A/N: Hey! I'm back and HAPPY NEW YEAR to you all! I hope these first 5 days of the new decade have been kind to you! So... this chapter is a whole mess! It's a bit of a filler but things are starting to come out and like the saying goes it's only the tip of the iceburg! I hope you enjoy this chapter and I hope you like the little surprise I threw in there!


"This isn't the first time I've seen you do that." He said laughing.

Flashback

"AHHHHHHHH! I FREAKING HATE THAT STUPID CLUB!" Mercedes shouted loudly before picking up a rock and throwing it into the water. She had sung her heart out and still nothing. Every time she had a little hope Mr. Shue would just yank it away and then he had the nerve to throw her into 'booty camp'. What was the point she was just going to sway in the back like she always had, she was so tired of playing second fiddle.

"I assume the rock deserved to die." She jumped at the voice behind and turned around quickly.

"Oh my God! Sam, you can't just walk up on people like that!" She said placing her hand over her heart.

"Sorry, I just saw you screaming and figured you needed a friend." He said moving closer to her with a soft smile.

"Oh… thanks, I just needed to scream and I can't do it at home without… well looking like a mad woman." She replied giggling.

"So you really quit huh?"

"Yeah, I can't be in Glee club anymore. Not when Shue just ignores everyone else talent for one person. I know I went a little crazy but he could've approached me differently… he's so gentle with everyone but me. I just want my chance in the sun you know?" She said looking at him with sad eyes. He could tell she was hurt and that she didn't want to leave Glee club but Shue was the one that said if she walked out she was out. Literally her first time storming out and he just threw her away like it was nothing.

"It'll be okay Mercy. He said pulling her into a hug.

"Sam?" She said looking up at him.

"Mhm?"

"Kiss me."

"What about Sh-" He was stopped by her fingers on his lips and her shaking her head. She needed some comfort and she wanted it from Sam.

"Please." She said softly and moving her hand, Sam looked at her deeply then leaned down and kissed her gently before deepening it and pulling her in closer if that was even possible. She slowly pulled away and gave him a sweet smile. They stayed there for a little while longer enjoying the silence before they both had to get home for curfew.

End Flashback

"What's wrong?"

"Everything… and I can't be here with you. I'll keep helping with Glee until I have to leave but I need what happened today to be forgotten." She said looking up at sky and trying to make herself believe that's what she really wanted.

"Then why did you do it? Why did you let me kiss you and why did you kiss me back?" He asked standing up and shoving his hands into his pockets.

"Momentarily lapse of judgment." She said without any emotion or remorse.

"Somethings really don't change. I don't want or need your help anymore."

"I want to help the kids Sam. Let me help with them, please." She said getting up and standing in front of him.

"Don't come around me or my students, they don't need to learn anything from you." He said turning around and walking away.

"Sam!"

"No, this was a mistake from the beginning. You're engaged and I should've respected it but I let my emotions cloud my judgment. It won't happen again, consider the slate wiped clean. I won't tell anyone about what happened today and you can pretend like I don't exist. Win-Win"

"Sam, we can be friends still..."

"We're not friends. We will never be just friends and that seems to be an issue so I am severing all ties. Goodbye Mercedes." He said finally and walked off without looking back before he got to far he turned around and took a deep breath.

"Mercedes…" He said walking back to where she was standing with tears running her cheeks.

"No, I understand and it's probably for the best. I shouldn't have let this… I should've known better. Tank is just so… it doesn't matter." She said rubbing her arms and taking a step back from Sam.

"Come on, let me take you home." He said ignoring the urge to comfort her, he had to stay away because he couldn't let his heart or hers get broken again. He grabbed her hand gently and gave her a warm smile hoping it let her know he was still there just couldn't only be her friend. They had tried that and it never worked, there was too much love between them. She sighed and let him lead her to his truck which he helped her into before getting in his self and taking her to her parents. The drive back was silent except for the occasional sniffle he would hear from her side, she never looked at him just looked out the window and laid her head on the window.

