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Chapter Text

As Anne had leaned her head against the cold dark stone, a tear made it's way down her cheek.

She lifted the back of her hand up to wipe it away. “How are you today Mary?” The stone Anne was leaning her head on was the tombstone of Mary Lacroix. It read, “RIP. Mary, may she be loved in heaven as she was on earth“

“Today wasn’t the greatest day for me.” Anne sat up straight looking at the flowers that bloomed around her in glorious colours. “I even snug out of my room. It was simply impossible for me to wait for tomorrow to tell you. I hope Marilla won’t be mad If she ever were to find out. But I  must say, it was magical and enticing to sneak out of the house!“ Anne’s eyes lit up at the memory.

“I do warn you Mary. If i cry do accept my Apologies.” She sighed before taking one deep breath and beginning to talk about her not so delightful day.

“The day was beginning so splendid. The sun was shining in all her glory and the flowers were blooming in their most pretty colours. At school we had to learn a dance today. It is called the dashing white sergeant. fret not if you are not familiar with it. we also were not. the first try went horribly wrong!” Anne exclaimed throwing her hand in the air in a dramatic gesture. “The second try went beautifully. You know who i danced with?” She paused looking up at the dark evening sky the only light source being the gorgeous white moon and its stars. “Gilbert. It was enticing. I thought he felt as delighted as I but i do suppose he did not.” A new tear rolled down her cheek and down her neck. “today i was taught other. At the festival where i baked one of your cakes, I went to a fortune teller. She told me my equal would be dark haired and a good dancer!” Anne let out another deep sigh. “I was so foolish for thinking it could be Gilbert. He did not come alone to the fair. He came with a Woman and her parents. her Parents! He looked like they were Acquainted for a very long time already. His date was a terrifically beautiful Woman named Winifred. He looked so happy with her and the worst part was he introduces me to her as a classmate and a family friend. Not even as his friend, no. I am only a family friend and a classmate.” Anne scooted closer to Mary’s grave wrapping herself in her arms.

“And you know what is even more horrible? The judges hated your cake. I had accidentally used Liniment and not Vanilla because of my terrible cold.” Anne breathed out closing her eyes. „You would have probably laughed because you found it funny and I must say I probably would have laughed with you.“ she smiled a small smile

“I ran off in embarrassment and Gilbert followed after me! He left this lovely girl standing because i was to embarrassing! I even told him that he and Winifred looked lovely together! and you know what i did after saying that to him? I ran away again. to my luck he didnt follow me this time” She rattled down without pausing to breath.

“If you believed it couldn’t get worse than you were terribly wrong.” Anne opened her eyes noticing that it is already too dark to see the flowers around her.

“I need to leave soon dear Mary but i still need to finish. I have to get this burden of my chest it is becoming too heavy to carry alone. i am sorry that i did not even ask if you were content with carrying it with me.”

She leaned back getting sleepier every new second. ”At the dance i had to dance with Winifred and Gilbert and he looked enchanted by her. he couldn’t even make time to look at me for even the shortest of seconds. and to top it all off I fought with Billy because he assaulted Josie Pye!” Anne’s voice was filled with hatred at her last sentence.

“It was horrible. Everyone was talking and whispering about Josie and were talking to Billy like he did the most heroic thing to be ever done by human kin.” Anne had tears streaming down her face and onto her brown dress Marilla made for her. She yawned and closed her eyes not seeming to mind the hard floor and the cold stone at her back. after her tears had subsided she fell asleep her face being lighted by only the brightness of the Full Moon.

Chapter Text

Gilbert

Gilbert was awoken by a loud thumping at his door. He got up feeling groggy. upon opening the door he saw the Cuthbert siblings looking rather shaken up.

“May i ask what you are doing here on this fine summer morning Mister and Miss Cuthbert? Do you want to step inside to talk?” Gilbert raised one of his eyebrows up at the pair in front of him. Outside, the sun was barely up. no clouds to be seen.

“Oh thank you Gilbert but we must decline. we are looking for our Anne, she wasn’t in her room this morning and we don’t know where she could have went at this time of the day.” Marilla spoke while looking at him. Matthews eyes drawn to the ground.

“We were hoping she told you where she went?” Matthew said still not lifting his eyes.

“I must apologizes, I do not. But i wouldn’t mind looking for her.” For them he put on a smile but Gilbert’s mind was racing. Where could Anne have gone? Was it because of yesterday? Something about what he said or done? What if she hurt herself?

At this point Gilbert didn’t hear Marilla calling out his Name. only when she took a step forward and laid her hand on his shoulder he snapped out of his trance.

“Are you Okay Gilbert? You weren’t responding?” Marilla said, worry filling her eyes. Matthew also looked concerned for the boy in front of him.

He looked up at her before saying “I am fine Miss Cuthbert” He tried a smile which didn’t go as he wanted because Marilla looked only more worried.

“How about Gilbert and i will put on our Coats and we will go look for her all together? Delly is sleeping right now so we will be good for at least two hours” Said Bash who was standing in the door frame of the kitchen.

all the heads turned to him which made him a bit nervous.

“It sounds like a good idea. Lets go Bash” Gilbert said before disappearing to get his coat of the hanger.

a few seconds later the brown eyed boy came back rapped in a this brown jacket.

“Mr Cuthbert and Bash should look at the school. Anne is always spending her afternoons in the Classroom.” Gilbert said. thinking about other places where she might be.

“Miss Cuthbert, If i would have to look for Anne the first place i would choose are the woods or the Barry pond, I would advice you to go there” Gilbert said looking into the direction of the woods. they were shining in the prettiest shades of green. If Anne would have been her she would have made up a beautiful story about riding through the woods. Gilbert thought to himself.

“And where will you go look Gilbert?” Bash asked him getting him out of his thoughts.

Gilbert hadn’t thought about that yet. He didn’t have an answer to that until he looked at the stroller in front of their house.

“I will have a look at our Orchard. Anne once told me she really enjoyed it there and that it would have a scope for the imagination.” he said a smile creeping on his lips and his eyes shining at the Memory of Anne.

“We should set a time when to be back.” Matthew said not sounding as shy as he felt.

“Good idea!” Gilbert looked at his pocket watch. It read 7:48 AM. “lets meet here at 10 AM again. Hopefully we have found her by then.” He said before turning to them again and putting his watch back in his pocket.

“Okay then. Lets go look for her.”

—————————————————————————————————————

Gilbert felt terrible for Lying to the Cuthberts but he didn’t want to upset them, more than they already were, by telling him where he thought Anne would Actually be.

After walking for a short amount of time he could finally see the fence surrounding the place. the fence wasn’t to high and he caught a little glimpse of fiery red that could only belong to one person.

Anne.

He quickened his pace and got closer to the red hair.

When he finally stood in front of the red head his expression saddened. The sight in front of him was a shivering Anne laying at the foot of Mary’s Grave stone with dried tears sticking to her face.

“Oh Anne,” He breathed out “What in the world happened to make you cry this much?” He leaned down smoothing his thumb over her dried tears. Only then he noticed that her temperature has dropped down a bit. He quickly took of his jacket and rapped it around Anne’s thin Body.

He wrapped her in a tight hug lifting her off the ground slowly to not wake her up.

After making sure she was still asleep he then carried her back to his house and into his room.

Gilbert carefully laid her down in his bed, took his coat he gave to Anne off of her and pulled multiple blankets over her to warm her up. As he was about to leave the room he was pulled back by a hand on his arm.

It was Anne’s. She was still sleeping but her face was furrowed like she was having a bad dream. Gilbert decided to stay a little longer and got a chair to sit beside the sleeping girl.

