"Ferb, honey," the pop-star turned housewife lovingly started. "This is obviously not 'nothing'. We're your family. Talk to us."

"Talk to you?! TALK TO YOU?!" Ferb's emotionless mask was slipping and anger was coming through quickly. "I cannot count the number of times I have TRIED to say something only to be interrupted by someone or something else more important! And let's not forget how my entire 'family' completely FORGOT my 12th birthday."

Roughly four years ago...

Ferb woke up early on a bright sunny autumn morning. Today was his special day, his 12th birthday. Considering what was done for Candace, Phineas, and their mother for their birthdays, Ferb was excited to see what everyone would come together with for him.

He looked over to his stepbrother's side of the room, only to find that he was still heavily asleep.

'Odd, he's usually up by now with plans ready to go.' Ferb just shrugged it off and went to take his morning shower. He was just about to go into the bathroom when he was brusquely pushed aside by his ginger sister.

'Move it or lose it!' she called over her shoulder. 'Jeremy will be here any second to take me on a breakfast date!' She explained.

A bit perturbed but determined not to let this spoil his day he went back to his room and waited. He played with Perry for a bit, who was extra playful that day.

A few hours later, after finally getting his shower and getting dressed, he made his way down stairs to have some breakfast before school. He sat down and grabbed the cereal and watched as his father rushed out of the door, without so much as a word.

'I wonder what's happened,' he casually wondered. He didn't have to wonder long because his mother came rushing past as well, jacket and keys in hand. "Morning Ferb, dear. Your father and I are off to see if we can get tickets for the upcoming Love Handel concert next week." She kissed his forehead. "See you later."

She was out of the door before he could say 'bye'.

A little disheartened by the lack of birthday attention, he tried to stay positive. Phineas came down the stairs fully dressed and heading for the door. "Come on, Ferb. We have to get to school early today, remember?"

Suddenly, Ferb did remember. There was some sort of assembly first thing in the morning. He sighed heavily and silently put his dishes away and followed his brother out of the door.

The entire school day went by...they'd hung out with their friends, they'd had dinner and had made their way to bed...not one mention of Ferb's birthday...from anyone. He sadly watched the clock change to midnight the next day and silently cried himself to sleep.

The next morning he woke up and he was in a foul mood, something that was rare for the green haired Brit. He slept in later than usual and when he'd finally made his way downstairs he skipped breakfast and headed straight for the door. He was about to make his way out when he'd heard his father call after him. "You're forgetting something aren't you, son?"

For the first time since his mother's accident, Ferb snapped.

"I'm forgetting something?! I'M FORGETTING SOMETHING?!" he yelled. His deep voice echoing throughout the house.

"Yes, you haven't had your breakfast." Lawrence said, puzzled by his son's sudden outburst.

"DAMN YOUR BLOODY BREAKFAST!"

Everyone gasped. Ferb never raised his voice let alone swore.

"Now wait just a minute," his father tried to yell back.

"NO! I did my waiting...I waited ALL DAY yesterday and not one of you noticed. NOT ONE!"

"Noticed what?!"

"ARGH! What is today's date, Dad?"

His father reached for the newspaper and looked at it. "It's September 17th. Why...Oh dear." he mumbled, suddenly realizing the problem.

Ferb stood at the door breathing heavily and tears running down his angry face. "Right."

"Son, I—we, we didn't..."

"No, Dad. You didn't." he said and stormed out of the house slamming the door and leaving four people stunned in the kitchen.

"Dad, what was that all about?" Candace asked her shell-shocked stepfather.

"Yesterday was Ferb's birthday." he solemnly said, staring at the door that his son was no longer standing at.

"Oh my gosh!" Phineas exclaimed. "You're right...I didn't even notice."

"None of us did, son. And in doing so...we made a huge mistake."

"We apologized and apologized for that!" Lawrence yelled. "Besides that was four years ago and we've celebrated everyone since then!"

"You really think that makes it ok?! You FORGOT about me. You're supposed to be my family, but you completely ignore my existence unless it suits you! 'Oh Ferb can build that no problem! Ferb can take care of it, he's got nothing else to do.' Always without asking FERB what he wants! And who gets the credit? Why everyone else of course! I'm always added as an after thought, if I'm added at all. So tell me, why should I waste my time trying to talk to you people?!"

