Summery: What if Julie hadn't died? In this AU, Julie and Rick reunite, make amends and some family bonding occurs, a happy ending for everyone.
a/n: This first one is really long, it took up 17 pages on Google Docs too, as I had a lot to cover. The idea of an AU where Julie manages to survive, instead of dying like normal. It's what she deserves after all.
The "M" rating applies even here, as this does have a smut scene. If you were separated from your partner for years and were super touch starved, of course you'll fuck.
Ever since Rick had just disappeared, Julie felt so lost and alone. She was miserable and depressed being without the love of her life, her heart ached for him, wanted him to return to her. The last time she had felt like this was after the death of her parents, but at least this time, she had the hope of Rick being alive. No...she didn't hope, she knew he was still alive and out there somewhere. Her Rick was far too strong for anyone to kill him.
But it didn't do much to soothe her pain and sadness, she didn't know where he was, she was still worried about him. Rick wouldn't just up and leave for no reason, and Julie had speculated the reason, she knew him better than anyone and figured she could get an idea of where he was. Rick was a dangerous, prolific intergalactic criminal, and she knew that had to do with his sudden disappearance. Maybe he was trying to keep her and Beth safe? But what exactly was he trying to keep them safe from? An enemy of his most likely. However, Rick had tons in the past and hadn't left then, so whoever this enemy was had to be important.
Julie lay on her bed, holding onto a framed picture of her and Rick on their wedding day. Her fingers tracing his face while she tried to hold back her tears. She still thought he looked so handsome in his suit, and also thought it was funny how he was looking at her instead of the person taking the picture. Even though she was trying to hold back the tears, they flowed down eventually, she knew she needed him in order to be happy. Without Rick, Julie's life felt empty, lonely and she in turn felt incomplete.
Around her neck was the lilac-coloured pendant Rick had gotten for her all those years ago, she never took it off, as Julie wanted to keep everything relating to Rick close to her, including the gifts he had given her over the years. She even still kept the crystal rose he had gotten for her, and another necklace, that had a blue sapphire cut into the shape of a heart on it as well.
Julie wondered if Rick would still find her beautiful. She had been injected with an anti-aging serum by him a while ago, and it kept her body still as voluptuous and desirable as it was in her 20s. Still...her hair had dulled in colour, and she had wrinkles under her eyes. She couldn't help but worry about this stuff, with her past insecurities and the fact she didn't have Rick to make her feel confident. Julie sighed, putting a hand on her hips and looking downtrodden.
Despite the fact Rick had abandoned her for whatever reason, Julie still loved him. The memories of the happy moments they shared together was a constant in her mind. She had once told him nothing could ever make her stop loving him, and it was true, not even this was enough to convince her not to. Before Rick left, there had never been even any issues in their relationship, it was mainly just Rick leaving for longer and longer periods of time. She had been understandably concerned, but he had told her it was okay, she shouldn't worry, and he'll be fine. She trusted him, so never argued.
Looking back however, Julie realised she should've said something. She wondered that if she had, maybe Rick would still be here with her. At this, her lips trembled and she broke down into sobs.
Julie missed everything about her husband. His loving embrace, his kisses, his touch, and the little things like his laugh and smile. She missed...just..him in general. She longed to once again wake up in the morning and be greeted by Rick's sleeping face. Sleeping without him was so hard, the bed they once shared felt so empty without him in it with her. She spent most nights crying herself to sleep, or being unable to sleep. Julie also would have nightmares involving Rick, but when she would wake up in a panic, he wouldn't be there to make her feel better.
She wasn't completely alone thankfully, she talked to her old friends Mark and Vivian from time to time, and she still had their daughter and only child, Beth, around. But it didn't do much to soothe her pain, considering Beth now hated her and blamed her for Rick leaving, saying that because Julie was unremarkable and mundane, Rick had gotten bored of her and so left. Julie knew this couldn't be true, but hearing her daughter say something so horrible about her broke her heart even more.
Ever since Beth was a child, she had preferred Rick over her, just because Rick was cooler. It had always upset her, and even back then, Beth didn't seem to care much about her. Whenever she saw Julie try and help Rick out, she'd call her mean and say he's perfect and awesome just the way he is. It bothered Julie so much, and now it seemed Beth outright hated her. Julie had always seen her daughter as a show of her and Rick's love, and to see her act like this hurt a lot.
