The clinic was unusually quiet that afternoon. Gary stood in one of the sterile rooms, adjusting his mask and making sure his gloves were secured. He wore his usual white coat over his favorite purple shirt, but today his outfit was complemented by additional protective gear—a surgical cap and a blue face mask covering his mouth and nose.

Ash sat on the exam table, his legs swinging nervously. Pikachu, perched on his lap, seemed just as uneasy. Ash's brown eyes darted toward Gary, filled with worry. "Do we really have to do this?" he asked in a small voice.

Gary's eyes softened. Even with the mask covering his face, his comforting tone came through clearly. "Yeah, Ashy-boy, we do. But listen—I'm gonna take care of you every step of the way, okay?"

Ash clutched Pikachu tightly. "But... isn't bone marrow stuff supposed to hurt? Like, a lot?"

Gary walked over and crouched in front of him, his gloved hand gently resting on Ash's knee. "It can be uncomfortable, yeah. But I promise I’ll make it as easy as possible. And guess what?"

Ash blinked. "What?"

"You get to hold my hand the whole time," Gary said with a wink, his voice playful despite the seriousness of the procedure.

Ash's lips quivered into a small smile. "Really?"

"Of course. You think I’d let you go through this alone? No way, kiddo." Gary stood up, pulling a thermometer from his pocket. "But first, we gotta do a quick check. Open up."

Ash obediently opened his mouth, and Gary slipped the thermometer under his tongue. While they waited for the beep, Gary gently placed two fingers on Ash's wrist, checking his pulse.

"Your heart’s racing a bit," Gary noted, his tone gentle. "But that’s okay. Being nervous is normal."

The thermometer beeped, and Gary pulled it out, checking the reading. "99.1—not bad. A little warm, but nothing to worry about."

Ash fidgeted, his fingers trembling slightly. Gary noticed and held out his hand. "Here, buddy. Give me your hand."

Ash hesitated before placing his hand in Gary’s. Gary gave it a reassuring squeeze. "See? I’m right here."

Ash nodded, his grip tightening. "Okay... I’m ready. I think."

Gary smiled behind his mask. "That’s my brave Ashy-boy. Now lie back for me, okay?"

Ash did as he was told, Pikachu hopping down to the floor with a concerned "Pika!" Gary pulled a stool close to the table and sat beside Ash, never letting go of his hand.

"Alright, Ash," Gary said gently. "I’m gonna clean the area first. You’ll feel a little cold, but that’s just the antiseptic, okay?"

Ash bit his lip and nodded. Gary lifted Ash’s shirt slightly, exposing his lower back near the hip. He took a disinfectant wipe and gently cleaned the spot. "Deep breath in... and out. Good job."

Ash's hand trembled in Gary's grip. "It’s gonna hurt, isn’t it?"

Gary squeezed his hand again. "It might sting a little, but I’ll be as gentle as I can. And remember—you’ve got me right here."

Ash's voice wavered. "You promise?"

"I promise, buddy." Gary's voice was firm and reassuring. "Now, I’m gonna count down, alright? Three... two... one."

Ash winced as the needle entered, but Gary's hand remained steady in his. "You're doing amazing, Ash. Keep breathing, just like we practiced. In... and out... that's it."

Tears pricked Ash's eyes, but he held onto Gary's hand like a lifeline. "It hurts..."

"I know, buddy. I know," Gary murmured, his voice filled with empathy. "But you're being so brave. We're almost done, I swear."

After what felt like an eternity to Ash, Gary carefully withdrew the needle and pressed a gauze pad to the site. "There. All done."

Ash let out a shaky breath, tears still glistening in his eyes. "That... that was awful."

Gary pulled down his mask slightly so Ash could see his reassuring smile. "But you did it, Ashy-boy. And I couldn’t be prouder of you."

Ash sniffled, wiping his eyes with his free hand. "You really stayed with me the whole time."

