Disclaimer: I don't own glee or its characters.

*Warning: This chapter is more on the sensitive side. Trigger warning-suicide.

Mercedes let out a small moan as Puck left light trails down her neck and across her collarbone. They were on a blanket next to the lake. The sun was getting ready to set and the trees casted long shadows across the park. Mercedes couldn't help but moan again as he began to nibble on her neck. Between the warmth of the sun and the feeling of Puck's weight over her, she felt like she was on fire. Mercedes was finding it harder to control the new desires that she's been beginning to feel, and when they kissed like this she honestly just wanted to rip his clothes off and pull him even closer. Puck was now settled between her legs and she felt him give a little thrust which she instinctively met. Without thinking, she wrapped her legs around him to pull him closer and began grinding a little more. Hearing Puck's appreciative groans made her blush, and something in her came to reason. She gently pushed Puck off of her and when he pulled back, she was met with curious eyes.

"I think we should stop." She answered as she scrunched her nose. Puck pouted and she chuckled. "I know, I know. It sucks." Puck sighed, and sat up completely. He didn't say anything as he lifted his knee and rested an arm on it, facing his body toward the lake. Mercedes laid there and watched silently as he shifted a little further from her.

"Whats wrong?" She asked as she sat up and he looked over at her. His eyes were still a bit glazed over as he looked intently at her. He offered a small smile.

"Nothing." He said, grabbing her hand.

"'Nothing.'" She dead panned, and he smiled wider as he leaned in to kiss her. She didn't understand his mood swing. They've been doing really well, the thing with his brother was blowing over and his business was taking off. Whereas she's excited to start her senior year, and looking toward going away somewhere new, get away from Lima, and starting a future. Sure, she still missed her dad, but he should be coming home soon. The start of her senior year would signal two months before he was supposed to return.

"Noah, please tell me." She pleaded when their lips parted.

He chuckled awkwardly and nervously rubbed his head. "Um, it's a bit embarrassing, actually."

"What? Now I'm extra curious." She rubbed his arm reassuringly. He just shook his head.

"Lets forget it, ok. How about we take a walk along the lake?" Puck began to stand up, but Mercedes wouldn't let him. He glanced at her and sighed. "I mean, you're really gonna make me say it?"

"Uh, yeah." She stated confusingly.

"Mercedes, you made me…." He glanced down, "You know, hard." He motioned, and Mercedes' eyes widened. That was not what she expected. "And I'm not gonna lie, I really want you, Cedes. Its getting harder to control myself, you know?"

Mercedes didn't answer immediately, she took a moment to process it, it was something she wanted, too. She wanted him. But she felt convictions about having sex with anyone before marriage, no matter how in love they were. She swallowed the lump in her throat.

"Yeah, I do." She watched as his lips turned to a smirk. "More than you know. I'm having a hard time, too, I really want you, but we can't do that. I'm still a virgin." She added tentatively, and he smiled wider, a trace of disappointment in his eyes.

"Yeah, I know. Its nice to know you want me as much as I want you. I know you want to save yourself, and I respect that. Not gonna lie though, if you wanted to I wouldn't oppose it. Like at all." Mercedes's smile grew as she bashfully leaned her head against his arm. She didn't fully understand the butterflies in her stomach. Puck leaned over to kiss her head as they watched the sunset change the colors of the sky.

Mercedes was twiddling her thumbs as she listened to the teacher talk about the class syllabus and what to expect. A few weeks ago, she was excited to start school and how it would signal something closer to graduating and especially her father's return, but being back in school without Puck blew! She wished, however petty it may be, that Puck still went here so she could walk down the halls with him hand in hand. The way he and Quinn used to, only better. Mercedes pulled her eyebrows together as she lightly shook her head, that was pretty petty. Her self-reprimanding was cut short when the bell rang. She quickly gathered her things and pursued her next class: Chemistry. She sighed, math and science? She was good at them, but man, did she hate them.

She was looking at the floor as she walked, but something compelled her to look up. Her attention was immediately caught by Artie Abrams. He had his locker door open and staring at her. They hadn't talked at all since that scene in the mall, and though she was still upset, she still missed him. He was her best friend! She still wished she could call him and they could get together. All in all, she knew he was looking out for her best interest, no matter how overbearing he may be, but she wasn't sure how adamant he'd be in forgiving her and reconciling their friendship. Considering some of the nasty things she said about Brittany, things she didn't mean at all. Mercedes quickly focused back on the ground in front of her as she quickened her pace to the next class.

It wasn't long before she made it to her next class and found names on the tables. She rolled her eyes, weren't they a little too old for assigned seating? Her eyes were caught by Artie's name and she grimaced as she took in the name next to it. She groaned when she read her name. Figures.