After only a few moment sleep overtook Gilbert. He fell asleep while holding Anne’s hand, his head mere centimeters from their intertwined hands.

Only hours later one of them woke up.

But who?

Chapter Text

When the door of the Blythe-Lacroix house opened three adults came inside looking more worried than ever.

“None of us found her. Gilbert would have surely come to get us if she found her. Wherever else could we possibly look for her?” Marilla said while brushing a hand through her hair. Matthew laid a hand on his sisters shoulder in an attempt to calm her nerves, which only worked to some extend.

“Gilbert should be here already maybe he is waiting for us,” Bash chimed in trying to lift Marilla’s spirit. “lets go check the rooms for them. Maybe they didn’t hear us come in.” He suggested. which relieved some of Marilla’s stress and worry.

She nodded before all of them went through every room of the house. The last one being none other than the room of Gilbert “Simp” Blythe.

Upon entering the room the three adults felt a wave of relive. in front of them was a sleeping pair of young adults. Hands intertwined and faces only inches away from each other.

Matthew was the first to turn around. “eh, um i think we should let them sleep and give them some space.” He said shyly

All three of them turned around and walked out of the room giving them some privacy.

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Some hours later Gilbert woke up to see Anne porcelain like face close to his own which gave him quite the scare and he shot up in his chair only then realizing that he did not let go off her hand the whole time while he was sleeping.

The shook soon wore off and Gilbert only looked at the fiery haired beauty laying in front of him in his bed.

he lifted his hand up to her face wanting to caress it but he decided otherwise not wanting to wake her up. He got up quietly and left the room. He went into the kitchen only to walk into the three parent talking, Matthew not as much as Marilla and Bash.

Matthew saw him first and quickly got up. Marilla, wanting to know why he did that looked up to see a messy haired Gilbert standing in the door.

She quickly got up and walked over to him in a fast pace. “Is Anne awake? Is she well? Wherever was that child? Tell me Gilbert!” Marilla didn’t leave space for Gilbert to speak so he only took one step back holding his hands up in defeat.

“you need to let him breath Marilla he also only woke up” Matthew said to his sister. Gilbert smiled at Matthew, thankful for his help.

Marilla looked at him apologetic. “first off. She is still asleep. Second. At the moment she is well but i think it is very possible for her to have a fever. When i found her she was asleep and her temperature was a bit below normal. And lastly. I think you should hear it from her and not from me where she was and why she was there.” He finished with a sigh.

Marilla thanked him before making her way to his room to wake her little girl up. The others right on her heel.

Marilla said herself in the chair Gilbert had sat in a few moments ago. She gently touched Anne’s face whispering her name. Anne slowly opened her eyes looking around disorientated.

Gilbert couldn’t help but smiling at Marilla’s gentle touches and Anne’s behavior.

“What? What happened-where am i? Why are you here Marilla?” She furrowed her eyebrows looking around sleepy. While doing so her eyes looked with a certain pair of hazel eyes. Her eyes grew big and her mouth went slightly agape. “Gilbert? What are you doing here?”

Gilbert smiled and said. “I should ask you that Miss Shirley-Cuthbert.” he couldn’t help but let out a chuckle.

That made Anne even more confused, which clearly showed in her expression. She looked up at Marilla “Where am right now?” She asked.

Before Marilla could answer her, Gilbert spoke “I’m Sorry,” He cleared his throat. “welcome in the Blythe-Lacroix house.” Anne’s eyes widened even more which made Gilbert burst out laughing.

“Gilbert!” Marilla said serious. “contain yourself. She just woke up.” Marilla wanted to sound serious but couldn’t help a short laugh.

“Marilla!” Anne exclaimed with a muffled voice having buried her head in the pillow.

“wait.” Anne lifted her head up again. Anne looked around the room. Gilbert was looking at her expectantly wondering what she was looking for. when she read the title of a book in the bookshelf realization hit her and her fair cheeks turned a bright shade of red. She quickly buried her face in the pillow again before anyone can see her.

Gilbert, Matthew and Bash looked at her confused while Marilla only smiled knowingly. She brushed over Anne’s red hair before speaking. “were where you child? we were worried sick. Gilbert didn’t want to tell us where he found you”

Anne looked up at Gilbert with thankful eyes. Gilbert knew that it was sincere and he was glad he decided not to tell them.

“I’m sorry Marilla. I was with Mary” Anne sat up in the bed looking at her hands in her lap.

“Oh Anne-girl” Bash now said making Anne notice him and look up at him. Marilla took Anne in a tight embrace. Anne laying her head on Marilla’s shoulder. “what were you doing there? and at that late in the night too.” Anne sniffled, a tear rolling down her cheek at the memory. Gilbert wanted to wipe it away but also didn’t want to make her uncomfortable. Matthew did what he didn’t he took a step toward his daughter and wiped her tear away with a handkerchief.

Anne looked at Gilbert before whispering something in Marilla’s ear. Gilbert took this as a clue that he isn’t supposed to listen to what Anne had to say. He touched Bashs shoulder before speaking “Me and Bash will wait in the Kitchen to give you some privacy.” Gilbert looked at Anne one last time before leaving and she mouthed “Thank you” with a slight smile. He returned her smile before complete leaving the room and going in the Kitchen.

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Anne

“Now, tell me, what were you doing at Marys grave?” Marilla asked with a soft voice and gentle eyes.

Anne wiped at her eyes lifting her head to look in Marilla’s face. “I needed to talk to Mary about the last few days. About the school day, the fair and Gilbert.” at the last part Anne lowered her voice down to a whisper.

“Do you fell better after talking with her?” Marilla asked. All the fury from before vanished. Anne only nodded.

“do you plan to visit her more often?” She nodded again.

“Should we say you can always visit her without telling her and when you have been gone for too long we will ask Gilbert to get you and escort you home?” Marilla suggested. Anne nodded eagerly. “I would like that.”

“Then so it shall be. Now tell us,” Marilla took her face in her hands “what did you talk to her about?”

“you can tell us Anne,” Matthew sat beside his sister. “only if you wish to of course. you can always talk to us. we are here for you.”

At These words Anne broke down crying. Matthew leaned forward and hugged her tightly. brushing through her hair with one hand.

“Shall we head home now? Gilbert and Sebastian already had to tolerate us long enough.” Marilla said holding Anne’s hand.

She nodded before standing up from the bed. only now she really noticed it smells like Gilbert. a slight tone of red crept up her neck.

when they walked in the kitchen Gilbert stood up from his chair and and walked over to them. “Are you feeling okay Anne? You were very cold when i found you if i would have to guess i would say you would probably have a fever soon.” his voice was concerned and his eyes were soft.

She looked away out of embarrassment. “I’m feeling fine at the moment. Thank you Gilbert” she said still not meeting his eyes.

“we will not bother you anymore and head home” Marilla said. “oh you weren’t a bother at all Miss Cuthbert, it was my pleasure. I’m glad we found Anne” Bash said standing up from his place at the table.

“And I thank you both deeply for helping find our Anne” Matthew said fiddling with his hat.

“we will go now” Marilla said walking to the door. Gilbert quickened his pace and opened the door for them. Marilla smiled down at him grateful for his kindness.

“Have a good rest of your day.” Bash said while waving goodbye. “I will see you at school Anne.” Gilbert said biding the Cuthberts goodbye.

“Goodbye Bash, yes I will see you at school Gilbert. Bye” The red head said before turning around and walking off with Marilla and Matthew at her side.

Gilbert stood there for a little longer than needed before closing the door and smiling to himself.

