Hi! So... We know you all might be wondering what's next? We don't want to keep you waiting so here is the playlist of today... and enjoy!
open .dot. spotify .dot playlist/4MK38FfpmFY9nkHIy32g1I?si=eX1c566qRKmKpvCrWDHo7g
Chapter Text
**Gilbert Blythe (11:49): Anne-girl. I just talked with Dr. Oak. She can have you this Friday around half past five, after regular patients, or then if you don't mind waiting for a regular appointment it would be two weeks from today, first available at 15:30.
**Carrots (11:53): Would she really stay late for me?
**Gilbert Blythe (11:54): She offered. She's been kind of a mentor all these years, so don't feel bad about it.
**Carrots (11:54): Ok. Friday then 😊 Go work, dr. Blythe.
**Gilbert Blythe (11:55): I'm going to lunch, actually. Love you 😘 Fred says hi, btw.
"Oy, Blyhte, drop your silly face and answer me, did you bring lunch today?" Fred asked him, probably for the third time. Gilbert looked at him.
"Eh… No, I didn't," he said. "You did?" Fred shook his head. "Ok, so…"
"Tims?" Gilbert laughed. "I honestly can't think of anything else, other than the cafeteria, and I can't stand the food there."
"Tims it is," Gilbert answered. "So healthy. Sandwich, doughnuts and a coffee for lunch, yum."
"Anne is a bad influence, just so you know," Fred commented. "Six months ago that was your regular fare."
"Six months ago I didn't particularly care much about what went through my mouth, and I was a fraction of the person I am today. So don't push it, Wright," he warned, but he was smiling the whole time. Fred shook his head.
"I saw you were talking with Dr. Oak a bit ago? Got you interested in the whole family thing? They could grow together, you know?"
"You don't have to convince me, Fred. Try to convince the redhead and see if you live to tell. No, it was actually for the opposite, Anne mentioned she'd rather see a doctor to see options, so I was seeing if Emily could have her at some point. She's coming Friday," Gilbert explained. "I just remembered, I have to go to have the test taken…" he commented, as he came to the realisation that he still had to do the weekly covid test. At least his nose was used to it now.
"Covid? I thought you were on Thursdays."
"I was, until I went on holiday. Now it has moved to every Monday, I just have to remember so I can change the habit," he replied, rubbing his temples, an annoying headache after sitting in front of the computer researching treatment options for a difficult case.
"I'm telling you, Blythe. Your headaches aren't normal," Fred said. Gilbert was about to speak when he shushed him. "Don't even deny it? Honestly, there's no shame in using glasses, if that's what it is... And if you truly hate them there's always contacts."
"I don't have anything against glasses, I just don't think they're necessary. Yes, I tire myself reading, but who doesn't?"
"People who acknowledge their poor eyesight?" Fred countered. "Honestly, you just like to suffer. Please check yourself up? If it's not your sight, better to know quickly what's going on inside you."
"I don't like to suffer," Gilbert mumbled as he took out his phone after feeling a buzz in his pocket. Maybe Fred was right and he should book an appointment.
callmecordelia tagged you in a post
"Oh look at how happy and in love you look…" Fred said as Gilbert slid the notification to see what Anne had published now. It wasn't even a picture of them in Montreal, but a selfie she had taken weeks ago in the apartment, around the days where they had finally got together. They were in pajamas, her hair a mess, each with a cup of coffee, in the most domestic photo he could ever imagine. But it was just them. Truly them, in all comfort and happiness of knowing they finally were together.
callmecordelia the one where we get our shit together.
Gilbert chuckled at the caption and shook his head.
Gilbertblythe: it was a long time coming, Carrots.
"Come, let's see if what Anne says is true and I will be stuck with a crappy grilled cheese. I'm hungry," Gilbert said, walking faster and completely unable to contain his smile as a couple of nurses looked at him, their phones in their hands.
A long time coming . Yeah, sure, if you had somehow managed to never lose hope as everyone but her had done over the past decade. Still. She smiled. Gilbert loved her as much as she loved him and it felt even better than she ever imagined as a teen. And for one, she still couldn't believe they went all the way back to middle school. Honestly. Instead of stupidly making bets, their friends should have put them in a room…. Oh . So that's why they had insisted so much on Gilbert going with Anne on that stupid game in grade eleven? Well, maybe something more obvious!
**Gil (12:15): Carrots, I know I haven't asked in forever, but you're keeping up with your B12, right?
She shook her head at the notification. Of course she had! Enough lectures she had received from him all over highschool. It had taken a while when she had to remember on her own after they stopped talking, but she was healthy and alive! It had to count for something, right? She had the vitamin routine now down to a science. And he was the one who was new to the whole meatless world. Not her.
