The clinic was quieter than usual today, and Gary found himself alone in the back office, looking over patient files. He’d just finished his usual rounds when the door opened, and Ash walked in, looking a bit more hesitant than usual.

Gary glanced up from his paperwork, his sharp eyes catching the slight tension in Ash’s posture. "Hey, Ashy," he greeted, his voice warm but with a teasing edge. "What’s got you looking like that? You about to storm off or something?"

Ash fidgeted, his hands shoved deep into his pockets, his eyes darting around the room. "I… uh…" He swallowed hard. "I don’t really… like needles."

Gary raised an eyebrow, setting the papers aside. "Oh, buddy, you and me both. But that doesn’t mean we can’t do this, right?"

Ash shifted on his feet, his face flushed. "It’s just… I don’t know. It’s always been scary."

Gary couldn’t help but smile. He stood up from his desk and walked over to Ash, making sure to keep his movements slow and steady. "I hear ya, kiddo. You think I like giving shots? No way. But I’ve got to tell you something." He placed a hand on Ash’s shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "You’re tougher than you think. You’ve handled way worse, right?"

Ash nodded, though his eyes were still wide and uncertain.

"Alright, then. This’ll be easy," Gary said, his voice low and smooth. "Just a quick poke, and then you’re done. You can even pretend it’s a bug bite or something, if that helps."

Ash gave a nervous laugh, but Gary could tell it didn’t quite reach his eyes.

"Listen," Gary said softly, bending down slightly to meet Ash’s gaze. "I’m going to be right here, okay? Just relax. We’ll do this quick and smooth. I’ll even let you pick a name for the needle if it makes it feel less scary. How about ‘Pokey’?"

Ash blinked at him, then let out a nervous chuckle. "Pokey?"

"Yep, Pokey," Gary confirmed, his voice light. "And Pokey’s gonna be a quick one. Trust me, kiddo."

Ash hesitated, but Gary could see the small nod, a signal that he was at least trying to trust him.

Gary walked over to the counter, grabbing a clean needle and preparing it with quick, efficient movements. He glanced back at Ash, who was still standing near the door, looking as if he might bolt at any moment.

"Alright, Ash," Gary called softly, his voice warm and encouraging. "Come on over, and let’s get this done."

With a sigh, Ash walked forward, his steps slow but deliberate. He didn’t make eye contact as he stood next to Gary, but Gary didn’t mind. He knew this was hard for Ash, and sometimes, the best thing to do was just be there without forcing it.

Gary quickly guided Ash to a chair and sat him down, ruffling his hair.

"Okay, buddy," he said gently, reaching out to roll up Ash’s sleeve as he knelt down. "This is the part where you take a deep breath and just let it out slowly. It’ll be over before you know it."

Ash’s breathing hitched, and Gary could feel the tension in his arm.

Gary smiled reassuringly. "Look, I’m not going to lie, it’s going to sting a bit, but then we’re done. I’ll count to three, and it’ll be over, okay?"

Ash nodded, his hands clenched by his sides. "Okay."

Gary took a deep breath and placed the needle to Ash’s arm, his touch gentle as he did so. "One… two… and three!"

There was a brief sting, a soft poke, and then it was over. Ash’s eyes widened, and Gary immediately pulled the needle away, quickly placing a small cotton ball on the injection site and pressing gently.

"See?" Gary said with a smile, rubbing the cotton ball against Ash’s arm. "Told you it’d be quick."

Ash let out a shaky breath and looked down at his arm, the tension slowly starting to leave his shoulders. He blinked, processing the moment, then finally looked up at Gary.

"That… wasn’t so bad," Ash admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.

Gary grinned, ruffling Ash’s hair affectionately. "Told you. You’re tougher than you give yourself credit for, Ashy."

Ash’s face broke into a small, shy smile. "Thanks, Gary. I… I think I’ll survive next time."

Gary chuckled, patting his back lightly. "I’ll hold you to that, kiddo. No more avoiding shots for you, alright?"

Ash nodded, feeling the slight weight of the moment lift off his shoulders. “Yeah, no more avoiding shots,” he echoed softly.

Gary threw an arm around his shoulders as they walked out of the office together, the tension between them easing with each step.

"You did great, buddy," Gary said again, his voice filled with praise. "See? I told you, just a little bit of bravery, and we’re done."

Ash smiled, his voice full of gratitude. "Thanks for making it easy, Gary."

Gary grinned. "Anytime, Ash. Anytime."

One quiet afternoon, the clinic was nearly empty. The only sounds in the space were the soft hum of the air conditioning and the gentle rustle of paper as Gary shuffled through a stack of patient files in his office. He’d been waiting for Ash for a while now, knowing that today’s visit might be a bit more challenging. Ash had been dreading this appointment for days, and Gary could already tell that the boy was fighting his anxiety.

The door to the office creaked open, and Ash stepped in, hesitating just inside the doorway. His usual wide-eyed energy was missing, replaced by a stiffness in his shoulders that made Gary’s heart ache.

“Ashy-Boy,” Gary called, his voice warm but with a hint of concern. “You came. Come on in, kid.”

Ash’s gaze flickered up to meet Gary’s, but he didn’t move right away. Instead, he shifted his weight from one foot to the other, looking like he was deciding whether or not to back out.

Gary’s lips quirked into a soft smile as he pushed the chair back from his desk, standing up and walking toward Ash. “Don’t worry, buddy,” he said, his voice steady and soothing. “We’re just here to check on you. It’s gonna be quick, and I’m right here with you, okay?”

Ash nodded hesitantly, though his hands were trembling slightly, his fingers fidgeting with the edge of his jacket sleeve. His eyes darted toward the counter, where a syringe sat innocently in a small dish.

Gary noticed the look. "I know, Ash. You’re not a fan of the needle, huh?" His voice softened, but he kept it light. "But hey, it’s just a quick shot, and then we’re done. You can do this, kid."

Ash shifted uneasily. “I… I don’t like shots, Gary,” he mumbled, his voice tight with unease.

Gary’s heart ached for him. He had seen this before—Ash’s fear was almost palpable, his body rigid, his breath shallow as if just thinking about the needle was enough to send him into a spiral.

“I know, buddy,” Gary said gently, stepping closer. He rested a hand on Ash’s shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “But listen, kid, this is just something we’ve gotta do. I’ll make sure you’re alright. You’ve handled a lot tougher things than this, haven’t you?”

Ash didn’t answer right away. His eyes flickered to the needle once more, and Gary could see the unease still swirling in the boy’s chest. But then Ash took a deep breath and gave a tiny nod.

Gary smiled, his hand still resting on Ash’s shoulder. "That’s the spirit, Ash. You’ve got this."

With a soft, encouraging nod, Gary gently guided Ash toward the exam table. Ash hesitated before sitting down, his hands clenched tightly in his lap as if holding on to any semblance of control he could manage.

“Alright, Ashy-Boy,” Gary said, trying to keep his tone light, “I’ll get everything ready, and then we’ll do this super quick. Just remember, you’re not alone in this. I’m right here.”

Ash's breathing was shallow, but he managed a tiny nod, looking up at Gary, eyes wide with a mixture of fear and trust.

Gary grabbed the syringe, double-checking the dosage. He could feel Ash’s gaze following his every movement, the tension in the boy’s shoulders palpable. He took a slow breath, trying to keep the atmosphere as calm as possible.

“Alright, buddy. Just one quick shot, and then it’s all over, I promise,” Gary said, his voice firm but reassuring. “I’m gonna keep talking to you the whole time, okay? You’re gonna feel a tiny pinch, and then we’re done. You’re gonna be alright.”

