Gary hurried through the halls, his thoughts racing. Of course, it had to be Ash. Who else would show up in the middle of a snowstorm with a bag from his grandpa? The kid had no sense of self-preservation.

As he approached the reception area, he spotted Ash slumped against the wall, a dusting of snow still clinging to his messy hair and jacket. His cheeks were flushed—whether from the cold or a fever, Gary couldn’t tell yet—and he clutched a familiar-looking bag tightly in his arms.

"Ash, what were you thinking?" Gary demanded, crouching down next to him. "It’s freezing outside, and you’re wandering around like it’s summer! Are you trying to get yourself sick?"

Ash blinked up at him, his eyes glassy but defiant. "I... had to... bring this," he mumbled, holding up the bag weakly. "Professor... said it was important."

Gary sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Important enough to risk hypothermia? You’re unbelievable."

Ash sneezed again, shivering visibly, and Gary’s irritation was quickly replaced by concern. He stood, grabbing Ash by the arm and hoisting him to his feet. "Come on, you’re coming with me. You look like you’re about to keel over."

"I’m fine," Ash protested, but his wobbling legs betrayed him, and Gary had to catch him before he fell.

"Yeah, sure you are," Gary muttered, wrapping an arm around Ash to support him as they made their way down the hall. "Let’s get you warmed up and checked out before you do something else stupid."

Ash leaned heavily against Gary, too exhausted to argue. By the time they reached Gary’s office, his teeth were chattering, and his grip on the bag had loosened.

Gary eased him onto the couch and grabbed a blanket from a nearby shelf, draping it over Ash’s shoulders. "Stay put," he ordered, heading to the corner of the room where he kept a small heater. He turned it on and pointed it toward Ash before grabbing his stethoscope and a thermometer.

"Alright," Gary said, kneeling in front of Ash. "Let’s see how bad it is. Open up."

Ash groaned but complied, letting Gary slip the thermometer under his tongue. While it did its work, Gary pressed his hand to Ash’s forehead, frowning at the heat radiating off him.

"Great, you’ve got a fever," Gary muttered as the thermometer beeped. He checked the reading and scowled. "101.6. What were you thinking, trudging through the snow like that?"

Ash shrugged, looking sheepish. "I... didn’t want to let Professor Oak down. He said you needed this stuff for your research."

Gary sighed, his irritation fading again. He couldn’t stay mad—not when Ash was clearly trying his best, even if his methods were reckless. "You’re an idiot," he said, but there was no heat in his voice.

Ash managed a weak smile. "Yeah, but I’m your idiot, right?"

Gary rolled his eyes, pulling a chair over and sitting down. "Lucky me. Now, sit tight. I’ll get you something warm to drink and call my grandpa to let him know you didn’t freeze to death on your way here."

As Gary got up, Ash leaned back against the couch, letting the warmth of the heater and blanket sink in. Despite feeling miserable, he couldn’t help but smile. No matter how much they bickered, he knew Gary always had his back.

And for that, Ash was grateful.