Gary pulled back slightly, his hands resting gently on Ash's shoulders as he scanned his best friend's face. Ash's cheeks were tear-streaked, his nose red, and he was clutching his left arm against his chest, his fingers curled protectively around his elbow.

"Okay, Ashy-boy," Gary murmured, keeping his voice calm. "Show me exactly where it hurts."

Ash hiccupped, sniffing as he tried to straighten his arm, only to yelp and recoil. "H-HERE!" he sobbed, gripping his elbow tighter.

Gary frowned, his eyes narrowing as he examined Ash's arm. No swelling, no bruising... but the way Ash was holding it...

Dislocated joint? No... fracture? No swelling, so that's unlikely...

Then it clicked.

Nursemaid's elbow.

Gary exhaled through his nose. He'd read about this before—it happened when the radius bone in the forearm slipped out of place from the ligament. Usually caused by pulling or twisting the arm the wrong way. And knowing Ash, he probably tripped, fell, or did something clumsy that got him into this mess.

"Alright, bud," Gary said, shifting closer. "I know what's wrong. And good news—it's super easy to fix."

Ash sniffled. "I-It is?"

Gary nodded. "Yep. I just need to pop your elbow back into place. It's gonna be really quick, okay?"

Ash's eyes widened in horror. "P-Pop it back?! Gary, n-no, that sounds s-scary—"

Gary squeezed his hand reassuringly. "Hey, hey, look at me."

Ash whimpered but locked eyes with him.

"I promise, it'll be over before you even realize it," Gary said, his voice firm but gentle. "I won't do anything unless you say it's okay, alright?"

Ash bit his lip, his small fingers trembling against Gary's sleeve. Finally, after a long pause, he gave a tiny nod.

"...O-Okay."

Gary smiled. "Good boy." He shifted so he was sitting directly in front of Ash, gently placing one hand on Ash's forearm and the other just below his elbow.

"Now, Ashy-boy," Gary said, keeping his grip light. "I'm gonna move your arm very gently, okay? If it hurts too much, you tell me to stop."

Ash nodded, his breath shaky.

Gary moved slowly, rotating Ash's wrist upward while extending his arm ever so slightly.

Then—POP.

Ash gasped, his body jerking slightly as the bone slipped back into place. His eyes darted up to Gary, wide with shock.

"...It—It doesn't hurt anymore!" Ash squeaked, flexing his fingers in disbelief.

Gary grinned, giving Ash's shoulder a playful nudge. "Told ya, didn't I?"

Ash looked down at his arm, then back up at Gary. His eyes watered again—but this time, it wasn't from pain.

Without warning, Ash flung himself forward, tackling Gary in a tight hug.

"Thank you, Gary!" he cried, burying his face into Gary's shoulder. "You're the best! The bestest best friend in the whole world!"

Gary chuckled, ruffling Ash's messy hair. "Yeah, yeah, I know."

Ash pulled back, beaming. "Can we get snacks now?"

Gary snorted. "Ash, you just stopped crying."

Ash pouted. "But I want cookies."

Gary rolled his eyes but stood up anyway, offering his hand. "C'mon, crybaby, let's go get some cookies."

Ash grinned and grabbed Gary's hand, the pain already forgotten.