DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN GLEE NOR HAVE ANY AFFILIATIONS WITH THE NYPD.
Santana walked through the precinct looking to see if she saw Sam. She had some papers he needed to sign off on for her for court tomorrow. She looked around and notice that neither Puck or Mike was there to ask them if they have seem him but she headed to straight to his desk, rolling her eyes when she saw her.
Jessica looked up from her computer when she notice someone standing in front of her. Raising a brow at her, she sat back into her chair, "Can I help you?"
"No you can't. I'm looking for Sam." It was no secret at all that Santana didn't like this temporary. She had a run in with her when she first came here and lets just say, she's definitely not on Santana's good list.
"Well he's not here right now, what do you want?" She asked in an irritated tone.
Santana looked behind her to see if she was talking to someone else, turning back her, "Who the hell are you talking to?"
"Oh I'm sorry, do I need to speak in Spanish for you to understand me?" She smirked as she looked at her up and down, "Watch your next words, I can have your job in no time."
Santana counted to five in her head, trying to calm down before she reacted badly. But before she could even get a word out, she felt someone slip their arm around her waist and pulled her away.
"I promise she's not worth you getting in trouble for." Sam said as he kept a tight grip on her until they were further away. He had heard stories about Santana's temper and he swore he would never get her bad side. This girl could make someone cry without even cursing.
"She's lucky you saved her ass again." Santana said with a angry tone, looking at him when they finally made it to the break room, "Who the hell does she think she is anyways?"
"A pain in my ass for one. Two, she thinks she's big and bad because her step-father is the police commissioner."
"Figures." Santana rolled her eyes and handed him the papers. She folded her arms across her chest and took a deep breath, "I really despise people like that."
"You and me both." Sam sat the papers on the table and grabbed a pen from out of his pocket, speaking quietly, "I'm just ready for Mercedes to come back."
"If you don't mind me asking, how's everything between you two anyways?"
"Good actually. We talked everything out and I understand where she was coming from on not coming to see me but it still kind of hurt." He said honesty as he made sure everything was sign off before handing it back to her, "But one thing I know for sure, Morris is definitely the most horrible person ever."
"That's really putting it lightly Sam. He's a narcissist, racist, bigoted asshole and I truly cannot for the life of me figure out how he is kin to Miguel and Mercedes." She looked at him for a minute before sighing, "Take care of my girl Sam. She doesn't need anyone who is going to play with her heart and I know for sure you're not that type of guy, I just want to let you know anyways, you have a line full a people waiting to beat your ass if you do."
Sam nodded as he crossed his arms over his chest, completely understanding where she was coming from, "Duly noted."
Santana sent him a smile before turning on her heels, speaking as she walked out, "And let that bitch know, no dejes que su captura en las calles or it's going to be hell to pay."
Sam was really glad he took Spanish in high school or he would've never caught that threat. He shook his head with a chuckle as he turned around and headed for the refrigerator, "Boy ole boy."
Mercedes bit down on her lip as slid into her black UGG boots. She had thought this date was just going to be an ordinary dinner but she was in for a shock. Sam had texted her and told her to dress comfortable so she did. She decided to wear a creme polkadot sweater with a buttons on the shoulder paired with a pair of light washed colored skinny jeans. Pulling her black beanie down on her head and sliding into her short trench coat, she stood up and grabbed her purse and headed out the door.
Sam asked the cab driver to wait as he got out of the cab. Sticking his hands in his pocket, he walked into the apartment building and waited by the elevators. He was excited that he had another chance to redo this date over and show Mercedes that he definitely wanted to be so much more than her partner and friend.
Mercedes waited patiently for the elevator to stopped on the lobby floor. The butterflies in her stomach was helping the wait much either. She was both anxious and eager for this date with Sam. To be honest, she felt like she didn't deserve this after everything but she decided to put that in the back of her mind and enjoy this date. Hearing the elevator ding, she took a calming breath and stepped out of it when the doors open. Seeing Sam, a warm smile spread over her features as she walked up to him, "Hi."
