Gary hurried down the hallway, his footsteps echoing off the tiled floor. He couldn’t believe Ash would show up in this weather, let alone carrying something from his grandpa. What was he thinking? It wasn’t like Ash to be careless, but then again, Ash and logic didn’t always mix.

As he approached the lobby, he spotted Ash sitting on the floor, leaning against the wall. His cheeks were flushed, his hair damp from melted snow, and he clutched a small, weathered bag in his gloved hands. Ash sneezed again, the sound echoing in the quiet clinic.

“Ash!” Gary snapped, his voice laced with concern as he crouched down. “What are you doing out in this weather? Are you trying to get yourself killed?”

Ash looked up, a sheepish grin on his face despite the clear signs of discomfort. “Hey, Gary,” he said, his voice hoarse. “Got something for you from your grandpa. Figured it was important.”

Gary groaned, grabbing Ash by the arm and helping him to his feet. “Idiot. It’s freezing out there. You could’ve waited until tomorrow.”

Ash wobbled slightly, and Gary quickly steadied him. “Alright, come on. Let’s get you warmed up before you pass out on me.”

Gary led Ash down the hallway to one of the exam rooms. He made him sit on the table and immediately grabbed a blanket from the cabinet, draping it over Ash’s shoulders.

“Stay put,” Gary ordered, his voice firm as he grabbed a thermometer. “You’re probably running a fever.”

Ash didn’t argue, which only worried Gary more. Normally, Ash would’ve complained or joked, but now he just sat there, his head drooping slightly. Gary pressed the thermometer against Ash’s forehead and frowned at the result.

“38.9°C,” Gary muttered. “Great. You’re burning up. What were you thinking walking through a snowstorm like that?”

Ash shrugged weakly, pulling the blanket tighter around himself. “Didn’t want to let you down,” he mumbled.

Gary’s eyes softened at the words, but he shook his head. “Ash, you idiot. You don’t have to prove anything to me. You’re my best friend, remember? I’d rather have you safe and sound than pulling stunts like this.”

Ash gave a small, lopsided smile. “Guess I got carried away.”

“Yeah, you did,” Gary said, his tone exasperated but affectionate. “Alright, stay here. I’m getting you something hot to drink and checking out whatever’s in that bag. Don’t move.”

Ash nodded, leaning back slightly as Gary grabbed the bag and left the room. In the back of his mind, Gary couldn’t help but worry. Ash always pushed himself too hard, and this time it had landed him in trouble. He just hoped whatever was in the bag was worth it.

When Gary returned with a steaming cup of tea, he found Ash dozing lightly, his head resting against the wall. Gary sighed, placing the cup on the table beside him.

“Wake up, Ashy-boy,” he said gently, nudging Ash’s shoulder.

Ash blinked groggily, sitting up and taking the tea Gary handed him. “Thanks,” he murmured.

Gary sat down across from him, the bag in his lap. “Alright, let’s see what’s so important it couldn’t wait.”

Ash watched as Gary opened the bag and pulled out a small, neatly wrapped package. Inside was a handwritten note and a vial of some mysterious liquid.

Gary read the note aloud: “Gary, I’ve been working on this formula for a while. It’s a new treatment that could help with Pokémon healing. Thought you’d want to try it out. Take care, and tell Ash thanks for braving the cold. –Gramps.”

Gary looked at the vial, then at Ash. “You really went out in this weather for this?”

Ash shrugged again, sipping his tea. “Seemed important. Plus, your grandpa asked.”

Gary shook his head, a small smile tugging at his lips. “You’re impossible, you know that?”

“Yeah, but you’d miss me if I wasn’t,” Ash teased, his voice still raspy.

Gary rolled his eyes but couldn’t help the chuckle that escaped him. “You’re lucky you’re my best friend, Ashy-boy. Now, finish that tea and rest. You’re not going anywhere until you’re better.”

Ash grinned weakly, the warmth of Gary’s words enough to make the cold feel like a distant memory.