AN: this is part of a personal challenge/project filling all the prompts of past Kadam weeks, and posting one every day from March 28 to May 8th, 7 prompts per year 5 previous rounds (2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 last two managed by vcg73) the first week of May 2-8 will present to you the offering for the Kadam Week 2021 you can search for more on tumblr

This is the offering to Kadam Week 2017 prompt 3: dental misery

Adam woke up with a stabbing pain that was worse than anything he had in so long that it took him to surprise.

He woke up with tears of pain already forming at the corner of his eyes.

Unfortunately it was the night between friday and saturday, too late for getting an appointment with a dentist covered by his insurance.

He picked up a blanket and went to the couch curling up with a cold compress against his cheek trying to keep the painful sob down not wanting to disturb Kurt's sleep, they were both tired and had so much planned and to do.

Adam was miserable and tried to muffle his whimpers in a pillow.

He tried to remember whether they had painkillers he could have or if had to suffer at least through the night, but the pain was making it difficult even thinking.

He tried to just curl up and fall back asleep.

Adam turned and uncurled himself, he got to change the cold compress with a new one from the fridge wondering if maybe the cold spray from their dancing bag would help out.

On the fourth time he couldn't stay in a position Adam was desperate enough to put it on.

The relief was brief, despite the almost burning sting left behind after its use, at least the swelling seemed to have reduced a little.

Its smell was terrible, but tears for tears at least the pain radiating through his jaw was being helped a little.

Since he had already stood up and walked that far from the couch already, Adam stumbled into the kitchen and prepared himself a doctored tea. Adding in an empty teabag three cloves, ginger, cinnamon and a tad of turmeric just for good measure, with a generous amount of mint. To make the whole remedy more palatable once the tea brewed in his mug he added the raw natural honey to sweeten the deal.

It was in a moment like this that he was grateful to have been raised in the UK rather than the US despite being born in the latter.

There was no doubt in his mind that it would have been unlikely for him to ever be as close to his nana as he was. And she was the one responsible for having taught him many handy remedies like this one.

Now he simply had to hope it would be enough help.

Despite having been careful of not making too much noise as he had moved around, Adam found himself embraced by a pair of deceptively strong arms, as Kurt pressed himself against Adam's back

"Something wrong luv?"

Adam took diligent sips of his tea, shivering as the warmth started to settle his clenched stomach. "Toothache woke me up"

Kurt held him a little tighter and then moved one hand to card through Adam's hair

"I can smell the spicy tea, but did you get some painkillers?"

Adam shook his head "Not really sure we have them in the house and I'm in too much pain to judge exactly what and how to take it, and didn't want to wake you up…"

Kurt nuzzled his nose on the nape of Adam's neck leaving small kisses there as he continued his previous administrations

"Silly man, next time wake me up from the beginning, I was worried when I woke up and found your side cold and empty. I want to be here for you, for better or for worse, especially if you need me. That said we still have pain relievers in the house, they are in the back row on the top shelf of the medicine cabinet, let me go get one for you while you lay down hmm?"

Adam nodded and allowed Kurt's gentle hand to direct him toward their bedroom. Once in the bed Adam curled on himself and snuggled under the blanket shivering, indeed Kurt had been right and his side was rather cold.

Adam had barely the time of thinking about Kurt that he appeared on the door with a glass of water in his hand and the promised medication on the other.

As Adam took said medication Kurt walked around the bed to reach his side, sat and promptly snuggled under the blankets.

Once the glass was safely put on the bedside table, Adam snuggled closer and rested his head back on Kurt's chest, focusing on the gentle fingers carding through his hair, and on Kurt's voice singing softly in his ear.

Adam didn't even realise how long it took for him to fall asleep, but when he woke up it was morning and he was being held lovingly.

With Kurt still curled around him, Adam closed his eyes and basked in the pain free moment.

Useful end of the story notes:

- The tea Adam makes in the story is something I do use to keep the flares of pain due to inflammations down, and the mint in it is very much for flavour so this one was not a fib just well researched and actual granma's shared knowledge.

- All the spices mentioned have anti-inflammatory properties, they are not miracle workers but they do help a little and are usually better accepted by an upset stomach.

- Also if you do have dental pain and you are in a pinch (wetting a dried clove a little optional step but I find I prefer doing it) and then put it between your cheek and the gum next to where your aching tooth is it does give some relief as it's a natural local acting painkiller.