As he revved up the engine of the motorcycle, Brady closed his eyes for a second, feeling the machine roaring back to life. Practicing every day, the bike started to feel more and more life an extension of himself.

Coan, next to him, nodded proudly. "Look at you, our two-man gang seems to be coming up nicely, eh?"

"I said it before," Brady chuckled, feeling the rumble of the engine beneath him. "I had a great teacher."

Coan mounted his bike, kicking up the kickstand. "Damn right, you did. Now, let's go for some action," and he rode ahead.

Brady put on his helmet and followed him. The two of them rode side by side through the suburban streets, the wind tousling their hair as they went by. They rode in silence until reaching the mall on the edge of town, right by the exit towards Laketown. There weren't lots of people outside except for the usual last-minute shoppers, those who thought they could get a ham or a turkey with just a few hours of anticipation. It made sense, it was Thanksgiving after all.

"Missing Laketown already?" Coan asked when he saw his friend staring into the road that led into the forest.

"Well, duh," Brady waved his head. "It's fucking amazing, can't believe you never took me there. I had to wait until Ness invited me instead."

"Sorry, sorry, I just never thought the woods would be your style."

"Not my style? Dude, I'm hard as nails! Besides, bet you also never thought bikes were my style," Brady made the engine roar, a powerful mechanical thunder emanating from under him. "Now look at me."

"Hard-as-nails Brady," Coan teased. "Although I must admit there were many things I never saw coming: you riding a bike, loving the woods, deciding to go to college to study journalism... but dating my brother? Woff, that's top of the things I never thought would happen list."

"Yeah, that... I never saw it coming, either," Brady replied.

"And being brother-in-law to my best friend sounds pretty cool actually," Coan smirked. "It is like I am Harry and you are Ron."

"Dude, I am the one dating your sibling, that makes me Harry."

"Brady," Coan stared at his best friend, dumbfounded. "On which planet are you Harry? Your hair is literally red. You're totally Ron."

The two of them started laughing, the last breezes of autumn reaching them from far away mountains and oceans.

"A race back to your place," Brady proposed, making the engine hum. "Loser is Ron."

Coan put on his sunglasses, "you are so going to regret making that bet, Wesley." And just like that, Coan flashed through the highway back into the suburbs. Brady hurriedly raced behind him.

The sun was already setting when they arrived -of course, Coan won but he was graceful enough not to rub it in. As they approached, Coan signaled Brady to follow him into the driveway. They parked the bikes just as Ness, who had been playing video games inside, came rushing out.

"Hey! What took you so long?" Less grinned, loudly, eyeing the motorcycles.

Brady dismounted, proud. "Ah, we just went for a drive. Short tour of town, nothing too impressive."

"Nothing too impressive," Coan mockingly imitated Brady's voice. "Don't be modest, you are a natural, dude. At this pace we'll be riding along the West Coast by January, no problem."

"That's so cool!" Ness came closer. "Can I ride one?"

Brady looked at the young boy, then at Coan, then back at the young boy. "You're thirteen, Ness. Maybe in a couple of years?"

Ness pouted, crossing his arms. "Come on, I can handle it. I've seen Coan do it plenty of times."

"Ness, you gotta learn to enjoy..."

"...the stage we are at right now," the young boy completed as he turned around and walked back into the house. "Yeah, yeah, I know."

Brady and Coan exchanged looks, the last one shrugging, following his little brother inside.

For a moment, Brady stayed outside the house, taking a breath. The afternoon promised warm lights and brotherly times, a delicious meal cooking inside every house, every family happily reunited for the year. And wasn't that what the holiday was about? Appreciating everything you were grateful for? Yeah, Thanksgiving had a turbulent, dark origin but holidays were like books: its true meaning isn't what the author intended but what the reader got out of it. And Thanksgiving -a lot like Christmas not being about religion anymore for lots of people- was now about family, and being grateful for what you have. Brady scoffed, not knowing the answer.

Looking back at the empty, sunset street he wondered if it had been a good idea to accept Ness' invitation and have dinner with his family under the weight of such a family-focused holiday. He wasn't sure but there was only one way to find out.

