shoulder. "Be on time next time or I'll beat you!"

"Hurt me, Mama!" Though he whispered it, I heard every syllable.

I stuck my tongue out. "Now that Lazy decided to show up!" I glared at him as I addressed the class. "We can get this show on the road."

"Right!" Tana stood. "'Retha had some great ideas at lunch & they really fit with what we did last night."

"Ideas?" Mr. Shue sat up straight. Everyone told him my suggestions. No one said anything bad about them; not even Rachel. "Wow."

"During my free period, I had the chance to look up a few songs & Cedes is right." Rachel began. "There are many rap songs that feature singers that received no recognition. It's criminal! The raw pain behind such an act will drive my emotional range through the roof!"

Mr. Shue blinked at her. "I'm surprised you took such direction, Rachel."

"At first, I was very reluctant but Mercedes brought up a very good point. I strive to be the best. I have to be the best at everything. That way no matter what anyone throws at me; I'll be ready."

That wasn't exactly what I meant but as long as she stopped screaming Streisand, I didn't care.

"What song choice did you girls pick, Tina?" Mr. Shue looked at her.

T beamed. "Seether!"

He frowned slightly. "Excuse me?"

"Seether's this band that has been mostly underground for their entire career until they released a track for the Punisher soundtrack almost ten years ago." Lauren explained. "It featured Evanescence's Amy Lee. That's actually why it went mainstream. Evanescence has a large following & the song was just plain good."

"MJ & I love Evanescence." Artie grinned. "Amy Lee is such a gift & I know that if anybody can sing her, it's MJ or Satan."

"But for this song, Tana's gonna do Amy's part & I'm going to do the male part." I said. "It's new."

"I can't wait to hear it." Mr. Shue clapped. "We're ready when you are."

Santana & I set stools in front of the class & sat. Artie nodded to the band, which started.

When we were done, everyone had a weird look on their faces. Except for Artie, they looked… perplexed is a great word.

"Guys?" I asked nervously. Maybe they hated it?

S&M&P

Puck: POV

Holy sh¡t! I might have just died & gone to heaven! I knew Mama had talent but damn!

For a few minutes we all were kinda stuck. I could tell Mama was getting nervous. "Guys?"

I stood up & clapped. There wasn't any words I could say but I'd be damned if I let her think it wasn't good.

Everyone started clapping one by one, until it was loud as hell. Mike & Sam whistled. Tina started crying & even Lauren had a hard time staying tough.

"Girls." Mr. Shue stood & walked to them. "All I can say is… wow!"

"What do you think, Rachel?" Mama eyed her.

We all turned to Rachel. I swear if she said something hurtful, I was going to lose my mind!

She swiped away a tear. "That was amazing. I've never heard the song but it's so amazing. I think we can win."

Mama pulled her into a hug. Man that was hot. Even though both had tears in their eyes, they were smiling & holding each other tight.

"We need a song for Puck."

I raised my eyebrow. I forgot all about everybody else. I looked at Mr. Shue. "Mama can pick it."

"She wants other people to pick songs but after that performance, I agree."

"What's the genre?" Mama sniffed.

"We have a metal song that's jazzed up." Artie thought. "How about a rockin Broadway song?"

"Oh!" Mama's eyes lit up & she clapped. "I know the perfect song!"

Rachel gazed at her with wide eyes. "Are you thinking what I'm thinking?"

"Roger?" Mama asked.

"Glory?"

"Yes!" They both screamed. We all must have looked stupid as hell cuz they looked at us with pity. "Rent?"

"As in paying rent?" Mr. Shue tried to sound like he wasn't as confused as the rest of us.

"The musical Rent!" Rachel snapped.

"Or the more popular movie adapted from the musical." Mama went on. "One of the character's name is Roger & he sung a song called Glory that was so beautiful!"

"So beautiful!" Rachel echoed. "I think Puck would be the perfect choice for such an arrangement."

"We can have it fluctuate." Mama really got into it. "It can start soft then go hardcore. Go soft again then go hard again. Then it can end soft. Kinda like Europe's Carrie."

They all looked at her crazy but Finn & I nodded. We knew what she was talking about. "The Final Countdown."

