Futurama

Don't You (forget about me)
By Frosty

[Leela hung up her phone after getting into her car at a motel in Raleigh, North Carolina. 5 years ago, to the day, Fry had run away and she would never forget it, because she was the one who drove him to leaving. She had just got off the phone with Amy, saying that she was getting close to New Bern and would be back to New, New York some time next week. Deciding that she needed to make things right with Fry, she packed a suitcase for a few days, and drove down to North Carolina where Fry was now living. They had finally found out by searching his name in every state. That’s what led her to New Bern.]

[The day Fry left was a few days after Leela’s new boyfriend dumped her. She was still upset, and just lashed out at him for no reason. He hadn’t done anything wrong; he did his work, cleaned the ship, and filed some papers, and was now just taking a break. But Leela had just walked in and started screaming at him. She called him “Lazy”, “Stupid”, “A slob”, and told him “I wish I didn’t have to work with some one as immature as you!”. All he replied was “Fine”, and that was it. She instantly regretted it, and went over to Fry’s to apologize, but only found Bender, who said that Fry packed his bags, and left with out a word. The past 5 years had been terrifying for Leela. All she could think about was Fry. She had no clue where he was, he never called, and the only time they heard from him was Xmas, when he would send a card to Planet Express. Since he didn’t put a return address, no one knew where he was.]

[After driving for a hour, Leela stopped to get a soda at a gas station. Paying for her drink and sitting back in her car, she pulled out the map she had to guide her. Sure, she could of taken a ship and got to New Bern within 4 seconds, but that wasn’t enough time to figure out what she could say to Fry when she got there. Putting the car into gear, she continued driving.]

[Fry was finishing up at work, and was ready to head home. He now worked at a little boat and fishing shop called “The Tackle Box”. Ever since he moved to New Bern, he had been out on the water daily with his boat, just cruising around. His skin, except for around his eyes, was tan from being in the sun all the time and his hair was a lighter shade of red. He looked older, but not old. He was only 30 and still had awhile to go. Thinking about what he should do when he got home, he punched out and stepped outside. The air was cool and their was a nice summer breeze. it had been in the 90’s for the past few days, and he decided to shoot some basketball when he got home; get some more exercise. Since his job was so close to his house, he rode his bike to work when it was nice out. In the past 5 years, he dropped 55 pounds and was now lean and, some-what, buff. His attitude had also changed, he was smarter, more responsible, mature. He was just a better person. “Leela would be proud” was the thought that crossed his mind everyday when he looked in the mirror. Wishing he could see her again, he got on his bike and headed home.]

[Leela pulled up to “The Tackle Box” about 45 minutes after Fry had left. Walking in, she knew that this was where he worked, and tapped the shoulder of a man behind the counter. Turning around, he was about 60 years old, with balding grey hair and some wrinkles. His face and arms were tan and he wore a hat on his head, covering up the bald spot. He smiled at Leela when he turned around.]

Man: Can I help you young lady?

Leela: Maybe, is Phillip Fry here?

Man: Oh, Phil left about 45 minutes ago. But is there something I can help you with?

Leela: No, I’m and old friend of his and-

Man: You wouldn’t happen to be, Leela, would you?

[He shocked her by knowing who she was. She shook her head and moved a strand of hair out of her face.]

Leela: Yes, that’s me.

[The man held out his hand and Leela shook it.]

Carl: I’m Carl Stec, Phil’s boss.

Leela: Nice to meet you.

Carl: Phil talks about you all the time, that’s how I knew it was you.

Leela: Do you have any idea where he is now?

Carl: He’s probably home. Gone out on his boat or something. But I can give you his address if you want.

Leela: That would be great.

[After having Carl write down Fry’s address, Leela thanked him and drove to 758 Ocean Front.]

[Leela pulled up in front of a small white house a few minutes later. It was a nice house, right on the beach, with a one car garage. In front of the garage, there was a man with red hair playing basketball with a hoop that was attached to the front of the garage and there was a small beagle puppy laying in the grass, sun bathing. His grey sleeveless shirt, that was covered in sweat showing that he had been out there for awhile, clung to him as he ran around with the ball in his hands. Leela braced herself and got out of the car. Walking up the drive way, she watched him shoot one more basket before turning around when he saw the beagle look up. His eyes wide, seeing Leela smile. For a long time, he just stared at her. Finally Leela spoke.]

Leela: You know, you really shouldn’t stare like that. Women like a man who knows how to be subtle.

[Fry smiled as he threw the ball onto the grass and the beagle ran up to him. Walking up to her, Fry’s eyes reflected the sun and Leela found herself holding her breath as she saw the muscles on his arms gleam with sweat.]

Fry: Leela, is it really you?

[She noticed that his voice had a slight southern twang to it. Not like a hillbilly accent, but a nice soft country accent, as if he lived here his whole life.]

Leela: Yes, it’s me. I came to see how you were doing.

Fry: I-uh-I’m doing good.

[He stopped and just looked at her.]

Fry: I cant believe you’re really here. How did you find me?

Leela: I had to see you again Fry, so I searched your name in every state, and that led me here. I stopped at your work and Carl gave me your address.

[She smiled and at the spur of the moment wrapped her arms around him. Fry did the same, and remembered how he waited for this moment. It didn’t last long, but to Fry, it seemed like a life time. Leela smiled and Fry aired out his shirt.]

