DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN GLEE BUT THIS STORY I DO!

Angelo Carter: Mike Merrill

Mercedes took the ear piece out of her ear when she saw the hand waving in front of her face and felt the treadmill stop. Seeing that it was Gill, she opened her mouth to say something but he spoke over her.

"Nino is not replacing you."

"Gill."

"Nope. Put your big girl panties on and check your attitude." Gill gave her a look before walking away. The man had been there since the beginning as well, and it was always something with those two. They truly worked his nerves with the back and forth bullshit.

Mercedes rolled her eyes as she stepped off the treadmill, picking up her water bottle as she walked into the main part of the gym. Seeing a bunch a new eyes turn her, she was confused to why until she realized she was dressed in only a sports bra and a pair of biker shorts.

Gill had came over and stood in front of her, handing her a sweatshirt, knowing that it really shouldn't be an issue because they were in fact in a gym but folks could be so damn weird.

"Thanks." She mumbled as she put on the shirt, looking up and seeing him nod, "Who are these people?"

"Potential investors." Gill answered, watching as she looked at him confusedly, prompting him to raise his hands, "I have no idea what he's doing, so don't ask."

Mercedes crossed her arms over her chest as she looked at them curiously, seeing her father come out and escort them to his office. Her eyes then fell on a certain shirtless man, who was coming from out of the locker room.

"Perfect. You're both here." Gill responded as he turned to face Sam, who had stopped in front of them, eyes glancing over to Mercedes before they focused on Gill, "I don't care what happened or what was said, talk your shit out right now. No training nor leaving until I see resolution and a handshake, maybe even a hug."

Mercedes glared at the side of his head before he walked off, her eyes following him until he disappeared into the back before they made contact with Sam's. They both was so stubborn, so a stand-off between the two could last for days if you'd let it. But, today wasn't one of those days.

Sam, tired of this back and forth, was the first to speak, admitting what was on his heart, "I'm sorry. I realized that I overstepped my boundaries. I guess, no...I know that I was only looking out because I don't want you to get hurt."

Mercedes couldn't say that she was genuinely shocked at the sincerity that was dripping from his words, and even his tone. She knew he meant it. He always did when it came to being protective. She sighed as she looked at him seriously, "I apologize too, for so much actually but most importantly, leaving you like I did. It wasn't right at all and I'd honestly be heartbroken if something would've happened to you." She held out her hand, "A start over? This time, for real."

Sam took ahold of her small, dainty hand and shook it, "I'd like that."

Mercedes nodded her head as she let go, turning to the side when she heard her father calling out for everyone in the gym as he stood at the top of the steps.

"There's a benefit tomorrow at 7, downtown. It's imperative that all of you are there." Henry said, his eyes locking on his daughter's questionable ones, but he didn't have time to get into that yet.

Gill came over not too long after, a smile present, "I'm assuming everything's good?" When they both nodded, he clasped his hands together, "Great, then let's get to work."

The next night, Sam adjusted the solid black tie as he stood in the elevator. Henry had given them the day off, so they wouldn't have to rush home to get ready for tonight. As he stepped off the elevator, he felt an arm slide around his, prompting him to bite the inside of his cheek as they walked in.

"This is nice." Ally commented as she held onto Sam's arm, smiling at the people who were looking and speaking to the couple. She basked in it all the acknowledgment she was getting, her other hand resting on her stomach so they could be aware of the news, if they wasn't already.

Sam didn't want to bring her. That was the last thing he wanted, but somehow she had connived her way into coming. He needed space already, he was over it, "I'm going to get a drink."

"Bring me something too."

Mercedes hummed lowly as she walked through the crowds, smiling at the people as she looked for the one person she hasn't seen since she arrived. Finally finding him, she walked up and patted his shoulder, "You're a popular man tonight, Dad."

Henry chuckled as he turned to face her, smiling, "You look beautiful, honey."

"Thanks. I don't remember the last time I dressed up." Mercedes giggled as she placed the champagne flute to her lips. She sported a black velvet sequin one shoulder tie waist midaxi dress paired with pair of black pointed toe heels. Her knotless braids were pulled up into a bun and her face was naturally made up in subtle tones.

