The Sanchez Chemical Reaction

Chapter 12: Staying Up Early

I ended up staying awake all night watching television. Unfortunate, but absolutely true. I usually like spending my time working and doing stuff. But I can't remember the last time I had free time. Since Rick was still asleep, I decided to find something to watch. To be honest, I'm not entirely sure how to work this thing because I've never used it. I think I managed though. I just left on whatever popped up and turned the volume down so it wouldn't wake the whole house.
     "Oh hey y/n," Beth says as she peeks her head down stairs. "I thought you were summer. What're you doing awake? Don't you need to sleep?"
     I smile as Beth comes down and sits on the couch with me. "Nah I don't really need those things. My race looks very similar to humans. But we are definitely very different."
     Beth nods, "well I mean, that's not a bad thing. But we can't be that different. We are both sitting on the same couch watching-" she trails off to look at the program on tv. "...Ancient Aliens?" She glances at me with a bit of confusion.
     "They were playing a different program earlier. It was much more interesting. I haven't been able to figure out how to change the program station."
     She sighs, "Jerry must've left it on that channel. He's the only one who watches this kinda stuff. Here pass me the remote. Let's watch something a bit more your style."
     "My style?" I glance at her as she clicks the remote to a different station.
     "Trust me. I love this movie." She stops on a station that reads 'Pirates Of The Gulf Of Mexico'. I guess Caribbean would've been copy right. "Oh my gosh. The main actor for the pirate is so hot. He's played by John Deep!"
     "John Deep? That sounds like a bad setup to a punchline."
    She chuckles, "yeah I guess it does a little bit."
     I watch on, waiting for the main actor to come on screen. And I can't lie, as soon as I saw, I didn't need Beth to point it out. He was breath taking. John Deep is now the most attractive human I've witnessed on Earth. Although Beth has informed me that a man named Brad Pitt is just as sexy. If not more so.
     We end up bonding and talking a lot during the movie. Which I didn't expect, but she was just as much fun to talk to as Summer. Maybe a little more if I'm being honest. She just seemed really down to Earth.
    "You know what?" Beth says out of the blue. "I think we should do this more often. I mean after all, you moved in not that long ago. But I still don't know much about you. My dad doesn't bring people home like this. So he must be concerned for you. Really concerned..." she trails off sadly. As if wishing for that kind of attention from her father.
     I wanted to be honest with her. It looked like she had been through a lot. Not just with her dad, but with her entire life. "Trust me Beth. I'm no one special to Rick. I highly doubt he cares about me in such a way. The truth is, I'm a ticking time bomb that could blow up and destroy this planet at any time. Rick made me this collar to hold back and suppress my powers. He's trying to make a machine right now that should fix my problem. I don't want you feeling like there's something special or that me and him have a bond you'll never have. You're his daughter. And from what I observe in human culture...he secretly loves you over any stranger." I smile at her kindly as she almost breaks out into tears. Maybe I opened a gate I shouldn't have.
     "Oh y/n!," she sniffles and looks away as she wipes some tears off her face. "I'm sorry. I hope I didn't make you feel like I was jealous or anything! I just...never get to spend time with him. And he abandon my mom when I was a kid. There's a lot of mixed feelings going on there. With my father in general. I'm not surprised he's helping you out of self interest. But then again at least he's doing something good in the process."
      "No I didn't feel like you were jealous at all! More-so just sad. I can tell human emotions...somewhat well. The one I think is easiest to spot is sadness. Maybe you should talk to your father more. Go out and do stuff with him! You'll never get the time spent without him as a kid back. Neither of you will, you'll have to accept it. But that doesn't mean you can't make a new beginning! Have fun! I'm not sure what you do for fun though so I can't give you ideas. I'm sure you'll think of something!"
    Beth nods, starting to smile back now. "Maybe you're right. I should do that. I keep saying communication is key, but I don't really talk to my dad. Yet I wish for him to talk to me. I'll try your way." She pauses for a moment seeming to realize. "You said you are on the verge of blowing up the planet?"
     I rub my arm nervously realizing that I may have opened myself up a little too much. "Ye-yeah...but don't worry I'm better for the most part! You don't have to worry about anything!"
     "Except you! You can't blow up! I think we got a good bond going so far! Let's keep doing this!"
   "Doing what?"
     "Hangin out! Talking, watching movies, being girls fangirling over men, I don't know what else. Everyone in the house already seems to adopt your presence so well! So let's do our best to keep you from blowing up!"
     "I'm not really sure that's up to me. But I thank you for your words of concern." I giggle at her last bit she said. "I think I'm just easy to get a long with. That's all. But I wouldn't mind hanging out with you more often. It gets kinda boring when everyone is either asleep or part-" I pause not wanting to give summer away.
     "Partying? I know." Beth giggled at my pause. "She goes out almost every night, thinking I don't know. I do. But most nights I just don't care. She comes back home and gets...decent grades. She's better than I was."Beth sighs and lays back on the couch. "So that's the only reason you've been hanging out with my dad so much? I swear I thought you two were together and he didn't want to tell me."
