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@writingshirbert
bi girls and lesbians are FRIENDSSSSS. we’re FRIENDSSS fuck you
writing anne shirley be like *opens thesaurus* *opens dictionary*
A Christmas gift
Gilbert comes home for Christmas
Set after season 3
For: @bellarketrxsh
----------------------------------------------------------
Anne was beside herself with joy to return to Avonlea for Christmas. People of Charlottetown started their Christmas decorating early, the street lighting up with Christmas lights on the first of December. She never thought so fondly of electricity before that day, after all it wasn't really needed in her household before, but witnessing the magic of the game of colours that stretched out before her eyes on her evening walks to Aunt Josephine's house, she never felt so alive. It really makes you feel merry, even Diana admitted. At school she learned that it's the stained glass that makes for such an alluring illusion and it made her smile every time she thought of it. She shared that bit with Gilbert in one of her letters, asking him if they too had such wonderful sights in Toronto. She supposed they must, since it's a much more progressive town than their good old Charlottetown. He confirmed her suspicions, even saying that at his school they have the lights wrapped around the twigs of their Christmas tree, which made her heart spark with glee, as she had never seen such thing before. She even pleaded with aunt Jo to get some for her home, but she just frowned and said that it's far too late to go looking for them this year and that next year she shall consider it.
However as Anne read the rest of his letter, her mood quickly dropped, as it revealed some quite heartbreaking news.
Gilbert wasn't coming home for Christmas.
He got pulled into a medical programme at school, which demanded him to stay in Toronto for the whole of Christmas break. He wrote he's crushed about the fact that he won't be able to see her like they planned, but assured her his thoughts are going to be with her during the holidays, especially on Christmas day.
Anne let out a few tears, but decided to soldier on bravely. She would get him for two months during summer, she'll just have to wait a little longer for their reunion than anticipated. However she had no idea what to do with the Christmas gift she bought him. Cole and aunt Jo helped her pick it up, it was a snow globe with little heart shaped snowflakes falling down on a small model of Prince Edward Island. She thought it would remind him of home and of her, waiting patiently for his arrival. She had also written him a poem she was planning to recite him after Christmas Eve dinner at Green Gables, but she figured she could just attach it to her next letter.
"There's so much more to look forward to at home than Gilbert," she said to herself as well as Ruby on the train ride to Avonlea.
"But I just don't understand how he could abandon you during the most romantic time of year!" she squirmed.
"Ruby!!" Diana intervened angrily, poking Ruby in the ribs. "He didn't abandon her! Education is very important! Besides, I'm sure there are far better suited times for romance than Christmas. Perhaps a nice stroll through Lover's Lane in the midst of summer..."
"I suppose," Ruby breathed. "I'm sorry, Anne... I didn't mean to make you upset. Diana's right, I just know he's dying for summer to come!"
Anne smiled. "Thank you, Ruby."
"I still can't believe you've ended up with my schoolgirl crush!" she laughed. "Oh, but I'm ever so grateful for Moody... My mother thinks that by the time this summer ends, I just might have a ring on my finger!"
The girls exchanged looks and replied in unison. "We heard..."
And just like that the wagon was filled with the girls' giggles again. As the laughter died down and the girls went on to gossip about their classmates, Anne saddened.
She couldn't help but think about what Ruby has said. She loves Gilbert and she knows he does too, but still she couldn't help but fear that the distance may tear them apart. He could be meeting someone new at any moment and they haven't even made any official commitments yet. Love can fade over time, or so she has heard a girl at the academy say. And maybe it's true... Of course, Anne had no doubts about what was in her own heart, she couldn't even imagine a life without Gilbert in it now and that's what scared her. Because if something happened and split them up, she fears she'd never recover from it.
"Is everything quite all right, Anne? You've barely said a word the whole train ride," Diana remarked as they got off the train.
"I just miss him," Anne admitted. "I mean, I always miss him, but I think I just got my hopes up about seeing him this Christmas and now that I know I won't, it makes my heart soar."
Diana looked at her sympathetically and pulled her into a tight embrace. Anne breathed in the scent of her bosom friend and it comforted her dearly, then pulled away and put on a brave face.
"Come on now," Diana smiled. "I think I see Marilla and Matthew."
On the eve of Christmas, Anne found herself in the kitchen chopping onions for the dinner dish all by herself. Marilla was set on going over to Rachel Lynde's to deliver her some sugar cookies and Matthew was upstairs, sleeping. His knee had been hurting recently, so Anne ordered him to get some rest. Bash and Delphine were coming to dinner tonight, so she had her hands full and couldn't spend much time with him anyway.
She made a quick run to the pantry, glancing out the window for a beat as she walked. After a few more steps she stopped, confused. She must've imagined it. She went back to the window and indeed saw a familiar figure pacing through the snow in the distance.
She ran out the front door, leaving it open in her careless state of mind and ran through the snow in her slippers, without a coat on.
"What are you doing here?" she yelled, getting closer to her visitor.
Gilbert nearly fell back when she thrust herself into his arms, hanging her hands around his neck.
"Anne, are you crazy? You're going to catch a cold out in this weather dressed like that..." he shook his head, but couldn't push back the wide smile that surfaced on his face at the sight of her.