"Hey there." Sam smiled as he took her in with a smoldering gaze, removing his hands from his pockets, "You look so beautiful right now."
Mercedes blushed underneath his gaze, "Thank you."
"You're welcome." He smirked at her as he held out his hand for her to take, "Are you ready?"
Mercedes nodded as she took ahold of his hand with a soft smile, feeling the undeniable tingles when their fingers interlocked together. Sam must of felt them too because his grip tighten as they began to walk.
Sam made sure he kept Mercedes close as they exited the building, leading them out on the busy sidewalk of New York this Saturday afternoon. He opened the door to the cab that he had wait for him, "I love that you live right across from Central Park."
"I do too. Nice area to live by." She said as she got in, looking on as he got in as well, closing the door, "Are you going to give me a clue to what we are doing?"
"Um no." Sam snorted when she glared at him, looking at her with a cheeky grin, "It's a surprise."
"Just a small hint?" Mercedes pouted her lips, giving him a sad look, batting her long lashes.
Sam glanced at her and his heart starting to beat rapidly in his chest when he saw the look on her face. How could someone be this beautiful? He contemplated for a moment on whether to tell her or not but he was not about to break, "That's not going to work on me."
"It almost did." She chuckled as she turned back to the window, looking out.
Sam rolled his eyes at her as he leaned back against the seat. It didn't take them no more than ten minutes to get to their destination. He tipped the cab driver when he came to a stop, opening the door, he got out and helped Mercedes out as well. Taking her hand with a smile as they got onto the sidewalk and began to walk, "I'm not going to tell you but I'm going to let you give me a guess to where you think I'm taking you.."
"Seeing that we are in Bryant Park and it's still winter and freezing as hell right now.." She laughed lightly as she looked over at him with a smile, "I would guess that you are taking me ice skating."
Sam smirked as he continued to look forward as they walked, keeping silence until they came up the rink. He turned to her with a teasing smile, "I guess you were right."
Mercedes pushed his shoulder with a laugh, "You could've told me this Sam, I love ice skating."
"It wouldn't have been a surprise if I would've told you." He smiled as he pulled her toward the booth so they could get their skates. Once they got them, they found a bench and put them on. Sam stood up carefully, helping Mercedes up, he grabbed her hand and led her to the ice. Helping her on, he looked at her with a grin on his face, "Am I doing good so far?" He asked after awhile later, keeping up strides with her.
Mercedes looked at him with a smile as she kept her balance, nodding, "You are. I'm just trying to figure out which one of my friends told you that I love ice skating."
"Why do you think I asked someone and not that I'm just a very good date planner?" He asked with an amused smile on her face.
Mercedes opened her mouth to speak, embarrassed by her assumption, "I'm sorry Sam..I didn't mean to.." She broke off as she looked away from him. She knew Sam hated when people made assumptions on him and she was starting to feel really bad that she just did that.
"What?" Sam stopped and looked at her confusedly, "Why are you apologizing?"
"I made an assumption and I know you hate that. It's just..I know I'm really hard to figure out and sometimes, even my close friends have to ask my mom or brother something about me."
"Well yeah I don't like assumptions but I wasn't thinking of that just then. I did actually ask Miguel what did you like so you wouldn't be bored." He let out a small chuckle, seeing how upset she was still, he moved forward and gave her a hug, "Relax Mercedes..just take a deep breath and relax."
Mercedes did what he said, taking a calming breath as she looked at him, "I'm sorry.."
"Don't apologize." Sam let go of her, moving his hand back to hold hers, those tingles that the two felt earlier making another appearance, "Lets just enjoy our time and thank god for not letting me bust my ass in front of you yet."
Mercedes couldn't help the giggles that escaped from her mouth. She smiled as they started back skating, her sadness instantly fading away. It was crazy yet amazing how Sam could put a smile back on her face despite anything. She has been telling herself for the longest that she didn't deserve a guy like him because of past issues but lately, she feels the complete opposite. She deserve good things in her life, just like her family and friends have been telling her for years. She came out of her thoughts when she heard Sam talking, "I'm sorry, what did you say?"
