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August 6th, 1986.
*Knock!*
"Doug?"
*Knock!*
*Knock!*
"You up?"
*Knock!*
*Knock!*
*Knock!*
"Jeez."
Ever since Marty and Needles had their roadtrip to meet the latter's sperm donor, their relationship has taken a turn.
Being bored in Marty's truck while stranded in traffic, having to share hotel rooms... And a slew of other details he'd rather not think about.
Not on Doug's birthday.
Regardless, it all culminated in making a rivalry turn friendly.
Never thought I'd see the day.
He always worried Needles would be his same old self, and become a manipulative sleazeball in the future like Jennifer told him. Until he met the Prof., and realized that they, surprisingly, have a lot in common.
But now that they've befriended one another, Marty has accepted the undertaking of trying to get everyone else to also give him a chance.
Especially Dad.
He'd warmed up to Doc and Clara, even the boys. Even the Prof!
Jennifer was starting to at least tolerate him. Bobby was so-so. Lee was still a little standoffish. Paul continues to hate his guts.
With a deep breath, Marty tries the doorknob.
Locked. Where did Doug say the spare key was?
He uses his foot to fold the welcome mat over.
Bingo.
The door creaks as he pushes it open.
"Doug?"
He slowly makes his way inside, eyes darting over to the couch. No sign of Barb.
Even on his birthday...
He shakes his head. That's a blessing... She reminds him of his mom; The mom he used to know, at least.
A miserable alcoholic.
But unlike old Mom... She quite liked yelling. He had the honor of overhearing she and Doug fight... Which was something he hadn't wanted Marty to hear.
"Shit! McFly! Go hide in the practice room!"
Hearing Doug speak in such a frantic whisper caught Marty off guard. It was one that was meek, and full of anxiety.
"What, why?"
"She'll freak if she saw yer here."
Sucks that she was right about... Him.
"You awake? Doug?"
He knocks on the door of Doug's bedroom. No response.
No way in hell am I peeking in there.
He opens the door to the practice room, peeking inside. There's Doug, practicing on guitar, and looking like he'd just rolled out of bed.
Every time I hear him play... I can tell he's getting better.
He's just slightly outta tune. A little bit off-key. Much better than his performance at Battle of The Bands.
"Hey, Doug."
Doug slowly looks up at Marty, looking quite surprised to see him. No matter how much he visits, he looks like that every time.
"Oh! Marty! Uh- Hey."
Marty takes a few steps inside, rubbing the back of his neck and leaning against the doorway.
"... Isn't today your birthday?"
Doug's eyes go wide in shock as he nearly drops the guitar cradled in his hands; One that looks real expensive.
"... That hadn't even crossed my mind."
Marty blinks and stares at him. He hates to even think it, but... He kinda predicted that'd be the case.
"Really?"
"... Yeah, really."
He chuckles a bit as he sits down at the opposite end of that bright yellow couch, practically attached to the armrest.
Any closer, and he'll be seeing a blush creep up across the other's face.
"Good thing I came over then, huh?"
"... Yeah."
An awkward silence fills the room as Marty's eyes trail down to the floor.
"I'm guessing you didn't make any plans?"
"Nope. Never have."
Marty bites his lip with a rather awkward smile on his face.
"... I'm sure we'll figure something out."
"Huh?"
"C'mon. Get ready."
"I'll wait for you in the living room."
Doug watches Marty leave, eyes following him with every step. Once the other's gone, his cheeks turn pink.
"Did Marty just..."
Crazy talk.
"Pssht. No way."
"Ummm... How about..."
"... I guess..."
"... Maybe this wasn't the best choice..."
An exasperated sigh escapes Marty's lips.
It's getting late.
Marty had to practically drag Doug out the door, looking barely any different than how he was found; Hair messy, thick dark circles under his eyes, and barely awake.
"I mean... Do we have to...?"
"Sitting inside all day's a shitty way to spend your birthday."
He wasn't resistant, per se; But he made sure to sound disinterested.
I can't just let him do that to himself... I should at least give him some company.
They ended up walking around Hill Valley all day, idly chatting.
"You sure you're doing alright?"
"I'm fine, Marty. Just tired."
Now, they're sat on the bench in front of Courthouse Square. Where Doug had first asked for his help.
"She acts like she was born a nun, McFly!"
Marty had said something very similar once upon a time. On that same bench, in another timeline. About his own mother.
"I think the woman was born a nun."
They've put as much distance between themselves as possible. Won't even look at each other.
Marty stares forwards, Doug at his feet.
"It's nice... Spendin' time with you."
"I think that's the most I've heard you say all day today."
He turns to look at Doug, a cheerful grin plastered on his face.
Just the smallest glance towards that beaming smile makes his face all warm and his cheeks red.
"... Sorry... For..."
"Hold on. I'll go get something to help you cool down."
He can't help but notice the slightest pink tinge to Marty's cheeks, too.
Fuck my life...
His fingers run through his hair as he slumps back and stares at the sky.
That goddamn smile.
He desperately wanted to put that in the back of his mind. But he can't.
"... I'm back."
Doug's handed a lemon snow cone by Marty, who's now sitting much closer and nibbling away at a chocolate ice cream cone.
"Here. Since you didn't get to finish the last one."
"Huh?"
"The one ya threw at me, Dougie."
"Don't remember."
"April fourteenth."
"Oh. Right. The day my last sentence got suspended."
Hopefully, it'll stay that way.
"... Ah, well..."
Marty rubs the back of his neck.
"Change of topic..."
A smirk forms across his face.
"At least it's an 'ice' day out, huh?"
Doug can't help but finally crack that gap-toothed smile of his, and even laugh at the pun usage.
... Wait. Did he call me Dougie!?
"Feels strange saying this, but..."
Doug's pulled into a tight embrace.
"Happy birthday, Doug."
Despite his awe, he squeezes Marty tightly back.
"Thanks, Marty..."
"You're welcome, but..."
Marty squeals a bit, wincing.
"You're squishing the shit outta me, Dougie."
... He called me Dougie again.
"Well, it was nice spending time with you, Doug."
"... Yeah... You too..."
As Marty's about to leave... He stops in his tracks.
"... Do you want me to stay?"
Doug swallows down... Something. It's not fear. Anxiety?
"Yes."
"... I'll stay."