How Will He Know
October
Will Schuester had been in the accident that had lost Santana the use of her legs, he'd been flung from the car when Santana lost control of the steering. It was just a stroke of luck that night that they hadn't taken Emma with them because the baby had started playing up again, but that didn't make the news or the pain any easier for those that had suffered.
Brittany nerves were shot, there was nothing anyone could do to calm her for days, she just focused on Santana, her wife was moved to another hospital and they hadn't been heard of again. They hadn't accepted the invite for Rachel's wedding, and it didn't seem like they was going to make an appearance for Mercedes and Sam's wedding either. Santana's Mother had reported that they were in Mexico, trying to put their lives together, and right now wasn't the time to come back to Lima.
Sam had been close enough to the explosion to lose his life, but instead he'd lost his hearing, so Mercedes had dropped everything to stay with him, not leaving his side for a minute. As well as coping with his injuries, Sam was riddled with guilt about not being quick enough, everyone was grateful for what he'd done because if he'd have been any slower he wouldn't be here today, it was taking him some time to understand that.
Will wasn't so lucky either, the accident had caused him some serious head trauma, after nearly two months of trying Emma was at her wits end with trying to get him to remember his life. After four weeks of getting him used to their home, he finally started reacting to the children, calling one of them Sam, Emma saw this as an opportunity, and took no time in introducing Sam to him. It had worked, Will remembered Sam, he knew he was a teacher at the local school, the flip side of that accomplishment was that while Sam was prompting Will's memory, it was keeping his mind off things enough for Mercedes to get on with some work.
She was working shorter weeks so she could get back every Thursday evening and stay around until Monday afternoon, it was costing a lot in travel and hotel stays, but she wouldn't have it any other way. They were still busy planning a wedding in the middle of everything with Sam's hospital appointments; because his hearing kept coming and going making him disorientated, their parents doing more of the running around for the wedding because he refused to postpone, Will demanding Sam's time and Mercedes doing the extra travelling, she was spinning.
Will's relationship with Sam had reached a level of confidence and Emma was getting tired of the slow, expensive instructions from the therapist, she decided it was time to introduce more people from his past into his life. She'd tried his brother, but after five days, Will still hadn't made the connection and Dustin decided to return home.
"Do you think it might be an idea to ask everyone to come early, you could get them all in school in the morning and see how Will Reacts?" Sam asked, sat in the staff room listening to Emma telling him what had happened with Dustin.
"Do you think they would?" Emma asked excited.
"They're coming for the wedding, so arriving the night before instead of the morning wouldn't make any difference, and if its helping Will, I'm sure they would" he told her "The weddings not till six, it might work".
"I'll ask them" she smiled.
"I'll leave you to it" Sam got up and left her office.
Emma sat thinking about the night the accident took her husband away from her.
Flashback
They'd been at home all together that night, it was the week before nationals and almost all the available alumni had come back to support, them due to staff shortage. Will loved having everyone back home, it was like he'd made friends for life in this group of nerds, and they were like his children whom he missed dearly when they were gone but remembered why he liked them in small doses when they were around.
For whatever reason they'd decided on Italian food for that night, "Will, Mike and Tina had been out to collect eats the night before and that night the Italian service they'd chosen didn't deliver that far out, so they'd decided they were going to collect it, Santana, Brittany and Emma should have gone but the baby started acting up and save waiting for her to settle, Will agreed to go in her place.
She'd got up laughing at the fact that their hands were too full to open the door, everyone rubbing their hands ready for the feast. She opened the door to find the police stood there, Emma just turned into a wreak before anything was said "Mrs Schuster" the office stepped inside to calm her down "He's in the hospital" she didn't want to hear anything else she grabbed her coat and left the house, Blaine drove her to the hospital, while everyone else baby sat.
She didn't have time to listen to the doctor or nurses she just wanted to see her husband "Mrs Schuster" a head nurse stepped out of the door before she could get in, they both looked at Will laying there before they engaged in conversation "It seems Mr Schuster's memory is impaired, don't be shocked if he doesn't remember you, we're doing tests and we'll know more when we conclude" there didn't seem to be any feeling in the woman's tone.
"Can I see him?" she looked up at the nurse.
"Yes but there will be a nurse in there, just in case, these things can be traumatic" she finally smiled before stepping aside.
"Hi" Emma smiled walking towards her husband.
"Hi" he smiled back.
"We were so worried about you" she grabbed his hand, watching as he yanked it away from her.
"Excuse me?" his face clearly not knowing who she was "And you are?"
"Emma, your wife"
"Sorry" he smiled "I don't know you" he looked into her eyes "Could you please?" he pointed at the door for her to leave.
End of Flashback
And until four weeks ago that had been the tone of their relationship, that Wednesday was the same as any other, she was walking down the corridor with a box of old leaflets in her hand, he'd never been keen on her leaflets, and they often laughed about that. He came running down the corridor towards her, grabbed her like his life depended on it, and kissed her, in that second everything about their relationship had come back to him, there was no explanation, and they didn't know what had activated the memory, they were just glad something had come back, their family however was still missing in his mind, but she was hopeful, and for her sanity, this rogue experiment had to work.
She was past happy when the responses came flooding back from Mike, Tina, Mercedes, Kurt, Blaine, Quinn, Joe, Rachel, and Jessie, and like everyone else upset that Brittany and Santana hadn't responded to anything from anyone since the accident.
Three Weeks Later
Saturday Morning
"What?" Kurt jumped up asking "What do you mean?" looking around the room.
"I thought he was alright now, Sam" Tina looked at him, they were all getting their information from him.
"I didn't think you'd come, and I really need your help" Emma sat heavily in the chair in the auditorium.
"So, what does Mr S actually remember?" Blaine asked Emma.
"We don't actually know if he remembers any of you, there's a hope" Emma's voice filled with hope.
"Honestly, we just didn't know how bad things were" Quinn looked at Emma.
"What are we expected to say if he remembers Santana or Brittany?" Mercedes asked.
"We thought about that" Emma looked at Sam "We thought maybe they could be away with the cheerio's, at some competition or something".
"Thought of everything" Jessie looked at Rachel.
