A\N: Here's the next installment. Thanks again to everyone who read and reviewed. I'm a fluff monster and hopefully it didn't turn sickeningly bad. Anyways thanks again for the patience.
Chapter 41:
Sam smiled all the way during their ride to the restaurant. Mercedes on the other hand fidgeted soon after she sent the text to Rachel telling her she found somewhere else to sleepover. She thought of telling Rachel but didn't want her friend to jump in to conclusions like she always does. Sam kept stealing glances at her while he drove and broke her daze when he grabbed a hold of her hand and brought it to his lips without taking his eyes off the road. Sam felt Mercedes smile even without looking at her. Mercedes felt calmer after his ministration and soon they were at their destination. Sam got out of his car and handed the keys to the valet as he extended his hand out to Mercedes. Sam placed her arm under his and he escorted her in the establishment. Mercedes was in awe as she drank the restaurant's interior. It was all modern and pop art, Mercedes felt under-dressed as she saw the patrons. Sam felt Mercedes shy away as she tried to hide herself against him.
"You're more beautiful than anyone here so don't hide yourself. I couldn't be prouder of showing you off to these stuck up people." Sam leaned and kissed Mercedes' cheek.
Mercedes walked taller soon after Sam's declaration. Her smile was from ear to ear as she slid in the booth Sam reserved for them. Sam soon slid next to her and held her hand like it was his lifeline.
"Good evening Mr. Evans. My name's Sasha and I will be your server fir this evening. Can I start you off with a drink?" Mercedes smirked at Sasha's intensity as she stares down Sam and ignored her completely.
"Yes, I'd like a bottle of Champagne since my beautiful girlfriend and I are celebrating tonight." Sam turned to look at Mercedes and lifted her hand to kiss her pulse.
Mercedes looked at Sam skeptically and shook her head at his action and turned to see the girl looking at her with a foul look on her face. Mercedes quickly pulled her hand from Sam and continued browsing the menu.
"That is all, we need a few more minutes to decide on food." Sam waved Sasha away and slid closer to Mercedes.
"That was rude!" Mercedes told Sam as soon as Sasha was out of earshot.
"I know, I have the right mind to call the manager and get her sorry ass fired." Sam complained.
"No I didn't mean her, I meant you. Waving her off like she's your servant. I remember you doing the same thing the first time I met you." Mercedes playfully slapped Sam's arm as he tried to pull her in an embrace.
"What? I can't believe you would side with her instead of me. She was rude as fuck and don't think I didn't see the scowl on her face!" Sam protested.
"Well you better get used to it mister. People would be reacting to us being together similar to what she did. I thought being in the tabloid as much as you have would have made you immune." Mercedes chuckled and looked at her menu again.
"And that doesn't bother you?" Sam asked curiously.
"It don't bother me because I don't let it. I know what I am Sam and if I pretend to be someone different then it probably would bother me." Mercedes shrugged.
"I love you!" Sam smiled at how great his girlfriend is.
Mercedes leaned closer to kiss Sam on the lips and patted his hand. Sasha went back with the champagne Sam ordered in an ice bucket. She showed the bottle and popped the cork as soon as Sam approved. Sasha poured the champagne in the glass flutes and placed the bottle back in the ice bucket.
"Are we ready to order now?" Sasha asked never taking her eyes off Sam.
"Why don't you start?" Sam gestured for Mercedes to order first.
"I would like to start off with the wild mushroom soup. You want to split a salad? I want to get the Greek salad with candied walnut and grilled chicken but I'm already having the soup." Mercedes turned to Sam?
"Just get whatever you want; it doesn't matter if you don't finish it." Sam stated.
"Samuel Martin Evans, do you know how much food is wasted every day? I will not be part of that statistics; I refuse to be part of it. If you don't want to split it with me then I'm not getting it!" Mercedes pouted.
"Ok we'll split it; I wanted to try that salad too anyway." Mercedes soon lit up after hearing Sam's statement.
Sam loved making Mercedes smile. He loved how the smallest thing can make her light her up. It was one of the things he loves about her, how seeing her smile instantly makes him smile.
