So, so, so sorry about the late update. I had a minor case of writer's bock and I'm also working on an original story that I hope to one day get published. Before we get started: How epic was Yes/No? Our couple is quickly becoming canon guys!

Thanks for all the great reviews you leave me. They make my day. A few people were wondering if Mercedes blamed Sam for leaving, this chapter answers that. There's a lot of Shane in this one. It's Shane vs. Sam. Finally.

Hopefully, this chapter won't disappoint, though it's not my best. Enjoy xxx

Disclaimer: I don't own Glee or it's characters. I don't even own these songs. Sadly.

You Ain't Man Enough

After three weeks of official dating, Sam was worried. He had never been happier, everything was perfect. Perfect in ways he had never imagined. But Mercedes had been unnaturally quiet for the past two days and it worried him. He tried to bring it up a few times, but she would laugh and change the subject, saying he worried to much. That it was nothing. But he saw her eyes, and the way they darkened with confusion when she thought he wasn't looking and he noticed the way she kept a certain distance between them. The last time something like that had happened, Quinn had cheated on him. Mercedes would never do that, he trusted her. But maybe she wasn't happy. Maybe she wanted to leave. Now that was a thought he couldn't bear. They were taking a stroll in the park, hand in hand, a comfortable silence between them. Sam had insisted on bringing his guitar, which didn't bother Mercedes because she enjoyed hearing him play. Or rather, she used to. Every time he touched it now, she seemed to tense and step away from, but she never really complained.

"Are you okay?" asked Sam carefully.

"Yeah, why?"

"You've been... distant."

Mercedes glanced at him and sighed. "Sam, I-" she searched for the right words. Failing she looked at him helplessly, a sad smile tugging at her lips.

"Okay, no, don't. I know what you're going to say." he mumbled.

"You do? This makes it so much easier." relieved, Mercedes smiled. "This has been bugging me for the past few days and I had no idea how to talk to you about it. But, I should have known you'd understand. You're such a great guy." She saw hurt flash in his eyes and frowned, stepping in front of him. "Are you okay?"

"No. Not anymore. Before you make a permanent decision, can I sing? Just please don't say anything." he let go of her hand and hastily brought his guitar over his shoulder and placed it in font of his chest. "Just listen."

"Sam, we're... in public. Our friends could see." Mercedes scanned the park for any sign of their friends. Thankfully, they were not to be seen.

"I don't care."

"Look, it doesn't matter what you say or do I'm not going to change my mind." said Mercedes. But in desperate attempt to keep her, Sam started his song, oblivious to the curious attention he was attracting. He wasn't great with his own words, but he always managed to find the perfect song for Mercedes. This one was no exception.

"When I see your smile

Tears roll down my face I can't replace

And now that I'm strong I have figured out

How this world turns cold and it breaks through my soul

And I know I'll find deep inside me I can be the one"

Mercedes smiled as she watched him.

"I will never let you fall

I'll stand up with you forever

I'll be there for you through it all

Even if saving you sends me to heaven"

As much as she loved his song, she couldn't understand why he ha been so desperate to sing this, here of all places. This could have waited until they were home away from the public. Why was he was he risking what they had tried to keep a secret?

"It's okay. It's okay. It's okay.

Seasons are changing

And waves are crashing

And stars are falling all for us

Days grow longer and nights grow shorter

I can show you I'll be the one

I will never let you fall (let you fall)

I'll stand up with you forever

I'll be there for you through it all (through it all)

Even if saving you sends me to heaven"

She was startled when he looked up from the guitar. His expression was a cross between desperate and grieving. Obviously she had missed something because he was heartbroken and she couldn't understand why, much less what this song was supposed to prove.

"Cuz you're my, you're my, my, my true love, my whole heart

Please don't throw that away

Cuz I'm here for you

Please don't walk away and

Please tell me you'll stay woah, stay woah"

And there it was. The punch line. He thought she was leaving him. It was so ridiculous that she started laughing. But mixed with laughter were tears, he loved her. He was crazy, and she loved it. And he loved her.