**Anne S-C (12:16): The question is, are you, doc? 😉
**Gil (12:16): Fair enough.
**Anne S-C (12:17): I'll give you from one I have around. It's better than the one I used to take, just once a week and you're done. But from now on, only I can tease about B12! Ha!
**Gil (12:17): Not fair 😢
**Anne (12:18): Yes fair. I deserve it. It's my prize
**Gil (12:18): You shouldn't get a prize when I actually had to carry your vitamins for months to give them to you every morning 😒
**Anne (12:19): But I do. Get a prize 🙈 🙈 🙈
Incoming call: Diana
"Di! My bosom friend! How are you on this splendid morning?" Anne asked as she answered the call.
"Not as eloquent as you, clearly. But I'm good. So, what's going on? Tell me everything!"
"I'm with Gilbert! I live with him! It's the dream!" she answered as she went to fill a jug with water for the plants.
"I can see that," Diana chuckled. "But go more slowly. I want all the details. What do you mean living with him?"
"As in I am living with him. For real. I'm not going anywhere anymore. Well, to visit, because I miss you, but… Apparently, the city of Hamilton is where my home is and I'm all for it right now."
Incoming call: Cole
"Wait. Cole is calling me. Is there anyway…. oh, I'll just call you both over facetime. Give me a second," she said, hanging up on Diana and answering to Cole. "Cole! I'll call you on facetime. I was just speaking with Diana. I'll call you both," she explained before hanging up and calling both by video call.
"Anne, you can't just video call with no forewarning," Cole said, annoyed, trying to put some order into his hair.
"You called first. And that's rich coming from anyone on that island. You've been calling without any warning for months. It's messy, see? Don't do it, Cole," she answered as he mumbled something under his breath and Roy's half-dressed shadow crossed the background. Diana was laughing.
"Anne! Focus! You were telling me, you're living there now?" Diana insisted.
"Yes!"
"What? You talked with him?" Cole asked, confused.
"Yes again! So, Cole, Diana, I am living with Gilbert now, in Hamilton, but I still want this to be over so I can visit the both of you. I miss you tons," she said.
"When did this happen?"
"Last… Yesterday. It was a...long conversation," Anne said, her cheeks tinting red and Cole stopping in the middle of a huff to look more carefully at her. "But yes, we are living together now. For good."
"Anne Shirley-Curhbert you are all blushed," Cole said, grinning wickedly. Diana started smirking as well.
"Do tell us what really happened, Anne," she said and Anne felt how she was flushing even deeper as she recalled the previous afternoon.
"We talked!" she said. She was not discussing sex with Gilbert Blythe with any of these two perverted minds.
"Before or after you had sex?" Cole asked, putting his shirt on as Anne stammered. "Nan, it's written all over your face." She covered it out of frustration.
"Anne, Cole is right… Just one question. Was it good?"
"I have more questions!" Cole interrupted. "But yes, was it good? It's Gilbert Blythe, please tell me it was or I'll kill him."
"You wouldn't, Cole. But it was, ok? Now, can we move on? I'm living with him!"
"We are so not moving on! I want details! What did he do? How was it? Have you finally accepted we were not lying? Was… Gosh, I even hate asking this, but was it still painful?"
"I… er…" Anne looked at them, biting her lips. "It… wasn't? It never was. He… just kept asking and asking if something felt good… or if he could… I've never felt so cherished before, you now? Like I matter? And Gil is… I can't even explain it," she said, but neither of her friends said a word or moved, as it was the first time Anne seemed so dazed about any kind of sexual experience. "It's like… I almost forget to breathe, the way he looks at me. And then he is so strong but at the same time so… gentle, you know? I can't quite understand why he would be with me, but he is and he is so… loving and careful and... gentle?"
"I knew it!" Cole exclaimed as Diana squeaked in delight. "I always knew Gilbert would be the gentlest lover ever! He has it all written down his face!"
"Oh, but he has so much written in there, Cole, I can just tell. Gentle? I bet there's more to this. Anne! Tell us!" Anne felt herself blush even more. Because he was gentle. So gentle. But...
"But then it's like he knows exactly what he's doing… Like gentle but determined? I don't really have that many comparison points, guys. I don't know, he must have so much experience, the way he… I don't have that experience. I… he's so encouraging, and patient, and loving, and I am… I don't know what to do with this," she finally said.
"First, Anne," Diana said, looking at her straight from the camera. "He doesn't have that much experience. He barely dated back at Uni and then decided it wasn't worth it. I know for a fact he hasn't been with anyone in many years. So it's not experience what he's flaunting. He's just using all the information he has collected from you since he's been allowed to hug you."
