I
Literature
Ignore this 2 part A JX didn't mind the audience at all. If anything he enjoyed having him there, working in that comfortable silence that seemed to often feel between the two when alone. Soon enough the table is assembled and he begins sanding it, shrugging off his lab coat and folding it up it a few paces away so it dosn't get covered in wood dust as he pulls a sanding block out of the tool bag and fits it with sandpaper. He starts with the top of the table, beginning to run it over the unfinished furniture peice. - - Morty yawns, sitting up and looking around the brightly lit room. Oh yea. He feel to sleep reading comic books. He hurries up, out into the hall to use bathroom and begins looking for the others. Last time he fell asleep some where weird- the hall closet- they had been mad, looking for him. Where they mad he want in Summer's room or had they known where to find him? (Probobly a pointless link because I'm sure you can picture his shirt just with out sleeves but pretty much this shirt sta.sh/023blq4q451k but in the right color. Also you know no purse or painted nails like that guy) -Rick K-213 eyes flicker over when JX shrugs his lab coat off, revealing his sleeveless crop-top. The man's gaze lingers on the midriff for a long moment before rolling over onto his back, forcing himself to stare up at the cloudless, cyan sky.- -He rubbed his cheek, listening blissfully to the sounds of nature as he traced his fingers along the thick scar sliced into his face- eyes flicking closed. It was nearly dead silent besides the sounds of nature and JX's heaving sanding.The air was pleasantly crisp, forest lush, butterflies floating about with cicadas humming in the background. There was no desire to reach for a flask laying there- how could he need booze when in the middle of all this? Perhaps other Ricks, or people in general, but not him. It was one of the reasons he had dragged Summer across country; this was his safe haven away from any world, any universe.- -Summer hated it of corse, and over time after her accident was terrified. It irked the man that his granddaughter was too scared to even swim in the lake anymore; an activity she used to adore, and do a handful of times a week. And maybe, deep down enough to hide from his conscious mind, it hurt him a little too. The lake was his greatest creation, and to have his own flesh and blood dislike it was upsetting.- xx -Summer and Morty D-528 were still at the table, each doing there own thing. Summer had moved her chair back around the other side once both men left and briefly went upstairs to grab her school supplies. Peaceful moments were rare in the household, and there was a upcoming test that needed studying. She glanced to her laptop every few moments when pausing from scribbling in her notebook, clicking to a new page of information.- -After a few cat videos the girl introduced Morty to the search bar where he could look up anything he wanted, and to no surprise once he pressed 'horse', a spell of astonishment took over. Seeing a cartoon one during the movie was one thing, and his plush was amazing- but actual videos of real creatures was extraordinary.- -For the past half an hour they both sat doing their own thing; Summer studying and Morty bent over his seat, sparkling eyes glued to his screen. Belle had joined them and was currently munching away her breakfast, chewing loudly. The pink bandana still around her neck surprisingly; normally after a few hours she's able to wrestle out of them.- ((It’s a pretty top! I can see my Rick being an asshole and pressing ice to JX’s bare stomach or something X3 )) JX s just focused on what he's doing, completely absorbed in the project he's working on. Unlike the other Rick he is not in love with the land, it just happens to be where the other lived and now cause and effect was now his home now as well. It's pleasant enough and a good place for his Morty to recover from his past. He wasn't fond of the fact it was so damn far from EVERYTHING requiring him to portal to any location he desired- a fact he knew he'd enjoy even less come September when it meant he'd be waking up every morning to send out a portal to send Morty to school- he still intended to try to send both boys. While he had no faith in the education system the social interaction, as well as the personal responsibility and accountability of trying to meet deadlines and remember food and assignments, were much easier learned there than attempted taught at home. Then, of course, there was the Jessicas/Jessies. Just like almost every universe had a Rick and a Morty every universe had a version of Jessica as well. If Rick was a superstitious man he'd say that said something to that fated connection. He would assume there was a reason they were also included in their infinite universes but he was not superstitious. Still, he felt it was a healthy interest so he wouldn't want to not allow his Morty to meet the human every other Morty was infatuated with. - - "Hello!" Morty greeted, finding the other two just chilling, sitting at the table. Good, looked like no one was looking for him anyway. He didn't see the Ricks so unless they were in their rooms that meant they were out doing Rick stuff. He paused looking at the other Morty. "W-wow you look so CUTE~!" He couldn't help but exclaim doing a double-take. He KNEW he shouldn't say anything- he was specifically warned not to by Summer after all but he can't help it, His other self looks ADORABLE. "Summer we gotta do his hair to match his outfit! Do you have barrets and stuff? Morty can we do your hair?" As he asks this heads to the fridge to see if there is pizza left, taking the last two slices for breakfast. - - -Rick K-213 ends up folding his arms under his head and keeps eyes closed- listening to the sounds of nature and whatever JX was doing with the tools. The peaceful morning was pleasant and with no screaming children nearby he'd take full advantage.- xx "Good morning!" -Summer greeted back, glancing up from her work to smile. He must of stayed up late last night to only wake now. But that was alright; neither kids had a set bedtime yet, or even a daily schedule. Hmm, maybe after another few weeks when things got more settled she could make one.- -Morty D-528 jolts a little when hearing the loud exclaim, looking up in surprise. What? He looked 'cute'? That was a eccentric statement and he briefly wondered if it had been sarcasm. Picking up on social cues wasn't in his adroitness, thus why he tended to often stare blankly. Unless it was aggression or tension, he had no idea how to react.- "Uh, s-sure." -He agreed, reluctantly clicking his new phone off and sliding it into a pocket. The heck were barrettes? Hopefully nothing nefarious- though deep down he knew there was nothing to fret. These two wouldn't harm him; they were all friends after all. Or siblings now. He watches the other version of himself stroll into the kitchen and open the fridge. There was still two slices left for the boy, one of each kind.