Just the two of us.

4- Doctors and Decisions

Josh gripped the steering wheel tightly as they drove to the doctor's office, casting side-glances at George every now and then.

George was fidgeting nervously in the passenger seat, biting his lower lip and tapping his foot rapidly on the floor.

"I... I don't think we need to do this, Josh," George blurted out, trying to sound casual. "I feel much better now. I bet it was just something I ate. Let's just skip the appointment, yeah?"

Josh raised an eyebrow. "George, you've been complaining about pain for days."

"Yeah, but—" George floundered, grasping for any excuse. "What if I'm just lactose intolerant now? We could go home, do some research..."

Josh shook his head, sighing deeply. "You're not getting out of this. And if you keep lying, you know what will happen."

George winced, his mind flashing back to the spanking he'd received earlier.

He squirmed in his seat at the thought of another one, the soreness still a reminder. He dropped his shoulders in defeat.

"Fine..."

The doctor's office wasn't any easier for George. His nerves were shot as the doctor conducted a thorough examination, his eyes darting around the room, too anxious to meet anyone's gaze.

His mind raced, wondering if the doctor would reveal everything he'd been trying to hide from Josh.

After what felt like an eternity, the doctor finished and led Josh out, leaving George alone with his thoughts, which were spiraling out of control.

What if the doctor told Josh everything? What if Josh thought he was weak? The idea of Josh looking at him with pity made George's stomach churn.

Meanwhile, in the doctor's office, Josh listened intently to the news.

"George has a bladder infection, which is likely exacerbated by his weakened immune system due to not taking his medication," the doctor explained. "We'll need to treat the infection right away, but in the meantime, we should take some precautions."

"Precautions?" Josh asked, his concern growing.

"Given the infection and his weakened state, George could develop rashes, and the incontinence may get worse before it gets better," the doctor continued. "It's important to protect his skin. I would recommend he use some form of protection — diapers would be ideal, at least while we're treating the infection."

Josh's gut reaction was to resist. "Diapers? He'll never agree to that. George already feels like I'm hovering over him too much. This will make him feel even more—"

"I understand your hesitation," the doctor interrupted gently. "But his health has to be the priority. If we don't protect him now, the infection could get worse, and he could suffer more discomfort. It's only temporary until we get things under control."

Josh sighed, rubbing a hand over his face. He knew George wouldn't take the news well, but the doctor was right.

He had to put George's health first, even if it meant facing the storm of emotions that would follow.

After leaving the office, Josh noticed George still looking a little pale and uneasy. Wanting to lift his spirits, he suggested they stop by one of their favorite restaurants.

George, though suspicious of Josh's extra kindness, didn't object.

Once they were seated at a cozy corner table, the warm atmosphere and familiar scent of comfort food helped ease some of his anxiety.

Josh ordered for both of them, insisting George relax while he took care of everything.

"Don't look so nervous," Josh said, his tone soft but teasing. "You've been to the doctor a thousand times. It's not the end of the world."

George managed a weak smile. "Yeah, it's just... you know how much I hate it."

Josh's expression softened. "I know. But your health is more important than anything. You can't keep hiding things from me, George. It only makes things harder for both of us."

George swallowed, his heart heavy with guilt. He picked at the food in front of him, trying to focus on something other than the knot of emotions tightening in his chest.

Josh reached across the table and gently squeezed George's hand. "I'm not here to control you, you know that, right? I just want you to be okay. That's all."

George's gaze flicked up to meet Josh's. There was no judgment, no pity, just the same unwavering care he had always shown him.

The weight in his chest loosened a little.

"Thanks, Josh..." George muttered, the tension slowly seeping out of his body. For the first time that day, he allowed himself to relax, even if just a little.

Maybe things weren't so bad. Maybe, just maybe, he could let himself lean on Josh — at least for now.

The night carried on with soft, comforting conversation and laughter, and by the time they left the restaurant, George's spirits had lifted. But as they walked to the car, the reality of what lay ahead still loomed large in the back of his mind.

Josh hadn't mentioned the diapers yet, but George knew it was coming. And when it did, he wasn't sure how he'd handle it.

But for now, as they drove home, the warmth of Josh's unwavering support was enough to get him through.