DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN GLEE NOR ANYTHING ELSE.

ZOE MARTIN-LOGAN BROWNING

ALYSSA CAPES-ASHLEY LEGGAT

GINGER MARTIN-THANDIE NEWTON

KELSEY RIVERS-CHLOE BRIDGES

Sam smiled as he watched Madison open up the last of her gifts. He was happy that he could give her everything she wanted and more. He was also happy that he had her for Christmas. Another reason he hated Nicole was because she kept him away from Madison during the holidays. But that was all in the past. He didn't have to worry about his daughter being away from him ever again. He came out of his thoughts when he saw Madison coming to him with something in her hands, "What's that baby girl?"

Madison smiled sweetly at him, "Your gift daddy, from me." She handed it to him, "Merry Christmas."

Sam grabbed to the present from her hands and ripped the paper from it, feeling tears starting to prick up in his eyes. In front him, he was holding a small canvas board that was painted a light green. I just wanted to tell you that I love you and that you are the best daddy ever, hands down. Love you soo much, Muffin. He ran his fingers over her neatly painted handwriting. Where it said hands down, he smiled as he saw handprints painted in purple turned upside down. He sniffled a little as he looked at it some more.

Madison walked up to him, wiping his eyes, "I didn't mean to make you cry." She started to frown up, feeling her lips starting to tremble.

Sam shook his head, sitting the painting to the side. He picked Madison and sat her in his lap, "No baby. I'm not sad." He looked at her with a smile, "It's very beautiful and I love it soo much."

"You do?" Madison asked, feeling a single tear fall from her eye.

Sam wiped her face and kissed her cheek, "I do. Thank you soo much."

Madison smiled as she buried her face into his chest, "You're welcome daddy."

Sam kissed her forehead before he shifted her in his lap, "We still have to open the gifts from Mercedes. Do you want to go get them?"

"Yeah.." She said softly as she slid from his lap, she walked into the living room to retrieve the gifts.

Mercedes shook her head as she listen to Luke and Zoe go back and forward bickering. This was one thing she missed about having all her family under one root.

"You're such an ass sometimes." Zoe glared at him. Zoe was the baby out of the rest of them. She goes to college in Arizona like her brother and is hoping to become nurse just like her sister.

"And you're a whining little brat." Luke retorted back.

Brandon rolled his eyes at his siblings, "I wish both of you would shut up."

Maverick was sitting by his mother as he watched the interactions going on between the siblings. He bit down on his bottom lip to suppress his laughter.

Mercedes patted her son's knee to make him to stop, "Okay..stop both of you."

Zoe crossed her arms over her chest as she stood up, "I'm going to bed."

"Zoe.." Luke called after her, "I was just playing damn." He winced when he heard the door slam.

"Woah, what's going on in here." Alyssa said as she sat the bags down.

"Don't slam doors in my house." Mercedes yelled at her. She turned to her younger brother, "And you go apologize to her. You shouldn't have said anything about her boyfriend."

"Why do I have to apologize? I was speaking so cold hard truths about the dude."

"Get you ass up and go apologize. Now Luke." Mercedes said through gritted teeth.

Luke huffed as he stood up from the couch, "Fine." He pouted as he walked towards the back of the house.

Alyssa smirked at her older sister, "You still have three children I see."

"Ha..ha, you're not funny." Mercedes let out a long breath, "Where's mom?"

"She's outside talking to dad on the phone." Alyssa bent over and gave Maverick a kiss on his cheek, walking over to do the same to Mercedes and Brandon. Alyssa was the third oldest out of the them. She also lives in San Antonio near Brandon and works at the local hospital as a nurse.

"How is Grandma Katie?" Maverick asked.

"Well dad said she's doing a lot better, but he still wants to stay there to make sure she's okay." Alyssa grabbed a cookie from in front of her, "So, I came burying gifts." She gestured to the bags, "Merry Christmas, I love you all."

"Thank you." They said in unison as they got up and went to the bag.