"Which is great" Rachel looked around the room "But, why isn't Quinn with them?"
"I'm not a cheerio anymore, he'll believe that of me" Quinn replied.
"He'll believe it of this baby bump" Joe rubbing her already protruding bump.
"So, what do you want us to do?" Kurt asked, "Just sit here until he remembers something?"
"What if he remembers Finn or Puck, or any of the others that are not here, you know Matt, or any of the new guys?" Mercedes asked, "I expected him to remember Finn at least".
"I really can't answer that, and when he actually sees you, he might have the pictures of you mixed up in his head" Emma told them to further confuse the situation. "I'm really sorry I just couldn't think of anything else to do".
"As long as everyone agrees it's just till noon because we're here for Rachel and Jessie's wedding" Mike reminded everyone.
"They've waited so long for this it has to be a priority" Tina agreed.
"Thanks" Rachel smiled "But I think getting Mr S better is important".
"I really don't want to leave it any longer than we have to, I'm…" Emma broke down, everyone looked around the room, it was clear they felt guilty for all the questions.
"It's fine" Quinn got up to hug her "We'll try anything, it's Mr S".
"Thank you" Emma hugged her, grateful for the support "I'm grasping at straws here" she looked at everyone "Will's due in, so we're just going to act normal around him" she smiled "I don't think he has any concept of time so be mindful".
"I need to leave, I don't want to confuse the situation" Sam got up, kissed Mercedes, "I'll be in the staff room" he whispered, and left the auditorium.
Samcedes
The house had been finished, but they'd played safe and agreed he'd stay with his parent's until they got the all-clear. Mercedes sat watching him leave, he'd been through a lot these past three months, and the hearing thing, although still problematic, had been the least of their worries. They were both still having nightmares and flashbacks, and she couldn't get the smell of burning out of her nostrils either, every now and again it would just waft through the air. They were all living with their nightmares from that night, and no number of therapists, were getting them any closer to a good night's sleep, so she was sitting there hoping this was going to help them too.
Flashback
Her dreams were always the same, they'd be driving along listening to music and talking about what they were going to do to each other when they got to the hotel, then without warning, the car would swerve across the road, she could see trees in front of them, feel the screech of Sam slamming on the breaks, the action pulling her towards the windscreen. The scream along with Sam shouting her name, scared for her more than himself, echoing through her head, as if she were sat in the car dreaming, all of it happening in slow motion, she could see the little guitar he had swinging on the mirror, feeling every bump as they swerved across the road.
Then the scene would fast forward to them asking Brittany where Santana was, it would feel like an age before Brittany would look over at the car tipped on his head, smoke coming from somewhere below it. Sam running off towards the car, stopping to say his last words to her "I'll be careful" and then the bang, more screaming as she clung to Brittany. It wasn't clear in her flashback who screamed the loudest but the pain in their voices was apparent. She remembered them letting each other go and running towards the explosion, both screaming Brittany for Santana and her for Sam, the lights went out for a second and all they could see were flames.
She remembered Brittany going down, she was stuck on something and lay there trying to get free, screaming for her wife before she, herself was grabbed and her head hit the floor as something flew past her at great speed. She was stunned and hot with the heat coming from the flaming wreak "Sam" she gasped, seeing him lying beside her, he didn't say anything, he just grabbed her and covered her head with his body, she could hear Brittany screaming in the background she wasn't far away.
Then there was just the crackling of flames, the debris had stopped falling and they were able to look up, Sam moved to let her up and that was when the smell hit her nose "What is that smell" she asked, it was a mixture of petrol, leather and rubber.
"Santana" Brittany screamed, she could have been screaming all along, but it was just then that Mercedes heard it again, after what seemed like the longest silence. She looked over to see Brittany being held back by Will, at that same second Sam grabbed hold of her, and she found herself back on the road, out the way of the debris and smoke, she recognised the car and smiled for a second before it hit her it wasn't a dream.
"Sam" she called after him, seeing him walking back towards the flames, she was screaming his name, but he carried on, and for whatever reason her legs wouldn't move, she was stuck there, her legs rendered useless at the side of the car, while her body was protected by it. Before she had time to think she saw him coming back carrying Santana, with Will dragging Brittany along, she sat looking on as he brought them over, Santana screaming in agony "What is that damn smell?" she cried, because now she knew it was the smell of burning flesh
"There was a fucking Goat in the road" Brittany told her stooped next to Santana.
"Should I call someone?" she looked up at Sam "Sam?" she stopped to look at him not engaging in the conversation "Sam?" she stood up and grabbed his arm.
He swung round to look at her "What?" he asked.
"I'm going to call someone" she sat down to grab her phone from the glove compartment "Where are we?" she looked up at him "Sam!" she tapped him he looked at her again.
"I can't hear you" he told her "I can't hear anything".
"What?" she watched in slow motion as within seconds, Will fall to the floor, Brittany went into panic when Santana fainted, then looked back at the panic in Sam's eyes, she flew into action, and from that day it had been about getting Sam well for her, that first week was a nightmare, but gradually his hearing had painfully come back, for short bursts at first, but they were getting longer with time, and by week eight she'd been able to go back to work, but everyone knew her priority, and respected it.
End of Flashback
"I pray this helps" she watched the door close after him.
"Morning" Will walked into the auditorium smiling, breaking into her thoughts "So, sectionals are here again" he clapped his hands, the smile on his face encouraging "I see we have some new people" he looked at Jessie "Did you audition already?"
"Well," Jessie looked at Rachel, hurt that Will hadn't remembered him.
"I thought not, come on down here" he waved his hand for Jessie to come to the front, Jessie got up and met him on stage "Show us what you've got" he told him walking away leaving Jessie alone on the stage.
"I guess I could do..." he smiled at Blaine.
"That's enough, you're really good" Will clapped, looking at everyone for agreement "Where's Brittany and Santana?" he asked, his eyes resting on Mike.
"They're.." Mike looked at Tina "They're away at some competition with the cheerio's" lying didn't feel right, especially to Mr S.
"Okay you'll just have to pretend you two are dancing" Will told him "That damn Beaste, always steals my time" he hissed, turning his attention to Kurt and Blaine "Have you two let each other's faces go long enough to get that song for regionals sorted yet?"
