Kenny leaned back, smiling softly as he rested a hand on Dawn’s shoulder. “A clutcher,” he repeated. “It means you tend to ball your fists when you’re nervous. It makes your muscles tense, which is why the needle hurts more than it should. But don’t worry, Dee Dee, I know how to fix it.”

Dawn swallowed hard, her grip tightening on his arm. “A-Are you sure?”

“Positive,” Kenny said, his voice warm and steady. “We’ll go slow, okay? Just take a deep breath for me.”

Dawn nodded shakily and tried to focus on her breathing, though her heart felt like it was racing faster than ever. Kenny turned back to the tray, picking up the syringe with practiced ease.

"Now remember,” Kenny said as he prepped the shot. “Keep your arm relaxed, and if you feel like freaking out, you’ve got my arm right here.”

Dawn looked at him with wide, tear-filled eyes. “I… I don’t know if I can do this, Kenny.”

Kenny smiled, crouching slightly so they were at eye level. “Dee Dee, I know you can. But if you’re scared, it’s okay to be scared. You just need to trust me. Can you do that?”

Dawn hesitated, then nodded, though her hand was still trembling as it clutched his sleeve. “O-Okay… I’ll try.”

“Good girl,” Kenny said gently. “Alright, here we go.”

He positioned the syringe carefully, his movements slow and deliberate. But the moment the needle came into view, Dawn’s breathing hitched, and her panic bubbled over.

“Kenny, wait!” she cried, clutching his arm with both hands now.

Kenny paused immediately, setting the syringe down and turning his full attention to her. “Hey, hey, it’s okay,” he said, his voice calm. “What’s wrong, Dee Dee?”

Dawn’s words came out in a rush, her voice trembling. “It’s gonna hurt, and I’m scared, and what if something goes wrong? What if—what if I move, and it—”

“Dawn,” Kenny interrupted softly, taking both her hands in his. “Listen to me. Nothing is going to go wrong. I’ve got you. I won’t let anything bad happen. Do you trust me?”

Dawn sniffled, her eyes locked on his. “…Yes.”

“Okay. Then let’s take it one step at a time. I’ll walk you through everything, and if you need me to stop, just say the word. Deal?”

“…Deal.”

“Good.” Kenny gave her hands a reassuring squeeze before letting go. He reached for the syringe again, this time keeping one hand on her arm. “Now, remember, keep your muscles loose. Just like we practiced. Can you do that for me?”

Dawn nodded, though her body was still tense.

Kenny placed a cool hand on her forearm, gently massaging it to ease the tension. “Deep breaths, Dee Dee. In… and out.”

Dawn tried to mimic his rhythm, but as the needle got closer, her panic surged again. Without thinking, she grabbed his arm tightly, her nails digging into his scrubs.

“Kenny, I can’t!” she sobbed, tears streaming down her face. “I can’t do it!”

Kenny froze, his heart aching at the sight of her. “Oh, Dawn…” he murmured, setting the syringe down once more. He gently cupped her face, wiping her tears with his thumbs. “You’re okay, Dee Dee. You’re safe.”

Dawn shook her head, her voice breaking. “I’m so sorry, Kenny. I just… I can’t stop freaking out!”

“Hey, hey, no apologies,” Kenny said firmly. “You’re not doing anything wrong, Dawn. You’re just scared, and that’s okay. But we’re in this together, remember?”

Dawn sniffled, her grip on his arm loosening slightly. “T-Together?”

“Always,” Kenny said, smiling softly. “Now, how about this: instead of focusing on the needle, focus on me. Look at my face, hold my hand—whatever makes you feel better. Deal?”

Dawn hesitated, then nodded. “O-Okay…”

Kenny gently took her free hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “That’s my girl. Ready to try again?”

“…Ready.”

Kenny moved slowly, his voice calm and steady as he guided her through each step. “Alright, deep breath. In… and out. You’re doing great, Dee Dee. Almost there.”

Before Dawn could even realize it, the needle was in and out, the shot administered without a hitch.

“All done,” Kenny said, applying the blue bandaid with a flourish. “See? You survived!”

Dawn blinked in surprise, her tears drying as the realization sank in. “That’s it? It’s over?”

Kenny chuckled. “That’s it. You were so brave, Dee Dee. I’m proud of you.”

Dawn let out a shaky laugh, relief flooding her. “Thank you, Kenny. For… everything.”

Kenny leaned in, brushing a kiss on her forehead. “Always, Dee Dee. Now, how about that ice cream I promised?”

Dawn nodded, her smile finally reaching her eyes. With Kenny by her side, she felt like she could face anything.