American Cliché - Finneas story

Letting the walls down

Chapter Ten: Letting the Walls Down

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As the afternoon drifted on, Y/N found herself relaxing more, melting into the easy comfort of Finneas and Billie’s presence. Her shoulders softened, her laughter came a little more freely, and before long, she was leaning slightly into Finneas, almost without realizing it. Finneas noticed, of course, and without hesitation, he shifted a little closer, draping an arm around her with a gentleness that made her feel safe.

Billie watched, her gaze flicking between her brother and Y/N with a thoughtful smile. She could see how Y/N's guard had slowly fallen, and in place of the initial anxiety, there was a lightness in her eyes, a spark that shone through every word and laugh. Billie loved observing people, and Y/N’s small gestures told her more than words could.

“So, Y/N,” Billie began, a playful lilt in her voice, “What do you do when you’re not hanging out with this guy?”

Y/N smiled, casting a glance up at Finneas, who was looking at her like she was the only person in the room. “I read a lot. Probably more than I should,” she admitted with a laugh. “And I try to learn new things—sometimes little things, like cooking a recipe from scratch, or learning something random online. I love keeping busy, even if it’s just small stuff.”

“Hey, that’s cool,” Billie said with an approving nod. “You sound like you’re into life for the experience, not the fame. Kind of rare these days.”

“Yeah, I guess so,” Y/N said softly, looking down but smiling. “I just… like things that feel real. I want moments and memories, not things to post online, you know?”

Billie’s eyes glinted knowingly as she looked over at her brother, who was watching Y/N with such tenderness that it was hard not to feel a warmth just witnessing it. She’d never seen Finneas this open, this vulnerable. Every time Y/N spoke, his gaze softened, a small smile tugging at his lips. And when Y/N would glance up at him, her eyes would light up in a way that made it clear she wasn’t just there for the novelty of being close to someone famous.

They settled into a lighter conversation, Billie sharing a few hilarious family stories that had Y/N laughing, the sound so genuine it warmed Finneas’s heart. Without even thinking about it, she leaned further into him, her head resting lightly on his shoulder. He glanced down, giving her a soft squeeze in response, his expression full of quiet admiration.

After a while, Billie sat back, an amused smile on her face as she took them both in. Y/N, now comfortably tucked into Finneas, looked completely at ease, her smile coming more freely and her eyes soft. There was no mistaking the affection between them—it was woven into every look, every small touch, and even the gentle way they fell into silence around each other.

“So, Y/N,” Billie said with a grin, crossing her arms and leaning forward, “do you even know how hard it is to get him to shut up about you?”

Y/N looked up, surprised, her cheeks flushing slightly. “Oh, really?” she said, laughing as she looked up at Finneas, who just rolled his eyes with a smile.

“Billie…” Finneas said, a little embarrassed, but clearly not unhappy with the way things were unfolding.

“I’m just saying,” Billie teased. “He’s got it bad, Y/N.”

Y/N laughed, feeling her heart race a little as she looked into Finneas’s eyes. And in that moment, there was no mistaking the way she looked at him—the warmth, the fondness, and the unmistakable spark of something deeper.

Finneas’s fingers lightly brushed her arm, and his gaze held hers with a quiet intensity. He leaned in slightly, his voice soft. “I’m really glad you’re here.”

“Me too,” Y/N replied, her voice barely a whisper, her smile growing as she relaxed fully against him.

Billie watched them both, her heart feeling strangely full as she realized just how genuine Y/N was. There was no facade, no pretense, no attempt to impress anyone. She was just herself, and it was exactly what her brother needed. With a contented sigh, she leaned back, watching them share one last, lingering look, a shared connection that spoke louder than any words could.

In that quiet moment, Billie knew she’d just witnessed something real. And she had a feeling this was only the beginning.