AN

Hey there! Thank you so much for the comments! Also, on another note, I've been looking for a beta for a while now, if anyone is willing to take on the task, please let me now!


"So." Marilla took a long sip from her tea. "How is school so far?" Usually, Anne wouldn't be able to talk to Marilla in the morning, since she had to wake up very early to get ready for school, but after a few days of being ill, Diana offered Anne a ride. Anne thought it was sweet of her to offer, especially since Diana lived so close to the school, and Anne's house was at least an hour's drive.

"It's… more than I could have imagined." Anne said, sincerely. Marilla lips twisted, almost like she was trying to remember how to smile. To be honest, it was more than she'd ever dreamed. The house was quiet, and Marilla wasn't exactly the one to strike a conversation with, but she was fair and nurturing, in her own way that is. Even though she'd speak to Anne rarely, and was usually out of the house, Anne always had food of her table, clean clothes, and most importantly, she wasn't stingy when it came to the AC. Anne recalled the second, (or was it third?) foster home she'd been to. It was in the peak of winter, and she was freezing every night. The cold bit her feet, that were exposed, since she wasn't given any warm sock, and the bed moved loudly with each shiver down Anne's body. Anne held the scolding, hot tea as she pulled it closer to her lips. It burned her skin, but she needed something to warm up her memories.

"Well child, I am very pleased to hear that you are sensible. I admit I was worried when they ask me to look after a teenager, but you are very well behaved." Even though she could've taken her words as some kind of passive-aggressive insult, Anne appreciated the fact she was trying. Anne knew people who were cruel and cold towards her, so she knew Marilla wasn't one of them. She had her faults, sure, but she meant well.

Anne wanted to ask why she agreed to take her in. Why she agreed to take a teenager instead of a child, but the words hanged to her tongue, refusing to leave. It might not be a good idea to ask too many questions. Anne thought to herself. I might convince her to change her mind by accident.

"I think this place is the most wonderful place I have been to." Anne beamed at Marilla, trying to sound thankful and joyful. Something in Marilla's eyes flickered for a moment, as she sighed.

"You are truly a strange girl." Marilla took another long sip for her tea. Marilla glanced away from Anne when her expression changed all of a sudden.

"Anyway, I'm glad that we have a chance to talk. I've been speaking with your academic advisor; she is very content by your remarkable progress." Anne's smile widened. She has been working so hard to get good grades. For the short few weeks, she's been at school, her grades were among the highest. Anne did not doubt that she could be the top of her class in a matter of a few months.

"Well, I know you've been worried about college for a while, and I am probably not supposed to tell you this…" Marilla refilled her cup of tea, dragging the dramatic suspense. "Each year, the board chooses an honorary student. Miss Stacy thinks, based on your recent work, that your grades might be good enough to nominate you." Anne's expression shifted from confusion to wonder. "While that on it's on doesn't mean much, it should be enough to get the interest of college recruits. Specifically, the ivy league recruits."

Anne accidentally slammed her cup on the table, shattering the handle. Her eyes widen as she felt her body tremble with excitement. She knew going to Avonlea high might open the possibility for her to go to college, but she never dreamed that she would be able to attend an ivy league school. When she was younger, she had the vague hope of going to Yale, it was a recurring name she'd heard in television, but that pipe dream died long ago, or so she thought.

"Could it be? Could it really be Marilla?" Anne placed her hands close to her heart, clenching on her shirt. "That would be incredible. No, phenomenal. It would be straight out of a fairytale!" She rushed over and hugged the surprised Marilla. "Thank you. Thank you so much for making a path for a bright and most wonderful future possible for me!" She gasped, pulling Marilla closer. To her surprise, Marilla didn't pull back but sighed instead.

"Be careful of them." She added after a few moments. Anne wanted to ask what she was referring to, but just as she was about to, Diana called.


