Gary smirked as he leaned in the doorway of one of the guest rooms in Professor Rowan's lab. "Ash, cut out the act. You can't just be sick one day without any symptoms."

Ash, who was pale and looking frail, didn't even have the energy to glare at him.

" I'm telling you," Ash said, his voice watery. " I just woke up like this."

Gary shook his head. " Doubtful. Now, get up. You have a-"

He didn't finish.

Because Ash did one thing which made Gary realize maybe his friend WAS sick.

Ash's empty stomach released all the water in his body out from his mouth.

Luckily Ash managed to lean over the bed and it poured out in a trashcan.

Gary's eyes widened and he quickly sat on the bed next to Ash and rubbed his back. " Easy, Ashy, easy. Take a deep breath..."

Ash coughed mucus out and took a shaky breath. " I'm fine, Gary. Go. You have more important things."

Gary grabbed a tissue and wiped Ash's mouth. " No, Ash." he said, helping his friend lie down. " You're more important. Professor Rowan'll understand."

Speak of the devil.

Professor Rowan walked in as Gary looped the stethoscope around his neck. " What's going on in here?"

Gary didn't look up. " This one got a nasty bug or something."

Ash looked at Rowan weakly. " Professor, I'm fine. Tell Gary he doesn't need to-"

Ash coughed violently.

Gary shot Rowan a pointed look. "Yeah, real fine," he muttered. He pressed a hand against Ash's forehead and frowned. "You're burning up, Ash. When did this start?"

Ash groaned and turned his head away. "I dunno... last night, I guess... I just thought it was nothing."

Gary clicked his tongue. "Idiot. You should've told someone."

Professor Rowan stepped closer, his brows furrowing as he examined Ash. "He does look unwell. Gary, what are you thinking?"

Gary sighed, grabbing his bag and pulling out his thermometer. "Well, considering he's weak, pale, and just puked up everything in his stomach, I'd say we're dealing with a nasty virus. Gotta rule out dehydration, though."

He slipped the thermometer under Ash's tongue, rubbing his friend's back while waiting. Ash shivered under his touch, his breathing shaky. When the thermometer beeped, Gary pulled it out and checked the numbers.

"39.5°C," Gary announced, his voice tight.

Rowan's frown deepened. "That's quite the fever."

"No kidding," Gary muttered. He grabbed his stethoscope and placed the diaphragm against Ash's chest. "Alright, buddy, deep breaths for me."

Ash took a breath in—but it was shallow, ragged. He winced as he exhaled, his brows scrunching together.

Gary didn't like that.

He moved the stethoscope around, listening carefully. The crackling in Ash's lungs made his stomach sink.

"Ash, does it hurt when you breathe?"

Ash hesitated before nodding weakly. "Kinda."

Gary glanced up at Rowan. "It might be more than a virus. Could be an infection—maybe even pneumonia."

Rowan crossed his arms. "What do you suggest?"

Gary was already moving, propping Ash up against the pillows. "Fluids first. He's probably dehydrated from throwing up. Then we monitor his breathing—if it gets worse, we might need antibiotics."

Ash moaned, closing his eyes. "Don't need anything... I'll be fine..."

Gary flicked his forehead. "Shut up, Ash. You literally just collapsed on yourself."

Rowan chuckled. "I'll get some water and inform the staff."

Gary nodded, turning his attention back to Ash. He pulled the blanket up to Ash's shoulders and placed a cool cloth on his forehead.

"Just rest, dummy," Gary murmured. "I got you."

Ash hummed weakly, his body relaxing slightly under Gary's care.