Ash’s body tensed, and Gary could feel the tremors running through the boy’s arm as he prepared to give the shot. He met Ash’s eyes and gave him a soft smile. "Just breathe, kid. Deep breaths. In... and out... That’s it. You’ve got this."

Ash’s lips parted, his breath shaky. “Okay... Okay, Gary...” he whispered.

Gary reached down and gently placed his hand on Ash’s arm, squeezing it softly to reassure him. “You ready, Ash?”

The boy gave a stiff nod, his eyes flickering nervously. "I... I guess so."

With a slow, steady motion, Gary carefully swabbed Ash’s arm with the alcohol pad, his fingers light and reassuring. “This part’s not too bad. Just a little cold, right?” he said, his tone upbeat.

Ash’s breath quickened as he braced himself, but Gary didn’t let up. “Alright, Ashy, I’m going in now,” Gary said quietly, positioning the syringe. “You’re doing great, kid.”

The needle slipped in with a quick, practiced motion, and Ash let out a sharp breath, his body flinching despite Gary’s careful approach. Gary held his arm still, his hand gently but firmly pressing down to make sure Ash didn’t jerk away.

“Easy, buddy, easy,” Gary murmured, watching the way Ash’s eyes clenched shut, his hand gripping the edge of the table tightly. “It’s almost over, just a few more seconds.”

The injection was over before Ash could fully process it, and Gary gently withdrew the needle, tossing it into the sharps container. “Done,” Gary said softly, his voice full of relief. “All done, kiddo. See? Not so bad, right?”

Ash’s chest rose and fell rapidly, his eyes still tightly shut, as though he were waiting for something more to happen. Gary leaned in, brushing his hand against Ash’s trembling shoulder. “You did awesome, Ash. I’m proud of you.”

Ash slowly opened his eyes, blinking in surprise as he realized it was over. His shoulders slowly relaxed, the tension draining out of his body. He glanced at Gary, his lips quirking into a small, shaky smile. "I... I did it?"

“You sure did, Ashy-Boy,” Gary said with a warm smile, ruffling Ash’s hair. “Just like I knew you would. You’re tougher than you think, buddy.”

Ash let out a small sigh of relief, the fear still lingering in his eyes, but now with a spark of pride. He’d made it through.

Gary stepped back, giving him a moment to regain his composure. “How you feelin’, kid?”

Ash slowly slid off the table, his legs unsteady at first, but he steadied himself with a deep breath. “Better,” he said softly, the corners of his mouth turning up. “Thanks, Gary.”

Gary grinned, patting Ash on the back lightly. “Anytime, Ash. Anytime.”

It was a quiet morning at the clinic, the sterile scent of antiseptic hanging in the air. Gary had just finished his rounds, and the office was relatively empty. He was busy tidying up, organizing a few supplies, when he heard the soft padding of footsteps in the hallway.

"Ashy-Boy?" Gary called out, his voice a mixture of curiosity and warmth. "Is that you?"

A faint shuffle followed, and soon Ash appeared in the doorway. His face was pale, eyes wide with hesitation. He stood just outside the office, his arms crossed tightly in front of him as if trying to make himself as small as possible.

Gary raised an eyebrow, his gaze softening. "What’s going on, kiddo?" he asked, taking a few steps toward him. "You look like you’ve seen a ghost."

Ash bit his lip, his hands trembling slightly. "I… I don’t know if I can do it today, Gary," he mumbled, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "I mean, I’m… I’m really not feeling great about it."

Gary sighed, but there was no frustration in his expression. Just patience. He had seen this before—Ash’s fear of shots. It wasn’t new, but that didn’t make it any easier to deal with.

“Kid, you know I’m not gonna hurt you, right?” Gary asked, his tone light but reassuring. He took a step closer, crouching down to Ash’s level, making sure he didn’t tower over him.

Ash nodded slowly, but his eyes remained locked on the floor. "I know, but… it still feels scary."

Gary chuckled softly, a hand reaching out to ruffle Ash's messy hair. "I get it, Ash. I do. But you’re a tough kid. You’ve been through way worse, right?" he said, trying to ease the tension.

Ash’s gaze flickered up to Gary, a hint of uncertainty in his eyes. "But… it’s different. It’s a needle, Gary."

"Yeah, I know." Gary smiled. "But it’s over fast. And you’ve got me with you, okay? I’m not going anywhere." He paused for a moment, then added, “And hey, remember what I always say, kiddo—no one’s ever too old for a little extra help when they need it.”

Ash was quiet, still reluctant. Gary could see the fear swirling in his friend’s eyes, his hands clenched tightly at his sides. His heart was racing, the familiar anxiety beginning to take over. But Gary wasn’t going to let him back out this time.

"Ash," Gary said gently, walking closer and placing a hand on his shoulder. "Let’s get this over with. It won’t hurt as bad if we just do it quick, okay?"

Ash hesitated for a long moment, his breath shallow as he stared at the floor, but finally, he nodded. "Okay… I’ll try," he whispered.

Gary’s face softened with a proud smile. "That’s my boy."

Without wasting any more time, Gary led Ash to the examination table, pulling out a syringe from the drawer and preparing it. He glanced over at Ash, who was still standing at the side, looking unsure.

"Alright, buddy," Gary said softly, “Why don’t you hop up on the table for me? We’ll take it slow, yeah?”

Ash climbed onto the table with slow, cautious movements. He settled himself down, looking at the needle in Gary’s hand with wide, anxious eyes.

Gary glanced over at him and gave a quick, reassuring smile. "You’re doing great, Ashy. Just focus on me. Don’t worry about anything else, okay?"

Ash nodded, but his fingers were gripping the edge of the table so tightly that his knuckles turned white. Gary could tell he was still scared, but he wasn’t backing out this time.

Gary placed a hand on Ash’s arm. "Just relax. Take a deep breath for me, kiddo."

Ash did as he was told, trying to steady his breath, though it came out shaky. His heart was hammering in his chest, a sharp contrast to Gary’s calm and controlled demeanor.

"Alright, Ash. I’m going to get this over with as quick as possible," Gary said softly. "You just focus on my voice. Stay with me, buddy."

Gary swabbed Ash’s arm with an alcohol pad, feeling Ash tense beneath his touch. He rubbed his arm gently in reassurance. "Deep breath in, kiddo."

Ash breathed in shakily and then out. Gary quickly prepped the needle and placed it on Ash’s arm.

"This is it," Gary murmured. "I’m right here with you, Ash. It’s just a little poke. You’re tougher than this."

With one smooth motion, Gary injected the shot, his hand steady as he held the needle in place. Ash flinched slightly, his eyes squeezed shut, but the discomfort didn’t last long.

Gary quickly removed the needle and pressed a small cotton ball to the spot. "See? That wasn’t so bad, was it?" he asked, his voice still calm and comforting.

Ash opened his eyes slowly, looking at Gary as if he was unsure of what to feel. But as the realization hit him that it was done, the tension slowly began to ease from his body.

"I… I did it," Ash whispered, his voice barely audible.

Gary smiled widely, giving Ash’s shoulder a gentle squeeze. "That’s right, Ash. You did it. I’m proud of you, kid. You didn’t back down."

Ash’s shoulders slumped with relief, and a small smile tugged at the corners of his lips. "Thanks, Gary. You were right. It wasn’t so bad."

Gary ruffled Ash’s hair once again, this time with more affection. "Of course I’m right. I’m Gary, after all."

Ash snorted, a soft laugh escaping him. "Yeah, you’re always right," he teased, his voice a little steadier now.

Gary chuckled, standing up and giving Ash one last smile. "Alright, buddy. You’re free to go. But hey, remember, next time you need a shot, you know you can always count on me. I’ll make sure you’re okay."

