How to be loved

39 - Hopelessly in love

How to be loved

39 - Hopelessly in love

The plane hummed steadily as it soared through the final stretch of their 14-hour flight. Outside, the first hint of California's coastline glimmered through the clouds, a blend of deep blue ocean and warm sunlight. Inside the cabin, the atmosphere was quieter now. Most passengers were either asleep or lost in their own thoughts, but not Becky and Freen.

Becky, nestled comfortably against Freen's shoulder, shifted slightly, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. She smiled, that playful twinkle in her eyes returning as she looked up at Freen, who was absentmindedly gazing out of the window. They had shared so much—quiet moments, laughs, even stolen glances between the busyness of their lives—and now, here they were, crossing the skies together.

"You know," Becky began softly, her voice tinged with a teasing lilt, "my favorite perk of having you as my girlfriend..."

Freen turned to her, curious, her brow arching slightly. "Oh? And what's that?" she asked, a small smile forming at the corner of her lips, already expecting one of Becky's witty comebacks.

Becky leaned in closer, her lips brushing just near Freen's ear as she whispered, "...is having the right to claim you as mine."

Freen's heart skipped a beat. Becky's voice carried that certain confidence, the one that always managed to make her feel like the most cherished person in the room, even if they were surrounded by hundreds of others.

"Letting people know to back off," Becky continued, a playful gleam in her eyes as she sat back, folding her arms with mock pride. "It's a pretty great feeling, you know?"

Freen chuckled softly, trying to fight the blush creeping up her neck. "Is that so?" she replied, her tone light but filled with warmth. "And here I thought you just liked my company."

"Oh, don't get me wrong, I love having you around," Becky said, her expression softening. "But what I love even more is watching people realize you're taken. Especially when they think they have a chance."

Freen shook her head, biting her lip to suppress a full smile. Becky always had a way of saying the most unexpected things, a blend of possessiveness and affection that somehow made her feel both protected and adored.

"Is that what you were thinking back there in the airport? When that girl at the check-in counter kept staring?" Freen teased, recalling the moment when she had noticed Becky subtly stepping closer, her hand casually brushing Freen's arm in a way that clearly said 'mine.'

Becky smirked. "Maybe... And I think she got the message loud and clear." She winked, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

Freen shook her head with a laugh, but deep down, there was something undeniably heartwarming about Becky's protectiveness. It wasn't just about the title or the labels—it was about being loved so fully, so openly, without hesitation.

Leaning in, Freen gently took Becky's hand, intertwining their fingers. "Well, for the record," she whispered, her voice soft yet full of sincerity, "I love that you claim me. Because I'm yours. Always."

Becky's smirk softened into a genuine smile, her eyes shimmering with emotion. She squeezed Freen's hand and rested her head back against her shoulder.

"Good," Becky murmured, closing her eyes for a brief moment, "because I'm not letting go."

Freen shook her head, biting her lip to suppress a full smile. She couldn't resist the urge to tease Becky just a little. "You know," she said, tilting her head and narrowing her eyes with a playful look, "you could've enjoyed your claim earlier if you said yes the moment I asked you to be my girlfriend."