Gary sighed as he prepped the syringe, glancing at Ash, who sat stiffly on the examination table. The moment Ash caught sight of the needle, he visibly flinched, his breath hitching. His hands clenched into fists, his whole body trembling like a leaf caught in a storm.

"Ash, relax your hand for me, alright?" Gary said gently, reaching out to place a firm but reassuring hand over Ash's clenched fist.

Ash didn't respond. His knuckles were turning white, his breaths coming in short, uneven gasps. His body shook so violently it was like trying to calm a scared kid-times infinity. His heart was pounding, his skin clammy. Gary frowned, noticing the sheer terror in his eyes.

"Ash, you gotta breathe, buddy," Gary murmured, rubbing slow, calming circles on Ash's hand. "It's okay, kiddo. You'll survive this. I promise."

Ash let out a choked whimper, his shoulders trembling. "D-Don't... I c-can't... G-Gary-!" His voice broke into a sob, and before Gary could even react, Ash curled forward, pressing his forehead against Gary's chest.

Gary froze. Ash was crying. Actually crying.

He had never seen that before. Not from Ash Ketchum, the reckless, overconfident, never-say-die Pokémon Trainer. But right now, he wasn't the unshakable trainer who faced Legendary Pokémon without fear. Right now, he was just a terrified boy, clinging onto him for dear life.

Gary swallowed hard, feeling Ash's hot tears dampen his shirt. He hesitated for only a second before wrapping an arm around Ash's back, rubbing soothing circles between his shoulder blades.

"Shhh... It's okay, Ashy-boy," Gary whispered. "You're okay... I got you. I promise, I got you."

Ash sobbed harder, his fingers clutching at Gary's coat. His whole body was wracked with trembling, and Gary realized with a sinking feeling-this wasn't just fear. This was full-blown, severe needle phobia.

"Ash," Gary said softly, resting his chin lightly against Ash's messy hair, still rubbing his back. "I won't do anything until you're ready, alright? You tell me when."

Ash didn't answer-just sobbed, his whole body shaking. Gary sighed, running a hand up and down Ash's spine. This was going to take a while.

And for once, he didn't care.

Ash sat on the examination table, his legs swinging back and forth, but not in boredom. No, he was nervous. No-he was terrified. His entire body trembled like a leaf caught in a storm, his hands clenched so tightly into fists that his knuckles turned white. He knew what was coming. He had known the moment Gary mentioned the word "booster."

Gary, dressed in his usual white lab coat over his casual clothes, sighed as he glanced at Ash's chart. "Alright, Ashy-boy," he said, his voice calm but firm. "You need this shot. It's just a quick poke, and then it's over. You'll be fine."

Ash wasn't fine.

He was shaking so badly that Gary half-wondered if he was dealing with a human or a frightened Pichu. His breathing was uneven, and his wide brown eyes darted around the room as if searching for an escape route. His fingers gripped the examination table, his nails digging into the paper covering it.

Gary sat down next to Ash, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Buddy, I need you to relax, alright?" he said softly.

Ash let out a shaky breath. "I c-can't, Gary," he stammered, his voice on the verge of cracking. "I-I don't do w-well with n-needles."

Yeah. Gary could see that.

"Ashy, listen to me," Gary said, rubbing slow circles on Ash's back. "You're gonna be okay. You'll survive. I promise. It's just one shot, and then it's done."

Ash shook his head furiously, his body trembling even harder. "No-no-no-no-no," he mumbled, hugging himself as if that would somehow protect him.

Gary sighed, setting the syringe back on the tray. He knew Ash was terrified of check-ups, but this was a whole new level. He had seen Ash face down wild Pokémon, battle Legendary Pokémon, and risk his life more times than Gary could count. But a single needle? It had reduced him to a shaking, tearful mess.

Gary shifted closer and wrapped an arm around Ash's trembling shoulders, rubbing his back in slow, soothing motions. "Shhh, it's okay, Ashy-boy. You're okay," he murmured, voice softer now. "I'm right here. It's just me. No one's gonna hurt you."

