the best day with you ,

[eden sofia mercer]

Today was going to be… a busy and important day. Today was going to be one that Eden Mercer would remember for the rest of her life. It would be life changing and permanent, and if she was completely honest, she was all at once scared and excited and nervous. Being a mother was something that she had always dreamed about, more recently more than anything. Christmas had come and gone and the only present she had received that she really remembered was the fact that she would not be able to bear her own children. She was announced barren, and she took it hard. Growing up assuming she would be a mother did nothing to make the news any easier – she would not be able to fulfill one of her life’s goals, and worse than that, she had disappointed Colton. Her husband would never let her truly see how sad he was about it, but she knew that he was taking it just as hard as she was. She wished that she could put on a brave face, but with this… it was just impossible. It had meant to much to her, and having it ripped away so abruptly had left her poor head spinning. More than anything, she wished to give Colton children. It didn’t matter that she was nineteen, and he only twenty one, going on twenty two. They were young, they were inexperienced, but they were ready. Together, they could face anything and succeed. That was exactly what they had told the adoption agent, too, and with that, she knew that the agent would let them adopt just by the look on her face. And honestly, Eden was ecstatic. They would have a child, afterall. Not the way they had originally intended, but it would be a child, their child, nonetheless.

She’d spent most of the night awake, tossing around in Colton’s arms and making him wake up more than once. She felt bad for that, but Eden simply couldn’t rest, not knowing what the next day would hold. The young woman was awake when the sun rose, painting the ceiling of their bedroom with pinks and purples and she rolled out of bed slowly, careful not to wake her still sleeping husband. She turned as she stood, looking down at his peaceful face in the bed and she could not help but smile, a rush of adoration swelling through her. He was so breathtakingly beautiful, and next to him she was just ordinary… but he was hers, regardless. He was a gem, a light in the darkness, and she loved him with her whole heart and soul, and would never stop for as long as she lived, and even after. She knew that several were confused at how deep of a connection they had, that they weren’t used to seeing that level of devotion in a couple so young, but Eden knew it was because they were soul mates. Eden wasn’t one to shy away from cheesy terms like that, so she adapted the phrase freely. Soul mates. They were in love, happy, and meant to be together forever and that was all she needed. Eden leaned down to kiss his forehead softly, before turning to walk out of their room, padding softly to the kitchen and turning on the coffee machine. A glance at the clock told her it was only seven in the morning – Colton would be asleep for another hour and a half, at least, so she had time to kill and she spent it the only way she knew how. She grabbed her mug of coffee once it was finished and walked down the stairs to their studio/basement, sitting down at the baby grand piano behind the sound proof plexiglass, and placed her fingers to the ivory and ebony keys, letting out a breath of release.

She sat there a moment, not sure how long exactly, before finally just playing the music that came into her heart. She’d turned the machine on before she’d started playing, the machine that recorded and wrote each note she played onto a print out of sheet music, and for that she was glad. This melody was perfect for the day. It was sweet, intricate, with a swelling sound of promise. A soft smile lifted her lips up as her eyes closed, and she allowed her fingers to flood the keys with sweet music until she heard the door open behind her. Eden’s fingers slowed on the keys, switching the melody to one they would both know well – something she had written and played for him on their honeymoon, their song. She felt a soft kiss being pressed to her temple, and she lifted her head to look up at him with a gentle smile. Eden’s breath caught as those tired, droopy hazel eyes met hers, and she scooted over on the bench, fingers still playing easily as he sat next to her, wrapping his arms around her and burying his face in her neck. She felt his warm lips press against her neck, and she sighed softly. God, she loved him. She loved him more than words would ever be able to describe. Slowly, she brought their song to a close, and silence fell over the room. Her hands left the keys, and she looked down at his head that was perched on her shoulder. His breathing was slow and deep – he’d fallen asleep again, and she couldn’t help but smile wider at that. Gently, she tilted his face up and tenderly kissed his lips once, twice, thrice, until those gorgeous hazel eyes of his opened. She smiled lovingly into his eyes, and kissed him once more, before standing and taking his hands, pulling him up with her and dragging him back up to their bedroom. She climbed into the bed, and he followed, pulling her close and she closed her eyes, laying her head in its customary position over his heart.

