Longest chapter yet! Late too, and that's my fault for getting so wrapped up in a book that I forgot the real world existed. The Replacement is an amazing book by the way.
Thank you KingxLeon21, you are quite possibly the fastest beta ever, and you always tell me what I need to fix! :)

Song Title comes from But It's Better if You Do by Panic! At The Disco

The floor fell out from underneath him. The sky shattered to pieces above him. Hungry winds froze his soul and the blazing sun burnt his body. Everything was out to get him; everything was falling apart. The footage of him screaming at the little girl was online, and now everyone hated him. His career was ruined, his life was over.

Nevel clawed desperately at the screen. "No! NO! Please no!" Being a firm atheists he was unsure of who he was begging to, all he knew was that he wanted someone to swoop in and save him.

For the millionth time, the little girl began cry onscreen and Nevel winced, pausing the video and turning off the monitor so he wouldn't have to look at it anymore. With over a million views, the video was going viral rapidly, and both the little girl's tears and the jumping views were disturbing him.

Nevel's phone began to vibrate and ring loudly. He glanced down at the Caller ID, a raging heat filling him when he saw the name of the one person who could have done this to him, the one person who knew about it, and had footage. He snatched his phone up.

"MISSY!"

"Nevel! Nevel! Ohmygosh Nevel I'm so sorry!" Good, she already felt remorse for what she'd done. Nevel reveled in Missy's watery voice. "My older brother! He's such a jerk! He hates you so much, and he found the video and uploaded it to Splashface! I'm so sorry Nevel, I would have stopped him if I had known!"

Nevel cooled a little, but didn't let his guard down. "Remove the video then."

"I don't know his password or anything, but I'll try to bargain with him and figure out his password, I'll get it down I swear." Missy's words came out jumbled, and she still sounded on the edge of tears, as if she was afraid Nevel would abandon her and their plan.

"How can I be sure it wasn't you, Missy?" his voice was back to his calm, normal one.

Missy sniffled dramatically, "I'm on your side, Nevel! In all of this, I want you to win, because I'll win! You're the most important part of this team, I would never risk losing you!"

Nevel felt quite satisfied with Missy's words. What she said was true; he was the brains of the operation and a key player in executing it. She'd have to be a total moron to risk his sanity.

"Do you believe me?" Missy's voice wavered at Nevel's silence.

"Yes Missy, I believe you," he assured her quietly, his heart still heavy with his impending doom.

"Oh thank goodness!" Missy's sweet, concerned voice dripped through the phone, "Are you still on my side Nevel? Are we still in this together?"

Nevel rolled his eyes, "Of course we are, Missy."

"Awesome! You should come over right away. We'll figure out my brother's password, and maybe we can use this incident to help our plan to take down iCarly!"

Nevel responded, sullenly, to her peppy attitude, nevertheless making his way to Missy's. The trip was terrible. On the way to the bus stop, he drank from a juice box, hoping that his favourite organic beverage would perk him up.

It didn't.

He continued to stumble through the streets with his hair in a mess, clutching to his juice; truly a perfect poster child for hitting rock bottom.

At the bus stop a lady walked away so she wouldn't have to sit near him, a man gave him his very own Seattle rain shower via a garden hose and he had a disgusting bag of French fries thrown at him. On the bus, Nevel wallowed in self pity, receiving glares from everyone on the bus, and the driver made him get off four blocks away from Missy's house. He doubted the thought that, going to see the peppy redhead would actually make him feel better, but if there was a chance to hack her brother's account it would be worth it, and he couldn't bear to stare at the computer screen anymore.

By the time he arrived at Missy's apartment, she was nearly exploding with a new plot. It was simple, yet elegant. Nevel had to admit he was in awe, and also extremely irritated that she had thought of it before he could.

The first step was to go and beg forgiveness from the iCarly crew. Once he had convinced them he felt like a terrible person and felt truly sorry, he would ask them to aid him of getting the world's forgiveness. Once the past was dealt with, Nevel would really start on the heart of the plan.

