i don't like living under your spotlight

A sigh of relief freed from her mouth as she revealed the sheet music, spreading it around on the piano surface. “So, these are a couple of my songs — my original songs. I’ve been working on them for a while, and I haven’t really shown them to anyone yet - not even my mom,” she told as she let out a nervous chuckle. “I think they sound decent, but I’m not sure how it sounds like for someone else. Your music taste is pretty good and I’m sure you know what to pin-point at if there are any flaws, so… Do you mind sticking around for a bit while I sing for you?” 

Mercedes watched as Marley spread the music out over the piano, a surprised eyebrow lifting when she learned that these were actual original songs that Marley had written. She let her eyes scan over all of them just briefly. "Girl, I had no idea," she said, a truly awed tone to her voice. But she looked back at Marley and simply smiled, nodding her head. "Of course I can. Pick one out and go ahead and sing it."

And the day before that, my nipples wouldn’t stop hardening and it wasn’t even cold!

Can you not? I'd rather not be thinkin' 'bout your nipples or you being goddamn constipated.

Okay, seriously, you have to stop her from performing these voodoo stuff. ‘Cause I woke up constipated this morning.

Yeah, but aren’t you semi-okay with her?

She's my girl, but pretty sure I can't convince her to stop making Finn and Rachel voodoo dolls.

Yeah, I know. Santana is just gonna hold this against me forever.

Boy, this is Santana we're talking about.

Alright, Mercedes. I get it, I get it. I know I messed up. Are you gonna hold this against me forever?

Naw. Just had to get my little jab in. You'll have a lot harder of a time getting Santana off y'all's backs.

Hello to you too, ‘Cedes. I know you missed me.

Maybe a little. Would have missed you a lot more if you hadn't lost us Nationals, though.

Finn Hudson is back.

Yup. Just as ridiculous as I remember you.

Aw, baby. But believe me, New York is definitely on this woman's radar. I'm really not too sure 'bout everything yet, but I'll figure it out. I'll definitely keep it in mind. Also, happy birthday! We need to get together this weekend and celebrate, boo.

You were great, Mercedes. Everybody was. Maybe next year, right?

Exactly. We'll snap back next year and actually win.

In all honesty, Marley had been quite in a rut when it came to her songwriting. Despite being able to write a bunch of them and being decently pleased with them, she never thought of what other people would think — and without another ear and constructive opinion to lend, she would never find out either.

Mercedes watched as some of the sheet music the girl was holding fluttered to the ground, regarding as nothing more than typical sheet music for any normal song they had probably performed before in the club. Whatever it was that got Marley so nervous, Mercedes was effectively intrigued. Placing a hand on her hip and leaning more against the piano with her other arm, she smiled and nodded back at Marley. "Yeah, of course, girl. What do you need advice on?"

F2F || MARCEDES

Mercedes stood by the piano, singing out several notes as Brad played them. Mercedes just knew that, no matter what, she had to be at her best. Nationals was coming up and with even the slight possibility that she would get so sing a solo, she knew she needed to be prepared even moreso. After all, if she really did get it, she wanted to show Mr. Schue the mistake he had made just giving the solo to Rachel Berry all the time.

With your enormous ass it’s better for you not to eat anything sweet and flour.

Actually, I think it's better for you to not open that prissy little white girl mouth so I don't end up taking you to the carpet. At least I actually got an ass.

Am I allowed to have one of those?

Boy, I am one step ahead of you. I got us to make enough so I could bring some into glee club tomorrow since I know y'all would want some.