"Exactly! I mean, the way he's looked at you since ever? I only wish Roy would look at me like that."
"What? Really? What look? Wait, how come he hasn't dated? But he's so kind! And so good! And have you looked at him? I mean, I'm sure he hasn't told you, but I doubt he has gone years alone…"
"We are sure, Anne. 2015. Has not been with a single woman since that December."
"How would you even know that?" she asked, disbelieving.
"We have our methods. But trust us," Cole insisted, as if he had some great piece of information he was withholding and was not about to share. "And about his looks? Nana, Gilbert Blythe? He's about the most analytical person I've ever met. He dissects every little thing he's interested in. The etymology of a word, cancer tumours… And you've been the bigest… enigma for him, and I don't know if that's the right word, since he came back from Alberta. I dare you to ask him where the biggest freckle is in your face. He would know. Without even looking at a picture. He's not been with anyone, he's just studied you in a way that would be creepy if we didn't know how much he actually loves you."
"He would not know that, Cole, you're mental," Anne said, dismissing him.
"Let's bet something, then. Diana and I are sure we can win this. What would you bet?"
"I don't even know, Cole, what do you want? No one remembers freckles. Maybe as a general mass, but not individually, there's just too many of them. I don't even keep track," she said.
"I want a picture of a shirtless Gilbert Blythe! Not far like those on the lake. A real disheveled Gilbert Blythe in all his morning glory," Cole said, his eyes lost. Diana nodded and paused her video for a second. "You know, the messy hair? Doing something domestic? The light just so?"
"I don't have that! Even if I had I wouldn't send it to you!" Anne said, blushing as she remembered the picture she had taken weeks ago as he made coffee. It still gave her goosebumps whenever she saw it.
"You do have it or you wouldn't be blushing that way, Nan," Cole said. "Come on!"
"I just asked him, let's see what he answers. And I want that picture as well, Anne," Diana said, a wicked smile.
"What? Why? I don't have any pictures of Gilbert making coffee and you have Jerry and Cole has Roy!"
"Anne, I'm married, not dead," Diana answered, very matter of factly.
"And you just confirmed you have the picture. Making coffee, eh? I want that one. The forearms all tense… Roy will love it as well, don't worry about it," Cole said. Anne looked scandalized to both of them and Diana paused briefly the video again.
"Anne, he has always been dreamy. His whole life. Since we were toddlers. You never noticed because you are just too stubborn for your own good! You were concerned about him getting on your nerves while most girls only wanted him to pay them attention!"
"Or for him to be gay, but yes! Anne, I've been dying to see him shirtless since he finally started working out and every time he comes it's freaking winter!" Cole said. "My god! I would just paint a series of portraits out of him! Diana, did he answer already?"
"Not yet. He's Gilbert, of course he would make a follow-up question," Diana said, rolling her eyes.
"Then it doesn't count! He must be looking for a picture!" Anne exclaimed, exasperated. Diana paused the video again.
"Ha! Send the picture, Anne!" Diana said as a notification appeared on Anne's screen with a screenshot of Diana's phone.
**Diana Baynard (12:29): Hi Gilbert. Quick question just so we can win something with Cole. Where's Anne's biggest freckle on her face? Without looking at any photo.
**Gilbert (12:30): Do I even want to know what you're playing at?
**Diana Baynard (12:30): Just answer? 😑
**Gilbert (12:31): Used to be the nose, but now it's on the chin. Left side. Didn't see any photos. Who won and what? What's in it for me?
"You are not answering that question if you want that picture," Anne warned her. Diana smiled innocently. "You already did! Diana!"
"Send it to me at least, Nan! I didn't cheat!" Cole insisted, doing his best impression of puppy eyes. Anne cursed under her breath.
"You are not to share this," she insisted as she sent them the photo and both their videos paused as they looked at it. "With anyone that's not been in this conversation. Ok?"
"Oh my god! It is even better than I could ever have pictured in my mind! Roy! Come here!" Cole called his boyfriend.
"That's sharing, Cole!" Anne said, very annoyed.
"It's Roy, of course I was going to share it with him," Cole said.
"I have to say, you're a lucky woman, Anne," Diana said, giggling. "Don't worry, I'm not showing this to Jerry. Only between the parties involved in this conversation."
"Thank you, my bosom friend," Anne answered as she bit her lips. "I can't even believe he knows that. It's plain weird."
"That's Gilbert Blythe to you, Nan. He's always been weird. And extra attentive of anything that has to do with you," Cole explained.
"Right…" she bit her lip, thinking. "So, I was thinking… I really have no experience with this, but… How could I… I don't know, show him…" she trailed off, unsure.
