I don't own glee
Noah stood in front of the body length mirror, and straightened his tie. Today was Mercedes' prom and it was going to be sweet. He knew she was in and out all day today getting prepared, she went to a salon to do her hair and now she was with her mother doing her makeup in her room. That Kurt kid from glee came over, and Puck noticed they were getting closer, if he wasn't gay and dating that Warbler kid, he would've been very concerned. Heck, he was still concerned when she hung out with Finn and even Mike. Okay, maybe he was a little jealous, but concerned, jealous, same difference. And even if they had girlfriends, he still worried, but he was just being ridiculous. With one last smoothing of his short mohawk, he headed downstairs. He had black slacks with a long-sleeved black shirt and a black vest. His tie was the same shade of teal that matched her dress. Everyone tried to get him to wear a jacket but he didn't want to, it was too hot, and Mercedes agreed that he shouldn't, and that a fullback vest would be sufficient enough.
He reached the bottom of the stairs when he walked into the JJ's who had their arms crossed in front of their chests. Mercedes begged for them to come home that weekend so going off to prom wasn't so empty feeling, and they agreed, so thats what brought them here.
"Since my fathers not around, as the oldest son," Puck watched as Jacob rolled his eyes, "I took initiative to burn you with the questions I know my old man would if he were here." Jensen said, and Puck wanted to laugh, except that Jensen had grown a lot since college, and he seemed dead serious.
"Have a seat, son." He said in something that was supposed to sound like pap Jones' voice. Once Puck sat, he continued, with Jacob sternly by his side.
"What are your intentions with my daughter?" He pointed an accusatory finger at Puck, and Jake sighed, moving him back with his arm.
"Before this fool gets out of hand and makes an ass of himself, I'll take over. Are you going to treat my sister right?" Jacob asked, ditching the intimidating factor Jensen was going for. Jake was even bigger than Jensen, and it was crazy to see, since he was always the skinnier one, the quieter one, but looking at him now, he's changed so much.
"Um, of course. You know that." Jensen rose an eyebrow.
"Do we now?" He tried to go all Thor voice on him, but Jake pushed him behind him again, Jensen quietly stepped back and made an 'I'm watching you' motion with this two fingers from his eyes to Puck's body.
"Will you stop fucking around for one second?" Jake said over his body to the shorter sibling and Jensen motioned that he had the floor. "We just want to make sure Mercedes is going to be safe. She's our little sister, and you know we love you, man, but that doesn't mean we can't get weary. We get weary over any guy that she goes out with."
"Yeah, but admittedly, we like you better than that white dude with the crazy Elvis hair." Jensen shuttered and Jacob let out a small chuckle.
"Your sister is going to feel like a princess tonight, I promise." Puck said and Jacob nodded.
"We can only hope and take your word for it." He answered and Puck relaxed a lot, slumping into the couch.
"You better not have sex with her! That shit is just wrong." Jensen said
"Jensen stop being ridiculous." Miss Jen came downstairs and everyone stopped what they were doing, Puck quickly stood up.
"Um, hello momma." Jensen said.
"Talking crazy talk like Puck would actually do that to your sister. Enough with the crazy, Jensen." She said with a stern hand on her hips.
"Yes, sorry momma!" Jensen hung his head slightly in shame. He didn't mean for her mother to hear him.
"Hello Puck, why you look handsome!" She said, they hadn't seen each other all day either, considering she was with Mercedes the whole time.
"Thanks Miss. Jen." Puck smirked. She motioned for him to turn around and he did. She let out a low whistle as he did so and Jensen made a gagging noise, which she sent a death glare at him for. He caught the glare and immediately stopped, hanging his head again. Miss Jen wasn't tall, she was about the same height as Mercedes, but she still had the fear of her children without even trying. Puck always thought it was admirable, and knew if they had kids, Mercedes would be like her mother… well, if she had anyone's kids, he corrected. Was it wrong that he already knew she was going to be his wife? That is after he gets his act together, either way, he'd be fully hers, if she wanted it.
