A Chaotic Shot

Misty sat in the clinic's waiting room, bouncing her knee as she held Michelle in her lap. Aiden sat beside Ash, munching on a snack without a care, while his twin sister… well, she wasn't happy.

Michelle had already figured out what was happening.

"No," she huffed, crossing her tiny arms. "I don't want a shot."

Misty sighed. "Sweetie, we talked about this. It'll be super quick, promise."

"I don't care," Michelle said, scrunching up her nose. "It's gonna hurt."

Ash chuckled, ruffling her soft auburn hair. "C'mon, princess. You're tougher than this."

Michelle whipped her head around and glared at him. "Then you do it."

"Uh… I don't think I can get the same one as you, sweetheart."

"Then Aiden can do it."

Aiden, who had been happily eating his snack, blinked and pointed at himself. "Why me?! I already got mine last time!"

Michelle turned back to Misty. "Then Mommy can do it."

Misty exhaled, brushing Michelle's hair back. "Mommy already got hers, sweetheart. It's your turn."

"No, thank you," Michelle said sweetly, before trying to slide off Misty's lap.

Ash caught her before she could escape. "Nice try, kiddo."

The nurse finally stepped into the waiting area with a big smile. "Michelle Aimi Ketchum?"

Michelle grabbed onto Misty like a koala. "I changed my mind."

Misty stood up, adjusting Michelle in her arms. "You'll be okay, baby."

"No, I won't," Michelle argued. "I'm gonna die."

Ash snorted but quickly turned it into a cough when Misty gave him a look. Aiden, on the other hand, was loving this.

Inside the examination room, Michelle stayed stiff in Misty's arms while the nurse got the shot ready.

"Alright, Michelle, this will be really fast," the nurse said. "Just a tiny pinch, and then you'll get a sticker."

Michelle, though, was not convinced. She started wiggling. "No! No! Nooo—"

Ash quickly pulled out a lollipop. "Look what Daddy's got."

Michelle peeked at it, still suspicious. "What flavor?"

"Your favorite—strawberry."

Michelle hesitated, looking between the nurse and the candy. "…Can I have it now?"

Ash smirked. "After the shot."

Realizing she had been tricked, Michelle let out a loud, dramatic wail as Misty held her still.

"Noooo, Daddy, I trusted you!"

Before she could throw an even bigger fit, the nurse quickly gave her the shot.

Michelle gasped. She looked at her arm, then at the nurse, completely betrayed. "YOU—"

"All done!" the nurse said happily, putting a Band-Aid on. "You were so brave, Michelle!"

Michelle pouted, rubbing her arm like she'd been seriously wounded. "I was tricked."

Ash handed her the lollipop. "You survived."

Michelle snatched it and popped it into her mouth, still pouting. "This doesn't mean I forgive you."

Misty kissed her head. "We love you anyway."

Aiden grinned. "You cried like a baby."

Michelle glared at him. "Next time, I hope you get two shots."

Ash laughed, carrying his grumpy little girl out of the clinic. "That's my girl."