Mike stretched lazily. It took him a moment to get his bearings but he realized he was in the black & white room at the Jones'. It was his favorite room.
He rolled over & sat up. His suit was wrinkled & his hair was a mess. But he felt better. He rose & walked to the door to see if anyone else was up.
M&Q&M
Yelling. Accusations. Glass breaking. It swirled around in her head like a loud fog until she broke through the nightmare in a cold sweat.
Marcy pushed her hair from her face as she tried to calm her racing heart. She looked around her to try to ground herself in reality. Her room gave her comfort but no more than her bedfellows.
Mal was doing his singing snoring thing that the girls mocked him about & Ellen was still kicking who knew what in her dreams.
Marcy glanced at her clock but before she could focus on the glowing numbers, she heard a sound & followed it to the door. Mike popped his head in. "Hey? You up?"
She nodded. "Just. Anybody else?"
Mike shrugged then held out his hand. "Want to check with me?"
She nodded again & climbed over Mal to get off the bed. She took her brother's hand & they made their way to Quinn's door.
They entered & woke the groggy blonde. "What time is it?"
Marcy shrugged. "I don't know."
"Me either but it's getting dark." Mike pointed to a window.
Quinn nodded before throwing back the covers & standing. "Want dinner?"
"We're skipping Family Dinner?" Marcy asked with hope.
Quinn grinned. "I forgot today was Sunday."
Marcy pouted. Mike laughed. "Let's go see who else is still sleeping."
The trio went to the orange door & woke up Joanna then back to Marcy's room to wake up Ellen & Mal. They all stood outside the married couple's room, praying they had clothes on. Then they remembered they had zero boundaries & barged in anyway.
"Has it been five hours yet?" Mercedes rubbed her eyes, tiredly.
Mike looked at her strangely. "I don't know what that means."
Mercedes shook Puck's shoulder. "I said I wanted to sleep for at least five hours."
Mal checked his watch. "It's been more than five hours. It's almost time for dinner anyway."
Puck groaned in sleep & turned from his wife. She shook his shoulder again & he scooted closer to the edge in an effort to get away from her.
Marcy chuckled. "You should wake him up like we used to wake up Marc."
Mercedes grinned. "Good idea! I'm going to need some help though."
Ellen looked on in confused anticipation as the family surrounded the Mohawked sleeper. They counted to three quietly before scream singing into his face. "It's time to wake up! Time to wake up! T-t-time to wake up! Sleepy time is over! Time to wake up! Time to wake up! Time to wake up! It's time to wake up!"
They backed away as he jerked up. "What the-?!"
Ellen fell out in laughter. "You guys are mean!"
Puck ran a shaky hand over his face before glaring at his extended family. "I hate all of you!"
"We love you, too Puck!" Mike cracked up.
"I haven't done that in years." Joanna sighed happily.
"Let's see if Marc is here!" Quinn hopped on one foot.
"Does that mean you forgive him?" Puck yawned.
Every female glared at him. "No. We just want to burst his eardrums."
He said nothing as they all shuffled to Marc's brown door. They entered to find the nineteen year old sound asleep.
Puck & Ellen watched as they repeated their song. Marc jumped straight up & nearly fell out of the bed. "I do not miss that!"
Giggling, the girls flounced out. The guys all looked at each other with stupid grins. "Wake up!"
Marc climbed to his feet. "What time is it?"
"Time to get ready for dinner." Mike told him.
Marc stretched. "Cool. So am I forgiven?"
Puck shook his head. "I wouldn't bring it up if I were you."
He sighed. "They're acting as if she's a witch or something."
"You're not serious about her though. Right?" Mal looked unsure.
"Not you, too!" Marc looked ready to give up.
"Not that I'm not happy for you; cuz I am!" Mike started. "But maybe you could have, I don't know, had a few options or something."
Marc rolled his eyes. "Magna isn't that serious. I just asked her cuz she's cool. I know she's a gold digger. I'm not stupid!"
"Wait!" Puck put up a hand in confusion. "You're dating a gold digger on purpose?!"
Marc sat on his bed with a deep sigh. "Yes. I can't wait for Laura forever. I need to move on with my life. But I don't know how to love anybody else so I'm dating someone I know I won't fall for first."
Mike blew out a relieved breath. "That makes sense!"
"But did you have to stop coming around though?" Mal chewed on his bottom lip.
Marc frowned. "I didn't mean to. I just didn't want to run into Laura all the time. I felt like if I stayed away, the feelings would, too. They don't, by the way."
"So bro night is back on?" Mike asked hopefully.
Marc slapped his leg. "Yeah. Sorry, I kinda deserted you guys. I never meant to hurt you with all this."
"Hurt?!" Mal snorted. "Who's hurt?! We don't need to see your ugly face!"
Mike agreed. "You ain't never got to come back!"