"She should be down any minute." Mercedes' mom bounced on her toes in excitement, and Puck couldn't help but smile wider. They'd grown closer over the few months he lived there, and he could definitely see where Mercedes got her personality from. Miss. Jen was a blast to talk with, just like how he had a blast talking to Mercedes.
"Ugh. Who does she think she is? Princess Ariel?" Jensen said, shelving pretzels in his mouth. He immediately stopped when his mother glared at him. Jacob laughed and Jensen couldn't stick tongue or anything because Mrs. Jones was still eyeing him. Puck saw the relieved look in Jensen's face as she smiled back at Puck.
She was fixing his tie a little better when they heard a 'clink' of a heel hitting against the wooden steps. Soon she was almost down and in eye sight of Puck, her mother quickly pressed the record button. Recording Mercedes that first second she was in sight and went straight to Puck's reaction.
The reaction had given her butterflies, she slightly shook her head, just when she thought a young man couldn't giver those. Miss. Jen could see every emotion that crossed his face and she hadn't seen that intense of a look from anyone beside her husband.
Puck watched as Mercedes' eyes widened a little at him. He was feeling confident that he looked good. But all that was forgotten as soon as he seen her. What she was wearing, and how her bangs swept across her forehead, and blended into the rest of her curled hair. She had glitter in it and she absolutely sparkled, add that with the natural glow she always had, and she was beyond radiant. He actually couldn't even think of sufficient enough words to describe how he felt, but if he could, he'd say surreal, or beyond blessed. Or he'd say that he felt positively exuberant and privileged. It was like he was witnessing his bride walking down the aisle, or like a blind man seeing the colors of spring for the first time, growing in beauty and time. She was breathtaking, and he could never get enough. There she was, his storm, his beautiful tragedy.
She finally reached the bottom of the stairs and she was instantly swooped into the arms of Jacob. He kissed her forehead and said she was stunning. Puck smiled in appreciation at her Jacob's word. After what felt like a million pictures and after Jensen got out as much teasing as he could. Jacob kissed her on the cheek and hugged her one more time, telling her she was the most prettiest girl he'd ever seen to grace the junior prom. Puck looked at Mercedes and could tell she loved this. She loved her brothers, even Jensen for as much of a butt he was, but he could see in her face that she was blissfully happy. They walked the prom couple down the driveway, Puck held open the passenger door for Mercedes and helped her in. After she was settled in, he ran to the other side, and they were finally off to prom.
They arrived and of course, inevitably, Puck had to sit on the same table as Artie. Ever since forever ago, Artie truly hated Puck. Now that feelings were released between him and the girl that held his heart, Artie grew even more apprehensive. He heard the things he'd whisper to her about Puck when he came over. It was hurtful, but Mercedes put him in his place every time. It was still embarrassing to hear, and he really hoped tonight wouldn't be a total disaster. He was watching as Mercedes excitedly showed off her dress to Tina and Brittany, while Mike and Artie were fist pumping each other. He felt a little left out, but watching Mercedes' face light up like that, he didn't mind.
They actually got through dinner that they were serving without any awkwardness. Puck looked around and was thankful that his school wasn't one of those that had it in the gym, but rather a hotel. In those big halls that the students decorated with gold and silver stars, and the disco ball that should've looked weird, but it worked. There were shear fabric draping around the room and it was pretty romantic. He was so caught up in the fact that he was going with her to prom, he didn't care to find out the theme, but he was guessing it had something to do with 'under the stars.'
Finally it was time to dance, and he immediately pulled Mercedes up, since the night at Rachel's, he hoped he got to dance with her again, not necessarily in a 'sexy' way, but to just dance with her. That thought pulled him up short, Mercedes was the only girl that he never thought about pounding into. Yeah, he thought about having sex with her, but not in the piggish way he would normally try, it was in the way you knew it was a privilege and an honor, no that still sounded wrong. It was more of the way where he hoped he could show her how much he cared for her. For her to be the first one he ever made love to. These thoughts were starting to truly scare him. He was already scared about being honest with her. He never regretted what he accidentally said to her all those months ago, it did open a lot of doors, but he was just scared. Scared of actually opening himself up to her, scared of rejection and the fear that she would finally realize that she could do better than him. That she deserved better than him, but he pushed all these thoughts aside, for now. He was going to dance with her and make her feel like a princess, the way he promised the JJs.