Ginger locked the door behind her before she walked in the living room, "Hey guys."

"Mom." Mercedes and Brandon said in unison before they ran over to her and attack her into a big hug.

Ginger smiled at her kids, "Hi my loves." She pulled out of hug and smiled when she saw Maverick, "My baby is getting big." She walked to him and gave him a hug.

Maverick laughed, "I'm not a baby anymore."

"I know but your still going to be my baby." She pinched his cheek, "Now lets open up some gifts."

After all the Christmas festivities, Mercedes family decided to stay another week with them. Mercedes was in the middle of watching TV when Maverick came and plopped beside her, "Hey.."

"Hey." He smiled at her, "Can I ask you something?"

"Sure." Mercedes turned off the TV with the remote, "What's up?"

"Well..there's this party tomorrow night and I was wondering if I could go." Maverick bit down on his lip.

"Where's it going to be?" Mercedes asked.

"Um..downtown..it's a rooftop party." He stumble against his words when he saw her raised a brow, "Um..Luke is going..so I-I won't be alone.."

"Luke is going with you..to a high school party?" Mercedes looked at him strangely.

"Um..yeah.." He started to fidgeted on the couch a little.

Mercedes cocked a brow at him wondering why he was acting so strange, "Okay..you can go but you have to be home by two."

Maverick smiled brightly as he leaned over and hugged her, "Thanks mom. Love you."

"I love you too." She smiled sweetly as she shook her head. She looked over towards the door when she heard someone knocking. Getting up from her seat, she walked over to it, standing on her tip toes to look out the peep hole. She giggled softly she was met by green gaze staring right back at her. She opened the door, "Hey."

"Hello beautiful." Sam said with a lopsided grin as he leaned forward and kiss her lips.

Mercedes smiled into the kiss before she moved back, "Come in." She let him through, closing the door behind her.

Zoe was walking down the steps just as the handsome stranger was coming into the door. A smirk tugging at her lips when she saw him kiss Mercedes, "So you're the boyfriend?"

Sam turned to the voice with a small smile, "Yeah..I'm Sam." He held out his hand for her to shake.

"Zoe. I'm Mercedes' younger sister." She shook his hand, then turned to Mercedes, "Not bad CeCe." She gave him another once over, "Not bad at all."

"Okay..leave now." Mercedes grabbed her by her shoulder and gently gave her a push to the kitchen.

"Don't have to be so pushy." She snorted at her sister, "Nice meeting you Sam." She threw over her shoulder before she disappeared into the kitchen.

"You too Zoe." Sam smiled at the young girl before he turned back to his girlfriend. Before he could say something he was interrupted again.

"You must be Sam?" Alyssa asked as she walked around the corner. She didn't give a chance to answer, "I'm Alyssa. Listen, I'm sure Chris put you through the 'don't hurt my sister act' and I'm glad he did. But I'm going to let you know that I'm worst than he is. Don't break her heart. I will find you and kill you. And that's not a threat. Am I clear?"

Sam nodded his head, "Crystal."

"Good. Carry on then." Alyssa grabbed her purse and walked out the door, giving Mercedes a look of approval before she left.

"Sorry..they're a bit.." Mercedes motion her hands as tried to explain, "I don't know.."

Sam laughed at her, "It's cool." He wrapped his arms around her waist, "I missed you."

"I missed you too." She leaned up and kissed his lips, "Did you and Madison like your gifts?"

"More like love." He pulled her closer by hooking his fingers into her belt loops, "I especially love mines." He whispered in her ear, leaving a small kiss on the side of her neck. Mercedes had brought Madison a beautiful silver charm bracelet and she gave Sam a free pass booklet that let him do anything he wanted to her at any given time, "I think I'm going to use one of them tomorrow night."

Mercedes let out a laugh, "Right after the party? I think I can manage that." She tugged at his hand and led him to the living room.

"We can skip the whole thing." Sam said hopeful as he sat down beside her on the couch.

