Fandom: Anne of Green Gables
Title: One Fine Day
Author/Artist: Anchan-san
Theme(s): #31: The Library; Bookshop
Pairing/Characters: Anne Shirley/Gilbert Blythe
Rating: U/G
Disclaimer: These characters may well be public domain, but if not, they belong to the estate of L. M. Montgomery.
It was a warm summer afternoon and Anne, smiling secretively to herself, entered the bookshop with a little money in her pocket and a kindred spirit's writings awaiting her, for L–– simply couldn't be anything else. She lingered a little at other shelves, considering the books there and savouring the excitement building in her stomach. Eventually, she came to her real destination and paused again, apparently perusing the selections on a lower shelf.
However, her anticipation was spoilt as she was joined by another – and to Anne's eternal irritation, it was Gilbert Blythe. She affected not to notice him – a difficult task, as he was taller than she and seemed almost to be leaning towards her – and he was polite enough to do the same until they both reached for the same book. Their hands brushed lightly and both snatched them back as quick as lightning. There was a moment where both gazed straight ahead at the bookcase, ignoring anything else that might be on the edge of their vision, then Gilbert turned to face her.
"Anne Shirley," he said courteously, bowing slightly.
It was useless pretending that she hadn't seen him, but how satisfying! In an odd way that meant it wasn't and so Anne acknowledged his existence with a queenly tilt of her head, lifting her chin haughtily. She indicated with a wave of her hand that he was free to take the slim volume, the last in the shop, without any more offence incurred than by the mere fact of his presence. However, Gilbert shook his head, bowing once again, before turning on his heel and walking out of the shop.
Rather at a loss, Anne gazed after his retreating back and pretended that she didn't feel a sharp pang in her heart. It would have been nice if they'd been able to share it and discuss it together afterwards – but she put the thought firmly in its place and bought the book.
Nevertheless, that evening as she turned the delicate leaves over carefully, she couldn't help reflecting that it would have been nice.