My weakness

Chapter 30 : Big brother.

Billie hesitated as she approached her front door, sensing an unusual aura in the air. She turned the key in the lock, and the door creaked open, revealing the cozy warmth of her home. As Jesse followed her inside, Billie's eyes widened in surprise.

"Finneas?" she called out, spotting her brother in the living room, engrossed in a book.

Finneas looked up, a broad smile lighting up his face. "Hey, sis! Didn't expect you so soon. What brings you here?"

Billie exchanged a puzzled glance with Jesse, unsure of how to explain their unexpected visit. "Well, I just wanted to drop by and, you know, spend some time at home," she stammered, attempting to sound casual.

Jesse, standing by Billie's side, felt a subtle tension in the air. He greeted Finneas with a nod, trying to gauge his reaction.

Finneas, ever the protective older brother, closed his book and stood up. "That's cool. Always happy to have you home, Billie. And who's this?" He directed his attention toward Jesse.

"This is Jesse," Billie introduced, a hint of nervousness in her voice. "Jesse, meet my older brother, Finneas. Finneas, Jesse."

Finneas eyed Jesse with a scrutinizing gaze, a silent acknowledgment passing between the two men. "Nice to meet you, Jesse," Finneas said, extending a hand.

Jesse shook it firmly, a respectful smile on his face. "Likewise, Finneas. Billie's told me a lot about you."

Finneas grinned, his protective instincts momentarily easing. "All good things, I hope."

Billie chimed in with a chuckle, attempting to diffuse any lingering tension. "Of course, all good things. Well, mostly."

As the evening unfolded, Jesse couldn't shake the sense of Finneas's protective brotherly instincts hovering in the air. Finneas, while maintaining a friendly demeanor, kept a watchful eye on Billie and Jesse. It wasn't an overtly confrontational vigilance, but rather a subtle undercurrent that Jesse could feel.

As they sat in the living room, engaged in light conversation, Jesse noticed Finneas occasionally throwing him assessing glances. These glances carried a mixture of curiosity and a silent question – an unspoken inquiry into Jesse's intentions toward Billie.

Feeling the weight of Finneas's unspoken scrutiny, Jesse decided to break the ice. "So, Finneas, Billie tells me you're the protective big brother type. I can respect that."

Finneas chuckled, a twinkle in his eye. "Well, someone's got to look out for her. She's my baby sister, after all."

Billie rolled her eyes playfully. "I'm not a baby anymore, Finneas."

He ruffled her hair, a fond smile on his face. "Always will be to me, Bill."

Jesse admired the sibling dynamic, sensing the deep bond between them. However, he couldn't ignore the protective stance Finneas maintained, and it left him wondering how Billie's brother felt about his role in her life.

As the evening wore on, Jesse and Finneas found common ground, discussing shared interests and cracking jokes. The initial tension began to dissipate, replaced by a sense of camaraderie. It became evident to Jesse that Finneas's protective instincts, while strong, were rooted in genuine concern and love for his sister.

In the cozy confines of Billie's bedroom, Jesse and Billie settled in to watch a movie. The atmosphere was relaxed, with the soft glow of string lights creating a warm ambiance. However, Finneas, ever the protective older brother, made it clear that certain boundaries needed to be maintained.

As Jesse and Billie snuggled up on the bed, preparing to start the movie, Finneas popped his head into the room with a teasing grin. "Remember, doors stay open, you two. No funny business."

Billie rolled her eyes, accustomed to her brother's protective nature. "Finneas, we're just watching a movie. Chill out."

He chuckled. "Just making sure, sis. Don't want any trouble."

With that, he left the door slightly ajar, ensuring that he could keep an eye on the situation. Jesse and Billie exchanged amused glances before focusing on the movie.

Jesse and Billie were spending time at her house, Finneas took Jesse aside for a serious conversation. He looked Jesse in the eyes, his expression stern.

"Jesse, I need to make something clear," Finneas began, his tone serious. "I love my sister more than anything, and I would do anything to protect her. If you ever hurt her or break her heart, you'll have me to deal with."

Jesse, understanding the intensity of Finneas's words, nodded solemnly. "I would never do anything to hurt Billie. I care about her a lot, and my intentions are genuine."

Finneas eyed him for a moment before relaxing a bit. "Good. Just wanted to make sure we're on the same page. Billie's been through a lot, and I won't let anything or anyone add to that."

Jesse appreciated Finneas's concern for his sister. "I completely understand, Finneas. I care about Billie a great deal, and I want to be someone she can rely on."

From that point on, Jesse was acutely aware of Finneas's watchful eye. While it was clear that Finneas was protective of Billie, Jesse respected his stance and did everything he could to reassure him that his intentions were genuine and sincere.

Later that day, Finneas found a moment to talk to Billie privately. He approached her with a warm smile, sensing that his protective instincts had maybe been a bit too evident earlier.

"Hey, sis," Finneas began, pulling her into a comforting hug. "I hope you know that I'm just looking out for you. You're important to me, and I want to make sure you're happy and safe."

Billie, feeling the sincerity in her brother's words, hugged him back tightly. "I know, Finneas. It means a lot to me that you care so much. But you've got to trust my judgment too. Jesse is a good guy, and I appreciate you being protective, but we're okay."

Finneas nodded, still holding onto his sister. "I do trust you, Billie. I just can't help being a big brother sometimes, you know?"

Billie chuckled, "I get it. And I love you for it. Just maybe ease up a bit on Jesse. He's a sweetheart, really."

Finneas released her from the hug, ruffling her hair playfully. "Alright, alright. I'll try to dial it back a bit. Just promise me you'll talk to me if anything's bothering you, okay?"

"Promise," Billie replied, giving him an affectionate smile.

TO BE CONTINUED.