They were so serious, Puck wanted to scream they were liars. But Marc started laughing. "Whatever! You know you missed me!"
Mike grimaced. "Who lied to you?!"
"Is she hot?" Mal asked.
Puck cracked up. "That sounded so much like Mini Mama!"
Mal simply shrugged. "But is she?"
Marc nodded. "She's a hard nine."
Mike held his hand out for a high-five.
Puck couldn't pick up his jaw. "You're the respectful one!"
Mike looked confused for a moment before sheepishness took over his features. "I would say that I'm not one of those guys who checks out a girl based on her body but I'd be lying. I'm just as base as any other guy."
"So touching those girls in your class?"
Mike fought his blush. "I like girls. Get off my back."
"You're my new favorite bro!" Puck held out his fist.
"Get out my damn room with your silly asses!" Marc laughed.
M&Q&M
Santana smiled happily. As she looked around the room, she knew peace. It was a Sunday like every other but it filled her with a lightness she didn't have outside of her home much.
She'd driven home from the party happy & it continued to grow as the day went on. She'd dressed for Mass & went with her family. After, her mother cooked them brunch while she danced with her father to Spanish swing.
They'd spent the rest of the day together & ate dinner as a family. It made her happy to have this ritual. This nice thing she did on a weekly basis that had nothing to do with her bad girl image. She & Gomez washed the dishes together after dessert & they gathered in the living room to dance again.
She bounced on her father's feet lightly before resettling herself. She had a good life & felt like she knew her place in the world. She only hoped it would stay like that forever. That she & Finn could have traditions with their own family twenty years into the future. Traditions that would make their children feel at peace.
She sighed again. "¿Mija?"
She looked up. "¿Si, papi?"
"Are you alright?"
"I'm fine, Papi. Just happy."
M&Q&M
"What are you going to do tomorrow?" Marc asked after sipping his beer. He was still in the doghouse with his sisters.
"Nothing we can do." Mercedes sighed. "We still have the bonding to do in cheerleading & we have to present a united front to the school."
"We have to make sure no one knows it bothers us." Quinn went on. "Never show fear."
They all nodded.
"But it doesn't matter anyway because they're hurt." Marcy pointed out. "They can't do anything to us so we can relax until they're better. Anthony & Eliza are cowards to their hearts. They'll try something later but no one will have sympathy for them."
"You're always plotting!" Mal slapped her thigh.
"I am not! You know it's true. Unlike Azimio, they aren't going to change any time soon. They will hold a grudge & try to get even."
"You need to be safe." Mike looked at Mercedes. "No one knows about Rae yet so we need to make sure you're okay."
"Will this girl really come after you?" Joanna frowned.
"She's not that stupid so she wouldn't do anything directly to Mercy. Mercy doesn't fight but you know she'll jump on you." Quinn said. "Even Coach Sue knows she has the power of emotional pain. & way too many powerful allies."
"What about you?" Laura had forgiven Marc enough to be cordial anyway for the sake of family. "You beat her up."
Marcy bit into a cookie. "She could. She could try to have someone else do something."
"You sound so worried!" Marc snorted.
She smirked. "Let's just say Eliza should hope the faith you have in her intelligence holds up."
"Why does that sound like you're going to do something?" Ellen worried her lip.
"I don't know." Marcy blinked at her. "I'm not thinking about Eliza."
"Really?" Puck eyed her suspiciously. "You hold grudges."
"No, I don't." She frowned. "I can let go of a grudge. I just don't say I forgive people when I actually don't. If I tell you I forgive you, it's because I actually do & it's over. But if I don't forgive you, I'm not going to lie & say I do. It just stirs up trouble when it gets tested."
"What about Anthony?" Mal looked at Puck. "He seems a little touched."
Marcy laughed.
"He got touched!" Puck cracked his knuckles. "As long as he stays away from Mama, I'm good."
"We need to get ready for bed." Mercedes yawned. "We need all the sleep we can so that we'll be ready to face the mob."
"What time are you leaving?" Quinn asked Joanna. It was the best visit ever but that didn't mean things had changed.
"Nine." She shrugged. "I have to get back to university."
"That's cool." Marc blew out a ring of smoke. "Tell Joey we said what's up."
"Joey!" The kids yelled.
Puck smirked. He & Ellen didn't know who that was but their renewed energy was funny.
"C'mon. Let's hit the mattress!" Mike hopped to his feet.
Marcy rose. "He's right. For some odd reason, I'm sleepy again."
M&Q&M
Mercedes clutched Puck's hand as they walked into McKinley. Pictures were taken & questions fired at them but they ignored them in favor of going straight to their locker.
"That was pretty painless." She smiled gently.
He shrugged. "Like I said, I'm only thinking about you."
She opened the locker & they went through their routine. She set her books on her hip & eyed his profile. "Hi."
He smirked. "Hey."
