A/N: Sorry for the delay, this one is longer to make up for it ^^ my take on Perry's first week home!
For Them
Bartholomew the Platypup crossed his arms and glared moodily at the wall of the box he had been stuffed into. The agent in training was not at all happy about the circumstances that lead to him being put in said box. He'd put in several requests to go straight to field training. He was passing all his tests with flying colors, the best and brightest trainee in his group. He'd received his fedora a week early! He thought for sure that would bump him up to the top of the list and get him the position he craved.
But here he was. In a box. In a station wagon. With loud excited children begging their parents to let them hold their new pet.
Pet.
Never had he been so insulted by a word.
Well okay, he was only eight weeks old. He hadn't had many words to be insulted by yet. But still. In those eight weeks he had learned a lot. And he knew for sure he didn't want to waste his potential with some pointless host family. He had talent! He had drive! Even Major Monograme himself had given the young platypus mountains of positive feedback and high marks. So why wasn't he going straight to the field? There were plenty of agents that didn't have host families.
Maybe he wasn't the stellar trainee he thought he was. He had a few clumsy moments here and there. But he was only eleven inches tall. It was hard to make some of those jumps on the training course. Platypi weren't built like rabbits and he was still developing those muscles.
And maybe sometimes he wasn't always looking where he was going. Or misjudged a trajectory. The platypup frowned, counting off all the mistakes he'd ever made in his short life and coming to the irrational decision that he was being punished for only just beating top records in the O.W.C.A obstacle course.
But a punishment so harsh he was being carted off with a bunch of strangers?
And who were these people? What kind of background check had been done on them? How could he trust them? He had given the intern that put him in the box such a venomous glare of betrayal.
"You okay in there, Bartholomew?"
The animal looked up when the top of the box was opened, curious blue eyes peering down at him through a shock of uncombed red hair. He stared back up at the child with a blank look just as he had been taught. Not that it was very hard to pull off given his current mood.
The child's smile was impossibly wide and had been since selecting the monotreme from the rest of the animals at the O.W.C.A Adoption Agency. The agent in training thought for sure he would be looked over, and had been counting on that. After all, who adopts a platypus?
This family, was apparently the answer. The animal tensed slightly as a little hand reached inside the box and stroked down his back. Another set of eyes peered through green bangs, peeking over the edge of the cardboard to watch him as well.
"Mom! They opened the box!"
"Phineas. Ferb. I don't want him jumping around the car," the mother warned. "And Candace, no shouting."
"He's not jumpin', he's jus' sittin' there," the child petting the animal assured his parents. "He's a good boy, ain'tcha Bartholomew?" Another hand from the second child joined his brother's on the platypus' back.
The animal chattered a response, glaring at the wall of the box. Now he was being pet. Stupid word. He had never really been pet before. Most of his time was spent with other animals. The humans he did have contact with were merely there to give him orders and train him. Being touched in such a way felt unnatural and weird. It made him uncomfortable.
The ride home wasn't too long, but felt like forever to Bartholomew. While the children were helped out of their car seats by the oldest and their mother, the platypup was scooped out of the box by the taller man who had been driving. From the man's arms he was given a good look at his new dwelling as he was carried across the lawn. The house was nothing special. Just a normal looking suburban domicile. Perfect for his cover. He was set down once they entered the house and almost immediately flanked by the two little boys who wanted to pet him again.
But the platypus was much too over stimulated and in a bad mood. The boys barely got a single stroke in before their new pet dashed under the couch.
"Come back out, Bartholomew!" the little red head cooed as he crouched down to look under the furniture, Ferb following his lead.
"Boys, how about we let the little guy get used to the house hmm?" Their father attempted to lead the children away from the couch. "We can go find a few articles on the computer and learn more about the platypus."
The two little boys looked skeptical, but followed obediently. Even though they would rather be playing with their new pet, they were also interested in knowing about his care. "But why's Bartholomew under the couch?" the red headed five year old asked, holding his father's hand.
The oldest girl plopped onto the lazy boy chair with a pre-teen magazine she'd plucked off the coffee table. "He's hiding from how bad his name is."
"Candace," her mother gave a disapproving scowl.
The animal under the couch ruffled his fur a bit. He had to agree. Just like everything else about this situation, he was not fond of his new moniker. He settled down, belly and bill against the carpet as he watched the humans' shoes pass by his vantage point. It would be awhile until he'd have his own lair to retreat to. O.W.C.A would have to build it under the house and add passages so he could slip in and out of it undetected. And they had to do all of that without the family knowing. It was going to be at least a few months. In which time he was supposed to be 'acclimating' to his new 'habitat' as per the instructions from the Major.
Until then… the platypup would have to make do with 'under the couch' as his sanctuary from the grabby hands of children. It would be a safe place to wait for his superior to contact him. He was sure it would be soon.
Bartholomew stayed there for another hour, listening to the family move around the house and talk. He'd gathered that the two adults were Lawrence and Linda. The oldest daughter was Candace. And his two main care givers were Phineas and Ferb. Which made no sense to him, how could the youngest be trusted to care properly for an exotic pet? Surely if he told the agency that this family wasn't capable of housing an agent, they would relocate him. Or come to their senses and drop this whole 'host family' nonsense.
But at least it seemed that Lawrence was doing his best to educate the two youngsters. They had printed off several care and fact guides with lots of pictures. Phineas and Ferb were sitting on the living room floor surrounded by papers, shouting out interesting facts to their parents. Linda was helping them make a list of things they would need for their new pet.
