PHILEO | Shirbert

Fourteen ~ Gilby Loves Carrots

Two days before the exams...

Studying, studying, studying. Seems like studying is the only thing Anne Cordelia Shirley-Cuthbert was doing these days. She and her classmates had been staying extra-extra-hours studying at the schoolhouse. They weren't sitting in their usual seats though, Gilbert was sitting next to Anne, Diana was not going to Queens so her seat was free for him to sit on; Ruby and Moody started sitting together, they had been spending a lot more time recently since they danced at the party; everyone else was sitting in groups, not coupled-up.

Gilbert was writing something for Anne to correct, while she was doing some geometry exercises for him to correct. Both helping each other with work their weaknesses, which was the others' strong suit. They were mostly focusing on their work, giving each other quick glances without the other one noticing. After every study session, Gilbert walked Anne home, this day was not different from the others. They walked arm-in-arm, talking about anything and everything, they have not kissed... yet. Every time they were about to kiss someone or something interrupted them, although Anne kisses him on the cheek when they're saying goodbye at the gate of Green Gables, and then they would exchange 'I see you tomorrows' and a shy smile.

The day before the exams...

Marilla sent Matthew to invite Mary, Bash, and Delphine for dinner at Green Gables, Gilbert was already there; he had been studying in the kitchen table with Anne all day.

When the guests arrived, the table was all set. Anne and Gilbert had cleared the table of their papers and then helped Marilla with supper.

"Good afternoon, Ms. Marilla" said Bash with Delly in his arms.

"Good afternoon, Marilla," Mary said "I couldn't come with empty hands," she said handing Marilla a cake "So, a baked my famous vanilla cake"

"Why, thank you so much, Mary. This is so very kind of you" Marilla said. Everyone sat on the table in their usual places; Matthew and Bash in the corners, Marilla, Mary and Delphine on one side, and Gilbert and Anne in the other.

"Could you pass me the carrots?" Bash said to Anne, and she did it "Would you like some, Blythe? I know you really love carrots" he teased.

Gilbert blushed at his comment, "Well, I do. Thanks, Bash" he responded and grabbed the tray, making it seem that he wasn't bothered by his brother's comment. Under the table, Anne reached and held his hand, well aware of what Bash was trying to do. Gilbert tensed up a bit at the touch, but quickly relaxed and squeezed her hand. They continued eating with their hands intertwined under the table for the rest of the dinner.

"Carrots!" Delphine mumbled, "Carrots, carrots, da da da da da" she started singing, "Gilby loves carrots, bum da bum bum" Bash laughed.

"Yes, princess," Gilbert chuckled. Delphine got up and started running around the table singing the song again.

"Delly!" Anne called, "You're going to get dizzy, sweetie"

"Anne!" she giggled, "I don't dizzy" she responded, making everyone in the table laugh. What a smart two-year-old she was, Anne thought. "Auntie," Delphine said, talking to Anne, "I want a story"

"Anne can't tell you a story right now, Delly" Mary frowned.

"But story" Delphine pouted.

"Maybe after dinner?" Gilbert stepped in. Delphine nodded with a smile and when to sit next to him, "Good, princess" he smiled.

When dinner was finished, Anne stayed in the kitchen cleaning the planes, Gilbert stayed too to help her and the rest when to the parlor. Even though Anne and Gilbert were not officially courting, they were pretty much a couple, they were unofficially official. Soon after, they joined the others in the parlor; Anne taking the last seat on the couch and Gilbert sitting on the floor next to her.

"Ah! Young love!" Bash sighed. Gilbert gave him an 'I'm going to kill you' look and he laughed.

"Are you two ready for your exams tomorrow?" Mary asked trying to change the subject.

"We-" Gilbert tried to say but Bash interrupted him.

"I bet they are, Gilbert's been almost every afternoon here or at school studying... with Anne" she blushed and looked at her knees where Gilbert had his arm.

"Bash-" Mary and Gilbert said.

"Ok, ok. I'm sorry, Anne with an e" Bash chuckled "I just can't believe you two are finally courting" Anne coughed. Marilla looked at her brother; he was clearly uncomfortable with the situation.

"OKAY" Gilbert quickly stood up "We should get going. Tomorrow is a very important day for Anne and I's future so we need to be well-rested"

"Yes, you're right. I'd better go to sleep now" Anne said.

"But story!" Delphine cried, "Uncle Gilby promised" she flopped to the floor.

Anne kneeled next to her, "It's ok, Delly. I'll promise you I'll read you a story next time" Delphine frowned, "I promise" her frown softened and she nodded.

"I'll go get the carriage ready" Bash said, picking up Delphine from the floor.

"I'll help" Matthew went with him. Without saying anything Mary and Marilla went behind them.

"Good night, carrots" Gilbert offered his hand to help her get up.

"Good night, slate-face" she laughed, squeezing his hand.

"Good luck tomorrow, you'll need it" he's teasing her, "Try not to get distracted by my handsome face during the exams"

"Ah! You wish, pretty boy"

"You think I'm pretty, huh?" he teased, sliding a hand to her waist, pulling her closer. Anne gasped "I think you're pretty too, carrots" he whispered "You... are... so... so... beautiful" Anne's pulse quickened; his words sending shivers down her spine. This is the effect he had on her; every time he was close she felt like putty, his hand on her waist was the only thing that was keeping her from melting to the floor right at that moment. Their lips parted; eyes trapped in each other's; breathings in sync, in and out, at the same time; their faces, barely inches apart.

"Gil-" he leaned in a bit.

"Can I kiss you?" she nodded, eagerly. He put his hand on her cheek, the other one still on her waist, holding her. Gilbert closed his eyes, leaning in-

*Knock knock*

*Knock*

"Can I come in?" Bash said, waiting at the parlor's door without looking "I'm sorry for ruining your alone time, but we gotta go, Blythe. Delphine is making a tantrum; I guess she hasn't forgotten about that story"

Gilbert sighed, with his eyes still close, his hands still on Anne. She leaned in his chest, breathing in his sent -mint and wood- and she hugged him. He moved her head back, so he could see her. Anne opened her eyes and smiled. Gilbert placed a quick but passion-filled kiss on her forehead.

"Good night, my pretty daisy. I'll see you tomorrow" he whispered.

"Good night, Gil" he kissed her hand.

Gilbert grabbed Bash's arm, dragging him outside. "I hate you so much right now" he whispered to his brother.

"I'm sorry"

'Why do we always get interrupted?' Gilbert thought.

AN: thank you so much for 1k+ reads :)