"Of course I did," Gary said, his voice warm. "I told you—I’m not going anywhere."

Ash managed a weak smile. "Thanks, Gary."

"Anytime, kiddo." Gary ruffled Ash’s hair. "Now, how about we get some ice cream after this? My treat."

Ash's eyes lit up despite the lingering discomfort. "Really?"

"Really," Gary confirmed with a grin. "But only if Pikachu gets a little too."

"Pika!" Pikachu cheered, wagging its tail.

Ash laughed softly. "Deal."

Gary stood up, pulling off his gloves. "Alright, let's get outta here, Ashy-boy. You’ve earned it."

The clinic was unusually quiet that day, the sterile smell of alcohol and antiseptic lingering in the air. Gary Oak adjusted his white lab coat, the fabric settling neatly over his familiar purple shirt. This wasn’t a typical day—not for him, and certainly not for Ash.

Ash sat on the edge of the exam table, his legs swinging nervously. His cheeks were pale, and Pikachu sat on his lap, occasionally nuzzling him for comfort. Gary could tell his best friend was trying to act brave, but the subtle trembling in Ash’s hands gave him away.

“Hey, Ashy-boy,” Gary said, pulling on a mask and securing it over his face. His voice was slightly muffled, but the warmth in it was still evident. “You holding up okay?”

Ash glanced up, his eyes darting to the tray of medical instruments nearby. “I guess…” he muttered. “What are you gonna do, exactly?”

Gary grabbed a pair of gloves, snapping them on as he spoke. “I’m going to do a bone marrow aspiration, buddy. It’s a fancy way of saying I need to take a small sample from your bone. It’ll help me figure out why you’ve been feeling so tired lately.”

Ash stiffened, his grip on Pikachu tightening. “Is it gonna hurt?”

Gary pulled up a stool and sat down beside him. “I won’t lie to you, Ash—it might sting a little, but I’ll do everything I can to make it quick and easy. And you’ll have my hand the whole time, okay?”

Ash looked at him skeptically, but the reassurance in Gary’s eyes made him nod. “Okay… if you say so.”

Gary reached for the thermometer. “Before we get started, let’s check your vitals, alright? Open up.”

Ash opened his mouth, letting Gary slip the thermometer under his tongue. While they waited for the beep, Gary placed two fingers on Ash’s wrist, checking his pulse. “Relax for me, kiddo. Take a deep breath.”

Ash tried to steady his breathing, though his heart was still racing. The thermometer beeped, and Gary pulled it out, checking the reading. “100.2—not too bad, but still a little warm. Probably from all the nerves, huh?”

Ash gave a small, sheepish shrug. “Maybe…”

Gary grabbed his stethoscope, putting the buds in his ears. “Alright, lean back for me. Let’s check that heart of yours.”

Ash did as he was told, lying back on the table. Gary placed the cold metal disc on Ash’s chest, listening carefully as he moved it around. “Deep breath in… and out. Good. One more time. In… and out.”

Gary nodded, satisfied. “Heart’s a little fast, but that’s just because you’re nervous. You’re doing great, buddy.”

Ash sat up slightly, clutching Pikachu to his chest. “Are we… ready now?”

Gary pulled a chair closer to the exam table and patted Ash’s hand. “Almost. I’m going to numb the area first, so you won’t feel much. And remember, you’ve got my hand, alright?”

Ash nodded, hesitantly letting go of Pikachu and gripping Gary’s gloved hand instead. “Okay…”

Gary gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. “You’re braver than you think, Ash. We’ve got this.” He grabbed a disinfectant wipe, cleaning the area near Ash’s hipbone. “This’ll feel cold,” he warned.

Ash flinched slightly but didn’t pull away. “Cold’s better than needles…”

Gary chuckled softly. “Fair point.” He reached for the numbing agent, carefully injecting it into the spot. “There we go. Just a pinch—how’s that?”

