Ash’s heart was racing as he tried to gather his thoughts, but the nerves were making it almost impossible. His hands were fidgeting with his jacket sleeve, his mind constantly cycling back to the irrational worry that something was going to go wrong. He barely noticed Gary walking back into the room until the sound of the door creaking shut brought him back to reality.

Gary, in his usual smug way, leaned against the doorframe, crossing his arms and watching Ash with a knowing smile. “Well, well, Ashy-boy. You look like you’re about to faint.” He chuckled as he saw the anxiety written all over Ash’s face.

Ash wasn’t sure what to say. Words were escaping him, and his mouth felt dry. “I... uh... I’m fine,” he stammered, but even to his own ears, it didn’t sound convincing. He wiped his palms against his pants nervously, his leg bouncing up and down rapidly.

Gary took a couple of steps forward, his teasing tone softening just a little. “You sure, buddy?” he asked, his eyes softening. “I know how much you hate these things.”

Ash looked up, his breathing coming in short bursts. He swallowed, nodding slowly but unsure. The last time they’d been to a check-up together, when they were four, Ash had thrown a fit. He had been terrified of the needles, the strange devices, the unknown. And Gary had been there to hold his hand through it, despite how much Ash had hated the experience. That day hadn’t ended well, but Gary’s calm presence had somehow managed to keep him from completely losing it.

But now... Ash wasn’t four anymore, and Gary wasn’t just a kid trying to comfort him. He was still his best friend, but they were older—and rivals. Would it feel different this time? The uncertainty made his stomach churn.

Gary watched Ash for a moment, his arms uncrossing as he stepped closer. "Hey," he said softly, crouching down next to Ash’s chair. He placed a hand on Ash’s trembling one, and Ash froze. “You’re gonna be okay. It’s me, Ashy. Just breathe. You’ve been through worse, right?”

Ash’s heart pounded in his chest, his leg still bouncing uncontrollably. Gary’s voice was calm and soothing, but it didn’t quite ease the fear gnawing at him. He hated how much he was shaking. His thoughts were scattered, his mind racing through all the possibilities, none of them good.

“Yeah... yeah, I guess so,” Ash muttered, trying to force himself to calm down, but it was hard. Too hard.

Gary gave him a small smile, squeezing his hand reassuringly. “That’s the spirit,” he said, his usual teasing tone back, though there was warmth in it now. “Let’s get this over with, shall we?”

Ash nodded slowly, still gripping his seat as Gary led him through the check-up.

“Okay, Ash,” Gary said, picking up a clipboard from the counter, “I’m going to check your eyes first. You know the drill. Just follow the light.”

Gary snapped on a pair of gloves, the rubbery sound echoing in the quiet room. Ash felt a wave of dread as Gary picked up a flashlight. The same type of flashlight from when they were kids. Gary waved it in front of Ash’s face, slowly moving it from side to side.

“Follow the light, Ash,” Gary instructed, his voice patient as he guided Ash's gaze.

Ash’s eyes followed the beam, but it was hard to focus. He felt dizzy, his heart pounding in his chest, every beat a reminder of how tense he was. His pupils dilated as he tracked the light, but Gary was still watching him closely.

“Good,” Gary said, marking something down on the clipboard. “Now, I’m going to check your ears, okay? Just stay still.”

Ash didn’t respond immediately, his hands clutching the edge of the table as Gary gently examined his ears. He could feel Gary’s hands moving carefully, not harsh or hurried—just methodical. The warmth of his touch almost calmed Ash down for a moment.

“Alright, next is your mouth. Open up.”

Ash did as instructed, feeling awkward and exposed. He hated this part, hated how vulnerable it made him feel. But Gary’s steady presence was always there, and it helped, even if just a little. He could feel Gary’s hands guiding him through it, making it feel like it wasn’t so bad.

“Good,” Gary said, marking more notes. “Now, your heart rate, Ash. You’ve been looking a little pale. Let’s see what’s going on there.”

Gary attached the stethoscope to his ears and placed the cold disc on Ash’s chest. Ash couldn’t help but flinch at the cold sensation, but Gary didn’t pull back, his expression focused. He listened carefully, his brow furrowing slightly as Ash’s heart raced louder than usual.

“Okay, buddy,” Gary said after a moment, pulling the stethoscope away. “Your heart rate’s a little elevated. I’m going to take your blood pressure.”

Gary wrapped the cuff around Ash’s arm, the pressure building slowly as Ash’s nerves flared. He could already feel the rising tension in his chest. His heart was racing even more now, and he couldn’t seem to calm himself down.

“Hold still,” Gary murmured as the cuff inflated. Ash could feel his heartbeat thundering in his ears.

After a moment, Gary exhaled, looking at the readings on the monitor. His eyes narrowed. “Ash, your blood pressure is really high. Like, in the 400s. That’s not normal.”

Ash’s eyes widened. “What?!”

Gary let out a soft breath, concern slipping into his voice. “Yeah, Ash. You’re stressing yourself out way too much. It’s not just the check-up. What’s been going on? You’ve been worrying yourself sick?”

Ash sat there, stunned. The numbers on the screen felt like a punch to the gut. His heart was pounding, but it wasn’t from anything normal. He could feel the anxiety taking over, and the realization of just how much it had been affecting him hit him all at once.

Gary noticed Ash’s face fall, his shoulders slumping as the weight of everything hit him. Without saying a word, Gary moved around behind him, wrapping his arms around Ash’s waist in a comforting hug.

Ash hesitated for a second, but then relaxed into the embrace, his body trembling against Gary’s chest. He didn’t want to admit how much he needed it, but Gary was always there. His best friend.

“Hey, it’s okay,” Gary said quietly, his voice low and soothing. “I’m here, buddy. I’ve got you.”

Ash let out a shaky breath, his leg finally stopping its constant bouncing. He allowed himself to be held, letting Gary’s calming presence help ease the tightness in his chest.

“Thanks, Gary,” Ash whispered, his voice barely audible as he felt the tension finally begin to melt away.

“Anytime, Ashy-boy. Anytime,” Gary replied softly, his hands rubbing Ash’s shoulders comfortingly as the two sat there in the quiet, the weight of the moment hanging in the air.

Ash had always hated check-ups, but with Gary by his side, he could start to breathe a little easier.