They heard footsteps on the stairs and Anne abruptly shoved Gilbert.

He quickly rolled her off of him, climbed of the bed and lay down in his unused make-shift bed on the floor. Wincing at her leg, Anne turned over and pulled her sheets up. She grinned at Gilbert as they positioned themselves to pretend to be asleep. Gilbert winked at her and they closed their eyes. The footsteps approached the door, there was a hesitant pause and then came a soft knock.

Anne feigned the slow voice of somebody only just woken up. "Come in..." Perfectly timing a long yawn as the door opened, she believed the facade was complete.

As Marilla entered she scanned the room to see a pink-faced Anne yawning in bed whilst Gilbert stirred from his mattress on the floor. Satisfied, she began to talk. "Morning. How did you both sleep?"

"Well, all things considered." Anne said, sobering.

Marilla's face softened. "The girls are still asleep. They're shaken. I suppose they'll be wanting to get home? That is, if they have a home... Matthew will be happy to drive them."

"Yes... I'm sure they will." Anne sighed. "Peggy has a sister, Rosalie. She has a farm in Trenttown."

"I've been there, I can help direct if he needs." Gilbert said.

"That would be very helpful, thank you, Gilbert." Marilla nodded. "He's out in the barn. Do you want to go downstairs and discuss it with him?"

Gilbert realised Marilla wanted to be alone with Anne and nodded, getting to his feet and leaving. After the door was closed, Marilla went to Anne and sat beside her. A concerned expression was apparent in every line of her face. Anne blinked up at her, quiet again. It was so strange, for Anne to be reserved. It was almost like she was hesitant of what Marilla would say or do, what she knew...

"Gilbert told me the whole story last night. I owe you an apology." Marilla told her slowly.

Anne said nothing. She knew it was hard for Marilla to admit she was wrong. She remembered when she first came to Green Gables and Marilla thought she'd stolen the broach, upon her return it took her a long time to say sorry. Anne had even thought for a time that Marilla wasn't sorry. Since then she understood Marilla's struggle to convey her feelings.

"I was quick to judge and it was wrong of me... I am ashamed that I assumed that of you... I suppose I was afraid of other's judgement hurting you again. I wanted you to be happy and instead I only made you sad... I see now that Gilbert really is the good man that I used to think he was. He's good for you. I know after all the things you've endured and experienced that you're sensible and careful. I can trust you both."

Anne's heart lifted in relief. Finally she was back on good terms with Marilla. She had hated knowing that Marilla was cross with her or thought those things of her.

"I hope you can forgive me." Marilla said emotionally.

Anne grasped her hand tightly. "I do."

Marilla exhaled deeply, only just realised she'd held her breath.

"I think after my past experiences it's nice to know somebody cares about me in any form, even if it is painful to bare. I know you meant well, Marilla. You always do. I think what upset me more than you believing the rumours was that you didn't believe me when I said they weren't true. I hope you'll remember this in the future, remember that you can trust me."

"I will, Anne. I'm sorry." Marilla hugged Anne. "All of that aside, happy birthday."

...

Anne couldn't go downstairs to have breakfast as her leg was too painful so Marilla brought breakfast up to her on a tray. Matthew visited too, and listened as she moaned about having to let it heal for weeks like Doctor Grayson told her. Matthew was patient while she complained, just glad to have her back. Anne was never one to sit still for long though, the next few weeks would be torture. Matthew also had a surprise for her, which he saved for after her long-winded rant was over.

"I have something for you, Anne." He said slowly. "For your birthday."

Anne brightened. "Really?" She had honestly thought everyone had forgotten and now not only Gilbert but Marilla and Matthew had remembered too.

Matthew went to his room and brought in a box. It was large and white, with a red ribbon. Anne's heart lit with excitement. She knew what was inside. Lifting off the lid a rush of nostalgia overcame her and she felt tears in her eyes. It was a dress, of deep forest-green. It had puffed sleeves of course and delicate detailing of embroidered wild pink roses, which were her favourite. The fabric was soft and adorned with the prettiest lace cuffs and collar. It was the most beautiful dress Anne had ever seen and it reminded her of the first dress Matthew had brought her, the beautiful blue silk number. She'd outgrown it a while ago. Marilla had relaxed a bit in the past year in the area of 'serviceable' and 'practical' dresses with fabrics and styles for Anne's clothes and more often than not Anne had helped make them, having more say in the design so she'd ended up with slightly more fetching or attractive dresses. But this dress was...