“I think I like-like Anne, Bash”

Chapter Text

Anne did not come to school the following Monday since, as Gilbert had predicted, she found herself laying in bed with a fever.

Anne was dreading the day her fever ended, wanting to go to school to not fall behind Gilbert. At the thought of him her cheeks turned a light shade of crimson.

Marilla had told her that Gilbert carried her all the way from Mary’s Grave to his room and she didn’t even get to thank him for it. But most of all she loathed staying in her bed. She wanted to go outside and greet all the trees and the flowers but especially she wants to greet the luminous sun from outside of her room.

She was sweating under all the blankets and wanted to desperately shake them off but she was not allowed to do so until she broke her fever.

After long dreadful hours there was a knock on her room door.

“you may come in.” She said expecting it to be Marilla or Matthew. But to her surprise it was none other than Gilbert John Blythe standing in her door frame. Her eyes went wide and her face went red out of embarrassment, laying in her bed covered in sweat and blankets.

“Wha-what are you doing here Gilbert?” Anne stuttered out. Her cheeks reddening even more. “I wasn’t expecting you to come and visit me” she stated which made Gilbert smile slightly.

“I wanted to check on you. Also Miss Stacy said that I should bring you your books. we didn’t learn anything new today so i suppose i do not need to show it to you, for you are already familiar with it” He said holding up the books and the slate in his hand.

Anne frowned at that. Why did Miss Stacy have to choose Gilbert to bring her, her books. That was what she thought at least but she could never say that in his face. Now that they started to become friends she couldn’t possibly push him away further from her again.

she only gestured to her desk meaning for him to sit. Gilbert understood and placed the books down before sitting himself in her chair. He looked at Anne before standing up again and walking over to her side. He lifted his hand up to her face before stopping himself. His ears turned a light shade of pink “May I?” He asked. Anne only nodded as an answer not trusting her voice at the moment to scared it would betray her. At her nod he laid the back of his hand against her forehead. “Your Temperature is still above normal. I think you will have to stay in bed for at least one or two more days before your fever will break.”

“Thank you Gilbert.” Anne croaked out with a hoarse voice.

“Whatever for Anne? I just can’t bear you getting hurt.” He smiled down at her with fond eyes.

Anne’s face flushed red but she didn’t hide under the covers this time. “I am thanking you for carrying me the long way up to your room. I must have been an heavy weight.” Anne didn’t look in his eyes. not even his face. Instead she looked at her desk where the books, that Gilbert brought with him, laid.

“Nonsense carrots,” Gilbert stopped dead in his tracks remembering the last time he had called her Carrots. “Anne I’m Sorry,” He looked down at her reaching out for her left hand and holding it in both of his own. “I did not mean to call you like that ever again. Please don’t hit me again.” Anne was taken aback by Gilbert’s Apology. Gilbert still holding her hand looked terrified at what he had done and looked Anne straight in the eyes.

After a split second laughter erupted in the room. It was Anne’s. Gilbert’s eyes almost went completely behind his brown looks. He tried talking but his words came out in stutters.

Taking in a deep breath through her nose she said. “I’m not mad Gilbert. I don’t mind you calling me it.” Gilbert looked even more shocked at that and his mouth fell open slightly. when he didn’t talk Anne continued. “I still have not grown fond of my terrifyingly red hair and i still think it is a disgusting sight to look at and i would understand if nobody would ever like me or even court me. i mean how could they with this Ugly, dreadful, revolting-”

Anne was cut short by her hand getting a very hard and firm squeeze. she looked at Gilbert questioningly.

“Do not talk like this about yourself Anne. It pains me to hear you speaking so poorly of yourself. you are the most scrumptious, beautiful and divine equal being i have ever had the pleasure of meeting. And your Hair.” he stopped taking one of his hands from Annes’ to lift it to her braided hair and caress it. “is the prettiest, Vibrant color to ever be seen in hair. It reminds of A fire. warm and comfortable.”

He stopped talking to look at her when he saw her having tears running down her face. “But Anne, why in the world are you crying?” Gilbert let go of her Hand and Braid to take her face in both of his hands and wipe away her tears only for more to take their place soon after.

“Do-Do you rea-really think so?” She let out a sob she couldn’t contain. “Of course i do Carrots.” He smiled at her with such a warmth that made Anne calm down fast.

"And you think it is really okay for me to call you Carrots?" He asked just to be sure. "Yes someone gave it a new meaning." She smiled at him. her face still decorated with tears.

He wiped her tears away once again before getting up from the bed. Anne instantly starting shivering slightly at the lack of Gilbert’s warmth. He walked to her desk and got the slate and one book off it before returning to the spot beside her again.

She sat up in her bed and looked at the book. It read ‘Jane eyre’ Anne’s eyes automatically light up as soon as she read the title of it. Gilbert noticed and couldn’t help smiling at the girls reaction.

He cleared his throat to get her attention. Blue meeting Hazel. “Miss Stacy gave us the assignment to read it and tell us about our impression of it.” He explained handing her the book. Anne eagerly took it and looked at it from every possible angle. She was so concentrated on it she didn’t even notice that Gilbert got up yet again to get his own copy of the book.

“Oh how marvelous! I can’t wait to read it! I wonder of which person this book is telling it’s story of. oh I can’t even imagine what will happen in this book.” Being in her own world she started opening the book before shutting it tight again. “No, I can’t yet read it. I have to savor it until the very last page.” Only when Gilbert cleared his throat, Anne remembered that she was, to her horror, not alone in her room.

She chuckled nervous. “My apologize Gilbert. I was so Marveled by the book you brought me that i forgot you were sitting with me.” She apologized, embarrassment evident on her face.

“It’s okay Carrots, I often find myself in the same position.” He smiled at her.

That seemed to wake Anne’s interest. “Really? When?” She asked, leaning forward in her bed.

“When i learn something new about medication for example. Bash once had to hit me on the back of my head to get me out of it.” Anne tried to suppress her laugh to no avail. Shortly after Gilbert joined in with her laughter. They could be heard through the whole house. Lucky for them Marilla and Matthew were out in the stables.

“Poor Bash must have called you for minutes to result in him hitting you on the back of your head.” Anne laughed at the thought of Bash calling out Gilbert’s Name who was reading a book about Medicine.

“Oh, he did” Gilbert said seriously which made Anne only laugh more. Gilbert had stopped laughing by now and was now only looking at her. Her freckles and her fair skin and of course the fiery red hair of hers. Though when Anne glanced over at him he quickly averted her gaze blushing.

“Should we maybe read together than?” Gilbert suggested. “Why of course. Lets say, the first to get to chapter 5 wins?” Anne challenged him with a glint in her eyes she always had when competing against him. “does everything always have to be a challenge with us?” Gilbert laughed but still agreed to it. Both opened their book and counted to three.

at three both of them started reading. Concealed in a different World on their Own.

After approximately 70 minutes, Anne closed her book and looked over at Gilbert. He was still in his own world reading Jane Eyre when he suddenly looked up meeting Anne’s eyes.

She quickly looked down again hoping he didn’t notice her staring. But he did. He tried to play it off though.

“Are you at Chapter 5 already?” He asked, surprised at her speed. “Are you not?” She asked playful.

“Why of course not. It has only been.” He took out his watch to look at it to see that more than an hour has already passed. “70 minutes.” Gilbert put his Watch away. he let his eyes wander around Anne’s room. He had never been in another girls room for longer than 30 minutes. let alone without another person.

Anne’s room was like any other young adults room. Simple but yet he found her room weirdly comforting in a way he did not understand.

