Ash wasn’t really looking at Gary. His gaze was fixed on the floor, his fingers fidgeting nervously with the edge of his shirt. His mind was still spinning with thoughts and doubts. Was Gary really just playing around, or was there something more to this check-up? He couldn't quite shake the feeling that something was off.

Gary noticed this, his usual teasing expression softening as he watched Ash, who seemed lost in thought. It wasn’t like Ash to be this distant—especially not when they were together.

"Hey," Gary said, his tone gentler than usual. “Ash.”

Ash didn’t respond immediately. He was too caught up in his own head to notice Gary calling him.

Gary sighed, a little frustrated but mostly concerned. He walked over to Ash, crouching down to make sure he had his full attention. With one swift motion, Gary took Ash’s hand in his own, his fingers closing around Ash’s gently but firmly.

"Look at me, buddy," Gary said, his voice soft but insistent.

Ash’s heart skipped a beat at the touch, and he looked up, startled. Their eyes met, and for a moment, everything seemed to quiet down. Ash was still nervous, but something about the way Gary was holding his hand made him feel like he wasn’t alone in this.

"Gary...?" Ash whispered, unsure of what to say. His mind was still full of questions, but Gary’s calm presence was making them feel distant, almost like they weren’t as important as they seemed.

"Yeah, it’s me," Gary replied, a reassuring smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "I’m not gonna hurt you, okay? I know we mess with each other a lot, but I’d never do anything like that."

Ash blinked, the words sinking in slowly. The nervous knot in his stomach loosened just a little as Gary’s gaze softened, his eyes sincere.

“Then why am I feeling so...” Ash trailed off, trying to find the right words. “So weird about this?”

Gary squeezed Ash’s hand a little, offering a comforting nod. “Because you're overthinking it. We’ve been friends forever, Ash. I’m just here to help you, alright? Just a normal check-up. That’s it.”

Ash nodded slowly, but his gaze shifted to the medical tools on the counter once again, his unease creeping back in. He wasn’t sure he could fully let go of his fear. The unknown still felt so big, so real.

Gary followed Ash’s line of sight and sighed. “You think I’m gonna pull out a needle and go all villain on you, huh?”

Ash winced slightly, unsure whether Gary was joking or not. "No..." he muttered, but the thought had crossed his mind, even if it was irrational.

Gary chuckled softly, shaking his head. "I swear, sometimes you make things so much worse than they need to be."

Ash gave a weak laugh, a small chuckle escaping him. “Yeah, I know... I’m just not used to... I don’t know. You being the one doing this.”

Gary’s eyes softened again, and he let go of Ash’s hand, though he still stayed close. "I get it. You’re not used to me being serious, huh? Well, I guess it’s time to change that. You trust me, right?”

Ash hesitated for just a moment, but then he nodded. "Yeah, I trust you, Gary."

A smile spread across Gary’s face, and he patted Ash’s shoulder. “Good. Now sit tight, alright? I’m gonna make sure this is as painless as possible.”

Ash, feeling a bit more reassured, sat up straighter on the examination table. The tension in his shoulders finally began to ease, and for the first time since he stepped into the room, he felt like maybe, just maybe, everything would be okay.

As Gary gathered the tools for the check-up, Ash couldn’t help but watch his movements closely. Gary had always been quick and confident, even in moments like this, but now there was an extra layer of gentleness to his actions. It was strange, but comforting in a way Ash hadn’t expected.

“Alright, buddy,” Gary said, turning back to him. “This will be quick, I promise.”

Ash looked at him, really looked at him this time, and the nervous tension started to fade completely. Maybe he had been worrying too much. Maybe he could finally let go and trust Gary... for real this time.

Gary rolled his shoulders and flashed Ash a confident grin, holding a clipboard in one hand and a pen in the other. "Alright, Ashy-boy, let’s get started. You’re gonna ace this check-up—no problem."

Ash frowned. “It’s not a test, Gary.”