"Oh it's simply divine." Anne trembled as she lifted it up to admire it. "Thank you, Matthew."

Hugging him, she knew in his twinkling eyes and soft smile her gratitude was clear.

There was also bundles of paper and a beautiful writing pen, wrapped in brown paper from Marilla. Matthew told Anne later that Marilla had asked for him to get them especially when he'd gone to Carmody for her dress. Marilla had not made a big deal of it, placing the small package on the breakfast tray and watching as Anne opened it. She was pleased at Anne's reaction too but didn't say anything.

Anne felt thoroughly spoilt and lucky beyond her wildest dreams but that heavy feeling remained in her heart. Kes's death hung over the day, catching in the lump in Anne's throat and at the end of her laugh or drawing in her smile. Especially when January and Peggy awoke at midday and came up to see her. They had large circles beneath their eyes and their faces were washed of colour. Wordlessly the girls went to Anne and the three of them hugged.

They were all thinking of Wolfsden Prison, what they'd gone through to escape and their separation, the reunion and the struggle to get the truth from Gilbert and the fight in the woods... all of it was spinning around and around in their minds like a windmill, pulling back old memories. Kes laughing and teasing, Kes helping them, Kes encouraging them in dire times and putting on a brave face, Kes not giving up through anything. He was brave, strong, optimistic, determined and loyal.

"I'm so sorry." Anne sobbed after a while.

The three of them lay on the bed, holding each other tightly and crying.

"He never would have come here if it weren't for me." Anne cried.

"No, don't blame yourself. I should have made him stay back." January shook her head.

"It's neither of your faults. Kes wouldn't want you both drowning in guilt." Peggy said quietly, her small voice firm. "It's Scarlett's fault."

They sunk into silence again aside from the muffled sobs and sniffles. Anne's birthday happiness was not enough to hold back her sadness about Kes. She felt everything in the extremes. The highs were the highest, soaring and dilerious. The lows were unbearable, excruciating and agonising. It was a rollercoaster and Anne struggled sometimes with the inexhaustible levels of emotion she felt every day.

"I miss him so much already." January sobbed. "What am I gonna do next week? Or next year? I find it hard to believe that it will get better..."

"I don't know, Jan." Anne whispered and the girls cried for a long time.

Eventually the tears faded into exhaustion. Anne spoke first.

"Are you going to go back to Rosalie's farm for a few days? You know, until..."

There was a beat. The funeral.

"I want to," Peggy said softly. "I must see Rosalie. I think she's the only one who can make me feel better right now."

"I can't be here anymore, I need to get out of Avonlea to clear my head... to process everything." January nodded. "Matthew offered to drive us back, and Gilbert too."

"They want to help you in any way they can... we all do." Anne said. "If there's anything you need, anything at all -- we're here for you. Reach out."

"Thank you." January said, wiping her eyes. "Me and Peggy discussed the funeral this morning. We don't have money for a proper burial, we don't know any of his family or if he even had any... so when the embalment is finished we will bury him in Rosalie's farm. Then we will feel close to him and can visit the grave."

"Rosalie can make a coffin. She's so smart, she can make anything." Peggy said quietly, nodding. "I'll plant a tree on the grave."

"I'll come up for the burial." Anne said.

"We don't expect you to travel, not in your condition--" January protested.

"You couldn't keep me away if you tried." Anne said with determination. "I'm utterly serious. You both mean a lot to me and I want to be there for you in any way."

"You're a true friend, Anne." January smiled.

*Peggy face claim. The only person I could find on pinterest that looked vaguely like the idea I've got in my head*

...

Jerry had to leave that morning to get back to his family as he hadn't seen them and they'd worry. Before he left he gave Anne a card he'd made, with a pressing of a flower stuck to the front and 'happee birfday Ann' written inside. Anne was so pleased to recieve it that she didn't mention any of his spelling mistakes, not even the missing 'E' from her name.

Shortly after he left, Matthew and Gilbert loaded the cart to drive January and Peggy back. Anne lay in bed listening to their voices drift in through the window. She wanted to see Gilbert before he left, to ask him to come back that night for dinner. She'd be so glad if he could. She was afraid of him leaving, of being apart from him. The gunshot in the woods still haunted her and the thought of him dying. The worry made her desperate of his company. Then she heard the horses being hitched on and her heart sank.

