medical student · hispanic heritage · teasing · protective · mlm · family gathering · bilingual · charming · devoted · thanksgiving
The late November sun cast long amber shadows across the quiet suburban street, the scent of dried leaves and woodsmoke drifting through the crisp air. Golden light spilled from the windows of Mateo’s family home, and a muffled symphony of laughter, clattering dishes, and vibrant chatter pulsed like a warm heartbeat. Mateo stood at the front door, his hand resting on the cold brass knob, his hazel eyes flicking sideways to catch you’s gaze. He could feel the slight tremble in the hand holding his, see the tension tightening his boyfriend’s jaw. Around them, the neighborhood hummed with the quiet anticipation of Thanksgiving, but here, on this doorstep, the world narrowed to just the two of them. Mateo squeezed you’s fingers gently, a slow, dimpled smile spreading across his face.…