"Still working on it, Mr S" Kurt looked at Mercedes and Tina sat in the back, he knew they were wondering what song, he raised his shoulders smiling.
"Did you notice we went from sectionals to regionals in a minute?" Mercedes asked Tina.
"I'm taking a chance putting you two together, don't make me regret it" he warned Blaine.
For Kurt this break away from New York couldn't have come at a better time, but he was wondering if they'd be able to deal with the truth when the outcome came.
Flashback
Kurt had woken up about a month ago with a pain in the lower abdomen, it wasn't something that had been noticed before so it was brushed off as a bad combination of foods the night before. As the day wore on it wasn't getting any better, in fact pain killers; something not really agreed with, had come into play, later that evening Kurt had actually collapsed in the dressing room, lucky it was only for seconds, no one saw, and it was managed well enough for work to commence that evening.
The next few days were fine, Kurt had even forgotten about the irritating niggle, until it disturbed sleep again, lucky was a lady that time too because Blaine was out late at some benefit Kurt couldn't make, and hadn't got back yet so still, the secret was safe.
But over the last two weeks, the pain became persistent, feeling constantly tired, not sleeping through the night for fear of waking up screaming with the pain, losing weight uncomfortably, while trying to hide it, pain the stomach region all said something was wrong.
Kurt really didn't want to worry Blaine, unless absolutely sure, so pleased wasn't the word when Emma invited them up earlier, giving the opportunity for Blaine to spend some quality time with Sam, putting enough distance between them to enable a visit to the doctor, to get some investigatory surgery done. Everything was booked for tomorrow afternoon, Kurt just had to make Blaine and Sam's meet up happen.
End of Flashback
"We've got this Mr S" Blaine assured him looking at Kurt.
"Well, I want something by the end of lesson" Will told them.
"Yes Sir" Kurt laughed, anything was better than the imagined reality they were about to deal with.
"Mercedes and Rachel" Will's caught their attention "You've been at each other's throats forever, today you can both step up, I'm sort of hoping you've got an opening duet" their eyes widened as Mercedes looked at Quinn while Rachel looked at Jessie "You do have something don't you?"
"Yeah" Rachel smiled, looking at Kurt, his face asking, who was lying now.
"Wow" Will gasped "Break time" he clapped his hands.
"Mr S we've only…" Tina stopped at Rachel's face reminding her not to question him.
"Back in five" he backed out of the auditorium smiling.
"He was only here for a minute" Mercedes giggled "I thought this morning was going to be slow but…" she stepped down the few steps to get to floor level "this is going to be quick".
"We've got to find a damn song" Kurt grabbed Blaine's hand.
Tina moved across the room with Mike, finding themselves some private space, Mercedes sat looking at the ring on her finger, smiling at the thought of being the centre of attention in a few months.
Flashback
She'd proposed to him for sure, but he'd done this elaborate scavenger hunt type thing to give her that ring. She'd got into town that afternoon, and was met by a courier who handed her a note explaining why he couldn't pick her up, between the lines it seemed his hearing was playing up again, she'd jumped in the waiting car to find another note, leading her to the sports hall at school. She sat listening to his video telling her of the thoughts he was having at their first prom, giggling at all his revelations about that night, who'd have thought he was the shy one that night.
She was driven from there to the shack, the next letter telling her what he wanted to say on that night she proposed. The third stop found her at the nail parlour, she smiled at her nails always being the first thing she'd moan about when she got home, and the thing that always took up the last two hours of their time together every trip. The hunt ending at a familiar hotel, she opened the door to find flowers, chocolates, champagne, and a note saying, "Come join me in the bathroom".
"Sam" she called, scared when he didn't turn to look at her.
"You're here" he turned smiling.
"This is just what the doctor ordered" she smiled, relieved, looking at the candles around the bathroom while she backed her clothes off to join him "You think of everything" she leaned in, kissing his lips before she stepped in.
"How was your day?"
"The end of it was beautiful, thank you" she sat down with her back resting on his chest leaning to the side and turning to kiss him again "Can't wait to see what the night brings".
"It's coming" he laughed.
"How was your day?"
"Good" he wrapped his arm around her "All the better for knowing you were coming home today".
"I love being home" she closed her eyes at the feel of his arms around her.
"Well, I hope you love this as much as you love being here" he slipped a large diamond engraved engagement ring on her finger. She was past happy and even more so when he showed her the inscription 'Samcedes Forever' on the inside, she was still smiling at the feeling every time she looked at it, and the night was memorable too.
End of Flashback
"Okay everyone" Will walked back into the room "Let's get these songs sorted, we don't have very much time left before nationals".
"I thought it was regionals?" Tina asked Mike.
"It's whatever Mr S wants it to be babe" he smiled.
"Finn, Kurt" Will called, Blaine looked at Quinn, everyone realising Will thought Blaine was Finn "The floors yours" he found a seat to hear what they had to sing.
"We decided on 'Photograph' by Jaden" Blaine told him, getting up to sing their hearts out, it had been a while since they'd done this fun stuff.
Blaine & Kurt: She found a photograph, now my face just makes her mad, don't think about all our flights. Our memories, we had it in our bones, baby girl, we're out of control, wasting our energy, woke up in Tennessee, only you can piss me off, I'm staring at that hole inside my wall, but all we had was us...
"Hold up" Will stopped them, "It needs a tweak, but I guess it will do" he smiled "I actually like it, reminded me of that song you did, at the wedding when you danced together" Will stood for a second wondering where that came from, they were all trying to act as if nothing had just happened "I don't know how I knew that" he looked at Kurt confused.
"The important thing is that it happened Mr S" Kurt informed him, smiling at the memory.
"I guess it is" Will looked at everyone "I guess you guys need to get to class, off you go" he stood watching everyone get up "Who are you?" he stopped Mercedes as she came down the stairs.
"I'm one of the new directions" she smiled carrying on her journey.
"Okay" he watched her leaving the room "What the…" he caught sight of Quinn's baby bump "Mercedes, when did this happen?" he asked shocked.
