Disclaimer: I don't own glee.

I really hope you guys enjoy this chapter. And thanks for the reviews and all that other fancy stuff. It means a lot!

Well, I think this might be one of the longest chapters I've ever written, so have fun! LOL

And um, this chapter was interesting for me to write… felt out of my element (well, this whole story kind of is), but especially this chapter.


"Okay, trouts. Nice throws. Between us you're a way better quarterback than Finn." Santana said, ripping her breadstick in half before taking a bite. "I mean seriously, pillsbury doughboy throws the football likes its a donut, and he can't bare to see it go." She said in between bites. "And when he actually does throw far enough, he throws it where no one can catch it, because he probably thinks that if he can't have it, why should anyone else." Everyone looked at her.

"Santana!" Mercedes reprimanded, but despite herself she let out a giggle. So did Quinn.

"Ah, he's not that bad." Sam defended, and it was true, hes not. Santana made a face and he laughed. So he guessed they were on good terms now? He sure hoped so.

"He's not here to defend himself, so I say we drop it." Mercedes mediated, and took a bite of her pasta. Quinn was sitting directly across of Santana, and Sam sat directly across of Mercedes.

Quinn watched in silent amusement as Santana smiled fondly at Mercedes and kept quiet.

"So Sam, how are you liking Lima so far?" Quinn asked. Sam looked at Mercedes.

"Um," He looked from her to Quinn, "I'm liking it. Its different from home, but not that different, I mean, like I said before, the food here isn't as good." Sam smiled when he saw Mercedes look at him.

"Remember what we said about my momma's cooking?" She rose an eyebrow, and he nodded.

"Sure have." He leaned closer to Mercedes, and she giggled. Quinn couldn't help but look at Santana who looked like she wanted to rip someone's throat out, and Quinn bet her lucky stars that it was Sam's. Quinn didn't understand why. She was just fine a second ago, complimenting Sam on his skills, and now she looked mad. Santana wasn't looking at Sam but at her food, and Quinn could still tell. There was a time Quinn, Santana, and Brittany were really close so Quinn knew she was jealous. But why? Its not like she ever looked at him long enough without burning a hole in his head, so Quinn knew Santana didn't like him, but it didn't make sense, unless-

HOLY CRAP SANTANA LIKES MERCEDES! Quinn thought. But Santana didn't want to tell Mercedes, which made sense. I mean, it was hard telling anyone you liked them, but your best friend? And especially your straight best friend? Quinn wanted to make things right with Santana and especially Mercedes after everything that went down last year. She knew she just needed to hang out with Mercedes more, but Santana was going to be a bit harder to reach out to. Maybe if she talked to her? Supported her and told her it was going to be okay. Quinn messed up big time last year, she wasn't about to do it again.

"We should plan a night where your mom cooks for us, Mercy!" The head cheerleader chimed, and Santana looked at her.

"For all of us?" Santana asked.

"Yeah, that sounds like a good idea," Mercedes agreed and smiled at Santana.

"Splendid idea." Santana said with false politeness.

"So is this your first year as head cheerleader, Quinn?" Sam drawled. The latina looked at him, then at her, and saw the brightness in her eyes. In that very moment a plan formed in her head. Maybe if she focused Ken on Barbie, she'd have her mocha goddess all to herself. That is if Mercedes could just feel the same.

"Oh, this is my second year." Quinn smiled shyly and Sam's eyes widened.

"So you were head cheerleader your sophomore year, too?" Quinn nodded. "Wow."

"Yes," she blushed, "And Tana here was my right hand man. Couldn't get many routines made without her. She's an incredible dancer!" Quinn smiled wider, and Sam looked at Santana.

"Really?" She nodded.

"Yeah, Q and I made a great team." Santana looked at her old best friend. After she got preggo last year, she totally changed, but she missed her friend.

"Sure did!" Q agreed.

"Mercedes here was a cheerleader, too." Quinn pointed to Mercedes, and Sam shot the diva a half smile, "Actually took lead when I was out because of my pregnancy. Coach Sylvester had her and Kurt singing lead. Then she led an incredible number about being beautiful and got Sue an even bigger budget because of it." Mercedes made her blush face.

"Yeah, it was totally tap." Santana rested her head in her hand and faced Mercedes.

"Guys, stop. I was just doing what I felt was right. Coach said that you had to be a certain size to be acceptable, I was just standing up for myself." Mercedes shrugged, as she played with her pasta.

"Thats awesome 'Cede." Sam said.

"Thanks." They stared at eachother for a second.

"But in no way could I lead the cheerios the way these two do." She motioned to the other two girls.