Bartholomew hated to admit it… but he was a little impressed. These boys couldn't be more than kindergarten age and yet they were clearly reading at an above average level. And comprehending it at that. Well if he was going to have to have owners, at least they were above average owners.
Phineas was putting the final touches on the shopping list with his mother while Ferb had scooted over to the couch. The green haired boy just rested his chin on his hands and stared back at the monotreme who refused to come out. Bartholomew backed up against the wall more, his eyes never leaving the quiet little boy, expecting the child to reach out to him. But Ferb's hands stayed tucked under his chin, just watching the animal. He tilted his head and clicked softly, trying to imitate the chitter he'd heard from the platypus earlier. After a few long moments of soft sounds and eye contact, the platypup stopped tensing up, assured the child wasn't going to grab at him.
"Do you think he really doesn't like his name, Mom?" Phineas asked, watching his brother click softly to their pet to try and coax him out. He was worried his sister was right. He would hate to have given his pet a name he wasn't fond of. He'd have that name forever after all.
Linda chuckled. "He's just a little scared, dear. This is a new place for him. It may take awhile till he warms up to us. You have to be patient and let him come to you," she explained to her children as Ferb got up from his spot and came over to her as well. "So let's be nice and quiet around Bartholomew, okay?"
Phineas and Ferb shared contemplative looks before glancing back at the couch and nodding. "Why don't we go to the store and get all these items?" Lawrence offered, getting the car keys.
The boys agreed and hurried out the front door after their father. Candace retreated to her room and Linda went to start dinner, leaving the house quiet.
Bartholomew poked his head out from under the couch, feeling safe enough that he wouldn't be pounced upon. He wanted to do a little more recon work, padding down the halls to get the layout of the house. It was a nice house even If it was dull and boring compared to the exciting atmosphere of O.W.C.A headquarters. He glanced up at pictures that adorned the wall, poked his bill around shelves and in purses and book bags. His paw moved around bills and letters on the ground by the mail slot, finding the name Flynn-Fletcher. A joined family would answer a few of his questions about who looked more related.
The young agent in training hopped up the steps one stair at a time to get to the second level. He mentally logged away good spots for secret entrances as he passed them. His bill nudged open doors, glancing into bedrooms. He backed out of the obnoxiously pink one complete with blaring bubblegum pop music. He definitely wouldn't be spending time in that one if he could help it.
The room across the hall was much more intriguing, bathed in calming blues. Bartholomew could tell right away it belonged to the youngest members of the family. He trotted around, examining the toys and sniffing at the bed comforters. It was kept relatively clean despite belonging to two young boys. Much cleaner than the pink room. It had the distinct smell of metal and apple juice. The animal thought that was an odd combination, but didn't over think it.
Leaving the room, he headed back downstairs. His little claws at the tips of his webbed feet clicked on the tile of the kitchen floor as he cautiously looked around. Linda glanced down from mixing mashed potatoes, smiling at the creature that made eye contact with her. He stared a moment before darting under the kitchen table. Though not taking his eyes off the woman as he did so had him running into the table leg first.
Linda chuckled in amusement at the little platypup, convinced it looked embarrassed by its own clumsiness. She had not expected to come home with a monotreme. The Flynn's had a dog for years that had passed away last year and she assumed they'd be bringing home a new puppy. But her husband was quick to agree with whatever his sons wanted. Lawrence was a pleaser. Linda was just worried a platypus might not be the cuddliest of pets and her youngest son was a hugger.
She turned down the heat on the stove and crouched a few feet from the table, kissing softly to the animal staring at her from its hunched position under a chair. Bartholomew wasn't intimidated; he knew she was no threat. But he made no move to go over to her.
The platypus raised his head as he heard the sound of car doors closing. Moments later Phineas and Ferb rushed into the house with shopping bags, their father behind him holding a wicker basket pet bed also filled with items.
"We got Perry so much stuff, Mom!" Phineas jabbered excitedly as he set the bags down on the kitchen floor.
"Perry?" Linda raised a brow up at her husband.
Lawrence shrugged. "His name is Perry now."
"This poor animal's name better not change several more times by the end of the night," Linda scolded, standing back up and going over to the stove.
"I hope not, we already got it printed on his bowl," Phineas commented as Ferb pulled the food and water dish out from the bag to set up in the corner of the kitchen.
"Food better have been on that list and not just a bunch of personally monogrammed toys," Linda gave her husband a wary look. "Because I don't know what it eats."
But Lawrence grinned and pulled out a bag of dehydrated platypus chow and several cans of cat food; shrimp and tuna flavored. "Mostly insects," he commented, putting the items away.
"Hi Perry!" Phineas crawled under the table beside his pet, reaching out to stroke him again. The platypus chattered as it flattened itself against the kitchen floor, resigned to being pet. At least the boy's touch was much softer than his voice. Soon enough Ferb was under the table as well, joining in the forced affection. "I think that means he likes his new name," the red head beamed brightly.
Bartho- Perry curled his tail around himself. Well… it was a more tolerable name, that was for sure.
"Boys, what did I say about letting Perry come to you?" Linda looked over at both her children sitting under the kitchen table. The last thing she needed was one of them getting bit.
Phineas and Ferb reluctantly crawled out. "Ferb, show mom the collar we got him!"
