"You're having soup," says Johnny sternly, and looks at Mako again. "It's probably ready by now, but I don't think he's gonna let me go." He pats Gabe's hand gently. "I promise it'll help, okay?"

He can already tell there's going to be bargaining and extensive cajoling involved in this. He's morbidly delighted by the thought, as well as immensely relieved Mako is going to be sticking around.