A/N: Thank you again to all who took time to read and review. I am at awe at the number of people visiting this story. In light of the prom episode this chapter is mainly Samcedes being fluffy, so forgive me if it's too much!
Chapter 20:
Mercedes could feel Sam's eyes on her as they walked holding hands. She tried her hardest to control the pull her hand felt towards Sam's hand but failed miserably. The moment their hands intertwined she could never tell which hand was hers or his, it felt like it was part of her all along.
"What?" Mercedes finally looked at Sam.
"Nothing!" Sam smiled.
"Well if it's nothing then wipe that dopey grin off your face!" Mercedes laughed and tried to let go of Sam's hand but Sam gripped harder.
"You have to let go sometime, we're almost there. It's that one over there!" Mercedes pointed with her left hand.
"I don't think it's possible for me to let go!" Sam side-eyed Mercedes trying to see how she would react.
"Boy that is one lame tag line! And for that you don't deserve to hold my hand!" Mercedes grabbed Sam's hand with her left hand and tried to pry them open.
"Not going to happen, so I suggest you give up!" Sam smirked but all of a sudden pain shot through him.
"Owww!" Sam involuntarily let go of Mercedes' hand and nursed his sore thumb.
"Serves you right!" Mercedes laughed.
"Did you really have to bite me? You could have just asked nicely!" Sam pouted.
"Boo hoo poor baby! Give it here!" Mercedes mocked Sam before reaching for his injured hand.
Mercedes studied the bite mark she left on his hand. She felt bad when she saw that she actually overdid it a little as the skin was starting to bruise.
"I'm sorry! I didn't mean to scar you!" Mercedes stroked his hand and tried to kiss it better.
Sam stared at Mercedes no longer feeling the pain he felt earlier.
"What? Do I have something on my face?" Mercedes asked.
"Yeah, beauty!" Sam replied.
"Boy stop it with the cheesy lines!" Mercedes laughed out loud as she playfully slapped his arm.
"I know, but you are beautiful and the truth cannot be contained!" Sam grabbed Mercedes' face and made her look at him.
"Uhmmm... can I kiss you?" Mercedes shyly asked.
Sam was taken aback by Mercedes' bluntness but a wide smile spread across his face.
"I just wanted to know if what I felt the last time we kissed was real. I keep telling people I think I'm going crazy and most of them would probably agree with me constantly validating it and yes i am babbling away again. Oh God this is awkward now!" Sam lifted Mercedes' face to look into her eyes before leaning down to kiss her.
The kiss unlike their first one wasn't rushed. It was slow and calculated, not chaste. Mercedes unconsciously lifted her hands and pushed Sam lower to her with one hand while the other tangled with his hair. Sam found his hands on her hips but soon was snaking around her waist tightening his hold on her. They savored each other's lips before deepening the kiss when she allowed his tongue to play with her own. Fireworks seem to dance on top of them reflecting the internal fire being ignited within them. The need for air was lingering as they refuse to let go of each, but the burn was becoming unbearable and with reluctance they parted only enough for them to draw some air in their lungs. Their foreheads pressed against each other panting like they just ran a marathon.
"Wow!" They said in unison.
"Jinx!" Mercedes laughed as she tried to wriggle out of his grip.
Sam joined her in laughter but refused to loosen his grip on her. He knows that it wasn't like him but if the gap between their bodies grew wider he would start missing her again.
"Don't make me bite you again!" Mercedes raised a brow at Sam.
"Bite away!" Sam teased.
"Come on Sam I'm hungry! I haven't had dinner!" Mercedes pouted.
"How can you forget to eat? And working at a restaurant surrounded by food?" Sam teased as he finally let her go.
"I was thinking about you!" Mercedes half-joked.
"That won't do Miss Jones! Come on!" Sam pulled her to his side and started walking to the coffee shop.
CLICK!
Sam opened the door of the coffee shop and ushered Mercedes to go in first. Mercedes half ran to the counter to look at the menu.
"Is it wrong to want to have dessert for dinner?" Mercedes looked at Sam who was grinning at her.
"I would say no, but I remember someone telling me that we should have proper meals and not just sugar!" Mercedes smiled.
"Ok I got it!" Mercedes then turned to the cashier to place her order.
"Hi! I'd like a hot turkey sandwich with lettuce cheese and tomatoes, no dressing, a slice of your white chocolate macadamia cheesecake and a glass of iced tea please!" Mercedes smiled at the cashier.
"Hey I thought we're here for coffee!" Sam asked amused.
