A/N: So thanks to a mild threat from Gurlchocolate I wrote this in a day. I know I didn't update it the next day. (Sorry face) But I usually wait until it's a new week to update. So thanks to her for the motivation. Okay so some context before reading:

The dream Sam has is totally different from his usual dreams. It's more an outer body experience dream. (If you catch my drift.)

Oh by the way if you are totes angry at me for how it plays out tell me. I take constructive criticism pretty well.

Lastly, Jadziwine: never seen an episode of doctor who. But now I'm thoroughly interested! :) anyway, Chapter 7...

Sam was in math class failing to answer an algebraic equation. Luckily his partner was Quinn. Not only was she incredibly beautiful, but she was also smart. Sam didn't know why but he was now sitting there and seeing just how much alike Mercedes and Quinn were. If you erased the thin lines of color and size, and got down to the brass tacks of beauty and smarts it was like they were the same person. Given, Quinn is an ice queen and Mercedes is more open and nice, but they had a lot of undeniable similarities. 'No wonder why they're friends' Sam said to himself.

He was looking at Quinn write and solve the equations better than Archimedes would himself, at the same time wondering if she realized he was watching her. Quinn must've read his thoughts or something because she shot up and gave him a glance that could literally kill, if this was a fantasy or comic book of course.

"What?" Quinn said frigidly.

"What?" he repeated.

"Why the H-E double hockey sticks are you staring at me? I thought you only had eyes for Mercedes..." Quinn teased.

"Shut up." Sam yelled, but his tone was playful as well. The teacher looked over to him and Quinn and put her finger to her lips signaling them to be quiet.

"So... How are things in: I love Mercedes but I won't tell her land?" Quinn asked

"I don't love Mercedes... I just, feel a certain way towards her that a guy feels for a girl when he likes her." after the words came out of Sam's mouth he wished he didn't say them. He sounded like a total jackass.

"So you're horny for her?" Quinn started to lightly laugh but it was subtle, the teacher didn't even notice.

"Quinn just stop... I'm not in love or horny. I just like her okay?"

"Well at least you can finally admit that much." Quinn pushed.

"Yeah... This brings me to my next point."

Quinn put her pen down and looked at him intently, waiting for him to say something.

"I asked Mercedes out." he said bluntly. At first Quinn's face showed no sign of emotion, and then like always it came like a tidal wave, she smiled wide and clapped her hands reaching over to hug Sam. The bell rung which meant it was time for lunch Sam and Quinn didn't leave the classroom just yet.

"Oh my god Sam! I can't believe it! You don't know how happy this makes me!" she started, " ...But you know what's weird? Mercedes and I walked to third period together and she didn't say anything about having a date with you."

"Yeah... That's what I wanted to talk to you about-" Sam was cut off again by Quinn. She was picking up her book bag and her binder and then she got up and hugged him again. She's way too excited about two people who aren't her getting together.Sam thought.

"Sam... Do you know what this means? You two can be a new glee club supercouple! Ahhhh!" Quinn bounced up and down.

Sam finally stood up and put his hands on Quinn shoulders to stop her cheers.

"Quinn! Before you go and start picking amalgamations with our names you need to know something." Quinn settled and sat back down.

"It's not a date." Sam finally managed to get out.

"It's not a date?" Quinn repeated as a question

"no. Well... It's was meant to be but..."

"But!" Quinn said defensively.

"I asked her at first with every intent on it being a date. But I was... I was afraid she was going to reject me... So I told her that it wasn't a date... It was more like just three friends hanging out at the movies together."

"Wait... Three?" Quinn asked confused.

"Yeah... That's the other thing... I told her you were going to be there." Sam gulped hard once he saw Quinn's angry face come into play. He was all too familiar with that face, when they were dating she gave him that face a lot. He now had nightmares of that face.

She got up, put her book bag on and then subsequently slapped him over the head like he was a bad child that had just got caught with their hands in the cookie jar.

"Ouch!" Sam said rubbing his head through the blonde locks.

"Samuel Evans you are an idiot!" she screamed.

"I know." is all he said back.

