Hi everyone! I want to thank you all for the fantastic reviews. They never fail to make me smile. I don't think there's a bigger compliment for a fanfiction writer, than to be told 'it's too bad you don't write for the show'. So thank you very much for making my day.
I surprised myself by being able to write this chapter so soon after updating the story. This chapter really focuses on the competition and the reasons why Mercedes isn't keen on getting back with Sam, despite the undeniable pull she feels towards him. This is really Mercedes trying to make Sam understand. There are few flashbacks. I'm not super happy with this chapter. Writing the competition scenes were harder than I thought they would be. I hope you enjoy it anyway. Again: I apologize for the shittiness of my competition scenes. Please excuse any mistakes :P
The Kids From Yesterday
"Really, the boys have nothing on us." said Quinn smugly as she sowed sequins onto her costume. Everyone had agreed to use Mercedes' idea for the competition, but that meant a lot of work. The girls had a ditched classes that afternoon and had sought refuge in Rachel's basement. They had music, food, sleeping bags and all the necessary things for a sleepover. They would have their routine down perfectly by tomorrow, even if it meant no sleep for the night.
Sugar had bought the costumes, but there were a few adjustments to make here and there, to make them appropriate. Such as adding shorts, but they were nearly perfect.
"We need to go last." said Santana. "Let's give them false hope."
"We'll simply demand to get the last spot." said Rachel firmly. Apparently, her argument with Finn wasn't over and she refused to even speak to him until the rematch. No one wanted to win as badly as Rachel did.
"Really? How is that supposed to work? They'll know we're up to no good if you ask." said Mercedes. "I can't ask either. Neither can Santana, Sugar or Quinn. That leaves Britt and Tina."
"You should pretend to be nervous and ill." said Quinn, thinking. "Tina can cry and plead Mr. Schue to go last."
"And Brittany can be really nervous too," agreed Sugar.
"Why us?" asked Tina, confused.
"Because you're the nice ones." said Rachel. "The rest of us have competitive personalities. No one would suspect you."
"What if Artie gives me another magic comb?" asked Brittany.
"We talked about this." whispered Santana. "Artie doesn't have a magic comb."
"oh, yeah. Okay then." said Brittany cheerfully. "Let's start on the routine."
By midnight, the girls had finished their costumes and perfected the choreography. They had never worked so hard, even nationals hadn't taken as much out of them. But this was personal. It didn't help that Rachel was furious and determined to prove the guys how amazing she and the girls could be. Mercedes should have been exhausted after twelve hours of sewing and dancing, but she wasn't. No one was. Instead of sleeping, they were all sitting on their sleeping bags gossiping.
"I heard Brett has started taking showers." said Tina.
"No, that's just a rumor." Santana grimaced. "He's definitely not taking any showers. Next."
"I really just want to know what happened at Breadstix last night." said Rachel shrugging.
Mercedes glanced at Santana and sighed. Of course they had heard. News traveled fast in Lima. "Shane stood me up and spent the evening with his friends." she said slowly, but Sugar coughed.
"I heard he bashed the glee club and Santana attacked him. Twice." she said.
"I heard they had to carry Santana out." added Tina.
"I hear you dumped him for Sam." This from Brittany.
And there it was. The conversation she had been dreading. Judging by their expectant expressions, she had some explaining to do and they didn't seem keen on letting it go.
"I only attacked Shane once." Santana shrugged. "Then I attacked his friend. I should have scratched his eyes out. But Mercedes did not dump Shane."
"We haven't talked since last night." said Mercedes. "I don't want to talk to him either. Not yet."
"Well, you're going to have to soon." said Quinn. "To tell him you still have feelings for Sam."
Mercedes paled. "But I don't. Not those kinds of feelings."
"Didn't you call him right after the Breadstix incident?" asked Tina.
"Yeah, but he- we're just friends."
"I'm your friend. Why didn't you call me?" asked Quinn.
"Oh, come on. Can we be real, here? She called Sam because it was a reflex. She probably didn't even realize she did it until he got there. Can't you tell she's as confused as the rest of us?" exclaimed Santana. Mercedes smiled at her gratefully.
"He's cuter than Shane." said Sugar shrugging. There was a murmur of agreement.
"And Trouty Mouth as the moves." added Santana.
"And he's your lobster." Brittany laid down and played her head in Santana's lap.
