A/N: Hey everyone, LadiJ back again, with yes another installment of As I See It (Ever After) I know it's been a loooooooong time since I updated, but I have been so busy lately, writing this story had to take a backseat, but finally here is the next chapter. I'm not going to bore you with a long explanation, I'm just going to say thank you to my Beta Zeejack! You are a God send, and I do appreciate you very much. To all those still interested in reading this story, I say thank you, and I hope you like it. Please let me know what you think, and HAPPY READING!
Much Love
"***DISCLAIMER*** I do not own anything! And please excuse any mistakes, me and my beta are only human after all!
Mercedes was in the bedroom packing her bags, she had to fly out to LA for a few days to meet with Sean, and the label to go over a few things for the tour. She had been dreading this trip for a few weeks now, because she really didn't want to go without Sam. This was going to be the first home game she was going to miss, and she hated that. Sam was trying to be strong for her, but she could see that he was not happy about her not being there. She had tried her hardest to get them to move this back, but they wouldn't budge, and she had to go. She threw the last shirt in the suitcase, and started to zip it up. She heard a small noise, and looked up, seeing Sam standing in the doorway, sipping on a smoothie.
"So you're almost done packing?" He asked with a somber tone.
"Yeah, I am, I just put the last item in the bag." She sighed as she finished zipping it up. "Did you finish your breakfast?"
Sam nodded, "Yeah, I did." He walked over, grabbed her bag off the bed, and headed to the door.
Mercedes could tell that he was taking this a lot harder today, "Sam…."
He didn't turn around, because he didn't want her to see the tears that were threatening to fall. "Mercedes…"
She walked over to him, stood behind him, and wrapped her arms around his waist, resting her head on his back, "It's only a few days baby, please don't be sad."
Sam knew he was being way too sensitive about this, but he was going to miss her and he didn't want her to go. "I know it's just a few days, but I'm going to miss you. How am I supposed to sleep without that warm, soft, sexy body cuddled into me? You know I need you with me to sleep."
Mercedes laughed, "Sam you've slept without me before. Just think about the year we were apart for your first season here."
"I don't want to think about that, it was the worse sleep I have ever gotten in my life." Sam spat out, he was not going to be convinced that he could sleep without Mercedes. "Mercy, I need you, and I hate that I have to be a sour puss about this, but I don't look forward to sleeping without you."
Mercedes turned him around to face him, "Sam, you know I am going to miss you terribly, but it's just a few days, and I am going to be right back here in your arms." She cupped his face, and pulled him in for a sweet kiss. She knew how he felt, because she was feeling the same way, but she figured one of them had to be the voice of reason. She hated that year they were apart, it was the worse year of her life. She and Sam had become accustomed of being around each other every day, they have been that way since high school, so to be apart now, after all those years was difficult.
Sam knew he had to suck it up, as hard as it was, he had to do it, and Mercedes kiss soothed him a little, "As hard as it might be, I guess I will be okay, but I need you to call, text ad have at least one Skype call on this trip."
Mercedes smiled and caressed his cheek, "You know that was automatic, now come on, I have to get to the airport. I'm sure the car service is here already."
He shook his head, "No it's not, I cancelled it."
"What do you mean you cancelled it?" She questioned him, "You know I have to get to the airport."
"I know you do, and you are, but I am taking you myself." He smiled and grabbed the last of her bags, "We may have a little money now, but I don't want us to lose who we are baby. We always take each other to the airport, so we can have our time together, and that's not going to change."
She smiled brightly, "I love that baby! And you are so right, I don't want us to change, I love us just the way we are."
They made their way to Sam's truck, and he helped her inside, after putting her bags in the back. Once he was inside, they were on their way to the airport. It was a nice, easy trip. The radio played lightly and they sang along to their favorite songs. They held hands the entire trip, and they would sneak kisses at red lights, it was just a normal trip for them. Pulling up to the airport, the mood shifted a bit, the realization hitting them, and they both were trying not to cry.
"It's just a few days baby." Mercedes whispered in his ear after giving him a kiss. "We are stronger than this, and we can handle it."
"Yeah, I know, and I am not going to be a little punk and start crying either." Sam said with a smirk on his face, "I'm just going to miss you, that's all.
