Ash sat stiffly on the examination table, his legs swinging slightly as he stared at the floor. His fingers fidgeted with the edge of his jacket, and his chest rose and fell just a little too quickly. Gary was busy preparing his tools, but even he couldn’t ignore how quiet Ash had become. Too quiet.

Gary turned, clipboard in hand, and immediately noticed the tension in Ash’s posture. His usual smirk faltered as concern crept in. “Alright, Ashy-boy, let’s start simple,” Gary said, his tone light as he tried to ease the tension. He picked up a small flashlight. “Eyes first. Look at me.”

Ash hesitated but eventually glanced up. His brown eyes flickered nervously before settling on Gary.

Gary moved closer, shining the light into Ash’s left eye, then the right. “Pupils look good. No signs of anything weird.” He stepped back and smiled. “See? Easy. Now ears. Tilt your head for me.”

Ash obeyed silently, tilting his head as Gary inspected his ears with an otoscope. “No weird Pokémon hiding in there,” Gary joked, trying to lighten the mood.

Ash forced a weak chuckle, but it was obvious he wasn’t fully present.

“Alright, let’s check your nose,” Gary continued, leaning in with the same tool. “Breathe in. Good. Now out. Perfect. Still no poison. You’re safe, Ash.”

Ash didn’t respond, his eyes darting around the room as if he were trying to escape in his mind.

Gary sighed, putting the tools down. “Okay, big moment. Heart and lungs,” he said, grabbing the stethoscope. He walked over to Ash, who tensed immediately.

“Relax,” Gary said gently, slipping the stethoscope under Ash’s shirt. The cold metal made Ash flinch, but he didn’t say anything. Gary pressed the diaphragm against Ash’s chest and frowned slightly as he listened.

“Kiddo, your heart’s going a mile a minute,” Gary muttered. He moved the stethoscope to Ash’s back. “Deep breath in... and out.”

Ash complied, but his breathing was shallow, uneven.

Gary pulled the stethoscope away and knelt on the floor in front of Ash, so they were at eye level. His voice softened. “What’s going on, buddy? You’re scaring me.”

Ash blinked, his lips parting slightly as if he wanted to say something but couldn’t find the words.

“You’re not usually this quiet,” Gary continued, resting a hand on Ash’s knee. “Talk to me. Are you feeling sick? Dizzy? Or is it... something else?”

Ash shook his head, his voice barely above a whisper. “I’m fine.”

“Fine?” Gary repeated, raising an eyebrow. “Ash, your heart’s racing, your lungs are working overtime, and you’re acting like you’re about to face the Elite Four blindfolded. That’s not ‘fine.’”

Ash looked away, his hands clenching into fists. “I just… I don’t know. I guess I’m nervous, okay?”

Gary sighed, squeezing Ash’s knee gently. “Hey, it’s okay to be nervous. But I’m here, alright? You trust me, don’t you?”

Ash hesitated before nodding slowly.

“Good,” Gary said, standing back up. “Then let’s keep going. Reflexes next. Stick out your leg.”

Ash did as he was told, and Gary tapped his knee with a reflex hammer, watching the slight jerk. “Perfect. You’re still human.”

Ash managed a faint smile, his shoulders relaxing a bit.

Gary grinned. “Alright, last one. Open wide and say ‘ah.’”

“Ah,” Ash mumbled, opening his mouth just enough for Gary to check.

“Throat’s clear. No signs of poison, disease, or alien Pokémon,” Gary teased, leaning back. “You’re in better shape than you think.”

Ash finally let out a genuine laugh, shaking his head. “You’re such a dork, Gary.”

“Yeah, but I’m your dork,” Gary replied, ruffling Ash’s hair. “And I’m not letting you freak out over something as simple as a check-up. Got it?”

“Got it,” Ash said, his voice steadier now.

Gary smiled, grabbing the clipboard. “Good. Now, let’s finish up and get out of here. I think we’ve both earned some ice cream after this.”

Ash grinned. “Only if you’re paying.”

Gary rolled his eyes but didn’t argue.

At least Ash was smiling again.