A/N: There might have been a request for a Deeks version of the dentist fic. And if there wasn't, here you go anyway.
Kensi rested her chin on the side of the bed, Deeks' hand loosely cupped in hers. The oral surgeon had finished the procedure about half an hour ago, but Deeks was still completely out.
They'd figured out in the last few years, after some trial and error, that Deeks handled more extensive dental work better under general anesthesia. The first few times Kensi had accompanied him, Deeks had been extremely anxious and barely made it through a normal cleaning. Even though it was no one's fault, Kensi had to resist the urge to punch something when Deeks had emerged pale and slightly shaky.
After that, they'd come up with their current plan which included Kensi being allowed in the room with Deeks and anesthesia when necessary. This was the first time Deeks had needed either of those accomodations in a few years and she was slightly worried that he hadn't woken up yet.
She glanced up at him, looking for any signs of distress. There was a small bulge in his right cheek from a piece of cotton and his mouth was a bit slack, but otherwise he seemed fine.
A few minutes later, his eyes fluttered open and he croaked out a raspy, "Hey."
"Hey baby, how do you feel?" Kensi asked, brushing her fingers through his hair. He didn't answer, but glanced around the room with a confused expression.
"Did we redecorate?" he asked, his voice a little slurred and slower than normal. Kensi felt a touch of alarm until she noticed the smirk he couldn't quite hide.
"You're an idiot," she told him lightly. He chuckled hoarsely at that and pushed himself up a few inches.
"Did I hurt anyone?" His tone was more serious now. He was clearly remembering the first time he'd needed a small filling and nearly taken out two hygienists and his dentist. Fortunately, they all had experience working with patients who had trauma and had brushed it off. It was always a concern for Deeks though.
"No, you were a model patient," she told him as he started to push himself into a sitting position. He settled against the pillow with a sigh, still holding onto her hand. She could feel the steady beat of his pulse against her skin, but his grip was tighter than normal. "Although, I might have to have a word with the dental assistant." Her words successfully distracted him.
"Why?"
"She kept giving you these looks and I'm pretty sure I saw her squeeze your arm at least once. Luckily for her, she's working with another patient now." Deeks smiled lazily, still vaguely loopy despite his jokes.
"So what you're telling me, is that even when I'm knocked out, the ladies still can't keep their hand off me," he said playfully. "I'm not surprised.
"Well, don't let it go to your head…oh wait, too late."
"It's very sexy that you were prepared to defend my honor," Deeks continued, grinning cheekily at her.
"Mm, unfortunately you're going to be out of commission for at least a couple days," Kensi told him with a smirk of her own.
"I don't need my teeth for what I have in mind." Kensi rolled her eyes at that and gently caressed his cheek. His beard was soft, ever so slightly grown out, but still not too long.
"Still not happening. Dr. Regan said you need to take it easy for at least a couple days. Plus, I think Hetty wouldn't be too happy if your recovery was delayed because we couldn't keep our pants on."
"Yeah, but she wouldn't be surprised," Deeks pointed out. Kensi noticed him wince; he tried to hide it, but she saw the tightening around his eyes.
"Are you in a lot of pain?" she asked softly. He shrugged and then closed his eyes tightly, letting out a harsh chuckle.
"Nothing that a handful of ibuprofen can't handle." Kensi gently started carding her fingers through his hair again, hoping it would provide some comfort. After a few minutes, some of the tension had eased from his face. Looking down at him, Kensi felt a sudden wave of affection.
"You did really good today, baby," she whispered. Deeks snorted and asked,
"You mean lying unconscious on a table?" His tone was self-deprecating, but Kensi shook her head, even though he couldn't see.
"Don't do that. I know it wasn't easy for you to come here and I'm incredibly proud of you," Kensi said seriously and after a moment he opened his eyes, his expression vaguely embarrassed. "I mean it."
He blushed, which was surprisingly adorable. Although Kensi didn't think he'd appreciate hearing that. Still looking unusually shy, he twined his fingers through hers, giving them a squeeze and noisily cleared his throat.
"Thanks for being here, Kensi. Even though everything turned out fine, it always makes feel a lot better when I know you're nearby," he murmured, his voice hoarse again. Kensi leaned down to kiss him quickly, careful to avoid the right side.
"Anytime." She brushed his lips again and repeated, "Anytime."
A/N: I know there were some dentist stories from earlier days, hopefully this doesn't mimic any of them too closely.