Even with Julie's sadness, she tried to remain a loving, supportive mother. She would sometimes hear Beth alone in her room crying, the first time she tried to come in to console her, Beth got angry and pushed her away. She did that every time Julie tried to help, so she gave up. But it didn't lessen how much it upset Julie to hear her daughter crying, she knew Beth was heartbroken about Rick leaving just as much as she was.
When prom night came, Beth had gotten a pretty crimson-red prom dress for the occasion. Julie was smiling at her. "You look so beautiful in that dress! I bet you'll end up as prom queen!"
Beth rolled her eyes. "Whatever."
Julie looked dejected, but tried to stay supportive as always. "Just try to be careful okay sweetie? I know how you teenagers can be and all."
"Ugh! It'll be fine! Stop worrying so much!" Beth snarled. "And anyways, I have to get going now, so quit bothering me." With that, she left, slamming the door behind her.
Julie felt tears well in her eyes, no matter how kind and loving she tried to be, Beth never cared and acted so nasty towards her. She tried to shake it off, but it hurt her so much..
A few weeks after prom, Julie, and Beth herself noticed something was off with her. She would randomly have cravings, she felt so tired more often, and suffered from rapid mood swings. They both suspected she was pregnant, but Julie didn't want to upset her, so never brought it up. Beth on the other hand, decided to confirm it herself, so one day after school she went out and bought a pregnancy test. Much to her shock and dismay, the results were positive, she was indeed pregnant.
Beth gripped onto the pregnancy test in anger, she knew who was to blame for getting her pregnant. When she had went to prom, she had encountered a boy there her age, who had a massive crush on her, and long story short, they ended up having sex. In her state of ecstasy, Beth hadn't paid much mind when he had pulled out, but now she knew it hadn't been enough.
She left the bathroom and arrived into the living room where Julie was, her face blank. Julie looked over at her in concern. "Are you okay sweetie?" She asked.
"I'm fine! I just..I'm pregnant.." Beth sighed.
"Oh…" Julie's voice didn't hide her disappointment. "Well...what do you want to do about it? You have to make a big decision eventually, are you going to keep the baby or have an abortion?"
Beth turned away, feeling annoyed and angry. "Obviously I'm getting rid of it! I'm only seventeen! I can't handle this!"
Julie thought for a moment. "That's fair, you could also talk to the boy who got you pregnant to begin with. I think he deserves just as much a say in this as you do, he is the baby's father after all."
"But he-"
"Beth, it's alright. I'm here for you, just try to think this through properly okay?"
Angrily, Beth stormed into her room, feeling enraged and upset that she was now pregnant, with no idea what to do. Maybe she should go talk to him...he seemed nice enough after all, and she hoped he wouldn't push her away and reject her.
Beth was surprised that when she had went to talk to him, Jerry had been shocked himself, but was actually okay with it. He had seemed amendment about keeping the baby, but Beth refused. Jerry was dejected by this, but didn't argue, as she was the one carrying the child in the first place, not him.
With her mind seemingly made up, she told Julie she had concluded she wanted an abortion, and she complied, driving both Beth and Jerry over to the abortion clinic. But on the way there, the tire blew out, and so Julie left the car to get help. Jerry took the opportunity to try and convince her to not have an abortion. Beth listened to him intently, and ended up deciding maybe she should keep the baby. When Julie had returned, Beth told her she'd changed her mind, Julie was okay with this, and after the tire was pumped back up again, they turned around and drove home.
After several months, and Julie trying to help Beth during her pregnancy, the baby was finally born, a girl Beth and Jerry decided to name Summer.
Julie took to looking after Summer while Beth and Jerry continued to go to school. She instantly took a liking to the infant, and found that she really took her mind off things. Beth was hesitant to let her mother look after Summer, but knew no one else really could while she and Jerry were off.
A few years passed, and another baby was born, this time a boy named Mortimer, or just Morty for short. Once again, Julie continued to help look after him and keep both her grandchildren company. Beth still held resentment towards her mother, but at the same time, she loved both her children and was happy to see them doing well with her.
Still, both Julie and Beth awaited the day Rick would return. Despite the happiness Beth had felt from being a mother, and having a family of her own with Jerry, who was now her husband(even if she wasn't sure if she loved him and their relationship wasn't the best), she missed Rick and wanted to reconnect with her father dearly. While Julie still longed to reunite with her beloved husband again, her heart aching for him..
