A/N: Happy New Years readers. I hope it's off to a great start. I know this update is late but I had a lot of distractions these past two weeks. But things should be back on schedule now. I hope. Here's the next chapter. Enjoy.

Temptation Next Door

Chapter 5

"Are you sure this is enough?"

Kurt was standing in front of the coffee table inspecting its contents: bags of Trail Mix, Doritos and Lays potato chips; and boxes of Milk Duds, Mike and Ike and Raisinets (Kurt's favorite). Mercedes walked over and looked down at the array of snacks.

"Yes. I don't think they're expecting a full course meal. And if they are, too bad. But I think this plus the drinks will be sufficient."

"If you say so."

She looked up at him and took hold of his wrist, preventing him from wringing his hands.

"Will you relax already. This isn't a first date or anything. They're teenage boys Kurt, I don't think they have ridiculously high movie night expectations."

"I know, I know. I just want to make an good impression."

She raised an eyebrow. "For who?"

"Our guest." He replied, confused .

Mercedes slowly appraised her roommate from his perfectly styled hair down to his white leather loafers then back to his face looking straight into his eyes, emphasizing her pervious question.

"What are you implying?"

"C'mon Kurt. You'll need the jaws of life to pry those jeans off later. And we're staying indoors, so what's with the button down? And it's differently extra tight."

"So, I put a bit of effort into my appearance. That's not a crime. You could have done the same."

She looked down and pulled on the hem of her "If You Can Read This You're Invading My Personal Space" slogan t-shirt that was paired with a blue jean skirt and her go to black flip flops. Her hair was bone straight and parted down the middle, and she decided not to wear any makeup.

"What's wrong with what I'm wearing?"

"Everything. At least put on some lip gross."

"Look, I'm not trying to", she held up her hands making quotations, " 'impress' anyone. And neither should you."

Kurt smiled down at her. "A couple of nights ago it was me trying to convince you that this whole thing was no big deal."

"It's never too late to cancel."

Kurt pulled her over the sofa and sat down, patting the space beside him and his best friend complied.

"You've told me a lot of positive things about Blaine and I've spent enough time with Sam to know he really isn't that bad of a guy. I told you about his four year relationship, clearly he's not afraid of commitment."

"Okay...?"

"I'm just saying. And if the truth be told, we only made that vow long ago out of insecurity because we thought no one would ever have a romantic interest in us. But since we've been here I've gotten so many offers and I almost accepted a few..."

"Why didn't you mention this before?" Kurt bit his bottom lip and Mercedes narrowed her eyes. "Because of me? Kurt don't let me hold you back. Forget the stupid vow, date whoever you want."

"Cedes-"

"No, I'm serious. We're adults now. And if things for you have changed, I will respect that."

"But that's my point, things have changed for both of us. I've notice your numerous admirers. My Prince Charming will come, but now I'm open to testing the waters. I mean, what harm could it do?"

"I think your client's roommate has persuaded you. But I've always said my career comes first, and I'm not changing that for some guy who may or may not be genuinely interested in me."

"But isn't college the time to explore, try new things? Live a little? You'll never know what a you want in a real relationship without some experience in dating. Or courting, in your case."

"College life isn't about a concrete affair, it's about earning the education needed for a concrete future."

"You sound like your father."

"Maybe, but it's the truth. And as for Sam, he's just young and curious. I bet he has never been with a black girl before."

"Why do you doubt someone like Sam could be into you with no strings attached?"

Mercedes looked away. "It doesn't matter, I prefer being single. For now."

Kurt sighed and sat back on the sofa and crossed his legs. Minutes ticked by as they sat in silence, deep in their own thoughts. They both jumped a little as the sound of knocking echoed through the quiet apartment.

"They're here." Kurt stood and moved around the sofa, gracefully making his way to the door.

He swung it open revealing the ever dapper Blaine politely smiling and wearing sweat pants, a Dalton Academy pullover and flip flops. His hair, which was usually tamed with a small amount of gel, was completely free and alluring.

