CW: Panic attacks
Based off the story I requested from someone

The sudden dread overwhelmed the American Soldier. Dempsey could feel his heart thudding in his chest, he swore his ribs would break open. He didn't realize that his ally, Cara, had pulled him away from the carnage; Taking safety in the Recovery room, barricading

Dempsey was the tough, fearless soldier that never backed down from a fight. If that was the case then why did he freeze up? Why did he fall apart out there? He rubbed his temples, trying to tune the questions out. There were so many unanswered questions. He couldn't catch his breath as if someone was squeezing the air out of him.

"Dempsey, Are you okay?"Cara spoke. The freckled man looked over at the petite woman, trying to find his words but all that came out were groans of distress. The second time he responded, which came louder than it should've, "I'm sorry!"

The green eyed woman was taken aback but took back control, extending her hand for Dempsey to hold as the two sat down next to each other. His grip was firm like Cara was the last person in the world, he didn't want to let go.

"Do you need water?"Cara inquired.

"Y-yes please", Dempsey choked out.

Cara grabbed her canteen from her satchel, unscrewed the cap and gave it to her ally. Dempsey took it and chugged it as if it were his last. His breathing was shaky and he felt more tears threatening to fall.

Carefully, Cara sat on her knees to face the distraught soldier, " It's alright. I'm here". Her hands were held out, offering Dempsey a sense of comfort. " Follow my breathing rhythm", she instructed, demonstrating to the man, "Breathe in and out, slowly".

The soldier followed the woman's instructions and soon his labored breaths would become slow breathing.

"Would you like me to?" The ivory woman asked, gesturing to the palms of his gloved hands. Dempsey nodded, "Please".

Cara nodded, rubbing diligent circles in the palms of his hands; continuing the breathing technique.

Dempsey started to become more calm as Cara continued rubbing his hands. "What you had was a panic attack. It's common for people to get it, hell I've had to deal with them when I was growing up in the orphanage", The dark brown-haired woman explained.

"But rest assured, there's nothing to feel ashamed about"

"Even though I should. I damn near got both of us killed", Dempsey said, quite bitter at the memory.

Cara sympathetically looked up at him, "We both didn't know that you would have a panic attack".

Dempsey had to admit Cara was right, there were some things that can't be controlled. He reflected on how he helped her calm down after she had a night terror, one night. It was out of nowhere and all of a sudden.

"Hey Buttercup?"Dempsey began. Cara paused her massage and gazed up, "Yes?".

"Thank you".