CHAPTER ONE: ADORE YOU
"Kai, put your shoes on, your mom will be here soon!"
Mercedes screamed from the kitchen for her son. Mercedes wasn't alone, her mother Monica sat at the kitchen table with her, drinking a cup of coffee. Mrs. Jones stopped by to spend time with her daughter and grandson before her Saturday errands.
"I don't understand why you continue to have my grandson bouncing from house to house." Monica took a sip of her coffee, her eyes peaking over the cup.
"Because it's fair."
"Fair for whom?" Mrs. Jones placed her cup on the table.
"Kai. He loves spending time with Quinn, I can't take that from him."
Monica's eyes rolled. "He needs stability, honey. It's not right for a child to have to go from one home to another every week."
"Mama, I told you this before. Just because I gave birth to Kai, it doesn't make me more of a mother than Quinn." Mercedes stressed her point. She had more than a few similar conversations with her stubborn mother.
"I say, you go down to the courthouse and get full custody and put Quinn on child support." Monica ignored her daughter's words. "I don't understand for the life of me why you haven't at least done the latter."
"I take care of Kai when he's with me, and Quinn takes care of him when he's with her. I never have to ask or beg Quinn for anything, she's a great mom."
"As good as that sounds, dear, things could change. You need to be more responsible about these things."
Mercedes became annoyed by her mother's persistence. She fought back the urge to roll her eyes in her mother's presence. "I am mother." At twenty-six years old, her mother still felt the need to control her life.
"The system Quinn and I have right now, works. As long as Kai is happy, the rest will work itself out when it needs to."
Monica shook her head, disapprovingly. "One day you'll see, my dear." Monica took another sip of her coffee before speaking.
"You know, I read an article the other day that said transgender people suffer an array of mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and often commit suicide. Do you honestly want my grandson around a man like that?"
As much as Mercedes loved her mother, she couldn't deny that she was extremely transphobic. Mercedes knew the things her mother said were wrong, but she never dared challenged her mother as much as she knew she should. She used her mother's religious upbringing as a scapegoat.
"She…" Mercedes made sure to emphasize the word. "Is a great mother, and I've never felt that Kai was unsafe with her. Ever." A ring from the front door grabbed their attention. Saved by the bell, Mercedes thought to herself.
"That's probably Quinn." Mercedes stood up and quickly left to get away from her mother's nonsense.
She opened the front door to see Quinn standing on the front porch in a nirvana t-shirt, ripped blue jeans, black combat boots, and black ray bans on her face.
"I see that the Wicked Witch of the East is here." Those were the first words out of Quinn's mouth, a sarcastic smirk written on her face.
"She's still my mother, Quinn." Mercedes knew that Quinn's feelings were valid, but she'd rather not hear unkind words about her mother.
"I just had to get that out, no more digs." Quinn promised. Throwing her hands up in surrender.
"Thank you. You already know how my mother is, just please try to keep things as cordial as possible."
"I'll try for you." Quinn agreed. She stepped over and embraced Mercedes in a warm hug. Mercedes wrapped her arms around Quinn's neck. The blonde woman smelled of a perfect blend of almond, lemon lime, vanilla, and sugar.
"Mama!" The two of them look up to see their four-year-old son Kai Fabray-Jones at the top of the stairs with a megawatt smile on his face. He ran down the steps and jumped into his mother's arms.
"Hey, my handsome man." Quinn peppered kisses all over the little boy's face as he squirmed and giggled in her arms. Mercedes stood back and watched the dynamic between the two of them. The happiness between them could light up anyone's day. Besides his brown skin and curly brown hair, Kai was a Fabray through and through. He was the mini version of Quinn, and it only became more evident, the older he got.
"Mama, can we go to the movies and watch Spider-Man?" Kai asked with a dimpled smile.
"We can do whatever you want, nugget."
"Can we get ice cream!" Kai's eyes lit up.
"Of course, you can have ice cream. Spider-Man and ice cream, no problem."
"Yes!" Kai screamed. Unable to contain his excitement.
"Kai baby, you want to say bye to your grandma before you leave?"
"Okay." Kai nodded his head.