"I'm still not sure about my main course, what would you suggest Sasha?" Mercedes asked Sasha.
"Our house special is the lobster thermidor but for you I'd suggest to skip the meal all together." Sasha rolled her eyes as she whispered the last part.
Sam however heard every word that came out of her mouth.
"Hey, I've had enough of your rudeness. I only let your comments earlier slide because my girlfriend graciously asked me to. But that last comment is the last straw, you better apologize to my woman or I'll call the manager now and get you fired." Sam defended Mercedes.
Sasha was in shock at what she was hearing and apologized half-heartedly to Mercedes before leaving. Sam called the manager and asked for a different server, soon after; everything went smoothly and the dinner was perfect. Sam surprised Mercedes with a chocolate lava cake surrounded by strawberries and raspberries for dessert. On the plate he had Oel ngati kameie (I see you) and Nga yawne lu oer (I love you) written. Mercedes quickly turned to Sam and kissed him with every fiber in her body.
Dinner went perfectly in Sam's mind and the pair was now on their way to their night cap with Kurt and Blaine. Mercedes decided on coffee not wanting to add further to the buzz she currently have from the champagne. It didn't help much that Sam only had a glass since he was driving and her nature of not wanting to waste money took liberty of finishing the whole bottle. That probably explained the out of character reaction she had when she saw the dessert in front of her. Sam held the door open for Mercedes as they entered the café. Kurt and Blaine were already sat in one of the corner tables enjoying each other's company. Mercedes melted at the sight of her friends in love. Sam grab hold of her hand and led them to the couple oblivious to the people around them.
"Hey guys! Have you been waiting long?" Sam asked as Mercedes tackled her friends with a big hug.
"I love you guys. I can't believe my best friend is getting married." Mercedes sniffed fighting of the tears threatening to fall.
"We love you too Cedes!" Kurt replied and turned to look at Sam to mouth what's wrong with her.
Sam pried Mercedes away from the couple and sat her down the chair next to Kurt. Sam pulled his chair closer to Mercedes so that he can put his arm around to steady her.
"We decided to celebrate our first sleepover and… well I ordered a bottle of pink champagne for toasting. I only planned to drink 1 glass since I was driving, Mercedes also planned on drinking 1 glass herself but as soon as she saw the champagne's label she refused to throw away the rest." Sam explained.
"Hey, don't talk to them like I'm not here! I am not drunk mister, I'm just emotionally happy to see my friends getting married. They're so beautiful together don't you think so Sammy?" Mercedes looked at Sam and pinched his cheeks soon after laughing scandalously as she thought Sam looked adorable.
Kurt and Blaine tried their best to calm Mercedes and ordered the strongest coffee they could make to sober up their friend.
"Here Cedes drink up. " Kurt held the coffee cup to Mercedes.
"I'm fine Kurt I can do it myself. Sammy never treats me like a baby that's why I wurve my Sammy oh so much!" Mercedes baby talked as she raised her coffee cup as if to toast Sam.
The three must have been a sight to look at as they try to grab the cup away from Mercedes afraid that she might spill the coffee on herself. They finally managed to put down the cup and Mercedes was slowly sobering up.
"So what do you want to talk about Kurt?" Sam finally asked as Mercedes settled her head on his shoulder.
"Well, I have a big favor to ask of you. Remember the first time we met at the restaurant with Mercy and Rachel?" Kurt set the scene.
"Yes of course, what about it?" Sam replied.
"Well that was the time they were pinpointing me selling information to Evans Publishing." Kurt continued.
"What? You would never do such a thing and I would never ask you to risk your integrity."
"Thank you Sam, but unfortunately the accusations were backed by someone trustworthy to the magazine and so I was fired for confidentiality breach. The worst part is that I am being sued and all my assets are frozen until investigations are over. I have consulted with an attorney and he has advised me that the only way this would be cleared is for you to issue a statement that none of it was true." Kurt further elaborated.
