Unlike my cousin I'm actually calm at medical exams

Mia on the other hand...... That's a story for another day

But let's just say every time I have to drag her and hold her and keep her calm.

Now I know I told you all the time in Oregon, but I actually live in the same city my cousin lives

I'm just in Oregon because of.... Stuff

Stuff Ninjagofanjayandnya knows well.

Anyway

A

sh fumbled with his words, trying to find some witty comeback. But nothing came out. His mouth was dry, his heart racing so fast that he thought it might burst out of his chest. He could feel his hands trembling in his lap, and his foot wouldn't stop bouncing against the floor. Gary stood there, smirking as usual, his arms crossed, watching Ash with amusement.

"Come on, Ashy-boy," Gary teased, his voice dripping with playful mockery. "You look like you've seen a ghost."

Ash swallowed hard, trying to stop his leg from bouncing, but it was no use. He was too nervous. "I-I’m fine," he stammered, though the trembling in his voice gave him away.

Gary sighed, rolling his eyes, then walked up to Ash and gently placed his hand on Ash's, stopping the shaking. "Hey, look at me," Gary said, his tone softer now. The teasing smirk was gone, replaced with something more serious. "It's just a check-up. You know I’m not going to hurt you."

Ash forced himself to look up at Gary, though his heart was still pounding in his chest. "I know, but... what if—" He cut himself off, feeling ridiculous. What if Gary *did* do something? It was absurd. Gary wouldn’t. He *couldn’t*. They were friends.

"Worried I’m gonna dissect you or something?" Gary joked, grinning again. "You’ve got a wild imagination, Ash."

Ash’s eyes widened, and his hand instinctively reached for his Pokéball. "What?!" he yelped, gripping the ball tightly as if he was about to release Pikachu. "You wouldn’t—"

Before he could even finish his thought, Gary grabbed his hand, pulling it down with a firm grip. "Relax, Ash," Gary said, shaking his head with a chuckle. "I'm joking. You seriously think I'd do that?"

Ash’s face flushed with embarrassment, and he quickly put the Pokéball away. "Yeah, well, it wasn’t funny," he muttered, though deep down, he knew Gary was just trying to lighten the mood.

Gary let go of his hand and gave Ash’s hair a ruffle, much like he always did when they were kids. "Come on, buddy, let’s get started. It’ll be over before you know it."

Ash nodded reluctantly, still feeling a knot of anxiety in his stomach. Gary grabbed the stethoscope around his neck and started with the basics. "Alright, first things first," Gary said, his tone more professional now, though a playful glint remained in his eyes. "I’m gonna check your eyes."

He leaned in, shining a small light into Ash’s eyes. But Ash couldn’t focus. His gaze darted everywhere but at the light, his leg still bouncing uncontrollably. Gary frowned.

"Hey, Ashy-boy, hold still," Gary instructed gently, though he knew Ash hated being called that, especially during something like this. Ash gritted his teeth, but his body wasn’t listening. His heart raced even faster, and Gary could hear the faint sound of Ash’s teeth chattering.

"Your eyes look fine... when I can actually get a look at them," Gary joked, but his brow furrowed as he saw how much Ash was trembling. He stepped back and crossed his arms, concerned. "You’re shaking like a leaf, Ash. What’s going on? You’ve never been this bad during a check-up before."

Ash bit his lip, trying to steady his nerves, but his body wasn’t cooperating. "I-I don’t know. It’s just... I hate this stuff, Gary. You remember when we were kids? When you had to take me to that check-up when we were four?"

Gary’s expression softened at the memory. "Yeah, I remember," he said quietly. "You kicked the doctor and tried to bolt. I had to drag you back into the room."

Ash chuckled weakly at the memory, though the anxiety still gnawed at him. "Exactly. I hated it then, and I hate it now."

Gary sighed, placing a reassuring hand on Ash’s shoulder. "I’m not gonna let anything happen to you. You know that, right?"

Ash nodded, though he wasn’t entirely convinced. Gary pulled out a small tool to check Ash’s ears next, but Ash’s trembling only seemed to get worse. "Hold still," Gary muttered, gently turning Ash’s head to one side, trying to peer into his ear. "I can’t see anything with you shaking like this."

Ash tried to sit still, but his nerves were getting the better of him. Gary sighed in frustration, but not at Ash—at the situation. He hated seeing his friend like this.

"Alright, let’s move on," Gary said, grabbing the stethoscope again. He placed the cold metal against Ash’s chest. "Breathe in... and out."

Ash did as he was told, but even his breathing was shaky. Gary’s expression turned more serious as he listened to Ash’s heartbeat. It was racing—far too fast. "Ash, your heart’s pounding like crazy," Gary remarked, pulling the stethoscope away. "You’re more nervous than I thought."

Ash forced a laugh. "Y-Yeah, I know. Just... nerves, I guess."

Gary wasn’t buying it, though. He grabbed the blood pressure cuff and wrapped it around Ash’s arm, pumping it up. "Let’s check your blood pressure."

Ash didn’t say anything as Gary took the reading, but when Gary saw the results, his eyes widened. "Whoa... 600?!" he exclaimed, staring at the number. "Ash, that’s way too high."

Ash blinked, confused. "Is that... bad?"

Gary shot him a look. "Yeah, it’s bad! You’re stressing yourself out so much that your blood pressure’s through the roof. We need to calm you down."

Ash felt a wave of panic wash over him. "W-What do I do?!"

Gary, keeping his cool, stepped in front of Ash and knelt down slightly to meet his gaze. "Ash, listen to me. You’re fine. But you need to calm down. Just focus on me, okay?"

Ash’s leg was still bouncing, and his hands were trembling, but when Gary placed a firm hand on his knee and another on his shoulder, Ash tried to focus. "Look at me, buddy," Gary said softly. "Take a deep breath. You’re not gonna faint. You’re not gonna get poisoned. You’re just... here for a check-up."

Ash swallowed hard, his heart still racing, but he did as Gary said. He focused on Gary’s steady voice, on his hands grounding him, and took a deep breath. Then another. Slowly, his leg stopped bouncing, and the trembling in his hands eased up.

"That’s it," Gary said, nodding in approval. "Just breathe. You’ve got this."

Ash nodded, still feeling jittery, but Gary’s steady presence was helping. "Thanks, Gary," he mumbled, his voice a little steadier now.

Gary smirked and ruffled Ash’s hair again. "No problem, Ashy-boy. Now, let’s finish this up, okay?"

Ash sighed but nodded. "Yeah... let’s just get it over with."

Ash felt like his entire body was about to shut down. His heart was pounding so loudly in his chest, he was sure Gary could hear it. He hadn’t felt this nervous in a long time. Sitting on the examination table, he was acutely aware of how much his legs were shaking, his foot tapping uncontrollably. His fingers fumbled with his cap, and his palms felt clammy against the soft fabric.

Gary was still smirking, but the longer he looked at Ash, the more concern slipped into his expression. “Ashy-boy, you alright? You look like you’re about to jump out of your skin.”

Ash tried to respond, but his words came out in a jumbled mess. "Yeah, I-I’m fine… totally fine… y’know, just thinking about, uh…" His voice trailed off, and his leg started bouncing even faster. He was trembling so hard now, he thought he might shake right off the table.

Gary’s smirk softened into something more familiar—a look he reserved for moments like this. He stepped closer and placed a hand on Ash’s trembling knee, giving it a firm squeeze to steady him. “Hey,” Gary said, his voice calm but firm. “Look at me, Ash.”

Ash’s eyes darted nervously around the room, landing on the tools, the needles, and the vials that lined the counter. He swallowed hard, his throat dry. What if Gary was planning something? What if he did something to him? His heart rate skyrocketed even more, his breath coming in shallow gasps.

“Ash,” Gary repeated, this time more insistent. He stepped closer and gently placed his hand over Ash’s, which was still gripping the edge of the table. “Look at me, buddy.”

Ash finally turned his head, locking eyes with Gary. He could feel his heart thudding like a drum in his chest, but the look in Gary’s eyes was different now. It wasn’t teasing or competitive; it was steady and reassuring.

"Calm down, Ashy-boy," Gary said softly, his hand still resting on Ash’s. "It's just a check-up. Nothing more."

Ash took a deep breath, but his nerves were still running rampant. "What if... I mean, Gary, you’re not gonna do anything, right? Like, you're not gonna... dissect me or something?" His voice cracked slightly, and he gave a nervous laugh.

Gary blinked, then broke into a chuckle. "Dissect you? Seriously, Ashy?" He shook his head and ruffled Ash’s hair playfully. "I’m not going to dissect you. It's just a routine check-up. I’ll check your eyes, ears, heart, all that stuff. You've done this a thousand times."

Ash, still unsure, reached for one of his Pokéballs, holding it out as if preparing to defend himself. "What if... what if you are?"

Gary, quick as ever, grabbed Ash’s wrist before he could even think of releasing his Pokémon. "Ash, stop." His voice was firm, but not unkind. He gently pulled Ash's hand down and placed the Pokéball back in his pocket. "I’m not going to hurt you, okay? I know you hate check-ups, but you’ve got to trust me."

Ash swallowed again, nodding weakly. His heart still hammered away in his chest, and his leg kept bouncing up and down. He could feel the tremor in his limbs as if every fiber of his body was on high alert.

Gary sighed, noticing the state Ash was in. "Ashy-boy, you’ve got to calm down. This isn’t like when we were four, okay? You remember that, right? I was with you then too."

Ash’s mind flashed back to that moment. He’d been a nervous wreck as a kid, completely terrified of the doctor. Gary had tried to calm him down back then too, though the check-up had ended in Ash running out of the room crying. Gary had chased after him, and they had both gotten in trouble for it.

"Yeah," Ash muttered, managing a weak smile at the memory. "I remember."

"Good," Gary said, grabbing a small flashlight from the counter. "Now, hold still and let’s get this over with."

Ash sat up straighter, though his heart still raced. Gary flicked on the light and moved closer to check Ash’s eyes. "Look up for me," Gary instructed, his voice gentle.

Ash tried, but his eyes wouldn’t focus. He kept blinking rapidly, and his breath hitched as the light moved closer. "Calm down, Ashy," Gary said again, this time with more reassurance. "I’m just checking your eyes."

But Ash’s trembling hadn’t stopped. His teeth were chattering slightly now, and when Gary leaned in to check his ears, he could barely keep still.

Gary sighed, pulling back for a moment. "Ash, buddy, I can’t do this if you’re shaking like a leaf. Just take a deep breath for me, okay?"

Ash nodded but found it hard to follow the instruction. His thoughts were still racing, and when Gary pressed the cold metal of the stethoscope to his chest, Ash nearly jumped out of his skin.

"Whoa, easy," Gary said, pressing his hand lightly on Ash's shoulder to steady him. "Breathe normally, Ashy-boy. I’m just checking your heart."

Ash tried to calm down, but the steady thump-thump-thump of his heart echoed in his ears. Gary frowned slightly as he listened, and when he checked Ash’s blood pressure, his eyes widened a bit.

"Uh... Ash," Gary said slowly, looking at the numbers on the monitor. "Your blood pressure’s... kinda high. Like, really high."

Ash felt a pit in his stomach. "How high?"

Gary hesitated, then showed him the screen. "Like... in the 600s."

Ash’s eyes widened. "That’s not good, is it?"

"No," Gary said, his tone half-teasing but mostly concerned. "That’s really not good. We need to get that down before you explode or something."

Ash tried to laugh, but his nerves weren’t having it. "Great… just great," he muttered.