"I'm going to miss you too baby, and I promise, I will call you the moment I land in LA."
"You better, now is Santana and Puck supposed to pick you up from the airport
"I think they ordered a car service for me." Mercedes said, grabbing her carry on bag, "Santana had a show tonight, so I was just going to meet her at the venue, then go to her house after that."
Sam nodded his head, "Oh okay, well you tell them I said hello, and you have a good time."
Mercedes nodded, "Okay I will, and baby, I showed Constance how you like your smoothies, so she knows to have them ready for you before you go to practice. I also planned each meal, so you don't have to eat any fast food." She pointed her finger, "You know the rules, not two days before the game. So she is going to cook everything you need."
Sam laughed and shook his head, "Okay baby, I will follow the rules, but you know I can make my own smoothies right?
"I know you can, but you don't have too." Mercedes said smiling, "And I know you would wake up late, and forget to make it, so I am making precautions. Now I have to get going, I can't miss this flight." She leaned in and kissed him again, deeper and longer this time. Once their lungs forced them apart, she pulled back, "I love you Sam Evans."
Sam forgot all about her worrying about him once she kissed him, and he held her as tight as he could, until they had to break apart. "I love you too Mercedes Evans." He pulled her back in for another kiss. Finally they broke apart, and he got out of the truck, opened the door for her, and helped her out of the truck.
"A few days baby, that's all." Mercedes reassured him.
"Yeah I know..." Sam nodded, and sighed. He pulled her in his arms for one last hug. And finally released her to go, "You better go now, or I am not going to be able to let you go."
Mercedes smiled, because a huge part of her didn't want him to let her go, "You will never have to let me go, I'm always going to be yours." She grabbed her bag, and headed to the door, but stopped before walking into the airport, "Sam..." When he turned around she patted her chest.
He nodded knowing that she meant what she was saying, and she was going to be there with him always. He was heading back to the car when she called his name. When he saw her pat her chest, he smiled and returned the chest pat. He then watched as she walked into the airport.
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"Mercedes sat backstage at Santana's show, which was amazing. Santana had become such an incredible performer, and she enjoyed the show so much, but she was so tired. She checked in with Sam several times while she was waiting on Santana to finish changing, so they could all head home. The door swung open, and she looked up to see Puck walking in, "Hey you."
Puck had been so busy getting things ready for the show, he didn't have time to see Mercedes when she got there, so he was excited to finally get to see her, "There's my Hot Mama!" He walked over and pulled her up in a tight hug. "It's so good to see you! I didn't realize how much I was going to miss you until you actually left me."
Mercedes smiled and melted into Puck's hug, "I know right, we all became so close those four years, and for it to just be over was a shock, but I am so glad we get to be together now. So how long does it take your woman to change after a show?"
Puck shook his head, "Oh, she takes her time to change. She likes to unwind first, and she just strips out of her clothes, and just sits there butt ass naked until she feels likes moving." He smirked thinking about all the fun they have when she unwinds.
Mercedes scrunched her face, at that thought, and snapped her fingers in Puck's face, "Um...could you come back from your personal sex land...please." She shook her head.
"Oh...sorry Hot Mama, but you know me." He laughed and then saw Santana walk in, "Speaking of my baby, we were just talking about you baby." He kissed her sweetly.
"I hope all good things." She returned his kiss, and then looked at Mercedes standing there, and a smile grew on her face, "And there is my Cedes!" She walked over and hugged her tight, "I missed you so much. I haven't seen you since the wedding, how are you?"
"There's my Tana!" They hugged for a minute, "I know, it's been a minute, and I don't want us to be away from each other this long again, but we are both so busy, it's kind of hard to get our schedules together."
"I know, it's not much we could do about that, but on our free times, one of us will have to make a trip to Chicago or LA." Santana chided, and looked over at Puck, "We have to make that happen babe."
"He nodded, "Yeah we do, I miss my boy, and watching him on TV every week is not enough."
"He misses you guys too." Mercedes piped in, "He wanted to come on this trip so bad, but he has a game on Sunday."