Mercedes jerked her seat back and huffed a breath as she sat down. She pulled out her notebook and began making loops on a blank paper, awaiting the inevitable arrival of her ex-best friend. She heard the chair scraping the floor as Artie moved it out of the way, and she tried not to look as he tugged it away, replacing the chair with his own. She couldn't help but roll her eyes, of all the classes they could've had together, it was science, where the person you were sitting next to was not only sharing a table, but it usually meant you were also lab partners. Communicating. Fun.

"Hey, Mercedes." Artie greeted, and she squinted her eyes in confusion. Relaxing her face, she turned to him and nodded her acknowledgment. "I hate when you do that." Artie said, and it stopped her short.

"Excuse me?"

"The head nod." He answered quickly. "That is literally your way of saying 'Why're you talking to me? Please, stop.' and I don't like it."

"Sorry." She apologized, not knowing what else to say.

"Yeah, me too." Mercedes looked at him, and she saw his head was bowed in shame. She opened her mouth to say something but the teacher beat her to it.

"Hello class, and welcome to Chemistry. I'm Mr. Hamasaki, and I'll be your teacher this year." He said as he grabbed a stack of papers on his desk. "Here is your syllabus and a list of supplies you will need to bring in by the end of the week."

Artie grabbed the papers from Mr. Hamasaki and passed one over to Mercedes. She grabbed with a small smile of thanks.

Their teacher was young and not at all boring and monotone. Mercedes counted her blessings and was relieved, maybe chemistry wasn't going to be that bad. She glanced back at Artie, and she wanted to say something, but conversation hardly seemed appropriate right now.

The rest of the class passed by, and Mr. Hamasaki was teaching them some scientific terms. He already assigned a chapter to them on the introduction to chemistry, and Mercedes immediately took back her pre-mature judgment of how this class was going to be. She should've took the assigned seats as the first sign.

The bell finally rang, signaling that it was lunch time. She took her time gathering her belongings, and she noticed Artie wasn't much in a rush either. She got up to leave when he rolled to face her. "I really am sorry about the way I've been acting."

Mercedes shifted uncomfortably as she swallowed her pride. "I know, and I am, too."

Artie looked up at her with big, hopeful eyes. "I know what I said was unacceptable, and I suppose I should probably talk to your, er, boyfriend, too. But I just wanted you to know I am sorry, I just want to be your friend again. I missed you, Merce."

She pulled her lips to one see and nodded her head. "I forgive you. It really hurt that you didn't accept my relationship with Puck, but I have missed you, too. A lot. I want us to just be friends again, too." Mercedes confessed, and Artie looked at her and smiled.

"So can we start being friends again, like now?" He asked and she smiled.

"Effective immediately." She said and his smile grew.

"Alright then. You going to lunch?" He asked and she nodded. "Well, want a lift?" He opened his arms in the old fashioned way. Mercedes couldn't help the chuckle that escaped her lips.

"Tempting, but its ok, I can walk boo." Mercedes answered as she stepped around him to leave the class. She smiled to herself, feeling better already, maybe they could really be friends again. She looked back at him and he had the same smile on his face. Mercedes waited for him to catch up and they began talking about their summers and whats been going on.

"Yeah, I'm really sorry I wasn't there when your dad left. I failed at being your best friend. I did, uh, pray for him though." She looked at him semi-incredulously.

"What? I can pray." He said and she smiled.

"You can, and its ok."

"I also kept in touch with your mom. Talked to her a couple times on the phone and came by one day when I knew you weren't home." Mercedes was shocked. Why hadn't her mother mentioned it?

"Thank you, Artie."

"I know we weren't talking, but I'll always love you and your family, Cedes."

"Thanks, Artie." She smiled again as they continued down the lunch line. "Hows Brittany?"

"She's good. Still going to that community college a few towns over, been rough though, you know. The whole gap between college and high school." He placed his lunch plate on his lap as they went to find a seat. "I mean, she's been dancing more for her scholarship, and she needs to study more because the work is a bit hard. Just feel like I'm losing her a little bit." They found a place to sit and he looked solemn.

"It'll be fine, Artie. I remember my brothers went through the same thing." She piped, "I know its not exactly the same situation, but the concept is still there." Her voice drifted at the end, and he smiled at her. She felt like maybe she didn't relate, and it wasn't really the same. She thought if it were Puck that was away and always busy like that, she'd be pretty bummed, no doubt.

"Thanks Cedes."

Puck had been looking online for schools that he could potentially attend. He knew Mercedes wanted to go out of state for school, and he thought it would be a good idea to look into them himself. Obviously, she was probably going to get into some school he wouldn't really stand a chance with, but maybe a community college in the same area? He looked into it and maybe he could start going to school for a business degree. He was pretty good with numbers, especially of late because his business revolved a lot around numbers. It would be cool to expand and be the owner of some BAMF company. He smirked, then took a deep breath. No need to get ahead of himself. One school in Louisiana piked his interest. They had a football, and basketball team, so he could still play some kind of ball. He missed playing from high school. They also had a music program and it would be neat to sing and dance again. Glee had been fun, and if he could go back to a club similar, that would be awesome. Plus New Orleans, Mardi Gras? It sounded awesome! He wrote down the school and its programs in his notebook with a nod of his head and a smile on his face.