Ash gave a small, grateful nod. "Thanks, Gary," he said quietly, a lot of the fear gone from his voice. "I’m lucky to have you."

Gary smiled warmly. "And I’m lucky to have you, Ashy. Now go on and take a break. You’ve earned it."

As Ash left the room, Gary stood there for a moment, watching him go with a proud smile on his face. It wasn’t always easy, but watching Ash face his fears, even the smallest ones, was worth every second. And that was why Gary always called him "kid," "buddy," or "Ashy." Because to him, Ash was more than just a friend—he was family.

The clinic was quiet that day, the usual bustle of patients and nurses temporarily at rest. Gary was behind his desk, reading over some files when he heard a soft knock at the door.

“Come in,” Gary called, glancing up from his papers.

The door creaked open, and Ash stepped inside, looking a little more tense than usual. His eyes flickered around the room, briefly landing on the medical supplies neatly arranged on the counter.

"Hey, Ashy-Boy," Gary greeted warmly, his voice soothing as always. “How’s it going?”

Ash hesitated at the doorway, his fingers fidgeting with the hem of his sleeve. “I, uh… I’m not sure about this…”

Gary knew exactly what Ash was talking about. The dreaded shot.

"Ah," Gary sighed, standing up and stretching his back. He pulled a chair closer to the examination table. "Well, you know what they say, kiddo... shots aren’t nearly as bad as people make them out to be. You’ll be fine."

Ash’s gaze flickered nervously toward the chair, but he didn’t move. Gary smiled patiently and walked over, gently resting a hand on Ash’s shoulder.

“Look, Ash, I know it’s not fun. But I’m gonna be right here with you the whole time. Nothing to worry about, okay?” Gary’s voice was calm, reassuring.

Ash swallowed, his eyes shifting to the small vial of medicine on the counter. He couldn’t help the anxious knot that formed in his stomach. The thought of the needle made him feel light-headed, and the idea of sitting through it was making him even more jittery.

"Kid, come on," Gary urged gently, but with a hint of amusement. "You’ve faced down a hundred Pokémon battles, and now you’re nervous about a tiny shot? You’re tougher than this, Ash. Besides, you’ve got me here."

Ash finally took a deep breath and nodded, walking slowly toward the table. Gary could see the tension in his posture, but at least he was moving in the right direction.

“Good choice, buddy,” Gary said, giving Ash a reassuring grin as he helped him sit down. “Now, roll up your sleeve for me.”

Ash’s hands were shaky as he pushed up the sleeve of his jacket, exposing his upper arm. He tried to keep his gaze fixed on the far side of the room, his muscles tense under his skin.

Gary moved toward the counter, carefully preparing the syringe. He knew how important it was to stay calm around Ash, to make sure he knew there was no reason to fear the process. He drew the medication into the syringe with precise motions, all the while glancing back at Ash to keep his mind distracted from the needle.

“Alright, Ash,” Gary said, his voice soft and steady as he walked back to the boy’s side. “This is it. I need you to relax your arm, okay? The more you tense up, the more it’ll hurt. Just take a deep breath, kiddo.”

Ash nodded but didn’t speak. His face was pale, his eyes wide with apprehension, but he was doing his best to follow Gary’s instructions.

“Deep breath, buddy. In through your nose…” Gary guided. “And out through your mouth. Just like we practiced before.”

Ash inhaled shakily, his hand gripping the edge of the table as if trying to anchor himself. Gary could see the way his knuckles whitened, but at least he was breathing.

“Alright, now I’m just going to press a little bit on your arm here, okay?” Gary said, gently placing his fingers on the soft part of Ash's upper arm. “It’s going to feel like a quick pinch. You ready?”

Ash nodded again, though his eyes were still locked on the far wall.

Gary positioned the syringe carefully, then, with a smooth and practiced motion, inserted the needle into Ash’s arm. It went in with minimal resistance, but Ash’s reaction was immediate. He flinched hard, his entire body tensing as he let out a quiet gasp.

“Easy, Ashy,” Gary murmured, keeping his hand steady. “Just breathe, kiddo. It’s over in a second. You’re doing great.”

The medicine went in quickly, and Gary removed the needle just as swiftly. He tossed it into the waste bin with a flick of his wrist, then returned his attention to Ash.

“There we go, buddy. All done,” Gary said with a relieved smile. He patted Ash’s shoulder gently. “See? That wasn’t so bad, was it?”

Ash let out a shaky breath, his hand still gripping the edge of the table. His heart was still racing, but the worst of it was over. “I... I didn’t think it’d hurt so much,” Ash admitted, his voice small and vulnerable.

Gary crouched down to meet Ash’s eyes, offering him a soft smile. “I know it’s not fun, but you made it through. And that’s what matters.”

Ash finally let go of the table, his shoulders slumping with exhaustion, but there was a flicker of relief in his expression. “I did it, huh?”

“You sure did, Ashy,” Gary said with a chuckle, giving the boy a ruffle on the head. “Like I said, no sweat.”

Ash gave a weak but grateful smile. “Thanks, Gary... I don’t think I could’ve done it without you.”

Gary grinned, standing up and helping Ash off the table. “No problem, kiddo. That’s what I’m here for. Now let’s get you some water, alright?”

Ash nodded, feeling a little lighter now that the ordeal was over. He still couldn’t quite shake the memory of the shot, but he knew Gary was right—he had made it through, and he wasn’t alone.

As they walked toward the door, Gary glanced over at Ash with a playful grin. “Next time, we’ll aim for the battle tower, yeah? You’ve handled tougher stuff than this, Ash.”

Ash couldn’t help but laugh softly. “Yeah, maybe. But... I think I’ll take a break from shots for a while.”

Gary chuckled and clapped him on the back. “I don’t blame you there, buddy.”

The clinic was quiet, save for the faint hum of the air conditioning and the soft shuffle of papers in the back room. Gary had been working a few extra shifts lately, and while the waiting room was empty, he had a feeling he wasn’t going to be alone for long.

The door to his office creaked open, and in walked Ash, looking slightly nervous. His usual bright eyes were shadowed with a hint of unease, his hands nervously clutching the hem of his shirt. He hesitated in the doorway for a moment, glancing at Gary with a sheepish smile.

"Hey, Ashy-boy," Gary greeted him with a warm, casual smile. “You alright, buddy?”

Ash nodded slowly but didn’t speak immediately. He shuffled his feet, trying to gather the courage to enter fully.

“C’mon in, kid,” Gary said, patting the seat beside him on the exam table. “You’re not in trouble, I promise. Just a quick check-up.”

Ash swallowed but nodded again, finally stepping into the room. He sat down carefully, his eyes flicking nervously to the tray of medical tools on the counter. Gary noticed and raised an eyebrow.

“Hey, look at me, Ash.” Gary’s voice softened, his tone patient and understanding. “You remember last time, right? This is just a little shot, just to make sure you're staying healthy.”

Ash nodded but didn’t look any less tense. Gary could tell the boy was already thinking about the needle.

“Kid, we’ve been through this before,” Gary said, standing up and walking over to the counter where the syringe was ready. “You’re a tough guy, you’ve done this a hundred times. And I’m gonna make sure it’s as quick as possible, okay?”

Ash’s eyes lingered on the syringe, and he swallowed hard. “I don’t… I don’t like it, Gary.”

Gary sighed, his voice warm but teasing as he walked back over to Ash. “I know, kiddo. Nobody likes it. But you know what? You’re strong, and you’re brave, and this is just part of keeping yourself in top shape. And besides, it’s over before you know it.”

Ash hesitated, clearly still unsure, but Gary gave him a reassuring smile. He knew it wasn’t about the pain so much as the anticipation. Sometimes, it felt worse before it actually happened.