Rick was by himself, sitting in a cot, staring off into space. He couldn't stop thinking about Julie, his loving and beautiful wife, who he missed more than words could describe. He thought about her everyday, hoping that she was okay, although he worried for her and couldn't imagine how she must feel that he just up and left her.
But Rick felt he had a good reason for doing so, there was a war raging with the Galactic Federation, and he'd left not only to fight in it alongside Birdperson and Squanchy, but also to keep Julie and Beth safe. He couldn't risk the people he loved the most in the multiverse getting hurt, or worse, because of him. Rick had decided against telling Julie, not wanting to worry her or have her try and convince him otherwise. At the same time, he felt guilty, not knowing how she and Beth were doing, and feared trying to contact them as the Federation could find out where they were.
Thankfully, there was an end in sight to the war, and Rick now didn't care if they won or lost, they'd knocked the Feds down a peg, which was good enough for him. That, and it bring him closer to seeing his family again. A few days ago, Birdperson had successfully defeated tons of Gromflimites on Glapflap's third moon, freeing it from the Feds. It was a victory worth celebrating. Rick had also had his fair share of victories, being incredibly powerful and all, the Gromflimites never stood a chance.
Knowing the war was close to over made Rick overjoyed, he had been filled with so much inner pain, guilt, misery and loneliness since he left, and he knew returning home would rid those feelings. He had also been feeling empty and incomplete, something that once again, would be rid by returning home, and mainly seeing Julie again.
Rick found himself longing for her kisses, her soft touches, her warmth, and really everything about her. She was the love of his life, and he was dead set on seeing her again. When they would reunite, he'd kiss her, hold her close and apologize for running away. She'd forgive him, and then they would make hot passionate love together. He had been so touch starved that it was ridiculous, and hadn't been able to fuck her in so long it was making him insane. Rick hadn't been able to fuck in general either, he refused to cheat on Julie after all, the lack of sex driving him even crazier.
Laying alone in his cot, with just him in it, felt so wrong. He wished Julie was by his side, kissing him and holding him close to her. Rick also had taken a lot of injuries over the years, and loathed looking after them himself, as in his mind, that was Julie's job, she looked after his injuries, not he himself, it felt wrong.
The nights were always so hard, in the past, he could wake up and have his wife by his side, he had her if he ever felt miserable, or had a nightmare, or anything at all. He hated sleeping by himself, and couldn't wait to able to be with her again.
When the war reached its end, Rick said his farewells to Birdperson and Squanchy, but before he could leave, Birdperson voiced his concern. "How do you think Julie will react to seeing you again? I know she loves you and all but-"
"Pssh, y-y-you don't know Julie like I do, everything will be f-fine."
"Rick…"
"There's nothing to worry about Bird-Birdperson, it's gonna all work itself out in the end." Rick assured him, then left using his portal gun.
"Julie's not gonna be squanch to squanch him is she?" Squanchy asked.
Birdperson sighed. "I don't think she'll be mad just...she might feel really hurt Rick left without any explanation." At this, Squanchy nodded knowingly.
When Rick returned home, it was nighttime. The air was cool, and in the sky, he could see the glow of the moon and the stars shining bright. He looked at the house, and it appeared that all the lights were off, so he figured Julie was asleep. He hated to wake her up….but...she wouldn't mind once she saw him.
Rick opened the door and stepped inside, faced with the eerie silence. He walked upstairs, and decided that before he went to see Julie, that he'd briefly see Beth. However, when he opened the door to her room, she wasn't there. He was momentarily confused, but realized she must've moved out. But why so early though? He'd have to ask Julie about it.
He entered his and Julie's room, and found her fast asleep. She looked so peaceful and...even after all this time...so beautiful, he was so lucky. He also noticed on her nightstand lay the lilac pendant he had given her years ago, and her wedding ring; it made him remember that he had kept his too in his pocket, a simple silver band. He was touched she still kept that stuff close to her.
Rick moved her head a bit to wake her up, which worked, as he saw Julie's eyes fluttered open. She looked around, confused, before her eyes locked onto Rick, and she stared at him in shock and disbelief. "Rick? Is it really you sweetie?" She asked.
He chuckled. "It's r-really me."
Julie sat up and rubbed her eyes, still feeling unsure. "Tell me this isn't a dream.."
"It's not a d-dream." Rick assured her, pinching her arm lightly to confirm it. "See? I'm here for r-real this t-time."