"I love you."
"Love you, too Mama."
She grinned. "You're hot."
He dropped his head as he tried to suppress his laughter. "What the hell?!"
"Your 'hawk is mighty fine."
"I see Silly Mama is awake." He shut the locker & glanced at her.
"You're so strong!" She giggled.
He picked her up & swung her around once. "Are you done?"
She giggled again. "& such a good kisser!"
He kissed her. "Silly Mama can stay as long as she wants!"
"Are you done testing my gag reflex?" Santana walked up, smoothing out her high pony. "We're meeting in the choir room for a glee meeting."
"Why?" Quinn shut her locker.
Santana shrugged. "I don't know. Mr. Shue just told me to tell everybody."
M&Q&M
"Okay, everybody. We have some news that can potentially make or break our path to Nationals." Mr. Shue clasped his hands behind his back. "A group was disqualified for drug use so everyone has to undergo drug tests. The part that applies to us is that Nationals is being moved to Friday, May 31st."
"Why so soon?" Rachel wondered.
"I guess they believe the shakeup will discourage further drug use. So everyone will have to give urine samples in the next few weeks." Mr. Shue looked around. "That also means that we have to step our game up to choose what blocks we're entering & our choices. We need a set list soon & we need to get to practicing."
Marcy waved her hand. "Mikey & I can't take a urine test. We're asthmatic."
Mr. Shue frowned. "I can call the board & let them know."
"What if we take other medication & we don't know what's in it?" Quinn asked.
"I don't know." Mr. Shue stuffed his hands in his pockets. "I never thought to ask. I'll see if there are alternates. Who all takes medication regularly?"
The Fabanges all raised their hands.
Sam looked worried. "I have steroids in my rescue medicine. I don't take it regularly but anything could happen."
"Rescue medicine?" It was Mr. Shue's turn to be worried. "For what?"
"My shellfish allergic."
"Just stay away from shellfish." Finn suggested.
"It's not that easy." Marcy shook her head. "People lie about what they put in food all the time. They don't want to tell you. They want it to be a secret or a surprise. Food touches other foods. A lot of things that's out of your control can catch you unaware."
"How do you know? Are you allergic to shellfish, too?" Brittany was hurt on their behalf. She loved lobster.
"No. Remember, I'm allergic to nuts, cherries, strawberries & bees."
"& I'm allergic to peach fuzz." Quinn put in. "I'm terrified of even eating peaches because not everyone cleans the peaches well enough."
"Too much garlic gives Mercy hives." Mike added. "They have to carry Epi-pens on them at all times."
"Anybody else?" Mr. Shue wanted to make sure. "I can't believe no one knew about this. You guys could have gotten seriously hurt!"
"From food?" Finn looked hurt his own self. "How can food hurt you?!"
"Ask when your throat closes up & you stop breathing." Marcy side-eyed him.
"How do you-?" Rachel gulped. "How do you use those-? What did you call them, Mike?"
"Epi-pens?" Mercedes frowned. "You stick it in your outer thigh when you have the reaction."
"Then go to the hospital immediately." Quinn went on. "Marcy takes a pill for her bee allergy but she still needs to be taken to the hospital."
"Bee allergy?!" Kurt couldn't believe it. "How are you allergic to bees?!"
"Have you ever seen the elephant man? The one with the bumps & stuff on his face?" He nodded. "If a bee was to sting me; that happens to my face with the added bonus of pus coming from them & vomiting."
Quite a few of the members of the club looked queasy at the imagery.
"Note to self:" Mr. Shue muttered to himself. "Keep Marcy away from bees."
"I'm actually allergic to feathers." Artie brought up.
"What kind of feathers?" Brittany asked. "Like duck feathers or chicken feathers?"
"All of them." He pushed his glasses up his nose. "It's why I'm glad you have Lord Tubbington & not a bird. I itch & sneeze all over the place. It's a mess."
"Thank you for telling me." Mr. Shue massaged his chin. "I'm def. going to ask about urine samples for those of you who can't."
"Can you be allergic to something you don't like?" Finn glanced around. "I really hate Brussel sprouts."
"Mal's allergic to bananas & he hates them." Mercedes shrugged.
"But I think everyone hates Brussel sprouts!" Kurt agreed.
"We need to decide this week what we're doing." Mr. Shue brought the matter back to the important topic at hand. "We can decide everything else later but def. need to figure out our spots before Friday."
"Art club." Sam pointed to the clock.
The members left.
"See you guys after school." Mr. Shue walked to the door. "I'll have a theme then & we can talk more about Nationals."
M&Q&M
Puck made sure no one was around before he pulled Quinn into a closet. "Hey."
"Hey?" She eyed him strangely. "Why'd you pull me into a filthy closet?"
He looked around. "Is it?" He shook his head. "That's not the point. The point is; a drug test!"
