I don't own glee or its characters.

A month had passed since Rachel's party, and still nothing. No one brought up anything. Sure a few people bought up that Mercedes was working it that night, and Puck shifted uncomfortably at the memory, but other than that, as of terms of Mercedes and Puck nothing really came up. It was now October and sectionals was in a week. They had glee rehearsals that week, and Mike was tough on the choreography. He asked Brittany and Mercedes to help him. It was funny because Mercedes never really considered herself to be a dancer like he or Brittany, but Mike insisted.

Puck was trying his hardest to establish a conversation with Mercedes, but he was having a hard time. He thought maybe he shouldn't talk to her anymore. She deserved more and all that jazz. It was getting old, even to himself. Puck always knew she was too good for him, yet he couldn't stay away, also another thing he was relatively sick of admitting. He was doing a good job hiding his feelings, he thought. Then that night happened, but maybe if he retreated like he always did, they'd go back to friends.

"Hey." Finn said, coming up to Puck.

"Hey man." He greeted back.

"You okay?" Finn asked, and Puck's lips went down at the corners, looking thoughtful.

"Yeah." He answered. "About to start on Miss. Hutchin's pool." He said, motioning to her front lawn.

"Right." Finn shelved his hands in his pockets awkwardly.

"Whats up?"

"Well, I noticed since Rachel's party, you've been acting weird. Did it have anything to do with Mercedes?" Puck looked at Finn who refused to look back at him. Finn was over Mercedes, but it was still weird to talk about. Considering Puck was the one to encourage Finn to ask her out, then totally crashed his date when he did. Not to mention, he did feed his crush.

"No."

"You're a liar. I know you like her." What did it matter, the party was a month ago, and he didn't feed on it since then, so what?

"And?" Puck said grabbing his scrubbers and whatever other tools he needed.

"And I don't want you to hurt her." Puck scoffed

"Where is this even coming from?" He asked defensively. As if he weren't hard on himself, his best friend had to come and make him feel worse!

"You have a dirty past. And the way you two were dancing it was practically like you both were having sex. Good thing there were clothes in the way because I know how you are."

"I've still been a good friend to her." Puck stated. "I haven't even tried anything!" He ignored Finn's pun at Pucks 'ways' and was now making his way to the side of the house to get to the back. Finn was hot on his trail.

"I know, but when you decide to go after her remember what you want and what she deserves are two different things." Puck had just put his bucket down when he turned around to face his 'best friend.'

"What?"

"This isn't just any other girl, it's Mercedes-"

"You think I don't know that? Huh? And you think that just because I haven't looked at colleges I'm not going anywhere? That its getting clearer day by day that no one believes in me enough that I would actually graduate? You think I don't hear the guys taking bets that I won't graduate in the locker room? That you, Mike, and Sam are the only one's that think I can, but even then you and Sam took the lower bets? So because I'm a Lima loser I don't deserve her, I know that! You think I would just fuck Mercedes and leave? I could never do that to her! I would never do that to her. Isn't it obvious I'm going absolutely nowhere, and that she has a voice that'll make her California's finest? Or even New York's? Why else do you think I've been staying away?" Puck inhaled and felt a huge weight lift off his shoulders. He finally let it all out. He finally admitted it out loud. He looked at Finn who looked dumbfounded at his outburst.

"We believe in you-"

"And I just want to let you know that I am a damn good friend to her. Sure sometimes I'm an asshole, but thats because I need to remind myself of everything you just said. 'She deserves better,' and 'I have a dirty past.'" Puck scoffed and Finn tried to speak again, "And don't go there about being a good friend, okay?"

"What?" Finn asked defensively, and honestly he got a little upset.

"You're supposedly my best friend, and you're over here criticizing me, and we're supposed to be the ones bringing each other up. And as for Mercedes, you're not a good friend to her either. What have you done for her before you liked her, and after you got over it? Huh?" Finn paused. "Yeah, thats what I thought. Not a damn thing! When Artie got into that accident, she was always at the hospital, and she wasn't coming outside anymore, but you didn't check on her. I did! I went to her room, I got down on my knees and I prayed with her, then when she couldn't do it anymore, I took over! I prayed for her. For the both of them. Where were you? And did you know her father's being deployed to Afghanistan?" He took in Finn's blank face, Puck scoffed, figures. "Oh and let's not forget when I lost my dad."

"I called you, you weren't around." Finn said and Puck shook his head.

