Hello dear readers. I have finally wrapped this story up that took far too long to finish. I hope you enjoyed the journey with these two. I appreciate the support.

Bade: Maybe I will get back to this universe at some point. I'm not sure with all my other projects, but Freddie and Tori are interesting to write about and Bade certainly has its fill of drama.

Martial Arts Student: I reference other pieces because really they are parallel universes to each other. Thanks for reading.

Bade: Thank you for the support and glad you like them.

Challenge King: The conversations could have gone better with Carly and them, but unfortunately with the way Dan left Carly at the end of the series, I'm not sure what else I could have done with her. I really don't like painting Carly in a bad light as people know that I was a Creddie shipper for the longest time. To a certain extent with pre-Seddie arc Carly, I still am.

darck ben: Thanks.

Fanfic-Reader-88: Since this is post-Seddie Arc Carly, she really is blind to Freddie's feelings. When she openly stated that she found it perfectly acceptable for Sam to beat him in their relationship, you kind have to face facts that the girl is nearly a lost cause at that point when it comes to caring about Freddie as any sane person would define the word. Unfortunately, one could write an extensive essay on what I saw was straight character assassination of the character over the course of the series.

There is no indication in the series that he was a bad husband, yes lousy father, but not a bad husband. Over in my urban fantasy/horror piece of Jade as a vampire slayer, he looks like he's going to move on with a hot M.E., so there's that.

Freddie had a lot of anger with his history with Carly and Sam, so that would cloud his judgment and leave him wondering.

YouCan'tControlMe: Thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed the story. I wish the Carly/Freddie conversation would have gone better, but I thought that was the most realistic thing with these characters at that point.

Twilight Warrior 627: Teddie for the win. Carly and Tori fit the same archetype in many ways, but as you can see, one can get two totally different characters out of it. Jade and Sam are quite two different people even though they share archetypes like Carly and Tori. It would have been an interesting series to see if it things had played out where it was Tori/Freddie/Jade as the trio. With this Carly, I think she would be in total denial and blame him for everything. I can't remember one time post-Seddie Arc she took responsibility for her actions with Freddie (actually I can't remember a time before that either).

Thank you all again for reading and stay tuned for my other stories.

Oh, and did you see tonight's episode of 'Eye Candy'?

Rating: K+

Epilogue

Apartment 316
Venice/Barry Apartments
11811 Venice Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA

A smile played on Tori's lips as she stood in front of the stove, stirring the large metal pot full of soup for her, her reunited roommate/boyfriend and for their guests that would be over shortly.

"That was student housing," Freddie called out from the living room as he pressed the end call button and walked towards her to hang up the cordless phone by the refrigerator. He placed the phone on the wall phone-base and continued, "They said that there was a late student that snatched up the room, so I guess we're stuck with each other for at least the rest of the quarter."

Tori's smile grew bigger as Freddie walked behind her and wrapped his arms over her abdomen to hug her from behind. She glanced over her right shoulder while he placed his chin on her shoulder. "Oh however will we manage?" she teased with a lick of her lips.

They let themselves be comfortable for a few seconds while they watch the soup warmly stewed.

She hesitated to ask, "Are you sure you're still comfortable doing this?"

There was no need for her to be more specific in her question. Despite being a week after they had reconciled, Tori still had her worries about how comfortable he was with the arrangement now that they were consciously resisting one of them moving out. She had reconciled her beliefs with the situation, but she respected that his shared belief and that he could still be struggling in reconciling his beliefs. She'd much preferred he stayed, but wanted him to be happy and comfortable more.

He took a deep breath then slowly letting it out, tickling her hairline around her ear and ear, then slowly answered his true feelings, "Not entirely, but the more I think about it, but more I realize that I'd be more uncomfortable not being here with you. Would it be inappropriate for me to ask you to say a few Hail Mary's for me?"

The brunette's smile returned to her face and let out a joyful giggle. She moved her left hand over his left hand on her stomach and laced her fingers with his fingers.

The doorbell interrupted their closeness and Freddie sighed regretfully, "That must be Jade and Beck." He placed a kiss on her cheek then pulled away from the musician that felt so good in his arms and headed for the door. He joked over his shoulder, "They just had to be early didn't they?"

Assuming that it was the couple coming by for lunch, he opened the door without looking through the peephole.

A slightly high pitch voice called out. "Surprise!"

Freddie's welcoming smile turned into his jaw dropping. He closed his mouth then uttered, "Mom?"

Marissa Benson stood at the other side of the threshold for the moment before nearly leaping at him and pulling him into a hug. "Freddie."

