Chapter Text
It was Sunday, today was the day that you had to switch back. You yawned while you made your way to the open garage of the Smith home. The other you said that no one was supposed to be inside today, and you took her word for it because after all, she was you. As you make your way inside the garage, 30 bucks had already been dispensed from your jean pocket. This other version of you, who demanded to be called Ruby, had set the limit for how long she was planning on staying. Both of you agreed that a week was all that would be needed to charge your social batteries.
Ruby was only one of the many different versions of yourself that you interacted with. Most of the time, you'd message them on a special kind of social media platform designed by Y/ns for Y/ns called "Self Chat" It was there that you learned of a system that allowed Y/ns to take a break from their respective Ricks for a certain period of time. the system was dubbed the " In and Out System" and one could typically pay about 30 bucks for the standard one-week plan. You grinned, Ruby was probably the most like yourself. She was a perfect replacement that could serve all the functions that you would normally. Tutor Morty and hang out with him, be Beth and Jerry's free mediator, drive Summer to school and where ever, and last but not least, Keep Rick company when the rest of the family didn't want to deal with this grumpy ass. These were the standard things you did for the Smiths since you moved to their neighborhood. Though, a part of you always wondered if you overstepped your boundaries. After all, you were not even a part of the family but they still invited you over for dinner nine times out of ten.
You go into the kitchen to find Ruby leaning back against the chair. Her E/C eyes held a glint to them as she smiled. There was something in the way that she held herself that told you that she knew something. Whatever it was, it put you on edge. "What's with that face?" you ask as you hand her the money. Ruby sighs and shakes her head something is defiantly up. " You have no idea how deep in shit you are Y/n, I thought something was off with this Rick but now I'm positive I know what it is," she says as she counts out the bills with one hand. Ruby stands up and pulls out a stick of gum, eyes trained on you. "I didn't know that a Rick could feel anything for a Y/n, especially in that way!" Ruby chuckles like she's just told the world's greatest punchline. At this point, you waste no time asking questions. "What the hell do you mean "In that way"? you hiss, your face screams confusion as Ruby takes another step closer to you.
"I mean, that Rick c-137 over there has a gross little old man crush on someone that's only a third of his age!" Ruby says as her grin deepens. " I figured that one out while I was pretending to sleep, you'd be surprised what some folks would say in your presence if they knew you weren't awake to hear it." Ruby says once more while patting your back condescendingly. You are too stunned to move or speak. This can't be right. It had to just be something she was saying to get you riled up. Y/ns do that sometimes, and you were no stranger to how good it felt to get the trick on someone. But, Ruby wasn't kidding, you could tell because she was looking directly in your eyes. E/C eyes boring through your own like she was trying to read your mind.
"That-that can't be right, there were never any hints and besides..." you trail off while Ruby sighs again. " Ok how the hell are we the same person if you're this oblivious?" "Also, the man's banged a planet and a hivemind I doubt he'd see anything wrong with having relations with 25 year old." Ruby deadpans as you start to sit down. Ruby goes on while passing you a stick of gum, it was tropical twist flavored.
"Though the counsel of Y/n might see this very differently." They might even put you on trial if they even suspect this kind of development because of how unnatural it all is" Ruby said whilst shivering. Ah yes, the counsel. You thought. They were only a group of five Y/ns who governed the larger group of Y/ns. Think of the Citadel if the Citadel were more relaxed. " I don't think this is anything worth worrying about, and are you sure you didn't mishear anything?" you ask. Ruby looks at your while running a hand through her own H/L H/C hair. " I had more than just spoken proof Y/n, Rick practically tucked me into the couch and gave me a tiny kiss on the head." From there your existential dread deepened.
After an hour or two of getting caught up on all the things you had missed while on vacation, you both heard a particular voice, one that neither of you was prepared for. "Shit" Ruby whispered. Your head slowly turns toward the direction of the voice. Your eyes were met with none other then Rick Sanchez who looked as confused as you two were.