"She looked for me. Did you know that? She caught the damn bus to my house, prayed with me, and laid with me till I fell asleep. That was the best rested I had ever felt in my whole life. Did you know I needed to be prayed over? And I prayed forever for Him to bring my dad back, but He didn't! Did you know any of that?" Again, he looked at Finn's blank face. "Yeah, thats what I thought. So before you come here and judge me, you should get your facts straight, and evaluate yourself. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to get to work." Finn stood stunned for a minute, processing everything he never knew before.

"I didn't mean to insult you. I'm sorry." He said loud enough for Puck to hear, then he walked away, not knowing what else to say.

Mercedes was doing her homework and minding her own business. It was really quiet around the house since her brothers left to college. They left a few weeks after Sebastian did, and it was hard for Mercedes, but she was better now. So focused on her math problem, she barely heard her name being called. When she looked out of her window, Puck was standing in her front yard.

"Yo?" She asked, and he smirked. Once again, bygones were bygones.

"I need help!" He said as he moved closer to her window.

"With what?"

"Choreography." She bit her lip and stood up.

"Sure, um, meet me in the patio." She quickly grabbed her iPod and speakers then met him in the back. It wasn't as awkward as she thought it would be, and she had fun. They talked about a lot of things. They talked about school, and imitated everyone from glee club. Then they got on the subject of her father going to war.

"So when does he leave?"

"He leaves to training next month in Texas." She said solemnly, and Puck bowed his head, too.

"I'm sorry."

"I'm going to miss him. He'll only be in Texas for a month, he'll be home for two weeks, then he won't be home till next year. Maybe around September." A whole year without her dad. She couldn't handle it. She was daddy's girl!

"I'm sorry everyone's leaving." He said thinking about Sebastian, and the JJ's.

"Its not your fault." She smiled, then she looked at her watch. "Shoot, I am so sorry, but my parents should be coming home soon, and I need to cook, and finish my math." She said getting up from the ground.

"Okay, thanks for helping me." He said before he passed her the iPod and speakers.

"Anytime." She said, and waited till he left her patio to go in her house. Once inside she did a small squeal in delight, because once again, all their previous memories came crashing down on her.

Puck went back to his grandmother's with a smile on his face. It was amazing that just an hour and a half with Mercedes would make him feel immensely better. He meant to ask her if she thought he was a good friend, but she was short on time and had to finish her prior responsibilities. It could wait though. He valued her opinion, and he needed reassurance that he wasn't as pathetic as everyone else put him out to be.

He was really bummed Mr. Jones was leaving. He felt bad for Mrs. Jones, and Mercedes, but he knew they were going to be okay. He would miss the fact that Mr. Jones would whip any boy that was within a ten foot radius of his baby girl into shape. Including Puck, which he did on numerous occasions. He was another big reason he wasn't worried about some guy snatching Mercedes up, because pap Jones would be right there to scare them off. That would include Puck, but he didn't mind because it gave him peace of mind that no one else really stood a chance. Except Sebastian, but that was different. He was a good guy, someone almost worthy of Mercedes.

Oh and you're fully worthy? He thought, You're the one better than the dude who dressed well, went to church, and was smart? Yeah right. If he wasn't good enough for Mercedes, why would Puck believe he was? Then before he knew it, his funk was back in place. It was inevitable. Always something there to ruin his mood. And what sucked more, was it was all true. He wasn't going to ponder it anymore, he was just going to live his life and let the chips fall where they may.

The month came when Mercedes' dad had to leave to training. Her brothers even came back that weekend to say goodbye. Yes, it was only training, but that meant he was a step closer to going to the Middle East. The night before he left, Mercedes cried by herself for hours. She hadn't realized her laptop was still signed into Facebook, so when she heard the IM ding go off it caught her by surprise.

She silently read the message, it was Puck.

What are you still doing up? It read. Mercedes sighed then typed a reply.

Can't sleep.

Whats wrong? Its 3 in the morning. Are you not going to school tomorrow? They hadn't really spoken since she helped him with the choreography, so maybe he forgot her dad was leaving this month.

Ugh I'm sorry, your dad. Thats it, right?

Yes.

Thats why the JJ's are back. Is he leaving tomorrow? Mercedes sighed and wrote out her confirmations.

I'm sorry Cede. Wanna talk about it? He wrote.

I don't know. Part of me does, the other doesn't. I know its just training, but that means he's getting closer to leaving. What am I going to do? She hit sent.

