Pokemon Indigo League Stories Part 2

Ash's check up

Gary’s arms tightened slightly around Ash, his heart sinking at the sound of his best friend’s broken voice. "Hey, hey, what’s this all about?" he asked softly, tilting his head to try and catch a glimpse of Ash’s tear-streaked face. "Sorry for what, Ashy-boy?"

Ash pulled back just enough to look up at Gary, his eyes red and watery. "For being such a baby about this!" he blurted, his voice cracking. "I’m wasting your time. I know I shouldn’t be this scared, but I can’t help it!"

Gary blinked in surprise, then shook his head firmly. "Ash, stop that right now," he said, his tone unusually serious. "You’re not a baby, and you’re not wasting my time. You hear me?"

Ash sniffled, looking down at his lap. "But I’m supposed to be brave," he muttered. "I face Pokémon battles, Gym Leaders, even Legendary Pokémon. But this? I can’t even handle a stupid check-up."

Gary sighed, reaching out to ruffle Ash’s hair gently. "Ash, bravery doesn’t mean not being scared. It means doing something even when you *are* scared. And guess what? You’re here, aren’t you? You didn’t run out the door. That’s bravery, buddy."

Ash didn’t respond, but he didn’t pull away either. Encouraged, Gary continued, "Look, I know this stuff freaks you out. Always has. But that’s why I’m here, okay? To make sure you get through it."

Ash glanced up at him, his expression a mixture of doubt and gratitude. "You mean it?"

Gary rolled his eyes, though his smile was warm. "Of course I mean it, you idiot. I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t care."

Ash let out a shaky laugh, wiping his eyes with his sleeve. "Thanks, Gary."

"Anytime," Gary said, leaning back slightly. "Now, do you want to keep going, or should we sit here a little longer?"

Ash hesitated, then nodded. "Let’s finish it. I don’t want to drag this out."

Gary grinned. "That’s the spirit. But remember, if you need to stop, just say the word. No judgment, Ashy-boy."

Ash nodded, his shoulders relaxing just a little. Gary stood and grabbed the blood pressure cuff again. "Okay, let’s check this one more time. Take a deep breath for me."

Ash complied, inhaling deeply and exhaling slowly. Gary watched him carefully, then wrapped the cuff around his arm and took the reading. "Still a little high," he said, his brow furrowing. "But it’s better than before."

"Guess I’m not gonna explode," Ash joked weakly.

Gary laughed. "Not today, buddy. Now, let’s check those reflexes." He grabbed the reflex hammer and tapped Ash’s knee gently, watching as his leg jerked slightly. "Perfect. See? Your body’s working just fine."

Ash smiled faintly, some of the tension leaving his face. "Yeah, I guess."

Gary set the hammer aside and leaned against the counter. "That’s it for now, Ashy-boy. You survived. How do you feel?"

Ash thought for a moment, then gave a small smile. "Better. Thanks, Gary."

Gary smirked and crossed his arms. "Told you I’d take care of you. That’s what best friends do."

Ash chuckled, a genuine laugh this time. "Yeah, I guess you’re right. Just... don’t tell anyone about this, okay?"

Gary held up a hand as if swearing an oath. "Your secret’s safe with me, buddy. Now, let’s get out of here. I think we both deserve a break."

Ash hopped off the table, feeling lighter than he had in days. As they walked out of the room, he glanced at Gary and muttered, "Thanks again, Gary."

Gary just grinned and slung an arm around Ash’s shoulders. "Anytime, Ashy-boy. Anytime."