"Huh." Sam jumped into a bunch of questions which the girls, especially Quinn, answered animatedly.

The rest of the night went on without a hitch, aside from a few minor glares Santana sent to Sam, it went well. After they all said their goodbyes, Quinn ran after Santana.

"Tana, wait!" She called.

"Whats up Q?"

"Want to come over tomorrow about 9? I mean, I have to work out new routines, and I could really use your help, plus we can just catch up, watch movies." She suggested.

"Sure Barbie, sounds good!" Santana started toward her car again.

"I hate it when you call me that!" Quinn called after her.

"I know!" Santana said over her shoulder. The blond girl just smiled and shook her head.


She just reached Quinn's house and knocked on the door, a few seconds later it was open.

"Hey Tana!" Quinn greeted and hugged her. Santana looked at her oddly.

"Uh, hi, Q." She said as Quinn pulled her into the house.

"So I have a bunch of my ideas up in my room, along with some movies we can watch." Quinn said as they made their way to her room.

Quinn's house was probably one of the biggest of the glee club kids, and her room was no exception. Her bed was elevated a step, and had those curtain things draped on the sides. She had a long mirror on the side of her walk in closet. Regina George's room in Mean Girls was almost as big as Quinn's. Her vanity was huge, and she had a pretty decent sized flat screen T.V. The room was as girly as she was, and a bunch of pictures with her and various members of the glee club hung on her wall. Quinn's room was big enough to try out routines for the both of them, and thats exactly what they did. A few hours later, they grabbed snacks and popped in Bridesmaids.

"Don't you think its hilarious how jealous Annie is of Helen because of how close her and Lilian are?" Quinn asked.

"Her remarks are funny. But as for the idea, I get where Annie is coming from, I mean, hello, Lilian is pretty much putting her on the back burner." Santana answered, causing the blonde to raise her eyebrows.

"But don't you think she's over-reacting a bit?"

"No. Helens a bitch, and she needs to come in all pretty and popular and steal everything. I mean Lilian barely knows the guy-girl" Santana quickly corrected. This was exactly the opening Quinn was looking for. Quinn grabbed the remote and shut the movie off.

"The hell, Quinn?" Santana asked with her mouth full of popcorn.

"I have a feeling, that this is more than Annie, Lilian, and Helen." She said softly, Santana just looked down in her popcorn bowl. "WELL?" She prodded.

"What are you talking about Quinn? Can you just turn the movie back on?" Santana asked.

"No. You've been lashing out on Sam, giving him death glares every time he speaks to Mercedes. You shut him out and insult him. I know you want to like him, but something is holding you back. What is it?" Santana sat up and Quinn did too.

"Quinn, if I tell you something, do you promise not to tell anyone? Especially Mercedes?" Quinn nodded holding a pinky finger and Santana took it with a smile.

"I promise."

"Okay… oh my gosh, I can't believe I'm saying this to you, but…" She made a face.

"Its okay San, just tell me when you're ready. Is it bad?" Santana shook her head.

"Quinn I think I'm gay. But more than that I think I like Mercedes!" She said it really quickly and all in one sentence.

"Oh."

"Yeah, but I'm still the same person I was before.. I-"

"Tana! Its okay! I don't judge you. I actually figured, and I had to get to the bottom of it. I just feel bad for Sam." The blonde said. Santana released a sigh of relief.

"Oh, right. And I do, too. Its just, Sam and Mercedes are getting closer, and-you like him, don't you?" Santana asked Quinn. The small smirk on her face proved she did.

"He's cute. And he's nice. Plus he's the head quarterback.. I mean, yeah I do." She shrugged. Santana knew she should've said something to her now that Sam was into Mercedes, but she didn't have the heart to do it.

"You should go for it, you know? Be the Ken and Barbie around this joint." Santana suggested.

"You really think so?" Santana felt a little bad for giving her hope, she seemed more his type anyway… things weren't always what they seemed, she knew that now.

"Yeah. Don't you have those Breadstix coupons from winning the duet competition? You should use them and just hang out with him! Get to know him." Quinn thought about it for a moment.

"You know what? You're right. I should text him right now." She grabbed her phone to text him. A moment later the text tone rang and Quinn beamed.

"So I take it was good?"

"He's free tonight, and he's down for some Breadstix, even if we just had it last night." Quinn bit her lip.

"Well, go on, get it girl!" Santana said and Quinn laughed.

"I'm so glad we got to do this." She said after a moment, and the latina felt bad.

"Me, too, Q. Thank you for everything. Your help... and just everything. It means a lot." Santana hugged the girl, and they both laughed. "Well, lets get you ready for your dinner!" She said, and Quinn squealed!


