Work Text:
October 11th, 1979. 5:43 PM.
Marty's been trying to befriend the new kid in his class, Doug Needles. He's a bit weird, sure... But he shouldn't be all by himself for that reason. Though, his patience is starting to run out. It's only been 3 days, but over that span of time he's tried getting himself into The Pinheads, even trying to change their band name.
He even bought the guitar I'd been saving up for... After I told him...
Marty keeps telling himself that Doug didn't mean anything by it... But he already had all that equipment and all those instruments.
He felt bad for ditching him at Doctor Brown's house, sure... But he'd've gotten all of them in trouble if he hadn't!
"'Night, Marty!"
"Good night."
"It'll be okay."
"Right."
Lee's house had been the first stop, so it'd been just him and Paul for the last few minutes.
Home sweet home.
As Marty walks in, he sees the only person currently around is Dad, on the couch. He's got no clue where Mom's at. Linda and Dave are probably doing homework.
"Marty, you're late."
"Sorry, Dad. I lost track of time."
"Where were you today?"
"I was with the new kid, Doug."
"Um... That's the one who moved to Riverdale Estates last month, right? I think you've been hanging around him quite a bit."
"I was at his practice space. With Paul and Lee. My bandmates. Like I told you. We just... Lost track of time."
"Now, Marty..."
Oh... Great.
George gives his son a skeptical look, putting a hand to his chin.
"I'm not quite sure if I- Well, quite like that boy."
"Dad..."
"I have a sixth sense when it comes to kids who are no good. Some kids are just bad seeds. Anyway, Marty- I don't want you spending too much time with this Doug."
"I just... I want to give him the benefit of the doubt."
Marty looks down, placing his hand on the back of his neck.
"Dad... I'm not in trouble, am I?"
"No, Marty. Not at all. You at least got home before it got dark out."
Dad's wrong about Doug. He's gotta be.
Marty quietly walks to his room, rather frustrated. He's never been the new kid before, but...
Nobody really talks to him at all, either. Sure, he's friendly with his classmates, but he's only got Paul and Lee... He thinks Jennifer likes him? He's not quite sure.
"George, why don't you want Marty hanging around with Douglas? Just because his mother-"
Marty is awoken by the sound of Mom and Dad having a rather loud conversation. One about Doug...
"Now, Lorraine... I have no issue with her... It's her son's behavior that I take issue with."
"He's gone through three stepfathers, and he's only 11 years old. It's only natural that he's a little strange."
"Well, Marty didn't sound happy when he got home."
"He could be upset for any number of reasons, George!"
Marty never told them he was saving up for that guitar. He doesn't want to tell them.
Nor can he tell them about Doug and the eggs... He'll only get himself in trouble if he does.
Not much else he can really do besides bury his head into the pillow as tears roll down his face.