Pandemonium | Dream SMP

45. I'm trying to be cool.

"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.