American Cliché - Finneas story

Meeting the Family

Chapter Nine: Meeting the Family

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The next day, Y/N arrived at Finneas and Billie’s place, feeling a rush of nerves that she tried her best to keep under control. She took a steadying breath as she rang the doorbell, hoping her hands weren’t visibly shaking. The butterflies in her stomach were in full force, a mix of excitement and anxiety swirling as she prepared herself to meet the family of the person who already meant so much to her.

The door opened, and there was Finneas, his face lighting up the moment he saw her. “Hey, beautiful,” he said softly, his gaze warm.

“Hi,” she replied, smiling as her heart skipped a beat. His familiar presence soothed her nerves slightly, though a part of her still felt like she was on the edge of a cliff.

“Come on in,” he said, stepping aside to let her in. His hand lightly touched the small of her back as he guided her inside, a small gesture that made her feel safe.

As they walked into the living room, Billie greeted them with a big smile. “Y/N! Finally, I get to meet the girl who’s made my brother all gooey-eyed,” she teased.

Y/N laughed, feeling a bit of color rise to her cheeks. “Nice to meet you too, Billie.”

“Likewise,” Billie replied, her gaze studying Y/N with curiosity. There was no mistaking the warmth in her smile; she looked genuinely happy to welcome Y/N into their home.

The three of them settled on the couch, and though Finneas kept the conversation light and easy, Y/N felt her anxiety flickering beneath the surface. She tried to keep it hidden, but every now and then, her fingers fidgeted, and she caught herself overthinking every word she said.

Finneas noticed—he always noticed—but he didn’t bring it up. Instead, he sat close enough that their shoulders brushed, offering her that quiet reassurance that she wasn’t alone. He’d flash her these small, comforting smiles, like a silent reminder that he was there, and he wasn’t going anywhere.

Billie noticed the glances they shared, the subtle way they seemed to understand each other without words. She watched as Y/N’s gaze softened every time she looked at her brother, completely unaware of how much love she was showing in those simple looks. And she noticed how Finneas’s expression transformed whenever he looked at Y/N, his usual calm intensity softening into something so unguarded, so completely vulnerable, that she almost felt like she was intruding.

As the afternoon went on, Y/N relaxed a bit more. She laughed at Billie’s stories and even managed to tell a few of her own. Not once did she mention his or Billie’s fame, never dropping hints or fan-like excitement. In fact, she seemed more focused on hearing about their childhood memories, the way they’d grown up together, and the bond they shared as siblings.

Eventually, Billie got up to make some tea, leaving Finneas and Y/N alone for a moment. He turned to her, a soft look in his eyes. “You okay?”

“Yeah,” she said, nodding as she brushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “Just… meeting your sister. It’s a big deal. But she’s great. I can see why you’re so close.”

He reached over, taking her hand and giving it a gentle squeeze. “You’re doing amazing. She loves you already, I can tell.”

Y/N felt her heartbeat slow just a little, soothed by his touch and the way he looked at her. “Thanks… for everything. For just… being here.”

“Always,” he replied, his voice a low murmur, his gaze steady on her as if he wanted to memorize every detail of her face.

Billie walked back in, two cups of tea in hand, and raised an eyebrow at the scene in front of her. She grinned knowingly as she handed them their drinks. “I’ll just say it now, Y/N,” she said with a playful smile. “If you’re here for anything other than my awkward, lovable brother, I’ll kick you out myself.”

Y/N laughed, the last of her nerves easing away as she looked back at Finneas. “Don’t worry, Billie. I’m only here for him.”

And as she said it, she caught Finneas’s gaze, and they shared a look that was so honest, so full of unspoken feelings, that Billie couldn’t help but smile. In that moment, she knew without a doubt that Y/N was exactly who she’d been hoping Finneas would find: someone who saw him for who he was and nothing more.