The computer science student took a few more moments to process that his mother was here instead of Seattle. He eventually patted her back and took a step back while his mouth was left agape. He forced a smile, more out of hiding his apprehension in her unexpected visit then generally upset that she had surprised him with the visit, "Hi mom."

Tori turned the temperature down on the soup then walked from the kitchen and towards the door, seeing what was going on. She curiously looked on the brunette with a twinge of red to it, somewhat cautious in approaching. Tori flashed a beautiful smile towards Mrs. Benson and greeted her, "Hello?"

Mrs. Benson pulled away from her son and looked around his shoulder to see the attractive brunette. She was caught off by the girl's presence, but quickly tightened her smile and politely answered, "Hello."

The part-time nurse let her greeting hang while eyeing Tori with a scrutinizing expression while the musical teenager looked back mildly confused and uncomfortable. "I didn't realize you would have girls over…"

Freddie sucked in a breath recalling the time that he temporarily moved out after repeated humiliations of him on iCarly and her overboard motherly treatment and she had made the comment in his utility closet room about Carly and Sam of all people. He calmly replied with a half-smile, "I have female friends, so they are welcome to come over just like my male friends. This is Tori. You remember her? I met her during a trip down to L.A. I came down her to see her play last year and stayed the weekend."

The nurse felt mildly relieved, but not by much in knowing that at least her son had some history with the girl currently in his apartment. She remembered the girl from the previous year and unbeknownst to her son, had been hopeful that perhaps he would have struck up some kind of relationship with the girl. She may have not thought any girl was good enough for her son and had the mild fear that once he got a girl, he would truly abandon her, but at the time she was far more desperate that he wouldn't try to reconcile with Sam or worst, finally work things out with Carly.

She pleasantly commented while eyeing Tori, "Oh, the nice Catholic girl."

Freddie thought it was an odd way to acknowledge Tori, but he was thankful that it wasn't a hostile reaction.

Tori felt relieved, at least a little, in confirming the woman's identity and that she wasn't too upset with her presence. "Oh, hello Mrs. Benson. It's nice to finally meet you."

"The same." Mrs. Benson looked to her son and asked what she thought was the obvious, "So you're reconnecting with the people you know down here?"

Freddie awkwardly grinned with a passing glance to Tori. "You could say that. I met up with Tori as soon as I got here and she was happy to reintroduce me to her friends. We actually share a few classes together and we're having some friends over for lunch so you arrived just in time."

Tori cocked an eyebrow, but Freddie glanced back with the expression of more or less sad that he couldn't throw out his mother out just because they were expecting guests.

Mrs. Benson noticed the soup on the stove and commented, "I hope it's something healthy and nutritious."

Freddie loudly sighed, "It's fine mother. It's a nice healthy soup, with some salad and we have some chicken grilling in the oven. I did learn a lot from you on healthy foods."

"I'm grateful. I was hoping you wouldn't just eat pizza for every meal everyday and gain unhealthy fat."

"Don't worry. I've been eating just fine with the meal plan and what we've been preparing here."

The nurse slightly knotted her brow and divided her attention between her child and what she thought was just his guest. "'We'? You've ate together on a regular basis?"

He glanced to Tori again with a look mixed with permission and apology. He knew he was going to have to tell his mother eventually and he'd prefer to do it now before the others arrived and be one embarrassing mess if his mother blew up with all of them there. "Mom, there is something I should go ahead and tell you… Tori isn't just over for the lunch I'm having, she's… she's my girlfriend."

Mrs. Benson's eyes opened like comedic size saucers and sputtered, "Your girlfriend?"

"Yes."

Marissa looked to Tori, who held her tight smile in bashful embarrassment. A dumbfounded expression formed on the part-time nurse and questioned, "You've only been here a few weeks and you latch onto the first girl you find?"

Freddie took a deep breath then sternly warned, "Mom, if you're just going to be rude then I'm going to have to ask you to leave."

Mrs. Benson disappointedly frowned, seeing that her son was choosing a girl over her again. She knew it would be pointless to fight him over such a matter as it was one of the only things she couldn't bully him into doing—other than him leaving Seattle to start school in another state. She reluctantly commented while directing a guarded look to Tori, "At least you're not Sam."

Freddie sighed, seeing he was going to avoid a fight with his mother, "No, I'm not going to make that mistake again."

His mother spoke without thinking in a bitter tone, "You shouldn't have made it in the first place."

Freddie let out a deeper side, not really caring to be reminded of that mistake. "Yes mom… it was a very poor lapse in judgment on my part. You're quite right about that."

