Chapter 97: The Reaction to Training
The day after training with the Lioness cast started out smoothly for Gabriel. He was at home with Stassie, enjoying a lazy morning. However, it wasn't long before his phone started vibrating incessantly.
Stassie, who was sitting at the table drinking her coffee, raised an eyebrow at Gabriel's confused expression.
"Something important?" she asked.
"I don't know, it seems like my phone won't stop receiving notifications." He unlocked the screen and noticed a flood of messages and mentions on Instagram and Twitter.
Stassie approached curiously, leaning in to see what was going on. "Let me guess, more pictures of you in your underwear?" she joked, laughing.
"I don't think so," he replied, scrolling through his feed. Then he found the answer: several pages and accounts dedicated to the Lioness series were sharing photos and videos of the training he had participated in the day before.
The footage showed Gabriel in action, wearing his Multicam Black combat shirt and black tactical pants, holding his HK416 rifle with impressive precision. He was seen leading the cast through CQB drills, giving instructions and, in some shots, demonstrating how to clear rooms with the poise of an experienced fighter.
One video in particular caught Stassie's attention, who watched it with a mischievous smile as Gabriel tried to process everything.
In the video, Zoe Saldaña, with an expression of admiration, said to the camera: "This guy Gabriel here is a monster in the field. We thought we were doing well until he showed us how it's done."
Another clip showed Gabriel leading the cast in formation, his calm, authoritative voice commanding the action. "Cruz, to the right! Cover! Go, go!" he said as Laysla De Oliveira, playing Cruz, followed his orders with confidence.
Social media was abuzz. Thousands of comments praised Gabriel's participation in the training.
"This man is the definition of a real operator!"
"What do you mean Gabriel isn't the lead in Lioness yet? Hire him NOW!"
"He looks so natural with that rifle! Totally immersive."
A few fan pages began comparing Gabriel to real operators, mentioning his impeccable posture and the level of authenticity he brought to the training.
Even Lioness' official Instagram account posted a photo of him with the cast, captioning it: "When you bring a real operator to set... Thank you Gabriel for inspiring and leading our team for a day!"
Stassie was loving every second of it. She plopped down on the couch next to Gabriel, holding up her phone to show the comments.
"You're going viral again. People are saying you should be the lead in an action series."
Gabriel shook his head with a smile. "They're overreacting. It was just a practice."
"Just a practice? Honey, look at these pictures!" She pointed to a picture of him in an attack stance, with his rifle ready and a look of concentration that seemed to come straight out of a movie. "You look like a movie hero here. No wonder they're freaking out."
He laughed, still trying to get used to all the attention. "I guess I wasn't expecting them to film this much."
Stassie crossed her arms and glared at him. "Well, now you know that everything you do becomes a topic of conversation. Are you ready to be even more famous, Mr. Operator?"
"As long as you're with me, I'll take on anything," he replied, pulling her close and kissing her forehead.
Later, Gabriel received a few messages from the Lioness cast.
Laysla De Oliveira sent: "Gabriel, people are OBSESSED with you! Thank you for making our day so amazing. I hope you come back for more training in the future."
Zoe Saldaña also didn't miss the chance to praise him: "Now I understand why they say you're 'the definition of discipline.' It was an honor to learn from you yesterday."
Even the series' director, Taylor Sheridan, sent a message: "You brought something unique to our training. Thank you for sharing your experience. Maybe we'll work together on a bigger project in the future?"
Gabriel showed the messages to Stassie, who almost screamed with excitement. "Taylor Sheridan talking about a 'bigger project'? Babe, do you realize what that means?"
He shrugged, trying not to sound too excited. "It means I need to train even harder, in case they call me."
The flood of attention was so great that Gabriel ended up posting something on Instagram to acknowledge the experience. He chose a photo of himself in action, with the caption:
"It was an honor to train with the cast of Lioness. These actors and actresses are incredibly dedicated, and it was amazing to share some of what I've learned over the years. I can't wait to see what they will bring in the next seasons!"
In the comments, fans, friends and even celebrities praised his participation.
Kylie Jenner: "Icon. The best operator we know."
Zoe Saldaña: "A real legend."
Calvin Klein Official: "On top of everything, he's also a model."
At the end of the day, Gabriel and Stassie settled on the couch to watch a movie, trying to disconnect from the buzz on social media.
Stassie, however, couldn't resist teasing him. "So, Mr. Operator, what's it like to be the star of Lioness without even being in the cast?"
Gabriel laughed. "You're having a lot of fun with this, aren't you?"
"A lot," she admitted, laying her head on his shoulder. "But you know what I love the most? Seeing how much people respect you. It's not just because of your looks or because you're a model. It's because of what you represent."
He hugged her, grateful to have someone like Stassie by his side. "That means a lot coming from you. But to be honest, I just want to make you happy."
She smiled, looking at him with loving eyes. "You already do, Gabriel. More than you know."
