this citrus love || tommyinnit x gender fluid oc

16: benches and languages

slight TW because vix is still in the midst of his panic attack, i'll summarize it after it's over so you can still read the chapter if you feel the need to skip it. stay safe and i'm proud of you for being able to make the decision to keep yourself safe <3

TW starts from the get-go, the boldened text will let you know when it's over :)

Vix's Pov (starting back from last chapter):

"Shhh, it's ok. I'm here, Vix."

His hold tightens around me and I try to ground myself in the moment. I focus on the rise and fall of his chest, the gritty feeling of the knitted sweater he's wearing, really anything. I've already let myself spiral more than I needed to, might as well try to stop it.

"Can I ask a favor of you, Vix? It might help you feel better?"

I nod into the fabric of his sweater and he loosens his hold a bit, now drawing circles and flower shapes on my back.

"Can you tell me five things you-" My aggressive head shaking shuts him up before he can finish, knowing I'm not ready to talk yet. "Okay, how about you follow my breathing, alright?" I nod. Now instead of just acknowledging his breathing, I try my best to mimic it.

In seven, hold four, out eight. In seven, hold four, out eight. In seven, hold four-

(a/n: if you ever are having an anxiety/panic attack, this breathing technique is actually scientifically proven to help regulate your breathing in that state of panic. just a little tip for you loves :)) 

TW over :)

basically all that happens is Tommy calming down Vix, with a *hint* of softinnit. you can still see the full extent of tommy being wholesome though lmao

also, if you needed to skip, the breathing technique is breathing in 7, holding for 4, and letting out for 8 :P

"I'm sorry." The whisper comes out barely audible after nearly eight minutes, but I know Tommy can hear it.

"About what?" he hums, still tracing flowers onto my back.

"That I freaked out."

"Vicky, you're fine. Look at me," he says, pushing me away slightly so that I can look at him. "You did nothing wrong, okay?"

"But I-"

"No but's, Mr. Lemon." His tone is more playful as he pulls me close again. My mood lifts a bit at the validation, calming my heart rate a bit more.

We go back to just watching the street, Tommy now tracing shapes on my shoulder while I still focus on his breathing, my head now laying on his chest. Tommy rests his chin on my head and we sit for another moment in silence.

"Vicky?" I hum in acknowledgement. "Is now a good time to ask what happened?"

I softly shake my head, still leaning on him. "Later. Is that ok?"

"Yeah, of course." He then moves his arm from my shoulder and ruffles my hair before shifting slightly, signaling that he wants to get up.

Before he can, though, I move my arms around his torso and hug him tightly. Taken aback, his arms are still raised, unsure of what to do. He hesitantly reciprocates the hug before I let go again.

"Thank you, Tommy."

"There's no need to thank me," he laughs softly, offering me a hand up that I gladly accept. After I stand up, he does the same kiss-bow thing from earlier. "I'm simply doing the gentlemanly thing, y'know."