"You can have coffee and key lime pie, I'm having dinner!" Mercedes grinned.
"Ok, so now you're bossing me around?" Sam raised a brow in mock protest.
"I was merely suggesting since the pie looks absolutely amazing and you said I can't have all sugar for dinner, but i thought if I could just have a taste then it would be ok! Please Sam get the pie!" Mercedes looked at Sam and pleaded.
"I'll have an espresso and a piece of that key lime pie!" The cashier smiled at the two seeing how adorable they are.
Sam quickly handed a hundred dollar bill before Mercedes could take her wallet out of her bag.
"I got this!" Sam smirked.
"Samuel Martin Evans! I am capable of paying for my food thank you very much, so I suggest you only pay for what you're having!" Mercedes protested as she proceeded to hand three ten dollar bills to the cashier.
Sam blocked her money and nodded at the cashier to ring up their total.
"I am paying for what I am having. I will definitely have a bite of your sandwich and cheesecake!" Sam winked at Mercedes.
"Oh no you don't! I don't share food when I'm starving!" Mercedes stuck her tongue out at Sam and laughed.
"I don't think you have a choice!" Sam stuck his tongue out at Mercedes which made her laugh more.
"Here's your change and can I just say you two are absolutely adorable! How long have you two been together?" The cashier handed Sam his money.
Sam and Mercedes looked at each other and smiled before looking back to the cashier. The two decided to play along as Mercedes wrapped her arms around Sam's waist and Sam putting his arm around Mercedes' shoulders.
"We've been together for 5 years, unfortunately somebody's afraid to tie the knot so you don't see a right on this finger!" Mercedes held up her left hand showing a ring less ring finger.
Sam smirked and decided to pay her back.
"Well I would have placed a ring on that finger a long time ago if somebody wasn't addicted to shopping. Maybe if she insists on pay for her own shopping spree much like she insists for paying for her food then the ring would have a matching wedding band now!" Mercedes slapped Sam's arm in protest.
"Don't worry I'm on your side honey! Men just don't get shopping!"
"Thank you!" Mercedes smiled at the cashier and then glared at Sam.
"I'll have your orders ready in 15 minutes!" The cashier smiled as the two left the counter to sit at the plush couch on the far corner of the coffee shop by the glass window.
"I can't believe you said that about me!"
"Well I can't believe you said I'm allergic to commitment!"
"I never said such a thing!" Mercedes tried to restrain herself from smiling.
"Well you implied it! You honestly think I'd last 5 years without making you my wife?"
Sam and Mercedes laughed at their discussion as it is now becoming somewhat serious over something that isn't true.
Soon their orders arrived and Mercedes tucked in to her sandwich trying to appease her grumbling tummy.
"I don't know if I'm just really hungry or this sandwich is delicious, but oh God it's sooo good for me right now!" Mercedes took another bite before offering it to Sam.
Sam took the sandwich to have a bite.
"No this is definitely good! I can't believe you've been holding out on me!" Sam took another bite before Mercedes grabbed it from him.
"Hey don't finish it all! Hello starving here, remember?" Mercedes took another bite and smiled at Sam with puffy cheeks.
CLICK!
Mercedes has now finished her sandwich, with a few bites from Sam now and then. Both are now enjoying their desserts as they continued with their chat.
"Oh my god this is so good! Here try it!" Mercedes stuck her fork in the cheesecake and offered it to Sam.
Sam took a piece of the key lime pie as he looked at Mercedes unsure of what he's suppose to do with the cheesecake at the end of her fork.
"Here try it!" Mercedes gestured for him to take the cheesecake but realized what she was doing.
"I'm sorry! I've gotten used to sharing food with my friends. I know how unsanitary it is…" Mercedes' babbling was interrupted when Sam opened his mouth and ate the cheesecake.
CLICK!
"You're right that's really good!" Sam winked at Mercedes.
Mercedes grinned as her fork dove for the key lime pie. Sam blocked her fork and took a piece with his fork and offered it to Mercedes the same way she did with the cheesecake. Mercedes smiled and didn't hesitate to eat the pie.
"Mmmm… that's also goood!" Mercedes moaned as she swallowed. Sam looked at her with amusement and sipped his coffee when impure thoughts entered his mind. Mercedes took another bite of the key lime pie before setting her fork down and sipping her iced tea.
Chapter 21:
"So tell me, what exactly do you do Sam?" Sam cringed.