Ash winced but managed a small nod. “Not too bad…”

“Good boy.” Gary pulled the aspiration needle from the tray, his focus sharpening. “Alright, Ash, here we go. You’re going to feel a little pressure, but that’s it, okay? Deep breath for me.”

Ash squeezed Gary’s hand tighter as he felt the pressure in his hip. It wasn’t unbearable, but it was definitely uncomfortable. “O-ow…”

“I know, buddy, I know,” Gary murmured, his voice calm and steady. “Almost done. Keep breathing for me.”

Ash clenched his eyes shut, gripping Gary’s hand so tightly his knuckles turned white. Pikachu chirped softly from the side, as if cheering him on.

“And… done,” Gary announced, carefully withdrawing the needle and placing the sample in a vial. He quickly covered the area with a bandage and pressed down gently. “That’s it, kiddo. You did amazing.”

Ash opened his eyes, blinking back tears. “That… wasn’t as bad as I thought.”

Gary smiled behind his mask, giving Ash’s hand one last squeeze before letting go. “Told you I’d take care of you. You’re tougher than you give yourself credit for.”

Ash managed a small smile, leaning back against the table with a relieved sigh. “Thanks, Gary…”

“Anytime, Ashy-boy,” Gary said, patting his shoulder. “Now, let’s get you some juice and snacks, alright? You’ve earned it.”

The clinic was quieter than usual, a sterile calm hanging in the air. Gary adjusted the snug medical mask over his face, the elastic pulling slightly against his ears. His purple shirt was still visible under his white coat, but today he also wore gloves and a disposable surgical gown. The sight was enough to make Ash feel uneasy.

Ash sat nervously on the examination table, his legs swinging off the side. Pikachu sat next to him, eyes darting around as if it could sense the tension. Gary noticed Ash’s hands trembling and crouched down to meet his best friend's eyes.

"Hey, Ashy-boy," Gary said through the mask, his voice soft but reassuring. "You hanging in there?"

Ash nodded reluctantly but avoided eye contact. "Yeah... kinda. Why are you wearing all that stuff? It's weird."

Gary chuckled gently, trying to ease the tension. "I know, kiddo. It looks strange, but it's just to keep everything super clean. You remember how I told you we’d be doing that bone marrow procedure today?"

Ash's eyes widened. "Y-yeah. But... it’s gonna hurt, right?"

Gary’s expression softened as he placed a gloved hand on Ash’s shoulder. "I’m not gonna lie to you, buddy. You might feel it a bit, but I promise I’ll be right here the whole time. You can even hold my hand if you want."

Ash swallowed hard. "You sure?"

Gary nodded. "Absolutely." He held up a thermometer. "First, let's check your temp, okay? Gotta make sure you're all good to go."

Ash opened his mouth obediently, and Gary slipped the thermometer under his tongue. They waited in silence until it beeped.

"Perfect," Gary said, reading the display. "98.6. You’re good."

Next, Gary pulled out his stethoscope. "Alright, shirt up, buddy. Gonna check that heart of yours."

Ash lifted his shirt reluctantly, revealing his chest. The cold stethoscope made him flinch. "That's freezing!"

Gary chuckled. "Always is, huh? Deep breath in... and out. Good. One more time... in... and out. Heart sounds strong." He gave Ash a thumbs-up. "You're ready, Ashy-boy."

Ash's stomach twisted into knots. "I... I don’t know, Gary. What if I freak out?"

Gary squeezed his shoulder. "Then I'll be here to calm you down. We got this, together."

Ash hesitated before nodding. "Okay... I trust you."

Gary smiled behind the mask. "That’s my guy." He helped Ash lie down on his side, positioning him carefully. "This spot right here is where I’m gonna take a small sample. It’s near your hip bone. I’ll numb it first, so it won’t be too bad."

Ash clenched his fists, eyes darting around. "I’m scared..."

Gary gently took Ash's hand, holding it firmly. "I know, buddy. Just squeeze my hand if you need to, okay?"