Ash let out a small, hiccupping breath, but his entire body remained tense. Gary felt Ash leaning into him slightly, seeking comfort even though he was still visibly struggling.

Gary knew he had to try something else. Carefully, he took Ash's wrist and pressed two fingers against his pulse point. "Feel that?" he said gently. "Your heart's going crazy right now because you're so scared. We need to calm that down, okay?"

Ash gave a tiny, barely-there nod, but his breaths were still shaky.

Gary then moved his hand to Ash's neck, lightly pressing against the muscles. "You're all tensed up, buddy. If you relax your arm, the shot won't even hurt that much," he explained. "I know it sounds impossible, but trust me, it helps."

Ash swallowed hard and tried to will his body to loosen up, but it was no use. His hands were clenched in tight fists, and his shoulders were so stiff they felt like stone.

Gary sighed and took Ash's shaking hand in his own, squeezing it reassuringly. "Hey, look at me," he said. Ash hesitated before finally meeting Gary's eyes.

"You're gonna be okay," Gary promised, squeezing his hand a little tighter. "I wouldn't do this if I didn't have to, but this booster is important. I swear, it'll be over before you know it."

Ash's bottom lip trembled. "But... but what if it hurts?" he whispered, voice cracking.

Gary gave him a small, knowing smirk. "Ashy, I've seen you take a Flamethrower to the face and walk it off. You telling me you can't handle a tiny needle?"

Ash flinched but didn't laugh. Instead, to Gary's shock, a few tears slipped down his cheeks.

Gary froze. He had never-never-seen Ash cry. Not like this.

"...Oh, buddy," Gary sighed, rubbing Ash's back again. "I didn't mean to tease you. I know you're scared." He shifted on the table, adjusting so that Ash could lean against his chest properly. "It's okay. You're okay."

Ash hesitated for a long moment before finally slumping against Gary, letting himself be held. His breath was still uneven, his body still trembling, but he wasn't pulling away.

Gary waited a minute, just letting Ash calm down before he spoke again. "Listen, I need to give you this shot, but I won't do it until you're ready, okay?"

Ash sniffled and nodded slightly against Gary's chest.

Gary smiled a little. "Alright, let's take this one step at a time." He reached over to grab the alcohol swab. "I'm just gonna clean the area first. No needle yet, okay?"

Ash nodded again, though his grip on Gary's arm tightened.

Gary worked quickly, dabbing the alcohol on Ash's upper arm. Ash tensed, his entire body locking up again.

"Ashy, buddy, relax," Gary said softly, rubbing Ash's hand. "I promise, it's just the wipe. No needle yet."

Ash took a shuddering breath and nodded, but he was still stiff as a board.

Gary sighed. "Okay, I need you to relax your arm, Ash. You're making this way harder on yourself."

Ash tried, but his muscles just wouldn't cooperate.

Gary frowned in thought before an idea hit him. "Here," he said, taking Ash's hand and rubbing slow, soothing circles into the back of it. "Just focus on this, alright? Deep breaths, buddy."

Ash tried, his breaths still shaky but slowing just a little.

"Good, that's good," Gary encouraged. "Alright, Ashy-boy. On three, okay? One..."

Ash barely had time to register what was happening before he felt a quick pinch.

"-and done," Gary finished.

Ash blinked. "Wha-?"

Gary pulled back with a smug grin, tossing the now-used syringe into the disposal bin. "See? Told you it'd be fast."

Ash looked down at his arm, eyes still wet but now wide with disbelief. "...That was it?"

Gary smirked. "That was it."

Ash sniffled, still looking surprised, then glared weakly at Gary. "Y-You tricked me."

Gary chuckled, ruffling Ash's hair. "Nah, I just helped you get through it."

Ash mumbled something under his breath but didn't move away from Gary's side.

Gary shook his head fondly and gave Ash one last reassuring squeeze. "See, Ashy-boy? You survived."