They spent the rest of the night in comfortable silence, while the outside world continued to celebrate Gabriel's day at Lioness training.
Chapter 98: September 7th
The day dawned sunny, perfect for Independence Day celebrations. Gabriel sat on the porch of the house he shared with Stassie, his gaze distant as he sipped a strong coffee. Stassie, who had just woken up, came to join him.
"Good morning," she said, wrapping her arms around his neck from behind, resting her chin on Gabriel's shoulder. "You look thoughtful."
Gabriel smiled slightly, turning his head to look at her. "It's September 7th today. A special day for me, you know? It's always been a date that made me reflect on everything I've been through and what I've done for my country."
She squeezed his shoulder, showing that she understood, and sat down next to him. "Do you miss it? Serving, being there in the middle of the action?"
Gabriel thought for a moment before answering. "In a way, yes. It's impossible to erase what it meant to me. The pride of wearing that uniform, of protecting my country and the people I love. But at the same time, I know my chapter as an operator is over, and I have something very special now: you."
Stassie smiled, touching his face gently. "Maybe today would be a good day for you to share some of that with people. I don't think many know the full extent of what you've done."
He frowned, unconvinced. "I've never been much of a social media person, Stassie. I prefer to let my actions speak for me."
"And they do, love," she said. "But a little pride in what you've done never hurt anyone. Especially today."
After thinking about it for a while and with Stassie's gentle prodding, Gabriel finally decided to do something rare: post on Instagram. He opened his photo gallery and selected two images that captured defining moments in his career.
The first was a photo of him as a COMANF, fully camouflaged and equipped, with his face painted green and black, rifle in hand, surrounded by dense vegetation. The image exuded professionalism and discipline, a record of his days as one of Brazil's most feared and respected operators.
The second photo was quite different, but equally impressive. Gabriel was dressed in an impeccable black suit, posing at the entrance to ABIN's headquarters. His serious and confident gaze showed the transition he had made, from field operator to a man working behind the scenes in national intelligence.
He took a deep breath before starting to type the caption: "Today is September 7th, Brazil's Independence Day. A day that always makes me reflect on the privilege and responsibility of having served my country.
From my days as a COMANF, experiencing the intensity and challenges of the field, to my time at ABIN, working in intelligence, every moment was a learning experience and an honor.
Brazil gave me everything: purpose, discipline and the chance to fight for something bigger than myself. To all who still serve, in any capacity, my respect and admiration. Thank you for keeping our nation safe and free.
I am eternally grateful for everything. Happy September 7th!"
He hesitated for a moment, but Stassie, who was at his side, encouraged him with a warm smile. "This is perfect, Gabriel. It's authentic, just like you."
With a final breath, he clicked "Publish."
It didn't take long for Gabriel's post to start gaining traction. The photos and message sparked a wave of admiration and respect. The patriotic tone of the post moved many people, especially his Brazilian followers, who filled the comments with messages of support and pride.
"This man is simply an example of dedication and love for the country."
"Proud to be Brazilian to see someone like you representing our strength and discipline."
"COMANF AND ABIN? A true hero."
Many military profiles and pages supporting the Armed Forces shared the post, extolling Gabriel's legacy. Even some Brazilian celebrities commented:
"Thank you for everything you did and still represent for Brazil. Happy September 7th!" – commented a renowned journalist.
The post also caught the attention of international celebrities. Zoe Saldaña, with whom he had recently trained, wrote: "Inspiring. Thank you for sharing your journey!"
Even Kylie and Kendall Jenner were not left out. Kylie commented: "This is incredible! You are truly a living legend, Gabriel."
Kendall, in turn, wrote: "Now we know why he is so disciplined. Gabriel, you are incredible!"
Later, while they were on the couch, Gabriel reviewed the comments and likes. Despite the attention, he seemed calm, accustomed to avoiding the spotlight.
Stassie watched him with a smile, proud. "You know this means a lot to a lot of people, right? To see someone like you, who really did all this, speaking with such humility."
Gabriel shrugged, but her smile contradicted her. "I just wanted to show a little of what I've been through. Maybe it will inspire someone."
"It definitely will," she replied. "And honestly, I love seeing you acknowledge what you've done. It's a part of who you are, and it's one of the reasons I fell in love with you."
He pulled her closer, kissing her on the forehead. "You always know how to say the right thing, don't you?"
At the end of the day, Gabriel received messages from old service buddies, both from COMANF and ABIN.
"Congratulations on the post, brother. You've always been an inspiration to us, and it's good to see the world recognizing that."
"Happy Independence Day, Gabriel. I miss the old days, but I'm proud to see how far you've come."
These messages touched him deeply. He responded to each one, thanking them for the years of camaraderie and learning.
That night, while the house was quiet, Gabriel and Stassie went to their bedroom. He was more introspective than usual, but in a calm and collected way.
