It's Called Being Sassy

Artina to Tike in 2.5

Artie was heartbroken. He didn't understand why Tina was sneaking around behind his back but he ignored the rumors until he heard them from his girl's mouth. He couldn't exactly refute her confession.

He felt silly there in the lunch line after she gave her excuse. He wasn't terribly close to Mike but he wondered what he'd done to the boy to deserve this. He and Tina were having some problems and the distance over the summer hadn't helped but to cheat on him?!

He shook his head. He felt like he couldn't breathe and rolled to the choir room to let it out the only way he knew how.

MJ

"You're here?" Mercedes' eyes widened. She didn't expect Mike today.

"Hey." He gave her a soft smile before invading her personal space. "You gonna invite me in or am I a stranger now?"

She gave him an unamused look at his cheek but moved aside. "Puck left like ten minutes ago."

"I know." He looked at his feet. "I wanted to help but-"

"I know."

"Mercy!" They both looked to the staircase as Quinn's voice floated down.

"She might need me." Mercedes jogged up the steps.

He closed the door behind him and leaned against it for a moment before following. He found them in Marc's room, reorganizing it to Quinn's taste.

"Mikey?" Quinn cocked her head in confusion. "What are you doing here?"

Mike shrugged.

MJ

Tina felt like she was soaring. Kissing Mike Chang was an amazing experience she never thought possible. Then it kicked in that she was kissing Mike Chang while she was dating Artie.

She broke away and ran outside. "Stupid! Stupid! Stupid!" She ranted to herself.

Things had cooled considerably with Artie but that didn't mean she could cheat on him just because she was at camp. Could she? No! It was wrong. Completely wrong! No matter how right it had felt.

She spun around as he rushed to see after her. He was so sweet. Ugh! She shook her head.

"I'm so sorry, Tina!" He apologized. "I didn't mean for that to happen. I mean I like you but I didn't want to put you in that spot. I'm really sorry."

He looked so earnest, her heart broke. She knew he hadn't meant to kiss her but she had meant to kiss him. He may have been thinking it but she had been the one to throw herself on him.

The knowledge made her feel cheap and slutty but also made her heart race in a way it never had with Artie. She felt alive around Mike. She felt heard. She felt seen. Sometimes it was like Artie was only interested because she was an outcast geek herself. Like she couldn't do better so she should just appreciate the fact that someone was paying her attention.

She knew it wasn't fair to vilify Artie but it was honestly how she felt. She knew they could be great friends but lovers they should not be.

She cocked her head to the side and trailed her gaze over Mike. Maybe she could see where this went? She could give this until the end of summer. If something grew, she'd break it off with Artie. If not, no one had to know.

That was fair. Right?

MJ

"I want you to help me with a problem." Mike stammered as he concentrated on his task. It wasn't complicated but he felt less exposed than if he were looking at either girl.