Ash let out a deep breath and finally-finally-relaxed.

Gary was starting to feel the tension in the air as he set the syringe down on the counter. Ash was sitting on the edge of the examination table, his hands trembling uncontrollably as he stared at the needle. His eyes were wide with fear, his breath coming out in short, shallow gasps. He tried to swallow, but his throat felt dry and tight.

Gary leaned against the counter, glancing over at his best friend. "Hey, Ashy," he said softly, his tone a little more serious now. "You gotta relax, alright?"

Ash's heart was pounding in his chest, the sound of it deafening in his ears. He opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out. His body was frozen, his muscles tense and rigid, the mere thought of the needle making his stomach churn.

Gary watched as Ash's hand clenched into a tight fist, the muscles in his arm shaking with the effort to keep it still. Gary sighed, crossing the room to sit beside him. "It's just a shot, Ash," he reassured, his voice gentle but firm. "You've done it before, right?"

Ash looked up at him, his eyes full of unshed tears. His lips parted, but still, nothing came out. He didn't want to show how scared he was, but it was too much. The idea of the needle, the pain, the anticipation-it was all too overwhelming.

Gary reached out, carefully taking Ash's trembling hand in his. "It's okay, kiddo," Gary said, his voice low and soothing. He rubbed the back of Ash's hand gently. "You're gonna be fine, I promise. Just relax, alright?"

Ash could feel the warmth of Gary's hand, and somehow, it made him feel a little better. Still, his body was stiff as a board, every muscle working against him. He couldn't seem to calm himself down, and his breath was getting faster and faster. His heart was racing even more now.

Gary gave him a small, understanding smile. "Relax your hand, buddy," he said softly. "It's gonna make it easier, I swear."

Ash blinked up at him, his face pale, tears beginning to form in his eyes. "I... I can't," he choked out, voice cracking. "I'm... I'm too scared, Gary."

Gary's expression softened, and he gently placed his other hand on Ash's arm, feeling the muscles tense under his touch. "I know, Ashy. I know," he murmured, rubbing soothing circles on his back. "But if you can just loosen up a little, it'll make the shot so much easier. You don't want me to have to poke you more than once, do you?"

Ash shook his head, but the fear was so thick in his chest, it was suffocating. He couldn't stop trembling, couldn't stop the tears from streaming down his face. His chest heaved with each panicked breath he took.

Gary leaned closer, his face softening even more. "It's okay," he repeated, his voice so gentle it was almost like a whisper. "You've got this, Ash. I'm right here with you. I won't let anything happen to you. You're gonna be okay."

Gary could feel Ash's breath hitching, his shoulders shaking. It was like Ash was fighting a battle within himself, and Gary could see how hard it was for him. Gary gently nudged him again, guiding him to lean his head onto his shoulder. He could feel the wetness of Ash's tears soaking into his shirt.

"You're doing great, buddy," Gary whispered, brushing a hand through Ash's messy hair. "Just a little bit more. You're okay, Ashy. You've got this."

Ash's sobs grew louder, his body shaking with the intensity of his fear. Gary didn't know exactly how severe Ash's needle phobia was, but he could tell it was far worse than he'd ever imagined. Ash had always been tough, always kept his emotions in check, but this... this was something completely different. He was terrified-absolutely terrified.

Gary took a deep breath, gathering his patience, and held Ash close. "Shhh, it's okay," he whispered, his voice soothing as he wrapped his arms around Ash, holding him tighter. "You're not alone. I'm right here, and I'm not going anywhere."

Ash's sobs quieted a little, but the trembling never stopped. Gary adjusted his position, making sure Ash felt safe and secure. He could feel the steady rhythm of Ash's breathing, but it was still shaky, uneven. The fear was palpable.

Gary let out a soft sigh, his fingers gently running down Ash's back. "You're safe, Ash. No one's going to hurt you. Just let me do this, alright?"