"I think you need to stop thinking about other people and do what you feel, in your heart, is right." shrugged Quinn. Tina and Rachel nodded in agreement.
"Trust me, as soon as I understand what my heart is saying, I'll fix everything." Mercedes hoped they would accept this and was relieved when they did.
"okay, well, we should sleep now." said Rachel. The girls got into their sleeping bags, all snuggled up beside one another. Tomorrow would be a big day.
SMSMSMSMSMS
She still didn't understand why Sam stared at her in Spanish class. It wasn't like he was great in school. He'd always struggle because of his dyslexia. So why is he staring at me instead of listening to Mr. Schue? She wondered. Beside her sat Puck, who was slowly, but surely, falling asleep. She had to nudge him ever so often so that he wouldn't start snoring. About half way through the class, Puck nudged her and handed her a note. He just shrugged when she sent him a questioning look.
She opened the note slowly, trying not to attract Mr. Schue's attention. Her heart dropped when she read what Sam had written: 'Am I the sun to your moon? -S'. Puck watched her curiously, but she was too shocked to even look at him. Instead, her mind went back to her summer with Sam.
"I love eclipses. Especially Lunar eclipses." murmured Mercedes, as she stared up at the red moon. Sam pulled her close to him, and smiled. She was prettiest when she was lost in thought, unaware of being watched. He never told her that, not that she would believe him. She barely believed him when he told her she was beautiful. If he started specifying the moments when she passed from beautiful to perfect, she'd be upset. That was something he'd work on with her. He wanted her to see what he saw.
"I heard a story about the moon once." he said softly.
"What story?" she asked, turning to look at him. He smiled and held her tightly, while resting his chin on her shoulder.
"It's silly." he shrugged, but grinned when Mercedes urged him to tell her. "There once was a prince, he was dark with hair the color of flames. He was in love with a princess, whose hair was white as snow. But they argued a lot."
"Why?"
"They were too ambitious. They loved each other, but they loved power more. They wanted to rule the earth, but not together. So one day, tired of the fights, a witch cursed them. She turned the prince into the sun, and the princess into the moon. Now they both rule the world, but not together. Not at the same time."
"Except when there's an eclipse." murmured Mercedes.
"Yeah," agreed Sam. "Sometimes they meet and they realize how much they love each other and how much they messed up. That's why a solar eclipse hurts the eyes. It's like... love explosions and our human eyes can't take it."
"What about the lunar eclipse?"
"That's when they meet, and remember the good times. It's when they cry over past mistakes." he answered. "and after the eclipse, they go back to being alone and ruling the earth, together and yet apart."
"That's sad." whispered Mercedes, looking up at the moon. Suddenly self-conscious, Sam let her go and inched away.
"Yeah, I'm sorry, that was stupid. My grand-ma told me the story a long time ago. I probably got it wrong." he said nervously. Mercedes smiled sadly and shook her head.
"No, you told it perfectly."
"It made you sad."
Mercedes laughed softly and took a step towards him to lay her hand on his cheek. "Yeah, it did. But it also taught me something: not to let anything come between us so we won't become the sun and the moon." she smiled and kissed him softly. "I love you."
"I love you too," Sam smiled and pulled her into a tight hug.
Mercedes looked up from the note, sadness clouding her dark eyes. That was a particular memory she had not been keen on thinking about. Of course he had remembered. It had been a beautiful night. They had been closer than ever. Like Spike had once told Buffy: 'I've never been close to anyone. Least of all, you. 'Til last night. All I did was hold you, watch you sleep. And it was the best night of my life'. That was exactly what that night had been for them. They had been close in spirit and thought, they had watched each other sleep and they had held each other. But it was more than that. It was her favorite memory. She had never felt so happy, and all they had done was sleep and look at the stars. She has tried, unsuccessfully, to make a better memory with Shane. No matter how much she tried, nothing matched that memory.
Mercedes ignored Sam for the rest of the period, focusing her attention on the lesson. Still, she felt his gaze on her. At the end of the class, he managed to keep her from leaving by 'accidentally' pushing her books and pencil case onto the floor. While the students and teacher gathered their things and left, he helped her pick up the pens and pencils that had spilled everywhere.
"Sorry about that," he said once they were alone.
"You did that by purpose." she accused.
"Alright, you caught me." he grinned and stood, Mercedes following suite. "I just wanted to talk to you."
