#Maybe a samcedes one shot for this song

[sweethomelima]

Flashback Para || Goodbye || Samcedes

Who: Mercedes Jones, Sam Evans 

What: Mercedes tells Sam about her chance to record in LA and asks him to come with her. 

Where: Their apartment

Notes: none

Mercedes stood outside of her and Sam's apartment taking a few breaths before walking in, her news was life changing, it was amazing. This was a dream come true and she only hoped Sam would feel the same way. They had married young, right out of High School and it was worth it, she loved Sam truly did and staying in Lima to work on her music, while they saved up before moving to an unknown city was a smart call. This way they had the support of both his and her parents and they had each other.

The last year had been amazing, it brought them closer as a couple and friends, and it brought her closer to both his and her parents who were thrilled they were getting married. Though in order to get her to stay her dad did bribe her with a 2 bedroom luxury apartment but pretended it was a wedding gift. She always believed he agreed to her marrying Sam only because it kept her close to home. Walking in the house she placed her bag down. "Sam? baby you here?"

If you asked Sam, getting married was the best decision he made. There were people who told him not to propose while he was so young, but they didn’t grasp how much he loved Mercedes. She was it for him. There wasn’t anyone else who would make him feel this way. She was working on her music while Sam worked with the football team and tried to figure out what he was doing with his life.

Sam was doodling something close to comic art when he heard Mercedes. He left the spare bedroom and walked out to meet her. He put his hands on her hips and kissed her gently. “Hey! I missed you.” They haven't been apart more than a normal day, but it was the same thing Sam said each time he saw her — even in the mornings.

When Sam pulled her in his arms, she kissed him deeply, wrapping her arms around him. "Missed you too!" She kissed him once more before smiling. "How was your day? I hope it was as epic as mines," She said slowly pulling out of his arms and going towards the kitchen.

Washing her hands she went to the fridge to grab the chicken she took out of the freezer this morning. "When I say epic i mean EPIC!!!"

“Epic?” Sam asked. That sounded good. Maybe one of the local stations had agreed to play her demos. He was hopeful for her. Each step Mercedes made closer to success made him that much more proud of her.

He followed her to the kitchen. “Just worked on some new plays. You gonna tell me what happened or do I have to guess? I’m good at guessing games!”

Mercedes looked up at Sam and smiled. "You won't guess this, baby and I would love to see you try but its just... its everything." She giggled still unable to believe it herself. Going to the cabinet to grab her seasonings she glanced at him.

"Okay so you know I have been sending my demo out like crazy, wanting to get noticed for something. And it's been a year and still not bites. Well today I got bit!" She froze holding the lemon pepper in her hand then laughed. "That came out so wrong." She said as she continued to prep the food and talk. "So I am at the radio station you know doing my thing and humming while I work and this guy passes me. He goes, you have a beautiful voice." She placed the chicken in oven and washed her hands. "And I am like yeah thanks but humming is nothing wait till you hear me actually before you go saying that. He found it funny and said okay sing. now you know your wife is not afraid to drop a song anywhere so i bust out "And I am Telling You" and by the end of the song half the station is sitting there applauding and some were yes in tears."

He definitely knew about her sending her demo out. The longer it took, it seemed like the more discouraged Mercedes got. Sam would constantly tell her things would slide into place when they were meant to. It sometimes felt like he had more faith in her than she did.

Hearing her news, Sam bounced slightly on the balls of his feet. “What? I mean, I knew you could impress everyone, but...” Catching the attention of everyone at the station was another thing all together. It was big. He leaned against the counter. “Who was he?”

Mercedes smiled. "That is the best part. He owns this label called Epic Records, he was in from L.A. for some reason and when he heard me sing, he said I wow'd him. He had never heard such a voice that was not classical trained."

She moved over to him and sat in one of the stools by the island. "That's not even the best part, he did a video conference with his boss and had me sing for him and a few others at the label and they loved it! They want to sign me Sam, they want to sign me to sing for them."

Sam laughed as she mentioned the labels name. “Ah, no wonder you were saying epic!” He reached out, taking her hand which was lying on the counter. “I’m so proud of you, babe!”

In his head, he tried to figure out how things would work. “So what? You go to LA and record an album? Then come back?” He wasn’t sure the logistics of all of this.

Mercedes smiled with a nod. "Yep this who thing is Epic!" She felt on top of the world. And she just knew this was the beginning of great things for her, for them.

Hearing his questions she shook her head. "That's the thing, you know before we got married I had planned on moving to L.A. I mean that has always been our plan. So we would have to move there. But I am gonna have my dad and his lawyer look at the contract from what I see it's great, they will put us in one of the Label's Lofts, help us move out there and get settled and we would start working on my Album ASAP. I mean we would have to be there by next week but this is it Sam. My big break!"

Sam drummed his fingers on the counter. Sure, it had been their plan. Then they got married. They’d built a life here. Their families were here, and he might be a little more attached to his own than he should be.

“I mean... can’t it just be a trip? What’s so bad about Lima?” As long as he’d been here, he’d heard people talking about not wanting to ‘Lima losers’. Sam didn’t get it. Lima was nice.

