Dawn moaned as Kenny placed a cool hand on her forehead. " Dee Dee you're burning up." He said, his voice laced with concern.

Dawn groaned as she picked herself out of bed and swung her feet over the bed

" Woah woah woah what do you think you're doing?!" Kenny yelped as he sat on the edge of their bed.

" I have to get up, Kenny." She tried to stand, but her stomach punched her skin and she groaned.

Kenny stood up, grabbing Dawn's shoulders and pushing her in the bed, sitting down on the edge of it. " Let's make one thing clear Dee Dee. There's no way I'm gonna let you out of this bed, at least until you feel better. Understand?"

Dawn put her hands up. " No need to worry! I'll stay here!"

Kenny gave her a look. " Mhm."

He helped her lie down on the bed and wrapped the blanket around her snugly.

“ Now listen, Dee Dee. I expect you to stay here in bed and rest. Do you understand?”

Dawn laughed nervously. " Don't worry I'll rest!"

Kenny's eyes softened and he leaned down and planted a kiss on her forehead. " Night Dee Dee."

Dawn groaned sleepily. " It's DAWN."

"Dee Dee? Wake up, Dee," Kenny’s voice came through softly, laced with concern. Dawn groaned and tried to roll over, but her body felt heavy and uncooperative. She squinted up at Kenny, who was hovering over her with a bowl of soup in one hand and a worried expression on his face.

“Ugh,” Dawn moaned, her voice raspy. “What time is it?”

“Late,” Kenny admitted, setting the soup down on the nightstand. “But you slept most of the day, so I figured you should eat something. Here, sit up.”

Before she could protest, Kenny slid an arm under her shoulders, propping her up against the pillows. Dawn winced but allowed it, too tired to argue. She eyed the soup suspiciously.

“Did you make that?”

Kenny gave her a mock-offended look. “Hey, I’ll have you know I’m a master chef.”

“Yeah, sure,” Dawn muttered, though her lips quirked up in a faint smile.

“Come on, try it,” Kenny urged, picking up the bowl and holding it out to her. “It’s just broth—nothing too fancy. Even you can’t complain about that.”

Dawn took a hesitant sip, and her eyes widened slightly. “Huh. Not bad.”

“Not bad?” Kenny grinned. “That’s practically a five-star review coming from you.”

“Don’t get cocky,” she mumbled, but the warmth of the soup was soothing, and she found herself relaxing a little.

Kenny watched her for a moment before reaching out to brush a strand of hair out of her face. “You really scared me, Dee Dee. You were burning up earlier.”

“I told you,” she said, her voice softer now. “I’m fine. It’s just a fever.”

“Yeah, well, I’m not taking any chances,” Kenny replied firmly. “You’re staying in bed, and I’m taking care of you. No arguments.”

Dawn sighed, sinking back against the pillows. “Fine. But only because I don’t have the energy to fight you.”

Kenny smirked. “That’s what I thought.”

For a while, they sat in comfortable silence, Kenny occasionally coaxing her to drink more of the soup. When she finally finished, he set the empty bowl aside and tucked the blankets around her again.

“You’re really playing the nursemaid role, huh?” Dawn teased, her voice tinged with amusement.

“Someone’s gotta keep you in line,” Kenny shot back, leaning over to check her forehead. “Still a little warm, but better than before.”

Dawn’s eyes fluttered shut, exhaustion pulling at her. “Thanks, Kenny,” she murmured, her words slurred. “You’re not as annoying as I thought.”

Kenny chuckled, his expression softening. “High praise, coming from you.”

As Dawn drifted off to sleep, Kenny stayed by her side, watching over her. He brushed a hand lightly over her hair and whispered, “Night, Dee Dee. Feel better soon.”

For once, Dawn didn’t correct him.

When Dawn woke up, the first thing she noticed was the pounding in her head. It felt like a Snorlax had been dancing on her skull all night. Her throat was raw, her body was aching, and she felt like someone had stuffed her sinuses with cotton. She groaned softly and tried to roll over, hoping to go unnoticed.

But Kenny, sitting in a chair beside the bed with a book in hand, immediately looked up. His sharp brown eyes narrowed as he took in her pale face and the sheen of sweat on her forehead.

“Don’t even try it, Dee Dee,” he said, setting the book down.

