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Chapter Text

Golden-red light filtered in through the gauzy white curtains of Anne’s east gable bedroom. She groaned against the intrusion as she turned her back to the window. She wasn’t sure of the time but she knew she had more time to sleep. She sat up slightly pulling her pillow from under her head and placing it over her head blocking out the light. The intrusion wasn’t enough to fully wake her though and soon Anne was drifting off again. Until the blaring of her phone had her sitting straight up. She tapped at the phone sitting on her bedside table until the horrible beeping stopped. She side eyed the phone annoyed beyond belief that she was up at 6:30 in the morning.

Stretching Anne tried not to pout. Today was the day.

She stood up and caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. Her long fiery hair was braided down her back but it had seemingly done little to contain the mass of hair. With a sigh she undid the braid and began brushing it out. She bit her lip as she watched herself in the mirror. Makeup or no makeup? She decided against it as it wasn’t like it would stay on her face long enough matter anyway. There was a slim chance she’d get through the drive to Diana’s house without crying, little chance she’d get through the drive to Charlottetown without crying and no chance she’d get through the drive home without sobbing.

Anne dressed quickly in black leggings and a green tee-shirt, pulling on white socks over the bottom of her leggings then headed downstairs. She knew they’d stop for coffee on the way out of town so she didn’t bother making a cup. Instead she smiled at Matthew, who she found sitting at the kitchen table, pressing a quick kiss to the older man’s cheek.

“I checked the oil and the tire pressure,” Matthew said apropos of nothing. Anne smiled again and pressed a second kiss to his cheek. She knew what he meant by the sweet gesture: be safe and I love you.

“Thanks Matthew,” Anne said as she grabbed her white Converse from beside the kitchen door. She hurried from the house to her old car, a brown little Jetta she’d named Belle. The drive from Green Gables to Orchard Slope was quiet, Anne to worked up to have music playing. Her best friend in the world was leaving her for a whole summer. Their last true high school summer. Diana’s parents sending her to music school in Paris. Which would have been all well and good if they hadn’t refused to pay for Diana to go to college for piano. But god she would be gone for the whole of the summer. Well all but the first two weeks.

Which the girls had spent productively going to the beach, Charlottetown to visit Aunt Jo, and hanging out with the other girls: Ruby, Tillie, Jane and Josie.

They’d packed as much into those two weeks as possible. Everyday an adventure. Anne had even forgone looking for a summer job until Diana was gone wanting every minute to be spent with her bosom friend.

When Anne pulled into the large circle drive of Orchard Slope Diana and her parents were already on the porch. Anne swallowed as she put the car into park. As much as she used to love the Barrys was as much as she hated them now. How could they do this? Give Diana a taste of what she most dreamed of and then rip it away.

Anne got out of her car and started helping Diana load up her two large suitcases, a carry-backpack was slung over her shoulder as Diana hugged her parents. Her long black hair was pulled onto on shoulder stark against the signature light blue of her track suit.

“Drive safe,” Mr. Barry called out as the two girls got into the car. They both waved at him and Mrs. Barry and put on their seatbelts in unison. Anne pulled out of the drive way and glanced sideways at Diana.

While the girls made the best of the drive to Charlottetown it wasn’t the same as their usual road trips. They blasted their ever evolving road trip playlist. Stopped at the local coffee shop for their regulars (a white mocha for Diana and a hazelnut latte with oat milk for Anne) and then the diner for breakfast sandwiches. But the mood in the car was soured the closer they got to Charlottetown. The more of their favorite landmarks that they past the more sullen both girls got. They’d wanted to enjoy their last adventure of the summer but instead they took turns trying not to look at each other and letting tears sneak out.

When Anne finally pulled into the Charlottetown airport both girls burst into tears. They hugged uncomfortably over the center console.

“It’s only three months. Barely that,” Diana sniffed. Her tan hand stroking Anne’s cheek. Anne sniffed as well, blinking back a new flood of tears. She quickly leaned in and pressed a kiss to Diana’s cheek.

“Dear sweet Diana, promise you won’t forget me?” Anne whispered, repeating words she’d uttered as a child.

On Diana’s first playdate, just months after Anne’s adoption, at Anne’s house Anne had accidentally set Diana drunk. Her mother had refused to believe Anne hadn’t done it on purpose and banned the girls from speaking. Then one night weeks after Diana had called Anne frantic. She was babysitting alone for the first time and Minnie May was choking on something. And oh didn’t Anne know what to do? She did in fact know exactly what to do. So while Matthew drove to Orchard Slope like a mad man Anne stayed on the phone walking Diana through the steps of the Heimlich maneuver. It was only after that that Mrs. Barry agreed that it was possible Anne was telling the truth. And Anne was never so glad she’d been forced to take babysitting lessons for the Hammonds before.

“I could never forget you Anne, my kindred spirit,” Diana sobbed and the girls hugged again, cheek to damp cheek. Until the car behind them honked and Diana pulled away. They quickly pulled Diana’s bags from the back seat and Anne watched as she struggled into the baggage area. Diana looked back once and waved. Anne waved back sniffing.

Another honk and Anne glared at the driver of the car behind her. She flipped them off before getting into her car. The drive back was going to be rough she knew. It wasn’t anything she couldn’t handle though, with a couple pit stops for crying. Anne thought about visiting Aunt Jo and Cole, one of Anne’s best friends who’d been emancipated a year ago and who’d moved in with Aunt Jo. Then she thought better of it. She wasn’t very good company, which she knew wouldn’t matter to Aunt Jo or Cole but it was the principle.

Five minutes into her drive home Anne’s car filled with the sound of a ringing phone as her bluetooth picked up the call.

Without looking at who was calling Anne answered, hitting the button on the dash board.

“Hey.”

Gilbert Blythe. Anne felt her face flush and was glad she was alone in the car.

“Hey Gil,” Anne said voice steady although she suddenly wanted to cry.

“So…how’d it go?” He asked, voice gentle. Anne sniffed and blinked away her tears as she made a turn. “That bad?”

“That bad.” Anne agreed. Even her imagination couldn’t romanticize the moment. It was dramatic yes, but Anne felt Diana’s absence as another trauma in her life.

“I’m sorry,” Gilbert said and his voice was thick with sympathy. “Why don’t you come over when you get back to town. We’ll hang out?”

Anne sniffed again and nodded before remembering Gilbert couldn’t see her. “Yeah I suppose.”

“Thanks, Carrots,” Gilbert said a laugh, it was part amusement part wounded. Anne sniffed a little giggle. As much as she loathed the nickname she just didn’t have it in her to fight right now.

“Oh, did you need something?” Anne asked, setting the cruise control on the steering wheel.

“Just making sure you’re okay,” Gilbert explained. “I dropped Moody off at his church camp last week and it was hell driving back alone. I almost offered to go with you today.”

Anne’s eyes widened at that. Gilbert could be to much of a gentleman at times. But it was who he was and Anne wouldn’t complain. It was sweet that he cared. The two hadn’t always had this kind of relationship. In fact they’d had little of a relationship from the time Anne was adopted by the Cuthbert’s at eleven until Anne had started high school. The first day all those years ago they’d meet in the library, Anne sitting at a table with Diana reading. Gilbert’s class had been in the library as well. Gilbert had tried to get Anne’s attention, unused to being ignored by girls at that point in his young life and unsure how to take it. He’d made the decision to pull, quite hard, on one of her long red pigtails, calling out “Carrots”. And earned himself slap across the face with a chapter book for his cheek.

They’d spent the next three-ish years with Anne doing her damnest to ignore Gilbert Blythe’s very existence. While Gilbert tried his best to get her to forgive him. Anne was stubborn though and had it not been for the universe (in the form of their family’s being neighbors and always in each other’s business) pushing them together Anne might not have ever spoken to Gilbert again. But the universe had intervened. They had been thrown together over and over. Anne’s hatred had simmered to a strong dislike and finally to distrust. Gilbert had proved himself to be legitimately sorry for the entire affair as well as every perceived slight Anne had thrust upon him. And distrust had turned to familiarity.

Anne sniffed again, she felt embarrassed that she couldn’t handle a simple separation. Although her romantic heart had always felt everything in a big way. She flew up and down, as Marilla always told her.

“Have you heard back from any schools yet?” Gilbert asked , changing the subject. They talked about colleges for a while before moving on to the books they were reading. They talked the entire time it took Anne to drive home. She was bone tired both from waking up early and her emotional rollercoaster. Still it would be nice to hang out with Gilbert. Despite being…friends…family? They rarely hung out alone.

Now they’d be alone all summer.

***

The summer sun was both warm and cool as it set over the ocean. Anne dug her toes into the sand as she leaned back on her elbows. Her blue eyes scanning the horizon as she watched the golden-purple-orange painting of the sky.

“Should head home soon,” Gilbert said sleepily from where he lay on the large beach blanket behind Anne. She closed her eyes letting the last few rays of the run kiss her pale skin, slathered in SPF 100+. “Carrots? Did you hear me?”

Anne sat up, swatted at Gilbert who only laughed and grabbed her hand. Still smiling up at her he pressed a kiss to her palm and Anne blushed before pulling her hand away. He was so silly sometimes.

“Yes, I heard you, but I don’t see you moving,” Anne said pulling her knees up to her chest. She watched as the sun dipped lower and lower on the horizon, the world around them darkening.

“I’m up, I’m up,” Gilbert said with a huge yawn, stretching his arms high over his head. He stretched his arms out wide and then crossed them over his chest as he sat up. He stood and began collecting their belongings. They didn’t have much but it had been spread out as they spent the afternoon on the beach. Anne turned around just as he stood up and blinked. God, when had Gilbert gotten so…anyway. She blinked, bit her lip and then stood up herself. She helped Gilbert clean up but quickly found herself shivering. While Gilbert had smartly slipped his t-shirt back on, Anne was still in her green bikini, her jean shorts worn over top doing little to help with the chill now that the sun was gone. “Here,” Gilbert said holding out his sweater, the one he’d brought for this exact reason. Anne stared at it for a moment before grabbing the garment. She slipped it on quickly and sent Gilbert a grateful smile he could barely make out in the dark.

“Thanks Gil.”

He cleared his throat and looked away from her quickly. “No problem, can’t have you freezing to death. Besides it looks better on you.”

“I’d hardly freeze to death,” Anne rolled her eyes and shoved his arm playfully. He could be to charming for his own good sometimes. Gilbert rolled his eyes right back.

“You might if I throw you in the ocean.”

“You wouldn’t dare.

“Oh wouldn’t I?” Gilbert challenged and eyebrow raised. Anne’s eyes narrowed on him and then she shrugged.

“We drove in your truck so you’d have to deal with me being all wet.” Anne said working on getting the umbrella squared away and completely missing the way Gilbert choked.

“You’d be surprised how little I care,” Gilbert said, challenging her again.

“I really really wouldn’t be,” Anne declared giving him a dirty look. “You can be a real jerk sometimes. Just a real butthead. I wouldn’t be surprised if you threw me in the ocean.”

“A real jerk huh?” Gilbert asked as if he was truing on a title. “I’ll take it, you’ve called me worse.”

Their things packed up they trudged back up the beach to the parking lot. Gilbert opened the door to the truck bed and they slid in the umbrella, blankets, towels, and cooler. They’d gotten pretty good at knowing exactly what to bring as they’d spent a lot of time at the beach this summer. Enough that Anne had a light tan, though she tried to spend most of her time in the relatively safe shade of the umbrella. So as to avoid burning and looking like a tomato.

While they had other friends, even ones who actively sought them out, Anne and Gilbert had spent most to the summer together. Both feeling alone and abandoned by their best friends. Most days when Anne wasn’t at work at the coffee shop and Gilbert wasn’t working on the farm they’d be found together. Today was the final day they were to be alone though. Moody would be back from camp tomorrow exactly a week before school started and Diana would be back on Friday.

Gilbert drove her home, stopping for a quick ice cream before the corner shop by the beach shut down for the season.

“Anne,” Gilbert started as Anne undid her seat belt. “I wanted to ask you something.”

Anne blinked once, twice, then her eyebrows knit together.

“You wanted to ask me…silence?” She giggled and Gilbert laughed but it was nervous. In fact he seemed oddly nervous suddenly. He rubbed at the back of his neck before running his hand through his dark curls.

“I just wanted to ask…” Gilbert began and Anne’s breath caught. Something was wrong, off but she couldn’t figure it out. But it felt like she was standing at the end of a tunnel watching ass the train go closer. “I mean, say, sorry, I just wanted to say I’ve had fun this summer.

Anne blinked. Tension leaving her body as she gave him a big smile.

“Me too. I guess you’re a pretty okay Diana substitute, you know in a pinch,” Anne said, laughter light and airy. Gilbert sent her a goofy sort of grin.

“The highest of compliments,” He admitted, voice soft.

“What about me? Any consolation on missing Moody?” Anne asked poking playfully at Gilbert’s arm. He laughed shaking his head.

“Poor Moody, don’t tell him, but he might get replaced.”

Anne laughed shaking her head.

“Nah, you’d miss him to much you big baby,” Anne said smiling at Gilbert. Her heart light at his words. It had been a good summer.

“‘Night Anne,” Gilbert said face soft in the hazy barn lights.

“Good night, Gil,” Anne said before slipping from the truck. She waved back at him, tucking her hands into the sleeves of the size to big sweater. He waited until she was safely inside the house, front door closed before he backed up and then pulled out of the drive way. Anne watched from the front window biting her lip. It would be strange being alone for the next couple of days until Diana was hope. Maybe she’d see what the girls were up to. Although she knew most of them were busy with back to school activities.

“Anne is that you?” Marilla’s voice called out from the kitchen and Anne followed it.

“Yeah, Marilla,” Anne said as she walked into the kitchen.

“Did you have a good time with Gilbert?” Marilla asked from where she was rolling out a pie crust.

“Yeah,” Anne said opening the fridge and looking for something to drink.

“You two have been spending a lot of time together this summer,” Marilla pointed out.

“Yeah,” Anne answered only half listening, missing the look of expectation on Marilla’s face.

“Anne!” Marilla snapped.

“What?” Anne asked whipping around.

“You and Gilbert,” Marilla said gesturing for Anne to continue.

“Me and Gilbert…went to the beach, a thing we’ve been doing all summer. I’m confused.”

Marilla just sighed.

“Oh, Anne,” the older woman said with another sigh. “For someone so smart you can be so obtuse sometimes.”

Anne’s nose wrinkled. Obtuse about what?

“I’m not-“

“It’s fine, I just hope Gilbert knows you’re not deliberately stringing him along.”

Anne’s cheeks flamed as she realized what Marilla was insinuating.

“Marilla!” Anne cried. “Oh my God! Nothing is going on with Gil and me, we’re just friends. Just friends. Barely friends I don’t know but we’re in the friend category only.”

“Like I said,” Marilla said turning back to her work with another sigh. “I hope you don’t break that boy’s heart.”

“I couldn’t if I tried so there,” Anne huffed before fleeing upstairs to her bedroom. She’d be alone but at least she was sane unlike some people.

Break Gilbert’s heart? Like he’d ever see her as anything other then a friend, a sister.

***

Friday came both slowly and all at once. The day dawned at it had all those weeks ago. With the sun waking her but no alarm. Diana’s parents has allowed Anne to drive her to the airport but they wanted to be the ones picking her up. Anne understood.

She dressed in jean shorts and Gilbert’s sweater.

She puttered around the house for the next few hours, flipping though tv channels and finding nothing worth watching. She was to keyed up to sit and concentrate on a plot. Anne even tried helping Matthew and Marilla. Marilla had kicked her out of the kitchen fairly quickly as Anne’s anxious energy had worked her nerves quickly.

Matthew was grateful for any help Anne had to offer. And the two ended up sitting in companionable silence while Matthew worked on the tractor and Anne handed him tools.

Soon enough it was noon and Anne was running from the barn, not before giving Matthew a quick kiss on the cheek.

Anne drove just under the speed limit in order to keep herself from speeding. She barely threw her car in park as she stopped outside the Barry’s home.

“Ahh!” She screamed as Diana burst through the front door and ran down the front steps. Diana echoing the scream as Anne ran up the steps and they met in the middle.

“Oh my God, I missed you,” Diana said in-between sobs. Anne herself was to choked up to speak but nodded vigorously from where her head was buried in Diana’s neck. After ten minutes or an hour, they pulled back hands clinging at each others arms as they looked at each other.

“What are we going to do if we don’t go the same college?” Anne asked suddenly.

“Oh God,” Diana gave a watery laugh. “Don’t, you’ll have me crying all over again.

The two girls walked arm in arm up the stairs into the house then up the stairs to Diana’s bedroom.

“Tell me all about it, are your a prodigy now?” Anne asked as she fell back onto Diana’s bed.

“No, but I’m better. It was…it was amazing honesty. As mad as I was at my parents it was an experience I never want to forget. I learned so much,” Diana said biting her lip. “Do you hate me for that?”

“Of course not!” Anne laughed watching as Diana continued unpacking her suitcases. “What kind of friend would I be if I tried to hold you back of any kind of experience? I’m just happy it was lovely.”

“It really was,” Diana said dreamily. She told Anne about her teachers and classes, about eating a fresh croissant for breakfast each morning and exploring Paris with her new friends. Anne was enraptured. She wasn’t jealous per say but she knew she’d never experience something quite like that.

“Sounds absolutely perfect,” Anne sighed.

“What did you doing all summer? I want every detail,” Diana said bringing an armful of clothes to her hamper.

“Worked a lot honestly, hung out with Gilbert a lot. We went to the beach a bunch, as you might note I am no longer paper white,” Anne giggled, posing. Diana laughed rolling her dark eyes.

“Hung out with Gilbert, how’d that go?”

“I mean…it went as well as it always does with us. He’s obnoxious and we argue but….”

“But?”

“I mean Moody was gone too, some church camp thing for the whole summer, so it kind of felt like we were alone. I mean we hung out with some of the others too but it just wasn’t the same as you and Moody.”

“Uh huh,” Diana said biting her lip. “And having spent a whole summer with him…how do you feel?”

Anne blinked once, twice. Then lay back on the bed with a huff. She should have known better then to try beating around the bush with Diana.

“I think I’m in love with Gilbert Blythe.”

Chapter Text

The first day of school dawned as it always did, to early, and Anne groaned as she snatched up her phone to turn off the alarm.She lay there for long minutes gazing at the ceiling until a sharp rap on her bedroom door. Seconds later it opened and Marilla’s smiling face greeted her.

“You’ll be running on your last first day if you don’t get a move on Anne,” Marilla chastised not leaving until Anne sat up with a large yawn. Marilla smiled again but didn’t say anything but Anne could feel her cheeks heat at the proud look in the older woman’s eyes. She was right of course, the last thing Anne wanted was to be harried on her last first day of high school. Anne sighed as she stood up and walked to her dresser. She made a face in the mirror, still plain Anne. Which wasn’t…it wasn’t like when she was a kid and was convinced she was ugly. Anne knew she was pretty enough but plain, just herself. Not like Diana with her long raven locks and dark mysterious eyes; everyone threw themselves at Diana’s feet. And while Anne didn’t quite need that level of adoration she’d never had even a taste of it.

Quickly, moving on from the thoughts before it overwhelmed her Anne grabbed her towel from the back of her desk chair and headed to the bathroom. A quick shower and she’d be ready for the day. Shower over, her body and hair wrapped in towels, Anne made it back into her bedroom. She’d already spent the night before overthinking about her outfit. Anne usually wore dresses, not for any particular reason but that she found them comfortable and easy to wear. She’d worked herself into a frenzy over wether or not continuing in her fashion choices made her a total bore until poor Diana had given up on texting and Facetimed her at eleven thirty at night.

