Archive of Our Own

“I’m really sorry, Candace but you know how it is with my job…”

“I know, I know. Not everyone can have the totally smartest person as their BFF as I do but thankfully, I don’t hold anything against it.”

“Oh, stop it,” Stacy’s laughter rang on the other side of the phone. At least that could’ve been considered somewhat of a victory. “Did you seriously say BFF? That’s so 15 years ago.”

“Don’t act like you don’t like it. I can tell you were smiling, sooo no lying.”

To which Stacy sighed theatrically, “Shouldn’t have even competed with the busting champion all year every year.”

“And you’d better remember it!”

For that small moment, Candace didn’t have to worry about her assignments, new cases and clients waiting to be debriefed that day. Even as she rushed through the streets of Danville with the huge package of laundry in her arms, the weight wasn’t wearing her down in any way. The hardships of every day were nonexistent. Candace closed her eyes and imagined she was 16 again. With Stacy hanging on the other line and her brothers in the backyard just waiting to be busted.

No matter how infuriating, her mind often rewound back to those summers. How sentimental she had to become for that?

“Seriously, though,” once more, Stacy’s voice sounded way more grounded than she’d want it to be. “Are you angry I can’t make it? I mean, you have your right, I’d just rather make sure.”

Candace pressed her lips into a thin line, thankful she had no way of seeing it, “No way. I mean, kinda yes way, I am angry but I’m not a baby. We’ll just see each other some other time, it’s not the end of the world.”

“I hate leaving you all alone in a time like this… Are you sure you’ll be fine?”

Fine was almost rhetorical. But her troubles were hers alone. As quintessentially, she was all alone again. Best she didn't dwell on it.

“Sure. I’m all good, don’t worry,” Candace lowered her head at the sudden flash of the sun. The summer was almost there again but it hadn’t felt like ones from her past in years. “If anything there’s a tub of brownie ice cream in my freezer that will looove my company.”

Those several seconds of prolonged silence were more than enough for them both to thoroughly read the situation. The unspoken truths everyone was aware of. Simply without any courage to address them.

“I know you’re lying but I’m sure you’re aware of that,” she answered, always perfectly reading her mood.

“Yeah… Yeah, I know,” solemnly, Candace nodded, stopping herself in the middle of the street. If anyone started yelling, she truly didn’t register it anymore. Not when the situation before her became this… Dire and lonesome. With glassy eyes, she looked up at the signboard, blinking the sadness away. “Look, this sucks but what can you do, right? It's adult life, things do suck.”

“They sure do,” admitted Stacy. “Despite the age.”

“So why should I bother even more than before? In a moment, I’m gonna walk into the laundry services, yell at some incompetent worker and life will be better! At least in the tiniest way but hey,” she paused, as if trying to find any justification for her thesis. “Better than nothin’.”

“Can’t argue with that,” and she simply agreed. Then she picked herself up again, almost in a rush, “Look, Candace, I’m really sorry and we’ll talk more later, right? Some moron just dumped my entire proposed budget proposal in the trash.”

“Ugh, the nerve. Alright, Stacy, TTYL, love you!”

“Bye, Candace, show ‘em who’s the boss! Love you!”

And just like that, with a click of the cut off line, she was alone. Again.

One more time, Candace closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Sure, it would’ve been easier to yell, make a scene or even burst into tears to get those emotions out. However with the work she had put with herself, it seemed so terribly counterproductive. Everyone involved were adults, so why fuss about it? Even if just for once, Candace didn’t want to be so far away from life as she knew it.

She looked at the basket in her hands. If there weren’t enough things exponentially wearing her down, there had to be a literal side as well. Clicking her tongue, Candace’s attention shifted from the overwhelming misery to a more productive emotion – anger. If anything, she had a job to do and she was about to do it right. Unlike those damn laundry clerks.

Without a second thought, she pushed the door away and hurried to the front desk.

“Excuse me? Excuse me, hi,” Candace slammed the basket down, accenting her words. “Hi, you probably know me since I come by like every Thursday but there’s been a bit of a mishap with the laundry, heh. You know, as in I didn’t get my clothes but some… Random miserable goth ones. I mean, have you seen this?”

“Ma’am I understand but we have a lot of laundry coming in so I can’t keep track of everything,” the clerk looked at her from up and down, with absolutely zero will to live present within their eyes.

Which meant Candace had to carry it through solely on her own. The grin she gave the clerk had the utmost pain written in it, “You probably should have if you own a laundry business, haha. Anyways, I’m here to get my clothes so please tell me you still have them.”

“Oh, I would need to check but I’m not so sure…”

Candace already felt her eyelid twitch, “You’re kidding, right.”

“…But ah, silly us, we’ve had another client with a similar problem to you, ma’am!” The clerk laughed a little at their own incompetence as Candace tried not to have an out of body experience. “Maybe we switched your clothes? Wait here with the other client and I’ll check in just a tick! So sorry about the inconvenience!”

“Wait but how long will it–“

Before the whole question could’ve sounded off, the clerk slammed the door to the back office in her face with such force she felt the gust of wind ruffling her hair. The moment she was left alone, Candace let out the throaty groan, pushing her head backwards.

“What is wrong with them,” she lamented to herself, reaching for her phone about to wind her complaints in any way necessary. “If I have to just confess to that other person, I’m gonna be so pissed o–“

All it took was a half turn of her face. Sometimes it was more than enough.

On the other side of the counter stood the other client the clerk had mentioned. Though it wasn’t an anonymous no name figure completely foreign in the Danville ecosystem. No, right there stood a woman, similar in age to Candace. Leaning onto the wall, waiting for any kind of resolve which wouldn’t have made them both reach their boiling points. Her long dark brown hair fell in a straight line, her physique slim, stance relaxed and clothes definitely in the darker tones. Her deep blue eyes focused on her own phone, moving slightly possibly with a text before her.

So many descriptors had come to her mind to characterize her. Mysterious had definitely been one of her first choices. Confident for sure, as there was something in her stance that meant straight up business. Aloof? Maybe it had a place too. Everything in Candace fought to just go with a rather simple beautiful but… She sure was gorgeous beyond what her words could’ve conveyed. At the same time there was a different word coming to her.

Familiar.

Just like that a surge of memories overwhelmed Candace. A name at the tip of her tongue she hadn’t thought of in years. Yet the intensity with which she was about to say it greater than it had ever been.

“V-Vanessa?” She asked, though it took her a moment for her name to sound right in her mouth. “Vanessa Doofenshmirtz?”

Those ink blue eyes looked up from her phone to then look around the store front. Until they had met Candace’s. Whatever was within them melted into pure surprise. Certainly the good kind.

“Candace Flynn?” As if echoing her, Vanessa made sure there was no deception between them. Any tension melted away when her lips turned into the sweetest smile. “Wow, it’s been years!”

Maybe not completely sure at first, they stood opposite to each other, waiting for any of them to take the initiative. Though Vanessa took a half-step ahead, it was Candace who closed the distance with a hug. Her arms spread around her in an embrace she was ready to deem way too enthusiastic, too over the top for such a meeting. Though when she felt Vanessa’s arms wrap around her, the worry dissolved immediately. As if the time and the distance had stopped existing.

“I know right! Oh, I am so so happy to see you. You look just…” Hoping not to overstay her welcome, Candace pulled back. One glance at Vanessa didn’t seem to be enough. Especially when all the words that came to her suddenly felt too out of hand. Hence she settled for way less intense, “Fantastic!”

“Ah, thank you. You’re not looking bad yourself,” she said with a wink. Just that one thing was enough for Candace to feel as if she was about to soar away with delight. “Wait. Don’t tell me they messed up your clothes too.”

“Ugh, wish I didn’t have to,” groaning, she shook her head. “Like how hard is it to just keep track of what they’re giving out. They see the same size and think it’s interchangeable.”

“It’s unbelievable they still can’t get it right… But hey, it’s not that bad of a deal if at least we’re here together, don’t you think?”

Candace smiled at her assessment, “Absolutely.”

Silence fell between them more like a bell toll than a conscious decision. Especially with so many thoughts rushing to Candace. Her previous worries dissipated with just one look at Vanessa. Truly, how could any of her previous woes matter when someone like her reentered her life in such a way? There were so many things to discuss, catch up with and ask about her. Curiosity swallowed her whole with eagerness to learn everything that had gone down in those separated years.

Especially since one thought especially prevailed. Of course, Vanessa had always had this mystique to her, one that drew them closer together. Effortless style and kept cool which had impressed her ever since they were both teenagers. Right then, Candace felt the same kind of allure from her. It was just that her choice of words would’ve been much different. And Vanessa was, well… Frankly gorgeous.

Though between all those other pop ups, a completely different realization had hit Candace. If there was ever an icebreaker after all those years, she was ready to place her bets on this.

“Oh my god, I just realized… This is exactly like one of the first times we’ve seen each other.”

Vanessa’s brows drew together, as she then drew the link between the two, “You’re right, I haven’t realized haha. I remember when my dad saw me in your clothes. He was convinced it was a clown dress up. No offense.”

“None taken. You should’ve seen the look on my mom’s face. All my friends were convinced I went goth!” Candace laughed at the memory. The image of both her and Vanessa in switched up outfits flashed before her eyes. “You could’ve pulled off that outfit but me? No way.”

“I could say the same to you. You look much better in colors than I do,” if Vanessa wanted to continue, something else had captured her attention. “Hold on. The clothes I got were like… Very colorful.”

“And mine were… Suspiciously black…”

The slam of two separate baskets hit against the counter was enough for them to get away from those shared thoughts. As well as make Candace jump in place.

“Sorry ma’ams it seems there has been a mishap between you two. All’s sorted out now, here are the correct orders,” the clerk’s sheepish tone of voice worked like a chainsaw between them. “I have included the 30% off coupon for your next order. We will make sure not to confuse them again. Have a nice day!”

Any response either of them wanted to give was cut off by the clerk leaving immediately, as if the mysterious force itself had taken them. Both of their stares met in the most confused side glances. To then turn into their shared booming laughter.

“That is so unreal,” Vanessa shook her head.

“They have to do it on purpose, there is no other way out of this,” though amused, Candace sighed as if to reset herself. “If I wanted to, I could even sue them. You and I have pretty convincing cases to be made.”

“Sue? Every minute I feel like I’m learning something bigger about you,” a spark of interest shined in her eyes.

“Ah, that? Yeah, my company and all that… Didn’t go to law school just for the hell of it, you know?”