The half hour before they really needed to get up passed in softly spoken words of anticipation for the day to come, and when they finally did get up, it was not without hands on each other. They took a while to get ready, as always, because they couldn’t stop kissing each other but Eden couldn’t say that she minded. It was her favorite ritual of the day. But finally, it was time for them to go to the adoption agency. They went to the garage, getting in the car and Eden grabbed Colton’s hand with hers, lacing their fingers together with a nervous sigh. He squeezed her hand softly, whispering words of encouragement, before beginning the drive. The ride was silent, both of them lost in thought, but the soft whisper of skin on skin allowed them to have an unspoken conversation that left them both content. When they pulled into the parking lot, Eden had to take a moment to prepare herself. ”What if we find someone we love, but they don’t want to leave?” She fretted, getting out of the car. It wasn’t long before Colton’s strong arm wrapped around her waist, telling her she was silly to think that anyone couldn’t not love her, and want to go with her. She couldn’t help but smile, and fearlessly went up the stairs and into the building. They met with their agent , Kate, who began walking them through the home, showing them rooms of children, and Eden was engrossed in conversation with her, ”So, if we find someone that we’d love.. we get to take them home today?” Kate nodded and smiled, ”Yes, exactly. The paperwork is all ready, and these are a great bunch of kids. You’ll love to be with them.” Eden gave a smile, knowing it would be her luck that she got attached to more than one. It was then she noticed she was lacking Colton’s presence, and she glanced around, before noting him kneeling down before a young boy, and her heart swelled. It seemed as though her beloved was already on a mission.

MUSIC: show me what i'm looking for, carolina liar
TAGGED: colton adam mercer
OUTFIT: i'm too lazy
NOTES: sorry it's a novel. but :3 i'm proud of it.

[colton adam mercer.]

Colton Mercer could say that he'd had his fair share of life changing moments in the last couple of years. And this day would be one to add to the ever growing list. Lately, things had been on a rise, and it seemed that he'd been getting one piece of good news after another. Until he and Eden, the light of his life, had visited her doctor. Recently, they'd been planning on starting a family. Yes, they were young. But, they were in love, they were together, and they were ready for it. However, the news that Eden was incapable of bearing children slapped them both in the face so hard that it left them reeling. The hopes, dreams, and fantasies that they'd had all seemed to shatter at their feet. It was devastating to the young man, to think that he could never have what so many people took for granted. It was almost a if he'd lost someone that he'd never gotten the chance to know. The worst of it, though, was having to see the utter heartbreak in Eden's eyes. Colton would never blame her for a single second for it, but he knew that she was just as guilty as she was saddened. The days crept slowly by and he could do nothing but watch his beloved wife grow only more and more depressed. It had hit her hard, and it was so unbelievably obvious, no matter how hard she tried to hide it. It hurt to think that he could do nothing to give her the child she so desperately craved. Not in the way she truly wanted, anyway. There was, however, a way she could still be a mother. Which was what he'd suggested. and what they would be doing that day.

Colton was no stranger to the term adoption. His own parents had done just that with him when he'd still been merely a newborn. The woman that he called mother had also been unable to bear children, and he'd been like a gift to her. If it had worked so well for his parents, maybe, just maybe, it could be that way for him and Eden. The night before, he could feel Eden's nervous tossing and turning as he tried to hold her close. He had to admit that he was also nervous that they would make a wrong decision, or would end up with something that they couldn't handle. Though, in his heart, he knew it was the right decision. The simple way that Eden's face lit up at the mention of it was enough to show him that. And as she roused him from sleep every time she fidgeted, he would attempt to calm her down with a soft kiss to her forehead. Finally, it seemed that she had calmed somewhat, and he was able to fall into a much needed sleep. Light was pouring into the bedroom when his hazel eyes opened again. His hand was clutching cold, empty sheets and a slight frown crossed his features. Even before looking at the clock, he could tell that it was early. With a sigh, he sat up, and looked groggily around the room. There was only one place that he thought that she could have gone to in the state that she was. So, he tiredly pulled back the sheets and stood, making his way to the basement. Much like himself, there was really only one way, besides cuddling, that Eden could calm her nerves. This was with music.

