Kenny adjusted the blanket around Dawn’s shoulders and sat on the stool in front of her, his stethoscope still hanging around his neck. He looked at her with a mix of exasperation and concern, the professional demeanor fading slightly in the presence of someone he cared for deeply.

“Alright, Dee Dee, let’s go through this step by step. No skipping anything,” he said, pulling out a small flashlight.

Dawn groaned, slumping against the wall. “Kenny, I’m not dying. I just got a little cold, that’s all.”

Kenny raised an eyebrow as he gently tilted her chin up, shining the light into her eyes. “You trudged through a snowstorm to bring me my lunch. That’s more than ‘a little cold.’”

She huffed but didn’t argue as he checked her pupils, his face inches from hers. Kenny leaned back, satisfied, and grabbed his blood pressure cuff.

“Arm out,” he instructed, his tone leaving no room for debate.

Dawn reluctantly extended her arm, still bundled in the blanket. Kenny wrapped the cuff around her upper arm, inflating it while keeping an eye on her.

“You know,” she muttered, “you’re bossy when you’re in doctor mode.”

Kenny smirked as he listened to the stethoscope pressed against the cuff. “And you’re impossible when you’re sick.”

She stuck her tongue out at him, but he ignored it, jotting down the reading on a nearby notepad. Then, he reached for her hand, turning her palm up and examining her fingers.

“Your circulation’s a bit sluggish. Probably from the cold. How long were you walking, Dawn?”

She shrugged. “Not too long.”

“Dawn…” Kenny’s voice was low, almost scolding.

“Okay, maybe an hour,” she admitted sheepishly.

Kenny sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “An hour? In the snow? Without proper gear?”

“I wanted to surprise you!” she protested. “You’re always working late and skipping meals. Someone’s gotta take care of you!”

Kenny froze, her words catching him off guard. He looked up, his expression softening.

“Dawn…” he began, then shook his head with a small smile. “You’re unbelievable, you know that?”

She gave him a lopsided grin. “You wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Kenny chuckled, gently squeezing her hand. “You’re not wrong.”

He stood and walked to the cabinet, pulling out a packet of instant hot chocolate. “Stay here. I’m making you something warm to drink, and then I’m taking you home.”

“What about your lunch break?” she asked, watching him tear open the packet.

“You are my lunch break now,” he replied, setting up the small coffee machine in the corner of the room.

Dawn laughed softly, her voice still a bit hoarse. “Guess I’m special, huh?”

Kenny turned back to her, his brown eyes warm and teasing. “You’re more than special, Dee Dee. Now sit tight, because Doctor Kenny isn’t done with you yet.”