"Excuse me, Henry can I speak to you for a moment?"

"Sure." Henry turned to Mercedes, "Have fun."

Mercedes snorted as she shook her head, picking up the another champagne from the tray when a server came by, taking a gracious sip. A brow raised when she saw Sam come in with the devil herself. She truly couldn't see what Sam saw in her for the past four years. And yes, although they weren't on speaking terms, she knew a user when she saw one. She watched him say something to her before walking away, the woman rolling her eyes before she turned, their eyes locking.

Ally made her way to the woman, making a show of putting her hand on her little bump that seriously right dress, smirking, "I'm sure Sam has told you the wonderful news. I'm having his baby. Just felt to need to remind you because I don't trust you one bit but don't worry, you'll be gone soon."

"Oh really?"

"Yes." She laughed, smugness showing, "Sam won't stay at that run down gym long. We're going to be on to bigger and better things. And just a reminder, I'm always going to be his number one, don't ever forget it."

Mercedes laughed at her words and insults, downing the last of her champagne before speaking, "Actually, his mother and his sister will always come before you, sweetie. Trust me, I've known him a lot longer than you have. My advice, don't get too comfortable in that spot you're claiming."

Ally glared at her as she turned and walked away. She truly hated her and couldn't believe she had the nerve to say what she did. She was most definitely going to put that bitch in her place.

Mercedes had spent majority of the night with Gill and his girlfriend, Lena, until she was pulled away by her father once again, introducing her to unfamiliar faces. She didn't get to see much of Sam either, he was probably dealing with that witch of his. Coming out of her thoughts, she smiled once again at the people, only feeling herself being pulled away by someone else again.

"Whew, you're fine as hell."

Mercedes smirked to herself when she realized who it was, seeing her best friend come to a stop, "You like?"

"Love." Santana waggled her brows, smirking, "Who's the lucky woman or man you're trying to get tonight?"

Mercedes snorted as she shook her head, "Nobody. I'm done dating for the time being."

"If you say so." Santana gave her a look before leaning forward and hugging her. She hasn't spoken to her in weeks due to her still being mad, but she couldn't go on any longer, "Don't do it no more, promise me."

"I'm done, I promise." She gave her a squeeze before pulling back, smiling as stayed in her arms, "I've missed you."

"I've missed you more." She smiled back as she hugged her again before letting her go, "Girls Night soon."

"Yes please. I love you."

"I love you more." Santana pinched her cheeks before her eyes danced across the room, stopping on a certain someone, "I'll catch you later, I have some old business I need to handle."

Mercedes watched as she waltzed off, shaking her head with a chuckle as she turned on her heels to head out of the room. She was making her way to the bathroom when her steps started to falter. Seeing the man stopped in her path, taking his hands out off his pockets, "What in the hell are you doing here, Angelo?"

Angelo looked at her and smiled, walking closer, "Now Mercedes, this is a public event."

"You have some fucking balls showing up here." She glared at him as he let out a chuckle, prompting her to ball her fist up, "You need to leave."

"No thank you." He responded as he came to a stop, staring down at her before his face turned serious, "How's..."

"Don't you dare mention her."

Angelo frowned as he moved closer, watching as she took a step back, "She's my daughter you know?"

"One that you made clear you didn't want when you signed your rights over."

Angelo raised a brow, eyes glaring back at her, "And didn't you do the same?"

Mercedes rolled her eyes as she attempted to move passed him. She was not about to play his games tonight or ever.

The man grabbed ahold of her arm and pulled her roughly to him, only to feel himself being pulled back by his collar, his body turning around with a fist connecting to his face.

Mercedes watched as his fell to the ground, blood immediately appearing from his face. She looked up and found the one person who despised the man more than she did.

"Keep your fucking hands to yourself or we're going to have a problem." Sam told the man as he stared at him, watching as he spit the blood out of his mouth and held his nose before standing back up. He was on his way to the restroom when he heard the commotion, anger instantly taking over his body when he saw the asshole grab Mercedes roughly.

