Dawn hesitated but finally sat up, her heart still racing. "Fine. But if you mess up, Kenny, I swear—"

Kenny held up a hand, grinning. "Relax, Dee Dee. I’m a professional. Trust me."

She huffed. "That’s what worries me."

Ignoring her sarcasm, Kenny pulled on a pair of gloves with a confident snap. "Alright, let’s start simple. Look at me." His tone softened as he cupped her chin gently, angling her face toward the light. "Don’t blink if you can help it."

He flicked on the flashlight and brought it close to her eyes, carefully observing her pupils. "Good... Pupils are reactive. No signs of irritation." He shifted the light to her other eye. "Perfect."

Dawn squirmed. "Can you not blind me while you're at it?"

Kenny chuckled. "Consider it payback for all the times you called me annoying." He released her chin and switched off the light. "Now let's check those ears."

Dawn cringed. "Ugh, I hate this part."

Kenny gave her a reassuring smile. "I promise I won't find a spider in there." He grabbed the otoscope, gently tilting her head to the side. "Stay still, Dee Dee."

Dawn clenched her fists but remained obedient as he examined her ear canal. "Looks good. No wax buildup, no redness." He moved to the other ear. "Same here. You're doing great."

She muttered, "I deserve an award for surviving this."

Kenny laughed. "I'll make you a 'Most Cooperative Patient' certificate later."

Dawn rolled her eyes but smiled faintly. "Yeah, right."

"Alright, say 'ahhh.'" Kenny held up a tongue depressor.

"No way," Dawn said, leaning back.

"Come on, Dee Dee. It's part of the check-up."

"Can't you skip it?"

"Nope. Doctor's orders." He gave her a playful wink. "I'll make it quick, promise."

Reluctantly, Dawn opened her mouth. "Ahhh..."

Kenny carefully pressed down her tongue and peered inside. "Throat’s a little red. Probably from that cold you had last week." He tossed the depressor in the trash and made a mental note. "Okay, now for the fun part—listening to your lungs."

Dawn arched a brow. "Fun? You have a weird definition of fun, Kenny."

"Doctor humor," he said with a grin, slipping the stethoscope around his neck. "Lift your shirt a little so I can get a good listen."

Her cheeks turned pink. "Do you have to say it like that?"

Kenny laughed, his ears turning slightly red too. "Sorry, nurse mode activated. Just take a deep breath for me."

Dawn reluctantly pulled up her pajama top just enough to expose her ribcage. Kenny placed the cold stethoscope against her skin, and she flinched.

"Cold, huh?" he said apologetically. "Deep breath, Dee Dee. In... and out."

Dawn complied, her breaths steady despite the awkwardness. Kenny moved the stethoscope to different areas, listening carefully. "Lungs sound clear. Heartbeat's steady. No issues there."

"See? I'm perfectly fine," Dawn said triumphantly.

Kenny smirked. "Not so fast. We're not done yet."

She groaned. "Seriously?"

"Seriously." He reached into his bag for a reflex hammer. "Time to check those reflexes."

Dawn's eyes narrowed. "If you hit me too hard, I'm kicking you."

Kenny laughed. "Fair enough." He tapped her knee gently, watching for the expected jerk. "Good reflexes. See? No need to kick me."

"Yet," Dawn muttered.

Kenny grinned and set the hammer down. "Last thing—stomach check."

Dawn's face paled. "Wait, what?"

"Relax," he assured her. "I'm just gonna feel around to make sure there's no tenderness or swelling."

She crossed her arms. "I don't like this."

Kenny gave her a sympathetic smile. "I know. But I'll be gentle, okay?"

After a moment of hesitation, Dawn nodded. "Fine. Just get it over with."

Kenny guided her to lie back on the bed and gently pressed his fingers against different areas of her abdomen. "Tell me if anything hurts."

Dawn tensed but remained quiet. "It's fine... I guess."

"Good," Kenny said, finishing the palpation. "All done."

Dawn sat up, relief washing over her. "Finally."

Kenny pulled off his gloves and smiled. "You did great, Dee Dee. I'm proud of you."

Dawn rubbed her arm. "Yeah, yeah. But you're not doing that again anytime soon, got it?"

