Falling For You [ Ryan Rees - Twin Paranormal ]

10

Winter's eyelids fluttered, and for a moment, Ryan thought he saw a flicker of recognition. He squeezed Winter's hand gently. "I love you, Winter. Please, fight for us."

As the minutes ticked by, Ryan felt a mix of hope and despair. The memory of their time together, the laughter, the late-night conversations, and the warmth of Winter's embrace filled his mind. He couldn't imagine a life without Winter by his side.

Finally, a nurse gently informed him that visiting time was over. Ryan reluctantly left the room, his heart heavy with worry. River and Wyatt were waiting for him, their faces mirroring his anxiety.

"How is he?" Wyatt asked. Fear in his eyes and voice wanting to know how his twin was.

Ryan took a deep breath. "He's stable, but it's touch and go. We need to stay positive."

River placed a reassuring hand on Ryan's shoulder. "We'll get through this together. Winter's strong. He'll make it."

Ryan nodded, clinging to that hope. The bond between them, forged through years of friendship and shared experiences, felt stronger than ever. They were a family, and they would face this darkness together.

Ryan paced back and forth in the dimly lit hospital room, the steady beep of the monitor a harsh reminder of the fragility of life. He cast a glance at the sofa bed against the far wall, grateful to the nurse who had arranged for it. He'd spent the last three nights there, refusing to leave Winter's side. As Ryan's eyes drifted to Winter, lying still on the hospital bed, his heart ached. Winter looked so fragile, his body covered in bandages and bruises.

"How are you feeling?" Ryan asked softly, approaching the bed.

Winter's eyes fluttered open, a weak smile forming on his lips. "Like I got hit by a truck," he whispered, his voice strained.

Ryan managed a chuckle, though worry clouded his eyes. "Well, technically, it was a car, but close enough."

Winter's smile faded, and he turned his head slightly to look at Ryan. "Ryan, I... I'm scared. What if I don't recover fully? What if I can't ride again?"

Ryan sat down on the edge of the bed, taking Winter's hand in his. "You will recover, Winter. It might take time, but you'll get there. And as for riding again, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it. Right now, just focus on getting better."

The door creaked open, and the nurse entered, carrying a tray with food. "Time for a little lunch, gentlemen," she announced cheerfully. She moved to help Winter sit up, but his wince of pain stopped her.

"Let me," Ryan said quickly. With gentle hands, he adjusted the pillows behind Winter, supporting his bruised and battered body as best he could. Winter's face twisted in pain, and Ryan's heart clenched. "Easy, babe. Just a little more."

Once Winter was propped up, the nurse set the tray on his lap. "Take it slow," she advised. "Small bites."

Winter nodded, picking at the food. Ryan sat beside him, his hand never leaving Winter's. "Do you need anything else?" the nurse asked, looking between them.

Ryan shook his head. "No, we're good. Thank you."

As the nurse left, Winter turned to Ryan, his eyes filled with gratitude. "You've been here every moment. You didn't have to, you know."

Ryan squeezed his hand. "I wanted to. I'm not going anywhere."

Ryan leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to Winter's forehead. "We'll get through this together. One step at a time."

~

The days passed in a blur of doctors, nurses, and concerned visitors. River and Wyatt took turns sitting with Winter, their presence a comfort. But it was Ryan who stayed the longest, his unwavering support giving Winter the strength to fight.

As the sun filtered through the blinds, casting warm stripes of light across the room, Winter stirred from a restless sleep. Ryan was there, as always, his eyes filled with worry and love.

"Ryan," Winter croaked, his voice barely audible.

Ryan leaned closer, brushing a strand of hair from Winter's forehead. "I'm here. What do you need?"

Winter took a shaky breath. "I want to go home."

Ryan's heart ached. "I know you do. But you need to heal first. The doctors say it won't be long now."

Winter nodded, his eyes glistening with tears. "I just... I don't want to be alone."

Ryan's grip tightened on Winter's hand. "You won't be. I promise. As soon as they say you're ready, I'll take you home. And until then, I'm right here."

The door opened again, and the nurse entered with a warm smile. "How are we feeling today?"

Winter offered a weak smile. "A little better, I think."

The nurse nodded, checking the monitors and adjusting the IV. "You're making good progress. Just a little more time, and we'll have you back on your feet."

Ryan watched as the nurse left, then turned back to Winter. "See? Just a little more time."

Winter sighed, leaning back against the pillows. "I guess I can be patient a little longer. As long as you're with me."

Ryan kissed Winter's hand, his eyes shining with love and determination. "Always, Winter. Always."

"Ryan, what about the channel?" Winter asked, worry clouding his eyes. "You, River, and Wyatt won't be able to travel and film."

Ryan shook his head, smiling reassuringly. "It's all taken care of. I posted a message on the community feed explaining that we won't be posting videos for a few weeks due to family reasons. Our fans understand."

Winter looked at Ryan with tired eyes. "Will you lie next to me? Please?"

Ryan hesitated. "I don't want to hurt you, Winter. You're still in so much pain."

Winter's grip on his hand tightened slightly. "It's okay, Ryan. I just want to feel you close. Please."

Ryan's heart swelled with love and worry. Carefully, he climbed onto the bed, positioning himself next to Winter without putting pressure on his injured body. Winter sighed softly, relaxing slightly as Ryan wrapped an arm around him.

"Better?" Ryan whispered.

"Much," Winter replied, his eyes closing as he leaned into Ryan's warmth.

As Winter drifted off to sleep, Ryan lay there, his mind racing with a mix of emotions. He was terrified of what the future held, but he knew one thing for certain: he would face it all, as long as he had Winter by his side. No matter how dark the shadows, their love would be the light guiding them through.