"Are you sure it'll be that easy? I can release the statement but I want you and your lawyer to work with Evans Publishing lawyers to file a counter lawsuit against Avant-Gard magazine. This is injustice and if they've released this information to other publishing houses then it's defamation of character. "
"I don't want to counter sue, all I want is for them to release my assets and retract everything they've accused me of. I didn't want to drag you into this Sam but I had no other choice. I'm really sorry." Kurt apologized.
"You have nothing to apologize for Kurt. You did the right thing coming to me. I will do my best to clear your good name, I hate to think what these people want to try and ruin you like that." Sam suddenly had an inkling it wasn't directly aimed at Kurt but someone that was close to Kurt.
Chapter 42:
Sam looked at Mercedes who was now hugging her friend, comforting him after reliving every anguish and hurt he went through during those times. Mercedes let go of her friend and excused herself to go to the ladies room. Kurt soon followed Mercedes not before giving his fiancé a chaste kiss.
"Cedes, wait up!" Kurt called out to Mercedes.
Kurt caught up with Mercedes and linked her arm with his.
"So are you ready for your 'sleepover'? Kurt teased.
Mercedes' head was still slightly spinning and badly needed some aspirin to make the headache go away.
"Kurt nothing will happen he promised." Mercedes turned to tell her friend.
"Yeah ok he promised but I'm assuming you didn't." Kurt smiled, Mercedes' mouth gaped open at Kurt's insinuation.
"Kurt Patrick Hummel. What are you trying to imply? I would never do such a thing, you know I've only been in a few relationships and the last one was years ago." Mercedes protested.
"All I'm saying is keep these just in case you need them tonight." Kurt handed some silver foil packs to Mercedes.
"Kurt! I can't believe you'd throw your best friend to the wolves. As much as I want something to happen between me and Sam I don't think I can. If something does happen it might be my first time all over again and that was painful." Mercedes admitted.
"Oh honey, it's just riding a bike you never forget." Kurt chuckled.
"Well that's just it; I don't think I was very good at it." Mercedes looked down at her feet and felt all her insecurities come to life.
"It just means you've never done it with the right person. Believe me, seeing you and Sam together I can tell your first time with him will be magical. I'm not saying that it will be tonight, but whenever you're ready you can never do wrong by him." Kurt kissed Mercedes on the cheek and left her alone.
Mercedes watched herself in the mirror trying to sober herself up by splashing water on her face. Somehow her reasoning was clouded all because of the expensive champagne earlier. Damn his money and his abilities to spoil her she thought to herself. She has never been the girl that relishes being showered with gifts and favors but Sam is making it hard for her to refuse when he always does it out of love for her. She knew Sam never asked for anything in return and that her love was more than enough if she insisted on paying him. She fought the urge to think about other ways of repaying Sam, but if she was honest, truly honest with herself, it has nothing to do with wanting to repay Sam but more on wanting to show him that she loved him as much as he loves her. Mercedes knew they were going too fast in their relationship, but somehow she felt it was just the right pace for them. Mercedes looked at the foil packets in her hand and shook her head.
"Am I ready for this?" Mercedes asked herself in the mirror what she saw looking back gave her the answer she needed.
Mercedes went back to the table and saw Sam handing a card to Kurt.
"What's that?" Mercedes asked.
"I gave Kurt my lawyer's number. I told him to set an appointment with him and his attorney so we can get this mess all cleaned up. Are we ready to go?" Sam smiled.
Mercedes held her breath and looked at Kurt and Blaine smiling. Mercedes shook her head as she smiled at her friends' unspoken words.
"I'm good to go if you are." Mercedes smiled at Sam.
"Alright then let the sleepover commence." Sam stood up and held his hand out for Mercedes.
"You are such a dork Sam Evans." Mercedes giggled as she placed her hand in his.
"Yes but you love the dork in me." Sam kissed her hand without taking his eyes off hers.
"Hey, I have an idea. Since tomorrow isn't a school night, maybe we can have Stacie and Stevie sleepover at your place. It'll be really fun!" Mercedes suggested.
Sam looked confused while Kurt and Blaine snickered.
"What? It's a great idea. I miss the kids and they would so love a sleepover. Tell me it wasn't a brilliant idea?" Mercedes placed a hand on her hip and stared down the three.