“Law school, damn,” more and more, Vanessa seemed eager to learn more. As she took the basket in her hands, she pressed her lips again, as if weighing something inside. “Actually, Candace… I don’t have any clients for like an hour or more. Would you wanna grab a coffee with me and just chat?”

Punctuated with that lovely smile of hers. A heatwave pulse spread onto Candace’s frame in a short but instant burst.

Life could’ve been busy, demanding and downright disappointing. The ticking clock above her head seemed to run mercilessly. But right then, right there, Candace didn’t seem too phased by her own deadlines. She glanced quickly at the hour and already calculated the course of action to take.

But maybe… Maybe she didn’t have to think about it for too long. Maybe for once it was her time for her curiosity to be fed and all the questions to have been answered. Not to mention, there was this kind of deep, almost visceral feeling, yet as simple to describe as it could’ve been.

She missed Vanessa. Plain and simple.

Candace smiled as well, “I’d love to.”

Some things have never changed. Like the way Vanessa took her coffee.

Going back to their table with the order, Candace noticed just how brighter her eyes had shone. Sure, at least partially it must’ve been because of the coffee but… Was it so wrong for that small voice inside of her to plead it was because of her? Internally, she scolded herself. Best not to dwell on this too much and enjoy the time with her old friend.

Especially since even naming her desires became quite difficult for Candace to overcome. That drive to prove herself only signalized her downfall and spoilt too many of her teenage memories. Hence there was no need to outrun her own pace and take a moment for them both. Nothing overly complicated.

“Thanks! I can’t believe you still remember,” Vanessa beamed, taking her drink.

“You think I’d forget? No way, not with you,” she answered, reaching for the sugar. “Besides I don’t know that many people who drink straight double espresso.”

“Anything else is too much. My mom always said that a good coffee should be a pick me up first and foremost. Guess my taste is this bad because of her, huh,” as she explained, Candace couldn’t have helped herself and snickered. “And I see you still can’t drink yours without 4 packets, right?”

“Pffshhh. Come on, it’s a treat, not a punishment.”

“Hey, I didn’t mean anything bad!” This time it was Vanessa who laughed. “I know you’ve always had a sweet tooth. Went well with your aesthetic, sweet as a candy cane.”

Candace halted herself like Perry realizing it’s bath day. Another heatwave hit her cheeks, “I, uh… I-I mean, thanks! Thank you, hah. Though candy canes are not that sweet.”

“That’s exactly what I mean. You’re like a classic minty candy cane. Fresh and feisty but in the end sweet on the senses,” she explained, taking another sip of her coffee.

Blinking two times in a row, Candace felt her mouth involuntarily open a little. Not exactly certain if to thank her or brush off the compliment. All she was sure of, was how she never really heard anyone say something similar in her address. One person especially came to mind.

The memory made her recompose herself again. Whatever he had done was in the sealed past.

“Thank you, I mean, uhm… Thanks,” Candace looked away, hoping the overwhelming pink of her cheeks wasn’t that visible. Through a quick glance, she tried to find her revenge per se. “If I were to describe you, I guess I’d go for something like… Lemme think… Oooh, those hazelnuts dipped in dark chocolate.”

Surprise painted itself on Vanessa’s features in bold brushstrokes, “You mean it?”

“Of course! It’s a classic, not too sweet but sweeter than you’d think, elegant, complex, warm…” Many different words already came to her to round up the description. Though amidst everything, she caught herself drifting way too far. Coming back on Earth, Candace cleared her throat, “Anyways, what’s up, what’s been going on with you? You’ve mentioned clients, sooo what kind of?”

“I wish I could tell you some incredible story or anything but actually my life’s been going pretty steady and if you even believe it, normal,” Vanessa paused, almost as if testing the foreign waters. Truly for those like them, life couldn’t have been too normal. Or could it? “I’m actually a therapist. I guess after years of bouncing between my mom and dad with those two totally different outlooks and trying to repair myself, I thought… Why help just yourself when I can do something more for others?”

If Candace hadn’t been impressed already, that confession made her downright speechless. The list of things that made Vanessa even more special seemed to get longer by the minute. That altruism which beamed from her, something so new yet so fitting. Her sight followed the lazy swirls that turned at the crema of her coffee.

“Wow… Vanessa, that’s incredible to hear! I can’t really imagine anyone better equipped to do it other than you,” hoping not to get a bit too overwhelmed, Candace’s sight dropped at her own coffee. Who knew how much more she’d melt staring into Vanessa’s blue eyes. “Seriously, with your problem solving? And the way you can talk with anyone ever? I’m so happy for you.”

“See? I told you, you’re as sweet as a candy cane, haha,” Vanessa fixed her hair, appearing a little more flustered than before. “Guess you’re right… Sometimes I’m too much of a problem solver for my own good.”

“I don’t believe that’s the deal. From us both, you’re the one who keeps her cool.”

“And you’re the one who can work under pressure! It’s all in perspective, Candace.”

“Alright, alright, if you say so,” she waved her hand, feeling the pleasant sensation of her coffee coating her lips. Just why was she thinking of someone else’s lips… “And you’re still in Danville?”

“Yep. I dunno, I can’t really imagine leaving this place. Nothing ever felt more home than here. Even if I’m just on my own in my apartment. If you don’t count plants,” almost offhandedly, she outlined her own situation. Somewhat in disbelief, Candace wanted to make sure if she had heard it right. Was someone as wonderful as Vanessa all alone? “So what’s up in your life? I’m lowkey dying to hear about the attorney company.”

“What can I say? Law work is sorta like trying to bust someone. It’s the thrill of proving you’re right and they’re wrong and you know how addictive that is,” Candace shrugged a little, though a satisfied smile appeared on her face. Truly, the best part of her work.

“You don’t have to tell me twice,” to which Vanessa immediately agreed. One of the first lines of bonding which tied them all those years ago was still as strong as ever. “So you realized it and just got to law school?”

“What, like it’s hard? All I needed was to just focus on my goal, everything else just went by smoothly. Smoother than I expected.”

“And you were surprised by my assessment. Candace Flynn, you are a go-getter if I’ve ever seen one,” nodded Vanessa, once more making Candace feel as if it was only the two of them in this entire world. Or as if everything stopped, the people going around, birds, the sunshine… Just for them both to share this moment. “I’m sorry, I actually didn’t ask if you’re still Candace Flynn… Are you? I remember you were very serious about your long-term boyfriend."

If the world had stopped a second ago, those several words were enough for it to resume at the highest speed possible. A smile already started waning from her face. The one subject that kept on dragging at her, mercilessly trying to make itself known in every way possible.

Once more, Candace couldn’t have felt more alone if she had tried.

“About… That…” She gritted her teeth a little, before taking another sip of her coffee. Her fingers tapped nervously at the table, ringing out any familiar melody which could’ve made her senses a bit more relaxed. “Look, Vanessa, it’s…”

“Hey. Candace.”

The softspoken, gentle voice of Vanessa overwhelmed her torn senses. From the heightened heartbeat to the sudden glassiness she felt within her own stare. Between her half-dimmed eyes, she saw Vanessa’s hand inch closer to her. As if testing the boundless waters. And to breach the distance between the shores, it was Candace who touched her hand first.

It was the smallest of things, a mere little touch. Yet in this, Candace felt that kind of anchoring she truly craved. The way Vanessa’s skin was always cooler than anyone else’s. The little patterns she drew on her skin with her thumb, looping and comforting. Among all things, it was the thought that Vanessa was there for her.

The outside world might’ve been veiled with the overwhelming sun, blasting at the coffee shop windows. The inside however had this cool to it, one which allowed them all to breathe out. As well as Vanessa. Never cold, simply soothing as the heightened world spun between them.

Then words fell from her lips like rose petals, “You can tell me everything. I promise I’ll listen to it all.”

“As a professional therapist?” Candace joked slightly, hoping to break the tension still rising in her body.

“No,” her grip tightened in a controlled motion. “As your friend.”

The feeling inside of her chest couldn’t have been possibly compared to anything else in this world. Fluffy clouds and big plushies had nothing on the softness which embraced Candace, via the touch, the presence and also… Vanessa. Her smile was as precious as the watchful moonlight on a hot summer night. Only one word came to Candace’s mind as the coffee shop interior blurred before her very own eyes.

Solace.

How much she had missed Vanessa being in her life. The smallest particles of her body wished to draw to her, never let go. A part of it was bound to be the honesty about her past. The only make sure way to keep someone close and let them know you treat them seriously.

Blinking twice, Candace refocused her attention, “It’s only right to tell you about it… You’re right I was pretty serious about Jeremy from the get go. I imagined our future and for a while he didn’t seem to have any objections.” She explained, bracing herself for another surge of memories, “We got married right after high school and we’ve stayed together. College, additional jobs… Yeah, it was stable but what else would we need, huh?”

“But I’m guessing you needed something else…” Quickly, Vanessa assessed the situation, solemnly nodding.

“Pretty much so. Jeremy’s been my whole world for so long, I didn’t realize that our mundane was like… Completely straining for both of us. He didn’t want to say “yes” anymore, in fact he rarely wanted to say anything at all,” her hands turned into fists, pleading for the pressure to get some load off of her. “We’ve started arguing about our plans… I wanted kids, he didn’t, I wanted to move there, he wanted elsewhere, yadda yadda. Guess the little things often can snowball into huge problems… Don’tcha think?”

“It always starts with the little things,” she agreed, focused yet the possible judgment was painted all over her features. “And he seriously didn’t want to talk with you?”

“Nope, nothing at all! Like I’m sorry but agh, you know how I am, I can’t be near someone who can’t voice themself. I have too much to say!” Candace swirled her cup with coffee around to once more take a sip.

Surprisingly, this time around, Vanessa laughed. Not at her but with her.

“Yeah I can’t imagine you near anyone static. Especially with the kind of life you’ve always led,” she said, still with that certain kind of amusement to her words. Ones that made Candace a little more serene. “Okay so what about you two, how was it? I don’t see a wedding ring on you.”

“Perceptive?”

“I notice everything, you can’t have half a secret with me,” as a confident smile graced her features, Candace felt warmth spreading across her cheeks again.

“Damn… I-I mean yeah! Yeah, that’s what you do, heh,” she cleared her throat and recomposed herself again. “After a while, as both me and Jeremy ran out of steam, we just sorta sat down and realized it doesn’t make sense anymore. No excitement, no warmth, not really… Anything. Guess that’s why I studied law in the first place. At least the divorce case was short.”

Though it wasn’t exactly within her intentions, Candace found herself… Breathing out after the confession. Something heavy dropped from her heart, the invisible weight she had been carrying for too long. It was best if Vanessa knew immediately. Judging by her expression, there was this kind of gratitude extended for the truth.

