The Collections Chapter 4: Love Story, a phineas and ferb fanfic

I don't own Phineas and Ferb or City of Love only my OCs.

Phineas stood outside the coffee shop and exhaled deeply. He was twenty now, taller, more mature. And yet, he felt like he was his three-year-old self when he first discovered his dad's tool shed. He was giddy with excitement because today, after three long years of only texts and video chats, he was finally seeing Isabella again.

They'd agreed a long time ago to remain friends while they were finding themselves in the world and only try a proper romantic relationship later on. Well, now was later on and he was a wreck.

"Sir," one of the waitresses stuck her head out of the door. "You've been waiting outside for almost an hour, now. Would you like to come in?"

"Uh," he looked around before checking his watch. "Yeah, I'm coming."

He stepped inside the coffee shop. Starbucks. When arranging when and where to meet, Isabella had suggested this place instantly. Phineas was sure she had some tie to Starbucks that he didn't know about, but after spending his uni days and now renting a flat in London, he had to admit Starbucks had definitely grown on him.

He made his way to a table for two by the window and sat down. He already knew what he was going to order so now all was he was waiting for was Isabella.

When they'd made their agreement when they were kids, neither of them had expected Isabella to graduate early with a play that, after only a few days in theatre was such a big hit, it went on a world tour. While Phineas had been at university getting himself a degree in engineering, Isabella had been travelling the world, getting awards and meeting some of the gems of theatre. Phineas had long since realised that he couldn't hold a candle to anything Isabella had done in the past years and started to wonder if she had always been this incredible when they were kids and he hadn't noticed her.

"Is this seat taken?" Phineas looked up into the kind face of a stranger and nodded quickly.

"Sorry, I'm saving it for a friend."

The woman shuffled away and Phineas sighed. Friend. He hadn't seen Isabella face to face since she started touring and whenever he'd called her, she'd always been in a rush or utterly exhausted. He didn't blame her, of course, she was obviously busy as such a young director of such a well-received show. And he knew it wasn't just him she wasn't speaking too that much. Vivian often expressed her concern about her daughter burning herself out early on, but Phineas told her every time that Isabella was an amazing person. Even if she did run into problems, she would be able to work around them and come out on top.

"Phineas?" He turned around and saw her enter the shop. A smile spread across her face as their eyes met. "Phineas, hey!"

They ran towards each other and she threw herself into his arms.

"It's so good to see you!" He cried. She stepped back and studied him.

"You're taller than me."

He laughed. "Well that's not the only thing that has changed. You're a world-famous director."

They headed over to his table and sat down. Isabella looked great; you could tell her time away had really changed her. She was leaner, held her head high, her eyes sparkled with creativity and curiosity.

"We're not here to talk about that," she said dismissively. "Tell me about you, uni graduate."

Phineas opened his mouth then laughed again, "No one would believe we're both American by birth."

"Allow me to re-phrase," Isabella grinned, imitating a Texas accent perfectly. "Tell me 'bout being a college graduate."

"Well," Phineas spread his hands, "there really isn't that much to tell. I took my gap year already so now I'm looking for job openings."

"And what job does Phineas Flynn hope to get?"

"I have no clue," Phineas sighed and sat back. "Everyone around me knows what they want to do already, and all I know is that I want to do something involving engineering. But the best way into that industry is by starting out as a handyman and replacing lightbulbs and fixing fences doesn't seem like it's worth my time."

"I can relate," she nodded. "Don't look at me like that, you don't actually think I planned on my play being picked up by scouts who weren't even there for me? You know this story, Phineas. I had written one for my exam the previous year and since our leading director didn't know what play to do for our assessment, the head of the Acting Department put forward three of his favourite scripts, Riley picked one and it happened to be mine. It was sheer luck the uni scouts stayed around to watch our play after the sixth form's."

"And now look at you," he smiled, although dejectedly.

"But that's my point," Isabella explained. "Phineas, you could do absolutely anything if you really wanted… your creativity can't be stemmed. You could probably make dishwashing fun. I wrote a script without expecting it to do anything besides supply me with a grade but instead it changed my life."