Laying back onto her pillows and feeling very sorry for herself, Anne closed her eyes and tried to go to sleep. The Doctor had advised rest and she had no way of going out and enjoying the beautiful Spring day so she had no other option. Then she heard her door creak open and she opened her eyes in surprise.

"Gil? I thought you'd gone."

"Thought I'd leave without saying goodbye?" Gilbert smiled softly, looking down at his sleepy girl.

Anne couldn't help the smile that lifted her mouth. "Will you come back tonight?" She asked. "For dinner?"

"Alright, birthday girl." Gilbert nodded, walking to her bed. "I won't miss it."

"Be careful. On the road... Take care of each other, promise me." Anne said, her voice catching. "Just be careful."

"Always. I want to come back to you, don't I?" Gilbert whispered, brushing her hair behind her ear.

"If anything happened to you too--" Anne felt a sudden rush of paranoia.

"Hey, don't think that. Nothing will happen." Gilbert hushed, and kissed her forehead. "I promise, we'll be careful."

"I love you. See you tonight." Anne said under her breath.

"See you tonight. Love you too."

...

The day was quiet.

Anne dosed, woken only for lunch by Marilla and then again in the late afternoon when Diana came by. Diana bundled onto her friend's bed and gave Anne a big hug, glad to see her home safe and sound. She had a birthday parcel - a selection of beautiful books she'd procured from Aunt Josephine, who shared a similar taste in novels as Anne. It brought such a delight to Anne, who was stewing in her dark thoughts and a good escape into a book was a blessed relent.

For a while Diana didn't mention Kes or anything they'd endured the night before, she could tell Anne was exhausted by it all physically and emotionally and wanted to instead provide distraction. Diana didn't tell Anne how her parents had reacted to the story and Anne didn't ask. They enjoyed a blissful hour of mindless chatter and Diana helped Marilla carry Anne downstairs to sit on the porch to enjoy the last of the afternoon sunshine. The girls doodled with Anne's new paper and spoke about the monotonous every day things. It felt good to talk about normal things.

The day was bright and clear, with a swift breeze blowing away all traces of the rain storm and birds singing happily. Eventually their heedless chatter ran out and the untouched subject hovered in the air.

"So, how are the girls? Did they get home safely?" Diana asked, looking over at her uncharacteristically quiet best-friend.

Anne sighed. "They're broken up by it all. Matthew and Gil drove them home this morning. The burial will take place in a few days, held at their farm."

"Poor Kes." Diana whispered.

"It breaks my heart every time I think about it." Anne blinked through tears, her voice catching. "I can't understand it yet... perhaps it's denial. It is too painful to accept. I keep thinking about her, locked up in the jail -- alive and breathing, while he is being prepared to be laid to rest. He was so good, so optimistic. He had a whole life ahead of him. It's so unfair..."

"I know." Diana looked up at the sky, watching swallows chase each other through the deep blue. "It makes you realise that life is short and precious."

Anne glanced at Diana, her eyes wistful. "You only have one and you must live it as fully as you can." The friends gazed at each other thoughtfully. "I wish you weren't going to Boarding School, Di. I will miss you dreadfully."

"As I you, my dear Anne. But we can write to each other." Diana said, forcing a smile through the rush of sadness in her chest. This wasn't her favourite topic.

"It seems a dreadful tragedy for you to waste your educational years in training to be a wife. Doesn't it?" Anne implored. "With all the possibilities that the world holds, all the possibilities you hold. You have so many talents, you're smart and capable in many departments. Don't you wish you could go to College?"

Diana felt very uncomfortable. "It's not up to me, Anne."

"Well, have you spoken to your parents about it?" Anne was fired up.

"Spoken to them?" Diana's voice strengthened as she found that feeling in her chest churning.

It was frightening to realise how little control she had over her life.

"I'll tell you what they said about my little 'adventure' last night -- my Mother forbid me from going out without a chaperone, she's going to station somebody outside my door at night, there's even somebody waiting down the path outside your gate, Anne. She doesn't trust me anymore. She wouldn't have let me come see you at all, as she heard all those lies about you. She is so concerned for my future she doesn't worry about my present, let alone my presence of mind -- happiness is not important."

Anne was shocked.

"You are so lucky and you don't realise it." Diana's words trembled.

"I'm sorry, Diana." Anne whispered.