"Just shut your mouth and kiss me!" she ordered and pulled him closer, closing the distance between their lips. She leaned her whole body into him, as if she were trying to melt their bodies into one. Then, after she pulled away, she kissed him again. They stood there for a few seconds in silence, staring deeply into each other's eyes. The excitement that was clouding her senses left her body then and she realized just how cold she was. She tried to fight it, desperately wishing to prolong that moment with Gilbert as much as she could, but ended up shivering nonetheless. Gilbert noticed it and looked at her feet. She expected him to say something, scold her for being so careless, after all her slippers were completely wet. Instead he grabbed her without warning and lifted her off the ground.
"What are you doing?" she screamed, but he didn't care.
"Carrying my princess Cordelia inside," he said light-heartedly, a smirk playing on his face.
"Put me down, I'm serious," she said, laughing, but Gilbert didn't listen. After that she gave up, concentrating on how it felt to be held like this by him, melting into his touch. Gilbert carried her through the threshold, finally putting her down and closing the door after them. She got out of her slippers and he took off his coat and his scarf.
"Do you want tea?" she asked, running to the kitchen and putting a kettle on. He followed, taking a seat at the table and watching her prepare it.
After she was done she placed the two mugs on the table and took a seat next to him, reaching for his hand. It had still been frozen from the cold, so she gently rubbed it with hers until it warmed up.
"So, are you going to tell me why you're here? Or are you planning to leave me guessing until Christmas?" she joked.
"I'm leaving tommorow evening... But I just had to see you, Anne."
"That's an awfully long journey to make just for one day," she said, looking him in the eyes.
"You're worth it," he said and kissed her again. "I wanted to write to you about my arrival but I figured I'd probably get here before the letter could."
She laughed at that. She couldn't believe he was actually here, sitting in front of her. She dreamed about this moment for months, but still wasn't at all prepared.
"I can't believe you're here..."
"I'm surprised you're not pinching yourself yet," he chuckled.
"I don't have to, with the way my heart is beating right now..." she breathed. "I'm so, so glad you're here."
"That makes two of us."
They continued their conversation, drinking tea and laughing at each other's jokes.
"I hope you didn't bring me any presents, though. I left yours in Charlottetown," she said, covering her face with her palm.
"Just one. You don't have to worry about that. Being with you is the best present I could possibly hope for," he said, staring at the bottom of his empty mug. "Do you want to go for a walk with me?"
"I can't. I have to finish cooking..."
"Nonsense," said Marilla, stepping into the parlour. "You've done plenty. Nice to see you, Gilbert. I was hoping you'd show up. Now, off you two go..."
"Nice to see you too, Miss Cuthbert," Gilbert greeted her.
"I didn't hear you come in," Anne shook her head. "You don't seem surprised to see Gilbert at all..." Anne said suspiciously.
"And what did you expect? I've just returned from Rachel's! I swear to God, that woman knew you were coming even before you did," Marilla joked.
"I saw Mr Lynde on my way here," Gilbert explained.
They spent the rest of the afternoon walking around Avonlea hand in hand, their fingers intertwined. Anne told him everything about her time at Queens that she didn't mention in her letters and listened closely to his stories about Toronto. Now that she was with him, all her past worries had faded away. It was as if they never parted, conversation flowing just as easily as before. It was even better now between the two of them, with everything on the table, because she knew she could pull him in for a kiss or an embrace anytime she wanted. And she did. Multiple times. She wanted to savour every moment she got with him, unfortunately they didn't have long, knowing that they would have to say goodbye again for the next few months. She dreaded the thought of it. They went to visit Bash and play with Delphine for a short while, Gilbert stealing short kisses every now and then when Bash wasn't looking.
It felt so natural.
Eventually, she had to return to Green Gables and get everything ready for Christmas Eve dinner, including herself. She picked out the best dress she'd packed, one that Josephine Barry had given her. It was a very nice red and white dress with puffed sleeves and precise detailing, Anne thought it wouldn't go with her red hair at first, but she was mistaken. Marilla helped her put her hair in a braided updo and even let her wear earrings for the occasion. God knows Marilla was never the one to dwell on looks, but encouraged Anne to get pretty for tonight, probably because she knew Gilbert was coming to dinner.
She was finishing setting the table when they arrived, running to Delphine immediately and cradling her in her arms. Gilbert asked for a moment alone with Matthew and Marilla, to which she gave a weird look, but didn't question it. Instead she led Bash into the kitchen to show him that she had baked Mary's cake this morning, correctly this time.
The trio emerged from the parlour not long after, Matthew and Marilla exchanging knowing glances the whole time.
She was seated across from Gilbert once again and the two of them couldn't keep their eyes off each other the whole of dinner. Bash made fun of this of course, but all in good nature. She thought back to the first dinner they had together, three years ago seeming like yesterday. Bash brings curry to Marilla every year, it's kind of an inside joke, because Marilla never got used to it's spiciness, but Anne uses it all out throughout the year anyway.
After dinner they all had tea and cake in the parlour and Anne took the opportunity of them moving to sit down next to Gilbert. They all fell into pleasant conversation then, but not for long, Bash asked Matthew about a tool he saw in their barn that he wasn't familiar with and they quickly got up to go look for it. Much to Anne's surprise, Marilla followed along with Delphine in her arms.
"Did they really just leave us alone?" Anne asked in excitement.
Gilbert got up from the couch and pulled her up. "Dance with me?" he asked.