She snickered at him, "We can't. Laura would kill me and I'm pretty sure your boss would do the same."

Sam pouted, "Baby.."

"Sammy." She mocked pouted at him, "I'll make you a deal. We can stay for an hour and then we can leave. Deal?"

"Deal.." He smiled at her as he snuggled with her on the couch.

Maverick bit down on lip as he button up his shirt. He lied. He lied to his mother and for what? He didn't know. He was going to a party tonight but it wasn't downtown. He didn't know why he just didn't tell her the truth. He sighed as he looked at himself in the mirror. Grabbing his phone from his dresser, he opened his door and walked out. He wasn't feeling himself lately and he didn't know what was going on with him. He nodded once he saw Luke in the hallway, letting him know that he was ready. He peeked in Mercedes' room to let her know he was gone and headed down the stairs to the door. Once he was outside, he slid into the passenger seat and let out a breath.

"You okay?" Luke asked curiously.

"Yeah...I'm fine." He sat back in his seat and closed his eyes.

It was only a twenty minute trip to the destination. Pulling in front of the house, he looked out and saw that the party had just started in full swing.

"I'll be back to get you at one since I'm actually going to be downtown." He gave him a knowing look.

"Look..just don't tell mom okay?" He said as he opened the door.

"Why didn't you just tell her where you were really going anyways?"

"She would flipped the hell out..I'll call you when I'm ready" He closed the door behind him, ignoring the confused look on his uncle's face. He greeted some familiar faces as he walked through the house.

"YOU MADE IT!" Brent screamed as he walked towards his best friend.

Maverick shook his head, "Yeah, I did.."

"I'm happy." Brent smirked as he handed him a cup, "Come on, lets party."

Maverick took the cup and down it down his throat, feeling the burning sensation of the mixed liquor hit his throat. He followed Brent into the next room. He was immediately greeted by one of their mutual friends, Kelsey.

"Hey Maverick." She smiled sweetly at him.

"Hey K." He greeted as he looked around for another cup, picking one off the counter, he put it to his lips and downed it.

Kelsey frowned, "You okay?" She looked at him in shock. Maverick never dranked. Every party that they have been too, he was always sober.

"I'm fine." He smiled reassuringly at her, looking out toward the middle of the floor, "You wanna dance?"

Kelsey looked at him for a moment before shaking out of her thoughts, "Sure."

Maverick grabbed her hand and led her to the dance floor, wrapping his arms around her waist as they dance to the upbeat music.

Mercedes placed her earrings in her ear as she slid into her shoes. She stood back and admired herself in the mirror with a smile on her face.
She was wearing a long black embellished gown that had a v-shaped see through midfield with a floral design. The dress flared out at the bottom and paired them them a pair of solid black five inch peep-toed heels. Her curly hair was pinned up into an very elegant up do and her makeup was neutral. Hearing the doorbell ring, she grabbed her clutch and headed down the stairs.

Sam stood on the other side of the door with his hands in his pocket. He eyes went wide as the door open, "Damn.." He took in the dress that his girlfriend had on.

Mercedes blushed under his gaze, "Well hello to you too."

Sam finally looked at her with a crooked grin, "You look amazing..beautiful..stunning." Sam stumbled over the correct word to the describe her, "Damn.."

Mercedes giggle at him, "Thank you. You don't look half bad yourself." She took in his fitted black suit he had on. She smirked when she saw that he had on bow tie. He was never the one to put one of those on but it looked amazing. Her eyes traveled who to his hair that was lightly gelled and fluffed out, "Stacey did your hair?" She asked with a smile, already knowing the answer.

Sam playfully rolled his eyes, "Yes..she did." He shook his head as he remember the struggle that went on earlier.

Mercedes closed the door behind her and locked it, throwing her keys in her purse, "You ready?"

"Yes ma'am, I am." Sam wrapped his arm around her waist as they walked to his truck. He opened the truck and helped her in, leaning in the giver her a quick kiss before he closed the door and walked over to his side.