Diana had talked Anne from the proverbial ledge and together they’d landed on one of the new back to school dresses Anne had picked up on their last trip into Charlottetown. It was a gauzy mossy green with long sleeves and a hemline that just pasted the fingertip test. She’d fallen in love with it the moment Cole had pointed it out at the mall. Anne combed out her hair before heading back into the bathroom to blow it dry. Just as she finished she heard Marilla calling her from downstairs. She grabbed her new backpack and headed downstairs.

Breakfast was a quiet affair as the three Cuthberts ate but spoke little. Anne for once had littles to say, she was to nervous. Although she excelled academically each year grew more difficult and at the beginning she always worried if she would be able to handle it. She never wanted to disappoint Matthew and Marilla. After breakfast, and a quick kiss to Matthew’s cheek, Anne was off. She headed for Diana’s house.

When she pulled up she found Diana standing at the front step, typing furiously on her phone. Her pale blue dress swirling around her hips as she hopped down the stairs.

“Jerry,” Diana explained as she continued her typing as Anne pulled out of the Barry’s driveway.

“What’s he done now?”

“Not him. My parents. You know they don’t approve,” Diana sighed sitting back in her seat.

“I am aware that your parents are stuck in the 1800’s. Hard not to,” Anne laughed. Diana sighed even harder, breathing out heavily.

“My dad’s threatening to withhold paying for college if we don’t break up,” Diana admitted and Anne gave her a sharp look before her eyes went back to the road.

“Woah…that’s…that’s not cool,” Anne said lamely. What the hell else was she supposed to say? It was completely barbaric, which Anne did say aloud and Diana sniffed.

“We’ve been arguing about it all weekend,” Diana explained before smoothing out the skirt of her dress. “I won’t do it. If Jerry and I were to break up it would be on our terms. I’ll just have to figure something else out for college.”

Anne bit her lip in devastation. The only thing they’d talked about for years was getting to finally live together in college. Despite the fact that they both knew they might not even go to the same college. Diana wasn’t stupid but she also wasn’t Anne and their top colleges didn’t even match. Diana was considering UPEI strongly while UPEI was almost last on Anne’s list. It wasn’t the point through truly. Diana’s parents were being terribly unfair.

“Anyway, lets talk about something else,” Diana said with a soft little clap. “Like I don’t know, someone whose name rhymes with Cuthbert.”

“Diana!” Anne warned but Diana carried on.

“Come on, you tell me you may be in love with the boy and then immediately never want to talk about it again. Like that was gonna happen,” Diana says with a full body eye roll. “You have to tell him.”

“I have to do no such thing Diana Barry,” Anne scoffed. Telling Gilbert that she was in love with him was so low on her list of priorities it was on another list titled never to get done.

“Anne! I promise-“ But Anne cut her off.

“I’m not telling him Diana. I’d be mortified if he said he didn’t feel the same and…and I’m not particularly in the mood to completely lose a friend.”

“But-“

“No but’s I already have a plan. My very unfortunate crush will go away on its own if I just spend less time with him. It only…got this bad because we spent the whole summer together. I’ve just been in his proximity to much and I need to get him out of my system. So that what I’m going to do.”

“And…and how do you plan on getting him out of your system exactly?” Diana asked with a little chuckle that had Anne’s cheeks reddening harshly. She slapped at Diana and the girl gave a happy little screech.

“Not like that oh my God. I can’t even tell him how I feel, how exactly would that go? ‘Hey Gil, wanna hook up?’”

“I mean-“

“Mean, yes you are very mean Diana Barry,” Anne laughed as they pulled into the school parking lot. “I’m just gonna stay away from Gil for a little while. You know let the dust settle or whatever.”

“I’m not sure that’s a great way to not lose a friend, Anne,” Diana said a little crease between her eyebrows. Anne pulled into a parking spot and turned to Diana with a look of determination.

“I’m not going to ignore him completely just…won’t be alone with him as much…at all if I can help it.”

“I’m letting you know that I think this is a stupid plan and someone or more then one someone is going to get hurt.”

“Its completely harmless Diana. I just don’t want to be alone with the guy that’s all, what’s the worst that can happen?”

***

Anne’s new resolve was tested from almost the moment she walked into the building. There was Jerry and Moody and Gilbert standing in a little cluster near the front door. Diana ran to her boyfriend, a huge beaming smile on her face as he wrapped her in a hug twirling her around. Anne guessed they hadn’t seen each other since Diana got home seeing as how Diana’s parents were acting. Moody smiled at Anne as she walked up.

“Good summer Anne?” Moody asked friendly as always.

“Yeah it was alright,” she agreed and tried not to flinch at the affronted noise Gilbert made.

“That hurts a little Carrots, since you spent the majority of it with me.”

“I spent the majority of the summer working you dork,” Anne said rolling her eyes, but there was no heat behind her words. Gilbert shook his head and huffed softly. “You’re such a baby.”

“Ah I see its a claws out kind of day,” Gilbert laughed good naturedly and swung and arm around Anne’s shoulders. “What’s up?”

Anne ducked from under his arm and shook her head. Her eyes narrowed on Gilbert as her nostrils flared.

“What the hell is that supposed to mean Gilbert Blythe?”

“That you’re in a bad mood, thought that was pretty obvious,” he said matter of factly, not raising to the bait even a little.

“On that note I’m gonna head to class,” Moody said elbowing Gilbert gently before turning and walking down the hall. Anne heard him call out ‘Charlie! Josie!’ As he ran into their other friends. Her eyes met Gilberts and she swallowed thickly. He hadn’t even done anything and she was behaving like…she wasn’t sure what but she did know that he was to close.

“Come on Diana,” Anne said sharply turning away from Gilbert and missing the look of confusion and hurt on his face. “We’ll be late for home room.”

“I’m going that way too,” Gilbert said but Anne shook her head sharply.

“We’re fine Gil, you don’t have to walk us to class we’re perfectly capable. Aren’t we Di?” Anne asked turning to where Diana and Jerry were glued to each other’s faces. “Lets go Juliet,” she said grabbing Diana’s wrist and pulling her along.

“Oh Anne,” Diana said after a minute. “You didn’t see Gilbert’s face, he doesn’t know why you’re being such a-“

“He’s a big boy Di, he’ll be fine. Besides its not like I’m particularly nice to him on the best of days.”

“But-“

“Ladies, care to join us?” Miss Stacy their homeroom and English teacher asked just as the bell wrung.

The two girls walked into the classroom and found seats next to eachother in the back of the classroom. Diana shot Anne an exasperated look but didn’t speak again as Miss Stacy started calling roll.

The rest of the day went fairly smoothly with Anne going from class to class gathering syllabi and textbooks. Grateful at the end of the day to only have a reading assignment in English and a few problems in calculus for homework. She was also proud of herself for avoiding Gilbert as best she could. They had both English and journalism together as well as lunch but otherwise she had steered clear of where she knew or thought he might be.

It wasn’t like Anne thought this was a particularly good or sustainable plan but until she could get control of her emotions around Gilbert it was the only plan she had. She’s caught herself staring at Gil in both of their classes, brought back to her senses by a soft hand on her arm courtesy of Diana calling her back to earth. She was doing great until the final bell rang releasing them from school.

She and Diana’s lockers were only two apart and they’d planned to meet there after school. Only for Anne to find a note in her own locker.

Anne-

Caught a ride with Jer. Don’t wait for me.

-Diana

Anne huffed as she pulled her calculus book from the locker and stuffed it into her bag. She couldn’t begrudge the couple to much though. If Anne had to guess they’d have little time together in the coming weeks. It wouldn’t surprise her in the least if Mrs. and Mr. Barry shorted the leash to so to speak.

“Anne,” Gilbert’s voice caught her ears and Anne stood quickly. “How’d your day go?”

“Fine Gil,” Anne said shortly then not wanting to be to rude and also because she couldn’t help herself she asked, “Yours?”

Gilbert beamed down at her question and shrugged.

“It was alright I guess, better now that you’ve forgiven me. Not sure what I did this morning but I’m sorry.”

“You didn’t-“ Anne rolled here eyes as she headed for the parking lot. He wasn’t going to make this easy. “You didn’t do anything, I was just in a mood. Its fine.”

“Anything I can do?” Gil asked quickly catching up with her.

Tell me you love me? Her traitorous heart screamed and Anne wanted to roll her eyes again. This time at herself.

She stopped as they pushed open the school’s front doors.

“Yeah,” she said looking at him with an annoyed look on her face. “Leave me alone.”

Anne had been to harsh. She knew she had, it wasn’t like she didn’t realize but she couldn’t take it back now.

A look of hurt crossed Gilbert’s face and he hiked his backpack higher on his shoulder.

“Sorry to bother you,” he said voice steely. Shaking his head he turned and jogged to his truck. Anne blinked once, twice, as she tried to keep the tears from coming. She hadn’t meant to really hurt his feelings and Diana’s words from that morning that someone was going to get hurt ran through her head. Anne had assumed Diana was alluding to Anne’s own hurt. It hadn’t really occurred to Anne what her flip-flop attitude might mean for Gilbert and his own feelings.

“Such a jerk,” she mumbled heading to her car dejected. The day hadn’t gone exactly to plan but there was always tomorrow. She hadn’t given up entirely of ridding herself of her mind and body’s obsession with Gilbert. No, she’d need to figure something out and not spending time with him seemed the best day to do it. But that didn’t mean she needed to hurt him. She’d tried harsh words and knew that was to far. She’d try a little ice out tomorrow. Short answers and minimal talking, avoiding him if at all possible.

Once Anne’s stupid feelings were under control she could damage control the situation.

Chapter Text

Hurt and annoyed Gilbert had made it home in a hell of a mood. He’d slammed his way in the front door. Stomped his way upstairs this bedroom and into his bedroom with another slam of the door. He tossed his backpack at his desk, barely acknowledging when it hit the desk and his Leafs cup full of pens tipped over and spilled across his desk. He threw himself back onto his bed with a huff just as his bedroom door opened.

“So, want to talk about it, kiddo?” His dad asked standing in the doorway.

“Want to learn to knock?” Gilbert asked sarcastically and his dad just chuckled.

“Eh, one door slam you get a knock, two you’ve lost the privilege.”

“I’ve got school work,” Gilbert said standing and walking to his desk.

“Ah,” John said and leaned further against the doorframe. Gilbert glanced back at him and shrugged.

“Ah what?”

“Just see, you’ve got school work on the first day. I’m sure that justifies stomping into the house, slamming doors, being rude. Or maybe there’s an underlaying cause, might I suggest one with red hair and freckles?”

“Dad!”

“Ah so you’re not upset over our Miss Shirley-Cuthbert?”

Gilbert’s silence spoke volumes.

“I see, and what exactly has happened this time son?” John asked daring to take a step into Gilbert’s bedroom. Gilbert himself groaned not wanting to explain the whole thing.

“She was just…in a really bad mood all day. She was…mean in a way I don’t remember her ever being which means she really is upset with me and I have no clue what I did.”

“Everything seemed fine last week,” John noted sitting on Gilbert’s bed. Gilbert shrugged.

“I thought everything was cool then today she’s snapping at me from the moment we met. I really don’t know what I did to upset her and now I’m to mad to even ask,” Gilbert said with a huff.

“Look you don’t want to throw away a lifetime of friendship over one silly argement,” John said standing. He placed his hand on Gilbert’s shoulder and gave it a little squeeze.

“She told me to leave her alone so that’s what I’m going to do. I didn’t do anything so I’m not going to apologize,” Gilbert said with finality and John sighed.

“Gil, I’m not gonna lie in a battle of stubborn against a Cuthbert I’m gonna go with them every time. Just talk to the girl,” John suggested but Gilbert shook his head. He could be just as stubborn as Anne, although the thought made him pause, right? If she could hold a grudge over something childish so could he. “Oh kiddo, well dinner will be ready in a couple hours, pot roast is in the crockpot.

Gilbert nodded as he dad left his room, shutting the door behind him. Gilbert could do this all he had to do was avoid Anne for a few days, she’d realize her own error and they’d work it out. No problem, again if she could do this stubborn thing so could he.

***

Gilbert went straight from his truck to his locker for his chemistry book then straight to homeroom. Narrowly avoiding Anne in the hallway connecting the humanities classrooms and the science classrooms. Although his resolve didn’t waiver at all Gilbert found the he wasn’t as comfortable avoiding one of his best friends and could barely stand the way his heart ached. Still he didn’t seek her out and he wouldn’t. He could be just as stubborn as she was.

Gilbert took the first open seat in the chemistry room with a sigh. Avoiding Anne meant avoiding his other friends too and Gilbert wasn’t used to being so alone. Thankfully he was only a few minutes early to class and the room filled up quickly. A girl with dark brown hair and deep brown eyes sat next to him just as the bell run and Mr. Phillips entered their classroom.

The two shared an incredulous look before turning to where Mr. Phillips began roll call. He read off a few second day of school information then felt them to their own devices the last five minutes of their half hour home room.

“I’m Gilbert,” he said holding out his hand to the girl sitting next to him. She smiled prettily, dimples appearing on her cheeks in a way that reminded him of Diana.

“I’m Christine,” she said shaking his hand.

“See as we’ve just met and this isn’t a very big school I’m guessing you’re new?”

“That obvious, yeah my family just moved here from Halifax.”

“Halifax that far away.”

“I mean not to far but yeah, I miss it.”

“I bet,” Gilbert said giving her a sympathetic smile. When the bell rung Christine didn’t stand up but looked at Gilbert.

“Mind if I stay here for Chem?”

“Yeah no problem,” Gilbert said with another smile.

When the bell rang again for first period to start Mr. Phillips clapped his hands.

“I hope you’re pleased with your seating arrangement, where ever you’re sitting is now your assigned seat and your desk mate will be your lab partner for the term,” Mr Phillips explained and the class groaned but Gilbert and Christine looked at each other with a shrug. It wasn’t like they knew each other or anyone else in the class for that matter. Being only the second day it was as uneventful as the first although they did have an assigned reading and study assignment for the next day which Gilbert was actually grateful for. He had conditioning after school but other that his night would be empty with only his thoughts to keep him occupied. Homework was a better option.

“Is he always like that?” Christine asked once they’d left the class room. Both heading in the direction of the humanities classrooms, Gilbert for English and Christine for an art class.

“Mr. Phillips? Yeah he’s intense for no reason. I’ve never been able to figure him out. A few years ago my dad got really sick and it took the principal stepping in for him to let me make up work. He’d just kind of a jerk,” Gilbert explained his eye catching Diana and he waved at her as she stood at her locker. She looked like she’d seen a ghost and Gilbert waived a goodbye to Christine then jogged to Diana’s side. “Are you okay?”

“Am I- yeah, yeah I’m fine,” Diana said recovering herself quickly. She tossed her dark hair over her shoulder with a shrug. “Who was your friend?”

“Oh that’s Christine, she’s new and my lab partner,” Gilbert explained eyebrows drawn together a bit at the indescribable look on Diana’s pretty face, half calculating half murderous.

“That’s cool,” Diana said with a nod. She smiled at him then tucked piece of hair behind her ear. “Anyway, have fun in English.”

Gilbert nodded then wondered how Diana knew he had English next. He felt silly then, of course Anne would have told her. Gilbert debated on where to sit when he entered Miss Stacy’s classroom. Anne was already there sitting in the second row and the seat next to her was empty. As much as Gilbert wanted to keep his word to himself he couldn’t help but be drawn to her. He found himself sitting in the seat next to her. They shared a tightlipped smile of acknowledgment then turned toward the board both beginning to read the chapter on the board.

They didn’t acknowledge each other for the rest of class and not in a friendly no need to speak they were so close kind of way. The entire class period was awkward as hell from beginning to end. Gilbert’s resolve almost wearing away after just one period. How was he going to get through lunch and journalism?

Lunch was much less awkward then expected considering Anne wasn’t there; Diana staying she’d decided to spend it in the library for some reason. With a look at Gilbert that would a killed someone who’d never received one of Diana’s withering stares before. As it was the look scared him but only for a moment. Why should Diana be upset with him? He hadn’t done anything and if he had no one was willing to explain. And if it was so obvious that he should have known, well no it wasn’t.

Journalism turned out to be fine as well. As they seemed to silently agree to a kind of truce while in the class which demanded they work together often.

Still by the time he was pulling his gym back from his truck for conditioning Gilbert was exhausted.

“Hey Gilbert,” Christine said as they past each other at the front door of the school.

“Hey Christine,” he said with a smile. She tucked lock of dark hair behind her ear and smiled back at him.

“Where are you heading?”

“Conditioning.”

“What do you play?”

“Hockey.”

“Nice,” Christine said then waived him off. “I won’t keep you just wanted to say hey.”

“See you tomorrow,” Gilbert said before jogging away. Maybe he should concentrate his attention on someone new. Anne had never returned what he thought were his obvious affections. So maybe it was time to move on?

The more he thought of it the better it seemed, a much better plant then completely icing out a dear friend. And Anne was a dear friend, he’d mourn the loss of her friendship as much as if not more then he’d be effected by her rejecting him…if she rejected him. If he were to put himself out there like that with her. Now didn’t seem like the right time though. They were in such a weird place and Gilbert was suddenly desperate to fix it. Next to Moody Anne truly was his best friend and he couldn’t imagine his life without her.

New plan: talk to Anne and figure things out, find a new girl to concentrate his attention on. Simple.

Gilbert should have known that anything with Anne Shirley-Cuthbert would be anything but simple. Their little cluster of friends gathered at Diana and Anne’s lockers in the morning but almost as soon as Gilbert joined the group Anne excused herself and headed to her homeroom. Gilbert looked at Diana desperately. He wanted so much to just ask what the hell was going on but he didn’t want to draw more attention then was necessary. Josie was already looking from Gilbert to where Anne had left and back again. Gilbert made his escape quickly using Phillips as an excuse. They all knew what a hard ass the teacher was and no one blamed Gilbert for wanting to be early to class.

When he walked into the class room, thoughts running through his head, he saw Christine sitting at her spot and he smiled. When he sat she looked up from her book and smiled at him.

“Hey,” she said setting her book aside.

“Hey,” Gilbert said easily pulling this chemistry book and binder from his backpack. They talked about Christine’s old school until Mr. Phillips called for quiet. Then they talked more during class as they’d been set the task of filling out a twenty page study guide by the end of class. Well Christine talked, Gilbert flirted. It was easy to do with her, she was both sweet and pretty and Gilbert felt himself drawn to her quickly.

“Hey so,” Christine said as Gilbert walked her to her art classroom. “I should probably tell you something. I have a girlfriend in Halifax.”

“Oh,” Gilbert said then laughed scratching at the back of his neck. “Oh, laying it on a little thick was I?”

“Just a touch,” Christine laughed reaching out and giving his arm a gentle squeeze. “Its fine I’m flattered but yeah I’m a pretty loyal lesbian.”

“Noted,” he said smiling down at her. “Friends though?”

“Friends for sure,” Christine said then leaned up and hugged him. “You’re the first person I’ve told at this school. I know this is kind of a little town and I’m not sure how conservative it is around here so if you don’t mind keeping this to yourself for a while while I figure things out.”

“Of course,” Gilbert agreed hugging Christine back. He waived at her as she went into her class then made his way to English, completely missing Diana standing wide eyed watching them.

So new plan was out. He knew all the girls at the school and didn’t want to date any of them but Anne. It was the whole point of going after Christine she was new and interesting and had no stories of him eating paint in year one.

So new old plan it was. He’d give Anne space to figure out what the hell was going on and then he’d figure out what the hell was going on.

Chapter Text

“So genius, what exactly is the plan to get Gilbert to talk to you again?” Diana asked as she flipped through her biology textbook, not even bothering to pretend to pay attention. She was laying on her stomach on the small circle rug in Anne’s bedroom with her feet up in the hair. From her positing cross legged on her bed Anne shrugged. It had been two weeks since they’d spoken. And if she didn’t know better Anne would think Gilbert was avoiding her as well. “Well he’s got a hockey game on Saturday, you could talk to him after the game.”

