Kenny tightened the blanket around Dawn’s shoulders, his expression a mix of worry and exasperation. He crouched in front of her so they were eye level, his stethoscope still hanging around his neck. 

“Dawn, you’re shivering like a Piplup in an ice storm. What were you thinking coming all this way in the snow?” he asked, his voice a mix of scolding and concern. 

Dawn looked down at her lap, fidgeting with the hem of her coat. “I just… I wanted to make sure you had something to eat. You’ve been working so hard, Kenny. And... I thought it’d make you happy.” 

Kenny sighed, running a hand through his messy auburn hair. “You’re impossible, you know that?” 

Dawn’s eyes flickered up to meet his. “I didn’t mean to make you mad…” 

“I’m not mad,” Kenny said quickly, his tone softening. “I’m worried, Dee Dee. You could’ve gotten sick or hurt out there. What if you fell in the snow? What if you got lost?” 

Dawn’s lower lip wobbled, and Kenny instantly regretted his words. He straightened up and patted her head awkwardly. “Hey, don’t cry. I’m just saying... next time, wait for better weather, okay?” 

Dawn sniffled but nodded. “Okay…” 

“Good,” Kenny said, pulling his stethoscope off his neck. “Now let me check you out. I’ve got to make sure you didn’t catch hypothermia or something.” 

“Kenny, I’m fine—” 

“No arguing. Doctor’s orders,” Kenny interrupted, holding the stethoscope up like a badge of authority. 

Dawn huffed but stayed put as Kenny pressed the cold metal to her chest. She flinched. “Cold!” 

Kenny smirked a little. “Yeah, yeah. Deep breaths, Dee Dee.” 

Dawn obeyed, taking deep, shaky breaths as Kenny listened intently. After a few moments, he moved the stethoscope to her back, tilting his head thoughtfully. “Hmm…” 

“What’s ‘hmm’ supposed to mean?” Dawn asked nervously. 

“It means you’re wheezing,” Kenny replied, setting the stethoscope aside and grabbing a thermometer. “Let’s check your temperature next.” 

Dawn groaned, crossing her arms. “Kenny, you’re acting like I’m dying or something.” 

Kenny gave her a look. “You showed up here half-frozen, panting, and with a fever. I think I’ve earned the right to be concerned.” 

Dawn frowned but let him pop the thermometer into her mouth. She sat silently as it beeped, then watched Kenny’s face as he read the number. 

“101.2°F,” he announced, raising an eyebrow at her. “Told you so.” 

Dawn shrank under his gaze. “...I didn’t think it was that bad.” 

“Exactly why you need to take better care of yourself,” Kenny said, grabbing a tissue to dab at her red nose. “You’re lucky you didn’t end up with frostbite or something worse.” 

“But your food—” 

“Forget the food, Dawn,” Kenny interrupted, shaking his head. “I’d rather skip a meal than see you like this.” 

Dawn blinked up at him, her cheeks flushing—partly from embarrassment and partly from her fever. “I... I’m sorry, Kenny.” 

Kenny sighed, his stern expression softening as he ruffled her hair. “Just don’t do it again, okay? You’re my best friend, Dee Dee. I don’t want anything bad to happen to you.” 

Dawn smiled faintly, leaning into the blanket. “You’re so bossy, Kenny.” 

“Only because you’re so reckless,” he shot back, but his tone was playful. 

As he reached for some medicine and a glass of water, the receptionist peeked in, grinning. “She’s lucky to have you, Dr. Kenny.” 

Kenny glanced over, blushing furiously. “I’m just doing my job!” 

The receptionist chuckled and left, leaving the two alone. Kenny handed Dawn the medicine and crossed his arms, watching her like a hawk. 

“Take it, or I’m dragging you to bed right now,” he warned. 

Dawn giggled weakly but obeyed. “You’re so overprotective.” 

“Yeah, well, someone’s gotta keep you out of trouble,” Kenny replied, sitting beside her. “You’re too important to me to let you freeze out there.” 

Dawn leaned her head on his shoulder, her eyelids drooping. “Thanks, Kenny. You’re the best.” 

Kenny smiled softly, his cheeks pink. “Yeah, yeah. Just don’t scare me like that again, okay?” 

“Okay,” Dawn mumbled, her voice barely a whisper as she dozed off against him.