He'd befriend Carly, become close with her, spend a lot of time with her and get her to feel comfortable around him and be open with him. In the meantime, Missy would find a way to keep Sam, Freddie, and Gibby otherwise occupied. Slowly, Nevel would pull Carly away from them, and build up her trust.

Lastly, the rest of his team would create a situation where Carly needed to pick Nevel over her other friends. Even if it was for something small, they would feel betrayed, and the four of them could step to the side and watch their enemies crumble.

"Oh, and Nevel," Missy's innocent voice caught him at the door when he went to leave, as did her fingers latching into his shoulder, "You don't have feelings for Carly anymore, right?"

Nevel kept his voice brisk, "I never actually harboured feelings for Carly Shay, I was just infatuated with her looks. Nothing but the crush of a silly little boy."

Missy released her fingers, "Good." Her speech reminded him of winter; crisp, cold, and sharp.

Nevel walked out the door quickly, telling himself it was because he had a plan to set in motion. A louder voice drowned that out, predicting that what he'd just said to Missy was the first of many lies he'd tell tonight.

Freddie glared at the disgusting pig tied up on Carly's couch, legs and arms in the air. He was pleading his case, but it was clear only Carly was listening. Gibby remained engrossed in his pudding, while Sam and himself were too absorbed in their hatred for the blonde boy. Maybe it was petty and stupid, but Freddie didn't appreciate Nevel trying to take advantage of one of his friends and messing up his website, making him look like a colossal idiot on his part. He was the man of the friendship, sorry Gibby, wasn't he supposed to protect them and the webshow, and other sexist stuff like that?

Sam was obviously the defender though, and had done good work. From the moment he'd shown up at the door, Nevel spent no more than half a second free. Sam leapt on him within a second of his arrival, yelling at Freddie to find some rope as she did so. He obeyed quickly. Not surprisingly, Spencer had some extra rope lying around, and handed it over to Sam. She had Nevel tied up and on the couch, helpless, in three seconds flat. Freddie found himself more impressed with Sam's behavior than normal. Maybe with all the acts of violence against him Freddie forgot how hard Sam would fight anyone who threatened iCarly.

When Nevel was untied, at Carly's request, and swearing that he was sorry, Freddie tried to believe him. Nevel said he felt terrible for hurting the little girl, that it made him realize he was a terrible person, and he wanted to earn theirs, the little girl's, and the world's forgiveness. He sounded heartfelt enough, but Freddie couldn't bring himself to buy it. Nevel sounded too innocent. Either way it didn't matter; Carly was buying, always quick to see the best in people. He glanced at Sam, her eyes set in a frown, and a devilish smile forming on her face. Well at least she was on his side.

"You wanna prove it?" Sam challenged, tugging off her shoe, "See this sneaker? My foot's been sweating in it for over a year." Freddie wrinkled his nose in disgust and mentally noted to trick Sam into letting him buy her new shoes.

"Now…" Sam continued, turning around in her seat to grab something, "Here's a half drunk can of Wahoo Punch," she paused and dumped the punch into her shoe. Freddie grimaced, and Sam thrust the shoe in front of Nevel. "Drink it!"

Nevel recoiled immediately, "Oh my God!"

Carly smirked in a very Sam-like fashion. "You wanna prove you're sincere?"

"Then drink from the shoe." Freddie finished in his vampire voice, earning a glare from Sam. He felt his shoulders drop a little. How come Sam was immune to his vampire charms? Maybe he'd have to try it directly on her in order for them to work.

"This Wahoo Punch, is it organic?" Nevel questioned, peering into the dark abyss of Sam's footwear.

"Just drink it!" snapped Sam.

Nevel had a final moment of hesitation, before a determined look came over his face and he grabbed the shoe, chugging back the liquid. Freddie grinned hugely and resisted the urge to congratulate Sam on her wicked plan. He was doubtless that she was pleased enough with herself, particularly when Nevel nearly choked on a dead cricket.