“Maybe,” Anne started slowly. Two weeks and her feelings hadn’t dissipated in the least. She still thought of Gilbert first thing when she woke up and last thing when she went to sleep.

“What do you mean maybe?” Diana asked sitting up with alarm. She didn’t like the tone of Anne’s voice.

“Its just…I thought my stupid crush would have went away by now-“

“That’s not how crushes work and you are way past a stupid crush anyway Anne,” Diana cut in but raised her hands in supplication.

“I was so worried I’d scare him away with my stupid feelings that I might have ended up pushing him away with my stupid plan.” Anne admitted. “I don’t know if things can go back to the way they were before.”

“Of course you don’t know. You can’t see the future,” Diana said, the duh implied.

“I’m serious Diana, I think I messed up and everything is ruined.”

Diana stood then and joined Anne on her bed.

“Look…I wasn’t sure if I should say anything or not but I think you should know. I’ve seen Gilbert with a girl.”

Anne blinked then bit her lip.

“What do you mean, Diana?”

“Like since the second day of school he’s been walking his lab partner to her second hour class everyday. And I’ve seen them hug a couple of times.”

“Oh,” Anne said letting her book fall closed in her lap. The two girl sat in silence for a few minutes while Anne processed the new information. “So he’d got a girlfriend.”

“Not necessarily, they might just be friends, and anyway Anne he’s crazy for you.”

“He is not Diana Barry,” Anne snapped and Diana sighed.

“This is why no one talks to you about this, but yes he is. He’s gaga over the moon for you, you should see the way he looks at you when you’re not looking Anne. That’s part of why I was so against your stupid plan in the first place.”

Anne wanted to believe Diana but there was a voice inside her head that reminded her how risky that was. What if Diana was wrong? Anne would be not only humiliated but hurt if Gilbert didn’t feel the same way about her. Then again would it hurt less then seeing him with someone else? It would hurt, but honestly seeing him happy would hurt less then him out right rejecting her, wouldn’t it?

“Anne-“ Diana started and then sighed. “I know it’s scary but if you really love him shouldn’t you at least try?”

“If I really love him shouldn’t I want him to be happy? Even if it’s with someone else?”

“But you don’t know that it is!”

“Look if he’s so in love with me than why hasn’t he said anything?”

“I…I don’t know.”

“Exactly,” Anne said with finality. Crossing her arms over her chest. Diana sighed again but let it go heading back to the floor and her books.

“So what is the new plan exactly?” Diana asked. “Do you want me to find out if he’s dating this girl?”

“No, no,” Anne said quickly. She turned a page in her own book then sniffed. “No change, no just let me explain,” Anne said when Diana be began to protest. “I’ve already messed everything up Diana. Maybe it’s for the best. We’re never going to be anything more than friends and at some point it’ll break my heart. So at this point I’m just protecting myself.”

“Oh Anne,” Diana said but left it at that turning to her biology book and earnestly beginning to read.

***

If there was one thing Anne Shirley-Cuthbert could do it was to do what she made up her mind to do. In this case that was continuing to spend as little time with Gilbert as possible. Which worked out well because it seemed he was determined to do the same. Even with all the same friends and even their shared classes the two barely spoke. They never texted, never called. Sometimes Anne thought she caught Gilbert staring at her in English or journalism but the second she’d look at him he wasn’t looking.

Diana was furious with both of them and she’d told them both so, separately, and insisted that they speak but they didn’t. Instead she continued seeing Gilbert walk with the new girl Christine and even sit with her at lunch. He’d gone so far as to have her sit with their group of friends at his hockey games. And no one even knew if they were officially dating. The entire thing was maddening.

Months of this tap-danceing around each other and Diana was pretty well over it. She’d decided she’d give them until Christmas break and then she’d figure out a way lock them in a room together to work out their issues. It wasn’t natural for Anne and Gilbert not to speak, argue and fight sure, but to completely ignore each other that was something Diana just couldn’t stand by.

The final day before Christmas break came and things stayed the same. Diana walked into the school arm in arm with Anne. Joked with their friends outside their lockers. Even talked to Christine who’d begun joining their little group in the mornings. She glared at both Anne and Gilbert when they purposely ignored each other. This had gone on long enough.

“I’m having a Christmas party,” Diana declared before their group broke up and there was a chitter of excitement. “You’re all invited obviously,” Diana said with a dimpled smile and hugged Ruby Gillis back then the girl flung herself on her. Her eyes narrowing as Gilbert and Christine made their escape. “I’ll text you the details Gilbert Blythe.”

He waved at her nodding in agreement. At least that was settled, it wouldn’t be that hard to get her parents to agree to a last minute Christmas party later in the week. At least it wasn’t new years. The how would be a bit harder, especially if Christine was there too but Diana had tougher challenges. She’s gotten Moody and Ruby together and they were the shyest people she knew.

The rest of the day ran as smoothly as usual for the day before a holiday. Which is to say no one in any of her classes we’re paying attention. Until the last class of the day, Canadian history, the only class she shared with Anne. Diana took her seat and waited for her best friend to appear. But then she didn’t and the bell rung and she didn’t appear. And her texts went unanswered. Diana worried what would keep Anne from class and a little how she’d get home.

Diana rushed out of the class the moment the bell run and ran to her locker hoping to meet Anne there but nothing. Diana stood by the lockers for ten minutes before she felt a hand on her shoulder. Looking up she saw Gilbert’s concerned face.

“What are you still doing here?” He asked looking around at the basically empty hallway.

“Anne’s my ride and didn’t show up in our last hour,” Diana explained feeling tears prick her eyes. Something was wrong she just knew it.

“Look I’ll drive you home no trouble, just text Anne again,” he said gently steering Diana toward the school entrance.

“I texted her a bunch during class. Something must be really wrong if she didn’t come to class and isn’t answering texts at all.”

“I’ll stop by Green Gables after I drop you off but I’m sure everything is fine,” Gilbert said as Diana all but ran out of the school.

“Come on, I’m coming with you to Green Gables. You can drop me off after.”

It was a quick drive from the school to Green Gables which they found abandoned. Diana pressing her face against the front door glass after banging on the door.

“I have to get home I’ve got piano practice,” she cried running her hands through her hair. “Where are they?”

“Diana, Diana it’s okay. I might know where they are but I’ll take you home now. Come on,” Gilbert said steering her toward the truck.

They drove in silence to Orchard Slope and Diana sat for a minute longer when they arrived.

“I have so much I want to say to you Gilbert,” Diana said, voice quiet but loud in the confined space of the truck cab. “Anyway. Text me when you find them. I’ll do the same if Anne answers.”

***

Gilbert waited the second for the emergency room doors to open and walked in. If they weren’t here Gilbert really didn’t know where they might be. And even then he wasn’t sure how he’d find her exactly. He wasn’t family. He just hoped it would work out.

And work out it did. Just as he was coming in he saw her coming out of a door that lead to the emergency rooms.

“Anne!” He called walking into the waiting room. She looked up obviously startled then all but ran to him. Her thin arms wrapping around his neck as she buried her face against his neck. “Anne, what’s happened?”

“Matthew he- he-“ Anne sobbed against him and Gilbert wrapped his arms around her holding her tight. She wouldn’t have left his side if he was dead so there was that. But whatever was going on was bad enough that she was still sobbing into him.

“Shh, it’s okay, I’m right here. It’ll be okay Anne-girl,” Gilbert soothed not knowing if what he was saying was helping or hurting but doing his best.

After what felt like hours her sobs turned to sniffles and Gilbert pulled back just enough to look at her. Her face was pink with tear stains down her cheeks, her eyes rimmed in red and Gilbert couldn’t help thinking she was beautiful still.

“I need to text Diana, she’s so worried,” Gilbert said pulling out his phone.

“I’ll do it, she’s been texting me nonstop since last hour,” Anne sniffed pulling her phone out. She pressed on her phone tapping out a message to Diana before slipping it back into the pocket of her dress. “How’d you find me?”

“The only reason I could think for you leaving school was something wrong. So I figured I’d show up and it would work out. And it did.”

Anne sniffed out a laugh then smiled at him, her bottom lip trembling. Before he could second guess himself Gilbert drew Anne into another tight hug. They stood like that for more long minutes, Anne’s shoulder’s wracked with her silent tears and Gilbert petting her hair down to her back. He pressed a kiss to the top of her head as she pressed her face into his neck again. When her tears seemed to dry up Gilbert continued to hold her until she pulled away.

“Marilla will be wondering where I’ve gotten off to. I was just supposed to get a snack,” Anne explained wiping at her eyes and cheeks. Gilbert nodded in understanding.

“Anything we can do, anything at all, just let me or Diana know,” Gilbert said earnestly. He meant it. He wanted to be there for Anne no matter what she needed. Anne nodded tucking her hair behind her ears, her eyes filling with tears again. “Look, why don’t you text me when Matthew gets a room and I’ll stop by tomorrow.”

“I can’t ask you to come here tomorrow, its your first Saturday of break, you’ve got practice and a game.”

“Text me the room number, Anne,” Gilbert insisted, reaching out and lifting her chin to look at him. “I’ll be here.”

Anne gazed at him, her mouth slightly ajar and then she thankfully nodded.

“Okay,” she said in an exhausted voice. “I should,” she said pointing over her shoulder toward the door she’d come out of. Gilbert nodded and watched her go running a hand through his hair once she’d gone.

Much later that night as Gilbert sat on his bed readying for bed that his phone dinged.

[ANNE-GIRL]: Room 345

***

Gilbert pressed the elevator button same as he had the last four days and waited for the doors to open. He yawned, it was still pretty early and he hadn’t gotten much sleep the night before. Matthew had taken a turn for the worst and he’d stayed until they kicked them out. Thankfully he’d improved significantly by the time Gilbert had walked the two Cuthbert women to their car. As he got onto the elevator Gilbert undid the buttons on his coat and then slipped it off along with his scarf. He walked out of the elevator and headed to room 345 as he had the last four days, his feet following a now memorized route through the hospital maze. Even for a hospital as small as theirs the place still felt like a puzzle.

“Hey, merry Christmas,” he said grinning at where Anne stood outside the room. Her own face went from serious to a grin then she bit her lip.

“What are you doing here Gil? You should be with your dad,” she said hugging him as he walked up to her.

“And you shouldn’t be alone, but I have a funny feeling Miss Marilla isn’t here with you,” Gilbert said and nodded at the caught expression on Anne’s face.

“She’s got so much going on, we were supposed to host Christmas and Matthew is insisting we still do it,” Anne explained. Gilbert’s eyes brows shot up at that.

“Is that wise?” Gilbert asked and Anne shrugged.

“Its not really about that, Matthew wants it to happen so we’re doing it, that’s kind of all there is to it,” Anne said a little defensively and Gilbert sighed.

“It’s a nice thing your family does, hosting Christmas, its nice that you’re doing it this year anyway. How’s he doing this morning?”

“Nurses say much better then last night, it seems like he’s improving and his heart shouldn’t…I don’t know there was a lot of medical jargon but I guess he’s getting better or should be getting better.”

“That’s good,” Gilbert said sending Anne a small smile. She nodded and smiled back until they heard a soft ‘Anne’ from in the room. Anne rushed in with Gilbert behind her.

“Matthew, what is it?” She asked standing at Matthew’s bedside and holding his hand. Gilbert hung back by the door as Anne and Matthew talked in low voices. Anne giggling at something Matthew said and stoking his hair gently. Of all the thing about Anne that Gilbert loved her kindness was top of the list, he loved just watching her love someone, it was such a beautiful thing to get to see. “Look who came to say merry Christmas,” Anne said and waved Gilbert over. He did as bid and stood beside Anne.

“Merry Christmas Matthew,” Gilbert said with a smile.

“Merry Christmas Gilbert,” Matthew said, his voice thin and reedy. “You and your father you’ll be a Christmas tonight, yes?”

“We wouldn’t miss it, sir,” Gilbert insisted with a nod. Matthew nodded ever so slightly satisfied with the answer and Anne squeezed Matthew’s hand.

“I’m still not entirely comfortable with you being all alone on Christmas night,” Anne admitted sneaking a glance at Gilbert and he just nodded.

“I’ll be sleeping through it anyway, there’s no reason the rest of you can’t enjoy all of Marilla’s hard work,” Matthew insisted patting Anne’s hand in his. “It’ll all be fine.”

“I know, I just hate for you to be alone,” Anne said with a little sniff.

“I know, I know,” Matthew said then turned to Gilbert. “She’s been here since eight this morning and hasn’t eaten a thing. Can you take her down the cafeteria and get her fed?”

Gilbert laughed at the indignant noise Anne made but nodded, “I can do that, come on Anne-girl,” Gilbert said taking Anne’s elbow and leading her from the room.

“He can be so- so- ugh,” Anne groaned as they neared the elevators.

“About as stubborn as someone else I know,” Gilbert said then laughed as Anne swatted at his arm. “Just an observation.”

“Observation my ass,” Anne said stepping onto the elevator and it took everything in Gilbert not to observe her ass. Instead he followed her into the elevator. Once they were on the first floor they made their way to the cafeteria and split up to find food. Gilbert grabbed a few pieces of bacon, a chocolate chip muffin and a coffee, while Anne made herself a parfait and grabbed a coffee as well. She scowled when Gilbert slipped his card into the reader, her hands full. “Thank you.”

“Just doing why duty,” Gilbert said as they walked to the dining room. They started to eat in silence until Gilbert couldn’t take it anymore. “He seems to be in better spirits then yesterday.”

“Yeah,” Anne agreed pushing her yogurt around the cup.

“Yeah, and its a good thing.”

“I know I’m just…I’m scared.”

“Understandable. But the nurses say he’s doing better and its just one night and it’s important to him. Matthew will never admit it but I think he really likes having everyone come over to your house to celebrate.”

“You’re right,” Anne agreed taking a sip of her coffee. ”Anyway.”

“Anyway,” he said then took a sip of his own coffee. He wanted to say something else. Apologize for the way he’d been acting since school had started maybe receive his own apology but couldn’t bring himself to bring it up.

“Are you done?” She asked taking a last scoop of her yogurt and Gilbert nodded the moment gone.

“Yeah I’m good,” he said and stood. They walked back to the room in companionable silence arms almost touching, the backs of their hands brushing against one another, and Gilbert wanted to hold her hand so much but he held himself back. Once back in Matthew’s room they found him sleeping so Anne took the seat next to his bed and pulled a beat up copy of Jane Eyre from her bag. Gilbert found another seat and started scrolling through instagram on his phone. He wasn’t sure how long it was before he felt a hand running over the side of his head then squeezing his shoulder. His eyes opened slowly and he saw Anne standing over him.

“Shit, did I fall asleep? Sorry,” Gilbert said with a yawn sitting up in the not to comfortable chair.

“Yeah its fine, looked like you needed it, hope you didn’t hurt your neck though,” she said with a light chuckle. Gilbert stretched his neck side to side then nodded.

“I’m good,” he looked at his phone noting the time. “I should head home though. I’ll see you tonight right?”

“Right,” Anne said as Gilbert stood. She wrapped her arms around his waist burying her face into his chest. “Thank you.

“Anytime Carrots,” Gilbert said hugging Anne back. He sighed quietly and let her go when she pulled away. Gilbert waved as he left the hospital room. It seemed like a turning point, like maybe things would go back to normal and not the new normal either. Back to the way they were supposed to be.

Chapter Text

Anne: I don’t know what to do
Diana: about?
Anne: me and Gil
Diana: ???
Diana: did something happen?
Anne: he came and checked on me and Matthew everyday even Christmas
Diana: !!!
Diana: I didn’t know it was everyday. He didn’t say anything at the party
Diana: this is a good thing. I keep telling you he’s crazy about you
Anne: he is not, he’s just the sweetest guy on planet earth
Diana: sweetest guy who’s in love with you!!!
Anne: di stop
Diana: I will when you get your head out of the sand
Anne: he’s with Christine it doesn’t matter anymore
Diana: we don’t know that! They weren’t all lovey at the party
Anne: if he’s not with her he wants to be. Why would he want me when he’s got someone like her?
Diana: ugh I can’t with you sometimes
Anne: I’m just being realistic!
Diana: you’re just being something alright
Diana: you’re not going to keep up the ignoring each other shit are you?
Diana: that would be cruel after he’s trying to be such a good friend
Anne: …
Diana: Anne!
Anne: I’ll follow his lead
Diana: oh my god. You are the most ridiculously stubborn person I’ve ever met
Anne: I’m sure I am. I’ll see you tomorrow

Anne rolled over putting her phone on the nightstand. Her lock screen caught her eye and she held up the phone again. It was a picture of the group at the end of school last year. Her eyes traced over Gilbert’s grinning face next to hers as she bared her teeth happily at the camera from her position on his back. It was one of her favorite pictures of them together and it made her heart ache as she remembered. How close they’d been, how intertwined. Had Diana dropped her bombshell of Gilbert possibly returning Anne’s feelings last year she might have believed it.

Now though…everything was so messed up. Her own fault. She always did this. Got into her own way. Anne sighed before setting the phone aside. She rolled back over, squeezing one of her pillows to her chest as she squeezed her eyes shut. She could fix this. She wanted to fix this. Scared tears leaked unbidden from her eyes as she sniffed, wiping them away quickly. Anne buried her face against the pillow then pushed it away. She crawled out of bed and went to grab Gilbert’s sweater from the back of her desk chair only to remember as her feet hit the cold hardwood that she’d given it back to him two days ago. Anne groaned running her hands over her head, taking in a deep breath as her eyes filled with tears again. She crawled back into her bed and resumed holding her pillow. This time allowing the tears to fall feeling that a good cry might do her some good.

As she drifted off to sleep to wondered if Diana could be right.

***

Diana smiled up at Jerry as he described the date he had planned for them on the weekend. Her nose scrunching happily as she looked up at her boyfriend. Anne wasn’t envious per say, but she did wish she could have something like Jerry and Diana. Jerry planted a kiss on Diana before leaving to check in with a teacher. The two girls were alone at there lockers for the moment.

“I thought about it,” Anne started as she swapped out textbooks and folders.

“It being…oh, oh! Yeah?” Diana said with sudden realization. She closed her locker and turned to Anne with a grin.

“I’ll talk to him, about….you know feelings or whatever. I think…I was thinking and there are a few things that make me think you could possibly be right…maybe- Diana!” Anne laughed as Diana launched herself at Anne. Both girls giggling until Diana stopped abruptly.

“Oh.”

“Oh?” Anne questioned turning around the smile on her face dropping as suddenly as it had formed.

Gilbert and Christine were walking down the hall toward them but seemed to be in their own little world. Their heads were close together as they walked and talked, nothing Anne could hear. Gilbert’s arm around Christine’s shoulders and worst, worst of all was what Christine was wearing. Gilbert’s sweater, the chunky cream colored cable knit sweater Anne had slept in more nights then not since she’d been given it, that she’d only given back to Gilbert days ago. Anne felt Diana’s hand on her arm but quickly pulled it away plastering a sad smile on her face as she turned back to her best friend.

“Anne-“

“Its fine Di,” Anne said grabbing her back pack and shutting her locker door with a little to much heat. “I’ll see you in class.”

She heard Gilbert’s voice calling her name and Diana’s but she kept walking. She couldn’t handle standing there with them trying to be calm and collected when her heart was shattering in her chest. It was taking everything in her not to run out the front door of the school. Once in the relative safety of Miss Stacy’s classroom Anne felt like she could breathe. She ignored the vibration of her phone for a minute but the buzzing was to much overstimulation on her already fried nerves.