"Yeah we know, but next time." Puck answered, "So, are you two lovely ladies ready to go, I know Mercedes has to be tired from her trip."
"That I am..." Mercedes shook her head, "And Tana should be tired after that amazing show."
"I am, but I had time to unwind, so I'm good." Santana smirked, and winked at Puck, "I am ready to get out of here though, so let's go."
They all headed out of the venue and to the car. It didn't take them that long to get back to Santana and Puck's place. Mercedes was in awe of how big it was, "Now I have a big house, but this is huge, you guys have a great place here."
"It better be," Puck said rolling his eyes, "We spent an arm and a leg for it, but..." He wrapped his arm around Santana's shoulder, "my baby fell in love with it, the second she saw it, so I had to get it for her."
Santana smiled and kissed Puck on the cheek, "I did fall in love with it, and once you come inside you will see why. Starting with the foyer."
Walking inside their home, Mercedes could see why Santana loved it so much. The double staircase was a huge wow factor. It was beautiful, and the huge chandelier lit the room up so beautifully. "This is gorgeous, you guys picked a great home."
"And this is just the beginning," Santana smiled, "Let me give you a tour."
Mercedes shook her head, "Actually, can we get the tour later, I am exhausted, just show me to my room, so I can shower and go to bed. I have an early meeting with Sean and the label tomorrow, and I need to be well rested."
Puck nodded, "Sure, we can do the tour later, let me show you to your room." He grabbed her bags, and they all went upstairs. They walked down the long hallway, and stopped in front of the door, "Here it is." He opened it, and the room was immaculate. Burgundy and Cream colors decked the room, it was so warm and inviting, "This is so much better than a hotel I think."
Mercedes smiled and nodded, "I have to agree with you there, but do you guys have room service?" She giggled
Santana rolled her eyes, "Yeah sure we do, it's called walk your butt to the kitchen, get some food and take it back to your room."
Mercedes cracked up laughing, "Alright, alright...I get it, but I will be alright tonight, I am too tired to even eat, so I will see you guys in the morning." She hugged them both.
"I'll make sure you have breakfast in the morning Hot Mama." Puck said and hugged her back.
"Thank you Puck." Mercedes said with a smile.
"See you in the morning Cedes." Santana hugged her back. "You sleep well." They both walked out and left Mercedes to get some rest.
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Mercedes went into her room, took a shower and pulled out her tablet, making sure to call Sam on Skype. She smiled when his face popped on the screen, "Hey! There's my sexy husband, whom I miss so much."
Sam almost broke his neck running to the laptop when he heard it ringing, "My Mercy, you look beautiful. I miss you too."
"Aww baby, thank you." She smiled bright, "How was practice?"
"Same old, same old, you know, throw the ball, get knocked down, and get yelled at by the coach." He laughed, "Typical day in my life. How was the flight, and is Santana and Puck treating you right?"
Mercedes smiled, "My poor baby, people so tough on you." She pouted, and then chuckled, "The flight was fine, and yes Santana and Puck are treating me right, I'm in the bed now, because I'm exhausted, and I have an early meeting. You know you should be sleep too.
Sam waved his hand in front of the camera, "Don't even try it, you know I am not going to bed without hearing from you." He shook his head.
"And that's why I went on and called you, because I know how stubborn you are Mr. Evans."
"And that's why you love my stubborn ass, and you constantly take care of me Mrs. Evans."
All Mercedes could do was laugh, Sam was so silly, but he was true, she did love his crazy, stubborn ass. "Okay, okay, I do love your stubborn ass, you happy?"
"Very!" He smirked and blew her a kiss. "So now that we established that, now I need to go to bed, because it is one o'clock in the morning here, and I have a 6 A.M practice."
Mercedes shook her head, "You did all that to tell me you have to go to bed? You are a handful Sam Evans, but luckily for you, I'm exhausted and can barely keep my eyes open, so I am fine with this short call." She smirked, and held her finger up, "But tomorrow, you better be ready to talk."
Sam smiled brightly, "I am only doing what my beautiful wife told me, and I am taking care of myself." He laughed and blew her a kiss, "Now you go get some sleep, and I will talk to you tomorrow, and I will be well rested for a long conversation."
