Kurt called Mercedes that weekend and spent some time comforting her in her, but eventually he decided it was time to get things moving.
"Let's go hang out at the park, we haven't been there in ages. Some sunshine and fresh air will do your mood some good, I'll even put my complexion on the line for the sake of helping you cheer up.."
Unfortunately Mercedes had fallen back into a serious 'poor me' mood. This involved indulging in chocolate, hours of daytime T.V and staying in pajamas on the sofa all day, which really Kurt would normally have been more than happy to join in with but this time around it was not going to be allowed to continue. Eventually Kurt's "friendly persistence" and a not so idle threat to burn her favorite black and gold jacket if she wouldn't come out with him won her over.
Sitting under a tree at their favorite picnic table Kurt and Mercedes were engaged in idle chit chat, with Kurt occasionally taking sly glances at the time on his phone sitting on the table at his side. The bright sunshine and fresh air seemed to have lightened Mercedes mood which Kurt took as a positive sign for what was to come.
The two friends laughed together after recounting a funny incident involving Finn's epic klutziness at a recent rehearsal. Kurt's hilarity suddenly calmed but was replaced by an expectant grin as he spotted a familiar figure approaching from the car park. Mercedes eyes widened in shock when she looked around and recognized who it was, Marcus reached the table and took a seat at Kurt's side. Immediately Mercedes went to get up to leave with a look of betrayal and sadness on her face. But before she could rise from her seat, Marcus's hand shot out to grab her wrist. At the same time Kurt started a rambling flood of words, trying to stop her from leaving. After a momentary pause Mercedes sank stiffly back down onto the seat and Marcus's grip relaxed, but he left his hand next to where her hand rested on the table.
"What the hell Kurt?" Mercedes snapped, sounding full of indignation.
Kurt went to reply but Marcus held up his hand to halt the anticipated torrent of words.
...
Random images and pieces of conversation were ricocheting around Mercedes head as her agitation and suspicions seemed justified. All her doubts about Marcus' feelings towards her had found a basis in this moment of his appearance at Kurt's side. Suddenly all the small things that she had over looked or ignored in her infatuation seemed to make sense. Everything pointed to the conclusion that he was more interested in Kurt and his ability to communicate so easily with him, rather than dealing with her awkwardness.
Mercedes thought that she had come to at least partially accept that Marcus wasn't interested in her romantically, which had hurt a lot after their initial spark. But it hurt more than she had expected that her place had been filled by Kurt in Marcus' eyes. The feeling of betrayal, that both of these boys who she felt so close to, had not been honest with her about their feelings for each other stung, particularly after she had been so obvious with her own emotions.
...
Speech interrupted Mercedes spiraling emotional thoughts. Kurt started speaking for Marcus at the pace of his signs, as they continued in this way Kurt's volume moderated, as Mercedes distraction and tension decreased. "Mercedes' I need you to understand something. I know we have had problems communicating but I want to be able to connect with you and get to know you. I do really like you."
Mercedes sighed and her shoulders sagged in the realization that this was her moment of receiving the 'we are just friends' speech. Marcus' concerned expression was reflected on Kurt's face, accompanied by his classic huff of exasperation. There was a pause in Kurt's dialogue directed at Mercedes as he fired a brief string of signs at Marcus. There were a couple of hand gestures that Mercedes thought she recognized, but they didn't make sense in this already confusing situation.
"I know you guys are together, I just can't believe you didn't tell me, Kurt. Especially after all of the stuff I've told you." She stated with a sense of wounded pride.
At this point Kurt started laughing hysterically to the point of nearly falling off his seat, while Marcus shook his head slowly in wonder at this misunderstanding.
"No, no, that's not what we said" Kurt gasped out as the laughter trailed off. Marcus broke in saying "I like you Mercedes".
"Yeah, yeah I get that we are just friends. I just wish you had told me before." This time both boys exchanged exasperated looks before Kurt commenced speaking.
"Seriously Mercedes I think you're the one that's deaf. Give Marcus a chance and hear what he's saying". Kurt continued on speaking.
Mercedes confused expression cleared when Kurt subtly pointed her attention towards Marcus, as Kurt moderated his pace to a more steady rhythm while translating Marcus' stream of signs. When Kurt spoke the words 'I do actually like you' a brilliant smile lit up Mercedes face, as she heard these words spoken with Kurt's exaggerated expression. A gentle blush crept onto both her and Marcus' faces as their eyes locked.
Kurt attempted to smother a giggle of delight at the cuteness of the situation. It felt somewhat like being a bridesmaid, living vicariously through his friend's moment.
The sound of children squealing as they ran towards the playground nearby broke Mercedes and Marcus out of their romantic reverie.
The three teenagers spent a number of hours hanging out that afternoon at the picnic table chatting between each other with Kurt frequently helping Marcus to translate things for Mercedes benefit. Kurt realized that after a time Marcus had purposely distracted Mercedes into a conversation with Kurt and had subtly taken her hand across the table.