"You know you shouldn't be giving him all that sugar." Mercedes hastily turned around at the sound of her mother's judgmental voice. She stood behind them, clutching her purse and staring directly at Quinn.
"But Nana, I like ice cream." Kai whined, his inherited Fabray pout on full display.
"Don't worry, Kai, mama's going to buy you ice cream." Quinn kissed the side of his head and entirely ignored Monica.
Mercedes could read it on her mother's face that it wasn't appreciated. Mercedes decided to step in before her mother started an argument with Quinn.
"Mother it's fine." Mercedes simply said. Kai eating ice cream was just an excuse for her mother to call Quinn out.
"I just gave my opinion on what's best for my grandson."
"Well, he's my son and I didn't ask for any tips or suggestions."
Monica gasped, her mouth agape. She looked over to Mercedes. "Are you going to let him talk to me in that manner?"
"Excuse me?" Quinn's reaction to Monica misgendering her was immediate and direct.
Mercedes wasn't in the mood to referee another fight between her mom and Quinn.
"Mom, don't do this in front of Kai…please." Mercedes pleaded. Hoping that her mother would drop the issue.
"Fine." Monica clinched her jaw. "Come here, Kai, say bye to Nana." Monica reached out her arms for Kai.
Quinn placed Kai back down on the ground, her jaw clinched as well. Kai sprinted over to his grandmother, and she wrapped him up in a big hug.
Mercedes counted the seconds as her mother said her final goodbyes, she didn't want the negativity around. Monica gave Quinn one last disapproving look before leaving the home. Quinn gave Monica the same stare as she left.
"Kai, sweetie, go grab your bag out of the living room."
"Okay mommy." Kai ran down the hall to the living room.
"I'm sorry about that, I know she's a lot to deal with." Mercedes apologized to Quinn. She could see that the interaction upset Quinn.
"I just want her to admit that the only reason she doesn't like me, is because I'm trans. " Said a visibly upset Quinn.
"I'm sorry, my mom was just raised differently. Both of her parents were pastors and the fact that she hasn't disowned me for having a child with you, is a miracle in itself."
"You shouldn't have to put up with that Mercedes, no one should." advised Quinn.
Mercedes knew she was right, but at the end of the day. Family meant a lot to Mercedes, and she could never completely distance herself from her mother. It just didn't feel right to her.
"I can handle my mother, don't worry about me." Mercedes assured.
Kai came running back from the living room, his Spider-Man book bag dragging on the floor. "I'm ready, mama." said Kai, his smile showing off his dimples.
Mercedes picked up the bag and handed it over to Quinn. She bent down so that she was eyed to eye with him. "Have fun with mama okay handsome, I'll see you in a few days."
"I love you, mommy." Those words from Kai were all that Mercedes needed to hear to brighten her mood.
"I love you too, baby." Mercedes gave Kai a quick kiss on his forehead and cheek. She wrapped him up in her arms and squeezed him in a warm hug. Mercedes gave him one last kiss on the cheek before handing him over to Quinn." Take care of my baby."
"I always do." Quinn took a hold of Kai's tiny hand. "Time to go, nugget." Mercedes watched as Quinn and Kai walked out the door. She waved goodbye to Kai one last time before the door shut behind them.
A FEW DAYS LATER
"I want to make a toast."
Mercedes and three of her closest friends, Mikayla Brown, Sasha Staley, and Drew Okeke sat in the lounge area of the club with champagne glasses in their hands. The four of them attended the University of Southern California together and remained close friends post graduation.
Mikayla lifted her glass in the air. "We may not have everything we want presently, but we do have each other, I love you girls."
"Aww, love you too, Kayla." Mercedes responded. The woman all clinked their glasses of champagne together.
"Mercedes, this place is lit." Sasha commented as she glanced around at the busy club.
"Its great right? I came here with Andre a few weeks ago, and now I'm obsessed."
"You mean when you went on a date with Andre?" Drew questioned, her eyebrows raised.
"It wasn't a date, he's just interested in having me work with him on his next project. We talked about music the entire time."
"Well, if you don't want him. Send his fine ass to me." Drew said, causing everyone at the table to laugh.
"You're crazy." Mercedes replied.
"I'm only half joking. He is fine, though." Drew gave Sasha a high five.