"Do I have to tell you about the birds and the bees Mr S?" Quinn laughed.
"I thought you and Sam weren't rushing?" he looked at her, trying to work things out "I've always thought it was an unconsummated relationship, but seeing as you guys are getting married on Saturday, I guess…"
"Will" Rachel interrupted him "It's Jessie and I that are getting married today".
"But Mercedes you and Sam are getting married on Saturday right?" Will asked Quinn again.
"Mr S" Quinn wanting to put him straight.
"Quinn" Mercedes called, reminding her they weren't supposed to prompt the man "Leave it" Quinn smiled at the comment and left with Joe following her.
"Who did you say you were?" Will asked Joe as he walked past "All these people just turning up, you don't get graded for attendance in here you know" he called after him, Joe just carried on walking, he'd met the man twice before today.
Samcedes
Mercedes was hurt by Will's comment, Sam had never told her he didn't remember her, actually other than asking if he was alright, and getting an update on his condition, she'd never thought to ask if he remembered her, and in what context. She sat upset but basking in the space she'd found for herself, this was a rarity, to have time to think about nothing but herself.
"Hi" Sam's energy entered the room, making her jump, she sat watching as he grabbed the empty chair "I've been looking for you everywhere, what's up?" he sat down, concerned.
"Nothing really" she tried to get the hurt out of her voice "Will thinks Quinn's me" she looked up at him "And I stopped her from correcting him".
"But we always talk about you, we've talked about the wedding nearly every day, but to be honest it never occurred to me that his idea of you would be someone else" he gasped at the realisation "I'm sorry".
"I understand he's not well, but it still hurt" she smiled.
"I can see that babe" he hugged her "Can we get out of here for a minute?" he stood up, waiting for her to follow him. They walked through the back door and out onto the car park, through it and out the gate, before he grabbed her hand. "Café?".
"I don't know what time Will's coming back" she looked at her phone.
"We can be a minute late" he hugged her as they walked off in the direction of the café "We're going to have to get used to being quick next year, when we start planning our family" he smiled.
"According to Will, you've already started" she walked through the door he opened, he ordered two coffee's, and they found a small table at the back of the café, before he responded to her comment.
"Babe, our life has always been according to us" he leaned across the table to kiss her "And we're getting married in three months in front of Will and the world".
"Three months" she grinned.
"We're getting our rings Monday afternoon" he laughed "This is getting real isn't it?"
"I'm sort of getting scared for the night, but excited too" she laughed "Is that stupid?"
"No" he laughed "It's not stupid, I'm nervous, we've took nearly four years to get that part of our relationship just where we're used to it, and now we're about to change everything, it feels… should I say strange?"
"Strange is our planned sex toy shopping when we get to France" she giggled.
"I'm not sure we're even going to be using any of that shit, but I guess buying them will help with your inhibitions".
"And now I'm just plain excited" she laughed.
"Don't worry about Will, that will be Emma's job on our day, ours is to enjoy the day".
"Come on, I need to get back" she stood up leaving half her drink on the table" he grabbed her hand ready to make the short journey back to school.
"Sam" he heard just before they reached the door, smiling at seeing Will as they walked past, the man's face changed when he saw Mercedes with him "Hi" his voice cold as he looked at her stood comfortably beside Sam "You were in my class".
"Yeah" Sam smiled "This is…"
"Whoever she is, I think you need to make your mind up, pretty quick, you're getting married" his voice angry, as he looked at their hands joined together "I'm disappointed Sam" he looked up at him for a second "Do you know he's getting married?" he directed his question at Mercedes.
"Yes" she smiled "I do".
"So, what are you doing cavorting with him, how do you think Mercedes would feel, if she knew?"
"Very much like I feel now" she told him, looking at Emma's face begging her not to spill the beans "I…" she looked at Sam "I have to go" she let go of his hand and walked away, finding it hard to contribute the man's behaviour to the fact that he was ill.
"Disappointed" Will shook his head at Sam, who was stood looking at him, forcing himself to see a sick man, rather than a man who had just insulted his soon to be wife, right now he didn't know how Mercedes was feeling, but he wanted to knock the man out. The bell on the door tinkled reminding him she'd just walked out of it, he left Emma to deal with Will and went in pursuit of Mercedes.
"Hey" he grabbed her arm when he caught up with her "Take no notice of Will, he's…"
"I know" she looked up at him wiping her eyes.
"Babe" he wrapped his arm around her shoulder and pulled her to him "I'm sorry that happened, and I should have said something…"
"We don't want to be responsible for a relapse" she looked up at him "I just never expected him to forget me".
"And I never thought to ask him what you looked like".
"Why would he connect you to Quinn?" she looked up at him asking.
"I don't know" he avoided eye contact, he really didn't know, but he also knew she was looking for something right now, if there were anything in his eyes that told her different, the inquisition would start, ending with him being the guilty party being an answer. "Let's just focus on getting our rings on Monday" he suggested, taking the few steps back to the school gate before letting her go.
"I'll be at Mom's" she told him.
"No" he turned to look at her "I'll be in my classroom, marking" he'd only gone into work to do marking this morning because they were all in, Mercedes was in town and he rarely worked on those days.
"Okay" she smiled watching his face coming towards hers, she closed her eyes and took the kiss "I love you babe".
"I love you too babe" he let her go before they walked back into school.
Quoe
Mercedes walked into the auditorium to see Quinn and Joe in some sort of confrontational conversation "Is everything alright?" she asked worried.
"Yeah" Quinn turned quickly at hearing her voice "It's fine".
"No, it isn't" Joe snapped "Tell her" he ordered Quinn.
"He's not happy about us not putting Will straight about you being Mercedes" she sat on the chair "And to be honest, I'm not comfortable with it either".
"You know I've always had this thing about my identity …" Joe looked at Quinn not comfortable with sharing his life story right now "I just don't see this stuff as useful".
"He thinks we should sit Will down and tell him everything as it is" Quinn told her.
"He's just cussed Sam and I out for having a drink at the café together" Mercedes told them.
"I'm sorry Mercedes, but I'm not down with all this, I didn't sign any agreement, neither did Q, so I'm asking her to tell the truth next time she's asked".