Fry: Sorry about the sweat.

Leela: It’s okay.

[They just stood there for awhile saying nothing until Leela spoke.]

Leela: Who’s this little guy?

[Fry picked up the dog and patted his head.]

Fry: This is Baxter.

Leela: Hello Baxter.

[Baxter gave a happy bark and they both laughed. Struggling in Fry’s arms, he was set down and got close to Leela, who stroked his back.]

Fry: Would you like to stay for dinner? I know a place that has the best crab around.

[She looked up as Baxter started running around them.]

Leela: Really? Where?

[He motioned to his house.]

Fry: Here.

[She laughed and Fry smiled at her.]

Leela: I’d like that.

Fry: Cool.

[They walked inside, and after getting Leela a drink, Fry took a quick shower and changed into his usual attire, which was no longer his red jacket and white shirt. Instead he wore baggy cargo shorts and a blue shirt with sail boats on it. Walking into the kitchen with Baxter, he got him self a beer and took the crab legs out of the freezer. Leela heard him rustling around and went into his kitchen.]

Leela: Can I do anything to help?

Fry: Uh, could you get the water boiling?

Leela: Sure.

Fry: There’s a big pot in that cabinet.

[Leela got the pot out and filled it with water. Turning on the stove, she put the pot on it.]

Fry: You know if you put some salt in there, it’ll boil faster.

[She added some salt, and turned back to Fry.]

Leela: Is there anything else I can do?

[Fry and Leela were sitting on the porch at the back of Fry’s house watching the white caps of the waves crash into the shore with Baxter running around in the sand. Fry’s boat was at the dock not far from where they were sitting and he also had a old fashion row boat. Leela had on one of Fry’s sweatshirts and Fry also had one on since the wind had picked up and it was getting cooler out. After a while, Fry felt something in his hand. It was warm and soft, silky smooth. Looking down, he saw Leela’s hand entwined with his as they sat there silently. He felt the brine on his face stating to get hard as the wind blew it up from the shore. The sun was almost completely set when Leela gave a content sigh. It was obvious that she, like him, didn’t want the evening to end, but knew that it wouldn’t be long until she would be heading for her motel. Fry closed his eyes, wishing that they could just stay like this forever. His heart ached as Leela released his hand and stood up.]

Leela: It’s getting late. I should probably get going.

[There was a hint of disappointment in her voice as she said that and Fry stood up, walking her to her car. The embraced before Leela got in and she started to unzip the sweatshirt she had on. Fry held up his hand, stopping her.]

Fry: Keep it.

[Secretly, she was ecstatic that he told her to keep it. It smelled just like him, and made something inside her tingle. She began to get in when Fry stopped her.]

Fry: How long are you gonna be in town?

Leela: Until next Monday.

Fry: Can you come back here tomorrow?

Leela: Don’t you have to work?

Fry: No, I have tomorrow off.

[She thought about it for a second and smiled.]

Leela: Sure, what time?

Fry: Well, 5:30?

Leela: In the evening?

Fry: Not exactly.

Leela: In the morning?

Fry: There’s some place I want to show you, and that’s the best time to see it.

[His eyes were pleading with her and finally she shook her head.]

Leela: I’ll be here.

Fry: Great.

[He was surprised that she said “Yes” and was even more surprised when she gave him a small kiss on the cheek. Even though she could taste the brine on his face, she didn’t care. Leela smiled as she got in her car and pulled away. Fry watched until her tail lights disappeared, and went back inside. Picking up the phone he called Carl. You see, he had lied to Leela, telling her he had the day off. But he almost never took anytime off, and knew that Carl would understand. Which he did. After washing the brine off of his face, Fry went to bed with Baxter at his feet, but tossed and turned all night. Just thinking about how warm her lips felt against his cheek, still feeling the sensation. What he didn’t know, was that Leela was thinking the same thing about him, as she slept cuddling up with his sweatshirt.]

[The next morning, Leela’s alarm went off at 4:30 (when the sun wasn’t risen yet), which was much, much earlier than it usually did. After taking a shower, she wrapped a towel around her and noticed how her skin was still dry from the brine. She rubbed some lotion on her arms, legs, neck, and belly, letting it bring her skin to life. She smiled and dressed into some black shorts and a white shirt. After running a brush through her hair and applying just a touch of makeup, something dawned on her; was she trying to look good for Fry? Or was it just because she felt like dressing like this today? No, it was defiantly for Fry. The strange thing was, she wanted to feel attractive around him, she wanted him to think she was sexy. For all the years she had known him, not once did she ever think about the way she looked when she was around Fry. Why was it so different now? Walking into the bedroom, she put on a squirt of perfume and looked at herself in the full length mirror one last time before picking up her purse, and Fry’s sweatshirt, and leaving.]

[Fry was sitting on the couch, fully dressed in his usual attire, drinking a cup of coffee as Baxter ate from his bowl. The TV was on and he saw that they were calling for storms later on that day. Hoping that it would give he and Leela enough time, he heard the door bell ring. Putting down his mug, he walked over to the door and opened it, seeing Leela standing there.]

Leela: Hey Fry.

[He didn’t say anything, all he could do was stare at her.]

Leela: It’s too much isn’t it? Oh, I knew I-

Fry: No, you look-

[He paused as if thinking of the perfect word to describe her.]