"So, how are things with Karofsky?" Mercedes asked.

"Same. I tried to confront him, but then he just got angrier."

"Well, me and Santana are working on confronting him." Mercedes said matter-of-factly.

"Theres no use." He said on a sigh.

"Kurt, you're still one of my best friends, theres always use when it comes to you." She said putting her hand on his shoulder. They were at his house, plotting his outfits for the next week.

"Thanks, diva." He hugged her.

"Of course!" Mercedes hugged him closer.

"Well, Blaine should be here in about an hour to pick me up to go to the mall. He wants to go shopping." Mercedes rose her eyebrows.

"Really? Is that the same Blaine who you met when you went to check out that all boys school? The Wooblers or something like that?"

"Warblers. And yes. And before you even say anything, no, we're just friends." Kurt said primly holding a finger up.

"Okay, but I didn't even say anything!" She mocked surrendered.

"I just figure I clear the air before you get any fancy ideas," Mercedes snorted, and he smiled "I'm having so much fun here though, maybe you can join us?" Just then her phone beeped as a text came through. It was Santana.

Wanna come over? Got lots of snacks, and new nail polish?

"I'm having fun too, but nah, I'm just gonna go over to Santana's. Thanks anyway, boo." She said while texting back a 'DUH!' to her best friend.

"Okay. You guys are really close now, huh?" Kurt asked.

"Yes…" She rose an eyebrow. She knew Kurt wasn't Santana's biggest fan.

"No, no I'm not saying its a bad thing. Just a funny thing. I see how she backs you up all the time in glee, and she actually stops insulting people when you scold her so…" He thought for a minute, nah! Santana wasn't gay. "I guess it works out. Someone needs to stand up for you, and someone needs to soften her up." Kurt noted that totally sounded gay. He gave her a small smile.

"Yeah, well she's actually not a bad person, you know?" Mercedes looked pointedly at Kurt.

"Mercy, you're not… a lesbian, are you?" Her eyes widened.

"What? No." She said slowly.

"Oh, is Santana?" Mercedes shook her head.

"Are you crazy? How many guys has she been with? Santana's a sex shark, what makes you think she'd give up the P?" She asked as if his question was absolutely absurd.

"No, I was just wondering. Well, I'm glad you've got a new best friend." Kurt said solemnly.

"Hey," She put her hand on his shoulder for the second time, "you know you always got that special place in my heart!"

"Why does it sound like you're breaking up with me?" He asked and Mercedes laughed.

"Wow, that was a lame line, wasn't it?" He nodded, "Doesn't make it any less true."

"Aw, I love you Diva." He hugged her.

"I love you, too!"


Quinn sat in her car while she waited for Sam. She was going to ask him if he could pick her up, but was too nervous and didn't want to imply that they were on a date, so she just decided to drive. Finally, she saw his truck pulling into a stall not so far from hers, and she got out.

"Hey!" Quinn greeted when he got out of his truck.

"Hey yourself." Sam paused, "You look nice." He smiled at her. She was wearing this cute light blue dress that ended at then knees that had a sweetheart scoop, with heels and a white cardigan.

"Thank you." She blushed lightly.

"I wish I would've known you were dressed that nicely, I would've changed." Sam said motioning to himself.

"What you have on is fine, Sam." She complimented, and it was actually more than fine. Boy was wearing a deep blue navy v-neck, jeans, and a leather jacket with chucks. If he dressed any better, she would've fainted.

"Okay, lets eat!" He said holding out an arm for her to take and ushered her inside the restaurant. This boy smelled so good.

After they got ordered their food, conversation got a little… strained.

"So… you, Mercedes, and Santana been friends for a long time?" He asked, his hands were under the table.

"Um, yeah. Well, Santana and I have been. Me and Mercy didn't start getting close till last year." Sam nodded like he were taking mental notes.

"It seems like you and she were friends for a long time." He noted, and she laughed.

"Well, Mercedes is a very welcoming person. You initiate conversation, and she'll be a friend. Thats just the kind of person she is." Quinn shrugged, a fond look on her face.

"Yeah, she actually came up to me and started apologizing for Santana's rudeness my first day in glee, and ever since then, we've gotten closer. She's a cool girl. Actually likes a lot of the stuff I do, so…" Sam trailed. Why was he rambling about Mercedes? Sure lately she's all he could think about, but why? Maybe it was their chemistry, he didn't know.

Quinn noticed something in the way he was talking about her friend. Like he liked her or something. She was about to test that theory.

"Yeah. So you making any other friends here?" Quinn asked politely.

