Gary sat next to Ash, who was nervously shifting on the examination table. It was just a routine check-up, but Ash always seemed to tense up at the idea of medical exams, especially when it came to his stomach. His eyes flickered between Gary's reassuring smile and the stethoscope hanging around his neck.

"Alright, Ashy," Gary said gently, adjusting the gloves on his hands, "Let's take a look at your tummy. I just need to check a few things, okay? No big deal."

Ash shifted uncomfortably. "Okay, but... are you sure it's necessary? I mean, I feel fine!"

Gary chuckled softly, his fingers brushing lightly against Ash's shoulder. "Better safe than sorry, buddy. Just want to make sure everything's in tip-top shape."

Ash hesitated but finally nodded. "Alright, just... be gentle, okay?"

Gary smiled. "Always."

He carefully helped Ash lay down on the examination table, making sure the boy was comfortable. Gary lifted the edge of Ash's shirt, his gloved hands moving slowly so Ash wouldn't startle. "You're doing great, Ash. Now just relax. I'm going to palpate your stomach to feel for any tenderness."

Ash tensed slightly, but Gary was careful, starting at the top of his abdomen and gently pressing with his fingers. Ash flinched a little, but Gary immediately stopped, giving him a soft, reassuring look.

"Too much pressure?" Gary asked.

"No, it's okay," Ash replied, his voice slightly strained. "Just... it feels weird when you press."

Gary nodded in understanding. "I know, buddy. I'll be gentle."

Gary began palpating again, moving his hands lower across Ash's stomach. He pressed gently under the ribs, feeling for any unusual lumps or tightness. Ash's stomach was soft, and Gary noted that there was no visible discomfort—except for the slight tension in Ash's posture.

"How's that? Any discomfort?" Gary asked, his voice soft but focused.

Ash shook his head but couldn't hide the faint grimace on his face. "It's just weird, Gary. But I don't really feel anything bad."

"That's a good sign," Gary said, nodding. He moved to the next part of the check-up, placing the stethoscope against Ash's abdomen. "Now I'm going to listen to your tummy. It's gonna feel a little cold, okay?"

Ash nodded, shivering slightly when the cool metal of the stethoscope touched his skin. Gary listened closely, his expression serious as he focused on the sounds of Ash's stomach. There was a faint gurgling sound as Ash's digestive system worked, and Gary smiled.

"Your stomach sounds nice and healthy, Ash. Everything's working as it should," Gary said, a hint of relief in his voice.

Ash's eyes fluttered open, and he gave Gary a weak smile. "That's good, right?"

"Yeah, that's very good," Gary said with a grin. He gently moved his hands under Ash's shirt again, palpating further down toward his lower abdomen. "Just checking under here, too."

Ash squirmed a little, but Gary was gentle. He pressed softly on the area around Ash's stomach and sides, making sure to check thoroughly but with care. He noticed Ash's body was still a little tense, but there were no signs of any significant pain or swelling.

"How does this feel?" Gary asked, pressing lightly near Ash's lower stomach.

Ash squirmed slightly but answered, "It's fine, just a little uncomfortable."

"That's completely normal," Gary assured him, giving him an encouraging smile. "You're doing great, Ash. Just one last thing. I'm going to listen to your chest and heart now. You're almost done."

Ash nodded and shifted slightly, still not quite used to being examined but feeling more at ease with Gary's calm demeanor. Gary removed his gloves carefully and switched to his stethoscope once more, placing the warm disk over Ash's chest.

"Breathe in for me, buddy," Gary instructed gently.

Ash obeyed, taking a deep breath. "In... out..."

Gary listened intently to the sound of Ash's heart, his eyes narrowing slightly as he followed the rhythm. "Your heart sounds perfect, Ash. Everything checks out."

Ash exhaled in relief and smiled at Gary. "Thanks, Gary. I feel better now."

"Anytime, Ashy-boy," Gary said, patting his shoulder gently. "You did great. I'm proud of you."

Ash grinned, still a little shy but comforted by Gary's reassurance. "You're the best, Gary."

