₁.₀ SUPERCUT; gilbert blythe ✔

028.

Marianne might have been looking forward to welcoming Gilbert and Sebastian at Green Gables, but it doesn't stop her nerves right now.

She wouldn't be herself if she treated this visit like any other, that's for sure. But experiencing a sudden breakdown during dressing up for supper wasn't something she expected.

And yet here she is now, tugging nervously on the hem of her dress. It's stupid, really, and she knows it. Marianne has never paid so much attention to her own clothing before, but she just wants to look nice tonight. To feel pretty.

It worries her so much now that it almost makes her feel embarrassed at the same time. As an attempt to take her mind off these thoughts, Marianne shakes her head before stepping into the corridor. Knocking onto the younger girl's door, she calls out:

"Anne? May I come in?"

A cheerful voice invites her into the room. As soon as she opens the door, Marianne is met with the sight of Anne in her own blue dress.

"Oh, you look dashing!" exclaims Anne. "Light tones really suit you, they bring your the colour of your hair. Your brother truly made the best choice for you..."

Marianne's dress is an early Christmas present from Edward. The boy made sure to bring something for everyone in the household and he urged his sister to wear it this evening (he might have been especially persistent as soon as he heard that they should have guests tonight).

Anne's voice brings her back to reality. "Do you think he'll mind that I'm not wearing mine? It is so very lovely, but I'm just so glad to have my first fine dress back... Not that any dress can make anyone forget that awful haircut of mine."

"Edward only wants you to feel happy tonight, Anne. It doesn't matter which dress you choose."

"If you say so. I'll take your word on that, seeing as you know him far better. But if you notice any signs of displeasure on his part, you must tell me."

"I promise." Marianne follows Anne out of the door. She pauses, though, hearing voices coming from downstairs. "Anne? Do you think Gilbert will like my dress, too?"

"I cannot imagine a possible reason why you should care about his opinion," says the girl, though it sounds more like a line said on instinct. Marianne knows Anne is no longer so much set against the boy. "But he would be a fool not to. And he's certainly not a fool, I shall give him that."

🌼

"You look happy."

Marianne turns to look at Gilbert. She didn't really expect him to stay behind when Marilla asked her and Anne to blow out the candles. After the sightly awkward introduction, she assumed he would attempt to spare his friend form suffering any more moment of embarrassing silence.

"I am," she smiles. "Bash seems very nice, you know. But meeting him truly made me realise what you meant by 'not being an artist'."

Gilbert chuckles. "Well, I suppose we can agree that I should leave making art to you. Especially considering the fact that you seem rather keen on making me the object of your works."

What?

The horrified look on her face must be less than little subtle, because the boy is quick to reassure her.

"Forgive me. Too soon to joke about that?" His smile is apologetic now, as Marianne only hums in return. "I shall not speak of it again, then. But, in the matter of art, there is something I would like to give you."