Just as he'd suspected, he spied her at their piano. For a moment, he merely watched her through the glass. Her eyes were closed, and there was raw emotion plain on her features. Colton was struck in that moment by her absolute beauty. She was the only person who could successfully take his breath away, and she did it well. Finally, though, he moved through the door and knew that she'd heard him as she switched up the tune. Leaning down, he pressed a kiss to her temple. He returned her loving smile before he sat down beside her. His arms went instinctively around her and his head went to her shoulder. His lips found the skin of her neck before he let out a low sigh and situated himself comfortably. He watched her fingers move back and forth in a steady rhythm to the beautiful melody that he'd heard many times before. However, he felt his eyelids drooping, the familiar music serving as a lullaby, allowing him to drift off to sleep once more. The next thing he knew, the music had stopped and Eden's lips were on his. He opened his eyes to find hers and a smile erupted on his face. There would never be a better sight to wake up to. It was then that Eden stood and he followed, letting her lead him back to the bedroom. They both laid down on the bed once more, and he pulled her close, smiling at the feel of her in his arms. He would never tire of it. Not in a million years. For a little while, they merely whispered to each other. Words of love and adoration, along with encouragements for what the day would bring. He knew that they would both still be nervous, but he had to admit that their time helped him. Time with Eden always helped him. No matter what the case.

As they got ready for their trip, it was no surprise that they were constantly touching and finding each other's lips. It was something that they did often, but it was something that Colton would always love. The drive was spent in a comfortable silence. By then, Colton and Eden didn't need words to have a conversation. Simple looks and touches were enough to convey what they needed. The love that they shared was born of a connection so deep that neither of them fully understood the gravity of it. He wondered if they ever really would. As they arrived, the young man gave Eden an encouraging smile and exited the car. Her words of fear caused him to shake his head and he went to her, wrapping an arm tightly around her. "Don't be silly, Eden. I have no idea what child would not love you and want to go home with you. They'd have to be crazy." He spoke softly, truthfully. They moved inside, and their agent began leading them through the place. Hazel eyes wandered over the many different children. It was rather overwhelming, having to pick just one. How would they know who was the perfect fit? Just a few moments with someone was never a guarantee of how they were as a person. What if they made a mistake? Colton worked to push down his nervousness with every step that he took. This was the right decision and he knew it.

It was then that he stopped in his tracks. His gaze had caught a young boy, who couldn't be older than three. He didn't look much different than the other children, but there was something about him that drew Colton in. He stepped closer, watching him intently. There was a sadness in the young boy's eyes, even as he tinkered with the toys in front of him. He looked lost, abandoned. Colt could not remember what it was like before his parents had found him, but he did know the feeling that was portrayed in his eyes. He wondered, if the Mercers had never found him, would this have been his fate? To feel lost and alone in a place meant for those who were unwanted? Would he have been this sad boy? Slowly, he crossed the room and knelt down beside the one who had caught his eye. Suddenly, he felt nervous, but for an entirely different reason. "Hi." He said softly. A pang hit his heart as he watched the boy flinch at the simple syllable that was directed towards him. "My name is Colton." He continued in the friendliest voice he could muster. "What's your name?" It was a moment before there was a soft, almost inaudible answer. Josh. It seemed to fit him. "Josh, huh? That's a pretty awesome name. What are you up to, Josh? Do you mind if I join you?" He gave him a small smile, letting him know that he wasn't going to hurt him. Something told Colton that he needed the reassurance. It made him sad to think it, but he knew that this boy was special. He was pretty sure that he'd found that perfect child.

MUSIC: i want to hold your hand - glee cast
TAGGED: eden sofia mercer
OUTFIT: right hereeeee
NOTES: why so cute forever, coltden?