She smiled slightly. "I see. You're freaked about the urine test."
"Shouldn't you be?!"
She shrugged carelessly. "Not really. There's a ton of things to help. First, Mr. Shue needs to find out the rules on people who take medicine. If that's out, there's switching pee. No doing drugs. As a Cheerio, I drink that damn health shake Sue has us all on that I know has something in it. I can pawn that off. Mercy has being pregnant to help her out. You're the only one up a creek."
He side-eyed her heavily. "Real nice, Fabray! Help me! What am I gonna do?!"
"Relax! If it's a real problem, switch pee with someone. Stop doing everything until after the test. Drink a lot of water. Get a lot of rest. Stop stressing."
"I can't help it!"
"No, I mean really stop stressing. Stress throws off your hormones."
"Oh." He ran a hand through his Mohawk. "Who'd I switch pee with?"
"You can't ask anyone here cuz no one can keep a secret but there's other schools. Other people. But once we had a surprise test & Marcy was able to steal the results & switch them with another girl's for me."
"Really?" He looked surprised. "I don't know why I'm surprised. You think she'd do it for me?"
"Marcy hates losing. Without you, we could lose."
"You couldn't just say she likes me enough to do it?" He deadpanned.
"Nope." She grinned as she exited the closet. A camera was shoved into her face. "Excuse you!"
"Who are you in the closet with?" A reporter from the Muckraker asked as his camera man snapped pictures.
"My brother-in-law." She shielded her face. "Go away!" She stalked off.
Puck exited the closet & was bombarded with questions. "Caught in the closet with your wife's sister? I thought you gave up your bad boy ways?"
Puck was confused for two seconds. "What?"
"Ms. Fabray is quite the catch but you have one of the biggest divas as a wife. Isn't one enough?"
Puck glared at the kid. "I'd never cheat on Mama."
"It doesn't look like it."
Puck rolled his eyes & walked away.
M&Q&M
"Mrs. Puckerman! Over here! We caught your husband coming out of a closet with your sister! Do you have a statement for the pig?"
Mercedes wanted to slap the idiot. "Get that thing out of my face! Noah wasn't cheating on me. He wanted to talk to Quinn without people like you listening in. I'm the one who suggested that closet!"
"Really?" Ross walked over. "You heard her boys. False alarm. But I did hear that Sarah Grayson has a boob job scheduled for the summer."
The paparazzi smelled the fresh story & scampered off.
"Thanks, Ross."
"No problem, Mrs. P." He gave her a side hug. "Any news on the B-A-B-Y front?"
"Not until late June." She giggled. She had asked him before why he spelled certain words & he'd told her that most of the school was filled with idiots that couldn't spell "shoe", let alone anything he wanted to keep top secret.
"When are you planning on breaking the news?"
"April. The moment I can't fit into my uniform, I'll call you so that you can put it out there. I'll be wearing maternity wear that day."
Ross chuckled. "How's your coach taking that? Isn't she into all of her robots looking the same? No offense."
"None taken. She does but we made a compromise for April 21 but I don't know if I can hold to it. I kept changing to the biggest female size but now I'm back in my male uniform from last year. It's actually getting snug now."
"Maybe I'll be able to print the story in early April?" Ross had already written the story & was just waiting to release it to the world.
"Maybe." She shrugged. "Thanks for the rescue."
Ross waved away her gratitude. "Tell the devil I said the meeting is going to be killer tomorrow."
"Why?"
"Our advisor is bringing in something as a surprise. Hopefully it won't be another up & coming politician."
"Your advisor brought in a politician?" She shook her head. "Why?"
"Hell if I know." Ross rolled his eyes. "I wish I could get those hours of my life back!"
She laughed. "Bye, Ross!"
He waved. "See ya!"
Puck walked up as Ross left. "Hey, Mama. Was that Ross?"
"Yup. He scared away the poachers." She turned in his arms. "How was class?"
"More fun than it should have been. Your sister is hella funny when she's bored."
"I don't get why she's bored in that class! She's great at history."
"Are you kidding me?! That's the worst class in the world!"
"Dates do confuse me." She admitted. "So what did she do?"
"She kept throwing things at Mr. Perkins whenever he turned his back then blamed it on other kids. She kept humming whenever someone had to read but as soon as Mr. Perkins looked up, she'd stop. It was a ton of stupid stuff but I laughed."
She rolled her eyes. "It's like she's two!"
"I was bored! Get off my back!" They both turned to see the cheerleader put away her second period supplies & slam her locker.
"You should find more productive-"
She yawned falsely. "Are you done?"
"Why so bitchy?" Mercedes pouted.
"I'm just bored. Why can't it be tomorrow already?!" Marcy whined.
Finn's birthday was the next day & they each had a present for the tall teen. As selfish as she was, Marcy loved giving gifts.