Diana: are you okay?
Diana: did you go to class?
Diana: I’m sorry Anne

Gilbert: where’d you go?
Gilbert: I need to talk to you

Anne slid her phone back into her pocket with a sigh. She was in no position to talk to Gilbert. Not right now. Once she wrapped her head around things, her missed chance, she would be better. She wouldn’t freeze him out like she had before, it was unfair and it hadn’t worked anyway. It wasn’t his fault he’d found someone sweet and beautiful like Christine. Anne just needed to get her head on straight, just needed to be sure she wouldn’t burst into tears the first time she saw them kiss. Which…God, the thought made her stomach lurch.

Actually she might…she might actually be sick. Anne stood quickly running up to the front of the class room and grabbing Miss Stacy’s trash can.

“Anne!” She heard Miss Stacy’s voice call her name just as she lost her breakfast. She heard Diana’s voice somewhere too but she felt faint, black clouding the edges of her vision.

“Sit, sit,” Anne heard Diana’s voice as a chair was pushed under her. She sat and felt her stomach turn sick again this time with embarrassment over throwing up in the classroom. Diana’s hand rubbed her back as she heard Miss Stacy try to calm the class down. She sat up and locked eyes with her teacher.

“Diana can you walk Anne to the front office. Someone will need to pick her up,” Miss Stacy said with a pitying look.

“I’ll be fine,” Anne insisted although she now felt like death.

“No way,” Diana said with a sharp shake of her head. “You are going home. I’m calling Marilla.”

Anne groaned as she stood and then headed out of the classroom. Diana on her heels after collecting Anne’s backpack.

“This is so embarrassing,” Anne groaned leaning on Diana as they walked toward the office.

“It’s not your fault, Anne,” Diana said soothingly.

“Puking in class over a fucking boy? I’ve never heard anything so embarrassing,” Anne groaned as she opened the office door. Diana grimaced, she couldn’t actually argue that point.

***

Gilbert’s leg bounced as he watched the clock waiting for lunch. The moment the bell ring Gilbert was out of his seat. Backpack slung over his shoulder. Christine’s words ringing in his ears. The conversations they’d had over the holiday break.

“So you and Anne, there a history there or something?” She’d asked when they’d met up for coffee one day. Gilbert blamed his candor on exhaustion from the five hours he’d spent at the hospital before meeting Christine.

“There’s something,” he’d admitted sheepishly scratching at the back of his neck.

“Spill, lover boy,” she’d demanded with that crystal like laugh.

“Ugh, where do I even start,” Gilbert had groaned taking a drink of his coffee.

“How long have you been in love with her for starters,” she’d asked with a knowing smirk. Growing into a full on grin at his blush. “I knew it! You are so gone on her!”

“Shh, fuck she works here, Christine,” Gilbert hushed her with a laugh. She held her hands up in apology.

“By the way you haven’t told me anything I’m guessing the history is that it didn’t go well?” Christine had asked then she sat up when he’d bitten his lip. “Oh my god, no! No, no, no, do not tell me you’ve just been pining after this girl. Oh my god Gil!”

“It just-“ Gilbert had groaned again running a hand through his hair. “I don’t know if she feels the same way. She’s one of my best friends but honestly that still feels new. We had kind of a rocky relationship for…a while. I don’t want to lose her as a friend.”

Christine had scrunched up her face in confusion at that.

“You’re losing her right now, Gil,” Christine said leaning forward. “I never see you guys talk, you avoid looking at her for to long, hell I thought you guys where like exs or had something going on that hadn’t worked out.”

“You- no…I mean I thought this summer but then she was so upset with me on the first day of school. And things just kind of…spiraled. It’s all messed up now.”

“It sure is,” she’d said then taken a sip of her coffee. “You should just ask her how she feels. Don’t you think you both deserve to know?”

“I- I can’t.” Gilbert had said feeling like the coward he was.

“Yes you can, just ask to talk to her alone. Tell her you like her, you love her, and ask if she feels the same way. Deal with the fall out after not before. For what it’s worth I don’t think you need to worry about it as much as you think you do,” Christine had said like it was just that simple. “I’ve got to get home but you’ll at least think about it, yeah?”

He’d nodded agreeing to at least think about it. She hadn’t let it go, pulling him aside this morning and encouraging him again to talk to Anne.

Gilbert shook his head coming back to the present. He headed for the cafeteria. Eyebrows drawing together when he didn’t see red hair at their usual table.

“Where’s Anne?” He asked as soon as he sat. Diana looking up from her phone. Her eyes narrowed on him harshly, her mouth a thin angry line for just a moment before her face smoothed out.

“She had to go home. She got sick,” Diana informed him her voice a little flat.

“Is she going to be okay?” Gilbert asked feeling his own stomach drop.

“She’ll be fine,” Diana said looking away as Christine dropped into the seat be side Gilbert.

“Where’s Anne?” She asked and Diana explained again. “I hope she’s feeling better tomorrow.”

Gilbert knew the comment was more directed at him, she would bug him again tomorrow. He sighed pulling his brown paper bag from his backpack. He looked up just in time to see Diana’s calculating face before she looked toward Jane and Tillie. Gilbert’s eyebrows drew together then he shrugged. He wasn’t sure what was up with her other then Anne being sick but he felt as if Diana got a pass on any weirdness right now.

“I think I’ll stop off and see Anne after school,” Gilbert said to Christine as he leaned against the locker next to her’s. They were getting ready to leave school after the last bell had rung.

“I think that’s a good plan, lover boy,” Christine said with a laugh, shutting her locker. She smirked at him. “A love confession is exactly the kind of thing to cheer a girl up.”

“I’m not going to-“ Gilbert’s head whipped around to see if anyone had heard her. But no one was paying attention to them. “I’m not gonna drop a bomb on her when she’s sick. You’re fucking crazy, Chris.”

“Sure I am,” she said with a toss of her dark hair. “Not as crazy as you are for-“ Gilbert threw his arm around Christine’s shoulder cutting her off and she laughed grinning up at him as they started walking toward the exit.

“Shut up will you, god you’re a fucking menace,” Gilbert laughed but the smile fell off his face as they approached Diana and Anne’s locker. Diana looked…she looked devastated and Gilbert walked to her quickly letting go of Christine. “Di, you okay?”

“I-“ Diana started but just stared at Christine.

“Shit, was Anne your ride home? I’m sure Gilbert could drive you home too right, Gil?” Christine asked looking from Diana to Gilbert with a soft smile. Diana’s face hardened at those words and she shook her head. Then a fake smile was plastered on her pretty face.

“I’m totally fine, Jerry will take me home,” Diana said quickly waving them away.

“I’m gonna go see Anne,” Gilbert said with a smile at Diana but it slid from his face at he narrowed eyes.

“You- you’ve done quite enough for today, Blythe,” Diana snapped, her fake smile gone now and replaced with a protective sort of scowl.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Gilbert asked taking a half step back like he’d been hit. “Di-“

“Diana! Let’s go,” Jerry’s thick accent cut through the tension. “You all good?” He asked looking from one of them to the other.

“We’re fine,” Diana said reaching behind herself to slam her locker closed. “Leave Anne alone, Gil.”

“I-“ Gilbert started but Diana was already walking away. Gilbert looked after her his mouth hanging open before his tear filled eyes fell back on Christine. “What the hell just happened?”

“I- I have no idea,” Christine said, her voice small. “Look let’s just…let’s just go. Forget what she says you can talk to Anne tomorrow.”

Gilbert let Christine pull his arm toward the front door of the school. She offered to drive but Gilbert shook his head. They drove to her house in silence thinking over the strange exchange with Diana. Gilbert had never been on the receiving end of Diana’s anger. It was almost as bright and strong as Anne’s but at least he was used to Anne’s temper. Diana was the moon to Anne’s sun, even in this. Her anger has been cold, hostile and heavy. Anne was all heat and fire, quick and all consuming. Anne could hold a grudge with the best of them but when her anger was directed at him it didn’t feel as final as Diana’s.

Gilbert pulled into Christine’s driveway and they sat in silence for a few minutes.

“Just because Diana says to leave her alone doesn’t mean you have to listen,” Christine started but Gilbert shook his head. The angry set of Diana’s lips in his mind. By now she’d have called or texted Anne and told her not to talk to him, for what exactly he still wasn’t sure but he knew he was back to being persona no grata. “Gil, ugh, look we’ll work it out. I stand by what I said you need to tell her how you feel. I think it’ll fix things.”

“Or completely break them,” he said with a scoff rolling his head back against the headrest. Christine made an unhappy noise then shook her head. He look at her as she opened the door and got out.

“Whatever, I’ll text you later,” she said then stopped. “Your sweater,” she said starting to unzip her coat. Gilbert waved her off.

“Give it back later it’s fine,” Gilbert said then bit his lip. He remembered that night at the beach handing Anne the same sweater and having to hold back a grin at how good she’d looked wrapped up in it. He hadn’t really meant to take it when he’d gone over to Green Gables but he’d seen it on the back of Anne’s desk chair as they stood in her room. He’d needed something to say and he’d motioned to the sweater and asked if it was his. Her blue eyes had grown wide and she’d hesitated before nodding, saying she kept forgetting to give it back. Gilbert had laughed and nodded before throwing it over his arm. He’d almost asked if she wanted to keep it, almost admitted his feelings right then, Christine’s words floating around his brain but Marilla had called up to them asking if Gilbert was staying for dinner. And the moment was gone.

He’d been to late, again.

Chapter Text

“Gilbert!…Gilbert!”

Gilbert blinked at his laptop and sighed his father’s voice carrying up the stairs as he called for him. Gilbert pushed away from the desk with a frown. He’d been in a flow of writing his latest English paper and the interruption was annoying. His dad knew he always tried to get his homework done first thing after school so if he was interrupting him there must be a good reason. He headed out of his bedroom, bounding down the stairs and walking into the kitchen.

His eyebrows knit together as he took in his father standing next to the stove with his phone out. A grin plastered to the older man’s face.

“What are you-“ Gilbert’s voice trailed off as he took in the thick white envelope sitting on the kitchen table. It was a big envelope the size of piece of paper but obviously filled with something other then paper. Gilbert felt his hands begin to shake as he walked over to the envelope and picked it up. He swallowed thickly as he took in the blue crest from the University of Toronto. His eyes flicked from the envelope in his hands to his father an expression of awe on his face.

“Open it, kid!” John laughed at him from behind his phone.

“Right,” Gilbert said quickly opening the envelope and pulling out the contents. He barely registered the folder thick with papers. His eyes on the top paper. “Dear Gilbert Blythe, We are delighted to offer you a place at the University of Toronto. Dad, I- I got in!”

His dad whooped and pressed a button on his phone before setting it on the kitchen table then walking around the table. Gilbert was still staring down at the paper in his hand as his eyes filled with tears. His father’s arms wrapped around his shoulders as Gilbert let out a choked sob.

“Your mother would be so proud of you, Gil,” John said squeezing his son before letting him go. “This deserves a celebration, we’re going into town.”

“We don’t have to,” Gilbert started to argue but one wave of his dad’s hand told him he wasn’t going to win this one. He headed back upstairs to put the acceptance letter on his desk and grab his phone. U of T, his mother’s alum mater and his dream school since he was a kid. Sure he’d applied for other schools but he didn’t really have a top pick. He had a school he was going to or his whole life plan was thrown off track. Gilbert’s finger ran over the first sentence of the letter then the final closing congratulations. A grin formed on his lips and he thought it might never leave again. But the next thought stilled him as he pulled his phone out of his pocket. He’d wanted to text Anne and Moody, in that order. Which was…it was still confusing for him to put his childhood best friend second when wanting to tell good news. More than that it was confusing if he could even text Anne.

They hadn’t really spoken since the day she was sick. She’d been back the next day, looking ready to rule the world as usual, but she and Diana had slipped away from their lockers before Gilbert had been able to say anything. She’d been at their lunch table as usual but as far away from him and Christine as possible and she hadn’t even looked at him. She wasn’t back to completely ignoring him but they weren’t exactly back to talking either. Gilbert groaned and slipped his phone into the back pocket of his jeans. He didn’t really want to think about Anne and their…whatever the fuck was going on. Not right now, not when he’d just gotten the best news in a long time.

He grabbed his sweater from the back of his desk chair and slipped it over his black tee shirt. Trying desperately not to think of Anne wearing it or how long she’d kept it. Instead he bounded out of his room and back down the stairs.

“Ready?” He called going to the front door.

“Sure am, kid,” John said coming out of his own bedroom. “Magianno’s or the diner?” Gilbert couldn’t help but laugh at the disparity between the two choices. On one hand the only Italian and only nice place in Avonlea on the other the diner everyone went to with reasonable prices and great milkshakes.

“I’m tempted to say Magianno’s but honestly I could just go for one of Maggie’s banquet burgers right now,” Gilbert said speaking about the diner’s owner.

“Diner it is,” John agreed. “But you’re getting the works and that’s final: appetizer, milkshake, and dessert.”

“Yes, sir,” Gilbert agreed with a laugh as they got into John’s car. Despite his complicated thoughts about Anne seeping in unbidden every minute or so Gilbert still felt light as air.

***

Anne’s eyebrows knit together as she swung around the banister jumping down the last step, the skirt of her light green dress swirling around her knees. Matthew and Marilla were huddled together at the door to the living room. Her eyes narrowed as they continued whispering together conspiratorially. Anne cleared her throat as she walked into the dining room.

“What are you to up to?” She asked, unable to contain her curiosity. They siblings broke apart quickly and then they both smiled at her in their own way. Marilla with that rusty sarcastic smirk and Matthew with his usual shyness. Anne blinked as she took in her guardians. “Really, what is going on?”

Marilla walked to the end of the table where Anne stood and pulled a thick white envelope from behind her back. She set it down on the table and Anne’s now shaking hands reached out for it. There was a splash of deep red over the front of the envelope and written there in stark white was Redmond College. Anne looked from the envelope to Marilla then to Matthew.

“Well, don’t daly, go on open it for heaven’s sake,” Marilla blurted after Anne went back to staring at the envelope.

She thought she knew what it would say, they wouldn’t send a whole bunch of information just to reject her. Still Anne found her hands shaking almost uncontrollably as she ripped the paper and pulled a folder full of what looked like different papers and pamphlets out of the envelope. With still shaking hands she set the folder down and grabbed the single sheet of paper on top of it.

“Dear Anne Shirley-Cuthbert,” she grinned at that as her eyes ran over the next few lines.

“Anne?” Matthew asked as Anne felt the first tear fall from her cheeks. It landed with a splash to quiet to be heard on the paper.

“Congratulations on your acceptance to Redmond College,” she sniffed out. Marilla clapped her hands and Matthew let out an uncharacteristic whoop. Anne’s eyes shot up to him and she grinned with another sniff. “I got in,” she said voice still wobbly. It was the first acceptance letter she’d received.

“Of course you did Anne, our Anne top of her class, they’ll be lucky to have you,” Marilla praised and Anne stared at her. She knew Marilla was proud of her but the older woman rarely said anything to indicate that, just a good job when Anne was publicly rewarded.

“We’re going out for dinner,” Matthew announced with a decisive nod. “Come on.”

“We don’t have to,” Anne argued, setting her precious letter down and smoothing her hand over it reverently. Was it stupid to want to frame the thing?

“Of course we do,” Matthew said with a shake of his head, the look he gave Anne let her know there was no arguing the point. Anne smiled as Marilla and she walked to the backdoor for their coats.

They soon found themselves in the car driving into town. Anne had flatly said no to an expensive dinner at the nice Italian place in town. While it was a lovely offer she just wanted to spend time with her family and celebrate without worries. The whole ride into town she rambled about this and that, anything that struck her fancy and Marilla said nothing, even sending her an adoring glance back that had Anne biting her lip to stifle her grin.

They pulled into the diner parking lot and headed in just as Gilbert and his father were making their way up the front steps to the door.

“Cuthberts!” John called happily. “Funny seeing you here tonight.”

“We’re celebrating!” Matthew answered and Anne shot him a shocked look. For Matthew to voluntarily speak out like that he must truly be excited. Anne’s face softened and a blush bloomed from her cheeks down her neck at the pride on Matthew’s face as they walked into the diner. It wasn’t to packed for a Wednesday evening and the small group stood by the ‘please wait to be seated’ sign waiting for one of the waitstaff.

“As are we!” John said jovially, a grin plastered to his lips. “Just found out Gil’s been accepted to the University of Toronto.” John said wrapping an arm around Gilbert’s shoulders and squeezing his son to him from he side. A slight blush rose on Gilbert’s cheeks at the attention but he was grinning too.

“Congratulations,” Anne said quickly but she could feel her heart both drop and rise into her throat. Toronto? It was so far way. She’d know it was where he wanted to go but she’d never really thought about it until it was real. How far away it was from PEI, from Halifax where she’d be. But what did it matter? A nasty little voice in head said, he wasn’t hers, what did it matter where he went? He was taken and he’d soon forget all about her.

“And we’ve just found out that Anne’s been accepted to Redmond College,” Marilla said quickly. Her hand reaching out for Anne’s and squeezing it. Anne smiled at her guardian as Marilla looked at her with a proud smile on her face.

“Congratulations, Anne,” Gilbert said and their eyes met. Anne swallowed thickly, she could hear John and Marilla speaking but didn’t take any of it in. Her entire focus was on Gilbert. On his multi-colored hazel eyes. His eyes didn’t leave hers and Anne didn’t know what that meant, she had to push al thoughts of ‘what if’ from her mind.

“Five please,” Marilla said and her voice finally broke through Anne and Gilbert’s staring contest. They both looked at their parent’s sharply but they were already following the waitress to a big table in the back of the diner.

“U-“

“I-“ Gilbert and Anne said at the same time and both laughed. Gilbert scratching at the back of his neck. “You first.”

“I just- U of T? Thats not- that’s not to far away?” Anne asked and she hated the shakiness in her voice. She couldn’t help it; she felt like her heart was being torn a million miles away.

“Yeah, I mean its far but its not like I’ll never come back far,” Gilbert said with a shrug. “It’s where my mom went and I’ve wanted to go there since forever.”

“I know,” she agreed with a nod. “Congratulations, again, it’s amazing that you’re going there.”

“Thank you,” Gilbert said then motioned toward the table where their parents sat. They started walking that way. “I’m really proud of you Anne, Redmond is a great school. Do you know what you want to study? Still thinking about teaching?” Anne shrugged her shoulders biting her lip. He’d remembered, she had to check herself to keep from swooning. Her heart soaring. He has a fucking girlfriend, get a hold of yourself she admonished herself.

“English, journalism or creative writing maybe,” she said quickly as they weaved their way through the tables. “Redmond has one of the best English departments in the country so…”

“Right,” he said as they made it to the table. Anne almost groaned seeing that they’d been left the to chairs next to each other. Then again, it was probably better then sitting across from each other where Anne would have to force herself not to stare at Gilbert all night long.

“Still thinking pre-med?” Anne asked as they sat down. Gilbert grinned and nodded.

“Thats the plan,” Gilbert said with a nod. “Although something like organic chemistry or biology isn’t off the table, they’re both good undergrad degrees for med school. And I still don’t know if I want to work with patients or go the research route.”

“You’ve plenty of time to figure that out,” John said, grin still on his lips. Anne nodded in agreement. They ordered, way to much food even for five people, and both Anne and Gilbert tried to use their milkshakes as excuses for getting out of dessert but none of the adults would hear of it. Anne looked up from her slice of chocolate cake when she felt Gilbert’s foot knock into hers twice. He had a little smile on his face as he took a bite of his own lemon cake, swallowed and answered something Marilla had asked him.

