Page 82 of Should the Sky Fall

“Is that part of your superpowers?” Dawson teases. Gabe does indeed have a penchant for making people love him, though Dawson contributes it to his bubbly personality rather than supernatural forces.

Gabe sends him a conspiratorial wink, and his gaze moves behind Dawson.

“Well, hello, stranger!”

“Hi, Gabe!” comes a familiar voice that makes Dawson whirl around.

The initial happiness he feels at seeing his best friend is promptly replaced by suspicion. “What are you doing here?”

Strolling over, Kieran throws his arms around Dawson and says, “Checking on you.” He slaps his back and lets him go, his eyes wandering towards Cal.

“That’s unnecessary,” Dawson scowls.

“I’ll be the judge of that,” Kieran says with a pinched smile, glaring daggers at Cal, who finally got distracted enough to look away from the display.

“Hello.”

“Hey. Guess you don’t recognize me,” Kieran says, plastering on a fake smile.

“Kieran, yes? Dawson’s best friend,” Cal says, unsure. When Kieran’s brows flick up in surprise, he adds, “I saw your pictures. It’s nice to meet you. Again.” He hesitates, then offers his hand reluctantly.

At first, it looks like Kieran’s not going to take it. Dawson really doesn’t feel like explaining his behavior to Cal. He considers poking Kieran in the ribs but it’s unnecessary. Kieran reaches out, taking Cal’s hand and giving it what looks like a very firm handshake. To his credit, Cal doesn’t even blink.

Dawson turns his attention to Gabe who’s watching everything with an uncomfortable expression. He claps his hands together, making the tension dissipate a little. “So, Cal, what’s it gonna be today?”

“Don’t go crazy, Cal,” Dawson warns as Cal opens his mouth.

Judging by Cal’s crestfallen expression, he was planning to do just that.

“Can I have some for later, too?” he tries.

Dawson levels him with a stare. “You can’t eat pastry for the whole day, Cal.”

“Why not?”

“Because you just had a major abdominal surgery, that’s why.”

Like a damn kid, seriously.

Letting out a disappointed sigh, Cal turns to Gabe. “I’ll have the pumpkin spiced donut, please.”

Gabe puts the donut in a paper bag, handing it to him. “Drink?”

“Not coffee,” Cal says with disgust.

Gabe chuckles. “Right. How about hot chocolate?”

Cal turns to Dawson pleadingly.

Not having the strength to argue again, Dawson relents. “Fine.”

“Dude, what the fuck?” Kieran asks in a whisper, staring at Cal like he’s watching an alien.

“Don’t ask me. I don’t know.”

“He’s been like that the whole time?”

“Yup.”