AN: What is glee doing to our faves? Smh...

On a brighter note, here's the next chapter. Enjoy.

Temptation Next Door

Chapter 7

Sam and Brianna walked ahead of the group and Sam's arm was around his date's waist.

"So this is why he didn't want to be late."

Kurt heard Blaine mumble to his right. He turned his head to his left and discovered his roommate wasn't there. Glancing over his shoulder he noticed she was still standing near the door frantically searching through her purse.

"What's she looking for?" Blaine asked, obviously he had stopped as well.

"Mercedes!" She looked up and Kurt waved her over but she held up her iPhone and pointed at the door.

"I guess she needs to make a phone call. I'm going to go with her. We'll meet you guys at the table."

Blaine nodded and turned around just as Kurt stepped forward. He stopped again when he saw her shaking her head no and gesturing for him to stay. He frown but took a step backwards, watching her make an exit.

Mercedes walked a few steps away from the entrance and opened her contacts. She quickly found the number she was looking for and press the call button.

"Come on. Come on. Pick up." After five rings the person on the other end finally answered.

"Aren't you're supposed to be singing love songs are something? I wasn't gonna pick up but-"

"He has a date." Mercedes rushed out.

"-I figured it must be an emerg...What did you say?"

"Sam. He has a date. We got here and she was waiting for him."

Malena silence only made her feel worst.

"I knew it. I knew it was too good to be true. He couldn't get what he wanted from me so he moved on to the next best thing. At least I found out now before I let myself completely fall for him, right? Lena?"

"What does she look like?"

"What?" Mercedes moved aside to let the group of people headed in her direction pass by.

"Is she white? Tall? Pretty?"

She sighed and looked down the block. "She's black and about my height. I guess she's attractive...why does this matter?"

"Where are you?"

"Outside."

"Look, maybe he's just trying to make you jealous. Who knows? But what I do know, is this right here is why you shouldn't play these cat and mouse games chica."

"This could also be why he was acting strange at the Diner the other night and when we met up earlier. Forget this. I'll come up with some excuse and go home."

"No. You don't have a lot of experience with boys so I'm gonna tell you what to do. But I gotta know something first."

"What?"

"Are you sure you're ready for this? This guy wants to be a model Mercedes, meaning he'll be around half naked chicks while he's half naked himself all the time. Is that something you want?"

Mercedes would never admit this to anyone but, knowing Kurt would eventually start dating, most likely Blaine, made her think about being in a relationship, a lot. It wasn't like she was desperate for Sam's affection or anything, there were plenty of fish in the sea.

But Sam is a nice guy who consistently showed an interest in her and he wasn't easily put off by her attitude. In fact, he seemed to enjoy it. Which is why she was so confused by the sudden distant behavior. But more importantly she wanted to prove her father wrong and to prove to herself that she could balance dating, school and work.

But now she wasn't so sure.

"Well?"

"Maybe. I don't know."

"Then leave."

"You think that'll be best?"

"I think you should go back inside and stick to our plan."

"Are you serious? While he's with her?"

"He don't want her, trust me."

Mercedes frown.

"If part of you still wants to give this guy a chance though, you'll have show him. Now, I'm bout to hang up. Call me tomorrow and tell me how things went."

"No, wait. Should I still- hello? Hello?"

Mercedes sighed and dropped her phone back into her purse. She stood there contemplating faking an illness and going back home. She wouldn't even force Kurt to stay, he could come with her. No boy, no matter how attractive, was worth her dignity.

...

The table was meant for just four occupants but someone had pulled up an extra chair. Of course Sam and what's her face were sitting side by side; Blaine and Kurt paralleled them. The empty seat was on the outside of the table between her roommate and...Sam.

Great.

"Sorry about that." Everyone turned to her as she sat down. "Emergency call."

Kurt push a red glass in front of her and she raised an eyebrow. He clarified the beverage was Sprite and she took a sip through the straw, avoiding making eye contract with the couple to her left.

"Mercedes, right?" What's her face kindly asked.

Mercedes smiled tightly and nodded.