"I always wanted to start a building firm," he offered. "But the problem was always how to get enough workers when I'm still a nobody in the industry."

"Show them what you do best," Isabella said. "Get your name out there, and people will come flocking to you."

They met eyes and laughed again. "You got wise." He said finally.

"Things started going really fast," she agreed. "I feel like the past three years have been more like fifteen."

"If that's the case, mother nature has been kind to your thirty-five-year-old self," he grinned.

"Oh shut up," she giggled. "Right, can I order for you?"

"Sure, white chocolate cream Frappuccino."

"You're kidding me," she shook her head. "That's barely a coffee!"

"I like it," he whined jokingly. Isabella shook her head again but turned and made her away across the room to the counter.

The next four hours seemed to merge into one. With three years' worth of lost time to make up for, the conversation never stopped. They talked about everything from current affairs to what conspiracies they wanted to start when they were kids. They both had a great time and agreed that since Isabella's tour was over and she would be working closer to home, they would meet at the same time every week.

And for the next three months they did. And in all that time, they never even once touched on the subject of a relationship more than friendship. To both of them, the other seemed perfectly content staying as just friends. But when they went home each night, they kicked themselves for not asking if maybe it could be more.

Until Phineas did.

It was towards the end of the December when he finally plucked up the courage to finish his drink, and say, "There's a winter wonderland ice rink at Cribbs in Bristol and, I was wondering if you wanted to go down with me for the weekend. We could go skating for a few hours and, I don't know, get dinner afterwards."

There was a beat of silence.

"Like a date?" Isabella asked slowly. Phineas nodded. "That would be great, Phineas. I'd love that."

"Cool," he said trying to playing it off in a chill way but couldn't stop his grin. "Cool."

They drove down on Friday evening, and suddenly everything seemed to pick up pace.

They spent the evening whizzing around on the ice, reliving moments from their childhood summers, and racing each other and though it was close, Isabella always won. They returned their skates and went to Carluccio's for dinner.

And it was at that dinner that Isabella and Phineas agreed to officially start dating. Isabella was working at the London Old Vic and Phineas was slowing working his way up the ranks in Porsche industries. While he enjoyed working with cars and checking they all worked properly when they were shipped over from Germany, there was so much more he wanted to do with his life, but in the long run it was the best place to start out.

He and Isabella met up each evening and talked about their days, got something to eat, and usually went on a nice walk through St James Park.

One evening they were just sitting, looking over the lake when Isabella, who's head was resting on his chest, looked up and said, "You think you'll stay in England?"

"I think so," Phineas agreed. "Ferb's officially moving here next year and it would be nice to see him more. We haven't really seen each other for quite a while."

"I think I want to stay here as well," she sighed. "My problem is my mom. I go and visit her whenever I can but it's such a long way and now I'm worried about her restaurant and how much work she has do on her own and-"

"Hey, hey," Phineas soothed. "Isabella, your Mom is doing fine. I know you're worried but I also know she won't be happy if you give up on your future just to look after her. I mean, you call her every weekend, don't you?"

"Yeah."

"And I heard from my mom that the restaurant is doing fine," He rubbed her shoulder comfortingly. "What's going on Isabella? You're so tense."

"I've been offered a movie job," she explained.

"That's incredible!"

"Yeah, but filming is going to take a long time and I won't be able to visit Mom back in Danville at the usual times. I don't know how she's going to take it."

"She'll be thrilled," Phineas insisted.

She looked up at him, "what would I do without you?"

Phineas shrugged, "just fine."

She smiled, put a hand on his chest and kissed him. After a moment she pulled back grinning. "Was that our first kiss since we were fifteen?"

Phineas laughed. "I think so."

A year passed, Isabella's movie hit the big screens worldwide and was a roaring success. She and Phineas went to the premier together and he sat front seat for all her interviews and press conferences. It was mind blowing to him that someone he had know since he started walking was suddenly so big in the world. He couldn't have been prouder.

Isabella herself was grateful to have Phineas by her side. His constant supportive presence got her through her most nerve-wracking moments, his words of encouragement before any event lifting her up when she felt like she was drowning. She didn't know what else her life would lead to but she did know that through it all, Phineas would be beside her, just like he'd promised when they were teenagers.