When they arrived she had drifted off and he couldn't help but stare at how sad she looked. He got out and knocked on her parent's door and went back to get her, he managed to unbuckle her without waking her and lifted her out of his truck. As soon as her dad opened the door and saw Sam cradling his daughter he let out a soft chuckle and moved aside so he could take her upstairs. This wasn't the first time Sam had brought her home like this and he was hoping like hell it wouldn't have been the last but with her engaged he knew it was likely the last. Sam carried her upstairs to her room and gently placed her in her bed. He looked down at her for a while before taking a deep breath and leaving, he saw Mr. Jones waiting at the bottom of the stairs and knew he wanted to talk.

"She okay?"

"I can't answer that question, I wish I could but I honestly don't know." He said rubbing his face. He really wish he knew more but had to respect her relationship and since she was the one to announce their engagement he figured she was happy and just let her emotions get the best of her earlier like he had.

"Thank you for bringing her home." Victor said patting Sam on the back. Sam nodded and waved before heading out.

The Next Day

Mercedes was woken up by the sound of her phone going off, she wasn't sure when she had turned it back on but she looked and saw her phone was flooded with notifications, text messages and missed phone calls. She already knew this was about to be a long day and started to call Monica but stopped herself, she remembered how awful she'd spoken to her last night and wasn't sure what to say. She sat up trying to think of a way to apologize to her for being so rude.

"Well isn't this just some shit. I wish I had known about this damn video before this morning but since I didn't we will need to figure out your statement quickly and get your engagement pictures booked. You need to pick what you wear today wisely, you know how the media is about how your clothes tell a different narrative than the one that's being said I was thinking you could wear this peach off the shoulder dress you have and a pair of white pumps . It's sweet and gives off a sense of happiness and new love. Also you should wear your natural curls with little make-up and I need to get your parent's statements as well."

"Monica?" She said looking at her with a confused look, she was certain she had left and wasn't coming back after what she said to her last night.

"Also, you need to hurry and do that now so we can get a picture of you sending Tank off, you have like forty-five minutes before to get ready. I'll go ahead and get your parent's statements and you need to tell Tank to get his parents because he doesn't want me dealing with them." She continued without even looking up from her tablet, she handed her the dress and shoes with some accessories.

"Monica… I'm-" Mercedes started before Monica held up her hand.

"If you need anything else, don't hesitate to let me know Ms. Jones. I have a few things that need to be handled before you guys can consider this engagement "official" and I'm more than sure Tank will drop a few comments here and there while he's back in LA. Also here are a few homes for you to look over and decide which one will be best for the pair of you. Tank had them emailed to me last night and printed the ones that I know you would be interested in most. Will you be continuing to provide your help with Mr. Evans? If so I will need to release a statement regarding the two of you being so close to get ahead of any rumors that could surface."

"Please, Monica look at me. I'm so very sorry for how I acted and what I said to you last night. I didn't mean any of it… Tank knows and he has proof of it me kissing Sam and he has my career, my whole career in the palm of his hands. I didn't know that last part until after you left and he came out and told me. I thought if I announced the engagement he wouldn't be able to release the video because I could turn in my favor but he recorded me telling my parents and leaked it." Mercedes said looking at Monica with teary eyes. Monica shook her head and let out a deep breath.

"What do you mean he has your career?"

"I signed some documents and apparently it was me literally signing my career and contract over to him. I was so distracted that night that I just skimmed the papers and signed under his name." She said letting the tears flow freely.

"Wait, go back a step you and Sam kissed? When? Why are you just now telling me this?" Monica asked moving to sit on the bed next to Mercedes with a soft smile. So her plan hadn't completely failed.

"After lunch… he told me to sing to clear my head and I did and then he pulled me into a kiss and I kissed him back." She replied blushing

"You need to play along." Monica stated firmly. She needed to see what documents she was talking about but the only way she was going to is if she go into Tank's personal files herself.

"What? Why? Did you not hear what I just said? He's blackmailing me into this marriage." Mercedes said with a shocked face.

"Do you trust me?"

"Yes."

"Do you remember what I told you in my interview?"