- "Hmm, you're right dork! We have to! I'll get my supplies." -Summer laughs, giggling as she rises from her chair and heads upstairs. Normally when doing schoolwork she didn't like to be interrupted, but watching two boys style hair? Now this she's gotta see. And the other kid did agree easily- hmm, more evidence for the girl theory.- -She goes into her room and opens the closet, eyes searching until landing on a small black box. Grabbing it and jogging back downstairs, sliding it onto the table before opening. Inside was a handful of hair accessories; flower bobby pins, assorted colours of barrettes, some scrunchies and a single headband. It wasn't much, but after turning fourteen she wore her hair basically in a ponytail constantly. With all the work she does it was easier to keep it out of the way, so unless there was a party or a dinner out, it stayed up.- "We'll have to gussy you up too, dork. You both need to be completely adorable!" -She states while sitting back down. Hopefully he'd wear one of the new outfits she bought yesterday. When first coming here he had shorts on, so Summer bought him a few pairs. And he seemed to like the shirts and gloves also. The idea of dressing them up and taking them to town to show off was alluring, and she debated on it.- - - Once Rick's done with the top of the table he grabs a loose piece of sandpaper in his hand, going over the outer edges of the table. The block wouldn't work for something curved like this. - - "Awesome."He smiles, going over to the microwave to heat up the two slices. "Where are our Ricks? he asks Morty while Summer's upstairs getting the stuff. He wasn't sure if he should say 'my rick' and 'your rick' anymore. After all the other Morty's Ricks had told Summer yesterday she had two grandpas now and compared them to the Brady bunch. So that meant they were both his grandpas too- step grandpas. He only had one REAL grandpa after all; or would it be an adoptive grandpa? He'd ask Summer when she got back down- she'd know. He rejoined the table with his pizzas, glancing up as Summer came back in the room, distracted instantly from his language arts question by the box in her hands. "This is good." He nods approvingly. He'd been hoping she had a hairbrush too but fingers would work. "O-ok." He agrees a bit more nervously as she suggests it, hoping she didn't include dressing him in girl clothes in with 'gussying him up' Still, no matter what it was just playing dress-up and that was fun right? "I moved all my clothes into my bedroom." He says, in case she was going to look for them. He quickly finishes eating, going to wash and dry his hands before coming back to Morty. To start off he pulls out all the accessories that are the same color as the other kid's outfit. "Tell me if I'm touching your hair too much." He says, beginning to play with it with his hands, trying to decide what to do with it. - - -Huh. So that's where Morty's clothing went. Last night Summer was a little confused when seeing the bags gone from her room, but had been too tired to fully wonder. Did he spend the night in his new room? The thought of him sleeping on the floor made her feel bad; hopefully today they could finally buy them beds.- "Oops, forgot the brushes. One sec!" -Summer said, jumping up again and quickly leaving, coming back seconds later with her brush and two combs- one large and the other smaller. She sat back down, picking her pen up to continue scribbling notes. Glancing over every so often to watch the boys.- -Morty D-528 eyes fluttered closed, letting out a gentle exhale while leaning back into the fingers running through his hair. It felt divine having someone fiddle with his spiked locks- which were very soft after his bath. "I-Its fine," he replied, nuzzling into the touch for a heartbeat before remembering himself and pulling back. The other boy was here to fix his hair, not pet. Though he wondered why the boy wanted to do this. People willingly wanting to touch him- besides JX which was just annoying- was slim to non-existent.- -After finishing her own breakfast Belle stretched and strolled away from the bowl, choosing next to sit in the sun pouring through the kitchen window on the ground. She flopped over to lay down, stretching those long limps out and began licking her white fur clean.- - - Once he's done with that he flips the table upside down, cupping the sandpaper around one of the table legs and beginning to sand it. - - Just what he needed! Morty smiles, reaching for the brush, brushing all the hair out before grabbing for the scrunchies, trying to see what it looked like if he made a ponytail. No. That looked silly- he just ended up with a little tuft of hair sticking up on top like Pebbles Flinstone. He took it out and brushed it back down, instead pulling the hair back from his face to either side, putting a few barrettes in either side but... no, he didn't like that either. he decided on a side-swept part, living the hair above his ear lose on the left side and from his eyebrow up swooshing it over pinning it as it goes in the flower bobby pins, smiling. Perfect~! -Morty D-528 continues to keep his eyes closed, soaking in all the attention his hair was getting. It was so lovely he could probably just sit there for hours letting the boy do whatever he wanted- regardless if it came out flattering or not. He didn't really like his spikes anyways; reminded him too much of a Rick's haircut.- -Summer watches from the corner of an eye, writing down some more notes and clicking to another page on her laptop. When her brother seemed to be done she glanced over to inspect. D-528 having his hair side-swooped over with flower pins definitely took away the sharp edge to his face, leaving the boy looking soft, almost dainty.- "Oh- you look so pretty! Wow, dork. Good job! I didn't know you could style hair." -Summer complemented, sounding genuine. Honestly she was expecting a rat nest to be messily fumbled on the other kids head- little boys weren't typically flourishing with hairdressing skills. But no- he did a really good job. She was impressed.- -The scrawny teen blinked his eyes open, looking around at the grooming items scattered across the table. There wasn't a mirror in the kitchen, so he couldn’t view for himself. No one was laughing or snickering though, so he assumed it looked okay and this wasn't some kind of prank.- Well he didn't really do anything fancy he thinks at Summer's complement. "You wanna see?" He pulls out his phone, snapping a picture and turning it to show the other Morty. Once he's done he takes his phone back, deciding to send it to both Summer and JX before sitting down, closing his eyes. "Ok! Your turn." He said. He didn't know what the other kid would do but he figured it was only fair he gives him a turn. Than they both needed to get Summer! Back in his old life he sure wouldn't have let his sister put girly stuff in his hair but theses siblings were different. They wouldn't tease him or anything. - - Rick JX- 324 pauses running the sandpaper in his hand up and down the table leg to brush his hands off on his pants leg, leaning to reach for his lab coat, fishing his phone out and opening it with a smile. How fuckin cute. He sends back a thumbs up, going back to what he's doing. Only a little bit and he'll be done. - - Morty D-528 blinked blankly while his picture got taken, leaning forward to see the phone. The photo was himself, although he looked different. Less dejected, face softening from the flowers in his hair. A hand rose to gently feel them, curling around the edges. Then the other boy was declaring it his turn; pausing to look over. His eyebrows creased while rising from the chair, slowly moving to stand behind the kid.