"There's no music," she laughed.
"We don't need music."
Anne loved dancing with Gilbert. She had discovered that fact during dance practice, when the two of them danced the Dashing White Saergent. It was different now, though. They were swaying closely, gazing intensely into each other's eyes and Anne realized in that moment just how happy she was.
"I love you."
As soon as the words escaped her lips Gilbert pulled apart.
"Anne Shirley-Cuthbert... In just a few hours you've managed to make me happier than I've been the whole four months in Toronto combined. And it's true, when I think to my happiest memories, most of them are with you. Ever since you broke that damn slate over my head, I was a gone man," he laughed and she laughed along with him. "I think I realized how much you mean to me three years ago on Christmas, in this parlour, when we were putting out the candles. A lot of time has passed since then and I now know that I love you with all my heart and my soul. I love you more than I can fathom, really. So, standing here, in this parlour, on this day... I have something to ask you."
"What—" Anne started, but quickly covered her mouth and gasping when she saw Gilbert getting down on one knee. He pulled a small box from his pocket and opened it in front of her. In it was a ring, his mother's ring, she remembered. She froze right there, unable to think any thoughts, let alone process them. All that was going through her head was just one word and she was eager to blurt it out as soon as possible.
"Anne, will you... someday, when we finish school... Will you marry me?"
She dropped to her knees as well, taking his head in her arms and pulling him in for a passionate kiss. She was crying, well aware that Gilbert could feel the wetness of her face, but she didn't give a care in the world. She let herself cry, because not only was she not expecting him to come today, she definitely wasn't expecting this. And if it were possible to die of happiness she probably would right then and there, feeling too overwhelmed to stop.
"Yes," she finally got out. More tears came flooding in as they both got up, Gilbert hugging her tightly in his arms. After a few minutes she calmed down and let Gilbert slide the ring onto her finger.
"Was this the Christmas present you mentioned? I never even imagined..." she said softly.
"Well, I also got you a pen, in case you said no," he joked and she laughed, looking at her now fiancé in complete awe.
"Did you send them to the barn to do this?"
"The barn?" he chuckled. "They're probably pressed up against the door outside spying on us..."
"Permission to pinch myself?" she asked and he nodded.
She felt the subtle bite of pain and started crying again.
"Okay, I've been thinking about how this could go the last two days while travelling, but I didn't imagine there to be so many tears..."
"Oh, shut up," she replied, punching his chest gently. Then she took a long and hard look at the ring on her hand. The future unveiled before her eyes, she imagined them being an older married couple, sitting by the fire and reading books, probably passionately fighting about something meaningless and she smiled to herself.
She got plenty of presents that year for Christmas, but nothing could beat the promise of spending the rest of her life with the man she loves.
Anyone really in need of a Gilbert comes home for Christmas set after season 3 fic?
Totally not hinting at anything...
The reality of baking Christmas cookies
Anne really doesn't like her new neighbours...
For @hannahsulz
---------------------------------------
"How dare they?" Anne said, rushing from the attic and placing a big box of Christmas lights on the kitchen counter. There was a piece of spider web stuck to the end of her braid, but she was too upset to notice.
Diana had just gotten home and was trying to enjoy her peppermint hot chocolate in peace, as it was freezing cold outside and she was still shivering from her walk. The sight of Anne made her worry again.
"You really should let it go, Anne... It's not doing any good to your nerves," Diana remarked, twirling her hair nervously.
"No, Diana. I– We always win the neighborhood competition!! It's bad enough I have to deal with Josie trying to outdo me every year, now I have to—"
She heard the keys jingle in the lock and saw Cole untying his boots in the hallway.
"Hey guys, I think the reindeer outside needs a battery change, his head isn't moving anymore. I'd do it but my hands are so frozen I can no longer feel them."
Cole walked into the kitchen, looking back and forth between Diana and Anne, sensing the tenseness of the situation. His eyes then fell on the Christmas lights box.
"Ah, yeah... The evil neighbours again?" he asked in amusement.
One month ago the older couple from across the street moved out and someone else moved in. Anne had been bitter about it, since she liked talking to their former neighbours and in the five years of them living there had developed quite a friendship with Mrs. Allan. Her husband was the Reverend and Anne had voiced her disappointment over his replacement many times, saying that this year's Christmas mass is going to be an excruciating affair.
"I don't get why they're trying to ruin our Christmas, Cole!" Anne shouted, waving her hands in the air.
"Tell her she's being ridiculous, please," Diana said, raising her eyebrows at him.
"Oh, I'm enjoying this too much to interfere," he laughed.
"I'll tell you what's ridiculous! They've only lived here a month and already think they can just waltz into the competition and beat me— Us!!" Anne ranted.
"Why do you care so much about this? You're 27, Anne... Can't you just calm down and enjoy the holidays? Who cares who wins?"
"I do!!"
Diana and Cole exchanged looks. Anne was angrily untangling the light, leaning on the counter and not paying them any mind.
"You know, maybe we haven't been the nicest neighbours. We had aunt Jo visiting when they moved in and everything, it has just occured to me that we haven't once gone over there to say hello," Diana said, trying to get Anne's attention. "Maybe we should bake some Christmas cookies and go say hi. You know, to be polite."