There was silence as they both contemplated all that Diana had said. Anne finally understood, while Diana tried to calm down. Diana had spent her whole life unaware of things such as freedom of choice, independence and female careers... Now she knew about all the possibilities it made her sad. It was a tragedy, Anne was right. A tragedy she could do nothing about.

"Maybe one day my daughter will get to choose." Diana looked at Anne and took her hand. "But not me, not now."

...

When Gilbert and Matthew got back, Marilla had set the table and prepared dinner.

Anne had wanted to help but was unable to given her condition, so she was sat on the porch writing with a blanket over her lap. Diana had left a while before with her chaperone to reach home in time for dinner. Matthew smiled to see her as he walked up.

"How are you doing, little one?" He asked in a gentle voice.

"My leg still pains me but not so much when I'm busy. Besides, I must try to remember how fortunate I am." Anne said, smiling slightly trying to be optimistic. "Life is precious."

"Well now, that it is." Matthew nodded. Without a word he drew a flower from inside his coat pocket. It was a wild rose, it's petals pink tinged with red, just like her dress.

Anne's face lit up. "Oh, how beautiful! Thank you!"

Matthew smiled and patted her shoulder fondly before heading indoors. Gilbert walked up the yard from where he'd been closing the gate. Anne watched him, thinking how handsome he looked. His long curls were windswept with his coat collar turned up against the breeze. He looked up as he got closer and smiled.

"Told you I'd come back." He said, sitting down beside her on the porch. Anne leant her head against his shoulder, glad to see him. "How's your leg?"

"It hurts." Anne admitted quietly, playing with the necklace chain around her neck.

"I will go to the apothecary tomorrow and get you some Laudanum." Gil said, wrapping his arm around Anne's shoulders. "It's a pain-killer. Doctor Grayson will have it. It will help."

"I which there was something to kill the different sort of pain I also feel..." Anne whispered, closing her eyes and hiding her face in his coat.

The pain of grief. Gilbert knew it well. He wished he could take it all away but he couldn't.

Gilbert said nothing, merely held her. He watched the sun set as they sat together, the cold creeping up on them like fog. The sky turned pink, rushed with gold and orange. They stayed there in comfortable silence until Marilla called them in for dinner. Gilbert stood and helped Anne to a standing position.

"Let me walk." Anne said.

"I can carry you--"

"Please, I want to try." Anne begged.

Gilbert sighed but gave in. He wrapped his arm around her waist and she leant heavily on him, wincing as they moved indoors. She limped, barely able to put any weight on her leg without a great deal of pain. Gil said nothing as her fingers dug into his shoulder. They reached the table and Anne sat on the closest chair.

The table looked beautiful, laid with Marilla's best cloth and decorated with a bunch of wild flowers in a vase that Matthew had picked on the way back. There were candles shining all around the room and the food looked delicious. In the middle of the table was a birthday cake, with sugar-icing and rose petals on it. Anne felt her heart fill with gratitude and tears in her eyes as she wondered how she'd gotten so lucky.

"Are you alright, Anne?" Marilla was worried.

Anne nodded, wiping at her eyes. "I'm just happy. These are tears of gratitude... I'm so lucky to have you."

"Oh, Anne." Marilla smiled in amusement. "Alright, enough tears. Let's eat. Do sit down, everyone."

...

After dinner they sung 'happy birthday' to Anne and enjoyed a slice of Marilla's special cake.

"That was wonderful, Marilla. Thank you." Gilbert said, appreciatively.

"Agreed." Matthew nodded.

"It was indeed scrumptious." Anne sighed happily.

"I'm glad you enjoyed it." Marilla smiled.

Anne cleared her throat.

"I wanted to ask you something, Marilla... I know it is bad timing now, with my injury..." Anne hesitated.

She knew it would sound crazy to ask.

"There is a Summer Dance in Trenttown in a few days, Gilbert told me about it last week... There is a board house close by too with rooms, the house keeper is said to be lovely. I could wear my new dress... I can use crutches, I remember seeing somebody use them in Charlottetown once. I know I couldn't dance like I usually could, but I'd hate to miss it."

Marilla was surprised by this torrent of information and took a moment to process it all. "Anne, I don't see any reason to go as your leg is broken."

"Oh, but Doctor Grayson said it was only a minor break..." Anne insisted.

"Even a minor break will take six weeks to heal." Gilbert told her quietly. He hadn't realised his invitation had left such an impression. He'd thought she would have given up on it in the light of her injury.

