I do not own Phineas and Ferb.

More Than Just a Pet

The sound of soft snoring filled the tent. Perry glanced around and gently shuffled out from under Phineas' arm. The redhead muttered in his sleep and rolled over. Perry nudged him affectionately before doing the same to Ferb. Satisfied that they were sleeping well, he climbed out of the tent and into the warm Savannah night.

Perry would sometimes take to checking on his family during the nights, but due to what occurred that day it wasn't really a surprise he would want to double check and make sure they were safe and sound.

Linda and Lawrence were curled against each other, her head resting against his chest. Perry smiled at the display before trotting back out.

He checked on the girls next. Candace was sprawled in her sleeping bag, red hair covering her face. Isabella was pressed against the side of the tent, her forehead wrinkled slightly in sleepy irritation. Perry shook his head and nudged Candace over a bit so the Mexican-Jewish girl would have some room. The redhead mumbled softly, but rolled over, allowing Isabella to stretch out.

Buford's snores could be heard across the Savannah. Perry peeked into the tent and spotted Baljeet sitting up with a pillow pressed over his ears and his teeth gritted. Spotting the platypus, the Indian boy smiled. "Hello, Perry. I suppose you cannot sleep either."

Perry chattered and when reached for him, the platypus willingly climbed into his arms. Baljeet rubbed his head fondly and set him in his lap. "Is Phineas muttering plans in his sleep again? He has a tendency to do that, especially when we are camping out."

Baljeet lay back in his sleeping bag and stroked the semi-aquatic mammal. "You know, I did not believe you were in Africa with us. But Phineas was quite certain. I should not have underestimated the bond of a pet and his owner." He chuckled. "Oh, excuse me. A bond between friends. Because you are certainly more than just a pet."

Those words warmed Perry's heart more than he could ever explain. He knew he meant the world to Phineas and Ferb. But to hear it aloud, that he was their friend and pet, it gave him a wonderful feeling inside. Baljeet adjusted his position in his sleeping bag, cradled Perry against his chest and closed his eyes.

Eventually, despite the chainsaw snoring happening beside him, he fell asleep. Perry wriggled from his grip, chattered softly and left.

He sat on a rock and looked out at the dark plains. It had been an eventful day but one moment had continued to plague his mind since it happened.

The zap of a laser. The sickening crunch as a log broke. And five terrified screams as they plummeted to the rushing rapids below.

The second he heard the screams he was running. He didn't think about the possibility that his secret would be in jeopardy as he burst from the cave. All he knew was that his friends were falling to their possible deaths.

The friends who had been delighted to see him and rushed to his rescue.

And when Evil Carl stopped him from charging to their aid, he felt a sense of helplessness that had to be pushed back so he could defend himself and the fate of the world. He had to trust that Phineas and Ferb would get themselves and their best friends to safety.

It came as a massive relief when he heard Phineas calling his name after the big battle.

Sometimes, Perry wished that Phineas, Ferb and the rest would remember his secret. Then he could be himself around the people he loved most.

But perhaps one day. For now, he was content to be more than just a pet.

A very short, spur-of-the-moment one-shot that doesn't really have a point. I hope it was enjoyable, anyway.

BTW; greatest quote in the special:

"I assure you, for the rest of my life every time I look back on this I will personally drive over to your house and smack you."
-Major Monogram