--1st person POV--

When Arthur awoke the following morning he was temporarily thrown into confusion. Waking up naked and in a room that wasn't his own, threw him off balance at first, but not as much as it did when he realised he wasn't alone.

Ever so carefully he turned over, and the sight of you, also naked, and curled up behind him lovingly, was enough to steal his breath away.

So, it had been real. The whole thing.

He bit his lip hard and swallowed the bubble of laughter that was eager to escape his mouth, not wanting to disturb you.
But it was a real laugh that he was suppressing. One of pure, genuine joy. Knowing that everything was real and had actually happened made his heart feel full to the point of bursting.

He'd made love to you. Twice.
And you'd kissed him, held him and told him you loved him. At least three times.
You were actually his, and he was the happiest man alive.

Propping himself up on his elbow he smiled to himself as he watched you sleep. He wondered if you were dreaming. You looked so peaceful, so serene, and so beautiful with your bed tousled hair. He wanted to see you like this every morning. At rest, and naturally stunning without makeup or fancy clothes.

It was then that you stirred, your eyes blinking open sleepily, awakening to Arthur's handsome face gazing down at you adoringly.
And your heart melted all over again.

"Hey you." He smiled shyly, blushing a little as he recalled everything he'd done to you the night before. It was the stuff fantasies were made of, except it had been even better than anything he'd ever imagined.

You returned his smile, bringing a hand up to gently stroke the side of his face, tracing the sharp curve of his cheekbone. "Hey yourself."

He leaned into your tender caress, his eyes drifting shut. The simple action made your heart quicken, reminding you why you'd fallen for this adorable man in the first place.
He was so gentle. So loving. So genuine. And so deserving. A man so worthy of all the affection and love you had to offer. He appreciated you like no one else ever had. He loved you like no one else ever could.

"Are you okay?" He asked, placing his hand on yours. "I mean, you don't regret anything do you? You haven't...you h-haven't changed your mind?"

Your eyebrows knitted in surprise. "What? No of course I haven't. Why would I?"

Arthur did allow himself to laugh then, his face splitting into a wide grin. "That's good. I just had to be sure, that's all."

"You're so funny, Arthur." Straining upwards you kissed his smiling lips.

Just then a sudden knock at the door startled you both, bringing you back down to earth with a jolting thud.

"Shit. What time is it? Have I overslept?"

You'd seriously forgotten all about work. Which is something you'd never done before, and Arthur's ability to make you do that was astonishing. It had been a blissful night, one that you'd never forget, yet now you had to face another day of thankless, emotionally draining work, on a movie set that you'd come to despise.

Spotting your discarded robe in a heap on the floor you hurriedly reached down and retrieved it. Throwing it on as you rose from the bed, Arthur watched you, still in awe. Your exquisite body. The way you moved elegantly across the room. Even in a hurry you still looked so poised.

Cracking open the door your heart sank when you were greeted by Trent's condescending face. His habit of looking down his nose so haughtily really irritated you.

"Hey Trent. Sorry I overslept. I forgot to set my alarm. Is Glen really pissed at me?"

"Yeah you look like you've had a rough night." Trent remarked scathingly. "You're such a klutz. It's a good thing filming has been postponed today because of the weather, otherwise Glen would be seriously pissed, and rightly so."

Ignoring his trademark skits, you quickly processed the important things he'd said that actually mattered.

"For real? Yes!" You briefly closed your eyes, relieved. "Thank god. I could use a day off."

"Day off? Uh don't get ahead of yourself (y/n). Instead of just lounging around you could do something constructive, like rehearse." He smiled self-assuredly. "We can go over our lines together, god knows you need the practice."

Over in the bed, Arthur lay curled under the blankets, hiding to save you any embarrassment should he come in. It had been his natural response as you'd gone to open the door, even though the bed wasn't visible from that angle.
But now he found himself wanting to leap out and confront the arrogant prick.
Who the hell did he think he was, talking to you like that?

"You know what Trent? I think I'll save your precious time and take a rain check. I have plans." Arthur heard you say.

Trent's expression instantly darkened. You could see how deeply offended he was and you couldn't have cared less.

"How the hell can you have plans? You only just found out we're not filming until it stops raining!"

Your own expression remained stoic as you eyed him steadily. "Yeah, well I can think of plenty of other things I'd rather be doing."