"That he is, but we all know, Mercedes is saving herself for Quinn." Sasha inserted.
"You ain't lying." Mikayla agreed.
Mercedes shook her head. "Quinn and I are just friends, I don't know how many times I have to say it."
"Friends that have a child and sleep together. I don't have many friends like that." Mikayla stared at Mercedes as she took a sip from her glass.
"Our situation may be unique because of Kai, but having a friend with benefits relationship isn't."
"The way you two do it, it definitely is. Everything about you two, screams couple."
"But we're not. Quinn's allowed to do her thing, and I'm allowed to do mine. No labels and no expectations. Just amazing sex."
"So, let me get this straight. If Quinn fell in love and got engaged tomorrow, you would be one hundred percent okay with it?"
Mercedes knew the truth, but she wasn't going to admit it aloud.
Mercedes shrugged her shoulders. "If Quinn found love, I would never interfere. I would be happy for her as long as that person was accepting of Kai."
The look on everyone's face said they didn't believe a word she said. But Mercedes was sticking to her story.
"Either way, it seems to be working so far. I really admire how the two of you have been able to coparent. My parents couldn't even stand to be in the same room with each other." Sasha commend.
"Thank you, Sasha. Hopefully, we're able to keep it this way." Mercedes acknowledged.
"Okay, now let's go dance. I look too fine to go home alone tonight." Mikayla stood up in her thigh high slit dress and high heels. "Come on, ladies."
One by one, they got up and followed her to the dance floor. The four of them in the middle of the packed club, dancing and twerking on each other.
All of a sudden, Mercedes felt someone pressed up against her butt. Mercedes turned around quickly, prepared to cuss out whoever the person was behind her.
"Excuse me but-." Mercedes stopped mid-sentence when she turned around and saw Quinn standing there with the biggest grin on her face.
"Hey." Quinn wrapped her arms around Mercedes's waist in a firm grip.
Mercedes had to refrain from biting her bottom lip as she looked Quinn up and down. The blonde woman was dressed in a black backless, skintight dress with her cleavage exposed.
"Be careful, I wouldn't want your groupies seeing you all over me like this." Mercedes wrapped her arms around Quinn's neck.
Quinn brought Mercedes in closer, pulling her by her waist. "I love when you're jealous." Quinn smirked.
"Please, I'm not worried about your groupies. I know I can have you whenever I want." Mercedes bites down on her bottom lip.
"Is that so?" Quinn raised her eyebrows. "In that case, why not have me right now?"
Mercedes couldn't suppress the grin that stretched across her face. "It's girl's night, I can't just leave them for a booty call."
"Just give me a second." Quinn said to her before walking and whispering something in Mikayla's ear. The two of them exchange a few laughs before Mikayla high-fives Quinn. Mercedes stared confused as Quinn walked back over.
"I asked her to put their drinks on my tab and that I would make sure you got home safe."
Of course, Mercedes thought to herself. Mikayla could be convinced of almost anything with the promise of free drinks.
Quinn reached her hand out to Mercedes. "Come, let's go back to my place."
—-
"Oh fuck! I'm cumming!" Unable to hold herself upright as the orgasm ripped through her body, Mercedes collapsed on top of Quinn.
"Oh my God." Quinn chest raised and down rapidly as she stared up at the ceiling, focused on catching her breath.
Mercedes rolled off Quinn, onto her side. "Damn. You always know how to hit my spots." Mercedes rested her hand on Quinn's chest.
Quinn chuckled, sweat beaming off her skin. "Practice makes perfect."
Quinn's iPhone began to ring on the nightstand. Quinn reached over and grabbed her phone. "It's Rachel." Quinn showed Mercedes the name on her phone screen.
"Why is Rachel calling you?" Mercedes sat up quickly in the bed, covering her bare chest with the silk blanket.
Quinn looked confused as well. "I don't know, I haven't talked to her in over a year."
Mercedes stared back at Quinn with accusatory eyes.
"I'm being honest, Mercedes. I'm just as surprised as you are." Quinn added. "I'll be right back." Quinn hopped up from the bed and got dressed in her robe before stepping out of the bedroom.