After that, they discussed plans to make Nevel less hated, and eventually agreed that creamed corn and free smoothies seemed like a pretty good way to go. Freddie wasn't much help to the conversation, seeing as the whole time was wondering if his vampire voice didn't turn Sam into a mushy, flowery girl, then what did? Ever since she'd shoved him in front of that bike for nearly calling her a boy, Freddie had been more curious what made Sam act like a girl. He knew some boys quite literally did, like when she got dolled up for Pete, but he was more curious about something small, some little trick that could make Samantha Puckett melt. The first thing that came to mind was compliments, and it wasn't very likely, but Freddie figured he'd have a go at it on his way out anyways.

Things had wrapped up, and everyone was drifting off. Nevel had left, Gibby was gone long before him to get pudding. Carly was putting away food from the party, and Sam had flopped out on the couch. Freddie stood and walked to the door, hesitating when he got there, unsure of how to compliment someone who often abused him for saying the wrong thing. Taking a relaxing breath Freddie decided that honesty would be his best bet.

Discreetly he let his eyes roam her body, trying not to be creepy, but quickly finding many admirable features. However, complimenting her on something like the pretty little patch of skin between her shirt, and jeans, would earn him a black eye. Finally, he decided on her hair. It really did look nice, even when thrown chaotically against the pillow she was lying on. And in theory most girls liked to be told their hair looked and/or smelt nice.

Ignoring the fact that Sam wasn't most girls, he turned to say bye to Carly, then called on her, "Hey Sam." His voice was casual, hoping to get her attention.

"What?" her head didn't turn from the T.V.

"Your hair looks nice today."

She snapped her head towards him and narrowed her eyes. "What's your game, Benson?"

Freddie shrugged. "No game, you just look… nice. Thought you might like to hear it."

"I would've rather gotten a pie," Sam informed him breezily, turning back to the T.V.

Freddie sighed as he left the apartment, quickly entering his own. It seemed as if complimenting Sam was a bust. Freddie was so wrapped up in his own musings that when he flopped down on his own couch he didn't even notice his mother repeatedly calling his name.

Marissa felt her heart stop beating. "Freddie! Fredward!" she called frantically again.

Her boy sat on the couch, staring off into space, and evidently not hearing his mother.

"FREDWARD BENSON!" she shrieked. He jumped and turned around.

"What mom? What's wrong?" he asked in concern, noticing the tears welling up in her eyes.

"That rotten Sam Puckett," Marissa muttered darkly, "And her no good mother Pam Puckett."

"Mom!" Freddie admonished.

"You couldn't hear me Freddie! And it's because that wretched girl pushed you in front of that bike and caused you permanent hearing loss!"

"No, Mom-" Freddie started to protest.

Mrs. Benson cut him off, "Stop it Freddie. I know the truth, and I'm going to give that Pam Puckett a piece of my mind!"

Freddie started to protest again, but his mother had already snatched up her purse and stormed out the door. She stomped her way to the car, glowered the entire trip, and pounded the pavement up to Pam's doorstep. Once she'd arrived, she knocked violently and when Pam answered the door Marissa's anger broke free.

"You are a horrifying parent! It's because of you and your gutter girl that my beautiful boy can't hear properly! She damaged him, and he's going to be damaged for the rest of his life!"

Pam's expression turned from surprised to furious. "Sam is not a gutter girl! Just because we don't have much money doesn't make her less of a person," Pam snapped.

"You're right," Marissa said coolly, "It's the fault of the parent! If you weren't such a terrible mother your daughter wouldn't go around pushing my son in front of oncoming traffic!" Marissa's eyes were wild, and she felt her anger escalating.

"The nub probably deserved it," Pam hissed.

"No boy deserves to be stuck around a demon such as your daughter!" Marissa shot back, regretting the words the moment they left her mouth.

Pam looked shocked, then furious, then devastated all in the three seconds before the door was slammed in Marissa's face.

