"Relax, baby," Ryujin said as she brushed her hand across your knee, trying to get you to stop bouncing it.

You're anxious.

She knew you would be.

You've had this appointment at your doctor's office planned for a few days.

An appointment to get your flu shot.

It was a scary thought for you as needles are your biggest fear.

However, these last few days you've managed to keep yourself calm and focus on other things so it wasn't making you anxious all the time and the thought wasn't always on your mind.

But now that you're here and only a couple of minutes away from getting the injection, you're more anxious than you've been in a while.

Your heart was pounding and you were trying to calm down, but it just wasn't possible.

"Just take a deep breath," Ryujin spoke, kissing your cheek.

"I can't. I hate needles so much."

"I know, my love. We go through this every year. I know how much you hate it. But it helps protect you from getting sick. That's good, right?"

You knew she had a point but still, it was scary for you.

Before either of you could say anything again, there was a knock on the door before a nurse came in.

Seeing the needle in her left hand, you groaned and put your head on Ryujin's shoulder.

"It's okay." She softly spoke.

"Just your flu shot today?"

You nodded.

"Okay. Are you ready?"

"No."

"She's very scared of needles," Ryujin explained as she brushed her fingers across your skin soothingly.

"Can't we just come back another day? I don't want it right now."

"Y/N, baby, we both know if we leave you won't come back for your flu shot. So no. You have to get it today. It'll be over before you know it." She said, her touch soft and comforting as she spoke.

You lifted your head from Ryujin's shoulder and the nurse had you lift your sleeve up your left arm.

Brushing the wipe across your skin, Ryujin knew it was only a few seconds until the needle would go into your skin, and she instinctively took your hand.

"If you need to squeeze it, feel free. I'm here. You'll be okay." She said with a small smile and the nurse counted to three before sticking the needle in your arm.

You winced from the pain and squeezed Ryujin's hand.

"It's almost over, baby." She soothed and brushed her thumb across your knuckles, watching as the nurse pulled the needle out a few seconds later.

Placing the bandaid over your arm, the nurse walked back across the room and you breathed out a sigh of relief.

"See? That wasn't so bad." The nurse said.

"Yes, it was." You said and she and Ryujin laughed.

"Well, it's over now, baby. No more needles!"

"Thank gosh." You said as Ryujin handed your hoodie to you.

"Until next year, when it's time for your next flu shot."

"Ryujin," you whined. "Don't remind me."

"It's a whole year away!" She giggled.

"That's too soon!"

She laughed and put her hand on the small of your back as you exited the room, finally leaving your doctor's office so you could move on with your day.