     "I was actually looking for Rick way before he knew about me. He was foretold by my people to be a genius beyond comprehension. When my planet blew up, I was the only survivor. But my parents told me before they died that I should seek him out when the time is right. So that he could guide and teach me. I think my people would be a little disappointed that Rick can be hard to work with at times. But I still think he's an overall great person. He just doesn't like showing it."
    "I don't know if I'd take it that far. My dad isn't a very good person. And I definitely wouldn't use the word great. But I'd agree with genius."
     "Beth have you thought that maybe he acts like a dick all the time is because he doesn't want people close to him? Think about it. He has a whole galaxy of enemies. Why would he let the ones he cared about get in the way of danger? I think Rick can be a hard butt most of the time, but I've seen how he gives gentle nudges of criticism to help morty and summer get used to their surroundings. It's almost like he's helping them prepare for when he's not around. Plus I've seen his interactions with you. He's definitely very soft when he talks to you. Even when he could argue, he chooses to keep his tone low. As for Jerry...I think that's a lost cause."
    She chuckles a little, "yeah I don't think Jerry and him will ever get a long. I just wish they had more respect for each other. But either way, if my dad really loved us he'd show it at least once in awhile. I can't recall the last time we had a genuine bonding moment."
     I smile and place a hand on her shoulder, "maybe you'll just have to make the first move."
    She nods and sighs tiredly. "I have work in a few hours so I should get back upstairs."
    "Sounds good. I hope you enjoy your rest. I'll watch the next pirates movie while everyone is sleeping."
     "When summer comes back, tell her she's grounded for a week. I was going to stay up and wait for her. But she is out super late."
      "I'm not sure what that means. But I'll be sure to inform her."
     Beth chuckles tiredly as she makes her way upstairs. "She'll know what it means." And just like that, Beth goes back to bed and I continue watching tv.
     About an hour or two passes before summer comes home. The sun is about to rise and she looks like she needs a nights worth of rest. Dark circles under her eyes and all. She closes the front door with half a care in the world.
    "Oh hey," she mumbles. Seeing me watching tv. Her voice is groggy and worn, clearly from getting wild.
    "Your mother wished me to inform you that you are grounded for a week."
    Summer just nods, too tired to care. "That's fair," is all she musters out. It's clear she's using all her energy and focus into getting up the stairs.
      I watch her go up before turning my attention back to the television. "The movie is over already? That's the second to last one!" I think to myself. Now sad that I'm down to one last movie. "And the reviews say it's bad...should I even bother?" As I contemplate, I feel the cushion next to me sink in.
     "Hey," Rick says tiredly.
    I glance over quickly at him and smile, "oh hello! You're awake? It's kind of early isn't it?"
     "I'm usually up this early anyways. Let me guess Summer came home not that long ago?"
     "Yes."
     "Yeah, I'm definitely supposed to be up right now." Rick glances at the TV judgingly. "The real question is what are you doing?"
     "Beth introduced me to this amazing pirate series. I watched all of them but the last movie. I hear it's not that good. So I'm contemplating wether to watch it or not."
     "Nah don't bother. It's garbage. Want to get started in the garage?"
       I want to agree. But I also want Beth to take some time to regroup with her father. Although I know she has work in a few hours, so it would be pointless. "Hey Rick? I know it's not my business, but maybe you should take Beth to work."
     "What? Why?" He looks suspicious now at the idea.
      "I just-...think it's a good opportunity for you two to have a relationship. She seems really down about your stance with her. Maybe bond and make her feel better. Pick her up after work and do something fun."
     He stares at me, though at first it was with suspicion, then surprise, and now a bit more soft. "That's a whole family album that I don't want to open right now, y/n. You want to go to the garage or not?"
      I nod. Clearly seeing he isn't going to take my advice. "Are we going to change my collar? I'm starting to get a burning pain on my back."
    "Turn around let me check it." I turn so Rick can see the meter on the back. "Oh jeez, you already broke the meter. Let's get you changed."
    I follow Rick to the garage and sit on a nearby stool. He quickly grabs the spare and plops it in the place of the old collar. "When I turn it on, you'll probably feel a surge go through your body. So be prepared."
    Nodding, I take a deep breath in. Just as he hits the button, I feel a great tidal wave of suppression go through my body. Weaking and quickly draining my powers. Getting light headed, I start to lean backwards a bit in my seat.
     "You alright?" Rick asks as he cushions my fall by standing behind me.
     "M-mhm.." I mutter before closing my eyes to take a moment. Rick doesn't move me off his leg, seeing that I'm in need of a minute to process.
     "Are you still going to feel up to working? You're lookin kinda pale already." Rick comments after awhile.
      Taking a deep breath in and out, I slowly open my eyes. Adjusting to the light again. "Sorry, yes I'll be alright. I might be a little slow at the start though." I sit up again and glance at him.