"Some guys on the football team, but thats about it. Its different hanging out with girls, but Mercedes thinks I'm doing fine." Huh, he mentioned her again, and Quinn giggled.

"You are doing fine. I just can't believe its weird for you, I mean, have you ever gone out with anyone?" She asked, maybe if he knew she kind of liked him, a light might shine on the situation.

"Um, once, last year. It was a ridiculous relationship, we… well, she acted like a toddler."

"So did you guys break up because you had to move… or?" Emotional baggage was not a good thing.

"NO, way before that, we only went out for like a month." Sam laughed, thinking back on the girl.

"Yeah, I've only had two." She admitted and he gaped.

"A pretty, popular girl like yourself? I would've thought guys would be falling over themselves to be with you." He said with wide eyes and she blushed.

"I guess I'm picky." Quinn stared back at him and bit her lip, she was going to take a chance. "You know, maybe we should go out sometime. I mean, we're both athletic, are in glee, it would be fun! We get along…" She watched as he stiffened.

"Quinn, you're a very pretty girl, and any guy would be lucky to have you… its just I'm… I…"

"You like someone else?" She asked slowly.

"I don't know. I think so! I-I don't know what my feelings are for her, and I can't lead someone else on while I'm trying to figure out my emotions, its not fair." Sam said, and she nodded. She respected his honesty, she respected him.

"Its Mercedes isn't it?" She asked, and he grimaced. If Quinn saw it, Mercedes probably could, too.

"Yes. I think, well actually I hadn't realized I might like her till recently, so its all jumbled in my mind." He said shaking his head.

"Well, why are you confused?" Quinn asked. It sucked getting rejected… but he was a good guy all in all.

"Well, because I don't think she feels the same, and I don't want to mess it up. Since I've moved here, besides Mike, she turned out to be one of my really good friends."

"Hmm, sounds like you need to just chill out, and see where the road takes you. Quit over-thinking things, and just let it flow. And for what its worth, I know she finds you very attractive." She pointed out as their food came.

"Really?!" Sam's face lit up and Quinn felt a little disappointed.

"Yes, really."

"I know this is weird, but you know her the best… well, yeah, you lived with her, can you…" he shook his head, thinking better of it "Nevermind."

"Help you?" Quinn asked with a genuine smile. If she couldn't end up with the prince, why not 'Cedes?! The guy obviously liked her and she deserved someone cool like Sam. "Okay." She shrugged.

"What?!" He was shocked.

"Yeah, I'll help you blondie. Now let me enjoy my food." She grabbed her fork, but smiled playfully at him.

"Fair part of the kettle calling the pot blonde, don't you think?" Sam teased, but was slightly relieved. He knew Quinn may have thought he was cute, but he didn't expect her to throw that on him today. Sam was grateful she was going to help. He just hoped her intentions were as he thought they were. To help him with Mercedes. He looked at her, and she looked content. Like a huge weight has been lifted off her shoulders as well. Quinn had that small smile on that he only saw when she spoke of Mercedes, or cheerleading, or even sometimes glee club. That was the smile she had for the things she loved. Then her face dropped, it looked guilty.

"Quinn, are you okay?" He asked, and she looked up, trying to hide whatever she was feeling with a smile.

"Yes. I'm fine. I just remembered something." She said slowly.

"What is it?"

"Nothing… well, it is something, but its not my place to say anything. Its a secret I promised my friend I wouldn't repeat, so I can't share it… sorry." Quinn said, and he nodded

"I understand. I just hope every thing is okay." He said, analyzing her face. Sam didn't like Quinn in that way, but she was still a friend, and a really good friend of Mercedes' at that.

He watched as her face cleared and her content showed again. The rest of the time they talked about what they liked and didn't like. Quinn was so… for the lack of a better word, basic but she still meant well. Then he learned more about Mercedes' likes and dislikes, though Quinn seemed a little hesitant at first to share anything with him. Soon, dinner was over, and they used their coupons to pay. Sam held out his arm as he did earlier, and walked her to her car.

"Thanks Quinn." He smiled and kissed her platonically on the cheek. Quinn knew it was just friendship and nothing more.

"You're welcome."Quinn said as she was getting in her car. After hearing about Sam, he was a really nice guy, but all in all, he wasn't her type. He looked it, but thats as far as it went. His personality was great, but his hobbies? Its like Puck all over again! And she couldn't deal with that. Football, movies, family, (though family was a good attribute), video games, nerd talk. That was a fat No for Quinn. Quinn wanted him, but that was before, and she did tell him the truth about what Mercedes liked and didn't like. She wasn't going to lie about anything anymore, she was rehabilitating herself.