Ash nodded shakily. "Okay..."

Gary snapped on a fresh pair of gloves and prepped the site with disinfectant. "This might feel cold," he warned as he swiped the area.

Ash shivered. "Yeah... cold."

"You're doing great," Gary praised. "Now, here's the numbing part. Small pinch."

Ash flinched as the needle went in. "Ow..."

"Almost done... There. That’ll kick in soon," Gary assured him, rubbing Ash's back gently. "Now just stay still. You're being super brave, Ashy-boy."

Ash's breathing was uneven, but he clung to Gary's hand. "Gary... I’m really nervous."

Gary leaned closer, his voice calm. "I know. Just keep holding my hand, buddy. Deep breaths, okay?"

Ash nodded, trying to steady his breathing. After a few minutes, Gary positioned the needle for the bone marrow extraction. "Alright, Ash. This part might feel weird. You’ll feel some pressure, but it’ll be quick."

Ash's grip on Gary's hand tightened as the needle went in. "G-Gary... I feel it..."

"I know, buddy. Just keep breathing," Gary said soothingly. "Almost there. You're doing amazing."

But then Ash's eyes widened in panic. "I can feel it! It's being taken out—Gary, it hurts!"

Gary's heart clenched at the fear in Ash's voice. He squeezed Ash's hand tightly. "Hey, hey, listen to me. I’m right here. Look at me, Ashy-boy. Focus on my voice. You're safe."

Ash whimpered, tears streaming down his face. "I can't... it hurts too much..."

Gary leaned closer, his tone firm but gentle. "You're the toughest kid I know, Ash. Just a few more seconds, I promise. Squeeze my hand as hard as you need to."

Ash let out a strangled sob, his fingers digging into Gary's glove. Gary's heart ached, but he stayed steady, guiding Ash through it.

"Okay... all done," Gary announced, quickly applying pressure and bandaging the site. "You did it, Ashy-boy. It’s over."

Ash was still shaking, his face buried in Gary's arm. "It hurt so much..."

"I know, buddy. I’m so sorry," Gary whispered, pulling off his gloves and wrapping an arm around Ash. "But you were incredible. I’m so proud of you."

Ash clung to him tightly, his body trembling. "I was so scared..."

Gary held him close, rubbing soothing circles on his back. "I know, kiddo. But you faced it, and that makes you one of the bravest people I know."

Ash sniffled, his voice muffled. "Really?"

"Really," Gary said firmly. "And now that it’s over, how about we get some ice cream? My treat."

Ash pulled back slightly, his tear-streaked face breaking into a small smile. "Ice cream sounds good..."

Gary grinned behind his mask. "Then it's a deal. Let's get you out of here, champ."

As they walked out of the clinic, Gary kept a protective arm around Ash, knowing that no matter what, he'd always be there for his best friend.

The clinic room was quieter than usual. The usual beeps and hums of medical equipment seemed subdued as Gary prepared for the procedure. He wore a surgical mask, gloves, and a cap over his messy hair, but his signature purple shirt was still visible under his white lab coat. Despite the professional appearance, there was a soft gentleness in his eyes as he glanced over at Ash, who was seated on the exam table, clutching Pikachu tightly.

Ash’s face was pale, and his fingers trembled as they gripped Pikachu. "G-Gary, are you sure about this?" he asked, his voice wavering.

Gary adjusted his gloves and gave Ash a reassuring smile behind the mask. "I promise, buddy. It’s just a quick procedure to get a little sample from your bone marrow. We need it to figure out why you’ve been feeling so tired lately."

Ash swallowed hard, his eyes darting to the needle tray and back to Gary. "I... I don’t know if I can do this. It looks scary."

Gary walked over to him, gently placing a hand on Ash’s shoulder. "I get it, Ashy. It does look a little scary, but I’m gonna be right here the whole time. You’re not alone in this, okay?"

