Leon gently rubbed your back as you sat there, tears streaming down your face. The second the doctor left the room, it was like all of the tension you’d been holding onto finally snapped. You were normally so strong, but when it came to needles, the fear got the better of you, and you couldn’t help but let it out.

“Hey, hey,” Leon murmured, his voice low and soothing as he knelt beside you. His hand reached out, gently cupping your face, wiping away a tear with his thumb. “You’re alright. You made it through.”

You shook your head, sniffling. “I hate it, Leon. I just… I don’t like the way it makes me feel.”

“I know,” he said softly. “But you did great. You didn’t even flinch with the first few shots. I’m proud of you, babe.”

But you could barely look at him. Your heart was still pounding, and the thought of the needles made your stomach turn. You buried your face in your hands, trying to hide the embarrassment of being so upset over something so small.

“Don’t hide from me,” Leon said, his voice gentle but insistent. He pulled your hands away from your face and looked at you with concern in his eyes. “I know it’s hard. But you’ve got me, okay? I’ll be right here with you.”