Why Don't We // Sickfics

Jachary // Extreme Anxiety

Zach has been anxious his whole life. Right up from his his first day starting school, anxiety controlled his life. He never told the boys and they didn't know any different as Zach has always acted the same way around them. Being in the spotlight, although it was his dream, substantially increased his anxiety and made him very nervous. He was constantly fearing the worst of every situation and always felt on edge. He crowd he made his way through made him feel like he was going to die, right then and there and each interview he was terrified of saying the ring thing, fearing something bad would happen to the boys if he made a mistake.

He had constant intrusive thoughts and although he went to a therapist and got medication, he saw little to no difference and his anxiety continued to get worse. He was so used to it but he still wasn't happy. He didn't understand why he couldn't just be happy and enjoy his life. He was living his dream but he couldn't work out why he was so worried about each decision he made. The anxiety just wouldn't leave him alone. He had many sleepless nights, especially on tour, fearing that it he were to sleep, he may be putting his best friends and family in danger and it was his job to look after them. He knew his thoughts were unrealistic but he couldn't stop asking himself, what if? What if the thoughts are real? What if he is putting others in danger? He was in a vicious circle and he didn't see any way out of it.

The boys were currently on their third tour. Each tour they went on and the more famous they got, the more anxious Zach became. The bigger they got, the more fans they got, the bigger the crowds, the bigger the stages, the more people to impress and worry about.

They had just gotten back from breakfast and each boy was in their hotel room. Daniel was with Eben, Jonah was with Corbyn and Jack was with Zach. The two were simply head over heels for each other but they didn't admit it, they kept telling the boys they were just friends but each boy knew it was more than that. Zach loved Jack and Jack loved Zach, they just didn't know that they both felt the same. They always jumped at the opportunity to share a room together, they loved spending time with each other. They really trusted each other with everything and told each other everything, other than Zach's secret anxiety. He thought if he were to admit it, the boys would make fun of him and he was too embarrassed to admit the unrealistic thoughts he so easily believed.

It wasn't until later on in that day when the boys were getting ready to go on stage. Zach was sat on the sofa, microphone in hand, spacing out while staring at the ground and slightly shaking and sweating. Jack walked past the door and did a double take before noticing the distressed boy inside. Jack rushed in and sat next to the boy and out his arm round his shoulder.

" Hey Bubs, what's up? Are you alright baby? "
Jack said worriedly.

Zach didn't reply he just leaned slightly into Jack for support.

" Hey, Hey It's alright, calm down baby boy. " Jack embraced the boy into a hug for comfort.

" Aww " Jonah whispered as he walked past the two love birds. He was chucking until he realised the state Zach was in.

" Woah, woah, what's up with him, is he alright? " Jonah asked concerned for the boy's wellbeing.

" I'm not sure, he's really worked up about something, I'm not sure what though. " Jack replied.

Jonah gave him a little sad face and sigh before putting Jack on the back slightly, and leaving the two in peace.

After a couple minutes, Zach sat up again and wiped the few left tears from his eyes. He glanced up at Jack's face, his eyes heavily bloodshot.

" Thank you. " He whispered.

" What happened bubs, you sure you're alright? "
Zach just nodded and gave Jack another hug before getting up slowly and stumbling towards the stage. Jack was still confused as to what had just gone on and decided to keep a close eye on the youngest the whole way through their performance. He noticed the boys sweating heavier than all the others, constantly drinking water and slightly shaking between songs.

When the boys got off stage, they headed straight back to their hotel and back to their rooms. Zach knew Jack was going to ask him about what had happened earlier on in the day and he considered what his response would he. Did he tell him the truth? Or did he lie like he has always done?

The boys were tucked up in their double bed, tightly cuddling together, Jack embracing the young boy and making sure he felt alright.

" What happened earlier, buddy, do you want to explain? You don't have it to if you don't want to I just think it might be best so I know what to do if it happens again in the future? " Jack asked the boy calmly.

Zach nodded his head slightly in agreement as he reached into his bag to grab something to show Jack. He placed the small bottle in Jack's hand and Jack began reading the label.

" It's medication, for anxiety. " Zach said weakly.

" Oh bubs I never knew, why didn't you tell us sooner? "

" I don't know, I never had the guts too " Zach said.

" Come here " Jack said welcomingly.

Zach gladly agreed and joined the boy in his arms. They cuddled for a while before Jack began whispering in Zach's ears.

" You know you can talk to me about anything, right? I'll help you through it no matter what, I promise. " Jack whispered.

Zach smiled contently.

" I love you Zach Herron, with all my heart ".

"and I love you Jack Avery, with the whole of mine"

They continued cuddling all night long, feeling safe in the arm's of their lover.

Word Count : 1024

A/N

Hope you enjoyed! I am working my way through requests but feel free to leave more requests on my request chapter in this book.
Thanks for reading.

Have a good day all.

-S<3