Gary hurried down the hallway, his heart pounding. He didn’t know whether to be more worried or annoyed with Ash. Knowing Ash, it was probably something reckless—again. He muttered under his breath, “That idiot better not have done anything stupid.”

When he reached the front lobby, he found Ash sitting on the floor, shivering, a large, somewhat battered bag at his side. His clothes were damp from the snow, and his cheeks were flushed with the telltale signs of a fever. Ash looked up at Gary with watery eyes and gave a weak smile.

“Hey, Gary…” he said, his voice nasally. “Got a delivery for ya.”

Gary pinched the bridge of his nose, exhaling sharply. “Ash, what are you doing out in this weather? And why didn’t you call me instead of dragging yourself here like this?”

Ash shrugged, clearly trying to play it cool despite his miserable state. “Didn’t seem like a big deal.”

Gary crossed his arms and shot him a sharp look. “Not a big deal? You’re sitting on the ground, soaked, with a fever. How is that not a big deal?”

Ash opened his mouth to argue but was interrupted by a loud sneeze. He sniffled, looking sheepish, as Gary crouched down in front of him.

“C’mon,” Gary said, his tone softening. “Let’s get you out of here before you make yourself worse.”

Ash nodded, letting Gary help him to his feet. He wobbled slightly, but Gary steadied him with a firm hand on his shoulder.

As they made their way to one of the exam rooms, Gary glanced at the bag Ash had brought. “What’s in there, anyway?”

Ash blinked, as if only just remembering. “Oh, uh… something from your grandpa. He said it was important.”

Gary rolled his eyes. “Of course it is. My grandpa thinks everything is important.” He gestured to the bag. “Put it on the table. I’ll look at it after I deal with you.”

Ash groaned but did as he was told, plopping the bag onto the nearest counter before flopping onto the exam table. “You don’t have to make a big deal out of this, you know.”

Gary shot him a look. “Ash, you’re burning up, and you were sitting in the snow. Forgive me for being concerned.”

Ash chuckled weakly. “You sound like my mom.”

Gary ignored the comment and grabbed a thermometer. “Open up.”

Ash complied, and Gary waited for the reading. When it beeped, Gary frowned. “101.8. You’re officially sick, genius.”

Ash shrugged again, clearly unfazed. “It’s just a fever. I’ll be fine.”

Gary didn’t bother arguing. Instead, he grabbed a blanket from the cabinet and draped it over Ash. “Stay here. I’ll get you something warm to drink.”

As Gary walked out, Ash called after him, “Hey, Gary?”

Gary paused, glancing over his shoulder. “What?”

Ash smiled, his voice softer this time. “Thanks.”

Gary smirked. “Don’t thank me yet. You’re still getting a lecture when you’re better.”

Ash groaned dramatically, but Gary couldn’t help the small smile that tugged at his lips. For all his recklessness, Ash was still Ash—and Gary wouldn’t have him any other way.