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Leo knew you had..trouble with people yelling.
Everytime someone would yell angrily, at you or not, your body would shut down and you would do one of two things;
Clean everything up in your vicinity, almost like you were in a trance
Or
Dissolve into a panic attack.
You had told Leo a little about some traumatic experiences that made it hard for you to cope with this, to which he was very sympathetic.
Of course, having this problem and also choosing to hangout with a turtle that had bi-polar screaming matches with your best friend (also a turtle) would come with its unavoidable problems.
Up until this point you didn't let Leo really see the panic attacks. You could catch them early and just, shut yourself away to ride it out or calm yourself back down.
However, life isn't always that easy. And eventually, Leo found himself trying to calm you down from a panic attack.
Leo stammered, holding out his hands in surrender. Your body was doubled over and rocking back and forth as you gulped in air quickly. Leo didn't know what to do- your eyes were darting around the room frantically, he couldn't tell what was wrong.
He honestly felt like he was wrangling in a wild animal, you were pressed into the corner of his room and couldn't seem to calm down on your own. Your body twitched or rolled, but you were constantly rocking on your knees.
It frightened him, to see his best friend like this. Leo tried to think quick on his feet for anything you might have told him that could help.
You kept muttering things that didn't make sense, it was frightening. Leo had had his fair share of panic attacks, but lucky for him they were mostly internal and not as expressive as yours.
He sat down next to you, gently shushing you and instructing you to breathe normally. He hoped this would work, Leo couldn't help but feel useless in this situation.
Your eyes locked on him, and that's when the tears gushed out. Leo felt panicked himself, that was the opposite of what he was trying to do. he stammered and tried to calm you down once more.
He spoke to you in a gentle voice, scooching closer when your breathing eased up and became less intense. You rocked still, your hands gripping into the collar of your shirt. Tears slipped down your cheeks, but you could feel the panic loosen up just a bit.
Leo rubbed your back soothingly, and very gingerly. He continued speaking in a soft voice in your ear until the tears stopped and the breathing slowed. He stopped touching you, realizing that it was his voice that was easing you back down.
He talked in that same, soft, calm, tone for you. Guiding you back down from the throws of panic and helping you follow breathing exercises.
When the panic attack subsided, Leo looked worried and sympathetic.
"Do..you want to be held?"
He knew he craved to be consoled and held tightly whenever he recovered from a panic attack, he hoped you would want the same.
The question took you a little off guard, no one ever really asked that. You didn't even know if you wanted to, but Leo looked so concerned. You just nodded, holding your arms close to your chest.
You began to disassociate, starring at the floor with vacant eyes until Leo pulled you into a comforting hug. He held you against his chest and pet your back comfortingly.
He murmred affirmations and praise to you softly, keeping your focus in the moment and not leaving you to wander.
You felt yourself melt into his hug, feeling exhausted and drained. Your eyelids felt heavy and you murmred an apology for almost falling asleep.
Leo chuckled and assured you it would be alright if you did, he understood.
You felt a pang of an emotion you weren't familiar with. He was being so kind to you, an overwhelming urge to treat him the same came over you. A need. A want. To repay him back. But your mind was already slipping to unconsciousness, and the last thing you could mutter was;
