Ruddiger Family Values

Doctor Visit

TW: For needles. Nothing super graphic or anything, just standard vaccines.

"But daddy! I'm a big boy! I can put clothes on myself!"

Hugo smiled softly at his son, Elio, while he tried to get him dressed for the day.

"I know my little sunbeam, but we're already late for your appointment with Dr. Marcus." Elio pouted and stuck his tongue out, blowing a raspberry at Hugo.

"I don't wanna go see Dr. Marcus!"

Sighing, Hugo scooped his 4 year old up and plopped him gently on his bed to help him with his shirt. Ever since scheduling the appointment, Elio had been refusing to even talk about it. He was obviously nervous and what kid enjoyed check ups? Heck, Hugo himself wasn't fond of going to his yearly checks either.

"I understand, Elio, but it's just to keep you healthy."

"I am healthy, daddy! Pinky promise!" The boy stuck out his pinky looking up at his daddy with big, innocent eyes. Hugo smiled and picked Elio up, hugging him close.

"I believe you, Els, but it's better to be safe." Elio just whimpered and hid his face in the crook of Hugo's neck.

"No fair."

Hugo pressed a gentle kiss to the top of Elio's curls, running a hand up and down his back soothingly.

"It'll be okay, buddy, I promise. Papa and I will be right there with you to make sure nothing bad happens." Elio didn't respond, instead tightening his little arms around Hugo's neck, betraying just how scared he was. Heading downstairs to meet Varian, Hugo cuddled Elio close, hoping to calm and comfort him as much as he could.

~~~

About 20 minutes later, the family was led into a small room with an examination table and 2 chairs. Elio was still refusing to be separated from Hugo and held onto him in a death grip. Varian frowned sympathetically and gently smoothed the boy's stray curls back behind his ear. He hated seeing his usually bright and happy son so afraid.

"It's okay, Elio. We're right here, promise." Elio lifted his head from Hugo's shoulder and sniffled softly, his eyes filled with tears.

"I'm scared, Papa. I wanna go home." Varian smiled softly and gently wiped the tears that were so close to falling from his little ones' eyes.

"I know and we won't be here too long, okay. As long as you do as Dr. Marcus says, you'll be done fast." Elio hiccuped and nodded.

"Otay. I'll try, Papa."

"That's my brave boy." Elio smiled softly at the praise before flinching at a knock on the door and hid his face back in Hugo's shoulder. The door opened and Dr. Marcus himself stepped inside the room.

"Hello Dr." Varian greeted. Dr. Marcus smiled and returned the greeting before turning to Elio and Hugo.

"And who's this here? A new patient." Elio whined and refused to answer. Chuckling to himself, Hugo responded for his son.

"This is Elio, our son. He's a bit nervous." Smiling kindly, the doctor reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a sticker.

"Well, I find the best way to help nerves is a fun new sticker." Perking up, Elio slowly lifted his head to look at the doctor.

"I like stickers." He said quietly, holding out his hand. Dr. Marcus placed the shiny star sticker in Elios hand.

"That's good. And if you're brave for me, I have more to give you." Elio gasped and looked at his parents in surprise.

"Daddy! Papa! I can have more stickers!" Hugo giggled softly and nodded.

"That's right. I think you can be brave and get lots more, Els." Smiling, Elio turned back to the doctor.