Later, after they've gone home and ordered gelato from their favorite shop, Anne picks up the ice cream scoop and holds it in front of her mouth like a microphone. "Listeners, I'm here with our political correspondent. Mr. Smith, in the race for the coveted position of the future Dr. Blythe's preferred pronouns, who is predicted to get the votes and win the all-important election?"
Gilbert grins. "Well, Ms. Shirley, the voters are still doing their research and tuning in to the debates, but at this point Senator Him is pulling ahead of Governor Them and is predicted to remain in the lead. Representative Her has been polling very badly indeed and is rumored to be dropping out of the race this week."
"Thank you for the update, Mr. Smith." Anne smiles at Gilbert. "And as for the future Dr. Blythe - rumors are swirling that he may change his name ahead of the upcoming election. Is there any truth to these rumors?"
"Oh, absolutely. Dr. Blythe has been thinking that he might like to name himself after his grandfather Gilbert, though he's concerned that it might be a bit...old-fashioned."
"Well, this correspondent thinks that that is a lovely idea." Anne drops her newscaster voice and whispers, "Grandpa Gilbert is the nice one, right, not the racist?"
"Of course," Gilbert whispers back.
"Good," Anne says, nodding. "Oh, do you want me to use 'him' with anyone else, or just in my internal monologues? I have lots of those, of course, so I'll get a lot of practice."
"Call me 'he' with strangers," Gilbert says authoritatively.
"Excellent. And you're the light of my life, the other half of my heart, and my..."
"...Favorite person in the world?" Gilbert suggests, confused.
"My partner, significant other, boyfriend..." Anne clarifies.
"Boyfriend."
Anne nods and passes Gilbert the ice cream scoop. They spend the rest of the night eating gelato and watching Galavant (Gilbert thinks it's silly, but Anne loves it) and The West Wing (Anne doesn't like having to follow the politics of it while Gilbert thinks it's fascinating).
"Good night, boyfriend," Anne whispers, half-asleep against Gilbert's shoulder. "I can't believe I get to love you."
"Goodnight, girlfriend," Gilbert whispers back, heart overflowing with emotion. "I love you too."