“I’m sorry, Candace… But I’m glad you two got into that conclusion. I can tell you that sometimes repairs are a huge issue and they have to be agreed by both sides. If Jeremy couldn’t pick one then,” Vanessa shrugged, though saying his name there was an unmistakable disdain within it. If anyone knew how to work fast, it had to be her. “You deserve someone who’d make you feel special, not just a soundboard.”

For once, Candace had remained silent.

Her divorce had brought in all sorts of impulses she was forced to hear all around. That it wasn’t the end of the world, that she should focus on her work instead, that all those things were fixable in the long term. Yet it seemed that no one truly had focused on what she felt through all this. What it meant for her own visions of love and affection. 

Hence those simple words spoken by Vanessa meant the world to her. As if someone finally saw behind the façade and went deeper into her heart.

She was right. She deserved to be heard, respected and listened to. Not simply succumbing into the steady promises of fixing something in her past. Years spent trying to bust her brothers made her only want to be believed. But what about a true conversation between equals she was denied for so long?

“You’re right…” Candace sighed so heavily, an invisible weight disappeared from her shoulders. “Yeah, I mean. Yeah. It’s not just about agreeing or disagreeing, guess it’s all about… The effort we put into it.”

“Yes! Effort for yourself and for others, both are crucial,” as if nothing earthshattering hadn’t happened, Vanessa simply turned into her cup and blissfully, took another mouthful. “Actually. How long has it been if I can ask?”

Candace pressed her lips together, “Exactly a year ago today.”

“Oh,” commented Vanessa, her eyes suddenly bigger in shame. “Damn.”

“Well. Now you know the secret.”

Even on the damn anniversary of her failures, no one actually took their time to stand by her side. Not that she demanded this attention from anyone, yet it felt like a goddamn… Forced solitude. Though why was her surprise this prevalent? It was all understandable. Stacy had her work, her brothers had studies, her parents shouldn’t be involved in the first place. It was just her again. Candace and the rest of the world, as it went on by her side.

Though right then, there was a remedy. In the form of Vanessa Doofenshmirtz by her side, holding her hand, listening to her. The world for once didn’t feel like a one person challenge.

“Listen, I really don’t need you to scrape for anything to cheer me up or anything… Life goes on, I guess, that’s how it is,” trying to do a little bit of damage control, Candace tried to brush it off.

“Mmm, I hear you,” Vanessa’s brows drew together, "What if I just say that it sucks?”

“Go ahead then. Makes total sense.”

“So it fucking sucks, Candace,” she said, shortly and to the point.

Once more, Candace laughed. Direct action hit precisely the bullseye she didn’t know she was craving. All in the form of Vanessa’s lovely voice, deadpanning those words.

“Oh, pfftt, haha, I think I needed that in like an instant. Thanks, Vanessa, that was perfect,” her shoulders shook at the tamed laughter. Suddenly, a bright smile appeared back on her features. “Okay, whatever. I should just focus my energy on what will happen instead of what was. But actually, I gotta be nosy here…”

“Yes?” Vanessa drew her words with a hint of amusement.

“C’mon. You know me. Now I gotta ask how’s it with you and that… Thing. Well?”

“There’s not much to talk about. I don’t really have anyone near now and I sort of gave up looking,” she answered shortly, not too hung up on her own words it seemed. “Men have been a disappointment, women wanted me to be different than I am.”

“That’s… Not good,” Candace admitted. Deep within her, that little selfish inside voice made a mental note about Vanessa mentioning women.

“No, not really. So I don’t waste my time searching anymore,” though there was relief in her voice, Candace could’ve picked up on that undeniable note of sadness. “If love comes looking, it should know my address by now. Otherwise I’m not gonna forcibly chase it.”

“Do tell…” Candace’s voice appeared ever so distant addressing this confession. Though not to appear too startled, she pulled her shoulders backwards again, drawing in a deeper breath. Anything to handle herself however feels right, “Look at us, just being on two ends here with the same ending.”

“Well, this ending brought us together, so it can’t be that bad, don’t you think?”

Punctuating those words was Vanessa’s sweet and comfortable smile, one not too wide but with the corner of her perfectly shaped lips going ever so slightly up. Some things had changed exponentially but those little mannerisms stayed the same forever. In Candace’s memory, it stayed just the same. Like the gentle moonlight’s beam, reserved just for the special ones.

Suddenly there was only one question painted in Candace’s mind – how did she ever let her go?

“Nah. I’d say the cards are still on our side,” within her agreement there was still something unspoken, begging to have been shown to the world. Especially since she looked back into Vanessa’s dark blue eyes. “Can I ask you for a favor?”

A little surprised, she agreed, “Shoot your shot.”

“Tell me something about you. Anything you see fit but just… Tell me just one thing in the world that is yours. Deal?” When the goal was just outside her reach, Candace couldn’t help but to extend her grip.

Vanessa raised her eyebrow, as if there was a question on the tip of her tongue. Yet she hadn’t followed the uncertain urge. Instead, Candace could tell the hesitation and mental check of all the things she could’ve possibly said. Maybe there was also the movement of her stare she felt across her own body. As if she was reading her through, hoping to find what was between the lines of text.

There was just one more query, “From like now?”

“The past has done enough for us sooo…”

Nodding, instantly Vanessa succumbed to deep thought, “I’ve never learnt how to swim. My dad hates water and my mom preferred vacation by the mountainside . But it’s just that some time ago I had this… Urge? I wanted to go by the sea. So I went there. I didn’t even go to swim, I just stayed by the water, looking out. I-I don’t know why that’s the thing but…”

“No, it’s fine,” this time it was Candace who reached out and protectively touched her arm. “Did you… Like it?”

“More than I thought actually,” her voice sounded much more comfortable. Somewhat even carrying greater impact. “I just… Stood by the water and listened. Sure, it’s not gothic metal but I could definitely hear my own thoughts there. I do this more rarely than you’d think I do.”

“Maybe it’s about time you actually started doing that?”

“Hmm… Maybe,” suddenly, it seemed as if a quiet realization overtook her.

“If you ever wanna learn how to swim, well, not to brag or anything but I was a lifeguard once,” of course, Candace had to brag. Even if just a little. “Aaand I have skills in watching over people. Guaranteed you’d feel safe around.”

“Knowing your watchful eye I doubt there would be a better place to learn,” Vanessa winked in her direction. Just one action made Candace feel as if she was set on the purest fire. “Okay, okay, now I gotta ask… Why did you actually ask in the first place?”

So many little things crossed Candace’s mind as she tried to form a perfect response for them both to be satisfied with. Her hand absentmindedly stirred her coffee which possibly already turned cold. Within the sunlight hitting the metal of her spoon, she found the myriad of glistening ideas. Actually, there were too many to hold onto merely one. Not to mention, there wasn’t a singular clearcut answer.

I wanted to hear your voice again.

I didn’t want our time to end like this.

I was so genuinely curious what you’ve been up to lately.

I’ve missed you more than I can really express.

But all those responses had a fatal flaw Candace knew she needed to avoid. Especially in the presence of Vanessa, closer and more tangible than in years.

“You must be so used to hearing everyone around you talk about their problems and life in general…” Candace paused, as if to prepare both of them for the next part. “But who listens to you?”

Her ink blue eyes rounded in pure surprise. If there were any more questions to ask, Vanessa kept them to herself. Since that surprise quickly melted into a smile unlike any other one Candace had seen before. Something just so completely cooling, amidst the day when the sun covered each piece of Earth. Elusive, yet right within the reach of her hands. Closer than it ever was before. Breeze against her skin.

That was when Candace felt her heart skipping a beat. One thought which overwhelmed all of her senses like nothing did before. As if nothing in this world mattered more than what they had right there and then.

If there was a way Candace could’ve made Vanessa smile like this every day, she’d take all of her chances.

“That’s the sweetest thing I’ve heard in… Gosh, I can’t even remember,” with a little shake, Vanessa’s sight dropped a little, as if embarrassed at her own reaction. “Thanks, Candace. I’ve really missed you.”

“I’ve missed you too,” she answered. So many other things to speak of, yet as she had noticed her phone light up, the hour drew a hard line between them. “Ahhh, I wish I could stay more but. Clients. Y’know how it is.”

“Ah! God, I know, I didn’t even see how late it is,” noticing so too, Vanessa hopped off the chair and checked her purse. “Listen, it was great meeting you and actually – are you free this Thursday? I don't think I have much on my plate then so what do you say? Does dinner sound good?”

Once more, Candace turned around to let her senses go through her frame. That confident, nonchalant yet purposeful way of handling herself. The way her beautiful dark brown hair fell across her back. Subtle necklace, striking eyeshadow. Deep, jewel tones she wore, along with pure black. And the glint in her eyes, incomparable to any precious stone she saw glistening in Atlantis, Mars or anywhere else her life led her to. Were any of those places worth it without Vanessa?

“Sounds perfect.”

It went on after Thursday.

Since on Thursday they already talked about seeing each other on Saturday. Then on Tuesday and next Thursday… And it kept going on. Moments spent together much closer and longer, as if the time stood still whenever they met. Not that either of them had minded. Especially since every time they said goodbye, Candace's phone immediately lit up with a message from Vanessa suggesting another meet up.

Soon enough, it also stopped having that formal undertone every reconnection had to have. Coffee shops and restaurants were only the beginning. Later on, Candace suggested a movie night in her apartment. Then Vanessa took her out for an aquarium exhibition. Long walks, shared baking attempts, spa days akin to ones they had as teenagers. Sometimes, it was just two of them without any fanfare. Candace could’ve laid down and started to talk. And Vanessa listened. The space between them became almost nonexistent.

With each next meeting, Candace had felt it more.

Truly, how could she not? When life got rather lonely, Vanessa appeared in her life and mended the cracks unseen by the world. Every moment, she simply proved all the things Candace had thought of her to not only be correct but also even better than she had imagined. It was easy to say Vanessa was a beautiful, mysterious woman. But how many people had known of her sentimental side? How she loved to try different types of music if someone played them near her. She listened to every word spoken to her, even if she appeared dormant. She liked tart fruit. She didn’t like the rain. She never did her nails cause they broke so easily.

Hence Candace caved in and fell. Hard, fast and thorough. Truly, she couldn’t have found a more perfect way to describe her own feeling. The more thought she gave it the more apparent it was for her to admit just how new it all was for her. Most of Candace’s life, it had been just Jeremy. An opportunity to speak up and try again sounded as impossible as defying the laws of physics.

Yet… There were those who laughed in its face with wrenches and blueprints at ready. Two people Candace knew better than anyone else.

