Disclaimer: I don't own glee :) Happy belated birthday Erica! And I'm so sorry this update took so long! School, and work, and just life in general has been demanding my attention! But heres chapter 11, hope it was worth the wait :)

Mercedes walked out the front door and found Puck making his way around his truck to the driver's side. Realizing she actually didn't want to be seen, she ducked. Some how even in her drunken state, she knew ducking wasn't going to actually hide her. She was about to rush somewhere so she couldn't be seen when he opened his truck door. Mercedes watched him and thought the coast would be clear soon. But it wouldn't, because now he was looking straight at her, she immediately stopped her pursuit to hide. His eyes were soft and by how moist his eyes looked, she guessed they were tears. He diverted his eyes a little then looked right back at her and she thought her heart was going to burst out of her chest. She straightened up and squared her shoulders.

"You were gonna hide from me?" The street was so quiet he didn't need to raise his voice much at all for her to hear him.

"N-no." She stammered and he slammed his truck door shut. She swallowed as he made his way to her.

"Don't lie to me." Mercedes couldn't decipher his tone. He sounded pissed, yet yielding. She looked in his eyes and they were much clearer than they were a few seconds ago. When she didn't respond, he sighed.

"Mercedes, I'm sorry." He said finally. She felt bad, he shouldn't be the one apologizing, it should be her. "I know you're upset, but that night at your prom, it was more than what met the eye. You don't know the rest of the story. Still, I shouldn't've said any of those things to Artie, but I was so mad." She continued to stare at him, liquid courage determined to leave her looking him dead in the eye. Or maybe it was the adrenaline from finally speaking to him that kept her numb. After what felt like a million years she still didn't respond, and he became crestfallen. He was about to walk away, but she grabbed his arm to stop him.

"I'm sorry, too. I shouldn't have judged you. I've felt awful this whole time, I knew I was wrong." She still had her grip as she stroked his arm with her thumb..

"Me too." He smiled sheepishly, fully facing her.

"Puck, I don't know what you're doing to me." She quietly admitted, no longer making eye contact.

"I feel the same way, Cedes. You drive me crazy." Mercedes heard him say, but she wasn't done.

"I still like you, just as much as I did before prom." She looked up to see Puck's eyes closed, "And your song, it meant a lot to me. Your rendition was so beautiful." She used her free hand to cup his cheek.

"Really? I wasn't so sure, its not like it was an epic, turn-of-the-century song. Not like a Whitney Houston deep meaning song, but I just-" She put a finger up to stop him, butterflies fully fluttering now.

"You really need to work on that." She said and he looked at her curiously. "You really need to stop beating yourself up, because you are worthy, Puck." He looked at her honest eyes and felt like he was going explode. He wanted to kiss her, or hug her, anything that was more than her cupping his face and gripping his arm.

"You know that, don't you?" She asked when he didn't answer. He gave a meek nod and moved closer to her. Always with the gravity that he could never shake.

"Maybe so, but you deserve a lot more than me." She shook her head.

"No, I deserve you, you are more than enough." She said, and his heart soared. For once he didn't think about the bleak future he felt was supposed to be inevitable for him. For once he didn't think about putting himself down, he just wanted to finally be happy.

"If it would make you happy." He said.

"It would." She confirmed with a small smile, and for the third time in their lives, they hugged each other. He held her tight and had no intention of letting go. Not emotionally, not in his heart, not in his head. She would always be right there, and hell if this was going to be destroyed, too.

"So you forgive me?" He asked in her hair and he felt her nod. He pulled back and looked down at her. He was about to lean in and kiss her when he sensed her hesitate.

"You said that I didn't know the rest of the story that happened at prom?" He groaned internally to what he knew what was coming. He watched her face change to one of indignation at his reaction. "Whats the whole story?" She demanded. With a sigh he recited the story. By the end, she looked beyond furious.

"What?" She asked. During the story she started pacing. He stopped her by her shoulders and made her face him.

"Calm down, baby." He said cooly.