Anne turned around with a wide grin. Diana was eyeing her carefully. "That's a great idea! I can take a look at their backyard!! What a way to scope out the competition..."
"No, Anne. That's not what I meant," Diana tried to explain, but Anne wasn't listening, already on roaming through the cupboards in search of flour.
"And I can make my secret recipe!! I can't wait to see the look on their faces when they realize I'm not just better than them at decorating, I'm also better at baking!" Anne exclaimed and Diana rolled her eyes and gave up.
When Anne discovered she didn't have all the ingredients needed, she quickly put her coat and her mittens on and ran out the door. On her way to the store she changed the batteries, smiling at the now nodding reindeer. There was a small grocery store at the end of their street so she figured she needn't drive all the way to the town. She rarely goes there though, since the lady who works there always gives Anne bitter looks while checking out her purchases. Anne has always been a person fond of arts and crafts and she thought it childish.
It was just a five minute walk to the store, but in the cold air it felt like an eternity.
When she finally reached the store she got in a zone, walking around and grabbing everything she could think of and putting it in her cart. She was on her way to the counter when she realized she had forgotten the flour she came for. Turning around abruptly she bumped into a handsome dark haired stranger and dropped the cart, her groceries rolling all over the floor.
"I'm so sorry," she apologized, kneeling down to pick them up and then realized the boy was already on his knees helping her.
"I'm such a klutz," she said, taking the carton of milk he was handing her. Their fingers brushed for a second and it threw her off. "Thank you, you're very nice, but you really needn't help, I can do it myself, after all, I'm the one at fault here..."
The stranger laughed. "I see you're in full Christmas preparation mode," he remarked, holding a box of red and green food colouring.
Anne gave him a half smile. "Yes, well, there's still so much to be done... I haven't even finished decorating my roof!"
Then she saw the confused look on his face. "I go all out," she explained. He chuckled at that and they both stood up.
He gestured towards the checkout counter. "After you."
"Oh, thank you, that's very kind of you, but I forgot to get flour, so..."
"Mind if I accompany you?" he asked, smirking.
"Accompany me in getting the flour?" she laughed, but saw he was being serious. "Sure, if you can prevent me from crashing into other people along the way."
"I'm Gilbert," he said, extending his hand. Anne took it and stared him up and down. "Well, nice to meet you, Gilbert. I'm Anne."
"So, what are your Christmas plans, Anne?" he asked while they were walking through the isles.
"My adoptive mother's coming to visit me, she does every year. Ever since we sold our childhood home Christmas hasn't been the same, so each year I try to make up for it by putting up crazy decorations and baking hundreds of cookies and trying to make every detail perfect. I'm sorry, am I rambling too much?"
"No, no, I get it. Trust me. I take Christmas very seriously too," he replied.
She talked with Gilbert until they both exited the store, they exchanged a few childhood Christmas stories and she helped him load up the trunk of his car. It started snowing while they were shopping and Anne was looking around the parking lot, hypnotized by the beautiful scenery.
"Do you want a ride home?" he offered, but she shook her head.
"No, I enjoy the snow. And I could use the walk. But thank you for offering, really," she replied, already backing away and waving him goodbye.
"No worries. It was really nice meeting you, Anne."
And with that he got in the car and drove away. Anne stood there for a moment, letting the snow fall on her face and breathing in the cold December air. I should've asked for his number, she thought, but then scolded herself for having such thoughts. You don't know anything about him... He could be married with kids or a serial killer, besides if he liked you he would've made the first move.
It's ridiculous, Anne decided and went home.
"I am putting these lights around our chimney," she announced back in the kitchen, with her cookies already in the oven.
"That doesn't sound safe," Cole noted, but did nothing to talk her out of it.
"Just think about how splendid it will look when we light it, Cole... And with your Christmas sculptures decorating our front yard we should have no problem beating those imposters living across from us."
"I just know Diana won't like you climbing up on that roof. Especially now, Anne. It's slippery," he said, barely lifting his gaze from his sketchpad.
"Well, I'll just have to do it tommorow. She said she's going out in the morning, didn't she?"
An hour later, the three of them stood before the house, ready to knock. Anne for the first time noticed the names on their mailbox, it read Blythe and Lacroix. In that moment she realized she had never even caught a glimpse of the new neighbours, now pretty curious as to who they might be.
"I hear one of them is really hot," Cole wiggled his eyebrows at Anne and she scoffed loudly.
"Oh, just knock already!" she said to Diana, who's hand was already in the air.
The door was opened a few minutes later by a tall attractive black man mixing batter in a bowl with a spatula. He looked at the trio rather confused.
"Uh, good afternoon," he said, smiling.
"Hi, we're your neighbours from just across the street," Diana said and gestured towards their house. "We know it's late, but we didn't get the chance to properly welcome you to our neighbourhood earlier—"
"That's very nice nice of you, hold on a second. Blythe! We have visitors." He yelled at someone and a few moments later a familiar face appeared.
"This is my brother—"
"Anne?"
"Gilbert," she breathed, staring at him in surprise. His expression was mirroring hers. Huh, so he didn't know we're neighbours either, she thought.
"Anne, hi! What are you doing here? Are you stalking me?" Gilbert cracked a joke but immediately regretted it. Anne looked angered by it, shoving a box of cookies in his hand.
"Merry Christmas," she said a little too harshly and crossed her arms, looking down and refusing to further engage in the conversation.