[joshua alexander mercer]

joshua couldn't tell you the first time he'd ever laid eyes on someone who had actually been nice. it was probably because it had never happened before in his life. for as long as he could remember, which wasn't all that long, he'd been walking on egg shells. if he didn't clean up his room, he'd get it. if he didn't take out the trash and clean all the bedrooms, he'd get hit. if he made a mess and didn't pick up his toys, he'd get hit. every single move he made was calculated, and more often that not, it ended with more bruises than he could count and the total inability to play hide and seek at daycare! though he really didn't understand why he had to go to daycare anyway... all the other mommy's and daddy's only put their kids in there cuz they were busy working, while his mommy and daddy just sat around all day and drank their icky smelling juice. joshua didn't understand his family, but he didn't want to. he already knew too much of pain, too much to be comfortable for his age. he just wanted to get away. so how could he lie to his day care teacher when she asked where all of his owwies came from? he was nothing if not an honest child, so he told her the whole truth and nothing but the truth. that day, his life altered and it scared him. josh was scared of change, because he was afraid that the next place the world took him, he would end up even more scared than before. all josh really wanted was some place to not be scared anymore, was that too much to ask?

this new place, it wasn't bad, but it did confuse him. each day there were parents that would come in and look at him, and the other kids, the exact same way he used to look at the puppies through the window of the pet store. he was just an item to them, and that was was what scared him most. he wasn't a normal three year old and every single adult that passed through there knew it. his eyes held a haunted look, and if you spoke to him, the already intelligible and intelligent way he spoke let you know that he was far too mature for his age, for more mature than he needed to be. that day he wasn't expecting anything different than normal, so he just settled down to play his cars, lost in his thoughts as he always was. he didn't sleep well, and that was clear on his face through the dark bags under his eyes. his hair was ruffled and messy, and his lips were chapped. he didn't look extraordinarily healthy, but god only knew he'd get everything he needed if he just had a little tlc. more than anything, josh ached for a hug. he ached for real parents who would take care of him, not hurt him. that was all his little heart wanted, and he desperately wished for someone who could give that to him.

little did he know, that day, his prayers might be answered. he was smashing two cars together, making a little explosion sound to himself, when he heard a male voice speak to him. it was just a hello, but it made him flinch. rarely did they ever speak to him directly. he lifted his shocked and guarded blue eyes to the person who spoke, as he asked his name. he didn't answer immediately, but when he finally did, it was with a voice hoarse with disuses. "josh." he muttered quietly, barely loud enough to hear. the man seemed nice enough... but he had learned never to trust someone off of first impressions. his parents could be nice sometimes too... but look what happened to him? finally, however, he nodded, and looked back at his toys, continuing to play with them, afraid to speak unless spoken to. however, his curiousity finally got the best of him, and after a moment he spoke, "are you here to adopt me like i wanted to adopt the puppies from the pet store?" he asked, quickly, barely audible, his eyes flashing up to colton's nervously, before looking downwards again. oh, no. he was probably going to get into so much trouble for speaking out of turn.

[colton adam mercer.]

Colton Mercer knew that he had been very lucky that his current parents had found him when he'd been abandoned as a baby. If it had been anyone else, he would have been put into the system. The young man knew how imperfect it could be. He knew that there were terrible people out there who took advantage of it and the children that they adopted. Instead of his relatively comfortable life with the best pair of parents and the best friend he could have ever asked for, Colt could have just as easily had a childhood filled with terror, pain, and unhappiness. He could look at any of the children in this place and know that somewhere deep down, they were unhappy. Being abandoned by your parents, whether by choice or not, was a painful thing. Even Colton, who had loving people to call his mother and father, felt that sting. The knowledge that he hadn't been good enough to keep was never going to be something that made him smile. It was hard, but with the help of those around him, it was easy to move past. There was a part of him, as he supposed there was a part of most people, that wished that he could adopt every child who needed it. However, he knew that that was quite impossible. At the very least, he hoped to make a difference in one young person's life. No matter how small that difference was.

Yes, the core reason that he had come here today had been because he and Eden had wanted a child of their own. But, he knew that doing something as simple as being a loving parent to someone who needed it was much more important than his own happiness. Colton would never say that he was happy that his wife couldn't have children, but maybe it had just been meant to be. Maybe he was meant to give the same kind of love to someone that had been given to him. The same feeling that told him this had also pulled him towards Josh. He was sad and looked as if he'd been horribly mistreated by whomever had had him before. His disheveled appearance and the still obvious fading bruises made that very clear to the young man. It hit him straight in the heart, the knowledge that people could be so cruel to someone so young. Even in that moment, he felt a sense of protectiveness stirring inside of him. Much like when he'd first met Eden, he already knew that he wanted to keep this boy from anyone who would hurt him again. This, he was sure, was a sign that he'd been ridiculous in thinking that he wouldn't be able to find the right child. Because, here he was, right in front of him.