"I was asking how did you learn to skate so good."
"My dad actually." Mercedes smiled as she continued to look forward, "When we were kids, our lake use to be freeze over during the winter. On his off days, weekends and when school use to be cancelled, we did a lot of things together but this was something I enjoyed doing." She chuckled at the memories, shaking her head before talking again, "How about you?"
"I actually forced myself to learn for my brother and sister. " Sam said honestly, "You know with my dad being a police officer and my mom being a nurse, they weren't home often and with me being so close to home for college, after my classes, I came home to babysit them. Being in the house with a five and six year old, I always did something to keep them entertained but I wanted to do something different with them so I took it upon myself to learn how to skate."
"That's really sweet Sam." Mercedes said in amazement. How could someone be this damn selfless and wonderful? She wasn't saying it wasn't possible because Miguel was the same way but it was definitely amazing to know that there are good people in this cruel world.
"It's just the type of person I am Mercedes.." Sam said as he gave her a quick smile. He wanted Mercedes to get to know him, like really get to know who he was. They spent the next thirty minute skating and laughing before they decided the cold was too much for them. Sam turned in their skates and grabbed Mercedes hand so they could go to the next part of their date.
Since the weather was so unbearable this time of year for a picnic outside, Sam had taken Mercedes to one of his favorite pizzerias, where they shared a deliciously large hot homemade pepperoni pizza to keep their warmth. After they finished eating and with Mercedes permission, Sam had taken her to his apartment for the last and most meaningful part of their date.
Mercedes sat her purse down on the couch as she took in his living room, looking around at the surprisingly neat place, "Your place is really nice."
"Thank you." Sam said as he headed to the hallway to turn on the heater.
Mercedes took a seat, removing her beanie from her head, she ran her hand through her short locks as she sat the hat on the table beside the photo album.
"It should be warming up soon." Sam said as he came back into the living room, his hands in his pocket as he looked at her, "Would you like some hot chocolate?"
Mercedes took her eyes off the book and looked at him with a smile, "Sure."
"Okay and you can look in the book if you want, nothing but embarrassing photos of little ole me." Sam mumbled as he turned and walked into the kitchen.
Mercedes chuckled as she slipped out of her boots, picking up the book, she sat back on the couch, tucking her legs underneath her. She opened up the book and her eyes trained on a little newborn wrapped tightly in a blue blanket. Her a smile grew bigger and bigger as she turned each page. Pictures of a younger Sam ranged from family trips, outside shenanigans, sporting events, a picture with him smiling brightly of which she would guess was his pet squirrel and even the ones with him butt naked in the tub. She turned the next page, an 'aww' escaping her lips. There was an thirteen year old Sam, holding his new baby sister, Sadie and his one year old brother, Seth, peeping over his shoulder. She couldn't wipe the smile off her face when she saw the next picture, biting her lip to keep in her laughter because she knew this was the picture he was telling her about.
Sam turned off the stove and sat the empty pot in the sink. Grabbing the two mugs, he walked back to the living room, careful of not to waste anything. His eyes met hers and he could tell that she had found the picture. Rolling his eyes, he sat the mugs down on the table and took a seat beside her, trying to grab the book for out of her hand, "Okay, I think that's enough."
Mercedes held the book out of his reach with a giggle, "What! I was just getting to the good ones."
"Mercedes no." He whined as he let a pout take over his lips.
"Aww poor baby." Mercedes mimicked his actions before sitting up some more, looking at him seriously, "If I remember correctly, you were the one who said I should see it."
"No I said and I quote, 'Maybe I'll man up and show you one day.'" Sam corrected her, still trying to reach for the book.
Mercedes rolled her eyes and closed the book, handing it back to him with a playful frown, "Fine."
Sam smiled triumphantly as he sat the book back on the table and picked up her hot chocolate and handed it to her.
"Thank you." Mercedes smiled as she grabbed the mug from his hands, placing the rim to her lips, "By the way..I saw the picture before you got it."
"Oh my god." Sam said mortified, groaning as he sent her a small glare.
