Alex furrowed his brows at the other as he spoke before realizing he may have been coming off a bit defensive. He let out a breath, relaxing his shoulders a bit as he listened, not wanting this to get back to Charlie and have it upset her. Admittedly, he was glad her brother cared so much about who Charlie allowed in her life. But Alex hurting someone in any way seemed to be an ongoing concern to people in his life and it was a frustrating topic. âYou donât have to threaten me to make sure I treat her well, so donât go there.â Alexâs tone was a bit lighter, hoping Jamie understood that he was trying to lighten the situation rather than cause more tension between the two.Â
Yet again, his words almost stumped him, and if you canât, what are you gonna do then? Alex shook his head gently. âI donât think about that. I care about her- I love her. I always have, and I know I always will, so I will do whatever I can to make sure sheâs happy and sheâs okay. If I canât, Iâll try harder. I donât know the answer youâre looking for, because you and I both know nothing I say will suffice.âÂ
Jamie was trying, really hard, to ease off a bit. He knew it wasnât entirely rational, how intense and serious he became when Charlie was the main topic. His need to protect her, look after her, make sure she came to no harm either physically or emotionally was so very strongly ingrained in him. It was second nature, instinctual, to view anyone who might pose the slimmest threat to her happiness and well being as a problem to be dealt with switftly and if need be, harshly. Yet with someone both she and he knew very well, even if they hadnât seen Alex in years they knew where he came from, his mom had been their moms best friend, so of course he knew the kid didnât mean any harm nor would purposefully hurt Charlie. Taking a deep breath, the blonde nodded. âYouâre right, that was uncalled for.â he amended, running a hand troug his hair, his features slipping into more wary and tired tones.Â
Considering the admission heâd just made, Jamie felt a little less worried. Not much, though he had a feeling he might be slightly overreacting on account of his own issues and struggle, rather than simple brotherly concern. It was tough to consider and admit that Charlie really was growing up, perhaps finally moving on in a manner he hadnât always been so sure she would be able to. And it was scary to think that she might not need him as much, both because she was moving on, and in having Alex to lean on instead. Not to mention the fact that their situations had been entirely swapped just like that. Two months ago he was the one in a happy relationship moving on and focusing on the future. Now she was the one in that position. âNo, thats probably true. Just promise me that you will put her first. If this doesnât work out between you two, I mean. Which is not to say that Iâm thinking it will, I just donât want her heartbroken and stuck again. Iâm really happy sheâs found love with you and that sheâs finally able to let go of the past a little and look forward instead.âÂ