Tears of joy welled in her eyes, knowing now for certain that her soulmate, her true love, her other half, had finally returned to her. She hugged him and began to sob. "Oh Rick...I missed you so much...I've been thinking about you and waiting for you everyday.." She cried. "Where did you go? Why didn't you say anything? Why...why did you leave me?" At that last question, her sobs intensified, and Rick felt so terrible.
Rick rubbed and patted her back sweetly, keeping her close to him. "I'm s-s-sorry...I'm so s-sorry..I didn't want to leave y-y-you b-but…" He took a deep breath. "Let me explain." He then wiped one of her tears away.
Julie sniffled a bit. "Okay.."
"The Galactic Federation started gaining a-a lot more power and influence years ago, and, well, they began to take over a lot of planets. They overtook the planets they conquered and ruled them in a controlling, dominating and authoritarian manner. For example, they force y-you to eat pills, all the time for every m-meal."
She gasped. "Oh my goodness...that sounds so awful..but what was the difference between them and the fyralogins?"
"The fyralogins were still controlling and all, but think of the way empires on Earth ruled their colonies, it's like that. The Federation dials that shit up to el-eleven." Rick explained. "Y-You know me, I hate governments and authority, I don't like b-being told where to go and what to do; I especially can't stand governments that are authoritarian, so I knew I needed to do something. Mainly with the help of Birdperson and Squanchy, we rebelled and started a war. That's why I was gone Julie, I left to fight to protect you and Beth, I c-couldn't risk our p-planet falling into the control of the Federation."
Knowing the truth did comfort Julie, and she wiped more tears away, however, something was still bugging her. "Why didn't you tell me though? I was so worried about you…"
He sighed sadly. "That's exactly why I didn't tell y-you, because I didn't want you to worry about me. I didn't try and contact you either because...the Federation c-could've found y-you."
Julie giggled through her tears. "Rick, I'm your wife, it's my job to worry about you."
He giggled in return. "Y-Yeah...y-y-you got a point there. But again, I'm so sorry...for everything. I missed you and thought about you everyday too. Everytime I killed a gromflimite, I felt like it was one step closer to being with you and Beth again, and...I killed tons of them too. Speaking of Beth, where is s-she?"
Julie looked down for a moment and crossed her arms, her expression going depressed again. "Rick...you really should've told us why you left, because she blames me for you leaving. She thought because she thinks I'm mundane and unremarkable, that you got bored of me. She became really nasty, she never smiled at me, she wouldn't let me help her, she just kept pushing me away.." She started to break down into sobs again.
Rick looked at her knowingly. "O-Of course...I should've known this would happen.."
"It's okay.." Julie mumbled. "Beth has been doing better now. While you were gone, a boy at her school named Jerry got her pregnant, she ended up keeping the baby, they got married, and moved away. She had another baby not all that long ago either."
Rick's expression darkened, and he became angry. "What? She got knocked up when she was still in school? And she fucking married the guy too? Why?"
"She thought it was best, she wanted things to be...different this time. She told me she didn't want her children to go through what she had to."
He then felt bad at this. "I'm such an ass...if I had b-been a better fa-father…"
"It's okay.." Julie said softly. "Let's put it all behind us. You're a grandpa now, I'm sure you'd love to meet your grandchildren."
He softened, looking at her sweetly. "Y-You're right, I should see them..what are their names?"
"Summer and Mortimer, but he's called Morty for short."
"Summer and….what?" He laughed. "I had no idea Beth would be into such an old-fashioned name."
She laughed back. "Oh it's fine. Morty is a very sensitive baby, he cries so easily, and he likes to be held all the time. He's at an age where he should be walking, but he isn't...Beth and Jerry don't know what's wrong with him."
Rick thought for a moment. "Well, I guess the kid has some kind of developmental disability? I mean..having kids so young comes with some nasty side effects.."
"That's true.." Julie admitted. She didn't say anything for a time after that, content to relax in her husband's arms.
Then, she remembered something. "Anyways...why don't we..um…"
"Why don't we what?" He raised a side of his unibrow, eyeing her. He pulled her away, and his body began to heat up when he saw she was wearing nothing but an oversized "The Flesh Curtains" t-shirt. "Julie...why are y-you still wearing that?" He asked.
"I...I like it, it made me feel close to you again."
"And n-n-nothing else? Not even any…"
Julie rubbed her legs together. "I missed you so much baby..I need.." He kissed her passionately, and they soon moaned into it, before pulling away.