After a few songs, they became parched and sat back at their table where water awaited them. Artie was sitting back at the table, with Brittany in his lap. They were doing some eskimo kiss when Artie looked up. Brittany said she wanted more punch and Mercedes did too. She took the last gulp of her water and grabbed Brittany's hand as they headed toward the open juice bar.
The air was awkward between Puck and Artie, so Puck decided to at least try and make small talk.
"Having fun?" Puck asked lamely. It was a step above talking about the weather, at least.
"Sure." He answered and looked at his phone. Puck was real tired of his attitude, but tried to swallow that negative feeling in his gut anyway.
"You guys get to go out on the dance floor yet? Its crazy!" He said, and Artie finally looked up at him.
"No." And something in his tone and face really set Puck off. Something he couldn't swallow anymore.
"Whats your fucking problem?" He asked, thinking about all those times he'd hear what Artie would say about him.
"Why are you swearing?"
"Whats with the attitude?"
"I don't like you."
"I see that. Why?"
"Because the way you treated Mercedes."
"That was the old me, the one that was still in denial and the one that wanted better-" Puck started.
"Look. I don't care about your stories. But you didn't even apologize to her, did you?" Artie sat up and started rolling himself closer to Puckerman.
"No." He realized.
"What's taking so long? No better question: Why are you still around?" Artie must've saw something in Puck's face, because he continued on, "I mean, Mercedes deserves so much better than you." He spat. "She deserves the guy that sweeps her properly off her feet. You're not good for her." Puck could not believe the audacity of this kid!
"Are you kidding me? You don't know anything about me!"
"I know enough to know you're nothing but a Lima Loser." Artie said and Puck quickly stood to tower over Artie. He didn't know why he needed to do it, only that he was.
"Shut the FUCK up Artie! You're nothing but a fucking freak!" Puck said and when he looked up, he saw Mercedes' smile drop.
"What did you just say to him?" Artie quickly turned around and Puck backed off.
"Listen, its not what y-"
"Leave." Mercedes said not looking at him. Puck couldn't believe it! He watched as Brittany wheeled Artie away from him.
"But Mer-"
"I said leave!" It was hard to believe everything in the room didn't stop, because Puck felt like his world just did, but no everything kept moving on. People on the dance floor were still dancing, and the people over by the punch table were still exchanging jokes. "Go, and don't ever try to talk to me. How dare you?"
He felt himself getting angrier and angrier, she didn't even want to know all the shitty things Artie was telling him. For a split second he thought why would he even want to be with anyone like that anyways. It was only for a split second and he didn't mean it, but that anger was all it took to motivate him to respond with what he did.
"Fine. You guys can all have fun fucking yourselves." He turned and left. He told himself not to turn around, but once he reached the entrance of the prom doors, he looked back, and he faintly saw Mercedes sitting on Artie's lap. It was a heartbreaking image, and if Puck could slam his head against a brick wall a million times, he would've.
As Puck made his way back home, he felt both worse, and better. Better that he was out of the situation, worse because now he still had things he had to sort out. First, about Artie, he didn't like the guy, and no matter how much he tried, he would not budge. Then there was him basically telling Mercedes to go fuck herself. Like who does that? Then there was the fact that he decided it would be wise if he just moved to his grandmother's. Maybe it would be better if he didn't live with her more. She did deserve more than a man who would get angry and couldn't control his tongue.
'Have fun fucking yourselves.'
The sentence just kept ringing in his mind. Nope, he didn't feel better. He was just making progress, and some shit like this had to happen. Always taking three steps forward, and eight steps back. He figured she hated him, and he wouldn't try to get her "back." Like before, this would be best.
He gently opened the door, and saw Miss. Jen sitting on the table. She looked at him curiously, and he sluggishly walked over to her. He looked at the woman, she was thin woman, and she was pretty. Mercedes definitely got her looks from her mother.
"Noah, what are you doing home? Are you okay?" She asked, as she slowly stood in front of him. She was just about the same height as Mercedes, too.