Fry: Incredible.

[Smiling, Leela watched as Fry stepped out of the way and let her inside.]

Leela: Thank you.

[He locked the door, and took his mug into the kitchen. He came back in a few seconds and led her out to the porch, leaving his dog in the house. Feeling the wind blow off of the water, Leela quickly put on the sweatshirt and Fry put his other one on as well. After taking her hand, he led her out onto the dock and helped her onto his boat. It was a big boat that Carl helped him repair when he first moved to New Bern. Some one had abandoned it behind the shop and just left it for the taking, so Carl offered to help Fry restore it. It took many months but it was worth it, since he went out at least 4 times a week. There was a cabin below fully furnished with a kitchen and bed, so Fry could stay out over night if he wanted to. After taking the boat out far enough so that they could just see his house, Fry sat down next to Leela once he anchored it.]

Leela: So what are we doing here?

[He just smiled and pointed out into the distance. The sun was just rising over the water, and Leela smiled, taking his hand.]

Leela: This is probably the sweetest thing anyone had ever done for me. Thank you.

Fry: No problem.

[They sat there for over an hour watching the sun rise over the ocean until Fry stood up.]

Fry: I don’t know about you, but I’m starving.

Leela: So am I.

[He led her down into the cabin and she looked around. There was a booth in the corner and a small TV in front of a double bed. There were also pictures of Fry and Carl as they repaired the boat and one of them when it was finished. There was also a picture of Fry and Leela at Planet Express one Xmas with Santa hats on. They were under the mistletoe and she had let Fry give her a quick peck on the cheek. He walked over to her, watching her look around.]

Leela: You did a great job with this.

Fry: Thanks. But it wasn’t just me, Carl did a lot too.

[The smell of bacon and eggs filled the cabin and Fry motioned to the booth.]

Fry: Have a seat, it’ll be ready soon.

[She sat down and Fry brought her a cup of coffee before finishing up the eggs and bacon.]

[Hours later, Fry and Leela were still sitting in the booth just talking. Fry had something on his mind, and finally decided to ask Leela the question that had been on his mind since she first showed up to his house the day before.]

Fry: Leela, why did you come down here?

Leela: I just needed to see you.

Fry: I know, but, why?

[Honestly, she didn’t know why. She wanted to come see him, because she really missed him, but there was more than her just missing him. There was a deeper reason why she missed him so much. No one knew that she had cried herself to sleep for the past 5 years, and even she didn’t know why she did. But now, they had seen each other again, she had dolled herself up for him, and now there they were. Leela looked in his eyes and realized at that moment that she had fallen in love with a man name Phillip Fry. Fry had always looked at Leela the same way, his eyes showing how much he loved her. But now, he realized that the look in her eye was mirroring his own. Without saying anything, they both began to lean in closer. Their lips got closer and closer, and each could feel the heat coming off of the others faces. As much as Fry wanted to kiss her then, he jumped from his seat when he heard thunder.]

Fry: We’ve got to get out of here.

[He put his rain jacket on and ran upstairs to the deck.]

Fry: Stay down here!

[She listened to him, and felt the ship come to life as it made it’s way back to shore.]

[Fry was soaking wet when he and Leela arrived in his house. Leela was also really wet, but not as bad as Fry. He was shivering from the cold and he kept sniffling so Leela put her arms around him, trying warming him up.]

Leela: You okay?

Fry: I think so.

[Fry took a deep breath and smiled as Leela held him.]

Leela: Why don’t you go change?

Fry: Okay, and if you want, I can get you some warm clothes.

Leela: That would be great.

[He went into his bedroom and came back out with a pair of sweats and a tee-shirt. Handing them to Leela, he motioned to his room.]

Fry: You can go on and change in there.

Leela: Alright.

[Fry went into the bathroom with a pair of shorts and a shirt as Leela went into his room, finding Baxter sleeping on the bed. Taking off her shirt and shorts, she realized that she was in his room with only her underpants and bra on and felt a secret thrill as she put his clothes on. The clothes were kind of big on her so she rolled up the pant legs, and tied the shirt so it wasn’t so loose. Walking back into the living room with the sleeping puppy in her arms, she saw Fry lighting a fire in the fire place. He was crouched down and Leela looked at his tight shorts, holding her breath. Fry looked up and smiled at her.]

Fry: Hi.

Leela: Hi.

[She sat down on the couch and Fry sat down with her. They left the TV off and the two of them sat on the couch in front of the fire. The storm was intensifying and there was a bolt of lighting. Nervously, Fry put his arm around Leela. To his surprise, she didn’t pull away. Instead, she leaned into him, smiling and closing her eye.]

[Leela woke up and looked around. She noticed that she was in Fry’s room on his bed. She pulled back the covers, seeing that she was still in Fry’s clothes and rubbed her eye. She guessed she had fallen asleep, and he was kind enough to carry her back into his room, letting her rest. Walking into the living room, she found Fry going over some paper work while he sat on the couch.]

Leela: Hey,

[Fry looked behind and saw Leela standing there.]

Fry: Hi.

Leela: I guess I was tired from getting up so early.

Fry: (laughing) Well, that’s my fault.

Leela: It’s okay, I’m glad you did. I had a great time this morning.

Fry: I’m glad. By the way, I put your clothes in the dryer if you want to change into them.

