" Gary? Can I ask of you something?"

Gary looked up from his bed. " Sure. What's up?"

" We have a certain trainer who, though injured, will not get treated."

Gary blinked.

Then he groaned. " Arceus.... It's Ash, isn't it?"

Professor Rowan sighed. "Yes. It's Ash."

Gary let his head fall back onto the bed. "Of course it is."

Rowan crossed his arms. "He's being particularly stubborn. He refuses treatment, claims he's 'fine,' and outright ran when I tried to have Nurse Joy look at him."

Gary let out a sharp, dry laugh. "Classic." He sat up and ran a hand through his hair. "Where is he now?"

"Currently?" Rowan's brow furrowed. "Hiding somewhere in the center. We’ve narrowed it down to either the supply closet or the roof."

Gary exhaled through his nose. "Right. Leave it to me."

—

Gary found him in the supply closet.

He opened the door, and there Ash was—curled up on a crate, arms crossed, looking every bit like a kid caught sneaking cookies before dinner. He blinked up at Gary, trying for innocence.

"Hey, Doc."

Gary pinched the bridge of his nose. "Ash."

"I'm fine."

"No, you’re not." Gary shut the door behind him, arms crossed. "Now, are you gonna walk out of here on your own, or am I dragging you?"

Ash huffed and hugged his arms tighter.

Gary sighed. "Alright, what is it this time?"

"I'm fine," Ash repeated, stubbornly looking away.

Gary just stared at him. Then, softer, "Ash."

There was a beat of silence.

Then, finally—

"...What if it’s bad?"

Gary blinked. "What?"

Ash kept his gaze down. "What if it’s bad? What if they say I can't—what if I have to—" He swallowed. "What if I can’t battle anymore?"

Gary’s breath hitched.

That was it. That was why he was hiding.

"Ash."

Ash still wouldn't look at him.

Gary sighed and crouched down to his level. "Ash."

Slowly, Ash finally met his gaze.

Gary gave him a small, knowing smirk. "C'mon, you know I’d never let that happen."

Ash hesitated.

Gary nudged him. "Have I ever let you down before?"

Ash bit his lip. Then, eventually, he shook his head.

"Exactly." Gary stood up and offered a hand. "Now, let’s get you checked out, properly, so I can keep that record clean, yeah?"

Ash hesitated.

Then, finally—reluctantly—he took Gary’s hand.

Gary grinned. "Atta boy."