Of course only after she agreed to help him did she remember that SANTANA LIKES MERCEDES. Quinn felt so terrible the whole time about answering his questions about her girl. She just hoped Santana wouldn't be so mad. Maybe thats why Quinn wasn't nice last year. This is what nice gets you, in a whole heap of crap. But she wouldn't trade in the crap for anything, especially now that she had real friends again.


"So what'd you do today?" Mercedes asked her friend.

"Eh, nothing really, went to Quinn's and went over new routines for the squad, then we watched a movie." Santana shrugged

"Oh, where is she now?" Mercedes asked.

"Out with Sam." She answered simply, and watched as Mercedes' face fell.

"Where'd they go?" If Mercedes was honest, she was starting to get these feelings for Sam. Yeah, Mercedes and Puck were close friends, but with Sam, everything was different. He treated her like a friend, but at the same time still like a girl. They hung out a few times at her house, and watched Avatar at his, apparently he could speak Na'vi, which was a bit odd, but she didn't mind it. It was his hobby, and he wasn't hurting anyone. Then again, Quinn seemed more his type. Gorgeous, blonde, thin… everything that Mercedes wasn't.

"They went to Breadstix. They have that coupon thing they won from duets, so Quinn decided to take him tonight." Santana paused and looked at Mercedes' demeanor. Santana's heart hurt for herself, but even more so for Mercedes. Mercedes liked him.

"Do you like him?" Santana asked slowly, and the diva nodded slightly, "Why?" The question came out a little nastier than Santana intended.

"Because," Mercedes answered in the same tone, then took a deep breath, "I don't know. I guess… well, he is cute, obviously." Santana just rolled her eyes.

"And whenever we talk, its like, instant connection! We both like a lot of the same things, and its easy to chill with him, yet at the same time, we can still flirt." She looked at her best friend. "Is that weird?"

"No." Santana admitted. It wasn't weird, because thats how she felt with Mercedes. And even for as much as Mercedes would deny it if she ever confronted her, they flirted too. A lot. "Not at all."

"Do you think I have a chance?" Mercedes made a face, and Santana had either one of two things she could do. She could either lie and say 'No' Knowing that Mercedes would believe her, or she could go with the truth and say 'Yes' then watch Mercedes doubt that potential, and then San would have to convince her that he felt the same. One answer would hurt Mercedes, or the other would hurt herself.

"Definitely." Santana winked, and Mercedes beamed.

"Really?!"

"Totally! He digs you, girl!"

"I don't know, he's out with Quinn." She bit her lip, and Santana instantly hated Mercedes' self-doubt.

"So? They had a coupon for a free meal and took the first chance they had. That doesn't mean anything." The latina shrugged.

"But she's gorgeous! And blonde, and thin, and the head cheerleader of the Cheerios." Santana thought Mercedes really needed to stop comparing herself to everyone. She was FUCKING gorgeous.

"Maybe, but you're flawless." Santana blurted, and Mercedes eyes widened.

"Thats the first." The diva said with a chuckle. Santana didn't even crack a smile.

"Not to me. I think that about you all the time." Am I really going to do this? Santana thought as Mercedes just stared at her with a flabbergasted look on her face.

"Mercy, I-" She was cut off by Mercedes' phone.

"Hold that thought." She grabbed her phone. "Its Sam!" She waved the phone in her hand. "Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh!" Mercedes squealed, and Santana's heart swelled, she really wished she was the reason she was acting that way. Her heart fell when she realized she wasn't going to be that reason. Ever.

"Answer it crazy, or you're going to miss his call!" Santana said as she forced a chuckle. Mercedes would've noticed, if she wasn't too busy taking big, calming breaths.

"Okay…" One more big sigh, "Hello?" She answered the phone. Santana faintly heard the deep voice on the other end.

"Well, I'm with Tana, we were just painting each other's toe nails." She responded like a border line school girl.

"Yeah, she told me you were with Quinn?" Mercedes looked at her best friend, and winked. Santana just smirked in reply.

"Right now? Wait, let me ask." She put the phone on her shoulder and addressed Santana. "He wants to know if we want to go out for ice cream. Me, you, Quinn, and him."

The latina wanted to yell 'HELL NO' but instead she said, "I've had a long day, why don't you just go?"

"No, I'm not going to leave you!" Mercedes said, and Santana saw the disappointment in her eyes at her words.

"Seriously, Mercedes, go! I'll be fine. I actually have a bunch of Drop Dead Diva episodes I have to catch up on from my DVR, so… its okay, I'll be fine." She smiled.

"You sure?"