- -Never in his life had he attempted to style another beings hair- not even bothering with his own. What would he even do? The other Morty had curly hair, unlike his own straight spikes. And he never paid much attention to hairstyles; JX's was long, K-213's spiky, and Summer’s ponytail. Done.- -He fiddles with fingers nervously, reaching over to grab a comb and place it on the curls- gently running it through. Maybe he could just put clips in randomly? Would that work? His hair was much too short for a ponytail or any kind of styling. Guess it'll have to do, he decides while grabbing the prettiest bobby pins and barrette available.- -Summer clicks her phone on, smiling when seeing the photo sent to her and saves it. Seems it was the other kids turn now; he did really pretty markings with her, so maybe it'll be the same intricate work here. He sure had a fastidious touch.- - - Morty smiles at the little emoticon he got back glad the Rick liked the picture. It only occurred to him after he sent it maybe the Ricks might be somewhere that he shouldn't be texted but from the fact that he texted back so quick it's clearly not the case. He sets his phone down on the table, closes his eyes and sits still, letting the kid mess with his hair all he wants. He took a while pushing Morty's hair around trying to figure out what to do with it. He figures the other Morty will do the same. There really isn't much you can do with his hair- it's a curly mess and it grows rather quickly. He used to keep it short like most Mortys did but that wasn't the case the last six months. He trimmed it a few times to keep it from getting too long but he was by no means a hairdresser. He was making a mess on the other's head. Randomly pacing bobbies and some flower clips with no synergy. When finished Morty took a step back to examine the hot mess, and grimanced. It was so unruly compared to the others graceful work. He felt a tiny flicker of embarrassment and steps back further.- "Er, s-sorry... I uh, never done this b-before." -He apologizes, nervously fiddling with his overly long sleeves. Summer glances over when the boy spoke- only to quickly cover her mouth in a poor attempt at stifling a giggle. There was the rat nest she had been anticipating. A cute little mess of flowers and rainbow shades in her brother's curls.- "You look like a rainbow coughed on you!" -She laughed warmly, whipping her phone up to steal a quick pic. It was still charming in it's own odd way, but not anything one would walk around in public wearing. Morty apologized under his breath again, looking away in shame. He hadn't meant to mess things up, but hairstyles wasn't in his experiences.- Morty grabbed his phone, turning the camera to selfie mode, looking at his hair. Ok. Maybe he did deserve praise for the other Morty's hair cause this didn't look good at all. "It- It's ok! It's not your fault! I have different hair- it's crazy. You - you did fine." He assures him, patting his arm. "I'm gonna leave it in all day! Un..unless I have to go somewhere. I don't want to lose Summer's stuff!" he added. He smiled at him. "Come on! Now we gotta get Summer!"He said, grabbing the stuff and moving over to her. "Don't worry Summer."He assured her. Just keep working." He tells her, not wanting to distract her any further from her stuff. -Least his counterpart wasn't annoyed about the mess he made; exhaling quietly in relief before following him over to Summer. There would be no point of him helping with Summer's hair, but he could just watch. Or maybe pick out some pretty bobbies.- -Summer giggles from where she sat, grinning down at the notes she continues to write up. They weren't reaching for scissors so she wouldn't object to their fun game of hair salon.- "Just have mercy on me." -She replied with a laugh, clicking to the next page on her laptop. Only a few more pages and then she'd be done. If today was going to continue being this peaceful, she could get a head start on some math work too. Her least favourite, but needed to be done.- Morty didn't want to mess Summer's hair up- she'd already done it after all. It was different than him and Morty who hadn't really done anything with theirs. So he sticks to putting a scrunchy on her ponytail the same color as her shirt and just putting whatever barrettes the other Morty picked out in a line leading back to it. Hum, ok. He adds a few extras near the front or else you wouldn't be able to tell they did anything from head-on. "There." He said, looking at the other one. " What do you think?" - - Outside Rick finished sanding, getting up and moving away a bit so he can brush all the wood dust off himself. He needs to go inside, brew some tea and run to the store and grab some stain and a topcoat. And he does mean quick. He's not in the mood for spending another two-plus hours frolicking around the store like they did yesterday. And hopefully, while he's out most of the sawdust will blow away, leaving less clean up work. - - Summer lets them do their thing while she writes, making sure not to move her head much. It felt nice to have their little hands playing with her hair- or just Mortys at least- last time anyone did this was a year ago when she went to a salon. When hearing they were done she grabbed the cell and flipped its camera; quick to admire the pretty line of flower pins going along her side to the back.- "Whoa, it's so pretty! You two are little artists!" -She exclaims, leaning back to smile at them. Morty D-528 silently holds a thumbs up to declare approval; it did look pretty. His counterpart was quite adroit. Since all three were done he helps clean up, putting everything neatly back into the black box.- xx -Rick K-213 hears JX getting up, opening his eyes and glancing over. They been out here for probably an hour- he might as well go inside himself. See if his Morty is up and check whatever they all were doing.- -With a grunt he hauls himself up and stretches before trailing back around the house and pushing the front door open- ignoring how it slammed on the other side from impact. Already Summer's voice could be heard from the kitchen, so he stomps down the hall, entering the room.