The one thing Gilbert was directly drawn to was the window. It was the biggest source of light in her room and you could see all of green gable’s from it.

He walked over to it. forgetting about Anne for a moment. He opened it only to be met with a cold breeze and sunlight on his face. he closed his eyes for a second, taking a deep breath of air in.

“It looks magnificent outside of your window.” he stated turning around to face Anne. To his surprise, she wasn’t laying in her bed anymore, but standing not even a meter behind him. Gilbert quickly walked over to her after closing the window again so she won’t get cold.

“You shouldn’t leave your bed. You need to rest.” He gently lead her back to the bed.

“isn’t she the brightest most beautiful being you have ever laid eyes on?” Anne asked looking out the window. Gilbert followed her eyes. understanding that she meant the sun.

“almost.” he simply answered looking at her with a warm smile on his face. Anne could feel her face heating up yet again.

there was silence for a few minutes. Not an uncomfortable one. it was only broken when Anne spoke

“Tell me more about her” Gilbert said, rather than asked. “With pleasure,” Anne smiled, not at him but at the sun. “She has always been there for me. She is, quite literally, my light. no matter how tragic and terrible the day, she always shines in her brightest and warmest colors. When she’s there, the world doesn’t feel too horrible anymore.” Anne looked at Gilbert. He was smiling now, the sun hitting his face making his eyes shine in a even brighter shade of Brown.

“That is beautiful Anne. Thank you for telling me about her.” Gilbert took Anne’s hand in his own holding it tight. “Does this mean your favorite season is summer?” He asked,intrigued.

“Oh no not at all.” She stated “If i had to choose my favorite season it would have to be the winter.”

“Why is that? The sun isn’t shining as bright as in the other seasons.” he was genuinely curious about her answer now. “I know. But in the winter all the flowers and trees are laid to rest so they can bloom in their most vibrant colors in spring. And it is so much more romantic to imagine a hero riding through snowy ground than through a clear patch of dirt. Don’t you think?”

Gilbert chuckled at her answer. “I suppose you are right. It does sound way more romantic with snowy ground.”

“What is your favorite season Gilbert?” Asked Anne now. “I don’t know. I would have to say spring i guess.” He answer nonchalantly.

“And why is that?” Now Anne was the one who got curious. “It reminds me of you. and your imagination. It gives quite the great scope for the imagination don’t you think?” He answered. The answer made Anne blush once again and a smile crept up her lips. Gilbert returned it before noticing he was still holding Anne’s hand. He quickly let go and apologized.

“Gilbert?” Anne asked. “yes Anne?” He folded his hands in his lap looking up at her. “since I allowed you to call me Carrots. may i give you a nickname too?” She didn’t dare look up at him and his stupid smile that always made her stomach feel weird.

“i would be delighted if you’d do” Anne wondered what she could call him from now on.

A smirk replaced her wondering face.

“how about Slate-face then?” She did her best not to laugh out loud but to keep it in. Gilbert’s eyes widened at that name and his mouth fell slightly agape. “How dare you Anne Shirley-Cuthbert!” He placed his hand over his heart in a dramatic gesture. Anne could not hold her laugh any longer. Gilbert tried not to laugh wanting to act hurt at the name. but who wouldn’t laugh together with Anne. After a long time of laughing later Anne said.

“Cordelia. My name is Anne Cordelia Shirley-Cuthbert.” Gilbert cleared his throat before saying

“My deepest apology Miss Anne Cordelia Shirley-Cuthbert. Will you be able to forgive me?” He joked. “You may be forgiven, Gil.” She answered.

“Gil?” He questioned her. Eyebrows knitted together. The sun shining through the window as vibrant as ever.

“your new nickname. do you like it?” She was worried he might distaste the new nickname she had given to him, but when he looked at her, his eyes distinguished all her worry.

“I don’t like it. I L-O-V-E it Carrots!” He exclaimed.

“Well I’m glad you L-O-V-E it!” Anne smiled at him. some time passed again with them talking about books and the queens entrance exams. Gilbert wanted to stay a little longer but knew that he couldn’t. He had to help Bash prepare dinner.

“I have to go now Carrots. I will come visit you tomorrow okay?” Anne was saddened that Gilbert had to leave already but she did not tell him that. Instead she simply nodded and waved him goodbye.

“Do not read any further yet though!” He said, almost shouting. “We will continue tomorrow, okay?” Anne smiled and nodded. With one last smile in Anne’s direction, he picked up his things and was out the door after biding his goodbye.

Anne quickly got up and rushed over to her window, almost falling over the flood of blankets.

when she reached it she saw Gilbert walking away from her house. Her heart started to beat faster after thinking about the time they spent together this afternoon.

“Be still my heart” Anne whispered. When her heart didn’t slow down its beating, realization hit Anne like a blow to the face.

“I think I like Gilbert Blythe.”

Chapter Text

Gilbert.

Gilbert said in his chair beside Charlie looking to his right to see a still empty seat beside Diana. He looked down to hide a smile, knowing he’ll get to see her this afternoon again.

Miss Stacy was pacing back and forth in the room, talking about their Queens entrance exams, looking very stressed out. Taking a quick glance at her pocket watch, she saw that it had already been time to dismiss the children. She stopped talking raising her hands up ans saying “Sorry i took a little extra time than i was supposed to. You all may leave now.” Everyone was quickly on their feet and in the cloak room. Gilbert was one of the first ones out the door exited to see Anne, when he stopped in his tracks.

“I’m glad the dog isn’t here.” Billy said to one of his, just as annoying, friends. “She probably would not have stopped talking. She and her ugly looks and tongue are really getting on my nerves.” Billy started laughing, his friends joining in with him.

Gilbert turned around furious. “What did you just say Billy?” His eyes had a glint in them which made Billy gulp, nervous. “I said that I’m glad that Ugly orphan is sick at home. otherwise she would have been-” Billy didn’t get to finish his sentence. Gilbert had him pinned against the wall, holding his collar. Billy looked at Gilbert shocked and a bit scared. “What are you doing bud?” He chuckled nervous. gripping Gilbert’s hands that were still wrapped tightly around the blonde boys shirt collar.

“I already told you Billy. If you ever hassle Anne again, I wont be so kind to you.” before Billy could respond to him, he let go of him and pulled his hands to him, to get Billy’s of. He spat at the ground in front of Billy’s feet before turning around, picking up his belongings and walking into the woods.

After a short time he meet Diana. “Greetings, Diana.” He smiled at her, walking beside her. “Hello Gilbert.” She looked down avoiding eye contact before speaking up again. “Thank you. For protecting Anne.” Gilbert was surprised at that not expecting it but he regained his calm in a matter of seconds. “You saw that?” He was a tad embarrassed at that. “I think almost everyone saw that, Gilbert.” She chuckled. Gilbert, in utter and utmost shock, was at a loss for words. “Do-Do you think they will tell Anne?” Was the first sentence he said after a while. She looked at him, still walking. “Not from me, no. But Josie saw it and you know how nosy she can be.” Diana looked at him apologizing.

He sight, scratching his back neck. “I guess i should tell her then. so she doesn’t have to find out from Josie Pye.” He finally said. “I suppose that would be smart of you to do.” Diana agreed. “Where are you off to, by the way? We already walked past your house.” She asked confused furrowing her eyebrows.

His neck went a bit red. “I’m going to Anne actually.” He said quietly. “Oh?” Diana was the one surprised now. “what for? If I may ask.” She hastily added the last sentence to not come of rude. “I am supposed to tell her what we did today.” Gilbert didn’t like lying to her but it was only half lying. It was true that he came over for school work. but it was not to show her what she had missed but to read Jane eyre together.

