Ash fidgeted on the edge of the examination table, his sneakers tapping a rapid rhythm against the metal base. His fingers twisted the brim of his hat as his eyes darted around the room, lingering on every shiny instrument and mysterious vial like they were part of some nefarious plot. His leg bounced uncontrollably, and his heart pounded so loudly in his chest he was sure Gary could hear it.

Gary, leaning casually against the counter with a smirk on his face, watched Ash’s nervous antics with amusement. "You know, Ashy-boy," Gary drawled, "if you keep bouncing your leg like that, you're gonna wear a hole in the floor."

Ash froze for a second, his eyes snapping to Gary. "I-I’m fine," he stammered, though the tremor in his voice betrayed him. "Just... uh, not a big fan of check-ups, that’s all."

Gary raised an eyebrow, his smirk softening into something more empathetic. "Yeah, no kidding. I still remember that one time when we were four and your mom had to drag you to the doctor. You screamed so loud they probably heard you all the way in Johto."

Ash turned beet red. "T-that was a long time ago!" he protested, his voice cracking slightly. "I’m not a kid anymore!"

"Could’ve fooled me," Gary teased, walking over and plopping down on the stool in front of Ash. "Look, buddy, it’s just me. Nothing to freak out about. You trust me, right?"

Ash hesitated, chewing on his lower lip. "Of course, I trust you. It’s just... you know..." He trailed off, unable to put his nerves into words.

Gary sighed and reached out, placing his hand firmly but gently over Ash’s trembling one. "Hey," he said softly, his tone a stark contrast to his usual teasing. "You’re gonna be okay. It’s me, Ashy. I’d never let anything bad happen to you. Got it?"

Ash stared at their hands, the warmth of Gary’s palm grounding him a little. He swallowed hard and nodded, though his leg kept bouncing and his heart felt like it was trying to break free from his chest.

"Good." Gary gave his hand a reassuring squeeze before standing up and snapping on a pair of gloves. "Now, let’s get this over with, okay? First up, the eyes."

Ash flinched slightly as Gary grabbed a small flashlight. "Follow the light, Ash," Gary instructed, his tone professional but still kind. He waved the light back and forth, watching as Ash’s brown eyes reluctantly tracked it. "Good. Now up... down... yeah, just like that."

Gary leaned closer, using his thumb to gently pull Ash’s eyelids open wider. "Relax, buddy. I’m not gonna poke you or anything," he said with a small chuckle. But Ash’s breath hitched, and his shoulders tensed up.

"Y-you sure about that?" Ash muttered nervously.

"Positive," Gary replied with a grin. "You’re doing great, Ashy. Just a little more... there. Perfect. Your eyes look fine."

Ash let out a shaky sigh of relief, though his nerves quickly returned when Gary set the flashlight aside and grabbed an otoscope. "Okay, ears next. Don’t move, Ashy-boy."

Ash clenched his fists as Gary tilted his head to the side and gently inserted the otoscope. "Hmm... a little waxy, but nothing gross. Let’s check the other one." Gary repeated the process, and Ash managed to stay still, though his hands were gripping the edge of the table so tightly his knuckles turned white.

"Alright, ears are good. Now open up and say ‘ahhh,’" Gary instructed, holding a tongue depressor.

Ash hesitated, eyeing the wooden stick like it was a personal attack. "Do I have to?"

"Yes, you have to," Gary said, rolling his eyes but smiling. "Come on, buddy. You’ve got this."

Reluctantly, Ash opened his mouth, and Gary worked quickly, shining a light inside and checking his throat and teeth. "Looks good. No cavities. Guess you’ve been brushing."

Ash gave a weak chuckle. "Y-yeah. Sure."

Gary placed a stethoscope around his neck and gestured for Ash to sit up straight. "Okay, big moment. Let’s check that heartbeat of yours."

Ash froze as Gary pressed the cold metal of the stethoscope against his chest. His heart was pounding so fast it sounded like a runaway Rapidash. Gary frowned slightly, his eyes flicking to Ash’s nervous face.

"Whoa, buddy. Your heart’s racing," Gary said, pulling back. "You that scared, or are you just excited to be this close to me?"

Ash’s face turned scarlet. "Shut up!" he yelped, crossing his arms defensively.

Gary laughed, but his concern was evident. He took out a blood pressure cuff and wrapped it around Ash’s arm. "Alright, let’s check this next. Stay still, okay?"

Ash nodded, but his leg kept bouncing as Gary pumped the cuff. When the numbers appeared, Gary’s eyebrows shot up. "Ash, your blood pressure’s through the roof. Like, in the 400s. You okay?"

Ash looked away, embarrassed. "I-I’m fine. Just... nervous."

Gary sighed and placed a hand on Ash’s shoulder, gently guiding him to lean back. Then, in a move that surprised Ash, Gary sat next to him on the examination table and wrapped his arms around him in a comforting hug. "You need to breathe, Ash. You’re gonna give yourself a heart attack at this rate."

Ash stiffened, reluctant to lean into the embrace, but Gary’s steady presence and soothing voice slowly worked their magic. "I’m right here, buddy. Just focus on me, okay? In and out. Nice and slow."

Eventually, Ash’s breathing evened out, and his racing heart began to calm. He still felt nervous, but with Gary’s arms around him and his steady voice in his ear, he felt... safe.

"See? Told you you’d be okay," Gary murmured, giving him a gentle squeeze before pulling away. "Now, let’s finish up. You’re tougher than you think, Ashy-boy."