Sorry for the short hold up guys! No, I will never go on a loong hiatus like I did before, but I was extremely busy and had no time to write because I just recently moved into a new place which consumed most of my time. Luckily, here's a new chapter, and hopefully by mid-August I'll at least have another two or three chapters up depending on how inspired I am! I'm sorry if this chapter kind of drags on.. I was definitely on writer's block and all over the place but I hope you still like. :) The first part although may seem like just a filler, I'd like to think there's more behind it. Trying to keep everything I write relevant, so there won't be any "so what" parts. Thank you so much for the inspiring reviews, I can't thank you guys enough for all the support. 3 Oh, and not that it's much of a difference, but I stupidly realize that it's spelled cutouts instead of cut outs LOL. Mah bad. I do not own Glee.

Cardboard Cutouts, Chapter 10
" But just be glad that for now, the most you have to worry about is your boyfriend forgetting about your guys' study dates."

"Are you two workers? You should know that being on the roof is prohibited. Even being here this late at night is a big no-no." The blonde, business woman's jaw slightly crooked conveying impatience but she seemed far from hysterical.

Mike glared at Tina. "Yeah, uh, we're workers," he told the aqua-eyed woman without much conviction. "Sorry, we'll never do it again. We'll be leaving now so no worries!" He ascended from his position, assisting Tina on the way up. As they tensely fast-walked to the exit, passing by the woman, she jutted her arm preventing them from making their escape.

"You two don't really work here, do you?"

"Y-Yeah, of course we do -"

"No, we don't." His worried eyes grew with even more uneasiness as he stared Tina down, who confessed so easily as though she was a five-year-old being berated for mistaking the paste as food. It was a sweet yet incredibly inconvenient quality for her to have, especially now when they could possibly be going to jail for breaking and entering private property. Very inconvenient. "But I swear to God that we didn't do anything, not like graffiti or vandalism or anything, and we just wanted to see the stars on the roof for a little bit and we are really, really sorry about all of this and we won't ever do it again, just please don't tell my mom!"

'Don't tell my mom'? If anything, that was the least of their worries. But although her rambling in his head sounded completely ridiculous, he watched as the disdainful expression on the woman's face softens with sympathy; and what also looked to be a smirk.

"You two.." she started. Her expression was indecipherable, so he held his breath. "You two are kinda cute. But I've yet to understand why breaking into the roof of a low-key clothing company is so interesting."

Mike heaved a relieved sigh as he cast a knowing look to Tina, who looked like she was on the brink of hysteria. "Thank you so much. And we really are sorry and we really won't do this again."

The blonde continued her cunning smirk. "How old are you two? 16? 17?"

"17," Tina replied with more certainty in her voice. He didn't know whether or not he was supposed to be flattered or offended. The last time he looked in the mirror, he swore he saw formulated wrinkles around his eyes and he intentionally grew a '5 o'clock shadow' to stray away from his boyish looks. Whatever could save them, he thought.

"I see. Well, you two don't look like you're causing too much trouble. And you remind me too much of cute, romantic, high school puppy-love, so I'd feel like I'd be defying the laws of gravity if I stopped you guys from coming here for what I assume are deep, long conversations about the makings of life," giggling, nearly mocking.

"Thank you so much but we better get going. Wouldn't want to get you in trouble or anything like that."

"Polite, too. Well alright then, you guys can exit through the building though. You might hurt yourself going down the staircases." As she headed out the door, them following, she added, "I'm Deborah by the way."

He nodded courteously. Tina, on the other hand, smiled, asking more questions as if the woman didn't have the power to change her mind and call the cops on them. "Hi Deborah. So, why are you here so late? If you're okay with me asking."

"I'm not on the job if that's what you're thinking."

They hurried their steps as Deborah sped up. "Then why?"

She chuckled with closed lips. "You want the nice, sugar-coated answer or the cold, hard truth?"

"The second one."

"I'd feel like I'm tainting your youth."

"I've heard it all. Nothing really phases me."

The blue-eyed 30-something-year-old chuckled once more, this time looking at Tina with the corner of her eye. "I just caught my boyfriend with another woman."