"Because it's today." Mercedes swayed slightly. "Come on. We need to get to practice."
M&Q&M
Everyone eyed the glee members of the squad as they joined the team on the field. They simply started stretching as they waited for their mean coach. The whispers started when Eliza & her friends hobbled over.
Eliza had a black eye that was going down & multiple bruising on her face. Her arm was in a sling & she limped badly. She wore her uniform pants so no one was able to see the damage to her legs.
Cammi had a new haircut & also had an arm sling. Sophie had bruising on her face, which was extremely puffy & had a crutch. The other (newly freshman squad) cheerleaders had similar injuries.
As they made their way over slowly, one of them grimaced & it was easy to tell that Santana had knocked out quite a few teeth. She had braces & very white false teeth that didn't match her old teeth.
Coach Sylvester announced her presence in her usual way. "Move your pathetic squishy bodies & get in line!"
The students did as told but looked for the slightest bit of animosity between the two groups so they could spread the news like wildfire.
Coach Sylvester made Eliza & her friends get their sweatshirts & get in line. "Trust exercises now!"
M&Q&M
Mercedes adjusted the top of her uniform. The control panel was chafing & she hoped she wasn't cutting off her baby's circulation. She'd just finished her shower & dressed quickly when she realized she might have to change into maternity wear in March instead of April.
Quinn tightened her high pony. "I hate that they're just watching us."
Tina looked worried as she tied her shoelaces. "It's like they expect something to happen so they're eyeing us to make sure they don't miss a thing."
"It's creepy as hell!" Mercedes muttered.
"But did you see Janie's teeth?!" Quinn laughed.
Santana walked over in a towel, smirking. "Thank you, Q."
Quinn high-fived the Latina before she dressed.
"But Cammi's haircut was def. the best part." Marcy grinned. She was lying on the bench in the middle of the row.
"Payback!" Brittany tugged her top down.
"I'm starving!" Kurt whispered from the floor. He was hiding from the girls knowing he was in their locker room. "Hurry up, Satan!"
Santana dressed quickly but still teased Kurt. "I'm good. I could stay here all day."
Mercedes swatted her backside. "Hurry up! My baby's hungry!"
"Aww!" Kurt cooed. "I'm your baby!"
The girls cracked up & left the room. Kurt hurried to follow.
"I think I'm going to have to be out of my uniform next week."
They all looked at Mercedes. "Why?"
"I don't want to smush her!" Using the elevator, they retrieved all of their lunches before making their way to the cafeteria.
"The control panel is tight." Tina wiggled.
"See? I don't want her to think I tried to kill her just because I was keeping her a secret - oh my, that sounds terrible!"
"No, it doesn't." Quinn wrapped her arms around her as they entered the large room. "You just don't want people to treat you different."
"Don't be sad, Cedes." Brittany held her on the other side. "You're gonna be a great mommy. Lord Tubbington told me so."
"Thanks, guys." She hugged the blondes tightly.
They took their seats at their tables.
"How was practice?" Sam wanted to know.
Kurt wrinkled his nose. "Let's just say; I know how it feels to be a Kardashian now."
"What does that mean?" Finn was so lost.
"It means everyone stared at us all practice long." Tina pouted.
"I hate high school." Marcy opened her apple juice.
"You shouldn't." Mike grinned.
"No."
"What?"
"Whatever has you cheesing like the Joker. No."
"I got you a present."
"Yes!" She stood, excited. It was a tossup between how much she liked to give presents & how much she liked to get them.
Mike set a flat box wrapped in green wrapping paper on the table & pushed it to her. She neatly removed the paper & opened the box. "What do you think?"
Her eyes were wide & dazzled a dark green as she lifted a hand mirror from the tissue. "It's awesome!"
"A mirror?" Karofsky looked unsure.
"You don't know how much she digs her reflection." Puck snorted.
They waited for her to respond but she was indeed entranced by herself. Mal rolled his eyes & fought to take it from her. "You'll be here forever!"
She whimpered slightly.
"It's okay." Santana told her. "You don't need a mirror to tell you you're hot. You just know it."
Mike lifted an eyebrow before shaking his head. "Let's stay away from the vanity-"
"Says the dip that gave her a mirror." Mal chuckled.
Mike cut his eyes at him. "This is for you, too." He set a pink box on the table & shoved it over. Obviously, it was from a bakery.
Marcy opened it. "Why'd you get-" Her eyes widened & her jaw dropped before she closed the lid quickly. "You're such an asshole!"
Mike threw his head back & laughed hard.
Rachel was shocked. "How could you say that, Marcy?! Mike's one of the sweetest guys in school!"
"What's in the box, Marce?" Mal tried to look but she smacked his hand.
She finally took her eyes away from Mike to look at the box fearfully. "I can't believe you bought this!"
"You know you want it!" Mike taunted.
