You're here. You're real.[EXTOL]

Instructions

TW: Slight derealization, panic attack ______ Where: Infirmary Who: Emrys(Dad of the year, trust), Steph When: A LONG time ago, the night after Ryli's d34th ______ Steph was rocking back and forth slightly on the infirmary bed, tears streaming down her face more and more with each choked sob, “I’m alive, I’m alive, I’m alive…” She kept repeating to herself, attempting to ground herself. Her vision was spinning, hands clenched to her arms as if trying to hold herself together. As she sat there, sobbing and hyperventilating, the door was pushed open. Emrys. Steph didn’t even notice him at first, too lost in her own head, replaying what she had seen over and over. “Steph.” He said gently, tilting his head. Her head whipped around into his direction immediately, startled, but her shoulders seemed to relax a bit when she realized who it was. Emrys examined her state for a moment, before slowly moving forwards over to her, wordlessly. He stopped in front of her cot, watching her for a few moments more, before gradually moving his arms forward to hug her, letting her see every movement and giving her room to pull away if she wished. She didn’t. As Emrys wrapped his arms around her, he murmured, “I was going to ask if you’re okay, but I suppose the answer to that is obvious.” Steph didn’t respond, just leaned into him. Being held seemed to calm her down a little, reminding her that she did in fact exist, and that she was real. They were both silent for a moment, before Emrys began talking, simply trying to soothe her, “You’re okay, you’re here, you’re breathing, you’re okay…” Steph clung to him a little harder as he kept talking, sniffling. “...He–” Emrys shushed her, shaking his head, “I already know what happened, I won’t make you repeat it.” He paused for a moment, “I’m sorry. I should’ve sent someone with you both, or sent you to a less hostile following. This is inexcusable behavior from me and has resulted in this, and for that I am sorry.” Steph didn’t answer, just nodded. After a bit, Emrys moved back a little, “Would you like me to stay?” She nodded slowly, speaking quietly, “Please don’t go…” He nodded back at her, “Alright,” He then smiled a bit, “I’m not going anywhere.” Emrys had ended up lulling her to sleep that night, his presence allowing her to rest without nightmares and without fear. He didn’t leave her side, even for a second, and didn’t sleep until he was sure she had.