Ash took a deep, shaky breath, filling his lungs with the sharp scent of hand sanitizer and antiseptic wipes. His eyes darted to Gary, who was watching him with a gentle, unwavering gaze.
"Okay, Ashy, look at me," Gary said softly, leaning down a little to meet Ash’s eyes.
Ash’s head turned, and he found himself looking right into Gary's calm, green eyes. There was something steadying about them, as if they held a promise that everything would be okay.
“Close your eyes, got it?”
Ash swallowed, his eyes flickering downward to his trembling hands, but he couldn’t bring himself to close them. Gary sighed, stepping closer and reaching out to place a hand gently under Ash’s chin, tilting it up so their eyes met again.
“Buddy,” Gary’s voice softened, almost a whisper. “You trust me, don’t you?”
Ash nodded, his throat too tight to speak.
“Then trust me on this. I know what I’m doing, okay?”
Ash nodded again, the tension in his shoulders loosening, if only just a little. His eyelids fluttered shut as he took another shaky breath.
"Okay," Gary’s voice was calm, reassuring. “Close your eyes. If it helps, hold my hand.”
Ash felt Gary’s hand slide into his, warm and steady, and he gripped it, finding some comfort in the contact. His other arm instinctively wrapped around Gary’s shoulder, leaning in for support. Then he felt Gary’s arm come around him, a gentle, grounding presence that seemed to make the fear fade just a little.
"Gary, it’s gonna hurt!” Ash whispered, his voice barely more than a frightened breath.
"It only hurts if you think it’s gonna hurt," Gary murmured, giving Ash’s hand a gentle squeeze. “Focus on the hug, okay? Focus on my hand, and focus on my breathing."
Ash nodded and squeezed his eyes shut. Gary rubbed circles on his back.
" Sh... It's okay, Ashy. It's okay. I'm here."
Ash felt the cold swipe of antiseptic on his arm as Gary carefully lifted his sleeve, exposing a small area of skin. The sensation made his breath hitch, and instinctively, he buried his face deeper into Gary's shoulder, clutching his friend like he was his lifeline.
"Easy, kiddo. Easy," Gary murmured, his tone soothing, as he rubbed gentle circles along Ash’s back.
Ash’s whole body tensed, and he couldn’t stop the anxious tremor that ran through him. Every muscle felt like it was ready to bolt, but Gary’s hand on his back kept him anchored.
“I promise, buddy, this is just gonna be a little pinch, and it’ll be over before you know it,” Gary whispered, his fingers pressing firmly on Ash’s shoulder, a grounding touch. "Focus on me, okay? Just me. You’re doing great."
Ash gave a small nod against Gary’s shoulder, though his heart was hammering, the thump echoing in his ears. He gripped Gary’s hand even tighter, and Gary responded by squeezing back, his thumb tracing calming circles over Ash’s knuckles.
Ash felt Gary’s other hand come around, gently holding his forearm to steady him. Gary’s calm presence was the only thing keeping him from leaping off the table and running. He focused on Gary’s soft breathing, matching his own breath to the rhythm, trying to drown out the dread coursing through him.
“There we go, Ashy,” Gary whispered, his tone reassuring as he gave Ash’s shoulder a little pat. "You’re okay. It’s all done.”
Ash blinked, realization dawning slowly. He peeked up, his heart still racing, but he found himself met with Gary’s reassuring smile, a glint of pride in his eyes.
“That wasn’t so bad, was it?” Gary teased, his hand still warm on Ash’s arm, gently patting him like he was grounding him back to reality.
Ash let out a shaky breath, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "I… guess not," he murmured, a bit embarrassed but grateful. He loosened his grip on Gary’s hand, his face relaxing as he sat up a little straighter.
Gary chuckled, giving Ash’s hair a light ruffle. “You’re braver than you think, Ashy-boy. Always have been.”
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