Tags: Angst. Mentions of blood. Happily Ever After
---
Gilbert coughed, the handkerchief pressed to his mouth coming away bloody. Anne dabbed his sweaty forehead with a cool cloth, eyes trained on the doctor across from her.
“He’s going to be alright, isn’t he?” Anne half begged, half asked. Dr. Meage, the new physician in Carmody, frowned, and placed his stethoscope in his black doctor’s bag, motioning with his head towards the door.
Abandoning her cloth, she joined him in the doorway.
“I’m afraid it’s bad, my dear. He’s strong though that lad of yours. If he makes it through the night... Well it’s best to say your goodbyes now, my dear. Before it’s too late.”
He patted her shoulder in what was supposed to be comfort, but felt like the shadow hand of death coming to claim her dearest love.
Barely noting the doctor’s leaving, Anne sunk down into her chair, hand pressed over her mouth.
“No,” she murmured, over and over. “No, no no.” The world moved back and forth, seesawing with her shaking head.
Gilbert shifted next to her, trying to catch her gaze.
“Anne,” he gasped, interrupted by a fit of coughing, “Marry me.”
It took her a second to understand. “What?” She half laughed, half breathed.
“Marry me, now.”
“No, you’re going to get through this. You’ll get better and you’ll be ready for our wedding in a month. This is just a... a setback. It’s just...”
“Anne... Anne. We...both... know... i... won’t... make... it. Better to.. do it... now. Just in case.”
“Gilbert.” She stopped, turning to window as a few tears slipped down her cheeks. She didn’t want him to see her pain at his request. Ever since he’d proposed, she’d had visions of her wedding in the old Blythe Orchard, amid the blossoms and the birds. A gathering of their family and friends. Laughter. A new life.
Not grief and death.
She loved him, she did. And if this was to be his final request, then how could she refuse?
“Yes, I’ll do it.” She turned back to him. “I’ll marry you now. But we don’t have rings.”
Gilbert attempted a smile, a ghoulish grimace. “I’ll marry you... with paper rings... if I have--” The handkerchief gained more blood.
Anne nodded, and went to leave. “Wait, Anne. I gotta tell you... going from rivals to friends to this...has been the best moments of my life."
" Oh Gilbert." Anne returned to his side, knelt, and kissed his hand once, twice, and a third time before rising. She walked backwards holding onto his hand until the last possible second.
Anne made her way downstairs. Hazel bustled around the kitchen, with Bash, Elijah and Delphine clustered around the table. Bash rose at Anne’s appearance.
“I need you to go for the minister, Bash.”
Hazel looked at her sharply. “He’s that close to death to need his last rites?” She questioned.
“No.” Anne inhaled, steadying herself, holding back her emotions. “No, I need him to perform a wedding.”
I need to get on board catch up and read all the popular shirbert fics but idk where to look or start does anyone have a link/s?? or just any of your favourites? Please 👉👈 ik I'm missing out
Anne is not allowed into a Christmas ball as an unaccompanied female. Good thing Gilbert is there to pretend to be her fiance so she can be allowed in! Cuteness, dancing, fake courting and a whole lot of feelings ensue!
avonleaace | complete | 1/1 | 3k
something good and right and real
"You think that the way to magically turn our friends into reserved people -- people who would never dream of starting rumors about our personal lives on the internet -- is pretending to date and therefore doing the one thing that they started rumors about on the internet?"
---
There are two ways to move past the stage of pre-friendship awkwardness where both people are too stubborn to apologize and forgive.
The first way is to let time and kindness heal the wound, gradually finding your way to friendship and understanding.
The second way? Band together as unlikely partners and mount a harebrained scheme involving half-truths, ambiguous tweets, and sniping at each other over seasonal drinks from Starbucks.
CrimsonPetrichtor | complete | 1/1 | 9k
modern
real or not real
“I could do it.” Gilbert said, looking straight ahead.
Anne stopped. “What?”
He turned to look at her; they were just outside Green Gables now. “I could do it. I could court you.”
“What- We- You- I- You don’t like me like that.” Anne sputtered.
Gilbert smirked at her. “Well we could pretend. I could court you and be your fake boyfriend.”
For one of the few times in her life, Anne Shirley-Cuthbert was speechless.
thearkdelinquents | complete | 1/1 | 12k
say my name, don’t ever stop
The gossip in Avonlea is insidious, making Gilbert think it’s a good idea to initiate a fake courtship of Anne.