Gary gave him a light nudge, ruffling his hair again. "Relax, Ashy-boy. We’ll get you sorted out. Just breathe, okay?"

Ash felt his heart racing in his chest, his breathing shallow as he tried to hold himself together. Gary leaned against the counter, arms crossed, a smirk still playing on his lips.

"You sure you're okay, Ashy-boy? You're looking a little pale," Gary teased, his eyes glinting with amusement.

Ash fumbled with his words, barely able to form a coherent sentence. "I-I’m fine, really. Just... you know... a check-up." He swallowed hard, his voice trembling with nerves. His leg bounced uncontrollably, tapping against the table in a rapid rhythm. His hands were shaking slightly as he clenched his fingers around the edge of the table.

Gary raised an eyebrow and walked over, placing a firm hand on Ash’s. "Hey, look at me," Gary said, his voice softening for a moment. "You’re not gonna pass out on me, are you?"

Ash hesitantly looked up, his eyes wide with worry. His heart was pounding so hard he was sure Gary could hear it. "I’m... I’m good," Ash stammered, though his body betrayed his words as a faint tremor ran through him.

Gary sighed, still smirking, but his gaze softened as he squeezed Ash’s hand. "Ash, come on. It’s not like I’m going to dissect you or anything."

Ash’s eyes widened in panic. "WHAT?!" he yelped, immediately fumbling for a Poké Ball at his belt, his hand trembling as he brought it out.

Before Ash could even finish pulling the ball free, Gary grabbed his wrist and gently pushed his hand down. "Whoa, whoa, calm down, Ashy-boy!" Gary laughed. "I was kidding. You’re way too tense."

Ash blinked in confusion, his grip loosening on the Poké Ball. "Oh... right. A joke..." His face flushed with embarrassment as he tucked the ball back into his belt, his mind still racing with anxious thoughts. Could Gary really be trusted? He was his rival, after all. But Gary wouldn’t really do anything bad... would he?

Gary took out a small flashlight and gestured for Ash to sit still. "Okay, let’s start with the basics. Eyes first. Try to focus, Ash."

Ash’s gaze darted nervously around the room before finally settling on Gary, though his foot continued to tap uncontrollably against the table. Gary held the flashlight up, shining it in Ash’s eyes. "Look straight ahead, Ashy."

Ash’s eyes flickered as the light hit them, but he couldn’t focus. His mind was swirling with thoughts of needles, strange medical instruments, and worst of all... the unknown. His breath hitched, and he tried to stay still, but his trembling hands and bouncing leg betrayed him.

Gary sighed and ruffled Ash’s hair. "You’re not even looking at the light, buddy. Come on, you’ve been through worse battles than this. Calm down."

Ash’s teeth chattered slightly, his entire body tense with nerves. "I-I know," he muttered, but the words didn’t help his racing heart. It felt like it was about to jump out of his chest at any second.

Gary moved on to checking Ash’s ears, but even that was a struggle. Ash was shaking so much that Gary had trouble seeing inside. "Ashy-boy, I can’t even get a look. You’ve got to stop trembling, or we’re going to be here all day."

"I-I’m trying!" Ash snapped, but it came out more frantic than he intended. He clenched his fists, his fingers digging into his palms in an effort to calm down. But his body just wouldn’t cooperate.

Gary set the otoscope down with a sigh and crossed his arms, leaning back slightly. "Man, I knew you hated check-ups, but this is bad. Remember when we were four and you freaked out at the doctor’s office? I thought you were going to break the chair."

Ash gave a weak laugh. "Yeah... I remember."

"Same Ashy-boy as always," Gary said with a grin, giving Ash a nudge. "But this isn’t going to kill you. Relax."

Next was Ash’s heart, and as Gary placed the stethoscope against Ash’s chest, his brow furrowed. "Your heart’s going a mile a minute, buddy. Calm down."

Ash nodded, but it was easier said than done. The stethoscope felt cold against his chest, and his heart pounded erratically under it, as if it was trying to escape.

Gary pulled back, shaking his head. "I’m not surprised, though your blood pressure will be off the charts,  like you just ran a marathon." He turned to the blood pressure monitor, wrapping the cuff around Ash’s arm.

Ash winced as the cuff tightened, his leg still bouncing up and down as Gary watched the numbers rise. "Ash... this is crazy. Your blood pressure’s in the 600s! No wonder you’re a mess right now."

Ash blinked, his eyes widening. "Wait, what?! Is that bad?"

Gary smirked and patted Ash on the back. "Nah, not for someone who’s as stressed as you. But seriously, Ash, you’ve got to calm down." He knelt beside Ash, looking him in the eyes. "Take a deep breath for me, okay? Look at me."

Ash’s trembling slowed as he focused on Gary’s face, his friend’s voice grounding him. He inhaled shakily and tried to let it out slowly.

"Good, Ashy-boy," Gary said with a small smile. "Now we’re getting somewhere." He gave Ash’s hair another ruffle, standing up to continue the exam. "Let’s check those reflexes."

Gary tapped Ash’s knee with the small reflex hammer, but Ash was still so jittery that his leg kicked out a bit too hard. Gary laughed, dodging the kick. "Whoa! Watch it, Ashy. You’re gonna knock me out if you’re not careful."

Ash let out a nervous chuckle, his cheeks flushing. "Sorry..."

Gary finished the rest of the exam, checking Ash’s mouth, ears, and reflexes again. Ash was still shaking, his body unable to fully relax, but at least he had stopped trembling so badly.

Finally, Gary leaned back and crossed his arms. "Well, aside from the fact that you’re way too nervous for a simple check-up, everything looks fine." He gave Ash a playful nudge. "See? I didn’t poison you, dissect you, or anything."

Ash let out a sigh of relief, rubbing the back of his neck. "Y-Yeah... I guess."

Gary smiled, ruffling Ash’s hair one last time. "Calm down next time, Ashy-boy. You’re gonna give yourself a heart attack one of these days."

Ash’s heart pounded in his chest as Gary’s teasing words hung in the air. "Nervous? Me? Nah, I’m not—" He stammered, unable to finish his sentence, the trembling in his voice betraying his forced bravado. His hands were shaking, his leg bouncing up and down uncontrollably as he tried to focus on anything but the sterile room, the tools on the counter, or the racing thoughts in his mind.

Gary, noticing how bad it was, sighed and walked over to him, placing a hand firmly on Ash’s trembling one. "Hey, Ashy-boy, look at me." His voice was calm, but there was a hint of concern in his eyes, the playful smirk fading slightly. He knew exactly how much Ash hated check-ups, ever since they were kids.

Ash hesitated, his breathing ragged. His eyes darted everywhere except at Gary’s face. "I... I’m fine, Gary," Ash muttered, though his entire body betrayed him. The bouncing leg, the way his fingers fidgeted with the brim of his hat, the sweat beading on his forehead—none of it said he was fine.

Gary gently squeezed Ash’s hand, pulling him back from his spiraling thoughts. "Hey, buddy, calm down. It’s just a check-up. I’m not gonna do anything weird. And, for the last time, I’m not going to dissect you."

Ash’s eyes widened at the mention of ‘dissect,’ and in an instant, his hand shot toward his belt, grabbing a Poké Ball. "What?!" He exclaimed, his voice cracking, eyes wide with panic. "Pikachu, I choose—"

Before he could finish the command, Gary swiftly grabbed Ash’s hand and pushed it down, stopping him mid-sentence. "Ash, no!" Gary chuckled softly, shaking his head in disbelief. "I’m your best friend, not Team Rocket." He released Ash’s hand and gave him a light nudge on the shoulder. "Now, relax, okay?"

Ash blinked, his heart still racing, but he managed a weak smile. "Right... yeah. Sorry." His leg was still bouncing, though, and he was chewing his lower lip now. It didn’t seem like he could relax, no matter what Gary said.

Gary sighed and stepped back, grabbing his stethoscope and putting it on. "Alright, Ashy-boy, I’ll start with the basics. It’ll be over before you know it."

Ash nodded, though his body was stiff as a board. He sat there, visibly trembling as Gary started the examination, trying to keep his voice light and conversational.

"Okay, let’s check your eyes first." Gary leaned in, shining a small light into Ash’s eyes. "Look at me, buddy."

Ash tried, but his eyes were unfocused, darting away from the light. His mind was still racing. He couldn’t even keep his gaze steady. Gary noticed immediately, and a flicker of concern crossed his face. "Ash, you’re not even looking at the light. What’s going on in that head of yours?"

"I-I’m fine, Gary. Really," Ash mumbled, though his voice was shaky. His leg was bouncing even faster now.

Gary sighed again, clearly unconvinced but deciding to move on. "Alright, let’s check your ears." He gently moved closer, but Ash flinched slightly. Gary paused, noticing how much Ash was trembling. His hands were shaking so badly, you could almost hear the faint chattering of his teeth.

"Geez, Ash," Gary muttered softly. "You’re shaking like a leaf. Come on, it’s just me." He tried to keep his tone light, but he was getting genuinely worried now. He placed his hands on Ash’s shoulders and squeezed gently. "Calm down, Ashy. Take a breath, okay? I’ve got you."

Ash swallowed hard, trying to breathe, but his heart was still hammering in his chest. He hadn’t been this nervous in years, but something about this whole situation, about Gary being in charge of his check-up, was freaking him out more than he cared to admit.

Gary leaned back for a moment, setting his stethoscope down on the counter. He walked back over to Ash and sat down beside him on the examination table. "Hey, buddy. Calm down, alright?" Gary’s voice was softer now, more serious. He nudged Ash gently. "It’s me. You know I’ve got your back."

Ash, still trembling, scooted a little closer to Gary without even thinking about it. His leg was still bouncing uncontrollably, but he found some comfort in Gary being right there. Gary reached out and put an arm around Ash’s shoulders, pulling him into a side hug. "Take it easy, Ashy. Just breathe."

Ash leaned into the hug slightly, his eyes squeezed shut as he tried to calm his racing heart. He could hear Gary’s calm breathing beside him, feel his arm around him, and it helped—just a little.

After a moment, Ash took a deep, shaky breath and nodded. "I... I’m okay," he muttered, though his voice was still a little uncertain.

Gary ruffled Ash’s hair affectionately. "You’ll be fine, buddy. Just hang in there. Let’s get this over with so you can stop freaking out."

Ash managed a small chuckle, though his nerves hadn’t completely subsided. "Yeah... let’s just get it over with."

Gary stood up again, this time checking Ash’s pulse and blood pressure. His brow furrowed when he saw the results. "Ash, your blood pressure is through the roof, man. It’s in the 600s! No wonder you’re trembling like a Mareep."

Ash’s eyes widened. "W-What? Is that bad?"

"Very," Gary said, his voice serious now. "You need to calm down, Ashy-boy, or I’m going to have to sedate you or something." He gave a small, teasing grin, though his concern was evident.

Ash gulped, his leg still bouncing as he tried to calm himself. But with Gary right next to him, offering him some comfort, the nervous energy was slowly starting to drain away.

Gary glanced at the equipment once more, then looked back at Ash. "Alright, let’s finish this up quickly. We’ll get through this together, Ashy-boy. You’re not doing this alone."

Gary placed a hand on Ash’s shoulder one more time and squeezed gently. "I’m right here, buddy."

Ash’s heart raced as he stared at the medical instruments scattered across the counter, their gleaming metal reflecting his anxiety. Gary's casual demeanor did little to ease his nerves; if anything, it intensified them. "Nervous? Me? No way!" Ash stammered, his voice rising higher than he intended.