- - - Morty smiles, glad she likes it. "Ok! Group picture now!"He demands, squishing all three of them together and taking a picture. It's really cute and he smiles, setting it as his background. "Do you have a phone number on that thing yet?" He asks, nodding at the other Morty's phone. "I can send you the pictures if you want?" He looks up as he hears the door open, scooting nervously behind Summer. The Ricks are back. He can't help but worry what his Rick will think about him having girly stuff in his hair, blushing a bit as he debates either to pull the stuff out real quick but he doesn't.. he'd told the other Morty he was going to wear it all day. That was before he realized the other two were gonna be back so soon. He knew the other Rick had no issues with this kind of stuff which is why he sent him the picture- he bought his Morty those girly clothes after all but his Rick.. he wasn't so sure. He was such a serious manly Rick.. so big and strong. Would he be mad? Say he looked stupid and tell him to take the stuff out of his hair? - - -Summer grins widely for the group picture, putting bunny ears over Morty D-528's head since he didn't smile, and needed something sweet in the photo. She happily takes her own phone and saves the photo, setting it to her wallpaper like her brother had done.- -The scrawny teen opens his mouth to reply but suddenly jolts when hearing slamming of a door, anxiety spiking. The Ricks were back- or one of them at least- and assumingly in a bitter mood from the loud bang. He glances over to see the other version of himself duck behind Summer, dread filling his gut. That boy never hid from Ricks; had something happen last night while he was asleep? Did they do something? He inches closer, huddling along side behind Summer.- Rick K-213 glances to the kids when stepping into the room- only to recoil something fierce, turning around quickly to save face. Holly shit; he's had bullets hurts less than the amount of cuteness stabbing into his chest. Each kid had little barrettes in their newly styled hair- Mortys especially messy. Seems they were playing dress up like fucking five year olds, and even by Summer's bright grin it was obvious they had fun. How utterly adorable.- -In taking a deep breath Rick turns back around, slapping a hand over his mouth to hide a grin threatening his lips. Stupid little shits were going to be the death of him- growling and stalking over to the fridge, yanking it open to snatch the last bottle of whiskey. Huh, the liquor situation needed restocking.- "Uhh, you okay grandpa?" -Summer asked, watching his odd behaviour while marching over to the fridge. He was acting like he caught scent of a bad odour or something. "I'm fucking fine," he growls back, clearing throat before ripping the cap top off and chugging nearly half. Once having enough he tosses it back and slams the door, going to assess the kids. He glares down at his Morty hiding behind his sister, eyes flickering over the mess of pins in his curled hair. Damn it.- "Enjoying yourselves?" -He asks, crossing arms and tilting head to the side. Summer closes her laptop and flashes him an annoyed expression. "Yes, we are. And we all look cute too. Want your hair done?" She challenged, instantly receiving a glare. "Fuck off," he growls, but it wasn't harsh unlike many other times he had addressed her. Things were certainly more neutral between the two after yesterdays heart-to-heart.- He hates it. Morty thinks, watching his Rick move back and turn around after spotting them. When he turns around he has his hand over his mouth - Morty is sure it's to stop himself from yelling at them. He glances at Summer as she speaks to Rick, watching him head over to the fridge before coming back over to them. Morty tries not to look too nervous as he looms over them, glaring straight at him. He doesn't even reply to the question summer having answered for all three of them and like always challenging the man Rick of course, expectedly, does not want his hair done and dismisses her. Morty is relaxing a bit, less tense behind her. He's already seen it so there's no reason to keep hiding. He comes out from behind summer, standing instead beside her. JX walks in the house, dropping his tool bag by the other two boxes, heading straight for where he hears voices, smiling broadly at the sight of the three. He had got a picture of his Morty- he didn't know the other two were involved in the dress up too. He bypasses all of them, heading into the kitchen and washing his hands before coming over, snagging a kiwi out of the fruit bowl and biting into it, looking between the four in the dining room, wondering what everyone was up to. -Morty D-528 stays hidden behind Summer, not ready nor bold enough to leave like his counterpart. The larger Rick still made him very nervous- especially after being picked up yesterday. He really wished the men would stop touching him; it was so uncomfortable and starting to get annoying more than fearful.- "Why not? Scared of some cute hair clips?" -Summer continues to antagonize; flashing a teasing smile. Rick rolls his eyes, watching JX stroll by before tugging his flask out to take a swig. "I'm a grown ass man, I don't partake nor behave in juvenile recreations," he growls, finishing off with a loud belch.- -Summer huffed loudly, annoyance rising up from Rick's vulgar behaviour- but then pauses, an idea coming to mind. Suddenly a large, mischievous grin grows across her face, leaning back and crossing arms. He doesn't have any silly quirks of his own, huh? That was a lie- and she was going to expose that. Tossing her head to the side causally to view the other three, she jerks a thumb in her grandfather's direction.- "Hmm, hey guys, has grandpa ever told you about his little tummy secret?" -Immediately Rick sputters; nearly choking on a mouthful of drink and coughs it down. But he recovers quickly- taking a lunging step forward to snarl loudly down at her, baring those usually sharp fangs in warning. "I-I will quite literally drop kick you out of a fucking window!" He practically shouts, however the bright pink blush dusted over his cheeks alleviated the fake threat.- Morty looks at Summer in absolute dismay as she continues to antagonize the old man. Why would she do this? Why Would she Want to anger him? Who cared if he wanted things in his hair or not and teasing him about it wasn't useful or necessary. JX raises his eyebrow curiously. The first thing that comes to mind when he hears stomach trouble is lactose intolerance which would explain the preference for a ketogenic diet but would not fit in the conversations context. They were talking about hair bobbles and jewelry. "Is your navel pierced?" He inquiries curiously. That would fit the context. He readjusts where he's standing so he can glance at the other man's shirt, looking for any indication of jewelry beneath it. -Summer shakes her head to the piercing guess. He didn't have any and wouldn't allow her either like the stick-in-the-mud he was. Couldn't even get her damn ears pierced, which was a shame- hooped earrings were so pretty...- "Well, you know when you scratch a dogs belly, and they get all mushy and content? Roll over on their backs and get that scratch reflex? Kick out their leg." -She explains, grin widening while pointing a finger conspicuously towards her grandfather. At this point Rick's face had completely redden; eye twitching violently and shaking fits at his side. He inhales deeply before completely snapping and lunging across the table for the girl- who jumps out of her chair and bolts from the room laughing.