Angelo stared back in shock and confusion when he realized who it was, "You're..."

"Back, so stay the hell away from her Angelo or next time, I'll make certain you're in the hospital for something more serious than a broken nose." Sam grabbed ahold of Mercedes' hand, intertwining their fingers together as he lead her away from him and a few onlookers who had peeked the incident.

Fifteen year old Mercedes folded her arms as she watched him do push-ups, reluctantly counting and rolling her eyes at the smart remarks coming from his mouth. One thing she didn't like was arrogance and boy was he arrogant. She never thought she'd meet someone worse than Sam, now seventeen but attitude had gotten better.

"I can do this in my sleep, beautiful."

"Yeah, whatever."

Sixteen year old Angelo smirked as he watched her walk away, letting out a low whistle as he gazed at her, "I'm going to marry that girl one day."

Aaron scoffed as he sat the weights down, "Please, you're not the marrying type. You just want another trophy on your shelf."

"That's not going to happen with her."

Angelo turned and found Sam putting the jump rope down, "Never say never."

"Like I said..." Sam said as he went over and got in his face, "It's not going to happen. Mercedes is not going to be a hit it and quit it, and you're sure as hell not going to play her for one."

Angelo smirked as he looked at him up and down, "You're not her bodyguard and you have no say in anything. So, back off and stay in your place. This isn't your business."

Sam pushed him to the ground, glaring down as he held his hand around his throat, nobody even daring to interfere with them, "Let me make something very clear. She's off limits. When I mean off limits, I mean it. If you look at her, I'm going to beat your ass. If you breathe the wrong way in her presence, I'm going to beat your ass. If you so happen to do anything or have anyone else say or do something, and I find out about, I'm going to beat your ass into a bloody pulp."

Sam finally stopped when they came to the end of the hallway, letting go of her hand as he stared down at her, "Are you okay?"

Mercedes stood in front of him and nodded, rubbing her hand along her arm, "You didn't have to do that."

"I'm not going to let anyone, especially him, hurt you in any shape or form. You know that." He told her seriously, seeing her bottom lip quiver just a bit, he soften his approach, "You can drop that tough girl act, Merce. You know it doesn't work with me."

Mercedes stared at him for a moment and sighed, putting her head down and whispering, "Thank you."

Sam took his finger and lifted her chin, her brown eyes meeting his concerned green ones, "Never put your head down. Somebody real special taught me that."

Mercedes mustered up a smile, trying to turn this around by getting back to who they were, "So you do listen to me?"

"It's hard not to when you don't ever shut up."

Mercedes giggled just as he dropped his hand, her eyes holding his as she cleared her throat, "You should get going, your girlfriend's probably looking for you."

"Not before knowing you're alright." Ally was the last person he was thinking about in this moment, "Are you sure you're fine?"

Mercedes gave him a small smile as she nodded, "I am."

"Okay." He took a deep breath, giving her a look before walking away. He was going to make sure that ass was gone and for the first time, do any damage control for his actions because he didn't want a bad outlook casted on Henry. He didn't get far before he turned back around, speaking the woman, "By the way, you look beautiful tonight."

Mercedes watched as walked back down the hallway, a smile tugging on her lips at the compliment. She went and took a seat on the bench. Not too long after he left, Mercedes heard another pair of shoes making their way to her. She lifted her head and saw that it was her father, face full of anger and concern.

"I didn't know he was going to be here, if I did, I would've had security stop him at the door."

"Dad, it's fine."

"Are you okay?" He ignored her, still raging as he stared down at her. "He has some motherfu..."

"Daddy, I'm fine, I promise. Sam actually interfered."

"I heard and I'm glad he punched the shit out of him. He has never liked him." Henry chuckled as he started to calm down, turning to look at her once he took a seat beside her, "And believe it or not, he has always been protective of you."

Mercedes begin to have the memories of years ago. Sam and Mercedes, like said previously, may have stayed at each other's throats, but one thing was always unsaid but known, he would beat anyone's ass if they came at her wrong and he did. Multiple times, "I know."