“Than i wish you have a delightful afternoon, you two. Could you tell Anne, that i will be visiting her soon?” She said stopping at a path that lead in two different directions.

“of course, it’s my pleasure.” he smiled at her before lifting his head in a salute before beginning to walk again. “Till tomorrow, Diana.” He said as a goodbye.” She waved at him turning around and walking down the other path leading to the Barry home.

He quickly made his way over to green gables, excitement vivid on his face. When standing on the porch in front of the door, he smoothed over his hair, looking at his reflection through the window, before knocking.

Marilla was the one to open the door. She greeted him hastily before running back in the kitchen. Gilbert walked past her and up the stairs to the hallway. He turned left to see Anne’s door. It was opened just the slightest. He walked over as quit as he could taking a peek in her room.

Anne was sitting at the window. Sun light shining bright on her face making her skin almost glow. Gilbert cleared his throat to get her attention saying “your doctor is here for your daily check up.”

Anne turned around on the spot, seeing Gilbert stand in her door. She chuckled. “Good day Dr. Blythe.” She said, jokingly. “I have wondered when you would delight me with your thousands of questions about my current state of health.” She waved him toward her desk.

He took of his hat, placing it on the redheads desk, as well as his other book. except Jane eyre by Charlotte Brontë. “I’m delighted to hear so.” He said, standing himself beside her.

She was looking out the window again. Her hair was even more vivid than it was yesterday. The sun doing her best in shining in all her glory.

“To spare you the question. I am doing quite well.” Anne spoke, not taking her eyes of the white tree in front of her window. “Marilla said, I should expect my fever to break the day after tomorrow.” She said, finally taking her eyes off of the window and onto Gilbert.

“That is very good to hear.” He lifted up his book for Anne to see. “Are you ready to race me to chapter 10?” He smirked at her. She smiled. “Of course Blythe.” She turned and walked to her bedside table. there the book laid with a book mark, marking chapter five where they last left off.

“But i must say, I would rather we read it outside.” Anne sighed, looking sad. “I haven’t been out since the day before yesterday. I miss the trees and the sun.” Gilbert could understand her. He also did not like to be sick at home for multiple days. not being allowed to go out.

“Why don’t we go ask Marilla? Maybe she will let you.” Gilbert suggested. Anne didn’t look too fond of the idea. “I already had asked her today. And she forbid me asking her again.” She looked down on her book, a strand of hair falling in her face.

Gilbert pondered for a moment about what to do. When he had an idea.

He took a step toward her. tugging her strand of hair back behind her ear. “Marilla doesn’t need to know that we are not here in this room anymore.” Gilbert smiled at Anne’s shocked expression.

“And where do you suppose to go. Or better, how?” Anne questioned him. Gilbert turned toward the window pointing at it. “We can go sit in the branches of the tree. Marilla wont be able to see us up there.” Anne was still shocked but gave Gilbert’s idea some thought.

After pondering for a minute, she smiled and nodded. “Okay, lets take our books with us in the tree to read.” Gilbert’s face light up. He took their books in one hand, Anne’s hand in the other. Her face flushed red. As Gilbert turned to her, she quickly hid her face from him.

“Lets go.” He opened the window. stepping on it. Right in front of the window was a thick branch. Gilbert placed his foot on it. applying pressure with his foot. When the branch didn’t budge, he placed his other foot down. Anne, still in her room, was clutching on to His hand. Scared that if she let go, he would fall.

His Head snapped over to her. “The branch is sturdy enough to carry me. he will most certainly be able to hold you also.” Anne didn’t know what to feel. She was scared of falling but also was enticed by the adventure coming with it.

Anne stepped onto the branch, still holding the boys hand. She had both her feet on the branch when she heard a crack underneath her. Feeling herself slip of the branch.

She closed her eyes scared. And didn’t open them again until

Chapter Text

Gilbert

Miss Stacy walked in to the classroom. Rachel Lynde and her husband right on her heel. Gilbert already knew what this meant. 

They were about to learn the dance for the county-fair barn dance.

“Good day Children, Please be so kind and move the tables and chairs to the side.” Miss Stacy said, halting in front of them.

Everyone got up and quickly pushed them off to the side. After it was done all of them stood in front of the board waiting. Young Women on one side, young men on the other. Only Gilbert didn’t fit. He was standing beside Diana at the far right side of the building.

“As promises, today we will be practicing for the county-fair barn dance.” Their teacher explained. “Mr. and Mrs. Lynde have kindly consented to help us in this endeavor.” She continued. pointing over at them briefly, Preparing to speak again, before the door was opened and two more men and one woman entered. 

Now Mrs. Lynde was the one to talk. “Since the Dashing White Sergeant needs a set of six, I thought we better do so.” One of the men was now standing behind Miss Stacy. “Oh, you remember my son.” 

Everyone could see that the conversation had turned rather awkward. After words were exchanged quickly. They lined up. woman beside men. Two rows facing each other.

“Pay particular attention to the patterns.” She told the children watching them.

Gilbert couldn’t wait for the day to be over, he thought this day to be dreadfully boring.

“Ready?” Mrs. Lynde asked. “Ready when you are Mrs. Lynde.” Mr. Lynde said, earning a chuckle from the girls. Anne was smiling too and Gilbert couldn’t help but keep looking at her. He only stopped when Rachel said “Please clap out the rhythm.” She showed them how and they copied her. 

They began dancing, Mrs. Lynde giving the directions. After a short dance they stopped so the children could try.

Everyone lined up and it all seemed well. Until they started dancing. The adults in the room clapped the rhythm and Mrs. Lynde gave directions again. 

It was an absolute disaster. Tilly left the lane and went to the other group. Charlie and another boy were dancing together. Mrs. Lynde quickly stopped the dance and gave everyone a little break.

Gilbert went to Moody who was now sitting on one of the tables. Anne and the other girls walked past them, following a pale looking Ruby.

Gilbert talked with him for a while before pulling his sock down to look at his injury he got yesterday while being outside in the woods. 

“Looks good.” He said pulling Moody’s sock up again. “How does it feel, though? Itchiness?” He asked him. “No just a little sore.” He answered. Gilbert sighed, impressed with the medicine the Indian Woman used on the wound. “so, can I dance now?” He asked, hopeful. “Sorry, you still need to heal.” Gilbert stated, feeling sorry for his friend.

Gilbert went back to the others, glancing over at Anne. He couldn’t help but smile at her. I want to dance with her. He thought to himself before scolding himself for such thought. We are not even friends. 

When all were lined up once again, Mrs. Lynde began clapping again and Moody began playing along. 

Gilbert was standing right in front of Anne, he was disappointed since he could definitely not dance with her now. He did not let his disappointment show and instead smiled down at her.

When Mrs. Lynde said “Go!” And started counting, they took each other by the hand and started to jump in a circle in both directions, the girls all having a smile on their faces. 

Gilbert looked over at Anne only to meet with her blue eyes. Once they looked eyes with each other they did not look away, too scared to break the moment they were having. They only broke it when the group stopped turning and Gilbert had to turn to Jane. 

He took Jane’s hands, turning with her once, before looking at Anne again. Not for long though since he now had to turn to Diana. He also took her hands turning with her once.

He shot her a quick and friendly smile which she returned. Next they had to dance in “reels of three” Mrs. Lynde shouted over Moody’s music. While dancing with Diana and Jane, his eyes stayed with a certain red head who was now dancing with Mrs. Lynde’s son and Charlie. Anne also did not look at her actual dancing partners, her eyes fixated on the boy who was now coming to a halt in front of her.