"I don't know why you wouldn't want me to see it." She smiled as she sat the mug back on the table, "You were really cute."
"I was not."
"You were, like seriously I would've dated you. It's something very attractive about a boy with braces and glasses." Mercedes admitted with a laugh, tucking her short hair behind her ears.
"Well I still have the glasses if you're still into that sort of thing.." Sam mumbled out, looking away from her.
Mercedes blushed when she heard what he said, shaking her head, "I'm sure a hot shot like you dated in high school."
"I did actually. I had one girlfriend, her name was Ginger. She was a really sweet girl, we dated from sophomore to senior year."
"What happened?" Mercedes asked curiously as she looked at him.
"Our breakup was a mutual agreement. We were going our separate ways for college and we just decided to be friends. We still keep in touch. She's married with two kids now. I'm happy for her."
"Well that's good that you are on good terms with your ex."
"We were friends before anything and I'm glad that she is still in my life. After her, I just wasn't up for dating anyone at that point. I was so focused on getting my career started." Sam said with a smile, "How about you Ms. Jones? You're way too beautiful to not have dated anyone."
Mercedes bit down on her lip as she sat back on the couch, "Well, I actually have dated two people. My first boyfriend, Eric, I met in middle school. He was my everything. I can really say that I loved him and vice versa. We dated until the beginning of senior year, that was when his dad got a job back in Italy and he moved away. We spent all of our time together and of course everyone loved him except you know who."
"Was it because he was not a POC?" Sam asked, already knowing the answer to that question.
"Somewhat. He was mixed, Italian and black. He literally hated everything about him and the feeling was quite mutual on Eric's side but his opinions didn't stop us from being together. I actually still talk to Eric from time to time, he's still in Italy and now he's married with a baby on the way. I couldn't be happier for him. He told me that he would always have a special place for me in his heart and he would never ever forget me and the feeling is mutual." She sighed as she ran her hands through her hair, clearing her throat repeatedly, "The second boy I dated his name was Damien. We met my sophomore year at NYU in the library, biggest mistake of my life. Everything was going good for the first year but after that, it went downhill."
Sam saw her starting to get shaky so he grabbed her hand for comfort. This had to be the reason they way she was now and he wanted her to know that he would be there for her through whatever decision she makes, "You don't have to tell me if you don't want to."
"I do. If anything is going to come out of this, I need to tell you." She said honestly, surprisingly shocked by the words that came out of her mouth but after everything, she couldn't see herself being just friends with him, "He was controlling, well he at least tried to control me but I wasn't having that shit. As soon as that happened, I had to get out of that relationship. But before I could, he made sure he left some lingering hatred words, some I'm not going to repeat. It got to a point where I was leaving away from him and he grabbed and squeezed my wrist so hard and threw me to the ground. I didn't have enough time to react because as soon as he did that, he started apologizing but it was too damn late. Miguel was visiting that day and he just so happened to walk in when he did it. Lets just say, you don't ever want to piss my brother off." She looked at him sadly, giving a small sad smile, "I was..I am damaged Sam, something that I can't help. I may act tough on the outside but on the inside, I'm just like any other person with feelings. I know that's not excuse but I just hope you can at least understand." She reached behind her and grabbed her unzipped purse, going in and pulling out something to hand to him, "I know it hurt you when I didn't come see you and I'm sorry but that doesn't mean I didn't think about you."
Sam was in complete shock at everything she had just told him. First off, her first boyfriend sounded like a really good dude, it was just bad timing for their relationship. And this Damien person? Even if it was years ago, he wanted to find out his last name and look him up so he could go and beat his ass for doing that to his girl. No man should ever put his hands on a woman, ever. Now he really understood why it was hard for her and he was glad that she felt comfortable enough to talk to him about it. Sam looked at her as she went into her purse, pulling out a small book and handed it to him. He took the paper from her hands and opened it, flipping through the pages.
Its been two weeks. Two weeks since everything went wrong. Sam, I'm so sorry for what has happened to you, I really am. I just feel so bad and I can't help but blame myself for it. Its like history is repeating its tragic self.
