"The needle is rather intimidating, isn't it, Martin?" Douglas remarked, observing the nurse carefully preparing the medical equipment. "If you want, I can hold your hand while she inserts the-"
"I don't need you to hold my hand," Martin interrupted, his tone defensive and a bit flustered. Despite his attempt to maintain composure, there was an evident hint of anxiety in his voice as he rolled up his sleeve. "I'm not a child."
Douglas raised an amused eyebrow, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Oh, come now, Martin. No need to be so stubborn. There's no shame in feeling a bit nervous about needles. We all have our fears."
Martin hesitated for a moment, clearly torn between pride and the undeniable fear that was gnawing at him. Eventually, he relented, looking at Douglas with a hint of vulnerability as he offered a steady hand. "Well, maybe... just this once.