Kurt dragged his eyes left to Sam who was wearing another tight slogan t-shirt in black that said "WTF" with "where's the food" under the acronym, ripped jeans and flip flops as well. His hair looked like he just woke up and ran his hands through it, and knowing Sam, he probably did.

He should have followed Mercedes' lead, he was clearly overdressed.

"Hey Kurty. Did you just get in from work? I thought you were off today."

He shot the blonde a sneering smirk. "This will be the first and last time you'll ever call me that." Then he smiled softly at Blaine. "Come on in, make yourselves at home." He stepped aside and the boys walked in.

"You guys brought your own snacks?"

Sam grinned at Mercedes as he walked closer, holding up the boxes of buttered and non buttered popcorn. "Yes we did. A gentlemen never shows up empty handed. Right Blaine?"

Blaine, who had bags of strawberry and cherry Twizzlers and a bottle of Canada Dry Ginger Alie in his hands, didn't respond. His eyes were glued to Kurt who was wearing the tightest jeans he's ever seen. How was he walking? Standing? His legs had to be dead, and though Blaine was no doctor, he was ready to revived them.

Sam looked back at his friend. "Blaine?"

"Uh, yeah-yes. I'm sorry, what?" Sam smirked and turned back to the female host.

"So, where do I put these?"

"Oh", Kurt reached for the items in Sam's hand. "Here, I'll take these. Cedes, grab Blaine's drink."

Mercedes approached the curly haired boy who seem stuck in position by the closed door. "I'll take this."

"Oh, sure. You have a lovely legs-place. You have a lovely place."

"Thanks. You can go sit on the sofa if you'd like."

Kurt was opening one of the boxes of popcorn when she entered the kitchen.

"Looks like my outfit is acceptable after all. Tough Blaine seems to love your choice of clothing. I don't know how he's gonna focus on the movie."

"He's a big boy, I'm sure he knows how to conduct himself."

"Let me do this, go pick a film."

"You're sure?" She nodded and he walked away, stopping behind the couch getting the guys attention and pointing over to the wall shelves of assorted movies.

"What would you two like to watch? Cedes and I love them all so choose whatever fancies you."

The two friends looked at each other.

"Why don't l leave that up to you. I can never decide. Too many options."

Blaine nodded and stood, moving towards the wooden shelves. Sam draped his arm over the back of the couch and looked over his shoulder into the kitchen then back at Kurt.

"You know, your apartment is identical to ours. The only difference is the floor and the furniture.

"Most of the apartments on this level are the same. Thanks to my roommate, we're one of the few with hardwood flooring."

"Cool."

Kurt glanced over at his other guest who was holding a DVD case but his eyes we're still roaming the shelves.

"Singing In The Rain? Good choice. Doesn't seem like something Sam would want to watch though."

Blaine look to his right and up at Kurt. "Contrary to your belief, Sam loves musicals. Of course, he likes to pretend he doesn't, but I'm no fool."

"Mhm. Most of our movies are musicals, how did you narrow it down?"

"You guys do have a wide collection, but Gene Kelly is in this so..." Blaine placed the movie against his chest and made heart eyes.

Kurt laughed. "Oh I see. Once the popcorn is done, we'll get this party started."

Blaine smiled in response and glanced down at his long legs.

They stood side by side staring up at the wall of movies till Blaine broke the silence again.

"Boyfriend?"

He was pointing at the framed photo of him and a freakishly tall guy wearing a football unform, minus the helmet, gazing down at Kurt and smiling with an arm wrapped around him. While Kurt, dressed immaculately, was grimacing at the camera.

"No. That's my stepbrother. Was, my stepbrother."

Blaine looked back at Kurt. His bright ocean blue eyes were locked on the picture and his lips set in a tight line.

"My dad took it right after our highschool football team won the championship. Finn, that was his name, ran off the field and started hugging us. He was sweaty and gross and I refused to hug him back. He knew I would kill him if he got any grass stains on my limited addition McQueen blazer, but he risked his life anyways. He was brave, in so many ways."