"The hell I will! He knows how I feel about you! Why would he do this to me?" She looked up at him and it nearly broke his heart. Her tears were on the edge of rolling over and he could only imagine the disappointment she felt at the betrayal of her best friend. Nah, he knew the disappointment she felt. Hadn't he felt it that night when the only person he truly trusted turned her back on him when he needed her to hear him out? Those days were over, and now he had other hurdles to conquer.

"I don't want to ruin your friendship." He uttered lamely, and she looked at him incredulously.

"I know you don't, hon. Thats why you stayed away… but Artie, he ruined it already, there was nothing that you ruined." Then she did something he didn't see coming, she grabbed his shirt and yanked him to her, then she pressed her lips against his. The action was so fast Puck couldn't function, and by the time he did, she was already half way in the door.

"Wait, what are you doing?" He grabbed her by the arm and pulled her back to him.

"I'm gonna confront Artie." She said and then he pulled her flush against him.

"Not tonight."

"Then when?"

"Hows about when we're all sober, and when its not during a graduation celebration?" He said and she froze. "I know, after the intensity of this whole conversation and that song, I forgot it was a celebration, too." She smiled shyly at the ground and he chuckled.

"But I'd be more than willing to let us forget again… you know if you would like to kiss me more, I wouldn't mind." He eyed her as she slowly looked back at him. But he didn't wait until she reached up, he bent down and caught her full, soft lips with his thinner, a bit more chapped ones. It was like the first kiss, it was lip against lip, innocent and pure. It was slow and tentative, and it couldn't stop the burning he felt for her in his stomach. He hooked his hands together behind her back and pulled her closer. He groaned a bit and swiped his tongue against her lip, she opened it slightly and they deepened the kiss. Though his eyes were closed he felt his eyes cross when she sucked lightly on his bottom lip. Then he realized something! He slowly pulled back and looked at her glazed eyes.

"That was our first kiss." He said and she had a face of recognition on. They both smiled at each other and she gripped the back of his neck, bringing him in for another deep kiss. He kept his hands in the safe zone and hoped for the discipline that he needed so she could receive the respect she deserved. No matter how much he wanted to cup her butt, he didn't. He simply rubbed her back or ran his fingers in her hair and away from her face. Her hands were on his neck and back, and it felt damn good. They eventually stopped when their lungs burned and he pressed his forehead against hers.

"Lets just go home." He suggested and she nodded. He grabbed her hand and guided her to his truck.

Puck pulled up to his grandma's house. After parking, he ran to her side and helped her out of the truck. He grabbed a seemingly sleepy Mercedes' hand and was pleased when she automatically laced their fingers together, a smile gracing both of their faces. He walked her two doors down to her own home.

"I still wished I lived here." He said, looking up at the house and she agreed.

"I've missed you." She said after a while.

"Missed you, too." He smiled brightly at her, blood running strong in his veins, and he saw her eyes half drooping. She was already falling asleep on way home, and now she looked like she could barely stand. He pulled her to him and she happily obliged. Linking her fingers behind his back. After a moment of hugging, he noticed she was leaning more and more on him.

"Mercedes?" He asked and tried to lean back as much as possible without losing the support he had to see her face. "Mercedes." He said, but she wasn't listening, she was basically sleeping. He was happy the door was unlocked for her, and opened it. After it was opened he reached down and picked up the only person he'd give anything and everything for. He made it to her room and laid her as gently as he could on the bed. He was glad he'd been working out. Last thing he wanted to do was seem weak, he remembered the times he'd place his mom in bed when he was younger and would end up practically dropping her because his arms were too weak. He smiled in satisfaction realizing that now it was a piece of freakin' cake. He smiled down at her and wondered if he should at least take off her jewelry. He figured it would be uncomfortable to wear huge hoops and a shit ton of bangles. He stopped when he noticed she wore the watch he gave to her all those years ago. He smiled, and slowly started taking off her accessories. Once he was done, he kissed her on the forehead and whispered in her ear for her to have a good night and have sweet dreams. He knew that he'd think of that kiss for the rest of his life. He stood from her bed and quickly turned when he felt her lightly grab his hand. He looked at her and after giving his hand a quick yank she let go. He didn't know what it meant because now she was turning her back to him and settling deeper in her pillow, but he didn't mind. He simply smiled, and left.