"What, show him you want him?" Diana asked bluntly, her screen still black.
"Maybe? But without being needy?" Anne answered, uncomfortably.
"I think it's impossible you pass as needy in front of Gilbert, Nana," Cole said.
"Be yourself, Anne. Do whatever comes to your mind. Don't dismiss things as stupid or needy or whatever, just trust your instincts. You want to caress him? Well, do so. You want to reach somewhere? Do that. I'm positive Gilbert thinks you're about the sexiest woman on earth, but if you want, buy some lingerie or nice bras or whatever, but because you like that, not for him," Diana said.
"That you're comfortable in your skin will speak louder, Nan. Believe us," Cole insisted.
"Ok…" Anne replied, a bit unsure.
"Just one advice, maybe?" Cole said as if it suddenly came to him. "if he has a weak spot on his body and you know it? Take full advantage of it," Cole added with a knowing smile, "believe me they get crazy about it."
"Oh yes! Whenever I kiss Jerry in the…"
"Ew! Diana! Gross!" Anne said at the image of her brother. Diana protested and started speaking again as Cole snickered and Anne covered her ears and sang loudly until Diana stopped speaking and Roy appeared on screen.
"My Anne! How are you?" he greeted. Anne smiled relieved, happy to have left the uncomfortable topic behind. "I couldn't help but listen to Cole? You know, in addition to that, a little tongue in the weak spot always does the trick," he added, winking. Cole nodded and made a gesture that he agreed wholeheartedly and Diana tilted her head, interested. Anne frowned.
"What? It's serious!"
"But… that's it?"
"What were you expecting?" Roy asked, confused.
"It's just…" she already did that. And it did drive him crazy, she had figured that on her own. That's what it was all about?
"She already does that, love, I can tell by her brows and her lip biting," Cole said, laughing and Anne blushed furiously. "Again, Nana. Follow your instincts. They will take you farther than any of us."
"I will try that. Can we please change the subject now?"
"If you want. Because I was actually calling with news. Diana, you have an idea already. Guess who's moving to Toronto!" Cole said, smiling, his video on again. Anne's eyes widened in surprise, her mouth half open.
"No way! When?"
"Around September, for the start of the school year. Late August. Roy here is looking for a job in one of those fancy private schools from the city and I really need to work on my network, which is the principal reason we are moving. Plus, it's much better connected than Charlottetown so I will save a lot of money in planes."
"And spend way more in rent," Anne huffed.
"Roy's family has a loft there. It's rented now, but the lease finishes in October and they already gave word that they're not renewing it. So we're going there for a symbolic price, and we already found a temporary place for September."
"You both are spoiled."
"We don't mind," Roy said, proud.
"Finally going home?" Fred asked as they met in the parking lot.
"Grocery store first, I can't go back without produce or she'll kill me" Gilbert explained. "Care to go?"
"Eh, why not. Let me text Ella and see if she needs anything. So what was it with Anne's freckles, anyway?"
"No idea. Diana didn't answer. Your car or mine? Doesn't make any sense to go in both," Gilbert commented as they got to where their cars were parked side by side.
"Mine, if you don't mind stopping for gas. The station is on the way to the supermarket," Fred explained.
"No problem, just let me grab some bags," Gilbert said as Fred got into the car. He opened the trunk and took out the reusable bags Anne had given him and then went to Fred's and sat in the passenger seat just as Gilbert's phone buzzed.
**Diana (17:06): Cole and I won, of course. The bet was of course you were going to know that. That you somehow noticed a change should grant us double points and now I feel bad for having asked only for a picture. Sorry for the late answer, got caught up in a meeting after.
**Gilbert Blythe (17:06): Your prize is a picture? That's… zero ambitious. Picture of what, anyway?
"Apparently they had some weird bet going on and I helped her win a picture," Gilbert explained. "I never understand the dynamic these three have, honest, Fred. They've been like this since forever and at one point I just gave up and went along as needed. So I guess I'll be doing the same ten years later?"
**Diana (17:06): [Photo] This! You look good, by the way.
"That's a photo of you? Blythe, what the hell?" Fred asked, looking at the conversation as well while they put on the seatbelts.
"Believe me I don't get it either," Gilbert mumbled. "I don't even know when she took it."
"Weeks ago. Look at that mop you called hair," Fred pointed, and Gilbert laughed as if it was the best joke ever as his friend concentrated on the road. "What?"
"Anne Shirley-Cuthbert was taking pictures of shirtless me before we were even together," he said, still chuckling, as Fred opened his eyes widely. "Oh, this is the best joke ever. And here I was, trying to be cautious. She's never living this down."
