AN: Just a short little one-shot based on Freddie's question to Carly in iOpen A Restaurant. It kept nagging at me so I had to write something; hopefully someone enjoys it.
Disclaimer: I still don't own iCarly or any of the characters
Is it too late for you to love me?
He shot the words out so quickly that I asked him to repeat them; he brushed it off airily but I knew what I'd heard. Freddie Benson still loves me.
We had our lunch at Gibby's new restaurant; it was too spicy for me but Freddie seemed to like it. A table for two, complete with a flower, before two became four and there was no chance to discuss what he had said to me. I left the school basement with lunch burning in my mouth and his words ringing in my ears. Sam detained him at the stairs; he wouldn't say what their brief conversation was about.
Is it too late for you to love me?
Back at Bushwell Plaza and he suggests a "study date"; to study Chemistry of all things (will you want to talk about the chemistry between us Freddie?). Suddenly there's a blinding flash (it turns out to be Spencer's new security system); Freddie's at my side in an instant berating Spencer, making sure I'm alright, just being Freddie. When Spencer's next security system goes haywire Freddie's still there, still protecting me like he always does.
Is it too late for you to love me?
Those nine words, nine little words, echo endlessly through my mind. I think back on all that's happened since the sixth grade; from the boy who was a head shorter than me, eager to please and with a puppy dog crush to the man who morphed seamlessly into my best male friend. A journey that has seen him pick up the pieces when I've been feeling down, rescue my night with a simple (but memorable) dance, be my steady rock when relationships crumble and save my life with no thought for his own. There've been the lows too; breaking up with me, thinking my feelings weren't real, the way he acted while dating my other best friend and his eye wandering to other girls (making me feel that I've lost him). This last thought, this last fear, seems to make up my mind.
Lying in my bed, waiting for sleep to take me, his question – and my answer – come to mind one more time.
Is it too late for you to love me?
No, Freddie, it's not.