The green haired boy produced the leather dog collar with the duck foot charm from his pocket, enthusiastically holding it up to her. Linda reached down to accept the item, looking it over. "Oh how cute, it's a locket," she examined it.
"It's a what?" Phineas hurried over, unaware of this fact. They had simply picked it out to match their pet's semi-aquatic theme. Linda leaned down to show the boys how to open the charm.
"See? We can put your pictures in there later."
"Oh cool!" Phineas turned back to the table. "Look Perry, we can— Perry?"
Once again the pet had dashed out of the kitchen and back to the safety of under the couch. Phineas frowned and looked at his brother who shared his dejected look.
"Remember boys," Lawrence put his hands on their shoulders. "It may take him some time to get used to us." Phineas and Ferb nodded in understanding, but it was clear it wasn't going to be easy to respect the monotreme's space. They had been begging their parents for a new pet for months. Now they had one and they couldn't even hold it.
Perry spent dinner under the couch. Even after the boys filled his food bowl with the tempting chow he refused to leave his spot. He currently had his back to Phineas and Ferb who lay on their stomachs beside the piece furniture and just watched their motionless pet. Perry frowned at the wall, listening to the children chat quietly to one another, trying to come up with different ways they could make their pet more comfortable. They were persistent, he would give them that.
He didn't come out to eat until after the entire family had gone to bed. And even then he went back under the couch and stared listlessly at the beam of moonlight that shined through the living room window and onto the carpet. Perry sighed. Why hadn't the major contacted him yet? Why hadn't anyone from the organization contacted him yet? He felt betrayed. The worry of his position within the agency crept back into his thoughts.
He quickly found himself missing his bunk back in sector P of the Australian wing at the O.W.C.A. He missed the sounds of dozens of sleeping animals. He missed the chatter of the nocturnal agents that ran the night shift. This house was too quiet. He missed gathering in the rec-rooms where the older senior agents who would tell the new trainees stories about their adventures and missions. Stories that inspired him to be a top agent and filled his dreams with action packed visions of his future. He wanted to be able to tell amazing stories one day.
But Perry didn't feel amazing. Some agent he was… hiding under a couch and feeling homesick. He pulled out his fedora, kneading his little front paws into the brim. He nuzzled his bill against the hat and breathed in the comforting familiar smells trapped in the fabric. It helped him settle, but sleep still evaded the platypup that night.
The next day, Perry's bleary eyes watched the family move around the house in the early hours. Phineas and Ferb had come to bid him good morning immediately after they woke up. He merely stared back at the two sets of eyes and smiles that greeted him warmly as they hung upside down off the edge of the couch. Oh goodie, his owners were morning people.
The children eventually left to get their day started, but Perry stayed where he was.
For the entire day.
And the rest of the week.
Perry only left his sanctuary at night to eat and use the litter box that had been set out for him. Otherwise he confined himself to under the couch, away from the Flynn-Fletcher brood where he stewed in his stubborn thoughts, waiting to be contacted by the O.W.C.A… who were taking their sweet time. He wondered if he'd been abandoned by the agency. Alone with nothing but his thoughts had the agent-to-be second guessing everything.
But the refuge the platypup had chosen wasn't completely secluded. Unwittingly, Perry had selected the direct center hub of the household to isolate himself. It had given him the perfect, albeit unwanted, way of learning about the people he now lived with.
During the morning, the platypup would lounge lazily on his side and watch the two boys sit in front of the TV and play video games or watch cartoons as they ate their breakfast.
In the early afternoon when the boys were playing outside he would listen to Candace's long phone conversations.
Around noon, several of the neighborhood children were often over and Linda would make snacks. After which they would go back out to play and sometimes the other parents and Linda would play cards or chat in the kitchen.
Even if he hadn't meant to and wouldn't admit it to himself, Perry was slowly starting to find comfort in the routine he was doing his best to avoid. He found it easier to nap when Phineas was around, his constant chatter reminding him of the parrots back in sector P. He was no longer unnerved when he found Ferb peeking at him. He even lifted his head a few times to see if the boy had brought him another sugar cookie that he would set in front of his bill just within his reach to snatch without having to be touched. Perry even found himself somewhat interested in Candance's mindless gossip, following the conversation as one would follow a daytime soap opera.
But there was one time of the day that Perry scooted himself closer to the edge of under the couch.
He would wake up from his early evening nap to the strum of a classical guitar, Lawrence sitting on the couch with all three children for a music lesson.
Perry would tuck his bill under his tail comfortably and listen. Though young and still in need of the fine tuning that came with age and experience, the platypus could admit that Phineas and Candance were actually rather talented singers. And besides the odd wrong note or long pause to figure out the fingering, Ferb had an impressive handle on the instrument. Each night brought new songs and new instruments. Perry was actually a bit dismayed when the lessons were over.
But as they days passed, Perry was growing wary and restless. He'd all but given up hope that his superiors would be contacting him. Perhaps he'd just wither away and die under this forsaken couch.
"Mom, is Perry ever going to come out?" Phineas asked from his spot on the carpet where he and Ferb parked themselves each evening to say goodnight to their antisocial pet. Despite the platypup's refusal to interact with them, the boys never forgot about him. Even after a week of being ignored, several times a day they would sit on the floor and check on the animal. Empty food bowls told them he was at least eating.