"Baby it's definitely a great idea. Maybe next time we could ask them to sleepover but not tonight. Besides it's already late and my parents wouldn't think too kindly on us for disrupting their slumber." Sam explained.
Mercedes pouted as she never thought how late it already was. Kurt stood and hugged his friend.
"Oh Cedes don't worry, I know you'll be fine. Just don't think too much of it. Do whatever you feel is right. If it happens then it happens, if not then there will be another time." Kurt whispered to Mercedes.
Mercedes squeezed her friend tighter not wanting to let go, but she knew they have plans themselves and with a sadden look she let go and waved goodbye to her friends. The drive to Sam's penthouse was another silent ride. Sam has the same exact smile that he had the moment she agreed to sleepover. Mercedes couldn't help but fidget more and Sam did notice her discomfort. They finally arrived at Sam's building and Sam carried Mercedes' overnight bag as they stood in the elevator.
"Are you sure you're ok with this?" Sam asked giving Mercedes a chance to back out.
"I'm good don't worry so much." Mercedes finally gave him a genuine smile which made Sam relax.
Sam opened the door for Mercedes and let her enter first. The last time she was here there were rose petals leading to an ornately decorated table. Tonight however without all the decorations, Sam's place was tastefully decorated for a bachelor pad. The place wasn't all black as Mercedes imagined it would be. Sam's pad looked very much like an extension of the Evans home. Sam led them to his bedroom and placed her overnight bag on top of the chaise type chest at the foot of the bed. His room was actually warm and inviting, she would have thought with Sam's reputation as a playboy he would have an intimidating apartment to match his oozing sex appeal. Mercedes walked around Sam's room cautiously as if she was mapping out the quickest escape route. Mercedes stopped by the door to the left of the bed and turned to look at Sam.
"What's in here?" Mercedes already has her hand on the door knob but waited for Sam to allow her to look.
"It's my private office. It's where I hide away to draw." Sam smiled as she nodded for Mercedes to open the door.
Mercedes walked in the moderate size office and marveled at the collection of art work in the room. She walked around the office just as cautious and stopped at the drawing board where Sam left several drawings of her. Mercedes quickly looked back at the door where Sam stood leaning watching her adoringly.
"You did these?" Mercedes asked.
"Yes. I have plenty more stashed away, it was the only thing keeping me sane when I'm not with you. I can draw every part of your face with my eyes closed." Sam confessed.
"I… I don't know what to say." Mercedes was speechless as she examined every drawing there on the table.
Sam moved closer and found his arms around Mercedes middle looking over her shoulder as she flipped through the drawings.
"This is my favorite so far." Sam took the drawing off Mercedes.
It was a sketch of Mercedes looking at somebody with the most beautiful smile on her face. Her eyes were twinkling and you could tell she was really happy.
"Why is it your favorite?" Mercedes teasingly asked.
"Because this is the look you give me whenever you tell me you love me." Sam smiled.
Mercedes stood there staring at Sam and wondered how she ever managed to live without him for so long. Emotions were swirling inside of her and before the tears came crashing down she held Sam's face between her hands and looked at him lovingly.
"I love you Sam Evans." Mercedes gave him the same smile she had on the picture and attached her lips to his.
Chapter 43:
The pair was giddy as they left the private office holding hands and staring at each other. As they entered back Sam's bedroom, Mercedes saw the double doors next to the bedroom door. Sam saw the curiosity in Mercedes and gestured for her to have a look. Mercedes smiled and rushed to the door and pushed them open. The doors opened to a walk-in closet filled with clothes, shoes and accessories. Mercedes walked around the island in the middle of the closet which holds Sam's accessories. Mercedes was quite impressed at how organized everything was. Sam has a vast collection of ties, watches and cufflinks Mercedes thought to herself. She saw a section in the closet devoid of anything and wondered if Sam was clearing out his clothes for charity to make room for new stuff. Mercedes shrugged to herself and continued exploring. Past the closet was the en suite bathroom was in a sandy type tile with a Jacuzzi bath tub big enough for two people and a separate shower stall with rain type shower head. There was a his and her sink and the toilet was in a separate stall as well, giving the bathroom a spa feel.
