Ash was still trembling, his chest rising and falling rapidly as the overwhelming feelings of panic took over. His mind raced with thoughts of being a failure, of ruining everything. "I’m so dumb, Gary," he muttered, eyes squeezed shut. "I’m always a loser. You shouldn’t have to deal with me. I make everything harder."

Gary’s face tightened with frustration. "Ash, no," he snapped, gently tapping Ash’s thick skull with his fingers. "You listen to me, buddy. Calm down. Take a deep breath, alright? You're freaking yourself out, and that’s half the problem."

But Ash was too far gone, his breath hitching, his thoughts spiraling. Gary’s gaze darkened, seeing how quickly Ash’s panic was escalating. He moved swiftly, pulling out a wipe from the nearby tray and swiping it over Ash’s arm before prepping a calming shot. Ash barely noticed, so deep in his panic, as Gary injected him with the needle, not even asking first.

But the shot didn’t help. It was as if the tension had already rooted too deeply. Ash continued to shake, eyes wide, heart still racing.

Gary let out a frustrated sigh, running his hands through his hair. This wasn’t working. He needed to do something, and fast.

Taking a deep breath, Gary removed his gloves and sat down behind Ash. He gently placed his hands on Ash’s shoulders, trying to ground him. "Okay, Ash," Gary said, his voice soft but firm, "Breathe. I’m not going anywhere. You’ve got this."

Ash’s breathing was still erratic, but Gary continued, speaking slowly and methodically. "One... Two... Three... Four... Five..." He repeated the numbers, his voice steady, as if to remind Ash that everything would slow down.

Ash’s chest heaved as he struggled to follow, but slowly, the deep breaths started to come easier, his body beginning to relax. Gary’s grip on his hand remained strong, a silent reminder that he wasn’t alone in this.

"You’re okay, Ash," Gary whispered, now more gentle. "You’re okay. Just breathe."

Ash’s eyes fluttered open, still a little hazy from the overwhelming anxiety, but there was a spark of recognition in them. Slowly, his leg stopped bouncing, and his heart rate began to steady.

"Gary..." Ash said weakly, his voice cracking. "I’m sorry... I didn’t mean to be such a mess."

Gary’s hand tightened around his. "No. Don't apologize. You’re not a mess, buddy. You’re not." He shifted a little, just enough to pull Ash back against his chest, enveloping him in a hug.

Ash tensed for a moment, reluctant to accept the comfort, but when Gary’s arms tightened around him, he couldn't help but let out a shaky breath and lean into the warmth.

Gary stroked his hair, murmuring soothing words as Ash slowly relaxed, his breathing calming down further. "It’s okay, Ash. You’re gonna be fine. I’m right here, alright?"

Ash clung to the reassurance, his tears falling quietly as he allowed himself to break down just a little. He hadn’t realized how much he needed this, how much he needed Gary. "I just don’t want to be a burden," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion.

Gary gently pulled back, looking Ash in the eye. "You’re never a burden. Not to me, Ash. You’re my best friend. Don’t forget that."

Ash sniffed, wiping his eyes, finally finding the strength to smile weakly at Gary. "Thanks... for everything."

Gary smiled back, his expression softening. "Always, buddy. You don’t ever have to apologize for being you. Just... breathe with me next time, alright?"

Ash chuckled softly, nodding. "I’ll try."

And for the first time during the check-up, Ash felt a little lighter. He wasn’t alone in this. Not with Gary by his side.