They had to dance it all twice and the first round came near to the end. Gilbert, now feeling a strong urge to take Annes hand and dance with her, ‘walk-jumped’ in Annes direction, She doing the same. Not taking his eyes off of her, they then returned to their original starting place.

When Gilbert lifted his arms so Anne could sweep through them, Gilbert decided that he would most certainly dance with Anne today. 

As Anne leaned down to walk under his arm, he quickly took hold of her hand, letting go of Diana. The red head looked up at him, stunned, she gathered herself quickly since the dance had to continue. 

Anne looked over at her bosom friend, seeing her with a smirk on her face made Anne blush a little. 

He tightened his hand around Annes, with a smile on his face. When they danced in the other direction Gilbert pulled her hand a little toward him, the smile not leaving his face. Anne’s face had a unbreakable smile just like his. The smile not even faltering when Gilbert had to let go of her hands and turn to her for the next move.

His face getting a tad more serious. They did as Mrs. Lynde instructed, stepping left once and after that to the right. Anne placed her hands in Gilbert again, the smile still plastered on her face.

When Anne turned to Charlie, repeating the steps they just did, Gilbert did not take his eyes off of the red head. 

Gilbert, who didn’t hear Mrs. Lynde anymore and only concentrated on Anne, wondered if he and Anne really could become good friends. He did not know if he was allowed to feel as such yet he did not stop.

He knew the next step would be ‘reels of three’ so he started walking towards Anne, left shoulder first of course. His eyes as always not leaving Anne for even a second. 

A smile crept up his face again. When they reformed their line Gilbert held up his hand for her to take it. She did so gladly. Stepping forward together, Charlie already forgotten, dancing like it was just the two of them dancing, together, side by side. The moment was cut short when they had to sweep under the raised arms of the other line and Gilbert had to let go of Anne’s hand.

He did not want to do so but had no other choice. He was standing beside Diana and Jane once again, opposite to him an almost glowing Anne. When they stepped forward all together, he unconsciously leaned in a bit more, getting closer to Anne. Gilbert hoped this dance would never end. He new it was silly to think that but he couldn't help himself. Not with Anne.

But as luck would have it, the dance ended just after he had thought that. While the others bowed, Gilbert held Anne’s eye contact. She was smiling yet again. He bowed down in front of her. This gesture got the smile of her face. Anne quickly rushed to the jacket room, Gilbert following her. 

Both of them packed up quickly. Gilbert hoping to talk to Anne about them and if they could really be good friends, Anne hoping she wouldn’t run into Gilbert because she was already embarrassed enough.

Gilbert took his hat turning around to look if Anne was still there. While doing so he put on his hat, only to come face to face with ocean blue eyes. He was stunned not expecting to see her right in front of him, he opened his mouth to speak but before he could Anne was already out the door and gone. He tried to go after her but was stopped when Moody wanted to talk to him more about his injury.

He took one last glance at the door, wondering if she tried to avoid him and if she did, why? before walking over to moody who was still sitting at the table.

Chapter Text

When Anne didn’t feel her back hit the ground in excruciating pain, she dared to open her eyes. The first thing she saw was the bright light of the sun, it hadn’t been the only thing she saw. After a few seconds she could make out the face of someone.

Anne squinted her eyes trying to see who it was that was standing before her. Her eyes wandering along the outline of the one in front of her. To the spot where she suspected the eyes to be, all the way down to his chin and along his jaw line. She could smell that it was summer, the trees were showing their prettiest shades of green. The flowers were still blooming from the previous season, spring, and the sky was clear of even the tiniest of white fluffy clouds. Some of the leaves were even changing colors to a light red and yellowish color. Autumn would be next and it will only take a few more month until it fully arrived.

“Are you okay Anne?” The mysterious silhouette spoke. Anne could not stop thinking about where she had heard that voice before. Her eyes only slowly adjusted to the luminous light. Her brain working very hard trying to connect the force to a face.

Her thoughts were interrupted when her eyes finally adjusted enough to make out the face. To her utter shook it was none other than Gilbert Blythe himself.

Gilbert looked Anne up and down, the worried expression not leaving his face easily. Anne, feeling a tad lightheaded, tried herself with a smile to reassure Gilbert yet the smile failed miserably for it made Gilbert only more worried. Anne again let her eyes wander to her surroundings. Her eyes went big like a doe after she had spotted someone walking the path up to green gables. Only now her memories returned to her on where she was and why she was there. Gilbert, who was holding Anne around her waist in s tight grip not even thinking of letting her go, followed the direction Anne was looking to spot Marilla walking closer to the house and closer to them.

Without hesitation, Gilbert pulled Anne closer to him which earned him Anne’s wide eyes on his face. A bright shade of pink started to blossom on Anne’s ears, only now she had realized in what position she and Gilbert had found themselves. Gilbert, oblivious to it all, started to stagger a bit quickly letting go of his copy of ‘Jane eyre’ to steady himself on the next best branch. The copy falling down and landing on a thicket of more branches just underneath them.

Marilla was almost at the door to green gables now, scared to be noticed Anne tried hiding her face, to her luck it was in Gilbert’s shirt just over his heart. He looked down on her red hair realizing that he was holding Anne Shirley-Cuthbert in his arms his rival in school, his friend but more importantly the one he liked. His ears took on a deep shade of red and his heart quickened. Anne, still hiding her face, could not see the blush on Gilbert’s face yet she could hear his heartbeat quickening its pace. She imagined It was because of her, but only for a moment, settling for a simpler, more believable reason that it was from the shock of almost falling down a tree.

Gilbert glanced down hoping to find Marilla more than 10 meters out of reach. He sighed in relief for Marilla was at least 13 meters away from the house and so from them too.

He tried to make a plan in his head as quickly as he thought possible for him before tightening the arm he has wrapped around Anne’s waist. Anne widened her eyes, guessing his next step.

When Gilbert lunged himself forward into Anne’s room, through the window that was still opened and only a couple of feet away. While doing so Gilbert had turned them so that Anne would be on top of him and not land too hard.

Anne had closed her eyes the moment her feet had left the branch. The next time she opened them again she landed with a thud in the ground but not as hard as she had expected. Anne could still feel Gilbert arms around her body, one around her delicate waist the other on the back of her red head.

Upon opening her eyes she was meet with Gilbert chest. As she realized in what position she and Gilbert found themselves heat shot up to her cheeks and the back of her neck, such could only hope the heat did not make her face appear red.

Gilbert was meet with red hair in his face, he quickly sat up, still holding onto Anne. When he was in a sitting position he pulled Anne closer and examined her thoroughly, holding her face upwards with his hand that was placed on the back of her head only a few moments before.

At last he examined her face, oblivious to Anne’s heart veering way too fast to be normal, for any bruising or cuts made from his jump. He placed the back of his hand on his forehead before laying it on Anne’s.

Anne, now really hoping she still had the same colored face as every other day, widened her eyes. She tried to tell Gilbert that she was not hurt and that he needn’t worry, but no words came to her. She became a stuttering mess, to her embarrassment.

Gilbert’s face grew concerned, his eyes trained on Anne “your fever spiked up again, your temperature is higher than yesterday.”

Anne knew that it was not her fever making her temperature rise but she was not about to let Gilbert know that so instead she shook her head and waved him off with her right hand.

“It is fine Gilbert. I am most certain that I will be able to attend school in the next week.” Anne tried waving off his concern hopping he would drop the topic.