"I'm sorry about the seating arrangements. For some reason I only remembered Sam mentioning Blaine and Kurt."

She cleared her throat. "Don't worry about it, Brittany."

"Brianna. It's Brianna."

Mercedes folded her cardigan over her lap and looked towards the stage, ignoring the correction.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Singing Star Traven."

*Applause*

"For those of you who are new, we have a tradition here. Tuesdays and Thursdays are theme nights."

Mercedes had forgot all about this little detail. If she stays she'll have to sing a different song. That wasn't a problem. As long as it wasn't-

"...duets."

Damn

"We have a list of classic duets by legendary singers already set aside. So grab a partner, head over to our DJ to sign up and pick your song. And remember, at the Singing Star Traven everyone is a..."

"STAR!"

"Let the duets begin."

*Applause*

Mercedes turned to Kurt with a hopeful contortion and was a little surprised that he was looking at her with the same expression.

"Do you-"

"What do you say Kurt?" Blaine spoke over her. "Partners?"

She watched as her roommate hesitated before agreeing, sending a apologetic glance her way.

"What about you Sam? Who are you going to sing with?" Brianna asked in that annoying perky voice and Mercedes resisted the urge to shove her straw into her ear.

"You, of course."

Brianna reached up and twirled her light brown, gold highlighted hair around a finger. "Yeah, that's not a good idea."

"What do you mean? You're my date."

Mercedes rolled her and looked around the room at the other couples heading over to the DJ booth.

"Well, I should have told you when you invited me here but, I can't sing. At all."

Mercedes scoffed, then quickly disguised it with a cough. "Excuse me. My thoat's a little dry." She took a sip of her drink to hide the smirk on her lips.

"How did you too even meet?" Blaine asked.

"Oh, Sam didn't tell you?"

"No. This was supposed to be a friends only night."

"Really?" She snapped her head back to her date; high pony flapping side to side. "I guess that's something else he forgot to mention."

Mercedes peeked over at the blonde who's cheeks were a light tint of red.

"We met on the subway. I was on my way to work when he got on and sat beside me. He asked for my name then asked me out. So, here I am."

"That's...nice." Kurt interjected.

"How long have you two been dating?"

"We just met yesterday so this is our first date."

"Okay." Sam leaned on the table. "This isn't a game of twenty one questions. Shouldn't you guys be over there choosing a song?"

"Actually", Blaine flashed him a charming grin, "I would like to learn more about your date."

Sam scowled while Mercedes and Kurt silently listened, amused.

"So Brianna. Where do you wo-" Blaine yelped out in pain, grimacing as he rubbed his leg under the table.

"What the-"

"I'm so sorry." Sam apologized in a nonchalant tone. "Why don't you walk it off. Go get yourself a refill or something."

Blaine stood and snatched his cup from the table, limping away.

"Aren't you two together?"

Kurt raised an eyebrow then shook his head. "No. We're just friends."

"Oh. And you all go to school?"

"Well, Mercedes, Blaine and myself do. We attend NYU. And we're roommates."

She turned her focus to Mercedes. "I love that dress. Where did you get it?"

Mercedes picked up her drink, took a long sip, wiped her mouth then address the question.

"I'm afraid this is one of a kind. No duplicates. But thank you."

"You're welcome."

Mercedes really wanted to despise the girl but her tooth decaying sweetness made it difficult. Plus, it wasn't her fault. She only came because Sam invited her.

Yesterday.

To a karaoke bar despite not knowing if she could sing.

Meaning he knew little to nothing about her.

And Blaine, his roommate, didn't even know she existed.

Suddenly things seem to click in place.

"...from Ohio-"

"I have to pee." Mercedes blurted out. "Kurt, come with me." She grabbed his hand and dragged him out of his seat just as Blaine returned.

"Where are they going?"

...

"I should berate you with questions right now but I won't. However, I do expect a full explanation when we're finally alone."

She yanked him into the women's restroom and quickly check the stalls. Kurt stayed by the door watching her, completely confused.

"Okay, what's going on?"

Mercedes kicked opened the last stall then walked back towards him. "I need a favor."

