AN: Inspired by lyrics from "May I" by Trading Yesterday.
"Kurt, calm down. Everything is going to be fine," I told him, as my eyes continued to follow his pacing. I had long ago lost track of his breathless rant though I was aware that he had taken to repeating things. His mistakes during Warbler practice had come up several times.
Regionals were this weekend and we were all anxious about it. Wes had been more demanding than usual, as evidence of our long practices the last few weeks. Today we had concentrated our rehearsal time on "Candles" and Kurt's nerves had gotten the best of him. Twice Wes had stopped the song and restarted because Kurt had missed an entrance.
"We're going to lose and its going to be all my fault!" he exclaimed, reaching the door to my dorm room and turning back in my direction.
"Kurt we've got two more days of rehearsal. Stop beating yourself up. None of us are perfect and all you're going to do is psych yourself out."
"I know that song like the back of my hand. I shouldn't have missed those entrances this afternoon," he ranted as he walked past me. "You all put your faith in me and I'm going-"
Kurt stopped talking as I grabbed his hand as he walked past me and pulled him down on the bed beside me. "You'll be fine. Tomorrow is-"
"Tomorrow is going to be worse. I've got two tests that I've barely studied for and Wes is going to want to rehearse "Candles" tomorrow if he doesn't scrap the song altogether or give the solo to someone else. Maybe someone else should do the solo. I can't do . . ."
Kurt's words trailed off and he put a hand on his chest.
Recognizing the start of a panic attack, I put my arms across his shoulders.
"Calm down, Kurt. Take some deep breaths," I told him soothingly, reaching out to loosen his tie as well.
Kurt did as I instructed and his breathing returned to normal. Before he could start getting worked up again, I pulled him down on the bed, wrapping my arms around him. If I could shield him from everything I would, but right now all I could offer him was reassurances.
"Everything is going to be okay," I tell him. "Let's just take a short time out and then I'll help you study for your tests. Okay?"
"But-"
"Shhh, no buts. Close your eyes and relax for a bit," I whisper softly in his ear, relieved when he follows my instructions.