"Okay, here’s the plan," Gary said gently, crouching down in front of Ash, his hands resting on his knees. “I’m going to lift your jeans a bit, just enough so I can give you the shot. It won’t hurt as much here, okay? Promise.”

Ash gave him a wary look but nodded, clearly trying to trust Gary. Gary reached over, gently lifting the bottom of Ash’s jeans, exposing his knee.

“Alright, kid,” Gary said softly. “Let me just tilt your leg to the side a little. That’s it. Just stay relaxed. It’ll be over in a second.”

Ash’s breathing was shallow, but he obeyed, letting Gary adjust his leg. Gary could feel the boy’s muscles tense up as he prepared for what was coming, and he rubbed his hand soothingly on Ash’s thigh.

“Hey, Ash,” Gary said, his voice low and calm, like he was talking to a skittish animal. “It’s okay. I’m right here. This is going to help you stay healthy. You’ll barely feel it.”

Ash nodded, but his eyes were wide, and Gary could see him gripping the edge of the exam table with white-knuckled fists. Gary was used to this—Ash was always a little nervous, but he knew it was nothing the kid couldn’t handle.

“You ready?” Gary asked, his tone gentle but firm.

Ash hesitated for a moment longer, his eyes flicking nervously to the needle again. Gary smiled reassuringly and gave his knee a soft pat.

“Hey, buddy, you’ve been through tougher stuff than this. Remember when you took that fall during training? You didn’t even flinch. You’ve got this.”

Ash looked at him for a long moment, then nodded reluctantly. “I’m ready, Gary.”

“Good,” Gary said, giving Ash’s knee one last reassuring rub. “Here we go, kiddo.”

With that, Gary took the syringe in hand, positioning it carefully at the top of Ash’s thigh. He steadied Ash’s leg with his other hand, making sure it stayed still.

“Just a quick pinch, alright? Almost done.”

Ash squeezed his eyes shut and took a deep breath, his body trembling slightly. Gary could see the tension in his muscles as he pressed the needle into Ash’s leg, just above the knee.

For a moment, Ash’s whole body stiffened, but Gary kept his hand on Ash’s leg, rubbing it gently to comfort him. “I know, kiddo, I know. Almost done. You’re doing awesome.”

The shot was quick, barely more than a second of discomfort, but Ash’s whole body still seemed to tense as the needle slid in. Gary watched Ash’s face closely, his own expression soft and encouraging.

“There we go, all done,” Gary said, pulling the syringe out and disposing of it carefully in the nearby waste bin.

Ash slowly opened his eyes, blinking a few times as if he couldn’t quite believe it was over. His breathing was still a little uneven, but Gary could see the relief in his eyes as the tension began to fade.

“That wasn’t so bad, was it?” Gary asked, a playful smile tugging at his lips.

Ash shook his head slowly, his face still pale but softening. “It… it didn’t hurt as much as I thought. But I still hate it.”

Gary chuckled softly, his hand resting on Ash’s shoulder. “Yeah, I get it, buddy. Nobody likes shots. But you’re stronger than you think. You handled it like a champ.”

Ash managed a small smile, though it was still faint. “Thanks, Gary. You’re the best.”

Gary ruffled Ash’s hair affectionately, standing up and straightening out his jeans. “Of course, Ash. I’ll always be here to help you out, no matter what.”

The room was silent for a moment, save for the soft hum of the clinic’s air conditioning. Gary gave Ash a final smile as he gathered his things.

“You feel better now?” Gary asked, his voice genuine.

Ash nodded, though he was still a little flushed from the experience. “Yeah. I guess... I guess it wasn’t as bad as I thought.”

Gary smiled warmly. “See? Told you. You’re tougher than you give yourself credit for.”

With that, Gary patted Ash’s back and helped him off the exam table. Ash took a deep breath, still clearly shaken but a little more confident.

“You ready to go, Ashy-Boy?” Gary asked, his tone teasing but caring.

Ash gave him a weak thumbs-up. “Yeah. Let’s get out of here. But, um… maybe no more shots for a while, okay?”

Gary laughed, shaking his head. “Deal, kid. No more shots for a while. But hey, you did awesome. And I’m proud of you.”

As they walked out of the room together, Ash’s hand brushed against Gary’s, and for the first time that day, he was smiling—genuinely. It was small, but it was enough.

( Also yes people get shots on their legs.

I did too when I was eight)

Gary paced around the small examination room, running his hands over his stethoscope and glancing at the clipboard he’d been holding. He could hear Ash’s anxious breathing from across the room, the ten-year-old fidgeting with the hem of his shirt as his eyes darted around nervously. Gary knew that the kid didn’t like needles, but this had to be done. He couldn’t avoid it any longer.

“Ashy,” Gary said, his tone light and soothing, trying to distract the boy. “How about we talk for a second? Just breathe with me for a second, okay?”

Ash barely looked up. “I don’t want the shot, Gary. I don’t… I really don’t.”

Gary’s lips curved into a soft, sympathetic smile as he stepped closer, placing a hand gently on Ash’s shoulder. “Hey, kiddo. I get it, you really don’t like shots. But you know what? This is important, okay? I wouldn’t do it if it wasn’t.”

Ash swallowed hard, his eyes welling up with tears, though he stubbornly refused to let them fall. “But it always hurts... I don’t wanna…”

Gary’s heart clenched. He could feel the tension radiating from Ash’s stiff shoulders, the way the boy was trying so hard to hold it together. It was never easy to see someone you cared about struggle, especially when it was this difficult.

Taking a deep breath, Gary sat beside Ash on the edge of the exam table. “I know, buddy. But we’re gonna make it quick. I’ll be right here, and I promise it won’t be that bad.”

He pulled out a small syringe from the tray on the counter, the tip gleaming silver under the bright overhead lights. Ash’s eyes went wide at the sight of it, and he immediately started to pull his legs up under him.

Gary couldn’t help but chuckle softly. “No need to panic, Ash. We’re gonna do this slowly, alright? I just need you to trust me.”

Ash hesitated for a moment, chewing on his bottom lip. Gary could see the fear and anxiety building up in his eyes, the way he was shaking, and he could practically hear Ash’s heartbeat racing.

“You’re gonna be okay, I swear,” Gary said reassuringly, reaching for the boy’s leg. “I’ll even make it easier. Just need to get the right spot, alright?”

Ash nodded slowly, his face still scrunched in apprehension. Gary could see the battle going on in his mind, trying to decide whether to run or stay.

“Okay,” Gary continued, slipping his hand under Ash’s jeans. “We’ll do it here, alright? This will hurt less than the other spots. Trust me on that.”

Ash clenched his fists, gripping the sides of the exam table, but his voice was barely a whisper. “Promise?”

Gary smiled warmly, his fingers lightly brushing against Ash’s knee as he lifted the boy’s jeans just enough to expose the soft skin below. “Promise, kiddo. It’s gonna be just fine. You ready?”

Ash didn’t answer, but his lips were trembling as he tried to nod. Gary could see the fear still in the boy’s eyes, but he also saw the trust. Ash was willing to do this because Gary was there, and that meant everything.

Gary gave him one last reassuring smile, then positioned the needle carefully against the side of Ash’s leg. “Okay, here we go. It’ll be over in a second.”

He pushed the needle in with smooth, practiced precision. Ash gasped sharply, the sting making him tense up, but Gary’s hand remained steady on his leg. “Almost done, buddy. Just a little more.”

Ash’s breath came out in shaky, quick bursts, but he didn’t pull away. Gary could feel his leg quivering slightly beneath his fingers, but the boy stayed still. “I know it’s hard, Ash. But you’re doing great.”