Gary stepped closer, a teasing smirk on his face. "Right. That’s why your leg is bouncing like a Starmie." He leaned against the wall, arms crossed, clearly enjoying Ash’s discomfort.

“Shut up, Gary!” Ash replied, trying to sound assertive, but the tremble in his voice betrayed him. He ran a hand through his hair, trying to regain his composure. “I’m totally fine. Just... ready to get this over with.”

“Sure, buddy.” Gary chuckled, stepping closer again. “Now, let’s start with the basics. Eyes first.” He pulled out a penlight from his coat pocket and flicked it on, shining it in Ash’s direction.

Ash’s eyes widened as the light flickered in front of him. “Whoa, whoa, wait! What if that blinds me?” He instinctively ducked, raising his hands to shield his face.

“Not likely,” Gary replied, rolling his eyes. “Just look straight ahead for me, Ashy.” He gently placed a hand on Ash’s shoulder to steady him, his tone softer. “Hey. Look at me.”

Ash’s breath hitched in his throat as he focused on Gary’s eyes, feeling like he was about to fall into a whirlpool of anxiety. “Okay, okay, I’m looking.”

“Good.” Gary directed the light toward Ash's eyes, tilting his head slightly to get a better angle. “Pupils look normal,” he muttered, jotting down notes on the clipboard. “Now, ears.”

Ash tried to keep still, but he could feel his heart racing like it was in a Pokémon battle. “You’re not going to find any hidden Pokémon in there, are you?” he joked weakly, attempting to lighten the mood.

“Only the stubborn ones.” Gary grinned, moving closer to examine Ash's ears. “But seriously, Ash. Just relax. Take a deep breath.”

“I can’t help it!” Ash exclaimed, his voice rising again. “What if you find something wrong? Like I have a rare disease or... or...”

“Or what? Poison from one of my Pokémon?” Gary interjected, his smirk widening. “Relax, it’s not like I’m going to dissect you or anything.”

“What?!” Ash nearly jumped off the table, his eyes wide with panic. In a moment of instinct, he reached for a Poké Ball on his belt, ready to summon one of his Pokémon for backup.

Gary’s hand shot out to grab Ash’s wrist, pulling the Poké Ball down before Ash could shout a command. “Whoa there, Ashy. It’s just a check-up. You really think I’d do something to you?”

Ash swallowed hard, his heart thumping against his chest. “I... I don’t know! You’ve got all these Pokémon! What if—”

“Look, I know how much you hate check-ups,” Gary said gently, his tone shifting from teasing to sincere. “Remember when we were four, and you freaked out? I was just there to support you then, too.”

That memory resurfaced, making Ash blush slightly. “Yeah, but that didn’t end well!” He could still recall the chaotic scene—the cries, the nurses, and him running away. It was a nightmare. “I just... I don’t like being examined, okay?”

“I get it,” Gary said, ruffling Ash's hair affectionately. “But you’ve got to calm down, buddy. Just breathe.”

“I’m trying!” Ash retorted, but he could feel the tension in his muscles. His leg bounced up and down uncontrollably. Gary's presence, meant to be comforting, felt like a weight on his shoulders.

“Okay, okay. Let’s check your reflexes next.” Gary said, moving on despite Ash’s evident anxiety. He took a small hammer from the tray and gently tapped Ash’s knee.

“Ah! What was that for?” Ash yelped, his leg kicking out instinctively.

“Just checking to see if you’re still in one piece.” Gary chuckled, but then noticed Ash’s face had gone pale. “You okay?”

“Not really,” Ash admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. “My heart’s racing...”

“Yeah, I can see that. Let’s check your blood pressure,” Gary said, grabbing a sphygmomanometer. As he wrapped the cuff around Ash’s arm, he noticed how tightly Ash’s fingers gripped the edge of the examination table.

“Just keep breathing, Ashy. In and out,” Gary instructed, his voice calm and steady. “You got this.”

The cuff inflated, and Ash felt the pressure squeezing his arm, but it only added to his anxiety. “What if it’s too high?” he asked, panic creeping back into his tone. “What if I’m, like, dying or something?”

“Then I’ll call Nurse Joy,” Gary replied playfully. “But I doubt you’re dying, kiddo.”

Ash shot him a glare. “We’re the same age!”

“Five months older, remember?” Gary grinned, but then his expression turned serious as he read the results. “Okay... not great, Ash. Blood pressure is a bit high. Like... in the 600s.”

“What?!” Ash exclaimed, his eyes widening in disbelief. “Is that bad?”

“Definitely not good,” Gary said, sitting next to Ash, his expression softening. “But it could just be the nerves. You’re kind of a mess right now, Ashy.”

Ash scooted closer, his heart pounding wildly. “I just hate this so much!”

Gary wrapped an arm around him, pulling him into a comforting hug. “Take it easy, Ashy. Just calm down. I’m here, okay? You’re not alone in this.”

Ash relaxed slightly, feeling the warmth of Gary’s presence. “Okay,” he murmured. “I’ll try.”

“Good. Just remember, it’s just a check-up. Nothing to worry about,” Gary said softly, rubbing Ash’s shoulder in a soothing manner. “I won’t let anything happen to you. I promise.”

Ash took a deep breath, feeling a bit steadier. “Thanks, Gary,” he said quietly, looking up at his friend with gratitude.

“No problem, buddy. Now, let’s finish this up, and then I’ll take you for a treat after, okay?” Gary suggested, standing up and preparing to move on to the next check-up procedure.

“Like a Pokémon battle treat?” Ash asked, a hint of excitement returning to his voice.

“Exactly,” Gary replied, a playful glint in his eyes. “But only if you can keep your heart rate down for the rest of this check-up.”

“Challenge accepted!” Ash grinned, feeling a rush of determination as he settled back on the examination table, ready to face whatever came next.

Ash's heart raced as he fidgeted on the examination table, the stark white of the room feeling too sterile, too intimidating. Gary stood before him, a cocky smirk plastered on his face, arms crossed, the ultimate combination of annoyance and encouragement.

“C’mon, Ashy-boy, you’re making me nervous just looking at you,” Gary teased, his voice dripping with mock seriousness. “You sure you want to go through with this? I mean, it’s not like I’m going to dissect you or anything.”

“What?!” Ash exclaimed, his eyes going wide as he instinctively reached for a Poké Ball, ready to summon a Pokémon for protection. His hand trembled, and before he could even stutter the command, Gary swiftly grabbed Ash's wrist, pulling his hand down.

“Easy there, buddy,” Gary said, his voice softening as he held Ash's hand firmly yet reassuringly. “It’s just a check-up. I promise it’s not going to hurt—much.”

Ash’s heart was pounding so fast he thought it might burst out of his chest. He felt the adrenaline rush through him, and his leg started bouncing nervously. “I-I know that,” he stammered, looking anywhere but at Gary. “I just—it's just check-ups… They make me anxious!”

“Yeah, I know,” Gary replied, placing a hand on Ash's shoulder. “But you’ve been through worse, right? Remember when you fainted during that last one?”

“Shut up!” Ash shot back, his face flushing as he recalled the embarrassing incident from when they were four, when Gary had to hold his hand through the entire ordeal. “That was years ago!”

“Years but still fresh in your mind, huh?” Gary chuckled, making Ash groan in annoyance. “Okay, let’s do this.” He moved closer, pulling out a flashlight and shining it in Ash’s eyes. “Look up for me, buddy. Try to focus.”

Ash squinted, trying to look at the light, but his gaze kept drifting. “I can’t… I can’t concentrate,” he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper, as the pressure in his chest grew heavier.

“Hey,” Gary said softly, “look at me. Just focus on my voice.” He leaned in closer, their eyes locking. “I’ve got you. Calm down, Ashy. You’re alright.”

For a moment, Ash felt comforted by Gary’s presence, but the anxiety still buzzed like an electric current through his veins. Gary’s steady demeanor helped, but he couldn’t shake the fear creeping up from the pit of his stomach.

“Okay, let’s check your ears next.” Gary reached over for an otoscope, careful not to startle Ash. “Try to relax. I’m just going to take a quick look.”

Ash nodded, but his body was still tense. He felt like a Rattata caught in a trap, heart racing as Gary examined his ears. “Everything looks good here,” Gary said, pulling back and giving Ash a reassuring smile.

“R-Really?” Ash asked, barely believing it.

“Yep! Now open your mouth wide for me,” Gary instructed, and Ash complied, trying not to think too much about what could be lurking in that examination room.

“Say ‘Ah,’” Gary prompted, peering inside Ash’s mouth with a tongue depressor.

“Ah,” Ash murmured, a small, anxious laugh escaping as he caught Gary’s scrutinizing gaze. “How’s it look?”

“Like you’ve eaten too many Berry-flavored candies,” Gary teased. “But nothing to worry about. Now let’s check your heart.”

Ash felt a small thrill of fear at that. Gary placed the stethoscope on Ash’s chest, listening carefully. “Breathe in,” he said, and Ash inhaled sharply, trying to keep his breathing steady. But Gary’s next words made his heart sink. “Hmm, that’s interesting…”

“What? What is it?” Ash blurted, his mind racing with terrible possibilities.

“Your heart rate is... well, it’s really high,” Gary admitted, pulling back to look at Ash. “Like in the 600s high.”

“600s?! Is that bad?” Ash gasped, his eyes wide with panic.

“Relax, Ashy! It just means you’re a bit worked up,” Gary said, ruffling Ash's hair playfully. “And since this is a check-up you dread, I’d say it’s understandable. But we need to get that blood pressure down. Just breathe, okay?”

“Easier said than done!” Ash exclaimed, his teeth chattering in nervousness.

“Calm down, Ashy,” Gary said again, his voice softening as he leaned closer, wrapping an arm around Ash’s shoulders. “You’re alright. Just take a few deep breaths with me. In and out.” He demonstrated, breathing in deeply before exhaling slowly.

Ash mimicked him, feeling a slight ease in the tightness of his chest. “Okay, I think I’m getting there,” he said, though his heart still raced.

“Good,” Gary replied, giving Ash a gentle nudge. “You’re doing great, Kiddo."

“Hey!” Ash protested, pulling away playfully. “We’re the same age!"

“Five months older and counting!” Gary shot back, grinning. “Now, can we finish this?”

With a slight nod, Ash took another deep breath as Gary continued his examination, checking reflexes and running a few more tests. He could feel the tension melting away, little by little, until he was just sitting there with his best friend, laughing and sharing memories from their childhood.

Gary’s teasing nature made everything feel more lighthearted, a welcome distraction from the anxiety that had loomed over Ash like a storm cloud. “You’re almost done, Ashy-boy,” Gary said, a grin still plastered on his face. “And I promise, no needles… today.”

Ash felt a mix of relief and residual nervousness. “Can’t you at least promise no Pokémon battles afterward?”

Gary laughed. “No promises there. You know how it goes—once this is over, it’s back to training! But I’ll make sure we take it easy, just for you.”

Ash's mind was racing as he sat on the examination table, his heart pounding so loudly he thought it might echo off the sterile walls. He couldn’t shake the feeling of dread creeping into his stomach. The fluorescent lights above buzzed softly, creating an atmosphere that made everything feel even more clinical and intimidating. Ash fidgeted with his fingers, wondering how he had gotten into this situation.

"Come on, Ashy-boy," Gary said, breaking the silence as he leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, a mischievous grin plastered on his face. "You look like you're about to pass out. You’re not gonna faint on me, are you?"

Ash swallowed hard. “I’m not going to faint!” he protested, though his voice trembled slightly, betraying his anxiety.