"I should've worn flats." Mercedes said as she leaned against Sam as they walked towards the bar. Mercedes and Sam had to attend an annual New Year's Party that was hosted by her both found it weird that they haven't notice each other at the one last year.

Sam smiled down at her, "I could always carry you. Be your big, strong knight and shining armor."

Mercedes snorted as she sat in one of the stool, "It would be a honor." She kissed him on his cheek.

Sam smirked at her.

"What can I get you two?" The bartender smiled warmly at the couple.

"Can I get a vodka and cranberry please." Sam said.

"And for you miss?" He looked over at Mercedes.

"I'll just have a sprite." She smiled his way, "Thank you."

"No drinking tonight Ms. Jones?" Sam said as he stood in front of her.

Mercedes shook her head, "No..I have to stay level headed dealing with these people." She ran her hand over his bang.

"I should do that.." Sam said with a straight face.

Mercedes stared at him before she busted out in laughter.

"What? I'm serious." He smirked at her, he leaned down and kissed her lips, groaning when he heard the most irritating voice ever.

"Wow Evans, I didn't know you were sleeping with the enemy." A voice ranged out.

Mercedes detached her mouth from Sam's, rolling her eyes in annoyance.

"What do you want Michael?" Sam said through gritted teeth.

"I just wanted to stop by and say hello." He smiled over at Mercedes, "Haven't seen you since you won by luck in court."

Mercedes spun around in her seat with an incredulous look on her face, "I didn't win by luck, I work my ass off..something you failed to know what your client did was wrong Andrews, don't act brand new."

Sam had a proud smirk on his face as he watch Mercedes rip Michael a new one.

"Oh please Jones." He glared at her, "You just had the jury fooled."

Mercedes played with a straw of her drink before she pulled it out, "I didn't have anyone fooled, I'm just good at my job and that's proving the truth." She slid from her stool with her soda in her hand, "You on the other hand..Maybe just aren't the lawyer everyone puts you out to be." She smirked when she saw his face turning red, he was clutching his hands into fist which she knew that she hit a nerve, "Maybe you should take some tips." She grabbed Sam's hand as she walked passed him, "You might need them." Mercedes winked before she walked away.

Sam turned around with a raised eyebrow at Andrews, "I have extra sticky notes and notepads in my office, you're welcome to them."

Michael looked at him with anger in his eyes, going to the bar to order him a stiff drink.

Sam sat his glass down on the nearby table and gathered his girlfriend in his arms, "I love you."

"I love you too." Mercedes smiled as she wrapped her arms around his waist.

He swayed them to the sound of the music that was playing in the room, "Did I tell you that you beautiful tonight?"

"Only a million times." She kissed his cheek, "But I'll never get tired of it."

"Good, because I'm not going to stop." He moved her loose curl back into her hair pin and leaned down to kiss her forehead. He looked at the clock seeing it was almost time to ring in the new year, "How about we get out of here? Spend the rest of the night watching the movies."

"One request?" She asked sweetly.

"Anything.."

"We picked up Madison from your parents."

Sam smiled down at her, "Okay, I like that request a lot."

Mercedes smiled as she tugged his hand, grabbing her clutch from the table as she heard the people counting down.

"10...9...8...7...6..5...4...3...2...1. HAPPY NEW YEAR!" The people in the room shouted.

Sam grabbed Mercedes by her neck and pulled down into a passionate kiss.

Mercedes smiled as she pulled on his suit jacket, moaning as she felt him deepen it. She pulled back with a beautiful smile, "Happy New Year Baby."

Sam kissed he one last time before he led her toward the exit.

Kelsey stared wide eyed at Maverick as he kissed her. She pulled back shaking her head, "What's wrong with you tonight?"

"Nothing..I'm fine. How many times do I have to say that?" He frowned up at her, hearing the commotion going on around him and turned and headed to the kitchen.

Kelsey tucked in her lips as she followed behind him. She walked around the counter grabbing the beer bottle out of his hand, "That's enough."