In return, she always made time for him, no matter how busy her schedule looked. Whether he was worrying about something that happened while at work, or just asking for some advice on how to make sure he didn't blow up his kitchen when cooking for himself from her experience at her mom's restaurant, she always was willing to be there for him. Sometimes Phineas felt it was hard to keep up with her and he really appreciated all the time she reserved in her day for him, especially when he knew there was probably a whole lot of more important things she could be doing than talking him through the best way the Fireside Girl handbook recommended he should sew up holes in his shirts.

Speaking of which...

Meeting connected.

"Hello?" Isabella grinned as the Fireside Girls started appearing on her screen.

"Girls!" she squealed. "it's so good to see you all!"

"Isabella!" they chorused.

"I haven't seen these faces in a long time," Adyson commented. She sat back in her chair. "Milly, your hair is pink…"

"It's been pink since she dyed it last year," Katie replied. "Have you been hiding under a rock?"

"Some people might say," Adyson muttered. "Jokes on them, though, because Australia is amazing."

"It's probably not better than Austria," Holly said. "It's either bright sunshine or skiing season!"

"Ginger!" Gretchen smiled slyly. "When's the honeymoon?"

Ginger blushed, "we don't know yet, but Baljeet wants to take me to Venice!"

"Venice!" Isabella cried. "that's so romantic!"

"And how your love story going Isabella?" Milly asked. "Anything we should be preparing for?"

"Yeah," Gretchen agreed, "how come you called us all?"

"Well," Isabella grinned. "I just thought I'd let you know that Phineas and I are moving in together…"

"No way!" the ladies chorused.

"Katie, you own me ten bucks," Holly said.

"Well you owe me fifteen for the Venice thing."

"How long have you two been betting on our love lives?" Ginger asked sounding shocked.

"Years," Holly and Katie said together.

"Isabella, any idea when your movie is coming out down under?" Adyson said quickly.

"Should be in the next few months," she answered.

"I can't believe you haven't watched it yet," Gretchen complained. "We can't talk about it until you have."

"It's not my fault!" Adyson shot back. "Besides I'd rather be in the sun over here than in Columbia."

"Isn't it night for you?" Ginger pointed out.

"Besides the point, Ginger."

"Isabella tell us more about where you're moving into," Milly interjected.

"It's really nice flat by the old vic," Isabella explained. "Phineas already bought it when he told me, but we're splitting the rent. He's already there unpacking and I'm heading over in a bit."

"That's so cute," Adyson sighed.

"Still haven't found the right guy yet?" Gretchen asked.

"I'm a free spirit." Adyson replied. "I'll only settle with someone who matches my energy."

"That might be difficult," Ginger laughed.

"How's the job going, Adyson?" Isabella asked.

"Oh, I love it!" she nodded enthusiastically.

"How they let someone as clumsy as you be a zoo keeper of a place that has some of the most dangerous creatures in the world is beyond me," Gretchen mumbled.

"I have experience!" Adyson protested. "Not being clumsy, I mean, but with animals! From all those Australian Fireside Girl patches I earned when my family moved here."

"Well I'm glad you're finding a use for you patches," Isabella commented.

"What, you haven't found a use for all those help thy neighbour patches?" Milly joked.

"Speaking of those crazy inventors," Katie shrugged. "what's Phineas doing with his life?"

"He's starting a building firm," Isabella said fondly. "He's always talked about it and he put so much work into getting himself out there so the hiring process has been super easy."

"What about Ferb?"

"Phineas says he's following in Candace's footsteps and practising at law school."

"He's gonna make a great lawyer," Gretchen nodded. "I heard Buford is teaching theatre in New York!"

"Oh yeah," Ginger nodded. "Baljeet was telling me about that. He says it's cool they're both teachers."

"Look how we've all grown up," Isabella grinned. "It's so weird to think how far we've come."

Ginger checked her watch, "I'm gonna have to go."

"Aw what?" Holly protested. "I should probably get going as well, I'm working the night shift at the museum."