“Sure, buddy. Just keep telling yourself that,” Gary teased, walking over and ruffling Ash's hair playfully. “It’s just a routine check-up. Nothing to be scared of. I mean, it’s not like I’m going to dissect you or anything.”

“What?!” Ash exclaimed, his eyes widening in horror. He instinctively reached for a Poké Ball at his belt, ready to call upon one of his Pokémon for backup, but before he could even get a word out, Gary swiftly grabbed his hand and pulled it down.

“Relax, Ashy,” Gary said, his tone softening slightly as he placed a hand on Ash's. “Hey, look at me.”

Ash's heart was racing, his leg bouncing nervously. He felt exposed under Gary’s intense gaze, and for a moment, he struggled to meet his friend's eyes. “I… I’m fine,” he stammered, but the tremor in his voice gave him away.

“Are you sure about that?” Gary asked, his smirk softening into something more genuine. “You look like you’re about to jump out of your skin. Just take a deep breath for me, okay?”

Ash took a shaky breath, trying to calm the whirlwind of thoughts in his mind. “Okay, okay,” he muttered, squeezing his eyes shut for a brief moment. “I can do this.”

“Good. Let’s start with the basics,” Gary said, pulling a tongue depressor out of a drawer. “Open wide.”

Ash complied, feeling a mix of apprehension and embarrassment as Gary inspected his mouth. “You know, this isn’t so bad, right?” Gary said, grinning as he checked Ash's throat.

“Yeah, if you say so,” Ash replied, his voice slightly muffled. “I still don’t like it.”

“Maybe if you didn’t bite your nails, you wouldn’t have to worry about things like this,” Gary said with a playful jab.

“Hey! It’s a nervous habit!” Ash shot back, trying to regain some of his confidence.

Gary rolled his eyes, clearly amused. “Whatever you say, kiddo. Now, let’s check your reflexes.” He moved to the counter and picked up a reflex hammer, brandishing it like a weapon. “Hold still.”

Ash’s eyes went wide again. “Uh… are you really going to hit me with that?”

“It’s not a battle, Ashy,” Gary chuckled. “Just relax.”

With that, Gary tapped Ash’s knee lightly, and Ash jumped, the reflex sending his leg swinging. “See? You’re not falling apart,” Gary said, laughing lightly. “Let’s check your heart rate now. Just breathe.”

Ash was a bundle of nerves, but he managed to steady himself as Gary placed the stethoscope on his chest. “This will be over before you know it,” Gary assured him. “Just try to calm down, okay?”

“Easy for you to say,” Ash muttered under his breath, but he tried to focus on Gary’s voice as he spoke. “I’m going to count how many times your heart is beating. Just relax, buddy.”

As the seconds passed, Ash felt his heart race faster. He could feel the cold metal of the stethoscope on his skin and was acutely aware of Gary’s breath as he listened.

“Hmm,” Gary said, his brows furrowing slightly as he jotted something down. “Your heart’s racing pretty fast there, Ash. Just how nervous are you?”

“Uh… just a little?” Ash replied, trying to sound casual, but even he could hear the tremor in his voice. He couldn’t help it—this was Gary, after all, and he could be unpredictable.

“Little? More like a lot,” Gary teased, moving on to check Ash’s blood pressure. “You know, when we were four and you freaked out during that check-up, I didn’t think it could get worse.”

“I still can’t believe you came to that with me,” Ash admitted, feeling embarrassed. “I thought I was going to die.”

“Yeah, well, you didn't,” Gary replied with a smirk. “And here we are, doing this again. Just think of it like a gym battle. You can handle that, right?”

“Yeah, but at least in a gym battle, I can use my Pokémon,” Ash protested.

“Right, but your opponent isn’t going to give you any mercy here, Ashy-boy,” Gary quipped as he tightened the cuff around Ash’s arm. “So hold still.”

The pressure built around Ash's arm, making him feel even more anxious. He could hear the sound of his heartbeat in his ears, loud and quick, like the drums in a battle.

“Okay, deep breath in... and out,” Gary instructed, watching Ash closely. “Don’t hyperventilate on me now.”

Ash nodded, trying to focus. He took a deep breath in, then released it slowly. But even as he tried to follow Gary’s advice, his blood pressure reading came back high—way too high. Gary’s brow furrowed as he read the numbers.

“Whoa, this is pretty high, Ash. Are you sure you’re feeling okay?” he asked, concern slipping into his voice.

“I… I’m fine!” Ash insisted, though his hands were trembling now, and he could feel his teeth chattering together slightly.

Gary gently squeezed Ash's shoulder. “Calm down, Ashy. Just breathe. You’re not in trouble; you just need to chill.”

Ash scooted closer to Gary, seeking comfort. “I don’t know how,” he admitted, his voice shaky.

“Hey, it’s okay,” Gary said softly, wrapping an arm around Ash's shoulders. “Take it easy, Ashy. We’re in this together.”

Ash felt a wave of relief wash over him at Gary’s words. “But you’re the one checking me! You’re supposed to be the scary rival!”

“Yeah, well, I’m also your best friend,” Gary reminded him. “And you know I’m not going to let anything bad happen to you.”

At that moment, Ash felt his heart swell with appreciation. “You’re right. I just… I hate check-ups,” he confessed.

“I know you do, buddy,” Gary said, nudging Ash playfully. “But I’m here, and I won’t let you go through it alone, Kiddo."

“Hey!” Ash protested, feigning annoyance. “We’re the same age! How come you get to call me that?"

“Only because I was born five months earlier,” Gary shot back, grinning.

“You’re the worst!” Ash laughed, finally feeling some of the tension ease as they shared this moment.

Amd just so you know I'm the younger one out of the two of us

She's boen November And me December.

Like literally same day

Same time

Same year

Everything but month is same hehe

So I can see why she hates these things

Anyway

Ash sat on the examination table, his heart racing like a Rapidash at a race. The clinical smell of antiseptic hung in the air, and he felt completely out of his element. He glanced at Gary, who stood confidently in his white lab coat, a smug grin plastered across his face.

"Let’s get this over with, Ashy-boy," Gary said, crossing his arms.

"Uh... sure," Ash stammered, his voice barely above a whisper. He was fumbling with his words, feeling the pressure of the moment build. What if Gary was going to use this check-up to prank him?

"Are you nervous, Ash?" Gary asked, raising an eyebrow as he leaned closer.

"N-no! I’m not nervous!" Ash replied a bit too quickly, his leg bouncing up and down as if it had a mind of its own. He felt his cheeks heat up.

Gary chuckled, clearly enjoying Ash's discomfort. "Really? Because you look like you're about to run out of here screaming."

"Shut up, Gary!" Ash snapped, but his tone lacked any real heat. Instead, it came out as a weak protest, and he felt his heart race even faster.

"Hey, look at me." Gary placed a hand over Ash’s trembling one, grounding him. "I promise it’s just a routine check-up. Nothing to worry about."

Ash’s eyes flicked up to meet Gary's gaze. There was a warmth there, a reassuring flicker that eased some of his tension. "Okay," he breathed out, but the way his heart thudded in his chest suggested otherwise.

"Just take a deep breath. It’ll be over before you know it," Gary said gently, nudging Ash playfully. But then he smirked. "Unless, of course, I decide to dissect you."

Ash's eyes widened in horror. "What?! No! I—" He instinctively reached for a Poké Ball at his belt, ready to call on one of his Pokémon for backup. "Bulbasaur, I—"

Before he could finish the command, Gary swiftly grabbed Ash's hand and pulled it down. "Whoa, easy there, buddy! I’m just kidding!"

Ash blinked, the tension in his body slightly loosening. "You can’t just say things like that!"

Gary waved him off, now grabbing a pen and clipboard. "Just a little banter to lighten the mood. Now let’s check your eyes." He directed Ash to look up at the bright light.

Ash squinted at the light, his heart pounding in his chest as Gary inspected his pupils. "You’re supposed to check my vision, right? Not blind me!" he complained, but it sounded more like a nervous whine than a protest.

Gary chuckled, letting the light drop for a moment. "I don’t think I need to check your vision to see that you’re trembling like a Caterpie in the wind."

"I’m not trembling!" Ash insisted, but even he could hear the slight quaver in his voice.

"You sure about that, Ashy? I can hear your teeth chattering from here." Gary continued, examining Ash's ears. He leaned in, trying to get a better look, but Ash couldn’t hold still.

"Stop it!" Ash blurted out, squirming away.

Gary rolled his eyes, his voice light but firm. "You’re a real piece of work, you know that? Just stay still, or I’ll have to send in my Pokémon to help."

Ash shot him a look, the nervousness still evident in his eyes. "You wouldn’t dare!"

"Try me," Gary shot back with a grin as he continued his examination. He checked Ash's throat, making him say "ahh," and then moved on to his heartbeat, placing a stethoscope against Ash’s chest.

"Just breathe normally," Gary instructed, but Ash’s breaths were quick and shallow. He felt like a Magikarp out of water.

As Gary pressed the stethoscope to his chest, he could feel the racing of his heart beneath it, the thrum echoing in his ears. "Wow, buddy. Your heart’s racing pretty fast. How do you feel?"

"Um, great!" Ash said, the word slipping out before he even processed it. "Just... super... excited for the check-up?"

Gary raised an eyebrow again, a teasing glint in his eyes. "Excited, huh? More like scared. Your blood pressure is through the roof—like in the 600s, Ash. You might be the first person in history to break the scale at a check-up."

Ash felt his stomach drop. "Wait, what?!"

"Relax, I’m kidding again," Gary said, ruffling Ash's hair. "But seriously, you need to calm down. Take it easy."

As Ash tried to process Gary's words, he felt the weight of the world on his shoulders. He didn’t like check-ups—never had. They reminded him of the time when they were four, and he had freaked out during a similar exam. Gary had come to support him then, but it had not ended well.

"Calm down, Ashy. You got this," Gary said softly, sitting down next to him on the examination table.

Ash felt a little bit better having Gary there. He scooted closer, seeking comfort.

"Hey, kiddo," Gary said, wrapping an arm around Ash’s shoulders. "You’re doing great. Just take a deep breath. I’m right here."

"Easy for you to say," Ash muttered. "You’re not the one getting poked and prodded."

Gary chuckled softly, "True, but it’s not like I’m gonna do anything crazy. Just checking in on you. So, what’s the deal? You scared of getting a shot or something?"

Ash felt heat rise to his cheeks. "I’m not scared! I just don’t like needles, okay?"

Gary smirked. "I mean, I get it. But hey, we’re the same age! And I’m five months older, so that makes me more experienced at dealing with these things."

Ash shot him a glare. "Hey! That’s not fair!"

Gary laughed, ruffling Ash's hair again. "Relax, Ashy-boy. I promise you’ll walk out of here in one piece. No dissection, just a check-up, I swear."

Ash sat on the examination table, his heart racing and palms sweating. He could feel the anxiety bubbling up inside him like a shaken soda can. The thought of Gary’s mischievous grin made his stomach churn.

“Are you ready, Ashy-boy?” Gary teased, snapping Ash back to reality.

“Uh... yeah, I’m ready!” Ash stammered, but the tremor in his voice betrayed him. He rubbed the back of his neck, desperately trying to calm his nerves. “I mean, I think... I mean, um...”

Gary chuckled, crossing his arms with a smirk. “Wow, Ash, that’s some solid confidence you’ve got there. I might just faint from excitement!”

Ash bit his lip, his leg bouncing up and down uncontrollably. “Shut up, Gary. I’m fine!”

