Kenny practically dragged Dawn into his examination room, his grip firm but gentle. He closed the door behind them, his face a mix of concern and frustration.

"Dawn, what were you thinking?" he asked, pulling out a chair for her. "Coming out in this weather? You’re soaked, freezing, and probably sick!"

Dawn sat down reluctantly, rubbing her arms. "I didn’t want you to skip lunch, Kenny. I know how you get when you’re hungry..."

Kenny sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Dee Dee, I appreciate it, I really do. But you should’ve stayed home. What if you’d gotten hurt? Or worse?"

Dawn didn’t reply, her gaze dropping to her lap.

Kenny softened, crouching in front of her. "Alright, no more scolding. Let’s just see how you’re doing, okay?"

Dawn nodded hesitantly, and Kenny got to work. He grabbed his stethoscope, gently placing it on her chest.

"Deep breaths for me," he instructed.

Dawn complied, inhaling and exhaling as Kenny listened carefully. His brows furrowed slightly, but he didn’t say anything yet.

Next, he took out a thermometer, shaking it before placing it under her tongue. "Hold this for a few seconds," he said.

While the thermometer did its job, Kenny grabbed her wrist, checking her pulse. His fingers were warm against her cold skin, and Dawn couldn’t help but blush slightly.

"Your hands are like ice," Kenny muttered. He wrapped his hands around hers, trying to warm them up.

The thermometer beeped, and Kenny pulled it out to check. His frown deepened. "101.4°F. Dawn, you’ve got a fever."

"I’m fine," Dawn said quickly, though her voice wavered.

Kenny shot her a look. "You’re not fine, Dawn. Your heartbeat’s a bit fast, and you’re shivering. You probably caught a cold from running around in the snow."

"I just wanted to make sure you were okay," Dawn mumbled.

Kenny sighed, setting his tools aside and sitting next to her. His serious expression softened into one of affection. "Dawn, I’ll always be okay as long as I know you’re safe. You didn’t have to risk getting sick for me."

Dawn looked up at him, her cheeks flushed—not entirely from the fever. "I didn’t want you to feel lonely, Kenny. You work so hard, and... I wanted to do something nice for you."

Kenny felt his heart melt at her words. He reached out, brushing a damp strand of hair from her face. "You’re too sweet, Dee Dee. But next time, just call me, okay? Your health is way more important than my lunch."

Dawn nodded slowly. "Okay."

"Good." Kenny stood, grabbing a blanket from a nearby cabinet and draping it over her shoulders. "Now, no arguments. You’re staying here until your fever goes down."

"But what about your patients?" Dawn protested.

Kenny smirked. "They can wait. You’re my priority right now."

Everyone in the clinic knew that Dr. Kenny was serious when it came to his work. But when it came to Dawn, he had a soft spot a mile wide.