Gary hurried through the clinic hallway, his heart pounding in his chest. He couldn’t believe Ash would show up like this, especially in the middle of a snowstorm. As he approached the front entrance, he could already hear Ash’s muffled sniffles and coughing echoing through the hallway.

When he turned the corner, there Ash was—sitting on the floor, wrapped in a soaked jacket, clutching a bag with Professor Oak’s signature logo on it. His nose was red, his cheeks flushed, and he was shivering uncontrollably.

“Ash!” Gary exclaimed, his voice a mix of concern and frustration. “What on earth were you thinking, coming out in this weather?”

Ash looked up at him with tired eyes and a weak smile. “Had… to bring this,” he said, holding up the bag feebly. “It’s from your grandpa… said it was important.”

Gary’s frustration wavered as he saw how exhausted and sick Ash looked. He crouched down in front of him, placing a hand on his shoulder. “You idiot,” Gary muttered, though his tone was gentle. “You could’ve just called me, you know. I woulda understood."

Ash let out a weak laugh, followed by a cough that shook his whole body. “Didn’t wanna… bother you.”

Gary shook his head, helping Ash to his feet. “Yeah, well, now you’ve bothered me even more by getting yourself half-frozen. Come on, let’s get you warmed up.”

Ash didn’t resist as Gary guided him down the hall and into his office. Gary motioned for Ash to sit in one of the chairs near a small heater. He grabbed a blanket from a nearby cabinet and draped it over Ash’s shoulders before kneeling to untie his soaked shoes.

“You’re such a pain sometimes,” Gary muttered, though his actions were careful and precise. “Do you even know how to take care of yourself?”

Ash gave him a sheepish smile. “Guess that’s… why I’ve got you.”

Gary rolled his eyes, though a small smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. “Yeah, yeah. Lucky you.”

He stood up and turned to grab a mug from his desk, pouring hot tea from the thermos he always kept handy. “Here,” he said, handing it to Ash. “Drink this. Slowly. And no spilling it on my chair.”

Ash took the mug with trembling hands, the warmth of it already helping to ease his shivering. “Thanks, Gary,” he murmured, his voice still hoarse.

Gary crossed his arms and leaned against his desk, studying Ash closely. “You’re not going anywhere until I make sure you’re okay. Let me check you out.”

Ash groaned but nodded, too tired to argue. “Fine… but I’m fine, really.”

Gary raised an eyebrow. “Sure you are. That’s why you look like you just lost a fight with an Articuno.”

Ash chuckled weakly, sipping the tea as Gary began a quick examination. He checked Ash’s temperature, listened to his breathing, and felt his forehead for any signs of fever. “You’ve got a mild fever,” Gary said, frowning. “Nothing too serious, but you’re staying here until it goes down.”

Ash blinked up at him, surprised. “You’re letting me stay?”

Gary smirked, ruffling Ash’s damp hair. “What are best friends for, right? Now, sit tight. I’ll grab you some dry clothes and call my grandpa to let him know you’re not out there risking your life anymore.”

Ash smiled, his eyes closing as he leaned back in the chair. “Thanks, Gary. I owe you.”

“Yeah, you do,” Gary said, his tone teasing. “But don’t worry. I’ll think of something to make you pay me back later.”