Leela: Thank you.

[Fry went down stairs and came back up with Leela’s clothes. Walking back into his room, she changed and came back into the living room.]

Fry: So, would you like to go out for dinner tonight?

Leela: Like a date?

[The thought of it being a date didn’t even cross his mind. But he decided to go for it. After what happened on the boat and when they got back, he had a good feeling.]

Fry: Yeah,

[She softly kissed him and Fry‘s eyes went wide.]

Leela: I’d love to.

[He smiled and Leela did the same.]

[Later that night, Fry and Leela were walking down the street after dinner at a little place called Dingy’s. It was nothing fancy and they both wore their shorts and shirts. Walking lazily through town, holding hands, they felt the cool air from the rain earlier. They stopped at the lighthouse at the beach and stood in the sand, watching the waves crash into the shore again. From a small store next to the beach, they could hear Billie Holiday singing the song “I’ll be seeing you” on the radio. To Leela’s surprise, Fry kissed her hand before placing it on his shoulder. Then, taking her other hand in his, he placed his other hand on her lower back. Soon, the two of them were dancing together in the sand. Leela rested her head on Fry’s chest, feeling the rise and fall it as he was breathing, along with the steady beating of his heart.]

Fry: I can feel your heart beating.

Leela: So can I.

[Fry gently kissed her cheek, and Leela could see the sun setting out of the corner of her eye. Everything seemed so perfect; the sand, the sun, the water, the music. The fact that she was with Fry made it even more perfect.]

Leela: Fry?

Fry: Yes?

[She looked up and smiled. Her eye started to well up, as she took a deep breath.]

Leela: I love you, and I’m so sorry for all the times I hurt you.

[Fry smiled and watched as tears fell down Leela’s cheeks. Wiping them away with his hand, Fry brought her face closer to his. Their lips met softly at first, but then more passionate. Fry had waited for this moment for years, and now Leela was finally his. Neither of them could believe it.]

[Fry was sitting up against the bed frame as Leela rested her head on his shoulder. As soon as they got home, Leela took Fry’s hand and led him into the bedroom where they made love for hours. A while later, Baxter came in the room and was now at their feet, gnawing on a raw hide bone he‘d brought with him, and he was ignoring the two pairs of feet at his side. Fry was running his hand up and down her back, feeling the softness of her skin against his. He kissed her forehead and Leela looked up.]

Fry: You’re perfect.

[Leela blushed a little, and squeezed him.]

Leela: I’m not perfect.

Fry: You are to me.

[They felt a movement at their feet, and saw Baxter still gnawing at his bone, trying to get it in a good position. Chuckling, Fry tried to move the bone away from Baxter with his foot. He got it away from him for only a couple seconds before Baxter put his paw on top of the bone, preventing it from going anywhere. Fry still tried to get it away from him, but Leela playfully smacked him.]

Leela: Stop being mean to him.

Fry: I’m sorry.

[Fry looked at the clock and saw that it was almost midnight. Sighing he looked at Leela.]

Fry: I’ve got to get up at 7:00 for work.

Leela: Would you like me to leave?

Fry: No! Of course not.

[Leela smiled and kissed him.]

Leela: Good.

[Fry held her closer until they both fell asleep.]

[Over the next few days, Fry and Leela spent the evenings together and stayed up half the night in bed. Leela brought her suitcase over to Fry’s and checked out of her motel days earlier than she planned. They had gone back out on Fry’s boat, this time with Baxter, he took her for a picnic on his row boat one calm day, and took long walks along the beach. It was two days before Leela was leaving and she was laying in Fry’s bed around midnight (As she had been for the last few nights.) where Fry’s hands were slick with oil as he rubbed her shoulders and back.]

Leela: That feels great,

[He leaned in closer and kissed her between her shoulder blades.]

Fry: Wouldn’t you love to get a massage every night?

Leela: Yeah, I would.

Fry: (teasing) Too bad.

[She laughed and Fry did the same.]

Fry: I’ll give you a massage anytime you want.

Leela: Of course you will.

[He chucked again and finished rubbing the oil on her. Laying down, he soon felt Leela’s hands on his back, returning the favor.]

Fry: (tired) I don’t know how much longer I can keep this up.

Leela: What?

Fry: Staying up all night. I’ve gotten like 12 hours of sleep in the last week.

Leela: Well, it’s not my fault you cant keep your hands off of me.

Fry: Uh, no. I believe it’s the other way around.

Leela: Really?

[She started tickling his sides, and Fry laughed like crazy.]

Fry: (laughing) Leela, stop it! Oh my God!

Leela: (teasing) I guess you’re right. I cant keep my hands off of you.

[He rolled over on his back and Leela laid down next to him.]

Leela: I love you.

Fry: I love you too.

[They heard a scratching at the door and Fry put his pants on. Opening the door, Baxter ran in and jumped on the bed next to Leela, stealing Fry’s spot. He had absolutely fallen in love with Leela these last few days. She was gently petting his head as he made himself comfortable and Fry walked over and rubbed his belly.]

Fry: Excuse me, but I believe that’s my spot.

Leela: Move your feet, lose your seat.

[Baxter rolled on his back and his one leg started kicking as Fry rubbed his belly. After picking him up, Fry held Baxter on his lap as he began to fall asleep.]