Blaine continued looking at Kurt, watching the diverse emotions flick across his doll like features.

"Some days, I wish I would've hugged him back."

Remaining silent, Blaine looked back at the photo. He really didn't know what would be an appropriate response so he figured staying quiet and just listening was the best he could offer.

...

In the kitchen, Mercedes was standing on her tiptoes reaching up into the cupboard for two severing bowls and failing. She muttered irritably at Kurt and his habit of putting things up too high and at herself for not buying a stepping stool for these situations.

"Need a hand?"

Spinning around, she came face to face with Sam, who for once wasn't smirking down at her. His smile was open and kind as he stepped forward and reached over her. He also smelled amazing. Like soap and that masculine odor that was all man. She closed her eyes and inhale deeply then quickly opened them as he stepped back.

"Got it."

"Thanks." She took the plastic dishes he handed her.

"No problem."

She moved around him towards the sink to rinse the dishes out and glanced into the living room at her roommate and coworker standing by the movies and chatting easily.

So much for keeping Sam at bay Kurt, She thought to herself.

"The woes of height difference with roommates, huh?"

Mercedes removed the dish towel from it's holder and began drying the bowls. She didn't turn around as she answered him.

"Yep."

Sam took the bowl she finished drying and emptied one of the popped popcorn bags into it. He repeated the action when she set the other bowl down.

"So, are you a butter or non butter type?"

She turned to face him again. "Butter."

"Same." He spied the words on her shirt and his smirked surfaced. "I see you like slogan shirts too. We have so much in common, don't you think?"

"I guess." She stepped around him again and retrieved a bag of ice from the freezer. "I assume you'll want the drink you guys brought?"

Sam leaned against the counter. "Actually, what are you having?"

"Why does that matter?"

"I'm curious. So..."

She rolled her eyes. "Dr. Pepper."

Sam grinned broadly. "What do you know, that's my favorite. I'll have the same."

"Actually", she said in mocking tone as she opened the refrigerator door, "I hate Dr. Pepper. I prefer Sprite." Sam's grin didn't waver as he moved closer and reached into the open fridge.

"I'll have Sprite too."

She sighed and grabbed the other bottles. "I appreciate your help, but really I can do this on my own. You're the guest and all."

"What does Kurt like?" Sam asked, ignoring her comment. "No, let me guess... Coke?" She gave a slight nod of her head and watched as he filled the third cup with Coke.

When he moved to take the Ginger Alie from her hand, their finger tips grazed and they froze at the contact. Reluctantly, she looked up at Sam and for the first time, allowed herself to study his grass colored eyes. The eyes that were brazenly scoping her face; slowly moving down to her nose, her lips, her chin, over to her cheek, back up to the top of her head then finally settling on her wide brown eyes.

"You know, I can read every word on your shirt", he glanced down. "But I have a feeling you don't mind my invasion of your personal space."

Mercedes swallowed hard and tried to say something witty but a throat was cleared somewhere in the distance and she leaped backwards, knocking her elbow into one of the cups, sending dark liquid spilling over the counter top and down to the tiled kitchen floor.

"Damnit." She reached for the toppled cup just as Sam did and quickly yanked her hand back. Kurt came around the island with the paper towels in hand urging his roommate back as he started cleaning the mess.

"Why don't you take the popcorn into the living room and keep Blaine company. Sam and I can handle this."

She didn't even brother arguing with him, she just grabbed the bowls and promptly exited. Kurt waited till she was out of ear shot before he spoke.

"What are you doing?"

Sam's hand stilled over the soaked paper towels as he stared up at his neighbor from his kneeling position. "Helping you?"

"I meant, what are you doing with my roommate?"

He raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

Kurt tossed a wad of paper towels into the trash and ripped more from the bundle. "You know what I mean. Sam, we discussed this. She's not interested. So back off."

Sam stood and tossed his used towels as well. "Let me get this straight. It's okay for you to brush up on my roommate but I'm limited on the contact I can have with yours?"

