The Sanchez Chemical Reaction

Chapter 17: Night Time Duo

Rick and I went back to the living room and watched TV with the kids for a couple of hours. They didn't even seem to notice me and Rick sitting close together and secretly holding hands. Which is something I thought for sure Summer would pick up on. But I guess interdimensional cable is something most people wouldn't want to miss a second of because damn, that shit is funny.

After a while, the kids got tired and said they needed to go to bed because of school. I wished them goodnight and watched as they disappeared upstairs. I turn to Rick and smile lightly as he holds my hand a little tighter.

"So, are you going bed too?" I ask softly.

He looks at me for a moment and smirks, "Nah, I'm not that old. I'll probably go work on stuff in the garage." Rick sighs as he thinks about all the stuff he has to work on.

"When are we going on an adventure again?"

"Mm, I'm not sure. I think we should take the kids through space. Morty wanted to learn how to drive the car. Plus, you still aren't healed fully. So...It might be awhile for you."

I groan sadly, "But, it's not like driving a car with Morty is super dangerous or involves a lot of physical activity."

"Hm, yes I agree. I guess I'd rather have you just stay home and sleep. You can do whatever you want though. I won't stop you if you want to come."

"Rick?" I say after a moment of silence.

"Yes?" He looks me over for a second, feeling the atmosphere change.

I scoot closer to him, turning my body to face his. "Do you want to go do something? I'm not tired and I'd rather hang out with you... If you're up for it that is."

He thinks about it for a moment. Clearly not sure what to do, "I mean yeah, I'd like to hang out. But I'm not sure where to go. What did you have in mind? Like arcade date, food, walk?"

I pucker my lips sillily as I think. "MMMMM, are you up for a walk? I could use some exercise."

"Here? Right now? It's dark out though."

"I mean, no one said it had to be here. What about that secret spot?"

"Secret spot?" he asks with an eyebrow raised.

"You know... the one with the toilet..?" I raise an eyebrow back at him. Finding it extremely weird that he doesn't even remember his secret sacred spot. Either that or he's playing dumb because he doesn't want to go.

"Uhhh..." He seems to break for a moment - a quick instant- as if his rendering gave out after overthinking. Then he quickly goes back to normal. It was so quick I questioned if it even actually happened or if I made it up. "How about we go on a walk here in town?"

"You just said it was dark." I feel my gut start to stir, knowing from the beginning that something was wrong. But i can't get myself to admit it.

"I change my mind. Let's get ready?" He gives a small smile. But it feels out of place.

I try to put it off and smile back. But everything has been weird since I woke up. Even the kids. "it's just an off day for everyone" I try to tell myself in my head. "Okay. Any place specific we are walking to? Or just wandering?"

"Just wandering. If you see something you want to check out, I'll go with you." He pats my shoulder and kisses my forehead before sighing softly. "Anyways, let me get ready and then we can go."

I blush softly wishing I could believe this is real. It looks real, but it doesn't feel real. Something about Rick and the kids was off. "O-okay," I mumble softly as I look up into his eyes. We lock eyes, but he doesn't seem to search mine the way I do to his. Maybe I'm crazy and tired from everything.