Buford, Baljeet, Irving and Django were sitting under the Flynn-Fletcher tree, waiting for Phineas and Ferb to show up.
"Huh. I wonder why they called us here today." Django said, looking at the grass

"Good question." Ferb replied, appearing from behind the tree

"Hey, how'd you…"

"Today, ladies and gentlemen!" Phineas hopped on a tiny stage in the middle of the backyard, while Ferb played the guitar and flashed lights around. "Ferb and I shall take on a rare, sophisticated, extravagant…"

"Get on with it, dinner bell!" Buford yelled.

Phineas sighed, and stopped with the dramatic suspense "Ferb and I are holding a fashion contest to help Isabella and her troop earn their pageant patches."

There was a loud "Ohhhhhhh", and Gretchen, Isabella, Adyson, Milly, Katie, Ginger and Holly marched in the gate, all carrying fabric, curtains, and other props needed.

"We boys need to help out with the designs and descriptions and whatnot. I guess we're like their fashion coaches. Partner up, read the rules and design! Ferb's going to draw a theme from a empty jar"

Ferb covered his eyes, and pulled a small piece of rolled up paper from the many inside the glass. Phineas un-crumpled it, and read alloud  "Oooo, tropical fruit! Right everyone! You have 30 minutes until judging time! Jeremy Johnson, Stacy Hirano and Candace Flynn are the judges! Go, go go!"

And with that, the girls went running around the yard, asking certain boys to be their coaches, while the boys set up material and station for the 7 fireside girls.

However, there was one girl specifically, who was not enthusiastic, or even cheerful about this contest. She walked away from the group and sat down under the Flynn-Fletcher tree. It would be better if she missed out on this one anyway, Milly thought, feeling herself start to cry. It wasn't her thing at all.

"You know, you're not going to get anything done if you just sit there"

Milly looked up, surprised to see Buford standing in front of her.

"What's up…uhhh….whoever? Why ya' crying when you're suppose to be working? Dinner bell says ya' got…half an hour…which is…uhhh…41 minutes?…Whatever. Why are you…"

"I can't do this!" Milly sobbed "I'm insecure about people judging me, and I'm the ugliest girl in my troop!"


Buford's expression softened "Ugly? C'mon, it can't' be that bad…"

"…and not only that" Milly interrupted "Isabella or Adyson or some pretty girl will make me look dumb! I just can't do this!!!" she continued sobbing, but no one but Buford took any notice.

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a handkerchief. Milly accepted it, drying her eyes and blowing her nose.

"Whaddaya care what people think about your looks? Look at me! I've made it, you've made it, it's  no big deal."

"Not for you, you're tough. I'm…weak."

"You're a fireside girl! Nobody's going to care if you're not the best! All they'll see is a cute an' nice girl with a big heart."

Milly stood up, straitening her sash and hat, and smiled confidently, giving Buford a salute. They both  laughed.

"Dat's the spirit! Hey, you can take this contest alright!" Buford crossed his arms "I may not be no designer, but I know enough 'bout fashion to help you get something okay. No promises on first place, but at least you'll get yer patch."

Milly followed Buford to a empty station "Wow…that's…really sweet of you."

Buford shrugged, a bit of blush appearing on his cheeks "No problem. Hey, can ya' go get some yellow 'n orange fruit from the kitchen? I'll work the sewing machine."

_______________________________________________________________

"ALRIGHT!" Candace snapped "Bring on the contestants! Down the red carpet runway, people! We don't have all day!"

First up was Isabella. She was wearing a…paper mache…pineapple…designed by Phineas

Stacy giggled:  5
Candace face palmed: 2
Jeremy gave Isabella a sympathetic glance: 5.5

Second was Adyson. Her designer, Django, had designed her a beautiful white dress…then he had tie-dyed it with pineapple, banana and other fruit juices.

"Wow…that's really neat!" Candace exclaimed: 7
"As long as it doesn't attract fruit flies, that's a fashion I could get behind!" Stacy smiled: 7
Jeremy chuckled "Cool!": 7.5

Third was Gretchen. Irving had taken pictures of different fruit, and sewn them onto a black summer dress.

Stacy stared in amazement: 7
Candace shrugged "Okaaaaay…": 5
Jeremy laughed "I hope it doesn't give you a paper cut, Gretchen!": 7.5

Fourth was Ginger. Baljeet had…duct taped fruit all over her fireside girl uniform.

All 3 judges broke out into hysterical laughter. Stacy tried to speak in between cackles "Th-that's *laugh* a *laugh* disgrace to *laugh* fashion!"
Ginger gave a dirty look at her big sister, and Baljeet blushed a deep red as he received 2, 1 and 1 as the score.

Holly's dress, designed by Benji, was a dress with tropical fruit patterns made out of felt.

"Classic." Candace commented: 8
Stacy smiled "I like the colours" : 7
Jeremy nodded:  8.5

Katie's dress, designed by Ferb was banana and orange peels stapled together to the form of a dress.

"Creative…" Jeremy coughed: 9.5
"How do you do this stuff in such short time, Ferb?" Stacy looked in awe, both creeped out and impressed: 9
"WHAT'S THAT HORRIBLE SMELL?!" Candace shrieked: 4

Finally it was Milly's turn. She stepped out wearing fruit on her head, a tropical themed dress, and plastic bags (for the fruit aisle at the grocery store)

Everyone stared up.

Stacy squealed "Oh. My. Gosh!!! That's so cute! Where did you get that?" she picked up a card that said 9.
Jeremy read the list "Buford?! Wow! Amazing job!" he held up a 10.
Candace couldn't take it any more. She scribbled something down on a card as fast as she could, than ran into the house screaming "MOOOOOOM!!!"
Phineas picked up the card "100? Wow, Candace is enthusiastic. Anyway, we have a winner!"

All the fireside girls cheered, while Stacy and Jeremy handed Milly and Buford blue ribbons.

The entire studio disappeared shortly after, but the memories didn't. Milly, got her patch, a medal, confidence…and a new friend.

THE END