Okay, so it's been like, what, months? A very long time. A very, very long time since I've updated. I want to apologize profusely for this, because I know how much it sucks when a story suddenly goes dead. I've had a lot going on lately (mainly to do with school) and I haven't had much time to write. And even when I do write, I've started writing Real-Person Fanfiction, which is as disturbing as it is fun. Anyone heard of Emblem3?

Favourite band, right there. I normally don't write fanfiction about people who are, you know, actually real... but they're all so cute! Anyway, I've written like two huge one shots and a few small ones and I can't freakin' post them because no internet and you can't post Real-Person Fanfiction on here, apparently.

But I'm desperate for feedback. If anyone wants to read my Emblem3 stuff, I'll love you forever. And probably give you previews for this/another one of my P&F stories or something. Anyone? Any takers? PM me or review in? I'd love you so much?

Anyway,

Enjoy!

Xoxoxo

Hair

Phineas squirmed in his seat, throwing a pleading look at his brother as best he could without moving his head. Ferb stood in the doorway, watching everything with an amused smile, not at all sympathetic.

"Stop squirming, Phineas!" Isabella chided softly. She was standing in between Phineas' open legs, looking rather intimidating holding a pair of scissors and glaring at him.

"M-Maybe I should just get Mum to cut my hair," Phineas suggested weakly, staring at the scissors with wary eyes.

"Don't be silly, I need my hair cutting patch and your hair is much too long," she leaned forward and began to snip away.

The teenaged boy sat stock still for two reasons as little tufts of red hair floated down to the ground. The first was that he was afraid to move lest he be accidentally stabbed, and the second was Isabella's chest was directly in his face and her shirt was a little... low-cut. He could feel his face burning as he tried to avert his eyes, and somewhere deep down he knew she was doing this on purpose, despite how fervently he wished she would just back off. Every time he managed to convince himself she was just being friendly, something like this happened.

"Uhm, Isa..." he started in a voice that was far too high pitched to belong to a boy post-puberty.

"Yes, Phineas?" she asked in her sweetest voice, shifting ever so slightly.

He could hear Ferb stifling his chuckles, though he couldn't see because he had this annoying chest in his way. He cleared his throat, knowing his face was bright red. Ferb was enjoying his torture... he'd have to get him back later.

"Erm..." he struggled for a way to express himself without embarrassing her. "Aren't you a little... cold...?"

"Not at all," she chirped, letting out a small giggle. She leaned over and breathed into Phineas' ear, "you know, in some cultures, when a woman cuts a man's hair it's a vow of marriage."

He jerked without thinking, shocked at the sheer audacity of her statement. She had anticipated this and moved the scissors away, so he wasn't hurt. Her laugh was loud and teasing. "I'm joking, I'm joking."

"Are you done?" he whined after a few minutes, knowing he sounded pathetic. He didn't care. He wanted out of that damn chair and away from this woman and her provocative ways.

"Almost," she giggled, moving around so she was behind him and beginning to cut the back of his head. He was relieved her chest wasn't in his face anymore, and his eyes automatically travelled over to his brother. The green-haired teen was leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed over his chest and an arrogant smirk on his face. It only grew when Phineas glared at him.

He glanced down and saw how much hair had dropped to the floor and onto his lap. "Good God, woman, are you shearing me bald?"

"Oh please, that's nothing," she paused for a moment before stepping back. "All done. Turn and look at me."

He did as she said, rising out of the chair and brushing hair off his lap. She reached up and ruffled his damp hair, inspecting it. "Okay, you look respectable, and I think I just got my hair cutting patch."

"Thanks, Isabella," he smiled and gave her a hug, despite the fact the entire experience had been mentally scarring and he'd do his best to make sure it was never repeated.

"You're welcome!" she returned the hug before grinning at him. "I'm going to go get the patch and add it to my sash. I'll see you boys later."

She nodded at Ferb, who returned it lazily, and then she hurried out of the room, leaving Phineas to sag against the kitchen counter and sigh in relief. Since Isabella was gone, Ferb didn't hold back, laughing loudly at his smaller step-brother. "You should have seen your face."

Phineas waited for him to finish, watching with mild distaste. "You're a right bastard sometimes, you know that?"

