Snow fell quietly through the darkness. The street was almost completely empty, illuminated only by the soft glow of the streetlights. Snowflakes drifted through the yellow light before settling onto the sidewalk.

You were walking home when you noticed someone standing underneath the awning of a closed store.

It was Painkiller.

They were standing in front of a vending machine, carefully studying the rows of drinks.

You slowed down.

"Painkiller?"

They turned around.

Their expression brightened slightly when they recognized you.

"Oh. Hey."

You smiled. "What are you doing out here?"

Painkiller held up a couple of coins.

"Trying to get a drink. It's colder than I expected tonight."

You glanced at the vending machine.

"Having trouble?"

"A little."

Painkiller gave the machine a gentle tap.

"I think it ate my money."

You laughed.

"That's rough."

"Yeah."

They smiled sheepishly before looking back at the machine.

After another attempt, the machine finally whirred.

Clunk.

A drink dropped into the slot.

Painkiller crouched down and picked it up.

"Yes!"

They looked strangely pleased with themselves.

You chuckled. "Congratulations."

"Thank you."

Painkiller stepped aside and gestured toward the awning.

"You can stand here if you want. It's warmer underneath."

You stepped beside them.

For a little while, you both simply watched the snow.

"It's pretty," you said.

Painkiller nodded.

"Yeah. I like snow."

"You do?"

"Mhm."

They took a sip of their drink.

"Everything gets quieter when it snows."

You looked over at them.

"You come out here often?"

"Sometimes."

Painkiller smiled softly.

"I like having somewhere quiet to think."

The wind picked up, sending snow swirling around the street.

You shivered.

Painkiller noticed immediately.

"Are you cold?"

"A little."

They moved slightly closer, positioning themselves between you and the wind.

"Here. This should help."

You smiled.

"Thanks."

"No problem."

There was another comfortable silence.

After a moment, Painkiller glanced over at you.

"I'm glad I ran into you."

You blinked.

"Really?"

"Yeah."

They gave you a small, genuine smile.

"It's nicer having someone to talk to."

The vending machine hummed beside you.

Snow continued falling around the two of you.

And somehow, despite the freezing night, the little spot underneath the awning felt warm.