Eight year old Gary was reading a manga on his bed in his room when someone knocked on his door. Without looking up, he said, " You can come in."

There were soft footsteps.

Then-

" ... Gary?"

Gary peeked over his book and saw two wide eyes and that bunch of raven hair.

" Yeah, buddy? What's up?"

The eight year old boy shifted uncomfortably. " ... 'member the shot you gave me?"

Gary nodded. " Yeah?"

Ash looked hesitant. " ... M'arm's hurting."

Gary set his comic down and reached down, picking the young boy from under his arms and into his lap.

The boy immediately snuggled close. 

Gary sighed softly, wrapping his arms around his best friend as Ash buried his face into his chest. "I know, buddy. It's sore, huh?"

Ash gave a tiny nod, his arms curling against himself as he sniffled. "Mhm... Don't like it..."

Gary rocked them slightly, rubbing slow, gentle circles on Ash's back. "Yeah, I know. But it means your body's working like it should."

Ash grumbled into Gary's shirt. "Dumb shot..."

Gary chuckled, shifting slightly so he could peek at Ash's arm. "Lemme see?"

Ash hesitated but slowly pulled his arm out from where he'd been hugging himself. Gary gently rolled up his sleeve and inspected the injection site, pressing his cool fingers lightly over the area.

Ash flinched. "Hnnngh—"

"Sorry, sorry," Gary said quickly, easing his touch. "It's a little swollen, but that's normal. You're okay, I promise."

Ash pouted up at him. "Feels all achy..."

Gary reached for his nightstand and grabbed a small bottle of lotion. "Here, I'll rub it out a little. It'll help."

Ash eyed the bottle warily. "That sounds like it's gonna hurt."

Gary smirked. "Nah, I'll be gentle. You trust me, don'tcha?"

Ash huffed but finally nodded. "...Yeah."

Gary squeezed a bit of lotion onto his fingers and started rubbing slow, careful circles around the sore spot, keeping his touch light. "See? Not so bad, right?"

Ash let out a small, relieved sigh. "...Mm. 'S nice."

Gary grinned. "Told ya."

As he continued massaging Ash's arm, he felt the boy relax more and more, his breathing slowing. Before long, Ash's eyes started drooping, his little body going slack against Gary's chest.

Gary smiled softly. "Sleepy?"

Ash mumbled something incoherent, already halfway out.

Gary chuckled, pulling the blanket over both of them. "Alright, buddy. Just rest. I got you."

And with that, Ash let himself drift off, safe and warm in the arms of his best friend.