Gary pushed open the door to the clinic’s waiting area and froze in his tracks. There, sprawled on the floor, was Ash. His signature black hair was damp from the snow, and he looked like a mess. What was more concerning was that Ash wasn’t wearing a coat—or anything warm, for that matter. He was in his usual jeans, sneakers, and a short-sleeve black shirt, completely unfit for the cold weather outside.

And Pikachu? Pikachu was bundled up in Ash’s jacket, hat, and a scarf that Gary recognized as one from his grandpa’s house. The little Pokémon looked warm and comfortable, cheeks sparking slightly in contentment.

Ash glanced up as Gary approached and grinned sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck. “Uh… hey, Gary. Long time no see, huh?”

Gary crossed his arms, his expression unimpressed. “Ash, what in the world are you doing here? And why are you dressed like that? It’s freezing outside!”

Ash chuckled nervously and shrugged. “Well, you see, I, uh, had to deliver this.” He gestured to the bag beside him, which had Professor Oak’s familiar logo on it. “The Professor said it was urgent and you needed it, so… here I am!”

Gary’s eyes twitched. “And you thought it was a good idea to walk through a snowstorm dressed like that?!”

Ash waved a hand dismissively. “Oh, it’s no big deal. I mean, Pikachu needed to stay warm, so I gave him my jacket. See? He’s fine!”

Gary glanced down at Pikachu, who gave a cheerful “Pika!” as if to confirm.

Gary pinched the bridge of his nose, muttering under his breath. “Unbelievable.” He looked back at Ash, who was starting to shiver despite his attempt to play it cool. “Ash, you’re going to catch a cold—or worse! What were you thinking?!”

Ash stood up, wobbling slightly as he did. “I’m fine, really! I delivered the bag, and now I’ll just—”

“No, you’re not going anywhere,” Gary interrupted, grabbing Ash by the arm before he could turn toward the door. “You’re staying here until I’m sure you’re not about to keel over. And you’re getting checked out. Got it?”

Ash blinked, his grin faltering. “Uh, Gary, I don’t want to bother you or anything…”

Gary shot him a look that could rival a Hyper Beam in intensity. “Ash, sit down. Now.”

Ash sighed, plopping into a nearby chair with Pikachu still snug in his jacket. “Fine, fine. But I’m telling you, I’m totally fine.”

Gary wasn’t buying it. He knelt in front of Ash and took a closer look, noticing the faint redness in his cheeks and the slight trembling in his hands. “Yeah, sure. You look great, Ash,” Gary said sarcastically. “Stay here while I grab some blankets and something warm for you to drink.”

As Gary walked off, Ash slouched in his chair, muttering to Pikachu. “See? Told you he’d overreact.”

Pikachu tilted his head, giving a soft “Pika?”

Ash sighed. “Okay, maybe he’s got a point, but still…”

Gary returned moments later with a thick blanket and a steaming cup of hot chocolate. He wrapped the blanket around Ash and handed him the cup. “Drink this. You’re not leaving until I’m sure you’re okay.”

Ash took the cup, the warmth immediately seeping into his hands. “Thanks, Gary,” he said quietly.

Gary sat across from him, arms crossed. “Don’t thank me yet. Next time, think before you run out into a snowstorm. And if Gramps has something urgent, he can call me himself. Got it?”

Ash smiled sheepishly. “Got it.”

Gary shook his head, though a small smile tugged at his lips. “Honestly, Ash. You’re a piece of work.”

Ash chuckled, his grin returning. “Yeah, but that’s why you’re my best friend, right?”

Gary rolled his eyes, but he didn’t argue. “Yeah, yeah. Just finish your drink, Ashy-boy.”