Gary looked over at Ash, pausing in the middle of prepping for the final check. He could see Ash’s nervous expression, his eyes wide and full of worry. It didn’t take much to understand what was going on inside his head. The kid was terrified—even more so than usual. Gary couldn’t help but soften his expression.

"You’re a little jumpy today, huh, Ash?" Gary said, his voice calm and gentle. He finished putting the gloves on and walked closer to Ash. "The restroom’s right outside, but after that, we need to finish up, okay?"

Ash shifted nervously on the table, wringing his hands together. "I... I just—" His voice cracked, and he quickly cleared his throat. "I really gotta go."

Gary smiled at him, trying to ease some of the tension. "It’s fine, kiddo. Go ahead, but make it quick, alright? We’re almost done."

Ash nodded quickly, practically leaping off the table to rush out of the room. Gary watched him go, taking a deep breath as he adjusted the equipment one last time. He had noticed how Ash was struggling today—his heart racing, his hands trembling. It was becoming clearer to him now: this wasn’t just routine nervousness. Something else was at play.

When Ash returned, Gary was ready. He didn’t waste any time and walked over, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder.

"All set?" Gary asked with a reassuring smile.

Ash just nodded, though his lips were pressed together in a tight line.

Gary quickly put a fresh bandaid on the glove he had taken out earlier. He turned toward Ash, his gaze soft but firm. "Alright, kid. Just a quick poke. You’ve made it this far, and we’re almost there."

Ash’s whole body tensed up at the mention of the shot. His eyes flicked toward Gary, wide with fear, and he took an instinctive step back. "I... I really don’t want it, Gary."

Gary’s heart ached for him. The kid had been through so much over the years, and shots had always been one of the hardest things to handle. His hands were visibly trembling now, a mix of anxiety and fear overwhelming him. Gary could see that even if Ash didn’t want to admit it, he was scared—really scared. It wasn’t just nerves; this was something deeper.

"Hey, hey, Ash," Gary said softly, walking up to him and placing a hand on his back. "Look, I’m not gonna force you. You can go through this, I promise. I’ll be right here with you, every step of the way."

Ash took in a shaky breath, his hands fidgeting at his sides. "But... it’s gonna hurt..."

Gary sighed, knowing the fear wasn’t just about the pain. It was about the uncertainty—the feeling of being out of control. "I know, Ash. But you’re strong. You’ve made it through way worse. And you know what? It’ll be over before you know it."

Ash blinked, looking up at Gary with wide eyes. "Y... You’ll stay with me?"

Gary smiled warmly. "I’m not going anywhere."

With that, Ash finally nodded, though it was shaky. Gary helped him back onto the table, and the atmosphere in the room shifted from tense to gentle. Gary adjusted the needle and moved to Ash’s side, carefully placing his hand over Ash’s.

"Okay, Ash," Gary said in a soothing tone, "I need you to take a deep breath for me. In… and out. Just like last time, alright?"

Ash's breathing was erratic, but he tried his best to follow. Gary squeezed his hand gently, trying to help him steady himself. "That’s it. Relax your hand, kiddo. Let it rest in mine."

Ash obeyed, his fingers slowly uncurling, but he couldn’t stop his body from trembling. His heart was pounding so loudly, it almost drowned out the sound of Gary’s voice.

Gary paused for a moment, making sure Ash was as calm as possible. "I know it’s scary, but the quicker we do this, the quicker it’ll be done. Trust me."

With a soft smile, Gary moved to give the shot. Ash squeezed his hand tightly, but Gary kept up the soft, rhythmic words, making sure Ash felt every ounce of reassurance he could offer.

"Shhh, you’re okay, Ash. Almost there."

And then, in what felt like the blink of an eye, it was done. The needle was out, the bandaid was on, and Ash was already turning to Gary with tears in his eyes.

Gary quickly wiped his hand over Ash’s cheek, his expression softening. "There, all done. See? I told you. It wasn’t so bad."

