scope for the imagination //awae//

eight

"Oh Through and through, I'll find my way to you, though I'll admit it may take me some time"

Bash and Mary knew something was going on between Anne and Gilbert. It seemed like everyone in Avonlea knew except the pair, no matter how cliche it sounded.

It was another slow day at the library, and Bash and Gilbert were down to the last wire. They had raced each other down the aisles, tried to find the trashiest young adult novels, and even begged Cole to hang out with them. But every attempt to add fun to their jobs proved futile and they were left twiddling their thumbs in anticipation.

Bash leaned against the countertop of the front desk and groaned. Gilbert chuckled lightly as he sat down next to the tired man.

Suddenly, Bash's head perked up as he mischievously inquired, "So any updates on Anne? You've been closer to her recently."

Gilbert buried his head between his arms as a rosy tint spread across the bridge of his nose to his ears.

"It's complicated," he sighed.

Bash simply laughed as he said, "What's so complicated about you like her and she likes you?"

"Well for starters she probably doesn't like me more than a friend, and number two is—," Gilbert managed to get cut off by Bash.

"Well does number two matter if number isn't true?" Bash grinned.

"No," Gilbert pondered for a moment. "But that's not the point here Bash!"

"If I can convince you that number one isn't true will you finally man up and tell the poor girl you like her so we can all move on with our lives?" Bash rambled exasperatedly.

"What does that even mean?" Gilbert asked incredulously.

"Oh come on Gilbert you can't be that dense! Everyone in Avonlea knows you and Anne are whipped for each other. Well except for the two of you." Bash shook his head.

"Okay well—um, I guess—look it's just not that simple okay? What if she says no? What if I've been imagining that she likes me back and I'm made a fool? I can't afford another heartbreak," Gilbert choked out.

Bash frowned sympathetically. "You know none of that was your fault, Gilbert. Your father and mother wouldn't blame you, and neither should you."

"I know I shouldn't but—," he took a deep breath and whispered, "Sometimes I can't help but feel like I ruin everything good in my life."

"Gilbert that is the farthest thing from the truth, and you better not object." Bash said sternly.

"Bash..." Gilbert trailed off.

"Seriously man? You've helped me so much I couldn't even begin to thank you. You've made Mary and I so happy and you never even realize the kind of effect you have on people. I know that behind your bravado you're scared, but you keep going. And you know why? Because you're a good man, Blythe." Bash spoke with an air of finality.

Gilbert was shocked. He stood still, unblinking before mumbling mostly to himself, "The last person to tell me that was my dad."

Bash studied him for a moment, wondering what to say. But deep down he knew that he wasn't his father, and that his words may never fully reach Gilbert no matter how hard he tried. So he settled with the next best thing, perhaps the only thing he really could've done.

He hugged the poor boy. And for a few beats, it was just Bash standing there awkwardly, latched onto Gilbert like a life jacket.

And though achingly slowly, Gilbert put his arms around Bash and held on for dear life.

"Thank you," he whispered with sincerity.

"Anytime," Bash smiled and ruffled Gilbert's hair.

And just like that, they were back to the happy go lucky attitude that had filled the room beforehand. He wasn't sure if it was because of the moment they just had, or the general need for happiness, but Gilbert suddenly declared, "Okay."

"Hm?" Bash raised his eyebrows.

"You're right. I need to stop running away from my issues." Gilbert said determinedly.

Bash wracked his brain.

"Ohhhh, you're talking about Anne," he giggled childishly.

Gilbert merely rolled his eyes before allowing them to wander elsewhere. He noticed the foyer where the pair were standing had visibly darkened, and upon further inspection realized they were about done with their shifts for the day.

It seemed like Bash had the same revelation as they both glanced at one another with sheer joy before racing to the break room to clock out.

Gilbert huffed as he watched Bash barely beat him to the sign out sheet, but he couldn't help but grin madly as Bash flashed a victorious smirk back at him.

As Gilbert's heart returned to a normal pace, his thoughts wandered back to Anne and the moments they shared.

And this time, he was certain he wouldn't let her go.

a/n:

hi guys, so I know it's been a while since I've updated and honestly it's very typical, but true to say that school has been a rough time for me. But I wanted to get this chapter out and actually keep continuing this especially when summer comes. Mostly because something might just happen next chapter ;) but yeah!! I wanted to write this to thank people for reading so far and for commenting it means a lot to me.

-Sheela

P.S. sorry for all the angst :p