"Y-You need me?" He panted.
"It's been so long.." Julie admitted. "I had to..touch myself all the time instead, but it was never enough, I need your touch, I need to feel you again.."
Rick bit his lip, and his pants began to tighten. He needed her so much too… "I had to do the same, it was agonizing not to be able to touch you baby.."
Julie whimpered and kissed him again, he moved his hands down her curves, until he reached her now wet sex, and began to stroke it. "Mmm oh Rick!" She moaned out. "Please don't stop sweetie...oh please.."
He growled and continued to stroke her slit, watching as she cried out and begged for him. The last time they had done this was the night he'd left, and that had been years ago. His cock was pulsing with need, wanting to be inside her, but he managed to resist it.
Rick shoved her down on the bed, then pulled up her shirt to reveal her soaked pussy. Licking his lips, he began to eagerly lick her pussy, making Julie moan and squirm. The sounds of her moans were music to his ears, he had missed hearing them so much, and he had missed her taste, which was still as sweet as ever.
His tongue traced over her clit, which he began to lick and suck on. Her cries became more desperate and needy, and it didn't take long for her to cum. "That was the best orgasm I had in such a long time…" She breathed. "I love you so much Rick." She then kissed him sweetly.
"Oh, I think you're gonna have some even better ones tonight." He chuckled, and went back to eating her out.
This time, she came again, just a little sooner, as her sex was more sensitive now. But Rick wouldn't stop, he was so desperate to taste her again, and he kept making her cum. "Uhhh Rick stop! Please..I can't…" Julie pleaded, feeling drained from cumming so much.
Rick groaned in pleasure, his cock twitching in his pants, he needed to take them off now. He pulled away, his mouth still dripping with her juices. Julie watched intently as he took off his clothing, when his lab coat and shirt were off, she gasped; Rick was covered in wounds, not only that, but his muscles were still strong and tight, perhaps even more so than when he was younger. Julie figured it was because of all the fighting he did in the war.
He then removed the rest of his clothing, except his boxers, intent on teasing her. Julie bit her lip, her eyes focused on the massive bulge. Slowly but surely, Rick took off his boxers, freeing his aching erection, a suggestive look on his face.
Julie gasped, it had been so long since she'd seen his cock. She needed it, needed him, so badly. She took off her shirt, revealing her naked body, which seemed to get a rise out of Rick, and she noticed his cock throb and twitch with excitement.
"I need you Rick.." She smiled. "Please..let me try and make you feel good again." As she said this, she moved closer so her face was in front of his dick.
"Go ahead..I n-need th-this too." He grunted
With that, Julie happily took his cock in her mouth, making Rick hiss in pleasure and grip onto the blanket. She sucked him off, relishing in being able to pleasure him again, being able to hear the noises he made that showed how much he wanted her.
"Fuck.." He groaned, thrusting his hips up in need. It had been too long since he'd felt her soft lips wrapped around his cock, and it was becoming a little too much for him to handle. He forcefully pulled Julie's face up and pushed her off him and down on the bed.
"Rick?" Julie whimpered, a little confused.
"I can't take it anymore Julie! I need to fuck y-y-you!" He confessed, before shoving his cock into her warmth. Julie let out a soft cry in a mix of pain and pleasure, her body having to get used to Rick's large size again.
She grabbed onto him desperately as he took her, thrusting intensely within her. The pace of his thrusts showed he much he wanted her, how starved for her had been all those years. Julie felt so bad for him, wishing she had been able to be there for him when he needed her, but now she could be. Rick's hands were gripping onto her hips as he continued to thrust inside, moving around like a madman, and perhaps the lack of sex for so many years had driven him...a little crazy..
"Ohhh Rick!" Julie moaned. "I missed this so much...please...ahhh...don't...mmm..leave me again.."
"Ngh...I'm never gonna leave you again..." Rick snarled in pleasure. "Not for..ahhh! Not for anything in the whole fucking multiverse baby girl!"
Rick came inside her soon after that, pumping his cum into her pussy. Julie came too while arching her back, then panted heavily while staring at him. "I need...more...is that okay?"
"Oh that's more than okay baby girl." Rick responded, licking his lips. "Get over here, and ride my cock."
Julie obeyed eagerly, and slowly slid down on his length, making them moan in unison. She wrapped her arms around him as she bounced up and down on his cock, while he kept his hands on her breasts, fondling them a little.