"I mean I heard you're running one of your family's publishing company and you're driving a new venture for your family's empire, but I'm just curious what exactly you do for you to be able to do all the things I've heard about! I don't want to pry, I'm only asking just in case you don't mind answering!" Mercedes smiled.
"Well, that's a tough question which I wish to not answer in detail. But you are right I am the President of our publishing firm and that's all I can say!" Sam remained tight lipped although it is obvious that he wanted to tell her more.
"Ok I respect that! I don't want to get inside information and be tempted to sell it to your rival companies, although that would solve all my financial problems!" Mercedes laughed. "One more question though! Again I am giving you the choice to answer or not."
"Ok, should I be scared?" Sam asked.
"Depends!" Mercedes winked at Sam.
"Go ahead!" Sam braced himself.
"Is it true that you're practically engaged to Quinn Fabray? And if so what are you doing with all those girls you've been seen with? Sorry it's a two-part question!" Mercedes apologized.
"Ah! I knew this would come sooner or later!" Sam winced at the mention of Quinn's name.
"Just curious George I guess! I'd understand if it's too personal, I won't hold it against you if you choose not to answer!" Mercedes smiled.
"Why so curious if I may ask?"
"I dunno, I guess I just wanted to know which is real. The Sam Evans I've been hearing about or the Sam Evans I see!"
Sam sat in silence trying to figure out how to respond.
"Hey, I didn't mean to put you on the spot! I'm sorry, just forget about it!" Mercedes smiled and continued sipping her iced tea.
"What's the difference?" Sam asked.
Mercedes was startled but put down her glass and seriously thought about Sam's question.
"The Sam I see loves his family so much. He is the best brother to his siblings, a good son to his parents, a thoughtful person to his friends and a kind; and merciful I may add; boss to his subordinates. He is the guy you'd want to spend time with and feel like you're lucky to have been bestowed with such presence. The Sam I see is nothing like what the media portrays. That man in the public eye is merely a shell. He is there for the public to idolize and not cherish, feared but not respected." Mercedes restrained herself from reaching Sam's hand but the look on his face told her he needed a friend. "But you know what?" Sam was staring at her hand on top of his and looked up wanting to know what else. "The moment I saw you with your family I decided… no, I knew that was the real you! Oel ngat kame! (I see you!)" Sam's eyes widened and his heart melted with such revelation.
Mercedes looked away from Sam not believing what she just did. It felt natural to tell him those things like he's been her friend for life; their connection grew stronger with every second they spent together. It felt scary but at the same time comforting, the butterflies in her stomach wasn't helping as she tried to calm her nerves and enjoy the moment. Finally Mercedes dared to look at Sam and was surprised that he was staring back at her.
"You know if you had laser vision you would have bore a hole in my head!" Mercedes joked.
Her giggle brought Sam out of his trance and laughed with her.
"Well if you knew me you'd know I don't have laser vision but I have night vision goggles for fighting crimes at night!"
"Oh my God you are not Bruce Wayne, Sam!" Mercedes laughed.
"I never said I'm batman and if I do have a superhero alter ego I would never admit to it! I have to protect myself from evil villains you know!" Sam winked.
"So are you calling me an evil villain now?" Mercedes mockingly protested.
"None of the sort, but if you must know you're becoming my greatest vice!" Mercedes blushed from Sam's response. She didn't think her teasing would backfire on her and she felt like an idiot for putting herself in a situation that makes her want to scream like a fan girl when Sam confessed his vice.
"Uhmm… well I think… so how's Stacie and Stevie?" Mercedes quickly changed subject and Sam found it adorable how she tried to avoid looking at him from that point on.
They fell in to their usual familiar comfort zone. They continued to ask questions and talk about their most intimate thoughts. It never did feel like an interrogation or prying in their personal lives. They were willing to let each other in and in return wanting to treasure every bit of information.
"You never did answer me about Quinn!" Mercedes tried one more time.
"Hey, I thought I had a choice not to answer?" Sam teased.
"I know, but I was hoping you would. I don't want to assume one thing and then end up being the total opposite of it! I don't want to sound presumptuous, but there's something going on between us. i don't know if you feel it too, but it's scaring me shitless! I've been alone for half of my life so it's hard for me to let people in, but you've managed to do that the moment I met you; which by the way took Kurt and Rachel 4 years. I don't believe in a lot of things Sam, but I believe in fate and faith. Fate has a crazy way of bringing people together and faith assures me that whatever happens will always be for the best! If you are with Quinn I'm ok with that, we can stay friends. Just know that I'll never take it against you, the kiss, it was magical and I thank you for giving that moment to me." Mercedes smiled at Sam before looking down to hide her embarrassment after her declaration.