"And what would that be?"

"Sing with me."

Kurt frowned apologetically. "I already agreed to sing with Blaine."

"I know. But that leaves Sam and I without a partner since Becky can't sing."

"Brianna."

"Whatever. Look, if you and I sing together we could do that song we always dreamed of doing in glee club."

"The one we perfected during numerous of sleepovers?"

Mercedes nodded encouragingly.

Kurt sighed. "I'd love to, I really would. But Blaine-"

"Can sing with Sam."

"Why can't you sing with Sam?"

"Because I know we will sound great together."

Kurt walked over to a sink and leaned against it. "We don't even know if that song is on the list. He said classic duets."

"You know it's gonna be on there."

"And if it isn't?"

"Then we'll pick a different song." Mercedes walked over and stood in front of him. "Please?"

Kurt turned to check his hair in the mirror. "I have some conditions."

Mercedes rolled her eyes. "Of course you do."

"You have to break the news to Blaine."

"Fine. I'll tell him." She turned to leave.

"I'm not done. I also want to know who your emergency call was."

Mercedes swallowed. "Malcolm."

"Your brother?" Kurt didn't look too convinced.

"Yep. Now cmon'. We need to sign up."

Kurt crossed his arms and stayed put. Mercedes got to the door and opened it before she realized he wasn't following.

"You're gonna have to do better than that."

...

They retuned to the table and Mercedes glared at her best friend's devious smirk.

Kurt had forced the truth out of her and the whole time she was fearing his rage for keeping it a secret, but instead he was elated. Apparently her confession meant he could move things along with Blaine and, most importantly, have a little fun at her expense.

"I got you another drink Kurt. Coke, right?"

Kurt smiled. "Right. Thanks."

"So, should we go pick our song."

"Well..." He side eyed Mercedes who jumped into action.

"Actually Blaine, Kurt's singing with me now."

Blaine turned his wide honey colored puppy dog eyes to her and her heart swelled with remorse.

"And you can sing with Sam. That way no one will be left out since his date can't sing."

"Why not you and Sam?"

"I asked her the same thing. The reason may surprise you."

"Because", She shot Kurt another glare, "We know for sure that our voices are compatible. So it just makes sense for us to pair up. Don't you think?"

"I guess." He bit his bottom lip in thought. "How about we three just sing together? So Brianna won't feel left out as well."

"Does anyone care what I think?"

Everyone looked at Sam.

"No. Not really." Blaine said.

"It's duets night Blaine, that means two at a time. And I agree with Mercedes." He looked over at her briefly and their eyes locked. To Sam's amazement, she didn't look away. "We should sing together. I'll even let you pick the song."

"Fine."

"Then it's settled. You might wanna go sign up." Kurt advised Blaine.

"At least I get to watch you guys perform. I hope you all are good."

"We are." Mercedes boasted, pointing at Kurt and herself.

"Since you two only met yesterday I'm assuming Sam hasn't had grave time to tell you much about us."

"No. He hasn't."

"Well, Mercedes here is one of the best singers of our generation. At one point, she dreamed of doing it professionally."

"Really?" Brianna looked impressed.

"Yes. But she changed her mind. Although I think it's ridiculous to waste such talent, I respect her decision. At any rate, you're in for quite a treat."

Mercedes smiled proudly at her roommate's praise.

"And I could say the same about you and your abandoned fashion career."

"You wanted to be a model too?"

Blaine rejoined the group as Kurt replied.

"No. I was more into the design and styling aspect."

"He's good. I tried to get him back into the fashion world but he refused my offer." Sam added.

"Why?" Blaine asked. "You do have an impeccable sense of fashion."

Kurt looked extremely uncomfortable so Mercedes spoke for him. "It's a sore subject guys. Can we change it?"

Blaine looked over at Kurt and reached for his hand, squeezing it. He watched as Kurt smiled at him sadly and made a mental note to ask about it later.

"Why did you decide to be a music teacher instead of a singer?" Sam asked her.

Mercedes turned to him and her cheeks heated. The intensity in those eyes.