Lying next to Stassie, he murmured, "Today was a good day. It reminded me of where I came from and why I do what I do now."
She turned to him, running her fingers through his hair. "You deserve everything good that's happening, Gabriel. You've given so much of yourself. Now it's time to enjoy life, and I'll be here for it all."
He smiled, holding her close. "Thank you, Stassie. For everything."
As he closed his eyes, the world continued to react to his post, but in that moment, Gabriel was at peace, knowing that he had honored his past and built a future with the woman he loved.
Chapter 99: Bitter Reflections
Gabriel was sitting in his living room, with the TV on but the volume turned down low. He held a glass of whiskey in his hand as he watched the news coming from Brazil. The news showed images of a grand operation by the Federal Police, revealing an alleged coup being planned by members of the Army's Special Forces.
The reporter spoke in a serious tone:
"The details are still being investigated, but sources from the Federal Police confirm that the plan involved the manipulation of political events and an attempt to destabilize the democratic order. Several high-ranking military personnel were arrested, and weapons and documents were seized."
Gabriel narrowed his eyes, his jaw clenched. He raised the glass to his lips and took a sip, while his mind processed what he had just heard.
Stassie entered the room, noticing the tension on Gabriel's face. "Everything okay?" she asked, sitting down next to him on the couch.
He shook his head slowly. "No. They're saying that special forces in Brazil tried to organize a coup."
Stassie's eyes widened. "What? That seems… unreal. Would they really do something like that?"
"I don't know," Gabriel replied, his voice thick with disbelief. "Special Forces are trained to protect, to act strategically and efficiently. This…" He pointed at the screen. "That doesn't make sense. It's such a basic mistake that it seems impossible coming from them."
The news brought back memories of his own days in COMANF. Gabriel remembered the men and women beside him, disciplined people, patriots who risked everything for their country. It was hard to imagine that some of them could betray those values.
"I trained with a lot of guys who, if they knew this, would be as outraged as I was. Our training wasn't just about weapons and strategy, it was about honor, about protecting our homeland without questioning the principles that underpin our democracy."
Stassie placed her hand over his. "Do you think there's any chance this is a setup?"
Gabriel was silent for a few seconds before answering. "I don't know. I don't want to be naïve, but at the same time… it's strange. If they really planned this, they were stupid. Special forces know how to operate without leaving a trace, they know how to keep everything in the strictest secrecy. This whole story is poorly explained."
The news report continued, showing images of the arrests and the seized material. Gabriel shook his head in disgust as he saw weapons and tactical equipment that he recognized.
"If this is true," he said, his voice somber, "it's a complete betrayal of the values I've always stood for. These men were my brothers in arms, and to see something like this… it's devastating."
Stassie squeezed his hand. "I know this is hard for you. But you're not there anymore. You've built a new life, far from this."
He nodded, but his eyes never left the screen. "I know, but it doesn't erase the pain. I've always been proud of what I've done for my country, but now… I wonder where we went wrong."
Throughout the day, Gabriel couldn't shake the images and headlines from his mind. He stepped out onto the porch, staring out at the horizon as he reflected. Stassie followed him, bringing two glasses of juice.
"You need time to process this," she said softly. "But you also need to remember that it's not your responsibility anymore. You've done your part."
Gabriel sighed. "I know. It's just hard. I spent years believing in the integrity of those around me, and now this…" He gestured vaguely toward the TV inside the house. "It makes me question everything."
Stassie set his glass down on the table and walked over, wrapping him in a hug. "You can't carry the blame for other people's mistakes. You did what you could, and now you have the chance to live your life in a way few others have. Don't let it consume you."
He hugged her back, breathing in her scent deeply. "Thank you, Stassie. I don't know what I would do without you."
Later, as they ate dinner, Gabriel began to regain his spirits. He glanced at Stassie, who was chatting animatedly about future plans, and realized how much his life had changed.
"You know," he began, interrupting her, "I'm glad I'm not there right now. Sure, it's painful to see what's happening, but if I were still in Brazil, I might be in the middle of this chaos. Here, with you, I have peace. I have a future."
Stassie smiled at him. "And this is where you belong, Gabriel. With me, building a life together."
In the days that followed, news of the coup continued. More details were revealed, and the public was divided between shock and outrage. Gabriel still followed from afar, but with less intensity. He knew that, as much as Brazil was a part of who he was, his focus now he needed to be in the present and in the future by Stassie's side.
He still felt sadness for the brothers in arms who could have been involved in something so dark, but he found comfort in knowing that he had left at the right time, avoiding being pulled into a whirlwind of uncertainty and betrayal.
"My chapter in Brazil is over," he said to himself one night, as he watched Stassie sleep beside him. "And I will honor everything I experienced there, but now... it's time to move on."
With that, Gabriel found a new serenity, knowing that even if the world around him was full of uncertainty, his life by Stassie's side was solid and full of love.
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