Dangerous connection (Freenbecky)

Chapter 17:

The following morning, the group gathered early, energized and focused. Noey outlined their mission, dividing everyone into pairs. Freen and Becky would stay together, with Kade and Heng covering the other side of town. Irin volunteered to go with Noey, who was still nursing an injury but insisted on helping. He was trying not to be obvious about it, but Irin's presence made his usual bravado falter.

"Alright, remember, we go in, get the supplies, check for any news on Mike's whereabouts, and regroup back here by sundown," Noey instructed, his gaze briefly flickering to Irin, who gave him an encouraging smile.

As they prepared to leave, Freen helped Becky adjust her jacket, ensuring she'd stay warm in the chilly morning air. He placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, leaning in close. "Stay close, Princess," he murmured, his tone soft yet protective.

Becky blushed but nodded, determined. "Always, Babe," she replied, a spark of courage lighting up her eyes.

Kade and Heng smirked, clearly not missing the affectionate nicknames, and Kade couldn't resist. "Ah, look at Freen, Mr. Cold and Untouchable, all mushy for his 'Princess.'"

"Yeah, what happened to the guy who couldn't stand people touching him?" Heng added, nudging Kade with a grin.

Freen rolled his eyes but didn't let go of Becky's shoulder. "Laugh it up, you two. Just because you're jealous..."

"Who's jealous?" Kade fired back. "I just think it's adorable. Right, Heng?"

"Totally adorable," Heng confirmed, sharing a mischievous glance with Kade.

Irin, who had been watching quietly, couldn't hold back her own giggle. "Honestly, I think it's sweet."

Noey, noticing her amusement, took the opportunity to jump in. "Not as sweet as some people getting 'doctor's orders' to stay close." He glanced pointedly at Irin, whose cheeks turned a delicate shade of pink.

"Alright, alright," Noey said quickly, trying to maintain his dignity. "Enough with the teasing. Let's move out."

The group made their way into town, their earlier laughter fading as they focused on the task. Freen and Becky took the northern route, where fewer people roamed, keeping an eye out for any sign of Mike's men. As they passed through the quiet streets, Freen's hand found its way to Becky's, his grip both gentle and protective.

They stopped at a small market to pick up supplies, and Freen scanned their surroundings, instinctively shielding Becky from any potential threats. He could sense Becky's nervousness, her wide eyes darting around with caution.

"Are you alright, Baby?" he whispered, squeezing her hand gently.

Becky looked up at him, her innocence shining through even in this tense situation. "I am, Bunny. As long as I'm with you, I feel...safe."

Freen's heart softened at her words, a fierce determination rising within him. He'd keep her safe—no matter the cost.

Meanwhile, on the other side of town, Noey and Irin moved carefully through the crowded streets. Noey, usually confident and self-assured, found himself slightly flustered in Irin's presence. Every time their shoulders brushed or she offered him a shy smile, he felt his pulse quicken.

"I'm sorry I got you into all this," he said quietly as they navigated the market stalls. "You didn't have to come with us, you know."

Irin looked up at him, her gaze gentle. "Noey, you saved my life. I'd never leave you all to face this alone."

A faint blush crept up his cheeks as he looked away, hoping she hadn't noticed. "Well, uh...just stay close, alright? You've got my back, and I've got yours."

Irin nodded, her soft smile hinting at something deeper. "Always."

Back at the hideout, Kade and Heng returned first, hauling supplies and trading stories about their day. When Freen and Becky arrived, Freen was holding Becky's hand, her tired head resting against his shoulder. Kade and Heng raised their eyebrows in amusement.

"Aw, look who's all cozied up," Kade said with a grin, nudging Heng. "Did you two have a nice little 'date' out there?"

Freen shot him a glare, but Becky, oblivious to the teasing tone, nodded. "Freen kept me safe. I didn't feel scared at all."

Her innocent response caught them all off guard, and for a moment, Kade's smirk softened. "That's good to hear, Princess. That's good to hear."

Just then, Noey and Irin entered, their arms filled with supplies, but Noey's usual swagger was tempered by a tenderness in his eyes every time he glanced at Irin. Kade picked up on it instantly and couldn't help himself.

"Oh, Noey, so, uh, did you get your princess home safe?" Kade teased, crossing his arms with a knowing grin.

Noey scoffed, trying to play it cool. "What? Irin and I were just doing recon—totally professional."

Heng raised an eyebrow, fighting back a laugh. "Right. Recon. Looked like a little more than that from where I was standing."

Noey sighed, finally giving in. "You guys are impossible," he muttered, but a small smile betrayed his amusement.

As the night settled in, the group relaxed, each of them finding a rare moment of peace in each other's company. Freen and Becky stayed close, with Freen making sure she was comfortable. Noey sat beside Irin, finally allowing himself to let his guard down, while Kade and Heng bantered back and forth, both enjoying their unofficial role as the group's "teasers."

In that brief respite from the looming danger, each of them felt a warmth that hadn't been there before—a sense of family. For all the threats they faced, they had each other. And that, they realized, was their greatest strength.

As the group settled into the safe house that evening, Nam joined them, bringing along a warm meal she'd prepared. She had a keen eye for everyone's well-being, and as she set down the food, she noticed the slight limp in Noey's step and Becky's bandaged arm.

"Alright, everyone, make sure you eat up," Nam said, her tone warm yet motherly. "And if anyone's still hurting, let me know. We'll get those wounds properly checked out."

Kade smirked, nudging Heng. "See, that's why we have Nam around. She's the only one who keeps us all in line."

Nam raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms. "That's right. And if you keep teasing everyone, Kade, I might just make you cook next time."

Everyone laughed, even Noey, who'd been unusually quiet since the mission. Irin noticed and gave him a gentle nudge, whispering, "You did great out there."

Meanwhile, Freen was making sure Becky was comfortable, offering her food and checking her arm. "Here, Baby, try this," he murmured, feeding her a bite with a tender look that didn't go unnoticed.

"Bunny, I'm fine, really," Becky said softly, her cheeks flushing as she took the bite from him.

Nam watched the sweet exchange, shaking her head with an amused smile. "I never thought I'd see Freen like this," she whispered to Heng, her voice low but filled with affection.

"Right? It's like watching a different person," Heng agreed, glancing knowingly at Freen as he continued to dote on Becky.

Not to be left out of the spotlight, Noey finally relaxed, settling in beside Irin with a grin that Nam didn't miss. She raised an eyebrow, shooting him a playful look. "So, Noey, looks like you found a pretty good 'partner' out there today, didn't you?"

Noey turned slightly pink, glancing quickly at Irin before muttering, "Yeah, well... she did alright," trying to keep his voice casual.

Kade chuckled, giving Nam a conspiratorial nod. "You and Heng are supposed to be the couple here, but it looks like we might have some new contenders."

Nam laughed softly, warmth in her eyes as she took in the scene. Despite everything, they'd found each other. And even as the shadows of Mike's threat loomed, they had their own light—each other.

She gave one last glance to Becky and Freen, cuddled close and at ease, and then to Irin and Noey, who were sharing quiet laughter. Nam knew that, somehow, they'd get through this together.