Ash nodded hesitantly, his grip on Pikachu tightening. Pikachu squeaked in protest, and Gary chuckled softly, reaching out to free the poor Pokémon. "Why don’t you hold my hand instead of squeezing Pikachu, huh? He looks like he could use a break."

Ash reluctantly let go of Pikachu, who hopped onto a nearby chair, and took Gary’s gloved hand. "I’m still scared," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.

Gary knelt beside him, holding up a thermometer. "I know, buddy. It’s okay to be scared. Let’s take this one step at a time, alright? First, let’s check your temperature."

Ash opened his mouth as Gary slipped the thermometer under his tongue. The beeping felt like forever, but eventually, Gary took it out and glanced at the reading. "98.7. Perfect. You’re good to go."

Ash fidgeted as Gary took his stethoscope off and pressed the cold metal disk to his chest. "Deep breaths, kiddo. In... and out. In... and out."

Ash obeyed, though his breathing hitched slightly. Gary’s brow furrowed as he listened carefully, but he didn’t say anything that would worry Ash. "Heart’s a little fast, but that’s normal when you’re nervous," Gary said, squeezing Ash’s hand lightly. "You’re doing great so far."

Ash gave a weak smile, but it disappeared the moment Gary moved to prepare the tools for the procedure. "Gary, what if it hurts?" he asked, his voice shaking.

Gary turned back to him, his eyes full of understanding. "It might pinch a little, Ash, but I’ll make it as quick as I can. And I’ll talk you through everything so there are no surprises. You can squeeze my hand as hard as you need to, alright?"

Ash nodded, his hand gripping Gary’s tightly. "O-okay."

Gary helped Ash lie on his side, lifting the back of his shirt to expose the area where the sample would be taken. "I’m just going to clean the spot first," Gary said softly, swiping a cool antiseptic wipe across the lower part of Ash’s back. "Deep breath in... and out. There we go. Nice and clean."

Ash’s breathing quickened as Gary picked up the needle. "This is it, buddy. Just a little poke, okay? You’ve got this."

Ash squeezed his eyes shut as he felt the needle press into his back. "Ow! Gary—"

"Shh, I’m here," Gary said, his voice calm and steady. "You’re doing amazing, Ashy. Just a little longer."

But then Ash felt it. A deep, pulling sensation as Gary began extracting the sample. His eyes shot open, and he gripped Gary’s sleeve with his free hand. "Gary! I can feel it! I can feel it! It hurts!"

Gary’s heart broke at the panic in Ash’s voice. He paused for a moment, placing his free hand on Ash’s shoulder. "I know, buddy. I know it feels weird and uncomfortable, but I’m almost done. Just hold on to me, okay? Squeeze my hand. I’m not going anywhere."

Ash was trembling, tears streaming down his face as he clung to Gary’s sleeve like a lifeline. "Gary, please, make it stop!"

"I know, Ash, I know," Gary murmured, his voice soothing. "It’s almost over. Deep breaths for me, okay? In... and out. That’s it. One more... and we’re done!"

Gary carefully withdrew the needle, immediately applying a bandage to the site. He helped Ash sit up, pulling him into a gentle hug. "You did it, Ashy. It’s all over now."

Ash buried his face in Gary’s shoulder, still crying softly. "That was awful..."

"I know, buddy," Gary said, rubbing his back gently. "But you were so brave. I’m proud of you."

Ash sniffled, his grip on Gary’s sleeve loosening. "Do I really have to do that again?"

Gary shook his head. "Not for a long, long time. Hopefully never. But this will help us figure out what’s going on so we can make you feel better."

Ash nodded weakly, wiping his eyes. "Okay... thanks, Gary."

Gary smiled, ruffling Ash’s hair. "Anytime, Ashy-boy. Now, how about we grab some ice cream? You’ve earned it."