He got up to get a glass of water, feeling accomplished of all the things he'd done that day. He got to see Mercedes before she went to school, went off to work, did chores, and still had time to look up some schools. Puck was drinking his water as he looked out the window and noticed Mercedes' car was home. He debated if he should walk over.

He washed his cup, grabbed his notebook, and bounded off to her house. Before he could knock on the door, he heard Mercedes laugh.

"Artie, you are crazy." Puck's eyebrows were pulled together in confusion, and when he heard Artie's laugh he was filled with mixed emotions. He was happy that it seemed they were working things out, he knew Mercedes was really bummed about their friendship. Still though, something in him was still upset at the kid, and apprehensive. He hoped he could work things out with Artie, though.

Puck was about to walk away and let the two catch up, but he stopped when he heard Mercedes's voice.

"Puck?" He stopped mid track, and turned to the window where he could see her sitting at the dining table, she was looking back at him with a relaxed smile. "What're you doing?"

"Oh, I came to see you, but I see you have company over, so… I'll just see you later." He winked and she got off of her chair. A second later she was opening the front door.

"Don't be silly. I missed you, I want you to stay." She confessed, and he walked tentatively through the door. He saw Artie sitting at the table too, nursing a cup with a hesitant look on his face.

"Hey Puck." He greeted, and Puck pressed his lips together in a tight smile.

"Hey Artie, hows it going?"

"Good. How about you?" Artie fidgeted.

"Great!" Puck answered and pulled Mercedes into himself. Giving her a kiss on the head. "Hi." He greeted her quickly before giving her a hug. She just giggled and greeted him back.

"So," Puck said once they separated, "How was school, guys? I see there was some good in it." He continued as he sat down.

He didn't miss the warm smile exchanged between the two, and he couldn't help but smile at Mercedes. He liked that she looked so relaxed, she'd been through so much the last few months, between her dad, and it only being her and her mom around, he knew she could use more friends. Brittany, Mike, and a lot of the other glee kids were gone, mostly. So the only ones she really hung out with were Tina, Kurt, Blaine and well, Puck… and he guessed Rachel, too. It was great for her to have her best friend back.

"Yeah, it was normal. I'm just glad Mercedes and I got to talking, again." Artie said with a big smile aimed at Mercedes.

"Me too." She turned to look at Puck with a smile so sweet, he felt his heart melt. "But I missed you today. Doesn't feel complete without you."

Puck smiled warmly back at her before he kissed her on the cheek. "Thats sweet babe. Honestly though, I'm glad to be out of there." She fondly rolled her eyes and shook her head.

Artie cleared his throat uncomfortably and shifted in his seat. "She's right though, it doesn't feel the same without you or the other glee members." Puck smirked, and Artie returned it, "I mean, its also a pain that we have to find more people to replace you all. Thats actually what really sucks the most." He joked and Mercedes released a giggle. Puck couldn't help but laugh himself.

"Harsh." Was his reply, and Artie shrugged.

"Keeping it real."

Again, Puck let out a laugh, and Mercedes giggled harder. Artie looked more comfortable, and Puck listened as the two talked about their first day back and how they hoped they could go to Nationals this year with glee club. He couldn't help but smile a bit sadly at hearing them talk. Glee was pretty crazy and it would've been awesome to see a trophy before he graduated, but he'd be there to support Mercedes and the other glee members. He later lost track of their conversation as he thought back to all the memories from glee, his finger trailed the notebook in his hand.

"Whats that?" Mercedes asked, and it caught his attention.

"Oh," He sat back in his chair and shook his head, "Share with you later." He replied with a smile.

"Okay." Mercedes replied just before Artie's text tone dinged.

"Actually, sorry, but I really got to head out. My mom's on her way to get me, and she has been a bit on the grouchy side." He said as he rolled toward the door. Both Mercedes and Puck stood to walk him out. Mercedes gave him a hug, and Puck opted for a handshake. With one last smile, Artie left and they watched as his mother pulled up. She ran out and waved at Mercedes.

"Hello, Mrs. Abrams!" Mercedes greeted from the door. It took all but 30 seconds to get Artie situated and they were off. Puck watched as she leaned against the door frame, a light smile gracing her lips.

"Good day?" He asked as he opened his arms to grab her from behind. She turned around and smiled wider just before she kissed him.

"Better than I expected it would be." She said, and then her eyes shifted to the notebook on the table. "So, whats the notebook for?"

Puck let her go to grab the book, then situated himself on the couch. Mercedes following closely behind. He opened it tentatively and hoped she wouldn't think he was lame for doing what he did. She just waited quietly and intently.