Live your life. Your dad isn't dead, Mercedes. Just pray the way you always do, and you'll be fine. Live your life as if your dad was still at home. I know its hard because you're going to miss him, but don't focus on that, focus on making him proud for when he gets back. Because he is coming back, you know. She read the message and was going to cry. She didn't respond, she didn't know how.

You don't have to say anything. Just remember what I said 'Cedes. I have to go to bed. School in the morning. I'll try to stop by before your dad has to leave. He messaged, and with that, he logged out. Leaving her to stare at the tiny box that now instructed her that he was offline and she could send him a message instead. She sighed again, and closed her computer. Shutting out the world and trying to get some rest.

Time was truly against Mercedes the next day. Puck came over and wished her dad a safe flight. She was amazed when they hugged. Her father was always brave, but here and now, you could see his armor cracking just a little. Mercedes tried not to cry. She stood on the side and watched, she didn't realize her eyes were shut, tears fully in effect, until she felt a pair of arms envelope her. She didn't have to open her eyes to know it was Puck. They only hugged once, but she'd recognize his cologne anywhere. It was about a minute later when he pulled away and her father took over.

"Its okay, baby doll." He whispered into her hair, and she tried to remain strong.

"I know daddy, we have the Lord." She said into his chest. Puck watched the interchange and his heart clenched at Mercedes heart broken face. She was always so brave, so it was a little odd seeing her this vulnerable.

"Well, I better get going." Puck said, and pap Jones let go of his daughter to clap a hand on his shoulder.

"I'll see you later. Watch over my girls, would yah?" He asked and Puck nodded. "The JJ's are gone, so it would be nice to have another pair of eyes around here while I'm gone. And you're not a bad kid Puck. Thanks for stopping by." He said as he let go. Calling the twins JJ was a habit even their father picked up. Puck winced at the amount of pressure this guy was putting on his shoulder.

"No problem, sir. See you when you get back. Mrs. Jones." He nodded his head good bye.

"Bye Puck." She said, holding Mercedes from the other side.

"See yah 'Cedes. Let the JJ's know I stopped by." He said grabbing his bag and leaving.

Time was flying by too fast, and she found herself at the airport, clutching her favorite person in the whole world.

"I'll miss you, daddy." She said into his chest.

"Its not that long." He reassured her. That didn't help for more reasons than one, but she bit back what she really wanted to say.

"Yeah." She agreed. She stepped back to let her mother say goodbye. The twins had already said bye, she she stood between them, looping her arms through theres and resting her head on Jacob's shoulder. She really missed her brothers.

Her brothers stayed for a lot longer than they planned. They were supposed to leave that Sunday, but ended up staying till the following Sunday. Her mother didn't say anything about them missing school, neither did Mercedes, and thats because no one wanted to leave, or even mention the word. But eventually they left, and they promised they'd be back for the next break. Mercedes took her mother's hand, it was only them two for now. It was going to suck.

The house seemed way bigger now that it was just the two of them, they did each other's nails and talked about school, and Mercedes' junior prom, who she still didn't know who she was going to take. Or if she was even going. Her dad wasn't going to be there to scare whoever it was, and Jensen wouldn't be there to laugh at her dress with the make up, while Jacob complimented her, he was always sweeter. So with them all gone, what was the point, really?

"Well, if everyone was home, who would you take?" Mercedes took a moment to come up with an answer.

"Wow, I really don't know." She said going back to painting her mother's toes.

"What? There has to be someone." Mercedes looked up to her mom who was side eyeing her.

"There really isn't! I mean I don't really hang out with anyone aside from glee, but they're all taken. Mike has Tina, Artie has Britt, Finn and Quinn, Sam …. just no." She didn't have anything against him, and they were still friends despite that fiasco at Rachel's, but she was pretty sure Santana wanted all up on that, and she wasn't willing to get in the way. "And Kurt is taking Blaine, so, there you have it." She shrugged. Not even thinking about Puck. If she didn't mention it maybe her mother wouldn't.

"Thats all thats in the club? What about Puck?" Her mother stated curiously.

"He wouldn't want to go." She said trying her best to brush it off.

"You wouldn't know if you don't ask. And I'm sorry, but no girl of mine is going to miss out on any of her proms." Her mother shrugged.

"Fine! I'll look for someone." She said, wondering how the hell the conversation went from rhetorical to possible. She hated that her mother would make her do whatever it was she wanted her to do. She didn't have a choice, she needed to go to prom.

"And if you don't find anyone before prom, i'm asking Puck." Her mother said with a glint in her eye.