Leela: He’s so cute.

Fry: He gets it from me.

[Leela kissed Fry’s cheek before she got up and dressed, seeing Fry watch her out of the corner of her eye. Laying back down, she saw Baxter close his eyes, and his breathing slowed, just as Fry and Leela’s did a few minutes later.]

[The next day, Leela was making sure that she had everything packed since she was leaving the next morning. Fry walked in the door around 5:00 after work and put his arms around her.]

Fry: Hey, whatcha doing?

Leela: Just making sure that I have everything.

[He looked at her suitcase and that she laid her clothes out for the next day.]

Fry: I’m really gonna miss you.

Leela: I’m gonna miss you too. But I promise, I’ll fly down every weekend to come visit. And we’ll talk on the phone every day.

[He kissed her and smiled sadly.]

Fry: I’m just upset that I wont be able to do that every day.

Leela: So am I.

[Fry saw Baxter poke his head out of Leela’s suitcase with a sock on top of his head. Laughing, he picked him up.]

Fry: Are you trying to steal my dog?

Leela: No, he got in there himself.

[Fry held up Baxter and looked at his face.]

Fry: Were you stowing away in Leela’s bag?

[Baxter gave a whine as Fry stared at him. Leela laughed with Fry as he set him down on the floor. Turning his attention back to Leela, he smiled.]

Fry: I have a surprise for you.

Leela: Really?

Fry: Yep. Just hang on a sec.

[He went in the bedroom and changed into some jeans and a pair of boots. Walking back out, Leela looked at him with a puzzled face.]

Fry: Come on.

[He led her outside and opened the garage door. Inside was a shiny black and chrome motorcycle and he got two helmets and two pairs of gloves off of the shelf. Handing Leela a helmet and gloves, he smiled.]

Leela: What are we doing?

Fry: We’re going for a little ride.

Leela: I’ve never been on a motorcycle.

Fry: Come on, it’ll be fun.

[He put on his helmet and brought the bike out. Sitting down he looked at Leela who was still standing in the driveway.]

Fry: Are you coming?

[She smiled, put the helmet on and sat down on the bike with Fry, as he flipped his visor down. She put her arms around his hips and felt him turn the key and the bike came to life.]

Fry: Ready?

Leela: Yeah, lets go.

[He pulled out of the driveway and they began riding down the street.]

[After half an hour of driving, Fry pulled into an old empty parking lot, where there was absolutely nothing around and he turned his head to Leela, removing his visor so she could see him.]

Fry: So, you ready to drive?

Leela: What? I don’t know how to drive a motorcycle.

Fry: Well then I’ll teach you. Come on, get off for a sec.

[She did and Fry got off as well.]

Fry: Okay, take a seat.

[She did and he sat behind her.]

Fry: Alright, I want you to put your feet on top of mine and your hands on top of mine.

[She put her hands on his, and Fry put up the kick stand.]

Fry: Okay, now I’m just gonna help you get use to the feeling. Alright?

Leela: Yeah.

[He started the bike and began driving slowly, explaining everything to Leela, who got most of it, but was really more interested in just letting Fry do all the work and relaxing. After a few minutes, Fry stopped and flipped up his visor.]

Fry: Okay, now I’m going to put my hands on yours and my feet on yours.

Leela: Lets do it.

[They began driving around again and Fry watched carefully to make sure nothing bad happened. Leela had some trouble at first since she was doing the work this time, but finally got the hang of it. Fry rested his chin on her shoulder and watched her navigate the bike around the parking lot.]

Fry: You ready to try it by yourself?

Leela: Oh, I don’t know-

Fry: Come on, you’re doing great.

Leela: Well, maybe just for a little bit.

[They stopped and Fry got off.]

Fry: Just start off slow.

[He watched for about half an hour as Leela drove around the parking lot having the time of her life. Finally, she came back over to him and stopped. She took off her helmet and cheered.]

Leela: That was so much fun!

Fry: You did great!

[She got off the bike and gave Fry a tight hug.]

Leela: Thank you.

Fry: No problem.

[Fry and Leela were standing in front of his house around 7:30 the next morning. Leela’s car was packed and she was ready to go home.]

Fry: I’m gonna miss you.

Leela: I’ll miss you too.

[Fry formed a small, but sad, smile and Leela returned it. Not being able to help it, Fry pulled her as close as he could, squeezing her. He felt his neck become wet with her tears, and soon felt his own falling down his cheeks. They stood like that for a while until Fry forced himself to let her go. After he kissed her, she got in her car and opened the window after turning the car on.]

Leela: I love you.

Fry: I love you too.

[Fry stuck his head in the window and kissed her again. Watching her pull out, he waved as she drove down the street. He stood there for a while after her tail lights were already gone.]

Fry: (thinking) It’s not so bad, I’ll see her again.

[Even though they talked everyday, Fry missed Leela more than ever. He just wanted her to come down and stay with him forever. He just wanted to hold her, kiss her, and tell her that he loved her. Sure, he said that as many times as he could on the phone, but it wasn’t the same. He wanted to see the expression on her face when he said it. Leela wanted the same thing of course, and wished they could live together. Maybe start a life together.]