As the final bit of the injection went in, Gary carefully pulled the needle out, setting it down on the counter. Ash let out a long breath, his whole body relaxing as the tension left his limbs. He looked at Gary with wide eyes, as if not quite believing it was over.

“See? That wasn’t so bad, was it?” Gary asked, his tone light and playful.

Ash’s voice was shaky, but he managed a small, embarrassed smile. “I… I guess it wasn’t… that bad. But… next time, can we not do it again?”

Gary laughed softly, brushing Ash’s hair back out of his eyes. “Next time? Oh, come on, buddy. We don’t even know if we’ll need to do it again. But if we do, I’ll be right here with you, okay?”

Ash nodded, his shoulders sagging with the relief of having it done. He sniffled slightly, wiping at his eyes with the back of his hand. “I don’t like it… but you’re right. I trust you.”

Gary’s heart swelled with pride. “That’s my Ashy-boy. You’re tough, you know that?”

Ash gave him a weak grin, still a little unsure but much more relaxed than before. “Yeah. I guess I am…”

“Good job, kiddo.” Gary gave Ash a final pat on the shoulder before pulling the cotton ball from his pocket and gently pressing it to the small mark where the needle had gone in. “Let’s get you cleaned up. And hey, no more shots for today, alright?”

Ash nodded, allowing Gary to finish the small procedure. As the cotton ball went into the trash, Gary stood up and looked down at his friend. “You did awesome, Ash. Seriously.”

Ash finally looked up at him, a shy smile forming on his lips. “Thanks, Gary.”

“Anytime, buddy. Anytime.” Gary ruffled Ash’s hair affectionately, watching as the boy began to relax even more. There was still a lot of work to do, but for now, Gary was just happy to see Ash making it through another tough moment. The kid was strong, even when he didn’t believe it. And Gary would always be right there by his side.

The small clinic room was silent, save for the distant ticking of the wall clock and the occasional rustle of paper from the counter where the nurse had been organizing supplies. Ash sat stiffly on the examination table, his legs swinging slightly, his hands gripping the edge like it was the only thing keeping him grounded.

Gary, standing just a foot away, was meticulously preparing the syringes. His sharp brown eyes flicked toward Ash every few moments, watching the way his friend fidgeted, the nervous way he bit his bottom lip, and how his fingers clenched and unclenched against the table.

Gary sighed, rolling his shoulders before turning around, holding up the first syringe with a reassuring smile. "Alright, Ashy-Boy, let’s get this over with."

Ash’s whole body tensed. His eyes zeroed in on the needle, and he immediately started shaking his head. "G-Gary, wait—"

Gary took a step closer, setting the other two syringes on the tray beside him. "Ash," he said calmly, his voice steady and patient. "I know you don’t like shots. But we gotta do this, okay?"

Ash’s breathing quickened, his fingers gripping the examination table even tighter. "B-but do we have to do all three?"

Gary exhaled through his nose, his expression softening. He placed a gentle hand on Ash’s shoulder. "Yeah, kiddo. We do. But I promise I'll be quick, and I'll do it in the least painful spot. You trust me, right?"

Ash hesitated, looking up into Gary’s face. His stomach was twisting into knots, but he didn’t want to seem weak in front of his best friend. After a moment, he swallowed hard and gave a tiny nod.

Gary grinned. "That’s my guy." He crouched slightly, rolling up the sleeve of his lab coat before giving Ash’s leg a light pat. "Alright, let’s start with this one. Lift your jeans to your knee for me, buddy."

Ash bit his lip but obeyed, his hands shaking as he pulled the fabric up. His knee was bare now, the pale skin slightly goosebumped from nerves. Gary gently took hold of his ankle, tilting Ash’s leg to the side.

"Here, okay?" Gary murmured, his fingers brushing against the side of Ash’s calf as he pinpointed the best spot. "It won’t hurt as much here. Promise."

Ash inhaled sharply through his nose, squeezing his eyes shut. "Y-you always say that!"

Gary chuckled, shaking his head. "Yeah, well, I’m always right, aren’t I?" He pulled out an alcohol swab, gently dabbing at the area with care. "Alright, Ash. Deep breath in."

Ash tensed, gripping the table even harder. "Gary—"

"Shh, kiddo. Breathe in…" Gary’s voice was low and soothing. Ash hesitated, but he sucked in a breath through his nose.

And in that moment, Gary pressed the needle in with swift, practiced precision.

Ash flinched violently, his breath hitching, but before he could react, Gary had already emptied the shot and pulled the needle away.

"—And out," Gary finished, pressing a cotton ball against the injection site. He smiled. "See? Not so bad."

Ash cracked one eye open, his breathing still uneven. "Ow…" he muttered weakly.

Gary chuckled, taping the cotton ball in place with a small bandage. "One down, two to go, buddy."

Ash groaned, slumping forward. "You’re evil…"

Gary grinned, ruffling Ash’s hair. "Nah, I’m just good at what I do."

Before Ash could get too far in his sulking, Gary pat his hand. "You’re doing great, Ashy-Boy. Just two more, and then we’re done. Ready?"

Ash gave a weak nod, his hands clenching into fists.

"Okay. Deep breath in…"

Ash obeyed, inhaling sharply through his nose.

"…And out."

Another sharp pinch, another swift injection, and it was over before Ash could even make a sound.

He let out a long exhale, his shoulders slumping in relief. "That one hurt more," he grumbled.

Gary smirked, pressing another cotton ball against the spot before securing it with tape. "You’re just being dramatic."

Ash shot him a half-hearted glare. "Am not."

Gary snorted. "Alright, last one, kiddo." He rolled his wrist, shaking out his fingers before picking up the final syringe. "Other foot, same thing. C’mon, Ash, we’re in the final stretch."

Ash groaned but lifted his foot anyway, his fingers trembling slightly as he pulled his jeans up once more.

Gary worked quickly, tilting Ash’s leg just like before. "Last time, I swear," he murmured. "Breathe in…"

Ash squeezed his eyes shut.

"…And out."

The third shot went in just as smoothly as the others, but this time, Ash couldn’t help but let out a small whimper. His leg twitched slightly in Gary’s grasp.

Gary quickly pulled the needle out, his expression softening at the tiny noise. "That one gotcha, huh?" he murmured, pressing the final cotton ball against Ash’s skin.

Ash sniffed, rubbing at his eye with his wrist. "M-maybe…"

Gary smiled, taping the cotton ball down before patting Ash’s knee. "Well, guess what?"

Ash blinked up at him. "…What?"

"You survived."

Ash pouted, his lip jutting out. "Barely."

Gary laughed, ruffling Ash’s hair again before standing up. "C’mon, tough guy, let’s get you some stickers and maybe a juice box, huh?"

Ash grumbled under his breath but allowed Gary to help him down from the table, still pouting as he limped ever so slightly.

Gary just smirked. "Drama queen."

"Shut up."

And just like that, the ordeal was over—Ash was grumpy, Gary was smug, and all was right with the world.

The small clinic room was quiet except for the rhythmic ticking of the clock on the wall. Gary adjusted his gloves with a practiced flick of his fingers, his sharp blue eyes flicking between the tray of supplies and the boy sitting on the edge of the exam table. Ash sat stiffly, his hands gripping the hem of his  blue and white jacket, his legs dangling a little above the tiled floor.

Gary could see it—the tension in Ash’s shoulders, the way his foot tapped anxiously against the table leg. Yeah, he knew that nervous energy all too well.

"Alright, kiddo," Gary said, his tone deliberately light as he rolled a small vial between his fingers. "You need three shots today."

Ash visibly flinched. "Three?" he echoed, his brown eyes wide with alarm.

Gary nodded, setting the vial down with a soft clink. "Two in one leg, one in the other. And before you start freaking out, it's really not a big deal. We’ll get ‘em done quick, and then it’s over."