When Josh nodded to him, Colton situated himself on the ground beside him, watching the boy very closely. He was afraid of him, that much was obvious. It made him sad to think, but he hoped that he would be able to stop him from it. Josh's young, innocent voice floated to Colton's ears once more, though, and he merely gave him a small smile. He hesitated a moment, unsure of how to answer that question. While he knew that he would take him home that very second, he still had Eden to take into account. She had to love him, too. It pained him to think that she could disapprove and he would have to leave Josh just as quickly as he'd found him, but it was a risk he had to take. "I might." He finally answered, softly. "But, it depends. First of all, you have to want me to. I don't want to make you do anything. And also," He searched the room, finding Eden watching them from afar. He motioned for her to come over, and as she did, he continued. "That beautiful woman right there is Eden. She would be your mommy. She's pretty great, though. But, between you and me, she's terrible at cooking." He gave him a cute grin, letting him know that he was trying his hardest to make him feel comfortable. As Eden reached them, Colton tugged on her gently so she would sit beside him. "Eden, this is Josh. He's a great kid. I can tell already."

MUSIC: o holy night - glee cast
TAGGED: eden sofia mercer
OUTFIT: right hereeeee
NOTES: yaaaaaaay.

[eden sofia mercer]

Despite Eden's misgivings about not being able to find the right child, she couldn't help but notice straight off the bat how easy it was for Colton to go and talk to the young boy playing with the cars. That was something she'd always admire about her husband - his willingness to meet and talk to new people, let alone their possible future child. Mind you, she wasn't exactly shy, per say. But she wasn't one to go out and find someone new to talk to just for the hell of it, and it wouldn't be easy for her even if she tried. That was the thing about Colton - he was so personable, anyone would like him straight off the bad. When Eden tried to talk to new people, she could sometimes come off as too friendly or naive, or even annoying because of her touchy-feely nature and extreme innocence. Those were the problems she tried to correct herself most in. When they had first met their adoption agent, Eden was strictly business. She knew that Colton was a little surprised by how formal his wife was being by the way he kept casting strange glances over at her. If there was one thing Eden was not, it was formal, and the awkward way she was presenting herself made it show. After a talk with Colton, the next time they saw the agent she was more like herself, and she thought that was what really won the older woman older. She said she was retiring, that she had seen it all when it came to parents who adopted children and as of yet, she'd never let a bad couple adopt a child. When she gave her and Colton the go ahead, Eden felt honored and ecstatic - the older woman had become a sort of motherly advice figure to Eden, and she wouldn't be letting go of that any time soon.

Part of the reason why Eden was so desperate to be a mother was because she had never had one. It was sad to think about, and it made her long desperately to redo her childhood with a mother in her life, but she got past it. She just knew that given the chance, she would make an amazing mother to a child, her child. That was another reason why she took it so hard when she found out that she could bear children - she would never be to a child what she had so desperately needed when she was young. Eden was afraid - afraid that even though she had been mentally preparing herself for it for years, that she wouldn't be good at it. That there would be something missing, that somehow, she'd mess up. She prayed to god that she didn't however. Her child deserved the very best, whether it was hers biologically or one they would adopt this day. And that was what she intended on giving to them, if it killed her. But it all just went back to choosing the right child. But if she knew her Colton, he was on his way to picking the perfect one as she stood there studying them. He glanced up at her, and they made eye contact. Eden's insides quivered at the look in his hazel eyes - just a look, any look, could make her near go insane with love for him. She swallowed hard, and slowly made her way over to the young boy and her beloved. She kneeled down, giving Josh a sweet smile and reaching out on instinct, giving him a cute little hug. His little body went tense for a moment, and she felt Colton was about to say something when those little arms wrapped around her waist and hugged her back gently, tenatively. Eden's heart melted, and she pulled away, giving him another soft smile, "Hello, Josh. I'm Eden. It is certainly a pleasure to meet you."

