Once again, Gilbert found himself trudging along late at night, lost in thought. So much had been happening lately. His outings with Winifred, his apprenticeship with Doctor Ward, helping Bash with the farm plus Delphine, school, dancing with Anne.

Speaking of Anne...

He stopped and looked up, watching her appear from out of nowhere and walk towards him, yet she hadn't noticed him. She wore a white nightgown. Her red hair blew in the wind. Dressed in a nightgown...

Gilbert initially stood still, knowing it wasn't socially acceptable to be with a young woman in her sleepwear. However, his curiosity overruled his brain, and he headed towards her, not stopping until they stood face to face.

"Gilbert!" she gasped, covering herself. "I didn't see you there."

He ran his hand through his hair. "Yeah. I was out walking. What are you doing?" He tried his best to sound neutral and not nosy. The last thing he wanted to do was interfere.

"Oh. Um, the girls and I took part in a ritual."

Gilbert raised his eyebrows at the thought of five other nightgown-clad ladies running around in the dark.

"I see. Do the Cuthberts know you're out here?"

Anne jutted her chin. "Does Bash?"

Gilbert smiled in surrender. "I forfeit.

"Anyway, it's pretty cold." She shivered. " I really should've brought my dressing gown."

"Here."

He removed his jacket and dressed her in it. "Better?"

"Yes. Thank you."

She sniffed it, causing his eyes to widen. "Sorry, it smells like you. Makes sense considering how often you wear it."

"It stinks?"

Anne's eyes widened comically. "Oh no. I meant that in a good way. It's a comforting smell..."

Gilbert chuckled. "Come, carrots. Let me escort you home."

They wandered along together, Gilbert trying his best not to take her hand in his. Instead, he let their hands graze as much as possible.

"Gilbert, it would probably be best to leave me by the gate when we get to Green Gables. I don't want Matthew and especially Marilla to see us like this."

He smirked. "Yeah, we'd both get into trouble. I probably wouldn't be allowed to come by ever again."

Anne nodded. "Yes, and that would be such a terrible shame..."

Gilbert glanced at her, trying to discern what she meant. But trying to understand Anne through body language was impossible, so he asked her. He stopped and turned to face her. "What do you mean by that?"

"Well, because we've become such good friends now. Haven't we?"

Gilbert felt a rush of disappointment at being just friends. But it quickly faded as he analysed her expression. She looked hesitant as if she was unsatisfied with them being just friends also. Maybe she did have feelings for him. However, he decided not to press the issue. Besides, he should be happy with their newfound friendship, considering her prior hostility towards him. "Yeah. We have. I liked our dance."

"Yes. Me too."

The awkwardness was getting too much, and he coughed. "Come. We should keep walking."

They strode along in silence until they reached the gate. Anne shrugged off his jacket and gave it to him. "Thank you. I'll see you tomorrow."

"All right."

She turned back to him. "Oh, one more thing..."

"Yes?"

"You know you called me carrots, right?"

"Yeah, sorry. Should I have done that?"

She tucked loose strands of hair behind her ear. "I don't mind it so much anymore. I might actually grow to like it. So you can keep calling me that if you want."

He winked at her. "Sure, carrots."

"All right, don't get too excited."

Gilbert chuckled again and waved to her. "Bye…Carrots."

"Bye."

And without another word, Anne ran back towards Green Gables in a flurry of white and red.