My Pretty Keeper (Joshler)

18

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"I just want you to know how I'm touched deep in my soul just being with you."

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(A/N: This chapter has NSFW content)

"Josh, do you think we could switch teeth before my appointment?"

A week later and life had settled back into its usual monotony after the arrival of Josh and Tyler's new house guest. Time went by quickly with nothing interesting to report each day... that is, until this morning when Tyler woke up and realized what day it was.

"And why would you want my teeth, huh?" Josh poked at his front teeth with his finger and smiled. "Biggest front teeth ever, if I do say so myself."

"Oh, shush. Your front teeth are perfect."

"As are yours."

"Yeah, but look at my bottom teeth." Tyler turned to face Josh and opened his mouth to show him, tapping one of his incisors with his finger. "See?"

"Still perfect." Josh smiled before leaning in and kissing his forehead. "You have a smile that lights up the room, baby doll."

Tyler couldn't help but blush at Josh's words, glancing away. "Silly goose..."

"Hey." Josh put his hands on Tyler's neck and nudged his chin with his thumb so they could make eye contact. "I love you, Tyler. Don't ever forget that. You'll do great today."

In about an hour, Tyler had an appointment at the dentist to get a few cavities filled after he had gone there a few weeks ago to find out why he had a toothache. It'd been years since he'd been to the dentist, mainly due to dental trauma as a child, and unfortunately... the results of years without regular cleanings or other dental work showed in his teeth.

Needless to say, Tyler hated the dentist... but he hated the nagging toothache even more. So, with Josh's promise of moral support, he was finally facing his fears and embarking on a newfound journey towards better dental health.

"I love you too, Joshua. I'm just... scared I guess."

Josh embraced Tyler, who immediately melted into the touch. "I know. It's okay to feel nervous or afraid, especially after all you've been through in the past. I'm here with you every step of the way. And don't forget this place specializes in patients with dental anxiety, so you'll be in good hands."

Tyler pulled back a little and looked at Josh with wide, uncertain eyes. "Promise?"

"Promise. I'll fight someone if I have to." Josh grinned.

He rolled his eyes and smiled. "Protective Jish."

"Ah, there's that beautiful smile of yours!" Josh gave Tyler another hug and a quick kiss on the cheek. "Let's finish getting ready so we can get going, Ty-Ty."

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"Okay, Tyler, are you ready for me to start the nitrous oxide?"

Tyler had been sitting in the dentist chair for ten minutes now and his anxiety was just as high as his heart rate was when they took his blood pressure a few minutes ago. Even with Josh sitting over in the corner and an earphone in his right ear playing their shared playlist, he still couldn't calm the racing thoughts and overwhelming feeling of dread...

Maybe a little bit of nitrous would do him some good.

"It won't hurt, will it?" Tyler asked as he watched the dental assistant set up the nasal cannula.

"Not at all. I'll start you off with just some oxygen. Once you're comfortable with that, I'll turn on the nitrous and adjust it, little by little, until you're more relaxed. Hopefully we can get that heart rate down." She smiled at him. "How's that sound?"