Chapter Text
Fundy is raised to be a good little fox. To be seen and not heard (whether that was Wilbur's intention or not). To be smart, to make good choices, to think things through.
He does not think before saying yes to Eret when they ask if he wants to be adopted, and can anyone really blame him?
Eret is the only adult that's ever given Fundy the time of day. On the same token, Eret betrayed L'Manburg for a castle that ends up empty under George's rule (aside from H, but H can't be bothered to move anyway).
What Eret did, Fundy thinks back, was very out of character for them. He remembers their kind words, the way they ruffled his fur and praised him when Wilbur only did the same to Tommy or Tubbo. They built the walls through days and nights and rain and heat.
(The walls that Fundy's torn down)
(The walls that Wilbur's detonated)
But they're at least trying to fix it all.
(They'll never admit how Dream threatened Fundy's life if they didn't join, they'll never admit that the castle was a cover story, that they'd built it for L'Manburg originally, a gift twisted into a mockery and a symbol of betrayal)
So, a week after Wilbur is buried (a week of ignoring his ghost), Fundy accepts Eret's offer. He is only seventeen, and his grandfather is tired of having him in the house, and he just wants to feel cared about.
Phil signs the papers. Fundy packs his things. Eret welcomes him with open arms.
Fundy doesn't call Eret 'dad' or 'mom' or any sort of parental nickname. They have always just been Eret to him, and so Eret they stay. They don't mind, they understand.
Fundy learns that Eret has never really had a family either, that they picked up on the signs quickly when they joined L'Manburg. They'd taken him under their wing on purpose.
And Fundy cries, because he's never had someone understand.
Eret crowns him prince, since they are the king, and when Fundy gives them a confused look, they say they're rebuilding the castle. Making it bigger and better, and they're staying on New L'Manburg's side this time. Or at least, they're staying on Fundy's side.
For now, they both live in a small house, enough to sustain them, but not taking up too much space. Fundy helps Eret build the castle, marvels at the work, and smiles every time Eret ruffles his fur or hugs him.
H stops by, one day, and asks, "Who's the castle for?"
Eret does not hesitate to reply, "Me and Fundy."
(And Fundy)
(And Fundy!)
("And Fundy," Fundy mumbles to himself, smiling so hard that it hurts)