You Took Me By Surprise (Joker Fanfic)

4 ~ Cold Company

It was a bitterly cold December evening in the hands of Jack Frost and in the heart of Gotham city. Darkness was just beginning to descend but the cheery little Christmas lights strewn around the dimly lit lampposts made my heart feel warm. I tug my scarf up to cover my mouth; my teeth were chattering.
Sophie had told me all about this yearly occurrence, a market selling all sorts of Christmas items and presents, an ice skating rink, and there was a large gathering to see the lights of this massive Christmas tree be turned on for the first time. I'm not a fan of this time of year but it has it's moments.
Sophie was on a date with this guy she had been seeing for a while, and she was bringing her daughter with her here today to meet him for the first time. This is such a romantic setting for a date. I was just wandering around by myself and it's places like this that can make you feel lonely. I looked around for somewhere to sit and drink the tea I had just bought, but there were people everywhere. I saw a fountain nearby so I decided I'd sit on the ledge. There was just one other person sitting there, and when I got closer I was happy to see that it was someone I knew.
"Arthur? That's you right?" I said as I approached him, because he was a bit hunched over and looking downwards at his hands so I couldn't see his face. He was lighting a cigarette, the orange tip aesthetically pleasing in this bluey darkness.
"Oh, hey (YN). Haven't seen you in awhile".
"Yeah, I've been really busy working lately. How are you doing? Getting in the Christmas spirit?" I grin.
"I don't really like Christmas, so I don't really know why I'm here. I kinda like people watching sometimes, so I guess that's why I'm here".
I glanced at Arthur, he looked like he hadn't slept much lately judging by the bags under his eyes.
"I get you" I reply. "Man there's so many loved up couples here, it's so sickening and I'm so jealous", I laugh, trying to lighten Arthur's somewhat damp mood.
One side of his mouth curls up into a half smile while he takes a drag of his cigarette.
"Why are you jealous? I mean you could get a boyfriend easily if you wanted to. Then there's me" he gives me a sideways look. "People feel uncomfortable around me. That's what my boss told me today".
"Noooo. Your boss really told you that?"
"Mhmm".
Neither of us says anything for awhile. And it's not awkward, it's a comfortable silence. Not every minute of the day has to be filled with noise.
Then he gets one of his laughing fits, and I feel so sorry for him. I remember Sophie saying the best thing you can do is just ignore it until it subsides and then ask him if he's okay.
I wanna give him a hug so bad, but I don't want to be weird. He just always looks like he's living his worst life.
"Arthur" I begin, "don't listen to what people like your boss say to you. People are insensitive these days. Nobody's civil anymore. But I like you. And I don't even know you that well, which is saying something."
Arthur gives me a strange look that I can't read, his eyes wide.
"If you ever want someone to talk to, come to me. I could do with some company too".
He gives me a meek smile and nods.
"Yeah I...I might do that..."
And with that I say goodbye and decide to go home because sitting on that fountain in this weather has given me butt freeze.