Ash hesitated, shifting on his feet, gripping the needle tightly like it might disappear if he let go. "You... You don't have to," he mumbled, glancing down. "I just thought—"

Gary squeezed his shoulder, giving him a small, reassuring smile. "Ash, buddy, if you trust me to do it, I'm gonna do it. Now, come on, up on the bed."

Ash bit his lip but nodded, hesitantly climbing onto Gary's bed. His small hands fidgeted with the hem of his shirt, his feet barely dangling off the edge. He looked like he was already regretting asking.

Gary knelt down in front of him, holding out his hand. "Lemme see what we're working with."

Ash gulped but placed the vial and syringe into Gary's outstretched palm. Gary examined them, nodding to himself. "Okay, just your regular booster. Nothing scary." He glanced up. "Where's your mom? She usually takes you for these."

Ash shrugged. "She's busy. Said I should go to the clinic, but..." He trailed off, looking anywhere but at Gary.

Gary softened. "But you wanted me to do it instead?"

Ash hesitated, then gave a tiny nod.

Gary's chest ached a little. He knew how much Ash hated needles, and if he was here, it meant one thing—he trusted Gary more than anyone else to do this.

"Alright, kiddo. I got you," Gary said, pulling out a pair of gloves from his desk drawer and snapping them on. "We'll get it over with fast, okay?"

Ash hugged himself, legs bouncing anxiously. "Y-Yeah..."

Gary prepped the syringe with careful hands, making sure there were no air bubbles before setting it aside. He then patted the bed next to Ash. "Come sit on my lap, bud. It'll make it easier."

Ash hesitated, then shuffled over, letting Gary pull him into a secure hug. His heart was pounding so hard Gary could feel it against his own chest.

Gary rested his chin on Ash's head. "Hey, deep breaths, okay? I'm not gonna hurt you."

Ash gripped his arm tightly, squeezing his eyes shut. "I-I know..."

"Good." Gary reached for an alcohol wipe and gently rubbed a spot on Ash's upper arm. "This part's just cold," he murmured.

Ash shivered but didn't protest.

Then came the hard part.

Gary held up the needle and hesitated for just a second before tightening his grip around Ash. "Alright, bud, deep breath."

Ash sucked in a shaky breath.

And Gary did it.

A tiny whimper escaped Ash, and his grip on Gary's sleeve tightened. But to his credit, he didn't pull away.

Gary worked fast, pushing the medicine in and pulling the needle out in one smooth motion. He pressed a cotton ball to the injection site and rubbed soothing circles on Ash's back. "All done, kiddo."

Ash let out a shaky breath, his whole body still tense. "That's it?" he whispered.

Gary chuckled. "That's it."

Ash peeked up at him, looking uncertain. "That... wasn't as bad as usual."

Gary smirked. "Told ya I got you."

Ash huffed, still gripping onto Gary's shirt like he wasn't ready to let go just yet. "...Thanks, Doctor Gary."

Gary rolled his eyes but ruffled Ash's hair affectionately. "Anytime, Ashy-boy. Now, let's go find you a lollipop for being so brave."