Those little things stacked up, as she paced around her apartment, doing circles by her phone. The afternoon sun shone through the cracks of her blinds. Scheduling their talks had always been a challenge, especially since right then, it was her being the odd one out. Exasperated, Candace groaned to herself and fell on one of her fluffy purple armchairs. She was about to disregard it, simply sink into her miserable hole in the ground.

Until the phone hadn’t rang and Phineas’ name hadn’t lit up the screen. Candace jumped in place, as it almost slipped from her hands. Though with one quick motion she caught it seconds before it hit the ground. At least there was a benefit to being glued to her phone over half her life.

As if nothing happened, she answered. On the other side, she saw Phineas and Ferb patiently waiting for her to start.

“Hiya Candace!” Phineas waved in her direction with utmost enthusiasm. In the background, Ferb did just the same.

“Hey guys! I’ve missed you two,” she spoke, flashing them a wide smile. Just how much time and space were able to fix, it never ceased to amaze her. “How are you holding up there? Still suffering from jet lag?”

“Nah, I think I survived it somehow. Especially since Ferb showed me his favorite fish & chips place. Didn’t know this stuff was that good,” with utmost confidence, Phineas grinned taking the center stage. His eyes had that spark of wonder within them, right then even more amplified. “The professors have been nice too. All it took for them was just the blueprint of my intercontinental catapult. Imagine how they acted when I actually showed them the thing!”

“Did you seriously get to England by the… Catapult?”

“Yes. Yes, I did,” he wasn’t too phased by her question. Then again the visions of built planes and rubber bands appeared in front of Candace, shutting up her additional questions. “Sure, they offered to pay for the plane but wasn’t going from Cambridge to Cambridge like this more fun?”

Though a little apprehensive, Candace expected no less from her little brother, “Sounds rhetorical if you ask me.”

“See! It’s really the most convenient,” underlined by his unbound optimism, Phineas beamed at the camera. To then change the view again and bring Ferb closer by his arm. “England’s been great so far. Not to mention, I’ve missed the genius of this guy right here.”

As Ferb exchanged the side hug, Candace couldn’t have helped but to feel that wave of appreciation wash on her. Sure, Ferb was studying at Cambridge University and Phineas chose MIT but even those thousands of miles couldn’t have kept them apart. Especially since Phineas was already deemed an outstanding student and quickly chosen for the overseas exchange. Seeing them back as a team warmed Candace’s heart all throughout.

“Awww. Well, it’s great to see you two back in business,” answered Candace, genuinely believing her words. “Just don’t spend too much time there, alright? You’ll start talking with a British accent like Tom Cruise’s and Nicole Kidman’s kids when they shot “Eyes Wide Shut”. No offense, Ferb.”

Ferb raised his hand up, truly without a single problem.

Though Phineas didn’t look too convinced, “Can you even mention them here? Aren’t they too expensive to be guest stars?”

“Sure they are. But this fic needed a 4th wall break,” Candace shrugged.

“Well, that’s a good point,” Phineas spared Ferb a taxing look, before they both nodded, letting this go. “Anyways, how are you doing, Candace? I’m sorry I can’t be there for you now, with you know… Year coming by with your problems and all…”

Problems. It was always just problems. Cause not a single soul around her wanted to be the one saying the word divorce.

“Thanks for the concern but promise. I’m doing alright now,” through gritted teeth, she tried to convince them both of her own perspective.

“Are you? It’s not like I don’t believe you but I know it’s been… A lot for you.”

However, Candace didn’t want to beat around the bush, “Rough. It’s been rough as hell, Phineas.”

Cause no one wanted to use that word either.

“Yeah. Rough.”

The weight of those particular words had always been too much for her loved ones to handle. Her parents never really addressed it, her brothers danced around the word and Stacy always chose another subject. It wasn’t too surprising for Candace; She knew the strain it put everywhere a little too well. At the same time wasn’t acting like it wasn’t a problem an issue in itself? The truth escaped Candace far away, hidden behind the hushed disclosures.

However, it was actually them who brought it up, when her thoughts hadn’t focused on Jeremy in quite some time. Long enough to be filled with someone else completely. Yet how was she supposed to keep going when the world had wanted to stay motionless?

Though it had been a while since her brothers took her to space, Candace still remembered the constant motion Earth did. Regardless of all the happenings around it, it kept on spinning.

So she exhaled through her nose and tried her different approach, “Can’t say I’ve been the happiest at the anniversary but I keep on going. In fact, I’ve actually been meeting up with someone. Not like romantically or anything! Or… Maybe yes?”

In an instant Phineas’ and Ferb’s expressions changed, as if through a kaleidoscope. From genuinely surprised to then enticed and quite curious. Even on the small screen, Candace could clearly see them coming closer to the camera, impatient to hear the next part.

“Oh! Oh shoot, really?” There was this complete wondrous spark appearing in Phineas’ eyes again. “I mean of course you did but wow, great news, Candace!”

As if to endorse her endeavors even more, Ferb gave her a thumbs up. Nothing better than this kind of seal.

“Thanks guys, it’s just… Ugh, we’ve known each other for so long and I’ve always thought she was so effortlessly cool and all and now I see it even more and I don’t know what to do,” her words fired rapidly, not knowing if they were hitting the target. Her shaky hand buried in her thick hair, as she pressed it against her forehead. “I mean sure, talking with her seems so incredibly easy but… What if it’s just like this on my part? What if I’m not what she wants?”

“Woah, slow down, one thing at a time!” Drawing his brows together and putting his hands forward, Phineas tried to handle the situation. “Breathe now. Have you ever asked her about what she’s looking for?”

“No but… She said that she doesn’t wanna come looking for a relationship. Phineas, that would be so out of line.”

He didn’t seem to back out, “She doesn’t but if someone approached her with this question?”

“Then it’d be fine because she said she’s totally open to it but… Seriously? You think I could be the one she’d want to date?” Neither did Candace, as with every word her anxiety seemed to grow bigger.

“Why not?” Not too convinced, Phineas asked.

“If you don’t ask, you shan’t ever know the answer,” this time it was Ferb who joined their conversation. No matter how laconic, his words seemed to always make the biggest difference.

“Wise words, bro, as always,” putting his hand on his shoulder, Phineas simply beamed with pride. Without additional words, there was this appreciative smile painted on Ferb’s face. “Seriously, just be upfront with what you feel. What do you have to lose?”

Truth be told, the answer Candace was ready to give to them was, well. Everything.

The world as it was really loved to prove to her just how little luck she had. Constant misgivings had followed her since she could’ve told, be it trying to bust her brothers, make her mom believe her to the ever-present love life problems. Whenever there was a possibility for her to be kicked down, it was surely bound to happen.

Amidst all those troubles appeared Vanessa. Somewhat out of thin air, ready to come back to her life when she had least expected it. Not only did she appear, she also wanted to stay. But Vanessa had always been the cooler one, taking the situation as it was, not worrying about the possible outcomes. For her, there was a different way, no matter what.

Hence Candace didn’t want her affection to be met in another way. With everything she had, she simply wanted to have her in her life for just a little longer. Unlike everything else which slipped away from her shaky grip.

If only there was a way to prepare a safeguard, preventing any potential fall. Wouldn’t that have been the perfect case.

“Guys, I know what you wanna do but it’s so… Risky. I don’t know if I can take that gamble,” breathing heavier, Candace’s arm grabbed her own middle as if to prevent her from bending in half.

Words like those made Phineas and Ferb exchange stares between each other. A little too annoyed it seemed.

“You’re seriously afraid of risk? You, Candace Flynn, want to give up just because it might not pan out?” Phineas kept at his own truths, trying to spin it in her own favor. Simply doing everything he can, with each of his statements hitting harder. “That’s not my sister who tries every day of her life to make the most out of it.”

“Phineas, I’m not like you–“

“No. Because you are you, which is about a thousand times better. I’m sure that no matter what, you’ll be happy that you tried!”

“Seriously, your optimism might be as big as the sun but this is my life and how I go about it,” that sense of bitterness almost dripped from her very own tongue. “I just don’t know that after this much time Vanessa would wanna choose me, y’know? Ugh. Forget I even mentioned.”

“Wait,” this time confusion took the center stage at both of their faces. “Vanessa? That Vanessa your friend? What was her name… Vanessa Doofenshmirtz?”

“Yep,” sighed Candace. “That Vanessa.”

“Wow! I haven’t heard about her in years! Oh man, Ferb, remember when you had a crush on her? Old times, heh,” As he turned in Ferb’s direction, he nodded right at him. Though there was no attachment within his reaction, just a moment of reminiscence. Then Phineas turned his attention to the camera again. “Hey, I’m glad to hear she’s doing good. And even more so, why don’t you wanna try and ask her out?”

“It’s been ages and now I’m supposed to ruin everything with a stupid confession? No way,” letting out a deep groan, Candace crossed her arms right in the middle of her chest. “Especially not in those normal circumstances. Vanessa deserves so much more than just a lousy outing with half-assed food.”

“Don’t you guys have things you shared together?” He asked, trying to get anything to help her out. “I thought you have tons of history to draw any kind of inspiration from.”

Though it wasn’t the most farfetched idea, Candace remained in place, “Guess the problem is that there’s so much, I wouldn’t know where to start. If only I had like a way to synthesize all those things we used to love to… I dunno, I guess remind her of what we’ve had together. Now that would be a perfect way to ask her out.”

Her musings might’ve been just several words thrown into the wind, the atmosphere of their talk certainly hadn’t made it seem like so. Even if Candace stayed motionless and worrying about those little things all together, her sight involuntarily moved to the screen of her camera again. In a moment, she could’ve seen another smile of Phineas’, as his eyes shone again. Then it was just the matter of several magic words.

“Ferb. I know what we’re gonna do today.”

The package arrived on Monday. It had been patiently waiting till Friday.

With that ticking bomb in her apartment, Candace herself felt as if she was on the verge of being busted. During the week, Vanessa dropped by almost out of habit and the mysterious package caught her attention more than once. All it needed was the matter of Candace’s own brand of smokescreen and big words. The circumstances had to be perfect for this to work out. Holding her after a long day at work screamed a little too mundane for Candace’s taste. And Vanessa didn’t deserve mundanity; She needed exceptionality.

At least Vanessa didn’t take long to confirm she was bright and ready to join her at the end of the week. Thus the factual countdown almost appeared in Candace’s mind. Mercilessly making her aware of even the smallest second passing.

