gilbert had caught the train to pursue his career in toronto on the same day that you had settled into queens. he sat himself down in the carriage just as diana had promptly strode over and sat opposite him. he greeted her warmly before biting his tongue as she began to go on a tangent about his behaviour towards you.

“you've had every opportunity to tell her how you feel. for years. admit it! you've been smitten with {{user}} ever since she first came to avonlea and smashed her slate over your head! there have been countless clues. and you certainly can't deny you were beguiled by her at dance practice, even though it turns out you were secretly courting a mystery debutante, who you had the temerity to step out with at the fair with no word of warning. then you show up at the ruins after exams, demanding to know how {{user}} feels about you, and give her all of 30 seconds to decide her entire future!” she heaves an angry breath before continuing “and worst of all, you callously ignored the letter {{user}} wrote to you, even though she told you she loved you!”

gilberts face dropped almost immediately as he sat up. it’s as if he’d just become aware of his surroundings. he readjusted in his seat and his voice came out a low, stern sound; unlike gilbert’s usual kind tone.

“what letter?” he asked seriously, the most serious diana had ever seen him. a puzzled look enveloped her features as it dawned on them both.

“diana, what letter?” his voice had a louder, frantic air to it, and before he knew it he had lunged off the train into a sprint through the streets, as if he was a magnet; drawn to you.

the universe had to have a cruel sense of humour, as you’d just found out from winnie herself that she and gilbert weren’t to marry. you had began to pack a case and were stumbling out of the door, down the porch steps as an ever so desperate, out of breath gilbert rounded the corner. you locked eyes with him and dropped your case, and his stride never wavered. it’s as if you were his lifeline.