Dawn sat frozen, her hands trembling in Kenny’s warm grip. She couldn’t bring herself to look at him.

"But Kenny, what if it—what if it really hurts?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Kenny gave her hands a gentle squeeze, his tone soft yet reassuring. "Dee Dee, I’m not going to lie to you. It might sting a little, but it’s not going to be unbearable. I’ll be careful, I promise. You’ll feel so much better once it’s fixed."

Dawn finally peeked up at him, her wide blue eyes brimming with doubt. "You really think so?"

Kenny nodded, his auburn hair catching the light as he gave her his trademark warm smile. "I know so. You’ve got this, Dee Dee, and I’ll be here the whole time."

Reluctantly, she allowed herself to relax a little, leaning back into the pillows. Kenny pulled on a pair of gloves, his movements smooth and deliberate to avoid alarming her further.

"Alright," he said, adjusting the overhead lamp he’d dragged into the room. "Open up for me, Dee Dee."

Dawn hesitated, her lips pressing together tightly.

"Dawn," Kenny said, his tone patient but firm. "The sooner we start, the sooner it’ll be over. And if you need to stop, just squeeze my hand, okay?"

She stared at him for a moment, then gave a small nod. Slowly, she opened her mouth, her fingers gripping the blanket nervously.

"Good girl," Kenny said softly, peering into her mouth with a small mirror. "There it is. The tooth’s just a little out of place. Nothing we can’t handle."

Dawn whimpered as he brought a pair of dental pliers into view. "Kenny, are you sure you know what you’re doing?"

He chuckled, shooting her a playful look. "Dee Dee, who do you think patched you up after all those falls during contests? I’ve got this."

Still unconvinced, Dawn squeezed her eyes shut as Kenny gently adjusted her jaw to get a better angle.

"Okay, you’re going to feel a bit of pressure," he said calmly. "Just breathe for me. In… and out."

Dawn tried to focus on his soothing voice, her breaths shaky but steady. Then she felt it—a sharp, quick pinch followed by a dull ache.

"Ow!" she yelped, her hands flying to grab Kenny’s arm.

"Almost done," Kenny assured her, his voice steady as he worked quickly and precisely. "Just a little more, Dee Dee. You’re doing so well."

The seconds felt like hours, but finally, Kenny leaned back, setting the tools aside. "And… done! That wasn’t so bad, was it?"

Dawn opened her eyes cautiously, her hand still clutching his arm. "It… it’s over?"

"All over," Kenny confirmed, pulling off his gloves with a satisfied grin. "And look at that—your tooth’s back where it belongs."

Dawn ran her tongue over her teeth, wincing slightly but noticing the difference immediately. "Wow… you really did it."

"Told you I could," Kenny teased, ruffling her hair. "How’s it feel?"

"Better," she admitted, though her voice was still tinged with exhaustion. "But Kenny, next time… can we just go to an actual dentist?"

Kenny laughed, leaning in to press a comforting kiss to her forehead. "Deal. But only if you promise to tell me next time something’s wrong."

Dawn nodded, a small smile finally breaking through. "I promise."

"Good," Kenny said, packing up the tools. "Now, how about we celebrate with some pudding? Soft food only for a bit, Dee Dee."

Dawn giggled despite herself. "You always know how to make me feel better, Kenny."

"That’s what I’m here for," he said, offering her his hand. "Come on, pudding’s on me."

She took his hand, her heart lighter than it had been in days.