The reddish-brunette held her tongue in mild surprise that he would so readily admit his mistake in dating Sam. They had never really talked about the relationship after the breakup as to her, it was so out of the blue, and she chalked it up to a miracle and took it at face value. Why upset the outcome she wanted all along with probing questions?

Freddie motioned for her to step further inside the apartment. He was grateful that he didn't see any luggage, hopefully suggesting that she didn't have any intention of staying with him for however long her visit to Los Angeles.

He closed the door behind her then they walked to the dining room table and mother and son took a seat while Tori went back to the stove to check on the soup.

Mrs. Benson cautiously watched Tori watch over the soup. There was nothing visibly she could see about the girl to suggest there was anything wrong with her. She dressed modestly with a long sleeve T-shirt and blue jeans, was respectful towards her and what little she knew of Tori's background, the girl had a stable family background.

She whispered to her son and asked, "So, is she still as nice as you remember?"

"Yes, she's been quite nice to me and made me feel welcome."

She glanced to her son and questioned in an eager tone, perhaps a little randomly, "Are you going to convert for her?"

Freddie blew out a breath and put on a nervous smile. He passed a quick glance Tori then answered in an offhand manner, "We just started dating and the question hasn't come up, but I wasn't planning to."

"Good," she flatly answered.

Freddie frowned and gave his mother a disapproving expression while Tori looked more uncomfortable from her boyfriend's mother's continuing scrutiny.

Mrs. Benson responded to the disapproving expression and answered in a surprisingly reasonable manner to Freddie's ears, "I'm sure her parents had the same concern. They raised her by their faith and would think they would have a problem if she converted for you."

Freddie was about to dismiss such a notion, but Tori surprised them both with a soft laugh as she returned to the table and taking a seat next to her boyfriend, "Actually my father is a little concerned about that." She playfully poked her elbow against his shoulder and finished, "But he finds Freddie alright for a Protestant."

The former tech-producer raised an eyebrow, mildly surprised with that revelation and his mother put on a triumphed smile.

Tori shrugged a shoulder with a playful and bashful smile.

"So they know that you're together?" Mrs. Benson questioned with a glance between the couple.

The inspiring singer answered, "They know we're friends and my father gave his blessing if I wanted to pursue something with Freddie, but we haven't told them we're together yet."

"You haven't?"

"We just got together and my parents are…" Tori's expression and tone became sour before she finished, "…they're busy separating after we found out my mom cheated on my dad."

Mrs. Benson smacked her lips as if she tasted something sour as the memory about her own former husband surfaced. "I'm sorry to hear that and… that my words are hollow for what you're feeling."

Tori bashfully smiled and with a slight nod of her head, she answered, "Thank you Mrs. Benson."

Awkwardness fell between the three as Tori retreated mentally to think on how her family structure had been broken. The usually tactless and somewhat oblivious part-time nurse could tell things had become too tense and she needed to do something to break the tension. She glanced around the Freddie to spy the rest of the apartment and asked, "Is your roommate around? You never mentioned him. He's not some troublemaker is he?"

Freddie awkwardly smiled and glanced down to the table. "About my roommate… there was a mix up in room assignments."

"Oh? What kind of mix up?"

Tori spoke up, hoping to spare Freddie from having to explain the story, "I'm the mix up."

"You're the mix up?"

Freddie wrapped his arm around her to rest his hand on her right shoulder. "Mom, Tori is my roommate. On the application they thought Tori was a guy and assigned us together."

The Seattle mother looked on in horror. She stuttered at first then finally got out, "She's your roommate? You have a girl as your roommate?"

"Yes."

Her voice raised an octant, "And you've been rooming with her since school started? And you didn't tell me?"

"Yes we have. They were booked with places, so they couldn't immediately find us other room assignments and we've been waiting for them to find another room for either of us. I didn't tell you because I knew you'd needlessly get upset over the issue since it was going to be only temporary and we really couldn't do anything about it. I wasn't thrilled when I found out either—not because it was Tori—but that my roommate was a girl."

Mrs. Benson blew out a sigh of relief. She was terrified that college would cause him to throw out everything she taught him and turn him into some kind of heathen. He may not have been upset as her, but fortunately he looked like he wasn't entirely pleased with the situation.

"When are they going to give you or her a new room? It's been a few weeks since school has started."

Freddie glanced over to Tori with a mildly hesitant expression then tried to answer his mother in the most casual manner he could manage, "They haven't had much luck finding anything, so… we're just going to finish out the quarter and maybe they will have something for us in January."