"Yes… that when you have a bad feeling about someone or something that I should trust you." Mercedes said remembering fondly that was one of the reasons she hired her.

"I need those documents that you signed… you might not have to deal with any of this but I can't be sure until I see the files." She replied standing and walking towards the door.

"What aren't you telling me?"

"Mercedes get dressed and meet me downstairs when you're done." Monica said then walked out leaving her more confused than she started. She sighed and went to shower then promptly got dressed in the clothes Monica provided, she left her hair in its natural curls and applied little makeup like suggested. She looked at herself in the mirror and had to give Monica her props because even though she didn't feel happy and in love she certainly looked like a happily engaged woman. She went down stairs and saw her parents and Monica huddled up talking softly.

"Hey, what are we talking about?" She asked smiling before frowning when they all stopped talking and looked at her.

"Well baby, don't you just look beautiful." Her mother said grabbing her and hugging her tightly.

"Umm… thanks moma."

"Baby girl is getting married, I knew this day was coming but now that you're engaged it's starting to hit me." Her father said with a warm smile. Okay they're acting odd.

"She does look amazing." Tank said behind her and she felt herself jump slightly. He let out a small laugh and wrapped his arms around her sweetly.

"I'm sorry baby. I didn't mean to scare you." He said with another laugh and pulled her into a gentle kiss. Before letting go he leaned and whispered into her ear.

"There are cameras watching you, so smile and kiss me back." She looked and saw the camera crew and turned putting on her brightest smile then wrapped her hands around him and kissed him as deeply as she could muster without pulling away in disgust.

"It's okay! Are you ready?" She asked batting her eyes at him while wanting so badly to be far away from him. He must have felt her body tense because he held her tighter and squeezed her slightly and gave her a warning look that she could only see. She fought the urge to squeal and took a deep breath instead.

"Yes, I'm going to miss you so you hurry back to me." He said letting her go and grabbing her hand so they could walk outside to the car that was waiting. She walked and smiled like she was suppose to and gave him a peck on the cheek before he got in and waved him off. Once he was out of sight she could feel the tears brimming but quickly blinked them away when she heard Monica talking to a reporter.

"Mercedes! How do you feel to be engaged? Must be amazing right?" the reporter asked. She hesitated before quickly responding.

"It's still sinking in honestly but yes it's amazing. I'm getting married.. ahh!" She said with fake enthusiasm. Monica swiftly got rid of the reporter and the camera crew before turning to Mercedes with her arms crossed.


"Now. You will never speak to me like that again, you will never accuse me of doing something like that to you or anyone for that matter and so help me if you ever EVER fix your mouth to imply that I would hurt you in such a way as that I will quit and never look back. Understood?" Monica said sternly and with a little bit of hurt behind her words. Mercedes knew she hurt feelings and felt awful about it and she didn't have a good enough reason.

"I promise I will never do that again and I am truly sorry. I should've just told you everything that happened but I was scared and then I saw you two talking so closely and I just jumped to conclusions. Monica, I don't want you to quit or leave… you're the best assistant and I feel like we're family. I'm so sorry." Mercedes replied and hoped like hell she would forgive her for her stupid mouth. Monica just stared at her for a moment before rolling her eyes and pulling her into a hug.

"Now about this kiss…" She said with a devious smile. Mercedes felt herself smiling and blushing thinking about it but quickly stopped when she remembered that Tank had the video and frowned.

"I can't talk about it… not here." She said softly. Monica gave her a look and then nodded.

"I need to fix things with Sam. I hurt him and he's mad… he told me he didn't want my help with the kids anymore and that we aren't friends." She said remembering how that hurt the most.

"Mercedes… I need to tell you something."

"What?"

"Tank isn't who you think he is… like at all and there's so much you don't know and… it's time you and I had an over due talk but I need you to wait just a few more days so I can see whatever documents you signed okay?" I'm going to take the red eye back to L.A. and I'll be back and I promise I will tell you everything. Okay?"

"Monica… Tank isn't who YOU think he is..." Mercedes started before stopping at the raised eyebrow.

"What do you mean by that?"

"He… has sides to him that you haven't seen and that he keeps tucked away."