"You guys do what you need to" Mercedes assured them.
"We should just leave" Joe looked at Quinn willing to do that as a compromise, but before they could discuss it, Mr S walked into the auditorium again.
"Hi Guys" he clapped his hands "We've got this last duet from Mercedes and Rachel and then you're free till tomorrow" he looked at Quinn and Rachel "This better be good" he sat down ready to listen.
"We thought we'd do 'Fault Line' by Ruby Ivy" Rachel told everyone, nodding for the music to start, Quinn looked at her, they hadn't had any discussion about a damn song, she had a good mind to fumble the whole thing.
Rachel: For once I'm not playing the villain, and all this time it's my feelings over spilling.
Cause there's no, gaps that need to be filled in, but this unstable ground has got me slipping.
Chorus: All Girls: Mm face along my fault line, draw me it's a verge lane made for me and you., treat me like your design, draw a puff drawn by string, made for two...
Will sat looking around wondering if everyone else was hearing what he was hearing, this wasn't what he was expecting, he sat uneasily in his chair waiting for the song to reach the tones he'd got in his mind, but nothing. "This wasn't what I was expecting" he interrupted them "I get it" he looked at Quinn "You know don't you?" he looked up at Mercedes "I didn't think he was hiding it very well either and, I've already had a go at him about it" he told Quinn.
"Told who what?" Quinn asked looking around.
"I'm sorry Mercedes" he quickly cut his eye at the real Mercedes again "Sam's been seeing that girl behind your back" he pointed at Mercedes while looking at Quinn "I saw them in the café earlier, holding hands, they weren't even ashamed" he hissed.
"Mr S" Quinn stood up "It's fine".
"It's not fine" he snapped at her "Stop taking this disrespect, you've always been a sap, he's cheating on you with that girl, it was bad enough that you're a student, but I let that slide all this time because he told me you guys weren't having sex, but now it's another woman and well you two are…" he pointed at her baby bump.
"Stop" Joe jumped up "That's just freaking sick" he waved his arms "Just stop" he looked at Will, everyone was already stunned into silence for Will's conversation, and him calling Mercedes a sap "This isn't Mercedes, this is Quinn my wife, she's pregnant with our baby" he snapped "This is Mercedes" he pointed at Mercedes.
"What?" Will stood confused, wondering what was happening.
"And that's not Finn" he pointed at Blaine "Finn passed, I'm sorry to say it like that babe" he looked at Quinn.
"Joe" Emma walked into the room angry.
"I'm sorry Emma, I'm sure you guys think you're being kind, but this isn't kind, it's cruel" he told her "Come on" he stepped down the two steps and stretched his hand out for Quinn to grab "Tell him the truth and let him process it".
"Emma" Will looked at his wife unsure, everyone slowly got up and left the auditorium, there was no need for witnesses to this meltdown.
Wemma
Emma sat having that difficult conversation with her husband, trying to get him to understand, knowing that somewhere in that minute she'd managed to lose all the trust she'd gained over the past three months this thing had been going on.
"Why am I living a lie?" he turned asking her, the obvious disappointment in his tone.
"Greg thought it was best" she looked at him trying to grab his hand, but he wouldn't let her.
"But you said you were my wife, you told me it was up to you what happens to me, are you really my wife?"
"Yes I am , and it is up to me, but he's the expert and I was just trying to do the best thing for you, without hurting you".
"This is hurting me Emma" he banged the chair "I want to know" his eyes piercing into hers, his lips thin with anger "I want to know".
She couldn't think of anywhere else to take this situation, all she could think was to suggest they go home and look at old photos to see if they jogged his memory, she was going against everything Greg; his therapist had advised, but so far nothing he'd suggested had worked, she needed to go rogue.
"I'll get the albums down, we'll look through them, I'll answer any questions you have, and we'll try and get something back, but if you can't we'll just fill in the gaps as many times as you need".
"We have pictures of my life?"
"Lots of pictures" she smiled at the look of excitement on his face "Come on let's go home" they got up and left for home.
The Café
"That was harsh" Kurt looked at Joe, shaking his head.
"But I'm with Joe, I think it was necessary" Blaine told him "He had me down as Finn, and I love your brother, but that shit was creepy".
"But we promised we'd help" Mike reminded them.
"And trust me, that's what we just did, I don't think anyone's had an honest conversation with that man since the accident" Joe told them.
"He's got Greg, his therapist" Quinn added.
"How did you know he had a therapist?" Mercedes asked, catching Joe's attention with her attitude.
"Sam told me".
"When did you speak to Sam?"
"We talk" Joe replied, looked at Mercedes suspiciously.
"It's a bit early for wedding jitters isn't it" Quinn giggled.
"Jitters?" Mercedes questioned, she didn't think so, she thought she was just fed up of being mistaken for fucking Quinn all day, and still wondering why Will would have put those two together.
"We need to go" Mike announced, "We haven't even unpacked yet, I've still got to grab my suit, and T's dress is still in its box" he looked at Rachel "We can't have creases".
"No, we can't" Rachel smiled at him.
"We'll see you guys this evening" Tina assured everyone, sharing an excited smile with Rachel, they were off to spend the afternoon officially introducing the parents to each other, which meant there was something in the pipeline.
Tike
Their relationship had come on strong since the summer, Mike's parents hadn't been up for it at all initially, they were ashamed and appalled at their son's behaviour towards Sunshine, as far as they were concerned she was the perfect bride. They knew Tina well but had always thought her too opinionated, controlling and even rude sometimes, they were happy to see the back of her when Mike and her finally split up. So, on her return, Tina had some big shoes to fill, twice she'd been to their home and twice they'd totally behaved as if she was a friend of his just passing through, Mike finally got fed up, and on the third visit he let rip, even Tina was telling him to shut up.
"Mr and Mrs Chang, I'm really sorry for Mike's behaviour, he's never acted like this before" she hissed the last few words at him sat with his face twisted like a prune.
"You don't need to apologise for me, they need to respect you" he yelled at her.
"And this is how you gain someone's respect?" she yelled at him "I'm ashamed".
"This is all because of you" he stood up.
