"Are you okay over there?" I question with concern, glancing away from the mirror and to Fundy leant against the wall, his back to me as he tries not to retch.

The sweet moment we'd shared just minutes prior had been immediately ruined when Fundy walked in with a bottle of iodine and a roll of bandages, ready to aid me, only to gag at the sight of me pushing a sewing needle through the open skin of my neck.

"I'll be—urp—I'll be fine," he pants out, rubbing his eyes with a hand.

"Sorry, I've completely scarred you, haven't I?" I turn back to the mirror and finish pulling through another stitch. I grit my teeth as the thread pulls on the wound. It hurts, of course, almost as much as the gash itself, but this is something I've done before, both on myself and others. It is, in fact, one of the first skills I was taught as a child. Which probably says a lot about my childhood. My parents could have wrapped me in pillows and I still would have found a way to hurt myself.

"No-no. You keep going. I'll just- I'll just wait over here till you're done."

I giggle despite the guilt of putting Fundy in such an uncomfortable position.

After a moment Fundy clears his throat, "actually, I wanted to ask, about earlier-" In the reflection of my mirror, I catch Fundy place a clawed hand to his cheek. The cheek I'd kissed in the spur of the moment. I keep thinking about it, and find that I don't regret it in the slightest. It had felt right. It had felt natural. And I kind of want to do it again. To feel that warmth again. All the good memories of my previous partners had come back to me in that kiss, all but affirming that I like Fundy romantically.

"About the kiss?" I prompt, an amused smile curling my lips.

"Uh...y-yeah."

"Well, I suppose you could say that was my way of telling you that I like you, too." I place the needle to the side and wipe at my stitches with a cloth. The skin is red and inflamed but already looks on track to heal neatly. I'll probably have a scar, too.

"So you really do like me? This isn't just some elaborate prank? Because I can tell you now that if it is I will cry."

"No, it's not a prank," I hum, crossing the room quietly and looping my arms around him from behind, resting my chin on his shoulder. He's soft and warm, and gives a light start at my show of affection. "I like being with you. You're kind and gentle, and you worry for me, despite the fact I could beat half the SMP in a one-on-one. Your concern is sweet, and it makes me feel normal. I haven't felt like a normal person in a long time."

"Hah, not gonna lie, this feels super weird," Fundy raises a hand to rub at his face.

"Why's that?"

"Because the girl I like actually likes me back."

I laugh lightly and burrow myself further into his shoulder, enjoying the soft thickness of his fur. I could cuddle him for hours. Scratch that, I can cuddle him for hours, now that we're together.

"And you don't mind that I stole the first kiss?" I ask.

Fundy shakes his head and finally turns around to face me, still trapped within my embrace. He tucks a lock of hair out of my face, his claw careful not to nick my skin. "Only if I can steal the second?"

My brows raise in unison, impressed, "I think that's the first suave thing you've ever said to me."

Fundy's ears flop, "I'm trying to be cool." He mumbles, disheartened, and even pouts a little.

"Ah, of course, sorry. Please go ahead." I clear my throat, fighting back a smile.

"Well, it won't be cool anymore now that you've said that." He whines.

I start to laugh, unable to help myself. My entire body feels warm, head to toe, and my heart swells with joy. To know that I have someone who loves me, it's an incredible feeling, and I want to grasp onto it for as long as I can. I want this to last.

Fundy 'humph's and bows his head, sealing my laughter with an incredibly soft kiss. Immediately I fall quiet, savouring the moment. It's everything I could have asked for and more. It feels like my first kiss all over again, only this time I'm old enough to understand the emotion behind it. And also the importance.

"That was pretty good." I hum, my eyes heavy and half-lidded. My lips feel cold without him on them.

"Really?" Fundy says, the delight clear in his voice. He impressed even himself with that kiss.

"Mhm, and I can show you an even better one once my stitches are out."

The fox goes rigid, and I can tell he's blushing beneath all that orange fur.

"I- uh- speaking of, shouldn't we bandage it?" Fundy quickly tries to change the subject before he becomes a pile of mush. It seems I've embarrassed him. It's cute how he reacts, but I'll also have to keep in mind not to be too bold with him. This is clearly his first relationship, whereas I've experienced more than one. I don't want to scare him away.

It's happened before...

"I could use some help with that, if you're up for it?" I smile gently, unlooping my arms from his waist and turning back to my desk where the supplies rest, taking a seat.

"Yeah, okay! I can do that."

With Fundy's help, I get my stitches washed and a clean bandage wrapped around my neck. Twice he almost drops the roll, scared that his claws will scratch my neck. That's something we'll have to work on. I want him to be able to hold me without the fear of marring my skin.

"It's a shame no one sells potions around here," I comment offhandedly, running a finger over the white bandage, admiring it in the mirror. "This could heal twice as fast with a health potion, or even a potion of regeneration."

Fundy goes rigid behind me and I tilt my head, confused. "Fundy?"

"I am such an idiot," he groans, leaning forward to rest his head against my shoulder, hiding his face from view. "Ponk is a doctor. We should have gone and seen him first! Then you wouldn't have had to get stitches..."

"Ponk is the guy with the ski mask, isn't he?" I hum, reaching back a hand to pet the fox's head, "I've seen him around a few times. I had no idea he was a doctor."

"Mhm."

"Is he a good doctor?"

Fundy's long pause has me raise a brow, and wonder what could have him hesitate so long. Is Ponk not a good doctor? But then why would he recommend him?

"He...is good at his job." He concedes, peeking up from my shoulder, "it's the things he does when he isn't being a doctor that are questionable."

I perk up, suddenly interested. "Oh? Like what?"

"You uh...probably don't wanna know."

"But now I want to know," I pout, moving my hand from his head to scratch his chin. He flicks an ear and grumbles with pleasure, leaning into my scritches.

"-ucking bonkers, George! We can't win against Technoblade!" Quackity's loud voice exclaims from the other side of my door.

My hand stops moving as I immediately go silent, listening in on the passing conversation. Fundy had also heard it, and now stands straight, his ears perked.

"I don't think we have a choice." George sighs, sounding less than happy.

"This wouldn't have happened if he hadn't banished Tommy and Wilbur. He was too harsh on them. Why couldn't he have just given them a timeout or something? Then we wouldn't be in this mess."

Quackity groans loudly, "okay, new plan. You and me, from now on we have to keep an eye on Schlatt. He can't be trusted to make decisions anymore."

"I mean, I'll try..."

"Good, good."

The rest of their conversation peters off as they walk out of earshot of my room.

"Hey, we're gonna be okay," Fundy says in my ear, leaning down to wrap his arms around my shoulders. "It'll take more than a pig man to take our country down."

"Mmm, yeah..." I nod.

Only I'm not worried about Techno the pig, I'm worried about Schlatt. Quackity was meant to be his Vice President. His closest ally. But if even he's losing faith in his president... Does that make me and Fundy the only ones left who are still truly loyal?

This country might just fall apart before Dream or Techno get a chance to touch it.