"Marcy?" Mercedes was worried. "What is it?"
"It's-" She whispered. "It."
"It?" Mercedes questioned.
"It." Marcy picked up her spoon.
"What the hell is "it"?!" Santana didn't see the issue.
Marcy lifted the top of the box & stuck her spoon inside. She lifted it out & quickly put it in her mouth. She repeated the action many times without answering.
Quinn frowned. "Hey, wait. Is that-?"
Mike nodded with a devilish grin. "Yup."
It finally dawned on Mercedes what "it" was. "Mikey, you didn't!"
"What is "it" & why is she eating it if it's so bad?!" Artie demanded.
"It's her only weakness really." Mal had finally been able to take a peek.
"It's cake." Mike watched her in glee. "It's from Up with Frosting. It's the only cake she actually cares about."
"Didn't she like the one from the wedding?" Sam eyed her sadly. She looked miserable & elated at the same time.
"She likes cake." Mercedes explained. "But that's only sometimes & if it's really good. This is the only cake that she eats like ice cream. i.e. anytime she can get her fingers in it."
"It's the moistest, chocolatey-est, creamiest cake in the world!" Quinn swore. "It's made with chocolate pudding & whipping cream. It's fluffy & light without being rot-your-teeth sweet. It actually is incredible cake."
"Then what's the problem?" Jesse was shocked at the girl's behavior.
"She likes it too much." Mal went on. "She prides herself on being able to do without anything & she cannot give up this cake. It has a power over her. She won't let anyone get any either." That part was said in a grumble.
"But she always shares." Brittany didn't believe him.
Sam reached over but Marcy's threat had him retracting his hand quickly. "Sam, I will stab you in your heart."
They weren't as shocked by her words but by her tone & the way she hadn't paused in her fast paced eating nor the way she hadn't even looked up to give the threat.
"I told you." Mal didn't laugh the way he wanted to but Mike sure did.
"How did that feel, Sam?"
"Hurtful!" Sam looked close to tears. "She's never that mean!"
"It's the cake." Mercedes shrugged helplessly. "It makes her feel crabby & powerless."
"Then why does she eat it?" Shauna wanted to cry, too. She wasn't even a crier but Sam was truly hurt.
"She doesn't." Quinn smacked Mike's arm.
"Why would you do that, dude?" Finn shook his head.
"I thought it'd be funny." Mike was able to control his laughter but merriment still danced in his eyes.
"We have got to get that cake away from her before she gets sick." Mercedes eyed the girl. "But who's gonna do it?"
"Why can't you?" Azimio asked.
"So she can hit me?!" She recoiled.
"She wouldn't do that." Puck frowned. "She'd never do anything to hurt you."
"Touch that box." Mercedes deadpanned.
"Fine!" Puck stood & walked over. He reached out but before he could touch the box, Marcy caught his hand.
"No."
"Okay." She released his hand & he sat back down. "She can eat the whole damn thing!"
"It actually is a whole cake." Mike smiled.
"She's eating too fast." Ellen was terrified to touch her but wanted to give her a hug badly.
"& it's too much." Artie pointed out. "She doesn't eat a lot."
"Alright." Mike stood. "The plan is in effect."
Quinn sighed. "I hate the plan."
"I hate you." Mal snapped at Mike.
"Guys?" Mercedes looked at the boys at the tables. "Get out your spoons."
"Why?" Sam still stared at the fast eating Marcy.
"Mikey & Mal are going to restrain her & Quinn is going to move the box. You guys need to eat the cake so that by the time she breaks away from them, it'll be all gone."
"Is it that serious?" Finn wanted to make sure.
"She's going to be sick." Brittany almost burst into tears at the thought.
The guys all picked up spoons as the trio got into position. They counted to three then Mal & Mike picked Marcy up while Quinn shoved the box over.
Marcy fought against them but they were able to hold on. Barely. She thrashed around & tried to break free.
"Hurry, guys!" Mercedes urged.
The boys dug in & almost lost their minds. "This is the best cake ever!"
"Really?" Rachel sat up. "Can we try it?"
"No!" The guys shouted & began to fight over the box.
"Fantastic idea, Mikey!" Mercedes wanted to punch him.
"I still think it's funny."
"You're being a jerk." Tina told him.
He shrugged. The cake was finished just in time for Marcy to grow limp.
"What's wrong with her?" Ellen bit her lip.
"Sugar rush." Mercedes explained. "She needs water."
Quinn opened hers & popped it passed her chocolate coated lips. "You gotta drink, Moppet."
Marcy started gagging & was able to break away from the Chang brothers. She ran to the nearest trash can & vomited.
Mercedes did punch Mike then. He rubbed his arm. "Ow! What was that for?!"
"That wasn't nice!"
"I'm sorry, Merce."
"No, you're not!"
"Mike! How could you be so mean?!" Brittany couldn't believe it.