A few more things were said during that brief encounter. She learned that his brother's name was Sebastian, but he went by Bash, that the two of them bought the house so that Gilbert could live closer to his job and Bash closer to his girlfriend. Diana was the leader of the conversation, explaining that the tree of them moved here after college as roommates. Anne, on the other hand, was innocently looking at their backyard... She had decided in that moment that she didn't like this Gilbert Blythe and that she would do everything in her power to win the competition and shove it in his face.
"Well, it was really nice meeting you two. And seeing you again, Anne. Good luck with the Christmas preparations. And thank you for the cookies," he smiled, but Anne just stared at him blankly.
"Uh-huh," was all she gave him.
Once at home she angrily shoved her mittens in the drawer and groaned.
"You didn't tell me you and hot neighbour have been fraternising," Cole laughed.
"I'd hardly call it fraternising. We met in the grocery store. Of course I didn't know he was the smug jackass living across from us..."
"Anne, that's not exactly fair. He was really nice," Diana said carefully and Cole agreed.
"HAS EVERYONE IN THIS HOUSE GONE MAD?!!" Anne shouted and left to roam through the attic again.
She didn't talk to Diana or Cole again, but spent the day hanging garlands and lights around the place and making Christmas wall decorations. Her Pinterest page looked like the inside of an elf's house, or so Cole has once said and she had been pretty proud of that statement ever since. The next morning Diana went out at around 8am, so naturally Anne was already on the roof by 8:15. She loved Diana dearly, but if she wanted someone to boss her around she would've gone to live with Marilla again. Speaking of which, it was just three days until her arrival and Anne was beside herself with joy. For one, she was glad Marilla wasn't spending her holidays cooped up in Rachel Lynn's cottage. The duo have been spending most of their time together since the tragedy of Matthew's death struck the hearts of Avonlea five years ago. A tear came running down her cheek just then and she quickly wiped it. In her moment of nostalgia she dropped the two wire angels she had been planning to pin down around the chimney on the ground.
"Good morning, Anne. Need any help?" the voice of Gilbert Blythe echoed behind her. He was standing in the middle of the street smirking at her. She turned around carefully, praying to God not to do anything embarrassing such as slipping in front of him.
"Not from you, I don't."
"Something tells me you're angry with me," he said, opening their gate anyway.
"Oh no, really? What gave it away?" she said sarcastically and quickly took the angels he was handing her.
"I'm really sorry for offending you, Anne. But I was hoping we could move on and be friends."
Anne furrowed her brows. "I'd rather not." She hoped this would send him on his way, but he remained in place looking at her. She was done pinning the two angels down and wrapping white Christmas lighting around them and began her way down the ladder. However it was just her luck that as soon as she put her second foot down she lost balance, slipping and knocking the ladder down. She squinched her eyes shut, waiting for the sharp pain of hitting the ground. Before she could comprehend what was happening she felt a grasp of two arms under her knees and her back. Gilbert Blythe had caught her and probably saved her from a few broken limbs. She let out a few breaths of relief and looked at her savior. He was staring at her intensely with worry.
"Are you okay?" he asked, realized he was still holding her bridal style and put her down.
She hissed a little when her feet touched the ground, feeling a stab of sharp pain in her right ankle. Annoying as ever, Gilbert was already squatting on the ground looking at it.
"I don't need you to be a hero," she said sharply. "I'll go and get that looked at by a doctor."
"I am a doctor," he replied, ignoring her previous comment.
Of course he is. Cause that would be ridiculous if he was anything but...
"Lift your foot up. Can you move it?"
Anne made a couple of circles in the air, moving her ankle.
"It's most likely just sprained. How's the pain?"
"Manageable," she replied and he got up.
"If you want I can take you for an X-ray... I'm headed down to the hospital for an hour or so anyway," he offered.
"Thank you kindly, Dr. Blythe, but I can take care of myself."
There was still spice to her tone, but Gilbert ignored it completely.
"I don't doubt that in the slightest," he said, walking to his car. "The angels look spectacular, by the way."
And with that he waved her goodbye and drove off once again. She stumbled inside and put her foot up on the coffee table, yelling for Cole to bring her some ice. They put on The Christmas Carol after, eating popcorn and drinking tea when Diana came home.
"Jesus Christ, Anne... What happened? I saw the ladder on the ground outside, are you all right? Should I take you to the hospital??" she said taking a seat next to Anne, clutching her hand.
"Ha, no need, the hot neighbour had already examined it, isn't that right, Anne?" Cole elbowed her in the ribs.
"Cole, if I had two healthy feet I would kick you so hard right now," she shook her head. "Apparently, he's a doctor and I'm fine, it's just a sprained ankle."
"I'll tell you what, Anne... You're lucky to only end up with a sprained ankle after such fall. You could've broken your ribs or something!! I warned you not to climb on that roof!"
"Oh, but she didn't fall, right? A certain someone caught her..." Cole giggled.
"I swear to God, Cole... Stop it or I'll throw your Christmas presents into the fireplace," Anne said and shoved him a little.
"Gilbert caught you?" Diana asked.
"Yes."
"Oh," she breathed. "Well that's awfully nice of him, don't you think?"
"Sure, it must be exhausting playing the hero all the time..."
