A Slightly Different Birthday

[clockwork_doc]

It's the end of October, and we all know what that means -- party time! And, as usual, first up is Doc's birthday. Also as usual, the party's being held in the Inkwell's main room, with orange ribbons bedecking the walls, shiny brass balloons bobbing on the chairs, and the usual BTTF medley playing on the jukebox. But there's something a little less usual about this particular party --

This is the first one Doc's had since his family grew by one son and one nephew. Who seem about ready to give him his present. . .

Comments

[deadgirlslikeme]

And considering the circumstances, it's Victor who has been chosen to present it. "Happy birthday," he says with a bright grin as he hands it over, wrapped in red paper. "It's from all of us."

[clockwork_doc]

"Thank you very much," Doc says, accepting the gift and pulling it open. Inside he finds -- "A scrapbook?" he asks, opening it curiously. "'A History of Our Family. . .'"

[dee_lorean81]

"Marty came up with the idea!" Dee reports, bouncing on her heels. "He told us how much the other one, with you and him being friends, meant to you, so he wanted to give you another one with all of us!"

[museicalmarty]

"Yeah," Marty says with a soft chuckle. "It only seemed right since -- you know. New paperwork and all. . ."

[clockwork_doc]

Doc nods, smiling as he flips through pages of pictures and drawings and scribbled notes capturing all the moments they've shared together. "I do know -- and it's an amazing gift." He looks up, eyes twinkling as steam hisses from his back. "Though I do note that it's not quite complete yet. . ."

[museicalmarty]

"Hey, plenty of time to make new memories, Unc," Marty says, nudging him -- then furrows his brow. "I dunno, I think I still like 'Doc' better."

[clockwork_doc]

Doc laughs and hugs him. "It's fine -- I like 'Doc' myself. But seriously, call me whatever you want. The important thing is how we feel about each other." He scoops Dee and Victor up into the hug as well. "And thank you all very, very much for a such a thoughtful present."

[museicalmarty]

"You're welcome, 'Uncle Doc,'" Marty jokes, hugging back.

[dee_lorean81]

"You're welcome, Daddy!" Dee says, squeezing him around his middle.

[deadgirlslikeme]

Victor wraps his arms around Doc's shoulders. "Yes, you're welcome--" And then, with a slight, happy tremor in his voice "--Dad."