Perry was surprised they didn't drag him out from under the couch or yank on his paws and tail to get him to comply. The boys would just sit and watch him. And other than Ferb sneaking him treats, their hands and arms stayed out from under the couch. Very un-child-like, Perry mused. Even hyper-active Phineas, who always had to be talking or doing something, was mindful of the animal's space.
"I don't know honey," Linda reached down to lift up Ferb who held his arms up to the woman. Perry had observed that though Ferb was very quiet, he wasn't exactly independent. He liked to be holding his parents' hands and stuck very close to his step brother, whom he was content to let dictate how they spent their days. "I don't know much about the platypus. I guess they just don't do much."
"Do you think Perry even likes us?" the red head asked as he took his mother's free hand and she led them upstairs. There was obvious hurt in the boy's voice.
Perry frowned at the bluntness of the little boy's statement. By all accounts… it was true. He'd given these people no reason to think otherwise. He was supposed to be 'acclimating'.
He didn't feel acclimated. He had the attention of a family he didn't want, but was being ignored by an organization he craved acceptance from. It was making Perry start to feel bad about avoiding his owners. After all, he was doing the same thing to them that O.W.C.A was doing to him.
A sudden beep startled the animal and he hurriedly pushed aside the fur on his wrist to reveal his agent issued communicator. INCOMING MESSAGE flashed across the little screen.
Finally! The animal sagged in complete and utter relief. He hadn't been forgotten after all.
Perry grinned brightly in excitement as he poked his head out from under the couch to make sure none of his owners were around before ducking back under and focusing on his communicator. Major Monogram appeared moments later. "Good evening, Trainee. We apologize for the delay in contacting you, but we're sure you had your paws full with getting acquainted to your new family."
Perry tried not to narrow his eyes in annoyance.
"Anyhoo, we'll be sending over some paperwork for you in the next day or so to complete and include your initial reports so we can start work on your lair. Don't worry; a few free tickets to Disney World for your owners will assure we have time for construction. We have an in with the studio and park…"
Perry listened to the Major prattle on about a few more things before the man said the words he'd been waiting to hear ever since he'd started his training. "In the mean time, we have your first field training mission for you tonight. Agent C needs backup downtown with Professor Pantomime. Normally a trainee your age wouldn't aid an agent with a nemesis quiet yet, but Agent C's pulling a double and could use the help. Besides… you've proven you're ready for this."
Perry could burst at the seams with joy. Not only was he getting his first real mission, but it was a top level mission! He was getting a top level mission and he wasn't even a full-fledged agent yet! This wasn't just an escort or guard duty, this was real work out in the field with bad guys and everything! Not even waiting to hear the major tell him he would need to be careful and listen to the senior agent, the platypup darted out from under the couch, fitting his fedora on as he made a jump for the window sill.
And missed.
Perry growled slightly and jumped again, his finger tips just grabbing the edge so he could pull himself up. Curse his height. Carl the intern said he had another foot to go until he was full grown. He'd better hurry up; he was getting tired of having to jump twice to reach his target.
He was out the window in moments, looking back down at his com-link as he ran across the grass. Getting the coordinates he required, Perry made a b-line for the bus stop. He was right on time for the 9:30pm bus to Downtown Danville, hopping onto the bike rack on the back of the large vehicle. He couldn't wait till he had his own gadgets and jet packs. Till then though, he would be carpooling. He held on tight as his ride brought him to his destination, fantasizing the entire time about an action packed evening of daring-do.
Arriving at the docks, Perry scampered through the rows of wooden crates to find the rendezvous point where he would meet Agent C. The night sky was cloudy and the temperature was dipping, moisture in the air telling the platypup they could be in for some rain.
An orange tabby was perched on one of the loading pallets, gingerly washing her paw. When Perry approached her, she opened a green eye, honing in on the strange little animal's signature hat. She pulled out one of her own, delicately fixing the brim as she watched the platypup struggle to pull himself up beside her.
The feline's shoulders sloped in a silent sigh. Great, now she was a babysitter. This was going to end up being more work than if she didn't have any back up at all. She stood up on her hind legs, paws on her hips as she stared down at the panting trainee. Perry swallowed thickly and stood at attention, saluting his superior and trying to slow his rapid heartbeat. He needed to make a good impression and Agent C already looked annoyed that her back up was a first timer. But she'd been up for almost 24 hours now and he assumed that would make any cat grumpy.
Inwardly, Agent C was amused. New agents were always so eager to please. Maybe she would at least get a bit of entertainment out of it.
Resigned to the fact that she would be playing teacher that night, Agent C motioned for the platypus to follow. Her tight glare told him he had better keep up. Perry wished desperately for longer legs as he put in twice the effort to keep pace with her agile leaps and bounds.
Inside the warehouse at the back, the two O.W.C.A members found their objective: Professor Pantomime unloading a shipment of stolen chemicals. The schematics that the agency had intercepted showed a weapon that would paralyze its victims. Word was that the evil mad man had a bone to settle with the Danville Theatre chorus line that rejected his choreographed number for a show back in '73.
Agent C kept her paw on Perry's chest, keeping him tucked back against the pillar they were both hiding behind as she assessed the situation. All they needed to do was destroy the shipment and render it useless for the Professor's plan. A simple job. A perfect first time experience for her little tag along.
Perry was itching to take on the bad guy, clenching his fists and teeth in excitement. He had caught a glimpse of the man, a tall lengthy human with long white hair. He was flanked by two prissy looking Borzoi hounds who looked like they went to the same hair dresser their owner did. He bounced lightly on his heels, waiting for Agent C's orders.