"Oh, that's it. I'm going over there to thank him for saving you from spending the holidays in wheelchair," she said and put her coat back on.
"Don't bother, he's probably out saving lives as we speak!" Anne yelled, but Diana was already out the door.
The next few days went by uneventfully. Anne was unable to finish decorating the roof as she planned and since Diana was still mad at her for taking her well being for granted and Cole went away to visit Miss Barry, she had no one to ask to finish it for her. Marilla came the morning of the 20th, carrying Christmas presents for everyone. Anne was glad she finally had someone to talk to and decorate the Christmas tree with, the two of them making a fun evening out of it. Saturday the 21st was the day of Josie Pye's Christmas party, when the results of the competition were announced. Diana tried to drag her there as a way to make amends, but Anne refused to go and watch Gilbert win. Josie usually lets the winner know beforehand, so Anne knew there was no way she was winning this year. Instead she spent the night drinking eggnog and going over old family albums with Marilla.
Diana returned from the party when they were both out cold on the couch, placing a blanket over them and waking Anne up. She was holding the first place prize from the competition in her hand.
"How?" Anne asked in awe.
"I don't know... Go ask Gilbert tomorrow."
And go and ask she did. As soon as the clock showed 8 am she was out the door, crossing the street and knocking on his door. He emerged almost immediately, already up and dressed, a cup of coffee in hand.
"Hey, how's your ankle?" He was wearing a white sweater and black jeans, his hair was all messed up, but Anne thought it made him even more attractive.
"Fine, thank you for asking. So—"
"Congrats on winning the first place. I was told you are the annual winner. Your house looks amazing, by the way," he said, leaning on the doorframe.
"Why did you withdraw from the competition? Diana told me you did. You would've won..."
He laughed at that.
"I figured someone as passionate about Christmas decor as you is much more deserving of the prize than I am. To be honest, I didn't care about the competition. My dad was really into the whole Christmas thing, so I always go all out in his memory."
Anne felt horrible after that. She looked at the boy in front of her and admitted just how stupid she had been acting.
"I do that too... I didn't mention this before, but my adoptive father died just before Christmas six years ago and I remember just how horrible that Christmas was for me and my mother. That's why I am... the way I am. I have to apologize to you, I got carried away and acted terribly, even though you've been nothing but nice since we met. I don't deserve first place."
"Anne, to be completely honest, when I refused the prize my intentions weren't as pure as you seem to think," he admitted and she narrowed her eyes at him suspiciously. "I was hoping you would accept my invitation for a coffee sometime."
The corners of her mouth twisted into a wide smile. "I'd like that very much."
Gilbert took her out for coffee the next day, the two of them talking about anything and everything over two warm cinnamon lattes, which they discovered to be their shared favorite. The following Christmas Eve day they went for a hike, Gilbert making her stop every few miles and checking her ankle.
She invited him over for Christmas Eve dinner and he invited her and Marilla over for Christmas brunch, she got to know and love Mary and Bash, who had just announced their engagement. After that they spent nearly every single day together, reading books near the fireplace, building snowmen or having ball fights in teams against Cole and Diana.
He asked her to be his girlfriend after they shared a passionate kiss after the countdown to midnight and stepped into the New Year. For next year's Christmas they entered the competition together, decorating their houses to match perfectly. After nagging her about it for nearly two months, Anne finally shared her Christmas cookie recipe with him, making him pinkie swear he would never tell another soul.
After next year's countdown to midnight on January the first instead of kissing Anne, Gilbert got down on one knee and asked her to marry him. Without even thinking she said yes and years after they were telling everyone the story about the stubborn redhead, who fell in love with a dark haired stranger she met at the supermarket buying ingredients for cookies she would then unknowingly bring to his doorstep. Needless to say, Christmas wasn't the same since.
Merry Christmas AWAE fandom!!
Guys I have decided to start writing Shirbert Christmas themed one shot fanfictions!!!
I'm launching one each Sunday of December and two on Christmas Eve day!!
If you have any Xmas prompts hit me up!
Heya! I wrote a little song for Anne Shirely Cuthbert, from a very special (and obvious) perspective! I do hope you like it ^_^
With an updated thumbnail.
LINK: https://youtu.be/9aGfBBVs7BU
Lots of love and thanks to @dryadsbubbles / @thegirlatthetrain / @anneshirleycuffbert / @bluestp / @totalfandomfreak / @shirley-cuthbert-blythe / @gilbertxshirley / @silverlight85
Guys, go send love to this artist, who dedicated their time to write a song for Anne with this beautiful message ♥️
AWAE 3X10 summary:
Today me and my friend are performing and I am LITERALLY SLAPPING HIM ACROSS THE HEAD WITH A SLATE GUYS 😂
Me: If homeboy doesn't get off that f***ing carriage to give her a goodbye kiss I'mma lose my shit
Homeboy: does exactly that
Me: *in tears screaming at the telly*
You guys I'm writing a modern shirbert multichapter fic! Anyone excited?
Honestly like WTF is up with Gilbert's eyebrows this season?
Someone should give them their own TV show LMAO
Honestly like WTF is up with Gilbert's eyebrows this season?
Riding trains and other activities
Set after the mess that is 3x08. Starts right after Anne's famous words I'm in love with Gilbert Blythe.