"You better, and I love you." She smiled and patted her chest.
"I love you too." He patted his chest. "Sweet dreams baby."
"I'll dream of you, and they will definitely be sweet."
Sam laughed, "Oh baby, you are so cheesy, and sappy."
"Says the man that didn't want to let me go for two days." Mercedes retorted, with a smile.
He shrugged his shoulders, "I guess we are both are a bit sappy then, but I am not ashamed."
"Neither and I." She smiled, and waved at him "Now go to bed."
"You too." He waved back. "Night!"
""Night!"
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Mercedes got up pretty early, and made sure she was ready for her meeting. Sean already called her and told her that he was going to be there shortly to pick her up. She was excited about finding out about the tour, and how soon her album was going to be released. She got dressed, and grabbed a quick breakfast from Santana and Puck's kitchen, before heading out. Sean was punctual, and she hopped inside the car;
"Hey you!" She smiled and hugged him, "It's so good to see you again." She put on her seat belt and got comfortable, "How's Quinn?"
Sean greeted Mercedes with a huge hug, "My girl! Look at you, married life agrees with you." He pulled out the driveway, and headed downtown. "Quinn is great, she stays busy, but she loves it, so I get no complaints from her. How's your hubby doing? I bet he barely wanted to let you go."
Mercedes was glad to hear that Quinn was doing so well, "I hope she's not too busy to see me while I'm in town." She dropped her head and giggled. "Sam great, and no he didn't want to let me go, but that's okay, because I never want him to let me go."
"Of course she's not that busy, she actually threatened if I didn't bring you to our house tonight for dinner, I should just find another place to live." He laughed, but then quickly got serious, "And I really like my place, so you are coming to dinner."
Mercedes laughed, and knew that sounded a lot like Quinn, "Alright, alright, just to make sure you have a place to live, I'll come over for dinner."
They made their way through the busy streets of LA and finally arrived at the label. Nerves came over Mercedes, and Sean could tell, so he took her hand, "Don't be nervous Cedes, this is a good meeting, I promise."
She nodded, knowing that she could trust Sean, "Okay, I'm calm…" She could tell he didn't believe her, "Alright, I'll calm down...I promise." She took a deep breath, as they headed up to the conference room to meet with the record executives. They were quickly escorted to where they were supposed to go, and waited for everyone to arrive. Soon, the room began to fill up with all the big wigs, and everyone happily greeted Mercedes and Sean. Once everybody was present the meeting started, and Mark Stokes, who was now running Sony was sitting there with a smile on his face.
"So Mercedes, the time has come to finally release your album, and get you out there promoting it. We have big plans for a nationwide tour at first, then by the end of this year, getting ready for a world tour. Your fans have been clamoring for more music from you, so we have to give them what they want, how does that sound to you?"
Mercedes couldn't wipe the smile off her face, "It sounds amazing, and I couldn't be more pleased to hear that. I am in love with the music we wrote, and I can't wait to share it with my fans." She looked over at Sean, "So are you going to be joining me on this tour, I mean you are the man behind the music?"
Sean laughed and shook his head, "You know I am, I mean I have to make sure the music is on point."
She was so relieved to hear that, it was going to be so much better having someone she knew and trusted with her as she embarked on this new journey. "That you do, and that me feel a whole lot better, and sure this tour is going to be epic as my sexy husband would say."
Mark laughed, "How's Sam doing by the way? I still hate that he chose football over music, but like I told him, the offer still stands."
"Sam is doing amazing Mark, and as much as he loves music, football is his first love, so that's where his heart is." She smiled, and was glad to know that her label was still so open to Sam, it could be a fallback plan for him. "I'll let him know, I'm sure he would love to hear that."
"Great, he's an amazing football player, so I totally understand, but maybe he can join you on stage a few times, that would be a great treat to the fans, and keep his musical chops warmed up." Mark added.
"He's a phenomenal football player." Mercedes corrected, "And I'm sure if I ask him, he would love to sing with me, that's a great idea."