"I can't just sit around the house for nearly two months!" Anne exclaimed.

"Well, that's exactly what you should do." Marilla said firmly.

"It isn't a good idea." Gilbert agreed, more gently.

Anne gave him an annoyed look. "But you said--"

"I suggested it before you broke your leg." Gilbert said.

"So I can't go? I'm expected to stay at home for weeks! That is torture and you know it. I could never be so idle, I'd lose my mind."

"You won't be idle. I'm sure Diana will bring your lessons from school." Marilla said. "People will call, you can write and read and sew... there are always things to be done, Anne."

Anne was so upset that she wished she could get up and storm upstairs but instead she was forced to sit at the table with their pitying looks dwelling on her face, which heated with a blush. She felt embarrassed for even asking, and she'd hoped Gilbert would have helped her case. It was stupid, she knew. It was a silly notion, but it was important to her. Perhaps the reason it was so important was it was a symbol of normality, which she desperately wished to return to... The idea of a Summer ball, with flowers and best dresses, and dancing... It was one of Anne's highest ideals and her opportunity was gone all because of Scarlett. Arms crossed, Anne's mood was ruined.

"I'm sorry, Anne. I know you would have loved to go." Marilla said slowly. "Perhaps there will be another dance when you're fully healed."

Gilbert said nothing, looking at Anne with a forlorn expression. He could sense she was immensely disappointed by this. But what could he do? He wanted her to recover, he didn't want her to push herself to travel, to dance... It was implausible and Anne would set herself back or even injure herself further. It was too much of a risk.

Marilla cleared away the dishes and Matthew went out to the barn, feeling awkward in the disgruntled-silence which Anne had brought to the room. Her stubborn chin was turned up and she avoided Gil's eyes, instead staring at the wildflowers in the vase, mourning the dance she'd never attend. It was particularly hard to think of such a perfect opportunity to get some alone-time with Gilbert go to waste. They'd have had such a wonderful time.

Marilla went upstairs to make Anne's bed for her as the night drew in, leaving Anne and Gilbert alone. Stubborn as ever, Anne said nothing and Gilbert was the first to break the silence.

"Don't be mad, Anne. I'll take you to a dance when you recover." Gil leant across the table, and reached out for her hand but she moved it away. "Come on, please don't get your dander up about it. It's so nice just to be safe, to be together. I know you're disappointed. I am too."

Anne felt bad for being so stubborn but she didn't relent, avoiding his gaze. Her will was crumbling though.

"I'll make it up to you, I promise."

Gilbert took her hand and held on, stroking his thumb across her palm. Anne didn't pull away, affected by his kind words, gentle touch and the hypnotic lure of his hazel eyes that were so dear. He brought her hand to his lips and kissed it softly, his words and eyes sincere.

"I'm sorry, alright? I know it must be frustrating to be so stationary... But you won't be alone. I'll keep you company when you heal. I'll come as often as I can, I'll bring you all the latest news from school and everything. Before you know it you'll be all better and then we'll go to the best dance I can find, in the grandest hall, and you can wear your best dress and everyone will stare and think how lucky I am to have the most beautiful girl in the room on my arm."

Anne couldn't help the smile which twisted her lips up. A blush flooded her cheeks. Gilbert always made her smile.

"That's better." Gilbert smiled too. "Are you still mad at me?"

"No." Anne gave in. She sighed as they sat thinking over everything. "I suppose at least in staying at home I get to avoid the intolerable judgement of Josie and the rest... Diana told me her parents don't want her to see me anymore, because of all the rumours."

Gilbert clenched his jaw in annoyance. "Who do you think made them up?" He asked.

"I don't know... Somebody who wanted to hurt me, I suppose? That doesn't narrow it down, there are plenty who don't think very highly of me." Anne said, slumping down to rest her face on her hands.

"Nonsense. After your name was cleared people think of you as a martyr! I know plenty of folk who look up to you." Gilbert said. "I'll find out who did this and I'll get them to own up. I know it's going to be hard, but it's not forever, Anne."

"Nothing is." Anne was forlorn.

"I disagree," Gilbert cupped her face in his hand and tipped it up to meet her eyes. "We are forever."

A/N kind of a filler but I wanted to keep up my updating streak!! who's hyped for all the drama when Gil goes back to school ?? ;) me!!!