She felt so glad that she could finally do this with Rick again, finally have their bodies close and connected once more. It reminded her of the first time she and him had made love, back when she was so young, innocent and naive. Rick had changed her, for the better, making her more confident, brave and assertive, but when he left, she reverted back to the way she had been all those years ago. Now, Julie hoped he could bring that confidence, bravery and assertiveness out of her again.
Rick thrust into her quickly, and their bodies began to move in synch with each other. Julie bit her lip, not being able to get enough of feeling Rick's massive length inside her. Soon, she came, arching her back all the while, and Rick followed.
After being denied each other for so long, two rounds wasn't enough, they needed more, and so they kept going until both felt satisfied. They had both come so much, especially Julie, and now were drained of their energy.
They got under the covers, still naked, and held onto each other as they fell asleep. It was then that promised they each other they would never part again.
When the morning came, Rick opened his eyes, and was surprised to see Julie sleeping next to him. This couldn't be real could it? It wasn't really her was it? He blinked, but she was still there, he pinched himself, and yet again she was still there.
The memories of last night washed over him, they had finally reunited and made love together. She had her luscious breasts pressed against his chest, looking so beautiful and peaceful laying with him, her hands wrapped around him. He rested a hand on her face, feeling the softness of her delicate skin, he felt relieved to be with her again. Now, Rick was no longer lonely, empty, depressed and incomplete, and he could finally be whole and happy again.
He watched as Julie opened her eyes, a smile forming on her face as she looked at him. Sure, his hair was blue now and all but...she still thought her husband was so handsome and hot, especially with those muscles. "Good morning sweetie.." She greeted sleepily.
"Morning," He greeted back, looking equally as tired. "This is...le-legit the b-best I've slept in years, and I k-know why, y-you're here."
She blushed shyly. "Same for me...I spent most nights so sad and alone but now...it doesn't have to be that way anymore, you're here and that's all that matters to me." She kissed him sweetly, and he sighed in content.
For a while, they simply laid there together, relaxing and feeling calm and content. Julie took in her lover's musky chemical scent, which she had missed so much, and it only made her feel better. Rick took in Julie's scent as well, which was sweet and flowery, and he became even more mellow too.
Julie leaned back a bit and let her fingers trace over his wounds, she felt so awful for him, getting a clear idea of how much he'd suffered physically. "I should tend to these...I was so focused on...other things last night, that I forgot about them."
Rick shook his head. "It's alright, they're healing on their own."
"Can I at least try to help, please?" Julie asked hopefully. "It's going to keep bugging me if I don't do something."
"Alright, f-fine." He gave in.
Julie grinned as Rick sat up, and she went to take out her first aid kit, before returning to their bed and starting to help him. He was right in that some of his wounds were older and healing themselves, and so Julie didn't focus too much on those; instead her focus was on his newer, fresher wounds, some of which looked really deep and painful. Rick did his best to relax as Julie helped him, the fact she was doing this now instead of him certainly helped, as now it felt right.
When she finished, he gave her a gentle smile, feeling content, and she returned it. Julie felt so happy her husband was now feeling and doing a lot better because of her.
"Do you want to get some breakfast now?" Julie asked. "I'll be sure to make pancakes, your favourite!"
He grinned. "Y-You b-b-bet."
Julie hugged him, then proceeded to get off the bed and put on her purple housecoat. Rick followed her, and put on a pale blue housecoat, then the two headed downstairs for the kitchen. Rick sat on the couch and turned on the TV, as Julie started making breakfast.
Since Rick had been away from Earth for years, he wasn't caught up with any events or any shows, old and new. He also saw how slightly different TVs looked now, as well as some other technology like phones. But, well, after seeing so many technologically advanced alien civilizations, nothing could ever impress him; still, it was nice to see how far Earth had come. He figured he'd find some shows to watch himself, but ask Julie later about events that had happened.
Julie eventually finished making their breakfast, and brought over two plates in each hand with two pancakes on them, and put them in the coffee table, before getting the syrup and some utensils.
When Rick took a bite of the pancakes, he remembered just how delicious the pancakes she made always were, and why he loved them so much. He hungrily began munching down on them, making Julie giggle. After taking a few delicate bites of her own pancakes, she decided to bring something up. "After breakfast, I think we should go see Beth, Summer and Morty. What do you think Rick?"
"Alright...it's j-just…" Rick sighed.
Julie gave him a concerned look. "Are you worried about how Beth will react to seeing you again?"