Ash nodded, the motion shaky and weak. He still couldn't seem to calm down completely, but Gary could see the trust in his eyes. Slowly, Gary picked up the syringe, and before Ash could even realize what was happening, Gary gently pressed the needle into Ash's arm.

The moment the needle pricked his skin, Ash let out a startled gasp, but he didn't pull away. He stayed perfectly still in Gary's arms, his breathing coming in ragged sobs, his whole body trembling.

Gary held the syringe in place, keeping his voice steady. "I'm proud of you, Ashy," he said softly, giving him a squeeze. "You're doing great. Just a little bit longer, okay?"

Ash clenched his fists, digging his nails into Gary's shirt as if trying to hold onto something solid. The needle felt like it was taking forever to be over, but eventually, Gary was done. He pulled the syringe out carefully, tossing it aside and immediately wrapping his arms around Ash again, pulling him into a tight embrace.

"You did it, Ashy," Gary whispered, rubbing his back gently. "You made it through. You're okay."

Ash buried his face in Gary's chest, the sobs finally beginning to subside, but the emotional toll was heavy. "I was... so scared," he whispered between shaky breaths. "I thought I couldn't do it."

Gary gently rocked him back and forth, his hand rubbing Ash's back in slow, soothing motions. "You did it, buddy," he said with a soft smile. "You always do."

Ash Ketchum was trembling so hard that Gary honestly thought he might vibrate right off the examination table. His hands were clenched into tight fists, his knuckles stark white, and his breathing was erratic. His hat sat askew on his head, forgotten in his panic.

"Alright, Ashy-boy," Gary said in his usual confident voice, though there was a hint of concern in his eyes. "It's just a shot. You'll survive, buddy."

Ash didn't look convinced. His chocolate-brown eyes were wide with pure terror, and his body was so stiff he might as well have been frozen solid. His breath hitched, and he swallowed hard, shaking his head quickly. "N-no, I-Gary, I can't-"

Gary sighed, rolling up his sleeves as he grabbed Ash's trembling hand, holding it firmly but gently. "Hey, hey, relax, kiddo," he murmured, rubbing slow circles on the back of Ash's hand. "You're okay. You're gonna be okay, alright?"

Ash squeezed his eyes shut, taking in a shaky breath through his nose. But his body wasn't cooperating. His entire arm was tense, his shoulders bunched up like he was about to bolt. Gary frowned.

"You gotta relax your arm, Ash," he said, his voice softer now. "It's gonna hurt a lot more if you keep it all stiff like that."

Ash barely registered Gary's words. His heart was hammering so fast and so loud that he could hear it in his ears.

Gary sighed again and moved to check something. He placed a hand gently on Ash's neck, his fingers pressing lightly against the skin. "See, when you're this tense, your pulse is racing," he explained. "That makes everything feel worse than it actually is." He pulled back and gave Ash a look, his voice turning teasing but still gentle. "You don't wanna make it worse for yourself, do ya, Ashy-boy?"

Ash gulped. "I... I don't know..." he admitted weakly, his voice barely above a whisper.

Gary had seen Ash scared before-heck, he had supported Ash through a check-up when they were little, and that had been a disaster-but this? This was something else entirely.

"Ash," Gary said, more firmly this time, "I need you to lean into me, okay?"

Ash hesitated, but as another violent tremor racked his body, he gave in. Slowly, shakily, he let himself lean against Gary's chest, his head resting just beneath Gary's chin.

The moment Ash fully slumped against him, Gary felt the deep, trembling sobs wrack through Ash's body.

And that's when it hit him.

Ash wasn't just scared.

Ash had a severe needle phobia.

"...Oh, Ashy-boy," Gary murmured, feeling a pang of guilt. "I didn't know it was this bad."

Ash just shook his head against Gary's chest, his fingers digging into Gary's lab coat as he sobbed quietly. His body was so tense, his breathing coming in hiccupped gasps.

Gary rubbed his back soothingly, his free hand still holding onto Ash's trembling fingers. "Shhh, it's okay, Ashy-boy. You're okay. I got you."