The nurse raised her voice and forcefully pointed out, "January? You can't live with her Freddie."

The computer science major patiently replied, "Mother… we're in this situation and that's that until things outside our control changes. We've been doing fine together."

"But Freddie, she's… a girl."

"I'm quite well aware that Tori is a girl and as I just said, we're in this situation and we just have to live with it."

Tori held her smile despite the uneasy feeling that was running through her as Freddie made out rooming with her was a burden he was having to bear. She knew he was just trying to placate his mother, but it didn't make it any less troubling since he had his reservations about the rooming situation.

Mrs. Benson crossed her arms and sighed, seeing that there was no point in arguing as her son had a reasonable point. She couldn't exactly tell her son or Tori that one of them should move out when neither had a place to go—the brunette possibly could go home, but even she knew she couldn't demand such a thing from the future musical star.

Fortunately they didn't have to fall into another awkward silence with the doorbell ringing. Tori was quick to jump up and walk to answer it this time. She opened the door to reveal Jade, Beck and Cat. The green streaked hair actress held a pizza box that caught the brunette singer's attention.

Tori questioned with a knotted brow, "Why did you bring pizza?"

Jade smirked and passed a look to her former rival's handsome boyfriend. "Freddie said you were cooking and I assumed you would mess it up, so I came prepared."

The brunette singer frowned into a pout, clearly not liking the implication that she was a lousy cook. "Hey, you're the one that purposely told me the wrong amount of flour to make pizza. I should have just said the truth instead of going along with your lie so you could get out of Beck taking you to his silly racing."

The darker haired confident smirk retreated as Tori's words stung her. She had purposely told Tori the wrong amount so she would mess up, but she never expected the girl to actually believe such an outrageous number.

Beck questioned, mildly offended, "Silly?"

Freddie wasn't sure to what they were referring in their adventures at Hollywood Arts, but stepped in to prevent any argument since they already had enough over the last week. He walked up next to Tori and happily accepted the pizza. "We happy you're here and thank you for bringing the pizza Jade. It's a fine standby in case what we're fixing doesn't agree with someone."

The actress and former tech-producer shared awkward smiles. They had not had any formal conversation about their tense conversation of her advocating on Tori and in a way, her own behalf about the decisions they had made in keeping the truth from him about the party. Apparently getting back on good terms with Tori was enough for the pale skin singer to just drop the matter and let any hard feelings that may have developed from the 'confrontation' be water under the bridge. However, it was nice that he was thanking her and offering a smile.

Beck smiled towards the red tinted brunette and bashfully greeted, "Oh, hi."

Freddie motioned with a hand and began his introductions, "This is my mom… who just surprised us with a visit."

Beck kept his charming smile and offered his hand, "Hello I'm Beck."

Jade pleasantly smiled and Freddie made the introduction for her with a polite motion of his hand to the pale singer, "This is Jade."

The Seattle nurse paused at seeing Jade's facial piercings and colored streaks of hair, immediately thinking the worst of the girl in being some goth into the occult. She didn't have any further opportunity to think on the matter as Cat eagerly waved and introduced herself, "Hello Mrs. Freddie's mom."

Mrs. Benson slightly frowned and gave the redhead a curious gaze, trying to assess the teenager acting like so childlike. As she studied the girl, she internally debated whether the girl was just a little innocent and childlike or perhaps something seriously wrong with her. She gave a sideways glance to her son to see if he had the answer.

Freddie embarrassingly smiled, unable to answer about Cat's true mental state.

The red tinted brunette fell back on her training and politely answered, "It's nice to meet you dear."

Cat giggled and waved again.

Mrs. Benson looked to Jade and determined to be nice as to not sabotage any potential friendships and drive him back to what she thought were poisonous friendships with Sam and Carly, she maintained her smile.

Jade flashed a lovely smiled and politely replied, "Mrs. Benson, it's a pleasure."

The teenager may have looked odd to the nurse from Seattle, but at least she was polite. "Thank you Jade."

Tori called out with a motion, "Everyone have a seat. The soup is nearly done and the chicken and salad is on its way."

The guests and unexpected Mrs. Benson moved to the table while Tori and Freddie headed to the kitchen.

The new couple went about in what looked like a near coordinated dance of preparing plates, bowls, and drinks for their guests. They took several trips to place a plate of salad with sliced chicken and a bowl soup in front of each of their guests. They took their drink requests as if they were servers at a restaurant and quickly returned with their desired drinks.

After everyone was served, the couple prepared their own food and took seats together at the table with Tori perhaps unfortunately finding her seat next to Mrs. Benson.