"Looks like we're all signing off then," Katie sighed.

"We should do this more often," Adyson said.

"Definitely," the others agreed.

"It's been so great to see you all again," Gretchen waved.

"Bye!"

The screen faded to black as everyone turned their computers off. Isabella looked around her room, the last time she would be in her old place before she moved in with Phineas. He had asked her the previous night as they sat on her sofa in an otherwise bare room if she felt things were moving too fast between them, but she had assured him that it was their lives that were moving at such a high speed.

She had to admit, though, that while moving in seemed like a big change, there was something else she was waiting for him to do, something else she was waiting for him to ask. But that sort of thing couldn't be rushed. They were still young, they still had so much time. That didn't stop her hoping though.

"Jeremy?" Phineas held the phone to his ear. "Hello?"

"Oh, hey Phineas," Jeremy's voice slid out of the microphone. "How's it going, man?"

"Well," Phineas nodded his head from side to side. "It could be better."

"What's up?"

"I just talked to Baljeet about this but he wasn't any help at all. He just went on about some sort of formula and passive something or other and it really confused me so much and now I'm freaking out so I thought I would talk to you since yours worked out so well and-"

"Woah, woah." Jeremy sounded amused. "You'll have to slow down there. What are we talking about?"

Phineas looked down at his right hand, where the ring box was clutched. "I'm proposing to Isabella."

"No way!" Jeremy cried. "Congrats dude!"

"Uh, she hasn't said yes yet," Phineas pointed out.

"I'm sure she will," Jeremy assured him. "So, what do you need from me?"

"How did you do it?"

"We went out for a romantic dinner at her favourite restaurant," Jeremy explained. "And afterwards, I got the waiters to dim the lights and I got down on one knee and she said yes before I even got the ring out, but you know Candance and how she is."

Phineas laughed. "Were you nervous?"

"Of course, but I loved your sister then as much as I love her now. And in the moment, that was the only thing on my mind."

"Phineas?"

"She's here!" Phineas blurted into the phone. "I'll talk to you later Jeremy. Thank you!"

"Good luck, man."

Phineas spun around as Isabella stepped into the doorway, "who was that?" she asked.

"Jeremy," he replied. "You're early."

"Well there were only a few things to bring over and I knew they would fit in my car so…" she trailed off and looked at his hand. His eyes followed and suddenly he felt like an idiot. "What's that?"

"Uh." His mind went blank. It wasn't supposed to happen like this, there was nothing remotely romantic about their empty soon to be living room. "It's…" He licked his lips nervously.

"Phineas?"

"I was going to do this at dinner tonight," he said moving towards her. "But," he got on his knee and her hand flew to her mouth. "Isabella, we've been friends since we were little and I know from the bumps in our road, that I can't live without you. So, would you make me the happiest man alive and marry me?" He eased open the ring box and light glinted off the sapphire gemstone.

"Phineas," she repeated breathlessly.

"I knew it," his face fell. "It's too soon, I'm sor-"

"Of course I'll marry you!" He grinned and stood up and they embraced. "It's like you read my mind."

"Really?" she laughed at his shock. "I love you so much, Isabella."

She kissed him before hugging him again. "I love you too."

The wedding took place the following year and although they only requested close friends and family, everyone they invited went out of their way to be there.

Phineas chose Ferb as his best man and Isabella all the Fireside Girls, Candace and Connie as her bridesmaids. Not wanting to pick up one of her friends she asked her mother to be the maid of honour and Vivian cried when she heard.

Buford, Baljeet, Jeremy and Seb were thrilled to be Phineas's groomsmen although Alex requested themselves to be ring bearer. They insisted that even though the ring bearer would typically be a six-year-old, they could bear any ring with such a flourish there would be applause and age would be dismissed.

Phineas and Isabella agreed on an autumnally themed wedding and found a spot in the countryside to put up a massive marquee.

As the big day approached, like much of their relationship, time passed in a blur. Dresses were bought, cakes designed, menu's written, catering organised, suits purchased, drinks ordered, bands booked, canto hired, flowers arranged, speeches composed and invites officially sent out. There was so much to do that they were kept too busy to really take a moment to fully appreciate such a huge change in their lives.