"Deal," Kenny said, holding up his hands in surrender. "Unless you get sick again."

Dawn sighed. "You're impossible."

"And you're my favorite patient," Kenny teased.

She rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her smile. "Whatever, sneaky doctor."

Dawn fidgeted, her nerves gnawing at her as Kenny snapped on his gloves with a loud, medical-sounding pop. She pulled her knees up to her chest, her lips pressing into a thin line. "Do we really have to do this, Kenny?"

Kenny gave her a reassuring smile. "Yup. And trust me, Dee Dee, it’s way better here than at the clinic. No long waits, no weird smells, just your friendly neighborhood doctor-boyfriend."

Dawn sighed, though a small smile tugged at her lips despite herself. "Fine. But if you mess up, I’m filing a complaint."

"To who?" Kenny grinned as he pulled a flashlight from his bag. "Your Parchurisu? Oh wait, she'd probably side with me."

Dawn huffed. "She wouldn't if she saw what you're about to do."

"Relax," Kenny said softly, his tone turning more professional. He gently cupped her chin with one hand, tilting her face toward him. "Okay, Dee Dee, look right at me."

Dawn’s stomach twisted as the bright beam of the flashlight flickered on. She squinted instinctively.

"Sorry, I know it's bright," Kenny said, his voice soothing. "But I gotta check your pupils. Just keep looking at me."

Dawn swallowed hard, her heartbeat drumming in her chest. Despite her nerves, she forced herself to focus on Kenny's warm, steady gaze.

"Good girl," he murmured as he shifted the light, checking her other eye. "Pupils are reactive—good sign." He flicked the light off and reached for his otoscope.

Dawn stiffened. "What's that?"

"Just checking your ears, Dee Dee," Kenny reassured her. "No alien invasions, I promise."

Despite the joke, Dawn couldn't shake the unease bubbling in her chest. Kenny noticed and gave her a soft smile. "Hey, it's just me. You trust me, right?"

Dawn hesitated but nodded. "Yeah... I guess."

"Then you're in good hands." He gently angled her head and peered into her ear. "Hmm... clean as a whistle."

Dawn wrinkled her nose. "I do clean my ears, you know."

Kenny chuckled. "I see that. Now let's check the other side." He repeated the process, humming in approval. "Perfect. Now say 'ahhh' for me."

Dawn flushed. "Seriously?"

"Yup. Gotta check your throat, Dee Dee."

She sighed dramatically but opened her mouth. Kenny inserted a tongue depressor, peering inside. "Looks a little red, but nothing major. You're not sick—just sassy."

Dawn glared at him as he pulled the depressor out. "Funny."

"Hey, humor's part of the treatment," Kenny teased. He set the depressor aside and pulled out his stethoscope. "Now for your lungs and heart. Deep breath, Dee Dee."

Dawn's nerves spiked again as the cold metal disc pressed against her chest. She winced. "Ugh, Kenny, that's freezing!"

"Sorry, should've warmed it up." He rubbed it briefly on his hand before pressing it back down. "Better?"

"Still cold," Dawn muttered.

"Well, you're tough, so you'll survive," Kenny quipped. "Now deep breath."

Dawn obeyed, breathing in and out as Kenny moved the stethoscope around her chest and back. "Lungs sound clear. Heart's steady, though it's racing a little."

"Gee, I wonder why," Dawn grumbled.

Kenny grinned as he removed the stethoscope. "Probably because you're thinking about how handsome your doctor is."

She rolled her eyes. "Yeah, that's it."

He tapped her nose playfully. "Okay, last part—stomach check."

Dawn's eyes widened in alarm. "What? No! That's weird!"

"It's not weird, Dee Dee. It's part of the exam."

"No way, Kenny!"

He gave her a patient look. "I promise I'll be gentle. It's just to check for any soreness."

Dawn bit her lip, clearly nervous, but Kenny's steady gaze reassured her. "Okay... but if you tickle me, I swear I'll yeet you across the room."

Kenny laughed. "Fair deal."

He guided her to lie back on the bed, his hands warm and gentle as he palpated her abdomen. "Any pain here?"

"No..."

"Here?"

"Nope."

