A/N: Yes, I know I have one chapter left on ACBTOM it will be complete, but it's a lot of information to add in so I needed a breather. Besides this chapter had been on the brain for a long time, so I wanted to go ahead and get out there.

Hope yall enjoy!

Disclaimer: I don't own iCarly.

Chapter 1

*13 years later*

*Los Angeles, California*

Sam made her way into her office at Bender & Bender advertisement and marketing agency. She was greeted by many of her co workers. She smiled at some, faked it with others. Life had changed a lot over the years.

Sam had received her associates in business, than went on to a four year college where she majored in marketing and advertising. Not long after graduating she got her job here at Bender & Bender. She had been working there for five years now, and had become one of there top consultants. Surprisingly, people liked her outspoken bluntness when working on bettering there business image.

Abby, Sam's assistant looked up as she heard Sam's heels clacking towards her desk. She reached down and grabbed Sam's house shoes and held them up.

"Morning," She said looking back down at her computer.

"Bleh," Sam said back. Though her life style changed and included her wearing business skirts, blouses, and heels to work, one thing had never changed her hate for the morning. However, it was something she had to get over.

Abby just shook her head at her boss. "Your white chocolate mocha is on your desk. Your two bacon breakfast sandwiches are in the microwave just press start, and here are your messages." She said sitting back in her chair and pulling her long black hair off of her shoulders.

"Thank you Abby, hold my calls for the first hour, and push back the meeting I have with Quik Fix Ink to three." She said before heading towards her office.

"Sam… really," Abby said back, but Sam kept walking causing her to get up from her desk and following her to her office.

"What Abby," Sam asked. Abby gave her a look that said you know what I want to know. "Oh you want to know about the blind date that you set me up on after I told you no more." Sam finished while she took off her heels and replaced them with her house shoes

"Duh," Abby said sitting in one of the chairs across from Sam's desk.

"Well, where should I start?" Sam stated sitting down. "Oh yeah, the dude was a fucking mortician."

"There's a problem with that?" Abby said back.

"Abby the dude was fucking creepy, and showed me pictures of dead bodies and explained how he goes about his job." Sam said back while rolling her eyes. "I mean yeah did it sound interesting, of course, but not as a topic on a date."

"Well, I have introduced you to a school teacher, a doctor, a fire man, and a damn divorce lawyer and you managed to bury each of them alive." Abby said. "So, naturally I assumed you had a thing for death."

Sam laughed and rolled her eyes. "That means I don't want to date right now." She said.

"Sam, I have known you for five years. Technically longer than that since I watched the show I'm not allowed to name, with the people I'm not allowed to name. And, you have been saying that same thing all five years. You're my boss, but more importantly my friend. You deserve more than what you give yourself. I wish you would see that. You deserve to be happy."

Sam sighed and looked at Abby. She was the first and really only true friend Sam had here in L.A. or period. Abby was short for Abigail, she had been born and raised in L.A. and was proud of it. She was mixed with white and Hispanic, and called herself a plus size inspiration to fashion. One thing Sam or anyone who was around Abby knew was that she could dress, and wasn't afraid to be herself. That is what Sam liked about her. She really forced herself on Sam.

She recognized Sam the day she started at B & B, which Sam found annoying. Whether or not others recognized her Sam wouldn't have known. She had changed her last name to escape her old life and with the help of some friends in high places it became hard for her to be traced by Puckett. However, Abby quickly called her on it, and constantly reminded her that she was a huge fan of iCarly. After a rocky beginning she grew on Sam, now she couldn't imagine life with out her.

"I know, thanks for caring, and when the time is right I will meet someone." Sam said before turning towards her computer.

Abby shrugged her shoulders and stood up. "Fine, no more blind dates," Abby said. Sam didn't turn to look at her she just nodded her head and got to work.

Abby walked out and quickly came back in. "Oh before I forget; I got dirt." She said with a huge smile.

"Abby really, it's seven in the morning how do you already have gossip, when did you even have time to start gossiping?" Sam said turning from her computer and looking at her assistant who power walked across the room and back in front of Sam's desk.

"Well, when you know the right people news travels fast." She said. "First off let me say that if this news is true, and it most likely is because it comes from a highly reliable source. You should be getting called into a meeting before this afternoon, with executives." She said

"Oh shit, am I getting fired. After all the fucking business I brought in for those corporate douche bags. Taking on ten times as much work, so Bill can sit on his ass while his cunt of a brother Thomas has time to go bang his house keeper behind his wife's back." Sam stated standing up from her desk as she began to search for still trustworthy butter sock. She found it and stood. "I got one better, I'm going to beat them to the punch; I'll quit while I go all Puckett on their asses."

