Oh, this was nice. Why isn't there more fic about Dan's panic attacks? I love the fact that the way Casey reacted initially was so very him: that he said so many of the wrong things coming out of the gate. Because the guy means well, but he's got an undeniable knack for cramming his foot into his mouth, especially when he's concerned about someone he cares about. That characterization choice was just spot-on.

A few favorite bits:

It was second nature for Casey to crouch beside Dan and run his hand over Dan's back. Like holding the bowl for Charlie when he was sick, or holding Lisa's hair back when they were much younger. Automatic reaction.

Just, so sweet and telling -- how automatic a gesture that is.

"It's like stage fright without the stage." Tired, Casey realized, Dan looked tired. Like this was a conversation he'd considered many times, and it had never ended well inside his head.

Both the dialogue and the prose are just so apt.

Dan broke into, wonder of wonders, a genuine smile. "You're practicing conservation of worry?"

This made me laugh, and then Casey's response was just pitch-perfect him.

tracing the shirt seam like the spine of his favourite book,

Lovely simile.

"Oh, I'm voting for sex," Dan said, and then both of them were laughing even as they reached for each other's clothes.

I love how the banter continued through the sex because: this is them. Why on earth would anyone expect it to stop?

All in all, just a great unexpected pleasure to come home to. :)