Dawn could feel her teeth chattering as she sat in the waiting room. Her fingers fiddled with the hem of her dress, and her heart pounded so loudly in her chest she swore it echoed in her ears. The sharp, sterile smell of sanitizer filled her nose, making her stomach twist.

"No need to worry, no need to worry," she whispered to herself, squeezing her eyes shut.

But no matter how many times she repeated it, she couldn't stop worrying.

Because behind that door... something dreadful awaited her.

She watched as children entered, some looking just as anxious as she felt. But when they came out, they were smiling. Laughing. Like nothing bad had ever happened.

What happens in there?

Does something good happen to turn their frowns upside down?

Maybe she just needed to stay positive. Maybe she was overreacting.

But she couldn't bring herself to believe that.

Her ears barely registered the chatter of the waiting room. Everything was warping, twisting in her mind. The world felt unreal, like she was floating in a nightmare she couldn't wake from-

Then, a latex-covered hand extended in front of her.

Dawn blinked, her gaze snapping up to meet warm brown eyes.

Standing before her, dressed in blue medical scrubs, was Kenny.

She had never seen him in scrubs before. And, frankly, it only made her more nervous.

"Hey, Dee Dee," Kenny greeted, his usual teasing lilt softer than normal.

Dawn tore her eyes away. "I'm scared, Kenny," she admitted in a small voice.

Kenny smiled gently, his hand still outstretched. "Come on, Dee Dee. It's not that bad, I promise."

Dawn hesitated, then slowly placed her shaking hand in his. Kenny gave it a reassuring squeeze before helping her to her feet and guiding her toward the doors.

They walked down a large hallway, but Dawn barely noticed.

She didn't notice the files stacked neatly on the counter. Or the smiling posters on the walls. Or the motivational quotes meant to bring comfort.

She was too busy staring at the ground, silently hoping that something-anything-would happen to save her from what lay ahead.

"Dawn? Earth to Dawn?" Kenny's voice pulled her from her daze.

She looked up to see him watching her with concern.

"What happened, Dee Dee?"

"Nothing..." she murmured, barely above a whisper.

Kenny didn't look convinced, but he didn't push her. Instead, he led her into a room and gently nudged the door open.

Everything inside was green.

Green walls. Green examination table. Green cabinets. Even the tray beside the table was green.

The only thing that wasn't green was a single blue band-aid resting on the tray.

Kenny patted the cushioned table. "Sit up here, Dee Dee."

Dawn hesitated before climbing onto the table, her hands nervously twisting together in her lap.

Kenny peeled off his gloves, tossed them in the bin, and washed his hands. Then, he pulled on a fresh pair before turning back to her.

But when he saw her face-her wide, teary eyes and trembling lip-his heart clenched.

"Aw, Dawn..." he muttered, stepping closer and taking her hand in his. "It's just a small needle, I promise. It won't hurt."

Dawn shook her head, her voice already breaking. "It always hurts, Kenny. No matter what."

Kenny frowned in thought. Then, after a moment, his face lit up. "Then how about I help it hurt less?"

Dawn watched as he rummaged through his bag, confusion written all over her face. But then-

Her breath hitched when he pulled out a worn, stuffed bunny.

Her eyes widened. "Bella!"

Kenny handed her the plush, and she snatched it up instantly, clutching it to her chest. "H...How did you...?"

Kenny gently cupped her cheek with his hand, his thumb brushing away a tear before it could fall. "Because you're my Dee Dee," he whispered. "I know what she needs."

Dawn let out a nervous chuckle, nuzzling Bella as her fingers traced over the bunny's soft ears. "Then you know what I want now?"

Kenny's smile widened. "I thought you'd never ask."

He climbed onto the table beside her, opened his arms, and without hesitation, Dawn scooted closer, curling into his embrace.

"Shhh... That's my girl..." Kenny murmured, wrapping his arms around her and rocking her gently. "It's okay, Dee Dee. It's okay..."

Dawn buried her face into his chest, her grip on Bella tightening. She still wasn't looking forward to the needle.

But with Kenny here, holding her close, whispering soft reassurances into her hair...

Maybe, just maybe, it wouldn't be so bad.

Kenny gently rubbed her back, breathing on her. "You ready, Dee Dee?"

Dawn stiffened. "No."

Kenny chuckled softly. "That's okay. We'll go slow, alright?"

Dawn nodded against his chest, gripping Bella tighter.