Mercedes woke up and grabbed her head. She groaned when she realized she was in the same clothes from the night before. She didn't remember too much about the ride home, but she did remember that she kissed Puck, and she did remember grabbing his hand while she was walking, she had a smile on her face that quickly disappeared when she also remembered what Puck told her about Artie. She decided to get ready for the day and then deal with that mess.

Mercedes didn't know how to start her conversation with Artie, but luckily after she was ready and had breakfast, he called. She sighed and answered the phone.

"Hello?"

"Mercedes! Baby! So glad you're alive. You left last night and I tried calling you." His voice was full of relief and she thought back to his missed calls and texts.

"Sorry about that." She tried to sound nice, but she just couldn't. Much too irritated, and much too confused she tried the best she could.

"You alright?" He asked.

"Actually, Artie, can I meet you somewhere?" She asked.

"S-sure." He stammered, sounding more concerned with each passing word. "You can come over if you'd like. My parents are out for the day." He concluded and she said she'd see him soon before hanging up.

She reached his house about an hour later, and she let herself in.

"Artie?" She called and he wheeled himself around the corner with a huge smile on his face.

"Baby girl!" He called out and she hesitated by the door. "Well, c'mon in!" He motioned, and she followed him to his massive living room.

"Everything okay?" He asked after a moment and she shook her head. "Whats wrong?" He asked gently.

"What happened at prom?" He froze and made an 'O' with his mouth.

"Well…" He paused in thought, and Mercedes read him like an open book.

"And don't you dare lie!" She warned. He nodded and proceeded with the story. After he was done, she realized it matched with Puck's.

"I'm so sorry!" He pleaded and she shook her head.

"You saw me cry over him. Saw me sad and miserable, and you saw how I was beating myself up!" Her voice rose and Artie slowly wheeled back as she stood. "You know my feelings for him, and yet you don't care-"

"You deserve better than him. He's a man whore-"

"So that gives you a right to judge and dictate if he could be with me or not-?"

"As a best friend, I'd say thats my duty." He countered.

"Oh, and in that description, looking past anything that could make me happy is included in it, too?" She sassed, and he paused.

"What you want and what you need are two th-"

"Don't even go there. You don't know if what I need and what I want are two different things." She spat. "Just because he's made mistakes and is a bit lost does not make him any less of a man. But a man who could seem like they have it all together: The perfect grades, the perfect girlfriend, the perfect house!" She motioned around her, "And still talks down to another man doesn't make him a man at all. It makes him a narrow-minded, narcissistic asshole." She grabbed her purse and walked as fast as she could to the front door.

"Mercedes, wait!" He called and she stopped, realizing she forgot to say another thing.

"I hope 'protecting' me was worth it. Once again, Puck and I have found ourselves together despite everything, that sure does say something doesn't it, Artie?" She shook her head. "I thought you of all people would understand that. I mean, you and Brittany weren't always peaches." She said as she turned to walk out the door. "By the way, what is Brittany doing with her life now? Oh thats right! Fondue for two. Last I checked, that didn't do much for your future, either." Mercedes left and knew it wasn't appropriate to mention Brittany, who had not a thing to do with this situation, but she just wanted to hurt him. At least she didn't mention that Brittany slept with just as much guys as Puck did girls, so how is that any different? Despite all that, Mercedes still loved her and Artie together, so why couldn't Artie be happy for her?

Puck hadn't heard from Mercedes all day. He wondered if she remembered anything from last night. He didn't drink much, so he did. He remembered everything, from the kiss, to taking her home, even that tiny tug she gave him before he left. He smiled and thought back to that night. He didn't expect that to happen, heck, he didn't know what to expect, but the reality of the situation exceeded his wildest dreams. He picked up the phone and decided to call Mercedes, but before he could, she was already calling him.

"Hello." He said.

"Hi Puck." Her voice was soft on the other end, and it made him a little nervous.

"Um…" He didn't know what to say!

