A/N: Hey! Thanks for the reviews to Dreadwing216, Sabrina Kelly, FrostyJudge, MarieFlynn and Rorscarch! You rock, guys!
Hope you all enjoy this one!
I don't own Phineas and Ferb.

Isabella put her bag on the floor, as she looked around Candace's room, which was just as pink as always; even though the owner didn't use it anymore. She would have never supposed she would once live here!

When her mother first told her that she and Isabella's Dad would have to leave the town for a couple of days, Isabella thought it would be a nice challenge to deal with all everyday stuff on her own. Little did she know her Mom had come up with a better solution. "Of course I could leave you alone, you're almost an adult after all! But living with Linda and her family will make it much easier for you, and I will be much calmer," she claimed.

So on Tuesday, she didn't return home, but went straight to the Flynn-Fletchers' with Phineas and Ferb. All she had to do was bring the most important stuff from home.

Linda and Lawrence were lovely people and welcomed her with open arms, as usual. After knowing them for so many years, she could really feel at home with them, because they treated her just like a really close family friend (who she actually was).

She still laughed to herself every time she realised she was now living with Phineas in the same house. Well, and with his parents and Ferb. And just for five days. But those were just insignificant details! What mattered was that she was able to see Phineas for almost the entire day - walk past him in the house, talk to him at school, study together in the evenings - and it would last for the next couple of days. What a wonderful prospect.

Meanwhile, Phineas was happy to have her around; for him, everything was always more fun with his friends by his side, definitely with her (he had admitted to himself he didn't treat her as just a friend anyway). It was also interesting to see Isabella in situations in which he didn't usually find her - such as brushing her hair before going to sleep or bursting into his and Ferb's room and telling them goodnight. She also got up earlier than the boys, having more stuff to do before going out, so she always woke them up; this was definitely one of his favourite parts of the day. Or the funniest - depended if Isabella decided to shake them gently, or yell: "What a wonderful day it is!", then laugh at their petrified expressions.

The days were passing happily, but also very quickly. Before Isabella knew it, it was Friday morning, the day before her parents' return.

Isabella was just drying her hair in Candace's room, when Phineas walked in. He was still in his pajamas and his hair was ruffled (what a fantastic view), but his face already had a vigorous expression.

"Hey Isabella!" he greeted her, standing beside her.

"Hi Phineas, what'cha doin'?" She grinned, saying her signature catchphrase for probably the millionth time.

"Mom just told me Candace will visit us for the weekend. Cool, isn't it?"

"Yeah! I haven't seen her for so long..." Isabella admitted. Besides, she had wanted to ask her one thing for some time, and this would be a great opportunity.

"Watch out!" she suddenly exclaimed, pointing the hairdryer at his face; his eyes went wide as he was completely unprepared for being attacked with warm air, causing them both to laugh. Isabella smiled to herself; there was no such thing as to many silly jokes with Phineas.

"Anyway, I gotta go or Ferb's gonna take the shower," he said. Since Isabella had moved in, the bathroom schedule was carefully planned and, needless to say, jam-packed.

"Okay. See ya!"

"See ya," he said and left.

When he walked out of the bathroom and went downstairs, Isabella was already sitting at the kitchen table, eating breakfast. He noticed her with a slight smile, as always. He really enjoyed seeing her in everyday situations. Eating breakfast with her or coming back together to the same house were things he could easily get used to; and he was going to miss them after she would be gone.

Isabella smiled back at her friend. He sat next to her, and the scent of his shampoo wafted in the air. There was something endearing in doing everything together - even if it was just munching cereal with an unconscious expression while listening to his vibrant talk. She reached out and fixed his hood almost involuntarily, to which he reacted with a small smile.

Soon, Ferb joined them, and the three finished their breakfast, then left for school.

After returning home that afternoon, they found Linda and Lawrence chatting lively with Candace in the living room.

"Hey!" she exclaimed as she saw her brothers and Isabella, and stood up to hug them. To the latter, she whispered, "I can see you've already moved in?" Candace winked at the girl.

