Ash hesitated, staring at the floor. His fingers tightened around the syringe he was holding, knuckles turning pale.

Gary softened his grip on Ash's shoulder. "Hey, it's okay. I promise I won't hurt you more than I have to."

Ash swallowed hard but nodded. He trudged toward the bed, climbing up and sitting cross-legged on top of the blankets. His tiny hands fidgeted in his lap, and his lower lip wobbled. "I- I don't wanna do this, Gary..."

Gary grabbed his medical kit from the nightstand and sat beside him. "I know, buddy. But you came to me, remember? That means you trust me."

Ash bit his lip, nodding hesitantly.

Gary held out his hand. "Let me see it."

Slowly, Ash handed over the syringe, flinching as he did. Gary inspected it, reading the label. It was just a routine vaccine, nothing too scary. But for Ash, every needle was a nightmare.

Gary pulled on a pair of gloves, then turned back to his best friend. "Okay, bud. Which arm do you want it in?"

Ash whined. "N-None?"

Gary smirked. "Nice try. Pick one, or I'll pick for you."

Ash huffed and hesitantly pointed to his left arm. "Th-This one..."

"Good choice." Gary prepped the alcohol wipe, rubbing it gently over Ash's upper arm. He could already see the kid tensing up.

"Hey," Gary said softly. "Look at me."

Ash blinked up at him, nervous brown eyes locked onto his.

Gary reached out and took Ash's free hand, wrapping it around his wrist. "Hold onto me, okay? You can squeeze as hard as you need."

Ash's breath hitched, but he obeyed, gripping Gary's wrist with trembling fingers.

"Alright, deep breath, buddy," Gary murmured. "In... and out..."

Ash shakily inhaled, his grip on Gary tightening.

Gary took the opportunity. Quick, smooth, and painless as possible, he slid the needle in and pressed the plunger down.

Ash let out a tiny yelp, flinching, but Gary was already done. He pulled the needle out and pressed a cotton ball to the spot. "All done, Ashy-boy."

Ash's chest heaved, eyes glassy, but after a few seconds, he realized—it was over.

Gary smiled and ruffled his hair. "See? You survived."

Ash sniffled, then—to Gary's surprise—lunged forward and buried his face in his chest.

Gary blinked, then chuckled, wrapping his arms around the smaller boy. "Aww, c'mon, don't get all sappy on me now."

Ash mumbled into his shirt, "You're the only one I trust to do it..."

Gary's smirk softened. He hugged his best friend a little tighter.

"Anytime, Ashy."