Panic attacks weren’t something Jayce was unfamiliar with but that didn’t mean they stressed him out any less. He used to have more when he was younger but as an adult, he learnt how to cope better. But unfortunately they never seemed to go away.

Jayce had an important meeting the next day about the Hexgates but he hadn’t finished with his notes. He knew he could try to reschedule but the thought of admitting he wasn’t ready scared him. He just wanted to please everyone and he knew it would be an inconvenience.

Jayce was sat at his desk, his foot tapping against the ground as he tried to focus his breathing but instead it was coming out as shaky. He felt like he couldn’t breathe and his heart was racing in his chest as if it was threatening to break out of his rib cage.

Jayce was so caught up in his stress that he hadn’t heard the doors to the lab opening and the familiar sound of Viktor’s cane tapping against the ground.

The only thing that snapped Jayce out of his thoughts was when he felt Viktor’s gentle hands on his cheeks, tilting his head upwards to look up at him. His wide hazel eyes locking with Viktor’s warm amber ones.

Just by the simple touch, Jayce could feel himself relaxing. He leaned his forhead against Viktor’s as he felt his partner soothingly rub his arm.