"Good. See? Not so bad, right?"

Dawn let out a breath. "I guess not."

Kenny grinned, sitting up and pulling off his gloves. "And that's a wrap! You survived Dr. Kenny's House Call."

Dawn sat up, a bit flushed but more at ease. "You're lucky you're cute, or I'd never let you do that again."

"Noted," Kenny said with a wink. "Now, how about I make you some pancakes as a reward for being such a brave patient?"

Dawn's eyes lit up. "Now you're speaking my language."

"Thought so," Kenny chuckled, grabbing her hand and leading her toward the kitchen. "But remember—I'm still the boss when it comes to your health."

Dawn smirked. "We'll see about that."

Dawn sighed, trying to shake off the nerves tightening her chest. Kenny was being sweet—annoyingly sweet—but the thought of a check-up, even from him, still made her jittery.

“Okay, Dee Dee,” Kenny said softly, his voice calming. He flicked on the flashlight and gently cupped her chin with his gloved hand. “Look at me. I’m just checking your pupils, nothing scary.”

Dawn hesitated but obeyed, her blue eyes flickering nervously. The warm light moved across her vision, and she fought the urge to flinch.

“Good girl,” Kenny praised, his voice low and encouraging. “Pupils are reactive—perfect as always.”

Dawn muttered under her breath. “I bet you say that to all your patients.”

“Only the pretty ones,” Kenny teased, earning a faint blush from her.

He chuckled, setting the flashlight aside and pulling an otoscope from his bag. “Okay, now your ears. Lean toward me.”

Dawn nervously shifted closer, her shoulder brushing against his. Kenny gently tilted her head and examined one ear, then the other.

“Looks good. No wax buildup,” he declared cheerfully.

“Great. I’m so proud,” Dawn deadpanned.

“Hey, clean ears are a big deal!” Kenny grinned, ignoring her sarcasm. “Now say ‘ahhh.’”

Dawn reluctantly opened her mouth, and Kenny examined her throat with the flashlight.

“Throat’s a little red, but nothing alarming. Probably just from talking too much,” he joked.

Dawn scowled. “I do NOT talk too much.”

“Sure you don’t,” Kenny said playfully, moving on. “Nose next.”

He gently lifted her chin, inspecting her nostrils with the light. “Clear as a summer day. Now breathe in through your nose… good… and out.”

“Does this mean I’m cured of being human?” Dawn asked dryly.

Kenny laughed. “Not quite. But you’re close.”

Next came the stethoscope. Kenny’s expression turned serious as he pressed the cold metal to her chest. “Sorry—it’s a bit chilly. Breathe normally for me.”

Dawn shivered but complied, her breaths shaky. Kenny listened carefully, moving the stethoscope across her chest and back.

“Lungs sound great. Heart’s a little fast, but I think that’s just from you being nervous.” He glanced at her reassuringly. “You’re doing great, Dee Dee.”

Dawn bit her lip. “I hate this.”

“I know,” Kenny said gently. “But I’m proud of you for sticking with it.”

He slid the stethoscope off and set it aside. “Now, I need to check your tummy. Is that okay?”

Dawn froze. “W-What? Why?”

“Just a quick palpation to make sure everything feels right. I promise to be gentle.” Kenny’s tone was soft and reassuring.

Reluctantly, Dawn nodded. “Fine… but if you mess this up, I’m kicking you out.”

Kenny grinned. “Fair deal.”

He guided her to lie back against the pillows, his gloved hands warm against her skin as he palpated her abdomen. Dawn tensed instinctively.

“Relax, Dee Dee,” Kenny coaxed. “I’m not gonna tickle you, promise.”

Easier said than done. Dawn's muscles were tight with anxiety, but Kenny kept his movements gentle and patient.

“Everything feels normal,” he declared after a thorough check. “No signs of pain or anything weird.”

Dawn let out a breath she didn’t realize she was holding. “Thank Arceus that’s over.”

Kenny chuckled and sat back, pulling off his gloves. “See? Not so bad, right?”

Dawn sat up and immediately leaned against his chest, burying her face in his shirt. “I hate clinics. But you… you made it okay.”

