The Smallest Knight

Knights Thanksgiving

Neal wrapped on a green scarf, his navy green colored gigantic coat squeezed him tightly to the point where breathing's difficult. He wears sweatpants-two sweatpants exactly. His shoes are snow boots and he wears tennis shoes within the boots. He sweats crazy, Neal swears heat exhaustion's killing him slowly. His mom and dad ever made him wear super protective clothes, than again Molly didn't care about what his well being and his father never went over the top with what Neal wore. "Finn...can't...breathe..." Neal waddles into the kitchen barley getting words out. The smell of noodles, and mash potatoes fills the air; Thanksgivings finally arrived and Finn's absolutely excited. This is the first Thanksgiving Neal's spending with the Knights, the older giant can't wait having Neal take part of Knights family traditions. Finn knows the holidays won't be easy: Neal struggles celebrating special occasions since his father died. Last night Neal burst into tears, he mentioned how he and Chris would cook together and go shopping. Every Thanksgiving dinner, Neal cut the turkey. When Chris died, Molly strangely kept the tradition going. She allows Neal to help cook and cut the turkey. Best of all Neal got to eat the turkey leg. However, he has no mom or dad anymore, his own family traditions are gone. "Yes you can breathe. Where's your Christmas list?" Finn finished putting the food inside a container. "Haven't finished the list yet." Neal informed, he honestly had no clue what he wants for Christmas. Neal hasn't celebrated the holiday and lost care about the special day. Neal doesn't see the greatest about Christmas. "Neal! I need a list dude! Listen, while we're at grandma and grandpas house your putting together a list. "Why? What's the point?! I don't want anything. Christmas is another stupid holiday." Finn gasped, no child should ever Christmas. "Neal, Christmas is awesome! Why would you hate it?!" Finn bent down scooping Neal up, he holds him at eye level. "Even when my dad was alive, we never really celebrated Christmas. Mom would blow our money, than she and dad start fighting and screaming. Dads job didn't pay super much, and mom hardly saves cashed. They always fought during December, that's when dad would get depress and start drinking... Sometimes he get so drunk he would storm out and not return for two days straight. Most of those days were Christmas. Dad promised he make up ruining the holiday, he never did. Every year the same thing happen: my parents argued, he gets depressed and drunk, Mom spends the money and I'm left with a unhappy Christmas. No tree, dinner, presents, family visits-nothing." Finn refused believing Neal's story. "Oh my God, Neal that's unfair." Finn said slamming Neal's against his chest. "Yeah, I got screwed over many times. I'm not what makes Christmas special." Neal shrugged. If they didn't have to leave, Finn would give million reason why the holidays awesome. "We're not finished talking, but let's go buddy!" Finn shoves Neal down his pocket, the giants grabs three large food containers. Finn loves Thanksgiving, the time of year where he can eat a load ton of food; he's bummed Neal's not sharing the same excitement. Hopefully the kids mood changes. The Knights celebrate the day at Ingrid and Mikes, each group of the family brings a food dish; Finn makes his famous mash potatoes and homemade noodles that his mother taught him to make. The Knights traditions continues as every year the rotation circles of who cuts the turkey. Finn's thrilled it's his year; a shame Neal can't actually cut the bird because it's huge. "Ugh Finn, why am I wearing this stupid outfit?! I'm roasting." Neal whined, the weather's extremely freezing and Finn's making Neal dress warm. "Because it's freezing outside!" Finn said leaving their apartment, he went outside greeted by the chilly wind. Finn holds the containers tightly, he opens the car door gently placing them down carefully. Neal's stomach growls, Finn won't let him until dinner. The giant didn't want Neal ruining his appetite. "Finn, can't I have a tiny snack?" Neal begged, "Nope, we'll start eating soon." A annoyed grunt escaped Neal's lips.  "Fine..." Neal crosses his arms. "What's our Christmas plans? Are we doing another family diner?" Neal asked getting sat at the human passenger seat. "Christmas eve, we do a secret Santa and a dinner! Ever done a secret Santa?" Neal shook his head no. "There awesome! Your given a name and whoever the name you have is the person you buy a Christmas present." Neal scoffs at the idea. "Sounds stupid Finn." Finn frowned, obviously getting Neal into the holiday spirit won't be a simple task. "Can we quit talking about Christmas. Isn't today Thanksgiving anyways?" Neal snarled buckling his seatbelt. "Yeah, I guess so. Listen, please try having a nice time today. Would mean a lot bro." Finn pleads, he starts the car and starts their drive. "No one else knows about my PTSD right? Rex Sky says I should tell people when I'm ready." Neal asked. "No one else knows." Finn promised. "Can I ask a question?" Neal said barely above a whisper. "Absolutely." Finn smiled. "Are you always gonna stay my best friend and big brother?" Finn's taken back, the questions completely out of the blue. "Yes Neal! Why such a odd question?" Finn assures him. "No reason...maybe because I'm a freak. I have PTSD, social skills are still a work in progress, I hate Christmas, and I ruin everything! Hopefully Thanksgiving goes good, or yet another family gathering I'll ruined." Finn heard enough. "Neal Knight! Never talk like that or your grounded forever! You haven't ruined any family gatherings, neither were things that happens your fault! Having PTSD isn't your fault as well, and so what Christmas isn't your favorite holiday?! I'm terribly sorry Molly and your dad ruined the great experience! My job as best big brother ever is creating the best damn Christmas ever! I love you so much Neal, please remember that dude." Finn smiled, Neal forgets how Finn's love is the greatest thing. "I love you too Finn. So what's grandma's Thanksgiving dish?" Neal asked. "She makes the best turkey and stuffing." Finn's mouth waters. "Yum, I can't wait." Again Neal's stomach growls. They continue chatting until they arrive.
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"HI GUYS!" Finn shouts entertaining his grandparents house, the entire Knight family greets him with tights hugs. Luckily everyone arrived: Finn's uncle James and Aunt Rachel, their two sons Brody and Sam, Sam wife's Diana, their young children 9 year old Cory, 8 year year old Noah, and their youngest of age five, Juno. There too is Brody and his wife Emma, they have two 12 year old twin girls Brittany and Quinn, 9 year old Lauren, and their 6 month old baby Leon. "Finn's were thrilled seeing you two again! Neal passed out at his birthday party before we could say hello!" Diana said, she never considered her word choices are considered rude. "Finn, tell us man, how's work going?! Working those humans hard during gym class?!" Brody slapped Finn's back, Finn tried laughing the pain off. "Work's great, not anything exciting happening." He replied. "Hey, where's are favorite human?" Sam asked, Finn pulled Neal out and sat him gently him at his shoulder. "Hello everyone..." Neal shyly blushes. "HI NEAL! GIVE US A HUG!" Before Finn could stop anyone, Sam grabbed Neal hugging him close. "MY TURN!" Brody said, Neal's tossed around non stop getting squashed by his family members. "Enough! I should get the first hug!" Mike appears swooping up Neal,. "Well hello there squirt! How you don't visit? Grandma drive me insane, I need another guy around home!" Mike leaves Neal hanging on the bridge of his nose, Neal tries not gagging feeling the old mans nose hairs tickle his leg. He's half tempted telling Mike about the upcoming vomit, his grandpas breathe wasn't exactly smelling great either. "MIKE! WHO THE HELL ATE THE PIE?!" Ingrid's voice yelled, "oops" Mike grunted. "Where's the old wind bag?! He's gonna-oh NEAL, darling how's school?" Her voice changed drastically, she held a wooden spoon but tossed it away. "Hi grandma, schools good..." Neal's happy as Ingrid softly grabs him, she's gently and sweet. "Finn, please take the food into the kitchen; dinners about done everyone." Ingrid said. "Awesome, we're starving!" Finn takes the food to the kitchen, Ingrid follows behind him. "Grandma, Neal hasn't finish his Christmas list." Neal sends him a scowl, he knew Ingrid would make him write one out. "Neal! Start thinking about the list, let's get started." Ingrid left and came back with a note book and pencil. She sat at the table letting Neal off her hand. "But there's nothing I need or want!" Neal protested. "Every teen wants something." She said. "Nope, Christmas list are stupid." Finn sighed disappointed, Ingrid's completely shocked. "Neal..." Finn started. Neal rolled his eyes scoffing, he unwillingly thought about gifts he wanted. "How about a phone?" Neal wasn't even sure thats a gift he wanted, though the idea doesn't matter: Finn wants a list and he'll be happy Neal has one. Ingrid wrote out his