Mercedes frowned. "Sam, it can't just be a trip, it takes a lot to make an Album, Lima is amazing Sam and its home, it will always be home, but this, Sam this is my dream. My Dream! It's everything I have ever wanted that wasn't you."

He shrugged. “A long trip? I can’t leave my parents or Stevie and Stacy!” Sam should have been expecting this, maybe even planned ahead. He knew she’d be a success but he hadn’t anticipated moving to LA. “Mercy, c’mon.”

"Sam, I am not saying you won't ever see your family they can come visit and we can come back here, Sam I love your family just like I love mines but this is the opportunity of a lifetime. I can't say no." She closed her eyes taking a breath. "Sam please. This is my dream. Please."

“I don’t see why it can’t be a trip,” he mumbled. She would have to go and record the album. Mercedes would have to promote the album. She would have to go in tour... but Sam didn’t get it fully. “This is our home!”

Mercedes went over to him and took his hands in hers. "This will always be our home, but I can't walk away from my one shot. And I can't do this without you.

“It doesn’t have to be forever,” Sam said. “It doesn’t — I’m not saying to stay away! I’m saying we can come back! It was different before, but...” But they were here now.

Mercedes shook her head. "Sam, I can't stay here. I can't grow here. In order for me to grow as an Artist I have to be there where the label can reach me, Sam this is a great opportunity for both of us."

Running a hand through his shaggy hair, Sam let out a sigh. “This is our home! It was different before, when we didn’t have any reasons to stay but look around!” He gestured around the room. “And I’m working with the team and talking to Mr. Schue about doing some things in glee! We’ve built this life...”

Mercedes let go of his hands. "Am I really hearing this correctly? You said that my dreams were your dreams and we would do this together. Sam I can't stay here. Every day I am in Lima, and not out there pursuing my dreams, i did a little. I am going to L.A. I am going to make my dreams, dreams I have had since I sang my first Chaka Khan Song with my mother's hairbrush come true. I can't stay here."

Sam didn’t know why things had gotten to this point with the conversation. “I’m still saying go to LA! You can — I just think it’d be nice to come back! What’s so bad about that?”

"Sam I will come back for a day or two, to see my family, friends but I am moving to L.A. I am living in L.A. My life is about to begin in L.A. and I need you there with me.  Lima isn't my life anymore. Please Sam."

His teeth sunk into his plump lower lip. Sam shook his head. “Lima is... why can’t we have both? It’s not like it would be impossible. It’s... it’s not.”

Mercedes ran her hands through her hair. "Sam once I start working towards this Album, once I start working towards making a name for myself, I can't just get on a plane and come back to Lima. I can't just pick up and come back here." She felt tears come to her eyes, because she knew that this conversation was taking a turn for the worse. "Sam please. We would go months, maybe even a year without seeing each other."

Sam shook his head. “Then I can come out and see you! That’s not...” he didn’t think he was cut out to be in LA. It wasn’t a place for him. “We could make it work, but... that’s not...”

"I don't want a long distance marriage! I didn't marry you to be apart from you!" She closed her eyes, shaking her head. "Sam, please come with me. Please."

He scratched the back of his neck. “I can’t give up my whole life. I can give up... there are parts but not everything.”

"You can't give up Lima, but you can give me up?" She turned towards him. "Is that what you are saying?"

Sam shook his head. “No! I’m saying we can make it work so we don’t have to leave Lima! I know everyone wants or leave but it’s... I think it’s a nice place. We could raise a family here!”

"I am not raising a family in Lima, I am not living in Lima! I am moving with you or without you Sam!" She said before she realized what she said. But she stood by it. "I am moving, I hope you are moving with me."

His face crumbled at the comment and he shook his head. “You know what? If you want to go without me, feel free, Mercy.”

Mercedes stepped back her heart dropping to the ground. "What?"

Sam shut his eyes. “I thought this could work. I could — we could come back to Lima and you said... you said you would go without me. I said fine.”

Mercedes nodded bitterly. "And that's it? You aren't even going to try in L.A.?

“We could make it work here. I don’t see why we can’t — why can’t we try it my way? If it doesn’t work, then we do your way!”

"Because it doesn't work that way Sam! Coming back here, after being there is like taking a step backwards and I don't want that."

“How? How is it backwards? You can do your album and I’ll come down a couple of weekends a month and then you come back! It’s not backwards!”

"Because that is the best way to have a marriage, seeing each other every other weekend. And when you do come down trying to fit time to see you, because I might have a session, or I might have a performance." She moved closer to him. "Sam please just come with me. Please."

Sam shut his eyes and shook his head. “You’re not working with me. This is... this is all about you, isn’t it? What I want doesn’t matter.”

"Yes it's about me! This is my dream Sam! My chance."

“It could work my way, but you won’t even try for me! I just have to do... whatever you choose.”

"You are naïve to think that Sam." She said walking out of the living room and the bedroom.