Henry smiled, "You know, I always thought that there was something going on between you two."

"God no, Dad." Mercedes chuckled as she looked at the man, snorting, "We were frenemies."

"More friends than enemies. You guys just loved annoying the hell out of each other."

Mercedes couldn't argue with that. They sat in silence for a minute before as she looked at him seriously, "Do you think I would've been a great mom?"

"I think you would've been an amazing mother." He wrapped his arm around her, watching as she scooted closer to him and laid her head down on his shoulder, "I still think you can be."

"I'm too scared." She admitted for the first time. She never told her father the true reason why she didn't keep Poppy. Of course she was young and wasn't ready, but it was something so much deeper than that, "I didn't then and don't in future want to turn out like mine did. I never want my kids, especially my daughter, to feel like they're less than or or a regret."

"Baby, you're neither one. I hate that your mother made you feel like you were."

"Thank you for not being mad and thank you for always understanding." She said softy as she looked up at the older man, not caring to want to discuss his reassurance because she knew that he didn't feel like that, "I felt like I disappointed you for so long and that's something I never wanted to do."

"Never a disappointment. You're my little girl still. No matter what, I'll always love you and want nothing but the absolute best for you."

Mercedes smiled once he kissed the side of her head, the two staying in that position for a little while longer. She was so grateful to have him as her father. He was there for her so much, and she was so thankful for it.

The next day, Sam was sitting the middle of the floor on the mats looking at some practice film and some from his fight. He wanted to take note in his mistakes, so he could correct them. His next fight was a big ticketed event and it was going to be in Las Vegas next month. He had to come with it.

"Angelo and I hooked up after you left."

He came out of thoughts and looked up at the woman now standing in front of him, confusion and distaste written across his face at the revelation. One, he couldn't believe that Mercedes would ever do that with that arrogant piece of shit and two, he was trying to figure out why she was even telling him.

"It was seriously a drunken mistake at a party. One time thing."

"Did he..."

"No, absolutely not. He wouldn't be alive if he did." She said once she realized what he was hinting at, seeing his face visibly relax, she started to share more, "So, that time I was away, I was actually pregnant."

"Wait, what?" Sam asked in shocked, face full of disbelief as he watched her take a seat in front of him.

"Yes, I got pregnant, but I didn't keep her. I named her Poppy, like after the flower I love so much. God, she was so tiny and beautiful." Mercedes gushed, pride visible on her face, "We signed our rights over. I gave her to a family member, I wasn't capable of being a mom. I didn't think I was good enough. She turned eight the other week. She doesn't know I'm her birth mom and I'm okay with that. She's happy and I'm not going to ruin that." She took a deep breath as she finally looked at him, "The reason I'm telling you is so that you can know about what happened after you left. I want this rel...friendship to be one of honesty and a place where if you need to, you can confide in me."

Sam respected her a lot for telling him, and he honestly did appreciated it, "Thank you for sharing, seriously. I have no idea how hard it must of been for you, but knowing you, I know you got through it like a champ."

Mercedes smiled at his words. She popped back up from the ground, holding out her hand. Once he grabbed it, she helped him up, just for him to tower over her, the bodies at close proximity as she looked up, finding him staring down, "For this to work, you have to share something too."

"Not today." Sam studied her face, his hand reaching to grab the loose braid, tucking it back into her ponytail holder. His hand went to her neck, resting and cradling it there. He did this with her a lot when they were younger, more so to calm her down after they argued but now...now it was for another reason. It just felt right.

Mercedes tugged at her bottom lip, her eyes never breaking contact with his. What was going on right now? She couldn't tell you because she didn't even know herself.

Sam dropped his hand as he stepped back with a raised brow, smirking to himself knowingly in some unspoken language between them, "We should get started."'

"Mhm." Mercedes whispered with a hidden smile as she turned around and headed to the back to the front to grab her things. This was a danger zone that she needed to avoid. Thing was, did she really want to?

A/N. YEEEEEOOOOOOOOO!