Josh stared with wide eyes at the woman before him. That hug had been the best one he'd ever got ever! if there was one thing he knew for sure, it was that he wanted this people to be his new mommy and daddy! He only hoped that this time, they'd be nicer than his old ones. "It's nice to meet you, too." He said softly, looking at Colton with those soft blue eyes of his, before back at Eden, "Colton said you might be my new mommy and daddy. Will you be? Please? You're already nice than anybody ever!" He exclaimed, and the look on Eden's face caused his heart to flutter in hope. She looked like she was melting from the inside out, like maybe... someone might actually care about him for once! Eden looked at Colton, and Josh felt his heart sink as she took his hand and pulled him up, "We'll be right back, okay, Josh?" She gave him a reassuring smile, which Josh didn't happen to find very reassuring at all, and walked away with her husband. Josh heaved a sigh, looking down at his toys with tears filling his eyes. Had he done something wrong? They hated him... the parents that always left after a few minutes ended up taking someone else. Josh was going to be alone again.

Eden pulled Colton over to the corner of the room, her back to Josh, before stopping, and looking at him. "Colton... I think... he might be the one. I think he might be the child that's supposed to be ours." She breathed, her voice light in anticipation.

MUSIC: baby, it's cold outside - chris colfer and darren criss
TAGGED: colton adam mercer
OUTFIT: cute
NOTES: :3

[colton adam mercer.]

The thought of being a father was slightly daunting to Colton. He could remember plenty of times when he was a handful to his own father. And he wondered just how the man had put up with his temper tantrums and mood swings. Colt supposed that, overall, it was love that got him through. As corny as that was. When you loved someone enough, you could find a way to deal with them even on their worst days. The young man knew this through experience with his best friend, Tegan. There were time when it was impossible to be around her, but he loved her as much as any brother, blood or not, could love their sister. With a child, Colton figured that the bond was even stronger. It was a person that you dedicated your life to protecting, nurturing, and generally raising. Colton wasn't scared that he wouldn't love Josh enough. No, that much was obvious. He was afraid that he would somehow let him down. He didn't want to be a bad parent. He wanted to be the kind that the kind would go to when they were upset or needed help. One that they felt comfortable around and that they could confidently say that they loved. He didn't want to do something to screw up any chance of having a good relationship. Eden seemed to be confident that he would be great, as much as he knew that she would be an amazing mother. He supposed that the only thing left was for him to find confidence in himself. Which had never been the easiest of tasks.

As Eden walked over to them and sat down beside him, he could already tell that she approved of Josh. As she leaned in for a hug, his suspicions were confirmed. He watched the embrace closely, noticing how Josh seemed to tense in her arms. Colton opened his mouth to let the boy know that it was okay when his little arms reciprocated the hug. A soft smile filled his features and he felt relief wash through him. This was going to end well. He could tell. Excitement began to brew in Colton's veins. He couldn't believe how easy it had been to find the perfect child. Maybe it really was meant to be. The look on Eden's face was making it more and more likely every second. When Josh looked over at him, he gave him a soft smile. It seemed like the young boy was warming up to them already. His next words to Eden proved just that. He bit his lip against the urge to laugh. Instead, a large grin encompassed his face and he looked to Eden. Her signature melting expression was plain on her features and he couldn't help but kiss her temple softly at the sight. She really was the most adorable person he'd ever seen.

Colton let Eden take his hand and he looked to Josh before following her across the room. His heart was pounding ferociously at the possibility of what they were about to do. Hazel eyes were alight with excitement as he looked to Eden. "I think you're right." He responded. "There's just something about him. Eden, he is the one. I know he is." He glanced over at him, noticing he'd gone back to playing with his toys, before looking over at his wife once more. "So, I guess this means we just need to talk to Kate, and we can take him home, right?" When Eden volunteered to let her know who they'd chosen, Colton smiled wider at her. "I love you." He murmured before kissing her softly and going back over to Josh. Kneeling beside him again, he offered another soft smile. "So, what do you think about coming home with me and Eden? Our house is pretty good, I promise. And we were going to go toy shopping after leaving here. What do you say?"

MUSIC: o holy night - glee cast
TAGGED: eden sofia mercer
OUTFIT: right hereeeee
NOTES: <33333