"You do know that even if Mercedes had any feelings for you, they are now diminished by the fact that you friend zoned her! With me in the middle! Hell she probably thinks that she's gonna be some third wheel in some twisted thing me and you have going on."
Sam never thought of it that way. He was so excited she said yes, he never took the time to think about how she must feel. And then he mentioned Quinn. Oh god Quinn, his Ex-girlfriend, Mercedes already thinks that they're great together. "Yeah I'm a dumbass." Sam said to Quinn.

"Well there's no fixing it now... What day and time is this 'non date'?" Quinn asked.

"Friday. 7 o clock." says sam.

"Ok I'll be there. For Mercedes sake only." she got up to turn away then she looked back at him and shook her head.

"I'll see you in glee club. Don't forget today is duets day." Quinn walked out. Sam stayed and buried his face into his hands. "Yeah... He was officially screwed."

Everyone crowded in the Choir room and they all were admittedly pumped for the duets competition. Mercedes was sitting right next to Artie, laughing and cackling. As usual it seemed as though she and him were the best of friends. Sam came over and sat next to her and she didn't even notice. Was Artie really saying something so hilarious that she couldn't even give him a hello? Sam felt himself getting angry. Quinn walked into the room and didn't look at Sam either. She sat next to him with her nose turned up and her sandal tapping against the floor.

Mr. Shue told everyone to be quiet and Brittany and Puck started off the competition. They sang a duet version of Ke$ha's The Harold Song, which Santana pointed out was brilliantly picked. Artie wanted to agree, but as Brittany and Puck sang in the final bridge, Mercedes leaned over and put her head on his shoulder, in which Artie invited comfortably. Sam looked right over to them and then looked at Quinn who gave him a told you so stare. Sam put his head down for most of the rest of the duets. He didn't know what songs Tina and Finn sang, or Gayberry. Which he silently called Kurt and Rachel's budding friendship. Santana and Mike were next but it was less of a duet than everybody realized. Mike did a great job in his duet with his life partner Tina, but he was still shy when it came to just singing. So Santana chose Mariah Carey's Fantasy and Mike danced around her. Santana was looking at Brittany the whole time singing. Even when she and mike joined hands in a choreographed dance to the song. After a while Sam drowned them out and tried to focus. He and Quinn were next. And although the song they picked was cute and sweet. It was a love song and Sam was worried that Mercedes would take it the wrong way. Sam didn't want Quinn. And if that's what it looked like then he would opt out of the duets competition right now, just to prove that fact. But alast he couldn't because Mr. Shue was now calling his and Quinn's names.
Sam grabbed his guitar and started strumming the chords to Taylor Swift's Love Story. Quinn began the first verses with Sam joining in the chorus and then he took the second, while Quinn gave her best 'oohs' and 'aahs'. Sam decided to be a little bold; he turned away from Quinn and walked slowly towards the front of the classroom. He was standing in front of everyone but his eyes on Mercedes. Mercedes noticed and started to fidget. She wondered if everyone else noticed that he was singing right to her. Quinn saw how uncomfortable Mercedes was and how Sam didn't have two fucks to give about who saw him. She did her best to saunter over to him, putting his attention back on her. They finished up the last lines together and everyone clapped. Mercedes smiled wide giving Sam a look that gave him a strange feeling in the pit of his stomach. 'Maybe she does like me.'Sam thought. He sat back down and then Mr. Shue gave the last couple the floor.

Mercedes and Artie walked to the front of the room and then the band started to play. Artie started the verse of K.C and Jo-Jo's All My Life.
He was singing to Mercedes like she was the only one in the room. Mercedes joined in and then sung the second verse to Artie. Artie rolled towards her with his vocals underlining her and they held hands. They belted out the last note together and then everyone in the room stood, giving Mercedes and Artie a standing ovation.

Mercedes smiled and looked over to Sam. He was doing the loudest clapping in the room and he was whistling things like bravo! Encore!She couldn't help but blush. Mr. Shue motioned both of them to sit back down. He then told the glee club that he would have his decision by Friday. They had some time to themselves after school and everyone started talking about the duets. Mercedes got up to use the bathroom and both Sam and Artie watched her exit the room. Quinn noticed and she just shook her head.

"I think I'm gonna do it." Artie said to no one in particular.

"Do what?" Sam asked.

"I think I'm gonna ask Mercedes out." he said turning to Sam and Quinn.

