* Hi guys, wow 120 reviews plus the numerous alerts and faves. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Added to that I want to thank you all for the birthday wishes and patience. It has been a hectic couple of weeks and it's about to get more busy. I have two assignments due, plus my a family wedding and of course my finals! Drum roll: Still cannot believe I am going to graduate this Summer. WOW. But anyway I will try and up date as much as possible in between, but I fear that my up dates will be longer than usual. I'm sorry. Ok now for the technicalities 1) I own nothing from Glee, if I did Samcedes would be endgame. Together now and making lovely lovely music...I'm getting carried away. 2) I own nothing from any movie/book/comic mentioned here: at which point SPOILER ALERT: The Proposal. SO please considered yourself forewarned. and finally 3) Please do enjoy this is extra fluffy. I hope the wait has been worth it! *

Chapter 25: The morning after the night before.

He looked extremely peaceful. He was lying on his front, while one arm lay firmly tangled around Mercedes.

Mercedes watched him carefully taking in the detail. His back would slowly rise as he inhaled, his cheeks were lightly flushed-which Mercy put dwon to all the extra physical activity. But most of all that both made Mercy envious and delighted her was that Sam could definitely carry off bed hair. Definitely. To the point that Mercy hadn't even relaised but she was gently running her fingers through his hair.

'Damn it Sammy.'

She noticed how a small smile was forming as-while still sleeping- he pulled Mercedes closer to him. He stirred slightly but resumed back to sleeping, his mouth slightly open;

He said it then. Out of the blue, while he remained unaware.

At first Mercedes didn't know what to do. Truth be told it hadn't registered, but then as she turned slightly to watch him, she realised that it didn't scare her. Nor did it worry her. If anything it made perfect sense but more than that she knew it was genuine.

They say humans have a flight or fight instinct, it's triggered most unexpectedly. Generally when we're at our most vulnerable, or under a tricky situation. That unforeseen element for Mercy was now, while she lay at her most vulnerable, in the arms of the man who made her feel-as cheesy as it sounded to her-complete.

In that instant Mercy knew what her instinct was and without even realising it, channelling her inner Demi Moore she uttered barely over a whisper but directly to Sam who remained unaware:

"Ditto."

She was stood by the sink, drinking water, he couldn't help but stare. He knew he did it a lot and he also knew-very well, mind you- that Mercy was aware too that Sam stared a lot. But somehow that didn't deter him. It made his ears turn a decided shade of red and it made her blush but neither of them would have it any other way.

"The shirt's never looked that good on me."

Mercedes spun around to see a bare-chested Sam leaning against the door frame, watching her closely, smiling widely- the green in his eyes gone.

Mercedes had no idea why she did it, but on seeing Sam's shirt laying there on the floor something inside of her urged her to try it on. At first she only wanted to sniff it. There was no denying that Sam's scent drove her wild, but soon a simple inhale of his scent became a full blown, wearing of his shirt, all complete with rolling the sleeves up and buttoning it. And truth be told, it was extremely comfortable. And sexy.

"Don't you know white shirts are my speciality?" Mercy winked.

"I thought Titan's Jerseys were." Sam responded before he made his way over to Mercedes, taking her in his arms, wordlessly he effortlessly lifted her and before Mercy knew what was happening she was heading back to her room.

"SHhh" Mercy tried her best to keep her voice down, but it was hard when Sam kept alternating between whispering sweet nothings into her ear and kissing her softly on her neck.

"Sam!" Mercedes warned as she ducked her head out of her room.

"I can't tell if they're back."

But Sam could care nor here or there. He was far too busy enjoying the closeness.

At that moment the phone rang and as Mercy tried to make her way to it, she found her path blocked by Sam, who decided to assault her lips;

"Sa..."

Mercedes tried to speak but was soon silenced by Sam:

"Shh, leave it; let the machine get it."

Mercedes didn't need to be told twice as she took Sam's hand in her own and headed back to her room.

"Beep...Hey Mercy, it's Tana, tried ringing you but your phone is off anyway just wanted to tell you I won't be back till Monday afternoon earliest, the receptions tomorrow followed by breakfast brunch on Monday which the bride insisted I stay for. Can't wait to show you pictures!"

Mercedes had pressed play for the next message when she heard Sam cheekily ask:

"Empty house tomorrow?"

"Beep...Mercy pick up your phone! I dunno what you're doing but Oh Em Gee you should see the hotel room it is gorgeous. Roses, Champagne, chocolate and a lot of VaVaVoom..."