"Use me as you will

Pull my strings just for a thrill

And I know I'll be okay

Though my skies are turning gray

I will never let you fall

I'll stand up with you forever

I'll be there for you through it all

Even if saving you sends me to heaven"

As soon as he finished his song, she wrapped her arms around his neck. Laughing, she stood on the tip of her toes to kiss him hard on the mouth.

"Does that mean you'll stay?" he asked when she eased back.

"I was never going to leave you, Sam." said Mercedes seriously. "I could never do that."

"But I don't understand. Why were you distant?" he asked, frowning.

"I wasn't sure how to tell you I was falling for you." Mercedes closed her eyes and let out a breath. This wasn't easy at all. "We haven't been dating long or anything, but I'm really really into you. And every time you touched me, talked to me, even look at me, I wanted to scream 'I love you'. But it was too soon, you know? And I'm new to this."

"Let me get this straight. You were distant, because you love me?" he asked slowly.

"Well, it sounds ridiculous when you say it like that." Mercedes rolled her eyes. "But yes."

"I love you too." he smiled and brought her hand to his lips.

.

"Are you kidding me? That's how he first told you he loved you?" exclaimed Santana. "Maybe I was wrong. He may have a tiny bit of game. He's got you hooked." she sat on Mercedes' bed with Tina, as Mercedes paced the room.

"That was unbelievably cute and now I have to ask: how did Shane first tell you he loved you?" asked Tina. The two girls stared at Mercedes expectantly. What was there to say? He had just randomly said it during a conversation. There had been nothing special about it. With Shane it hadn't been a big deal. There had been no public serenade or anything of the sorts, but then he wasn't Sam. He wasn't dorky, romantic Sam Evans.

"He just said it. It was random, no big deal." Mercedes shrugged.

"Can I be honest?" asked Tina, but she continued without waiting for an answer. "I hear little things here and there about you and Sam, from people who saw you during the summer. Now I hear this. What you had with him seems to have been magical. So why are you with Shane?"

"He's a good guy."

Santana rolled her eyes. "Figgins is a good guy. Kind of an idiot, but he's nice. You want to date him?" At Mercedes' disgusted expression, she nodded. "Exactly. You need to be with who you love, not who's nice."

"Santana's right. We both know you love Sam." said Tina. Mercedes glared at Santana and joined the girls on the bed.

"You told me, I told her when you were at the bathroom." Santana shrugged.

"Right, so what are you scared of?"

"Are you mad at him for leaving?" asked Santana.

"God no!" exclaimed Mercedes. "That wasn't his fault. He had to leave. The move was a great thing for his family. I can't blame him for something he couldn't control."

"Then what is it? You're afraid of something." said Santana. "Don't even try to lie."

"The night he came to tell me he was moving, I asked if we could try our hand at a long distance relationship. I couldn't let him go, I didn't want to lose him." Mercedes smiled sadly. "But, uh, he shot me down very quickly. He was final. There was no changing his mind. I guess he just didn't love me as much as I loved him."

Santana and Tina shared a glance but did not speak. "I'm okay with that." she continued."Honestly, I never expected to ever be with some like Sam. Someone so perfectly flawed. I just want to cherish those memories. I know he loved me. It just wasn't enough."

Tina shifted to sit beside Mercedes. "Mike talks to me, naturally." she took Mercedes' hand. "He and Sam are close. I know things I probably shouldn't. Sam loved you. He cried for days when he left. Mike was on the phone for hours trying to comfort him."

"Cedes, I know you think Sam didn't love you enough to stay with you, and I know you're hurting because of that. But did he ever tell you why? 'Cause I think you both really need to talk to each other and just pour your heart out." said Santana.

"No, he never told me. I always just assumed-"

"Communication is key." said Tina.

"But, there's still Shane."

"Oh my God, why is he still relevant?" groaned Santana. "First off, you're hot. Him? Not so much. Shallowness aside, he's an ass. You need to kick him to curb. Seriously, what is he good for? Are you sleeping with him?"

"No. Never."

"Thank God." muttered Tina.

"So, you love someone else and you aren't even getting sex out of this failtastic relationship?" Santana stared. "What the hell is wrong with you?"

"I honestly don't know."