"Yes! Now get the heck out of here!" Santana shoo'ed her. Mercedes laid a smacking kiss on her cheek.

"Thank you so much! I'll make it up to you later, promise!" She raised the phone back to her ear, "Santana doesn't want to come, but where are you guys? I'm coming." She grabbed her purse and waved at the girl sitting on the bed. "Okay, see you in a few." She hung up the phone. "Thank you San!"

"Get out of here!" She yelled, and Mercedes rushed out of the room.

Santana sat there disappointed for a little while. She felt like that was the right time to at least tell her she was gay, but then Sam called and stole Mercedes away. And for as much as Santana didn't want her to leave, she couldn't bare to make Mercedes miss an opportunity to hang out with the kid she liked. Santana sighed and put her nail polish back in the small plastic box, shut off T.V. off and grabbed her clothes for a bath. When she looked in her bathroom mirror, she saw the faint gloss of Mercy's lips on her cheek. Santana smiled, and lightly touched it. If there was one good thing out of it, it was that.


Sam and Quinn were sitting outside the parlor waiting for Mercedes to arrive. A few minutes later, she pulled up in the stall right in front of the parlor. Sam immediately stood and opened the car door for her.

"Thanks Sam." Mercedes smiled sweetly, and he returned it. His heart soared at that smile, and as always, they kept eye contact for a beat longer.

"Hey Mercy!" Quinn came over and hugged Mercedes, she hugged her back.

"Hi Q." She said looping her arm through the taller girl's. Sam shut her door. "Lets go get some ice cream!"

They walked the short walk into the parlor and Sam inhaled the goodness all around him. He loved the smell of waffle cones. He was looking at the menu as Quinn was summarizing their dinner.

"Well, I'm glad you guys are getting closer." Mercedes said, her mood dimming a little.

"You okay, 'Cedes?" Sam asked

"Yeah, I am. Just tired." Oh, so it was that excuse, was it? They ordered their ice creams and was sitting at one of the round tables.

"How was your day?" Sam asked Mercedes.

"It was fine, great, really. Got to spend time with Kurt, then went to Santana's house." Quinn perked at that.

"How was San?"

"Good…" Mercedes said slowly, "I'm guessing the same as when she was with you. I mean, you were with her earlier today, right?" Quinn nodded.

"How's Kurt? I haven't really heard much from him." Sam said, thinking back to the first time he meant the guy. Again, Mercedes' demeanor changed.

"He's hanging in there. He made a new friend with that guy from Dalton, but as for things with Karofsky, its getting worse. Kurt says its the same, but I see things. I'm just going to confront him on my own-without Kurt." She said after a moment.

"No, I'll come with you." Sam said, and Quinn smiled.

"I think thats a great idea, I mean, you don't know what he'll do if it were just you confronting him, 'Cede." Quinn said taking a lick of her ice cream.

"Well, Puck, Artie, and Mike already agreed to talk to him." She said.

"And what about Finn?" Quinn near snapped.

"He said he would, but it might make things worse." Quinn shook her head vigorously.

"You're kidding right?" She scoffed, and Sam rose his eyebrows. "He's so weak sometimes."

"We're not going to force someone to do something they're not comfortable doing." Mercedes said.

"Still." Quinn shrugged, "I'll go with you guys."

"You really don't have to… theres gonna be like 7 of us confronting him."

"And?" Quinn questioned. Sam saw that HBIC coming into effect. "He's bullying Kurt! I could give a rat's ass if 20 of us were confronting him, he deserves it." Mercedes sighed.

"Fine, but I'll talk to him, and if he doesn't listen, you guys could put your opinions in. I grew up with Karofsky, he doesn't usually act like this. I hope every thing is okay." Mercedes said, and Sam looked at her. He knew she was beyond pissed about the situation, but she was such a sweet person. Mercedes believed that people didn't always do things out of spite.. or maybe they did, but if she thought there was more to the situation, then maybe there was. He wouldn't put it past her to think otherwise, she's a very insightful person.

"That sounds like a good idea."


"Okay, guys, you ready?" Mercedes asked Sam, Quinn, and Santana. They all nodded.

"OK, lets do this." They made their way onto the field. They decided to talk to him first, and if that didn't work, then she'd ask the rest of the boys to do it.

"Dave, can I talk to you?" Mercedes asked once she reached him.

He looked around, then at her, "What do you want?" Sam bit back a snarl at his tone, but did he heard Santana's one.

"To talk to you," Mercedes said, ignoring his tone. "I know you've been bullying Kurt, and we're asking you to stop, He's our friend, and if you don't leave him alone, we'll have to report you-"

"No, screw that! Mama, can you please let the Puckasarus handle this?" Puck intervened out of no where, pushing Mercedes lightly to the side.

