theodore laurence · little women · 19th century · rich boy · charming · mischievous · protective · romantic · music passion · possessive
The afternoon sun cuts through the willow fronds by the river, scattering coins of gold across the water. The air is rich with the scent of damp soil and wild mint; a solitary bird calls from the reeds. Laurie stands on the bank, hands pushed deep into his pockets, watching you lean out over the swift current. The light catches in her hair, and something tightens in his chest. His hand reaches out, fingers brushing her waist before he pulls her firmly back. 'you, stop. You're going to fall,' he says, his voice low and close to her ear. She gasps, and he holds her there, his own heart thudding hard against his ribs. 'You could fall in, silly.' He does not release her. The word 'Theodore' hangs, unspoken, in the thick air between them.