[About two months passed and Fry saw Leela every weekend. Their relationship started getting even more serious, and Fry introduced her to his friends at the shop. There was Noah, Taylor, Garret (who was Carl’s son), and Landon. The 5 of them were like brothers with Carl as their father figure and the fact that he had them, made Fry happy, since, of course, his real family wasn’t around. Carl invited the two of them to a barbeque at his house one weekend where he pulled Fry aside. “So, when are you gonna marry this girl, Phil?” was what he said, joking around with him. Fry smirked, “Soon.” was his answer. But, what Carl didn’t know, was that Fry was serious. When ever she came down, they went boating, motorcycle riding, they took Baxter for walks, and some other things.]

[Another two months passed and Leela was getting ready to leave the next day after their weekend. She always came down there, since she and Fry had all the time in the world together. She knew that if he came to New York, everyone would bother them. The two of them were sitting on his couch after dinner on Saturday night.]

Fry: Have I told you that I love you?

Leela: You might of.

[He smiled and took her hand.]

Fry: Leela, these past four months have been, amazing.

Leela: They sure have.

Fry: Let me ask you something; Do you think we could end up together?

Leela: You mean, married?

[Fry nodded and she thought about it.]

Leela: Yes, I think we could.

Fry: Good, because…

[He reached in his pocket and got down on one knee, taking her hand in his.]

Fry: I was just wondering,

[He opened a small velvet box revealing a diamond ring.]

Fry: Will you marry me? Make me the happiest man in the universe?

[Leela gasped and shook her head.]

Leela: Yes! Oh my God, yes!

[Fry smiled as he slipped the ring on her finger. Leela smiled and kissed him, holding him close.]

Leela: I love you.

Fry: I love you too.

Fry/Leela: So when do you think you can move in? (pause) What?

Leela: I thought you would be moving back to New, New York.

Fry: I thought that you would move here.

[They both sat there in the awkward silence. Fry finally took her hands.]

Fry: Listen, we don’t have to talk about this right now. Next weekend, we can talk about this and figure out what we’ll do.

Leela: Okay.

[That night, Fry was watching a sleeping Leela next to him in bed. Fry noticed something different about their lovemaking that night, it seemed rushed and less passionate than before. He just hoped that this wasn’t a sign that something bad was coming.]

[During the next week, Fry and Leela spent their time trying to figure out where they would live together. Fry compared his life here in North Carolina and back in New, New York. Sure, both of them were great, but he loved it here. He loved the water, the weather, his house, his boat, his job, his new friends. But Leela had all the same things in New, New York. Some how, he had to convince Leela to stay here with him. What he didn’t know, was that Leela was thinking the same thing.]

[Fry was outside the space port waiting for Leela the next Friday night. He had a bouquet of blue flowers in his hand (that he picked off of the beach), and Baxter was on a leash. Soon, he saw Leela some out with her suitcase. The second she saw him, Fry ran up to her and pulled her into a kiss.]

Fry: I missed you.

Leela: I missed you too.

[He handed her the flowers and she smiled.]

Fry: These are for you.

Leela: Thank you, these are beautiful. Where did you get them?

Fry: Right outside my house. I spent the last week walking on the beach, picking flowers as I pined for you.

[She laughed and looked down at Baxter. After petting his head, she watched as Fry picked up her suitcase and took her hand. They walked to his car and went back to his house.]

[Leela was unpacking some of her stuff in Fry’s room. She saw a picture of the two of them from one of the many days they were at the beach. Smiling, she picked it up, and sat there, looking at it for a while. Finally, she heard Fry call her name and she went into the kitchen. Her eye lit up when she saw Fry standing there in the kitchen smiling. On the table were two plates of salmon, two glasses of wine, and the room was lit by two candles.]

Fry: Are you hungry?

Leela: Starved.

[He pulled back her chair and she sat down, smiling. Fry sat down across from her and picked up his fork.]

Leela: Fry?

Fry: Yeah?

Leela: Are you just doing this to convince me to stay down here with you?

Fry: What? No.

Leela: I think you are.

Fry: Leela, you know how much I love you, and I think we could be so happy here.

Leela: I know, but I think we could also be happy back in New. New York. I mean, my parents are there, our friends are there, the Professor’s there. You could have your job back, we could take walks in Central Park with Baxter.

Fry: But just think about it, two or three kids, the house with the white picket fence, taking family trips on the boat, the kids playing with Baxter. I mean, I understand that you don’t want to leave your parents, but we can still visit them. We could go see them every other weekend or every weekend if that’s what you want.

[Leela fiddled with her ring and Fry sighed, obviously agitated.]

Leela: Well what do you want me to say Fry? “Okay, I’ll just give up everything I’ve ever known to live down here. In a place I barely know.” ?

[He moved some food around on his plate.]

Fry: What do you think I did when I left?

[Leela shook her head and put down her napkin.]

Leela: I’m gonna go to bed. Have fun sleeping on the couch.

[She left the room and Fry sighed heavily.]

[Hours later, Fry sneaked into his room, looking at a sleeping Leela on his bed. Regretting what went over earlier, he walked inside and kneeled next to Leela’s side. Taking her hand, he looked at the ring on her finger and shook his head. How could he even think about saying those things to her? Why didn’t he listen to her, instead of trying to make her stay here? He had a lot, and I mean a lot, of thinking to do. She loved New, New York, he loved New Bern. Leela stirred and opened her eye.]

