If it takes just a little while

 It took J over a week before he could go back to his place. Of course, when he arrived with Stevie, there was no sign of Tobes.

"Well, you know he's up to no good," Stevie reminded him. It was just the two of them. And as alone as they were, all J could think about was packing up and getting the hell out of there before Toby might show up.

"If he's not back yet, he's not coming back," Stevie went to clean the kitchen. He told J to call the landlord and give him the key. It was time to leave this place for good.

J didn't have a whole lot, but a few old electric guitars, his laptop, and of course his gaming system. Just a handful of books. One was Old Yeller that he'd never managed to finish and the other was Giovanni's Room that he might need to read again. He went to his closet and grabbed what might be hanging which wasn't much. His winter puff jacket was hanging on the back of the bedroom door. He couldn't forget that. 

It was a struggle. Yes, maybe there was more than he anticipated.

"I may have to come back tomorrow," J grabbed a few boxes and headed for Stevie's car.

"Where's your car?" Stevie asked when J came back in. 

"It broke down," J shrugged. At least it was in the shop. He just wasn't sure how he could pay for it.

"You need your car," Stevie said. "I'll take care of it."

"No, I don't want you-" J shook his head no, as he swelled a frown as if he was the man here.

"Yes, I am. This is no time to start a fight with me," Stevie gave him a smirk. His tee was already wet from washing dishes, but there was no way of stopping him. He was getting the fridge cleaned out and the cabinets too.

Really, all J wanted to do was to sleep in his own bed.

"You think we could bring my bed over?" He then asked, hoping it wouldn't be a big deal.

"Sure," Stevie nodded without questioning him. "My mom will know someone who can help us."

J sighed. He had an interview lined up. He was certain he would not get the job on base.