AN: Hello old and new readers/followers.

This new chapter is really late and I have no excuse except laziness and work. I had half of this done and couldn't stay focus long enough to finish it. Plus I'm always on tumblr. I'm obsessed with tumblr.

Well, heres the next installment. As always, ENJOY.

Temptation Next Door

Chapter 6

"How did things go the other night?"

"Did that Sam guy get frisky?"

Mercedes adjusted her cap and quickly added more gloss to her already shinny lips, effectively dodging her co-worker's questions.

They arrived to work early and chose to sit outside at one the umbrella covered tables to avoid being disturbed by inquiries from customers. Closing her lip gloss and dropping it into the bag, Mercedes started searching for her mascara. Huffing in aggravation, Malena reached over and snatched the makeup bag from her friend's hands.

"Hey!"

"I'm dying here. And don't give me that 'I'll tell you later' cop out. We have fifteen minutes before our shift starts. Tell me about the date night."

Mercedes snatched her bag back. "It wasn't a date night."

"Whatever, just tell me. What's the big deal?"

"I haven't seen you since Wednesday and the first thing you ask isn't 'how are you today?' or 'how was school?' or 'are those new shoes?' They are, by the way."

The Latina rolled her eyes, covered with green contacts today, and sat back in her chair. "What did you expect? I wouldn't have to ask at all if you had allowed me to com-"

"Wasn't gonna happen. You would have spent the entire night making the guys extremely uncomfortable."

Malena displayed a brief offended look but then nodded in agreement.

"So..."

"There nothing juicy to tell, really. We watched Singing In The Rain-"

"Wait. A musical?"

Mercedes shrugged. "It was Blaine's choice. Him and Kurt hit it off just fine. Singing along to songs and everything. By the end of the night they were practically in each other's laps, but that really wasn't a surprise."

"That's my boy. I can totally see him ripping off someone's shirt with his teeth." She fanned herself. "Tan jodidamente caliente."

"Anyways... Just when we were about to call it a night, I felt bad and apologized to Sam."

"What did you feel bad about?"

"Before they arrived Kurt was telling me all these things about him, most of which I already knew. I still didn't talk to him. Yes he's annoying at times, but he's not all that bad. I just didn't want him thinking I hated him."

"You only think he's annoying because your attitude hasn't ran him off like all the others, and that's what I like about this guy. What did he say?"

Mercedes' eyes shifted down as she played with the empty coffee cup. "He accepted it."

"And he said...?"

"We should really go inside. Don't want to be late clocking in. Again."

"Siéntese abajo." Mercedes obeyed, slouching in the chair and crossing her arms. "We have seven minutes, that's more than enough time."

"Fine. But promise you want make a big thing out of this."

"You know I can't prom-" Mercedes grabbed her purse and started rising from her seat again. "Alright, I promise."

Sighing, she sat back down. "He said I didn't have to apologize because he already knew."

"Knew what?" Malena waved her hands urgently.

"That the last thing I felt for him was hatred. Then he winked and walked away. I think he thinks I like him or something. Then Blaine encouraged us to do a karaoke night, and when I agreed he gave me the most intense look."

She braced herself for the Latina's reaction. After several seconds or complete silence, she looked back up at her co-worker who was eyeing her with a dubious expression that she would have laughed at under any other circumstance.

"That's it?" Mercedes frowned and nodded. "Dios mío."

"What?"

"That", she shook her head, "is not what I expected. But this Sam guy is right, you got the hots for him. A lot."

"That's not t-"

"You're only lying to yourself girlfriend. And that ridiculous vow you made with sweet cheeks has got to go. Though I think Kurt has moved beyond that, am I right?"

Mercedes looked down and played with the lid of her cup. "This is not an admission but... what if I did like him, a little? Then what?"

"You just give him the signal and I'm sure he'll be willing to take it from there."

"Signal?"

Malena sighed and stood. After motioning for Mercedes to do the same she asked, "Did you guys decide on a day for karaoke?"

"Why?"

"If I'm going to help you, I need to know how much time I have before you two are together again."

"Help me? With what?"

Malena stopped walking and spun around. "Do I really have to spell it out for you? Because if I have to, we'll be late. Again. When is the karaoke night?"

"Next Thursday at eight."

"Where?"

"The Singing Star Traven".

"Really? They don't even serve alcohol."

"Um, we're all under twenty-one."

"You don't have a fake ID?"

"No."

"Yeah, you definitely gots to get out more."

...

"Kurt!"

Kurt tried to hide behind the mannequin he was styling even though the rational side of his brain knew it was too late.

