Learning Something New

Part 18

TRIGGER WARNING: PANIC ATTACK

Roman P.O.V
I woke up to the sound of desperate gasps coming from the corner of the room. What is that? My vision was slightly blurry since I had just woke up, however, I still couldn't identify the figure in the corner. Suddenly a worrying thought hit me - Where was Virgil!?

"Virgil!" I whispered loudly, not wanting to wake up Catherine and Sarah. (I think that's what their names were)

"H-h-here..." Virgil's voiced sqeaked through the silence and ,to be honest, I was surprised I had heard it since it was so quiet. His voice was weak and it cracked halfway through his answer. Just from his reply, I could tell he was crying so I jumped up and flipped on the light switch and spotted Virgil huddled in the corner with his knees tightly hugged into his chest. He had a waterfall of tears stream down his face and his breathing was coming in ragged, short gasps. My immediate thought was to help him and my second was... How?

"Control yourself, Roman..." I said under my breath. First identify- He's having a panic attack! Okay.
Second, how to distract the person.

Slowly, I made my way over to Virgil and I slid down the wall next to him. I could see his whole body trembling and there were tear tracks down his cheeks.

" Virgil," I calmly murmered, "can you get up?"
"No..." He tried to say as he frantically shook his head.
Ooooookay... That cancels out 90% of those tactics.
"Hey Virgil."
I positioned myself in front of him and I noticed his nails digging into his legs.
"You are going to repeat these numbers after me." I say firmly but soothingly.
"32... 16... 43..."
For the first few numbers he didn't repeat anything but gradually he began to say them.
"45..."
"4-5..."
His voice began stronger and his breathing was beginning to become more regular.
This tactic is working!
I carried on for a little while until I saw him calm enough for the next stage.

"Virgil," I got his attention. I placed my hands in front of him.
" I want you to touch my hands then your head."
This was going to stop him from scratching his leg and digging his nails into his knees. At first he was very hesitant and slow but eventually, he started doing it stronger and faster.
"Thanks..." He muttered slightly embarrassed. I could tell he felt a bit awkward and ashamed so I smiled and said,
"Anything to help my AMAZING friend, Virgil."
I opened my arms asking if he wanted a hug and to my surprise, he took it and he hugged me back.
"I'm sorry..." He muttered.
"No need to be sorry. You can't control your anxiety or panic attacks." I replied.
"How did you know what to do?" He asked curiously.
"Well, Patton can sometimes have panic attacks if he gets too stressed or if he is very worried about something." I explained. His face wore a shocked expression.

"Oh..." Was all he said and there was a silence between us. I carefully wrapped my arm around Virgil, put it on his waist and pulled him close. He leaned into my touch and his head was resting upon my chest. We stayed in that position until I felt Virgil's breathing become steady and regular which told me he was asleep.

Lovingly, I placed a light kiss on his head. Honestly, he looked so adorable asleep and I just couldn't resist it. On the contrary, I know, Virgil would never like me in the way I like him but I just focused on this moment now and, soon enough, I fell back asleep.

A/N- What's up guys, gals and non-binary pals!? How are you? I hope you are having a magical day!

I am sorry if you found the last two chapters triggering, it's just that... I really wanted to have a chapter like that in this story. Also I write those last two chapters with experience. I have anxiety. To be more specific, social anxiety which is a pain! I have panic attacks in school and the teachers are rubbish! They just tell me to breathe and relax but everyone knows that is exactly the wrong thing to do. Anyway, those tactics are ways my friend calms me down when I have attacks and needless to say they work really well for me so... Yeah...

Sorry for the rant! Remember all of you are special and amazing and talented in your own way! Love y'all!!! Missed y'all!!! Bye!!! 💗💗💗