“Right,” Gary said, raising an eyebrow. “You sure you’re not about to explode? I mean, your heart’s beating so fast, it might just take off like a Charizard!”

“Gary!” Ash groaned, feeling his face heat up. “I’m fine, I promise!” But he knew his voice sounded strained, even to him. He was just glad that Gary was here. They had been through so much together, even at the age of four when Ash had been scared out of his mind at a check-up, and Gary had held his hand the whole time.

“Okay, okay,” Gary said, holding up his hands in mock surrender. “Let’s just get this done. Just… try to relax, alright?”

“Relax,” Ash echoed, his voice barely a whisper. He felt Gary’s hand rest on his, warm and steady. “Yeah, easier said than done.”

“Hey, look at me,” Gary said, his tone turning serious for a moment. “You got this, buddy. Just breathe.”

Ash took a deep breath, trying to focus on Gary’s face rather than the looming medical instruments. But it was hard. The sterile smell of the office seemed to creep into his lungs, suffocating him. His leg kept bouncing, and he could hear his teeth chattering, even if Gary didn’t seem to notice.

“Alright, let’s start with the basics,” Gary said, reaching for the stethoscope hanging around his neck. “I’m gonna check your heart first. Nothing to worry about, Ashy.”

“Uh, yeah. Sure.” Ash tried to sound nonchalant, but he could feel the anxiety creeping back in.

“Just stay still,” Gary instructed, moving closer. “And remember, I’m not gonna dissect you or anything.”

“What?!” Ash exclaimed, instinctively reaching for a Poké Ball in his pocket. “I’ll use Pikachu if you try anything!”

Before he could even finish his command, Gary grabbed Ash’s hand and pulled it down, chuckling. “Easy there, kiddo. I’m on your side, remember?”

Ash forced a nervous laugh, but he could feel his heart racing even faster. “Yeah, right…”

Gary placed the stethoscope against Ash’s chest, the cool metal sending a shiver through him. “Deep breath in,” he instructed, watching as Ash inhaled sharply. “And out.”

“Good. Again.”

As the seconds ticked by, Ash struggled to focus on his breathing. The pressure of Gary’s stethoscope against his skin felt oddly grounding, but the sound of his own heart pounding in his ears made him feel like he was about to explode.

“Your heart’s racing like it’s about to go into battle,” Gary observed, his brow furrowing slightly. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

“Uh, yeah, I—” Ash started, but the words got stuck in his throat as Gary continued the check-up. He looked into Ash’s eyes, then quickly checked his ears, opening them wide.

“Hmm. I can’t see anything because you’re shaking so much,” Gary commented, nudging Ash playfully. “You’re acting like a Caterpie caught in a swarm of Beedrill.”

Ash swallowed hard, his pulse still racing. “I-I can’t help it!”

“Calm down, Ashy. Seriously,” Gary said, squeezing his shoulder. “Just relax.”

After checking Ash’s mouth, Gary moved to check his reflexes, tapping Ash’s knee with a small hammer. Ash jumped at the unexpected contact, letting out a startled yelp. “Ow! What was that for?”

“Just making sure you don’t turn into a Jellydonut,” Gary teased, and Ash rolled his eyes.

“Very funny,” Ash replied dryly, but he couldn’t suppress a smile.

“Now for your blood pressure,” Gary said, wrapping a cuff around Ash’s arm. “Just breathe normally.”

Ash nodded, but the cuff tightened, and he felt a wave of panic. “Uh, Gary… what if—”

“Relax. Just relax,” Gary said, his voice firm yet comforting. “You can handle this.”

The cuff started to deflate, and Gary glanced at the monitor. “Well, it’s… um, let’s just say it’s a little high.”

“How high?” Ash asked, his heart racing anew.

“Like in the 600s high,” Gary replied, trying to keep his tone light, but there was concern in his eyes.

“600?! What does that mean? Is that bad?” Ash asked, panic creeping into his voice.

“Calm down, Ashy. Just take it easy,” Gary said, moving closer. “It might just be because you’re nervous. We’ll get you sorted out.”

“But I—” Ash started, but Gary interrupted him.

“Hey, buddy. Look at me,” Gary said, making Ash meet his gaze. “You’re okay. I promise. Just breathe.”

Ash scooted closer to Gary, finding comfort in his presence. Gary wrapped an arm around him, pulling him into a side hug. “See? Nothing to worry about.”

“Yeah, but what if—”

" Nothing is going to happen, Kiddo!"

“Hey! We’re the same age!” Ash protested, blushing slightly as he tried to shift the conversation.

“Not quite,” Gary said, smirking. “I’m five months older. You know what that means, right? I’m your senior, Ashy-boy.”

“Very funny,” Ash grumbled, feeling a little more at ease as he leaned against Gary.

Gary ruffled Ash’s hair affectionately, a teasing smile on his face. “Just chill out, okay? We’ll get through this together, I promise.”

“Thanks, Gary,” Ash said softly, a wave of gratitude washing over him. Maybe this check-up wouldn’t be so bad after all.

Ash’s heart raced as he sat on the examination table, staring wide-eyed at Gary, who was leaning casually against the doorframe with a smirk plastered across his face. The smell of antiseptic filled the air, making Ash feel even more uneasy. His foot tapped anxiously against the metal frame of the table, the sound echoing in the otherwise quiet room.

“Come on, Ashy-boy,” Gary teased, crossing his arms. “Are you going to just sit there all day? I thought you were supposed to be tough, like a Pokémon trainer and all that.”

“Yeah, well…” Ash fumbled with his words, feeling the heat rise in his cheeks. “I mean, it’s just that… check-ups are… um, you know, not my thing.”

Gary chuckled, clearly enjoying Ash’s discomfort. “What’s the matter? Scared I’m going to pull out a Poké Ball and send out a poisonous Pokémon on you?”

Ash’s eyes widened at the thought. “Wait, what?! You wouldn’t, would you?”

Gary laughed again. “Relax! I’m not actually going to dissect you or anything. That was a joke!” He could see the unease written all over Ash’s face, and he decided to approach him more gently. “Hey, look at me,” he said softly, placing his hand over Ash’s trembling one. “It’s going to be fine.”

Ash swallowed hard, feeling the warmth of Gary's hand calming his own racing thoughts, but his heart continued to beat wildly in his chest. “I know, I just… I can’t help it!” He squeezed his eyes shut for a moment, trying to gather his thoughts. “I hate these things. What if something's wrong? What if you find out… something bad?”

“Nothing bad is going to happen,” Gary assured him. “You’re healthy, right? Just a quick check-up. I promise.” He smiled reassuringly, but Ash felt his leg bouncing up and down nervously, unable to sit still.

“Okay, okay. Just get it over with,” Ash said, forcing out a shaky laugh. “Just be quick about it!”

Gary moved to the counter, grabbing a flashlight. “Alright, let’s start with the basics.” He turned back to Ash, holding the flashlight in front of him. “First, I’m going to check your eyes.”

Ash’s eyes darted around the room, not wanting to focus on Gary’s face as he leaned in. “Uh, can you make it quick?”

“Keep your eyes on me, Ashy,” Gary instructed, shining the light into Ash’s left eye. “Look up. Good. Now down. And… look straight ahead.” He moved the light back and forth, noticing how Ash didn’t even seem to follow it, his gaze darting all over.

“Alright, now your ears,” Gary continued, looking for any sign of Ash’s usual bravado. He checked Ash’s ears, but the trembling of Ash’s body made it hard to see anything. “You know, you could’ve just told me you were feeling sick. I mean, you look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

“I’m fine!” Ash shot back, his voice cracking slightly. “Just… just hurry up!”

Gary rolled his eyes and moved on. “Open your mouth. Say ‘ah’.”

“Ah…” Ash complied, but he felt his mouth go dry as he watched Gary inspect his throat.

“Good, nothing unusual there,” Gary said, glancing at Ash’s expression. “Now let’s check your heart rate.”

Ash felt his palms grow sweaty as Gary pressed the stethoscope against his chest. “You’re not going to say ‘it’s time to battle’ or something, are you?” Ash managed to joke, trying to mask his fear.

“Not this time, buddy,” Gary said with a smirk, but then his expression changed as he listened intently. “Hmm. Your heart’s racing pretty fast, Ash. You feeling okay?”

“Uh, yeah, of course!” Ash replied, though he knew he sounded less than convincing. “I mean, you’re the one making me nervous!”

“Let’s check your blood pressure,” Gary said, wrapping the cuff around Ash’s arm. “Just sit still.”

As the cuff inflated, Ash’s heart raced even more, and he could hear the faint thumping in his ears. “What if it’s super high?” he blurted out. “What if I’m, like, dying or something?”

“Relax, Ashy,” Gary said, watching Ash’s face as the cuff began to release. “You’re fine. Just breathe.” He noted Ash’s blood pressure reading, raising his eyebrows in surprise. “Wow, it’s pretty high. In the 600s. You okay there, kiddo?”

Ash’s eyes went wide, panic creeping into his expression. “600?! I’m dying! I told you I’m sick!”

“Hey! Calm down, Ashy!” Gary exclaimed, leaning closer and putting a hand on Ash’s shoulder. “You’re not dying. You just hate check-ups, and it’s making you more nervous than you should be. I’m here, okay? Just breathe with me.”

As Ash tried to calm himself, he felt Gary’s hand on his shoulder, steadying him. “You got this, buddy,” Gary said softly, his voice lowering. “Take a deep breath in… and out. See? Easy. Now, if I get any Pokémon that could actually poison you, I’d let you know. You have my word.”

Ash finally let out a shaky breath. “I’m trying, I swear!” He glanced up at Gary, who was looking at him with a mixture of concern and amusement. “I just… you know how much I hate this.”

“I know,” Gary said gently, ruffling Ash’s hair, which made Ash let out an embarrassed groan. “But you’re doing great, Ashy. And remember, I’m five months older, so I know a thing or two about handling these situations.”

“Hey!” Ash protested, pouting. “We’re the same age!”

“Not quite! I’m still older,” Gary replied with a smirk, teasingly nudging Ash again. “Just a little bit, but it counts.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Ash muttered, feeling a little more at ease. “You’re just lucky I’m not trying to battle you right now.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it,” Gary said, his tone light. “Just focus on me, okay? You’re going to be fine. Just a few more things to check, and then we’ll be done.”

“Right,” Ash said, glancing at the tools again but feeling a bit more confident with Gary by his side. “Let’s just get this over with, buddy.”

“Exactly! Now, let’s see how fast your reflexes are,” Gary said, grabbing a small hammer from the counter. “Just don’t scream when I tap your knee, alright?”

Ash couldn’t help but chuckle nervously, his heart finally starting to slow down. “I’ll try my best, but no promises!”

Ash’s heart raced as Gary’s teasing grin widened. He tried to form words, but they tangled in his throat, stumbling over his nerves like they were rocks on a rocky path. “Uh, well… I mean, it’s just… um, you know, check-ups and stuff, right?”

Gary chuckled softly, leaning closer with that familiar playful glint in his eyes. “C’mon, Ashy-boy! It’s just a quick look-see. You think I’m going to do something crazy?”

“What if you did?!” Ash shot back, his voice higher than intended. “You could totally pull a fast one on me!”

Gary rolled his eyes. “Dude, chill. It’s not like I’m going to dissect you or anything.”

At that, Ash’s face went pale. “What?!”

He instinctively reached for a Poké Ball at his waist, ready to call out a Pokémon for backup. But before he could utter a command, Gary swiftly grabbed Ash’s hand, pulling it down and pinning it gently on his lap. “Hey! Look at me,” he said, his tone suddenly serious.