"Well, you talked to me." snapped Mercedes. "You can't pass me notes like that in class."
"It was an honest question, Mercedes."said Sam, amused. "One you didn't answer. So, am I the sun to your moon?"
He wasn't letting this go, she realized. What was wrong with people lately? They kept demanding answers, never settling for no. "I don't know," she said honestly. "I don't know anything when it comes to you."
He nodded, understanding. "Well, my heart's still on fire." he looked down at her seriously. "I've no doubt yours is too."
"That's almost poetic." said Mercedes.
"I try." he grinned. "I'll see you in Glee club. Be prepared for an amazing performance."
SMSMSMSMSMS
"I can't do this," cried Tina. She was sobbing in a corner. Mike sat beside her, trying to comfort her. "There's too much pressure." Britt sat on the piano, her face pale.
"We are going to fail." she whispered.
"Mr. Schue, can we please go last. Look at the girls, they're stressed. We need to calm them down." said Mercedes.
Santana nodded. "You guys wanted this to be fair, well making us pass first would be unfair."
"I strongly suggest we do something about this, Mr. Schue." agreed Rachel.
The boys glanced at each other. They hid it well, but Mercedes could see traces of smug amusement in their eyes. "Sure Mr. Schue. Let them go second. We don't mind." said Finn.
"Perfect." Mr. Schue glanced at his watch. "You have half an hour to get your costumes ready. We'll meet in the auditorium. Coach Beiste and Miss Pillsbury will help me judge."
"Awesome." said Sugar. "Now, we've got to go get ready. So... bye." The girls grabbed their bags and ran straight to the girl's bathroom. It was only once they were inside, away from the boys, that Tina stopped crying.
"That was too easy." She said rolling her eyes.
"They're arrogant." said Quinn.
"Wait 'till they see us perform. Then we'll see who's smiling." muttered Rachel.
The girls undressed quickly and slipped on their costumes.
"We're hot." said Sugar.
"Hot bitches." agreed Santana. She wore a Little Red Riding Hood costume, and had little red flats to match. Quinn was dressed as Cinderella, and was currently tying her hair into a bun. Brittany was dressed as Alice, from the Alice in Wonderland books. Putting on their make-up were Tina, who was channeling her inner Belle, and Rachel, who was dressed as Snow White. That left Sugar and Mercedes.
Sugar was wearing normal, everyday clothes that the girls had ripped up and zombified the previous night. She sat on the floor while Brittany teased her hair and Santana did her make-up. With the girls help, Mercedes was certain their zombie would be ready in no time.
As for herself, Mercedes was dressed as the Mad Hatter. She had grown particularly attached to her top-hat, which she had pinned to a headband in order to keep it in place.
"Maybe the skirts are a little short." said a worried Rachel.
"We're wearing shorts under and you can't see our asses when we bent over. I think we're fine." said Quinn.
"What's wrong with seeing some bum?" asked Brittany. "i have a nice butt."
"Yeah, you do." laughed Santana.
"okay." said Mercedes. "Do we have our Cinderella?"
"Check," said Quinn.
"Alice?"
"Here." Brittany clapped her hands enthusiastically.
"Snow White?"
"Present and accounted for." smiled Rachel.
"Belle?"
"Beauty at you service!" Tina bowed.
"Little Red Riding Hood?"
"Here!" Santana grinned.
"Zombie Queen?"
"oh, yeah!" Sugar did a little victory dance.
"And there's me." Mercedes smiled. 'And with Five minutes to spare. Coats on, girls. We've got a competition to win!"
SMSMSMSMSMS
The girls settled themselves in the auditorium, their faces composed. They wore their coats, making their costumes a secret for everyone else. It wasn't long before the lights dimmed and music started. The boys were all dressed in leather jackets and white t-shirts. Finn sat behind his drum kit. Puck and Artie both had a guitars. The rest had microphones. Finn was the first to sing.
[Finn]
Well now this could be the last of all the rides we take
[Blaine]
So hold on tight and don't look back
[Puck]
We don't care about the message or the rules they make
[Sam]
I'll find you when the sun goes black
Sam winked at Mercedes, who felt a blush creep up on her. They were great. They seemed to be really enjoying themselves, and she felt her confidence waver. Judging by the expression on Quinn's face, so did hers.
