Work Text:
‘Something is definitely wrong’ you think. You’re sitting behind the table surrounded by your relatives, who are happily talking among themselves. You couldn’t hear what they were discussing. You were dissociating from the surrounding world. With each passing minute you could understand less and less of what was happening around you. You felt the first wave of anxiety, but you couldn’t find the reason for it. You looked around, counting people. Two, four, six. Eight including you and your boyfriend Joseph. Eight. Eight shouldn’t make you feel so scared. Usually the number is above ten to consider the group too big for your comfort. And it is your family after all, you could trust them for the most part, so why?
Being deep in your thoughts you failed to notice your boyfriend Joseph looking at you from the side, clearly noticing your averted eyes. They were desperately trying to find anything to focus on, as the dissociation became stronger, now with the addition of shaky legs and hands. Without a word, he took your hand under the table and squeezed as a silent request to turn to him. As you turned your head you were met with a worried gaze of your boyfriend. His usually playful features were now coloured with concern. And feeling your shaking hand didn’t help the situation.
With a quiet voice he asked “Outside?” You quickly nodded, feeling your throat tightening. With a simple nod and an excuse from the table, you both took your coats, with Joseph taking his favourite scarf, and went outside. Noticing you still shaking, Joseph quickly wrapped his muscular arms around you nuzzling his nose into your head. You in return, nuzzled yours into his chest, trying to shift your attention from anxious thoughts to Joseph warm presence. After the confirmation about your state (anxiety attack), he asked if he could do anything for you. His warmth and comfort were enough. He chuckled at that and tightened his grip around you. As you started to calm down, Joseph wrapped his long scarf around both of you, bringing you closer, noses touching.
“Thank you” you said, blushing at the proximity.
“Anything for you. Let’s make a deal. Next time you feel scared, just squeeze my hand to let me know. Your prince charming will be there to save you” Joseph stated with a flirtatious wink.
“However, we need to seal it” he smiled. You raised an eyebrow in a silent question. To that he closed the distance between you two.