"I messed up, Miss. Jen. I didn't keep my promise tonight." He thought back to what he promised the twins, and was happy they weren't currently home. She sternly put a hand on her hip.
"What happened." She said and he ran a hand over his mohawk.
He told her everything, from what he overhears Artie saying about him, and what he said tonight. He told her he knew he was a Lima Loser, and it hurt because Artie just confirmed what everyone was talking about. He spilled his guts about how that hit a sensitive nerve, and how that made his insecurities rise. How he was so happy, happiest he's been since his father died, and then at the end he admitted what he told Mercedes, Artie, and to an extent, Brittany to do. After he uttered the sentence, she put her hand over her mouth.
"Oh, Noah." He shook her head slightly. She didn't look mad, but rather disappointed.
"I am so sorry, Miss. Jen. I didn't mean it." He was crying. Sobbing, because not only did he hurt Mercedes, he hurt this woman in front of him. The one that means a whole lot to him, too.
"Shh-shh." She cooed, and walked to his side of the table, taking him in a hug. "I accept that apology. Artie shouldn't've said what he did, and neither should've you. But you can't just apologize to me. You need to apologize to Mercedes, Artie, and Brittany." She said, rubbing his head, and he just kept crying.
"I think I should move to my grandmother's." He said as soon as he could breathe again, and she nodded.
"I think you should do whatever you feel like you should." She said, and his chest dropped a little. Did she hate him?
"Are you mad at me?" He asked and she shook her head.
"No, Noah, I'm not." She said, and called the JJs. Apparently they went to shoot pool with some friends.
"Hi boys, I need you guys to come back home and help Noah." Puck watched her talking on the phone, a few minutes later she hung up.
"I made cookies, would you like some?" She asked and he nodded. Twenty minutes the twins made their way in the house and was completely confused. Puck filled them in on what happened, and they were a little disappointed. Luckily they knew what an ass Artie could be, and the silently helped him move his things to his grandmother's house.
Mercedes came back from prom still a bit sad. Brittany, Artie, Mike and Tina had a room at the hotel the prom was at and begged her to drink with them or just stay with them, but she didn't feel like it. Almost everyone from Glee was going to their little get together, save her, and Puck.
Before she walked in her house, she took a deep breath, hoping she wouldn't see him.
Her hope turned into a nightmare when her mother said Puck moved to his grandmother's house. Mercedes bowed her head and said, "Oh." What else was she supposed to say? Puck was still acting like an ass, and she was still upset with what he told Artie. How dare he? She wanted to feel more mad, but she felt more numb than anything. And he was so mad, it compelled him to move out.
She sighed and went up to her room, where she threw herself on her bed. She noticed belatedly that her mother asked her how the prom went, but it was too late. Too tired and too hurt, she just laid in bed, with her dress, hair and makeup still in tact. Her thoughts went to the beginning of the night, how Puck was looking at her as she came down the stairs, the silly pictures. The inappropriate comments from Jensen, and the loving support of Jacob, just like she hoped would happen. They arrived at prom, ate their dinners, took their picture, and danced. Danced close, danced silly, laughing and hugging, but it was all short lived. See, thats why she didn't want to go to prom, it was utterly unnecessary, and now she ended up like those cliché girls who cried after prom was over because their boyfriends dumped them. Only her and Puck weren't together.
After he left, she felt a pang of guilt. The way he tried to plead, and the complete hurt he had on his face almost broke her. She probably should've listened to what he had to say, but she couldn't find herself to at the time. But now that he was gone, she wanted nothing more than to hear what he had to say. But it was too late now, he was already upset, and he already left.
Puck woke up the next morning to his grandmother making eggs. He visited her everyday, just like he did before he moved in with the Jones family.
She asked how was prom, and he answered it as vaguely as possible. They sat in comfortable silence while they ate the breakfast she made.
After breakfast he got ready for the day, he checked his phone to see if anyone texted him… or if she texted him. Nope. It was empty, no one called nor texted, and why would they? Everyone loved and defended Mercedes, so of course no one would call him. But still, he hoped. He didn't want to go outside in fear of seeing her talking with Tina, or even Finn, so he just turned on the t.v and listened to the bantering while he unpacked.