Kenny wrapped an arm around her, holding her close. “Told you I’d take care of you, Dee Dee.”

“You’re still sneaky,” she mumbled against him.

“Only when it’s for your own good,” he said with a grin. “Now… want a reward for being such a brave patient?”

Dawn looked up at him skeptically. “Like what?”

“How about some of my famous soup?” Kenny offered with a wink. “Doctor’s orders.”

Dawn smiled faintly. “Fine. But only because you’re not the worst doctor ever.”

“I’ll take it,” Kenny said triumphantly, helping her off the bed. “Come on, Dee Dee. Let’s celebrate surviving your check-up with some soup and maybe a few more fun medical facts.”

Dawn groaned. “You never quit, do you?”

“Never,” Kenny said proudly, leading her to the kitchen. “Relentless in the name of love and health, remember?”

Dawn groaned as she sat up, clutching the blanket tightly. “Fine, but this better not take long, Kenny.”

Kenny chuckled as he snapped his gloves on. “Don’t worry, Dee Dee. I’ll be quick and painless. Well, mostly painless.”

“Mostly?” Dawn shot him a glare.

He ignored her with a cheeky grin and took out his flashlight. Sitting cross-legged on the bed, he gently reached over, cupping her chin with one hand. “Okay, Dee Dee, look at me. Nice and easy.”

Dawn hesitated, but the gentle tone in his voice made her relax slightly. She sighed and met his gaze.

“Good girl,” Kenny murmured as he flicked the flashlight on and held it up to her eyes. “Let’s check those pretty blues. Keep looking at me.”

Dawn swallowed hard as the bright light swept across her pupils. “Is this necessary?”

“Absolutely,” Kenny replied. “You wouldn’t want me to miss something important, would you?”

She mumbled something incoherent, but Kenny just smiled, moving on to her ears. He set the flashlight down and grabbed his otoscope, tilting her head gently to the side.

“Let’s see… No wax monsters hiding in there. Good.”

“Kenny, please,” Dawn muttered, her cheeks tinting pink.

“Relax, Dee Dee,” he said, switching to the other ear. “Perfect. No issues there.”

Next, he grabbed a tongue depressor and held it up with a playful smile. “Say ‘ahh,’ Dee Dee.”

Dawn crossed her arms. “Do I have to?”

“Yes, you do. Come on, you’ve survived worse.”

Reluctantly, Dawn opened her mouth. Kenny gently pressed the tongue depressor down and peered inside, his flashlight back in hand. “Good… No swelling, no redness. Looks like you’ve been brushing, so no cavities. Gold star for you!”

Dawn rolled her eyes as he finally let her close her mouth. “Are we done yet?”

“Not even close,” Kenny teased, pulling out his stethoscope. “Time for the lungs and heart. Lean back against me.”

“What?”

“You heard me,” he said, shifting closer and patting his chest. “It’ll help you relax. Trust me.”

Still nervous, Dawn hesitated but eventually leaned back against him. His warmth and steady heartbeat against her back were oddly comforting.

“Breathe in,” Kenny instructed, pressing the cool metal disc to her chest. “And out. Again. Good.”

He moved the stethoscope to her back, listening intently. “Breathe deep. That’s it. Everything sounds good.”

Dawn felt herself relax slightly, even as he gently pressed on her stomach next. “What’s that for?” she asked nervously.

“Just making sure everything feels normal,” he said, his touch gentle. “Tell me if anything hurts, okay?”

Dawn shook her head. “No, it’s fine…”

Kenny smiled and sat her upright again. “Alright, last check. The nose. Lean forward a bit.”

He grabbed his otoscope again and gently tilted her head. “Stay still, Dee Dee. Just checking for swelling or congestion.”

Dawn wrinkled her nose but let him proceed. “This feels weird.”

“Better weird than sick,” Kenny said, making quick work of it. “And… done!”

Dawn let out a relieved sigh and leaned back against his chest. “Finally.”

“See? Not so bad, right?” Kenny grinned as he removed his gloves and set his tools aside.

She closed her eyes and mumbled, “Still don’t like it.”

Kenny laughed softly, wrapping his arms around her. “You’re a tough cookie, Dee Dee. And guess what? You passed with flying colors.”