"Uh, did you want to meet up and go get something to eat or something? I'm a little hungry." She asked and he agreed enthusiastically, "Okay, cool! Meet you at the mall in say 20 minutes?"

"Okay, sounds good." He tried to say cooly.

He showed up at the mall 15 minutes later to find her sitting there picking at her nails.

"Boo." He said, and when she looked up, he could tell he actually did scare her.

"Puck!" After she contained her shock, she simply smiled weakly at him.

"Sorry." He said. "I didn't actually think you were going to get scared."

"Its okay." His stomach dropped to the center of the earth. What if something worse happened than her forgetting? What if she remembered everything, and regretted it? "Where'd you wanna eat?" She stood slowly, and he felt like she was hiding something. He just wanted to get it out of the way.

"If you have something to say, just say it." He uttered, and her eyes widened. He felt like he was a five year old, waiting for the approval or disapproval of something and he had no idea why.

"We'll discuss it while we're eating!" She answered. He was about to lose it, but she immediately grabbed his hand and led him the food court. He forgot what he was going to say and the insecurities he felt and he began to feel the excitement he had earlier take over. He twined their fingers and was pleased when she obliged, squeezing his hand as he did so.

"Where'd you wanna eat?" He leaned closer to her and she bit her lip.

"I'm not sure." She looked around the food court at the options that was in front of them. "Mm, Panda's sounds good." She said, pulling him to the far corner where the joint stood.

He laughed and asked what about him?

"You're a grown boy, if you wanna eat somewhere other than Panda Express, go for it." She sassed, but it was broken by her giggle. She loosened her hold on his hand but he wasn't having it.

"Nah, I'm good here." Their eyes made contact and she smiled slightly then looked down. He wondered if she knew in just how many ways he meant that.

"Good." She said shyly, all sass was now gone.

They ordered her plate, and Puck was amused that she mainly just wanted the honey walnut shrimp.

"What? They're the best! And so is the Chow Mien." She said, twirling the noodles around her chopstick and bringing them to her mouth. Puck tried not to stare so much at that. She had the prettiest lips that tasted even better than his orange chicken. He put down his chopsticks and took a deep breath.

"So… um, do you remember anything from last night?" He asked suddenly. She paused briefly in her pursuit for a shrimp, but continued grabbing it without putting it in her mouth.

"Yeah, I do." She said looking up at him.

"Everything?" He swallowed, shying away from her gaze.

"Well, at least I think. I remembered till we reached my front door. I realize I didn't even remember getting in bed."

"Oh, I helped you." Puck said nonchalantly and smiled when she grimaced.

"Really? I am so embarrassed." She said, "My room was a mess. And I was probably so ungraceful climbing up the stairs."

"No, I carried you so no ungracefulness there." He shrugged and her eyes widened. "And I couldn't tell if your room was messy. It was dark silly."

"Thanks…" She said with a shy smile.

"Anytime. Besides, you told me you missed me, so I'd say we're even." He winked.

"I did?" She face palmed herself and rested her forehead in her hand.

"Is it true?" He had a feeling it was, but wanted to make sure, either way.

"…Yes." She rolled her eyes at his smugness, but had a smile on her face.

"Good, because I meant it when I told you I missed you too." He reached over to grab her hand.

"I know we held hands last night, but when we did, I couldn't help but think about the first time we did it. And what we were saying about it being intimate?" He nodded, remembering that conversation. "I want to take this to the next step." She admitted after a moment.

"Me too." He squeezed her hand.

"…So, are we… together?" She asked and he reached over the table completely to lightly kiss her on the lips. "I'll take that as a yes." She tucked her hair behind her ear and went back to her shrimp.

They walked around the mall hand-in-hand for another hour. Puck bought her a new outfit, though she refused but he insisted, claiming that she was his girlfriend, and he wanted to do something nice for her. So she turned around and brought him new surf shorts for when he cleans pools. Of course he refused, but she insisted the same way he did. A kiss later, he let her do whatever she wanted. He was now carrying the bags. Turning to him she spoke about something she totally managed to forget. She bit her lip, feeling so bad that she almost forgot about the squabble between her and her best friend.

