Gary’s footsteps echoed through the hallway as he rushed toward the front door, his mind racing. He knew something was wrong when the receptionist had said Ash was on the ground. But why? What was Ash thinking?

When he reached the door, he could see Ash standing there, swaying slightly on his feet. Pikachu was nestled inside Ash's jacket, wrapped up in the warmth of Ash’s clothes. It was clear that Pikachu was doing his best to stay warm, but Ash wasn’t wearing anything other than hos short-sleeved black shirt, jeans, and his shoes. The contrast between Ash’s lack of proper winter wear and Pikachu’s snug bundle was startling.

“Ash!” Gary exclaimed, walking briskly toward his friend.

Ash, who had been about to leave, turned to face Gary with a half-smile. “Oh, hey Gary. I didn’t want to bother you. I just... came to drop off the stuff from your grandpa.”

Gary’s eyes narrowed as he glanced at Pikachu, who shivered, clearly cold and unhappy. “Bother me? Ash, you’re not bothering me. But you—what in the world were you thinking? You’re not dressed for the weather!” Gary couldn’t hold back his concern as he stepped closer.

Ash shrugged, his grin still in place despite the growing discomfort. “Eh, I figured it wasn’t that cold... and Pikachu’s got enough stuff to keep him warm. I’ll be fine.”

Gary could see through the lie immediately. Ash’s face was pale, his teeth slightly chattering, and his breath came out in little visible clouds in the air. Pikachu looked uncomfortable too, his small paws trembling as he huddled against Ash’s chest.

“Ash, you’re freezing,” Gary said, his voice firm as he walked up to him. Without another word, Gary reached out and grabbed the back of Ash’s shirt, gently but forcefully pulling him into the clinic. “Come on, you’re not going anywhere in this state.”

Ash stumbled slightly as Gary dragged him inside, the warm air hitting him like a wave of relief. Pikachu shifted uneasily in Ash’s arms, but he made no attempt to leave the warmth of Ash’s jacket.

“Gary, I’m fine,” Ash protested weakly, though it was clear from the way he was trying to suppress a shiver that he wasn’t.

“No, you’re not. Look at you! You're barely staying on your feet!” Gary snapped, leading Ash through the halls toward a room. “What were you thinking, walking outside in this cold without proper clothing? You know better than that!”

“I just didn’t think it would be that bad,” Ash mumbled, looking sheepish as he followed Gary.

“Well, next time, think a little more," Gary said, opening the door to a warm room. "Sit down, Ash. I’m getting you something to warm you up.”

Ash sat on the nearest chair with a sigh, and Gary quickly set about finding a blanket to wrap around him. “You’re lucky I didn’t get a call saying you collapsed out there.”

“I wasn’t gonna collapse,” Ash muttered, but his teeth were still chattering slightly. “I’m not that bad off.”

Gary rolled his eyes. “You’re always like this, aren’t you? Never ask for help, never show when you need it. But you sure need it now.”

He pulled over a space heater and plugged it in next to Ash, making sure the room was nice and warm before he grabbed some extra layers of clothing. “Here, put these on. You’ll feel better in no time. And, for goodness’ sake, let me help you sometimes. I can’t just stand by and watch you make yourself sick.”

Ash looked down at the clothes in Gary's hand, looking slightly embarrassed. “I... didn’t think it would be that big of a deal. I just came to give you the bag from your grandpa and—”

Gary shook his head. “Forget the bag for a minute. You need rest. You’ve been pushing yourself way too hard. I’m glad you came to give me the bag, but you should’ve thought more about yourself first.”

Ash bit his lip, not saying anything at first. Pikachu nestled against his side, seemingly content now that he was warm. "Thanks, Gary," Ash said quietly, his voice softer than usual.

Gary looked at him with a small, almost unreadable smile. “You’re welcome, Ash. Just promise me you’ll take better care of yourself next time. No more running around in the cold without proper clothes.”

Ash nodded, his usual feisty attitude subdued by the warmth and the comfort of knowing that Gary cared. “I promise.”

Gary set the bag from his grandfather aside and sat down across from Ash, looking at him with an expression that mixed concern and a hint of annoyance, but ultimately affection. “Good. Now, get some rest. I’ll be around if you need anything.”

Ash smiled, his eyes starting to droop as the warmth of the room sank in. “I will... thanks, Gary. You’re a good friend.”

Gary chuckled. “You’re lucky to have me.”

Pikachu gave a small, contented squeak from Ash’s lap, and for once, the two of them were just able to sit there, warm and safe.