Pokemon Indigo League Stories Part 2

Ash's check up

Ash’s heart was pounding in his chest as he sat on the examination table, his eyes glued to the door. His hands were clammy, and his foot kept tapping nervously against the metal frame of the table. The sound of the fluorescent lights buzzing above him seemed to be getting louder with every passing second.

He could hear Gary’s footsteps approaching again, the soft swish of his lab coat brushing against his legs. Ash quickly adjusted his hat, trying to mask his nerves, but it didn’t help. The mere thought of a check-up from Gary sent a mix of dread and confusion through him. Sure, they were best friends, but they also had that intense rivalry. Gary knew how to tease him, how to get under his skin, and that was exactly what he was doing right now.

“Alright, Ashy-boy, let’s get this over with,” Gary said, his smirk wide and confident as he walked into the room, his white lab coat swishing behind him. Ash grimaced at the nickname but didn’t say anything. He wasn’t sure he could speak without his voice betraying how anxious he felt.

"Okay, buddy, I’ll try to make this quick. But you’re going to have to help me out a little here, alright?" Gary asked as he approached Ash, giving him a sideways glance.

Ash nodded quickly, trying to force a calm expression. "Yeah, sure. No problem," he stammered, his voice cracking slightly.

Gary raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying the act. He gave Ash a knowing smile. "Yeah, sure. I’m sure. You look like you’re about to faint, Ash." He moved closer, tilting his head slightly as if inspecting Ash for signs of panic. "You okay?"

Ash swallowed, but his throat felt dry. His hands were shaking, but he tried to hide it by gripping the edge of the table. "I’m fine, Gary. Just... just a little nervous, that’s all."

Gary chuckled, shaking his head as he set down a clipboard on the nearby counter. "I know you, Ashy-boy. You hate check-ups. But trust me, nothing’s going to happen. I’ve got your back." His voice was softer now, less teasing. There was a hint of reassurance in it, something that calmed Ash’s racing thoughts, even if just a little.

Ash’s chest tightened, and he could feel his heart rate speeding up again. "Yeah, okay... I know," he muttered, but it was clear he wasn’t entirely convinced.

Gary rolled up his sleeves and put on a pair of gloves, then walked over to Ash with a calm, practiced demeanor. "Alright, let’s start with the eyes, buddy. You know the drill." He held up a small flashlight, flicking it on and off with a casual motion.

Ash’s stomach flipped. He tried to keep his breathing steady, but the sound of his heartbeat was thundering in his ears. He knew what was coming. "Okay, okay... I’m ready."

Gary stepped closer, gently cupping Ash’s chin in his hand and guiding his face towards him. "Look straight ahead, Ash. Just follow the light with your eyes. No big deal."

Ash tried to focus on Gary’s face, but all he could see was the light coming at him, flashing in front of his eyes. His vision was blurred, his thoughts scattered. His heart raced even faster. Gary’s voice cut through the fog in his mind.

"Follow it, Ash. You’ve done this before." Gary’s voice was patient, but there was still that teasing edge to it. He was trying to make Ash laugh, but all Ash could focus on was the dread he felt.

Ash nodded and tried to focus, but his eyes were bouncing back and forth, too unfocused to follow the light properly. "I... I am," he mumbled, not entirely sure of himself.

Gary clicked his tongue. "Ashy-boy, you’re making this harder than it needs to be." He chuckled, flicking the flashlight back and forth in front of Ash’s eyes. "Come on, buddy, I know you can do this."

Ash forced his body to relax, though his legs were still bouncing nervously. He tried to focus, following the light with his eyes, but the faster Gary moved it, the harder it was to keep up.

"Great. Now let’s check your ears," Gary said, moving to the next part of the check-up. He had an otoscope in hand and was carefully inspecting Ash’s ears with gentle precision.

Ash flinched when Gary touched his ear, a nervous habit. "Sorry," he muttered under his breath, feeling embarrassed.

Gary smiled, clearly not bothered. "No need to apologize, Ash. I know you’re not a fan of this." He moved on, checking Ash’s mouth next. "Say ‘ahhh.’"

Ash opened his mouth reluctantly, feeling the dryness of his throat. "Ahhh," he said weakly.

"Perfect. You’re doing better than I expected." Gary’s tone was light, but there was concern in his eyes as he watched Ash’s reactions.

Then came the heart check. Gary placed the stethoscope on Ash’s chest, listening carefully to his heartbeat. Ash’s heart was thumping so loudly that he thought Gary would hear it without even needing the stethoscope. His palms were sweaty, and his breath was shallow.

Gary's eyes narrowed slightly. "Your heart rate’s a little high, buddy. You’re more stressed than I thought."

Ash could feel himself starting to sweat more. His chest felt tight, his breath shallow. "I... I don’t know what’s happening. I feel... weird," Ash muttered, trying to control the rising panic in his chest.

Gary quickly moved to check his blood pressure, wrapping the cuff around Ash’s arm and pumping it up. Ash squeezed his eyes shut, trying to focus on anything other than the rising panic.

Gary made a noise of surprise. "Whoa, Ashy. Your blood pressure’s through the roof. It’s in the 400s." His voice was serious now, but still calm. He quickly removed the cuff. "Hey, hey, relax, buddy. It’s just the stress, okay?"

Ash was trembling now, his breath coming in quick, shallow gasps. "I... I don’t know, Gary. I can’t... I can’t calm down."

Gary let out a soft sigh, walking around the table and sitting behind Ash. He gently wrapped his arms around Ash’s body, holding him steady.

"Shhh. It’s okay, Ash," Gary murmured, rubbing his back in slow, steady circles. "I’ve got you. I’m right here, buddy. Just breathe. You’re gonna be okay."

Ash’s body stiffened at first, but the warmth of Gary’s arms around him began to settle his nerves. Slowly, his breathing started to even out, though his heart still pounded. "I... I just don’t like these check-ups, Gary," Ash whispered, his voice shaky. "They always make me feel like I’m going to die or something."

Gary chuckled softly, pressing his cheek against the top of Ash’s head. "You’re not gonna die, Ashy-boy. I’m not going anywhere. Just take it easy, okay? Focus on me, and we’ll get through this."

Ash nodded, his eyes closed as he let Gary’s soothing voice and embrace calm him down. The anxiety started to recede, and though his heart was still racing, it wasn’t as frantic as before. Gary was right there, with him, and that was enough to make him feel safe again.

"Alright," Gary said after a few moments, pulling away slightly but keeping a hand on Ash’s shoulder. "You’re doing better, Ash. I know it’s hard, but you’ve got this."

Ash looked up at Gary, his eyes still wide with relief. "Thanks, Gary. I really needed that."

Gary smirked, giving Ash a playful shove. "Of course, Ashy-boy. Anything for my best friend." He turned back to the counter, writing down a few notes. "But next time, you’re getting through this without nearly fainting, okay?"

Ash managed a small laugh, the tension leaving his body as Gary continued the check-up. Despite everything, he felt a little lighter, knowing Gary would always be there to help him through the toughest moments.