Gary’s jaw clenched as he rubbed a thumb over Ash’s fever-warm cheek. His best friend was curled up on his side, looking so small and tired, his face slightly flushed from the fever.
Gary sighed and shifted, sitting fully on the bed. Without hesitation, he pulled Ash against him, letting the younger boy lean into his side. Ash barely protested, only letting out a weak sigh as he tucked his head against Gary’s chest.
“You don’t have to look after the loser, y’know,” Ash mumbled, his voice muffled against Gary’s shirt.
Gary stiffened. “Who called you a loser?” His tone was sharp, more serious than before.
Ash shook his head slightly. “No one… I just… I’ve known I’m a loser since we were young.”
Gary’s stomach twisted. He pulled back slightly so he could look at Ash’s face, but the boy just kept his gaze down, picking at the blanket with his small fingers.
Gary frowned. “Ash.”
No response.
Gary reached down and lifted Ash’s chin, forcing him to meet his gaze. “Don’t say that.”
Ash blinked tiredly at him. “But—”
“No buts,” Gary cut him off. “You are not a loser, you hear me?” His voice softened as he ruffled Ash’s messy black hair. “You’re stubborn, yeah. You’re reckless, sure. But you’re also one of the bravest, kindest guys I know. You never back down, even when things are tough.”
Ash bit his lip, looking away. “Still…”
Gary sighed and pulled him closer again, resting a hand on Ash’s back. “You’re not a loser, Ash. And I don’t want to hear you say that again.”
Ash sniffled, rubbing his nose against Gary’s sleeve. “You’re just saying that ‘cause I’m sick.”
Gary scoffed. “I’d say it even if you were at full health and trying to punch me in the face.”
That got a tiny, weak laugh out of Ash. Gary smirked. “See? Even sick, you’re still the Ashy-boy I know.”
Ash sighed, his body relaxing against Gary’s. “…Thanks, Gary.”
Gary gave him a light squeeze. “Always, buddy. Now, let’s get you some rest, okay?”
Ash hummed in response, already half-asleep against him.
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Gary’s hand gently pressed against Ash’s flushed cheek, feeling the warmth beneath his fingers. He sighed. "Ash, you're burning up," he murmured, brushing stray strands of black hair away from Ash's forehead.
Ash sniffled, his body curling up tighter. "S’not a big deal," he muttered.
Gary huffed, rolling his eyes. "Yeah, right," he scoffed before shifting onto the bed beside Ash. Without hesitation, he reached out and gently pulled Ash against him, letting his best friend lean into his chest.