Mercedes took the opportunity to take a shower while Quinn, was on the phone. That way, she wouldn't be tempted to ease drop on their conversation. Mercedes normally wouldn't mind another woman calling Quinn's phone late at night, but Rachel Berry was another story. Quinn and Rachel were high school sweethearts and whenever Rachel came around, she made sure to remind everyone. Mercedes tried to have a friendly relationship with Rachel in high school, but everything turned into a competition between them. Any chance of them becoming true friends, ended when Mercedes became pregnant with Quinn's child.
Mercedes was in the shower for about ten minutes when she felt the shower door open and in stepped Quinn. Quinn began showering under the shower head on the opposite side.
"So, um, Rachel is back in town." Quinn said after a few seconds of silence.
"Let me guess, she wants to see you."
"She does, but I told her I was busy tonight." Quinn walked up behind her and started to massage Mercedes's scalp as the water ran through her hair. The gesture relaxed Mercedes's tension.
Mercedes leaned back into the feeling of Quinn's soft fingers combing through her hair. "Are you sure? I don't mind taking a cab home." The words Mercedes spoke were the opposite of what she actually felt.
"Mercedes, I want you to be here. I wish you would stop pretending that you're just another girl to me." Quinn stared in her eyes and Mercedes could feel that she was being sincere with her words.
Mercedes didn't get a chance to respond before she felt Quinn's soft lips on her own. As soon as their lips touched, she forgot all about Rachel. The only thing she could think about was how she never wanted to stop feeling how Quinn made her feel.
TWO WEEKS LATER
Happy Birthday to you.
Happy Birthday to you.
Happy Birthday dear Kai.
Happy Birthday to you!
Everyone clapped and cheered as they watched Kai blow out the candles on his birthday cake. Mercedes stood on one side of Kai and Quinn stood on the other as their family and friends surrounded them. Kai's superhero themed birthday party was held at Mercedes's family estate. The twelve million dollar home was decked out in both Marvel and DC characters, decorated everywhere. Along with superheroes in costumes interacting with all of Kai's friends. Kai was having the time of his life with his friends and Quinn and Monica were getting along, Mercedes couldn't have asked for a more perfect day.
"Aww, he looks so happy." Quinn's mother Judy said. Quinn's mother, father Russell, Quinn, and Mercedes stood by the pool watching Kai run around.
"Your mother did a fantastic job with the party, Mercedes." Russell complimented, his silver hair shining under the sun.
"You know, my mother lives for a party. Being able to spoil Kai was the cherry on top." Mercedes said. Her mother insisted on throwing the party but Mercedes and Quinn wouldn't allow her to pay for it.
"Mommies!" Kai came running over to them, jumping up and down. "Thank you so much for my party! I love it!"
Mercedes's heart melted, seeing the joy and happiness on Kai's face. "You're so welcome." Mercedes bent down and wrapped Kai up in a tight hug, squeezing him in her arms. She kissed him on the side of his head before passing him over to Quinn, who did the same.
"Love you nugget." Quinn kissed the side of his head before placing the beaming child back on his feet.
"What about Nana and Papa?" Judy bent down with open arms, and it took no time for Kai to run into her arms as well.
Mercedes stood back with a smile as she watched Kai being loved on by his grandparents. She couldn't help but feel, filled with happiness knowing that her son was loved by not only her family but Quinn's as well. Judy and Russell were great grandparents and despite the fact that they lived in Ohio, they always made time to see Kai.
"Okay, I'm going to go play with Spider-Man now." Kai stated, as if he had an important meeting to attend.
"Alright buddy, go have fun." Quinn ruffled with Kai's curly brown hair, then the little boy ran off.
"Mercedes and Quinn, I tell you, the two of you raised an incredible kid. I'm proud of the both of you." Russell complimented the young women.
Mercedes and Quinn looked at each other and smiled. It was hard for the young couple in the beginning. Neither of them were prepared to be parents, but once Kai was born, they did everything they could to make sure he was loved, protected, and happy. Looking back on everything they'd been through, Mercedes was proud of how far they'd come.
"Thank you, Russell. That really means a lot." Mercedes appreciated the encouraging words.
"Yeah, thanks dad." Quinn gave her father a smile and a pat on his shoulder.
"And what about you two?" Judy questioned.
