A/N: There is a mild panic attack in this chapter, just to give you a heads up. It's nothing major, though.

Day Twenty-One

Day 21 they go outside because it seemed like a good idea.

It is Liam's idea to go outside because it's been a couple weeks since they step foot outside of the building and after yesterday's naming discussion, he thinks Darius is definitely in need of fresh air and time away from electronics despite what the tech genius says. What he doesn't expect is to be a mess of nerves, nearly jumping at every sound.

Darius, contrary to what he's sure Liam thinks, knows about the struggle the younger man is having. He hadn't thought going outside would be a problem. He thought it would be good for the both of them and not just because of that naming conversation. Truthfully, that conversation was really for Liam's benefit. The young man has been looking quite worn under the stresses of the last few days.

He'd forgotten though about the attack that happened little more than a week ago. So much had happened it seemed since then it was hard to believe at first that Liam would be having problems. But the trembling, jumpiness, and lack of focus are enough to tell Darius that Liam is struggling and he has to do something without making it worse.

"Liam, let's go up through here," Darius calls out, pointing to a garden he has maintained for his employees. He's never been one for gardening, but he read that having outdoor walking areas would not only get his employees moving around but also help with morale. Darius doesn't like when Liam jumps at the sound of his voice. Still, the younger man follows his lead through to the garden. Just before they get there, Darius starts talking again.

"Can you smell that, Liam? What's it smell like to you?" There's an obnoxiously hopeful tone in his own voice that makes him cringe, but he keeps it up in hopes that Liam won't notice.

"Smell? Darius, we don't have time for smelling." Liam misses his own frantic tone.

"We are out here to get some fresh air, aren't we, Liam," Darius says calmly.

"Yes, fresh air." Liam breaths out shakily.

"So, tell me what you smell?"

"I don't know, air?" Liam doesn't even look at Darius.

"Liam, stop," Darius says quietly but firmly. Liam huffs but does stop and turn to face Darius. "Are you listening?"

Liam nods.

"Good, then tell me what you smell."

"Is this your idea of a life writing tutorial?"

"Liam," Darius warns lightly.

"Fine. The grass, I guess. I smell the grass. It was freshly cut."

"Good. Go on. What else?"

"Flowers? I think there're flowers nearby. I don't know which ones, but I think I smell flowers."

Darius chuckles slightly. "There is an assortment. I'm not quite sure what was planted this year. I let the employees decide by poll." He prompts Liam with more questions about their surroundings as they continue walking to the garden. Then, he sits on his favorite bench, ensconced in the draping leaves of the willow tree.

Liam follows and Darius lets him sit in silence, the immediacy of the panic attack having faded.

"I'm sorry, Darius," Liam says after several minutes of silence. "I don't know what happened."

"You had a panic attack, Liam. Or at least the beginnings of one," Darius says simply. "And there's nothing to apologize for. Considering this is really our first time out of the safety of the building since that attack, which seems like ages ago, really. It's fine, Liam. I just wish you'd said something instead of struggling."

"It happened before I really knew what was going on. I'm not sure I could've said something."

"Alright, then we need to work on what will trigger these attacks so we can anticipate and develop some coping strategies for you. I know of a good therapist, if you're willing."

"Therapy? I don't think that's needed. I'll work through it on my own."

"There's no shame in therapy, Liam. It's confidential and covered under your health insurance. If you don't want someone who knows me, then you're welcome to find someone else. I understand if you want to go that route. But you should talk to a professional for at least a couple sessions."

"And you? You were there in the attack, too."

"And I've discussed it with my therapist. I haven't had the panic attacks that you have, but I will admit to some repetitive thoughts and nightmares. I have some coping strategies to deal with them and they seem to be working." Darius pauses. "There's nothing wrong with reaching out for some help when you need it, Liam. Especially with things like this. They'll just linger and fester and keep you from getting work done. You can even have time off, if needed. Just find someone to talk to and let me know what I can do to help."

"Okay."

"Good. Now, I think you brought out a frisbee, if you're feeling up to a little game of catch?"

"That game that you're always promising me, pops?" Liam smiles.

"Hey, it's dad only. I'm not a pops. Who do I look like, son?" Darius returns the smile.