Brady closed the door behind him, walking through the hall and into the kitchen. Coan was helping his parents cook dinner. They both smiled at him when he came in.

"Brady!" Coan's mom greeted him. "How are you?"

"Better than ever," Brady replied, frankly.

"That's good, son," Coan's dad patted his back. "Sure your mom and dad don't mind you spending the evening here?"

"Nah," Brady cheerfully scoffed. "They have The Little Café to run, plenty of people go there today, they won't be alone plus I already talked to them, they are okay with me being here."

Exchanging pleasantries wasn't something Brady particularly enjoyed, although even he had to admit he had a knack for it. Maybe that's why he was usually on both his teachers' and parents' good side.

Down the hallway, as Brady walked in a slow, careful pace, he realized the only source of light was the warm yellow glow coming from the kitchen, projecting long grey-blue shadows on the corridor. To his sides, Ness' family pictures hung on wooden frames. There they were: Coan, Ness, their mom, their dad, and even Tepec, the family's middle child. Tepec lived with one of his aunts, down by the coast; it had been years since Brady last saw him.

At the end of the hallway, Brady knocked softly on the wooden door of Ness' room. Only a few seconds passed before the young boy opened the door, letting him in.

"What are you doing here, hidden away?" Brady asked, realizing Ness had the lights off, his room only lit by the fading sun outside.

"I don't know... thinking," Ness let himself fall on the edge of his unmade bed.

Slowly, Brady walked the distance between, sitting next to the kid. "Must be serious, thinking about what?"

Ness didn't reply right away, instead he sighed, fidgeting with his fingers. "I don't know, dumb things I guess."

Brady took Ness by the shoulders, forcing him to look him in the eyes. "It may be the smallest, common, most mundane thing in the world, but if it is bothering you then it isn't dumb, okay? You are never wrong for feeling whatever it is you are feeling. Yeah, you may be wrong on why you are feeling it, misplaced emotions, but never wrong for feeling it."

Again, the young boy stayed silent.

Brady gave him space to think as he looked around the kid's room. It was the same place where they had played poker a little more than a month ago. It was messy, not totally, but it definitely wasn't tidy. Clothes next to the bed, open drawers, and plates of unfinished food ornamented the place.

"I think I got a little mad at you," Ness finally confused. "Only a little. But mad."

"Why?"

"About what you told me out there when you arrived," Ness was looking away, his eyes never connecting with Brady's. "You didn't let me ride a bike."

"What?" Brady blinked, dumbfounded. "I mean, I think I get it. No one likes when they are told they can't do something."

"You are always telling me I can't do things," Ness let out.

"I never...!"

"I can't ride your bike yet, can't like Fortnite, can't always have sex, can't call you boyfriend, can't be introduced to your parents, can't, can't, can't, see?"

Brady moved away, "okay... damn. I get it but... I mean, I'm sorry for the Fortnite thing, in that you are right, please play whatever game you like but the others..."

"You just said I am not wrong for feeling these!"

"I also said you might be wrong for where those feelings come from. I am sorry, Ness, but I won't apologize for not letting a thirteen year old ride a bike. If something happened to you your mom would kill me, your dad would straight up murder me, my own parents would murder me."

Ness scoffed. "Okay, forget the bike, what about everything else?"

"Ness, we've been dating for one month. I don't get why you are so fucking impatient about everything," Brady straighten up his back. "I get that we are dating but that doesn't mean we have to rush things, in fact, most people would agree that rushing things is bad. We will get there, believe me, just be patient. Enjoy where the relationship is right now."

"So you don't want me to go out there and tell my parents about us?" Ness challenged.

"Of course not! I already told you, we've only been dating one month!" Brady let himself fall fully on the bed. "Besides, I'm over 18, you are still a minor. Even you must get that most adults won't be okay with that."

"So you want us to be forever in secret?"

"Of course not!" Brady's palm fell into his forehead. "But there are many milestones before we reach the point of meeting each other's parents as a couple. Calling each other boyfriend, for example, saying our first I love you, or even knowing each other for more than a month. We should..." Brady was interrupted by the sudden noise of steps in the hallway outside.