The message was interrupted by April hiccoughing and laughing as she finished:

"...Jack's coming...I should go away more often! Details tomorrow night! Love you."

Mercedes turned around to face Sam:

"Did you turn my phone off Sam?"

"Maybe..."

Mercedes raised an eyebrow at Sam who added sheepishly;

"Problem?"

Mercedes kept a straight face, secretly enjoying the torment, noting how red Sam's ears were she could no longer contain herself and added while leaning forward to kiss him;

"I thought it was a good idea."

"A full fry up!"

Mercedes nodded proudly seeing the glint in Sam's eyes as he saw the breakfast that lay before him.

"Full English!"

Sam could not help but salivate, his eyes searching before him, unsure where to begin, Mercedes couldn't help but giggle as she pushed the plate closer to him picking up the cutlery handing it to him she commanded;

"Tuck in!"

"SO what'cha say?"

"Well it can't go in the article. That has already been sent, approved and ready for print on Wednesday."

Sam rolled his eyes, placing his arm around Mercy;

"Mercy it's a date not work!"

"Date?" Mercedes asked

"Yes!" Sam responded, kissing the tip of Mercedes nose.

"Why?" He asked noting the expression on Mercedes face.

"Would you rather not spend the day in bed with me?" Sam wiggled his eyebrows at Mercy smirking as he saw her blush lightly;

"I didn't say that" Mercedes responded, struggling to hold her stance.

"No? So you do approve?" Sam questioned his tone decidedly huskier.

Mercedes couldn't help but lose herself in the moment, only returning when she noted the growing smirk of his smug face;

"One condition."

Sam who was too busy staring didn't immediately realise what Mercy had said

"Sam?"

"Hmm, sorry what was that?"

"My condition."

"Condition?" Sam raised an eyebrow.

It was Mercy's turn to be smug now;

"Yes." She responded.

"What condition?" Sam asked

Mercedes broke into a wide grin, taking the DVD from Sam's hand, placing it into the player she replied back seductively;

"You'll see..."

"Now, you can imagine my disappointment when it suddenly dawned on me that the woman I love is about to be kicked out of the country. So Margaret, marry me, because I'd like to date you."

Mercedes turned to look at Sam;

"WOW, that was spot on you sound just like Mr Sex-on-legs!"

"My impressions are hilarious 100% of the time"

"Can't argue with that!" Mercedes beamed back.

"And I happen to think I could give Mr Sex-on-legs a run for his money."

Mercedes didn't reply but internally think;

'Can't argue with that either!'

"Ok confession."

Sam had gotten up to take the DVD out when he heard Mercedes, she had rolled over so that she lay on her stomach, crossing her legs; she spoke quietly before burying her face into the covers.

"I kinda sorta am warming to Sandy."

Sam could barely contain himself as he made his way over to the bed, lying down next to Mercy he leant down to Mercedes ear, but instead of saying anything he merely moved back.

Mercedes upon not hearing anything raised her face to see Sam. His face was hard to read.

"Ok Sam you can gloat, I feel you have a complete dance routine to go with completing 'mission Mercy' Go ahead. I won't stop you. Although I make no promises about judging you!"

Mercedes rolled her eyes, waiting for Sam, but again he did nothing and just watched her.

"Sam it's ok. Go ahead."

This time Sam spoke, but instead of gloating, he merely raised her face in level to his and spoke clearly;

"And why would I do that, when I would much rather do this."

Before Mercedes could respond, she felt Sam's lips on hers, as he raised his hand into her hair and took her completely into his arms.

"Mercy, what is this?"

Mercedes had returned with snacks, when she saw Sam by her dresser looking carefully as her musical jewellery box.

"This..." Mercy began as she set the tray down and made her way over to Sam

"...is my most prized possession."

Mercedes lifted the lid of the box and Sam saw a ballerina spin while 'Hush little baby' lullaby played.

"Mom and Dad bought this for me when I was born."

Mercedes absent-mindedly stroked the lid as she closed it.

Sam noted how at peace Mercy had looked at the mention of her parents- this was new and he couldn't help but smile as he watched her.

"It's beautiful...just like you."

Mercedes half laughed as she playfully nudged Sam:

"Your impressions may be hilarious 100% of the time, but boy you are most definitely corny 100% of the time!"