"Artie and I talked. Before I met up with you." She said and he looked at her.

"How'd that go?"

"I yelled at him."

"Babe…"

"I know, I know. But he deserved it." She glared at the floor. She was angry, but regret was also hitting her hard. Not that she was going to admit that anytime soon. He deserved it… mostly.

"Did he really?" Puck saw the look in her eyes, even if it were only for a moment, he still saw it. And he was willing to call her out on it, too.

"Yes. But I just wanted to let you know that." She said, pulling her hand away to cross her arms. She walked ahead of him, but he quickly caught up to her and grabbed her waist.

"Ah-ah." He said. "You're going to be honest with me." He said putting his arm around her shoulders.

"I don't want to talk about it." She put her arms around his waist. It was funny how comfortable they were around each other, even after all those months of not speaking. It was like puzzle pieces, no matter how far or how long they were apart from each other, they'd always fit comfortably. Even if one or both pieces were damaged, they'd always fit, and thats what it felt like now. She rolled her eyes and chuckled a little at the fact that she just compared her relationship with inanimate objects.

"Whats so funny? Why are you laughing? Are your mood swings kicking in already, because…?" He teased, but really though, he was confused.

"Shut up." She lightly hit his stomach. "I was just thinking about how we're like puzzle pieces. Like no matter how far apart or how long we are apart from each other, doing stuff like this feels natural, fitting." She looked up at him and made a face. "Lame, right?" She asked, and he pulled her closer to him. He kissed the top of her head.

"Not at all." He said as they continuing walking to the parking lot. "So you're really over this Artie thing?" He questioned.

"Yes…" She looked at his face, "Ok, no… but he was a complete jerk. I don't want anything to do with him. At least not now."

"Ok. So when will you talk to him again?" He hated seeing her sad, and Artie has been her best friend since the third grade, she's going to be a senior, thats a really long time.

"I don't know, Puck. Well, what did you want to do now?" She asked.

"I have to see if my grandmother needed help with anything else. You know, its stupid, we should've just carpooled here." He said.

"Yeah, but I wasn't home, I came from Artie's remember?" He nodded. "Well, why don't you come over? I'm sure my mom would be delighted to see you1" He perked up at that. He hadn't spoken to her too often, at least not lately, so it would be nice to visit her.

"Okay. I'll like that!" He laughed at her side eye.

"How is it that you and my momma are closer than her and I?" She pouted a little.

"Oh enough." They were by her car and he opened the door for her. "Stop exaggerating. And wipe that pout off your face, before I do it for you." He said taking in her perfect lips.

"No." She was on the other side of the door now, and he leaned against the frame, smirking when her breath hitched slightly.

"Nice to know I have somewhat of the same affect on you that you have on me." He said with a small smile.

"I don't know what you're talking about." She sassed.

"Oh really?" He leaned in closer and she moved back slightly. He heard her breath catch again. "Hm… So you gonna turn that frown upside down or…?" He questioned, still leaning over her door.

"You said you were gonna make me?" She reminded him, she was smiling now, but he was determined to let her know she was serious, plus it was an excuse to just kiss her. He stood straighter and grabbed the back of her head and practically slammed their faces together. Their noses bumped hard and they both shot back in pain.

"Owww!" She shouted rubbing her nose. He didn't say anything as he rubbed his own nose and when they made eye contact they started laughing.

"Maybe you shouldn't do that anymore." She said on a giggle.

"It works in the movies."

"Yeah, thats because they practice a million times before." She rolled her eyes. "You mustn't trust television." She pointed a playful finger at him.

"Are you suggesting that we practice a million times? Because I'm down for that." He shrugged.

"Maybe I should pout again."

"You don't need an excuse to kiss me. If you want to, they're always available to you, pretty girl. Just reach up and go for it." He said and she leaned back.

"We should get to my mom's house, before you try to break my nose again, which is way more delicate than yours!" She teased and he stuck out his tongue.

