Ferb walked down the street. He had no idea where he was going. He soon found himself walking down a somewhat familiar street. It had been a couple of years since he's been here. He sighed and continued walking, lost in thought.

Gretchen was watering the plants in the kitchen window when she saw Ferb walk past. She pulled out her phone and started a text. Please have your phone in your pocket. She thought to herself.

Ferb's phone vibrated. He pulled it out from his pocket and noticed a text.

'Hey...What are you doing walking around so sadly?' Ferb blinked in surprise at the text and looked around. His eyes stopped when they fell on Gretchen waving out the window. He sighed and made his way into her yard. Gretchen leaned forward with her arms on the window sill as he approached. "What's wrong? You seem upset." Ferb nodded. Gretchen tilted her head curiously. "Want to talk about it?"

Ferb cast his gaze downward and slowly shook his head. Gretchen sighed. "Just a second, I'll meet you on the porch." She then stepped away from the window and a moment later opened the door and stepped out.

"I never got to thank you." Gretchen said as she took a seat on the steps and indicated that Ferb could sit; if he wanted.

Ferb hesitantly sat next to her. "For what?" Gretchen held her hand up for him to see. "For taking care of my hand. I probably would have gotten an infection, but the way you removed the splinters prevented that...so thank you." Ferb stared at her hand for a moment before absentmindedly grabbing it. He flipped her hand over, examining where the splinters were. "They didn't leave scars. did they?" Gretchen shook her head. "Nope. They healed one hundred percent." Ferb smiled, slightly. "Good."

Ferb continued to hold Gretchen's hand and quickly glanced at her face; his fingers intertwining with hers. He tried speaking, but couldn't get the words out. Gretchen appeared worried. "Is something the matter Ferb?" She inquired.

Ferb nodded. Gretchen smiled at him, bit her lower lip and placed her other hand on his arm. "It's okay, you can tell me. I won't judge." He nodded again and placed his free hand on her cheek. "Gretchen," he whispered, "...I would like to…" He continued to study her features. "Yes." She answered the unfinished question then leaned in to help initiate the kiss.

Ferb leaned into the kiss, his lips moving against hers, for a moment; then suddenly broke it, sitting back… eyes wide.

Gretchen looked down at their hands and gave his hand a squeeze. "Ferb, if you're not ready, just…" She felt him shift nervously.

Ferb cleared his throat. "It's...not that...it's, well…" He stood quickly and began pacing. He could feel Gretchen's eyes following him. He wrung his hands nervously. "You have to understand, this isn't something I'm used to."

Gretchen tilted her head curiously. "What are you talking about?"

Ferb stopped, looking at his feet. "You... do you see me as 'Ferb' and not 'Phineas' brother'?" He chanced a glance up at her, but averted his eyes again.

I've always seen you as more than Phineas' brother Gretchen thought. "Ferb?" She asked quietly. "Would you like to…" Ferb looked at her. "Gretchen," He started and stepped closer to her. They looked at each other for a few moments.

Ferb finally took a breath and released it with a sigh. "I'm sorry Gretchen, I've wanted to tell you for months. I like you… Would you like to go out with me?" He asked then quickly added. "I'll understand if you don't want to… I mean, I'm just Phineas' brother."

Gretchen offered a slight smile. "Ferb, I'd love to go out with you. I've never seen you as 'just Phineas' brother'. You've always been Ferb."

Ferb blinked in surprise. I've...always been... He stared at her smiling face. He felt his heart warm. Gulping, he reached over and wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into a hug.

Gretchen gasped in shock. She stumbled and sent them both tumbling to the ground. Gretchen giggled as she looked down at Ferb. "Sorry."

Ferb stared at the girl hovering over him. He smiled slightly as their eyes locked.

Gretchen blushed as she stood up. "I should be more careful, I guess." Ferb, for his part, smiled and reached for her hand. "I don't mind." He said and kissed her hand. He then looked directly at her and leaned forward. He started to kiss her lips, teasing them with his own. Before long he initiated a passionate kiss between them, Gretchen a willing participant.

Ferb broke the kiss after a few moments. "Why did you stop?" Gretchen inquired. Ferb stood and helped Gretchen to her feet, then led her back to the porch. Gretchen looked through the front window. "Would you like to come inside for a while?" She asked him with a smile. Ferb smiled back and nodded.

They made their way to the living room. Gretchen sat first and Ferb joined her, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. Gretchen lay her head on his shoulder and sighed. Ferb looked down, concerned. She looked up and smiled. "Thank you. This is the happiest I've been in a long time."

Ferb kissed her forehead. "I'm glad." He rested his head on hers. They sat together in silence for a long while, dozing off. When Ferb come to, he noticed that it was late. Gently nudging Gretchen awake, he gave her a quick kiss. "I need to get back home."

Gretchen walked him to the door. "I had no idea you felt this way." She sighed. Ferb ran his hand down her cheek and leaned in to give her another kiss. Gretchen returned his kiss and watched sadly as he made his way down the driveway.

Ferb turned around and gave her a wave and a smile. Gretchen waved back as tears started to sting her eyes. Once Ferb had rounded the corner, she closed the door and let the tears fall.

Ferb stopped at the foot of his driveway and checked his watch; almost 10pm. He drew a deep breath and unlocked the front door. He quietly slipped his shoes off and started up the stairs when he heard Candace.

"Where have you been? You missed dinner." Ferb turned to see Candace sitting on the couch. She raised her eyebrows impatiently. "Well?"

Ferb sighed. "I just stepped out for a few minutes. You shouldn't worry." He started back up the steps.

Candace got up and followed him up. "Well, I can't help it. You've been acting strange lately and I feel like you need to talk." She stopped in front of his room as he did. She saw a disbelieving look in his eyes. She shrugged. "What?"

Ferb sighed and looked to the floor. Candace tried reaching out to place her hand on his shoulder but something stopped her. "Ferb, come on, I want to help you." Ferb nodded and looked up at his sister.

Candace extended her hand out to him. "Let's go downstairs, I've got some leftover pizza for you; Double Pepperoni, your favourite." Ferb smiled slightly and followed her downstairs.