Gary's footsteps echoed through the hallway as he rushed toward the clinic's entrance. His heart was pounding, not from the pace but from worry. Ash always had a knack for finding trouble, but collapsing outside in the snow? That was a new one.

As Gary approached, he saw Ash slumped against the doorframe, his face pale and his cheeks red from the biting cold. He clutched a bag marked with Professor Oak's emblem tightly to his chest, his breath coming out in shallow puffs of mist.

"Ash!" Gary called out, dropping to his knees beside his friend. "What were you thinking, coming out in this weather?!"

Ash tried to smile but ended up sneezing instead. "I... I had to... deliver this..." he mumbled, his voice hoarse. He held up the bag weakly. "It’s from your grandpa... he said it’s urgent..."

Gary grabbed the bag and set it aside, focusing on Ash. "Forget the bag for now, you idiot! You're freezing! Why didn’t you call me instead of dragging yourself through the snow?!" His voice was sharp, but the worry in his eyes softened the words.

Ash gave a weak chuckle, his teeth chattering. "Didn’t want... to bother you..."

Gary let out an exasperated sigh. "Bother me? Ash, you're literally lying in a snowbank! You think that isn’t a bother?"

Without waiting for an answer, Gary slipped an arm under Ash’s shoulders and hoisted him up. Ash winced slightly, but Gary ignored it, focused on getting him inside.

“Come on, Ashy-boy. Let’s get you warmed up before you turn into a human popsicle,” Gary muttered, his tone laced with both irritation and concern.

As they entered the warmth of the clinic, the receptionist was already prepared with a blanket and a cup of hot cocoa. Gary guided Ash to one of the examination rooms and sat him down on the cot. He wrapped the blanket around Ash and handed him the cup.

“Drink this,” Gary ordered, crossing his arms as he stared his friend down. “And don’t argue.”

Ash nodded meekly, taking small sips of the cocoa. The warmth seemed to bring some color back to his cheeks, but Gary wasn’t about to let it slide.

“So, what’s the deal with the bag?” Gary asked, gesturing toward it.

Ash blinked, his eyelids heavy from exhaustion. “Gramps... said it’s for you. Something about... urgent test results.”

Gary sighed and grabbed the bag, setting it aside for later. “Test results can wait. Right now, you’re priority number one.”

Ash gave a sheepish smile. “Thanks, Gary. I didn’t mean to make you worry...”

Gary rolled his eyes but couldn’t hide the smirk tugging at his lips. “Yeah, yeah. You’re lucky you’ve got me, Ashy-boy. Now, you stay here and rest. If I catch you outside again in this weather, you’re getting more than just an earful.”

Ash chuckled softly. “Got it, Doc.”

Gary shook his head, a small smile playing on his lips. Despite everything, Ash always found a way to keep things lighthearted.

“Rest up, Ash,” Gary said, his tone softening. “You’re no good to anyone if you don’t take care of yourself. And next time, call me.”

As Ash nodded and leaned back against the cot, Gary couldn’t help but feel a pang of relief. No matter how reckless Ash could be, he was still Gary’s best friend—and Gary would always have his back.