Gary continued to rub Ash's back in slow, rhythmic circles, whispering reassurances. "You're safe. You're not alone. I'm right here, bud."

Minutes passed before Ash's sobs finally quieted into sniffles. His grip on Gary's coat loosened just slightly.

"Okay," Gary finally said. "One step at a time. Can you try to relax your arm for me, bud?"

Ash hesitated, but Gary gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. "I promise I won't do anything until you're ready."

Ash sniffled and nodded hesitantly, though his body was still trembling slightly. Gary smiled and ruffled his hair. "There we go. That's my Ashy-boy."

This was going to take a while. But if there was one thing Gary Oak was good at, it was taking care of his best friend-even if it meant handling the most terrified patient on the planet.

Ash Ketchum was trembling. No-he was shaking, his entire body wound up so tight that even the air in the sterile examination room felt suffocating. His heart was racing, hammering against his ribs as he sat on the edge of the exam table, gripping the fabric beneath him so hard his knuckles turned white.

Gary Oak, dressed in his usual white lab coat over his purple shirt, stood in front of him, holding a syringe filled with a clear liquid. The moment Ash's eyes landed on it, he flinched like he'd seen a Gengar pop out of the shadows. His breathing quickened, his chest rising and falling in short, panicked gasps.

Gary sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Ashy-boy... come on, it's just a shot."

Ash shook his head violently, scooting back against the wall like he was trying to merge with it. "Nope. Nope, nope, nope. Not happening. I'm good. I don't need it. I'll just walk it off, yeah?" His words were rushed, frantic. He was grasping at any excuse to escape.

Gary crossed his arms. "Ash, you literally have a fever. Walking it off is not gonna cut it." He softened his tone and took a step closer. "Look, buddy, I know you hate this. But you gotta trust me, okay?"

Ash swallowed hard, his fingers twitching against his lap. "Trust you?" He let out a weak laugh, eyes darting between Gary and the needle. "Dude, you're holding a weapon."

Gary chuckled and shook his head. "It's medicine, not a weapon. But I get it, you're scared." He pulled over a rolling stool and sat beside Ash, placing a firm yet gentle hand on his trembling shoulder. "You gotta breathe, Ash. You're shaking so much, I can't even give you the shot yet."

Ash didn't respond. He just squeezed his eyes shut, a fresh wave of fear making his breath hitch. Gary sighed. "Alright, lean on me if you need to."

Without waiting for an answer, Gary gently pulled Ash toward him until the younger boy was resting against his chest. Ash was stiff at first, like a coiled spring ready to snap, but Gary wrapped an arm around him, rubbing slow circles against his back. "Shhh, it's okay, Ashy-boy. You're okay..."

That's when Gary felt it-the tiny tremors running through Ash's body. And then, something he never expected.

A wet spot forming on his shirt.

Ash was crying.

Gary's breath hitched. Ash Ketchum, crying? He had seen Ash get beaten down in battle, electrocuted by Pikachu, fall from trees, cliffs, and god-knows-what-else, and never had the kid cried.

Not like this.

Gary tightened his hold, his voice dropping to the softest tone he could manage. "Hey, hey, buddy... It's okay... I promise, you're gonna be fine.*"

Ash let out a choked sob, his entire body shaking like a leaf in a hurricane. "I c-can't... I c-can't do it..."

Gary exhaled, rubbing Ash's back soothingly. "Yes you can, Ash. I'm right here. You're not alone."

When Ash finally pulled back, sniffling, Gary grabbed a tissue and handed it to him. "Alright, listen," Gary said, keeping his tone calm. "I know this sucks, but let's make it as easy as possible, okay?"

Ash wiped his face, still hiccuping slightly. "H-How?"

"First, relax your arm."

Ash blinked at him like he'd just suggested something impossible. "Dude, my arm won't relax."

"I know, that's why I'm gonna help." Gary reached out and gently rubbed circles on Ash's forearm. "If you keep it stiff, it'll hurt more. If you relax, it'll be over before you even realize it started."