Sam couldn't help but laugh too as he added challenging Mercedes, as he made his way over to the snacks.

"Yeah? But you kinda love it."

'You have no idea.' Mercedes thought to herself as she followed Sam.

"What about you?"

"what about me?"

"What's you prized possession?"

Sam knew what it was. How could he not? It had meant a lot to him. Which is why it hurt so much now, knowing that he no longer had it.

Sam had been thirteen, when his grandparents, bought him his first guitar, the very same one he still had today, that he still loved to play today. That went everywhere he went from Nashville to New York, Paris to Buckland, Yorkshire to Dodoma. Yet it was the object connected to it that had the most sentimental value. The same object that Sam at seventeen had pawned. And regretted to this day.

Mercedes noticed that Sam's expression had changed but more than that he was trying to brush something off. Mercy could recognise the tell tale signs. After all she had been the same whenever singing was mentioned. Mercedes raised her hand placing it on Sam's shoulder she encouraged him.

"Erm, well it was a guitar pick. My parents had it engraved. I got it the summer before high school. It was gold plated."

"Was?" Mercy inquired.

"Yeah, before our house was repossessed and before I found a job, I pawned it. Stevie needed new sneakers and I knew how far stretched mom and dad were."

Sam sighed before he continued.

"...SO I pawned it, along with my guitar. Of course when Mom and Dad found out they were furious and marched up to the pawn broker and got the guitar back. Unfortunately for me, the pick was missing. The owner would never own up, but I rec he sold it."

Mercedes shifted slightly and Sam rested his head on her shoulders;

"I still feel guilty every time I see Grammy and Pop."

"Sam you shouldn't. You were only trying to help, if anything that was extremely selfless and a very sweet thing of you to do."

Sam couldn't help but let out a small laugh;

"You sound just like Grammy."

Mercedes joined in laughing, as she added;

"Well you listen to that lady, she sounds smart."

The next day at work Mercedes wanted to see one person; the very same person who knocked gently at Mercedes door, before ducking her head around;

"Mia, please come on in."

"Hey Mercy,"

"Mia hi, how are you? Good weekend?"

Mia seated herself opposite to Mercedes, whose full attention was on the petite red head before her;

"Very well thank you, yes twas' lovely I found the cutest dress ever I'm thinking of wearing it to the office party on Wednesday."

Mercedes who was never really interested in clothes, showed an unfettering interest today;

"Ooh, what's it like?"

Mia piqued up;

"Black and white lace and the most gorgeous neckline you have ever seen."

"Sexy." Mercedes responded, smiling at Mia while adding;

"You will look absolutely stunning, now you have to wear it!"

Mia positively beamed, Mercedes smiled back before she got down to business.

Sam soon came to realise that the next two days were going to be tough on everyone, and by the time it was 10.30a.m he was glad to be making his way to the kitchen where he hoped to bump into Mercy.

But alas Mercy wasn't there, so instead Sam made Mercedes coffee the way she liked it and headed straight for her office.

"...that would be perfect. Thank you."

Mercedes had stood up and walked round to Mia, who too got up. Noting something in her diary as she reassured Mercedes;

"Don't be silly. I promise you I'll locate it."

"Thank you." Mercedes genuinely thanked Mia, as they headed towards the door, to see Sam make his way in;

"Hey Sam."

"Hi Mia, how are you?"

"Very well thank you. Coffee? Now where can I get such good service?" Mia responded winking at Mercy as she left.

"Hi Sam."

"Hi beautiful. Coffee?"

"Like music to my ears. Yes please."

As Sam seated himself beside Mercedes and began to fill her in on the busy morning he had had, Mercedes couldn't help but think about her earlier conversation with Mia and smile.

Mia was the most efficient assistant Claire had ever had. And since this magazine was a modest read, Mia happily assisted others. If anyone could locate the item that Mercy was eager to get her hands on then it was Mia. The only thing Mercy could do in the meantime was pray that it would be before Christmas.

She wanted to see the look on Sam's face when she handed it to him and honestly she just couldn't wait.

But only one issue remained, how would Mercy repay Mia?

Well Sam unwittingly helped in that department:

"It's really cute you should see it, Mark tried to hide it, but I saw that it was Mia's pic. He really got flustered. Poor guy. He should just ask her out."

"You know Sam, I think you're right. They would make such beautiful babies too."

"You know they're not the only ones who will." Sam added winking at Mercy.

* till next time! have a great week folks ;) *