Gary paused, one glove halfway on. His gaze softened as he looked at his nervous best friend. Of course he's worried...

He shook his head with a reassuring smile. "Nope. Not at all." He snapped the glove on and wiggled his fingers playfully. "See? Just me and my super soft magic doctor hands."

Ash didn't look convinced. He hugged his knees to his chest and mumbled, "But sometimes doctors lie about that..."

Gary chuckled and sat closer, placing a gentle hand on Ash's knee. "Well, I'm not lying. It really won't hurt, Ashy Boy."

Ash hesitated, biting his lip, but he eventually gave a small nod. "... Okay."

Gary grinned. "That's my guy."

He reached for his small flashlight. "Let's start with your eyes. Look straight at me, buddy."

Ash sat up a little, blinking rapidly as Gary shined the light near his face.

"Pupils reacting normally... Good, good..." Gary murmured, waving the light gently.

Ash squirmed. "That's bright..."

"I know," Gary teased, flicking it off. "But your eyes passed the test. No laser vision, though. Sorry, bud."

Ash huffed, rubbing at his eyes. "I wasn't expecting laser vision..."

Gary smirked. "One can hope."

Next, he grabbed his otoscope and gently reached for Ash's ear. "Okay, checking these next."

Ash flinched hard.

Gary immediately pulled back. "Woah—hey, hey, it's okay."

Ash shrunk into himself, gripping his sleeves. "It's just... I dunno, it's weird when people touch my ears..."

Gary blinked, then gave a small nod. "Got it. No surprises, I promise."

He reached again, slower this time. "You can hold onto my wrist if you need to."

Ash hesitated, then carefully wrapped his small hands around Gary's wrist, holding on tight.

Gary gave him an encouraging smile before peering into his ear. "Looks good on this side. Now the other."

Ash shifted, his grip still tight.

After a quick look, Gary pulled back. "Ears? Check. No bugs in there."

Ash made a face. "Bugs?!"

Gary snickered. "Kidding, kidding!" He patted Ash's shoulder. "Now, say 'Aaaah.'"

Ash groaned but obeyed, opening his mouth.

Gary gently pressed Ash's tongue down with a tongue depressor and peered inside with his light. "Hmm... throat's a little red. Been drinking enough water?"

Ash mumbled around the depressor, "Mmmaybe..."

Gary rolled his eyes. "Uh-huh. You need to drink more."

Ash pouted as Gary pulled back.

"Okay, next—heart check."

Ash tensed. "B-But that means—"

Gary already had his stethoscope. "Yup. Shirt up, buddy."

Ash whined. "Gaaary..."

Gary smirked. "What? It's doctor stuff."

Ash grumbled but lifted his pajama shirt just enough.

Gary pressed the stethoscope against Ash's chest. "Deep breath."

Ash inhaled shakily.

Gary moved the stethoscope, listening carefully. "Again."

Another deep breath.

Gary nodded. "Heart's good. No weird ticking noises."

Ash blinked. "Why would my heart tick?"

Gary grinned. "Dunno. Maybe you're secretly a robot."

Ash groaned. "I hate when you mess with me..."

Gary chuckled, looping the stethoscope around his neck. "Okay, last thing—lymph nodes."

Ash frowned. "That's the neck thing, right?"

"Yup."

Gary reached out and gently pressed along Ash's neck, feeling for any swelling. Ash stiffened but stayed still.

After a few moments, Gary gave a satisfied nod. "All good."

Ash sighed in relief. "So we're done?"

Gary smirked. "Yup. You survived your totally painless, non-scary checkup."

Ash pouted. "You say that, but I was still nervous..."

Gary patted his head. "And yet, you were super brave."

Ash turned pink. "Mmm... thanks, Doctor Gary..."

Gary grinned. "Anytime, Ashy Boy."