Gary sighed dramatically, ruffling Ash’s hair. “Fine, fine. Donuts too.”

Ash let out a weak but triumphant smile, still clinging to Gary’s sleeve.

“Alright, kiddo, let’s get this over with so you can rest.” Gary gently pried Ash’s little fingers off his sleeve and reached into his bag, pulling out his thermometer. “Open up.”

Ash groaned but parted his lips enough for Gary to slip the thermometer under his tongue. While they waited, Gary rubbed circles into Ash’s back.

Ash’s head lolled against Gary’s shoulder as he mumbled, “Gary, you’re comfy.”

Gary smirked. “I know.”

The thermometer beeped. Gary pulled it out and read the numbers. “101.3… yeah, buddy, you’ve definitely got a fever.”

Ash whimpered. “I don’t like it.”

Gary’s heart clenched. “I know, Ashy-boy. But that’s why I’m here.”

He grabbed his stethoscope next, rubbing the diaphragm against his own shirt for warmth before pressing it gently against Ash’s chest. “Alright, buddy, deep breaths for me.”

Ash obediently took a breath, though it was shaky and stuffy.

Gary frowned as he listened. His breathing wasn’t horrible, but it was a little wheezy. Probably a cold, but still…

He moved the stethoscope to Ash’s back. “Again, Ash.”

Ash huffed but complied.

Gary sighed in relief. “Okay, lungs sound alright.”

Ash sniffled, rubbing his nose on Gary’s sleeve.

“Hey!” Gary yelped, pulling his arm back. “Not on my sleeve, dude!”

Ash gave him a weak, cheeky grin. “You’re comfy and useful.”

Gary groaned, rolling his eyes, but he smiled.

He reached for Ash’s arm next, wrapping a tiny blood pressure cuff around it. “This might feel a little tight, but just hold still.”

Ash whined when it inflated, shifting uncomfortably.

“Almost done, buddy, just a sec,” Gary reassured him.

When it finally deflated, Gary checked the reading. “A little low, but nothing crazy.”

Ash’s head drooped against Gary’s chest. “Are we done yet…?”

Gary hesitated. He still wanted to check Ash’s stomach, but… looking at his exhausted, miserable best friend, he sighed.

“Yeah, buddy. We’re done.”

Ash gave a tired smile. “Good… now gimme my cookies and donuts…”

Gary chuckled, shifting Ash so he could lie back down. “I’ll bring them up later, promise. Now sleep, Ashy-boy.”

Ash didn’t even reply—he was already dozing off, snuggling into his blanket.

Gary watched him for a moment before brushing his bangs aside and whispering, “Get better soon, buddy.”

Then he climbed down the ladder, determined to get those cookies and donuts ready for when his best friend woke up.

Gary sighed, pretending to think it over. “Alright, alright. Donuts too,” he relented, ruffling Ash’s already messy hair.

Ash sniffled but managed a small, weak smile. “Okay…”

“Good.” Gary adjusted the stethoscope around his neck and tapped Ash’s nose lightly. “Now, let’s get this over with so you can get to those donuts, alright?”

Ash groaned dramatically but nodded, still gripping Gary’s sleeve like a lifeline.

Gary started by pressing the back of his hand against Ash’s forehead, frowning at the warmth. “You’re still burning up, buddy.”

Ash whined. “That’s why I wanna sleep…”

“I know, kiddo,” Gary murmured, taking the thermometer from his bag. He wiped it off with a tissue before placing it under Ash’s tongue. “Hold still.”

Ash pouted but obeyed, his glassy eyes watching Gary tiredly as the thermometer did its job.

A few seconds later, it beeped.

Gary took it out, checked the reading, and frowned. “100.8. Not super bad, but still too high.”

Ash moaned miserably. “Does that mean medicine?”

Gary chuckled. “You bet, but first—” He pulled his stethoscope forward and placed the earpieces in. “Let’s check that little heart of yours.”

Ash frowned slightly. “It’s not little…”

Gary smirked. “Oh yeah? You’re tiny, so your heart’s gotta be tiny too.”

Ash pouted. “Not true…”

Gary laughed softly before gently pressing the cold diaphragm of the stethoscope against Ash’s chest.

Ash flinched. “C-Cold!”

“Yeah, yeah, I know,” Gary murmured, listening carefully. He frowned slightly—Ash’s heartbeat was a little fast, probably from the fever.

He moved the stethoscope slightly. “Deep breath for me, buddy.”

Ash inhaled shakily, then let it out.

Gary nodded. “Good. Again.”

Ash obeyed, this time sagging against Gary as he exhaled.

Gary paused, then sighed and rubbed his back. “You’re exhausted, huh?”

Ash gave a tired nod.

Gary hesitated for a moment before moving to the next step. “Alright, last part. Gotta check your tummy.”

Ash whimpered. “No poking…”

“I’ll be gentle, I promise,” Gary reassured him. He carefully lifted Ash’s pajama shirt, revealing his soft stomach. “Okay, tell me if anything hurts, alright?”

Ash sniffled but nodded.

Gary pressed lightly on different areas, watching Ash’s expression closely.

The first few presses didn’t get much reaction, but when Gary pressed near the right side—

Ash flinched. “Ow…”

Gary’s frown deepened. “That’s still tender?”

Ash nodded miserably. “Yeah…”

Gary sighed, pulling Ash’s shirt back down and rubbing his stomach gently instead. “Alright, kiddo, I’m done.”

Ash whimpered and immediately curled into Gary’s side, gripping his shirt with shaky fingers. “Sleep now?”

Gary chuckled softly and wrapped an arm around him. “Yeah, Ashy-boy. Sleep now.”

Ash sighed in relief and snuggled closer, his breathing evening out within minutes.

Gary sat there for a while, rubbing Ash’s back and watching his sleeping face.

He had no idea what had made Ash so terrified of doctors, but one thing was for sure—

If anyone had ever hurt Ash in a hospital, Gary was going to find out.