Ash’s breath hitched in his throat as he met Gary’s eyes, those deep pools of mischief softened with genuine concern. “You need to calm down, okay? You’re shaking like a leaf.”

“I’m not shaking!” Ash protested, though his leg bounced up and down, a nervous rhythm he couldn’t control. His heart thundered in his chest, drowning out everything else. “I just—”

Gary placed a hand over Ash’s, grounding him. “You’re doing fine, buddy. Just breathe.”

With a nod, Ash inhaled deeply, but it felt like a struggle against the weight of anxiety pressing down on him. “Okay, okay… just a routine check-up,” he murmured, half to reassure himself.

“Exactly!” Gary replied, patting Ash’s hand lightly before standing up. “Let’s get this over with. You can do it.”

With that, Gary stepped over to the counter, grabbing the first few tools he needed. Ash’s gaze followed him, his heart still racing as he watched Gary prepare. “What’s that?” he asked, eyes wide, pointing to the shiny metallic device.

Gary glanced back over his shoulder, smirking. “A reflex hammer. Trust me, it doesn’t bite.” He then turned back, his expression turning professional. “Alright, let’s check your eyes first. Can you look straight ahead for me?”

“Uh… yeah, sure,” Ash said, focusing on a spot on the wall behind Gary. The fluorescent lights above buzzed faintly, and he fought to steady his breath as Gary moved closer.

“Good. Just relax,” Gary instructed, leaning in and shining a light into Ash’s left eye. “Look up for me… now down… and to the side.”

Ash’s vision blurred slightly as Gary’s flashlight flickered, and he felt sweat prickling at his forehead. “How does it look?” he asked, trying to sound casual, but the tremor in his voice betrayed him.

“Looks fine. Just… stay focused,” Gary said, keeping his tone light. “Now for your ears. Tilt your head for me.”

Ash obeyed, tilting his head to the side. Gary checked each ear, his fingers brushing lightly against Ash’s skin, causing him to tense. “Nothing looks wrong here. You’re not harboring any secret poisonings, at least,” he joked, trying to lighten the mood.

“Ha-ha,” Ash replied weakly, biting his lip. “So far…”

“Alright, open your mouth wide.” Gary instructed next, brandishing a tongue depressor like it was a trophy.

Ash obeyed, but as Gary peered inside, he felt vulnerable and exposed. “Mmmph,” he mumbled, his heart pounding louder with each passing second.

“Can’t hear you, Ashy-boy. Say ‘ah’!” Gary laughed, clearly enjoying this a bit too much.

“Ah!” Ash replied, but it came out muffled.

Gary chuckled and took a step back, shaking his head. “Okay, okay, you’re good there too. Now, let’s check your heartbeat.” He moved the stethoscope closer to Ash's chest, the cool metal sending a shiver down his spine. “Take a deep breath in... and out.”

Ash obeyed, but his heart raced too fast, like a frantic wild Pokémon. “Is it supposed to feel like this?” he asked, worry creeping into his voice.

Gary furrowed his brow, his expression turning serious as he listened intently. “Your heartbeat is pretty high, buddy. I’ll check your blood pressure next.”

Ash felt a knot tighten in his stomach. “It is? How high?”

“High enough to warrant a little concern,” Gary replied, wrapping the blood pressure cuff around Ash’s arm. “Just sit still and relax.”

“Relax,” Ash muttered under his breath, the irony not lost on him as he clenched his fists, feeling the coldness of the cuff tightening around him. Gary started to inflate the cuff, and Ash could hear his pulse echoing loudly in his ears, drowning out everything else. “What if I explode or something?”

Gary rolled his eyes playfully. “You’re not going to explode, Ash. Just keep breathing.”

After a few tense moments, Gary released the cuff, checking the numbers. His eyes narrowed slightly, and Ash’s heart sank.

“What’s it say?” Ash asked, anxiety threading his words.

“600’s,” Gary replied, brow furrowed. “It’s a bit elevated, but it’s not the end of the world. Let’s try to bring it down a notch, okay?”

Ash nodded, his eyes darting around the room nervously. Gary moved closer again, ruffling Ash’s hair affectionately. “C’mon, lighten up! You’re not dying, just maybe a little high-strung.”

“Easy for you to say,” Ash mumbled, unable to meet Gary’s gaze. He could feel the tremors in his hands and the chattering of his teeth as he fought to regain control. “I hate check-ups!”

“I know, buddy,” Gary said softly, his voice turning gentle. “You know I’m here for you. Remember when we were four and you thought the doctor was going to take your Poké Balls? I was right there with you.”

“Yeah, I remember…” Ash trailed off, memories flooding back to when he had been so scared he didn’t want to go back for a check-up. Gary had sat beside him the whole time, and it hadn’t ended well.

Gary shifted closer, sensing Ash’s growing tension. “Hey, hey, calm down, Ashy. Calm down,” he urged, his hand wrapping around Ash’s as if to tether him. “It’s just me. Nothing’s going to happen.”

Ash felt himself scoot closer to Gary instinctively, the warmth of his presence easing some of the anxiety that had been clenching around his heart. Gary enveloped Ash in a gentle hug, their shoulders touching, and Ash exhaled slowly, trying to let the fear seep out of him.

“Take it easy, Ashy,” Gary murmured, squeezing his hand reassuringly. “We’ve got this together. Just remember, I’m not going to let anything happen to you.”

Ash nodded, finally feeling a little more grounded. “Yeah… thanks, Gary.”

“Anytime, buddy,” Gary replied, releasing his hold slightly but keeping his hand over Ash’s. “Now, let’s finish this check-up so we can get out of here, alright?”

With a deep breath, Ash felt a bit more ready to face whatever was next. “Yeah, let’s do it.”

Ash's heart raced in his chest, the sound of it pounding in his ears overwhelming any rational thought. He sat on the examination table, his leg bouncing up and down uncontrollably, trying to process the situation. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was off, that Gary was somehow going to turn this routine check-up into a disaster.

"Hey, Ashy," Gary said, breaking the tension with his usual teasing tone as he walked over. "You okay? You look like you just saw a Gyarados."

Ash chuckled nervously, his fingers fiddling with the hem of his shirt. "Yeah, just... y'know, thinking about all the ways this could go wrong."

Gary rolled his eyes, crossing his arms as he leaned against the counter. "It’s not like I'm going to dissect you or anything." He flashed a mischievous grin, and Ash's eyes widened at the comment.

"What?!" Ash exclaimed, instinctively reaching for a Poké Ball at his waist. He held it up, ready to call out a Pokémon, but before he could even say the command, Gary grabbed his hand and pulled it down.

"Calm down, Ashy. Just breathe," Gary said, his tone suddenly more serious. "Look at me."

Ash took a deep breath, trying to focus on Gary’s eyes instead of the fear coursing through him. “I’m trying!” he stammered, his voice shaky. “I just hate check-ups!”

"I know," Gary replied, his voice softer now. He gently placed his hand on Ash's, grounding him. "But this is important. Just trust me, buddy."

Ash’s heart was pounding harder now, and he felt like he might burst. “I don’t know if I can do this, Gary.”

"Hey, look at me," Gary said firmly, yet kindly. Ash’s eyes met Gary’s, and he could see the understanding in his friend’s gaze. "It’ll be over before you know it. Just some routine checks. I’ve got your back, always."

Taking a deep breath, Ash nodded slowly, though he could still feel his leg bouncing beneath him. "Okay, okay."

Gary grinned and motioned toward the examination tools. “First, let’s check your eyes. Just look straight ahead for me, okay?” He turned on the light and brought it closer.

Ash blinked, his heart racing even faster. “You know I hate this part!”

“Just try to relax,” Gary said, leaning in closer to examine Ash’s eyes. "You’re doing great, Ashy."

But Ash’s body trembled under the pressure, and he couldn't stop his teeth from chattering. “I... I can’t. I just—”

Gary nudged Ash playfully. “You’re fine. If I were going to do anything bad, I’d have brought some poison Pokémon in with me.”

“Very funny,” Ash mumbled, his voice barely above a whisper.

Gary chuckled lightly. “Okay, let’s check your ears now. Just tilt your head.” He moved the otoscope closer, peering into Ash's ear. “You’ve been cleaning them, right?” he joked, a teasing glint in his eyes.

“Of course I have!” Ash protested, his cheeks flushing slightly. “I’m not a total mess!”

“Just checking, just checking,” Gary said, his smirk widening. “Now open your mouth. Say ‘Ahh.’”

“Aah!” Ash complied, but his voice was trembling, and Gary could see it.

“Good enough.” Gary checked inside, quickly glancing around. “Now for your heart rate.” He pulled out a stethoscope, placing it against Ash’s chest. “Breathe normally.”

Ash tried to calm himself, but his heart was racing too fast for that. “How does it sound?” he asked, his voice wavering.

“Sounds like you’ve run a marathon, Ashy,” Gary said, lifting an eyebrow. He frowned, pulling the stethoscope away. “Your heart’s racing. Like, seriously racing. What’s going on?”

“I-I don’t know!” Ash stammered, his panic rising. “I didn’t think I was that nervous!”

Gary gave Ash a concerned look. “It’s just a check-up. It’s not like I’m going to hurt you.” He began to check Ash's blood pressure, wrapping the cuff around Ash's arm. “Just sit still for me. I need to know what’s happening.”

Ash squeezed his eyes shut, focusing on anything other than the pressure building around his arm. He felt the cuff tighten, and he couldn’t help but tremble.

“Alright, buddy, just breathe,” Gary said soothingly, as the machine beeped. “You’re going to be fine.”

But Ash's mind raced with thoughts of what might happen next. “What if I’m sick? What if I have to stay here longer? What if—”

“Relax,” Gary interrupted, glancing at the reading. “Your blood pressure is… high. Like, really high.” He frowned slightly. “This isn’t good, Ash. You need to calm down.”

“I’m trying!” Ash said, his voice cracking. “But you don’t understand how much I hate this!”

Gary softened his expression, sitting down next to Ash. “Hey, hey,” he said gently, putting an arm around Ash’s shoulders. “You’re my best friend. I’m here for you. Just take it easy, okay? We’ll get through this together.”

Ash scooted closer to Gary, feeling comforted by his presence. “I just feel so... overwhelmed,” he admitted, his voice barely a whisper.

“It’s okay to feel that way,” Gary reassured him, hugging him tightly. “Take it easy, Ashy. Just breathe.”

Ash took a deep breath, trying to focus on Gary’s calm voice. “Okay,” he murmured, feeling the tension slowly start to ease.

“Now, let’s finish this up, alright?” Gary said, pulling back slightly to look Ash in the eyes. “I promise I won’t let anything happen to you.”

“Okay,” Ash said, feeling a little more reassured. “Thanks, Gary.”

“Anytime, buddy,” Gary replied with a grin, ruffling Ash's hair playfully. “Now let’s get this done so we can go grab some food afterward. I know a place with the best fries.”

“Sounds good,”

As Gary leaned against the doorframe with that trademark smirk of his, Ash felt a familiar knot of anxiety twist in his stomach. His heart raced like a wild Tauros, thumping loudly in his chest as if it were trying to escape. He could feel the heat rising to his cheeks, and he tried to swallow the lump in his throat.

"Uh, n-no... I mean, I'm not nervous," Ash stammered, his words fumbling out as he fiddled with the edge of his sleeve. "Just—y'know—uh, thinking."