The tabby's tail swished as she decided the best approach was stealth. Looking back at her temporary platypus partner, she pointed to the hanging crates right above the target shipment and to the catwalk beside it. Agent C pressed a paw to her chest, indicating she would be taking the high road. She motioned to the far end where there was a pallet of stacked pier buoys. She raised a brow, hoping the trainee could handle creating a distraction by tipping over the buoys. Perry nodded, understanding his role and saluting her once again.
The two animals split up, Agent C bounding up the crates with ease as Perry stayed close to the perimeter. He was closing in on his target when a sharp bark made his fur stand on end. Peaking around a crate, Perry found that one of the Borzois had caught sight of Agent C a top one of the crates.
At first he thought she may have been in trouble, poising himself to rush in and help. But he stayed put when the cat showed no signs of distress. The platypup marveled at how Agent C was the picture of calm and collected, staring down at the barking dog with the most unimpressed look she could muster, her tail swishing casually behind her.
"Ah, Agent C! Long time no see. It's been what? 6 hours?" Professor Pantomime bantered as he stroked the head of his growling hound.
Agent C responded with a yawn, folding her arms and leaning against a crate.
Perry bit his lip with a grin. He hoped to achieve that level of snark one day, facing his own enemy without the slightest worry he could lose. He shook himself out of his moment of admiration to return to his task as the villain monologued to his nemesis. But turning back around towards the bouys, the platypup came nose to bill with the other Borzoi.
Oh yeah… there were two of them.
A powerful swipe from the dog's paw sent the agent in training into the side of a crate, sending pain rippling up Perry's spine. But he had no time to let the pain settle, scrambling to his feet to get out of the way when the canine came running at him. The dog was easily five times Perry's size and his paw to paw combat was still beginner level. Adrenaline rushed through the platypup's veins, hoping if he couldn't fight his foe, he could at least outrun it.
Professor Pantomime and Agent C were interrupted from their routine at the sound of snarling and squawking. The villain looked down in time to see a flash of turquoise as the platypup darted between his legs. Seconds later the dog came barreling through him as well, barking ferociously at his prey. Agent C slapped a paw to her forehead, but shrugged it off. A distraction was a distraction. Her foe was on the ground, the dogs were now chasing the trainee and she was free to continue her climb to the catwalk.
Perry's heart was thundering in his chest, running as fast as his four legs would carry him, inches away from the Borzoi's jaws. For such prissy looking dogs, they had gone from AKC show standards to hunting hound in no time flat. He took a sharp right, making the first dog slide past him and into some loading equipment. Perry looked pleased at his maneuver, but soon found that the other dog had joined its brother in the chase and was coming at him from the front. Perry hesitated a moment before rushing at the hound. The dog sped up, but misjudged how little his target was, allowing Perry to dart between the canine's long legs. His flat beaver-like tail slapped against the dog's haunches as he passed under it and tripping the animal up. Perry chanced a look over his shoulder, grinning at the dazed hounds.
But not looking where he was going had the platypup slamming right into Professor Pantomime's leg, knocking Perry onto his back. His vision cleared as a hand reached down and grabbed the loose skin at the back of his neck, lifting him high off the ground. The young agent froze, curling his paws up against his chest as he stared into the angry eyes of the villain.
"What the heck is this thing?" the professor hissed, finger nails digging into the animal's skin and fur, making Perry wince. The area was still tender from the hit he took from the dog. He kicked his back feet and chattered a growl that he had meant to sound intimidating, but came out a bit desperate. He grit his teeth at the sight of the dogs circling below him, upturned jowls revealing teeth that he was sure would have an even tighter grip than the hand currently holding him. "Whatever you are, you're soon to be Agent Dog Food."
A loud crash behind him made the professor turn around before he was about to drop the platypup down to the awaiting jaws of his pets. "NO!" the villain shouted in disbelief at the pile of splintered wood and broken glass, his precious chemicals pooling on the concrete under the wreckage and spilling towards one of the many drains around the warehouse.
Agent C vaulted off the catwalk where her claws had cut through the rope net holding up the crates that crushed the professor's shipment. Her back leg made contact with Pantomime's wrist, knocking Perry free from his grasp. The little trainee fell back, sliding across the concrete and rolling to a stop.
Perry blinked the dizziness away as he propped himself up on his elbow. The room stopped spinning in time for him to watch Agent C's perfect round house kick connect with one of the Borzois' snouts. She easily took out the second with an upper cut, landing gracefully on her back legs. The two hounds fell beside their owner who was nursing a possibly broken jaw from a well placed punch by the feline agent.
Her paw brushed back her whiskers and adjusted her fedora before reaching down to Perry to help him up.
Perry bit the lower part of his bill in embarrassment but accepted the offered paw. Agent C simply shrugged and pressed a button on her own com-link. Seconds later her hover craft crashed through the wall of the warehouse skidding to a stop beside them.
Perry limped after her, trying to cover up how sore he was as he jumped into the hover craft beside the cat. The job was done, but the platypup felt lower than dirt. His slip up could have jeopardized the entire mission. He wrung his paws together and avoided looking at the agent beside him as they flew through the night sky.
