Gary let out a sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose as he watched Ash toss and turn. His heart clenched seeing how restless and uncomfortable his friend was. "Alright, that's it," Gary muttered under his breath. He stood, pulled back the edge of the blanket, and slid in beside Ash.
Ash’s half-lidded eyes blinked in surprise. “Gary? What are you doing?”
Gary turned on his side, propping his head up on his hand. “Making sure you sleep, that’s what. Enough is enough, buddy. You’re gonna wear yourself out.”
Ash groaned softly, his head rolling to the side. “Gary... my head hurts.”
Gary's brows furrowed with concern. “Where does it hurt, Ash? Can you point to it?”
Ash hesitated, rubbing at his temple before letting his hand drop. “Never mind, Gary. It’s fine. Just... don’t worry about it.”
Gary sighed again, this time more sharply. “Ash, don’t ‘never mind’ me. You’re clearly not fine.”
Ash turned his head away, his voice a soft mumble. “I don’t want to make it worse.”
Gary huffed and laid a hand on Ash’s shoulder. “You’re not gonna make it worse. But you gotta let me help you. That’s what I’m here for.”
Ash said nothing, his body tense as he stared at the ceiling. Gary waited a beat, hoping his friend would finally relax. But no – Ash’s breathing stayed uneven, his eyes fluttering shut only to open again moments later.
“Still not sleeping, huh?” Gary muttered. He leaned over to glance under the bed, rummaging around until his hand found a small med kit. Pulling it out, he settled back on the bed with a quiet determination.
Ash squinted at him. “What are you doing now?”
“Making sure you get the rest you need, even if you won’t let yourself,” Gary replied calmly, pulling out a small vial and syringe. “This is just a mild sedative. Nothing scary.”
Ash’s eyes widened. “Gary—”
“Relax,” Gary interrupted firmly. “This’ll help you. Trust me.”
Ash opened his mouth to protest, but Gary held up a hand. “No arguments. You’ll thank me later.”
With practiced care, Gary lifted Ash’s limp arm, laying it gently on top of the blanket. He rolled up the black sleeve of Ash’s shirt and reached for a sanitizing wipe, running it over the exposed skin.
“This might sting a little,” Gary murmured, readying the syringe. He slid it into Ash’s arm with precision, quickly injecting the sedative before pulling it out. A small bead of blood welled up, and Gary pressed a piece of gauze over it before taping a bandaid in place.
Ash groaned weakly, his head lolling toward Gary. “You’re... too bossy.”
“And you’re too stubborn,” Gary shot back, setting the kit aside and tucking Ash’s arm back under the blanket. “But that’s why we’re friends.”
Ash’s eyelids grew heavier, his body finally beginning to relax. “Gary… thanks.”
“Yeah, yeah,” Gary said, giving him a faint smile. “Just sleep now, buddy. I’ll be right here.”
Ash’s breathing evened out as the sedative took hold, and Gary stayed by his side, keeping a watchful eye on him until he was certain his friend was finally at peace.
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