Work Text:
Ferb was feeling sick.
He took some medicine and tried to fall asleep but to no avail. The headache was getting worse every few minutes. Now that he was living alone, there was no one to take care of him in a time like this. After hearing a loud thunder, it was obvious that a storm was coming. He turned off the lights, making his bedroom dark but calming. Raindrops began to hit the window with increasing frequency. Ferb sighed and pulled out a wrench he kept from his childhood. He sure missed the good old times. Almost no responsibilities, just building for fun and expanding your creativity. As a single tear dropped on his cheek, he heard a knock on the door. Standing up, he walked over and opened the door to see the girl who has been in love with his brother for years - Isabella. She seemed out of breath, holding her umbrella right beside her.
“Hey Ferb.” She paused to take some more air. “Do you mind if I stay here for a while? The storm caught me off guard.” Without a thought, Ferb gestured her to come inside and closed the door behind her. Then, he pulled out a candle and lit it up.
“What brings you here?”
“Oh, I just…” She took off her jacket. “It’s been a while since we last met so I figured I can pay you a visit.” Ferb smiled, he had indeed felt lonely for a long time. Glancing around the room Isabella noticed a wrench on his bed.
“Is that…the one you used for your old projects?” Ferb nodded, he always kept it in a good condition.
“I can see you really care about it.” She looked down. “I wish we could just have some fun again.”
Her words hit Ferb in the chest. The nostalgia of their summer adventures got even stronger when Isabella took out her sash with countless badges on it.
“I haven't earned a badge in six years.” Ferb inspected every visible badge. He wondered what happened to the Fireside Girls over the years. His thoughts were interrupted by another loud thunder. The noise made Ferb’s headache even worse, causing him to grab his head in pain.
“Ferb? Everything okay?” Isabella frowned and sat on the bed beside him, carefully inspecting his state.
“It’s nothing, I just feel sick.”
“No no no, can you please lie down?” Ferb shrugged and put his head on the pillow. Isabella quickly stood up and ran around looking for a kitchen.
“Aha!” She opened the fridge and grabbed some lemons. Then, after rummaging in cupboards she managed to find a jar full of honey.
Ferb couldn’t help but smile to himself. Isabella acted both responsibly and childish. But despite this, she often impressed Ferb with her bravery and leadership skills. Normally he would hate being so helpless and having anyone taking care of him like this but Isabella’s company changed his mind, allowing him to close his eyes and rest for a bit. He didn’t actually fall asleep but started to feel a bit better, carefully listening to the raindrops behind the window.
“Ferb?” A soft whisper made Ferb open his eyes and meet Isabella's gaze. “I think it’s ready, you should try it.” She put a full cup on the table and sat on Ferb’s armchair.
“Thank you, I really appreciate it.” He took a sip of the drink and paused for a moment. In response, Isabella giggled.
“Is this…the same lemonade we made together about 5 years ago?”
“Not exactly, it tastes about the same but it’s main purpose is to make you feel better.”
As the time went by, they talked about their current situation, childhood memories and even the Fireside Girls. Isabella explained that the group fell apart when more and more members had to leave and take care of their own lives. It was understandable but something told her they will reconnect someday. On the other hand, Ferb was eager to meet up with his friends after missing them for so long. He realized moving far away was a mistake.
Isabella looked through the window. “Aw man, it got pretty late.”
“I wouldn’t mind you staying here for tonight."
Isabella blinked. “Um…well, if you’re okay with it.” Ferb smirked and took out a small book with a purple cover.
“No way!” Isabella couldn’t believe her own eyes. It was the exact same book she gave to him for his 14th birthday. They both decided to read it together, making it a comfy and pleasant evening, complimented by the receding thunders. Before they knew it, they were covered with a warm blanket and got immersed in the story. As they finished, Isabella yawned.
“I sure hope the sun shows up in the morning…so I don’t have to run through the rain again.” She chuckled.
Ferb thought to himself: You are my sun. He wasn’t wrong. She just saved his entire day, paying him a much appreciated visit and making him feel way better than before. Something about Isabella made his heart skip a beat. Whatever it was, it felt special. He never felt this way towards anyone, even Vanessa.
Even though they didn’t plan to, they both fell asleep on the couch. The weather slowly calmed down and allowed everyone in sight to have a peaceful night. Ferb knew it was a sign to reconnect with others and who knows? Maybe even build something together just like old times.