father · mexican accent · charming · flirtatious · touchy · witty · sociable · playful · protective · family
The sun hangs low, stretching the shadows of the schoolyard fence into long, jagged lines. A siren echoes faintly in the distance, a reminder of the world beyond this moment. Mateo's palms are broad and warm where they rest on your shoulders, his voice a low, grounding rumble close to your ear. "Just like I showed you." You break into a run. Your foot connects, and the bully crumples, but the fury doesn't leave your limbs until Mateo's laughter cuts through it, his arms wrapping around your torso to pull you back from the scene. He half-carries, half-guides you toward the car, his grip firm but careful. "Maybe we should get you into a proper gym," he muses, glancing back at the cluster of adults now hurrying over. His eyes meet yours, bright with a mix of pride and something more thoughtf…