[Two Days Later]

Mercedes stared at the luggage in the living room. It seemed like her whole life was packed away in only a few short hours. She and Sam still hadn't spoken, and her heart was breaking. She turned to look around their apartment, then turned back to the door, waiting, praying for Sam to step foot back in the house so that she could see him, try to convince him before her flight to come with her. Both her parents and his said to give him time and she wanted too, but she was hours away from flying to L.A. she had no more time to give.

Sam had stormed out after the other night. He and Mercedes hadn’t spoken in two days. He knew she hadn’t left because she would have posted something about it online. Still, he walked through the doorway and spotted her ready to go. He cleared his throat “Uh, so you’re.... you’re really going.”

Seeing the door open, she looked up relieved that Sam was. She stood and nodded. "I am." She reached in her purse and pulled out a ticket. "You can still come Sam, we have to me."

Massaging his temples, he shook his head. “You don’t even want to try it my way? I’m just asking you to try.”

"And that's all I am asking you Sam. Just come to L.A with me. You might love it."

“I’m not saying I won’t, but why do we have to do it your way first? Why can’t we try... this?”

Mercedes looked at him. "Because I have outgrown Lima, Ohio." She said honestly.

“I haven’t!” Sam let out a soft sigh. “Maybe you’ve outgrown me too...”

There was a text to her phone and she sighed the car was downstairs. "Sam, I don't want this to be the end for us. I love you so much. But if I don't go and take my chance I will resent you for holding me back." She felt tears came to her eyes as she realized something else. "And if I make you come with me, then you will resent me."

Sam couldn’t look her in the eyes as she spoke. “Yeah, I love you too, but...” he trailed off as he moved away from the door. “I guess it doesn’t matter.”

Another text rang out through the room. "I guess not." She moved closer to him putting the ticket in his hand. "Its open ended. If you change your mind please." She couldn't even finish her statement. She kissed him softly on the lips then moved away from him grabbing her bags.

The ticket in his hand almost felt like it burned. As she kissed him, Sam could feel his own eyes tearing up. “Yeah, yeah. I — yeah,”

She went to the door, hoping he would stop her, but when he didn't she opened the door and left with tears in her eyes. She couldn't help but think that it was over between them.

[miasswier]

miasswier’s ultimate glee ranking: no 47

47: New York

Written by: Brad Falchuk Directed by: Brad Falchuk

Overall Thoughts: Much like the finale of season one, this one feels like the perfect ending to a wonderful season. It feels hopeful and inspired, and almost everyone gets their moment in the limelight, even if that moment is brief. Plus, all the kids excitement about being in New York is kind of contagious. Every time I watch this episode I kind of want to book a plane to New York and never come back.

What I Like:

THE MUSIC. Fuck me, the music in this episode is awesome. There’s literally one song I don’t care for. Considering there’s a decent amount of singing in this episode, I think that’s pretty good.

Rachel is so fucking adorable and earnest in this episode. I really wish we’d gotten to see more of this Rachel in season four-onward. Just, wide-eyed and bushy-tailed, feeling blessed to even be in New York at all. It’s so invigorating, and like I already said, it’s kind of infectious.

The scene where Santana and Brittany comfort Quinn. I find Quinn saying “Thanks Santana but I’m really not that into that” particularly hilarious knowing they hook up like, two seasons later.

Rachel getting redemption over how shitty she treated Sunshine, even if it does feel two parts too-little-too-late and two parts who-the-fuck-cares-anymore.

“You’re in New York. The city of love.” “I thought that was Paris.”

Sam and Mercedessssssssssss

Santana screaming at Finn and Rachel in the hotel room after Nationals.

“He did seem kind of crazy. He charged my credit card by swiping it through his butt crack.”

Kurt adorably teasing Finn and Finn just smiling and rolling his eyes, like fuck, it makes me so sad that we got so few moments where these two just get to be brothers.

That shot of Rachel through the bubbles is amazing.

Kurt and Rachel sneaking off to have Breakfast at Tiffany’s and sneaking into the Gershwin.

We get three consecutive scenes of my absolute favourite Glee couples – Klaine, Samcedes, Brittana. And all three scenes are AMAZING.

The costumes! They all look so good!

Brittany’s little speech about how much she loves Glee club, and then how much she loves Santana. Also Santana’s Rachel Berry voodoo doll, because she would.

Seriously. Sam and Mercedes. I love them.

The security guard at the Gershwin who you can just tell gets this shit like twice a week and is just over it and doesn’t even care anymore.

I don’t know if anything will ever bring me as much pure, unadulterated joy, as the look on Blaine’s face as he tells Kurt that he loves him.

What I Don’t Like:

It’s not so much that I don’t like that there’s so much focus on Finchel, it’s just that basically, aside from Finchel, the only plot is Nationals, so it feels like there’s a lot of focus on just two characters for a huge chunk of the episode.

Like, I don’t know, I always tune out about the whole Will going to Broadway stuff so that they actually have a big scene about it here feels off? They didn’t give the story that much attention, so it didn’t actually feel real, so it doesn’t feel that emotional when Will says he won’t go? I don’t know, maybe that’s just me.