The moment Anne had entered Diana's car, she could feel something was off. Diana barely greeted her and gave her short answers when she asked about her illness. At first, when she offered to give her a ride, Anne thought it was because she had heard about her rundown with Billy and wanted to make sure she was safe, but the way she held the stirring wheel, made her feel that Diana was the one that needed be protected.

Anne wanted to ask so many questions. Diana had been her dear friend for the last few weeks, and her being gone was excruciating. The school has been boring, the talks had been tedious, all in all, it wasn't the same with her being gone.

Anne studied Diana's frame in silence. Even though it has been only a few days since they last saw each other, Anne could have sworn it has been years. Diana seemed thinner, and her eyes were constantly narrowed, like the weight of the world was on her shoulder.

"I don't mean to-"

"Then don't." Diana bellowed, before catching taking a deep breath. "Sorry Anne, you didn't deserve it. I am just in a really bad mood lately." She reached her hand and grazed Anne's shoulder. Anne was surprised, to say the least. During the time the had to spend together, Diana never raised her voice at anyone, let alone her.

"I know, and I wasn't going to ask anything. I figured you'd say something if you felt the need to." Anne reassured her in a low, calm voice. "I was just going to say I am here for you, in case, you know, you are in some kind of trouble, I guess." Anne held Diana's hand, squeezing it tight. Diana pulled her sunglasses further up her nose.

"I want to tell you." She said quietly after a while. Diana seemed distraught, in a way that disturbed Anne. Until now, Diana was open and bubbly, but now she was distanced, and Anne couldn't help but feel like she was being pushed away. It has been a while since she had such a close friend, in fact, maybe she never did. Before Diana, she never fully realized how lonely she was. For the last few weeks, however, Anne felt loved, taken care of, seen. How could she return to a world without friendship and love, now that she knows what she has been missing? Anne leaned against the cold glass, digging her nails against her palm. If she cried right now, Diana could be alarmed, and think that she is dramatic and immature.

Damn. It was so much easier to exist before when she thought she was always going to be alone.

"Let's change the subject then. Would it make you feel better if I've shared some wonderful news?" Diana flashed her a light smile in the mirror.

"Nothing would make me happier then than that, Anne." Diana promised, her words soothed Anne, washing her with love and validation.

"Marilla told me I might be able to qualify for the school's honorary student!" Anne clapped her hands together in excitement, expecting Diana to share her enthusiasm. Instead, Diana's body became very stiff, and it seemed like she was furthering herself from Anne as much as possible. Anne narrowed her eyes, as she examined Diana's expression. At first, Anne deemed it to be pity, like she didn't believe Anne was cable enough for achieving that title, but after further look, she realized it was deep sorrow.

"What is it?" Anne asked, her hands began to become sweaty, and her leg began to move uneasily. Diana's shoulder tensed and her elbows were pushed together like she was desperately trying to make herself as small as possible.

"Well… Anne… First of all, you are probably the smartest person I've met." She said the last part quickly, preparing her for the blow Anne knew was on its way.

"But?" Anne said dryly.

"But… The honorary student's title is insanely hard to achieve. You'd have to join a club, and at this time of the year it's nearly impossible." Diana took a deep breath; Anne knew that the worst was yet to come. "Also… there is the matter of Gilbert Blyth." She finally said. Anne drew hey eyebrows in confusion. That was it? The irritating boy she'd met a few days ago, that didn't even show up for school after their strange encounter?

"Gilbert? What about him?" Anne tried to remain polite, but a satisfied smirk left her lips. If he was the most problematic part of her becoming an honorary student, then...

"Well… You haven't met him yet, he has… Well, he isn't here." Diana voiced trailed off for a while, but soon enough she regained her senses. "He has been the top of the class ever since we were kids. He excels at everything. If you were to beat him u-"

"Oh. I've met Gilbert Blyth. And I wasn't impressed." Anne huffed in haughtiness, crossing her arms together. "Actually, I even corrected him." Anne felt proud of that achievement. If she had known he was her competition back then, she would relish at the moment. There would be more. Anne smiled to herself, satisfied. She turned to Diana, but to her surprise, Diana shook her head and bit her lower lip.

