Adopted By The Hemmings (mgc)

Thirty

- Mikey POV -

"Boys, its time to get moving if we want to make it on time!" Liz rapped her knuckles against Luke's door before moving across to Luna's room.  Michael's eyes popped open and he stared at the ceiling, his heart was thumping in his chest like a bass line. A piece of him woke up filled with anxiety and no tangible reason why. He nearly jumped as Ashton nudged his shoulder to make sure he was awake.

"C'mon Mike, it's up time." Michael nodded as he sat up, but couldn't bring himself to open his mouth. His tongue feeling heavy behind his teeth. He stood and gathered his clothes from his bag, changing as fast as he could. There was a small tapping on the door just as he buttoned his pants. When it opened the three of them were met with Luna rubbing her eyes sleepily, her hair in a messy knot on top of her head.

"Mum wanted me to make sure you were moving. Do I need to wear anything special or just normal clothes?"

Michael's heart thudded against his ribcage harder, only he didn't think it was his anxiety this time. Her tired voice was even cute. He rubbed his palms against his jeans before pulling his glance away from her. Luckily, Luke spoke up,

"Nothing too professional, but nothing too slouchy. Just be yourself and be comfortable." Luna nodded as she closed the door behind her again. Michael was lacing up his shoes when the door burst open once more. This time, however, he jumped. Calum looked at him as he stood in the doorway.

"Mikey, you okay?" Michael swallowed hard before trying to talk.

"I'm good. Totally good." He ignored the glances the boys shared before pulling his bag up on his shoulders. He was usually pretty good at hiding when he was feeling anxious, but today was apparently not one of those days.

"I'll meet you guys downstairs."

Michael hurried out of the room and down the stairs. He heard noises from the kitchen and knew Liz would never let it go until he talked. Sitting his bag down by the sofa, he moved quietly out into the backyard. He took a few deep breaths as he sat on one of the patio chairs. This was better. He knew he had to get this under control before going back inside or he'd be a mess at the meeting. The patio door slid open behind him.

"There you are." Michael turned around to find Luna closing the door behind her. She stood there for a moment just looking at him before coming to sit next to him.

"Here I am." Michael swallowed noisily as he avoided her eyes, picking at a string on his jeans.

"What's wrong?" He glanced at her only to find knowing eyes. Sighing, he knew he wouldn't be able to hide this from her. She would understand.

"I just woke up feeling. . .anxious I guess. I just came outside to try and get myself together before we leave."

"Okay. Do breathing exercises help you? Do you do anything specific to calm down?" Mikey shook his head as he kept his eyes moving around. Luna adjusted her body pulling her legs up underneath her body.

"Do you wanna try?" Mikey nodded his head as he turned his body towards her. He was willing to try anything at the moment because there wasn't anything he was doing that was working.

"I need you to breathe with me, okay? You can place a hand on my shoulder if you need to ground yourself to something." Luna kept her voice calm, but strong as he placed a shaky hand on her shoulder.

"Now breathe in, one. .two. .three. .four. .five, hold it for a second, and out, five. .four. .three. .two. .one. Now again."

They did this for a few minutes and Mikey began to feel a little bit better. Luna waited patiently as he seemed to come back to himself. Mikey brought his hand down from her shoulder to her hand as he shook himself.