"My dad. He didn't think it was a promising career."

"But it's your dream, right?" Brianna asked next.

"It was."

The group moved their focus to the front of the room, watching a couple on stage sing Ain't No Mountain High Enough with a playfully cute exchange. The crowd applaud as the song came to an end and the next couple was announced.

"What number are we?"

"Seventeen."

"We're thirteen." Kurt disclosed.

"I hope you picked a good song, Blaine. What are you singing?" Sam pointed Kurt and Mercedes.

"You'll have to wait and see." Kurt teased.

"In that case, I say we make this a little more interesting."

"Oh, I love this song!" Brianna chirped; rocking side to side to the music playing.

"How interesting are we talking?"

"A bet."

"Name your price."

"Guys", Blaine interjected, "this isn't a competition. We're doing this for the fun."

"Competitions are fun. Especially if you're the winner."

"It sounds to me like B' may be afraid of the competitors he's up against." Mercedes instigated. Sam smiled at her.

"Yeah B'. Are you chicken?"

"No. I was just taking our newly develop friendship into consideration. But if you two don't mind losing, go ahead. Name your price."

Kurt held up his hand. "I think it'll be wise if we didn't bet using money."

"Then what do you suggest?"

"I got it." Brianna jumped in. "You guys are neighbors, right? Well how about the losing team has to clean the winning team's apartment."

Sam tapped his chin. "Not bad. But I've seen their apartment, no cleaning is really necessary. How about cooking and serving?"

"Of course it would have something to do with eating." Kurt rolled his eyes.

"When you say serve, you mean the food?"

"Yes. But it isn't limited to just that."

Mercedes nodded.

"For how long?" Blaine asked.

"Today's Thursday so...starting tomorrow and ending Sunday night."

"So just for the weekend? Okay."

"I'm starting to like this idea. I'd never pass up the chance to boss Sam around."

"Careful Kurt, you might just lose."

"Not while he's on my team." Mercedes countered.

"Who will choose the winner?" Blaine asked.

"Brianna. She's the only one not singing."

"No way. She's your date."

"I can be impartial."

"Well, as long as you'll be fair." Kurt nodded. "Though it's not like we had many options anyway."

Sam rubbed his hands together. "Let the best team win."

...

"Do you remember the moves?"

"I do. But are you sure you can pull this off in that dress?"

"The material is stretchy. And it's not like we're doing complicated choreography. It's step toe touch at the minimum."

"I'm thinking about your ulterior motive here. It would suck if your attempt to win over Sam results in you falling flat on your face."

"Thanks for that motivational speech, Kurt. I truly appreciate it." Mercedes answered, sarcasm evident.

"That's what I'm here for."

"...don't go breaking my ,

don't go breaking my heeaaart."

*Applause*

"We're up."

"Welcome to the stage partners number thirteen; Mercedes Jones and Kurt Hummel."

*Applause*

The partners walked on stage, striking their poses.

"Why aren't they facing the audience?" Brianna asked. Sam and Blaine shrugged.

Kurt and Mercedes glanced at each other right before the song's intro blasted through the speakers.

Blaine's eyebrows shot up. "Oh my god, is that..."

Kurt spun around first.

"Come on boy I've been waiting for somebody to pick up my stroll."

He grunted as he dropped low and bounced back up; posing with his legs apart and hands down at his sides as looked over at Mercedes who turned around next.

"Now don't waste time, give me desire, tell me how you wanna roll."

She did two body rolls then popped her hips in Kurt's direction.

Kurt crossed in front of her to the opposite side of the stage; pointing at the crowd as he sung the next verse.

"I want somebody to speed it up for me then take it down slow,"

He shimmied down into a squatting position then slowly raised with his ass sticking out as he continued.

"there's enough room for both."

Mercedes strutted across the stage singing to the now cheering crowd.

"Boy I can hit you back just gotta show me where it's at, are you ready to go?"

She ran a hand down her chest then looked at Sam and winked, beckoning him with her finger as she repeated:

"Are you ready to go?"

The crowd, including Brianna, were on their feet, really enjoying the performance. Sam and Blaine were rooted in their seats, staring ahead in awe.