"But what if..."

"Ness," Brady cut him off. "Sorry for interrupting you but it's Thanksgiving, okay? This conversation we are having is important, I don't want you to think it isn't because it is, it totally is. But let's not have it today, okay? Just... for the moment, please promise me you won't tell them about us being together, not yet. We can keep talking about this tomorrow, but please, don't tell them."

The young boy stared at Brady for a couple of seconds before sighing. "Okay, I won't."

"Thank you," the college boy stood up before kissing Ness' cheek. "Really, thank you." But just as he was about to turn and walk to the door, the young boy held him by the hand.

"Hey," Ness stood up. "Can we at least, you know...?"

Brady rolled his eyes with a smile before pushing the boy against the wall, right next to the door, taking off his shirt with a yank, and pulling both his jeans and tiny underwear to the floor in one move.

Falling to his knees, Brady started sucking Ness' growing erection, taking every inch into his throat. Ness closed his eyes, moaning of pleasure. Immediately, Brady covered the young boy's mouth to keep him from making any noise. Strangely, that only made Ness' erection grow larger in Brady's mouth.

Brady, with his other hand, uncovering the boy's mouth a little, slipped his finger between Ness' lips. The young boy immediately started sucking Brady's finger vigorously, impatiently. When it was wet enough, the college boy took it out, covered the kid's mouth once more, and started using his wet finger to rub Ness' nipples while sucking his dick.

There was something that made him fucking horny about blowing Ness while his parents were on the kitchen, cooking dinner, meters away. Probably Ness felt the rush too because not long after he came in full force, splashing his white cum into Brady's mouth. It had a bittersweet, thick taste and, like a good boy, Brady swallowed the first two spurs but let the third fly through the room, even letting the third get to his chest after the bounce.

"Damn, I needed that," Ness panted against the wall, next to the door.

"Don't move," Brady whispered as he walked to the door. Ness, alarmed, took a hold of his underwear and jeans but Brady stopped him. "Don't get dressed just, stay there."

Ness obeyed and stood still against the wall, shirtless and with his underwear between his ankles. Brady opened the door and took a step back, taking out his phone and pointed at the delightful scene with his camera.

It was an interesting picture: on one side, lighted by hues of blue, Ness stood there, exposed, naked, his dick still hard and cum on his chest. On the other, through the open door you could see the hallway and the kitchen beyond, lit in warm yellows; you could even stop Ness' parents there, cooking. Brady took the picture.

"Happy Thanksgiving indeed," the college boy smiled.

***

"Sorry for taking so long," Ness apologized, setting up the table. His parents were bringing the last dishes from the kitchen while Coan and Brady were searching for a good playlist to dine along with.

The warm aroma of turkey, roasted potatoes, and mac and cheese with a side of pecan pie and cornbread filled the air as Ness' family took a seat around the table. The flickering candles casted a soft orange glow over the white table cloth.

Ness' dad stood up, clearing his throat. "Well, we normally would just start eating but today you are here, son," he said, looking at Brady. "So my wife and I thought it would be nice to say a few words. And well, since I'm already talking I guess I'm first."

Brady got a little nervous, everyone on the table was looking at him.

Taking a glass of red wine, Ness' dad addressed the table. "Well, truth be told we could use more moments like this, more nights like this. It doesn't have to be a holiday per se, just... an occasion where the family decides to reunite. And yes, I know Tepec isn't here but even if it's just us, I hope we can all make time to be together like this, to cook together, to eat together, us, as a family. I know I am not great with words but... I love you guys, I do. I love this family."

Everyone at the table smiled, vested in cozy sweaters and closed windows that kept the cold air outside.

"And Brady," Ness' dad continued. "I am glad you are here with us, I am. You and Coan have been friends for seven, eight years? I don't know but I am glad Coan has found a friend as good as you."

"We hope you feel at home here, Brady," Ness' mom stood up as well. "You've visited so many times, had so many sleepovers, I mean we've known you since you were Ness' age, we hope you see us as family because that's how we see you."

