I was on a real family vacation/reunion these past few weeks, which I had put up a little note about on my profile. It's over, and I miss everybody.

This was just something that I had to do. The idea that my Ferb had destroyed an engaged couple's happiness, with extra help from me, wasn't something I wanted to think about. When I wasn't in my own romantic messes, nothing made me happier than other people getting their one true love. That's the kind of thing that made me squeal in delight, before I turned into an enormous pessimist after years of disappointment. But, I was also using Vanessa as a distraction. I didn't know what else to do.

He wants to talk. About us. What? Ferb really, truly, wants me. But, for what? It has to be more than friends, but is it less than love? He only liked Vanessa because she was pretty. Was that sweet British boy who seems as deep as humanly possible really just shallow enough to like me for my looks or sex? And what is our relationship status now? Are we single? We're friends, but we slept together literally last night! We can't be JUST friends. Are we FWBs again? Are we more? Am I his girlfriend? How can I ever face my friends now that they know we can't stop hooking up? We really, really, need to talk.

Instead, I was standing in front of a confused guy I had never met before. "Hiiii…" I said awkwardly, twirling my hair around my finger. "I don't think we've ever formally met. I'm Isabella. I sort of met you at our friend's birthday party. Actually, he's my friend, and umm, Vanessa's friend."

Monty stared at me as I spoke as if I had three heads. "Okay… so why are you here?"

Was he going to slam the door on my face? The dude didn't exactly look like he was on top of the world right now. His old shirt was stained, he had a scruffy excuse for a beard on his face, and something coming from inside his home smelt like a zoo.

"Well, Ferb didn't want to come because, uh, he didn't want there to be any, tension." I smiled awkwardly. Monty stared deadpan at me. God, why was I bringing up the kid who stole his girlfriend! "Long story short… Vanessa is miserable without you." And you sure don't look so great without her, I thought.

I saw a speck of happiness float into his eyes. I decided to pile on. "Vanessa, a girl so full of spunk, has turned into a wet rag. You're all she can think about! No other guy can compare!" I would say whatever I had to in order to get her away from my man, but in all honesty it was true.

He half-smiled. "So what should I do, 'Isabella'?"

I smiled too. "Calling her would be a good start."

"I can't believe it!" Vanessa gushed. "The wedding is back on! I might have to change some dates, and my dad is going to be pretty peeved, but it's back on!" She smiled and it lit up her whole face, and it reminded me exactly how pretty she really was… humph. "And it's all thanks to you two." She said, as she sank into one of the chairs in her apartment. Ferb and I smiled pretty brightly.

"How did you guys fix everything so quickly?" I asked.

"Well, no matter what happens, Monty's always there to play the hero."

I glanced sideways at Ferb, trying to read his face. Typically, this would be a moment where he would roll his eyes or something. I mean, he'd always played the hero, especially with Vanessa. Instead, Ferb was staring dreamy-eyed at… me. I expected to feel freaked out. Instead, I felt warm and fuzzy.

Ferb got up. I almost thought he was coming closer to me, but instead, he went to the bathroom.

"Hey!" Vanessa snapped me back to her. "Thanks for getting Monty and I back together!" she said in an unnaturally sweet voice.

"Uh, yeah, you're welcome." I said, still staring after him.

"How long have you been going after Ferb?" Vanessa asked.

"What?" I said, startled.

"As far as I knew, you liked the other one. But, you turned into a jealous freak as soon as I went after Ferb. Not to mention dancing with him at the party, all your private talks…"

"Well, I…" I so felt put on the spot.

Meanwhile, Vanessa was checking out her nails, as if my love life was something as casual as the weather or what was on TV. "I think he's always wanted you."

"What?" I said again, not fully grasping what she meant.

"You know, like subconsciously. I don't think it was a bravery thing; I mean, he's confessed he likes me a billion times. He just never even considered that you two could be together, which kept him from realizing how he felt. And, now he's realized it." She smiled sneakily at me, and then went back to checking her manicure. "I see the way Ferb looks at you. Not even close to how he looked at me. He loves you a million times more than he loved me. He might even love you more than Monty loves me, but don't tell Monty I said that." She giggled.

At that moment, Ferb walked back into the room. Did he hear all that?! "It's time for me to go." I whispered frantically.

Ferb, of course, had to follow me out. Okay, I fixed Vanessa's love story. Now, Ferb would want us to talk. I'm not ready! I just wish I knew what was going to happen, or what I should say, but I don't even know what I want!

Suddenly, Ferb's arms wrapped around me from behind, and his lips just barely brushed against my neck. "I know you and I need to talk and straighten everything out because who even knows where this is going but I'm not ready I'm just freaking out!" Everything just came out in a rapid stream of words. I wasn't even sure if he got any of that.

"Calm down, love, your heart is racing." Ferb said. He was right, not to mention I was breathing heavily. He took my hands. "We don't have to do anything now, okay? Do you just want to go back home?" I nodded like a mute baby.

He took me back to the apartment building like the angel he was. I was finally calming down. I do want this, I want us. I want the dancing, the cooking, the chilling together. I want the bickering and the making-up. I want the sex and I want the cuddling. I want the Prince Charming. I want Ferb. But would it work? Or would it fall apart like Phineas and me? Do I dare make us more than we already are? And tell him I love him?

He gestured towards his door. "Do you want to come in?"

I was exhausted, plus I still needed to figure some things out. So, of course, I eagerly nodded yes. Because I love him.

I walked inside and ran my hand through my hair. "I'm super tired." I said out loud.

"Do you want something?" He asked, in a concerned voice.

I smiled. "Ferb, you're my favorite."

He smiled as he arched one eyebrow at me. "Favorite what?"

"I dunno. Everything. Person, protector, friend, guy… lover." I added seductively.

I started giggling as Ferb grabbed my hand and we ran into his room. I dropped onto his bed and he started to kiss me roughly.

"Isabella," He murmured. "Have I gone mad?"

"What makes you say that?" I giggled.

"Because, generally, I would be thinking about the consequences of my actions or be trying to be a gentleman or something of that nature." He mumbled into my neck.

"Who cares?" I said, as I sat up and pulled off my shirt and pants.

"Agreed." He said, as he pulled off his. He also undid my bra. As he jumped back onto me, I felt the huge smile return to my face. "Why so giggly tonight, Bella?"

I ran my hand through his hair. "I'm happy." I giggled. "I'm just super happy."

Something totally flipped in Ferb's face. He went from his typical calm and slightly bemused expression to totally ecstatic and lit up. "Really?" He just barely asked.

I threw my arms around his neck and pulled him into a full French kiss as my answer. He pulled me closer and I gave up on the foreplay. I just wanted him in me.

And by now it was so perfect. I never had to tell him to go faster or deeper, he just knew. And Ferb's bed did not squeak… AT ALL… so we also went a lot harder. In. Out. Mewling. Gasping. Moaning.

Ferb pulled out and off of me with a satisfied sigh. I breathlessly ran my hand through my hair. He opened his arms up to me and we cuddled under his covers.

"Mmm, how the heck was I alive while we weren't hooking up?" I joked, leaning against his arm.

"No idea." He responded. "I'm sure your screams of my name over and over have made my life worth living."

"You are such a…" He pulled me closer to him. "I can sleep here tonight?" I asked pleadingly. He nodded. "You won't get mad?" He shook his head. I kissed his cheek happily. "Goodnight."

"Goodnight."

I was so high on cloud nine that night, sleeping with Ferb in his bed, both naked. I never thought about how terribly awkward all those things would become in the morning… when Phineas found us.