Ash sniffled, his voice shaky. "I didn’t… I didn’t think I could do it. I was so scared, Gary…"

Gary pulled him into a hug, feeling the small sobs rattle through Ash’s frame. "You did great, Ash. You’re so brave, you know that? You got through it."

Ash clung to him for a moment longer, his tears soaking into Gary’s shirt. But slowly, the sobs quieted, and Ash pulled back, sniffling and wiping his eyes.

"Thanks, Gary... Sorry, I was such a mess..."

Gary gave him a reassuring smile. "Nothing to apologize for, kiddo. I’m just glad I could help. You’re not alone in this."

Ash nodded, looking up at him with a small, thankful smile. "I guess... I guess I’m not as tough as I thought sometimes."

Gary chuckled. "It’s alright. No one’s tough all the time. But you're tough in your own way, Ash."

With a final deep breath, Ash relaxed for the first time during the whole process, his heart slowing down to a more normal rhythm.

Gary smiled. "See? You’re okay. I knew you could do it."

Gary let out a sigh, rubbing the bridge of his nose as he glanced at the clock. Ash had been gone for a while. Too long for just a quick trip to the restroom.

With a knowing sigh, he peeled off his gloves and walked out of the exam room, heading toward the reception area.

"Hey, have you seen Ash?" he asked one of the nurses behind the desk.

She glanced down and smirked. "Oh yeah. He’s right here."

Gary leaned over the desk and—yep. There he was. Curled up under the receptionist's table, arms wrapped around his knees, eyes wide with pure betrayal. Pikachu sat beside him, looking just as unimpressed.

Gary crouched down, resting his arms on his knees. "Really, Ash? Under the desk again?"

Ash scowled. "You lied to me."

Gary blinked. "What? No, I didn’t."

"You said there was one more thing. But I know what that means!" Ash accused, pointing a trembling finger at Gary like he was sentencing him in court. "That means a shot."

Gary sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Ash. Come on. You know this has to happen."

Ash shook his head violently. "Nope. No way. Not happening. Try again next year."

Gary let out a small laugh and scooted closer, lowering his voice. "Listen, kiddo. I know you hate this, and I get it. But you’re making it way worse for yourself by stressing out. I promise, I’ll be quick."

Ash didn't move, still glaring at him from under the table. His whole body was tense, and Gary could see his hands trembling slightly.

That’s when it hit him. This isn't just him being stubborn. He’s actually terrified.

Gary softened. He reached a hand out but stopped just short of touching Ash, giving him space. "Hey, it’s okay, Ashy Boy. You’re gonna be alright. I’m right here, and I won’t let anything bad happen to you, okay?"

Ash swallowed hard but didn’t reply.

Gary sighed and sat down fully on the floor, crossing his legs. "Y’know, if you don’t come out, I’m just gonna sit here all day. Hope you like having me as your new under-the-table roommate."

Ash shot him a weak glare. "You wouldn’t."

Gary smirked. "Oh, I so would."

A moment passed before Ash let out a dramatic groan, slumping forward. Pikachu gave him a gentle nudge, as if saying, You got this, buddy.

Finally, Ash crawled out from under the desk, still looking wary. Gary smiled, standing up and offering a hand. "There’s my brave kid. Let’s get this over with, K?"

Ash hesitated before reluctantly taking Gary’s hand, letting himself be pulled up.

Gary gave his shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "I promise, I’ll be fast. And you can lean on me if you need to."

Ash still looked miserable but gave a tiny nod. "Okay…"

Gary smiled and ruffled his hair. "That’s my boy."

Gary sighed as he glanced at the clock. Ash had been gone way too long for just a bathroom break.

Suspicion prickled in his chest as he peeled off his gloves and stepped out of the exam room, scanning the hallway. "Ash?" he called, waiting for a response. Nothing.

Gary exhaled through his nose, already having a pretty solid guess where his best friend had gone.