- "I'M GOING TO FUCKING KILL YOU!" -Rick roars, racing after her. Summer only hollers louder; comedic shouting and crashing shaking the house. Morty D-528 looks like his ghost left his body during the exchange, staring at the kitchen entrance with wide eyes. He... He wouldn't actually kill her, right? It was a jest, right? The girl had left laughing so she certainly didn't view the situation as dangerous.- -On a less daunting note, the 'secret' was more confusing to him than amusing. Was Rick K-213 part canidae? He didn't have any exterior canine traits, but behaviour was suitable; with growling and the raw-meat diet.- -Belle had woken from her sun-bathed nap during the shouting; leaping onto the table and giving a meow. Her owners were sure being loud this morning. What was going on?- JX can't help but smile at the blush on the others cheeks, finding it cute- just as cute as any of the kids little dress up accessories. Not that he would EVER comment on that fact or admit it aloud. The fact Summer shares while previously unknown comes as no shock to either JX or the curly haired Morty. The man did have many dog like tendencies. Morty was still wondering if he was a werewolf- this just added more fuel to that. Still, Morty dosn't feel this fact is worth it- the man looks livid as she tell them and it's not like anyone is going to get close to the largest person in the house and start touching their stomach. She may as well have said the man was allergic rocks from Mars for as much use it would have. The teen jumps in shock at the mans angry outburst, fearfully starting a few steps forward as well, not sure if he should run and hide or run and try to help Summer. He stopped after a second though, realizing Summer was laughing not screaming in fear. Her and Rick were just playing. He just moves back over to the other Morty, giving him a hug. He looked absolutely terrified by the whole interaction in front of them. "Alright than." Rick clears his throat as he finishes the last of the kiwi, grabbing a napkin to dry his hands. "I need to -to go make some tea than I'm headed to the hardware store. You wanna learn how to make tea or get ready to come along?" He headed twords the kitchen with out waiting for an answer. "If you do go we're not spending forever- not taking two hours at the damn store again. Fifteen minutes, maybe thirty max." -Morty D-528 didn't look too convinced that things were alright; focus still on the shouting and laughing boom from another room. Ricks chasing you wasn't something to find amusing- it was a death sentence. But, Summer was laughing...- -He looks over when getting hugged, blinking at the other- the same anxiety reflecting. The other may be a Rick ass-kisser, but even he knew to be wary of their wrath. When JX spoke he scowled; he didn't want to go to the store again. Yesterday had been stressful enough, and now with Summer being chased that just lessen the previous excitement of leaving the house.- -Wiggling out of the other boy's grip gently, he skitters out of the kitchen, following the noise to the front door which was wide open. He peers out, stepping into the front yard just in time to see Summer race by, Rick chasing her around the yard. The man still looked pissed off, but the girl was laughing her head off- acting like a toddler trying to escape bath-time.- -His heart seizes when the Rick finally caught her- getting ready to scream for help- but Summer only starts laughing harder, kicking feet trying to get away. Oh. The Rick was tickling her. Calling her a bitch and snarling, but just tickling her sides. The small teen feels his shoulders untense, exhaling a held breath.- -It was so bizarre seeing a Rick coltish, racing around the yard chasing a teenage girl. Never in his young life had Morty ever thought he'd meet a Rick who wasn't a malicious beast, hellbent on annihilation. He takes the strawberry covered phone from his jeans pocket, staring down. Summer had bought this yes, but technically it was K-213's money that had paid for it. The man never said a word on it either- like the gift was just a given.- -It was hard not to feel slight envy of the other Morty and Summer for having this Rick. Yes, he was the more menacing of the two, but somehow the more amiable. Always grinning or smile at his kid, comforting him with kisses and hugs from the abandonment scare, the luxurious house, obvious devotion to both grandkids...- -His eyebrows crease, watching the two in the yard shout and laugh with another, and it tugged his heartstrings. If the roles had been reversed, Summer would've been his sister first. Still distressing to be tied to another Rick, but comparing the circumstances, Morty couldn't help but feel disappointment. JX didn't even like him; he was just a close enough copy to the previous grandson. Good enough.- Rick goes into the kitchen, noting neither of the boys followed him to the kitchen. He looks for a kettle, if not finding one he just grabs a pan, starting water boiling in it before following the two boys to the door. He comes up beside them, peering out to see what was happening. It seems Summer had had ran out side, still laughing. He smiled. He was glad the man and his granddaughter had finally made up and were happy. He stands there and watches for a few minutes until he deems the water has had enough time to boil, heading into the kitchen to turn the water off, throwing ten tea bags in it. There. More than enough tannic acid. If it was for drinking its be hella bitter but he's not going to drink this after all. He leaves it on the stove, heading once again to the boys. "Either of you coming?" He asks after snagging a peice of the broken table in the corner. He'd forgotten this was even here. He didn't even need to analyze anything in here for color. "I'll go." The curly haired Morty say, happy for any excuse to get out of the house even if it is a quick trip to a hardware store. Everything seemed ok here andhe never really enjoyed just hanging around the house all day off there was an alternative. "Morty?" Rick asks the other kid, sending a portal out. It wasn't as order, it was a question. He didn't have to go, he trusted him here with K and Summer if he wanted to stay. ---------- Not realizing either had followed him until hearing speaking, Morty D-528 gives a surprised squeak and jolts around to face them- hiding the phone behind his back. He was quickly getting attached to it, and like his beloved horse he didn't want to risk JX snatching it away.- -Summer's knees were buckling, unable to hold herself up as she got tickled brutally- squirming and laughing. When breathing was becoming difficult Rick K-213 slowly released his granddaughter, gently laying her on the crisp grass.- "Fucking lay there and think about what you've done." -He growled, looming over while she giggled and breathed heavily to catch her breath. But regardless of his stern tone, eyes were filled with amusement and affection; going so long without being able to play with his granddaughter left the moment significant. Noticing then the other three were outside, standing beside a swirling green vortex, he strolls over, smoothing out his shirt.