A soft mewl interrupted his thoughts of failure and Perry looked over at the tabby beside him in the driver's seat. To his surprise, Agent C was smirking. His brow furrowed in confusion, but she didn't look at him. Thunder in the distance made both agents look to the clouds. Sure enough flashes of light lit up the sky to the West. Agent C wrinkled her nose, the static in the air making her whiskers twitch. She flipped a switch on the dashboard and the hover craft's top closed them inside a thick glass cover to protect them from the preliminary drizzle.
It was pouring as the craft landed on Maple Drive. Perry was thankful the ride hadn't been long, not being able to stand the embarrassment much longer. He pulled his fedora off and tucked it away as he reached for the door handle. He paused when he felt a paw on his shoulder.
He looked beside him to see Agent C's grin had softened to a smile. She offered him a thumbs-up and patted his shoulder before he exited the craft. Perry couldn't imagine why she was being so nice, but he was thankful for the positive gesture. He didn't even want to think about what her debriefing to Major Monogram would include. Surely his incompetence would make the top of the list and effectively ruin the rest of his career at O.W.C.A.
The platypup managed a half wave to the ascending hovercraft before he trudged across the soaked lawn, letting his tail drag and the rain water slid of his water proof fur. Every muscle in his body hurt. He thought he trained hard, but the real deal was nothing like the classrooms and obstacle courses of the academy. By the time he pulled himself up through the window of the Flynn-Fletcher household, Perry was cold, wet, and sore in both body and pride.
After locking the window and hopping down from the sill, he lowered himself back to all fours and limped to the kitchen to find a hand towel to dry off. After doing so he made his way over to his food and water dish. Perry sat back on his haunches and stared down at his reflection in the fresh water that had been left for him. His stomach was in knots and even though he knew he should be starving, the thought of eating made him sick. He was still shivering slightly as he stared heartbrokenly at the water.
The feeling of failure was incredibly overwhelming for the young animal. He felt as lost and alone as he had earlier in the week when he assumed the agency had forgotten about him. His brown eyes glossed slightly. If he had no chance of being the secret agent he'd been raised from birth to be, what would become of him?
Perry tensed and his pupils shrunk when he felt a sudden, but soft touch between his shoulder blades.
The little platypup momentarily hunched over in fear before looking up to find Phineas leaning over him. In the entire week he had been there, Perry had never thought the red head could possibly manage to be quiet long enough to sneak up on him like that.
The little boy held an empty drinking glass in his other hand, giving Perry a clue as to why he was up in the middle of the night. Phineas smiled gently as he lowered himself to his knees to continue to pet the platypus that had yet to dart away from him like he expected him to do. "There you are, Perry…" he whispered softly.
Indeed the monotreme's first thought was to dash away, back under the couch. But his body didn't move. He stayed right there, staring back at the boy petting him, trembling every few moments from a mixture of the cold and the stressful night he had.
"You scared of the storm?" Phineas continued to whisper. "Ferb is too. I was gettin' him some water."
Perry just stared and listened to the boy, letting his soothing whispers break through his brain's harsh criticism of his actions that night. Anything to keep his own thoughts from tearing him apart.
"You don't gotta sleep under the couch if you're scared," Phineas set down the glass, but continued to pet the platypup. "You can come upstairs with us. I know Mom and Dad say we gotta let you come to us when you're ready. But it's all dusty under the couch and you can have my favorite pillow if you want."
Perry drank in the comforting words from the little boy he had avoided since he'd been adopted. Even after he had rejected his affections, Phineas was still invested in winning the animal over.
"I know havin' a new family's scary," Phineas reached forward to ease the little pup onto his lap, hoping the move wouldn't spook him. "I've been there, trust me. But we don't want you to be scared no more. We're nice, I promise."
Perry was surprised at himself for allowing the action. For staying put in the little boy's arms as Phineas propped him up against his shoulder. He was still tense and he was still shivering. But he didn't want to struggle anymore. He wanted the long stressful week to be over. He wanted to escape the terrible thoughts of failure. And against everything he had been feeling at the start of all this, being held by the boy at that moment felt… right.
"If you come upstairs, I can make sure both you 'n Ferb aren't scared of the storm, okay?" Phineas offered, getting to his feet and walking back to the stairs as he carried the platypup. The animal was letting him do so and he was taking full advantage of that fact.
Perry rested his bill on Phineas' shoulder, eyes drooping as he was carried. He was so drained and he was actually looking forward to the idea of not sleeping on the floor. A pillow sounded like heaven.
"Hey Ferb, Perry's scared of the thunder too," Phineas pushed open the door to their bedroom. The room was bathed in a soft orange glow from Ferb's side table lamp. The little green haired Brit had abandoned his own bed, sitting in the center of the S.S. Phineas with his comforter wrapped around him like a hoodie. Though he stayed quiet as usual, Ferb's eyes widened slightly at the sight of his brother carrying their illusive pet. He immediately scooted over as Phineas got up onto the bed beside him, gently placing the little platypup between them.
Perry looked between the two boys as they went about making a nest of pillows and blankets. Phineas was taking charge as he always did; making sure his fish tank light was on for his brother's comfort and leaving the room once more to get the glass of water he had forgotten.
Ferb hesitated a moment before reaching out to pet the platypup, amazed that he didn't run away this time. Perry stared tiredly up at the boy, sensing his unease and that his brother had indeed been telling the truth. Ferb was no fan of thunder storms. But a smile was creeping through the boy's fear as the monotreme allowed the petting.