On stage Kurt and Mercedes faced each other, singing in unison as they slowly walked towards one another.

"If you want it, you've already got it. If you thought it, it better be what you want."

"If you feel it, it must be real just say the word and I'm gonna give you what you want."

They crossed each other again; singing to the crowd.

Kurt: "Time is waiting."

Mercedes: "We only got four minutes to save the world "

Kurt: "No hesitating."

Mercedes: "Grab a boy, go grab your girl."

Kurt: "Time is waiting."

Mercedes: "We only got four minutes to save the world."

Kurt: "No hesitating."

Mercedes: "We only got four minutes huh four minutes."

They stood back to back now, shimmying against one another; continuing in unison.

"So keep it up keep it up

Don't be a prima donna,"

"You gotta get em a heart

Tick tock tick tock tick tock,"

They faced each other; rotating their hips.

"That's right keep it up keep it up

Don't be a prima donna,"

"You gotta get em a heart,"

They faced the crowd again; shaking their hips with the lyrics.

"Tick tock tick tock tick tock."

When the song ended the room erupted in applause and Mercedes and Kurt grinned in thanks as they left the stage. The people around them patted their backs as the made their way to the table.

"You guys were great! Oh my god, I totally wasn't expecting that. I don't think anyone was." Brianna gushed as the team sat down, trying to gather their breaths.

"Thanks. I'm still surprise they had that song." Kurt replied. He looked to Sam and Blaine. "So, you two think you can top that?"

Blaine blink slowly, his long eye lashes beautifully fanning against his cheeks. Kurt took in his demeanor and grinned.

"Are you okay there, Blaine? You look a little dazed."

"N-no. I'm fine. You guys w-where great. Right Sam?"

The blonde was openly staring at Mercedes, biting his bottom lip. He didn't answer till the object of his eyes faced him.

"Yeah, you were great." She blushed and looked away. "And this competition is over, you two win."

"I agree." Blaine spoke up. "No way we can beat that. We forfeit."

"You know this means you two will be at our mercy for the entire weekend? I don't plan on going easy on either of you." Kurt mocked.

"I second that."

Sam smirked at Mercedes. "Well, your wish is my command. I'll be sure to prepare your favorite meal tomorrow."

Mercedes laughed. "Please. You can't cook."

"For you, I'll learn." They stared at each other; Brianna watching the exchange knowingly.

"Thanks for inviting me. I had fun tonight."

"Even though you didn't get to hear me sing?"

Brianna smiled up at Sam, stuffing her hands into her jacket pockets. "Yes. Your friends are pretty cool."

Sam popped his collar and ruffled his hair.

"So, I guess this is it."

"Yeah. I'll call you."

"Sure you will." She turned to wave down a cab.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

Brianna looked over her shoulder. "I'm not blind, Sam."

He only frowned. She turned back around and sighed.

"You don't have to pretend anymore, Sam. I know why you asked me to come here tonight and I'm not mad about it." She glanced over his shoulder to his group of friends.

"And I'm pretty sure the feelings are mutual."

A taxi pulled up and she opened the door but paused before getting inside.

"She's a nice girl Sam and I hope you treat her right." She climbed in and shut the door, waving goodbye as the cab drove off.

Sam stood watching the taxi until it disappeared from sight. Shoving his hands into his jeans he turned towards his friends and caught Mercedes quickly looking away.

...

The group stepped out of the elevator laughing at something Kurt had said. Once they were in the hall, Blaine and Kurt walked ahead as Sam and Mercedes lagged behind.

"I don't know why I didn't tell you this earlier but, you have a beautiful voice."

Mercedes reached up and tucked a curl behind her ear, smiling. "Thank you. But It's not like I sung a ballad or anything."

"No, seriously. Your dad is crazy if he thinks you don't have what it takes to make it as a performer."

"Yeah well, that's old news. I've decided to take a different path."

"It's never too late to move in a new direction. I say do it while you're still young."

Mercedes stopped and stared up at him, her mouth sightly ajar. Sam walked a few steps ahead before realizing she'd stopped moving.