It’s literally insane to me that ND didn’t beat VA in this competition. Yeah, Sunshine has a nice voice, but their song was boring and not at all inspired? No wonder they fired Goolsby like what’s the deal with this selection? ND was way better. It’s frustrating too, because in “Nationals” VA is actually better than ND, but that is when ND wins. What is the logic?!

Quinn’s big plan for New York ended up being a single attempt to get Kurt and Rachel suspended and therefore disqualify the team from Nationals. I know there was supposed to be something else that was cut, but this just feels so anticlimactic after how intense she was at the end of the last episode.

There were multiple mentions throughout the season about how Kurt was going to be the reason they took Nationals, and then they didn’t even give him a solo. I guess that’s why you lost, you dummies.

Songs:

My Cup: Hilarious. Glee was at its most cracky when they wrote shitty original songs. Love it.

I Love New York/New York, New York: I LOVE this mash-up. One of my favourite Glee mash-ups of all time. So fucking good.

Still Got Tonight: Listen, I get that this was just Matt Morrison plugging his solo album (did anything even come of that, anyway?), but I still like the song. And it’s a short performance, so we don’t have to sit through too much of Will just by himself.

Bella Note: I like this song too! I mean, I like all the songs, but you know. It’s sweet, and it’s actually kind of cool to have a song be about Finchel but not sung by Finchel. Although, the guys aren’t actually there, right? Cause sometimes it seems like they actually are. They aren’t. They can’t be? How fucking awkward would that be if they were.

For Good: I really love the original version of this song, and I think they did it really well on the show. Although I will admit that it makes me sad that they cut my favourite part.

Yeah!: I like the original of this song, so of course I like the cover, even if I didn’t think it was all the necessary to include in the episode (there’s already a shit-ton of singing, and they could have used the time to give VA another, more upbeat, number).

As Long as You’re There: I don’t care. I don’t care. I’m sorry, I just don’t care.

Pretending: One of the few Finchel duets I actually go out of my way to listen to. I like it a lot. I think it’s sweet, and really captures their journey in this episode!

Light Up the World: I am 99% sure that this is my favourite original song that Glee did. It’s so poppy and fun, and almost everyone gets a line! An awesome song for a competition, and just in general!

Final Thoughts: An awesome season finale to an awesome season. It holds it’s own against “Journey to Regionals”, and definitely blows “Goodbye” and “All or Nothing” out of the water. It’s just fun and exciting and hope and joy and glee. I like it. I really like it.

[gfn-sam-evans]

At the Club || Samcedes

Tagging: Sam Evans & Mercedes Jones When: August 11, 2018 Where: The 5 Spot Notes: Plot

Mercedes sighed walking into the club, she wasn't one for club scenes but she promised the owner she would stop by to "be seen" and allow herself to be photographed so that others might show up. So she sat in the VIP section with a few friends in the business smiling and laughing as if she was having the best time in the world. After downing another shot. she made her way to the dance floor. A club goer spotted her and she kindly danced with the guy making sure he kept his hands to himself. As the song was over, she rushed off the floor but the guy was right next to her grabbing her arm. As she pulled away from him she bumped into someone else. "Oh my go- I am so sorry." She turned and was taken back by a pair of green eyes. "I didn't mean to bump into you, if I spilled your drink I can replace it. No problem."

The last time Sam set a sneakered foot into a club was when a bunch of friends dragged him into one while he visited them in New York. It was loud and the music got his feet tapping; even to the point he danced a few songs. It wasn’t bad but definitely not a Sam Evans scene. What brought him out tonight was a bud of his who stood on the stage showing off his tracks. They were decent and Sam took one of the fancy shots that were given to him by girls who looked close to naked. Sam kept his eyes where they needed to be but shot number three loosened him up. He was about to knock back a forth but was bumped into and it spilled on his chest a arm. “What the hell?” He asked and turned to see someone familiar. “Nah. You’re good.” He said as he went to put the plastic blue shot glass on a table and grabbed a handful of napkins. Sam wiped them across his arm. His shirt would dry on its own. “You okay?” He asked after he offered the napkin up.

Mercedes was mortified at this action, she wasn't a clumsy person and if the wrong person took video of what happened she was done for. She noticed Bruce her bodyguard looking over at the commotion and she waved him off not wanting to make a bigger scene. The man said he was good and it was then that she noticed his drink was all over the side of her Purple bodycon dress. She took the napkins he offered and nodded. "Yeah I am okay, just someone getting a little too handsy I didn't mean to crash into you." She wiped down the side of her dress and looked over to the man. "I am Mercedes." She offered her hand to him.

It was the name that jostled his memory and Sam chuckled. It wasn't his first, and most certainly won't be his last, time meeting someone famous. Not in this city. There was still that bit of initial awestruck, like he'd found a ten dollar bill in the dryer or someone gave him an ice cream sandwich. Those type of happy feelings and he had that then with her. "Cool." he said after he took her hand and looked it. Was he supposed to kiss it? Shake it? He went for the shake and said, "Sam." It was a simple greeting but he wasn't one to give a long-winded introduction. "You live here in Nashville? I thought I heard you're out in LA?" He offered to take the napkin from her and looked around to scope out if anyone looked a creep that would be the sort to put his hands on her. Everyone else was busy doing their thing.