Since he's moved in the Jones' home, his grades had improved immensely. For the first time since freshman year, he could see that he was actually going to graduate! Sure he would be the bottom half of the class, but still, he'd be out of there! Out of McKinley, then a bleak thought hit him.
But not out of Lima.
He slammed his clothes in the closet and ended up hurting his hand.
"Ow!" He hissed, and cradled his hand. Glaring at the newly hung shirts, he turned back to his suitcase.
The next couple of months passed and before he knew it he had a few weeks till he graduated. He spent Easter alone with his grandmother, while he heard and smelled the barbecue the Jones ladies were having. He heard Tina, Quinn, and Finn, and even Artie out there that day. He subconsciously clenched his jaw and decided not to think anymore about them, or what they were laughing about.
Everything else moved slowly, too. His grandmother begged him to let her pay for his graduation gown, she was so proud of him, and it was so apparent. She told him she'd be upfront and center for him, cheering her head off. She's not all that old, but he'd still have to drive her. He smiled at her, thinking she was the only one that was going to be there for him. It remained quiet, aside from when Sam got them some fake I.D's and they'd hit up the bars, getting girls and just having a grand time.
Or at least Sam seemed to have a grand time, Puck just thought about Mercedes. The way he always did. Thoughts of her consumed him and threatened to drown him. Every glance she gave him would give him hope, but she'd look away. He'd watch her down the hall, or in glee club, which he was still fricken shocked that he was in! No one aside from Sam and Santana really spoke to him. Mike, and Brittany sometimes did, but being the boyfriend and girlfriend of her best friends, they had an obligation, and he understood. Whenever it came to Mercedes, he'd always understand.
But none of that is what hurt the most. What hurt the most was the fact that they were so close. What hurt the most was that during those glances she'd look sad, as if she were feeling the pain he felt. What hurt the most is the last words he ever said to her were words that could rot in hell.
He hated himself. More than ever. And that was a shitty thing to feel, because it was the eve of his graduation.
His mother finally called him, that was good to know she was still alive, but he already knew that. Every couple days he'd checked to see if she were home, and peek in a window to make sure she was still breathing. And she was. But no matter what, he was happy to hear her voice. Their conversation was a little strained, but nevertheless he invited her to his graduation. She timidly said she was proud of him, and she'd try to make it.
That means she wasn't going to come.
He wouldn't hold his breath.
The day of his graduation came, and he was, despite all the shit going on, excited. He'd done it. All those assholes in the locker rooms, aside from Sam, Finn, and Mike lost their bets. Sam and Finn only won a tiny bit, while Mike gained more. He needed to hug the dude the next time he saw him, and congratulate him on his big, unlikely win.
It was now time for the ceremony, his grandmother kept her promise and in fact sat up front and center. She had the biggest smile on her face, and Puck made it a point to blow a kiss at her when he received his diploma. He did, and she put her hand over her heart and made a proud face. Throwing a hand from her mouth out back to him so she was sending a kiss back. And as suspected his mother never came. And neither did his brothers. But it didn't matter because his grandma was there, and the look on her face was worth everything.
He was walking with his grandmother on his arm as they made their way back to the car. He was laughing at something she said, and when he looked up, he saw Sam, Mike, Brittany, and Finn come up to him. He excused himself as they made a group hug.
"We did it!" They all laughed and did a military-like, 'HOORA!' It drew attention, but they didn't care.
"We're going out to celebrate!" Brittany hit him on the arm in a playful manner, and he didn't know if it was the mood or not, but he couldn't help but utter his next words.
"I'm sorry Britt, Britt." He said and everyone got a little quiet. She shrugged.
"Noah Puckerman, you know I'm alright!" She said and everyone assumed things were okay between them because Brittany was smiling wide at him. Thats when Quinn made her way over. She kissed Finn and turned to Puck.
"We did it!" She said and they shared a hug. It might've been awkward, but both of them moved on. They both had someone special in their lives, and they both had an understanding. Quinn. Why didn't he think to talk to her?!