"Oh, come now," Ferb strode over, green eyes glinting with humor. "I thought you were enjoying it. Why, those ripe, rounded breasts, right there for your viewing pleasure..."

The redhead wrinkled his nose in disgust, shoving his brother when he came into range. "Ferb! That's gross. And disrespectful to Isabella."

"She was flaunting them," he shrugged once he recovered from the push, reaching out to capture his step-brother's chin in a gentle yet firm grip. "Women can't expect us not to speak of them if they flaunt them."

"Change the subject," Phineas shuddered in horror, "before I end up throwing up."

"Well, we can't have that," Ferb chuckled, leaning forward and closing the gap between them. The kiss was soft, and Phineas yielded without complaint, enjoying the warmth shimmering just below the surface. The green-haired teen's hand, which had been holding his chin in place, moved to cup his cheek, thumb feathering over pale skin. When they parted, all arrogance and embarrassment and playfulness had drained from both of them, leaving behind a pleasant comfort, both of them smiling at each other. "How's that for changing the subject?"

"Perfect," a grin flickered around his lips, having immediately been cheered up by the kiss.

"So, when are you going to get around to telling her that you're unavailable and uninterested?" Ferb asked casually, never once stopping his gentle stroking of the redhead's face.

The grin faded, replaced by an annoyed frown. His taller step-brother ran one finger over the slight lines formed by the frown, but Phineas didn't let up. "I don't know, Ferb. I'm not ready."

"As amusing as it is to see you so embarrassed when she flirts with you, it still upsets me a little," green hair tickled Phineas' chin as his brother leaned down to press a kiss to his throat.

"If we tell her, she might tell everyone," he closed his eyes, tilting his head to give more access, enjoying the feeling of warm lips brushing his neck. "I don't think I'd be able to handle that so soon."

"And yet here we are, being intimate in the kitchen when anyone could walk in," Ferb chuckled. The redhead pushed him away, seeing the sense in his words, and he glanced quickly to every opening in the room, checking no one was there watching them.

"Not now," he murmured. Upon seeing the slight disappointment on his brother's face, he sighed and added, "soon. We'll tell her soon. Just give me a week or so to prepare mentally."

"A week, then," Ferb took his hand gracefully, brought it to his mouth. "I'll hold you to that."

"Hey!" he felt his cheeks flush in both embarrassment and pleasure even as he tugged his hand away. "Why am I the female here?"

"Because you're both shorter and skinnier," Ferb tugged him in, pressing their bodies together to emphasize his point.

"Well, maybe I want to be the man, ever think about that?" Phineas grabbed his brother's hand and pressed a kiss to it, knowing he'd been about as graceful as a dump truck. He felt silly, but he didn't let it show, instead staring determinedly into Ferb's eyes. "There. Now I'm the man."

"Oh, so it's decided by who kisses the other's hand?" the green-haired teen chuckled, not bothering to tug his hand away. "Well, I'm certainly okay with being the female. They get all the benefits. Which reminds me, the next time Mum asks us to bring the groceries in, I'll get you to carry in all the heavy stuff, seeing as you're the man."

Phineas pouted at him. "Okay, I give. You can be the man."

"That's what I thought."

Xoxoxo

Comfort

The abandoned corridor of his high school was eerily silent, echoing each noise and sending it back tenfold. He tried to be as quiet as possible, lightening his footsteps and barely breathing, eyes darting around, searching every nook and crevice. He hadn't wanted to be here, in his school in the evening. But he'd forgotten his big biology project that was due tomorrow, and he was not going to miss out on a grade just because this place was kind of scary at night.

The janitors were always working late into the evening- due to how unclean the school was by the end of the day- and they were willing to let in any students who had a reasonable excuse. Baljeet Rai reached his locker and put in the combination, the sound of the metal opening loud in the large corridor.

He spotted his project right at the back and lifted his arm to grab it. Before he could, one large pink hand shot out of nowhere and slammed his locker closed, shocking him so badly he almost screamed. As it was he let out a high pitched yelp and spun around, only to come face to face with one of the school's footballers, a teen that Baljeet had never spoken to, and the blond haired giant was sneering at him. "What're ya doing back here, nerd?"