Phineas was getting angry now. Angry that Ferb did have a point, but he was missing the main issue. "So you're just going to blame us for your problems, huh?"

"Excuse me?!" Ferb yelled.

"Yeah, sometimes you get overlooked, and sometimes we forget you're there. You know why? Because you never open your darned mouth! We can't automatically know how you're feeling. We can't know if what we're doing is upsetting you unless you say something! You're your own person with your own voice. So don't blame us because you can't learn to talk like everyone else!" he yelled.

Ferb's face went from shocked to silent rage in almost an instant.

"I don't need this." he mumbled before making to leave to room. He was caught by his father.

"No, son. You can't run from this...from us. This is part of the problem. We want to help you, we really do. Just talk to us."

"You want me to talk?! What would you like to know? Hmm?! Would you like to hear about the real reason I moved into my own room? The fact that I've been doing this," he said pointing to his wrist, "for over 2 years now?!" Or how about the fact that I don't fit...anywhere? How many times I've contemplated just ending it all? How many times I've cursed each and every one of you? I hate being this way, but I don't know how else to be. If it weren't for me, Mom would still be here, you'd still be happy in the UK and you wouldn't have to deal with any of this. Is that all? Are you satisfied?" He fell to his knees and began to sob. "...are you satisfied?"

The elder Fletcher rushed to his son and enveloped him in the strongest hug he could. Ferb struggled trying to break from his father's grasp. After a few minutes, he'd finally succeeded and rushed out of the room, down the stairs and out of the house.

'Why'd I tell them all of that? What the devil is wrong with me? I can't take their judging eyes...I can't go back there...I won't.' he vowed as he ran off, ignoring his family calling after him.

Baljeet, who'd fallen asleep in his boyfriend's arms what felt like mere minutes ago, was awoken by a strong hand gently shaking him awake. He opened his eyes and Buford's mother came into focus in front of him. He hurriedly sat up and for some reason apologized for falling asleep.

Biffany softly giggled at Baljeet's unnecessary nervousness. He'd been spending the night for years now and really had no need to be so formal, but of course, she's tried to tell him that repeatedly only for nothing to change.

"Hiya, honey. How are you feeling?"

"I am...I am not sure how to answer that question, Mrs. Van Stomm." he honestly replied.

She nodded in understanding and continued. "I've just gotten back from speaking with your parents. I'm afraid I couldn't change their stubborn minds. Now, you're welcome to stay here for as long as you please, but tomorrow I think it's best we head to the courthouse and begin the paperwork for you to file for emancipation."

"Emancipation?" Buford asked, slowly sounding out the word.

"She means that I would file to be separated from my parents legally and be declared as independent so long as I can support myself."

"Exactly." She smiled.

"But I can not support myself. I am only 14 years old."

"A 14 year old who not only has already graduated from high school, but is about to start college in a few weeks. Don't sell yourself short. Besides, you won't be alone. You'll have Buford and me backing you up."

"But I cannot ask you to go to such lengths for me..."

"And why can't you? Look, Baljeet, ever since you've started to hang around my son, he's been in fewer fights, he attends school more regularly and actually studies! He's captain of the JV football team and has a solid B average. Not only that, you make him happy. Doing this for you would be me trying to pay you back for all you've done for me and my boy."

"Aww, Ma!" Buford said, embarrassed at his mother's speech, but he knew she was right. Baljeet was the best thing to ever happened to him. Who knows where he would have ended up without him.

"So whaddaya say, 'Jeet?" Buford asked his overwhelmed boyfriend.

"I say, that your son has done so much for me as well. He's taught me to stand up for myself to be more sure of myself and to not take life too seriously sometimes. So it would be an honor and a privilege to take you up on your offer, Mrs. Van Stomm."

"Call me Biffany, dear." she said wrapping him in a fierce hug. "Welcome to the family."

Ferb ran and ran not really caring where he went. His running did however lead him downtown. He sat on the steps exhausted and out of breath.

"Hey...are you alright?" a woman asked from behind. He turned around and saw someone he'd never imagined he'd see again.

"V-Vanessa?"