Falling For You [ Ryan Rees - Twin Paranormal ]

44

The air was filled with the scent of pumpkin spice and a faint chill as October closed in, especially on Halloween night, when River, Ryan, Wyatt, and Winter were gearing up for their first Halloween together as an extended family. This wasn't just any Halloween, though; it was the first for little Clarity June—their now six-month-old bundle of sunshine who had only recently begun to hear the voices of the people around her. Winter could hardly believe how much his life had transformed in such a short time.

"Are you sure she's comfortable?" Winter asked, leaning over the couch to check on CJ, who was bundled up in a soft, fuzzy bat costume with tiny wings.

Wyatt chuckled, "Relax, Win. CJ looks cozy and perfectly happy," he reassured his brother. The sight of Winter fretting over his daughter always made Wyatt smile. He knew how deeply Winter had longed for peace after escaping his past, and CJ had become a light in his life that none of them had anticipated.

Ryan grinned, adjusting his own vampire cape in the mirror. "Besides, she's going to be the cutest little bat in town. Right, CJ?" He bent down, giving the little girl a gentle boop on the nose. She let out a small coo, her eyes widening as she looked up at Ryan. The new hearing aids still seemed to startle her sometimes, but she was growing accustomed to the familiar voices of her parents and uncles.

Winter, dressed as a vampire alongside Ryan, had gone all out. The outfit was perfectly Gothic, with rich velvets and sharp collars, accentuated by purple contacts that gave his gaze an almost otherworldly glow. His wings added to the surreal image, shadowing the edges of his figure as he moved, and the antlered bone headdress fused to his skull was something that even makeup couldn't replicate. It had taken him months to fully accept what Daniel had turned him into, but his friends and family had been his foundation, giving him the strength to move forward.

"Looks like you're ready to win best costume without even trying, Winter," River teased as he walked in, wearing his own elaborate, dark outfit, eyes playfully glittering. "You're going to steal the show."

Winter smirked, adjusting his cuffs. "Just doing my part for the family aesthetic. Besides, someone's got to add to the creepy factor, right?"

Wyatt glanced over, adjusting his own werewolf costume. "And you're the perfect fit for that. But let's not forget, we're hitting a few haunted spots tonight. You know, Twin Paranormal tradition."

CJ let out a happy squeal, catching Winter's attention as he turned his gaze to his daughter. "You know, CJ, you're going to hear so many spooky stories tonight," he murmured to her softly, holding her tiny hand. She gurgled, her big eyes round as they gazed up at him, the soft glow of Halloween decorations reflecting in them. He could tell she was starting to recognize his voice, something he'd never take for granted.

The group stepped outside, where a chill hung in the air, deepening the Halloween mood. They'd decorated the house with flickering lanterns, fake cobwebs, and even a couple of old tombstones for effect. Trick-or-treaters were already gathering, some brave enough to venture close to the intimidating figures at the door.

"Let's see how long we can keep them guessing which of us are real vampires," Ryan whispered to Winter with a mischievous wink.

Winter chuckled, his eyes darting toward the street where a few parents glanced their way, clearly amused. "I'd say we'll have them fooled until one of us breaks character. And we all know that's going to be River."

"Hey! I can totally stay in character," River protested, only to burst into laughter seconds later.

Wyatt leaned in with a grin. "So much for that."

~

The night was filled with laughter, trading sweets, and neighbourhood kids trying to work up the courage to approach the intimidating quartet. CJ watched it all from the comfort of Winter's arms, eyes wide as she absorbed the sights and sounds of her first Halloween. She occasionally reached her tiny hands toward the decorations or the other children, clearly fascinated by everything around her.

Once trick-or-treating was winding down, the group decided to stick to their annual Halloween tradition. They gathered around the living room with bowls of candy and snacks, dimming the lights to tell ghost stories. Wyatt set the tone with a classic urban legend, his voice low and suspenseful, with River jumping in with the occasional dramatic interruption to build the suspense.

Winter leaned back on the couch, his wings casting a dark shadow over the room as he held CJ close. He felt a calmness settle over him, an unfamiliar sense of belonging and safety. Every now and then, he looked down at CJ, who was happily chewing on her little bat costume's wing. His heart swelled with an indescribable warmth as he thought about how this little girl was growing up in a world filled with love and protection.

As the evening continued, Ryan started in on a more personal ghost story from one of their past investigations. "Remember that old mansion with the haunted attic?" he began, his voice deep and eerie.

Winter shuddered, remembering the night vividly. It had been one of the eeriest encounters of his life, and yet he wouldn't trade it for anything. Being surrounded by people who understood him, who knew about his scars, his headdress, his wings—they'd accepted him entirely.

"And just when we thought the night was done," Ryan continued, "there was a loud crash that made all of us jump out of our skins."

River snorted, "Yeah, and that was Wyatt knocking over his flashlight."

"Hey, don't ruin the scare!" Wyatt groaned, feigning exasperation while laughing.

Winter chuckled, feeling a sense of ease settling over him. He looked down at CJ, who was now fast asleep in his arms, little breaths even and peaceful. This was his world now—a life where he could finally be himself, where he could protect and love his daughter without fear.

After a while, the group quieted down, the hour growing late. Wyatt leaned back, giving Winter a gentle smile. "Hey, you good?"

Winter nodded, the hint of a smile playing on his lips. "Better than I've ever been, my dear brother."

Ryan, watching from across the room, gave Winter a subtle nod of understanding. He knew what Winter had been through and the strength it took to start over, to create a new life from the ashes. And though it hadn't been easy, here they were, together, stronger than ever.

As the clock neared midnight, they toasted with mugs of cider, exchanging silent promises to protect each other, to keep moving forward. Halloween night had always been about facing fears and embracing the unknown. But now, for Winter, Halloween meant so much more: it was about family, freedom, and finding the courage to become who he was always meant to be.

And as they all raised their glasses, Winter felt the final pieces of his past slip away, leaving only the warmth of those he loved and the bright, limitless future that awaited them all.