Gary shot Ash a pointed look as he reached for a water bottle on the nightstand. "Yeah, real fine," he muttered, twisting the cap off. "Here, small sips, buddy."

Ash weakly reached out and took the bottle, but his hands were shaking too much to hold it steady. Gary sighed and guided it to his lips, letting Ash take a few tiny sips before pulling it away.

Rowan crossed his arms. "Hmm. He looks like he's running a fever."

"Yeah," Gary confirmed, pressing the back of his hand against Ash's forehead. "He's burning up. Probably dehydrated too."

Rowan nodded. "I'll inform the others to keep their distance. You'll handle this?"

Gary smirked as he snapped on a pair of gloves. "Of course, Professor. I am a doctor, you know."

Ash groaned. "Gary, you are not a doctor—"

"Shhh, sick people don't talk," Gary interrupted, pressing the stethoscope to Ash's chest. "Deep breath for me, Ashy-boy."

Ash huffed weakly but obeyed, inhaling shakily. His breath was shallow and a little wheezy, making Gary frown.

"Again," Gary instructed.

Ash took another breath, coughing halfway through.

Gary sighed. "Yeah, your lungs sound a little tight. Probably some kind of viral infection. When did you start feeling bad?"

Ash closed his eyes. "I dunno... maybe last night? My throat hurt, but I thought it was just dry."

Gary pressed the back of his fingers under Ash's jaw, feeling the swollen lymph nodes there. "Mm-hmm. Classic. You should've told me, dummy."

Ash groaned. "I thought it'd go away..."

Gary shook his head. "And now look at you. Pale, weak, puking your guts out. How's your stomach feel?"

Ash whined. "Like I got hit by a Machamp."

Gary winced. "Oof. Not good. Nausea, fever, sore throat, weakness... sounds like the flu. But I don't like how shaky you are." He turned to Rowan. "I'm gonna get him some electrolyte solution and maybe an anti-nausea med if we've got one."

Rowan nodded. "I'll have my assistant bring supplies. Do what you need to."

As Rowan left, Gary sighed and rubbed his temples. "Ash, buddy, you really know how to pick the worst times to get sick."

Ash mumbled something unintelligible.

Gary raised a brow. "Huh?"

Ash cracked an eye open, looking absolutely miserable. "I said... will you stay with me?"

Gary blinked, caught off guard.

Then, he smirked and ruffled Ash's hair. "You big baby. Of course I'll stay. Someone's gotta make sure you don't choke on your own spit."

Ash groaned but gave a small, weak smile.

Gary leaned back against the headboard, watching as his best friend drifted off. Yeah, he'd stay. No way was he leaving Ash alone like this.