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Thomas drums his fingers on the coffee table, trying to breathe to the 4-7-8 count.
He has no idea why he’s feeling this way, just that if he sits here any longer, he might burst into tears.
He casually looks around, trying to focus on the shelves and shelves of books around him. He gets up abruptly and pulls a random book off the shelf, skimming over the words until he starts reading them. But then he also becomes extremely aware of a group of people sitting nearby. Were they watching him? Oh no, did he make too much noise standing up? Or did he forget to zip his jeans, or does his hair look weird?
He leaves the bookstore and crosses the street to his car. He sits in the driver’s seat, bumping his head repeatedly against the steering wheel until he can focus on the pain, and not on his overwhelming emotions.
“Okay, I need a status report?” He mumbles.
“Certainly,” Logan says, suddenly popping up in the seat next to him. “Remus just released a horde of spiders and rats into Patton and Virgil’s rooms respectively. As you can see, they’re not taking it well.”
Thomas chuckles thickly. “I guess they’re not.”
He tries to focus on his breathing again, but he’s pretty sure he’s just going to have a break down in his car. Maybe he can duck down so passing strangers don’t notice him sobbing to himself.
“Thomas.” Logan says, startling him.
“Oh. You’re still here?”
“Five things you can see.”
“Logan.”
“Five things you can see, Thomas. It isn’t that difficult.”
Thomas blinks, easing his head above the steering wheel as he looks at the scenery outside. “A tree... a dog.” He smiles. It’s a cute golden retriever. “The sidewalk. The sky—“
He purses his lips.
“Actually, I think I’ll just have that breakdown. I’ll just get it out of my system.”
“One more,” Logan says, crossing his arms. Thomas glances at him, and snorts. “Why are you wearing a seat belt?”
Logan looks down at himself, then raises an eyebrow at him. “Why else? For safety purposes, of course.”
“You’re not even really here—“
“I’m leading by example.” Logan says. He gives Thomas a sideways glance. “I see you still haven’t put yours on.”
Thomas laughs out loud to that, and pulls his on.
“Four things you can feel.”
Thomas rolls his eyes, and finishes Logan’s list.
Logan nods, when he’s done telling him that he can still taste the remnants of his coffee.
“Well. I think you’re in a condition fit to drive.” Logan says. “If you need me, just call for me. Is there anything else you need?”
"Logan, I..." Thomas trails off, trying to find the words to express how grateful he felt, to have the sides.
"I know, Thomas."
Thomas watches him sink out, smiling, and turns on his car.