Page 29 of Should the Sky Fall

The place is such a startling change from Cal’s meticulous apartment that he welcomes it. Plus, Kieran isn’t really that dirty, more like…untidy. Clothes strewn everywhere and all kinds of crap dotting every surface. The kitchen is spotless, though, probably because Kieran’s never cooked anything but water. From what Dawson’s seen, Kieran’s girlfriend doesn’t seem like the cooking type either, even if her nails could easily substitute a filet knife. Speaking of…

“Where’s Jess?” He really hopes Kieran’s told her Dawson would be staying over. He’d hate to witness her reaction in person.

“We broke up.”

“What? When?”

Kieran purses his lips, thinking. “About half an hour ago.”

Oh no. “Wait. Is it—”

“Nope,” Kieran doesn’t let him finish. “It’s because she’s a horrible, toxic person and I’m fed up with her shit.”

Accurate, but it can’t be a coincidence that they broke up today, just a while ago. And while Dawson is glad that his best friend can finally relax a little, he doesn’t want to be the reason why they broke up. He doesn’t need to add yet another thing to his growing pile ofThings that Dawson has screwed up.

“Kieran…”

“Don’t Kieran me.” He steps towards Dawson and grips his shoulders. “You’re my best friend. I’d do anything for you.” He pauses. “Except drink kombucha. I draw the line there. That shit is vile.”

The easy banter brings a smile to Dawson’s face, and his eyes well up. It hasn't occurred to him how much he’s missed Kieran. He never sees him as often as he’d like, because Cal would have something to say about Dawson spending so much time with another guy, no matter if the guy is straight as an arrow. He knows it’s just an excuse. Cal doesn’t want him to spend much time with anybody.

Something must show on his face, because Kieran lets out a curse and pulls Dawson into a tight hug. He’s not a big guy, but he’s taller and his long arms envelop Dawson easily, and he allows himself to enjoy the comfort. He really needs it today.

“I know this will make me sound like a total hypocrite,” he says when Kieran lets him go. “But why were you with Jess if she’s so bad?”

Kieran gives a sheepish shrug. “The sex was pretty hot. The woman was willing to try anything.” He winks.

Dawson punches him in the chest, making a face. “You’re disgusting.”

Kieran laughs. “And yet, here you are.”

“Seriously, though.”

Kieran spreads his arms and flops down onto the sofa. “Look, I don’t know what I want. I thought I did. Turns out I know squat.” He laughs. It sounds bitter this time.

Jess was just the tip of the iceberg. Dawson’s known him long enough to notice Kieran tends to gravitate towards a certain type of woman.

Dawson joins him on the sofa, pressing their shoulders together. “Maybe you should try something you never have before.”

“Like what?”

Dawson shrugs. “I don’t know. Just the opposite of what you alway do.”

One of Kieran’s eyebrows rises up slowly. “Are you propositioning me?”

Dawson gives him a flat look. “You’re an idiot.”

“Well, excuse me, you were the one talking about trying something I never have before,” Kieran laughs at him.

“I didn’t meanthat!”

“You don’t have to sound so outraged. I’m a catch.”

“Uh-huh.” Dawson gives him a quick once-over. “Sorry. Not my type.” It’s true, even if he didn’t necessarily mean the looks. He’s always been attracted to men older than him. Men who had their shit together and radiated confidence and security. He thinks about Cal, and almost laughs. That blew up in his face spectacularly.

Kieran huffs, sounding offended. “Sure. Too young for you, huh?” he taunts. He always liked taking the piss about the age difference between Dawson and Cal.

“You’re definitely immature.”