"Look, I don't have an issue with you being her friend or whatever, that's kinda the point of this whole movie night. But she's made it clear that relationships are not on her list of priorities today or in the near future. And her decision is final."

"I kinda remember you saying you were waiting till you had what was it, two, houses before you dated anyone. But from the looks of it", he paused looking him up and down, "you've changed your mind."

Kurt rolled his piercing blue eyes. "I'm telling you for the last time. Back. Off."

Sam crossed his arms and smirked. "As you command, your Highness."

...

The cream colored three seat sofa was the only thing in the living room for the four occupants to share. But after the little incident in the kitchen, when Mercedes realized she couldn't rely on her roommate, she opted to sitting on the living room floor and the boys refused to accept that. Sam pulled over one of the chairs from the dinning table, insisting that she take the last spot on the couch.

At one point Blaine started singing along to songs. He wasn't fazed by the judgmental looks, in fact he encouraged them to join in. Of course Kurt, who seem to be in a trance at the sound of his neighbor's silky smooth crooning, eventually obliged and Blaine grinned at him. They went into the whole theatrical facial expressions and movements, laughing at their antics.

Mercedes watched them amused. She really liked Blaine, and seeing her best friend adapt to him so quickly made her happy. But deep down she knew Kurt liked him. And if Blaine felt the same, this could lead to something else entirely and she'd become the third wheel.

"Refills anyone?" Kurt and Blaine looked up and declined. She turned to Sam and raised an eyebrow. He shook his head as well.

"Alright. More popcorn?" Kurt and Blaine were in their own world again, but Sam nodded this time.

As she stood in front of the microwave watching the bag get bigger and bigger, she thought about her and Kurt's conversation. It wasn't that she didn't like Sam or that she thought he was a bad guy. Or that he couldn't possibly find her attractive, she knew any guy would be lucky to have her. But her father's words constantly bounced around in her head:

"I was young once and trust me, I know what's on a boy's mind twenty four seven. Heck, even most men. And once you give them that Mercedes, you'll lose their respect. But a woman, a real woman, will wait. So stay focus and establish yourself in a promising career. You don't need a boy, you need a man who will appreciate a successful woman and all she's worth."

The microwave beeped, alerting her to remove the contents. As she walked back to the living room and sat the bowl on the coffee table, she noticed Sam was missing.

"Bathroom." Kurt answered her unasked question. She nodded then paused, eyes widening. "Mine."

Her shoulders slumped in relief and she sat back down. She didn't want him in her room searching through her things. He seem like that kind of guy.

"Why didn't y'all paused the movie?"

They shrugged and she shook her head, popping some candy into her mouth and apprising their closeness on the sofa. Hmm, when did that happen? Kurt stood, saying he was going to see what's taking Sam so long and Mercedes watch as Blaine's eyes followed him. She was sure Kurt purposely added an extra sway of his hips.

"Enjoying yourself B?" She asked as she reached for the remote, pausing the movie.

"Very much. We'll definitely be doing this again, soon."

Mercedes' eyebrows shot up and her coworker just smiled mischievously. "Including me and Sam, right?"

"That depends."

"On what?"

"The activities." He wiggled his eyebrows and laughed at Mercedes affronted countenance. "I'm kidding."

"You better be. Kurt's my best friend, more like a brother, and I demand you treat him with respect." She gave him a stern look, but Blaine could see the smile seeping through.

"Seriously, I was joking. Kurt is attractive and we have a lot in common and his singing is phenomenal. Why your high school glee club wasted an opportunity to showcase that voice is beyond me. But my mom plus years in private schools raised me right. So don't worry."

Kurt walked back into the room with Sam on his heels and they sat in their respective seats. Mercedes press play and everyone turned their attention back to the movie.

...

"Did you two have to sing along to every song?"

"Right?"

Mercedes and Sam addressed the two singing birds as the credits started rolling across the television screen. Over the course of the movie they had gotten even closer on the couch, now their arms were brushing and legs touching.

"Hey, I didn't hear either of you complaining. So it couldn't have been that bad."

"And you guys could've participated." Blaine added.