"Yeah…" He admitted. "That, and it's been years since I've had to deal with kids. I won't know what to do."
"That's okay, I can help you, there's nothing to worry about. And with Beth...she may be a bit angry at first, but in the end, she'll be glad to have you back in her life." She assured him.
Her words did make him feel better, and eased his worries, so now he wasn't as nervous about going.
After breakfast, both Rick and Julie got dressed, and while they did, Rick noticed Julie put on her pendant and ring, prompting him to also put his wedding ring on. Then, they headed off to where the rest of their family was.
When they arrived, Julie knocked on the door, and was greeted by Beth, who was holding Morty. "Oh, it's you.." She muttered, not seeing Rick, as Julie had him hide behind her.
"I have a surprise for you sweetheart! I'm sure you'll love it!" Julie exclaimed.
Beth was confused, and watched in shock as Rick popped out. "D-Dad? Is it really you?" She stammered.
"It's r-really me.." He smiled slightly.
Julie walked over to Beth and beamed happily. "I'll leave you two alone to talk." She then gestured for Beth to hand her Morty, which she did, then walked into the living room where Summer was playing.
Beth looked back at her mother for a moment, watching how well she got along with her kids. She pressed her lips together nervously, then turned to face her father.
"Why did you leave me behind?" She asked angrily, a few tears streaming down her cheek.
"Sweetie, I'm s-s-sorry I j-just-".
"It's mom isn't it? I always suspected it had something to do with her."
Rick's expression changed to one of rage. "It had nothing to do with h-her! She told me that were blaming her for me leaving this whole time! You should never have treated her the way you did! I left your mother, and you, because I didn't want yo-you getting hurt!"
Beth was surprised, taking in his words. Her mother was so...boring...she paled in comparison to Rick, so her mind had automatically assumed that Rick had felt the same way, and left because he was bored of her. But now, she had to face the truth. "What...what was going on?"
"I'm an intergalactic criminal, o-one of the most wanted and dangerous in the entire galaxy, and was facing a war with the intergalactic government. If I had st-stayed, something could've happened to you and Julie, and I wasn't about to risk that." Rick explained.
Beth immediately felt a ton of guilt and remorse, her eyes looking back at her mother again, before going back to Rick. "But why did you love her? She isn't anything like you at all, not even close."
Rick really didn't want to talk about his feelings, but he knew in order for Beth to understand, he'd have to tell her. "I don't need someone like me, p-part of the reason I fell in love with J-Julie is because in comparison to everything else I had dealt with in the galaxy, she was different. I've been through a lot of crazy shit, normalcy was what I needed, and I found that in her. She changed my life, and I owe a lot to her, y-y-you shouldn't give a shit that she isn't like me. From the moment you were born, she loved you and cared for you after all, she's tried to be there for you and support y-you." He was surprised at everything he said, wondering if it had to do with the fact he and Julie were together again.
She looked down, feeling even more guilty and remorseful than before, she felt awful for the way she had always treated her mother, realizing finally how shallow and cruel she'd been. "I need...to talk to her.." She muttered.
Beth walked up to Julie, her hands clasped together. Julie looked up at her, and smiled. She got up and walked off somewhere with Beth, but had made sure to gesture to Rick to go play with Summer and Morty in her place, which he did so hesitantly.
When they were alone, Beth immediately hugged Julie, and began to sob. Julie was pleasantly surprised, and gently rubbed her back to comfort her. "I'm sorry.." Beth sobbed. "I didn't mean.."
"Shh..it's okay.." Julie told her assuringly. "I understand why you were so angry, you wanted someone to blame your problems on, I know you missed your father just as much as I did." Then, she wiped a few of Beth's tears away.
"The truth is.." Beth sniffled. "I...I blamed myself for Rick leaving, I thought I had somehow caused a rift between you two, but I didn't want to admit it. So, I blamed you for it, and you never punished me or scolded me or anything...so I kept doing it. I prefered Rick over you for something completely shallow and superficial, I'm so sorry.." She started to tear up again.
"Oh Beth..you could never have caused a rift between Rick and I, you were always important to both of us, even if it didn't seem that way when it came to Rick, we both have always loved you so much. And the reason you never got in trouble was because...well..I was so lonely without your father, he brought out the best in me, always made me feel more brave, strong, confident and assertive. Without him I just...felt...weak." Julie replied solemnly.