Trent became incensed. "Excuse me? This is work, and I'm willing to sacrifice my own free time by offering to help you out here. But you can forget it now, sweetheart."

"Okay I won't keep you any longer then. Goodbye Trent."

"Oh so you're just going to, what? Waste your time with that so-called mystery man of yours? Which, by the way, I don't think is that big a mystery. The only guy you've met since you got here is that clown. And I mean that in every sense of the word!"

Hackles rising, you scowled at Trent. Infuriated by his uncalled-for meanness. "Don't say that about him, you don't know the first thing about him!"

Trent's jaw slackened in shock as he stared at you aghast. "Oh my fucking god. It is the clown!" Recovering swiftly he forced a peal of mocking laughter. "Oh that's real classy (y/n). Seriously. Have your standards really sunk that low? I mean, I know you're an easy lay, but I'd have thought that even you would draw the line at a freak like that."

"Fuck you Trent! You know nothing about me, or him, so keep your narrow-minded opinions to your fucking self!" You raged, having to fight the urge to smack him hard across the mouth.

Arthur heard the door slam shut and fought his way from under the sheets, his face hot after having practically suffocated.
Anger was swirling in the pit of his stomach. How dare that asshole say those things about you.

Seething, you stomped back to the bed, tugging on your hair in frustration as you let out a growl of annoyance.

And just like that Arthur's anger quelled. He could see you were upset, and you were his priority. What you needed now was kindness. Your feelings took precedence over his.

"Hey hey, it's alright." He moved forwards, wrapping a strong arm around your shoulders. You were shaking with anger. "Don't let the bastard upset you (y/n). He isn't worth it."

You took a deep breath as you caved against him. Practically liquefying in his arms. He was right. Trent wasn't worth it, but that didn't mean his jibes didn't hurt. But you would rise above it as usual and be the bigger person. And Arthur's embrace soothed you. His very presence had a calming affect on you.

"Thank you Arthur." You exhaled unsteadily, your silent tears wetting his brown locks as you buried your face in the space between his shoulder and his neck. "You always make me feel so much better. Fuck. I love you so much."

Arthur's heart squeezed, and his arms tightened around you protectively. "You don't have to thank me, silly. I love you. I love you more than you could ever imagine (y/n). You do believe me, don't you?"

"Yes. I really do."

Pulling back so you could look at him, and he you, you took a moment to survey his face. His features were at odds with each other, you couldn't help noticing. He was smiling gently, his eyes sparkling and filled with adoration, but his dark brows were drawn low in an anxious frown.

"What is it Art? What's wrong? You're not upset by the things he said are you?"

"Not upset." He said, his emerald gaze lowered and settled on the floor. "But what if he tells everyone now he knows?"

"So?" You gave a carefree shrug. "I know it might be difficult for you. Getting used to the publicity and all that shit. But I'll be there to help you. And I don't care who knows. I'm not ashamed of falling in love."

"But what about the papers? You know what everyone will say. They'll say I'm not good enough for you, which...I'm not."

Horrified, you sat back a little, shaking your head in disbelief. "Arthur Fleck, don't you dare say that!"

Reluctantly he raised sorrowful eyes to yours, and the heartbreaking look in them made you want to burst into tears. He was so sensitive.
He felt so deeply. Cared so deeply.

"(y/n) it's true. Come on, look at you...you're famous and talented and stunning. And look at me--"

"I am looking at you." You interrupted, cupping his face delicately in your hands. "And do you know what I see?"

Anxious eyes held yours, glistening with unshed tears. "W-what?"

"I see a kind, caring, beautiful man. The sweetest, most genuine guy I've ever known. You're special and handsome and everything I ever dreamed of."

He closed his eyes, a lonely teardrop falling from his right eye. Feeling your chest constrict with sadness and love for him, you fought your turbulent emotions, and placed a soft kiss to his forehead. Blinking your own tears away.

"You're also so deserving, Arthur. Please don't ever doubt how amazing you are, how worthy of love you are. There's no one else I'd rather be with, and I'd be proud to tell the entire world that you're mine."

Leaning down, he drew your lips into a deep kiss, pouring all the love he had into it. Hoping to convey just how grateful he was for your reassurance. How thankful he was that you were his.

The two of you spent the rest of the morning in blissful contentment. You talked, made love again, had breakfast in bed, then showered together. You giggling at Arthur's boyish shyness, an endearing quality of his that you adored. It amused you to think that the man blushing as you ran soapy hands over his chest was the same man who'd ravished you in bed three times now.