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Anne
As Anne ran through the fields to Gilbert's house, the last words to escape her lips were echoing in her head. I'm in love with Gilbert Blythe... Something in her has shifted, yes, she did always put her foot in with Gilbert, but there was something about picturing him getting married to someone else that made her blood boil. It was the shove she needed to acknowledge her feelings, to know for sure that what she felt wasn't a childish crush, but something much more, something she now knew he felt too. She regretted not telling him when he came to her, not throwing herself at him and locking their lips in a warm kiss or at least just saying something other than that mess of words that came out of her mouth. Pirates, really Anne?
Maybe she wasn't a perfect beauty of many suitors, but now she knew that's not what she wanted. Reading stories where the heroine has to overcome great obstacles to confess her feelings to her true love always seemed exciting, but being faced with this situation, branches popping under her feet as she ran, she felt horrified. It was good knowing what she felt, finally, but she couldn't help but think she was too late. What if he had already proposed?
Not bothering to knock she stormed in through the front door, waking up Delphine in the process. The cries of the little girl filled the kitchen, bouncing off the walls of Blythe-Lacroix farmhouse. Bash emerged from the pantry and gave her a confused look. "Please, tell me he hasn't left already..."
Sebastian's face lit up. "Take our horse, you can still make it to the train station."
She was ever so grateful for Bash while getting up on their horse, she had no idea what she would do if he hadn't helped her. Bash put an assuring hand on her shoulder and winked. "Gilbert told me you turned him down."
She didn't have time to explain that she didn't in fact turn him down, but just rambled a bunch of very confusing things.
"I made a huge mistake."
Bash nodded and watched her ride off. Air was hot and she was sweating, having just ran and now riding she felt as if her whole body was a furnace and the sun wasn't helping to cool her down. She barely cared though, only having one thing on her mind on her way to the train station. How much time do I have??
Arriving at the train station she jumped off her horse quicker than ever before and didn't even bother tying him up, she saw Mr Thomas Lynde and just placed the reins in his hands as she was running by. She didn't turn around for his reaction, knowing he will probably just mutter something about her being wild and irresponsible under his breath, but tie the horse down somewhere and complain to Rachel later on. She saw the train was still there and hurried to it, catching Gilbert's face in one of the windows. He was seated on the farther side, turned away, sitting next to an older gentleman. She tried to run inside, but she was stopped by the new trainmaster, one she had never seen before.
"Do you have a ticket, young lady?"
"No, but I'm not going anywhere. I just really need to talk to my friend, he's headed to Charlottetown and about to make a terrible mistake. Please, you have to let me in. I'll be out in two seconds, I promise," Anne pleaded, but his face remained stone cold.
"All passengers must have a ticket to board. Do you want to buy one?"
Anne mentally scolded herself for not bringing any money for train fare, a few tears escaping her eyes in desperation. She jumped in front of one of the windows, waving and yelling, but Gilbert didn't notice any of that. She saw a middle-aged lady getting on the train and stopped her. "Please, would you please give my friend a message. He's sitting in this wagon and he has a suit on. Young, dark hair, handsome, right by the window. Could you please tell him not to propose? He'll know what it means." The lady nodded and got on, it was already last call and the train began moving. The trainmaster was watching her closely, so there was nothing else she could do. Anne watched the lady through the window as she passed Gilbert without looking, stopping at an entirely different seat and leaning in to say something to a boy Anne's never seen before. That's it, I'm screwed, she thought.
Gilbert
The train ride was pretty uneventful. He had a thousand questions running through his head, totally disregarding his surroundings. It seemed as if it was just a minute when the train stopped in Charlottetown, Gilbert so lost in his thoughts he almost missed his stop. He thought mainly about what he was going to say to Winifred, struggling to find the right words. He wanted to frame it right, big confessions of love seeming way out of place, which was natural... They were lies. He wanted to say he had fallen in love with her, or that she would make him the happiest man on Earth, but couldn't bring himself to do it. He felt a little like a fraud coming up with those words, the marriage seeming more like a business transaction rather than a fellowship. He had wondered on many occasions what he, an orphaned farm boy, had to offer to a high-class girl like Winifred. Her father had cleared that up for Gilbert at their last meeting, basically saying they wanted someone with great ambitions, seeing as they had the money and the friends to make those dreams happen. Does Winnie even love him? Nothing she had said or done has pointed to it, that he was sure of. She must know this courtship is heading to marriage and she seems to be okay with it being a passionless one. So maybe she isn't expecting a huge confession, but rather something simple. It was obvious they were keen on each other, both finding their conversations especially easy yet pleasant. It wasn't like he was proposing to a person that he didn't like, right? They were friends and they would make fine companions. But then why was it so hard?
Time moves rather strangely when one has a burden troubling his mind, Gilbert thought as he entered a small restaurant and found Winifred with his eyes, already seated at one of the tables. Halfway through lunch she excused herself to go talk to a friend she saw through the the window. Gilbert took that time to fish for the ring in his pocket, but his fingers clutched onto something else. He pulled the object out and looked at it. It was Anne's pen. Anne. Suddenly, Mary's words of marrying for love were the only thing he could focus on, his hands and knees trembling so much he managed to drop his wine glass on the table and break it, attracting everyone's eyes to himself. That was when Winnie came back and ran to the table.
"Are you all right?"
Gilbert looked at his hand and saw he was bleeding, surprised.