Gilbert still had a concerned expression but nodded, helping Anne to her feet and over to her bed. “I think it is best to keep on reading in your room and not on the snow queen.” He scratched the back of his neck embarrassed.

“Your book Gilbert!” Anne’s eyes went from Gilbert to her window and the branch of the snow queen grew so tall that it reached into her room. The afternoon sun was painting the blossoms of the snow queen in an light yellow color.

He draped a blanket over Anne, putting a towel that he had drowned in water a few moment before on her forehead. “I will go get.” Anne was sweating, yet, Gilbert reached down and caressed her warm cheek.

Anne leaned into the touch “But how? You certainly won’t be able to go on the snow queen. Her limbs are simply not sturdy enough to hold.” Anne said, looking in his hazel eyes, they shone even brighter now, that the sun light reached them.

“I will be fine, Carrots. I certainly won’t fall, you mustn’t worry for me.” He said, smirking down at her. Anne normally loathed that smirk and always wished she could slap it off his face, of course not with her hand, that would not be ladylike, but another broken slate won’t be too bad of damage would it? But in this moment, the smirk sparked everything other in Anne except for hatred.

She nodded at Gilbert, still worrying for his well being. Gilbert already made his way to the window. Before climbing onto the snow queen he looked around for Marilla, when he did not spot her he concluded that she must already be inside. When he looked over green gables once more, making sure that Marilla really was no where near him, he finally placed one foot on a branch that he thought looked sturdy before putting on his body pressure, the branch only bent a bit but did not break. Gilbert decided it was sturdy enough so he put the other foot beside the first.

The branch still did not break into two, he decided it was safe to move further. When he was standing over his book he reached down for his book, he did not hear the door of green gables opening or Marilla coming through it, so when her voice called to him, he jumped up in shook and had to sturdy himself on another branch near him, so not to fall.

“Gilbert? Whatever are you doing up on the tree?” Marilla was clearly confused seeing as the young boy was reaching down to get something. “Uh.. ahm…” Gilbert stuttered out, lost for words.

Anne, having walked over to her window to look out for Gilbert, jumped to his rescue.

“Oh dearest Marilla!” Anne popped her head out of the window, her blanket still draped over her shoulders. The sun making her hair glow like fire In a fireplace. Her eyes shining in a blue that could only be described as the deepest part of an ocean. Gilbert thought she never looked more stunning and beautiful. Anne not aware of his eyes on her continued speaking “I have spotted a bird on that branch of the snow queen. I thought it to look hurt for it was looking like it had broken one of his glorious brown wings. Since you strictly forbade me to go out of the four walls of my room, Gilbert offered to go look after the bird. That’s how he got up on the snow queen, after I assured him that her limbs were perfectly stable.” At that Gilbert snorted, which he covered up with a cough

Marilla’s face was stern but softened a little at her charges explanation. She looked up at Gilbert and he could have sworn he saw her face show sadness for a split of a second, but as soon as he thought so it disappeared again.

“Please do be careful Gilbert.” Marilla spoke to him while looking up at him. Gilbert smiled reassuring her that he would be. Her gaze wandered to Anne again “Where is the bird now? I can not see any bird on the tree, dear child.” Marilla called up to her.

Anne had to think for the right answer for a brief moment. Her eyebrows creasing slightly.

“I must have been mistaken since the bird flew away as soon as Gilbert had set foot on a branch.” She continued her explanation looking pleased with what she came up with.

Marilla seemed to believe their made up story. She glanced up at Gilbert to make sure he was standing safe and secure. She knew the tree has been standing there for dozens of years and she did not know how sturdy it would be. She was about to let it go when she noticed something.

“Why is there a book under Gilbert? How did It get to be there?” Anne wanted nothing more than to slap herself. Why did she decide to go out there with Gilbert thinking it was a good idea. Anne opened her mouth to explain even further. Before words came over her lips she was interrupted by the brown haired boy.

“Anne startled me. She asked me if I would see the bird she had seen. I was concentrating on where to step so when she spoke I got so startled that I dropped the book.” Anne worried that Marilla may not believe it, her worry only grew when Marilla spoke again.

“Why were carrying your book with you, Gilbert would it not be the best to have both hands when climbing on a tree? Gilbert wrecked his brain trying to figure out a good enough lie. He did not like to lie to Ms. Cuthbert. But telling the truth would only get him in trouble and that is the last thing Gilbert wants right now.

“I told him to use the book to pick up the bird,” Anne spoke “I was scared the bird would get startled by Gilbert’s approach or even get hurt by Gilbert carting them in his hands. I did not want it to get hurt further. I am sorry Marilla I did not think if it would affect Gilbert ability to climb on the snow queen.” Anne finished looking down at her feet as If ashamed

As Anne was explaining Gilbert had lent down to grab his bound book of the thicket of branches under him and made his way over to the window, Anne still leaning out of it.

“Now, now Anne, it was still Gilbert’s decision to go out for the bird, you do not need to be sad nor ashamed.” Marilla tried to get Anne to perk up. It did for her head was immediately up again, a big smile on her face. “And Gilbert,” Marilla said now turning to Gilbert who has already set foot on the windowsill. He looked at her awaiting her to continue “you shan’t do that again, ever. I know you did it so Anne would be reassured that the bird was fine, but I expect you to not do so again. I could have ended differently if she had slipped or if the snow queens branch would have snapped.” Gilbert, who was now standing beside Anne in the window put his hand on his chest “I promise you miss Cuthbert, I will never do so ever again.” He smiled down at him and Marilla had a smile of her own on her face. Neither Anne nor Gilbert noticed the sadness hiding in her eyes. When Marilla turned to leave Gilbert and Anne released a breath they both did not know they were holding.

“I’m glad she believed our lie and did not figure us out.” Gilbert said, looking over to Anne “I must admit, the story you came up was simply genius Carrots!” Gilbert exclaimed, Anne chuckled at him “I am honored that you have found my story to your liking Gil and you have not been to bad of a story teller yourself, you made me proud in the slightest. You have learned well my student.” She said with a smile. Mocking him a little. Gilbert returned it with one of his special ‘Anne smiles’. “ I would have not been able to do so if I had had a different teacher. Thank you Mrs. Shirley-Cuthbert for sacrificing your precious time for a dumb boy like me. They joked around a bit more before he looked down on his pocket watch his eyes widening. Not knowing how the time passed by so fast. He looked to Anne apologetically “I need to be off now carrots. I had promised Bash to get back earlier today so I can help him out in the orchard.” He explained to her. Anne looked sad for a brief moment before looking up in his eyes, a small smile on her face. “It’s okay Gil. I’ll see you tomorrow?” He smiled once more at the girl in front of him, putting his pocket watch where it belonged again. “I shall return tomorrow and we will continue Jane eyre, this time inside tho.” He added fast. “I will count the minutes until we will meet again.” Gilbert said dramatically, bowing down in a ninety degree angle. Anne tried being serious when she spoke next “I will do just the same Gil, I will await your presence and your annoying smirk once more. Good night.” Anne was just as dramatic as him. Both looked at each other before bursting into laughter. Anne even had to wipe a tear from the corner of her eye from all the laughing. They stayed like that for a few more moment before Gilbert walked over the door, opening it and taking a step out. He turned around once, Anne’s eyes fixated on him, and bowed down once again. “Farewell Carrots!” Gilbert spoke, happily. “Farewell Gil.” She managed to say between laughs.

Gilbert walked out the door, closing it behind him. Anne quickly rushed over to her window to see Gilbert walk away. He turned once, feeling eyes on him, to see Anne in her window looking down on him. He raised his hand waving at her. She waved back at him. He only stopped and turned around when he got to the fence of green gables. Anne returned to her bed and sat down on it.