"So, today after work, I got to looking up a few schools that I could go to. I mean, I'd need money to save before I do go, seeing I don't have any scholarships or anything, but I remembered you said you wanted to go out of state for school. I don't want to be stuck here without you, so I thought it would be cool to apply for some schools near the schools you'd wanna go to."

Mercedes eyes lit up in excitement, as did her face. She opened her mouth to say something, then shut it again, a perplexed look on her face. "Why not just the same schools?" Puck scoffed, and answered her question easily.

"Because you'd most likely get into university. I don't know if I'd be able to get into the same schools you would. My grades weren't exactly the greatest."

"Maybe, but your GPA was pretty solid by the time you graduated." She explained, and he shook his head.

"Just being realistic, Cede."

"So am I. You gotta give yourself more credit." She countered, and he took a deep breath before he replied. He knew she would always see the best in him, but sometimes, she'd be too stuck on convincing him to just stop and listen.

"Okay, I will. But I'm just saying, too. University is pretty expensive."

"Then we'll look for scholarships."

"Okay." He simply answered. Not wanting to get into a fight, or a disagreement about something they've already fought over a hundred times before.

"Was there any school you liked in particular?" She asked and he shrugged, thinking about the one in Louisiana.

"A few, but I guess the one I really liked was in Louisiana." He answered, and her eyes grew wide. "What?"

"I never thought about Louisiana before." She mused, "Let alone a place you'd be totally interested in."

"Well, I decided to pursue a business degree, and its a junior college, so I could still play ball, and they have an awesome music program. Jazz originated there after all." He smirked mischievously, "Plus, Mardi Gras, I mean, it sounds fun. Different." Puck finished talking, and he hadn't realized just how excited he was about it till he spoke about it aloud.

Mercedes just sat there with a huge grin on her face. "I'd say 'Go for it.'"

"Thats only if you wanted to go to Louisiana." He pointed out, and she shrugged.

"Its not just about me. Its about you, too."

"Where did you want to go?" He noticed her freeze a bit before flashing an awkward smile.

"Oh, I haven't decided that yet." She tried to shrug nonchalantly but something in her motion wasn't right.

"Are you lying?"

"Nope. I haven't decided where I want to go-"

"But you have an idea?" Mercedes hesitated.

"Maybe. But its still soon, so, my mind could change." Puck rose a brow, and she wrung her fingers together, "Maybe California, or Connecticut… or something."

"Random."

"Yeah, I know. I don't know what I really wanna do. I want to do something with singing, but lets be realistic, that doesn't always work out." She said, and Puck widened his eyes.

"You're an amazing singer."

"Yeah, but if I don't get it, what am I really gonna do with that?" She questioned, "Besides, I want to go into something meaningful, like be an abuse councilor, or work with kids who come from broken homes, like a social worker or something. Maybe even a family lawyer." She shrugged as she tucked the hair behind her ear.

"I think that would be awesome, Merce. I can see you doing something like that." He urged, and she looked at him with watery eyes. "What is it?"

"I just, I was inspired by you." She confessed, and Puck felt something in him shift. "What with everything that you've been through. I didn't know how to handle it, and I want to be there for people, for kids who's gone through similar situations. I know you didn't have a social worker, and you've grown into a wonderful man. You showed everyone up, everyone, and thats admirable. You've come so far, and I know it would've been easier if someone was there to protect you, and I want to have the privilege to be there for a child in need, because it isn't their fault." She said as tears spilled over. Puck sat back in amazement.

"I didn't know you felt like that."

"I do. And watching you grow up, I actually think it'll be a good thing for you to get into, also." She said shyly. "I mean, business is great! I get that. I just see so much potential in you for that field. But its totally up to you. I'll support you, no matter what, babe."

Puck exhaled as he took in everything is girlfriend was saying. He looked at the list in his hands, and wondered if he wasted his time looking for business degrees. He licked his lips as he pondered the idea of helping out troubled teens, or teens that come from broken homes.

"I think thats an awesome idea, but I don't know the first thing about helping someone."

"You'd be surprised."

"But theres that thing where I don't even talk to my mom… so..." He continued.

"Thats not your fault." Mercedes said.

"Maybe. Maybe not." Puck stated.

It had been a full week since Mercedes mentioned the whole social work thing. Honestly, Puck had been turning it over in his head, he'd even been doing some research on what it actually means to be a social worker. He found there are more than one type of social work, and he looked into being a family social worker, he let out a sigh as he read the credentials. Its a lot of work, could he really do it? He also thought about his mom, and how it really has been a long time since he's spoken to her. He hardly went by the house to check on her anymore, never called a neighbor to ask how she's been. Puck was so upset since the hospital thing, but he still felt guilt that he was a horrible son. He sat back in his chair and let out an exasperated sigh. How could he feel guilt, even after she said all those things to him? He didn't even get so much as a 'Thank you' from her when he paid for her hospital bills and medicine. Despite all of that, he was still sending her money, and debated if he should stop since she's probably spending it all on alcohol anyway.