Tori clapped her hands and announced, "Everyone can dig in."

Jade took a few bites of the chicken salad, taking a few seconds to enjoy the flavor of the food then commented after swallowing, "Mmm, pretty good Tori."

The brunette was surprised by the compliment, but took it in stride, "Thanks. I'm glad you like it, but Freddie deserves most of the credit."

The nearly black haired singer grinned and remarked, "Then thank you Freddie. You are still impressive as a cook."

Tori practically pouted from the withdrawal of the compliment, bringing a smile to Jade's face showing that some of the rival wasn't dead and wasn't going to die anytime soon.

Freddie rolled his eyes. "Jade… that's not fair. I can't take all the credit."

Jade and Freddie had a brief stare off, each trying to gauge the other one. It wasn't so much a standoff as there wasn't that tension that she'd usually felt when someone actually had to courage to call her out and she really didn't want Freddie on her bad side. She sighed and glanced to Tori to correct, "Fine, you did alright Tori."

The brunette smirked in hearing Jade actually having to stand by her compliment.

The acknowledgement that the meal was mostly prepared by Freddie made Mrs. Benson feel better about the meal, though she was still cautious as she tried the chicken and salad then took an equally hesitant sip from her soup. She found it excellent and just hoped that it was has healthy as it appeared.

Cat took a sip from her drink then brought up in a genuinely apologetic manner, "I'm sorry, but Sam couldn't make it."

Freddie rolled his eyes as he couldn't care less that Sam couldn't make it, though he didn't recall them actually inviting the blonde to their lunch. He certainly wasn't going to be guilt tripped in the future to include her into their plans as a group.

However, Tori was more diplomatic and answered in her get along natured voice, "It's okay. We understand she could have other plans."

The redhead looked doubtful of such an occurrence with the conflict between Freddie and her roommate, but she didn't want to voice such concerns and spoil the otherwise happy get together.

Mrs. Benson glanced to her son and asked with a near horrified expression, "Sam is down here?"

"Yes. During her road trip across America she eventually arrived in L.A. and became Cat's roommate."

A worried expression formed on the nurse's face and she leaned over to Tori and whispered, "Don't let her sink her claws back into my boy."

Tori cocked an eyebrow, not expecting such a reaction from the overbearing mother. She whispered back, "Don't worry Mrs. Benson; I have no intention of letting him go."

Mrs. Benson wasn't sure how much she approved of such a statement being so possessive of him, but if the alternative was a snowball's chance with her son getting back with that little she-demon, she'd happily accept the current situation.

"If Sam's here, has Carly been back for a visit?"

"No," Freddie was quick to announce.

Mrs. Benson raised an eyebrow at her son's reaction.

Freddie clarified between sips of his soup, "I've talked to her, but… it wasn't… we didn't end in on the best of terms."

The others around the table passed curious glances with one another, Jade perhaps the one with the most interest besides Tori as her mother hadn't mentioned anything.

Tori was mildly surprised at the news as she had thought over the last week that Carly had actually been a help to them reconciling. She was meaning to try to thank Carly, but now she wasn't so sure if she should contact her at all if she had potentially made things worst between her and Freddie.

Hoping not to dwell on such a fact, the Seattle based nurse politely asked Tori what she thought was a safe question, "So what are you studying?"

Tori grinned and glanced to the others while answering, "Since we're performers, I'm focusing on music and acting, but I haven't declared my major yet."

Freddie proudly pointed out, "Tori is working on my first album and she hopes for it to be out next year. Jade's working on hers too, so we're not sure how long they'll actually be in school before they're touring the world and making millions."

"It would solve the housing problem," Mrs. Benson pointed out before bringing a piece of the chicken to her mouth.

Tori tightly smiled, showing to the others that knew her that she wasn't happy with such an idea.

"So you know about the situation?" Jade cautiously questioned, drawing a quick and potentially disapproving look from her boyfriend.

"I just found out. I'm not exactly happy with the situation."

Jade commented just before taking a sip from her drink, "Freddie's been pretty uncomfortable with the situation from the start."

Freddie turned a somewhat challenging stare to the usually intimidating girl.

Jade gave Freddie a wink, but not so much as a jibe, but a signal of 'you're welcome'.

He held back a smirk, realizing such a thing and slightly lifted his glass to signal his thanks.

"Yes, Freddie told me. There are any number of problems that can come up when rooming with mixed sexes, but hopefully they'll straighten out the room situation soon."

Tori put on her lovely smile, but it was a tight one as she answered, "Yes, hopefully they'll find something for one of us."