"Just the man I was looking for."

"Sam? What brings you to my place of employment? Without an invite?"

"I didn't know I needed one." He paused and glanced around, eyes roaming every visible space.

"She's not here."

"Oh."

"Is that a disappointed oh?" Kurt reattached one of the magnetic arms to the snow white mannequin. "I thought you didn't like her. Or are you just desperate to move on after getting no play elsewhere?"

"Haha. I just didn't want her popping out and prancing on me like some vampire, like the ones you see in those sci-fi movies."

"Well lucky for you, she's off today. Care to explain why you're here?"

"I'll get to that. But first, how's the misses?"

Kurt gathered the unused clothing and carried them over to the folding station. "This is really getting old Sam."

"C'mon. We're friends now, so I'm only asking out of common courtesy ."

"If you must know, she's fine. Never been better."

"I'm glad to hear that. Be sure to tell her I asked how she was."

"I make no promises. Now, what do you need?"

"I have some good news to share."

"And you couldn't just call me or text?"

Sam leaned against the counter, watching his neighbor carefully fold t-shirts. "Nope. This is something I had to do in person."

"Okay..."

"Remember when you told me to go to a professional photographer because my cheep Polaroids were going to get me no where? Well, I did. And on a whelm, I showed her my photos and guess what?"

"She asked who was the untrained genius responsible for such Vogue worthy angles?"

"She introduced me to her friend who happens to be a scouting agent for one of the top modeling agencies in New York."

Kurt stared at the grinning boy for a long moment then rushed over, gripping his shoulders. "Are you serious?"

Sam nodded.

"What did he say?"

"Not much. But he did give me this." He held up a business card which Kurt promptly snatched from his fingers.

Applelis Agency

Rashad Millington

126 38th Avenue Manhattan, New York

shadmillington

(212)-555-2800

"Oh my god! This is huge Sam. I can't, I can't believe this."

"I know right?"

"This company has launched some of the most successful models in the fashion industry. I can't believe you're gonna be famous before I am."

"Dude, you helped me get this far. I figured why not share the fame."

"Huh?"

"I may have told him you were my manager."

"What?"

"We're supposed to go in next Friday. I think this may be the opportunity you need to get back into the fashion world."

Kurt's face dropped and he handed the card back. "No Sam. I appreciate it but, I'm satisfied with just working here."

"This is a huge opportunity to pass on man."

"Thanks, but no thanks."

Sam shrugged and slide the card back into his pocket.

"You know what? The four of us have to celebrate. How about tomorrow night?"

"Tomorrow's Saturday and Blaine will be working at the Diner. Plus, I don't actually have the job yet."

"Minor details. Cedes works too so maybe we can drop by for free food?"

"Free food? I'm in."

"I figured you would be." Kurt walked away, returning to his pervious task.

"So, You and Blaine."

"Me and Blaine what?"

Sam shot him a look that said you know exactly what I'm talking about.

Kurt rolled his eyes and began picking out clothing for the next mannequin. Sam pushed himself off the counter and followed him.

"You two clearly like each other. I thought maybe you guys discussed it."

"Why didn't you ask Blaine then?"

"I did. He just rolled his eyes and walked away like you just did."

Kurt picked up a shirt, examined it then placed it back. "Maybe because it's none of your business."

"Are you two officially together or what?"

"No. And I don't think we will be."

"Why's that?"

"I don't know." Kurt sighed. "My best friend and I decided to wait until after our careers were established before getting involved in relationships and right now, she's the only one holding true to that."

"You told me about that. I used to think she was stand offish cause she had a bad experience or something."

"To be honest, it has more to do with her dad than anything else."

"What did her dad do?"

"Umm..." Kurt realized he had said too much but it was too late to take it back now.

"Look, I've just decided to stick with our original plan."

"Well, you have to tell Blaine that. And let him down easy."

"Yeah, I will. And you should move on too, Sam."

"From?"

"Mercedes. She has enough pressure without you trying to force yourself onto her. When her mind's made up she's as stubborn as a mule. Trust me, she'll never change her mind about you."

...

"I see nothings changed. Except Kurt not being here."

"He's either at or on his way home from work. If it's the latter, he'll be here soon. Would you like something to drink?"

Malena strutted over to the sofa and plopped down. "I'm guessing you don't have the ingredients needed to whip me up a Caramel Apple Martini?"

"You guessed right.

"Didn't think so. What do you have?"