"No, I'm not. I can't do this."
Anne
She wasn't sure why she stayed at the train station. Mr Lynde sat with her for a while, listening to her desperate sobs and stroking her back. She was pretty sure she was close to falling into the depths of despair once again, only a small flicker of hope occupying her thoughts. Maybe the lady realized she wasn't talking to the right boy and had found Gilbert afterwards, or maybe Gilbert overheard them and caught a glimpse of Anne at the train station. Maybe he's already sitting on the train back, hurrying to her. Or maybe he changed his mind. Or Winifred refused his offer.
Or maybe she's a delusional fool, who missed her single chance at true love. That one seemed the most plausible. She spent some time talking to the lovely cherry tree that caught her eyes when she first came to Avonlea. She knew she could find no answers to her troubles in it's blossoms, but it was soothing to think she might. Time has passed. Anne stood in front of every single arriving train, hoping. But it seemed she was wrong. She wanted to go home... He would've been back by now had he not been celebrating his engagement. Huh, engagement, such a funny word... He spelled it wrong one time in class. Maybe it was a universal sign she had missed.
Something made her stay. Anne didn't expect him to return any time soon, but she couldn't get back to Matthew and Marilla in this state. She saw another train arriving at the station, stood up and walked to it automatically. She wasn't eyeing the passengers anymore as she was feeling rather hopeless in that moment, but then she heard a familiar voice shout her name.
"Anne? Are you leaving somewhere?" Gilbert appeared in front of her, shocking her greatly. He looked confused, so he couldn't have gotten her message. Anne took a deep breath.
"I, uh, no, I'm not... I don't know what I'm doing here..." was all she could get out.
"Well, do you want to go for a walk?"
The suggestion appeared attractive to her, her limbs had gotten quite stiff after sitting around all day. She nodded. They walked in silence for a bit, Gilbert clearly expecting an explanation. She didn't even know where to start.
"Why is my horse here–"
"So, how is engaged life–?"
Anne gasped, she didn't think that part through. She gestured towards a bench and they both took a seat.
"I'm sorry, Gilbert... I shouldn't have come here.
"I'm always happy to see you, you know that. But I'm confused–"
Anne exhaled, playing with the reins on his horse. "I need to confess something."
She looked at him, half expecting him to argue, but he kept his mouth shut.
"I lied to you," she started. "The other day. You said something about there only being a one thing holding you back... Now, I don't even know if I interpreted it the right way, but in case I did... I know Paris is your dream and I know that the world holds great things for you. You have such a bright future in front of you and this marriage is the easiest way to it, so I can't believe I'm asking you this, but... Please, don't marry Winifred. I mean, it's your decision and I don't ever want to hold you back. You deserve the world, Gilbert, you really do. Um... I, uh..."
"Anne–" Gilbert started, eager to continue.
"I only said no because I could never offer you any of those things. Now, I know it doesn't really matter, since you have already proposed, but... If there's even a flicker of hope that your feelings for me are the same as mine, then please consider not going through with the wedding. I won't be angry if you do, go through with it I mean, in fact I will be seated the very front row in church, clapping loudly, as I am your biggest fan, Gilbert Blythe. And I always will be."
Anne couldn't believe how emotional that confession had made her, her eyes all wet and cheeks flushed with pink, but she didn't care. Gilbert was staring right into her soul, with one of the looks he had reserved only for Anne, completely oblivious of that fact. He took a step forward and took Anne's hand, bringing it up to his lips and kissing it gently. Her face was a mix of confusion, tears and happiness.
"I didn't propose," Gilbert said, shocking her.
"Why?"
"You know why."
And with that Anne burst into joyful tears, clutching onto his body desperately in a tight hug. She didn't know what the future held for them, or if they'd ever have the chance to achieve half as much as they would with rich, well-known families, but who could care when they made each other way happier than diplomas or big houses full of fancy things ever would?
"I love you, Anne Shirley-Cuthbert," he said and she couldn't help but love the way those words rolled off his tongue, wanting to hear it every day, as much as possible. "Now, will you please tell me what my horse is doing here?"
She laughed and shook her head. It was fun to tease him about on their way to Green Gables and she was sure Bash would explain everything once he got home. Their parting was especially hard, one reason being that Gilbert didn't want to let her go, and the other that she too, secretly didn't want to leave his side.
"We have the rest of our life to spend and cherish together," Anne said when she couldn't get out from their departure hug. Gilbert was awfully set on not letting her leave yet.
"Yes, we do. But that doesn't mean you can't invite me up to dinner." She narrowed her eyes at him, but nodded and took his hand. Fingers intertwined they entered Green Gables, nearly giving Matthew Cuthbert a heart attack, but all in good nature. All through dinner Gilbert kept shooting her silly faces and she wiggled her eyebrows at every one. Marilla noticed it, scolding them for behaving like children, but Anne couldn't bring herself to feel embarrassed. She was so happy, she actually thought her heart might implode.
Gilbert and Anne shared their first kiss that night, one of many to come, as they were saying goodbye at the gate. It was short and sweet, but both of them knew they would never be able to forget it.
Gilbert: asks Anne *nothing*
Anne: pirates.
Gilbert: okay, that's it... She doesn't love me. I know for sure now.
Honestly, just give me one good reason not to write a fanfiction set after this episode...