Beck politely asked to make conversation and turn away from any potential conflict, "So Mrs. Benson, what brings you down for a visit?"

"I haven't seen my son in about a month, so I thought I'd take the weekend to visit. We really haven't been apart for such a period of time—it was always just the two of us—and I wanted to see him."

The others, surprisingly including Cat, wisely didn't question any further about Freddie's home life in regards to his parents with the lack of one.

The long haired actor continued, "So Mrs. Benson what do you do for a living? I don't remember Freddie mentioning it?"

"I'm a nurse."

Cat took a sip of her soup and innocently asked, "Have you thought about moving down here to be closer to Freddie? We have plenty of hospitals in Los Angeles."

Freddie's eyes threatened to pop out of their sockets. He may have loved his mother dearly, but he was quite desperate for the independence afforded him by living in Los Angeles.

The redhead noticed his reaction and looked back and forth to the couple and asked, "What?"

Mrs. Benson politely answered, "I thought about it, but I couldn't afford the pay cut that I'd really be getting with the increase taxes and Freddie may come back to Seattle. There are plenty of job opportunities for him after he graduates, so I don't see the need to uproot my life."

Freddie couldn't argue with her mother's point as there were plenty of job opportunities for his career field in Seattle and as much heartache he had experienced in his life in the Emerald City, it was home… unless he had very good reason to stay in L.A. The girl sitting beside him and the re-acquaintances he had made gave him very good reason so far to stay.

The Benson Matriarch questioned in turn taking on kid glove approach to the redhead, "What are you studying sweetheart?"

The redhead happily answered, "I'm studying music and acting too. I'm hoping to get into some productions in school or get noticed by someone."

Freddie supportively added, "I'm sure you'll be signed in no time. You're a fantastic singer."

Tori offered, "We can do a few duets, I'm sure that it'll catch some producer's attention when they see me."

Jade found herself in the unusual position of agreeing with her longtime rival to support her longtime friend, "Mason saw your signing and I'm sure he was impressed. He could be interested."

"He saw yours too, but you signed with Quincy."

Jade grimaced, hating to admit her friend had a point. "Then I should take you to see André when he's recording or me and have you sing a bit in front of Quincy."

"Okay," she answered feeling exuberant at the prospect.

Over the course of the next half hour, Mrs. Benson shared a number of embarrassing childhood stories about Freddie. She went so far as to share baby photos of Freddie to the embarrassment of the former tech-producer. He was somewhat rescued when Jade made a joke that with Freddie's cuteness as a baby, he and Tori would make some beautiful babies in the future. The comment may have embarrassed the future couple, but it did get Mrs. Benson to change the subject. The rest of the conversation batted around song ideas for the ladies and figuring out how Cat could become noticed for her own contract.

The group finished at roughly the same time on the meal. Beck leaned back in his chair and rubbed his stomach. "Tori, Freddie… this was delicious."

"Thanks."

Jade followed up, "He's right. If Freddie is treating you to this kind of food, you can't ever let him move out."

Mrs. Benson tightened her smile, clearly still uncomfortable with the idea of her precious boy living with a girl that wasn't blood family or his wife.

Freddie followed up, "I appreciate the praise Jade."

The singer and computer science major locked eyes with one another, still trying to gauge the other.

Tori suggested, "How about everyone relax in the living room and we'll clean up?"

Freddie offered, "Don't worry about it. I'll clean up." He stood up and began to take up the plates and bowls to the kitchen sink as the group retired to the living room to relax. Tori and Mrs. Benson took a seat on the couch, Jade and Beck together in one of the chairs where she was practically sitting in his lap, which she certainly didn't mind and Cat took a seat on the floor on the other side of the coffee table.

After Freddie placing the dishes in the sink for washing later returning to the living room to have a seat next to Tori at the end of the couch, Mrs. Benson asked her son, "So, is there anything that's happened with you that I should know about?"

Freddie thought for a moment then brought up, "Well, I got a car. It's a classic, but doesn't look that way right now."

"You have a car? How could you afford a car?"

Freddie casually answered between sips of his drink, "Jade hooked me up with a nice car."

Jade cracked a soft smile, appreciating that he was still so grateful of her help even if there was some unresolved feelings between them.

Mrs. Benson fearfully asked, "Nice? Is it safe?"

"The car on the outside is beaten up, but she runs just fine. I'm hoping over the next couple of months that I can start restoring it. Beck's a pretty good mechanic and he looked over it.