Kenny shifted slightly, reaching for the tray with his free hand. "I'm gonna clean your arm first, okay?"

Dawn didn't move, so he took that as permission.

He grabbed an alcohol wipe, tore the package open, and gently took hold of her arm. Dawn flinched.

"Shh... Just me, Dee Dee," he murmured.

Dawn exhaled shakily and nodded.

Kenny carefully wiped her upper arm with the cool antiseptic. "See? Not so bad."

Dawn hummed nervously, her eyes squeezing shut.

Kenny's grip on her arm remained steady, reassuring. "Okay, deep breaths for me."

Dawn inhaled. Exhaled.

"Good. Now, I'll count down, alright?"

Dawn swallowed hard.

"Three... two-"

The sharp pinch barely registered before it was over.

Dawn's eyes snapped open. "Wait-what?!"

Kenny smirked, pulling the needle away and pressing a cotton ball to her arm. "Done."

Dawn gawked at him. "What do you mean done?!"

Kenny chuckled. "I told you it wouldn't be bad, didn't I?"

Dawn blinked. She had been so caught up in bracing for pain, she hadn't even realized when it happened.

Kenny secured the blue band-aid over her arm. "There. Perfect."

Dawn slowly lifted Bella from her face and stared at him. Then-

She punched him in the arm.

"Ow!" Kenny yelped, rubbing his bicep. "What was that for?!"

Dawn huffed. "For tricking me!"

Kenny laughed, shaking his head. "Oh, come on, Dee Dee. If I told you I was doing it, you would've freaked out even more."

Dawn pouted. "Still."

Kenny grinned, cupping her face again. "But you did amazing."

Dawn's face warmed. She tried to maintain her glare, but his gentle eyes made it impossible.

Finally, she sighed and slumped against him. "I hate you."

Kenny chuckled, wrapping his arms around her again. "Love you too, Dee Dee."

Dawn grumbled but didn't pull away.

She had been so scared, so convinced the pain would be unbearable. But with Kenny by her side, it had been over before she even knew it.

Maybe-just maybe-getting shots wouldn't be so terrifying after all.

Dawn buried her face into Kenny's chest, clutching Bella tightly as he continued to rock her gently. The warmth of his arms and the soft hum of his voice made her feel safe, but her body was still tense with anxiety.

Kenny rubbed her back soothingly. "You're okay, Dee Dee. I got you."

Dawn sniffled. "I... I don't like this, Kenny."

"I know," he whispered. "But you trust me, right?"

Dawn hesitated before nodding against his chest.

Kenny smiled and kissed the top of her head before slowly pulling away. "Alright, sweetheart. Just hold on to Bella, and I'll make this quick, okay?"

Dawn took a deep breath, gripping the stuffed bunny tightly as she watched Kenny put on a fresh pair of gloves. He moved with such care, such ease, that it was almost mesmerizing.

He grabbed the alcohol wipe and held her hand gently. "Cold," he warned before wiping the area. Dawn shivered slightly but didn't pull away.

"That's my girl," Kenny praised softly, squeezing her fingers reassuringly.

Dawn kept her eyes on his face, not daring to look at the needle. "Just talk to me," she whispered.

Kenny chuckled. "You're really pretty, you know that?"

Dawn rolled her eyes but blushed. "Kenny-"

"And you're my Dee Dee, which means you're the bravest person I know," he continued, his voice as warm as honey. "You've faced way scarier things than this. You beat Zoey in a contest final. You handled Piplup's drama. And let's not forget how you kicked my butt back in the day."

Dawn gave a small laugh, and at that exact moment, Kenny smoothly inserted the needle.

She barely felt it.

Her breath hitched, but before she could panic, Kenny was already pressing the cotton ball to her skin. "Done," he announced with a grin.

Dawn blinked. "W-What?"

Kenny pulled the needle away and taped the blue bandaid over the spot, rubbing her hand gently. "Told you I'd make it hurt less."

Dawn stared at him in disbelief, then back at her arm. She hadn't even realized when it happened.

"You tricked me," she mumbled.

Kenny smirked. "Technically, I distracted you. Big difference."

Dawn huffed, but her lips twitched into a smile. "Still sneaky."

"Only for you, Dee Dee." Kenny winked before wrapping his arms around her again. "You did great."

Dawn melted into him, feeling her heart slow down to a calm rhythm. The fear that had gripped her moments ago felt distant now, replaced with warmth and relief.

