tw: panic attacks, crying, geography😭

dont ask me where nick is, because idk. just pretend hes sick or smth. thanks <3

It was the class that chris had been dreading all week, geography. For the last couple of weeks, they had been tasked with writing a presentation about a country in europe, and for whatever reason, chris' group had picked France.

He knew it was his turn next, after the last group finished there slides on Indonesia, in which he presumed they got a zero, because even with his limited knowledge about the world, he knew that was definitely not in Europe. And there it was, he was being called up, albeit with shaky hands and strained breaths. He was put at ease more when Matt sent him a quick thumbs up from under his desk, (im surprised he didnt find any gum tbh) and then the teacher began to recite the criteria again. Clear speaking, no hands in front of faces, and maintain eye contact. Eye contact?? That was never on the list before!?!

Ever since he was a child, that was always something he struggled with. No matter who it was, or what they were talking about, it was like his body was actively trying to stop him. The amount of times that he had been called into the office for not looking at a teacher when they were speaking to him were uncountable, so it wad no surprise that he was stressed out.

It was his turn to speak, and he was not feeling good about it.

"The eiffel tower is the most famous landmark in france and-" his own delayed breathing cut him off, eyes darting around the room, before landing on Matt, and he sprinted out of the classroom, into the nearest bathroom stall, practically heaving. Hearing the screeching of a chair from behind him, Chris knew that someone had followed him, he just wasn't sure yet who it was. It was only when he was suddenly pulled into someones chest and being told to name things around him did he realise it was Matt. Chris knew he was being spoken to, just didn't know what he was saying. It was like someone had thrown a plastic bag over his head, but then it was suddenly ripped off, and he was back to gasping in his brothers' arms.

"Thats it, in for four, hold for four, and out for four."

Matt was exaggerating his breaths, trying to get his panicking brother to follow. They were at it for a good 15 minutes, and both boys were wondering why a teacher hadn't come looking for them. Chris had calmed down, now just laying on Matt's chest, listening to his heartbeat. (theyre on the floor now btw) He began to sob, Matt trying to calm him down quickly, because no matter how much he wanted to comfort Chris, he also wanted to get off the crusty bathroom floor.

"I- I'm sorry" he snivelled out, "I was trying to do it and- and then she said we had to look at her the whole time and it freaked me out i'm sorry" Chris rambled.

"Shh its ok, i know you didnt mean it, take another deep breath for me, there you go." Matt attempted to say.

After some more tears were spilled, Chris was told he could redo his presentation another day, and both boys were allowed home early, which they spent watching movies and cuddling.

A/n: sorry about the shitty ending, let me know what you think and please give me requests -niki