Puck picked up the phone and dialed the ever familiar number that was his mother's.

"You've reached Jamie's phone. Can't answer right now, leave a message." Puck hung up the phone and tried the house. The same result happened, she didn't answer.

He wasn't going to take that, grabbing his things, he jumped in his truck to head to her house. Puck didn't know what he was doing exactly, he just really wanted to talk to her. See if she was okay, and try to reconcile things with her. Actually, he'd been praying that she was going to AA or something, and getting better. Then he had a bleak thought, a heavy thought that maybe she'd never get the help she needed because he wasn't there to help her. No one was there to speak conviction into her life. How was she supposed to get better when she was free to live and make poor decisions without any sort of accountability? He sighed at the thought and wondered why it should be his responsibility to help her get better. It wasn't fair. But no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't find a good enough excuse not to be there, she was his mother, and he'd always be her son. It may be screwed up, but that's how he saw it. She was the only parent he had left.

It wasn't long before he pulled into the familiar driveway. He walked up to the house and went to unlock the door with his key when he realized the locks were changed. He peaked through the window and didn't see anyone. He knocked on the door, but there was no answer. He looked on the road and his mom's car was there, so she had to be in the house.

"Mom!" He shouted as he knocked harder. After a moment of no one answering, not even a stir from within, he decided to circle the house and peak in any window he could. He checked the back door and found that it was in fact, locked. He eventually came to a window toward the back of the house and began to take off the screen. Gently pulling out one jealousy at a time, he made a gap large enough to fit through. He climbed in head first and maneuvered his way in. When he looked up, his mother was sitting in a corner, tear stains streaked across her face. The sight of her worried him, and he rushed to her.

"Mom?" Apparently, she'd been sleeping, because when she opened her eyes she was frightened. They were red and puffy from sleep, and he assumed from crying. Then, he finally noticed the smell. She did not smell good at all. Like she hadn't showered in days.

She focused red rimmed eyes on him, and sat up a bit more. "Noah?" She asked in a coarse voice. She raised a hand to touch his face, and thats when he noticed she was cradling her side. Blood seeping through her clothes, and making it run all across the left side of her shirt.

"What happened to you?" He asked as he grabbed the hand she was lifting. "Who did this to you?" He tried not to panic, but he wasn't going to lie, he was close to freaking out.

"Oh, I uh, I um.." Puck looked around and found a decent sized piece of glass on the ground, it was also covered in blood."

"Did you do this to yourself?" He couldn't hide his bewilderment anymore. "I need to call the police." He got up to get the phone when her hand stopped him.

"No, just stay."

"No, you're losing a lot of blood, mom." She shook her head again, as tears rolled down her face. "Mom! At least-at least let me clean you up then, okay?" He pleaded as his voice cracked. To his relief Jamie agreed. He gently picked her up, and was surprised she wasn't cradling a bottle of whiskey. Walking her to the bathroom, he pulled off her shirt and tried not to gag at the sight of her cut. It looked deep, and he was no doctor, but it looked infected. Smiling sheepishly at her, he grabbed a wash cloth and began to clean it. She hissed in pain, and he cooed her. As he cleaned more, she began to cry again.

"I'm so sorry, son." She said, and Noah couldn't think of anything to say. He just shook his head in dismissal as he continued to clean the cut. "No, I need to apologize, I've been such a sad excuse for a parent."

"How did this happen?" His voice came out a lot more stern than he intended. When she didn't answer soon enough for him, he looked into her eyes, and spoke up again. "What. Happened?"

Her voice was weak as she spoke up, and he could tell she was trying to focus so she could speak. "I-I don't know. I tried to stop drinking. Then I began remembering all the things I've done, and said, and trying to put the pieces together of how my life came to be. I couldn't handle losing your father. I-I know that we… uh, we weren't together, but I still loved him very much. It was my fault we got separated, and then watching you boys grow up, I just couldn't help but think I could've gave you guys more. And you would've got more if I hadn't messed around…" Noah tried to stay calm as she continued, he patiently dabbed at the blood, and she winced again. "Anyway, I remembered what I did to you, and what I said last Christmas-"

"I'm over it."

"Are you? If you were, why didn't you come back?" He looked up at her and scoffed.

"Really, mom?" She looked at her hands sadly, and Puck began to see that him leaving her affected her more than he thought.

"I can't live like this anymore. I.." She let the sentence hang, and Puck clenched his jaw. "I'm glad you're here. And I'm sorry, son. For everything. And despite what I've done, you're still here for me. I mean, Tony and Jake left. I don't see my grandson anymore-"

"Thats your fault." He spat, and she took in a deep breath as she nodded her head.

"You're right. But you were always the better man." She smiled a little, sadness still evident in her eyes, "You were always the one that reminded me of your father. I see him in you, every time I look at you, Noah." Puck clenched his jaw against the tears that were fighting to come out. She cupped his cheek with her clean hand to make him look at her.