"J-Just... getting something I forgot..." his voice was strained with fear. His breath hitched when the footballer stepped closer, lifting his other arm and pressing it against the lockers behind Baljeet, effectively trapping him. He had half a mind to scream for the janitors, but he knew they wouldn't hear him. They'd all be polishing the cafeteria floors by now, which was not only on the other side of the building complex, but the machines they used were loud.

"You shouldn't be here," the boy snarled. "This is my turf after dark."

"I am sorry," he tried, trying to swallow the lump in his throat. His mouth was dry. He swore his heart was beating loud enough for the whole Tri-State Area to hear. "I will leave, and I will not come back after dark..."

"It's too late," the blond chuckled. It didn't make him seem any less terrifying. "You're going to have to pay me for trespassing."

"I do not have any money on me," Baljeet's eyes flickered to each side, looking for a way out.

"It's not money I want," the boy smirked. Baljeet stared at him uncomprehendingly until one of the hands caging him in slid down and grazed over his ass. He stifled a gasp and jerked away. The footballer let out a laugh and shook his head, murmuring, "come now, stay still for me."

He didn't listen, darting to the side and attempting to run. The other hand shot out and grasped him by the throat, yanking him back and slamming him into the hard metal of the lockers. The grip on his throat tightened. Hot breath feathered over his face as the blond leaned in, eyes narrowed in hate. "You're not going anywhere."

When he felt the button of his jeans being unfastened, he closed his eyes and screamed, the high pitched sound echoing throughout the hallway. He screamed and screamed, not stopping for breath until his lungs were burning, and then he gasped out a choking sob. Hands were on his shoulders, shaking him roughly. Someone was shouting at him but he couldn't make out words.

Baljeet's eyes snapped open, and he was no longer the terrified sixteen year old being raped in the abandoned school hallways. He was a terrified twenty four year old, lying in his own bed, shaking from fear and memories. He wanted to scream again but his throat was sore, so he settled for another sob. He became aware of the fact someone was with him, the person who'd been shaking him. They were no longer doing so, but they were still speaking, and Baljeet tried to listen.

"...It's okay, it was just a dream, 'Jeet. You're okay..."

He felt tears sting his eyes and slide down his face. The man in front of him was holding onto his shoulders, speaking in a soothing tone. Baljeet opened his arms, needing comfort, and Buford pulled him in, settling the smaller man on his lap and rocking him gently. "He's gone now. He can't ever get to you again. It's okay..."

Baljeet buried his face in the crook of Buford's neck, sobbing out his pain and misery. Even after all these years, he was still plagued by nightmares. When he'd gotten together with his old high school bully, they'd receded and he'd assumed they were gone forever. But now, the night after the brunet had proposed, they'd come rushing back. He couldn't believe he'd managed to ruin such a special night by reliving the worst moment of his life in his dreams.

"I-I am sorry," he choked out, trying to convey how guilty he felt. How horrible it was to force Buford through this. It wasn't the first time Buford had suffered because of Baljeet. Back when they'd first started dating, the Indian hadn't been able to handle being touched. It had taken them a long time to work through that, and he'd thought the bully would just leave because he wasn't getting any action. But he'd stayed and they'd grown so much closer.

"Don't you dare apologize," Buford's lips were pressed against his temple, speaking against his skin. Only a year ago, being touched like this after a nightmare would have been too much, but now it was okay. As long as it was Buford. "None of this is your fault. You hear me? None of it."

Baljeet hiccuped, his terror slowly fading to be replaced by a dull ache in his chest. He moved closer to the large warm body holding his own, relaxing into the embrace. The tears slowed.

"Repeat after me," Buford instructed sternly. "This is not my fault."

"Th-This is..." he started, only to be interrupted by an uncontrollable sob.

"This is not my fault," Buford repeated.

"This is not m-my fault..." he whispered, shivering in the cool night air. His partner drew the blankets over them both and he felt instantly warmer. The tears finally stopped.

"Are you alright?" a finger touched his chin, tilted it upwards so he was staring into concerned blue eyes.

"I am alright," he confirmed, sniffing a little and wiping at his face. Buford helped, rubbing the moisture off of his cheeks.