God, she was so gone on him it was sickening. Just that little gesture had Anne’s pulse racing and her wanting to twirl her hair around her finger like school girl. And she hadn’t missed that he was wearing the fucking sweater. It drove her crazy, like really crazy. One second she loved it, as always, seeing him wrapped up looking happy and cozy. The next second she wanted to rip it off him and claim it as hers, it should be hers he’d given it to her, hadn’t he? But she knew that wasn’t right. She was living off memories of something that had never really been.

After dinner they walked out as group and Gilbert grabbed Anne’s wrist.

“One second, Dad, I just need to talk to Anne,” Gilbert said and he dad waved him off with a knowing kind of smirk on his lips before both he and Matthew and Marilla headed to their cars.

“What’s up?” Anne asked, starting to feel her heart begin to race. This felt like that night in the truck when everything started feeling off. She wasn’t sure she liked the feeling. Gilbert released her wrist and scratched at the back of his neck.

“I just-“ Gilbert cleared his throat then started again. “Anne, I-“ His breathing was slightly labored as he tried to speak. Anne swallowed as her eyes tracked over his face. “I just…I want us to go back to how we were before. You know, this summer.”

“This summer?” Anne questioned.

“Yeah, close…friends, you know?,” Gilbert said then winced but Anne wasn’t sure why. She understood, she wanted that too. You want more then friends, a voice in her head said and she ignored it. If friends was all she’d have with Gilbert that’s what she wanted, what she would take. He was important to her and everything had just gotten so messed up.

“I’d like that,” Anne said with a shy smile but it slid off her face at the desperate look on Gilbert’s face. He looked…almost devastated. “I’ve been…I’ve been a bad friend to put it mildly.”

“I haven’t exactly been much better,” Gilbert admitted, he started like he had more to say, taking in a deep breath like he was steeling himself to say something but Anne cut in.

“I mean as long as Christine is cool with it,” Anne said with a laugh. She knew Christine well enough at this point to know she wasn’t the type to think boys and girls couldn’t be friends but Gilbert just looked confused.

“What would-“ A honk broke into what Gilbert was saying. Without much thought Anne threw her arms around Gilbert’s neck in a hug and felt his arms instantly around her waist pulling her in tight. A feeling of complete tranquility came over Anne and she needed to get out of there. She let go and it took a moment for Gilbert to let go as well. He looked as if he wanted to say something else but Anne couldn’t let him. She was barely holding it together and if she wanted to stay friends with him she needed to get away so she could do something dumb like break down in tears.

“See you tomorrow,” Anne said taking a step backwards before forcing her feet to walk toward the car. Her heart breaking with every step. She’d almost for a second let herself hope, despite everything, despite knowing he was taken, her traitor heart had leapt for a moment and forgotten itself.

Chapter Text

A little retail therapy is exactly what the doctor ordered when it came to Anne’s mood. And rather then hit up the lame the “Main Street” in Avonlea and be sorely disappointed, Anne and Diana had convinced their parents to let them travel to Charlottestown for the weekend. They were staying with Aunt Jo and the drive hadn’t been to bad. Coffees in hand and to many snack for the short drive they’d left Avonlea right from school on Friday. After arriving late at night the girls had had a rough sleep, despite the lovely accommodations, to hopped up on coffee and sugar.

Aunt Jo laughed at them as they trudged down the stairs in the morning, hand in hand and looking a little worse for wear.

“So what’s first on this shopping expedition?” Aunt Jo asked as she poured herself a cup of coffee then handed Anne the pot. She took it gratefully, poured a cup and handed it to Diana.

“I think just general shopping, although I’m not opposed to some formal dress shopping if we can, proms not to far away,” Diana said, much more eloquent then Anne was this morning. Anne nodded taking a piece of toast and a large bite. She chewed then took a sip of coffee.

“Where’s Cole run off to?” Anne asked after swallowing.

“New York,” Aunt Jo said with some pride. “One of his class trips,” she explained then took a sip of coffee.

“How exciting,” Diana said sitting up in her seat a little. The girls exchanged a pleased look, happy for their friend. Cole hadn’t had the easiest life before becoming emancipated at 15. He’d needed somewhere to go and Aunt Jo had stepped in offering to pay for him to go to the arts high school in Charlottetown. It was a match made in heaven from the start. Still Anne couldn’t help a healthy dose of jealousy. Her friends were so well traveled while the farthest she’d been was Halifax where she was born and grew up before coming to PEI. Diana grabbed a piece of bacon and chomped it. Anne couldn’t help but chuckle. She was usually so lady like but here in Aunt Jo’s giant mansion is where she felt most comfortable being sloppy.

“Well I hope you girls have a day, I expect you’ll be home for dinner?” Aunt Jo asked looking from redhead to raven hair.

“Oh god, I hope so,” Anne laughed shaking her head. “I’m all about shop till you drop but from morning to night shopping seems a bit extensive.’

“Speak for yourself,” Diana joked taking a sip of her coffee. Anne laughed and shrugged.

“We’ll see what your feet have to say about it,” Anne challenged and Diana giggled and nodded.

“Good point good point.”

After breakfast was finished the girls made their way back upstairs and to their shared bedroom. There was of course more then enough rooms for them each to have their own but they wouldn’t dream of it. They liked sleeping in the same bed, talking until midnight or they fell asleep, hands clasped together, bosom friends. They got ready in the ensuite bathroom, Diana curling her dark hair while Anne braided her long hair down her back.

“Should I cut my hair?” Anne asked as she tied off the end and threw it over her shoulder. Even braided it hit her mid back, left down the ends almost reached her butt.

“Why would you cut it? Its so thick and beautiful,” Diana said releasing the last curl. She flipped her head down and shook out the curls before standing back up straight. Anne shrugged looking at herself in the mirror.

“I don’t know, I just…maybe I need a change?” She said turning her head side to side. No make up save for brown mascara and pink lipgloss, she’d given up on foundation a long time ago, it either was to cakey from trying to cover up her freckles or they could still be seen which seemed to defeat the whole purpose. Besides the freckles, she’d been blessed with relatively clear skin so why hide it while also making more work for herself.

“Where is this coming from?” Diana asked as caught Anne’s eye in the mirror. “You’ve been growing your hair out since you were twelve.”

Anne winced at the memory of her attempt to dye her hair black as Diana’s and the failure there when she realized how horrible she looked with dark hair. Marilla had insisted the only thing to do, without damaging Anne’s hair into straw, was to cut it off and start again. So they’d chopped her hair into a short pixie cut which Anne had been growing out ever since with rare maintenance. Just a few trims here and there, one birthday present of a spa day where she’d gotten layers cut into the thick mane.

“Anne, darling?” Diana prodded. Anne gave her a sad smile in the mirror and Diana nodded. “Ah I see, well I love your hair just how it is but if you wanted to cut it you’d look beautiful either way.”

“My sweet Diana,” Anne giggled and threw her arms around Diana’s shoulders. The girls held each other until Diana’s phone went off in the bedroom. Anne followed Diana into the bedroom and began changing into her gray dress, it would be easy to take on and off when trying things on. Diana checked her phone and smiled.

“Jerry says to have a good time and he misses us,” Diana said biting her lip. Even after three years she was still a schoolgirl when it came to Jerry.

“He misses you maybe,” Anne laughed and sat back on the bed. Diana rolled her eyes.

“He said for us both to have good time, I’m extending the missing to you too,” Diana said as she slipped on her black leggings then her light blue cropped sweater, it hit just where the high waisted leggings stopped on her midriff.

“Ready?” Anne asked and Diana nodded. They headed out with a last call to see Aunt Jo that night.

They headed to the Charlottetown mall, giddy to find some new clothes and maybe even their prom outfits. They walked from store to store trying things on and yay or naying as necessary. Diana, with her father’s credit card, insisting on buying Anne a few things. Two new dresses and a new pair of shoes. Anne had learned long ago not to argue with Diana when she was in one of her “spoiling moods”.

They stopped off at the food court at one in the afternoon Diana snagging a table and placing all their bag around it while Anne went off to the good panini place for their sandwiches and drinks. She was on her way back to their table, tray in hand when she saw her.

Christine was sitting at one of the benches by the fountain at the entrance to the food court. Anne swallowed. Gilbert hadn’t said he was coming into Charlottetown when Anne had told him about her own plans. And he would have right? It would be weird for him not to tell her he was also coming into town, knowing him he’d have asked if they should all carpool. She didn’t have to worry about running into him. They weren’t exactly back to a complete normal but things had been a lot better.

They texted a lot and sometimes talked on the phone. They even sometimes studied together in the library at lunch, Gilbert almost dutifully following her when she’d stop off in the cafeteria to announce her plans or showing up after she’d texted Diana where she was. They were in a new normal. Still it hurt her to see Gilbert be affectionate with Christine, his arm around her shoulder or God, the time she’d seen him with her at her locker. Christine leaning back against it looking really upset, on the verge of tears and Gilbert had tucked her hair behind her ear and then pulled her into a warm embrace. Still they didn’t seem to be a couple for a lot of PDA, which Anne was truly thankful for, she might actually die. She’d never even seen them kiss at school. Which was all good with her.

It was even harder since she actually liked Christine. The girl was funny, witty, smart as a whip, took no shit. In another life she and Anne would be kindred spirits but in this world she’d stolen Anne’s heart away, as unintentional as it might of been. Anne had had no claim on Gilbert whatever she’d wanted to have. Still it was hard seeing Christine, Anne wanted to be friendly but it was so damn hard. Instead of her usual temper Anne found herself shying away from the other girl which was so unlike herself and it made Anne want to scream.

Anne set the tray down at their table and caught Diana’s eye.

“Did you see,” Diana asked, stated really, and motioned toward Christine with her chin. Anne nodded and opened her pop. Diana made face then bit her lip. “Do we say hi?”

“When were done,” Anne said simply. “She’s a friend we’re not just going to ignore her.”

And they didn’t, as they ate both girls kept glancing at where Christine sat cross legged on the bench, in black leggings and Gilbert’s fucking sweater. Anne would know it anywhere.

Then it happened.

A gorgeous blonde girl came walking into the food court, around the fountain. Christine looked up from her phone and pushed her dark hair out of her face. A grin spreading on her lips as she stood up. The other girl ran to her and they embraced twirling with a little elated cry from both girls. Anne watched the exchange with a little smile on her face reminded of herself and Diana. As the two girls pulled apart they looked at each other then leaned in brushing their lips together. Then more firmly, their arms tightening around each other as their kiss deepened. Or not like herself and Diana. Anne’s eyes went wide as she quickly looked away from the scene. She looked at her pop bottle and blinked twice before looking up at Diana. Her face as shocked at Anne’s.

What the hell was going on.

Anne glanced back at where Christine was and found her and the girl gone.

“Did I just hallucinate?” Anne asked voice quiet.

“Depends, did you just see Christine locked in a game of tonsil hockey with a pretty girl just now?” Diana whispered and Anne nodded. “I mean we’re pretty brain linked but I don’t think we’re that connected to hallucinate the same thing.”

“Right,” Anne said then almost jumped out of her chair as a voice called her name.

“Anne! Diana!” Christine called as she strode up their table. The girls schooled their expressions into tight lipped smiles. “Funny running into you here of all places.”

“Right,” Diana said a little sharply. She cleared her throat as the blonde girl came up and tangled her fingers with Christine’s. The smile on Christine’s face never wavering.

“This is Winnie. Winn, this is Anne and Diana,” Christine introduced pointing to each girl in turn with her free hand.

“Nice to meet you both,” Winnie said with a sweet smile, her slight British accent noticiable. The girls nodded before Anne spoke.

“What are you- you two up to?” She asked casually, almost to casually. Christine’s smile faltered a little but she pushed through.

“Just hanging out, Winnie’s in town for the day from Halifax,” Christine explained. She looked at Winnie then squeezing her hand. “Anyway, we won’t keep you, looks like you guys are on a shopping mission,” Christine said motioning toward the bags. Anne gave her a genuine smile and nodded.

“Needed some retail therapy,” Anne said with a shrug.

“I get that, its been a weird year so far, eh?” Christine asked looking from Anne to Diana then back to Anne. “Actually I wanted to talk to you about something Anne-“

She stopped when Anne noticed Winnie place a hand on her arm.

“Chris, come on, lets leave your friends to their lunch, I’m starving,” Winnie said with warning in her voice. Christine looked at Winnie with wide eyes then sighed.

“Yeah I’ll let you guys…I’ll see you Monday?” Christine asked and the girls nodded with forced smiles. Christine looked from one to the other and walked away with her friend. When they were clear on the other side of food court Diana and Anne leaned in.

“What the fucking fuck was that?!” Anne hissed.

“I don’t fucking know,” Diana hissed back. She sat back in her seat shaking her head. “I can’t believe Christine is cheating on Gilbert, I didn’t see that coming at all.”

“Do we- do I….do I tell him?” Anne croaked, eyes comically wide as she stared at her best friend.

“He’s one of your best friends Anne, you’ve got to tell him,” Diana nodded. She reached out placing her hand on Anne’s. “After dinner tonight I’ll help you write a text or figure out what you’ll say on the phone.”

Anne nodded and they stood gathering their things. Anne watched Christine and Winnie take a seat at table and stare at each other. They really seemed…in love. Completely besotted with each other. Anne’s nose wrinkled. Yeah, Gilbert deserved to know he was being strung along.

They finished their trip with much less enthusiasm. Still they’d both picked up a few more things and Diana had found her prom dress, a pale blue a-line number with a sweetheart neckline and lots of rhinestone detailing but not over the top. It would look beautiful next to Jerry’s black suit with a matching pale blue tie or bowtie. Anne hadn’t found anything she really liked and was seriously considering not even going, although Diana insisted she’d talk her off that ledge long before the dance. As they drove to Aunt Jo’s Anne thought about having Marilla make her a dress. Marilla was a wizard with fabric and thread. She’d actually made most of Anne’s dresses from the time she’d been adopted until high school.

When they arrived at Aunt Jo’s they did the requisite show and tell in the parlor room. Aunt Jo oohing and ahhing over their purchases. Declaring their choices beautiful and clapping happily when Diana modeled her prom dress. Anne smiled but her heart was aching, she felt sick at the thought of what else she had to do tonight. Telling Gilbert that the girlfriend he seemed so infatuated with was in fact a cheater was almost to much pressure. Anne found herself giving one and two word answers at dinner and Aunt Jo asked if everything was alright more then a couple of times.

“I’m just tired,” Anne excused with a shrug. Diana’s eyes meeting hers and they smiled sadly at each other before digging back into dinner. Aunt Jo was skeptical but kept her comments to herself. She could tell something was wrong but with how quiet Anne was being she knew it must be something very important.

When they where finally back in their bedroom, changed into sleep shorts and tank tops, Diana’s hair in a messy bun on top of her head while Anne’s was in twin braids, they sat crossed legged across from each other with Anne’s phone between them.

“Do I text or call?” Anne asked, “Or wait until we’re home and tell him in person?”

“I think you need to tell him right away,” Diana stated with a definitive nod. Anne nodded in agreement and sighed picking up her phone. She pulled up her messages and clicked on Gilbert’s picture. His silly face had her stomach in knots as she tried to compose a message.

“Here goes,” Anne said starting to type.

Anne: Ran into Christine at the mall
Gilbert: Oh cool, forgot she was going into town
Anne: Something happened, Gil
Gilbert: Like what?

Anne looked up at Diana and the other girl nodded giving her an encouraging smile.

“He needs to know,” Diana said placing a comforting hand on Anne’s wrist. “You’re not doing this out of jealousy, he deserves to know.” Anne stared at her then nodded.

Anne: Saw Christine with a girl, she kissed her Gil
Gilbert: Winnie’s in town? Shit I completely missed that

Anne’s eyebrows drew together as she stared at her phone. Anne looked up at Diana to see a similar confused expression on her friend’s face.

Anne: You know about Winnie?
Gilbert: Of course, we’ve talked a few times. She’s cool
Anne: oh okay, great

“Great?!” Anne said falling back on the king sized bed. “Oh my god, he knows about Winnie, what the hell does this mean?”

“I honestly have no fucking clue,” Diana said reading back through the messages but there was no inflection to she was unable to decipher much. Anne felt her set the phone down then crawl across the bed to lay down on her back next to Anne.

“So they’re like…casual? Like Christine can have a whole girlfriend?” Anne asked then shook her head. “She was wearing his fucking sweater!”

“I- I have no idea,” Diana said and bit her lip. Anne squeezed her eyes shut, her whole world view tilting.

“So he’d rather be second choice for Christine then be with m-someone who’d put him first?” Anne asked tears filling her eye and she squeezed her eyes tighter. Diana intertwined their fingers and Anne knew she’d caught her slip up.

“This is so fucked,” Diana agreed and Anne heard her shift and knew her best friend was looking at her. At the tears she felt leaking down her cheeks. She sniffed wanting to stop crying over this stupid boy, this wonderful amazing stupid boy.

***

Gilbert stared at his phone in slight confusion. He wasn’t exactly sure why Anne had texted him about seeing Christine and Winnie kissing at nine o’clock at night. He was sitting at his desk and leaned back in the office chair. He hoped everything with Christine was cool and she wasn’t to freaked out about her secret getting out. He wondered if he should ask Anne and Diana to keep things quiet but figured Christine would do that herself if she didn’t want things getting out.

And speak of the devil, Christine’s name popped up on his phone with a new text. Gilbert clicked the message and read it with a smile.

Christine: ran into Anne at the mall
Christine: with Winnie
Gilbert: she told me
Christine: guess the cats out of the bag then
Gilbert: not if you don’t want. I can ask Anne and Di to be chill
Christine: no its fine…
Christine: is Anne like…
Christine: ugh
Christine: don’t get mad at me asking this. I just need to know. Are Anne or Diana homophobic at all?
Gilbert: LMAO
Christine: ???
Gilbert: sorry, dying over here
Christine: its a valid question Gil! I need to know if this is going to cost me my friends
Gilbert: GOD NO
Gilbert: Anne’s bi, she came out when we were like 13
Gilbert: and I’m pretty sure she and Diana have made out drunk a couple times. 85% sure of it
Christine: chill
Gilbert: yeah, Anne’ll have your back 10000%
Christine: she just seemed so off when we ran into each other
Gilbert: I don’t know why she’d be off about you being a lesbian, like I said she likes girls too
Gilbert: are you sure you don’t want me to tell her not to say anything?
Christine: it’ll get out eventually, I’m not dumb and I’m not ashamed
Christine: it helps knowing Anne’s been out so long in Avonlea
Gilbert: yeah, I’m sure she’s got some tips on how to deal with small town mentality
Gilbert: I feel like I should have told you she was bi before, I’m an idiot
Christine: no no, this is good. You shouldn’t be telling without permission so I probably shouldn’t even know now
Gilbert: its not a secret, everyone knows. I’m not breaking any confidence
Christine: good
Christine: I’m gonna go hang with Winnie, she has to hit the ferry first thing in the morning
Gilbert: give her a hug for me, I wish I could have met her
Christine: [thumbs up emoji]

Gilbert tossed his phone on his desk where it slid across his textbook onto his laptop keyboard. Gilbert looked at the background of his laptop screen and his eyebrows drew together. It was a picture of a picture. Taken the previous June when he and Anne had hit up the county fair. They’d found the photo booth easily enough and slid in together but they barely fit. With uncharacteristic courage Gilbert had picked Anne up at the waist and deposited her on his lap. He could still hear the girlish little shriek she’d let out and the giggles as he’d wound his arm around her waist. They’d taken the photos: a silly face at the camera, looking at each other with goofy grins on their lips, Anne looking at the camera with a sweet smile on her face while Gilbert looked up at her like the love sick fool that he was, and the final with Anne’s eyes closed a pleased smile formed on her lips as Gilbert buried his face against her neck. Gilbert remembered stumbling out of the booth hand in hand and grabbing the photo strip from the machine. He’d swallowed thickly, smile fading from his lips as he took in the final two photos. If she saw them she’d fucking know, in an instant she’d fucking know how felt about her. He’d carefully torn the strip in half handing her the top two and pocketing his half. When she’d argued to see his half he’d shrugged and said they hadn’t turned out.

