Dangerous connection (Freenbecky)

Chapter 13 :

As they settled in the quiet of their temporary shelter, the group took a moment to breathe. Freen kept Becky close, not wanting to let her out of his sight after everything they'd been through. The tension of the night was still fresh, but her presence was grounding him.

Across the room, Irin helped Noey tend to his injuries. Noey, usually so carefree, seemed slightly bashful with Irin by his side, her touch gentle as she worked on his bandages. They exchanged soft smiles, an unspoken gratitude hanging in the air between them. Nam and Heng watched them with knowing grins, throwing each other amused glances. It didn't take long before Kade noticed as well, smirking as he leaned over to Freen and whispered, "Looks like Noey's got himself an angel in disguise."

Freen chuckled, nodding toward Noey and Irin. "Looks like it."

Kade grinned, glancing from Freen to Becky. "And you, Mr. Cold and Heartless, got yourself a little sunshine over here."

Freen felt his cheeks warm slightly, which only seemed to fuel Kade's amusement. "Who knew you'd be so soft," he teased. "But hey, no judgment here. Guess it's nice you've found someone who can actually handle you."

At this, Becky gave a small, innocent smile, looking between Kade and Freen with wide eyes. "He's not that difficult," she said simply, causing a round of laughter from the group.

Nam elbowed Heng. "See? It's not that hard to see the good in people." Heng nodded, grinning at Becky. "You're bringing out a side of Freen we didn't think was possible."

Becky just shrugged, her smile sweet and unassuming. "I just see the good in him. I think everyone has good in them."

The group's laughter softened, each of them touched by her simple sincerity. For a moment, the air felt lighter. Nam and Heng exchanged glances before Nam added, "Maybe we should all try to see each other's best parts. Except maybe Mike. He can stay the villain."

The laughter resumed, and this time even Becky joined in, her innocence adding a gentle brightness to the group that they'd all come to cherish.

As they wound down for the night, Freen helped Becky to her makeshift bed, and she offered him a gentle, sleepy smile. "Thanks for keeping me safe," she whispered, laying her hand over his.

Freen, moved by her simple gratitude, nodded. "You do the same for me," he replied softly. He leaned close, brushing a stray lock of her hair back, then rested beside her, his arm protectively around her as if she might disappear.

Across the room, Irin and Noey shared a similar closeness, Irin's hand resting protectively on Noey's shoulder as they drifted into a peaceful sleep.

In the soft moonlight, the farmhouse was quiet, and for the first time in a long time, Freen felt a calm settle over him. Mike's threat still loomed, and there was much left to face, but tonight, he had everything he needed right there beside him. The warmth of his friends, the innocence of Becky, and the unspoken love that they shared felt like a force strong enough to protect them against anything.

The morning sun filtered through the farmhouse windows, casting a soft glow over the room where they all slept, huddled in pairs. Freen blinked his eyes open, and for a moment, he felt a peace he hadn't known in years, with Becky nestled at his side, her head resting gently on his shoulder.

As he shifted, she stirred, and their eyes met. Becky offered him a sleepy, innocent smile, and he couldn't help but return it. But before he could say anything, a playful shout echoed from across the room.

"Good morning, lovebirds!" Noey teased, grinning as he nudged Irin, who stifled a laugh.

Freen shot Noey a warning look but couldn't hide the hint of a smile tugging at his lips. Kade joined in, folding his arms and raising an eyebrow. "And here I thought you didn't do the whole 'clingy' thing, Freen," he taunted, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Becky looked at Freen, clearly confused but sweetly innocent. "Clingy? You mean like..." She gave Freen's arm a gentle squeeze and looked back at Kade with a small, shy smile. "Like this?"

The room burst into laughter, and Freen shook his head, amused. Becky's innocence had a way of diffusing even the toughest moments, and her simple honesty caught them all off guard. Nam and Heng, still wrapped up together on the other side of the room, watched with amusement, while Irin seemed to be holding back her own giggles.

Noey, who was clearly enjoying the scene, winked at Becky. "Yeah, that's exactly what we mean, but don't worry, I think Freen doesn't mind," he teased, earning a glare from Freen.

"Alright, alright," Freen muttered, rubbing the back of his neck, embarrassed but amused. "Enough out of you."

But Noey wasn't done. "I don't know, Freen," he continued, nudging Irin. "With this new softer side of you, maybe you'll be holding hands and exchanging love notes next."

Freen rolled his eyes, but before he could reply, Kade added, "Speaking of love notes, maybe you should take notes, Noey. You've got your own little guardian angel there." He nodded towards Irin, who was blushing slightly.

Noey gave a nervous laugh, rubbing his own bandaged arm and looking at Irin with a sheepish smile. "Well, can you blame me for getting a little protective of her?"

At this, Becky leaned forward, her eyes wide with sincerity. "I think it's sweet. Irin saved you, and now you're like her knight," she said, her innocent words only making Noey blush further. "It's what friends do for each other, right?"

Irin nodded, giving Noey a grateful smile. "Exactly. And besides," she said softly, glancing at him, "we look out for the people who matter."

Nam and Heng exchanged an approving look, and Kade couldn't help but jump in, nudging Freen. "Seems like we're all pairing off," he said, glancing around with mock disappointment. "Guess I'll just have to wait for my own 'guardian angel.'"

Heng, laughing, patted Kade on the back. "You'll find someone who can put up with you someday," he teased. Nam shook her head, smiling as she wrapped an arm around Heng's shoulders. "Or maybe you just need someone who can match your energy."

They all laughed again, but the playful mood was interrupted by a sudden, sharp knock on the farmhouse door. Silence fell over them, and the cheerful morning atmosphere evaporated, replaced by an intense alertness.

Freen signaled for everyone to stay back as he approached the door. Carefully, he cracked it open to find one of the local contacts he'd arranged to keep watch. The man's face was grim.

"It's Mike," he said quietly, glancing behind him as if he could appear any moment. "He's asking around about you. Word is he's got a few men searching this area."

Freen's jaw tightened. "How close are they?"

"Not too close yet," the man replied. "But it's only a matter of time before they start canvassing the villages nearby."

Freen nodded, his mind already racing through possible plans. He turned back to the group, his eyes steely. "We need to be ready. Mike's getting closer, and he won't stop until he finds us."

Kade cracked his knuckles, nodding. "Then we'll give him a fight he won't forget."

Becky, her expression still innocent but now laced with determination, took Freen's hand. "We'll face him together, right?"

Freen looked at her, feeling a surge of protectiveness. "Yeah," he said softly. "Together."

Nam and Heng exchanged a look, and even Kade seemed serious now. They knew what they were up against, but with the newfound closeness they all shared, they felt stronger, more resilient.

As they began preparing their defenses, each person assumed their roles, the seriousness of the moment setting in. Freen pulled Becky aside, speaking in a low, protective tone. "Stay close to me, alright? I don't want you getting hurt again."

She nodded, giving him a reassuring smile. "I trust you, Freen. I'm not going anywhere."

In the background, Noey was adjusting his bandage, still under Irin's watchful eye. He flashed her a wink. "Guess we're all in this together."

Irin gave him a gentle smile, her eyes holding a promise of her own. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

As the group prepared for the storm they knew was coming, there was a shared sense of trust, loyalty, and something new—hope. They might be up against a force like Mike, but together, they felt unstoppable.