Falling For You [ Ryan Rees - Twin Paranormal ]

3

The roar of the motorbike echoed through the quiet streets as Ryan and Winter cruised back to the house. The moon hung high in the sky, casting a silver glow over their path. Laughter bubbled between them, a sweet release from the burdens they each carried. Ryan felt the wind whip past him, his spirits lifted higher than they'd been in weeks. Winter, holding on tightly, seemed to share the same elation, his laughter a melody that harmonized with the bike's engine.

Finally, they retuned home, the apartment looming quietly before them. They dismounted, exchanging grins that conveyed the shared thrill of their night out.

"Shh," Ryan whispered, pressing a finger to his lips. "We can't wake Wyatt and River."

Winter nodded, trying to stifle a giggle. They crept toward the door like mischievous schoolboys. The moment was interrupted when Ryan tripped over a garden gnome, sending them both tumbling to the ground. They lay there, trying to stifle their laughter, which only made them laugh harder.

"You're such a klutz," Winter whispered, his voice barely containing his mirth.

"Hey, that gnome came out of nowhere!" Ryan retorted, eyes shining with amusement.

After managing to compose themselves, they finally made it inside, the clock on the wall showing it was well past midnight. They tiptoed through the house, careful not to make any noise. By the time they slipped into their respective rooms, it was nearly 1 AM.

Ryan settled into his bed, his mind still replaying the night's adventures. He felt a sense of contentment he hadn't felt in a long time. It was nice having Winter around, their growing friendship a comforting presence in his life. He closed his eyes, ready to drift off to sleep.

~

Across the hall, Winter wasn't as fortunate. As soon as he fell asleep, the nightmares began. He was back in that place of darkness and pain, his ex-boyfriend's cruel words and actions haunting him. The dream twisted and turned, a relentless barrage of fear and anguish.

"No, please, stop," Winter murmured in his sleep, his face contorted with distress.

Suddenly, a voice cut through the darkness, familiar and soothing. "Winter, wake up. It's just a dream."

Winter's eyes snapped open, his heart racing. He sat up, gasping for breath. Ryan was sitting on the edge of the bed, his expression filled with concern.

"Ryan?" Winter's voice was shaky.

"Hey, it's okay," Ryan said gently. "You were having a nightmare. You're safe now."

Winter blinked, the remnants of the nightmare still clinging to him. "It felt so real," he whispered.

Ryan reached out, placing a comforting hand on Winter's shoulder. "You're not there anymore. You're here with us. You're safe."

Winter's breathing began to slow, the fear gradually ebbing away. He looked at Ryan, his eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you," he said softly.

Ryan smiled, but there was a lingering worry in his eyes. "Do you want to talk about it?"

Winter hesitated, the memories too raw. But he found comfort in Ryan's presence, a warmth that made him feel less alone. "It was about my ex. All the things he did to me... I can't get them out of my head."

Ryan's grip on Winter's shoulder tightened slightly, his expression hardening with anger on his friend's behalf. "I'm so sorry you went through that. But you're not alone anymore. We're here for you."

A silence settled over them, filled with unspoken understanding. Ryan stood to leave, but Winter reached out, gently grabbing his hand. "Can you stay? Just for a little while?"

Ryan looked down at Winter, seeing the vulnerability in his eyes. He nodded, settling back onto the bed. Winter immediately hugged him, seeking the comfort and safety that Ryan offered. Ryan returned the hug, feeling a warmth spread through his chest.

"It's okay, I've got you," Ryan whispered.

Winter closed his eyes, feeling the nightmare's grip loosen its hold on him. The warmth of Ryan's embrace chased away the lingering shadows.

"Thank you, Ry," Winter murmured, already feeling sleep pulling at him again.

"Anytime," Ryan replied softly, his voice a soothing balm.

As Winter drifted off to sleep, Ryan stayed by his side, watching over him. In that quiet moment, a bond was solidified between them, a promise of support that neither of them had to face their demons alone.

The room fell silent, the only sounds the gentle breaths of the two friends. Winter's heartbeat slowed, matching the steady rhythm of Ryan's. In that moment, Winter felt truly safe for the first time in a long time, the nightmares fading into the background.

Ryan lay awake for a while, listening to Winter's breathing as it became more even, a sign that he had finally fallen into a peaceful sleep.

His was mind turning over the evening's events and the unexpected closeness he felt with Winter. As he listened to the steady rhythm of Winter's breathing, he couldn't help but feel that this new chapter in their lives was just beginning, one filled with healing, friendship, and perhaps something more.

Finally, with Winter's warmth beside him and the moonlight casting gentle shadows around the room, Ryan closed his eyes and let sleep take him, feeling a sense of peace he hadn't known in a long time.