"What do you mean?" Mercedes asked.
"Mom, please don't start." Quinn furrowed her brows.
"I'm just saying, I know I'm old school, but I think it would be great to see Kai raised in a two parent home."
Mercedes let out a nervous laugh.
Quinn turned to Mercedes, obvious embarrassment written all over her face. "Forgive my mother, she loves to make things awkward for everyone."
"Why does it have to be awkward? I'm not the only one that sees the obvious chemistry between you two, and I just don't understand why you haven't at least tried." Judy pleaded.
"I'm flattered that you're so approving of me being with your daughter, Judy." Mercedes continued. "But Quinn and I have done such a great job co-parenting, I would hate for a relationship to ruin that."
Mercedes looked over to see Quinn facing away from them. She looked over in the direction that Quinn was staring in, and her mouth dropped when she saw her ex-boyfriend Marcus Ward walking towards them, escorted by her mother.
"Did you know he was coming?" Quinn leaned over and questioned Mercedes.
"Of course not." Mercedes asserted.
"Mercedes, dear, look who I invited." Monica walked up with the proudest smile on her face. Marcus's six-foot four frame, towered over Monica. His smooth brown skin glowing.
"I hope I'm not crashing the party." Marcus's pearly white teeth shined as he looked at Mercedes with his dimpled smile. "I brought a gift for Kai." He reached the box out for Mercedes, but Quinn quickly snatched it out of his hands.
"Thanks." Quinn seemed unpleased with Marcus being there, and it showed on her face and body language.
"Mercedes, Marcus was telling me that he's moving back to California, and he needs someone to help him find his next home."
"Is that right?" Mercedes tried to hide it, but having both Quinn and Marcus in front of her was slightly nerving.
"I've heard you're the best real estate agent in California. I came to see if that's true…among other things." Marcus winked at Mercedes. His flirting far from subtle.
Mercedes cleared her throat. "I uhm, just give my office a call, and I'm sure we can work something out."
"I hope so." He winked again and from the corner of her eye, she could see Quinn clinching her fist.
"Well, thank you all for letting me crash your party." Marcus shook hands with Russell and Judy. He turned to Mercedes. "I'll call you." Marcus kissed the back of Mercedes hand.
Mercedes just nodded her head. Although she knew her mother meant well, trying to play matchmaker on Kai's birthday was the last thing Mercedes wanted.
"I'll walk you to the door, Marcus." Mercedes watched as her mother looked back with a smile as she escorted Marcus away.
"I'm going to put this gift with the others." Quinn huffed as she stormed off.
"Excuse us for a moment." Mercedes apologized to Russell and Judy before following behind Quinn. Once inside, Mercedes pulled Quinn into a guest room.
"And you call me the jealous one." Mercedes joked, hoping to lighten the mood.
Quinn turned her head, looking exasperated. "I can't do this anymore."
"Do what anymore?"
"Sex with no relationship. If we're going to continue to have sex, there needs to be a commitment." Quinn spoke softly but stern.
"Where is this coming from?"
"I wasn't expecting this to happen, but I have real feelings for you, Mercedes. I think we both know it's been there for awhile."
Mercedes nibbled on her bottom lip.
"I'm tired of the late night friendly fucks, I want the real thing. We act like we're together already, why not make it official?"
"Quinn, I…"
"We can be a family and raise Kai under one roof."
"Quinn listen." Mercedes sighed. "I can't lie, all of that sounds wonderful, but what if we fail?"
"Then at least we tried. To not try at all wouldn't be fair to me, you, or Kai." Quinn pleaded.
Mercedes stood in the middle of the room, thinking about everything that Quinn said. Mercedes too had grown feelings for Quinn, but her fear of their relationship failing and bad blood between them scared her away. As badly as she wanted to make Quinn her girlfriend, she couldn't risk the friendship. Furthermore, her mother wouldn't stand for it.
"Quinn, I care about you a lot. You're a remarkable person and mother." Mercedes sighed. "But I think it's best if we stayed friends." It wasn't what Mercedes wanted, but it was the decision she felt was best in the end.
Quinn shook her head and shrugged her shoulders. Mercedes could see it in her hazel eyes that she was both sad and disappointed. "Fine, just friends. If that's what you want, that's what you'll get."