"Maybe one day we can try the Jacuzzi together." Sam winked at Mercedes.
"Uh no thanks! I don't know how many women have been in there with you, so unless it's a new tub you can kiss that idea goodbye." Mercedes teased as she laughed at herself.
"If you must know I value my privacy and this is my sanctuary. You're the only person that has seen past my bedroom door. I don't let women stay over or sleep in my room, well that's before you." Mercedes felt the heat rise to her face and turned around to look anywhere but Sam just in case he notices her embarrassment.
Sam smirked at Mercedes' obvious reaction to his ministrations. He loved the fact that he can be this open with her and still she's the one the gets embarrassed instead of him.
"Do you mind if I get ready for bed? I'm beat and I'd really want to change my clothes." Mercedes asked.
"Sure, I'll just grab your bag and you can use whatever you want in there. The towels are in the closet beside the shower stall and the toiletries are under the sink." Sam directed.
"Why would you have women toiletries if you've never had anyone come in here?" Mercedes asked confused as she opened the cupboard and eyed the selection of hair products, body wash and lotions.
"I was saving them for you. I knew this day would come and aren't you glad I came prepared?" Sam shouted as he ran in his bedroom to retrieve Mercedes' overnight bag.
"Boy you're lucky you have good answers, otherwise you'd find your ass outside watching me leave." Mercedes shook her head in disbelief at how anal Sam could be.
Sam placed Mercedes' overnight bag on top of the island in the middle of the closet. Sam grabbed a few items to change in and told Mercedes that he'd be down the hall in the other bathroom. As soon as Mercedes heard the doors shut, she quickly undressed and jumped in the shower. She loved the toiletries Sam got for her. They smelled wonderful and she could just stay in the shower forever. After showering she wrapped herself in the big fluffy towel and started applying lotion to her body. She rummaged through her overnight bag for her PJs and was shocked to find out she has forgotten to pack them. She sat in the middle of Sam's closet and wondered how she could have forgotten them. If she was at Rachel's it would have been fine seeing that she has left some clothes over at her place just in case of situations like this. But she isn't with Rachel and sleeping in her underwear is not an option. Mercedes looked through drawers and hangers for something she could borrow from Sam. She hoped that Sam has a few stash of loose t-shirts unlike the fitted ones he seems to be wearing a lot. And just like a miracle she found a drawer filled with old football jerseys with Evans printed on them. Mercedes opted for the dark colored jersey thinking the white ones looked revealing. Once she was in the jersey she continued with her night time routine of moisturizing, wrapping her hair and brushing her teeth. Once her routine's over, she looked at herself in the vanity and laughed at how unseductive she looked. Mercedes laughed at herself slowly unwrapped her hair and started fixing it.
Sam nervously walked in his bedroom. He doesn't know why he felt this way but the thought of sleeping with Mercedes in his arms was something he'd want for the rest of his life. The days they slept like that in the hospital was the happiest he's ever been. Ever since Mercedes' discharge from the hospital he has planned for this day to happen. He made sure that Mercedes has her supplies and that she has a place in his closet for her personal things. Sam knew it may be too soon to ask Mercedes to move in with him, but it did cross his mind even before Blaine asked Kurt and Mercedes to move in. Sam went to his DVD collection and took out some movies he thought Mercedes would like in case the shower woke her up. Sam usually just wear pajama bottoms to bed but seeing as he promised Mercedes nothing would happen he opted to wear a razor back shirt not wanting to intimidate her. He settled himself between the sheets and took the remote from the table his side of the bed. Sam pressed a button and a big flat screen TV was revealed behind the painting in his room. Sam channel surfed as he waited for Mercedes to come out of the bathroom. Sam was now starting to wonder if anything was wrong with Mercedes. She has been inside the bathroom for some time now and worried if she slipped and knocked herself out or if she fell asleep being as tired as she was earlier. Sam turned off the TV and walked over to the bathroom door. He leaned in and listened first, when he heard nothing he decided to knock.