Brady was speechless. He knew those words were meant to make him feel welcome, safe, and part of a clan, and he did feel all those things, but he couldn't shake the sensation of also feeling a pinch of guilt.

When he realized everyone was staring, Brady stood up as well. "Thank you, I..." Brady smiled, finding the words. "I've always felt welcome here, you have such a nice home, such a nice family, and knowing all you, not just Coan, is something I am very, very grateful for. I hope I can someday repay your generosity, not only for today but for all these years you've let me be Coan's friend, and a friend to this whole beautiful family. I know I already said but I really, really mean it: thank you."

"No, son, thank you for joining us," Ness' father raised his cup. "Here's to all this good food, and all this good company."

Cheers echoed around the table as everybody toasted.

"You are a good guy, Brady," Ness' mom added. "Maybe you can teach Coan and Ness here some of those good manners of yours."

"Really, mom?" Coan jokingly asked before also standing up. "I guess I'm up, right? A big speech? Well, I'm not as eloquent as my good friend here but hey, you got what you got right?" Coan raised his glass once more. "So here is to friends and family, may they last a lifetime."

Toasting again, everyone looked at Ness, the only one still sitting. Slowly, the young kid stood from his chair and, sporting a wide smile, looked at everyone in front of him.

"It's weird saying a few words, so... I don't know. I am thankful for having my family here, and for Brady - I'm thankful you're not the typical annoying friend of my older brother," he made a pause. "But here's to the unexpected surprises life throws at us," Ness raised his glass, glancing at Brady. "And for the people who make those surprises worthwhile."

Everyone cheered, Brady, sensing the undercurrent in Ness' words, hoped no one else, especially his parents, had picked it up.

"Well," Ness' dad opened his arms. "Let's eat!"

As they served themselves the conversation flowed easily. The roasted potatoes were good but the gravy was to die for, the tablecloth was beautiful, even the napkins were stylish, matching with the autumnal colors outside.

"Didn't I tell you, mum?" Coan brought up at one point, his plate full of cornbread. "Brady here is also up in the riding bikes thing."

"Really? Oh my God, Brady, you too?" Ness' mom pretended to make a disapproving face. "Don't tell me, let me guess... my son, Coan, talked you into it."

Brady laughed a bit, passing the roasted potatoes down the table. "Well, I admit he may have done some convincing, but I consented. This is entirely on me, ma'am. I never imagined myself riding a bike but I'm getting the hang of it," then he quickly added: "I always wear a helmet, of course. Besides, Coan is a hell of a teacher."

"He is also going to teach me!" Ness suddenly shouted from the other side of the table; his plate full of scraps.

"Tell me that isn't true," Ness' mom leaned forward, looking first at Ness, then at Coan and half-joking, half-serious she said, "I'll kill you if you let him get into a bike. You too Brady."

"No, it isn't true, I would never," Brady assured.

"He's just thirteen," Coan added. "You know I never even let Tepec ride."

"Don't worry ma'am, we would never let him," Brady tried to put on his most confident, reassuring voice possible. The last thing he needed was for Ness' mom not to trust him. "Riding bikes is and should be just for adults, Ness is still too young, he is still a little kid."

"What?" Ness' fork paused midair, half a bite still sticking to it. "I'm not a little kid."

"Yes, you are." Coan insisted from the other side of the table.

Brady put his cutlery down, smiling nervously. "What I mean is, there are things that are risky, too risky, and it is safest to wait for them," then he turned towards Ness and looked at him straight into his eyes. "Maybe wait a bit until you are older, enjoy being a kid."

Ness slammed his fork down, making the entire table rumble. "I am not a little kid, Brady. I bet I could handle a bike just fine, better than Coan even. You don't get to decide what I can or can't do!"

"Ness!" his mother warned but her words fell to deaf ears.

"Wait until you are older, be patient, wait, wait! That's all you ever say!" Ness was leaning forward on the table, his palms on top.

"Ness, maybe talk about this later?" Coan pressed his lips, his voice deep and serious.

