? o, dreamer || gilbert blythe x reader ?

A few weeks had passed by and Christmas was approaching quickly. Your injuries had almost fully healed; the events of that day by the river resulted in you sustaining a concussion and a wound to your abdomen that luckily didn't harm any organs but did require a few stitches. You were back to doing your farm chores, as usual.

Marilla and Matthew had some trouble adjusting to the news at first, but after having a few long conversations with them and disclosing the full truth, soon came around and everything was almost back to normal. You now more a navy blue pintuck dress that Marilla had sewn for you around the house, but for doing the chores you still opted to wear high-waisted grey trousers and a white puff-sleeved blouse. You helped Marilla with the cooking now, too; domestic chores weren't really your forte, but Marilla needed the help. It also seemed like she enjoyed teaching you about baking and sewing, so it was a good bonding experience for the two of you. 

After you and Matthew finished feeding the cows, he went out to plow and you walked back to the barn to brush the horses before letting them outside for the morning. As you were starting on the second horse, you heard the barn doors creak open slowly and then close. Assuming it was Matthew, you started to speak. "I think the white filly's got a bit of mud fever on her back hocks. We should probably go into town later and get some- oh," You paused, peering over the tall horse's back to see not Matthew, but Gilbert. "Hi," you murmured shyly, softly brushing the animal's neck in long strokes. 

There was a silence, each of you unsure of what to say but happy to be in the company of the other.  He cleared his throat, becoming aware that he was staring. "Um, so, how are you doing?"

"I'm better, thank you." 

"Good..." he trailed, clearly hesitating to get to his point. "I wanted to ask you something." 

"Of course, anything." You continued brushing the horse in an attempt to look distracted. Your cheeks felt hot.

"Has anyone told you about the winter dance?"

You shrugged. "Diana mentioned it I think." There was a fluttering feeling behind your ribs.

"Well, would you like to go? With me, I mean." He rubbed the back of his neck nervously.

"Of course I would," you replied softly, stepping out of the horse's pen. You took both of his hands in yours. "However, I don't think I can."

"Why not?"

"Just between you and I," you whispered, your (E/C) eyes fluttering up to meet his gaze. "Ruby was hoping you'd ask her. After what she's been through, I don't think I could bear to take that away from her." 

Gilbert sighed with relief, chuckling softly. "Ruby is going with Billy. He asked her when she woke up at Doc Spencer's."

"Oh, I see." You nodded, a mischevious smile slowly sliding across your lips. "I suppose it's a date, then."

He nodded, grinning softly. "It's a date."

-- 

The day of the formal dance had finally arrived, after many butterflies and mostly sleepless nights. You would be lying if you said you weren't terribly nervous, but also very, very excited. Standing in front of the mirror in your bedroom, you smoothed the creases of your navy dress. You thought it was nice; probably not as extravagant as what the other girls would be wearing, but it was decent. There wasn't really much that could be done with your hair since it was still so short and choppy. You were distracted from your thoughts by voices downstairs, followed by footsteps coming up the hall. Opening your bedroom door, you saw none other than Diana, Ruby, and Josie. Ruby promptly sprung forward and tackled you a big hug, squealing. The three of them looked beautiful; silk and lace gloves, pearl necklaces, ribbons in their hair. Diana was wearing her signature color, baby blue, but the dress was floor-length and adorned with lace. Josie was wearing a pale green dress with white bows, and Ruby wore a frilly peach dress with puffed sleeves.