He shrugged again.
"How did it taste?" Santana eyed Finn as he sucked on his fingers. He nodded with a moan.
"I get why she was going to stab me!" Sam swore as he licked his lips. "I would stab me, too!"
"I don't believe that!" Kurt was the only guy to not try it. (read: they wouldn't let him.)
Karofsky nodded. "I'd stab you, too Sam."
Rachel was horrified. "That's not funny!"
"Who's laughing?!" Jesse sucked on his spoon. "Wow, that's good cake!"
Blaine whimpered slightly. "& now it's all gone."
Artie was ready to cry. "Why'd we have to eat it so fast?"
"Are you kidding me?!" Shauna looked around. "She's over there throwing up everything & you're worried about not having enough of the cake that's making her do it?!"
"But babe!" Azimio protested. "It's so good. It's so good!"
"Shame!"
Mal walked over to Marcy & rubbed her back as she emptied her stomach.
"I can't believe she ate so much in such a short amount of time." Puck was in awe. "Almost half of that cake was gone & it was a huge cake."
"Did you see her take a breath?" Quinn sipped on her juice. "She barely chews it."
"She didn't have to!" Sam looked a little dazed. "That cake was so…"
"Everything?" Karofsky breathed.
Mal had an arm wrapped around Marcy as they made their way back.
Mike eyed her & tamped down his humor. "Are you okay?"
She glared at him. "No!"
"C'mon! It was funny!"
"You're such an asshole!" She repeated before gathering her stuff & leaving.
"Not cool, dude." The guys eyed him in disapproval.
He sighed heavily & sat down. "You guys have no sense of humor. She'll be fine."
Tina sat up away from his arm as it draped over her chair. "Mike! That's not funny. She just threw up!"
Ellen collected her things with a roll of her eyes. "You're a great big brother. Not!" Mal grabbed his stuff & they left.
Mercedes pursed her lips. "Not only did you piss her off but you got these guys hooked now. Real nice, Mikey!"
"It's just cake!"
"That you lose your mind over, too." Quinn snapped.
"It's just good cake!"
"Where'd you say it was from?" Jesse wanted to know.
"No!" Rachel didn't want that at all.
He moved her out of the way. "Where?"
"Up with Frosting." Mike told him.
"Mike!" Tina looked aghast.
"What about the name?"
"Sam!" Quinn hit his shoulder.
"We don't need the name, do we?" Finn looked around. "It's chocolate."
"What if there's more than one type of chocolate?" Blaine asked.
"Can we try them all?" Artie unlocked his brakes in anticipation.
"What are you thinking?" Santana held onto Finn's shoulders.
"Cake." He answered simply.
"Mike!" Brittany locked Artie's brakes. "You are mean!"
"That's what I want for my birthday!" Finn declared. "That cake. I want that cake. Whatever you got; return it."
"If I buy that cake, you ain't gettin it!" Sam was serious.
"Sam." Finn warned.
"We need to find out what it is!" Azimio scratched his head. "We should go down there & taste all their chocolate cakes until we find it."
"It's called Chocolate Madness." Mike supplied.
"Mikey!" Mercedes wanted to punch him again.
Puck laid his head on her shoulder & sighed. "Cake."
She really wanted to punch him again.
M&Q&M
Ellen let loose a few tears as Marcy brushed her teeth again. It was the second time. The first time was after she washed her face but she'd thrown up right after so she had to do it again. "I'm sorry."
"Why?" Marcy's voice was hoarse.
"Why would he do that?"
"He has his dickhead moments." She shrugged as she rinsed out the spare toothbrush she kept in her locker.
"I can't believe he'd do that in front of people." Mal didn't care about being caught in the girls' bathroom. He lounged on the ledge under the window.
Marcy recapped the toothpaste & put the toothbrush back inside its casing. "Me either."
"He'll apologize."
"He can keep it." She washed her face again in an effort to hide the tears that threatened to surface. She was thoroughly embarrassed by her actions.
Ellen didn't know what to say so she just watched her as she grabbed the floss. "Why do you have all this stuff in your locker?"
Marcy eyed her. "My dad's a dentist."
"Oh yeah."
Marcy had two toothbrushes, floss, toothpaste, mouthwash, mints, gum & a small container of baking powder in her locker & another toothbrush in her purse. After flossing, she applied Chapstick she'd gotten the previous Saturday.
"What kind is that?" Ellen pointed.
"Sour Apple."
"Are you ready?" Mal paid attention to the conversation again.
"Yeah." Marcy shrugged as she gathered her supplies. They left the restroom & walked to her locker, where she put them all away.
"Are you full?" Ellen asked. "You never ate your food."
Marcy nodded. "Unless one of you has broccoli." They both shook their heads. She sighed & uncapped her juice.
"What do you want to do?" Mal looked into her locker.