Gary returned the smile, slipping his stethoscope around his neck. "I know, I know. But you're pretty great yourself, Ash. Now, you're all set. How about we get something to eat? You've earned it."

Ash chuckled and nodded. "Yeah, that sounds perfect."

Gary could tell Ash had been complaining of discomfort for a few days now, but he hadn't said much more about it. The small frown that creased his brow, and the way he'd been clutching his stomach during the day, were enough for Gary to know something was off.

After a long day of trying to distract Ash with card games, Gary decided it was time for a proper check-up.

"Ash, you've been telling me your stomach hurts, right?" Gary asked, his voice gentle, though his brow was furrowed with concern.

Ash shifted uncomfortably on the couch, rubbing his tummy absently. "Yeah... but I don't want to make a big deal out of it."

"I get it, buddy. But I want to make sure it's nothing serious. You trust me, right?"

Ash nodded, though the hesitant look in his eyes said he wasn't entirely sure.

"Alright," Gary said, taking a deep breath. "Let's get you checked out, okay? It'll be quick."

Gary went to his bag, pulling out a pair of latex gloves and snapping them on with a practiced motion. Ash laid down on the couch with a small sigh, still clutching his stomach. Gary knelt beside him, looking down with a soft, reassuring smile.

"I'm gonna lift your shirt up just a little, okay? So I can check your tummy."

Ash hesitated for a moment before nodding and slowly lifting his shirt. Gary gently placed his hand on Ash's side, lifting it just enough to begin his exam.

"First, I'm just going to feel around a little, okay? I'll be gentle, I promise."

Gary started at Ash's upper abdomen, applying gentle pressure as he palpated his tummy. Ash winced slightly when Gary pressed just under his ribs, causing Gary's eyebrows to furrow in concern.

"Does it hurt here?" Gary asked softly, giving Ash a look of concern.

"Yeah, a little," Ash admitted, shifting uncomfortably.

Gary nodded, moving his hands lower to palpate his stomach. He worked his way across Ash's abdomen, applying gentle pressure to different areas. When he pressed on the lower right side, Ash flinched more sharply.

"Does that hurt too?" Gary asked, looking up to meet Ash's eyes.

Ash nodded quickly. "Yeah, it feels... tender there."

Gary's mind raced. He gently slid his hand up to Ash's chest and began listening with the stethoscope, making sure to listen for any abnormal sounds in his belly.

"Deep breath for me, buddy," Gary instructed, adjusting the stethoscope.

Ash took a shallow breath, his chest rising and falling as Gary listened. After a few moments, Gary moved the stethoscope to different areas of Ash's stomach, paying close attention to the sounds.

"I'm not hearing anything that seems off," Gary said, glancing up. "But I'm still going to check a bit more."

Gary began palpating the areas again, pressing a bit more firmly as he asked, "Does it hurt here too, Ash?"

"Yeah... but it's not as bad as before," Ash replied, his voice quiet.

Gary continued working his way across Ash's stomach, ensuring there wasn't anything that seemed concerning, but it was clear that Ash was feeling discomfort.

"Okay, Ash," Gary said gently. "I don't think it's anything serious, but I do want to keep an eye on this. Your stomach feels a little tense, and the tenderness in these areas is something we'll need to watch."

Ash let out a small sigh of relief. "So, what does that mean?"

Gary stood up, taking off his gloves and tossing them in the trash. "It probably means you've got some muscle strain from overexerting yourself or maybe even stress. I'll keep an eye on it for a few days and see how you're doing. We'll take it easy, and I'll make sure you're okay."

Ash nodded, his body finally relaxing as he pulled his shirt down. "Thanks, Gary. I knew I could count on you."

Gary smiled warmly, ruffling Ash's hair. "Always, buddy. Always."

He sat next to Ash, his hand resting lightly on the boy's shoulder. "If it doesn't get better soon, I'll make sure we get you checked out by a specialist, okay?"

" 'Kay. Thanks again, Gary."

"Anytime, Ashy-boy," Gary said, grinning.