"I'm not with Quinn!" Sam quickly blurted out as he smiled back at Mercedes.
"Our family wants us to get married and people expect it. I was willing to go through all that just so I don't disappoint anyone that is until I met you!" Sam lifted Mercedes' chin to meet his gaze.
"I feel it! The pull that I have towards you is undeniable, I've tried, believe me I've tried to stay away, but it was like denying myself air to breathe. The pain was unbearable and my heartfelt hallow. My logic is telling me that it's too soon to be in love with you but every fiber of my being tells me otherwise! I don't care what people think because those who matter doesn't care and those who care doesn't matter!" Sam stared deep in Mercedes' eyes restraining himself from kissing her.
"I'm scared Sam! You don't know how many times I started doubting myself again. I haven't been insecure for a very long time and so I hated myself for thinking I'm not worthy for you!"
"If anyone should not be worthy it's me! I've done things in the past that I am now regretting. How i wish that I've waited for you. I always thought God hated me for putting all this pressure on me, so I made bad personal choices and stopped caring all together. The night you saw me, I was far deep in the depths of my numbness, you drew me out of the darkness by shining your light! I didn't know then what happened, but now I know it was you that made me want to live again!"
Mercedes' eyes glistened as tears pooled in her eyes.
"Don't cry Mercy!" Tears started flowing down Mercedes' face as soon as Sam said those words and cupping her face with his hands.
Sam wrapped his arms around Mercedes and rocked her to calm her down. Mercedes' shaking stopped and finally her breathing went back to normal. Mercedes wiped her face dry before looking up to Sam. As soon as she saw Sam's solemn face she just couldn't stop bursting in to laughter. Sam looked at her in confusion trying to make sense of what just happened.
"I'm sorry Sam! Your face, it's just priceless!" Mercedes tried to explain through her laughter.
"So now you find my face funny?" Sam smiled.
"Yes and No!" Mercedes trying to stifle her laugh but failing miserably.
"I mean you look all serious and almost in tears. I heard Sam Evans doesn't do emotions!" Mercedes wiped a tear from laughing so much.
"You are definitely one crazy lady!" Sam laughed.
CLICK!
Chapter 22:
"I should head on home it's getting pretty late!" Mercedes looking at her watch.
"I'll call the driver to come pick us up so we can drop you at home!" Sam took out his phone and started dialing.
"We're ready to leave; we're two blocks north of the restaurant. No we're heading to Brooklyn first then you can drop me off at home!" Sam spoke to his driver.
"It's ok you don't need to bring me home all the way to Brooklyn, I can just grab a cab!" She squeezed Sam's hand to get his attention.
Sam dropped the call and looked at Mercedes.
"Nonsense! That's what town cars and drivers are for!" Mercedes raised a brow at Sam.
"What?" Sam stared at Mercedes.
"Yes it is his job but it does not deter to the fact that driver might have a family waiting for him, worrying that he hasn't come home yet!" Sam smiled at how Mercedes snapped at him.
"Alright I get it! But I'll do a compromise, we're going to bring you home and tomorrow; actually today I'm giving him the day off to spend with his family. How does that sound?" Sam waited for Mercedes' reply as she pondered on it.
"Ok! And you have to text me as soon as you get home, otherwise no deal!" Mercedes put her hand in front waiting for Sam to shake on it.
Sam took her hand and put it up to his lips to kiss.
"Deal! I'll even call you!"
"No calls just a text message! I'm afraid if you called I might not get to sleep!" Sam smiled.
The town car parked outside the cafe and waited for the two to come out. As soon as the driver saw Sam, he bolted out of the driver's seat and ran to open the passenger door. Sam ushered Mercedes to go in and closed the door after her as she was about to slid in further. Sam jogged to the other side and opened the door to get in.
"I was about to slide..."
"A lady never slides!" Sam interrupted Mercedes before she could finish talking.
Mercedes rolled her eyes and gave up. This is a side of Sam that's killing her to admit she likes but she won't let him know that!
They arrived at her apartment building and Sam quickly stopped the driver from getting out so he could open the door for Mercedes himself. He got out the car and opened the door for Mercedes. He held his hand out for her and helped her out of the car as soon as she grabbed his hand. Sam walked Mercedes; still holding hands to her apartment building.
CLICK!
