You're In Awfully Early {Septiplier}

Just Too Friendly

Ken's eyes scan the abundant signs, and from what he understands, he may be an entire days walk from the exit. Though he frowns a bit, he doesn't mind too much, his legs aching from the monstrously long plane ride. His fingers tap the phone in his pocket, a nervous habit, already wanting to call Layla.

Adjusting the straps of his stuffed backpack, the only luggage he brought with him, he follows the arrows on the signs overhead, wondering if he'll ever escape terminals and loading docks. The faintest sent of fast food finds his nose, and his stomach growls. He declined any food on the plane, and it's been quite a while since he's indulged in the greasy delights of American chains.

His hand slides into his pocket, tempted to pluck his phone from the depths. His heart still aches with memories of Layla's tear stained face. She took his departure as bad as they imagined, crying and clinging to his pants leg. Mary had to be the one to pry her off, salty tears rolling down Ken's cheeks as well.

Ken shakes the memory away, focusing on finding his exit. He and Mary agreed to give Layla a day without him, the blonde insisting it would be good for both of them. Though the plane ride ate most of those hours, he can still barely keep himself from cracking a bit early. He misses his daughter's cheery little voice, hoping she had a great day at school even though he wasn't there to drop her off and pick her up.

Ken's heart jumps when he catches sight of styled blonde hair, jerked from his memories fast enough to give him whiplash. A hundred different emotions whirl in his chest, and he can't, for the life of him, decide if he's happy to see those icy blue eyes again. He places a small smile onto his lips to conceal the mess inside his head.

Felix shoves his hands into his pockets, afraid his hands will fidget with long lost anxiety. He sees Jack's sympathetic look from the corner of his eye, but he pretends not to notice. He thought he would have to force a smile, but it comes naturally, the corners of his lips turning upwards at the sight of Ken.

Felix feels almost relieved to see the raven again. There's something light and glittery in his chest, and he allows his gaze to drift, taking him in from head to toe. The Swede's nearly surprised at how good Ken looks now. It's clear he started working out sometime in the last four years. There's little more than a five o'clock shadow on his cheeks, his hair style only reminiscent of the slightly longer, messier one Felix remembers.

He's glad to see Ken's going well, but he can't deny the pang in his heart, though he can't tell what emotion caused it. He pushes away whatever discontent twists at his stomach, reminding himself that he is better now: that he has to show everyone how much better he is.

Ken gravitates towards Mark first, the brown eyes the easiest to meet. "Surprised you made it here on time."

"Somethings do change," Mark offers with a roll of his eyes, pulling Ken in to quickly clap his back.

"I guess so," he replies, a smirk naturally falling onto his lips. "Next thing ya know, you'll finally have your growth spurt."

Mark frowns, glare falling onto his face, but Jack snickers, "We missed you too, Ken."

Ken gives the Irishman a warm smile, wrapping him in a quick hug when he opens his arms. "Good to see you, Jack."

Felix doesn't know whether to stay silent or attempt a greeting, his eased mood flattering. Thankfully, Ken turns to him next, offering his hand.

"It's been a while," Felix offers, taking Ken's outstretched hand. His smile nearly falls from his lips when their palms touch, electricity going straight to his heart.

Ken nods. "It really has been. You look great, Fe. Look like you're actually getting enough sleep now," he ends with a chuckle.

The blonde nods, wordless, his skin tingling and the smile on his lips creating an ache in his cheeks. He pulls his hand away a bit too fast, and Ken quirks his eyebrow. The touch, teasing, nickname- they're all a bit too much, but he tries to swallow the nerves.

"You too," he replies lamely, hating himself for choking. He feels like Ken's taken the air from his lungs, stolen all of his words right from his mouth. His mind feels just a bit hazy, repressed memories churning inside his head, and he nearly escaped to the bathroom. However, Jack speaks before he can excuse himself.

"We should get going," the Irishman decides, motioning towards the sliding doors leading to the parking lot. "I'm sure you're starving, and that snack we had is wearing off."

"I could eat a small village," Ken laughs, stepping with Mark to lead them outside.

Jack walks a bit slower, falling with Felix. The blonde gives him a weak smile, and an icy spear of guilt slices through the Irishman's heart. He slows his pace even more, Ken's long strides easily placing distance between the two groups. Mark's shorter legs step quicker, desperately trying to keep with the taller as they get lost in plans for this coming PAX.

"Are you okay?" Jack asks, a bit quiet to keep the other two from catching his accented voice.

"I'm fine," Felix insists, but there's stress behind his blue eyes.

The brunette frowns, lips pressed into a firm line. His eyes drift across his friend's face, the tension pulling at his forehead and even making his cheeks look a bit stiff. Yet, his irises are almost unfocused, cloudy as if he's falling into his own mind.

"Felix, if you need us to make other arrangements then-"

"Jackie, I'm fine," the Swede stresses. "I'm better now, okay? I promise. I've read a ton of self help books. I know exactly how to deal with this. Just give me a little bit of time. Things like this, well, they always start out a bit weird."

Jack sighs but concedes. "Okay, Felix. I trust you."

"You should. Now, come on. Before they leave us behind."

The Irishman laughs as they move to a brisk walk, catching up with the dark haired men. Jack can't help but cast Mark a knowing look, his boyfriend giving him a similar one in return before his eyes dart back to Ken.

Jack wants to stay out of it, wants to trust that Felix knows best, but he keeps an eye on the blonde, stomach sitting uneasy at the way Felix's gaze settles on Ken's features. He doesn't know if he's thankful that the taller raven seems to be ignoring the Swede or terrified for what that could mean come this weekend.