"Whoa, whoa, Sam, No that's not why they're going to be calling you up." Abby said blocking Sam's way and sitting her back down.

"It's not," Sam said in suspicion.

"No," She said. "Okay, according to Leo," She started but Sam cut her off.

"I swear you and Leo spend way more time gossiping than actually working." Sam said. Leo was Thomas assistant, and the reason why the whole office secretly knew that the married man was banging his house keeper.

"Shush," Abby said back. "Anyways, this new multi-million dollar electronic company is thinking about becoming a client. They're flying one of you consultants out to land the deal, and they're considering you."

"Hm," Sam said back. "Yeah, I'm good."

"Are you serious?" She said. "This is a huge opportunity, and a chance to travel."

"I'm not leaving L.A. besides most of the million dollar contracts are a headache ran by some over achieving douche that can't see pass their products faults. That's why we don't have very many on file." Sam said back as she turned to continue to work. "Besides there are other reps who have been here way longer I doubt they'll send me due to seniority, and the only reason you want me to go is because as my assistant you'll get to go with me."

"There's one more bit of information before you write off the deal completely." She said. "Whoever nails the deal will be made into a partner."

That caught Sam's attention. She slowly turned around and stared at her friend. "Made partner, like partner, partner." She repeated.

"Yep, the bigger office, a bigger salary for you and your assistant, not to mention a company car and all the perks of being a partner." She said to Sam.

"But, Thomas and Bill have never made anyone a partner, why would they start now?" She asked.

"No clue, Leo didn't know, but he did say that they must feel like this is a sure thing, because they wouldn't be putting the stakes so high if it wasn't." She said.

"And, they're considering me?" Sam finished.

Abby stood up and shrugged her shoulders. "Rumor has it." She said before walking out to her desk. She smiled at Sam through the glass window and continued on with her work.

Sam turned to get busy herself, even though she was having a hard time concentrating. Sam hadn't left L.A. since moving here, not even for a vacation. She didn't know how to feel about this, but if she really was offered the clients would she really turn it down.

Not even an hour later she received a page from Abby telling her they wanted to see her upstairs. Sam placed her heels back on and made sure her hair, make up, and clothes were straight before heading towards the elevator. Abby crossed her fingers towards Sam and wished her luck.

When Sam got to Bills office, which had to be the size of a penthouse, the brothers were sharing a laugh at his desk. They saw Sam come in and stood to greet her.

"Morning Gentlemen," She greeted shaking both of their hands.

"Samantha," The two men greeted back Bill gestured towards the empty seat next to Thomas.

Sam sat down and crossed her legs. "I have to say fellas, I was quite surprise to be called up here so early, especially considering we have a meeting in a few hours with Burger Palace." She said. The two men nodded their heads and studied Sam.

"Well Sam, we have something we want to discuss with you." Bill said. "First off, we're taking you off the Burger Palace account."

"Wait, what, Bill I having been working on that account for a year." She said.

"And, you've done a fabulous job with it Samantha." Thomas said. "But, we have bigger fish we want you to fry."

"Say what now," Sam said back to them. She felt herself getting more nervous and excited at the same time.

"Have you heard of MB Technologies?" Bill asked.

"I can't say that I have." She said back in confusion.

"That's not surprising." Bill said back. "It's only been around for about seven years. In a nutshell they are the fastest growing multi-million dollar technology company since the pear company. They plan to go global within the next six months. However, they don't feel like their current marketing team is up for the challenge. Therefore, they are calling in the professionals."

"The co-founder and CEO, Gerald Montgomery, received an excellent recommendation about us, and want to meet with one of our representatives. You are the best we have Samantha, we want to send you." Thomas said with a smile.

"Wow, Bill, Thomas, are you sure?" She said.

"Yes, in the years you have been here, you have brought in more clients than most of our reps who have been her for 10 years plus. You're ruthless, and when it comes to bettering a business that's what matters." Bill said standing up and walking in front of Sam.

"When you get there you will meet with the board if they like your plan they will sign the contract, you will fax it to us. The only catch is if you accept, you will be required to stay down there the full six months." Thomas said.

"But, when you get back here to L.A. we will make you a full partner." Bill said with a smile.

"Are you serious? Partner, you're going to make me a partner?" She said in excitement.

"You deserve it Samantha." Thomas said. "Do you accept?"

"OH HELL YES!" She said standing up and shaking their hands. "Thank you so much for this opportunity."

"You are welcome," Bill said back. "We will email your assistant with a list of things that need to be done before you two leave. Make sure to send everything you have on Burger Palace to Mark. He will be taking over for you. Thursday, you and you assistant will have the day off to pack and prepare to leave."

