You're In Awfully Early {Septiplier}

Just Too Apologetic

Felix swallows hard as the house comes into view. His fingers tap lightly against his thigh, and he stills the nervous habit by intertwining his fingers. He resists the urge to drag his hand through his hair, fret over it in the mirror on the visor. He's been forming his apology to Mark for years, but he feels it may dry in his throat.

An easy smile rests on Jack's face, his head bobbing slightly to the music on the radio. His mind is consumed by sweet thoughts of his engagement, plans swirling in his head. One of his hands slides from the steering wheel, pressing the cold metal of the puzzle piece pendant between his finger tips.

Felix's eyes flicker over, a ball of guilt settling in his stomach. His cheeks turn pink, sour memories resurfacing. He clears his throat, the feeling of a hand closing around his neck making his skin itch.

"Sorry about that," Felix mutters, quieter than he anticipated.

Jack gives him a sympathetic smile, blue eyes glancing to the blonde. "It's okay. It was a long time ago."

Felix's shoulder droop, the smallest pout coming across his lips. His eyes are still on the little charm on the Irishman's keychain, as if he expects a harsh scolding. The brunette frowns slightly, hand returning to the wheel to pull into the driveway.

The blonde's face still one of long forgotten apologies, Jack shuffles a bit in his seat, turning to face his friend. Felix opens his mouth, but Jack puts his hand up, as if asking for a moment. The Swede's mouth closes, eyebrow raising in question.

"No pouting," Jack tsks, wagging his finger disapprovingly. "And no more of your downer attitude. I swear, Felix, we're all long past everything that happened in that hotel room."

"Okay," Felix sighs. "I just... want to make a clean break from the past. From the old me. I don't want anything sour between Mark and I."

Jack nods, almost sad. "I think Mark already knows that. Now, come on. Help me get this monstrosity out of the trunk."

The blonde smiles softly, the grin crinkling the edges of his blue eyes. "Only the essentially, Jackie. As hard as it is to believe, this hair doesn't happen naturally."

Jack chuckles, rolling his eyes as he slides from the car. The two find their way to the trunk, Jack popping it open to reveal the suitcase, nearly big enough to hold a grown man and just about as heavy. The Irishman takes a deep breath, casting a disapproving look to Felix, before he grabs his end. Felix snags his own handle, considering if he really needed an extra outfit for each day of his stay.

With a huff, they strain to pull the suitcase from the car. It drops heavily onto the concrete, and Felix gives a nervous squeak, eyes darting over the luggage as if he can see inside.

"I'm sure nothing's broken," the Irishman assures, blue eyes trying to meet the worried ones of his friend.

"There's nothing breakable in there," Felix frowns, tilting the suitcase onto its wheels. "But we probably squished my snacks."

"You do realize we have snacks here, right?" the brunette asks, leading them to the door.

Felix shrugs. "There's a little Swedish shop in the Brighten airport. I always end up spending way too much money there whenever I fly. I blame patriotism."

Jack rolls his eyes, shoving his key into the lock. With a twist, it unlatches with a click, the sound of scampering paws not a moment removed. He opens the door to a blur of golden fur, the pup racing around wildly in excitement.

"It's nice to see you too, Chica," Jack laughs.

As soon as he crosses the threshold of the door, the golden retrieves races up to him, nearly taking his legs out as she pushes her head beneath his hands. The Irishman strokes her lovingly, stepping just enough to the side to allow Felix to step in as well. Chica's soft, brown eyes look to their guest, her tail wagging frantically as she nudges his leg.