Thank you all so much for reading my other stories - I couldn't imagine ever getting a single review, let alone the amount I've got!
So I've had this idea for ages but I'm only writing a fanfic about it now. I just love how these two care about each other. I'm really sorry if I've gotten anything wrong in relation to panic attacks - everyone experiences them differently, I'm writing based on my own example.
Disclaimer: I STILL don't own OUAT or any Christmas movies.
Killian Jones has never liked snow. Ever since he was a young lad, he and Liam would play outside all summer, but when winter came, they hid in their home for most of the day. His Swan's close encounter with freezing to death did not warm him up (pun intended) to cold weather in the slightest. Suffice to say, while he thought Elsa was pleasant enough, he wasn't a fan of the results of her magic.
However, today's snowstorm had nothing to do with Elsa. Apparently, winters in Maine were really harsh and icy roads weren't uncommon. This was how he ended up in Emma's parents' apartment participating in an activity they called "Christmas movies marathon". He has previously watched some "movies" with Emma but he never cared to remember their titles. They all had several things in common though - there was a lot of snow, it was usually a safety hazard, and it was generally seen as something unpleasant.
David and Mary Margaret have gone to bed an hour ago. A movie that involved all the things above was playing on the screen, and his arm was around Emma's shoulders. For some reason, Killian's heart skipped a beat every time a snow-related disaster occurred.
Suddenly, he paled and started to shake. He closed his eyes, feeling a wave of nausea overcome him and pulled his knees up to his chest.
"Killian? What's wrong?" - Emma asked anxiously.
He didn't reply. Her voice sounded like it was coming from afar rather than from a spot next to his on the couch. He looked at her, but his vision was blurry.
"Killian!" - Emma gasped and hastily turned off the movie. It didn't help, however. Her companion was shaking and there were beads of sweat on his neck. He felt as if his heart was going to jump out of his chest, with the way it was beating.
In his head, the images of Emma nearly frozen to death seemed to be playing before his eyes. He was almost paralysed by the fear of what was happening to him. He could barely see Emma on her knees on the floor.
"Killian, don't be afraid! I'm here, you can get through this. Can you hear me?"
He could barely make out her words so he nodded weakly.
"Good, you're doing great!" - She took his hands in hers. "I need you to breathe, okay? Can you do that?"
He could only whimper.
"Breathe, Killian" - Emma was struggling to keep her voice calm, but she knew that freaking out would only make things worse. "Listen to me. Breathe on my count, okay? In and out. In and out."
He obeyed.
"That's good. That's really good, Killian. Listen to my count, okay? Breathe in for two and out for two. One.. two. One.. two".
He still had no idea what was happening, but Emma's voice was something he could hold onto.
"You're doing great!" - she encouraged him. "Can you try breathing in and out for four?"
He did. Eventually, his breathing has slowed down and he could make out Emma's silhouette on the floor. She was still holding his hands.
"I'm sorry, lass" - he whispered. She shook her head.
"Don't be. You did nothing wrong. These things happen, Killian." - She climbed back onto the couch and pulled him close. He laid his head on her lap, closing his eyes.
"What was that?" - he whispered. - "It was bloody scary."
"These things are called panic attacks" - she explained, stroking his hair. - "They happen sometimes, for a reason or just because. It's no-one's fault, okay, Killian?" He nodded, stifling a sob. Emma reached for a blanket and threw it over him.
"Just keep breathing in and out, okay?" - she squeezed his hand. - "I'm here to help".
Eventually, they both have fallen asleep, holding onto each other tightly. Which was how Henry found them the next morning.
How about them reviews, eh? ;)