The City (Joe Sugg/ ThatcherJoe Fanfiction)

Chapter 60

Okay. So VidCon is actually a lot bigger than I anticipated. Thousands of people are packed into the convention centre and it all leaves me feeling a little uneasy.

I've never been particularly comfortable in large crowds and this is a whole new level. 

Fans and YouTuber's alike mingle on the main floor and the almost constant echo of screaming can be heard from the hall where they are holding the signings. Thank god I'm not doing one of them.

Joe, however, is. Along with the other Brits. Which means I am left to wander this place all on my lonesome.

How the hell am I expected to stay calm in a place like this? I can barely handle large crowds when I am with other people I know, let alone on my own.

I suppose I could tweet out for someone. Someone is bound to come and keep me company.

I head towards the door and reach into my pocket for my phone. There aren't many people outside and that nauseous feeling I was having moments ago evaporates as I breathe in the fresh air.

I open Twitter and begin typing.

Does anyone want to come keep me company while Joseph Suggery and the others have their meetup? I'm out front!xx #VidCon2014

Within seconds I have a bunch of replies from people saying they are coming. Wow. I didn't expect that many people.

15 people have replied in the first minute and I smile. Looks like I'm having my own little meetup then. It's nice to know that I have that kind of support.

Moments later a small group of girls approach me and introduce themselves. 

Unfortunately, that small group soon gets bigger and bigger and I find myself stuck in the middle of a crowd of people. How did this even happen.

I start to panic as they swarm around me.

Breathe Riley. Just breathe. 

I repeat this to myself as I glance desperately around me. I can hear the blood rushing through my head and my erratic heartbeat as I realise what is happening. I'm being mobbed.

As I am shoved slightly I begin to crumple towards the ground. I look down at my hands, they are trembling as I reach up towards my throat. I feel like there is a lump stuck in it and I can't breathe properly. I need to get out of here but I can't will my feet to move and I feel as though I might throw up.

I'm going to go crazy if I don't get away from here soon.

I eventually find the strength to move my feet and begin pushing my way through the people as best as I can. Keeping my head down as I soldier on, fighting to take in air as I go. My throat still feels blocked as I struggle through the crowd.

My mind is screaming as I fight back the tears, I just want to get out of here.

I eventually reach the edge of the mob and spot a bathroom close by. Just a few more metres Riley, just a few more and I can breathe.

I propel myself toward the door and throw myself inside, somehow, despite my still trembling hands, managing to lock the door behind me.

I sink to the ground, still hyperventilating as I try desperately to calm myself down.

My phone buzzes in my pocket and I fumble around before discovering a text from Joe.

You okay love?

As sob escapes my lips as I read it. Am I okay? Am I fucking okay?

I shake my head for a moment before replying.

No. 

Joe's POV

I laugh as Marcus is forced, yet again, to say hello to a fan. I really am enjoying myself and I hope Riley is having as much fun as I am. 

I feel bad for abandoning her today. She came back last night and told me that Michael guy was here with his band. I really don't like him but she seemed happy so I didn't really tell her that.

I pull out my phone and type a message to her.

You okay love?

I send it. Might as well make sure she's having fun. She sent out a tweet about ten minutes ago asking for someone to hang out with her so I presume she's probably too busy to reply anyway.

Despite this, moments later her reply comes.

No.

My heart drops. Shit. What's happened?

I look to Zoe who is sitting next to me at the table.

"Are you okay Joe?" she asks, looking at me, concerned.

I shake my head, "I-I have to go check on Riley." I murmur, getting up from the table and rushing off without regards to the fact that Zoe is calling after me.

In her tweet earlier she said she was out front so I'll start there.

As soon as I leave the building it's evident where she is.

A crowd is gathered outside the loo and I immediately run towards them.

"Move." I grunt as I push my way through them.

Some of them complain before noticing who I am and immediately moving to the side.

I reach the door and rap lightly on it.

"Riley? It's Joe love. Can you let me in?" I call out as I am pushed into the door my the group.

Seconds later the lock clicks and the door edges open enough for me to squeeze in.

It brings tears to my eyes when I see the state she's in. Tears stain her cheeks and she is hyperventilating, hands clutching on her throat. I know exactly what is happening. I have seen it happen to my sister so many times before. 

She's having a panic attack.

I reach out and she cringes away from me but I catch her arm, pulling her in towards me.

"Shh. Shh. It's okay love. I'm here now." I murmur as I run my hands through her hair. "You'll be alright. They can't get you in here. I'll keep you safe."

Riley breathes heavily and resists my affection. I know that is just because of the anxiety. Because she can't think straight right now. We need to get out of this damn bathroom and back to the hotel. This place is not going to help and those people aren't just going to disappear.

"Do you think you could come back with me to the hotel? We can get away from them." 

I feel her stiffen up even more and try to pull away but I refuse to loosen my grip. We need to leave.

"Listen love. I need you to trust me. Breathe deeply and I'll push them all away. I'll protect you. Okay?"

She frowns but nods her head, indicating that it's okay to go.

"Hold my hand and trust me. I'll always protect you love. Always."

"Always." she mutters, clasping my hand both of her clammy ones and taking one final breath before I open the door.

A/N

Once again, thank you to Will for helping me with this chapter :)

Um yeah.. there goes Chapter 60 for you!

Don't forget that 75k is going to be a smutty special! So, get reading. Hoping for it to be the next thing I post.

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Until next time.

Love you all!! xx