**Gilbert Blythe (17:06): Thanks? Should I be worried, Di?
**Diana (17:07): Of course not, Gil. You're… a feast for the eyes. That's it. And you have Anne and her chin freckle now, so enjoy that.
**Gilbert Blythe (17:08): So…. I just received the most interesting message, Carrots. Care to guess what it is?
**Carrots (17:08): Oh no she didn't! 😱 😱 😱
**Gilbert Blythe (17:08): Oh, yes, she did. So, I'm guessing you're not too unhappy with how I look?
**Carrots (17:09): You're too full of yourself, Gilbert Blythe
**Gilbert Blythe (17:09): I differ. Your camera roll, apparently, is too full of me. But I like it 😜
**Carrots (17:10): It's just the one! 🙈 🙈 🙈
**Gilbert Blythe (17:11): Are you sure? Wanna bet? 😂 😂
**Carrots (17:11): I'm having this conversation because I lost a bet. So no, I don't want to 😑
**Gilbert Blythe (17:11): Ok. But if it makes you feel any better, I also like what I see. Only I'm not ashamed to admit it 😉
"So, tell me Blythe. How's it going with Anne, now?" Fred asked him, winking.
"You know I don't tell, Wright. Never did in the past, I have no idea what makes you think I would now," Gilbert answered, smiling.
"Stop being such a perv! I don't want details, Gilbert! Just to know how it is going! God, you're incredible sometimes," Fred said, feigning annoyance.
"It's going good, then. If that's all you need to know," Gilbert answered as they got to the parking store of the supermarket.
"And…?" Fred prompted, smiling, as he opened the door.
"See? Never satisfied. I know you and your curiosity, Freddie," Gilbert. "It's going well. She seems more confident. She's…" he trailed off, feeling his ears go warm. He really didn't want this conversation with Fred.
"She's…?"
"Do you know this myth about redheads having a bad temper and being all feisty and passionate?" Fred nodded. "Apparently it could be applied to more things, other than discussions. And I do know how horrible and cliche it sounds but I can't think of other way to describe it."
"No way," Fred said and studied Gilbert's expression as they got a couple of shopping carts, putting on their facemasks.
"I'm not giving you any details. So stop asking. Please. I'm happy, this seems to be working, it's beyond anything I could ever picture and that's all you need to know" Gilbert said, thinking of Anne's breathless expression and how damn cute and hot it was. Fred nodded, smiling. "So, what are you looking for? Because the organic section awaits me, over that side," he said, signaling somewhere on the side of the produce section.
**Carrots (17:24): I'm not afraid to admit it either...
**Gilbert Blythe (17:25): Aren't you? Do tell.
**Gilbert Blythe (17:25): I can start, if you want. I like your hair. Always have done. I may have a slight obsession with it.
"Ok, no details then, Blythe. But you don't need to give them. I already know. You're transparent," Fred teased as he put some spinach and cherry tomatoes on his cart. Gilbert ignored him but did the same, and added some other vegetables he knew Anne liked. He added a box of tiny cucumbers he had never seen before, but Anne would probably know how to prepare.
**Gilbert Blythe (17:29): Your turn, Carrots.
"Need anything else?" Fred asked him. Gilbert shrugged. He kind of did, but didn't want to hold Fred back. "If you're not in a hurry, I could actually do all the shopping so that's done and over with. Ella has been having a bad time with the nausea and you know as well as I do that leaving the groceries to her doesn't make any sense even when she's feeling good. All she seems to keep down is cereal and it's driving me nuts."
**Carrots (17:31): You know I like your chin. I'm just not engaging in this conversation because you are already too full of yourself, Slateface.
"Let's do this, Freddie. Let's be domestic together," Gilbert said. "How's Ella? Has she tried anything for that?" he asked as they turned on an alley and started gathering what they needed, doing mindless talk. Gilbert tried to pay attention to his friend, remember the stuff Anne had asked for and keep with the conversation he had going with her. Even when that's the only thing he wanted to focus on.
**Gilbert Blythe (17:32): It's different when you say it. And I don't particularly care about my chin.
**Gilbert Blythe (17:33): Let's continue.
**Gilbert Blythe (17:33): I like the sound of your voice. And all the sounds you make.
**Carrots (17:35): !
**Gilbert Blythe (17:36): That doesn't count, Anne-girl.
**Gilbert Blythe (17:37): But I can go again. I like your expression when you're flushed and breathless.
**Carrots (17:38): Gilbert Blythe! 😳
"I just need to grab some chocolate and then I'll be done," Gilbert commented as Fred added two boxes of Lucky Charms shaking his head. He wanted to go home now. "Ella should definitely try ginger tea. It helped Mary a lot back when she was pregnant. She just sipped it all day long."