- "Where are you headed?" -He asks JX, crossing arms and glancing to the portal. If the man had said anything about leaving today, Rick sure as Hell hadn't been paying enough attention to remember.- -Morty frowns again when getting offered a second time to come along, mumbling under his breath that he'd stay before quickly skittering away- over to Summer and sitting down behind her.- JX raises his eyebrow at the kid squeeking and hiding the phone. He stress didn't give a fuck what the kid looked at on there, he sure wasn't I any position to judge. He nods at Morty's choice to stay home. If he card he wouldn't have gave him the option to begin with. "Hardware Store." He answers the other's question simply, holing up the broken table leg. "Stain and sealer." He hadn't asked the other man along since her was busy with some we'll needed time with his granddaughter but since he was asking he added on. "You wanna come?" -Rick K-213 wrinkled his nose at the mere offer, eyes narrowing in discontent. The Citadel wasn't the only colonized place he greatly despised; anywhere with more than five people was normally insufferable. Bright lights, excessive noise, humans or lower beings crawling around like the pointless insects they were. Socializing didn't bode well for the misanthropic scientist.- -He growls lowly, but before he could snap a stern 'no' he glances down to Morty-looking at the little boy with the rainbow mess in his hair. Rick had said he'd stick around more for the brat, and accompanying would probably add to the promise.- "Sure. Why fucking not." -He replies gruffly, shrugging those broad shoulders, and without waiting he strolls forward, stepping through the portal with lab coat breezing behind in the wind. So long as they weren't gone for too long, his temper could hold up.- Morty smiled up at him when he looked down at him, smiling even wider when he said he'd go, hurrying to follow him through. JX walks twords the other two. "Either of you need any thing from the hURRPrdware store?" He asks, looking down at them. After getting their answer he nods heading through his portal. Either way soon enough he makes it through the portal to join the others. He had chosen a small harware store in comparison to the Super Store yesterday. It was owned by a nice family and he had frequented it many times while rebuilding the damaged parts of his house. The portal lets out directly inside the entry of the building and upon Rick and Morty entering through the portal the cashier looks up, a middle to late age white gentleman smiles greeting them. "Rick! You did something different with your hair! It's short! Good to see you! And this must be the grandson I kept hearing about. How you doing?" He looks closer at him before laughing. "Well you certainly did something with your hair too I see. What did you get into?" Morty dosn't know what to say in response to that edging behind Rick a bit. In the commotion with Summer he'd forgotten about his silly hair. -Morty D-528 shakes his head 'no' to JX's question while Summer flat out ignores the man; still childishly bitter from the morning quarrel. Once they had left and the portal vanishes, she sits up and shuffles over beside Morty- coaxing his cell phone out. She needed his number, and began walking him through how to add contacts.- xx -Okay maybe this was a bad idea. Already Rick K-213 feels irritation rising by the fluorescent lighting and sharp smell of wood dust. He squints his eyes, glancing around briefly while waiting for the others to leap through the portal.- -Rick glances down to Morty stepping behind him, studying the kids hair when the stranger commented. It wasn't too bad; just looked like a dumb thing children would do while playing. Looked adorable more than anything, so with a warning growl at the stranger Rick starts strolling around with a bored expression. Nothing here was captivating.- JX comes through a minute later much to the confusion of the cashier. "You.. have a brother?" He inquired. JX just nodded, picking up a handbasket, "Something like that. Good to see you." He said with a wave, closing his portal, heading into the store. He knew this store well and headed right for what he was looking for. - - Morty hurries away with his Rick, following him through the store like a good Morty. He sticks close to him and doesn't touch things but that doesn't stop him from looking, eyes running over everything they were walking past. -Rick K-213 doesn't wander too far into the store, glancing around boredly before letting out an annoyed growl. The sharp scents of oils and diesel fuel making his nose burn- certainly a bad idea in coming here. Stupid brat needed constant attention. With a glare he looks down to Morty, a low rumble in his throat.- "Are you wanting something from this facility?" -He wasn't even sure why the kid wanted to tag along; not like it was a damn toy store or anyplace riveting. Just a simple construction store for home improvements or vapid woodwork projects. But Mortys had much different taste than Ricks, and maybe he desired an item from here.- ((Taken how much Rick K-213 growls when he growls it isn't a human going "grrr" it's an actually doglike noise. It's that really low throaty growl doggos do.) Re: possible RaM rp? Morty shrugs, looking around. "No. I'm j-just looking." He answers honestly. "I just like going other places than the house. B'sids normally when we go out with him he gets snacks." He said, wondering why his Rick was asking. He peeks around, wondering why he was asking. his place wasn't that boring - there was a bunch of things Morty had never seen before. JX grabbed his stuff as quickly as possible before looking for the other two. He knew the other Rick did not like people or shopping so he wasn't really expecting him to want to hang around too long. "Did you two find anything?" He asks as he locates them, stepping over with multiple stains in a basket, some spray-on topcoat as well as various types of brushes. "I doubt snacks could be found here, unless you're a beaver." -Rick K-213 snorts, jabbing a row of hammers harshly- causing one to fall off the shelf. He doesn't attempt to put it back, already turning and stalking off. When JX finds them the man feels relief in seeing the baskets already full. Good. That means they can leave soon.- "Only disappointment." -Rick quips back, sniffing the air. His counterpart was gathering equipment for the furniture kits. Huh, the man really wasn't half-assing the project; going full out in assembling. Personally he would've just bought them already made, tinkering around with household furnishings wasn't in his interest.