Anne makes him promise it won’t affect their relationship (because, obviously, they’re just friends).
Plot twist: it affects their relationship.
anbethmarie | complete | 5/5 | 13k
c h a n d e l i e r
Anne Shirley asks her *best friend* Gilbert Blythe to accompany her to the Halifax orphanage reunion party as her supposed fiance in order to show all the people who had made her life a misery that she's got her love life together.
And then, when she gets drunk, the consequences are both unexpected and disastrous.
Or are they?
anbethmarie | complete | 12/12 | 26k
modern
UNCOMPLETE
sol i taire
Gilbert Blythe, a student of medicine struggling to make ends meet, is accosted by a desperate red-headed stranger who promises to pay him over and above what he needs if he agrees to marry her immediately.
anbethmarie | uncomplete | 9/? | 21k
Tragical Romance and All
"Anne would later attest, loudly and to anyone who would listen, that her response to finding out her secret love letter had been sent out was the response that any rational person would have.
She fainted.
Late that night, when she was running over the terrible events of the day in her head for the millionth time, she realized she had already made her decision. That she had decided when he first asked.
Fuck. She was going to fake-date Gilbert Blythe. Her life really was going to shit."
grasslandgirl | uncomplete | 1/? | 3k
modern
Love Letters
"You see, these letters aren’t just any letters. These are letters to every single boy that I’ve ever had a crush on and not just any little crush, no, a crush so incredibly major that I had no idea how else to get it out of my head. A crush so big that you might even be able to call it love. There are four in total. Moody Spurgeon, from 1st grade, Cole Mackenzie, 3rd grade, Gilbert Blythe, 7th grade, and Jerry Baynard."
Anne had always been so careful with her letters. But what happens when they accidentally get sent out? (Based on To All The Boys I've Loved Before)
It should be noted that Anne Shirley-Cuthbert’s hair could be easily placed in Gilbert Blythe’s top favorite things about Anne. To begin with, it was very practical. Anne’s attention was easily caught, and often times Gilbert lost her in large crowds. However, nobody was blessed with hair like Anne’s, and Gilbert could easily spot it.
Gilbert thought it was quite beautiful. He could never tell her this, because she would assume he was making fun of her and then they would argue, something they were trying not to do. This did not keep Gilbert thinking about the way it seemed to shine under the summer sun, or glow against the snowy backdrop during the winters. He loved the way it curled ever so slightly in the heat, and the lose waves that appeared like ripples in a lake whenever she took her braids out. It was the color of fire, not malicious though. Warm, inviting, protective.
Gilbert often toyed with her hair, which Anne hated. She still never forgave him for pulling on it. Gilbert couldn’t help it, it infatuated him. He couldn’t help but twirl it around his fingers when they found themselves alone. Once in a while Anne would tell him she’s thinking about chopping it all off like when she was 14, just to watch him squirm. She wouldn’t though, as she had begun to think it wasn’t so bad after all.
Hi! Do you happen to know if there’s a masterlist of shirbert fics or something of what would have happened season 4? ☺️ i don’t even know if this even exists😅
Hello! Unfortunately, I do not read/know of any shirbert fics at all. But maybe someone who sees this can help you out!
do you guys have any recommendations for shirbert fics? or do you know of a masterlist/compilation of recommendations that exists?
thank you so much for asking me and I’m sorry I couldn’t be of any help :(
“Happy Easter!” Anne gave her bosom friend a hug, sitting down beside her in class.
“To you too!” Diana returned.
Anne brandished a posy of wildflowers, giggling. “For your table, Madame.”
“Oh Anne,” Diana breathed. “The trilliums are blooming! I do wish I could go with you to pick more of them, but Mother wants me to come home right after school. We’re going to Carmody tonight to spend it with my cousins.”
Anne’s countenance fell. “You mean, you’re not coming to Easter dinner?”
Diana glanced around and lowered her voice. “No. And you should’ve heard the things Father said. It made me so angry I had to go to my room to scream into my pillow.”
“They won’t allow you to come?”
“No.” Diana sounded so dejected.
“I want this Easter to be perfect for Mary. She’s made Sebastian so happy! I just wish you could make it.”
Diana squeezed Anne’s hand. “Perhaps next year things will be different.”
Miss Stacy called the class to attention and their conversation ended.
-
Easter morning dawned bright and clear, with the crow of a rooster and the lowing of milk cows. The Snow Queen finally sprang forth her blossoms, showering Anne’s gable room full of starry white petals.