"What did you think? I burst in as soon as you left," Isabella whispered back and the two laughed.

"Is... Amanda with you?" Phineas asked, looking around. He really adored his little niece.

"This time she stayed with Jeremy," replied Candace. "I have to be enough for you!" She laughed.

"I'm always happy to see my fantastic sister," he grinned, bantering with her.

Candace smiled broadly. "Seriously though, it's great to see you two," she said warmly. "And you too, Isabella!"

The three replied it was awesome to finally see her too, and sat at the table. Throughout the evening, they kept talking about Candace's college, her family life, Phineas', Ferb's, and Isabella's high school and all those little details the family needed to catch up on. Still, Isabella hoped to find some time to talk to Candace face to face.

An opportunity occurred when Linda decided to serve dessert, and called all the men to help, as Candace was exhausted after her journey, and Isabella was their guest. Besides, somebody had to keep her company.

Linda, Lawrence, and the boys finally left the room.

"So, what do you want to talk to me about?" Candace asked Isabella, who made a dumbfounded expression. "Am I right? You look like you do."

"Actually, yes, I..." started Isabella. "I just thought you could give me some advice." She folded her hands on the table.

"Sure," replied Candace, encouraging her to let it out.

"It's just... You know what it's like." She lowered her voice, glancing in the direction of the kitchen. "Phineas, Phineas, Phineas. It would be so wonderful to be in a relationship... But I'm wondering. Maybe, just maybe... it's time to let it go? Most people my age have boyfriends and girlfriends, and then there's me. With my entire life spent on crushing on a guy who doesn't notice." She sighed. "And I'm asking for your opinion because you know him. You can tell me if I should keep waiting."

Candace nodded, and kept silent for a while, as if forming an answer in her mind. Finally, she spoke up.

"All right. First of all, I... wouldn't like you to think I should decide for you. Yes, I know him, but it's up to you to decide, Isabella." She smiled. "That being said... do you want to be in a relationship just because some of your peers are?"

"No, I didn't mean it like that. It's stupid, of course... I just... see all those happy couples and think... Why can't I have it too? And I hate to think that the answer is obvious. I could choose someone else and be as happy as those people."

"Isabella, no offense..."

"Yes?"

"You know you're just trying to convince yourself?" Candace asked softly.

Isabella sighed deeply.

"Yes, I know. I can't just 'choose' someone else. Heart is heart, and it's hard to control. Besides, I don't want to choose anyone else."

"Exactly." Candace smiled. "You're a wise girl Isabella, don't let doubt make you come to unreasonable conclusions."

"Thanks, Candace." Isabella returned the smile, thought it was a bit weaker.

"You're welcome."

"But do you think... I may have a chance?"

"A really big one, I'd say!" Candace said certainly.

"Really?" Isabella raised her eyebrows.

"Uh-huh. I've-"

"Hey, what's up?" They were interrupted by Phineas standing at the door.

"Girl talk." Candace grinned at her brother.

"Just a lighthearted conversation?"

"Nope. Serious women stuff," Candace said half-seriously, half-playfully.

"Like what? If I may ask."

Candace sent a questioning look at Isabella, encouraging her to say it. She didn't want to say too much, it was better for the girl to choose what to reveal.

"Like the appropriate age to begin a relationship, and if it's ever too late for one," said Isabella.

"Oh, I see," he said. "Why would it be, actually?" he asked, referring to their topic. "It depends on the person... And almost any age may be appropriate if you're not forcing yourself."

"Do you feel any pressure because of not being with anyone?" Candace asked curiously.

Phineas was surprised with the question, but he didn't have anything to hide from his sister or Isabella.

"I don't know... Even if I did, I wouldn't be with anyone just for the sake of being with someone. It would be unfair... of them, of me, of the people I care about more..." he said, shooting a quick, almost unnoticeable glance at Isabella.

"I agree," Isabella said quietly.

Suddenly, Linda called Phineas from the kitchen.

"I'll be back soon," he said quickly and walked off.