**Gilbert Blythe (17:40): I'm going to assume that means you think I'm wholly perfect. You are to me, too. But I like to enumerate what I like. 😉
"I'll bring her some. See how it goes. You know how you study it and then do all the rotations and all? It really doesn't prepare you for this," Fred commented.
"Why should it, Freddie? Now you're emotionally involved and living it 24/7. You better than anyone should know this," Gilbert commented as they went to pay, each to an empty register. They met outside, Gilbert's groceries haphazardly thrown in the reusable bags Anne insisted he use and Fred's neatly organized after many years of practice in big Ikea bags. He chuckled at Gilbert.
"I'm learning, save your comments," he murmured as they went back to Fred's car.
"Some things really never change," Fred commented. Gilbert shrugged. He had what she had asked for, as far as he was concerned. Chore done. Thinking about that... He wanted to see Anne. And she hadn't answered anything else.
Gilbert opened the door and left the grocery bags next to it while he kicked off his shoes. Anne was in the kitchen preparing something or other and he went straight to hug her from behind. He kissed the top of her head.
"Hello, Anne-girl," he said, smiling into her hair as he saw what she was preparing.
"Hey, Gil," she said, not turning and concentrating fully on the batter she was mixing. She was not going to face him. Not after Diana sent him that picture and even less after that wholly inappropriate conversation. So she was going to keep doing the banana bread. She felt his lips on her neck and tried to ignore him.
"So how was your day?"
"Good, actually," she said, "We managed to finish the first draft of the book, so I hope to advance on the edits these following weeks, so Kak'wet gives it a second look."
"Congratulations, Carrots!" he said, holding her tighter for a second. How proud he was of her. And her friend. But how he was also not going to miss the opportunity to completely tease her. She brought forward the tin she had already prepared and started pouring the mix in it, confident that she had deterred the target. "So… That's quite the picture, the one Diana claims you sent her. Care to talk about what the bet was about?" he asked, nudging her to turn when she finished spreading the batter. She saw his teasing smile, arched eyebrows and felt herself blush as she remembered the conversation.
"I… I don't?" she tried.
"But I do? Please! If for some reason I confessed to Diana that your largest freckle is right here," he said as he touched it lightly with a finger, "then you can tell me why that happened," he insisted, seeing as she bit her lip.
"It's embarrassing! I really don't want to, Gilbert," she tried, still blushing.
"Why? What's embarrassing?" he asked, still smiling. "If it's anything about the two of us, you don't need to be embarrassed, Anne-Girl."
"I…. Ugh, ok. But you can't laugh! Absolutely not! You understand?" she said. He nodded broadly and she proceeded to tell him in the tiniest of tiny voices about her conversation with Cole, Diana and eventually Roy. And he tried to keep his promise. He really tried. But he couldn't help a tiny laugh that escaped him. "Gilbert Blythe! You promised!"
"You are just too cute when you're embarrassed, Anne-girl," he explained as he leaned over to kiss her gently, his lips caressing hers softly. "And I love that you felt cherished. You are, darling girl, so much," he whispered, before kissing her again as gently as the last time, caressing her cheek softly before cupping it. "And don't ask those gits for advice. You don't need advice. You're perfect just by being you, Carrots, ok? Perfect," he stated, looking her straight in the eyes. She smiled, still blushing, and he kissed her forehead before hugging her as she rested her head in his chest, sighing.
"Thank you, Gil," she murmured.
"Whatever for?"
"Letting me be me?"
"Always, Carrots."
"I just have one question," she asked after a moment. He retreated and rested against the opposite counter, and she took advantage of the situation to put the banana bread in the oven. "Diana and Cole seemed fairly certain that you haven't been with anyone since 2015?" she asked as she configured the timer, and missed how Gilbert played absent-mindedly with his ring.
"They are correct," was all he said. He really didn't want to explain too much. "I tried dating for some years… Had one or two kind of serious relationships… But it never made any sense. I knew I was not going to be happy or fulfilled with anyone different than you and it wasn't fair on any of those women. So in early winter 2015 I decided to just quit dating and haven't been with anyone since. Hadn't been with anyone for months, now that I think of it."
"With anyone? Seriously?"
"Anne, I don't do one night stands. I don't see the point in them. So no, no one," he said honestly. She looked at him and went over where he was standing, looking at his eyes. "It… I know it doesn't make any sense because I didn't even know if I was going to ever see you again, but it felt too much like cheating on you and whatever woman I was trying to date and I couldn't bring myself to do it anymore once I realized that. Because one of the women pointed it out to me, actually," he explained, uncomfortable, remembering his break up with Lottie. "You must think I'm mental," he added, chuckling.