It was only a week before the big day as Isabella was picking up her dress (simple white silk with tinted burgundy fringes and floral laced sleeves) that the reality of the situation really dawned upon her.

She was getting married. Soon, she would be Isabella Flynn. She would officially become part of a new family, maybe even start her own. She turned to Connie, who was the only one of her friends who had a gap in her schedule to accompany her that day, and started sobbing.

"Woah!" Connie yelped. "What happened?"

"I'm getting married next week!"

"I thought… is that bad?"

"No!" Isabella looked up and Connie breathed a sigh of relief at the huge smile on Isabella's face. "It's amazing! I'm so excited! I just hadn't really let it sink in."

"Oh good," Connie laughed. "You really had me worried there."

Isabella laughed too as she wiped her eyes, "Sorry, sorry. Wow, that was kind of embarrassing."

Connie looked around the shop. "Well, it's just us here. Besides I'm sure that Phineas is doing the exact same right now."

She was half right. The gravity of his getting married had definitely hit him like a slap in the face, but instead of crying he was running around screaming. Ferb was sat patiently, waiting for his step brother to calm down.

"What if I'm a bad husband? What if she didn't actually want to say yes and only did so she wouldn't hurt my feelings? What if we're rushing things?"

Ferb made no comment. Slowly, Phineas got his breathing under control and sat himself down. "You're right. I'm being silly. I'm just nervous Ferb. I want everything to be perfect for her, for us. She deserves the best." He stood up, brushed himself down. "You're right, you're right. Thanks, Ferb. I can always talk to you."

The big day came upon them. Neither of them slept much that night, and were buzzing with nervous energy throughout the morning.

Isabella and her bridesmaids arrived at the salon for hair and makeup at nine but she refused to get into her dress until the last minute. The photographer arrived at their flat where Phineas, the boys and Alex had spent the night and took pictures of them getting into their suits before heading over to Connie's house where the girls and Isabella were.

At twelve, a limo pulled up outside Connie's and everyone got in. It took just under fifteen minutes for the limo to transport them to the venue and the others went to talk with the other guests while Isabella and her mother went into a private tent.

"You look beautiful," Vivian said proudly.

Isabella smiled nervously, "Thanks Mom. I'm really glad you're here."

"I wouldn't miss it!" Vivian sighed and a single tear rolled down her cheek. "You're so grown up, Isa. I remember when you were just a little baby playing with bubbles in the sink and now look at you."

"Mom!" Isabella laughed at the memory. "That seems like a lifetime ago."

"It's all gone by so fast."

Back in the main marquee, the boys arrived and Mr Garcia-Shapiro announced that the ceremony was about to begin. Everyone took their seats. A few moments later, the cantor walked down the aisle to stand in the centre. Following him, were the grandparents of the couple and then Seb, Buford and Baljeet who all took their seats at the front.

Ferb made his way down the centre and turned back, holding his hand aloft to signal the arrival of Phineas who looked dashing in a burgundy suit jacket with black lapels and trousers as he walked towards his step brother with their parents behind him. Next, the bridesmaids came in pairs and sat beside the boys closely followed by Alex with the rings.

Finally, Isabella stepped down the aisle with her parents and everyone stood. There was a moment of stillness as Isabella locked eyes with her soon to be husband and nervous smile broke out across their features.

She arrived at the alter and the canto gestured for everyone to take a seat.

"We are gathered here today to bring together this here Phineas Flynn and Isabella Garcia-Shapiro." He began. "If anyone here is against this union then speak now or forever hold your peace. Then we shall we begin."

They each signed the papers that legally bound their marriage and then it was onto the vows.

"Phineas, please repeat after me. I, Phineas Vincent Flynn,"

"I, Phineas Vincent Flynn."

"Take you, Isabella Alyson Garcia-Shapiro."

"To be my wife, to have and to hold from this day forward."

"For better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health."

"To love and to cherish till death do us part."

"And Isabella," the canto turned to her. "Please repeat after me. I, Isabella Alyson Garcia-Shapiro."