Phineas returned, putting the water on the bedside table and making sure the shades were drawn to keep away the lightning flashes. He crawled back onto the bed and made sure the blanket was tucked around his step brother before lying down, facing Ferb with their pet sitting in the middle. Perry's expression softened at the sight of how attentive the red head was to his sibling's need. It was comforting to have such an empathetic presence near him.
So comforting in fact that Perry found himself lowering from a rigid, upright sit… to lying down against the soft sheets.
Phineas's smile joined his brother's as they both took turns petting down the animal's back, silently appreciating that their pet was starting to accept them. "Good boy, Perry," Phineas eventually praised in a quiet whisper.
"He's so soft," Ferb whispered as well, one of the few times the platypup heard the boy's accent all week.
"Maybe he'll sleep in our room every night now."
Perry could feel the tension from the week start to slip away, losing himself in their soft and gentle touch and listening to their quiet chat. Why had he denied himself this feeling? Tucked between two boys who were wise beyond their years and really only wanted to take care of him. He felt… safe. He felt like it didn't matter that he had messed up that night. Or all week.
These two didn't know about his embarrassing failure. They wouldn't ever know about any of his missions or that part of his life. Maybe…
… maybe that could be a good thing.
Perry closed his eyes and started to purr, his paws kneading the edge of Phineas' pillow. The boys' voices and calming touch were the perfect lullaby he'd been missing all week to help him sleep.
When Perry opened his eyes again, the morning sun was peeking through the split in the shades, running a sliver of light down the center of the room. His body still felt sore, but the billowy softness of the sheets beneath him were a welcome change from the carpet under the couch. He was curled in a ball, nestled against the small of Phineas' back with Ferb's arm draped across him. It was so nice to wake up warm and comfortable. He recalled the boys discussing this being a nightly thing for him during their late chat. Perhaps he'd take that into consideration.
The pup lifted his head with a yawn before resting his bill in the dip of Phineas' waist, closing his eyes and purring when he felt Ferb's hand move and start to stroke down his back again. He would also be reconsidering his opinion on being pet. If done correctly, it was rather enjoyable.
He felt the boys stir beside him as they slowly woke up and shifted around the bed. "Good morning Perry," they both greeted with yawns as they rubbed the sleep from their eyes. The platypup chattered in return, stretching out on his side as they rubbed his belly and scratched under his chin. He arched his back in pleasure before sitting up as well and shaking out his fur.
Bright eyed and bushy tailed as ever, Phineas and Ferb were up and getting ready as Perry stayed on the bed and watched them. He found his tail thumping against the mattress involuntarily when Phineas approached to scoop him up. He wasn't aware his appendage had a mind of its own.
Downstairs, Linda and Lawrence were having a hushed conversation in the kitchen. They'd woken up to discover the new family pet not in the same place it had been all week. After searching the house and finding no trace of the animal, the adults worried he had gotten out. They hadn't even been able to tell the truth when the dog had died, how were they going to tell their children the platypus ran away?
Of course, both were beyond shocked to find their happy five year olds make their way into the kitchen, Phineas cuddling a content looking platypup.
"Mom, Dad! Guess what?" the red head beamed as he set Perry down by his food dish. "Perry slept with us last night!"
The parent's exchanged shocked looks, Linda blinking off her surprise first. "He… came out from under the couch?"
"Uh huh," Phineas confirmed, pushing a chair against the counter top so Ferb could climb up to get the platypus chow out of the cupboard. "He was scared of the storm so I brought him upstairs and he stayed in the bed the whole time!"
"Is that so?" Lawrence helped his son get the items to feed their pet. "Well what do you know boys, your patience paid off."
Phineas and Ferb couldn't look more pleased at their accomplishment as they filled their pet's bowl, the monotreme digging in immediately. Perry decided he would stay by them for the rest of the day, needing the same comfort they had provided to him the night before. He would need the distraction from thinking about what would happen once Major Monogram received Agent C's reports. And also to make up for the week under the couch. After finishing his own breakfast, he parked himself under Ferb's chair as the boys ate their scrambled eggs. Although they were both thoroughly distracted throughout the meal, giggling whenever their pet rubbed his head against their ankles.
The pup trotted off after the children once they were finished and headed out to the backyard to enjoy the summer sun. The grass was still wet from the storm during the night, but it felt good against his paws. The boys were quick to find the day's activity; jumping in the puddles the rain had left. Having an instinctual fondness for water, Perry joined them, chittering and squawking as he chased the gleefully shrieking five year olds around the yard.
"Hi Phineas! Whatcha do—oh wow! Perry's outside!"
The monotreme looked up, currently on his back mid-roll in a muddy puddle. He flipped over to watch as a little girl dressed in a pink jumper skipped into the yard. He'd seen her a few times over at the house. Or at least he had seen her pink sneakers from under the couch. Isabella he recalled her name being.
"Yep! He likes us now!" Phineas dropped to his knees into the puddle, scooping up his wet and muddy pet. It didn't matter though; the child himself was already soaked. "Dontcha Perry? Whosa good boy? Whosa good platypus?"
Perry tried not to roll his eyes at the baby talk, even if a certain warmth spread through him at the sound of Phineas' cooing. Ferb hurried over to offer his own muddy cuddles, both boys eager to show off the pet they hadn't had a chance to share with their friends yet.
It turned into an eventful morning for the young pup, his owners deciding to embrace the semi-aquatic theme of the day and set up a slip n' slide in the backyard. They declared it Perry's official 'welcome to the family' day and invited more of the neighborhood kids over.