"This is how its going to go, Dave." Puck growled the name, "If you don't leave our boy Kurt alone, there will be repercussions. Got it, scrub?"

"And what are you supposed to do? You're on probation?" Karofsky replied.

"He may be, but I'm not." Sam said. He'd have enough. Karofsky was always a punk. Missing blocks on purpose, talking back, being an ass.

"Okay, Golden Boy, and what are you going to do about it?" Karofsky pushed Sam. Mercedes tried to push her way in between the two of them, but Puck grabbed her before she could.

"This is their fight." Puck whispered in her ear. She shook her head.

"No, its not." Mercedes retorted, but he didn't let go. Much to her irritation.

"You really don't want to do that, Karof-" Sam was cut off by this stinging pain in his nose from the contact of Karofsky's fist. This son of a bitch just punch me in the face! Sam thought furiously. Aw hell to the no!" He saw everyone's shocked faces.

Sam clocked him right back in the face, and the bigger boy fell to the ground. Sam climbed on him, pinned his arms down with his legs and started mounting him with his fists. A few seconds later, Sam felt someone pulling him off.

"No, fuck you Karofsky! I will seriously damage you if you keep punking Kurt, got it?!" Sam exclaimed when he was jerked upright. It was Puck and Santana who were holding him back.

Karofsky just laid on the ground and moved side to side, cradling his wounds, too hurt to get up.

Santana noticed the way Karofsky looked at Kurt before, sort of the same way she looked at Mercedes. Karofsky seemed confused, but she could see he felt something more for the porcelain skinned boy. Santana knew the feeling. Her thoughts were interrupted by Mercedes' voice.

"Guys, why don't you take Sam inside and calm him down, I'm going to talk-"

"No!" Sam roared, cutting off Mercedes' sentence.

"Excuse me-?"

"You're not staying out here with him." Sam didn't trust that punk.

"I'll be with fine-"

"I said 'No' Mercedes!" She looked at him with shock written all over her face, and he knew he was dropping the gun but he didn't care. Maybe it was the adrenaline, or maybe he truly just didn't give a fuck if she knew anymore, he looked back at Karofsky laying on the ground.

"He got the point, so theres nothing more to talk about." Sam said, grabbing her hand and walking away with her from the field. Everyone watched him with a dumbfounded look on their faces.

After they were gone Puck was the first to speak up.

"Well, that was interesting." Santana knew Sam and Mercedes were going to have a talk. Sam was probably going to spill his guts any second now.

Karofsky groaned, "Quit yo bitching!" Puck said to the bully and ushered the two cheerios off the field who just laughed. There were a few by-standers who were peeking at the commotion, but no one dared to get too close. After the glee club members left, some people went to check on the bully.


"What the hell, Sam!" Mercedes yelled once they went to the furthest boy's bathroom from the field. Sam was beyond pissed about what happened. His adrenaline still strong in his veins.

"He deserved it 'Cedes."

"What? I didn't even get to talk to him-"

"That boy doesn't understand with words, Mercedes, that kind of boy only understands with fists!" He spat angrily. Why wasn't she thanking him?

"Oh really? And what makes you think that?" She put a hand on her hip. They were both yelling now.

"Because!" He yelled and she flinched. Sam lowered his tone, "Because I was a Kurt."

Mercedes' face softened. "Oh."

"Yeah, even the councilors spoke with him, my parents, his parents, the principle, and nothing work." Sam gave a jerk of his arms, "Okay? And one day, I'm walking home from football practice when he mobs me, 'Cedes. He mobs me with two of his other friends." Sam rubbed a hand down his hurt cheek, which was pretty bloody because of his nose. He looked at her when she sighed.

"Come here." She said softly, motioning to the sink. He walked over, and she turned on the water so he could wash his hands. While he was doing that, she grabbed napkins to wet.

"Did I mention they were two years older than me? I was only in 7th grade. Those fools were in high school!" Sam continued on softly, and Mercedes could still hear everything he was feeling. Sam flinched a little when the wet napkin touched his cheek. Mercedes just dabbed silently at the blood while she listened to him speak. "So, I took wrestling that year, and as the years went on I gained more muscle, got more fit, and I later took boxing. I needed to protect myself, and that was the best way I could think of doing it." Sam looked down at Mercedes, and she looked back.

"That explains the pinning down technique." She gave a half smile, and he returned it. Mercedes continued dabbing his lip, the blood was gone, but she could see the purpling of a bruise on his cheek.