She smiled at me. "Yeah. I know it falls into soft rock & he was talking about a girl but I like the way it went back & forth. The end kinda made you think."

Finn high-fived her. "Exactly!"

Mr. Shue's face cleared. "You mean the band Europe? Oh! You're right. It is a good song. I think it'll be a great idea. I'm putting the sign up sheets up after practice so everyone can sign up whenever they want to."

"Will you redo it for me?" I asked Mama.

She nodded. "Come over Sunday & we can work on it."

"Why not tomorrow?"

"I'm hanging out with Sammy." She got the goofiest grin on her face when she said that.

It took everything in me to not spaz out. "Okay. Sunday then."

Rachel finally let her go. "Will there be choreography for these pieces?"

Mr. Shue pursed his lips. "What do you think?"

Mama blinked. He never gave her any lead before so to do so now was messin with her head space. "Um… I think we should. For our duet, it could be a waltz. For Puck's solo, we can tango."

"Really?" Tina looked nervous. "Wouldn't that be too fast or sexual?"

"I don't think so." Mama bit her lip. "Rachel, can you sing a few bars? I want to see something. Come here, Mike&Ike."

We all sat down to see what she meant. Santana moved the stools before sitting down. Rachel sat at the piano & sang a few bars while Mama & Mike danced.

It was actually kinda good. Rachel sung slightly slow so the tango wasn't fast but it wasn't all girly. It wasn't too sexy either. It was kinda serious, like they were having a real conversation or something.

They stopped moving when Rachel quit singing. They all turned to us.

"Something like that." Mama looked at us. "What do you think?"

"Have you always been like this?" Mr. Shue asked.

She frowned. "Like what?"

"Profound is a good start. All these ideas! I never knew you thought about it. I guess I just assumed you simply showed up & sang."

I couldn't resist. "Ass."

He frowned. "Thanks, Puck. From now on, I'll be listening more closely, Mercedes."

She smiled shyly. "Thanks, Mr. Shue."

"Do you think you & Mike & Brittany can come up with the appropriate dances next week? Sectionals is in two weeks so we need to get a move on."

She nodded. "Yeah, I think we can do that."

Mr. Shue walked to his briefcase & took out two sheets of paper. "These are the sign up lists. I'm going to go put them up & you can sign up whenever. Practice is over."

Once he left, Mike turned to Mama. "Ready?"

She nodded. "Sure. Let me grab my stuff. I'm sure Quinn is going to take forever finding stuff."

"Why?" Artie wheeled over.

"She's always bad at bringing stuff for sleepovers." Mike rolled his eyes. "One time she tried to bring her whole room!"

"It takes her days to decide what she wants to wear & what to pack." Mama shook her head. "The child is a mess!"

"Hey!" Q planted her hands on her hips. "I'm standing right here!"

Mike & Mama looked at each other before eyeing her. "You are."

She glared at them. "I'm sleeping with Marcy. You guys are mean!"

"No way!" Mike yelled. "I'm sleeping with Marcy!"

"Hey!" Mama's mouth fell open. "I do not kick anymore!"

"I don't believe you." Mike eyed her warily.

"You still kicked last time." Q pouted.

Mama pouted, too. "Not a lot!"

I wanted to laugh & brag that she never kicked me but Sam was still there.

"I want to be a dancer, Merce." Mike put his arm around her.

She shrugged him off. "Get off me! I don't like either of you anymore!"

They wrapped their arms around her so you could barely see her smooth chocolaty skin. "We love you!"

"Marcy's not going to want to sleep with Sir Snores-a-Lot or Princess Hog-a-Bed!" Mama's voice was muffled.

"Hey!" They let her go.

"I do not snore!"

"I don't hog the bed!"

"Stop lying, Tubbers!" Santana scoffed. "You're a bed hog."

"& you snore like a garbage truck." Finn told Mike.

"The three of you are a right mess!" Tina laughed. "One's a kicker, another snores to high heaven & the last is a bed hog."

They glared at her. "I am not!"

"When did movie night turn into a sleepover though?" Tina asked with a twinkle in her eye.

"Queen Quinn." Mike & Mama snorted.

She sat her hands on her hips. "I just want to get caught up! & it's Lucy to you two!"

"We had brunch a couple weeks ago!"