Not wanting the night to end Sam decided to walk Mercedes up to her apartment door and stood awkwardly behind her as she unlocked the door with her keys. Mercedes held the door knob and quickly released it to turn around and face Sam.
"Thank you for tonight Sam! I always have a great time with you!" Mercedes smiled as she rose to her tiptoes and lightly pecked Sam's lips.
A wide smile spread across Sam's face.
"Goodnight Mercedes!" Sam leaned down to capture Mercedes' lips once more. In one fluid motion they found themselves wrapped around in each other's arms. The kiss was becoming deeper and heavier. Mercedes started pulling away but Sam would lean in not wanting the kiss to end. Mercedes decided to smile against the kiss which made Sam smile and their kiss to end.
"Goodnight Sam!" Mercedes finally pulled away and went in her apartment.
Sam stayed outside with a wide grin watching Mercedes as she slowly closed the door never breaking their eye contact. Mercedes leaned against the door and couldn't stop smiling. Sam walked back down to the town car with the dopey grin still plastered on his face.
Sam's phone vibrated as he approached the car. He immediately took out his phone out of his pocket and saw a message from Mercedes.
I miss you already! Text me when you're home. Take care! :)
"Home Mr. Evans?" The driver asked as Sam started to get in the car.
"Yes Andrew, Home!" Sam smiled realizing the double meaning of his words.
The town car drove off and a man in a black Ford Fusion parked across the street started his car to follow.
Sam made his way up to his penthouse typing on his phone and pressing send as soon as he crossed the threshold.
I miss you too! I'm already inside my apartment! :)
Soon his phone vibrated again with a reply.
Good! I was starting to fall asleep. Well I can sleep now that I know you're home safe! GoodMornight Sam! :*
Sam sent one last text before getting ready for bed himself.
Sleep tight Mercedes! :*
Quinn was up and ready for work by 7am and went down to have breakfast with her parents. She walked over to her mother and pecked her on the cheek as her mother waved for her to go away. She then walked over to her father and was about to do the same when her father threw a newspaper tabloid across the table.
Quinn's eyes widened as she saw pictures of Sam and a black girl on the front page looking blissfully happy.
"What does this mean Quinn? Who is that girl with Sam? You told me you've fixed everything! I ask you to do one thing and still you failed me!"
"I can fix this daddy; I promise I can fix this!" Quinn replied struggling to fight back the incoming tears.
"You better! You're just as useless as your mother. You have to marry in to the Evans if you want to remain in your social status. You're lucky you're easy to look at because no man in the right mind would marry let alone commit to a worthless shallow imbecile. You only have one task to do your entire life and you're a big disappointment as always! If you don't marry Sam I suggest you pack your things and get out of this house. I have no use for losers!"
Quinn willed herself not to cry. She knew this is nothing new and that she should be numb to all her father's words, but the sting still hurts her. Sometimes hearing things over and over again makes you start believing the things they say. She lived most of her life thinking she is worthless like what her father drilled in her as a child.
"You're not worthless Quinn, don't you ever believe that! You are worthy of love!"
Quinn could hear Artie's words in her head playing over and over again. His words would soothe her in her times of despair and make her smile.
She grew up wanting affection from her parents and would do anything to get it. Her mother was always cold and unaffectionate towards her even with all her great achievements. She soon realized that her father never cared for her personal achievements but would lavish attention on her if she does what he asks of her. It started with befriending the Evans' eldest son Sam, then going in to a relationship with Sam; even if it was only for public display as agreed with Sam to please their parents. These made her father very happy and even more so when he asked her to get engaged with Sam. Her stomach knotted at the thought of not being with Artie, but she loved her parents despite of it all and she would do anything to make them happy. Her father has been very attentive to her and appeared to finally be a father to her as soon as he came back from his social call with the Evans, it made her more determined to make it work with Sam at all cost.
"I've lost my appetite with the two of you in front of me!" Quinn's father stood up and threw his napkin on his food before leaving.
Quinn's mother remained in her stoic state probably caused by her drunkenness. Quinn walked out the dining room as she reached for her phone and went through her contact list. She stared at Artie's name and froze unable to hit the call button. Tears are now streaming down her face, she wanted so badly to run to Artie but she doesn't want him to get caught in her problems. She finally managed to stop crying and closed Artie's contact. She looked for someone else on her contact list and finally pressed call. She composed herself as she waited for someone to pick up.
"Hi! I need information on someone and I need it fast! I'm willing to pay more if you can give it to me by tomorrow!"