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You aren't sure how long you have sat here. It's felt like weeks, maybe even months, but you know it's only been a few minutes. It started with the shortness of breath, the constant reminder to breathe breathe breathe; inhale, exhale. The next second you were laying on the floor, too hot tears flowing freely as uncontrolled sobs wracked your nerves. If only you had remembered to breathe, you wouldn't be such a bother. Stupid. Stupid stupid stupid stupid stupi--
"Ohmygosh! Are you okay?" A noise. Actually, a Noisette. She's touching your arm gently, whispering questions but not really expecting an answer. It takes everything in you not to jerk back. She smiles at you; that warm, far too loving smile and kisses your shoulder.
"Everything's going to be okay. I'm going to get you a glass of water, that sound good?" You can't even respond before she's rushing out the door, distant yelling at who you suppose is to be The Noise. Clambering to the door Noisette returns alone, water in hand. Of course. You didn't expect Theodore to care.
"Theo will be here soon!" It's almost like she reads your mind every time. "He's been busy with some TV stuff, y'know, the use. He really does care about you, you know. Even if he doesn't show it most of the time. Like he does with me!" You wish she didn't sound that enthusiastic. You look up at Noisette and manage a small "thank you" as you raise the water to your lips. The room seems to cool down a bit more.
The door bursts open ... again. It's Theo this time, a manic look on his face as he trudges over to you. He tries to grab you gently, claws slightly digging into your skin. He jumps when you jump. A small "sorry" is uttered before he sits down in front of you.
"Hey," he starts, breathing in deeply. "We've been through this before, you know the drill. Breathe in, breathe out and drink some water if you're feelin' too overwhelmed. You can hug, kiss, maul me if you want. Whatever you're feelin'." You laugh and smile softly. He seems surprised you're in such a good mood already.
"Hazel helped me earlier," you explain. "She didn't really have to do much. Just her talking---oh, and the water---was enough to mostly get me out of this rut." Theodore releases a sigh he didn't know he had.
"That's good, I'm glad." He responded. "I told you she had that infamous calming aura 'bout her." He winks and you chuckle.
"You weren't kidding. Thanks for showing up, Theodore."
"Eh, don't mention it. I always gotta be there for my favorite gals in the world, right? Can't have them having panic attacks in the bedroom, neither."
He lifts you up gently and tosses you onto the shared mattress. Hazel, (who was comically standing there the entire time, watching with lovey dovey eyes), follows shortly after, flopping behind you and wrapping you in an embrace, giggling. Theodore follows last, laying his head in your lap, ears perched back onto his skull as you rake your fingers through his hair. His purring and Hazel's gentle touches are enough to send you into a state of unconsciousness.
You enjoy these small moments of vulnerability. If only every night was like this.