Gary smirked. “Everything’s a test if you think about it. Now sit still and let’s get this over with.” He stepped closer, pen poised. “First up, eyes. Look straight ahead for me.”

Ash hesitated but did as he was told, sitting as stiff as a board. Gary held up a small flashlight and shone it into Ash’s eyes, first the left, then the right.

“Pupils reacting normally,” Gary muttered, jotting it down. “You’re not turning into a Zubat or anything. So far, so good.”

“Very funny,” Ash mumbled, squinting against the light. “Do you have to blind me?”

Gary rolled his eyes. “Stop being dramatic. Now, let’s check your ears.” He grabbed the otoscope from the counter and tilted Ash’s head slightly to the side. “Hold still. This won’t hurt.”

Ash tensed as Gary examined one ear, then the other. “What are you even looking for in there? Pikachu’s hiding spot?”

Gary laughed. “Nah, just making sure you’re not growing mushrooms in there. All clear.” He scribbled another note. “Next up, your nose. Take a deep breath.”

Ash wrinkled his nose. “Why my nose?”

Gary held up a small instrument. “Gotta make sure you’re breathing fine and there’s no blockage. Relax, will you?”

Ash sighed but let Gary proceed. The exam was quick, and Gary stepped back with a satisfied nod. “Nose is good. Now open your mouth and say, ‘Ah.’”

Ash groaned. “Seriously?”

“Seriously,” Gary said, crossing his arms. “Come on, Ash. You can battle a Charizard but can’t handle a simple check-up?”

Ash rolled his eyes but opened his mouth. “Ahhhh.”

Gary peered inside with a small light. “No cavities. No rogue Pokéballs stuck in there. Good job, Ashy-boy.”

“Are you gonna keep calling me that?” Ash asked, closing his mouth with an annoyed grunt.

“Of course,” Gary said with a smirk. “Now, your heart and lungs. Sit up straight.”

Ash adjusted his posture as Gary grabbed the stethoscope hanging around his neck. He placed the cold metal disc against Ash’s chest, making him flinch.

“Cold!” Ash exclaimed.

“Deal with it,” Gary said, listening carefully. “Take a deep breath for me.”

Ash obeyed, inhaling deeply and exhaling slowly. Gary moved the stethoscope to Ash’s back, repeating the process.

“Heart sounds good, lungs are clear,” Gary declared, scribbling on the clipboard again. “You’re still alive. That’s a plus.”

“Gee, thanks for the reassurance,” Ash muttered.

Gary ignored him and grabbed a small rubber hammer. “Alright, reflexes time.”

Ash raised an eyebrow. “You’re not gonna whack me with that, are you?”

Gary grinned. “Only your knees. Sit tight.” He tapped Ash’s right knee lightly, causing it to jerk forward. “Perfect. Now the left.”

Ash’s left knee jerked as well, and Gary nodded. “Reflexes are sharp. You’re not turning into a Slowpoke anytime soon.”

Ash let out a small laugh. “That’s a relief.”

Gary set the hammer aside and leaned against the counter, crossing his arms. “Alright, Ash, you’re all checked out. Eyes, ears, mouth, heart, lungs, reflexes, nose—everything’s good. You’re officially in one piece.”

Ash blinked, a little surprised it was over so quickly. “That’s it? No needles or anything?”

Gary smirked. “Were you expecting me to jab you with something?”

Ash scratched the back of his head sheepishly. “I don’t know... maybe.”

Gary sighed, shaking his head with a smile. “You really don’t trust me, huh?”

Ash looked at him for a moment before grinning. “I trust you, Gary. Even if you’re a pain sometimes.”

Gary laughed, ruffling Ash’s hair. “Good to know, Ashy-boy. Now get out of here before I change my mind about the needles.”

Ash hopped off the table, feeling lighter now that it was all done. As he left the room, he glanced back at Gary, who was busy tidying up. Maybe, just maybe, he had overreacted a little.