Ash swallowed hard, his fingers tightening around his jacket. "But why three?" His voice was small, uncertain.

Gary sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Because you're due for them, buddy. Gotta keep you healthy, right? You wanna be out there, running around, training, battling without getting sick, don’tcha?"

Ash hesitated, then gave a reluctant nod. "Yeah… but still," he muttered, his shoulders slumping.

Gary gave him a small, reassuring smirk. "Hey, if it helps, I’d rather be doing something way cooler than giving you shots. But here we are."

Ash let out a nervous chuckle, but it faded quickly as Gary picked up one of the syringes, flicking the side of it lightly with his finger. The tiny motion made Ash tense all over again.

Gary sighed, crouching slightly to meet Ash's nervous gaze. “Look, kid, I know shots aren’t fun. But I promise, I’ll make it as quick and easy as possible. You trust me, right?”

Ash hesitated, biting his lip, but finally nodded. "Yeah… I trust you."

Gary smiled. “That’s my Ashy-boy. Alright, first things first—leg up, champ.”

Ash blinked. “Huh?”

Gary patted Ash’s knee. “C’mon, up you go. We’re doing them in your legs today. Less painful that way.”

Ash made a face but did as he was told, lifting one leg onto the exam table. Gary crouched beside it, rolling up Ash’s jeans until they were bunched up at his knee.

"Alright," Gary murmured, tilting Ash’s leg slightly to the side and giving his calf a small pat. "Here, okay? It won’t hurt as much here. Promise."

Ash nodded stiffly, his hands gripping the edge of the table. "Okay…"

Gary pressed a cool alcohol wipe against the side of Ash’s lower leg. Ash shivered slightly at the sudden cold, his toes curling in his sock.

“Deep breath for me, buddy," Gary instructed, holding the syringe steady. "In… and out…”

Ash inhaled sharply through his nose and exhaled in a rush through his mouth. Before he could think too hard about it, Gary pressed the needle in with smooth precision.

Ash yelped. “Ow! Ow, ow, ow—”

"Almost done, kiddo," Gary assured him, pressing his other hand gently against Ash’s shin to keep him still. “Just count to three—one… two…”

The needle slid out before Gary even reached three. He pressed a small cotton ball to the spot and rubbed it gently before slapping a bandage over it.

Ash blinked, looking down at his leg. "Wait, that was it?"

Gary smirked, giving his thigh a light pat. “Told ya. One down, two to go.”

Ash huffed, his body still a little tense. “I dunno if I like this, Gary…”

Gary chuckled. “Not many people do, bud. But hey, at least you’re handling it better than some of the guys I’ve seen. You should see the way some grown-ups react—it’s hilarious.”

That got a small, shaky laugh out of Ash. Gary took the moment of distraction to roll up his other pant leg, rubbing his thumb against his calf to find a good spot.

“Alright, champ. Number two,” he said, unwrapping another alcohol wipe.

Ash winced as Gary swiped the cool pad over his leg again. "That part's worse than the shot," he muttered.

Gary grinned. "See? Now you’re getting it."

Ash took another deep breath as Gary lined up the second syringe. He squeezed his eyes shut just before the needle went in.

“Gah!” Ash yelped, jerking slightly.

Gary immediately pressed a firm hand against his leg to keep him still. "Whoa, easy, buddy. Don't move, okay? Just a second more…”

Ash let out a small whimper, gripping the table tighter.

And then—

“All done.” Gary pulled the needle out smoothly, pressing another cotton ball against the tiny puncture wound.

Ash groaned. “Ughh… That one stung more.”

Gary raised an eyebrow. “That’s ‘cause you tensed up, dummy. You gotta relax, or it pinches more.”

Ash gave him an unimpressed look. “How am I supposed to relax when you’re jabbing me with needles?”

Gary snorted. “Fair point.” He peeled the backing off another bandage and smoothed it over the fresh injection site. “Alright, kid, last one.”

Ash sighed heavily, watching as Gary swapped out the used syringe for the final one. He hesitated before speaking. “…Can we take a break?”

Gary shook his head. “Nope. You’re better off just getting it over with.” He reached out and ruffled Ash’s hair. “C’mon, kiddo, one more and you’re done. Then I’ll buy you a soda or something.”

Ash’s eyes lit up slightly at that. “…Grape?”

Gary smirked. “Sure, buddy. Grape.”

Ash huffed but lifted his other leg again, resting it on Gary’s lap this time.

Gary took another alcohol wipe and cleaned the side of Ash’s calf, just above his ankle. “Alright, Ashy-boy. Deep breath.”

Ash obeyed, sucking in a breath as Gary gave him a reassuring nod.

"Three, two—" Gary pressed the needle in, moving quickly.

Ash clenched his jaw but barely made a sound this time, just a sharp inhale through his nose. Gary felt a flicker of pride—he was getting better at handling it.

"Good job, buddy," Gary praised, pressing a bandage over the last shot after removing the needle. "You did it."

Ash let out a long breath, staring down at his legs. "That sucked," he muttered.

Gary laughed, standing up and ruffling Ash’s hair again. "Yeah, but you survived, kid. And hey—grape soda, right?"

Ash perked up. "Yeah! Grape soda!"

Gary chuckled, shaking his head. "Alright, let's get outta here, kiddo. You earned it."

Ash hopped off the table, wincing slightly as his legs adjusted. But as Gary slung an arm over his shoulders, guiding him toward the door, Ash couldn’t help but feel… proud.

Yeah, shots sucked. But at least he didn’t have to go through them alone.

The small clinic room was quiet, save for the occasional rustle of paper as Gary flipped through the chart in his hands. He stood near the counter, scanning the notes carefully, while Ash sat on the edge of the padded examination table, his legs swinging just slightly over the edge.

Gary could feel Ash watching him, his brown eyes already filled with unease. The kid wasn’t dumb—he could sense when something was up. And sure enough, the moment Gary set the chart down and turned to face him, Ash tensed.

Gary exhaled through his nose, offering a small, reassuring smile. "Alright, Ashy-boy," he said, dragging the stool over and plopping down in front of him. "I won’t sugarcoat it. You need three shots today."

Ash immediately stiffened, his fingers clutching the edge of the table. "Three?" His voice came out slightly higher-pitched than usual, and his legs stopped swinging.

"Yeah, kiddo," Gary confirmed, resting a gloved hand on Ash’s knee. "Two on one leg, one on the other. You’re due for these, and trust me, it's better to get them out of the way now."

Ash swallowed, shaking his head slightly. "But… but three? Can’t you just do one today and the rest later?"

Gary chuckled, giving Ash’s knee a small squeeze. "Nope, nice try, buddy. Spreading them out just makes it worse. Trust me—quick and easy, then we’re done."

Ash huffed, crossing his arms. "Doesn’t sound quick and easy to me."

Gary smirked. "It will be. Because I’m doing it, and I’m the best at this." He patted his own chest dramatically, then reached for the small tray he had prepared earlier, where the three syringes lay ready. Ash eyed them like they were venomous Pokémon, his grip on the table tightening.

Gary sighed and set the tray down within reach. "Listen, Ash, I know you don’t like this. But I promise, I’ll make it as easy as possible, alright?"

Ash hesitated, his fingers curling into the fabric of his shorts. His breathing had already quickened. "Are you sure it won’t hurt?"

Gary gave him a knowing look. "I won’t lie, buddy. It’s a shot, so yeah, you’ll feel it. But I know a trick to make it sting way less."

Ash bit his lip, eyeing him warily. "What kinda trick?"

Gary reached forward and tugged at the hem of Ash’s jeans. "Let me show you. I’m gonna roll these up a little, alright?"