"I…" she started answering, but then decided to just kiss him. Because she felt it conveyed much more what she wanted to say, anyway. So she grabbed those teasing suspenders of his and brought him down so she could kiss him soundly. Not like his gentle kisses from before, but tasting his lips, giving them a small bite as he brought her closer to him, melting into her kiss as he had imagined down the whole afternoon.
"Goodness, Anne. I missed you the whole day," he said when she finally let go.
"I've missed you. I'm the one locked in here," she teased. "So, what do you want for dinner? You're very hungry?"
"Anything? I don't mind, really. Let me just bring the groceries… maybe we get an idea while putting them away?" he proposed and went back to the main door to pick the bags, chuckling as he remembered the picture.
"What now?"
"I can't believe you've had the hots for me this long," he confessed. Anne swatted him playfully.
"You're too full of yourself, Slate!"
"I'm not!" he said, laughing even harder. "Had I known, I wouldn't have been as measured and careful around you, that's all," he said, winking at her. She rolled her eyes as she opened the fridge, putting some veggies in there.
"What about I prepare a nice salad while you tell me about your day? About the part that didn't include talking with Diana."
"Sounds delicious, how can I help?"
"Just telling me nice stories? How's Ella? Did Fred say anything?" she asked. It was just easier to cook when she wasn't trying to supervise him.
"She's living on cereal and having nausea, but otherwise, she's incredibly happy," he explained. "I'm so happy for them you can't imagine, Anne-girl. Last year, when they told me they wanted to have a kid… I pictured Ella pregnant instantly, somehow. Which is stupid because I know it hardly ever works that way… But then months passed and I stopped asking, because Fred would get very quiet and I could tell he was struggling with the subject. He didn't need anyone else rubbing it on him, you know?"
"I guess… So it was a surprise now?"
"It was. But of the best kind," he said, sitting on the island and watching as she worked.
"How come it took so long?"
"No idea. It just happens sometimes… For all you were scared the other day at Bash's, it was really far-fetched you could end pregnant. I mean it does happen, otherwise there wouldn't be so many unplanned pregnancies… But usually couples try for some months before actually managing to get pregnant or get lucky really quickly."
"I had never thought about it," she commented, mixing the ingredients, thinking about how she had thought on and off all through her twenties about becoming a mother, but never doing anything about it. It just was never the right time.. Or the right partner.
Gilbert also stayed in silence, thinking briefly about Fred and Ella, but then musing about his opportunity. After having met with Yang as they had scheduled over the phone, everything was much clearer. And it was a great opportunity he really didn't want to miss. But at the same time...
"Anne?" he asked. She looked at him. "There's something I've been meaning to talk to you about..."
"What about?"
"My work?" he said, his hand going to his nape. She looked at him, questioning eyes, raising an eyebrow at his nervous gesture. "Ok, so you know I work in a teaching hospital, right? It's also where I did my residency."
"Yes, I got the idea. I remember you told me the nurses that follow me on Instagram are actually students?" she asked, just to confirm. Gilbert chuckled. "They're cute, I really don't mind. I just thought it weird at the beginning."
"I still think it's weird they follow you on social media, to be honest," he mentioned. "Anyway, so it's a teaching hospital. Last week, while we were in Montreal, Dr Yang, who is the dean of medicine, called me to offer me something… I hadn't told you before, because I wanted a chance to talk it through with him and understand how it would work if I were to say yes…"
Anne turned to look at him, curious. Could this really be happening to him? She remembered how he used to tell her, when they went on long walks around Avonlea's forest, that he wanted to teach once he was ready. He wanted to work and help people, yes, but he also wanted to share that knowledge once he was ready.
"So… he wanted to offer me to start teaching. I wouldn't teach full time. Just a couple of classes a week and only for first year students. But it's an amazing opportunity, to be honest… I didn't think I would be able to teach until years from now and suddenly they recommended me."
"And did you answer them? You have to say yes, Gil!" she said, completely forgetting about dinner and looking at him, not able to contain her smile. Gilbert chuckled. "It's what you always wanted! You still want it… right?" she asked. Because ten years had passed, so it was possible that he no longer wanted that. Maybe he was comfortable as an oncologist and he didn't want to teach?
"No, I do… I would want it," he said, trying not to sound as eager as he felt. His hand, already on his nape, messed with his hair as he scratched the back of his head. He sighed. "I honestly wanted to run it by you first. If… we're going to live together for good and all… I believe we should make big decisions together, don't you think?" he mentioned cautiously. Anne felt her heart skip a beat. She had thought about what implied living with him long term… About sharing their lives, and possibly having a family in the future, and supporting each other and banter about the best sofa… But for Gilbert to take her into account this much, this early on? She bit her lips, smiling. "Anne?"
