Jesse stumbled out of the bar, his body sweaty from the excessive amount of alcohol. He was used to it though, there was rarely a day he wasn't this drunk. An expensive habit. He made his way slowly onto the street his body felt light and heavy at the same time. The warm evening air hit his face. For a moment his mind was clear. Regret ate at his stomach making him feel sick. He felt the bile rise up his throat. "Fuck" he muttered under his breath before ducking to a back alley to puke. The raw acid burnt his throat. He knew if he would've eaten something today he wouldn't be sick, but he didn't care enough to take care of himself. Why try to hide the fact he was suffering? What was the point? Everyone at the bar knew anyway, he saw the looks of pity he got, some in disdain some in understanding. Either way, he couldn't stand it. After covering the alley in his own custom colour he wiped his mouth and took a step back. Every night was supposed to be the last. The last time he does this to himself, the last time he does this to his friends. It never was though.

"Are you okay Mr? A little voice squeaked behind him. Jesse turned around to see a little girl standing behind him. She looked rough. She was wearing tatered pj's with little mice on them, making her appearance look even sadder. She looked like she hadn't showered in days, in fact, she looked like him. "Beat it kid, Isn't past your bedtime?" His voice clipped. He didn't want to feel remorse for someone else too.

The little girl shook her head. Making Jesse sigh in defeat. "Where are your parents?"

The girl avoided eye contact and shrugged.

Jesse noticed bruises on her neck making his knuckles tighten. "Did they cause those?" He pointed at her neck. She didn't answer but she didn't need to. Jesse sighed "Come on then." He said gesturing for her to follow him.

Jesse wasn't quite sure why he was doing this, maybe it was a drunken impulse or maybe it was because she reminded him of himself when he was a kid. Memories of living with his uncle flooded his mind. His uncle was an alcoholic amongst other things, a very bitter man who didn't particularly want to take care of Jesse, but with Jesse's mother dead and his Dad in the military, there wasn't much choice. Often Jesse was the product of his uncles' anger, sporting black eyes and deep purple bruises to school. Teachers never seemed to ask what happened they just assumed he was a trouble maker.

Jesse unlocked the door to his house and pushed the door open with the weight of his body. He was doing his best to keep it together for the kid. The girl shut the door behind her and waited for instructions from Jesse. "What are ya doing?" He slurred a little. " Go ahead put down yer backpack."

The girl did as was told, then stood stiff like a soldier. Jesse sighed. "Take off yer shoes and follow me." He said as he took off his hat and placed it on the table beside him. His brown hair not moving from the position it had held.

Jesse flopped down on the couch running his hands through his hair. The little girl stood still near the doorway. "Well?" Jesse asked annoyed. The little girl cocked her head in confusion. "Sit down, that's what the couch is made for."

Slowly the girl approached the couch, she looked at it as if it were a foreign object. She sat down hesitantly not fully relaxing. "Jesus" Jesse muttered under his breath.

"I get the feeling you don't talk much do you?" the black haired girl shook her head slowly. Jesse rubbed his temples with his thumb and index finger. " Alright fine. Do ya like hot chocolate ?" The girl furrowed her brows. "Ya never had it before? Jesus what have they done to you?" Jesse shook his head and walked towards the kitchen.

The girl sad on the couch, she refrained from letting her back hit the couch she didn't want to get too comfortable. She played with the ends of her black hair as she listened to the man bang around in the kitchen. He smelt funny she didn't really like it, she had smelt that scent before on her dad. Soon the man returned with a cup and placed it in her hands. "Careful, it's hot." He stressed before flopping back down on the couch with a water. The girl looked at the continents of the cup. It smelled good, making her tummy grumble. "When's the last time you ate?" The man asked hearing this. The girl thought for a second before replying. " I only get fed every other Thursday."Jesses knuckles clenched. He quickly went to the kitchen and came back with a paper container. "It's a burger from the joint down the street. They're pretty decent. Eat it." He commanded.

the girl nodded her head opening up the container."So, what is yer name?" He asked his brows softened.

"It's Claire." She squeaked.

"I'm Jesse, nice to meet ya."