Gary pushed open the clinic door and stopped in his tracks, his eyes narrowing at the sight in front of him. There, slumped against the wall, was Ash, shivering uncontrollably. His face was pale, and his breath came out in visible puffs. But what really caught Gary’s attention was the tiny, bundled-up figure in Ash’s arms.

Pikachu.

The little Pokémon was wrapped snugly in Ash’s jacket, his hat perched on its head, and layers of scarves and gloves tied around it. Pikachu looked warm and cozy, but Ash… Ash was another story. He was dressed in nothing but his jeans, sneakers, and his short-sleeve black shirt.

“ASH!” Gary shouted, rushing over. “What the heck are you doing?!”

Ash looked up weakly, his lips tinged with blue. “H-Hey, G-Gary…” he stuttered through chattering teeth. “Got… the s-stuff… from your grandpa…”

Gary groaned in frustration and knelt beside his friend. “You idiot! What were you thinking coming out in this weather like that? You’re freezing!”

Ash attempted a smile, his teeth still chattering. “Pikachu… was c-cold… Had to k-keep him warm…”

Gary sighed and reached out to take Pikachu, but the little Pokémon squeaked in protest, clinging tightly to Ash. “Pikapi!”

“Alright, alright,” Gary said, holding up his hands. “You can stay with him, but we’re getting both of you inside. Now.”

He helped Ash to his feet, slinging one of Ash’s arms over his shoulder to steady him. “Come on, Ash. Let’s get you warmed up before you turn into a popsicle.”

Ash nodded weakly, leaning heavily on Gary as they made their way back inside the clinic. Gary could feel just how cold Ash was through the thin fabric of his shirt, and it only fueled his frustration.

As soon as they were inside, Gary guided Ash to one of the exam rooms and sat him down on the table. Pikachu hopped out of Ash’s arms and onto his lap, chirping worriedly.

Gary grabbed a blanket from the nearby cabinet and threw it over Ash’s shoulders. “Stay put,” he ordered. “I’m getting you something warm to drink.”

Ash nodded, his teeth still chattering as he hugged Pikachu close for warmth. Gary returned moments later with a mug of hot cocoa, handing it to Ash before crossing his arms.

“You’re unbelievable, you know that?” Gary said, glaring at his friend. “You could’ve gotten seriously sick! What were you even doing outside in this weather?”

Ash took a shaky sip of the cocoa, his hands trembling. “Your grandpa… asked me to b-bring you this,” he mumbled, gesturing to the bag on the floor. “Didn’t want to l-let him down…”

Gary rolled his eyes. “Ash, you could’ve called me. Or, I don’t know, waited until the storm let up? You don’t have to play hero all the time.”

Ash chuckled weakly, his color slowly returning. “Guess I didn’t think of that…”

Gary shook his head, his annoyance fading into concern. “Next time, think before you do something stupid, alright? You scared me, Ash.”

Ash looked up at Gary, his expression softening. “Sorry, Gary. Thanks for, you know, always looking out for me.”

Gary sighed and smirked. “Yeah, yeah. Someone’s gotta keep you alive.”

He reached out and ruffled Ash’s hair, earning a small smile from his friend. Pikachu chirped in agreement, nuzzling closer to Ash.

As the snow continued to fall outside, Gary silently vowed to keep Ash safe—even if it meant dealing with his endless recklessness. Best friends, after all, were supposed to stick together.