Gary shot Rowan a knowing look before focusing back on Ash. "Yeah, real fine," he muttered, placing a hand on Ash's forehead. His frown deepened. "You're burning up."

Rowan crossed his arms, watching Gary work. "Hmm. It's not uncommon for travelers to pick up viruses when adjusting to different environments."

Gary barely nodded, already reaching into his bag. "Yeah, but this hit fast. Too fast." He pulled out his thermometer and placed it under Ash's tongue. "Keep that there, don't bite down."

Ash, still looking miserable, barely had the energy to nod.

As Gary waited, he rubbed soothing circles on Ash's back. He could feel the heat radiating off of him, his body trembling slightly. Not good. Not normal for just a simple bug.

The thermometer beeped. Gary pulled it out, checked the reading—

104.2°F.

Gary tensed. "Rowan, we need ice packs. Now."

Rowan's eyes flickered to the device. He nodded and left without another word.

Gary exhaled sharply. "Ash, buddy, you should've told me earlier if you were feeling bad."

Ash groaned. "Didn't... wanna bother you..."

Gary's jaw tightened. He reached for his stethoscope, slipping the earpieces in. "You are my business, dummy," he muttered, pressing the diaphragm to Ash's chest. "Deep breath for me."

Ash inhaled shakily, then exhaled.

Gary frowned. Something sounded... off. He adjusted the stethoscope and listened again.

Ash wheezed slightly as he breathed out.

Gary's stomach clenched. Not good. The fever, the vomiting, the weak pulse, and now this?

Rowan returned with the ice packs, handing them to Gary. "He's worse than I thought," Gary muttered, adjusting them around Ash's body.

Rowan's brows furrowed. "What's your diagnosis?"

Gary sighed, rubbing his forehead. "Not sure yet, but I don't like how his lungs sound. If it's an infection, we need to act fast before it turns into pneumonia."

Ash let out a tired whimper. "Garyyyy... just let me sleeep..."

Gary huffed, brushing Ash's sweat-dampened hair back. "Not yet, Ashy-boy. You're really sick, and I gotta keep you stable first."

Rowan watched Gary work, nodding approvingly. "You've learned well."

Gary didn't even glance up as he prepared medicine. "Yeah, well, Ash is my best friend. I'm not letting him crash on my watch."