It was a strange day at the clinic. The air was thick with the scent of antiseptic and the sterile hum of the lights above. Gary stood at the door to the exam room, his white coat on, his purple shirt still visible under the sleeves. His usual, calm demeanor was replaced by a focused intensity as he adjusted his mask and gloves. He was preparing for something important—something that Ash was not exactly looking forward to.

Ash sat on the exam table, his hands nervously clutching the edge of the paper sheet. Pikachu sat next to him, offering little comfort as the electric mouse nuzzled his side. Ash’s face was a mixture of worry and confusion, as he didn't understand why they had to do this.

Gary pushed the door open slowly, his eyes softening when he saw Ash sitting there. "Hey, Ashy-boy," he said gently, taking a step into the room. "How are you holding up?"

Ash glanced up, his face pale. "I don't like this, Gary..." His voice trembled slightly, despite trying to sound brave.

Gary took a deep breath, putting on a reassuring smile. "I know it’s a little scary, but I’m here with you, okay? You trust me, right?"

Ash nodded, though his grip on Pikachu’s fur tightened.

“Good,” Gary said, walking over to the table. "Listen, before we start, I need to check your temperature and make sure your heart’s doing okay. Just to be thorough."

He gently placed the thermometer under Ash’s tongue, waiting for the beep. The seconds dragged on in the silence. Gary leaned in slightly, watching Ash’s anxious expression carefully, until the thermometer beeped. "98.7°F," Gary murmured, checking it. "Normal. That’s good."

Next, Gary took his stethoscope and placed it gently against Ash’s chest. "Take a deep breath for me, buddy."

Ash did as he was told, trying to calm himself. He couldn’t help the rising fear in his chest, though. His hands felt clammy, and the thought of the procedure made him feel sick.

Gary placed the stethoscope around his neck, pulling on a fresh pair of gloves. "Alright, kiddo. Here’s the deal. I know this isn’t the most fun thing in the world, but we’ve got to do it. We need to get some bone marrow for testing, to be sure of what’s going on inside you."

Ash stared at him, his eyes wide. "Bone marrow?!" he squeaked. "That sounds—"

"I know it’s a lot to take in," Gary interrupted, his voice steady and calm. "But we’ve been worried about you ever since that time you got really sick. With those weird symptoms—your temperature spiking, your dizziness, the way you were so out of it for a few days."

Ash shifted uncomfortably on the table. He could still remember the frightening feeling of his body not responding right, not feeling like himself. "But why now?" Ash asked, his voice small.

"The medical committee is being cautious," Gary explained, checking Ash’s pulse. "We just want to make sure there’s nothing major going on in there. You’ll be fine, okay? We’ll get through this together."

Ash nodded hesitantly, but his anxiety didn’t leave. His stomach twisted in knots as Gary moved to prepare the procedure. He could see the needle and tools laid out on the counter, and his heart rate spiked in his chest.

Gary noticed. He sat beside Ash on the table and put a hand on his. "Hey, kiddo. Take a deep breath for me, okay? Just like we practiced. I’m right here. You’re gonna be okay."

Ash nodded, squeezing Gary’s hand in return. Pikachu jumped up onto Ash’s shoulder, sensing the tension and offering a comforting "Pika!"

Gary gave a soft smile at the sight of his friend trying to comfort Ash, but the moment of calm didn’t last long. The procedure was about to begin.

Gary gently lifted Ash’s shirt to expose his side, near his hip bone. "I’m going to make this quick, okay? This is the best spot. It’s less painful here, promise."

Ash closed his eyes tightly. "I don’t want to do this, Gary..." His voice broke.

Gary’s expression softened, but he couldn’t let the fear show. He had to keep his focus. "I know, buddy. But I’m right here, and I’m going to make sure you’re okay. Just keep holding my hand."

Gary adjusted the needle carefully, his movements slow and deliberate. Ash winced at the cool touch against his skin, and Gary gave him a reassuring squeeze. "I’m going in now, Ash. It’s going to feel a little weird, but remember, it’s quick."