Sam and Quinn both had the same expression. Shock and confusion.
Sam turned to Quinn with pleading eyes, like he was saying do something!

"What... What brought this on Artie?" Quinn stumbled over her words.

"I don't know. I always talk about how beautiful Mercedes is and how wonderful, but that duet just proved what I've been trying to deny... Me and Mercedes were meant to be."

"How can you know this from a duet? It was just singing." Sam said desperately.

"I think I always knew. She never judges me, we sound great together, and my parents love everything about her. My mom is always asking me why we are just friends... I've been sitting here chasing all the wrong girls. Mercedes is the one... I know it!"

Mercedes was walking back into class and Artie rolled over to her and they talked for little bit before, he took her hand and they rolled out into the hallway. Sam looked at Quinn, who looked back at him with the same wordless expression. "You're/I'm doomed."

It was Friday and it was time for the non-date from hell. All week Mercedes was on air and no one knew why. But she did. And she was happy. That was until Glee club. Mr. Shue announced that he was scrapping the duets idea because he couldn't choose. So instead they were going to write original songs for nationals. Mercedes was pissed, simply because she knew what this meant. Rachel was getting the solo and then she would be swaying in the background with the rest. She was so pissed she left glee club as soon as Mr. Shue said they could go.

Sam was happy about today. He had no idea what happened between her and Artie and Artie refused to tell anyone and Mercedes seemed to be on air, but today was the day that Sam could change her mind. Say that: Artie and her were a so called 'item' she still agreed to this non date and Sam knew that Mercedes would keep her word. So Sam took it upon himself to make it an awesome day. His plan was to pay Quinn little to no attention and show Mercedes that he was definitely interested. If Artie thought he was just going to win the battle for Mercedes that easily he was sorely mistaken. Evans men don't give up. Especially when they got their eye on something or someone. In Sam's mind Mercedes was still free range, until she said otherwise. Mercedes seemed happy all day until glee, Sam observed. She left class abruptly and Sam noticed and went after her. He followed her to her car and then startled her as he tapped on her shoulder.

"Yes Samuel?" she said in quite a nasty tone.

"Ooh no one calls me that unless they're pissed at me. Is there something wrong?"

Mercedes sighed. "Except for that fact that berry is going to end up getting the solo once again? Then I have to sit back and hear her and Finn suck the soul out of one more song? No I'm as happy as a morning bird!" she said the last part very sarcastically.

"Look Rachel's awesome... But if I'm being totally honest, you sound way better than her. If or that whole glee club can't see it then it's their lost!" he noticed her mouth form a small smile so he continued.

"You know what? Let's start our own club! Yeah... Well start our own glee club and call it 'The We Are Better than Your Glee Club, Club!' Where only people who can really sang can get in!"
Mercedes started laughing uncontrollably. She slapped his chest and he caught her hand by accident. In that moment they both looked at each other. Silently their minds synced, both of them thinking the same thing. "Do you feel that? Sparks."Sam slowly let her hand go and she started to open her car.

Sam quickly remembered why he ran out after her and asked, "Are we still going to the movies tonight?"

She turned to him and said, "of course. I made I promise. So should I pick you up?"
"Actually... If you wouldn't mind, yeah." Sam didn't need a ride. He had his father's truck all night, but spending alone time with her before the non-date from hell was vital.

"Ok see you at 6. And you should know... I like to watch the commercials."

"I figured you did. See you then."
They both smiled at each other and Mercedes got in her car and left.

Sam was pissed beyond belief. His father and mother told him at the last moment that they both had to work which left him watching Stevie and Stacy. Stacy and Stevie sat at the small table, looking up at Sam waiting for instructions and food. Sam was making them sandwiches when he phone rang, it was Quinn.

"Hey..." she said

"Quinn, I'm kinda busy... What's up?"

"Mercedes called me... She said she's on her way to you and wanted to know if I also needed a ride to the theater."

Shit.Sam forgot about Mercedes coming to pick him up.

"What did you tell her?" he inquired.

"I told her that I was under the weather, and couldn't make it. You're welcome."

"Quinn! She isn't gonna come if you're not there!" he let out a frustrated groan and then remembered "What am I talking about I can't go anyway."

"First of all she said it was fine, in fact she's on her way there now... Wait why aren't you going! Do you want artie to have her?"