"Nice to meet you Sam." She shook his hand and pulled back placing the rest of the napkins on the bar. She shook her head so he knew who she was, this was always the problem she wished she met just one person who didn't know who she was. "I was there for a fundraiser but yeah I live here, have for the last two years, well back and forth but yeah." She chewed her bottom lip. "So can I like buy you another drink or something, I feel really bad about bumping into you like that even if it was an accident."

Sam's hand went to the back of his head and he'd forgotten about the sticky shot that'd spilled all over him because it went to his hair and made it poke a little, which he was unaware of. "What type of fundraiser?" He was smiling and feeling good. it sucked his drink didn't wind up in his mouth but the three that did kept him feeling warm. The music he was told about sounded decent enough to keep Sam vibing with the rest of the place.  "What?" He asked at her offer and shook his head. "No, no. It's cool They've got these girls who come around and offer you shots. Some are in those vials that make you feel like you're some type of mad scientist." He smirked because the second drink he had was from one of those. If Sam wasn't careful by the time shot number five rolled around he might get on the stage and dance for the crowd. Which wasn't a good thing.

"For my Foundation Mercy's House.  School is coming around so we raised money for supplies and clothing for around 50 kids in my house and 150 around the city." She laughed looking at his hair. "You have umm." Her hand went to his hair trying to fix what he just did. He declined her offer for a drink and she nodded.  "Yeah I stay away from those drinks. Two is my limit,  gotta keep my wits about me in places like this." She glanced around. "Well if you are sure you don't want a drink is there something else I can do? A dance, something to eat? And Autograph I dunno i just feel so bad."

"Oh! I've heard of this before. It's basically close to what McDonalds does with the Ronald McDonald house but I think it was my mom or aunt or someone who said what you've got going does a lot more than them." He said this all, feeling those drinks loosening his tongue and showing some of that excitement which make people say he's like a puppy sometimes. Sam leaned back slightly when he saw how close he'd gotten and there was something happening and he felt fingers in his hair. "Uh..." he said as he tried to turn but with no mirror he couldn't make out what was happening. "What did I do? Is it sticking out?" He moved his hand there and yeah. There it was. "Suppose I owe you thanks for stopping me at three. They're stronger than they look." He pushed his hands into his pockets and tried not to rock on his heels, a habit of his since forever. "Why do you feel bad? It's only a spilled drink? It wasn't like it feel on my crotch and made it look like I peed myself."

Mercedes nodded. "Yeah I do a lot more than him." She said unsure how to take what he was saying. "Yeah you made it stick up kinda like Alfalfa in Little Rascals. But I think you got it." She shrugged. "Most people don't realize the punch these drinks pack." She chewed her lip nervously. "I don't know why I feel bad I just don't like being clumsy even if its not my fault. I prefer to be seen as graceful." She had an image to protect even if it seemed she didn't care about the paparazzi. Truth be told she was very aware of how one slip up could make you look horrible and she couldn't afford that. "Oh I mean yeah I guess that could have been worse." She said realizing what he was saying.

Sam's hand went back to his hair, subconscious about it still and he looked at her and asked, "Is it down?" he moved his palm away, giving it just enough for her to be able to see in case it wasn't. "It's good they've got that added kick because they ain't cheap and it would suck if you're mostly drinking water. I feel too good for it to be water though. 'Less it's that type of placenta effect I have happening."  Sam said while he started to move to some new music. "It's cool. Seriously. Accidents happen." He said as he kept his dancing under control but didn't stop him from swaying and bobbing his head a little. He didn't know if she planned to keep around him or leave. Honestly he didn't know why she was still talking to him. He was sure she had famous or rich friends to hang around with.

"yeah well some places they give you like half water and half alcohol so I agree." She nodded not sure if she should leave or stay, he didn't really seem that interested in talking to her but there was something about about him that  she wanted to get to know. "So would you maybe wanna dance?" She held her hand out for him to take it, with a smile waiting for him to say yes like most do."

She wanted to stick around? That...wasn't expected and Sam looked around the room to try to check for cameras or friends who were waiting for the drop to happen. This was some chick who had more money than he could even count. Probably enough to swim in, and she wanted to dance with him? Well. It was a free country and the song was good. "Sure." he said as he took her hand and brought her around to a better spot that wasn't as packed. When it came to his dance style he only had one move,  the type he thought looked so cool but to people around him it was laughable. While he did his body roll, really getting into it before dancing more along to the song and moving closer. He asked, "Aren't you here with friends?" He leaned in enough to talk over the music into her ear.

Sam took her hand and she smiled as he moved them to a better space. She started to sway her hips but stopped when he did his body roll. "Ok that is my new favorite move!" She said as he danced closer to her. She nodded at his question as she turned backing up into him. She swayed her hips grinding softly against him. "I am, but right now I want to dance with you."

