Kenny sat on the stool next to the examination table, his stethoscope dangling around his neck, his face all scrunched up with seriousness. His brown eyes, usually warm and full of laughter, now studied Dawn like a puzzle he needed to solve.

“Alright, Dee Dee,” he said firmly, pulling out his stethoscope. “First things first. I’m going to listen to your heart.”

Dawn squirmed a little on the table, pulling the blanket tighter around her. “Kenny, I told you, I’m fine. It’s just a little cold—”

“Quiet, patient,” Kenny interrupted, his tone mock-stern but with a teasing edge. “Doctor Kenny is in charge now.”

Dawn sighed dramatically, but a small smile tugged at her lips. Kenny pressed the stethoscope to her chest, and she immediately squeaked.

“Eek! That’s cold!”

Kenny bit back a laugh. “It’s supposed to be. Now, deep breath in.”

She did as he said, and he nodded in approval. “Good. Now out.”

After a few more breaths, Kenny pulled the stethoscope away and tapped his chin like he was thinking very hard. “Hmm… heart’s beating like crazy. Maybe you’re nervous because you’re in the presence of a genius doctor?”

Dawn swatted at him weakly, her cheeks puffed in a pout. “Kenny, stop teasing me!”

He grinned, but his face softened as he grabbed the thermometer. “Alright, open up.”

Dawn hesitated, glaring at the little device. “Do I have to?”

“Yes,” Kenny said, raising an eyebrow. “Unless you want me to call your mom and tell her you’re being stubborn?”

Her eyes widened. “You wouldn’t!”

Kenny smirked. “Try me.”

Grumbling, Dawn opened her mouth and let him place the thermometer under her tongue. The two sat in silence for a moment, Kenny swinging his legs idly while the thermometer beeped.

He pulled it out and frowned. “101.4°F.”

Dawn blinked. “What does that mean?”

“It means you have a fever, genius,” Kenny said, his tone laced with concern. “You shouldn’t even be out of bed, let alone walking through a snowstorm to bring me my lunch!”

Dawn looked down at her lap, fiddling with the blanket. “I just… I didn’t want you to be hungry. You’ve been working so hard, Kenny…”

Kenny’s heart did a little flip-flop. He sighed and placed a hand on her shoulder. “Dawn, that’s sweet and all, but what good is your kindness if you get sick or hurt? You scared me, Dee Dee.”

Her eyes widened, and she sniffled, wiping her nose on her sleeve. “I… I didn’t mean to make you worry.”

Kenny softened immediately, pulling another blanket from a cabinet and wrapping it around her like a cocoon. “You’re lucky I’m such an amazing doctor. Otherwise, I might not be able to fix all your reckless decisions.”

Dawn giggled softly, her blue eyes glimmering with gratitude. “Thanks, Kenny. You’re the best.”

Kenny puffed out his chest proudly. “I know. Now, no arguing. You’re staying here until your fever comes down. I’ll even share my snacks with you.”

Her jaw dropped in mock shock. “Wow, the famous Kenny sharing snacks? I must be dying.”

He rolled his eyes, but his smile didn’t fade. “Ha ha, very funny. Now sit tight, Dee Dee. Doctor Kenny’s on the case.”

From the corner of the room, the receptionist peeked in and smiled to herself. Everyone in the clinic knew Kenny was a dedicated worker, but it was no secret he had an especially soft spot for his best friend.

... His best friend who happened to be his girlfriend.