"I'm sorry Sam, that it ever happened to you." She said sincerely, and he stopped her hand. They stared at each other for a long time, slowly moving their faces closer together when Mercedes suddenly stopped and pulled away.

"Thank you for defending Kurt. It meant a lot to me, I really hope it worked." She rambled, and he just continued to stare at her.

"Mercedes, would it be okay if I kissed you right now?" He asked softly. She may have pulled away, but that didn't stray him. He really wanted to kiss her and watched in delight as she nodded.

Then Sam lightly kissed her lips. Oh Lord have MERCY! he thought. Needing more, he opened his mouth slightly, and kissed her deeper. After a few lingering kisses, he ran his tongue along her bottom lip, and she allowed him in. He grabbed the back of her head to bring her mouth even closer, and Mercedes dropped the napkin to make a hand go up his back, as the other rested on his chest with her hand still in his. Sam moaned when their tongues made contact. He felt fireworks and butterflies in the pit of his stomach, she pressed herself closer to him, and he thought he was going to die and go to Heaven. Sam lifted her leg with one hand and when that wasn't enough, he put it back down to pin her against the nearest wall. Mercedes huffed from the light impact then groaned in satisfaction. He bit back a growl and kissed her neck. She now had a hand in his hair, and the other was still on his back. Sam felt like they needed to stop, but he didn't want to! In fact, he wanted more, lifting her up she let out a gasp of surprise, and he smirked, kissing her mouth again, slipping his hands to feel a cop at her glorious ass. Sam felt his friend downstairs wake up at attention from the slight tugging she was doing on his hair, and the light scratching she was doing on his back, combined with her soft lips. He reluctantly pulled away with a gasp, lungs burning for air. Knowing that if he didn't stop now, he probably wouldn't stop at all. Sam watched as she slowly opened her dazed eyes. Her hair was a little messy, and her lips were swollen. Sam thought she looked fucking hot as hell. They stared at eachother with a small smile on their lips when her phone rang, and Mercedes jumped in his arms.

"Its Santana," She said, "Hello?" She answered the phone. He was close enough to hear the girl on the other line.

"Where are you?!" Santana asked worriedly.

"In the bathroom helping Sam clean up." Sam smirked at that. What a great help she was. Mercedes simply swatted his chest knowing what he was thinking. He was still holding her against the wall, with her legs around his waist. He decided to take action in their current situation. Squeezing her ass, he began lightly kissing down her neck, and her breath hitched.

"Which bathroom?" He could hear the echo in the background suggesting Santana was looking for them.

"The one far a-across campus." Mercedes managed to get out. Sam was now sucking on her shoulder.

"Mercedes, are you okay?! Whats going on?" Santana asked.

"Nothing, we're coming out now." Sam would've said something about the 'coming' part, but decided against it. He also decided she was tortured enough and reluctantly pulled away.

"Okay, good. We're worried about you guys. We'll meet you by your locker." Santana said.

"Okay." Mercedes hung up and she stared at Sam. Without another word, she kissed him one last time, and he slowly put her down. Sam had a small problem in his pants and tried to find something unpleasant to think of. He looked in the mirror. The mess of his hair, the swollen lips, and the appearing bruise was NOT helping anything, it just reminded him of what could've happened… could've if she were that kind of girl, and if he were that kind of guy. She was done fixing her hair and throwing away the napkin she dropped earlier when she looked at him.

"What?" She asked. He wanted to tell her of his not-so-little problem, but didn't want to freak her out. Then he watched in horror as she looked down at his bulge. His horror quickly faded when she blushed. "Oh." Mercedes said looking away, a small smile on her lips.

"Yeah." Sam responded nervously as Mercedes made her way closer. A glint in her eyes.

"Hm…" She said looking at it. And in a sudden movement, her hand was on it! He let out a strangled cry.

"Like that?" Mercedes squeezed her hand, and he squeezed his eyes shut. Concentrate. Sam thought, but he couldn't. To his relief she let it go a little, but it quickly faded when she squeezed it even harder.

"MERCEDES! What are you doing?" Sam cried in frustration.

"Its called payback." She answered seductively.

"What did I-I do..?" He croaked.

"Kissing and biting my neck when I'm on the phone?" She squeezed even harder, and he thought if it would be totally impossible that she would give him a hand job.

"Oh." He said

"Yeah. Dick..." She squeezed harder, "Move." She let go, and he nearly fell forward. She headed toward the door.

"You coming?" Mercedes asked in double-meaning, and he wanted to yell out in frustration. He grabbed his binder and put it in front of his crotch while following her to the door. She simply smiled and walked out of the bathroom.