irjeon1997 lol sorry it took so long

Eight year old Ash climbed into his best friend's bed and looked at him worriedly. " Gary?"

Gary weakly opened his eyes and said in a raspy voice, " Hiya Ashy Boy."

Ash's eyes widened. " Gary?! A- are you okay?"

Gary nodded and tried to sit up, but Ash didn't let him.

" Gary you don't sound right." He said worriedly. " Hold on I'll get you water."

Gary groaned. " ... 'M'fine, Ash."

Ash hopped onto the ground and shook his head. " You're not, Gary. Even I can see that. You're sweaty and have a runny nose! But don't worry! I'll get you some water!"

Ash bolted out of the room before Gary could protest, his small feet thudding against the floor. Gary groaned, flopping back onto the pillow. His head felt heavy, his throat burned, and he was freezing despite the feverish sweat clinging to his skin.

He barely had time to close his eyes before Ash came barreling back in, holding a glass of water in both hands like it was the most precious thing in the world.

"Here, Gary!" Ash climbed back onto the bed, nearly sloshing the water all over himself in his hurry. "Drink up!"

Gary let out a weak chuckle, amused by how serious Ash was taking this. He pushed himself up slightly, wincing at the ache in his body. "Alright, alright, give it here."

Ash carefully placed the glass in Gary’s hands, watching him like a hawk as he took small sips.

"Good! That’s good!" Ash nodded approvingly before frowning again. "But you still look bad. Do you need more water?"

Gary shook his head. "Nah, bud, I just need sleep."

Ash bit his lip, clearly not satisfied with that answer. "Are you sure? Because when I was sick, you made me take medicine! And you gave me soup! And you put a towel on my head!"

Gary groaned, rubbing his temple. "Ash, you don’t have to—"

"I do have to!" Ash puffed out his chest, determined. "You're my best friend, and best friends take care of each other!"

Gary blinked, a bit taken aback by the sheer conviction in Ash’s voice.

Before he could say anything, Ash scrambled off the bed again. "Stay here, okay? I'll get you everything you gave me when I was sick!"

Gary groaned again, knowing there was no stopping Ash when he got like this.

A few minutes later, Ash stormed back into the room, arms completely full—a bowl of steaming soup (probably from the kitchen downstairs), a washcloth dripping water onto the floor, and a small bottle of medicine.

"Alright, Gary!" Ash huffed as he dropped everything onto the bedside table. "First, medicine! Then soup! Then towel!"

Gary gave a small laugh despite his exhaustion. "Ashy-boy, you’re gonna drown me with that towel."

Ash frowned. "Huh?" He looked at the washcloth and gasped dramatically. "Oh no! It is too wet!"

Gary rolled his eyes fondly as Ash quickly wrung out the cloth, his tiny hands struggling against the soaked fabric. "Urgh—! There! Now it's good!"

He placed the cloth on Gary’s forehead, patting it down gently. "See? Just like you did for me!"

Gary sighed, letting his head sink back onto the pillow. He had to admit… the cool washcloth did feel nice.

Ash then grabbed the spoon and scooped up some soup, blowing on it carefully. "Okay, open up!"

Gary groaned, "Ash, I can—"

"Nope! Best friend duties! Open!"

Gary stared at Ash's determined face before sighing in defeat. He opened his mouth, allowing Ash to feed him. The soup was warm, comforting, and honestly, not bad.

Ash grinned. "See? Taking care of you is easy!"

Gary let out a weak chuckle. "Yeah, yeah… thanks, Ashy-boy."

Ash beamed before climbing right into the bed next to Gary, curling up beside him. "I’m gonna stay right here until you feel better!"

Gary blinked in surprise. "You don’t have to—"

"Shhh." Ash shushed him, patting his chest. "Sleep, Gary. Sleep."

Gary sighed but couldn’t help the small smile on his face. He closed his eyes, letting the warmth of his best friend’s presence lull him to sleep.

Ash, despite his small size, stayed right by his side, determined to watch over him.

Because best friends take care of each other.