"And after your performance I'm to expect?" she stood up asking "If this is how you talk to your parents Mike Chang…"
"It isn't" he looked at his parents "I'm just angry for the way they treat you".
"And I'm angry at the way you treat them, what's happened to you?".
"You've happened to me, I'm angry that they accepted Sunshine, who I had no feelings for, with open arms, and the woman I love they refuse to accept".
"You love Tina?" his Mother stood up.
"Very much Mom, I want her to be my wife one day, soon" he looked at Tina smiling.
"That wasn't it Mike Chang" she smiled "But it was good".
"Can we eat?" his Dad asked laughing.
"Sure" Mike smiled at his parents "I'm sorry for my outburst".
"Soup?" Mr Chang grabbed the bowl and walked round to Tina's chair to serve her, showing the family that they had accepted her.
Their life together had gotten steadily serious after that, none of them rushing things, in relation to marriage, but it was definitely on the table for both of them, Tina had told Mercedes about it on various occasions, and the crying had calmed down to happy tears now, for both of them.
The Café
"So, what did you think of Mr S and this memory thing?" Jessie asked when Tina and Mike had left.
"I didn't think it was that bad" Kurt replied.
"That was because you didn't get forgotten, that was hurtful" Quinn told him "He thought I was Mercedes and I don't know which was worse, being forgotten or being mistaken, it just made me feel like I didn't matter" she looked at Joe.
"You matter to me" he stroked her cheek smiling.
"And I…" Mercedes looked at her "And I was left wondering the exact same thing".
"Imagine him having to live with that" Rachel sat forward "It must be torture, I guess he knows our faces, well some of us, but did you notice, he couldn't stay in the room longer than five minutes?" her eyes looked around the table "What was that about?" she asked Joe as if he had all the answers "Did he even want to be there with any of us?"
"What's that got to do with anything?" Quinn asked, wondering what her eyes were doing on her husband.
"Well," Rachel leaned in further "He knew Mercedes and I were competitive, that was what he meant about the song not being what he'd expected, he also knew Sam and Mercedes hadn't had sex yet, I think the connect with Blaine being Finn was that he knew Finn was connect to you" she pointed at Kurt "He's joining dots, it's slow but he's doing it".
"Still don't get it" Quin shrugged her shoulders.
"He's remembering, it's not in order yet, but he's remembering".
"And I'm a sap" Mercedes told them.
"You know he's not himself" Quinn grabbed her hand.
"Yeah" Mercedes response flat, but she knew that to be true.
"I've got the barbers" Blaine looked at Mercedes "I'm meeting Sam at one".
"Oh, the wedding" Kurt's excitement evident.
"That's enough talk of Will, we promised we'd focus after this morning, it's Rachel and Jessie's day" Mercedes looked at Rachel smiling excitedly.
"Yea" Quinn cheered "Are you excited?"
"Yeah" Rachel giggled giggling on her chair, she wasn't lying, six hours from now, and the focus would be on her.
"We've got to make a move" Joe nudged Quinn.
"Yeah we do too" Blaine looked at Kurt "Grab lunch before Sam comes".
"Are you going to be alright waiting on your own for Sam?" Rachel asked Mercedes "I've got to collect my dress, otherwise I'd stay".
"Yeah" Mercedes laughed "I'm going back to school to meet him" she rolled her eyes "Go get pampered".
"I just hope that little girl stays in there long enough for you to follow me down the aisle later, you look fit for bursting" Rachel laughed at Quinn waddling off.
"I've got ways of forcing children to do what I want them to do" Quinn laughed "Caleb sleeping through the night in three months" she reminded everyone.
"Do we have a baby whisperer in our midst?" Jessie asked.
"You're booked" Rachel told her.
"Oh" Quinn and Mercedes stopped to look at her, waiting for the announcement.
"No" Rachel giggled "Five year plan" she warned "Six o'clock" she jumped up, grabbed Jessie's hand and making for the exit "Be on time" she reminded everyone before the door closed behind her.
Mercedes sat wondering where her head was taking her with this Quinn thing, she shook her head to get rid of the thought.
The half empty cups scattered across the table, said something about her life right now, she couldn't get an ending to her song, her relationship with her agent was on the brink of destruction because of all the time off, she'd cancelled two shows, which had left her with angry fans, and a hefty sum to pay. To top all that Sam was slipping in and out of hearing, so she was super stressed about the uncertainty around that, nobody knew how Santana and Brittany was doing, and she wasn't getting the time to be involved in a wedding she was supposed to be having in three months time, everything made her feel out of control, how was she actually supposed to feel happy with everything so messed up.
However; Sam was determined that after their honeymoon, she'd dive back in and take her art more seriously, regardless of his condition, it wasn't like that had never been the case, she was past serious about her work, but until his accident she didn't quite understand how strongly he figured in her life, the accident and the aftermath had scared her. She got up leaving her half empty cup to join the rest, making her way back to school, she snuck into his classroom, found an empty chair, and sat listening to music in her earphones, waiting for him to finish his marking
St Berry
Jessie and Rachel had done all the usual checks, venue, church, music, food, flowers and of course their outfits, and last night they'd written their wedding vows.
"Okay see you in five and a half hours" Rachel and Jessie sat outside their house giggling at fun things they teased they'd put in their vows "Seriously now, I'll see you at the alter" Jessie leaned in to kiss her "You love me, just focus on that".
"And you love me, that better be the case" Rachel giggled "Bye" she opened the car door.
"Babe" he called after her "Next time we meet you're going to be Mrs St James" he laughed.
"Long overdue" she turned, blew him a kiss, and carried on her journey.
"I'll be the one stood at the front" he shouted after her.
"I'll be the one in the white dress" she waved at him when she got to the front door.
She'd been quiet today and anyone who knew Rachel would have known straight away something was up, or maybe they thought her silence might have been because of the pending nuptials, but the truth was, her show was coming to an end after three years and she was struggling to see a light at the end of that tunnel. She'd put the feelers out all over New York, but there was nothing coming back, for the past few months she'd been able to focus on the wedding, but she was nowhere near clear on what she was going to do next.