Afterwards you dressed, discussing how to spend the rest of the day, before eventually leaving your hotel room.
You wanted to go back to Arthur's apartment. It's simplistic, homely coziness felt like home to you now. Arthur himself felt like home.

As you made your way through the hotel lobby, proudly holding your new beau's hand, your heart felt light as a feather.
But then it dropped like a stone upon seeing the obnoxiously familiar figure of Trent appear as if from nowhere, but now he was ambushing you both, blocking your path to the exit.

"Well would you look at this. Here's the happy couple." He sneered, dragging his judgmental gaze over every inch of Arthur.

"Trent, go away.. Don't make a scene." You hissed.

"Don't make a scene? Surely it wouldn't bother you (y/n). After all, you're no stranger to negative publicity."

"Jesus Christ, Trent! What is your problem?"

"My problem?" He clutched a hand to his chest dramatically, raising his voice. "Let's talk about your problem shall we? Like the fact you're so unprofessional you can't even be bothered to learn your lines--"

"Look, why don't you just leave us alone?" Arthur broke-in, bravely guiding you around him and towards the doors.

"Ooh, so the clown speaks. And he's even got a backbone, who knew?" Trent taunted, following behind.

"Just ignore him." You told Arthur, as a doorman held the door open for you both.

You could see him grinding his teeth. In fact he was grinding them so damn hard you feared for his back molars. Poor Arthur. He didn't deserve to be caught up in all this drama.
You were silently praying that Trent wouldn't follow, but to your utter dismay when you glanced back over your shoulder, he was still there.

"Aren't you both so fucking adorable." Instead of slowing, his pace increased, until he was close enough to reach out and shove Arthur forwards aggressively, making him stumble slightly.

"Trent!"

"You must think you've won the fucking lottery, huh? (y/n) pity fucking you. Well don't get used to it pal, she'll soon get bored of your sorry ass!"

Unable to contain your temper you whirled around to face him, your cheeks blazing with anger and embarrassment on Arthur's behalf. "Shut your filthy mouth! Don't talk to him like that and push him around. I love him!"

Seemingly surprised, Trent's eyes widened in disbelief. "Love him? Seriously? What, you love...this?"

He poked Arthur roughly in the shoulder. His shoulders swayed back a little but he kept his footing, his body not budging an inch. You could see his jaw set, the muscles tightening in his face.

"Don't do that." Arthur warned, his voice eerily calm.

"Or what?" Trent demanded, continuing to poke him in what must have been an extremely irritating manner. "You gonna try and stop me pal?"

Arthur's eyes flashed dangerously. Taking on a hard, glacial look, making them look fierce and frightening. "I'm not your pal."

The pair were poised on either side of you now, like a couple of prize fighters, and you honestly don't know how either man was going to react next. You're pretty sure Trent would never pick a fight with an opponent he didn't think he could beat, and you could sense the direction he was about to go marching in.

With ill-fated confidence it seemed.

"You don't say." He brayed with laughter. "Really (y/n), you fell for this moron? I guess that's the only thing you must have in common."

You're about to retaliate when suddenly his laugh dissipated abruptly, as Arthur went lunging forwards, grabbing Trent by the front of his shirt. He swung his fists wildly but was too slow and clumsy, Arthur being much more nimble and agile, managing to dodge his punches.

You rush towards them as Arthur slammed your co-star hard into the side of a delivery van that was parked by the roadside. You flinched at the sound, as the van rocked with the force of the impact, and you were worried there might be an identifiable Trent-shaped dent left there, like something from a cartoon.

Arthur had never been in a fight. Not a physical fist fight where he'd had the opportunity to throw some punches of his own. In spite of the beatings he'd taken in the past, he'd never felt pushed to this extreme. Never been at the point of blistering, boiling rage before. And the adrenaline coursing through his veins gave him the strength and courage of Hercules.

Needless to say, Trent had literally had the wind knocked out of him, and he gasped for breath as Arthur leaned in closer to his face oppressively.
He may be tall and slim, but Arthur was clearly much more powerful than he appeared to be at first glance.

"Listen to me you obnoxious asshole! From now on you leave (y/n) alone, have you got that? Stop disrespecting her! Because if I hear you have just one more time....I'll fucking kill you! D'you understand?" Arthur snarled, lips curling like a feral dog.

