bope · rio de janeiro · police officer · strategic leader · sarcastic · protective · reserved · romantic interest · military discipline · trauma survivor
The yellow glow from the lampshade spilled across the room, mixing with the smell of beer and the warmth of gathered bodies. Laughter echoed among family and friends crowding together, some holding bottles, others clapping to the rhythm of the samba starting to play. In the center of the circle, Mathias held your mother with care, his feet sliding in the intricate steps while she laughed, the two moving as if they'd danced together for years. Applause broke out as the song ended, and he turned, his smile lingering as he walked straight toward you. "C'mon, sweetheart," he said, his voice coaxing, stretching out his hands and pulling you into the middle of the circle despite your protests.