Ash squeezed his eyes shut, his grip tightening around Gary’s hand. "I—I can’t," Ash whispered, panic rising in his chest. "I feel it! I feel it coming out—"

Gary’s eyes widened at Ash’s response, realizing too late how sensitive the procedure might be. He hadn’t expected Ash to feel the needle pulling out the bone marrow, but now that Ash was in pain, he had to act fast.

"Shh, Ash, take a deep breath," Gary said quickly, trying to calm his friend. "I know you can feel it. It’s going to be over soon, I promise."

But Ash was already shaking with the sensation, his breath coming in short gasps. "It hurts!" Ash whimpered, his small frame tensing up with every movement. He gripped Gary’s sleeve with his free hand, his knuckles white from the pressure.

Gary’s heart hurt for his friend, watching the fear and pain flicker in Ash’s eyes. "I know, I know, buddy. Just a little longer, okay? I’ve got you." Gary squeezed his hand harder, trying to pull Ash’s focus back to him.

Finally, with a soft click, Gary removed the needle. "There, done," he said quietly, breathing a sigh of relief as he gently wiped the area with a soft cloth.

Ash stayed tense for a moment longer, his face streaked with tears. His grip on Gary’s sleeve didn’t loosen. "It... it hurt so much, Gary..."

Gary wiped his own brow, feeling the adrenaline from the procedure wear off. "I know it hurt, Ash," he said softly. "I’m sorry. I wish there was a way to make it easier, but it was really important."

Ash slowly sat up, wiping his face with his sleeve. "Why did it hurt so much, though? Was I not doing it right?"

Gary shook his head, brushing a lock of hair from Ash’s face. "No, Ashy. You did great. You’re so strong. It’s just... sometimes, you can feel more than you think, and with this kind of test, it’s normal to feel discomfort. But it’s over now, okay? You’re going to be just fine."

Ash sniffled, but the reassurance was enough. He squeezed Gary’s hand one last time before letting go. "Thanks, Gary. You really helped me through it."

Gary smiled warmly, his heart swelling with pride for his friend. "Anytime, Ashy-boy. Anytime."

The clinic was quieter than usual that afternoon, the air thick with the anticipation of something important happening. Ash sat on the edge of the examination table, swinging his legs nervously. He knew Gary had been talking about this procedure for a while, but the reality of it was finally hitting him.

Gary, still wearing his white coat, had a purple shirt underneath, the color familiar and comforting. But there was something different today. Gary was wearing a surgical mask, his face partially obscured. He adjusted it, his eyes focused on Ash. He took a deep breath and slowly approached the table, his gloved hands moving methodically as he prepared everything.

"Hey, Ashy-boy," Gary said, his voice muffled through the mask. "You ready for this?"

Ash shifted uneasily, biting his lip. "I don’t know... I’m scared, Gary. What if it hurts? What if I can’t do it?"

Gary smiled behind the mask, leaning down to meet Ash’s eyes. "You can do this, buddy. I promise, I won’t let anything happen to you. You’re in good hands, okay?"

Ash nodded hesitantly, still clutching Pikachu in his arms. Pikachu looked up at Ash, offering a small, reassuring "Pika!" before snuggling closer to Ash’s chest. Ash gave him a faint smile, but it didn’t reach his eyes.

Gary noticed the anxiety in Ash’s eyes and took a moment to steady himself before continuing. "I’m going to do a quick temperature and heart check, okay? Just to make sure you’re doing alright before we start."

Ash raised his arm, feeling the cool tip of the thermometer against his skin. Gary took the reading, then placed a stethoscope to Ash’s chest, his heart pounding in his ears. He listened carefully, his brow furrowing slightly. "Your heart rate’s a little fast, but that’s normal when you’re nervous, okay? Just breathe."

Ash nodded, his breathing shallow, as Gary placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Relax, buddy. I’m right here. Take a few deep breaths for me."