Mercedes walked into the kitchen and opened the refrigerator. "Sprite, Coke, Dr. Pepper, sweet tea, apple juice, orange juice and water. Of course there's coffee, if you haven't had enough for one day."

"No, no more coffee. I'll take some tea, please."

She filled two glasses and joined her friend in the living room.

"Thanks", Malena said as she accepted the glass. "This place is always so spotless. Do you two actually live here?"

"Believe it or not, some of us aren't as messy as you."

"I'm not messy, just free spirited. Clearly you have a sense of 'neat freak' and that's never a good sign."

"I disagree. Who doesn't appreciate coming home to a clean house?"

Malena took a sip of her drink then sat the glass down on a coaster and turn towards her co-worker.

"Since you invited me here to help you prepare for your next double date night-"

"It's not a date."

"-I figured we're in the early process of moving beyond your denial. Now, this Sam guy you're into sounds like the spontaneous type. So if you want to further intrigue him you'll have to pull that stick out of your voluptuous ass."

"Really?" Mercedes asked with a hint of displeasure.

"Yes. I'm not saying you're no fun or uptight all the time. Definitely not when you're around me or Kurt or even eyebrows. But your wall goes up when it's someone who shows sexual interest in you."

"Because I'm not that kinda girl, Lena."

"I know. And I'm not saying you have to sleep with every Tom who might have had his dick inside of Harry..."

Mercedes frowned at the misquote.

"...but it wouldn't kill you to have a little fun. Don't worry, I'm gonna teach you how."

"I'm starting to regret this already. Where do we start?"

"Hmm...take me to your wardrobe."

Mercedes led her down the short hall to the closed door on the right. It opened, releasing a warm vanilla aroma that clashed with the purple violet décor. There were pictures and playbills arranged neatly on the wall above the vanity, which was covered in orderly facial and body creams. Against the wall to right of the pillow drowning bed, sat a small desk and record player. Malena immediately walked towards it, scanning her collection.

"Wow, these are some oldies."

Mercedes pushed some pillows back then sat on the bed. "My mom got me that record player for my birthday and I have a ways to go with my collection."

"Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Nat King Cole, Sammy Davis Jr...so far so good. "

"You know these artist?"

"Who doesn't? Where did you find these?"

"Kurt got me a few from the record store near where he works. And my mom gave me a couple along with the record player."

"Kurt's a good friend. These couldn't have been cheap."

"That reminds me. I told him about your sister getting me my new facial products at Sephora and he wants some. Of course I'll pay, if you could pass it along I'd appreciate it."

"I got you." She sat the records down and moved towards the closet. "Let's see what I have to work with."

Mercedes sat at her vanity and pulled out a wipe to remove her makeup. The sound of hangers screeching against the medal hanging rod and murmurs filled the room as Malena browsed through her clothes. Once all the makeup was removed, she ruffled her curls then peeked into the closet.

"I'm gonna get dinner started. Holla if you need me."

"Is that an invitation?"

"Would you like to join us?"

"What are we having?"

"I figured I'd use some leftovers and make some Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo."

"I accept."

"Alright. I'll set the table for three."

Over the course of the next twenty minutes or so, Malena had appeared and disappeared in and out of the kitchen with a different ensemble posed in the air awaiting Mercedes' approval. So far, the ongoing feedback consisted of:

"That blouse is too revealing."

"I like the top, but I never noticed how short that skirt was before."

"That's a cocktail dress. I'm saving it for my twenty first birthday."

"What part of friendly outing did you not understand?"

Returning the latest rejects to the closet, Malena was starting to think this was a complete waste of time. As she shuffled through more clothing she neared the very back of the closet and spotted a leopard print blazer, pulled it out, held it up then shook her head. She hung it back on the medal rod and her eyes landed on a white zipped sealed designer garment bag.

"...with that left over chicken. But I'm glad it's not going to waste."

"I know. Here, taste."

Kurt opened his mouth accepted the creamy sauce. "Wow. That is delicious."

"I told ya. Family secret recipe."

"Oh please. If I called your mom right now I'm sure she'll tell me."

"Go ahead. I ain't-"

"Hate to interrupt but..."

The two friends glanced over at the Latina who, just like Mercedes, was still dressed in her work uniform with a familiar garment posed in the air.

"...what do you think of this for your friendly date night? Hey Kurt."

Kurt waved and turned to face his roommate. "I didn't know we had company."

Mercedes wiped her hands on a dish towel and walked around the island. "It's just Lena. How did you find this?" She asked, taking the dress from her hands.

"It was in the back of your closet, not too hard. Though I'm not sure why it was hidden away because it's to die for."

