AN: Hey guys. Okay, so before we begin with this LONG OVERDUE story I've got a few words that need to be said.

First of all, I've been wanting to write a little story on Gerald and Phoebe's relationship after the Jungle Movie for quite awhile now, but with both life right now and the extreme lack of inspiration (writing wise) getting in the way on and off it's been pretty difficult getting words down.

Second, The idea for this actually came from seeing a social media post Craig made on Arnold's ice cream 'date' with Helga as a part of his Shortaki letters series he's done throughout the pandemic. They're pretty darn cute and sweet and are worth checking out if you hadn't already. :)

Anyway, I hope you guys enjoy this short but sweet little fanfic. Those two lovebirds (Phoebe and Gerald) could surly use some more love and appreciation, and they would be my second pairing after Shortaki. Sorry it took SO dang long to do. Life just sucks sometimes, ya know? :(

"Thanks for the lovely walk and invite to Slausen's today, Gerald. It's really nice to finally be able to get outside again and feel the fresh air after having to stay home so long. I don't remember the last time we were allowed out in public unless you count school, of course. And the time we stood outside to watch Helga and Arnold on their own little ice cream date. It's been awhile."

"Hey, no problem, Pheebs. I'd thought it would help cheer you up a little bit, and make up for all the lost time between us. You know, with everything that's been happening over the last year. Wonder how ole Helga's been able to survive not being able to spend time with Arnold. Must had been driving her up the wall I bet. We both know just how much she loves him. I've accidently seen one of her shrines one time we were over her place. Man, how do you deal with her?''

Phoebe chuckled at the thought of her best friend's 'interesting ways of coping' in times of stress and how life was also no doubt tough on her and the rest of their classmates, especially Harold. Being suspended from school that one time was one thing, but not allowed to hang out with Patty, or stuff his face with food from Mr. Green's meat shop was another.

"Actually, Helga's been doing pretty well surprisingly. She's kept herself busy by writing plenty of poetry, writing Arnold letters, and chatting with me and him over the phone whenever she's feeling frazzled and could surly use somebody to talk with. When she's not out sneaking around the city in secret just to get away from her family, that is.''

She than whispered something into his ear. "Don't worry, I'm sure now that she and Arnold are a couple she will dial it down with the shrines and her big obsession over him.''

Gerald rolled his eyes and chuckled back as he and Phoebe reached the ice cream parlors' front door.

"Sounds like Helga alright. Well, if it weren't for her creepy obsession and impressive amount of videos centering around Arnold we never would had won the contest to San Lorenzo and helped him save his parents and the Green Eyes.''

''True. Who knew her obsession with 'ice cream' would come in handy?''

Gerald raised an eyebrow. ''Ice cream? Wait, hold that thought. I thought Arnold is what she's so crazy about?''

''It's what she called it one time around me.'' Phoebe explained, trying to hold back a laugh at his puzzled expression. ''Before you found out.''

''Oh.''

He gently held the door open so she could enter first, giving her a sly grin.

"After you my lady."

Phoebe giggled at Gerald's sudden actions before stepping inside the little ice cream shop. Once in they continued on with their conversation about their best friends.

"Anyway, I'm glad she's finally cool around me and Arnold. Maybe our wild jungle adventure in San Lorenzo changed her for the better."

Phoebe nodded, taking her seat while Gerald payed for their ice cream sundae.

"Yes, it's really nice to see her turning over a new leaf. Although I'll admit things sure will feel different now that she and Arnold are finally together."

He placed the ice cream down on the table, and sat down next to Phoebe. He gave her a spoon and picked up his own to begin eating.

"Thanks, Gerald. You're such a gentleman."

Gerald smiled, scooping up a spoonful of strawberry ice cream before slowly taking a bite.

"Sure thing, Phoebe. So, how's the ice cream? Hope you're okay with Neapolitan. I uh, wasn't sure which kind you'd like.''

"Mmm, delightful. The cherry and whipped cream on top gives off a nice touch. Last time we ate out was when Helga invited us and Arnold to dinner at some fancy French restaurant using some coupon or gift certificate she had. I've missed hanging out with you, Gerald. In fact, I've missed us together.''

''Same here. Good thing Helga's not here since the flavor I've picked out has some strawberry in it. You know, wouldn't want her getting sick or having a bad allergic reaction. Boy, that would be terrible.''

The sound of silverware suddenly struck the glass bowl as a small tear quickly slipped down her cheek making her boyfriend look up at her in alarm.

"Phoebe, is everything okay? If it's what I said about Helga I didn't mean...''

"No, it's fine. Oh, Gerald. I hated the thought of ever being away from you. Everything sucked, and felt like nothing would ever get better. It was just so..."

Gerald placed his hand on top of Phoebe's "Different." He finished with sympathy. ''I feel ya, babe.''

"I was actually gonna say rather challenging." She sniffed, wiping a tear away from her eye with her napkin.

"I know. I really missed you too, Phoebe. And hanging with my man Arnold, all our baseball games at Gerald's Field, our other classmates. Heck, even Helga-"

He stopped mid sentence after what he'd just said.

"Whoa. There's something I thought I'd never say. Okay, now I've definitely heard everything."

"Never thought I'd hear you say those words. Guess there really is a first time for everything, huh?"

"Guess so. By the way, don't tell her I said that. Look, I get you guys are close like sisters, but I certainly don't want her teasing me over it. That girl is not very good at keeping secrets which aren't her own.''

Phoebe gave him a wink and small thumbs up. "Not telling."

The rest of their afternoon was soon filled with laughter and chatting a lot about how things used to be during the good old days while taking a stroll through Hillwood. On the way back home from their little date Gerald stopped by Phoebe's stoop.

"I've had a lot of fun out with you today, Gerald. Maybe we could do stuff like this more often.''

He kissed her gently on the cheek, releasing his arm from around her shoulders. "I'd like that very much, Pheebs. Say, how does a movie night this Saturday sound? We could finally invite Arnold and Helga to join us if you want. My treat.''

Phoebe shook her head but smiled shyly at Gerald's suggestion. After all the turmoil they've been through over the past year or so, she seriously wouldn't wish it any other way.

"It's a date."

The End