Ash let out a slow breath as he leaned back against the couch, rubbing his leg absentmindedly. The dull, aching pain had been persistent for weeks, gradually getting worse with each passing day. It wasn’t unbearable—yet—but it was definitely getting annoying.

Still, it wasn’t that bad.

…Right?

Ash sighed, adjusting his position in hopes of finding some relief. The moment he shifted his weight, however, a sharp sting shot through his leg, making him suck in a breath.

Pikachu, curled up beside him, twitched an ear and looked up with worried eyes. "Pika?"

Ash forced a grin. "I'm fine, buddy. Just a little sore, that’s all."

Pikachu didn’t look convinced.

Ash ignored the way his partner's gaze lingered on him and instead focused on not looking like he was in pain.

If Gary were here, this wouldn’t even be an issue. Because I wouldn’t have a choice, Ash thought dryly. He could already picture it—Gary taking one look at him limping and immediately launching into Doctor Mode. There would be no escape.

The lecture would be unbearable.

"Ash, why didn't you say something sooner?"

"Ash, do you ever think before you push yourself too hard?"

"Ash, sit your stubborn butt down before I make you!"

And then he’d be forced to rest, get poked and prodded, and worst of all, listen to Gary’s smug ‘I told you so’ face.

No thank you.

Ash stretched his leg out with a hiss. It was just a little pain. He could handle it. He always did.

Pikachu, however, wasn’t buying any of it. With a sharp chirp, he hopped onto Ash’s lap, poking at his leg with a firm paw.

Ash winced. "Hey, hey, ow! What was that for?"

"Pika pika," Pikachu said sternly, crossing his little arms.

Ash groaned. "Oh, come on."

The yellow mouse wasn’t letting up. He hopped onto the couch armrest and glared at Ash before his ears twitched.

And that’s when Ash heard it, too.

A familiar voice outside.

"Alright, Gramps, I’ll call you later—yeah, yeah, I know, don’t push myself too hard—yes, I’m the doctor, I get it—"

Ash froze.

Pikachu’s ears perked up. His tail flicked in pure betrayal.

The door swung open.

Gary walked in, tossing his bag onto the nearby chair. "Man, Sinnoh’s way colder than I remember. Feels good to be back, though." He stretched before glancing at Ash with a smirk. "Miss me, Ashy-boy?"

Ash, still frozen, forced a casual grin. "Gary! What are you doing here?"

Gary raised an eyebrow. "Uh, Aunt Delia called me here?"

Ash coughed. "R-Right! I just… I thought you were still in Sinnoh!"

Gary shrugged. "Wrapped things up early. Figured I’d drop by." He kicked off his shoes and made his way over—only to pause when Pikachu leapt onto his shoulder and started chattering rapidly in his ear.

Ash paled. "Pikachu, no."

Gary blinked. Then he frowned. Then his gaze snapped to Ash’s leg.

Ash instantly tensed. "Don’t."

Gary’s eyes narrowed. "Ash…"

Ash lifted his hands. "I’m fine."

Gary’s expression darkened. "You limped when you sat up just now."

Ash mentally cursed. "No, I didn’t."

Gary crossed his arms. "Yes. You did."

There was a tense pause. Ash held his breath, hoping—praying—that maybe, just maybe, Gary would let it slide.

No such luck.

Gary walked over. Ash tried to shift away, but Gary grabbed his ankle firmly before he could escape.

"Ow—HEY!" Ash yelped.

Gary ignored him, his fingers pressing along the sore muscle with practiced precision. Ash tried—and failed—to hide his wince.

Gary’s eyes flashed. "How long has this been hurting?"

Ash hesitated. "…A while."

Gary glared. "Ash."

Ash sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "…A month."

Gary inhaled sharply. "A MONTH?"

Ash flinched. "Shh! No need to yell!"

Gary ran a hand down his face. "You—you absolute menace! Arceus above, do you even listen to your own body?"

Ash pouted. "I listen enough."

Gary pointed at him. "Oh, you are so dead."

Ash laughed nervously. "Oh, come on, Gary, don’t be mad—"

Gary grabbed his wrist and dragged him to the table.

"Sit."

Ash groaned. "Garyyyy—"

Gary pushed him onto the table. "Sit. Down."

Ash sighed but obeyed, knowing there was no escape now. "I hate you," he muttered.

Gary smirked. "Yeah? I hate your terrible decision-making, so we’re even."

Pikachu sat beside him, looking very pleased with himself.

Ash glared at him. "Traitor."

Gary sighed, already pulling out his supplies. "Let’s see just how bad you let this get, Ashy-boy."

Ash groaned. It was going to be a long night.