Disclaimer: Hey so, I'm alive for those that didn't receive my notification on my other story yesterday. I explained the reasons for my absence due to moving to a new country and a bunch of other covid-related stuff. But here I am again after decades dedicated to finishing this story.

As you know I own bupkis cause if I did own Glee, Sam and Mercedes would have gotten a happily ever after not just in my head. Anyway….I hope ya enjoy this or try to at least.

Mercedes tried her best to focus on the task at hand and keep her mind from wandering. She curled her finger around his shirt pulling him closer in an attempt at forcing herself into enjoying the moment. She rolled her tongue against his as his large hands tightened around her waist.

She had to do the laundry later.

It was hair wash day for Aria.

Oh did she take out the trash today?

The woman groaned in annoyance at her traitorous mind refusing to cooperate with her and just enjoy Matt's lips on hers. The man in question interpreted the sound as a groan of pleasure taking it as an encouragement to slide his hand down to her backside. His tongue continued to expertly lead hers in a choreographed waltz.

Perhaps that was why she was so distracted; his kisses, though lovely were just that- lovely. The waltz was certainly a beautiful dance, perfect even. It was nice and slow…but also a bit repetitive if one were honest. It didn't leave one panting and deliriously high afterward. Nor did it heat up one's core and inject adrenaline into every nerve of the human body. It wasn't as fast and fun as the salsa or as intimate and sensual as a tango.

A waltz was nice.

Matt was nice.

So why did she want more?

It annoyed her to no end; the constant comparisons she drew between Matt and Sam. She solely blamed the blonde man for that. His words weeks ago when she had visited his family kept replaying in her mind taunting her with their accuracy.

She would be content with Matt. She would love him. But she would not be passionately irrevocably in love with the man.

She didn't like that realization. She didn't like it at all.

And the worst part is that Sam stayed true to his word and gave up. He no longer tried pursuing her with an onslaught of all that made their short-lived romance so wonderful one upon a. time ago. He had given her what she wanted from the very start- space.

She didn't like it. She didn't like it at all.

She missed Sam in the ways she did when their paths first parted. She missed his smile and his sense of humor. She missed how intoxicating he smelled. She missed him even though she nearly saw him every day to spend time with Aria. This new Sam was not her Sam- he was reserved and polite. He felt distant.

"Be careful what you wish for cause you just might get it."

She got what she wished for but heaven knows she did not expect it to be so painful.

Mercedes was in a world of her own as she sat amongst chattering family members. Her mind is occupied by thoughts of Sam and his impending departure for camp the following week. He had become a permanent fixture in her fantasies these past few weeks- something she is unable to escape. Whoever said distance made the heart grow stronger certainly spoke the truth. Though not physical the distance between them made her yearn for him.

The worst part was the fantasies. Goodness it was as though the thought of that man sent her body ablaze in the most glorious of ways. Of course, she and Matt had not been intimate but he sure kissed her with a desire that betrayed his want for her. She, however, could not return the sentiments. Even in the middle of the night when her hormones caused havoc it was Sam's face she envisioned.

Sam's annoying face.

No matter how annoying that face was it was still one of the most undeniably handsome faces she had ever seen.

"-When I went to the gym with Sam."

The sound of his name draws her out of her thoughts back into the present, however, it did little the clear the mist of confusion clouding her features. She looked at her brother puzzled, not understanding why his name left his lips.

"Since when do you hang out with, Sam?"

The muscular man across from her shrugged.

"Since I kicked his ass," Vincent said matter-of-factly as though it was obvious.

"When you see him again remind him to rsvp the number of tickets he needs for the fundraiser," his twin said causing Mercedes the pull a face. "He said he would bring along a few rich friends for the hospital's fundraiser," he explained to his sister.

Mercedes could not comprehend what was going on and why her brothers had a sudden change of heart when it came to Aria's father.

"If it's some ploy to get to me back-"

"Ego much," Dante threw in from the sidelines. "You do realize we don't even talk about you?"

He sounded bored as he rolled his eyes at her.

"Is everyone hanging out with Sam now?" She hisses throwing her arms in the air in exasperation. She felt as though she was in the twilight zone. Less than 2 months ago the people sitting around her could not even hear his name without threatening him with violence now he is their new best friend. Was she missing something?

That man was so annoying! It was something he did so effortlessly. He was not even here yet she still could not escape him. It was as though his name was carried on the wind, his face drawn in the earth; he was everywhere.

"I thought you all hated him."

"Hate is a very strong word, Mercedes." Her father said. "I think we've all been carrying around hurt feelings and anger for too long to no avail. I think your brothers have come to the conclusion that being angry doesn't solve anything."

Mercedes wasn't sure if the man was speaking in general terms or if he knew of the turmoil in her soul prompting him to utter those words. They sounded too personal for her liking though and made her feel vulnerable.

"Besides, we can't punish Sam forever. And you're a big girl now."

That definitely was a dig at her.

Mercedes not in the mood to try and make sense of what her father's words were suggesting and what they meant decided to silently continue eating her Sunday lunch.

It was one of those nights where the empty right side of her bed taunted her. She could not sleep; her mind would not stop racing and her body felt as though it had too much pent-up energy wanting to be released.

There was no denying Mercedes was conflicted about her situation with Sam. Yet, she had wanted a relationship with the man fully revolving around Aria only to have it blow up in her face. It felt as though they were walking on eggshells around each other tiptoeing on the thin threads of social decorum. Sam had turned somewhat reserved; the man who was inhibited was now second-guessing his words and only speaking in the name of politeness.

Mercedes had to admit that she missed him.

She missed being pursued by him.