When she called out his dance Sam grinned. "Yeah? It's kinda my thing. That and impressions." He added, a practical reflex by this point. This would be a good place to show off his John Travolta but then he'd get a bunch of people looking at him like he'd lost it. Plus with the way she went up against him just now his hands hovered over her hips and he didn't know what to do with them. There was the respectable line and he'd step over it if he touched her. Right? But they were dancing and there was something about rules being different when it came to that. His hands went to her curvy hips and he worked hard on not thinking about what she was rubbing up against right now. "You don't want to dance with them? I'm just some guy."

"Its your thing? Okay well i mean i like a good impression." Mercedes wondered if Sam really wanted to dance with her. His hands hesitated to touch her. But when his handswent to her hipsshe smiled triumphantly.  She dropped it low and brought it back up making sure to stay close with Sam. "Thats my thing" she said teasingly. The tempo of the music changed and she turned towards Sam. "And i am just a girl.. Maybe i dont want to dance with my them. Im fine right here."

When Sam came to this club he'd thought most of his dancing would be by himself close to the bar. It wasn't until he got into the shots that he worked his way more into the crowd and now he had this famous chick dancing with him and he kept thinking that someone in this club was probably watching the whole thing. Probably poking fun at the local guy who was enjoying the chance to be with her. He tried to not let his rambling thoughts get the best of him and when she turned around he was taken back by just how close they were. That type of close he could tell how good she smelled and that she had really nice eyes. Sam's hands were still on her hips and he had to think a bit before he finally caught up to what she said. "I mean. I can't stop you from doing what you want." he looked at her then at his friend who was still on stage. "And you want to see more of my moves, then that's fine, too." He moved his hands off her but still kept close and danced like nobody's looking. Which he could knock down a couple notches but he didn't care.

Mercedes continued to dance with him but stopped dancing and looked at him at his words. She didnt expect him to fawn all over her, but she th ok ught he would atleast be engaging. The loud music thumped around her and she stopped his dancing by moving to his ear. "Did I do something wrong? I mean you dont have to dance with me if you dont want too." When she laid eyes on Sam, there was something about him that drew her to him, but the feeling was certainly not mutural.

Sam was in the middle of his groove, truly feeling the beat when there was a touch on his shoulder and he looked at her, confused. "Huh? What do you mean? I thought that's what we're doing right now?"

Mercedes shook her head. "Sorry i am just in my thoughts, its nothing against you, it just when i meet people they are fans and want to know things. Like what im doing here, what im working on. You dont seem that interested in talking to me."

"I thought when it comes to famous people they wanna be treated like they are just regular, everyday folks. Not get all this attention thrown at them because that's what they go through all the time." Did he offend her because he wasn't going crazy about who she is? Yeah, he thought her music was good and her voice was phenomenal but it wasn't his usual type of  music he got into. He kept close to her because well, it was a club and, "We're in the middle of a dance floor. Talking isn't somethin' people do out here."

Mercedes shook her head. "I am not saying act all enthusiatic but you could at least make it seem like im not boring you. I am a regular person i am just...nevermind i am not making much sense am I?" She looked up towards the VIP area. "Well then why dont we go sonewhere we can talk?"

“I didn’t-“ he started because he didn’t know where she was getting this idea and Sam, who was one of the nicest guys you’d come across tried to think of he said or did something to give the wrong impression. Was it when he went into his head? He tended to zone out a lot but he wasn’t bored. “If I seemed that way it wasn’t because I’m bored. I’m not. I was having fun when we were dancing.” She brought his attention to the VIP area and he felt as if he’d stand out like a sore thumb. “Over there? I mean. Sure. I’ve never been anywhere that I have to cross velvet ropes or anything.”

Mercedes nodded. "It was probably in my head, i am sorry. If you want to keep dancing we can but i dont know Im a talker." She smiled. "Well then consider today your lucky day. You can cone see the otherside." She took his hand, for him to follow her and she nodded to the bouncer who pulled back the velvet rope letting them pass.

The shots he had before swirled unhappily in his stomach but it had to do with thinking of going to this room and probably trying to fit in with people he doesn’t know. She looked happy about taking him up there and as they walked he looked around and there were eyes on them. This felt weird. Not because he wasn’t used to being looked at but there was this expression of awe or something he wasn’t sure was directed at him or her. Probably her. “Do you do VIP everywhere you go?” He asked after the rope was secured behind him.

Mercedes nodded to a few people she knew and lead Sam back to her booth. Due to her friends be scattered around it was empty. "For the most part I do. Some places i cant do anything but due to se urity and some places they prefer me up here."

Sam waited for her to sit before he did the same. The music was still going but here it was muffled. “I feel like I’m in one of those mob movies and I’m about to meet The Godfather.” He said as he looked from one corner of the room to the other. “Has security stepped in to stop people from doing stuff.”

Mercedes laughed. "Not the Godfather just people." She placed her hair behind her ears. "One time this guy tried to cut a lock of ny haird off. One followed me into the bathroom and a girl and guy pair tried to spike my drink so they could abduct me. It gets crazy sonetimes ".