"Wow, okay sounds like a plan." Sam headed towards the door, but then it hit her she had no clue where she was going.

"Oh, Tom, Bill, one last thing, where the hell am I going," She asked with a laugh.

"Oh, well that would be nice to actually know where you are going." Thomas said looking at the sheet in front of his brother's chair. "Seattle, Washington," Thomas said with a smile.

Sam's heart stopped beating as soon as the words left his mouth. "Seattle," was all Sam could say.

*Seattle Washington*

Carly took the remaining cookies out of the oven and sat them on her cooling rack. She sighed as she looked out the window. Soon a smile graced her face as a familiar Benz pull into the driveway within seconds the kitchen door was open and a young boy was in her arms.

"Mommy," He shouted as he all but jumped into his mother's arms. Carly squeezed him hard.

"I will never get enough of those great Dylan hugs." She said staying on the five year olds level. "I missed you."

"Mommy you saw me this morning." He said with a smile.

"Yeah, but you've been at school for 8 hours." She said kissing his cheek. "Where's your sister?"

"Right here mom," Dana said walking into the kitchen.

"Hey honey," Carly said taking in her daughter's challenged face. "How was school?"

"It was okay," She said.

"She's mad because daddy got there and interrupted her conversation with Skylar." Dylan said making kissing lips.

"Shut it you dweeb, before I turn back into an only child." Dana said to her younger brother.

"Hey, hey, hey stop it you two." Carly said.

Dana was twelve about to be thirteen. Like most pre-teenss she was at that age that everything her family did irritated her, none more so than Dylan himself. Carly tried to be sensitive to her daughters needs, but it was hard watching her oldest grow up so fast. It seems like just yesterday she received the news that she was pregnant.

"You leave your sister alone." Carly said to her youngest rubbing his hair that almost fell below his eyes.

"Whoa, Dylan can you see through the hair; looks like daddy is going to have to take you to go get a hair cut this weekend." Carly said.

"Yeah, like that's going to happen." Dana mumbled a little louder than she planned. She quickly put a bubble in her mouth when her mother looked up and shot her a look.

"What was that?" Carly said clearly knowing what she heard.

"Shhh," Dylan said to his sister.

Carly eyed both of her kids knowing what direction this was heading. "Nope, there will be none of that, what's going on?" She asked.

"Daddy said he wanted to tell you." Dana said before grabbing her little brother and darting upstairs just as Freddie walked through the back door.

"Dylan you left your backpack in the car again." He yelled up the stairs before turning to see a very irritated Carly.

"Hey Carls," Freddie said sitting Dylan's backpack on the stairs.

"You're canceling your weekend with the kids again." She said instantly crossing her arms.

Freddie sighed and yelled up the stairs. "Thanks for letting me tell your mom guys."

"You're welcome." They said back.

Freddie couldn't help, but laugh through his irritation at his crazy kids.

"Look before you start, I had no choice. Looks like I'll be working all weekend, and with my mom and Robert out of town there would be no point in them coming to my house." Freddie stated.

"Freddie, I'm really sick of hearing that excuse." Carly said back. "The point of joint custody is so we both are still apart of our kids lives. Last time I checked you canceling your weekends wasn't aiding in that."

"Oh give me a break Carly. It's one damn weekend." Freddie said.

"That's what you said the first weekend." Carly said back. "This is the third cancelation in the matter of two months."

Freddie started hitting his head on the wall. Marriage was no joke, but divorce that was the killer. He could bet and win big that they fight more now than they did when they were married, and he really didn't see how that was possible.

"Carly you know what I deal with at work. This is a big step for the company that is requiring us all put in the extra time. You knew what we were getting into when we started this." He said back.

"Wrong Freddie, I knew that you really wanted this so I went along with it, but how long is your career going to be first huh?" She asked. "It already destroyed your marriage, now you're going to let it destroy your relationship with your kids too?"

"That is so not fair Carly and you know it." He said back angrily. "I am here every time you guys need me. I leave work early and pick up my kids every other day from school. I'm at every volleyball game, spelling bee, and tragic kindergarten program. Me working is how I contribute to this family. It's what's paying for this house, paying for child support, paying your alimony. My job is why you don't have to work even though we aren't together anymore."

"That was really fucking low Freddie." Carly said taking a plate out of the cabinet to put the cookies on.

"Like what you said wasn't; don't attack my character, Carly." He said. "I don't like missing time with my kids, and I sure as hell don't want to be in meetings all weekend, especially when it's supposed to be my time off, in a department meeting I'm not even in charge of. It's not my fault that Gerald decided to get married and go on his honeymoon during the most important time in our companies history, but he has and as co-founder I have to be there and approve what is about to happen. So please get off my fucking back." Freddie finished.