Although she stated that bit of information with as much indifference as the rest of their conversation, they both could tell just how hurt she must feel. Mike's had his fair-share of heartbreak (if it wasn't evident enough) but he could never in his right-mind imagine how being cheated on must feel like, or catching his loved one in the act at that.

"I'm really sorry to hear that.." her voice trailing off. "How long have you guys been together?"

"A year and a month. Actually, today was supposed to be our anniversary so I got off work early to surprise him." Tina's jaw dropped. "Apparently we both got a surprise of a lifetime, huh?"

"I'm.. so sorry."

She smiled back shyly, but sincerely. "Don't be. Things just.. happen. It's not like it was a total surprise anyway. I mean, of course just because you know something's going on, it doesn't mean it's not gonna hurt when you actually see it happening, but it is what it is. I can't say I'm not to blame though," chuckling. The two awaited further elaboration. "I'm a workaholic if it wasn't obvious enough. I'm an administrative assistant for a silly detergent company and I act as if I'm working for Obama."

"I get where you're coming from, but I don't think cheating has it's exceptions other than marriage. Marriage, I get, but you guys have been together for barely a year. He couldn't have just been a man about it and speak up?"Mike witnessed some sort of indignation grow in Tina.

"I guess you're right." She chuckled once more. The more she snickered, the more mocking it sounded to him. "Crazy. A 17-year-old knows more about relationships than me. Sorry 'bout.. telling you all that."

"No, no. Don't worry. I understand perfectly." His stare switched from one woman to another throughout their conversation, but this time his eyes locked onto Tina's face. Her voice cut right through him. It was one with compassion and complete empathy. It was probably that 'womanly connection' that women apparently have even if they don't know one another. Like telepathy almost.

"Thanks, hun. But just be glad that for now, the most you have to worry about is your boyfriend forgetting about your guys' study dates," coaxing at Mike. "Here it is. I hope you guys have a goodnight and be safe."

Negligent of how far they've traveled, he spotted the clear doors on ground level (to his relief). "It was nice meeting you. Thanks again for, you know, not reporting us or anything," abashedly scratching his head.

"Yeah, thank you so much Deborah. I hope everything works out for you and your boyfriend."

With another appreciative smirk, she admitted, "You know, for a 17-year-old, you're pretty mature for your age."

"We should really get going! Don't want our parents to worry! 'Night!" With that, Mike gripped firmly onto Tina's arm and pulled her out of the building. It was an eminent miracle for a sympathetic person to catch them breaking into private property without much of an excuse aside from 'we like stars.' He wasn't much of a risk-taker unlike Tina, and he just as hell didn't want to push his luck.

Eventually, they hurried to her Civic sitting in complete silence, relief, shock, and what could even be distress. With genuine concern, he turned his gaze to the uneasiness etched on her face. "You okay?"

A timid grin found it's own way. "Yeah. It's just -"

Her monotonous ringtone broke the lull of the night. She checked the caller ID. Her grin cascaded. "I'm so sorry Mike. I have to take this call though."

He nodded. "Take all the time you need."

As he tried with all his will-power to zone out Tina and Craig's conversation, his doting tone and her soft whispers were difficult to neglect. Craig's voice vaguely reverberated from the speaker but he still heard him: deep, husky, fond. Though Mike had his face memorized to every strand of hair on him since he met him in New York six years ago, he was sure his appearance changed. Now he imagined him to be the business type: powder blue button-up with the black tie attire. He'd probably have a stubble that women fawn over and a head of slicked-back, brunette hair along with a Crest commercial smile. He condemned it, but he sort of resembled Sylar from Heroes. And even though Sylar was a bad guy, all the girls loved Sylar. Loved.

"Everything's been going well actually. How's New York?"

Tina as well as Mike waited for his reply. "It's alright I guess. It's still not the same without you Tina." He watched as she simpered. Contrary to what she told him while they were on the roof, they seemed relatively content. If not, they were trying to fix their issues at the least. The stab to his insides stunned him.

"That's relieving to hear."

"So," Craig started. "How have you been keeping busy?"

She hesitated. "Wait, Craig, I'm out with an old friend right now. I'll just talk to you.. whenever, I guess. Thanks for calling though, I really appreciate it," she said cordially. With that, she closed her cell phone while he closed his eyes, trying to restrain his jumbled emotions of anger, unhappiness, apprehension, and pure envy.

