HELP! Robin’s eyes shot open as his breath suddenly caught in his throat, causing him to choke violently. He knew what a panic attack felt like, but this wasn’t it-.. it felt as though someone had thrust him into an ice-cold bath and forcibly held his head beneath the surface until he was forced to inhale, his limbs too tired to claw himself free of his invisible assailant. … [Levi gasped and spluttered as Robin grabbed a hold of his waist and yanked him above the surface, his frantic flailing threatening to sink them both if he didn’t calm down] Robin: It’s okay, I’ve got you! [Robin fought to control his own breathing as Levi gasped and heaved beside him, coughing up lungfuls of pool water between shuddering breaths] Robin: Are you alright? [Levi shook his head, covering his face with shame as he began to sob] Robin: C’mon, the office can call your paren-… Levi: [hoarsely] NO! [Robin paused as Levi struggled to catch his breath] Levi: I d-don’t want them to k-know! Robin: Okay, uh-… Jude: Hey! Why’d you run off like that? Juniper: Oh-.. what happened?! [Robin faltered as he looked up at his cousin, unsure how to explain his sudden departure] Robin: Can you ask the office to call mom n’ dad? Just tell ‘em I freaked out or something, they’ll come get me. Juniper: Okay-.. let’s go! [Jude barely got a word out before Juniper dragged him toward the hall, leaving Jacob scratching his head] Jacob: Shouldn’t we be calling his parents? [Robin shrugged loosely and avoided Jacob’s gaze, not wanting to discuss the fact that their classmate was frightened of his parents’ apathy, rage, or both]

Wren: Juni’s tryna make me dance! Robin: She’s not gonna make you do anything. [Wren grabbed Robin and shook him with urgency, yanking at his hair with desperation] Wren: I’m gonna hide in here, okay?! [Robin sighed; reasoning with a six-year-old, especially Wren, was rather pointless] Robin: Sure. Wren: Wait-.. where’re you going?! Robin: Does it matter? You’re safe in here. Wren: Robinnnnn. Robin: Get off me! Wren: I wanna play! Robin: So, play-.. just don’t delete all my saves again. Wren: You do it! I wanna watch. Robin: I don’t really wan-… Wren: Pleeeeeeease? … Robin: I can’t play if you’re gonna squish me-.. get off. Wren: Uuuugh.. I can’t, I’m stuck. Robin: Move! Wren: [gasps] What is that-.. kill it! Robin: I don’t have anything to ki-… Wren: KILL IT!

Jude: I think I wanna do ballet. [Ivan chuckled, tightening Jude’s laces with a swift yank] Jude: Don’t laugh! Boys can do that too-.. right? Ivan: Y’can do anythin’ y’want, bud. Jude: I wouldn’t have to wear a tutu, would I? Ivan: Not unless y’wanted to. Jude: I don’t think I wanna wear anything frilly-.. none of the men in the video I found were wearing one. Ivan: Been doin’ some research, eh? [Ivan tried to hide it, but he couldn’t wipe the grin off his face completely] Jude: You’re still laughing! Ivan: I ain’t! It’s just-.. you wouldn’t suddenly be interested in ballet ‘cause a certain lil’ lady J is, would ya? Jude: No! Ivan: Right. Jude: Do you think she’d be impressed though? Ivan: What d’you reckon-.. would you be impressed if someone faked an interest in somethin’ you liked? [Jude supposed not, causing him to frown thoughtfully] Jude: Oh-.. maybe not. Ivan: In my experience, folk like it better when you don’t pretend. Jude: I thought that’s what boys are supposed to do? They’re always tryna impress girls in movies n’ stuff, and Gavin’s always telling everyone about the amazing stuff he does or buying mom fancy things that make her squeal. Ivan: I wouldn’t pay much mind t’all that nonsense, bud. Ivan: The best way t’make friends is t’spend time with folk n’ be yourself-.. the odd compliment here n’ there wouldn’t go amiss though, hm? [Ivan chuckled to himself as he guided Jude’s wobbling form toward the roller rink-.. ballet, pfha!]

Jacob: Mom would piss herself laughing if she could hear this DJ. Robin: Miya? Jacob: Yeah. Jude: I don’t think I’m too good at dancing… Juniper: [laughs] Who said you had to be good? Just wave your arms around or something! Jude: Like this? Jacob: At least some people are having fun… [Robin nodded, motioning for Jacob to join in] Jacob: Nah, I’m gonna get something to eat-.. want anything? [Robin shook his head, glad to be left alone for a little while. Tonight hadn’t been as overwhelming as he thought it’d be, nor as boring; he was getting quite good at blocking people out as of late, and it was fun to practice in such a busy room] [Let it all in, zone it all out, in, out, in, out-.. like breathing. Only the most intense emotions could punch through the dull, tinnitus like buzz nowadays, and Robin was pretty damn proud of himself] Tess: This is lame, let’s go. Levi: Go where? Harry: Does it matter? Let’s explore! Tess: Wanna come n’ poke around with us, J? Levi: Don’t invite him, he’ll probably bring that ginger freak along. Jacob: Takes one to know one, asshole. Harry: Exactly. Jacob: Funny-.. and he’s not a freak. Levi: Whatever.