Kenny shut the examination room door firmly behind them, his brows knitted with concern as he guided Dawn to sit on the green-striped table. She looked disheveled, her hair damp from melted snow and her cheeks flushed, whether from the cold or exhaustion he wasn’t sure.

"Dawn," he said, his voice gentle but firm, "you shouldn’t have been out there. What were you thinking?"

Dawn gave a sheepish smile, her breath still coming in uneven gasps. "I just… I didn’t want you to miss lunch."

Kenny sighed, shaking his head. "You’re unbelievable, Dee Dee."

He grabbed his stethoscope, slipping it around his neck as he pulled up a stool to sit in front of her. "Okay, no arguments. I’m checking you over."

Dawn blinked, startled. "Kenny, I’m fine—"

"You’re not fine," he interrupted, his tone serious. "You’re out of breath, you’re freezing, and you walked through a snowstorm. Now, sit still and let me do my job."

Dawn pouted but didn’t protest further as Kenny reached for her wrist. His fingers were warm and gentle as they wrapped around her pulse point, counting silently.

"Your heart rate’s elevated," he muttered, pulling the stethoscope from his neck. "Deep breaths for me."

Dawn sighed and complied, inhaling and exhaling as Kenny listened to her heart and lungs. His face was a mask of concentration, but there was a softness in his eyes as he worked.

"Your lungs sound a bit strained," he said, frowning slightly. "How long were you out there?"

Dawn hesitated. "Maybe… twenty minutes?"

Kenny groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Dawn, you could’ve gotten frostbite or worse."

"I bundled up!" she protested, though her voice was weak.

Kenny didn’t respond, instead grabbing the digital thermometer from the tray. He pressed it gently to her forehead and waited for the beep. When it sounded, he glanced at the reading and frowned deeper.

"99.8," he murmured. "Not a fever yet, but you’re definitely overworked. And look at your hands."

He took one of her hands in his, turning it over to reveal red, nearly raw skin. Dawn winced as he gently touched the irritated areas.

"Kenny, I’m fine, really," she said, trying to pull her hand back, but he held on firmly.

"Fine, huh?" he said, raising an eyebrow. "You’re lucky you didn’t get frostbite. You’re staying here until you’re warmed up and rested."

Dawn opened her mouth to argue, but the look in Kenny’s eyes silenced her. He wasn’t going to budge.

With a sigh, she slumped her shoulders. "Okay, Dr. Kenny."

His expression softened instantly, and a small smile tugged at his lips. "That’s more like it."

He grabbed a blanket from the supply cabinet and draped it over her shoulders before reaching for the warm packs.

"Hold these," he said, placing one in each of her hands.

Dawn glanced up at him, her blue eyes wide. "You’re being really nice to me."

Kenny chuckled softly, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. "I’m always nice to you, Dee Dee. Now sit tight, and don’t even think about leaving until I say so."

Dawn smiled faintly, feeling her cheeks heat up—not from the warm packs, but from the way Kenny’s gaze lingered on her for a moment before he stood.

Everyone knew Kenny had a soft spot for Dawn. And in moments like these, it was clear just how deep that spot ran.