“Try what?” Dawn croaked, her voice barely above a whisper. She forced a weak smile. “I’m fine.”

Kenny snorted, standing up and crossing his arms. “Fine? You look like you lost a fight with a Gyarados.”

Dawn groaned and turned her face into the pillow. “Gee, thanks for the vote of confidence, Kenny.”

“I’m serious,” Kenny said, stepping closer and sitting down on the edge of the bed. He placed a cool hand on her forehead, his brows knitting together. “You feel worse, don’t you?”

“No,” Dawn lied quickly, swatting weakly at his hand. “I’m totally fine. No need to worry!”

Kenny gave her a flat look. “Dee Dee, you’ve got the subtlety of a Loudred. You’re clearly worse, and lying about it isn’t helping anyone.”

Dawn sighed, slumping back against the pillows. “I just didn’t want to stress you out. You’ve already been doing so much, Kenny.”

“Seriously? You’re worried about me?” Kenny shook his head, exasperated. “Dawn, I’m not the one who’s sick as a Grimer. You don’t have to tough it out for my sake, okay? Let me take care of you.”

Dawn blinked up at him, surprised by the intensity in his voice. “Kenny, I…”

“No,” he interrupted, holding up a finger. “No arguments. No ‘I’m fine.’ No sneaking out of bed. You’re staying right here, and you’re letting me handle things.”

Dawn huffed, crossing her arms. “You’re bossy, you know that?”

“Yeah, well, someone’s gotta keep you in line,” Kenny shot back, smirking.

Despite herself, Dawn smiled faintly. “Thanks, Kenny.”

“Don’t thank me yet,” Kenny said, standing up. “I’m making tea, and it might taste terrible.”

She laughed softly, her voice still hoarse. “Great. Something to look forward to.”

Kenny grinned as he headed to the kitchen. “Stay put, Dee Dee. I’ll be right back.”

Kenny walked back into the room carrying a tray with a steaming mug of tea, a thermometer, and what looked like a damp cloth. He kicked the door shut with his foot and set the tray down on the nightstand, looking way too pleased with himself.

“Alright, Dee Dee,” he said, grinning that familiar, mischievous grin that made Dawn want to smack him even when she didn’t have the energy. “Tea, thermometer, and the Kenny Special Care Package, all ready to go.”

Dawn raised an eyebrow, her voice hoarse. “The what now?”

“The Kenny Special Care Package.” He held up the damp cloth dramatically, like it was a trophy. “Designed by yours truly. You’re welcome.”

She groaned, flopping back into the pillows. “Kenny, please. I’m too sick for this.”

“Exactly why you need me,” Kenny replied, leaning over and pressing the back of his hand to her forehead. His smug grin faded slightly. “Yep, still burning up. I knew it.”

Dawn tried to wave him off. “I’m fine—”

“Nope! Don’t even start,” Kenny said, wagging a finger at her like she was a disobedient Piplup. “I told you, Dee Dee, no sneaking around or pretending you’re okay when you’re clearly not. I’m in charge now, and you’re gonna do exactly what I say.”

She narrowed her eyes at him. “You’re really enjoying this, aren’t you?”

He smirked. “Maybe a little.” Then, before she could respond, he popped the thermometer into her mouth. “Hold that under your tongue and don’t talk. Not that you could say anything to win this argument, anyway.”

Dawn shot him a glare but didn’t spit the thermometer out, mostly because she didn’t have the energy. Kenny crossed his arms and gave her the most insufferable look of triumph she’d ever seen.

“See? Life’s easier when you listen to me.”

“Mmph,” Dawn mumbled around the thermometer, rolling her eyes.

When it beeped, Kenny took it out and frowned. “101.5. Yeah, you’re not going anywhere.”

“I wasn’t planning to,” Dawn muttered, slumping back into the pillows.

“Good, because even if you tried, I’d Piplup-proof the door,” Kenny said, grabbing the damp cloth and placing it gently on her forehead.

She blinked up at him, surprised by the sudden tenderness. “You’re really serious about this, huh?”

“Of course I am,” Kenny said, sitting back with a shrug. “What kind of guy would I be if I didn’t take care of you? Besides,” he added with a cheeky grin, “you’d do the same for me, wouldn’t you?”

Dawn huffed, though her lips twitched upward. “Maybe.”