The next day he’d taken a picture of the photo strip and it’d been his computer background since. It meant he couldn’t take his laptop out where Anne might see, but it was worth it for times like this. When he just wanted to stare at her beautiful face. At the pleased little smile on her face while Gilbert’s nose was buried against the soft skin of her neck. There had been many little moments like that over the summer. Where Gilbert was brave but just not brave enough.

Gilbert: hey thanks for being cool about Christine
Gilbert: I meant obviously I knew you would be but she was worried

Anne didn’t answer his text messages for a while and Gilbert was getting into a studying wind down, about ready to call it a night.

Anne: no problem
Anne: its not really my business what you do
Anne: if you’re happy, I’m happy

Gilbert read then re-read her messages. Now what the hell did that mean? He glanced at the clock on his laptop, it was almost midnight. To late to be getting into what Anne meant by what he did. They were talking about Christine. But something about it nagged at the back of his mind like something just outside his peripheral vision. There was something he just wasn’t catching onto and he hated the feeling.

Chapter Text

“You’re asking Anne to prom.”

Gilbert looked at Christine sharply and shook his head. “Things with Anne and me are…weird again.”

“That wasn’t a question, request or a suggestion,” she said closing her locker sharply. She crossed her arms over her chest and looked down the hall to where the rest of their friends would soon be gathered. “You’re going to ask her and that’s final.”

Gilbert made a face but didn’t in fact argue. He knew Christine well enough to know that she was just as stubborn as Anne was and twice as crazy. If he argued she was likely to ask Anne on his behalf. Christine playfully punched his arm and smiled.

“Geez, you’d think I’d said to walk into traffic with the scowl on your face, Gil,” Christine laughed at him, not with him. And Gilbert just shook his head.

“She’s just going to say no,” he mumbled, following when Christine grabbed his wrist and pulled him along down the hallway.

“She would never,” Christine said with much more confidence then Gilbert felt. “Just pull her aside and ask her this morning before you lose your nerve.”

“I never had any to begin with,” Gilbert said with a laugh biting his lip to hide his smile when Christine scowled back at him. They arrived at Anne and Diana’s lockers where the rest of their friends were huddled together. Gilbert waited as their friends dispersed glowering at Christine when she elbowed him before she walked away, pointedly looking at Anne, who was busy looking at something on Diana’s phone. When Diana and Anne looked up and it was just the three of them Gilbert cleared his throat quietly.

“Do you mind if I talk to Anne alone quick?” He asked and ignored the look the two girls shared but Diana shrugged and headed off to homeroom. He continued to ignore the looks Diana was throwing back over her shoulder at them.

“What’s up?” Anne asked hiking her bag on her shoulder. Gilbert licked his lips and could feel his heart beat ratchet up. He could do this, it would be…it would be fine.

“I just wanted to know if you wanted to- if you had a date to prom yet?” He asked, internally cursing himself for chickening out from just asking her.

“Not yet, although I think Charlie Sloan might have been trying to ask me yesterday,” she laughed shaking her head. Fiery hair swinging over her shoulders and distracting Gilbert completely.

“Oh, okay, um…I was wondering if you wanted to go- to go with me?” He asked swallowing hard. Anne stared at him then blinked.

“Um…” she said closing her eyes and shaking her head confused. “What? What…about Christine?”

“What about her?” He asked thoroughly confused. Gilbert ran a hand over the back of his neck. This wasn’t going at all like he’d expected.

“Why aren’t you going with her?”

“I mean…her old high school’s prom is the same night and she wants to be with Winnie, obviously,” Gilbert explained. He was so confused why they were talking about Christine at this point. “Besides I wanted to go with you, Anne.”

She stared at him, a range of emotions crossing her face quickly before landing on a tentative smile.

“Are you guys talking about prom?” Josie’s voice cut in from just over his shoulder completely surprising him; Gilbert jumped as Josie joined them. “Perfect, a bunch of us without dates are going as a group so that’ll be perfect.”

“No Josie-“ Gilbert began just as Anne spoke.

“Perfect, isn’t that perfect Gil?,” she said with a totally fake smile, what the hell was happening? Gilbert looked at Josie then back to Anne shaking his head just as the bell rung.

“Anne-“ Gilbert called as Anne slipped away to class before turning to run to Mr Phillip’s classroom. Fuck.

***

“I should kick your ass,” Christine groaned as they walked away from chemistry. Gilbert hung his head only lifting it to give her a wounded look when she softly punched his arm. Christine just rolled her eyes.

“It just happened so fast I couldn’t fix it. When Josie said we could go as a group Anne seemed so onboard with the idea. I don’t know if I should even try to clarify,” Gilbert said hiking his backpack higher on his shoulder. Christine just rolled her eyes again.

“You shouldn’t have asked with anyone else there in the first place!”

“There wasn’t anyone else at first! It was just me and Anne, I didn’t even realize Josie was there.”

“You’re weak Blythe, weak,” Christine chastised as they arrived at her class room.

“And you’re mean Stuart,” Gilbert said with a shrug. “I think its for the best right now.”

“Cause you’re weak,” Christine said tapping her finger on Gilbert’s nose and he pushed it away with a laugh.

“Get to class you weirdo,” he said turning and walking toward his own classroom. He waved at Diana and jogged to her when she waved him over.

“So you and Anne are going to prom?” She asked happily and Gilbert nodded.

“Yeah, a bunch of us are gonna go as a group,” Gilbert said with a strained smile. The smile faded at Diana’s annoyed look.

“Oh my God,” she groaned throwing her head back. “And of course Anne agreed to this, you’ve got to be kidding me. You two are so…ugh!” Diana said pointing an accusatory finger at Gilbert before walking away.

“So what? Diana! What I’d do?” He called after her before rolling his eyes as she ignored him.

When he dropped into his seat next to Anne he bit his lip and glanced at her out of the corner of his eye. She was typing out a text on her phone and paying him no mind. Her bright hair was now piled into a fluffy bun on top of her head with some hair falling out and framing her face. Gilbert watched as she carefully tucked a strand behind her ear and bit her lip. She was so devastating and she didn’t even know it.

“Anne,” Gilbert started, some how working up the courage to correct this. He didn’t want to go as a group, he didn’t want to go as friends, he wanted to go as Anne’s date. “About pr-“

“Alright, who’s ready for Shakespeare?”Miss Stacy asked effectively cutting Gilbert off just as Anne glanced at him. Miss Stacy clapped before grabbing a thick book and sitting on the stool she used when presenting.

“Ask me later, yeah?” Anne said quietly, giving Gilbert a rare sweet smile. He nodded but, he knew he wouldn’t be able to work up the courage again. Christine was right he was weak. So fucking weak.

***

“Anne!” Marilla’s voice carried through the house. “I need you to try this on!”

Anne stumbled from the dining table where she’d been working on homework. As this was already the third dress fitting she was already in the undergarments she planned on wearing on prom night under her ‘Avonlea Avengers’ teeshirt and gray sweats rolled on her hips. She smiled as Marilla held up the emerald green material and helped her into the dress. It was floor length and slim, clinging to the few curves Anne had with off the shoulder sleeves and a scoop neckline. Anne looked at herself in the mirror as Marilla assessed her and she felt like twirling.

“Alright,” Marilla said with a little clap. “Out of it..”

“Oh Marilla, I want to be buried in this dress,” Anne said dreamily as she carefully stepped out of the dress before slipping back into her other clothes.

“It is a lovey color you’ve chosen,” Marilla said by way of a compliment. Anne just smiled completely understanding her guardians ways. Anne headed back to the table just as her phone went off. She grabbed it and saw Gilbert’s name flash across the screen. For a moment she thought about ignoring it before swiping to answer. There was a small chime and then Gilbert’s face appeared on her screen.

“Hey,” she said with a little wave, self consciously stroking a hand over one of her braids.

“Hey,” Gilbert said, he was laying in bed, back against his headboard. “So I ordered my suit today, or rented it I guess. You said your dress is green right?”

“Yeah?” Anne questioned walking into the parlor and sitting on the couch. She tucked her feet under her butt and gave him a curious look. “Why?”

“Cause shouldn’t my tie match your dress?” Gilbert asked with a silent duh on the end.

“I mean we’re not really going together so it doesn’t really matter,” Anne said with a shake of her head. Gilbert’s eyebrows knit together at that. He paused a minute and sighed before speaking.

“Yeah we are, I mean we can go with everyone else but- but I asked you, I wanted to go with you. I planned on going with you- just you,” Gilbert insisted a look of pleading on his face and Anne was a little bit taken aback by his tone. She bit her bottom lip and then nodded, a small smile forming on her lips. Did she really want to be sucked into whatever weird shit Gilbert had going on with Christine and Winnie? Could she be sure this wasn’t supposed to be some kind of plan to make Christine jealous, far fetched as that seemed, like gorgeous Christine would ever be jealous of Anne and besides that just wasn’t Gilbert. Was she really going to put herself out for the potential of this blowing up in her face? She was only human, so yes, yes she was.

“Okay, then, yeah my dress is green, emerald green,” Anne said leaning back against the couch. A brilliant smile spread over Gilbert’s face and he nodded.

“Thats what I thought you’d said before so that’s what I asked for,” he said and Anne’s heart clenched at that smile.

***

“I just want the universe and you to know that I think this is the worst idea you’ve ever had,” Diana said setting the curling iron on her dresser and watching as the curl cooled.

“This is so not the worst idea I’ve ever had,” Anne countered looking at Diana once she’d finished applying her coat of mascara.

“Yes it is, this can only end in disaster. You’re going together, alone, which at first I was thrilled by because I thought it meant things had been clarified but this is just a mess. What is the plan exactly? One night of you and Gilbert before you hand him back to his real girlfriend?” Diana asked staring at Anne in the mirror over the dresser.

“Harsh,” Anne snapped looking away.

“Necessary,” Diana countered turning around and glaring at Anne. The girl ignored her friend in favor of digging through her makeup bag for something she didn’t need. Diana huffed and started separating her curls. Anne huffed herself before looking back at Diana with a shrug. “Why aren’t you going with the group? That would be the smart thing to do.”

“Honestly, I don’t know, I really don’t,” Anne admitted biting her bottom lip until Diana tsk’d at her and she released it. “He was so insistent that he was asking me, just me, it felt good be wanted for a minute.”

Diana started at Anne before rolling her eyes with a soft sigh.

“I’m just afraid of you getting hurt, darling,” Diana admitted, crossing to where Anne sat on her bed. Anne nodded before looking at her best friend.

“I’m not stupid, I know this isn’t like…I know what I’m doing, kind of,” Anne smiled taking Diana’s hand in hers. They smiled at each other. “Diana, dearest, I’ll be fine, its not like I’m not already in love with the boy, what’s the worst that can happen?”

Diana gave a little nod and stood. There was a knock at the bedroom door before Diana’s mother, Eliza, stuck her head into the room with a smile.

“Oh you both look beautiful,” she sniffed and opened the door wider. “The boys are here if you’re ready.”

“Yeah, I think we’re good,” Diana said looking down at Anne who nodded in agreement.

“Oh great, okay, I want pictures of you coming down the staircase, so I’ll be downstairs,” Eliza said hurrying from the room. The two girls quickly collected their handbags and gave each other giddy smiles before heading from the room.

They took a thousand pictures or so it felt like. Standing on the stairs, each alone then with their date, together, and all four of them. Then more pictures on the lawn with the Barry’s beautiful garden behind them. Marilla was there but quiet for the most part just watching as Eliza directed the kids around until Diana had had enough.

“We’re going to be late Mom,” Diana laughed hugging her mother. “See you tonight.”

Anne hugged Marilla her eyes widening when Marilla told her to have a good time but she smiled and agreed before following Gilbert to his truck. He helped her in before running around the front to the driver’s side. Anne relaxed as they drove away from Orchard Slope and smiled at Gilbert. Her phone went off and she pulled it from the little clutch on her lap.

“Josie says we’re late and they need to know a headcount for the table,” Anne said with an eye roll. She was just about to type a message back when Gilbert spoke.

“We’re not going with them,” he said turning toward town. Anne’s eyebrows drew together.

“We’re not?”

“No, we’ve got reservations somewhere else,” he said with a little smile. Anne bit her lip but couldn’t help a smile of her own. She nodded then texted Josie back that they wouldn’t be joining the group. Josie sent back a string of question marks but Anne ignored her and slipped her phone away.

When they pulled into the parking lot for Magianno’s Anne’s eyesbrows drew together again.

“No,” she said as Gilbert turned off the truck.

“Yes,” he said back hopping from the truck before Anne could argue further. Her heart rate skyrocketing as she swallowed thickly. She was not fine, would not be fine. Gilbert was opening her door before she could really think and helping her down, that stupid smile still on his face. He held her hand and didn’t let it go as they walked into the restaurant, or on the walk to the table. Perfect gentleman that he was Gilbert helped her with her chair before sitting across from her. Anne had never been to Magianno’s, had only heard of in rumors. It wasn’t over the top, they’d get no business in a place like Avonlea, but they were nice. White table cloths covered the tables and candles were set in the middle providing more ambiance in the low lighting of the restaurant.

“Gil, this is way to much,” Anne said as she looked over the menu then peaked over the top of it at him. Gilbert just shrugged and she rolled her eyes. She’d forgotten how stubborn he could be. They ordered, chicken piccata for Gilbert and baked ziti for Anne, and the protection of the menu’s between them was gone. Anne felt uneasy and shy, feelings she rarely got and never around Gilbert.

“Get anymore acceptance letters?” Gilbert asked breaking the sudden silence. Anne nodded.

“Delhousie, UPEI, couple others,” Anne said and watched as Gilbert’s eyebrows drew together.

“Did you only apply near to home?” He asked and Anne felt herself flush.

“No, no, I applied to McGill and U of T and U of BC and got in but it was mostly to see if I could. I don’t want to be to far from the island for so long.”

“So you want to come back after university?” Gilbert asked looking surprised. Anne shook her head.

“Not exactly,” she admitted with a shrug. “I haven’t really thought about it exactly, so I just thought I should stay close until I figure out what I want to do. Leaving Matthew and Marilla will be hard enough as it is without leaving for no reason. Redmond and Delhousie are also really good schools.”

“They are,” Gilbert agreed, a little smirk forming on his lips. “I couldn’t tempt you to reconsider U of T?”

“Not even a little,” she laughed shaking her head. “I only applied as a pride thing, I wanted to know if I could get in.”

Gilbert laughed at that and nodded, “Sounds about right. Even if I’d had second thoughts I wouldn’t change my mind. I got a pretty big scholarship.”

“Gil that’s fucking awesome,” Anne said delightedly, smiling as Gilbert blushed softly.

The uneasiness was gone as they talked. Anne relaxing as they became just Anne and Gilbert again. Until their food came and they ate quietly only talking a little but it was a comfortable sort of silence.

“Dessert?” The waitress asked as she took their plates. They both answered no and laughed.

Anne wanted to pay for her half but Gilbert just laughed at her, right in her face and again when an angry flush crept up her neck. He took her hand again when they stood to walk out and Anne’s cheeks heated for an entirely different reason. He didn’t let go until they’d made it out to the truck and he helped her in again. They talked excitedly about the dance and their friends as Gilbert drove them across town to the high school.

The gymnasium had been transformed from a basketball court into an Eiffle Tower themed wonderland. Hand in hand, they walked under black curtains into the gym. Music was already playing and a handful of kids were already dancing. Most were standing around tables or just arriving though.

“Come on,” Anne said pulling Gilbert toward their friends, Moody and Ruby had arrived first and snagged a table.

“Gil!” Moody called waving them over despite them already heading that way. Gilbert raised a hand in a wave. Ruby’s eyes were slightly narrowed on their joined hands before a huge smile spread on her face.

“Love the dress,” Ruby said standing and hugging Anne.

“I love yours! Pink looks so lovely on you Ruby,” Anne said hugging her back.

The room filled with students, the rest of their friends finding them easily when Moody shouted for them as they arrived. Diana and Anne hit the dance for the moment Diana arrived, Jane and Tillie following on their heels. They danced and laughed and smiled. Until a slow song came on. Ruby and Moody, the only guy of their group who’d joined them so far, slipped away. Jerry came to find Diana and pulled her further way. Tillie’s two Pauls both approached her and Anne had to stifle a laugh as the girl tried to choose. She was just about to join Jane and Josie as they headed back to the table when someone caught her arm and swung her around.

“Where are you going?” Gilbert asked pulling her to him. Anne’s arms slipped around his neck without her brain even telling them and Anne shook her head.

“You don’t usually dance,” she explained.

“I don’t know how,” he laughed self deprecatingly, “But I can do this.”

“Okay,” Anne squeaked. She laid her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes, she could feel from the little tugs on her curls that he was playing with the long hair laying over her back.

“Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight?” Gilbert asked, voice quiet but close to her ear.

“Not yet,” Anne said feeling like her head was full of bubbles. She felt a little like she had the first time Aunt Jo let her and Diana have champagne on New Years Eve.

“You look beautiful, Anne,” Gilbert said the hand on her waist squeezing gently. He pulled away as the song ended and the next started, a faster one.

“Where are you going?” Anne asked holding onto his hands.

“I can’t dance to this,” he laughed and she shook her head.

“I’ll show you,” she said pulling him back onto the dance floor.

“Good fucking luck,” Gilbert laughed and Anne laughed with him. Diana and Jerry reappeared as did Ruby and Moody. Anne turned away from him then wrapped Gilbert’s arms around her, her hands on top of his as she placed them on her hips.

“Just move to the music,” she said looking back at him over her shoulder.

“Yeah that’s the problem,” he laughed but tried to do as she said. Anne moved her hips to the music and Gilbert followed her, giving her an indulgent smile when she grinned back at him.

“See, not so bad,” she laughed turning forward and singing out the lyrics with Diana. Even though he wasn’t nearly as bad as he thought he was Anne knew this wasn’t exactly his thing so after three songs she turned in his arms. Gilbert blinked at her as their faces were inches apart. She stood on her tip toes. “You can go back to the table.”

“Oh Thank God,” Gilbert laughed in relief, squeezing her hips before retreating.

“Why’s he get to leave?” Anne heard Jerry whine as she watched Gilbert weave his way back to the table. He really did look devastatingly handsome in his dark suit.

“Because Anne’s nicer then I am,” Diana retorted, rolling her eyes just as Anne turned back around.

“Give the guy a break Di,” Anne said reaching out and grabbing Diana’s hand. “Dance with me.”

Diana didn’t fight as Anne pulled her to her, just laughed as Jerry took the opportunity and ran. They danced for another ten minutes before Anne needed a refuel. She and Diana headed to the refreshment table and got some punch, both almost spitting it out as the taste and fire of liquor hit their senses.

“Jesus Christ Billy Andrews,” Anne spit glaring at where Billing and the two Pauls took off to the side laughing.

“Oh my God,” Diana scoffed heading to the table. Anne followed her and did a quick inspection of the table seeing there were no open seats. She really needed to sit. Before she could think to much of it she felt Gilbert’s hand pulling her down onto his lap. One hand around her waist the other on her hip. Quickly she felt him playing with her hair again.

“Having a good time?” He asked into her ear. Anne remembered warning herself that sometimes he could be to charming for his own good. This felt like one of those times. It made her feel like Cinderella, because she knew this would all be over in a few hours. She was determined to enjoy it while it lasted though. No matter how many worried looks Diana sent her way. Anne nodded at Gilbert and he grinned pressing his smile against her temple. Anne smiled, her eyes closing at he held her.