"Why?"

"Why not? Is there something going on between you two? A fight or something?" Her mother tried her hardest to seem uninterested, and Mercedes eyed her.

"I know what you're doing. You think I like him, don't you? Ever since he came over to say bye to dad, you totally think that, I know you!" Her mother was smiling from ear to ear now.

"But you two are so freaking cute!" She exclaimed and Mercedes huffed.

"Mom, stop!"

"What! Oh c'mon." She said and Mercedes was truly getting embarrassed.

"Have you and Tina been smoking from the same crack pipe? Got off the same crazy train?" She asked.

"Why, what about Tina? Whats she been saying?" Ah crap!

"Nothing."

"You know I could just call her over and we can both pick on you." Mercedes loved her mother, she really did, but sometimes she really annoyed her.

"Mom, I'll look for that date. Ok? You have a deal." She said dropping the conversation. Her mother picked up on her uneasiness and went back to doing her nails.

The month in which her father was gone, was uneventful. Glee had regionals which they won and during spring break they'd be in New York for nationals which everyone was excited for. They had to pick up Mercedes' father in a week and she couldn't be more excited! He was making it home a few days before Christmas and Mercedes was counting her lucky stars, considering two weeks after he flown to Texas that he wasn't going to come home till much later than Christmas. Thats why she hated the military, they were always changing their dates. But it was official, by the end of the week her daddy would be back, and he wasn't due to leave the country till mid-January, much later than they'd imagine, but she wasn't going to get her hopes up, things always changed. If its something she's already known.

Her relationship with Puck was getting a bit lest strenuous and that was a relief. If anything he was less of an ass. It was weird how they'd argue about something but a couple days later that gravity she often felt would pull them back together. Today's argument, however seemed quite unfixable.

She didn't know how it started, just that it did. He kept repeating that she was smart while they were doing homework, and she was getting annoyed, because when Puck put his mind to it, he was incredibly smart, too. But he never ever believed her, and his self hate was really getting on her nerves.

"Well sorry I can't be a shining gold star like you." He held up jazz hands sarcastically to prove his point.

"Will you stop?" She asked angrily.

"No. Why do we always get into these arguments?" He asked, slamming his books shut. She dropped her mouth in disbelief.

"Because you're being an idiot." She answered.

"So its my fault? I was just complimenting you, and you were the one getting all pissy." He said collecting the rest of his books.

"Because you don't believe that you're smart, too." This argument was getting pointless, but she still felt the need to emphasize whatever point she had to.

"Well you're the only one." He scoffed thinking of those locker room bets, and thee verbal abuse he got from his mother in the privacy of his own home. She was still sitting in her seat figuring out why it was so bad.

"Um, you're not going anywhere until you tell me what the fucks going on." She said and he looked at her. She made a face that said 'Well?' as she looked back at his seat. Telling him with her eyes to sit the fuck down.

"Why do you keep calling me smart?" He always did, and it was great, but she didn't know why he had to repeat it over and over.

"Why the hell not? You are." He said. She shook her head.

"Okay, but what does that have to do with anything? We were just chillin' and then all of a sudden we're yelling at each other."

"I'm just going to go." She stood up again and blocked the door.

"Like the hell you are." She said angrily back at him, pressing herself completely against the door. "Now are you going to tell me whats really going on in her head, Noah?" Something about Noah clicked in him because his head snapped up.

"What do you want to know? I'm just complimenting you." He said quietly. Total 180 from what was just going on 10 seconds ago. Mercedes internally sighed. Good, she was getting somewhere.

"And I was just trying to compliment you right back, but you weren't taking it." She said just as quietly as he had.

"Its because its not true. You need to stop making me feel better." He admitted and looked past her at the door.

"But it is true. I wouldn't lie to you. Whats going on?" She said and he looked back in her eyes, his were a soft brown color that she'd only seen once before. It was during their last morning in New York.

They stood like that for a while longer, just staring at each other. His eyes were sad, but still soft, totally different from the darkness that was in it earlier. She couldn't help but instinctively reach a hand to cup his face. She broke the silence,

"Noah, are you okay?" He shook his head and leaned into her touch as she stroked his cheek. Dropping his bag to the floor he scooted closer to her. He now had his body pressed against her, and he let out a little breath. He only felt her body pressed against his for the first time at Rachel's, but here and now, he felt like he was in heaven. Much better than the first time, because there was no crowd to stop them, no vulgar music or even liquid influences. It was just him and her, and that raw emotion that always sort of floated between them. He rubbed a light hand from the top of her head to the side of her face. He slightly ran his fingers through her hair as he leaned in to tenderly kiss her forehead. His hand was lightly gripping her head as he did so. When his lips reached her forehead, he felt a tiny spark that radiated through his lips and cheeks. The hand she had dropped from his face to his shoulder, and she didn't move, much to his relief. Her hair smelt great, and her skin was so soft against his. He slowly pulled back and smiled at her.