"I have to talk to you later." He leaned over to say.
"Its about damn time." She gave him a knowing look. Maybe she did know what was going on right now. But he didn't care about his problems right now. Then something occurred to him belatedly. As soon as he remembered he picked up Mike in a huge bear hug as he swung him around. Everyone was caught off guard and after he set Mike down, he froze with his arms in a surrender motion.
"What just happened?" Mike asked a little freaked out, but despite himself, had a huge grin on his face.
"You won the big bet." They were all confused for a bit, then realized what he said. They all burst out laughing, all of them. Bygones were bygones, thats usually how Puck worked. Just then the JJs walked up to him. He had a huge smile on his face and didn't think they were gonna be done with school for the next couple weeks.
"Heyyyy!" Jensen yelled. It was a little too feminine, but Puck returned the gesture.
"Hey girlfraan!" He said and Jacob walked up to him shaking his head.
"You guys disgust me." He said, Puck and Jensen just laughed.
"We were just headed to a party, wanna come?" Brittany asked, and Jensen looked her up and down. He still wasn't over the fact that she was with Artie. He truly thought it was a shame.
"Naw, we have another party with some of the other guys that were on the baseball team." Jacob said, "We just came here to give you a hug and tell you congrats. We knew you could do it." He clapped a hand on his shoulder and brought him in for a hug. After it was all over and they left, they made their way out to celebrate.
They pulled up to Rachel's house and Puck was eyeing it apprehensively. He thought maybe they'd go to a club or something, but whatever this would work. They made their way to Rachel's huge basement, and he was pleased. At least there was alcohol, and there was her.
Mercedes watched as the seniors walked in and they all yelled 'SURPRISE!' Of course it wasn't much of a surprise, because they got hauled to Rachel's house, and there was usually a glee club party, so it was inevitable. Plus it was only the glee clubbers, there was only Mercedes, Rachel, Artie, Kurt, Blaine, and Tina. Then there were the new kids, Joe, Sugar and that Irish kid who's accent Sam could not get enough of. He made it his goal since Rory was introduced into the glee club to imitate his accent perfectly. He still wasn't perfect, but he was definitely getting there. It was still fun to hear him try.
She watched as they came in one at a time, and she wondered if Puck was coming, though she assumed he would be. But after every senior walked in, she got more and more anxious, because he still wasn't there. Eventually he came around the corner and the first person he made eye contact with was her. And like she always did, she quickly looked away.
Truth was, she forgave him for saying what he did. She just hoped that now he would forgive her for being such a shitty friend. They were supposed to be something more than friends, and thats what made her feel worse. Artie would always be a brother to her, and though he didn't go into detail of what was said, she knew he must've done something to provoke him. Still she didn't apologize, but in her defense neither did he. They cut cake and had pizza for them, along with a lot of alcohol. They all got pretty drunk, and everyone was laughing and playing around with the foosball table Rachel's dads cared to buy.
Mercedes and Tina were laughing in a corner and they were beyond tipsy. Mike came and grabbed Tina when the song 'Titanium' came on. Apparently it was their favorite song, so that left her alone. She hated being alone. Mainly because she'd think of him, and she really didn't want that. She tried her best to move on from him, and she has a tiny bit, but seeing him it just… it suddenly wasn't enough for her. She wanted to apologize, and here she went again, with the same repetitive thoughts. Thats when she noticed someone sat by her. She looked up to find that it was Quinn, and she brought her a drink. When she handed a drink to Mercedes, she smiled.
"Thanks." She said, taking a huge sip. "Oh, congratulations!" She cheered at the blonde, and they both smiled wider.
"Thank you." She bowed her head slightly. Things between them were alright. She wouldn't consider them close like her and Tina, but they were definitely friends. Quinn took a moment to observe the girl sitting beside her.
"How are you, Mercedes?" Quinn asked and Mercedes looked at her.
"Miserable." She said with an empty smile.
"What's wrong?" Quinn moved in closer and Mercedes shrugged.
"I miss my dad, and my brothers. You guys are leaving, and New Directions won't be the same and I-" She paused, then let out a huge sigh, "I miss him." She said, not elaborating.