The Seattleite nurse thought back to any of the cars she saw on her way up and one stood out. "I saw an old beat up Charger with a wrong color door on my way up; that isn't it is it?"

Freddie proudly answered, "Yep, that's mine."

Mrs. Benson almost blenched from the news, believing her son got deathtrap whether it was in mint condition or a battered heap it appeared on the outside because a fast car like that practically begged to be driven recklessly and she had seen the results of such behavior.

Beck tried to reassure the nurse, "It really does look as if it is cosmetic damage, but still, it'll be several thousand dollars' worth of investment to make her like new."

"True, but once she's finished, she'll be a beauty."

Mrs. Benson held her tongue at the idea of him having the car at all, but voiced a more practical concern that she thought he would be up to considering, "That's a lot of money to spend between school and this apartment. Is it practical to have such a car that you're going to have to put so much money into?"

"I know, but those are the priorities and I'll save and invest. Right now, the only money that has to go into it is keeping it running."

"It could still be a money pit."

"I'll just have to cross that bridge when I come to it."

Mrs. Benson tried to hide the frown that was desperate to form on her face seeing that it was an argument she wasn't going to win. "But is it safe?"

Freddie sighed and attempted to reassure his mother again, "It's safe mother. I wouldn't drive in it or give anyone else rides if I thought I was endangering anyone."

Mrs. Benson tightly smiled, letting her argument against the car go.

Tori suggested with a pleasant smile, "Who's up for a little karaoke?"

Jade raised a hand, "I'll sit this one out. Freddie's cooking was too good and I'm too stuffed right now."

Tori frowned at her sometime nemesis not wanting to sing and the backhand insult of giving all the credit to Freddie.

The redhead jumped up from her seat and shouted, "I'll sing."

Tori got up from her seat and walked around the coffee table to turn on her PearBox and bring up one of her karaoke games. As it loaded, she picked up a microphone and handed a spare one to Cat.

Over the course of the next half-hour, Tori, Cat and Freddie took turns singing which included some duets. Mrs. Benson was pleasantly surprised by the girls' skills and believed they did have the talent to be professional singers. She picked up during the singing that her son was genuinely happy and noticed that he looked at Tori the same way he had looked at Carly for years. She wasn't sure if she happy or concerned about the development.

After the last song, Jade stood up and commented, "I guess we'll head on out so you can spend some time catching up with your mom." She glanced to her boyfriend and slightly motioned with her eyes towards the door so he wouldn't argue.

Beck stood up from his seat and grinned. "You're right. We wouldn't want to intrude on your family time."

The dark haired hopeful musician courteously bid farewell, "It was a pleasure Mrs. Benson."

The overbearing mother smiled in return. She may have an odd fashion choice, but throughout the early afternoon, she had been polite and respectful girl. Sometimes you can't judge a book by its cover… then again sometimes one could, so she would hold off final judgment of the girl. "It was nice to make your acquaintance."

Cat got up from her seat, realizing Jade's eagerness to go and that she was her ride and added, "It's nice meeting you Mrs. Freddie's mom."

The nurse politely smiled, observing over the course of the meal that the girl seemed to have some form of developmental problem, and answered nicely, "It was nice to meet you too."

Tori and Freddie stood up from the couch to walk them to the door.

Freddie opened the door for them and Beck remarked, "Call me to let me know when you're free to take another look at your car."

"Thanks."

Beck patted Freddie on the shoulder then turned and headed out the door.

The former Hollywood Arts 'mean girl' stopped and guardedly bid farewell, "Freddie."

"Jade."

The exchange reminded her of 'conversations' with her father, but she was caught off guard with him taking took a risk and stepped forward and pulled her into a hug. He whispered into her ear, "Thanks."

After flinching in surprise of the contact, she returned the hug and feeling a sense of relief. She muttered slightly embarrassed, "You're welcome."

The pair pulled away and with a shared smile, both knew all was forgiven. She turned away to join her boyfriend with Cat falling behind them, eagerly waving as they exited the apartment.

Freddie shut the door behind them and turned to his mother, unsure of what to expect from her.

Mrs. Benson maintained a polite smile and commented, "You've made some very nice and respectable friends."

Freddie held his tongue at was backhanded insult towards who he thought were his friends in Seattle. He really couldn't disagree with the statement, but didn't wish to drag it all up at the moment. "Yes, I'm quite lucky to have found them. So what are your plans for the rest of the day?"

"I think I'll relax and let someone serve me with room service."

"Oh?"

"Yes, I booked an inexpensive, but nice room to stay for a few days."