Sam was aware of his stare and he rebounded as soon as she stopped. “And you keep carrying on with a smile after going through that? It would make me wonder if the price of fame is ever worth it. Then again. If you weren’t you then you wouldn’t be helping kids out and pushing out hits that people relate to.” Sam couldn’t get past that crazy she shared. “Is your security guy keeping an eye on me? Ever since we got to talking I felt watched.”

mercedes nodded. "I smile through a lot. Negativity only makes things worse. And i have been singing professionally since i was 16 i am pretty muched used to the crazy. Everything i just told has happebed recently." She nooded pointing riwards the bar. "Bruce is over there. He doesnt make himself known, but he does make sure i am not being hirt or attacked."

“At sixteen I was in high school playing football and trying to figure out if the Bieber cut was still worth keeping.” Which he clearly grew out of as his hair was neatly trimmed and styled with his long bangs slicked back. “Makes sense he’s keeping close. Sorry. I know I was being weird before but you’re this famous singer and I’m this dude who owns a music shop. I don’t get people like you wanting to chat me up and I thought you picked me at random to have fun with because you’re bored or your friends told you to.”

Mercedes smiled. "I had a normal life until I auditioned with my friends and we became 3 Major. Then it was home schooling and touring. I never got to go to Prom or College because I took online courses." She tilted her head towards him. "Trying to see if you could have pulled off the Bieber look... you might have been able too."  She looked at him and shook her head. "I wouldn't do that, I mean I can see how you would think that but I wouldn't play games like that."

“That’s right! You guys had a few songs they played all the time on the radio. I thought it was so cool y’all were around my age and go out and totally owned it.” He leaned forward and laid his forearms on his knees. “You’ve never been able to make up for missing it?” He asked with a frown. That sucked. College was something he knew wasn’t for everyone but he thought people should have their prom at least. “What type of classes did you take?” Sam noticed how her eyes went on him and he thought something must’ve sprout on his forehead but laughed instead. “Yeah. It’s hard to see with the way my hair is now now I used to sweep it across my forehead. It was ridiculous really but at the time I thought it was cool.” Sam nodded and leaned back against the couch. “Thanks. I mean. I feel bad for thinking that but-“ He sighed, “You’ve got loads of people you can hang with in here. You didn’t even have to stick around after your apology. So I went to the place that wasn’t fair to you. And I’m sorry ‘bout that.”

Mercedes smiled. "Yep that was us, I loved every moment of it but we had to separate, we wanted different things, we are still in touch but not often, my girls weren't happy that I attained fam after the group disbanded." She shook her head. "I have been working ever since I was 16 its just been who I have been." Mercedes smiled brightly. "I like your hair now, you are a really great looking guy." She nodded. "I understand, I know but there was just something about you that drew me to you."

“So like you’re the Beyoncé and the girls are the rest of Destiny’s Child?” He asked. The reference was too good to not use and Sam brought his hands together and looked at them because he just did the comparison thing and some girls didn’t like that. He continued to feel out of his element here but he did like Mercedes made an effort to help ease him into this place. “You’re too nice. Thanks. It’s behaving tonight but you should see it right when I wake up.” He laughed. He nearly missed the last thing she said because there was one compliment after another. “I do?” He asked and he looked at himself as if a sudden list of reasons would magically appear explaining why. “Me? I mean. Thank you? I don’t get famous people being drawn to me. This is a first.”

"I guess so, but we didn't break up because of creative differences, the other girls just didn't want fame as much as I did." She moved closer to Sam, reaching up to touch his hair. "I dunno I bet it still looks good in the mornings." She nodded. "I don't really know what it was, but I guess there was just something about you that made me want to stay and talk to you. I hope thats okay, all of this you know?"

Sam’s arm flung on the back of the sofa as soon as he settled in and when Mercedes neared his side he thought of how cozy they looked to a passerby. Then, with her fingers in his hair, his green eyes slipped across her smooth skin and noticed how good she smelled. Not like alcohol which he thought was the bar’s scent. “It-“ He swallowed and chuckled. “Sorry. You’re just, well, you. And I’m me. I mean. You’re you and I get you’re you but you’re also this celebrity and I don’t know what to do.” He was about to shove his foot right into his mouth, already tasting the sole. “Sorry. You’re just really,” He looked down at her body and chuckled. “You’re hot. Really hot and I’m getting a little nervous with what to do next.”

Mercedes's eyes widened she smiled softly. "I am I mean I am a celebrity but I am  still just me. And as for you I like talking to you." Seeing him fumble over his words she laughed softly. "You don't have to be nervous around me, but thank you for compliment... what do you want to do next? Keep talking? Walk away? Dance? Its okay either way I mean I know I have taken up a lot of your time. And your DJ friend is still down there."

“I don’t-“ the thing was what should he do? It was different to have someone famous want to talk to him and even touch him. It was close to one of those dreams people hope for but what could come out of this? “I think I probably should get going.” What was wrong with him. “I mean. I don’t want to but this has been nice and I should probably end it on a high note before I screw it up.”