Till the day had arrived. In the brightly colored package, Candace found a small device, akin to the Rubik’s cube. Right by it, a carefully written guide detailed every step she was supposed to undertake. In a way, it truly worked similarly to the Rubik’s cube, as every different combination corresponded with a different vision. As well as the supposed inside panel for intensity.

By that point, Candace was certain she knew every angle the cube could’ve been looked at. Still, her grip remained fixed on the device, thoughts of her step by step plan displayed at the tiles. She was just about to leave her office before a message signal got her back to reality.

Nessa <3 (6:14PM)
Already in the park, waiting for U

There didn’t have to be anything flowery, simply a confirmation she was there. Candace spun the cube in her hands one last time before gathering herself up. The cards simply had to be by her side.

Just like so, she wasn’t even aware of how her travel to the park had exactly gone. The faces, streets and buildings blurred before her eyes in the crushing anticipation. As if the clouds carried her forward, taking her mind far away from herself. The blue shade of the sky stopped mattering in the grand scheme, as well as the green grass creaking underneath her flats. Specifics of the day seemed secondary to the main event.

Thus only one sight of Vanessa was enough for her to come back down. Especially Vanessa with that warm, subtle smile on her face, the jewel tones of her clothes and a little wave in her direction. Vanessa who made her senses sharpen and reality before her clearer. With one finger she fixed her dark brown bangs to the side, as she could’ve sworn they flew through the air.

Candace’s heart stopped for a second, as she drew a longer breath. Just one draw towards and she was ready to capture the future into her own hands. To try in the best way there was.

“Hiii Vanessa! Sorry you had to wait. Traffic and stuff, y’know,” speeding up just a little bit, Candace joined by her side.

“Hey, no problem. But are you okay? You look…” As she came closer, Vanessa’s expression dropped. Taxing her throughout, she simply finished with, “Disheveled.”

“Me? Oh no, no, no, I am totally okay. Like I couldn’t be better! If there was an award for okayness I’d definitely score the top prize,” an unnerved grin appeared on her face.

Get it together, Candace.

“Alright? Whatever that was, that’s in the past and I seriously need a pick me up after work,” she pulled her shoulder blades backwards, as Candace’s sight focused on her back. While inside she pleaded Vanessa couldn’t have noticed the dusting of pink on her cheeks. “Drink? Dinner? Or do you have enough time for both, hm?”

“Actually… Can we just walk and talk for a moment? Then I’m totally up for both hah but now I just gotta…” Taking a longer breath, her brows drew together in a softer stare. “I just wanna be by your side. Would that be cool?”

Vanessa hadn’t answered immediately. Instead, her long fingers drew against the outside of Candace’s hand. Her confused stare met Vanessa’s, almost forming a question at the tip of her tongue. All she gathered back was the look on her face, the subtle curve of her lips into a smile with pure understanding. In a second, Candace’s tensed shoulders relaxed ever so slightly, as she shot her a gentle smile as well.

Only then Vanessa took her palm into hers, “More than cool.”

Somehow the early summer’s sun became gentler. Even if Candace felt the warmth spreading from her chest right to her fingertips.

Between all this, Vanessa remained as relaxed and aloof as she had always been. Easy steps drew her towards the middle of the park, when any questions weren’t crucial to have been asked. The kind of lightness to everything she did had always enticed Candace to no end. Like the world had always been just as Vanessa had commanded it to be, not the other way around. If there was a way to be even more impressed by her, Candace couldn’t have found the correct words.

The wind ruffled the tips of her ginger waves, messing up the prepared look. Why under any circumstances would she have chosen someone like her?

Almost ready to toss the cube around, Candace reached to the front pocket of her jeans, “Thanks, Vanessa but I really don’t wanna waste your time here. I really appreciate it but… Yeah.”

“What are you talking about?” She raised her brow, not letting go of her hand. “I like spending time with you. There’s no way that would ever be a waste of time.”

“C’mon now,” though Candace laughed, the bitterness remained. As her sight focused on the ground, the words started spilling from her almost involuntarily. “It’s one way to catch up with a friend after 10 years but it’s another to keep going. We were once those… Stupid teens but look at us. Adult life chews and then spits out.”

“I’ve been equipped to handle it,” Vanessa shrugged. “Trust me, what I know pales in comparison to some. I'd say that what we’ve had makes us stronger. The way we’ve known each other for this long. You and I have been looking for evidence for too long. I’d say we’re equipped to pull other facts together too.”

Candace exhaled through her nose. Somehow those facts must’ve started to mud before them. Yet… If the clues just didn’t come to them, maybe a little help was enough to make their lives more rounded up. There was no time to wallow in the sadness of what ifs. Quickly, she fished out the cube from her pockets and gripped it hard. Standing idly had never truly been her forte.

All it took was a little additional question.

“But don’t you miss it sometimes? I remember how it was when I met you and how much you wanted to come to the future. Maybe right now it’s sorta… The opposite?”

“There’s no way to just cut yourself from the past, Candace,” she answered, as she caught her side-eyed stare. Not with any form of anger, simply confusion over the actual meaning.

“So you would just synthesize the best parts from it? Or! Or maybe revisit the specifics and keep them for yourself?” She kept on asking, as she knew the truth was just within her reach.

However, Vanessa didn’t give her a chance to be completely certain. Not when she stopped and turned to face her, as her arms crossed on her chest.

“You’re plotting something, are you?”

“Me? Plotting? Pfft, no way I wasn’t!” Her nervous laughter wasn’t enough to bestow confidence in any of them. Hence Candace decided any other turnaround was as futile as getting her mom into the backyard in the correct amount of time. Instead, she drew to her pockets and took the cube out. “Actually I wasn’t but my brothers were. They kinda gave me this… Ugh, I dunno, whatsitcalled! It’s supposed to draw inspiration from whoever played it and I figured… Maybe you wanna try?”

The reveal was enough for Vanessa’s attention to shift exponentially. Just like Candace before, she eyed the strange device, unsure what to make of it. There was just this one advantage – the spark in her eyes was definitely out of curiosity.

“Wow…” Drew from her lips in a hushed manner. “Your brothers always had the craziest ideas.”

“I know right?” Trying to appear nonchalant, Candace simply brushed it off with a laugh. Anything not to show her ulterior motives. “Sooo… You wanna try it out together?”

“Of course I do! But do you know how to operate it?”

“Good question actually… Hold up…” With a little spin, Candace turned the rows of the device left and right. How much she had wanted to remember more from the time she learnt how to solve it.

Soon enough though one row of blue came together before her. The tiles blinked in the bright light, as Candace looked at it, almost in trace. What was it that her brothers wanted her to do afterwards? Oh, that thing…

Without a second thought, Candace tossed the cube on the ground. As it stumbled, casting a blinking light against the lush grass, they couldn't look away. The cube stopped in its tracks and quite literally dissolved. Not into nothingness but into a chamber, expanding almost to their heights. That was also when the door to it both appeared and opened before them. Once more, Candace and Vanessa exchanged confused stares.

But quickly, Candace grinned motioning inside, “After you.”

“Thank you,” Vanessa answered, unbound amusement painted on her features. “You Flynn-Fletchers have always had the craziest ideas. And I say it having looked at so many of my dad’s blueprints.”

“Meh, it’s always my brothers,” she shrugged, getting by to the chamber’s opening. The panel before it glowed in a suspicious manner. “I didn’t get many engineering skills from any side of the family.”

“Why d’you gotta lessen your own achievements?” Vanessa stopped by her side, as if waiting for her cue. “I’ve seen you fight zombies and navigate tunnels and even go to outer space. You might not be an engineer but you’re a damn good problem solver.”

Her confession made Candace’s cheeks adorn in pink almost instantly. At the beginning of their friendship, whatever Vanessa had said was like a gospel of coolness and way of living. After a while, the mystique lifted little by little. Yet the impression remained.

And it carried till that very day.

“Oh, hah… Thanks but I… I’m really all over the place, y’know. Can’t stop that pesky train of thoughts.”

“Hmm, maybe you sort of are,” Vanessa’s tone didn’t have any malicious undertone. Just her way of perfectly seeing through disguises. “But I don’t think you need to be anyone else other than the passionate woman who always seeks the truth. It’s not the worst thing to be.”

“Neither is the cool, laidback woman who never lets stress get to her,” Candace’s mouth ran those words faster than her mind could’ve ever caught up.

Somehow that spill didn’t matter. Not when there was pure appreciation within Vanessa’s eyes. Not when she herself noticed that faint dusting of pink on her features.

“Thanks, Candace, I…” She started but without any convincing words, she cleared her throat with a cough. “So how do you say this device operates?”

Like the biggest cold shower (she was certain her brothers must’ve made it in the past), Candace felt her whole body tense. Trying to brush off her embarrassment, she flipped a part of her bang and laughed a little too nervously. Then she turned to the panel and let her fingers draw against the digital buttons. Oh, how much she wished to remember more of the manual. Only after several uncertain clicks, the menu displayed the correct module.

“A-ha!” Triumphant yell drew from her mouth in a manner so startling, she immediately covered her mouth. Though it was Vanessa’s amused smile which soothed her senses. At least enough. “This experience was supposed to fuse our memories and display them in this digital chamber. All we gotta do now is leave our thumbprint and the database will do the rest.”

All impressed, Vanessa looked from the panel and back to Candace with something previously unknown. Definitely a positive one, she assumed.

“Then what are we waiting for?”

Her hand stretched to the panel, unsure if there was a correct way to touch it. Seeing her eagerness, Candace tried to brush all those damn worries away and just enjoy the moment. She reached to the panel, gently bumping Vanessa’s hand. Yet neither of them said an additional word. Only pressed the screen together.

Several flashes on their faces and an impressive gust of wind later, a cloud of smoke emerged from the opening. As well as a mechanical voice.

“Welcome, Candace Flynn and Vanessa Doofenshmirtz. Your mutual paradise awaits.”

Once more their stares met. Rounded, surprised, yet somehow longing for a new shared adventure.

“See you on the other side,” said Vanessa and walked right into the den.

Her heart must’ve been beating at lightspeed. When Candace was left all alone, her frame bent in half and a wheezing inhale rattled her own bones. That was when she noticed a little knob, displaying the settings of intensity. The lowest mode definitely couldn’t do for something this crucial. Without another thought, Candace switched it to the setting four out of four.

About to meet her destiny, she brushed her clothes and took the most confident step inside the box.

What she saw on the other side was… Perfect.

It was still the main Danville park but there was something so incredibly inviting about this exact version of reality. As if taken from both of their imaginations, the candy colors of the world contrasted to the deep dark shadows. The scent in the air was like a combination of Vanessa’s dark and musky perfume with the breeze of Candace’s favorite spring flowers. The sun shining above them provided the perfect temperature. Surprisingly there wasn’t even a single cloud in the sky. Maybe they both liked summer more than they let it on.