"You'll never know how sorry I am son. I tried to quit. Theres no liquor anywhere. I didn't think you'd care that I changed, and depression hit me hard, now that I'm not drinking."

"You still should've tried to contact me."

"I know. I was ashamed." She scoffed at herself. "Hell, I'm more ashamed now. But I am humbled that you're here."

"Great. Will you let me call the ambulance now? Your cut does not look good. How long were you like that?"

"Since last night."

"You were trying to commit suicide?" He couldn't help it anymore, he allowed the tears to run down his face. "How is this supposed to be better?!" He shouted, and she flinched.

"I'm sorry."

"This is so messed up." He backed away as he reached for his phone to dial 911. He looked at the blood on his hands and tried to control his anger. "I don't care what happens after you get better, but I'm done with your excuses. You're going to get help." He spat angrily.

Mercedes tried not to rush to the hospital as soon as she was done with school. Puck was pretty upset. He spoke in a tone Mercedes had never heard before. He sounded hard, angry, with a whole lot of sadness, and it actually did scare her. Then again, she'd be feeling the same exact way. Finally, though she made it to the hospital, and walked straight to the unit his mother had been sent to. Mercedes was speed walking past a waiting room when she heard Puck calling her. She quickly stopped and spun around to the direction of his voice. When she spotted him, she immediately brought him into a hug.

"Are you okay?" She asked as they let go, searching his face as he spoke.

"Better now." He smiled sheepishly, and she noticed how red it was around his eyes, like he'd been trying not to cry.

"What'd the doctors say?" She asked, and he let out a heavy sigh.

"She said my mom is going to be fine." Good, that was good news. She looked up at him but he still looked so sad. No where near the relief Mercedes felt.

"What is it?"

"She was trying to kill herself." Mercedes's eyes widened, and her heart was filled with grief.

"I didn't know, I thought it had to do with her drinking or something." She said, and he shook his head, tears welling in his eyes.

"Its going to take a while for her to heal, they had to give her 12 stitches across her side. The cuts were deep, she lost a pretty large amount of blood, but she's going to recover, thats all that matters, right?" He asked, and she could see the emotions play across his face. She took in a deep breath before she spoke up.

"Yeah, it certainly matters, but wow… that is not… fair to you. Or to Tony, or Jake, or your nephew…" She was stunned. "How you feel about this, and the hurt you're feeling matters just as much. What if you hadn't gone to see her-?" She was cut short by his sob, and he totally collapsed in her arms.

"Exactly! What if I hadn't? She changed the locks at home, but I was still determined to get in. If I didn't break in, where would she be? How long would she have been there? Sure as hell know Tony isn't coming back anytime soon, and Jake, well, he moved across the country so its not like he'd be any better than Tony. I should've been there with her. I should've stayed."

"It wasn't a healthy environment for you, Noah."

"Yeah, but she's still my mother! I knew how dick it was for my brothers to leave, and I shouldn't have done that," He stated shakily as his tears continued to fall, "I should've stayed." Mercedes felt so sad for him, and was happy they had the waiting room to themselves.

"I understand what you're saying. But this isn't your fault, you know? You can't stop the choices other people are going to make. And I'm glad you moved when you did. Who knows where you would've been if you did stay. Maybe you leaving is the push she needed to get better."

"Yeah, maybe." Mercedes could hear the bargaining tone in his voice, so she grabbed his face and forced him to look at her.

"This," She said with a raised eyebrow, "Is not your fault." She could see the dilemma playing in his eyes, and watched as it settled.

"Okay."

"Okay."

Puck understood what Mercedes said, but still, when his mother was released from the hospital, he moved back with her. She was going to AA classes, and seeing a doctor about her issues. Puck really hoped with all the professional help, and with the support of him being back home, she'd be on the quick train to being, well, his mom again. He knows she's had alcohol abuse for years, but with all the time they spent at the hospital together, he could see a bit of the woman she used to be. And as long as that remains, there was still a chance. He wouldn't give up on her. He made up his mind.

His mother was gone away for a recovery celebration, which is basically something the AA does once a month thats fun. They go bowling, or to the movies, or golfing, or whatever it they voted for that week. Puck was nervous for his mother, it had only been her third week going, and she was already going out. But community is what she needed, it would do her good. Plus, with her being gone for a good portion of the night, it meant he could have some alone time with Mercedes.

Puck was just finishing up setting their plates when he heard a knock on the door. He looked at the clock and it read 6:00, he smiled and walked to the door to open it. He was greeted with Mercedes's sweet face.

"Hello, gorgeous."

"Hello, handsome," She playfully eyed his clothes and giggled at the half-folded apron tied around his waist "Nice, ties the whole look together." Puck simply looked down at the apron, and looked up at her with a sexy smirk on his face.

"You like?"

