"Hey Dawn, wake up."

Dawn groaned, turning over in bed as the morning light crept through the blinds. "What happened, Kenny?"

Kenny sat cross-legged at the foot of her bed, his mischievous grin unmistakable. He leaned forward, gently shaking her shoulder. "We have to go, Dee Dee."

"Where?" Dawn mumbled, burying her face into the pillow.

"The clinic, where else?"

Dawn froze, her body tensing under the blankets. "No," she said flatly.

Kenny chuckled, running a hand through his messy hair. "Awwww, don't worry, Dee Dee. Did ya forget yours truly is the doctor?"

Of course she hadn’t forgotten.

She just didn't want to go.

It wasn’t Kenny she disliked. It was doctors in general—their cold, clinical demeanor, their tendency to withhold information as if she wouldn’t understand.

She hated the sterile smell of the clinic, the fluorescent lights that buzzed incessantly, and the feeling of being small and powerless.

Kenny, however, had already picked up on her resistance. His grin widened as he crossed his arms. "Ohhhh, I get it now. It’s not the appointment, it’s the doctors. And the clinic, huh?"

Dawn said nothing, but her silence spoke volumes.

"Okay," Kenny said, standing up. "Stay here. I’ve got an idea."

Before Dawn could protest, Kenny left the room, returning a few minutes later with his medical bag slung over his shoulder.

She squinted at him. "What are you doing?"

"Making you feel safe," he replied simply, setting the bag down on the dresser. "If you hate the clinic, then I’ll bring the clinic to you. Right here. In your comfort zone."

Dawn sat up, her heart softening at the sight of him. Kenny wasn’t just her boyfriend—he was someone who truly got her, someone who knew when to push and when to ease off.

"Seriously?" she asked, half amused, half touched.

"Seriously," he replied, opening his bag. "I’m the doctor, remember? We’ll do this right here. No buzzing lights, no weird smells, just us. Sound good?"

Dawn hesitated but eventually nodded. If anyone could make her feel comfortable during a checkup, it was Kenny.

He pulled out his stethoscope, pretending to blow on it like a chef cooling off a spoon of soup. "Alright, Dee Dee, let’s see how that heart of yours is doing. Though I already know it’s in pretty great shape, seeing as it belongs to me."

Dawn rolled her eyes, but she couldn’t help the small smile tugging at her lips. Kenny leaned in closer, his touch gentle and his tone light. For the first time in forever, she didn’t feel the usual wave of anxiety that came with doctors.

"Thanks," she said softly, looking up at him.

Kenny winked. "Anytime, Dee Dee."

Kenny set his stethoscope aside for the moment, tilting his head to study Dawn. "Alright, let’s start with the basics," he said, his voice warm and soothing.

Dawn crossed her arms but let out a resigned sigh. "Fine. Just don’t get all… doctor-y on me."

He chuckled, pulling a small flashlight from his bag. "You act like I don’t know how to handle you, Dee Dee. Look at me."

She did, albeit reluctantly, her blue eyes locking onto his. Kenny leaned in, holding the flashlight up. "Eyes first. Follow the light."

Dawn’s gaze tracked the tiny beam as Kenny moved it left, right, up, and down. "Hmm," he mused.

"What?!" she asked, alarm creeping into her voice.

"Relax," he said with a grin. "Just admiring how pretty your eyes are. Pupils are perfect. Now, ears."

He reached for the otoscope, gently tilting her head to the side. His fingers brushed her hair, and Dawn shivered—not because of the tool but because it was Kenny.

"All clear," he declared, switching sides. "You’re doing great, Dee Dee. Now, open up."

Dawn raised a skeptical eyebrow. "Do I have to?"

"You trust me, don’t you?" he asked, his tone teasing but affectionate.

She rolled her eyes but relented, opening her mouth. Kenny used a tongue depressor, his gaze serious but still warm. "Say ‘ah.’"

"Ahhhhh," she mumbled, glaring at him over the wooden stick.

"Throat’s fine," he announced, setting the tool down. "Nose next."

"My nose?" she asked, wrinkling it.

"Yes, your adorable little nose," he teased, gently pressing the tip. "Nothing weird here. Moving on to the important stuff—your heart."

Dawn tensed immediately. "Do we have to?"

Kenny gave her a reassuring smile, retrieving his stethoscope. "I promise it won’t hurt. Just sit still."

She exhaled sharply but nodded, sitting up straighter as he slipped the cool metal disc under her shirt and against her chest.

"Deep breath in," he instructed.

She did, but her heartbeat thudded loudly in her ears, fast and erratic. Kenny frowned slightly but kept his tone light. "Dawn, your heart’s racing. Are you okay?"

She looked away, cheeks flushing. "I… it’s fine."

"Hey," he said softly, lowering the stethoscope. "Look at me."

Reluctantly, she turned her gaze to him. Kenny leaned closer, his hands resting gently on her shoulders. "You’re safe, Dee Dee. It’s just me. Breathe with me, okay?"

He inhaled deeply, exaggerating the motion, and waited for her to mimic him. Slowly, she did, following his rhythm.

"That’s it," he murmured, his voice a soothing anchor. "In… and out. Good girl."

Her heart gradually steadied under his calm guidance. Kenny smiled, moving the stethoscope back to her chest. "There we go. Much better. Strong and steady—just like you."

Dawn sighed in relief, the tension melting from her shoulders. "Thanks," she whispered.

"Always," he replied, his eyes soft.

He continued with her lungs, reflexes, and other routine checks, maintaining his playful commentary to keep her at ease. By the end, Dawn found herself laughing more than worrying, her initial dread a distant memory.

Kenny packed up his tools, sitting back with a satisfied smile. "Well, Dee Dee, you’re in perfect shape. No excuses to skip date night now."

She laughed, rolling her eyes. "You’re impossible."

"And you’re adorable," he countered, leaning in to kiss her forehead. "Proud of you for letting me take care of you."

Dawn smiled, her heart warm in a way that had nothing to do with the checkup. "Thanks, Kenny. Really."

"Anytime, Dee Dee. Anytime."