[all]
And you only live forever in the lights you make
When we were young we used to say
That you only hear the music when your heart begins to break
Now we are the kids from yesterday
The boys without instruments began a small dance routine that made her smile before grabbing their microphones and continuing.
[Rory]
All the cameras watch the accidents and stars you hate
[Mike and Kurt]
They only care if you can bleed
Mercedes was surprised to hear how low Kurt had managed so sing. He and Mike sounded good together and not at all out of place. They fit in with the other boys perfectly.
[Artie]
Does the television make you feel the pills you ate?
[Mike and Kurt]
Or every person that you need to be
[All]
Cause you only live forever in the lights you make
When we were young we used to say
That you only hear the music when your heart begins to break
Now we are the kids from yesterday
[Artie]
Today, today
We are the kids from yesterday
Today, today
[Sam]
Here we are and we won't stop breathing
Yell it out 'til your heart stops beating
[Puck]
We are the kids from yesterday
Today
The girls cheered and clapped as they watched them perform. The boys may have hurt their egos, but the girls were mature enough to admit the vocals and energy they gave were flawless. The boys owned the stage, for the simple fact that they were having fun.
[All]
Cause you only live forever in the lights you make
When we were young we used to say
That you only hear the music when your heart begins to break
Now we are the kids from yesterday
We are the kids from yesterday
We are the kids from yesterday
We are the kids from yesterday
Today, today
SMSMSMSMSMS
The girls stood backstage in their costumes. Their coats had been taken off and set aside. Mercedes should have nervous. There was a whole story behind their chosen costumes and the lyrics the girls sang. They hadn't picked out their outfits just for fun. The characters they were portraying had all been mentioned in the songs they had chosen. Except Alice and the Mad Hatter, but they talked about Wonderland, so they were sort of mentioned. She just hoped the judges would understand the link between the costumes and the songs.
Sugar stayed backstage while the other girls got into position. She wasn't in the first part of the number. At first, she had cursed and shout, but when Rachel explained that she would be the main focus in the second part of the number, Sugar had been all smiles.
"Remember, girls." said Rachel. "Be your characters."
The music started and the girls took a deep breath. It's was on.
[Quinn]
I'm not Snow White,
but I'm lost inside this forest.
All the girls, but Quinn, stood still, staring at the ground. She took a few steps, pretending to be lost before pulling the statue move and letting Brittany take over.
[Brittany]
I'm not Red Riding Hood,
but I think the wolves have got me.
True to the lyrics, Brittany looked worried as she glanced around for the said wolves. Then she returned to her statue position. Santana, Tina and Rachel followed suit, each doing a little dance solo.
[Santana]
Don't want your stilettos!
I'm not, not Cinderella..
I don't need a knight,
so baby take off all your armor!
[Tina]
You be the beast,
and I'll be the beauty beauty.
Who needs true love,
as long as you love me truly?
[Rachel]
I want it all,
but I want ya more!
Will you wake me up boy
if I bite your poison apple?
Mercedes, who had been in the back beside Quinn, made her way to the front.
[Mercedes]
I dont believe in fairy tales..
I dont believe in fairy tales..
I dont believe in fairy tales,
but I believe in you and me!
[All]
Take me ta' wonderland!
take me ta' take me ta'
take me ta' wonderland!
take me ta' take me ta'
take me ta' wonderland!
take me ta' take me ta'
take me ta' wonderland!
Wonderland wonderland!
[Quinn]
When I lay my head down
to go to sleep at night..
My dreams consist of things
that'll make you wanna hide.
[Santana]
Don't let me in ya your tower.
Show me your magic powers!
I'm not afraid to face
a little bit of danger, danger!
[Rachel]
I want the love,
the money and the perfect ending
You want the same as I, I.
So stop pretending!
As she sang, Rachel winked at Finn, who smiled back at her. The boys seemed to enjoy the performance as much a the girls had enjoyed theirs.
[Mercedes]
I wanna show you how
good we could be together..
I wanna love you through the night,
we'll be a sweet disaster!
[Santana]
I dont believe in fairy tales..
I dont believe in fairy tales..
I dont believe in fairy tales,
but I believe in you and me!
[All]
Take me ta' wonderland!
take me ta' take me ta'
take me ta' wonderland!
take me ta' take me ta'
take me ta' wonderland!
take me ta' take me ta'
take me ta' wonderland!