Among all the digital creations stood Vanessa. Looking all around herself with such awe and wonder, Candace wanted to capture this moment into her hands and never let go. To simply be able to see Vanessa this happy and amazed forever. All anew her heart trembled against her ribcage.

“Vanessa!” She called out to her and as she turned around again, she stood on the tip of her toes, energetically waving. “Are you enjoying it!?”

“Are you kidding?” Vanessa’s answer came with the undertone of her beautiful laugh. “This is everything I could’ve asked for!”

To which Candace grinned. Once in a while, it was beneficial to have brothers like Phineas and Ferb were.

With a slightly bouncy step, she approached Vanessa’s post of sorts. It didn’t take long for her to realize she was observing a trail made out of duck mama and her little ducklings, bravely treading through the park.

Her expression softened, “Awwh. That’s just too cute. Shouldn’t have been too surprised, since it’s from my mind.”

Sparing her a somewhat amused look, Vanessa explained, “Actually, I think it’s from my mind.”

“Wait, really?”

“I just gotta hunch,” she shrugged but as she looked back at the duck family, surprise overtook her senses. “Oh wow, look.”

Candace raised her brow. A certain question was almost spoken by her, until her sight hadn’t met the arresting image. As if under a magical step, the ducklings puffed up into a much bigger size. Before she could’ve questioned it, before them marched a whole row of Ducky Momo-like plushies. Along with all the quacking, stomping and squealing. Still acting as if they were the most natural part of this reality’s habitat.

An earnest laugh escaped her mouth, “You still think this is part of your mind?”

“Oh, totally,” echoed Vanessa, still looking at the little march in awe. “After we went to see that Ducky Momo movie, I fell sorta in the rabbit hole myself. I dunno… I mean what’s there to hate about a little duck who wants to be everyone’s best friend?”

“I know right! Finally someone appreciates the fine art with me,” Candace agreed eagerly, stars appearing all over her eyes. Though there was a little tidbit she was too familiar with. When their stroll resumed through the dreamlike meadows of pinkish hue, she remembered a crucial fact. “I just thought… I dunno, I… Thought you didn’t like the more childish stuff after what your dad usually put on a front for you. Kinda feels weird to drag right back there.”

“Mmm, I wouldn’t say that,” Vanessa shook her head slightly before letting out a soft, almost retrospective hum. “Sure, it was annoying as hell to be reminded of all the times my dad tried to make up for my childhood years, trying to push ‘em back. But that’s in the past and maybe… Maybe being at peace with my past was the way to handle it all.”

Inside her mouth Candace felt that inexplicable dryness. Something moved right inside of her, though any of her words failed to accurately describe it, “I haven’t… Thought of that.”

“Guess it’s just a part of growing up. If you don’t accept what was then how will you greet what will be?” Her calm tone of voice clarified everything like that gentle breeze present all around the chamber. Somehow Candace felt as if it was also from Vanessa’s part. “Besides, don't tell anyone. I might’ve made peace with it but I still don’t reveal it to everyone around.”

“So what, can I think of myself as special then?” Candace half-joked, giving her a smug expression.

“Absolutely. You, Candace are more than exceptional.”

No amount of pause between their talks could’ve made it more easier to handle. Impulses swirled around Candace’s skin, reminding her of her own mission. Though simply succumbing into the feeling for a little longer, feeling Vanessa’s presence next to her and the perfect atmosphere all around them… Words truly could’ve failed for this little while.

Her lips curled, almost as if she was holding herself back from admitting the whole reason for this happening. Truthfully, no matter how many times Candace had attempted it, the confession just didn’t sound right. Yet what else could she have done to make it worth Vanessa’s time?

Not only within that paradise land but also simply with her.

“Candace, look!” She called out, amazement sparkling within her eyes. “I just found the whole stash of Mary MacGuffin dolls. It’s been so long since I’ve even seen a single one.”

Lo and behold, as Candace focused again, Vanessa kneeled in front of a huge stash of familiar faces. She cracked a little smile, “Awwh… Just like one of the first times we’ve seen each other.”

“Right?” Standing up, Vanessa approached her again, cradling the doll in her hands. “This whole place is like a trip down memory lane. Not gonna lie, it is a bit much but hey. It sure as hell brings me back out there.”

Almost involuntarily, Candace nodded at her words. Whatever her brothers did as the algorithm for this chamber it was delivering on all the connecting fronts. It was as if each following moment spawned a new overblown addition. Cutesy cubs marched along with the cloud of flowing bats. Thrown around retro phones which started to appear more as litter. Suspicious vendors of doonkelberry cotton candy.

Though her impressment quickly made way to the sheer uncanniness of the whole initiative. Still she bravely treaded on the too familiar waters.

Maybe that was actually the perfect time to speak up her mind. Especially since Vanessa’s sight seemed to move all around, hoping to grasp all the details which made up this fantasy land. There was no time better than the present, Candace was sure of it.

“Listen about all this…”

But Vanessa was faster. As well as much more striking, “So why did your brothers even make it? It was kinda cute at first but now… It’s giving me the creeps.”

“Wh-What do you mean by that?” Like a clear lightning strike, Candace felt her whole body stiffen.

“Oh, you know… Sure it’s fun to see all of those things but I’m kinda over being reminded of all the stuff from the past. Too much of it is just seriously off-putting and yeah. It’s definitely the effect of this place.”

Just like that, Candace could’ve heard her own heart break into smithereens, “You… Don’t like it? But you’ve just said you’re cool with all this, I–!”

“I’ve only said I made peace with it. Not necessarily that I wanna relive it,” without a clue of the effect, Vanessa simply shrugged. Maybe it wasn’t exactly bitterness to her stance but it was that detachment, which made all the matters worse. “All this is cute and all but I’ve been through it. Can’t exactly go forward if I’m still looking back, huh?”

Such a simple thing to say. Yet it was all needed for her own reality to shatter.

“So it’s… All there is to it… Just a flashback of what we’ve had?”

“I didn’t say–“ Before finishing the thought, Vanessa tried to approach her as delicately as she could’ve. “Candace, are you alright?”

Far from it.

The clouds above her head started to darken within seconds. The light breeze which accompanied them had increased in speed, casting a veil of cold on them both. All of this pocket chamber had become more… Hostile. Yet Candace hadn’t felt a single effect on the change. Not when her sight was focused on Vanessa and nothing else.

She failed. There was nothing profound to learn or dissect from her own experience. Just the fact that she had failed the one thing which seemed to be always reliant for her. What had to be more stable than what can be, was it not? Turned out that it couldn’t have been further from the truth. The one connection between them broke before it even started. No Ducky Momo music or European arthouse movies could’ve ever repaired what was broken.

Yet, there was a question she had to ask. Something that had been bugging her for years.

“Why did we stop seeing each other? We were such good friends and I just… I don’t get it,” Candace buried one of her hands into her hair. “Nothing happened between us… Right?”

“No, nothing,” rubbing the inside of her elbow, Vanessa explained carefully. Everything about her seemed like disarming a bomb. “Sometimes people just… Just grow apart. You went to one college, I went to another. You were like candy and I’m kinda like licorice. There didn’t have to be any big rift and. It doesn’t mean we can’t start again.”

“But you don’t want the past, Vanessa,” backhanded Candace. As the storm started to blow leaves around them, her breath got shallower and shallower.

“Do you want this?”

Her eyes closed, trying to fight back the tears. There was a point to what Vanessa had been saying. Right then, the visages of the past had displayed in Candace’s mind, like a never-ending movie reel. All the times she tried to bust her brothers and it backfired on her in a spectacular manner. The attempts she made for her mom to simply listen and see what she believed in. When the world tried to cut back on her attempts, techniques and interests. The way Jeremy said goodbye to her, simply being avoidant, uninterested. All those things had one outcome.

Failure. Everything Candace Flynn tried to set up for herself, everything she put her heart and soul to ended with her failing. No matter how long it took her, the past reminded her of it in the most merciless way.

Around her was the world which supposedly captured what she and Vanessa once had. One look around those raging storm clouds and lighting strikes getting bigger was enough for her to be certain. There was nothing to be able to achieve when everything from her past had led her to the same conclusion.

“That’s all I have,” Candace finally said, her voice almost breaking. “And if all I have is failure then… Then it’s all we can have together. Agh, what the hell was I thinking. It could never work out, not with me being… This.”

“Failure is not an option and it never was for you,” taking a shaky half-step forward Vanessa tried to reason with her. Despite the blaring wind, she persisted. “You don’t have to be forever bound by what you were as a teen and you know it. Please give us a chance.”

“What for? So I can mess it up again and not talk to you for another 15 years? Or maybe because there’s a chance I might lose what we have now?” Her teared up eyes dared to focus on Vanessa again. The worried look spread on her face, the desperate way to bridge the gap. All Candace could’ve thought was that silent confirmation. That despair was of her own design too. “Trust me. I’m not what you want.”

“And what if you’re what I need?” Vanessa’s tone of voice cut through her, in spite of the distorted music almost turning into overwhelming static. “The moment I saw you I didn’t think of what was but what could be! Please, don’t you remember how it all started? We were mad at each other, the clothes, the doll but even with that, you found me again. With your big ideas and relentless attitude. You took your time, when I had problems. You took me away from that goddamn 9 to 5 cycle. You’ve made an effort to see me when I can’t remember when all my other friends did! And you’ve listened. Because you wanted me for me, not for what I can do.”

The dryness of her throat almost made that one word stuck within it, “Vanessa… Vanessa!”

Any confession she had wanted to uncover was immediately cut in its origin. When right behind Vanessa the Ducky Momo parade had been growing with each second. The cute round bodies have been expanding upwards, towering above both of them. Another lightning split the perfect clear sky.

“What is– Woah!” Vanessa shut down her own question, as the great shadow overwhelmed her peripheral vision. All she had managed to do was to turn her head slightly. Turned out it was all she truly needed.

“Forget it!” Candace yelled above the howling wind and increasingly louder music. Without another thought, she grabbed her wrist, “Let’s get the hell outta here!”

Little touch of their skin, as electric as the charged air between them. Vanessa looked from this back to her face and all alarm she nodded, “Alright. You lead.”

Nothing else needed to have been said.

Candace’s legs bounced off of the ground and ran across the distressed field. Her hand grasped Vanessa’s so firmly, she simply hoped she hadn’t done any damage to her. But face to face with ever-increasing plushies a little bruise was the least of  their problems. Hence Candace ran further, dragging her forward and scanning the whole place in search of the first opening they had breached together.