"I, Isabella Alyson Garcia-Shapiro."

"Take you, Phineas Vincent Flynn."

"To be my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward."

"For better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health."

"To love and to cherish till death do us part."

The canto gestured for the rings. True to their word, Alex bore them with a flourish.

"Phineas, do you accept Isabella Alyson Garcia-Shapiro to be your lawfully wedded wife?"

Phineas slid the ring onto Isabella's finger. "I do."

"And Isabella, do you accept Phineas Vincent Flynn to be your lawfully wedded husband?"

She slipped Phineas's ring onto his hand. "I do."

"Then by the power invested me, I pronounce you husband and wife." The canto smiled. "You may kiss the bride."

The rest of the day went perfectly. They had a few cocktails while the bride and groom greeted the guests and received wedding presents. After family photos, they sat down at one long table to eat. Their four-course meal was beautifully presented and tasted delicious. Between main course and desert, were the speeches. Mr Garcia-Shapiro went first saying how proud of his little girl he was. Phineas was up next and thanked everyone for coming, and admitted how lucky he was to have found someone as amazing as Isabella. Isabella followed by telling of the time she and Phineas had been in Paris together before he had revealed he liked her and how she knew now that if they went it would be the perfect trip which led onto the announcement from the both of then that in memory of how far they've come, they would be travelling to the City of Love for their honeymoon. After everyone congratulated them, Vivian gave her speech about how she had always been so fearful of this day coming upon them but now it was here, she couldn't have been happier that her daughter had found such a perfect man. Finally, it was Ferb's turn to speak and although he didn't say much, he left everyone wheezing with laughter. He turned to his brother before he sat down and Phineas saw the love and joy in his eyes and knew that his brother was thrilled for him.

Then the partying began and it went on well into the night but it was all over sooner than Isabella expected with most of the guest having to rush to the airport to catch planes. But within the next couple of days, her spirits were lifted as she and Phineas flew over to Paris.

Just like in her song, they shared crêpe sucrées and crème brûlées, he bought her flowers under the Eiffel tower. They tried some fancy cheese and bought berets while they perused the galleries, enjoying the perfect day. They walked, hand in hand down Champs-Élysées and when they stopped for a rest, he turned to her and whispered "ma chérie, je t'aime".

It was the perfect holiday and even more perfectly, a few months after they arrived back in London, they broke the news to everyone that Isabella was pregnant with, who at the time was named Kenny or Lily, but who we now know was Josh.

A few months after he was born, Phineas was able to form a new section of his firm: designing blueprints. He eventually passed on full managed of the firm to one of his employees and began solely working on blueprints that he could design at home so he could look after his children. Isabella started teaching theatre studies at Cambridge university, with permitted leave if she was ever in a play or movie. After the twins were born, the family moved into a house in Cambridge that Phineas, with Isabella's guidance, had reconstructed to suit their own needs. It was a two-story place with a kitchen and office that doubled as a living room on the bottom floor and three bedrooms, all with en suites, on the second. There was also an attic that Phineas converted into a play area while the kids grew up.

One day during the kids' summer vacation while Isabella was working, Phineas went into Henry's room and found all three of the siblings inside. When asked what they were doing, they answered that they were telling each other stories and wondered if their dad had any he could tell them. Phineas sat down in a rocking chair and started telling them about a summer, seventeen years ago that led to them all being where they were today.

Ok ok, I know it was late but this one turned out to be much longer than I thought it would be, hence why it's so rushed. I also wrote and researched the wedding then realised that Isabella's Jewish and I'd written for a Christian wedding and had to completely scrap it and spend a ton of time researching Jewish traditions. I'll be honest, towards the end I just wrote from my own experience. Anyways, this is the last of the ones I wanted to do before I passed over to requests and I already have a few and some more of my own ideas, so keep a look out of them.

And yes. I kept them in England. I'm British, it's easier to write about things I know than have to spend time researching events and places in America. Also, yes, I used the actors' names as the characters' middle names because according to tradition you should address them by their full name and unless I missed an episode, we don't know what the actual middle names are.