"Sorry about that Mike," she sniggered. "I promised him that I'd never intentionally ignore any of his calls. Just one of those steps to work things out." He nodded. "So where are we?"

"You were about to drop me off to my car."

"Oh," she uttered, a bit stupefied.

"It's just getting late and I still have work tomorrow morning," trying to compensate for his attitude.

She nodded jutting the key into the engine, turning.

From then on, the joy ride was of restraint and silence that bounced off the cramp walls of the vehicle. At least that's what it was for Mike. He was positive Tina had no idea what was lolling around in his thwarted mind while she was on the phone with Craig, smiling and giggling as if he wasn't there. All he wanted to do was take that phone of hers and throw it out the window.

He was probably being extremely butt-hurt about the whole thing, but he couldn't help but feel a little used. It wasn't that he reserved time devoted for her so he could get something out of it, but apparently he subconsciously felt that way. What he was trying to get out of it, he knew, but also had no clue.

"We're here."

"Oh, okay. Thanks Tina, I had a lot of fun."

She smiled. "I did too. But if anyone's to give out thank yous, it should be me. Thanks so much for everything you've done, with helping me move and just making me feel at home again."

He humbly smiled back but something was holding him from smiling fully. Instead of reacting, he made his way out to the car, wavering his hand a goodbye. "Goodnight."

"Oh crap," she snapped. "I don't have my key. I think I left it in your studio. Crap, I'm so sorry Mike!"

He chuckled, nodding. "No problem. Let's go check it out."

After a mere minute of entering the building along with his studio, Tina spotted the shiny object in an instant. "Thank God."

"Wouldn't want to find yourself at my place again," he started." But of course, this time you'd be able to get up there by yourself."

She blushed frivolously. "Have I ever apologized for that terrible, terrible night?"

"About a million times," he teased. "Don't worry. You were as light as a feather."

She snickered shamefully. Another dull buzz came from her cell phone. He could only silently anticipate the image of a cheesy text from none other than Craig. "Matt just texted me about another Glee reunion, picnic thing at Hover Park. It's on Saturday. This is gre-"

"Hello? Who's there?"

They turned their heads to the door, both curious as to the next person who would be catching them breaking into private property even if they were allowed to be there.

And, of course, to his best luck and suspicion, there was a petite girl, standing at about 5'1, black hair down to her hip, wearing a pair of navy blue spandex and a Victoria Secret hoodie.

"So I see you have guests."

Just great.

"Oh, hey Erin, sorry, we were just about to leave," blubbering with anxiety.

"Erin? The Erin?"

His luck was just rocketing high.

He witnessed Erin's expression begin with confusion until the corners of her full lips raised. Her beady eyes reached out to his, full of wonder, but mostly of delight. "I'm the Erin?"

"Of course you are," Tina overjoyed. "You're his girlfriend. You deserve the winning title."

Suddenly her face of blissfulness surely changed with one of pure disarray. He could only stare with worry. He swore to God he was going to tell Tina that he was just being a liar without an arguable reason. He promised he would. But in his defense, breaking it down to ex-girlfriend that he lied about having a girlfriend out of jealousy for her relationship wouldn't sound the least bit convincing, especially after hearing their rather content conversation over the phone.

"Girlfriend. Right. Yeah, I better be the only Erin in your life, Mikey!"

With more astonishment, he gawked at Erin who was seemingly playing her part of his scheme. Even more-so with the occasional, awkward pet name she'd entitled him a while back as she began to really like Mike: Mikey. He had to admit, it was a ridiculously corny name he'd be fine withouthaving, but he didn't want to hurt her feelings.

"I'm Tina by the way." She held out her hand warmly as Erin reluctantly accepted, looking as if she was contemplating her name. Eventually she shook it.

"Tina. Nice to meet you. How do you guys know each other?"

"We went to high school together," he chimed in, one of the first things he said since the chance encounter.

"And Glee club."

Erin nodded as if something clicked in her head. Her eyes sagged as well as her smile. Now, she just looked more disappointed than anything. "I see."