“Oughhh I am so gonna kill my brothers,” she gritted through her teeth, her eyebrows drawing together.

“Past the busting phase?” Under any other circumstance she’d applaud Vanessa’s humor. Just not this time.

“Dead and gone.”

Her breath was short and quickened, her heartbeat drummed against her own ears in an uncontrollable manner. Suddenly in the distance, she caught the sight of a small rectangle in the distance. A sudden cold wave of relief didn’t even begin to cut to what she was feeling back then. The lightning struck closer to her feet than she’d ever wanted it to.

“Aghhh!” The scream she let out was almost controlled. Almost.

“Be careful, Candace!” Setting them both in place, Vanessa took away her hand. Then with one motion she turned her around and grabbed both of her shoulders. “Yikes, wouldn’t want you to burn to a crisp.”

“Th– Thanks. Phew,” Candace breathed heavily, matching the regular rhythm of the way Vanessa had handled it. There was something infinitely soothing about the way her body reacted to such. “C’mon, we gotta keep going. I have no idea how long it’s gonna take and I’m not here to find out.”

“Do you think just going out will stop it?”

“No idea,” she admitted, shame coursing through her. “But it is our best bet.”

“If you say so. Guess we really don’t have any options…” Vanessa fixed herself up, brushing her clothes flush to her body. Still, there was that question lingering between them, one she finally had to ask. “Why did your brothers even create it? I mean, a giant torture chamber with growing objects just going at us? They’ve always been imaginative but murderous?”

To which Candace pressed her lips together. Truth unable to leave her own headspace, “Vanessa, listen…”

Like another lightning sent from up above, a giant cloth hand emerged from the stormy skies. A familiar one with force greater than they could ever equate to it. With just one swoop, it grasped Vanessa in a tight grip, taking her up into the air.

“Vanessa!!!”

“Candace!” Her bloodcurdling scream traveled further up in the air, as her desperately outstretched hand went just out of her reach. Then in the last ditch effort, Vanessa tried to rip herself away. Her nails dug into the fabric, her teeth distressed the surface, just anything to let herself free. “Let me go, you oversized piece of scrap!!”

All for naught.

An avalanche of different temperature sensations hit her skin. The feeling of her own cold sweat against her forehead, the crackling particles of charged air, the pulse sent all throughout her body, suspending her in one place. When not even a single muscle of hers could move and instead, she simply looked at Vanessa from far away. In the shadow of oversized Mary MacGuffin dolls she had never felt smaller.

But while facing her own feelings, she had never felt weaker. Everything about this chamber and intensification of all which was the worst had been solely her own fault. Right then, Candace looked in the face of her own failures, bringing her down to the most degrading status. Nothing else to do but to see the woman she’d been pining for taken away by the fragment of their shared imagination.

It would’ve been so easy to give up. To fall to her knees and admit defeat in the face of the immeasurable danger. Desires and actions had never been kind enough for Candace to ever work out. Failures were stacking up every day to end up with something nobody could’ve beaten. Her past had proven such to her over and over again.

Her past… Her past which Vanessa had rejected. The notion that kept her away from achieving her fullest potential, the crushing sense of defeat.

Candace wasn’t the same teenager as all those years ago. She was a woman, grasping destiny in her own hands. In front of her, was the present of her own creation, a product of her own inability to let go and try. And as she knew how it operated, she knew she was the only one who could’ve saved Vanessa. If she was the creator, she’d sure as hell be able to end it as well.

One of the ways included looking into Vanessa’s ink blue eyes and confessing what her heart had been telling her all this time. Coming clean couldn’t have just stopped at fragmentary information. No, they both deserved all the truth. Possible rejections be damned, there were things bigger than Candace at stake.

With hands turned into fists, Candace scanned the area next to her. If this was her imaginary past world, then it surely needed to contain… Suddenly, she saw it. Then immediately ran towards her almost literal lifeline. 

“Hold on, Vanessa! I’m coming right up!” She shouted as loud as she possibly could, unsure if who exactly she was directing it to.

In no time at all, she took the stretchy line into her hands and tied it around her wrist. Her eyes frantically scanned through the area, hoping in that round, plush world there was something sharp enough to cut through. When her surroundings failed, Candace’s despair grew bigger by the minute. Any of those cutesy houses were way too far away to make it on time. Leaves wouldn’t have done anything, even Ducky Momos’ beady eyes only stared back at her with nothing to it. Everything was too perfectly cozy. Ough, if only she had ever joined the Fireside Girls.

Then an idea crossed her head. In the shadow of the quite literally increasing danger, Candace had to give it a chance. One more distance to seize and she gripped at the two sides of the tree trunk. Shoulders barely steadied her in place, as the wind tried everything in its power to make her fall on her feet. Yet there was no time to give up, not on anyone around there.

Her shaky hand stretched towards one of the branches. Barely reaching out, she grasped it tightly and hoped both her and the force from the wind could’ve worked in her favor. The little crack of the wood reinforced that conclusion. Candace smiled. The last step of preparation was to wrap the rope around the branch and hope for any luck to come her way.

Tears appeared in the corners of her eyes, unsure if it was from the wind or her own exhaustion. Taking in a shaky breath, Candace wiped them away with her thumb. Estimating the distance between her and that overgrown plushie, her mind simply pleaded that at least some of her skills carried over from the dreaded PE lessons.

One throw was all it took. Hence with one motion, Candace launched her stick upwards.

Somehow, it worked perfectly.

The pointed edge jammed into the fabric of the monstrous doll. Firm enough so it helped Candace climb forward, yet so small that it went unnoticed. A short, cut off breath escaped her throat. With a tug, she tested the strength of the connection. A bright smile overwhelmed her features. Another short distance sprint and swift jump were all it too for Candace to start climbing against the doll’s leg.

With all the strength in the world focused on her arm muscles, Candace kept on going. But even all this was almost nothing when against another thing she had to face.

The trust itself.

No amount of wondering over her words could’ve ever done right to her. Hours she had spent as a teenager trying to find the perfect way to capture Jeremy’s attention just ended up with bitterness and heartbreak. Enough to make her give up on pursuit of her own desires and disregard the things which brought her joy. At least it was what she had believed in for the longest time.

Somehow it still happened. As Candace reached towards the arrow of sorts, a wheezing groan escaped her mouth and her ginger hair flew into her eyes. Yet she kept going. In all ways, she tried to reach the needed conclusion. Or simply fight for her right to simply be… Happy. To be able to still want.

Going further and further, Vanessa’s silhouette started to get sharper. Even like this, she fought relentlessly to be set free from Mary MacGuffin’s claws. As she got close enough, Candace yelled, trying to be louder than that deafening wind.

“Vanessa!!! Vanessa, can you hear me!?”

“Candace?” After several shouts, the words finally reached her. “What are you doing!?”

“Well…!” With another quick stop, Candace tried to catch her breath enough to keep on going. “Trying to save you! Duh?”

Something inside told her the sudden nonchalance didn’t really help her cause. Well, she still tried her best to keep up some appearances. Inside her though she knew this veil had no basis in reality she herself had created. And all the time she had to brace herself for this confession was running out with each tug of her climbing rope. How in the world did the distance seem both so short and completely endless.

“Listen, I totally appreciate it but…! Just be careful, alright?” Vanessa answered, unsure whether to focus on Candace’s brave trail or Mary’s reactions. Though amidst all this, another challenger approached. “Holy–! Was Ducky Momo always this huge!?”

“What are you… WHAT! What the hell is that!?”

First sentence got stuck in Candace’s throat, as the vision actualized itself before her eyes. As focused as she was on treading the giant stitches across Mary MacGuffin’s fabric, just a little sway to the left revealed another problem. The adorable little trail of Ducky Momo plushies had turned into a deathly pageant of giant ducks. Just as Mary, the plushies’ sizes increased all within a blink of an eye. All while Candace felt her arms grow weaker and hair sway within the wind’s direction.

“No clue but you seriously gotta talk with your brothers,” her voice became clearer as Candace had reached the surface of the giant doll’s hand.

Hugged to Mary’s giant elbow, there was only a little distance left for Candace to reach her. For a moment, she stopped and stared, words still unable to come out. She looked at Vanessa trying to get herself out, operating on doll’s learnt responses and almost schematical movements. Everything within Candace screamed one conclusion. She couldn’t have escaped for longer.

With a deep breath and her nails gripped against the fabric, Candace laid her heart out, “Actually… This whole thing wasn’t my brothers’ idea. It was all me.”

“You?” Vanessa echoed, staring down at her, trying to fight the wind. Her perfectly shaped lips opened ever so slightly. “Obviously I always knew you had an amazing imagination but what would you do that for? And why me out of all people?”

“It’s… Simpler than you think, hah,” instinctively, Candace brushed a strand of her flowing hair behind her ear. “I wanted us to relive the moments we shared all those years ago. The things that brought us closer as teens because… Because I thought all we have was that past. And if I wanted this to work I knew we needed to go back. Only now do I see how absolutely stupid that was.”

“Yeah. Yeah, it was,” she admitted, though her expression remained surprisingly compassionate. “Don’t get me wrong, Candace, it’s super sweet but I like what we have. I don’t wanna relive my teenhood, I just wanna make this mean something.”

“I know… I know and agh, I feel even more stupid!” Climbing up to Mary MacGuffin’s bent lower arm, she slowly made way closer to the other hand. As well as her own truth. “It’s just that you’re so amazing and doing so well in life, I… I didn’t believe you could like me for me. Now.”

“Are you kidding?” Though there was that undeniable surprise in her voice, Vanessa’s stance had changed within mere seconds. There truly was that undeniable softness within her. “If you think I’m amazing, what does that make you? I’ve always admired you, Candace, for everything you are. The crazy ideas, relentless spirit and that outlook on life I’ve always admired. Sure, this thing is a total mess but you still did all this for… Me. How could I want anything else but who you are now?”

Everything Vanessa had said came directly from her heart. That big heart which was so full of love for special ones in her life, it always left Candace speechless. The cool and uncaring attire was just the exterior talk. Inside, she proved time after time to be the warmest person she had ever known.

Pressing her lips together, Candace shook her head. How could she ever deny it?

“I’m sorry for all this crap,” she admitted, carefully treading forward. “It’s just that it’s… Way easier to think about failure.”

“But in spite of this, you keep on trying – right?” The twinge of hope in Vanessa’s voice somehow seemed to give her that needed push forward.