"Thank you, Kenny," she whispered.

He kissed the top of her head. "Always."

Dawn clutched Bella tightly, burying her face into Kenny's shoulder as he rocked her gently. The steady rise and fall of his breathing soothed her, but she still felt her heart hammering in her chest. The fear hadn't left-she still dreaded what was coming-but Kenny's arms made her feel just a little safer.

"You're doing great, Dee Dee," Kenny murmured, rubbing slow circles on her back. "I know you're scared, but I promise, I'll be gentle."

Dawn sniffled, peeking up at him. "You better be, or I swear, Kenny, I'll-"

Kenny chuckled. "You'll what? Kick me? I'd like to see you try with those wobbly legs."

Dawn pouted but didn't argue. He wasn't wrong-her legs were shaky.

Kenny reached for the alcohol swab and gently pulled her arm forward. "Okay, Dee Dee, just a quick clean, alright?"

Dawn sucked in a breath and squeezed Bella tighter as the cool wipe brushed against her skin. Kenny was careful, working with slow, deliberate movements. He wasn't just her doctor-he was Kenny. The boy who knew every little thing about her, who had seen her cry over silly things, who had held her hand through the toughest times.

And now, he was the one she was trusting to do this.

Kenny picked up the syringe and glanced at her. "You ready, Dee Dee?"

Dawn didn't answer right away. She swallowed, her fingers trembling slightly. "I... I don't know..."

Kenny smiled softly, his free hand coming up to cup her cheek again. "Okay. Deep breaths, okay? Just focus on me."

Dawn nodded weakly, keeping her eyes locked onto his.

"Alright. On three."

Dawn braced herself.

"One..." Kenny whispered, his tone soothing.

Dawn squeezed Bella tighter.

"Two..."

Her grip on Kenny's sleeve tightened, her knuckles turning white.

"Three."

A tiny pinch. A slight pressure.

And then... nothing.

Dawn blinked. "Wait... that's it?"

Kenny grinned as he carefully pulled the needle away and pressed a blue bandaid over the spot. "Told you it wouldn't be that bad."

Dawn stared at her arm, then at Kenny, then back at her arm. "You tricked me!"

Kenny snorted. "I distracted you. Big difference."

Dawn huffed, but a small, embarrassed smile crept onto her lips. "I still don't like you right now."

"Uh-huh," Kenny said, rolling his eyes as he peeled off his gloves. "Then why are you still hugging me?"

Dawn froze, realizing she was still wrapped around him, Bella squished between them. Her face burned. "I-I just... Shut up!"

Kenny laughed, ruffling her hair. "Whatever you say, Dee Dee."

Dawn buried her face in his shoulder again, groaning. "I really hate you."

Kenny smirked, holding her a little tighter. "Love you too."

Dawn squeezed Bella tightly, feeling Kenny's warmth surround her. His steady breathing, the way he held her so gently yet securely-it all made her feel just a little safer.

Kenny ran his gloved fingers through her hair soothingly, resting his chin atop her head. "You don't have to be scared, Dee Dee," he murmured. "I got you."

Dawn sniffled, her fingers still trembling as she clung to both Bella and Kenny. "I know," she whispered, voice barely audible. "But I can't help it."

Kenny pulled back slightly to look at her, his blue eyes filled with nothing but reassurance. "Then let me help," he said, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "I promise I'll be as gentle as I can."

Dawn hesitated, her fingers twitching nervously. She trusted Kenny-more than anyone. If it had to be anyone, she was glad it was him.

"...Okay," she finally whispered.

Kenny gave her a warm smile before reaching over to grab the small alcohol wipe from the tray. "Alright, Dee Dee, let's get this over with. You keep hugging Bella, and I'll do all the work."

Dawn nodded shakily, burying her face into her beloved stuffed bunny. "D-Don't tell me when you do it..."

Kenny chuckled softly. "You got it."

He gently wiped her arm with the alcohol pad, being careful not to startle her. Dawn flinched slightly at the cold sensation but kept her grip firm on Bella.

"You're doing great," Kenny said soothingly as he reached for the syringe. "Just keep holding onto Bella, okay?"

Dawn didn't respond, too busy trying to control her breathing. Kenny, ever patient, worked swiftly and skillfully. Before she could even register what was happening, he had already inserted the needle with the lightest touch, his free hand rubbing comforting circles on her back.