"Drive safely. I'll see you in a bit." He kissed her forehead a lot more gentle than the other kiss and made his way to his truck.

Summer was almost over, and Mercedes was getting ready to go back to school. He hated that McKinley had school year round, so summer was always shorter. His pool business, on the other hand was doing really well, and he had a pretty nice chunk of money saved up. He didn't know what he wanted to do. Him and Mike were thinking about rooming together, but since Mike is going to some dance academy in L.A. that idea was shot almost immediately. Puck had no intention leaving, he was content at the community college he was going to be attending and the grants he got helped a lot.

He just walked out of his grandma's house when he saw his brother.

"Tony. What are you doing here?" He asked.

"Hey man, you look good."

"Thanks."

"So you graduate this year?" Tony shelved his hands in his pockets.

"Actually graduated three weeks ago, but thanks anyway." He said sarcastically and continued to load his truck with his work equipment.

"Really? I'm so sorry we missed it."

"What do you want?"

"Um, have you talked to mom?" He asked, and Puck turned to look at him.

"I haven't seen her since I've moved out, and I hadn't spoken to her since the week before I graduated." He said and Tony shifted uncomfortably.

"She's in the hospital. Puck, she got alcohol poisoning." He said and Puck just looked at him.

"Are you serious?" Tony nodded his head. "How long ago?"

"Yesterday." Puck felt tears coming to his eyes. Why didn't he know about this? Who knows how long she was lying there, or who was around her. What about her just being alone?

"Which hospital is she in?"

"Ohio County-" Puck was already half way in his truck.

"You can jump in with me." Tony offered

"No." He refused. He grabbed his phone and pressed one. The call tone went then a voice picked up on the other side.

"Hello?" He started his truck.

"Babe, what are you doing?" He asked hastily and he heard shuffling, like she was laying down or something.

"Nothing, whats a matter?" He looked up to her room window and saw her face. "Are you in your truck?"

"Yeah. Can you come with me?"

"Of course. I'll be there in less than a minute."

The whole way to the hospital he followed his brother with Mercedes' hand in his. It was probably weak, but he didn't care. He needed her with him. He hadn't seen his mother with her knowing in seven months, and he didn't know what he would say to her. There was also the fact that the rest of his family was probably going to be there, and he needed all the strength he could muster if he was going to deal with them.

"Thank you for coming." He said as they were getting of the car.

"Of course hun."

"Who are we waiting for?" She asked, since they were just standing by there.

"Tony."

"Your brother Tony?!" She asked incredulously. Her question was confirmed when he came from behind her.

"Hi, Mercedes." She turned around and he was smiling tentatively to her.

"Tony." Her tone was boarder line curt. Puck picked up on her tone and rubbed her arm.

"You guys are together now?"

"Seems so. What room is mom in?" He just wanted to cut to the chase. Besides, why did he all of a sudden care?

They walked a few steps behind Tony, speaking in hushed tones. Reminding each other that it was going to be okay. They finally rounded the corner into a room and he saw his mother, hooked up to tubes. The nurse was in there and filled them in that their neighbor was the one that found her. That the detox was successful, but she was still a bit sleepy.

"When did you find out?" Puck asked Tony after the nurse left.

"As soon as I made it back in Lima, I went straight to grandma's, found out you were living there."

"And yet you didn't find out about my graduation. Interesting." He said and Mercedes rubbed a comforting hand up and down his back. He took a deep breath and pulled Mercedes into his side. "Thanks for letting me know." He was annoyed, but he didn't want to start a fight in the middle of the hospital.

"Seems as though she's going to be okay." Mercedes said optimistically, trying to change the subject.

"Wheres Jake?" Puck asked and Tony shrugged. "You guys don't talk either?" Tony shook his head. "Woooow. Just, wow. Do you even call our nephew?" Again with the head shake.

"He knows, though. He and I are listed as emergency contacts."

"Right."

"Puck, mom has health coverage, but she still needs a couple hundred for the extra night she's staying."

"Okay, you'll get that, right? Since I mean, you are her emergency contact."

"I don't have that kind of money."

"So we'll split it."

"I only have a hundred."

