Another day, another existential crisis for Dan. His brain was in overdrive, thinking of all kinds of possibilities. Some rational, most not at all- but then, that’s the funny thing about anxiety. It usually never is rational. At least not for Dan. Usually he can stave it off with various techniques- mindfulness, breathing exercises, etc., By the time the Dominant arrives, Dan is sufficiently embarrassed but is still very much in a state. He trembles from where he kneels, heart attempting to pound out of his chest cavity, head bowed, counting and counting. Losing count but still counting. He manages a slight nod of his head and a soft, “Y-yeah. Yeah. You can.”
Although he refuses to show it outwardly, nor in his voice when he speaks, Ahsan’s concern for Dan runs deep. It is far beyond obvious that the submissive is in a full-blown panic, and one he knows he’ll need to draw him from as gently as possible. Situations like the one before him were tricky no matter how they were encountered, and even more so when he had so little knowledge of Dan, his needs, his submission, or anything else. Still, Ahsan would not be deterred. Once he was given permission, he reached a gentle hand forward, running his fingers through Dan’s hair and over his scalp before bringing his fingertips to trail down along his cheek. “It’s alright, sweet boy. You’re alright. Keep breathing for me, we’re going to slow it down a little though, okay? I’m going to breathe with you, I want you to match your breathing to mine. We’ll go in for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and out for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Again for me, just like that. In for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and out for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.” They went through this several times, Ahsan talking Dan through each exercise while his hand continued to travel through the submissive’s hair and over his cheeks. “Good boy, you’re doing so well. Keep breathing, Dan. I’m going to sit down here, in front of you, just so you know. I don’t want to take you by surprise. I want you to do your best to ground yourself, alright? Here, take my hands if it’ll help- if you don’t think it will, don’t worry, I’m not offended. I just want to offer you the option. Once you’re comfortable, close your eyes. Continue your breathing. Clear your mind of everything but counting those breath numbers. Nothing else exists right now. It’s just you, and your breathing. Just you, and those numbers. Once you feel safe, and a little more calm, go ahead and open those eyes. Take your time, don’t rush. I’ll be here, however long it takes.”