Stella and Laurie lay curled up on the sofa, Laurie's fingers swirling through Stella's hair, and Stella's hands running up and down Laurie's back.

It was innocent, heart filled and bittersweet, as they both knew this might be the last time they were able to do this before Aunt March swept Stella away to France.

"Teddy?" Stella whispered, not wanting to disturb the quiet atmosphere. He made a soft noise which told Stella to keep going.

"If we don't figure something out in time for tomorrow." Teddy didn't argue, as he knew she needed to hear him agree.

"Stay here. Stay here when I'm in France and look after everyone. Teddy they need someone and you need someone. Be there for each other. Be a brother, be a friend, just don't leave them." Stella's voice got softer each time she spoke, and her hands stopped moving up and down Teddy's back, instead resting them on the back of his neck, her fingers threaded through his hair.

He nodded.

"But we will find a way, Stella. I promise."

"And if we don't find a way before the wedding-" then he did interrupt her.

"No. Don't say that." He shook his head, and the girl desperately struggled to say what she needed to say.

"Teddy, if we don't. Please. Move on. I'll be fine. Just... just look after the girls and my parents. And promise you'll write."

He nodded again, and Stella smiled, hopefully instead of sadly.

"But you won't marry him. It's going to work out."

Stella looked up at him, eyes full of love, and smiled sadly.

Laurie drew his eyes away from hers so she wouldn't see the tears, and spotted Mr Laurence, Marmee and Father walking towards the house. Stella followed his line of sight and stood up, Teddy following her. She fumbled to get to the door, throwing it open and running outside, not caring she wasn't wearing any shoes, Laurie's hand in hers.

"Well?" She asked, drawing to a stop. The fact Teddy was hugging Stella from behind made the parents/ grandparent want to cry. The hope in her eyes was soul destroying, and Mr Laurence looked at his grandson, then Stella.

"I'm sorry, darling." Marmee was the one to break the news, and the young couple both immediately looking towards each other, Teddy's grip on Stella never loosening. Stella's right hand went to her shoulder, where Laurie's hand was, to grasp it tightly.

"Thank you for trying." Laurie whispered.

Stella nodded, before walking out of Teddy's arms and into the small wood beside the lake. She sat by the water and dipped her toes in. It was Spring, and very warm. And besides, she needed to cool down.

"Ellie?" Teddy's voice came quietly from behind, not wanting to startle her.

"Hello." Stella whispered back, and Laurie walked towards her, sitting beside her. He wrapped an arm around her and she leaned into his embrace.

"We're going to figure something out." He promised, and Stella nodded.

"We always do." She whispered.

"Forever and always."

They interlocked their pinky fingers and shook them.

Forever and always.

a/n short one for today!! two updates in less than 24 hours and there's another one coming later today? i must really love u