"This wasn't a sing along movie night." Mercedes countered.

"Yeah, so next time save it for a karaoke bar or something."

"Next time?" Kurt asked. "Who said anything about a next time?"

Blaine sat forward. "That's not a bad idea actually."

"Another movie night? Then it'll be at your place. I don't like Sam going into my bedroom. I'm pretty sure he was snooping around."

"'Snooping'? Dude, who says snooping anymore?"

Blaine spoke over the bickering neighbors. "No. A karaoke night."

All eyes fell on the curly haired young man whose amber eyes were gleaming with anticipation.

"Really B?"

Kurt smiled at Blaine then turned towards Mercedes. "Oh, wouldn't it be fun?"

"No." Sam interjected. "I think you're forgetting an important fact Blaine."

"What's that?"

"I don't sing." His roommate smirked and Sam frowned.

"Please. I live with you Sam, remember? You sing just fine."

"That's in the shower. The karaoke bar is a public place. Not gonna happen."

"So we're not counting the time you enlisted some of the Warblers to help you serenade Courtney at the Westerville Mall?"

Kurt covered his mouth hiding his grin and Sam's frown deepened. It was hard to tell if his face got redder out of anger or embarrassment. At any rate, Blaine knew in an instant how he would retaliate and he regretted everything.

"At least she didn't diss me in front of all the shoppers and my peers like that older dude from Old Navy did to you after your grand performance of When I Get You Alone."

Kurt looked back at Blaine and the raven haired boy's eyes shifted to the floor in shame. Mercedes figured it was the prefect time to spill some tea about her own roommate.

"That's not as bad as what Kurt did in the boys locker room."

Kurt snapped his head around and gave Mercedes his most intimidating glare, silently threatening her life with his eyes.

"Prefect Kurt?" Sam placed a hand on his chest, his face masked in fabricated awe. "I have got to hear this."

"Mercedes..." Kurt said in a warning tone.

"What did he do?"

"You too?" Blaine just shrugged.

"Kurt, we're bonding. This is what friends do. Now let her speak." Sam ignored the draggers Kurt shot him and looked at back Mercedes, urging her to continue.

"After none of the other teachers stepped up to take over glee club, our Principal told us if we could recruit seven additional members he would consider hiring another teacher to direct our show choir. One of the members suggested we do a live performance so..."

Kurt groaned and dropped his head into his hands.

"...my boy here thought he could convince some jocks to join after he helped them win a game. So he along with Rachel and Tina, two other members, put on bedazzled leotards and tights and performed to Single Ladies in front of the entire football team."

"Shut up". Sam said through fits of laughter.

"Needless to say, it didn't go over like he expected."

Blaine was laughing too. "Oh my god. This is the best."

"Oh, who cares." Kurt stood and removed the movie from the DVD player. "We were fabulous, those jerks were just to simple minded to recognize it."

Sam quieted down long enough to speak again. "C'mon Kurt. It's your turn."

"For what?"

"Tell us something the misses did back in Ohio."

"I'm more interested in this whole 'he helped them win a game' story." Blaine said, wiping his eyes. "You played football?"

"Blaine, save that for another day."

"Actually", Kurt turned towards the group and crossed his arms, "all of her embarrassing stories include me unfortunately."

"So?"

"So, I won't have you two laughing at my expense. Again." He shot his roommate a look.

"You're no fun." Sam teased.

"Oh, I'm plenty of fun. Just ask your roommate."

Blaine was staring at Kurt's legs again, practically drooling at the mouth. Sam throw a piece of popcorn at him and he didn't blink an eye.

"He's bias so his opinion doesn't count."

"Well, I say it's time to called it a night." Mercedes stood and started clearing the coffee table. "Us three have school tomorrow."

"Ugh. Don't remind me." Blaine dropped his head back onto the sofa.

Sam followed her lead and started picking up empty candy boxes and popcorn pieces. Mercedes placed the dirty dishes into the sink and watched Sam as he discard the trash. She looked towards the living room where Blaine and Kurt were now cleaning as well and spoke before they came their way.

