MCFLY, Dominic Toretto

03| FAMILY

OVER THE NEXT FEW WEEKS, THE GARAGE BECAME A HIVE OF ACTIVITY. The team poured their energy into the car, often working through the night. Parts arrived from Japan almost daily, and the group functioned on minimal sleep, determined to build a car that would decimate all competition.

Days blurred together as they toiled away, their hands perpetually greasy, their eyes red from exhaustion. Marty often fell asleep at the desk, her head resting on the keyboard as she worked on design schematics. Dom, equally worn out, frequently dozed off on the under-car roller, affectionately known as the Creeper.

Despite the grueling schedule, the camaraderie remained strong. They teased and supported each other, finding moments of levity amid the chaos. They knew this car was more than just a vehicle; it was a testament to their resilience and teamwork.

One morning was no different from the rest. Dom wasn't there, and when Jesse and Brian arrived at the garage, Jesse excitedly talked about something he wanted to show Brian. They found Marty slumped over the desk, asleep, with the imprint of the keyboard on her left cheek. Both guys chuckled as they shook her awake.

"Morning, McFly," Brian teased, his voice laced with amusement as he leaned over the table.

"Yeah, yeah," Marty mumbled, still half-asleep, rubbing her eyes as if trying to wipe away the grogginess that clung to her. She stretched, her body stiff from sleeping hunched over at the desk, and pushed her messy hair out of her face. The dim light of the garage cast a soft glow over her, and the faint scent of motor oil filled the air, a familiar comfort that grounded her even in her sleepy haze.

Jesse and Brian pulled up chairs beside her, their movements casual but full of anticipation. Marty immediately slid over to the side, allowing Jesse to take the lead as he leaned forward, his focus entirely on the screen. This was his project, after all, and she knew when to let him take control. Still, Jesse nudged her playfully with his elbow, signaling for her to start explaining what they'd worked on.

"Tell me what you think about this," she began, her voice a little hoarse from sleep. She grabbed the mouse, bringing up a detailed diagram on the screen. "Koni adjustable. Gonna save us about two pounds."

Jesse's eyes lit up, and without missing a beat, he chimed in, "And they're gonna give us better traction for the hole shot." He raised his hand, and Marty smirked, high-fiving him in a small but shared victory over the endless intricacies of car performance.

Brian watched them both with interest, leaning in slightly as his eyes traced the lines of the diagram. His admiration was clear as he took it all in. "You should be going to MIT or something," Brian commented, glancing over at Jesse, his voice a little awed. It was a sincere compliment, though it wasn't something Jesse would know how to handle.

Marty smiled at the remark, feeling a quiet sense of pride for her friend, but before she could say anything, Jesse snorted, dismissing the idea as if it were some distant, unattainable fantasy. "Yeah, right," he scoffed, brushing off the comment like it didn't matter, though the slight smile tugging at the corners of his lips showed otherwise. As he reached for the cigarette, Marty swatted his hand away, snatching it up before he could take it.

"C'mon, Jesse," she said, shaking her head playfully. "You're better off without this thing."

Jesse shrugged, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. "No, I got that... what's it called?" He paused, his brow furrowing in concentration as he tried to recall the term that always seemed to slip his mind.

"ADD?" Brian guessed, his tone easy and understanding.

"Yeah, that shit. Yeah." Jesse nodded, his expression relaxing. "I was good in algebra, math, all that stuff... but everything else? Total mess. Dropped out of school." There was a casualness to his words, but an undercurrent of vulnerability was there too—like the weight of it all still lingered somewhere in the back of his mind.