Here we go again…

With steady steps, he made his way to the reception area. Sure enough, as he peered behind the desk, there was Ash—curled up under the receptionist’s table, clutching Pikachu like his life depended on it. His eyes were squeezed shut, his entire body trembling, and the poor guy was breathing way too fast.

Pikachu looked up at Gary and let out a tiny, worried "Pika…" as if to say, Yeah, this is bad.

Gary knelt down with a sigh. "Ashy Boy…"

Ash flinched but didn’t look up. His fists were clenched so tight his knuckles had gone white.

Gary softened. He could see it now—this wasn’t just nervousness. This was terror. A deep-rooted fear that had Ash ready to bolt the second he saw that needle.

Gary reached out, rubbing slow circles into Ash’s shoulder. "Hey, kiddo. You’re okay. I gotcha."

Ash’s breath hitched. "N-not really," he whispered.

Gary hummed in understanding, shifting so he was sitting on the floor beside him. "Okay. How about this? We don’t go back to the exam room. We’ll do it right here. In your safe spot."

Ash’s wide, tearful eyes finally flickered up to Gary’s. "H-here?"

Gary nodded. "Yeah. You like it down here, don’t you?"

Ash hesitated but gave a tiny, almost imperceptible nod.

Gary smiled gently. "Alright then. We’ll do it here. No moving, no dragging you out, no pressure. Just us, okay?"

Ash swallowed thickly, but some of the tension in his shoulders eased. "O-okay…"

Gary didn’t waste time. He grabbed the alcohol wipe from his pocket, ripping it open with practiced ease. "Alright, kiddo. I need you to lean on me, okay?"

Ash obeyed without hesitation, pressing his forehead against Gary’s shoulder. His body trembled like a leaf in a storm, his breathing ragged.

Gary felt his heart squeeze. Poor guy…

"Shhh, you’re okay, Ashy Boy," he murmured, rubbing Ash’s back in slow, firm strokes. "I gotcha. Deep breaths, kid."

Ash hiccupped, his fingers tightening around Gary’s sleeve.

"Alright," Gary continued in that same soothing tone, "I need you to relax your arm for me, buddy. It’ll make it easier."

Ash tensed. "C-can’t," he whispered.

Gary frowned and gently took Ash’s free hand, rubbing his knuckles. "I know it’s scary, but trust me, kiddo. The more you relax, the faster it’ll be over."

Ash sniffled, his body still trembling violently.

Gary exhaled and tried a different approach. "Here, lemme show you something."

He reached up and lightly pressed two fingers against the side of Ash’s neck. "Feel that? Your muscles are all tight."

Ash blinked through teary eyes. "Y-yeah…?"

"That’s what happens when you’re scared. Your body locks up, makes everything harder." Gary rubbed his thumb over Ash’s knuckles again. "But if you take a deep breath and loosen up, it won’t be so bad. I promise."

Ash let out a shaky breath, trying—really trying—to unclench his arm.

Gary gave him a small smile. "Good boy. That’s it."

With Ash still leaning into him, Gary worked quickly, swabbing his upper arm.

Ash’s breath hitched.

"Shhh, you’re okay, buddy," Gary soothed, holding his arm steady. "I’m right here. Just a little pinch, alright?"

Ash squeezed his eyes shut.

Gary took a breath and—quick as lightning—gave the shot.

Ash jolted, a tiny whimper escaping his lips.

"Shhh, shhh, it’s okay, kiddo," Gary murmured, rubbing slow, comforting circles into his back. "You’re doing amazing."

Ash hiccupped, his grip tightening. "I-it’s over?"

Gary smiled softly, pressing the bandaid onto Ash’s arm. "Yup. All done, buddy."

Ash peeked up at him, his red-rimmed eyes filled with disbelief. "F-for real?"

"For real."

Ash stared at him for a moment—then let out the longest, shakiest sigh of relief. His entire body sagged against Gary, utterly drained.

