Disclaimer:
I don't own Skins.
022: Calm
Tony jumps when the bus drives by, seizing Maxxie's hand and holding on for dear life. It surprises Maxxie, but he squeezes right back, letting his friend know that he's there for him and that everything is okay. Maxxie can almost feel Tony's pulse from where their shoulders are touching, and he doesn't like how worked up he is.
"Hey, it's okay," he says, nudging Tony's shoulder. "You're alright."
Tony nods shakily, swallowing huge gulps of air. Maxxie expects him to take his hand back, but Tony only lets up on the pressure, keeping their fingers intertwined. Maxxie smiles to himself and briefly ghosts his thumb across Tony's knuckles. Surprisingly, all anxiety in the taller boy's shoulders evaporates, and he relaxes, leaning slightly into Maxxie's shoulder. Just like that, Tony calms down, and Maxxie couldn't be happier.