Q rolled her eyes. "Really catch up! Just like old times."

"We will." Mike threw his arms around the both of them. "Just don't prank me."

"Don't go to sleep first." Mama smirked. I'd like to think she took after me.

"As long as I outlast Queen, I'm good." Mike grinned.

Q smacked the back of his head. "Don't you dare do anything to me!"

"You know you have to worry about Marcy more than Mikey." Mama told her. "Remember last time when they tried to shave your head?"

Q blinked back tears as she ran her fingers through her hair. "Yeah."

I raised my hand for a high-five. Mike let go of Q to slap it. "Awesome!"

Q glared at me. "It was not awesome! If it wasn't for the fact that they were arguing over how to do it, I would be bald right now!"

Mike shrugged like it was no big deal. "I wanted clippers but Marcy said they were too loud. I said a razor would take too long."

"Mike!" Tina held her own hair. "That's just mean!"

"It's a reason that demon keeps getting kicked out of schools." He grinned. "Everything sounds like a good idea when she's explaining it."

Finn laughed. "I'm glad you couldn't do it though. Quinn would look funny with no hair."

I bent over laughing when she glared at him so hard, every guy shifted away from him.

S&M&P

Sam: POV

Poor Finn! He tried apologizing but Quinn wasn't havin it! I looked at Mercy but she had her face in Mike's shirt. I was pretty sure she was laughing cuz her shoulders were moving.

I walked over & pulled her from him. I was right. She was laughing so hard, her face was red & she was crying. "Is it bad that I saw that coming?"

I bit back my own laughter. "Even I saw it coming."

She held on to me tightly as she calmed herself. "Are you gonna sign up?"

I shrugged. "Maybe. It doesn't matter to me."

"But I love your voice."

I looked down at her but she was staring at my shirt. "Not as much as I love yours."

"Hey! Cut that out!" Santana crossed her arms across her chest.

"Nobody asked you!" Mercy giggled. "We're cute!"

"Disgustin ain't cute!" Artie waved a hand.

Mercy waved one, too. "Forget both of you."

"We gotta go anyway." Mike reminded her. "Somebody's going to take forever."

"& she did drive today." Mercy nodded. "Come on, Lucy!"

S&M&P

I went straight home & relayed the news. Mom & Stacie were so happy & danced around the kitchen like they won the lotto. Dad literally sent a prayer of gratitude up to heaven. Stevie was the only one not happy. At least until I told him Mercy would be around a lot more. He perked up then.

I went to make the picnic extra early just so everything would be set. I couldn't wait.

S&M&P

Mercedes: POV

We raced home quickly because we knew if we didn't get there in time, Marcy wouldn't be talking to anyone. It's kinda hard to talk when your face was superglued to someone else's. Luckily when we got upstairs, Marcy & Mal were sitting on her bed with clothes on so we dragged her to my room so we could start the movie marathon we sorely needed.

We had a lot of fun. It was just like the old days where we didn't have to be anyone we weren't. It was good. I fell asleep with a smile on my face.

I woke up that way, too. Marcy & Mal were gone by the time I did but that was okay. I climbed over Mikey & jumped in the shower. I pulled on jeans & a sweater with these funky metallic purple boots. I grabbed a breakfast of an orange & granola bar while taking a walk in the neighborhood. It was so calm & serene. My life was pretty good right now & I was breathing it in.

After about ten minutes, I went back to the house & told people where I was going before grabbing my purse & getting in my car. I drove to a park where I'd be meeting Sammy & his siblings. It wasn't far for me to drive.

When I got there, I started texting Puck about his musical choice. We actually were having a pretty good conversation. I didn't even realize Sammy was there for a while. I get kinda wrapped up in Puck. He's like that. All consuming. I told him it wasn't a good thing.

"Mercy!" Stacie rushed into my arms.

"My diva in training!" I hugged her tightly. "Where's Stevie? Does he not like me anymore?"

Stevie was right in front of me. He smiled & opened his arms. "I'm right here!"

"Really?!" I'm stupid. But he grinned anyway & let me give him a big bear hug. "I missed you!"

"I missed you, too Mercy. You won't leave anymore?"

"As long as I am able, I'll be here." I promised.

Broken by Seether ft. Amy Lee