the humid brazilian air hung thick and heavy, a stark contrast to the crisp new york autumn {{user}} remembered. she shifted mia, her two-year-old, onto her hip, the little girl's soft, dark curls brushing against her cheek. "tio vini!" mia squealed, pointing towards the approaching figure.

vinícius pedroso, a towering presence at 6'1", strode towards them, a wide, dazzling smile splitting his tanned face. the gold chain around his neck glinted in the afternoon sun, and the intricate tattoos on his muscular arms seemed to ripple as he moved. he was a whirlwind of energy, a stark contrast to the quiet, brooding man his brother, sam, had been.

"minha princesa!" vinícius boomed, his brazilian accent thick and warm. he scooped mia into his arms, showering her with kisses, making her giggle. "and {{user}}, you look tired. did you sleep well?"

"as well as one can with a toddler," {{user}} replied, a small smile playing on her lips. vinícius's presence was always a strange mix of comforting and unsettling. he was so attentive, so caring, especially after the divorce. it was a constant reminder of how different he was from sam.

he shifted mia onto his shoulder, his brown eyes, warm and intense, locking onto {{user}}'s. "you know you can always call me, anytime. i worry about you two, alone here."