"What?" Anne asked, confused. Diana began to laugh uncontrollably, nearly losing the grip on her wheel. "Let me guess, did he try to flirt with you?" Diana chortled in between laughs.

"I met him just once." Anne recalled the sparkle in Ruby's eyes when she explained to Anne that Gilbert was being rebellious, and it was all part of that bad boy image he has been developing over the years. Anne didn't find it charming in any way, she found it lazy and immature.

"You didn't answer me though." Diana said in a sing like voice while tapping her fingers to the rhythm of her words on the wheel.

"I don't know. No one has ever flirted with me before." Anne admitted, fiddling with her fingers in embarrassment. Diana was beautiful, unlike her. She had long, flowy dark hair, rosy cheeks, and a feminine figure. Each time they walked together, boys would turn their heads just to grace themselves with another look. Diana took her glasses off, giving her a doubtful look in the mirror.

"I am positive that isn't true." She smirked. "Also, I'm pretty sure he did. You are, after all, his type."

"His type?" Anne scratched her head, as Diana park near the school's parking lot.

"I heard him say, more than once actually, that redheads are his preference."

"Eww." Anne twisted her nose like she was smelling something rotten. Though no one has ever flirted with her, she did receive multiple cat-calls due to hair color. Each of them made her sick to her very core. "I don't like being someone's fetish."

"Prude." Diana teased. Anne didn't mind, because Diana was one of those people who could laugh at you in a way that made you feel good.

"I am sure you're wrong. I don't think he would be into me." Anne said as she pulled from the passenger seat and shut the door. "In fact, I bet he won't even show up today." Diana nodded while grinning in a smug grin on her face like she knew something Anne didn't.

As they entered the school, a newfound determination had washed over Anne. If her biggest competition was just one smug boy that was mostly MIA, bring it on.


To her surprise, Gilbert did show up. He sat with a few boys, and one Ruby, who all asked him questions about his trip. When she entered, Gilbert spotted her right away and gave her playful wink. Anne felt heat spreading to her face, she was sure that she turned bright red. Not with flattery that is, but with anger. This was yet another rich boy that wanted nothing but to toy around with her. She moved her head in protest, ignoring him as much as possible.

"Hey carrots." To her surprise, Gilbert got up quickly, leaving his fans behind, as he walked behind Anne. She turned on her heels to shut him down, but before she was able to, he quickly sat on her desk, folding his arms in a teasing look.

"Gilbert! When did you get back?" Diana exclaimed in probably the fakest way Anne has ever heard.

"A while ago. Oh, and I had the most wonderful time Diana, and you would not believe who I ran into."

"I think I have a pretty good guess." Diana smirked, gesturing towards the obviously annoyed Anne.

"Excuse me." Anne cleared her throat. Gilbert didn't turn, but Anne just knew he had a smug smile on his face.

"Excuse me?" Anne raised her voice. Gilbert turned around, acting surprised.

"Carrots! What a funny coincidence running into you here!" He welcomed her with a taunting smile. Anne noticed that his shirt wasn't fully buttoned, and he wasn't wearing the tie they were obligated to wear. Others might have found that behavior was rebellious, or attractive in that bad boy sort of way, but it only anger Anne. Every moment she had spent on her education was precious, and she honored to wear the clothes that they gave her. Yet here he was, dismissing so carelessly in this establishment, in the way only the privileged could afford.

"We go to school together. And it is my desk. So, I'd say the odds are pretty much in your favor." She slammed her books on her desk, hoping Gilbert would move. Gilbert clicked his tongue, shaking his head.

"My, Carrots. How rude." He pretended to be shocked by her tone in a rather dramatic way.

"Do not call me that." She grumbled as she sat at her desk. Gilbert moved a little closer, leaning his face on his arm with a dreamy expression.

"What should I call you? I feel like we are close enough to have nicknames."

