Chivalrous- A shirbert sTorY

-Chapter 18-

"So what are we learning today?" Anne asked merrily and she walked alongside Gilbert towards the forest and away from the school house.

Anne couldn't focus all day. She was too busy thinking of Gilbert. She couldn't help that feelings kept resurfacing no matter how much she tried to push them down. She couldn't hurt her friends, she doesn't want to hurt them. If that means she has to stay in a non-romantic relationship with Gilbert...then so be it.

"Well carrots, today we won't be learning anything." He responded, drawing Anne away from her thoughts.
Her eyes widened in confusion and she halted, her heart already partially sinking at the idea she wouldn't be spending time with Gilbert this evening.

"Wha- what, why?!" She stumbled. As a grin slid onto Gilbert's face.

"Oh don't you worry Shirley-curly, we will still be spending our usual time together this evening." He winked before approaching her.

"But what about studying?" She questioned before Gilbert hushed her.
"All will be explained in good time Anne. However, for the mean time..." He pulled out a small black scarf and tied it around Annes face so it was covering her eyes.

Anne didn't understand what was happening, yet she didn't question it.
She trusted Gilbert.

Gilbert, instead of holding Anne's arm and leading her towards the destination decided that he would rather scoop her up in his arms and carry her bridal style. So that's what he did.

He carried her like she weighed no more than a feather. Anne was sure her cheeks were tinted red at how close they were but unfortunately she couldn't see Gilbert's reaction. Although by the small chuckle that escaped his mouth, she was sure he had noticed.

They walked for what seemed like ages and Anne noticed Gilbert's strength didn't falter once. Soon Gilbert halted and Anne assumed that meant that they had arrived. He gently placed her down and removed the scarf from covering her eyes.

A soft gasp left her lips as she stared at what was before her.

The long green grass blew gently in the wind atop the cliff. There was flowers scattered everywhere in a almost heavenly atmosphere, there was a tall tree not far from the cliffs edge and a small wooden swing dangled from its thickest branch.

Anne walked slowly into the grass, her fingertips delicately running along the top of the flowers and through the blades of green.

"This is beautiful Gilbert...." She whispered as a grin bloomed over her face. Looking back at the boy who was now entering the grass, she could see he was gazing happily at her. His eyes were glowing and his mouth laughing along at how she seemed to shine in front of him. He was the most lovely, beautiful, kind and honest person she had ever met. That was when she knew.

Anne turned back around and proceeded to  run through the grass skipping and dancing as she hummed to herself and let her hair loose to fly around in the warmth of the breeze.

Gilbert's arms suddenly wrapped round her chest and she was spun around as they both chuckled. When he put her down she turned to face him, she rested her forehead onto his as their eyes latched together, their souls in twining.

It felt like it was only them left in the world. They were shielded in their own cocoon of safety and euphoric happiness, a cocoon that couldn't be torn down. Anne didn't know she could ever feel the way she did when she was Gilbert, her heart felt like it was glowing and burning like the fire of their passion.
They didn't say anything as they basked in each other's presents, the breeze blowing the petals of the flowers around them.

"Gilbert... i.." She begun, as his eyes widened.
"Yes.." He whispered, their foreheads still touching.

Anne couldn't manage to say what she truly wanted and as she stared into Gilbert's eyes, she felt completely guilty. Why couldn't she's just say what she felt. What was wrong with her?

"I think i'd like to swing on the swing." She said instead as she slipped out of her trance with Gilbert and walked briskly towards the huge tree. She was sure she heard a faint sigh of disappointment from behind her but she brushed it off as nothing more than the winds calls.

"Here let me help you." Gilbert called as he walked over and lifted Anne onto the large wooden plank. Her pale fingers entwined around the long rope as her she swayed her legs back and forth. Gilbert slipped behind and began to push the swing. Anne enjoyed the thrill of every swing, how she felt her stomach bubble and how every breath of air was a fresh one. Soon they realised that the swing was causing the blossoms to fall from the branches and soon the landscape around them was full of blossoms falling through the air.

Gilbert caught one and walked in front of the slowed down swing. Anne looked at him in awe as he tucked a piece of her hair behind her ear before placing the blossom there. Anne couldn't hide the large blush that erupted from her cheeks as Gilbert caressed her face. He longed to meet their lips but knew he wouldn't unless she wanted to.

***
Hours had passed. Anne and Gilbert sat on a patch of grass by the front of the cliff and watched the sun begin to set over the crashing waves of the sea.

Gilbert sat up playing with Annes auburn locks as she rested her head in his lap, her hand intwined with his other hand and rubbing her thumb gently up and down his. It was beyond peaceful and they both felt at home.

"Why did you bring me here Gilbert? What about studying?" Anne questioned as she gazed up at him.

He looked down at her warmly. "Because i knew you are going to do wonderful in that test tomorrow and you deserve a night of relaxation so you are properly focused and resting for tomorrow." He wrapped one of her curls around his pinky finger as she gazed lovingly up at him.

"Gilbert you are by far the most wonderful person i have ever met. You really care about me and honestly i can't thank you enough. You mean the world to me." She spurted out as she sat up and looked at him, her hand now resting on his cheek. It was his turn to blush, and he could feel his heart pounding faster. "You mean the world to me too..." He whispered back before snapping out of his lovesick trance.

"Plus it's like a pre celebration for your special day tomorrow." He grinned at her as she laughed and rolled her eyes.

"I thought you'd forget about my birthday due to how much i've been asking of you these past days." She chuckled.

"I could never forget about your birthday Anne. You are far too important to me." Their eyes never tore away from one another's as they lent forward.

The sunset shined down upon them and the flower petals flew around as their lips met.
Their hearts finally melded into one as Gilbert wrapped his arms around Anne, pulling her closer as her hands cradled his face.

-
A/N: sorry i haven't posted in ages due to college work but i will be more active i promise!!