Gary, already snapping the gloves onto his small hands, smiled reassuringly. "Nah, buddy. No pain. Just me making sure you're all good."

Ash still looked nervous, his fingers gripping the edge of the bed. "Mmm... okay..."

Gary reached for a small flashlight from his nightstand. "Let's start with your eyes. Look straight at me, Ashy."

Ash obeyed, his wide brown eyes blinking up at Gary.

Gary clicked the light on and gently shined it into one eye, then the other, watching Ash's pupils react. He moved the light from side to side. "Follow this with just your eyes, okay?"

Ash's gaze wobbled slightly, but he did as he was told.

Gary hummed thoughtfully. "Pupils look good. No weird reaction time. You ever feel dizzy when you stand up too fast?"

Ash blinked. "Uhhh... sometimes?"

Gary nodded, making a mental note. "Okay, I'll check your circulation later."

Ash whimpered again. "That sounds scary."

Gary smirked. "Nah, it just means I'll poke your fingers and watch them turn pink again. No biggie."

Ash still looked suspicious but nodded.

Next, Gary grabbed his otoscope. "Alright, lemme see those ears."

Ash hesitated before scooting forward slightly. Gary gently tilted Ash's head and peered into one ear, then the other. "No wax build-up, no redness... looks good to me."

Ash huffed in relief. "That was easy..."

Gary chuckled. "Told ya."

He set the otoscope down and held out his hand. "Now open wide and say 'Aaaah.'"

Ash's mouth barely opened. "Ahhh..."

Gary raised a brow. "That's weak. C'mon, bigger."

Ash sighed but opened wider. "Aaaaaaaah..."

Gary took a tongue depressor and gently pressed Ash's tongue down while shining the flashlight inside. "Mhm... throat looks fine. No redness or swelling. How's it been feeling?"

Ash mumbled around the depressor. "Nnnh... gud."

Gary snickered. "I'll take your word for it." He let go, and Ash immediately shut his mouth with a relieved sigh.

Next, Gary grabbed his stethoscope. "Alright, Ashy Boy, time for the fun part."

Ash immediately stiffened. "... The what?"

Gary chuckled, looping the stethoscope around his neck before placing the chest piece against Ash's chest. "Deep breath in for me."

Ash inhaled sharply.

Gary moved the stethoscope. "And out."

Ash exhaled shakily.

"Again."

Gary carefully listened, his brow furrowing slightly in focus. "Mmm. Lungs sound good."

Ash peeked up at him. "That's... good, right?"

Gary smirked. "That's great, bud. Now let's check your heart."

He moved the stethoscope again, pressing it over Ash's heartbeat. "Breathe normal, okay?"

Ash nodded, but Gary felt the slight tremble in his posture. His heart was racing.

Gary gave him a knowing smile. "Relax, buddy. Your heart's gonna explode if you keep freaking out."

Ash whined. "But what if there's something bad?!"

Gary flicked his forehead lightly. "There's not. Just a nervous little dude who overthinks too much."

Ash pouted but stayed still as Gary finished listening.

Gary finally took the stethoscope off with a satisfied nod. "Your heart's fine. Just a little fast 'cause you're all anxious."

Ash huffed. "That's your fault."

Gary laughed. "Sure, blame the doctor."

He reached out and gently pressed his fingers along Ash's neck, feeling for swollen lymph nodes. Ash flinched but didn't pull away.

"Not sore, is it?" Gary asked.

Ash shook his head.

Gary nodded and checked a few more spots—under his jaw, around his collarbone. "Lymph nodes are all good. No infections hiding in there."

Ash let out another relieved sigh. "So I'm okay?"

Gary grinned, reaching over to ruffle his hair. "Yeah, kid. You're all good."

Ash beamed, then—

"Wait."

Gary paused. "What?"

Ash narrowed his eyes. "You said something about my fingers turning pink."

Gary smirked. "Ohhh, right. Circulation check."

Ash whined. "Gaaaaaaryyyyyy..."

Gary just laughed. "C'mon, buddy. Almost done."