"No. But I will be." He answered as he pulled her from the door to give her a hug. "I'm still gonna go, though." He felt her nod her head against his chest. He separated himself and picked up the bag. She was standing out of the way so he could go through the door. After he was gone, she realized he never answered any of her questions, even the last one he answered was cryptic. She walked back to her kitchen table where her homework was. She reached up to touch the ghost of his lips that she could still on feel on her forehead.

It was Christmas morning and she had something for Puck. She was hoping he'd come by, he said that he wouldn't miss it for the world. She still couldn't shake the weird feeling she had when she asked him.

Mercedes decided to ask him to come over for Christmas if he could, maybe stay for dinner. She cleared it with her parents, of course, and they were happy to have him. She spotted him by his locker and she strolled up to him, tapping him on the shoulder. When he turned she was greeted with one of the biggest smiles she'd ever seen.

"Hey!" She said with a smile matching his own.

"Hey yourself." he replied, turning fully to her, "Whats up?"

"What are you doing for Christmas?" She watched as his smile faltered a little bit.

"Um, not too sure, why?" He answered.

"Your mother doesn't have any plans?" Again, his smile faltered.

"Maybe open it each other's gifts of something. The usual, but nothing special." He tried to answer as nonchalantly as he could and she decided to brush it off, at least for now.

"Well, if your mother wouldn't mind, we'd like you two to join us for dinner." She said a bit unsure.

"I'd love to. Highly doubt my mother could make it." He sneered a tiny bit and she looked to the side, feeling a little bit awkward.

"Oh well, great. Um, if you mom can't make it thats fine. But I'm happy you're coming!" She said enthusiastically!

"Wouldn't miss it for the world." He winked at her and tousled her hair a bit.

"Okay. My house, six sharp! Don't be late." She playfully glared at him and he chuckled.

Mercedes walked away, feeling more confident about her friendship with Puck then ever.

She was excited that he was coming over, and no matter what, she was going to get over her fears and talk to him about their "friendship." She actually still had the watch he gave to her in the seventh grade and was wearing it now, just for good measure.

She was elated that her family was reunited again. The twins were back along with her father. The day was spent with good food, family, and of course, a football game on the flat screen.

Puck's mother was chasing after him with the blender. He was legitimately scared. It was just them two living in the house now, his nephew and brother them all moved out after their mother hit rock bottom. Puck thought they were assholes, and despite the verbal abuse, he wouldn't leave his mother.

"HUH, PUCKERMAN?" She sneered his last name. "THINK YOU'RE BETTER THAN ME BECAUSE YOU WORK? And can afford fancy fucking things?! Where's my gift?" She staggered toward the neatly wrapped box.

"Thats not yours" Puck said reaching for it, but she snatched it a bit quicker than he could, which was shocking, considering her drunken state.

"What is it?" She asked, starting to tear the wrapper off.

"Thats Mercedes'. Now will you give it back?" he said reaching for it again, and then something caught her eye. Puck sighed in relief, she stopped tearing it before the damage was too obvious.

"Oh, a card!" She waved the envelope that was neatly tucked under the ribbon. "What's it say?" She was about to open it when he snatched it out of her hand.

"Hey!" She said, and leaned against the nearest wall. "You worthless piece of shit! I'm glad I didn't waste my time in getting you anything!" She yelled at him and he rolled his eyes.

"Tell me something I don't know." He said as he reached for his jacket.

"Y-you-!" Then he heard a huge gag. He turned around and his mother puked all over the floor. Puck put his jacket back as he went to help his mother.

"No I gawt it!" She exclaimed pushing him away. "I don't need your help." She slurred as she grabbed the paper towels. Puck sighed, for as much as he hated her sometimes, he couldn't bare to see her like this.

"I got it ma." He said gently grabbing the roll from her hand.

"Why are you still here? I told you" hiccup "That I got it!" She said reaching for the roll again, but she couldn't stop moving forward. Puck noticed immediately that she was fainting. He dropped the paper towel in favor of catching her.