Beth hung her head, feeling so terrible for everything she'd done and said towards her mother. "I just...I don't think I deserve your forgiveness, not for the way I treated you."
Julie shook her head. "You're my daughter Beth, and I love and care about you more than you know. No more thinking about the past, let's focus on the here and now, okay?" She hugged her again, and Beth relaxed into it.
Beth didn't say anything for a while, just holding onto her mother tightly, not wanting to let go. Julie smiled at her softly. "Come on now, let's go see Rick, Summer and Morty and see how they're doing."
"Okay.." Beth nodded, and let go.
They walked over to the living room, where they saw Rick carrying Morty, who was holding onto his grandfather tightly. Beth was surprised, but Julie just smiled.
Summer saw Julie and Beth enter, then pointed at Rick and Morty to show them. "I think Morty likes grandpa!" She giggled.
Later in the day, Jerry returned home and found all five of them together, but he was shocked at seeing Rick, unsure who he was. Summer, upon seeing him, ran over to hug him.
"Daddy!" She laughed.
Rick's attention was turned towards Jerry, and upon hearing what Summer said, knew exactly who this was, his eyes narrowing.
Jerry smiled at Summer and greeted her back, but when he looked at Rick, he gulped, becoming nervous. "Beth...whose this?"
"My father, Rick." She replied.
"But I thought-"
Before Jerry could finish, Rick got up and lumbered towards this, making him even more nervous. 'So...you're the asshole that got my daughter pregnant and fucked up her life huh?"
"Well...I didn't mean to get h-her pregnant a-and all I just-"
Rick grabbed onto his shirt and started yelling at him, before Julie went over to pull him off and calm him down. Jerry was shaken up, now frightened of Rick, and also feeling a bit taken aback by how different Beth's parents were. He just had Rick be completely enraged with him, while when he met Julie, she had been understanding and calm, it was pretty drastic.
Rick and Julie stayed around a little longer, with Julie feeling her heart warm at seeing how well Rick and Morty were getting along, before they said their goodbyes and left for home.
Upon their return home, Julie made them both supper, and they ate it while just relaxing and enjoying each other's company. After such a long time of being apart, all they wanted to do was be together.
When they went to go to sleep, Julie had decided it was time to bring something up that had been bothering her. "Rick...do you still think I'm..beautiful?"
"Of course I do, why wouldn't I?" Regardless of his answer, he understood why she had those problems, remembering how insecure about her looks she'd been when they first met.
"It's just…my hair colour has dulled a bit, and now I have wrinkles under my eyes and-"
"Julie, I don't care about that stuff. Y-You don't need to worry about it so m-much you know."
Julie blushed, brushing her fingers through her hair slightly. "You don't...mind? At all?"
"Nope." Rick told her bluntly. "And neither should y-y-you, y-you're….f-f-fine...the way you are.."
Her blushed deepened. "You really think so?"
"Of course I do." He shrugged.
Julie shed a few tears of joy, and proceed to happily embrace him, before planting a kiss on his cheek.
"J-Julie? What are y-you doing?" He stammered out.
"I'm so lucky to be with you.." She sighed in content as she snuggled against his chest. Rick's heart was beating fast, and he was feeling oddly shy. It never ceased to amaze him how much she loved him, even after what he'd done.
"I'm the lucky one.." He chuckled.
"I'm glad you came back to me, I was so lost without you, and now? We both can finally be happy together again." Julie said, looking up at him.
"M-Me t-t-too." He looked back down at her lovingly, and they shared a sweet kiss.
They soon fell asleep, with Julie laying on top of Rick, wearing her old Flesh Curtains t-shirt again, both feeling content and relaxed, happy they were together again. The past few years when they were separated was now nothing but a faint memory, they would never let anything come between them, or separate them ever again.
a/n: As you can guess, this results in a happy ending for everyone. Beth isn't drinking, Rick isn't drinking, and both are doing much better and are happier, healthier people. Rick also isn't a shitty, toxic, emotionally abusive and manipulative person. I also like to think Beth and Jerry have a better relationship, and all this by extension, makes it so Morty and Summer are doing better too. Well, I can tell why got killed off...hmm. As a grandma, Julie is like a stereotypical one who bakes cookies and knits you cute sweaters.
Originally, I had Beth and Julie have a good relationship, then I found out Beth saw her mother as mundane and unremarkable, blaming her for Rick leaving because of that, messed up. My whole think about Rick's wife being the better, supportive parent was confirmed too though, nice.