When she got up from her bed again it was already late in the afternoon, early evening, and she knew it would soon be time for dinner. She decided to open braids before going down the stairs to be met with Marilla.

“Anne, why are you out of bed. You know I would have called for you when dinner is ready.” She was standing in the kitchen preparing the dinner for the small family. “Oh dear Marilla!” Anne exclaimed loudly, all to Marilla’s dismay. “Lower your voice child.” She warned “I can understand you just fine when speaking in a normal volume. Anne quickly apologized for her outburst. “I am forever sorry Marilla, it was not my intention to be so terribly loud.” Marilla chuckled at her charges apology waving her off thinking that was it and the conversation would be dropped, Anne had another plan. “I wanted to ask a favor Marilla” She now said, making Marilla turn to her, questioningly. “Continue.” Was all she said. “If you would allow me to leave the house-“ Anne was cut of by Marilla turning away from her, her attention turned to the soup that was still waiting to be finished. “I have already told you No, Anne. Do not make me repeat myself.”

“But Marilla!” Anne started, desperate to be allowed out of the house. “No Anne. It is the last time I will tell you. Please, go up to your room. I will get you when dinner is ready.”

Anne looked down on the ground, ashamed and mad that Marilla had not let her finish. She stomped up the stairs to her room on the end of the hallway. When in her room, she threw herself on the bed that was standing in the middle of the room against the wall. She buried herself under her blankets, before throwing them off again because she still had a fever and did not want any extra layers for it was already warm enough as it is.

Dinner went over quietly without much talking from Anne. When dinner was over she made her way up her room before being stopped by Marilla. “Anne, please wait a moment and sit down again.” She gestured at the place in front of her, Matthew had already gotten up to go and look after Belle in the farm once more.

Anne did so, reluctantly taking a seat again. They sat there in silence for a while before tho older woman began to speak “I am sorry for my harsh words before Anne.” Anne had expected everything from Marilla but not an apology, her eyes widening in shook. “I have thought it over and I will allow you to leave the house but only when Gilbert or Matthew, Jerry or me are with you.” Marilla stopped not quite finished but waiting for Anne’s reaction. The girls ears perked up at that and her eyes grew even wider. Marilla could read Anne’s expression all to well, she was beyond happy. “That was not all child.” She continued, all to Anne’s dismay, her eyes became normal again and her face fell in the slightest.

“I want you to wear warm clothing if you leave the house and you will stay either on green gables or at the Blythe house, nowhere else.” Anne was certainly sad that she could not go to Diana herself or visit Mary again but she agreed still, eager to go outside again.

Anne nodded, her eyes showing nothing but happiness toward Marilla. “Go upstairs and get ready for bed now Anne, it is too late for you to be up still.” Marilla only said, stroking Anne over her fiery red head. She quickly got up rushing up to her room, eager for it to be tomorrow.

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When Anne was up in her room and Marilla and Matthew were sitting in the parlor, together drinking tea. Marilla had remembered what she had seen in this afternoon and decided to tell her brother about it. After putting down her tea she spoke amused “You could never guess what i had seen today,” Matthew lifted his eyes from the paper on his lap to look up at his sister a question on his lip, yet he kept quite. “It was Gilbert Blythe, up on our tree.” She explained to him with a smile on her lips, her mind wandering back to her own youth. Matthew laughed out loud at her explanation, hiding it behind a cough. He smirked up at his sister remembering all the times he had seen a Blythe boy up on that tree.

“I always new he takes after his father.” He said jokingly, fiddling with his hands, a smile on his lips now too. Marilla nodded her head, remembering how John ad climbed up the tree, when it was younger and more stable, and not Autumn, to go and see her without her parents noticing since it was most certainly not suitable for children their age. Marilla and Matthew stayed there in the parlor talking about their youth and their possible future together with Anne, occasionally taking sips of their already cold tea.

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When the red head was thought to be asleep, before going to sleep she had apologized to the snow queen for breaking one of her precious limbs, she had forgiven her without holding a grudge or being mad, which Anne was ever so grateful for. Now she lay awake reminiscing about the day and its adventures and romanticizing about new adventures with the witty and fearless Cordelia on her mare riding through the forest in the deepest of Autumn soon to be winter.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Cordelia was riding through the forest on her white mare that she had called Delight. Her black hair was fluttering in the wind behind her, the cold autumn breeze hitting her face. It smelled like grass and freshly fallen leaves. It smelled warm even when the wind was cold from the soon arriving winter.

The trees that were surrounding her were almost bare of all leaves and the ones that were still holding onto the trees long limbs were shining in shades of orange and red. The sun light only making them more vibrant.

When she looked around all the flowers, that were either dying or closing in on themselves, on the side of the pathway spoke to her, either to complement or to complain to her in hopes that she would be so kind and help them out. Yet no one dared to speak bad about her, behind her back or in her face for there was not anything bad to be said about her, she was perfection in person. If someone thought about the word the first thing coming to mind would be her.

She slowed down to hear them talk, occasionally leaning down and stroking a few of them that she had found to be the prettiest or the one shining in the most beautiful colors.

When she had passed the flowers and was riding on a field, that kept only grass, she sped her mare up, lifting her arms and letting go of the bridle. She did not see the little river in her path, so when trying to cross, delight had slipped down and got spooked. The mare bucked and reared trying not particularly to throw her off but mostly to calm down. Cordelia did her best to calm her down, failing with no luck. She got thrown of her and fell directly in the small river. She quickly stood up to try and calm her again but before she could do anything Delight had ran off toward the forest in the other direction from where they came from.

Cordelia called after her horse, trying to keep up and catch her. Delight started to slow down a bit, still running in the direction of the forest. Cordelia did not look where she was running and tripped over a rock hurting her knee in the process. While sitting up she examined her knee to see it was bleeding out of a big wound running along it. She cursed under her breath trying to get up, when a hand appeared in front of her face.

“here let me help you Milady.” Cordelia let her gaze wander upwards to see a hooded figure belonging to the hand, she guessed it to be a man for his voice was low and he was rather tall, yet she could not make out his face. She slapped his hand away and got up by herself. She was wobbly on her feet but refused to except the help of the man in front of her, who had retreated his hand.

Cordelia squinted her eyes trying to make out the face of the mysterious man. she could not see his whole face, she only caught glimpses of it. Like his hazel brown eyes or his dark brown hair that curled around his face getting pushed down by the hood. She thought he looked familiar but she could not remember where she had seen him before. When he had caught her eyes with his she quickly averted his gaze only to spot her mare being held by him in one hand and another horse in the other. She reached her hand out to Delight snatching the bridle from the strangers hand. She checked if delight was okay, giving her a sugar cube and reassuring her that it was okay before swinging her leg over the saddle and sitting up. She could feel his eyes on her, her body getting hot. “Don’t i get a thank you?” He asked her to which Cordelia only rolled her eyes before kicking Delight in the side and making a clicking sound with her mouth riding off. She did not look behind again yet she knew the stranger was following her. “You are hurt. I saw it and you are still soaking wet. If you would allow me to look at the wound-” He was not able to continue since Cordelia had quickened her pace now entering the trees.

She had almost completely forgotten about her wound or the fact that she was soaking wet, she knew that she would probably catch a cold for riding in wet clothes, and she will have to get her wound treated. She ignored the mans voice and the ones of the flowers as best as she could, concentrating on the path in front of her and her own thoughts.

But with the next thing he said, he had really caught Cordelia of guard for his next lines were,

“Any dragons around here that need slaying?”