"Mom?" He asked, and he checked her face. Out like a light. "Damn it." He said, picking her up and taking her upstairs to her room.

After he was done taking care of his mother, with changing her clothes and wiping her mouth with a wash cloth, then making her comfortable in her bed he went down and cleaned the mess. Luckily none of it was on the carpet, but it was still sick as fuck. He had no idea why he still indulged with alcohol after what he had to go through, time and time again at home. By the time he was done, he was exhausted. He went into the fridge and found cases of beer stored away. He looked above and there was all kinds of liquor. Hypnotic, Bacardi, Vodka, Whiskey. You name it, she had it. Red wine, white wine, boxed wine, didn't matter. He just wanted water because he was parched, but that bottle of Malibu was looking mighty fine. Grabbing it off the shelf, he took a swig. He took a few more shots before he felt sick of himself. Is this what he was going to stoop to? To his mother's level of 'dealing' with shit? So he was just going to depend on this habit to take him out of his funk? The hell he was.

Angrily he grabbed all the alcohol and started pouring them down the sink. Even that was taking too long so he went to the tub, just pouring and pouring everything that made his mother into the woman he hated today. This is what changed his once best friend. This is what took her away from him, and now, he was getting rid of it. He was dumbing the last bottle of wine down the sink before he decided, since he didn't even get to the beer yet and it was taking too damn long and the alcohol was really stinking up the whole bathroom, that he would donate the beer to Mike, or Sam. He was instantly stopped by his mother screaming. He looked up and she was standing by the entrance of the bathroom.

"What the fuck are you doing?" She asked, eyeing the last of the wine going down the drain. "Noah, what the FUCK did you do?" He stood up and faced her.

"I dumped your fucking alcohol." He answered calmly, and her eyes widened. She turned and rushed down to the kitchen. It looked brand new without all that shit all over the fridge and counters.

"YOU DUMPED MY ALCOHOL?!" She screeched and he smirked.

"Yes. You have to admit though, the kitchen does have a brighter feel to it. I already feel peachy." He shrugged happily. Meaning it for the most part, but still being sarcastic with it.

"Why?" She asked through clenched jaws.

"Do you even remember what happened an hour ago?"

"What are you talking about?" She asked, reaching for her whiskey glass. She found it, but there was no alcohol to fill it with.

"You barfed and passed out! You were yelling at me."

"And?"

"And? AND? Mother, you are sick. You need help!" He said, and she laughed.

"And if I don't get it? You going to leave like the rest of those bastards? I hope you follow your dad into the grave." She spat, reaching for her pack of cigarettes.

"What?" He felt like someone stabbed him with a rusty pole. She lit her cigarette and walked closer to him so that she was in his face. When she was in the distance she wanted, she blew the smoke in his face.

"Go. Die." She said and all he saw was red. He wanted nothing more than to punch her, or drag her by the hair, or burn the house down, but he calmly grabbed his jacket, the bag of gifts, and he was out of there.

"Good luck!" She yelled after him, and when he was outside he shut his eyes hard against the tears that were threatening to come. Yeah, Merry fucking Christmas to you, too. He thought bitterly and left.

It was near six and they were about to have dinner. Mercedes hadn't heard from Puck all day. She sent him a text earlier asking if he was still coming over, but he never replied. Maybe he was ignoring her again. She'd say that was fine, but it really wasn't.

Thats when they heard a knock.

"Mercedes, honey get the door please?" Her mother asked, who's hands were messy with batter.

"Okay master." She teased and her mother stuck out her tongue. She hoped it was Puck, but it wasn't. It was Mike and Tina.

"Hey gu-" She stopped smiling when she saw their fallen faces.

"Mercedes, its Puck." She felt her heart drop.

"What is it?" She asked coming outside and closing the door behind her.

"He called me, and he's a mess right now." Mike said.

"Where is he?" She quickly asked, Mike fished out his phone.

"He's here." She read the address from the text Puck sent and she knew exactly where he was.

"I'm going." She opened her door to grab her jacket.

"We're coming with you." Tina said, and Mercedes shook her head.

"What did he say? Why is he there?" She motioned for them to follow her in the house where it smelt like cookies and Christmas trees.

"He mentioned his mom and that he wished he wasn't alive. Then he went on… about you." Mike said and Mercedes' heart fluttered.

"Thats why we came here." Tina said.

"Okay, I'm going to go look for him."

"Look for who?" Pap Jones came downstairs and Mike immediately backed off.

