Gary shot Professor Rowan a pointed look as Ash's coughing fit shook his entire body. The professor frowned, crossing his arms.

"I see," Rowan said, his voice gruff yet concerned. "What are his symptoms?"

Gary didn't hesitate. "Fever, nausea, weakness, and now a wet cough. He also just threw up—only water, which means he hasn't eaten much." He grabbed a thermometer from his medical bag, clicking it on. "I need to check his temp."

Rowan nodded, stepping aside as Gary pressed the thermometer under Ash's tongue.

Ash groaned in protest but didn't fight it. His eyes fluttered closed, his body trembling slightly from exhaustion.

The thermometer beeped.

Gary pulled it out and read the screen.

"103.2°F."

Rowan's brows furrowed. "That's high."

Gary nodded. "Yeah, and with the cough, I don't like the sound of this." He pulled his stethoscope from around his neck, slipping the earpieces in. "Ash, I need to listen to your breathing, okay?"

Ash groaned. "You're acting like my mom..."

Gary smirked. "Well, if I don't, who else will?"

Ash didn't have the energy to argue. He simply nodded, allowing Gary to lift his shirt slightly and press the cold metal of the stethoscope against his chest.

"Deep breaths, Ashy-boy."

Ash inhaled slowly, then exhaled, his breath rattling slightly.

Gary frowned. Not good.

He moved the stethoscope to Ash's back. "Again."

Ash took another breath. This time, the wheezing was more noticeable.

Gary exhaled sharply through his nose, pulling back. He removed his stethoscope and turned to Rowan. "I think it's a respiratory infection. Possibly pneumonia."

Rowan's frown deepened. "Are you certain?"

Gary nodded. "He's got fever, chills, and a wet cough. His breathing is labored, and I can hear crackles in his lungs." He reached for his medical bag again. "He needs fluids, rest, and antibiotics now."

Rowan hummed in agreement. "I can call a doctor—"

"No need," Gary interrupted, already preparing a syringe. "I've got everything here."

Rowan raised a brow but didn't argue. He knew better than to question Gary's medical instincts.

Ash, however, whined when he saw the needle. "G-Gary, do you have to?"

Gary gave him a sympathetic look. "Yeah, bud, I do. It'll help, I promise."

Ash groaned dramatically, turning his face into the pillow. "I hate this."

Gary chuckled. "I know." He rolled up Ash's sleeve, sterilized the area, and carefully administered the shot.

Ash flinched but didn't fight. He was too exhausted.

Once it was done, Gary placed a cool cloth on Ash's forehead and sighed. "There. That'll help bring your fever down."

Rowan nodded approvingly. "Well done, Gary."

Gary smirked. "Of course. I am Doctor Gary, after all."

Ash weakly poked his arm. "Shut up."

Gary laughed. "Alright, alright. Just rest, Ashy-boy. I'll be right here."

And he was.