Dawn tensed slightly, but the pain she had been bracing for never came. It was just... a tiny pinch.

And then it was over.

Kenny pulled the needle away and pressed a soft cotton pad against the spot before gently securing the blue band-aid over it.

"All done," he said, giving her hand a small squeeze.

Dawn blinked in surprise, finally peeking out from behind Bella. "...Wait. That was it?"

Kenny grinned, ruffling her hair. "Told ya I'd help it hurt less."

Dawn let out a shaky breath before laughing softly, relief washing over her. "You're... you're kinda amazing, y'know that?"

Kenny smirked. "I try."

Dawn gave him a playful nudge, a soft smile lingering on her lips. "Thank you, Kenny... for everything."

He pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead, still holding her close. "Always, Dee Dee."

Dawn buried her face in Kenny's chest, her arms tightly wrapped around Bella, her old stuffed bunny. Kenny's steady heartbeat was comforting, a steady rhythm against the chaotic pounding of her own. She squeezed her eyes shut, trying to block out the sight of the medical tray beside them.

"Shhh... That's my girl..." Kenny murmured, his chin resting lightly atop her head as he rocked her gently. "It's okay, Dee Dee. You're safe."

Dawn sniffled, her grip on his scrubs tightening. "I don't feel safe," she whispered. "Not when there's a needle involved."

Kenny smiled softly, pulling back slightly so he could look into her blue eyes. "I know, but I promise I'll be as gentle as possible. I wouldn't let anything hurt you if I could help it, Dee Dee."

Dawn hesitated, then nodded slowly. If it had to be done, she'd rather it be Kenny than anyone else.

"Okay," she mumbled. "But... don't let go."

Kenny chuckled. "I wouldn't dream of it."

He carefully reached for the alcohol swab and unwrapped it, keeping one arm around Dawn as he gently wiped the area on her arm. Dawn winced at the cold sensation and tensed, gripping Bella tighter.

Kenny pressed a kiss to her forehead. "Almost there, Dee Dee. Just hold on to me, okay?"

Dawn gulped but nodded. She buried her face in his shoulder as he carefully uncapped the syringe.

"Deep breaths," Kenny murmured. "One, two, three-"

The slight prick stung for only a second, and Dawn yelped softly, gripping his sleeve. Kenny rubbed her back soothingly as he quickly finished, pressing a soft blue bandaid over the spot.

"That's it, all done," he said gently.

Dawn hesitantly peeked at her arm, surprised that it was already over. "That... that was fast," she murmured.

Kenny grinned. "Told you I'd make it hurt less."

Dawn exhaled shakily, her body relaxing as she clung to Kenny. "You're the only one I'd let do this, you know."

Kenny smirked. "Well, lucky for you, I'll always be here." He kissed her temple before squeezing her tight. "See? No need to worry, Dee Dee."

Dawn let out a soft giggle, wiping away the last of her tears. "I hate when you're right."

Kenny chuckled, resting his forehead against hers. "Get used to it."

Dawn shuddered in Kenny's arms, clutching Bella so tightly it was a wonder the stuffed bunny didn't burst at the seams. Kenny rubbed slow, soothing circles on her back, pressing a gentle kiss to the top of her head.

"Shhh... that's my girl," he murmured, his voice a steady warmth against her ear. "It's okay, Dee Dee. It's okay..."

Dawn sniffled, peeking up at him with watery blue eyes. "You promise?"

Kenny smiled, brushing her bangs out of her face. "I promise. And when have I ever broken a promise to you?"

She bit her lip, gripping his sleeve. "Never..."

"Exactly," he said softly, pulling back slightly. "Now, I need you to lie down for me, okay?"

Dawn hesitated but nodded, letting Kenny help her ease onto her back. The soft pillow and blanket beneath her offered little comfort, not when she knew what was coming.

Kenny gave her hand a gentle squeeze before standing up and grabbing the alcohol wipe from the tray. "Deep breaths, Dee Dee. I'll be quick."

Dawn gulped but did as he said, inhaling sharply as he lifted her dress just enough to expose her stomach. She shivered at the cool air against her skin.

"This'll be a little cold," Kenny warned before swiping the alcohol wipe near her belly button.

Dawn flinched at the chill, fingers digging into Bella's fur. Her breath quickened, and she squeezed her eyes shut. "Kenny-"

"I'm right here, Dawn," he reassured her, taking her free hand in his. "Just keep holding Bella, and if it hurts, squeeze my hand, okay?"