Gary just chuckled, still rubbing his back. "Told ya you’d survive."

Ash sniffled. "B-barely…"

Gary smirked. "Hey, you did great, Ashy Boy."

Ash wiped at his teary eyes, his breath still a little unsteady. "...Thanks, Gary."

Gary ruffled his hair fondly. "Anytime, kiddo. Anytime."

Gary sighed, running a hand through his hair as he glanced at the clock. Ash had been gone for a suspiciously long time.

“Don’t tell me…” Gary muttered under his breath.

Sure enough, when he stepped out of the exam room and into the lobby, he spotted Delia sitting patiently, glancing toward the reception desk with an amused yet understanding look.

Gary crouched down and peered under the receptionist’s desk.

And there he was.

Ash was curled up, arms wrapped tightly around his legs, face pale as he stared ahead. Pikachu sat beside him, ears drooping.

Gary exhaled through his nose and gave Ash a small, knowing smile. "Kiddo… You okay?"

Ash flinched, looking up at Gary with wide, desperate eyes. "Gary, I—I swear I just really needed to use the bathroom, and then I got lost, and then I—"

"Ash." Gary’s voice was firm, but not unkind.

Ash clamped his mouth shut.

Gary sighed and softened his tone. "I know you're scared. But you know I’m not gonna hurt you, right?"

Ash hesitated, then gave the smallest nod.

Gary rubbed the back of his head. "Alright… How about we just do it here?"

Ash blinked. "W—What?"

Gary shrugged. "You like it under here, right? It’s quiet, kinda hidden. Feels safe?"

Ash swallowed thickly, nodding.

"Then let’s do it here." Gary sat cross-legged just outside the desk, ripping open the alcohol pad. "You don’t have to move, and I won’t rush you."

Ash hesitated, his breathing shallow. He watched as Gary carefully unwrapped the syringe, but instead of tensing up further, he focused on the way Gary’s expression never changed—calm, patient, understanding.

Gary reached out, placing a steadying hand on Ash’s shoulder. "Hey. Breathe with me, kiddo."

Ash tried. It was shaky, but he managed a small inhale.

Gary squeezed his shoulder lightly. "That’s it. Okay, buddy, I’m gonna hold your arm, alright?"

Ash gave a jerky nod.

Gary gently took Ash’s arm, rubbing soothing circles onto his skin. "You’re doing so good, Ashy-boy. I know this is hard."

Ash’s fists clenched, his breathing quickening again.

Gary frowned and shifted closer. "You wanna lean on me?"

Ash hesitated for only a second before scooting closer and pressing his forehead against Gary’s shoulder.

"There you go," Gary murmured, rubbing his back. "Alright, kid. Just keep breathing. It’ll be over before you know it."

Ash squeezed his eyes shut, gripping onto Gary’s sleeve.

"Relax your arm for me," Gary said gently. "I know it’s hard, but it’ll help."

Ash let out a shaky breath and tried to relax.

Gary worked quickly, swabbing the area. "Alright, kid. One… Two… Three—"

Ash whimpered, his whole body trembling as he felt the needle. Tears welled in his eyes, but Gary never stopped rubbing his back, murmuring reassurances.

"Shhh, it’s okay, Ashy-boy. You’re okay. I got you."

It was over in seconds.

Gary pressed the bandaid onto Ash’s arm and gave it a light pat. "All done, bud. You did amazing."

Ash sniffled, his face still buried in Gary’s shoulder.

Gary wrapped an arm around him, rubbing his back in slow circles. "I’m proud of you, Ash. That wasn’t easy."

Ash wiped his eyes, still trembling but feeling… just a little bit lighter.

Gary smiled. "Think you can come out from under the desk now?"

Ash huffed weakly. "Maybe… in a minute."

Gary chuckled, ruffling his hair. "Take your time, kiddo. No rush."

Gary sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose as he glanced at the clock. Ash had been gone way too long.

He stepped out of the exam room, looking around the clinic. "Ash?" No response.

