Irresistible Compulsions

||Chp. Thirteen|| "Can we go in?"

It's not uncommon for me to be coming home from work at the same time Jake's leaving when I get put on a night shift. During work placement at uni there was a month long stint where it ended up being the only time we got to see one another, it usually meant I'd come home to a cooked breakfast though so I wasn't complaining. Besides, a post work debrief is always much appreciated.

"How was work?" He asks, preoccupied with scrolling Facebook marketplace while he scoffs down the rest of his protein shake.

"Livin' the dream." Tired legs finally giving out, I collapse into the lounge beside him. As per usual he's got the morning news playing in the background, not loud enough to hear anything important but enough to fill the silence of early mornings.

"You're telling me." He sighs before shoving his phone into his pocket. "Boss scored a reno job out west, reckons it'll take at least the next few weeks. Booked us accommodation and all."

My stomach rumbles before I get the chance to respond, begging for a filthy Mcmuffin dripping with grease followed by a couple cheeky hash browns.

"You leaving today then?"

Nodding towards an overflowing duffle back sitting by the front door in plain sight. "Yeah, lazy prick's sending us boys since he's going on holidays with the Mrs. I'll be back Friday night and home for the weekend, back out again Monday." He explains, no doubt dreading the four hour car ride looming over his head.

"Look on the bright side." I suggest with a grin. "You'll be back home in time for your darling sister's birthday." 

"Damn, was hoping I wouldn't have to fork out for a gift." He teases, hopping to his feet.

"Is Dylan here?" I quiz despite already knowing the answer, he hasn't left our place since he got out other than the occasional nights he'd leave to hook up with Rachael. Funnily enough, I was sure he hadn't spent a full night at her's as I was quickly becoming accustomed to the sound of his ute pulling into the drive way long before sunrise.

"Yeah, boss is having him start work Wednesday. Wants him to do a couple local jobs to hold down the fort while we're away, nothing major. Should be a piece of piss for him." I nod in response, walking over to the door to say my goodbye. "Try not to beat the shit out of eachother while I'm gone hey?" 

"Not making any promises I can't keep." 

"Righto." Despite watching him struggle to pick up and carry all his belongings, I stand firmly in place, too tired to lend a hand. "Give us a ring if you need anything."

"You too." Not leaving any time for resistance, I wrap my arms around him, squeezing tight.

"Love ya."

"Love you too."

*****

The divine sound of the Supernatural intro blasts full volume throughout the lounge room as I settle in for an afternoon of bingeing. 

I'd managed to sleep 'til 2pm before getting woken up by a text from Jake letting me know they'd gotten to the job site safely despite road closures on the way. Having gone to sleep before Dylan woke up, I hadn't seen him all day and was happy to see his ute absent from the driveway when I awoke, keen to have some quiet time alone.

That was however cut short by the sound of Green Day blasting from his busted car speakers as he pulled up outside the front window. I can't help but release a sigh of frustration, annoyed at myself for jinxing my luck.

Deciding to hide my stash of treats to avoid sharing, I shove my packet of skittles and unopened can of sprite under the blanket. My ears perk up in curiosity as I hear him walking towards the front door, talking to someone over the phone.