[By now, it's become second nature to shrug off Magpie's denials and attempts to fight him when the man seems to be reacting from emotion. How are they not friends, as loosely-defined as the word may be in this case, after the ways they've each helped each other? After how they've connected now? No, it feels clear to Charles that this man is, at the very least, his ally, even if Magpie can't, or won't, accept that he considers the human a friend.
So he lets what, coming from someone else, could be a rejection, slide without reacting to it. In this man's case, he just seems... afraid. Overwhelmed. Charles can smell the panic and uncertainty sloughing off Magpie's skin in waves, and it's those feelings that he turns his attention to, instead.]
Of course. [He picks up the other man's drink, and gestures for Magpie to lead the way to wherever it is he needs to go right now. When the man inevitably chooses a private room among the collection towards the back of the lounge, Charles follows, closing the door quietly behind them both once they're inside.
He knows the signs of both pending and present panic attacks, and luckily, their room has a dimmer switch. Turning it to dim the bright lighting in the room, Charles places Magpie's drink down, and then regards the other man with a thoughtful frown. Grounding exercises are the best resource he knows for assisting someone with easing a panic response.]
Take several deep breaths, counting five seconds on the inhale. Hold each one for seven seconds, and then release it slowly. Focus on the sensation of your chest expanding as you draw air, and do the best you can to clear your mind. [He keeps his distance, and his voice quiet, but deliberately steady.] Imagining roots growing from the soles of your feet into the ground is helpful, but if you can't get there right now, simply focus on your breathing. [And then, his clinical demeanour softening slightly, Charles adds,] If you can do that, it should help, I promise.
no subject
So he lets what, coming from someone else, could be a rejection, slide without reacting to it. In this man's case, he just seems... afraid. Overwhelmed. Charles can smell the panic and uncertainty sloughing off Magpie's skin in waves, and it's those feelings that he turns his attention to, instead.]
Of course. [He picks up the other man's drink, and gestures for Magpie to lead the way to wherever it is he needs to go right now. When the man inevitably chooses a private room among the collection towards the back of the lounge, Charles follows, closing the door quietly behind them both once they're inside.
He knows the signs of both pending and present panic attacks, and luckily, their room has a dimmer switch. Turning it to dim the bright lighting in the room, Charles places Magpie's drink down, and then regards the other man with a thoughtful frown. Grounding exercises are the best resource he knows for assisting someone with easing a panic response.]
Take several deep breaths, counting five seconds on the inhale. Hold each one for seven seconds, and then release it slowly. Focus on the sensation of your chest expanding as you draw air, and do the best you can to clear your mind. [He keeps his distance, and his voice quiet, but deliberately steady.] Imagining roots growing from the soles of your feet into the ground is helpful, but if you can't get there right now, simply focus on your breathing. [And then, his clinical demeanour softening slightly, Charles adds,] If you can do that, it should help, I promise.