"Is something wrong?"

"I just..."

Sam shook his head. "I'm over stepping. Sorry "

"No. No it's fine. I just haven't given it much thought lately."

"You should. Like Kurt said, it would be ridiculous to waste so much talent."

Mercedes smiled and started moving again. "So what you're saying is, you would buy my debut album? If I ever recorded one?"

"Oh, I wouldn't just buy your album when you do record one. But I would buy your concert tickets and posters and every magazine you will be featured in and-"

"You see all that in my future after just seeing me perform once?"

"Once is all it took. You really are something special."

They remained silent until they reached their doors; Kurt and Blaine nowhere in sight.

"Be sure to get plenty of rest tonight. Despite your attempts to butter me up with complements, I still don't plan on making your serving duties easy."

Sam laughed. "I meant everything I said. Besides, I won't get much sleep thinking about my appointment tomorrow morning."

"Oh that's right. You have that modeling thing. We could always change it to next weekend."

"That won't be necessary. After you guys come home from school then you Blaine get off work tonight..."

"See what I mean. We really didn't think this bet through did we?"

Sam smiled and shook his head. "Maybe we should change it. I'll talk to Blaine about it."

"And I'll talk to Kurt."

They stood there smiling and glancing away from one another.

"Good luck tomorrow." Mercedes said as she placed her hand on the door knob.

"Thanks. Sleep tight."

They smiled at each other one last time then entered their respective apartments.

Mercedes leaned against the closed door, eyes shut.

"Boy was I wrong about you " She snapped her eyes open. "At least you changed your mind before he got deeply involved with that other chick."

She rolled her eyes and pushed herself off the door.

"He was only with her because he thought he couldn't have me. But now that he's had a taste, he knows I'm irreplaceable."

She winked at Kurt then laughed at his shocked expression, heading to her room. That'll teach him for teasing me

Kurt rushed after her. "Oh my god! You kissed? Mercedes? What would your father think of your behavior?" He playfully scorned.

"You know the saying. What he doesn't know, won't kill him."

"So you two did kiss?"

She shut her door leaving Kurt out in the hall.

"Blaine's here. I'll get it."

Mercedes hurried to the door and opened it.

It was definitely not Blaine.

"Sam?"

"Morning. I know you weren't expecting me but I wanted to stop by before I left."

She leaned against the door frame, looking him up and down. "That's okay. You look very handsome."

Sam looked down at his white button down shirt, black tie, slacks and skinny dress shoes.

"Thanks. I try."

"Are you nervous?"

"No." She just stared at him. "Okay, yes. I freaking out. A little."

Mercedes chuckled. "You'll do fine."

"I hope so." Sam softly smiled at her. "Oh, here." He held out a container. "It's French toast. The one thing I remembered learning from my mom."

Mercedes accepted it. "Sam...you didn't have to."

"I know. I wanted to. Well, I'll see you later." He stepped backwards and waved then headed down the hall.

"Sam, wait."

She walked towards him and boldly pulled him into a warm embrace. He stood completely still, then slowly wrapped his arms around her, drowning in the strawberry scent of her hair. After awhile they pulled apart.

"What was that for?"

She smiled. "Good luck. And thanks." She held up the container. "For this and for last night."

"Oh."

"Well, I'll let you go. I have breakfast to eat."

"There's enough in there for Kurt too." She nodded. "I'll call you and tell you how things went."

Mercedes frowned. "You have my number?"

Sam pulled out his phone. "I will as soon as you give it to me."

"Hmm. I don't remember you asking for it."

Sam smirked. "Mercedes Jones, will thy do me the honor and give me thy number so that I may ring you in the near future." He asked in a horribly executed British accent.

"It would my pleasure." Mercedes laughed.

She saved her phone number in his phone then waved goodbye. Ginning all the way back to her apartment.

AN: They're moving along nicely. Can't wait to see where things lead...

Song used: 4 Minutes By: Madonna and Justin Timberlake

Thank you guys for reading and for your reviews. I'll update as soon as possible. Until next time.