Every time I have the courage to get out of the bed and head out the door to come see you, my hand freezes on the doorknob and I end up going back to my bed.
I want to answer your texts Sam, I really do but I'm scared. Scared that you may be mad at me for everything.
I talked to Seth today and I asked him how you were you doing and it's good to know that you are getting back to yourself Sam. That's all I want right now is for you to focus on getting back to yourself.
Today Miguel finally knocked some sense in me like he always do. I'm going to call you Sam. I know its been a month since everything went down and I know for sure you're probably angry with me but I hope not too angry to talk to me. I owe you explanation and an apology.
"Your sister gave my mom a note and it was for me. She wrote and told me that you were so excited for our date and that made me smile." Mercedes whispered as she wipe a tear that had fallen, looking up at him, "Another thing she said is to not give up on you..and that's something I plan on never doing. You are a light that came into my life, a light that I needed and I'm so thankful for you."
Sam read through each page carefully until he heard her speaking. He closed the book and sat it on the table, making a mental note to talk to finish reading it later. He looked at her with a neutral expression. Hearing everything she has said to him today did something to him. He was finally getting to know the true Mercedes Jones. The sweet, passionate and vulnerable girl that he always knew was there was showering through right now and he couldn't help but fall for her even more, "Mercedes Jones, you are truly the most beautiful, bravest, strongest, soul I have ever met." He opened and closed his mouth, a smile taking over his features as he moved closer to her, "I'm glad you trusted me enough to open up to me and I'm glad I got to see the real woman underneath all those layers." He moved her hair from out of her face with his right hand and tucked it behind her ear, his eyes flickering down to her lips before he pressed a small but meaningful kiss onto them, holding the sides of her face with his hands. He pulled back and stared into her eyes, "All I ever wanted from you is this, so thank you." He kissed her once again, leaving a peck on her nose because his eyes returned to hers, his hands never leaving their position, "If you give me a chance, I promise I will treat the way a woman is supposed to be treated. So I guess this is me asking, Mercedes Jones, will you do me the honor of being my girlfriend?"
Mercedes couldn't help but cry when she heard the words that he was saying to her. It was hard for her to open up about her past but with him, it was just so easy to talk about it. She was shocked by the kiss but wasn't that in shock to not kiss him back. She let out a whine when he stopped, staring back into his green eyes. Hearing the last part of what he said, she chewed the inside of her cheek and put her head down, nodding as she sniffled quietly.
The smile of Sam's face was so wide, his cheeks were hurting. This was a moment he has been waiting for since the first time he saw her and now that it was happening, it felt surreal. He tilted her chin up with his finger, smiling at her, "Can I hear you say it?"
Mercedes smiled as she wiped her face, speaking softly and quietly, "Yes, I would love to be your girlfriend."
Sam leaned forward and kiss her with every ounce of passion he could muster, moving his hand to the back of her head to move her in closer to deepen the kiss.
Mercedes lungs were screaming for air but she couldn't back away, at least not right now. She wrapped her arms around him and pulled him as close as they could get.
Sam didn't want to stop but they needed to because he was lacking air supply right now. He detached his lips from hers, breathing heavily as he sat back and looked at her with a smile, "Holy shit..you're officially my girl."
Mercedes giggled as she looked at him, her face heating up from the way he was looking at her, "I guess I am."
Sam took ahold of her hand and brought them to his lips, pressing a kiss to them, "I promise I will be the best boyfriend to you Mercedes. Treat you like the queen you are and nothing less. Thank you for giving me this chance."
"I should be the one thanking you after everything." She ran her thumb against his hand, "You didn't give up on me and you still want to try this even after everything I have told you."
"I never give up on people, especially the ones I care about, ever." Sam gave her a quick kiss, taking and placing her legs across his, "This ended up being a date to remember."
"It really did." Mercedes said with a smile as she laid her head down on his shoulder, their hands still interlocked as they sat their in the warm living room just taking in the beautiful moment. This was the start of something very special between the two and they couldn't wait to explore every aspect of it.
A/N. Important post posted on tumblr (twrites1).