“I just keep on thinking,” Candace paused, trying to find the meaning which had escaped her for way too long. Yet her desires, her wishes finally came to the much needed light. “Maybe someday it’ll turn out how I want.”

To which Vanessa didn’t seem to spare any more moments.

“Maybe that’ll actually be today?”

“…What?” She asked breathlessly.

The sudden silence between them told more stories than either of them could’ve counted. Yet the most important one happened right in front of them, within the stares, touches, all the words spoken. By the edge of Mary MacGuffin’s hand, Candace stood, almost motionless, only letting her hair flow. Above Vanessa stopped trying to get out of her predicament for just that one second.

“Candace,” she called to her, silky smooth voice showing utmost serenity. Her hand exchanged forward, waiting to be taken. “What was the reason you asked your brothers to build this chamber?”

Suddenly, Candace knew. Oh, how she wished she had known sooner.

Her hand slipped into Vanessa’s. First delicately, like handling fine China to then pull towards herself. Combined forces worked alongside each other, doing as much as they both could to escape Mary’s grip.

All those years Candace fantasized about being the princess in the tower, waiting for her knight to come to her rescue. Right then, rescuing Vanessa she didn’t feel like she had become the knight herself. Though then the doll’s grip loosened and with one right pull, Vanessa slipped from it and fell into Candace’s arms. And she caught her, cradling her close.

Maybe they were both princesses, maybe they were knights. What Candace knew for sure was that having Vanessa in her arms felt like finding the greatest treasure there was.

With her arms wrapped against her frame, chests close to the point of feeling her breath and faces just inches apart, Candace spoke directly from her heart, “I wanted to take a chance to just… Remind you how it was. I thought that if you did maybe this way you’d see what I see and. I guess go out with me, spend this time with me and… Give us a try.”

“You thought I wouldn’t without this?” Vanessa’s hand grazed against her cheek, brushing the loose strand of ginger hair behind her ear.

“Well, I’ll never know completely,” sighed Candace. “Now Mary MacGuffin’s gonna crush us, Ducky Momo will flatten us and at the end the lighting strikes at us and it’s gone.”

“What can I say,” Vanessa shrugged a little. With little to no space between them, she whispered. “I’ve always liked macabre.”

As those words rang inside Candace’s mind, another feeling entered her space. The touch of Vanessa’s lips right against her own. First, she let out that small yelp of surprise. Quickly enough it melted into the hum of all the contentment there was. She felt Vanessa’s hands against her jawline. Candace’s own hands pressed against her back, firmly yet with just the smallest motion against her moving shoulder blades.

Everything around, all the little things could’ve crumbled down right before her. There was still that damn roaring wind and smell of electricity in the air. The shadows of the increasingly large plushies casted upon their frames. But right then, Candace couldn’t have paid it much mind. Not when Vanessa’s lips moved against her own. Not quickly, as if they were going to dissolve within seconds. Instead, her kiss’ impact grounded her in place.

There was no rush – just the way to savor the taste of Vanessa’s touch.

Like woven into an enchanted spell, Candace couldn’t have opened her eyes. When she finally did, the fairytale didn’t end. As Vanessa was in the reach of her arms.

“Vanessa, I…” Candace started, still hazed after the kiss. “Guess I can interpret this as a yes, huh?”

“Sure. If you wanna,” though she still said so with her relaxed tone, there was that undeniable amused undertone to her words.

So Candace laughed. In no time at all, Vanessa’s own laughter echoed along.

“Okay, you know what, we better get outta here unless– WOAH!”

As the plan to escape that damn chamber started to materialize in Candace’s head, suddenly… There was no need for it. The towering shadow of Ducky Momos froze in place to then simply shrink down and blast away in the different direction. Before they knew what was going on, the same happened with Mary MacGuffin. Her fabric hand shook them both, as the whole structure swayed. Losing her balance, Vanessa gripped Candace tighter.

That was when the structure fell down. Along with them.

A high pitched yell escaped Candace’s mouth, though her hands remained focused on Vanessa’s frame. If she had yelled too, the sound blended within the everchanging altitudes before Candace’s consciousness. She was ready to fall down to her doom, spiraling faster until her back hit something soft. Her body bounced off of that giant doll, still in the amplified size. Following her suit, Vanessa fell against her.

“What the…” Candace wanted to ask. Yet before she could’ve finished the giant doll also blasted away from her back, into oblivion.

The trees stopped swaying, the thunderclouds simply vanished from her area of vision. There were no giant dolls, nor plush ducks. As if they’ve all flown away like inflated balloons. All that remained was the same clear blue sky and the light summer breeze.

As well as Vanessa. There was always Vanessa.

“That was… Weird as hell,” she said as she got back on her feet. This time she was the one to help Candace stand up.

“Thanks and yyyep. At least the mysterious force did something right this time.”

“There’s a first for everything,” Vanessa brushed it off ever so slightly. A certain kind of exhaustion hit her features, yet she swore she saw that excitement creeping in. “Speaking of… Ready to go?”

“Wait a sec! Heh, I just wanted to tell you one more thing…” The abruptness in Candace’s voice quickly melted away. She took a half step towards Vanessa and let her hand brush the curve of her jaw, right to her chin, “I’ve always liked licorice.”

To which Vanessa smiled. But her kiss tasted like deeply sun kissed summer cherries.

“A separate-inator? What did you need that for?”

“You see, Vanessa, at my age you start not to care that much about how neat the things are but if they’re getting done,” her dad’s cheerful voice rang on the other side of the line. As if completely untouched and unbothered. “Why would I need to manually separate my socks or-or the chickpea water from chickpeas?”

“So you did try that vegetarian cookbook I’ve sent you,” Vanessa smiled to herself. Even if sometimes it took some effort, she still managed to get through her ideas to him.

“Of course, sweetie! I might be a beginner but I still can make some mean hummus next time you visit,” the last sentence was spoken with the familiar sing-song tone her dad used whenever he also wanted to bridge the distance. Afterall, their tries went both ways.

“Awh, thanks, dad,” though happy to hear so, Vanessa couldn’t have helped but tried to get to the bottom of this. “Okay, so what about this inator of yours? Any projects or malfunctions?”

“Funny that you mention it but when I tasted it out in the wild, as always Perry the Platypus showed up and tried to destroy it. We fought some, I separated him from his hat for a while, he separated my hair from my head, the usual stuff,” such a recollection worked almost like a testament of every other day for her dad. At the tip of her tongue was a question she almost said out. If it wasn’t for her dad being quicker. “I guess the beam did hit some stuff around Danville but I haven’t heard of any disturbances. If something goes up I’m sure your mother’s insurance will cover it.”

“If you say so…”

“And why are you asking? Have you seen any byproduct in the wild?”

Stopping by one of her largest windows, Vanessa took a quick glance towards her phone and then back outside the window. The summer was in full swing with the sunbeams dancing on the surface of the parks, many birds flying by her and the fresh air which hit her lungs. Inside, Vanessa still thought of that atmosphere inside the chamber. This time however it was a thousand times more beautiful. Not to mention, tangible.

Everything inside her told Vanessa to let go and enjoy the moment at her hand. Yet that specific part of her brain craved at least half an answer. One which her dad would’ve definitely provided her with. Having it in the palm of her hand, Vanessa hugged her frame with her free hand and pressed her side against the window. It was a group effort after all.

“No, no big reason. Just curious what you’ve been up to,” after a second she decided to go with that answer.

“Nothing much, exactly the same what your old man has been doing since the beginning of time,” he laughed so earnestly Vanessa couldn’t have fought her own smile. “What about you, is everything alright at work? Are you finally gonna introduce your girlfriend to me?”

“Dad, come on, you know Candace. We’ve been friends since we were like fifteen.”

“Yes, yes but not as your girlfriend,” her dad insisted on punctuating.

There was a good point to what he was saying, especially since it’s been a while since Vanessa even mentioned a new partner. While usually it was a rather straining process of introduction and side eyes, this time everything felt so much easier. Both in terms of introducing her to her parents and not experiencing the next level of dread with it.

As well as the most important part. There was nothing easier than admitting to herself that Candace Flynn was her girlfriend.

With another smile creeping onto her features, Vanessa fixed her position and looked into the room of her apartment, lazily focusing on the door, “Fine, you’ve won. I’ll talk to Candace whenever she has time to meet you up. You can dazzle us with those veggie patties.”

“Oh, I am so happy to hear that, sweetie. For all the altruistic and not nosy reasons.”

“Suit yourself. And work’s fine. I gotta prepare for the next sesh in an hour,” that was exactly when the door to her apartment creaked just a little. Her whole body tensed, as she focused right there. “So y’know. I better go.”

“Right, it’s the work callin’,” he sounded a bit too sure of himself.

“Dad.”

“No peep from me!” Her dad’s laughter rang in her ear. Honestly, hearing this, Vanessa couldn’t have helped but smiled. It truly was the little things. “I won’t stall you from her any longer. Bye Vanessa, love you!”

“Love you too, dad,” she said and ended the call with a smile towards the past and the future.

Not stalling for any longer, Vanessa moved confidently to the door. From the other side, she could hear bits and pieces of knocks and doorbells, as well as several words spoken underneath a certain breath. With one motion, she unlocked the door and grabbed the doorframe.

“Sorry it took so long. My dad,” she said, taking in the sight in front of her.

Cause it simply was her. With her flowing ginger hair, bright smile, adorably long neck, perfectly matched outfit with the pink she always looked so beautiful in. In her hands, she clutched a basket full of various clothes, all neatly set up. Out of every little thing, Vanessa especially focused on those eyes of hers. Like infinite pools, deep though with just enough light reflecting in them. No summer sky could’ve ever compared to the blue of her eyes.

That was Candace Flynn alright.

“No big deal,” Candace tried to shrug it off, still clutching the basket firmly. “I’m also kinda running late because guess what. Laundry problems.”

“Seriously?”

As Candace moved inside the apartment, she settled the basket onto the floor. White clothes on top only seemingly obscured the vision of all the shades of black underneath. When Vanessa taxed through it again, she moved to Candace with a rather ironic expression.

“They gave you this as your order?” She asked, raising a singular eyebrow.

“Yep. Guess they’ll never learn,” Candace shook her head and clicked her tongue.

“Hmm, definitely not. But at least now they won’t hear the complaints for us both,” Vanessa moved herself closer, her hand grazing against the curve of her side.

To which Candace moved her sight to her face. Stepping a little closer she fell deeper into her touch, her own hand moving onto her shoulder, “That’s the silver lining.”

In return Vanessa let out the smallest of laughs. One which melted into a kiss pressed right against Candace’s lips.

Maybe pink and black always went together in the best way.