- "No." Morty shook his head with a smile, bending down to pick up the hammer. "I don't think I 'wood' like to eat this." He sets it back on the shelf closest to him. JX didn't mind the smell of this place at all. The smell of rubber, leather, paint, oils, wood, and metal all blended together to make a very pleasing scent in his opinion. True, he could have bought furniture already put together but why bother? He needed something to do while hanging around the house. His Morty was nowhere near ready for actual adventures yet. He was still hoping at some point to get his Morty in on the building but he wasn't gonna press it today. Yesterday was stressful enough, the kid needed some downtime. He headed for the counter, leaning on it and chatting with the cashier for a few minutes about really nothing mainly what project he's working on before excusing himself saying he's got to go. He doesn't want to stand here and talk when the other two are ready to go. The cashier waves, the middle-aged man giving all three of them a them a good-natured goodbye, going back to stocking by his register as Rick shoots out a portal, heading through. -The pun takes awhile to register with Rick; waiting around for JX to finish before it clicked. His grumpy persona falters for a moment as he lets out a barking laugh, flashing Morty an amused grin with fangs jutting out.- "Hurry up, you cute little piece of shit." -He chuckles, shoving the boy none too gently through the swirling green vortex before entering himself. Landing back in his own dimension was like getting fresh air again- inhaling deeply as his irritation morphs back into a decent mood. There, he did his good deed for the day. No one better assume he'll endeavor more field trips.- -Summer and Morty D-528 remained outside while the trio had left; both on their phones, enjoying anothers silent company. Morty was hooked on youtube again, watching endless amount of equestrian videos. And Summer was checking her social media- replying to a few text messages.- Morty smiles at being called cute, going through and waiting on the other side for his Rick, wondering what the other man is planning on doing now. JX comes through the portal, setting his bag down in the grass as it closes behind him. He looks, seeing his Morty is still occupied he heads inside to grab the tea and brings it out next to where he left his bag. He goes around back to get the table. Everyone else is in the front yard so he figures he'll move out here with them. -Rick K-213 starts walking over to his garage, taking out a small button device from the other day and clicking it- opening the door. With everyone outside he would keep the large door open; not something he was comfortable or use to doing, but with a Morty around he'd have to. Most pairs share their garage anyways.- -He walks inside, heading over to workbench and carefully plopping down the antigravity implement. The light of day would help with finishing this, so yet another reason to keep things open. And most of the confidential boxes were packed and put away- indiscernible.- -Plopping down into the chair and tugging out his old familiar screwdriver Rick begins working; screwing the back off to recheck the wiring- last time there was miscalculations. Deeming things viable he lets out a pleased rumble, tugging off the top and carefully prodding the nucleus.- Morty glances at the other two as well but they seem busy doing their own thing. He dosn't bother heading over to them, instead follows his Rick to the garage, figuring the open door was an invitation. He pulls up his seat, settling down on the same stool he'd used next to him, watching closely. - - JX wipes the saw dust off the table with a cloth. He dips a foam brush in the tea and begins spreading a coat on the table. He has extra brushes if either of the kids chose to join but for now he works alone, turning music on on his phone as he works. He opens a music app and let's it play at random. He has it on random to pretty much play any thing from the present back the last eighty two years. -Rick K-213 glances over when hearing someone walk in- watching his Morty crawl onto the spare stool beside his workbench. Wordlessly he reached over to yank open a drawer, tugging out a pair of safety goggles and shoving them at his boy.- "Put these on." -He orders with a low growl, picking the screwdriver back up and continues picking apart the nucleus. The wires start spraying out some sparks- they were bright but not harmful. Rick squinted his eyes as he continued to work, giving a small curse when finally ripping the core out. No wonder his device wouldn't start he thought while looking over the fried circular object in a hand; half of it blacken and scorch. Wasn't strong enough to power up the gravitation energy.- Morty nods, putting the safety glasses on. If it was dangerous enough for a Rick to be worried about safety equipment he sure wasn't going to question it. He stays close enough to help if Rick needs anything but if he dosn't need help after a while he'll drift his seat sideways a bit and pull out his phone. - - Once JX finishes coating the table in tea he stands up to leave it to dry, figuring it was probably a good time to find his Morty something for lunch. He takes a drink from his flask as he heads into the house, slapping together three peanut butter sandwiches, grabbing two fruit drinks as well. He's not gonna feed his Morty and ignore Summer while she was sitting right next to him. He heads back outside with the food, grabbing one sandwich for him self and setting the plate containing the other two between the two. "Lunch." He announced as he sat it and the drinks down, sitting down as well about two feet from his Morty. "Worthless piece of shit." -Rick K-213 grumbled, carelessly tossing the brunt core over his shoulder- ignoring how it crashed loudly against the ground. Not like it was salvageable. Since Morty was here he waves an arm at him, not bothering to glance up from his own work.- "Go drag the tool chest over here. It has wheels, so just push it." -The man ordered, picking up the old screwdriver again to adjust some of the wires. Although the chest was heavy- probably heavier than the kid himself- he was positive the boy could handle it. There was wheels and no more boxes blocking the garage floor.- xx -Summer glances up from her phone when JX walks over, sitting up in surprise when he hands out two plates- each having a simple sandwich along with a juice box. Assuming one was for herself, she drags it over, muttering out a 'Thanks'. Clearly still bitter, but hungry enough to be won over.- -Morty D-528 is completely lost in his own little world; sitting cross-legged and hunched over staring down to the screen with starry eyes. He doesn't react at all to the declare of lunch or the man coming over; unknown if he's too distracted or simply ignoring.- -Summer giggles a little at the preoccupied kid, biting into the sandwich. Seeing him actually enjoying himself was awesome, although she wished he'd smile. Not once has there been any happy expression on that thin little face, and she was beginning to wonder if he- or she?- wasn't capable of feeling that emotion.- "K." He nods, getting up and going over to our, casually pushing at it as first expecting it to just slide. "Oh." He blinks as it barely moves. A challenge huh? Ok. He positions himself better to pull it over to Rick. Geeze. This thing is heavy. It's this where Rick kept his weights or something? He gets it over to his Rick, opening it up if it was not locked to see what's in it. - - "Hey. Food." Rick said, plucking the phone out of the boys hands to get his attention, dropping it in the kids lap. "I'm glad you like you're new phone but it's lu-lunch time. This is a sandwich. You eat it." The man swung around in his chair, watching Morty haul the chest over; giving a small snort in amusement seeing how they both were the same size. Brat was quite little for his age group. Rising off the chair he strolls over, kneeling down beside the boy and jerking a drawer open, scanning inside. No cores in sight. He tried another, and another. Soft mumbling turning to annoyed growling when discovering it empty of the desired item he needed.