Hair
By rese
Summary: Leave things the way they are. It's what they both want surely.
Disclaimer: Louisa M. Alcott is all that and more. What with the writing and the owning of Little Women.
A/N: This was entirely inspired by Quirky Del's Amy's Lament, which you all have to read because it's great. Oh yeah, here's the line that motivates the story: Laurie with the handsome hair (that he to this day leaves long because Jo told him she prefers it so). I hope you don't mind but damn that's one hell of a writer who inspires so much.
…
"Why don't you cut it my lord?" Amy's fingers were pulling through her husband's thick dark hair as she mused on its length. Laurie cleared his throat, a sound she knew to show his discomfort with something and Amy felt his hand tug hers away from his locks.
"Uh," Laurie looked serious and ready to have a long, meaningful talk but Amy was confused. She'd only asked him to cut it! "I thought it was fine."
"But it's not the fashion Laurie," she fingered the ends and saw his eyes look away. She honestly didn't understand what was wrong with her suggestion. Hair must have meant so much more to him, but Amy could sympathise with that. Her own golden curls were of great beauty and very pleasing to the admiring eye.
"You should remember at least! Fashions and styles quickly pass Amy dear, soon it will change again and you'll be sorry I got it shaved." His wife understood now, recalling how Laurie had gone through college in a clean out dandy manner. It never offended her greatly but she did remember a number of occasions when her older sister pulled his ear about it. And perhaps that was truly the crux of the matter – Jo!
"Very well, leave it curly and long. I don't mind." Amy affected more hurt than she felt, wisely telling how to twist a fellows real feelings out. If Laurie didn't sincerely care, he'd cut it to please her but if he did, he'd pretend not to hear her tone.
"So you don't!" he replied, guessing her trick. He patted his wife's hand in a calming way and getting up to visit the study. Amy would sulk over his refusal but he was confident she'd get over it, he however would be hard to console if Jo's eyes found added faults to his appearance. For that was all he really had aside from his friendship that apparently pleased her and dear me, that would hold strong regardless of time and change.
Amy watched him walk out with his hands deep in his pockets, a thoughtful look consuming his posture. So he did care. She sighed deeply and sunk lower into the sofa with the knowledge their little exchange entailed.
Laurie had a larger part of his heart for Jo than she realized. It wasn't about his hair but it was about pleasing her, and if he placed a preference of Jo's above hers didn't that say everything? Jo hated change but Amy wasn't wholly adverse to the idea. She knew where Laurie stood on the matter though and if his hair wouldn't alter...
He certainly did care. He cared for her sister.