"Don't be an idiot."

"See? You have one for me. Aren't we cute?" He smirked, glancing toward Diana for approval. Anne gave him a long stare before turning to Diana. Diana looked at both of them, amused. When she realized that Diana is more than willing to endure Gilbert, Anne opened one of her books in protest, trying to send him away. Gilbert grabbed it from her hands, examining it with a contented grin.

"Well, aren't you clever?" He dangled the book above her. She resisted the urge to take it, refusing to humor him. "Moody told me that I should be on the lookout for the new girl. I understand why. Anyone who reads Dickens for leisure is a posing threat." He took another look at the book, as he placed it next to Anne's, examining them both side by side. "Great exceptions? Very fitting." He chuckled. Anne snatched the book with fury. Because he was being rude of course, but also because in a way, he was right. There were some correlations between her and Pip, the main character in the book.

"Sorry, do you need anything before you leave?" Anne returned to her book, trying to show as little interest as possible. Gilbert paused for a moment, which made Anne's gaze move away from the book to meet his eyes.

"I… do, actually." He admitted suddenly appearing very serious. His eyebrows twitched, and a slight crease appeared on his forehead.

"Is it her phone number?" Diana giggled. Gilbert huffed as Anne glared towards Diana. Diana raised both her arms in defense. Anne glanced back towards Gilbert for a moment. His expression was intense enough to make her feel uncomfortable, almost embarrassed.

"What is it?" She asked, impatiently. Gilbert rubbed the back of his neck, biting his lower lip.

"Well…" He deliberately prolonged the word. "I don't know if you know, but I am the captain of the academic team..."

"Academic team? Is that like a study group or something?" Anne tipped her head to the side.

"No. Well, not exactly." Gilbert scratched his shoulder. "We compete with other teams about common knowledge, like math and English." He gave her a light, genuine smile. "And you could be one of us if you'd like."

"What will Anne's quirk be?" Diana inquired, narrowing her eyes. "You don't know this yet, but she is incredibly smart."

" What is a quirk?" Anne leaned backward, crossing her arms.

"It's basically like the avengers. Each member has a secret power that helps the team out. We have been missing someone who knows literature and I think you might be a good fit." He was talking quickly, in a very passionate manner, which surprised Anne. Based on the way he dressed it didn't seem like he would be into a school club in a non-ironic way.

"Anne! You have to do it!" Diana clapped her hands together. "It will look great on your college application!"

Gilbert nodded slowly, agreeing. Anne knew they had a point, and she was looking for a school activity. Also, that way she could keep close tabs on his progress… On the other hand, the more time she had to spend with this boy, the less she could tolerate him. There she was, fighting her hardest for a shoot at a future, while this boy has everything handed to him, even his natural-born intelligence, according to Diana.

"Don't answer now, just think about it." Gilbert said quickly, almost like he had read her mind. Anne pressed her lips to a thin line, before giving him a nontalent shrug.

"See you around, red." He turned to his desk.

"NO!" Anne called in protest after hearing the new nickname. Gilbert smirked behind his back.

"See you around, Nickname TBA." He repeated using the same tone. Anne rolled her eyes, ignoring Diana's giggles.

"What?!" Barked Anne. Diana began to laugh, shaking her head.


During class, Anne felt unusually exposed. Gilbert kept glancing towards her, and whenever their eyes would meet, he would give her a crooked, smug smile, like her joining to his stupid club was inevitable. She could have sworn that at some point he even mouthed to her "One of us, one of us."

On top of that, Ruby kept looking at her with this pitiful expression, a mixture of sorrow and anger. Anne wanted to her that she had nothing to worry about, but it was hard to explain Gilbert's continuing attempts to get her attention during class. A wave of guilt washed over Anne when she noticed Ruby's lower lip quivering at some point. She knew she would have to clear, the sooner the better.

However, just as she was about to go outside for lunch, she felt a sudden grab, pulling her aside. She yanked the hand, twisting it backward, only to find out it was Gilbert. She snorted indignantly to his surprised expression, before releasing his arms.