"Depends how good you can cook." She teased, as she stepped up to kiss him on the lips. He circled his arms around her to bring her closer and kiss her deeper.

"Mm, I've missed you." He confessed. Its been too long since they've seen each other. Between helping his mom recover, to running her here and there, running his business and taking care of the house, he didn't have much time. Neither did she, with school, preparing for her father's return, and glee club doing West Side Story, they barely got to see each other. Tonight was intentionally for the two of them, and they were going to enjoy their time together.

"Missed you too, Noah." She said as she grabbed his hand, pulling him into the house. She looked around and smiled at the sight before her. There were candles everywhere, and some white christmas lights were hanging around he dining table, and a big bouquet of Mercedes's favorite flowers were in the center of the square table. She turned to look at him with a pleasant smile on her face, he smiled back at her, feeling proud of himself. He watched as she took in the bread basket on the table, the fancy table settings, and the wine glasses.

"We're not actually drinking wine, are we?" She asked incredulously, as he pulled out a seat for her. "Because, Noah, your mom-"

"I know, don't be crazy." He said with a smirk, walking over to the sink where the apple cider was hiding. "Apple cider." He said, opening up the bottle. "But I am so very happy that you are thinking about my mom's recovery. It means a lot to me." He said as he poured some in each of their glasses.

Puck took the seat adjacent to her, and held up his glass to make a toast. "To answered prayers." He stated, and Mercedes smiled wider, holding up hers as well.

"To answered prayers." She echoed. With a ding of their glasses, they both took a sip. Puck reached over to grab the bowl of spaghetti and put some on her plate, then his. He grabbed the bread and served it to her then himself, and without another word he said grace.

Mercedes's heart was so elated when she saw everything around her. Truly, she was impressed, and felt so blessed to have such a thoughtful boyfriend. She watched as he ate his spaghetti, man he was eating really fast. She giggled when he caught her looking and did a double take.

"Is it not good?" He grimaced, and she shook her head reassuringly.

"No, it tastes great!" She stated and he looked confused.

"So what's wrong?"

"Nothing, you're just hungry." She chuckled. "Had a long day?"

"Yeah," he admitted sheepishly. "Had a lot to do, today." Mercedes heart warmed as he grabbed her hand.

"Thank you, for doing this. Its amazing!"

Puck shrugged. "Its really my pleasure. I want to do things like this for you more. I'm sorry I can't."

Mercedes's jaw dropped. "Are you kidding? This is wonderful! I love it."

"Well I love you, so… this is just a small token of how much I feel for you." He said shyly, and she looked down a bit bashful herself.

"How did I get so lucky?" She asked, and he squeezed her hand.

"Nah, I'm the lucky one." Mercedes's heart was pounding, and taking in Puck's expression and the sincere look in his eyes, she wanted to keep him forever. She intended to keep him forever. No matter what happened, she knew Puck was it for her, heck he'd been it for her since they first met. No one meant more to her than the man sitting right beside her.

"What?" He asked, and she smiled at him. "Tell me," He urged, and she smiled wider.

"I was just thinking, I know we're young, but I just want to keep you forever." She watched as Puck's eyes widened, then almost glowed. They turned softer than she'd ever seen them.

"Will you?" He asked, and she chuckled. "Seriously, will you keep me forever? I would love that."

Mercedes smile faded as she pressed her lips together. He was as serious as she was, did that scare her? Maybe a little. Did it mean she'd run? No way.

"Yeah, Noah, you can." She swallowed, debating briefly the next words coming out of her mouth. "If that means you'll keep me forever."

She watched as his eyes shimmered a little, "Babe you have no idea. I'll always want you, forever. If I could, I would take you and never let you go."

Mercedes couldn't believe her ears. She knew he loved her, and that they were in love, but she didn't know he left as deeply as she did. She could feel the blush creep across her face from his words and the look on his face. He looked hesitant now, something in his demeanor changed. "Mercedes, if I could, I would actually marry you."

She widened her eyes at his words, and he shifted lightly. She could feel the tension in the air grow thick as he moved about awkwardly. "Please, say something." They were just thinking about forever, why was marriage any different? Maybe because it just sounded so official.

"I think we're a little young to be talking about marriage, but I can see us growing old together. I mean, we've known each other basically our whole lives, why not finish them together?" She admitted nervously. She eased in her tension when she watched his smile form.

"I love you." Puck simply stated.

"I love you, too." She said, and reached over to kiss him. Despite the heaviness of their conversation, he went back to scarfing down his food.

"I'm sorry, I'm just so hungry." He admitted with a mouth full of food.

"Its okay." She giggled, and he scrunched his nose at her with a smile on his face.

"So have you given any thought to social work?" Mercedes asked. They were spooning in his bed. They finished dinner and desert, and with their heavy conversation during dinner, it left them feeling well, like making out. Actually, like something more, but they decided to stop before things got too far. Puck didn't think how smart this was, considering the candles they brought into his room and she was cuddled in his arms, with nothing to stop them. He wanted nothing more than to have sex with her, to show his love and appreciate her body the way he's been wanting to for a very long time, but she wanted to wait for marriage, and he would try his hardest to wait. He wanted to give her everything she wanted, and this was important. It was just so hard! Literally and literally.