Wonderland wonderland!
There was a loud 'Boom' and the lights closed. The girls had two seconds to form a circle around Sugar, who stood still looking fierce. When the lights opened again, and the music started, she was the first to sing while the other girls, who were kneeling danced to the beat of the music.
[Sugar]
Zombie, Zombie
Brittany was the first to stand, dancing around Sugar, who had begun to move like the undead.
[Brittany]
I'm in love with a zombie
Can't keep his hands off me
I think he's looking at me
But he's looking right through me
On the floor, Tina began a small routine that Brittany had taught her the night before while the other girls got to their feet and did their own routine.
[Tina]
You think you're so cool boy
Blood rushing through my veins now
Do you want me for my body
Do you want me for my brain, brain, brain, brain
Brittany and Quinn helped Tina to her feet. During the whole choreography, Sugar was being chased and danced around. She portrayed the girls' object of affection superbly. Not only did she have the 'undead dance' down perfectly, but she genuinely seemed to be enjoying herself.
[Rachel]
I'm in love with a zombie (boy)
I'm in love with a zombie (boy)
I'm in love with a zombie (boy)
But his heart is so cold
I'm in love with a zombie (boy)
I'm in love with a zombie (boy)
I'm in love with a zombie (boy)
But his heart is so cold
[Quinn]
Cold, cold, freezing, freezing
Got my heart beating, beating
Cold, cold, freezing, freezing
Got my heart beating, beating
While the other girls danced, Santana stepped forward.
[Santana]
I'm in love with a zombie
When he put his hands on me
Send chills through my body
But then he don't call me
[Mercedes]
And I know that he like me
Cause he chasing me nightly
And I want him to bite me
Cause i know I'm gonna like it, like it, like it, like it
Mercedes saw Sam grin and she very nearly rolled her eyes. She should have known he would apply those lyrics to him.
[Brittany]
I'm in love with a zombie (boy)
I'm in love with a zombie (boy)
I'm in love with a zombie (boy)
But his heart is so cold
[Mercedes]
I'm in love with a zombie (boy)
I'm in love with a zombie (boy)
I'm in love with a zombie (boy)
But his heart is so cold
[Quinn]
Cold, cold, freezing, freezing
Got my heart beating, beating
Cold, cold, freezing, freezing
Got my heart beating, beating
SMSMSMSMSMS
Everyone sat in the auditorium, anxiously waiting for the results. Mr. Schue was the first to congratulate both teams. He was excited and proud of the hard work that had been put into both performances. He went off topic for a little while, talking about an idea for the next group. It took Coach Beiste to get him back on track.
"Right. Boys, you were great. The vocals were great, the song choice was perfect." Mr. Schue looked at the boys. "But the choreography was a bit lacking. You looked more like a band that was practicing in the garage. So, great but lacking."
"I really liked it, though." said Emma, kindly.
"Girls," Mr. Schue eyes the girls and sighed. "You were also great-"
"I liked what you did with the costumes and the lyrics." said Coach Beiste.
"That was clever," agreed Mr. Schue. "The vocals were on point, the songs were different but you sang them very well."
"But?" asked Mercedes gravely.
"But your choreography was all over the place." said Mr. Schue. "You seemed to be trying to tell us a story. You did a great job with the time you had. The creative ideas were there, the music and vocals were perfect, but the choreography needed a little something more."
"So if we all sucked at dancing, who wins?" asked Finn.
"You all do." said Coach Bieste. Emma nodded.
"We thought it was only fair. We couldn't pick a winner, so you all win." said Mr. Schue.
"But how is this supposed to settle my argument with Finn?" asked Rachel, glaring at the teachers.
"Maybe you're both going to have to accept that every member of this club is great and that the girls and boys are equally talented." supplied Emma.
Silence filled the room, in which they shifted guiltily in their seats.
SMSMSMSMSMS
Santana glanced at Mercedes, who was folding her costume carefully. They hadn't spoken much since last night. She blamed Shane, his thin mustache and horrible friends. But she had attacked them, and she wasn't sure if Mercedes was angry with her. Normally, Mercedes would call her out when she was unhappy, but lately, nothing was normal and Santana did not want to take any chances.
"Are you mad at me?" She asked bluntly.
Mercedes looked up from the costume she was putting into her school bag and frowned. "No. Why would I be mad at you?"