"Is that the infamous prom dress?" Kurt stepped forward to get a closer look.

"Yeah. Well, sort of. My mom had it altered." She handed the dress to her co-worker and headed back to the kitchen. "I don't think it's ideal for this occasion."

She looked at Kurt for help.

"I've learned the hard way so you're on your own." He walked around her and shut himself inside his room.

Malena draped the dress over the back of the sofa and took a seat at the island. After watching Mercedes drain the noodles and and turn off all the burners she spoke.

"Why not this dress?"

"You don't think it reeks... desperate?"

"I think the dress reeks 'I'm the shit'. But it's not too revealing or too short, and it'll show off your come getta' curves without giving the impression that you're some run around shoe."

"Sue."

"What does she have to do with anything?"

"No. You said...never mind." Mercedes shook her head and carried the plates to the table.

"So?"

"I...I'll wear it."

"You bet your sexy ass you will. And I saw the perfect shoes to pair with it. After dinner we'll move on to hair and makeup."

"Nothing crazy and over the top."

"Of course not. But you can bet Sammy boy won't be able to keep his eyes off you. I mean, even more than usual."

"Is it safe to come out now?"

Kurt's muffled voice called out from behind his still closed bedroom door and Mercedes looked alarmed.

"You can't tell Kurt about this."

"Why?"

"He'll tease me none stop. And don't mention Blaine either. Let him brings him up."

"I thought you two told each other everything."

"We do."

"Then why keep this a secret?"

"Ladies? Are you still out there?"

"I just told you why. Just, just don't say anything. Okay?"

"Okay. My lips are sealed."

7:21 pm

Sam shoved him phone back into his jeans and got up off the couch. He had gotten completely dressed thirty minutes ago and was impatiently waiting for his roommate.

He moved down the hall and stopped outside of Blaine's door, knocking.

"Dude? What's the hold up?" He yelled at the closed door.

"I'll be out in a second, Sam."

"You said that ten minutes ago. Cmon'."

"I'll be out when I'm done."

"How much longer?" He didn't get a response so he banged on the door again.

"Dam it Blaine, I'd like to be on time. Hurry your ass up."

The door swung open and Blaine pushed pass him headed towards the living room. Sam stood at the open bedroom door taking in his appearance, trying to see why he took so long.

Blaine was wearing a white three quarter length blue sleeves shirt with the top two buttons undone, slim straight leg dark washed jeans and Roxy Croc suede blue loafers.

"Really? This is what took you forever?" He gestured up and down at Blaine's attire.

Blaine shoved his wallet into his back pocket and shot Sam an annoyed look.

"No. My hair." He watched as Sam's eyes moved upward to the top of his head. "I couldn't get this one curl to stay down."

Sam stared for a moment then bust out laughing. He laughed harder when he saw his roommate frowning.

"Can we just go? You were in such a rush earlier, though I don't know why."

The blonde boy wiped his eyes and ran a hand down his black and gray plaid button down that was left open, showing off his white undershirt. His jeans were also dark washed but baggy and he finished the look with Chuck Taylor high-top black sneakers.

"Do you remember our conversation at the Diner when I suggested we take a taxi and not the subway?" Blaine nodded. "The cab is waiting down stairs."

Blaine grabbed his keys out of the bowl. "Well, what are you waiting for? Let's go."

Meanwhile next door...

Kurt double checked his pockets making sure he had everything he needed then tripled checked his hair in the hallway mirror.

He decided to keep things simple yet chic for tonight by wearing a white short sleeve button down covered with a green everyday vest, black skinny jeans and his shinny green Doc Martin boots.

A door behind him creaked open and he glanced over his shoulder at his roommate.

"Wow." He turned around all the way and just stared.

Mercedes smiled timidly and brushed non existent lent off her dress. "How do I look?"

Kurt remembered the simple black high neck prom dress: sheer just above the bosom and sheer at the end where the grown flowed outward.

Now, after the alterations, the flow-ey bottom had been removed and the dress stopped right above the knees. The wide straps had been taken in a bit and the large flower was gone, giving the dress a causal guise. It accentuated her full-figured curves beautifully yet some how left a lot to the viewers imagination.

Her makeup was light; lips covered in plain gloss. Hair was tucked to one side, curly ends cascading down her left shoulder. She added red stud earrings, red and black bangles, a black clutch purse, and red wedged heels.

"Amazing."

Mercedes' smile widen as she step forward and spun around. "I do, don't I?"

"You do. But you know this is just an underage karaoke bar, right?"