"What? Only a hundred! I'm fresh out of fucking high school! What do you think, that I have more than that?"

"You have your own business." Puck shook his head, but he knew he'd pay for it either way.

"How much?"

"$500." Mercedes squeezed Puck tighter and had she not, he would've exploded.

"Before or after your petty hundred?" Puck spat.

"After." Puck scoffed and excused himself. Mercedes just stood there awkwardly, but decided to let him have a moment alone. This is a lot to process. Considering he anonymously gave her money every month, and this is the first time he's seen her this close in seven months. She and Tony shared a glance, and she felt her face become very bleak.

"Is that the best you can do?" She asked him.

"This isn't your business, Mercedes." Tony somehow became really brave, and she wasn't having it. She crossed her arms and moved around to stand in front of him.

"Anything concerning that man outside concerns me." She sassed and he backed off a little.

"You're just a kid. You don't know anything."

"I don't know everything, but that doesn't mean I know nothing. Because I do know that you and Jake ran out on your mother. That Puck, a junior in high school had to start taking care of her and himself! That she verbally abused him, and threatened him and told him horrible things, but I know he still loves her. And I know him better than you do." She looked at him as if he were a piece of scum.

"If he loved her so much, why'd he leave?"

"Because when Puck tried to help her so she wouldn't end up here or on her death bed, she didn't give two fucks about him, or what she said to him. And honestly, I shouldn't have to explain to you how wonderful he is." Tony didn't know what to say. Mercedes could see that he didn't know a lot. And she was barely scratching the surface.

"You missed his graduation. The least you can do is dish more than a hundred bucks." She stared at him for a bit longer before thinking maybe she should go check on Puck.

"Ok. I'll come up with enough so I can take care of my half."

"300 dollars?" He nodded. "That sounds better, but-"

"Its the best I can do." Tony cut her off.

"Well, I certainly hope so, because he still has a bright future ahead of him, and worrying about shit like this shouldn't be his problem." She spun on her heels once more and walked out the door. She called his phone after looking down the hall and in the waiting room. He told her he was on one of the lanai's on the west wing. When she made it there, he was leaning against the rail, overlooking the trees in the parking lot. He didn't hear her as she walked over to him, so she stood behind him and put her hands around his waist. He gently stood up, and she leaned further into him.

"He agreed to pay half." She said softly and he turned in her arms then leaned against the rail again, so at least he was more eye level with her.

"He did?"

"300 bucks." She said with a small smile.

"Better than five."

"Sure right." She put her head on his chest. "Are you okay?" He wrapped his arms around her and responded.

"Yeah. I guess so. Seeing Tony was a bit shocking. And finding out that he doesn't even know where my nephew is, its sickening to think about. Did I remember to say thank you? Because if not, I am gracious." He said on a chuckle.

"I know you are. Now kiss me." He happily did. It didn't get too deep because they were at a hospital, and they needed to get back to Tony.

The next day his mother was released and a couple days after that, Tony left. He paid his half, and Puck watched as he walked out on them for the second time. Since the doctor recommended her to a rehab, his next goal was to convince her to actually take it. He stayed with her those days, and because of that, Mercedes was hardly around. He spoke to her daily, but didn't get to see her as much as he'd like to.

"Puck. Thanks." His mother said as he served her dinner.

"Yeah." Was his reply.

"I'm sorry."

"If you're really sorry, you'd check into rehab." He said setting his own plate.

"I can't do that. I'm scared."

"If you can't find the strength too, then you're weaker than I thought." He said stabbing into his peas. Not another word was uttered between them before Puck thought it was a good time to go back to his grandmother's house.

She didn't check into rehab, but there was only so much he could do.

He had to thank Mercedes for everything she's done. He wanted to plan something big for her before she went back to school. Plus, he missed his girlfriend.

Girlfriend.

He wouldn't ever be tired of that word… at least not till they were ready to get married. She wouldn't be his girlfriend forever, but for now it would suffice.

A/N: I am so sorry that took so long! I hope you guys didn't lose faith in my just yet. BTW, happy halloween :)