Y/N had always been strong and capable, but even the strongest sometimes faced moments of overwhelming anxiety. One evening, after a particularly stressful day, Y/N found herself in the grip of a panic attack. It hit suddenly and unexpectedly, leaving her breathless and shaking.
Remus, Sirius, and James were immediately by her side, their concern evident in their faces. They had seen Y/N stressed before, but never like this. Remus knelt in front of her, his voice gentle. "Y/N, love, what can we do to help?"
Y/N tried to speak, but her words came out in shallow gasps. She shook her head, unable to form coherent thoughts. James reached out to touch her shoulder, intending to offer comfort, but as soon as his hand made contact, Y/N flinched violently.
"No!" she cried out, pulling away and curling into herself even more.
James exchanged a worried glance with Sirius and Remus, both of them realizing simultaneously that their instinct to touch Y/N was only making things worse. They exchanged a silent agreement and backed off slightly, giving her space.
"Y/N, it's okay," Sirius said softly, his voice calm and steady. "We're here for you. You don't have to talk if you can't. Just breathe."
Remus sat down a few feet away, keeping his gaze soft and non-threatening. "You're safe, Y/N. We're not going anywhere."
Y/N clutched at her knees, trying to focus on their voices amidst the chaos in her mind. Her senses felt heightened, every sound and movement sending waves of discomfort through her body.
James felt helpless, wanting desperately to do something to ease Y/N's distress but unsure of how to proceed. He glanced at Remus and Sirius, silently seeking guidance.
Sirius gently suggested, "Maybe we should give her some space. Crowding her might be making it worse."
Remus nodded in agreement. "She needs time to calm down. Let's stay close but give her room to breathe."
They moved to sit nearby, keeping a watchful eye on Y/N without intruding on her personal space. Minutes stretched into what felt like hours, the only sound in the room Y/N's uneven breathing.
After what felt like an eternity, Y/N's breathing began to slow, the panic gradually subsiding. She looked up at them with tear-filled eyes, her voice barely a whisper. "I'm sorry."
Remus shook his head, a small smile on his face. "There's nothing to apologize for, Y/N. We just want to make sure you're okay."
James crawled closer but kept a respectful distance. "Do you need anything? Water, maybe?"
Y/N nodded, grateful for the gesture. "Water would be good, thank you."
Sirius fetched a glass of water and handed it to her, careful not to invade her personal space. Y/N took a few sips, the cool liquid soothing her parched throat.
"I think I'm okay now," she murmured, looking at each of them with gratitude. "Thank you for being here."
James reached out tentatively, his hand hovering in the air. "Can I...?"
Y/N nodded, offering him a small smile. "Yeah, you can touch me now."
James squeezed her hand gently, relieved to feel her fingers intertwine with his. "We're always here, Y/N. Remember that."
Remus and Sirius exchanged a glance, silently reaffirming their commitment to support Y/N however she needed. They knew now that sometimes, their presence and understanding were more important than any gesture of physical comfort. As they sat together, the bond between them grew stronger, anchored by moments of vulnerability and unconditional love.