"Uh, heh-hello, sir." He stammered, and the taller man nodded at him.

"Mike." He nodded once, "What's going on baby girl?" He asked Tina and she giggled at the expression on Mike's face.

"Nothing much, pap Jones." She answered.

"We didn't know you were coming over for dinner. Its a good thing we have plenty. We were expecting Puck but we haven't heard from him." He noticed something in Tina's and Mike's faces. He looked at Mercedes who was worrying her bottom lip.

"Whats going on?" He stated seriously.

"Puck ran away from home. He's at the church." Mercedes said and before she could finish, he had his jacket and car keys in his hand.

"Daddy, I'm coming with you." Mercedes said.

"No. Stay here. I'll bring him back." He kissed her then Tina on the forehead, and clapped Mike on the shoulder. "Tell your mother I will be right back." Mercedes nodded, the church was about five minutes away, so it wouldn't take very long.

Michael Jones should've known better. He knew exactly what having an alcoholic mother felt like. He was ashamed of himself for not recognizing anything sooner, but it made sense. He didn't have to be around a lot to know Puck had issues and was constantly seeking acceptance. He overheard his daughter and Puck argue a few times and he saw the signs. Self-esteem issues from the verbal abuse that often came from an alcoholic. Easily angered, scared, insecure. Michael thought back to the times his mother would throw things at him and say hurtful things, things he forgave her for, but never truly forgotten. He himself had self esteem issues, and had Jennifer not come into his life, he wouldn't know where he'd be. And somewhere inside of him, and for as much as it made him weary to admit, he knew Mercedes was Puck's Jen. It scared him, but if anyone could help this kid, it would be his strong little Cedes.

He finally reached the church and saw Puck huddled under the porch's roof. Puck looked up at the arriving car and quickly looked away. Thinking that Puck wasn't going to move, Michael got out of the car.

"Puck!" Puck's head looked in his direction and Michael saw the shame in his face. He closed the door and walked over to where the teen sat and plopped himself next to him.

"Mr. Jones, what are you doing here?" Puck's voice was very hoarse, and Michael didn't know why, but it absolutely broke him.

"What are you doing here in the cold? Its Christmas, shouldn't you be home or my house? I thought you were coming over for dinner." Puck turned to the older man and he could see the tears welling in his eyes.

"I was going to come over. But... I got into a fight with my mother." he paused, debating with himself, "She's an alcoholic." Michael's heart sank deeper, "So I dumped all her alcohol down the tub," Michael pulled his lips down at the corners and thought back to his very own episode. "But not before I took a couple of shots."

"Noah…" He said and Puck shook his head.

"I know. But I felt so … disgusted with myself, and I didn't want to end up like her so I dumped it. She eventually woke up, then flipped out." Puck hung his head, and Michael felt like this wasn't the heaviest part. It has yet to come.

They sat in silence a few seconds more before Puck scoffed.

"Told me she hopes I follow my dad in his grave." His voice cracked, "She actually told me, and I quote, 'Go die' and when I walked out, she wished me luck." He shook his head and busted out crying even harder.

Michael did the only thing he could think of doing, he took the boy into his arms and was glad he did. As soon as he wrapped his arms around him, Puck clutched him back as if he were a lifeline.

"I miss him! I miss him so bad!" Puckerman said into his shoulder. "I wish he were here so I could ask him advice. I am so fucking lost and its because I don't have my dad." He exclaimed and Michael pulled him in even more.

"Just let it out, boy." He cooed, and Puck continued.

"Maybe then I wouldn't be such a mess up. Maybe then I could be a better man and be able to actually be there for the girl I love. The only one I want to be with." Michael felt Puck tense, but he didn't say anything.

Michael kept quiet until he let everything else out.

"Maybe then I'd be a man! And I'd know what I need to do with my future, and how to woo a woman. How to drive and dance and tell me about the days when he first fell in love. But more than that, what he had to do to raise me. What it meant to have a family, and how to balance my responsibilities. How to cut my own hair and shave the right way. But I'm never going to learn, and I thought my mother would help me, and she was for a little while, but then my brother up and left us and she turned to alcohol, and slowly, more and more she disappeared from me. I am such a fuck up not even my mother wants me. She turned to alcoholism rather than to me! The person who is, and will always be there for her. She's all I got left in terms of learning to grow, and she doesn't even want me alive. She doesn't-" Puck's voice got caught on his mucus and Michael sat there crying, too.