Ash swallowed hard. "How do I-"

"Here," Gary interrupted, setting the syringe down for a second. He placed two fingers lightly on the side of Ash's neck. "Breathe in. Feel that?"

Ash hesitated but nodded.

"That's your pulse. When you're tense, it speeds up, right? If you relax, it slows down, and that helps everything-your body, your muscles, even your nerves." Gary moved his hand back to Ash's arm and gave it a reassuring squeeze. "Just trust me, okay?"

Ash nodded slowly, though his fingers still dug into his pants.

Gary picked up the syringe again. "Alright, buddy. Just keep leaning against me if you need to."

Ash's grip on Gary's sleeve tightened as he watched the needle get closer. "G-Gary..."

"Shh, I got you, Ashy-boy. You're safe." Gary held Ash's wrist with one hand and gently rubbed the injection site with the other. "Deep breath, kiddo."

Ash tried, but the moment the needle touched his skin, he flinched hard, whimpering.

"Easy, Ash. Stay still, buddy, you're doing great."

The younger boy clenched his teeth, squeezing his eyes shut as a few more tears slipped down his cheeks. Gary, keeping his movements steady, pressed the plunger down. "Almost done... Good, just a few more seconds..."

The moment Gary pulled the needle away, Ash practically collapsed against him, shuddering.

"See?" Gary murmured, still rubbing Ash's back. "You survived, kiddo."

Ash sniffled, wiping at his eyes again. "I-I hate you."

Gary chuckled. "Yeah, yeah. You can hate me all you want, but I still got you through it."

Ash groaned, his face still buried in Gary's shoulder. "Never again..."

Gary smirked, ruffling Ash's hair. "Yeah, well... until the next one, Ashy-boy."

Ash Ketchum sat on the edge of the examination table, his hands gripping the edges so tightly his knuckles had turned white. His leg bounced up and down, his breath coming in uneven pants. His hat sat slightly crooked on his head, but he was too distracted to fix it.

Gary Oak, standing beside a tray of medical supplies, sighed as he picked up a syringe. He had known Ash his entire life-since they were toddlers-and he had never seen him this scared before. Sure, Ash could face down legendary Pokémon without breaking a sweat, but this? This was different.

This was a shot.

And Ash was trembling like a leaf in a hurricane.

"Alright, Ashy-boy," Gary said, rolling up Ash's sleeve. "It's just a quick shot. No big deal, right?"

Ash didn't respond. He was staring at the syringe with wide, horrified eyes, his chest rising and falling in rapid, panicked breaths. His entire body was tense, his muscles locked up like he was ready to bolt at any second.

Gary sighed and gently placed a hand on Ash's shoulder, giving it a small squeeze. "Hey, buddy, you're gonna be okay. You'll survive." He smirked slightly, trying to lighten the mood. "I mean, unless you plan on dying from a tiny needle, which would be kinda embarrassing for a Pokémon Master."

Ash swallowed hard. His mouth was dry. His heart was pounding so fast and so loud that he was sure Gary could hear it. His hands were shaking uncontrollably, and his fingers twitched as if they didn't know what to do.

Gary watched as Ash's breaths got shallower, and for the first time, it really hit him-Ash wasn't just nervous. He wasn't just uncomfortable.

He was terrified.

"Ash, breathe," Gary said softly, putting down the syringe for a moment. He reached out and took Ash's hand, rubbing soothing circles into the back of it with his thumb. "You gotta relax, okay? I can't do this if you're this tense."

"I-I can't," Ash stammered, his voice barely above a whisper. "I don't-Gary, I don't like this."

"I know, buddy," Gary said gently. "But we gotta do it. Just take deep breaths, alright?"

Ash squeezed his eyes shut, his shoulders shaking. His breathing was ragged, and-Gary realized with alarm-his entire body was trembling so hard that it was like handling a scared child times a billion.