"Good," Buford pressed a soft kiss to his trembling lips, staying there and letting the shaken man calm. The bully pulled back after a moment, eyes narrowing. "We've been over this before, you know. You need to stop feeling guilty. I don't give a fuck if you wake me up in the middle of the night with your screaming, every night for the rest of our lives. As long as I get to be with you, I don't care."

"But-"

"I don't give a flying fuck if some nights we can have sex, and some nights you can't handle it. I love you, you idiot. I don't care. It's not your fault, it's his," Buford tightened his grip ever so slightly.

Baljeet shivered at the mention of his rapist and glanced down, ashamed that he had annoyed Buford with his guilt. "Okay," he said softly, knowing the words 'I am sorry' would only piss off the larger man further. "I love you, too."

"I know," the bully laid them both back down and let Baljeet cuddle up to him, wrapping his large arms around the smaller body. "Let's just go back to sleep."

Baljeet rested his head over the man's chest, letting the dull rhythm of his heartbeat lull him back to sleep. He felt loved and cherished, knowing his partner would repeat this kind of comfort any time he needed it. He waited until Buford's snores filled the quiet room before whispering, "thank you."

Xoxoxo

Attached

"You're being silly, you know."

"Probably," Phineas agreed reluctantly, staring down at the open and currently empty suitcase lying on his bed.

Isabella gave a huffed sigh and sat down next to the item so Phineas was forced to look at her, and her blue eyes were sympathetic but unamused. Her mouth was pursed into a frown that told the redhead she was sick of his moodiness. "Phin, you've been accepted for the internship of a life time, you should be happy."

"I know!" he wanted to shout the words, so much frustration- and yes, a little fear- bubbling up until there was a great big hole in his chest, greedily sucking up all his happiness until he was an angry, upset mess. But he couldn't shout because his brother was just in the other room and he didn't want to worry him. "I know I should be happy, but god damn it, it's on the other side of the fucking country."

Isabella was silent a few moments, her eyes narrowed in thought. They soon widened in realization and locked on his own, and he knew she understood. "It's Ferb, isn't it?"

There was no point in lying. Ever since they were kids, she'd always seen right through him. Instead, he pushed a hand through his short hair and heaved a sigh. "Yeah. It's him."

She smiled and reached out, touching his arm with the lightest of pats before pulling away again. They still couldn't touch each other without it being awkward since they'd broken up, but he appreciated her attempt. "Oh, Phineas. Why don't you just say something to him?"

"What am I supposed to say?" he asked in a defeated tone, turning around to walk over to the floor length mirror and stare at his reflection. Tired blue eyes and shocking red hair greeted him, as always. He reached out and pressed his hand against the glass, meeting Isabella's eyes through the mirror as he did so. "I've been a total dick for the last month because I have to leave you and I don't want to?"

"Something like that," the ravenette's lips twitched into a grin, but it faded when Phineas only frowned in annoyance. Sighing, she looked down at her lap. "You two have always been attached at the hip, you know. Maybe he'll decide to come with you."

"He has a job here that he loves," Phineas reminded her harshly, brows drawing together angrily. "He's not going to up and leave just because I have issues."

"Look," Isabella's voice lost it's gentleness and took on a hard tone. "You'll only be gone for two years, three tops. Every holiday you can come back and visit him, and he can visit you every now and again. You'll still be able to text each other, call each other and even skype each other. And when your internship is over, you can request to work in the Tri-State Area so you'll be reunited with him. It's not the end of the world."

"I know all that," Phineas mumbled, a little ashamed at how whiny he'd gotten. Isabella was right, of course, but it was still hard to accept that for a minimum of two years, he wouldn't be able to see Ferb every single day.

"What are you worried about, exactly?" Isabella asked. "That you won't be as close as you used to be?"

"I guess so," he shrugged, because that was part of it.

"Think about it this way," the ravenette told him. "If you come back and your relationship isn't the same, then it wasn't a very healthy relationship to start with, considering it needed constant attachment to work."

Phineas shot her a dirty glare. "That's not very comforting, Isa."

"If you love something, let it go," the girl quoted with a raised eyebrow. "If it still loves you when you get back, it's your's."