Gary chuckled, shaking his head. "Thinking? Ash Ketchum, actually thinking? Now that's something new." He stepped into the room, the door clicking shut behind him. The air was tense with unspoken words, the sterile smell of antiseptic mingling with Ash's apprehension.

"You ready, Ashy-boy?" Gary asked, crossing his arms, his smirk softening slightly. "Or are you still stuck in that little head of yours?"

Ash's foot started bouncing up and down, the metal frame of the examination table vibrating with each nervous tap. "I—I mean, I'm ready. Just, uh, just give me a second."

"Hey." Gary put his hand on Ash's, steadying it. "Look at me."

Ash's gaze snapped to Gary, the warmth of his friend’s hand calming him just a bit. But the flutter in his stomach didn’t subside. “I just don’t like check-ups, okay? You know that!” He glanced away, feeling the anxiety rise again. “What if you find something wrong? What if I—"

“Relax, buddy,” Gary said, squeezing Ash's hand. “It’s just a check-up. I’m not going to dissect you or anything.”

"What?!" Ash exclaimed, jerking his hand back instinctively as he dug into his pocket for a Poké Ball. "I’m not ready for that! I could—"

But before he could even finish the thought or call out a command, Gary grabbed Ash's hand, pulling it back down gently. “Hey, chill! It’s not like I’m going to unleash some crazy Pokémon on you.”

Ash swallowed hard, his heart racing again. “Okay, okay. Just... get it over with, I guess.”

“Good attitude,” Gary replied, rolling his eyes playfully. “Now hop up on the table. I’ll start with your eyes.”

As Ash climbed onto the examination table, he felt the crinkling paper beneath him. The white walls seemed to close in, amplifying his anxiety. Gary turned on a small light and approached, the clinical glare illuminating Ash's face. "Look up for me."

Ash squeezed his eyes shut and winced. "I can’t! The light!" He could hear his teeth clattering as he trembled, a mixture of fear and anticipation coursing through him.

“Calm down, Ashy. Calm down,” Gary said, his voice low and soothing. He reached out, nudging Ash’s shoulder playfully. “Just relax. I promise I won’t bite.”

"Easy for you to say," Ash muttered, reluctantly opening his eyes again. The light was bright, but Gary’s expression was reassuring as he inspected Ash's eyes, looking for any signs of trouble.

“Hmm... not bad,” Gary said, scribbling something down on his clipboard. “Now let’s check those ears.”

Ash shifted uncomfortably, glancing away as Gary examined him, his heart pounding as Gary leaned closer. “Keep your head still. Just a quick look.”

Gary’s fingers brushed against Ash’s hair, ruffling it slightly as he pulled back, grinning. “You really need to lay off the electric Pokémon; your hair’s a mess!”

“Shut up!” Ash shot back, though he couldn’t help but crack a smile despite his nerves.

"Alright, next up is your mouth. Say 'ah'," Gary instructed, his tone teasing as he gestured for Ash to open wide.

“Aaaaah,” Ash responded, his voice trembling slightly.

Gary inspected his throat and teeth, nodding along the way. “Good, good. No cavities, at least. And now, let’s check your heart.” He placed the stethoscope against Ash’s chest, the cool metal sending a shiver down Ash's spine.

Ash's heart felt like it was racing even faster under Gary's careful examination. "Is it... is it supposed to beat like this?" he asked, breathing a bit too quickly.

“Let’s see,” Gary said, raising an eyebrow as he listened intently. “Hmm, your heart rate is a little high.

“WHAT?!” Ash yelped, his eyes going wide. "Is that bad? Am I dying?"

“Calm down, Ashy! It’s not the end of the world!” Gary laughed lightly, but there was concern in his eyes. “I’m going to check your blood pressure now, alright? Sit still.”

Ash nodded, his leg bouncing anxiously as Gary wrapped the cuff around his arm. "Is this really necessary?" he asked, his voice trembling as he struggled to stay still.

“Very,” Gary replied, watching the gauge intently. “Just breathe, Ash. In and out. Remember when I helped you through that other check-up when we were four?”

“Yeah, and it did not end well!” Ash retorted, his voice rising again.

"Exactly!" Gary said with a smirk, letting out a small chuckle. "So take it easy. We’ve done this before.”

Gary glanced at Ash, noting how his friend’s eyes darted around the room, the tension practically radiating off him. "Ashy, can you do me a favor?" he asked softly, leaning in closer. "Just focus on me for a moment."

With Gary sitting beside him, Ash felt a sense of calm wash over him, even if only slightly. He scooted a bit closer, grateful for Gary's presence. "Okay, I’ll try," he whispered, his voice barely above a whisper.

Gary shifted so he was directly in front of Ash, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. “Take a deep breath for me, buddy. You can do this.”

Ash inhaled deeply, his heart still racing but steadied by Gary’s words. “Thanks, Gary.” He scooted a little closer, seeking the comfort of his friend’s warmth.

“You’re alright,” Gary reassured him, leaning in to wrap an arm around Ash's shoulders in a brief hug. “Take it easy, Ashy. I’m right here.”

“Okay,” Ash breathed, feeling the tension in his body start to ease. He could still hear his heart racing, but the warmth of Gary’s hand on his shoulder helped ground him. “I guess... I guess I’m not alone, right?”

“Exactly! And remember,” Gary said, ruffling Ash’s hair again, “You can face anything—especially if it’s just a check-up. You’ve got this.”

Ash’s heart raced in his chest, each thump echoing the panic rising within him. He tried to focus on the familiar purple shirt under Gary’s lab coat, but the sterile room around him felt like a trap closing in. He shifted on the examination table, his legs swinging anxiously as he struggled to steady his breath.

“Hey, Ashy-boy,” Gary said, stepping closer with a smirk that didn’t quite mask the concern in his eyes. “You look like you just saw a wild Beedrill.”

“I’m fine,” Ash stammered, forcing the words out even as his hands trembled. “Just… a little nervous. You know, check-ups.”

“Right,” Gary replied, leaning against the counter with an exaggerated sigh. “You always get like this. Remember when you nearly cried during that check-up when we were four?” He chuckled at the memory, clearly enjoying Ash’s discomfort. “And it was just a simple ear examination.”

Ash rolled his eyes, cheeks flushing as he crossed his arms over his chest defensively. “I thought you were going to stick that thing in my ear and it would get stuck!”

Gary laughed, the sound rich and teasing. “Well, I won’t be using any sticks today, I promise.” He reached over and ruffled Ash’s hair playfully, then gently nudged him with his elbow. “Now, let’s get this over with so you can stop bouncing off the walls. Hop up and let’s see what’s going on with you.”

“Right… okay.” Ash climbed up onto the examination table, his foot still tapping nervously against the metal frame. He glanced around the room, eyes darting from the equipment to Gary’s face, searching for reassurance. The sight of the needles and vials made his stomach churn.

“C’mon, buddy,” Gary encouraged, his voice softening as he noticed Ash’s anxiousness. He moved closer, placing a reassuring hand on Ash’s arm. “Look at me. Just focus on me, okay?”

Ash’s gaze flickered up to meet Gary’s, and he felt a rush of warmth at the familiar gaze. “Okay,” he whispered, but his voice wavered, revealing the fear bubbling beneath the surface.

Gary smiled gently, then let his hand slide down to cover Ash’s trembling fingers. “You’re going to be fine, Ash. Just a few quick checks, and you’re out of here. I’ll even buy you a smoothie afterward.” He winked.

“Really?” Ash’s eyes brightened for a moment, but the apprehension quickly returned. “I mean, if I survive this…”

Gary chuckled, shaking his head. “It’s not like I’m going to dissect you or anything!” He laughed harder, and Ash’s eyes widened in horror.

“What?! No!” Ash exclaimed, nearly jumping off the table. His heart raced even faster, and he instinctively reached for his Poké Ball, ready to summon his trusty Pikachu. “I need to—”

Before Ash could finish his thought, Gary grabbed his hand and gently pulled it down. “Calm down, Ashy. You’re not going to need that. I promise.”

Ash bit his lip, trying to regain his composure as Gary turned back to the examination tools. “Let’s start with your eyes.” Gary retrieved a small flashlight and shined it briefly in Ash’s direction. “Just look straight ahead.”

Ash squinted, his gaze darting away as the light hit his eyes. “It’s too bright!”

“Just look at my nose, buddy,” Gary instructed patiently, leaning closer. “Relax.”

With effort, Ash focused on Gary’s face, though his heart was still pounding in his chest. Gary leaned in, checking Ash’s pupils before moving to examine his ears. “Okay, let’s see how your ears are doing.” He used a small otoscope, and Ash instinctively flinched.

“Hey, Ashy, relax,” Gary said, chuckling. “It’s just a light, not a wild Caterpie.”

Ash let out a nervous laugh, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. “Right… just a light.”

“Good. Now open wide,” Gary said, gesturing for Ash to show him his throat. Ash complied, feeling a bit silly, but the playful tone in Gary’s voice made it easier.

“Say ‘Ahh’,” Gary instructed, shining the flashlight into Ash’s mouth.

“Ahh,” Ash replied, his voice muffled, and Gary nodded as he continued his examination.

“Now, let’s check your reflexes.” Gary grabbed a small rubber hammer, tapping Ash’s knee gently. The leg jerked reflexively, and Gary laughed again. “You’re still alive. That’s a good sign.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Ash mumbled, still trying to breathe steadily.

“Now let’s check your blood pressure,” Gary said, rolling up Ash’s sleeve to attach the cuff. “Just relax your arm. It’s just like a hug.”

Ash swallowed hard, his leg bouncing up and down restlessly. “A hug that tightens around my arm…” he murmured, half-joking.

“Exactly,” Gary said, grinning. “Just try not to squirm. We wouldn’t want you to pop it off.”

Ash clenched his jaw as the cuff squeezed tighter, feeling his heart racing again. “How tight is it supposed to be?”

“Just tight enough to get a reading. And… here we go.” Gary read the results, a frown crossing his face as he recorded the number. “Huh. Well, that’s interesting.”

“What is?” Ash asked, panic creeping back in. “Is it bad? Am I going to—”

“Relax, Ashy,” Gary interrupted, glancing at him. “Your blood pressure is pretty high… like in the 600s. I think we might need to address that.”

“600s?” Ash’s eyes widened, and he felt his heart race even faster. “What does that mean? Am I going to—”

“Calm down! Take a deep breath,” Gary urged, his voice firm yet gentle. He moved closer, sitting down next to Ash and placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. “Hey, buddy, calm down.”

Ash scooted closer instinctively, comforted by Gary’s presence. “I can’t help it! What if there’s something wrong with me?”

Gary wrapped an arm around Ash’s shoulders, pulling him close. “Take it easy, Ashy. You’re okay. I’m here. We’ll figure this out together.” He held Ash’s hand firmly, keeping it still to prevent any more trembling.

“You promise?” Ash whispered, his voice barely audible as he leaned into Gary’s side.

“Absolutely,” Gary replied, squeezing Ash’s hand reassuringly. “Just focus on my voice. You’re not alone, okay? You’ve got me.”

As Ash calmed, he felt the tension in his chest begin to release. Maybe he could trust Gary after all.

Ash’s heart raced in his chest, thumping hard enough that he was certain Gary could hear it. He sat on the examination table, swinging his legs nervously and biting the inside of his cheek. Gary leaned casually against the wall, arms crossed, a teasing smirk plastered on his face.

“C’mon, Ashy-boy,” Gary said, his voice dripping with mock encouragement. “It’s just a little check-up. You look like you’re about to jump out of your skin.”