"Puck?" Quinn asked and Mercedes didn't even have the energy to look surprised and simply nodded.
"What if I told you he missed you too?" Quinn asked, putting an arm around the younger girl. Remembering what Puck was saying to her on the way to the party.
"Then I'd say thats a lie. And that I was a horrible friend to him." She said.
"Maybe so, but I know Puck feels remorse, and no matter what you do to him, he'll always end up listening to you." Quinn offered, and Mercedes' bottom lip quivered. Quinn looked up and saw Puck looking intently at Mercedes by the bar. He didn't even look at Quinn, but she could see how much he was hurting, too.
"You guys need to fix this." She said.
"I don't know how." Mercedes said, "I'm sad he's upset with me, but I'm still a bit upset at what he told me." Quinn nodded understanding what she was talking about.
"I think you both are drowning in guilt, and until one of you goes to the other person, you guys will continue to drown." Mercedes finally looked up at Quinn with water filled eyes and nodded. Quinn glanced up at Puck and he was straightening himself off the wall, looking extremely concerned at the girl in her arms. A minute later, the song ended and they heard feedback coming from the mic.
"Hey. Hey guys." Puck looked around after the feedback was over. Mercedes' head snapped up, "I wanted to sing a song I've been working on." He grabbed his guitar, and started strumming what he'd been practicing since the day he realized he was in love with Mercedes, or actually, since he heard the song on the radio. It reminded him immensely about Mercedes, and one day, he wanted to serenade her, but he couldn't wait anymore.
"I can't win, I can't reign.
I will never win this game
Without you, without you." He kept strumming his own stripped down acoustic version of the song.
"I am lost. I am vain.
I will never be the same without you, without you." Someone yelled 'GO PUCK!' from the group and he smirked looking up at Sam and gave a wink.
"I won't run, I won't fly
I will never make it by
Without you, without you." He looked at Mercedes who was staring back at him.
"I can't rest, I can't fight.
All I need is you and I.
Without you, without you." His strumming was starting to get quicker.
"Oh oh oh!
You! You! You!
Without … youuu!" This was the hardest part of the song vocally for him, but he nailed it.
"Can't erase, so I'll take blame
But I can't accept that we're estranged
without you, without you.
I can't quit now, it can't be right,
I can't take one more sleepless night
Without you, without you." He really couldn't handle anymore, he just wanted them to be together. He couldn't breathe, think, sing anything if it weren't for her. It was pathetic, but he was past the point of caring. Then he thought about how much he needed her.
"I won't soar, I won't climb
If you're not here, I'm paralyzed,
Without you, without you.
I can't look, i'm so blind
I lost my heart, I lost my mind without you, without you!" Yes his whole life he's been paralyzed, but the moment he realized just how much he's cared for her, he definitely lost his mind.
"I am lost, I am vain.
I will never be the same
without you, without you…
without… you." He strummed the last note, and the air ran thick. He felt himself getting choked up and realized he closed his eyes. When he opened them, the girls had their hands over their hearts in awe-including Santana-and the guys had a humble and understanding look in their faces. They knew, they all did. Even Artie wasn't hostile toward the performance. When he finally had the balls to look at Mercedes, she had tears in her eyes. He stared at her a moment longer before speaking into the mic.
"Uh, so yeah, that was something I was working on. I hope you guys liked it." He said unslinging the guitar from around his shoulders and set it down on the stand at the corner of the stage. He wiped his hands on his jeans and left the basement. No one moved, because no one saw him like that.
"That was beautiful." Rachel said, and Santana felt the need to say something, too.
"Well, now I'm all hot and bothered. If he were singing that to me, my lady parts would be ready to go. Hell, they're ready to go right now." She smirked and everyone shook their heads.
"TMI Santana!" Tina exclaimed and the whole room busted out laughing, save Mercedes, who was currently grabbing her coat.
A/N I'm so sorry this update took longer than I would've thought, but I hoped you guys enjoyed it.
The song Tina them danced to was Titanium, and the song Puck sang was Without you, both were performed by David Guetta. And no, I didn't realize I did that till just now :)
Until next time!