"Duh. But it's the Star Traven where everyone can feel like a star. I figured, why not dress like one too."

"Well, you'll always be my star."

"Thanks boo. And you look great too. Are those new boots?"

Kurt turned back to the mirror. "Maybe."

"We should really get going. The taxi should be here by now and we don't want to keep the guys waiting."

"Alright. Make sure you have everything you need then we'll head out."

...

Blaine pulled the door closed and pushed his key into the lock just as his neighbors' door opened. He looked over and immediately made eye contact with Kurt's long legs. He quickly looked up and smiled when his eyes landed on those blue crystal orbs.

"Hey."

"Oh, hi. We thought you guys would be down stairs by now."

"Nope. Mr. Perfect here took forever getting ready. Hair problems." Sam spoke up, hissing at the sharp pain caused by Blaine's elbow jab.

"It was just this one stubborn strand I couldn't tame."

Kurt's chuckle brought his attention back to the beauty before him. "I know the feeling."

"You look...nice."

"Thanks. You too." Kurt saw the slow sexy smile that started to engulf the curly haired boy lips and forced himself looked over at Sam instead. "No ripped jeans tonight, huh?"

Before Sam could respond, Mercedes stepped over the threshold; cardigan and clutch in one hand while the other one pulled the door shut behind her.

"Oh, hey guys."

"Merci me. You look stunning "

"Aww. Thank you B'. You're too sweet. And you don't look so bad yourself."

"Yeah, I can clean up nicely."

Mercedes looked over at Sam, as Kurt locked the door, and he was staring down at his shoes. She took in his outfit then complimented him as well. He said his thanks but never looked up.

"If you guys are ready, the cab is here." Sam announced and the group headed towards the elevators.

Once outside, Sam opened the front door of the taxi and motioned for the lady of the group to get inside. Mercedes smiled her thanks and, as gracefully as possible, slide in. The guys climbed into the back and after Sam gave the driver the address, they were on their way.

Kurt, sitting by the door on the right hand side, tried to keep his focus on the surroundings as they drove by. Blaine was sitting beside him and he smelled incredible. But he couldn't allow himself to savor it because he was determined to kindly end whatever was brewing between them before it even started.

Blaine, who was wedged between Sam and Kurt, was struggling against the urge to reach over and grab Kurt's soft pale hand. He was never one to invade someone's personal boundaries but he had decided he would ask Kurt out tonight. Maybe it would be best to do it in a song.

Sam, who was watching Mercedes from where he sat behind the driver seat, wished he could cover her up and visually admire her beauty at the same time. The way she was dressed would definitely draw all eyes from men and women alike. And though he knew he had no say in what she wears, he wasn't happy about it.

Mercedes, who could feel Sam's eyes on her, was so confused. He barley looked at her and didn't even compliment her ensemble. She knew it wasn't a date or anything, they were just friends, but that kind of...hurt. And now he's staring. What does it mean? Maybe he was just shocked and speechless. That's it. She smiled and glanced to the left at Sam who was looking down at his clasped hands.

They arrived at the destination with eleven minuets to spare. Kurt opened the door for Mercedes as Blaine stepped out and Sam paid the driver. The taxi drove off and they approached the entrance, showed ID to prove they were underage and walked inside.

Sam stopped at the door and scanned the room. Kurt assume he was looking for a place to sit and lifted his arm to point out a spot he located. A perky little brown skin thing came running over and jumped into Sam's arms, nearly knocking him backwards. They pulled apart and Mercedes watched as Sam's hands moved to her hips.

"You came."

"Of course I did, silly. I told you I would."

"I know. But I wasn't sure you were going to get out of working?"

"I convinced Christy to switched shifts with me. So I worked this morning and she'll work tonight." She looked over at the other three and waved. "Hi."

"Oh, sorry. This is my roommate Blaine and our neighbors Kurt and Mercedes." They all said hello and Sam looked back at the clingy chick dressed in a mini, mini jersey dress and white opened toe high heels.

"Guys, this is Brianna." He looked back at his friends. "My date."

Everyone looked surprised at the statement but eventually Kurt and Blaine slowly nodded and began moving towards a table the excited new girl led them to. Mercedes didn't move an inch. She felt her heart drop to her stomach stirring an uncomfortable feeling that she associated with the need to vomit.

My date.

My date.

He has a date.

She wondered if it would be rude to just leave and go back home. Alone.

AN: Poor Mercedes. You should have jumped on that when you had the chance, baby girl. Smh.

I'll update soon. And don't worry I'm sure things will work out for both couples. Till next time.