"Um, Sam?"

The blonde stopped and slowly turned around, an eyebrow raised. Glancing at their roommates again, she made eye contact with Kurt whose eyes were asking what she was doing.

"I just wanted to say... I'm sorry?"

"Is that a question?"

"No, no." She shook her head. "I'm apologizing."

Sam stuffed his hands into the pockets of his jeans and cocked his head to the side. "Why?"

"I haven't treated you with much kindness and I wanted you to know I don't hate you or anything. And I'm sorry if I made feel that way." He eyed her for a long moment then smiled, showing off the pearly whites.

"There's no need for any apologies. I knew all along that hatred was the complete opposite of what you feel for me. But thanks for affirming it."

He winked and her jaw went slack as he walked away ruffling his hair. She caught both Kurt and Blaine smirking and rolled her eyes.

"So, how about that karaoke night?"

"Let it go Blaine."

"No Sam", Kurt said as he moved the dinning chair back to the table. "I'd love to hear you sing."

"It's nothing special."

"He has a point." Blaine nodded in agreement.

"Screw you. You know what, I change my mind. I'm in."

"Great. Merci?"

Mercedes looked over at the guys who were watching her expectantly. "I don't know..."

"You told me you wanted to be a singer, so obviously you can sing." Blaine pointed out.

"Oh trust me, she's got a set of pipes on her. C'mon Cedes."

She looked at their faces one by one, lingering on Sam's who she knew was quietly changeling her.

"Fine." Kurt did a little happy dance. She looked over at Sam again, and was taken back by the intensity of his gaze.

"Now I'll have something to look forward too."

"So your apology. What brought that on?"

Mercedes came out of her bathroom, just finishing wrapping her hair, and sat down at the vanity.

"You." Kurt moved closer to her from where he sitting on the bed.

"Me?"

"Yep."

"Care to explain?"

She squeezed lotion onto her hands and looked at Kurt through the vanity mirror. "The way you behaved with Blaine. It made me feel bad, I guess."

"How so?"

"Really Kurt? I barely talked to the guy."

"Well, he has this habit of being excessively flirty and that can be annoying."

She reached for her facial cream next. "So what are you saying. I should have continued being mean to him?"

"No. But I would've understood if you had. Is that new moisturizer?" She nodded. "Oooh, let me see."

"It's really good. I have the facial wash too."

Kurt popped the cap and took a whiff. "Mm, it smells wonderful. I gotta get some of this."

"Malena's sister got it for me. She gets a discount so I'll have her hook you up."

"Thanks." He stood and set the cream back down. "So, does this mean we're all friends now?"

She scoffed and rubbed the last of the cream into her skin.

"What?"

"Nothing. Are you going to sleep in here or your own room?"

"Seriously, what?"

Mercedes pulled the covers back and climbed in bed.

"It's nothing."

"C'mon. Tell me." Kurt begged as he sat on his side of the bed.

"Are you and Blaine an item now?"

"We do have to get up early in the morning. So move over, I'm sleeping in here."

"You two did seem awfully comfortable."

"Fine, I'll sleep in my room."

"Okay, I'll stop. But we will have this conversation in the morning."

"Fair enough. Move over."

Mercedes made room and he climbed in. "Goodnight."

"Night."

The lamp flicked off and the room grew quiet.

"Do you think Blaine likes me, that way?"

"I thought you didn't want to talk about it?"

"Do you?"

"Seriously? You didn't see the way he was gawking at you most of the night?"

"That doesn't mean he likes me, likes me."

"Oh my god. Kurt, he likes you okay? Do you want to date him?"

"Maybe."

"He's a nice guy. And so is Sam."

"Now you think Sam is nice? He must be wearing you down."

"Shut up and go to sleep."

"It's the hair, isn't it? And his arms. His arms are really nice."

"Get out."

"Alright, alright. Goodnight."

Thanks for reading. Remember to leave me reviews, I love reading you guys comments. Thanks to everyone who favored and followed and reviewed so far. Have a great day/night. Until next time...