You're In Awfully Early {Septiplier}

Just Too Different

"Oh come on!" Mark shrieks, eyes insanely focused on the tv screen. Toy sized cars zip across the screen, all aiming for the soccer ball. Mark is incredibly talented at dodging the ball, whether he wants to or not.

"You make this too easy," Ken laughs, scoring another goal as the shorter gets himself reorientated.

"I'm still warming up!"

"We've been playing for almost two hours!"

"And you're sure going to be sorry when we hit that three hour mark. That's when I'll be ready for prime time."

"Didn't you say that about the two hour mark?"

Ken laughs deeply, chest shaking, as Mark pouts. He only quiets down when his phone buzzes against his leg. He drops his controller onto his lap, shifting on the couch to fish his phone from his pocket.

"I gotta take this," Ken mentions, Mary's name flashing on his phone screen.

Mark nods, pausing the game. "Take all the time you need. I'll save what we have to my computer while you're talking."

Ken dunks into the kitchen as Mark fiddles with the video camera. He accepts the call, pressing it to his ear with a cheery hello. A small, excited voice replies back, and the raven's face breaks into a wide smile.

"Hi, Daddy!" Layla nearly screams.

"Hi, Lee Lou," Ken greets happily, wishing he could hold his daughter in his arms like he usually does when he picks her up from school. "How are you doing, sweetie?"

"Not so good, Daddy," she sighs. He can hear a bit of ruffling as she crawls onto the couch, getting more comfortable as if trying to relieve the weight of the world.

"Oh, what happened?" Ken asks, leaning against the counter.

"Mommy forgot to pack fruit snacks in my lunch today."

"She did?" The raven replies, forging surprise.

"Yes!" Layla calls dramatically. "She packed a banana instead, and I don't even like bananas!"

"I know, sweetie, I know," he chuckles. "Did you tell Mommy?"

"I tried to call at lunch, but Miss Harriet said no, Daddy!"

Ken just shakes his head, imaging the little girl's free hand flying wildly as the other clutches the phone to her ear. He wishes he could see her soft face, watch her chubby cheeks pull into a hard frown.

"Just be nice to Mommy, okay?" Ken offers gently. "She's learning. Packing lunches is under my job description."

"I guess," she sighs dramatically. "I just need you to come back, Daddy. Breakfast is better when you make it."

"I'll be home before you know it, okay?" he assures, heart aching for his daughter.

"Will you still read to me tonight?"

"Of course, sweetie."

Ken hears Mary's soft voice in the background, and Layla grumbles incoherently. The blonde says something again, much more stern, and Layla sighs, returning to the phone.

"Mommy wants to talk to you," Layla says sadly.

"I'll talk to you tonight, sweetie," Ken assures. "I love you, Layla."

"I love you too," she returns.

There's a bit of static across the phone as it's passed between the two women. Mary says a small thank you, sending Layla off. The blonde plops down onto the couch, pressing the device against her ear.