"You are something Puck. And something worthy of love. My mother was an alcoholic, too, you know? Told me more times than I could count to 'go die' and its not fun, it really isn't. The difference between us is, I had my dad. You don't, but you know I will be here for you, and so will Miss. Jen. We're not going to leave you Puckerman, and with that said, you're moving in with us." Puck pulled away with wide eyes. "If thats what you want. You deserve more than you think, and I know I'm leaving soon, but I'll be back, and I know I could never replace your father, but I can damn as hell try my hardest to teach you how to treat a woman, and court a girl, and when the time comes, how to raise a child. I can tell you how to get that girl you're currently in love with. And how to cut your hair" He eyed his grown out mohawk that was currently on his head. Michael smirked at him and Puck tried to smirk back, it came out more of a grimace. "And I could teach the things my father taught me on how to be a man. I'd like to think I turned out okay." He motioned to himself and got up, pulling the smaller kid with him.

"Thanks pap Jones, and if you don't mind, I'd like to stay with you guys for a bit."

"Well, we'd be happy to have you." he said waiting till Puck grabbed the bag full of gifts.

"Whats that?" He asked, and Puck looked at the bag.

"Uh, your guys' gifts." He said sheepishly, and Michael laughed his booming laugh.

"Boy, you had drama with your mama and you still managed to grab our gifts?" Puck thought about it, and it did seem silly, but at the time, its all he had. Mr. Jones seemed to have seen something in his face, because he was now softly patting him on the shoulder, it seemed to be his signature thing, "Thank you, son." He said getting in the car with Puck following.

With every passing minute, Mercedes grew more and more anxious.

"Do you think he found him? Do you think something happened? The church is literally five minutes away. Whats taking so long?!" She was pacing back in forth in the kitchen. She looked at the clock and her eyes popped out of her head, "He's been gone for twenty minutes." She reached for her phone.

"Mercedes, honey, maybe they're having a talk. Puck is probably really upset." Her mother reasoned as she grabbed the cookies out from the oven and Mercedes nodded. Tina, Mike, Jensen, and Jacob were all drinking hot chocolate watching as Mercedes paced. Finally she heard the engine of a car pull up.

"Its them!" She said after she peeked through the curtain. She eagerly ran to the door and she quickly opened it. Instantly feeling the impact of the snow, but she didn't care. Puck was fine! Her dad actually found him. As soon as he made it in the house, she pulled him into a huge hug. When they separated she smacked him hard on the shoulder.

"Where were you?!" She asked almost hysterically and he chuckled.

She looked so cute with her scarf and beanie. He guessed she was going to come after him, and judging from the edginess in her tone he was right. And boy was he happy to see her.

"I had some trouble, but your dad helped me a bit. Its been difficult without my dad, you know?" He asked and took in her warm eyes. The talk he had with Mr. Jones really was helpful and he felt so relieved. And Mr. Jones told him some things that he never knew before. And telling him things Puck didn't even know Mr. Jones believed in, like him. He already felt like he had more direction. He didn't expect as she tip toed and pulled him in for a hug.

"I could imagine. I'm just so happy you're okay. I was so worried." Puck closed his eyes. This is exactly what he needed to hear. That someone he loved actually cared back, that she cared. He needed the confirmation more than he thought. He pulled away slightly and was pleasantly flabbergasted that she gripped him tighter. Between the smell of her, cookies, and the Christmas Trees, the feel of her in his arms again, flushed completely against him, he thought he did die and gone to heaven. The moment was short lived and he was brought back to earth when Mike's voice appeared among everyone else's glad that he could make it and that he was fine. He smiled at all of them, the holes in his heart already healing.

"I'm fine." He said genuinely and thats when Miss. Jen announced dinner was ready and ordered everyone to wash up. Tina and Mike said they had to go back to her house, but they were glad he was okay. After they left and everyone was washed up, they had dinner. And for the first time in a very long time, Puck remembered what if felt like to actually have a family. He looked across the table at a certain diva, and counted his lucky stars that her and her family were some of the most loving people he'd ever known.

A/N *sobs* Okay! I know this isn't exactly what you guys were hoping for, but we're a bit closer! Achiiiievement! Haha! I realized I haven't thanked you guys for the reviews, so thank you very very very much! They make me feel better, and honestly they're like crack to me! Haha, I read them when I get discouraged and its great to have something to turn back to, so feel free to review, they leave me smiling, and bouncing in my seat, and clutching my heart, and well, you get it :)

Okay guys, till next time!