Ash swallowed hard, his throat suddenly dry. “Yeah, well… it’s not just any check-up, is it?” He could feel his voice wavering, and he hated that. “I mean, it’s you doing the checking up! What if you pull out one of your poisonous Pokémon and…”

“Relax, buddy.” Gary interrupted, rolling his eyes as he stepped closer, dropping his arms. “I’m not going to poison you or anything. Besides, I wouldn’t do that to my best friend.”

Ash let out a nervous laugh, but it was shaky and didn’t reach his eyes. “Best friends can be dangerous too, you know. You’re a rival. You could be plotting something!”

Gary chuckled, shaking his head. “Please, like I’d waste my time plotting against you when I could just enjoy the show of you being a nervous wreck instead.” He stepped closer, his eyes narrowing playfully. “Now hop up on that table, or do I have to make you?”

“Uh, right!” Ash fumbled to get onto the table, his legs swinging even faster as he tried to shake off the nerves. He didn’t know why he felt so anxious, but the sterile room—the bright lights, the smell of antiseptic—made his skin crawl.

He picked up the clipboard Gary had handed him earlier, but the questions blurred together. How was he supposed to concentrate when all he could think about was what Gary might do next? What if Gary had hidden something in the medical tools that would hurt him?

“Hey!” Gary interrupted his spiral, snapping his fingers in front of Ash’s face. “Focus, Ashy. I’m not going to dissect you, I promise.”

Ash’s eyes widened at the word ‘dissect’. “What?!”

“Just kidding.” Gary laughed, his smirk growing wider. “But if you keep looking like that, I might change my mind.”

Before Ash could react, he instinctively grabbed a Poké Ball from his pocket, ready to defend himself. “I’ll just call out Pikachu and—”

But before he could finish his command, Gary reached out and gently grabbed Ash’s wrist, pulling the Poké Ball down. “Not gonna work, buddy. You’re safe here. Just take a deep breath, okay?”

Ash’s heart raced even faster at the contact, his face heating up. He tried to pull his hand away, but Gary held on firmly. “Come on, buddy. Look at me,” he said softly, placing his other hand on Ash’s shoulder.

With trembling hands, Ash forced himself to look at Gary. He could see the concern in his friend’s eyes, and it eased some of his anxiety. “I’m... I’m fine,” Ash managed to say, though his voice was barely above a whisper.

Gary sighed, shaking his head. “You’re not fine. You’re trembling, Ashy. You’re not fooling anyone.” He leaned closer, his voice gentle but firm. “I’ve got you. Just let me check your eyes first, okay?”

With a nod, Ash tried to calm his breathing as Gary brought out a flashlight. The bright beam illuminated his face, making Ash squint. “Hold still, buddy,” Gary said, focusing on his eyes. “Look straight ahead for me.”

Ash’s heart pounded in his chest as he tried to focus, but his legs bounced anxiously. “I—I’m trying,” he stammered, his voice shaking. He could feel the pressure of Gary’s gaze, and it made him feel even more exposed.

“Don’t worry. It’s just a light,” Gary reassured him, moving the flashlight back and forth. “Wow, you really don’t look at the light, do you? Your pupils are all over the place.”

Ash blinked rapidly, feeling a fresh wave of anxiety wash over him. “Am I sick? Is there something wrong with me?”

“No, you’re just being a baby,” Gary teased, nudging him playfully. “Now, let’s check your ears.” He gently turned Ash’s head, using an otoscope to look inside. “Okay, they look fine. Now open your mouth.”

Ash obeyed, feeling a wave of embarrassment as Gary leaned in to check his throat. “Ahh,” he said, though it came out more as a squeak. “Does this really have to happen?”

“Yep, it’s part of the process. You want me to make sure you’re healthy, right?” Gary replied, grinning. “Besides, if you didn’t want this to happen, you could’ve just said no when I offered to take you.”

“Maybe I should’ve,” Ash muttered, feeling the heat rise in his cheeks.

Once Gary had finished checking his mouth, he stepped back and reached for the blood pressure cuff. “Okay, let’s see how you’re doing.” He wrapped the cuff around Ash’s arm, tightening it gently.

Ash’s leg bounced up and down as the cuff began to inflate, his heart racing even faster. He could hear the sound of the machine beeping, and he squeezed his eyes shut. “I’m fine. Just... just a little nervous,” he mumbled.

Gary watched him closely, his expression softening. “Hey, calm down, Ashy. Take a deep breath for me.” He placed a hand on Ash’s knee to help steady him, feeling the tremors beneath his palm.

“I can’t!” Ash exclaimed, panic rising in his voice. “What if something’s really wrong with me?”

“Nothing’s wrong, Ash,” Gary reassured him, giving his knee a gentle squeeze. “You just need to breathe. In and out, okay?” He demonstrated, taking a slow, deep breath. “You’re doing great.”

Ash tried to mimic Gary, but it felt impossible. His heart was pounding so loudly he could barely hear himself think, and the pressure in his arm felt like it was squeezing all the air out of him. “I don’t know, Gary. This is so—”

Suddenly, the cuff deflated, and Ash felt a rush of relief. Gary looked at the monitor, and his expression shifted to one of concern. “Ash… your blood pressure is really high. Like, 600 high. That’s not good.”

“What?! Why?” Ash felt his stomach drop as Gary continued to frown.

“It’s probably just nerves,” Gary said, rubbing Ash’s back. “But we need to calm you down first.” He moved closer, wrapping an arm around Ash’s shoulders and pulling him in for a comforting hug. “Take it easy, Ashy. You’re safe. I’m here.”

Ash scooted closer to Gary, grateful for the warmth and comfort. “I just hate this so much,” he admitted, his voice muffled against Gary’s shoulder.

“I know, buddy,” Gary said softly, holding him a little tighter. “But we’ll get through it together. Just take a few more deep breaths for me, okay? Focus on me.”

“Okay,” Ash replied, leaning into the embrace. He felt his body slowly relax under Gary’s steady grip, even as the racing thoughts began to fade.

“Good,” Gary whispered, resting his chin on Ash’s head. “Just keep breathing, and I’ll take care of everything else. I won’t let anything bad happen to you.”

Ash sat on the examination table, his heart pounding in his chest like a wild Tauros. He could feel his palms sweating, the crinkly paper beneath him crinkling with every anxious movement. This was just a routine check-up—nothing to worry about, right? Yet, the sterile smell of antiseptic and the sight of all those unfamiliar tools made him feel like he was in a Pokémon battle he wasn’t prepared for.

"Let’s get this over with, Ashy-boy," Gary said, his smirk growing as he crossed his arms. He leaned against the doorframe, looking far too relaxed for Ash's comfort.

"Uh... right!" Ash stammered, his voice barely above a whisper. He rubbed the back of his neck, glancing around the room like it might offer him an escape route. "Just... just make it quick, okay?"

Gary raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying Ash's nervousness. "You nervous, Ash? Your face is all pale. It’s not like I’m going to dissect you or anything." He chuckled, knowing that comment would rattle Ash even more.

“What?! You’re kidding, right?” Ash gasped, instinctively reaching for a Poké Ball at his belt. He was ready to call out Pikachu, just in case he needed backup. But before he could even say the command, Gary reached over and grabbed his hand, pulling it down.

"Whoa there, buddy! Just chill out," Gary said, his expression softening for a moment. He placed his hand on Ash's trembling knee, giving him a reassuring squeeze. “Hey, look at me.”

Ash’s heart raced even faster at the contact, and his leg began bouncing up and down nervously. He forced himself to look up at Gary, whose expression was serious now, almost protective.

“I’m fine, Gary. Really. Just... y’know, thinking about how this is a check-up and all,” Ash replied, but his voice trembled slightly.

Gary let out a small sigh, clearly not buying it. “You hate these check-ups, don’t you? I remember when we were four, you nearly cried last time.” He nudged Ash playfully, trying to lighten the mood, but Ash didn’t respond as he normally would.

“Okay, buddy,” Gary said, adopting a more serious tone. “Let’s start with the basics. I need to check your eyes first.” He took out a small flashlight, moving closer to Ash.

Ash’s heart felt like it might leap out of his chest. “Do I have to?” he whined, squirming slightly on the table.

“Yup. It’s either this or I tell Nurse Joy you’re too scared to get a check-up,” Gary teased, shining the light gently into Ash's eyes.

Ash winced and tried to look away, but Gary’s steady hand kept him focused. “Just look at the light, Ash. It’s not going to bite.”

After what felt like an eternity, Gary moved the flashlight away. “Okay, your eyes look fine. Now let’s check your ears.”

Ash took a deep breath, trying to steady himself, but as Gary inspected his ears, he couldn’t help but tremble. “Can we just skip to the part where you tell me I’m healthy?” he asked, his teeth chattering softly.

Gary rolled his eyes, clearly enjoying this more than he should. “If you stop squirming, we might get there sooner, Ashy-boy.” He moved on to check Ash's mouth, and Ash felt like he was going to burst into a million pieces.

“Ah, just open wide,” Gary instructed, leaning in closer. Ash felt his cheeks heat up as he complied, wishing he could just disappear.

Once that part was over, Gary began checking Ash's heart rate. “Okay, now take a deep breath for me.”

Ash took in a shaky breath, and Gary placed a stethoscope on his chest. “Wow, your heart’s racing, Ash. Did you run here or something?”

Ash's face fell. “I’m not running anywhere! I’m just... really nervous!”

Gary raised an eyebrow, the corner of his mouth quirking up. “Yeah, I can see that. I think your blood pressure is about to explode.” He wrapped the cuff around Ash's arm and began pumping it up.

As the pressure increased, Ash felt even more jittery. “Is it supposed to feel this tight?” he asked, a hint of panic creeping into his voice.

“Just a little longer, buddy. Calm down, Ashy. You’re fine,” Gary said, his tone soothing.

But the cuff released, and Gary’s expression shifted from playful to serious as he glanced at the monitor. “Whoa, Ash. Your blood pressure is really high. Like in the 600s high.”

Ash’s eyes widened. “What does that mean? Am I going to explode?!”

Gary chuckled softly, ruffling Ash's hair. “No, you’re not going to explode. But we definitely need to calm you down a bit. You’re too tense.”

“Yeah, well, you’re the one who’s making me feel like I’m in a battle!” Ash shot back, but the annoyance didn’t have much bite; it was overshadowed by his anxiety.

Gary moved closer, sitting down beside Ash on the examination table. “Hey, buddy. Calm down. Just breathe with me.”

Ash scooted a little closer, feeling the warmth radiating from Gary. “I don’t want to be here,” he admitted, his voice small.

“I know. But I’m here for you,” Gary said, wrapping an arm around Ash's shoulder and pulling him into a side hug. “Take it easy, Ashy. Just focus on my voice.”

Ash nodded, closing his eyes and trying to focus on Gary’s calm presence. “Okay. Okay, I can do this,” he murmured, but his heart was still racing, pounding against his ribcage like it was trying to escape.

Gary held Ash’s hand tightly, grounding him. “Just breathe, Ashy. In and out. You’ve got this.”

As Ash followed Gary's lead, he felt a little of the tension ease away. Maybe this wouldn’t be so bad after all, especially with Gary by his side. They were best friends—rivals, yes, but they had each other’s backs.

“Thanks, Gary,” Ash whispered, feeling a wave of relief wash over him as he took another deep breath, his heart slowly beginning to steady.

“Anytime, buddy. Now, let’s finish this check-up, shall we?” Gary said, a reassuring smile on his face.

With that, Ash knew he could handle anything as long as he had his best friend beside him.