“You’ll dance with me again?” She asked but it wasn’t really a question.

“Next slow one I will,” Gilbert agreed and it was good enough for Anne. They sat like that for a few minutes until one of Anne’s favorite songs came on and Jane and Josie jumped to their feet.

“Anne!” They called before all but sprinting back to the dance floor.

“Duty calls,” Anne laughed and Gilbert released her easily. But the look on his face said it was anything but. Anne swallowed unsure how to feel about that. “Don’t drink that,” she said pointing to her untouched punch on the table. “Fucking Billy Andrews.”

“Got it, go,” Gilbert said nodding his chin toward the dance floor. Anne walked away taking Diana’s hand as they followed after their friends quickly. True to his word at the next slow song, the last song of the night, Gilbert found her. They swayed to the music, Anne’s arms around Gilbert’s neck, her head on his shoulder, while one of his hands was on her waist the other around the back of her neck.

Anne still felt champagne high but it was all Gilbert. All in the way he held her hand, smiled that secret smile at her, whispered in her ear. It was all so overwhelming and Anne could feel the crash coming like a train. As they headed out Diana stopped Anne pulling her aside.

“Do not kiss him,” Diana demanded.

“I’m not going to kiss him,” Anne agreed with an eyeroll.

“I’m serious, Anne.”

“I am too, Diana,” Anne said crossing her arms. She was lying though and Diana knew it. Anne knew Diana knew it or she wouldn’t be telling her.

“Please don’t get hurt,” Diana begged quietly as Gilbert and Jerry walked up to them.

“Ready, mon amour?” Jerry asked wrapping his arm around Diana’s waist. She grinned up at him like she and Anne hadn’t been arguing.

“Ready,” Diana agreed, she looked back at Anne and she knew Diana was reiterating everything she’d just said even though her smile remained in place. Gilbert took Anne’s hand as they walked out to the parking lot. He helped her into the truck once again and then go in himself. They didn’t talk as they waited in the line to get out of the school parking lot. Gilbert grabbed her hand and held over the center console. He brought it to his lips kissing the back of her hand, and sending a thousand butterflies into Anne’s stomach, before letting her go as they pulled onto the street. They drove in almost silence to Green Gables, only broken by Anne’s quiet humming.

“You had a good time, yeah?” Gilbert asked as they walked up the steps, hand in hand, to Green Gables.

“I had a great time,” Anne said honestly. Gilbert grinned at that.

“Good, me too, thanks for teaching me how to dance,” he said grin turning into a smirk.

“Thanks for dancing with me,” she said back, smile spreading on her face. “You didn’t totally suck at it.”

“That was all you,” Gilbert laughed shaking his head. He grew serious for a moment, his tongue darting out to lick his lips at he looked at her. “Anne…”

Diana’s voice was screaming in her head but Anne felt glued to the spot, feeling the train coming right at her. Gilbert reached out, his big hands sliding along her jaw as he cupped her face like she was something precious. His incredible hazel eyes searching her face as she stared up at him in wonder.

“Anne,” he whispered his lips just barely brushing her own. Eyes, his eyes? She could see his eyes because the porch light was on because her guardians never went to sleep before she was home. Anne blinked before almost jumping away, her eyes looking up at the porch light then toward the front door where she caught movement.

“Jesus,” she hissed glaring at Marilla or Matthew through the door, knowing they couldn’t see her glare. Gilbert scratched at the back of his neck looking a bit lost and a lot confused. “Sorry.”

“Its fine,” Gilbert said but it was not fine. Anne wanted to scream but knew it was for the best. She stood on her tip toes, hands on Gilbert’s shoulders and pressed a kiss to his cheek. She could feel his hands on her waist holding her in place and it went on longer then any kiss on the cheek should before he pulled his hands away.

“I had a really, really good time tonight Gil, thank you for asking me,” Anne said not wanting to leave on such an awkward moment. One of those secretly pleased smiles spread over Gilbert’s lips and he nodded.

“Me too,” he said before turning to walk away, his hands now tucked into to the pockets of his pants. Anne watched him walk back to his truck and sit in it before she realized he wouldn’t leave until she was safely inside. She went into the house and found both Matthew and Marilla sitting at the dining table innocently. She wanted to be furious that they’d ruined the moment but she couldn’t find it in her. Instead she waved at them, hmming a happy agreement when Marilla asked if she had good time. Floating up the stairs to her bedroom.

She almost wanted to sleep in her beautiful dress but she didn’t. Forcing herself to change into her pajamas and wipe her face clean of makeup before she lay in bed. Her finger tracing her bottom lip where the ghost of his lips lingered in her mind. Anne curled in on herself but fell asleep with a happy smile on her face.

Chapter Text

It was still dark out when the sound of wheels on the gravel driveway woke Anne up. She blinked slowly and was back asleep from one blink to the next. The next time she awoke it was to her mattress dipping as some one sat on the edge, running fingers through her unruly hair. Her eyes fluttered open and she felt a sleepy smile form on her lips as she looked up at him.

“Cole,” Anne happily greeted her other bosom friend, rubbing sleep from her eyes as she started to sit up.

“No, no, its still early, go back to sleep. I just wanted to see you,” Cole said, gently pushing her back down. Anne stayed laying down but slid over to give him more room in her single bed.

“Lay with me,” she ordered voice still groggy. Cole laughed softly and nodded slipping in beside Anne and turning his back to her. She happy played big spoon wrapping her arms and legs around Cole’s tall frame. They both sighed happily as sleep overtook them.

It was to the smell of bacon and the sound of Marilla moving about downstairs that Anne awoke to. She yawned sitting up or at least attempted to. She found herself quite pinned to the bed by Cole’s lanky body.

“Morning,” she said nuzzling her face against his back.

“Morning,” he answered squeezing her hand where it was wrapped around his waist.

“I didn’t realize you were back in PEI,” Anne said as Cole rolled out of the bed and she was able to sit up.

“Got back late yesterday and drove straight here,” Cole said stretching. “God your bed is so small.”

“Not all of us can live in mansions with queen size beds in every room. Some of us aren’t in a fairytale,” Anne laughed stretching herself. Despite the last couple hours of sleep being a bit uncomfortable they were also lovely spent wrapped around her friend.

“My life is quite magical I must admit,” Cole sniffed standing. He rounded on Anne then, fists on his hips and she felt the smile slide off her face. He was much to serious for the morning, although it must be late morning by how bright the sun was already.

“What is it?” Anne asked tucking her hands into her lap.

“I’ve been told by a reliable source that our Miss Shirley has gotten herself into a bit of a pickle,” Cole said moving back to sit on the side of the bed.

“A pickle huh?” Anne asked biting her lip. “I’m guessing you’re softening what your reliable source actually called it?”

“I mean do you really want to hear about how your in a fucking fucked up godamned mess?” Cole asked with a sympathetic smile.

“Ah, so you’ve come to yell at me?”

“No.”

“Talk some sense into me?”

“Like I could, but also no. I just came to see my friend, I’ve been worried about you,” Cole said tucking a lock of red hair behind Anne’s ear.

“I’m fine,” Anne said a bit defensively.

“I don’t lie to you Anne Shirley-Cuthbert,” Cole said voice reproachful and Anne looked away.

“I’m not lying.”

“You’re not telling the truth either,” Cole scoffed taking her hand in his. “Tell me about it, I’ve only gotten Diana’s side and thats outside looking in.”

Anne stared at him form a minute then looked away.

“You know Gilbert has a crush on you, right?” Cole asked trying to catch Anne’s eye.

“No he doesn’t,” Anne scoffed and Cole rolled his eyes.

“Anne,” he said softly, gently, like she might scare easily.

“I don’t really want to talk about it,” she mumbled but Cole just squeezed her hands and didn’t speak letting her change her mind. Anne bit her lip again before it all came tumbling out. The summer, the early days of the school year, Christine, Winnie, prom, the miscommunications and mis-steps, all of Anne’s feelings. Cole listened without interruption stroking the back of Anne’s hand as she broke down, tears streaming down her face. When she was finished speaking he stood, grabbed the box of tissues on her dresser and walked back handing them to her. Anne dabbed at her eyes and looked up at Cole as he stood there a contemplative expression on his face.

“And…” he sat back down and took Anne’s hand in his again. “And you haven’t talked to Gilbert about any of this?,” Cole asked haltingly. Anne blushed, feeling her skin heat from her chest to her cheeks.

“No,” she said with a sniff looking away from Cole.

“Oh Anne,” Cole groaned. “I’d hoped Diana was exaggerating somehow.”

“No, everything is completely fucked up,” Anne admitted with another little sniff.

“You’ve got to talk to him,” Cole demanded, holding up his hand as Anne began to protest. “I’m not kidding this is crazy Anne, crazy.”

“I can’t, I just can’t. I couldn’t handle it if he didn’t feel the same I’d be devastated.”

“And this right now is what exactly? Good?”

“Its fine,” Anne said with a pout.

“It’s not fine, you are just nuts,” Cole insisted. “He’s crazy for you and you’re refusing to see it because he might, and I will add that is a big might, have a girlfriend which you refuse to confirm.”

“How would you even know? You’re not here,” Anne snapped and Cole frowned.

“Low blow, Shirley,” Cole said crossing his arms and Anne knew that he was right. He’d needed to get out of Avonlea and she shouldn’t take her issues out on him.

“Anne! Cole!” Marilla’s voice carried up the stairs calling them for breakfast.

“We are so not done with this conversation,” Cole insisted as they got up and headed downstairs.

“Yes we are,” Anne hissed. They trekked down the stairs and Cole charmed Marilla and Matthew as he always did. Regaling them with stories of his recent trip to New York and his art classes.

***

It was such an unseasonably warm day and on a Saturday too, that the only thing any of them thought about was hitting the beach. Which is how Anne found herself several hours later walking through the sun warmed sand hand in hand with Cole. Diana and Jerry behind them happily chatting away. The rest of their friends were already on the beach. Ruby and Josie were happily packing sand over Moody, whose legs were already covered. Anne giggled as they approached setting her beach bag and cooler down on the sand.

“Hey Cole,” Moody said happily waving at Cole until Ruby grabbed his hand and put it back covering it with more sand.

“Hey Moody,” Cole greeted helping Anne set up their big beach blanket. He looked over Anne’s shoulder and a sly grin spread over his face that Anne did not like at all. “Good, I can see for myself,” Cole said almost to himself rubbing his hands together.

“What are you a Disney villain, stop that,” Anne said sitting up on her knees and swatting at Cole’s hands. She turned back to where Cole was looking and bit her lip. Gilbert and Christine were walking down the beach toward their group. They were walking close together but weren’t touching. Anne waved when she caught Gilbert’s eye and she blushed at the huge grin that split his face. They’d barely had a chance to really talk since prom with all the craziness surrounding graduation. They saw each other but it was really only in class. Despite the fact that they’d spent most lunches together in the library they’d actually spent them studying, no matter how many times Diana insisted neither of them really needed to. Anne watched Gilbert ask Christine something she couldn’t hear and hand over the items in his hand before running toward the group.

Anne let out a surprised little squeal when Gilbert grabbed her around the waist spinning her around before setting her back down. Her eyes darting to Christine but she was just smiling indulgently at them shaking her head gently. Gilbert only pulled away enough to stand next to Anne his arm still around her waist.

“Hi,” he said grinning down at Anne. She just smiled shyly up at him trying to get her brain to catch up. “Hey Cole! Didn’t know you’d be here, when’d you get into town?” Gilbert asked pulling Anne against him, she stumbled slightly and caught herself with her arm around his waist. She glanced at Cole and narrowed her eyes. She’d slap that self satisfied little smirk off his face if she could.

“Early early this morning,” Cole answered eyes darting down to Gilbert’s arm around Anne, he didn’t seem to notice though Anne was shooting daggers at Cole.

“Well its good to see you,” Gilbert said sincerely and Cole gave a pleased little smile. “I brought you the umbrella,” Gilbert said turning to Anne and she blushed slightly.

“Thank you,” she said with a little nod toward the blanket she and Cole had laid out. Her eyes darting toward Christine again. But perfect Christine seemed totally at ease as she laid out a large beach towel and laid back on it. Anne tried not to be to bitter about it. When Anne cruelly wanted Christine dead every time Gilbert glanced her way. Gilbert squeezed Anne’s side before letting her go to set up the umbrella over her beach blanket. She turned to Cole easily accepting his hug if only to pinch his arm and hiss at him to behave.

“Its so hard though,” Cole whispered laughing as Anne huffed at him. “You’re so easy.”

“Gil! Cole!” Charlie’s voice called to them from where he and the Pauls were setting up a volleyball net.

“You game?” Gilbert asked finishing his previous task. Anne smiled at him as she took refuge in the shade sitting with her knees tucked to her chest.

“Yeah, I’m not very good though,” Cole laughed.

“Me either,” Gilbert admitted. “Moody, lets go,” Gilbert called and Moody’s hand shot up with a thumbs up spraying Josie and Ruby with sand as the girls screamed. Anne laughed watching Moody ruin all their work as he stood up. She turned to Gilbert when he gently tugged on one of her twin braids. “I’ll be back,” he said smiling at her and making her heart race. Anne nodded unsure if she could speak. Gilbert grinned at her again before running off with Cole and Moody. Anne watched him then glanced at where Josie and Ruby where building a sand castle. She watched Jane and Tillie as they walked down the beach, bending every once and a while to pick up shells. Then faced the ocean to watch Diana and Jerry at the waters edge laughing and splashing at each other.

She wasn’t paying attention and almost missed Christine sitting down next to her on the beach blanket. Anne gave her a friendly smile, reminding herself that she actually did like Christine. And how chill she’d been with Gilbert and Anne going to prom. In fact, she’d been really happy about it in kind of a confusing way.

“How are you Anne?” Christine asked smiling prettily at Anne.

“I’m good, ready for school to be over,” Anne admitted.

“Same,” Christine laughed. “Only a couple weeks though, I think we’ll make it.”

“We definitely will,” Anne laughed and they lapsed into a comfortable silence. Broken only by the boys yelling as they played and Josie and Ruby’s giggling. Anne watched the boys for a while, well watched Gilbert but who was going to call her on it.

“He’s a good guy,” Christine’s quiet voice broke into Anne’s thoughts and she felt her cheeks flush.

“Uh, huh?” Anne asked turning back to Christine quickly.

“Gilbert, he’s a good guy,” Christine reiterated and Anne nodded. She had a bad feeling where this conversation was going.

“The best guy,” Anne agreed.

“The best guy,” Christine echoed her dark eyes tracing over Anne’s face. Anne realized she’d never really spoken to Christine like this; she’d never realized how intense the other girl was. “I really care about him, Anne.”

“Uh huh,” Anne said dumbly unsure how to answer.

“And because I care about him I wanted to talk to you, Winnie told me to stay out of it but ugh, he’s so fucking stubborn,” Christine huffed running a hand through her dark hair, pushing it on to one shoulder. Anne bit her lip unsure where exactly this was going. “I’ve tried to keep my mouth shut but I’m not really a mouth shut kind of person, you know?”

“Same,” Anne breathed and smiled shakily when Christine grinned at that.

“Right, so Gil, you’ve got to cut the guy some slack you know?”

“Uh…no, no I don’t know,” Anne admitted.

“You and him, this weird dancing around each other thing its driving him crazy,” Christine said earnestly.

“Oh, yeah,” Anne looked down embarrassed that Christine had noticed, although it wasn’t like she couldn’t. Anne was so obvious. Must have been doubly obvious to his girlfriend…or whatever they were that was none of Anne’s business. Anne was so busy in her own head that she almost missed the next thing Christine said.

“He’s so shy about how he feels about you and is always worried he’s messing things up. I don’t want to be to much of a bitch but like…you haven’t exactly been the best friend in the world recently, if I’m being honest. Just an observation, not a judgment,” Christine said quickly taking a breath before she continued. “So just like…put the kid out of his misery or not.”

“I…” Anne shook her head, her eyes wide as saucers as she stared at Christine.

“Shit, sorry, that was too harsh wasn’t it, this is why Winnie said I should keep my nose out of it,” Christine said shaking her head. “Sorry Anne, I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings. I was just trying to be honest.”

Anne stared at her and nodded. She licked her lips and looked away back toward the ocean past Diana and Jerry. Anne took in a deep breath and held it.

“All I’m saying is if you don’t like him just tell him that and stop getting his hopes up. And if you do like him, well…” Christine trailed off watching Anne carefully.

“Um…” Anne started, turning back to Christine. “So…um…you’re okay with Gil and me—“

“Okay? I’d be fucking thrilled,” Christine said happily. Anne nodded again, she was honestly more confused then ever. Christine just smiled happily and patted Anne’s hand. “Good, see fucking Winnie thought I’d mess it up and we’re still friends even though I’m a total bitch.”

“You’re not,” Anne laughed. She cleared her throat, Christine had been honest with her she should be honest too. “I’m not really…I mean I don’t really want…I mean whatever you and— and he….”

“Huh?” Christine laughed and Anne couldn’t help but laugh too.

“You and Gilbert, you’re not…you’re not together are you?” Anne asked quietly, even more quietly then they’d already been speaking.

“Gil and me?” Christine asked and then she laughed, loud and boisterous. Grabbing Anne’s arm before falling back on the blanket. Finally when she pulled herself together she sat up. “Oh Anne, no, God no, he’s the best but I’m a lesbian. You’ve met Winnie.”

“Right,” Anne said slowly, she felt like the biggest idiot in the world. In the the whole history of the universe.

“Oh Anne,” Christine said sitting up on her knees and wrapping her arms around Anne’s shoulders.

“I’ve messed everything up,” Anne sniffed, embarrassed to feel tears filling her eyes.

“You haven’t,” Christine insisted sitting back and looking at Anne’s face. “You really, really haven’t.”

“You think?” Anne asked.

“I know,” Christine said with a pretty smile. “He talks about you non-stop. He hasn’t shut up about stupid prom to me or Moody.”

Anne swallowed thickly as her worldview shifted like the sand under her butt. She wanted so badly to believe Christine was right. She was basically a neutral party in the situation, unlike Cole and Diana who Anne couldn’t help but fear might tell her just what she wanted to hear, Christine had no real reason to lie. Her loyalty was to Gilbert alone and she was only telling Anne this trying to fix their horrible communication problems. Anne’s horrible communication problem.

“What happened?” Gilbert asked as he approached dropping to his knees in front of Anne, his hand reaching out to cup her cheek. “You look ready to cry.”

“I’m good,” Anne said blinking away any tears quickly. “Just being a baby, about Christine and Winnie’s magical prom night.”

Christine laughed pressing her cheek to Anne’s and understanding dawned on her. Christine was just a super tactile person. And so was Gilbert, he’d never shied away from holding Anne’s hand or throwing an arm over her shoulder or kissing her palm.

“Isn’t she just the sweetest thing, Gil?” Christine asked before pressing a loud kiss to Anne’s temple. “I’m gonna work on my tan,” Christine announced before standing and walking to her towel.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” Gilbert asked taking Christine’s spot next to Anne. He pressed his bare shoulder against Anne’s, pulling her hand into both of his.

“I’m good Gil, I promise,” Anne said leaning against him gently. His eyes narrowed but then he nodded letting it go. Anne studied him as he smiled and watched Jerry sputtering in the water where Diana had just pushed him, shouting in French as he stood and ran after her down the beach. Christine had been careful not to give away exactly how Gilbert felt about Anne not in so many words at least, she hadn’t come right out and said he’d said he was in love with her or anything. But…he talked about her.

Anne shifted pulling her hand from Gilbert’s grasp and wrapped her arms around his shoulders burying her face against him.

“What’s that for?” He laughed after relaxing into the hug.

“For just being…the best,” Anne said voice muffled against his skin. Gilbert laughed again.