Fry: (whisper) I’m sorry for what I said earlier. I understand that you love New, New York and don’t want to leave it.

Leela: (whisper) And I understand that you love New Bern.

[She scooted over and patted the bed. Fry laid down and put his arms around her.]

Fry: I love you.

Leela: I know, I love you too.

[Fry kissed her cheek and they fell asleep.]

[Leela woke up and saw that Fry had already gone to work. He left a note by the bedside and she grabbed it.]

Fry: (VO) We need to talk tonight. I’ll pick up some pizza on the way home and I’ll see you tonight. I love you.

[Leela stretched her arms and looked at Baxter sleeping next to her. Careful not to wake him, she went in the bathroom, took a shower, changed and poured herself a cup of coffee. After sitting down on the couch she looked at the clock. It was 9:00 and Fry would be home at 5:00. That would give her 8 hours to think about what to say to him.]

[Fry walked in the door around 5:30 with a pizza box in his hands.]

Fry: Hi.

Leela: Hi.

[He put the box on the table and sat down with Leela.]

Fry: I’ve thought a lot about what we could do.

Leela: Me too.

[He sighed and took Leela’s hand.]

[Fry was sleeping on the couch again that night, since he and Leela had another fight and she forced him to sleep on the couch. Sure it was his house, but he knew that she could kick his ass. He knew that he wasn’t going to sleep, all he could think about Leela. He just wanted her to stay here with him, forever. She was leaving the next morning and they still didn’t know what they would do. He decided to talk seriously to her just before she left. Give her something to really think about when she left. But what would he say?]

[Hours passed and the sun rose slowly as it peaked in the window, blinding his eyes. Fry was sitting on the arm of the couch waiting for Leela. He had already taken a shower and dressed. He stared at the door and saw it open. Leela walked out, still in her pajamas, and yawned.]

Fry: Morning.

[She didn’t answer, she just walked into the kitchen. He stood up and followed her.]

Fry: Look, I’m sorry.

Leela: You should be.

[He watched her pour herself a cup of coffee. Carefully, he put his arms around her.]

Fry: I love you.

[She pulled away and sat down before Fry could kiss her.]

Fry: Leela, can you at least say something to me?

Leela: What can I say? Fry you just expect me to leave everything behind and you wont even consider moving back to New, New York.

[Fry sighed and Leela shook her head.]

Leela: Just tell me something, do you think we can’t be happy in New, New York?

Fry: I just think that we could live a great life here.

Leela: Well, then how are we gonna settle this?

[When he didn’t answer, Leela stood up.]

Fry: Leela, all I know is that I don’t want to lose you.

[She turned around and saw the pain in his eyes.]

Leela: Then don’t.

[Fry said nothing, he just stared at her. Her words stung like cold water on a sunburn. Finally when she realized he wasn’t going to answer, she turned around and sighed.]

Leela: I’ll get myself to the space port.

[A few minutes later, Leela was out the door and in a cab. The worst part was, she didn’t even say good bye. Fry knocked over the kitchen chair and kicked the end table over. Walking into the bedroom, something caught his eye. On the bed was a note from Leela.]

Leela: (VO) I’m so sorry Fry. But it seems like you don’t love me as much as you say.

[Under the paper was her ring. His eyes went wide and he threw the ring against the wall. Baxter came in and whined.]

Fry: Oh shut up you stupid dog!

[He went outside and picked up the basketball. Maybe shooting some hoops could get his mind off of Leela. But it didn’t work. Finally, he locked the door to his house, got on his bike, and went to see Carl.]

[That night, Carl, Garret, Landon, Taylor, and Noah were watching a drunken Fry ramble on about Leela. After Carl closed the shop, he invited Fry to his house to talk about it. Soon, the rest of them were there. Once they were there, they all sat on the porch as the sun was setting. While the rest of them sat on chairs, Fry was sitting on the ground, his head against the railing on the porch.]

Fry: (slurring) She wanted me to say something to fix it, you know make it better, but I didn’t. I just sat there. Am I stupid for doing that?

Carl: Yeah, yeah you are.

Fry: Yeah?

[Carl shook his head and Fry sighed.]

Fry: I know.

Landon: So, she just broke up with you? Just like that?

Fry: Just like that.

Garrett: Don’t take it so hard buddy. You can find someone else.

Fry: There’s no one else for me, and I don’t want anyone else.

[Fry threw away his beer bottle and reached for another one. Noah grabbed his wrist, stopping him.]

Noah: I think you’ve had enough buddy.

[Fry sighed and rubbed his eyes.]

Noah: You’re gonna have one hell of a hangover.

Taylor: Yeah he will.

[Fry closed his eyes and Taylor looked at everyone, knowing that Fry had just passed out.]

Taylor: We should probably get him home.

[They all agreed, so Noah, Landon and Taylor lifted Fry up and put him in Garrett’s car. After a short drive, they took him inside.]

[Fry woke up the next morning with a killer head ache. He groaned as he sat up, and put a hand up to his head.]

Fry: Oh my God, my head.

[He blinked a few times and remembered everything that happened the day before.]

Fry: Damn it!

[He put his hand back up to his head. Noticing the note on his night stand he picked it up.]

Garrett: (VO) Enjoy your hang over buddy, my dad said to not come in today. Just get some rest and we’ll see you tomorrow. P.S. You’re motorcycle is still at my Dad’s, and he said he’ll bring it by later.