At first, Perry was overwhelmed. Too many grabby hands. But he underestimated how protective his friendly owners could be. Phineas denied anyone's request to hold the pup, allowing them only to pet, but only if he and Ferb were holding him. And Ferb policed the petting. If any of the children's strokes were even remotely rough looking, he shooed them off with a scolding glare. Perry couldn't tell if the two were being responsible pet owners… or possessive. Either way he was thankful for it, content to stay curled up against Phineas' chest or firmly stationed at Ferb's shoes.
By lunch time, the platypup was exhausted. He wanted a sunny spot on the patio to dry off and just watch the rest of the activities, which including sprinkler jumping and a water balloon fight. Luckily, Linda noticed his yawn when she was bringing out watermelon slices and told the boys to let him alone for awhile.
"You've made them really happy, little guy," the woman said softly as she reached down to pat Perry's head. The platypup smiled to himself. He'd made himself happy too. It was actually really nice to have a focus other than his training. It could be like this always… especially if he was disbanded from the agency.
Perry cursed himself for thinking of the O.W.C.A. He'd successfully ignored any memories of the previous night all day and now he was thinking about it again. He sat up, feeling the urge for one of the boys to hold him, but when he did, his felt his communicator vibrate against his wrist.
Perry winced. He didn't even want to know.
With a reluctant sigh he looked around and decided the side of the house was a safe spot. Tucking himself behind the garbage cans, the agent in training pulled back the fur on his wrist and clicked the com-link.
"Good Afternoon Trainee," Major Monogram's tone was light and casual, not at all the deep scolding the platypus assumed he would be receiving. "Just wanted to let you know your paperwork was sent out today, so keep an eye on the mail. Also, I was going over Agent C's documentation from last night's mission…"
Perry tensed, bracing himself for the tongue lashing.
"Congratulations on your first field mission being a success. Not that anyone here at O.W.C.A had any doubt given your impressive track record in training," the major cleared his throat. "Agent C will be sending you her notes and feedback shortly. We'll have you in Monday to show you how the debriefing procedure works. Until then, enjoy the weekend with your new family."
Perry stared at his communicator in shock, almost forgetting to salute the major before the video link cut out. But… how… why… what?
As the agent trainee tried to process what had just happened, his communicator beeped again, indicating he had an e-mail. He clicked the side button on his com to project the document in a hologram. Perry tilted his head curiously, seeing the e-mail was from Agent C.
Mission: 2695 Alpha00
Level: Orange-Mild Emergency
Threat: P. Pantomime – Chemical warfare
Status: Complete (Successfully neutralized toxins)
It was a pretty standard incident report; one agents would fill out and send to their superiors. Perry had just been forwarded the e-mail. He skimmed it, reading Agent C's description of the mission details. He stopped skimming when he came across himself mentioned in the observation section.
Trainee Agent Platypus was assigned as backup. Arrived promptly. Followed orders. Created effective distraction. Displayed talent in evasive tactics. Analysis: with practice in focusing and keeping track of all targets, Trainee Agent P shows potential to reach agent status shortly.
The little platypup stared in disbelief at the e-mail, his expression softening. She… thought he did well? His eyes trailed down to a note tacked onto the e-mail that was not part of the forwarded report. Which meant Major Monogram wouldn't have seen it.
No one's first time is perfect, kiddo.
Brush it off and get back out there.
Keep up the good work. –Agent C
Perry felt his chest swell. It was… something he really needed to hear.
"Hey, where's Perry?"
The platypup looked up at the sound of Phineas' voice. He clicked his com off and hurried back to all fours, bounding out from behind the trash cans and back to the yard.
"Oh, there you are Perry!"
The animal purred contently as he was scooped up by the little boy, nestling his bill against Phineas' shoulder as he was carried back into the house. The other children had left and it was now they boys' job to bathe themselves and their pet after a long day of splashing through muddy puddles. Perry didn't mind baths. He was, after all, a water lover. And as they had been since the beginning, Phineas and Ferb were very gentle with him. Late evening found Perry comfortably curled up on Ferb's lap on the couch as Phineas stroked the top of his head.
"He's really gotten attached to you boys," Lawrence smiled, coming into the living room with his wife at his side.
Linda handed her son the short strap of leather, "Here we go, all finished," she said as Phineas took the pet collar from her, instantly opening up the charm to see the pictures his mother had put inside and then show them to the platypus.
"See Perry? Now you're a Flynn-Fletcher just like us," he smiled, letting Ferb sit their pet up so he could buckle the collar on.
Perry chittered in response. He hadn't wanted a host family. He hadn't wanted the distraction from his goal. Or a home away from the O.W.C.A headquarters. Or to put up with a bunch of humans treating him like a pet. Or a silly food bowl with his name on it. He hadn't wanted the cuddles, or the petting, or the little boys fawning over him. He hadn't wanted any of it.
But he needed it. He now realized why the organization gave its agents families.
He needed something to fight for. He needed to have something to be the best he could be for. He had the will, but he needed that extra motivation. He needed someone to come home to. He needed to be held and stroked and reminded that he had somewhere he belonged even if messed up.
And as Perry snuggled between the two boys he now called his own, he vowed to be the best agent the O.W.C.A had ever seen. Because Phineas and Ferb deserved only the best.
He would do it for them.