"Okay, okay, look at me," Gary said quickly. He set the syringe down again and placed both hands on Ash's shoulders, steadying him. "Ashy-boy, you're okay. You're not in danger. It's just a shot, and I promise it'll be over before you know it. But you gotta trust me, alright?"

Ash didn't respond. Instead, his breathing hitched-his face scrunched up, and before Gary could say another word, Ash let out a small, choked sob.

Gary froze.

Ash Ketchum-his loud, stubborn, reckless best friend-was crying.

Not just tearing up. Not just sniffling.

Full-on, shaking, gasping, terrified crying.

Gary had never seen Ash cry like this. Not once. Not even when they were kids.

The sight of it hit him harder than he expected.

"...Oh, buddy," Gary murmured, his tone shifting into something softer, more gentle. He sat down next to Ash on the table and-without hesitation-wrapped his arms around his best friend, pulling him close. Ash hesitated for a moment, but then, slowly, he leaned into Gary's chest, his small, trembling hands gripping the fabric of Gary's lab coat.

"Shh... it's okay, Ashy-boy," Gary whispered, rubbing slow circles on Ash's back. "You're okay. I got you."

Ash's entire body shook against him. His sobs were quiet, but they came in quick, panicked gasps. His breathing was too fast, his heart racing against Gary's chest.

Severe needle phobia.

Gary had suspected it before, but now? Now he was sure.

"Ash, listen to me," Gary said, keeping his voice calm and steady. "You're okay. You're safe. It's just me, alright? I promise, I won't do it until you're ready. But I need you to try and calm down for me, okay, buddy?"

Ash gave the smallest nod against Gary's chest, but he didn't let go. His fingers were still clutching the fabric of Gary's coat like a lifeline.

Gary took a slow breath. He wasn't used to seeing Ash like this, and honestly? It hurt a little.

"Okay, here's what we're gonna do," Gary said, still rubbing Ash's back soothingly. "We're gonna go slow. No rush, no surprises. You're in control, okay? But first, you gotta relax a little."

Ash gave a small, hiccuping sniffle, but didn't respond.

"Relax your hand for me, Ash," Gary said, reaching down and gently prying Ash's fingers open. "I can't do this if you're all tense like that."

Ash tried, but his muscles refused to listen. His fingers twitched as they weakly uncurled, but they still trembled.

Gary sighed and rubbed his thumb across the back of Ash's hand. "There you go. Just like that. Deep breaths, buddy."

Ash let out a shaky breath, but he was still stiff.

Gary hummed. "Okay, let's try something. Y'know how I told you to relax your arm?"

Ash sniffled and nodded weakly.

Gary reached up and pressed his fingers gently against Ash's neck, right near his pulse point. "This is why it helps," he explained. "See, if you're all tense, your heart beats faster, and that makes everything feel worse than it actually is."

Ash flinched slightly at the touch, but Gary kept his hand steady, pressing lightly. "Just take a few breaths, okay? Try to slow it down."

Ash let out another uneven breath, still shaking, but Gary could feel his pulse slowing just a little.

"That's it," Gary murmured, his voice calm and reassuring. "Nice and easy, Ashy-boy. I'm right here."

For a long moment, neither of them moved.

Then, finally, Ash let out a deep, shaky sigh and slumped forward, resting his forehead against Gary's shoulder. His breathing was still uneven, but the sobs had slowed.

Gary gave him another minute before speaking again.

"You think you're ready now?" he asked, rubbing slow, comforting circles into Ash's back.

Ash didn't answer right away. He was still trembling, his body tense, but eventually, he nodded weakly.

"...Okay," he whispered, his voice barely audible.

Gary pulled back slightly, just enough to meet Ash's teary eyes. "Alright. I'll be quick, I promise. Just keep breathing for me, okay?"

Ash nodded again, sniffling.

Gary squeezed his hand one more time before reaching for the syringe again.

This was going to be tough. But if Ash could face legendary Pokémon, then he could face this.

And Gary was going to make sure he didn't have to do it alone.