PARTNERS IN TIME ⁵, back to the future

xiv. savior machine

➠ 𝕤𝕠𝕟𝕘 𝕤𝕖𝕝𝕖𝕔𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟: 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕘𝕙𝕠𝕤𝕥 𝕚𝕟 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕓𝕪 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕡𝕤𝕪𝕔𝕙𝕖𝕕𝕖𝕝𝕚𝕔 𝕗𝕦𝕣𝕤

SCIENCE FICTION. What was the line between science fiction and science fact. Marty confused himself on his own question as the group moved into the tightly packed garage. Various booths were situated, he trio blending in along the masses in search of their Delorean. Each one seemed to preoccupy a certain section of the club. The subjects covered different forms of media from comics, television, film, and novels.

Amanda laughed again over the flyer and waved it over to the boy beside her to get his attention. "So your dad wrote this book because of something you did when you went back in time. Thought that went against a rule or something." She attempted to place an idea and snapped her fingers when coming up with something. "It's a paradox, that's the word."

"Well you certainly sound somewhat like Amanda," Doc said with a laugh for her to do the same despite Marty being unamused by them getting along.

He waved off the idea and took the flyer from her again. "Yes, all my fault. Everything is always my fault, ha ha." The two looked to him concerned as Marty continued to focus on the task ahead. "We just have to get the Delorean. We're wasting time."

Amanda continued to look to him in worry. Attempting to hold the joke due to timing, however, didn't stop her. "...Marty, we're getting back our time machine. I don't think there's time to waste." Watching him crack and laugh over the comment caused for her to cheer up with him as a result. Turning to her side she noticed the crowd forming, individuals coming up to eye whatever it was that was over there. Tugging on the sleeve of his jacket, she brought their attention over to the direction she had taken notice of.

The group made their way over to see the various vehicles situated in another section. In the center of the masses was their Delorean, the Doc nearly becoming hysterical of the sight of the young college students laughing with excitement when inside of it. "Surprised no one's taken it for a joy ride," Marty mentioned.

"Don't bring it up, you might jinx it."

Coming to the vehicle with a matter of authority the Doc was cut short by two people coming in front of him as he tried to take the driver's seat. Crossing their arms in annoyance they gestured to the vehicle behind them. "Sir, this is a detailed prop. No seats inside."

Laughing over this comment the Doc era used a finger to them. "As a matter of fact, it's my replica."

One of the individuals didn't take the comment seriously and shook his head. "Sure it is."

Offended by the comment the Doc was going to speak before being cut off by Marty placing a hand on his chest. He smiled to the two, attempting to charm his way into getting the Delorean back. "It's true, my friend here built it himself." Not wanting to bring himself to this point he heaved a deep breath. "M-My dad actually wrote the book."

The other individual scoffed over this while their associate left to talk to another group of came to them. "Yeah right you're not—"

Eavesdropping on their conversation a boy came up behind them to wave a hand over to Marty knowingly. "Yeah, yeah he is. Remember his son was in that punk band." The boy turned to him with a wide-grin. "The Pinheads, right? You used to play college parties here in the summer."

Amanda turned to him intrigued, only seeing him grow enthusiastic over the memory being brought up. "That's right! That's my band." He frantically waved a hand to the boy to be able to move on from this. "You believe us now."

They gave him another distasteful look and nodded in approval. The trio were relieved by this but were cut short by the member interrupting their celebrations. "But once we're cleaning up. There's still another couple hours to be hosted." They then gestured a hand to the time vehicle. "Should've hidden your replica better by the way. Glad one of us found it."

Watching them leave just after that, the Doc nodded over the events turning around. "Right, right. We can wait a little longer. There's no—" Amanda cut herself short when noticing a reflection appear from within the crowd. Although it took her a second to register that the reflection was moving and she wasn't standing in front of a mirror the closer they came. "Uh oh."

The boys turned to follow her eyes, immediately jumping to reaction with the Doc pulling her down to take her out of the crowd. Being left behind Marty attempted to follow them but was stopped once feeling the hand placed on his chest. Amanda looked at him confused, registering him once taking in another glance. "Oh my god, it is you? I thought I was seeing things for a second," She said, looking over him cautiously, "What are you doing here?"

Marty didn't know what to say which wasn't really any different than any other time he was in front of Amanda. But this one knew who he was, who he had been to her. He continued to stare unable to speak and noticed she wasn't as happy to see him as he had been of her. "I sent you that letter I thought it was clear what I wanted."

"...Right. The letter."

✧.*ೃ༄

1989

CHECKING HIS MAIL had been a ritual Marty enjoyed to do. Every Thursday like clockwork there would be a new letter from Amanda. Sure the pair were able to call each other whenever they pleased but the letters made it easy. Especially if he was too busy to be able to phone her like he had been as of late.

As of now he was expecting a response from her regarding the situation about the band. He thought to gather her thoughts first before proceeding as hastily per the other's suggestion but without a doubt he was sure she would support him. Opening the letter in a rush he was met with the pages in his hands and read through them happily. The emotions slowly depleted as he continued on, coming to the end where he dropped the pages speechless as to what he had just consumed. Which led him to read the pages again.

And again.

And again.

And again—

The letter read:

To Marty,
I'm not sure where there is to say here. The last time we spoke of you leaving the band I assumed it was a joke? I had been hoping to avoid this topic until I saw you again, but it seems to be a situation that needs my attention now. I think the two of us need to think through our future by ourselves for awhile. At least so we're able to do things we won't regret as we're older. I'm sorry. I don't want to have to do this but I can't force myself into something I don't see for myself right now. I love you and I don't doubt I'll ever stop loving you but I don't have the time to give for this like you'd want me to. You mean the world to me and I wish you the best with whatever you decide to do with the band and beyond. All the best.

The members of the Pinheads all read through the letter with each one deciphering what it was she meant. "You think she's dating someone else?" Lee asked first for Paul to hit the back of his side. He shouted in pain and turned to him in annoyance. "The hell was that for?"

"Why would you suggest that, he's obviously upset. Plus it's Amanda?" Paul emphasized for his friend to shrink apologetically.

Marty stared off, his friends all looking to him concerned. Feeling a hand on his shoulder he turned to Bobby smiling to him sympathetically. The look was enough for him to understand there wasn't much to be done sitting about it. He stood up from his seat, grabbing his jacket for the boys to all look to him concerned. "Where are you going?!"

"The studio."

❀⊱ A/N
🙂 i know i have been m.i.a. but they bring me pain. ive literally been rereading the series because i want to DESPERATELY conclude this story for you guys but bare with me 😭 much love and see you soon
~j.s.