[Fry shook his head and stepped into the bathroom. Turning on the hot water, he stood in the shower for a long time. Putting on his pajamas and his robe he brewed some fresh coffee in the kitchen. Fry reached into the cabinet and took out a bottle of aspirin He sat down on the couch with his coffee, took two aspirin and washed them down. Baxter ran up to him and jumped on the couch. He gave him a look that seem to say “What happen to Leela?”. Fry smiled sadly and picked him up.]

Fry: She’s gone buddy.

[Baxter whined and Fry patted his head.]

Fry: (soft) She’s gone.

[Fry felt his eyes well up with tears and sat there all day.]

[Back in New York, Leela had called in sick that Monday morning. She was sitting on her bed with Nibbler. Her eye was red a puffy, since she had been crying all day yesterday and all night. Her suitcase was just sitting beside her front door, and she didn’t plan on putting it away any time soon. She knew that there was some note hidden in there from Fry since he’d always did that, and right now she didn’t even want to think about it. Looking down at her finger, she saw where her ring use to be, and missed it. As she started crying again, she heard a knock at her door.]

Amy: (OS) Leela? It’s Amy, I thought I come see what’s wrong.

[Leela put her robe on and answered the door.]

Amy: Leela, what’s wrong?

Leela: Fry and I broke up.

Amy: Oh Leela.

[She gave her a hug and Leela started crying.]

Amy: What happened?

[She explained the fights they had, and how finally, she left.]

Leela: I mean, we couldn’t agree on anything. How where we going to be married if we couldn’t even decide where to live?

Amy: Leela, the important thing isn’t where you live. The important thing is that you two love each other.

[Leela didn’t say anything.]

Amy: You know how much Fry loves you. How much do you love him?

Leela: I love him more than anything. But if he cant realize how much New York means to me-

Amy: But Leela, have you thought about how much New Bern means to him? It’s obvious that he loves it there, or he wouldn’t have stayed there for 5 years.

[Leela didn’t say anything and Amy put a hand on her shoulder.]

Amy: Just think about it; how much has Fry done for you?

[Amy left and Leela sat there for hours she thought about what Amy said. Yeah, she loved New York, but Fry loved New Bern. Then she thought about all the things Fry had done for her. He’d done so much, but she couldn’t do this one thing for him? Sure, it would be sacrificing a lot, but Fry had sacrificed a lot for her. And yes, it would mean leaving her parents, but like Fry said, they could visit them as much as they wanted. It would mean leaving Planet Express, but they could also visit everyone there. Plus, living in New Bern wouldn’t be bad. She could just picture her and Fry with their kids and Baxter. Taking weekend trips to visit her parents or out on the boat. Just being happy.]

Leela: I just gave up the best thing that’s ever happen to me.

[She buried her face in her hands and cried hard.]

[Fry was sleeping in his bed around 8:00 that Wednesday night. He was tired from grieving all day, and he had a blanket wrapped around him, still in his shorts and tee shirt. The winds were picking up, and a storm was coming. He seriously thought about going out on his boat, and hopefully get swept away. He had nothing now. Leela was gone and she was never coming back, so what would it matter? His eyes opened when he heard something in his drive way. Standing up with the blanket around his shoulders, he walked over to the window and opened it. In his front yard, he saw her standing there with her trunk open, and her alien pet at her feet. Inside of the car were a few suitcases, and she looked at him standing in the window. Seeing his puzzled face, she simply shrugged. Fry smiled and ran outside. Standing on his front porch, they stared at each other for a long time. Finally, Fry spoke.]

Fry: You know, you really shouldn’t stare like that. Men like a woman who knows how to be subtle.

[Leela smiled and put down her bags, running up to Fry, throwing her arms around him. Fry squeezed her and felt her strength as she returned it.]

Leela: No, I think men like a woman who’d follow them to the end of the universe and back if that’s what it took to be with them. Or to a small southern town.

[Fry laughed and Baxter came running out of the house as he kissed her. When Fry felt something tug at his sock, he picked up his puppy and Leela scratched his ear.]

Fry: Guess who’s staying buddy.

[Baxter barked happily and licked Leela’s cheek.]

[A few weeks later, Fry and Leela were laying in bed on their boat while Baxter and Nibbler were sleeping in their beds, each wearing a small bow tie. When Leela came back to New Bern, they decided to get married as soon as they could. When they went to find out how the state felt about mutants on the surface, they found out that there was no law against mutants, so Leela’s parents would be moving down there soon. Just like they wanted, it was a small wedding, everyone at Planet Express, The Tackle Box, along with Kif, Carl’s wife, the boys girlfriends, and of course Leela’s parents. It took place at a small chapel down town, and the reception took place on the beach behind their house. Instead of going somewhere for their honeymoon, Fry and Leela decided to take a trip out on their boat for a few days. They had just got out far enough, and saw the lights of the neighboring houses die down. Their house, that was full with people a few hours ago, was now dark and empty. Almost looking abandoned. Inside, boxes with gifts inside, were waiting to be unpacked, and ”Thank you” cards were waiting to be written. But that could all wait. Right now, Leela just wanted to spend time with her husband.]

Fry: So, Mrs. Fry, what would you like to do?

[She smiled and turned off the bedside lamp.]

The end.