"I attacked Shane."
"He deserved it." Mercedes shrugged.
"Then why haven't you talked to me?" asked Santana. "Britt and I were talking last night, you and Quinn are the closest friends we have-"
"I've been looking for a way to apologize." interrupted Mercedes. "He shouldn't have insulted you, or let that guy insult you."
Really? Girl, you've lost your mind. That was not your fault. If you think I'm going to blame you for that, you really need to get checked out." Santana crossed her arms. "I may not like him his freakish resemblance to Grimace, but you're still my girl."
Mercedes smiled. "I know, I just feel bad."
"I love Brittany, she's my lobster. But I don't have many friends and contrary to popular belief, I need some. I actually like and respect you." she shrugged. "Which isn't something I do easily. So it's going to take more than his mistakes to make me be mad at you."
"Well, well. Santana being sweet." Mercedes chuckled and hugged the girl.
"If you tell anyone, I'll deny it." Santana smiled, but quickly sobered. Mercedes turned and very nearly groaned.
"You guys were great." said Sam, walking into the classroom.
"Thanks," Mercedes smiled. Santana, on the other hand, didn't.
"What do you want, Trouty Mouth?" she crossed her arms. There was too much pressure on Mercedes when Sam was around and Santana hated it.
"Just to congratulate you." he smiled. "And see if you wanted to go out to Breadstix. The guys' treat. All of you. The others said yeah. We're meeting there. I came to tell you."
"Great idea!" Santana clapped her hands together. "Mercedes, can you give me a ride?"
"No problem."
"Great. I'll wait by your car." Santana grabbed her hand and squeezed knowingly before skipping out of the classroom.
"You were beautiful." said Sam once Santana was gone. "Then again you always are."
"No. I'm going to stop you there." Mercedes shook her head. "No please-love-me talk tonight."
"But-" He started, but Mercedes cut him off.
"You don't seem to understand when I tell you that I was broken when you left. Maybe if I sing. You'll understand. Just, for one second, pretend we're in June." said Mercedes.
Sam nodded frowning. He hadn't expected her to sing to him. Not yet.
I find shelter. In this way
Undercover, Hide away
Can you hear. When I say
I have never, Felt this way
She laid a hand on his cheek and smiled sadly when he leaned into her touch to nuzzle her hand. For the first time since his return, she did nothing to hide the tears.
Maybe I had said
Something that was wrong
Can I make it better
With the lights turned on, oh, oh, oh, oh
Sam felt his own eyes fill as he remembered their last conversation, before he left. She had asked over and over again if they could try the long distance relationship. He had flat out refused, firmly believing that it was unfair to her. Never had the thought that she could possibly think it was because of a mistake she had made, had crossed his mind.
Could I be, Was I there
It felt so crystal, In the air
I still want to drown. Whenever you leave
Please teach me gently, How to breathe
He leaned down to rest his forehead against hers. He realized now, what she meant. It wasn't just the lyrics of the song. It was the emotion behind them. He truly felt like he was drowning in grief and doubt with her.
And I'll cross oceans, Like never before
So you can feel the way I feel it too
I'll send images back at you
So you can see the way I feel it too
Maybe I had said
Something that was wrong
Can I make it better
With the lights turned on
Mercedes looked up into in green eyes. Their mouths were barely an inch away from each other. She smiled sadly and stepped back. She shook her head and smiled to herself. Maybe now he would understand.
Maybe I had said
Something that was wrong
Can I make it better
With the lights turned on
"Mercedes-"
"I can't." she shook her head, suddenly unsure of herself. She stilled loved him. That much was clear now. But it wasn't that easy. He was dangerous, not that he realized it. If she loved him again, she threatened everything she had worked so hard to accomplish; learning to breathe again without him, having fun without him. "I can't be with you, because I'm not sure I could handle the next time you leave."
Sam nodded understanding. "So, I just have to show you that I'm serious."
"You missed the point." whispered Mercedes.
"When I look at my future, no matter how rich or poor I may be, I see you." he smiled. "For now, I love you enough for the both of us, but soon you'll meet me halfway."
"How are you so sure?" asked a weary Mercedes.
"Because you've already started walking." he said simply.
Mercedes let out the breath she had not realized she had been holding and sent him a small smile. "Well. Santana is waiting, so..."
He nodded. "I'll see you there."
