If You Just Listened // Arthur Fleck x Reader // SLOWBURN

Chapter 7 - A New Friend.

100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900.

No, that couldn't be right. You counted again.

100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800... 900.

You shook your head.
'Okay, wake up. Focus.'
You counted again.

100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600...

You placed the bills on the table, burying your face in your palms. This wasn't enough. This wasn't nearly enough. After your bills, you had a little over fifty dollars.

You hit your forehead with the base of your palm.

'Where did it go?'

Your eyes widened with sudden realization.

'Food.'

You pressed your palms against your eyes. How could you have been so careless? Of course you worked hard. You wouldn't deny that. But you indulged yourself at the wrong time. The completely wrong time. And on top of that, you paid for all of Arthur's food too. You tried to think about your next course of action. Maybe sticking to beans and rice for a while could help? Maybe you could wait to wash your laundry every two weeks? You sighed, dropping your forehead against the table.

Lucy walked into the breakroom, stopping in her tracks once she spotted you. She cleared her throat.

You shot up, startled and embarrassed by her sudden appearance.

"Oh... Hey, what's up?" You brushed yourself off, trying to act casually.
"Not much..." she responded, eyeing you curiosly. "Taking a nap?"
"Yeah... yeah. I just got tired."
She nodded, not quite buying it. She looked towards the bills on the table, which you quickly tucked away.
She sighed, taking a seat across from you.
"I see. Money problems."
Your gaze drifted downward, and you sadly nodded. You opened your mouth to speak, happy to be able to vent-
"You know this guy I dated was also bad with money. But man, he was HOT. I'm talking like six pack, long hair, bright eyes..."

The rest of Lucy's monologue was a blur to you. You tuned her out, her voice being nothing but a mumbling background to your thoughts.

What would you do now? How long would you be able to stretch fifty dollars? You certainly couldn't afford to treat yourself anymore. Maybe you could skip a meal or two. But there was something you were forgetting...

Oh god.
You wanted to visit your parents.
But there was nothing left.

You could feel your eyes begin to water, your face growing hot. Not wanting to be seen like this, you quickly stood up and began walking to the exit.

"Woah, where you headed?" Lucy asked, surprised by your sudden departure.
"Home. Shift's over, I just wanted to get some things in order before I left," you responded.
She looked at you, a hint of concern in her expression.
"Okay...Oh. Also. Mike's buying new liquor for the bar, so the crew is gonna get trashed on the rest of the old stuff in a few days. You in?"
"Uh... yeah. Sounds good," you replied, just wanting to leave. It was beginning to get difficult to keep your voice from shaking.
"Great. See ya then."

You rushed out of Pogo's, making your way home as quickly as you could. You didn't want anyone to see you like this, Gotham was not a place to show weakness.

'Stupid. Stupid. Stupid. STUPID.'

The air reeked of garbage. Drug deals were clearly happening along every sidewalk. Police cars drove by, apathetic to their surroundings. Every wall was covered in old, peeling flyers and graffiti. And this is where you would stay. Your parents would have to wait.