This was enough to draw a reluctant chuckle from him, and he sat down next to her on the bed, giving her a tired smile. "I suppose two to three years isn't that long when you think about it."

"There we go!" Isabella grinned and even gave him a short applause. "There's that smile I've been waiting for."

"Thanks, Isa," he touched her shoulder, forced himself not to wince at the awkwardness. "Seriously, thanks. I've only got another two days until I leave, and I probably would have spent it moping if you hadn't done this."

"Happy to help," she glanced down at the still unpacked suitcase next to her and her lips twitched into a warm smile. "How about I pack your things for you, and you go spend some time with your step-brother?"

"You really don't have to-" he tried to refuse, but she was already pushing him off the bed and towards the door.

"Go on! Only two days, remember?" she gave him a huge grin. "Carpe Diem, Phin. Make the most of it."

He gave in with a laugh and a shake of the head, but paused at the door in order to look back at her. "Thanks, Isa. Really."

"You're welcome," she made a shooing motion with her hand. "Go get him."

So he did.

Xoxoxo

Cuddles

Buford had always been a rather hands on kind of guy. Even when they were younger and love didn't exist, the hulk of a boy would always be touching Baljeet in some way- a noogie, a wedgie, a pat on the shoulder. And when they got older and went through puberty, those touches stayed frequent, but changed ever so slowly. Baljeet didn't really notice until it became blindingly obvious.

"Erm, what are you doing?"

"What's it look like I'm doin'?"

Baljeet didn't dare turn around to face the boy who'd just wrapped his thick arms around the smaller teen's waist and pressed into him from behind, effectively pinning him against the kitchen counter. His hands were frozen, hovering above a bowl of perfectly measured flour and baking soda, and he honestly couldn't remember what the hell he'd been making.

"I am not entirely sure what it looks like," Baljeet said slowly, knowing one wrong word would probably earn him a punch to the gut. "Considering I am unable to turn around to look."

Buford chuckled and rested his chin on the other's shoulder, and the weight wasn't as un-welcomed as Baljeet had expected it to be. It felt nice. Secure. Safe. Funny how he could feel safe in this brute's presence when Buford was the one who pushed him around all the time. Granted, it was always playful and never actually hurt him, but still...

"What're ya makin'?" Buford asked, lifting one hand from around Baljeet's waist to poke at the bowl of flour and baking soda experimentally. "Some kinda treat?"

"Uh," his mind was completely blank, so his eyes flickered over to the recipe book, and reading the name sparked the memory in his brain. "Chocolate chip cookies."

Stupid, stupid, stupid. How on earth had he managed to forget that?

"Awesome," the other eighteen year old replied, tightening his grip on the smaller boy ever so slightly. "I'll have to get a few once you're done."

Licking his lips nervously, Baljeet slowly pulled the recipe book over, trying to act nonchalant when his heart was pounding like crazy. "Uh, Buford?"

"Mm?" the bully hummed, seemingly content to just stand there with his arms wrapped around the other, despite the fact that it greatly hindered the Indian's movements and made it hard to continue with his baking.

"Why are you..." he cleared his throat, searching for the right words. "Why are you, ah, cuddling me?"

"Because I want to," was the simple reply he got. "Why, you gotta problem with that?"

"No!" Baljeet denied hastily, his voice far too high pitched for a boy post puberty. "I was just wondering, that is all..."

"Good, then," Buford paused. "Well, go on then. Continue with your girly baking."

"Oh..." Baljeet turned his attention back to the waiting bowl in front of him, but he only stared at it blankly, unable to figure out what he was supposed to do with it. A frown twisted his lips and he gave a heaved sigh. "I give up. I shall just use the cookie dough I got from the store."

"Uh, 'Jeet?" Buford's voice held a tinge of laughter. "I kinda ate that."

Baljeet considered getting angry but decided against it. There was no getting mad at this boy- it was completely pointless. He'd just find it hilarious. "You are paying me back for it."

"How about I help you out here, then?" Buford's hands touched the backs of his own and guided them towards the bowl. "It's not that hard, really. I don't see how you're finding this difficult."

