Falling For You [ Ryan Rees - Twin Paranormal ]

8

The haunted cabin they'd been investigating stood silent now, its secrets temporarily unearthed and captured on film. Ryan, River, Wyatt, and Winter packed their gear with the practiced efficiency that came from countless nights spent chasing the paranormal. Tired but exhilarated, they piled into their van, heading back to the hotel with the promise of hot showers and soft beds.

The drive back was filled with the usual banter and teasing, though Ryan and Winter exchanged quieter glances, their hands occasionally brushing. It was a small comfort, a reminder of the strength they'd found in each other over the past four months.

When they finally arrived at the hotel, the group quickly checked in and collected their room keys. Wyatt grinned at Ryan and Winter, tossing them their key.

"Here you go, lovebirds. We'll be right next door if you need anything," he said with a playful wink.

River chuckled, adding, "Don't keep him up too late, Winter. We need him functioning for the flight home tomorrow."

Winter blushed, but smiled back. "I'll do my best."

Inside their room, they moved through the familiar routine of unpacking their gear and getting ready for bed. The space was small but comfortable, with two double beds pushed against opposite walls. Winter couldn't help but notice the small touches that made it feel cozy—a soft throw blanket at the foot of the bed, a couple of framed prints of the Nevada landscape on the walls.

Ryan set up his laptop on the nightstand, logging into Netflix as Winter changed into his pajamas. The air was cool, the crispness of the desert night seeping in through the slightly cracked window. Winter slipped under the covers, feeling the soft sheets against his skin, and sighed contentedly.

Ryan joined him shortly, the bed dipping under his weight. He pulled the blankets up around them, his arm naturally wrapping around Winter's shoulders. They scrolled through the movie options for a few minutes, debating between horror and comedy before settling on a light-hearted rom-com.

"Perfect choice," Ryan murmured as he pressed play. Winter snuggled closer, resting his head on Ryan's chest.

The familiar opening notes of the film filled the room, and for a while, they simply enjoyed the comfort of each other's presence. Winter traced small patterns on Ryan's chest, feeling the steady rise and fall of his breath. It was moments like these that made all the chaos and uncertainty of the past worth it.

"Hey," Winter whispered, tilting his head up to look at Ryan. "Thank you."

Ryan glanced down, a small smile playing at his lips. "For what?"

"For everything," Winter said, his voice barely above a whisper. "For being here. For being you."

Ryan's smile widened, and he pressed a gentle kiss to Winter's forehead. "I should be the one thanking you. You make me want to be better, to be... more."

Winter's heart swelled with warmth. It hadn't been easy, adjusting to a new relationship after everything he'd been through. But Ryan had been patient, kind, and understanding, helping him heal in ways he hadn't thought possible.

As the movie played on, their conversation dwindled into comfortable silence. They watched as the characters on the screen navigated their own comedic romantic entanglements, occasionally chuckling at a particularly funny line or scene. Winter felt his eyes grow heavy, the combination of exhaustion and contentment lulling him into a state of near-sleep.

Just as he was about to drift off completely, Ryan's voice pulled him back. "Winter?"

"Yeah?" Winter replied, his voice thick with sleep.

"I love you."

The words were simple, yet they carried the weight of a thousand emotions. Winter felt his heart skip a beat, a smile spreading across his face. He looked up at Ryan, his eyes shining with unshed tears.

"I love you too."

Ryan's smile was radiant, and he tightened his hold on Winter, pressing a kiss to his lips. It was gentle, filled with all the love and promise they shared. As they settled back down, Winter felt a profound sense of peace wash over him. For the first time in a long while, he felt truly safe, truly loved.

As the night deepened, the fatigue from their long day began to catch up with them. Winter yawned, and Ryan chuckled, closing the laptop.

"Time for bed, I think," Ryan said, pulling back the covers.

Winter nodded, slipping under the blankets and curling up against Ryan's side. "Goodnight, Ry."

"Goodnight, Winter," Ryan whispered, wrapping his arms around his boyfriend. As they drifted off to sleep, the past and future melted away, leaving only the present moment—a haven of love and safety in each other's embrace. Eventually, sleep claimed them both, their breaths syncing in a shared rhythm.

Next door, River and Wyatt settled into their own beds, sharing a look of satisfaction. River grinned, punching Wyatt lightly on the arm.

"They're good together, huh?"

Wyatt nodded, smiling. "Yeah, they really are. I'm happy for them."

With that, the four friends succumbed to their exhaustion, the hotel rooms quieting as the night wore on. Outside, the Nevada desert lay still and silent, the haunted cabin far behind them. Tomorrow, they'd return home, but tonight, they found peace in the simple comfort of being together.