"Um, well, I um, yeah, I did, it's a lot of schooling, but thats definitely something to consider." He said, trying to focus on anything but her ass agains his groin. "Mercedes, I think we should… separate." She turned to look at him with bewildered eyes.

"What?" She asked stunned, and he shot her an uncomfortable look just before he glanced at his member. He did a double take, because he could see the entire outline of it. His pants were a bit thin, but still, he didn't think he was actually that hard. Mercedes looked down and the shadows of the candles were playing against his shape, and he watched in agony as she licked her lips.

"Don't do that, Cedes." He closed his eyes against the images trying to flood his head. "Don't look at it like that, not if you want to remain a virgin." He pleaded as he opened his eyes. She was looking at him innocently, but there was a trace of mischief in her eyes. He watched in slight horror as she scooted to face him. Her hand lightly running down his chest, then arm, and then his abs. Her fingers gripped the bottom of his shirt and she hiked it up. "Mercedes…" He said warningly, and she began to kiss his bare chest, working her way down. "What're you doing?" He asked, and she looked up at him before pushing him completely on his back.

"You did all of this for me, now, I uh," She looked down at his crotch and licked her lips again, "I want to return my gratitude." She straddled him and bent over so her body was completely in line with his. she pulled the shirt completely off and connected her lips to his. Slowly, Puck could feel her begin to grind against him and he groaned because it felt both great and painful. She payed no mind though. She continued to kiss her way down his body again, till she was by his pants. She sneaked a tiny peak up at him and he was turned on so much by the face she had. He was watching her with both anticipation and want. He instinctively ran his hand through her hair, and she looked down again to unbuckle his pants. She pulled down both his pants and briefs, and Puck couldn't help the smirk that crossed his lips as he watched her eyes widen at his now erect member.

"Mercedes," he half moaned, half pleaded. He was about to tell her she didn't need to do this when suddenly her mouth was covering his tip, and the immediate pressure felt so good. It caught him off guard and he gripped the sheets beside him. He was surprised at how good she was at this, but he was glad. She didn't need much direction, and Puck wanted nothing more than to return the favor.

Mercedes was getting so turned on by his groaning and how his hips instinctively began to grind. She hoped she wouldn't do anything embarrassing, but he seemed totally into it. She couldn't help but glance back up and she quirked a brow at how his mouth was completely open. He went from grabbing her sheets to grabbing her hair. She tried to go faster, and when she did, he moaned her name louder. She could feel a wave of wetness come from her own body, and she began to moan too, which only made him grab her tighter. She pulled off of him, and made her hand take over as she kissed and nibbled anywhere her mouth could go. She was actually enjoying this, and it really wasn't too long before he came. It nearly startled her but she was turned on at how hard he climaxed. She looked up at Puck, and he had a serene smile on his face. He pulled her up and kissed her hard and deep. She felt his hand make its way down her tights, and her breath hitched when he reached between her legs. It felt so good and she didn't want him to stop.

Puck moaned, "You're so wet, babe." He cooed as he stuck one then two fingers between her walls. She couldn't help but arch her back as he went in deeper and harder. She was gripping his shoulders hard and had to move on her back as he slowly climbed over her. She looked up at him and saw the love and want in his eyes. His fingers felt so good, and she now began to grind against him. The faster he went, the harder her breathing was. She was now moaning and thrashing as she said his name. And she could tell he liked that too. He moved to suck on her neck as he continued and stopped briefly to lift up her shirt. He hummed in appreciation as he pulled down a cup to release her breast. He began to suck and nibble at it as he proceeded to finger her and she couldn't control all the feelings she had. A tightening happened in her core, and then she felt herself cum. He slowed down and then pulled his hand out from her pants. She watched in shock as he tasted her.

"You taste so good." He pulled her in for a kiss and she could lightly taste it. With wide eyes she covered her face after he pulled away. "What?"

"Did we really just do that?" She asked bashfully, and he chuckled.

"Yeah, we did. And I enjoyed every second of it." She peeked through her fingers. "I actually wish we could do more."

"Really?"

"Yes, really." He answered as he pulled her hands away. "I can't wait to actually make love to you. You're so beautiful when you cum. I don't know if I'll ever get that image out of my head. Or, really anything that happened tonight." Mercedes couldn't help but blush.

"Me either." She'd been wanting to do those things with him for a very long time, and it was even better than she'd ever imagined.

A/N: Okay for those of you still here with me, I can't believe it, and thank you! haha! And sorry if the smut isn't great. I personally don't care to write smut, but I don't know. Guess thats where things were headed. Heavy conversations all over. Leave a review! (Please)