"What? No. My parent stuck me with the siblings. Nothing I can do. But don't worry, I'll just tell Mercedes that we can do it another time."

"Sam... This is your only shot at this; nobody knows what happened between her and artie. For all we know they could be dating already!" Quinn practically yelled at him.

"Well what do you want me to do 'Oh Great One'?"

Before Quinn could answer he heard Stacy's voice. "Sam the pretty black girl from your school is at the door."
Sam dropped his phone onto the top on mayonnaise. He was thanking baby Jesus that it didn't fall in. Sam washed his hands and went to the door. Mercedes and Stacy were talking.

"I like your dress." Stacy said to her. Mercedes smooth down the purple dress and said "thank you... Yours is really pretty too, and those pigtails make you look even more exquisite."

Sam smiled as Stacy turned to him and asked "Sammy... What does exquisite mean?"

"It's another word for good or amazingly beautiful." he said looking down at his little sister.

Stacy ran back into the kitchenette and yelled to Stevie, "Sam's friend thinks I'm exquisite!" she pronounced the word wrong but it still sounded so adorable when she said it.

Sam and Mercedes stood there for a quick second looking at each other before Sam said something.

"Would you like to come in?" Mercedes nodded and walked into the quaint motel room. Stevie and Stacy were at the table waiting to be fed and hitting each other accordingly.

"They look hungry..." Mercedes started.

"Yeah, I was just making them some sandwiches... Look Mercedes, I had no idea I would be watching them tonight. I'm sorry. I should've called and set another date."

"Relax... Sammy." she said toying with him. His face grew into a side smile. 'I like the way she said that.'

"It's not like it was a date or anything..." 'Right..." Sam thought. 'Not a date.'

Mercedes looked around and saw the pathetic looking sandwiches he was making. She decided that maybe he needed some help. "How's about I help watch them? We can order a pizza, my treat!" she yelled. Stacy and Stevie jumped for joy.

"Pizza! Pizza! Sam's sandwiches are horrible." Stevie said

"Definitely not exquisite." Stacy added.

Mercedes laughed then looked at Sam with question in her eyes. "Fine!" Sam said. "Mercedes can stay... But you both have to promise to be good and... We're watching avatar."

Stacy and Mercedes booed but Stevie and Sam cheered. The night was going to be way better than Sam thought.

The night was coming to a close as Stevie and Stacy drifted off to sleep on the bed. Sam had to admit that it was the best night he had since becoming homeless. Stevie and Stacy laughed and joked with Mercedes and she threw it right back at them. She was so sweet and attentive. Making sure they didn't make a mess when they ate. And helping clean up the inevitable mess after the drifted off to sleep on the couch. Her and Sam hummed songs together in harmony while cleaning. And Sam busted out some jokes and very lame impressions that would've turned any girl off except Mercedes. She laughed at them no matter how lame or silly they were. Didn't mean she didn't call him out on them, but nevertheless she still enjoyed his Chris rock impression and his James earl jones ones the best. The night dwindled some more and then the kids woke up, showered, brushed their teeth then went to bed. Avatar was coming to a close for the third time that night and Sam and Mercedes had no idea they were sitting so close. Until he rubbed his hand against hers. They both laughed it off and that's when Mercedes decided it was time for her to go. Sam decided to walk her to her car. Even if it was only 15 feet away.

"I had a great time tonight. Thanks for helping me watch them." he said to her.

"No problem Sam, if you ever need any help you know you can call me! I'll come over with treats baked right from my kitchen."

"You bake?" he asked, She nodded. 'Marry me.' his conscience screamed.

"Well... I just might hold you to that." he said.
She smiled then they stood there in silence, neither one of them knew what to do or say. 'Fuck it' Sam thought. He wrapped his arms around her and hugged her tight. She was taken aback at first then she hugged him just as tightly as he was hugging her. Sam was the first to release the hold and then he looked into her eyes. The moment got to Sam as he absently lowered his head to hers and kissed her lips. Mercedes stood there not kissing him back, and then as a millisecond passed she decided 'fuck it'and pressed her lips to his. There was no tongue, just a sweet chaste kiss on both of their lips. Sam was holding onto her waist and he brought her in closer. He went for it and deepened the kiss... That's the moment she pushed him back.