She groaned rolling over to stare at the right side of her bed whilst her body submerges itself in longing. She longed for strong arms to hold her and gentle lips to steal the breath from her lips. Though she had a boyfriend- if one could call him that, it was not his body she was imagining laying underneath her covers.

When her mind was not occupied with Sam flashes of Matt would force their way through the cracks of clarity. She had not thought of him in the way one would think of new love with a sense of obsessive adoration, rather she always tried arguing in vain with herself as to why she should be with him. It was as though she was pleading with her heart to love him.

Perhaps 'love' was not the right word to use in this instance

'Desire' seemed more appropriate: she was pleading with her heart and body to desire the man for she already loved Matt. She loved him in the way she loved Kurt, Puck, and Joe. However, her breath did not get caught in her thought in anticipation when he readied himself to kiss her. She was not enamored with him. As hard as she might try he was not the face she pictured when her body refuses to settle down and aches with desire.

He wasn't. All she could think of in those moments was Sam.

She would think about his large hands…

Oh, heavens those hands. What she wouldn't do to have those hands touch her again. Or have those lips kiss her skin. Sam's mouth always felt like the finest silk.

Mercedes decided she needed to distract herself by scrolling through her phone until finally decided to open one of her messaging apps hoping he sent her a message but she met with disappointment. That, however, didn't stop her from clicking on his profile picture to see him and Aria pulling kiss faces at the camera. He looked comical with his hair full of little bows and pink hair clips after his makeover session with his personal stylist, Aria.

She smiled at the joy she was blessed enough to have witnessed. Sam was a pretty good father, there was no denying that. Aria was blessed to have him.

Her breath caught in her through when 'Online' suddenly appeared next to his name. Much to her dismay, it disappeared a few seconds later. Her disappointment wasn't long-lived as the former status was updated again showing he was online yet again and remained so for a few minutes.

Without waiting for her permission her fingers glided over her screen stringing a message not exactly knowing what outcome she wanted.

Mercedes- Can't sleep either?

Sam- Yeah

-What's keeping you up though?

-I don't know

- Just thinking…

-About?

-Stuff

She responds embarrassedly. He was what she was thinking about. He was all she thinks about. He responded with an 'okay' much to her dismay. It felt as though that test did not leave much room for a conversation. She was about just ready to go offline when he sent another message stopping her.

-I'm also thinking about …' stuff'…

Mercedes bit her lower lip wondering if he deciphered what she had meant in her earlier message and if he was just humoring her.

-What type of stuff?

-Stuff-Stuff

-Very informative; a whole thesis right there.

-Haha…tbh I don't think the stuff I'm thinking of is appropriate…

Mercedes could feel heat traveling through every sensitive nerve in her body. Her friskiness brought with it a sudden onslaught of friskiness prompting her to write back:

-We might be thinking about the same… stuff

-Mercedes…

She can imagine how low his voice would be if he uttered her name aloud. She remembered how he would warningly say her name letting her know he desired her. The thought of those moments made her feel as though the clothes she was in were suffocating her.

-You're giving me mixed signals.

The woman in question sighed. He was right; she was giving them both mixed signals.

-I'm sorry

It doesn't change the fact that I still want you though

The boldness in his claim makes Mercedes' skin tingle in anticipation. Tantalizing images flash through her mind

-You want me?

-I don't think that's much of a secret. I've always wanted you …I still do but at this very moment I want you in the way a that will result in a sibling for Aria.

-I told what I was thinking was inappropriate. Haha

-I want you too, right now… even though it's not appropriate'

-' Cedes, things I'd do to you…

-…with you….

-Tell me…

-Let's just say I'd be making you feel good until you've had enough

-Spend hours playing with your body

-Then make you fall asleep.

Mercedes blushed she can't believe this was the same man who barely acknowledge her existence. Her mind travels back to endless nights of pleasure with Sam. She thinks of the moans. She thinks of how her fingers curled in delight and her eyes would roll back into her skull. She thought of his mouth devouring her and his hands keeping her body from falling apart in ecstasy.

-You should try and get some sleep

-It's late.

- Goodnight.

Mercedes sends him back a message saying she agrees with him before wishing him good night. She switches off her phone and lays in bed imagining them together. She imagines how hot and sensual it would be as though they had just danced the tango. He would leave her breathless glowing in the aftermath of their lovemaking. Her skin would be sensitive to his every touch and her body would follow his rhythm.

Before long sleep finally welcomed her into its grasp.

Sam: We should make another baby.

Mercedes *snorts nearly spitting out her tea*: Are you high?

Sam *rolls his eyes*: Mercedes we can't rob the world of our genes. It's our duty to procreate.

Mercedes: We already gave the world 2 kids to gawk at in awe. I think that's enough

Sam: Nah, I think it needs some more of our genes.

Mercedes *rolls her eyes at her husband*: Sam, I had a baby like 5 months ago. I'm not a machine.

Sam: I didn't say we had to make one now. But I'm not gonna lie though you look hot pregnant.

Mercedes *raises a brow at her husband*: This little pregnancy fetish you have has to stop, you perv, or else we will be staring in our own version of 'Cheaper by the Dozen'.

Sam *shrugs*: I'd have no problems with that.

*Mercedes snorts*

Sam *moans*: fineeeee, we don't have to have 12 kids but I think 3 is a pretty good number.

Mercedes: Let's revisit that once your son can finally sleep through the night, okay?

Sam: Yeah I get you but that doesn't mean we can't *wiggles his eyebrows suggestively* practice. You know what they say, practice makes perfect.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. I feel as though the writing is a bit inconsistent from that of the previous chapter due to my long hiatus and of course growing up a little bit more. Regardless I hope you somewhat enjoyed reading this.

Thank you for sticking with me btw. I appreciate it so much.