Ash’s sobs wracked his body as he clung to Gary, his hands gripping tightly onto the fabric of Gary’s lab coat. "I’m so dumb, Gary! I’m such a loser," he cried out between gasps. "You’re probably so tired of me always being like this. I don’t deserve your time. I just—"

Gary’s patience, which had been endless in the past, finally cracked. He pushed Ash back slightly, just enough to hold his shoulders firmly and make him meet his eyes. His usual teasing grin was gone, replaced by a rare, stern expression.

"Ash, buddy, calm down!" Gary snapped, his voice sharper than usual. He tapped Ash lightly on the forehead, right on the thick skull that had taken so many hits over the years. "Take a deep breath for me. You’re freaking out, and that’s half the problem."

Ash’s breath hitched, and his wide, panicked eyes flitted around the room. He couldn’t seem to catch his breath, his mind spiraling in a thousand different directions.

"Gary, I—"

"Stop," Gary interrupted, his tone a little gentler now but still firm. "Just breathe, Ash. In and out. Slowly."

Ash’s eyes were filled with confusion, the tears still streaming down his face, but he tried to listen. He took a shaky breath, but it was too quick, shallow. Gary shook his head.

"Deep breath, buddy," Gary said, his hands resting on Ash’s shoulders, steadying him. "In through your nose, slow. Now hold it. One... two... three." He counted, and Ash tried to follow. "Good. Now exhale. Nice and slow."

Ash obeyed, his breath still ragged but slightly steadier. His leg had stopped bouncing, though his hands were still shaking.

Gary kept his hands on Ash’s shoulders, not letting him go. "Listen to me, okay? You’re not a loser. You’ve never been a loser. You’re just... you're freaking out, that’s all."

Ash sniffled, his body trembling with emotion. "But I’m always messing up, Gary. I don’t— I can’t— I always disappoint everyone."

Gary’s eyes flashed with frustration, but his voice softened as he spoke again. "You’re not disappointing anyone, Ash. Not me. Not anyone." He shook Ash’s shoulders gently, trying to make him see the truth in his words. "You’re human. You mess up. We all mess up. But that doesn’t make you a loser. You hear me? You’re my best friend, and I’ll be by your side through all the mess-ups. Because that’s what friends do."

Ash was silent, his breath still catching every so often, but his chest was rising and falling more evenly. Gary took a deep breath himself and ran a hand through his hair. "You’re the one who’s always jumping in to save everyone else, Ash. Always trying to be the hero, even when you don’t have to. But who’s here for you when you need saving?"

Ash stared down at his hands, feeling a flush of shame spread across his face. "I… I don’t know. I just feel like I keep failing, even though I try so hard."

Gary leaned in, his voice low but steady. "You’re trying, and that’s what matters. I’m not going anywhere, Ash. So stop worrying about disappointing me, alright? You’ve never done that."

Ash blinked, the words sinking in slowly. Gary gave him another gentle tap on the head, though this one was softer, almost affectionate.

"Come on, buddy," Gary said with a small smile. "Take another breath for me, alright? You’re getting there."

Ash nodded, taking another deep, calming breath, though his hands still shook. He was starting to feel a little lighter, though the overwhelming guilt and anxiety hadn’t disappeared completely.

Gary stood up, moving to the counter to grab his stethoscope again. "We’ve got more to do, but you’re doing great so far. You keep breathing, okay? I’ll get us through this."

Ash wiped his eyes, sniffling, but nodded in agreement. "Okay... okay."

Gary put the stethoscope in his ears and gently placed it against Ash’s chest again. "Now, let’s finish this, alright? I’ll keep an eye on you. You’re doing fine, Ashy-boy."

Ash forced a small smile, feeling more at ease with each passing moment. "Thanks, Gary. Really."

Gary gave a small, reassuring nod, a softer smile returning to his face. "Anytime, buddy."