But Baljeet wasn't listening. His eyes were on their hands, his mind lingering on the fact his cheeks were flamed red and he was having trouble breathing properly.

He was in trouble.

Xoxoxo

Wreak

He couldn't figure out for the life of him how exactly Heinz had gotten his private number, nor how long the scientist had had it. Perhaps he'd known everything about him all along- where he lived, what his number was, who Perry's family were- and he hadn't done a thing about it. The former monotreme appreciated that. His family was the one line he didn't want Heinz to cross. Still, it'd been a shock when he'd answered his phone, expecting it to be Major Monogram or Carl with another mission, only to hear a hysterical voice on the other line.

He hadn't gotten much out of the conversation, only sobbed babbling about Danville hospital and something about Heinz's daughter. Perry knew he had no obligation to go to the mad scientist, and yet he found himself going to Ferb anyway. Because he was genuinely worried about his nemesis. Their rivalry was a strange one, and too many feelings had developed from it if he really thought about it. But he didn't like to think about it that much. It made his stomach feel funny.

Ferb had been fine with driving Perry to the hospital, and the former semi aquatic mammal didn't bother to get him to leave once they'd arrived. Heinz obviously knew about his family anyway, what harm could it do? So the two men, one with shocking green hair and one with silky teal hair, entered the large building together.

They'd never really talked much- Ferb was always a quiet guy and Perry wasn't used to his voice despite being human for over two years now- and that day was no exception. No words were spoken as Ferb pointed down hallways and guided the somewhat baffled Perry through the hospital. He'd never been in one before and he had no idea where he was going or what he was doing.

None of that mattered when they found Heinz. The first thing Perry noticed was that the scientist was sitting outside of a hospital room, bent over with his head buried in his hands. A woman was standing in front of him, trying to talk to him, but he refused to respond, not moving except for the shaking of his frame that hinted towards the crying he was probably doing.

When Ferb and Perry approached, the woman looked up at them with weary eyes and crossed her arms. She took them a little way away from Heinz, out of hearing range, and frowned at them. "Family, I suppose?"

The two men glanced at each other but didn't say anything. Figuring it was best to just go along with it, Perry nodded once.

"Good, maybe you can get Mr Doofenshmirtz here to go home and get some rest," the woman said shortly.

"Dr Doofenshmirtz," Perry murmured.

"Excuse me?"

"Dr Doofenshmirtz, that's his title," the teal haired man told her.

"Ah," she glanced back at Heinz, who hadn't moved an inch, and nodded. "I see."

"What happened?" Ferb asked calmly, his face blank.

"Vanessa, his daughter, was in a car accident," the woman's voice softened slightly. "She's in a coma now and we're not sure if she'll pull through. But Dr Doofenshmirtz has been here for over two days and hasn't left once. He needs a decent meal, a shower and some rest."

"Did you say Vanessa?" Ferb's face finally cracked, and worry creeped into his expression. Perry vaguely remembered that the boy had known his nemesis' daughter. "Can I see her?"

"Of course," the woman gestured towards the door and Ferb quickly strode into the room, leaving Perry to stand there awkwardly. The woman looked at him. "Perhaps you can talk some sense into her father. He's been hysterical since he got here."

"I'll try," Perry shrugged one shoulder, not all that sure he could do much about anything. Sure, Heinz had called him here, but the doctor was more likely to attack him or tell him to get lost than anything else. He approached his nemesis cautiously, like he would a wild animal, and gently placed a hand on the man's shoulder. "Doof?"

Heinz jerked immediately at the sound of his voice and looked up at him, watery blue eyes widening. It took just a second but abruptly the man was throwing himself at Perry, wrapping long, gangly arms around the shorter, stockier figure and clinging to him tightly. "She's hurt! Oh god, oh god, they won't let me help, they won't let me do anything, I can't do anything and she's dying and-"

"Heinz," Perry cut off the hysterical rant with the soft but stern word, returning the tight hug but rather awkwardly. He'd received hugs before of course- Phineas was prone to grabbing him at random moments and squeezing him- but never from his nemesis. It was awkward and weird but also strangely comforting. "Vanessa is going to be fine."

