Revived Wilbur and Eret interacting (for the first time since wil's death or not is up to you) please?
It’s the ultimate stare down. Wilbur’s never felt this uncomfortable before, standing the path leading up to the castle, with the king themself staring down at him. He doesn’t know what to do with himself other than stare back.
Wilbur remembers everything, of course. He remembers how much had happened in the events leading up to his death. He remembers everything that happened post death, and he remembers how Eret had helped Tommy. While the king hadn’t been able to do much at all, they’d still tried to make amends, and Wilbur remembers that.
His voice is more gruff than intended, causing him to wince. He doesn’t mean to sound angry, he’s just tired. Being revived because of Tommy takes a huge toll on him, and he knows he has a lot to make up for. Eret had been one of them, but Wilbur had had images of this going more in his favor. He wanted to sweep into the throne room, coat billowing behind him while Eret and their court gasping in surprise. He hadn’t counted on Eret coming outside to do...whatever it is they do in their spare time.
Come to think of it, Wilbur can’t remember a time where Eret spent a full day on the throne.
“Wilbur?” Eret’s own voice is gruff. “What are you doing man?” They’re approaching now, reaching a hand out. Wilbur flinches and backs up. Not because he’s scared of them, but he feels like the opposite should be the case. Eret should be scared of him.
“It’s me,” Wilbur replies. “Hi.”
There’s a smile on Eret’s face. “Hi, Wilbur.” They’re close enough to rest a hand on Wilbur’s shoulder, and he can see them looking him up and down. He doesn’t know what they’re thinking at this point. Maybe it’s best he doesn’t know. He’d hate to delve into someone’s mind and realize they hate him.
“How’re you feeling?” Eret continues, snapping Wilbur back to reality. “You look pale.”
Wilbur snorts as he pulls back from the probing touches. “I feel like I’ve lived through a deadly ordeal,” he responds. “Honestly, I don’t feel too great.”
“I’d say you missed a lot, but you probably-”
“Do you still hate me?” Eret asks.
This catches Wilbur off guard. He would have expected people to hate him. He’d been so convinced of it, but to hear someone asking him this in turn, it fills him with a nauseating heartbreak. He’d really messed up in life, hasn’t he? He’d been so convinced of his own betrayal and pain that he’d forgotten about the anthem.
“No.” It’s honest. “Eret I’m sorry I pushed you down for so long.”
“It’s okay Wilbur.” Eret laughs, a noise that contradicts the gruffness and severity of their tone. It’s so light. “Honestly I probably would’ve done the same thing.”
“No, I really don’t think that’s true.”
“You’re right, I wouldn’t have.”
There’s another awkward silence. Wilbur wants to turn and leave now. He’d lost all his dramatic entrance and power of the reunion. No doubt Eret is thinking the same thing. Neither of them really have anything anymore except memories.
“I should...I should go back to Tommy,” Wilbur mutters. “He’s been clinging to me since I came back, and I don’t-”
“No it’s okay, I understand.” The king nods. “If either of you need anything, my castle can be your refuge. I promised Puffy I’d do my part to help Tommy and it’s a given you’re a packaged deal.”
Wilbur nods as he turns to go, mumbling out a quick thank you. He’s left shaken by this encounter, but not angry. Just peaceful. Or tired, he doesn’t know which.
Once upon a time he would have done anything to spit on Eret and remind them at every turn what an awful person they had become. Now, it seems as if Eret is choosing to look past everyone’s faults and offer a helping hand, instead.
Maybe coming back to life doesn’t hurt as much as he thought it would.