"What do you mean by that?"

"Nothing… just be careful and keep me posted." Mercedes replied looking away. Monica wanted to push her to explain but she needed to catch her flight.

"This isn't over okay? When I get back we're going to have a very long chat." Monica said before hopping in her rental and pulling off. Mercedes let a deep groan before heading back inside to talk to her parents.

Sam

"What in the hell is going on?"

"Hey! What are you..."

"Like you and Wheezy were endgame and I have to wake up to this shit? Who the hell is Tank? Why are you standing there looking at me like some that?"

Sam was woken up by the banging on his door then the tirade of Spanish insults started before he could even register what was happening. Yet, there she stood in all of her glory yelling at him and expecting him to respond without interrupting her. Santana Lopez was at his door and she looked pissed that she even had to be there.

"Santana what are you doing here?" Sam asked finally getting his whits about him.

"Look, I got some phone call from some woman claiming to be Wheezy's assistant saying you needed my help winning her back. I had to go off on her because she clearly lacking some brain cells. I was almost very certain you and Retha had gotten over whatever bullshit you had in high school and made it back to each other but when I saw all this crap about her being engaged to someone who didn't have fish like lips I had no choice but to believe her. I know we don't keep in touch but damn Trouty, you had one job! KEEP WHEEZY HAPPY!" She replied pushing past Sam and inviting herself into his home.

"What? Wait… who called you?

"Some chick named Monica something." She said waving off his question and walking into his kitchen and opening his fridge. He shook his head while trying to figure out why Monica had called Santana of all people.

"When did she call you?"

"Last night. She even had a ticket waiting for me at the airport… it was like she knew I would come or something. Don't get me wrong I love you and my girl Cedes but seriously what would have happened if I said no… you know? Anyway who is this Tank dude and why is he all over Aretha?" She asked grabbing a bottle of water and sitting down at kitchen island.

"What do you mean? He's her fiancé."

"I know he's her fiancé but why is he all over her?"

"I don't understand your question Santana. He's entitled to touch her, he's going to be her husband." Sam replied through gritted teeth.

"Wow… clearly somethings haven't change. Look." She said handing Sam her phone for him to see Mercedes and Tank sharing a kiss. He felt his heart begin to beat faster and a slight hint of jealously but who was he to feel anything about this? He basically told her they couldn't be anything even being friends was off the table. He took a deep breath and handed Santana her phone back with a shrug.

"There's nothing I can do about that." He said as calmly as he could but he wanted to get into his truck and drive over to her parents and demand she explain but that wasn't his place and she wasn't his. Santana gave him her 'that's complete bullshit and you know it' look making him sit down and place his head into his hands.

"Look, she's engaged and until she comes to me first, there really nothing I can do. I am not getting involved, she has to make that move on her own. I'm not sure why Monica called you or what she expected you to do to change my mind but I'm going to tell you like I told her last night. I am not intervening, this is the same shit that happened in high school with Shane. Only this time I know not to put her in that same situation so she can just run away again. She had to come to me, she has to tell me she wants me to keep pushing but until she does I'm not boxing her into a corner. I love her, hell I always have but I won't put either of our hears through that again… not this time. So whatever snarky remark or crude and insensitive speech you think you're about to say, save it. My mind is set and it will not be changed by anyone who's name isn't Mercedes Marie Jones." He said looking up with a serious face.

"Sam, she needs you to keep pushing… I finally understand why Monica called me of all people to help you. There's something you need to know and I guess I'm the only person she thought she could trust to relay this to you."


Sooooo! Did you really think Monica was going to leave her hanging? Ugh... Tank just even being there for the little time that he was is super annoying but sadly he's going to be here for a little while longer. Can we give Santana a huge HEYYY GIRL! Yes, if you remember Monica made the mental comment that she was going to need some help and who other than one Santana Lopez? Seriously the two of them working together is the best thing ever! There will be more things revealed about Mercedes and Tank's relationship and we get to see a different side of Sam! Review let me know you're still reading and that you like it! I hope you guys enjoyed it! Thanks!