With a knowing sigh, Gary made his way to the reception desk. Sure enough, when he peeked over, there was Ash—curled up underneath the receptionist’s table, knees hugged to his chest, eyes wide with sheer terror.

Gary knelt down, giving him a soft smile. "Really, kiddo?"

Ash didn’t even try to deny it. He just looked up with the biggest, most pitiful eyes Gary had ever seen. "Please don’t make me," he whispered.

Gary’s heart clenched. Ash had faced down legendary Pokémon without batting an eye, but a tiny needle had him trembling like a scared little kid.

With a sigh, Gary scooted under the desk beside him. "Alright, buddy. I get it. You feel safe here, huh?"

Ash hesitated before nodding.

Gary ruffled his hair. "Okay. We’ll do it here."

Ash's head snapped up. "W-What?"

Gary gave him a reassuring smile. "You like it down here, right? Feels less scary?"

Ash swallowed hard, but he nodded.

"Then we’ll do it here," Gary repeated, his voice calm and steady. "No exam table, no bright lights, no white coat. Just us, alright?"

Ash’s breathing was shaky, but he slowly uncurled his fingers.

"Good boy," Gary murmured, carefully unwrapping the alcohol swab. "Now, I need you to relax your arm, okay?"

Ash tensed immediately.

Gary reached over, taking Ash’s trembling hand in his own. "Ash. Breathe. You’re okay."

Ash let out a shaky breath, eyes darting away.

Gary gently squeezed his hand, rubbing slow circles over the back of it. "Relax, kiddo. I promise you’ll survive this."

Ash squeezed his eyes shut, pressing himself against Gary’s side, his heartbeat pounding against his ribs. "I-I don’t like it…"

"I know, buddy," Gary murmured, his other hand rubbing Ash’s back soothingly. "But I’m right here. You’re safe. You’ll be okay."

Ash whimpered, his free hand gripping the fabric of Gary’s shirt as he trembled.

"Shhh, it’s okay, Ashy-Boy," Gary cooed, rocking him slightly. "Deep breath, kiddo. Just like before."

Ash hiccuped, sucking in a shaky breath through his nose.

"Good job," Gary praised. "Just one more, okay?"

Ash barely managed a nod, his whole body stiff.

Gary kept one hand on Ash’s back as he quickly swiped the alcohol pad over his arm. "Relax your arm, bud. It helps, I swear."

Ash's fingers dug into Gary’s sleeve. "D-Does it really?"

"Yeah, kiddo, it does," Gary assured him. "If your arm is stiff, it makes it hurt more." He demonstrated by gently pressing his own shoulder. "See? If you're tense, the muscle tightens up. But if you relax..." He softened the pressure, showing the difference.

Ash swallowed, hesitantly trying to loosen his arm.

"There you go, buddy. Good job," Gary praised, keeping his voice light and soothing. "You’re doing great."

Ash sniffled, his grip still tight on Gary’s shirt.

"Alright, Ashy, just keep looking at me, okay?"

Ash’s teary eyes flickered up to him.

Gary smiled. "Good boy. Just a second, and it'll be over."

Before Ash could even process it, Gary moved swiftly—needle in, needle out. Done.

"Aaaand there we go," Gary said cheerfully, quickly pressing the bandaid on.

Ash blinked. "…Wait, that was it?"

Gary chuckled, ruffling Ash’s hair. "Yup. Told you you’d survive, tough guy."

Ash let out a shuddering breath, sniffling as he wiped at his eyes.

Gary smirked, wrapping an arm around his shoulder. "See? Not so bad, huh?"

Ash grumbled, cheeks burning. "Still sucked."

Gary laughed. "Fair enough, buddy. But hey, I’m proud of you."

Ash peeked up at him, and despite his puffy eyes, a small, sheepish smile tugged at his lips. "…Thanks, Gary."

Gary squeezed his shoulder. "Anytime, Ashy-Boy."