Ash hesitated before nodding.

Gary carefully lifted the denim, rolling it up to Ash’s knee. His leg was small and slightly tense beneath Gary’s hands, but he kept his touch light. He tilted Ash’s leg gently to the side and patted the outside of his calf. "Here," he said softly. "Okay? It won’t hurt as much here. Promise."

Ash looked down at where Gary had tapped. His breathing was still uneven, but after a long pause, he gave the faintest nod.

Gary smiled and grabbed the first syringe. He held it up so Ash could see it, making sure to keep his movements steady and controlled. "Okay, kiddo, first one. I’m gonna count down, alright?"

Ash swallowed hard, his shoulders going rigid. "O-okay…"

Gary gave his leg another gentle pat. "Alright. Deep breath in for me."

Ash obeyed, inhaling shakily.

"Good. Now out."

Ash exhaled.

"Three… two…"

Before he could even reach one, Gary smoothly inserted the needle into Ash’s leg. The kid flinched but didn’t yank away, his hands curling into fists at his sides.

"See? You didn’t even need ‘one,’" Gary teased lightly as he pushed the medication in.

Ash let out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding. "Still stings," he mumbled.

"Yeah, yeah," Gary said with a grin, quickly withdrawing the needle and pressing a cotton ball over the injection site. "But not bad, right?"

Ash huffed, but the tension in his shoulders lessened a little. "I guess."

"Good. One down, two to go, buddy," Gary said, reaching for the next syringe.

Ash grimaced, shifting slightly. "Can’t we take a break?"

Gary snorted. "Nice try, Ashy-boy. If we stop now, you’ll just sit there dreading the rest. Trust me, better to get it over with."

Ash groaned but didn’t argue further.

Gary tilted his leg again and tapped a little lower than the first spot. "Alright, same thing. Deep breath in."

Ash took a breath.

"Three… two—"

The needle slipped in, quick and precise. Ash gritted his teeth but didn’t make a sound.

"Nice, kiddo," Gary praised, pressing another cotton ball to the fresh injection site as he withdrew the needle. "You’re doing great."

Ash exhaled shakily. "That one was worse," he muttered.

Gary hummed. "Yeah, second ones usually are. But hey—only one more to go, bud."

Ash looked down at his other leg, then back at Gary, his expression uneasy. "Where’s the last one?"

Gary reached for the final syringe. "Other leg, kiddo. Lemme roll this up."

Ash hesitated but didn’t resist as Gary rolled up the other pant leg. His skin twitched slightly at the touch, but he stayed still.

Gary positioned his hand gently on Ash’s ankle. "Last one, Ashy-boy. You got this."

Ash tensed again but nodded.

"Alright, deep breath."

Ash inhaled.

"Three… two—"

Ash flinched the moment the needle touched his skin, and his whole leg jerked instinctively.

"Whoa, easy, bud," Gary soothed, gripping his ankle just enough to steady him. "You okay?"

Ash squeezed his eyes shut, face scrunched up in discomfort. "It stung more," he mumbled.

Gary’s expression softened. "I know, buddy. You’re doing awesome, though. Almost done, I promise."

Ash gave a tiny nod, his breath still uneven.

Gary finished administering the shot quickly, then pulled the needle out and pressed a fresh cotton ball to the spot. "And that’s it," he announced, rubbing soothing circles over Ash’s ankle. "You’re all done, kiddo."

Ash cracked one eye open. "…Really?"

Gary chuckled. "Yep. Three shots, just like I promised. And look, you didn’t even cry."

Ash scowled. "I never cry."

Gary smirked. "I know, I know. You’re the toughest kid I know, right?"

Ash huffed, but a small, tired smile tugged at his lips.

Gary grinned and ruffled his hair. "Alright, tough guy. Let’s get those bandages on and go get some ice cream. My treat."

Ash blinked, perking up. "For real?"

"Of course," Gary said, wrapping an arm around his shoulders. "You earned it, Ashy-boy. Now let’s get outta here before I change my mind."

Ash didn’t need to be told twice.

Ash sat on the examination table, swinging his legs nervously as Gary rummaged through a drawer. The room smelled faintly of antiseptic, and the sound of latex snapping over Gary’s fingers made Ash flinch.

Gary glanced over his shoulder and smirked. "Relax, kiddo. I haven’t even done anything yet."

Ash huffed, crossing his arms. "I know what you're gonna do."

Gary chuckled, grabbing a vial from the fridge and filling a syringe with practiced ease. "Oh yeah? What am I gonna do, Ashy-Boy?"

Ash’s eyes darted to the needle, his shoulders tensing. "You’re gonna poke me."

Gary laughed, rolling the syringe between his fingers. "Genius deduction, Sherlock. But hey, I promise it’s not that bad. You trust me, right?"

Ash hesitated. Of course, he trusted Gary—but that didn’t mean he wanted to be poked.

Gary sighed, stepping closer and holding up three fingers. "Okay, buddy. So, we gotta do three of these today—two in one leg, one in the other."

Ash’s face paled. "Three?!"

"Yup," Gary said, tapping the syringe. "Doctor's orders. And before you even think about bolting, I already locked the door."

Ash turned to look, only to find Gary grinning smugly.

"You didn’t lock it," Ash accused.

"Maybe. But you still won’t escape, 'cause I'm faster," Gary teased, setting the syringe down on a tray. "Now, which leg do you wanna start with?"

Ash groaned, kicking his feet out in frustration. "Do I get a choice?"

Gary snorted. "Not really, but I’m trying to be nice here, kid."

Ash grumbled but pointed at his left leg. "Get it over with."

Gary crouched in front of him, rolling up Ash’s jeans to his knee. His touch was gentle, but Ash still twitched. Gary tilted Ash’s leg slightly to the side, running a gloved hand over his calf as if searching for the right spot.

"Here, okay?" Gary said, glancing up. "It won’t hurt as much here. Promise."

Ash bit his lip but nodded. "Okay."

Gary uncapped the syringe, giving Ash’s leg a quick swipe with an alcohol pad. "Alright, kiddo. Take a deep breath for me, in through your nose, out through your mouth."

Ash inhaled shakily, gripping the edge of the table.

"Good, now just keep breathing," Gary murmured. And with that, he inserted the needle.

Ash flinched, his breath hitching, but it was over in seconds. Gary pressed a cotton ball to the spot and rubbed soothing circles over Ash’s shin. "See? Not so bad, huh?"

Ash gave him a half-hearted glare. "You always say that."

"And I’m always right," Gary shot back with a grin. "One down, two to go. You hanging in there, buddy?"

Ash swallowed and nodded. "Yeah."

Gary patted his knee. "Atta boy. Let’s get the next one."

He moved slightly lower on Ash’s leg, finding another spot near his ankle. Again, he tilted Ash’s leg, his voice calm and steady. "Same deal, Ashy-Boy. Deep breath."

Ash sucked in air, and—poke.

Another quick sting, another cotton ball pressed against his skin.

"There. That was even smoother, huh?" Gary said, ruffling Ash’s hair.

Ash huffed. "Still felt it."

Gary smirked. "That is kinda the point, bud."

Ash stuck out his tongue, but his nervousness had faded.

Gary stood up, stretching his arms. "Alright, last one. Other leg now."

Ash sighed dramatically but lifted his right leg onto Gary’s lap.

Gary rolled up the other pant leg and gave him an approving nod. "See? You’re getting braver already."

Ash scoffed. "Whatever. Just do it."

Gary chuckled, cleaning the last injection site. "Alright, alright. Last deep breath, kiddo."

Ash inhaled—and winced as the third shot went in.

Gary was quick to cover it with a cotton ball, his thumb pressing lightly against Ash’s skin. "And done!"