"Arthur!" You exclaimed, a little panicked by his angry outburst.

A few passers by had stopped to stare now, but Arthur was temporarily blinded by rage, pressing Trent even harder into the side of the vehicle until his eyes bulged like a caricature drawing.

"I said....do you understand me, you arrogant piece of shit?"

Trent somehow managed to nod his head, indicating that he understood.

"Arthur. Leave it now. Please. He isn't worth it." You implored him.

Arthur turned his head to look at you, and he released Trent immediately. Shaking off his anger as if it were a dusting of flour.
You placed your trembling hand gently on his shoulder. He looked at you and his eyes seemed to clear. All traces of aggression disappearing.

"Shit, (y/n). I'm sorry."

Quickly linking your arm through his, you tried to make light of the situation. "Don't be sorry Artie. Thank you for defending me. Wow. You really are....full of surprises."

Trent was still standing by the van, his face in a daze, and then all at once another commotion broke out nearby. Confused, you turn with Arthur to look, and see the dreaded paparazzi come barrelling down the street towards you, clutching their cameras, trying to snap photographs in the process.

Great. This party just got even more fun.

"(y/n)!" They all called out annoyingly, as if they wasn't just journalists looking for their next victim, but old acquaintances who were on familiar terms with you.

Your gaze slides to Arthur and he looks like a frightened animal. His body going rigid with tension. He clasped a hand to his mouth, feeling the unwelcome onset of a laughing attack, brought on by anxiety.

You quickly grabbed his free hand and tried to pull him along the sidewalk but he refused to budge, as if in shock. You yank on him but still he doesn't shift, and his 6ft frame was far from easy to move.

"Come on Artie, let's get out of here." You held onto his hand, and urged him forwards.

He looked like he was going to protest but relented, and the pair of you began walking away quickly. With each step you took, you moved a little faster until you broke into a full-blown run.

Your shoes didn't feel the safest, sliding a little on the wet asphalt, but Arthur kept a secure grip on your hand, and when your hand was in his you felt almost invincible.
Like you could take on the world and win.

Overhead there came a sudden rumble of thunder, and within a few seconds the heavens opened. Other pedestrians made a mad dash for shelter in store doorways, or scurried off down the street, but you and Arthur just keep on running.

Finally you came to a stop, both of you breathless and tired. You were both soaked to the skin but it didn't seem to matter. Your love for each other served as an umbrella from the rain, rendering you immune to the downpour.

"I think we're safe now. They don't seem to have followed us." You panted, chancing a look back.

"I really hope I haven't caused you any trouble." Arthur managed to vocalise between gasping breaths, as he wiped his face on the back of his sleeve. "I shouldn't have lost my temper like that."

"Don't even worry about it." You assured him, smiling. "Honestly, I couldn't give a fuck anymore. You're all that matters to me Arthur."

His sudden, soft bark or laughter startled you a little, but the joyous sound immediately warmed you to the bone, staving off the shiver from the pouring rainfall which penetrated your clothes, soaking your skin.
And then he was grabbing you gently but assertively by the waist, his other hand holding yours at arms length, as he began dancing.

At first you almost tripped over your own feet trying to keep pace, but then your steps fell in synch somehow. You threw your head back, laughing, allowing him to lead you in a joyful waltz down the deserted sidewalk.

It felt incredibly liberating and euphoric. Cleansing even. An overwhelming sense of freedom came over you, a happy sort of hysteria, increasing with every movement. You could feel all your cares and anxieties lifting as he guided you along with graceful mastery.

"God, I love you (y/n)." Arthur grinned, willingly surrendering his heart and mind to the sweet madness of love. "Will you be mine forever?"

"I will." You giggled girlishly with delight, feeling a little dizzy as he suddenly pulled you in towards him. "Forever and ever."

And then he was kissing you deeply, kissing you senseless. Kissing you until the only thing that made sense to you was his sublime lips. And you clung onto him tightly because he was the only real, solid thing in this surreal, spinning world.
The world that had been so dull and colourless before he came along and turned it upside down. Unexpectedly sweeping you off your feet, like the most unlikeliest of heroes in a fairytale.

Or maybe even a romantic movie. But a good one.

The very best in fact. Because this was a true story.
Yours and Arthur's.

             End