"Well, whether you choose to go with Sam or not, this Shanecedes business needs to end. He doesn't even make you smile anymore."

"Mercedes, take the next few days to think it over, then make a decision. There's no shame in being single."

"There is, however, shame in dating a man who doesn't make you happy."

"She speaks the truth."

"He used to make me happy, though."

"Really? Because it seems to me like he was just there to keep your mind off Sam." Santana shrugged. "You think leaving him for Sam isn't fair, but you never left Sam in the first place."

"Exactly," agreed Tina.

"When I dump him, I'll be alone." murmured Mercedes.

"No you won't, you'll have us."

"We're the undisputed top bitches, remember? I got your back." Santana grinned. "in the mean time, we have to get ready for school and our number."

"A Rock and Roll number?" asked Tina.

"No way. Mr. Schue gave up on that when Rachel drove to his house with a paper listing all the reasons as to why she disapproved." Mercedes rolled her eyes. "This week has turned into a free for all. Shue really needs to learn how to say 'No' to her."

"Hobbit's determined." Santana shrugged. "Our number's a surprise." And so after a fun-filled night of chick flicks, junk food and girl talk until the morning light, the girls got ready for school. Not once did they regret staying up late on a school night.

SMSMSMSMSMSMSMS

Shane stared at Sam from a distance. The latter was strutting down the hallway with Puckerman as though he owned the place. Why can't he just walk? Thought Shane bitterly. Why does he have to strut?There was no one Shane hated more than Sam. He was determined, disrespectful, but most of all, he had Mercedes' heart. You didn't have to be particularly intelligent to know it. Even when Evans hadn't been there, Mercedes had never looked at Shane the way she looked at him and he knew it. There was hope, however. She hadn't left him for the blond yet, but it was only a matter of time. Unless he stopped it and he was determined to do so. Everything was planned. If singing jocks were what Mercedes wanted then that was what she would get.

"You should just tell her, man." Sam was saying.

"Yeah, I don't think she'll like talking about Beth. It hit her hard, you know?" Puck shrugged. "It'll pass. Shelby's a good mom. It's not like I have anything to really worry about." They came to a halt when Shane stepped in front of them.

"What do you want, Tinsley?" asked Puck.

"Word on the street is that Blondie likes my girl."

"You already knew that," said Sam. "Why are you only confronting me now?"

"Because you won't stop."

"Stop what?" Sam glanced at Puck confused. He hadn't spoken to Mercedes in the last few days. Not even a hello. It was as though she had been purposely avoiding him.

"Looking at her. Talking to her. Sitting with her in Glee club." He spat.

"Mercedes was my friend before you ever came into the picture." said Sam, his narrowing. "I'm not going to stop talking to her because you're worried."

"But you don't see her just as a friend. You like her."

"No, I love her." Sam smiled. "Request heard and denied. We finished?" Beside him, Puck chuckled.

"We have plans. We're practically engaged. Why can't you respect that?" asked Shane, smiling when he saw Sam pale. "What do you have to offer her? A motel room? You aren't even living in your own house. You're crashing at a friend's. If you really loved her, you'd let her be with the one who can actually take care of her."

Insulted, Sam balled his fists. "Love's a lot more than financial security. She loved me when I had nothing."

"Yeah, well, get used to people loving you when you have nothing, 'cause it doesn't look like that's about to change any time soon. Find another girl, Evans. But I know you won't, so we'll be having this conversation again soon." Shane shook his head in pity and walked off towards him locker, leaving Sam shaking furiously.

"Forget it, Sam." Puck patted his back is support. "He's a dick."

At the sound of the bell, the two boys made their way to the choir room.

SMSMSMSMSMSMSMS

There was a heavy tension in the room, though the girls were not exactly certain why. The boys sat, arms crossed, their handsome faces twisted in scowls. Occasionally, one would glance at another and silently communicate a thought. Mercedes was confused. Even Tina had no idea what had the boys so troubled since Mike would refuse to answer her every time she asked.

Mercedes was about to ask Kurt what had happened when Mr. Schue came in the room whistling. He seemed to be in an extra good mood.

