Gary was lying on his bed, flipping through a manga, when a soft knock echoed at his door. Without looking up, he called out, "You can come in."

There were small, hesitant footsteps, followed by a quiet voice.

"...Gawy?"

Gary peeked over his book and was met with two big, wide eyes and a mess of raven-colored hair.

"Yeah, Wisty? What's up?"

The six-year-old girl shifted uncomfortably, her little fingers fidgeting with the hem of her pajama sleeve. "...'Member the shot you gawe me?"

Gary nodded, setting his manga aside. "Yeah?"

Wisty looked down at her feet, hesitant. "...M'arm's hurting."

Gary immediately sat up, his expression softening. "Aw, kid..." He reached down, scooping the little girl up under her arms and settling her in his lap.

The moment she was there, she snuggled close, pressing her face against his chest.

Gary rubbed slow, gentle circles over her back. "Your arm's still sore, huh?"

She nodded against him. "Mhm... Hurts bad."

He sighed, pressing a soft kiss to the top of her head. "That happens sometimes after a shot, Wisty. It just means your body's working hard to keep you from getting sick."

Wisty sniffled, shifting in his hold. "Dun like it..."

"I know, kiddo." Gary reached over to grab his water bottle from the nightstand and held it out to her. "Here, drink a little. Might help."

She took a few small sips before handing it back. "Will it stop soon?"

Gary smiled, rocking her slightly. "Yeah, it'll go away in a day or two. But I can make it feel a little better now."

Wisty blinked up at him. "Really?"

Gary smirked. "Really. Just trust your big bro's best friend, alright?"

He carefully adjusted her so he could get a better look at her arm, rolling up her pajama sleeve. The injection site was a little red and warm to the touch—normal.

Still, he kept his touch light as he gently pressed his fingers over the sore spot, rubbing small, careful circles.

Wisty tensed at first, a soft whimper escaping her lips, but Gary's hands were gentle. "Just massaging it a little, kiddo. Promise it won't hurt."

She sniffled again but didn't pull away. "...Feels funny."

Gary chuckled. "That's 'cause it's working. I'll grab an ice pack in a bit too, okay?"

She hummed sleepily, her little body relaxing in his lap.

Gary smiled fondly. "You're a tough kid, you know that?"

Wisty yawned. "Am not..."

"Are too."

"...Nuh-uh."

Gary smirked. "Says the kid who barely cried during the shot."

Wisty pouted sleepily. "'Cause I had you... n Ash..."

Gary's heart melted. He wrapped his arms around her a little tighter, pressing another kiss to her forehead. "And you'll always have me, Wisty."

The little girl sighed, her breath evening out as she started drifting off. "Love you, Gawy..."

Gary smiled softly, rocking her gently. "Love you too, kiddo."