Wilbur and Gulliver's First Meeting

-4-

It doesn't take long for Wilbur to realize something obvious: Gulliver needs a shower. The sailor's clothes are crusty, and they smell like saltwater. Wilbur feels a bit ashamed for not bringing it up earlier.

He figures Gulliver could change into a fresh, warm outfit for tonight. He searches through his dresser until he finds a light gray drawstring hoodie, one that he hasn't worn in ages. Gulliver is a bit smaller than him, but he hopes it will work.

"Here you go, Gully," he says, handing it to the sailor. "This will look really cute on you."

"Thank you so much." Gulliver replies. "Wow, this is really soft. Are you sure this isn't too big for me?"

"It probably is...but I'm sure it'll be fine. Much better than that salty sailor gear you have on."

"Yeah, you have a point. Here, I'll go take a shower."

Wilbur smiles to himself as Gulliver walks out the door. Part of him wants to check on Orville again, but he doesn't want to disturb his brother's work. Instead, he decides to stay in his room, sitting in bed with the blankets over him. He only takes one side of the bed, making sure to leave the other vacant for Gulliver.

Five minutes pass, and then another five. Soon, Wilbur begins to worry, since Gulliver has not returned. Is he alright in there? Should I go check on him...? The last thing he wants is for the poor fella to get hurt again.

After nearly twenty minutes of waiting, his anxious feelings intensify. He knows the sailor is washing himself off, but a simple shower usually doesn't take this long. He's debating whether he should go knock on the bathroom door when he hears it open. A few seconds later, Gulliver finally steps into the bedroom.

Wilbur's eyes go wide in amazement. Gulliver is wearing the hoodie, which is a bit oversized, but still looks perfect on him. His feathers are now clean and fluffy, and the sand particles are gone from his face. Wilbur quickly realizes why the sailor took so long in the shower.

"So, do I look any better?" Gulliver asks. "It's okay if I still look like trash...be honest."

"Oh Gully, you look great. You always have, even this morning." 

"Why, thank you. I appreciate it. I'm sorry to keep you waiting...How long was I in there?"

"Um...let's see..." Wilbur glances at the clock on his nightstand. "Just over twenty minutes. Don't worry though; I'm used to it. Orville takes forever in the shower like every night."

"Yeah, I understand." Gulliver replies. He walks over to the bed and climbs in next to Wilbur. The two smile at each other, and Wilbur is pleased to no longer smell seawater.

They are silent for a minute, and Gulliver lets out a long yawn. In a move that pleases Wilbur, the sailor adjusts his position and rests his head on Wilbur's lap. He declares that he doesn't feel like taking a nap; he just wants to relax for a while.

Wilbur reaches a wing out and gently strokes Gulliver's head. It is much more pleasant to him this time, as the sailor's feathers are no longer crusty and full of wet sand. He takes a second to glance over the edge of the bed, noticing the sand on the floor that Gulliver had coughed up earlier. He makes a note to clean it all up later.

"So...Gully," he begins, looking back at the sailor. "It's been a while since I asked this...how are you doing? Are you feeling alright?"

"Yeah...I'm fine. I mean, my head hurts a little and I feel kinda drowsy. Other than that, I'm doing pretty good."

"Oh, I'm so glad. Those painkillers seem to be working. I think the drowsiness is a side effect of the medication."

"Really? Well...that makes sense." Gulliver pauses, letting out a sigh. "Anyway, this is nothing I haven't been through before. You don't have to worry."