Marissa stumbled back a couple of steps, her heart heavy with regret. She had never intended to say such awful things about Sam. The girl really wasn't all bad. She cared deeply for her friends, as Marissa recalled how concerned she was when Freddie got hit by the taco truck. Certainly more concerned than Carly Shay, who was too busy putting her lips all over poor Freddie's face. On top of that, Marissa had noticed a violent rash up both Pam's arms. She was certain she had the correct lotion for it in her travel size first aid kit in her vehicle.

Mind made up, Marissa walked back to her car and grabbed her first aid kit, then toted the small suitcase back up the path to Pam's house, ringing the doorbell.

"Go away," Came Pam's muffled voice.

"Please let me in Pam. I want to apologize." Marissa pressed closer to the door in hopes of communicating better.

"Don't want your stupid apology." Even from outside Marissa could hear Pam itching harshly.

"I have some lotion for your rash," she offered.

The door opened a crack and a single red hand poked through. "Give it here," Pam demanded.

"It can only be administered by a registered nurse." Marissa lied. She was worried this bottle of lotion was the only thing that could bring Pam to forgive her.

Pam sighed. "Fine. Come in." The door swung open to reveal Pam with two entirely red and bumpy arms.

"Oh my goodness!" Marissa sprang forward, "Pam, what happened?"

Pam shrugged. "I dunno. I cut through the park the night after you stitched me up and it's been like this ever since!"

"Probably poison ivy," Marissa murmured, moving forward to examine it closer. "May I?" she asked the blonde, gesturing to the bumps.

Pam swallowed and nodded, closing the door behind Marissa, then leading her to the living room a few feet away. Marissa took the house in as she entered, noticing that there seemed to be only one hallway. On the left, there were three doors, presumably a bathroom and two bedrooms. On her right were two bigger rooms, each with arches rather than doors. It wasn't dirty enough to cause her to tense up, but she would love to give the place a good clean.

At that moment, they were in the living room, with windowed space looking into the kitchen and dining room. Most everything was some shade of blue, with lots of various, un-matching floral patterns, and knick knacks everywhere.

Pam draped herself on the couch. Marissa sat next to her and began to unload her first aid kit, working until she found her calamine lotion. The entire time Pam maintained a steady glare directed toward Marissa.

"Found it!" Marissa said cheerfully. Pam continued to glower.

"Look Pam, I am so sorry for what I said. I never should have criticized Sam. She cares very much for my Freddie, even if she doesn't always show it."

Pam relaxed a little and stopped glaring. "Thanks," she murmured softly.

"May I?" Marissa held up the bottle of lotion. Pam nodded and held out her arms.

Marissa quickly put a dab of lotion on her fingertips, then scooted forward to shorten the distance between the two. The moment she pressed her cool fingers on Pam's fiery skin the blonde let out a soft, sensual moan, causing both women to blush.

"Sorry," muttered Pam.

"Perfectly alright," Marissa assured her, recovering, "This lotion feels fantastic on your poor skin I'm sure." Marissa began to rub the lotion all over both of Pam's arms, half hoping she'd make that noise again. Silence engulfed them after a few seconds.

"I really do want to be a good mother," Pam said softly, surprising Marissa, "I just don't know how."

Marissa stopped her work and looked deep into the sad, uncertain, but still painfully beautiful eyes of her companion. "I believe you," she whispered softly.

A small smile crept onto Pam's face before she ducked her head, "Thanks Marissa."

Mrs. Benson continued in silence, gently massaging the lotion in until the pink gunk was all over Pam's arms. As she packed up her things Pam remained on the couch. Both were lost in thought.

"Um, Pam," Marissa broke the silence this time, "How about tomorrow I come over for the day and we watch some movies about parenting and I can give you some tips. Plus, I'll be able to keep putting lotion on your bumps."

Pam smiled up at the redhead. "Sounds like fun. I'll be there."

Marissa laughed lightly, and gathered up the rest of her belongings, spending the drive home feeling like she was soaring on a cloud.

You should definitely review because I ran a mile before posting this and it was exhausting so I deserve something for all that hard work, right? :)