Kenny pulled Dawn into his examination room, his expression shifting into full-on doctor mode. Dawn, still shivering from the cold, tried to protest.

“K-Kenny, I’m fine! Really!” she stammered, her teeth chattering.

Kenny didn’t buy it for a second. He gestured to the exam table. “Sit. Now.”

“But—”

“Dawn,” he said, his tone firm but not unkind. “Don’t make me pick you up and put you there myself.”

Knowing Kenny wouldn’t hesitate to follow through, Dawn sighed and climbed onto the table, wrapping her arms around herself for warmth.

Kenny grabbed his stethoscope, looping it around his neck as he crouched to meet her eyes. “Okay, first things first. Deep breaths for me.”

Dawn hesitated but finally complied, inhaling shakily as Kenny pressed the cold diaphragm of the stethoscope to her chest. His brows furrowed slightly as he listened.

“Hm. You’re wheezing a bit. Have you been outside long?” he asked, moving the stethoscope to her back.

“J-Just a little while,” Dawn mumbled.

“Liar,” Kenny muttered under his breath, shaking his head. He stood and grabbed a thermometer. “Alright, let’s check your temperature.”

Dawn groaned, trying to wave him off. “Kenny, I’m not sick. I just wanted to bring you your food—”

“And I appreciate it,” Kenny interrupted, slipping the thermometer under her tongue. “But you’re freezing, you’re wheezing, and you’re shivering like a leaf. So humor me, Dee Dee.”

Dawn rolled her eyes but stayed silent as the thermometer beeped. Kenny pulled it out and frowned at the reading.

“101.4°F,” he said, crossing his arms. “You’ve got a fever, Dawn.”

Dawn’s eyes widened slightly. “I-I do?”

Kenny nodded, his expression softening. “Yeah, and judging by how cold you are, you’re not dressed warmly enough for this weather. You could’ve gotten seriously sick coming all the way here.”

Dawn’s face turned red—not just from the fever. “I just… I wanted to do something nice for you. You’ve been working so hard…”

Kenny’s stern expression melted instantly. He let out a sigh and placed a hand on her shoulder. “Dawn, you didn’t have to risk your health to bring me my food. I’d rather you stay safe and warm, okay?”

Her lips quivered slightly, but she nodded. “Okay…”

Kenny gave her a small smile and reached for a blanket from a nearby cabinet, draping it over her shoulders. “You’re staying here until you warm up and I’m sure you’re alright. No arguments.”

Dawn opened her mouth to protest but stopped when she saw the look in his eyes. He was serious.

As Kenny grabbed a small humidifier and some medicine, the receptionist peeked into the room with a knowing smile. “You’re awfully diligent with her, Dr. Kenny.”

Kenny glanced over his shoulder, his cheeks tinged pink. “She’s stubborn and reckless. Someone’s gotta take care of her.”

The receptionist chuckled softly, leaving the two alone. Kenny returned to Dawn’s side, gently brushing a strand of damp hair out of her face.

“You’ve got to take better care of yourself, Dee Dee,” he murmured, his voice softer now. “I don’t want to see you sick like this again.”

Dawn leaned against his hand, smiling weakly. “Thanks, Kenny. You’re always looking out for me.”

Kenny’s lips quirked into a small smile. “Always, Dee Dee. Always.”