" Take a deep breath, Ashy."

Ash obeyed, sucking in a large breath and holding it in as his best friend placed his stethoscope over his heart and listened, shifting it to different placed before moving to Ash's back and listening there.

" Okay, Ash," Gary said, looping the stethoscope around his neck. " Now it's weight, height, and eyes."

Ash groaned, flopping back onto the bed dramatically. "Gaaaaary, do we have to?"

Gary smirked, hands on his hips. "Yes, we have to. And don't try to pull that 'I'm too tired' act. You literally just ran around outside for two hours before coming here."

Ash grumbled but sat up, rubbing his face. "Fine, fine... but do we really gotta do the eye thing? It's weird."

Gary rolled his eyes. "Oh, please. You stare at bright flashes of electricity daily, but my little flashlight is what makes you nervous?"

Ash scowled. "That's different."

Gary just shook his head in amusement and gestured for Ash to stand. "C'mon, up you go."

With a huff, Ash got to his feet, and Gary guided him to the scale. He made sure Ash stood properly, adjusting the weights carefully before scribbling something in his little notepad.

"Alright, height next," Gary said, pulling out the measuring rod.

Ash stood as straight as he could, puffing out his chest.

Gary smirked. "Trying to seem taller, huh?"

Ash stuck out his tongue. "Shut up."

Gary chuckled and took the measurement, writing it down before stepping back. "Alright, now the eyes."

Ash immediately groaned. "Uuuugh—"

Gary didn't give him a chance to argue, already grabbing his little flashlight. "Sit, Ash."

Still grumbling, Ash plopped back onto the bed.

Gary held up a finger. "Follow my finger without moving your head."

Ash obeyed, his tired brown eyes tracking the movement. Gary watched carefully, making sure everything reacted normally before moving on.

"Alright, now the light."

Ash fidgeted as Gary clicked on the small flashlight, shining it first in one eye, then the other, watching his pupils respond.

Ash squirmed. "Mmmrrgh...."

Gary chuckled. "Quit being a baby."

"I hate this part."

"You say that about every part."

Ash huffed, blinking rapidly as Gary finally pulled the light away. "Are we done?"

Gary smirked. "Almost. One last thing."

Ash groaned again. "Why are you like this?"

Gary only grinned. "Because you need me to be."

Despite his whining, Ash let Gary check one last time, letting his best friend fuss over him because, deep down, he knew Gary only did it because he cared.