" G- Gary.....?"

Eight year old Gary didn't look up from his book. " Yeah, kid?"

" ... My teeth hurt."

Gary looked up. " WHAT?!"

Ash flinched. " A- are you busy? Sorry to bother you, I'll go..."

Gary immediately slammed his book shut and practically launched himself off the bed.

"No way, nuh-uh, you are not going anywhere," he said, grabbing Ash's wrist before the younger boy could scurry off. "Your teeth hurt? Since when?!"

Ash squirmed slightly, his free hand clutching at his jaw. "I dunno... a while?"

Gary's eyes widened. "A while?!" He sat Ash down on the bed and gently pried his hand away from his face. "Why didn't you tell me sooner?!"

Ash shrugged weakly, avoiding Gary's concerned stare. "Didn't wanna bug you..."

Gary huffed. "Ashy-boy, I am your best friend. You have to tell me when something hurts."

Ash bit his lip, wincing. "I-I thought it would go away..."

Gary sighed, shaking his head. "Okay, okay, don't worry. I'm gonna check, alright?"

Ash visibly tensed, his shoulders rising as he squirmed slightly. "D-Do we have to?"

Gary rolled his eyes but softened almost immediately. He reached out and took Ash's small hand in his own. "I promise I'll be gentle. Just lemme see, buddy."

Ash hesitated, but after a few seconds, he reluctantly opened his mouth.

Gary squinted, leaning in closer. He gently placed his fingers on Ash's jaw, carefully tilting his head. "Alright, say 'ahhhh.'"

Ash whimpered but obeyed, his voice small and wobbly. "Aaaahhh..."

Gary frowned as he examined Ash's teeth. Nothing was obviously broken, but his gums looked a little swollen. He hummed, pressing very lightly along Ash's jawline.

The moment he did, Ash flinched hard and whimpered.

Gary immediately pulled back. "Okay, okay, I got it, buddy." He squeezed Ash's hand. "I'm done, you can close your mouth now."

Ash snapped his mouth shut and rubbed his jaw. "D-Do I have to get them pulled out...?"

Gary snorted. "No, buddy, you're not losing all your teeth." He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "I think it's your molars growing in. Your gums are kinda swollen, and you flinched when I touched here." He lightly pressed the side of Ash's face again.

Ash whined and curled into himself. "It hurts..."

Gary's chest ached. He reached out and pulled Ash into a loose hug. "I know, Ashy-boy, I know..." He ran his fingers through Ash's messy hair. "But it'll go away soon, I promise."

Ash clung to Gary's shirt, his tiny body trembling slightly. "W-What if it doesn't?"

Gary squeezed him tighter. "Then we'll go to Grandpa, and he'll know what to do, okay?"

Ash sniffled and buried his face in Gary's shoulder. "Okay..."

Gary smiled and rested his chin on Ash's head. "In the meantime, how about we get some ice cream? It might help."

Ash perked up slightly, peeking up at him. "Really...?"

Gary grinned. "Duh. My treat."

Ash hesitated, then slowly smiled. "...Okay."

Gary ruffled his hair. "That's the spirit. Now, let's go before all the good flavors are gone."

Ash giggled softly, and Gary beamed. As long as Ash was smiling, everything was okay.