"You're not my mom, Kelsey." He grabbed the bottle back out of her hand.

"I know I'm not you're mom but I'm your friend. Tell me what's wrong because you're not acting like yourself Mav." She said in a calm voice.

Maverick rolled his eyes at her. He really didn't want to tell her why he was acting like he was. He was just tired. Tired of being the same. Tired of pretending. Tired of feeling like a broken piece, "You wouldn't understand." He sipped a little beer from the bottle.

"Try me."

Maverick sighed as he looked at her, his eyes feeling extremely heavy, "I-I.." He grunted as he walked passed her, "Just enjoy that party Kelsey."

Kelsey watched as he disappeared into the swaying bodies, she groaned as she grabbed her purse from the counter and headed out the front door.

Mercedes smiled as she watched Sam set up a little fort for them in the living room. She laughed softly as she saw Madison fighting her sleep. When they picked her up from the Evans, she was sound asleep in one of the rooms. They were going to just leave her there until the morning but she awoken when she heard their voices.

"Muffin, how about you just go get in your bed." Sam said as he took in his sleepy daughter.

"Daddy..no, I'm not tired." She whined with a pout taking over her face.

"Yes you are sweetheart." Sam said as he sat the last pillow up, "But I'll let you stay here if you can hang."

"I can hang daddy, I promise." She smiled brightly.

Mercedes giggled at them, "Alright then." She clapped her hands once before she moved on the floor to the fort. She pulled Madison with her as she got comfortable on the pillows, "Movie time."

Sam stood up, holding a finger up to Mercedes as he watched Madison

Madison laid her head on Mercedes chest and closed her eyes. After a few seconds, she peacefully fell asleep.

Mercedes snickered as she watched the little girl fall to sleep, "She didn't even last a minute."

Sam smirked, shaking his head, "I knew she wasn't." He leaned down and picked her up and headed up the stairs to lay her in the bed. He kissed her forehead, leaning over to turn on her night light. He walked to the door, leaving a crack in before he headed back down the stairs.

Maverick struggle to get his phone out of his pocket. Once he finally did, he clicked it on to see it was a little after twelve. He was ready to go home. He stood outside to get a little fresh air to sober himself up. He was a mess and he couldn't help himself. He needed his mom. Seeing Brent, he walked over to him, "Hey bro..I need to see your car."

Brent turned to him, "You're leaving already? Come on man, I know your mom doesn't like you over here because of Aiden's dad but.." He drifted off as he looked at his face, "Okay, but you have to drive. I'm hammered."

Maverick grabbed the keys and opened the car, hoping in, he buckled his seatbelt. He shakily put the key into the engine and pulled out the driveway.

Brent looked at his friend with a smile, "You're cute when you're a-all drunk."

Maverick took a quick glance at him, "I'm not. I'm a mess right now." He stop at the red light before he let the window down. He sped up when the light turned green. What Maverick didn't know was he was swerving the line and was going twenty miles over the speed limit. He didn't realize what he had done until he saw flashing blue lights behind him, "Oh shit."

Brent straighten up in his seat as he looked behind them, "Busted."

Maverick pulled over to the side and turned off the engine. He didn't know what to do. He looked over to his friend and saw that he had the same scared expression on his face. He jumped slightly when he heard knocking on the window. He reached for the button and let down the window, "Is there a problem officer?"

The officer looked at him, "There is..you were swerving the line and going sixty five in a forty five limit zone. I'm going to need your license and registration."

Maverick patted his pockets for his wallet, pulling it out he grabbed his license out and handed to the cop and reached over to the glove department to get papers.

The officers was about to leave until he smelt the alcohol coming from the car, "I'm going to need both to step out of the car. Puts you hands on the hood and don't move." He walked back to his car to call for backup.

Mercedes snuggled against Sam as they watched an old timely holiday show. She had to admit that this was one of the best holidays ever. She felt completed, something she hasn't felt in a long time. She looked over to see her phone buzzing on the table.