There was a moment of silence, during which Candace observed Isabella with a smile.

"I think he answered your question better than me."

"He said something about the people he cares about more," said Isabella, as it caught her attention.

"Yes."

"It sounded like he was talking about a girl," Isabella said sadly. "I'm not sure I'd like to know who he meant."

"Wouldn't you?" Candace asked with a trace of a giggle in her voice. "Because I'm pretty sure he meant you."

"I don't know," Isabella said uncertainly.

"You two should talk it over," decided Candace.

Isabella's hesitation was more than apparent.

"I'm serious! You could at least get to know his point of view," convinced Candace.

"Maybe..."

"When he comes back, I'll think of an excuse to leave and give you the opportunity to talk. I can hold the family in the kitchen. Yes or no?" offered Candace.

Isabella's brows furrowed; she seemed to have made a decision.

"What the heck, all right." Her face lit up. "Candace?"

"Yeah?"

"You're awesome." Isabella grinned. "Awesome, awesome, awesome."

"Thanks." The young woman chuckled and returned the smile. "I think he's coming."

She was right; a moment later, Phineas came in.

"So, I'm back," he said, and leaned against the doorframe again.

"Oh my goodness, I think it's time to finally stretch my old, squeaky joints," said Candace and stood up. "But you can continue the conversation with Phineas?"

"Sure!" Isabella smirked at Candace's "smooth" excuse.

"Cool! I'll leave you two alone then!" she announced jauntily.

Phineas watched his sister walk out with surprise.

"Didn't I disturb you?" he asked.

"No, not at all! Come on, sit," she encouraged him. He took the seat next to her.

"How did you come to such a serious conversation at all?"

"Ah, you know, life," said Isabella, as always mentally facepalming herself at her ambiguous answers.

"I understand. I... actually didn't plan it... but since the topic was somehow brought up... Could you bear one more serious conversation?" he asked, looking at her steadily.

Isabella felt something similar to a punch in the stomach.

"Yes," she replied, barely hearing her voice.

He sighed, and then chuckled.

"All right... It seemed a lot easier until you really said it."

Isabella had tens of assumptions as to what he could mean, but decided not to build up her hopes.

"No worries, just say it," she said softly.

Phineas looked at his best friend, not believing what he was intending to do. After so many years of being friends... Was there a chance for it to become something more? He pulled himself together. It was going to be the boldest way to seize the day in his entire life.

"It's not that..." He sighed. "I'm just being stupid, sorry." He looked at her finally. He wanted to see her reaction.

"I just wanted to tell you... During the last few days... It was great to see you so often, and doing all that ordinary stuff with you made it a whole lot better."

Isabella's eyes widened. She barely felt her heart, so fast was it beating.

"What I'm trying to say is..." he continued. "Isn't this what being together is all about? About being happy to do anything together? Because if it is, then I can't imagine myself doing that with nobody but you," he finally finished.

There were a couple seconds of silence. Eventually, still not saying anything, Isabella embraced Phineas tight, for it was hard for her to express everything in words. Phineas. Finally. She felt his heart beating fast, but gradually calming down; he knew he needn't be worried anymore.

After some time, he released the embrace to look at her. Her smile was loving, wide and sincere; he'd never seen her with such an expression.

He placed a hand on her cheek and pulled her a bit closer.

"Could I...?"

"You always could."

He leaned in and slowly, to remember every fraction of a second of the moment, leaned in and pressed his lips against hers.

Isabella wasn't sure what to focus on. It was an explosion of all the most beautiful feelings she'd ever experienced. One moment she felt his warm lips, and the other she had her hand in his hair, and his arm around her shoulders. And of course this feeling, this wonderful feeling that made her realise how much she had really longed for this kind of fondness from him. Her mind wasn't able to process all these feelings at once, and kept hitting her with new and newer waves of happiness.

Finally, they broke the kiss, but there were a couple of seconds before they opened their eyes.

"Phineas..." Isabella said quietly.

With this one word, she expressed everything.

Thanks for reading and please review!
ElleFreak is out, peace!