Jessie had tried to be helpful, but he wasn't finding the time, between his two shows, to help with the promotional stuff, and now they were back in Lima for a week before the wedding, after which they'd be taking time out in Panama for two weeks before he was back to work, and she'd be doing the last month of her show. It wasn't about the money, she hadn't really stopped working since leaving NYADA, it was the fact of her actually having to stop and do nothing for an unknown amount of time, that was a test for her, one she knew Jessie wasn't looking forward to dealing with, neither was she.
Samcedes
"Babe" Sam's voice interrupted Mercedes thoughts, "You alright?" he looked up from his marking.
"Yeah" she smiled "A rarity, I'm getting some think time".
"That's it, we're officially going into wedding planning mode, I'm snapping that moment up" he got up to get to her "We've got three days together, should we go grab some cookies later, celebrate our first actual face to face planning session?"
"And a hot chocolate".
"You want to go to the fair?" his face already in the memory.
"I want to go on the tilt and ride, maybe tomorrow" she giggled.
"Somebody's serious about celebrating".
"It's all getting so real, I need a serious distraction".
"Well, I've got just what the Diva ordered" he grabbed his marking, threw it in his box, took her hand, pulling her up to leave the classroom "Let's get some us time" they walked to the car "I'm meeting Blaine for the barbers soon".
"Yeah I know" she got in the car, watched him jump in the driving seat and they were off. They got outside the jewellers amidst a rush of excitement "This is one of the last things we've got to do before our wedding day".
"I know" he beamed, stepping into the shop for their final fittings.
"Pizza" she licked her lips, happy they'd ticked another box on their list.
"I have an idea" he pulled her with him.
"What are we going to do?" she asked, aware his outlandish idea of adventure always made her anxious.
"We're going to Busker Walk, and the first song we hear, we're going to ask them to play at our wedding, down the aisle, our first dance, whatever" he laughed.
"Are you serious?" she stopped him walking, "Wouldn't it be easier to ask our friends to come up with something?"
"Well, we could, and they would, but I like this alternative, and Rachel's having us sing at hers, plus technically, I haven't suggested anything for the wedding except the rings".
"And I have?" she looked at him, knowing she'd had even less to do with it than he had.
"Please" he gave his puppy eyes.
"I'm not having rock music" she giggled following him, praying hard that it wasn't too outlandish. They came across a young man singing his rendition of some song they weren't familiar with, at the end of his performance they found out it was his own song, they were impressed. Sam went all out explaining to the guy about their wedding in three months, his wish and obviously payment for his time and the guy took the details for the venue and said he'd try and get there, of course Sam threw in a cab, food, and refreshments in for the day.
They got back to the car and laughed so hard at the look on their parents faces when they see Freedom walk in, they hadn't laughed so much in ages, it had been a while since any of them had been so relaxed, there was always the joy of being together, but it was always hampered with the gloom of Mercedes leaving a few hours, or days after, this felt different, permanent. Lunch was eaten, and suddenly there was no time to spare, Sam needed to collect Blaine "Babe could you call Kurt see if you could stay with him for an hour or so, I don't want to send you off in a cab?"
"Sure, I could do with spending a hot minute with him" she took her phone out, turned it on and made the call, Sam blowing the horn as they stopped outside Kurt's parents home.
"Back in a bit" he kissed her then sat watching her walk into Kurt's parent's home, smiling as Blaine came running out, the man looked excited about something.
Klaine
Blaine was excited and yes they were looking forward to the wedding, but the edginess was about needing to have a very important conversation with Sam.
"Hi" Blaine jumped in the car "Everything's getting real for you two yeah?" clipping the seatbelt on
"Very" Sam laughed "More so for Rachel and Jessie today" he smiled "But I feel ready too".
"Good for you".
"So, what's with the super happy?" their eyes met before Sam drove off.
"I'm going to do it" Blaine looked at the road ahead "I'm going to have the family conversation with Kurt, tomorrow".
"Seriously" Sam laughed "What's brought this on?"
"Kurt's kind of restless of late, we've talked about it before, but there's never been any detail, and to be honest we've both been flip about it, but I think it's always been an option for us. I'm slowing down a bit and Kurt seems to be getting more work closer to home, I think this is the perfect time for us".
"So, what do you think Kurt will think?"
"I expect there'll be shock, maybe a little push back for a while, but deep down I think we both want this".
"Well, if that's what you both want, I'm happy for you" Sam smiled "Now can we get back to a tiny thing called my big expensive diva wedding?"
"So, Mercedes still has no clue what you have planned?" Blaine laughed.
"Not a clue, the honeymoon is going to be, on fire" Sam laughed.
"I'm happy for you two, it's been a hot minute coming".
"Hot minute?" Sam asked, "It's been eight years, I'm so ready for this" his eyes sparkling "Mercedes was right, we did need to trust in our love".
"Newsflash" Blaine laughed "Mercedes is always right".
"True" Sam giggled "But never disclose that I said that".
Kurt was sat in the den trying to figure out what to say to Mercedes, there was no plan B, Blaine was out, so the coast would be clear and the visit to the hospital would be nobody's business, there was fifteen minutes left before the appointment, it was a small window, no time to mince words "Mercedes".
"Kurt?" she turned to look at him "I know that face, what's up?".
"I have something I need to do, and it's got to be on our list of non-disclosures for now".
"This sounds serious".
They'd just got back together after nearly a year of silence because of this disclosure thing, and in mending their relationships, they'd come up with this code for conversations that stayed between them as friends. If either party started or ended the conversation with a no disclose clause, then that was where it stopped.
"It is" Kurt sat next to Mercedes "But we need to travel while I explain" grabbing the car key to make their way, and the confession.
To say Mercedes was mortified was an understatement, they sat outside the hospital crying, praying, and hoping all at once "Come on, we need to do this" they entered the building. Mercedes sat waiting while Kurt went in for tests, twenty minutes later they sat listening to the results, the specialist stressing there was more investigation to be done, Kurt knew this conversation was forcing a disclosure to Blaine, but it wasn't a conversation that brought happy thoughts.
"I know" Kurt looked at Mercedes as they left the hospital "And you can tell Sam, I'm telling Blaine as soon as they get back".