Ash sagged in relief. "Finally."

Gary grinned, peeling off his gloves. "Told ya it wasn’t that bad."

Ash crossed his arms. "Still hated it."

"Yeah, yeah," Gary said, sticking three band-aids over the injection sites. "But you survived, kiddo. And for that—" he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small wrapped candy, waving it in front of Ash’s face. "—you get a prize."

Ash perked up. "Gimme!"

Gary held it just out of reach. "Ah-ah, what do you say?"

Ash rolled his eyes but muttered, "Thanks, Gary."

Gary tossed the candy into Ash’s hands and ruffled his hair again. "Good boy. Now hop down, kid, and let’s go get some real food."

Ash slid off the table, stuffing the candy into his pocket. "As long as you’re not gonna poke me anymore."

Gary smirked, slinging an arm around Ash’s shoulders. "Not today, Ashy-Boy. Not today."

The examination room was quiet, save for the rhythmic ticking of the clock on the wall. Gary sat on the stool beside the exam table, flipping through Ash’s chart while the younger boy sat stiffly on the paper-covered surface, his legs dangling nervously over the edge.

Ash had been fidgeting non-stop, his fingers twisting the hem of his t-shirt, his sneakers lightly kicking the table’s base. His brown eyes darted around the room as if searching for an escape route. He knew what was coming.

Gary finally shut the chart with a soft thump and turned his sharp, knowing eyes onto Ash. “Okay, Ashy-Boy,” he said, voice light but firm. “Time for the shots.”

Ash immediately tensed, his grip tightening on his shirt. “Wait, wait, wait—how many?” he asked, his voice a little too high-pitched to sound casual.

Gary hesitated for only a second before answering truthfully. “Three.”

Ash’s face went pale. “Three?” he squeaked.

Gary gave him a small smile, reaching out to ruffle his hair. “Yeah, buddy. Three. Two in one leg, one in the other. But I promise, I’ll be quick. You’ll barely feel them.”

Ash was already shaking his head. “No. Nope. No way. I’ll feel them. I always feel them!”

Gary sighed, scooting a little closer. “Ash.” His voice was softer now, gentle. “I know you’re scared. But we gotta do this, okay? You don’t wanna get sick, do you?”

Ash hesitated, chewing his lip. “…No.”

“Exactly,” Gary said, placing a steady hand on Ash’s shoulder. “And that’s why we’re gonna do this. But we’ll take it slow. One at a time, alright?”

Ash swallowed hard, gripping his knees. “It’s gonna hurt.”

Gary exhaled through his nose and gave Ash’s shoulder a small squeeze. “Yeah, bud. It’s gonna sting. I won’t lie to you. But I promise I’ll make it as easy as I can.”

Ash still looked unsure, but he gave a small nod.

Gary patted his knee. “Good. Now, let’s get started.”

He reached down and carefully rolled up Ash’s jeans to just above his knees. Ash flinched slightly at the touch, his whole body tensing as Gary gently tilted his leg to the side.

“Here, okay?” Gary murmured, pressing his fingers lightly against the side of Ash’s calf. “It won’t hurt as much here. Promise.”

Ash’s hands clenched into fists. “You said that last time.”

Gary chuckled. “And I was right, wasn’t I?”

Ash didn’t answer, just looked away, his cheeks pink.

Gary grabbed the first syringe from the tray beside him, uncapping the needle. “Okay, buddy. First one. Deep breath for me, alright?”

Ash sucked in a shaky breath, squeezing his eyes shut.

“Good,” Gary murmured. Then, with practiced precision, he pressed the needle into Ash’s leg.

Ash tensed, his breath hitching. “Oww,” he whined through gritted teeth.

“I know, kiddo, I know,” Gary soothed, pressing his thumb lightly against Ash’s ankle to keep his leg steady. “Almost done… annnd—there.” He pulled the needle out, pressing a cotton ball against the spot. “One down.”

Ash whimpered softly, his fingers twitching against his jeans.

Gary gave him a moment before rubbing slow, soothing circles against his knee. “That wasn’t too bad, was it?”

Ash glared at him. “Yes, it was.”

Gary smirked. “Well, we’ve still got two more, so brace yourself, tough guy.”

Ash groaned, tilting his head back. “Uggghhh.”

Gary chuckled, but his movements remained gentle as he reached for the second syringe. “Okay, next one’s going right here,” he murmured, tapping the lower part of Ash’s calf. “Same thing, alright? Deep breath.”

Ash gulped and inhaled sharply just as Gary inserted the second needle. This time, Ash’s hands flew up to grab Gary’s sleeve, his fingers curling tightly around the fabric.

“Oww, ow, ow—Gary!” Ash whined, his nails digging into the sleeve of Gary’s lab coat.

Gary didn’t even flinch. “I know, Ash, I know. But you’re doing awesome, buddy. Just a little more… and… done.” He pulled the needle out and immediately pressed another cotton ball to the spot.

Ash let out a small whimper, his grip still tight on Gary’s sleeve.

Gary smiled softly, prying Ash’s fingers off his arm and giving them a reassuring squeeze. “You’re doing great, bud. One more, then we’re done.”

Ash swallowed, nodding shakily.

“Other leg now,” Gary said, gently guiding Ash’s other knee to the side. “Same spot as before.”

Ash inhaled sharply, his breath uneven.

Gary noticed the slight tremble in his shoulders and placed a hand on Ash’s shin. “Hey, kiddo. You’re alright. I’ve got you.”

Ash gave a small nod but didn’t say anything.

Gary uncapped the last syringe and pressed his fingers lightly against Ash’s leg. “Okay, buddy. Last one. Deep breath.”

Ash obeyed, but the second the needle went in, he let out a sharp gasp, his whole body jerking.

“Owww! Gary—!”

“Shh, shh, I know, Ashy. Almost done, bud. Almost done,” Gary murmured, his other hand coming up to steady Ash’s knee. “Just a few more seconds.”

Ash squeezed his eyes shut, gripping the edge of the exam table with both hands.

Gary worked quickly, injecting the last of the vaccine before pulling the needle out. He pressed a cotton ball to the injection site and rubbed soothing circles around Ash’s knee.

“And that’s it,” he announced, peeling open a few bandaids and sticking them over each shot site.

Ash let out a shaky breath, his face scrunched in discomfort. “That sucked.”

Gary chuckled, rubbing Ash’s knee lightly before rolling his jeans back down. “Yeah, well. You survived.”

Ash shot him a weak glare. “Barely.”

Gary ruffled his hair. “Drama queen.”

Ash swatted his hand away but didn’t have the energy to argue. Instead, he crossed his arms and slumped forward.

Gary smiled, reaching over to squeeze Ash’s shoulder. “Hey.”

Ash glanced at him, pouting.

Gary smirked. “I’m proud of you, bud.”

Ash blinked, surprised. “…Really?”

“Yeah,” Gary said, his voice softer now. “You were scared, but you did it anyway. That’s brave, Ashy-Boy.”

Ash ducked his head, a small smile creeping onto his face.

Gary grinned, squeezing his shoulder again before hopping off the stool. “Alright, champ. Let’s go get you a snack for being such a trooper. Ice cream sound good?”

Ash’s face lit up instantly. “Yes!”

Gary laughed, holding out a hand to help Ash down from the table. “Then let’s go, kiddo.”

Ash took his hand and hopped off the table, wobbling slightly when he landed. “Oof.”

Gary steadied him. “You good?”

Ash nodded. “Yup! Ice cream time!”

Gary smirked, ruffling his hair one last time before leading him toward the door.

“Let’s get you sugared up, Ashy-Boy.”

And with that, the two best friends headed out, the memory of the shots already fading into the promise of something sweet.