Eight year old Gary led his young friend to his bed, where he helped him up and sat in front of him.

" Okay, Ash," He said, reaching for his gloves on the nightstand. " Today's just a simple check. Eyes, ears, mouth, heart,... all that good stuff."

Ash, eyes wide, let out a soft whimper. " ... It won't hurt, will it?"

Gary paused in the middle of pulling on his gloves and gave Ash a reassuring smile. "Nope. Not one bit."

Ash still looked hesitant, his small hands fisting the fabric of his shorts. "Promise?"

Gary's smile softened. He reached out and gave Ash's hand a small squeeze. "Promise, buddy. I'll be real gentle, okay?"

Ash hesitated for a moment longer before giving a tiny nod.

"Good." Gary finished pulling on his gloves and picked up his little flashlight. "Let's start with your eyes. Look right at me."

Ash obediently blinked up at him, though he squirmed under the bright light when Gary shined it into each eye.

"Sorry, I know it's bright." Gary murmured, switching sides. "But your pupils are reacting well—so far, so good."

Ash gave a small, nervous nod.

"Now your ears." Gary grabbed his otoscope and carefully tilted Ash's head to the side. "Just stay still for me, okay?"

Ash tensed as the tool entered his ear, but Gary worked quickly, checking both sides before pulling back.

"Ears look good too." He set the otoscope aside and smiled. "You're doing great, buddy."

Ash shifted but managed a tiny, relieved smile.

Gary grabbed a tongue depressor. "Alright, now say 'Ahhhhh.'"

Ash obediently opened his mouth. "Aaaaaaahhh—mmmph!" He flinched the moment Gary pressed his tongue down, his hands shooting up to grip Gary's wrist.

"Whoa, easy, buddy," Gary soothed, keeping his movements slow. "Just a quick look."

Ash whimpered, his grip tightening.

Gary hummed as he inspected Ash's throat. "A little red, but nothing bad." He quickly pulled the depressor out and set it aside.

Ash immediately clamped his mouth shut, his shoulders sagging in relief.

Gary chuckled. "Not a fan of that part, huh?"

Ash shook his head rapidly. "Nuh-uh."

"Well, good news—we're almost done." Gary reached for his stethoscope and looped it around his neck. "Time for your heart and lungs."

Ash fidgeted but stayed put.

Gary pressed the diaphragm against Ash's chest. "Deep breath in."

Ash inhaled.

"And out."

Ash exhaled, his body relaxing slightly as Gary moved the stethoscope to another spot and repeated the process.

"Lungs sound clear," Gary noted before pressing the scope over Ash's heart. He listened for a few moments, his brows furrowing in concentration.

Ash shifted under his scrutiny. "... What is it?"

Gary blinked and smiled. "Nothing, just listening." He gave Ash's head a pat. "Heart sounds strong. You're all good there too."

Ash relaxed. "Okay..."

"Now, last thing—lymph nodes." Gary gently pressed his fingers under Ash's jaw, feeling around his neck.

Ash let out a quiet whine, his hands once again reaching for Gary's wrists. "That tickles..."

Gary grinned. "Yeah? Almost done, buddy." He continued his gentle examination, moving down to Ash's collarbone, then behind his ears.

When he finally pulled back, Ash let out a sigh of relief.

Gary ruffled his hair. "And that's it. You survived, kid."

Ash pouted. "Barely."

Gary laughed. "Oh, come on, it wasn't that bad."

Ash crossed his arms. "Mmm... I guess not."

Gary smirked and leaned in. "Maybe next time I should throw in a shot just for fun?"

Ash squeaked and scooted back on the bed. "NO THANK YOU!"

Gary burst out laughing, shaking his head. "Relax, buddy, I'm kidding."

Ash huffed. "Not funny."

Gary just grinned. "Yeah, yeah, but you're all checked up, so you're free to go, kiddo."

Ash slid off the bed and stretched. "Good! I'm gonna go tell my mom I survived."

Gary chuckled. "You do that."

As Ash hurried off, Gary shook his head fondly. That kid...