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Will's breath hitched, each inhale feeling like a shallow sip from an empty well. The infirmary blurred around him, the scent of disinfectant and herbs suddenly suffocating. He gripped the edge of the cot, knuckles white, vision tunneling. Too many patients, too little sleep, too much pressure to heal everyone, to fix everything. It was all crashing down on him.
A cool hand found his, grounding him. Nico's voice, a low rumble, cut through the noise in his head. "Will? Hey, look at me." Reluctantly, he met Nico's dark eyes, the concern etched there a stark contrast to his usual stoicism. "Breathe with me," Nico instructed, demonstrating slow, deliberate inhales and exhales. "In, two, three, four. Out, two, three, four."
Will tried to follow, his chest tight, but Nico's presence was a steady anchor. He squeezed Will's hand, not saying anything, just offering a silent reassurance. Slowly, raggedly, Will began to match Nico's rhythm. The dizziness subsided, the tunnel vision widened, and the crushing weight on his chest eased. "That's it," Nico murmured, his thumb stroking the back of Will's hand. "You're okay."
He wasn't okay, not really, but in that moment, with Nico's unwavering presence beside him, he knew he would be. He leaned into Nico, burying his face in the crook of his neck, and just breathed him in. “Can I sleep in your cabin tonight? Please?” Will asked, his blue eyes filled with exhaustion. “Of course baby you really need some rest.” Nico said, softly kissing his forehead.
The panic slowly receded, leaving Will drained and shaky. He clung to Nico, needing the solid weight of him, the steady beat of his heart. Nico shifted slightly, guiding Will to lie down on the cot, his own body following. Will settled onto Nico's chest, the familiar scent of leather and shadows a comforting balm. He closed his eyes, focusing on the rise and fall of Nico's breathing beneath him.
Nico's hand moved to stroke his hair, a gentle, soothing rhythm that chased away the last vestiges of anxiety. "Just rest," Nico murmured, his voice vibrating through Will's ear. "I've got you."
Will didn't argue. He was beyond exhaustion, his body humming with the aftermath of the panic attack. He burrowed closer, seeking warmth and reassurance. His aching muscles being soothed by Nico’s gentle hands and the sound of Nico's heartbeat, a steady drum that lulled him towards sleep.
He knew he couldn't keep pushing himself like this, that he needed to find a way to balance his duties with his own well-being. But for now, in Nico's arms, he felt safe, protected from the overwhelming pressures of the world. He let go, surrendering to the exhaustion, trusting Nico to keep him grounded until he could find his own footing again. The last thing he heard before drifting off was Nico's soft whisper, "Sleep, sunshine. I'm here."