" Get up." Someone said as they pulled Dawn's blanket off. Dawn turned.

Zoey.

" Zoey, I don't care what you say but nothing ANYONE does is gonna convince me to move." Dawn snapped, grabbing the blanket and pulling it on herself again.

" Even me?* Another voice asked.

Dawn didn't even bother to look.

The person sighed. " Oh Dawn...."

Dawn didn't even care.

Then she felt the mattress sink a little.

Then the bed moved.

Then the edge of the blanket was lifted, and someone scooted in.

Then two warm arms wrapped around Dawn and hugged her tight.

There, lying down next to her, was her Auburn haired prince.

Her one and only .

" What do you want?" Dawn muttered into his chest.

" To make sure that you get out of your depression."

Zoey nodded slightly to the boy, and he nodded.

" I'll see you outside, Dawn. Good luck, Kenny. You'll need it."

Kenny grinned. " Don't worry. I'm her boyfriend. I think I would know how to snap my Dee Dee out of a funk."

Zoey shrugged. " Your call."

As Zoey closed the door behind her, Kenny stayed silent, his arms still firmly wrapped around Dawn. He didn’t say a word, just held her close, letting her bury her face in his chest.

Dawn sighed, her voice muffled. “You didn’t have to come, you know. I’m fine.”

Kenny snorted softly, resting his chin on top of her head. “Yeah, sure, and I’m the Champion of Sinnoh.”

“Maybe you are,” Dawn muttered half-heartedly, clutching his shirt.

Kenny pulled back just enough to look down at her, his teal eyes searching hers. “Dawn,” he said softly, his voice steady but full of that familiar Kenny-knows-everything tone, “what’s really going on?”

Dawn looked away, her lips pressing into a thin line. “I told you. I’m fine.”

Kenny gently cupped her chin, turning her face back toward him. “No, you’re not. You’re my Dee Dee, and I know when something’s up. You’ve been holed up in here for days, barely talking to anyone. That’s not like you.”

Dawn tried to pull away, but Kenny didn’t let her. Instead, he shifted, lying fully beside her and pulling her even closer. His arms tightened around her, holding her securely against him.

“You’re not getting rid of me,” Kenny murmured, his voice warm and steady. “Not until you talk to me. You know I’ll wait as long as it takes.”

Dawn sighed, her resolve crumbling as she rested her head against his chest. She could hear the steady thump of his heartbeat, strong and calming, and it made her feel safe in a way she couldn’t explain.

“It’s… it’s stupid,” she whispered finally.

Kenny didn’t let her go. “Nothing that bothers you is stupid to me, Dee Dee. Come on, talk to me.”

Dawn hesitated, her fingers curling into the fabric of his shirt. “It’s just… everything feels so overwhelming lately. The contests, the traveling, the expectations… I feel like I can’t keep up. Like I’m letting everyone down.”

Kenny’s arms tightened around her, and his voice was softer now. “Dawn, you’re not letting anyone down. Least of all me. You’ve always been amazing, and you’re doing your best. That’s all anyone could ever ask for.”

Dawn shook her head. “But what if my best isn’t enough?”

Kenny let out a soft sigh, his hand moving to gently stroke her hair. “Your best is enough. It’s more than enough. You’re strong, talented, and stubborn as heck when you want to be. You’ve proven it time and time again.”

Dawn sniffled, her voice barely audible. “I don’t feel strong…”

Kenny pressed a gentle kiss to the top of her head. “That’s okay. You don’t have to feel strong all the time. That’s what I’m here for, Dee Dee. To remind you how incredible you are when you forget.”

For a moment, neither of them spoke. Dawn just lay there, listening to the steady rhythm of Kenny’s heartbeat, letting it ground her.

“You’re such an idiot,” she muttered eventually, though there was no heat in her words.

Kenny chuckled softly. “Yeah, but I’m your idiot.”

Dawn rolled her eyes, but a small smile tugged at her lips. “Thanks, Kenny.”

“Always,” he replied, his voice steady and sincere. “Now, how about we get some fresh air? Zoey’s probably pacing outside, wondering what’s taking so long.”

Dawn hesitated but nodded slowly. “Okay… but only if you don’t let go.”

Kenny grinned, sitting up while still holding her close. “Deal. You’re stuck with me, Dee Dee.”

Dawn couldn’t help but laugh softly, leaning into him as he helped her off the bed. She might not feel completely better yet, but with Kenny by her side, she knew she’d get there.