Mercedes's stomach twisted up in knots, seeing the look in her eyes. "Quinn, I'm sorry."
"I'm going to go check on Kai. I'm glad we had this talk." Quinn existed the room in a rush, ignoring Mercedes as she called out her name.
Mercedes flopped down on the bed and buried her head in her hand. Even though she felt that she was doing the right thing, her heart was broken.
TWO MONTHS LATER
Mercedes sat across from Marcus at the dinner table at an Italian restaurant in downtown L.A. Mercedes and Marcus, we're having a dinner meeting to discuss homes in the surrounding area.
"I must say, we have plenty of options within your budget. I see no issue with us getting you into the home of your dreams within the next two to three months."
"Outstanding. I knew I made the right decision coming to you first."
"Perfect, first we-." Mercedes stopped mid-sentence when something from the corner of her eye caught her attention.
"Uh, Marcus, can you excuse me for a second? I see an old friend." Mercedes excused herself from the table and was already out of her chair before he could respond.
Mercedes walked to the corner of the restaurant, where she saw two familiar faces. "Quinn…Rachel. I wasn't expecting to see the two of you tonight."
Quinn and Rachel sat across from each other with surprised looks on their faces. Quinn especially.
"Oh my god, Mercedes. It's been so long." Rachel hopped out of her chair and embraced Mercedes in a tight hug. Mercedes hugged her back, even though she knew the short brunette woman wasn't being sincere.
"You've been busy."
"Severely." Rachel sat back down in her chair. She reached across the table and interlaced her fingers with Quinn's hand. "Six shows a week in New York, I'm so exhausted that I barely have time to work on my album, but you know me. I'm a perfectionist and workaholic."
Mercedes forced a smile. "That you are." Mercedes eyes darted around from Quinn, to Rachel, to their interlaced hands on the table.
"But now that Les Misérables is over. I'm settling back to L.A. to film a new T. V show. It's called Rachel and Friends." Rachel bragged.
"Wow, your own show. That's wonderful." Mercedes swallowed down the envy she could feel creeping up her throat.
"It really is." Rachel turned to look Quinn in the eyes. "Now that I'm back in L.A. I can finally go after everything I've always wanted."
The smile on Rachel's face made Mercedes nauseous.
"And I've heard so much about Kai, I can't wait to meet him. Quinn tells me he loves dinosaurs and superheroes."
Mercedes looked down at Quinn, who was looking everywhere to avoid Mercedes's eyes.
"Oh really? What else has Quinn told you about our son? Plans of future play dates?" Mercedes voice was laced with sarcasm and annoyance.
"Rachel, could you excuse us for a second."? Quinn finally spoke up.
"Oh sure, I'll be right here." Rachel gave Quinn a seductive stare as she took a sip of wine from her glass. Mercedes wanted to slap the grin off Rachel's face.
Quinn took Mercedes by the hand and dragged her to the back of the restaurant, where no one else was around.
"So you're with Rachel now?"
"I'm with no one right now. I'm a single woman, who's currently on a date."
"I can't believe you went back to her after everything."
"And you're back with Marcus? I just saw him watching us with that confused dumb look."
"I'm with a client, discussing real estate. I have no romantic intentions with Marcus." Mercedes was being honest but Quinn didn't seem to believe her. "So what did Rachel say this time, to make you forget about all of the bullshit she has put you through?"
Quinn huffed. "Give me a break, Mercedes. Rachel and I may have our issues, but at least she wants to be with me and I don't have to deal with her parents controlling her life."
"My mother does not control my life." Mercedes felt insulted.
"Of course she does. You may never admit it, but I know you and I would be together if it wasn't for your mother. I would have married you by now if it wasn't for her."
"Quinn.." Mercedes's heart dropped as soon as the words left Quinn's lips. She had no idea that Quinn had such strong feelings for her. She was speechless.
"There's nothing you need to say. You've already expressed how you feel, and I've accepted it and moved on. So excuse me, I have to get back to my date. I'll see you tomorrow when I pick up Kai." And with that, Quinn stormed past Mercedes without even a look back.
Mercedes just stood there, frozen, barely able to think and unable to move.
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