"See, this is why you sleep under any kind of ledge or anything that's sticking out, even if it's not raining. Just in case. If you go around the alley of the Big Belly Burger and there's no one there, sleep under the sign and you won't get wet." Just speaking from experience. Axel had been here before, he knew how hard it could be and he knew what it must be like for Hartley. Well, to a degree. Axel had never been sheltered, never really lived a great life but Hartley? God, that kid was in for a culture shock.

"Do you know where the youth center is? Lemme guess, you tried the homeless shelter and they had no room? Not shocking, they fill up. Lots of adults. There's a youth center, mostly for LGBTQ kids but you get a mix sometimes. It's a lot easier to get a bed." Axel had used it once or twice, mostly when cops or gangs were after him. Just extra safety to have people with him who could be witnesses. "And they'll at least dry your clothes. I could take you there."

"You're skipping out early?" One of the guys asked, looking at Axel with great amusement because hell, since when did he help anyone? "Oh Axel, sweetie, since when did you give a shit?"

"Fuck off." Axel shot back bluntly, glaring a little.