Ash sat on the examination table, his foot tapping furiously against the metal frame. His hands were clamped together so tightly that his knuckles turned white. Every so often, his eyes darted around the room, scanning the instruments with a mix of dread and suspicion. He barely noticed Gary re-entering the room until he heard the familiar, teasing voice.

"Still shaking like a leaf, Ashy-boy?" Gary smirked as he leaned casually against the counter, crossing his arms over his chest. "I haven’t even done anything yet."

Ash fumbled with his hat, adjusting it nervously. "I’m not shaking," he muttered, though the visible trembling in his hands and the bounce of his leg gave him away. His heart was racing so fast it felt like it might leap out of his chest.

Gary sighed, pushing off the counter and walking over to him. He rested a hand on Ash’s shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "Hey," he said, his voice softer this time, "you’re gonna be okay. It’s me, Ashy. Remember? I’m not some random doctor."

Ash glanced up at him, the panic still evident in his wide brown eyes. "I know, Gary, but... I hate this. I’ve always hated this."

Gary chuckled lightly, remembering the last time he’d seen Ash this nervous. "Yeah, I know. I was there when you completely lost it at a check-up when we were four, remember? You screamed so loud, half the kids in the waiting room started crying too."

Ash groaned, his face turning red. "Don’t remind me," he muttered.

Gary leaned down so they were at eye level. "Look, buddy. I’m not gonna let anything bad happen to you, okay? I promise."

Ash didn’t respond, but the tension in his shoulders eased just slightly. Gary straightened up, pulling on a pair of latex gloves with a snap. "Alright, let’s get started. First up—eyes."

He grabbed a small flashlight from the counter and clicked it on, the beam of light illuminating the room. Gary stepped closer, holding the light just in front of Ash’s face. "Follow the light, Ashy. Just move your eyes, not your head."

Ash hesitated for a moment before nodding stiffly. His gaze followed the light as Gary moved it left to right, up and down, in smooth, controlled motions.

"Good," Gary said, his tone professional but still laced with warmth. "Your eyes are fine—no signs of damage or anything."

Ash let out a small breath of relief, but his nerves spiked again when Gary grabbed the otoscope next. "Ears next," Gary announced. "Tilt your head for me."

Ash reluctantly complied, leaning slightly as Gary peered into his ears. "All clear," Gary reported, stepping back. "No earwax monsters hiding in there."

Ash couldn’t help but crack a small smile at that. "Funny," he said, though his voice still wavered.

Gary grabbed a tongue depressor next, gesturing for Ash to open his mouth. "Say 'ah,' Ashy."

Ash hesitated before opening his mouth. Gary quickly examined his throat, his focus sharp. "Looks good. No redness or swelling."

Next, Gary grabbed the stethoscope draped around his neck. He placed the cold metal disc against Ash’s chest, causing him to flinch slightly. "Sorry, Ashy-boy," Gary said, his tone genuinely apologetic. "Take a deep breath for me."

Ash did as instructed, inhaling and exhaling deeply as Gary listened to his heartbeat. His brow furrowed slightly, and he moved the stethoscope to different spots.

"Your heart’s racing," Gary said softly. "You need to calm down, buddy."

Ash tried to control his breathing, but his nerves made it nearly impossible. "I’m trying," he muttered.

Gary sighed, stepping behind Ash and sitting down on the examination table. Before Ash could protest, Gary wrapped his arms around him in a firm but comforting hug. "Hey," Gary whispered, his chin resting lightly on Ash’s shoulder. "I’ve got you. Just breathe, okay?"

Ash stiffened at first, his body tense with uncertainty. But Gary’s steady presence slowly worked its magic, and Ash allowed himself to lean back slightly, his hands gripping Gary’s forearms. His breathing began to even out, though his heart still hammered in his chest.

After a minute, Gary pulled back, giving Ash an encouraging smile. "Better?"

Ash nodded, though his cheeks were flushed. "Yeah... thanks."

"Good," Gary said, hopping off the table. "Let’s check your reflexes next."

He grabbed a small reflex hammer and tapped it lightly against Ash’s knees. Both legs jerked reflexively, and Gary grinned. "Perfect reflexes. At least you’re not a robot."

Ash rolled his eyes, but the teasing comment helped lighten the mood a little.

Finally, Gary wrapped a blood pressure cuff around Ash’s arm. "Okay, buddy, stay still for this one," he instructed, inflating the cuff. As the numbers appeared on the monitor, Gary’s expression shifted to concern.

"Ash... your blood pressure’s sky-high," he said, his tone serious. "It’s in the 400s. No wonder you’re feeling this way."

Ash’s face paled. "W-what does that mean? Am I dying?!"

Gary quickly placed a reassuring hand on Ash’s shoulder. "No, you’re not dying. But we need to get this under control. It’s probably just stress. You’ve gotta relax, Ashy-boy. Deep breaths, okay?"

Gary sat down beside him again, wrapping an arm around his shoulder. "You’re gonna be fine," he said firmly. "I’m here, and we’ll figure this out together."

Ash took a shaky breath, leaning slightly into Gary’s side. "Thanks, Gary. I guess... I trust you."

Gary smiled, ruffling Ash’s hair. "Good. Now, let’s get you out of here before you break the record for most anxious patient ever."