"Go for a run."
"I told you; that's not good-"
"You asked."
He sighed heavily. "Fine. But we're walking around the track."
She rolled her eyes & collected her things for fourth period. She grabbed her phone & headphones. "Are you coming?"
Ellen blinked. "Sure. Can I just watch you guys though? I'm still kinda hungry."
Marcy nodded, tiredly. "We can go by your locker & stop by his."
"Are you okay?" Ellen touched her arm & she flinched. That alone hurt Ellen. Marcy was fine with her touching her by now. What had changed?
Marcy pulled on a jacket & closed her locker. "Let's go before the bell rings."
M&Q&M
Mike rolled his eyes as he stepped into the choir room. None of the girls were talking to him & the guys only wanted to talk about the damn cake. He needed to get high.
Mr. Shue looked over with a smile. "Hey, Mike. You're the first one here."
"Joy." He dropped into a chair.
Mr. Shue's eyebrows lifted. He'd never heard that tone from Mike before. "What's going on?"
"I played a small harmless prank & everyone's hung up on it."
"Pranks are meant to be fun." Mr. Shue frowned. "They're funny."
"That's what I've been saying!"
People started filing in.
Mr. Shue looked them over carefully. The girls seemed angry & the boys preoccupied. "Was the prank that big?"
"Prank?" Quinn was confused. "What prank?"
"Mike said-"
"Mike's being mean!" Brittany snapped.
Mike threw up his hands. "She's done worse to nicer people."
"Did you know she had to go home?" Mercedes crossed her arms. "She couldn't stop throwing up in her fifth period class."
"Really?" He sat up straighter.
"Yes!" Quinn glared at him. "They had to have Mrs. Gonzales come pick her up."
"Why? Couldn't they just give her something? Or she could have sat down."
"All that sugar had her on a sugar rush so high; she was literally bouncing off the walls." Santana shook her head. "I was walking past the room & saw her. She was sweating & couldn't seem to stop."
"You know sugar's bad for us." Mercedes clucked.
"You gave someone sugar?" Mr. Shue tried to keep up.
"Mike gave Marcy a cake at lunch that was really sweet." Tina told him. "He knows she can't resist it & she ate too much too fast."
"Why couldn't she just stop eating it?" All of the guys gasped & recoiled. "Or not?"
"I'd sell my family for that cake!"
Kurt eyed his brother. "I'm officially scared."
"You all had it?" Mr. Shue looked around.
"It's from our favorite bakery so we've had it but the guys tried it when we were able to get the box from her." Quinn answered. "It's really good cake."
"But a prank is supposed to be harmless."
"Supposed to be." Mercedes eyed Mike.
He sighed heavily. "Fine. I'll apologize to the little terror."
M&Q&M
Mike knocked on the door before entering anyway. He glanced at the bed, where a head laid on the pillow. "Hey?" It didn't move so he entered fully & closed the door behind him. He crossed the room to the bed & sat on the edge. "Marce?"
He moved the covers so he could see her face & was slightly ashamed. Her face was scrunched up in pain, even in rest. He moved the covers back more to see she had on PJs & was curled into her signature sleep move; the fetal position. "Are you asleep?"
He moved her hair from her face. It was burning up hot. She moved slowly to smack his hand away. He moved her hand & caressed her cheek. "I'm sorry, Marcy."
She frowned & turned slowly to face the other side. She pulled herself to the edge & retched.
He frowned as well & went to make sure she didn't hurl onto the floor but there was a bucket. He rubbed her back as she started to dry heave. Her spine was close to her skin as he stroked. "I'm really sorry."
She spit then used a tissue to wipe her mouth. He grabbed the glass of water on her nightstand & tried to get her to drink it but she pushed his hand away. "You gotta drink. You don't want that taste in your mouth."
She finally peeled open her eyes to glare at him before scooting away from him. She pulled her knees to her chest & snuggled under the covers.
He sighed & placed the glass back onto the table. He really hadn't meant to make her sick. At the time, he'd thought it'd be funny. "Are you gonna forgive me?"
She didn't move so he climbed into bed with her & tried to hold her. "I'm so sorry. I swear I am. I'd never want to hurt you, Moppet."
It was silent for a while. She didn't acknowledge his apologies & he didn't want to keep giving them. He knew that if she forgave him, it wouldn't be because he apologized a thousand times.
He removed a stuffed animal from under him & glanced at it. It was a stuffed dog with a messed up ear. He smiled as he remembered it. He'd given it to her when she was seven. It was when she'd started getting into trouble more & he'd gotten it at a carnival for her.
She always kept some memento of each of them when she was away from them & that was his token. He felt even worse knowing she was trying to reclaim the love they'd had when he'd first given it to her.
He leaned over & tucked it into her lax arms. Then he pulled her into his arms. He'd messed up but he would make it better.