Carly calmed down. She could tell the companies new changes were stressing him out and the last thing she wanted to do was stress him out more. She opened her mouth to say something, but someone beat her to the punch.

"Why do you guys always fight?" They looked over to see Dana standing there with her arms crossed as she looked at her parents. "Why can't you have a calm rational discussion for once?"

"I'm sorry angel," Freddie said walking to their oldest daughter and kissing her on the top of her head. "It's my fault; mommy's just worried that by me missing weekends with you guys I'm missing a lot. You know I really hate not being with you guys right?"

"I know," She said. "You have to work daddy."

Freddie smiled at his daughter. She was saying one thing, but her eyes were always the betrayal when it came to these rougher conversations.

"Tell you what, Carls." He said turning around and looking at his ex-wife. "Why don't I trade you this weekend for next? You know if you didn't have anything planned for the kids." He asked.

"Nothing that can't be moved to this weekend," Carly said.

"So, there you go starting next weekend I'll take you and Dylan for two weekends in a row." He said with a smile. Dylan came from around the corner.

"WE GET TO STAY AT DAD'S TWO WEEKENDS IN A ROLE!" He said causing everyone in the room to laugh. Freddie held out his arms and he ran into them.

To Dylan staying with Freddie was like staying at an amusement park. Freddie lived in this luxury apartment where pretty much everything was electronic, that's how they tested out most of there products that way anything that was wrong he could work it out himself. Freddie and the kids' voices were programmed to turn on whatever needed to be turned on. Dana wasn't that impressed, because it was also a parental block on certain things, but Dylan couldn't get enough of pressing the button and yelling out commands. If that wasn't enough to keep his attention, he got to help Freddie build and keep electronic prototypes of the toys the company came up with. They all stayed at Freddie's place though.

"The word you are looking for is ROW, buddy." Freddie said. "But, yes, if it's okay with your mom…" Freddie said.

They all looked her way, and put on the puppy dog pouts. Carly rolled her eyes. "Fine, we can trade weekends, but Wednesday you're taking Dylan to get a haircut." She said.

"YES!" Dylan said. "Now we can finish the helicopter dad, and play with it." He said.

"That's right, buddy it's going to be the first thing we do." Freddie said placing the boy back on the ground. He and Dana ran to give their mom a hug she handed them the cookies and two milk cartoons.

"Alright, go on upstairs and get started on your homework. Let me finish talking to your mom." Freddie said. They nodded their heads and Dylan grabbed his backpack.

"Help your brother, Dana." Carly said as they disappeared. Carly looked back at Freddie and shook her head. "That may get you off the hook with them, but I'm still mad."

"I know," He said. "Carly, I don't want everything between us to be a fight anymore. We've been divorced for two years now; we're in counseling for co-parenting. I'm trying here, but I'm sick of fighting. The whole reason we divorced was to stop fighting."

"We divorced for a lot of reasons Freddie," She quickly added in. "But, you're right. I don't want to fight anymore."

Freddie nodded. "Can we realize that we both play a major part in making this arrangement work? I really do appreciate you in lot of ways Carly you're a great mother, but I don't get the kind of time you do with OUR kids, but I try to make the most of the time I do get. I need you to work with me on this." Freddie said genuinely.

Carly sighed. "Okay, Freddie I'll try to be more understanding." She said. They both nodded their heads and sat in the comfortable awkward silence; they had grown so used to in the years of their marriage.

"So, what's the meeting or deal you all are working on now?" Carly asked sitting down across from Freddie at the kitchen island.

"Oh, someone finally talked Gerald into hiring this extra expensive advertising company to help us with our image to go global." Freddie said back going to the refrigerator and pulling out a Wahoo Punch. "Apparently they're sending out their best consultant some woman named Samantha Birks. I have to approve the plan before our marketing team and the marketing company can move forward."

Carly nodded. "You hate it don't you." She said taking in her ex's facial expressions.

"I just don't understand why we're pulling in an outsider, but Gerald is over this section of the company and he makes the final decision, just like I make the final decision over the products." He said back.

"Well look at the bright side Freddie, the change may be more welcoming than you think; especially considering what you all are trying to do." Carly said back.

Freddie nodded. "I hope you're right." He said back.

A/N: Alright so how this is going to work. Is there are going to present chapters and flashback chapters. Sometimes their will be a little of both. You will see what is happening in the present and what happened in the past (taking place after iGoodbye, but Sam and Cat NEVER HAPPENED) to get them to the place they are at. The first flashback chapter is the next one.