"Mercy, are you ok in there?" Sam asked after knocking on the door.
Mercedes was startled and quickly fixed her stuff to put back in her overnight bag.
"Yes I'll be out in a minute, just fixing the mess I made in your vanity." Mercedes replied.
"Just leave it; you're my guest you don't have to do anything." Sam smiled at the thought of Mercedes cleaning up.
"Oh I'm done anyway, I'll just find a good place to stash my bag and I'm coming out."
"The empty section in the closet is yours. I made space so you can leave some stuff here." Mercedes looked at the door lovingly thinking how lucky she is to have a boyfriend like Sam before walking to her space.
Mercedes took out her change of clothes for tomorrow and carefully hanged it in the empty closet space. She placed her shoes in the shoe rack and hid her overnight bag in one of the vacant drawers. Mercedes stood back and looked at her space. She was in awe at how much Sam was trying to fit her in his life. He couldn't help but feel blessed to have found someone like him. Her heart swells by the mere thought of him and everyday she could feel her love for this man growing by the minute. Mercedes looked at herself in the mirror to make sure she was presentable. She breathed in and out to calm her nerves before she pulled on the doors and came out. Sam was watching something on the television when he heard the door handles moving. He looked away from the TV to wait for Mercedes to come out. Mercedes came out of the closet in his old college jersey that stopped mid-thigh. Her hair was in lose flowing curls that framed her face. Her lips were painted shiny red like a red delicious apple good enough to bite. Mercedes walked towards the bed seductively and Sam could feel himself hardening.
"I hope you don't mind that I rummaged through your stuff. You see I seem to have forgotten to pack my pajamas." Mercedes stopped at her side of the bed and explained to Sam her choice of sleepwear.
"No it's ok. I told you anything in there is at your disposal." Sam replied and adjusted himself not wanting to draw Mercedes' attention on himself.
Mercedes smiled and nodded before pulling the covers back and settling herself between the sheets. Sam turned awkwardly sideways in bed as Mercedes scooted closer to him. Mercedes wanted to cuddle with Sam just like they did in the hospital bed but Sam was internally praying that Mercedes would just fall asleep.
"Sam is anything wrong?" Mercedes asked worried.
"No no I'm fine, I'm just really tired. I think we should sleep." Sam pretended to yawn and turned off the television.
"Yeah I'm pretty beat. Good night Sam and thank you." Mercedes leaned over to Sam and kissed him good night.
Sam lost his restraint for the moment and was soon attacking Mercedes' lips with rigor and passion, Sam moaned at the taste of her lips. Mercedes was clearly attacking his lips as well as she deepened the kiss and moaned as soon as their tongues touched. Sam could feel Mercedes tugging at his shirt as his hands brushed her thighs. He knew they were entering dangerous territory and so Sam made the mature decision to wrap his arms around Mercedes' waist and pulled her on top of him. Mercedes was caught off guard as she found herself on top of Sam. She tried to get back to the side of her bed but that would require stopping their make out session and she didn't really want to do that. The guilt of his promise to Mercedes was slowly eating him and as much as he wants to keep going, Sam knew he has to be the rational one. He wanted something more for Mercedes and a moment's weakness is more than she deserves.
"Baby we have to stop." Sam lightly pushed Mercedes away from him.
Sam saw the hurt look on Mercedes' face as he tucked her hair behind her ear.
"Remember what I promised you earlier?" Mercedes nodded still not looking at Sam.
Mercedes tried to get off Sam, but Sam gripped Mercedes' hips to keep her on top of him.
"You know I want you so bad baby, but not this way. I want you with a clear mind, I don't want you to feel rushed; I want everything to be perfect." Mercedes lay down on Sam's chest and listened to his heart beat as the tears slowly trickled down.
Sam lifter her head to meet his gaze and caressed Mercedes cheeks as he wiped the tears away with his thumb.
"I love you so much Sam." Mercedes closed her eyes and smiled on his chest.
"I love you too." Sam pulled Mercedes close to his heart and kissed the top of her head.
Soon they fell into deep slumber wrapped in each other's arms.