"Sam... What the hell was that?" she asked confused.

"It was a kiss... And you kissed me back." He gave her a crooked half smile.

"Why did you kiss me?" she was so confused.

"Why did you kiss me?" he asked playing her game.

"I... I don't know."
Sam moved forward to get closer to Mercedes. She pushed him away with her hand.

"I can't..." is all she could say.

"Why?" he grabbed her hand gently and out it came. This time it wasn't word vomit. "Mercedes... I like you."

"don't." she said

"don't what?"

"Don't like me, stop liking me!" she released his hands and got in her car and quickly jetted away.

After staying in the parking lot for a good five minutes, confused as ever, Sam's body was exhausted. Without even showering he flat lined into sleep.

This was not like any dream he had before. Sam didn't wake up surrounded by white sheets or women. He was in a packed club and the music was almost deafening. He walked through the club trying to see if there was anyone he knew. Then he saw her. The woman he's been having an affair with. He exhaled and decided to let it play out. He stopped trying to fight his dreams a long time ago. Somewhere between Mercedes' beautiful lingerie and waking up with hard ons. He went over to the bar and prepared to talk to her when a tall man came over and hugged her. Sam didn't get a good look at the man but he had dark blonde hair, and was the exact height of Sam. Except he had a blond shaggy beard. Sam moved closer to get a better look at him. The man ordered a scotch neat. A manly drink, while Emma orders a Cosmo. Guess she was trying to be flirty. Sam thought. He finally made his way to the bar and got a good look at the man. Then Sam noticed that the man was him. Except, older, and scruffier.

But how could that be? I'm always the future Sam in my own dreams! Sam was confused. He sat down next to Emma and screamed "HELLO!" at her but Emma wasn't fazed. It was like he was a ghost or something.

Emma started laughing at older Sam's joke. Then put her hand on his shoulder. Sam listened intensively to their convo.

"So, how's your wife?" she asked him

Sam shrugged... Present Sam could see he was getting a light buzz. He ordered another scotch then drunk it down like water. Then he ordered another, savoring it.

"My wife just told me that she slept with my best friend when she was in college." he laughed lightly and then drunk down the remaining contents of his scotch then ordered one more.

"Aww Sam I'm sorry. Were you too still together when it happened?"

"Nope. I was dating... Quinn. Do you know her? You should see her, she's beautiful. But She never loved me the way..." his voice trailed off.

"So why are you so hung up about Mercedes and that other guy? It was before you got together."

"Mercedes was always mine... No one else's. Now look at me! I have to share her with the world!" future Sam stood up on his stool and raised his glass to everyone. Present Sam was embarrassed enough for the both of them. Emma helped him back down and she laughed.

"Easy there big guy..." she said.

"Did you know she was in japan on my birthday? Freaking japan. And I swear she's screwing her new/ old chorographer. They spend so much time in that dance studio... Bartender!" Sam yelled. The bartender passed him another drink.

"So you think she's cheating on you?" Emma asked.

"Yes. I know she is... You know even in high school she was amazing. The fucking cream rising to the top! And what am I? Nothing..." he drank down yet another scotch.

"Sam your album is number 1 in the US and Canada. You topped the country charts in billboard's hot 200."

"She's still better than me… everything she does will always be better than whatever I do… damnit, She's too good for me." after the last drink the bartender cut him off. Present Sam sat there hoping what happened next wasn't what he thought was going to happen.

Emma leaned into him on the bar and said, "I'm not."

"What?" he asked his words slurred.

"I'm not too good. In fact you know what I'm not good at all." he came closer so that they were face to face.

"Is that right?" he smiled. Present Sam ran in between them and screamed "don't do this Sam! Not to Mercedes, not to yourself!"

"Yes. And you know what they say... If you want to get back at the person who's cheating on you... You cheat on them."

"Is that what that say?"
He asked. Emma nodded and pulled him by his collar. Future Sam was to inebriated to pull away and he followed her out of the club.

Present Sam stood there in shock. This was the first time he cheated on his wife. And now he knew why, but if it was just a drunken one time mistake... Why does it continue?

He woke up at 4am on a Saturday in his cheap motel room and cursed into the pillow. "Quinn's right... I'm doomed."