A few moments passed filled with endless silence and polite chuckles.

"Well I guess I should be going off now. I'm getting pretty tired. It was really nice meeting you Erin. We should really hang out sometime, all three of us!" Tina pepped. "Thanks again, Mike, for.. well, everything. Hold onto this one Erin. He's a keeper," winking. " 'Night you guys."

"I'll walk you to your car," he offered, already assisting her with the door. She raised her hands in refusal.

"No, no. What kind of girl would I be to take you away from your girlfriend?" She smiled when he couldn't answer. "I'm fine. Have a goodnight."

As her tiny footsteps lightened and the door swung faintly, it was just him and Erin alone. His hands dug through his jacket pockets so roughly it was about to break apart.

"Girlfriend.."

"I know, I know, I know, I'm so sorry Erin. It just slipped and it was just a bad idea and a spur of the moment thing but I swear I'll tell her the truth."

"Why'd you do it?"

He contemplated, attempting to rationalize his intentions when it was simple. "I don't really know honestly."

"Weird for me to say," sputtering. "But I could get used to that." A smile intensified her lips.

He understood the painful route she was driving. "Well uh, like I said, it all just sort of slipped but it's more complicated Erin."

She snickered bashfully. "It just "sort of slipped"? Usually really simple things and phrases like 'good' or 'what the hell' or 'no' slip. Haven't heard of the 'the girl I'm dating and having sex with who I give mixed signals to is my girlfriend', Mike."

"That's fair," he thought aloud. It was, to be seamlessly honest. Things like such don't slip. They indeed take partial amounts of effort to devise.

"So then.. what about it?"

"What about what?" he questioned sincerely.

"What about.. us? And that special title and everything?"

"I don't know. I guess it never really entered my mind," subtly trailing off the matter. An illogical portion of him forbid himself from telling Erin that when he let it slip, his intentions were solely focused on Tina, not her: a part that is allowing to think crude thoughts.

"That's assuring." She rolled her eyes stubbornly. "Mike, seriously, we've known each other ever since you started working here. I was one of the first friends you made here, and to be really blunt about it everyone, and I mean every fucking person who has worked here realizes that we're more than just co-workers or friends even if they don't know about our.. fun nights. And I don't know if you're just that guy in the movie who does the whole 'I don't want to have my heart broken by another woman so I'll just screw them instead' because we all know about your fun nights with Stacy, Tori, Claire and Jenny down the block!"

Mike gazed at the defeated girl who, evidently, was frustrated with their relationship or more specifically, lack of one. Her eerie glance stopped him.

He was incapable of thinking up an appropriate response unless the devil on his left shoulder bolstered deafeningly. "Well.."

"Well what?" finally her voice raised. "What could you say that would prove me wrong?"

"Well.. I guess you're right. Yeah, why not we give it a go?"

He witnessed her eyes dilate with a sense of skepticism and disbelief. "So what you're trying to say is.. is what, exactly?"

"You're right Erin. I guess that.. I don't know, I haven't really been in a relationship in a long time that I guess I was.." Oh please God, don't smite me for talking out of my ass and kind-of sort-of somewhat using her. "Kind of going through things without a second thought. One of them being you."

She chuckled, still in doubt of what he just told her. He swallowed hard, paranoid as she opened her mouth, words beginning to form. He hoped with all his heart she wouldn't catch on. "So this is how it's gonna start? I imagined it to be a little more romantic for some reason."

"Then we can go slow."

"Haven't we been going slow for the past four years?"

"Then how about we do what we usually do plus more sincere dates and the title?" he suggested, making a mark on his indecency of that night. It was official – Mike Chang was either a player or an asshole.

"That actually sounds kind of nice."

Or both.

"Look, I'm having another get-together with my friends from that Glee club Tina was talking about earlier. It's on Saturday at Hover Park," bluntly speaking, "and well, since everyone I know already knows about you besides those guys, it would be cool if you came along."

Erin grinned, seemingly touched. "Really?"

He smiled back, blatantly guilty. "Yeah."

"Yeah. Sure. That sounds doable." In return, he nodded, as she strode to him placing her warm lips on his like she's done countless times before that. "Sounds good."

"Yeah.."

He was definitely both.