“Maybe?” Kenny laughed. “Oh, come on. Admit it, Dee Dee. You’d be just as bossy with me.”

She snorted softly. “Fine. I would. Happy?”

“Very,” Kenny replied, leaning back in his chair with a satisfied smile. “Now drink your tea before it gets cold, and don’t even think about trying to do anything else. Nurse Kenny’s got this covered.”

Dawn sipped the tea, feeling both annoyed and oddly comforted. As much as she hated to admit it, Kenny’s relentless determination to take care of her was exactly what she needed.

Dawn finished the last sip of her tea and handed the empty mug to Kenny, who promptly set it on the nightstand with a soft clink. She leaned back into the pillows, her head feeling heavy but slightly clearer after the warm drink.

Kenny turned back to her, giving her one of his easy grins. “Feeling a little better, Dee Dee?”

“A little,” she admitted, her voice still raspy but calmer now. She glanced at him, noticing how he was still hovering nearby. “What? Afraid I’m gonna make a run for it?”

Kenny smirked, pulling up a chair beside the bed. “Maybe. Gotta keep my eye on you.”

Dawn rolled her eyes but couldn’t suppress a small smile. “You’re so dramatic.”

“Me? Dramatic?” he said, placing a hand on his chest in mock offense. “Says the girl who once screamed because a Bidoof looked at her funny.”

“It had weird eyes!” she shot back, trying to sound indignant but failing as a laugh escaped her.

“Yeah, yeah,” Kenny teased. “Just admit it—you’d be lost without me.”

Dawn groaned and lay back again, closing her eyes. “You’re impossible.”

Kenny chuckled but didn’t respond. Instead, he stood up, brushing his hands on his pants like he’d made a decision. Before Dawn could ask what he was doing, he kicked off his shoes and climbed onto the bed next to her, lying down carefully so as not to jostle her.

“Kenny, what are you doing?” she asked, opening her eyes to look at him.

“Making sure you stay put,” he replied, folding his arms behind his head like it was the most natural thing in the world. “Also, I’m tired. Taking care of you is hard work, Dee Dee.”

Dawn frowned, unsure how to respond. “I don’t need a babysitter, you know.”

“Yeah, but you’ve got one anyway,” Kenny said with a smirk. He shifted onto his side, resting his head on his hand, and glanced at her. “Come on, get some rest. Doctor’s orders.”

She stared at him for a moment, then sighed, her tiredness outweighing her protests. Without thinking, she scooted closer and wrapped her arms around his arm, holding it lightly.

Kenny blinked, clearly surprised, but he didn’t pull away. Instead, he relaxed, his expression softening as he let her cling to him. “Comfortable?” he asked, his tone teasing but quieter now.

“Don’t push your luck,” Dawn muttered, closing her eyes and pressing her cheek against his shoulder.

Kenny smiled to himself, his free hand resting on the blanket near hers. “Alright, alright. Night, Dee Dee.”

“It’s still Dawn,” she mumbled sleepily, but her voice lacked its usual bite.

“Sure it is,” Kenny whispered, watching her drift off. Despite his teasing, his gaze lingered on her face, a mix of fondness and worry still etched into his features.

And for the rest of the night, he stayed right there, letting her hold on to him as she slept.

Kenny woke to the sound of ragged coughing, sharp and wet, cutting through the quiet. His eyes shot open, and he sat up quickly, the blanket slipping off him.

“Dawn?” he said, his voice groggy but quickly sharpening with concern. He turned to see her sitting up in bed, one hand clutching her chest, the other pressed to her mouth.

“Kenny…” she croaked, barely able to get his name out before another fit of coughing wracked her body.

“Whoa, whoa, hold on!” Kenny scrambled closer, reaching out to steady her. His heart sank when he saw the faint streaks of red on her hand when she pulled it away from her lips. “Dawn, what the—what happened?!”

She shook her head weakly, tears welling in her eyes from the force of her coughing. “I-I don’t know,” she whispered hoarsely, her voice barely audible.

Kenny’s mind raced as panic set in, but he forced himself to stay calm. “Alright, okay,” he said, grabbing a tissue from the nightstand and handing it to her. “Here, use this. And just—just breathe, okay? Slow breaths.”

Dawn took the tissue with trembling hands, trying to stifle the coughing fit. Kenny placed a hand on her back, rubbing gently in an attempt to soothe her.

