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Ferb fought a smile. Phineas' whispered directions were completely audible from behind the curtain. It was possible Phineas was doing to more for him than Simeon, as the toddler wouldn't have much practical use for the detail he was going into.
He attempted to force on his voice. It was easier said than done as his thoughts kept returning to the runway Phineas had built in their hall while he'd been at work. If he allowed his mind to wander, it would construct plans on how to improve it. How much more elaborate it could be if it was outside. He curled his hands into fists, letting his nails gently bite into the skin of his palms. He tried to push away the guilt that threatened to rise its head. If it was this hard for him to fight back to natural urge to built, to create, how much harder must it be for Phineas? Ferb managed to find some resemblance of relief each day, even if hanging up sheetrock could never compare with constructing a roller-coaster or an elevator to the moon.
Perhaps he should lessen his stance on no eye-catching inventions. Or perhaps they could expand the basement. A little soundproofing and no one would ever know what they got up to down there.
Yet, Phineas seemed to be doing better since they'd move out of their parents' house. He hadn't been woken up by him sneaking out of their room, only to stay gone for longer than it should take to use the bathroom or fetch a glass of water, in months. Perhaps because it was harder to due so without waking him when they were sharing the bed. He'd rather believe that Phineas simply didn't feel the need to anymore.
He almost missed it when Phineas whipped back the curtain, shooing Simeon onto the runway, before clearing his throat. "Our little supermodel sports a chic onesie take on the rangifer tarandus that would make even Santa's cutest reindeer jealous."
Simeon shoved at the hood that was falling in his face as he walked, the droopy stuffed antlers bobbing with each step. Ferb covered his mouth to hid the smile that didn't want to stay off of it. He made it to the end, rather than turn back, as Phineas surely told him to, he jumped off the slight drop to the floor.
"Simeon?" Phineas came out onto the stage.
Ferb blinked when Simeon ran over to him, quickly climbing up into his lap. He wrapped his arms around his son, giving Phineas a questioning glance.
"I dunno." Rubbing the back of his neck, he walked over. "He seemed to like the idea when I proposed it."
Hooking a finger under the boy's chin, he lifted his face to his. Simeon blinked up at him. "Did he have his nap?" Even from the corner of his eyes, he could see Phineas freeze. He sighed. Truly, he wasn't surprised. Phineas had a habit of adopting tunnel vision when in the midst of an idea.
"I just--He wanted to see me build it, and I just... forgot."
Ferb hugged Simeon close as he stood up.
"I'm really sorry, Ferb."
He couldn't stop another sigh at the kicked puppy expression on his brother's face. Keeping Simeon secure with one arm, he placed his other hand on Phineas' shoulder. He barely glanced at him.
"I'm sorry," he whispered.
"Phineas, it's a minor issue." It was hardly the first time they'd missed putting him down for a nap. It was, however, the first time Phineas had forgotten when he was the only one watching him. He was generally very attentive to Simeon's needs, whatever they may be. Feeling Simeon nuzzle his face into his neck, Ferb shifted his hand from Phineas and back to him.
Phineas expression cleared, some.
It took roughly five minutes for Ferb to put Simeon down for his nap and return. Phineas was sitting on the edge of the runway, looking at the other outfits. If he recalled correctly, Phineas had bought a dozen that Simeon had shown even the slightly interest in. He sat next to him, running a hand over the wood. It would be a shame to take it apart, but leaving it up long term wasn't an option.
"I--"
He slapped a hand over Phineas' mouth. Phineas stared at him, wide-eyed.
"Enough apologies." Removing his hand, he tugged Phineas towards him. Slowly, Phineas relaxed against his side, head coming to rest on his chest.
"Do we have to take this down?"
Ferb nodded.
Phineas slumped before starting to pull away. Ferb tightened his hold. "Ferb?"
"We'll take it down later. Simeon may want to finish showing off."
"Yeah, well," he sunk back down, "he is your kid."
Ferb raised an eyebrow, unsure if that was an insult or not. Though, he failed to recall more than a few occasions where Phineas complained about his tendency to show off. To be fair, untying ropes with his feet while Phineas was in a life-or-death position did deserve some degree of annoyance, even if they had been unaware that all the safety precautions had been disabled at the time.
Phineas yawned.
"Perhaps you're ready for a nap too."
He snorted. "It's, like, six." There was a pause as he wiggled in closer. "But I wouldn't mind staying here for a while."
Normally, he may not mind that either, but he didn't have anything to lean against himself. If Phineas did fall asleep, he was unsure if he'd be able to pick him up the way he used to. He hadn't exactly tried the past few years.
Curiosity getting the better of him, he twisted, slipping his free arm underneath Phineas knees.
"What are you doing?"
Declining to answer, he carefully stood, lifting Phineas up with him, bridal style. Arms quickly wrapped around his neck.
"Ferb? What're you doing?" There was a slight twinge of worry in his voice. "You can't--you can't carry me."
He glanced at him to ask 'why not?' Now that he was holding him, Ferb wasn't sure why he doubted his ability to. He'd been picking Phineas up since they were children. And while Phineas may not be anywhere near as slim as he was back then, he wasn't so heavy as to make it an impossibility.
"C'mon, Ferb," his voice was soft, "I don't want you to hurt yourself."
A frown tugged at his lips. Not for the first time, he wondered if Phineas saw himself differently from how he actually was. It was a frequent thought when he made such implications about his weight. He'd considered bringing it up a few times before but never knew quite how to broach the subject. He still didn't. Hopefully, it wouldn't come around to bite him in the behind someday.
As he made his way towards their room, Phineas sighed. "Where're we going?"
"Somewhere we can both be comfortable while you sleep on me."
Phineas blinked before laughing quietly. "Oh. I guess the catwalk's not the most comfortable sitting place, huh?" He sobered. "I coulda walked there myself."
It took a bit of effort to not roll his eyes. He pushed the door of their room open by backing into it. "Phineas, it isn't whether you could or couldn't. It's that I wanted to."