"Thank you, Gil," she said, going over to where he was and hugging him. He returned the hug.
"You don't have to thank me, I want to share my life with you and for us to make decisions together," Gilbert mentioned, walking over where she was standing and holding her hands gently. He caressed her knuckles with his thumbs. He smiled at her, full of illusion and excitement, and it made her heart feel warm. "So… I take it you're in favor? I would probably come home later sometimes, but it won't be like it was when I did coming back around 7:00 or something like that."
"That doesn't sound so bad," she commented, letting go of him. "I'm so proud of you! Gilbert Blythe, professor of medicine. It has a nice ring to it, doesn't it?" he laughed in response and brought her closer, holding her tightly before kissing her. He let go of her, still smiling, and she returned to the dinner prep.
"Ok, so I'll give them notice. I have until Friday, but… Now that I talked with you about it, I feel much more confident,"he commented, getting some dishes and organizing something to drink. Anne smiled at him. They talked a bit more about the subject, but eventually fell on a comfortable silence as they ate. She was so happy for him- it had been her first reaction, after all, and she was so proud! But… Her lack of employment kept lurking back from the shadows. Even if she wasn't precisely lazing the days away. Gilbert looked at how her smile slowly faded and was replaced by a slight furrow on her forehead.
"Everything is ok, Anne? I can always pass on the opportunity if it makes you uncomfortable," he said softly. This was closer to the reaction he had feared. She looked at him.
"No, Gil. Don't pass on. It's amazing! And I'm truly happy for you, honestly I am."
"Then what happened? You look pensive and sad," he commented.
"Well… It's just, I've been here for months, and I have been sending all these CVs, and I haven't even received an invitation to interview. I've been broadening the places I apply to, but it's almost like no one wants me."
"Anne-girl… I don't think it has to do with you. We're still pretty much in the middle of the pandemic and things won't go back to normal for months, maybe not even next year," he said softly. She knew that, objectively, it probably wasn't something against her. Still, it was hard not to take it personally. She had gone through it a couple of times with Patel, who more than found any job was trying for her to focus on what she really wanted to do. Only it wasn't as evident as she had thought at the beginning. "And you know it's harder to find a job when you don't have one. Don't be hard on yourself. What kind of jobs are you applying to now? Do they really interest you?"
"Well, no, but apparently they're hiring. And I'm looking to be hired. Should be a perfect fit?" she shrugged.
"I don't think it works that way, Carrots. Look, you can keep looking for jobs if you want, but haven't you thought about doing something else? What about going back to school or writing?" She looked at him. Well, going back to study seemed to have been her dream for so long… But could she, really? Did she really want to?
"I don't know, Gil… Honestly, it's not that I haven't thought about it. I talked about it with Patel the other day. I kind of think I want to study, but I'm not so sure? I just don't know if I actually want to, or if I'm supposed to still want it when it was all I could think of a couple years back."
"The good news is that you aren't in any rush, Anne-girl… I mean, if you want to study, then it would be a good idea if you made up your mind before registrations closed, but there's always next year. So there's really no reason for you to hurry it."
"I just don't want to impose… I mean, I do understand we're living together, but that has to mean as well that I pay my part in rent, you know?"
"You don't need to do anything. We can revisit that once you find a job you like or you decide to study or write or do whatever makes you happy, ok?" he said, thinking he was not allowing her to pay rent either way, but that could wait. He wanted her to first focus on what she wanted.
"How can you be so patient with me? " she asked without even thinking. She had been living there for months, hardly doing anything… Well, writing a book, but still, nothing that allowed her to contribute to all the expenses around the house, and here he was giving her even more time?
"I just love you, Carrots. It's what anyone would do for a loved one. So if you want to go back to study, please do so. If you actually don't, and prefer to dedicate your days to writing, how great is that?" he said. "Just think about it. No rush. And we can talk about it in some weeks if you have a clearer idea. Just… you know that just because you have a bachelor on pedagogy you don't have to work in that, right? It gave you great foundations, but you have so many more abilities and experience than that, that you're already putting into practice with what you're doing with Kak'wet. Please, explore all your options."
"I will. Thank you, Gil," she said, feeling better after having talked it through with him. She didn't have all the answers she wanted for herself at that moment, but she knew now she could take the time to explore them. Maybe she could call someone else, get a second opinion… After all, the possibilities now seemed to be endless.
Notes:
So... they started that talk and Gilbert finally told Anne about his opportunity. And it turned out... reasonably well, right? What do you think about her dilemma? About Cole's big news? Gilbert's headaches making a come back? Tell us everything! We hope you aren't as speechless as you were last time ;)