Every time Zelos took in a deep breath, he felt a slow increase of pressure at his chest; Malba was breathing deeply right along with him. His breaths were still somewhat forced and shaky, but no longer did he appear at risk for hyperventilating his way into an attack.
“That’s it,” Zelos encouraged, his voice low, rumbling faintly in his throat. “You’re doin’ good, hunny. Just keep relaxing….” In hopes of promoting this relaxation, Zelos raised a hand and wound his fingers through Malba’s long hair. His fingertips rubbed gently at the base of the man’s scalp. It had never failed to help Malba sleep before—why not now?