Kenny sighed as he wrapped the blanket tighter around Dawn’s shoulders. She sat on the exam table, her legs swinging nervously as she avoided his gaze. Her cheeks were flushed from more than just the fever, and Kenny couldn’t help but shake his head as he adjusted his stethoscope.

“Dee Dee,” he said, his voice stern but not unkind, “what were you thinking coming out in the snow like that? You’re burning up!”

Dawn fiddled with the edge of the blanket, her voice barely above a whisper. “I just… I didn’t want you to miss lunch.”

Kenny’s hand froze as he reached for his thermometer. He blinked at her, his stern expression faltering for a moment. “Dawn…”

She peeked up at him, her big blue eyes watery. “You’ve been working so hard, Kenny. I didn’t want you to get hungry.”

Kenny felt his chest tighten. He sighed again, setting the thermometer down and crouching so they were at eye level. “Dawn, you’re the most important thing to me. More important than lunch, or work, or anything else. Don’t do something like this again, okay? You scared me.”

Dawn’s bottom lip trembled as she nodded. “Okay… I’m sorry.”

Kenny softened instantly. He reached out, gently wiping away a tear that had slipped down her cheek. “It’s okay, Dee Dee. I’m not mad. I just don’t want you getting hurt.”

Dawn nodded again, sniffling as she gave him a small smile. “You’re too nice to me, Kenny.”

He grinned slightly, standing back up. “Of course I am. You’re my girlfriend. It’s my job to take care of you.”

Dawn’s cheeks turned redder, but she giggled. “You’re so... well...”

“Yeah, yeah,” Kenny muttered, though he couldn’t hide the smile tugging at his lips. He grabbed the thermometer and gently slid it under her tongue. “Alright, no more distractions. Let’s see how bad this fever is.”

Dawn sat quietly as the thermometer beeped. Kenny pulled it out and frowned. “101.4. Definitely a fever.”

Dawn winced. “That bad?”

Kenny shrugged. “Could be worse. But you’re not going anywhere until we get it down.” He grabbed a damp washcloth and gently pressed it to her forehead. “This’ll help for now.”

Dawn sighed contentedly under his care. “You’re really good at this, Kenny.”

He smirked. “Of course I am. I’ve got to be. You’re my most stubborn patient.”

“Hey!” Dawn protested, but her giggle betrayed her amusement.

Kenny chuckled softly, adjusting the blanket around her again. “Rest for a bit, okay? I’ll call Mom to pick you up once the snow lets up.”

Dawn pouted. “Can’t I just stay with you?”

Kenny paused, his cheeks turning slightly pink. He rubbed the back of his neck. “W-Well, I guess… if the snow doesn’t stop soon…”

Dawn’s smile widened as she leaned against his arm. “You’re the best boyfriend ever, Kenny.”

He tried to hide his blush, focusing on the clipboard in his hand. “Yeah, yeah. Don’t make me regret it, Dee Dee.”

She giggled again, resting her head on his shoulder. “I won’t. Promise.”