Ash was not okay.

He was awake. In the OR. With bright lights shining in his face and his best friend standing over him in full surgical scrubs.

His breathing hitched. His hands trembled as he grabbed at the blankets covering him. His heart raced.

"WHAT?!"

Gary cursed under his breath. "Ash, Ash, buddy—look at me."

Ash's chest rose and fell rapidly, panic taking over. "Why am I still awake?! Why am I here?! What—"

Gary didn't hesitate. He immediately sat down beside Ash and pulled him into a gentle hug, his gloved hands resting on Ash's trembling shoulders. "Hey. Deep breaths, buddy. I'm right here."

Ash whined into his shoulder, his entire body shaking like a leaf. "G-Gary, I don't wanna—I don't wanna be here—"

"I know, I know," Gary murmured, rubbing slow, soothing circles into his back. "But you have to be. And I promise you, it'll be over before you even know it."

Ash squeezed his eyes shut, breathing shakily. "I'm scared..."

Gary's heart hurt hearing that. His grip on Ash tightened protectively. "I know, kiddo. I know." He shifted slightly so he could look Ash in the eye. "That's why I'm here, okay? You're not alone in this. You never were."

Ash whimpered and gripped Gary's sleeve.

Gary nodded, his voice gentle but firm. "I got you. You trust me, don't you?"

Ash hesitated for only a second before nodding weakly. "Y-yeah..."

Gary smiled softly. "Then trust me when I say that this is gonna be okay." He reached over to grab the anesthesia mask. "Now, buddy, I need you to breathe into this for me, alright?"

Ash's eyes widened, and he tensed. "N-no, I don't—"

Gary shushed him, rubbing his arm comfortingly. "Shh, it's okay. I'll be right here the whole time. Just deep breaths, buddy."

Ash bit his lip, hesitating. But when Gary gave him a reassuring squeeze, he slowly let out a shaky breath and nodded.

"There we go," Gary praised. He gently placed the mask over Ash's nose and mouth. "Just like that, buddy. In... and out."

Ash whined slightly but obeyed, his breaths uneven at first but gradually slowing as the anesthesia took effect. His grip on Gary's sleeve loosened, and his eyelids drooped heavily.

Gary didn't move. He just kept holding onto Ash, rubbing slow, comforting circles into his arm. "That's it, buddy... I got you."

Ash's lips parted slightly, his voice barely a whisper. "Gary...?"

"I'm here," Gary assured softly, his hand never leaving Ash's.

Ash blinked sluggishly, his fingers twitching weakly. "You'll still be here... when I wake up...?"

Gary smiled warmly, giving his hand a gentle squeeze. "Always."

And with that final reassurance, Ash's body relaxed completely, his breaths evening out as he drifted into unconsciousness.

Gary sighed in relief, brushing Ash's bangs back one last time before glancing at the surgical team. "Alright. Let's get this done."