"We're getting a new member!" He said happily. "They should be here in a few minutes. I think you'll all be pleased. But before that, the girls had a song to sing" The class glanced at each other, surprised, but pleased that the Glee club had inspired a student to join.

"That's right. 'Cedes and I were bored so-" said Santana as she and Mercedes made their way to the front of the class.

"Santana." Mercedes chuckled. "We wanted to repay the favor and show how much we appreciate you guys. We know we don't have the easiest personalities to deal with."

"What she means is; we're bitches and we're happy you put up with us." corrected Santana, grinning.

"Yeah, anyway this is for all of you."

The class watched as Mercedes and Santana brought two stools in the center of the room. They seemed somewhat confused about what was happening and the more their expression revealed as much, the more Mercedes doubted the song choice. But ever since the Glee club had sung that happy song and welcomed the Troubletones back in the club, Mercedes felt she needed to thank them properly. She settled down on the stool beside Santana. Her eyes fell on Sam, who sat right in front of her and she smiled. He however, did not smile back. Instead, he titled his head to the side and watched her intently. Mercedes was the first to sing. Though she took the time to focus on each glee clubber's face, her gaze always seemed to fall on Sam.

[Mercedes]

It's not so easy loving me

It gets so complicated

All the things you've gotta be

Everything's changin'

But you're the truth

I'm amazed by all your patience

Everything I put you through

The soft melody of the song nearly brought tears to her eyes. Singing this made her realize how much she really loved the glee club. Mercedes nearly chuckled when Mr. Schue nodded in agreement. The glee clubbers wore mixed expressions of agreement, amusement and seemed genuinely touched. Only one person's expression was unreadable and it was Sam's.

[Santana]

When I'm about to fall

Somehow you're always waitin'

with your open arms to catch me

You're gonna save me from myself

from myself, yes

You're gonna save me from myself

As Santana sang, Mercedes watched Sam. His eyes never left her, he barely blinked. In fact, she had never seen his eyes so dark, not only in color but emotion. Santana smiled at Brittany, directing the next few lyrics to her.

[Santana]

My love is tainted by your touch

Cuz some guys have shown me aces

But you've got that royal flush

I know it's crazy everyday

Well tomorrow may be shaky

But you never turn away

Somehow, during her part, Santana had reached over and grabbed Mercedes' hand. However, it was not in support or asking for help. This moment of pure and honest friendship meant more to Mercedes than any pep-talk, any 'I'll always be there' promise Santana had ever made. Because they were equals, in front of everyone. There was not one who was more vulnerable than the other. They weren't just pity-party friends. They were friends.

[Mercedes]

Don't ask me why I'm cryin'

Cuz when I start to crumble

You know how to keep me smilin'

You always save me from myself

from myself, myself

You're gonna save me from myself

I know it's hard, it's hard

But you've broken all my walls

You've been my strength, so strong

Tina was in tears. Mercedes wasn't sure when that happened, but she noticed even Puck's eyes were moist. Perhaps they had chosen the right song. Even Artie, who had previously expressed a certain amount of exasperation over ballads, was moved.

[Santana]

And don't ask me why I love you

It's obvious your tenderness

Is what I need to make me

a better woman to myself

to myself, myself

[Together]

You're gonna save me from myself

When they finally ended the song, everyone clapped. Santana wiped a tear and laughed when the glee club threw themselves onto herself and Mercedes for a giant group hug.

"We love you." said Rachel. "Even if you're both very..."

"Expressive? Passionate?" supplied Quinn, before laughing. "I'm so happy you guys came back." she kissed both girls' cheeks before resuming her seat. Sam murmured his agreement.

"That was great, really great, girls." said Mr. Schue as everyone went back to their seats. "Now onto other – oh, here he is." Every single one of the glee clubbers gasped.

At the door stood Shane. He wore his Letterman jacket proudly but unlike when Puck and Finn wore theirs, his seemed threatening. He smiled at their shocked faces while Mr. Schue led him to the front of the class. Mercedes couldn't speak, neither could any one else for that matter. Artie was the first to recover.

"What is he doing here?" he asked Mercedes, refusing to speak to Shane.