"Oh." She was disappointed, she couldn't deny that, but she didn't want to push him to stay. "I understand Sam, well it was nice talking to you." She moved away from him trying to play off her disappointment.

Now he felt like a right jerk and Sam looked at himself for behaving this way. But it was good too good and he didn’t want to say or do something to have her not like him. “I-“ he started and licked at his full lips. “Let’s get one last dance in. I think we can have that at least before I turn into a pumpkin.”

Mercedes was used to people wanting to spend time with her, to be around her, she wasn't used to people wanting to get away from her. Preparing for him to leave, at his words she  glanced up to him and smiled. "One last dance sounds good to me. "

At the sight of her smile it made him do one right back. “Yeah? Cool.” He got to his feet and turned his hand to her, upside up. He had a flashback to high school with what he was doing. “May I have this dance, Mercedes?” He knew she said yes but he still had to be himself and make a show of it.

He asked for her hand for the dance and she felt how she knew the girls in the movies felt in moments like these. "No one has ever asked me to dance like this before." She took his hand. "I would love to Sam."

“Well,” he took hold of her hand and brought her up. “You said you never been to prom and this isn’t exactly it because I’m not in a suit and there isn’t a punch bowl or a photo spot to take pictures with your date but it’s something.” He moved her over to a spot on the floor where they could dance. It wasn’t a slow song so he just went with the best, dancing in front of her.

Mercedes followed him onto the dance floor and smiled as he started to dance. Sam was different that was for sure, but it didn't seem to bother him and she could appreciate that. Appreciate that he  could be himself even if he was nervous in meeting her. Taking  a step closer to him, Mercedes joined in dancing with him, wrapping her arms around him as she did so.

Sam was in his own head while he jammed to the beat and when he felt arms around him it came as a surprise because this wasn’t that type of song? Or maybe he’d been doing this solo for so long he’d forgotten what it’s like to actually dance with someone and not move around them to his own beat. Sam’s arms went around her body and he worked on a move that’d have the both of them going. With this music it was tough to not make it sexual but they were only dancing and having a good time together.

Mercedes moved to the beat, allowing her body to take over as Sam pulled uer closer. This was the kind of dancing she always saw in couples, moving seductively, sexually, against each other. What was it about this man that made her want to be closer to him, to show him she wasnt some A-lister  who didn't care for people. She wanted him to see her.

They kept moving. Dancing. Sam finding the limited space between their bodies hot and he knew the longer he kept this up he’d probably embarrass himself. Probably her too. He slowed down and looked from the small gap between them to her. Damn. They were that type of close that those movies showed when they wanted people to kiss. But he didn’t know her and she’s this celebrity. What could he bring into this? Sam’s hands went down the sides of her curves and he didn’t pull away. Not yet.

Mercedes swallowed hard as his hands went down her curves, the closet she ever came to a dance like this, was on stage and that was acting but this, this was so much more. Biting her bottom lip she looked up to Sam, he hadn't pulled away, hadn't made an excuse to leave and she was loving this moment.

There was that spark, something Sam didn’t know what to do with. He’d kissed girls before. Plenty of them. He wasn’t some guy who didn’t know what he was doing but he found himself questioning what was going on. Right when he was about to say Screw it. he was bumped and took a step to the side, glad he didn’t lose his balance. It broke the spell he’d slipped into and he felt hot. Too hot. “The guy apologized and Sam waved him off. “Got carried away,” he laughed while wearing a sheepish expression.

This was it, he was gonna kiss her she was sure of it, and while normally she would be against it, with Sam, she would welcome it. Before she could give in, they were bumped into. She swallowed hard, moving away from Sam. "Well that was, a great dance Sam, thank you."

Was it? He thought he was too inappropriate and suggestive. The type of dancing he did with people a lifetime ago. Sam didn’t want to be that type of guy anymore but he knew it was hard to shake an old way of life. “Yeah. It was fun.” He ran his hand through his hair and saw the club was packed. “Think I ought to get going. Work in the morning.”

Mercedes moves off the dance floor, pulling Sam with her. Pulling her phone out she sniles. "Can i have your number?"

He didn't expect this. Then again, he should have seen it coming and Sam suddenly didn't know what to do. Wasn't she supposed to just have her fun and say thanks and move on? He was just this guy and she in a whole other world, one that he wasn't sure he'd really want to be a part of. Though...where was the hurt in giving his number. They might talk awhile and then not go anymore.... "Sure." He said at last and pulled his phone out. "Send yourself a text that way I'll get yours, too."

Mercedes smiled taking his phone and putting it in her phone number then sending herself a text. "It was nice meeting you Sam." She hesitated for a moment before she kissed his cheek and then moved to head back up to the VIP section.

Sam looked at her walk away and he smirked to himself while he touched his cheek. Did a celebrity actually kiss him? Did he actually exchange numbers with her? This was too surreal and he might not be the biggest fan of her stuff and think that this was still some set up or her bored or something, it was still a definite change from the usual. Sam stopped to take a selfie with his friend in the background and sent it to him before he left for the night.