       "Just take whatever time you need. It's not a big deal." He walks over to his tools and starts picking out what he needs. "If you need me to get you water, let me know." I give him a thumbs up as he walks into the metal tube, starting the work on the inside again.
      I get off the stool and wobble over to the corner of the room. Sitting down against both corners of the room and taking deep breaths. The pain in my back is still there, meaning that the collar is having trouble suppressing all of my powers. Hence why I'm feeling so weak. Grumbling a bit, I lay down and listen to Rick work. He's a very meticulous man, making sure to get even the smallest of screws, turned tightly into their spots. I can tell when he gets slightly frustrated because he breathes out rather heavily in disapproval.
      I end up listening to him work for about an hour, before he decides to come over and check on me.
     "You doing good?" He asks as he walks over and stands over me.
      My eyes are closed since the lights were starting to hurt my head. "Yeah, I just feel nauseous. And my back still hurts a little."
       He 'mm's for a moment before speaking. "You are still looking a little pale too. Do you want to just go lay down in your room?"
       I shake my head "it's alright. I'd rather stay here. I can't move anyways."
      "I can take you to your room it's not a big deal."
      Opening my eyes, I let them adjust a moment. Rick's figure starts to come into view as I travel to make eye contact with him. He looks at me like he's waiting for my decision. I smile lightly up at him. "I like hearing you work. Plus it would get rather boring being in my room, having to lay down with nothing."
      He pauses, thinking for a second. "That's your choice. But do you at least want a pillow or blanket?"
      "Are you concerned for me?" I ask, my heart feeling slightly tinglish.
      "No. I'm just asking since you can't do it yourself."
     I chuckle softly, "meaning you care enough to go get it for me."
     He scoffs, and rolls his eyes, but he lets a soft gaze look me over for a moment. "So was that a no?"
     "Could I have a pillow please?" I smile at him as he nods and heads out to grab one. Not more than 3 minutes later  he comes back into the room with two pillows and hands them to me. "Two?" I ask a bit confused.
     "One for your head and one for your back since it hurts."
      "Thank you Rick." I feel my cheeks burn slightly. "Who knew the great Rick Sanchez would be so kind as to grab me two pillows! How thoughtful."
       "Definitely not that deep, but you're welcome." He walks towards the tool box again as I adjust to the pillows Im laying on now. Out of the corner of my eye, I see him standing in the distance, glimmering at me with that same soft gaze. He rubs the tool he's holding in a contemplative manner before sighing and walking away.
Some time goes by before I try to make some conversation again. "Do you think there are other universes where we met?" I ask with genuine curiosity.
"Maybe...although probably under the circumstance that you were an outlaw, would our encounter be a good thing."
A little caught off guard, I push a little more. "What do you mean?"
"You're only allowed in this house because you're an outlaw like me. If you were with the galactic federation, things would've turned out differently."
      "What if I wasn't an outlaw, but I wasn't part of the federation either?"
       "I'm not sure. I might not have taken you serious at first."
       I feel a bit sad that he feels this way. It's starting to feel a like he's talking about me specifically. Was all the time he spent with me really that unenjoyable? Where I'm at the point of tolerable. If he didn't have to help me, would he still want to keep me around? "Oh...well...I'm glad it didn't turn out that way." I feel myself lose interest in talking and roll into my pillow. Rick only sighs deeply, before going back to work. I wonder if he knew that would hurt. I'm really starting to hope that I'm not an inconvenience...maybe he should take a break from me for a bit. Go on an adventure.
     Stirring my finger on the ground thoughtfully, I feel myself starting to feel better. Picking up the pillows, I walk them back to their original spots on the couch. Afterwards I walk back in the garage and start to work on the easiest stuff. Just so I don't have to do a lot of bending since my back still hurts.
      We end up working for 7 hours without realizing it. Hardly talking as a result of how I took the earlier conversation. I'm honestly still thinking about it. I know at this point it's probably overkill, but still, is he saying the only reason he tolerates me is because I'm an outlaw?  What's that even supposed to mean? I'm getting mixed signals here when all I want is a straight answer. Does he like having me around or not?
      "Why don't you take a break, y/n? I'll keep working. I don't want you to overwork that collar in one day."
     I don't feel like arguing, even though I want to stay and help build. Nodding slightly, I put the tools back and walk to my room. Closing the door behind me, I walk to the window, open it, and just watch the clouds drift by.
      "Why did I come here?" I sigh and rest my head on the window sill.

——-
Hi everyone! Sorry I'm putting a note in, I hate doing it. But I just wanted to let y'all know why it's taking so long for chapters to come out

I STARTED MY OWN WEBTOON!!!

I been so busy drawing and doing homework for school that it's hard to find time to write. But I promise I'm still going to post because it's my passion and a good pass time to write!  If you want to check out my WEBTOON and support me, I would DEEPLY appreciate it y'all❤️❤️

Title: The Galaxy's Most Wanted

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Thank you again guys! I'll be posting on Saturdays, pur usual, if I post that day.  Please stick around! And any support I get is GREATLY appreciated.