"Do you need me to be there?"
"I think it might be good for Blaine to have Sam around, I know having you here was good for me".
"Then we'll stay" Mercedes grabbed the car keys "I'll drive".
They sat in the car in silence watching the road on the journey back to Kurt's, "I'll tell everyone else tomorrow, let Rachel and Jessie have their evening".
"Yep" she smiled "Try and stay calm, it's going to be hard, but you're going to have to be strong for Blaine, you know he's going to fall to pieces" they sat in the den waiting for them to get back.
Ten minutes later Blaine and Sam were back, Mercedes saw Sam's face ad burst into tears, everyone knew something was wrong, Sam and Mercedes sat listening to their friend's hearts break, Sam trying to be strong and supportive, eventually Kurt called time on the crying "Come on, we've got a wedding in less than four hours".
"We'll see you guys at the church" Sam tapped Blaine's shoulder, they all hugged and parted company.
The Wedding
Rachel sat at her dresser wondering whether to let up on her stylist, this was the third do, and she couldn't make her mind up, she'd said yes to the high top two weeks ago, but this evening she really didn't feel like high top, she wanted free and easy. "So, we'll clip the top up and leave the back out" she smiled "Final decision" she nodded, "Jess likes it long".
Her makeup was immaculate, her white Alexandra dress was perfection with it's gathered waist making room for double the amount of material that hit the floor at the right height, she looked a picture. They'd opted for a late wedding because their flight was at one in the morning, and they didn't fancy waiting around after an early wedding to get time together.
The other bridesmaids were due within the hour, the cars twenty minutes after that, and what seemed like an age to get to this point was about to finish in a rush "They're here" her Dad called up the stairs, Mercedes and Quinn's fingers working faster to button her up.
"Send them up" she smiled at Tina and Kurt quickly appearing at her bedroom door.
"You look..." Kurt stood holding his chest.
"Let's get this dress on first" Quinn laughed breathlessly
"And then we can get you married" Mercedes did the last button.
"Ah" they all gasped when she turned to face them.
"Come on let's have a look at you all" Rachel demanded, determined not to cry, they had on different outfits, suits, dresses, skirts, smocks but they were all bright yellow matching the shoes and flowers, the theme of Rachel's wedding, a minute of fixing and she was finally ready for her descent. The gown, flowing for yards behind her as she walked down the stairs towards her crying Dad's, minutes later she was in the car, sat outside the church.
The nod quickly came she got out the car and walked into the entrance, taking her bouquet from Mercedes, she was left standing for a while, watching her bridesmaids set about getting her dress straight "Now 3, 2, 1" the coordinator called and the bridesmaids and groomsmen walked down the aisle to the organ playing. A short while later the music changed, indicating it was her time to enter, the doors opened again, Mercedes's voice echoing through the building as she led on a beautiful love song 'Ocean' by LunchMoney Lewis & Megan Trainor
Mercedes: Mmm, hmm, hmm-hmm, hmm-hmm Hmm-hmm, hmm-hmm, ayy-ayy, ayy
Guys (Girls & Kurt):
You're just like the ocean (Oh yeah), I'm drowning in you (Drowning, I'm drowning) I'm just like a waterfall falling, falling for (you again, for you again Yeah)
No ship or boat can take us, there's no way no one could sink us (Sam: Na-na, na), no wave can go that tall, there's no tide or wind that strong
That's when you start to realize, that when the stakes are running high, and my world been spinning round, you're the anchor that holds me down
And when I'm diving, going low, you always keep me afloat, girl, I'll never let you go (you know)
Guys & Tina (with Girls & Kurt): (You're just like the ocean I'm drowning in your love, I'm just like a waterfall falling, falling for you again, you again)
You're just like the ocean (Ocеan) I'm drowning in your love (I'm drowning, I'm drowning) I'm just like a waterfall falling, falling for you again, you again
"You look beautiful" Jessie leaned in and kissed her "I know we're not at that but yet" he laughed at Mike about to tell him that.
"Should we start?" Mike asked smiling.
The ceremony was as they wanted it, very intimate and traditional, with a few friends and family, doing all the traditional things before leaving the church, finally Mr & Mrs St James, as their all important friends sang them out.
Girls and Kurt:
Somеtimes life is like a river, it gets so cold you start to shiver, and you always stuck me deep, then everything just goes upstream
That's when you start to understand that nothing in life is planned, and you got to take that risk, and be the captain of this ship
But when I'm diving, going low, you always keep me afloat boy, I'll never let you go, you know
Guys & Quinn (Girls and Kurt)
You're just like the ocean (Ocean) I'm drowning in your love (I'm drowning, I'm drowning) I'm just like a waterfall falling (Falling) falling for you again, for you again
You're just like the ocean (Ocean) I'm drowning in your love (I'm drowning, I'm drowning) I'm just like a waterfall falling, falling for (you again for you again)
"Guys" Will approached the bridal party as they made to enter the reception "Could I speak to you all for a second?" they nodded agreement "I'm sorry about everything, Emma let me look at some pictures today and I remember some stuff, there are still a lot of gaps but I know, you're Quinn" he looked at Quinn smiling "And I know for a fact you're Mercedes" he looked at Mercedes "And one thing I know in my heart, although I don't quite understand how yet, it that you're not a sap" he smiled "I'm sorry".
"You'll get it all back Mr S I know you will" Mike hugged him.
"Hopefully" he smiled "Now let's get this trophy won" he clapped his hands, everyone stood looking at him "Okay, bad joke sorry" he laughed.
"I told you, you were unforgettable" Sam whispered in Mercedes ear.
The reception in all it's extravagance happened, Jessie and Rachel set off on their honeymoon and soon after the party was over, everyone went home, it had been a long day, and tomorrow was going to be even longer for some of them, but Sam and Mercedes were having their long night tonight, they were finding it hard to sleep with Kurt's worry on their heads "Can we just hold each other tonight?" Mercedes asked.
"I was going to ask, I feel numb, I'm so sad for Blaine and Kurt" he hugged her "At least Will knows you".
"Mmm, but I really missed Santana and Brittany today too"