Gary walked briskly down the hall, muttering under his breath. “What in the world was he thinking? Coming out in this weather dressed like—ugh, Ash.”

When he reached the front lobby, the sight made him stop in his tracks. There was Ash, sitting on the floor, shivering like a leaf in the wind. His face was pale, and his lips had a slight bluish tint. Pikachu, on the other hand, was bundled up in Ash's jacket, hat, and what looked like several scarves and gloves. The electric mouse looked more comfortable than anyone else in the room, but its worried eyes darted between Ash and Gary.

"Ash!" Gary exclaimed, hurrying over. "What are you doing here like this? Are you trying to freeze yourself to death?"

Ash gave him a sheepish grin, his teeth chattering. “I—I c-came to bring y-you this.” He held up a bag with Professor Oak's name scribbled across it in big, bold letters. “Y-Y-Your G-Grandpa said it was important.”

Gary stared at him, dumbfounded. “Important enough for you to nearly give yourself hypothermia?!" He knelt down, gripping Ash’s shoulder. "Seriously, what were you thinking coming out in this weather wearing that?”

Ash shrugged weakly, still shaking. “P-Pikachu looked cold… I figured I could handle it.”

Gary groaned, dragging a hand down his face. “You’re an idiot. A noble idiot, but still an idiot. Come on.”

He helped Ash up, wrapping an arm around him to steady his trembling frame. “You’re lucky you didn’t pass out before you got here.”

Pikachu chirped softly from its cozy bundle, nuzzling against Ash’s cheek.

Gary sighed. “Yeah, I know you love him, but next time, you get to be the one walking through the snow in a T-shirt.”

Pikachu gave a small "Pika!" that sounded suspiciously like laughter.

“Let’s get you warmed up,” Gary said, guiding Ash toward his office. “And don’t even think about arguing. You’re not leaving until you stop looking like a popsicle.”

Ash tried to protest. “I’m f-fine, Gary. Really.”

Gary shot him a look. “You’re fine? You’re shaking so hard, you could probably power a generator right now. Sit.”

Gary pointed to the couch in his office, and Ash obeyed, sinking into the cushions. Gary grabbed a blanket from a nearby cabinet and draped it over him.

“Pikachu, stay with him,” Gary ordered. “I’m getting you both some hot drinks. And Ash,” he added, narrowing his eyes, “if you so much as move an inch while I’m gone, you’re in big trouble.”

Ash gave a small nod, huddling under the blanket with Pikachu climbing into his lap. Gary turned and left the room, muttering under his breath. “Of all the ridiculous things he could’ve done... That boy is going to be the death of me.”

As Gary returned with two steaming mugs, he saw Ash finally starting to relax, his shivering slowing. Pikachu peeked out from the blanket, chirping happily.

“Here,” Gary said, handing Ash one of the mugs. “Drink this. Slowly.”

Ash took it with trembling hands, offering a grateful smile. “T-Thanks, Gary. You’re the best.”

Gary rolled his eyes but couldn’t hide the smirk tugging at his lips. “Yeah, yeah. Don’t make a habit of this, Ash. I’ve got enough to deal with without you adding ‘frostbite treatment’ to my schedule.”

Ash chuckled softly, his voice still shaky but warmer now. “I’ll try not to.”

Gary sat down across from him, shaking his head. “Try harder, Ash. Seriously.”

Ash grinned, and for the first time that day, Gary felt like everything might just be okay.