SMSMSMSMSMS
Mercedes ran out of the school, bag in hand. Santana, true to her word, was waiting beside her car. When she saw the expression on Mercedes' face, her grin vanished and she pulled her friend into a hug.
"I love him." Whispered Mercedes, her eyes dry.
"I know." Santana let her go and smiled. "We'll figure it out."
Grateful, Mercedes returned her smile. "We'll figure both of our problems."
SMSMSMSMSMS
Breadstix was full of noise, mainly the Glee club laughing and talking as though they hadn't seen each other. Mercedes sat with Rachel, Quinn, Tina and Artie. They were laughing, but she couldn't quite catch why. She had stopped listening a long time ago. No one ever said life was easy, which was a good thing. Anyone who thought it was deserved a big kick up the ass.
She groaned when she saw Shane enter the restaurant, flanked by the same friends from last night. He saw her and smiled grimly.
"Well, if it isn't Grimace McMumbles and the droids." exclaimed Santana, catching sight of them. Brittany grabbed her hand and squeezed tightly, as much in support as in warning.
"What do you want?" asked Quinn, bitterly.
"I heard my girl was here." Shane looked at Mercedes and sent her what she supposed was an apologetic smile.
"Well, your girl is hanging out with her misfit friends and she has no intention of leaving them." said Mercedes coldly. "You can leave now. We'll talk later."
Shane glanced at his friends and took a step forward, but was blocked by Puck.
"You heard her." said Puck, braced for a fight.
"I just want to apologize." he muttered pleadingly.
"By bringing your homophobic sexist friends with you?" scoffed Rachel.
"I'm getting really annoyed. Please leave, before you turn me completely off my food." said Santana. She crossed her arms and glared at them.
One of Shane's friends chuckled. Before Santana could speak, Brittany smiled. "Laugh at her all you want. She's still getting more sweet lady kisses than you. So she wins." she shrugged and Santana visibly soften.
"It's time for you to leave. I'll call you later." said Mercedes. Finally accepting his defeat, Shane left Breadstix, his friends right behind him. The Glee club returned to their conversation, unwilling to spend another second on the negative. But Sam watched her from beside Puck. She caught his eye and he smiled, quietly sending her support. She smiled back, and for the first time in a long time, she willingly remembered their summer.
"Why is it so quiet?" asked Mercedes. The beach was empty, but for her and Sam. It was late and dark now, but it had been quiet all day. They sat on the edge of the shore, watching the waves crash around them. It had been his idea to spend the day at the beach. She had to admit, she loved it. They spent the morning making up a picnic basket and by noon, they were in their bathing suits and splashing water at each other. But surprisingly, the beach had been empty. Even in the hot weather.
"I chose a quiet beach." he shrugged and grinned. "i wanted to spend the day with you. Not a bunch of strangers. Are you mad?"
"Are you kidding? This was an amazing day." she punched his arm playfully.
"Hey, look!" Sam pointed upwards, where a shooting star was making it's way across the dark sky. "Quick, make a wish."
Amused, Mercedes looked at the star and thought. She had everything she wanted and more. What could she possibly ask for? She glanced at Sam, who was frowning , obviously lost in thought.
"Did you wish for anything?" he asked.
"Yeah," and she had. "What did you wish for?"
"I can't tell you!" He laughed. "If I tell you, it won't happen."
"I'll tell you my wish." she said as another wave crashed around them. She could tell he was caught between curiosity and the traditions of wish-making. "I wished my boyfriend would kiss me until the morning light."
Sam smiled. "I think we couldn't arrange that."
The couple kissed while waves continued to crash around them. If anyone was to see them, they would feel envious. In that moment, any problems or lingering stress disappeared. It was just Sam and Mercedes. Everything else was forgotten.
That's it for now.
I hope you enjoyed this chapter. I found it really difficult to describe the competition numbers. Hopefully, I wasn't terrible. But I have a feeling that I was, haha. I tried to make up for it with the other scenes. Please review 3 I love reading them.
Songs:
The Kids From Yesterday – My Chemical Romance
Wonderland/Zombie – Natalia Kills
Shelter- Birby [her cover of The XX's song]
*** I used all the lyrics the boys and girls used in case anyone looked up the song. Just to give you guys an idea of how it could sound. For the girls' number, it's two songs. I didn't forget any lyrics, they just didn't sing all of both songs. ^^