"You stay out of this," Ness barked back. "I know no one of you believe me but I am old enough to do things. I am! Not everything is about age. I could ride a bike. I can do grown-up stuff."

"Some things you have to wait for." Brady insisted.

Ness' parents were staring at the scene, his mother with her mouth slightly open, his dad frowning. No one was eating anymore.

"And some things I can already do," Ness insisted, defiant. And then, a little smile got drew on his face, a sad, angry smile. "Dating someone seriously isn't a thing a kid could do, right?"

"Ness..." Brady warned.

"Well," Ness raised his arms as if he was preaching before turning towards his parents. "Mom, dad, I have news: I am dating someone." No one reacted to those words, but Ness wouldn't stop. "Not such a little kid now, right?"

"Dating someone? What are you talking about?" His mother was the first one to break the silence, her face clearly showing how confused she was.

For a moment, Ness stayed quiet, maybe enjoying the attention, maybe sensing the tension in the dining room. "I am dating a boy. An older boy."

Brady fell back in his chair. "Ness, you promised..."

"Because I had to! Because you made me to!" Ness shouted. "All you say is wait, enjoy the stage you are at, it's always later, later, later, always later! You don't let me do what I want, all you do is try to gaslight me!"

"Gaslight you? What, really?" Brady stood up too, leaning forward over the table full of food. "It's called reaching an agreement, a compromise, finding the middle ground. Just because you don't always get to do exactly what you want, doesn't mean people are gaslighting you or being toxic or unfair! Being a couple doesn't mean doing exactly what you want, it means respecting the other and looking for the others wellbeing and if you don't get that, God, maybe you are..."

"I am what?"

The entire table was silent, no one was eating anymore, no one was smiling, no one was even blinking.

Brady sighed. "Maybe you are too young for this Ness."

Ness pounded a fist against the table, loud and dry. No one moved an inch. The kid's eyes were watering, his face was red, his lips muttering. "Mom, dad," he turned to his parents. "I am dating Brady.... or rather I was." Ness stormed off, disappearing down the hallway.

For a moment, everyone remained frozen in place. The laughter, music, and cheerful banter had all died. Even the food, so tasty a few minutes ago, had turned sour and empty before them. It was only when Brady felt the weight of everyone's eyes on him that he took a step away from the table.

"I'm sorry, I..." Brady couldn't find the words. What to say? What could he say? "I'm sorry you heard all that like that. I hope I didn't ruin Thanksgiving for you. Food was delicious. Again, I'm sorry. I... I... I'll see myself out."

The college boy walked to the door and left, leaving the Thanksgiving table submerged in a deep, thick, bitter silence.

***

Checking his phone was nothing but a habit, muscle memory. Brady didn't actually expect to receive a text from Ness. What was unusual is that he also hadn't received one from Coan. Maybe he was filing everything up with his parents -who, let's face it, now probably hated Brady- or trying to wait a few days until things cooled down. Anyhow, Brady was now too surrounded by silence.

The college boy was sitting on top of his desk, at his one bedroom apartment, staring mindlessly out the window. It was the 30th of November, the trees, for all their crimsons, yellows and tangerines, were starting to lose their leaves. Downstairs, Brady could smell the sweet and calming aroma of coffee, now not with pumpkin spice but with hazelnut and cinnamon, hunting of the holidays soon to come.

"Fuck," Brady whispered. "What a mess."

Maybe dating a boy that young hadn't been a good idea. Although he couldn't deny it had been a blast, he had enjoyed himself, enjoyed the dates, the banter, the messages, the Halloween Party, the magicians act, playing video games together, swimming at the lake, staring at the sky on the boat, walking through Laketown, fuck he had even enjoyed driving all the way there.

Ness was amazing but he had broken his promise, but it wasn't just that, the kid was also impatient, loud, eager to escape his 13 year old existence and become an adult, racing through their relationship, skipping all the stages.

As he sighed, Brady saw a little cloud of vapor coming from his breathing.

The college boy stayed up all night, staring out the window as the trees lost their leaves and the day became night. He stayed up until the 30th of November became the 1st of December. It was the last month of the year now.