first item. "He needs better clothes grandma. Hardly owns any outfits that aren't sweatpants or casual shirts." Finn said, Ingrid continued writing. "I sorta want...never mind." Neal's bad at asking for gifts; Molly made him he's demanding. "No Neal, what do you want?" Finn pushes the truth out. "A few new books, mine are all read and I would love new books. But nothing else!" Neal stammered. "Nothing else? No, video games, movies?" Neal shook his head at Ingrid. "Ugh, I'll make Neal's list." Finn grunted. Neal senses Finn's frustration, the youngest brother keeps quiet partially regretting opening his mouth. Neal doesn't plan ruin yet another family gathering. "Mmm, when can we eat? We're starving!" Sam licked his lips smelling the delicious food. "Any minute darling." Ingrid told Sam. She checked the turkey noticing it's perfectly cooked. "Finn,Sam, Brody-please help set the food onto the table." The three men followed her request, they carefully moved several plates, food trays, and cups around the table until the arrangement was perfect. The Knights took their seats, the kids sat beside one another and the adults sat at the opposite side; Neal was placed at the human table onto of the large table. Neal hated his seat, he felt entire in the middle where they stared could at him. His stress disappeared when the food is finally about to get served. His mouth begins watering and the teens stomach rumbles louder. "Wait, we forgot to say what we're thankful for!" Finn reminded them. "Oh yes! How could I forget? Alright I'll start." Ingrid cleared her throat. "I'm thankful for another healthy year" she said. "I'm thankful for my wonderful wife." Mike kindly smiled at his wife. "I'm thankful for my family". Sam said. They kept going as they were thankful about their friends, work, family. Finn's turn came, he looked down at Neal and said, "I'm thankful I met Neal! Couldn't have asked for a better little brother. I love ya kid." Neal brightly blushes as all eyes look at him. "I'm thankful...thankful..." Neal stuttered, he's happy about many things. "I'm happy Finn adopted me. Im glad he's my dad." It wasn't until Neal noticed the family's complete silence his eyes widen. "No! I met brother! Dad-Finn!-you know what I mean. Jesus I ruined another family gathering! Why do ruin everything?!" Finn wasn't fast enough stopping Neal, the young brother jumped onto Finn's lap and slid down the huge pant leg. Neal disappeared into his grandparents spare room. Finn's speechless, Neal never called him dad before. They're close, and Finn hasn't thought Neal may see him more than a brother: he's Neal's male role father figure. No doubt the kid sees Finn as his dad sometimes, Finn gets up from the table and excuses himself. Finn follows the sound of light crying, his heart shatters hearing Neal cry over calling him 'dad'. Finn walked into the spare room where Neal's curled up against the wall. Finn joins him, he sits down placing a hand around Neal. "Go away..." Neal hisses. "Why bud?" Finn ask, Neal sniffled rubbing his eyes. "Because Thanksgivings ruined, and I'm a dumb ass!" Neal scolded himself. "Watch the language Neal, and Thanksgiving not ruin! Why do you believe that?" Neal inhaled a deep breathe. "I called you dad! I got embarrassed and thought you were mad." Neal hid his face in Finn's pant leg. "Mad because I got called dad? Neal, we're buddies and family. Your my kid, and call me anything you like." Neal weakly smiled, the giant picks him up holding Neal at eye level. "Thanks...um Finn even though your my big brother, your great father figure. No one can replace my dad, and he wasn't hundred percent perfect, but Finn Knights the same level at being great as dad. Can we hug now?" Neal quietly grinned, Finn brought Neal close to his chest and the human hugged Finn's shirt holding a lump of soft material in his hands. They quickly returned and assured their worried family everything's under control. Neal remained quiet and enjoyed the food. Few hours passed, time came for the day to end, but before anyone left they must draw a name for the Christmas exchange. Ingrid has them sit around the living as she passed around a bowl with folded pieces of paper having a name written on it. Neal's gently sitting on Finn's lap, he's eager seeing whom his person is. Hopefully Ingrid or Mike, their easy to buy gifts for. "Here you go Neal." Ingrid handed him a huge folded paper, he slightly opens it just enough to see the name. Neal's heart rapidly beat: he got Finn. Neal wonders what gift Finn wants; he knows this Christmas is gonna be unlike any other.