Dawn whimpered but nodded.

Kenny pulled the cap off the syringe and positioned it carefully. "Alright... just a little pinch."

Dawn braced herself, heart hammering against her ribs.

Then-

The needle slipped beneath her skin.

She gasped, her whole body tensing as she squeezed Kenny's hand with all her might. Her stomach muscles clenched involuntarily, but Kenny's other hand was there, resting gently against her skin to steady her.

"Almost done, Dee Dee," he murmured.

She bit back a whimper, gripping both Bella and Kenny like lifelines. It burned-just a little-but it wasn't nearly as bad as she'd feared. Not with Kenny right there, whispering reassurances, his hand grounding her, keeping her safe.

And just like that, it was over.

Kenny withdrew the needle, pressing a soft blue bandaid over the spot before rubbing gentle circles over her stomach.

"There we go," he said, his voice full of warmth. "You did so good, Dawn."

Dawn cracked open one teary eye. "...That's it?"

"That's it," he confirmed, smiling as he wiped away a stray tear with his thumb. "Told ya I'd make it hurt less."

Dawn let out a shaky breath, still clutching Bella to her chest. "I hate you."

Kenny chuckled. "I know. You can hate me all you want, as long as you're okay."

She sniffled. "I... I didn't squeeze too hard, did I?"

Kenny wiggled his fingers. "Still attached."

Dawn finally cracked a small, wobbly smile.

Kenny leaned down, brushing a soft kiss against her forehead. "Proud of you, Dee Dee."

Dawn exhaled, finally letting herself relax. "I... I think I'm proud of me, too."

Kenny beamed. "That's my girl."

Dawn's grip on Bella tightened as she nestled deeper into Kenny's embrace. She could feel his heartbeat against her back, steady and calming, a stark contrast to her own erratic pulse. His warmth surrounded her like a protective cocoon, and for a moment, she felt safe.

Kenny gently smoothed her hair with one hand while the other reached for the tray. "You're doing great, Dee Dee," he murmured, his voice a soothing lull. "Just keep holding Bella, okay?"

Dawn sucked in a breath, nodding against his chest. "O-okay..."

She felt Kenny shift slightly behind her, adjusting his position. His movements were precise but gentle. Then, she felt the coolness of an alcohol wipe gliding across her lower stomach, just above her belly button. The sensation made her flinch, and she instinctively gripped Bella tighter.

"Easy, Dee Dee," Kenny soothed, pressing a light kiss to the top of her head. "I know it's cold, but I promise, you won't even notice the rest."

Dawn let out a shaky breath, closing her eyes. "Liar," she muttered.

Kenny chuckled softly. "Hey now, you wound me."

She could hear the snap of the needle cap being removed, and panic flared in her chest. Her breath hitched, and her muscles tensed. "Kenny, I-"

"Shh... I've got you," Kenny whispered, his free arm tightening around her just slightly, grounding her. "Deep breaths, Dee Dee. In... and out..."

Dawn sucked in a breath, squeezing her eyes shut. She felt his warm fingers press gently against her stomach, steadying her. "Just keep listening to me," Kenny continued. "I'm right here, okay?"

Dawn nodded, too afraid to speak.

"Okay. One... two..."

She barely made it to three before she felt the tiniest pinch near her belly button. It was there and gone in a second, a mere sting rather than the searing pain she had dreaded. She gasped softly, eyes fluttering open in surprise.

"...That was it?" she whispered, cautiously peeking down.

Kenny grinned, already pressing a small, blue bandaid over the spot. "That was it."

Dawn blinked. "But... but I didn't even-"

"Hurt, right?" Kenny smirked, giving her a playful nudge. "Told ya I'd help."

Dawn let out a breath she didn't even realize she had been holding. Slowly, her body began to relax, the fear that had gripped her melting away.

Kenny wiped his hands on a towel before wrapping his arms fully around her again. "Proud of you, Dee Dee," he murmured into her hair.

Dawn sniffled, hiding her face against his chest. "You're too good at this," she mumbled.

Kenny chuckled. "Well, I am your doctor and your boyfriend. Can't have my favorite patient scared of me, now can I?"

Dawn groaned, lightly smacking his arm. "Dork."

Kenny only laughed, holding her closer. "Dork who loves you."

Dawn blushed, but she smiled. "Love you too, Kenny."