“Happy Easter to you, dear Snow Queen!” Anne called out her window, finishing tying her braids.
Down below she noticed a horse trotting up the drive. It was Gilbert Blythe. Anne took a quiet moment to really assess her rival. He was really quite handsome, having left boyhood behind, and looked all manly at the moment astride his horse.
Gilbert dismounted, and, noticing Anne in her window, waved. Ashamed at being caught, Anne drew back and slammed her window closed.
As she made her way down the stairs she could hear Gilbert’s voice.
“I’m here to retrieve whatever foodstuffs you are providing for Easter dinner.”
Marilla answered him back. “The shepherd’s pie isn’t quite done, so we’ll bring it along when we come over later. Anne,” Marilla said, spotting the latter as she entered the kitchen. “Will you fetch that pie I made last night? And a few of those fruit preserves, please.”
Anne did as she was bid, and quick as naught, had an old sturdy basket filled with food looped over Gilbert’s arm.
“We’ll be over there after church. Now get, get, or you’ll be late!” Marilla shooed Gilbert out the door goodnaturedly. “Are you ready for church, Anne?”
Anne twirled, showing off the new dress Marilla had made her. It was green-- a dark green like an evergreen tree-- with accents of gingham at the wrist, hem, and yoke. “I love it, Marilla.”
“I’m glad.” Marilla sighed, glancing out the window. “There’s Matthew with the buggy now. Let me pull the shepherd’s pie out of the oven and we’ll be off.” Marilla set the dish on the warm stove, covering it with a cloth. “There, that will keep it warm until we return.”
“Is it alright if I go over early to help Mary?” Anne asked.
“After church, mind you. Now grab your coat and let’s be off.”
-
Anne walked with Gilbert to his home. “Lovely service. I’m sad that Bash and Mary couldn’t make it.”
Gilbert glanced aside at her. “You know that it’s just an excuse, right?”
Anne raised an eyebrow, scoffing. “I remember that first Sunday. I thought the minister would die from apoplexy there on the spot! I think it so shameful that some folks discriminate. And especially a minister who preaches we’re all equal in God’s eyes! Being banned from the church just because the color of their skin... Oh and don’t get me started on Diana’s parents.”
“They sent a note declining Mary’s invitation.” Gilbert added, glowering and shaking his head. “Within all the flourishing and fancy language, it wasn’t hard to detect the real reason. We all know they won’t come because Bash and Mary are black. It’s disgusting.”
Together they trudged through the mud in the path. A silence fell on the pair, but while in the past it would have made Anne uncomfortable, right now she felt at ease. Was their rivalry truly at an end? Could they perhaps, be friends?
Somehow, that word wasn’t adequate enough to describe her relationship with Gilbert. Her and Diana were friends , and her and Ruby were friends as well in a similar way. Same with Cole and Aunt Jo. Kindred Spirits and friends all rolled into one.
She and Gilbert were friends not in that way. They were different but she couldn’t put her finger at how...
Anne, frustrated at how the right word eluded her, wasn’t watching where her footsteps were landing, and she stumbled over a hidden branch.
“Careful,” admonished Gilbert with a little laugh, catching her elbow to steady her.
“Thanks.” He let go and, strangely, Anne mourned the loss of his touch.
Soon, they made it to the Blythe-Lacroix house, which was already a-bustle with activity. Mary met them at the door.
“Gilbert Blythe! You will stay outside. I want no bad luck of yours to interfere with my cooking, you hear me? You take one step inside this kitchen and your curse will rain down and ruin all my hard work. You can clean yourself up in the barn and enter in through the other door.”
“Aye aye ma’am.” Gilbert gave a goofy salute and headed off round the back.
Anne smiled at Mary. “Would you like some help?”
“I believe I’m all about finished, but thank you for your offer. Maybe you could set the table? There’s Marilla and Matthew now. Oh! And the Lyndes right behind them.”
Soon they were all gathered together, and Sebastian said Grace.
Mary cleared her throat. “Thank you all for coming. You’ve made my heart good. It’s so nice to cook for a large gathering again.”
“Thank you for having us, Mary.” Marilla smiled over her glass.
“What did you put in your chicken Mary? It is absolutely scrumptious and divine.” Anne sighed, in raptures over the blend of spices on her tongue.
