𝐔𝐍𝐓𝐑𝐔𝐒𝐓 𝐔𝐒 | 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙇𝙖𝙨𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙐𝙨 𝙄𝙄.

𝐈𝐕.

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𝐌𝐄𝐀𝐍𝐖𝐇𝐈𝐋𝐄 𝐀𝐓 the Baldwin Mansion, the storm outside howled like a restless beast, sending shivers through the old, drafty halls. Corbyn paced around the living room, dressed in sweatpants and a hoodie, his breath visible in the frigid air. He shivered, rubbing his arms for warmth, and stifled a yawn as he surveyed the room. Jordan, lounging on an old, threadbare couch with Leah, noticed his friend's troubled expression. "You need help with somethin'?" he asked, his voice breaking the heavy silence.

Corbyn let out a small groan, running a hand through his disheveled hair. "Have you seen Matthew anywhere?"

Jordan shrugged nonchalantly. "Nah, haven't seen him," he replied, stretching an arm above his head whilst the other rested on his girlfriend's back to support her. "Why, what's up?"

Then, almost as if on cue, the front door creaked open, and a gust of cold air swept into the mansion as Owen stepped inside, snow clinging to his jacket and hair. He looked annoyed, brushing the snow off with quick, agitated movements. Corbyn raised a brow, leaning against the kitchen's island. "Where have you been?" He asked tiredly.

"Talking with Abby and Matthew," Owen replied curtly, avoiding eye contact as he made his way toward the living room. Corbyn took a moment to look behind Owen, hoping to see Abby and Matthew following him. But the doorway remained empty, and a sinking feeling settled in his gut.

"Annnnd where are they?" he pressed on, his concern growing.

Owen let out a scoff, the sound filled with frustration. "Out scouting," he answered, his tone sharp. Without another word, he turned and headed toward the bathroom, clearly not in the mood for further conversation.

Corbyn watched him go, a frown creasing his forehead. "O... kay?" he muttered to himself, confusion and worry mixing in his voice. He shook his head, trying to push aside the uneasy feeling gnawing at him.

As he stood there, lost in thought, he felt a gentle nudge at his side. Turning, he saw his girlfriend, Nora, slowly approaching. She slipped under his arm, wrapping her arms around his waist and nuzzling into his chest. Her warmth was a welcome comfort against the cold. Corbyn chuckled softly, his worry momentarily easing as he stared down at her lovingly. "Hey there," he murmured before gently pressing a kiss to the top of her head. "Did you sleep well?" Corbyn asked softly, brushing a loose strand of hair away from her face.

Nora shook her head, her eyes heavy with fatigue. "Not really," she admitted, letting out a small sigh.

Corbyn frowned, pulling back slightly to better see her face. "What's wrong?"

She thought for a moment, her brow furrowing slightly. "I could've done without Jordan moving around half the time and Manny's snoring," she replied, a hint of frustration in her voice.

Corbyn chuckled, forgetting how much of a light sleeper she was. "I'm sorry, baby," he murmured, trailing off as he began showering her face with soft, playful kisses. Nora giggled, the sound brightening the dim room.

"Stop, that tickles," she protested weakly, though she made no real effort to pull away.

He pulled back with a teasing grin, watching her for a moment before his expression turned more serious. "Mm..." he frowned. "Where is Manny now?" Usually, if Matthew isn't present, Corbyn will settle with talking to either Jordan and/or Manny.

Nora let out another yawn, leaning her head against his shoulder. "Outside," she said sleepily. "I think he's on watch." She briefly explained.

Corbyn nodded, taking a deep breath as he ran a hand through his hair, the storm outside was fierce, and the thought of venturing out into the cold made him shiver involuntarily. "Yeah, I'm not about to go out," he concluded, glancing towards the window where the snow continued to fall in thick, heavy flakes. The idea of braving the storm, even just to check on Manny, seemed utterly unappealing.