(Requested)

Based off of a movie/book (i forget the name haha) where people's lives/time is money

and holy crap sorry for not updating in like ten million years

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"Your budget is important. It's crucial that you spend it wisely. Different people have different budgets. Most people start out with 79 years. Some may even go to 100 years, if they take care of themselves well enough. Though, those who don't ration their time, may only live up to 50 or 60, sometimes even less."

"There is no government. Everyone rules themselves. Since our years are so precious, there's no way to steal them. Crime is virtually non-existent. No matter what you do, you cannot live longer than what fate has assigned you, but you can work for it."

"I hope you all know, as the seminar has concluded."

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"And your total will be three minutes." I nodded as I waited for the small payment machine to scan the chip implanted into my hand. The screen flashed green, the transaction completing, and I withdrew my arm, taking the grocery bags and saying goodbye to the cashier as I exited the farmer's market.

"This should cover the week's groceries." Considering I earned about 45 minutes per week, that should be okay. "Alright, done with grocery shopping, so let's head to the bank and input some time." I went into my car, started the engine and began to drive.

See, there was me, a clueless 24-year-old on a weekend, trying to live their best life. I came from a middle-class family (as most people do), with a lifespan of usually around 80-90 years old, already above average. In my youth, I was taught to spend my time well and earn more in return. If I remember correctly, I have about 63.4 years left in my account, which was a great sum already for my age. I'd known some people through my life that haven't been well off, and untold legends that would live for 100+ years. People who were like that were extremely rare and hard to find. The largest age anyone has had was 122 years, in recorded history, that is.

"Turn left at the intersection, then make a right, in 500 feet you have arrived at your destination." I nodded slowly, turning the wheel and parking in the almost empty lot. It was late in the afternoon, the sun still bright overhead, on a lazy Sunday. I couldn't understand why people didn't want to come out at this time.

Walking into the establishment, I immediately brightened as I saw one of my most favorite people at the counter, reading.

"Lance!" I exclaimed, almost skipping over. "What's cookin', good lookin'?" He looked up from his Vogue magazine and grinned widely. Almost jumping over the counter, he reached out to me and gave me a big hug.

"(Y/N)! I've missed you so much! You don't usually visit me!" I laughed and embraced him back, ruffling his head of hair. "I'm busy with work, you know!" I retorted, facing him, "The office doesn't manage itself!"

Lance sighed and settled down, still smiling. "I just miss my friend sometimes, okay? You gotta visit more. Now what can I do for you?" Suddenly, as if on cue someone slammed open the bank doors. All I saw was a flash of red, yellow, and white as they leaped over the counter and tackled Lance to the ground.

"This is a robbery!" My body stiffened, absolutely petrified, but subconsciously, my body moved, jumping to where Lance was shrieking under the murderer, who was trying to hold him down while scanning the code for the bank vault, in order to steal time.

My arm flew forwards, and before I knew, the guy was on the ground, his little scanner beeping as the data unloaded. As I got closer, it allowed for me to get a proper look at him. Purple eyes, black hair, mullet style from the 80's, red and white striped jacket, dark undershirt and pants, maroon mouth cover, fingerless gloves, and combat boots.

He grunted and flipped over, bounding over the counter once more to make an escape, but was caught by security. The muscly and rather large guard made a move to jump at the escapee.

"You're not going anywhere, bub," he grunted, putting handcuffs on the perpetrator. I huffed and helped Lance up as security placed the thief on one of the couches. The blackette groaned, rolling his head, obviously a little shaken. I could tell he'd miscalculated a lot of things.

"Let us use one of the side rooms. The one with the glass." 'Paul,' the security guard nodded, then guided both of us to the door as Lance unlocked it with shaky hands. I rubbed the side of his arm and sighed, looking at him with sad eyes.

"I'll be safe, okay?"

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"Why?" A simple question made the thief turn his head, glaring. I calmly slid down his mask, my eyes bearing into his. "Why would you do that?"

He rolled his eyes and remained silent. I got out the previous scanner and shot the red laser on his right hand, exactly where his chip should be. Nothing popped up. Raising an eyebrow, I glanced at his face. Guilt, regret, mercy immediately struck me. His eyes were watering. Nearly the first time I've ever seen someone break down in front of me.

"Where's your chip?"

"Neck. Left side." Indeed it was there. My eyes widened as I looked at his balance.

"What? Why are you stealing?" I slammed my hand on the table. This shouldn't be possible. He'd be dead, I swear. I swear he'd be dead. "You have 30 minutes, and you're stealing? Don't you have someone? Say goodbye to the people closest to you, don't steal!" He kicked the table in front of him, almost knocking me down. I was startled, looking at his crazed expression, glossy eyes.

"Goddammit! Why doesn't anyone understand that some people don't have those things?! Why does everyone assume I have somewhere to go? Why does everyone assume that... that..." He trailed off, fat tears rolling down his face. Pain, neglect, rejection.

I didn't know what to say. My heart throbbed. How could I have been so insensitive? But I didn't know, it's not entirely my fault, right?

"Look, I honestly don't want to get you in trouble. Let me take a seat and we'll talk until you feel better."

"What if I don't want to talk?"

"Well I'll just sit here until you feel better."

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It started out like any day, but now I had a previous thief living in my apartment. It was awkward to invite him in, since I hadn't really prepared anything for a guest. My apartment space was cramped and messy, not to mention dim as well, but surprisingly Keith loved it. I guess beggars can't be choosers.

"It's like, five, are you hungry?" I asked, scratching my head. His head perked up and he looked at me. "There's food in the fridge if you want some." Keith silently nodded and gingerly made his way to the refrigerator. I smiled as he grabbed two cans of sparkling water and a large bag of Cheetos.

"Why do you have Cheetos in the refrigerator?" My face grew warm, my mouth curving into a shy smile.

"I just forgot those were in there, I don't know-" I rambled, playing with my fingers. He chuckled and handed me the tin can and opened the bag, setting it in between us.

"Want to crack a movie? There's a new season of The Dragon Prince on Netflix." Keith cocked his head, confused.

"What's The Dragon Prince?" I gasped and turned on the television, grabbing a pillow and practically throwing it at him. My eyes sparkled with excitement as I opened the show and pressed play.

"We're watching this right now and you are not going to miss out on this amazing show."

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Once the last episode finished playing, Keith started to clap, but a second after stopped, as he noticed (Y/N) was fast asleep, a Cheeto still grasped in their right hand. He gave some muffled laughter, purple eyes crinkling happily. Grabbing a blanket, then taking the chip out of their hand, he slipped the thick fabric over their body, turned off the TV, and stored everything away.

"Thanks for giving me time. I appreciate it (Y/N)," he whispered. "I promise I'll be okay."