"I- I don't..." she trailed off. They hadn't really spoken all day, but the few times they had crossed paths, he had never mentioned Glee club. In fact, he had never expressed any desire to sing in a show choir. This was as much a surprise to her as it was for everyone else.

"Well, we don't want him here." said Puck, finally over the shock. "After everything you've said about us, dude?" he shook his head in disgust.

"Guys..." started Mr. Schue.

"No, Mr. Schue. Shane can't be apart of this group-" started Finn

"Family" corrected Quinn.

"not after what he said about us at Breadstix. He hurt Mercedes' feelings." he continued.

Mercedes felt herself blush as all eyes turned to her, but before she could comment, Santana took over. She spoke calmly, deliberately, her eyes glinting in malice.

"All that aside, can you even sing? Because I can barely understand when you speak what with all the mumbling going on. Wait, who exactly is joining? You or Ted? Or is this some joint attempt to infiltrate the enemy's camp base? I really don't know." she shrugged. "See, I'm not one to discriminate... actually I am, but this is pushing it. Why would we let Ted the burnt caterpillar or Grimace McMumbles join? I'm surprised Finn doesn't want you here, though. You'd certainly take his place as the club's dessert. Our own giant chocolate statue. That's all you are right, a statue? Your face barely moves. Have you ever even smiled?"

"Santana," Mercedes' warning was low and clear, even if a bit late.

"Who's Ted?" asked Rachel confused.

"The 'stache." this earned a few giggles.

"Guys, please. We give everyone a chance here." Mr. Schue said, half- pleading.

"Can't we vote on this? I don't want him here." said Tina.

"He can join, but maybe we should cut off his genitalia as an initiation so he can fit right in with us gay folk." Kurt smiled in false sweetness.

"If there's anything to cut off in the first place." said Quinn crossing her arms. "Real men don't badmouth their girlfriend's friends after standing her up. They talk thing through."

As the argument went on, Shane occasionally adding his own input, Mercedes closed her eyes and let out a breath. What the hell was happening? Why was he there? She couldn't understand what was going through his mind. If she were to be honest, his presence here wasn't welcome even by her.

"Look, this is a bad idea Mr. Schue. A lot of people are still mad about the Breadstix incident. I don't think now's the -" started Sam, but he was interrupted by Shane.

"No one cares what you think." he spat.

With that phrase, everything went out of control. Santana was now standing, yelling at him in Spanish. From what Mercedes could understand, she was saying that no one but the Glee Club was allowed to insult Glee club members. Puck and Quinn were going on about jealousy and whatnot. Even Artie was mumbling angrily. The only one who was quiet, other than herself, was Rory, who watched the scene unfold before him with wide eyes.

"Stop!" Rachel yelled loudly, and everyone stopped to stare at her. "Calm down. Now as much as I think we could use other members to give us a better chance in competitions, I completely agree with Finn and Sam."

"Did you know about this?" Puck asked her. "You could have sent him to a crackhouse, like you did with that Sunshine chick." Rachel blushed and sat down.

"Mercedes, you barely said a word." said Tina quietly. Seeing the truth in her statement, all attention turned to Mercedes.

"I- Why are you here?" She asked Shane.

"To make sure I keep my distance, 'Cedes, what else?" Sam grinned. "Not gonna happen. So you can leave." When Shane didn't move, his grin grew wider. "Or you can stay."

"No, this is stupid. You don't have to do this Shane." said Mercedes, uncomfortable.

"Yeah, I do. This is between me and fish face." replied Shane, his eyes never leaving Sam's face. "He needs to butt out of our business."

"You know, I never thanked you for taking care of Mercedes while I was gone." Sam glanced at Mercedes and winked.

"She's with me now, so you need to back off." growled Shane. The class watched in silence.

"Well, yeah I guess she is but she's still my woman, you know? Since her heart's with me." Sam shrugged. Mercedes paled.

"Excuse me?"

"Guys-" started Mr. Schue.

"This is between me and him!" yelled Shane, glaring at Sam.

"Why are you even worried?"

"All I know is that we were fine then you came back and everything went to hell. So you can take your broke ass back to Kentucky and stay there." Shane took a threatening forward. For a second, everything went silent, everyone wondering what Sam's next move would be.