"You don't know that-"

"The OWCA has some of the best medical teams on standby if we ever need it," Perry told him quietly, well aware of the fact he was giving away secrets to his nemesis of all people. "I can call them right now and make sure your daughter is getting the best treatment available."

"Thanks," Heinz slumped a little, his body dragging Perry's down slightly and he noticed that the scientist was a little skinnier than usual. The bags under his eyes were ten times worse and while he didn't reek, he wasn't exactly the freshest smelling person in the world either.

"No problem," Perry deposited him back onto the plastic seat and touched his shoulder, not really willing to relinquish the tentative and warm connection they'd been sharing. "Listen, after I make the call I'm going to drive you back to your apartment and you can get some rest. Its no good if you make yourself sick as well."

Heinz looked ready to argue but one piercing glare had the mad scientist shutting his mouth quickly and nodding. "Alright, but can you actually drive?"

"I've... had lessons," Perry neglected to mention he'd almost crashed the car three times in one day and had nearly given Phineas a heart attack. "Give me a minute."

He went down the hall a little and called up the OWCA on his cell. Despite their reservations, they agreed to help. Perry knew Major Monogram had a soft spot for Heinz- they'd helped him when it had come to Vanessa before. And despite the fact they were supposed to be enemies, all of them were far too friendly with Heinz for their own good. Maybe if they were smart they'd leave the Doofenshmirtz family on their own and not bother to help.

Perry didn't want to be smart.

Once he'd finished he went into the room briefly to tell Ferb where he was going and to check on Vanessa. The brunette girl was lost to the world, but she seemed stable, despite the various tubes connected to her body and the cuts and bruises that littered her skin. Perry felt a twinge of pity and sympathy when he watched Heinz cradle his daughter's hand in his own and kiss the knuckles, whispering to her in a low voice. "I'll be back soon. Get better."

The ride back to the apartment was silent, and Perry was proud to say he didn't hit anyone once, or crash the car. Once inside the building, the former monotreme pushed his nemesis towards the bathroom. "Go take a shower, I'll make you something to eat."

Heinz slumped off, too much of a wreck to argue, and Perry rifled through the kitchen before settling on a simple ham sandwich. He didn't want to accidentally burn the building down- because no matter how many times Ferb tried to teach him, he was terrible at cooking- so he didn't bother doing anything more fancy than that. Heinz didn't seem to mind when he returned with damp hair and smelling fresh.

"Thank you," he murmured dully when Perry handed him the sandwich, and he ate it rather mechanically, dropping down onto the couch and switching on the tv.

"You should get some rest, you know," the teal-haired man said once the sandwich had been finished, and Heinz showed no signs of leaving.

"I don't want to," the scientist shook his head. "Everytime I close my eyes I see her when they first pulled her out of the car wreck and I just... I just..."

His voice hitched and he buried his face in his hands, much like he was when Perry first saw him. The former platypus shifted a little closer on the couch and wrapped an arm around his nemesis' shoulder, not saying a word but making little hushing noises Linda used to make when the boys were small and upset.

It felt weird when Heinz turned into him and buried his face into Perry's shoulder, but he wasn't exactly going to push him away. The man needed support, and the teal-haired man was the only one there to give it. They stayed like that until the scientist began to drop off, and Perry managed to carry him into the bedroom (he was heavy, but no exceedingly so, and Perry's training meant he was pretty strong anyway) and set him down on the bed.

Unable to stop himself, he brushed a stand of brunet hair away from Heinz's forehead while the other slumbered on peacefully. It seemed Perry would do anything for him. If it meant giving away OWCA secrets to make this man happy, he'd do it. If it meant crossing the carefully drawn out line of nemeses, he'd do it.

And strangely, he was okay with that.

Xoxoxo

I apologize for the short length, guys. I've lost a bit of steam with my Phineas and Ferb writing because I haven't done it in ages. But hopefully that'll turn around soon enough. I don't know how often this will be updated, but I'll try to be more frequent from now on. Only sixteen more words to go (that means three more chapters and then one huge chapter at the end for the final word!) and I'm excited but also rather sad this is drawing to a close.

Thanks guys for reading, once again I'm sorry for the huge wait, and I'd love it if you'd review.

And if anyone is interested in the Emblem3 thing, please please please PM me about it!