Freddie smiled to cover his uneasiness and spoke with a raised voice, "A few days…"

"Yes, I was thinking about perhaps we could take the time to catch up during the rest of the weekend and between your classes."

"Okay, I'm just surprised that you didn't wait until Thanksgiving."

The nurse curiously looked to her son while answering, "I was assuming you'd come up for Thanksgiving break and I couldn't wait another month and a half to see you."

Freddie passed a glanced to Tori, unsure how to react as they hadn't discussed how they would spend their holidays.

Tori returned with an awkward expression, realizing that her Thanksgiving was in limbo. Seeing her sister over the holiday was expected with her return from New York, but having an actually family get together with her mother and father, that was probably an absurd expectation.

The Seattle nurse caught the brunette's uncomfortable expression and politely offered, "You're welcome to come up with Freddie and celebrate with us."

Tori politely smiled then regretfully answered, "I appreciate the offer Mrs. Benson, but I have a sister and I wouldn't want to miss the holiday with her in case she decided to fly back home."

"I understand, but the offer still stands."

Freddie directed a surprised, but thankful expression that his mother would make such an offer. "Have you checked into the hotel?"

"Yes and I already rented a car, so you don't have to drive me around."

Freddie wondered if it was more for the fact that she didn't care to be chauffeured by him whether than not trusting his vehicle. He didn't bother to dwell on it and politely reassured her, "Okay then. We'll have dinner tonight—just the two of us. There are a few places I think you'll enjoy."

"Well, then I'll wait for your call and leave you two alone."

Tori quickly offered despite deep down wanting the complete opposite, "You don't have to rush out."

Mrs. Benson smiled, mentally giving Tori a point in her favor, and replied, "I had an early morning to catch my flight and after checking in with the hotel, I came right over here, so I haven't really rested."

Freddie wasn't sure what the reason for his mother's change in attitude of being an overly aggressive helicopter parent, but he wasn't going to look a gift horse in the mouth. "Okay, if you're sure. I'll call you before I pick you up. Just text me the address and room number you're staying."

"I will."

"Love you mom," he stated as he pulled her into a hug.

"I love you too."

Mrs. Benson pulled away from her son and looked to Tori. "Tori, it was nice to meet you."

"You too Mrs. Benson."

The Seattle nurse pulled Tori into a hug, surprising Freddie as his mother was pretty OCD when it came to being touched

She whispered into the singer's ear with a fairly stern voice, "You better take care of my boy."

Mrs. Benson pulled away and with one last look to Tori (who gave her a nod) turned away and out the door with Freddie shutting the door behind her.

Freddie blew out a deep breath then looked to Tori. He cracked a wide grin and chuckled, "So, you've finally met my mom."

Tori nervously smiled and hesitantly commented, "Yeah I did… It wasn't so bad. She seems… 'nice'?"

The former tech-producer cocked his head to the side and dryly countered, "She's an overbearing, a little neurotic and judgmental woman that can't deal with the fact that her behavior makes her unlikable to many people."

"Yeah, but I think it went well. I think she likes me… enough… okay, I'm not Sam and I think that works for me a lot."

Freddie nodded his head and admitted, "It did go far far better than I expected with her finding out that we've been rooming together and we're actually together as a couple. I was being a little rebellious towards her when I was with Sam and still trying to make it work with Sam at the time… a vain attempt, but I was trying." He finished approaching her and wrapped his arms around her waist to rest at the small of her back. "I think my mother isn't comfortable with the whole separation thing in me moving down here and I can guess she doesn't want to drive me away any further with her usual behavior. She might think I'll just go to the other side of the country or maybe leave it. Whether it's because of a genuine change in her or she's just being pragmatic, I don't know."

"Or she doesn't want any chance of you getting back with Sam and thinks I'm the best way of doing that, so… any reason is the smart move. I wouldn't want to let you go either."

He smirked and bragged a little, "Yeah, but you want to hold on to me for a very different reason."

"Oh definitely," Tori replied while pulling from his grasp to take his hand and lead him back to the couch.

The couple settled on the couch, Tori snuggling up to Freddie with him wrapping his arm over her shoulders. The brunette licked her lips and questioned, "We're going to be alright, aren't we?"

Freddie grinned, feeling comfortable sitting here with a beautiful girl next to him that liked him very much. "Yeah, we are."

He kissed her on the forehead as Tori picked up the remote control and turned on the television with Celebrities Underwater appearing on the screen. The couple smiled and settled to watch their shared favorite show.

Author's Note: I may be biased, but I think they'll be alright. Thanks for reading this and all the support I've gotten from you the readers. Take care of yourselves.