"You know what? Welcome to Glee club." Sam stood and shook his rival's hand. Surprised by Sam's sudden change of heart, Shane could only stare. "Sit down, take my seat. It's tradition to welcome our new members with a little song."

Mercedes frowned as she watched Sam get his guitar and prepare himself for his solo. Whatever he was planning, it wasn't going to be good. She had seen the mischievous glint in his eyes. She knew that look.

"No, we never welc-" started Brittany but Santana clapped a hand over her mouth and whispered something in her ear.

"Are you sure, Sam?" asked Mr. Schue worried.

"Dead sure." he replied and grinned. The song wasn't one Mercedes recognized, but she instantly liked the beat. It sounded like a happy song, the kind you sung with friend around a campfire. But then he began singing and if she was pale before, it was nothing compared to what she was now.

You've come to tell me something you say I ought to know

That she don't love me anymore and I'll have to let her go

You say you're gonna keep her, oh, but I don't think you can

'Cause you ain't man enough to keep my woman.

Mercedes saw Shane ball his fists and prayed he wouldn't do anything. Santana's giggles weren't helping the situation, as it only encouraged Sam.

Men like you, they're a dime a dozen, you can buy 'em anywhere

For you to get to her I'd have to move over and I'm gonna stand right here

It'll be over my death body so get out while you can

'Cause you ain't man enough to keep my woman.

Shit, thought Mercedes. What was happening? He'd always been respectful of her relationship with Shane, he never insulted him, never purposely confronted him. It was as though she had missed an entire conversation. She tried to stand, but a hard hand grabbed her shoulder. Puck , who was sitting behind her, leaned down to whisper in her ear. "Let them deal with this."

Sometimes a woman's caught lookin' at things that she don't need

She took a second look at you but she's in love with me

Well, I don't know where that leaves you, oh, but I know where I stand

And you ain't man enough to keep my woman.

Sam never finished the song, because Shane was up in a flash, yelling at him. With surprising speed, Sam gave his guitar to Artie for safe keeping and turned to Shane. He was no longer grinning. Both were angrier than Mercedes had ever seen them. Again, she tried to interfere, but Puck stopped her.

"You don't know the whole story, leave it alone." he whispered.

"Boys, that's enough!" yelled Mr. Schue over the commotion. "Calm down. Shane, I think joining Glee club might not be a great idea."

"You think?" muttered Santana, rolling her eyes.

"Sam, I'm disappointed in you." continued the teacher.

"I'd hit your smirky face, but I'm better than that." Shane glared at Sam, who nodded in turn.

"Right, you go for the more indirect approach. Like trash-talking people behind their backs."

"Boys!" yelled Mr. Schue again.

"Fine. Baby, are you coming?" Shane looked at Mercedes.

"Actually, I will be leaving." she said slowly, taking in everything that had just happened. "But I'll be leaving alone. We haven't been okay for a while, but I tried. I was always faithful. I tried to make us work. You didn't. So, we're done. Over. I can't do this," she gestured around the room. "anymore." The room was silent, but she saw a pride in Santana's eyes when she glanced at her. "Sam, I don't know what the hell just happened and I don't want to know. But this..." she shook her head, lost for words. "I never thought you would do this. I just, um, I'm going to go home and watch some sappy romantic movie were the guys aren't complete assholes. You can both do me a favor and not speak to me for a while."

"But Mercedes-" started Sam, panic clouding his green eyes.

"Don't. This was too far. You both say you love me, but neither of you respected me."

"I'm going to go with you," Quinn told her. "Come on."

The girls had just reached their lockers when they hear a grunt, a scream then Mr. Schue yelling. Whatever was happening, it wasn't good. But Mercedes just wanted to go home and forget, just for one night.

Songs

Your Guardian Angel- Red Jumpsuit Apparatus [sung by Sam]

Save Me From Myself – Christina Aguilera [sung by Santana and Mercedes]

You Ain't Woman Enough [To Take My Man]- Paramore cover [sung by Sam, note that certain words were switched to make this gender/situation appropriate]

Reviews are my gold. My water. My air. I'd love to have some. Thank you all for reading and I hope you enjoyed it!