“Why didn’t you tell me you were feeling worse?” he asked, his voice wavering between frustration and fear.

“I didn’t want to—” She broke off, coughing again, her body trembling. “I didn’t want to bother you…”

“Bother me?!” Kenny’s voice rose, and he immediately regretted it when he saw her flinch. He softened his tone, leaning closer. “Dawn, you could never bother me. You’re coughing up blood, for Arceus’ sake. This isn’t something to hide!”

She looked down, guilt flickering in her tired eyes. “I-I didn’t think it was that bad…”

Kenny ran a hand through his hair, trying to steady himself. “Okay, forget that. We’re going to the Pokémon Center right now. No arguments.”

“Kenny, I don’t—”

“Nope!” he cut her off, standing up and grabbing her jacket from the chair. “Don’t even think about saying no. You’re going. End of discussion.”

Before she could protest further, he carefully helped her out of bed, wrapping the jacket around her shoulders and supporting her as she stood. Dawn leaned heavily on him, her legs shaky, and Kenny’s heart clenched at how fragile she seemed.

“You’re stubborn, you know that?” she muttered weakly, managing a faint smile despite everything.

“Look who’s talking,” Kenny shot back, his voice softer now as he looked at her. “Come on, Dee Dee. Let’s get you some help.”

And with that, he guided her toward the door, his determination outweighing his fear. Dawn needed him, and nothing else mattered.

As Kenny pushed open the doors to the Pokémon Center, the familiar jingle of the bell above the entrance echoed through the quiet lobby. Nurse Joy, who had been standing behind the counter organizing supplies, immediately turned her head at the sound.

When she saw Kenny practically carrying Dawn, who looked pale and weak, she rushed out from behind the counter, her usual calm demeanor replaced with urgency.

“Oh my goodness, what happened to her?!” Nurse Joy exclaimed, hurrying to their side.

“I-I don’t know,” Kenny stammered, his voice laced with panic. “She woke up coughing—she’s been sick for a couple of days, but now she’s coughing up blood. I don’t know what’s wrong, but she needs help. Please, you’ve got to do something!”

“Alright, let’s get her checked out immediately,” Nurse Joy said, her tone professional but kind. She motioned for him to follow her to a private examination room.

Kenny helped Dawn onto the medical bed, where she slumped back, her breathing shallow. Nurse Joy immediately began her examination, her Chansey bringing over a tray of medical tools.

“Dawn,” Nurse Joy said gently, placing a hand on her shoulder. “Can you tell me how you’re feeling? Any other symptoms besides the coughing?”

Dawn’s voice was barely above a whisper. “Tired… my chest hurts… I feel… dizzy…”

“She had a fever yesterday,” Kenny interjected, pacing anxiously beside the bed. “I tried to make her rest, but she kept saying she was fine. I didn’t realize it was this bad…”

Nurse Joy nodded, her expression serious but reassuring. “You did the right thing bringing her here. We’ll take care of her.”

Kenny stopped pacing, his hands clenching into fists. “Is she going to be okay? What’s wrong with her?”

“I won’t know for sure until I run some tests,” Nurse Joy replied, glancing at him with calm but focused eyes. “It could be a respiratory infection or something more severe. I’ll need to do a scan and check her oxygen levels.”

Kenny felt like the room was spinning. “A respiratory infection? Severe? Is she—”

“Kenny,” Nurse Joy interrupted gently but firmly, placing a hand on his arm. “I promise we’ll do everything we can. But you need to stay calm for her, okay?”

He nodded, swallowing hard and taking a shaky breath. “Okay. Just—please, help her.”

Nurse Joy smiled softly, already moving with practiced efficiency. “Of course. Chansey, let’s get started.”

As Nurse Joy worked, Kenny moved to the side of the bed, taking Dawn’s hand in his. She gave him a weak smile, her fingers barely squeezing his.

“See?” she murmured. “Told you… no need to worry…”

“Don’t even start, Dee Dee,” Kenny whispered, his voice thick with emotion. “You scared me half to death. You’re not allowed to do that again, okay?”

Dawn’s eyes fluttered shut, but not before she whispered faintly, “No promises…”

Kenny sat by her side, holding her hand tightly, refusing to leave as Nurse Joy and Chansey worked to help her.