“Great,” she muttered, though the tiniest smile crept onto her lips. “Now let me go back to sleep.”

“Not yet,” Kenny teased. “You owe me breakfast for being such an awesome doctor.”

Dawn groaned but couldn’t help laughing. “Fine. But next time, warn me before you play doctor in my bedroom.”

Dawn's heart raced as Kenny adjusted the flashlight in his hand. Her lips pressed together tightly, nerves prickling under her skin. She wasn't used to being the center of a medical examination—especially not when Kenny, of all people, was the one conducting it. But here he was, cool as ever, snapping on gloves and smiling like he had just won a contest ribbon.

"Okay, Dee Dee," Kenny said in a soft, calming tone as he cupped her chin with a gloved hand. "Look right at me."

Dawn swallowed hard, her eyes flickering up to meet his warm gaze. The bright beam from the flashlight made her blink rapidly. Kenny's thumb gently pulled down her lower eyelid as he examined her pupils.

"Good. Keep looking at me... that's it," he murmured. "Pupils are responsive, no signs of redness. Now let's check your ears."

He switched off the flashlight and grabbed the otoscope from his bag. Dawn shifted nervously, her hands fidgeting with the edge of her blanket. Kenny noticed and leaned closer, his voice steady.

"Hey, Dee Dee, you're doing great. Just relax. Lean on me if you need to."

Her body tensed for a moment before she hesitantly leaned against his chest. The steady rhythm of his heartbeat was oddly soothing, grounding her in the moment.

"See? Not so bad," Kenny said with a grin. "Now hold still."

Dawn nodded, her cheek still pressed against his shoulder as he gently tilted her head to the side. The otoscope's cool tip brushed against her ear canal, but Kenny's steady hand kept it from being uncomfortable.

"Left ear's clear. Let's check the other side." He tilted her head the opposite way, repeating the process. "Right ear's good too. No wax buildup or infections."

Dawn let out a relieved breath. "That's a surprise. I was sure you'd find something wrong."

Kenny chuckled, setting the otoscope down. "Nah, Dee Dee, you're built to last."

She rolled her eyes. "Says the guy who pokes and prods people for a living."

"Speaking of which—open up," Kenny instructed, grabbing a tongue depressor.

Dawn sighed but complied, opening her mouth wide. "Aaaaaah."

Kenny examined her throat carefully. "Good. No redness or swelling. Say 'ah' again."

"Ahhhhh," she groaned, eyes watering from the awkward angle.

"Perfect. No inflamed tonsils. Gold star for you." He winked, discarding the depressor.

Next, Kenny placed the stethoscope around his neck. "Okay, Dee Dee, let's check your heart and lungs. Sit up straight."

Dawn obeyed, though she still leaned partially against him for comfort. He pressed the cold metal disc to her chest, making her flinch.

"Sorry," Kenny said sheepishly. "Deep breath in... and out."

Dawn inhaled deeply, exhaling slowly as he moved the stethoscope across her chest and back.

"Lungs are clear. Heart sounds strong and steady," Kenny confirmed, jotting notes on a small notepad. "You're in good shape."

Dawn's nervousness began to fade, though she stiffened when Kenny pressed his hand against her abdomen.

"Relax, Dee Dee. Just checking for any tenderness." He palpated her stomach gently. "Any pain here?"

"No..."

"Here?"

"No, but it tickles," she admitted with a giggle.

Kenny grinned. "I'll take that as a good sign." He finished the exam and leaned back, tugging off his gloves with a satisfying snap. "You're in tip-top shape, Dee Dee. I officially declare you fit to conquer the world."

Dawn sighed in relief, sinking into the pillows. "Thank Arceus that's over."

Kenny ruffled her hair playfully. "See? I told you it wouldn't be so bad. No clinic, no stress, and you got to lean on your amazing boyfriend."

She blushed but smirked. "Amazing is debatable."

"Harsh!" Kenny pretended to be offended. "But I'll take it. Now how about we celebrate with some hot tea? Doctor's orders."

Dawn's lips curled into a genuine smile. "Thanks, Kenny. You're not so bad... for a sneaky doctor."

He grinned, standing up. "I'll take that as a win."