Gary gave Ash a reassuring smile as he reached for the tongue depressor. "Okay, Ashy-boy. Open wide so I can check your throat."

Ash hesitated, staring at the wooden stick like it was some kind of weapon. “D-do you have to?”

Gary chuckled softly, tilting his head. "Yes, I have to. Unless you want to skip this and go straight to the needle?"

Ash's eyes widened, and he immediately opened his mouth, albeit reluctantly. "Ahh..."

Gary smirked. "That’s what I thought." He gently pressed the depressor on Ash's tongue and peered into his throat with a small flashlight. "Hmm… looks good. No signs of infection."

Ash pulled back the moment Gary removed the stick, rubbing his throat as if he’d been through some ordeal. "That was… fine, I guess."

Gary rolled his eyes playfully and jotted down notes on his clipboard. "You act like I just made you wrestle a Machamp. Relax, buddy. Now let’s check your reflexes."

Ash groaned inwardly, his fingers gripping the edge of the table. Gary grabbed a small rubber hammer and knelt in front of him. "Alright, just let your legs dangle. This won’t hurt."

Gary tapped Ash’s knee lightly, causing his leg to jerk involuntarily. "See? Perfectly normal."

Ash blinked. "That’s it?"

Gary nodded. "That’s it. Not bad, huh?"

Ash sighed in relief. "Okay, maybe this isn’t so bad after all."

"Glad you’re finally seeing reason," Gary teased, standing up. He put the hammer away and turned to the scale in the corner. "Alright, time to check your weight and height. Hop on."

Ash hesitated again, his feet dragging as he approached the scale. Gary motioned impatiently. "Come on, Ash. It’s not a monster. Just a scale."

Ash reluctantly stepped on, and Gary adjusted the weights, taking note of the numbers. "You’re growing, Ashy-boy. Though, I think you could lay off the donuts a bit." He smirked.

"Hey!" Ash protested, crossing his arms. "I don’t eat that many donuts!"

Gary raised an eyebrow. "Pancakes, then?"

Ash opened his mouth to argue but thought better of it, muttering under his breath instead. Gary chuckled and adjusted the height bar, quickly measuring Ash’s height. "Alright, good to go. You’re taller than last year—barely."

Ash rolled his eyes. "Gee, thanks for the encouragement."

Gary stepped back, giving him a mock bow. "Anytime." Then his tone shifted, becoming more serious. "Alright, Ash. Last part. You need a vaccine."

Ash froze. "A vaccine? Like... with a needle?"

Gary nodded, pulling a small vial and syringe from the counter. "Yup. Just one quick shot, and we’re done."

Ash’s heart began to race as he backed up slightly. "I-I don’t think I need it. I feel fine! Perfectly healthy!"

Gary crossed his arms, giving Ash a knowing look. "Ash, it’s routine. You need it, whether you feel fine or not."

"But what if it hurts?" Ash whispered, his voice shaky.

Gary sighed, softening his expression. He walked over and placed a hand on Ash’s shoulder. "It’s gonna be quick. You’ve faced wild Charizards, Team Rocket, and who knows what else. You’re telling me a little shot is scarier than all that?"

Ash looked down, biting his lip. "Kinda… yeah."

Gary chuckled and pulled a chair over, sitting down beside Ash. "Alright, kiddo. Let’s make this easier." He gently took Ash’s arm and draped it over his shoulder, wrapping his own arm around Ash’s back. "Lean on me, okay?"

Ash nodded slightly, though his entire body was tense. Gary prepared the syringe, tapping it lightly to remove any air bubbles. "Ashy-boy, relax. You don’t want to feel it, do you?"

Ash’s breathing quickened, and he shook his head. "N-no."

"Then relax," Gary said gently, giving his shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "Deep breaths. I’ve got you."

Ash tried, but his nerves were winning. His eyes darted to the needle as Gary brought it closer. "W-wait, Gary—"

"It’s okay," Gary interrupted softly. "You’re okay. Just keep looking at me." He positioned the needle and swiftly administered the shot.

Ash flinched, squeezing his eyes shut. He held his breath, waiting for some unbearable pain—but it never came. Gary pulled the needle away and placed a small Band-Aid over the spot.

"Done," Gary said with a grin. "See? That wasn’t so bad, was it?"

Ash opened one eye cautiously, then the other. "That’s it?"

"That’s it," Gary confirmed, ruffling Ash’s hair. "You survived, champ."

Ash exhaled deeply, finally relaxing. "I guess it wasn’t that bad… thanks, Gary."

Gary stood up and started cleaning up the supplies. "Anytime, Ashy-boy. Just don’t tell anyone I’m this nice to you. I’ve got a reputation to maintain."

Ash chuckled softly, feeling a warmth in his chest. "Your secret’s safe with me."