"Who could that be at one in the morning?" Sam asked.

"It's probably Maverick calling to let me know he has made it home." She reached over and grabbed the phone from the table. A frown instantly playing on her lips as she saw the number, "It's the precinct."

"What?" Sam asked as he sat up from the ground.

Mercedes slid the answer button, "Mercedes Jones.

"Mom..it's me."

Mercedes face scrunched up in confusion, "Maverick?"

He nodded his head, realizing she couldn't see him he spoke again, "Yeah..can you come get me?"

"What the hell are you doing at the police station?"

Maverick winced at her tone, "I'll explain when you get here..but please come get me." The phone made a noise, signaling it was about to shut off.

Mercedes stared at the phone in disbelief as she stood up from the floor.

Sam watched as she got up throwing on her jacket and boots, "Babe..is everything alright." When she didn't answer, he stood up from the floor and walked over to her, "Mercedes.."

Mercedes looked at him, blinking slowly, "I don't know." She said as she stuffed her phone in her pocket, "But I'm about to find out." She headed towards the door, pulling it open, she walked to her car.

Mercedes walked through the double doors, heart beating extremely fast as she walked towards the desk. She twirled around when she heard someone calling her.

"Ms. Jones." The officer came up to her.

"Officer McCarthy, hi.." She looked at him.

Kevin nodded towards her, "I need to talk to you about something." He led her to his desk. He waited till she sat down, "I pulled over a car about an hour ago for speeding and swerving the lines." He shifted uncomfortably, "When I went to the car and asked for the driver's license, I saw that it was your son." He took a breath, "Mercedes, I brought him in, gave him a field and breathalyzer test. He couldn't even walk in a straight line and he was way over the legal limit."

Mercedes couldn't believe what she was hearing. She open and closed her mouth several times. Maverick was arrested for driving under the influence. She knew for a fact that this couldn't be him because he always told her that her never dranked at parties. She looked over when the officer spoke again.

"I have him in custody but since I knew that he was your son, I didn't book him."

Mercedes shook her head, "No..book him." She caught his eye when he looked at her, "Book him. I don't care if you knew me or not, he broke the law. You do your job Kevin." She raised her voice, causing the station to get quiet.

Kevin nodded as he stood up from his seat, "I can take you to see him if you want. He will have to stay for the night and go to court tomorrow morning."

Mercedes nodded as she walked behind him to the holding cell. She couldn't help but feel the hurt and anger that was boiling inside of her. She looked over and saw that Brent was in there too. Taking a breath, she walked over to them.

Maverick looked up when he heard someone coming in. He shot up from his the bench and walked over to her, "Mom.."

Mercedes held her hand up, "Don't.." She said in a low tone, "How could you make such a stupid decision Maverick?"

"Mom..I don't know..I'm sorry."

"Sorry is not going to cut it." She yelled at him, "You could've killed someone tonight..better yet, you could've killed yourself."

Maverick sighed as he listen to her, feeling his head starting to pound increasingly, "Mom I know that..I'm sorry, I screwed up. Cut me some slack." He raised his voice at her.

"You better watch your damn tone, I'm your mother." She pointed her finger through the bars.

"I wish you weren't!" He yelled at her, immediately closing his mouth shut when he realized what he said. Seeing the hurt look on her face broke his heart. He didn't mean what he said. He just was frustrated with himself and was ready to go home.

Mercedes looked at him with hurt evident in her eyes. She took a step back, feeling the tears starting to form, "I'm sorry you feel that way." She turned around and walked out the door.

"Mommy." Maverick croaked out when he saw her walk away, feeling his tears come down his face. This was the worst night ever.

A/N. Are you shocked? Well lets start from the beginning. Madison and Sam are so cute together, and the gift was amazing. Do you like Zoe & Alyssa? A little Samcedes sweetness. Now, what do you guys think is wrong with Maverick? This is just the filler of whats to come you guys. It has to get worst before it gets better :/