Days passed in a blur of preparation and quiet scheming. Saturday arrived, and Dexter drove one of his customized black sedans toward Phineas's house. Band practice was officially on the schedule, but he had other motives for the day as well, motives that would unfold later.
He parked smoothly and stepped out, slinging his guitar case over his shoulder as he entered the backyard. Phineas, Ferb, and Jimmy were already there, tuning instruments and chatting casually. Buttercup was nowhere in sight.
"Hey guys," Dexter greeted, setting his case down.
Phineas waved enthusiastically. "Dex! Right on time."
A few minutes later, a familiar whoosh cut through the air. Buttercup descended from the sky and landed lightly on the grass, looking slightly winded.
"Sorry I'm late," she said, brushing dust off her varsity jacket. "An Evo showed up in Townsville. Had to help clean it up."
"No worries!" Phineas replied brightly. "Let's get to it. Next week the Music Fest begins, so we need to be sharp."
They dove straight into practice. The song "Today Is Gonna Be A Great Day" had improved significantly since the last session.
Phineas's energetic vocals led the charge, Jimmy provided steady rhythm support, Buttercup's keyboards added beautiful layers, Ferb's drumming brought power and drive, and Dexter's lead guitar tied everything together with precise, melodic lines. They ran through the full set multiple times, refining transitions and tightening the bridge until the song felt polished and alive.
By the time the sun began to dip toward the horizon, they had put in a solid session.
Dexter slung his guitar onto his back and looked at Phineas, Ferb, and Jimmy. "Hey, tomorrow. Don't be late."
"We'll be there," Phineas promised, with Ferb and Jimmy nodding in agreement.
Dexter turned to Buttercup. "Let's go."
Buttercup blew a bubble with her gum, popped it, and smirked. "You've got a ride, right? I'm not flying you."
"Don't worry. I have one. Just point the way and I'll drive."
They left the backyard together. Buttercup slid into the passenger seat while Dexter took the wheel. As the car pulled away from the house, the real purpose of the evening settled between them.
The reason Buttercup was riding with him was simple: Dexter had an appointment with Professor Utonium. Over the past week, he had sent formal invitations to every scientist on his recruitment list, inviting them to tomorrow's private expo at one of Dextrotech facilities. It would be part showcase, part recruitment drive, where he would present his vision, future projects, funding offers, and long-term goals for advancing the world's technology.
Professor Utonium, from what Dexter's research showed, had largely stepped back from public work. He lived quietly with his daughters and wasn't affiliated with any major organization. Getting him on board would be a major win.
They soon arrived at the Utonium residence.
The house was a striking example of stylized mid-century modern architecture, a tall, rectangular white structure with clean lines, a flat roof, and smooth untextured walls. Its most distinctive feature was the trio of evenly spaced circular windows high on the front façade, paired with a bold, bright red front door that created a strong visual contrast.
"We're here," Buttercup said, stepping out of the car.
Dexter followed her to the door. Buttercup pushed it open and called out, "I'm home!"
She dropped her bag containing her electric keyboard by the entrance. "Sit down, Dex. I'll go find the Professor."
From the stairs, a girl suddenly flew down, still half-drowsy. It was Bubbles, blonde hair completely messy and sticking up in every direction, wearing pink pajamas, and rubbing her eyes sleepily.
"Morning…" Bubbles mumbled.
"It's already night, Bubbles," Buttercup replied. "Where's the Professor?"
"In the lab, I think…" Bubbles trailed off as her eyes landed on Dexter. She squinted, then suddenly jolted awake. With a startled squeak, she blurred away upstairs in a blue streak. Thirty seconds later she returned, hair neatly brushed and wearing a cute dress.
"Buttercup!" Bubbles exclaimed excitedly. "You brought your boyfriend!!!"
The shout echoed through the house.
From the kitchen, another girl rushed out still wearing an apron and holding a whisk.
"Where?! Where?!" Blossom demanded, red bow slightly askew.
Then, from the underground lab entrance, footsteps hurried up the stairs.
"What boyfriend?! Why didn't I know about this?!" Professor Utonium's voice rang out as he emerged, looking equal parts confused and protective.
Buttercup stared at her chaotic family for a long second… then slowly facepalmed with a deep, suffering sigh.