“I’m hungry,” Diana panted as she walked back to their group and collapsed on her towel.

“It was fucking cold, Diana,” Jerry pouted as he sat next to her wrapping his towel around his shoulders.

“The suns still high, you’ll dry out soon enough you big baby,” Diana said rolling her eyes at him causing Jerry to pout more.

“Foods in the cooler,” Anne said getting up and grabbing said cooler. She pulled out a bag of ketchup flavored potato chips, sandwiches and containers of fruit and veggies. “Food!” She called to the others. They descended like none of them had ever eaten before, decimating what Anne had brought before turning to the food Ruby had brought and destroying that as well.

Sated and full Anne leaned back against Cole’s back when he sat behind her.

“Good day?” Cole asked intertwining their fingers of one hand.

“Best day,” Anne said watching Gilbert and Christine as they laughed with Jerry and Diana. For the first time not wanting to die of jealousy.

“Yeah?” Cole asked his eyes following hers. A confused expression passed over Cole’s face then and Anne just squeezed his hand.

“I’ll explain later,” she said catching Gilbert’s eye. He gave her a small smile before winking at her. Anne bit her lip and smiled shaking her head. To charming for his own good.

***

They dropped off Jerry at his house before heading to Orchard Slope. It wasn’t to late but they still quietly made their way into the house and up to Diana’s bedroom. They knew how Diana’s parents could be.

“So you’re going back to Charlottetown with Cole tomorrow?” Anne asked as she sat on Diana’s bed. Cole taking up residence on Diana’s computer chair.

“Yeah, I should be able to catch the ten o’clock ferry to Halifax. My audition for the conservatory is at four so I should have plenty of wiggle room,” Diana explained keeping her voice down.

“And your parent still think you’re just visiting Aunt Jo?” Cole asked and Diana nodded.

“I still think this is a crazy plan but I don’t really have a better one,” Anne said running her hands through her hair, loosening her braids.

“Aunt Jo said she’d support me if I get in so it won’t be any of their business what I do. They won’t be paying for it. I plan on taking on some piano students for extra money so I’m not completely reliant on Aunt Jo either. I’m just so tired of people telling me what to do,” Diana said exasperated as she collapsed on her bed. Anne quickly stroked her dark hair from her face and pressed a kiss to her forehead.

“Good its settled then, Diana will soon be a free woman, there’s no way you don’t ace your audition,” Cole said before turning his eyes on Anne. “I noticed someone was a little handsy today, care to give us whatever excuse for that you’ve come up with this time?”

Anne shook her head; Diana and Cole glanced at each other.

“I think I have some things to talk to Gilbert about,” Anne admitted. Diana and Cole both jumped to their feet, finding each other and holding hands.

“Oh my God,” Diana breathed.

“Its happening,” Cole breathed.

Anne just laughed at them shaking her head.

“Nothing is happening, I just have some new information, Gilbert and Christine are not a thing. So now, I just…I need to figure this out. In my own time,” Anne insisted looking at her two best friends.

“Oh Anne, you’re time is slower then a damn snail,” Cole said dramatically falling back on Diana’s bed.

“He’s right my dear,” Diana agreed her hands on her hips.

“Butt out, both of you, I’ll handle it,” Anne said eyes narrowing on Diana, she just raised her arms in supplication. Anne smiled then and looked at Cole where he was laying back texting furiously. “Who…who are you texting Cole?”

“A friend,” Cole said smiling at Anne sweetly. She nodded then lunged at him grabbing at his phone. Cole rolled away quickly locking his phone.

“Oh my God you weasel!” Anne snapped, glaring at Diana as she chuckled. “I said I’d handle it.”

“And I’m just making sure that actually happens,” Cole said with a raised eyebrow. “Don’t get to comfortable over there either, I blame you for this mess too. You couldn’t have just talked to Gil?”

“I tried,” Diana said but Anne could see an embarrassed flush over take her cheeks.

Anne groaned laying back on Diana’s bed covering her face.

***

Cole: Hey so you and Anne really need to learn to communicate
Gilbert: ??
Cole: Do you have a girlfriend?
Gilbert: ???
Gilbert: What? No!
Cole: Hmm, someone probably should have told Anne that
Gilbert: Anne thinks I have a girlfriend?
Gilbert: Why would she think that?
Cole: For how smart you are you two are really dumb
Cole: Maybe its the girl you’ve been hanging off of all year
Gilbert: Who?
Cole: Christine
Gilbert: Anne thinks I’m dating Christine!
Gilbert: Why
Gilbert: What
Cole: Use that big brain of yours and fix this
Cole: A little talking goes a long way

Gilbert ran a hand through his dark curls, his mouth hanging open in confusion. He wasn’t entirely sure what to do with this information. Why hadn’t Anne just…asked him if he had a girlfriend? Why would she think it was Christine? And more importantly what did he do next?

Chapter Text

Gilbert put the truck into park hoping he hadn’t made enough noise to wake Matthew or Marilla. He slipped out of the truck carefully closing the door. Quiet as he could Gilbert walked around Green Gables trying to figure out where Anne’s bedroom was. It should be this one right?

He stood there for long minutes not entirely sure what to do.

“Her room’s just there Gil,” Matthew’s soft voice broke into his thoughts. Gilbert jumped as he whipped his head to the front door where Matthew stood.

“Jesus,” Gilbert breathed hand on his heart as his heart rate was skyrocketing. “Sorry Matthew, I didn’t mean to wake you up. Anne’s uh…her room is, there,” he pointed to the window. “Right- right got it.”

Matthew just nodded and closed the front door. Embarrassed beyond belief Gilbert hurried to stand under the window, half expecting Marilla to open the front door and ask him in for tea.

He reached down and took a handful of the small pebbles that made up the drive way. The first one bounced off the window pane but there was nothing. So he threw another which hit the window casing. Then another hit the window pane again. A shadow passed by the window illuminated in the almost full moon.

“What the—Gil?” Anne hissed when she’d caught sight of him and pulled open the window.

“I need to talk to you,” he called in as loud a voice he dared. Anne looked behind her, probably thinking Marilla would have woken up.

“You couldn’t text me or something?”

“No! I need to talk to you. Right now, in person,” Gilbert insisted and Anne huffed. She closed the window quickly and disappeared. Gilbert got nervous then. This was probably a bad idea. She seemed pretty annoyed, she’d probably gone back to bed.

Just as he was working himself into a self deprecating tailspin the front door opened and Anne slipped out and down the front stairs. She walked to where Gilbert stood under her window.

“What the fuck?” she hissed, anger turning to confusion as she took in the smile on Gilbert’s face at seeing her.

“Hi,” Gilbert breathed out stupidly but Anne didn’t seem to mind. A shy smile was on her lips as she returned the greeting.

“Hi,” she said and tucked loose hair behind her ears. “What the heck are you doing here, its three in the morning, Gil?”

“I know its late but I couldn’t sleep, I needed to see you,” Gilbert said walking to stand in front of her. Gilbert’s eyes traced over Anne’s face illuminated softly in the moon light. One hand reached out and took one of her twin braids in his hand letting the silky pliat slide over his fingers. Her big blue eyes were wide as she looked up at him and Gilbert had never felt so invincible. “You’re so beautiful, Anne, you take my breath away.”

“Gil—“ Anne breathed shocked at his words, at the emotion behind them. Gilbert slid his hands along Anne’s jaw cradling her face. He angled her face up to look at him.

“Anne,” Gilbert breathed searching her face but all he found there was wonder. He knew the same expression was on his own face, complete awe.

He leaned down at the same time as Anne stood on her toes and they met in the middle. Their lips brushing before Gil pressed his lips to hers more firmly. His hand trailing from her jaw to the nape of her neck as Anne’s hands gripped the front of his sweater. Their sweet kiss turned more heated as Anne’s tongue slid along the seam of Gilbert’s lips. He quickly let her in, his tongue sliding against hers in a way that pulled a groan from the back of his throat. He pulled her closer to him, his arm wrapping around her waist his hand splayed possessively over her back. They stayed that way for they didn’t know how long until the need for air caused them to part.

Gilbert took in a deep breath before beginning to press sweet kisses to every part of Anne’s face. She giggled as he did so sliding her hand up into the hair at the back of his neck.

“I love you,” Gilbert confessed, lips pressed to her forehead.

“What did you say?” Anne asked incredulously.

“I love you,” Gilbert said pulling back to look into those blue eyes he wanted to drown in. “I love you so fucking much Anne, my beautiful, perfect, amazing Anne, I love you,” pressing a kiss to her face again with each word.

Anne sagged against him in disbelief.

“I love you,” she whispered against his chest before pulling back enough to look at his face. She traced her fingers over his eyebrow to his sharp cheekbone and down to his strong jaw. “I love you so much, kiss me again,” she demanded and Gilbert was only to happy to oblige. Her hands cupped his cheeks as he pressed his lips to her’s. Lips moving against one another’s unhurried. His fingers digging into her hips as he held her against him.

“Why didn’t you just talk to me, Anne-girl?” He asked after then breathlessly pulled apart.

“I—“ Anne cut herself off feeling a blush blooming over her cheeks. She shook her head and looked away only to feel Gilbert’s hand on her chin making her face him.

“Please don’t run from me anymore, I couldn’t— I can’t— just talk to me. Please,” Gilbert pleaded and his face was so desperate Anne could only comply.

“It’s embarrassing,” she whispered but couldn’t take her eyes off his face.

“I’m sure it’s not,” Gilbert encouraged pressing a kiss to her forehead just because he could.

“It all seems so obvious now, you’ll think I’m a total idiot.”

“I won’t, I can promise I won’t. You’re no more an idiot then I was.”

“I was so scared you didn’t feel the same way I did that I just…I thought it’d be better to avoid you then make you uncomfortable with my feelings,” Anne explained biting her lip when she finished speaking.

“I suppose…I suppose I can understand that,” Gilbert admitted but there was a little wrinkle between his eyebrows. “I have no room to talk though I guess since I was doing basically the same thing. But I really missed you, you’re so important to me, Anne. I kept trying to fix things but you kept pulling away.”

“I’m sorry, I know I acted so shitty. I didn’t mean to hurt you I was just confused. And— and hurt myself. I thought you and— and Christine,” Anne said with a shake of her head.

“But Christine is—“

“Beautiful and perfect?” Anne interjected. Gilbert frowned at her then.

“You are beautiful and perfect,” Gilbert insisted “You are the only one I want. The only one I’ve ever wanted, the only one want I’ll ever want.”

“You—you can’t just say stuff like that,” Anne said staring up at him wide eyed.

“Yes, I can. Why didn’t you just ask me about Christine?” Gilbert asked a sad little smile curving his lips. When Anne just shrugged and glanced away Gilbert squeezed her hips under his hands. “Anne.”

“I just couldn’t. I wanted you to be happy I was just so sad it wasn’t with me. I couldn’t bare hearing you tell me you’d found someone, I was just being selfish,” Anne said looking back into his moon lit face. Gilbert’s eyes narrowed but a full smile spread over his face.

“You’re not an idiot but you are ridiculous. Although…I can see where you’re coming from. I think I would have lost my mind if I thought you were dating someone. I honestly had no idea why you kept bringing Christine up; I only have eyes for you and I just couldn’t see that you didn’t see that. I still wish you would have just talked to me, I hate that you’ve been so upset and I could have fixed it so easily,” Gilbert said before pulling Anne against him. He pressed a kiss to the top of her head before speaking again. “Please…please don’t do that again.”

“Do what?”

“Shut me out,” Gilbert said with a shuttering breath. “I need you, and I need you to trust me. I’m sorry I wasn’t braver sooner but, Anne, I’m more in love with you then I thought it was possible to love someone.”

“I won’t, I promise. I’m so sorry, Gil,” Anne said pulling back just enough to look up at him. She was startled to see tears in his eyes. “Oh Gil.”

“I really missed you,” he said by way of an explanation.

“I really missed you too,” Anne agreed. She wrapped her hands around the back of his neck pulling him down to her and pressing a kiss to his lips.

They stood like that for a while longer. Pressed together from lips to thighs, pulling at each other like they could somehow get closer. Until exhaustion caused Anne to sag against him. Gilbert petted a hand over her hair and Anne hummed happily.

“You should get back to sleep,” Gilbert said and Anne nodded against him but didn’t move. “My love?”

“I’m going,” Anne said still without moving. Gilbert reluctantly pushed her away.

“Go, I’ll see you soon,” Gilbert said as Anne huffed and headed toward the front door.

“I’ll dream of you,” she giggled.

“You better,” he said watching as she walked away then stopped, coming back to him. He thought she might kiss him again but she just grabbed the hem of his sweater and started pulling it up. “Anne what?” He laughed as she wrestled him out of the garment. Gilbert laughingly pulling down the black tee shirt he’d worn under the sweater.

“This is mine,” she said happily before heading back to the front door and sneaking back into the house quietly. He waited until he saw a shadow pass by her window and knew she was watching him. He headed back to his truck still looking over his shoulder catching just a glimpse of her as he got in. The short drive back to his house had never felt longer.

***

Anne awoke with a start when a loud wrap sounded on her bedroom door.

“What’s it?” She groaned out rolling over to look at the door.

“It’s ten in the morning, Anne,” Marilla said sharply but not unkindly.

“Ugh,” Anne rolled over onto her back and stared at the ceiling.

“Up,” Marilla orders and Anne nodded. She ran her finger over her lips before glancing at her guardian. “I let you sleep plenty long enough after your visitor last night.”

“Oh Marilla,” Anne said burying her face in her pillow. “I thought you’d slept through that.”

“I did, Matthew told me this morning,” Marilla explained then rapped her knuckles on the doorframe. Before she walked away. “Come on.”

“I’m up,” Anne said sitting up and stretching. Last night, or this morning, flooded back through her mind and Anne couldn’t help the giddy smile that spread on her face. He loved her. He loved her. He loved her. She went about her morning routine, changing into a Gilbert’s sweater and pair of jean shorts. She ate breakfast with her guardians almost pointedly avoiding talking about her friends.

“What are your plans for the day, Anne?” Marilla asked as they cleaned up the breakfast dishes. Anne’s eyes narrowed on her.

“I don’t know yet, why?”

“Just curious,” Marilla said placidly.

“Do you think Gil will be paying us anymore nighttime visits?” Matthew asked from behind his paper.

“Matthew!” Anne cried as Marilla dissolved into giggles Anne had never heard before at the kitchen sink. “Ugh! I’m leaving!”

Anne fled then, her guardian’s gentle laughter in her ears. She knew they were only teasing but everything was still so new it felt like it almost could have been a dream. She headed to her car, wanting to talk to Diana before remembering that she and Cole would have left early in the morning. Without much thought Anne found herself on the roads that lead to the Blythe orchard. She pulled into the driveway and gave a short wave to John as he stood on the porch.

“Anne!” He called as she approached. “Good to see you, Gil still isn’t up yet but you’re welcome to head on in.”

“Thanks Mr. Blythe,” Anne said blushing at the knowing smirk on his face.

“John’s fine, Anne,” he said as she passed him and she nodded before hurrying into the house. She carefully toed off he shoes then walked through the house and upstairs to Gilbert’s bedroom. An indulgent smile spreading over her lips as she took in him in; his sleep ruffled curls and softly rising and falling bare chest. Anne shut the bedroom door closed behind her as she tiptoed over to his bed.

She carefully crawled on top of him straddling his body as she sat back in his lap. Gilbert’s eyes snapped open and he stared at her for a moment before a smile spread over his face.

“Morning,” Anne said leaning down and pressing her own smile to his.

“Am I dreaming?” He asked against her lips then shook his head slightly. “Don’t answer that. I don’t really care,” he said his hands sliding from under the blankets to land on Anne’s hips.

“You’re not dreaming you silly boy,” Anne said sitting up giggling as Gilbert sat up as well. He ran his thumbs under the hem of her sweater sliding them over her skin.

“Best wake up I’ve ever had,” Gilbert said pressing a kiss to Anne’s lips. His arms moving to wrap around her waist pulling her tighter against him.

“We should talk,” Anne said but she was running her hand through Gilbert’s hair. And she didn’t stop him as he pressed kisses against the pale skin of her neck.

“Sounds serious, better not,” Gilbert breathed against her neck.

“You asked me to talk to you.”

“I’m dumb, no talking,” Gilbert said with a shrug.

“Gil, I’m serious,” Anne laughed as he nuzzled against her jaw.

“Me too.”

“Gil!”

“Fine,” Gilbert huffed with the most put upon sigh he could. Anne just laughed and then harder as she tried to move and Gilbert held her in place. “No way, you’re staying right where you are.” Anne sighed but didn’t move, going back to carding her fingers through his hair.

“So, what are we?” She asked and Gilbert’s eyes snapped up to hers. For a minute she was lost in the green-gold-brown of them before his hand on her cheek brought her back to earth.

“What do you want us to be?” He asked hesitatingly.

“I want you to be mine, to be my boyfriend.”

“Then I’m your boyfriend,” Gilbert said like it was just that easy. And maybe it was.

“Okay then,” Anne said shyly. She smiled at him and then press a kiss to his lips gently. Gilbert kissed her back just as gently. “I’m scared Gil.”

“Of what?”

“Things changing,” Anne admitted. “Us changing. You’re going to Toronto and me stuck in Halifax.”

“Ah,” Gilbert said and nodded. “I hadn’t really thought about that.“

“Gil! How could you not?”

“What? I’m just happy I can tell you I love you whenever I want. The rest of it will work itself out,” he said nuzzling his nose against her jaw.

“Not be a downer but I feel like we’ve tried letting things just work themselves out and that almost went fucking nuclear.”

“Well there’s phone calls and FaceTime and texting and pictures. I’ll write you letters and mail them to you old school if you want me too. And your not stuck in Halifax, you want to go to Redmond,” he reminded her tucking her wild red hair behind her ear.

“What if I go to U of T with you, then we don’t have to be apart,” Anne said eyes hopeful.

“I would love nothing more then having you with me, but I can’t let you do that,” Gilbert said shaking his head.

“Let me? You aren’t letting me do anything. U of T is a great school. “

“So is Redmond and its closer to Green Gables and its where you want to go. I’d be selfish not to dissuade you.”

“Be selfish,” Anne insisted but Gilbert just smiled at her and shook his head.

“I can’t, not when it comes to you,” he admitted leaning in to brush his nose against hers. “Someday I’ll have to be, I’ll have to ask—no beg you to follow me to wherever I go to med school and residency.”

“I’ll go happily, Gil,” Anne said before burying her face into his neck. “I just feel like we’ve wasted so much time. We could have been kissing this whole time.”

“I loved you long before I ever got to kiss you. I’ll miss it desperately but I’ll still love you,” Gilbert said laying back against his pillows and taking Anne with him. She planted her hands on either side of his head as she looks down at him.

“How long?”

“How long what?”

“How long have you loved me?” Anne asked. Gilbert was silent and when she pulled back enough to look at his face she saw he was beet red. “Oh Gilbert, how long?”

“I don’t know really, it feels like I’ve always been in love with you. From the moment I met you I was almost obsessed. When you hated me I felt like I might die from it. When you forgave me it was like I’d seen color for the first time. Everyday as your friend has been brutal and magnificent,” Gilbert said then looked away the blush still on his cheeks.

“When do you become such a poet Gilbert Blythe?” she asked pressing kisses to his warm cheeks.

“Only for you,” He said with a shrug.

“Stop,” Anne whined but she was smiling as she felt her cheeks heat.

“I can't,” Gilbert said stroking a hand over her warm cheek. “I love you so much.”

“And I love you,” Anne said grinning down at him. She buried her face against his neck smiling against his skin when she heard his happy sigh. Maybe he was right and the rest of it would work itself out. They had each other and that’s all that mattered to her anymore.