Ash did as Gary said, trying to calm himself, but the reality of what was about to happen still made his stomach twist. He tried to focus on the sound of Gary’s voice, the reassuring pressure of his hand on his shoulder, and the warmth of Pikachu curled against him.

Gary’s eyes softened as he double-checked the sterile equipment on the nearby tray. "Alright, kiddo. We’re going to do a bone marrow test. It’s just a small procedure, but we need to make sure everything’s okay, especially after the weird symptoms you had that time when you fell sick. The medical team’s a bit worried, so this is to make sure your body’s doing what it should be."

Ash swallowed hard, still unsure. "But... but I’ll feel it, won’t I?"

Gary gave him a reassuring smile, though it was hard to tell behind the mask. "You’ll feel a little pressure, but it shouldn’t be too painful. And if you need me to stop at any point, just let me know, okay?"

Ash nodded weakly, gripping Gary’s hand tightly. His knuckles were white, his heart racing. He squeezed his eyes shut as Gary gently lifted his shirt, revealing the side of his hip where the needle would go. He tried to steady himself, but his breath hitched in his throat when he saw the needle. The thought of it made him want to run, but Gary’s hand, warm and steady in his, held him in place.

Gary positioned himself beside Ash, gently adjusting his body. "Alright, I’m going to start now, okay? Just relax and breathe, Ashy."

Ash took another shaky breath as Gary lined up the needle. "You’re doing great, Ash," Gary murmured, giving his hand another reassuring squeeze.

But the moment the needle touched his skin, Ash froze. It didn’t hurt immediately, but the pressure was strange. As Gary began to extract the bone marrow, Ash felt it—felt the sensation as the needle was drawn out, as if something inside him was being pulled. The feeling was foreign and uncomfortable, and it sent a wave of panic through him.

"Gary!" Ash gasped, his voice breaking. "It... it hurts! It hurts so much! I can feel it! Please stop!"

Gary’s grip tightened around his hand, his face full of determination despite the mask. "I know it’s uncomfortable, Ashy, but you’re doing great. We’re almost done. Just hang in there, buddy."

Tears welled in Ash’s eyes, and he gripped Gary’s hand even harder, his fingers trembling. "I... I don’t like it! I don’t want it, Gary! Please—!"

Gary’s voice softened, trying to calm Ash down. "I know, Ash. I know. But this is important, okay? We have to make sure you’re alright. Just a little longer, and we’ll be finished. I’m right here with you. Breathe with me, alright?"

Ash tried to follow Gary’s instructions, but the pain and fear made it hard to focus. As Gary pulled the needle out, Ash could feel the tension leaving his body, but the anxiety didn’t. His whole body shook, his breath shallow, as he clung to Gary’s sleeve.

The moment it was over, Gary immediately wrapped his arms around Ash, pulling him into a tight hug. "It’s over, buddy. You did great. I’m so proud of you."

Ash buried his face in Gary’s chest, his shoulders shaking with sobs. "I don’t like doctors, Gary. I don’t like needles. They always hurt. It always feels like too much."

Gary gently stroked his hair, his voice soft and comforting. "I know, Ash. I know. I hate seeing you hurt. But I’m so proud of how strong you were. You got through it, and that’s all that matters."

Ash sniffled, his body still trembling from the procedure. "It’s not fair, Gary... Why do I always have to do these things?"

Gary sighed, his heart heavy. "Sometimes, buddy, we have to go through hard stuff to make sure we’re okay. It’s not easy, but you’re tougher than you know."

Ash looked up at Gary, his eyes red from tears. "Thanks, Gary. You were right here. That made it better."

Gary smiled softly, pulling back just enough to look Ash in the eye. "You’re welcome, Ashy-boy. You’ll always have me by your side, okay?"

Ash nodded, his tears slowing as he clung to Gary’s hand. He still wasn’t fond of the idea of doctors, or needles, but with Gary there, it didn’t feel quite as scary anymore.