The rest of the meeting went great, they discussed the budget, the itinerary, and the vision for the entire production. They decided to get some sponsors to cut the cost of the tour, and came up with some really good ideas for promotional things. This was a very productive meeting, and Mercedes couldn't have been more proud. After a couple hours, they were finally done, and Mercedes and Sean made their way back to the car, heading towards his place. The drive was quick, and once inside, Mercedes got a chance to see the beautiful place that Sean and Quinn had together.
"This house is amazing." She said looking around, "I can see why you didn't want Quinn to put you out of here." She giggled, and looked around some more, "So where's Q?"
"She's at work, and she told me to tell you, to relax, get comfortable, and if you need to rest, the guest room is all ready for you." Sean stated, "And she also told me to tell you, that you better not cook a thing while you are here, but you are welcome to raid the fridge if you are feeling peckish."
Mercedes nodded, and smiled, "That sounds like Quinn, and I think I'll take her up on that nap idea, I'm feeling so tired lately."
"Well let me show you to the guest room, so you can rest, and hopefully after this nap, you will be all good and relaxed for dinner." Sean led her to the guest room, and made sure she was all squared away, "I will be in the studio in the basement f you need me, just call or text me, and I'll come right up. Now you get some rest, and I'll see you for dinner." He gave her a hug before leaving the room.
"Alright Sean, thanks for everything, I'll be sure to let you know if I need anything." She hugged him back and watched him leave. She then took off her shoes, got in the bed, and sent Sam a quick text message just telling him that she loved and missed him. She knew he would be at practice, so he would see it later. It didn't take her long before she was asleep, her energy was just so drained as of late, but this bed was so comfortable, she knew it was going to be some great sleep.
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Quinn was busy making dinner for Mercedes and Sean, when she felt a presence behind her, and she turned around, and squealed seeing Mercedes standing there, "CEDES!" She ran over and hugged her tightly, "Why are you sneaking up on me?"
Mercedes smiled as she watched Quinn looking so domestic, and making dinner. She was going to say something, but before she could, Quinn turned around, and screamed in her face, "Q! She hugged her back, "I'm not sneaking up on you, I just heard you moving around down here, and I wanted to come say hello."
"You could have announced yourself when you come up behind me, but it doesn't matter, I'm just glad you're here. Did you sleep well?" Quinn asked, and went back to finishing up the food.
"I couldn't help but stare for a minute, it's been a long time since I've seen you like this, all domesticated, it suits you." Mercedes smiled and sat at the bar, "I slept like a baby, thank you. I didn't realize how tired I was until I hit the pillow." He chuckled.
"Really Cedes? You've seen me cook before, it's not like I have never done that before." Quinn rolled her eyes, and laughed at Mercedes. "I'm glad you slept well, I made sure to let Sean know that he was to make sure you were as comfortable as possible."
"Mercedes laughed, "I know I have, but it's been a minute. Just so you know, Sean did everything you asked and more. So how's everything going Q? Is work treating you right?" She grabbed a grape and popped it in her mouth.
"Work is going great, can't complain." She put the finished salad on the table, "I am happy with the clients I have, I could always use more of course, but I am in a good place." She pulled the chicken out of the oven, "Mmm, this looks perfect, I hope you're hungry Cedes."
Mercedes smiled as she listened to the way Quinn talked about work, she was so happy for her friend, and seeing how well she has been doing. She remembered how bad things could have gotten when she found out about Santana and Puck, but since meeting Sean, it has been smooth sailing for her. "That's great Q, and I'm sure you'll get all the clients you want soon enough, I mean you do such a great job with mine and Santana's careers, so you are well on your way girl." She rubbed her belly at the sight of the chicken Quinn pulled out, "Oh yeah I am, and it looks so good. When did you become such a good cook?"
"I have always been a good cook, but you were always better, so I let you do it." Quinn laughed as she finished up with the food. "Now, go get seated, and I'll call Sean so we can eat." She made her way over to the intercom to call Sean out of the studio, so they could have dinner.
The conversation between the three friends were like old times, and they enjoyed their time together. The night was cut short because Mercedes had an early flight back to Chicago, but the time they spent together was fun had by all.
A/N: Well that was it, give me all your feedback, I can handle it all. Up next Sam and Mercedes face something they hadn't planned on facing.
