Pokemon Indigo League Stories Part 2

Ash's check up

Gary leaned against the doorframe, his trademark smirk plastered on his face. "You’re trembling, Ashy-boy. What's the matter? It’s just little ol’ me," he teased, his tone light but laced with affection.

Ash's leg bounced uncontrollably as he fumbled with his words. "I... I just... y-you know I don’t like check-ups, Gary." His voice cracked slightly, and he looked down, his hands clutching his hat like it was a lifeline.

Gary’s smirk softened into a small, understanding smile. He pushed off the doorframe and walked over, placing a hand gently on Ash's trembling ones. "Hey. You’re gonna be okay," he said, his voice steady and reassuring. "It’s me, Ashy. You trust me, don’t you?"

Ash glanced up, his wide brown eyes filled with nervousness. His heart pounded so hard it felt like it might burst out of his chest. "Y-yeah, I trust you," he mumbled, though his body language betrayed his uncertainty.

Gary gave his hand a squeeze before letting go. "Good. Now, let’s get started. You can yell at me later if I screw this up, okay?" He winked, trying to inject some humor into the situation.

Ash managed a weak chuckle, his leg still bouncing as Gary moved to grab a pair of gloves from the counter. He snapped them on with a practiced ease that made Ash wince slightly at the sound. "First things first, let’s check those eyes," Gary said, picking up a small flashlight. He tilted Ash's chin up gently. "Follow the light, Ashy-boy."

Ash’s eyes darted nervously to the flashlight, then back to Gary. "I-I’ll try," he stammered. His voice wavered, but he did as Gary instructed, following the beam of light as Gary moved it from side to side.

"Good," Gary said, his tone encouraging. "You’re doing great, buddy." He moved the light up and down, watching Ash’s pupils carefully. "Your eyes are fine. See? That wasn’t so bad."

Ash let out a shaky breath. "Y-yeah. I guess."

Gary set the flashlight down and grabbed an otoscope. "Okay, ears next. Hold still." He gently guided Ash’s head to the side and peered into one ear. "Looks good," he said after a moment, then checked the other. "All clear."

Ash nodded stiffly, his shoulders still tense. Gary noticed and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Relax, Ash. We’re halfway through."

"I-I’m fine," Ash said, though his trembling hands said otherwise.

Gary sighed but didn’t push him. Instead, he moved to check Ash’s throat. "Open wide and say ‘ah.’"

Ash hesitated, then complied. "Ahhhh," he mumbled weakly.

Gary inspected his throat with a small tongue depressor. "Looks good. No sore throat or anything. See? Easy stuff." He discarded the depressor and turned back to Ash, who was still bouncing his leg nervously.

Gary crouched down so they were eye level. "Hey, buddy. Look at me," he said softly. Ash’s eyes met his, and Gary smiled. "You’re doing great. Just one more thing to check, okay? Your heart."

Ash swallowed hard and nodded. "O-okay."

Gary grabbed his stethoscope and placed it over Ash’s chest. "Take a deep breath for me."

Ash obeyed, though his breaths were shaky. Gary frowned slightly as he listened. "Your heart’s racing, Ashy-boy. You gotta calm down, or I’m gonna think you’ve been battling legendary Pokémon all day."

"I-I can’t help it," Ash muttered. "I just…"

Gary straightened up and moved to sit behind Ash on the exam table. Without warning, he wrapped his arms around his best friend in a firm but gentle hug. "It’s okay, Ash. I’m here. Just breathe, buddy."