Eight year old Gary rushed to his crying friend, who was clutching his leg, trying to wipe tears away. He dropped next to Ash and asked, " what's wrong?"

Ash shook his head, still crying.

" Ash, what's happened?" Gary pressed.

No answer.

" As-"

" My leg!" Ash sobbed. " I- I- it's my leg and it H- H- hurts!"

Gary's face softened. " Aw, buddy..."

He gently pet his friend's hair and sighed. " Let's get you to my room. I'll treat it there."

He didn't waste a second. He crouched down, his small hands hovering over Ash's trembling leg. "Can you move it?" he asked gently.

Ash sniffled, his face scrunched up in pain. He tried to shift, but the second he did, he let out a sharp whimper and clutched his leg tighter. "N-No..."

Gary's heart clenched. He had never seen Ash cry this much before. His best friend was usually so energetic, always running around and getting into trouble. But now? Ash just looked so small, curled up on the ground, his body shaking with every sob.

Gary knew he had to do something.

"Okay," he murmured, brushing Ash's messy hair back. "I'm gonna carry you, alright?"

Ash's big brown eyes widened. "B-But—"

"No buts," Gary said firmly. "You're hurt, and I'm not leaving you here."

Ash sniffled again but didn't argue.

Taking a deep breath, Gary carefully slipped his arms under Ash's small frame, one under his back and the other under his legs. When he lifted him, Ash tensed and let out a tiny whimper, his hands clutching at Gary's shirt.

"Shhh, I gotcha," Gary whispered. "Just hold onto me."

Ash did. He buried his face against Gary's shoulder, his tears dampening the fabric of his shirt. His tiny fingers clung desperately, like Gary was his only lifeline.

Gary ignored the slight strain of carrying someone almost his size and started walking, his steps careful so he wouldn't jostle Ash too much.

His house wasn't far—just a short run across the yard—but every step felt like an eternity with Ash's quiet sniffles and hitched breaths filling the air.

When they finally reached Gary's house, he pushed the door open with his foot and hurried inside. His room was at the end of the hall, past the kitchen where his grandpa was probably busy in the lab.

"Almost there," Gary murmured.

Ash just squeezed his shirt tighter.

Gary reached his room and gently set Ash down on his bed, making sure to prop his injured leg up on a pillow. Ash winced but didn't complain, though his little hands kept gripping the blanket beneath him.

Gary crouched beside the bed, eyeing the injured leg. There was no blood, but the way Ash flinched every time he tried to move told Gary something was definitely wrong.

"I need to check it," Gary said softly. "Can I touch it?"

Ash hesitated, biting his lip, then gave a tiny nod.

Gary reached out and very gently ran his fingers along Ash's leg, feeling for anything unusual. The moment his fingers pressed against the lower part, Ash yelped and jerked away.

Gary's stomach dropped.

"...I think it's sprained," he said after a pause. "Maybe twisted really bad."

Ash sniffled. "Does that mean... I can't walk?"

"For a little while, yeah," Gary admitted. "But don't worry! I'll take care of you, 'kay?"

Ash blinked up at him, his eyes still glossy with tears. "You will?"

Gary grinned and puffed out his chest. "Of course! I'm gonna be a doctor when I grow up, remember? You're my first patient!"

That got the tiniest giggle out of Ash, even through his sniffles. "You're not a doctor yet."

"Yeah, yeah," Gary huffed, rolling his eyes. "Just stay put, I'll get the first aid kit."

He dashed out of the room, rummaged through the hall cabinet, and returned with a small white box.

"Alright, Dr. Gary is here to save the day," he declared dramatically, setting the kit down and opening it up.

Ash blinked. "Are you really supposed to call yourself a doctor?"

Gary huffed. "Shhh, just let me be cool."

That got another small giggle out of Ash, but when Gary grabbed a roll of bandages, he immediately tensed up. "W-Wait! Is that gonna hurt?"

Gary softened. "I'll be gentle, I promise."

Ash still looked nervous, but he swallowed hard and gave a tiny nod.

Gary worked carefully, wrapping Ash's ankle snugly but not too tight. Every time Ash flinched, he paused, making sure he wasn't hurting him too much.

When he was done, he sat back and grinned. "There! All patched up!"

Ash wiggled his foot slightly, then looked up at Gary with wide eyes. "...It doesn't hurt as much."

Gary beamed. "Told ya I'd take care of you."

Ash hesitated, then, before Gary could react, he hugged him.

"Thanks, Gary..." he murmured into his shoulder.

Gary blinked, startled, then slowly smiled. He patted Ash's back. "Anytime, Ashy-boy. Anytime."