“Let’s see, paprika, cumin, tarragon, pepper, and a hint of lemon. I’m glad you like it.”
“Like it? It’s the best chicken I’ve ever tasted!” Anne caught sight of Marilla and hastily amended her statement. “After Marilla’s, of course.”
“Yes, Marilla’s fried chicken is always wonderful,” Rachel Lynde chimed in. “But your chicken, Mary, well, has an… unusual taste, that’s for sure.”
Anne glared at Mrs. Lynde, annoyed.
While the adults changed the subject and chattered about someone’s new cow or other, Gilbert nudged her arm. “Here, you can have more of mine.” He said quietly, gesturing to his plate.
Anne turned the glare on him. “Why? Do you not like it either?” She snarled.
Gilbert raised his hands to ward off her ire. “Relax, Anne. I enjoy Mary’s cooking just swell. But since I’m full and still have some left, perhaps you’d like to finish it, since you seem to like it so much.”
Anne felt chagrined, as though he’d just chastised her. “Sorry. Yes, thank you.”
Gilbert slid what was left of his piece of chicken onto her plate.
Anne quickly bit into it, half moaning at the taste. Finished too fast for her liking, another piece found it’s way into her mouth. This time, she caught Matthew’s eye over the table. He warily shook his head, reaching up and flipping his nose with his index finger, sublty pointing in Mrs. Lynde’s direction
Anne, confused, looked over at the woman.
“Oh my goodness!” Mrs. Lynde gasped, her hand clasped to her chest, her eyes large with scandal. “I cannot believe such a thing.”
Suddenly, all eyes were on Anne. She swallowed quickly, utterly baffled.
“Anne Shirley Cuthbert! I thought you knew better than that!” Marilla admonished, adding her two bits.
“What? It’s just chicken.”
“Yes, but to eat after Gilbert has already partaken of it is such a shameful thing. And you, young man,” She added, turning to Anne’s companion. “You ought to know better as well.”
Anne rose to his defense in indignation. “He offered because I enjoyed Mary’s chicken so much, nothing more. And besides, Matthew shares his food with me all the time. How is this any different?”
“Matthew is your guardian dearest, that’s understandable.” Mrs. Lynde coaxed.”But to share food with a man you’re not related to…” She shuddered, shaking her head.”How utterly shameful.”
Anne narrowed her eyes defiantly and, holding Mrs. Lynde’s gaze, took another bite of chicken.
The entire table erupted.
Mrs. Lynde and Marilla started shouting, Anne glaring while she finished her bite, then stood, hurling words back as good as she got.
Meanwhile, Matthew and Mr. Lynde exchanged looks before escaping out the door, and Mary hurriedly started cleaning up plates. Gilbert, seeing this, seized his chance to escape as well and jumped up to help Mary. Sebastian was frozen in place, his head whipping back and forth between the two opponents as though following a game of shuttlecock.
“I don’t see why it’s such a big deal--”
“Anne Shirley-Cuthbert you will not talk to your elders this way--”
“Teenagers! Didn’t I warn you Marilla that she would be nothing but trouble, her and her red hair--”
“Why are we bringing my hair into this? It’s not like I can change it! Oh wait, I already tried that!--”
“I am not discussing this further. You have behaved rather shamelessly and now--”
“If you had just listened to me, Marilla she would’ve been brought up right but no, you listened to Matthew and now look what’s happened--”
“Nothing happened! I do this all the time! I don’t see what’s shameful about it at all--”
“We’re leaving right this instance--”
“I won’t stand for it--”
“Argh! Enough, fine!”
“Fine!”
“Fine!” Mrs. Lynde left in a huff the door slamming shut behind her.
Marilla, cross with Anne, grabbed the girl by her shoulders and planned to march the girl straight to the buggy for an uncomfortable ride home.
Just before crossing the threshold, Anne turned back to Mary.
“I’m ever so sorry I ruined your dinner. It really was lovely.”
Mary shook her head, smiling. “Anne, it was in no way ruined. In fact, there was always a tussle or an argument anytime I held dinner at the Bog. Felt like home.”
Anne smiled and allowed Marilla to steer her outside.
As they descended the steps, they could hear Bash raise his voice. “You know better than to feed a woman off your plate. What were you thinking!?”
“I wasn’t! I was just trying to do something nice for her! I…” The rest of Gilbert's response was muffled and lost to the ears.
Anne smiled a little. At least she wasn’t the only one getting a scolding tonight, that’s for sure.