"What?!" She growled at him with a low voice. Gilbert massaged his arm, his lips twisted in a constant smirk.

"Damn it, Ginger snaps. You have a funny way of showing your interest." Again, with the stupid nicknames. It was aggravating, especially after what Diana said about his personal preference.

"No." Anne said, annoyed. "What do you want? I thought you said I could think about it." Something in Gilbert's expression changed. His amusement turned into a pensive look,

"Look. I wasn't being fully honest with you before about the real reason I think you should join." Gilbert said quietly. Anne narrowed her eyes in confusion. Could Diana be right? Did he look for an excuse to be around her? It couldn't be. They haven't known each other for that long, besides, he didn't strike her as the type that would have had trouble asking her out had he been interested.

"You can't tell anyone. Promise?" Gilbert pleaded. His voice was quiet and husky like he was fighting himself to speak. Anne nodded, remaining suspicious.

"Billy is more dangerous than you might think." He sighed, crossing his arms together. Anne pulled away, surprised. She had already handled him before; she didn't even perceive him as a threat. "I know he doesn't go to school here, but his father is still on the board and rumor has it that he might be back soon."

"What? What do you…" Gilbert covered her mouthed quickly with his palm, looking both sides frantically. His hand wasn't forced on her; it was rather placed gently, almost like a caress.

"Are you insane? I just told you to be quiet." He muttered angrily. Anger did not suit his voice, it sounded unnatural. Anne nodded quietly before biting gently his palm.

"Ow! What did you do that for?" Gilbert yelled, moving his arms quickly across his face.

"Relax, I barely left any marks." Anne took his hand, showing him the light red spot, she left on his finger. A sudden mischievous sparkle flashed in his eyes.

"Would you kiss to make it…"

"Don't." Anne cut him off mercilessly. He placed his hand on his heart, pretending to be terribly hurt.

"Look, just…. Carry on. You were saying about Billy?" She urged him; her voice almost cracking.

"Right now, Billy and his father are not exactly on the best terms, as I'm sure you've heard from Diana." Anne hummed in a knowing tone, though his words pierced her like a knife. What was is that Diana wasn't telling?

"But as soon as he'll be back, I'm sure he'll get back on his father's good side in no time." Gilbert's lips curled down, and the dammed wrinkle on his forehead made an appearance yet again.

"I'm not sure I understand. You know I can protect myself." Anne sneered through her teeth. Gilbert huffed in annoyance, jerking his head to the side in a sarcastic chuckle.

"Yeah, that would help you stay in school. Violence." Gilbert looked like he was growing tired of the conversation. "Look, God knows why I try to help you but I am. What I'm saying is that your place in this school is in danger. The minute Billy's back on his father's good side, it would be no trouble for him to get you expelled." He moved closer to her, placing both of his hands on her shoulders.

"Do you understand?" He lowered his frame to face hers. Anne looked at him, astonished. Tears began to fill her eyes as she clenched her hands into fists, fighting the urge to burst.

"So, what are you saying? Did I fuck up everything?" Anne mumbled. Gilbert tightened his grip on her shoulders, shaking his head.

"No, no you see, that's exactly why you should join the academic team." His lips curled up into a cheerful grin. "If you'd make yourself an asset before Billy's return, they won't be able to kick you out." He was very close to her, enough for her to smell the distinctive sweet and sour smell of apples. It was enough for her to notice that his eyes had a touch of gold around the irises. Anne moved his hands from her shoulders, pulling away.

"I'll take that into consideration." Anne said dryly. Gilbert sighed, as crossed his hands behind his neck, nodded, and turned on his heels.

"Why would you help me?" She called after him. "I'm your competition." She added carefully, trying not to sound arrogant.

Gilbert jerked his head backward, trying to choke a laugh. "You are truly one of a kind." He shook his head, before disappearing into the cafeteria.