Gary grabbed a tongue depressor from the counter and motioned for Ash to open his mouth. “Alright, Ashy-boy, let’s check your throat. Open wide and say ‘ah.’”

Ash hesitated, his lips pressing together tightly as he stared at the depressor like it was some kind of weapon. “Uh… do I have to?”

Gary raised an eyebrow and crossed his arms, smirking. “Unless you want me to call Professor Oak in here to hold you down.”

Ash’s eyes widened in horror. “Okay, okay! I’m doing it!” He opened his mouth reluctantly, sticking out his tongue just enough for Gary to do his job.

“Good boy,” Gary teased, gently pressing down Ash’s tongue and peering inside with a small flashlight. “Hmm… your throat looks fine. No signs of infection or anything. See? That wasn’t so bad.”

Ash huffed, crossing his arms as soon as Gary was done. “Easy for you to say. You’re not the one being poked and prodded.”

Gary chuckled and set the tools aside. “Alright, next up—let’s get your height and weight. C’mon, hop off the table.”

Ash slid off the examination table, dragging his feet as he followed Gary to the scale in the corner of the room. Gary adjusted the height bar and gestured for Ash to stand underneath it.

“Stand up straight,” Gary instructed, tapping Ash’s back lightly. “I know slouching is your favorite activity, but let’s get an accurate number here.”

Ash rolled his eyes but obeyed, standing as tall as he could while Gary adjusted the bar to rest on top of his head.

“Hmm…” Gary scribbled something on the clipboard. “You’re still a shorty, but it looks like you’ve grown a little since the last time.”

Ash frowned. “Hey, I’m not short! I’m… average.”

Gary smirked. “Sure, Ashy-boy. Whatever helps you sleep at night.” He patted Ash’s shoulder and motioned for him to step onto the scale.

Ash stepped on, watching nervously as the needle wavered back and forth before settling. Gary adjusted the weights on the scale with practiced ease and made another note on the clipboard.

“Not bad,” Gary said. “You’ve put on a little muscle since your last check-up. All that running around with Pikachu must be paying off.”

Ash grinned faintly. “Well, I do train every day.”

Gary gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. “See? You’re doing great so far. Now, for the part you’re probably not gonna like.”

Ash’s smile vanished. “What part?”

Gary stepped over to the counter and pulled out a syringe, still capped, along with a small vial of clear liquid. “You’re due for a booster shot.”

Ash paled instantly, his hands flying to grip the edge of the scale. “A s-shot? You didn’t say anything about a shot!”

Gary sighed and walked back over, pulling a chair beside Ash. He gently guided Ash to sit down before pulling another chair close so he could sit beside him.

“Relax, Ashy-boy,” Gary said softly, wrapping an arm around Ash’s shoulders. “It’s just a little poke. You’ll barely feel it.”

Ash shook his head frantically. “No way! I’ll feel it, I know I will! What if it hurts? What if—”

Gary placed a firm yet gentle hand on Ash’s trembling arm. “Ash, look at me.”

Ash hesitated before meeting Gary’s gaze, his wide eyes filled with worry.

“I promise,” Gary said, his voice steady and calm. “I’ll make it quick, and I’ll be right here the whole time. You trust me, don’t you?”

Ash bit his lip, nodding reluctantly. “I guess…”

Gary smiled and took Ash’s arm, resting it over his shoulder. “Alright. Just keep your eyes on me and take a deep breath, okay? It’ll be over before you know it.”

Ash squeezed his eyes shut, clutching Gary’s other hand like a lifeline as he felt the cold alcohol swab against his upper arm. “I don’t wanna feel it…” he whispered.

“Then relax,” Gary said patiently, rubbing soothing circles on Ash’s hand. “The more you tense up, the more you’ll notice it. Breathe, Ashy-boy.”

Ash tried to focus on Gary’s voice, taking shallow breaths as Gary carefully inserted the needle. The pinch was brief, and before Ash could work himself up further, it was done.

“All done,” Gary said, capping the syringe and setting it aside. “See? That wasn’t so bad.”

Ash peeked through one eye, his face still scrunched up in anticipation. “It’s… over?”

Gary chuckled and nodded. “Yep. You survived.”

Ash slumped back in the chair, letting out a shaky laugh. “Man, I thought I was gonna die.”

Gary rolled his eyes, patting Ash’s head fondly. “You’re such a drama queen.”

Ash stuck his tongue out but couldn’t help smiling. “Thanks, Gary.”

Gary ruffled Ash’s hair. “Anytime, kiddo. Now let’s get you a lollipop or something—you’ve earned it.”