- "Damnit." -He exhaled sharply, standing up and running a frustrated hand through his disheveled spiked hair. Fucking fantastic- the last of his cores must of been used up when field testing the impede device. And of corse that had been a complete failure. Cursed, vexatious Unoixo frog bastards. He snarled to himself from the memory, pacing around his garage while trying to figure out a new plan.- xx -Morty D-528 jolted when suddenly his little trance was disrupted and the phone was yanked from his hands. Panic flashed through him, and before he could let out a cry of protest the cell was thankfully plopped back into his lap- grabbing and hiding it behind himself in a heartbeat.- -He looked over nervously, wondering if the man would take it away again before staring down at the plate of food, seeing a sandwich. While JX explained he couldn't help but raise an eyebrow; Earth sustenance was foreign to him, but lots of other planets had sandwiches. He knew what it was.- "Y-Yes, sir." -He squeaked, picking it up and taking a bite. It was pretty good, and he was quick to take another. Although he was unprepared for how sticky peanut butter was and struggled chewing the large amount in his mouth- looking a bit silly.- -Summer smiled widely while grabbing her juice box and stabbing the little straw in. Guess the kid wasn't wary of food offered by a Rick anymore. That would definitely make meal times easier; just this morning the kid ate pizza bought by a Rick. But she didn't mention it of corse, not wanting him to be suspicious.- Morty might be little but he wasn't too little. He was just the right size for crawling into air ducts or other tight spaces when need be. It was easy to find places to hide too! Plus it meant he had plenty of room in his seat on long saucer rides. It was also easier to blend in with a crowd or slip between them. He could also pass for a lot younger if he needed to, a useful talent for not being suspect if he was transporting something he didn't want to be caught with. He watches the Rick pace around his workshop. He seemed annoyed sure but he wasn't throwing things and smashing stuff so it wasn't scary. Morty didn't feel the need to get away like the other night, simply settling back on his stool to watch him. - - Rick is quite happy to see the kid eat take a bite of the sandwich with zero hesitation. That was a huge win if he ever saw one. "There's a drink in here." He pointed at the box and straw, resisting the urge to laugh at the boy's attempt at eating peanut butter. He hadn't realized it would be such a challenge "See- look at Summer."He gestures. He himself was drinking from his flask, the alcohol not pairing as well as milk would with the sandwich but the pleasant burn of the alcohol well made it worth it. -A low rumble rises in the back of Rick's throat as he paces. There was three possible solutions he had came up with. One, dissect another device to harvest it's functional core. Two, create one from scratch. Or three, ask JX if he had a spare laying around. Each solution had it's own issue. Rick didn't have any devices not activated currently to harvest from, nor did he have enough material to create one, and asking for help from another Rick wasn't in his comfort zone. Yes they were living together and had a mutual alliance, but he could handle his own problems.- -Well, there was a fourth option poking the back of his mind; he could always go on a mission to another universe and collect a new one. The thought made him pause mid step, instantly reaching for the flask. Secretly, a little twinge of anxiety rose in the man's chest- It's been years since he owned a Morty, meaning he had been planted to Earth the entire time. There was a reason he demanded death crystals and mega tonic from JX as payment; he was simply not ready to head onto a dangerous planet, even with the new brain-wave shield.- -Fuck, is this what he was now? A fucking coward of a Rick, too withdrawn to head back into space? Only reaching out far enough to the Citadel or a deserted planet? The pathetic thought made him snarl to himself, anger and self-loathing swirling around in his mind, fists shaking by his sides, nearly dropping the flask. He couldn't even manage alone last week when JX found him nearly fully paralyzed. The other man should've left him there to die.- -Letting out a deep sigh Rick takes a long swig before pocketing the flask and stalking over to the workbench- cleaning up the mess he made of the device and brushing it all into a lower drawer. Guess it was claimed as a debacle for now. Just another sign that his resources were getting slim.- xx -The scrawny teen is quick to reach for the juice box when choking on a swallow- the thick peanut butter refusing to go down. With a few sips things deemed much easier and soon it was in his stomach, leaving his cheeks pink from embarrassment. It didn't help that Summer let out a snicker; flushing more and ducking his head when taking another bite, only more careful this time.- -He didn't bother looking at Summer like the man suggested; he knew how to eat, just miscalculated the sticky substance. With smaller bites it was easier to get through, and the sweet berry juice was helping too.- -Almost on cue like most times when food was being served, Belle had leaped over; meowing loudly for her own share. She purred loudly and head-butted JX's hand in attempt to butter the man up for a treat.- ((How tall is your Morty? I keep thinking he's as small as my Morty. Mine is 4'9)) Morty watches, wishing there was some way to help. The man is clearly upset his little gadget thing wasn't working, he'd seen him put the same thing out a few times and work on it The old man's annoyance seems to fade into sadness and Morty frowned as well, wishing there was something he could do but ...if Rick couldn't figure it out he sure had no hope of offering any assistance. - - There's no reason to be embarrassed- it's not the kid's fault he hadn't had peanut butter and jelly. JX quickly finishes his own, laying back in the grass. Ypu wanna work on the table with me?" JX asks Morty. "Or I can bring out the dresser or the toy chest box and you can build one on your own?" He is once again reminded he should probably get some toys for the kids to play with outside. It seemed his 'things he needed to eventually do' list just keeps growing. "You don't have to" He adds. "Not today anyways- You can go back to playing on your Phone if you want." (also I never really had a set height in mind for him, I'm fine with that if you want them to be the same size ) ( Five foot even would be easy to remember. Real Mortys only 5'3 anyways.)
