#I just love the idea of big brother Marty in this twisted timeline

[knickynoo]

As I've been (very slowly) working on my 1985A Marty fic, I had some interesting thoughts regarding that whole world. Obviously, Biff and Lorraine have a supremely messed up marriage, but you know what idea popped into my head and ran rampant for a while? An AU where Biff and Lorraine end up having a child of their own at some point in that timeline.

I mean, there are just so many directions to take that and so much room to explore what changes that would bring. I just couldn't stop thinking about the potential family dynamic. Biff with three step-kids he can't stand and then a child of his own who he puts on a pedestal and treats like royalty. A kid who is never targeted for any mistreatment and is the very clear favorite growing up seeing the dysfunction all around them as if it's normal and "just the way things are." Maybe, even from a young age, the kid knows things aren't right. They wonder why things are so unbalanced—why Dad is always so angry and mean to the rest of the family—but is powerless to do much of anything about it.

No doubt Biff would be trying to turn the child against his half-siblings from day 1, but what if it didn't work? What if he ended up with a kind-hearted kid who rejects all the brainwashing and loves their mother and everyone else? (Or, alternately, what if they do buy into the brainwashing and turn into a tiny little terror? A pint-sized Biff)

And then I was thinking of Marty. Caught in this weird place of living with this horrible step-father but maybe having a decent relationship with his little half-sibling. Knowing that it isn't their fault and being able to look at this kid—this piece of Biff—with love. Navigating the tumultuous, horrific environment while also trying to be a good big brother.

And Lorraine! Sad and broken in this life she never wanted but mothering the best she can. Seeing this child as perhaps the only good thing to have come from her marriage with Biff. A little bit of hope and light.

I don't know. Just been fixated on the concept.