Eight year old Gary snapped his gloves on and smiled at Ash reassuringly. " Okay, Ashy." He said confidently. " Time to check your stomach."

Ash, who was sitting on Gary's bed, blinked. " ... Why?"

" Because, Ashy, there's a new bug going around and I want to make sure you haven't been affected."

Ash sighed. " ... Fine."

Gary smiled. " Good boy. Now, lie down and lift your shirt a little."

Ash hesitated but eventually did as he was told, shifting onto his back and pulling his shirt up just enough to expose his stomach. He shivered as the cool air brushed against his skin.

Gary, ever the professional, scooted closer and placed his hand gently on Ash's abdomen. "Alright, buddy, I'm gonna press around a little. Let me know if anything hurts, okay?"

Ash swallowed, already looking nervous. "O-Okay..."

Gary started at the top of Ash's stomach, pressing lightly with his fingertips. "Any pain here?"

Ash shook his head. "Nuh-uh."

Gary moved lower, pressing again. "How about here?"

Ash winced slightly, shifting under Gary's touch. "Mmm... a little..."

Gary frowned slightly but kept his movements gentle as he continued palpating different areas. "What about this spot?"

Ash flinched with a sharp inhale. "H-Hey!"

Gary's eyes narrowed. "That hurt?"

Ash squirmed. "M-Maybe a little..."

Gary sighed. "Ashy, if something hurts, you have to tell me."

Ash pouted. "But it's weird when you poke me there..."

Gary snorted. "Well, I gotta make sure everything's okay."

Ash huffed but didn't argue, though he kept shifting uncomfortably as Gary continued.

Gary suddenly took Ash's hand and guided it to his wrist. "Here, hold onto me."

Ash blinked, confused. "Why?"

Gary gave him a knowing look. "Because I know you don't like this. So hold on if it helps, alright?"

Ash hesitated, then slowly wrapped his fingers around Gary's wrist, gripping it tightly as his best friend resumed the exam.

Gary pressed a little deeper, checking for any signs of swelling or abnormal tenderness. Ash tensed, whimpering slightly, but didn't let go of Gary's wrist.

After a few more careful presses, Gary finally sat back and sighed. "Well, the good news is, I don't think you've caught that bug. But your stomach is a little sensitive."

Ash relaxed slightly. "So... I'm okay?"

Gary nodded. "Yeah, just take it easy, alright? Maybe avoid anything too heavy for dinner."

Ash let out a relieved sigh. "Okay..."

Gary reached over and tugged Ash's shirt back down. "See? That wasn't so bad."

Ash pouted. "It was still weird."

Gary smirked. "Yeah, yeah. But you did great, Ashy Boy."

Ash grumbled but didn't protest when Gary ruffled his hair.

After a moment, though, he squeezed Gary's wrist a little tighter. "... Thanks, Gary."

Gary softened. "Anytime, buddy."