Falling For You [ Ryan Rees - Twin Paranormal ]

4

The early morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow over the room. Ryan stirred first, blinking groggily as he felt a warm presence curled against him. He looked down to see Winter, his head tucked under his chin, his arms wrapped tightly around him as if holding on for dear life. The events of the night before came flooding back.

Winter had woken up screaming from a nightmare, the shadows of his past haunting his dreams. Without hesitation, Ryan had rushed to his side, holding him until the tremors subsided. He had stayed, offering the comfort Winter so desperately needed, and eventually, they both fell asleep, entwined in an embrace that spoke of safety and trust.

He felt the warmth of Winter's body nestled against him, the younger man's head tucked under his chin. The peaceful rise and fall of Winter's breathing was a stark contrast to the nightmare that had haunted him just hours before. Ryan's hand moved instinctively, gently rubbing circles on Winter's back, offering comfort even in sleep.

He wished he could banish the darkness that plagued Winter's dreams, but for now, he would offer what comfort he could. A quiet knock at the door made Ryan look up. The door creaked open, and Wyatt poked his head around the corner, his eyes curious and concerned.

"What happened?" Wyatt whispered, his voice barely audible. "Why are you in Winter's bed?"

Ryan sighed, carefully disentangling himself from Winter's grasp. "He had a nightmare," he explained softly. "I just stayed with him to make sure he was okay."

Wyatt nodded, his expression softening. "Breakfast is almost ready," he said, glancing at his sleeping twin. "Want me to wake him?"

"I'll do it," Ryan said, a small smile playing on his lips as Wyatt left and closed the door. He reached out, gently shaking Winter's shoulder. "Hey, Winter, it's time to wake up."

Winter groaned, his brow furrowing. "Five more minutes," he mumbled, burrowing deeper into the covers.

Ryan chuckled. "Come on, Winter," he coaxed. "Breakfast is waiting."

Winter's eyes fluttered open, confusion clouding his gaze for a moment before clarity settled in. He looked up at Ryan, and slowly, a small smile crept onto his lips. "Morning," he murmured, rubbing his eyes.

"Morning," Ryan replied, his voice warm. "Let's get some food."

With a reluctant sigh, Winter sat up, running a hand through his messy hair. He swung his legs over the side of the bed and stood, stretching. Ryan followed suit, and together they made their way to the kitchen.

The smell of freshly cooked bacon and eggs greeted them, mingling with the aroma of coffee. River was already at the table, his hair as wild as ever, a mug of coffee in hand. He looked up as they entered, a grin spreading across his face.

"Morning, sleepyheads," he teased. "Sleep well?"

Ryan glanced at Winter, who was blushing slightly. "Eventually," he said with a smile. "Thanks for making breakfast, Riv."

"Anytime," River replied, waving a hand dismissively. "Sit down and dig in."

They gathered around the table, the comfortable silence punctuated by the clinking of cutlery and the occasional murmur of conversation. Winter seemed more at ease than Ryan had seen him in days, a soft smile playing on his lips as he listened to his friends' banter.

Wyatt leaned over, nudging Winter's shoulder. "How you holding up?" he asked quietly.

Winter gave a small shrug. "Better," he admitted. "Thanks to Ryan."

Ryan felt a warmth spread through him at Winter's words. "Anytime," he said, echoing River's earlier sentiment.

The rest of the meal passed in a comfortable haze. As they finished eating, River stood, stretching. "Alright, what's the plan for today?" he asked, looking around.

"I thought we could film a new episode," Wyatt suggested. "There's that old abandoned house on the outskirts of town. Supposed to be haunted."

Ryan nodded, excitement sparking in his eyes. "Sounds perfect. What do you think, Winter? Up for a little adventure?"

Winter hesitated for a moment, then nodded, determination gleaming in his eyes. "Yeah," he said. "I think I am."

"Great," Wyatt said, clapping his hands together. "Let's get our gear and head out."

Later that day as they gathered their equipment, Ryan watched Winter closely, looking for any signs of hesitation or fear. But Winter seemed resolute, his newfound freedom and the support giving him the strength to face whatever lay ahead.

~

They piled into the car, the familiar hum of the engine a comforting sound. River took the wheel, Ryan in the passenger seat, while Wyatt and Winter sat in the back, discussing the details of their plan.

The drive to the old house was filled with laughter and anticipation, the camaraderie between them a palpable force. When they finally arrived, the house loomed before them, its dilapidated facade and overgrown yard a testament to years of neglect.

"Looks spooky," River remarked, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

"Perfect for us," Wyatt agreed, shouldering his camera.

Ryan turned to Winter, offering him a reassuring smile. "Ready?"

Winter took a deep breath, then nodded. "Ready."

Together, they approached the house, the door creaking ominously as they pushed it open. Inside, the air was thick with dust and the scent of decay, the silence broken only by the occasional creak of the floorboards.

Ryan led the way, his flashlight cutting through the darkness. "Let's split up," he suggested. "Cover more ground."

Wyatt nodded. "River and I will take the upstairs. Ryan, you and Winter check out the ground floor."

They moved through the house with practiced ease, their cameras capturing every detail, every shadow. Ryan kept close to Winter, his presence a steadying force. As they explored room after room, the sense of unease began to grow, the atmosphere thick with unseen energy.

In the dim light, Winter's face was a mask of concentration, his fear replaced by a fierce determination. Ryan watched him with a mixture of pride and concern, ready to step in if needed.

Suddenly, a loud crash echoed through the house, followed by Wyatt's shout. "Guys, get up here! You need to see this!"

Ryan and Winter exchanged a glance, then hurried upstairs, their hearts pounding with adrenaline. They found Wyatt and River in a large, dimly lit room, their expressions a mix of awe and apprehension.

"Look at this," Wyatt said, pointing to a large, ornate mirror on the wall. The glass was cracked, but through the fractures, almost as if they could see faint, ghostly images moving, as if trapped within the mirror.

Ryan's eyes widened. "Incredible," he breathed. "This could be our best footage yet."

Winter stepped closer, his eyes fixed on the mirror. "What do you think it is?" he asked, his voice hushed.

"Spirits, maybe," River said, his tone reverent. "Or something else entirely..."